Why an authoritarian rule is against Islam

Forcing people to believe in a religion or to adopt its forms of
belief is completely contrary to the essence and spirit of Islam. That
is because according to Islam, true faith is only possible with free
will and freedom of conscience.
In the contemporary world, there are people who envisage or
supportauthoritarianism in the name of Islam. However this is a great
misconception. Islam is areligion which provides and guarantees
freedomof ideas, thought and life. It has issued commands to prevent
and forbid tension, disputes, slander and even negative thinking among
people. In the same way that it is determinedly opposed to terrorism
and all acts of violence, it has also forbidden even the slightest
ideological pressure to be put on them:
There is no compulsion in religion. True guidance has become clearly
distinct from error.(Surat al-Baqara: 256)
So remind them! You areonly a reminder. You arenot in control of
them.(Surat al -Ghashiyya: 21-22)
Forcing people to believe in a religion or to adopt its forms of
belief is completely contrary to the essence and spirit of Islam. That
is because according to Islam, true faith is only possible with free
will and freedom of conscience. Of course, Muslims can advise and
encourage each other about the features of Qur'anic morality. All
believers are charged with explaining Qur'anicmorality to people in
thenicest manner possible. They will explain the beauties of religion
in the light of the verse,"Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom
and fair admonition..."(Suratan-Nahl: 125), however, they must also
bear in mind the verse,"You are not responsible for their guidance,
but God guides whoever He wills."(Surat al-Baqara: 272)
Thus true Muslims will never resort to compulsion, nor any kind of
physical or psychological pressure. Neither will they use anyworldly
privilege to turn someone towards religion. When they receive a
negative response to what they say, Muslims will reply along the lines
of:"To you your religion, and tome, mine"(Surat al- Al-Kafirun: 6)
The world we live in contains societies with all kinds of beliefs:
Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu, atheist, deist and even pagan.
Muslims living in such a world must be tolerant of all beliefs they
come up against, no matter what they may be, and behave forgivingly,
justly and humanely. This responsibility placed on believers invites
people to the beauty of the religion of God by means of peace and
tolerance. The decision whether or not to implement these truths,
whether or not tobelieve, lies with the other party. Forcing that
person to believe, or trying to impose anything on him, is a violation
of Qur'anic morality. In fact, God issues a reminder to believers in
the Qur'an:
If your Lord had willed, all the people on the earth would have
believed. Do you think you can force people to be believers?(Surat
Yunus: 99)
We know best what theysay and you [O Muhammad] are not a compeller
over them. But warn by the Qur'an whoever fears My warning.(Surat Qaf:
45)
A model of society in which people are forced to worship is a complete
contradiction to Islam. Belief and worship are only of any value when
they are directed to God by the free will of the individual. If a
system imposes belief and worship on people, thenthey will become
religious out of fear of that system. From the religious point of
view, what really counts is thatreligion should be lived for God's
good pleasure in an environment where peoples' consciences are totally
free.
When we look at the history of Islam, the way that Muslims have
translated this importantfeature of Qur'anic morality into the life of
society can be seen quiteclearly. Since the Prophet Muhammed, true
Muslims have always brought with them an atmosphere of freedom and
tolerance wherever they have gone. They have enabledpeople whose
religions, languages and cultures are completely different from one
another to live together in peace and harmony under one roof, and
provided peace and harmony for its own members. One ofthe most
important reasons for the centuries-long existence of the Ottoman
Empire, which spread over an enormous region, was the atmosphere of
tolerance and understanding that Islam brought with it. Within this
multi-national structure, all ethnic and religious groups have been
free to live according to theirown religions, and their own rules.
Barbarism in the name of religion, that is so preoccupying the world
at present, is the work ofignorant and fanatical people, completely
estranged from Qur'anic morality, and who have absolutely nothing to
dowith religion. The solution to these people and groups who try to
carry out their savagery under the mask of religion is the teaching of
true Qur'anic morality.
Islam and Qur'anic morality are solutions to the scourge of bigotry,
barbarism and terrorism,not supporters of it.

Solution: The morals of the Qur'an

Around the globe, the majority of people are among the oppressed. They
are tortured, butchered, and live in abject poverty, are homeless, are
forced to live their lives unprotected from the elements and they
sufferlack of medical care. There are those who cannot even afford a
loaf of bread. There are the elderly, facing neglect, abandonment and
denied medical care. Then there are those who face discrimination,
expulsion from their homes and lands simply because of their
ethnicity, language, raceor tribe and even massacres. Helpless,
malnourished, defenseless innocent children are forced to work for
money or beg.
Countless people live in fear for their lives anxious about their
survival, in a world in the midst of whose poverty and oppression,
there is also immense extravagance, privilege and wealth. Those
blessed with the "good life" pass by the homeless, see pictures, and
watch scenes on television of those less fortunate than they.
Sometimes they feel a brief moment of pity, but then change the
channel, turn away fromthe image, and in a shorttime completely erase
that fleeting prick of the conscience.
So many who enjoy the bounties and comforts with which they have been
blessed, never think of expending effort to save those who can not
afford these. They believe it is not up to them to save those people,
when so many are richer and more powerful and in a betterposition to
come to the aid of the less fortunate.
However, prosperity andpower alone are not enough to save those people
and to make this world a place of welfare in which justice, peace,
confidence and well-being prevail. Despite the existence of developed
countries around the world, there are still too many countries, such
as Ethiopia, where people still die daily of starvation. It is
apparent that the wealth and power of some nations are not enough in
themselves to solve the afflictions of drought, poverty and civil
warfare.
Only being conscientiouswill channel resources and power towards the
welfare of the poor and desperate. The sole way of being conscientious
ishaving faith. It is only the believers who constantly live by their
consciences.
Eventually, there is only one solution to the injustice, chaos,
terror, massacres, hunger, poverty, and oppression in the world: the
values of the Qur'an.
Those adverse conditions were created in the first place by hatred,
malice, self-interest, indifference and cruelty and therefore must be
undone by love, compassion, mercy, generosity, unselfishness,
sensitivity,tolerance, commonsenseand wisdom. These traitsof
compassion are foundonly in those who fully live by the values taught
in the Noble Qur'an, which is our guidance directly from our Creator.
In one verse, Allah (swt) refers to the Qur'an's feature of leading
mankind out of darkness into light.
... A light has come to you from Allah and a Clear Book. By it, Allah
guides those who followwhat pleases Him to the ways of peace. He will
bring them from the darkness to the light by His permission, and guide
them to a straight path.(Surat al Ma'ida: 15-16)
In another verse, Allah states that everything would be in corruption
and confusion if the truth were to be according to human desires:
If the truth were to follow their whims and desires, the heavens
andthe earth and everything in them would have been brought to ruin.
No indeed! We have given their Reminder, but theyhave turned away from
it.(Surat al-Muminun: 71)
As you read this passage,millions of people are suffering, are cold
and hungry, or facing expulsion from their homelands. For this reason,
people who have consciences need to think about this, and act to solve
those troubles as if they themselves or their loved ones were facing
them. We need to act both spiritually and materially to alleviate the
suffering and oppression. In one verse,Allah orders conscientious and
faithful people to assume this responsibility:
What reason could you have for not fighting in the Way of Allah – for
those men, women and children who are oppressed and say, 'Our Lord,
take us out of this city whose inhabitants are wrongdoers! Give usa
protector from You! Give us a helper from You!'?(Surat an-Nisa': 75)
When we consider the Qur'anic commands, it becomes obvious what are
our obligations. The most important thing forMuslims is first, to
struggle in the intellectual domain so that the values of the Qur'an
and the Sunnah prevail over disbelief. The only salvation for the
weak, helpless, homeless and destitute is the practice of the guidance
of the Qur'an, which is directed to all humankind. Therefore, itis our
duty to spread the word and communicate the message, and that is a
vital component of worship for all Muslims.
Those who do not followtheir consciences, who are indifferent to the
suffering of others, who spend their wealth on frivolous and vain
things, who fail to show concern for orphans, who look coldly at
oppressed woman, children and the elderly, and who are happy only when
there is immorality and ugliness in the world, will certainly have to
give anaccount in the Hereafter.
Have you seen him who denies the deen (religion)? He is the one who
harshly rebuffs the orphan and does not urge the feeding of the poor.
So woe to those who do salat (regular prayers), whose hearts from
their salat are remote, those who showoff and deny help to
others.(Surat al-Ma'un: 1-7)

