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The Sharee’ah Ruling On Condolences, Specified Days of Mourning etc

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Bid'ah (Innovation), Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Sahaabah, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors), Shirk, Sin, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Uncategorized, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Allaah [The Exalted] said: [إِنَّكَ لَا تَہۡدِى مَنۡ أَحۡبَبۡتَ وَلَـٰكِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَہۡدِى مَن يَشَآءُ‌ۚ وَهُوَ أَعۡلَمُ بِٱلۡمُهۡتَدِينَ – Indeed, (O Muhammad), you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. And He knows best those who are the guided]. [Surah Al-Qasas. Aayah 56]

Narrated Al-Musaiyab: When Abu Talib was on his death bed, Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] came to him and found with him, Abu Jahl and Abdullah bin Abi Umaiya bin Al-Mughira. Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “O uncle! Say: None has the right to be worshipped except Allah, a sentence with which I will intervene on your behalf in the presence of Allaah (i.e. on yawmul qiyaamah).” So, Abu Jahl and Abdullah bin Abi Umaiya said to Abu Talib, “Will you now turn away from religion of `Abdul Muttalib?” Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) kept on inviting him to say that sentence while the other two kept on repeating their sentence before him till Abu Talib said – as the last thing he said to them- “I am on the religion of Abdul Muttalib,” and refused to say: None has the right to be worshipped except Allah. So, Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “By Allah, I will keep on asking Allah’s forgiveness for you unless I am forbidden (by Allah) to do so.” So Allah revealed: [مَا كَانَ لِلنَّبِىِّ وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ أَن يَسۡتَغۡفِرُواْ لِلۡمُشۡرِڪِينَ وَلَوۡ ڪَانُوٓاْ أُوْلِى قُرۡبَىٰ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ مَا تَبَيَّنَ لَهُمۡ أَنَّہُمۡ أَصۡحَـٰبُ ٱلۡجَحِيمِ – It is not befitting for the Prophet (ﷺ) and those who believe that they should invoke (Allah) for forgiveness for pagans, even though they be of kin, after it has become clear to them that they are the dwellers of the Fire (because they died in a state of disbelief)]. [Surah at-Tawbah. Aayaah 113]
And then Allah revealed especially about Abu Talib: [إِنَّكَ لَا تَہۡدِى مَنۡ أَحۡبَبۡتَ وَلَـٰكِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَہۡدِى مَن يَشَآءُ‌ۚ – Verily! You (O, Muhammad) guide not whom you like, but Allah guides whom He will]. [Saheeh Al-Bukhaari. Number 4772]

Imaam As-Sadi [may Allaah have mercy upon him] commented on the Aayah:

[مَا كَانَ لِلنَّبِىِّ وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ أَن يَسۡتَغۡفِرُواْ لِلۡمُشۡرِڪِينَ وَلَوۡ ڪَانُوٓاْ أُوْلِى قُرۡبَىٰ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ مَا تَبَيَّنَ لَهُمۡ أَنَّہُمۡ أَصۡحَـٰبُ ٱلۡجَحِيمِ – It is not befitting for the Prophet (ﷺ) and those who believe that they should invoke (Allah) for forgiveness for pagans, even though they be of kin, after it has become clear to them that they are the dwellers of the Fire (because they died in a state of disbelief)] – Meaning, it is neither befitting nor something good for the Prophet and those who believe in him “to seek forgiveness for the polytheists”, meaning, for those who disbelieve in Allah and worship others besides Him, “even though they be of kin, after it has become clear to them that they are dwellers of the Fire (because they died in a state of disbelief)”, because indeed seeking forgiveness for them in such a situation is an error and carries no benefit. Therefore, it is not befitting for the Prophet and the believers to do this, because they (i.e. their relatives and others) died whilst ascribing partners to Allah in worship, or if known that they died in such a state, they are deserving of punishment and it is inevitable that they are to abide in hell forever- neither the intercession of those whom (Allaah has allowed to) intercede nor those who seek forgiveness for them will benefit. Furthermore, it is obligated on the Prophet and those who believe with him to agree with their Lord in what pleases Him and what angers Him. (1)

Anas [may Allaah be pleased with him] said, “A young Jewish boy used to serve the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] and he became sick; so the Prophet went to visit him. He sat near his head and asked him to accept Islam. The boy looked at his father, who was sitting there; the latter told him, “Obey Abul-Qasim” and the boy submitted to Allaah in Islam. The Prophet came out saying, “All praise is due to Allaah Who saved the boy from the Hell-fire.” (2)

Al-Allaamah Zayd Bin Haadi Al-Mad’khali [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “There is proof in this hadeeth about visiting the sick even if he is an unbeliever. And if visiting him is accompanied with inviting him to accept Islam, then this is radiance upon radiance, as the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] visited the boy who used to serve him and invited him to Islam, so Allaah wanted good for him in the Afterlife and saved him from the hell fire by his submission to Allaah in Islam. In this is proof that one cannot be saved from the fire except through entry into Islam. (3)

Burying a Deceased non-Muslim

Ali [may Allaah be pleased with him] reported: I said to the Prophet (ﷺ): “Your old and astray uncle has died”. He said, “Go and bury your father”, I said, “I will not bury him, indeed he died as a polytheist”. He said, “Go and bury him and then do not do anything until you come to me”. So I went, buried him and came to him. He ordered me (to take a bath), so I took a bath, and he supplicated for me with supplications that were more pleasing to me than everything on the earth”.

Some benefits – from this hadeeth – mentioned by Imaam Al-Albaanee [may Allaah have mercy upon him]: It is legislated (in Islam) for a Muslim to undertake the burial of his polytheist relative, and that does not contradict the hatred he has for him due to his state of Shirk (i.e. because his relative ascribes partners to Allaah in worship). Do you not see that Ali [may Allaah be pleased with him] initially refrained from burying his father based on his statement, “Indeed, he died as one who ascribes partners to Allaah in worship”, whilst thinking that undertaking his burial in such a situation is included in the forbidden types of loyalty mentioned in Allaah’s statement:

[لَا تَتَوَلَّوْا قَوْمًا غَضِبَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِمْ – Take not as allies the people who incurred the Wrath of Allah].

So, when the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] repeated the command to him, he hastened to comply with it, and left what he held at first. So, obedience is that a person abandons his opinion due to a command of his Prophet [peace and blessings be upon him]. It appears to me that a child burying his polytheist father or mother (after they’ve passed away) is the last thing that a child has to do in terms of good companionship with a polytheist father (or mother) in this worldly life. As for after the burial, he does not have the right to supplicate or seek forgiveness for him due to the clear statement of Allaah [The Exalted]:

[مَا كَانَ لِلنَّبِىِّ وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ أَن يَسۡتَغۡفِرُواْ لِلۡمُشۡرِڪِينَ وَلَوۡ ڪَانُوٓاْ أُوْلِى قُرۡبَىٰ – – It is not befitting for the Prophet (ﷺ) and those who believe that they should invoke (Allah) for forgiveness for pagans, even though they be of kin…]

And when it is the case this is the affair, then what is the situation of those who invoke for mercy and forgiveness – in newspapers and magazines – for some of the unbelievers in the death announcements for a few dirhams! Therefore, let him who fears Allaah take care of his Hereafter. (4)

Shaikh Abdul Waahid Abu Khadeejah [may Allaah preserve him] quotes Imaam Al-Albaanee [may Allaah have mercy upon him] who also stated: “I say: from this you come to know the error of some of the Muslims today who invoke the mercy of Allah and His pleasure upon some of the non-Muslims. And this is something being done plentifully by some [Muslim] journalists. Indeed I have heard that one of the heads of the Arabs who is well known for religiosity invoked the mercy of Allah upon Stalin the communist; both himself and his ideology is the from the severest, most vehement enemies of Islam! And that was a speech delivered in a radio broadcast by this leader upon the occasion of the death of Stalin. And it is not surprising that this ruling is unknown to the likes of this person. However, what is surprising is that some of the Islamic callers have also fallen into this, wherein one of them said in a treatise, “May Allah have mercy upon the [deceased] Bernard Shaw…” And some trustworthy narrators mentioned to me that one of the sheikhs would pray the funeral prayer over those who died from the esoteric (Bātinee) sect of Isma’īlees whilst he himself believes that they are non-Muslims, due to the fact that they don’t believe in the Prayer (Salāh) or the Hajj and they worship a human being! Yet alongside all this he prays over their deceased out of hypocrisy and wishing to impress them. And to Allah is the complaint and His aid is sought”. [Ahkāmul-Janā’iz, p. 124] https://abukhadeejah.com/an-nawawi-and-al-albani-on-seeking-forgiveness-for-the-deceased-non-muslims/ ]

Condolence to a non-Muslim

Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: There are three views; some scholars prohibited and some of permitted it, and some of them further explained that if the ruler sees a benefit in repelling evil and bringing about good, it is permissible for him to do that by congratulating, visiting the sick, condoling, or the like. If he considers that to be good for Muslims – to repel the evil of the enemies and the like, and they (i.e. the rulers) do not intend (or aim) to agree with their falsehood (i.e. not intentionally uttering or doing anything that opposes Islam whilst congratulating the unbelievers or sending condolences etc); but rather they intend (or aim) to benefit the Muslims, protect the Muslims from the plots of the enemies, eager to repel the harm (of the enemies) or so that the enemies accept Islam, then this is permissible. This is the statement that is based on the balanced path and the most upright (based on the Sharee’ah evidences), and that is to examine the affairs that will bring about welfare and the affairs that might cause harm. So, if affairs related to welfare necessitates that (i.e. to send condolences to the unbelievers), it is permissible to offer condolences, visit the sick and congratulate. Unless this is done to bring about welfare for the Muslims – neither out of loving falsehood nor hating truth, otherwise it is impermissible. And due to this, the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] visited the Jew who used to serve him when he was sick, whilst hoping that Allaah will guide him. So, when the Prophet invited him to Islam, he looked at his father, then his father said, “Obey Abul Qaasim” and thus he testified that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah and that Muhammad is Allaah’s Messenger. Allaah guided the Jew and the Prophet came out, saying, “All praise is due to Allaah Who saved the boy from the Hell-fire.” (5)

Al-Harb said: Ishaq narrated from Muslim Ibn Qutaybah, who narrated from Katheer Bin Abaan, who narrated from Ghaalib, who said that Al-Hasan said, “When you give condolence to a Dhimmi (i.e. a non-Muslim citizen of a Muslim State), say, ‘May nothing happen to you except good”.

Congratulations: The scholars warn against congratulations that might indicate that one is pleased with the religion of the unbelievers, such as the statement uttered by the ignorant people, “May Allaah protect or grant you wellbeing by way of your religion” and what is similar to this statement. As for the congratulation that is tantamount to uttering a specific statement of disbelief, this is unlawful based on the consensus of the scholars, such as congratulating them during their festivals, saying, “May this be a blessed holiday (or festival) for you” or “Congratulations on this holiday (i.e. related to religious practice, ritual, belief)”, because even if the one who utters this statement is safe from disbelief, it is one of the Muharramaat (unlawful deeds), and it is tantamount to congratulating him (i.e. a Christian) for prostrating to the Cross; rather this (congratulation) is a greater sin and more hateful – in the Sight of Allaah- than congratulating a person for drinking alcohol, committing murder, illegal sexual intercourse and what is similar. (6)

Specified National Days of Mourning On Behalf of Personalities

Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “Indeed, it has become the custom of many Islamic countries in this era to specify – by way of an order- a period of three days of mourning, or less or more, for the kings and leaders together with the cessation (of work) in government departments and flags flown at half-mast. There is no doubt that this act is contrary to Muhammad’s Sharee’ah, and it contains an imitation of the enemies of Islam. (see footnote a) It has been reported in the authentic hadiths – transmitted from Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] – that prohibit specifying days of mourning and cautioning against it, except in the case of a wife, because she mourns her husband for four months and ten days. As for other than this in relation to specifying days of mourning, it is not allowed by the Sharee’ah, and there is nothing in the perfected Sharee’ah that allows it to be done for a king, leader, or other than them.

Indeed, during the lifetime of the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him], his son Ibrahim, his three daughters and other individuals died, but he did not specify days of mourning for them. During his time, leaders were killed, but he did not specify days of mourning for them, such as Zaid Bin Haritha, Jafar Bin Abi Talib and Abdullah Bin Rawahah.

