Page 1 Q&A Articles

The Ruling On Beautifying & Decorating The Masaajid The Ruling o­n Beautifying & Decorating The Masaajid During Special Occasions & ‘Eid Celebrations Q: There is a custom that occurs in some Masaajid during the days of ‘Eidul Fitr and during other days of special religious occasions. That custom is that the Masaajid are beautified with different kinds of colors, lights and flowers. Does Islaam permit this action or not? What is the proof for the permissibility or prohibition? A: The Masaajid are the Houses of Allaah, and they’re the best places o­n earth. Allaah has ordered that they be raised and honored with the Tawheed of Allaah, His remembrance, and that Prayer be established in them. In them people learn the affairs of their Religion and they guided to what it (Islaam) contains of happiness and righteousness for them in this life and in the Hereafter. He, (Ta’aalaa) ordered them to be cleansed of disgraceful things, idols, acts of Shirk, innovations, superstitions. He also ordered that they be cleansed from dirt, filth and impurities. He, (Subhaanahu), ordered that they be protected from frivolous activities, play, noise, and raised voices. Even calling out for a lost item, asking about lost articles, and similar acts that make them like public roads, and business markets are not allowed. He, (Ta’aalaa), prohibited the burial of people inside of them and building graves over them. He prohibited the hanging of pictures in them or drawing them o­n their walls, and other similar things that are a means that lead to Shirk, cause distractions to those worshipping Allaah in them and contradicts what they were built for. The Prophet, (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam), gave special attention to this as is well known in his Seerah (life history), and his actions. He, (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam), explained this to his Ummah so that they would traverse upon his path and be guided by his guidance in respecting the Masaajid (Masjid pl.) and maintaining them with that which elevates them, such as establishing the symbols of Islaam in them. In doing so, they’d be following the Trustworthy Messenger (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam). It is not confirmed from the Prophet that he honored the Masaajid by lighting them, and placing flowers o­n them during the ‘Eids, and special occasions. This was not known from the Rightly Guided Caliphs or the guided Imaams (radhiyallaahu ‘anhum ajma’een) from the first generations that the Messenger of Allaah testified for as being the best of generations. This was the case even with the advancement of the people, and their abundance of wealth and their taking a large amount from the cultures and civilizations and availability of various kinds of beautification and colors in the first three generations. Thus, all good is in following the Prophet’s (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam), guidance, the guidance of his Rightly Guided Caliphs and those who traversed upon their path from the Imaams of the Religion after them. Also, in lighting lights o­n the Masaajid and hanging electrical lamps above them or around them or above their minarets, hanging flags, placing flowers o­n them during the ‘Eids and special occasions for beautification and magnification is an imitation of the disbelievers. This is imitating them in what they do at their synagogues and churches, and the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam), forbade imitating them in their celebrations and their acts of worship. The Permanent Committee Fataawa Islaamiyyah Vol. #3 Pages 54-55

Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen (rahimahullaah) was asked: What is the ruling on specifying the two Eeds and the day of Jumu’ah for visting the graves? And from the Shaykh’s answer: This has no basis, for specifying the day of Eed for visiting the graves and believing this is legislated is considered to be from the innovations because this has not been related from the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam), and I do not know of any of the people of knowledge who have spoken with this. As for the day of Jumu’ah, some of the people of knowledge have mentioned it is desirable that the visitation (to the grave) be on the day of Jumu’ah, but alongside that they never mentioned any narration from the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) [as proof]. Seventy Questions on The Rulings of funerals of Ibn Uthaymeen, through al-Bida’ wal-Muhdathaat Wa Maa Laa Asla Lahaa, p. 297.

