What are the Muslims’ beliefs concerning the Messiah ‘Eesa ibn Maryam?.
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 Rooh‑ul‑Qudus [Jibreel (Gabriel)] so that you spoke to the people in the cradle and in maturity; and when I taught you writing, Al‑Hikmah (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 All‑Powerful, All‑Wise”
[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 inner‑self though I do not know what is in Yours; truly, You, only You, are the All‑Knower 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.
Friday, April 6, 2012
How to call a Christian to Islam
I am inviting someone to islam, i chat to him through the internet.. he lives in brazil and he is 18 years old..i already told him some stuff about islam.. but it appears that he is so religious, and it appears that he doesn't want to change to islam that easily.. he is christian(prostant),, can u plz tell me a good way to invite him to islam
Praise be to Allaah.
Before replying to this question, I would like to say how impressed I am with my brother’s concern to call people to Allaah, using the developments in computer science to further the mission of the Prophets and Messengers (peace be upon them). May Allaah reward him with the best reward, and record him among His righteous slaves. With regard to the question you asked:
The best way to call this man and everyone else is that which is indicated in the Qur’aan, where Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And argue not with the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), unless it be in (a way) that is better (with good words and in good manner, inviting them to Islamic Monotheism with His Verses)”
[al-‘Ankaboot 29:46]
“Invite (mankind, O Muhammad) to the way of your Lord (i.e. Islam) with wisdom (i.e. with the Divine Revelation and the Qur’aan) and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better”
[al-Nahl 16:125]
And the command which Allaah issued to His Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) when He said (interpretation of the meaning):
“Say (O Muhammad): O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians): Come to a word that is just between us and you, that we worship none but Allaah (Alone), and that we associate no partners with Him, and that none of us shall take others as lords besides Allaah”
[Aal ‘Imraan 3:64]
- Tell him about the innate nature of man (fitrah) which predisposes man to believe in Tawheed or the Oneness of Allaah, and how the doctrine of trinity contradicts that innate human nature and common sense.
- Explain to him the status that ‘Eesa (Jesus – peace be upon him) and his mother have among the Muslims, and that he is the slave of Allaah and His Messenger, and His Word which He bestowed upon Maryam (Mary), and a soul created by Him.
- Explain to him that the religion of Allaah is the same from Adam to Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), and that it is Islam. Tell him that the differences are in the laws and that Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) is the Seal of the Prophets (i.e., the last of them) and that his Book abrogates the rulings which came before and confirms the true beliefs and stories that were mentioned in them.
- Answer his questions calmly, and provide him, if necessary, with some of the books and tapes by Shaykh Ahmad Deedaat.
Answered by Shaykh Dr. ‘Abd al-Rahmaan al-Qaadi, Imam Muhammad ibn Sa’ood University, al-Qaseem Campus
You could also send him Question No. 2690, entitled A serious dialogue with a Christian from this site.
Praise be to Allaah.
Before replying to this question, I would like to say how impressed I am with my brother’s concern to call people to Allaah, using the developments in computer science to further the mission of the Prophets and Messengers (peace be upon them). May Allaah reward him with the best reward, and record him among His righteous slaves. With regard to the question you asked:
The best way to call this man and everyone else is that which is indicated in the Qur’aan, where Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And argue not with the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), unless it be in (a way) that is better (with good words and in good manner, inviting them to Islamic Monotheism with His Verses)”
[al-‘Ankaboot 29:46]
“Invite (mankind, O Muhammad) to the way of your Lord (i.e. Islam) with wisdom (i.e. with the Divine Revelation and the Qur’aan) and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better”
[al-Nahl 16:125]
And the command which Allaah issued to His Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) when He said (interpretation of the meaning):
“Say (O Muhammad): O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians): Come to a word that is just between us and you, that we worship none but Allaah (Alone), and that we associate no partners with Him, and that none of us shall take others as lords besides Allaah”
[Aal ‘Imraan 3:64]
- Tell him about the innate nature of man (fitrah) which predisposes man to believe in Tawheed or the Oneness of Allaah, and how the doctrine of trinity contradicts that innate human nature and common sense.
- Explain to him the status that ‘Eesa (Jesus – peace be upon him) and his mother have among the Muslims, and that he is the slave of Allaah and His Messenger, and His Word which He bestowed upon Maryam (Mary), and a soul created by Him.
- Explain to him that the religion of Allaah is the same from Adam to Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), and that it is Islam. Tell him that the differences are in the laws and that Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) is the Seal of the Prophets (i.e., the last of them) and that his Book abrogates the rulings which came before and confirms the true beliefs and stories that were mentioned in them.
