Part 5
1476: Can we say "Jazaak Allaah khayran " to a kaafir?
Question:
Is it permissible to say " Jazaak Allaahu khayran (may
Allaah reward you with good)" to a non-Muslim if he does us a
favour or helps us in some way?
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
It is not permissible to pray for good for a kaafir, because he
does not deserve it. If he does something good, you can thank him
by saying "Thank you", because of the hadeeth: "Whoever does
not give thanks to the people does not give thanks to Allaah"
(a saheeh hadeeth narrated by Imaam Ahmad, 2/258). It is preferable to
use the words of thanks in his language, i.e., not in Arabic. It
is sufficient to express your appreciation for his good deed, but
we should also note that it is not permissible to use the services of
a kaafir or to accept his help, because this involves putting up
with his reminders of his favour. In the reports there is the du'aa',
"O Allaah, do not give the follower of innovation any reason
to remind me of his favours or cause my heart to like him."
Islam Q&A
Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid (www.islam-qa.com)
Search Inside This Book At Google Book Search - (180 pages)
6688: Whoever does not believe that the Jews,
Christians and kaafirs are indeed kaafirs is himself a kaafir
Question:
Is it true that anyone who does not accept that kuffaar are
kuffaar is a kaafir himself, even if he prays, believes in the Qur'aan,
and the Prophet Muhammad ( )? If so, what is the proof for this?
Can a person insist on believing that Jews and Christians can
be believers and go to heaven after being shown clear
evidence against this, and still be considered a Muslim?
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
Yes, this is correct. Whoever is not convinced that the
person who disbelieves in the religion of Allaah is a kaafir, does
not believe what Allaah has told us about their being kaafirs, and
he does not believe that the religion of Islam abrogates all
previous religions and that all people must follow this religion no
matter what their religion was before.
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]
"Say (O Muhammad): "O mankind! Verily, I am sent to you
all as the Messenger of Allaah" [al-A'raaf 7:158]
Al-Qaadi `Ayyaad said: hence we regard as a kaafir
everyone who follows a religion other than the religion of the Muslims,
or who agrees with them, or who has doubts, or who says that
their way is correct, even if he appears to be a Muslim and believes
in Islam and that every other way is false, he is a kaafir
(Al-Shifaa' bi Ta'reef Huqooq al-Mustafaa, 2/1071)
Shaykh Muhammad ibn `Abd al-Wahhaab (may Allaah
have mercy on him) said:
Know that among the greatest things that can nullify Islam
are ten things:
Associating othes in worship of Allaah alone, Who has no
partner or associate. The evidence ofr that is the aayah (interpretation
of the meaning):
"Verily, Allaah forgives not (the sin of) setting up partners
(in worship) with Him, but He forgives whom He wills, sins
other than that" [al-Nisaa' 4:116].
This also includes offering scarifices to other than Allaah,
such as to the jinn or at graves.
Whoever regards others as intermediaries between him and
Allaah and calls upon them to ask them to intercede for him, is a
kaafir according to scholarly consensus.
Whoever does not regard the Mushrikeen as kaafirs or
doubts that they are kaafirs or regard their way as correct, is a
kaafir according to scholarly consensus.
After enumerating them, he said (may Allaah have mercy on him):
In the case of all these things that nullify Islam, there is
no difference whether a person is joking or is serious or is afraid
_ except in cases where he is forced to do something. All of
them are among the things that are very dangerous and which
happen very often. The Muslim has to beware of them and fear
them happening to him. We seek refuge with Allaah from the
things that earn His wrath and His painful prunishment, May
Allaah bless Muhammad.
(Mu'allafaat al-Shaykh Muhammad ibn `Abd al-Wahhaab,
212, 213).
Shirk and kufr are the same when it comes to the ruling (hukm)
Ibn Hazm said:
Kufra and shirk are the same; every kaafir is a mushrik and
every mushrik is a kaafir. This is the view of al-Shaafa' and others.
(al-Fisl, 3/124).
The Jews and Christians are kuffaar and mushrikeen. Allaah
says (interpretation of the meaning):
"And the Jews say: `Uzair (Ezra) is the son of Allaah, and
the Christians say: Messiah is the son of Allaah. That is their
saying with their mouths, resembling the saying of those who
disbelieved aforetime. Allaah's Curse be on them, how they are deluded
away from the truth! … They (Jews and Christians) took their
rabbis and their monks to be their lords besides Allaah (by obeying
them in things which they made lawful or unlawful according to
their own desires without being ordered by Allaah), and (they
also took as their Lord) Messiah, son of Maryam (Mary), while
they (Jews and Christians) were commanded [in the Tauraat
(Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] to worship none but One Ilaah (God
— Allaah) Laa ilaaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be
worshipped but He). Praise and glory be to Him (far above is He) from
having the partners they associate (with Him)." [al-Tawbah 9:30-31].
It was reported from Abu Hurayrag that the Messenger of
Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "By the One
is Whose hand is the soul of Muhammad, not one of this
nation, Jew or Christian, will hear of me and will die without
having believed in that with which I have been sent, but he will be
one of the dwellers of Hell fire."