For Whom is it Obligatory to Call to Allaah? Question: Is calling to Allaah an obligation o­n every male and female Muslim, or is it o­nly compulsory for scholars and students of knowledge to do so? Answer: When a person has insight into what he is calling to, then there is no difference whether he is a great and famous scholar, a serious student of knowledge, or an average person, as long as he has certain knowledge about the issue. Indeed, the messenger of Allaah said: “Convey (to others) from me, even if it is a single Ayah (Verse).” So, it is not a condition that the Da’iyah (caller) have reached a great level of knowledge, but he must be knowledgeable about what he is calling to. As for the case of someone standing up out of ignorance to call to something merely because he is emotionally charged about this is not allowed. We have seen many brothers who call to Allaah, who have but a little knowledge. We find them, out of their strong feelings, forbidding what Allah did not make unlawful, and they make compulsory that which Allah did not make compulsory for His servants. This is indeed a grave mistake. This is because prohibiting what Allaah allows is like allowing what Allaah prohibited. So, the two are the same, o­ne rebukes another, making something lawful, while the other rebukes them making it prohibited. Indeed Allah considers these the same, He said: “And say not concerning that which your tongues put forth falsely: ‘This is lawful and this is forbidden,’ so as to invent lies against Allaah. Verily, those who invent lies against Allaah will never prosper. A passing brief enjoyment (will be theirs) but they will have a painful torment” (An – Nahl:116,117) Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (rahimahullaah) Fatawa Islamiyyah Dar-Us Salaam Vol.8 page 32-33

Menstruating Woman Reciting The Qur’aan and Making Dua Is it permissible for a menstruating woman to recite the du’aa’s of the Day of ‘Arafaah despite the fact that they include ayat from the Qur’aan? Answer: There is nothing wrong with the woman who is menstruating or bleeding after childbirth reciting du’aa’s that are prescribed for the rituals of Hajj. Also, according to the correct opinion, there is nothing wrong with them reading Qur’aan as well, because there is no clear saheeh report that states that the woman who is menstruating or bleeding after childbirth should not read Qur’aan. It was reported that the man who is junub (in a state of impurity following sexual activity), in particular, should not read Qur’aan whilst he is junub, because of the hadeeth of ‘Ali (may Allaah be pleased with him). With regard to the woman who is menstruating or bleeding after childbirth there is the hadeeth of Ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him): “The menstruating woman and the man who is junub should not read Qur’aan” But it is da’eef (weak), because the hadeeth was reported by Ismaa’eel ibn ‘Ayyaash from the Hijaaziyeen, and he is da’eef in his reports from them. But she should read without touching the Mus-haf (copy of the Qur’aan in Arabic), from memory. In the case of the man who is junub, he should not recite Qur’an at all, either from memory or from the Mus-haf, until he has done ghusl. The difference between them is that the timespan for the o­ne who is junub is very short, he can do ghusl straightaway, as soon as he finished having intercourse with his wife. He is not junub for long, and it is up to him when he wants to do ghusl; if he cannot find water, he can do tayammum (“dry ablution” using dust etc.) and pray and read Qur’aan. But the woman who is menstruating or bleeding after childbirth has no control over her situation – it rests with Allaah, may He be glorified. The period lasts for a number of days and nifaas (post-natal bleeding) is the same. So it is permissible for them to recite Qur’aan so that they do not forget it and so that they do not miss out o­n the blessings of reciting Qur’aan and learning the rules of sharee’ah from the Book of Allaah. If that is the case, then it should certainly be permissible for them to read books containing du’aas that are a mixture of aayaat and ahaadeeth, etc… this is the more correct of the two opinions of the scholars, may Allaah have mercy o­n them. (Shaykh Ibn Baaz). The following question was also mentioned: I read some Tafseers (Qur’anic commentaries) when I am not taahir (ritually pure), such as during my monthly period. Is there any sin o­n me for doing that? Will I be committing a sin if I do that? Answer: There is no sin o­n the woman who is menstruating or bleeding after childbirth if she reads books of Tafseer or even if she reads Qur’aan without touching the Mus-haf, according to the more correct of the two scholarly opinions. As for the man who is junub, he should not read Qur’aan at all until he has done ghusl, but he can read books of Tafseer and hadeeth etc., without reading whatever they contain of aayaat, because of the report that nothing would stop the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) from reading Qur’aan except janaabah (being junub). According to a hadeeth narrated by Imaam Ahmad with a jayyid isnaad, he said: “As for the man who is junub, he should not read even o­ne aayah.” (Shaykh Ibn Baaz, Fataawa Islamiyyah, 1/239).