- Answer his questions calmly, and provide him, if necessary, with some of the books and tapes by Shaykh Ahmad Deedaat.
Answered by Shaykh Dr. ‘Abd al-Rahmaan al-Qaadi, Imam Muhammad ibn Sa’ood University, al-Qaseem Campus
You could also send him Question No. 2690, entitled A serious dialogue with a Christian from this site.
Obstacles to a Christian woman marrying a Muslim man
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.
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.
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.
Prohibition on buying goods from their sellers before they reach the market
What is the ruling on meeting business owners in the street before they bring their good into their stores and buying from them?.
Praise be to Allaah.
It is haraam to meet the sellers of goods in the streets before they reach the places that are prepared for the selling and buying of goods, because that comes under the same heading as meeting riders coming in, which is forbidden, because of the hadeeth that was narrated by Imam Ahmad, in which it says: “Do not intercept goods before they reach the market.” It was also narrated by al-Bukhaari in his Saheeh (4/373) from ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him). And al-Bukhaari narrated in his Saheeh from Naafi’ that ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Umar said: “We used to meet the riders and buy food from them, then the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) forbade us to buy it until it reached the food market. According to another version narrated from Naafi’, ‘Abd-Allaah said: They used to buy food at the top end of the market, and sell it where they bought it. But the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) forbade them to sell it where they had bought it until they had moved it. According to a report narrated by Muslim: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Do not intercept incoming merchants; if a person intercepts (an incoming merchant) and buys from him, the merchant has the choice of taking it back when he reaches the market.” It is haraam to intercept them, and whoever intercepts them before they reach the market is a sinner who is disobeying Allaah, may He be exalted, if he knows of the prohibition, because this involves betraying the seller and harming the people in the marketplace. If this is proven and the seller has been cheated, i.e., he sold it at a lower price which is not the usual price in the market, then the seller has the choice of either going ahead with the sale or canceling the sale. And that comes under the heading of giving the choice when a person has been cheated.” End quote.
Praise be to Allaah.
It is haraam to meet the sellers of goods in the streets before they reach the places that are prepared for the selling and buying of goods, because that comes under the same heading as meeting riders coming in, which is forbidden, because of the hadeeth that was narrated by Imam Ahmad, in which it says: “Do not intercept goods before they reach the market.” It was also narrated by al-Bukhaari in his Saheeh (4/373) from ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him). And al-Bukhaari narrated in his Saheeh from Naafi’ that ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Umar said: “We used to meet the riders and buy food from them, then the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) forbade us to buy it until it reached the food market. According to another version narrated from Naafi’, ‘Abd-Allaah said: They used to buy food at the top end of the market, and sell it where they bought it. But the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) forbade them to sell it where they had bought it until they had moved it. According to a report narrated by Muslim: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Do not intercept incoming merchants; if a person intercepts (an incoming merchant) and buys from him, the merchant has the choice of taking it back when he reaches the market.” It is haraam to intercept them, and whoever intercepts them before they reach the market is a sinner who is disobeying Allaah, may He be exalted, if he knows of the prohibition, because this involves betraying the seller and harming the people in the marketplace. If this is proven and the seller has been cheated, i.e., he sold it at a lower price which is not the usual price in the market, then the seller has the choice of either going ahead with the sale or canceling the sale. And that comes under the heading of giving the choice when a person has been cheated.” End quote.
He has been asked to research about Islam and its impact on Europe
Discuss the rise of Islam by exlporing the life and religious ideas of muhammad, as well as development in the century after his death. Explain at lenght Muhammed's religious ideas, placing them in there historical context. That is, how do these ideas reflect Muhammed's personal life expiriences and background, and more generally the environment of seventhy century Arabian society? Then explain how and when Islam spred from Arabia to Europe adressing Islam's inpact on the Christian West as well as arabia and its surrounding regions.
Praise be to Allaah.
Firstly:
Our Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did not produce his ideas by himself, rather the message that he brought came from Allaah – it was Revelation (wahy) which Allaah sent to him.
Secondly:
with regard to his life (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him):
He was the best of all people on earth in terms of lineage, for he was descended from the noblest line. Even his enemies bore witness to that. Hence his enemy Abu Sufyaan testified to that effect before the Byzantine ruler. The noblest of people were his people; the noblest of tribes was his tribe; the noblest of clans was his clan. His full name was Muhammad ibn [son of] ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Abd al-Muttalib ibn Haashim ibn ‘Abd Manaaf ibn Qusayy ibn Kilaab ibn Murrah ibn Ka’b ibn Lu’ayy ibn Ghaalib ibn Fahr ibn Maalik ibn al-Nadar ibn Kinaanah ibn Khuzaymah ibn Mudrikah ibn Ilyaas ibn Mudar ibn Nizaar ibn Ma’d ibn ‘Adnaan… ibn ‘Ismaa’eel [Ishmael] ibn Ibraaheem [Abraham] (peace be upon them).
