Dought & clear, - Ruling on celebrating Valentine’s Day

Share ::-

What is the ruling on Valentine’s Day?.
Praise be to Allaah.
Firstly:
Valentine’s Day is a jaahili Roman festival, which continued to be celebrated until after the Romans became Christian. This festival became connected with the saint known as Valentine who was sentenced to death on 14 February 270 CE. The kuffaar still celebrate this festival, during which immorality and evil are practised widely. For more details on this celebration, please see: Celebrating Valentine’s Day .
Secondly:
It is not permissible for a Muslim to celebrate any of the festivals of the kuffaar, because festivals come under the heading of shar’i issues which are to be based on the sound texts.
Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: Festivals are part of sharee’ah, clear way and rituals of which Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“To each among you, We have prescribed a law and a clear way”
[al-Maa’idah 5:48]
“For every nation We have ordained religious ceremonies which they must follow”
[al-Hajj 22:67]
-- such as the qiblah (direction faced in prayer), prayer and fasting. There is no difference between their participating in the festival and their participating in all other rituals. Joining in fully with the festival is joining in with kufr, and joining in with some of its minor issues is joining in with some of the branches of kufr. Indeed, festivals are one of the most unique features that distinguish various religions and among their most prominent symbols, so joining in with them is joining in with the most characteristic and prominent symbols of kufr. No doubt joining in with this may lead to complete kufr.
Partially joining in, at the very least, is disobedience and sin. This was indicated by the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) when he said: “Every people has its festival and this is our festival.” This is worse than joining them in wearing the zinaar (a garment that was worn only by ahl al-dhimmah) and other characteristics of theirs, for those characteristics are man-made and are not part of their religion, rather the purpose behind them is simply to distinguish between a Muslim and a kaafir. As for the festival and its rituals, this is part of the religion which is cursed along with its followers, so joining in with it is joining in with something that is a cause of incurring the wrath and punishment of Allaah. End quote fromIqtida’ al-Siraat al-Mustaqeem(1/207).
He also said (may Allaah have mercy on him): It is not permissible for the Muslims to imitate them in anything that is uniquely a part of their festivals, whether it be food, clothing, bathing, lighting fires, refraining from a regular habit, doing acts of worship or anything else. It is not permissible to give a feast or to give gifts, or to sell anything that will help them to do that for that purpose, or to allow children and others to play games that are part of the festivals, or to wear one’s adornments.
To conclude: the Mulsims should not do any of their rituals at the time of their festivals; rather the day of their festival should be like any other day for the Muslims. The Muslims should not do anything specific in imitation of them. End quote fromMajmoo al-Fataawa(25/329).
Al-Haafiz al-Dhahabi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: If the Christians have a festival, and the Jews have a festival, it is only for them, so no Muslim should join them in that, just as no Muslim should join them in their religion or their direction of prayer. End quote fromTashabbuh al-Khasees bi Ahl al-Khamees, published inMajallat al-Hikmah(4/193)
The hadeeth to which Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah referred was narrated by al-Bukhaari (952) and Muslim (892) from ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) who said: Abu Bakr came in and there were two young girls of the Ansaar with me who were singing about what had happened to the Ansaar on the day of Bu’aath. She said: And they were not (professional) singing girls. Abu Bakr said: “Musical instruments of the shaytaan in the house of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)?!” and that was on the day of Eid. The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “O Abu Bakr, every people has a festival and this is our festival.”
Abu Dawood (1134) narrated that Anas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: When the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) came to Madeenah, they had two days when they would play. He said: “What are these two days?” They said: “We used to play on these days during the Jaahiliyyah.” The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Allaah has given you instead of them two days that are better than them: the day of al-Adha and the day of al-Fitr.” This hadeeth was classed as saheeh by al-Albaani inSaheeh AbiDawood.
This indicates that festivals are among the characteristics by which nations are distinguished, and it is not permissible to celebrate the festivals of the ignorant and the mushrikeen (polytheists).
The scholars have issued fatwas stating that it is haraam to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
1 –Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) was asked:
In recent times the celebration of Valentine’s Day has become widespread, especially among female students. It is a Christian festival where people dress completely in red, including clothes and shoes, and they exchange red flowers. We hope that you can explain the ruling on celebrating this festival, and what your advice is to Muslims with regard to such matters; may Allaah bless you and take care of you.
