Chapter 1
38161: A Christian is asking what is written on the gate
of Paradise?
Question:
What is written on the gates of paradise?.
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
Firstly:
Paradise does not have only one gate, rather it has
many gates. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"And those who kept their duty to their Lord
(Al-Muttaqoon _ the pious) will be led to Paradise in
groups till when they reach it, and its gates will be opened
(before their arrival for their reception) and its keepers will
say: Salaamun `Alaykum (peace be upon you)! You have
done well, so enter here to abide therein"
[al-Zumar 39:73]
There is also evidence narrated in the Sunnah which
points to the number of these gates. For example, the
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:
"In Paradise there are eight gates, among which is a gate
called al-Rayyaan, through which no one will enter except
those who fast." Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 3257; Muslim,
1125. This hadeeth indicates that the number of gates is eight.
Secondly:
There are some reports which speak of what is written
on the gate of Paradise. The strongest report that we
have found is that which was narrated by al-Tabaraani and
al-Bayhaqi from Abu Umaamah (may Allaah be pleased
with him), that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah
be upon him) said: "A man entered Paradise and saw
written on its gate `Charity receives a tenfold reward and a
loan an eighteenfold reward.'"
Classed as hasan by al-Albaani. See Saheeh
al-Targheeb wa'l-Tarheeb, 1/537.
Although some scholars were inclined to accept
the attribution of this hadeeth to the Prophet (peace
and blessings of Allaah be upon him), others _ including
Ibn al-Jawzi, al-`Iraaqi, al-Manaawi and others _ classed
it as da'eef (weak), because the narrators who
transmitted it from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be
upon him) include a narrator who is very weak.
There is another report which says: "Written on the
gates of Paradise is: `Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah Muhammad
Rasool-Allaah `Ali akhoo rasool-Illaah (There is no god
but Allaah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah, `Ali
is the brother of the Messenger of Allaah).' This was
written two thousand years before the creation of the
heavens and the earth."
But this is a false report which cannot be attributed to
the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah
be upon him).
See al-Silsilah al-Da'eefah, vol. 10, no. 4901.
We should also note that speaking about this topic
or similar topics that have to do with Paradise, Hell or
other matters of the unseen cannot be accepted as correct
unless it is based on revelation (wahy) that is proven to be
from Allaah, on the lips of His Messenger.
And we have to ask ourselves: what is the practical
benefit of knowing such things? What good things will we
be missing out on if we do not know this?
The question which we should really be asking is:
How can we get to those gates? How can they be opened
for us? How can we enter them?
This is the decisive question which people should
concern themselves with.
In truth there is only one way to reach Paradise: the
straight path in which there is no crookedness. Allaah
says (interpretation of the meaning):
"And verily, this is My straight path, so follow it,
and follow not (other) paths, for they will separate you
away from His path. This He has ordained for you that
you may become AlMuttaqoon (the pious)"
[al-An'aam 6:153]
The first step on that straight path is believing that
there is no god but Allaah and that Muhammad is the
Messenger of Allaah, believing that Muhammad (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him) is a Prophet and Messenger
from Allaah. This is the matter concerning which Allaah
took the covenant and pledge from the Prophets before
they were sent. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"And (remember) when Allaah took the Covenant of
the Prophets, saying: `Take whatever I gave you from
the Book and Hikmah (understanding of the Laws of
Allaah), and afterwards there will come to you a
Messenger (Muhammad) confirming what is with you; you
must, then, believe in him and help him.' Allaah said: `Do
you agree (to it) and will you take up My Covenant (which
I conclude with you)?' They said: `We agree.' He
said: `Then bear witness; and I am with you among
the witnesses (for this).'"
[Aal `Imraan 3:81]
Allaah called all of those who were given a book
before him to believe in this final Prophet and His plain
Book. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians)!
Now has come to you Our Messenger (Muhammad)
explaining to you much of that which you used to hide from
the Scripture and pass over (i.e. leaving out
without explaining) much. Indeed, there has come to you
from Allaah a light (Prophet Muhammad) and a plain
Book (this Qur'aan).
16. Wherewith Allaah guides all those who seek His
Good Pleasure to ways of peace, and He brings them out
of darkness by His Will unto light and guides them to
the Straight Way (Islamic Monotheism)"
[al-Maa'idah 5:15-16]
Allaah tells us that His proof is established against
the People of the Book and others by means of this
final Prophet. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians)!
Now has come to you Our Messenger (Muhammad)
making (things) clear unto you, after a break in (the series
of) Messengers, lest you say: `There came unto us no
bringer of glad tidings and no warner.' But now has come
unto you a bringer of glad tidings and a warner. And Allaah
is Able to do all things"
[al-Maa'idah 5:19]
After he has come, no one can enter Paradise unless
they follow him and obey him.
It was narrated that Jaabir ibn `Abd-Allaah (may
Allaah be pleased with him) said: Some angels came to
the Prophet while he was sleeping. Some of them said,
"He is sleeping." Others said, "His eyes are sleeping but
his heart is awake." Then they said, "There is an example
for this companion of yours." One of them said, "Then
set forth an example for him." Some of them said, "He
is sleeping." The others said, "His eyes are sleeping but
his heart is awake." Then they said, "His example is that of
a man who has built a house and then offered therein
a banquet and sent a messenger to invite the people.
So whoever accepted the invitation of the messenger,
entered the house and ate of the banquet, and whoever did
not accept the invitation of the messenger, did not enter
the house, nor did he eat of the banquet." Then the
angels said, "Explain this example to him so that he
may understand it." Some of them said, "He is sleeping."
The others said, "His eyes are sleeping but his heart is
awake." And then they said, "The house stands for Paradise
and the caller is Muhammad; and whoever obeys
Muhammad, obeys Allaah; and whoever disobeys
Muhammad, disobeys Allaah. Muhammad separated the people
(i.e., through his message, the good are distinguished from
the bad and the believers from the disbelievers)."
Saheeh al-Bukhaari, 2861.
According to a report narrated by al-Daarimi:
Rabee'ah al-Jurashi said: Some (angels) came to the Prophet
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and it was said
to him: "Let your eyes sleep and let your ears hear and
let your heart understand." He said: "My eyes slept but
my ears heard and my heart understood." He said: "It
was said to me: A master built a house, then he prepared
a banquet and sent a caller (to invite people).
Whoever responded to the caller entered the house and ate of
the banquet and the master was pleased with him,
and whoever did not respond to the caller did not enter
the house or eat of the banquet, and the master was
angry with him." Allaah is the master, Muhammad is the
caller, the house is Islam and the banquet is Paradise."
Sunan al-Daarimi, 11.
If you want to study some of the foretelling of the
coming of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of
Allaah be upon him) that is mentioned in the Torah and
Gospel (the Bible), you can refer to the book Izhar
al-Haqq by Shaykh Rahmatullah al-Hindi.