Allaah sent him as a Prophet at the age of forty, which is the age of perfection. The first sign of Prophethood which was sent to the Messenger of Allaah was dreams: he did not see any dream but it would come true like daybreak. It was said that that lasted for six months. The period of his Prophethood lasted for twenty-three years. These dreams were one of the forty-six parts of Prophethood. Then Allaah honoured him with Prophethood, and the angel came to him whilst he was in the cave of Hira’, where he used to love to go to be alone. The first words (of the Qur’aan) to be revealed to him were:
“Read! In the Name of your Lord Who has created (all that exists)”
[al-‘Alaq 96:1 – interpretation of the meaning]
His message came in stages. Firstly, he was appointed as a Prophet; secondly, he warned his nearest kinsmen; thirdly, he warned his people; fourthly, he warned the people to whom no warner had ever come, namely all the Arabs; fifthly, he warned all those whom his message reached, both jinns and humans, until the end of time.
After that (initial revelation), he spent three years calling people to Allaah in secret. Then the following words were revealed to him:
“Therefore proclaim openly (Allaah’s Message Islamic Monotheism) that which you are commanded, and turn away from Al‑Mushrikoon (polytheists, idolaters, and disbeliever”
[al-Hijr 15:94 – interpretation of the meaning]
See Zaad al-Ma’aad by Ibn al-Qayyim, 1/71
Thirdly:
With regard to the message to which our Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) called people, it is sufficient to quote what was said by Abu Sufyaan – who was a kaafir (disbeliever) at the time. Heraclius, the ruler of Byzantium, asked Abu Sufyaan, “What does he tell you to do?” Abu Sufyaan said: “He tells us to worship Allaah alone, not associating anything with Him, and he forbids us to worship that which our fathers used to worship. He commands us to pray, to give in charity, to be chaste, to keep our promises and fulfil our trusts.” Heraclius commented on Abu Sufyaan’s words by saying: “This is the description of a Prophet. I knew that he would appear, but I did not think that he would be from among you [the Arabs]. If you are indeed speaking the truth, then soon he will take possession of the place where my feet are standing. If I thought that I could meet him I would not hesitate to go to him, and if I were with him I would wash his feet.”
(Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 2782; Muslim, 1773).
Fourthly:
After the death of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), he was succeeded as khaleefah (leader of the Muslim community) by Abu Bakr al-Siddeeq, during whose time a number of major events took place: the dispatching of the army of Usaamah [to Syria]; the wars against the apostates (ahl al-riddah); fighting those who refused to pay the zakaah; the emergence of Musaylimah the liar [a false prophet]; and the compilation of the Qur’aan.
Then came ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab, who was one of the earliest Muslims, one of the ten whom the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) had testified would enter Paradise, one of the Rightly Guided Caliphs (al-khulafa’ al-raashideen), one of the in-laws of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), one of the greatest scholars and ascetics among the Sahaabah (the Companions of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)). Many conquests took place during his time, including the conquest of Damascus, Jordan, Iraq, Jerusalem and Egypt. He is the one who decided, in consultation with ‘Ali, that history should be dated from the time of the Hijrah (the migration of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) from Makkah to Madeenah).
He was martyred in 23 AH by the kaafir Magian murderer Abu Lu’lu’ah.
Then came ‘Uthmaan ibn ‘Affaan, who was also one of the ten whom the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) had testified would enter Paradise. He had also become Muslim in the earliest days. He was one of those whom Abu Bakr al-Siddeeq had called to Islam. He migrated twice, first to Abyssinia (Ethiopia) then to Madeenah. He married Ruqayyah the daughter of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), then she passed away and he married her sister Umm Kalthoom. He ruled as khaleefah for twelve years, then he was martyred in 35 AH at the age of eighty-odd.
Then came ‘Ali ibn Abi Taalib, who was also one of the ten whom the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) had testified would enter Paradise. He was the brother of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) according to the system of brotherhood established when the muhaajiroon (migrants from Makkah) first came to Madeenah, and he was also the Prophet’s son-in-law as he married his daughter Faatimah, the best of all women (may Allaah be pleased with her). He was also one of the first people to become Muslim, one of the greatest scholars, bravest warriors, prominent ascetics and preachers. He was one of those who compiled the Qur’aan and showed it to the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him).
