1. Great relationships don’t just happen; they are created. You have to work at it.
2. If your job takes all of your best energy, your marriage will suffer.
3. One of the greatest gifts you can give your spouse is your own happiness.
4. It is possible to love and hate someone at the same time.
5. When you complain about your spouse to your friends (which you shouldn’t), remember that their feedback can be distorted.
6. The only rules in your marriage are those you both choose to agree with.
7. It is not conflict that destroys marriage; it is the cold, smoldering resentment that you hold for a long time.
8. It’s not what you’ve got, it’s what you do with what you have.
9. If you think you are too good for your spouse, think again.
10. Growing up in a happy household doesn’t ensure a happy marriage, or vice versa.
11. It’s never too late to repair damaged trust.
12. The real issue is usually not the one you are arguing about.
13. Love isn’t just a feeling; it is expressed through our actions.
14. Expectations set us up for disappointment and resentment.
15. Arguments cannot be avoided, but destructive arguments can be avoided.
16. One of the greatest gifts you can give your spouse is focused attention.
17. Even people with happy marriages sometimes worry that they married the wrong person.
18. Your spouse cannot rescue you from unhappiness, but they can help you rescue yourself.
19. The cost of a lie is far greater than any advantage you gain from speaking it.
20. Your opinion is not necessarily the truth.
21. Trust takes years to establish and moments to destroy.
22. Guilt-tripping won’t get you what you really want.
23. Don’t neglect your friends.
24. If you think, “You are not the person I married,” you are probably right.
25. Resisting the temptation to prove your point will win you a lot of points.
26. Generosity of spirit is the foundation of a good marriage.
27. If your spouse is being defensive, you might be giving them reasons to be like that.
28. Marriage isn’t 50/50; it’s 100/100.
29. You can pay now or pay later, but the later you pay, the more interest and penalties you acquire.
30. Marriage requires sacrifice, but your benefits outweigh your costs.
31. Forgiveness isn’t a one-time event; it’s a continuous process.
32. Accepting the challenges of marriage will shape you into a better person.
33. Creating a marriage is like launching a rocket: once it clears the pull of gravity, it takes much less energy to sustain the flight.
34. A successful marriage has more to do with how you deal with your current reality than with what you’ve experienced in the past.
35. Don’t keep feelings of gratitude to yourself.
36. There is no greater eloquence than the silence of real listening.
37. One of the greatest questions to ask your spouse is “How best can I love you?”
38. Marriage can stay fresh over time.
39. Assumptions are fine as long as you check them before acting upon them.
40. Intention may not be the only thing, but it is the most important thing.
41. Good sex won’t make your marriage, but it’ll help.
42. Privacy won’t hurt your marriage, but secrecy will.
43. Possessiveness and jealousy are born out of fear, not love.
44. Authenticity is contagious and habit-forming.
45. If your spouse thinks something is important, then it is.
46. Marriage never outgrows the need for romance.
47. The sparkle of a new relationship is always temporary.
48. There is violence in silence when it’s used as a weapon.
49. It’s better to focus on what you can do to make things right, then what your partner did to make things wrong.
50. If you think marriage counseling is too expensive, try divorce.
–Excerpt from ‘Fiqh of Love’ seminar by Al-Maghrib Institute
SOURCE:
Islamic_Group
Monday, October 4, 2010
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
The Gate of Al-Rayyaan
Allaah has enjoined upon the Muslims fasting the month of Ramadaan, and He has promised a great reward to those who fast. Because the virtue of fasting is so great, Allaah has not specified the reward for it, rather He said – in a hadeeth qudsi – “… except for fasting, for it is for Me, and I shall reward for it.”
The virtues of the month of Ramadaan are many. For example, that which Allaah has promised those who fast, namely the gate of al-Rayyaan. This is the name which was narrated in the hadeeth whose authenticity is agreed upon. Sahl (may Allaah be pleased with him) said that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “In Paradise there is a gate called al-Rayyaan, through which those who used to fast will enter on the Day of Resurrection, and no one but they will enter it. It will be said, ‘Where are those who fasted?’ They will get up, and none will enter it but them. When they have entered, it will be locked, and no one else will enter.” (al-Bukhaari, 1763; Muslim, 1947).
Among the ahaadeeth which explain the reward for fasting are the following:
It was narrated from Abu Salamah that Abu Hurayrah said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ‘Whoever fasts Ramadaan out of faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.’” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, al-Eemaan, 37).
It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ‘Allaah says: “Every deed of the son of Adam is for him, except for fasting; it is for Me and I shall reward for it.” Fasting is a shield and when one of you is fasting he avoid sexual relations with his wife and quarreling. If somebody should fight or quarrel with him, he should say, ‘I am fasting.’ By the One in Whose hand is my soul, the unpleasant smell coming out from the mouth of a fasting person is better in the sight of Allaah than the smell of musk. The fasting person will have two moments of joy: one when he breaks his fast, and the other when he meets his Lord; then he will be pleased because of his fasting.’”
(Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1771)
Secondly:
It is known that Paradise has many gates, because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“‘Adn (Eden) Paradise (everlasting Gardens), which they shall enter and (also) those who acted righteously from among their fathers, and their wives, and their offspring. And angels shall enter unto them from every gate”
[al-Ra’d 13:23]
“And those who kept their duty to their Lord (Al-Muttaqoon – the pious) will be led to Paradise in groups till when they reach it, and its gates will be opened (before their arrival for their reception) and its keepers will say: Salaamun ‘Alaykum (peace be upon you)! You have done well, so enter here to abide therein”
[al-Zumar 39:73]
In the saheeh ahaadeeth it says that there are eight gates:
It was narrated from Sahl ibn Sa’d (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “In Paradise there are eight gates, among which is a gate called al-Rayyaan, which none will enter but those who fast.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 3017).
It was narrated from ‘Ubaadah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever bears witness that there is no god but Allaah alone, with no partner or associate, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger, and that ‘Eesa is the slave of Allaah and His Messenger, and a word which Allaah bestowed on Maryam and a spirit created by Him (cf. al-Nisa’ 4:171), and that Paradise is true and Hell is true, will have the right to be admitted by Allaah to Paradise through whichever of the eight gates he wishes, because of his good deeds.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 3180; Muslim, 41)
One of the bounties that Allaah has bestowed upon this ummah is that He opens all the gates of Paradise during the month of Ramadaan, not just one gate. Whoever says that there is a gate in Paradise called Baab al-Radwaan has to produce evidence for that.
It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “When Ramadaan begins, the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained up.”
(Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 3035; Muslim 1793)
We ask Allaah to make us among those who will enter Paradise. May Allaah bless our Prophet Muhammad.
Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid
SOURCE:
Islam Q&A
Fatwa no. 13934
The virtues of the month of Ramadaan are many. For example, that which Allaah has promised those who fast, namely the gate of al-Rayyaan. This is the name which was narrated in the hadeeth whose authenticity is agreed upon. Sahl (may Allaah be pleased with him) said that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “In Paradise there is a gate called al-Rayyaan, through which those who used to fast will enter on the Day of Resurrection, and no one but they will enter it. It will be said, ‘Where are those who fasted?’ They will get up, and none will enter it but them. When they have entered, it will be locked, and no one else will enter.” (al-Bukhaari, 1763; Muslim, 1947).
Among the ahaadeeth which explain the reward for fasting are the following:
It was narrated from Abu Salamah that Abu Hurayrah said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ‘Whoever fasts Ramadaan out of faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.’” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, al-Eemaan, 37).
It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ‘Allaah says: “Every deed of the son of Adam is for him, except for fasting; it is for Me and I shall reward for it.” Fasting is a shield and when one of you is fasting he avoid sexual relations with his wife and quarreling. If somebody should fight or quarrel with him, he should say, ‘I am fasting.’ By the One in Whose hand is my soul, the unpleasant smell coming out from the mouth of a fasting person is better in the sight of Allaah than the smell of musk. The fasting person will have two moments of joy: one when he breaks his fast, and the other when he meets his Lord; then he will be pleased because of his fasting.’”
(Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1771)
Secondly:
It is known that Paradise has many gates, because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“‘Adn (Eden) Paradise (everlasting Gardens), which they shall enter and (also) those who acted righteously from among their fathers, and their wives, and their offspring. And angels shall enter unto them from every gate”
[al-Ra’d 13:23]
“And those who kept their duty to their Lord (Al-Muttaqoon – the pious) will be led to Paradise in groups till when they reach it, and its gates will be opened (before their arrival for their reception) and its keepers will say: Salaamun ‘Alaykum (peace be upon you)! You have done well, so enter here to abide therein”
[al-Zumar 39:73]
In the saheeh ahaadeeth it says that there are eight gates:
It was narrated from Sahl ibn Sa’d (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “In Paradise there are eight gates, among which is a gate called al-Rayyaan, which none will enter but those who fast.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 3017).
It was narrated from ‘Ubaadah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever bears witness that there is no god but Allaah alone, with no partner or associate, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger, and that ‘Eesa is the slave of Allaah and His Messenger, and a word which Allaah bestowed on Maryam and a spirit created by Him (cf. al-Nisa’ 4:171), and that Paradise is true and Hell is true, will have the right to be admitted by Allaah to Paradise through whichever of the eight gates he wishes, because of his good deeds.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 3180; Muslim, 41)
One of the bounties that Allaah has bestowed upon this ummah is that He opens all the gates of Paradise during the month of Ramadaan, not just one gate. Whoever says that there is a gate in Paradise called Baab al-Radwaan has to produce evidence for that.
It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “When Ramadaan begins, the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained up.”
(Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 3035; Muslim 1793)
We ask Allaah to make us among those who will enter Paradise. May Allaah bless our Prophet Muhammad.
Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid
SOURCE:
Islam Q&A
Fatwa no. 13934
Stopping one’s period during Ramadan
Question:
Some women take pills in Ramadaan to stop their periods. They do this so that they will not have to make up any fasts afterwards. Is this permissible and are there any restrictions on their doing this?
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
I think that women should not do this and they should remain on the menstrual cycle that Allaah has decreed for them and for all the daughters of Adam. There is wisdom behind it and a reason for which Allaah created it, and this wisdom befits the nature of women. If a woman tries to stop this cycle, it will undoubtedly have a harmful effect on her body, and the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There should be neither harming nor reciprocating harm.” This is besides the fact that these pills can do harm to the uterus as the doctors have stated. What I think with regard to this issue is that women should not use these pills. Praise be to Allaah for His decree and wisdom. When a woman’s period comes, she should stop fasting and praying, and when her period is over she should resume fasting and praying; when Ramadaan is over she should make up the fasts that she has missed.
Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen
SOURCE:
Islam Q&A
Fatwa no. 7416
Some women take pills in Ramadaan to stop their periods. They do this so that they will not have to make up any fasts afterwards. Is this permissible and are there any restrictions on their doing this?
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
I think that women should not do this and they should remain on the menstrual cycle that Allaah has decreed for them and for all the daughters of Adam. There is wisdom behind it and a reason for which Allaah created it, and this wisdom befits the nature of women. If a woman tries to stop this cycle, it will undoubtedly have a harmful effect on her body, and the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There should be neither harming nor reciprocating harm.” This is besides the fact that these pills can do harm to the uterus as the doctors have stated. What I think with regard to this issue is that women should not use these pills. Praise be to Allaah for His decree and wisdom. When a woman’s period comes, she should stop fasting and praying, and when her period is over she should resume fasting and praying; when Ramadaan is over she should make up the fasts that she has missed.
Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen
SOURCE:
Islam Q&A
Fatwa no. 7416
Taking pills to prevent period in the last ten days of Ramadan
Question:
If a woman’s period is going to come in the last ten days of Ramadaan, is it permissible for her to use contraceptive pills so that she can continue to worship during these days of blessing?
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
This question was put to Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) and he said:
We do not think that she should use these pills to help her worship Allaah, because the period which happens to her is something which Allaah has decreed for the daughters of Adam.
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) entered upon ‘Aa’ishah when she was with him during the Farewell Pilgrimage. She had entered ihraam for ‘Umrah, then her period came before she reached Makkah. He entered upon her and found her weeping. He asked, “Why are you weeping?” and she told him that her period had come. He told her, “This is something which Allaah has decreed for the daughters of Adam.” So the period is not something which is under her control. If it comes during the last ten days of Ramadaan, then let her accept what Allaah has decreed for her and not use these pills. I have heard from trustworthy doctors that these pills cause harm to the uterus and the blood, and they may cause deformity in the foetus if she should conceive. Hence we think that she should avoid them. If her period comes and she cannot pray or fast, this is beyond her control and is the decree of Allaah.
Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him)
SOURCE:
Islam Q&A
Fatwa no. 13738
If a woman’s period is going to come in the last ten days of Ramadaan, is it permissible for her to use contraceptive pills so that she can continue to worship during these days of blessing?
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
This question was put to Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) and he said:
We do not think that she should use these pills to help her worship Allaah, because the period which happens to her is something which Allaah has decreed for the daughters of Adam.
