Question

Is there a hadith prohibiting fasting before Ramadan?

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat explained the guidelines surrounding fasting just before Ramadan.

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat pursued Arabic Grammar and Morphology alongside his English and History degree. Post-graduation, he deepened his studies in Damascus, learning Arabic, Hanafi Fiqh, Theology, and more under notable scholars like Shaykh Adnan Darwish and Shaykh Rashad Shams. He continued in Amman, expanding into Tafsir, Hadith, Prophetic Biography, and other Islamic sciences, guided by teachers such as Shaykh Ali Hani and Dr. Hamza al-Bakri.

The post Is There a Hadith Prohibiting Fasting Before Ramadan? – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

Is it permissible to use pirated games no longer on the market?

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat discusses the permissibility of using pirated games that are no longer on the market.

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat pursued Arabic Grammar and Morphology alongside his English and History degree. Post-graduation, he deepened his studies in Damascus, learning Arabic, Hanafi Fiqh, Theology, and more under notable scholars like Shaykh Adnan Darwish and Shaykh Rashad Shams. He continued in Amman, expanding into Tafsir, Hadith, Prophetic Biography, and other Islamic sciences, guided by teachers such as Shaykh Ali Hani and Dr. Hamza al-Bakri.

The post Is It Permissible to Use Pirated Games No Longer on the Market? – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

Is it permissible to convey the general meaning of the Quran?

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat addresses the permissibility of conveying the general meaning of the Quran.

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat pursued Arabic Grammar and Morphology alongside his English and History degree. Post-graduation, he deepened his studies in Damascus, learning Arabic, Hanafi Fiqh, Theology, and more under notable scholars like Shaykh Adnan Darwish and Shaykh Rashad Shams. He continued in Amman, expanding into Tafsir, Hadith, Prophetic Biography, and other Islamic sciences, guided by teachers such as Shaykh Ali Hani and Dr. Hamza al-Bakri.

The post Is It Permissible to Convey the General Meaning of the Quran? – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

How cautious should one be in accepting haram wealth?

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat explains the necessity of caution when accepting haram wealth.

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat pursued Arabic Grammar and Morphology alongside his English and History degree. Post-graduation, he deepened his studies in Damascus, learning Arabic, Hanafi Fiqh, Theology, and more under notable scholars like Shaykh Adnan Darwish and Shaykh Rashad Shams. He continued in Amman, expanding into Tafsir, Hadith, Prophetic Biography, and other Islamic sciences, guided by teachers such as Shaykh Ali Hani and Dr. Hamza al-Bakri.

The post How Cautious Should One Be in Accepting Haram Wealth? – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

Is it permissible for a male to have a female friend for mental support?

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick discusses the permissibility of a male having a female friend for mental support.

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah, under the tutelage of Shaykh Taha Karaan. He received Ijaza from several esteemed scholars and has authored “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?”. Shaykh Irshaad has over fifteen years of teaching experience, served as Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and Khatib at Masjid Ar-Rashideen. Currently, he leads Isnad Academy, focusing on Islamic podcasting and media, and holds a Master’s degree in Islamic studies from the University of Johannesburg.

The post Is It Permissible for a Male to Have a Female Friend for Mental Support? – Shaykh Irshaad Sedick appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

My father’s income is haram. Can I accept money from him?

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick clarifies whether it is permissible to accept money from a father whose income is haram.

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah, under the tutelage of Shaykh Taha Karaan. He received Ijaza from several esteemed scholars and has authored “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?”. Shaykh Irshaad has over fifteen years of teaching experience, served as Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and Khatib at Masjid Ar-Rashideen. Currently, he leads Isnad Academy, focusing on Islamic podcasting and media, and holds a Master’s degree in Islamic studies from the University of Johannesburg.

The post My Father’s Income Is Haram. Can I Accept Money from Him? – Shaykh Irshaad Sedick appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

Can one marry a convert who was born out of wedlock?

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick addresses the permissibility of marrying a convert born out of wedlock.

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah, under the tutelage of Shaykh Taha Karaan. He received Ijaza from several esteemed scholars and has authored “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?”. Shaykh Irshaad has over fifteen years of teaching experience, served as Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and Khatib at Masjid Ar-Rashideen. Currently, he leads Isnad Academy, focusing on Islamic podcasting and media, and holds a Master’s degree in Islamic studies from the University of Johannesburg.

The post Can One Marry a Convert Who Was Born Out of Wedlock? – Shaykh Irshaad Sedick appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

Is the money I earned from selling books with missing pages halal?

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick discusses whether the money earned from selling books with missing pages is halal.

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah, under the tutelage of Shaykh Taha Karaan. He received Ijaza from several esteemed scholars and has authored “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?”. Shaykh Irshaad has over fifteen years of teaching experience, served as Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and Khatib at Masjid Ar-Rashideen. Currently, he leads Isnad Academy, focusing on Islamic podcasting and media, and holds a Master’s degree in Islamic studies from the University of Johannesburg.

The post Is the Money I Earned from Selling Books with Missing Pages Halal? – Shaykh Irshaad Sedick appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

How much certainty is required when dealing with the transfer of impurity?

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick explains the level of certainty required when dealing with the transfer of impurity.

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah, under the tutelage of Shaykh Taha Karaan. He received Ijaza from several esteemed scholars and has authored “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?”. Shaykh Irshaad has over fifteen years of teaching experience, served as Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and Khatib at Masjid Ar-Rashideen. Currently, he leads Isnad Academy, focusing on Islamic podcasting and media, and holds a Master’s degree in Islamic studies from the University of Johannesburg.

The post How Much Certainty Is Required When Dealing with the Transfer of Impurity? – Shaykh Irshaad Sedick appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

Is it permissible for me to stop talking to a friend who betrayed my trust?

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick addresses whether it is permissible to stop talking to a friend who betrayed your trust.

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah, under the tutelage of Shaykh Taha Karaan. He received Ijaza from several esteemed scholars and has authored “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?”. Shaykh Irshaad has over fifteen years of teaching experience, served as Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and Khatib at Masjid Ar-Rashideen. Currently, he leads Isnad Academy, focusing on Islamic podcasting and media, and holds a Master’s degree in Islamic studies from the University of Johannesburg.

The post Is It Permissible for Me to Stop Talking to a Friend Who Betrayed My Trust? – Shaykh Irshaad Sedick appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

Does wearing make-up prevent water from reaching the skin during wudu?

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick discusses whether wearing makeup prevents water from reaching the skin during wudu.

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah, under the tutelage of Shaykh Taha Karaan. He received Ijaza from several esteemed scholars and has authored “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?”. Shaykh Irshaad has over fifteen years of teaching experience, served as Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and Khatib at Masjid Ar-Rashideen. Currently, he leads Isnad Academy, focusing on Islamic podcasting and media, and holds a Master’s degree in Islamic studies from the University of Johannesburg.

The post Does Wearing Make-Up Prevent Water from Reaching the Skin during Wudu? – Shaykh Irshaad Sedick appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

Is it permissible for men to wear jewelry for adornment?

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat discusses the permissibility of men wearing jewelry for adornment.

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat pursued Arabic Grammar and Morphology alongside his English and History degree. Post-graduation, he deepened his studies in Damascus, learning Arabic, Hanafi Fiqh, Theology, and more under notable scholars like Shaykh Adnan Darwish and Shaykh Rashad Shams. He continued in Amman, expanding into Tafsir, Hadith, Prophetic Biography, and other Islamic sciences, guided by teachers such as Shaykh Ali Hani and Dr. Hamza al-Bakri.

The post Is It Permissible for Men to Wear Jewelry for Adornment? – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

Is it permissible to message the opposite gender through a messaging app?

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat discusses the permissibility of messaging the opposite gender through a messaging app.

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat pursued Arabic Grammar and Morphology alongside his English and History degree. Post-graduation, he deepened his studies in Damascus, learning Arabic, Hanafi Fiqh, Theology, and more under notable scholars like Shaykh Adnan Darwish and Shaykh Rashad Shams. He continued in Amman, expanding into Tafsir, Hadith, Prophetic Biography, and other Islamic sciences, guided by teachers such as Shaykh Ali Hani and Dr. Hamza al-Bakri.

The post Is It Permissible to Message the Opposite Gender through a Messaging App? – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

Do past donations to a poverty organization count as Zakat?

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick explains whether past donations to a poverty organization can be considered Zakat.

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah, under the tutelage of Shaykh Taha Karaan. He received Ijaza from several esteemed scholars and has authored “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?”. Shaykh Irshaad has over fifteen years of teaching experience, served as Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and Khatib at Masjid Ar-Rashideen. Currently, he leads Isnad Academy, focusing on Islamic podcasting and media, and holds a Master’s degree in Islamic studies from the University of Johannesburg.

The post Do past Donations to a Poverty Organization Count as Zakat? – Shaykh Irshaad Sedick appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

I accidentally drank leftover water after wudu. Is my fast broken?

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick clarifies whether accidentally drinking leftover water after performing wudu breaks the fast.

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah, under the tutelage of Shaykh Taha Karaan. He received Ijaza from several esteemed scholars and has authored “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?”. Shaykh Irshaad has over fifteen years of teaching experience, served as Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and Khatib at Masjid Ar-Rashideen. Currently, he leads Isnad Academy, focusing on Islamic podcasting and media, and holds a Master’s degree in Islamic studies from the University of Johannesburg.

The post I Accidentally Drank Leftover Water after Wudu. Is My Fast Broken? – Shaykh Irshaad Sedick appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Happiness in our religion and in the guidance of our religion (the Sacred Law) is of two types.  There is a praiseworthy happiness which is sought and virtuous. And there is a happiness that is blameworthy, interdicted. One that needs to be avoided. 

Life is limited and you have either profit or loss. When you do not profit, it is a type of loss. How would you regard neither profit nor loss if you are looking for an investment? It is a loss because it is a missed opportunity. This is why happiness is divided into two parts. 

Blameworthy Happiness

The blameworthy happiness is the happiness of the self with the merely worldly and its adornments and its fleeting amassing. Allah Most High describes in the Quran those who disbelieve:

وَفَرِحُوا۟ بِٱلْحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا وَمَا ٱلْحَيَوٰةُ ٱلدُّنْيَا فِى ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ إِلَّا مَتَـٰعٌۭ

“Yet they exult in this life, while this life, to the limitless measure of the next, is but a fleeting enjoyment.” [Quran, 13:26; tr. Keller, Quran Beheld]

The disbeliever rejoices only in this worldly life, its adornments, and its pleasures. They are deluded by that, whereas in reality, it is just fleeting enjoyment. They rejoiced in this world, living in a manner that caused them to be content with the mere worldly, and to find their sufficiency in their worldly life. This caused them to be heedless of the Hereafter. Allah addresses in the Hereafter to people of the Hellfire thus:

ذَ ٰلِكُم بِمَا كُنتُمۡ تَفۡرَحُونَ فِی ٱلۡأَرۡضِ بِغَیۡرِ ٱلۡحَقِّ وَبِمَا كُنتُمۡ تَمۡرَحُونَ

“That is because you used to exult haughtily on earth without right, and swagger with baseless pride.” [Quran, 40:75; tr; Keller, Quran Beheld]

They found their sufficiency in rejoicing in it. Finding their happiness in the worldly life led them from true happiness to contentment in a manner that causes one to be heedless of higher things. An approximative example of that is binge-watching shows that one finds interesting but then getting busy with it, not thinking about other things. It turns them away from the Hereafter and what truly matters. 

This is one of the qualities that caused the disbelievers to become heedless of Allah and of what matters. It caused them to be deserving of the Hellfire.

Praiseworthy Happiness

Praiseworthy happiness is from the teachings of our religion. Allah has commanded us to have that happiness. That is the very aim that the believer seeks from this worldly life. Allah says:

قُلۡ بِفَضۡلِ ٱللَّهِ وَبِرَحۡمَتِهِۦ فَبِذَ ٰلِكَ فَلۡیَفۡرَحُوا۟

“Say, ‘In this bounty of Allah and mercy of His, in that let them rejoice.” [Quran, 10:58; tr. Keller, Quran Beheld]

The command is to the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace). The whole Quran is an address from Allah. The things that Allah commands the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) to tell them is for us to pay attention to. You see those things fully exemplified in the person of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace).

Rejoicing

There are many things you could rejoice in but the rejoicing that we are called upon to have has meaning, purpose, and good. It is when we connect our rejoicing to the bounty of Allah. In one of the ten recitations, it is also come through mass transmission from the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace):

فبذلك فلتفرحوا 

“In that, let you rejoice.”

There is no joy in this life that is greater and more complete than the joy in beholding Allah and drawing closer to Him. In devotion to Him, remembering Him, and finding one’s contentment and serenity in life in Allah and with Allah. Finding one’s rejoicing and thereby contentment in Allah, fills the heart with contentment and resolve. Gives it rest and makes the heart settled such that if someone finds this happiness then even if the whole world rises up and turns against you, nothing could oppose this happiness, contentment, and the sweetness of having reached presence with Allah. 

If you travel to the Muslim lands or you go to the Mosque or elsewhere and you meet some of the elders who are going through the greatest difficulties, you find that they do not talk about the fleeting pains and aches. You find a serenity and contentment.

Beholding Reality

The righteous servants of Allah who have become truly sincere  rejoice in Allah with amazing happiness. One of the righteous poets said, “And from that which increased me in rejoicing and caused me ecstasy is that that I enter under your address  یَـٰعِبَادِیَ (O my servants) and that you made Ahmad (Allah bless him and give him peace) for me a Prophet.” Allah bless him and give him peace.

You are Allah’s. You belong to and are addressed by the Creator and sustainer of all things. Allah made Ahmad, our beloved Prophet Muhammad, for us, a Prophet. Allah bless him and give him peace. 

They see the reality that Allah is their Lord, Creator, Sustainer, Protector. Their purpose and their goal in life has granted them continual joy. This is from the meanings of the Divine address: 

قُلۡ بِفَضۡلِ ٱللَّهِ وَبِرَحۡمَتِهِۦ فَبِذَ ٰلِكَ فَلۡیَفۡرَحُوا۟

“Say, ‘In this bounty of Allah and mercy of His, in that let them rejoice.” [Quran, 10:58; tr. Keller, Quran Beheld]

Such righteous servants rejoice in the bounty of Allah. They realize that every act of drawing closer to Allah. Every Blessing, every good, every meaning they experience of coming to know Allah is only by the pure bounty and largesse of Allah Most High. 

They rejoice in the mercy of Allah. Therefore, they rejoice in the Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace), who said, “I am but gifted Mercy.” They rejoice in the Quran because the Quran has come down with mercy and goodness.

The post The True Joy: Types of Happiness appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Allah says:

خُذْ مِنْ أَمْوَٰلِهِمْ صَدَقَةًۭ تُطَهِّرُهُمْ وَتُزَكِّيهِم بِهَا وَصَلِّ عَلَيْهِمْ ۖ إِنَّ صَلَوٰتَكَ سَكَنٌۭ لَّهُمْ ۗ

“Accept charity offerings from their wealth, cleansing them and making them grow thereby to full purity in faith and deed; And pray for them: Verily your prayer is a great relief for them” [Quran, 9:103; tr. Keller, Quran Beheld]

This tells us about the two central benefits of Zakat. Zakat purifies. It purifies, most immediately the wealth, and it purifies the giver as well. There is another aspect to it which is spiritual refinement. Zakat purifies your wealth. It increases the wealth itself but it also purifies the person and grants them spiritual increase. It is a means to spiritual refinement.

The Basis of Wealth

Zakat in the Quran, as an obligation has been mentioned in an important context. The basis of wealth in Islam is that your wealth belongs to you. You are free to dispose of it as you wish within broad limits. Certain exceptions have been made. Zakat is an obligation that is specific. Other obligations on your wealth are not specific. How much is it reasonable for you to provide for your spouse? Which is a duty. How much should you be supporting your parents if they are needy? It is not specifically defined so that is an obligation. 

If there are needy people in your family, in your circles of concern and your neighbor is desperately needy and the only person who will support them is you, that is an obligation upon you but that is not specified. However, Zakat is a specific type of charity. Allah says:

إِنَّمَا ٱلصَّدَقَـٰتُ لِلْفُقَرَآءِ وَٱلْمَسَـٰكِينِ وَٱلْعَـٰمِلِينَ عَلَيْهَا وَٱلْمُؤَلَّفَةِ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَفِى ٱلرِّقَابِ وَٱلْغَـٰرِمِينَ وَفِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ وَٱبْنِ ٱلسَّبِيلِ ۖ فَرِيضَةًۭ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌۭ

“The due alms are but for those stricken with poverty, the helpless who are in need, the alms workers, the weak in faith whose hearts are to be won, those buying their freedom from slavery, those debt-ridden, for doing battle in the path of Allah, and for the traveller impoverished on the road: A binding obligation from Allah; And Allah is all-knowing, all-wise.” [Quran, 9:60; tr. Keller, Quran Beheld]

These are specific categories. From this verse, two things are important to keep in mind. One is the verse makes clear that Zakat is something that must be given. Secondly, Zakat is only given to certain specific categories. You need to approach Zakat with caution because there are many people in our time who approach religion with lots of goodwill but with little concern for the specifics of prophetic teachings. 

They may think you can use Zakat for pretty much anything so they will build mosques with Zakat, they build wells, etc. However, Zakat is very specific. Zakat really is a charity for the poor. Broadly speaking, although there is some discussion in Islamic law about certain specifics, the shared condition for the categories of Zakat is that the person be legally poor. These are types of people who are actually or effectively legally poor. Poverty is a shared characteristic. 

Warnings

There are many warnings in both the Quran and the Sunna against not giving Zakah. Allah says:

وَلَا يَحْسَبَنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يَبْخَلُونَ بِمَآ ءَاتَىٰهُمُ ٱللَّهُ مِن فَضْلِهِۦ هُوَ خَيْرًۭا لَّهُم ۖ بَلْ هُوَ شَرٌّۭ لَّهُمْ ۖ

“And let not those who unjustly withhold with the tight fist of greed what Allah has give them of His bounty deem it better for them: Rather it is woefully worse for them” [Quran, 3:180; tr. Keller, Quran Beheld]

They will be punished for it. Our wealth is that it is a blessing from Allah. That blessing has certain duties. Every blessing requires gratitude and the gratitude for wealth is to give what Allah has obligated for you to give from it. The emphasis on Zakat is clear in the Quran.

If we look at the Sunna of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace), Zakat is one of the most emphasized of matters in our religion. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) sent Mu’adh to Yemen. He told him to first call them to belief. Then, to prayer. Then, “If they comply with that, let them know that Allah has made payment of zakat from their wealth obligatory on them. It is to be taken from the wealthy among them and given to their poor.”

This also tells us about the nature of our religion. Your faith in God entails a spiritual responsibility which is that you turn to God in devotion. The central devotion is prayer. Belief in God entails that you care for His creation. And the beginning of the expression of care for creation is Zakat.

Higher Aims

There are higher aims of Zakat that return to the purpose of the religion itself, the purpose of the Sacred Law, and the purpose of your divine guidance which is the preservation of human benefit. Your wealth is not from you. It is from Allah so you are preserving your own benefit and you are preventing harm from yourself before you benefit others and prevent harm from others. 

If you understand that wealth is from Allah as a gift, you have a duty to ensure its benefit. Zakat is a key to that. Furthermore, you prevent harm from yourself spiritually in the next life but also in worldly terms by getting rid of stinginess and excessive attachment to wealth. 

There are other degrees of benefit that the Sacred Law has come to preserve. There is the individual benefit but also benefit in society, to preserve encompassing global benefit. Who is most deserving of your Zakat? The people who are most immediately related to you besides those who are considered to have shared interests with you so you cannot give Zakat to your parents or your spouse (with some difference with the Shafi‘i’s) or your children.

Etiquette of Charity

There are immediate benefits that Zakat preserves and there are long-term benefits. There are material benefits but also spiritual benefits to it. When one gives, one should look at all these considerations. There is etiquette of charity. Even outside of Zakat, if you are attached to certain things, one of the etiquettes is to give off the things you are attached to. 

Allah says:

لَن تَنَالُوا۟ ٱلۡبِرَّ حَتَّىٰ تُنفِقُوا۟ مِمَّا تُحِبُّونَۚ

“None of you shall attain devotion to their Lord in every good, until you spend of what you truly love” [Quran, 3:92; tr. Keller, Quran Beheld]

If you have a tech itch for example and you bought yourself a nice new mic, give it to someone else or buy it for someone else instead of buying it for yourself. Even at a personal level, you will grow to enjoy someone else benefiting from it more than you do. So you give it for a higher purpose which is for the sake of Allah. These higher aims are realized through Zakat, charity, and broader giving. 

These higher aims should be included in our intention of paying Zakat. They help focus our intent on why we are giving. We are giving for the sake of Allah, to gain his good pleasure, by all these means.

The post The Fiqh of Zakat: Are You Doing It Right? appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

We do not control our emotions. Allah says:

وَأَنَّهُۥ هُوَ أَضۡحَكَ وَأَبۡكَىٰ
“And that He alone makes to laugh or cry.” [Quran, 53:43; tr. Keller, Quran Beheld]

Sometimes, pleasing things happen and you feel sad. It is a phenomenon. We see this as well with athletes in a team sport. They just won, everybody’s happy, but someone is sad. Why? They may remember the coach who died, even if he has been dead for 10 years. It is emotions.

We do not control our thoughts. We get all kinds of ideas emerging and that is why conflict resolution is necessary. Whether the conflict is rational (which it rarely is!) or it arises from our emotions, insecurities, whims, or desires, we differ. And the difference gets complicated, particularly when emotions come in.

Sacred Law (Shari‘a) is what Allah has shown to His creation through revelation of how to pursue your ultimate good, whether in your life or pursuit of the Hereafter. Divine guidance gives us principles to deal with these conflicts. The scholars tell us that if you consider the Quran and the Sunna of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) preventing harm takes precedence over the achievement of benefit.

Creation Reflects Divine Wisdom

The prevention of harm has precedence over the achievement of benefit because the good is kind of obvious. The real test where you can really mess things up is with harm, especially when things are negative. Emotions come in, whims come in, desires come in, and then things go out of control and they cloud reason and action.

Allah is the Wise and the way creation reflects Divine wisdom. reflects Divine wisdom so there is a great wisdom and a test in our differences Allah declares in the opening of Sura al-Mulk, and it is not an accident that this is a Surah that the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) encouraged us to memorize and he encouraged us to recite on a nightly basis. If you find difficulties in life, recite Sura al-Mulk.

تَبَـٰرَكَ ٱلَّذِى بِيَدِهِ ٱلْمُلْكُ وَهُوَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍۢ قَدِيرٌ
ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ ٱلْمَوْتَ وَٱلْحَيَوٰةَ لِيَبْلُوَكُمْ أَيُّكُمْ أَحْسَنُ عَمَلًۭا ۚ وَهُوَ ٱلْعَزِيزُ ٱلْغَفُورُ
“How gloriously exalted in beneficence over all is He in whose hand is alone is Sovereignty; And He has absolute power to do anything. Who created death and life to try you as to which of you is finest in works; And He is the Invincible; the All-forgiving.” [Quran, 67:1-2; tr. Keller, Quran Beheld]

Allah has created everything. The word بلى means to intensely test you. It is meant to be an intense test. How do you respond? That is the wisdom in tests. Most of the tests in life are simple. For example, if you wake up and find that your spouse’s breath is not that great, you cannot really do anything, you cannot pour mouthwash down there so some things, 99% of people will not do anything about. Some tests are straightforward. Others are more testing and some are the critical tests in our lives.

Tests in Life

It is from the mercy of Allah that the tests in life are not actually that many. The purpose of the test is not the test itself. The purpose of the test is simply how you respond to it. Why are you tried? “As to which of you is finest in works.” Which works? In the works by which you respond to whatever Allah sends you as a test. In that sense, you do not control it.

What kind of test would you want if you are a good student? The hard one because if all the questions are easy then you could not be told apart from the slackers. It is the wisdom from Allah that He sends us tests. We know from the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) that if Allah loves a servant, He sends them tests.

He sends them tests as individuals, in relations, and communities. There is no human civilization in the broadest sense that has been tested as much as the Muslims. The black stone was stolen. Hajj has stopped. Blood has flowed down the streets of Jerusalem. No nation has been tested like the nation of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace).

Our Condition

The Prophets (upon them be peace) did not have it easy. They are born in difficulty, they lived difficult lives, and they had trial after trial. Allah says:

 وَزُلْزِلُوا۟ حَتَّىٰ يَقُولَ ٱلرَّسُولُ وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ مَعَهُۥ مَتَىٰ نَصْرُ ٱللَّهِ ۗ أَلَآ إِنَّ نَصْرَ ٱللَّهِ قَرِيبٌۭ
“And they were utterly shaken until the very Messenger and those who believed with him said: “‘When is the help to victory from Allah to come?’ Verily the victory from Allah is near!” ” [Quran, 2:214; tr. Keller, Quran Beheld]

That is life. Take the Quran as a mirror in which we see our condition and how we can rectify our condition.

The post Conflict Resolution: Tests in Life appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

How can Muslims rid themselves of stinginess and miserliness?

Answer

All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds. Blessings and peace be upon the Master of the Messengers, his Family, and all his Companions.

Wealth in Islam

The love of wealth is innate in human nature, as wealth is often considered the twin of the soul. Wealth is a blessing that Allah (Most High) has provided as a means for humans to sustain their lives and achieve happiness in this world and the hereafter, just like other blessings.

For this reason, wealth is one of the five essential objectives (maqasid) of Islamic law (the preservation of religion, life, intellect, lineage or honor, and wealth) that the Sacred Law aims to protect and fulfill.

The Role of Wealth in Islam

Allah (Most High) has, therefore, legislated the pursuit of work and earning for the purpose of spending on oneself and one’s family, and He has established guidelines and rulings for both earning and spending.

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, as narrated by Abu Barza Nadlah Ibn Ubayd al-Aslami (Allah be pleased with him):

“A servant’s feet will not move on the Day of Judgment until he is asked about four things: his life and how he spent it, his knowledge and what he did with it, his wealth and how he acquired it and in what he spent it, and his body and how he used it.” [Tirmidhi]

Causes of Stinginess and Miserliness

The causes of stinginess include several factors, the most important of which are:

1. Distorted Priorities and Objectives:

When a person’s understanding of the importance of wealth and how to handle it becomes skewed, they may begin to see wealth as an end in itself rather than a means.

2. A Flawed Perception of Wealth:

When a person views wealth as a primary goal rather than a tool, it leads to an excessive love of wealth and attachment to it. Allah (Most High) says:

“Surely humankind is ungrateful to their Lord—and they certainly attest to this—and they are truly extreme in their love of (worldly) gains.” [Quran, 100:6-8]

Ibn Kathir comments on this verse: “They are truly extreme in their love of (worldly) gains.” This has two interpretations: either it means that they are extremely attached to wealth, or that they are greedy and stingy due to their love of wealth. Both interpretations are correct. [Ibn Kathir, Tafsir Ibn Kathir]

Allah (Most High) also says:

“Absolutely not! In fact, you are not (even) gracious to the orphan, nor do you urge one another to feed the poor. And you devour (others’) inheritance greedily. and love wealth fervently.” [Quran, 89:17-20]

3. Upbringing:

One of the most significant causes is upbringing. If children are raised in a household where stinginess and miserliness are practiced, and they see their parents hoarding wealth, they will learn to value money excessively and view it as the most important thing in life.

Remedies for Stinginess and Miserliness

After identifying the causes of stinginess and miserliness, we will now discuss some important remedies for stinginess and miserliness:

1. Reassessing the Role of Wealth

The first step in treating and overcoming stinginess is to reassess the role of wealth and place it in its proper context within the hierarchy of priorities and objectives, understanding that it is a means to an end, not an end in itself.

2. Recognizing Allah’s Ownership and Human Stewardship

A believer should recognize that wealth is a blessing from Allah (Most High), who is the Provider and the Owner of all dominion. The human being is merely entrusted with this wealth, acting as a steward who is accountable and will be questioned about it. Allah (Most High) says:

“Believe in Allah and His Messenger, and donate from what He has entrusted you with. So those of you who believe and donate will have a mighty reward.” [Quran, 57:7]

3. Adopting the Islamic Approach to Spending

This approach encourages spending and warns against hoarding and stinginess, as numerous texts from the Sacred Law illustrate. For example, the comprehensive hadith narrated by Abu Hurayra (Allah be pleased with him) states that the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:

“Every morning, two angels descend, and one of them says: ‘O Allah, compensate the one who spends generously,’ and the other says: ‘O Allah, bring ruin to the one who withholds.’” [Bukhari; Muslim]

Allah (Most High) praises the early Muslims who supported the Muhajirun (migrants), saying:

“As for those who had settled in the city and (embraced) the faith before (the arrival of) the emigrants, they love whoever immigrates to them, never having a desire in their hearts for whatever (of the gains) is given to the emigrants. They give (the emigrants) preference over themselves even though they may be in need. And whoever is saved from the selfishness of their own souls, it is they who are (truly) successful.” [Quran, 59:9]

Allah (Most High) warns against hoarding and stinginess by saying:

“Those who are stingy, promote stinginess among people, and withhold Allah’s bounties. We have prepared for the disbelievers a humiliating punishment.” [Quran, 4:37]

This behavior is likened to the attitude of some Jews who would advise the Ansar not to spend their wealth, as Imam Tabari mentioned in his commentary on the revelational circumstances of this verse. Ibn ‘Abbas narrated that certain Jews would come to the Ansar and advise them not to spend their wealth, saying,

“We fear poverty for you if you spend your wealth; do not hasten to spend it, as you do not know what might happen.”

Allah (Most High) revealed in response: “(Allah does not like) those who are stingy, promote stinginess among people, and withhold Allah’s bounties.” [Quran, 4:37]

“Withhold Allah’s bounties,” meaning concealing the prophethood of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) and the truth of what the Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) conveyed.

“We have prepared for the disbelievers a humiliating punishment…And Allah has (perfect) knowledge of them.” [Quran, 4:37-39] [Tabari, Tafsir al-Tabari]

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) also said:

“Beware of injustice, for injustice will be darkness on the Day of Judgment. And beware of stinginess, for stinginess destroyed those who were before you. It led them to shed their blood and violate their sanctities.” [Muslim]

4. Understanding Wealth as a Test and Trial

Wealth is a test and a trial from Allah (Most High). He (Most High) says:

“Your wealth and children are only a test, but Allah (alone) has a great reward. So be mindful of Allah to the best of your ability, hear and obey, and spend in charity—that will be best for you. And whoever is saved from the selfishness of their own souls, it is they who are (truly) successful.” [Quran, 64:15-16]

5. Recognizing the Deprivation Caused by Stinginess

Stinginess deprives the soul of its rightful enjoyment of these blessings in this world, and one will be held accountable for it on the Day of Judgment. A miser wrongs himself twice: once in this world by depriving himself of permissible enjoyment, and again in the Hereafter, by being held accountable for how he gathered this wealth and why he withheld it from benefiting himself and others.

Conclusion

Based on the above, we advise those afflicted with the disease of stinginess or miserliness to avoid, first and foremost, the causes that lead to it. Then, they should hasten to follow the steps of treatment mentioned above, while continuously supplicating and seeking Allah’s help to rid themselves of this ailment. Indeed, Allah guides whom He wills.

Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Abdul Sami‘ al-Yakti

Shaykh Abdul Sami‘ al-Yaqti is a Syrian scholar born in Aleppo in 1977. He obtained his degree in Shari‘a from the Shari‘a Faculty of Damascus University, a Diploma in Educational Qualification from the Faculty of Education at Aleppo University, and a Diploma in Shari‘a and a Master’s in Shari‘a from the Faculty of Sharia, and Law at Omdurman University in Sudan. He is currently writing his doctoral thesis.

He studied under esteemed scholars such as Shaykh Abdul Rahman al-Shaghouri, Shaykh Mustafa al-Turkmani, and Shaykh Dr. Nur al-Din Itr, among others. Shaykh al-Yakti has worked in teaching and cultural guidance in orphanages and high schools in Aleppo. He served as an Imam, Khatib, and reciter at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi and as a certified trainer for Khatibs in Abu Dhabi’s Khatib Qualification Program.

He is involved in developing and teaching a youth education program at Seekers Arabic for Islamic Sciences.

Among Shaykh al-Yaqti’s significant works are “Imam al-Haramayn al-Juwayni: Bayna Ilm al-Kalam Wa Usul al-Fiqh” and the program “The Messenger of Allah Among Us (Allah bless him and give him peace).”

The post How Can Muslims Overcome Stinginess and Miserliness? appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

About two years ago, I used to backbite and say some untrue things through chatting to my friends about my family and that they are bad, But this is not true, and they don’t deserve this, and my family is really good, I feel very guilty, and I already said some good things about my family in front of my friends in order to repent, Do I have to delete the chats that contain this backbiting and slandering? And do I also have to tell my friend to delete them too?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate

I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.

Yes, it is good to delete all the chat messages from your social media and request your friend too. The most important matter is to have regret doing any sinful action and to make a firm intention not to sin again.

Regret is Part of Sound Repentance

Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Regret is part of repentance.” [Ibn Maja]

I would like you to go through the valuable answers and links below. You will receive guidance and direction in sha Allah.

Related Answers

What Does One Do After Having Sent Explicit Images on a Chat?  – (seekersguidance.org)

Purification of the Heart for Youth: Diseases of the Heart and Their Cure – YouTube

A Reader on Tawba (Repentance) – SeekersGuidance

Prayer of Repentance: Salat al-Tawba – SeekersGuidance

Why not begin your search for knowledge by signing up for a course on SeekersAcademy (seekersguidance.org)?

I pray this helps with your question.

[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Mawlana Ilyas Patel is a traditionally-trained scholar who has studied within UK, India, Pakistan, Syria, Jordan and Turkey.

He started his early education in UK. He went onto complete hifz of Qur’an in India, then enrolled into an Islamic seminary in UK where he studied the secular and Alimiyyah sciences. He then travelled to Karachi, Pakistan.

He has been an Imam in Rep of Ireland for a number of years. He has taught hifz of the Qur’an, Tajwid, Fiqh and many other Islamic sciences to both children and adults onsite and online extensively in UK and Ireland. He was teaching at a local Islamic seminary for 12 years in the UK where he was a librarian and a teacher of Islamic sciences.

He currently resides in UK with his wife. His personal interest is love of books and gardening.

The post Do Old Chats That Contain Backbiting and Slandering Have to be Deleted? – Mawlana Ilyas Patel appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

My husband sees me praying but doesn’t bother to join me or pray himself. He will only pray when I ask him, and it’s sad for me because it seems he prays only when I ask. He has bad habits and I’ve told him so many times. I constantly remind him to eat with the right hand. He doesn’t seem to care about sunnas or prayers at all. 

Many other things are bad in our marriage, so I don’t feel like being close to him anymore. We started this marriage from a haram relationship. I want to divorce. I’ve cried so much. He’s from a Pakistani family, and I’m reverted, but I know more about Islam than him. When I teach him Quran so he can improve, “it’s boring,” he says.

Answer

Thank you for your question. May Allah reward you for being a good wife and for having patience with your husband. I am certain that if you continue, he will eventually come around.

Wisdom

Allah Most High has told us how to invite people to Islam, but this can be applied to calling Muslims back to practicing Islam. Allah says, “Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching, and reason with them in ways that are best…” [Quran, 16:125]

I encourage you to keep praying, keep making dua, especially at auspicious times and continue to invite him to pray. It is a huge accomplishment that he agrees to pray and doesn’t refuse. It won’t be easy, but with time, you will find a change, even if it takes a long time. Make sure that you teach your children from the beginning to pray and learn Quran. Watching them will also inspire him.

Istikhara

As for your marital problems, I recommend that you take every step to help this marriage flourish. It will take a mountain of effort, but you should think proactively before you think of ending this marriage. Take the courses below, read the books, with your husband if possible and use the tips in the answers. If you have taken all the means but still find the marriage sucking the life out of you, pray istikhara and make your decision while consulting friends and family.

Course Suggestions:

Marriage in Islam: Practical Guidance for Successful Marriage

Making Love Last: Prophetic Principles for a Successful Marriage

Answer Suggestions:

Istikhara Prayer

Prayer of Need (Salat al-Haja)

Love, Marriage and Relationships in Islam: All Your Questions Answered

My Husband Doesn’t Pray

My Husband Doesn’t Pray: How Do I Advise Him?

My Husband Mistreats Me and He Doesn’t Pray

How to Deal with My Non-Practicing Revert Husband?

My Husband Is Lazy About His Prayers. How Do I Convince Him?

Book Suggestions:

Chapman, G: Five Love Languages Revised Edition

The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work

Handbook of a Healthy Muslim Marriage

Article Suggestions:

What Makes A Marriage Work – Shaykh Hamza Yusuf

May Allah give you the best of this world and the next.