Fifthly:
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was guided by the teachings of the Qur’aan, indeed his whole attitude was the Qur’aan as the Mother of the Believers ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) said. The way our Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was in Islam was the same as the way he had been before, but Allaah perfected his character and made it more beautiful. When the first revelation came, [his wife] Khadeejah (may Allaah be pleased with her) said, listing his attributes:
“No, by Allaah, Allaah would never let you down. For you uphold ties of kinship, you help the weak, you give charity to the poor, you honour your guests and you help the deserving calamity-afflicted ones.”
(Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 4; Muslim, 160)
Both his companions and his enemies described him in a befitting manner, as he (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) deserved, saying that he was honourable, brave, merciful, well-spoken, worshipped a great deal, was honest and trustworthy, and so on.
This was all summed up in the verse:
“And verily, you (O Muhammad) are on an exalted (standard of) character”
[al-Qalam 68:4 – interpretation of the meaning]
His good character and attitude had a great effect, as it was the reason for some of the mushrikeen (pagans, polytheists) coming to Islam.
It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah said: “The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) sent some cavalry towards Najd, and they brought a man from Banu Haneefah whose name was Thamaamah ibn Athaal and tied him to one of the pillars of the mosque. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) came out and said, ‘Untie Thamaamah.’ Then he (Thamaamah) went to grove of palm trees near the mosque and washed himself (did ghusl), then he entered the mosque and said, ‘I bear witness that there is no god except Allaah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah.’” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 4114; Muslim, 1764).
Sixthly:
With regard to Islam reaching Europe, it did so in several ways, including the following:
1 – The keenness of the Muslims to convey the truth to all of mankind. Andalusia [in Spain] was conquered by Taariq ibn Ziyaad in 92 AH/711 CE, and the conquests in western Europe continued until they reached southeastern France in 114 AH.
2 – People coming from North Africa, the Middle East and South Asia to look for work and a better future.
3 – Westerners bringing some people from other countries, such as the Germans bringing Turks, to work in their country.
4 – The presence of Muslim daa’iyahs (callers, “missionaries”) in those countries.
5 – The conquests of the Ottoman state of part of Europe.
6 – The conversion of some indigenous Europeans to Islam, who then began to propagate Islam.
7 – Trade links between Muslims and Europe.
8 – Conversion of some Europeans to Islam.
9 – Changes in the European intellectual approaches.
10 – Rejection of the church myths which contradict revelation and the adoption of empirical knowledge whose foundation was laid by the Muslims.
11 – Participation of Muslim communities in the development of research, inventions and companies in Europe, through the work of qualified Muslim professionals, plus the increase in the number of Muslim communities in Europe, which resulted in the increase in the number of mosques, schools and Islamic centers. This has resulted in increased Muslim influence, to the extent that the enemies of Islam such as the Jews are scared. The Israeli newspaper “Ha-eretz” said, in an issue published in late June 2001 CE, “As is the case in western Europe, the great increase in the number of Muslims in the United States has led to an increase in their political influence… The increase in the number of Muslims and their increasing political awareness, especially the Arab students, who are the most active of the Arabs in the political field, and the decrease in the number of Jews as a result of mixed marriages and their assimilation into American society, will all, in the future, play a role in changing the balance of power and changing the influence that these competing groups have in Washington. This is now something tangible, as can be seen in the activities of the pro-Arab lobbies in Congress.
1. The increase in the number of Muslims in European counties. More than ten years ago the number of Muslims in Europe was approximately 12 million.
2. The spread of mosques, Islamic centers and schools.
3. The spread of hijaab and Islamic dress in the capitals of European countries.
4. The holding of Islamic exhibitions and seminars, and the establishment of companies that take care of halaal slaughter of meat, and burying the dead in the manner prescribed in Islam.
And Allaah is the Guide to the straight path and the Source of strength.
Praise be to Allaah.
Firstly:
Our Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did not produce his ideas by himself, rather the message that he brought came from Allaah – it was Revelation (wahy) which Allaah sent to him.
Secondly:
with regard to his life (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him):
He was the best of all people on earth in terms of lineage, for he was descended from the noblest line. Even his enemies bore witness to that. Hence his enemy Abu Sufyaan testified to that effect before the Byzantine ruler. The noblest of people were his people; the noblest of tribes was his tribe; the noblest of clans was his clan. His full name was Muhammad ibn [son of] ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Abd al-Muttalib ibn Haashim ibn ‘Abd Manaaf ibn Qusayy ibn Kilaab ibn Murrah ibn Ka’b ibn Lu’ayy ibn Ghaalib ibn Fahr ibn Maalik ibn al-Nadar ibn Kinaanah ibn Khuzaymah ibn Mudrikah ibn Ilyaas ibn Mudar ibn Nizaar ibn Ma’d ibn ‘Adnaan… ibn ‘Ismaa’eel [Ishmael] ibn Ibraaheem [Abraham] (peace be upon them).