Then the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] died- and he was the most honorable of the creation, the best of the Prophets, the master of the children of Adam, and the calamity that afflicts humankind because of his death is the greatest of calamities, but the Companions did not specify days of mourning for him. (see footnote b). Then Abu Bakr As-Siddiq died – and he is the best of the Companions, and the most honorable of creation after the Prophets, but days of mourning were not specified for him. Then Umar, Uthman and Ali were killed, and they are the best of creation after the Prophets and after Abu Bakr, but days of mourning were not specified for them. And likewise, all the Prophet’s companions passed away, but days of mourning were not specified for them. The Imaams of Islaam and the leaders of guidance amongst the scholars of the Taabi’een and those after them died, such as Sa’eed Ibn al-Musayyib, Ali Ibn Al-Husayn Zain Al-Aabideen and his son Muhammad Bin Ali, Umar Bin Abdil Azeez, Az-Zuhree, Imaam Abu Haneefah and his two companions, Imaam Maalik Bin Anas, Al-Awzaa’ee, Ath-Thawree, Imaam Ash-Shaafi’ee, Imaam Ahmad Bin Hanbal, Ishaaq Ibn Rahaawayh and other than them amongst the Imaams of knowledge and guidance; but days of mourning were not specified for them.

If this was good, the righteous predecessors would have preceded in doing so, and all good is in following them, and all evil is in opposing them. The Sunnah of Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him]-, which we have already mentioned- shows that what our righteous predecessors did by not specifying days of mourning for other than non-spouses is the truth and what is correct; and that what people do today by specifying days of mourning for kings and leaders is a matter that contradicts the pure Sunnah together with the many harms that it entails- the disruption of welfare and the imitation of the enemies of Islam. And due to this, one should know that what is obligated on the Muslim leaders and notables is to abandon specifying days of mourning and follow the path of our righteous predecessors – the Companions of the Prophet and those who followed their path. It is incumbent upon the people of knowledge to warn people of this, notify them and acquaint them with this, in fulfillment of the duty of advice, cooperation upon righteousness and piety. (7)

 

The Ruling On Minutes Silence – By The Scholars of Lajnah Daa’iamah

What some people do by standing for a while in silence – in order to pay homage to martyrs or dignitaries, or people of status, or to honor and show respect to their souls and specify mourning for them – is one of the evils and the initiated innovations in religious affairs, which was neither present in the Prophet’s era [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] nor during the era of the companions, nor during the era of the righteous predecessors. It is not in agreement with the etiquettes of pure Islamic Monotheism and sincerity in exalting Allaah; but rather some of the Muslims who are ignorant about their religion follow those – amongst the unbelievers – who innovated it, blindly follow them in their customs, exaggeration of the status of their leaders and notables -whether dead or alive. Indeed, the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] forbade us from imitating them. (see footnote c) And what is known in Islam from the rights of its adherents is to supplicate for the dead Muslims, give alms on their behalf, mention their virtues and refrain from speaking ill of them (see footnote d), and many of the etiquettes which Islam has clarified, urge the Muslim to observe them, whilst dealing with his brothers, living and dead; but it does not include standing in mourning with silence in order to pay homage to the martyrs or dignitaries; rather this is from that which the principles of Islam reject. (8)

Finally, we ask Allaah to grant us the Tawfeeq to adhere to the pure Sunnah and distance from everything that opposes it. However, the above does not negate living with non-Muslims with fine conduct and fulfilling covenants. Must read following articles:

The Life of the Muhammad in Madinah: Treaties, Conquests and his Death
https://abukhadeejah.com/the-life-of-the-muhammad-in-madinah-treaties-conquests-and-his-death/

Living With Non-Muslims In The West: With Fine Conduct
https://abukhadeejah.com/living-with-non-muslims-in-the-west-with-fine-conduct/

Alliance with the non-Muslims is of two types – misunderstanding this affair leads people astray: –
https://abukhadeejah.com/having-alliance-with-the-non-muslims-is-of-two-types-misunderstanding-this-affair-leads-people-astray/

Are Treaties With The Jews, the State of ‘Israel’ and other Non-Muslims Permitted? Is it Allegiance? Is it Apostasy?
https://abukhadeejah.com/treaties-with-the-non-muslims-do-they-necessitate-allegiance/

Greeting and Interacting with the Jews, Christians and Pagans ―Even if they are oppressive: https://abukhadeejah.com/how-to-conduct-oneself-with-the-jews-christians-others-even-if-they-be-tyrants/

Footnote a: Muslim Identity, the Honour that Islam Brings and the Danger of Blindly Following Non-Muslim Cultures that Clash with Islam and the Sunnah: https://abukhadeejah.com/muslim-identity-honour-that-islam-brings-danger-of-following-non-muslim-culture/

Footnote b: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2020/03/22/hadeeth-if-one-of-you-is-afflicted-with-a-calamity-then-let-him-reflect-upon-his-calamity-through-me-i-e-my-death-for-indeed-it-is-the-greatest-of-calamities/

Footnote c: Muslim Identity, the Honour that Islam Brings and the Danger of Blindly Following Non-Muslim Cultures that Clash with Islam and the Sunnah: https://abukhadeejah.com/muslim-identity-honour-that-islam-brings-danger-of-following-non-muslim-culture/

Footnote d: It Necessary to Mention The Names of The Misguided People – Whether Dead or Alife – If Required: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2020/01/16/is-it-necessary-to-mention-the-names-of-the-deviants-when-refuting/

[Ref 1: An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi. slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 2: Saheeh Al-Bukhari 1356. Adabul Mufrad 524]

[Ref 3: An Excerpt from Awnul Ahadis Samad Sharh Al-Adab Al-Mufrad. Vol 2. page 124. Slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 4: Silsilah As-Saheehah. Narration Number 161. Vol 1. pages 3003- 304]

[Ref 5: Paraphrased https://binbaz.org.sa/audios/1459/%D8%AD%D9%83%D9%85-%D8%AA%D8%B9%D8%B2%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D9%81%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D9%88%D8%AA%D9%87%D9%86%D9%89%D8%AA%D9%87%D9%85-%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B9%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%AF%D9%87%D9%85 ]

[Ref 6: Ahkaam Ahl Addh-Dhimmah. 1/439-441]

[Ref 7: Paraphrased: https://binbaz.org.sa/articles/211/%C2%A0%D8%AD%D9%83%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%AD%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%AF-%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%89-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%84%D9%88%D9%83-%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B2%D8%B9%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%A1 ]

[Ref 8: Fataawa Lajnah Ad-Daa’imah. (Question Number 1674). 9/77-78]

[10.3] What is Our Call? A Declaration From Masjid Al-Furqan and Masjid Abi Hurairah to Hizbiyyoon of Markaz Tawheed!

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Sahaabah, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors), The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Al-Allaamah Saaleh Al-Fawzaan [may Allaah preserve him] said: Salafiyyah is to follow the path of the Salafus Saaleh (pious predecessors) – the Sahaabah, the Taa’bi’een and the virtuous generations.

Allaah [The Most High] said:

[وَٱلسَّـٰبِقُونَ ٱلۡأَوَّلُونَ مِنَ ٱلۡمُهَـٰجِرِينَ وَٱلۡأَنصَارِ وَٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّبَعُوهُم بِـإِحۡسَـٰنٍ۬ رَّضِىَ ٱللَّهُ عَنۡہُمۡ وَرَضُواْ عَنۡهُ – And the first to embrace Islaam of the Muhaajiroon (those who migrated from Makkah to Al-Madinah) and the Ansaar (the citizens of Al-Madinah who helped and gave aid to the Muhaajiroon) and also those who followed them exactly (in Faith). Allaah is well-pleased with them as they are well-pleased with Him].

And Allaah [The Most High] said about the Sahaabah:

[إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَهَاجَرُواْ وَجَـٰهَدُواْ بِأَمۡوَٲلِهِمۡ وَأَنفُسِہِمۡ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَاوَواْ وَّنَصَرُوٓاْ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ بَعۡضُہُمۡ أَوۡلِيَآءُ بَعۡضٍ۬‌ۚ – Verily, those who believed, and emigrated and strove hard and fought with their property and their lives in the Cause of Allaah as well as those who gave (them) asylum and help, – these are (all) allies to one another [8:72] – up to His statement- [وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ مِنۢ بَعۡدُ وَهَاجَرُواْ وَجَـٰهَدُواْ مَعَكُمۡ فَأُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ مِنكُمۡ‌ۚ – And those who believed afterwards, and emigrated and strove hard along with you, (in the Cause of Allaah) they are of you]. [8:75 ]

Allaah [Glorified be He and free is He from all Imperfections] said in Surah Al -Hashar:

لِلۡفُقَرَآءِ ٱلۡمُهَـٰجِرِينَ ٱلَّذِينَ أُخۡرِجُواْ مِن دِيَـٰرِهِمۡ وَأَمۡوَٲلِهِمۡ يَبۡتَغُونَ فَضۡلاً۬ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَرِضۡوَٲنً۬ا وَيَنصُرُونَ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ ۥۤ‌ۚ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ هُمُ ٱلصَّـٰدِقُونَ
وَٱلَّذِينَ تَبَوَّءُو ٱلدَّارَ وَٱلۡإِيمَـٰنَ مِن قَبۡلِهِمۡ يُحِبُّونَ مَنۡ هَاجَرَ إِلَيۡہِمۡ

And there is also a share in this booty) for the poor emigrants, who were expelled from their homes and their property, seeking Bounties from Allaah and to please Him. And helping Allaah (i.e. helping His religion) and His Messenger (Muhammad). Such are indeed the truthful (to what they say); And those who, before them, had homes (in Al-Madinah) and had adopted the Faith, love those who emigrate to them.” [59:8-9]- up until His [The Most High] statement: [وَٱلَّذِينَ جَآءُو مِنۢ بَعۡدِهِمۡ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا ٱغۡفِرۡ لَنَا وَلِإِخۡوَٲنِنَا ٱلَّذِينَ سَبَقُونَا بِٱلۡإِيمَـٰنِ – And those who came after them say: “Our Lord! Forgive us and our brethren who have preceded us in Faith].

The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “This ummah will split into seventy three sects; all of them will enter the fire except one. They said, ‘Which is that (saved sects) O Messenger of Allaah? He replied, ‘Those who are upon that which I and my companions are upon today'”. The Prophet said, “Adhere to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly guided Khulafaa after me”. (Refer to “Footnote A” about the seventy-two deviant sects and how to deal with them)

Therefore, Salafiyyah is the Methodology that has been obligated on us to follow and we are to abandon all other methodologies that are in opposition to it. The [people of salafiyyah] are the saved sect, Ahlus Sunnah Wal-Jamaa-ah, and they are the aided group till the Day of Judgement. May Allaah include us amongst them. However, ascription to this methodology requires knowledge of its fundamentals in order that the Muslim may adhere to it. (One is) required to have knowledge of the other methodologies that are in opposition to Salafiyyah in order to avoid them. Therefore, Salafiyyah upon the path of the pious predecessors has to be [followed] upon knowledge and clear sightedness. It is not enough for the person to ascribe himself to [salafiyyah] whilst being ignorant of it or being in opposition to it. For that reason Allaah [The Most High] said:[ وَٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّبَعُوهُم بِـإِحۡسَـٰنٍ۬ – And also those who followed them exactly (in Faith)]. They follow them with knowledge- they neither fall into extremism nor negligence. They neither exaggerate nor fail to give the affair its right- like those who ascribe themselves to the madhabs of the four imams [Abu Haneefah, Maalik, Shaa-fi’ee and Ahmad] whilst being in opposition to them in Aqeedah and Ibaadaat. And like the one who ascribes himself to the methodology of the Salaf, yet he either declares the Muslims to be disbelievers or rebels against the Muslim rulers, or he follows other directions towards extremism. This person is not a Salafi, rather he is named a khaariji or a Mutazili. Or like the one who ascribes himself to the methodology of the salaf, but speaks with the statement of the Mur’ji’a in the affair of Eemaan and Kufr. This is not salafiyyah. Therefore, it is obligatory to pay attention to this affair and not to mix the Salafi methodology with the other methodologies that are in opposition to it, and then say: ”all these methodologies [including the Salafi methodology] are not from Islaam.” This is recklessness in speech, an oppressive judgement and deception against the people. [An Excerpt from Al-Bayaan Li-Akh’taa’I Ba’dil Kuttaab. Vol 2 page:173-174]

 

What is Our Da’wah, The Call to Salafiyyah? The Defining Features

http://www.salafis.com/index.cfm
https://abukhadeejah.com/what-is-our-dawah-the-call-to-salafiyyah-the-defining-features/
https://abukhadeejah.com/what-is-our-dawah-the-call-to-salafiyyah-the-defining-features-sunnah-and-hadeeth-part-2/
https://abukhadeejah.com/our-dawah-and-the-call-to-salafiyyah-that-stands-the-test-of-time-the-companions-their-virtues-their-differences-those-who-follow-them-and-those-who-oppose-them-part-3/
https://abukhadeejah.com/our-dawah-the-call-to-unity-the-rope-of-allah-and-a-severe-warning-from-dividing-the-muslims-part-4/
https://abukhadeejah.com/a-response-to-western-academics-who-categorise-salafis-into-quietists-politicos-and-jihadists-and-why-this-is-a-false-categorisation/
https://abukhadeejah.com/methodology-of-the-radicals-vs-the-methodology-of-the-prophets/
https://abukhadeejah.com/ahlus-sunnah-do-not-divide-that-is-the-methodolology-of-the-salaf/

To be continued InShaaAllaah.