(Narrated by Muslim, 153)
Whoever says that the Jews are not kaafirs is disbelieving in
the words of Allaah (interpretation of the meanings):
"And their hearts absorbed (the worship of) the calf because
of their disbelief" [al-Baqarah 2:93]
"Among those who are Jews, there are some who displace
words from (their) right places and say: "We hear your word
(O Muhammad) and disobey," and "Hear and let you (O
Muhammad) hear nothing." And Raa`ina [in Arabic it means "Be careful,
listen to us, and we listen to you", whereas in Hebrew, it means
"an insult"] with a twist of their tongues and as a mockery of
the religion (Islâm). And if only they had said: "We hear and
obey", and "Do make us understand," it would have been better for
them, and more proper; but Allaah has cursed them for their
disbelief…" [al-Nisa' 4:46]
"Because of their breaking the covenant, and of their
rejecting the Ayaat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs,
revelations, etc.) of Allaah, and of their killing the Prophets unjustly, and
of their saying: "Our hearts are wrapped (with coverings, i.e. we
do not understand what the Messengers say)" — nay, Allaah has
set a seal upon their hearts because of their disbelief, so they
believe not but a little. And because of their (Jews) disbelief and
uttering against Maryam (Mary) a grave false charge (that she
has committed illegal sexual intercourse); And because of their
saying (in boast), "We killed Messiah `Eesaa (Jesus), son of
Maryam (Mary), the Messenger of Allaah," — but they killed him
not, nor crucified him, but it appeared so to them the resemblance
of `Eesaa (Jesus) was put over another man (and they killed
that man)]…" [al-Nisa' 4:155-157]
"Verily, those who disbelieve in Allaah and His Messengers
and wish to make distinction between Allaah and His
Messengers (by believing in Allaah and disbelieving in His
Messengers) saying, "We believe in some but reject others," and wish to
adopt a way in between. They are in truth disbelievers. And We
have prepared for the disbelievers a humiliating torment"
[al-Nisa' 4:150-151]
Whoever says that the Christians are not kuffaar is
disbelieving in the words of Allaah (interpretation of the meanings):
"Surely, in disbelief are they who say that Allaah is the
Messiah, son of Maryam (Mary)…" [al-Maa'idah 5:17]
"Surely, disbelievers are those who said: "Allaah is the third
of the three (in a Trinity)." But there is no Ilaah (god) (none
who has the right to be worshipped) but One Ilaah (God
—Allâh). And if they cease not from what they say, verily, a painful
torment will befall on the disbelievers among them" [al-Maa'idah 5:73]
And he is disbelieving in the words of Allaah concerning
the Jews and Christians who do not believe in our Prophet or
follow him:
"Verily, those who disbelieve in Allaah and His Messengers
and wish to make distinction between Allaah and His
Messengers (by believing in Allaah and disbelieving in His
Messengers) saying, "We believe in some but reject others," and wish to
adopt a way in between. They are in truth disbelievers. And We
have prepared for the disbelievers a humiliating torment"
[al-Nisa' 4:150-151]
What is there left to say after these clear statements from
Allaah, may He be exalted? We ask Allaah to guide us. May Allaah
bless our Prophet Muhammad.
Islam Q&A
Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid (www.islam-qa.com)
Search Inside This Book At Google Book Search - (180 pages)
7856: A Christian complains about prohibition of
Muslims celebrating or congratulating people at Christmas
Question:
Why do you condemn the celebration of the what Christians
think is birth of the son of God (Allah)? We should be teaching
respect for other peoples and religions. Yet with such condemnation
and calling it falsehood, it makes it difficult for rational, honest,
and respectful persons to communicate.
Answer:
Praise be to the One God, who begets not, nor is begotten.
You seem to have misinterpreted the condemnation of
celebration of Christmas as a matter of disrespect for Christians. In reality,
it is out of respect for Allah and Jesus and the teachings of
our Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon them. It is an integral part
of our faith to reject celebrations that have not been prescribed
and/or that have a basis in falsehood, as inevitably they lead
to misguidance and alterations in faith, as has happened
with Christianity. There is nothing "radical" or "fringe" about this.
It is our basic right to protect our faith and practice from
distortion and falsehood. Surely no one has a right to condemn us for this.
Do you think Encyclopedia Britannica is rational and
honest? Please read what they have to say about Christmas:
Excerpts quoted directly from
http://www.britannica.com :
The word Christmas is derived from the Old English
Cristes maesse, "Christ's Mass." :
( There is no certain tradition of the date of Christ's birth.
Christian chronographers of the 3rd century believed that the creation
of the world took place at the spring equinox, then reckoned
as March 25; hence the new creation in the incarnation
(i.e., the conception) and death of Christ must therefore have occurred
on the same day, with his birth following nine months later at
the winter solstice, December 25).
...
According to a Roman almanac, the Christian festival
of Christmas was celebrated in Rome by AD 336...