Allaah sent him as a Prophet at the age of forty, which is the age of perfection. The first sign of Prophethood which was sent to the Messenger of Allaah was dreams: he did not see any dream but it would come true like daybreak. It was said that that lasted for six months. The period of his Prophethood lasted for twenty-three years. These dreams were one of the forty-six parts of Prophethood. Then Allaah honoured him with Prophethood, and the angel came to him whilst he was in the cave of Hira’, where he used to love to go to be alone. The first words (of the Qur’aan) to be revealed to him were:
“Read! In the Name of your Lord Who has created (all that exists)”
[al-‘Alaq 96:1 – interpretation of the meaning]
His message came in stages. Firstly, he was appointed as a Prophet; secondly, he warned his nearest kinsmen; thirdly, he warned his people; fourthly, he warned the people to whom no warner had ever come, namely all the Arabs; fifthly, he warned all those whom his message reached, both jinns and humans, until the end of time.
After that (initial revelation), he spent three years calling people to Allaah in secret. Then the following words were revealed to him:
“Therefore proclaim openly (Allaah’s Message Islamic Monotheism) that which you are commanded, and turn away from Al‑Mushrikoon (polytheists, idolaters, and disbeliever”
[al-Hijr 15:94 – interpretation of the meaning]
See Zaad al-Ma’aad by Ibn al-Qayyim, 1/71
Thirdly:
With regard to the message to which our Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) called people, it is sufficient to quote what was said by Abu Sufyaan – who was a kaafir (disbeliever) at the time. Heraclius, the ruler of Byzantium, asked Abu Sufyaan, “What does he tell you to do?” Abu Sufyaan said: “He tells us to worship Allaah alone, not associating anything with Him, and he forbids us to worship that which our fathers used to worship. He commands us to pray, to give in charity, to be chaste, to keep our promises and fulfil our trusts.” Heraclius commented on Abu Sufyaan’s words by saying: “This is the description of a Prophet. I knew that he would appear, but I did not think that he would be from among you [the Arabs]. If you are indeed speaking the truth, then soon he will take possession of the place where my feet are standing. If I thought that I could meet him I would not hesitate to go to him, and if I were with him I would wash his feet.”
(Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 2782; Muslim, 1773).
Fourthly:
After the death of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), he was succeeded as khaleefah (leader of the Muslim community) by Abu Bakr al-Siddeeq, during whose time a number of major events took place: the dispatching of the army of Usaamah [to Syria]; the wars against the apostates (ahl al-riddah); fighting those who refused to pay the zakaah; the emergence of Musaylimah the liar [a false prophet]; and the compilation of the Qur’aan.
Then came ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab, who was one of the earliest Muslims, one of the ten whom the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) had testified would enter Paradise, one of the Rightly Guided Caliphs (al-khulafa’ al-raashideen), one of the in-laws of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), one of the greatest scholars and ascetics among the Sahaabah (the Companions of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)). Many conquests took place during his time, including the conquest of Damascus, Jordan, Iraq, Jerusalem and Egypt. He is the one who decided, in consultation with ‘Ali, that history should be dated from the time of the Hijrah (the migration of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) from Makkah to Madeenah).
He was martyred in 23 AH by the kaafir Magian murderer Abu Lu’lu’ah.
Then came ‘Uthmaan ibn ‘Affaan, who was also one of the ten whom the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) had testified would enter Paradise. He had also become Muslim in the earliest days. He was one of those whom Abu Bakr al-Siddeeq had called to Islam. He migrated twice, first to Abyssinia (Ethiopia) then to Madeenah. He married Ruqayyah the daughter of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), then she passed away and he married her sister Umm Kalthoom. He ruled as khaleefah for twelve years, then he was martyred in 35 AH at the age of eighty-odd.
Then came ‘Ali ibn Abi Taalib, who was also one of the ten whom the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) had testified would enter Paradise. He was the brother of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) according to the system of brotherhood established when the muhaajiroon (migrants from Makkah) first came to Madeenah, and he was also the Prophet’s son-in-law as he married his daughter Faatimah, the best of all women (may Allaah be pleased with her). He was also one of the first people to become Muslim, one of the greatest scholars, bravest warriors, prominent ascetics and preachers. He was one of those who compiled the Qur’aan and showed it to the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him).