[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad 
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria, for two years, where she studied Aqidah, Fiqh, Tajweed, Tafseer, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed her Master’s in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan, where she studied Fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She recently moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.

The post How Can I Inspire My Husband to Pray and Read Quran? – Ustadha Shazia Ahmad appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

What is the ruling in case the imam ends his prayer with saying ‘As-salaatu alaikoem wa rahmatullah’ by mistake as his first ‘salam’, but did give proper salam for this second ‘salam’? Afterwards he did not do sajda sahw.

Is the salah of the imam valid or should he repeat?

And is the salah of the followers valid, assuming they ended their prayers by giving proper salaams?

Answer

I pray this finds you in the best of states.

Validity of the Prayer

Yes, the prayer of the Imam and the followers is valid. [Shurunbulali, Nur al Idah]

This ruling is because all the internal obligatory elements (such as reciting the Qur’an and prostrating) and conditions of the prayer (such as being in a state of ritual purity) have been performed. Uttering the closing salam properly is not from the obligatory elements of the prayer. [Ibid]   

Saying the word “al-Salam” at the end of the prayer is necessary (wajib). This means that it is not obligatory (fard) and that the validity of the prayer is not dependent on it. [Ibid]   

The proof for this is that the Messenger of Allah (Blessings and Peace upon him) has not taught this aspect of the prayer when teaching to a bedouin. [Bukhari]   

Prostrations of Forgetfulness

But, because of this mistake regarding a necessary (wajib) component of the prayer, the prostrations of forgetfulness should have been performed afterward. [Ibid]   

As soon as an action foreign to the prayer (such as worldly talk) has been performed by the Imam, the duty of performing the prostrations of forgetfulness was lifted. Nonetheless, this Imam is sinful for not having performed them.

But if the prayer was a Friday prayer or a ‘Id prayer, then the Imam was right in not performing the prostrations of forgetfulness as this could lead to confusion due to the size of the congregations on those occasions. [Shurunbulali, Maraqi al-Falah]   

Repeating the prayer

It was necessary (wajib) to repeat this prayer for the Imam before the exiting of its time. [Shurunbulali, Maraqi al-Falah]

It remains recommended (mustahab) to repeat this prayer after the exiting of its time. [Tahtawi, Hashya ‘ala Maraqi al-Falah]  

And Allah knows best.

[Ustadh] Sufyan Qufi
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Ustadh Sufyan Qufi is an advanced seeker of knowledge, originally from Algeria, who grew up in France. He began searching far and wide for answers to the fundamental questions of life and was disappointed at the answers he found.

Then he connected with various traditional teachers and gradually connected with SeekersGuidance. He embarked on his journey of learning through the various teachers at SeekersGuidance, including his mentor Shaykh Faraz Rabbani.

He studied numerous texts in Islamic Law, Theology, Hadith, and other areas with Shaykh Faraz Rabbani and other teachers, including Shaykh Abdurrahman al-Sha‘ar, Shaykh Ali Hani, and others.

He is an active instructor at SeekersGuidance and answers questions through the SeekersGuidance Answers Service.

The post Does a Mistake in the Closing Salam Invalidate the Prayer? – Ustadh Sufyan Qufi appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

Shouldn’t the assumption be that purification remains?

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat addresses whether the assumption should be that purification remains intact.

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat pursued Arabic Grammar and Morphology alongside his English and History degree. Post-graduation, he deepened his studies in Damascus, learning Arabic, Hanafi Fiqh, Theology, and more under notable scholars like Shaykh Adnan Darwish and Shaykh Rashad Shams. He continued in Amman, expanding into Tafsir, Hadith, Prophetic Biography, and other Islamic sciences, guided by teachers such as Shaykh Ali Hani and Dr. Hamza al-Bakri.

The post Shouldn’t the Assumption Be That Purification Remains? – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

Why does sleep invalidate ritual purification?

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat explains why sleep invalidates ritual purification in Islamic law.

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat pursued Arabic Grammar and Morphology alongside his English and History degree. Post-graduation, he deepened his studies in Damascus, learning Arabic, Hanafi Fiqh, Theology, and more under notable scholars like Shaykh Adnan Darwish and Shaykh Rashad Shams. He continued in Amman, expanding into Tafsir, Hadith, Prophetic Biography, and other Islamic sciences, guided by teachers such as Shaykh Ali Hani and Dr. Hamza al-Bakri.

The post Why Does Sleep Invalidate Ritual Purification? – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

Which is a fourth of the head must be washed in Wudu in the Hanafi school?

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat explains which quarter of the head must be washed during ablution (wudu) according to the Hanafi school.

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat pursued Arabic Grammar and Morphology alongside his English and History degree. Post-graduation, he deepened his studies in Damascus, learning Arabic, Hanafi Fiqh, Theology, and more under notable scholars like Shaykh Adnan Darwish and Shaykh Rashad Shams. He continued in Amman, expanding into Tafsir, Hadith, Prophetic Biography, and other Islamic sciences, guided by teachers such as Shaykh Ali Hani and Dr. Hamza al-Bakri.

The post Which Is a Fourth of the Head Must Be Washed in Wudu in the Hanafi School? – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

Is it permissible for a woman to travel abroad for higher education?

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat discusses the permissibility of a woman traveling abroad for higher education.

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat pursued Arabic Grammar and Morphology alongside his English and History degree. Post-graduation, he deepened his studies in Damascus, learning Arabic, Hanafi Fiqh, Theology, and more under notable scholars like Shaykh Adnan Darwish and Shaykh Rashad Shams. He continued in Amman, expanding into Tafsir, Hadith, Prophetic Biography, and other Islamic sciences, guided by teachers such as Shaykh Ali Hani and Dr. Hamza al-Bakri.

The post Is It Permissible for a Woman to Travel Abroad for Higher Education? – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

What is the ruling in the Hanafi school women praying in a congregation?

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat discusses the ruling in the Hanafi school regarding women praying in congregation.

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat pursued Arabic Grammar and Morphology alongside his English and History degree. Post-graduation, he deepened his studies in Damascus, learning Arabic, Hanafi Fiqh, Theology, and more under notable scholars like Shaykh Adnan Darwish and Shaykh Rashad Shams. He continued in Amman, expanding into Tafsir, Hadith, Prophetic Biography, and other Islamic sciences, guided by teachers such as Shaykh Ali Hani and Dr. Hamza al-Bakri.

The post What Is the Ruling in the Hanafi School Women Praying in a Congregation? – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

Is premenopausal bleeding considered menses?

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat explains the ruling on premenopausal bleeding and whether it is considered menses.

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat pursued Arabic Grammar and Morphology alongside his English and History degree. Post-graduation, he deepened his studies in Damascus, learning Arabic, Hanafi Fiqh, Theology, and more under notable scholars like Shaykh Adnan Darwish and Shaykh Rashad Shams. He continued in Amman, expanding into Tafsir, Hadith, Prophetic Biography, and other Islamic sciences, guided by teachers such as Shaykh Ali Hani and Dr. Hamza al-Bakri.

The post Is Premenopausal Bleeding Considered Menses? – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

Does the ruling of Istihala apply to haram ingredients in medications?

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat explains the ruling of transformation (istihalah) regarding the use of haram ingredients in medications.

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat pursued Arabic Grammar and Morphology alongside his English and History degree. Post-graduation, he deepened his studies in Damascus, learning Arabic, Hanafi Fiqh, Theology, and more under notable scholars like Shaykh Adnan Darwish and Shaykh Rashad Shams. He continued in Amman, expanding into Tafsir, Hadith, Prophetic Biography, and other Islamic sciences, guided by teachers such as Shaykh Ali Hani and Dr. Hamza al-Bakri.

The post Does the Ruling of Istihala Apply to Haram Ingredients in Medications? – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

My question is related to halal jobs. I am a student of psychology and am looking forward to being a counselor. However, what we study and how we practice and treat the clients is solely based on the works of the West. Here, I am very much aware of the term Islamic psychology and wholeheartedly believe that the ruh should be taken into consideration during treatment, something which the West doesn’t believe. The practices of Islamic psychology also work on getting the client closer to the Creator, which is an obligation upon every human being.

So, will I be sinful if I continue to follow and treat my clients according to the Western ways, will I be held accountable for it? Should I completely abandon Western practices?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate

I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.

Counseling is an extremely important profession. Scholars say that when one studies, one should also study with rooting understanding in Islamic principles reading the works of Pro. Malik Badri, doing well grounded courses, like the nine-month part time Online Diploma in Islamic Psychology, ( see link below), consulting practicing Muslim counselors and scholars along with the Western theories, and then should work open-mindedly as a culturally sensitive counselor and be able to support others, both Muslims and non-Muslims alike. This way, it can open up doors to guidance to Islam too.

Beneficial Knowledge

Pray to Allah Most High for beneficial knowledge. This way, Allah will guide and direct you in your work and counseling, Insha Allah.

Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace would say:

اللهم انفعني بما علمتني، وعلمني ما ينفعني، وزدني علما، 

Allahumman fa’ni bima ‘allamtani wa ‘allimni ma yanfa’uni wa zidni ‘ilma

Translation: O Allah! Benefit me with that which You have taught me, and teach me that which will benefit me and increase me in knowledge. [Tirmidhi, Ibn Maja]

I would like you to go through the valuable answers and links below. You will receive guidance and direction in sha Allah.

Related

Articles

• psychology Archives – SeekersGuidance
• counselling Archives – SeekersGuidance

Podcast

I would like you to go through this 2-hour long podcast. It will be highly beneficial

and guide you through.

• Being Balanced – Emotional and Mental Health – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat (seekersguidance.org) (podcast)

Video

• Shaykh Dr Asim Yusuf Approaches to Depression and Anxiety in Classical Islam – YouTube
• (1267) Shaykh Dr. Asim Yusuf – Islamic Cognitive Therapy – YouTube
• Shaykh Faraz Rabbani on Seeking Beneficial Knowledge –
• (1261) International Association of Islamic Psychology – YouTube

Courses

ONLINE DIPLOMA IN ISLAMIC PSYCHOLOGY | Cambridge Muslim College

Telegram Channel

A channel to share books (Pdfs) and relevant articles and papers (videos) on psychology, counseling, and mental health – Islamic and conventional.

•  https://t.me/muslimpsychologistMP

Why not begin your search for knowledge by signing up for a course on SeekersAcademy (seekersguidance.org)?

I pray this helps with your question.

[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Mawlana Ilyas Patel is a traditionally-trained scholar who has studied within UK, India, Pakistan, Syria, Jordan and Turkey.

He started his early education in UK. He went onto complete hifz of Qur’an in India, then enrolled into an Islamic seminary in UK where he studied the secular and Alimiyyah sciences. He then travelled to Karachi, Pakistan.

He has been an Imam in Rep of Ireland for a number of years. He has taught hifz of the Qur’an, Tajwid, Fiqh and many other Islamic sciences to both children and adults onsite and online extensively in UK and Ireland. He was teaching at a local Islamic seminary for 12 years in the UK where he was a librarian and a teacher of Islamic sciences.

He currently resides in UK with his wife. His personal interest is love of books and gardening.

The post Will I be Accountable if I Practice Counselling and Psychology According to the Western Ways? – Mawlana Ilyas Patel appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

What should I do for Allah to bless my time and sustenance?

Answer

All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds. Blessings and peace be upon the Messenger of Allah, his Family, and his Companions.

Muslims cannot do without blessings in their life, which is why they are required to seek out and understand the means and principles that lead to obtaining blessings. This is because blessings are the path to achieving goals and increasing goodness.

The Concept of Blessing

Linguistically, the term “blessing” revolves around the meanings of stability, increase, growth, and happiness.

Technically, Raghib defined blessings as the stability of divine goodness in something. Allah (Most High) says:

“Had the people of those societies been faithful and mindful (of Allah), We would have overwhelmed them with blessings from heaven and earth.” [Quran, 7:96]

The term is used because the goodness within it remains as water remains in a pond. The blessed is that in which divine goodness is present. [Raghib, Mufradat Alfaz al-Quran]

Kafawi described blessings as “growth and increase, whether tangible or intangible, and the stability of divine goodness in something and its continuity.” [Kafawi, al-Kulliyat]

When reflecting on these meanings, one finds a connection between them. The technical meaning refers to the stability of divine goodness in something, which relates to the linguistic meaning of stability, firmness, and happiness on one hand, and growth and increase associated with steadfastness in religion on the other, leading to happiness in this world and an abundance of reward in the hereafter.

The Quran and Sunna have pointed to reasons through which blessings can be sought from Allah (Most High). Among these reasons are:

Fear of Allah (Most High) and Reliance on Him

Allah (Most High) says:

“And whoever is mindful of Allah, He will make a way out for them, and provide for them from sources they could never imagine. And whoever puts their trust in Allah, then He (alone) is sufficient for them.” [Quran, 65:2-3]

Seeking Forgiveness and Abandoning Persistence in Sin

Allah (Most High) says:

“…saying, ‘Seek your Lord’s forgiveness, (for) He is truly Most Forgiving. He will shower you with abundant rain, supply you with wealth and children, and give you gardens as well as rivers.’” [Quran, 71:10-12]

He (Most High) also says:

“And seek your Lord’s forgiveness and turn to Him in repentance. He will grant you a good provision for an appointed term and graciously reward the doers of good.” [Quran, 11:3]

Praying for Blessings

One of the shortest paths to obtaining blessings is through praying to Allah (Most High) for them. If Allah answers such a prayer, the person will receive blessings in abundance. The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) would often give blessings to those he loved.

For example, Anas (Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the son of Abu Talha from Umm Sulaym passed away. She said to her family:

“Do not inform Abu Talha about his son until I tell him myself.” Abu Talha returned, and she served him dinner, which he ate and drank. She then beautified herself as she had never done before, and they were intimate. Afterward, she said, “O Abu Talha, if some people had lent something to a family and then asked for it back, would they have the right to refuse?” He said, “No.” She then said, “Seek reward for the loss of your son.”

He became angry and said, “You left me uninformed until I stained myself (with sexual intercourse) and then you told me about my son.” He went to the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) and told him what happened. The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: “May Allah bless your night together.” He (the narrator) said: She conceived… [Bukhari; Muslim]

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) also taught us to pray for blessings for the newlyweds by saying: “May Allah bless you, and may He shower His blessings upon you, and unite you both in goodness.” [Ibn Hibban; Hakim; Nasa’i; Abu Dawud; Tirmidhi]

Similarly, he taught us to pray for those who feed us: “O Allah, bless them in what You have provided them, forgive them, and have mercy upon them.” [Muslim; Ibn Hibban; Abu Dawud]

Seeking Lawful Provision

If a Muslim seeks blessings in their wealth, health, and children, they must strive to earn through lawful means, avoiding anything prohibited or doubtful. They should be honest, trustworthy, and chaste and refrain from engaging in usury, fraud, or any similar forbidden activities that involve taking people’s wealth unjustly.

If one adheres to Allah’s guidance, blessings will be bestowed upon their earnings, sustenance, and entire life.

Allah (Most High) says about usury and how it removes blessings:

“Allah has made interest fruitless and charity fruitful.” [Quran, 2:276]

Abundant Remembrance and Gratitude

Allah (Most High) says:

“And (remember) when your Lord proclaimed, ‘If you are grateful, I will certainly give you more. But if you are ungrateful, surely My punishment is severe.’” [Quran, 14:7]

This increase applies to everything, whether wealth, health, lifespan, or any of Allah’s countless blessings. Allah (Most High) also says:

“And Allah will reward those who are grateful.” [Quran, 3:144]

Charity and Spending (Obligatory and Voluntary)

Charity brings blessings to one’s wealth and increases it, with good deeds rewarded tenfold. Allah (Most High) says:

“The example of those who spend their wealth in the cause of Allah is that of a grain that sprouts into seven ears, each bearing one hundred grains. And Allah multiplies (the reward even more) to whoever He wills. For Allah is All-Bountiful, All-Knowing.” [Quran, 2:261]

In a sacred narration (al-Hadith al-Qudsi), Allah says: “O son of Adam, spend, and I will spend on you.” [Bukhari; Muslim]

Righteousness and Maintaining Ties of Kinship

Righteousness towards parents and maintaining ties of kinship are among the means that bring blessings, as the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:

“Righteousness, good character, and good neighborliness build up dwellings and increase lifespans.” [Ahmad; Abu Ya‘la]

Anas (Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:

“Whoever loves that his provision be increased and his lifespan extended, let him maintain his ties of kinship.” [Bukhari; Muslim]

The meaning of “his lifespan extended” is that he will be blessed in his life, guided to perform acts of obedience, and will fill his time with what benefits him in the Hereafter. [Ibn Hajar, Fath al-Bari]

Honesty in Transactions

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:

“The buyer and the seller have the option (to cancel the transaction) as long as they have not separated. If they were truthful and clear (in the transaction), they will be blessed in their sale, but if they lied or concealed (something), the blessings of their transaction will be erased.” [Bukhari; Muslim]

Proper Time Management and Seizing Opportunities

Time is the most valuable asset of a Muslim, and the responsibilities in this life can overwhelm one’s time and consume one’s lifespan. Therefore, taking the initiative to manage and utilize time efficiently is a significant obligation. Since a Muslim’s duties cannot be fulfilled without this, and what is necessary to fulfill an obligation is itself an obligation, time management becomes essential.

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) prayed for his Umma to be blessed in the early hours of the day because starting early is an initiative to make the most of time and organize it well.

Sakhr Ibn Wada‘a al-Ghamidi (Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:

“O Allah, bless my Umma in their early mornings.” When he dispatched a troop or an army, he would send them at the beginning of the day. Sakhr was a merchant and would send out his trade goods at the start of the day, so his wealth increased abundantly. [Ibn Hibban; Nasa’i; Abu Dawud; Tirmidhi; Darimi; Ibn Majah]

Generosity, Kindness, and Mutual Support

Allah (Most High) says:

“And whatever you spend in charity, He will compensate (you) for it. For He is the Best Provider.” [Quran, 34:39]

Allah (Most High) also says:

“The example of those who spend their wealth in the cause of Allah is that of a grain that sprouts into seven ears, each bearing one hundred grains. And Allah multiplies (the reward even more) to whoever He wills. For Allah is All-Bountiful, All-Knowing.” [Quran, 2:261]

‘Umar Ibn al-Khattab (Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: “Eat together and do not eat separately, for the blessing is in the gathering.” [Ibn Majah; Bazzar]

We ask the Generous Lord to bless our deeds, our lives, our children, and all our affairs. Indeed, He is the All-Hearing, All-Responsive. All praise is due to Allah, Lord of all the worlds.

[Shaykh] Dr. Muhammad Fayez Awad

Shaykh Dr. Muhammad Fayez Awad, born in Damascus, Syria, in 1965, pursued his Islamic studies in the mosques and institutes of Damascus. A graduate of the Islamic University of Medina in 1985, he holds a Ph.D. in Islamic Studies from Bahauddin Zakariya University in Pakistan.

He has extensive experience developing curricula and enhancing the teaching of various academic courses, including conducting intensive courses. Shaykh Awad has taught Fiqh, Usul al-Fiqh, Quranic sciences, the history of legislation, inheritance laws, and more at several institutes and universities such as Al-Furqan Institute for Islamic Sciences and Majma‘ al-Fath al-Islami in Damascus.

He is a lecturer at the Sultan Muhammad al-Fatih Waqf University in Istanbul, teaching various Arabic and Islamic subjects, and teaches at numerous Islamic institutes in Istanbul. Shaykh Awad is a member of the Association of Syrian Scholars, a founding member of the Zayd bin Thabit Foundation, a member of the Syrian Scholars Association, and a member of the Academic Council at the Iman Center for Teaching the Sunna and Quran.

Among his teachers from whom he received Ijazat are his father, Shaykh Muhammad Muhiyiddin Awad, Shaykh Muhiyiddin al-Kurdi, Shaykh Muhammad Karim Rajih, Shaykh Usama al-Rifai, Shaykh Ayman Suwaid, Shaykh Ahmad al-Qalash, Shaykh Muhammad Awwama, and Shaykh Mamduh Junayd.

The post What Should I Do for Allah To Bless My Time and Sustenance? appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

Are the previous scriptures preserved as they were revealed to their prophets until today?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Merciful and Compassionate.

All praise is due to Allah, Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon the Messenger sent as a mercy to the worlds, our Master and Prophet, Muhammad, and his Family and Companions.

The Preservation of Previous Divine Scriptures

The divine scriptures revealed before the Quran, such as the Torah and the Gospel, have been altered. Today, no divine scripture is preserved from distortion as it was revealed by Allah (Most High), except for the Quran, which Allah (Most High) revealed to Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace), the final Prophet and Messenger.

The Quran is the final divine scripture, confirmed by Allah (Most High) in His statement:

“It is certainly We Who have revealed the Reminder, and it is certainly We Who will preserve it.” [Quran, 15:9]

The Muslim Belief in the Original Scriptures

Although it is confirmed that the previous scriptures before the Quran have been altered, as stated in several verses of the Quran, a Muslim is still required to believe in their original, unaltered forms, because they are divine scriptures revealed by Allah (Most High) to His messengers. Allah (Most High) says:

“O believers! Have faith in Allah, His Messenger, the Book He has revealed to His Messenger, and the Scriptures He revealed before. Indeed, whoever denies Allah, His angels, His Books, His messengers, and the Last Day has clearly gone far astray.” [Quran, 4:136]

As Muslims, we believe that these scriptures, before they were altered, contained the words of Allah (Most High). We believe in them without making any distinction between one scripture and another. Just as it is not permissible to make a distinction between prophets regarding belief in their prophethood, we also believe that whoever denies any of what Allah (Most High) revealed in these scriptures is a disbeliever.

Evidence of the Distortion of Previous Scriptures

We also believe that the Torah and the Gospel currently in the hands of Jews and Christians have been distorted and altered, as Allah (Most High) says:

“Some Jews take words out of context.” [Quran, 4:46]

And He (Most High) says:

“And from those who say, ‘We are Christians,’ We took their covenant, but they neglected a portion of what they had been commanded to uphold. So We let hostility and enmity arise between them until the Day of Judgment, and soon Allah will inform them of all they have done. O People of the Book! Now Our Messenger has come to you, revealing much of what you have hidden of the Scriptures.” [Quran, 5:14-15]

One of the greatest evidences of the distortion of the Torah and the Gospel is the contradictions within them and the descriptions that are not befitting of Allah (Most High) or His prophets (peace be upon them).

Distortion of the Gospel: The Crucifixion of Jesus (Peace Be Upon Him)

The proof of the distortion of the Gospel available today is evident in the story of the crucifixion of Jesus (peace be upon him). Allah (Most High) says in the Quran:

“…and for boasting, ‘We killed the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, the messenger of Allah.’ But they neither killed nor crucified him—it was only made to appear so. Even those who argue for this (crucifixion) are in doubt. They have no knowledge whatsoever—only making assumptions. They certainly did not kill him.” [Quran, 4:157]

Distortion of the Torah: The Claim of Exclusive Salvation

Similarly, the proof of the distortion of the Torah is clear in the statement of the Jews, which the Quran reports:

“The Jews and Christians each claim that none will enter Paradise except those of their own faith.’” [Quran, 2:111]

This claim was not originally found in the Torah. [Maturidi, Tafsir al-Maturidi]

Ibn Hazm al-Zahiri said:

“How can a Muslim permit himself to deny the distortion of the Torah and the Gospel while he hears the words of Allah, the Almighty, and Majestic:

‘Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. And those with him are firm with the disbelievers and compassionate with one another. You see them bowing and prostrating (in prayer), seeking Allah’s bounty and pleasure. The sign (of brightness can be seen) on their faces from the trace of prostrating (in prayer). This is their description in the Torah. And their parable in the Gospel is that of a seed that sprouts its (tiny) branches, making it strong. Then it becomes thick, standing firmly on its stem, to the delight of the planters—in this way Allah makes the believers a source of dismay for the disbelievers. To those of them who believe and do good, Allah has promised forgiveness and a great reward.’ [Quran, 48:29]

None of this is found in what the Jews and Christians today claim to be the Torah and the Gospel. Therefore, these ignorant people must believe their Lord, the Almighty, and Majestic, that the Jews and Christians have altered the Torah and the Gospel…” [Ibn Hazm, al-Fasl fi al-Milal; Razi, Tafsir al-Razi; ‘Iz Ibn ‘Abd al-Salam, Tafsir al-‘Iz Ibn ‘Abd al-Salam]

Divine Scriptures Mentioned in the Quran

The divine scriptures mentioned by Allah (Most High) in the Quran include:

• The Torah: Revealed to Moses; Allah (Most High) says: “We wrote for him on the Tablets (the fundamentals) of everything; commandments and explanations of all things.” [Quran, 7:145]
• The Gospel: Revealed to Jesus (peace be upon him); Allah (Most High) says: “And We gave him the Gospel containing guidance and light and confirming what was revealed in the Torah—a guide and a lesson to the God-fearing.” [Quran, 5:46]
• The Zabur: Revealed to David (peace be upon him); Allah (Most High) says: “And to David We gave the Psalms.” [Quran, 4:163]
• The Scriptures of Abraham and Moses: Allah (Most High) says: “This is certainly (mentioned) in the earlier Scriptures—the Scriptures of Abraham and Moses.” [Quran, 87:18-19]
• The Quran: The last revealed scripture, which Allah (Most High) revealed to our Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace); Allah (Most High) says: “…which the trustworthy spirit (Gabriel) brought down into your heart (O Prophet)—so that you may be one of the warners—in a clear Arabic tongue.” [Quran, 26:193-195]

Conclusion: The Sufficiency of the Quran

The Quran, which Allah (Most High) has preserved from distortion and alteration, is sufficient, rendering it unnecessary to refer to the other divine scriptures. Implementing the rulings of the Quran brings happiness to the Muslims in both this world and the Hereafter.

We ask Allah (Most High) to help us apply its rulings as He loves and is pleased with. Amin.

May Allah bless the Prophet Muhammad and give him peace, and his Family and Companions.

[Shaykh] Anas al-Musa

Shaykh Anas al-Musa, born in Hama, Syria, in 1974, is an erudite scholar of notable repute. He graduated from the Engineering Institute in Damascus, where he specialized in General Construction, and Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Usul al-Din, where he specialized in Hadith.

He studied under prominent scholars in Damascus, including Shaykh Abdul Rahman al-Shaghouri and Shaykh Adib al-Kallas, among others. Shaykh Anas has memorized the Quran and is proficient in the ten Mutawatir recitations, having studied under Shaykh Bakri al-Tarabishi and Shaykh Mowfaq ‘Ayun. He also graduated from the Iraqi Hadith School.

He has taught numerous Islamic subjects at Shari‘a institutes in Syria and Turkey. Shaykh Anas has served as an Imam and preacher for over 15 years and is a teacher of the Quran in its various readings and narrations.

Currently, he works as a teacher at SeekersGuidance and is responsible for academic guidance there. He has completed his Master’s degree in Hadith and is now pursuing his Ph.D. in the same field. Shaykh Anas al-Musa is married and resides in Istanbul.

The post Are the Previous Divine Scriptures Preserved in Their Original Form? appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

This is a very important topic. Religiosity is a serious matter. Allah tells us about the day of Resurrection:

فَذَٰلِكَ يَوْمَئِذٍۢ يَوْمٌ عَسِيرٌ

“That, on that day, shall be a day bitterly dire.” [Quran, 74:9; tr. Keller, Quran Beheld]

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) also told us, “If you knew what I knew you would laugh little and weep much.” 

Allah says:

وَٱلۡعَصۡرِ

إِنَّ ٱلۡإِنسَـٰنَ لَفِی خُسۡرٍ

إِلَّا ٱلَّذِینَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَعَمِلُوا۟ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ وَتَوَاصَوۡا۟ بِٱلۡحَقِّ وَتَوَاصَوۡا۟ بِٱلصَّبۡرِ

“By the End of the Day! Truly Man is ruined in loss! Save those who believe and work righteous deeds, and bid each other to right, and bid each other to patience.” [Quran: 103:1-3; tr; Keller, Quran Beheld]

Our religion is about seriousness. It is about being purposeful. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) tells us, “Remain purposeful, remain purposeful, and you shall attain.” 

At the same time, from the marvel of our religion, its perfection, and the perfection of the prophetic example is that the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) came with the complete and perfect balance, he said, “I have been sent to complete and perfect the very best traits of character.” 

A Balance of All Virtues

Part of that is that the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) has taught us how to perfect every human quality and how to have the perfect balance of all virtues. He shows us how it is not a matter of either this or that. We are both serious and happy. We are both concerned and joyous.

Our beloved Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) was always cheerful yet constantly sorrowful. Some of the scholars short-sightedly said that you cannot have both qualities together, “How can you be happy and sad together? It does not make sense.” But it does. If you understand what happiness is and why you are happy and you understand what sorrow is and what are you sorry about. That is the beautiful balance of the Prophet.  

Every quality, the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) had in its most beautiful perfect balance without one quality impeding on the other. He was both gentle and firm. He was forbearant and as for being angry, he was angry in the most beautiful ways. 

True Eid

We are divinely commanded to be happy and to rejoice. Allah says:

قُلۡ بِفَضۡلِ ٱللَّهِ وَبِرَحۡمَتِهِۦ فَبِذَ ٰلِكَ فَلۡیَفۡرَحُوا۟

“Say, ‘In this bounty of Allah and mercy of His, in that let them rejoice” [Quran, 10:58; tr. Keller, Quran Beheld]

The command of rejoicing is like the command for fasting, charity, and prayer as the scholars tell us. 

The believer has acceptance, contentment, and joy, even in distress and that is the joy of the Prophets (upon them be peace) and the joy of the foremost servants of God. They are joyous not only when others would be joyous, their joy is in Allah. That which is connected to Allah and to the promise of Allah is not given two the vagaries of change, even if they were outwardly sad. 

The Reality of Happiness and Rejoicing 

The believer takes the means in life, beholding that both the means and effects are from Allah. Allah is the facilitator of means and the Effector of all effects. Allah is the Creator of everything. The key to contentment and joy is to see things as they are. Allah says:

قُلْ كُلٌّۭ مِّنْ عِندِ ٱللَّهِ ۖ

“Say, ‘Each is from Allah.’” [Quran, 4:78; tr; Keller, Quran Beheld]

The beginning of joy is focusing on Allah. Allah Most High has placed within the human being certain essential qualities that are from the innate temperament of the human being such as happiness, sadness, feeling honored, abased, feeling up, feeling down, feeling joy, distress, and other such qualities. 

These are personal qualities that the human self is characterized by, whether they are a believer or a disbeliever. From the qualities that Allah Most High has created the human being with is happiness. Happiness is to feel joy. 

When it comes to virtue, Islam is not merely about theory – it is about practice. Yes, there is a body of knowledge and that is important, but the very notion of the Sunna is the practical method of living virtue.

The post The True Joy: Rejoicing and Gratitude appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

How should one handle doubts about a divorce taking place?

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat guides managing doubts about whether a divorce has occurred.

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat pursued Arabic Grammar and Morphology alongside his English and History degree. Post-graduation, he deepened his studies in Damascus, learning Arabic, Hanafi Fiqh, Theology, and more under notable scholars like Shaykh Adnan Darwish and Shaykh Rashad Shams. He continued in Amman, expanding into Tafsir, Hadith, Prophetic Biography, and other Islamic sciences, guided by teachers such as Shaykh Ali Hani and Dr. Hamza al-Bakri.

The post How Should One Handle Doubts about a Divorce Taking Place? – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

What should one do if they have unpaid zakat but can’t afford to pay it?

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat advises on handling unpaid zakat when one is unable to afford it.

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat pursued Arabic Grammar and Morphology alongside his English and History degree. Post-graduation, he deepened his studies in Damascus, learning Arabic, Hanafi Fiqh, Theology, and more under notable scholars like Shaykh Adnan Darwish and Shaykh Rashad Shams. He continued in Amman, expanding into Tafsir, Hadith, Prophetic Biography, and other Islamic sciences, guided by teachers such as Shaykh Ali Hani and Dr. Hamza al-Bakri.

The post What Should One Do If They Have Unpaid Zakat but Can’t Afford to Pay It? – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

Is non-wine alcohol permissible in cooking?

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat clarifies the ruling on using non-wine alcohol in cooking.

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat pursued Arabic Grammar and Morphology alongside his English and History degree. Post-graduation, he deepened his studies in Damascus, learning Arabic, Hanafi Fiqh, Theology, and more under notable scholars like Shaykh Adnan Darwish and Shaykh Rashad Shams. He continued in Amman, expanding into Tafsir, Hadith, Prophetic Biography, and other Islamic sciences, guided by teachers such as Shaykh Ali Hani and Dr. Hamza al-Bakri.

The post Is Non-wine Alcohol Permissible in Cooking? – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

Is it better to make dua in English or Arabic during prayer?

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat explores whether it’s better to make dua in Arabic or English during prayer.

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat pursued Arabic Grammar and Morphology alongside his English and History degree. Post-graduation, he deepened his studies in Damascus, learning Arabic, Hanafi Fiqh, Theology, and more under notable scholars like Shaykh Adnan Darwish and Shaykh Rashad Shams. He continued in Amman, expanding into Tafsir, Hadith, Prophetic Biography, and other Islamic sciences, guided by teachers such as Shaykh Ali Hani and Dr. Hamza al-Bakri.

The post Is It Better to Make Dua in English or Arabic during Prayer? – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

Should I use the gold nisab or silver nisab for calculating Zakat?

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat explains whether to use the gold or silver nisab to calculate zakat.

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat pursued Arabic Grammar and Morphology alongside his English and History degree. Post-graduation, he deepened his studies in Damascus, learning Arabic, Hanafi Fiqh, Theology, and more under notable scholars like Shaykh Adnan Darwish and Shaykh Rashad Shams. He continued in Amman, expanding into Tafsir, Hadith, Prophetic Biography, and other Islamic sciences, guided by teachers such as Shaykh Ali Hani and Dr. Hamza al-Bakri.

The post Should I Use the Gold Nisab or Silver Nisab for Calculating Zakat? – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

How do we understand “There is no compulsion in religion”?

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat explains the meaning of “There is no compulsion in religion” within the Islamic context.

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat pursued Arabic Grammar and Morphology alongside his English and History degree. Post-graduation, he deepened his studies in Damascus, learning Arabic, Hanafi Fiqh, Theology, and more under notable scholars like Shaykh Adnan Darwish and Shaykh Rashad Shams. He continued in Amman, expanding into Tafsir, Hadith, Prophetic Biography, and other Islamic sciences, guided by teachers such as Shaykh Ali Hani and Dr. Hamza al-Bakri.

The post How Do We Understand “There Is No Compulsion in Religion”? – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

How can I convince my friend to avoid an impermissible relationship?

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat offers practical advice on gently counseling a friend involved in an impermissible relationship.

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat pursued Arabic Grammar and Morphology alongside his English and History degree. Post-graduation, he deepened his studies in Damascus, learning Arabic, Hanafi Fiqh, Theology, and more under notable scholars like Shaykh Adnan Darwish and Shaykh Rashad Shams. He continued in Amman, expanding into Tafsir, Hadith, Prophetic Biography, and other Islamic sciences, guided by teachers such as Shaykh Ali Hani and Dr. Hamza al-Bakri.

The post How Can I Convince My Friend to Avoid an Impermissible Relationship? – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

Does bleeding from the rectum break wudu, and is it impure (najis) if it does not flow out? I have heard that bleeding only breaks wudu and is impure (najis) if it flows, so would this also apply to blood from the rectum?

Also, if it is not constant and bleeding occurs mainly only after defecation and up to 12 hours after (mainly only if I pass wind), but in rare cases, it occurs randomly, what should I do? Should I check before every prayer? 

The blood that comes out of the back passage is minimal and would not have flowed if I hadn’t wiped it. If I dab a tissue on the area, the tissue will show only a speck of blood.

Please provide an answer that will grant me ease, as this is severely affecting my mental health.

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate

I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.

Bleeding from the rectum breaks wudu and is impure even if it does not flow. Check before you do wudu and pray to ensure your prayers are valid. Do not worry. Remain assured. Just follow the above guidelines. See the link below.

[Ibn ʿAbidin, Radd al-Muhtar; ‘Ala al-Din ‘Abidin, Al-Hadiyya al-‘Ala’iyya; Tahtawi, Hashiya al-Tahtawi ’ala Maraqi ‘l-Falah]

I would like you to go through the valuable answers and links below. You will receive guidance and direction in sha Allah.

Related

• Problems With Sickness And Purification – SeekersGuidance

Why not begin your search for knowledge by signing up for a course on SeekersAcademy (seekersguidance.org)?

I pray this helps with your question.

[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat 

Mawlana Ilyas Patel is a traditionally-trained scholar who has studied within UK, India, Pakistan, Syria, Jordan and Turkey.