( The reason why Christmas came to be celebrated on
December 25 remains uncertain, but most probably the reason is that
early Christians wished the date to coincide with the pagan
Roman festival marking the "birthday of the unconquered sun" )
(natalis solis invicti); this festival celebrated the
winter solstice, when the days again begin to lengthen and the sun begins to
climb higher in the sky. The traditional customs connected
with Christmas have accordingly developed from several sources as
a result of the coincidence of the celebration of the birth of
Christ with the pagan agricultural and solar observances at
midwinter. In the Roman world the
Saturnalia (December 17) was a time of merrymaking and exchange of gifts. December 25 was
also regarded as the birth date of the Iranian mystery god Mithra,
the Sun of Righteousness. On the Roman New Year (January
1), houses were decorated with greenery and lights, and gifts
were given to children and the poor. To these observances were
added the http://www.britannica.com/bcom/eb/article/idxref/0
/0,5716,266282,00.htmlGerman and Celtic Yule rites when
the Teutonic tribes penetrated into Gaul, Britain, and central
Europe. Food and good fellowship, the Yule log and Yule cakes,
greenery and fir trees, and gifts and greetings all commemorated
different aspects of this festive season. Fires and lights, symbols of
warmth and lasting life, have always been associated with the
winter festival, both pagan and Christian. Since the European
Middle Ages, evergreens, as symbols of survival, have been
associated with Christmas... [end quote]
So as any rational person can see, there is no sound basis
for Christmas, nor did Jesus (peace be upon him) or his true
followers celebrate Christmas or ask anyone to celebrate Christmas,
nor was there any record of anyone calling themselves
Christians celebrating Christmas until several hundred years after Jesus.
So were the companions of Jesus more righteously guided in
not celebrating Christmas or are the people of today?
So if you want to respect Jesus, peace be upon him, as
Muslims do, don't celebrate some fabricated event that was chosen
to coincide with pagan festivals and copy pagan customs. Do
you honestly think God, or even Jesus himself, would approve
or condemn such a thing? If you say approve, then obviously
you are not interested in the truth.
We ask Allaah, the One, Singular God, with no partners or
sons, the God of all creation and mankind, to guide us all to the path
of guidance and sincerity.
Islam Q&A
Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid (www.islam-qa.com)
Search Inside This Book At Google Book Search - (180 pages)
7855: He is invited to go places with the kuffaar
Question:
I live around many non-believers and the muslims my age(in
my oppinion)don't practice Islam as it should; sometimes I'm
asked to go places and do things with the non-believers and I'm
not sure if it's a good idea.
JazakAllah Khair for any info u can give I want to know if it
is allowed
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
With regard to your going with non-Muslims and doing
things with them on which you do not know the rulings, we say to
you the following:
It is not permissible for you to do anything that is an
action belonging exclusively to the kuffaar or to join in with them
in that. If you say that you do not know the ruling, we tell you
that it is possible that you might join in some things with them
which, according to our religion, are Kufr (disbelief), such as
joining them on their festivals or fasts. Even if you are not guilty of
kufr, you will not be free from committing a major sin. This is
what has been stated by the imaams (major scholars) such as Ibn
al-Qayyim in his book Ahkaam Ahl
al-Dhimmah, and his shaykh (teacher) Ibn Taymiyah in
Iqtidaa' al-Siraat al-Mustaqeem.
Even if you know this, and then you do these things out
of friendship towards them, you still will not be free of sin.
Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih al-`Uthaymeen said:
"And whoever does any of that _ i.e., joining them in their festivals _
is a sinner, whether he does it just to be friendly, or because he
is too shy to do otherwise, or for any other reason, because it is
a kind of hypocrisy in the religion of Allaah and is a way of
making the kuffaar feel stronger and making them proud of their
religion. (Majmoo' Fataawaa wa Rasaa'il Fadeelat al-Shaykh
Muhammad al-`Uthaymeen, 3/110).
If you go with them on occasions other than their festivals
to parties and gatherings in which there is dancing, singing,
music, mixing and wanton display, this is haraam and is not allowed.
If you go with the kuffaar to attend normal gatherings such
as scientific lectures where there is nothing haraam involved,
there is nothing wrong with this, but you should be aware that
mixing too much with the kuffaar may have negative consequences.
Try to meet regularly with good Muslims. May Allaah help you to
do all that is good.
Islam Q&A: Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid
(www.islam-qa.com)
Search Inside This Book At Google Book Search - (180 pages)
6992: Convert attending his brother's wedding party
Question:
Alhamdulillah, I am a convert to Islam. My family are
still, however, christian. My brother is getting married and this
involves a religious service in a church followed by a meal. I have told
my family that I cannot partake in the religious service. I wish
to know if Islam allows me to attend the meal with my wife
and child, where some alcohol may be served to some christians
with the meal. If it is not allowed then what advice can you give
me. Please give the answer with evidence.