Fifthly:
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was guided by the teachings of the Qur’aan, indeed his whole attitude was the Qur’aan as the Mother of the Believers ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) said. The way our Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was in Islam was the same as the way he had been before, but Allaah perfected his character and made it more beautiful. When the first revelation came, [his wife] Khadeejah (may Allaah be pleased with her) said, listing his attributes:
“No, by Allaah, Allaah would never let you down. For you uphold ties of kinship, you help the weak, you give charity to the poor, you honour your guests and you help the deserving calamity-afflicted ones.”
(Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 4; Muslim, 160)
Both his companions and his enemies described him in a befitting manner, as he (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) deserved, saying that he was honourable, brave, merciful, well-spoken, worshipped a great deal, was honest and trustworthy, and so on.
This was all summed up in the verse:
“And verily, you (O Muhammad) are on an exalted (standard of) character”
[al-Qalam 68:4 – interpretation of the meaning]
His good character and attitude had a great effect, as it was the reason for some of the mushrikeen (pagans, polytheists) coming to Islam.
It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah said: “The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) sent some cavalry towards Najd, and they brought a man from Banu Haneefah whose name was Thamaamah ibn Athaal and tied him to one of the pillars of the mosque. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) came out and said, ‘Untie Thamaamah.’ Then he (Thamaamah) went to grove of palm trees near the mosque and washed himself (did ghusl), then he entered the mosque and said, ‘I bear witness that there is no god except Allaah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah.’” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 4114; Muslim, 1764).
Sixthly:
With regard to Islam reaching Europe, it did so in several ways, including the following:
1 – The keenness of the Muslims to convey the truth to all of mankind. Andalusia [in Spain] was conquered by Taariq ibn Ziyaad in 92 AH/711 CE, and the conquests in western Europe continued until they reached southeastern France in 114 AH.
2 – People coming from North Africa, the Middle East and South Asia to look for work and a better future.
3 – Westerners bringing some people from other countries, such as the Germans bringing Turks, to work in their country.
4 – The presence of Muslim daa’iyahs (callers, “missionaries”) in those countries.
5 – The conquests of the Ottoman state of part of Europe.
6 – The conversion of some indigenous Europeans to Islam, who then began to propagate Islam.
7 – Trade links between Muslims and Europe.
8 – Conversion of some Europeans to Islam.
9 – Changes in the European intellectual approaches.
10 – Rejection of the church myths which contradict revelation and the adoption of empirical knowledge whose foundation was laid by the Muslims.
11 – Participation of Muslim communities in the development of research, inventions and companies in Europe, through the work of qualified Muslim professionals, plus the increase in the number of Muslim communities in Europe, which resulted in the increase in the number of mosques, schools and Islamic centers. This has resulted in increased Muslim influence, to the extent that the enemies of Islam such as the Jews are scared. The Israeli newspaper “Ha-eretz” said, in an issue published in late June 2001 CE, “As is the case in western Europe, the great increase in the number of Muslims in the United States has led to an increase in their political influence… The increase in the number of Muslims and their increasing political awareness, especially the Arab students, who are the most active of the Arabs in the political field, and the decrease in the number of Jews as a result of mixed marriages and their assimilation into American society, will all, in the future, play a role in changing the balance of power and changing the influence that these competing groups have in Washington. This is now something tangible, as can be seen in the activities of the pro-Arab lobbies in Congress.
1. The increase in the number of Muslims in European counties. More than ten years ago the number of Muslims in Europe was approximately 12 million.
2. The spread of mosques, Islamic centers and schools.
3. The spread of hijaab and Islamic dress in the capitals of European countries.
4. The holding of Islamic exhibitions and seminars, and the establishment of companies that take care of halaal slaughter of meat, and burying the dead in the manner prescribed in Islam.
And Allaah is the Guide to the straight path and the Source of strength.
She wants to enter Islam; do her two children have to say the Shahaadah too?
I'm converting to Islam from Christianity, my question is I have two children, boy age 14 and girl 11 and I've been a widow for nine years now; I know that I have to say the Shahada is this also required by my children?
Praise be to Allaah.
Saying the Shahaadah is an essential condition of entering Islam, but whoever is born to two Muslim parents does not have to utter the Shahaadatayn because he is judged to be a Muslim, unless he does something that nullifies Islam. But whoever is born to two non-Muslim parents must utter these words, like his parents.
Praise be to Allaah.
Saying the Shahaadah is an essential condition of entering Islam, but whoever is born to two Muslim parents does not have to utter the Shahaadatayn because he is judged to be a Muslim, unless he does something that nullifies Islam. But whoever is born to two non-Muslim parents must utter these words, like his parents.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Are there any du’aa’s specifically for protecting a new house?
