Fathwa, - His mother takes two pensions against state rules

Question
My Parents, Both Father and Mother were Govt Employed My Father died
after retirement. Now my mother is taking his Pension and also she is
getting her pension. According to Karnataka state Govt. she can,t take
both pension, in islam she can take pension of both.
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.
If the pension that the government pays after a person's death is an
aid from it, not one of the rights of the dead person, then it is
obligatory to abide by what the granting authority defined. So, if it
stated that it is to be given to his wife who does not work and his
children who are minors, then it is not permissible for your mother to
take that pension if she works because she does not meet the condition
of the aid. If she takes the aid in this case, then she has consumed
the money of the government unjustly while Allaah The Almighty says
)what means(: }And do not consume one another's wealth
unjustly.{]Quran 2:188[
On the other hand, if the money that the government pays is due money
of the dead person such as the case when the government deducts it
from his salary while he is alive to be given to him at the end of his
service, then that money is an inheritance that should be divided
among the heirs and there will be no blame on your mother if she takes
it, even if she works and has a salary.
Allaah Knows best.

The Glory of Faith

Haaroon Ar-Rasheedonce stood looking at the sky when he saw a cloud
passing by. He addressed it saying, "Rain wherever you wish, for your
fruit will certainly come to me anyway." This means that the cloud
would have rained either on an Islamic land or on a non-Islamic one.
In the first case, Muslims would have benefitted from this rainwater
in agriculture and in drinking; in the second case, Muslims would have
also benefitted from this rainwater in the form of Jizyah )a tax( that
would be paid to them by non-Muslims. This example shows the state of
glory, which the Muslims reached in the past when they applied their
religion and worked for it. Nowadays, Muslims are certainly required
to pursue the means of glory.
Glory here refers to power, victory, high standing and invincibility.
It is a word which denotes that a person cannot be overcome or
humiliated. Ibn Al-Jawzisaid,
Some of the scholars of Tafseer )Quranic exegesis( said, "In the
Quran, glory is used in three different senses.
It is used to signify might, as in the verse )which means(:
•}"By the might of Pharaoh, indeed it is we who are predominant."{]Quran 26:44[
•}By Your might, I will surely mislead them all{]Quran 38:82[
It is also used to signify honor, as in the verse )which means(:}Do
they seek with them honor ]through power[? But indeed, honor belongs
to Allaah entirely.{]Quran 4:139[
Finally, it is used to signify dispraised pride as in the verse )which means(:
•}And when it is said to him, "Fear Allah ," pride in the sin takes
hold of him.{]Quran 2:206[
•}But those who disbelieve are in pride and dissension.{]Quran 38:2[
From the above, it is noticed that there is praised glory and
dispraised glory. Praised glory is that which pertains to Allaah The
Almighty, to His Messengerand to the believers. This is real and
permanent glory since it is from and with the support of Allaah The
Almighty who cannot be defeated or resisted. Allaah The Almighty Says
)what means(:}And to Allaah belongs ]all[ Honor and to His Messenger,
and to the believers, but the hypocrites do not know.{]Quran 63:8[.
On the other hand, the glory of the disbelievers is, in fact,
humiliation and disgrace. Allaah The Almighty Says )what means(:}And
they have taken besides Allaah ]false[ deities that they would be for
them ]a source of[ honor. No! Those "gods" will deny their worship of
them and will be against them opponents ]on the Day of
Judgment[.{]Quran 19:81-82[.
Many people pursued the wrong way to glory, victory and enablement.
Some of them pursued it through money and forgot that money is only a
Fitnah )trial( and a loss if one does not give the right that Allaah
The Almighty has to it. Moreover, this money might be a means of
humiliation. Al-Hasansaid, "By Allaah, Allaah The Almighty humiliates
whoever glorifies money." Indeed, we have seen a many examples of that
in life.
Other people seek glory through their positions and prestige. This may
enable them to achieve temporary glory. However, if this is not
established on justice and good reputation, then it certainly will not
last. Indeed, many a leader and president were enjoying glory and then
became captives in prisons, and their glory turned into humiliation.