The issue is of great importance since I have been estranged
from my father (by his choice) for 7 years and I am trying to
invite them to Islam. Jazakallah khayran
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
1. We praise Allaah for having guided you to Islam and we
ask Him to complete His favour by helping you to be steadfast
and by guiding your family to Islam.
You are doing the right thing by not attending the religious
service in the church, because taking part in religious proceedings
of non-Muslims is, at the very least, a major sin, and could lead
to kufr.
With regard to attending your brother's wedding party
where alcohol will be served with the food, we advise you not to
take part as you say. Attending such parties is haraam and is a
major sin. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"… then after the remembrance sit not in the company of those people who
are the zaalimoon (polytheists and wrong-doers, etc.)"
[al-An'aam 6:68].
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)
said: "Whoever among you sees an evil action, let him change it
with his hand [by taking action]; if he cannot, then with his
tongue [by speaking out]; and if he cannot, then with his heart [by
feeling that it is wrong] _ and that is the weakest of faith."
(Narrated by Muslim, 49).
When you take part in such events, you will not be able to
change the evil actions with your hand or your tongue _ in most cases
_ so all you can do is change it with your heart, and you cannot
be really doing so if you are taking part.
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)
said: "Whoever believes in Allaah and the Last Day, let him not sit
at a table where wine is being drunk."
(Narrated by Ahmad, 14241, and classed as saheeh by
al-Albaani in Irwaa' al-Ghaleel, 7/6).
The reason why it is forbidden _ as it appears _ is that
sitting with them implies that you condone the evil action.
4. Apart from the fact that these things are forbidden, if the
brother makes these compromises, this will weaken his efforts to call
his family to Islam. The more sincere the daa'iyah is towards
himself and to His Lord, the stronger his efforts to call others will be.
But if he compromises and vacillates, this will make him look
less trustworthy in the eyes of others.
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)
2296: Travelling to kaafir countries for the purpose
of teaching and da'wah
Question:
The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be
upon him) said: "I have nothing to do with every Muslim who
settles among the mushrikeen." (Reported by al-Tirmidhi, no. 1604;
Abu Dawood, no. 2645. Classed as Hasan by al-Albaani. See
also Saheeh al-Jaami', no. 1461). Nowadays we see hundreds
of thousands of Muslims settling among the mushrikeen. Some
good people have gone to set up Islamic institutions there, for
the purpose of teaching the children of the Muslims, primarily,
and also to call people to Allaah. If a teacher is asked to go and
settle there in order to teach and call people to Allaah, is it
permissible for him to respond?
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
Undoubtedly settling among the mushrikeen is harmful, for
one is exposing oneself to temptation and evil. But if his settling
there will do more good, such as calling people to the religion of
Allaah or teaching the Muslim children the correct `Aqeedah, then
there is nothing wrong with it, because the good outweighs the
evil that may be expected. The hadeeth "I have nothing to do
with every Muslim who settles among the mushrikeen" may
be interpreted as referring to those who cannot practise their
religion openly in the place where they settle, and those who are able
to practise their religion openly are not included in this
hadeeth. But it is better to say that if a person's settling there is
more beneficial to Islam and the Muslims, then it is OK.
Islam Q&A
Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid (www.islam-qa.com)
Search Inside This Book At Google Book Search - (180 pages)
4576: Pretending to be a non-Muslim in an Islamic
chat room
Question:
Assalam u alaikum, Is it okay to go to a muslim chat site
under another name pretending not to be a muslim and start
questioning people about Islam? Is this deceit / haram? wa alaikumus salam.
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
What is the point of doing this? If it is to distract Muslims
and make them waste their energy for no purpose, then it is
annoyance, and Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"And those who annoy believing men and woman undeservedly, bear
on themselves the crime of slander and plain sin."
[Al-Ahzaab 33:58]
Add to that the fact that this includes lying and
deliberately misleading people. If you want to benefit the readers or
non-Muslims, then do this in a proper Islamic manner _ and there
are so many ways of doing this. We ask Allaah to guide us all
and give us strength.
Islam Q&A
Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid (www.islam-qa.com)
Search Inside This Book At Google Book Search - (180 pages)
4948: Can a Muslim allow a non-Muslim guest to
observe the rituals of kufr in his home?
Question:
If a non-Muslim visitor comes and lives in your home for a
few days is it permissible that the Muslim host allows him/her
to perform their prayers and rituals according to their own
religion? Will the Muslim host be considered a sinner in this case as
some of the prayers and rituals of other religions may not conform
to Islamic beliefs?
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah. Can a Muslim allow a non-Muslim guest
to observe the rituals of kufr in his home?
We put this question to Shaykh Muhammad Saalih
al-`Uthaymeen, who answered as follows:
Praise be to Allaah. It is not permissible for you to
willingly consent to that, because this is kufr and the person has no
religion, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meanings):
"And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never
be accepted of him" [Aal `Imraan 3:85]
"And it has already been revealed to you in the Book (this
Qur'ân) that when you hear the Verses of Allâh being denied and
mocked at, then sit not with them, until they engage in a talk other
than that" [al-Nisa' 4:140]
Also, this visitor is humiliating you by doing this, because
he knows that you do not like it, so you should not let him
humiliate you.