——————————–

Footnote A: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2022/09/08/10-2-the-affair-of-markaz-tawheed-a-principle-regarding-splitting-takfeer-tabdee-and-cooperating-with-ahlul-bidah/

[6] The Affair of Markaz Tawheed: [O Truthful Adherents to Salafiyyah In Stoke On Trent! Neither Participate Nor Spend a Penny In An Event That Will Aid Staunch Soofees to Strengthen Their Bidah and Misguidance]

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Bid'ah (Innovation), Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Deviated Callers & Individuals, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Sin, Sufis, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

The blazing hizbi or those specific blazing hizbiyyoon at Markaz at-Tawheed stated “If cooperating with non-Muslims is permitted (i.e. in some cases), then cooperation with those less than them is permitted if done for a Sharee’ah purpose!”

Firstly, we remind those specific individuals at Markaz Tawheed that Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “Adhering to (erroneous or false analogies), whilst (deliberately) turning away from the texts of the (Sharee’ah) and the narrations of (the Salaf) is a path of ahlul bidah”. [Majmoo Al-Fataawaa 7/392]

Therefore, they should be very careful lest this crime mentioned by Shaikhul Islaam becomes their distinguished path in many other affairs. May Allaah protect us and our families from this evil Aameen.

Secondly, Shaikh Nizaar Ibn Hishaam [may Allaah preserve him] was asked: The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said about the Fudul Alliance, “If I had been called, I would have answered them”. What is the rebuttal against those who use this as evidence to cooperate with ahlul bidah? What is your answer to this doubt? May Allaah reward you with good.

Answer: “The rebuttal is from various angles: The response of the Prophet is due to the good found in the affair and not because they (i.e. those people) were good people. This is similar to the general covenants with the unbelievers that do not contradict Islam, such as covenants of security and peace, borders and international requirements related to travel, movement and representation (diplomatic), which preserves the organisation of public life and the lives of Muslims, such as the Treaty of Hudaybiyah. This is interaction and cooperation for the sake of the interests of Muslims and their religion, the interests of the unbelievers so that the Muslims are safe from their evil and an opportunity to invite them to Islam. As for ahlul bidah, (see footnote a) then indeed their danger and evil is greater than the harm of the unbelievers. The unbelievers – due to their apparent disbelief – pose a danger against the lives of the Muslims, their wealth and morals; but as for ahlul bidah, they destroy the very core, (sound) principles and rituals of Islam in the name of Islam. This (statement of the Prophet) was at the beginning of Islam, then it was abandoned. It is established in Sahih Muslim that “There is no alliance (hilf) in Islam”, if what we mean by this is alliances between Muslims, because Islam (already) gathered all good for its adherents. And if what we mean by it is the (alliance and co-operation) between Muslims and others, then it is permissible for that which does not contradict and oppose Islam, such as reconciliation with them and covenants, as we have mentioned”. [End of quote] [1]

The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “There is no alliance (hilf) in Islam but (the hilf) established in the pre-Islamic days (for good). Islam intensifies and strengthens it” [Saheeh Muslim Number 2530] Imaam an-Nawawi [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “There is no alliance in Islam, meaning, alliance upon that which the Sharee’ah has forbidden”. [Sharh Saheeh Muslim. Vol 16. page 67]

Also must read: Alliance with the non-Muslims is of two types – misunderstanding this affair leads people astray: https://abukhadeejah.com/having-alliance-with-the-non-muslims-is-of-two-types-misunderstanding-this-affair-leads-people-astray/

Shaikh Nizaar continues….. Indeed, with regards to what the Salafis are upon – by the grace of Allaah upon them – of adherence to the true Sharee'ah, (they) are completely not in need of others, such as ahlul bidah. The proofs are with the Salafis originally and rebutting everyone who opposes them, so why cooperate with ahlul bidah?! Indeed, the pious predecessors did not carry an understanding that is similar to this misunderstanding, and likewise those scholars who followed their path; rather, they were all upon other than this (act of cooperating with ahlul bidah). They warned against them and rebuked them. Their stance against ahlul bidah in their books is known as (clear as the) sun and their history is a written witness. [Read here: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2022/08/27/from-statements-of-the-imaams-regarding-obligation-of-hating-and-detesting-ahlul-bidah-by-shaikh-khaalid-adh-dhufayri-part-1/

This (i.e. cooperating with ahlul bidah) contradicts the principles of Islam, such as the principle: “Preventing corruption takes precedence over bringing benefits”. Likewise, what Islam calls to with regards to preserving and preservation of the religion is pure and pristine. Therefore, let them give us one proof from the Dawah and history of the pious predecessors – in their era – regarding this so called co-operation with ahlul bidah. They (i.e. pious predecessors said, “The Jamaa’ah is what agrees with the truth, even if you are alone”. Indeed, the situation bears witness to what has been stated. Whoever fell into this cooperation – among those who attributed to the Sunnah – became corrupted and not rectified; deceived and did not establish anything except bidah and its adherents; mixed up the affairs, entered the ranks of those who harbour ulterior motives and those who sneak in to fulfil their goals. So, what good came out of this?! Rather, it was a reason for confounding truth with falsehood, took away a group of the Ummah’s youth from the truth, its scholars and group. This (i.e. co-operating with ahlul bidah) contradicts the clear text [i.e. the hadeeth in (Saheeh Al-Jaami 2994) which the Prophet advised us that when there is neither a Muslim ruler nor group upon the truth], “Separate yourself from all these groups though you may have to eat the roots of trees (in a jungle) until death comes to you and you are in this state”. (2)

Must read: An Exposition Of The Ikhwāni Principle Of Excusing Differences For The Sake Of Unity: “We excuse one another in that which we differ- By Shaikh Abu Khadeejah [may Allaah preserve him]: https://abukhadeejah.com/the-principle-of-ikhwan-we-excuse-and-overlook-one-another/

Final observations

Observation 1: Shaikh Nizaar [may Allaah preserve him] stated: “This (i.e. cooperating with ahlul bidah) contradicts the principles of Islam, such as the principle: “Preventing corruption takes precedence over bringing benefits”. Likewise, what Islam calls to with regards to preserving and preservation of the religion is pure and pristine”. [End of quote]

Markaz Tawheed and those other Masaajid participating in the event are aiding the Soofees of Markazi Jamia Ghausia and this assistance – without a doubt – will strengthen their bidah, so how can this deed of theirs be considered a beneficial purpose in the name of Sharee’ah?! Rather, they are facilitating the means to strengthening the bidah of the Soofees.

See below Soofees of Markazi Jamia Ghausia Celebrating The BIdah of Mawlid- The Ones Markaz Tawheed Has Joined to Help Raise Funds

 

Observation 2: This deed of Markaz Tawheed – aiding the Soofees to raise funds for their bidah is a dangerous affair in the sight of Allaah. May Allaah protect us from this calamity and turn them away from it before it leads to something more disastrous. The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him said, “Whoever starts a good thing and is followed by others, he will have his own reward and a reward equal to that of those who follow him, without it detracting from their reward in any way. Whoever starts a bad thing  and is followed by others, will bear the burden of his own sin and a burden equal to that of those who follow him, without it detracting from their burden in any way”. [Reported by al-Tirmidhi, no. 2675]

Read here to find out all the participants in the event: Part 1: The Affair of Markaz Tawheed (Stoke On Trent), Greenlane and Ikhwaaniyyah In Manhaj! https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2022/08/28/part-1-the-affair-of-markaz-tawheed-stoke-on-trent-greenlane-and-ikhwaaniyyah-in-manhaj/

 

Observation 3: Markaz Tawheed joins others to encourage people to spend their wealth in a manner that would strengthen the Bidah and falsehood of the soofees. Indeed, one’s wealth should not be spent to aid others to strengthen their corruption, otherwise such deed would be tantamount to ingratitude. Allaah [The Most High] said:

لِتَسْتَوُوا عَلَىٰ ظُهُورِهِ ثُمَّ تَذْكُرُوا نِعْمَةَ رَبِّكُمْ إِذَا اسْتَوَيْتُمْ عَلَيْهِ وَتَقُولُوا سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي سَخَّرَ لَنَا هَٰذَا وَمَا كُنَّا لَهُ مُقْرِنِينَ
وَإِنَّا إِلَىٰ رَبِّنَا لَمُنقَلِبُونَ

In order that you may mount on their backs, and then may remember the Favour of your Lord when you mount thereon, and say: “Glory to Him Who has subjected this to us, and we could never have it (by our efforts). And verily, to Our Lord we indeed are to return!”

Imaam As-Sadi [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “Mentioned in this Aayah are the three pillars of gratitude and they are: acknowledgement of Allaah’s blessings, proclaim and speak about Allaah’s blessings, submit to Allah and utilise these blessings to carry out acts of worship for the sake of Allaah (alone). That is because the intent behind the statement of Allah: [وَإِنَّا إِلَىٰ رَبِّنَا لَمُنقَلِبُونَ – And verily, to Our Lord we indeed are to return] is an acknowledgement of recompense and make preparations for it. The objective behind these favours is that they are an aid by way of which the slave (seeks) to fulfil that which Allah has commanded him (i.e. acts of worship and obedience etc)

And regarding Allaah’s saying: [ثُمَّ تَذْكُرُوا نِعْمَةَ رَبِّكُمْ إِذَا اسْتَوَيْتُمْ – And then may remember the favour of your Lord when you mount thereon], this is a specific mention of the (favour) in that at the time in which the person enjoys those favours because blessings intoxicates many amongst the creation, makes them heedless, evil and ungrateful. Therefore, this state in which Allah commanded (a person to remember Him for His Favours) is a medication for this destructive ailment. When the person recalls that he is completely surrounded by the blessings of Allah and that nothing is from him (or herself), but rather blessings are (from Allah) – its means are facilitated and its obtainment made easy (by Allaah), he (she) submits to Allah, humbles him (or herself), thanks and Praises Allaah. And by way of this he (or she) is given continuous blessings. (3)

 