He started his early education in UK. He went onto complete hifz of Qur’an in India, then enrolled into an Islamic seminary in UK where he studied the secular and Alimiyyah sciences. He then travelled to Karachi, Pakistan.

He has been an Imam in Rep of Ireland for a number of years. He has taught hifz of the Qur’an, Tajwid, Fiqh and many other Islamic sciences to both children and adults onsite and online extensively in UK and Ireland. He was teaching at a local Islamic seminary for 12 years in the UK where he was a librarian and a teacher of Islamic sciences.

He currently resides in UK with his wife. His personal interest is love of books and gardening.

The post Does Bleeding From the Back Passage Due to Fissures or Hemorrhoids Break Wudu and Is it Impure (Najis)? – Mawlana Ilyas Patel appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) is accused of adopting the geocentric model of Ptolemy and Aristotle in Surah Yasin, verses 38-40.

A friend told me that Muqatil Ibn Sulayman supported the heliocentric model. Please explain and translate his Tafsir on these verses to clarify this.

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate

I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.

It is a well-known scientific fact that the Earth orbits around the sun, and not vice versa. However, it is important to note that the Qur’an and Sunna were not intended to be solely focused on scientific matters. Rather, their primary purpose is to guide and instruct humans on how to live a righteous life, attain felicity and recognize Allah Most High. 

Allah Most High said, “The sun travels for its fixed term. That is the design of the Almighty, All-Knowing. As for the moon, We have ordained ˹precise˺ phases for it until it ends up looking like an old, curved palm stalk. It is not for the sun to catch up with the moon, nor does the night outrun the day. Each is traveling in an orbit of their own.”  [Quran, 38-40]

And the sun runs for its resting place for its appointed time until the Day of Resurrection.

Abu Dhar al-Ghifari said: The sunset one day, so I asked the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace), where does the sunset? Then the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “She sets down in a spring of mud and black mud. Then she falls down, prostrating under the Throne, and asks for permission, and he gives her permission. It is as if she had been told, ‘Return to where you are setting.’”

That is what He mentioned of night and day, and the sun and the moon flow in His dominion according to what He has decreed of their affairs and creation, by the decree of the Mighty, the All-Knowing – Then he said – And the moon We have destined for places in the sky, it increases, then it becomes equal, then it decreases at the end of the month until it returns like a crimp until it returns like a thread as it would be at the beginning. What begins with “like a limp” means an old, withered, bent stem that has been aged for a year.

Then He, the Almighty and Majestic, said: It is not necessary for the sun to overtake the moon and shine with the light of the moon “because” the sun is the ruler of the day, and the moon is the ruler of the night. Then He said: Nor does the night precede the day. The night and the day are in an orbit. They swim in a circle. They run. This means that the sun and the moon enter under the earth from the west and emerge from under the earth until they emerge from the east. Then they run in the sky until they set before the sunset. This is their rotation. He says, “And each one swims in an orbit.” Both of them run in circles until the Day of Resurrection.

[Muqatil al-Balkhi, Tafsir Muqatil Ibn Sulaiman]

 وَالشَّمْسُ تَجْرِي لِمُسْتَقَرٍّ لَها لوقت لها إلى يوم القيامة،

قال أبو ذر الغفاري: غربت الشمس يوما، فسألت النبي- ﷺ أين تغرب الشمس؟ فقال النبي- ﷺ تغرب في عين حمئة وطينة سوداء، ثم تخر ساجدة تحت العرش فتستأذن فيأذن لها فكأن قد قيل لها ارجعي إلى حيث تغربين  .

ذلِكَ الذي ذكر من الليل والنهار، والشمس والقمر يجري في ملكه بما قدر من أمرهما وخلقهما تَقْدِيرُ الْعَزِيزِ الْعَلِيمِ– – ثم قال-وَالْقَمَرَ قَدَّرْناهُ مَنازِلَ فى السماء يزيد، ثم يستوي، ثم ينقص في آخر الشهر حَتَّى عادَ كَالْعُرْجُونِ حتى عاد مثل الخيط كما يكون أول ما استهل فيه «كالعرجون» يعني العذق اليابس المنحني الْقَدِيمِ الذي أتى عليه الحول. ثم قال- جل وعز-: لَا الشَّمْسُ يَنْبَغِي لَها أَنْ تُدْرِكَ الْقَمَرَ فتضيء مع ضوء القمر، «لأن» الشمس سلطان النهار، والقمر سلطان الليل، ثم قال- : وَلَا اللَّيْلُ سابِقُ النَّهارِ يقول «ولا يدرك سواد الليل ضوء النهار فيغلبه على ضوئه وَكُلٌّ الليل والنهار فِي فَلَكٍ يَسْبَحُونَ في دوران يجرون يعني الشمس والقمر يدخلان تحت الأرض من قبل المغرب فيخرجان من تحت الأرض، حتى يخرجا من قبل المشرق، ثم يجريان في السماء حتى يغربا قبل المغرب، فهذا دورانهما فذلك قوله- «وَكُلٌّ فِي فَلَكٍ يَسْبَحُونَ» يقول وكلاهما في دوران يجريان إلى يوم القيامة

I would like you to go through the valuable answers and links below. You will receive guidance and direction in sha Allah.

Related

• Is It Obligatory to Believe That the Earth Is Stationary and That the Sun Orbits Around It? – SeekersGuidance
• Hadiths On The Cosmos On Cosmic Revolution, Time, The Dying Sun And Energy – SeekersGuidance
• Earth Archives – SeekersGuidance
• Does the Quran refer to geocentrism? | (youtube.com)
• Does the Hadith of the Sun prostrating support geocentrism? | (youtube.com)

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I pray this helps with your question.

[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Mawlana Ilyas Patel is a traditionally-trained scholar who has studied within UK, India, Pakistan, Syria, Jordan and Turkey.

He started his early education in UK. He went onto complete hifz of Qur’an in India, then enrolled into an Islamic seminary in UK where he studied the secular and Alimiyyah sciences. He then travelled to Karachi, Pakistan.

He has been an Imam in Rep of Ireland for a number of years. He has taught hifz of the Qur’an, Tajwid, Fiqh and many other Islamic sciences to both children and adults onsite and online extensively in UK and Ireland. He was teaching at a local Islamic seminary for 12 years in the UK where he was a librarian and a teacher of Islamic sciences.

He currently resides in UK with his wife. His personal interest is love of books and gardening.

The post Could You Please Refute the Ambiguity Surrounding the Geocentric Model of Ptolemy? – Mawlana Ilyas Patel appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

While doing istinja for urine, istinja water not only flows through the site of urine but also the area around it, for example, some part of the buttocks in the case of a female). Let’s say it’s the same istinja water that removed the urine and is also flowing through the area around it. So is it considered impure, and does that mean the area around has to be washed now? I suffer from misgivings, and it’s difficult for me.

In case I’m supposed to wash it, if I pour water over the area around while wiping it with my hand, does my hand also become impure, and does it make the area impure again?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate

I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.

Water that is used to wash up after istinja does not make the surrounding area impure. When you pour water over the area to wash, subsequent water and pouring will be pure. The first pouring removes the impurity, and the same with your hands too. However, one should wash the hands after to clean away the bacteria.

Istibra (Process of Cleaning the Urethra)

The process of ensuring that there are no traces of urine at the point of exit is called “istibra’.”

The duty to perform istibra’ is only incumbent upon men. Women don’t have to perform istibra’ to be able to pray a valid prayer afterward. A woman simply needs to wait for a little after urinating, and that’s it. 

[Ibn Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar]

Just learn to wash up, find out what is the right thing to do, and simply do it., then ignore. Learn about the correct way, then leave it to Allah Most High, and thank Him, it will make Shaytan leave you not doubting, and He will be in despair.

I would like you to go through the valuable answers and links below. You will receive guidance and direction in sha Allah.

Related Answers

How Should One Properly Do Istinja and Wudu? – (seekersguidance.org)

How Can Women Clean Themselves after Urine in Public Places? – (seekersguidance.org)

A Reader on OCD and Waswasa (Baseless Misgivings) (seekersguidance.org)

Why not begin your search for knowledge by signing up for a course on SeekersAcademy (seekersguidance.org)?

I pray this helps with your question.

[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Mawlana Ilyas Patel is a traditionally-trained scholar who has studied within UK, India, Pakistan, Syria, Jordan and Turkey.

He started his early education in UK. He went onto complete hifz of Qur’an in India, then enrolled into an Islamic seminary in UK where he studied the secular and Alimiyyah sciences. He then travelled to Karachi, Pakistan.

He has been an Imam in Rep of Ireland for a number of years. He has taught hifz of the Qur’an, Tajwid, Fiqh and many other Islamic sciences to both children and adults onsite and online extensively in UK and Ireland. He was teaching at a local Islamic seminary for 12 years in the UK where he was a librarian and a teacher of Islamic sciences.

He currently resides in UK with his wife. His personal interest is love of books and gardening.

The post Does the Water Used for Istinja Impure The Surrounding Area? – Mawlana Ilyas Patel appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

What does Shaikh Nabulsi state in al-Hadiqa al-Nadiyya, Sharh al-Tariqa al-Muhammadiyya about when one becomes sinful by forgetting the Quran?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate

I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.

The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, as part of a longer tradition, “The sins of my community were presented before me, and I didn’t see a sin more tremendous than that of a person who was granted a chapter (surah) or verse (ayah) of the Qur’an, and he forgot it.” [Tirmidhi]

The Hanafis explained that “forgetting” in this context means being unable to recite the Quran from the mushaf after learning it. The literal meaning of memorizing the Quran and forgetting is not meant here. Shaykh `Abdul Ghani al-Nabulsi says, “and this is a tremendous amount of expansiveness from Imam Abu Hanifa (Allah Most High have mercy upon him).”

[Nabulsi, al-Hadiqa al-Nadiyya Sharh al-Tariqa al-Muhammadiyya]

See the links below for a deeper understanding.

May Allah Most High give us all divine success to recite the Quran daily, however little, and allow us to grow spiritually through it, Amin.

I would like you to go through the valuable answers and links below. You will receive guidance and direction in sha Allah.

Related Answers

Should I Memorize Islamic Texts As A Student If I Have Forgotten the Quran? (seekersguidance.org)

Is It Strictly Prohibited (Haram) to Forget a Quranic Verse after Memorizing It? (seekersguidance.org)

Hadiths on forgetting the Quran – Hadith Answers

Motivation to Memorize Qur’an – SeekersGuidance

Why not begin your search for knowledge by signing up for a course from the

Quranic Studies Curriculum (seekersguidance.org)

I pray this helps with your question.

[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Mawlana Ilyas Patel is a traditionally-trained scholar who has studied within UK, India, Pakistan, Syria, Jordan and Turkey.

He started his early education in UK. He went onto complete hifz of Qur’an in India, then enrolled into an Islamic seminary in UK where he studied the secular and Alimiyyah sciences. He then travelled to Karachi, Pakistan.

He has been an Imam in Rep of Ireland for a number of years. He has taught hifz of the Qur’an, Tajwid, Fiqh and many other Islamic sciences to both children and adults onsite and online extensively in UK and Ireland. He was teaching at a local Islamic seminary for 12 years in the UK where he was a librarian and a teacher of Islamic sciences.

He currently resides in UK with his wife. His personal interest is love of books and gardening.

The post Does One Become Sinful by Forgetting the Quran? – Mawlana Ilyas Patel appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

One of the benefits of Zakat for the recipients is that it liberates them from need. When you liberate someone from need, you make him worship Allah without problems and worries. A heart and a mind that thinks about money, want, and need, will never worship Allah with clarity.

Freeing Someone from Need

In third world countries, where people have to run day and night to earn their living. They have no time to read a word. We are blessed to have time for litanies, gatherings of knowledge, and remembrance. Sometimes, you may be so close to something but because life is so tough and hectic, you do not feel the beauty. By freeing the person from want and from need, you are dedicating him to worship Allah. 

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) reportedly sought refuge from poverty. Our master Ali reportedly said, “If poverty was a man, I would have killed him.” A great deal of scholars said a grateful rich person is better than a patient poor person. However, Ibn Ata’illah holds that the one who is poor and patient is better than the one who is rich and grateful because “Poverty is your quality and wealth is His attribute.” Allah says:

وَوَجَدَكَ عَآئِلًۭا فَأَغْنَىٰ

“And find you impoverished, then well suffice?” [Quran, 93:8; tr. Keller, Quran Beheld]

What Charity Is

The Companions realized that the one who has money has a lot of access to reward. In the famous hadith some people from among the Companions of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), “O Messenger of Allah, the affluent have made off with the rewards. They pray as we pray. They fast as we fast. And they give [much] in charity by virtue of their wealth.”

He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Has not Allah made things for you to give in charity? Truly every tasbihah [saying: subhan-Allah] is a charity. And every takbirah [saying: Allahu akbar] is a charity. Every tahmidah [saying: al-hamdu lillah] is a charity. And every tahlilah [saying: la ilaha ill’ Allah] is a charity.

And commanding the good is a charity. Forbidding an evil is a charity. In the bud‘i [sexual act] of each one of you there is a charity.” They said, “O Messenger of Allah, when one of us fulfils his carnal desire will he have some reward for that?” He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Do you not see that if he were to act upon it [his desire] in an unlawful manner then he would be deserving of punishment? Likewise, if he were to act upon it in a lawful manner then he will be deserving of a reward.”

Endowments and Empowerment

Abu Huraira narrated that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: “There is no favor due upon us from anyone, except that we have repaid him, with the exception of Abu Bakr. Verily, upon us there is a favor due to him which Allah will repay him on the Day of Judgement. No one’s wealth has benefited me as Abu Bakr’s wealth has benefited me. Were to take a Khalil, then I would have taken Abu Bakr as a Khalil. Indeed your Companion is Allah’s Khalil.” 

Our master Uthman prepared the whole army. Money is crucial. It saves the nation and the whole society. How much have we benefited from many endowments established by people who had the means to save the students of knowledge, enabling them to study and to dedicate themselves? How much can money, if channelled in the right way, save many young people from falling in fornication by marrying them off? 

It is mentioned that ten things will never stop generating reward for a human being. One of them is building a place for the remembrance of Allah. 

Zakat empowers the poor and the needy to engage with the society. They will not feel that no one cares about them. They will not have a grudge or harbor any grudge. Zakat money saves the whole nation. It saves the one who gives it and it saves the one who receives it. It generates job opportunities for the poor and the needy and it makes the society feel solid in the face of any external attack.

The post Zakat: The One Who Takes appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

I recently purchased a horse bristle beard brush to avoid impermissible boar bristle brushes. Still, now I wonder if the horse bristles are also impermissible. Also, what is the ruling on other animal bristles and leather products? 

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate

I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.

Yes, using brushes from animal hair other than a pig is permitted. This reasoning is because the hair, bones, claws, nails, and horns of dead animals (other than pigs) are pure (Tahir) in the Hanafi school.

The hair of dead animals other than the pig, according to the position of our school and their bones, ligaments, claws, and horns – when these are free of the fat on their ends – and likewise everything from them through which blood doesn’t flow is pure.” [Ibn ʿAbidin, Radd al-Muhtar]

I would like you to go through the valuable answers and links below. You will receive guidance and direction in sha Allah.

Related

• Is It Permissible to Use Brushes Made of Animal Hair Other than Pig? – SeekersGuidance
• What is the ruling in the Hanafi school regarding leather products? – SeekersGuidance

Why not begin your search for knowledge by signing up for a course on SeekersAcademy (seekersguidance.org)?

I pray this helps with your question.

[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Mawlana Ilyas Patel is a traditionally-trained scholar who has studied within UK, India, Pakistan, Syria, Jordan and Turkey.

He started his early education in UK. He went onto complete hifz of Qur’an in India, then enrolled into an Islamic seminary in UK where he studied the secular and Alimiyyah sciences. He then travelled to Karachi, Pakistan.

He has been an Imam in Rep of Ireland for a number of years. He has taught hifz of the Qur’an, Tajwid, Fiqh and many other Islamic sciences to both children and adults onsite and online extensively in UK and Ireland. He was teaching at a local Islamic seminary for 12 years in the UK where he was a librarian and a teacher of Islamic sciences.

He currently resides in UK with his wife. His personal interest is love of books and gardening.

The post Are Brushes That Are Made of Horse Bristles Permissible? – Mawlana Ilyas Patel appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

What role does trustworthiness play in achieving social justice in Islam?

Answer

All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds. Blessings and peace be upon the Master of the Messengers, his Family, and all his Companions.

The Role of Trustworthiness in Social Justice

Trustworthiness plays a crucial role in achieving social justice within a Muslim society by ensuring equal opportunities and placing the right person in the right position.

It involves each member of society fulfilling their responsibilities in accordance with Islamic teachings, thereby preventing harm, injustice, and the loss of rights and resources. All these principles are emphasized in the sacred texts, and Allah knows best.

Examples

Here are a few examples of trustworthiness in achieving social justice:

Placing the Right Person in the Right Position

When a person is appointed to a position based on their expertise and experience, regardless of their social status or connections, this is an act of trustworthiness. Neglecting this principle is a betrayal of social justice, which is often referred to today as the principle of equal opportunity.

Abu Hurayra (Allah be pleased with him) reported that while the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) was talking to a group of people, a Bedouin came and asked, “When will the Hour be?” The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) continued his talk. Some people said that the Prophet had heard the question but disliked it, while others said that he had not heard it. When the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) finished his speech, he asked,

“Where is the one who asked about the Hour?” The Bedouin said, “Here I am, O Messenger of Allah.” The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “When trustworthiness is lost, then wait for the Hour.” He asked, “How will it be lost, O Messenger of Allah?” He said, “When authority is given to those who are not qualified, then wait for the Hour” [Bukhari]

Fulfilling Responsibilities Justly

When individuals in positions of responsibility fulfill their duties in accordance with Islamic law, whether in public or private dealings, they act justly—for instance, a judge who is fair between disputants, returns rights to their owners, and prevents injustice. This is an act of trustworthiness.

Trustworthiness of Leaders and Rulers

This includes the highest leader, the ruler, or those in charge of the affairs of Muslims at all levels in matters related to protecting people’s wealth, lives, bodies, and minds and safeguarding them from anything harmful. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:

“There are seven whom Allah will shade in His shade on the Day when there is no shade but His: a just ruler, a youth who grew up in the worship of Allah…” [Bukhari; Muslim]

Similarly, Ibn ‘Umar (Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:

“All of you are guardians and are responsible for your wards. The ruler is a guardian and responsible for his subjects; the man is a guardian and responsible for his family; the woman is a guardian and is responsible for her husband’s house and his offspring; and so all of you are guardians and are responsible for your wards.” [Ibid.]

All these responsibilities are forms of trustworthiness, and safeguarding them is key to achieving social justice. And Allah knows best.

Conclusion

Achieving social justice is realized by giving everyone their due rights while fulfilling responsibilities and obligations. Let us strive to uphold these principles, as explained above, and Allah is the One who grants success.

Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Abdul Sami‘ al-Yakti

Shaykh Abdul Sami‘ al-Yaqti is a Syrian scholar born in Aleppo in 1977. He obtained his degree in Shari‘a from the Shari‘a Faculty of Damascus University, a Diploma in Educational Qualification from the Faculty of Education at Aleppo University, and a Diploma in Shari‘a and a Master’s in Shari‘a from the Faculty of Sharia, and Law at Omdurman University in Sudan. He is currently writing his doctoral thesis.

He studied under esteemed scholars such as Shaykh Abdul Rahman al-Shaghouri, Shaykh Mustafa al-Turkmani, and Shaykh Dr. Nur al-Din Itr, among others. Shaykh al-Yakti has worked in teaching and cultural guidance in orphanages and high schools in Aleppo. He served as an Imam, Khatib, and reciter at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi and as a certified trainer for Khatibs in Abu Dhabi’s Khatib Qualification Program.

He is involved in developing and teaching a youth education program at Seekers Arabic for Islamic Sciences.

Among Shaykh al-Yaqti’s significant works are “Imam al-Haramayn al-Juwayni: Bayna Ilm al-Kalam Wa Usul al-Fiqh” and the program “The Messenger of Allah Among Us (Allah bless him and give him peace).”

The post How Does Trustworthiness Contribute to Social Justice in Islam? appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

I want to know whether the brain, leg, liver, and spleen should be included while dividing the meat into three parts during the sacrificial animal on Eid al Adha. If not compulsory or mandatory, please mention the source and its authenticity among the different scholars, and if the source is a hadith, then at which level in the hadith is it considered? 

If yes, can we keep these parts with us to eat?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate

Eating from your Qurbani animal is recommended (mustaḥab) according to all four schools of thought and necessary according to some scholars. This has been described as hospitality from Allah, and for this reason, it is sunna to eat after Eid Ṣalah as the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) would not eat until he would return from Eid Ṣalah and after that eat from his Qurbani. 

Perform Sacrifice Locally, too

It is desirable (mustaḥab) to make the Qurbani meat the first thing a person consumes on Eid al-Aḍḥa. This is why, along with performing Qurbanis abroad, families should perform Qurbanis locally to fulfill this noble Sunnah, acquire its benefits, and instill its significance within children.

[Kasani, Bada’i al-Sana’i, Al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya]

Distributing and Splitting the Meat into Parts

Scholars have further recommended how to split the meat:

• Many Ḥanafi scholars suggest that eating a third is preferable, donating a third, and preserving a third. Some Ḥanafi scholars suggest donating a third and eating two-thirds, while some suggest the opposite if a person is wealthy.
• Some Maliki scholars suggest that eating a third is preferable, donating a third, and preserving a third. Others suggest eating a third and donating two-thirds, while some suggest donating half and eating half. Imam Malik, however, would not specify the proportion and would advise generally to eat and donate.
• Some Shafiʿi scholars suggest eating half and donating half is preferable. Others suggest eating a third and donating two-thirds, while others recommend eating a third, donating a third, and distributing a third to whom a person wishes. Imam Ghazali means it is preferable to eat a third, donate a third, and preserve a third, a view that the Shafiʿi scholars have rejected.
• The Ḥanbali scholars suggest it is preferable to donate a third, distribute a third to whomsoever he wishes, family and associates, and eat a third.

[Kasani, Bada’i al-Sana’i; Nawawi, Al-Majmu; Ibn Qudama, Mughni]

Seven Forbidden Parts of an Animal

Mujahid (Allah have mercy on him) relates, “The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) disliked eating seven things from the sheep; the gall bladder, the urinary bladder, the glands, the vulva, the penis, the testicles, and the blood.”

[This is graded sahih and hasan by Imam Dhafar Usmani in ‘ila al-Sunan]

In conclusion, a person should eat the meat himself and also distribute it to the poor and others. One can eat, distribute, split, and store every part of the animal except the seven mentioned parts. Also, preserving and keeping the meat for future use is permissible.

I would like you to go through the valuable answers and links below. You will receive guidance and direction in sha Allah.

Related Answers

What Parts Of a Slaughtered Animal Are Impermissible To Consume? – SeekersGuidance

A Reader on Eid al-Adha – SeekersGuidance

Why not begin your search for knowledge by signing up for a course on SeekersAcademy (seekersguidance.org)?

I pray this helps with your question.

[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Mawlana Ilyas Patel is a traditionally-trained scholar who has studied within UK, India, Pakistan, Syria, Jordan and Turkey.

He started his early education in UK. He went onto complete hifz of Qur’an in India, then enrolled into an Islamic seminary in UK where he studied the secular and Alimiyyah sciences. He then travelled to Karachi, Pakistan.

He has been an Imam in Rep of Ireland for a number of years. He has taught hifz of the Qur’an, Tajwid, Fiqh and many other Islamic sciences to both children and adults onsite and online extensively in UK and Ireland. He was teaching at a local Islamic seminary for 12 years in the UK where he was a librarian and a teacher of Islamic sciences.

He currently resides in UK with his wife. His personal interest is love of books and gardening.

The post Does Offal Have to be Included in the Three Splits of the Sacrificial Animal? -Mawlana Ilyas Patel appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

 I’m 18. I have for long time been very confused since turning my life around for Allah and trying to learn the deen, but it’s very hard without access or knowing local scholars. I am based in Denmark, and it could be awesome if seekers new scholars or members of the institution are also living in Denmark. I hope I will get some help or advice. It could be so awesome if there actually were somebody in Denmark that could help with religious needs. 

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate

I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question. Jazak Allah for duas and connection with the din. Allah Most High, keep you steadfast upon it and make you a means to spread good in your society.

I am unaware of any scholars or members in Denmark who work for the organization. However, study online with SeekersGuidance and enroll in a program, then book an online appointment with a qualified scholar for mentorship, guidance, and consultation on Your Islamic Studies with SeekersGuidance courses. 

This is a good way to keep connected for now. Allah Most High open up doors for on-the-ground scholars for you in the near future, in sha Allah.

I would like you to go through the valuable answers and links below. You will receive guidance and direction in sha Allah.

Related Answers

Knowledge and Guidance: A Comprehensive SeekersGuidance Reader – SeekersGuidance

How Do I Find a Mentor to Help Me Understand My Religion? (seekersguidance.org)

Why Muslim Youth Need Guiding Mentorship – SeekersGuidance

Purification of the Heart for Youth: Diseases of the Heart and Their Cure – YouTube

The Path of Muhammad: Birgivi’s Manual of Taqwa Explained – YouTube

Purification of the Heart: Signs, Symptoms, and Cures of the Spiritual Diseases of the Heart: Hamza Yusuf: 9780985565909: Amazon.com: Books (Book)

Istikhara, The Prayer of Seeking Guidance: The Ultimate Guide – A Reader – SeekersGuidance

How Does One Perform The Prayer Of Need (salat al-haja)? – SeekersGuidance

Prayer of Repentance: Salat al-Tawba – SeekersGuidance

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I pray this helps with your question.

[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Mawlana Ilyas Patel is a traditionally-trained scholar who has studied within UK, India, Pakistan, Syria, Jordan and Turkey.

He started his early education in UK. He went onto complete hifz of Qur’an in India, then enrolled into an Islamic seminary in UK where he studied the secular and Alimiyyah sciences. He then travelled to Karachi, Pakistan.

He has been an Imam in Rep of Ireland for a number of years. He has taught hifz of the Qur’an, Tajwid, Fiqh and many other Islamic sciences to both children and adults onsite and online extensively in UK and Ireland. He was teaching at a local Islamic seminary for 12 years in the UK where he was a librarian and a teacher of Islamic sciences.

He currently resides in UK with his wife. His personal interest is love of books and gardening.

The post How Can I Find Solution to Religious Needs Without Having Access to On the Ground Scholars? – Mawlana Ilyas Patel appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

I read a hadith that said three caliphs will fight for this treasure of yours and then read an article that said that this is either talking about the treasure that is under the Ka’ba or the Euphrates one, and I realized it couldn’t be the treasure of the Ka’ba because an Ethiopian will be the one to take that and that is a major sign meaning it’s the one under the Euphrates and Hafiz ibn Hajar said if it’s the Euphrates one then it will happen at the time of the Mahdi which scared me because the Euphrates is said to dry by 2040 which is very close so I wanted to ask is there another treasure it could be talking about or is there anything to debunk it being the Euphrates one because it’s scaring me a lot?

Answer

I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.

Abu Hurayra (Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: “The Hour will not occur until the Euphrates recedes, uncovering a mountain of gold over which people will fight. Ninety-nine out of every hundred will be killed. Every man among them will say: ‘I might be the one who survives.'” Another narration states: “Soon the Euphrates will recede, uncovering a treasure of gold. Whoever is present at this event should not take anything from it.”  [Bukhari; Muslim]

Stay Away From The Discovery

Ibn Hajr (Allah have mercy on him) said, our Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) informs us that close to the establishment of the Hour, during the time of Mahdi, the River Euphrates will uncover a treasure of gold within it or a mountain of gold, meaning the gold will come out as a mountain, and people will fight over it because it is one of the trials. The hadith states that the mountain under the Euphrates will cause bloodshed where 99 of every hundred die. Then he forbids those who witness that incident from taking it out because no one will be saved.

The Euphrates River has uncovered a previously unknown ancient palace. It also found a previously unknown or lost dynasty. In human history, lakes of gold have been found, as was seen in some countries. [Usmani, Takmila al-Fath al-Mulhim]

Our Duty

Our duty, and people at large, is to avoid it. If it creates fear, then it is good for us. These signs were mentioned so we prepare for our Next life, focus on it, and avoid incidents and events like the above.

Why not begin your search for knowledge by signing up for a course on SeekersAcademy (seekersguidance.org)?

I hope this helps with your question.

[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Mawlana Ilyas Patel is a traditionally-trained scholar who has studied within UK, India, Pakistan, Syria, Jordan and Turkey.

He started his early education in UK. He went onto complete hifz of Qur’an in India, then enrolled into an Islamic seminary in UK where he studied the secular and Alimiyyah sciences. He then travelled to Karachi, Pakistan.

He has been an Imam in Rep of Ireland for a number of years. He has taught hifz of the Qur’an, Tajwid, Fiqh and many other Islamic sciences to both children and adults onsite and online extensively in UK and Ireland. He was teaching at a local Islamic seminary for 12 years in the UK where he was a librarian and a teacher of Islamic sciences.

He currently resides in UK with his wife. His personal interest is love of books and gardening.

The post Is There Any Mention of a Treasure of Gold Being Discovered? – Mawlana Ilyas Patel appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Allah has created us differently and that is just part of being created. There is wisdom in the differing of night and day, the differing of our colors and our backgrounds. There are signs of Allah. All these differences fulfill a greater purpose.

Who Are You?

Allah created us and in that are numerous signs. Allah has created you. That is who you are.

You are needy. We were born naked, without anything. We were born in utter need. Imagine if Allah had not placed within mothers the inclination to take care of their children. We would not survive. Human beings in that sense are weaker than some animals.

Allah says:

یَـٰۤأَیُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ أَنتُمُ ٱلۡفُقَرَاۤءُ إِلَى ٱللَّهِۖ وَٱللَّهُ هُوَ ٱلۡغَنِیُّ ٱلۡحَمِیدُ
“O mankind: it is you who are in utter need of Allah, and Allah is the Far Exalted above Need for Any, the All-laudable of bounty.” [Quran, 35:15; tr. Keller, Quran Beheld]

We are weak as well. Allah tells us in the Quran:

وَخُلِقَ ٱلْإِنسَـٰنُ ضَعِيفًۭا
“And Man has been created direly weak.” [Quran, 4:28; tr. Keller, Quran Beheld]

You have to be aware of yourself and others. Ultimately, it is only Allah who can fulfill our ultimate neediness. The fact that we are weak entails that we rely upon the only One who can alleviate our needs.

Abu Musa (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said to me, “Shall I not guide you to a treasure from the treasures of Jannah?” I said: “Yes, O Messenger of Allah!” Thereupon he (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “(Recite) ‘La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah’ (There is no change of a condition nor power except by Allah).”

Conflicts Without and Within

If you think about conflict resolution, just as there are conflicts from without, there is a conflict within. Though you are one person, you have within you multiple tendencies and just as you have to deal with the conflicts. That, in many ways, is the greater conflict resolution.

There are reasons why society came together. We need others to fulfill our weakness and it is advantageous. Allah says:

وَجَعَلْنَـٰكُمْ شُعُوبًۭا وَقَبَآئِلَ لِتَعَارَفُوٓا۟
“And but made you peoples and major tribes to know and appreciate your own kindred ties with each other” [Quran, 49:13; tr. Keller, Quran Beheld]

This weakness that is fulfilled by coming together is at various levels. There is a material neediness. Most of the things that you have, you did not make yourself. You did not make your clothes, you did not plant your own food, you did not build your house, you did not secure the heating, lighting, modes of transportation etc. All your material needs are fulfilled through coming together with others.

Similarly, we have physical needs and that is why people marry, why people eat etc These have wisdoms. If we did not eat we’d die. If we did not procreate, humanity would die out. Consider even the emotional needs of humans about having children. There is a case to be made even for cats. Cats do not earn you anything and they do not hunt animals for you. You cannot sell anything the cats give you but we have them as pets.

Tribes and Nations

Human beings were created for one another. There are social needs. Allah has created us in tribes and nations and that is just part of the reality of our humanness.

We also have a spiritual heart, we have a heart and a soul – we have spiritual needs. Each of these needs: the material, physical, emotional, social, and the spiritual need people.In many ways, with the breakdown of society at many levels, there is an increasing degree of aloneness. People live alone and eat alone people. Even concerning families, each person in the family orders their own food. There is this element of aloneness due to people not being able to come together and deal with their differences.

To fulfill our weakness and our neediness at each of these levels, we need others. It is not just to deal with our weaknesses but also to attain the good that we seek in our worldly lives and also in our spiritual lives. There is a minor problem. Given our nature and our differing temperaments, backgrounds, interests, goals, aims, and whims, we will differ and our differences may get intense.

Even if we were just rational beings we would differ. For example, if Zubair and Zubaida both find one tree and Zubaida wants apples whereas Zubair wants the wood, they will differ, even rationally. What complicates it is that we are not just rational beings, we are also emotional beings. We have anger related to our weakness and our whims. That is part of one of the elements of the weakness of the human being.

The post Conflict Resolution: Why We Differ appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

What is Talbina, and does a Muslim receive a reward for consuming it or other foods mentioned in the Sunna?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Merciful and Compassionate.

All praise is due to Allah, Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon the Messenger sent as a mercy to the worlds, our Master and Prophet, Muhammad, and his Family and Companions.

Talbina

Talbina is a gentle food, which is a broth made from flour or bran, and honey is added to it. It is called “talbina” because it resembles milk in its whiteness and smoothness. [Azhari, Tahzib al-Lugha, Zamakhshari, al-Fa’iq fi Gharib al-Hadith]

Talbina is recommended for the sick and those grieving the loss of a loved one or someone dear to them. [Ibn Battal, Sharh Bukhari]

Bukhari narrated from ‘Aisha, the wife of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace), that

“Whenever a relative of hers died, the women would gather and then leave except for her family and close friends. She would order a pot of talbina to be cooked. Then, she would prepare a dish of tharid (a dish made with meat and bread) and pour the talbina over it. Then she would say, ‘Eat from it, for I heard the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) say: Talbina soothes the heart of the sick and takes away some of the sorrow.’” [Bukhari]

The term “soothes” indicates that it alleviates worry and grief.

Benefits of Talbina

Talbina strengthens and invigorates the patient because it is a gentle and easy-to-consume food for the sick. When the patient consumes it, the heat of hunger is alleviated, and they receive nutritional strength without much effort, which alleviates some of their distress and sadness due to illness.

‘Aisha (Allah be pleased with her) would make it for the family of the deceased and serve it with tharid because their grief distracted them from eating, intensifying the heat in their stomachs from hunger and sorrow. When she fed them talbina, it alleviated the heat of hunger, thus reducing some of their distress. This practice does not necessarily mean that it should be prepared this way for every patient, but rather according to the situation. [Qurtubi, al-Mufhim]

‘Aisha (Allah be pleased with her) used to recommend talbina and say: “It is the disliked beneficial thing.” [Bukhari]

It is called “the disliked beneficial thing” because patients usually dislike food and medicine, even though they are beneficial for them as they sustain them, strengthen their spirits, and improve their condition. [Qadi ‘Iyad, Mashariq al-Anwar]

There are other foods mentioned in the Sunna and their benefits are highlighted, including:

Black Seed

Khalid Ibn Sa‘d said: “We went out and with us was Ghalib Ibn Abjar. He fell sick on the way, and when we arrived in Madina, he was still sick. Ibn Abi ‘Atiq came to visit him and said to us, ‘You should use this black seed. Take five or seven seeds and grind them, then mix them with oil and drop them into both nostrils, for ‘Aisha told me that she heard the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) say: This black seed is a cure for every disease except al-Sam.’ I asked, ‘What is al-Sam?’ He said, ‘Death.’” [Bukhari]

Honey

Abu Sa‘id al-Khudri (Allah be pleased with him) reported that a man came to the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) and said, “My brother has a stomach disorder.” The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Let him drink honey.” The man returned and said, “O Messenger of Allah, it did not help.” He said, “Go and let him drink honey.” The man returned and said, “O Messenger of Allah, it did not help.” He said, “Allah has told the truth, and your brother’s stomach has lied. Go and let him drink honey.” He went and let him drink honey and he was cured. [Ibid.]

Truffles

From Sa‘id Ibn Zayd (Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: “Truffles are a kind of manna, and their juice is a cure for the eye.” [Ibid.]

Ajwa Dates

Sa‘d Ibn Abi Waqqas said: “I heard the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) say,

‘Whoever eats seven Ajwa dates in the morning, will not be harmed by any poison or magic on that day.’” [Muslim]

The Reward for Consuming These

Regarding the second part of the question: Does a Muslim receive a reward for consuming these prophetic foods?

The basic principle is that these foods and their likes are permissible, and performing permissible acts does not merit reward unless there is an intention behind it.

