Chapter 2
Means of Da'wah
44594: Advice to one who slanders his Muslim
brothers and accuses them without any proof
Question:
Our Shaykh, I love you for the sake of Allaah and I
hope that you can tell me how to silence those who slander
the scholars. There are people who accuse you of
being extreme in labeling others as kaafirs and of Qutbi (a
group that claims to base its ideas on the writings of
Sayyid Qutb) _ as they call it. What is your answer? Please
note that I am _ as Allaah knows _ one of those who love
you for the sake of Allaah.
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
May Allaah love you, for Whose sake you love us,
and may He bring us together in His mercy on the
Day whereon neither wealth nor sons will avail, except
him who brings to Allaah a clean heart (cf. al-Shu'ara' 26:89).
With regard to what you have said in your question,
we advise you to keep away from everyone who speaks
about your Muslim brothers or slanders them, or accuses
them and casts aspersion on their intentions. The Prophet
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "O you
who have spoken the words of faith but faith has not
entered your hearts! Do not backbite about the Muslims or
seek our their faults, for whoever seeks out their faults,
Allaah will seek out his faults even if he is his house."
Narrated by Abu Dawood, no. 4880; classed as saheeh by
al-Albaani.
It is also necessary for you to advise these people to
fear Allaah and refrain using such labels and names that
divide the Muslims. With regard to offering advice and
correcting mistakes, this should not be done by means of
exposing people's faults or casting aspersions on their
intentions etc.
With regard to the issue of takfeer (labeling people
as kaafirs), this is subject to further discussion.
Describing as a kaafir one who has been described as such by
Allaah or by His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah
be upon him) is obligatory. Allaah has described some
groups as being kaafirs in His Book, as when He
says (interpretation of the meaning):
"Surely, disbelievers are those who said: `Allaah is
the third of the three (in a Trinity)'"
[al-Maa'idah 5:73]
"Surely, in disbelief are they who say that Allaah is
the Messiah, son of Maryam (Mary)"
[al-Maa'idah 5:17]
But it is haraam to label as a kaafir someone whom
Allaah and His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be
upon him) did not label as such.
Shaykh Ibn `Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on
him) said: Just as it is not permissible to label a specific
person as a kaafir unless the conditions of labeling someone
as such have been met in his case, so too we should not
shy away from labeling as kaafirs those whom Allaah
and His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be
upon him) have labeled as such. But we must
differentiate between what is specific and what is general.
Sharh Kitaab al-Tawheed, 2/281.
See also question no. 21576.
And Allaah knows best.
Moreover, everyone who levels an accusation
against another person must provide proof:
"Say (O Muhammad), Produce your proof if you
are truthful"
[al-Baqarah 2:111]
"Since they produce not witnesses, they are the liars
in the sight of Allaah"
[al-Noor 24:13]
This problem is widespread among some of those
who claim to be religiously-guided, may Allaah guide
them, for they make accusations against people on grounds
that are not regarded as something worthy of criticism
in sharee'ah or that do not undermine a person's
religious commitment.
Then they do not bring any proof of that, and they
follow their own whims and desires, because it is human
nature to appoint oneself as judge, praising and condemning
on a whim.
We must go against the whims and desires of our
own selves and measure people by the criteria set out in
Islam; we should make mention of their good points and
advise them with regard to their mistakes.
And Allaah is the Source of strength.
Islam Q&A
(www.islam-qa.com)
Our Price: $11.95 Pages: 300 Downloadable 
11266: Ruling on taking sinners as friends
Question:
Is it permissable for a man who practice islam to talk,
be friendly, and take a person who is muslim by name
alone who drinks alcohol and does not pray as a friend and
a helper? what is the ruling regarding taking those who
do not practice their religion and go directly agains
allah's commandments as friends and helpers?.
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
Sins are of two types:
1 _ Those which constitute kufr and put a person
beyond the pale of Islam _ we seek refuge with Allaah. The
one who commits such sins is a kaafir who is beyond the
pale of Islam if the conditions for describing him as a
kaafir are met and there are no impediments to doing so _
such as one who associates others in worship with Allaah,
or does not pray at all, and so on.
2 _ Sins which do not constitute kufr and do not put
a person beyond the pale of Islam, but the one who
does them is described as faasiq (rebellious evildoer) and
a believer who is lacking in faith, such as zina (illicit
sexual relationships), drinking alcohol and so on, if he does
not regard these actions as permissible. If he does regard
them as permissible, then this puts him beyond the pale of
Islam, if the conditions for describing him as a kaafir are
met and there are no impediments to doing so. The belief
of Ahl al-Sunnah wa'l-Jamaa'ah and the consensus of
the salaf is that a person who commits a major sin but
does not regard it as permissible is not to be regarded as a
kaafir. For more information see the answer to question no.
9924.
Once this is understood, then the ruling on making
friends with people is based on the above.
It is not permissible to take kaafirs as close friends, or
to mix with them and feel friendly towards them, or to
live amongst them and take them as friends, or to love
them, or to prefer them over the believers and so on.