May Allaah guide us and you to His Straight Path,
the path of those on whom Allaah has bestowed His
grace, not the path of those who have earned His anger nor
of those who went astray.
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13253: Married to a Christian woman _ what should he
do next?
Question:
I'm muslem by birth. Except fasting during Ramadan,
I haven't been practicing much else of Islam til about
3 years ago. I married a christian (non practicing)
american women about 5 years ago but I've known her for 5
more years before that. I've been hoping that she'll see the
light and convert to islam but it didn't happen. We talked
about it and she said that converting to islam is out of
the question. She's a very nice person from a very nice
family and she helped me a lot since I moved to the USA.
She wants to have kids soon (so do I), but it will kill me to
see my kids grow up other then muslems. Even though
she agrees that the children will grow up as muslems.
She said she will teach them Islam and would not
confuse them by teaching them any other religion. She
doesn't know much about islam and she said she'll start
learning as soon as she gets pregnant. I'm very scared
and depressed about this. I tried ending up the marriage 3
times but every time she cried til my heart softened and
agreed to give it one more try. I'm running out of time and
I don't think I can go on with having children with
her. She'll resent it if we never have children and
we'll probably end up separated sooner ar later.
Please advise me as to what to do. What are my responsibilities towards her if we should divorce?.
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
Firstly:
We advise you to adhere to Islam and adhere to
its obligatory duties such as prayer, zakaah and fasting,
and to be an example to your wife so that perhaps Allaah
will guide her at your hands and you will achieve much
good thereby.
Secondly:
Your anxieties and fears about your children growing
up as non-Muslims _ if they are born from this woman
_ reflects a commendable concern on your part for
your religion and the religion of your children.
Undoubtedly this good attitude is a good thing. In order to find
peace of mind you need to make a great deal of du'aa' and
ask Allaah to protect your religious commitment and that
of your children. You have to pray istikhaarah as
prescribed in Islam, and ask Allaah to guide you and help you
to make the right decision as far as your
religious commitment is concerned, and choose whether to
stay with her and have children with her, or to leave her
and marry a committed Muslim woman with whom you
will feel confident _ by Allaah's leave _ about your
children. Be certain that whoever gives up something for the
sake of Allaah, Allaah will compensate him with
something better than it, as is proven in the hadeeth of the
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). You
can make the most of your wife's being so attached to you
to explain to her that if there is a conflict between your
love for her and the soundness of your religious
commitment, then the soundness of your religious commitment has
to take priority. Perhaps this will motivate her to enter
the true religion of Allaah _ Islam.
You should note that you cannot force her to enter
Islam without conviction, because entering the religion of
Islam by force will not benefit her, as Ibn Katheer
mentioned (1/211).
See also The effects of marriage to kitaabi women
(i.e., Jewish and Christian women), question no.
20227.
Thirdly:
If your circumstances are conducive to your raising
your children as Muslims and protecting them from
religious and moral deviation, and your wife and her family
will not be able to influence them in those areas, then there
is nothing wrong with trying to have children with your
wife, even if she remains a Christian, because having
children is also the wife's right, and that may help her to
learn about Islam and look into it as she has promised to do.
Fourthly:
You should try to move to a Muslim country where
you will be able to give your children a sound
upbringing, whether you stay with this wife or marry someone
else, because staying in the kaafir lands is not
permissible except in cases of necessity or where it serves the
interests of the Muslims _ such as staying there to call people
to Allaah, or to study and acquire knowledge that
the Muslims need but is not available in their countries _
so long as one is able to practise Islam openly and call
others to Islam, because the Prophet (peace and blessings
of Allaah be upon him) said: "I disavow any Muslim
who stays among the mushrikeen." Narrated by Abu
Dawood, 2645; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in
Saheeh Abi Dawood.
For more information on this issue please see
question no. 13363.
Fifthly:
In the event of a divorce, then the wife is entitled to
the delayed mahr (dowry), if applicable. With regard
to accommodation and maintenance, that depends on
the type of divorce:
If a man has given his wife one revocable talaaq
(divorce), then she is entitled to accommodation and
maintenance during the `iddah; she may also inherit from him and
he from her (if either of them dies) during this period,
because they are still married. The evidence that a woman
divorced by a revocable talaaq is entitled to accommodation is
the verse in which Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"O Prophet! When you divorce women, divorce them
at their `Iddah (prescribed periods) and count
(accurately) their `Iddah (periods). And fear Allaah your Lord
(O Muslims). And turn them not out of their
(husband's) homes nor shall they (themselves) leave, except in
case they are guilty of some open illegal sexual
intercourse. And those are the set limits of Allaah. And
whosoever transgresses the set limits of Allaah, then indeed he
has wronged himself. You (the one who divorces his wife)
know not it may be that Allaah will afterward bring some
new thing to pass (i.e. to return her back to you if that was
the first or second divorce)"
[al-Talaaq 65:1]
If she does not go back to him until after the `iddah
has ended, then she can only go back to him with a
new marriage contract.
If a man divorces his wife with an irrevocable talaaq,
then she is not entitled to accommodation and
maintenance during the `iddah, unless she is pregnant.
Irrevocable divorce is of two types:
(i) The "lesser" type, which is divorce before the
marriage has been consummated, and the divorce in return for
some compensation or payment.
(ii) The "greater" type, which is the third of three talaaqs.
The evidence that a woman who has been divorced by
an irrevocable talaaq is not entitled to maintenance
or accommodation is the report narrated by Muslim
(1480) from al-Sha'bi who said: I entered upon Faatimah
bint Qays and asked her about the ruling of the Messenger
of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him).
She said that her husband divorced her irrevocably and
she referred the matter to the Messenger of Allaah (peace
and blessings of Allaah be upon him) to judge with regard
to accommodation and maintenance. She said: He did
not grant me accommodation or maintenance, and he told
me to observe my `iddah in the house of Ibn Umm Maktoom.
According to another report also narrated by Muslim
she said: I mentioned that to the Messenger of Allaah
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and he said:
"You are not entitled to any maintenance or
accommodation." According to a version narrated by Abu Dawood:
"You are not entitled to any maintenance unless you
are pregnant."
And Allaah knows best.