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) entered upon ‘Aa’ishah when she was with him during the Farewell Pilgrimage. She had entered ihraam for ‘Umrah, then her period came before she reached Makkah. He entered upon her and found her weeping. He asked, “Why are you weeping?” and she told him that her period had come. He told her, “This is something which Allaah has decreed for the daughters of Adam.” So the period is not something which is under her control. If it comes during the last ten days of Ramadaan, then let her accept what Allaah has decreed for her and not use these pills. I have heard from trustworthy doctors that these pills cause harm to the uterus and the blood, and they may cause deformity in the foetus if she should conceive. Hence we think that she should avoid them. If her period comes and she cannot pray or fast, this is beyond her control and is the decree of Allaah.
Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him)
SOURCE:
Islam Q&A
Fatwa no. 13738
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
How should a person who has a wound do wudoo’ and ghusl?
If there is a wound in any part of the body, then this wound is either uncovered or it is covered with a dressing or bandage.
If it is covered with a dressing or bandage, then he should wash the healthy parts of the body, then he should wet his hand with water and wipe over the dressing. If he does this then he does not need to do tayammum.
There are ahaadeeth which speak about wiping over splints, but they are all da’eef (weak), but that has been proven from ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him).
Al-Bayhaqi said:
Nothing has been proven from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) on this topic… rather this is the view of the fuqaha’ among the Taabi’een and those who came after them, as well as what we have narrated from Ibn ‘Umar. He mentioned with his isnaad that Ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) did wudoo’ when his hand was bandaged, and he wiped over it and over the dressing, and he washed everything else. He said: This is saheeh from Ibn ‘Umar. End quote.
Al-Majmoo’, 2/368.
But if the wound is uncovered, then it must be washed with water if possible, but if washing it will harm it, and he can wipe it then he should wipe it. If that is not possible, then the wound should be left without washing or wiping, then when the person has finished doing wudoo’, he should do tayammum.
Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in al-Sharh al-Mumti’ (1/169)
The scholars (may Allaah have mercy on them) said: Wounds and the like are either uncovered or covered.
If the wound is uncovered then it must be washed with water. If it is not possible to wash it with water then it should be wiped over. If it is not possible to wipe over it then he should do tayammum. This is in order of preference.
If it is covered with some kind of appropriate material, then it can only be wiped. If wiping will harm it even though it is covered, then he should do tayammum, just as if it was uncovered. This is what was stated by the fuqaha’ (may Allaah have mercy on them). End quote.
Shaykh Ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:
If it has a dressing over it, he should wipe over it; if it is uncovered then he should do tayammum for it. End quote.
Fataawa Ibn Baaz, 10/118
Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan (may Allaah preserve him) was asked:
After the washing that the doctor did for me, some blood came from my hand, from the site of the injection, so he put a bandage over it. If I take it off it starts to bleed and would not stop until night. This bandage is still wrapped around my left hand. Is it permissible for me wipe over it when I do wudoo’ even though I was not taahir when it was put on, rather it was put on when there was bleeding; and how should I wipe over it?
He replied:
You should not take off the bandage which is over your wound, especially since taking it off will harm you and make it bleed. It is not permissible for you to take it off in this case, because that poses a danger to you. So leave it where it is, and when you do wudoo’ wash the part of the hand where there is no bandage, and for the part where the bandage is, it will be sufficient for you to wipe over the outside of it by wetting your hand with water and moving it over the outside of the bandage. This will suffice for you instead of washing what is beneath it for as long as it needs to stay, even if that is for many prayer times or for several days. It is not essential that the bandage have been put on when you were taahir, rather you may wipe over it, according to the correct view, even if you were not taahir at the time when it was put on and even if there is blood underneath it at the site of the injection or wound.
Conclusion: There is nothing wrong with you leaving the bandage on; rather you have to leave it on because it is in your interests. You can wipe over the outside of it when you wash the part of your hand that is not covered. End quote.
Al-Muntaqa min Fataawa al-Shaykh al-Fawzaan, 5/15
And Allaah knows best.
SOURCE:
Islam Q&A
Fatwa no. 69796
If it is covered with a dressing or bandage, then he should wash the healthy parts of the body, then he should wet his hand with water and wipe over the dressing. If he does this then he does not need to do tayammum.
There are ahaadeeth which speak about wiping over splints, but they are all da’eef (weak), but that has been proven from ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him).
Al-Bayhaqi said:
Nothing has been proven from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) on this topic… rather this is the view of the fuqaha’ among the Taabi’een and those who came after them, as well as what we have narrated from Ibn ‘Umar. He mentioned with his isnaad that Ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) did wudoo’ when his hand was bandaged, and he wiped over it and over the dressing, and he washed everything else. He said: This is saheeh from Ibn ‘Umar. End quote.
Al-Majmoo’, 2/368.
But if the wound is uncovered, then it must be washed with water if possible, but if washing it will harm it, and he can wipe it then he should wipe it. If that is not possible, then the wound should be left without washing or wiping, then when the person has finished doing wudoo’, he should do tayammum.
Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in al-Sharh al-Mumti’ (1/169)
The scholars (may Allaah have mercy on them) said: Wounds and the like are either uncovered or covered.
If the wound is uncovered then it must be washed with water. If it is not possible to wash it with water then it should be wiped over. If it is not possible to wipe over it then he should do tayammum. This is in order of preference.
If it is covered with some kind of appropriate material, then it can only be wiped. If wiping will harm it even though it is covered, then he should do tayammum, just as if it was uncovered. This is what was stated by the fuqaha’ (may Allaah have mercy on them). End quote.
Shaykh Ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:
If it has a dressing over it, he should wipe over it; if it is uncovered then he should do tayammum for it. End quote.
Fataawa Ibn Baaz, 10/118
Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan (may Allaah preserve him) was asked:
After the washing that the doctor did for me, some blood came from my hand, from the site of the injection, so he put a bandage over it. If I take it off it starts to bleed and would not stop until night. This bandage is still wrapped around my left hand. Is it permissible for me wipe over it when I do wudoo’ even though I was not taahir when it was put on, rather it was put on when there was bleeding; and how should I wipe over it?
He replied:
You should not take off the bandage which is over your wound, especially since taking it off will harm you and make it bleed. It is not permissible for you to take it off in this case, because that poses a danger to you. So leave it where it is, and when you do wudoo’ wash the part of the hand where there is no bandage, and for the part where the bandage is, it will be sufficient for you to wipe over the outside of it by wetting your hand with water and moving it over the outside of the bandage. This will suffice for you instead of washing what is beneath it for as long as it needs to stay, even if that is for many prayer times or for several days. It is not essential that the bandage have been put on when you were taahir, rather you may wipe over it, according to the correct view, even if you were not taahir at the time when it was put on and even if there is blood underneath it at the site of the injection or wound.
Conclusion: There is nothing wrong with you leaving the bandage on; rather you have to leave it on because it is in your interests. You can wipe over the outside of it when you wash the part of your hand that is not covered. End quote.
Al-Muntaqa min Fataawa al-Shaykh al-Fawzaan, 5/15
And Allaah knows best.
SOURCE:
Islam Q&A
Fatwa no. 69796
Monday, August 23, 2010
Making Up Missed Prayers
With regard to missing prayers, one of the following two scenarios must apply:
1 – When you miss a prayer unintentionally, for a legitimate shar’i excuse, such as forgetting or sleeping, although you are basically very keen to perform the prayer on time. In this case you are excused but you have to make it up as soon as you remember it. The evidence for that is the hadeeth narrated in Saheeh Muslim (681) which tells how the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and his companions slept and missed Fajr prayer, and the Sahaabah began to ask one another, “What is the expiation (kafaarah) for what we have done by neglecting the prayer?” The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said. “Sleeping does not mean that you are neglecting the prayer. Rather neglecting the prayer means not praying one prayer until the time for the next prayer comes. Whoever does that let him pray when he remembers it.”
1 – When you miss a prayer unintentionally, for a legitimate shar’i excuse, such as forgetting or sleeping, although you are basically very keen to perform the prayer on time. In this case you are excused but you have to make it up as soon as you remember it. The evidence for that is the hadeeth narrated in Saheeh Muslim (681) which tells how the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and his companions slept and missed Fajr prayer, and the Sahaabah began to ask one another, “What is the expiation (kafaarah) for what we have done by neglecting the prayer?” The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said. “Sleeping does not mean that you are neglecting the prayer. Rather neglecting the prayer means not praying one prayer until the time for the next prayer comes. Whoever does that let him pray when he remembers it.”
Monday, August 16, 2010
Ramadan fasting is not acceptable if one does not Pray
Question:
I fast Ramadaan but I do not pray. Is my fasting valid?
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
The Ramadaan fast, and indeed any righteous deed, is not accepted if you do not pray. That is because not praying constitutes kufr as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Between a man and shirk and kufr there stands his giving up prayer.” Narrated by Muslim, 82.
No righteous deed is accepted from the kaafir, because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And We shall turn to whatever deeds they (disbelievers, polytheists, sinners) did, and We shall make such deeds as scattered floating particles of dust”
[al-Furqaan 25:23]
“If you join others in worship with Allaah, (then) surely, (all) your deeds will be in vain, and you will certainly be among the losers”
[al-Zumar 39:65]
al-Bukhaari narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever forsakes ‘Asr prayer, his deeds are in vain.” (al-Bukhaari, 553). What is meant by “his deeds are in vain” means that they become invalid and will not avail him anything.
This hadeeth indicates that in the case of one who does not pray, Allaah will not accept any deed from him, so the one who does not pray will not benefit at all from his deeds, and no good deeds of his will ascend to Allaah.
Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him) said concerning the meaning of this hadeeth: “The apparent meaning of this hadeeth is that those who do not pray are of two types: those who do not pray at all, which renders all of their deeds invalid, and those who do not pray some days, which renders his deeds on that day invalid. So the loss of all good deeds happens to those who do not pray at all, and the loss of some deeds happens to those who miss some prayers.” From Kitaab al-Salaah, p. 65
Our advice to the sister who asked this question is to repent to Allaah, to feel regret for her negligence in her duties towards Allaah for exposing herself to His wrath, anger and punishment. Allaah accepts the repentance of those among His slaves who repent to Him, and forgives their sins; indeed, He rejoices greatly at that. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) has given glad tidings to those who repent when he said: “The one who repents from sin is like one who did not sin at all.” Narrated by Ibn Maajah, 4250; classed as hasan by al-Albaani in Saheeh Ibn Maajah, 3424.
So she should hasten to do ghusl and pray, so that she may become pure both inwardly and outwardly. She should not delay repentance and say, “I will repent tomorrow or after tomorrow, because she does not know when death will come. She should repent to Allaah before regret will be of no avail.
“And (remember) the Day when the Zaalim (wrongdoer, oppressor, polytheist) will bite at his hands, he will say: ‘Oh! Would that I had taken a path with the Messenger (Muhammad).
Ah! Woe to me! Would that I had never taken so-and-so as a Khaleel (an intimate friend)!
He indeed led me astray from the Reminder (this Qur’aan) after it had come to me. And Shaytaan (Satan) is to man ever a deserter in the hour of need’”
[al-Furqaan 25:27-29 – interpretation of the meaning].
SOURCE:
Islam Q&A
Fatwa no. 37820
I fast Ramadaan but I do not pray. Is my fasting valid?
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
The Ramadaan fast, and indeed any righteous deed, is not accepted if you do not pray. That is because not praying constitutes kufr as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Between a man and shirk and kufr there stands his giving up prayer.” Narrated by Muslim, 82.
No righteous deed is accepted from the kaafir, because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And We shall turn to whatever deeds they (disbelievers, polytheists, sinners) did, and We shall make such deeds as scattered floating particles of dust”
[al-Furqaan 25:23]
“If you join others in worship with Allaah, (then) surely, (all) your deeds will be in vain, and you will certainly be among the losers”
[al-Zumar 39:65]
al-Bukhaari narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever forsakes ‘Asr prayer, his deeds are in vain.” (al-Bukhaari, 553). What is meant by “his deeds are in vain” means that they become invalid and will not avail him anything.
This hadeeth indicates that in the case of one who does not pray, Allaah will not accept any deed from him, so the one who does not pray will not benefit at all from his deeds, and no good deeds of his will ascend to Allaah.
Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him) said concerning the meaning of this hadeeth: “The apparent meaning of this hadeeth is that those who do not pray are of two types: those who do not pray at all, which renders all of their deeds invalid, and those who do not pray some days, which renders his deeds on that day invalid. So the loss of all good deeds happens to those who do not pray at all, and the loss of some deeds happens to those who miss some prayers.” From Kitaab al-Salaah, p. 65
Our advice to the sister who asked this question is to repent to Allaah, to feel regret for her negligence in her duties towards Allaah for exposing herself to His wrath, anger and punishment. Allaah accepts the repentance of those among His slaves who repent to Him, and forgives their sins; indeed, He rejoices greatly at that. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) has given glad tidings to those who repent when he said: “The one who repents from sin is like one who did not sin at all.” Narrated by Ibn Maajah, 4250; classed as hasan by al-Albaani in Saheeh Ibn Maajah, 3424.