The place where the system of antichrist - atheistic freemasonry - has settled in to prevent religious obligations is the Solomon's masjid

The organization called "The Knight's Templars", founded in the Middle
Ages in 1119, appeared originally to protect Christians and was
officially recognized by the Catholic Church in 1129. However, it was
dispersed in 1312 again by the Papacy due to theaccusations put
forward and its disputable acts. What has remained of the Knight's
Templars came on the scene with its fierce opposing actions against
the Church and all other divine religions after that date.
The Knight'sTemplars which were known as the Poor Soldiers of the
"Temple of Jesus and Solomon" in Latin, settled in the area of
theSolomon's Masjid and conducted its undercover operations from
there. This organization maintains its existence under the name of
atheistic freemasonry and it is this place that it is carrying on its
deviant activities.
As mentioned before, the antichrist system, that is, the purpose
ofatheistic freemasonryis to bring to the entire world the system of
destruction and tyranny,which is distant from thefaith in Allah (God)
and the good moral values. The method the atheist freemasons use in
order to realize this is to be able to prevent the religious
obligations of pious devout people, to try to cause division between
Muslims, Christians and Jews, and to restrain them to live in peace.
IN ORDER TO CARRY OUT THIS UGLY OBJECTIVE, THE ANTICHRIST IS SETTLED
IN THE REGION WHERE THE SOLOMON'S MASJID IS LOCATED.
Now,atheist freemasonsprevent the Muslims, Christians and Jews doing
their religious obligations easefully in the Solomon's Masjid.Atheist
freemasonshold this holy region under military and political dominion.
Because of this so-called military and political dominion, by way of
the prohibitions in the Solomon's Masjid — the place of religious
obligations of the three holy religions —, the religious obligations
are restricted in the region. Many people there, willingly or
otherwise, are following the order of the antichrist system, that is
the order of theatheist freemasons. And they are doing what they say.
The antichrist system dominates over the place of the
religiousobligations of the three holy religions. Yet, during the
period of the Prophet Jesus and HazratMahdi (peace be upon them both),
the antichrist system, that is the atheistic freemasonry's opinion
system will be demolished by love, compassion, knowledge,good moral
values and thus the dominion that this system are trying to rule over
the members of the three holy religions will be removed. Thus, the
Golden Age, which is the age of salvation, of abundance and affluence,
of trust and when the real love prevails, will begin.

Fathwa, - A case of conditional divorce

Question
Salaam, I have divorced my wife 3 times and returned her back based
upon a scholars advice that I can invalidate on ofthe divorce since it
was out of anger. We encountered another issue and she wrote me an
email asking for divorce. I swore/vow thatupon a second request for
divorce in any form from her, I shall honor her request. She wrote me
another )second( request few weeks later, I did not see the email. I
engaged her in discussion on how to resolve our problems, during this
period she lamented we did not follow the right procedure in returning
her back as my wife hence she demanded we start all over again. I
responded that since I was advised by a scholar I will not start the
processover again as that will mean we have been having illegal sex.
In her response to me, she said if I insist I will not do another
marriage, she insist she should be divorced or will remain divorced.
On this occasion )day( I stumbledon her second email demanding for
divorce. As it turned out, she was acting with anger she later
realized. Can our marriage subsist or remain? Thank you in
anticipation. Abdallah
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify
that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad,
is His Slave and Messenger.
Taking an oath or vow todivorce your wife if she asks you to divorce
her does not lead to divorce once she asks you for divorce. Rather, it
is just apromise and you are not obliged to honor it.
Accordingly, if you have taken an oath by Allaah The Almighty,
confirming that promise, then you should expiate for breaking your
oath by feeding or clothing ten poor persons. If you cannot afford
that, you should fast for three days.
Finally, the bond of marriage still exists between you and your wife
as long as you sought a Fatwa from a trustworthy scholar and he told
you that the first taking back of your wife was valid.
Allaah Knows best.

Fathwa, - Location of the Madyan city

Question
where the the madyan city located of shouab alehessalam are the jorden
vally shouaib is correct
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify
that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad,
is His Slave and Messenger.
Madyan is located near the city of Bida' in Tabuk province in the
northwest of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.Rather, the author of Atlas
Taareekh Al-Anbiyaa' war-Rusul stated that the houses of Madyan are
located in the Bida' province itself. Also, it is located near theland
of Ma'aan on the outskirts of Ash-Shaam)Greater Syria( from the
direction of Hijaaz land close to the lake of the people of
ProphetLut.
It is well known that the Jordan Valley runs from the mouth of the
Yarmouk River to the Gulfof 'Aqaba. Accordingly, Madyan is not located
in the Jordon Valley, but it isnot far away from it.
Allaah Knows best.

Fathwa, - The best end for a believer's life

Question
In what situation for a righteous believer, is it best for Allah to
take his soul?
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify
that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad,
is His Slave and Messenger.
The best condition in which the soul of the believer is taken is
whenever he is doing a good deed or an act of worship. This will be a
good end for him, since what matters is one's final deeds. The
Messenger of Allaah, said: "When Allaah wills good for His slave, He
sweetens him." He, was asked, "What is this sweetening?" He said,
"Allaah guides him to do a righteous deed before he dies, then He
takes his soul whilst he is in that state." ]narrated by Ahmad in
Al-Musnad whose verifier deemed it:Saheeh li Ghayrih )sound because of
corroboratingevidence, i.e. due to the availability of other
goodchains of narration with the same content([
Also, it was narrated thatHuthayfahsaid: "Whoever says Laa ilaaha
illa-Allaah )there is none worthy of worship except Allaah(, seeking
the Countenance of Allaah thereby, and that was the last of his deeds,
will enter Paradise. Whoever fasts one day, seeking the Countenance of
Allaah thereby, and that was the last of his deeds, will enter
Paradise. Whoever gives charity, seeking the Countenance of Allaah
thereby, and that was thelast of his deeds, will enter
Paradise."]Al-Musnad - Shu'ayb Al-Arnaa'oot ruled it Saheeh li
Ghayrih[
Allaah Knows best.

Story, - Reserved for sm1 who really deserves :->

Hlw guys!! I am anshuman nd mah age is 17+ m a cricketer nd a medical
student in 12th class...it ws last year when i fell for her... To b
honest i was a flirty type guy...i neva knew wot love is.. I was like
a stud in frnt of mah frnz... 1 day my friend abhishek said me that he
had crushon a girl but she is rude to him..he gave meh her no... Nd
askd meh to convince her for him i agreed... It was saturday... I txt
her hi... She replied hlw bt whz dsas d grls use to say...cnvrstn ws
on end wd d last msg by her i dn noe u so dn txt me... Bt being an
exprncd guy in ds field i cnvncd hr smhow... Then i felt goodtokn to
her nd frgt bot abhishek i thought to do it for myself within a week
we were in a r.shp i propd her nd she said..i needed d same..she was
an athlete evry snday shehad outing we met spnd 3 hrs together holding
each odrs hand etc..after 2 months it took a turn nd she brokeup by
sayingi want mah ex nd i was like ah it ws dshra on dat day i curse
dat day.....atlast i said i will w8 4 u nd u wl hv to cm bck... Nd we
were off 3 mnths l8r i saw her thn it continued 4 2-3 weeks we kept on
meeting whlegoin to scul bt we didn't tok 1 day i went to hr i askd r
u single she said yes....
Cmmnt if u wnt to knw d rest of d story buddies...