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43483: Obstacles to a Christian woman marrying a
Muslim man
Question:
I allready posted my question yesterday, but in the
section "submit feedback" because I didn't understand why
this link wasn't working. Her followes my
problem/question: My boyfriend is a Muslim and has problems with
his parents accepting me. They never even have met me,
but his mother allready said to him several times that if
he doesn't leave me, he will never set a foot in their
house again, she has treatend that they will cut him off. I
don't know what his father thinks, he talkes to his mother
most of the time. (I understand that talking to a father is
often difficult in the Muslim culture) I know that Muslims
can mary Christians and Jews if the're chaste, and I
know that his parents aren't permitted to cut him off just
because they don't approve of this, but what are we to do
when even talking about it is out of the question ? What am I
to do when they judge me before they even got to know
me ? We are boy- and girlfriend and that isn't acceptable
in Islam, but we would like to mary. (Our kids will be
raised as Muslims and I'm planning to learn more about the
Islam so that there's no confusion) My boyfriend doesn't
want to hurt anyone, especially not his parents, he has
great respect for them. He can't make his parents see that
he loves me so much and that I'm a good girl. Also I
can't help him and talk to them, because he said that it's
not allowed to bring a woman/girl into his parents house.
How can I help him with this ? Why is't talking about it
possible ? How can you solve problems when you can't even
have a discussion ? Didn't Allah create people so they
would know one another ? I believe in God/Allah, I'm trying
to be a good person and pray every day. My parents
raised me as a christian, but sinds I got to know a little bit
about the Islam I can't believe in the christian's ways
anymore. I think that the Islam is for me, but my boyfriend and
I agreed that we concentrate on this when our problem
_ accepting of his parents of us - is solved. I want my
relation with Allah to be pure and not being influenced by
other things; A boyfriend can not be the reason why I
should accept the Islam in my life, can it ? Am I to blame when
I accept the islam _ and keep on believing in Allah as I
do now- to make things easyer for us, because the
parents want that. I know a good Muslim not only thinks
about him-/her-self and has to think about all the people
around him/her, but I can't accept the fact that our love has
to end, just because his parents want this. Is this the will
of Allah ? Please give us advise on what to do. Why
can't they talk to me ? How can we make them understand
that they cannot judge before they even know me ? And
do you have any advise for him, is't going to be a
very difficult dicision.
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
We ask Allaah to guide you and to show you the
right path, for He is Able to do that.
Firstly:
We thank you for submitting your question to this
Islamic website, which indicates that you have trust and are
keen to find out the correct answer.
Secondly:
A number of the things that you find strange, as
mentioned in your question, are regarded by us Muslims as
normal, whereas others find them objectionable.
The reason is well known among the Muslims: the
attitude of worldview of the Muslim is based on full
submission to the rulings of Allaah and His Messenger (peace
and blessings of Allaah be upon him), and total obedience
to Allaah, the Creator, the Provider, the Giver of life
and death, because He has enjoined that upon us, and
He knows best what is right for us.
For example: you find it very strange that your
boyfriend's parents denounce the relationship between you,
because according to the way you were brought up and what
you are used to in the non-Islamic society in which you
live, you think that this relationship is something natural
and normal, in which two human souls come together
and feel at ease with one another and satisfy their
physical inclinations; he does things for you and you do things
for him in return, and he speaks softly to you and you
speak softly to him, and you can exchange gifts, etc.
Islam does not forbid kind words, good treatment
and gift-giving, but a Muslim man should not be alone with
a non-mahram woman [i.e., one who is not a close
blood relative] and be intimate with her outside the
framework of marriage, because the evil consequences and harm
that that leads to, such as loss of chastity, committing
zina (unlawful sexual relationship), the violation of
honour, conception of illegitimate children and confusion
of lineage, are far worse than nice relationships and
the exchange of gifts.
If it were not for the intimacy you are seeking from
one another, the nice treatment you are giving to one
another would not have taken place.
Also if there is the firm intention and resolve to get
married in the future and have children who will grow up
as Muslims, that still does not justify this
forbidden relationship which involves many things that are
forbidden in Islam.
We wonder, if the relationship is so deep and strong,
and you have the sincere intention of getting married,
why don't you both repent from this forbidden
relationship and immediately enter upon a proper,
legitimate relationship as allowed in Islam, based on marriage
which Allaah has prescribed.
The Islamic marriage contract is not something
difficult or complicated, rather it is very easy. See question
no. 2127 and 813 for more information about the
marriage contract in Islam.
Thirdly:
It is not true that speaking to one's father is difficult
among Muslims. There is no society that is more
distinguished by its strong family ties than the Muslim societies.
Indeed, a quick glance at the state of the family in the west
will show that sons are far away from their parents and
the parents' rights are not respected, let alone what that
leads to of children being neglected and daughters being
lost. Islam enjoins children to show respect to their parents,
as non-Muslims who do not enjoy such a relationship
realize. Because the mother tends to be gentle, loving
and compassionate towards her children, and the father
tends be to strict and take a rational and unemotional
approach towards things, many children find it easier to talk to
their mothers than to their fathers, especially with regard
to emotional problems. But that does not mean that it
is difficult for Muslims to talk to their fathers.
But some people may have been brought up in a way
that was not entirely right, which may have affected some
of their behaviour and attitudes, but only in a general
sense. The Muslim is supposed to love his fellow-Muslim
who is a stranger, so what about one who is close to him
_ what about sons and fathers? Each of them should
care about the interests of the other and love that which is
best for him. This brings us to the second point: which is
that his parents' objection to this marriage does not mean
that they are trying to control their son and does not mean
that they have judged you without seeing you. Rather
any father _ and especially in a Muslim society _ wants
the best life for his son, and because the father has
greater experience of life and has lived longer, and he
knows how things are, he does not want his son to do
something reckless which he may later regret.
The father will try to keep his son away from
everything that may be labeled a failure, so he does not want him
to embark on something risky such as this marriage,
because marriage in Islam is a strong relationship which does
not just last for a limited time like the forbidden love
of boyfriends and girlfriends; rather it is a
relationship between the two spouses which should be ongoing
and stable. So the choice (of a marriage partner) should
only be made after much serious consideration and
consultation with those who know more about life than we
do. Naturally the difference of religion will be a cause
of division between spouses, or will cause problems in
the future, especially when children come along. We
have heard of many such problems on this site.
Yes, Islam does not forbid a Muslim man to marry a
chaste Christian or Jewish woman; Islam allows that, but it
does not encourage it. Our Prophet (peace and blessings
of Allaah be upon him) urged us to choose a wife who
is righteous, religiously committed and has a good attitude.
Hence the fact that his parents have rejected this
marriage was not a hasty judgement, rather it was because
they know how things are.
You may say, "My marriage to this man will be
different, but they don't realize that."
Again I say: it will be different, but no father wants
his son to go through an experience he does not
need, especially when the current relationship between you
is forbidden according to Islam.
Fourthly:
You ask, Will there by any blame on me if I accept
Islam _ outwardly _ and continue to believe in Allaah as I
do now?
The answer is that this is a serious matter. Our
pure monotheistic religion cannot be toyed with, or used
for personal motives. Hence one of the basic principles
of this religion is:
"There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right
Path has become distinct from the wrong path.