So she should hasten to do ghusl and pray, so that she may become pure both inwardly and outwardly. She should not delay repentance and say, “I will repent tomorrow or after tomorrow, because she does not know when death will come. She should repent to Allaah before regret will be of no avail.
“And (remember) the Day when the Zaalim (wrongdoer, oppressor, polytheist) will bite at his hands, he will say: ‘Oh! Would that I had taken a path with the Messenger (Muhammad).
Ah! Woe to me! Would that I had never taken so-and-so as a Khaleel (an intimate friend)!
He indeed led me astray from the Reminder (this Qur’aan) after it had come to me. And Shaytaan (Satan) is to man ever a deserter in the hour of need’”
[al-Furqaan 25:27-29 – interpretation of the meaning].
SOURCE:
Islam Q&A
Fatwa no. 37820
How can she make use of her time when she is cooking in Ramadan?
Question:
How can she make use of her time when she is cooking in Ramadan?
I would like to know what actions are recommended during this blessed month in order to increase one’s reward, such as dhikrs, acts of worship, and mustahabb actions. I know about Taraweeh prayer, reciting Qur’aan a great deal, seeking forgiveness a great deal and praying at night. But I want to know some words I can repeat during my daily duties such as when I am cooking or doing housework, because I do not want to miss out on the reward.
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
May Allaah reward you with good for this concern and eagerness to do good and righteous deeds during this blessed month.
To the good deeds that you have mentioned may be added charity, feeding the poor, going for ‘Umrah and observing i’tikaaf for those who are able to do so.
As for the words that you can repeat whilst you are working, these include tasbeeh (saying Subhaan Allaah (Glory be to Allaah)), tahleel (saying Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah (There is no god but Allaah)), takbeer (saying Allaahu akbar (Allaah is most Great)), praying for forgiveness, making du’aa’ and responding to the muezzin. Keep your tongue moist with the remembrance of Allaah and seek a great reward with a few words which you can utter. For every tasbeehah you will have (the reward of) one charity, for every tahmeedah (saying Alhamdulillah (Praise be to Allaah)) you will have (the reward of) one charity, for every takbeerah you will have (the reward of) one charity, and for every tahleelah you will have (the reward of) one charity.
How can she make use of her time when she is cooking in Ramadan?
I would like to know what actions are recommended during this blessed month in order to increase one’s reward, such as dhikrs, acts of worship, and mustahabb actions. I know about Taraweeh prayer, reciting Qur’aan a great deal, seeking forgiveness a great deal and praying at night. But I want to know some words I can repeat during my daily duties such as when I am cooking or doing housework, because I do not want to miss out on the reward.
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
May Allaah reward you with good for this concern and eagerness to do good and righteous deeds during this blessed month.
To the good deeds that you have mentioned may be added charity, feeding the poor, going for ‘Umrah and observing i’tikaaf for those who are able to do so.
As for the words that you can repeat whilst you are working, these include tasbeeh (saying Subhaan Allaah (Glory be to Allaah)), tahleel (saying Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah (There is no god but Allaah)), takbeer (saying Allaahu akbar (Allaah is most Great)), praying for forgiveness, making du’aa’ and responding to the muezzin. Keep your tongue moist with the remembrance of Allaah and seek a great reward with a few words which you can utter. For every tasbeehah you will have (the reward of) one charity, for every tahmeedah (saying Alhamdulillah (Praise be to Allaah)) you will have (the reward of) one charity, for every takbeerah you will have (the reward of) one charity, and for every tahleelah you will have (the reward of) one charity.
Fasting makes her lazy and causes her to lose weight; can she not fast?
Question:
I am a 23 year old female and am very underweight for my age. At 53", i weight almost 80 lbs. My question is regarding fasting during ramadhan. I have gone to many doctors to see why I am unable to gain weight, and the results continue to come out normal. I do not have any visible disease either. However, when I fast, I feel very dizzy and dehydrated within hours of starting to fast. I end up losing more weight. My mom asks me not fast, but I feel incomplete if I do not fast during ramadhan. During the entire fast, all I do is lay around because I do not have energy to walk around. She says that fasting is not obligatory for the sick, but I do not feel I qualify as one of the "Sick" mentioned in the hadiths. I am not sure what to do, please advise me.
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
Allah, may He be exalted, has granted a concession to the sick person allowing him not to fast in Ramadan. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe Sawm (fasts) must be made up] from other days. Allaah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you”
[al-Baqarah 2:185]
I am a 23 year old female and am very underweight for my age. At 53", i weight almost 80 lbs. My question is regarding fasting during ramadhan. I have gone to many doctors to see why I am unable to gain weight, and the results continue to come out normal. I do not have any visible disease either. However, when I fast, I feel very dizzy and dehydrated within hours of starting to fast. I end up losing more weight. My mom asks me not fast, but I feel incomplete if I do not fast during ramadhan. During the entire fast, all I do is lay around because I do not have energy to walk around. She says that fasting is not obligatory for the sick, but I do not feel I qualify as one of the "Sick" mentioned in the hadiths. I am not sure what to do, please advise me.
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
Allah, may He be exalted, has granted a concession to the sick person allowing him not to fast in Ramadan. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe Sawm (fasts) must be made up] from other days. Allaah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you”
[al-Baqarah 2:185]
Dying in the Month of Ramadan
Question:
Is it true that all those who die in Ramadan, go to Janat without being questioned for their deeds?
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
Allaah has blessed some of the elite among His slaves with the promise that they will enter Paradise without being brought to account and without being punished. It was narrated that ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: The nations were shown to me and I saw a Prophet with a small band of followers, and a Prophet with one or two men with him, and a Prophet who had no one with him. Then I was shown a huge multitude and I thought they were my ummah, but it was said to me: This is Moosa (peace be upon him) and his people. But look at the horizon. So I looked and saw a huge multitude, and it was said to me: Look at the other horizon, and there was (another) huge multitude. And it was said to me: This is your ummah and with them are seventy thousand who will enter Paradise without being brought to account or punished.” Then he got up and went into his house, and the people disputed about those who enter Paradise without being brought to account or being punished. Some of them said: Perhaps they are the ones who accompanied the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). Some of them said: Perhaps they are the ones who were born in Islam and did not associate anything with Allaah. And they mentioned other things. The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) came out to them and said: “What are you disputing about?” They told him, and he said: “They are the ones who did not seek ruqyah or believe in bird omens, and they put their trust in their Lord.” ‘Ukaashah ibn Mihsan stood up and said: Pray to Allaah to make me one of them. He said: “You will be one of them.” Another man stood up and said: Pray to Allaah to make me one of them. He said: “ ‘Ukaashah has beaten you to it.”
Is it true that all those who die in Ramadan, go to Janat without being questioned for their deeds?
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
Allaah has blessed some of the elite among His slaves with the promise that they will enter Paradise without being brought to account and without being punished. It was narrated that ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: The nations were shown to me and I saw a Prophet with a small band of followers, and a Prophet with one or two men with him, and a Prophet who had no one with him. Then I was shown a huge multitude and I thought they were my ummah, but it was said to me: This is Moosa (peace be upon him) and his people. But look at the horizon. So I looked and saw a huge multitude, and it was said to me: Look at the other horizon, and there was (another) huge multitude. And it was said to me: This is your ummah and with them are seventy thousand who will enter Paradise without being brought to account or punished.” Then he got up and went into his house, and the people disputed about those who enter Paradise without being brought to account or being punished. Some of them said: Perhaps they are the ones who accompanied the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). Some of them said: Perhaps they are the ones who were born in Islam and did not associate anything with Allaah. And they mentioned other things. The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) came out to them and said: “What are you disputing about?” They told him, and he said: “They are the ones who did not seek ruqyah or believe in bird omens, and they put their trust in their Lord.” ‘Ukaashah ibn Mihsan stood up and said: Pray to Allaah to make me one of them. He said: “You will be one of them.” Another man stood up and said: Pray to Allaah to make me one of them. He said: “ ‘Ukaashah has beaten you to it.”
Ruling on fasting for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers
With regard to breastfeeding mothers – and also pregnant women – two scenarios may apply:
-1-
If the woman is not affected by fasting, and fasting is not too difficult for her, and she does not fear for her child, then she is obliged to fast, and it is not permissible for her not to fast.
-2-
If the woman fears for herself or her child because of fasting, and fasting is difficult for her, then she is allowed not to fast, but she has to make up the days that she does not fast.
In this situation it is better for her not to fast, and it is makrooh for her to fast. Some of the scholars stated that if she fears for her child, it is obligatory for her not to fast and it is haraam for her to fast.
Al-Mirdaawi said in al-Insaaf (7/382):
It is makrooh for her to fast in this case… Ibn ‘Aqeel said: If a pregnant woman or a breastfeeding mother fears for her pregnancy or her child, then it is not permissible for her to fast in this case, but if she does not fear for her child then it is not permissible for her not to fast.
Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) was asked in Fataawa al-Siyaam (p. 161):
If a pregnant woman or breastfeeding mother does not fast with no excuse, and she is strong and in good health, and is not affected by fasting, what is the ruling on that?
He replied:
It is not permissible for a pregnant woman or breastfeeding woman not to fast during the day in Ramadaan unless they have an excuse. If they do not fast because they have an excuse, then they have to make up the missed fasts, because Allaah says concerning one who is sick (interpretation of the meaning):
“and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe Sawm (fasts) must be made up] from other days”
[al-Baqarah 2:185]
Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers come under the same heading as those who are sick. If their excuse is that they fear for the child, then as well as making up the missed fasts, according to some scholars they also have to feed one poor person for each day missed, giving wheat, rice, dates or any other staple food. Some of the scholars said that all they have to do is make up the missed fasts, no matter what the situation, because there is no evidence in the Qur’aan or Sunnah for giving food in this case, and the basic principle is that there is no obligation unless proof of that is established. This is the view of Abu Haneefah (may Allaah have mercy on him) and it is a strong view.
Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) was also asked in Fataawa al-Siyaam (p. 162) about a pregnant women who fears for herself or her child, and does not fast – what is the ruling?
He replied by saying:
Our answer to this is that one of two scenarios must apply in the case of a pregnant woman.
The first is if she is healthy and strong, and does not find fasting difficult, and it does not affect her foetus. In this case the woman is obliged to fast, because she has no excuse not to do so.
The second is where the pregnant woman is not able to fast, either because the pregnancy is advanced or because she is physically weak, or for some other reason. In this case she should not fast, especially if her foetus is likely to be harmed, in which case it may be obligatory for her not to fast. If she does not fast, then like others who do not fast for a valid reason, she has to make up the days when that excuse no longer applies. When she gives birth, she has to make up those fasts after she becomes pure from nifaas. But sometimes the excuse of pregnancy may be lifted but then immediately followed by another excuse, namely breastfeeding. The breastfeeding mother may need food and drink, especially during the long summer days when it is very hot. So she may need not to fast so that she can nourish her child with her milk. In this case we also say to her: Do not fast, and when this excuse no longer applies, then you should make up the fasts that you have missed.
Shaykh Ibn Baaz said in Majmoo’ al-Fataawa (15/224):
With regard to pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, it is proven in the hadeeth of Anas ibn Maalik al-Ka’bi, narrated by Ahmad and the authors of al-Sunan with a saheeh isnaad, that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) granted them a dispensation allowing them not to fast, and he regarded them as being like travelers. From this it is known that they may not fast but they have to make up the fasts later, just like travelers. The scholars stated that they are only allowed not to fast if fasting is too difficult for them, as in the case of one who is sick, or if they fear for their children. And Allaah knows best.
It says in Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah (10/226):
The pregnant woman is obliged to fast during her pregnancy, unless she fears that fasting may affect her or her foetus, in which case she is allowed not to fast, and she should make up the fasts after she gives birth and becomes pure from nifaas.
SOURCE:
Islam Q&A
Fatwa no. 50005
-1-
If the woman is not affected by fasting, and fasting is not too difficult for her, and she does not fear for her child, then she is obliged to fast, and it is not permissible for her not to fast.
-2-
If the woman fears for herself or her child because of fasting, and fasting is difficult for her, then she is allowed not to fast, but she has to make up the days that she does not fast.
In this situation it is better for her not to fast, and it is makrooh for her to fast. Some of the scholars stated that if she fears for her child, it is obligatory for her not to fast and it is haraam for her to fast.
Al-Mirdaawi said in al-Insaaf (7/382):
It is makrooh for her to fast in this case… Ibn ‘Aqeel said: If a pregnant woman or a breastfeeding mother fears for her pregnancy or her child, then it is not permissible for her to fast in this case, but if she does not fear for her child then it is not permissible for her not to fast.
Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) was asked in Fataawa al-Siyaam (p. 161):
If a pregnant woman or breastfeeding mother does not fast with no excuse, and she is strong and in good health, and is not affected by fasting, what is the ruling on that?
He replied:
It is not permissible for a pregnant woman or breastfeeding woman not to fast during the day in Ramadaan unless they have an excuse. If they do not fast because they have an excuse, then they have to make up the missed fasts, because Allaah says concerning one who is sick (interpretation of the meaning):
“and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe Sawm (fasts) must be made up] from other days”
[al-Baqarah 2:185]
Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers come under the same heading as those who are sick. If their excuse is that they fear for the child, then as well as making up the missed fasts, according to some scholars they also have to feed one poor person for each day missed, giving wheat, rice, dates or any other staple food. Some of the scholars said that all they have to do is make up the missed fasts, no matter what the situation, because there is no evidence in the Qur’aan or Sunnah for giving food in this case, and the basic principle is that there is no obligation unless proof of that is established. This is the view of Abu Haneefah (may Allaah have mercy on him) and it is a strong view.
Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) was also asked in Fataawa al-Siyaam (p. 162) about a pregnant women who fears for herself or her child, and does not fast – what is the ruling?
He replied by saying:
Our answer to this is that one of two scenarios must apply in the case of a pregnant woman.
The first is if she is healthy and strong, and does not find fasting difficult, and it does not affect her foetus. In this case the woman is obliged to fast, because she has no excuse not to do so.
The second is where the pregnant woman is not able to fast, either because the pregnancy is advanced or because she is physically weak, or for some other reason. In this case she should not fast, especially if her foetus is likely to be harmed, in which case it may be obligatory for her not to fast. If she does not fast, then like others who do not fast for a valid reason, she has to make up the days when that excuse no longer applies. When she gives birth, she has to make up those fasts after she becomes pure from nifaas. But sometimes the excuse of pregnancy may be lifted but then immediately followed by another excuse, namely breastfeeding. The breastfeeding mother may need food and drink, especially during the long summer days when it is very hot. So she may need not to fast so that she can nourish her child with her milk. In this case we also say to her: Do not fast, and when this excuse no longer applies, then you should make up the fasts that you have missed.
Shaykh Ibn Baaz said in Majmoo’ al-Fataawa (15/224):
With regard to pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, it is proven in the hadeeth of Anas ibn Maalik al-Ka’bi, narrated by Ahmad and the authors of al-Sunan with a saheeh isnaad, that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) granted them a dispensation allowing them not to fast, and he regarded them as being like travelers. From this it is known that they may not fast but they have to make up the fasts later, just like travelers. The scholars stated that they are only allowed not to fast if fasting is too difficult for them, as in the case of one who is sick, or if they fear for their children. And Allaah knows best.
It says in Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah (10/226):
The pregnant woman is obliged to fast during her pregnancy, unless she fears that fasting may affect her or her foetus, in which case she is allowed not to fast, and she should make up the fasts after she gives birth and becomes pure from nifaas.
SOURCE:
Islam Q&A
Fatwa no. 50005
Why Smoking is Haraam?
Smoking is one of the things which has caused a lot of problems and harm these days and it has spread like wild fire. Before we discuss this topic in detail, we should know that Allah the Almighty has divided things in the world into two types, good or allowable (al-tayyibaat, al-halaal) and evil or forbidden (al-khabaa'ith, al-haraam), and there is no third type. Allah says in surat al-A'raaf (7:157):
"And He makes good things halaal for them and bad things haraam."
"And He makes good things halaal for them and bad things haraam."
Smoking is haraam and invalidates the fast
Question:
Some people say that fasting is not invalidated by smoking; because it is not food or drink. What is your opinion about this?
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
I think that this is a view for which there is no basis. Rather smoking is a kind of drinking; in Arabic they say that one “drinks” a cigarette. Moreover, there is no doubt that it reaches the stomach and the inside of the body, and everything that reaches the stomach and the inside of the body invalidates the fast, whether it is beneficial or harmful, even if a person were to swallow a bead from the masbahah, or a piece of iron, or anything else, it invalidates the fast. So it is not essential that the thing that invalidates the fast, or that is eaten or drunk, should be nourishing or beneficial. Everything that reaches the stomach is regarded as food or drink. They believe – indeed they know – that this is a kind of drink, and if anyone says this then he is being arrogant.
Moreover, I think that the month of Ramadaan is an opportunity for the one who is sincerely resolved and wants to give up this foul, harmful habit of smoking. I think that it is an opportunity because he is going to abstain from it throughout the day in Ramadaan, and at night he can distract himself from it by means of the food and drink that Allaah has permitted to him, and by frequenting the mosques and attending gatherings of righteous people, and he can keep away from those who have this habit. If he abstains from it throughout the month, then that will be a great help to him in giving it up for the rest of his life. This is an opportunity which smokers should not miss. End quote.
Majmoo’ Fataawa Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, Fataawa al-Siyaam (203. 204).
SOURCE:
Islam Q&A
Fatwa no. 106450
Some people say that fasting is not invalidated by smoking; because it is not food or drink. What is your opinion about this?
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
I think that this is a view for which there is no basis. Rather smoking is a kind of drinking; in Arabic they say that one “drinks” a cigarette. Moreover, there is no doubt that it reaches the stomach and the inside of the body, and everything that reaches the stomach and the inside of the body invalidates the fast, whether it is beneficial or harmful, even if a person were to swallow a bead from the masbahah, or a piece of iron, or anything else, it invalidates the fast. So it is not essential that the thing that invalidates the fast, or that is eaten or drunk, should be nourishing or beneficial. Everything that reaches the stomach is regarded as food or drink. They believe – indeed they know – that this is a kind of drink, and if anyone says this then he is being arrogant.
Moreover, I think that the month of Ramadaan is an opportunity for the one who is sincerely resolved and wants to give up this foul, harmful habit of smoking. I think that it is an opportunity because he is going to abstain from it throughout the day in Ramadaan, and at night he can distract himself from it by means of the food and drink that Allaah has permitted to him, and by frequenting the mosques and attending gatherings of righteous people, and he can keep away from those who have this habit. If he abstains from it throughout the month, then that will be a great help to him in giving it up for the rest of his life. This is an opportunity which smokers should not miss. End quote.
Majmoo’ Fataawa Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, Fataawa al-Siyaam (203. 204).
SOURCE:
Islam Q&A
Fatwa no. 106450
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Sleeping all day long during Ramadaan
The scholars are agreed that if a fasting person wakes up during the day, even if it is for a single moment, then his fasting is valid, but if he does not wake up and he sleeps all day whilst fasting, then the majority of scholars say that his fasting is still valid, because sleep does not invalidate fasting, as it does not mean that he is completely unconscious, rather if someone wakes him he will wake up.
See al-Majmoo’, 6/346; al-Mughni, 4/344
The Standing Committee was asked about that and replied:
If the matter is as mentioned, then the fast is valid but for a fasting person to spend most of the day asleep is a kind of negligence on his part, especially since the month of Ramadaan is a special time and the Muslim should strive to benefit from it by reading Qur’aan a great deal, seeking provision and acquiring knowledge.
And Allaah is the Source of strength. May Allaah send blessings and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad and his family and companions.
Al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah li’l-Buhooth al-‘Ilmiyyah, 10/212
The following is the advice of Shaykh ‘Abd al-‘Azeez ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him) to those who are fasting and others to make the most of their time and not to waste it sleeping. He said:
There is nothing wrong with sleeping during the day or the night, so long as that does not lead to missing out on any of the obligatory duties or committing any haraam action. What is prescribed for the Muslim, whether he is fasting or not, is not to stay up late at night, and to hasten to sleep after doing whatever he is able to of qiyaam al-layl, then he should get up for suhoor if it is Ramadaan, because eating suhoor is a confirmed Sunnah as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “Eat suhoor, for in suhoor there is barakah (blessing).” (Saheeh – agreed upon).
And the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The thing that differentiates between our fasting and the fasting of the People of the Book is eating suhoor.” Narrated by Muslim in his Saheeh.
Those who are fasting and others must also adhere to offering the five daily prayers in congregation, and avoid being distracted from them by sleep or anything else. Those who are fasting and others must also do all their duties on time for the government or other duties, and not be distracted from them by sleep or anything else. And they must strive to seek halaal provision which they and their dependents need, and not be distracted from that by sleep or anything else.
In conclusion, my advice to everyone, men and women, those who are fasting and those who are not, is to fear Allaah in all situations, and to continue to perform duties on time in the manner enjoined by Allaah, and to avoid being distracted from that by sleep or any other permissible thing etc. If the thing that distracts them from that is an act of disobedience towards Allaah, then the sin is greater and more serious.
May Allaah guide the Muslims, enable them to understand their religion and make them steadfast in adhering to the truth, and guide their leaders, for He is Most Generous, Most Kind.
Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn Baaz, 4/15.
SOURCE:
Islam Q&A
Fatwa no. 37886
See al-Majmoo’, 6/346; al-Mughni, 4/344
The Standing Committee was asked about that and replied:
If the matter is as mentioned, then the fast is valid but for a fasting person to spend most of the day asleep is a kind of negligence on his part, especially since the month of Ramadaan is a special time and the Muslim should strive to benefit from it by reading Qur’aan a great deal, seeking provision and acquiring knowledge.
And Allaah is the Source of strength. May Allaah send blessings and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad and his family and companions.
Al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah li’l-Buhooth al-‘Ilmiyyah, 10/212
The following is the advice of Shaykh ‘Abd al-‘Azeez ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him) to those who are fasting and others to make the most of their time and not to waste it sleeping. He said:
There is nothing wrong with sleeping during the day or the night, so long as that does not lead to missing out on any of the obligatory duties or committing any haraam action. What is prescribed for the Muslim, whether he is fasting or not, is not to stay up late at night, and to hasten to sleep after doing whatever he is able to of qiyaam al-layl, then he should get up for suhoor if it is Ramadaan, because eating suhoor is a confirmed Sunnah as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “Eat suhoor, for in suhoor there is barakah (blessing).” (Saheeh – agreed upon).
And the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The thing that differentiates between our fasting and the fasting of the People of the Book is eating suhoor.” Narrated by Muslim in his Saheeh.
Those who are fasting and others must also adhere to offering the five daily prayers in congregation, and avoid being distracted from them by sleep or anything else. Those who are fasting and others must also do all their duties on time for the government or other duties, and not be distracted from them by sleep or anything else. And they must strive to seek halaal provision which they and their dependents need, and not be distracted from that by sleep or anything else.
In conclusion, my advice to everyone, men and women, those who are fasting and those who are not, is to fear Allaah in all situations, and to continue to perform duties on time in the manner enjoined by Allaah, and to avoid being distracted from that by sleep or any other permissible thing etc. If the thing that distracts them from that is an act of disobedience towards Allaah, then the sin is greater and more serious.
May Allaah guide the Muslims, enable them to understand their religion and make them steadfast in adhering to the truth, and guide their leaders, for He is Most Generous, Most Kind.
Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn Baaz, 4/15.
SOURCE:
Islam Q&A
Fatwa no. 37886
Which is better -- reading Qur'aan or listening to it on tapes?
Reading Qur'aan and listening to it are both righteous deeds for which the Muslim will be rewarded.
The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) sometimes liked to listen to Qur'aan from other people.
Al-Bukhaari (4582 and 5049) and Muslim (800) narrated from ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Mas’ood (may Allah be pleased with him) that he said: The Messenger of Allaah (blessings and peace of Allah upon him) said to me: “Recite the Qur’aan to me.” I said: O Messenger of Allaah, should I recite to you when it was revealed to you? He said: “I like to hear it from someone else.” So I recited al-Nisa’, and when I reached the verse, “How (will it be) then, when We bring from each nation a witness and We bring you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) as a witness against these people?” [al-Nisa’ 4:41], I raised my head, or a man who was beside me nudged me and I raised my head, and I saw his tears flowing..
So what is best is to do that which is in his best interests and will have the best effect on him, whether it is reading or listening, because the purpose of reading is to ponder and understand the meanings and act upon what is indicated by the Book of Allah, as Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“(This is) a Book (the Qur’aan) which We have sent down to you, full of blessings, that they may ponder over its Verses, and that men of understanding may remember”
[Saad 38:29]
“Verily, this Qur’aan guides to that which is most just and right”
[al-Isra’ 17:9]
“Say: It is for those who believe, a guide and a healing”
[Fussilat 41:44].
End quote from Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn Baaz, 11/364
And Allah knows best.
SOURCE:
Islam Q&A
Fatwa no. 131946
The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) sometimes liked to listen to Qur'aan from other people.