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)
3485: Making du'aa' for parents when one is not
sure whether they became Muslim or not
Question:
A person became Muslim, and his parents were kaafirs. He
was taken prisoner (or enslaved) as a young child, and his
parents died without him ever knowing whether they became Muslim
or not. He thinks his mother most likely became Muslim, but
not his father. Can he pray for forgiveness for them and make
du'aa' asking Allaah to show mercy towards them?
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
It is not permissible for him to make du'aa' for them by
name, because all he knows for sure is that they remained kaafirs, and
it is haraam to make du'aa' for a kaafir.
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"It is not proper for the Prophet and those who believe to
ask Allaah's Forgiveness for the mushrikeen (polytheists,
idolaters, pagans, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allaah) even though
they be of kin, after it has become clear to them that they are
the dwellers of the Fire."
[al-Tawbah 9:113]
But it is mustahabb to make ask Allaah to forgive and show
mercy to every Muslim, which includes whoever became Muslim
from among his father, mother, grandfathers and grandmothers, all
the way back to Adam and Hawwa, peace be upon them. And
Allaah knows best.
From Fatawa al-Imaam al-Nawawi, p. 84. (www.islam-qa.com)
Search Inside This Book At Google Book Search - (180 pages)
3325: Taking part in non-Muslim celebrations in order
to encourage them to take part in our celebrations
Question:
Can we take part in non-Muslim celebration only so that
they might be attracted to our celebrations too?
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
If these celebrations are the festivals of the kuffaar
and mushrikeen, it is not permissible to take part in those
innovated festivals, because doing so implies helping them to commit
sin and transgression. Taking part in their festivals also
involves imitating the kuffaar, which is forbidden in Islam. The
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:
"Whoever imitates a people is one of them."
(Reported by Abu Dawood and Ahmad). `Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) used
to say: "Avoid the enemies of Allaah during their
festivals." (Reported by al-Bayhaqi).
If what is referred to is accepting an invitation to a meal,
for example, and there is nothing involved that is forbidden in
Islam, such as mixing of men and women, or foods forbidden by
Allaah such as wine and pork, or dancing and music and so on, and
this participation does not imply that one loves these kuffaar,
then there is nothing wrong with accepting their invitation. He
should try to convey the message of Islam to them. The Prophet
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) accepted the invitation
of some of the Jews. 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)
3885: Military service in kaafir armies and working as
a "chaplain" in those armies
Question:
What is the ruling on Muslims serving in the military of
non muslim country ? What is the evidence for its permissibility
or prohibition?
And lastly, what is the status of a Muslim working to help
those in the military to fulfill their obligations to Allaah while
serving in the Army, Navy, or whatever?
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
We put this question to Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih
al-`Uthaymeen, may Allaah preserve him, who answered as follows:
"Praise be to Allaah, the Lord of the Worlds. Military matters
are problematic, because they involve helping these kuffaar to
wage war against the Muslims or those who have entered into a
treaty with the Muslims. If no such thing is involved, it may
be advantageous for Muslims to work in these armies so as to
learn their secrets and be aware of their potential evil. In other
words, if working in these armies could be of benefit, it may
be permissible, otherwise it is not allowed."
On this basis, if a person works as a preacher or daa'iyah or
imaam or muezzin, serving the Muslims and calling non-Muslims
to Islam, then there is nothing wrong with this.
Islam Q&A
Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid (www.islam-qa.com)
Search Inside This Book At Google Book Search - (180 pages)
3062: Is it permissible for Muslims to vote for kaafirs
who seem to be less evil?
Question:
Some Moslems in a non Islamic country are asking if it is OK
to participate in the elections there and vote for non Moslem
groups or parties. They claim that it would serve the Moslem
community there if a certain group won the elections?
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah. This is a matter concerning which
rulings may differ according to different circumstances in different
times and places. There is no absolute ruling that covers all
situations, both real and hypothetical.
In some cases it is wrong to vote, such as when the matter
will have no effect on the Muslims, or when the Muslims have
no effect on the outcome of the vote. In this case voting or not
voting is all the same. The same applies in cases where all the
candidates are equally evil or where they all have the same attitude
towards Muslims…
It may be the case that the interests of Islam require Muslims
to vote so as to ward off the greater evil and to reduce
harmful effects, such as where two candidates may be non-Muslims
but one of them is less hostile towards Muslims than the other,
and Muslims' votes will have an impact on the outcome of the
election. In such cases there is nothing wrong with Muslims casting
their votes in favour of the less evil candidate.
In any case, this is the matter of ijtihaad based on the principle
of weighing up the pros and cons, what is in the interests of
Islam and what is detrimental. With regard to this matter, we have
to refer to the people of knowledge who understand this
principle. We should put the question to them, explaining in detail
the circumstances and laws in the country where the
Muslim community is living, the state of the candidates, the
importance of the vote, the likely benefits, and so on.