Footnote a: The two types of Bidah: Bida’atul Mukaffirah and Bida’atul Mufassiqah: Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee Al-Madkhalee [may Allaah preserve him] was asked whether there is a difference between Bidah Al-Mukaffirah and Bidah Al-Mufassiqah; so he replied that there is Bidah Mukaffirah, such as rejecting the Ruyah (i.e. denying that the believers will see Allaah in the afterlife); rejecting Allaah’s Uluww [i.e. denying that Allaah is above his creation –Allaah ascended over the Throne in a way that benefits his majesty)]; invoking other than Allaah; offering slaughtered sacrifice (i.e. animals) to other than Allaah etc. These are affairs of Bidah Al-Mukaffirah (the bidah that is tantamount to disbelief); but we do not make Takfeer of the people who commit this type of Bidah until we establish the proofs against them. That is because some of them (i.e. the people who fall into these affairs) carry doubts and are far away from the era of Prophethood and its light (i.e. guidance). So they fall into the likes these innovations. Rejecting the Ruyah is disbelief; rejecting Allaah’s Uluww is disbelief; the saying that the Qur’aan is created is disbelief-major disbelief; but this person -[who testifies that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah and that Muhammad is the messenger of Allaah, and he prays, observes fasting, wants paradise and believes in that] -received the doubts of the people of falsehood, so he falls into the likes of these affairs (i.e. these innovations that are tantamount to disbelief). So we say to him, “You have fallen into disbelief and the evidence is this and this, and we clarify for him”. So if Allaah grants him Tawfeeq [i.e. blesses him with knowledge and to act] and he returns to the truth, then all praise is due to Allaah; but if not, we declare him a disbeliever after establishing the proofs against him. As for Bidah Al-Mufassiqah it is other than this (i.e. it is not at the level of that which is tantamount to disbelief)…[ http://www.rabee.net/ar/questions.php?cat=26&id=484 .paraphrased] NB: Takfeer: [i.e. expelling a Muslim from the fold of Islam] is the job of the upright scholars of Islaam. Read here about the Principles of Takfir: http://www.salafipublications.com/sps/sp.cfm?secID=MNJ&subsecID=MNJ09&loadpage=displaysubsection.cfm

Read: Refuting the Notion of Bid’ah Hasanah (Good Innovation) in Worship: Part 8 – Imam Al-Nawawi’s Refutation of Contemporary Innovators Trying to Justify Bidah Hasanah in Matters of Worship
http://www.bidah.com/articles/chbjn-refuting-the-notion-of-bidah-hasanah-good-innovation-in-worship-part-8.cfm

To be continued…InShaaAllaah: [Next Topic: Rebuttal of The Ambiguity Regarding Participating In Jihaad Alongside Ahlul Bidah]

[Refs 1 and 2: http://rsalafs.com/?p=1094] [paraphrased]
[Ref 3: An Excerpt from Fataawa Sa’diyyah page: 61]

Amazing Character Indeed! Is it Possible For Any Oppressor or Flatterer to Befriend or Accompany This Man?!

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Ismaa’eel Bin Ayyaash said that Amr Bin Muhaajir said, “When Umar Bin Abdil Azeez became the Khaleefah, he stood in front of the people, praised Allaah and then said, ‘O people! Verily, there is no Book after the Qur’aan and no Prophet after Muhammad [peace be upon him]. Indeed, I am not a judge, rather I am one upon whom it is obligated to comply with commands and prohibitions. Indeed, I am not an innovator in religious affairs, but rather I am one who adheres to the Sunnah. Verily a man who flees from an oppressive leader cannot be a wrong doer, but that oppressive leader is the disobedient one. Indeed, there is no obedience to the creation in disobedience to the Creator [The Mighty and Majestic]'”.

Az-Zubayr Bin Bakkaar said, “Muhammad Bin Sallaam informed me that Sallaam Bin Saleem said, ‘When Umar Bin Abdil Azeez became the Khaleefah, he climbed the Minbar – and that was the first Khutbah he delivered, then he praised and exalted Allaah, and said, ‘O people! Whoever accompanies us, then let him accompany us with five affairs otherwise let him disassociate from us: Let him inform us of the needs of those who are not able to inform us, help us to do good by his guidance, direct us to good by way of that which he guides himself, refrain from backbiting anyone in our presence and not engage in that which does not concern him’. After this speech of his, the poets and sermonisers disassociated from him, but those who abstained from the unnecessary worldly pleasures and the jurists kept close company with him and said, ‘We cannot disassociate from this man until he opposes what he has stated'”.

Sufyaan Ibn Uyaynah said, “When Umar Bin Abdil Azeez became the Khaleefah, he contacted Muhammad Bin Kab, Rajaa Bin Haywah and Saalim Bin Abdillaah and said to them, ‘You have seen that which I have been put to trial and indeed it has fallen upon me, so what advice do you have?’ Muhammad Bin kab said, ‘Consider the old man a father, the young person a brother and the little one as your child, so be good to your father, keep ties with your brother and be kind to your child’. Rajaa said to him, ‘Wish for the people what you wish for yourself, hate for them what you hate for yourself and do not approach them except in manner you would like them to approach you’. Saalim said, ‘Concentrate on one affair by degrading the lusts of the worldly life and let your innate disposition be directed towards reflecting upon death’. Umar said, ‘Laa Hawla Walaa Quwwata illaa Billaah'”.

Whenever he faced a difficult matter, he would gather the jurists of Madeenah, particularly ten of them and would not firmly decide on an affair without them or some of them, and they were Urwah, Ubaydullaah Bin Abdillaah Ibn Utbah, AbuBakr Bin Abdir Rahmaan Ibn Al-Haarith Ibn Hishaam, AbuBakr Bin Sulaymaan Ibn Khaythama, Salaymaan Bin Yasaar, Al-Qaasim Bin Muhammad Ibn Hazm, Saalim Bin Abdillaah, Abdullaah Bin Aamir Ibn Rabee’ah and Khaarijah Bin Zayd Ibn Thaabit. He never used to hold a view that was different from that of Sa’eed Ibnul Musayyib, and Sa’eed did not use to visit any of the caliphs besides Umar Ibn Abdil Azeez in Madeenah.

An Excerpt from Al-Bidaayah Wan-Nihaayah. Vol 9. Pages 193-202. Publisher: Maktabah Al-Ma’aarif and Daar ibn Hazm. 9th Edition. 1414 AH (1994)

Responsibilities That Make You Upright & Spread the Daw’ah – Shaykh Rabee (Allah preserve him).

Written by abuaisha on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Articles, Basics, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Innovations In Islam (Bidah), Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Seeking Knowledge, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors.

The salafi bears a responsibility; upon him is to study (beneficial) knowledge, to study the books of the salaf, the belief of the salaf, their exegesis of the Quran and their explanations of the messenger’s hadeeth (alayhis salaatu was salaam), so that he is grounded in (beneficial) knowledge, whilst he truthfully calls to Allah with knowledge and insight.

He (The Most High) said,

قُلْ هَٰذِهِۦ سَبِيلِىٓ أَدْعُوٓاْ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ ۚ عَلَىٰ بَصِيرَةٍ أَنَا۠ وَمَنِ ٱتَّبَعَنِى ۖ وَسُبْحَٰنَ ٱللَّهِ وَمَآ أَنَا۠ مِنَ ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ

Say, “This is my way; I invite to Allah with insight, I and those who follow me. And exalted is Allah; and I am not of those who associate others with Him.” (12:108)

Meaning, I (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) and my true followers, call to Allah with sure sighted insight; ie upon knowledge.

The caller to ignorance (misguidance, evil, innovations), such as the callers of misguidance and innovation – they are ignoramuses, ignorant of the path of truth and the (correct) call to Allah; they call to falsehood.

The people of innovation and misguidance call to falsehood, even if they are characterised as having knowledge, and even if they have certificates, then they are (still) ignoramuses, just as some of the salaf said, ‘a scholar has never brought about an innovation, rather innovations are only brought about by the ignorant ones, even if they call themselves scholars, then they are (still) ignorant.’

So learn and study the Book of Allah, and the Sunnah of the Messenger (sallallaahu alaihi wa salam), study the Oneness of Allah (The Blessed & Most High).

May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon our, Prophet Muhammad, his family and his companions.

Nafahaat al-Huda wal-Eemaan min Majaalis al-Qur’aan of Shaykh Rabee (Hafidahullah) Pg 69

[6] Adherence to The Prophetic Methodology Is The Only Path to Safety and Sound Reformation When Decadence Occurs – [By Well known and Highly Respected God-fearing Erudite Saudi Scholar – (Al-Allaamah Saaleh Al-Fawzaan)]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Bid'ah (Innovation), Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, History of Islam, Innovations In Islam (Bidah), Jahannam (Hell Fire), Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Sin, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Hudhaifah Bin al Yamaan [may Allaah be pleased with him] said: ‘’People used to ask the Messenger of Allaah [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] about the good times, but I used to ask him about bad times fearing lest they overtake me. I said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah! We were in a state of pre-Islamic ignorance and evil, and then Allaah brought us this good [time through Islam], is there any evil time after this good one?’ He said, ‘Yes.’ I asked, ‘Will there be a good time again after that evil?’ He said, ‘Yes, but therein will be a hidden evil.’ I asked, ‘What will be the evil hidden therein?’ He said, ‘[That time will witness the rise of] the people who will follow ways other than mine and seek guidance other than mine. You will know [their] good points as well as [their] bad points.’ I asked, ‘Will there be an evil time after this good one?’ He said, ‘Yes. [A time will come] when there will be people standing and inviting at the gates of Hell. Whosoever responds to their call they will throw them into the fire.’ I said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah! Describe them for us.’ He said, ‘They will be a people having the same complexion as ours and speaking our language.’ I said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah! What do you suggest if I happen to live in that time?’ He said, ‘You should stick to the main body of the Muslims and their leader.’ I said, ‘If they have no [such thing as the] main body and have no leader?’ He said, ‘Separate yourself from all these factions, though you may have to eat the roots of trees [in a jungle] until death comes to you and you are in this state.’’’ [Bukhari and Muslim…. The wording of the above is that of Imaam Muslim]

Full article here: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2019/08/27/admonition-from-the-hadeeth-of-hudhaifah-people-used-to-ask-the-messenger-of-allaah-about-the-good-times-but-i-used-to-ask-him-about-bad/

Valentines Day: [Brief Rebuttal of Shameless Callers to Falsehood and Beautifiers of Haraam – (Rawan Radwan and His Ilk at Arab News)]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Bid'ah (Innovation), Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Innovations In Islam (Bidah), Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Shirk, Sin, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Uncategorized.

In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Allaah [The Exalted] said: [وَٱلَّذِينَ لَا يَشۡهَدُونَ ٱلزُّورَ وَإِذَا مَرُّواْ بِٱللَّغۡوِ مَرُّواْ ڪِرَامً۬ا – And those who do not witness falsehood, and if they pass by some evil play or evil talk, they pass by it with dignity]. [Surah Al-Furqan. Aayah 72]

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: They do not attend the gatherings of falsehood and when go past anything that is utilized in falsehood – whether in speech or actions, they behave in an honorable manner and do not stand there to witness or incline towards it. [Badaa’i at-Tafseer Al-Jaami limaa Fassarahu Al-Imaam Ibnul Qayyim 2/270]

The Ruling On valentines Day

Saudi Scholar Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “Celebrating Valentine’s Day is impermissible due to (several) reasons: Firstly, it is an innovated celebration and it has no basis in the Islamic legislation. Secondly, it calls to infatuation and thirdly It is a means of preoccupying the heart with insignificant affairs and it is in opposition to the guidance of the Salafus Saaleh [The Pious Predecessors – The Prophet and his Companions]. Therefore, it is impermissible to initiate anything on this day related to (celebration), whether it is foodstuffs, drinks, clothing, and exchanging gifts or other than that. It is obligated on a Muslim to nobly (adhere to the) religion and should not be one who goes with the flow- following everyone who calls to something. [An excerpt from Majmoo Fataawaa 16/199]

Shaikh Abdul Waahid Abu Khadeejah [may Allaah preserve him] stated: Valentine’s Day, also called St. Valentine’s Day, holiday (February 14) when lovers express their affection with greetings and gifts. The holiday has origins in the Roman festival of Lupercalia, held in mid-February. The festival, which celebrated the coming of spring, included fertility rites and the pairing off of women with men by lottery. At the end of the 5th century, Pope Gelasius I replaced Lupercalia with St. Valentine’s Day. It came to be celebrated as a day of romance from about the 14th century. Although there were several Christian martyrs named Valentine, the day may have taken its name from a priest who was martyred about 270 CE by the emperor Claudius II Gothicus. According to legend, the priest signed a letter “from your Valentine” to his jailer’s daughter, whom he had befriended. (Ref: Encyclopaedia Britannica). [https://www.abukhadeejah.com/ibn-taymiyyah-on-participating-in-the-annual-celebrations-of-the-unbelievers/ ]

