Part 3
26721: Principles and guidelines for Muslims'
relations with non-Muslims
Question:
We want to know in detail how Muslims regard
non-Muslims, and how they should deal with them according to
Islamic sharee'ah?
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
1- Islam is the religion of mercy and justice.
2- Muslims are commanded to call non-Muslims to Islam
with wisdom and beautiful preaching and by debating in a
manner that is better. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"And argue not with the people of the Scripture (Jews
and Christians), unless it be in (a way) that is better (with good
words and in good manner, inviting them to Islamic Monotheism
with His Verses), except with such of them as do wrong"
[al-`Ankaboot 29:46]
3- Allaah does not accept any religion other than Islam.
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never
be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers"
[Aal `Imraan 3:85]
4- The Muslims should give the kaafirs the opportunity to
hear the words of Allaah. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"And if anyone of the Mushrikoon (polytheists, idolaters,
pagans, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allaah) seeks your protection
then grant him protection so that he may hear the Word of Allaah
(the Qur'aan) and then escort him to where he can be secure"
[al-Tawbah 9:6]
5- The Muslims should differentiate between different kinds
of kaafirs in their dealings with them. They should make peace
with those who make peace, and wage war against those who
wage war, and wage jihad against those who stand in the way
of spreading the message of Islam and causing it to prevail of earth.
6- With regard to matters of love and hate in the heart,
the Muslims' attitude towards non-Muslims is based on the
latter's attitude towards Allaah. If they worship Allaah and do
not associate anything in worship with Him, then they love them.
If they associate others in worship with Him, or disbelieve in
Him, or worship others alongside Him, or are hostile towards
His religion and hate the truth, then it is obligatory to hate them
in our hearts.
7- Hating them in our hearts does not mean that we should
oppress or mistreat them under any circumstances, because Allaah
said to His Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him), describing what his attitude should be towards the People of
the Book:
"and I am commanded to do justice among you. Allaah is
our Lord and your Lord. For us our deeds and for you your deeds"
[al-Shoora 42:15 _ interpretation of the meaning]
even though he is a Muslim and they are following Judaism
or Christianity.
8- The Muslims believe that it is not permissible, under
any circumstances whatsoever, for a Muslim to mistreat a
non-Muslim who is not hostile towards Islam; so the Muslim should
not commit aggression against him, or frighten him, or terrorize
him, or steal his wealth, or embezzle him, or deprive him of his
rights, or deny him his trust, or deny him his wages, or withhold
from him the price of his goods when buying from him or
withhold the profits of a partnership if he is in a business partnership
with him.
9- The Muslims believe that it is obligatory upon the Muslims
to honour treaties or agreements made with a non-Muslim party.
If a Muslim has agreed to their conditions when seeking
permission to enter their country (i.e., a visa) and has promised to adhere
to that, then it is not permissible for him to commit mischief
in their land, to betray anyone, to steal, to kill or to do any
destructive action, and so on.
10-The Muslims believe that in the case of non-Muslims
who wage war against them and drive them out of their homes,
or help others to do so, it is permissible for Muslims to shed
the blood of these non-Muslims and confiscate their wealth.
11-The Muslims believe that it is permissible for a Muslim
to treat kindly those non-Muslims who are not hostile, whether
by offering financial help, feeding the hungry, giving them loans
if needed or interceding with regard to permissible matters,
or speaking kindly to them or returning their greetings, and so
on. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"Allaah does not forbid you to deal justly and kindly with
those who fought not against you on account of religion nor drove
you out of your homes. Verily, Allaah loves those who deal
with equity"
[al-Mumtahanah 60:8]
12-There is no reason why Muslims should not cooperate
with non-Muslims with regard to establishing truth and
combating falsehood, to support the oppressed and ward off danger
from mankind, such as cooperating to fight pollution or to protect
the environment, or to combat epidemic diseases and so on.
13-The Muslims believe that there are differences
between Muslims and non-Muslims in specific rulings such as diyah
(blood money), inheritance, marriage, guardianship in marriage,
entering Makkah etc., as is explained in the books of Islamic
fiqh (jurisprudence). This is based on the commands of Allaah
and His Messenger Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah
be upon him). We cannot regard as equal one who believes in
Allaah alone with no partner or associate and one who disbelieves
in Allaah or one who disbelieves in Allaah and joins others
in worship with Him, or who turns away from the true religion.
14-Muslims are commanded to call people to Allaah in all
the Muslim countries and other lands. They must convey the
true religion of Allaah to the world and build mosques in all parts
of the world, and send daa'iyahs (callers) to non-Muslim
countries and invite their leaders to enter the religion of Allaah.
15-The Muslims believe that other people who are following
other religions are not following any true religion, so the Muslims
do not allow others to send missionaries to build churches in
Muslim countries.