If a Muslim prepares talbina or eats seven dates in the morning, believing in and affirming the truthfulness of the Prophet’s (Allah bless him and give him peace) words, recognizing that he speaks the truth and does not speak from his own desire, as Allah (Most High) says:

“Nor does he speak of his own whims. It is only a revelation sent down (to him).” [Quran, 53:3-4]

they receive a reward for their belief, not for the mere act of eating. Similarly, if one eats these foods out of love for the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace), because he mentioned and recommended them, their reward lies in their love and reverence, rather than the mere act of eating.

Foods permitted by Allah (Most High) fall into the category of permissible actions, and one does not earn a reward for permissible actions without a righteous intention. The same applies to eating honey if it is consumed with belief in the words of Allah (Most High), who says:

“From their bellies comes forth liquid of varying colours, in which there is healing for people. Surely in this is a sign for those who reflect.” [Quran, 16:69]

One is rewarded for their belief and faith in the Book of Allah (Most High).

Conclusion

In conclusion, talbina is a gentle food that is generally harmless, which is why the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) recommended it.

Muslims should, when following the guidance of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) in food, clothing, and all aspects of life, remember the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) and his compassion and mercy towards his Umma.

These actions should be performed out of love and longing for the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace), rather than merely focusing on commands, prohibitions, and seeking rewards, lest the meanings of love and longing for this noble Prophet, whose love is an act of worship and a means of drawing closer to Allah (Most High), be lost.

May Allah bless the Prophet Muhammad and give him peace, and his Family and Companions.

And Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Anas al-Musa

Shaykh Anas al-Musa, born in Hama, Syria, in 1974, is an erudite scholar of notable repute. He graduated from the Engineering Institute in Damascus, where he specialized in General Construction, and Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Usul al-Din, where he specialized in Hadith.

He studied under prominent scholars in Damascus, including Shaykh Abdul Rahman al-Shaghouri and Shaykh Adib al-Kallas, among others. Shaykh Anas has memorized the Quran and is proficient in the ten Mutawatir recitations, having studied under Shaykh Bakri al-Tarabishi and Shaykh Mowfaq ‘Ayun. He also graduated from the Iraqi Hadith School.

He has taught numerous Islamic subjects at Shari‘a institutes in Syria and Turkey. Shaykh Anas has served as an Imam and preacher for over 15 years and is a teacher of the Quran in its various readings and narrations.

Currently, he works as a teacher at SeekersGuidance and is responsible for academic guidance there. He has completed his Master’s degree in Hadith and is now pursuing his Ph.D. in the same field. Shaykh Anas al-Musa is married and resides in Istanbul.

The post What Is Talbina? appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

What is the meaning of fairness, and what are its benefits?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Merciful and Compassionate.

All praise is due to Allah, Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon the Messenger sent as a mercy to the worlds, our Master and Prophet, Muhammad, and his Family and Companions.

Fairness (Al-Insaf)

Fairness means being just in dealings, not taking more benefits from others than one gives, and not causing more harm than one receives. Fairness in service means providing what is due in exchange for the benefit received.

Manawi said: “Fairness and justice are twins.” [Raghib, al-Mufradat, Manawi, al-Tawqif]

The Quran clarifies the concept of fairness in many verses; Allah (Most High) says:

“O believers! Stand firm for justice as witnesses for Allah even if it is against yourselves, your parents, or close relatives. Be they rich or poor, Allah is best to ensure their interests. So do not let your desires cause you to deviate (from justice). If you distort the testimony or refuse to give it, then (know that) Allah is certainly All-Aware of what you do.” [Quran, 4:135]

Allah (Most High) also says:

“O believers! Stand firm for Allah and bear true testimony. Do not let the hatred of a people lead you to injustice. Be just! That is closer to righteousness. And be mindful of Allah. Surely Allah is All-Aware of what you do.” [Quran, 5:8]

The Sunna also emphasizes the meaning of fairness and encourages it. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:

“None of you (truly) believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” [Bukhari]

Ma‘rur reported: “I met Abu Dharr in Rabadha, and he was wearing a cloak, and his servant was also wearing a cloak. I asked him about that, and he said: ‘I insulted a man and criticized him for his mother, and the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said to me:

O Abu Dharr, did you insult him for his mother? You are a man in whom there is still ignorance. Your slaves are your brothers. Allah has placed them under your hand. Whoever has his brother under his hand should feed him from what he eats and clothe him from what he wears, and do not burden them with what overwhelms them. If you burden them, then help them.’” [Bukhari]

Types of Fairness

• Self-Fairness;
• Fairness to the Creator (Most High);
• Fairness to the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace);
• Fairness to others.

1. Self-Fairness

One cannot be fair to others without being fair to oneself. A person must not claim for themselves what is not theirs, nor defile themselves with sins, nor belittle themselves through disobedience to Allah (Most High). Instead, they should nurture, honor, and elevate themselves through obedience to Allah and monotheism.

Being fair to oneself involves recognizing one’s Creator and His rights, understanding one’s purpose, not competing with the Creator for ownership and rights, and not prioritizing personal desires, such as temptations, over the will of the Creator. [Ibn Qayyim, al-Fawa’id, Zad al-Ma‘ad; Nadrat al-Na‘im fi Makarim Akhlaq al-Rasul al-Karim]

2. Fairness to the Creator (Most High)

It is inconceivable to be fair to creation without first being fair to the Creator (Most High).

Ibn Qayyim said, “Blessed is the one who is fair to his Lord by acknowledging his ignorance in his knowledge, the flaws in his deeds, the defects in himself, the negligence of his duties, and the injustice in his dealings. If Allah punishes him for his sins, he sees His justice; if He does not, he sees His grace…

Fairness in dealing with Allah (Most High) means fulfilling the rights of servitude, not competing with His divine attributes, not attributing thanks to others for His blessings, not using His blessings in disobedience, not praising anyone else, and not worshipping anyone but Him.”

3. Fairness to the Prophet (Allah Bless Him and Give Him Peace)

This involves fulfilling his rights by believing in him, loving him above all creation, obeying him, respecting and honoring him, and prioritizing his commands and words over others. It is a grave injustice to neglect any of the Prophet’s rights (Allah bless him and give him peace), who is more deserving of believers than their own selves and is more compassionate and caring towards them than anyone else. None has received any goodness except through him.

4. Fairness to Others

This means treating others with justice, even if they differ in opinion, religion, or sect. It entails ensuring fairness and equity in dealings with everyone, irrespective of personal affiliations. [Nadrat al-Na‘im fi Makarim Akhlaq al-Rasul al-Karim]

Benefits of Fairness

The benefits of fairness are numerous, as the universe is based on a balance of fairness. Allah (Most High) says,

“As for the sky, He raised it (high), and set the balance (of justice) so that you do not defraud the scales. Weigh with justice, and do not give short measure.” [Quran, 55:7-9]

Some benefits of fairness include:

• Love and Assurance: Fairness fosters love, assures everyone of their safety, and protects their property and honor.
• Restoration of Rights: Fairness ensures that rights return to their owners, spreading the spirit of fairness, and making people feel secure about their present and future.
• Selflessness: A person’s self-fairness indicates detachment from selfishness.
• Eliminates Hatred: Fairness removes hatred and malice from hearts.
• Security for the Vulnerable: Fairness assures the poor, weak, and orphans about their future without fear of oppression or injustice.

Lastly, the double standards prevalent in our world today have bred resentment and bitterness towards oppressors and tyrants who do not understand the meaning of fairness. Consequently, oppressed individuals react strongly against such tyrants, sometimes crossing boundaries. This is because the oppressed feel profound sorrow when they are wronged, robbed, or violated, and then accused of terrorism when they seek to reclaim some of their rights.

Restoring balance to the world requires the spread of fairness among people, nations, and governments. The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:

“A nation that does not give the weak their rights without trouble cannot be sanctified.” [Ibn Abi Shayba]

May Allah bless the Prophet Muhammad and give him peace, and his Family and Companions.

And Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Anas al-Musa

Shaykh Anas al-Musa, born in Hama, Syria, in 1974, is an erudite scholar of notable repute. He graduated from the Engineering Institute in Damascus, where he specialized in General Construction, and Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Usul al-Din, where he specialized in Hadith.

He studied under prominent scholars in Damascus, including Shaykh Abdul Rahman al-Shaghouri and Shaykh Adib al-Kallas, among others. Shaykh Anas has memorized the Quran and is proficient in the ten Mutawatir recitations, having studied under Shaykh Bakri al-Tarabishi and Shaykh Mowfaq ‘Ayun. He also graduated from the Iraqi Hadith School.

He has taught numerous Islamic subjects at Shari‘a institutes in Syria and Turkey. Shaykh Anas has served as an Imam and preacher for over 15 years and is a teacher of the Quran in its various readings and narrations.

Currently, he works as a teacher at SeekersGuidance and is responsible for academic guidance there. He has completed his Master’s degree in Hadith and is now pursuing his Ph.D. in the same field. Shaykh Anas al-Musa is married and resides in Istanbul.

The post What Is Fairness (Al-Insaf) and Its Benefits? appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

Is it permissible for a raqi (one who performs ruqya) to place his hand on a woman during the ruqya?

Answer

In the name of Allah, and all praise is due to Allah, and blessings and peace be upon our master Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah, his Family, his Companions, and those who follow him.

Introduction to Ruqya

Ruqya (spiritual healing) is a well-established and permissible practice in Islam, and it has been practiced since the early days of Islam. It is authentically reported that the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) performed ruqya and instructed his companions to show him their ruqyas. Many of the noble Companions also performed ruqya on their children and others.

Prophetic Guidance on Ruqya

‘Auf Ibn Malik reported: “We used to practice ruqya in the pre-Islamic period, so we said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, what do you think about that?’ He replied:

‘Present your ruqyas to me. There is nothing wrong with ruqya as long as it does not involve shirk.’” [Abu Dawud]

Abu Sa‘id narrated that Gabriel came to the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) and said: “O Muhammad, are you ill?” He said: “Yes.” Gabriel said: “In the name of Allah, I perform ruqya for you, from everything that harms you, from the evil of every soul or envious eye. May Allah heal you. In the name of Allah, I perform ruqya for you.” [Muslim]

Placing the Hand on the Area of Pain

As for placing the hand on the area of pain during ruqya, this is also mentioned in the sunna. ‘Uthman Ibn Abi al-As al-Thaqafi reported that he complained to the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) about the pain he had felt in his body since he had become Muslim. The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said to him:

“Place your hand on the part of your body where you feel pain and say, ‘Bismillah’ (in the name of Allah) three times, and then say seven times: ‘I seek refuge in Allah and His Power from the evil of what I find and what I guard against.’” [Muslim]

Scholarly Commentary

Qurtubi mentioned in his explanation of this hadith: “This command is for the purpose of teaching and guiding to what benefits by placing the raqi’s hand on the patient and wiping it, and this was not exclusive to the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace). Rather, every raqi should do this. This has been confirmed by the practice of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) and his companions, as mentioned in the previous hadiths. Therefore, the raqi should not substitute this with wiping with iron or anything else, as no one from the predecessors did this, and it has no basis.” [Qurtubi, al-Mufhim]

In the book “al-Tanwir Sharh al-Jami‘ al-Saghir,” it is mentioned: “This is one of the divine remedies that are among the fastest cures for those whose intention is sincere, and it seems to be for every pain in the limbs.” [San‘ani, al-Tanwir]

Manawi said: “Its effect appears for those whose certainty is strong and whose sincerity is complete.” [Manawi, al-Taysir]

Guidelines for Touching During Ruqya

Based on the above, there is no objection to the raqi placing his hand on the head or stomach of the patient during ruqya, regardless of the patient’s gender, provided that there is no seclusion (khalwa) and that direct contact with women is avoided.

The difference between ruqya for a man and a woman lies in direct contact, i.e., touching the patient’s body. Unlike surgical procedures and physical illnesses, which require examination by a doctor if no female doctor is available, it is forbidden to touch or look at any part of a non-mahram woman’s body during ruqya.

Conclusion

This summarizes the response to this question. The best path is to follow the Sunna, avoid innovations, and stay away from anything that may arouse suspicion or lead to prohibited actions, even if it seems beneficial, as in the case of Ruqya. Satan runs through the son of Adam like blood.

All praise is due to Allah in the beginning and the end, and peace and blessings be upon our Master and Prophet Muhammad and his Family and Companions.

[Shaykh] Dr. Muhammad Abu Bakr Badhib

Shaykh Dr. Muhammad Abu Bakr Badhib is a prominent Islamic scholar from Yemen. He was born in Shibam, Hadhramaut, in 1976. He received his degree in Shari‘a from Al-Ahqaf University, a master’s degree from the Islamic University of Beirut, and a PhD in Usul al-Din from Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).

He studied under great scholars such as Shaykh al-Habib Ahmad Mashhur al-Haddad, Shaykh Fadl Ba‘ fadl, Habib Salim al-Shatiri, Habib Ali Mashhur bin Hafeez, and others. He has served as the Director of Publications at Dar al-Fiqh, the former Deputy Director of Cultural Relations at Al-Ahqaf University, a former Assistant for Employee Affairs at Atiyah Iron Company, a researcher at the Sunna Center affiliated with the Dallah al-Baraka Foundation, and a researcher at Al-Furqan Foundation’s Makka al-Mukarrama and Madina al-Munawwara Encyclopedia branch.

Currently, he is a researcher at Al-Furqan Foundation’s Makka al-Mukarrama and Madina al-Munawwara Encyclopedia branch, teaches traditionally through the Ijaza system at Dar al-Fuqaha in Turkey, supervises the Arabic department at Nur al-Huda International Institute (SeekersGuidance), and is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Manuscript House in Istanbul.

His works include “The Efforts of Hadhramaut Jurists in Serving the Shafi‘i School,” “Contributions of Hadhramaut Scholars in Spreading Islam and its Sciences in India,” “Hada’iq al-Na‘im in Shafi‘i Fiqh,” in addition to verifying several books in Fiqh, history, the art of biographies, and Asanid (chains of narration).

The post Can a Raqi (One Who Performs Ruqya) Touch a Woman during Ruqya? appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

Can I use things other than water to clean impurities, for example, can I use wipes, to clean an impurity, or must I use water for the place to be pure? If there is a difference of opinion on this topic, may you please mention it?

Answer

I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.

Using Wet Wipes to Remove Impurity from Body

You cannot remove filth from the body by just using wet wipes or similar items because you must use something which removes the filth, such as water, and not something which will cause the filth to spread unless the impurity is a small amount. Alternatively, you may use dry wipes, like tissue, paper towel, etc., then when the core of the impurity is removed, you may use wipes. 

[Tahtawi, Hashiya al-Tahtawi ’ala Maraqi ‘l-Falah]

Using Wet Wipes After Istinja

It is a strongly confirmed sunna for both men and women to cleanse their private parts after using the toilet. This sunna may be fulfilled in three ways:

1. The optimal is first to use toilet paper or the like and wipe the area clean. Then, one should wash the area with water.

2. To wash the area clean with water alone. This follows in optimality.

3. To wipe the area clean with toilet paper or its equivalent only. This is the least optimal but also fulfills the sunna, and everything is fine with this. 

[Tahtawi, Hashiya al-Tahtawi ’ala Maraqi ‘l-Falah]

I would like you to go through the valuable answers and links below. You will receive guidance and direction in sha Allah.

Related Answers

Can I Use Wet Paper Towels to Clean Filth off of My Body? – Is Cleaning Myself with Toilet Paper in the Bathroom Sufficient? (seekersguidance.org)

Purification in Islam: A Comprehensive Reader – SeekersGuidance

Key Principles Relating to Certainty, Doubt, and Baseless Misgivings (waswasa) – SeekersGuidance

A Reader on OCD and Waswasa (Baseless Misgivings) (seekersguidance.org)

Why not begin your search for knowledge by signing up for a course from Islamic Studies Curriculum (seekersguidance.org)

[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Mawlana Ilyas Patel is a traditionally-trained scholar who has studied within UK, India, Pakistan, Syria, Jordan and Turkey.

He started his early education in UK. He went onto complete hifz of Qur’an in India, then enrolled into an Islamic seminary in UK where he studied the secular and Alimiyyah sciences. He then travelled to Karachi, Pakistan.

He has been an Imam in Rep of Ireland for a number of years. He has taught hifz of the Qur’an, Tajwid, Fiqh and many other Islamic sciences to both children and adults onsite and online extensively in UK and Ireland. He was teaching at a local Islamic seminary for 12 years in the UK where he was a librarian and a teacher of Islamic sciences.

He currently resides in UK with his wife. His personal interest is love of books and gardening.

The post Can One Use Wet Wipes Other than Water to Clean Impurities? – Mawlana Ilyas Patel appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

Can a flea/fly or similar insect transfer filth? e.g., flies often land on feces and then can land on clothes/prayer mats/towels, etc. – do these areas need to be cleaned if you can see them land on a filthy are and then a clean area?

Answer

I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.

Flies and other similar insects cannot transfer filth. The areas will be clean Islamically, as the amount is very little. However, one may clean and wipe it as it is germs and bacteria nonetheless and disliked by sound temperaments.

The following, however, are cases in which the blood is not impure: 

• that which remains in the meat and blood vessels of an animal slaughtered according to Sacred Law (dhabh)
• blood in the liver, 
• spleen, 
• and heart; 
• blood that does not nullify one’s wudu’ (i.e., by surfacing without flowing):

       blood or any fluid of bugs, mosquitos, or roaches; and blood of fish

[Shurunbulali, Maraqi al-Falah; `Ala al-Din `Abidin, al-Hadiyya al-`Ala’iyya]

Filth (Najasa) is of two types: Heavy (Mughalladha) and Light (Mukhaffafa)

Heavy filth includes the following:

Spilled blood,

Urine of humans

Feces

Wine (khamr),

Sperm or sexual fluid (mani).

Light Filth includes the following:

• urine of animals whose meat is permissible to eat,
• urine of horses,
• droppings of birds whose meat is not permissible to eat.

The excused amount of liquid filth in the Hanafi school is approximately 5cm in diameter. One’s prayer in clothing affected by filth, which is less than 5cm in diameter, would be valid. 

I would like you to go through the valuable answers and links below. You will receive guidance and direction in sha Allah.

Related Answers

filth Archives – SeekersGuidance

Purification in Islam: A Comprehensive Reader – SeekersGuidance

A Reader on OCD and Waswasa (Baseless Misgivings) (seekersguidance.org)

Why not begin your search for knowledge by signing up for a course on SeekersAcademy (seekersguidance.org) , like Satanic Tactics: Seven Tricks of the Devil (seekersguidance.org)

I pray this helps with your question.

[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Mawlana Ilyas Patel is a traditionally-trained scholar who has studied within UK, India, Pakistan, Syria, Jordan and Turkey.

He started his early education in UK. He went onto complete hifz of Qur’an in India, then enrolled into an Islamic seminary in UK where he studied the secular and Alimiyyah sciences. He then travelled to Karachi, Pakistan.

He has been an Imam in Rep of Ireland for a number of years. He has taught hifz of the Qur’an, Tajwid, Fiqh and many other Islamic sciences to both children and adults onsite and online extensively in UK and Ireland. He was teaching at a local Islamic seminary for 12 years in the UK where he was a librarian and a teacher of Islamic sciences.

He currently resides in UK with his wife. His personal interest is love of books and gardening.

The post Can Flies or Similar Insects Transfer Filth? – Mawlana Ilyas Patel appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

I have a question regarding a fast done during Ramadan a few years ago. That day, I had to take a plane from France to India. 

I made the intention to do the fasting before Fajr as I was still at home in France.

But I broke my fast once I was on the plane but still in my city in France. The plane still had to take off. I think that was a mistake as I should have waited at least to be 100 km from my city to break my fast. 

I wanted to know what is the Fidya to be paid in that case. For information, I made up that fast that year.

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate

I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question and for seeking an Islamic answer.

Generally, in the Hanafi school, breaking one’s fasting deliberately requires a makeup fast and necessitates expiation (kaffara). However, in your case, you will be considered out of city limits sat on the plane. You may follow the Hanbali school wherein if one is fasting and once they have left the city to travel, are allowed to break the fast.  This way, you will not be required to pay an expiation (kaffara). [Ibn Qudama, Mughni]

I would like you to go through the valuable answers and links below. You will receive guidance and direction in sha Allah.

Related Answers

Accidental & Forgetful Breaking of the Fast: What Is the Difference? – SeekersGuidance

Fasting: A Comprehensive SeekersGuidance Reader – SeekersGuidance

Making the Most of Ramadan: A Comprehensive Answers Guide – SeekersGuidance

Why not begin your search for knowledge by signing up for a course on SeekersAcademy (seekersguidance.org).

I pray this helps with your question.

[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Mawlana Ilyas Patel is a traditionally-trained scholar who has studied within UK, India, Pakistan, Syria, Jordan and Turkey.

He started his early education in UK. He went onto complete hifz of Qur’an in India, then enrolled into an Islamic seminary in UK where he studied the secular and Alimiyyah sciences. He then travelled to Karachi, Pakistan.

He has been an Imam in Rep of Ireland for a number of years. He has taught hifz of the Qur’an, Tajwid, Fiqh and many other Islamic sciences to both children and adults onsite and online extensively in UK and Ireland. He was teaching at a local Islamic seminary for 12 years in the UK where he was a librarian and a teacher of Islamic sciences.

He currently resides in UK with his wife. His personal interest is love of books and gardening.

The post What is the Ruling if One Kept a Fast, then Travels and Breaks it on His Way? – Mawlana Ilyas Patel appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

I met a lady online and we have been talking over voice call (for homework help) for over a year. Some months ago, I asked if she would marry me because we started to have feelings. Her mother knows about us but she told her not to let her strict father know yet. We plan to do a nikah in a year if her father approves. Coming from a very conservative Middle Eastern family, she has had no contact with other men or been in a relationship before.

However, recently she started to have very strong sexual urges to the point she can’t control her body and feels extremely frustrated and depressed and asked about masturbation. I told her to lower her gaze, avoid thinking about it and fast, but it isn’t helping. What can she do to control her urges?

Answer

Thank you for your question. I empathize with the frustration that she is feeling, and I pray that she can be patient for the sake of her Lord.

No masturbation

The early Muslims used to say, “The one who weds his hand is accursed.” [Ibn Humam, Fath al-Qadir] There is no simple trick that I can give her to resist sexual urges before marriage. Masturbation is not permissible, and it can cause a whole new slew of problems. It will help to minimize her contact with you, as it is not permissible for you to be in an online relationship with her until there is a nikah that makes you halal for each other.

Patience

She must draw out every bit of her patience, distract herself with good things, and it will pass by quickly, by the grace of Allah. Now is the time to show true strength. Allah promises good to those who restrain themselves for His sake. Allah Most High has told us, “What is with you shall perish and what is with Allah shall last. And certainly, We shall bless those who observed patience, with their reward for the best of what they used to do.” [Quran, 16:96]

Try these tips to help with the urges:

How Should a Young Man Control His Sexual Urges and Desires?

Controlling Sexual Desires When Marriage Is “Put on Hold”

Prepare

In the meantime, prepare for marriage instead of thinking about intimacy. This is infinitely more important, and too many couples do not arm themselves with the knowledge of rights and obligations before they get married. Do you both know what the other must provide? Do you know what both of your roles are in a marriage in accordance with the Quran and Sunna? Please take a course at Seekers so that you are both clear on what behaviour a Muslim couple expects. May Allah bless your union and give you the best in this world and the next.

Please see these links as well:

Intimate Conversations on the Phone Before Marriage

Controlling Sexual Desires When Marriage Is “Put on Hold”

Having to Wait for Nikah

Love, Marriage and Relationships in Islam: All Your Questions Answered

May Allah give you the best of this world and the next.

[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad 
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria, for two years, where she studied Aqidah, Fiqh, Tajweed, Tafseer, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed her Master’s in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan, where she studied Fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She recently moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.

The post How Can I Help the Girl I Love to Control Her Sexual Urges? – Ustadha Shazia Ahmad appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

How do I maintain ties with family members who backbite, believe in superstitions, do black magic, lie all the time, and create drama? Can I call them only during Eids, block them via social media, and keep my distance? Basically, I want to maintain my peace without being sinful.

Answer

Thank you for your question. May Allah help you heal from this abuse and may He reward you for your sincerity and thoughtfulness in helping them.

Abuse

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “There should be neither harming nor reciprocating harm.” [Ibn Maja] I recommend that you minimize contact with them to protect yourself from their sinful behaviour instead of cutting them off completely. Start with sending a message on the two Eids and in Ramadan. You can call them once in a while if they are sick or if there is a death in the family. Time will help heal the damage, and I pray that you can reach the point with them where you return to a normal relationship. 

Plan to Forgive

I recommend, as I was taught, to hate their actions and not them, and intend to reconcile when you sense they have changed. Eventually, plan to forgive them as this is a high trait of noble character. We hope that if we forgive others, Allah will forgive us. Make dua for them, so that Allah, by his grace, changes them and so that your heart softens toward them. 

Make this hadith your life’s aim: The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Nothing is placed on the Scale that is heavier than good character. Indeed the person with good character will have attained the rank of the person of fasting and prayer.” [Tirmidhi]

He also said, “The believer who mixes with people and bears their annoyance with patience will have a greater reward than the believer who does not mix with people and does not put up with their annoyance.” [Ibn Maja]

Please see these links for more details on cutting ties of kinship:

What is the Minimum Amount of Relationship I Have to Keep with a Relative I Hate?

How Do We Maintain Family Ties With Bloodthirsty Relatives?

May Allah give you the best of this world and the next.

[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad 
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria, for two years, where she studied Aqidah, Fiqh, Tajweed, Tafseer, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed her Master’s in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan, where she studied Fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She recently moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.

The post How Can I Maintain My Distance from My Family without Being Sinful? – Ustadha Shazia Ahmad appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

I read that looking at the face of a woman directly who doesn’t wear hijab without looking at `awra is permissible. But what if the face is adorned, is there any consensus of the scholars that looking at an “adorned” face (like with Kohl, makeup) in this case is haram even without any fear of shahwa (lust), or is it for the fear of it? 

If that’s the case, then honestly if one does not gauge any temptation, can they look at the adorned face (of the young and old woman) directly and at all times keeping the `awra in peripheral vision without fear of any preponderant fitna or looking with scrutiny? If you provide some resources, it will be great! 

Answer

Thank you for your question. May Allah reward you for seeking to be careful with your gaze in following the Quranic injunction.

Adorned or not

What I have learned from my teachers is that in the absence of desire, it is superior (sunna) to avoid looking at a woman’s face, and impermissible to look with desire, adorned or not. What is seen by peripheral vision is pardoned due to the difficulty in averting it. Providing sources is not within the scope of this service.

Please see these links for more details:

Is It Permissible to Look at the Face of a Beautiful Woman without Desire?

Is It Permissible to Look at Women Who Don’t Wear Hijab?

Can I Watch Videos In Which Women Are Present?

May Allah give you the best of this world and the next.

[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad 
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria, for two years, where she studied Aqidah, Fiqh, Tajweed, Tafseer, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed her Master’s in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan, where she studied Fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She recently moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.

The post Is It Permissible to Look at Women’s Faces Adorned with Make-Up? – Ustadha Shazia Ahmad appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

Can We Name a Person Abdul Nassar?

Answer

I would avoid this name because I have not heard that Nassar is one of the names of Allah. Allah has mentioned Himself as Naseer in the verse below, but I have not heard the name Abdul-Naseer either. However, Nasir (ناصر), meaning supporter or helper, is fine to use.

وَإِن تَوَلَّوْا۟ فَٱعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ مَوْلَىٰكُمْ ۚ نِعْمَ ٱلْمَوْلَىٰ وَنِعْمَ ٱلنَّصِيرُ 

“And if they do not comply, then know that Allah is your Protector. What an excellent Protector, and what an excellent Helper!” [Quran, 8:40]

May Allah give you the best of this world and the next.

[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad 
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria, for two years, where she studied Aqidah, Fiqh, Tajweed, Tafseer, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed her Master’s in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan, where she studied Fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She recently moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.

The post Can We Name a Person Abdul Nassar? – Ustadha Shazia Ahmad appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

Alhamdulillah, I have started dressing more modestly. I now have a lot of clothes that I will not wear anymore. Most of them are pretty much new or in very good condition. Should I give these to charity? They are daytime clothes so people will likely wear them out. I know I will not acquire someone else’s sin unless I directly influence or encourage them, however, I still worry that people are likely to wear these outside (jeans etc) so I am not sure what to do. 

Answer

Thank you for your question. You may donate the clothes as there is no sin involved concerning what other people do with them. Another option is to wear them at home with your husband or give them to Muslim women who will wear them at home with their husbands. 

May Allah give you the best of this world and the next.

[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad 
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria, for two years, where she studied Aqidah, Fiqh, Tajweed, Tafseer, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed her Master’s in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan, where she studied Fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She recently moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.

The post Should I Donate My Less Modest Clothing? – Ustadha Shazia Ahmad appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

If a woman watches another woman without a hijab, touching and shaking hands with non-mahram men, am I sinning by watching her in a video? Would I bear the same sin as her?

Answer

Thank you for your question. May Allah reward you for being concerned about what your eyes consume and may Allah continue to help you preserve your gaze. If you watch a woman shake hands with men or the like, you will not bear that sin. 

Please see these links about watching films and TV:

Am I Being Too Dogmatic about Watching Television?

Is It Unlawful to Watch Movies or Read Novels?

Is It Shirk to Watch Superhero Movies or Play Games That Involve Magic?

May Allah give you the best of this world and the next.

[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad 
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria, for two years, where she studied Aqidah, Fiqh, Tajweed, Tafseer, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed her Master’s in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan, where she studied Fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She recently moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.

The post Is It Haram to Watch a Woman Shake Hands with a Man? – Ustadha Shazia Ahmad appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

My mother was diagnosed with bipolar and OCD long ago, and she is not compliant with treatment. I have even had depression myself because of the stress and trauma of dealing with her but was able to recover by the grace of Allah Most High. I can’t have a good relationship with her despite having tried. When in hypomania, her mood is elevated but mostly the topic she is interested in is backbiting. The rest of the time she wants to yell and argue and accuse us of all sorts of wrongs. She bashes me for choosing to be a housewife and thinks educating me was a lost investment etc. Now I’m reluctant to involve her in my married life for fear that she is going to ruin it. Am I right? How should I deal with her?

Answer

Thank you for your question. I empathize with your pain and frustration and I pray you take the right steps to protect yourself and your marriage.

Distance

It would be better for you to keep her out of your marriage as much as you can, especially in the beginning while you and your husband are still bonding and cementing your relationship. A little distance from her and explaining to your husband what he is in for will go a long way. Perhaps both of you together can eventually find a way to bring her benefit or help her comply with treatment. It’s never too late. Until then, be kind, and polite, send her gifts, call her when he is not around. Remember that her toxicity can still trickle into your marriage without direct contact with her, so you have to willfully seek guidance, change and force yourself not to react to challenges in the way that you have seen your whole life.

Wondrous

What you have been through will make you stronger and you will certainly come out of this a better person whose rank with Allah has been raised. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace), said, in this inspiring hadith,  “Wondrous are the ways of a believer for there is goodness in every affair of his and this is not the case with anyone else except in the case of a believer. If he has an occasion to feel delighted, he thanks (God), thus there is a good for him in it, and if he gets into trouble and shows resignation (and endures it patiently), there is a good for him in it.” [Muslim]

Please see these links as well:

How Should I Deal With a Mentally Ill Mother?

Is It Permissible for Me to Stop Talking to a Harmful Family Member?

Is It Haram to Set Boundaries with My Difficult Family Members?

My Mother Abuses Her Children. What Do I Do?

May Allah give you the best of this world and the next.

[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad 
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria, for two years, where she studied Aqidah, Fiqh, Tajweed, Tafseer, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed her Master’s in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan, where she studied Fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She recently moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.

The post Should I Reduce My Mother’s Involvement in My Life Now That I’m Married? – appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

Is it haram to show frustration and respond back to your parents? My mother called me and I am an organized person who has a strict routine. So I got frustrated and a little angry because I was going to do other things and prepare for something but she kept asking me to do something. So I just told her “Later, later, no not now, no I am going to do it later,“ in a frustrated tone. 

Then I just showed my frustrated expression and I said that I do not like to do what she asks and I even cried. I get very easily frustrated because I have depression and anxiety. I just get angry and frustrated when someone calls me when I’m occupied, am I sinful?

Answer

Thank you for your question. May Allah reward you for giving your parents such a high rank and may He aid you to aid them even when you are frustrated.

Frustration

It is sinful to talk back to your parents in a frustrated manner and to show them a cross look on your face and tell them that you didn’t like what they asked you to do. We forget the etiquette, love, and respect that is due to our parents in our day and age and we must revive it.

Allah told us that a sound, let alone a word, is disrespectful toward them. He said in the Quran, “For your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And honour your parents. If one or both of them reach old age in your care, never say to them ˹even˺ ‘ugh,’ nor yell at them. Rather, address them respectfully.“ [Quran, 17:23]

A mother’s rank

In particular, the mother has a high rank. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) was asked, “Who among the people is most deserving of a fine treatment from my hand? He said: ‘Your mother.’ He again said: Then who (is the next one)? He said: ‘Again it is your mother (who deserves the best treatment from you).’ He said: Then who (is the next one)? He (the Holy Prophet) said: ‘Again, it is your mother.’ He (again) said: Then who? Thereupon he said: ‘Then it is your father.’ [Muslim]

Ask Allah to help you help them, and to realize their true rank in Islam, and to give you children that will love and respect you likewise.

Please see these links as well:

How Can I Stop Being Disrespectful to My Parents?

What Constitutes Disobeying One’s Parents (’Uquq al-Walidayn)?

Goodness to Parents – A Reader

May Allah give you the best of this world and the next.

[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad 
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria, for two years, where she studied Aqidah, Fiqh, Tajweed, Tafseer, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed her Master’s in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan, where she studied Fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She recently moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.

The post Was I Sinful to Show My Parents My Frustration? – Ustadha Shazia Ahmad appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

I keep having problems whenever my period is about to end. Today is the sixth day of my period which is uncommon but during the evening I waited and I saw nothing so I did ghusl. After praying Dhuhr and `Asr, I checked to see if there was anything red and I saw a discharge. It was not red but more a light brown which was seen immediately after prayers. Do I wait for it to be gone or do I continue praying?

Answer

Thank you for your question. May Allah reward you for asking to seek clarity about your period and may he make it easy for you to learn and apply the basic rules of menstruation in the future.

Clear or white

Brown is considered one of the colours of menstruation and you should only take a ritual bath when you see clear, white, or dryness. From your description, I feel that you are taking your ritual bath too soon; a period can go up to 15 days in our School. It seems that you should wait another day or two (or more) until it is completely clear and stays clear. Don’t rush it. As such, your prayers did not count. If you had fasted on those days, they would have been invalid.

Please see these resources to review the basics:

The Fiqh of Menstruation (Shafi’i Fiqh)

Do Brown Dots Count as Menstruation Blood?

Does Brown, Rosy and Yellow Discharge Invalidate My Fast?

May Allah give you the best of this world and the next.

[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad 
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria, for two years, where she studied Aqidah, Fiqh, Tajweed, Tafseer, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed her Master’s in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan, where she studied Fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She recently moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.

The post What Should I Do If I Keep Seeing Coloured Discharge after My Ritual Bath? – Ustadha Shazia Ahmad appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

Is there such a thing as Islamic dating while there is ijma` from scholars that dating in our time isn’t good, to say the least? If a person was to date someone but doesn’t commit zina, would the least that can be said is that it’s Makrooh Tahriman to do this? Can one date for marriage?

This term is used by Orthodox Jews and they can agree with Muslims to say dating in our time isn’t good and leads to sin. Can Muslims use terms like I am in a relationship, or I am taken, and this is my partner when they are looking for marriage and they met a potential candidate for marriage and they’ve met a few times and gotten to know them in a halal manner?

Answer

Thank you for your question. Going on a date is not permissible in Islam according to its definition in the Cambridge dictionary: ‘Date: a person you have a romantic meeting with’. I don’t believe there can be anything called Islamic Dating.

Marriage

Marriage is a solemn covenant in Islam [Quran, 4:21] and the process to achieve it should be treated as such. A suitor is a man who proposes marriage to a girl after getting (or not getting to know) her. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) encouraged men to look at a girl before proposing to her and he gave valuable advice when choosing a spouse, such as choosing a loving, fertile girl, and choosing a girl for beauty, wealth, ancestry, but mostly for piety. [see hadiths in links below]

Can a Man Look at the Body of His Potential Spouse?

Important Traits to Look for in a Prospective Spouse

Dating

Dating a girl, even if not being physical with her, is still haram, as they may not be alone together repeatedly (even once). Getting to know someone for marriage, in a halal manner does not mean they are in a relationship. I believe using terms like “I am in a relationship, I am taken, or, this is my partner“ doesn’t apply here. One is simply “considering a potential suitor for marriage“. 