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"You (O Muhammad) will not find any people
who believe in Allaah and the Last Day, making
friendship with those who oppose Allaah and His
Messenger (Muhammad), even though they were their fathers or
their sons or their brothers or their kindred (people). For
such He has written Faith in their hearts, and strengthened
them with Rooh (proofs, light and true guidance) from
Himself. And He will admit them to Gardens (Paradise)
under which rivers flow, to dwell therein (forever). Allaah
is pleased with them, and they with Him. They are the
party of Allaah. Verily, it is the party of Allaah that will be
the successful"
[al-Mujaadilah 58:22]
But we are obliged to treat them fairly and justly, and
not wrong them or commit acts of aggression against
them with no shar'i reason. It is permissible to interact
with them by buying, selling, lending, etc. It is narrated
in saheeh reports that the Prophet (peace and blessings
of Allaah be upon him) borrowed a weapon from
Safwaan ibn Umayyah, and that he bought food from the Jews.
With regard to sinning Muslims, we should love
them according to the faith that they have, and hate
them according to the sins and immoral actions they
commit, but being friends with them goes against the words of
the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him):
"The likeness of a good companion and a bad companion
is that of a perfume seller and one who works the
bellows. With the perfume seller, either he will give you
something or you will buy something from him, or you will notice
a good smell from him, but with the one who works
the bellows, either he will burn your clothes or you notice
a bad smell from him." Narrated by Muslim, no. 2628.
But if the intention behind sitting with this person is
to soften his heart and call him to Allaah, and guide him
to the right path, then this is a virtuous action, as
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"And who is better in speech than he who [says:
"My Lord is Allaah (believes in His Oneness)," and then
stands firm (acts upon His Order), and] invites (men) to
Allaah's (Islamic Monotheism), and does righteous deeds"
[Fussilat 41:33]
But this is subject to the condition that he should not
have any effect on you or cause you any harm when you
are seeking good.
Based on the above, if the person you are asking
about does not pray at all, then he is a kaafir, because the
most correct scholarly view, which is the view of the salaf,
if that the one who does not pray is a kaafir in the sense
of major kufr, and is beyond the pale of Islam. For
more information on the evidence on that, please see
questions no. 2182, 5208,
6035, 33007, 10094. Based on this, it
is not permissible to befriend him or be close to him,
rather he should be called to repent to Allaah and pray
regularly. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"But if they repent [by rejecting Shirk (polytheism)
and accept Islamic Monotheism], perform As-Salaah (Iqaamat-as-Salaah) and give Zakaah, then they are
your brethren in religion"
[al-Tawbah 9:11]
It should be noted that keeping company with good
people is something enjoined by our Lord, may He be
exalted, and our Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be
upon him), as mentioned in the hadeeth quoted above.
And Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"O you who believe! Fear Allaah, and be with those
who are true (in words and deeds)"
[al-Tawbah 9:119]
"And keep yourself (O Muhammad) patiently with
those who call on their Lord (i.e. your companions
who remember their Lord with glorification, praising
in prayers, and other righteous deeds) morning and afternoon, seeking His Face"
[al-Kahf 18:28]
And Allaah knows best.
For more information see Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn `Uthaymeen, 3/31.
Islam Q&A (www.islam-qa.com)
Our Price: $11.95 Pages: 300 Downloadable
22154: How to serve Islam
Question:
I want to serve my religion, what should I do?
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
1 _ You can serve Islam by having a correct resolve
and sincere intention, for Allaah blesses an action that is
done sincerely for His sake alone, even if it is little.
Sincere devotion, if it becomes a constant feature of acts
of worship and obedience, even if they are small or
simple in the sight of the one who does them, makes them
great in the sight of Allaah, so Allaah will forgive him for
major sins because of that, as it says in the hadeeth about
the piece of paper on which is written La ilaaha ill-Allaah.
2 _ You can serve Islam by knowing the right way
and following it. The Straight Path means following the
way of our Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of
Allaah be upon him) with regard to the principles, ways
and means of da'wah and being patient in adhering to
that, whilst treating people with kindness and
compassion, because they are suffering from the disease of sin.
3 _ You can serve Islam by making the most of all
available means and circumstances. This is a great blessing, for
all means are permissible except those which have
been forbidden by Allaah. So we call people to Allaah by
all means prescribed in sharee'ah, whilst paying attention
to the evidence of sharee'ah and correct etiquette.
4 _ You can serve Islam by giving precedence to that
which is in the interests of Islam over your own whims
and desires. Serving this religion means giving what is
most precious of your money, effort, time, thought, etc.
Have you not seen those who love sport (football or soccer)
for example, how they devote their efforts, time and
money to their beloved sport? But more is expected of you
than that.
5 _ You can serve Islam by following in the footsteps
of the scholars, daa'iyahs and reformers, having patience
as your companion and putting up with tiredness
and exhaustion. For you are doing a great act of worship
which is the mission of the Prophets and Messengers and
those who follow in their footsteps.
6 _ You can serve Islam by shunning laziness,
weakness and apathy, for this religion is the religion of
resolve, ambition and courage, and its call is only harmed
by laziness or reckless ignorance.