I bought a new house, praise be to Allaah. Are there any du’aa’s specifically for protecting a new house?
Is there any basis in Islam for what some brothers suggest about reading Soorat al-Baqarah or playing tapes of the Holy Qur’aan?.
Praise be to Allaah.
We ask Allaah to bless this new house for you and to make it a haven of righteousness, goodness and blessing.
I will tell you what it is prescribed for you to do and say:
Firstly:
Be grateful for the blessing of Allaah, for gratitude is one of the noblest of attitudes.
Ibn al-Qayyim said in Madaarij al-Saalikeen (2/242):
Faith is of two halves: half is gratitude and half is patience. End quote.
If a person is grateful to his Lord, He will preserve His blessing to him and complete it, and increase it and others.
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And (remember) when your Lord proclaimed: If you give thanks (by accepting Faith and worshipping none but Allaah), I will give you more (of My Blessings); but if you are thankless (i.e. disbelievers), verily, My punishment is indeed severe”
[Ibraaheem 14:7]
Secondly:
Make food and invite people to come and eat, for that is a way of showing gratitude to Allaah.
It says in al-Mawsoo’ah al-Fiqhiyyah (8/206):
Holding a feast after acquiring property is mustahabb, like all kinds of feasts that are given on happy occasions or so as to ward off evil. It is called wakeerah. It is not as important as the wedding feast, and some of the Shaafa’is narrated two opinions as to whether it is obligatory, because after mentioning feasts, al-Shaafa’i said: that includes the wakeerah … and I do not grant a concession allowing one to neglect it. End quote.
Thirdly:
Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in al-Waabil al-Sayyib (155-156):
Allaah, may He be glorified and exalted, said in the story of the two men (interpretation of the meaning):
“It was better for you to say, when you entered your garden: ‘That which Allaah wills (will come to pass)! There is no power but with Allaah!’ If you see me less than you in wealth, and children”
[al-Kahf 18:39]
The one who enters his garden or house or sees something that he likes in his wealth or his family should hasten to say these words, and if he does, no harm will befall the thing that he admired.
It was narrated that Anas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “When Allaah blesses a person in his family, wealth or children and he says ‘Ma sha’ Allaah la quwwata illa Billaah (that which Allaah wills (will come to pass)! There is no power but with Allaah), he will not see any harm come to them before death.”
Narrated by al-Tabaraani in al-Awsat (6/126); classed as saheeh by Ibn al-Qayyim in Shifa’ al-‘Aleel (1/182); classed as da’eef by al-Albaani in al-Silsilah al-Da’eefah (2012).
And it was narrated that when the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) saw something that he liked, he would say: “Al-hamdu Lillaah illadhi bi ni’matihi tatimmu’l-saalihaat (Praise be to Allaah by Whose grace good deeds are completed).”
Narrated by Ibn Maajah (3803). Al-Nawawi said: Its isnaad is jayyid. Al-Adhkaar (399). End quote.
Fourthly:
It was narrated from Jaabir ibn ‘Abd-Allaah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that he heard the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) say: “When a man enters his house, and mentions Allaah, may He be glorified and exalted, when he enters and when he eats, the shaytaan says: ‘You have no place to stay and no dinner.’ But if he enters and does not mention Allaah when he enters, the shaytaan says, ‘You have found a place to stay.’ And if he does not mention Allaah when he eats, he says: ‘You have found a place to stay and dinner.’”
Narrated by Muslim (2018).
This dhikr is not only for a new house, rather it includes all houses and all times of entering. So start your life in your new house with remembrance of Allaah, may He be glorified.
Among the ways in which you may seek protection for your new house from the evil eye and destructive envy is to say: “U’eedhuka bi kalimaat-Allaah il-taammah min kulli shaytaanin wa haammah wa min kulli ‘aynin laammah (I seek refuge for you in the perfect words of Allaah from every devil and poisonous reptile, and from every envious evil eye).”
Narrated by al-Bukhaari (3371).
Fifthly:
The Sunnah encourages reading Soorat al-Baqarah, especially in one’s home.
It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Do not make your houses into graves, for the Shaytaan flees from a house in which Soorat al-Baqarah is recited.”
Narrated by Muslim (780).
Shaykh Ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in Majmoo’ al-Fataawa (24/413):
It seems – and Allaah knows best – that by means of the reading of all of Soorat al-Baqarah, either on the radio or by the owner of the house, that which was mentioned by the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) may be achieved, namely shaytaan fleeing from that house. End quote.