Gender Interaction

A God-fearing person should 

– follow the rules of gender interaction always

– follow the etiquette of getting to know someone for marriage,

– never be alone with her

– follow the etiquette of proposing to a girl’s father or guardian

– and pray istikhara all the while. 

– and do one’s utmost not to get emotionally attached

Please see these links as well:

A Reader On Gender Interaction

How Long Is It Permissible To Date a Person Before the Nikah?

How Can I Get To Know a Young Lady for Marriage When Gender Interaction Rules Are So Strict?

Can a Muslim Boy Meet a Non-Muslim Girl in a Public Place, Unchaperoned, to Discuss Her Interest in Marriage?

What the Qur’an says about dating

May Allah give you the best of this world and the next.

[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad 
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria, for two years, where she studied Aqidah, Fiqh, Tajweed, Tafseer, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed her Master’s in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan, where she studied Fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She recently moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.

The post Is There Such a Thing as Islamic Dating? – Ustadha Shazia Ahmad appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

Many times my grandfather doesn’t let me go to the mosque due to baseless reasons like he doesn’t want me to go alone, even though I am 20 years old, or if there is rain, even light rain. He says that I should obey him and pray at home or I will be disheartening him if I go to the mosque. What should I do?

Answer

Thank you for your question. May Allah reward you for being kind to your grandfather and for not wanting to break his heart. You will need tact, patience and kindness to deal with this situation.

Mosque

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Prayer said by a man in congregation is twenty-five degrees more excellent than prayer said by him alone in his house or the market. This is because when any of you performs ablution and does it perfectly, and goes out to the mosque having no intention except praying, and nothing moves him except prayer, then at every step which he takes his rank is elevated by one degree on account of this (walking), and one sin is remitted from him for this (walking), till he enters the mosque.

When he enters the mosque, he will be reckoned as praying as long as he will be detained by the prayer. The angels keep on invoking blessing on any of you so long as he remains seated in the place he prayed, saying: ‘O Allah, forgive him; O Allah, have mercy on him; O Allah, accept his repentance so long as he does not harm anyone, or breaks his ablution.’” [Abu Dawud]

Legitimate excuses

There are a number of excuses that are legitimate for missing the congregational prayer in the mosque. As such your grandfather may not always be wrong.

It says in the Reliance of the Traveller:

12.5 There is no demand to go to group prayer (O: whether communally obligatory (dis: f12.I), personally obligatory (f12.3), or sunna (f12.2)) when there is a valid excuse not to, such as:

(1) hardship due to rain or snow that soaks clothing;

(2) hardship due to heavy mud (O: from getting soiled or slipping when walking through it)

(3) (O: severe) winds at night (O: or dawn);

(4) severe heat or cold (O: because of the hardship of moving in them, and likewise intense darkness at night, which is an excuse not to attend);

(5) being in the presence of food or drink that one wants to have (O: as they obviate the awe and humility befitting the prayer. One should eat enough to take the edge off one’s hunger (A: and then go to join the group»;

(6) holding back from going to the toilet or breaking wind (O: as one should relieve oneself first, even if one fears missing the group prayer);

(7) hazard to one’s person;

(8) hazard to one’s property (O: from theft or seizure, whether it belongs to oneself or to another whose property one is obliged to protect. It also includes bread one has put in the oven that would burn if one were to leave and attend the prayer);

(9) hardship from an ailment (O: even when one is able to attend, if it entails a hardship comparable to that of walking in the rain. If one is suffering from a slight indisposition such as a toothache or the like, it is not an excuse);

(10) taking care of a sick person (O: who would suffer harm if one left to pray, whether a relative, friend, or total stranger) or taking care of someone ill who is strongly attached to one’s staying with him;

(11) the death of a relative, friend, (O: or spouse);

(12) fear of missing the impending departure of the party one intends to travel with;

(13) having eaten something with a bad odor (O: such as raw onions or garlic, though not if cooked, as this eliminates the smell);

(14) or fear of meeting someone who will try to collect a debt one owes him and one is unable to pay.

(O: The demand for group prayer is not eliminated by other than the above excuses.)

Inquire

Ask your grandfather what he is worried about. Try and get to the bottom of it. Perhaps he wants to pray with you at home so that he gets the reward of the congregation too? That is a valid reason to pray at home. Perhaps he would like to go with you but he’s too shy to admit it. Perhaps he fears for your safety because the area is dangerous. Perhaps he wants you to stay with him because he wants you to take care of him. Some of his reasons may not be baseless after all, considering the legitimate excuses above.

Disobey politely, occasionally

You are having the classic case of a young person who wants to be religious while his elders haven’t raised him that way and have a hard time accepting it. It is not entirely sinful to disobey your grandfather and go to the mosque. I suggest you get him used to the idea and go to the mosque sometimes, and pray at home with him sometimes. \

Anyone can get used to anything when it is gradual. He will get used to it, in sha Allah, and he will accept it, if you are polite and smile, and one day, by Allah’s grace, he will join you. If he sees nothing but good emanating from you, he will approve of your attending the mosque, in sha Allah, so make sure that you show him nothing but noble character. 

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Allah is Gentle and loves gentleness, and He grants reward for it that He does not grant for harshness.” [Ibn Maja]

Please see these links as well:

Should I Pray in Congregation or with My Spouse?

My Parents Prevent Me From Practicing: What Should I Do?

Do I Have to Obey My Parents If They Stop Me From Listening to Religious Talks?

How Can I Guide My Irreligious Family?

May Allah give you the best of this world and the next.

[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad 
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria, for two years, where she studied Aqidah, Fiqh, Tajweed, Tafseer, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed her Master’s in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan, where she studied Fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She recently moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.

The post Should I Obey My Grandfather in Not Attending the Mosque? – Ustadha Shazia Ahmad appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

I was forced into marriage almost 2 years ago and it was nothing but a disaster with endless taunts and mean treatment from my in-laws and husband. I’ve been patient & increased my prayers but nothing changed. Although my husband seems less angry and mean, my heart is not at peace with him. I strongly disliked him before we were married and still feel the same. I tend to do house chores to avoid him.

We have nothing in common, I feel no connection or love for him. I’m always anxious & only feel safe and happy when I’m not around him. I hate being intimate with him and wish I was dead but don’t want to commit sin so I bear it painfully. I want to separate but the families won’t allow it. We have no kids.

Answer

Thank you for your question. I empathize with your pain and suffering and I pray that you can either make the brave step to leave him or stay and make some kind of effort in this marriage.

Effort

A girl should never allow herself to be forced into marriage because this is what happens and only problems ensue. In addition to this, even when a couple happily gets married, there is effort required to make it work. I can see that you are putting no effort into loving him and perhaps that is why he comes back with taunts and bad treatment. The cycle is vicious and it needs to stop. Behaving like this is contrary to Islam, so if you are not being kind, loving, and emotionally present as a wife should, you are potentially sinning.

Options

I know women who have left their husbands for bigger reasons and I know some who stuck with them and hoped for the best. No doubt, the latter will not be easy, though divorce comes with its own challenges. I cannot tell you whether to leave him or not, but I encourage you to pray istikhara, consider the fact that you don’t have kids yet, and think deeply about what is better for you in the long run. You don’t need your family’s permission to divorce or request a khul`a. Also, ask yourself if you can put in the effort and turn this whole marriage around because it is possible. 

Allah Most High says in the Quran regarding divorce: “And if a woman fears from her husband contempt or evasion, there is no sin upon them if they make terms of a settlement between them. And settlement is best. And present in [human] souls is stinginess. But if you do good and fear Allah, then indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted.” [Quran, 4: 128]

But if they separate, Allah will enrich each [of them] from His abundance. And ever is Allah Encompassing and Wise. [Quran, 4: 130]

Resources

Use the resources below to begin mending your marriage if that is the path you choose.

Course Suggestions:

Marriage in Islam: Practical Guidance for Successful Marriage

Making Love Last: Prophetic Principles for a Successful Marriage

Answer Suggestions:

Istikhara Prayer

Prayer of Need (Salat al-Haja)

I Don’t Have Any Feelings for My Wife. What Can I Do?

Love, Marriage and Relationships in Islam: All Your Questions Answered

Book Suggestions:

Chapman, G: Five Love Languages Revised Edition

The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work

Handbook of a Healthy Muslim Marriage

The Surrendered Wife: A Practical Guide To Finding Intimacy, Passion and Peace

Article Suggestions:

What Makes A Marriage Work – Shaykh Hamza Yusuf

May Allah give you the best of this world and the next.

[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad 
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria, for two years, where she studied Aqidah, Fiqh, Tajweed, Tafseer, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed her Master’s in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan, where she studied Fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She recently moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.

The post What Should I Do with a Husband I Hate? – Ustadha Shazia Ahmad appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

Could you please give a detailed answer on how unmarried Muslim women should behave? I am a very outgoing and talkative girl. But I have come to have doubts if being outgoing and bubbly is considered having proper haya (modesty). 

However, I love making others laugh and I love making sure others have a good time, which is something I am known for. I have been trying to act more serious when I’m out but it’s just causing me to be upset and affecting me mentally since being hyper was a big part of who I am. I never have the intention to get attention from non-mahrams, and I solely act this way to bring light to others, it is something that makes me happy. I just want to make sure I am acting Islamically.

Answer

Thank you for your question. May Allah reward you for your beautiful intention and caring about your Muslim sisters, a very noble trait.

Modesty

The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “There is never any obscenity in a thing, but it mars it, and there is never any modesty in a thing, but it adorns it.” [Ibn Maja]

What you describe is fine, as everyone comes with a different personality and you are using your outgoing nature for good. My only advice to you is to stick to some guidelines. Never joke around using obscenities, insults or lies. Don’t make people the butt of your jokes. Use moderate humour as the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) did and in sha Allah, you will join hearts and cause unity among people.

Make this hadith your motto when you choose what you say: The  Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should say the good or remain silent.” [Bukhari and Muslim]

Voice

Lower your voice somewhat when men are around, there is no need for them to witness how great you are. Religious women tend to fully open themselves up around other women only. This advice from the Quran for lowering the voice is directed to men, but applicable to everyone. 

Prophet Luqman said to his son, “Be moderate in your pace. And lower your voice, for the ugliest of all voices is certainly the braying of donkeys.” [Quran, 31:19]

And this Quranic injunction also applies to our time, “O believers! Do not raise your voices above the voice of the Prophet, nor speak loudly to him as you do to one another, or your deeds will become void while you are unaware. Indeed, those who lower their voices in the presence of Allah’s Messenger are the ones whose hearts Allah has refined for righteousness. They will have forgiveness and a great reward.” [Quran, 49:2-3]

Please see these links as well:

The Spiritual Death of the Heart Through Excessive Laughter & the Prophet’s Moderate Sense of Humor

Jesting and Joking

The Prophet’s Smile – “Around Us But Not on Top of Us”

May Allah give you the best of this world and the next. 

[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad 
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria, for two years, where she studied Aqidah, Fiqh, Tajweed, Tafseer, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed her Master’s in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan, where she studied Fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She recently moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.

The post Is It Right to Be Outgoing and Talkative As a Woman? – Ustadha Shazia Ahmad appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

I have problems with asthma, especially during the night and early morning hours. On the advice of my doctor, I have now bought a marine air conditioner; it helps me breathe without using an asthma inhalator.

The device works as follows: you fill it with water and put a special sea salt solution in it; this evaporates, and the air is nebulized with fine sea salt particles. So basically it simulates the air as if you would be at the sea right now.

Note that you put that device in the middle of a room and not use it directly in your mouth like an asthma spray. I‘m just not sure whether this also takes the same principle as using a direct asthma spray, so does using this device break my fast if I had intended to fast?

Answer

In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful,

I pray this finds you in the best of states.

Your fast won’t be invalidated by the vapor produced by the device you have described. [Shurunbulali, Imdad al-Fattah]

This is because there is no “discernible” moisture or other particles in this air.

This is unlike vapor or steam from cooking being inhaled.

Please see: Using Asthma Medication: Is My Fast Invalidated?

And Allah knows best.

Wassalam
[Ustadh] Sufyan Qufi
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadh Sufyan Qufi is an advanced seeker of knowledge, originally from Algeria, who grew up in France. He began searching far and wide for answers to the fundamental questions of life and was disappointed at the answers he found. Then he connected with various traditional teachers and gradually connected with SeekersGuidance. He embarked on his journey of learning through the various teachers at SeekersGuidance, including his mentor Shaykh Faraz Rabbani. He studied numerous texts in Islamic Law, Theology, Hadith, and other areas with Shaykh Faraz Rabbani and other teachers, including Shaykh Abdurrahman al-Sha‘ar, Shaykh Ali Hani, and others. He is an active instructor at SeekersGuidance and answers questions through the SeekersGuidance Answers Service.

The post Does Using a Marine Air Conditioner Break the Fast? appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

I am an 18-year-old boy who doesn’t want to ever get married. I have a very high libido that has made me turn to masturbation but I’m trying my best to leave that habit. The reasons I don’t want to marry are too detailed and complex to write here (not health issues or anything like that, just personal reasons). I want to lead a life of celibacy but I’m facing issues due to my intense libido which keeps frustrating me every day. How do I lead a happy life without marriage and sex? How do I manage my sexual urges knowing I’ll never have sex?

Answer

Thank you for your question. May Allah reward you for wanting to do what is right and stay within Allah’s limits.

Celibacy

Choosing a life of celibacy will be very difficult, and I can give you better advice if you elaborate on your reason for not wanting to marry. If you really will not, or cannot marry, then I urge you to fast often, perhaps every other day like the Prophet Dawud. And you must eliminate the habit of masturbation because it increases desire, it does not decrease it. You will need to have patience, and maybe eat libido-lowering foods, like vegetarian food, and exercise or get massages to relieve stress.

You are very young still, and I encourage you to reconsider your decision to never marry. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Marriage is my sunna, and whoever does not follow my sunna has nothing to do with me.” [Ibn Maja]

Please see these links as well: 

Is There an Extra Reward for Someone Who Never Marries?

Is it Permissible To Choose To Stay Single?

May Allah give you the best of this world and the next.

[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad 
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria, for two years, where she studied Aqidah, Fiqh, Tajweed, Tafseer, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed her Master’s in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan, where she studied Fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She recently moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.

The post How Do I Deal with My Sexual Urges Since I Will Never Marry? – Ustadha Shazia Ahmad appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

If a person has misled others about rulings, must the people be informed for repentance to be accepted?

For example, if a person, during days when they were self-proclaimed feminists/LGBT supporters, had claimed /indicated things to non-Muslims, and then later realized and felt remorse and repented, must they contact the non-Muslims and clarify what Islam says, even though it was years past and they haven’t spoken to the non-Muslims in a while?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate

I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question and for reforming your understanding. Allah Most High, keep you firm and steadfast, Amin.

It would have been important if you had informed them about your views if they were Muslims. However, as they are Non-Muslims, if you can inform them and educate them, this will be good, first talk to them about general things, and then tell them about your corrected views in a way that you can always return to them to invite them about Islam and correct human values.

Whoever Sees Evil should Change it if Possible

Abu Sa‘id al-Khudri (Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Whoever among you sees evil, let him change it with his hand. If he cannot do so, then with his tongue. If he cannot do so, then with his heart, which is the weakest level of faith.” [Muslim]

I would like you to go through the valuable answers and links below. You will receive guidance and direction in sha Allah.

Related Answers

• Changing Those Around One: Attaching One’s Self to Allah & the Prophetic Sunna – SeekersGuidance
• Is It Obligatory to Correct Every Mistake We Encounter? – SeekersGuidance
  
• How to Deal with the Feeling of Being a Hypocrite? – SeekersGuidance
• A Reader on Calling to Allah, Giving Advice, and Commanding the Good (seekersguidance.org)
• Reader on Exposing and Disclosing Past Sins – SeekersGuidance
  
• The Path of Muhammad: Birgivi’s Manual of Taqwa Explained – YouTube
• Purification of the Heart: Signs, Symptoms, and Cures of the Spiritual Diseases of the Heart: Hamza Yusuf: 9780985565909: Amazon.com: Books (Book)
• Istikhara, The Prayer of Seeking Guidance: The Ultimate Guide – A Reader – SeekersGuidance
• How Does One Perform The Prayer Of Need (salat al-haja)? – SeekersGuidance
• Prayer of Repentance: Salat al-Tawba – SeekersGuidance

Why not begin your search for knowledge by signing up for a course on SeekersAcademy (seekersguidance.org).

I pray this helps with your question.

Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Mawlana Ilyas Patel is a traditionally-trained scholar who has studied in the UK, India, Pakistan, Syria, Jordan, and Turkey. He started his early education in the UK. He went on to complete the hifz of the Quran in India, then enrolled in an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied the secular and ‘Aalimiyya sciences. He then traveled to Karachi, Pakistan. He has been an Imam in Rep of Ireland for several years. He has taught hifz of the Quran, Tajwid, Fiqh, and many other Islamic sciences to children and adults onsite and online extensively in the UK and Ireland. He taught at a local Islamic seminary for 12 years in the UK, where he was a librarian and a teacher of Islamic sciences. He currently resides in the UK with his wife. His interest is a love of books and gardening.

The post Does One Have to Inform Others if One Had Misleading Views and Supported Them? appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

I read your article about the permissibility of music. But I have doubts regarding some hadith. It is as follows:
In a lengthy hadith narrated by Abu Umama (Allah be pleased with him), it is mentioned that o­n the occasion of the expulsion of Satan from heaven and his exile to earth, he (Iblis) supplicated to Allah Most High, ‘O my Rabb! You have exiled me to earth, and you have made me accursed. Now, therefore bestow to me a caller (who can call to my path).’ Allah Most High said: “(Your caller) is musical instruments.” (Tabarani)

Is this hadith authentic?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate

I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.

This hadith is mentioned in Fath al-Bari, and graded by him, Hafiz Iraqi, and Haythami (Allah have mercy on them) as weak (da‘if).

١٠٥٣ – عن أبي أمامة رفعه»إنّ إبليس لما أهبط إلى الأرض قال: ربّ اجعل لي قرآنا، قال: قرآنك الشعر«
قال الحافظ: فيه علي بن يزيد الألهاني وهو ضعيف»

أخرجه الطبراني في «الكبير» (٧٨٣٧) عن يحيى بن أيوب العلاف ثنا سعيد بن أبي مريم ثنا يحيى بن أيوب عن عبيد الله بن زَحْر عن علي بن يزيد عن القاسم عن أبي أمامة رفعه «إنّ ابليس لما أنزل إلى الأرض قال: يا ربّ أنزلتني إلى الأرض وجعلتني رجيما فاجعل لي بيتا، قال: الحمام، قال: فاجعل لي مجلسا، قال: الأسواق ومجامع الطرق، قال: اجعل لي طعاما، قال: ما لا يذكر اسم الله عليه، قال: اجعل لي شرابا، قال: كل مسكر، قال: اجعل لي مؤذنا، قال: المزامير، قال: اجعل لي قرآنا، قال: الشعر، قال: اجعل لي كتابا، قال: الوسم، قال: اجعل لي حديثا، قال: الكذب، قال: اجعل لي مصايد، قال: النساء»

قال العراقي: إسناده ضعيف جدا«تخريج أحاديث الإحياء للحداد ٤/ ١٥٥٧
وقال الهيثمي: وفيه علي بن يزيد الألهاني وهو ضعيف» المجمع ٨/ ١١٩

الكتاب: أنِيسُ السَّاري في تخريج وَتحقيق الأحاديث التي ذكرها الحَافظ ابن حَجر العسقلاني في فَتح البَاري
المؤلف: أبو حذيفة، نبيل بن منصور بن يعقوب بن سلطان البصارة الكويتي
المحقق: نبيل بن مَنصور بن يَعقوب البصارة
الناشر: مؤسَّسَة السَّماحة، مؤسَّسَة الريَّان، بيروت – لبنان

Why not begin your search for knowledge by signing up for a course on SeekersAcademy (seekersguidance.org).

I pray this helps with your question.

Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Mawlana Ilyas Patel is a traditionally-trained scholar who has studied in the UK, India, Pakistan, Syria, Jordan, and Turkey. He started his early education in the UK. He went on to complete the hifz of the Quran in India, then enrolled in an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied the secular and ‘Aalimiyya sciences. He then traveled to Karachi, Pakistan. He has been an Imam in Rep of Ireland for several years. He has taught hifz of the Quran, Tajwid, Fiqh, and many other Islamic sciences to children and adults onsite and online extensively in the UK and Ireland. He taught at a local Islamic seminary for 12 years in the UK, where he was a librarian and a teacher of Islamic sciences. He currently resides in the UK with his wife. His interest is a love of books and gardening.

The post What is the Grading of this Hadith Mentioned in Tabarani? appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

I have used antibacterial wipes for impure areas that can’t be washed. These wipes are mainly used for imperceptible impurities – from a wet impure hand. For example, my hand was impure from impure water but not yet washed. That hand came into contact with a wet clothes railing. I was unsure of what part of the railing my hand touched, so I wiped the different areas on the railing with an antibacterial wipe. I have now learned that using 1 wipe for multiple areas spreads germs, does this apply to impure also, as this is now concerning me? I have OCD and a reckless past with impurities, so I have been trying to use these wipes as a way of purifying things I have previously touched with an impure wet hand.

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate

I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.

It would be fine to use wipes to wipe away impurities. As long as, with reasonable surety, there is no trace of impurity left, you will not have to worry. However, it all depends on the amount of impurity present. If more, then you may have to use more wipes or a cloth and squeeze three times.

Knowledge

The long-term cure for these constant doubts is to seek a deeper understanding of Islamic Knowledge. With knowledge, Shaytan cannot deceive you with his whispers and plots. I would advise that you find authentic scholars in your area and study with them a basic text in Islamic Jurisprudence.

SeekersGuidance has classes available in Islamic Jurisprudence and many other subjects.

I would like you to go through this 2-hour long podcast. It will be highly beneficial and guide you through.

• Being Balanced – Emotional and Mental Health – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat (seekersguidance.org)

Related Answers

• How Do I Remove Impurities from Something that Cannot be Squeezed? – SeekersGuidance
• Purification in Islam: A Comprehensive Reader – SeekersGuidance
• (122) 30 – Devil’s Tricks – The Path of Muhammad: Birgivi’s Manual of Taqwa Explained – Sh Faraz Rabbani – YouTube
• Mental Health Workshop: An Islamic Guide to Dealing with Depression (seekersguidance.org)
• Doubts – IPD Session #3 | COJ – an ISIP Youth Chapter Initiative
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• Key Principles Relating to Certainty, Doubt, and Baseless Misgivings (waswasa) – SeekersGuidance
• A Reader on OCD and Waswasa (Baseless Misgivings) (seekersguidance.org)

Why not begin your search for knowledge by signing up for a course on SeekersAcademy (seekersguidance.org), like Satanic Tactics: Seven Tricks of the Devil (seekersguidance.org)

I pray this helps with your question.

Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Mawlana Ilyas Patel is a traditionally-trained scholar who has studied in the UK, India, Pakistan, Syria, Jordan, and Turkey. He started his early education in the UK. He went on to complete the hifz of the Quran in India, then enrolled in an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied the secular and ‘Aalimiyya sciences. He then traveled to Karachi, Pakistan. He has been an Imam in Rep of Ireland for several years. He has taught hifz of the Quran, Tajwid, Fiqh, and many other Islamic sciences to children and adults onsite and online extensively in the UK and Ireland. He taught at a local Islamic seminary for 12 years in the UK, where he was a librarian and a teacher of Islamic sciences. He currently resides in the UK with his wife. His interest is a love of books and gardening.

The post Can Anti-bacterial Wipes Be Used to Clean Impurities? appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

I have been extremely reckless with impurity in the past. There was a time in my life when I would have impure hands and touch wet things around my house all the time, or my hands were impure and wet, and I would touch things carelessly. My body was essentially always impure with something, whether it was impure water, urine, semen, etc., and I almost never washed it until it came to bath day, and even then, I would use an impure towel to dry it. My mum says to ignore anything. I can’t see with my own eyes as it is OCD, but I know my hands would’ve been impure and wet when touching those areas, but there is nothing there actually to see, an imperceptible impurity, basically. I have since changed, but I feel as though everything is now impure. I don’t know what to do.

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate

I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question and for showing concern in your practice of Islam, Alhamdulillah.

I would like to advise you from now on ignore and don’t worry about what has happened in the past and focus on the future.

Filth is divided into two types: 1) perceptible filth and 2) imperceptible filth.

Note that filth is perceptible if its essence, not just a quality, like the color, can be seen after drying.

Perceptible Filth

For perceptible filth to be considered pure, one must remove its essence. This can be done even with one wash, and even in a sink or bathtub, as long as after the wash, the perceptible filth is no longer there.

Imperceptible Filth

Imperceptible filth, however, is considered pure when sufficiently washed such that one is reasonably sure that the filth is gone.

The relied upon position is that there is no condition of a specific amount of times of washing. If one is reasonably sure the filth is gone after one wash, this is sufficient; some, however, did still make washing thrice a condition.

[Tahtawi, Hashiya al-Tahtawi ‘ala Maraqi al-Falah]

Knowledge

The long-term cure for these constant doubts is to seek a deeper understanding of Islamic Knowledge. With knowledge, Shaytan cannot deceive you with his whispers and plots. I would advise that you find authentic scholars in your area and study with them a basic text in Islamic Jurisprudence.

SeekersGuidance.org has classes available in Islamic Jurisprudence and many other subjects.

I would like you to go through this 2-hour long podcast. It will be highly beneficial and guide you through.

Being Balanced – Emotional and Mental Health – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat (seekersguidance.org)

Related Answers

• (122) 30 – Devil’s Tricks – The Path of Muhammad: Birgivi’s Manual of Taqwa Explained – Sh Faraz Rabbani – YouTube
• Mental Health Workshop: An Islamic Guide to Dealing with Depression (seekersguidance.org)
• Doubts – IPD Session #3 | COJ – an ISIP Youth Chapter Initiative
• The Application of Islamic Psychotherapy for the Treatment of OCD
• Key Principles Relating to Certainty, Doubt, and Baseless Misgivings (waswasa) – SeekersGuidance
• A Reader on OCD and Waswasa (Baseless Misgivings) (seekersguidance.org)
• (1) The Application of Islamic Psychotherapy for the Treatment of OCD~Dr. Hooman Keshavarzi – YouTube
• How to Handle Constant Waswasa in Acts of Purification and Worship
• Being Balanced – Emotional and Mental Health – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat (seekersguidance.org)

Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Mawlana Ilyas Patel is a traditionally-trained scholar who has studied in the UK, India, Pakistan, Syria, Jordan, and Turkey. He started his early education in the UK. He went on to complete the hifz of the Quran in India, then enrolled in an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied the secular and ‘Aalimiyya sciences. He then traveled to Karachi, Pakistan. He has been an Imam in Rep of Ireland for several years. He has taught hifz of the Quran, Tajwid, Fiqh, and many other Islamic sciences to children and adults onsite and online extensively in the UK and Ireland. He taught at a local Islamic seminary for 12 years in the UK, where he was a librarian and a teacher of Islamic sciences. He currently resides in the UK with his wife. His interest is a love of books and gardening.

The post What Can I Do for My Past Reckless Ignorance About Impurities? appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

When doing istinja, I usually pour water from the front also, when I wash my anus, I also pour from the back for certain areas, but mostly I pour from the front, but now I am starting to fear that the water might not reach as much as it should. I always felt like it did, but now I am starting to doubt it.

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate

I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.

Water, by its nature, can reach where it is intended. You are just having doubts. Don’t worry, remain assured, and just wash as normal.

Istinja for Women

A woman simply needs to wait for a little after urinating, and that’s it.

As for Istinja, which is cleaning the rear point of exit by using water or toilet paper, there are no differences between men and women, even if she is in a state of menstruation. The duty is the same. It is sunna to remove the filth at the exit point as long as the area covered by filth is less than a circle with a diameter of 5 cm. Toilet paper is enough for this, but water is better. If the filth crosses this circle, then it is obligatory to remove it with water.

[Tahtawi, Hashiyat al-Tahtawi ‘ala Maraqi al-Falah]

Related Answers

• How Should One Properly Do Istinja and Wudu? – (seekersguidance.org)
• Purification in Islam: A Comprehensive Reader – SeekersGuidance
• A Reader on Ritual Purity, Urine Leakage and Misgivings – SeekersGuidance
• (122) 30 – Devil’s Tricks – The Path of Muhammad: Birgivi’s Manual of Taqwa Explained – Sh Faraz Rabbani – YouTube
• Mental Health Workshop: An Islamic Guide to Dealing with Depression (seekersguidance.org)
• Doubts – IPD Session #3 | COJ – an ISIP Youth Chapter Initiative
• The Application of Islamic Psychotherapy for the Treatment of OCD
• Key Principles Relating to Certainty, Doubt, and Baseless Misgivings (waswasa) – SeekersGuidance
• A Reader on OCD and Waswasa (Baseless Misgivings) (seekersguidance.org)
• (1) The Application of Islamic Psychotherapy for the Treatment of OCD~Dr. Hooman Keshavarzi – YouTube

Why not begin your search for knowledge by signing up for a course on SeekersAcademy (seekersguidance.org), like Islamic Studies Curriculum (seekersguidance.org)

Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Mawlana Ilyas Patel is a traditionally-trained scholar who has studied in the UK, India, Pakistan, Syria, Jordan, and Turkey. He started his early education in the UK. He went on to complete the hifz of the Quran in India, then enrolled in an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied the secular and ‘Aalimiyya sciences. He then traveled to Karachi, Pakistan. He has been an Imam in Rep of Ireland for several years. He has taught hifz of the Quran, Tajwid, Fiqh, and many other Islamic sciences to children and adults onsite and online extensively in the UK and Ireland. He taught at a local Islamic seminary for 12 years in the UK, where he was a librarian and a teacher of Islamic sciences. He currently resides in the UK with his wife. His interest is a love of books and gardening.

The post What Can I Do If I Doubt Water Seem to Be Not Reaching Certain Areas? appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

How can one lower their gaze when haram is all around?

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick provides strategies for lowering the gaze in environments where haram is prevalent.

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah, under the tutelage of Shaykh Taha Karaan. He received Ijaza from several esteemed scholars and has authored “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?”. Shaykh Irshaad has over fifteen years of teaching experience, served as Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and Khatib at Masjid Ar-Rashideen. Currently, he leads Isnad Academy, focusing on Islamic podcasting and media, and holds a Master’s degree in Islamic studies from the University of Johannesburg.

The post How Can One Lower Their Gaze When Haram Is All around? – Shaykh Irshaad Sedick appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

Is it permissible to play if I don’t believe in magic and know it is a game?

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick discusses the permissibility of engaging in games involving magic if one doesn’t believe in it.

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah, under the tutelage of Shaykh Taha Karaan. He received Ijaza from several esteemed scholars and has authored “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?”. Shaykh Irshaad has over fifteen years of teaching experience, served as Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and Khatib at Masjid Ar-Rashideen. Currently, he leads Isnad Academy, focusing on Islamic podcasting and media, and holds a Master’s degree in Islamic studies from the University of Johannesburg.

The post Is It Permissible to Play If I Don’t Believe in Magic and Know It Is a Game? – Shaykh Irshaad Sedick appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

How can we explain to others that Islam is the truth?

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick offers guidance on effectively explaining the truth of Islam to others.

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah, under the tutelage of Shaykh Taha Karaan. He received Ijaza from several esteemed scholars and has authored “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?”. Shaykh Irshaad has over fifteen years of teaching experience, served as Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and Khatib at Masjid Ar-Rashideen. Currently, he leads Isnad Academy, focusing on Islamic podcasting and media, and holds a Master’s degree in Islamic studies from the University of Johannesburg.

The post How Can We Explain to Others That Islam Is the Truth? – Shaykh Irshaad Sedick appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

How do we understand the narration “Every step toward prayer is charity?”

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick explains the narration that describes each step toward prayer as an act of charity.

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah, under the tutelage of Shaykh Taha Karaan. He received Ijaza from several esteemed scholars and has authored “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?”. Shaykh Irshaad has over fifteen years of teaching experience, served as Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and Khatib at Masjid Ar-Rashideen. Currently, he leads Isnad Academy, focusing on Islamic podcasting and media, and holds a Master’s degree in Islamic studies from the University of Johannesburg.

The post How Do We Understand the Narration “Every Step toward Prayer Is Charity?” – Shaykh Irshaad Sedick appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

How should I approach avoiding intermixing with the opposite sex?

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick offers practical advice on navigating the challenges of avoiding intermixing with the opposite sex.

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah, under the tutelage of Shaykh Taha Karaan. He received Ijaza from several esteemed scholars and has authored “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?”. Shaykh Irshaad has over fifteen years of teaching experience, served as Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and Khatib at Masjid Ar-Rashideen. Currently, he leads Isnad Academy, focusing on Islamic podcasting and media, and holds a Master’s degree in Islamic studies from the University of Johannesburg.

The post How Should I Approach Avoiding Intermixing with the Opposite Sex? – Shaykh Irshaad Sedick appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

I pray sometimes and other times I don’t. Does this make me a hypocrite?

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick discusses whether inconsistent prayer practices amount to hypocrisy in Islam.

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah, under the tutelage of Shaykh Taha Karaan. He received Ijaza from several esteemed scholars and has authored “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?”. Shaykh Irshaad has over fifteen years of teaching experience, served as Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and Khatib at Masjid Ar-Rashideen. Currently, he leads Isnad Academy, focusing on Islamic podcasting and media, and holds a Master’s degree in Islamic studies from the University of Johannesburg.

The post I Pray Sometimes and Other Times I Don’t. Does This Make Me a Hypocrite? – Shaykh Irshaad Sedick appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

How to understand the many signs of the Day of Judgment?

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick outlines the various signs of the Day of Judgment, offering insights into their significance and relevance.

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah, under the tutelage of Shaykh Taha Karaan. He received Ijaza from several esteemed scholars and has authored “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?”. Shaykh Irshaad has over fifteen years of teaching experience, served as Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and Khatib at Masjid Ar-Rashideen. Currently, he leads Isnad Academy, focusing on Islamic podcasting and media, and holds a Master’s degree in Islamic studies from the University of Johannesburg.

The post How to Understand the Many Signs of the Day of Judgment? – Shaykh Irshaad Sedick appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

I find Discharge after praying must I repeat my prayer?

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick addresses whether a prayer must be repeated if the discharge is noticed afterwards.

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah, under the tutelage of Shaykh Taha Karaan. He received Ijaza from several esteemed scholars and has authored “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?”. Shaykh Irshaad has over fifteen years of teaching experience, served as Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and Khatib at Masjid Ar-Rashideen. Currently, he leads Isnad Academy, focusing on Islamic podcasting and media, and holds a Master’s degree in Islamic studies from the University of Johannesburg.

The post I Find Discharge after Praying Must I Repeat My Prayer? – Shaykh Irshaad Sedick appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

How to understand the Fiqh of divorce, specially the ruling on three divorces?

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick explains the fiqh of divorce, focusing on the ruling and implications of issuing three divorces at once.

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah, under the tutelage of Shaykh Taha Karaan. He received Ijaza from several esteemed scholars and has authored “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?”. Shaykh Irshaad has over fifteen years of teaching experience, served as Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and Khatib at Masjid Ar-Rashideen. Currently, he leads Isnad Academy, focusing on Islamic podcasting and media, and holds a Master’s degree in Islamic studies from the University of Johannesburg.

The post How to Understand the Fiqh of Divorce, Specially the Ruling on Three Divorces? – Shaykh Irshaad Sedick appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

Can I pray while having a prayer video in the background to assist me?

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick clarifies the permissibility of praying with a prayer video in the background for assistance.

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah, under the tutelage of Shaykh Taha Karaan. He received Ijaza from several esteemed scholars and has authored “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?”. Shaykh Irshaad has over fifteen years of teaching experience, served as Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and Khatib at Masjid Ar-Rashideen. Currently, he leads Isnad Academy, focusing on Islamic podcasting and media, and holds a Master’s degree in Islamic studies from the University of Johannesburg.

The post Can I Pray While Having a Prayer Video in the Background to Assist Me? – Shaykh Irshaad Sedick appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Have high intentions concerning your earnings and wealth. The Companions had extraordinary intentions concerning their earnings. Our master Abu Bakr gave all his wealth away.

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) asked him, “What are you leaving for your family?” He said, “I’m leaving for them, Allah and His Messenger.” He (Allah bless him and give him peace) knew that Abu Bakr’s family could handle that so he accepted it from him.

“O Messenger of Allah, shall I bequeath all of my wealth?” He said: “No.’” He said: “Half?” He said: “No.” He said: “One-third” He said: “One-third, and one-third is much or large.”