No one should imagine that anyone who says that it is OK
to vote is thereby expressing approval or support for kufr. It is
done in the interests of the Muslims, not out of love for kufr and
its people. The Muslims rejoiced when the Romans defeated
the Persians, as did the Muslims in Abyssinia (Ethiopia) when
the Negus defeated those who had challenged his authority. This
is well known from history. Whoever wants to be on the safe
side and abstain from voting is allowed to do so. This response
applies only to elections for influential positions. 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)
3238: Ruling on giving charity to non-Muslims
Question:
Is it permissible to give charity to non-Muslims if they are
in urgent need? Will the person who gives such charity be rewarded?
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
It is permissible to give charity to non-Muslims and this
action will be rewarded, if they are in need of it, but they should not
be given the obligatory charity, i.e. zakaat, unless they are
those whose hearts are to be softened (i.e., they are close to
embracing Islam). It is a condition for giving charity to non-Muslims
that they should not be involvied in fighting the Muslims or
driving them from their homes, because charity in such cases would
be seen as helping them to wage war against the Muslims.
(Fataawa Mutanawwi'ah by Shaykh Ibn `Uthaymeen,
521).
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 and did not drive you out
of your homes. Verily, Allaah loves those who deal with equity. It
is only as regards those who fought against you on account
of religion, and have driven you out of your homes, and helped
to drive you out, that Allaah forbids you to
befriend them. And whosoever will befriend them, then such are the
zaalimoon (wrong-doers _ those who disobey Allaah.)"
[al-Mumtahimah 60:8-9].
Muslims should seek first and foremost to give their charity
to their Muslim brothers who are in need, and there are plenty
of them. 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)
3454: Arabic numerals vs. European numerals
Question:
There is a theory current among some educated people
which says that the Arabic numerals in their current form (?-?-?-?, etc.)
are actually Indian numerals, and that the European numerals
(1-2-3-4, etc.) are the original Arabic numerals. This conclusion
leads them a step further, so that they call for the use of the
European form of numerals in Arab countries, supporting their demand
with the fact that the European numerals are used in calculations
and dealings with foreign states and institutions which have come
to have a great deal of influence on the economic and social
affairs of Arab countries. They also refer to the appearance of
calculators and computers which only use these numerals, and this _
they claim _ makes the use of European numerals in Arab
countries something to be desired, if not unavoidable. What do you think?
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah. It is not permissible to change the
Arabic numerals which are currently in use and replace them with
the numerals used in the western world, for the following reasons:
Firstly: there is no proof of what the advocates of change
say about the numerals used in the West being Arabic numerals.
What is known is something other than that, as is proven by reality
and the fact that for centuries the current numerals were used
in different circumstances and different fields, which makes
them Arabic. There are words in the Arabic language which were
not originally Arabic, but they became part of the Arabic
language through usage, to the extent that some of these words are to
be found in the Qur'aan; these words are described as Arabized.
Secondly: this idea has bad consequences and harmful
effects, because it is a step towards the gradual Westernization of
Islamic societies.
Thirdly: it paves the way for changing the Arabic script and
using Latin script instead of Arabic, even in the long run.
Fourthly: it is an aspect of imitating the West and approving
of its ways.
Fifthly: all the copies of the Qur'aan (masaahif), books of
Tafseer, Arabic dictionaries and other books use the current
Arabic numerals in numbering their pages etc., and in referring to
other sources. All these books represent a vast store of knowledge.
If the foreign numerals are used instead, this will make it
very difficult for the coming generation to access this vast store
of knowledge.
Sixthly: It is not necessary to follow certain Arab countries
which are accustomed to using these European numerals. Many of
these countries have also abolished something even more
important, which is ruling according to the whole sharee'ah of Allaah,
which is the source of honour, power and happiness in this world
and the next, so what they (those countries) have done is nothing
to go by.
Fataawa Islamiyyah,P 528 (www.islam-qa.com)
Search Inside This Book At Google Book Search - (180 pages)
2179: Clarification of the important rule: it is haraam
to take kaafirs as close friends and protectors
Question:
We hope that you will be able to explain, with examples, what
is meant by the phrase, "Taking kaafirs as close friends
and protectors is haraam."
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah. Yes, examples will certainly explain
and clarify what is meant, so we will move straight on to
quoting some of the most important points that the scholars and
leaders of da'wah have said about different ways of showing
friendship towards kaafirs.
Accepting their kufr and doubting that it is kufr at all, or
refraining from labelling them as kaafirs, or praising their religion.
Allaah says about the kufr of the one who accepts them
(interpretation of the meaning): "… but such as open their breasts to
disbelief…" [al-Nahl 16:106]. Allaah says, making it obligatory to label
the kaafirs as such (interpretation of the meaning):
"… Whoever disbelieves in Taaghoot [false deities] and believes in
Allaah, then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will
never break…" [al-Baqarah 2:256]. Allaah says about the
munaafiqoon (hypocrites) who prefer the kuffaar to the Muslims
(interpretation of the meaning) "… [they] say to the disbelievers that they
are better guided as regards the way than the believers
(Muslims)." [al-Nisa' 4:51].