7 _ You can serve Islam by connecting your heart to
Allaah and reciting a lot of du'aa' and prayers for
forgiveness, and persisting in reading Qur'aan. There is nothing
that is more effective in cleansing the heart and refreshing
the soul, and making it active and energetic so that it will
not get tired or bored, than remembering Allaah much
and drawing nearer to Him by means of obeying Him
and doing naafil (supererogatory) acts of worship.
8 _ You can serve Islam by forming bonds with
scholars who practise what they preach, those who are known
to be sincere and who are well established in jihad
and supporting this religion. Marching under their banner
and following their lead is very good and beneficial.
9 _ You can serve Islam by organizing your time on
a daily, weekly and monthly basis. There are actions
which should be done every day, others which should be
done every week, and others which should be done every
month or every year.
For example, you should make da'wah to those
whom you see every day and to those whom you see once
a week. You may have a family gathering once a
month, and there may be annual conferences, or journeys for
Hajj or `Umrah once a year, and so on.
10 _ You can serve Islam by paying it some attention
and giving it some of your time, thoughts and money,
and making it your main concern. So when you stand up, it
is for Islam; when you walk, it is for Islam; when you
think, it is for Islam; when you give, it is for Islam; when
you sit, it is for Islam.
11 _ you can serve Islam by hastening to contribute
every time you find an opportunity to do good. Do not
hesitate or delay or put it off.
From Kayfa akhdim al-Islam by `Abd al-Malik
al-Qaasim, p. 18. (www.islam-qa.com)
Our Price: $11.95 Pages: 300 Downloadable
40040: Her husband is threatening to divorce her if
she does not watch pornographic movies with him
Question:
A woman's husband tries to force her to watch pornographic movies with her and she refuses to do
that and tries to stop him; she told him to choose between
her and these movies and he chose the movies instead of
her, What should she do _ when he has threatened to
divorce her if she does not watch these movies with him?
What advice do you give her? Should she watch them or get
a divorce _ especially since she has three children
with him?.
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
Allaah has commanded the Muslim to protect
himself and his family from the Fire. Allaah says
(interpretation of the meaning):
"O you who believe! Ward off yourselves and
your families against a Fire (Hell) whose fuel is men
and stones, over which are (appointed) angels stern
(and) severe, who disobey not, (from executing) the
Commands they receive from Allaah, but do that which they
are commanded"
[al-Tahreem 66:6]
Allaah has put the wife and children under the care
and protection of the husband, and he will be asked
about them on the Day of Resurrection. It was narrated
from Ibn `Umar that the Prophet (peace and blessings of
Allaah be upon him) said: "Each of you is a shepherd and
each of you is responsible for his flock. The ruler is a
shepherd and is responsible for his flock; the man is the
shepherd of his family members and is responsible for them;
the woman is the shepherd of her husband's house
and children and is responsible for them; the slave is
the shepherd of his master's wealth and is responsible for
it. Each of you is a shepherd and each of you is
responsible for his flock."
Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 853; Muslim, 1829.
Allaah has warned those who betray this trust and do
not protect their families as required, that they will be
denied Paradise. It was narrated that Ma'qal ibn Yassaar
said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of
Allaah be upon him) said: "There is no person whom
Allaah appoints in charge of some flock and he is not
sincere towards them, but he will not smell the fragrance
of Paradise."
Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 6731; Muslim, 142.
What this husband is doing, watching
pornographic movies, is an evil and a great sin. It is not permissible
for him to do that, let alone force someone else to do it.
If the husband calls his wife to watch these movies, it
is not permissible for her to obey him, because the
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:
"There is no obedience if it involves disobeying Allaah,
rather obedience is only with regard to that which is right
and proper." Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 7257; Muslim, 1840.
The husband's threat of divorce does not count as
a legitimate excuse for her, and is not regarded as her
being forced to do it. Rather she should advise him in the
way that is better. If he responds and gives up the evil that
he is doing, this is something good that he is doing
for himself, and she will be rewarded for that. If he
refuses to respond to the command of Allaah to lower the
gaze and avoid looking at haraam things, then it is
not permissible for her to obey him in committing sin,
and she should not trust him with regard to herself or
her children, and Allaah will compensate her with
someone better than him, in sha Allaah.
In the answer to question no. 12301 there is a
statement of the shar'i ruling on watching these movies.
In the answer to question no. 7669 there is a
description of ways of advising and guiding this husband.
If the husband does not pray, it is not permissible for
the wife to hesitate in asking for an annulment of the
marriage. We have discussed the ruling on staying with a
husband who does not pray in the answer to question no.
4501 and 5281.
And Allaah knows best. Islam Q&A (www.islam-qa.com)
Our Price: $11.95 Pages: 300 Downloadable
27170: Is it permissible to offer money to a person on
the condition that he does a good deed?
Question:
Is it permissible to offer money to a person on
the condition that he does a good deed ? For example, can
I say to a Muslim uncle, I will give you 500 Dirhams
if you grow and keep a beard ?.
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
It seems that there is nothing wrong with doing that.
Allaah has enjoined certain actions upon His slaves, and
has promised a great reward in this world for doing them,
so as to encourage people to do them. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"And whosoever fears Allaah and keeps his duty to
Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from
every difficulty).
And He will provide him from (sources) he never
could imagine"
[al-Talaaq 65:2-3]
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him) said: "Whoever would like his provision in this world
to be increased and his life span to be extended, let
him uphold the ties of kinship." Narrated by al-Bukhaari,
5986; Muslim, 2557.