Divorce Is Not A Joke!!! Question: Will a woman be divorced if her husband jokingly said to her: “You are divorced.”? Answer: Whoever jokingly divorces, then his divorce is applicable as long as he intended a divorce. And if he was joking with his wife and said to her: “You are divorced! ” then, by that, she is divorced. The issues of divorce, Nikah (marriage) and freeing a slave are serious, (and not something to be joked about). Whoever accepts the Nikah contract and (then) says: “I was (only) joking,” then this statement is not acceptable because he agreed to the contract (of Nikah) out of his own will. (Therefore), the marriage is confirmed. Similarly, whoever divorces jokingly, his divorce is applicable as long as he intended a divorce. If he was joking with his wife and said to her: “You are divorced,” then she is divorced because of that. We are of the opinion that people should be cautious in these matters and not play around with divorce.– Shaykh Bin ‘Uthaymeen (rahimahullaah) Fatawa Noorun Ala Ad-Darb – Volume 2, Page 117.

Preserving the Qur’an against distortion Preserving the Qur’an against distortion Fatwa no. 6137 Q: A friend of mine raises doubts regarding the authenticity of the Mus-hafs (written copies of the Qur’an) we have nowadays. He claims that they contain interpolations and, according to him, there was a scribe who refused to hand the manuscript (copy) of the Qur’an that he had to ‘Uthman Ibn ‘Affan (may Allah be pleased with him) which was in Yemen. My friend went on elaborating his claims and told me about the book from which he derived the information upon which he bases his argument. I became angry and refused to give ear to his claim any longer. Therefore, I wrote to you requesting your Fatwa on this issue and information on how the Qur’an was transmitted, for I face such situations for being a member in Tabligh and Da‘wah (a group calling to Islam). A: The Qur’an is Allah’s Word which Jibril (Gabriel, peace be upon him) received from Allah and recited (Part No. 4; Page No. 9) to Muhammad (peace be upon him), who in turn listened and learned it carefully from Jibril exactly as spoken by Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He). Moreover, Allah (Exalted be He) caused Muhammad (peace be upon him) to memorize it by heart. Allah (Exalted be He) says (what means): Move not your tongue concerning (the Qur’ân, O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) to make haste therewith. It is for Us to collect it and to give you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) the ability to recite it (the Qur’ân). And when We have recited it to you [O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم through Jibrîl (Gabriel)], then follow its (the Qur’an’s) recital. Then it is for Us (Allâh) to make it clear (to you). In his Tafsir (exegesis of the Qur’an), Ibn Jarir (may Allah be merciful with him) said, “The exegetes of the Qur’an differed regarding the reason why it was said to the Prophet (peace be upon him): Move not your tongue concerning (the Qur’ân, O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) to make haste therewith. Some of them view that it was said to him because once any part of the Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet (peace be upon him), he would hasten to memorize it out of deep love for it. Hence, he was ordered not to hasten and recite the revelation to memorize it for Allah will engrave it on his memory. Other exegetes view that it was said to him because he was always reciting the Qur’an for fear that he might forget it, whereupon he was ordered not to move his tongue hastily reciting the Qur’an, for Allah would collect it in his chest, and He would make it easy for him to recite it (in the same way that it was revealed to him). And because Allah would make him recite the Qur’an, he shall not forget it. Allah (Exalted be He) says: Verily, We, it is We Who have sent down the Dhikr (i.e. the Qur’ân) and surely, We will guard it (from corruption). Accordingly, Allah safeguarded the Qur’an for Muslims. The Qur’an was, therefore, transmitted from the Prophet (peace be upon him) to his Companions, who committed it to memory and writing; who in turn transmitted it to future generations fresh and pure, without any distortion or interpolation in it. It was compiled into a single book by Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him) during his caliphate under the supervision of Zayd Ibn Thabit (may Allah be pleased with him). Then it was complied by ‘Uthman during his caliphate according to one Harf (way of reciting), so that the Ummah (nation) would not disagree therein. (Part No. 4; Page No. 10) Thus, whoever claims that the Qur’an is not divinely-guarded and preserved or has been exposed to any additions or deletions is astray and is leading others astray. Such a person is to be asked to repent, and if he does, he will avert punishment. Otherwise, authorities must impose capital punishment for apostasy, as his claim contradicts the Statement of Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He): Verily, We, it is We Who have sent down the Dhikr (i.e. the Qur’ân) and surely, We will guard it (from corruption). It also conflicts with