What is even more dangerous is when a person seeks glory through the
disbelievers, i.e. by allying himself with them, even if this is
against the Muslims' interests. This is no more than an illusion. In
fact, it is an instant humiliation, and the first people to turn
against such people would be his 'allies' from the disbelievers.
Allaah The Almighty Says )what means(:}Give tidings to the hypocrites
that there is for them a painful punishment - Those who take
disbelievers as allies instead of the believers. Do they seek with
them honor ]through power[? But indeed, honor belongs to Allaah
entirely.{]Quran 4:138-139[ Consequently, throwing one's self in the
arms of the disbelievers is the shortest way to dishonor and
humiliation because these disbelievers would not accept from us
anything less than disbelief. Allaah The Almighty Says )what
means(:}And never will the Jews or the Christians approve of you until
you follow their religion.{]Quran 2:120[.
Other people still seek glory through their ancestors and tribes, even
if they were misguided. In a Hadeeth on the authority of Abu
Rayhaanahthe Prophetsaid:"If a person attributes himself to nine of
his disbelieving forefathers, seeking through them glory and pride, he
will be their tenth in Hell."
Hence, the unquestionable truth is that a person who seeks glory must
demand it from Allaah The Almighty through obeying Him and avoiding
disobedience. 'Umar ibn Al-Khattaabsummarized this wonderful meaning
in a few words; He said, "We were the most humiliated people, but
Allaah The Almighty has honored us with Islam. If we demand honor
through any means other than Islam, Allaah The Almighty will humiliate
us."
Ibraaheem ibn Shaybaansaid, "Honor lies in modesty, glory lies in
piety, and freedom lies in contentment." When a Muslim lives in
obedience to Allaah The Almighty, he lives in honor and dignity. He
may be afflicted, but nevertheless he has a strong sense of honor.
This appeared clearly in the life of the righteous predecessorseven in
the darkest moments and in the severest and hardest situations.
Situations Which Indicate the Glory of the Righteous Predecessors
When Bilaalwas tortured in Makkah in its hot desert and a great heavy
boulder was put on his chest, not to make him abandon his faith but
only to stop blaspheming his peoples false gods or to keep silent, the
honor of faith showed in his words when he repeated, "Allaah The One,
Allaah The One." This remained as an eternal anthem which the
generations have chanted throughout history. In addition, the words of
Bilaalpoured despair into the souls of those who tortured him. So, who
was honorable in this scene? Was it this weak, tortured slave or the
arrogant disbelievers?
The story of 'Abdullaah ibn Huthaafah As-Sahmiwhen he was taken
captive by the Romans is another example. The king of the Romans tried
to entice 'Abdullaah to abandon his religion, but he refused. The king
offered him half of his money but he refused. Then, he imprisoned him,
tortured him and did not give him any food or water except some pig
meat and wine. After three days, they brought him out and found that
he had eaten nothing of it. When he was asked why had he not eaten any
of it, he replied, "By Allaah, Allaah The Exalted made it lawful for
me because I was under duress, but I would never let you gloat over
Islam." Then, the king asked him to kiss his head in return for
releasing him but Ibn Huthaafahsaid that he would only do so if all
the Muslim captives were released. The king accepted and Ibn
Huthaafahkissed his head.
He then returned to the Commander of the Believers 'Umar ibn
Al-Khattaabwith all the Muslim captives. 'Umarstood up and kissed the
head of 'Abdullaah ibn Huthaafah, and said, "It is a duty upon every
Muslim to kiss the head of Ibn Huthaafah."
Also, Shaykhul-Islam Ibn Taymiyyahwas prosecuted and imprisoned. When
he was thrown in prison, he recited the words of Allaah The Almighty
)which mean(:}And a wall will be placed between them with a door, its
interior containing mercy, but on the outside of it is torment.{]Quran
57:13[. This is the glory of faith and the pride of Islam which make a
person the most honorable one through the obedience of Allaah The
Almighty. Even if all people on earth stood against such a person, he
would still derive his honor and glory from Allaah The Almighty who
can never be defeated. Allaah The Almighty Says )what means(:}Whoever
desires honor ]through power[ - then to Allaah belongs all
honor.{]Quran 35:10[.