As a way of encouraging righteous deeds, the
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)
gave permission for the one who killed a kaafir on
the battelefield to take his spoils.
It was narrated that Abu Qutaadah (may Allaah be
pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace
and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, during the year
of Hunayn: "Whoever kills an enemy and has proof of
that will have his spoils." Narrated by al-Bukhaari,
2973; Muslim, 1751.
"Spoils" here refers to the money, luggage, clothing
and weapons that a fighter has with him.
And the scholars regarded it as permissible to offer
prizes for memorizing soorahs from the Qur'aan or
ahaadeeth, or for winning a contest of knowledge.
The scholars of the Standing Committee were asked:
What is the ruling on receiving prizes for
Qur'aan memorization contests?
They replied:
There is nothing wrong with that, and there is no
difference between men and women in this regard.
Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa'imah, 4/126
This has to do with giving and offering: it is
permissible to offer and give money to one who lets his beard
grow or does other things required by sharee'ah.
But with regard to the one who takes that money: if he
let his beard grow in order to take the prize, then he will
not be rewarded for his action, but if the prize motivated
him to fulfil the command of Allaah, or if he started
because of the prize and then changed his intention after that
and adhered to (following the ruling), then he will be
rewarded for that in which his intention was sound, and it will
not matter that at first he was doing it for the prize.
It was narrated from Anas that a man asked the
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) for
sheep between two mountains and he gave them to him,
then he went to his people and said, "O my people,
become Muslims, for by Allaah Muhammad gives generously
and he does not fear poverty."
Anas said: People would become Muslim only for
worldly gains, but as soon as they became Muslim Islam
became dearer to them than this world and everything in it.
Narrated by Muslim, 2312.
Al-Nawawi said:
This is how it appears in most copies: "fa ma yuslim
(as soon as [they] became Muslim)." In some copies it
says "fa ma yumsi (before the day ended)." Both are
correct. The first means that shortly after they became
Muslim, Islam became dearer to them, i.e., at first they
professed Islam for worldly purposes, with no sound intention
in their hearts, then by the blessing of the Prophet
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and the light
of Islam, their hearts were soon opened to true faith
which took root in their hearts, and then Islam became dearer
to them than this world and everything in it.
Sharh Muslim, 15/72, 73.
And Allaah knows best.
Islam Q&A (www.islam-qa.com)
Our Price: $11.95 Pages: 300 Downloadable
39349: Mixing with the Tableeghi Jama'at and going
out with them
Question:
Is it permissible to mix with the Tableeghi Jama'at
in order to learn from them and do dhikr only?.
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
The Tableeghi Jama'at (Jamaa'at al-Tableegh) is one
of the da'wah groups that is striving to spread Islam
and call people to it. It has played a good role in calling
sinners and those who have deviated by spending time and
money, and putting up with the difficulties of travelling etc.
But looking at some of the mistaken ideas and objectionable beliefs that have been quoted from
some of the shaykhs of this group, some of the scholars
have ruled that no one should go out with them except
seekers of knowledge [taalib al-`ilm] who should go with the
aim of teaching and guiding them.
Shaykh Ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him)
was asked the following question: I went out with
the Tableeghi Jamaa'at to India and Pakistan. We used
to gather and pray in mosques in which there are
graves, and I heard that prayers offered in mosques in which
there are graves are invalid. What is your opinion on my
prayers, and should I repeat them? What is the ruling on going
out with them to these places?
He replied:
The Tableeghi Jama'ah does not have a clear idea
on matters of `aqeedah, so it is not permissible for anyone
to go out with them apart from the one who has
knowledge and understanding of the correct `aqeedah followed
by Ahl al-Sunnah wa'l-Jamaa'ah, so that he can teach
them, advise them and cooperate with them for good
purposes, because they are very active, but they need
more knowledge and they need scholars who know
about Tawheed and the Sunnah to teach them. May Allaah
help us all to understand His religion properly and adhere to
it steadfastly…
Majmoo' Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn Baaz, 8/331
If the members of this group with whom you are in
contact follow sound `aqeedah and have knowledge, then
there is nothing wrong with your cooperating with them
and attending their gatherings.
Shaykh Ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him)
was asked:
We are living in the desert. Some of us have settled
here and some are working to earn a halaal income. A
group from the Tableeghi Jama'at came to us, some of
whom we know personally and are sure that their intentions
are sincere, but they are not scholars; and some of them
are scholars who call us to go out to the villages around
us, and say that we should spend so many days or weeks
or months doing that. We have not seen anything wrong
with the dhikr circles that they hold. Is it permissible to
listen to them or to go out with them to the neighbouring
villages or outside the Kingdom (Saudi Arabia)?
He replied:
If the people mentioned are known to have sound
`aqeedah and knowledge and to be virtuous and good people,
then there is nothing wrong with cooperating with them
in calling people to Allaah and teaching and advising
them, because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"Help you one another in AlBirr and AtTaqwa
(virtue, righteousness and piety)"
[al-Maa'idah 5:2]
And the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be
upon him) said: "Whoever guides others to do something
good, he will have a reward like that of the one who does it."