Whoever disbelieves in Taaghoot and believes in Allaah, then
he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will
never break"
[al-Baqarah 2:256]
If a person enters the religion of Allaah as a game with
no serious intent, he deserves the curse of Allaah and he
will be with the disbelievers, as Allaah says (interpretation
of the meaning):
"Verily, the hypocrites will be in the lowest depth
(grade) of the Fire"
[al-Nisa' 4:145]
Fifthly:
This problem may be solved in several ways, the
first, best and quickest of which is for you to start to learn
what Islam really is, the comprehensive nature of this
religion, and how it is in accordance with the sound nature of
man. So learn about the religion of Islam, for no other
reason than to find out the truth and to get out of the
vicious circle of confusing ideas and beliefs that go against
sound nature and reason.
Then _ if you strive hard _ you will come to know
the clear truth and the light of certain faith, and the matter
of marriage will become easy for you _ if Allaah wills.
There is nothing wrong with your marriage to this man being
a reason for you finding out about Islam.
But if you take this first step, it is better and
more appropriate than getting married and then thinking
about Islam.
If the family consists of two Muslim spouses from
the outset, then Allaah will bless it and care for it, and
they will be the basis of a family that is beloved to
Allaah, because it is Muslim.
Perhaps if you and your boyfriend announce that you
have repented and get married according to Islamic
sharee'ah, this will reduce his parents' worries and negative attitude.
If you tell them that you have entered Islam, then the
One Who is more important than anyone else will be
pleased with that, namely Allaah, may He be exalted. If you
please Allaah, no matter whom you anger among your
family, He will be pleased with you and will cause people to
be pleased with you.
It may be appropriate _ but you need to think about
this and choose the right time_ for you to visit his
mother yourself, without your boyfriend being with you, so
you can tell her that you are keen to enter Islam and
repent from this forbidden relationship, and marry her
son according to the laws of Allaah.
As we have mentioned above, Islam allows marriage
to chaste non-Muslim women, so why not start to live
a chaste and pure life, far away from any relationship
that goes against that?
Your saying that your boyfriend cannot be the reason
why you accept Islam is true in a sense, in that you will
become Muslim not for love of this person but for love of
the truth and love of Allaah Who has chosen Islam as
the religion for mankind. The evidence for this is clear
and does not need a strong emotional motive, because
the evidence and proof of the truth is sufficient.
We must not forget, before ending this answer,
to commend the phrase you used in your question, which
is, "Since I got to know a little bit about Islam I can't
believe in the Christians' ways any more." This indicates that
you are very close to the truth and that your conviction is
taking the right shape, and that truth and falsehood cannot
reside together in your heart. This is a good sign.
Ask Allaah to guide you to the path of truth and to
open your eyes to the light. May Allaah guide you to the
straight path. And Allaah knows best.
For more information please see questions no.
33656, 20884. 2527.
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48981: Is giving zakaah to those whose hearts are to
be opened to Islam a kind of bribe?
Question:
Some people accuse Islam by saying that giving to
"those whose hearts are to be softened"
(al-mu'allafatu quloobihim) is a kind of bribe and enticing them
with money to enter Islam. Is this correct?.
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
Giving money to those whose hearts are to be opened
is not a bribe, because a bribe is money which a person
gives to someone to help him to avoid a duty or to get
something to which he is not entitled. But giving money in order
to soften a person's heart and open it towards Islam is
helping them to discover the truth and encouraging them to
follow it by entering Islam. It is a kind of jihad using money.
Allaah has allocated a share of zakaah for those
whose hearts are to be softened, as He says (interpretation of
the meaning):
"As-Sadaqaat (here it means Zakaah) are only for
the Fuqaraa' (poor), and AlMasaakeen (the poor) and
those employed to collect (the funds); and to attract the
hearts of those who have been inclined (towards Islam)…"
[al-Tawbah 9:60]
This share should be taken to the ruler and given to
those who he sees are close to accepting Islam. The
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) gave
those whose hearts were to be softened wealth from the
spoils of the battle of Hunayn, which led to entire
tribes becoming Muslim. This is an ongoing issue, and one
of the means of da'wah that should be revived,
because people are naturally inclined to like those who are
kind to them:
"Be kind to people and you will capture their hearts
How often has kindness made people treat you like
a master."
al-Qurtubi, al-Jaami' li Ahkaam
al-Qur'aan, 8/181; Ibn al-Atheer, al-Nihaayah fi Ghareeb
al-Hadeeth, p. 359; al-Booti, Fiqh
al-Seerah, p. 430
The correct attitude for the Muslim, if he sees a clear
and unambiguous text concerning some matter _ whether
it coincides with current custom, or with western
culture, or not _ is that he should follow it without any kind
of embarrassment or fear, and whether he knows the
wisdom behind it or not.
May Allaah send blessings upon His noble Prophet.
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27302: A Muslim whose kaafir family are threatening
to hang him because of his being Muslim
Question:
I am a Muslim but my family are kaafirs. What should
I do with them, when they did not accept me being
Muslim and want me to go back to their religion, and they
are threatening to hang me? What should I do?.
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
First of all I would like to give you the glad tidings of
the words of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah
be upon him): "There will come a time when the person
who is patient in adhering to his religion will be like one
who holds on to a life coal." Narrated by al-Tirmidhi
from Anas; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani because
of corroborating reports. See al-Silsilah
al-Saheehah, 957
We ask Allaah to make you steadfast in adhering to
the truth and not to let the blame of anyone or the evil of
any wrongdoer affect you. Remember the words of Allaah
to His Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him):
"but beware of them lest they turn you (O
Muhammad) far away from some of that which Allaah has sent
down to you"
[al-Maa'idah 5:49 _ interpretation of the
meaning]
I advise you to flee for the sake of your religion to a
place where you can find people to help you follow the
truth. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"He who emigrates (from his home) in the Cause
of Allaah, will find on earth many dwelling places and
plenty to live by. And whosoever leaves his home as an
emigrant unto Allaah and His Messenger, and death overtakes
him, his reward is then surely, incumbent upon Allaah.
And Allaah is Ever OftForgiving, Most Merciful"
[al-Nisa' 4:100]
At the same time, you should pray for your family
and ask Allaah to guide them and open their hearts to Islam.
Finally, I ask Allaah to make the Muslims happy
by supporting Islam and helping the believers and
humiliating the kaafirs. May Allaah guide your family to Islam.
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41006: A Christian asking about repentance
Question:
If a man decides after a life of sinfulness to come to
God and promise to reform his life, I understand that
Islam says that he will be forgiven and therefore inherit
the promises etc. My questions though is what has
happened to the weight of this man's sin, as in sinning he
has offended God and therefore this sin has to be atoned
for, who is going to atone for his sin, if God is just going
to forgive him on the promise of his being good and
faithful? Surely as we saw with Adam there has to be a
consequence for sin....