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"Is then he who is a believer like him who is a Faasiq
(disbeliever and disobedient to Allaah)? Not equal are they"
[al-Sajdah 32:18]
Whoever thinks that Islam is equal to other religions is making
a serious mistake. But the Muslim scholars have opened the
door to debate with non-Muslims and allow the opportunity to
discuss with and listen to non-Muslims and explain the truth to them.
Finally, Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"Say (O Muhammad): O people of the Scripture (Jews
and Christians): Come to a word that is just between us and you,
that we worship none but Allaah (Alone), and that we associate
no partners with Him, and that none of us shall take others as
lords besides Allaah.' Then, if they turn away, say: `Bear witness
that we are Muslims'"
[Aal `Imraan 3:64]
"And had the people of the Scripture (Jews and
Christians) believed, it would have been better for them"
[Aal `Imraan 3:110].
Islam Q&A
Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid (www.islam-qa.com)
Search Inside This Book At Google Book Search - (180 pages)
5219: Ruling on taking part in some annual celebrations
Question:
What is the Islamic ruling on taking part in some
annual celebrations and occasions, such at the International Day of
the Family, the International Day for Disabled People,
the International Year of Older Persons. Also what is the ruling
on taking part in some religious celebrations such as al-Israa'
wa'l-Mi'raaj (the anniversary of the Prophet's Night Journey and
ascent into the heavens), al-Mawlid al-Nabawi (Prophet's Birthday)
and al-Hijrah (anniversary of the Prophet's migration), by
preparing leaflets or holding lectures and Islamic conferences for
the purposes of reminding and exhorting the people (about
their religion)?
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
It seems to me that these days which are repeated every year
and the gatherings held to mark them are innovated festivals and
ways for which Allaah did not reveal any authority. The Prophet
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "Beware of
newly-invented matters, for every newly-invented matter is an
innovation (bid'ah) and every innovation is a going-astray."
(Narrated by Ahmad, Abu Dawood, al-Tirmidhi and others).
He also said: "Every people has its festival (`Eid) and this is
our festival." (Agreed upon)
Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allaah have mercy on
him) spoke at length in his book Iqtidaa' al-Siraat al-Mustaqeem
li Mukhaalifat Ashaab al-Jaheem (The Requirements of the
Straight Path in Differing from the People of Hell), condemning
the innovated occasions and festivals that have no basis in the
pure Sharee'ah and the ways in which they corrupt people's
religious commitment. Most if not all of the people have no
understanding of the damage caused by this kind of bid'ah, especially when
it has to do with acts of worship, but those who are blessed
with insight and understanding realize something of the damage
that it can do.
What people have to do is to follow the Qur'aan and
Sunnah, even when they do not entirely understand the issues of
benefit and harm that are involved.
Whoever innovates something on a certain day, such as
observing a fast, performing a prayer, preparing certain foods, putting
up decorations, spending on his family and so on, will be
affected by this and it will create some kind of belief in his heart,
because he must believe that this day is better than other days, since if
he and those who follow him did not have this belief in their
hearts, they would not make the effort to do these things.
"Celebration" or "festival" involves three things: place, time
and gathering, in any of which things may be innovated.
With regard to time, there are three kinds of innovation,
which may overlap with issues of place and actions.
The first kind is a day which is not venerated at all in
Sharee'ah, which was not mentioned by the Salaf and nothing happened
on that day to indicate that it should be held in any kind of esteem.
The second kind is a day on which some event happened
that also happened on other days, but that does not mean that it
should be regarded as a special occasion, and the Salaf did not
venerate this day.
Whoever does such a thing is imitating the Christians, who
took the days of events in the life of Jesus (peace be upon him)
as festivals, and the Jews. But festivals are part of Sharee'ah,
and whatever has been prescribed by Allaah should be followed,
but whatever has been innovated in the religion is not a part of Islam.
Similarly, the innovation followed by some people (in
celebrating the Prophet's birthday), whether it is done in imitation of
the Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus, peace be upon him,
or it is done out of love and respect for the Prophet (peace
and blessings of Allaah be upon him), is not something which
was done by the Salaf, even though the reason for doing it was
there and there was nothing to stop them doing it if it was good…
The third kind is days which are venerated by Sharee'ah, such
as the day of `Aashooraa', the day of `Arafaah and the two Eid
days, etc., but the people who follow their own desires innovate
things that they think are good but which in fact are wrong and are
not allowed _ such as when the Raafidis go without water and
express grief on the day of `Aashooraa' etc. These are innovated
matters which were not prescribed by Allaah or by His Messenger
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) or by any of the Salaf or
the members of the household of the Prophet (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him).
As regards holding regular gatherings, whether weekly,
monthly or annually, apart from the gatherings that are prescribed
in Sharee'ah, this implies that one is making them as important
as the gatherings for the five daily prayers, Jumu'ah, Eid and
Hajj, and this is a newly-invented innovation.