May Allaah guide us all.
Majmoo' Fataawa al-Shaykh, 9/307
And Allaah knows best. Islam Q&A (www.islam-qa.com)
Our Price: $11.95 Pages: 300 Downloadable
3007: A list of brief Islamic sayings for sending to
one's friends
Question:
On a daily basis I send out short enlightening
phrases/verses from hadeeth to my friends via SMS (text
message) to their cellular phones. I am in search of short
phrases/quotes/verses which are islamic. Could you please
send me a list or refer me to a website where I can find
some. My friends have become accostomed to recieving
their daily quote..etc and I have noticed that these quotes
have had a positive influence on them and would like
to continue doing this. Your response to my request will
be appreciated
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
May Allaah reward you for your great efforts to call
your brothers to Allaah and advise and remind them by
means of these brief Islamic quotations. There follows a list
of some wise sayings and general rules, taken from
the Qur'aan, Sunnah and words of Muslim wise men. Translations of the meanings of quotations from
the Qur'aan appear in italics, quotations from
saheeh ahaadeeth appear in quotation marks ("") and
other quotations appear without any such marks.
And whenever you give your word, say the truth
[al-An'aam 6:152]
And seek help in patience and prayer [al-Baqarah 2:45]
And speak good to people [al-Baqarah 2:83]
And fulfil the Covenant of Allaah when you
have covenanted [al-Nahl 16:91]
Verily! Allaah commands that you should render
back the trusts to those to whom they are due
[al-Nisa' 4:58]
And let not your hand be tied (like a miser) to your
neck, nor stretch it forth to its utmost reach (like a spendthrift)
[al-Isra' 17:29]
Eat and drink, but waste not by extravagance
[al-A'raaf 7:31]
And take a provision (with you) for the journey, but
the best provision is al-taqwa (piety, righteousness)
[al-Baqarah 2:197]
And whosoever fears Allaah and keeps his duty to
Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from
every difficulty)
[al-Talaaq 65:2]
And whosoever puts his trust in Allaah, then He
will suffice him [al-Talaaq 65:3]
He who obeys the Messenger has indeed obeyed
Allaah [al-Nisa' 4:80]
By no means shall you attain al-birr (righteousness)
until you spend (in Allaah's cause) of that which you love
[Aal `Imraan 3:92]
Allaah (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and He is the
Best Disposer of Affairs (for us)
[Aal `Imraan 3:171]
And walk not on the earth with conceit and arrogance
[al-Isra' 17:37]
And turn not your face away from men with pride [Luqmaan 31:18]
And be moderate (or show no arrogance) in your
walking, and lower your voice
[Luqmaan 31:19]
And give not a thing in order to have more (or
consider not your deeds of obedience to Allaah as a favour
to Allaah)
[al-Muddaththir 74:6]
"Pay attention to Allaah and He will pay attention to you."
"If you feel no shame, then do as you wish."
"Make sure your food is good (halaal and bought
with halaal earnings), and you will be one whose prayers
are answered."
"Fear Allaah wherever you may be."
"Follow up a bad deed with a good deed, to cancel
it out."
"Mix with people with a good attitude."
"Keep away from prohibited things and you will be
the best of worshippers."
"Be content with what Allaah has given you, and
you will be the richest of people."
"Love for other people what you love for yourself."
"Do not laugh too much, for excessive laughter
deadens the heart."
"Wrongdoing will be multiple darkness on the Day
of Resurrection."
"Fear Allaah and treat all your children fairly."
"Fear the Fire, even if by giving half a date (in charity)."
"Fear the prayer of the oppressed."
"The thing that weighs most heavily in the balance
(of good deeds) is a good attitude."
"Deliberation is from Allaah, haste is from Shaytaan."
"The less your wealth, the less you will be called
to account for."
"Do not become angry, and Paradise will be yours."
"The most beloved of deeds to Allaah is the one that
is continuous, even if it is little."
"The most beloved of places to Allaah are the mosques."
"The most hated of places to Allaah are the marketplaces."
"The most beloved of food to Allaah is that which
is touched by many hands (i.e., shared among many people)."
"The most beloved of speech to Allaah is that a
person should say, `Subhaan Allaah wa bi
hamdih (Glory and praise be to Allaah)'."
"The most beloved of people to Allaah is the one who
is most helpful."
"The most beloved deed to Allaah is making a
Muslim happy."
"Whoever restrains his anger, Allaah will conceal
his faults."
"A bad attitude spoils a good deed just as vinegar
spoils honey."
"The most beloved of people to Allaah are those
who have the best attitudes."
"Beware of this world, for it is sweet and tempting."
"Control your tongue."
"Trim your moustaches and let your beards grow."
"Give back the things you have been entrusted with
to the person who entrusted them to you."
"Do not betray the one who betrays you."
"Pray to Allaah and be confident of a response."
"Cheer people up, do not put them off."
"Make things easy for people, not difficult."
"Eat with your right hand and eat from what is in front
of you."
"If Allaah gives you wealth, let the blessing of Allaah
be seen on you."
"If someone who is distinguished among his own
people comes to you, then honour him."