Al-Bukhaari (4582 and 5049) and Muslim (800) narrated from ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Mas’ood (may Allah be pleased with him) that he said: The Messenger of Allaah (blessings and peace of Allah upon him) said to me: “Recite the Qur’aan to me.” I said: O Messenger of Allaah, should I recite to you when it was revealed to you? He said: “I like to hear it from someone else.” So I recited al-Nisa’, and when I reached the verse, “How (will it be) then, when We bring from each nation a witness and We bring you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) as a witness against these people?” [al-Nisa’ 4:41], I raised my head, or a man who was beside me nudged me and I raised my head, and I saw his tears flowing..
So what is best is to do that which is in his best interests and will have the best effect on him, whether it is reading or listening, because the purpose of reading is to ponder and understand the meanings and act upon what is indicated by the Book of Allah, as Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“(This is) a Book (the Qur’aan) which We have sent down to you, full of blessings, that they may ponder over its Verses, and that men of understanding may remember”
[Saad 38:29]
“Verily, this Qur’aan guides to that which is most just and right”
[al-Isra’ 17:9]
“Say: It is for those who believe, a guide and a healing”
[Fussilat 41:44].
End quote from Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn Baaz, 11/364
And Allah knows best.
SOURCE:
Islam Q&A
Fatwa no. 131946
Spending time watching movies and soap operas and playing games in Ramadan
Muslims, whether they are fasting or not, should fear Allaah with regard to what they are doing and not doing at all times. They must avoid that which Allaah has forbidden, namely watching obscene movies which show things that Allaah has forbidden such as naked and semi-naked pictures, or reprehensible programs, or things which appear on TV that go against the laws of Allaah, such as images, singing, musical instruments and misleading ideas. Every Muslim, whether he is fasting or not, must avoid playing with cards and other kinds of games, because that involves witnessing evil and doing wrong, and because it also causes hardness and disease in the heart, makes a person take the laws of Allaah lightly and makes him find it too difficult to do the things that Allaah has enjoined, such as praying in congregation and other obligations, and makes him fall into doing many haraam things. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And of mankind is he who purchases idle talks (i.e. music, singing) to mislead (men) from the path of Allaah without knowledge, and takes it (the path of Allaah, or the Verses of the Qur’aan) by way of mockery. For such there will be a humiliating torment (in the Hell-fire).
And when Our Verses (of the Qur’aan) are recited to such a one, he turns away in pride, as if he heard them not — as if there were deafness in his ear. So announce to him a painful torment” [Luqmaan 31:6-7]
And He says in Soorat al-Furqaan, describing the slaves of the Most Merciful (interpretation of the meaning):
“And those who do not bear witness to falsehood, and if they pass by some evil play or evil talk, they pass by it with dignity”[al-Furqaan 25:72]
Falsehood (al-zoor) includes all kinds of evil, and the phrase “do not bear witness” means that they do not attend where these things are happening.
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There will be among my ummah people who will permit adultery, silk, alcohol and musical instruments.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari in his Saheeh in a mu’allaq majzoom report). What is meant by adultery is illegal sexual relations, and musical instruments include singing. Allaah has forbidden to the Muslims all means that lead to haraam things, and undoubtedly watching bad movies and the evils that are shown on TV are among the means that lead to haraam things or lead one to take such matters lightly without denouncing them. And Allaah is the One Whose help we seek.
Shaikh ibn Baz vol 4/p/158
SOURCE:
Islam Q&A
Fatwa no. 13956
“And of mankind is he who purchases idle talks (i.e. music, singing) to mislead (men) from the path of Allaah without knowledge, and takes it (the path of Allaah, or the Verses of the Qur’aan) by way of mockery. For such there will be a humiliating torment (in the Hell-fire).
And when Our Verses (of the Qur’aan) are recited to such a one, he turns away in pride, as if he heard them not — as if there were deafness in his ear. So announce to him a painful torment” [Luqmaan 31:6-7]
And He says in Soorat al-Furqaan, describing the slaves of the Most Merciful (interpretation of the meaning):
“And those who do not bear witness to falsehood, and if they pass by some evil play or evil talk, they pass by it with dignity”[al-Furqaan 25:72]
Falsehood (al-zoor) includes all kinds of evil, and the phrase “do not bear witness” means that they do not attend where these things are happening.
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There will be among my ummah people who will permit adultery, silk, alcohol and musical instruments.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari in his Saheeh in a mu’allaq majzoom report). What is meant by adultery is illegal sexual relations, and musical instruments include singing. Allaah has forbidden to the Muslims all means that lead to haraam things, and undoubtedly watching bad movies and the evils that are shown on TV are among the means that lead to haraam things or lead one to take such matters lightly without denouncing them. And Allaah is the One Whose help we seek.
Shaikh ibn Baz vol 4/p/158
SOURCE:
Islam Q&A
Fatwa no. 13956
Can one break their fast if their work is too hard?
Fatwa no. 43772: The basic principle is that it is obligatory to fast Ramadaan, and to form the intention to fast from the night before, for all adult Muslims, who should start the day fasting, except for those to whom the Lawgiver has granted a concession, who are allowed not to fast – namely the sick, travellers and those who come under those headings. Those who do hard work come under the heading of those who are obliged to fast and they are not like the sick or travellers. They have to form the intention to observe the Ramadaan fast from the night before, and to start the day fasting. If one of them is forced to break the fast during the day, then it is permissible for him to break the fast with enough to ward off any harm, then he must refrain from eating and drinking for the rest of the day, and he has to make up that fast at the proper time. If there is no such necessity then it is obligatory to complete the fast. This is what is indicated by the shar’i evidence from the Qur’aan and Sunnah, and it is what is indicated by the words of the scholars of all madhhabs.
Those in positions of authority among the Muslims among whom are people who do hard work should examine their case when Ramadaan comes, and if possible, they should not burden them with too much work that may force them to break the fast during the day in Ramadaan, rather they should have the work done at night, or distribute work hours in a fair and just manner so that people may both work and fast.
View full fatwa here:
http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/43772/hard%20work%20fasting
Fatwa no. 65803: A person may experience great hardship during the fast but he has to be patient and seek the help of Allaah. If a person becomes thirsty during the day in Ramadaan, there is nothing wrong with him pouring water over his head to cool himself down, or rinsing his mouth out with water. If his thirst will cause him a great deal of harm or there is the fear that he may die of thirst, then it is permissible for him to break the fast, but he has to make it up later on.
But if his work is the cause of the difficulty that he is experiencing, this is not an acceptable reason for breaking the fast, if he can take a leave of absence during Ramadaan, or he can reduce his workload during this month, or he can change his work to something that is easier.
The scholars of the Standing Committee for Issuing Fatwas said:
It is well known in Islam, and no Muslim has any excuse for not knowing, that fasting the month of Ramadaan is obligatory for every adult Muslim, and it is one of the pillars of Islam. Every adult Muslim must strive to fast this month, in obedience to the command of Allaah, in the hope of His reward and for fear of His punishment, without neglecting his worldly affairs and without letting his worldly interests affect his interests in the Hereafter. If there is a conflict between the acts of worship that have been enjoined by Allaah and his work to earn a living in this world, then he must work it out so that he will be able to take care of both. In the example mentioned in the question, he can make the night his time for doing his work to earn his living, and if that is not possible then he should take a leave of absence from his work during the month of Ramadaan, even if that is without pay. If that is not possible, then he should look for another job where he can combine the two duties and his worldly duties will not affect his duties towards the Hereafter. There are many kinds of work and the ways of earning money are not limited to this kind of difficult work. The Muslim will never be without permissible ways of earning a living which will also allow him to fulfil the duties and acts of worship that Allaah has enjoined upon him, in sha Allaah.
“And whosoever fears Allaah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty).
3. And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine. And whosoever puts his trust in Allaah, then He will suffice him. Verily, Allaah will accomplish his purpose. Indeed Allaah has set a measure for all things”
[al-Talaaq 65:2-3]
If we assume that he cannot find any work other than that which has been mentioned, which is causing such hardship and the fear that the work regulations may be so strict that he cannot practise his religion fully or perform some of its duties, then he should flee for the sake of his religion from that land to a land where he will be able to fulfil his religious and worldly duties, and co-operate with other Muslims in righteousness and piety. The earth of Allaah is spacious. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“He who emigrates (from his home) in the Cause of Allaah, will find on earth many dwelling places and plenty to live by”
[al-Nisa’ 4:100]
“Say (O Muhammad): ‘O My slaves who believe (in the Oneness of Allaah Islamic Monotheism), be afraid of your Lord (Allaah) and keep your duty to Him. Good is (the reward) for those who do good in this world, and Allaah’s earth is spacious (so if you cannot worship Allaah at a place, then go to another)! Only those who are patient shall receive their reward in full, without reckoning’”
[al-Zumar 39:10]
If none of these options are possible and he is forced to do the kind of hard work that is mentioned in the question, then he should fast until he starts feeling that he is no longer coping, then he should take just enough food and drink to keep him going , then he should refrain from eating and drinking, and he has to make it up during the days when it is easy for him to fast. End quote.
Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah li’l-Buhooth al-‘Ilmiyyah wa’l-Ifta, 10/234-236.
They were also asked about a man who works in a bakery and he gets very thirsty and sweats at work. Is it permissible for him to break the fast?
They replied:
It is not permissible for him to break the fast; rather he must fast. The fact that he is baking during the day in Ramadaan is not an excuse for him to break the fast. He has to work according to what he is able to do. End quote.
Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah li’l-Buhooth al-‘Ilmiyyah wa’l-Ifta, 10/238.
And Allaah knows best.
SOURCE:
Islam Q&A
View full fatwa here :
http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/65803/hard%20work%20fasting
Those in positions of authority among the Muslims among whom are people who do hard work should examine their case when Ramadaan comes, and if possible, they should not burden them with too much work that may force them to break the fast during the day in Ramadaan, rather they should have the work done at night, or distribute work hours in a fair and just manner so that people may both work and fast.
View full fatwa here:
http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/43772/hard%20work%20fasting
Fatwa no. 65803: A person may experience great hardship during the fast but he has to be patient and seek the help of Allaah. If a person becomes thirsty during the day in Ramadaan, there is nothing wrong with him pouring water over his head to cool himself down, or rinsing his mouth out with water. If his thirst will cause him a great deal of harm or there is the fear that he may die of thirst, then it is permissible for him to break the fast, but he has to make it up later on.
But if his work is the cause of the difficulty that he is experiencing, this is not an acceptable reason for breaking the fast, if he can take a leave of absence during Ramadaan, or he can reduce his workload during this month, or he can change his work to something that is easier.
The scholars of the Standing Committee for Issuing Fatwas said:
It is well known in Islam, and no Muslim has any excuse for not knowing, that fasting the month of Ramadaan is obligatory for every adult Muslim, and it is one of the pillars of Islam. Every adult Muslim must strive to fast this month, in obedience to the command of Allaah, in the hope of His reward and for fear of His punishment, without neglecting his worldly affairs and without letting his worldly interests affect his interests in the Hereafter. If there is a conflict between the acts of worship that have been enjoined by Allaah and his work to earn a living in this world, then he must work it out so that he will be able to take care of both. In the example mentioned in the question, he can make the night his time for doing his work to earn his living, and if that is not possible then he should take a leave of absence from his work during the month of Ramadaan, even if that is without pay. If that is not possible, then he should look for another job where he can combine the two duties and his worldly duties will not affect his duties towards the Hereafter. There are many kinds of work and the ways of earning money are not limited to this kind of difficult work. The Muslim will never be without permissible ways of earning a living which will also allow him to fulfil the duties and acts of worship that Allaah has enjoined upon him, in sha Allaah.
“And whosoever fears Allaah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty).
3. And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine. And whosoever puts his trust in Allaah, then He will suffice him. Verily, Allaah will accomplish his purpose. Indeed Allaah has set a measure for all things”
[al-Talaaq 65:2-3]
If we assume that he cannot find any work other than that which has been mentioned, which is causing such hardship and the fear that the work regulations may be so strict that he cannot practise his religion fully or perform some of its duties, then he should flee for the sake of his religion from that land to a land where he will be able to fulfil his religious and worldly duties, and co-operate with other Muslims in righteousness and piety. The earth of Allaah is spacious. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“He who emigrates (from his home) in the Cause of Allaah, will find on earth many dwelling places and plenty to live by”
[al-Nisa’ 4:100]
“Say (O Muhammad): ‘O My slaves who believe (in the Oneness of Allaah Islamic Monotheism), be afraid of your Lord (Allaah) and keep your duty to Him. Good is (the reward) for those who do good in this world, and Allaah’s earth is spacious (so if you cannot worship Allaah at a place, then go to another)! Only those who are patient shall receive their reward in full, without reckoning’”
[al-Zumar 39:10]
If none of these options are possible and he is forced to do the kind of hard work that is mentioned in the question, then he should fast until he starts feeling that he is no longer coping, then he should take just enough food and drink to keep him going , then he should refrain from eating and drinking, and he has to make it up during the days when it is easy for him to fast. End quote.
Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah li’l-Buhooth al-‘Ilmiyyah wa’l-Ifta, 10/234-236.