Story, - I lov u sweety...dont make me mad...plz

Hey frnds.i wana share u ma feelings..realy me become mad otherwse.
I'm truly lovs a guy bt he s 2 yr younger tan me..evn tat knwn also i
fallen love wd hm.i tnk lov has no age.
He s ma clasmate..first time i treatd him as a brother and like a
sister he cares me...exam times i teachd him al the lesonsn maked him
prepared for exam wel..one day hegivd me one kis to ma forhead n told
i love u ma sis..i feeled very happy..afr everytime tat memory came ma
mind.my mind began to love him alot..i didnt undrstd tat time what
type of love it is...afr again v become alone in one place.tat time he
gvd lip kis..first kis in ma life frm a guy tat mch deeply..
I askd him "hey y u like ts?" he tld me "realy i love u alot".dnt knw
wt hapnd to me.i huged him..tat time i realized me also loved him alot
mrtan anyone..
Bt ma frndz wil not agreewid tat becz he s youngertan me and also
difernt religion..
V loved secretly evn not teling to frndz also..cals..msges..i knw i
wont get him in life.i cant run wid him becz ma parents wil die wn
hearing any matr like ts and also his family also strict.bt i lovs him
madly.
Wen v alone,dnt knw i givd him all wt i hav..its nt a ryt.bt i'm a
girl..i liked to be wd him to do tat also...
6 months ma ful life i used to take care of him..bt tr s anothr girl
in colege..ma enemy,she also lovs him. unfortunatly she became ma frnd
by him.
She tld abt her guy everyday bt not mensiond his name.bt i knw she tls
abt ma sweety..before ma entry to colege she s his frnd..so they
become mr close tan me.he teling she s ma frnd n ua ma gal..
Bt ma mind always rounding wd doubts..becz of tat i cant believ him wt
ever he teling..
Always fights wd him becz of ma doubts.its becz of i madly lovs him mr
tan my life..i want himwd me always.i cant share him to anyone..
Nowadys i feels he tries to avoid me..tat makes me like killing.
Dnt knw wt hapnds in future.bt nw i want him wid all love to me nly..
Else i wl become mad by tnking the moments spent wd him:-(...

Sacred Months, - A new Hijri Year

We recently bid farewell to a yearthat will be a witness for or
against us. We received a new year. A segment of man's life has just
finished and the more days pass by, the closer we draw to the
Hereafter.
Imaam Al-Hasan Al-Basrisaid: "O son of Aadam! You are but a collection
of days; whenever a day passes, a part of you ends with it."
Imaam Muhammad Ibn Waasi'was asked: "How are you this morning?"
Hereplied: "What can the condition of a manbe who draws closer to the
Hereafter with every passing day?"
A wise man once said: "How can man, whose days consume his months, and
whose months eat up his years, and whose years devour his life,
rejoice? How can aman rejoice knowing that the passing of his life
leads him to hisdeath?"
Al-Fudhayl Ibn 'Iyaadhonce asked a man in his gathering: "How many
years have passed of your life?" The man replied: "Sixty."
Al-Fudhaylsaid: "Then you have been travelling on a journey towards
your Lord for the past sixty years and have almost reached your
destination." The man exclaimed:"Innaa lillaahi wa Innaa Ilayhi
Raaji'oon )i.e., 'To Allaah we belong and to Him we will return.'("
Al-Fudhaylsaid: "Do you understand the implication of the statement
you just uttered? He who knows that he is a slave that belongs to
Allaah and realizes that he will return to Him must know that hewill
stand before Him; he who knows that he will stand before his Lord must
realize that he will be questioned; if he knows that he will be
questioned, then he must prepare answers for these questions." The man
asked: "What can one do about it?" Al-Fudhaylreplied: "It is simple:
act righteously in what remains of your life and you be will forgiven
for what sins you committed in the past; otherwise, you will be
punished for what remains as well as whathas passed of your life".
What did we deposit in our accounts for this year? What are we
preparing for the impending one?
The days will bear witness against man regarding what he deposited in
them, whether goodor bad. Imaam Al-Hasan Al-Basrisaid: "Every new day
exclaims: O son of Aadam! I am a new creation and will testify for
what you perform in me, so take from me provision )in terms of good
deeds( because once I depart, I shall not return until theDay of
Resurrection."
The wise one is he who holds to account and reproaches himself; he
would scrutinize his situation and repent to Allaah if has neglected
some of the obligations upon himself; he would then maintain himself
upon the right path before it is too late. If he has oppressed himself
by committing sins and slipping into prohibitions, he must cease doing
so, before death approaches and it is too late. If one is from those
whom Allaah has blessed with righteousness, then he must show
gratitude and supplicate Allaah to enable him to remain steadfast upon
such righteousness.
At the end of every year, businessmen review their recordsand accounts
and set future plans in order to avoid repeating past mistakes, as
well as to eludefuture losses and maximize their profits. Why is it
then that many years pass by with us failing to even think of
reviewing our records and accounts in terms of good and bad deeds?
Many people do hold themselves to account, but only in terms of their
worldly lives - so that they may gain more of this fast-vanishing
life. They never seem to give heed to the real, and infinitely more
important, accounting and recording: that ofmatters that could lead
them to Hell, or result in them being admitted into Paradise. They
passmany years of their lives without sincere and accurate
accountability with regards to the Hereafter.
If one of us loses money, he may become enraged; if he loses a
precious and beloved person, he would be overcome with grief. How
should the case then be of one who loses a portion of his life, which
cannot be made up forand which he could only have benefited from by
depositing in itgood deeds that would benefit him on the Day when
wealth and offspring will be of no benefit?
Allaah Almighty commands us to hold ourselves to account and prepare
for the Day of Account saying )what means(:"O you whohave believed!
Fear Allaah. And letevery soul look to what it has putforth for
tomorrow – and fear Allaah. Indeed, Allaah is acquainted with what you
do. And be not like those who forgot Allaah, so He made them forget
themselves. Those are the defiantly disobedient."]Quran 59: 19-20[
'Umar Ibn Al-Khattaabsaid: "Hold yourselves to account before you are
held to account - and prepare for the Great Meeting. The account on
the Day of Resurrection will only be easy for those who had held
themselves to account in this life."
Maymoon Ibn Mihraansaid: "A person will not attain piety until he
questions himself as meticulously as a stingy person would probe his
business partner."
Receiving a new year is one of thebounties of Allaah, as it entails
that Allaah has given us more of an opportunity to repent and increase
in good deeds.
'Abdullaah Ibn Busr Al-Aslamisaid: "The Messenger of Allaahwas asked:
'Who is the best of people?' Hereplied:"The best of people is he whose
life is long and whose conduct is good."Then, hewas asked: 'Who is the
worst of people?' Hereplied:"The worst of people is he whose life is
long and whose conduct is evil.""]At-Tirmithi[
Abu Hurayrahreported that the Prophetsaid:"Allaah leaves no excuse for
a person whom He delays )i.e., allows to live( to the age of sixty
years."]Al-Bukhaari[ Commenting on thisnarration, Imaam Ibn Hajarsaid:
"This means that Allaah would have granted such a person an ample
amount of time to live, such that he could not reasonably say: 'Had I
lived longer, I would have done such and such good deeds.' Therefore,
a person who reaches this age must earnestly and sincerely repent, ask
the forgiveness of Allaah, and utilize what is left of his life in the
obedience of Allaah."
Imaam Ibn Battaalsaid: "This is so because at this age one would most
likely be approaching death. He would have no excuse because, by then,
Allaah would have supplied every sign to such a person that shouldhave
made him embrace and affixhimself to righteousness."
Did you ever sit alone and hold yourself to account regarding what you
have said and done? Did you ever attempt to enumerate your sins and
your good deeds?
When Tawbah Ibn As-Simmaahreached the age of sixty, he realized that
he had lived for twenty one thousand and three hundred days, so he
wailed:"Woe to me! How can I meet my Lord? If I only sinned once a day
then I would have at least twentyone thousand and three hundred sins,
so how will the case be when I know that I have sinned tens of times
every day?"
At the end of the year and other such occasions, a Muslim should sit
in seclusion and ponder over his sins and his record of deeds, and
thereby hold himself to account. As a mater of fact, a Muslim should
do this on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. If he finds that he has
done well, he should be grateful to Allaah for having enabled him to
do so, otherwise, he should repent and refrain from further evil; he
should also seek the forgiveness of Allaah and pledge to become one of
the righteous. Abu Tharr and Mu`aath Ibn Jabalreported that the
Messenger of Allaahsaid:"Fear Allaah wherever you are and perform good
deeds after doing evil ones; the latter will obliterate the former -
and behave courteously towards others."]At-Tirmithi[ So let us rush to
repentance, before it is too late.
The question of greeting and congratulating others upon the arrival of
the new Hijri year was addressed in a Jumu'ah Khutbah by Shaykh
Muhammad Ibn Saalih Al-'Uthaymeenwho stated:
"O Muslims! We are approaching a new Islamic Hijri year. It is not
apractice recorded in the Sunnah to celebrate this day )i.e., its
first day( or to congratulate and greetone another on its occasion.
One does not rejoice by dint of havinglived for many years; rather,
the real joy is when he has specifically spent these years in the
obedience of Allaah, while these years are a source of evil for him if
he has spent them otherwise. This is because the best of people is he
whose life is long and whose conduct is good, while the worst of
people is he whose life is long and whose conduct is evil, as stated
by the Messenger of Allaah. We must receive our days, months and years
whilst in the obedienceof Allaah. We should hold ourselves to account
and reform and rectify any evil in our conductand deeds.
We should be conscious of Allaah with regards to our wives, our
children, our relatives and anyoneelse whom Allaah has made us
responsible for."
In response to a question regarding the ruling of congratulating
others on this dayand how to respond if someone is congratulated on
its occasion, hestated: "If someone congratulates one, he should
return it, but one should never initiate the congratulation, as I am
unaware of it being reported that any of the Salafever congratulated
one another other on this day. As a mater of fact, the decision on the
month with which to start the Hijri year was done during the era of
'Umar)which was, of course, after the era of the Prophet(."