The principle in question here is: the Islamic acts of
worship which are repeated at certain intervals and are thus
special occasions, have been prescribed by Allaah and are sufficient
for mankind. If any other gatherings are invented in addition to
these gatherings, it means that they are being given a status equal
to that of the occasions prescribed by Allaah, which leads to
the adverse effects referred to above. This is in contrast to what
a person or a small specialized group may undertake on their
own sometimes.
On the basis of the above: it is not permissible for the Muslim
to take part in these events which are celebrated regularly
every year, because of their resemblence to the prescribed
Islamic festivals, as explained above. But if it is a "one-off" event that
is not repeated, and the Muslim can use the occasion to convey
the truth to people, then there is nothing wrong with that, in
sha Allaah. And Allaah knows best.
Masaa'il wa Rasaa'il by Muhammad al-Mahmoud al-Najdi,
p. 31 (www.islam-qa.com)
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22872: Is it prescribed to boycott innovators in this
day and age?
Question:
When is it prescribed to boycott innovators (followers of
bid'ah)? When is it prescribed to hate for the sake of Allaah? Is it
prescribed to boycott them in this day and age?
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
The believer should analyze the situation in the light of faith
and sharee'ah, and ignore his whims and desires. If his shunning
and keeping away from the innovator will not result in a greater
evil, then it is prescribed, and at the very least it is Sunnah.
Similarly, shunning those who openly commit sin is at the very least
Sunnah. But if not shunning them will be more effective because one
thinks that calling these innovators, guiding them to the Sunnah
and teaching them what Allaah has enjoined upon them will be
more effective in guiding them, then he should not hasten to shun
them, but he should hate them for the sake of Allaah just as he hates
the kaafirs and sinners. But his hatred for the kuffaar should be
greater, whilst also calling them to Allaah and striving to guide
them, acting in accordance with all the shar'i evidence. So he
should hate the innovator in accordance with the degree of his
innovation, so long as it does not imply kufr, and he should hate the sinner
in accordance with the degree of his sin, but he should also
love him for the sake of Allaah in accordance with the degree of
his Islam and faith. From this we know that shunning depends
on the situation.
Conclusion: the most correct approach is to look at the
shar'i interests involved, because the Prophet (peace and blessings
of Allaah be upon him) shunned some people and not
others, depending on the objectives of Islam. He shunned Ka'b
ibn Maalik and his two companions (may Allaah be pleased
with them) when they stayed behind from the campaign of
Tabook with no excuse. He shunned them for fifty days, until they
repented and Allaah accepted their repentance. But he did not shun
`Abd-Allaah ibn Ubayy ibn Salool and a group of those who
were accused of hypocrisy, for shar'i reasons.
The believer looks at what is in the best interests (of Islam).
This does not contradict the idea of hating the kaafirs, innovators
and sinners for the sake of Allaah and loving the Muslims for
the sake of Allaah. Attention must be paid to what is in the
general interest; if shunning is better then they should be shunned, but
if the objectives of Islam dictate that ongoing da'wah efforts
should be made rather than shunning, then that is what should be
done, following the teaching of the Prophet (peace and blessings
of Allaah be upon him). And Allaah is the Source of strength.
Majmoo' Fataawa wa Maqaalaat Mutanawwi'ah li Samaahat
al-Shaykh Ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him),
9/423. (www.islam-qa.com)
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11427: Attending the festivals of the mushrikeen
and congratulating them
Question:
Is it permissible to attend the celebrations of Christian
festivals and congratulate them?
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: it is
not permissible for the Muslims to attend the festivals of
the mushrikeen, according to the consensus of the scholars
whose words carry weight. The fuqaha' who follow the four schools
of thought have stated this clearly in their books…
Al-Bayhaqi narrated with a saheeh isnaad from `Umar ibn al-Khattaab
that he said: "Do not enter upon the mushrikeen in their churches
on the day of their festival, for divine wrath is descending
upon them." And `Umar also said: "Avoid the enemies of Allaah
on their festivals." Al-Bayhaqi narrated with a jayyid isnaad
from `Abd-Allaah ibn `Amr that he said: "Whoever settles in the
land of the non-Arabs and celebrates their new year and festival
and imitates them until he dies in that state, will be gathered
with them on the Day of Resurrection."
(Ahkaam Ahl al-Dhimmah, 1/723-724).
With regard to congratulating them on their festivals, this
has already been answered in Question no. 947, which we
advise you to refer to.
Islam Q&A
Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid
(www.islam-qa.com)
Search Inside This Book At Google Book Search - (180 pages)
12777: Prohibition on celebrating the festivals of
the kuffaar
Question:
Is it permissible for Muslims to take part in their festivals,
such as Christmas?