They were also asked about a man who works in a bakery and he gets very thirsty and sweats at work. Is it permissible for him to break the fast?
They replied:
It is not permissible for him to break the fast; rather he must fast. The fact that he is baking during the day in Ramadaan is not an excuse for him to break the fast. He has to work according to what he is able to do. End quote.
Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah li’l-Buhooth al-‘Ilmiyyah wa’l-Ifta, 10/238.
And Allaah knows best.
SOURCE:
Islam Q&A
View full fatwa here :
http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/65803/hard%20work%20fasting
Brushing teeth while Fasting
Shaykh Ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him) was asked about using toothpaste whilst fasting. He said: there is nothing wrong with that so long as one is careful to avoid swallowing any of it, just as it is prescribed in Islam for the fasting person to use the siwaak (tooth-stick)
Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn Baaz, 4/247
Shaykh Muhammad al-Saalih ibn ‘Uthaymeen said:
… This leads us to the question: Is it permissible to use a toothbrush and toothpaste whilst fasting or not?
The answer is that it is permitted, but it is preferable not to use them because the toothpaste is too strong and may go down into the throat. Instead of doing that during the day, one should do it at night.
Al-Sharh al-Mumti’ by Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, 6/407, 408
Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid
Islam Q&A
Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid
Fatwa no. 13619
Fatwa no. 1312: If tooth paste does not get into the throat, then the fast is not broken. However, it would be better to use tooth paste at night and to Sewaak at day time.
Islam Q&A
Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid
Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn Baaz, 4/247
Shaykh Muhammad al-Saalih ibn ‘Uthaymeen said:
… This leads us to the question: Is it permissible to use a toothbrush and toothpaste whilst fasting or not?
The answer is that it is permitted, but it is preferable not to use them because the toothpaste is too strong and may go down into the throat. Instead of doing that during the day, one should do it at night.
Al-Sharh al-Mumti’ by Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, 6/407, 408
Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid
Islam Q&A
Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid
Fatwa no. 13619
Fatwa no. 1312: If tooth paste does not get into the throat, then the fast is not broken. However, it would be better to use tooth paste at night and to Sewaak at day time.
Islam Q&A
Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid
Donating Blood Invalidates Fasting
Letting blood by means of cupping invalidates fasting.
Because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The cupper and the one for whom cupping is done have both invalidated their fast.” Narrated by Abu Dawood, 2367; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood, 2047.
Donating blood comes under the same heading as cupping, because it affects the body in the same way.
Based on this, it is not permissible for a person who is fasting to donate blood unless it is essential, in which case it is permissible. In that case the donor has broken his fast and must make up that day later on. Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, Majaalis Shahr Ramadaan, p. 71
If a person suffers a nosebleed, his fast is valid, because that happened involuntarily. Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah, 10/264
With regard to bleeding that results from extraction of a tooth, surgery or a blood test etc., that does not invalidate the fast because it is not cupping or something that is similar to cupping, unless it has an effect on the body similar to that of cupping.
SOURCE:
Islam Q&A
Fatwa no.38023
Because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The cupper and the one for whom cupping is done have both invalidated their fast.” Narrated by Abu Dawood, 2367; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood, 2047.
Donating blood comes under the same heading as cupping, because it affects the body in the same way.
Based on this, it is not permissible for a person who is fasting to donate blood unless it is essential, in which case it is permissible. In that case the donor has broken his fast and must make up that day later on. Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, Majaalis Shahr Ramadaan, p. 71
If a person suffers a nosebleed, his fast is valid, because that happened involuntarily. Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah, 10/264
With regard to bleeding that results from extraction of a tooth, surgery or a blood test etc., that does not invalidate the fast because it is not cupping or something that is similar to cupping, unless it has an effect on the body similar to that of cupping.
SOURCE:
Islam Q&A
Fatwa no.38023
Friday, August 13, 2010
Does not fast in Ramadan
Question:
I do not fast. Will I be punished on the Day of Resurrection?
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
Fasting in Ramadaan is one of the pillars on which Islam is built. Allaah tells us that He has prescribed it for the believers of this ummah [nation], as He prescribed it for those who came before them. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“O you who believe! Observing As-Sawm (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious”
[al-Baqarah 2:183]
“The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’aan, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan i.e. is present at his home), he must observe Sawm (fasts) that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe Sawm (fasts) must be made up] from other days. Allaah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you. (He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allaah [i.e. to say Takbeer (Allaahu Akbar: Allaah is the Most Great)] for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him”
[al-Baqarah 2:185]
I do not fast. Will I be punished on the Day of Resurrection?
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
Fasting in Ramadaan is one of the pillars on which Islam is built. Allaah tells us that He has prescribed it for the believers of this ummah [nation], as He prescribed it for those who came before them. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“O you who believe! Observing As-Sawm (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious”
[al-Baqarah 2:183]
“The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’aan, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan i.e. is present at his home), he must observe Sawm (fasts) that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe Sawm (fasts) must be made up] from other days. Allaah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you. (He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allaah [i.e. to say Takbeer (Allaahu Akbar: Allaah is the Most Great)] for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him”
[al-Baqarah 2:185]
Having Injections During the day in Ramadan
Two scenarios may apply to having injections during the day in Ramadaan:
1 – Where the injection provides nourishment that takes the place of food and drink; this kind of injection invalidates the fast because it is like eating and drinking.
2 – Where what is injected is not a kind of nourishment; this does not break the fast or affect it. In this case it makes no difference whether the injection is into a vein or a muscle.
But if it is possible to have these injections at night, that is better and more on the safe side with regard to the fast.
Shaykh Ibn Baaz (15/257) was asked about the ruling on a person who had intravenous and intramuscular injections during the day in Ramadaan when he was fasting and completed his fast – was his fast invalidated and does he have to make it up, or not?
He replied:
His fast is valid, because an injection into a vein is not like eating or drinking; this applies more so in the case on an intramuscular injection. But if he makes it up in order to be on the safe side, that is better. If it can be delayed until nighttime, if he needs to have it, that is better too, so as to avoid an area of scholarly dispute.
Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen was asked in Fataawa al-Siyaam (p. 220) about the ruling on having injections into a vein, muscle or the buttock.
He replied:
There is nothing wrong with having injections into a vein, muscle or buttock, and that does not break the fast, because this is not one of the things that break the fast; it is not food or drink, and it is not like eating or drinking. We have already explained that this does not have any effect on the fast. What does affect the fast is when a sick person is given an injection of something that takes the place of food and drink.
The Standing Committee (10/252) was asked about the ruling on administering medicine via injection during the day in Ramadaan, whether that is nourishment or medication.
They replied: it is permissible to administer medicine by needle into a muscle or vein to a fasting person during the day in Ramadaan, but it is not permissible for the fasting person to be given a nourishing injection during the day in Ramadaan, because that comes under the ruling on eating or drinking, so that injection is regarded as a means of breaking the fast in Ramadaan. If the injection can be given into a muscle or vein at night, that is better.
SOURCE:
Islam Q&A
Fatwa no. 49706
1 – Where the injection provides nourishment that takes the place of food and drink; this kind of injection invalidates the fast because it is like eating and drinking.
2 – Where what is injected is not a kind of nourishment; this does not break the fast or affect it. In this case it makes no difference whether the injection is into a vein or a muscle.
But if it is possible to have these injections at night, that is better and more on the safe side with regard to the fast.
Shaykh Ibn Baaz (15/257) was asked about the ruling on a person who had intravenous and intramuscular injections during the day in Ramadaan when he was fasting and completed his fast – was his fast invalidated and does he have to make it up, or not?
He replied:
His fast is valid, because an injection into a vein is not like eating or drinking; this applies more so in the case on an intramuscular injection. But if he makes it up in order to be on the safe side, that is better. If it can be delayed until nighttime, if he needs to have it, that is better too, so as to avoid an area of scholarly dispute.
Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen was asked in Fataawa al-Siyaam (p. 220) about the ruling on having injections into a vein, muscle or the buttock.
He replied:
There is nothing wrong with having injections into a vein, muscle or buttock, and that does not break the fast, because this is not one of the things that break the fast; it is not food or drink, and it is not like eating or drinking. We have already explained that this does not have any effect on the fast. What does affect the fast is when a sick person is given an injection of something that takes the place of food and drink.
The Standing Committee (10/252) was asked about the ruling on administering medicine via injection during the day in Ramadaan, whether that is nourishment or medication.
They replied: it is permissible to administer medicine by needle into a muscle or vein to a fasting person during the day in Ramadaan, but it is not permissible for the fasting person to be given a nourishing injection during the day in Ramadaan, because that comes under the ruling on eating or drinking, so that injection is regarded as a means of breaking the fast in Ramadaan. If the injection can be given into a muscle or vein at night, that is better.
SOURCE:
Islam Q&A
Fatwa no. 49706
Insulin injections taken by a diabetic do not invalidate the fast
There is nothing wrong with you taking these injections during the day for the purpose of medical treatment, and you do not have to make up those fasts. If you can take them at night without that causing you any hardship, that is better.
And Allaah is the Source of strength. May Allaah send blessings and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon his family and companions.
Standing Committee for Academic Research and Issuing Fatwas, 10/252.
SOURCE:
Islam Q&A
Fatwa no. 37892
And Allaah is the Source of strength. May Allaah send blessings and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon his family and companions.
Standing Committee for Academic Research and Issuing Fatwas, 10/252.
SOURCE:
Islam Q&A
Fatwa no. 37892
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Does wearing lipstick when fasting break the fast?
All kinds of preparations that are put on the outside of the body, whether they are absorbed through the skin or not, and whether they are for treatment, moisturizing, beautification or any other purpose, do not break the fast unless they are swallowed by the fasting person.
The mere fact that it has a taste does not affect the fast so long as one does not swallow anything.
The mere fact that it has a taste does not affect the fast so long as one does not swallow anything.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
The chaining up of the devils in Ramadaan
Question:
We know that in Ramadaan the devils (we seek refuge with Allaah from them) are chained up. And I would like to know whether the practitioners of sihr (magic, witchcraft) – may the curse of Allaah be upon them – practise their craft in this month?
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
Yes, the devils may whisper to man in Ramadaan, and the practitioners of witchcraft may practise their craft during Ramadaan, but that undoubtedly happens to a lesser extent than at times other than Ramadaan.
We know that in Ramadaan the devils (we seek refuge with Allaah from them) are chained up. And I would like to know whether the practitioners of sihr (magic, witchcraft) – may the curse of Allaah be upon them – practise their craft in this month?
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
Yes, the devils may whisper to man in Ramadaan, and the practitioners of witchcraft may practise their craft during Ramadaan, but that undoubtedly happens to a lesser extent than at times other than Ramadaan.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Intention
The Prophet peace be upon him said,
"The reward of deeds depends upon the intentions and every person will get the reward according to what he has intented."
[Bukhari, pg. 49, no. 1]
--> The point which becomes evident from this Hadith is that Iklas (sincerity) is a must for every action. In other words, in every righteous deeds, one should seek only the Pleasure of Allah; otherwise, it will not be accepted by Allah.
SOURCE:
Title : Riyad-us-Saliheen
Complied by: Al-Imam Abu Zakariya Yahya bin Sharaf An-Nawai Ad-Dimashqi
Commentary by: Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf
Volume: One
First Edition: June 1999
"The reward of deeds depends upon the intentions and every person will get the reward according to what he has intented."
[Bukhari, pg. 49, no. 1]
--> The point which becomes evident from this Hadith is that Iklas (sincerity) is a must for every action. In other words, in every righteous deeds, one should seek only the Pleasure of Allah; otherwise, it will not be accepted by Allah.
SOURCE:
Title : Riyad-us-Saliheen
Complied by: Al-Imam Abu Zakariya Yahya bin Sharaf An-Nawai Ad-Dimashqi
Commentary by: Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf
Volume: One
First Edition: June 1999
Ruling on masturbation and how to cure the problem
Praise be to Allaah.
Masturbation (for both men and women) is haraam (forbidden) in Islam based on the following evidence:
First from the Qur’aan:
Imam Shafi’i stated that masturbation is forbidden based on the following verses from the Qur’aan (interpretation of the meaning):
"And those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts, from illegal sexual acts). Except from their wives or (the captives and slaves) that their right hands possess, - for them, they are free from blame. But whoever seeks beyond that, then those are the transgressors." 23.5-7 Here the verses are clear in forbidding all illegal sexual acts (including masturbation) except for the wives or that their right hand possess. And whoever seeks beyond that is the transgressor.
Masturbation (for both men and women) is haraam (forbidden) in Islam based on the following evidence:
First from the Qur’aan:
Imam Shafi’i stated that masturbation is forbidden based on the following verses from the Qur’aan (interpretation of the meaning):
"And those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts, from illegal sexual acts). Except from their wives or (the captives and slaves) that their right hands possess, - for them, they are free from blame. But whoever seeks beyond that, then those are the transgressors." 23.5-7 Here the verses are clear in forbidding all illegal sexual acts (including masturbation) except for the wives or that their right hand possess. And whoever seeks beyond that is the transgressor.