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) had to convince the Companions not to give away so much. A lot of the righteous would actually plan and engage in an eternal return on their investment. Our religion teaches that Allah loves to see the traces of His blessings on His servant.

Invest in the Hereafter

One knows that there are priorities, both for family and for society. How do I spend my money? How do I invest my money For an eternal return on investment? Some of the early Muslims would divide their wealth into three parts. One part was for themselves, their family, and their immediate needs. One part was for the future, and the last part was for the Hereafter. They would seek to maximize how they spent it on the Hereafter. 

Some, for some time, did not spend a lot in charity because they were accumulating wealth to establish an endowment, for example. Many of the Companions gave different orchards that they had in Medina as endowments for the sake of Allah. That is one of the ways of the rich. They would buy property and endow it to a mosque or endow it to a madrasa. By having a smaller home, for example, one has fewer things to worry about and more disposable income.

Have the courage to ask yourself which choice in this matter will be most pleasing to Allah. The choice that best gathers the good of this life and the next towards the eternal good for you and others. If people thought about that, a lot of people would either quit their work or transition to more meaningful lines of work. Far more people would consider starting their own businesses, looking at areas of work where they are doing something of genuine benefit to others.

The post Run a Business Islamically: Key Sunnas 3 appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

1. What is meant by اعتاد ترك السنة or habitually leaving a Sunna (Mu’akkada)? What does “habitual” mean?
2. What constitutes habitually leaving a Jama‘a (which is a Sunna Mu’akkada)?
3. What does “habitual” mean practically? How is it defined in the Hanafi books? For example, is this habitual if I don’t cover my head for 3 weeks, then cover it for 3 weeks and alternate every three weeks?
4. More specifically, how does the definition of “habitual” apply to leaving jama‘a (a Sunna Mu’akkada)? Does it refer to leaving a specific prayer habitually or more generally and holistically in the context of all jama‘a? If I attend all jama‘a but leave Fajr jama‘a 2 or 3 days in a row, is that what “habitual” means? Jazakum Allah

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate

I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.

Leaving out a sunna once without a valid excuse is mildly disliked (makruh tanzihan) and entails “doing wrong” (isa’a). If one persistently leaves a sunna without an excuse, then it could be sinful depending on the level of its emphasis, as some sunna acts are more emphasized than others. However, the sin is deemed less severe than that incurred by omitting a mandatory requisite (wajib)  and an obligatory integral (fard).

[Tahtawi, Hashiyat al-Tahtawi ‘ala Maraqi al-Falah]

Confirmed Sunna (Sunna Mu’akkada)

The Confirmed Sunna (sunna mu’akkada) is that which our Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) or the Companions did most of the time (and was not of worldly habits)

One who leaves it without excuse deserves reproach, not punishment. Leaving it habitually is sinful because it entails turning away from the guidance of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace), whom we have been commanded to follow.

How Many Times Constitutes Leaving Out a Sunna?

How many times does it constitute leaving out a sunna? This is not mentioned. Although more than three can be defined or whatever is considered persistent customarily.

I would like you to go through the valuable answers and links below. You will receive guidance and direction in sha Allah.

Related Answers

• How Are the Actions of Morally Responsible Individuals Categorized? – SeekersGuidance
  
• What Is the Difference Between the Non-Emphasized Sunna and the Recommended? (seekersguidance.org)
• Am I Sinful For Leaving Out the Sunna Prayers? – SeekersGuidance

Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Mawlana Ilyas Patel is a traditionally-trained scholar who has studied in the UK, India, Pakistan, Syria, Jordan, and Turkey. He started his early education in the UK. He went on to complete the hifz of the Quran in India, then enrolled in an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied the secular and ‘Aalimiyya sciences. He then traveled to Karachi, Pakistan. He has been an Imam in Rep of Ireland for several years. He has taught hifz of the Quran, Tajwid, Fiqh, and many other Islamic sciences to children and adults onsite and online extensively in the UK and Ireland. He taught at a local Islamic seminary for 12 years in the UK, where he was a librarian and a teacher of Islamic sciences. He currently resides in the UK with his wife. His interest is a love of books and gardening.

The post What Does Habitually Leaving a Sunna or a Jama’a Mean? appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

I have a question about substances that are psychedelics, such as psilocybin or DMT, that have expansive and mystical states of consciousness induced.
Are they considered permissible in the treatment of depression? And are they considered intoxicants?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate

I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.

Question

There are three types of mushrooms: toxic, psychoactive, and edible. Mushrooms vary in appearance with more than 10,000 known types.

Psilocybin – Psychoactive mushroom

Psilocybin is a hallucinogenic chemical in certain mushrooms that grow in Europe, South America, Mexico, and the United States. Mushrooms that contain psilocybin are known as magic mushrooms, and it is taken from psychoactive mushrooms, they have played a role in various native medicine traditions in cultures all around the world.

The Ruling of Its Usage

There is no issue in using the medication Islamically as the chemical is derived from a mushroom. It would only be permissible as a case by case and per the direction and recommendation of a qualified Muslim psychiatric doctor, and not for any recreational purpose. See link

Virtues of Edible Mushroom

Some Muslim cultures think of mushrooms to be any number of other mushrooms that are wild and poisonous. There are Abu Sa‘id Khudri and Jabir (Allah be pleased with them both) reported that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, ‘Mushrooms are a bestowed favor, and its water is a cure for the eyes, the ‘Ajwa date is the fruit of Paradise, and it is a cure from insanity.’’ [Ibn Maja, Musnad Imam Ahmad]

In another hadith reported by Sa‘id ibn Zayd (Allah be pleased with him), the Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace) stated, ‘Mushrooms are a favor which Allah Most High sent down upon the Israelites (Bani Isra’il), and its water is a cure for the eyes.’’
[Bukhari, Muslim]

Linked Answer

• Psilocybin (Magic Mushrooms) Uses, Effects & Hazards – Drugs.com
  
• Psilocybin and magic mushrooms: Effects and risks (medicalnewstoday.com)
• Mushroom – Wikipedia
• Mushrooms | The Nutrition Source | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
• Is It Permissible to Use Mushrooms to Gain Spiritual Openings? – SeekersGuidance

Why not begin your search for knowledge by signing up for a course on SeekersGuidance SeekersAcademy (seekersguidance.org)

Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Mawlana Ilyas Patel is a traditionally-trained scholar who has studied in the UK, India, Pakistan, Syria, Jordan, and Turkey. He started his early education in the UK. He went on to complete the hifz of the Quran in India, then enrolled in an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied the secular and ‘Aalimiyya sciences. He then traveled to Karachi, Pakistan. He has been an Imam in Rep of Ireland for several years. He has taught hifz of the Quran, Tajwid, Fiqh, and many other Islamic sciences to children and adults onsite and online extensively in the UK and Ireland. He taught at a local Islamic seminary for 12 years in the UK, where he was a librarian and a teacher of Islamic sciences. He currently resides in the UK with his wife. His interest is a love of books and gardening.

The post Are Psychedelics Such as Psilocybin or DMT permissible in the Treatment of Depression? appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

I would like to be able to ask you a question regarding Islamic dressing when you live in a city where most people are non-Muslims. I ask this because although there are many Muslims in the area where I live, when I try to dress according to what is recommended or sunna (i.e., really large trousers or a black turban for when I go to the mosque), I feel pressured. I get scared of attracting the attention of non-Muslims, who might try to debate with me or ask me questions about Islam because of how I am dressed. I heard that debates are impermissible and that staying in a city where I cannot find scholars or good students of knowledge to interact and spend time together is not good.

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate

I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.

Islam has laid down general principles related to dress and has made it permissible for people to wear any type of dress as long as it conforms to the following guidelines:

Wear modest clothes that are concealing of the area between your navel and knees, and then choose whether you should dress Eastern or Western or whether you should dress like a scholar or an average religious Muslim in any given time and context.

Wear a Muslim-looking hat when going to the masjid or a gathering of remembrance or Islamic talk. This is to show you are a practicing Muslim and a way of giving emotional and religious support to sisters in the West. Also, this way, you express your Muslim identity; it is good if people ask you questions about Islam. This is a way of inviting others to Islam.

Flexibility in Clothing

Islam has flexibility in dressing up with the diversity of mankind, who were created as different races speaking different tongues and with unique cultural practices. As Allah Most High says, “And of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the diversity of your languages and your colors.” [Quran, 30:22]

[Taqi Usmani, Takmila Fath al-Mulhim; Nahlawi, al-Durar al-Mubaha]

Online Learning

Pray two rakats of Guidance. See the link below. Let matters unfold, and decide whether to move out of the city or not. Start with online learning courses from SeekersGuidance; enroll in one of the courses or as many as you can, see how it goes, build your knowledge, and make others join in your locality and create a group, this way connect with the local Imam too and start some form of learning and attending circles and inviting others to join in in an online circle of remembrance or knowledge. Slowly you will have an idea. Also, you may connect to one of SeekersGuidance Online Mentors for guidance and support for this matter.

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Whoever travels a path seeking knowledge, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise.” [Muslim]

Good Company and Practice

You can start putting into practice what you already know. Sacred knowledge is only beneficial when you apply it to your everyday life. Create a group of like-minded friends whom you can spend time with and share knowledge. This will help you remain focused on your goal.

I would like you to go through the valuable answers and links below. You will receive guidance and direction in sha Allah.

Related Answers

• debates Archives – SeekersGuidance
• Wearing Western-style Women’s Clothing and Dressing Modestly
• Does the Sunna Entail Dressing as the People of the Land I Live In?
• httpsClothes of The People of the Land
  
• Adab 13: The Proprieties of Clothing and Dress – SeekersGuidance
• A Detailed Exposition of the Fiqh of Covering One’s Nakedness (awra) – SeekersGuidance
  
• A Reader on OCD and Waswasa (Baseless Misgivings) (seekersguidance.org)
• Purification of the Heart for Youth: Diseases of the Heart and Their Cure – YouTube
• The Path of Muhammad: Birgivi’s Manual of Taqwa Explained – YouTube
• Purification of the Heart: Signs, Symptoms, and Cures of the Spiritual Diseases of the Heart: Hamza Yusuf: 9780985565909: Amazon.com: Books (Book)
• Istikhara, The Prayer of Seeking Guidance: The Ultimate Guide – A Reader – SeekersGuidance
• How Does One Perform The Prayer Of Need (salat al-haja)? – SeekersGuidance
• How Can I Study Islam Systematically as a Doctor? (seekersguidance.org)

Why not begin your search for knowledge by signing up for a course on SeekersAcademy (seekersguidance.org).

I pray this helps with your question.

Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Mawlana Ilyas Patel is a traditionally-trained scholar who has studied in the UK, India, Pakistan, Syria, Jordan, and Turkey. He started his early education in the UK. He went on to complete the hifz of the Quran in India, then enrolled in an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied the secular and ‘Aalimiyya sciences. He then traveled to Karachi, Pakistan. He has been an Imam in Rep of Ireland for several years. He has taught hifz of the Quran, Tajwid, Fiqh, and many other Islamic sciences to children and adults onsite and online extensively in the UK and Ireland. He taught at a local Islamic seminary for 12 years in the UK, where he was a librarian and a teacher of Islamic sciences. He currently resides in the UK with his wife. His interest is a love of books and gardening.

The post How Should I Dress Myself and Preserve My Muslim Identity in a Majority Non-Muslim City? appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

When I was 12 or 13 (I had already hit puberty ), I did something very haram to my brothers. My younger brother and my older brother who has autism. One night I touched their private part. I didn’t know it was haram back then and thought it was normal. My little brother was asleep, and my older brother was awake, but I don’t think he understood (I did say sorry to him, but he doesn’t understand). I’m 18 now, and I cry almost every night. I’m so anxious. I’ve heard that if I don’t ask for forgiveness from them, they will take my good deeds, and their bad deeds will get to me. I can’t tell them because it will cause more harm. will my future marriage be valid, and will Allah still forgive me if I only make dua for them and ask Allah for forgiveness?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate

I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question and for showing regret for your action in the past.

Don’t worry. Your regret and remorse are sufficient. Whenever you come to remember the past sin, just seek forgiveness by saying استغفر اللہ (I seek forgiveness in Allah Most High).

Regret is Repentance

Allah Most High says: “Say: My servants who have wronged yourselves, never despair of God’s mercy. God forgives all sins: He is truly the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful.” [Quran, 39:53]

The fact that you have regret is a sign that you have repented. The Beloved Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Whoever repents from sin is like one who never sinned.” [Ibn Maja]

May Allah Most High elevate, enable, and make ease for you to increase in knowledge, practice, and spirituality, amin.

I would like you to go through the valuable answers and links below. You will receive guidance and direction in sha Allah.

Related Answers

• Love, Marriage and Relationships in Islam: All Your Questions Answered (seekersguidance.org)
• Etiquette of Marriage: A Comprehensive SeekersGuidance Reader
• (122) 30 – Devil’s Tricks – The Path of Muhammad: Birgivi’s Manual of Taqwa Explained – Sh Faraz Rabbani – YouTube
• A Reader on OCD and Waswasa (Baseless Misgivings) (seekersguidance.org)
• Purification of the Heart for Youth: Diseases of the Heart and Their Cure – YouTube
• The Path of Muhammad: Birgivi’s Manual of Taqwa Explained – YouTube
• Purification of the Heart: Signs, Symptoms, and Cures of the Spiritual Diseases of the Heart: Hamza Yusuf: 9780985565909: Amazon.com: Books (Book)
• Prayer of Repentance: Salat al-Tawba – SeekersGuidance

Why not begin your search for knowledge by signing up for a course on

I pray this helps with your question.

Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Mawlana Ilyas Patel is a traditionally-trained scholar who has studied in the UK, India, Pakistan, Syria, Jordan, and Turkey. He started his early education in the UK. He went on to complete the hifz of the Quran in India, then enrolled in an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied the secular and ‘Aalimiyya sciences. He then traveled to Karachi, Pakistan. He has been an Imam in Rep of Ireland for several years. He has taught hifz of the Quran, Tajwid, Fiqh, and many other Islamic sciences to children and adults onsite and online extensively in the UK and Ireland. He taught at a local Islamic seminary for 12 years in the UK, where he was a librarian and a teacher of Islamic sciences. He currently resides in the UK with his wife. His interest is a love of books and gardening.

The post How Can I Rectify My Past Sin of Touching My Brothers? appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

What are the most important ways to maintain trustworthiness in Islam?

Answer

All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds. Blessings and peace be upon the Master of the Messengers, his Family, and all his Companions.

The Significance of Trustworthiness in Islam

Trustworthiness, which is the opposite of betrayal in all matters—whether material or moral—is one of the greatest qualities of believers. Therefore, it is essential to uphold and preserve it.

This can be achieved through several steps and methods, such as recognizing its importance, status, and virtue through the relevant religious texts, linking it to faith and religion (as there is no religion for the one who is untrustworthy), and connecting it to honesty in all dealings and circumstances.

Additionally, it is important to raise children to embody and acquire trustworthiness from a young age and to continuously monitor them in this regard. And Allah knows best.

Here is the detailed answer:

The Definition and Scope of Trustworthiness

The root of the word “security” (أَمْن) is the tranquility of the soul and the removal of fear. The term “trustworthiness” (الأمانة) is derived from the verb “amina” (أَمِنَ) – with the kasra (i.e., the short vowel “i”) – meaning “to be trustworthy.” It is the opposite of betrayal and refers to everything entrusted to a person, whether it be religious obligations or other responsibilities, such as acts of worship or deposits. Trustworthiness includes one’s family and wealth, as Allah (Most High) says:

“O believers! Do not betray Allah and the Messenger, nor betray your trusts knowingly.” [Quran, 8:27], meaning: do not betray what you have been entrusted with.

And He (Most High) also says:

“Indeed, We offered the trust to the heavens and the earth and the mountains, but they (all) declined to bear it, being fearful of it. But humanity assumed it, (for) they are truly wrongful (to themselves) and ignorant (of the consequences).” [Quran, 33:72]

In Lisan al-‘Arab, it is mentioned: “Trustworthiness refers to obedience, worship, deposits, trust, and security, and there are hadiths about each of these aspects.” [Ibn Manzur, Lisan al-‘Arab, Zabidi, Taj al-‘Arus]

Ways to Maintain Trustworthiness in Islam

Maintaining trustworthiness in Islam can be achieved through the following means:

Recognizing the Importance of Trustworthiness

This can be done by reflecting on the Quranic verses and Prophetic hadith that command the fulfillment of trusts, encourage adopting this virtue, and highlight its significance and the esteemed position of those who embody it. Conversely, these texts also warn against neglecting trustworthiness, being lenient with it, or engaging in betrayal, and the consequences of resembling those who do so.

Allah (Most High) says:

“Indeed, Allah commands you to return trusts to their rightful owners; and when you judge between people, judge with fairness. What a noble commandment from Allah to you! Surely Allah is All-Hearing, All-Seeing.” [Quran, 4:58]

Allah (Most High) also describes the traits of the successful believers:

“(The believers are also) those who are true to their trusts and covenants.” [Quran, 23:8]

Imam Tabari explains this verse as follows: “Allah (Most High) says: ‘(The believers are also) those who are true to their trusts’—which they have been entrusted with—and ‘and covenants’—which are the covenants they have made with people—‘are true,’ meaning that they are careful to preserve and fulfill them.”

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, as narrated by Abu Hurayra (Allah be pleased with him):

“The signs of a hypocrite are three: when he speaks, he lies; when he makes a promise, he breaks it; and when he is entrusted, he betrays the trust.” [Bukhari; Muslim]

In another narration: “Even if he fasts, prays, and claims to be a Muslim.” [Muslim]

Linking Trustworthiness to Faith

Neglecting trustworthiness is tantamount to neglecting faith, as mentioned in many religious texts. For instance:

Anas Ibn Malik (Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:

“No one is a believer who is not trustworthy, and no one is religious who does not keep his promises.” [Ahmad, Ibn Abi Shayba, Bazzar, and others]

Anas also narrated that the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:

“A believer is one from whom people feel safe, and a Muslim is one from whose tongue and hand other Muslims are safe. A migrant is one who abandons evil. By Him in Whose hand is my soul, a servant does not enter Paradise if his neighbor is not safe from his harm.” [Ahmad]

Connecting Trustworthiness with Honesty

Bayhaqi narrated that Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (Allah be pleased with him) once addressed the people, praised Allah, and said:

“The wisest of the wise is the one who fears Allah, and the most foolish of the foolish is the one who indulges in immorality. Know that honesty, in my view, is trustworthiness, and lying is betrayal. Know that the strong person, in my view, is weak until I take the right from him, and the weak person is strong until I secure his right for him…” [Bayhaqi, al-Sunan al-Kubra]

Instilling Trustworthiness in Children from an Early Age

This involves nurturing children to adopt the virtue of trustworthiness and monitoring them even as they grow older. An example of this is the night of the Hijra when the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) left Ali (Allah be pleased with him) in his place to return the trusts to their rightful owners. Numerous hadiths and incidents support this, such as:

Anas Ibn Malik (Allah be pleased with him) narrated:

“I served the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) for ten years, and he never struck me, insulted me, scolded me, or even frowned at me. The first thing he advised me was: ‘O my son, keep my secrets, and you will be a believer.’ My mother and the wives of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) used to ask me about the secrets of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace), but I would not inform them of anything. I will never disclose the secrets of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) to anyone, ever.” [Abu Ya‘la]

Conclusion

Know that trustworthiness is a significant virtue in this religion, distinguishing believers from hypocrites. We must uphold this virtue in all matters related to this world and the religion, whether in our relationship with Allah (Most High) or with others, in material matters like deposits and trusts, or in moral obligations like fulfilling responsibilities, keeping promises, and safeguarding secrets, as explained above. And Allah is the One who grants success.

Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Abdul Sami‘ al-Yaqti

The post How To Maintain Trustworthiness in Islam? appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

When does spending beyond one’s need become squandering?

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat discusses the point at which spending beyond one’s needs crosses into the realm of squandering.

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat pursued Arabic Grammar and Morphology alongside his English and History degree. Post-graduation, he deepened his studies in Damascus, learning Arabic, Hanafi Fiqh, Theology, and more under notable scholars like Shaykh Adnan Darwish and Shaykh Rashad Shams. He continued in Amman, expanding into Tafsir, Hadith, Prophetic Biography, and other Islamic sciences, guided by teachers such as Shaykh Ali Hani and Dr. Hamza al-Bakri.

The post When Does Spending beyond One’s Need Become Squandering? – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

Why is watching magic shows impermissible?

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat explains that watching magic shows is impermissible due to their association with deceptive practices and potential harm to one’s faith.

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat pursued Arabic Grammar and Morphology alongside his English and History degree. Post-graduation, he deepened his studies in Damascus, learning Arabic, Hanafi Fiqh, Theology, and more under notable scholars like Shaykh Adnan Darwish and Shaykh Rashad Shams. He continued in Amman, expanding into Tafsir, Hadith, Prophetic Biography, and other Islamic sciences, guided by teachers such as Shaykh Ali Hani and Dr. Hamza al-Bakri.

The post Why Is Watching Magic Shows Impermissible? – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

Is it permitted for a female doctor to wear short sleeves if needed?

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat addresses the permissibility of a female doctor wearing short sleeves in situations where it is necessary.

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat pursued Arabic Grammar and Morphology alongside his English and History degree. Post-graduation, he deepened his studies in Damascus, learning Arabic, Hanafi Fiqh, Theology, and more under notable scholars like Shaykh Adnan Darwish and Shaykh Rashad Shams. He continued in Amman, expanding into Tafsir, Hadith, Prophetic Biography, and other Islamic sciences, guided by teachers such as Shaykh Ali Hani and Dr. Hamza al-Bakri.

The post Is It Permitted for a Female Doctor to Wear Short Sleeves If Needed? – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

How can I stay away from family members who want to argue about religion?

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat provides advice on how to maintain a respectful distance from family members who engage in religious arguments.

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat pursued Arabic Grammar and Morphology alongside his English and History degree. Post-graduation, he deepened his studies in Damascus, learning Arabic, Hanafi Fiqh, Theology, and more under notable scholars like Shaykh Adnan Darwish and Shaykh Rashad Shams. He continued in Amman, expanding into Tafsir, Hadith, Prophetic Biography, and other Islamic sciences, guided by teachers such as Shaykh Ali Hani and Dr. Hamza al-Bakri.

The post How Can I Stay Away from Family Members Who Want to Argue about Religion? – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

How can we be certain Islam wasn’t sent by an unknown source?

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat discusses how to understand the universality of Islam and its truth for all humanity.

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat pursued Arabic Grammar and Morphology alongside his English and History degree. Post-graduation, he deepened his studies in Damascus, learning Arabic, Hanafi Fiqh, Theology, and more under notable scholars like Shaykh Adnan Darwish and Shaykh Rashad Shams. He continued in Amman, expanding into Tafsir, Hadith, Prophetic Biography, and other Islamic sciences, guided by teachers such as Shaykh Ali Hani and Dr. Hamza al-Bakri.

The post How Can We Be Certain Islam Wasn’t Sent by an Unknown Source? – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

What are the keys for new Muslims to be successful and not overwhelmed?

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat offers practical guidance for new Muslims to achieve success in their faith journey.

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat pursued Arabic Grammar and Morphology alongside his English and History degree. Post-graduation, he deepened his studies in Damascus, learning Arabic, Hanafi Fiqh, Theology, and more under notable scholars like Shaykh Adnan Darwish and Shaykh Rashad Shams. He continued in Amman, expanding into Tafsir, Hadith, Prophetic Biography, and other Islamic sciences, guided by teachers such as Shaykh Ali Hani and Dr. Hamza al-Bakri.

The post What Are the Keys for New Muslims to Be Successful and Not Overwhelmed? – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

How do we understand those close to Allah having special traits?

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat explains how those close to Allah possess unique spiritual traits granted by divine favor.

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat pursued Arabic Grammar and Morphology alongside his English and History degree. Post-graduation, he deepened his studies in Damascus, learning Arabic, Hanafi Fiqh, Theology, and more under notable scholars like Shaykh Adnan Darwish and Shaykh Rashad Shams. He continued in Amman, expanding into Tafsir, Hadith, Prophetic Biography, and other Islamic sciences, guided by teachers such as Shaykh Ali Hani and Dr. Hamza al-Bakri.

The post How Do We Understand Those Close to Allah Having Special Traits? – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

Can I wear clothing that has facial features, for example, a t-shirt that has a picture of just the eyes but no mouth, face, nose, ears etc? For example, the Fendi Cat Eye T-shirt for men?

Answer

Thank you for your question. To the best of my knowledge, I understand that it is makruh (disliked). One is rewarded for avoiding that which Allah dislikes.

Please see these links as well:

• Is Salah valid with pictures/eyes on clothes
• Is it permissible to pray in clothes with pictures without eyes?

Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria, for two years, where she studied aqidah, fiqh, tajweed, tafsir, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin and completed her Master’s in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan, where she studied fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She later moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.

The post Can I Wear a T-shirt That Has Eyes and Nothing Else on It? appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

I can’t love my father anymore. He treats me and my mother very horribly, always humiliating us, and has a very foul mouth. He takes pride in hurting & slashing other people with his terrible behavior and ability to knock someone down emotionally and spiritually. With a lot of financial crises and family life issues, his already awful temper is skyrocketing drastically.

I just can’t feel any affection towards him anymore. I don’t even like him. I treat him with respect because I don’t want to upset Allah, and I don’t want to have my future kids pay it back to me. What should I do? Am I upsetting Allah like this?

Answer

Thank you for your question. I empathize with your pain and frustration. I am sorry that you have to go through such a hard time with him when he should be showering you with love and support.

Patience

Being kind and polite and holding back your tongue with your father is excellence. He is very lucky to have a daughter like you, and I encourage you to continue to be patient with his arrogance and criticism. Your reward for putting up with him will be tremendous, by the grace of Allah, and you will find that when you are older and married with kids, your relationship will probably improve much. I recommend that you counter his criticism with kindness and a gift occasionally, this will usually shame a person into silence and soften their heart. There is no sin on you at all for not loving him, Allah only asks you to show him filial piety outwardly.

Abuse

A parent is prohibited from abusing their children in our religion. When he starts his abuse, excuse yourself, and leave. Say that you are not feeling well and don’t engage him. Ask other family members to intervene if possible. Perhaps ask a scholar to speak to him. Minimize the time you spend at home, if possible, and make du‘a that you can eventually move out, perhaps through marriage. Consider telling him that he must stop slashing you and that you will not listen to it anymore. He may not take it well at first, but eventually, he will think about your words, and perhaps respect you for standing up for yourself and your mother.

Turn to Allah

Turn to Allah first, give a little in charity consistently, learn your personally obligatory knowledge, be the best Muslima that you can be, and build your relationship with your Lord. There is no problem that Allah sends you that He cannot solve, so ask for His Mercy, Kindness, and guidance to find a solution. He will surely come to your aid. Try journaling; once you get your emotions onto paper, it will be easier to process them and pinpoint how to heal. Spend time with good friends who are a positive and religious influence on you. Exercise, take your supplements, and get very fresh air every day. Do not ever let your physical health suffer.

Keep your hopes up and know that Allah’s promise is true in the Quran: “And whosoever fears Allah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty). And He will provide for him from sources he never could imagine. And whosoever puts his trust in Allah, then He will suffice him. Verily, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Indeed Allah has set a measure for all things.” [Quran, 65:2-3]

Du‘a of the Oppressed

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “There are three whose supplication is not rejected: The fasting person when he breaks his fast, the just leader, and the supplication of the oppressed person; Allah raises it up above the clouds and opens the gates of heaven to it. And the Lord says: ‘By My might, I shall surely aid you, even if it should be after a while.’” [Tirmidhi]

May Allah give you the best of this world and the next and facilitate your matters for you.

Please see these links as well:

• Can I Hate My Father?
• How to Deal with an Abusive and Irreligious Father?
• Can I Ask My Father To Stop Talking to Me Unless He Needs My Help?
• Goodness to Parents – A Reader

Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria, for two years, where she studied aqidah, fiqh, tajweed, tafsir, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin and completed her Master’s in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan, where she studied fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She later moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.

The post Does It Upset Allah Most High That I Don’t Love My Father? appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

Could you please tell me if the istinja water that flows a little here and there (to the side of the butt perhaps) should be considered najis or pure? It may be the same water that washed away the urine and flowed to the side. This is a case of a female who spends more than the usual time during istinja. In case it’s najis, does washing it with hand and water make the hand impure as well? Please answer soon. Jazak Allah.

Answer

In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful,

I pray this finds you in the best of states.

Yes, the leftover water on your body after an Istinja is pure.

As soon as you have performed your cleaning (istinja) using water and feel confident that you have cleaned the filthy area, every part of your body involved in the process of istinja is deemed pure: the rear part, the hand you have used…Even the handle of the container of water you were using is deemed pure despite having been touched by your cleaning hand multiple times. [Ibn Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar]

Allah (Most High) says: “Allah does not require of any soul more than what it can afford.” [Quran, 2:286]

The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) has warned us: “Religion is easy, and no one overburdens himself in his religion, but he will be unable to continue in that way. So do not be extremists, but try to be near perfection and receive the good tidings that you will be rewarded.” [Bukhari, Muslim]

Please see:  Key Principles Relating to Certainty, Doubt, and Baseless Misgivings (waswasa)

And Allah knows best.
Wassalam
[Ustadh] Sufyan Qufi
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Ustadh Sufyan Qufi is an advanced seeker of knowledge, originally from Algeria, who grew up in France. He began searching far and wide for answers to the fundamental questions of life and was disappointed at the answers he found. Then he connected with various traditional teachers and gradually connected with SeekersGuidance. He embarked on his journey of learning through the various teachers at SeekersGuidance, including his mentor Shaykh Faraz Rabbani. He studied numerous texts in Islamic Law, Theology, Hadith, and other areas with Shaykh Faraz Rabbani and other teachers, including Shaykh Abdurrahman al-Sha‘ar, Shaykh Ali Hani, and others. He is an active instructor at SeekersGuidance and answers questions through the SeekersGuidance Answers Service.

The post Is the Leftover Water on My Body after an Istinja Pure? appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

My mother left the house and left us with our dad when we were younger, and then she wanted to move back into our dad’s house when we had all gotten married and wanted to interfere in our affairs. She lies, is arrogant and practices kufr and also wants us to be like her. Is it ok for me to distance myself from her?

Answer

Thank you for your question. I empathize with your pain and frustration, and I pray that your mother is guided to the sunna of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace).

Cutting Ties

Jubayr Ibn Mut‘im reported on the authority of his father that Allah’s Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “The severer would not enter Paradise.” Ibn ‘Umar said that Sufyan (explained it as): One who severs the tie of kinship would not enter Paradise. [Muslim] This does mean that you can’t distance yourself from her, it means that you can’t cut her off completely.

Protect Yourself

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “There should be neither harming nor reciprocating harm.” [Ibn Maja] I recommend that you minimize contact with her to protect yourself from her meddling instead of cutting her off completely. Send her messages once in a while. Call her occasionally, especially if she is sick or if she needs something from you. Time, forgiveness, and du‘a, by Allah’s grace, will improve things, and I pray that you can eventually have a normal relationship with her.

Plan to Forgive

I encourage you to be gentle and kind to her because of the great rank of a mother in Islam while protecting yourself and planning to forgive her eventually. ‘Abdullah Ibn al-‘As reported that the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Show mercy and you will be shown mercy. Forgive, and Allah will forgive you. Woe to the vessels that catch words (i.e. the ears). Woe to those who persist and consciously continue in what they are doing.” [Sahih Albani]

Turn to Allah

Keep your hopes up and do your part with Allah. Keep up your prayers, read the Quran daily, increase your knowledge of religion, make dhikr, and stay away from the haram.  Know that Allah’s promise is true in the Quran: “And whosoever fears Allah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty). And He will provide for him from sources he never could imagine. And whosoever puts his trust in Allah, then He will suffice him. Verily, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Indeed Allah has set a measure for all things.” [Quran, 65:2-3]

Please see these links for more details on cutting ties of kinship:

• What is the Minimum Amount of Relationship I Have to Keep with a Relative I Hate?
• How Do We Maintain Family Ties With Bloodthirsty Relatives?
• Is It Bad That I Do Not Love My Mother Because of All the Stress That She Gives Me?
• Will Allah Hate Me for Cutting Off My Toxic Mother in Order To Protect Myself?

Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria, for two years, where she studied aqida, fiqh, tajweed, tafsir, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin and completed her Master’s in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan, where she studied fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She later moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.

The post Can I Distance Myself from My Mother Who Left Us When We Were Young? appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

My sister left Islam a few years ago. Now she has a boyfriend. She wants to eventually marry him. I wonder how to deal with their relationship now. I have a daughter and am very cautious about the examples she will see, and I don’t want to normalize illicit relationships in my home. That’s why I decided not to invite or see the boyfriend until they get married. Is that the correct way of dealing with all non-muslim unmarried couples? Do you have other ideas or advice on this matter? And is it permissible to have her over with him as soon as they get married?

Answer

Thank you for your question. May Allah reward you for being concerned about your sister and wanting what is best for her state of affairs.

Non-Muslim Couples

It is not strictly forbidden to invite non-Muslim couples (boyfriend/girlfriend) into your home, but that is totally different than when it’s your own sister. You should uphold a certain standard of relationships in front of your children, and I agree with you that you should invite them only when they are married. I am certain that if she comes over with her husband, she will enjoy watching your lifestyle and reconsider hers.

Islam

I’m not sure why she left Islam, but this is the bigger issue. Do what you can to be close to her and pray for her guidance. Try the following:

• Bond with your sister, and don’t talk about her disobedience at all
• Meet her outside the home, talk about her feelings, her past, her views
• Don’t ask her to pray with you if she refuses, but let her see you praying
• Bring fun religious positive people around her who won’t judge her
• Wait for her to ask you for advice because she will eventually tire of this lifestyle
• Make dua for her constantly, especially before dawn, between the adhan and iqama, and the last hour of Friday before Maghrib.
• Encourage her to marry this man, as you already are
• Last but not least, remain grateful that you are not in the position that she is in, and ask Allah to increase you in obedience.

Commanding the Right

Remember that commanding the good and forbidding the wrong is only done with conditions, and you are not responsible for her actions beyond that. The least you can do is hate it in your heart. Please see the conditions here:

• What Are the Criteria for Enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil?

Have faith that Allah will answer your dua and aid her, as the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) told us, “The supplication of every one of you is granted if he does not grow impatient and say: ‘I supplicated, but it was not granted.’” [Muslim]

Please see these tips as well:

• How Can I Advise My Non-Practicing Sibling?
• Younger Sister Woes: Dealing With Wisdom & Leading By Example
• Guiding One’s Family Towards the Good: Advice & Tips

Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria, for two years, where she studied aqidah, fiqh, tajweed, tafsir, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin and completed her Master’s in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan, where she studied fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She later moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.

The post How Should I Interact with My Sister Who Has a Boyfriend? appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

If someone makes a vow and conditions hurmat al-musahara upon the vow breaking, can hurmat al-musahara really occur because of the broken vow? For example, the consequence of the vow is hurmat al-Musahara.

What if the person who made the vow intended for it to occur between two future spouses, does that mean those two people can’t get married because of the vow that was broken?

What if the vow was non-verbal or the person doesn’t remember if it was verbal, then can hurmat al-Musahara occur?

What if the person doesn’t remember if it was Shaytan’s waswas that made the vow in their mind or if it was actually them?
Can anything I’ve written here in this question cause hurmat al-Musahara?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate

I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.

Hurmat al-Musahara; marriage dissolution due to sexual relation will not take place in any of the above scenarios. You are suffering from misgivings. Don’t worry, remain rest assured. ignore the doubts. Do the following:

Read Ta‘awwudh and This Specific Dua for Misgivings, Regularly

Say the ta‘awwudh, which is:

“أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنَ الشَّيطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ”

(I seek refuge in Allah from the rejected devil.)

Make dua abundantly when anxious before prayer.  You can also recite Surat al-Nas, a Sura and dua, for protection against misgivings. Also, keep your tongue moist with this dua:

“.اَللّٰھُمَّ اجْعَلْ وَسَاوِسَ قَلْبِیْ خَشْیَتَکَ وَ ذِکْرَکَ وَاجْعَلْ ھِمَّتِیْ وَھَوَایٰ فِیْمَـا تُـحِبُّ وَ تَرْضٰی”

(O Allah! Render the thoughts and inclinations within my heart to be Your fear and remembrance, and let my endeavor and desire be devoted to what You love and are pleased with.) [Daylami, Musnad al-Firdaws]
I would like you to go through the valuable answers and links below. You will receive guidance and direction in sha Allah.