Therefore, the beautifiers of falsehood at Arab News must refrain for their own good. Promoting and beautifying this misguidance is tantamount to following the misguidance of the misguided people of the Scripture. Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “Indeed, you will follow the way of those before you, hand span by hand span, cubit by cubit, to the extent that if they entered into the hole of a lizard, you will enter it too”. [Al-Bukhaari 1397 and Muslim 4822]

Imaam Al-Aloosee [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “He [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] informed us that indeed there will be in his Ummah those who will follow the previous nations – the ignorant people amongst the people of the scriptures and other than them – hand span by hand span as has been explained in the hadeeth. There is no doubt that what he [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] informed us has occurred, because indeed he is As-Saadiq Al-Masdooq [the truthful one and the one believed in everything he says] and he does not speak out of his own desires. Certainly those who adhere to his guidance and follow that which has been established in his Sunnah are not the ones intended in this hadeeth due to that which is established in the other hadeeth regarding the sects, that these people are the Firqatun Naaji’yah [the saved sect] – those who adhere to that which the Messenger and his companions adhered to. Therefore, it has to be the case that the people who follow the footsteps of the Jews and Christians are those who substitute and change the religion, innovate in religious affairs and distort, imitate the previous nations in their actions and deeds”. [Ghaayah al-Amaanee Fee Radd Alan Nabahaanee 1/19-20]

As for the statement that “Valentines Day was once considered socially taboo and now it is celebrated”, this is the statement of a people submerged in evil desires because indeed whatever opposes the Qur’aan, the authentic Sunnah and path of the Salafus Saaleh [pious predecessors] is falsehood and a path leading to the hell fire. Allaah [The Exalted] said:

[وَمَن يُشَاقِقِ ٱلرَّسُولَ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ مَا تَبَيَّنَ لَهُ ٱلۡهُدَىٰ وَيَتَّبِعۡ غَيۡرَ سَبِيلِ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ نُوَلِّهِۦ مَا تَوَلَّىٰ وَنُصۡلِهِۦ جَهَنَّمَ‌ۖ وَسَآءَتۡ مَصِيرًا – And whoever contradicts and opposes the Messenger (Muhammad ) after the right path has been shown clearly to him, and follows other than the believers’ way. We shall keep him in the path he has chosen, and burn him in Hell – what an evil destination]. [Surah An-Nisaa. Aayah 115]

Ibn Abbaas [may Allaah be pleased with him and his father] said that the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “The most hated people to Allaah are three: a person who deviates from right conduct [i.e. an evil doer] in the Haram [sanctuaries of Makkah and Medeenah]; a person who seeks that the traditions of the pre-lslamic Period of Ignorance should remain in Islam and a person who seeks to shed somebody’s blood without any right”.

Al-Allaamah Zaid Bin Haadee Al-Mad’khalee [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: The second major sin is committed by the person who wants that the pre-Islamic traditions should remain in Islaam, as if he gives precedence to the pre-Islamic traditions – the evil customs that were followed during that period and the misguided deeds- over the Islamic practices, Imaan, Ihsaan, their virtue and virtue of the Sunnah. He is guilty of committing a major sin, and this includes giving precedence to innovated religious practices over (the authentic) Sunnah that guides to the straight path. [At-taleeqaat Al-Maleehah Alaa Silsilah Al-Ahaadeeth as-Saheehah. Vol 1. Pages 429-430. Slightly paraphrased]

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: Hardship is only encountered by the one who abandons the Ma’loofaat and Awaa’id [i.e. those habitual things, deeds, practices, customs etc] for other than the sake of Allaah. As for the one who abandons them truthfully and sincerely from the bottom of his heart- for the sake of Allaah alone- then indeed he does not encounter any difficulty due to abandoning them except in the beginning, in order that he is tested as to whether he is truthful or untruthful in abandoning them? If he exercises a little bit of patience, its [i.e. that abandonment] will alternate into pleasure. Ibn Seereen said that he heard Shurayh swearing by Allaah that “A servant does not abandon anything for the sake of Allaah and finds a loss in that.” And their statement [i.e. the people of knowledge] that ‘whoever abandons something for the Sake of Allaah, Allaah will replace it with what is better.” This is true. This compensation is of different types and the best of that which a person is compensated with is: the desire and yearning to get close to Allaah, seeking after Allaah’s pleasure, love of Allaah, and the heart granted-by way of it- tranquility, strength, enthusiasm, happiness and being pleased with its Lord [The Most High]. [Al-Fawaa’id page 166]

Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: It is obligated on every Muslim that he does not depend on custom; rather he presents it to the pure Islamic legislation [to be judged], so whatever the Islamic legislation affirms is permissible and whatever it does not affirm is impermissible. The customs of the people are not proof to determine the lawfulness of anything. All the customs of the people in their countries or tribes must be presented to the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] for judgement, so whatever Allaah and His Messenger made permissible is permissible, and whatever they forbid, then it is obligatory to abandon it even if it is the custom of the people. [Majmoo Al-Fataawas 6/510]

Imaam Muhammad Bin Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: The customs cannot make something that is not legislated (in the divine revelation) as something legislated, because of Allaah’s statement: [وَلَيۡسَ ٱلۡبِرُّ بِأَن تَأۡتُواْ ٱلۡبُيُوتَ مِن ظُهُورِهَا – It is not Al-Birr (piety, righteousness, etc.) that you enter the houses from the back] [Surah Al-Baqarah. Aayah 189], despite the fact that it was something they took as their custom and considered it to be an act of righteousness. Whoever takes something as a custom and believes that it is an act of righteousness, then it should be presented to Allaah’s divine legislation. [Tafseer Surah Al-Baqarah 2/299]

Imaam Muhammad Bin Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen [may Allaah have mercy upon him] also said: Extremism in related to customs is stringent adherence to old customs and not diverting to what is better than them. As for if the customs are equal in benefit [i.e. the ones judged to be permissible by the divine legislation], then a person remaining upon what he is upon would be better than going along with the new (or emerging) customs. [Majmoo Al-Fataawaa 7/7]

Finally, beware of the callers to evil! Al-Allaamah Saaleh Al-Fawzaan [may Allaah preserve him] stated about the callers to evil that they do not say to the people, “Come to the fire!!” They say, “Come to Paradise, these are the actions of the people of Paradise, this is good, this is development, this is rectification, this is and this is…” and they beautify that for the people. Therefore, the Muslims must be cautious of these people. Indeed, they have become numerous in this era, and Allaah knows best whether they will increase in the future. They may be facilitated with tools [of misguidance] which were not possessed by the previous callers to misguidance and are given firm support through such (tools), and this misguidance will rapidly reach the people. The suggestion of the seducer and the falsifier will be adorned and made to appear as something good to the people in any place, whilst it is something evil. This is the height of fitnah. “Whosoever responds to their call will be thrown into the fire”. Whoever responds to them by complying, believing and assisting them, will be thrown into the fire. As for those who does not comply with them, opposes and openly rejects what they are upon, then indeed they will not harm him. Allaah said in the Qur’aan: [وَأَنَّ هَٰذَا صِرَاطِي مُسْتَقِيمًا فَاتَّبِعُوهُ ۖ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا السُّبُلَ فَتَفَرَّقَ بِكُمْ عَنْ سَبِيلِهِ ۚ ذَٰلِكُمْ وَصَّاكُمْ بِهِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ – And verily this is My Straight Path, so follow it, and follow not (other) paths, for they will separate you away from His Path. This He has ordained for you that you may become Muttaqoon (pious)]. [6:153]

The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] whilst explaining this Ayah drew a straight line and said, “This is the path of Allaah”. Then he drew lines to the left and right (of this straight line) and said, “These are the other paths, and on every path is a devil calling the people to it” [Ahmad 1/435]

This is a description of the callers to misguidance, their methodologies and objectives. It has been thoroughly illustrated for us that indeed whatever opposes the Straight Path is a path leading to Jahannam, and whoever abandons the Straight Path is heading towards the Jahannam, even if he regards himself civilized, progressive and open minded. [https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2019/08/27/admonition-from-the-hadeeth-of-hudhaifah-people-used-to-ask-the-messenger-of-allaah-about-the-good-times-but-i-used-to-ask-him-about-bad/ ]

Allaah [The Exalted] said: [إِنَّا نَحۡنُ نُحۡىِ ٱلۡمَوۡتَىٰ وَنَڪۡتُبُ مَا قَدَّمُواْ وَءَاثَـٰرَهُمۡۚ وَكُلَّ شَىۡءٍ أَحۡصَيۡنَـٰهُ فِىٓ إِمَامٍ۬ مُّبِينٍ۬ – Verily, We give life to the dead, and We record that which they send before (them), and their traces, and that which they leave behind], and all things We have recorded with numbers (as a record) in a Clear Book. [Surah Yaaseen. Aayah 12]

[إِنَّا نَحۡنُ نُحۡىِ ٱلۡمَوۡتَىٰ – Verily, We give life to the dead]- Meaning, We’ll resurrect them after their death to recompense them for their deeds (1). [وَنَڪۡتُبُ مَا قَدَّمُواْ – and We record that which they send before (them)] – Meaning, good and evil, the deeds they did during their lifetime (2).

[وَءَاثَـٰرَهُمۡۚ – and their traces]. Imaam Ibnul Qayyim said: That which they initiated of good or evil and thus they were followed by others after their death. (3)

Imaam Al-Aloosee said: That which they left behind of good deeds, such as the knowledge they taught people, books they wrote, land they gave as endowment or a building they built in the path of Allaah and other good deeds; or sins, such as establishment of laws [legislation, rules, regulations etc] that are tantamount to oppression and transgression, or setting up principles amongst the people that are tantamount to evil and corruption, and the evil Funoon [i.e. haraam professions, crafts etc] which they initiated and were revived after them by the corrupt people. (4)

Imaam As-Sadi said: It is the good and evil outcomes about which they were the cause of its occurrence during their life time and after their death, and those deeds that emanated from their statements, deeds and circumstances. Every good performed by one of the people due to the knowledge of the servant, his teaching and advice, or through enjoying good and forbidding evil, or knowledge he transmitted to the learners, or in a book which is benefitted from during his life and after his death, or a good deed, such as Salaah, Zakaat, Sadaqah or kindness based on which he was followed, or built a masjid or a place which the people benefit from and what is similar, it will be from the good outcomes that are written for him, and likewise are the evil outcomes. The Prophet said, “Whoever starts a good thing [i.e. something other than bidah and sin] and is followed by others, he will have his own reward and a reward equal to that of those who follow him, without it detracting from their reward in any way. Whoever starts a bad thing [i.e. a bidah, sin or something that opposes Islaam] and is followed by others, will bear the burden of his own sin and a burden equal to that of those who follow him, without it detracting from their burden in any way”. [Reported by al-Tirmidhi, no. 2675]

This subject matter makes clear to you the lofty station of calling to the path of Allaah, guidance to His path through every means and path that leads to it; and the lowly status of the caller to evil and a leader in it, and that he is the most degraded human being, one who has committed the severest crime and the greatest sin. (5)

We ask Allaah for safety and wellbeing.

[Refs. 1 & 2: An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi. Daar Ibn Hazm. 1st edition 1424AH (2003). Slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 3. An Excerpt from Badaa’i at-Tafseer Al-Jaami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imaam Ibnul Qayyim 2/358. Daar Ibn Al-Jawziy 1431AH. Slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 4: An Excerpt from Roohul Ma’aanee 12/325. Daar Al-Fikr. 1417AH (1997). Slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 5: An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi. Daar Ibn Hazm. 1st Edition 1424AH (2003). Slightly paraphrased]

One of The Bidah In The Month of Rajab

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Bid'ah (Innovation), Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Innovations In Islam (Bidah), Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Sin, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy

Al-Allaamah Abdul Muhsin Al-Abbaad [may Allaah preserve him] said:

Al-Ibaadah [Worship]: It is a comprehensive term for everything that Allaah loves and is pleased with, including statements and deeds, apparent [i.e. physical actions of the limbs] and unapparent [beliefs concealed in the heart]. This is the best of what has been stated regarding the definition of worship.