The state of humiliation which prevails in many aspects of our lives
nowadays is the result of religious innovations, sins and remoteness
from the Sharee'ah of Allaah The Almighty. This is supported by the
Hadeeth of the Prophetwhere he said:"Humiliation and disgrace are the
fate of whoever disobeys my order."A major reason behind this
humiliation is the state of disagreement and disunity that the Muslims
experience. Our enemies take advantage of us one by one; they strike
one of us today and another tomorrow while Muslims take no action, as
if what happens to our brothers does not concern us. History testifies
that we were never like this in the past. When a Muslim woman, who was
taken as a captive by the Romans in 'Amooriyyah, screamed for help
uttering her famous scream, "Wa Islaamaah" )Oh My Islam!(, Al-
Mu'tasimanswered her call with full concern, "Labbayki ]at your
disposal[" and prepared an army which heavily defeated 'Amooriyyah and
rescued the Muslim woman from the hands of the disbelievers. We should
ask ourselves here: what tie was there between Al-Mu'tasim and that
woman except the tie of faith?

Diligence is the Way to Success

There are norms and laws in the universe that man is not permitted to
contradict. Instead, he should abide by them so as to enjoy a good
life and eternal happiness in the Hereafter. One such norm is that if
one works hard, he will find results; if one exhausts oneself a little
bit, he can enjoy a long rest. Indeed reaping noble benefits depends
on experiencing difficulties. Pleasure and perfect qualities cannot be
gained except with some difficulty. If it were not for difficulties,
all people would be leaders.
A Person who Prefers Comfort has Scarce Potential for Success
Work in the worldly life relies upon diligence. Therefore, man is
required to work hard and actively, leaving behind laziness. The Quran
and Sunnah direct us towards this understanding. Allaah The Almighty
Says )what means(:
}And say, "Work, for Allaah will see your deeds, and ]so, will[ His
Messenger and the believers."{]Quran 9:105[
}It is He who made the earth tame for you - so walk among its slopes
and eat of His provision - and to Him is the resurrection.{]Quran
67:15[
The Propheteducated the Ummah )Muslim Nation( in different ways on how
to be diligent. For instance, he urged Muslims to earn a living and
provide from their own work, saying:"Nobody has ever eaten a meal
better than that which he has earned from working with his own hands.
The prophet of Allaah, Daawood ]David[, would eat from the work of his
own hands."]Al-Bukhaari[
The Prophetalso advised us to work hard without giving in to feelings
of frustration, saying:"Cherish that which gives you benefit ]in the
Hereafter[, seek help from Allaah and do not lose heart."]Muslim[
Healso said:"If the Hour comes while one of you has a shoot that he is
able to plant, he should plant it."]Ahmad, Al-Bukhaari in Al-Adab
Al-Mufrad[
Moreover, the Prophetassured people of the assistance of Allaah The
Almighty, that He further increases the high motivation and ambition
of people according to the sublimity of their ambition, saying:"Help
from Allaah comes to the servant according to his
diligence."]Al-Bazzaar[
Of course hard work is exhausting, but it has great pleasure,
especially when the diligent person reaps the outcome of his work.
Ibn Ul-Qayyimsaid:
The sages of every nation agree that welfare cannot be obtained
through welfare, that anyone who prefers comfort will miss it, and
that joy and pleasure depend on the level of risks and difficulties
that are experienced when getting them. There is no joy for a person
who has no resolve; no pleasure for a person who lacks patience; no
bliss for a person who endures no hardships; and no comfort for a
person who has no hard work. If a person is exhausted for a short
time, he will relax for longer. If he endures difficulties for a short
while, this will lead him to eternal welfare. People who will receive
eternal delight ]the people of Paradise[ earned this status due to
their patience in this very short worldly life. Truly, Allaah alone
gives help, and there is no power except in Him.