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
It is not permissible for the Muslim to join the kuffaar in
their festivals and to express joy and happiness on these occasions,
or to take the day off work, whether the occasion is religious
or secular, because this is a kind of imitating the enemies of
Allaah, which is forbidden, and a kind of co-operating with them
in falsehood. It was proven that the Messenger of Allaah
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "Whoever imitates
a people is one of them." And Allaah says (interpretation of
the meaning):
"Help you one another in AlBirr and AtTaqwa
(virtue, righteousness and piety); but do not help one another in sin
and transgression. And fear Allaah. Verily, Allaah is Severe
in punishment"[al-Maa'idah 5:2]
We advise you to refer to the book Iqtidaa' al-Siraat
al-Mustaqeem by Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allaah
have mercy on him), for it is very useful on this topic.
[Translator's note: This book is available in English under the title "The
Right Way," published by Darussalam, Riyadh].
And Allaah is the source of strength. May Allaah bless our
Prophet Muhammad and his family and companions, and grant
them peace.
Standing Committee on Academic Research and Issuing
Fatwas, Fatwa no. 2540. (www.islam-qa.com)
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1130: Ruling on joining in the kaafir festivals
Question:
I see many "Muslims" joining in Christmas and other
celebrations. Is there any daleel from the Quran and Sunnah that I can
present to them to show that these are indeed very sinful
practices? Jazakallah khair.
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
It is not permissible to join in the kaafir festivals for the
following reasons:
Firstly: because this entails imitating or resembling them,
and "Whoever imitates a people is one of them."
(Narrated by Abu Dawood). This is a serious warning. `Abd-Allaah ibn
al-`Aas said: Whoever lives in the land of the mushrikeen and
celebrates their Nawrooz (New Year) and their Mahrajaan (festivals),
and imitates them until he dies, he will be a loser on the Day
of Resurrection.
Secondly: taking part in their festivals is a kind of
befriending them and showing love for them. Allaah says (interpretation
of the meaning):
"O you who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians
as Awliyaa' (friends, protectors, helpers), they are but Awliyaa'
of each other. And if any amongst you takes them (as
Awliyaa'), then surely, he is one of them… "[al-Maa'idah 5:51]
"O you who believe! Take not My enemies and your
enemies (i.e. disbelievers and polytheists) as friends, showing
affection towards them" [al-Mumtahanah 60:1]
Thirdly: festivals are the matter of religion and beliefs, not
the matter of worldly customs, as is indicated by the hadeeth:
"Every nation has its Eid, and this is our Eid." Their Eid or festival
reflects their corrupt beliefs of Kufr and Shirk.
Fourthly: "And those who do not witness falsehood, and if
they pass by some evil play or evil talk, they pass it by with
dignity" [al-Furqaan 25:72 _ interpretation of the
meaning]. The scholars interpreted this aayah was referring to the festivals of
the mushrikeen. It is not permissible to give any of them cards
for their festivals, or to sell them cards or any of the other
things they need for their festivals such as lights, trees or food _
including turkey, candy canes, etc.
We have already answered a similar question, for more
details please see Question #947.
Islam Q& (www.islam-qa.com)
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4528: Muslim woman whose kaafir family celebrate
her birthday
Question:
My parents and two brothers are kufaar (they have no
religion) and they insist on making a big deal on my birthday (by
phoning me and e-mailing birthday messages and saying `happy
birthday') even though I told them many times before that I do not
celebrate my birthday and that it is just another day like the other days.
(I am the only Muslim in my family and married to a Muslim and
I live in another province in Canada away from them so they
are not close to me). This year I unplugged the phone on that day
so I could avoid the issue. What should I do?
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
We congratulate you on your steadfastness in Islam and
your avoiding bid'ah and shirk. We ask Allaah to keep you
steadfast and to admit you to His Paradise, for He is the All-hearing
Who answers prayers.
Strive hard to avoid greetings on the celebrations of
the mushrikeen, for this is a kind of resembling them and
implies that one approves of their falsehood… It would be a good idea
to tell your family why you do not respond to them, so that
they will not keep trying to contact you (on that day). And ask
Allaah to give you strength. May Allaah help you to do that which
He loves and which will earn His pleasure.
And Allaah knows best.
Islam Q&A
Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid (www.islam-qa.com)
Search Inside This Book At Google Book Search - (180 pages)
11650: Can she attend Christmas celebrations in order
to greet her relatives?
Question:
She says: I want to become Muslim, but my family gather
to celebrate Christmas, and I want to go and greet them. This is
not with the intention of celebrating or joining in, but simply to
make the most of the opportunity of my relatives getting together.
Is this allowed?
Answer:
We put this question to Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih
al-`Uthaymeen, may Allaah preserve him, who answered as follows:
No, it is not permitted. If Allaah blesses her with Islam, then
the first thing she must do is to distance herself from her
former religion and its festivals.
And Allaah knows best.
Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih al-`Uthaymeen
(www.islam-qa.com)
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12729: Giving blood to a kaafir who is not hostile
towards Islam and who is not in a state of war with us
Question:
What is the ruling about giving blood in land of Kufr that will
be probably given to a Kaafir?
There is the case of children suffering from blood illness
and they are in desperate need of blood platelets? Is the ruling
the same?
I was told by an imaam that blood should not be given?
Can you please answer with daleel?
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
Shaykh Ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him) was
asked about that and he said:
"I do not know of any reason not to do that, because Allaah
says in His Book (interpretation of the meaning):
"Allaah does not forbid you to deal justly and kindly with
those who fought not against you on account of religion nor drove
you out of your homes"
[al-Mumtahanah 60:8]
So Allaah tells us that He does not forbid us to deal justly
and kindly with those kaafirs who are not fighting us and who
have not driven us out of our homes, or with those who are in
urgent need of help. The mother of Asmaa' bint Abi Bakr
al-Siddeeq (may Allaah be pleased with her) came to her daughter
in Madeenah, at the time of the peace treaty between the
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and the people
of Makkah, and she was still a kaafir, to ask her to uphold the ties
of kinship. Asmaa' consulted the Prophet (peace and blessings
of Allaah be upon him) and he told her to uphold the ties of
kinship, saying, "Uphold the ties of kinship with your mother even
though she is a kaafir."
If a kaafir who has a peace treaty with the Muslims or is
under the protection of the Muslims, and is not hostile towards
Islam and is not in a state of war with us is in urgent need, then there
is nothing wrong with giving blood to him. You will be
rewarded for that, because there is nothing wrong with you helping
one who is in urgent need of charity or help.
From Kitaab Fataawa Noor `ala al-Darb, vol. 1, p. 376
Based on the above, if the kaafir is hostile or in a state of
war with the Muslims, then it is not permissible to give him
blood, because by doing so you are helping him in his aggression
against the Muslims. This is a very serious matter. We ask Allaah to
keep us safe and sound.
Islam Q&A
Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid (www.islam-qa.com)
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14004: It is not permissible for a Muslim to fight
with kaafirs against the Muslims at all
Question:
I work in the army of a non-Muslim state, and there are
wars between them and the Muslims. What is the ruling if they
send me with a division of this army to wage war against the
Muslims? As a Muslim, my feelings are that I never want to fight
against Muslims in any war.
What should I do?
What is the ruling if I go…?
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
If you are sent to wage war against the Muslims, then it is
not permissible for you to take part at all. Helping the kaafirs
against the Muslims is a form of major kufr which puts one beyond
the pale of Islam. Allaah says concerning one who supports
the mushrikeen (interpretation of the meaning):
"And if any amongst you takes them (as Awliyaa', i.e.,
friends), then surely, he is one of them"[al-Maa'idah
5:51]
With regard to how you may get out of this situation, and
what excuse you can give to get out of this dilemma if it happens,
we ask Allaah to help you, and we suggest that you consult
some Muslims who have relevant knowledge or experience.
We want to emphasize to you the necessity of finding
other employment and of leaving service in the army of the
kaafirs, because that implies helping them, strengthening them
and increasing the numbers of their fighters and supporters _
unless your work can bring some benefits to the Muslims, such as
giving information and secrets of the kaafirs to the Muslims so as
to help the Muslims, or if your work is purely da'wah, such as
giving khutbahs and leading prayers for the Muslims in the kaafir
army whilst also advising them to avoid any work that will
strengthen the kaafirs. We ask Allaah to keep you safe from temptation
and to give you a good end in this world and in the
Hereafter.
Islam Q&A
Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid
(www.islam-qa.com)
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21563: Can he pray for his parents when he does not
know what religion they were following when they died?
Question:
If a person left his parents as kaafirs, and he does not
know whether they became Muslim or not, is it permissible for him
to pray for them?
Answer:
Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah was asked this question and
he replied:
Since he comes from a kaafir nation, it is not permissible for
him to pray for his parents, unless they had become Muslim, as
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"It is not (proper) for the Prophet and those who believe to
ask Allaah's forgiveness for the Mushrikoon, even though they be
of kin, after it has become clear to them that they are the
dwellers of the Fire (because they died in a state of disbelief)."
[al-Tawbah 9:113]
al-Fataawa al-Kubra, 2/423 (www.islam-qa.com)
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13694: Ruling on living with families abroad
Question:
What is the ruling on living with families for those who
travel abroad to study and learn more of the language?
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
It is not permissible to live with families because that
involves exposing the student to temptation because he may be
attracted to the ways of the kaafirs and to their woman. There has to be
a place for the student to live far away from temptation. This is
all assuming that we say that a student is allowed to travel to
kaafir countries in order to learn. The correct view is that it is not
allowed to travel to the kaafir countries to learn except in cases of
extreme necessity, on the condition that the student has Islamic
knowledge and insight and that he will keep away from the sources
of temptation.