Is work one of the excuses for which it is permissible to delay prayer beyond its time?
It is not permissible for a Muslim to delay his/her prayers beyond the time when they are due without a legitimate excuse. Legitimate excuses which allow a Muslim to delay his/her prayers until the time for them is over include sleeping and forgetting. Doing worldly work is not an excuse for not praying or for delaying a prayer until its time is over. Rather one of the characteristics of the sincere believers is that they do not let business or trade distract them from remembering Allaah and establishing regular prayer.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Muslim Names: Men not be given the attributes of Allah
Tawheed Al-Asmaa Was-Sifaat requires that man not be given the attributes of Allah.
In maintaining the unity of Allah’s names, Allah’s names cannot be given to His creation unless Abd comes before His name. Abd meaning “slave of” or “servant of”.
Names such as Ra’oof and Raheem are allowable names for men because Allah has used them to refer to the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam):
“A messenger has come to you from amongst yourselves to whom anything which burdens you is grievous. He is full of concern for you and is full of pity (Ra’oof) and full of mercy (Raheem).”
[Surah at-Tawbah 9:128]
But names such as Ar-Ra’oof (the One Most Full of Pity) and Ar- Raheem (the Most Merciful) represents a level of perfection which can only belong to Allah and it can only be used to refer to men if Abd is written before the names such as Abdur-Ra’oof or Abdur-Raheem.
Also, names like Abdur-Rasool (slave of the messenger), Abdur-Nabee (slave of the Prophet), Abdul-Husayn (slave of Husayn), etc., where people name themselves slaves to other than Allah are also not allowed. Based on this principle, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) forbade Muslims from referring to those put under their charge as Abdee (my slave) or Amatee (my slave girl).
Source(s):
Ibn Yasin (editor), Who is your Rabb?
www.discoverislamaustralia.com
In maintaining the unity of Allah’s names, Allah’s names cannot be given to His creation unless Abd comes before His name. Abd meaning “slave of” or “servant of”.
Names such as Ra’oof and Raheem are allowable names for men because Allah has used them to refer to the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam):
“A messenger has come to you from amongst yourselves to whom anything which burdens you is grievous. He is full of concern for you and is full of pity (Ra’oof) and full of mercy (Raheem).”
[Surah at-Tawbah 9:128]
But names such as Ar-Ra’oof (the One Most Full of Pity) and Ar- Raheem (the Most Merciful) represents a level of perfection which can only belong to Allah and it can only be used to refer to men if Abd is written before the names such as Abdur-Ra’oof or Abdur-Raheem.
Also, names like Abdur-Rasool (slave of the messenger), Abdur-Nabee (slave of the Prophet), Abdul-Husayn (slave of Husayn), etc., where people name themselves slaves to other than Allah are also not allowed. Based on this principle, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) forbade Muslims from referring to those put under their charge as Abdee (my slave) or Amatee (my slave girl).
Source(s):
Ibn Yasin (editor), Who is your Rabb?
www.discoverislamaustralia.com
At what age should a child fast?
Allah has enjoined parents to raise their children to do acts of worship. Allah commands them to teach their children the prayer when they are seven years old, and to smack them if they do not do it when they are ten years old. The Sahaabah (may Allah be pleased with them) used to make their children fast when they were small so as to make them get used to this great act of worship. All of that is indicative of great concern to raise one's children with the best of attributes and deeds.
It was narrated that al-Rubayyi’ bint Mu’awwidh ibn ‘Afra’ (may Allah be pleased with her) said: On the morning of ‘Ashoora’, the Messenger of Allaah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) sent word to the villages of the Ansaar around Madeenah, saying: “Whoever started the day fasting, let him complete his fast, and whoever started the day not fasting, let him complete the rest of the day (without food).”
After that, we used to fast on this day, and we would make our children fast too, even the little ones in sha Allaah. We would make them toys out of wool, and if one of them cried for food, we would give (that toy) to him until it was time to break the fast.
Narrated by al-Bukhaari (1960) and Muslim (1136).
‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said to one who was drunk during Ramadan: “Woe to you! Even our children are fasting!” And he hit him. Narrated by al-Bukhaari in a mu’allaq report, Bab Sawm al-Subyaan (Chapter on the fast of children).
The age at which parents should start teaching their children to fast is the age when they are able to fast, which varies according to the physical constitution of each child, but some scholars have defined it as the age of ten years.
With regard to means of helping children to get used to fasting, that may involve a number of things, such as:
1. Telling them of the virtues of fasting and that it is one of the most important means of entering Paradise, and that in Paradise there is a gate called al-Rayyaan through which those who fast will enter.
2. Prior experience of getting used to fasting, such as fasting a few days in the month of Sha’ban, so that fasting in Ramadan will not come as a shock to them.
3. Fasting part of the day and increasing the time gradually.
4. Delaying sahoor until the last part of the night. That will help them to fast during the day.
5. Encouraging them to fast by giving them rewards each day or each week.
6. Praising them in front of the family at the time of iftaar and sahoor, because that will raise their morale.
7. Instilling a spirit of competition for the one who has more than one child, whilst remembering that it is essential not to rebuke the one who is struggling.
8. Distracting the one who gets hungry by letting him sleep or play permissible games that do not involve effort, as the noble Sahaabah used to do with their children. There are suitable programmes for children and cartoons on the trustworthy Islamic channels with which you can distract them.
9. It is preferable for the father to take his son -- especially after ‘Asr -- to attend the prayer and lessons, and to stay in the mosque to read Qur'aan and remember Allah.
10. Arranging visits during the day and night to families whose young children are also fasting, so as to encourage them to carry on fasting.
11. Rewarding them with permissible trips after iftaar, or making the kinds of food, sweets, fruits and juices that they want.
It should be noted that if the child becomes too exhausted, you should not insist that he completes the fast, so that this will not make him hate acts of worship or lead to him lying or make him sick, because he is not yet one of those who are accountable. It is important to pay attention to this and not be harsh with regard to telling the child to fast.
And Allah knows best.
Islam Q&A
Fatwa no. 139252
It was narrated that al-Rubayyi’ bint Mu’awwidh ibn ‘Afra’ (may Allah be pleased with her) said: On the morning of ‘Ashoora’, the Messenger of Allaah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) sent word to the villages of the Ansaar around Madeenah, saying: “Whoever started the day fasting, let him complete his fast, and whoever started the day not fasting, let him complete the rest of the day (without food).”
After that, we used to fast on this day, and we would make our children fast too, even the little ones in sha Allaah. We would make them toys out of wool, and if one of them cried for food, we would give (that toy) to him until it was time to break the fast.
Narrated by al-Bukhaari (1960) and Muslim (1136).
‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said to one who was drunk during Ramadan: “Woe to you! Even our children are fasting!” And he hit him. Narrated by al-Bukhaari in a mu’allaq report, Bab Sawm al-Subyaan (Chapter on the fast of children).
The age at which parents should start teaching their children to fast is the age when they are able to fast, which varies according to the physical constitution of each child, but some scholars have defined it as the age of ten years.
With regard to means of helping children to get used to fasting, that may involve a number of things, such as:
1. Telling them of the virtues of fasting and that it is one of the most important means of entering Paradise, and that in Paradise there is a gate called al-Rayyaan through which those who fast will enter.
2. Prior experience of getting used to fasting, such as fasting a few days in the month of Sha’ban, so that fasting in Ramadan will not come as a shock to them.
3. Fasting part of the day and increasing the time gradually.
4. Delaying sahoor until the last part of the night. That will help them to fast during the day.
5. Encouraging them to fast by giving them rewards each day or each week.
6. Praising them in front of the family at the time of iftaar and sahoor, because that will raise their morale.
7. Instilling a spirit of competition for the one who has more than one child, whilst remembering that it is essential not to rebuke the one who is struggling.
8. Distracting the one who gets hungry by letting him sleep or play permissible games that do not involve effort, as the noble Sahaabah used to do with their children. There are suitable programmes for children and cartoons on the trustworthy Islamic channels with which you can distract them.
9. It is preferable for the father to take his son -- especially after ‘Asr -- to attend the prayer and lessons, and to stay in the mosque to read Qur'aan and remember Allah.
10. Arranging visits during the day and night to families whose young children are also fasting, so as to encourage them to carry on fasting.
11. Rewarding them with permissible trips after iftaar, or making the kinds of food, sweets, fruits and juices that they want.
It should be noted that if the child becomes too exhausted, you should not insist that he completes the fast, so that this will not make him hate acts of worship or lead to him lying or make him sick, because he is not yet one of those who are accountable. It is important to pay attention to this and not be harsh with regard to telling the child to fast.
And Allah knows best.
Islam Q&A
Fatwa no. 139252
Etiquette of making dua (supplications)
Praise be to Allaah.
Firstly:
Allaah loves to be asked, and He encourages that in all things. He is angry with the one who does not ask of Him and He encourages His slaves to ask of Him. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And your Lord said: “Invoke Me [i.e. believe in My Oneness (Islamic Monotheism) and ask Me for anything] I will respond to your (invocation)” [Ghaafir 40:60]
Du’aa’ is very important in Islam, so much so that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Du’aa’ is worship.” Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 3372; Abu Dawood, 1479; Ibn Maajah, 3828; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi, 2590.
Secondly:
The etiquette of du’aa’:
1 – The one who is making du’aa’ should believe in Tawheed with regard to the divinity, Lordship, names and attributes of Allaah. His heart should be filled with Tawheed. In order for Allaah to respond to the du’aa’, it is essential that the person should be responding to his Lord by obeying Him and not disobeying Him. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And when My slaves ask you (O Muhammad) concerning Me, then (answer them), I am indeed near (to them by My Knowledge). I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on Me (without any mediator or intercessor). So let them obey Me and believe in Me, so that they may be led aright” [al-Baqarah 2:186]
2 – Sincerity towards Allaah alone in making du’aa’. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And they were commanded not, but that they should worship Allaah, and worship none but Him Alone (abstaining from ascribing partners to Him)” [al-Bayyinah 98:5]
Du’aa’ is worship, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, so sincerity (ikhlaas) is a condition of its being accepted.
3 – We should ask of Allaah by His most beautiful names. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And (all) the Most Beautiful Names belong to Allaah, so call on Him by them, and leave the company of those who belie or deny (or utter impious speech against) His Names” [al-A’raaf 7:180]
4 – We should praise Allaah as He deserves before we call upon Him. Al-Tirmidhi (3476) narrated that Fadaalah ibn ‘Ubayd (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: Whilst the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was sitting, a man came in and prayed and said, “O Allaah, forgive me and have mercy on me.” The Messenger of Allaah (S) said, “You have been too hasty, O worshipper. When you have prayed and are sitting, praise Allaah as He deserves to be praised, and send blessings upon me, then call upon Him.” According to another version (3477): “When one of you prays, let him start with praise of Allaah, then let him send blessings upon the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), then let him ask whatever he likes after that.” Then another man prayed after that, and he praised Allaah and sent blessings upon the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “O worshipper, ask and you will be answered.” Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi, 2765, 2767.
5 – Sending blessings upon the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Every du’aa’ is kept back until you send blessings upon the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him).” Narrated by al-Tabaraani in al-Awsat, 1/220; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami’, 4399.
6 – Facing towards the qiblah. Muslim (1763) narrated that ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: On the day of Badr, the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) looked at the mushrikeen, who were one thousand strong, and his companions numbered three hundred and nineteen. Then the Prophet of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) turned to face the qiblah, then he stretched forth his hands and started to cry out to his Lord: “O Allaah, grant me what You have promised me, O Allaah, give me what You have promised me. O Allaah, if this small band of Muslims perishes, You will not be worshipped on earth.” He kept on crying out to his Lord, stretching forth his hands, facing towards the qiblah, until his cloak fell from his shoulders…
al-Nawawi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in Sharh Muslim: This shows that it is mustahabb to face towards the qiblah when making du’aa’, and to raise the hands.
7 – Raising the hands. Abu Dawood (1488) narrated that Salmaan (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Your Lord, may He be blessed and exalted, is Kind and Most Generous, and He is too kind to let His slave, if he raises his hands to Him, bring them back empty.” Classed as saheeh by Shaykh al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood, 1320.
The palm of the hand should be raised heavenwards, in the manner of a humble beggar who hopes to be given something. Abu Dawood (1486) narrated from Maalik ibn Yasaar (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “When you ask of Allaah, ask of Him with the palms of your hands, not with the backs of them.” Classed as saheeh by Shaykh al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood, 1318.
Should the hands be held together when raising them or should there be a gap between them?
Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) stated in al-Sharh al-Mumti’ (4/25) that they should be held together. What he said is: “As for separating them and holding them far apart from one another, there is no basis for that in the Sunnah or in the words of the scholars.” End quote.