The loftier one's self is and the higher his aspirations are, the more
a person's body is exhausted and the less his comfort is. Yahya ibn
Katheersaid. "Knowledge cannot be acquired when the body is in
comfort." ]Muslim[
"All those who are sensible undoubtedly believe that perfect comfort
depends on the level of exhaustion, and perfect bliss relies on the
level of difficulties that are endured when achieving it. Comfort,
pleasure and bliss are free of exhaustion only in Paradise, not in
this worldly life. ]Quoted from 'Uluww Al-Himmah by Shaykh Muhammad
ibn Ismaa'eel[
A person who takes diligence to be a slogan in life does not depend on
his ancestors or family background, nor does he rely on boasting of
his fathers and forefathers. Instead he builds his own glory, adding
it to that of his forefathers'.
Quotations from Sages and Scholars
Some sages have said, "Utilize your diligence as long as you are in
good health, and take the opportunity to work while you are at
leisure, for time will not be always on your side, nor will you be
able to restore what you have lost."
A scholar once said, "Work is like an armor that protects a person
against afflictions, and diligence is like a sword that wards off
misfortune."
Another said, "Nothing is better than having a reason that is adorned
with forbearance, a deed that is adorned with knowledge, and
forbearance that is adorned with truthfulness!"
Some scholars have said, "Could it be true and logical that crops are
harvested without prior sowing of seeds, fruits are reaped without the
planting of trees, fire comes from two stones without striking them
together, or that money yields without effort?"
It was also said, "There is a cause for every provision and whoever
diligently seeks something, finds it."
Indeed, what a great saying was that of the Commander of Believers,
'Umar ibn Al-Khattaab"Do not stop pursuing livelihood and
supplicating, 'O Allaah, provide for me!' You know that the sky does
not rain gold or silver. Allaah The Almighty provides for people by
virtue of their interaction."
Therefore, work hard and do not be indolent. Your Muslim nation is
waiting for a push from you like that of 'Umara push that illuminates
the torch of enthusiasm in its heart, amidst the darkness of this
gloomy state of obliviousness. It is also waiting for a cry from you
like that of Salaah Ad-Deen Al-Ayyoobi )Saladin(a cry that plants hope
in the desert of despair. Help from Allaah comes in accordance with
diligence, therefore seek help from Allaah and do not lose heart!

Excessive Ambitions in this Worldly Life - I

Having excessive ambitions in this worldly life is one of the greatest
diseases of the heart. What is the meaning of this disease? What are
its harmful consequences? What is its treatment?
Meaning of Excessive Ambitions in this Worldly Life
Having excessive ambitions in this worldly life is to continuously
strive for its pleasures and persistently indulge in its luxuries
whilst turning away from the Hereafter. Allaah The Almighty Says )what
means(:}...And be diverted by ]false[ hope...{]Quran 15:3[ Commenting
on this verse, Al-Qurtubisaid, "Their excessive ambitions in this
worldly life turned them away from obeying Allaah." Ibn Hajarsaid,
"There is an important rationale behind ambitions in this worldly
life. Having ambitions in this worldly life is not totally dispraised
as without it no one would be able to enjoy his life or look forward
to doing anything that is related to this world. What is dispraised is
having extensive ambitions in this worldly life and not preparing for
the Hereafter. As long as a person is safe from this, he is not
required to totally abstain from having ambitions in this world.
Ignorance and love for this world are the causes behind this disease."
Having Excessive Ambitions in this Worldly Life is Dispraised in the Quran
There are many verses in the Quran that dispraise having excessive
ambitions in this worldly life. The Noble Quran uses multiple modes of
address to warn people against this incurable and destructive disease.
For example Allaah The Almighty Says )what means(:
•}Perhaps those who disbelieve will wish that they had been Muslims.