Sacred Months, - The Sacred Month of Muharram

Muharram is the month with which the Muslims begin their lunar
)Hegira( Calendar. It is one of the four sanctified months about which
the Holy Quran Says)what means(:}Indeed, the number of months with
Allah is twelve ]lunar[ months in the register of Allah ]from[ the day
Hecreated the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred…{]Quran
9: 36[
These four months, according to the authentic traditions)Prophetic
narrations(, are Thul-Qi'dah, Thul-Hijjah, Muharram and Rajab. All the
commentators of the Noble Quran are unanimous on this point, because
the Noble Prophetdeclared in his sermon on theoccasion of his last
Hajj)pilgrimage to Makkah(: "One year consists of twelve months, of
which four are sanctified months,three of them are in sequence;
Thul-Qi'dah, Thul-Hijjah, Muharram, and the fourth is Rajab."
The specific mention of these four months does not mean that any other
month has no sanctity, because the month of Ramadan is admittedly the
most sanctified month in the year. But these fourmonths were
specifically termed as sanctified months for the simple reason that
even the pagans of Makkah accepted their sanctity.
The sanctity of these four monthswas established right from the day
Allaah created the universe. Since the Pagans of Makkah attributed
themselves to Ibraaheem )Abraham(who observed the sanctity of these
months, they also observed the sanctity of these four months and
despite their frequent tribal battles, they held it unlawful to fight
in these months.
In Islam, the sanctity of these months was upheld and the Holy Quran
referred to them as the"sanctified months". Muharram has certain other
characteristics special to it, which are stated below:
Fasting during the month:
The Noble Prophetsaid:'The best fasts after the fasts of Ramadan are
those of the month of Muharram."
Although the fasts of the month of Muharram are not obligatory, yet
one who fasts in these days out of his own will is entitled to agreat
reward by Allaah Almighty. The Hadeeth cited above signifies that the
fasts of the month of Muharram are most rewardable ones among the
voluntary fasts. It does not mean that the award promised for fasts of
Muharram can be achieved only by fasting for the whole month. On the
contrary, each fast during this month has merit. Therefore, one should
avail of this opportunity as much as he can.
The day of 'Aashooraa':
Although Muharram is a sanctified month as a whole, yet, the 10th day
of Muharram is the most sacred among all its days. The day is named
'Aashooraa'. According to Ibn 'Abbaasthe Prophetwhen he migrated
toMadeenah, found that the Jews ofMadeenah used to fast on the 10th
day of Muharram. They said that it was the day on which Prophet Moosa
)Moses(and his followers crossed the Red Sea miraculously and the
Pharaoh was drowned in its waters. On hearing this from the Jews, the
Prophetsaid,"We are worthier of Moosa than you," anddirected the
Muslims to fast on the day of 'Aashooraa'. ]Abu Daawood[
It is also reported in a number of authentic traditions that in the
beginning, fasting on the day of 'Aashooraa' was obligatory for the
Muslims. It was later that the fasts of Ramadan were made obligatory
and the fast on the day of 'Aashooraa' was made optional.
'Aa'ishahsaid:"When the Prophetcame to Madeenah, he fasted on the day
of 'Aashooraa' and directed the people to do likewise. But when the
fasts of Ramadan were made obligatory, the obligation of fasting was
confined to Ramadanand the obligatory nature of the fast of
'Aashooraa' was abandoned. Whoever so desires should fast on it and
any other who so likes can avoid fasting on it."]Abu Daawood[
However, the Prophetused tofast on the day of 'Aashooraa' even after
the fasting in Ramadanwas made obligatory. Abdullaah Ibn Moosareports
that the Prophetpreferred the fast of 'Aashooraa' on the fasts of
other days and preferred the fasts of Ramadan on the fast of
'Aashooraa'.]Al-Bukhaari and Muslim[
Misconceptions and Innovations:
However, there are some legendsand misconceptions with regard to
'Aashooraa' that have managed to find their way into the minds of the
unlearned, but have no support of authentic Islamic sources, some very
common of them are these:
·This is the day on which Aadamwas created.
·This is the day when Ibraaheemwas born.
·This is the day when Allaah accepted the repentance of Aadam.
·This is the day when Doomsday will take place. Whoever takes a bath
on the day of 'Aashooraa' will never get ill.
All these and other similar whimsand fancies are totally baseless and
the traditions referred to in this respect are not worthy of any
credit. Some people take it asSunnah )established recommended
practice( to prepare a particular type of meal on the day of
'Aashooraa'. This practice, too, has no basis in the authentic Islamic
sources.
Some other people attribute the sanctity of 'Aashooraa' to the
martyrdom of Al-Hussayn. Nodoubt, the martyrdom of Al-Hussaynis one of
the mosttragic episodes of our history. Yet, the sanctity of
'Aashooraa' cannot be ascribed to this event for the simple reason
that the sanctity of 'Aashooraa' was established during the days of
the Prophetmuch earlier than the birth of Al-Hussayn. On the contrary,
it is one of the merits of Al-Hussaynthat his martyrdom took place on
this blessed day.
Another misconception about themonth of Muharram is that it is an evil
or unlucky month, for Al-Hussayn was killed in it. It is for this
misconception that somepeople avoid holding marriage ceremonies in the
month of Muharram. This is again a baseless concept, which is contrary
to the teachings of the Holy Quran and the Sunnah)Prophetic
Tradition(. If the death of an eminent person on a particular day
renders that day unlucky for all times to come, one can hardly find a
day of the year free from this bad luck because every day is
associated with the demise of some eminent person. The Holy Quran and
the Sunnah of the Prophethave liberated us from such superstitious
beliefs.
Lamentations and mourning:
Another wrong practice related to this month is to hold the
lamentation and mourning ceremonies in the memory of martyrdom of
Al-Hussayn. Asmentioned earlier, the event of Karbalaa' is one of the
most tragic events of our history, but the Prophethas forbidden us
from holding the mourning ceremonies on the death of any person. The
people of Pre-Islamic ignorance era used to mourn over their deceased
through loudlamentations, by tearing their clothes and by beating
their cheeks and chests. The Prophetprevented the Muslims from doing
all this and directed them to observe patience by saying"Inna lillaahi
wa inna ilayhi raaji'oon" )To Allaah We belong, and to Him is our
return(. A number of authentic narrations are available on the
subject. To quote only one of them: "He is not from us who slaps his
checks,tears his clothes and cries in the manner of the people of
jahiliyyah )Pre-Islamic ignorance(".]Al-Bukhaari[
All the prominent jurists are unanimous on the point that the mourning
of this type is impermissible. Even Al-Hussaynshortly before his
demise, had advised his beloved sister Zaynabnot to mourn over
hisdeath in this manner. Hesaid,"My dear sister! I swear upon you that
in case I die you shall not tear your clothes, nor scratch your face,
nor curse anyone for me or pray for your death.")Al-Kaamil, Ibn
Katheer vol. 4 pg. 24(
It is evident from this advice, thatthis type of mourning is condemned
even by the blessed person for the memory of whom these mourning
ceremonies are held. Every Muslim should avoid this practice and abide
by the teachings of the Prophet.