"If one with whose religion and character you are
pleased comes to you (to seek your daughter's hand in
marriage), then marry (your daughter) to him."
"If Allaah wills good to the people of a household,
He guides them to be gentle."
"If you do something bad, follow it by doing
something good."
"If you feel uncomfortable about something, then
leave it alone."
"If you judge (between people), then judge fairly."
"If you enter a house, greet the inhabitants with salaam."
"If you are reminded of Allaah, stop what you are
doing (of sin)."
"If Allaah sends you some provision without you
looking forward to it or asking others for it, then take it."
"If you ask Allaah for anything, then ask Him for
al-Firdaws (the highest level of Paradise)."
"If your good deeds please you and your bad deeds
upset you, then you are a mu'min (believer)."
"If you hear the call to prayer, then respond to the
one who is calling you to Allaah."
"If you hear the call to prayer, then say something
like the muezzin says."
"If any one of you becomes angry, let him keep silent."
"If a man becomes angry and says `A'oodhu
Billaah (I seek refuge with Allaah),' his anger will cease."
"If a man says `Ya seedi (sir)' to a
munaafiq (hypocrite), he earns the wrath of his Lord."
"When you stand up to pray, pray as if it is your
last prayer."
"When you get dressed and when you do wudoo',
start on the right."
"When any one of you meets his brother, let him
greet him with salaam."
"Remember death when you are praying."
"Show mercy towards those who are on earth so that
the One Who is in heaven will show mercy to you."
"Renounce pleasure in worldly things and Allaah will
love you."
"Show disinterest in what people have and people
will love you."
"Feel properly shy and modest before Allaah."
Protect "the head and what does through it (thoughts
and ideas)."
Protect "the stomach and what goes into it."
"Seek help in whatever you do by being discreet."
"Everyone who is given a blessing will be envied."
"No one can keep their wudoo' except a believer."
"The worst thief among people is the one who steals
from his prayer, by not doing rukoo' and sujood properly."
"Intercede and you will be rewarded."
"The most grateful of people to Allaah are those who
are most grateful to other people."
The trouble with beauty is feelings of superiority.
The trouble with generosity is extravagance.
The trouble with noble descent is pride.
The trouble with knowledge is forgetfulness.
"Give to the one who denied you."
"Uphold ties with the one who cuts you off."
"Forgive the one who does you wrong."
May Allaah have mercy on the person who said
"Good" and was rewarded or who remained silent and was safe.
Wine is the key to all evil.
The one who is more daring in giving fatwas is
more deserving of Hell.
Love the poor and mix with them.
It is better to err in forgiving than to err in punishment.
Do not judge between people when you are angry.
If you want to count the faults of anyone else, count
your own faults instead.
If you commit a sin, say
"Astaghfir-Allaah (I ask Allaah for forgiveness)."
If you are given a blessing, say, "Al-Hamdu
Lillaah (praise be to Allaah)."
If some disaster befalls you, say, "Innaa Lillaahi wa
innaa ilayhi raaji'oon (Truly, to Allaah we belong and truly,
to Him we shall return)."
Seek rizq (provision) by giving charity
"Give food to others and speak good."
"Seek a response to du'aa's when the iqaamah for
prayer is given and when rain is falling."
The people with the longest necks on the Day of Resurrection will be the muezzins.
"Worship Allaah as if you see Him."
"The most helpless of people are those who cannot
make du'aa'."
"The most miserly of people are those who are
stingy with their salaams (i.e., do not greet others)."
"Pay the hired worker his wages before his sweat dries."
"Tie up (your camel) [i.e., take the necessary
precautions], and put your trust in Allaah."
"Make the most of your life before your death."
Make the most of "your health before your sickness."
Make the most of "your free time before you
become busy."
Make the most of "your wealth before you become poor."
Make the most of "your youth before you become old."
"The best of dhikr is `La ilaaha
ill-Allaah.'"
"The best of sadaqah (charity) is that given by one
who has little."
"The upper hand (the one that gives) is better than
the lower hand (the one that takes)."
The best of earnings is a good sale.
"The best of the believers is one who is best in attitude."
"The best of the muhaajireen is the one who
forsakes (hajara) that which Allaah has prohibited."
"The best type of jihaad is the jihaad of the one who
strives against his own self (jihaad
al-nafs) for the sake of Allaah."
"Read the Qur'aan throughout every month."
"Read the Qur'aan, for it will come and intercede for
its readers on the Day of Resurrection."
"Pray for Allaah to keep you safe and sound."
"Most of the sins committed by the son of Adam are
sins of the tongue."
"Repeat often `Laa hawla wa laa quwwata illa
billaah (there is no power or strength except with Allaah)', for
it is from the treasure of Paradise."
"Always remember the destroyer of joy
(physical pleasure): death."
"Lower your gaze and guard your private parts."
"There is no goodness in the one who is not friendly
or likeable."
"Stay with her (the mother), for Paradise is under her feet."
"Keep saying `Yaa Dhaa'l-jalaali
wa'l-ikraam (O Possessor of Glory and Honour)'" i.e., keep repeating
it persistently.
"Islam cancels out what came before it (of sins)."
"Every bid'ah (innovation) is a going astray and
every going astray will end in Hell."