However, we did not find any specific dhikr or du’aa’ to be said when entering a new house.
And Allaah knows best.
Is there any basis in Islam for what some brothers suggest about reading Soorat al-Baqarah or playing tapes of the Holy Qur’aan?.
Praise be to Allaah.
We ask Allaah to bless this new house for you and to make it a haven of righteousness, goodness and blessing.
I will tell you what it is prescribed for you to do and say:
Firstly:
Be grateful for the blessing of Allaah, for gratitude is one of the noblest of attitudes.
Ibn al-Qayyim said in Madaarij al-Saalikeen (2/242):
Faith is of two halves: half is gratitude and half is patience. End quote.
If a person is grateful to his Lord, He will preserve His blessing to him and complete it, and increase it and others.
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And (remember) when your Lord proclaimed: If you give thanks (by accepting Faith and worshipping none but Allaah), I will give you more (of My Blessings); but if you are thankless (i.e. disbelievers), verily, My punishment is indeed severe”
[Ibraaheem 14:7]
Secondly:
Make food and invite people to come and eat, for that is a way of showing gratitude to Allaah.
It says in al-Mawsoo’ah al-Fiqhiyyah (8/206):
Holding a feast after acquiring property is mustahabb, like all kinds of feasts that are given on happy occasions or so as to ward off evil. It is called wakeerah. It is not as important as the wedding feast, and some of the Shaafa’is narrated two opinions as to whether it is obligatory, because after mentioning feasts, al-Shaafa’i said: that includes the wakeerah … and I do not grant a concession allowing one to neglect it. End quote.
Thirdly:
Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in al-Waabil al-Sayyib (155-156):
Allaah, may He be glorified and exalted, said in the story of the two men (interpretation of the meaning):
“It was better for you to say, when you entered your garden: ‘That which Allaah wills (will come to pass)! There is no power but with Allaah!’ If you see me less than you in wealth, and children”
[al-Kahf 18:39]
The one who enters his garden or house or sees something that he likes in his wealth or his family should hasten to say these words, and if he does, no harm will befall the thing that he admired.
It was narrated that Anas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “When Allaah blesses a person in his family, wealth or children and he says ‘Ma sha’ Allaah la quwwata illa Billaah (that which Allaah wills (will come to pass)! There is no power but with Allaah), he will not see any harm come to them before death.”
Narrated by al-Tabaraani in al-Awsat (6/126); classed as saheeh by Ibn al-Qayyim in Shifa’ al-‘Aleel (1/182); classed as da’eef by al-Albaani in al-Silsilah al-Da’eefah (2012).
And it was narrated that when the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) saw something that he liked, he would say: “Al-hamdu Lillaah illadhi bi ni’matihi tatimmu’l-saalihaat (Praise be to Allaah by Whose grace good deeds are completed).”
Narrated by Ibn Maajah (3803). Al-Nawawi said: Its isnaad is jayyid. Al-Adhkaar (399). End quote.
Fourthly:
It was narrated from Jaabir ibn ‘Abd-Allaah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that he heard the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) say: “When a man enters his house, and mentions Allaah, may He be glorified and exalted, when he enters and when he eats, the shaytaan says: ‘You have no place to stay and no dinner.’ But if he enters and does not mention Allaah when he enters, the shaytaan says, ‘You have found a place to stay.’ And if he does not mention Allaah when he eats, he says: ‘You have found a place to stay and dinner.’”
Narrated by Muslim (2018).
This dhikr is not only for a new house, rather it includes all houses and all times of entering. So start your life in your new house with remembrance of Allaah, may He be glorified.
Among the ways in which you may seek protection for your new house from the evil eye and destructive envy is to say: “U’eedhuka bi kalimaat-Allaah il-taammah min kulli shaytaanin wa haammah wa min kulli ‘aynin laammah (I seek refuge for you in the perfect words of Allaah from every devil and poisonous reptile, and from every envious evil eye).”
Narrated by al-Bukhaari (3371).
Fifthly:
The Sunnah encourages reading Soorat al-Baqarah, especially in one’s home.
It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Do not make your houses into graves, for the Shaytaan flees from a house in which Soorat al-Baqarah is recited.”
Narrated by Muslim (780).
Shaykh Ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in Majmoo’ al-Fataawa (24/413):
It seems – and Allaah knows best – that by means of the reading of all of Soorat al-Baqarah, either on the radio or by the owner of the house, that which was mentioned by the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) may be achieved, namely shaytaan fleeing from that house. End quote.
However, we did not find any specific dhikr or du’aa’ to be said when entering a new house.
And Allaah knows best.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)