Related 

• What Exactly Equals Marriage Dissolution Due to Sexual Relations (Hurmat Al-Musahara) for a Female? (seekersguidance.org)
• The Reality and Etiquettes of Supplication: A Reader – SeekersGuidance
• Concepts of Health and Disease within an Islamic Framework (seekersguidance.org)
• How to Strengthen Faith in Allah and Return to Him? A Reader – SeekersGuidance
• (122) 30 – Devil’s Tricks – The Path of Muhammad: Birgivi’s Manual of Taqwa Explained – Sh Faraz Rabbani – YouTube
• Mental Health Workshop: An Islamic Guide to Dealing with Depression (seekersguidance.org)
• Doubts – IPD Session #3 | COJ – an ISIP Youth Chapter Initiative
•  The Application of Islamic Psychotherapy for the Treatment of OCD
•  Key Principles Relating to Certainty, Doubt, and Baseless Misgivings (waswasa) – SeekersGuidance
• A Reader on OCD and Waswasa (Baseless Misgivings) (seekersguidance.org)
• (1) The Application of Islamic Psychotherapy for the Treatment of OCD~Dr. Hooman Keshavarzi – YouTube
• How to Handle Constant Waswasa in Acts of Purification and Worship

I would like you to go through this 2-hour long podcast. It will be highly beneficial and guide you through.

•  Being Balanced – Emotional and Mental Health – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat (seekersguidance.org)

Why not begin your search for knowledge by signing up for a course on SeekersAcademy (seekersguidance.org), like Satanic Tactics: Seven Tricks of the Devil (seekersguidance.org)

May Allah Most High give you ease and relief from the illness.

I pray this helps with your question.

Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Mawlana Ilyas Patel is a traditionally-trained scholar who has studied in the UK, India, Pakistan, Syria, Jordan, and Turkey. He started his early education in the UK. He went on to complete the hifz of the Quran in India, then enrolled in an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied the secular and ‘Aalimiyya sciences. He then traveled to Karachi, Pakistan. He has been an Imam in Rep of Ireland for several years. He has taught hifz of the Quran, Tajwid, Fiqh, and many other Islamic sciences to children and adults onsite and online extensively in the UK and Ireland. He taught at a local Islamic seminary for 12 years in the UK, where he was a librarian and a teacher of Islamic sciences. He currently resides in the UK with his wife. His interest is a love of books and gardening.

The post Can a Vow Cause Hurmat al-Musahara? appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

If my wife, who has never been pregnant, naturally produces breast milk and breastfeeds a female infant and fulfills the conditions for establishing foster relations via milk nursing (https://seekersguidance.org/answers/shafii-fiqh/how-much-milk-nursing-is-needed-to-establish-familial-bonds/), would that make my son from a previous marriage a mahram of the female infant who my wife breastfeeds? Additionally, would it make my father, grandfather, and brother mahrams of the infant in question? Jazakum Allah khairan.

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate

I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.

No, it will not make your son a mahram to the female infant whom your wife breastfeeds, as he is from a previous marriage. However, the husband will become the foster father of the female infant. Also, it will make the father, grandfather, and brother mahrams to the infant. This is all subject to if the female infant ingesting the milk was less than 2.5 lunar years old at the time.

If a woman has breastfed a child, her husband will be the foster father of that child because he was the reason for her milk.

[Ibn ʿAbidin, Radd al-Muhtar]

You can search for more related answers on SeekersGuidance

I would like you to go through the valuable answers and links below. You will receive guidance and direction in sha Allah.

Related 

• breastfeeding Archives – SeekersGuidance
• Breastfeeding Leading to Mahram Relationship – SeekersGuidance
• Is There an Age Limit to Breastfeeding? – SeekersGuidance

Why not begin your search for knowledge by signing up for a course on SeekersAcademy (seekersguidance.org)?

I pray this helps with your question.

Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Mawlana Ilyas Patel is a traditionally-trained scholar who has studied in the UK, India, Pakistan, Syria, Jordan, and Turkey. He started his early education in the UK. He went on to complete the hifz of the Quran in India, then enrolled in an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied the secular and ‘Aalimiyya sciences. He then traveled to Karachi, Pakistan. He has been an Imam in Rep of Ireland for several years. He has taught hifz of the Quran, Tajwid, Fiqh, and many other Islamic sciences to children and adults onsite and online extensively in the UK and Ireland. He taught at a local Islamic seminary for 12 years in the UK, where he was a librarian and a teacher of Islamic sciences. He currently resides in the UK with his wife. His interest is a love of books and gardening.

The post Would My Son from a Previous Marriage Become Mahram of the Female Infant Whom My Wife Breastfeeds? appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

My niece is 25 years old. She is engaged to be married. Her father is not around, and her brothers don’t know anything about Islam, the marriage dowry, etc. Her maternal uncle and mother have tried to facilitate the dowry conversation.

Still, the mother of the bride-to-be was told that she has no Islamic right to be involved at all in any discussion relating to the dowry or wedding arrangements agreements by the groom.

My question is, in such a situation, what are the rights of the bride’s mother Islamically, especially when the groom-to-be is making decisions and arrangements about the marriage with the girl without her mother’s consent or her maternal uncle’s consent?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate

I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.

The groom cannot refuse her mother-in-law to be in the dowry conversation and wedding arrangement. Although she is not the guardian (wali), she is the mother and has every right to be. However, in the future, as they will get married and become a family, it is best if it is resolved amicably between them. So, both families live in harmony, which is how it should be in any marriage.

Nurturing Guardian

A mother is considered a nurturing guardian of her child, even if the father is given guardianship (wilaya) over the children in terms of marriage. She is entitled to greater overall respect than the father. See the link below.

Responsible Guardian

This responsibility of guardianship (wilaya) is given to the woman’s family in the following order:

The guardian (wali) is understood to be the father of the woman; if the father is not alive, then the grandfather; then the mature son; then the blood brother; then the uncle (father’s brother); then the cousin (father’s brother’s son); then the mother, etc.

[IbnʿAbidin, Radd al-Muhtar]

I would like you to go through the valuable answers and links below. You will receive guidance and direction in sha Allah.

• Will My Marriage to a Hanafi Woman Be Valid? – SeekersGuidance
• Marriage Archives – SeekersGuidance
• Can I Marry Without My Parents’ Consent? – SeekersGuidance
• Was My Nikah Valid If the Guardian (Wali) for My Wife Was Her Mother? (seekersguidance.org)
• Key Considerations in the Act of Marriage – SeekersGuidance
• Etiquette of Marriage: A Comprehensive SeekersGuidance Reader
• Love, Marriage, and Relationships in Islam: All Your Questions Answered (seekersguidance.org)

Why not begin your search for knowledge by signing up for a course on SeekersAcademy (seekersguidance.org)?

I pray this helps with your question.

Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Mawlana Ilyas Patel is a traditionally-trained scholar who has studied in the UK, India, Pakistan, Syria, Jordan, and Turkey. He started his early education in the UK. He went on to complete the hifz of the Quran in India, then enrolled in an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied the secular and ‘Aalimiyya sciences. He then traveled to Karachi, Pakistan. He has been an Imam in Rep of Ireland for several years. He has taught hifz of the Quran, Tajwid, Fiqh, and many other Islamic sciences to children and adults onsite and online extensively in the UK and Ireland. He taught at a local Islamic seminary for 12 years in the UK, where he was a librarian and a teacher of Islamic sciences. He currently resides in the UK with his wife. His interest is a love of books and gardening.

The post What Are the Rights of the Mother of the Bride in the Absence of the Father? appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

If someone touches menstrual blood, her hand becomes wet. Then she touches an object without washing her hand, but no traces have been transferred, i.e., there is no redness on that object. Is the object pure or impure? Similarly, if someone has menstrual blood on her clothes, which are still wet, and she sits on a place, but when she stands up, she doesn’t see anything in that place. Is that place pure or not?

Answer

In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful,

I pray this finds you in the best of states.

It depends on whether or not your hand, or cloth, was dripping with blood. If it was dripping then the touched object is deemed filthy even if no traces of blood appear on it. [Shurunbulali, Maraqi al-Falah]

If your hand wasn’t dripping then the touched object is only deemed filthy if traces of blood appear on it. [Ibid]

Principle Applied

When two objects come into contact, and one of them is filthy, then filth is considered to have transferred only if one of the two objects was dripping wet or a sign of the filth (color, smell, taste) is manifest on the pure object. [Shurunbulali, Maraqi al-Falah]

And Allah knows best.
Wassalam
[Ustadh] Sufyan Qufi
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Ustadh Sufyan Qufi is an advanced seeker of knowledge, originally from Algeria, who grew up in France. He began searching far and wide for answers to the fundamental questions of life and was disappointed at the answers he found. Then he connected with various traditional teachers and gradually connected with SeekersGuidance. He embarked on his journey of learning through the various teachers at SeekersGuidance, including his mentor Shaykh Faraz Rabbani. He studied numerous texts in Islamic Law, Theology, Hadith, and other areas with Shaykh Faraz Rabbani and other teachers, including Shaykh Abdurrahman al-Sha‘ar, Shaykh Ali Hani, and others. He is an active instructor at SeekersGuidance and answers questions through the SeekersGuidance Answers Service.

The post Does a Bloody Hand Render Filthy a Touched Item? appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

I haven’t done this, but if someone imagines committing Zina when the parents have told them not to, do they need to tell their parents and apologize? What if they think the parents will be upset? What do they do if someone has a habit of Zina and can’t stop? Do they constantly need to apologize to their parents if they tell the kid not to commit Zina?

Answer

Thank you for your question. May Allah reward you for giving your parents such a high rank and for wanting to be good to them.

Imagining Zina

Although it is sinful to daydream or imagine zina (fornication), one should not tell one’s parents about it. One should repent to Allah (Most High) and take the means to eliminate this habit through dhikr (remembrance of Allah), seeking refuge from the Devil (A‘udhu biLlahi min ash-Shaytan ir-rajim), prayer, wudu, and other healthy distractions. Imagining zina is not committing zina.

Fadala Ibn ‘Ubayd narrates that the Messenger of Allah Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: “The deeds of everyone who dies are sealed. Except for the one who dies guarding the frontier from the enemy, in the cause of Allah. For indeed his actions are increased for him until the Day of Judgement, and he is secure from the tribulation of the grave.” And I heard the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) saying: “The Mujahid is one who strives against his own soul.’ [Tirmidhi]

So be of the Mujahidin (those who strive) against your soul, seeking help through Allah, and you will conquer it, by His grace.

Please see these links as well:

• Am I Sinful for Getting Lost in Sexual Thoughts?
• Is It Permissible to Fantasize About a Hypothetical Marriage?
• Fantasizing about the Opposite Sex

Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria, for two years, where she studied aqidah, fiqh, tajweed, tafsir, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin and completed her Master’s in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan, where she studied fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She later moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.

The post Should One Tell His Parents That He Was Imagining Zina? appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

I believe I engaged in a riba transaction as a cashier when I allowed a customer to trade in a drink for another with a different sugar content. This, I believe, was a transaction of unequal amounts of sugar. However, I no longer live in the city I worked in and most likely will never see the customer again. How do I rectify this?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate. May Allah alleviate our difficulties and guide us to what pleases Him. Amin.

While foodstuffs are considered usurious in nature, this is an exchange of one drink for another and not an exchange of sugar for sugar directly. The fact that the drinks contain sugar does not make the drinks riba commodities, and Allah knows best. [Misri, ‘Umdat al-Salik & Hamadi, Fath al-Wahhab al-Malik]

Moreover, exchanging sugar for sugar is not considered a riba transaction unless it is in its pure form and involves an increase in one of the exchanged amounts or a deferment in the payment of one of the items. Riba specifically pertains to the exchange of items (currencies) like gold for gold, silver for silver, (or food commodities) dates for dates, and wheat for wheat when there is an increase in one of them. [Misri, ‘Umdat al-Salik & Hamadi, Fath al-Wahhab al-Malik]

The types of wealth that are regarded as being subject to riba and were named in the religious texts are six, as mentioned in the hadith of ‘Ubada Ibn as-Samit (Allah be pleased with him), who said: The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: “Gold for gold, silver for silver, wheat for wheat, barley for barley, dates for dates, salt for salt, like for like, same for same, hand to hand. But if these commodities differ, then sell as you like, as long as it is hand to hand” [Muslim].

Thus, your concern about a riba transaction in this case is unfounded. You may find comfort in knowing that your transaction does not fall under the category of riba.

I pray this is of benefit and that Allah guides us all.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Muhammad Abu Bakr Ba-Dhib

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan.

Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Mawlana Yusuf Karaan, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.

He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has served as the Director of the Discover Islam Centre and Al Jeem Foundation. For the last five years till present, he has served as the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.

Shaykh Irshaad has thirteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic online learning and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy living and fitness.

The post Does Exchanging Drinks Result in a Riba Transaction? appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

I live in a high latitude city: (1) How soon is it permissible to pray ‘isha after maghrib during the twilight nights (when ‘isha never technically comes in)? In my city, it is increasingly common to pray ‘isha immediately after maghrib during the longest days of the year due to hardship. Is this a permissible position to follow and/or one that I can follow out of hardship?

(2) Is it sinful to sleep through a prayer (such as ‘isha or fajr) unintentionally?

(3) If I go to sleep immediately after performing maghrib, would it be sinful to allow myself to sleep and then pray ‘isha/with when I wake up for fajr? Does the fact that ‘isha does not technically come in during the twilight nights of the year impact this ruling?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate

I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.

1. Combining Maghrib and Isha

You may follow the opinion of combining the prayers of Maghrib and Isha during this period of absence of twilight or a set locked time of 65 minutes or more. Some esteemed Muftis and Jurists of the UK are of the opinion that Maghrib and Isha can be combined during the Summer months when the twilight does not disappear and Isha does not come in.

This can differ according to the latitude one is in. One can check muwaqqit.com and find out one’s latitude and entry and exit of prayer times. ‘Isha beginning will be shown blank during the absence of the twilight period.

Set Locked Time or More

Here in the UK, the Wifaq al-Ulama has set a 65-minute after Maghrib for Isha during the absence of the twilight period, and some have set the time to even more. Some are also of the opinion of permitting the combining of prayers during this absence of the twilight period.

2. No, it is not sinful if done unintentionally. See the link below.

If Someone Oversleeps and Misses Prayer

Abu Qatada (Allah be pleased with him) reported it was mentioned to the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) that some of them missed the prayer. At the same time, they slept, and the Prophet said, “It is not neglectful if missed (unintentionally) because of sleep. Verily, it isn’t very careful if missed while awake. If one of you forgets to pray or misses it by sleeping, let him pray it as soon as he remembers.”
[Tirmidhi]

3. Yes, although it is generally disliked, you may go to sleep after maghrib during the absence of twilight and pray Isha later, just before the end of Fajr, to allow you to have a block of good sleep due to the next day’s work, etc.

I would like you to go through the valuable answers and links below. You will receive guidance and direction in sha Allah.

Related Answers

• Salah Times | Wifaqul Ulama (Britain)
• ʿIshāʾ at High Latitudes? | Wifaqul Ulama (Britain)
  
• Prayer Reader: The Ultimate Guide To Prayer in Islam – SeekersGuidance
• Order “Shedding Light on the Dawn,” Written by Dr. Asim Yusuf
• Prayer: A Comprehensive SeekersGuidance Reader – SeekersGuidance
• Sleeping through a Prayer or Forgetting to Pray – SeekersGuidance

Why not begin your search for knowledge by signing up for a course on SeekersAcademy (seekersguidance.org).

Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Mawlana Ilyas Patel is a traditionally-trained scholar who has studied in the UK, India, Pakistan, Syria, Jordan, and Turkey. He started his early education in the UK. He went on to complete the hifz of the Quran in India, then enrolled in an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied the secular and ‘Aalimiyya sciences. He then traveled to Karachi, Pakistan. He has been an Imam in Rep of Ireland for several years. He has taught hifz of the Quran, Tajwid, Fiqh, and many other Islamic sciences to children and adults onsite and online extensively in the UK and Ireland. He taught at a local Islamic seminary for 12 years in the UK, where he was a librarian and a teacher of Islamic sciences. He currently resides in the UK with his wife. His interest is a love of books and gardening.

The post What is the Ruling of Isha Living in High Latitude Areas? appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

Why Was Abu ‘Ubaida Ibn al-Jarrah Called After His Grandfather’s Name?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate

I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.

The name of Abu ‘Ubaida Ibn al-Jarrah (Allah be pleased with him) was Amir Ibn Abdullah Ibn Jarrah. His father’s name was Abdullah, and his grandfather’s was Jarrah. He was given the agnomen: Abu ‘Ubaida. This agnomen of his prevailed over him, so he is known mainly by it. Jarrah was his title, a custom amongst the Arabs, which was his grandfather’s name. His mother’s name was Umaima Bint Ghanam.

[ِIbn Qutayba, Al-Ma‘arif; Ibn ‘Abd al-Barr, Al-Isti‘ab Fi Ma‘rifat al-Ashab]

Related Answers

• Companions of the Prophet Archives – SeekersGuidance
• Mosque of Abu Ubaida (رضي الله عنه) – IslamicLandmarks.com

Why not begin your search for knowledge by signing up for a course on

• The History of Faith: Islamic History for Beginners (seekersguidance.org)

I pray this helps with your question.

Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Mawlana Ilyas Patel is a traditionally-trained scholar who has studied in the UK, India, Pakistan, Syria, Jordan, and Turkey. He started his early education in the UK. He went on to complete the hifz of the Quran in India, then enrolled in an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied the secular and ‘Aalimiyya sciences. He then traveled to Karachi, Pakistan. He has been an Imam in Rep of Ireland for several years. He has taught hifz of the Quran, Tajwid, Fiqh, and many other Islamic sciences to children and adults onsite and online extensively in the UK and Ireland. He taught at a local Islamic seminary for 12 years in the UK, where he was a librarian and a teacher of Islamic sciences. He currently resides in the UK with his wife. His interest is a love of books and gardening.

The post Why Was Abu ‘Ubaida Ibn al-Jarrah Called After His Grandfather’s Name? appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

What is the ruling on diamond rings for males?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate. May Allah alleviate our difficulties and guide us to what pleases Him. Amin.

It is permissible for men to wear diamond rings as long as the ring is not made of gold, does not resemble women’s rings, or symbols that are antithetical to Islam. However, there are important considerations to keep in mind:

1. Avoiding Imitation: Men should avoid wearing diamond rings with the intention of imitating non-Muslims, such as actors or public figures, as it is prohibited to imitate those who do not follow Islam.
2. Avoiding Pride and Extravagance: It is also impermissible to wear a diamond ring out of pride or to show off, as this can break the hearts of the poor and goes against the humble example set by the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) and his Companions.

Given these considerations, it is better for a Muslim man to wear a silver ring, thereby following the Sunna and avoiding spending excessively on items that do not bring benefit in this life or the next. [Nawawi, al-Majmu‘]

I pray this is of benefit and that Allah guides us all.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Muhammad Abu Bakr Ba-Dhib

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan.

Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Mawlana Yusuf Karaan, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.

He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has served as the Director of the Discover Islam Centre and Al Jeem Foundation. For the last five years till present, he has served as the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.

Shaykh Irshaad has thirteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic online learning and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy living and fitness.

The post Are Diamond Rings Permissible for Males? appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

What is the correct way to place the Quran alongside other books to show it proper respect?

Answer

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

All praise is due to Allah, Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon the Messenger sent as a mercy to the worlds, our Master and Prophet, Muhammad, and his Family and Companions.

The Proper Placement of the Quran

The correct way to place the Quran when it is stored with other books, whether in a library or any other location, is to always keep the Quran above all other books. It is not permissible to place it beneath or under any other book. This is done out of respect and reverence for the Quran, as it should not be treated like any other book.

If there are multiple copies of the Quran, it is permissible to stack them on top of each other, but they should not be placed on the floor or in a place that is disrespectful or unclean, nor should they be kept near anything impure. Allah (Most High) says:

“That is so. And whoever honors the symbols of Allah, it is certainly out of the piety of the heart.” [Quran, 22:32]

Storing the Quran with Other Books

It is also preferable that if the Quran is stored in a library containing books of disbelief or atheism, the Quran should be kept distinct from them. Efforts should be made to place the Quran away from such books, either on a separate shelf or on the highest shelves. This is because it is the noble book about which Allah (Most High) says:

“Indeed, those who deny the Reminder after it has come to them (are doomed), for it is truly a mighty Book. It cannot be proven false from any angle. (It is) a revelation from the (One Who is) All-Wise, Praiseworthy.” [Quran, 41:41-42]

It is also the book containing the best of speech, as Allah (Most High) says:

“(It is) Allah (Who) has sent down the best message—a Book of perfect consistency and repeated lessons—which causes the skin (and hearts) of those who fear their Lord to tremble, then their skin and hearts soften at the mention of (the mercy of) Allah. That is the guidance of Allah, through which He guides whoever He wills. But whoever Allah leaves to stray will be left with no guide.” [Quran, 39:23]

Hierarchy of Book Placement

Ibn Jama‘a stated that the proper etiquette for arranging books is based on the knowledge they contain, their significance, and the status of their authors. The most honorable should be placed at the top, and a hierarchy should be followed. If the Quran is present, it should be placed above all others. Ideally, it should be stored in a cover with a loop, hung on a clean and pure wall in a prominent position in the room.

Next should come books of pure Hadith like Sahih Muslim, followed by Quranic exegesis, Hadith commentary, ‘Usul al-Din, ‘Usul al-Fiqh, then Fiqh, then grammar and morphology, and finally Arabic poetry and prosody. If two books in the same genre are equal, the one with more Quran or Hadith content should be placed higher. [Ibn Jama‘a, Tazkirat al-Sami‘ wa al-Mutakallim]

Transporting the Quran and Islamic Books

The author of “al-Muhit al-Burhani” mentioned that if a Quran or any Islamic book is carried on an animal in a saddlebag, and the owner rides on top of it, this is not considered disliked. [Ibn Maza, al-Muhit al-Burhani fi al-Fiqh al-Nu‘mani]

Respecting the Quran Beyond Placement

Finally, honoring the Quran is part of honoring Allah (Most High). Therefore, in addition to respecting the Quran when it is placed with other books, it should also be read in a clean place. It is disliked to read it in impure places, such as bathrooms or similar areas.

May Allah bless the Prophet Muhammad and give him peace, and his Family and Companions.

And Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Anas al-Musa

The post How Should the Quran Be Placed to Show Proper Respect? appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

What are the supplications for those who have not been blessed with children?

Answer

All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds. Blessings and peace be upon the Master of the Messengers, his Family, and all his Companions.

The Power of Supplication in Islam

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Supplication is worship.” [Abu Dawud; Tirmidhi]

Therefore, Allah commands His believing servants to supplicate, and He promises to answer their prayers. Allah (Most High) says:

“When My servants ask you (O Prophet) about Me: I am truly near. I respond to one’s prayer when they call upon Me. So let them respond (with obedience) to Me and believe in Me, perhaps they will be guided (to the Right Way).” [Quran, 2:186]

Allah’s Sovereignty Over Blessings and Children

Everything is in the hands of Allah (Most High), and He is capable of all things. Allah (Most High) says:

“To Allah (alone) belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth. He creates whatever He wills. He blesses whoever He wills with daughters, and blesses whoever He wills with sons, or grants both sons and daughters (to whoever He wills), and leaves whoever He wills infertile. He is indeed All-Knowing, Most Capable.” [Quran, 42:49-50]

Supplications from the Quran for Children

There are specific supplications mentioned in the Quran for the blessing of children, such as the supplications made by the prophets (peace be upon them) for the gift of offspring. For example, the supplication of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him), as Allah (Most High) says:

“My Lord! Bless me with righteous offspring.” [Quran, 37:100]

Also, the supplication of Prophet Zakariyya (peace be upon him), which is mentioned in several places in the Quran. Allah (Most High) says:

“And (remember) when Zakariyya cried out to his Lord, ‘My Lord! Do not leave me childless, though You are the Best of Successors.’ So We answered his prayer, granted him Yahya, and made his wife fertile. Indeed, they used to race in doing good, and call upon Us with hope and fear, totally humbling themselves before Us.” [Quran, 21:89-90]

Allah (Most High) also says:

“Then and there, Zakariyya prayed to his Lord, saying, ‘My Lord! Grant me—by your grace—righteous offspring. You are certainly the Hearer of (all) prayers.’” [Quran, 3:38]

Tabari, in his Tafsir, explains: “When Zakariyya saw her condition, he said, ‘Indeed, a Lord who granted her this out of season is capable of giving me righteous offspring!’ He then desired a child, stood up, prayed, and secretly supplicated to his Lord.” [Tabari, Tafsir al-Tabari]

Allah (Most High) says:

“(This is) a reminder of your Lord’s mercy to His servant Zachariah, when he cried out to his Lord privately, saying, ‘My Lord! Surely my bones have become brittle, and grey hair has spread across my head, but I have never been disappointed in my prayer to You, my Lord!’” [Quran, 19:2-4]

Etiquettes of Supplication

These verses highlight several important etiquettes of supplication. One should feel a sense of presence with Allah during supplication, recognizing that He is near and hears them. They should call upon Him with a sincere, hidden, and honest supplication, free from any insincerity, and fully aware of their weakness, humility, and need for Him (Most High).

When a person supplicates in this manner, Allah (Most High) blesses them with mercy and answers their supplication, especially since He has never disappointed them before, as Prophet Zakariyya (peace be upon him) said:

“I have never been disappointed in my prayer to You, my Lord!” [Quran, 19:4]

After this introduction in his supplication and approaching Allah (Most High), Prophet Zakariyya began to express his concerns, worries, and needs, saying:

“And I am concerned about (the faith of) my relatives after me, since my wife is barren. So grant me, by Your grace, an heir, who will inherit (prophethood) from me and the family of Yaqub, and make him, O Lord, pleasing (to You)!” [Quran, 19:5-6]

Then came the divine glad tidings in response to his prayer:

“(The angels announced,) ‘O Zakariyya! Indeed, We give you the good news of (the birth of) a son, whose name will be Yahya—a name We have not given to anyone before.’” [Quran, 19:7]

General Supplications for Blessings

There are also general supplications that one can make, such as:

The Supplication of Prophet Yunus (Peace Be Upon Him):

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:

“The supplication of Dhu al-Nun (Prophet Yunus) when he called upon Allah from the belly of the whale was, ‘There is no god (worthy of worship) except You. Glory be to You! I have certainly done wrong.’ No Muslim ever supplicates with it for anything, but Allah will answer him.” [Tirmidhi; Hakim]

Frequent Seeking of Forgiveness:

Allah (Most High) says:

“…saying, ‘Seek your Lord’s forgiveness, (for) He is truly Most Forgiving. He will shower you with abundant rain, supply you with wealth and children, and give you gardens as well as rivers.’” [Quran, 71:10-12]

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:

“Whoever regularly seeks forgiveness, Allah will make for him a way out of every distress and a relief from every anxiety, and will provide for him from where he does not expect.” [Abu Dawud; Ibn Maja]

Conclusion: The Best Supplications for Children

Based on the above, the best supplications are those that have been transmitted from the prophets and messengers, those found in the Quran, and in the Sunna of the Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace). Whoever wishes to be blessed with righteous offspring should adhere to these supplications, as we have explained above.

However, there is no harm in a person making any other supplication of their choice, expressing their need and urgency. They should choose the appropriate times and conditions for supplication while having certainty in the answer and observing the etiquettes of supplication. Allah (Most High) will not disappoint those who call upon Him.

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds.

Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Abdul Sami‘ al-Yaqti

The post What Are the Supplications for Those without Children? appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

Is the arrangement of the Quranic chapters (suras) and verses according to the order in which they were revealed to the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace)?

Answer

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

All praise is due to Allah, Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon the Messenger sent as a mercy to the worlds, our Master and Prophet, Muhammad, and his Family and Companions.

Arrangement of Quranic Suras and Verses

The arrangement of the chapters (suras) and verses of the Quran is not according to the chronological order in which they were revealed to the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace). Instead, the Quran is arranged differently from the order in which it was revealed.

First and Last Revelations: An Evidence of Non-Chronological Arrangement

This is evident when we consider the Quran’s first and last revelations and their placement within the mushaf.

The First Revelation

The first verses revealed from the Quran were the opening verses of Surat al-Alaq:

“Read, (O Prophet,) in the Name of your Lord Who created—created humans from a clinging clot. Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous. Who taught by the pen—taught humanity what they knew not.” [Quran, 96:1-5]

Surat al-‘Alaq is found in the 30th Juz’ (part) of the Quran, which is the final Juz’, and it is the 96th Sura in the sequence of 114 Suras in the Quran.

‘Aisha (Allah be pleased with her) clarified that the opening verses of Surah al-Alaq were the first to be revealed when she described the beginning of the revelation to the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace). She narrated:

The Angel came to him and said, ‘Read!’ He said, ‘I am not a reader.’ The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, ‘The Angel took hold of me and pressed me until I could not bear it anymore, then he released me and said, “Read!” I said, “I am not a reader.” So, he took hold of me and pressed me a second time until I could not bear it anymore, then he released me and said, “Read!” I said, “I am not a reader.” Then he took hold of me and pressed me a third time until I could not bear it anymore, then he released me and said: “Read, (O Prophet,) in the Name of your Lord Who created—created humans from a clinging clot. Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous…” [Quran, 96:1-3]” [Bukhari]

The Last Revelation

As for the last verse revealed from the Quran, it is the saying of Allah (Most High):

“Be mindful of the Day when you will (all) be returned to Allah, then every soul will be paid in full for what it has done, and none will be wronged.” [Quran, 2:281]

Ibn ‘Abbas said, “The last thing revealed from the Quran was: {Be mindful of the Day when you will (all) be returned to Allah}” [Quran, 2:281]. This verse is found in Surat al-Baqara, which is located in the first Juz’ (part) of the Quran, and it is the second sura in the order of the Quran. [Nasa‘i]

Proof of the Quran’s Unique Arrangement

If the arrangement of the Quranic suras and verses were according to the order of revelation, then the opening verses of Surat al-‘Alaq would be the first sura in the Quran, and verse 281 of Surat al-Baqara would be the last verse.

This clearly demonstrates that the Quranic suras and verses are not arranged according to the chronological order in which they were revealed to the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace).

The Miraculous Nature of the Quran’s Arrangement

Placing the last revealed verse of the Quran in the second sura and the first revealed verses in the last part of the Quran is a striking proof of the miraculous nature of Allah’s (Most High) Word. This arrangement shows that the Quran is indeed from Allah (Most High). We recite the Quran without feeling the time gap between the revelations of these two suras, a gap that spans nearly twenty-three years. This coherence and precision in the arrangement of the Quranic suras is what makes it divinely unique.

Allah (Most High) says the truth:

“(This is) a Book whose verses are well perfected and then fully explained. (It is) from the One (Who is) All-Wise, All-Aware.” [Quran, 11:1]

Recommendation

If you wish to delve deeper into the wisdom behind the arrangement of the Quranic suras, I recommend the book “al-Naba’ al-‘Azim” by Abdullah Daraz, “Tanasuq al-Durar fi Tanasub al-Suwar” by Imam Suyuti, and “Nazm al-Durar fi Tanasub al-Ayat wa al-Suwar” by Biqa‘i. [See: Zurqani, Manahil al-‘Irfan; ‘Itr, ‘Ulum al-Quran]

May Allah bless the Prophet Muhammad and give him peace, and his Family and Companions.

And Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Anas al-Musa

Shaykh Anas al-Musa, born in Hama, Syria, in 1974, is an erudite scholar of notable repute. He graduated from the Engineering Institute in Damascus, where he specialized in General Construction, and Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Usul al-Din, where he specialized in Hadith.

He studied under prominent scholars in Damascus, including Shaykh Abdul Rahman al-Shaghouri and Shaykh Adib al-Kallas, among others. Shaykh Anas has memorized the Quran and is proficient in the ten Mutawatir recitations, having studied under Shaykh Bakri al-Tarabishi and Shaykh Mowfaq ‘Ayun. He also graduated from the Iraqi Hadith School.

He has taught numerous Islamic subjects at Shari‘a institutes in Syria and Turkey. Shaykh Anas has served as an Imam and preacher for over 15 years and is a teacher of the Quran in its various readings and narrations.

Currently, he works as a teacher at SeekersGuidance and is responsible for academic guidance there. He has completed his Master’s degree in Hadith and is now pursuing his Ph.D. in the same field. Shaykh Anas al-Musa is married and resides in Istanbul.

The post Are the Chapters and Verses in the Quran in the Order of Their Revelation? appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

Why wasn’t the Quran revealed to the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) all at once?

Answer

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

All praise is due to Allah, Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon the Messenger sent as a mercy to the worlds, our Master and Prophet, Muhammad, and his Family and Companions.

Wisdom Behind the Gradual Revelation of the Quran

There are many reasons and wisdoms behind the gradual revelation of the Quran over a period of twenty-three years to the heart of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace). Some of these wisdoms include:

Strengthening and Comforting the Heart of the Prophet

As Allah (Most High) says:

“The disbelievers say, ‘If only the Quran had been sent down to him all at once!’ (We have sent it) as such (in stages) so We may reassure your heart with it. And We have revealed it at a deliberate pace.” [Quran, 25:32]

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) was sent to a people who were harsh, with strong enmity and numerous plots against him. The gradual revelation of the Quran provided continuous solace, support, and reinforcement for the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace), as it maintained his connection with the higher realms.

Accompanying Events and Incidents as They Occurred

The Quran was revealed in response to new developments, with verses suited to specific situations and events. This allowed Allah (Most High) to clarify His rulings in detail according to the needs of the time.

Among these ongoing events were the questions that people posed to the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace), whether these questions were aimed at seeking enlightenment and understanding Allah’s ruling, or for the purpose of verifying his Prophethood (Allah bless him and give him peace).

For example, the reason for the revelation of Surat al-Kahf is that the Quraysh asked the Jews in Madina about the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace). The Jewish rabbis said to them: ‘Ask him about three things; if he tells you about them, then he is a true Prophet…’ [Bayhaqi, Dala’il al-Nubuwwa]

The verses of the Quran were then revealed to answer these three questions in Surat al-Kahf [17:85] regarding the young men of the cave, the story of Dhu al-Qarnayn, and the verse about the soul:

“They ask you (O Prophet) about the spirit. Say, ‘Its nature is known only to my Lord, and you (O humanity) have been given but little knowledge.’” [Quran, 17:85]

Another significant event that led to the revelation of verses from the Book of Allah (Most High) was the false accusation against ‘Aisha, the Mother of the Believers, of slander (Hadith al-Ifk). In response, ten verses were revealed to clarify the truth about this slander and to declare the innocence of the pure and chaste woman from above the seven heavens, condemning those who spread it:

“Indeed, those who came up with that (outrageous) slander are a group of you…” [Quran, 24:11]

Gradual Nurturing of the Emerging Muslim Community

The Quran employed a wise educational approach to the community, making it easier for them to abandon their false beliefs, corrupt practices, and reprehensible customs.

This gradual approach helped ease them into giving up these practices little by little. As Islam succeeded in eliminating one falsehood, it moved on to the next, starting with the most important issues and then addressing the less critical ones until it ultimately purified them from all these defilements without causing them undue hardship or burden.

‘Aisha (Allah be pleased with her) explained the reason why alcohol was not prohibited all at once. She said: “When the people embraced Islam, the prohibitions of lawful and unlawful things were revealed. If the first thing to be revealed was, ‘Do not drink alcoholic drinks,’ they would have said, ‘We will never give up alcoholic drinks.’ And if there had been revealed, ‘Do not commit illegal sexual intercourse,’ they would have said, ‘We will never give up illegal sexual intercourse.’” [Bukhari]

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many wisdoms behind the gradual revelation of the Quran. I recommend you to read the book al-Naba’ al-‘Azim by Abdullah Daraz, where he explains many of these wisdoms in detail. [See: Zurqani, Manahil al-‘Irfan; ‘Itr, ‘Ulum al-Quran]

May Allah bless the Prophet Muhammad and give him peace, and his Family and Companions.

And Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Anas al-Musa

Shaykh Anas al-Musa, born in Hama, Syria, in 1974, is an erudite scholar of notable repute. He graduated from the Engineering Institute in Damascus, where he specialized in General Construction, and Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Usul al-Din, where he specialized in Hadith.

He studied under prominent scholars in Damascus, including Shaykh Abdul Rahman al-Shaghouri and Shaykh Adib al-Kallas, among others. Shaykh Anas has memorized the Quran and is proficient in the ten Mutawatir recitations, having studied under Shaykh Bakri al-Tarabishi and Shaykh Mowfaq ‘Ayun. He also graduated from the Iraqi Hadith School.

He has taught numerous Islamic subjects at Shari‘a institutes in Syria and Turkey. Shaykh Anas has served as an Imam and preacher for over 15 years and is a teacher of the Quran in its various readings and narrations.