Referring to them for judgement. Allaah says (interpretation
of the meaning): "… they wish to got for judgement (in
their disputes) to the Taaghoot (false judges, etc.) while they have
been ordered to reject them…" [al-Nisa' 4:60]
Befriending and liking them. Allaah says (interpretation of
the meaning): "You will not find any people who believe in
Allaah and the Last Day, making friendship with those who
oppose Allaah and His Messenger…" [al-Mujaadilah 58:22]
Inclining towards them, relying upon them and taking them as
a support. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"And incline not towards those who do wrong, lest the Fire should
touch you…" [Hood 11:113]
Helping and supporting them against the Muslims. Allaah
says (interpretation of the meaning): "The believers, men and
women, are awliya' (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of
one another…" [al-Tawbah 9:71]. He also says of the kuffaar
that they are " but awliya' (helpers, supporters, friends,
protectors) to one another…"
[al-Maa'idah 5:51]. And He says (interpretation of the meaning):
"…And if any amongst you takes them as awliya', then surely he is one of them."
[al-Maa'idah 5:51].
Becoming members of their societies, joining their
parties, increasing their numbers, taking their nationalities (except in
cases of necessity), serving in their armies or helping to develop
their weapons.
Bringing their laws and rules to the Muslim countries.
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): "Do they then seek
the judgement of the Days of Ignorance?…" [al-Maa'idah
5:50]
Taking them as friends in general terms, taking them as
helpers and supporters, and throwing in one's lot with them. Allaah
forbids all this, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):
"O you who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians as awliya'
(friends, protectors, helpers, etc.), they are but awliya' to one
another…" [al-Maa'idah 5:51].
Compromising with them and being nice to them at the
expense of one's religion. Allaah says (interpretation of the
meaning): "They wish that you should compromise (in religion out
of courtesy) with them, so that they (too) would compromise
with you." [al-Qalam 68:9]. This includes sitting with them
and entering upon them at the time when they are making fun of
the Signs of Allaah. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"And it has already been revealed to you in the Book that when
you hear the Verses of Allaah being denied and mocked at, then
sit not with them, until they engage in a talk other than that; (but
if you stayed with them), certainly in that case you would be
like them…" [al-Nisa' 4:140]
Trusting them and taking them as advisors and consultants
instead of the believers. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"O you who believe! Take not as (your) bitaanah
(advisors, consultants, protectors, helpers, friends, etc.) those outside
your religion (pagans, Jews, Christians, and hypocrites) since
they will not fail to do their best to corrupt you. They desire to
harm you severely. Hatred has already appeared from their
mouths, but what their breasts conceal is far worse. Indeed We have
made clear to you the aayaat (proofs, evidence, verses), if
you understand. Lo! You are the ones who love them but they
love you not, and you believe in all the Scriptures [i.e., you believe
in the Tawraat and the Injeel, while they disbelieve in your
Book (the Qur'aan)]. And when they meet you, they say, `We
believe.' But when they are alone, they bite the tips of their fingers at
you in rage. Say: `Perish in your rage. Certainly Allaah knows
what is in the breasts (all the secrets).' If a good befalls you, it
grieves them, but some evil overtakes you, they rejoice at it…"
[Aal `Imran 3:118-120].
Imaam Ahmad and Muslim reported that the Prophet (peace
and blessings of Allaah be upon him) went out to (the battle of)
Badr, and a man from among the mushrikeen followed him and
caught up with him at al-Harrah. He said, "I wanted to follow you
and join you, and have some of the war-booty with you." (The
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)) said: "Do
you believe in Allaah and His Messenger?" He said, "No." He
said, "Go back, I do not need help from a mushrik."
From these texts it is clear that we are forbidden to appoint
kaafirs to positions whereby they could find out the secrets of the
Muslims and plot against them by trying to do all kinds of harm.
Putting them in administrative positions where they are
bosses of Muslims and can humiliate them, run their affairs and
prevent them from practising their religion. Allaah says
(interpretation of the meaning): "… and never will Allaah grant to
the disbelievers a way (to triumph) over the believers."
[al-Nisa' 4:141]. Imaam Ahmad reported that Abu Moosa al-Ash'ari
(may Allaah be pleased with him) said: "I said to `Umar (may
Allaah be pleased with him). `I have a Christian scribe.' He said,
`What is wrong with you, may Allaah strike you dead! Have you
not heard the words of Allaah (interpretation of the meaning),
"O you who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians as
awliya' (friends, protectors, helpers, etc.), they are but awliya' to
one another…" [al-Maa'idah
5:51]"? Why do you not employ a haneef [i.e., a Muslim]?' I said, `O Ameer al-Mu'mineen, I
benefit from his work and he keeps his religion to himself.' He said,
`I will never honour them when Allaah has humiliated them, and
I will never bring them close to me when Allaah has expelled
them from His mercy.'"