Worship has great importance because Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] created the Khalq [Mankind and Jinn], sent the Messengers and revealed the Books in order to command them to worship Him and forbid them from worshipping others besides Him. Allaah [Glorified Be He] said: [وَمَا خَلَقۡتُ ٱلۡجِنَّ وَٱلۡإِنسَ إِلَّا لِيَعۡبُدُونِ – And I (Allah) created not the Jinns and humans except they should worship Me (Alone).” Meaning: Allaah created them in order to command them to worship Him (alone) and forbid them from disobeying Him. Allaah [Glorified be He] said: [وَلَقَدۡ بَعَثۡنَا فِى ڪُلِّ أُمَّةٍ۬ رَّسُولاً أَنِ ٱعۡبُدُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَٱجۡتَنِبُواْ ٱلطَّـٰغُوتَ‌ۖ – And verily, We have sent among every Ummah (community, nation) a Messenger (proclaiming): “Worship Allah (Alone), and avoid (or keep away from) Taghut (all false deities, etc. i.e. do not worship Taghut besides Allah). [16:36]

Allaah [Glorified Be He] said: [وَمَآ أَرۡسَلۡنَا مِن قَبۡلِكَ مِن رَّسُولٍ إِلَّا نُوحِىٓ إِلَيۡهِ أَنَّهُ ۥ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّآ أَنَا۟ فَٱعۡبُدُونِ – And We did not send any Messenger before you (O Muhammad) but We inspired him (saying): La ilaaha illaa Ana (none has the right to be worshipped but I (Allah), so worship Me (Alone and none else)]. [21:25]

Two conditions must be fulfilled in order for an act of worship to be accepted; the first of the two conditions is that the act of worship must be done sincerely for Allaah, and secondly the act of worship must be in agreement with the Sunnah of the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him]. The act of worship has to be done sincerely for the sake of Allaah (alone) and none else is to be associated as a partner with Allaah in worship. [Likewise] the act of worship must be done in conformity with what the Messenger came with [i.e. the Qur’aan and the Sunnah].

This is what the Shahaadah (لا إله إلا الله محمدا رسول الله) necessitates; because (لا إله إلا الله) necessitates that acts of worship must be carried out sincerely for the sake of Allaah alone. And (محمدا رسول الله) necessitates that acts of worship must be carried out in conformity with what was revealed to the noble Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam]. Therefore, Allaah is not to be worshipped with bidah, newly invented matters in Religion and evil acts, for which Allaah [The Most High] has sent down no authority; rather acts of worship must be in conformity with the Sunnah of the noble Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam].

If any of these two conditions or both of them are not fulfilled, then indeed the act of worship will be rejected by Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic]. Allaah [The Most High] said: [وَقَدِمۡنَآ إِلَىٰ مَا عَمِلُواْ مِنۡ عَمَلٍ۬ فَجَعَلۡنَـٰهُ هَبَآءً۬ مَّنثُورً -And We shall turn to whatever deeds they disbelievers, polytheists] did, and We shall make such deeds as scattered floating particles of dust] [Soorah Al-Furqaan. Ayah 23]

And the noble Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said: [مَنْ أَحْدَثَ فِي أَمْرِنَا هَذَا مَا لَيْسَ مِنْهُ فَهُوَ رَدٌ -He who innovates something in this matter of ours [i.e., Islam] that is not of it will have it rejected [by Allah].”[Saheeh Al-Bukhaari. Number 2697] [Saheeh Muslim. Number 1718]

And in another wording of this hadeeth in Saheeh Muslim the Prophet said: [مَنْ عَمِلَ عَمَلًا لَيْسَ عَلَيْهِ أَمْرُنَا فَهُوَ رَد -He who does an act (of worship) which we have not commanded (i.e. not commanded by the Prophet), will have it rejected].

And he [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said:

فَإِنَّهُ مَنْ يَعِشْ مِنْكُمْ فَسَيَرَى اخْتِلَافًا كَثِيرًا، فَعَلَيْكُمْ بِسُنَّتِي وَسُنَّةِ الْخُلَفَاءِ الرَّاشِدِينَ الْمَهْدِيينَ، عَضُّوا عَلَيْهَا بِالنَّوَاجِذِ، وَإِيَّاكُمْ وَمُحْدَثَاتِ الْأُمُورِ؛ فَإِنَّ كُلَّ بِدْعَةٍ ضَلَالَةٌ

Verily he lives long among you will see a lot of differing, so you must keep to my Sunnah and to the Sunnah of the Khulafaa ar-Rashideen [the rightly guided caliphs]. Adhere to it with your molar teeth (i.e. adhere to it firmly). And beware of newly invented matters [in the religion], for every newly invented matter [in the religion] is a bidah [innovation in the religion], and every bidah is misguidance. [Abu Dawood. Number 4607] [Tirmidhee. Number 2676]

The Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] clarified – in the hadeeth about the seventy three sects amongst whom seventy-two sects will enter the hell fire and one sect will be saved-that the saved sect are those who adhere to the path him and his noble companions adhered to.

Imaam Maalik [rahimahullaah] said: “The latter part of this Ummah [i.e. those who will come after the Salaf] will not be rectified except by way of that which rectified it’s earlier part [i.e. the Salaf].’’ And he [rahimahullaah) said: ‘’Whoever innovates a bidah in Islaam and considers it to be something good, then indeed he has claimed that Muhammad betrayed the Risaalah (i.e. the message he was entrusted with); because Allaah said: ٱلۡيَوۡمَ أَكۡمَلۡتُ لَكُمۡ دِينَكُمۡ – This day, I have perfected your religion for you]. Therefore, what was not part of the religion at that time [i.e. during the time of the Messenger] cannot be part of the religion today (i.e. after his departure from this world).” [Al-Itisaam of Imaam Shaatibee 1/28]

It is not enough for a person to say: “I am going to do this act of worship even though it was not (performed by) the Prophet because my intention is pure and good.” The evidence (against this statement) is that when it reached the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] that a man amongst his noble companions slaughtered the Eed sacrifice before the Eed Salaah, he [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said to him: شَاتُكَ شَاةُ لَحْمٍ– “Your (slaughtered sheep was just mutton (not a sacrifice).”[Saheeh Bukhaari. Number: 5556]; meaning: It is not considered Eed sacrifice because it was not carried out in conformity with my Sunnah. Therefore, what is in conformity with the Sunnah is that the Eed sacrifice is done after the Eed Salaah; but as for sacrificing before the Salaah, then indeed it is outside its specified time and will not be regarded as (Eed sacrifice).

Al-Haafidh said in Fat-hul Baaree (10/17): “Shaikh Abu Muhammad Bin Abu Hamzah said: This hadeeth (establishes the fact that) if an action (i.e. an act of worship) is done with a sincere intention, it is still not (considered) righteous unless it is in conformity with the legislated divine revelation. [An Excerpt from أثر العبادات في حياة المسلم pages: 1-2]

A Bidah In The Month of Rajab

What do the scholars of Islam say about this so-called Laylatul Raghaa’ib?

Imaam An-Nawawi [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “The well-known Salaah (prayer) that is known as Salaatul Raghaa’ib [the Raghaa’ib prayer] – which consists of twelve Rak’ats and is performed between Maghrib and Isha on the night before the first Friday in the month of Rajab and the hundred Rak’ats performed on the night of the 15th of Shabaan – are two religious innovations. They are repugnant and evil [i.e. becauae they are not from the acts of worship legislated in the Islamic legislation] and one should neither be deceived due to their mention in the book Quwwatul Quloob and Ihyaa Uloom Ad-Deen nor due to their mention in narrations, because all of that Iis false. And do not be deceived by some of those people to whom the ruling regarding these prayers is ambiguous (or doubtful), so he judged them to be recommended, because indeed they are mistaken. Shaikhul Islaam Abu Muhammad Abdur Rahmaan Bin Ismaa’eel Al-Maqdisee has written a precious book showing the falsity of these prayers and he did well. [Al-Majmoo 3/548]

Ibn Al-Haaj Al-Maalikee [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “One of the religious innovations that has been initiated in this noble month of Rajab is the prayer of Raghaa’ib on the night before the first day of Jumu’ah in the central mosques and the other mosques, so the people gather in some of the central mosques and the other mosques in the various regions to perform this religious innovation. They openly perform it in congregation and behind an Imaam in the mosques were the five daily prayers are performed as if it is a prayer that has been legislated in Islaam. But this prayer – according to the judgement in Imaam Maalik’s school of jurisprudence- is forbidden, because indeed those who came before us (i.e. the Prophet’s companions) never did so and all good is found in following them [may Allaah be pleased with them]”. [Al-Madkhal 1/294]

Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “Neither Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] performed this prayer nor anyone amongst the Sahaabah (i.e. the companions of Allaah’s Messenger), neither the Taabi’een (i.e. the second generaation who adhered to the path of the Sahaabah) nor the Imaams of the Muslims. Neither did Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] show a desire for it nor did any of the pious predecessors, nor the Imaams of Islaam and nor did they mention specific virtues for this night. The narrations that have been transmitted and attributed to Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] are a lie and fabrication based on the consensus of those who are specialists in this field [of hadeeth science]. This is why the Muhaqqi’qeen scholars [i.e. those scholars who are firmly grounded in a subject matter of the religion, who study the difference of opinion or differing in a subject matter, gather the proofs, examine the proofs in depth and compare them. Then they mention the affair that is established based on sound proof, clarify why those proofs are the strong ones, its different types and why that which opposes is weak or fabricated] have stated that this affair [i.e. these innovated acts during Rajab and Shaban] are forbidden and not recommended”. [Al-Fataawa Al-kubraa 2/262]

Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] also said, “As for establishing prayer – in congregation – with a specific number of Rak’ats and a determined type of recitation in a specific time, such as these prayers that are being enquired about – the Salaatul Raghaa’ib during the night before the first Jumu’ah of Rajab, the Al-Fiyah (1) in the beginning of Rajab and the middle of Shabaan, the 27th night in the month of Rajab and other than them, this is not legislated based on the consensus of the Imaams of Islaam, as it has been established from the Imaams of the religion who are considered to be reliable in religious affairs and are people of sound and precise understanding. The likes of this prayer is not initiated except by an ignoranus – an innovator in religious affairs and opening the door to it necessitates an alteration of the sound and legislated acts of worship and rites, and thus one receives a share of (deeds of those) who legislate that which Allaah has not legislated. [Al-Fataawaa Al-Kubraa 2/239]

NB: The Al-Fiyah: This innovated prayer and what is similar to it is well-known to some of us who were upon the innovated Soofi paths. It is performed by some people on Shabaan 15th. They either perform 100 Rak’ats and in every Rak’ah Surah Al-Ikhaas is recited 10 times or they perform 10 Rak’ats and Surah Al-Ikhlaas is recited a 100 times in every Rak’ah.

Finally, we conclude with a statement of Imaam Maalik and Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allaah have upon them and all the scholars of Islaam] which have already been quoted earlier. Imaam Maalik [rahimahullaah] said: “The latter part of this Ummah [i.e. those who will come after the Salaf] will not be rectified except by way of that which rectified it’s earlier part [i.e. the Salaf].’’ And he [rahimahullaah) said: ‘’Whoever innovates a bidah in Islaam and considers it to be something good, then indeed he has claimed that Muhammad betrayed the Risaalah (i.e. the message he was entrusted with); because Allaah said: ٱلۡيَوۡمَ أَكۡمَلۡتُ لَكُمۡ دِينَكُمۡ – This day, I have perfected your religion for you]. Therefore, what was not part of the religion at that time [i.e. during the time of the Messenger] cannot be part of the religion today (i.e. after his departure from this world).” [Al-Itisaam of Imaam Shaatibee 1/28]

Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah said: The likes of this prayer is not initiated except by an ignoramus – an innovator in religious affairs, and opening the door to it necessitates an alteration of the sound and legislated acts of worship and rites, and thus one receives a share of (the deeds of those) who legislate that which Allaah has not legislated. [Al-Fataawaa Al-Kubraa 2/239]

May Allaah open our hearts to that which is correct, grant us the desire to seek knowledge from its sound sources, even that is little, bless us with sincerity and the ability to act Aameen. And Allaah knows best.