Let them eat and enjoy themselves and be diverted by ]false[ hope, for
they are going to know.{]Quran 15:2-3[
• When talking about the Jews, Allaah The Almighty Says )what
means(:}And you will surely find them the most greedy of people for
life - ]even[ more than those who associate others with Allaah. One of
them wishes that he could be granted life a thousand years, but it
would not remove him in the least from the ]coming[ punishment that he
should be granted life. And Allaah Is Seeing of what they do.{]Quran
2:96[
•}]Allaah[ will Say: "How long did you remain on earth in number of
years?" They will say: "We remained a day or part of a day; ask those
who enumerate." He will Say: "You stayed not but a little - if only
you had known. Then did you think that We created you uselessly and
that to Us you would not be returned?"{]Quran 23:112-115[
•}Has the time not come for those who have believed that their hearts
should become humbly submissive at the remembrance of Allaah and what
has come down of the truth? And let them not be like those who were
given the Scripture before, and a long period passed over them, so
their hearts hardened; and many of them are defiantly
disobedient.{]Quran 57:16[
Having Excessive Ambitions in this Worldly Life is Dispraised in the Sunnah
The Prophetwarned his Ummah )nation( against having extensive
ambitions in this worldly life, as it is likely to drive the person
away from obeying Allaah. It was narrated on the authority of Abu
Hurayrahthat he said, "I heard the Prophetsaying:'The heart of an old
man remains young in two respects: his love for this worldly life and
his excessive ambitions in it.'" ]Al-Bukhaari[
It was narrated on the authority of Anasthat he said, "The Prophetonce
drew a few lines and said:'This is ]man's[ ambitions, and this is the
instant of his death, and while he is in this state ]of ambitions[,
the nearer line ]death[ comes to Him.'" ]Al-Bukhaari[
It was narrated on the authority of Ibn Mas'oodthat he said, "The
Prophetonce drew a square and then drew a line in the middle of it and
let it extend outside the square and then drew several small lines
attached to that central line, and said:"This is the human being, and
this ]square[ is his lease of life which encircles or has encircled
him, and this ]line[ which is outside ]the square[, represents his
ambitions, and these small lines are the calamities and troubles
]which may befall him[, and if one misses him, another will overtake
him, and if the other misses him, a third will overtake him.'"
]Al-Bukhaari[ It was narrated on the authority of 'Abdullaah ibn
'Umarthat he said,: "The Messenger of Allaahtook hold of my shoulder
and said:'Be in this world as if you are a stranger or a traveler.'"
The sub-narrator added, "Ibn 'Umarwould say, 'If you survive till the
evening, do not expect to be alive in the morning, and if you survive
till the morning, do not expect to be alive in the evening; and take
from your health for your sickness, and ]take[ from your life for your
death.'" ]Al-Bukhaari[
It was narrated on the authority of Ibn 'Abbaasand his father, that he
said, "The Messenger of Allaahsaid to a man while advising
him:'Utilize five things before the coming of another five: your youth
before your decrepitude, your health before your sickness, your wealth
before your poverty, your leisure before your work, and your life
before your death.'" ]Al-Haakim narrated this Hadeeth according to the
conditions of Al-Bukhaari and Muslim, however they did not narrate it.
Ath-Thahabi agreed with him.[
It was narrated on the authority of Abu Hurayrahthat the
Prophetsaid:"Take the initiative to do good deeds before you are
hindered by one of seven calamities: poverty that makes you forget the
remembrance of Allaah, prosperity that leads you to transgression, an
ailment that damages your health, old age that makes you lose your
senses, a sudden death, the Antichrist which is an evil yet to come,
or the Hour, which is indeed even more disastrous and even more
bitter."]At-Tirmithi - Hasan[
When the Prophetwas asked about the scriptures of Moosa )Moses(he
replied:"It was all full of lessons. I wonder at a person who is
certain of death and can still be happy. I wonder at a person who is
certain of Hell and can still laugh. I wonder at a person who believes
in fate and still grieves over hardships that befall him. I wonder at
a person who sees this world and how its wellbeing never lasts for
people and can still feel safe in it. I wonder at a person who
believes that the Day of Reckoning is soon to come and still does not
perform righteous deeds."]Al-Bayhaqi and Al-Bazzaar[