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)
said: "Allaah will not accept any deed from the mushrik after
he becomes Muslim until he departs from the mushrikeen."
(Narrated by al-Nasaa'i with a jayyid isnaad).
What this means is, until he leaves the mushrikeen and comes
to live amongst the Muslims. And the Prophet (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "I have nothing to do with
any Muslim who stays among the mushrikeen." (Narrated by
Abu Dawood, al-Tirmidhi and al-Nasaa'i with a saheeh isnaad).
And there are many similar ahaadeeth.
Muslims must beware of traveling to the lands of the
mushrikeen except in cases of extreme necessity. But if the traveler has
Islamic knowledge and insight, and he wants to call people to
Allaah, then this is an exceptional case, and there is a lot of good in
this, because he is calling the mushrikeen to believe in the Oneness
of Allaah (Tawheed) and teaching them the sharee'ah of Allaah.
So he is doing good and is far-removed from danger because of
his knowledge and understanding. And Allaah is the One Whose
help we seek.
Majmoo' Fataawa wa Maqaalaat Mutanawwi'ah li Samaahat
al-Shaykh al-`Allaamah `Abd al-`Azeez ibn `Abd-Allaah ibn
Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him), vol 4, p. 381
(www.islam-qa.com)
Search Inside This Book At Google Book Search - (180 pages)
13933: Ruling on visiting a sick kaafir
Question:
It sometimes happens that one of the Christians with us at
work or school gets sick. Is it permissible to visit him, and what is
the ruling on visiting a sick kaafir?
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
It is permissible to visit him with the intention of calling him
to Islam and telling about Islam.
This is the moderate approach to the matter, because it is
not right to disallow that altogether, as there is no evidence to
that effect. In fact, that goes against the saheeh evidence.
Saying that it is permissible in absolute terms is subject to
further discussion. The only option is to say that it is permissible to
visit him in order to tell him about Islam or if there is the hope that
he will embrace Islam.
It was narrated in Saheeh al-Bukhaari via Hammaad ibn
Zayd from Thaabit from Anas (may Allaah be pleased with him),
who said, "There was a Jewish boy who used to serve the
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). He fell sick,
and the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) came
to visit him. He sat at his head and said to him, `Embrace
Islam.' (The boy) looked towards his father, who was with him.
(His father) said, `Obey Abu'l-Qaasim (peace and blessings of
Allaah be upon him).' So he embraced Islam, and the Prophet
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) went out saying, `Praise
be to Allaah Who has saved him from the Fire.'"
We learn a number of things from this hadeeth:
1. The good attitude of the Prophet (peace and blessings of
Allaah be upon him).
2. His eagerness to guide people.
3. That if a Jew dies following Judaism he is a kaafir who
will abide forever in Hell. There is no dispute on this point from
any of the scholars. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah
be upon him) said: "By the One in Whose hand is my soul, no
one of this nation, Jew or Christian, hears of me then dies not
believing in that with which I have been sent, but he will be one of
the people of Hell." (Narrated by Muslim in his Saheeh from
the hadeeth of Abu Hurayrah).
4. It is OK to visit a Jew if there is the hope of achieving
some interest thereby. Abu Dawood (may Allaah have mercy on
him) said: "I heard Imaam Ahmad being asked about visiting a Jew
or a Christian (if he fell sick). He said, if he wants to call him
to Islam, then yes (he should do that).
It was narrated in al-Saheehayn and elsewhere via Ibn
Shihaab who said: Sa'eed ibn al-Musayyib told me that his father
told him, when Abu Taalib was on his deathbed, the Messenger
of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) came to
him and found Abu Jahl ibn Hishaam and `Abd-Allaah ibn
Abi Umayyah ibn al-Mugheerah with him. The Messenger of
Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "O my
uncle, say Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah, a word for which I will bear witness
for you before Allaah." Abu Jahl and `Abd-Allaah ibn Abi
Umayyah said, "O Abu Taalib, are you turning away from the religion
of `Abd al-Muttalib?" The Messenger of Allaah (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him) kept urging him to embrace Islam
and they kept repeating the same thing to him, until the last thing
that Abu Taalib said to them was, "On the path of `Abd
al-Muttalib", and he refused to say Laa
ilaaha ill-Allaah. The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "I
shall certainly keep asking Allaah to forgive you until I am told not
to do that."
Then Allaah revealed the words (interpretation of the meaning):
"It is not (proper) for the Prophet and those who believe to
ask Allaah's forgiveness for the Mushrikoon, even though they be
of kin…"
[al-Tawbah 9:113]."
This hadeeth indicates that one may visit a sick kaafir relative,
if there is the hope that he may embrace Islam. Al-Fadl ibn
Ziyaad said: I heard Ahmad ibn Hanbal being asked about a
Muslim man visiting one of the mushrikeen who was sick. He said: If
he thinks that if he visits him whilst he is sick and tells him
about Islam, that he may accept it, then let him visit him, as the
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) visited the
Jewish boy who was sick and told him about Islam.