Four Narrations Related to Behaviour of Salafus Saaleh (The Pious Predecessors) Towards Parents

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Abdullaah Ibn Deenaar [may Allaah have mercy upon him] reported that a desert Arab met Abdullah Ibn Umar [may Allah be pleased with him and his father] on way to Makkah. Abdullah greeted him, mounted him on the donkey on which that he was riding and gave him a turban that he had been wearing on his head. Ibn Dinar said, “We said to him, ‘May Allah do good to you, these are desert Arabs and they would be content with little’. Abdullah said, ‘The father of this man was a friend of Umar Ibn Al-Khattab (i.e my father) and I heard the Messenger of Allah [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] say, ‘The best act of kindness is for the son to uphold ties (of friendship) with those who were his father’s friends'”. (1)

Ameerul Mumineen Umar Ibnul Khattaab [may Allaah be pleased with him] said, “I heard Allah’s Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم (saying, ‘Indeed, the best of the Taabi’een [i.e. followers of the Sahaabah] would be a person who would be a man called Uways. He would have his mother (living with him) and he would have (a small) sign of leprosy [on his skin]. If you meet him, ask him to seek Allaah’s forgiveness for you'”.

Usair Bin Jabir reported that whenever the people from Yemen came to help (the Muslim army at the time of jihad), Umar [may Allaah be pleased with him] would ask: Is Uways ibn ‘Aamir among you? When he found Uways he said: Are you Uways ibn ‘Aamir? He said: Yes. He said: Are you from Muraad then from Qaran? He said: Yes. He said: Did you have leprosy, then you recovered from it except for a spot the size of a dirham? He said: Yes. He said: Do you have a mother? He said: Yes. He said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) say: “There will come to you Uways ibn ‘Aamir with the reinforcements from Yemen, from Muraad then from Qaran. He had leprosy but he recovered from it except for a spot the size of a dirham. He has a mother and he honours her. If he were to swear in the name of Allah that something should happen, Allah would cause it to happen. If you can ask him to pray for forgiveness for you then do so.” Pray for forgiveness for me. And he prayed for forgiveness for him. ‘Umar said to him: Where are you headed? He said: Kufa. He said: Shall I write to the governor for you? He said: Being among the common folk is dearer to me. The following year, a man from among their nobles performed Hajj and he met ‘Umar, who asked him about Uways. He said: I left him in a shabby house with meagre provisions. He said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) say: “There will come to you Uways ibn ‘Aamir with the reinforcements from Yemen, from Muraad then from Qaran. He had leprosy but he recovered from it except for a spot the size of a dirham. He has a mother and he honours her. If he were to swear in the name of Allah that something should happen, Allah would cause it to happen. If you can ask him to pray for forgiveness for you then do so.” So he went to Uways and said: Pray for forgiveness for me. He said: You have just come from a sacred journey, so pray for forgiveness for me. He said: Pray for forgiveness for me. He said: You have just come from a sacred journey, so pray for forgiveness for me. He said: Did you meet ‘Umar? He said: Yes. So he prayed for forgiveness for him, and the people came to know of his piety, so he left. Usayr said: His garment (allocated annually by the state) was a cloak (burdah) and every time anyone saw him he would say: From where did Uways get this cloak? (2)

Imaam An-Nawawi [may Allaah have mercy upon him]: This story of Oways is a clear miracle of Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him]. The Messenger’s statement “If you meet him, ask him to seek Allaah’s forgiveness for you” is a manifest virtue of Oways, and this hadeeth shows that it is desired for one to ask for the supplication of the righteous people, even if the one who is asking is more virtuous than the one who is asked to supplicate. The statement of the Messenger “The best of the Taabi’een [i.e. followers of the Sahaabah] is a man called Oways” is very clear regarding the fact that he is the best of the Taabi’een. But if it is said, “Indeed, Ahmad Bin Hanbal did say that the best of the Taabi’een is Sa’eed Ibnul Musayyib”, so the response to this is that what they intended is that Sa’eed Ibnul Musayyib is the best in the Sharee’ah sciences, such Tafseer, hadeeth and other than it, but not the best with regards to being virtuous in the sight of Allaah [The Exalted].

When Umar Ibnul Khattaab [may Allaah be pleased with] met Oways [may Allaah have mercy upon him], he said him, “Where are you headed?” Oways said, “Kufa”. Umar said, “Shall I write to the governor for you?” He said, “Being among the common folk is dearer to me”. This is preferring to be unknown and hiding one’s state of affairs. (3)

Muhammad Ibn Munkadir [may Allaah have mercy upon him] used to put his cheek on the ground and then say to his mother [may Allah have mercy on her], “Get up and put your foot on my cheek”. (4)

Abu Bakr Ibn Iyyaash [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “I was sitting with Mansur Ibn Al-Mutamir [may Allaah have mercy upon him] in his house, so his mother shouted at him and was harsh towards him, saying, ‘O Mansur! Ibn Hubayrah wants you to take up the position of judge, but you refuse?’ Mansur’s beard was touching his chest due to lowering his head and he did not even take a little peep at her (i.e. due to being humble in the presence of his mother)”. (5)

[Ref 1: Saheeh Muslim 2552]
[Ref 2: Saheeh Muslim 2542]
[Ref 3: An Excerpt from Sharh Saheeh Muslim by Imaam An-Nawawi. Vol 15. Pages 76-78]
[Ref 4: Siyar A’laam An-Nubulaa 5/354]
[Ref 5: Siyar A’laam An-Nubulaa 5/402]

Gender Segregation is a Command of Allaah and His Messenger, Which Must Be Followed In Education as Well

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Family & Women, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Scholars of Islam, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “There is no doubt that enabling women to free mix with men is the root of every calamity and evil. It is one of the major causes of sweeping divine punishment as well as one of the cause of corruption of the general and specific affairs. Free mixing between men and women is a cause of many immoralities and adultery, and it is one of the causes of widespread death and continuous plagues. When the prostitutes mixed with Musa’s [peace be upon him] army and immorality spread among them, Allaah sent a plague on them, and seventy thousand died in one day. The story is well-known in the books of Tafseer. One of the greatest causes of sweeping death is when adultery becomes rife, women are able to free mix with men and walk among them whilst dressed in an un-Islamic manner and beautified. If those in authority knew what is accompanied in this affair of corruption of this worldly affairs and the people – even before corruption in the religion, then indeed it would have been one the things they would more robustly seek to prevent. (1)

Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: All praise and thanks belongs to Allaah, and Salaah and Salaam (a) be upon Allaah’s Messenger, his family and companions. To proceed: I have seen what was published by As-Siyaasah newspaper- issued on 7/24/1404 AH, Number 5644 – and attributed to the Dean of Sana’a University Abdul Azeez Al-Maqaaleh, in which he claimed that the demand to isolate female students from male students is in opposition to the Sharee’ah, and he utilized as proof – for the permissibility of mixing – that Muslims – from the time of the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him]- used to pray in the same mosque- men and women- and he said, “Therefore, education must be in one place”.

I (i.e. Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz) was surprised to hear this speech from a Dean of an Islamic university in an Islamic country, and asked him to direct his people – men and women – to what will bring about happiness and salvation in this worldly life and the Hereafter. There is no doubt that there is in this speech that which is tantamount to a great crime against the Islamic Sharee’ah, because indeed the Sharee’ah did not call for free mixing, such that the demand to prevent it would be in opposition to it; rather it forbids it and did so in a very strong manner, just as Allaah [The Exalted] said: [وَقَرْنَ فِي بُيُوتِكُنَّ وَلا تَبَرَّجْنَ تَبَرُّجَ الْجَاهِلِيَّةِ الْأُولَى – And stay in your houses, and do not display yourselves like that of the times of ignorance]. [Surah Al-Ahzaab. Verse 33]

Allaah [The Exalted] said:

يَا أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ قُلْْ لِأَزْوَاجِكَ وَبَنَاتِكَ وَنِسَاءِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ يُدْنِينَ عَلَيْهِنَّ مِنْ جَلابِيبِهِنَّ ذَلِكَ أَدْنَى أَنْ يُعْرَفْنَ فلا يؤذين وكان اللهه غفورا رحيما

O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e.screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allah is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. [Surah Al-Ahzaab. Verse 59]

Allaah [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections] said:

وَقُلْ لِلْمُؤْمِنَاتِ يَغْضُضْنَ مِنْ أَبْصَارِهِنَّ وَيَحْفَظْنََ فُرُوجَهُنَّ وَلا يُبْدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلا مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا وَلْيَضْرِبْنَ بِخُمُرِهِنَّ عَلَى جُيُوبِهِنَّ وَلا يُبْدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلاا لِبُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوْ آبَائِهِنَّ أَوْ آبَاءِ بُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوْ أَبْنَائِهِنَّ أَوْ أَبْنَاءِ بُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوْ إِخْوَانِهِنَّ أَوْ بَنِي إِخْوَانِهِنَّ أَوْ بَنِي أَخَوَاتِهِنَّ أَوْ نِسَائِهِنَّ أَوْ مَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَانُهُنَّ

And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts, etc.) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like palms of hands or both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer dress like veil, gloves, head-cover, apron, etc.), and to draw their veils all over Juyubihinna (i.e. their bodies, necks and bosoms, etc.) and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husband’s fathers, their sons, their husband’s sons, their brothers or their brother’s sons, or their sister’s sons, or their (Muslim) women (i.e. their sisters in Islam), or the (female) slaves whom their right hands possess…

وَلا يَضْرِبْنَ بِأَرْجُلِهِنَّ لِيُعْلَمَ مَا يُخْفِينََ مِنْ زِينَتِهِنَّ وَتُوبُوا إِلَى اللَّهِ جَمِيعًا أَيُّهَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ

And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And all of you beg Allah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful. [Surah An-Nur. Verse 31]

Allaah [The Exalted] said: [وَإِذَا سَأَلْتُمُوهُنَّ مَتَاعًا فَاسْأَلُوهُنَّ مِنْ وَرَاءِ حِجَابٍ ذَلِكُمْ أَطْهَرُ لِقُلُوبِكُمْ وَقُلُوبِهِنَّ – And when you ask (the Prophet’s wives) for anything you want, ask them from behind a screen, that is purer for your hearts and for their hearts]. [Surah Al-Ahzaab. Verse 53]

In these noble verses, there is a clear indication that it is legislated for women to stay in their homes to guard against temptation, and that they only come out of their homes if there is a need. Then Allaah [Glory be to He and free is He from all imperfections] warned them that they should not display themselves in a manner similar to the era of pre-islamic ignorance, which is the display of their beauty and cause temptation among men. It has been authentically reported from Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] that he said, “I have not left after me a trial more harmful to men than women”. This hadeeth is agreed upon (i.e. recorded by Al-Bukhaari and Muslim) and it was narrated by Usaamah Bin Zayd [may Allaah be pleased with him].

Imaam Muslim recorded in Saheeh Muslim on the authority of Usaamah and Sa’eed Bin Zayd Bin Amr Bin Nufayl [may Allaah be pleased with them both], and also in Saheeh Muslim on the authority of Abu Saeed Al-Khudri [may Allaah be pleased with him] from the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] that he said, “Verily the worldly life is sweet and green, and verily Allaah is going to place you as successors upon it in and will see how you act. So, be mindful of the worldly life and be mindful of women, because indeed the first trial for the Children of Israa’eel was due to women”. [Saheeh Muslim. 2742]

And indeed Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] spoke the truth, because indeed the temptation by way of women is great, especially in this era in which most of them do not have the Hijaab and they display themslves in a manner similar to the era of pre-Islamic ignorance. Immorality and evil has become rife due to this, and many youth (male and female)- in many countries- became reluctant to get married based on that which Allaah has legislated. Indeed, Allaah has made it clear that the Hijaab is purer for the hearts of everyone and this shows that its removal is most likely to defile the hearts (i.e. corrupt the hearts) of everyone and deviating them from the path of truth. It is known that the female student sitting with the male student is one of the greatest causes of temptation, one of the reasons for abandoning the Hijaab that is legislated by Allaah for believing women and forbade them from showing their adornment others (i.e. non-Mahrams) (b), which Allaah [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections] made known in the previous verse of Surah An-Nur. Whoever claims that the command regarding Hijaab is only for the mothers of the believers is mistaken and far removed from what is correct – contradicted the many evidences pointing to a generalization and contradicted Allaah’s statement: [ذَلِكُمْ أَطْهَرُ لِقُلُوبِكُمْ وَقُلُوبِهِنَّ – that is purer for your hearts and for their hearts], because indeed it is not permissible to say that the Hijaab is purer for the hearts of the mothers of the believers and the male Companions and not for those after them. There is no doubt that those who came after the mothers of the believers and the male companions [may Allaah be pleased with them] are more in need of Hijaab, because of the great difference between them in the strength of faith and insight with regards to acquaintance with truth. That is because the Companions [may Allaah be pleased with them] – men and women, including the mothers of the believers- are the best of people after the Prophets [peace be upon them] and the best of generations established by the Messenger’s [peace and blessings be upon him] statement in the hadeeth recorded in the Saheehayn [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim].(c) Therefore, when it is the case that Hijaab is purer for their hearts, then those who came after them have a far greater need of this purity.