8 – Having certain faith that Allaah will respond, and focusing with proper presence of mind, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Call upon Allaah when you are certain of a response, and remember that Allaah will not answer a du’aa’ that comes from a negligent and heedless heart.” Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 3479; classed as hasan by Shaykh al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi, 2766.
9 – Asking frequently. A person should ask his Lord for whatever he wants of the good things in this world and the Hereafter, and he should beseech Allaah in du’aa’, and not seek a hasty response, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The slave will receive a response so long as his du’aa’ does not involve sin or severing of family ties, and so long as he is not hasty.” It was said, “What does being hasty mean?” He said: “When he says, ‘I made du’aa’ and I made du’aa’, and I have not seen any response,’ and he gets frustrated and stops making du’aa’.” Narrated by al-Bukahari, 6340; Muslim, 2735.
10. He should be firm in his du’aa’, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “No one of you should say, ‘O Allaah, forgive me if You wish, O Allaah, have mercy on me if You wish’; he should be firm in his asking, for Allaah cannot be compelled.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 6339; Muslim, 2679.
11 – Beseeching, humility, hope and fear. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Invoke your Lord with humility and in secret” [al-A’raaf 7:55]
“Verily, they used to hasten on to do good deeds, and they used to call on Us with hope and fear, and used to humble themselves before Us” [al-Anbiya’ 21:60]
“And remember your Lord within yourself, humbly and with fear and without loudness in words in the mornings and in the afternoons” [al-A’raaf 7:20]
12 – Saying du’aa’s three times. Al-Bukhaari (240) and Muslim (1794) narrated that ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Mas’ood (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “Whilst the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was praying at the Ka’bah, Abu Jahl and his companions were sitting nearby. They had slaughtered a camel the previous day, and Abu Jahl said: “Which of you will go and get the abdominal contents of the camel of Banu So and so and put it on the back of Muhammad when he prostrates?” The worst of the people went and got it, and when the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) prostrated, he placed it between his shoulders. They started laughing, leaning against one another. I was standing there watching, and if I had had any power, I would have lifted it from the back of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) remained in prostration, not lifting his head, until someone went and told Faatimah. She came with Juwayriyah, and lifted it from him, then she turned to them and rebuked them. When the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) had finished his prayer, he raised his voice and prayed against them – and when he made du’aa’ or asked of Allaah he would repeat it three times – and he said: “O Allaah, punish Quraysh” three times. When they heard his voice, they stopped laughing and were afraid because of his du’aa’. Then he said, “O Allaah, punish Abu Jahl ibn Hishaam, ‘Utbah ibn Rabee’ah, Shaybah ibn Rabee’ah, al-Waleed ibn ‘Uqbah, Umayyah ibn Khalaf and ‘Uqbah ibn Abu Mu’ayt,” and he mentioned the seventh but I cannot remember who it was. By the One Who sent Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) with the truth, I saw those whom he had named slain on the day of Badr, then they were dragged and thrown into the well, the well of Badr.
13 – Ensuring that one’s food and clothing are good (i.e., halaal). Muslim (1015) narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “O people, Allaah is Good and does not accept anything but that which is good. Allaah enjoins upon the believers the same as He enjoined upon the Messengers. He says (interpretation of the meaning):
‘O (you) Messengers! Eat of the Tayyibaat [all kinds of Halaal (lawful) foods which Allaah has made lawful (meat of slaughtered eatable animals, milk products, fats, vegetables, fruits)] and do righteous deeds. Verily, I am Well‑Acquainted with what you do’ [al-Mu’minoon 23:51]
‘O you who believe (in the Oneness of Allaah — Islamic Monotheism)! Eat of the lawful things that We have provided you with’ [al-Baqarah 2:172]
Then he mentioned a man who travels for a long distance and is disheveled and dusty, and he stretches forth his hands towards heaven saying, ‘O Lord, O Lord,’ but his food is haraam, his drink is haraam, his clothing is haraam, he has been nourished with haraam, so how can he be responded to?
Ibn Rajab (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: "Ensuring that one’s food, drink and clothing are halaal, and that one is nourished with halaal, is a means of having one’s du’aa’ answered".
14 – Saying du’aa’ silently and not out loud. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Invoke your Lord with humility and in secret” [al-A’raaf 7:55]
And Allaah praised His slave Zakariyyah (peace be upon him) by saying (interpretation of the meaning):
“When he called to his Lord (Allaah) a call in secret” [Maryam 19:3]
SOURCE:
Islam Q&A
Fatwa no. 36902
Firstly:
Allaah loves to be asked, and He encourages that in all things. He is angry with the one who does not ask of Him and He encourages His slaves to ask of Him. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And your Lord said: “Invoke Me [i.e. believe in My Oneness (Islamic Monotheism) and ask Me for anything] I will respond to your (invocation)” [Ghaafir 40:60]
Du’aa’ is very important in Islam, so much so that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Du’aa’ is worship.” Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 3372; Abu Dawood, 1479; Ibn Maajah, 3828; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi, 2590.
Secondly:
The etiquette of du’aa’:
1 – The one who is making du’aa’ should believe in Tawheed with regard to the divinity, Lordship, names and attributes of Allaah. His heart should be filled with Tawheed. In order for Allaah to respond to the du’aa’, it is essential that the person should be responding to his Lord by obeying Him and not disobeying Him. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And when My slaves ask you (O Muhammad) concerning Me, then (answer them), I am indeed near (to them by My Knowledge). I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on Me (without any mediator or intercessor). So let them obey Me and believe in Me, so that they may be led aright” [al-Baqarah 2:186]
2 – Sincerity towards Allaah alone in making du’aa’. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And they were commanded not, but that they should worship Allaah, and worship none but Him Alone (abstaining from ascribing partners to Him)” [al-Bayyinah 98:5]
Du’aa’ is worship, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, so sincerity (ikhlaas) is a condition of its being accepted.
3 – We should ask of Allaah by His most beautiful names. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And (all) the Most Beautiful Names belong to Allaah, so call on Him by them, and leave the company of those who belie or deny (or utter impious speech against) His Names” [al-A’raaf 7:180]
4 – We should praise Allaah as He deserves before we call upon Him. Al-Tirmidhi (3476) narrated that Fadaalah ibn ‘Ubayd (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: Whilst the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was sitting, a man came in and prayed and said, “O Allaah, forgive me and have mercy on me.” The Messenger of Allaah (S) said, “You have been too hasty, O worshipper. When you have prayed and are sitting, praise Allaah as He deserves to be praised, and send blessings upon me, then call upon Him.” According to another version (3477): “When one of you prays, let him start with praise of Allaah, then let him send blessings upon the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), then let him ask whatever he likes after that.” Then another man prayed after that, and he praised Allaah and sent blessings upon the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “O worshipper, ask and you will be answered.” Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi, 2765, 2767.
5 – Sending blessings upon the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Every du’aa’ is kept back until you send blessings upon the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him).” Narrated by al-Tabaraani in al-Awsat, 1/220; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami’, 4399.
6 – Facing towards the qiblah. Muslim (1763) narrated that ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: On the day of Badr, the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) looked at the mushrikeen, who were one thousand strong, and his companions numbered three hundred and nineteen. Then the Prophet of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) turned to face the qiblah, then he stretched forth his hands and started to cry out to his Lord: “O Allaah, grant me what You have promised me, O Allaah, give me what You have promised me. O Allaah, if this small band of Muslims perishes, You will not be worshipped on earth.” He kept on crying out to his Lord, stretching forth his hands, facing towards the qiblah, until his cloak fell from his shoulders…
al-Nawawi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in Sharh Muslim: This shows that it is mustahabb to face towards the qiblah when making du’aa’, and to raise the hands.
7 – Raising the hands. Abu Dawood (1488) narrated that Salmaan (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Your Lord, may He be blessed and exalted, is Kind and Most Generous, and He is too kind to let His slave, if he raises his hands to Him, bring them back empty.” Classed as saheeh by Shaykh al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood, 1320.
The palm of the hand should be raised heavenwards, in the manner of a humble beggar who hopes to be given something. Abu Dawood (1486) narrated from Maalik ibn Yasaar (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “When you ask of Allaah, ask of Him with the palms of your hands, not with the backs of them.” Classed as saheeh by Shaykh al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood, 1318.
Should the hands be held together when raising them or should there be a gap between them?
Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) stated in al-Sharh al-Mumti’ (4/25) that they should be held together. What he said is: “As for separating them and holding them far apart from one another, there is no basis for that in the Sunnah or in the words of the scholars.” End quote.
8 – Having certain faith that Allaah will respond, and focusing with proper presence of mind, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Call upon Allaah when you are certain of a response, and remember that Allaah will not answer a du’aa’ that comes from a negligent and heedless heart.” Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 3479; classed as hasan by Shaykh al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi, 2766.
9 – Asking frequently. A person should ask his Lord for whatever he wants of the good things in this world and the Hereafter, and he should beseech Allaah in du’aa’, and not seek a hasty response, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The slave will receive a response so long as his du’aa’ does not involve sin or severing of family ties, and so long as he is not hasty.” It was said, “What does being hasty mean?” He said: “When he says, ‘I made du’aa’ and I made du’aa’, and I have not seen any response,’ and he gets frustrated and stops making du’aa’.” Narrated by al-Bukahari, 6340; Muslim, 2735.
10. He should be firm in his du’aa’, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “No one of you should say, ‘O Allaah, forgive me if You wish, O Allaah, have mercy on me if You wish’; he should be firm in his asking, for Allaah cannot be compelled.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 6339; Muslim, 2679.
11 – Beseeching, humility, hope and fear. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Invoke your Lord with humility and in secret” [al-A’raaf 7:55]
“Verily, they used to hasten on to do good deeds, and they used to call on Us with hope and fear, and used to humble themselves before Us” [al-Anbiya’ 21:60]
“And remember your Lord within yourself, humbly and with fear and without loudness in words in the mornings and in the afternoons” [al-A’raaf 7:20]
12 – Saying du’aa’s three times. Al-Bukhaari (240) and Muslim (1794) narrated that ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Mas’ood (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “Whilst the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was praying at the Ka’bah, Abu Jahl and his companions were sitting nearby. They had slaughtered a camel the previous day, and Abu Jahl said: “Which of you will go and get the abdominal contents of the camel of Banu So and so and put it on the back of Muhammad when he prostrates?” The worst of the people went and got it, and when the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) prostrated, he placed it between his shoulders. They started laughing, leaning against one another. I was standing there watching, and if I had had any power, I would have lifted it from the back of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) remained in prostration, not lifting his head, until someone went and told Faatimah. She came with Juwayriyah, and lifted it from him, then she turned to them and rebuked them. When the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) had finished his prayer, he raised his voice and prayed against them – and when he made du’aa’ or asked of Allaah he would repeat it three times – and he said: “O Allaah, punish Quraysh” three times. When they heard his voice, they stopped laughing and were afraid because of his du’aa’. Then he said, “O Allaah, punish Abu Jahl ibn Hishaam, ‘Utbah ibn Rabee’ah, Shaybah ibn Rabee’ah, al-Waleed ibn ‘Uqbah, Umayyah ibn Khalaf and ‘Uqbah ibn Abu Mu’ayt,” and he mentioned the seventh but I cannot remember who it was. By the One Who sent Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) with the truth, I saw those whom he had named slain on the day of Badr, then they were dragged and thrown into the well, the well of Badr.
13 – Ensuring that one’s food and clothing are good (i.e., halaal). Muslim (1015) narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “O people, Allaah is Good and does not accept anything but that which is good. Allaah enjoins upon the believers the same as He enjoined upon the Messengers. He says (interpretation of the meaning):
‘O (you) Messengers! Eat of the Tayyibaat [all kinds of Halaal (lawful) foods which Allaah has made lawful (meat of slaughtered eatable animals, milk products, fats, vegetables, fruits)] and do righteous deeds. Verily, I am Well‑Acquainted with what you do’ [al-Mu’minoon 23:51]
‘O you who believe (in the Oneness of Allaah — Islamic Monotheism)! Eat of the lawful things that We have provided you with’ [al-Baqarah 2:172]
Then he mentioned a man who travels for a long distance and is disheveled and dusty, and he stretches forth his hands towards heaven saying, ‘O Lord, O Lord,’ but his food is haraam, his drink is haraam, his clothing is haraam, he has been nourished with haraam, so how can he be responded to?
Ibn Rajab (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: "Ensuring that one’s food, drink and clothing are halaal, and that one is nourished with halaal, is a means of having one’s du’aa’ answered".
14 – Saying du’aa’ silently and not out loud. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Invoke your Lord with humility and in secret” [al-A’raaf 7:55]
And Allaah praised His slave Zakariyyah (peace be upon him) by saying (interpretation of the meaning):
“When he called to his Lord (Allaah) a call in secret” [Maryam 19:3]
SOURCE:
Islam Q&A
Fatwa no. 36902
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