Sacred Months, - The history of 'Aashooraa'

Muslims must fear Allaah and take lessons from what He has told us in
the Noble Quran regarding the Prophets and Messengers of Allaah and
the previous nations.
Allaah Says )what means(:"There was certainly in their stories a
lesson for those of understanding. Never was the Quran a narration
invented, but a confirmation of what was before it and a detailed
explanation of all things and guidance and mercy for a people who
believe."]Quran 12: 111[
And among the stories that Allaah has narrated to us in His Book is
what happened in Allaah's month, the sacred month of Muharram, and
that is the story of Prophet Moosa)Moses( and Pharaoh, the tyrant of
Egypt. Allaah Almighty Says )what means(:"We recite to you from the
news of Moosa and Pharaoh in truth for a people who believe. Indeed,
Pharaoh exalted himself in the land and made its people into factions,
oppressing a sector among them,slaughtering their ]newborn[ sons and
keeping their females alive. Indeed, he was of the corrupters. And We
wanted to confer favor upon those who were oppressed in the land and
make them leaders and make them inheritors. And establish them in the
land and show Pharaoh and )his minister( Haman and their soldiers
throughthem that which they had feared."]Quran 28: 3-6[
Pharaoh dominated the nation ofIsrael and enslaved them, killing their
newborn sons but letting their females live. The reason he committed
this criminal act was the fear of the truth coming out from one of
those newborn males. The nation of Israel used to know, according to
what cameto them from Prophet Ibraaheem)Abraham(, that someone from
his lineage would destroy the king of Egypt. These glad tidings were
famous among them; and the news of it was made known to Pharaoh.
Pharaoh ordered his soldiers to kill all newborn boys of the nation of
Israel; in order to secure himself from destruction.
However, all of the precautions that he made were not enough to
protect him from what Allaah wanted, which was for this newborn boy to
be raised in the house of Pharaoh himself. The Will of Allaah cannot
be stopped by any precautions and His Abilityconquers anything. So,
Allaah chose for the Prophet Moosa to be born safely, to be saved from
being killed, and also to be raisedin Pharaoh's own home under the
protection of Allaah until he was an adult.
Later, Moosaaccidentally killed a person from Pharaoh's people by
mistake. Moosawas afraid that he would be captured and be killed for
this, sohe fled to the land of Madyan and abided there for some time.
He married there and then returned to Egypt. On the way back, Allaah
talked to him )by revelation( and told him he was aProphet and the
Messenger to Pharaoh. Allaah told him many signs by which he will be
known as the prophet of Allaah and they would show that hewas a true
prophet.
Moosawent to Pharaoh and showed him the signs of Allaah but Pharaoh
was arrogant and stubborn. Allaah Says )what means(:"Has there reached
you the story of Moosa? - When his Lord called to him in the sacred
valley of Tuwa, )Saying(: "Go to Pharaoh. Indeed, he has transgressed.
And say to him, 'Would you ]be willing to[ purify yourself And let me
guide you to your Lord so you would fear]Him[?'" And he showed him the
greatest sign. But Pharaoh denied and disobeyed. Then he turned his
back, striving. And he gathered ]his people[ and called out. And said,
"I am your most exalted lord."]Quran 79: 15-24[
Pharaoh claimed that the signs Moosabrought were only magic and that
he had magic that would overtake the magic ofMoosa. So Pharaoh
gathered magicians from his kingdom and they presented their magic.
Moosapresented what he had from the signs, which Allaah had given him.
Allaah Says )what means(:"So thetruth was established, and abolished
was what they were doing. And Pharaoh and his people were overcome
right there and became debased. And the magicians fell down in
prostration )to Allaah(. They said,"We have believed in the Lord of
the worlds, The Lord of Moosa and Haaroon )Aaron(."]Quran 7: 118-122[
At that time, Pharaoh decided to try a different plan - fear, force
and retaliation. Allaah told Moosato get every believer out of Egypt
and direct them to where Allaah would tell him. Pharaoh gathered his
army and forces, which were around one million soldiers, according to
some references, and he chased Moosaand his people, hoping to destroy
them completely. Moosaended up at the sea, with Pharaoh and his army
behind him. The believers were afraid because the sea was in front of
them and the enemy was behind them.
Allaah Says )what means(:"And when the two companies saw one another,
the companions of Moses said, "Indeed, we are to beovertaken!" ]Moses[
said, "No! Indeed, with me is my Lord; He will guide me."]Quran 26:
61-62[
Whoever is close to Allaah, Allaah will never let him down or leave
him on his own. Allaah ordered Moosato strike the sea with his staff.
Moosadid so and the sea opened up for them to cross. Allaah Says )what
means(:"And We had inspired to Moosa,"Travel by night with My servants
and strike for them a dry path through the sea; you will not fearbeing
overtaken ]by Pharaoh[ norbe afraid ]of drowning[."]Quran 20: 77[
Moosawalked across the path that opened in the sea and the last of his
people left the sea and every soldier of Pharaoh's army was inside the
path. At this time Allaah ordered the sea to collapse upon them,
drowning Pharaoh and his army.
That was the victory of the truth over falsehood. The Promise of
Allaah was true – He made the people of Moosavictorious over Pharaoh
and his army. From this story we see how the truth isvictorious,
regardless of the size or seeming power of falsehood. Falsehood has
its own limited time, but the truth is always victorious.
This story should enrich the hearts of the believers and make them
steadfast in the face of their enemies, regardless of size or seeming
power of their enemies. The believer should alsobenefit from this
story by understanding that the people offalsehood claim that they are
on the right path and are calling people to the truth. In fact, the
opposite is true - they rely on lies and deception.
This great event – the victory Allaah gave Moosaand the believers over
Pharaoh and his army - occurred on the 10th of the sacred month of
Muharram and the day is called 'Aashooraa'. It is a day that has a
great merit. Prophet Moosafasted on that day, and ordered his people
to fast that day.
We also benefit from the story of Prophet Moosaby learning that the
Sunnah of the Prophets is to thank and praise Allaah in times of peace
and when they gain victory over their enemies. Prophet Moosafasted on
the10th, the day on which Allaah made his followers victorious over
Pharaoh; and this is another sign that the truth will always

Dought & clear, - How can he enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil with regard to his father who is older than him?.