"Control your tongue, let your house be enough for
you, and weep for your sins."
"(Take care of) your mother, then your mother, then
your mother, then your father, then other relatives in order
of closeness."
"Feed the poor and pat the head of the orphan (i.e.,
show compassion)."
"The one who points the way to good deeds is like
the one who does them."
This is a list of useful sayings and general rules,
which we ask Allaah to make of benefit to people. When
you have finished sending them out, if you would like
more, just let us know so that we can compile some more.
And Allaah is the Source of strength.
Islam Q&A
Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid (www.islam-qa.com)
Our Price: $11.95 Pages: 300 Downloadable
12913: Advice for daa'iyahs travelling abroad
Question:
We are young men who are travelling to the west to
call people to Allaah. We hope that you could give us
some advice that will help us during our trip. May
Allaah preserve you and take care of you.
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
Calling people to Allaah is one of the most essential
duties, and it is the way of the Prophets and Messengers
and their followers, namely the scholars, daa'iyahs
and reformers. Hoping that you will be able to fulfil
the purpose of your da'wah trip and make the most of
your precious time with which you seek to earn reward
from Allaah, we offer you the following advice:
1 _ Fear Allaah (taqwa) and be aware that He is
watching you in secret and in public. The Prophet (peace
and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "Fear
Allaah wherever you may be…" (narrated by al-Tirmidhi,
1910; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh
al-Tirmidhi, 1618). Fearing Allaah is the main thing, and it is the
means of being granted strength in this world and reward in
the Hereafter. And seek reward with Allaah and have
sincerity of intention towards Allaah in all that you say and
do. "Actions are but by intentions and every man shall
have but that which he intended." (Narrated by al-Bukhaari,
1; Muslim, 3530). These are things which will help
the daa'iyah and make his actions blessed, just as
fearing Allaah is the main thing, and it is the means of
being granted strength in this world and reward in the Hereafter.
2 _ Be a good example in your words, appearance,
eating and sleeping. In all of that, follow the example of
the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)
in his words and actions.
3 _ Strive to lower your gaze, especially in countries
where display of women's charms is prevalent and there is
no veiling.
4 _ It is preferable to wear Arabic clothing because
that serves many interests. It is not preferable to wear
European clothing. With regard to what is said about the dangers
of wearing Arabic clothing abroad, these are merely
rumours and have no basis in reality. One may take off
the headcover and wear only the cap if necessary.
5 _ The siwaak is one of the Sunnahs of the Prophet
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and it is rare
in most countries, so it is a gift which will be
appreciated by many Muslims.
6 _ Use your hand-luggage for clothes, because it
is possible that luggage may be lost in those countries.
This also frees up room in your suitcases for the books
you will need. Change your money into dollars so that
you will have it available to spend during your trip.
7 _ Take all the necessary precautions before
travelling, such as vaccinations against the diseases that are
prevalent in the countries to which you are travelling. Take
the yellow international vaccination card with you.
8 _ Take all the addresses that you will need with
you, such as the addresses of the embassies of some Arab
and Muslim countries, and the addresses of well known
and trustworthy Islamic centers and organizations.
Beware of giving the impression to the Muslims
with whom you mix that you have come to offer them
material help, because this opens the door to requests for help
and personal demands. Indeed, some people may think
that you have a lot of money with you and will lie in wait
to do you harm. But this does not mean that you cannot
take some zakaah and charity with you, to give to needy
people once you are sure of their need, but this must be
done with caution and secretly.
9 _ Do not indulge in unnecessary talk, and beware
of referring to matters of marriage, even in a joking
manner, especially with interpreters. There have been
unfortunate cases where some daa'iyahs got married at the
beginning of their trips and got divorced at the end, which has led
to tarnishing of the reputation of the daa'iayahs and
neglect of children and wives.
10 _ Equip yourself with the following:
· A pocket-sized copy of the Qur'aan, preferably with
a translation of the meanings and footnotes describing
the reasons for revelation.
· A book or two about `aqeedah (beliefs,
doctrines), especially Tawheed (Divine Oneness) and refutation
of misguided groups such as the Sufi tareeqahs.
· One or two books on the fiqh of worship, especially
the fiqh of tahaarah (purity), prayer and fasting.
· Riyaadh al-Saaliheen by Imam al-Nawawi, which is
a comprehensive resource, especially which regard to
the fiqh of tahaarah and fasting.
· Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa'imah (fatwas of the
Standing Committee)
· A selection of lessons and lectures recorded on tapes,
so that one may make use of them especially during
long car journeys.
· Keep with you a compass for determining the
direction of the Qiblah and an alarm clock. It is preferable to buy
a small tape recorder to record some words and
interviews with local inhabitants when necessary, as well as
da'wah meetings.
The things mentioned above will help the daa'iyah
to prepare talks, lessons and lectures, and to
answer questions. It will also help him to organize his time
and make the most of it, in sha Allah.
11 _ Use your time as much as possible to benefit
the da'wah, so that your visit will be a gain for the
Muslims in that country. Make the most of every opportunity to
do good and do not hesitate. That should be done
by coordinating with the brothers in charge of organizing.