the Ijma‘ (unanimous consensus) of the Ummah that the Qur’an is divinely-safeguarded. On this basis, Muslim scholars have denounced the Batiniyyah Shia claim that the Qur’an Muslims have today is flawed and that it is they who have its preserved version. Indeed, this is one of the worst of all lies! May Allah grant us success! May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions! The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’ Member Member Deputy Chairman Chairman `Abdullah ibn Qa`ud `Abdullah ibn Ghudayyan `Abdul-Razzaq `Afify `Abdul-`Aziz ibn `Abdullah ibn Baz A: The Qur’an is Allah’s Word which Jibril (Gabriel, peace be upon him) received from Allah and recited (Part No. 4; Page No. 9) to Muhammad (peace be upon him), who in turn listened and learned it carefully from Jibril exactly as spoken by Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He). Moreover, Allah (Exalted be He) caused Muhammad (peace be upon him) to memorize it by heart. Allah (Exalted be He) says (what means): Move not your tongue concerning (the Qur’ân, O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) to make haste therewith. It is for Us to collect it and to give you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) the ability to recite it (the Qur’ân). And when We have recited it to you [O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم through Jibrîl (Gabriel)], then follow its (the Qur’an’s) recital. Then it is for Us (Allâh) to make it clear (to you). In his Tafsir (exegesis of the Qur’an), Ibn Jarir (may Allah be merciful with him) said, “The exegetes of the Qur’an differed regarding the reason why it was said to the Prophet (peace be upon him): Move not your tongue concerning (the Qur’ân, O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) to make haste therewith. Some of them view that it was said to him because once any part of the Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet (peace be upon him), he would hasten to memorize it out of deep love for it. Hence, he was ordered not to hasten and recite the revelation to memorize it for Allah will engrave it on his memory. Other exegetes view that it was said to him because he was always reciting the Qur’an for fear that he might forget it, whereupon he was ordered not to move his tongue hastily reciting the Qur’an, for Allah would collect it in his chest, and He would make it easy for him to recite it (in the same way that it was revealed to him). And because Allah would make him recite the Qur’an, he shall not forget it. Allah (Exalted be He) says: Verily, We, it is We Who have sent down the Dhikr (i.e. the Qur’ân) and surely, We will guard it (from corruption). Accordingly, Allah safeguarded the Qur’an for Muslims. The Qur’an was, therefore, transmitted from the Prophet (peace be upon him) to his Companions, who committed it to memory and writing; who in turn transmitted it to future generations fresh and pure, without any distortion or interpolation in it. It was compiled into a single book by Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him) during his caliphate under the supervision of Zayd Ibn Thabit (may Allah be pleased with him). Then it was complied by ‘Uthman during his caliphate according to one Harf (way of reciting), so that the Ummah (nation) would not disagree therein. (Part No. 4; Page No. 10) Thus, whoever claims that the Qur’an is not divinely-guarded and preserved or has been exposed to any additions or deletions is astray and is leading others astray. Such a person is to be asked to repent, and if he does, he will avert punishment. Otherwise, authorities must impose capital punishment for apostasy, as his claim contradicts the Statement of Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He): Verily, We, it is We Who have sent down the Dhikr (i.e. the Qur’ân) and surely, We will guard it (from corruption). It also conflicts with the Ijma‘ (unanimous consensus) of the Ummah that the Qur’an is divinely-safeguarded. On this basis, Muslim scholars have denounced the Batiniyyah Shia claim that the Qur’an Muslims have today is flawed and that it is they who have its preserved version. Indeed, this is one of the worst of all lies! May Allah grant us success! May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions! The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’ Member Member Deputy Chairman Chairman `Abdullah ibn Qa`ud `Abdullah ibn Ghudayyan `Abdul-Razzaq `Afify `Abdul-`Aziz ibn `Abdullah ibn Baz Source: Ifta.com

The privilege of the Qur’an over other things The third question of Fatwa no. 6793 Q3: I heard some scholars ask: Which is better, the Qur’an or ‘Eisa ibn Maryam (Jesus, son of Mary, peace be upon them)? A: The Qur’an is the Speech of Allah; it was not created, whereas ‘Eisa (peace be upon him) is a human being who was given birth to by Maryam the daughter of ‘Imran (peace be upon them). Thus, the Qur’an is better. May Allah grant us success! May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions! Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’ Member Member Deputy Chairman Chairman `Abdullah ibn Qa`ud `Abdullah ibn Ghudayyan Abdul-Razzaq `Afify `Abdul-`Aziz ibn `Abdullah ibn Baz Source:Ifta.com