As a young Muslim (26yrs) im often challenged with enjoining good and
forbidding the wrong with poeple much older than me, especially my
father who is muslim(from Egypt),howdo I do this when he acts unjust
with the wayhe talks to me,my brothers and my mother,not spending or
teaching that much for thier deen ,whilst they go extreamly
astray,seeing my father shaking hands or hugging wemon at work for
business puposses as he says not to make them feel uncomfortable or
think weird,,,or as a youth leader for a youth group ,the parents will
some times tell the children in my group while we are having a meeting
to do something wich is a bida' in front of me,,how do I correct
things like this in my position with out seeming disrespectfull to my
elders.
Praise be to Allaah.
Enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil is one of the
greatest duties that Islam enjoins upon Muslims; Allaah has madeit the
main quality of this ummah and a condition of it being the best of
people. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"You (true believers in Islamic Monotheism, andreal followers of
ProphetMuhammad and his Sunnah) are the best of peoples ever raised up
for mankind; you enjoin Al-Ma'roof (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all
that Islam has ordained) and forbid Al-Munkar (polytheism, disbelief
and all that Islam has forbidden), and you believe in Allaah"
[Aal 'Imraan 3:110]
"The believers, men and women, are Awliyaa' (helpers, supporters,
friends, protectors) of one another; they enjoin(on the people)
Al-Ma'roof (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to
do), and forbid (people) fromAl-Munkar (i.e. polytheism and disbelief
of all kinds, and all that Islam has forbidden); they perform
As-Salaah (Iqaamat-as-Salaah), andgive the Zakaah, and obey Allaah and
His Messenger. Allaah will have His Mercy on them. Surely, Allaah is
All-Mighty, All-Wise"
[al-Tawbah 9:71]
See also question no. 11403. This is indicative of the high status
that Islam gives to enjoining what is good and forbidding what is
evil.
With regard to the problems of undertakingthis duty with regard to
those who are older than you, especially yourfather, you can overcome
these problems to a great extent by understandingthat this duty must
be accompanied by three basic characteristics: knowledge, kindness and
patience. Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah said: "These three are
essential: knowledge, kindness and patience: knowledge before
enjoining or forbidding, kindness when doing so and patience
afterwards, as it was narrated that one of the salaf said: No one can
enjoin what is good or forbid what is evil unlesshe understands what
he is enjoining or forbidding, and is kind in enjoining and kind in
forbidding, and is patience and forbearing when enjoining and when
forbidding."
Majmoo' al-Fataawa, 28/137
In order to solve these problems we should firstdraw attention to the
importance of being patient and forbearing. Do not be too harsh
withyour father, because he is first of all your father, and because
he is older than you. Seek help in doing that by choosing the right
time for each conversation, watching out for times when he is in a
good mood and is more likely to be influenced and respond. Also seek
the help of wise, righteous and sincere people. Before all that it is
essential to be sincere towards him in word and deed, and in all your
affairs, and to fear that the punishmentof his Lord may befall him,
and after that be patient in awaiting the decree of your Lord.
Whatever happens to you if you do this duty for the sake of Allaah, as
Luqmaan the wise said to his son:
"O my son! Aqim-is-Salaah (performAs-Salaah), enjoin (on people)
Al-Ma'roof (Islamic Monotheism andall that is good), and forbid
(people) from Al-Munkar (i.e. disbelief in the Oneness of Allaah,
polytheism of all kinds and all that is evil and bad), and bear with
patience whatever befalls you. Verily, these are some of the important
commandments (ordered by Allaah with no exemption)"
[Luqmaan 31:17 - interpretation of the meaning]
You should always remember the Close Friend of the Most Merciful,
Ibraaheem, andhow he addressed his father when he told him not to
associate others with Allaah, which is worse than the things that your
father is doing;how he was loving towards him, felt pity forhim and
was sincere towards him, then he bore his bad response with patience.
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"And mention in the Book (the Qur'aan) Ibraaheem (Abraham). Verily, he
was a man of truth, a Prophet.
42. When he said to his father: 'O my father! Whydo you worship that
which hears not, sees not and cannot avail youin anything?
43. 'O my father! Verily, there has come to me of the knowledge that
which came not unto you. So follow me, I will guide you to the
Straight Path.
44. 'O my father! Worship not Shaytaan (Satan). Verily, Shaytaan
(Satan) has been a rebel against the Most Gracious (Allaah).
45. 'O my father! Verily, I fear lest a torment from the Most Gracious
(Allaah) should overtake you, so that you become a companion of
Shaytaan (Satan) (in the Hell-fire).'
46. He (the father) said: 'Do you reject my gods, OIbraaheem
(Abraham)? Ifyou stop not (this), I will indeed stone you. So getaway
from me safely (before I punish you).'
47. Ibraaheem (Abraham) said: 'Peace be on you! I will ask forgiveness
of my Lord for you. Verily, He is untome Ever Most Gracious.
48. 'And I shall turn awayfrom you and from thosewhom you invoke
besides Allaah. And I shall call upon my Lord and I hope that I shall
not be unblest in my invocation to my Lord'"
[Maryam 19:41-48]
With regard to the group that you are leading, this is an easier
matter, because their closeness in age makes iteasier for them to
acceptadvice from you, especially if they know you to be sincere and
honest, and that you practise what you preach. This practical
implementation of what you are calling them to is one of the most
effective means of da'wah, especially if speaking directly will cause
them to turn awayand be stubborn.
With regard to your advice and da'wah being undermined by their
parents' directions,you should avoid blatantly contradicting what they
say; rather you should look at the mistakes and teach themthe right
way. If it is the matter of a sin that they are committing, then teach
them to fear disobeying Allaah and tolove obeying Him. Instill in
their hearts a sense ofthe greatness of Allaah and the seriousness of
His prohibitions, then teach them about what has been narrated
concerning these particular sins. This is what you should do if it is
the matter of an innovation that you notice them engaging in. First
instill in their hearts the love of the Sunnah of the Prophet(peace
and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and teach them that this is the
practical manifestation of love forthe Prophet(peace and blessings of
Allaah be upon him). And instill in their hearts a hatred for bid'ah
and tell them how it is the way that leads to Hell even though the one
who follows it thinks that it isthe way that leads to Paradise. Tell
them of the advice of the Prophet(peace and blessings of Allaah be
upon him) to his ummahconcerning that, as narrated in the hadeeth of
al-'Irbaad ibn Saariyah (may Allaah be pleased with him) who said:
"The Messenger of Allaah(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)
led us in praying Fajr then he turned to us and delivered an eloquent
exhortation that caused our eyes to flow with tears and our hearts to
melt. We said (or they said): 'O Messenger of Allaah, it is as if this
exhortation is a farewell,so advise us.' He said: 'I advise you to
fear Allaah and to listen and obey even if (your leader is) an
Abyssinian slave. Those of you who live will see great differences
after I am gone, so I urge you to adhere to my Sunnah and the path of
the Rightly-Guided Caliphs, and take hold of it firmly. And beware of
newly-invented matters, for every newly-invented matter is an
innovation and every innovation is a going astray.'" Narrated by
Ahmad, 16692 and others; classed as saheehby al-Albaani inal-Saheehah,
45.
So after this general advice we move to addressing the specific bid'ah
into which they have fallen.
It should be noted that your presence in this group should be for a
good purpose; as long asyour presence is more likely to do good or to
reduce any evils, then join them in their gatherings with this
intention. But beware ofletting your presence have any negative
effector make you get used to accepting mistakes, or lead you to make
similar mistakes. In that case you should leave the place where evil
things are happening. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"And it has already been revealed to you in the Book (this Qur'aan)
that when you hear the Verses of Allaah being denied and mocked at,
then sit not with them, until they engage in a talk other than that;
(butif you stayed with them) certainly in that case youwould be like
them. Surely, Allaah will collect the hypocrites and disbelievers all
together in Hell"
[al-Nisa' 4:140]
Shaykh Ibn Sa'di (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: Whoever attends
a gathering in which Allaah is disobeyed, then he must denounce their
action if he is able to, or he must leave if he not able to dothat.
Tafseer Ibn Sa'di, p. 210.
May Allaah help us and you to do that which He loves and which pleases
Him, and make us steadfast in adhering to true guidance and the
straight path.

Dought & clear, - He looks for bad sites to send them to the centre which will block them. Is this good or bad?.