It is not permissible to specify the texts of the Qur’aan and the Sunnah to anyone in the ummah without valid evidence that shows this specification; therefore, they are generally applied to all the Ummah during the era of the Messenger [peace be upon him] and after him until the Day of Resurrection; because, Allaah [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections] sent His Messenger [peace and blessings be upon him] to humankind and Jinn during his era and after him until the Day of Resurrection, as Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] said:

[وَمَآ أَرۡسَلۡنَـٰكَ إِلَّا ڪَآفَّةً۬ لِّلنَّاسِ بَشِيرً۬ا وَنَذِيرً۬ا – And We have not sent you (O Muhammad) except as a giver of glad tidings and a warner to all humankind]. [Surah Saba. Verse 28]

The Noble Qur’an was not only revealed to the people of the Prophet’s era [may peace and blessings of Allaah ne upon him], rather it was also revealed to those after them, as Allaah [The Exalted] said:

[ هَذَا بَلاغٌ لِلنَّاسِ وَلِيُنْذَرُوا بِهِ وَلِيَعْلَمُوا أَنَّمَا هُوَ إِلَهٌ وَاحِدٌٌ وَلِيَذَّكَّرَ أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ [إبراهيم – This (Qur’an) is a Message for humankind (and a clear proof against them), in order that they may be warned thereby, and that they may know that He is the only One Ilah (God – Allah) – (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah), and that men of understanding may take heed]. [Surah Ibraaheem. Verse 52]

Allaah [The Exalted] said: [ وَأُوحِيَ إِلَيَّ هَذَا الْقُرْآنُ لِأُنْذِرَكُمْ بِهِ وَمَنْ بَلَغَ – this Qur’an has been revealed to me that I may therewith warn you and whomsoever it may reach]. [Surah Al-An’aam. Verse 19]

In the era of the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him], women did not intermingle with men- neither in mosques nor in the markets – (in the manner people intermingle nowadays), which the callers to rectification forbid in this era- (the type intermingling which) the Qur’an, the Sunnah and the scholars of the Ummah warn against in order to caution against temptation; rather, women – in the Prophet’s mosque – prayed behind the men in the last rows- away from the men. The Prophet used yo say, “The best rows for the men are the first ones and the worst are the last ones. The best of the women’s rows are the last ones and the worst of them is the first”. During the era of the Prophet, the men were commanded to wait until the women left the mosque so that the men would not mingle with them at the doors of the mosques, despite the faith and piety they had; so how about those after them?! Women were forbidden from walking in the middle of the road in order to be careful of having contact with men and thus temptation occurs through touching each other when walking on the road. Allaah [Glorified be to He and free is He from all imperfections] commanded the women of the believers to draw their cloaks all over their bodies so that they cover their adornment with it, in order to prevent temptation. Allaah forbade them from showing their adornment to other than those mentioned by Allaah in His Mighty Book (d) in order to curtail the causes of temptation, urge towards chastity and distance from the the manifestaions of corruption and (the evil effects) of free mixing.

So, how can the Dean of Sana’a University – [may Allaah guide and inspire him to His guidance] – after all this call for mixing?! He claims that Islam calls to it- that the university campus is like a mosque and the hours of study are like the hours of prayer! For the one who understands Allaah’s command and prohibition, knows Allaah’s wisdom in what He has legislated for His servants and explained in His Great Book with regards to rulings for men and women, it is well-known that there is a great difference between these affairs and the difference is vast. How is it permissible for a believer to say that a female student sitting with a male student is like sitting with her sisters in their rows behind the men (in the Masjid)?! No one with the least handhold of faith and insight (in this affair) would say this. We might not even be safe together with the presence of the legislated Hijaab (except by the help of Allaah), so how about if she is sitting with the male student whilst dressed in an un-Islamic manner, displaying her beauty and attractive looks, and with speech that will lead to temptation? Allaah’s Aid is sought, and there is no power nor might except with Allaah. Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] said:

[فَإِنَّهَا لا تَعْمَى الْأَبْصَارُ وَلَكِنْ تَعْمَى الْقُلُوبُ الَّتِي فِي الصُّدُورِ – Verily, it is not the eyes that grow blind, but it is the hearts which are in the breasts that grow blind]. [Surah Al-Hajj. Verse 46]

As for his statement: “Indeed, since the time of the Messenger, Muslims have been performing prayer in the same mosque, men and women, and therefore education must be in one place)”; the answer to this is: this is true, but the women were at the back of the mosques with Hijaab – with care and being careful of what would cause temptation, and the men were at the front of the mosque. They [i.e. the women] used to listen to admonitions and sermons, participated in prayer and learned the rulings of their religion from what they heard and witnessed. The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] used to go to them on the day of Eid – because they were at a distance and could not hear the sermon – after delivering admonition to the men and gave them an admonition and reminder. There is no problem in all of this, but the problem is in the statements of the Dean of Sana’a University [may Allaah guide him, reform his heart, and give him understanding of his religion]. How is it permissible for him to compare education in our time with women praying behind men in one mosque, although there is a vast difference between the reality of education that is known today and the reality of women praying behind men in the Prophet’s era?! And due to this reason, the callers to rectification call for the separation of women and men in the arena of education- women in a separate place and the young men in another, so that a female can acquire knowledge from female teachers with comfort without Hijaab or hardship, because the time period for education is longer than the time period of prayer. And due to the fact that learning from female teachers in a specific place (i.e. away from men) protects everyone and keeps them away from the causes of temptation, and it is the safest thing for young men not to get tempted through women. And because young men being alone and separated from girls, together with the fact that it is the safest thing for them against temptation, is most likely to make them pay attention to their lessons and occupy themselves with it- listening well to teachers and receiving knowledge from the teachers whilst distanced from paying attention to girls, being preoccupied with them, exchanging glances that will intoxicate the hearts and mind with evil desires and statements that leads to immorality.

As for his claim [may Allaah rectify him] that the call to isolate female students from male students is tantamount to rigidity and an opposition to the Sharee’ah, this is an untrue claim; rather separating male students from female students is an act of sincere devotion to Allaah, sincere advice to Allaah’s servants, taking good care of the religion ordained by Allaah and adherence to what has already been transmitted from noble verses of the Qur’aan and the two Prophetic reports. My advice to the Dean of Sana’a University is to fear Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic], repent to Allaah for what he has done, return to the truth and what is correct, because indeed returning to (truth and what is correct) is virtue itself and a proof regarding the search for truth and equity by the student of knowledge.

And Allaah is the One asked to guide all of us to the path of righteousness, protect us and other Muslims from speaking about Him without knowledge, (protect us) from the misleading trials and satan’s enmity, just as we ask Allaah to grant success to the scholars of the Muslims and their leaders – in every place – to that which contains rectification (uprightness, wellbeing) for the country and the servants, in the life and the next; and to guide everyone to the straight path, for Allaah is Jawwaadun Kareem [Al-Jawwaad – The Munificent. The One Whose generosity covers everything in existence. The One Who gives liberally and generously to those in need – even when they reject and disbelieve in Him. The One Who – from His generosity – has prepared in Paradise for His believing servants that which no eye has ever seen, no ear has ever heard of, and which has never been imagined by anyone]; Al-Kareem [The Bountiful, The Generous One. Abundant in good. The One Who causes and makes easy every good. And Who bestows generously. The One so generous that He even bestows favors upon those who reject His favors, and use them as a means to disobey Him]. (e) And may Allaah’s peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, his companions and all those who follow them in righteousness until the Day of judgement. (2)

Footnote (a): Salaah and Salaam upon the Messenger:
https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2021/08/05/salaah-and-salaam-upon-the-prophet-and-the-duaa-after-adhaan-part-1/

Footnote (b):The Mahaarim by Shaikh Abu Khadeeja [may allaah preserve him]:
Mind map illustration showing the mahrams (male chaperones) of a woman for travel and sittings: https://www.abukhadeejah.com/mind-map-illustration-showing-the-mahrams-male-chaperones-of-a-woman-for-travel-and-sittings/

Footnote (c): Abdullah Ibn Mas’ood [may allaah be pleased with him] reported that the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “The best people are those of my generation, then those who come after them, then those who come after them. Then, there will come people after them whose testimony precedes their oaths and their oaths precede their testimony”. [Al-Bukhaari 6065 and Muslim 2533]

Footnote: (d): Allaah said:

وَقُل لِّلۡمُؤۡمِنَـٰتِ يَغۡضُضۡنَ مِنۡ أَبۡصَـٰرِهِنَّ وَيَحۡفَظۡنَ فُرُوجَهُنَّ وَلَا يُبۡدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلَّا مَا ظَهَرَ مِنۡهَا‌ۖ وَلۡيَضۡرِبۡنَ بِخُمُرِهِنَّ عَلَىٰ جُيُوبِہِنَّ‌ۖ وَلَا يُبۡدِينَ زِينَتَهُنَّ إِلَّا لِبُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوۡ ءَابَآٮِٕهِنَّ أَوۡ ءَابَآءِ بُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوۡ أَبۡنَآٮِٕهِنَّ أَوۡ أَبۡنَآءِ بُعُولَتِهِنَّ أَوۡ إِخۡوَٲنِهِنَّ أَوۡ بَنِىٓ إِخۡوَٲنِهِنَّ أَوۡ بَنِىٓ أَخَوَٲتِهِنَّ أَوۡ نِسَآٮِٕهِنَّ أَوۡ مَا مَلَكَتۡ أَيۡمَـٰنُهُنَّ أَوِ ٱلتَّـٰبِعِينَ غَيۡرِ أُوْلِى ٱلۡإِرۡبَةِ مِنَ ٱلرِّجَالِ أَوِ ٱلطِّفۡلِ ٱلَّذِينَ لَمۡ يَظۡهَرُواْ عَلَىٰ عَوۡرَٲتِ ٱلنِّسَآءِ‌ۖ وَلَا يَضۡرِبۡنَ بِأَرۡجُلِهِنَّ لِيُعۡلَمَ مَا يُخۡفِينَ مِن زِينَتِهِنَّ‌ۚ وَتُوبُوٓاْ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ جَمِيعًا أَيُّهَ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنُونَ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تُفۡلِحُونَ

And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts, etc.) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like palms of hands or one eye or both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer dress like veil, gloves, head-cover, apron, etc.), and to draw their veils all over Juyubihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms, etc.) and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husband’s fathers, their sons, their husband’s sons, their brothers or their brother’s sons, or their sister’s sons, or their (Muslim) women (i.e. their sisters in Islam), or the (female) slaves whom their right hands possess, or old male servants who lack vigour, or small children who have no sense of the shame of sex. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And all of you beg Allah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful. [Surah An-Nur. Verse 31]

Footnote (e): Names and Attributes of Allaah by Shaikh Abu Talhah [may Allaah have mercy upon him and his wife]: https://www.salafisounds.com/the-names-attributes-of-allaah-by-abu-talhah-dawood-burbank/

Finally, benefit from clarification by Shaikh Abu Khadeejah [may Allaah preserve him]: https://www.abukhadeejah.com/free-mixing-between-the-sexes-in-islam-a-detailed-discussion/

[Ref 1: At-turuq Al-Hukmiyyah. page 281. slightly paraphrased]

[Ref2:https://binbaz.org.sa/articles/113/%D8%AD%D9%83%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%AE%D8%AA%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%B7-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%8A%D9%85 ]