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
Praise be to Allaah Who has guided us to Islam, for
we would not have been guided had He not guided us.
First of all, we thank you for your question, and we
ask Allaah to bless you with guidance.
Allaah has created us for a great purpose, which is
to worship Him Alone with no partner or associate.
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"And I (Allaah) created not the jinn and mankind
except that they should worship Me (Alone)"
[al-Dhaariyaat 51:56]
This is the purpose of life: to worship Allaah alone.
So Allaah has not created us to eat and drink… or to
relax and play… or to strive and work hard… rather He
has created us to worship Him and not to be ungrateful
to Him; to remember him and not forget Him.
This is the purpose of life, and what a beautiful
purpose it is. When man lives to worship his Lord and Master,
to serve His religion and establish His command, with
his body on earth and his heart with Allaah and the
Hereafter, then he understands the reality of this life and
how insignificant this world is, and that what is left of this
life should not be wasted in passing pleasures and
temporary desires. O Allaah, bless us with Your guidance.
Because worship requires explanation and
guidance, Allaah sent His Messengers:
"Messengers as bearers of good news as well as
of warning in order that mankind should have no
plea against Allaah after the (coming of) Messengers"
[al-Nisa' 4:165]
Whoever submits is guided, and whoever turns away
is doomed and lost.
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"Verily, proofs have come to you from your Lord,
so whosoever sees, will do so for (the good of) his
ownself, and whosoever blinds himself, will do so to his own
harm, and I (Muhammad) am not a watcher over you"
[al-An'aam 6:104]
If a person submits (becomes Muslim), he has
chosen happiness for himself:
"And whosoever has embraced Islam (i.e. has become
a Muslim by submitting to Allaah), then such have
sought the Right Path" [al-Jinn 72:14 _ interpretation of
the meaning]
Because man is vulnerable to making mistakes
and forgetting, and to falling into sin, Allaah has
prescribed repentance for His slaves and has opened the door
of repentance until the Hour begins, and He invites His
slaves to repent sincerely. Allaah says (interpretation of
the meaning):
"O you who believe! Turn to Allaah with
sincere repentance! It may be that your Lord will expiate
from you your sins, and admit you into Gardens under
which rivers flow (Paradise)…"
[al-Tahreem 66:8]
"And all of you beg Allaah to forgive you all, O
believers, that you may be successful"
[al-Noor 24:31]
See also question no. 14289.
It should be noted that sins are of two types:
1 _ Transgressions against the rights of Allaah.
2 _ Transgressions against the rights of created beings.
With regard to the first type:
Transgressions against the rights of Allaah _ such
as adultery, drinking alcohol, neglecting obligatory
duties such as prayer, zakaah, etc. These sins are
punishable according to sharee'ah, such as adultery and
drinking, for which the hadd punishment is to be carried out on
the one who does them, and that is an expiation and
a purification for him. If the hadd punishment is not
carried out on him, but he repents to Allaah, then Allaah
will accept his repentance and turn his bad deeds
(sayi'aat) into good deeds (hasanaat).
Whoever meets Allaah with these sins, without
having repented or had the hadd punishment carried out on
him, is subject to the will of Allaah on the Day of
Resurrection: if He wills He will punish him and if He wills He
will forgive him.
Al-Bukhaari (18) and Muslim (1709) narrated
from `Ubaadah ibn al-Saamit (may Allaah be pleased with
him) _ who was present at the Battle of Badr and was one
of the prominent figures on the night of al-`Aqabah _
that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of
Allaah be upon him) said, when there was a group of
his companions around him: "Give me your oath of
allegiance (bay'ah), pledging that you will not associate
anything with Allaah, you will not steal, you will not
commit adultery, you will not kill your children, you will
not fabricate lies and you will not disobey with regard
to anything that is right and proper. If you fulfil that,
your reward will be with Allaah, but whoever commits any
of these actions, his punishment will be in this world and
it will be an expiation for him. Whoever does any of
these things then Allaah conceals him, it will be up to
Allaah: if He wills He will forgive him and if He wills He
will punish him." So they gave their oath of allegiance to
him on that basis.
According to a report narrated by al-Bukhaari
(6416): "Whoever does any of these things will be punished
in this world and that will be an expiation for him and
a purification."
Al-Haafiz said in al-Fath (1/68): It is understood
from this hadeeth that carrying out the hadd punishment is
an expiation for sin, even if the person who is punished
does not repent. This is the view of the majority of scholars…
Ahmad (1365) narrated that `Ali (may Allaah be
pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace
and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "Whoever
commits a sin in this world and is punished for it, Allaah is too
just to punish His slave a second time. Whoever commits
a sin in this world then Allaah conceals that and
forgives him, Allaah is too generous to go back to something
that He has forgiven."
This hadeeth was classed as hasan by al-Arnaa'oot
in Tahqeeq al-Musnad, and al-Haafiz classed a similar
report from al-Tabaraani as hasan.
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"And those who invoke not any other ilaah (god)
along with Allaah, nor kill such person as Allaah has
forbidden, except for just cause, nor commit illegal sexual
intercourse and whoever does this shall receive the punishment.
The torment will be doubled to him on the Day
of Resurrection, and he will abide therein in disgrace;
Except those who repent and believe (in Islamic Monotheism), and do righteous deeds; for those,
Allaah will change their sins into good deeds, and Allaah
is OftForgiving, Most Merciful"
[al-Furqaan 25:68-70]
"Verily, Allaah forgives not (the sin of) setting up
partners (in worship) with Him, but He forgives whom He
wills, sins other than that, and whoever sets up partners
in worship with Allaah, has indeed strayed far away."
[al-Nisa' 4:116]
This verse has to do with the one who does not
repent. He is subject to the will of Allaah, unless he
commits shirk (the sin of associating other with Allaah),
because shirk cannot be forgiven.
With regard to the second type of sins:
Transgressions against the rights of people, such
as transgressing against their wealth by stealing it or
seizing it by force, etc., or transgressing against their honour
by means of gossip and slander, or harming them
physically by striking them, etc. Repentance from this type of sin
is subject to the condition that the rights be restored to
the people, or they agree to forgive the offender.
Whoever does not do that will remain subject to the
effects of his sin until the Day of Resurrection, when an
amount commensurate with his offence will be taken from
his good deeds (hasanaat), as the Prophet (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "Whoever has
wronged anyone with regard to his honour or anything else,
let him settle the matter today before there is no dinar
and no dirham, and if he has any righteous deeds, an
amount commensurate with his wrongdoing will be taken
from him, and if he has no good deeds (to his credit) some
of the bad deeds of his companion will be taken and
added to his burden." Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 2317.