I was searching the webhunting down the unethical sites and sind them
to king abdulaziz city of sciences and technology to block them not to
be seen . is this work for me or against me as a moslem?.
Praise be to Allaah.
This brother is to be commended for his protective jealousy regarding
haraam things and for his hatredof sin and desire to combat it and rid
the people of its evils. But we do not advise him to look for bad
sites in order to tell the centre to block them. That is formany
reasons, including the following:
1 - the Prophet(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) has
informed us of and warned us against the temptation (fitnah) of women.
Undoubtedly the fitnah of naked women in different poses is very
great.
It was narrated that Usaamah ibn Zayd (may Allaah be pleased with him)
said: The Messengerof Allaah(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him) said: "I have not left behind me any fitnah that is more harmful
to men than women." Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 4808; Muslim, 2740.
2 - The Muslim is commanded to keep away from places of fitnah and to
flee from places where it is present and shun its people. Undoubtedly
seeking out these sites goes against all of that.
It was narrated that 'Imraan ibn Husayn (mayAllaah be pleased with
him) said: The Messengerof Allaah(peace and blessings of Allaah be
upon him) said: "Whoever hears of the Dajjaal, let him flee from him,
for by Allaah, a manmay come to him thinking that he is a believer,
then follow him because of the specious arguments that he presents."
Narrated by Abu Dawood, 4319; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani inSaheeh
al-Jaami', 6301.
Ibn al-Jawzi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:
Beware - may Allaah have mercy on you - of exposing yourself to the
causes of calamity, for it is unlikely that those who approach fitnah
will be safe from it. Just as caution leads to beingsafe, so too
exposing oneself to fitnah leads todoom, and it is rare that one
remains safe from fitnah when approaching it; even those who are safe
from fitnah when they approach it will not be safe from thinking
aboutit or being influenced byit.
Dhamm al-Hawa, p. 126
3- The Muslim is commanded to lower hisgaze and avoid looking at
haraam things; checking on these permissive websites and what is in
them goes against this command.
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"Tell the believing men to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden
things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexualacts).
That is purer for them. Verily, Allaah is All-Aware of what they do"
[al-Noor 24:30]
Ibn Katheer (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:
This is a command from Allaah to His believing slaves to lower their
gaze and avoid looking at that which is forbidden to them, so they
should not look at anything except that which Allaah has permitted
them to look at. If their gaze happens to fall upon something haraam,
then it is unanimously agreed (among the scholars) that if a person's
gaze falls upon something haraam unintentionally, then he should look
away immediately. It was narrated by Muslim in hisSaheehthat Jareer
ibn 'Abd-Allaah al-Bajali (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: I
asked the Prophet(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) about an
accidental glance, and he told me to look away.
Tafseer Ibn Katheer, 3/282
4 - The saheeh text states that it is forbiddenfor a man to look at
the 'awrah of another man, so what about a man looking at the 'awrah
of a woman?
It was narrated from AbuSa'eed al-Khudri that theMessenger of
Allaah(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "No man should
look at the 'awrah of another man, and no woman should look at the
'awrah of another woman."
Narrated by Muslim, 338.
5 - The Muslim is forgiven the first glance,but repeatedly looking at
corrupt sites goes against that.
It was narrated that Buraydah ibn al-Husayb said: The Messenger of
Allaah(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to 'Ali:
"O'Ali, do not follow one glance with another; you are forgiven the
firstbut not the second." Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 2777; Abu Dawood,
2149. classed as hasan byShaykh al-Albaani inSaheeh al-Targheeb, 1903.
It was narrated that Jareer ibn 'Abd-Allaah said: I asked the
Messenger of Allaah(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) about
an accidental glance, and he told me to look away. Narrated by Muslim,
2159.
Al-Nawawi said:
What is meant by an accidental glace is if one's gaze falls upon a
non-mahram woman accidentally; there is no sin in that initially, but
he must look away immediately. If he looks away immediately, thereis
no sin on him, but if he persists in looking, then he has sinned,
because of this hadeeth, for the Prophet(peace and blessings of Allaah
be upon him) commanded him to look away. And Allaah says
(interpretation of the meaning):
"Tell the believing men to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden
things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexualacts)..."
[al-Noor 24:30]
Men must lower their gaze and avoid looking at women at all times,
except for sound and legitimate purposes, namely testimony, medical
treatment, proposing marriage, buying a slave girl, buying and
selling, etc. In these cases it is permitted to look only asmuch as is
necessary andno more. And Allaah knows best.
Sharh Muslim, 14/139
6 - The Prophet(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) called a
forbidden glance the "adultery of the eye". In addition to it being
haraam in the sense of transgressing the limits with regard to
looking, it is also an act of ingratitude for the gift of sight that
Allaah has bestowed upon the Muslim.
It was narrated from AbuHurayrah that the Prophet(peace and blessings
of Allaah be upon him) said: "Allaah has decreed for the son of Adam
his share of zina(adultery), which will inevitably happen. The zina of
the eyes is looking, the zina of the tongue is speaking; the heart
hopes and wishes for that and the private parts confirm it or deny
it." Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 5899; Muslim, 2657.
Al-Nawawi said:
What this hadeeth means is that a share of zina is decreed for the son
of Adam; in some cases zina will be in a real sense, namely unlawful
sexual relations; in other cases it will be zina in a metaphorical
sense, by looking at haraam things, or listening to stories of zina
and things that have to do with it, or by touching a non-mahram woman
with his hand or kissing her, or by walking to zina, or looking, or
touching, or speaking in haraam ways with a non-mahram woman, and so
on, or by thinking of it in one's heart. All these are metaphorical
kinds of zina.
"The private parts confirm that or deny it" means, zina with the
private parts may or maynot take place even though a person may have
been approaching that. And Allaah knows best.
Sharh Muslim, 16/206
7 - There are an estimated 8 billion permissive websites, up from
approximately half a billion in 1998. So howabout now? If you were to
give each website a quick glance, how would your heart end up? How
much time would you waste in seeking them out? Undoubtedly doing that
would destroy one's heart and body, and would be a waste of time.
8 - Continually looking at these evil and provocative sites may cause
one to become attached to them, so his heart would be filled with
forbidden love and become corrupted. Thus he will have exposed himself
to fitnah and doom after having been sound and healthy.
Ibn al-Jawzi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:
A person may be exposed to the causes of love so he falls in love, and
he may see a personand this first glance doesnot create love, but
repeatedly looking at that person and mixing with him or her may lead
to what was unthinkable. Some people may look at a person and that
creates some kind of love, but then they keep away and the love
disappears, because continual looking may cause love to grow, like a
garden planted with seeds which, if it is neglected, will shrivel and
die, but if it is watered it will flourish.
Dhamm al-Hawa, p. 237
Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:
The more looks follow one another, the more the heart becomes
attached, like water with which a tree is irrigated. If too much water
is given the tree isdamaged. Similarly if glances are repeated that
undoubtedly corrupts the heart. If the heart is exposed to this
problem, it will turn away from what it has been commanded and the
person will be faced with problems which will inevitably lead him to
commit forbidden actions, and his heart will be destroyed. The reason
for that is that the one who looks enjoys looking the first time, then
he wants to look again, like eating delicious food, when he takes the
first bite. But ifhe had lowered his gaze from the outset, his heart
would be at peace.
Rawdat al-Muhibbeen, p. 94, 95
And he said:
Letting one's gaze wander leads to becoming heedless about Allaah and
the Hereafter, and will makehim intoxicated with love, as Allaah says
concerning the lovers of images (interpretation of the meaning):
"Verily, by your life (O Muhammad), in their wild intoxication, they
were wandering blindly"
[al-Hijr 15:72]
Looking is like a glass of wine, and love is the intoxication that
results from that. The drunkenness of love is worse than the
drunkenness caused by wine, for the drunkenness caused by wine will
pass, but the drunkenness of love rarely passes until one is in the
throes of death.
Rawdat al-Muhibbeen, p. 104
9 - Repeatedly looking at those evil sites may lead a person to commit
haraam actions, or to imitate the things he sees. So it starts with
looking, and ends with committing haraam deeds.
Ibn al-Qayyim said:
Looking is the origin of most of the problems that befall man, because
looking generates thoughts, then thoughts generate ideas, and ideas
generate desires, and desires generate will, which then becomes
stronger and becomes firm resolve, in which case the deed
willinevitably be done unless there is something to prevent it. Hence
it was said that patience in lowering thegaze is easier than patience
in bearing the pain that comes afterwards.
Al-Jawaab al-Kaafi, p. 106
10 - Repeatedly looking at those evil sites causes other kinds of harm
too, such as desensitization, and after a while you will never regard
that thing as evil and you willget used to looking. This is a sign
that the heart has died and lost the shar'i sensitivity towardssin.
Another effect is thatyou expose yourself to suspicion, if someone
sees you going to these sites or if others see that on your computer.
Finally,
What you should keep away from is looking at these sites, even if the
purpose is to inform the authorities of them, for the Shayatan may
make you go to these sites on this basis and then lead you to worse
sins after that.
There are technical means available which mean that the Muslims does
not need to seek out these sites, and there are specialized committees
in some government departments and companies who block these sites.
Undoubtedly when a committee in a work place views such things, that
is not like a person viewing these sites alone at home, because the
person who is doing that alone is more likely to fall into the trap of
these sites.
We are not speaking of something imaginary or something that is
impossible or unlikely. We often hear stories of righteous young men
who have been tempted by these sites; they start with a glance, then
they waste their time with them.
You have no need of all that; protect your capitaland do not take
risks. We ask Allaah to write your reward in full and to make you
steadfast in adhering to truth and guidance.
And Allaah knows best.

Dought & clear, - He wants to do Hajj first and his father wants him to get married first