Disposing of worn-out copies of the Qur’an The second and third questions of Fatwa no. 21775 Q 2: How can one dispose of worn-out copies of the Mus-haf (Qur’an, the Book)? A: The worn-out copies of Mus-hafs should be burned or buried in a pure place, in order to protect it from desecration, as the Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet, may Allah be pleased with them) (Part No. 3; Page No. 41) did with the copies of the Mus-haf they dispensed with, when the Mus-haf was transcribed in the time of ‘Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him). Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’ Member Member Chairman Salih Al-Fawzan `Abdullah ibn Ghudayyan `Abdul-`Aziz ibn `Abdullah Al Al-Shaykh Source: Fatwas of Permanent Committee

Hoor al-‘Ayn for the men in Paradise. What about the women? Written by/Said by Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen (Rahimahullaah) Taken from Majmoo’ Fataawa wa Rasa’il – Volume Two, Number 176 Translated by Editorial Staff at (the former) tazkiyah (dot) org website Edited by Editorial Staff at (the former) tazkiyah (dot) org website Question: It is mentioned that there are the Hoor al-‘Ayn for the men in Paradise. What is there for the women? Answer: Allaah – Tabarak wa Ta’ala – said concerning the bliss of the people of Paradise: “Therein you shall have (all) that your inner-selves desire, and therein you shall have (all) for which you ask for. An entertainment from (Allaah), the Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”[Fussilat : 31-32] And the Most High said: “(There will be) therein all that the one’s inner-selves could desire, all that the eyes could delight in, and you will abide therein forever.” [Az-Zukhruf : 71] And from what is known is that the marriage, that is most befitting for what the soul (truly) desires, then it will take place in Paradise for the people of Paradise, whether they be male or female. And the woman, Allaah – Tabarak wa Ta’ala – will marry her in Paradise to her husband, the one who was her husband in the Dunya. And He also said: “Our Lord! And make them enter the ‘Adn (Eden) Paradise (everlasting Gardens) which you have promised them, and to the righteous among their fathers, their wives, and their offspring! Verily, You are the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.” [Ghafir : 8]

The language of the people in the Hereafter Written by/Said by Shaykhul Islaam ibn Taymiyyah (Rahimahullaah) Taken from Majmoo’ al-Fataawa, Volume 4, Number 300 Translated by Editorial Staff at (the former) tazkiyah (dot) org website Edited by Editorial Staff at (the former) tazkiyah (dot) org website Question: How will the people be addressed on the Day of Resurrection? And will Allaah, the Most High, address the people with the language of the Arab? And is it correct that the language of the People of Fire is Farsee (Persian) and the language of the People of Paradise is Arabic? Answer: All praise is due to Allaah, the Lord of all that exists. I do not know with what language the people will speak on that day! And I do not know how they will hear the Speech of their Lord, Jalla wa ‘Alaa, because Allaah, the Most High, has not informed us about that. And nor has His Messenger, may the blessings and peace be upon him. And it is not correct (to believe) that Farsee is the language of the dwellers of Jahannaam and nor (is it correct) that Arabic is the language of the people of eternal bliss. And we do not know of any dispute regarding that between the Companions (Radhiallahu ‘Anhum). Rather, they were all sufficed with that (the knowledge they had). Because speech which is similar to this is the speech of curiousity except it was newly invented by the people who came afterwards (thekhalifiyoon, from the latter generations). So the people said, “They will address (each other) in Arabic”. And some others said, “So the People of the Fire, they will respond to Farsee, and this is their language in the fire.” And some others said, “They will converse in Siriyaniyyah, because it is the language of Adam, and all (other) languages branched off from that.” And some others said, “So the People of Paradise, they will speak in Arabic.” All of this speech, the one’s who possess it, they have no proof for it, from the intellect nor from the narrations. Rather they are claims devoid of any evidences. And Allaah (Subhana Wa Ta’ala) knows best and is the Most Wise.