Currently, he works as a teacher at SeekersGuidance and is responsible for academic guidance there. He has completed his Master’s degree in Hadith and is now pursuing his Ph.D. in the same field. Shaykh Anas al-Musa is married and resides in Istanbul.

The post Why Wasn’t the Quran Revealed to the Prophet at Once? appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

What are the rulings on a missing person’s inheritance? How should their inheritance be handled if they have been absent for a long time?

Answer

All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds. Blessings and peace be upon the Messenger of Allah, his Family, and his Companions.

The Importance of Wealth in Islam

In Islam, wealth holds significant value and is one of the five essential necessities that must be safeguarded to ensure a dignified and comfortable life for a person. Wealth is both a pillar of religion and a cornerstone of worldly affairs. The importance of wealth in worldly matters is well understood and uncontested, as it is often said that “wealth is the backbone of deeds” and “wealth is the foundation of life.” This is reflected in Allah’s (Most High) statement:

“Do not entrust the incapable (among your dependants) with your wealth which Allah has made a means of support for you.” [Quran, 4:5]

Wealth as a Pillar of Religion

Wealth is a pillar of religion, first and foremost exemplified in the third pillar of Islam, Zakat. Zakat is a financial act of worship and a financial pillar of Islam.

The Honor and Protection of Wealth in Islam

Wealth is honored in Islam, as it enables its possessor to live with dignity and independence—giving without needing to ask, and spending without needing to beg. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, as narrated by Hakim Ibn Hizam (Allah be pleased with him):

“The upper hand is better than the lower hand, and begin with those who are under your care. The best charity is what is given when one is self-sufficient, and whoever refrains from asking, Allah will make him content, and whoever seeks self-sufficiency, Allah will make him self-sufficient.” [Bukhari; Muslim]

Abdullah Ibn Mas‘ud (Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:

“There is no envy except in two cases: a man whom Allah has given wealth and he uses it up for the truth, and a man whom Allah has given wisdom and he judges and teaches with it.” [Ibid.]

Prohibition of Unjustly Consuming Wealth

Allah (Most High) has safeguarded a person’s right to own the wealth they have earned and has forbidden people from consuming the wealth of others unjustly, as He says:

“Do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly, nor deliberately bribe authorities in order to devour a portion of others’ property, knowing that it is a sin.” [Quran, 2:188]

And Allah (Most High) has warned those who unjustly consume the wealth of orphans with severe punishment, as He says:

“Indeed, those who unjustly consume orphans’ wealth (in fact) consume nothing but fire into their bellies. And they will be burned in a blazing Hell!” [Quran, 4:10]

Conditions for the Transfer of Wealth Through Inheritance

Therefore, Allah (Most High) has safeguarded a person’s right to own and possess wealth, and He has given it great importance. Wealth does not transfer to another person through inheritance until the death of the owner is confirmed.

Additionally, for wealth to transfer through inheritance, the inheritor’s life must be confirmed at the time of the decedent’s death. It is crucial to ascertain both of these matters: the life of the heir at the time of the decedent’s death and the death of the decedent so that their wealth can be transferred to their heirs. [Haytami; Tuhfat al-Muhtaj; Bujayrimi, Hashiyat al-Bujayrimi ‘ala al-Khatib]

Definition of a Missing Person in Islamic Jurisprudence

The question at hand implies that the heirs are missing. What should be done if we want to divide the estate? To complete the discussion, we will address both topics: the absence of the decedent and what should be done with their wealth and the absence of the heirs and what should be done with their share of the inheritance. This is referred to in Islamic jurisprudence under the chapter “The Inheritance of the Missing Person.”

Understanding the Term “Missing Person”

Linguistically, it comes from the root word “loss,” meaning to seek something and not find it. Technically, it refers to someone who is absent and whose life or death is unknown.

A missing person can either be a decedent (muwarith) or an heir (warith):

Rulings for a Missing Person as a Decedent

The missing person is considered alive concerning their wealth, so no one inherits from them, and this remains the case until their death is confirmed either through direct observation or by widely accepted reliable news.

If it is proven through evidence that the missing person has died, the state of being missing ends, as the uncertainty surrounding their life or death is removed, and their wealth is then distributed among their heirs. If their death is not definitively proven, one must wait until they reach an age where it is presumed they would have died.

In the book Al-Minhaj, it is stated: “The judge must make a diligent effort and then rule on their death and give their wealth to those who inherit at the time of the ruling.” [Bujayrimi, Hashiyat al-Bujayrimi ‘ala al-Khatib]

According to the Shafi‘i School, the correct and widely accepted opinion is that the age of presumed death is left to the discretion of the judge. Some estimate it to be sixty-two years, others seventy, eighty, one hundred, or even one hundred and twenty years. [Shirbini, Mughni al-Muhtaj]

Rulings for a Missing Person as an Heir

If one of the missing person’s inheritors dies during the waiting period, we consider the following:

If the Missing Person Has No Other Heir:

The entire inheritance is withheld until the status of the missing person becomes clear.

If There Is a Co-Heir with the Missing Person:

The present heirs are dealt with according to what is most beneficial for them. This includes estimating whether the missing person is alive or dead. Those who inherit, regardless of whether the missing person is presumed alive or dead, will receive their share. Those whose shares would differ based on whether the missing person is alive or dead will receive the lesser of the two shares.

Those who would inherit only if the missing person is presumed dead will receive nothing. The remaining wealth is withheld until the status of the missing person becomes clear, either by the appearance of their death, their return, or a judge’s ruling of their death.

This opinion is held by Ahmad Ibn Hanbal, Qadi Abu Yusuf, and Hasan Ibn Ziyad from the Hanafi School, a narration from Qasim about Malik, and it is the correct opinion of the Shafi‘i School. It is also the opinion upon which the fatwa and practice are based in the four schools of thought. [Rahbi, al-Rahbiyya fi ‘Ilm al-Fara’id; Baqri, Hashiyat al-‘Allama al-Baqri bi Sharh Sibt al-Mardini]

We ask Allah to grant us lawful wealth and to purify us from all sins and doubts. Indeed, He is All-Hearing, All-Responsive.

[Shaykh] Dr. Muhammad Fayez Awad

The post What Are the Rulings on a Missing Person’s Inheritance? appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Zakat also purifies your lawful (halal) money. Many people do not understand that leaving Zakat without paying it out makes your money unlawful (haram) because the money does not belong to you anymore. It belongs to the people who should receive it. Leaving it within your money is as if you have a gun and stole this money from them and added it to your money. 

In the long run, it corrupts your money so you have to give out. That is why the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Fortify your money with Zakat.” It is reported that ‘A’isha said she heard God’s messenger say, “Zakat is never mingled with any property without destroying it.” Al-Humaidl adding that he said, “Sadaqa will be incumbent on you and you will not pay it, so what is forbidden will destroy what is lawful.”

It is not yours anymore, it has to be given out. One of the reasons for deficiency in your money and its destruction is that you do not give. Even though it might apparently look like your money is getting lower when you give Zakat. The reality is that this apparent and outward deficiency will be removed very soon when Allah gives you even more. It has a real increase in your feelings, understanding that you are a human being, and an increase in other things.

Give Out of Love for Allah

Sometimes a person may be heedless of the blessings. One may think he does not have a lot of money but he may have successful children and a very happy life. Whatever you think is outwardly getting less, it is actually inwardly getting more. Allah says:

مَّثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَٰلَهُمْ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ كَمَثَلِ حَبَّةٍ أَنۢبَتَتْ سَبْعَ سَنَابِلَ فِى كُلِّ سُنۢبُلَةٍۢ مِّا۟ئَةُ حَبَّةٍۢ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ يُضَـٰعِفُ لِمَن يَشَآءُ ۗ

“The remarkable similitude of those who spend their wealth in the path of Allah is like that of a single grain that put forth seven bounteous ears of grain, in every ear a hundred grains; And Allah multiplies whole times over for whomever He wills” [Quran, 2:261; tr. Keller, Quran Beheld]

وَمَثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَٰلَهُمُ ٱبْتِغَآءَ مَرْضَاتِ ٱللَّهِ وَتَثْبِيتًۭا مِّنْ أَنفُسِهِمْ كَمَثَلِ جَنَّةٍۭ بِرَبْوَةٍ أَصَابَهَا وَابِلٌۭ فَـَٔاتَتْ أُكُلَهَا ضِعْفَيْنِ فَإِن لَّمْ يُصِبْهَا وَابِلٌۭ فَطَلٌّۭ ۗ

“And the striking similitude of those who spend their wealth earnestly seeking the lasting good pleasure of Allah, and out of determined resolve born of deep conviction from themselves, is like a lush orchard on a fertile rise that is struck by a downpour, so it redoubles its yield; And had it not been struck by a downpour, even a slight rain would do it well” [Quran, 2:265; tr. Keller, Quran Beheld]

When you give out of the love of Allah and seeking His pleasure, anything that you give will be of benefit, even if you do not give a lot. Even the little that you give will still give the fruit. Allah says:

وَمَآ ءَاتَيْتُم مِّن زَكَوٰةٍۢ تُرِيدُونَ وَجْهَ ٱللَّهِ فَأُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْمُضْعِفُونَ

“And whatever alms you give wanting nothing but Allah Himself; Those shall reap profit whole times over.” [Quran, 30:39; tr. Keller, Quran Beheld]

This teaches us to invest money in the development and improvement of the societies and human beings. 

People’s Love

The giver of Zakat benefits from attaining and achieving people’s love and respect. When you give and help, people will love you. They will not hate you. They will rush to help you if you have a trouble or problem. 

Those who receive the Zakat, one may notice the look of gratefulness in their eyes. They continue to supplicate for them. You are not banning them but you are relieving them from their plights and problems. When you are charitable towards people you are enslaving their hearts. For it is always the case that charity enslaves people. If you give to someone, he becomes loyal to you. 

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) guided and looked after the Companions. It is reported that our master Anas ibn Malik said, “When the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) passed away, we did not recognize our hearts.” Imam Bajuri says this is what happens when a great man dies. It does not mean that their faith left or departed from their hearts. It means that the lights of a great man, when they stop, affect the heart. When you go into the company of righteous people your heart feels different. 

Giving to people makes their hearts attached to you. It saves their religion.

The post Zakat: Purity appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

My child is past the age of puberty yet really struggles with dressing modestly. I have encouraged her to wear loose clothing when she was young, but she struggles with it at public school. Is it permitted for me to take her clothes shopping? I am worried about facilitating her in sin, as I know she will not wear loose clothing. Is it permitted for me to allow her to buy less modest clothing (with clear disapproval) and forbid anything alluring in any way? I am worried being forceful will push her against Islam.

Answer

Thank you for your question. May Allah reward you for not wanting to assist in sin and may He guide your daughter to see the beauty and modest dressing.

Assistance in sin

It isn’t sinful to buy her immodest clothing, as they could be worn along with more modest clothes. The better option might be to give her the money to buy it herself, as there is potential assistance in sin. Encourage her to surround herself with religious friends who dress modestly and help her understand the beauty of modesty, in sha Allah, she will see it your way soon.

The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “There is never any obscenity in a thing, but it mars it, and there is never any modesty in a thing, but it adorns it.” [Ibn Maja]

Please see these links for more details:

When Am I Assisting Someone in Sin?

What Are the Principles of Work and Assisting in Sin? [Video]

[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad 
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria, for two years, where she studied Aqidah, Fiqh, Tajweed, Tafseer, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed her Master’s in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan, where she studied Fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She recently moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.

The post Is It Permissible to Buy My Daughter Immodest Clothing? – Ustadha Shazia Ahmad appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

In the mosque, a person gives adhan at fajr time, then leaves and offers prayer at a different mosque. The situation is like this; firstly he stopped coming to the mosque and then, after a few days, started giving adhan and leaving after a small argument with the Imam over the fajr prayer time.

The Imam changed the time for prayer after discussing with everyone present at the Fajr prayer as some elders, and he would arrive late either by a few minutes or just pray at home. Probably due to their old age, and Allah knows best why.  So it was changed from 4:15 to 4:20 am. The following day the person mentioned above changed it to 4:30 am without informing the imam. 

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate

I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.

It is prohibitively disliked (Makruh Tahriman) to leave the masjid unless one has a genuine excuse or need. He probably left due to an excuse or need. This is what we should assume.

Give Others Up to Seventy Excuses

Ja’far ibn Muhammad (Allah have mercy on him) said, “If you hear something from your brother that you reject, make an excuse for him up to seventy excuses. If you cannot do it, then say: Perhaps he has an excuse I do not know.”  [Bayhaqi, Shu’ab al-Iman]

The jurists (fuqaha) agree on the fact that it is prohibitively disliked (Makruh Tahriman) to leave the Masjid without an excuse after the call for prayer (adhan) is made. However, if there is a genuine excuse or need, it will not be disliked, rather perfectly permissible, or if one intends to return back. [Ibn ʿAbidin, Radd al-Muhtar]

When there is a difference of opinion regarding prayer times in mosques or communities, it can be helpful to hold a consultation day. This allows everyone to come together and engage in positive dialogue toward finding a solution that benefits all congregants involved.

I would like you to go through the valuable answers and links below. You will receive guidance and direction in sha Allah.

Related Answers

Is Not Praying in Congregation After Hearing the Adhan Disbelief? – SeekersGuidance

Prayer Reader: The Ultimate Guide To Prayer in Islam – SeekersGuidance

(491) 61 – Good Opinion – The Path of Muhammad: Birgivi’s Manual of Taqwa Explained – Shaykh Faraz Rabbani – YouTube

Why not begin your search for knowledge by signing up for a course on SeekersAcademy (seekersguidance.org)?

I pray this helps with your question.

[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Mawlana Ilyas Patel is a traditionally-trained scholar who has studied within UK, India, Pakistan, Syria, Jordan and Turkey.

He started his early education in UK. He went onto complete hifz of Qur’an in India, then enrolled into an Islamic seminary in UK where he studied the secular and Alimiyyah sciences. He then travelled to Karachi, Pakistan.

He has been an Imam in Rep of Ireland for a number of years. He has taught hifz of the Qur’an, Tajwid, Fiqh and many other Islamic sciences to both children and adults onsite and online extensively in UK and Ireland. He was teaching at a local Islamic seminary for 12 years in the UK where he was a librarian and a teacher of Islamic sciences.

He currently resides in UK with his wife. His personal interest is love of books and gardening.

The post Can One Leave After The Adhan Has Been Called? – Mawlana Ilyas Patel appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

I have been in a long-distance relationship with a woman I deeply love. I am 20 and she is 27. She has recently ended things with me and this has left me heartbroken. I really wanted to marry this woman and I still make dua for her to be mine. However, within a month I found out she was speaking to another man. I hold resentment toward her and feel betrayed. Is it permissible for me to continue to make dua for her to be mine? She is not engaged to him. 

Answer

Thank you for your question. I empathize with your pain and frustration and I pray that you find the strength to move on from this relationship which doesn’t seem halal from the very beginning.

Pain

Pain and suffering affect every one of Allah’s servants and this is what the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) directed us to do: “The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, although both are good. Strive for that which will benefit you, seek the help of Allah, and do not feel helpless. If anything befalls you, do not say, ‘If only I had done such and such‘ rather say ‘Qaddara Allahu wa ma sha’a fa`ala (Allah has decreed and whatever he wills, He does).‘ For (saying) ‘If’ opens (the door) to the deeds of Satan.” [Ibn Maja]

Blindness

This experience will make you stronger, wiser, and more patient in sha Allah, if you don’t dwell on the resentment, regret and pain. Instead, see that this came to you from Allah. You are meant to learn something from this and I urge you not to fall in love before marriage, as this is the kind of heartbreak that comes from it. I understand that you feel strongly about her, but you must know that any feelings you have before marriage are lust, not love. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: “Your love for a thing causes blindness and deafness.” [Abu Dawud]

Move on

Walk away from her without ever looking back and know that you have lost nothing. A better woman will come and in sha Allah, she will fear God regarding you. Make it easier on yourself by cutting her off, deleting her contact, and busying yourself with what benefits you. Fulfill your obligations, pray on time, read some Quran daily with the meaning, exercise, and have excellence at work and in your studies. I pray that you choose your bride for religious piety as the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) told us: “A woman is married for four things: for her wealth, for her lineage, for her beauty or her piety. Select the pious, may you be blessed!” [Bukhari & Muslim] 

Resources

When negative thoughts arise, discard them, and make remembrance of Allah. Don’t let the Devil make your feelings fester. See some excellent formulas of dhikr and duas in the links. Make Allah the object of your obsession.

Understanding Trials

The Benefits of Sending Peace & Blessings on Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

Read this Wird Every Day for Protection, Insha’Allah

The complete Wird Latif of Imam al-Haddad, with transliteration

Selected Prophetic Prayers for Spiritual, Physical and Emotional Wellbeing

How to Deal with a Break-Up in a Haram Relationship?

Confused After Breaking up With My Boyfriend

I Broke up With a Man and Cannot Stop Thinking About Him. What Do I Do?

Will I Be Punished for Ending an Online Relationship and Hurting Someone?

May Allah give you the best of this world and the next.

[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad 
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria, for two years, where she studied Aqidah, Fiqh, Tajweed, Tafseer, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed her Master’s in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan, where she studied Fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She recently moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.

The post Can I Still Make Dua That I Marry a Woman Who Says I Am Obsessed with Her? – Ustadha Shazia Ahmad appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

What are the differences between enjoining the right and giving advice?

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat explains the differences between enjoining the right and giving advice, highlighting their differences.

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat pursued Arabic Grammar and Morphology alongside his English and History degree. Post-graduation, he deepened his studies in Damascus, learning Arabic, Hanafi Fiqh, Theology, and more under notable scholars like Shaykh Adnan Darwish and Shaykh Rashad Shams. He continued in Amman, expanding into Tafsir, Hadith, Prophetic Biography, and other Islamic sciences, guided by teachers such as Shaykh Ali Hani and Dr. Hamza al-Bakri.

The post What Are the Differences between Enjoining the Right and Giving Advice? – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

Must a common person know why they believe?

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat discusses whether a common person must understand the reasons behind their belief in Islam.

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat pursued Arabic Grammar and Morphology alongside his English and History degree. Post-graduation, he deepened his studies in Damascus, learning Arabic, Hanafi Fiqh, Theology, and more under notable scholars like Shaykh Adnan Darwish and Shaykh Rashad Shams. He continued in Amman, expanding into Tafsir, Hadith, Prophetic Biography, and other Islamic sciences, guided by teachers such as Shaykh Ali Hani and Dr. Hamza al-Bakri.

The post Must a Common Person Know Why They Believe? – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

What is the ruling on fulfilling a promise?

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat explains the Islamic ruling on fulfilling promises, emphasizing the importance of keeping one’s word.

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat pursued Arabic Grammar and Morphology alongside his English and History degree. Post-graduation, he deepened his studies in Damascus, learning Arabic, Hanafi Fiqh, Theology, and more under notable scholars like Shaykh Adnan Darwish and Shaykh Rashad Shams. He continued in Amman, expanding into Tafsir, Hadith, Prophetic Biography, and other Islamic sciences, guided by teachers such as Shaykh Ali Hani and Dr. Hamza al-Bakri.

The post What Is the Ruling on Fulfilling a Promise? – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

Is it permitted to attend a family dinner where free mixing occurs?

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat discusses the permissibility of attending family dinners where free mixing between genders occurs.

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat pursued Arabic Grammar and Morphology alongside his English and History degree. Post-graduation, he deepened his studies in Damascus, learning Arabic, Hanafi Fiqh, Theology, and more under notable scholars like Shaykh Adnan Darwish and Shaykh Rashad Shams. He continued in Amman, expanding into Tafsir, Hadith, Prophetic Biography, and other Islamic sciences, guided by teachers such as Shaykh Ali Hani and Dr. Hamza al-Bakri.

The post Is It Permitted to Attend a Family Dinner Where Free Mixing Occurs? – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

Is smoking nicotine-free and tobacco-free shisha haram?

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat explores the action of smoking nicotine-free and tobacco-free shisha, addressing the relevant Islamic standards.

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat pursued Arabic Grammar and Morphology alongside his English and History degree. Post-graduation, he deepened his studies in Damascus, learning Arabic, Hanafi Fiqh, Theology, and more under notable scholars like Shaykh Adnan Darwish and Shaykh Rashad Shams. He continued in Amman, expanding into Tafsir, Hadith, Prophetic Biography, and other Islamic sciences, guided by teachers such as Shaykh Ali Hani and Dr. Hamza al-Bakri.

The post Is Smoking Nicotine-Free and Tobacco-Free Shisha Haram? – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

Is cursing a Sayyid more sinful than cursing a Non-Sayyid?

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat discusses whether cursing a Sayyid is more sinful than cursing a Non-Sayyid.

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat pursued Arabic Grammar and Morphology alongside his English and History degree. Post-graduation, he deepened his studies in Damascus, learning Arabic, Hanafi Fiqh, Theology, and more under notable scholars like Shaykh Adnan Darwish and Shaykh Rashad Shams. He continued in Amman, expanding into Tafsir, Hadith, Prophetic Biography, and other Islamic sciences, guided by teachers such as Shaykh Ali Hani and Dr. Hamza al-Bakri.

The post Is Cursing a Sayyid More Sinful than Cursing a Non-Sayyid? – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

How to advise someone who shows disdain towards the limits of Islam?

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat discusses the appropriate approach to advising someone who displays disdain towards the limits set by the Sharia.

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat pursued Arabic Grammar and Morphology alongside his English and History degree. Post-graduation, he deepened his studies in Damascus, learning Arabic, Hanafi Fiqh, Theology, and more under notable scholars like Shaykh Adnan Darwish and Shaykh Rashad Shams. He continued in Amman, expanding into Tafsir, Hadith, Prophetic Biography, and other Islamic sciences, guided by teachers such as Shaykh Ali Hani and Dr. Hamza al-Bakri.

The post How to Advise Someone Who Shows Disdain towards the Limits of Islam? – Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Fasting, reciting the Quran, night prayer in Ramadan, charity and all different sorts of rituals, each one of them is in itself a form of supplication. Allah says in the Quran:

قُلۡ مَا یَعۡبَؤُا۟ بِكُمۡ رَبِّی لَوۡلَا دُعَاۤؤُكُمۡۖ

“Say: ‘What should my Lord care about you were it not for your supplications?” [Quran, 25:77; tr. Keller, Quran Beheld]

The scholars interpret dua as worship. In the Quran worship and supplication are presented as equivalent. Allah says:

وَقَالَ رَبُّكُمُ ٱدۡعُونِیۤ أَسۡتَجِبۡ لَكُمۡۚ إِنَّ ٱلَّذِینَ یَسۡتَكۡبِرُونَ عَنۡ عِبَادَتِی سَیَدۡخُلُونَ جَهَنَّمَ دَاخِرِینَ

“And your Lord has said: ‘Call on Me and I will answer you: Verily those too proud to worship Me are bound to soon enter the depths of hell abased.’” [Quran, 40:60; tr. Keller, Quran Beheld]

This aspect is also present in the Sunna of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace). Al-Nu’man ibn Bashir (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Dua is worship.”

Note that the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) did not say, “Dua is a worship.” So all the different forms of worship are a practical supplication. Sidi Sa’eed Nursi said, “Supplication is either by our condition or by the utterances and the words that we say.” Our actions can be also forms of supplication.

This is why when you think of the different manifestations of worship that we do such as prayer, recitation of the Quran, supplications, charity, pilgrimage, and all the different variations of worship in Islam, all of these collectively are present in the supplication. When we pray to Allah, we submit. In supplication, we are eager to have something. We beg Allah for it, yet we are submitting to His choice. Submission is the core of the worship.

Supplication of Hope

قل اللهم اقذف في قلبي رجاك، واقطع رجائي عن من سواك، حتى لا أرجو أحدا غيرك

“O Allah, cast into my heart hope in You and cut off any hope I have in other than You so that I have hope in no one but You!”

The supplication of hope has a story. Imam Ibn ‘Asakir mentions that when our master Hasan ibn ‘Ali gave up the caliphate to our master Mu’awiya they made an agreement. On a yearly basis, Mu’awiya would send to al-Hasan a hundred thousand dinars. With that money he would feed the poor, give to the needy, and spend them in charity for the community.  

Mu’awiya kept this agreement for a few years. But then there came a year that the amount our master Mu’awiya used to send was delayed. Al-Hasan had to take loans. He fell in debt in order to feed the poor and care for the needy. 

Things became difficult. Al-Hasan thought of sending a letter to Mu’awiya, reminding him and telling him about the situation. He asked for pen and paper. But just as he was about to write the letter, he did not proceed with it. He went to sleep and reportedly he saw his grandfather (Allah bless him and give him peace) and he told him what happened.

O Allah, I Ask You

Allegedly, in this dream, the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) told al-Hasan to say the supplication mentioned above.

The supplication continues:

اللهم وما ضعفت عنه قوتي، وقصر عنه عملي ولم تنته إليه رغبتي، ولم تبلغه مسألتي، ولم يجر على لساني مما أعطيت أحدا من الأولين والآخرين من اليقين، فخصني به يا رب العالمين

“O Allah, however weak I am, however much my actions are deficient, however far short my desire (for good) falls, and in spite of the fact that I have not asked You, and that my tongue has not pronounced such a request, I ask You for the certainty that You have given any one of Your servants from the first to the last of them, so bless me with it, O Lord of the worlds.” 

Al-Hasan reportedly recited this supplication for a week. At the end of this week, he found that Mu‘awiyah sent him five times the amount that he used to send. This supplication teaches us to have hope in Allah. We live in a world of tribulations so we need hope in our lives. 

The Supplication of Happiness 

وأدم على يا باسط يا فتاح بهجة مسرة رب اشرح لي صدري ويسر لي أمري

بلطائف عواطف ألم نشرح لك صدرك

 وبأشائر بشائر يومئذ يفرح المؤمنون بنصر الله

“Endow me permanently, O Expander, O Opener, with the splendor and joyful delight of: Expand my breast for me, and make my task easy for me, through the subtleties and endearing qualities of: Did We not cause your breast to expand? and through the happy exuberance and good tidings of: And on that day, the believers will rejoice in Allah’s help to victory.”

This supplication is a segment of Al-Dawr Al-A’laa by Ibn ‘Arabi. It is a prayer of elevation and protection. In this magnificent supplication, you see how he ties and meshes the divine names with verses from the Quran in a very beautiful way. 

This supplication by Ibn ‘Arabi is a supplication of happiness, joy and delight. It comes at a time in which many of us suffer from sadness, misery, disappointments, and hardships. When we are longing for joy and delight. 

This supplication brings the secrets of two divine names and the secrets of three verses of the holy Quran. So it is a supplication that we ought to recite God-Willing. 

Supplication of the Opener

اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَىٰ سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ ❁

الْفَاتِحِ لِمَا أُغْلِقَ ❁

وَالْخَاتِمِ لِمَا سَبَقَ ❁

نَاصِرِ الْحَقِّ بِالْحَقِّ ❁

وَالْهَادِي إِلَىٰ صِرَاطِكَ الْمُسْتَقِيمِ ❁

وَعَلَىٰ آلِهِ حَقَّ قَدْرِهِ وَمِقْدَارِهِ الْعَظِيمِ

“O Allah, send prayers upon our master Muhammad; The opener of what was closed and the seal of what preceded; The helper of the truth by the Truth; And the guide to Your straight path; And upon his Family according to his greatness and magnificent rank.”

One of the Mauritanian Shaykhs, a grandson of Shaykh Ibrahim Niasse, told Shaykh Ahmad al-Azhary to recite it 313 times during the last sixth of the night which is right before Fair prayer. 

These are three prayers that we could keep as a daily routine. We should be persistent in our supplication.

The post The Art of Asking God: Three Supplications appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

I tend to daydream a lot, but it does not interfere with my prayers or relationship with Allah Most High, Alhamdulillah.

But I was wondering if what I daydream about is permissible. I’m interested in movies/filmmaking and have daydreamed about being in my favorite movies or imagining my version of the film as a director. Is this permissible since the movies have already been made, and I can’t be involved? Is fantasizing about anything that’s not realistic/possible ok?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate

I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.

It is not permissible to dream about oneself being in a film or movie. Since these movies are just fiction-based, full of fantasy and unreal in reality. An alternative is to imagine oneself being part of the history of the Prophets, Companions, and the Righteous and just imagine how great it would have been to be part of it.

Our Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “It is from the excellence of a believer’s Islam that he should shun that which is of no concern to him.” [Tirmidhi]

I would like you to go through the valuable answers and links below. You will receive guidance and direction in sha Allah.

Related Answers

• (122) 30 – Devil’s Tricks – The Path of Muhammad: Birgivi’s Manual of Taqwa Explained – Sh Faraz Rabbani – YouTube
• The Path of Muhammad: Birgivi’s Manual of Taqwa Explained – YouTube
• Purification of the Heart: Signs, Symptoms, and Cures of the Spiritual Diseases of the Heart: Hamza Yusuf: 9780985565909: Amazon.com: Books (Book)

Why not begin your search for knowledge by signing up for a course on SeekersAcademy (seekersguidance.org).

I pray this helps with your question.

Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Mawlana Ilyas Patel is a traditionally-trained scholar who has studied in the UK, India, Pakistan, Syria, Jordan, and Turkey. He started his early education in the UK. He went on to complete the hifz of the Quran in India, then enrolled in an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied the secular and ‘Aalimiyya sciences. He then traveled to Karachi, Pakistan. He has been an Imam in Rep of Ireland for several years. He has taught hifz of the Quran, Tajwid, Fiqh, and many other Islamic sciences to children and adults onsite and online extensively in the UK and Ireland. He taught at a local Islamic seminary for 12 years in the UK, where he was a librarian and a teacher of Islamic sciences. He currently resides in the UK with his wife. His interest is a love of books and gardening.

The post Would it be Permissible to Daydream About Being in a Movie? appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

I live in the UK. I have three siblings, two brothers and one sister in Pakistan, and my mother Alhamdulillah.

My younger brother (36) took over my father’s business with my mother’s permission, but he never shared any earnings from it either with my mother or siblings.

Now it’s been six years since my father passed away, and we siblings want the division of our father’s house according to Sacred Law.

The younger brother lives with his family. He also sold lots of house things like TVs, fridges, carpets, etc., without the consent of my mother on the basis that he lacked money. Because of his poor money conditions, my mother asks me to give him some shares after the division.  Is that ok to support such a brother who is dishonest and suspected of being involved in drugs?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate

I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question and for contacting us for an Islamic answer.

Islamically, the deceased’s estate has to be divided as soon as possible after the deceased’s demise. Otherwise, problems arise, like in your case.

The deceased’s estate must be divided immediately upon his death, as every heir becomes an immediate owner of their share and has the right to their property. Delaying, therefore, is sinful, so due care must be taken.

[Maydani, Al-Lubab Fi Sharh al-Kitab]

Withholding Inheritance Share

Once the share is distributed, it has to be allocated to the heir. However, in the case of your brother, if it is possible to withhold it until he changes his ways, then it would be permissible. However, do this by consulting the local reliable scholar and support of your mother and siblings.

I would advise you that despite this answer, you should consult a reliable, local scholar on the specifics of your situation, sensitivity, and family details and sit down to discuss and distribute the inheritance accordingly.

You can search for more related answers on SeekersGuidance.com.

Related Answers

• Inheritance Law Archives – SeekersGuidance

Why not begin your search for knowledge by signing up for a course on SeekersAcademy (seekersguidance.org)

Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Mawlana Ilyas Patel is a traditionally-trained scholar who has studied in the UK, India, Pakistan, Syria, Jordan, and Turkey. He started his early education in the UK. He went on to complete the hifz of the Quran in India, then enrolled in an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied the secular and ‘Aalimiyya sciences. He then traveled to Karachi, Pakistan. He has been an Imam in Rep of Ireland for several years. He has taught hifz of the Quran, Tajwid, Fiqh, and many other Islamic sciences to children and adults onsite and online extensively in the UK and Ireland. He taught at a local Islamic seminary for 12 years in the UK, where he was a librarian and a teacher of Islamic sciences. He currently resides in the UK with his wife. His interest is a love of books and gardening.

The post How Can My Late Father’s Inheritance Be Distributed? appeared first on SeekersGuidance.

Question

The challenges I am facing in my married life due to interference from my parents and siblings have led me to make the difficult decision to distance myself from them. The discussions initiated by my parents with other family members and friends have only made things worse and created divisions within the family.

Despite my efforts to communicate my feelings, they remain ignored and misunderstood. Advice from other family members is to suffer with patience. Is it permissible to distance myself from my parents and siblings, especially considering the severe emotional harm caused to me, my spouse, and my children? Is there a du`a to remove the hatred from the hearts of my parents?

Answer

Thank you for your question. I empathize with quiet suffering and ignored feelings and I pray that you come find mutual respect and love with your family.

Distance

Imam Ibn Hajar al-‘Asqalani, when explaining the hadith where the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said not to shun his brother for more than three nights, mentions the words of Imam Ibn ‘Abd al-Barr: “[The scholars] all agree that shunning someone for more than three days is not permissible – except in the case of someone with whom resuming communication will result in harm one’s religious practice, oneself, or one’s worldly interests. If that is the case it is permissible [to not talk to them]. Many a time, avoiding someone in a beautiful way is superior to harmful intermingling.“ [Ibn Hajar, Fath al-Bari]

It is not haram to distance yourself from them, as it is obligatory to protect oneself and one’s family from abuse. This is where a therapist or counselor comes in handy because they show you how to distance yourself correctly without causing further harm. Please use the following resources to learn how to set boundaries:

• To What Extent of a Boundary Can I Have with Dysfunctional Parents?
• 9 Ways to Set Boundaries with Difficult Family Members
• How to Set Family Boundaries: A Therapist’s Guide
  

Allah Is with the Patient

The Prophet, (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “The believer who mixes with people and bears their annoyance with patience will have a greater reward than the believer who does not mix with people and does not put up with their annoyance.” [Ibn Maja]

What you have been through will make you stronger and you will certainly come out of this a better person whose rank with Allah has been raised. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, in this inspiring hadith, “Wondrous are the ways of a believer for there is goodness in every affair of his, and this is not the case with anyone else except in the case of a believer. If he has an occasion to feel delighted, he thanks (God), thus there is a good for him in it, and if he gets into trouble and shows resignation (and endures it patiently), there is a good for him in it.” [Muslim]

Supplication of the Oppressed

Find solace in this hadith and ask Allah continuously for help. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “There are three whose supplication is not rejected: The fasting person when he breaks his fast, the just leader, and the supplication of the oppressed person; Allah raises it above the clouds and opens the gates of heaven to it. And the Lord says: ‘By My might, I shall surely aid you, even if it should be after a while.’” [Tirmidhi]

Try this du`a:

“O Allah, the Turner of hearts,

Guide and soften the heart of [person’s name],

Remove any ill feelings or negativity that resides within,

Replace it with love, compassion, and understanding.

O Allah, You have the power to change what is in the hearts,

We beseech You to transform [person’s name]’s heart,

Open it to the truth, righteousness, and guidance,

Bless them with a heart inclined towards goodness and piety.

O Allah, bless [person’s name] with clarity and wisdom,

Remove any doubts or misconceptions from their heart,

Illuminate their path with the light of Your guidance,

Grant them the ability to see the beauty of what is right.

O Allah, soften their heart towards forgiveness and mercy,

Fill it with compassion and empathy for others,

Help them let go of grudges, anger, and resentment,

Replace it with a heart filled with love and kindness.

O Allah, we acknowledge that only You can change hearts,

We seek Your divine intervention and mercy,

Grant us the strength and patience to be a positive influence,

Guide us in our efforts to bring goodness and positivity.

O Allah, if it is in Your divine wisdom,

Grant [person’s name] a change of heart that aligns with Your will,

Bless them with the ability to recognize truth and righteousness,

And lead them toward the path of righteousness.

O Allah, You are the Knower of all hearts,

We trust in Your wisdom and decree,

Guide us in our interactions with [person’s name],

Grant us the ability to be a source of goodness in their life.

O Allah, accept our supplication and answer our prayer,\

In Your infinite mercy, change [person’s name]’s heart,

Grant them guidance, contentment, and peace,

For You are the All-Powerful, the Bestower of blessings.

Ameen.”

Turn to Allah

Turn your gaze to the One who sent you the problems because only He can solve them. Devote yourself to Him through praying on time, reading the Quran, and omitting the haram from your life. He will bless you and increase you in every good, by His grace. Thank him for the blessings in your life daily. Ask Him to help you succeed in your worldly and spiritual affairs so that you can make your own home peaceful. Ask him that you not carry on the cycle of abuse in your own home, as this is very possible unless you actively seek change and guidance.

Please see these links as well:

• Is It Permissible for Me to Stop Talking to a Harmful Family Member?

May Allah give you the best of this world and the next.
[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria, for two years, where she studied aqidah, fiqh, tajweed, tafsir, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin and completed her Master’s in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan, where she studied fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She later moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.

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