Will I be disobeying my father because of the following?
1. My father (may Allah have mercy on him) wanted me to start looking
to get married, but I refused because I wanted to complete my
postgraduate studies.
2. The money that I saved was sufficient to get married (the marriage
contract only). Please note that I have a job.
3. Then I was not able totravel in order to complete my postgraduate
studies, so I decided to start a small business in the hope that I
could earn some money with which to do Hajj. This project was a
partnership between meand him; it was a piece of land (the price of
which was not enough to do Hajj). We were planning to change the house
in which we live because of the annoyance caused by the neighbours,
may Allah guide them.
4. My father refused to do Hajj with this money because he said that
it was my money, not his.
5. After a discussion which did not lead anywhere, I said: I am going
to do Hajj, but he told me to get married first.
6. Now – after he died inRamadan – they are asking me to do what
hewanted me to do, but I am telling them that I want to do Hajj first.
7. The land is now yielding enough money to perform the obligatory
Hajj; he and I paid off the debt (the price of the land) before he
died.
Praise be to Allah.
Firstly:
Hajj is obligatory and should be done at the earliest opportunity
according to the more correct of the two scholarly opinions. This has
been discussed in the answer to question no. 41702.
If the available money is sufficient for either doing Hajj or getting
married, then precedence should be given to marriage if there is a
need for that and there is the fear of falling into haraam. If there
is no (urgent) need for marriage, then Hajj should be given
precedence.
Ibn Qudaamah (may Allah have mercy on him) said inal-Mughni(5/12): If
(the individual)needs to get married and fears that he may encounter
hardship, then he should give precedence to marriage,because it is
obligatory in his case and he cannot do without it, so it is like
spending on his maintenance. If there is no such fear, he should give
precedence to Hajj, because marriage is voluntary and should not be
given precedenceover the obligatory Hajj. End quote.
Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy on him) was asked: Is it
permissible to delay Hajj until after getting married for one who is
able to do it? That is because of what the youth are facing nowadays
of temptation, both great and small.
He replied:
There is no doubt that marriage, for one who has the desire and urgent
need for it, takes precedence over Hajj, because if an individual has
overwhelming desire, in that case marriage becomes one of the
necessities of life, like eating and drinking.Hence it is permissible
for one who needs to get married and does not have any money to be
given zakaah funds with which to get married, just as the poorperson
may be given food to suffice him and clothes with which to cover his
'awrah out of the zakaah funds.
Based on that, we say: if he needs to get married,then he should give
marriage precedence over Hajj, because Allah, may He be glorified and
exalted, stipulated that in order for Hajj to be obligatory, one must
be able to do it, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):
"And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Ka'bah) is a duty that
mankind owes to Allah, those who can afford the expenses (for one's
conveyance, provision and residence)"
[Aal 'Imraan 3:97].
In the case of one who isyoung and it does not matter for him whether
he gets married this yearor next year, then he should give precedence
to Hajj because it is not necessary for him to giveprecedence to
marriage.
End quote fromFataawa Manaar al-Islam, 2/375
Based on that, if you do not have any fears (of falling into haraam)
if you delay marriage, then you should hasten to do Hajj first, and
Allah will compensate you with good, because Hajj is one of the
important obligatory duties and rituals of Islam.
You do not have to carry out your father's wishes with regard to this
matter, either during hislifetime or after his death, because that
would result in your delaying Hajj when there is no need to do so.
Secondly:
You should have tried to please your father by giving precedence to
marriage over completing your postgraduate studies. It was narrated
from ImamAhmad (may Allah have mercy on him) that marriage is
obligatory if either of the parents tell you to get married.
Al-Mirdaawi said: Is it (marriage) obligatory if the parents, or one
of them, tell the son to get married? Imam Ahmad (may Allah have mercy
on him) said: If he has parents who are telling him to get married,
thenI tell him to get married. Or if he is a young man who fears that
he may commit sin, I tell him to get married.
By saying this, he made the parents' instructions to get married
equivalent to fearing that one may commit sin.
End quote fromal-Insaaf, 8/14
Thirdly:
There is nothing wrong with a father doing Hajj with his son's wealth;
in fact there is nothing wrong with a person doing Hajj with another
person's wealth in general. But if a person was not able to do the
obligatory Hajj because he could not afford the expenses, then he
became able to afford it if someone else pays for it, does he have to
accept this money in order to do Hajj? There is a difference of
opinion among the fuqaha' concerning that.
Ibn Qudaamah (may Allah have mercy on him) said: He is not obliged to
do Hajj if someone else spends on it, and he does not become able to
do it thereby (and thus it doesnot become obligatory for him), whether
the one who gives him the money is a relative or otherwise, and
whether he gives him a means of transportation and provisions, or he
gives him money. However, it was narrated from ash-Shaafa'i that if a
person's son gives him money that enables him to do Hajj, then he is
obliged to do it, becausehe has enabled him to do Hajj without feeling
that he owes a favour to anyone, and no harm or annoyance will result
from that. Therefore he is obliged to do Hajj, as would be the case if
he possessed sufficient provisions and a mount.
In our view, the words of the Prophet (blessingsand peace of Allah be
upon him) make Hajj binding on one who has a means of transportation
and sufficient funds to cover the costs of the journey. However, in
the case where someone else offers to over these costs, he is not
regarded as having the means or the money to obtain the means, so Hajj
is not obligatory for him. The same applies if his fatheroffers to
help him, because we do not thinkthat the father will not feel that he
owes him a favour in this case.
End quote fromal-Mughni, 3/87
To sum up: it is obligatory for you to hasten to do Hajj, so long as
you do not think that you will fall into haraam as a result of
delaying marriage, and you should ask Allah, may He be exalted, for
forgiveness for having gone against your father's instructions when he
told you to get married first.
We ask Allah to help and guide you.
And Allah knows best.

Muslim Marriage Stories: Importance of Marriage in IslamSecrets of Happy Married Couples

A man and his fiance were married. It was a large celebration. All of
their friends and family came to see the lovely ceremony and to
partakeof the festivities and celebrations. A wonderfultime was had by
all.
The bride was gorgeous in her white wedding gown and the groom was
very dashing in his black tuxedo. Everyone could tell that the love
they had for each other was true.
A few months later, the wife comes to the husband with a proposal:"I
read in a magazine, a while ago, about how wecan strengthen our
marriage." She offered.
"Each of us will write a list of the things that we find a bit
annoying with the other person. Then, we can talk about how we can fix
them togetherand make our lives happier together."
The husband agreed. So each of them went to a separate room in the
house and thought of thethings that annoyed them about the other. They
thought about this question for the rest of the day and wrote down
what they came up with.
The next morning, at the breakfast table, they decided that they would
go over their lists.
"I'll start," offered the wife. She took out her list. It had many
items on it. Enough to fill 3 pages, in fact. As she started reading
the list of the little annoyances, she noticed that tears were
starting to appear in her husbands eyes.
"What's wrong?" she asked. "Nothing" the husband replied, "keep
reading your list."
The wife continued to read until she had read all three pages to her
husband. She neatly placed her list on the table and folded her hands
over top of it.
"Now, you read your list and then we'll talk about the things on both
of ourlists." She said happily.
Quietly the husband stated, "I don't have anything on my list. I think
that you are perfectthe way that you are. I don't want you to change
anything for me. You are lovely and wonderful and I wouldn'twant to
try and change anything about you."
The wife, touched by his honesty and the depth ofhis love for her and
his acceptance of her, turnedher head and wept.
IN LIFE, there are enough times when we are disappointed, depressed
and annoyed. We don't really have to go looking for them.
We have a wonderful world that is full of beauty, light and promise.
Why waste time in this world looking for the bad, disappointing or
annoying things when we can look around us, and see the wondrous
things before us?
I believe that WE ARE HAPPIEST when we see and praise the good and try
our best to forego themistakes of our spouse. Nobody's perfect but we
can find perfection in them to change the way we see them. It is
necessary to understand the difficulties and be a helping hand to each
other....THAT BRIGHTENS THE RELATIONSHIP.

Moral stories, - Muslim Marriage Stories: How to stay young after marriage?Importance of Marriage in Islam

A group of people went to ask the three brothers of Banu Ghannam for a
solution for their complicated question.
As they met the first one, who was old man, and asked him for a
solution, he referred them to his brother saying, 'You may find a
solution with him because he is older than Iam.'
When they went to meet his brother, they found a middle-aged man.
Havingsought a solution from him, he said, 'You may see my third
brother and,because he is older than Iam, you can find a solution with
him.'
Hence, they went to the third brother to meet a young man. As they
couldno longer conceal their astonishment, they askedhim about his two
brothers and his manner.He answered: 'My brotherwhom you first met is
theyoungest among us. Unfortunately, he had to suffer the misbehaviors
of his ill-tempered wife because he anticipated an intolerable matter
if he would divorce her. Hiswife therefore has been the main reason
beyond his growing old at an earlier time. The second one you met is
the middle among us. His wife has gathered both good and bad
mannerism. She sometimes pleased him, but she also displeased him.
Hence, you can see him as middle-aged man.I have a well-mannered wife
who never shows misbehavior with me. Hence, I could keep my youth with
her.
Importance of marriage in Islam or Islamic marriage sayings
Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: "(Mostly) the doers of good of my
Ummah are the married ones, while the vicious ofthem are unmarried."
Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: "The person who marries gains half
ofhis Faith, then he must fear of Allah (swt) for the next remaining
half."
Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: "A two rak'at prayer that a married
person establishes is worthier than when a bachelor keeps up prayers
at nights and fasts during the days."
Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: "The sleep of a married person is
better with Allah (swt) than an unmarried one who fasts during the day
and keeps vigil at night, establishing prayers."
Imam Ali (as) said: "In anycondition conciliate the wives, and talk
with them warmly and through kind words, thereby, they may change
their actions into good ones."
Imam Baqir (as) said: "He who takes a woman (marries) should
certainlyrespect her, because the wife of anyone of you is a means of
your pleasure,so the one who marries awoman should not spoil or
disgrace her (by disregarding her respectable rights)."