Shaykh Sulaymaan al-`Alwaan (www.islam-qa.com)
Search Inside This Book At Google Book Search - (180 pages)
11400: The enmity of the kuffaar towards the believers
is ongoing
Question:
There are people who claim that the kuffaar love the
Muslims, and that their intentions towards us are good. What is your
opinion about what they say?
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
The enmity of the kuffaar _ the People of the Book (Jews
and Christians), mushrikeen (polytheists) and hypocrites _
towards the believers will last until the Hour begins. The conflict
between truth and falsehood will continue until Allaah inherits the
earth and whomsoever is upon it. Allaah says (interpretation of
the meaning):
"And they will never cease fighting you until they turn you
back from your religion (Islamic Monotheism) if they can.
And whosoever of you turns back from his religion and dies as
a disbeliever, then his deeds will be lost in this life and in
the Hereafter, and they will be the dwellers of the Fire. They
will abide therein forever"[al-Baqarah
2:217]
Because Islam rules the believers with justice, and gives
each person his rights, and they do not want this to happen _ for
this reason they strive to wage war against this religion and to
refute the truth with falsehood. But they can never achieve that, for
this religion will abide, and Allaah will perfect His light, even
though the kaafiroon hate that. Allaah says (interpretation of
the meaning):
"They intend to put out the Light of Allaah (i.e. the religion
of Islam, this Qur'aan, and Prophet Muhammad) with their
mouths. But Allaah will bring His Light to perfection even though
the disbelievers hate (it).
He it is Who has sent His Messenger (Muhammad) with
guidance and the religion of truth (Islamic Monotheism) to make
it victorious over all (other) religions even though the
Mushrikoon (polytheists, pagans, idolaters, and disbelievers in the
Oneness of Allaah and in His Messenger Muhammad) hate
(it)"[al-Saff :8-9]
The kuffaar want all the nations of this earth to follow kufr
as one:
"They wish that you reject Faith, as they have rejected
(Faith), and thus that you all become equal (like one another)
[al-Nisaa' 4:89 _ interpretation of the
meaning]
Those who disbelieve spend of their wealth in order to
prevent others from following the path of Allaah, at all times and in
all places, and (they strive to) spread corruption, provoke wars
and kill the believers. But Allaah insists that they should fail and
that His religion should be victorious. Allaah says (interpretation
of the meaning):
"Verily, those who disbelieve spend their wealth to hinder
(men) from the path of Allaah, and so will they continue to spend it;
but in the end it will become an anguish for them. Then they will
be overcome. And those who disbelieve will be gathered unto Hell"
[al-Anfaal 8:36]
Allaah has told us how strong the enmity of the kuffaar is
towards the Muslims:
"Neither those who disbelieve among the people of the
Scripture (Jews and Christians) nor Al-Mushrikoon (the
idolaters, polytheists, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allaah, pagans)
like that there should be sent down unto you any good from
your Lord. But Allaah chooses for His Mercy whom He wills.
And Allaah is the Owner of Great Bounty"
[al-Baqarah 2:105 _ interpretation of the
meaning]
No matter what the kuffaar do, their enmity will not end.
Even though they may speak words of friendship, their hearts are
filled with hatred towards Islam and its people:
"How (can there be such a covenant with them) that when
you are overpowered by them, they regard not the ties, either of
kinship or of covenant with you? With (good words from) their
mouths they please you, but their hearts are averse to you, and most
of them are Faasiqoon (rebellious, disobedient to Allaah)"
[al-Tawbah 9:8 _ interpretation of the
meaning]
The hypocrites are kuffaar among the Muslims, whose
hatred appears in their words and whose hearts are filled with
enmity. But Allaah is watching them, as He says (interpretation of
the meaning):
"If a good befalls you, it grieves them, but if some evil
overtakes you, they rejoice at it. But if you remain patient and become
Al-Muttaqoon (the pious), not the least harm will their cunning
do to you. Surely, Allaah surrounds all that they do"[Aal
`Imraan 3:120]
The People of the Book disbelieve in the verses of Allaah,
and mix truth with falsehood. They conceal the truth and plot
against Islam, in order to divert the Muslims from their religion, as
Allaah tells us about them (interpretation of the meaning):
"O people of the Scripture! (Jews and Christians): Why do
you disbelieve in the Ayaat of Allaah, [the Verses about
Prophet Muhammad present in the Tawraat (Torah) and the
Injeel (Gospel)] while you (yourselves) bear witness (to their truth)?
O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians): Why do you
mix truth with falsehood and conceal the truth while you know?