12 _ When discussing any topic or issue, pay attention
to the fact that people may be lacking in knowledge
or ignorant, and that there may be differences of
madhhabs. Avoid indulging in controversial issues or
stereotyping people, and try to explain the truth without
criticizing individuals.
13 _ Wisdom is one of the most important basics in
calling people to Allaah, especially when travelling. It is
essential when prioritizing and outlining the steps to be taken
to achieve one's goals, and it is also required when
dealing with different types of people. It is wise to show
due respect to people according to their status and
to acknowledge their positions.
14 _ The daa'iyah will find that some questions of
fiqh are posed to him during his trip, especially after
giving lessons and talks. He should be deal with this matter in
a proper way, replying to questions with evidence
and quoting the words of the scholars, or else saying "I
don't know". It was said that "the one who says `I don't
know' has issued a fatwa (answered the question)." There
is nothing to stop you delaying giving an answer until
you have had time to review the matter.
15 _ It is better for the members of the group to take
turns in giving lessons and talks. We do not think that only
one person should take all the responsibility so that
he becomes the mufti and khateeb and preacher, even if
he is more capable, because one of the aims of these trips
is to offer practical da'wah training to the daa'iyahs.
These trips offer a valuable opportunity for training in
preaching and giving khutbahs, especially for brothers who find
it difficult to do that in their home country because
there are so many scholars and seekers of knowledge there.
16 _ Getting to know about the situation of the
Muslims, by finding out about the Islamic situation in general
and the situation of local Islamic organizations
and institutions, both official and non-official, in
particular; writing down their addresses and reports on
their activities; finding out about prominent and
influential Muslim personalities in the society; attempting to
win them over by visiting them and speaking to them
nicely, so as to advance the cause of Islam and the Muslims.
All of this must be done within the guidelines of
sharee'ah. We must also try to find out about anti-Islamic
activities in the region.
17 _ Strengthening ties with official religious bodies,
by holding friendly meetings, giving gifts of Islamic
books and audio materials, etc. This will make your work
much easier for you and will be more effective in spreading
the message.
Finally, we ask Allaah to give you strength and make
you steadfast. Peace be upon you, and the mercy and
blessings of Allaah.
Islam Q&A
Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid (www.islam-qa.com)
Our Price: $11.95 Pages: 300 Downloadable
10219: Should we call people who do actions of Shirk
to Tawheed only?
Question:
In the regions where there are shrines and people
visit graves, should we call them to Tawheed only, or
should we call them to Tawheed and all the matters of
religion, such as doing the salaah properly and other matters?
Does the same also apply in cases where people are not
doing actions of Shirk but are committing some sins?
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
When making da'wah, it is essential to pay attention
to the circumstances of the people whom one is calling.
If they have fallen into Shirk, then we should start
by forbidding Shirk and enjoining Tawheed, then enjoin
all the other matters of religion. Whoever is free of
Shirk but is still committing some sins should be told not
to commit those sins, and should be enjoined to repent.
From Fataawaa al-Lajnah al-Daa'imah, 12/245 (www.islam-qa.com)
Our Price: $11.95 Pages: 300 Downloadable
10261: With what should the daa'iyah start calling
people to Islam?
Question:
The Islamic groups here differ as to what the
daa'iyahs should start with _ should they start with the
political aspects of Islam, or the beliefs, or the morals?
What matters do you think we should start with?
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
It is prescribed to start with `aqeedah (belief, tenets
of faith), as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah
be upon him) and all the Messengers did, and because of
the hadeeth of Mu'aah, [in which the Prophet (peace
and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to him, when
he sent him to Yemen]:
"You will come to some of the people of the Book.
When you reach them, invite them to testify that there is no
god except Allaah and that Muhammad is His Messenger.
If they obey you in that, then tell them that Allah has
enjoined on them five prayers every day and night. If they
obey you in that, then tell them that Allah has enjoined on
them Sadaqah (i.e. Zakaah) to be taken from the rich
among them and given to the poor among them. If they obey
you in that, then exercise caution and do not take their
best properties (as Zakaah). Fear the invocation (du'aa')
of the oppressed person, for there is no barrier between
his invocation and Allaah."
This is if the people who are being called are kaafirs
(non-Muslims). If, however, the people who are being
called are Muslims, then they should be taught about the
aspects of their religion of which they are ignorant and
where they are falling short, so you should start with the
most important, then the next most important, and so on.
From Fataawaa al-Lajnah al-Daa'imah, 12/238 (www.islam-qa.com)
Our Price: $11.95 Pages: 300 Downloadable
10108: Is it permissible to go into churches for the
purpose of da'wah, or just to look around?
Question:
There are many churches here. Is it permissible to go
into them to hold discussions with the priests there? Is
it permissible to go in just to look at them and see what
the people do there?
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
It is permissible for scholars and knowledgeable
people to enter churches in order to call the people there to
Islam. But we should not enter them just to look around,
because there is no benefit in doing so, and there is the fear
that the Muslim may be influenced by them, especially if
he is ignorant about his own religion and cannot refute
the confusion that they will direct towards him.
From Fataawaa al-Lajnah al-Daa'imah, 13/257 (www.islam-qa.com)
Our Price: $11.95 Pages: 300 Downloadable
| 