From this we know that the view that the sinner must
be punished in this world is a view for which there is
no evidence, but if a person is punished (in this world)
that will be an expiation for him, and if he is not
punished then he repents from his sin, Allaah will accept
his repentance.
Even more false than this is the view of those who
say that the punishment for sin may be borne by
someone other than the sinner, as some ignorant people
say concerning Adam (peace be upon him), claiming that
his progeny _ including the Prophets _ bore the burden of
his sin until God sent down His only son to be crucified
and slain to free the world of sin! This is a lie and a
fabrication against Allaah and against His Prophets, and is a kind
of injustice of which the divinely-revealed laws are
free, because Allaah does not punish anyone for the sins
of another. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"And no bearer of burdens shall bear another's burden"
[Faatir 35:18]
Allaah is too merciful and too just to punish the
offspring for the sins of their father, especially since he
repented and Allaah accepted his repentance.
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"Then the Shaytaan (Satan) made them slip
therefrom (the Paradise), and got them out from that in which
they were. We said: `Get you down, all, with enmity
between yourselves. On earth will be a dwelling place for you
and an enjoyment for a time.'
Then Adam received from his Lord Words. And his
Lord pardoned him (accepted his repentance). Verily, He is
the One Who forgives (accepts repentance), the
Most Merciful"
[al-Baqarah 2:36-37]
"Then they both ate of the tree, and so their private
parts became manifest to them, and they began to
cover themselves with the leaves of the Paradise for
their covering. Thus did Adam disobey his Lord, so he
went astray.
Then his Lord chose him, and turned to him with forgiveness, and gave him guidance"
[Ta-Ha 20:121-122]
So two things apply in the case of Adam: he was
punished for his sin, and he repented from it and Allaah
accepted his repentance, and He chose him and honoured him.
The point is that whoever lives a life filled
with disobedience and sin only has to turn to his Lord,
the most Merciful and Most Generous, and seek His forgiveness and repent, in order for Allaah to accept
his repentance, as Allaah has promised (interpretation of
the meaning):
"Say: O `Ibaadi (My slaves) who have
transgressed against themselves (by committing evil deeds and
sins)! Despair not of the Mercy of Allaah, verily, Allaah
forgives all sins. Truly, He is OftForgiving, Most Merciful"
[al-Zumar 39:53]
This is part of the kindness that Allaah has made in
this tolerant sharee'ah. It was decreed for the Children of
Israel that the innocent among them kill the wrongdoers so
that their repentance would be accepted [cf. al-Baqarah
2:54], then Allaah lifted this heavy burden from this nation
on whom He has had mercy.
Finally we ask Allaah to bless the questioner and
guide him and open his heart to Islam, so that he may become
a member of the Muslim ummah (nation) which
accepts Allaah as its Lord, Islam as its religion and
Muhammad as its Prophet.
And Allaah knows best.
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43148: The Muslims' beliefs concerning the Messiah
`Eesa ibn Maryam
Question:
What are the Muslims' beliefs concerning the
Messiah `Eesa ibn Maryam?.
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
Our beliefs concerning the Messiah `Eesa ibn
Maryam (Jesus the son of Mary _ peace be upon him) are
those indicated by the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of
our Messenger Muhammad (peace and blessings of
Allaah be upon him).
We believe that `Eesa (peace be upon him) was one
of the slaves of Allaah, and one of His noble
Messengers. Allaah sent him to the Children of Israel to call them
to believe in Allaah alone and worship Him alone.
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"And (remember) when `Eesa (Jesus), son of
Maryam (Mary), said: `O Children of Israel! I am the
Messenger of Allaah unto you, confirming the Tawraat [(Torah)
which came] before me, and giving glad tidings of a
Messenger to come after me, whose name shall be Ahmad.' But
when he (Ahmad, i.e. Muhammad) came to them with
clear proofs, they said: `This is plain magic'"
[al-Saff 61:6]
"But the Messiah [`Eesa (Jesus)] said: `O Children
of Israel! Worship Allaah, my Lord and your Lord.'
Verily, whosoever sets up partners (in worship) with Allaah,
then Allaah has forbidden Paradise to him, and the Fire
will be his abode. And for the Zaalimoon (polytheists
and wrongdoers) there are no helpers"
[al-Maa'idah 5:72]
`Eesa was not a god or the son of God as the
Christians claim.
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"Surely, they have disbelieved who say: `Allaah is
the Messiah [`Eesa (Jesus)], son of Maryam
(Mary).'" [al-Maa'idah 5:72]
"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!"
[al-Tawbah 9:30]
The first words that `Eesa spoke when Allaah caused
him to speak when he was in the cradle were
(interpretation of the meaning):
"He [`Eesa (Jesus)] said: `Verily, I am a slave of
Allaah, He has given me the Scripture and made me a Prophet'"
[Maryam 19:30]
We believe that Allaah supported him with miracles
that proved he was speaking the truth.
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"(Remember) when Allaah will say (on the Day
of Resurrection). `O `Eesa (Jesus), son of Maryam
(Mary)! Remember My Favour to you and to your mother when
I supported you with RoohulQudus [Jibreel (Gabriel)]
so that you spoke to the people in the cradle and in
maturity; and when I taught you writing, AlHikmah (the power
of understanding), the Tawraat (Torah) and the
Injeel (Gospel); and when you made out of the clay, a
figure like that of a bird, by My Permission, and you
breathed into it, and it became a bird by My Permission, and
you healed those born blind, and the lepers by My
Permission, and when you brought forth the dead by My
Permission; and when I restrained the Children of Israel from
you (when they resolved to kill you) as you came unto
them with clear proofs, and the disbelievers among them
said: This is nothing but evident magic'"
[al-Maa'idah 5:110]
We believe that `Eesa was born from the Virgin
Maryam with no father, and that is not impossible for Allaah
Who, when He wills a thing, says "Be!" and it is.
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"Verily, the likeness of `Eesa (Jesus) before Allaah is
the likeness of Adam. He created him from dust, then
(He) said to him: `Be!' — and he was"
[Aal `Imraan 3:59]
"(Remember) when the angels said: `O Maryam
(Mary)! Verily, Allaah gives you the glad tidings of a Word
[`Be!' — and he was! i.e. `Eesa (Jesus) the son of
Maryam (Mary)] from Him, his name will be the Messiah
`Eesa (Jesus), the son of Maryam (Mary), held in honour
in this world and in the Hereafter, and will be one of
those who are near to Allaah."
He will speak to the people, in the cradle and in
manhood, and he will be one of the righteous.'
She said: `O my Lord! How shall I have a son when
no man has touched me.' He said: `So (it will be) for
Allaah creates what He wills. When He has decreed
something, He says to it only: "Be!" and it is'"
[Aal `Imraan 3:45-47]
We believe that he permitted to the Jews some of the
things that had been forbidden to them.