Similarly, we should not employ them in Muslim homes
where they can see our private matters and they bring our children up
as kaafirs. This is what is happening nowadays when kaafirs
are brought to Muslim countries as workers, drivers, servants
and nannies in Muslim homes and families.
Neither should we send our children to kaafir schools,
missionary institutions and evil colleges and universities, or make them
live with kaafir families.
Imitating the kaafirs in dress, appearance, speech, etc.,
because this indicates love of the person or people imitated. The
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:
`Whoever imitates a people is one of them."
It is forbidden to imitate the kaafirs in customs, habits and
matters of outward appearance and conduct that are characteristic of
them. This includes shaving the beard, letting the moustache grow
long, and speaking their languages, except when necessary, as well
as matters of clothing, food and drink, etc.
Staying in their countries when there is no need to do so.
Allaah forbade the weak and oppressed Muslims to stay among
the kaafirs if they are able to migrate. He says (interpretation of
the meaning): "Verily! As for those whom the angels take (in
death) while they are wronging themselves (as they stayed among
the disbelievers even though emigration was obligatory for
them), they (angels) say (to them): `In what (condition) were you?'
They reply, `We were weak and oppressed on earth.' They (angels)
say: `Was not the earth of Allaah spacious enough for you to
emigrate therein?' Such men will find their abode in Hell _what an
evil destination! Except the weak ones among men, women
and children, who cannot devise a plan, nor are the able to
direct their way." [al-Nisa' 4:97-98].
Nobody will be excused for staying in a kaafir country except
for those who are truly weak and oppressed and cannot migrate,
or those who stay among them for a valid religious purpose such
as da'wah and spreading Islam in their countries.
It is forbidden to live among them when there is no need to
do so. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him) said: "I disown the one who stays among the mushrikeen."
Travelling to their countries for vacations and leisure
purposes. But going there for a legitimate reason _ such as
medical treatment, trade, and learning specialized skills that cannot
be obtained in any other way _ is permitted in cases of need,
and when the need has been fulfilled, it is obligatory to return to
the Muslim world.
This permission is also given under the condition that the
would-be traveller has sufficient knowledge to dispel his doubts,
to control his physical desires, to demonstrate his religion, to
be proud of being Muslim, to keep away from evil places, and to
be aware and cautious of the plots of his enemies. It is
also permissible, and even obligatory, to travel to their lands for
the sake of da'wah and spreading Islam.
Praising them and their civilization and culture, defending
them, and admiring their behaviour and skills, without taking note
of their false ideology and corrupt religion. Allaah
says (interpretation of the meaning): "And strain not your eyes
in longing for the things We have given for enjoyment to
various groups of them (disbelievers), the splendour of the life of
this world that We may test them thereby. But the provision
(good reward in the Hereafter) of your Lord is better and more
lasting." [Ta-Ha 20:131]. It is also forbidden to honour them, give
them titles of respect, initiate greetings to them, give them the
best seats in gatherings, and give way to them in the street. The
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "Do not be
the first to greet a Jew or a Christian (do not initiate the
greeting), and if you meet one of them in the street, then push him to
the narrowest part of the way."
Forsaking the Islamic calendar and using their calendar,
especially since it reflects their rituals and festivals, as is the case with
the Gregorian (Western) calendar, which is connected to the
supposed date of the birth of the Messiah (peace be upon him), which is
an innovation that they have fabricated and that has nothing to
do with the religion of `Eesa (Jesus). Using this calendar
implies approval of their festivals and symbols.
In order to avoid all of that, when the Sahaabah (may Allaah
be pleased with them) established a calendar for the Muslims
during the time of `Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him), they
ignored all the systems of the kuffaar and created a new calendar
starting from the date of the Prophet's Hijrah. This indicates that it
is obligatory to differ from the kuffaar in this matter and
others where it is the matter of distinct characteristics. And Allaah
is the Source of Help.
Taking part in their holidays and festivals, helping them
to celebrate them, congratulating them on these occasions
or attending places where such celebrations are held. The
phrase al-zoor [falsehood] in the aayah (interpretation of the
meaning) "And those who do not witness falsehood…" [al-Furqaan
25:72] was interpreted as meaning the festivals of the kuffaar.
Using their names that have bad meanings. The Prophet
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) changed names
whose meanings involved shirk, such as `Abd al-`Uzza and `Abd
al-Ka'bah.
Seeking forgiveness for them and asking Allaah for mercy
for them. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"It is not (proper) for the Prophet and those who believe to ask
Allaah's forgiveness for the mushrikeen, 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 s state of disbelief)." [al-Tawbah 9:113]
These examples should give a clear picture of what is meant
by the prohibition of forming close friendships with the kaafirs.
We ask Allaah to keep our belief sound and our faith strong.
And Allaah is the Source of Help. Islam Q&A Sheikh
Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid (www.islam-qa.com)
Search Inside This Book At Google Book Search - (180 pages)
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