And a party of the people of the Scripture say: `Believe in
the morning in that which is revealed to the believers
(Muslims), and reject it at the end of the day, so that they may turn back'"
[Aal `Imraan 3:70-72]
Allaah has clearly stated that obeying the kuffaar in any way
is the cause of destruction and loss, and that obeying Him is
the way to glory, victory and strength, as He says (interpretation
of the meaning):
"O you who believe! If you obey those who disbelieve, they
will send you back on your heels, and you will turn back (from
Faith) as losers.
Nay, Allaah is your Mawlaa (Patron, Lord, Helper,
Protector), and He is the Best of helpers" [Aal `Imraan
3:149]
All of the kuffaar, be they the People of the Book (Jews
and Christians), mushrikeen (polytheists) or hypocrites, are
the enemies of the Muslims, so it is not permissible to depend
upon them or to rely on them. Allaah says (interpretation of
the meaning):
"And incline not toward those who do wrong, lest the Fire
should touch you, and you have no protectors other than Allaah,
nor you would then be helped"[Hood
11:113]
Allaah has warned us against taking the kuffaar as friends
instead of the believers. If the Muslims fear their evil, it is permitted
to make an outward show of friendliness towards them, even
though he should hate them inwardly, as Allaah says (interpretation
of the meaning):
"Let not the believers take the disbelievers as
Awliyaa' (supporters, helpers) instead of the believers, and whoever
does that, will never be helped by Allaah in any way, except if
you indeed fear a danger from them. And Allaah warns you
against Himself (His punishment), and to Allaah is the final return"
[Aal `Imraan 3:28]
Allaah has warned us against taking the Jews and Christians
as friends, and He told us that whoever takes them as friends is
one of them. He says (interpretation of the meaning):
"O you who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians
as Awliyaa' (friends, protectors, helpers), they are but Awliyaa'
of each other. And if any amongst you takes them (as
Awliyaa'), then surely, he is one of them. Verily, Allaah guides not
those people who are the Zaalimoon (polytheists and wrongdoers
and unjust)" [al-Maa'idah 5:51]
All of the kuffaar, be they the People of the Book (Jews
and Christians), mushrikeen (polytheists) or hypocrites, will be
in Hell on the Day of Resurrection, as Allaah says (interpretation
of the meaning):
"Verily, those who disbelieve (in the religion of Islam, the
Qur'aan and Prophet Muhammad) from among the people of the
Scripture (Jews and Christians) and AlMushrikoon will abide in the fire
of Hell. They are the worst of creatures"
[al-Bayyinah 98:6]
The kuffaar and the Jews are the greediest of mankind for
life, because they know that they have no share in the Hereafter.
They hate death because they fear what comes after it, as Allaah
tells us about the Jews and mushrikeen (interpretation of the meaning):
"And verily, you will find them (the Jews) the greediest of
mankind for life and (even greedier) than those who ascribe partners
to Allaah (and do not believe in Resurrection — Magians,
pagans, and idolaters). Everyone of them wishes that he could be given
a life of a thousand years. But the grant of such life will not
save him even a little from (due) punishment. And Allaah is
All-Seer of what they do"[al-Baqarah
2:96]
From Usool al-Deen al-Islami by Shaykh Muhammad
ibn Ibraaheem al-Tuwayjri (www.islam-qa.com)
Search Inside This Book At Google Book Search - (180 pages)
6154: Ruling on sponsored students staying in
kaafir countries
Question:
We are Muslim students who are studying in America for
periods ranging from six months to four years. We have come here
to study simply because we wanted to _ i.e., we are not
sponsored by anyone _ and the studies here in America are no
different from the studies back home, apart from the fact that we will
learn English too. What is the ruling on our staying in this country
to study? May Allaah reward you with good.
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
If you have knowledge and understanding of the religion of
Allaah that enables you to call others to Allaah and teach the
people good things, and refute specious arguments and practise
your religion openly among the kaafirs around you, then it is
OK, because if a person who is as we have described and who
has equipped himself with knowledge stays there, he can
benefit himself and others. Allaah may guide many people through
him if he strives hard in da'wah and is patient, and his intention
is sincerely for Allaah alone. But if a person does not have
this religious understanding or he does not have the patience
for da'wah, or he fears that he may fall into things which Allaah
has forbidden, or he cannot practise his religion openly by
calling others to worship Allaah alone and warning them against
shirk and explaining that to the people around him, then it is
not permissible for him to stay among the mushrikeen, because
the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:
"I have nothing to do with any Muslim who settles among
the mushrikeen." And because of the danger to which he is
exposed by settling among them. And Allaah is the Source of strength.
Kitaab Majmmo' Fataawa wa Maqaalaat Mutanawwi'ah
li Samaahat al-Shaykh al-`Allaamah `Abd al-`Azeez ibn
`Abd-Allaah ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him), vol. 9, p.
401 (www.islam-qa.com)
Search Inside This Book At Google Book Search - (180 pages)
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