Allaah tells us that `Eesa said to the Children of
Israel (interpretation of the meaning):
"And I have come confirming that which was before
me of the Tawraat (Torah), and to make lawful to you part
of what was forbidden to you, and I have come to you
with a proof from your Lord. So fear Allaah and obey me"
[Aal `Imraan 3:50]
We believe that he did not die and his enemies the
Jews did not kill him, rather Allaah saved him from them
and raised him up to heaven alive.
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"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 `Eesa (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 `Eesa
(Jesus) was put over another man (and they killed that
man)], and those who differ therein are full of doubts. They
have no (certain) knowledge, they follow nothing
but conjecture. For surely; they killed him not [i.e.
`Eesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary)]:
But Allaah raised him [`Eesa (Jesus)] up (with his
body and soul) unto Himself (and he is in the heavens).
And Allaah is Ever AllPowerful, AllWise" [al-Nisa'
4:156-158]
We believe that he told his followers of the coming
of our Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of
Allaah be upon him).
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"And (remember) when `Eesa (Jesus), son of
Maryam (Mary), said: `O Children of Israel! I am the
Messenger of Allaah unto you, confirming the Tawraat [(Torah)
which came] before me, and giving glad tidings of a
Messenger to come after me, whose name shall be Ahmad.' But
when he (Ahmad, i.e. Muhammad) came to them with
clear proofs, they said: `This is plain magic'"
[al-Saff 61:6]
We believe that he will come back down at the end
of time, and will disprove the claim of his enemies the
Jews that they killed him, and will disprove the claim of
the Christians that he is God or the son of God, and he
will not accept anything from them but Islam.
Al-Bukhaari (2222) and Muslim (155) narrated that
Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said:
The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah
be upon him) said: "By the One in Whose hand is my
soul, soon the son of Maryam will descend among
you [according to another report: the Hour will not begin
until the son of Maryam descends among you] as a just
judge. He will break the cross, kill the pigs and abolish the
jizyah, and money will become abundant until no one will
accept it."
"Soon" means it will inevitably happen quickly.
"will descend among you" means among this ummah.
"A just judge" means that he will come down and
rule according to this sharee'ah, and that this sharee'ah
will remain and not be abrogated, rather `Eesa will be one
of the rulers of this ummah.
"He will break the cross and kill the pigs" means he
will declare as false the religion of the Christians by
breaking the cross in a real sense and proving false the
Christians' claims and veneration of the cross.
"and he will abolish the jizyah":
al-Nawawi said:
The correct view concerning this is that he will not
accept it, and he will not accept anything from the kaafirs
but Islam. If any of them offer the jizyah that will not
make him stop fighting them. Rather he will not accept
anything but Islam or death. This is the view of Imam
Abu Sulaymaan al-Khattaabi and other scholars (may
Allaah have mercy on them).
End quote.
"Money will become abundant" _ the reason for
this abundance will be the descent of blessings and the
spread of goodness because of justice and the absence
of oppression or wrongdoing. At that time the earth will
bring forth its treasures, and desire to keep money will
decrease because they will know that that Hour is at hand.
Then he will die and the Muslims will offer the
funeral prayer for him and bury him.
Ahmad (9349) narrated from Abu Hurayrah that
the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)
said: "I am the closest of people to `Eesa ibn Maryam
because there was no Prophet between him and me…" Then
he mentioned his descent at the end of time. Then he
said: "And he will remain for as long as Allaah wills he
should remain, then he will die and the Muslims will offer
the funeral prayer for him and bury him."
Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in al-Silsilah
al-Saheehah (2182).
We believe that he will disavow himself on the Day
of Resurrection of the claims that he was a god.
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"And (remember) when Allaah will say (on the Day
of Resurrection): `O `Eesa (Jesus), son of Maryam
(Mary)! Did you say unto men: Worship me and my mother
as two gods besides Allaah?' He will say: `Glory be to
You! It was not for me to say what I had no right (to say).
Had I said such a thing, You would surely have known it.
You know what is in my innerself though I do not know
what is in Yours; truly, You, only You, are the AllKnower of
all that is hidden (and unseen).
Never did I say to them aught except what You
(Allaah) did command me to say: Worship Allaah, my Lord
and your Lord. And I was a witness over them while I
dwelt amongst them, but when You took me up, You were
the Watcher over them; and You are a Witness to all things'"
[al-Maa'idah 5:116-117]
" `Never did I say to them aught except what You
(Allaah) did command me to say: Worship Allaah, my Lord
and your Lord. And I was a witness over them while I
dwelt amongst them, but when You took me up, You were
the Watcher over them; and You are a Witness to all things'"
[al-Maa'idah 5:116-117]
This is what the Muslims believe about the Messiah
`Eesa ibn Maryam (peace be upon him).
Al-Bukhaari (3435) and Muslim (28) narrated
from `Ubaadah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that
the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)
said: "Whoever bears witness that there is no god but
Allaah alone, with no partner or associate, and that
Muhammad is His slave and Messenger, and that `Eesa is His
slave and Messenger, a word which Allaah bestowed
upon Maryam and a spirit created by Him, and that Paradise
is real, and Hell is real, Allaah will admit him
through whichever of the eight gates of Paradise he wishes."
We ask Allaah to make us steadfast in faith and to
cause us to die as believers.
May Allaah send blessings and peace upon our
Prophet Muhammad.
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43164: Praying for kaafirs to be guided
Question:
In the answer to question no. 4569, I read that the
shaykh was making du'aa' that the Raafidis be guided. Is
this appropriate? Because it is not permissible to pray for
the mushrikeen.
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
Firstly:
We thank our brother for his interest and for this
question about something that is confusing him in some of
the answers.
Secondly:
For more information on rulings concerning the
Raafidis and some of their views, please see questions no.
1148 and 10272.
Thirdly:
Praying for forgiveness for the mushrikeen is
undoubtedly haraam, as is indicated by the Qur'aan and Sunnah.
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"It is not (proper) for the Prophet and those who
believe to ask Allaah's forgiveness for the Mushrikoon,
even though they be of kin, after it has become clear to
them that they are the dwellers of the Fire (because they
died in a state of disbelief).
And Ibraaheem's (Abraham) invoking (of Allaah) for
his father's forgiveness was only because of a promise
he [Ibraaheem (Abraham)] had made to him (his father).
But when it became clear to him that he (his father) is
an enemy of Allaah, he dissociated himself from him.
Verily, Ibraaheem was Awwah (one who invokes Allaah
with humility, glorifies Him and remembers Him much)
and was forbearing"
[al-Tawbah 9:113-114]
al-Sa'di (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:
This means, it is not appropriate or good for the
Prophet and those who believe in him to "ask Allaah's
forgiveness for the mushrikeen", i.e. for those who disbelieve in
Him and worship others alongside Him. "even though they
be of kin, after it has become clear to them that they are
the dwellers of the Fire"
Although the Close Friend of the Most Merciful, Ibraaheem (peace be upon him) prayed for
forgiveness for his father, that was "was only because of a promise
he [Ibraaheem (Abraham)] had made to him (his
father)" _ when he said, "I will ask forgiveness of my Lord for
you. Verily, He is unto me Ever Most Gracious"
[Maryam 19:47 _ interpretation of the meaning] which was
before he knew of his father's fate.
When it became clear to Ibraaheem that his father was
an enemy of Allaah who would die in kufr, and his
preaching and reminding was not going to be of any avail,
he disowned him, in order to please his Lord.
"Verily, Ibraaheem was Awwah (one who invokes
Allaah with humility, glorifies Him and remembers Him
much)" means, he turned to his Lord in all his affairs, making
a lot of dhikr and du'aa' and always praying for forgiveness.
"and was forbearing" means, he was
compassionate towards people and was tolerant towards their
mistakes; he was not provoked by the attitude of the ignorant,
and he did not retaliate in kind against those who
offended him. His father said to him, "I will indeed stone
you" and he said to him, "Peace be on you! I will ask
forgiveness of my Lord for you. Verily, He is unto me Ever
Most Gracious" [Maryam 19:47 _ interpretation of
the meaning]
Al-Bukhaari (3884) narrated that the Prophet (peace
and blessings of Allaah be upon him) called his paternal
uncle Abu Taalib to Islam when he was dying, and the
Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "I
will pray for forgiveness for you so long as I am not
forbidden to do so." Then the following verses were
revealed (interpretation of the meaning):
"It is not (proper) for the Prophet and those who
believe to ask Allaah's forgiveness for the Mushrikoon,
even though they be of kin, after it has become clear to
them that they are the dwellers of the Fire (because they
died in a state of disbelief)."
[al-Tawbah 9:113]
"Verily, you (O Muhammad) guide not whom you like"
[al-Qasas 28:56]
Al-Haafiz said:
"So long as I am not forbidden to do
so" means, so long as I am not forbidden to pray for forgiveness.
Muslim (976) narrated that Abu Hurayrah said:
The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah
be upon him) said: "I asked my Lord for permission to
pray for forgiveness for my mother, and He did not give
me permission. I asked Him for permission to visit her
grave, and He granted me permission."
Al-Nawawi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:
This indicates that it is forbidden to pray for
forgiveness for the kuffaar.
It is clear from these two ahaadeeth that this
prohibition applies to praying for forgiveness for them. The
same applies to praying for them to be admitted to
Paradise and saved from torment.
The reason for this prohibition is:
"That seeking forgiveness for them in this case (i.e.,
when it is clear that they are dwellers of the Fire) is a
mistake and is of no use, so it is not befitting for the Prophet
and the believers to do this, because if they (the
mushrikeen) have died in shirk or it is known that they will die
in shirk, then the word of punishment has been
fulfilled against them and they will abide forever in Hell, and
the intercession of those who intercede and the prayers
of forgiveness of those who pray will be to no avail.
Moreover, the Prophet (S) and those who believe
with him are obliged to like that which pleases their Lord
and hate that which angers Him; they have to take as
friends those whom Allaah takes as friends and regard as
enemies those whom Allaah regards as enemies, so praying
for forgiveness for those who are clearly dwellers of the
Fire goes against that and contradicts it."
~ Shaykh al-Sa'di (may Allaah have mercy on him).
But praying for the kaafirs to be guided is not included
in the prohibition on praying for forgiveness for them.
It is proven that the Prophet (peace and blessings of
Allaah be upon him) prayed for some of the kuffaar to be guided.
Al-Bukhaari (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in
al-Saheeh: "Chapter on making du'aa' for the
mushrikeen to be guided so that their hearts may be softened."
Then he mentioned the hadeeth of Abu Hurayrah (may
Allaah be pleased with him) who said: "Al-Tufayl ibn `Amr
came to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be
upon him) and said. `[The tribe of] Daws has rebelled
and rejected [Islam]. Pray to Allaah against them.' He
said, `O Allaah, guide Daws and bring them here.'"
Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 2937; Muslim, 2524).
Al-Haafiz said in Fath al-Baari:
Al-Bukhaari mentioned the hadeeth of Abu
Hurayrah according to which al-Tufayl ibn `Amr al-Dawsi
came (to the Prophet) and the Prophet (peace and blessings
of Allaah be upon him) said, `O Allaah, guide Daws
and bring them here.' The phrase "so that their hearts may
be softened" indicates that the compiler [i.e.,
al-Bukhaari] understood the variations in the Prophet's attitude,
because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him) sometimes prayed against the kuffaar and
sometimes prayed for them. He did the former when they were
strong and able to do more to the Muslims, and he did the
latter when they were not causing any harm to the
Muslims and there was the hope that they might enter Islam, as
in the story of Daws.
Al-Tirmidhi narrated (2739) that Abu Moosa
al-Ash'ari said: The Jews used to sneeze in the presence of
the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him), hoping that he would say to them, "Yarhamakum
Allaah (may Allaah have mercy on you)." But he would
say, "Yahdeekum Allaah wa yuslihu
baalakum) (may Allaah guide you and reform you)." Classed as saheeh by
al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi.
Al-Haafiz said:
The hadeeth of Abu Moosa indicates that they (the
kuffaar) are included in the general command to pray for one
who sneezes, but there is a special prayer for them in this
case, which is to pray that they be guided and reformed,
and there is nothing wrong with that. This is different
from the prayer said for Muslims when they sneeze, for
they are the ones for whom one should pray for mercy,
unlike the kuffaar.
And Allaah knows best.
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36803: How should he offer advice to a
non-mahram woman?
Question:
I had a female class-mate when I was studying in
middle school, but praise be to Allaah I adhered to the words
of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him) which say that one should not be alone with a
non-mahram woman. My question is: I know that she has some
good characteristics, and I want to offer her advice and
guide her, but the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah
be upon him) forbade being alone with a non-mahram woman, and Allaah forbids looking at a
non-mahram woman. So how can I call her (da'wah)?.
Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.
As you mention, it is haraam to be alone with a
non-mahram woman and it is haraam to look at her. If
you want to offer her advice, then you can speak to her
when she is concealing herself from you, and without
being alone with her. You could also give her some useful
books and tapes that will help her to learn the rulings of
her religion, or write the advice to her, or use other
useful means that will not lead to fitnah and will achieve
the desired goal.
And Allaah is the Source of strength.
Al-Lajnah al-Daa'imah, 14/70. (www.islam-qa.com)
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