He replied:
Celebrating Valentine’s Day is not permissible for a number of reasons.
1- It is an innovated festival for which there is no basis in Islam.
2- It promotes love and infatuation.
3- It calls for hearts to be preoccupied with foolish matters that are contrary to the way of the righteous salaf (may Allaah be pleased with them).
It is not permissible on this day to do any of the things that are characteristic of this festival, whether that has to do with food, drinks, clothing, exchanging gifts or anything else.
The Muslim should be proud of his religion and should not be a weak character who follows every Tom, Dick and Harry. I ask Allaah to protect the Muslims from all temptations, visible and invisible, and to protect us and guide us.
End quote fromMajmoo’ Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen(16/199)
2 – The Standing Committee was asked: Some people celebrate Valentine’s Day on the fourteenth of February every year. They exchange gifts of red roses and wear red clothes and congratulate one another. Some bakeries make red coloured sweets and draw hearts on them, and some stores advertise products that are especially for this day. What is your opinion on the following:
1- Celebrating this day
2- Buying things from the stores on this day
3- Storekeepers who are not celebrating it selling things that may be given as gifts to people who are celebrating it?
They replied:
The clear evidence of the Qur’aan and Sunnah – and the consensus of the early generations of this ummah – indicates that there are only two festivals in Islam: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Any other festivals that have to do with a person, a group, an event or anything else are innovated festivals, which it is not permissible for Muslims to observe, approve of or express joy on those occasions, or to help others to celebrate them in any way, because that is transgressing the sacred limits of Allaah, and whoever transgresses the sacred limits of Allaah has wronged himself. If the fabricated festival is also a festival of the kuffaar, then the sin is even greater, because this is imitating them and it is a kind of taking them as close friends, and Allaah has forbidden the believers to imitate them and take them as close friends in His Holy Book. And it is proven that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever imitates a people is one of them.” Valentine’s Day comes under this heading because it is an idolatrous Christian festival, so it is not permissible for a Muslim who believes in Allaah and the Last Day to observe it or approve of it or congratulate people on it. Rather he has to ignore it and avoid it, in obedience to Allaah and His Messenger, and so as to keep away from the causes that incur the wrath and punishment of Allaah. It is also haraam for the Muslim to help people to celebrate this or any other haraam festival by supplying any kind of food or drink, or buying or selling or manufacturing or giving or advertising etc., because all of that is cooperating in sin and transgression and is disobedience towards Allaah and His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Help you one another in Al‑Birr and At‑Taqwa (virtue, righteousness and piety); but do not help one another in sin and transgression. And fear Allaah. Verily, Allaah is Severe in punishment”
[al-Maa’idah 5:2]
The Muslim must adhere to the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah in all his affairs, especially at times of fitnah when evil is widespread. He should be smart and avoid falling into the misguidance of those who have earned Allaah’s anger and who have gone astray, and the evildoers who have no fear of Allaah and who do not have any pride in being Muslims. The Muslim must turn to Allaah and seek His guidance and remain steadfast in following it, for there is no Guide except Allaah and no one can make a person steadfast but Him. And Allaah is the source of strength. May Allaah send blessings and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad and his family and companions. End quote.
3 – Shaykh Ibn Jibreen (may Allaah preserve him) was asked:
Among our young men and women it has become common to celebrate Valentine’s Day, which is named after a saint who is venerated by the Christians, who celebrate it every year on February 14, when they exchange gifts and red roses, and they wear red clothes. What is the ruling on celebrating this day and exchanging gifts?
He replied:
Firstly: it is not permissible to celebrate these innovated festivals, because it is an innovation for which there is no basis in Islam. It comes under the heading of the hadeeth of ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her), according to which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever introduces anything into this matter of ours that is not part of it will have it rejected.”
Secondly: it involves imitating the kuffaar and copying them by venerating that which they venerate and respecting their festivals and rituals, and imitating them in something that is part of their religion. In the hadeeth it says: “Whoever imitates a people is one of them.”
Thirdly: it results in evils and haraam things such as wasting time, singing, music, extravagance, unveiling, wanton display, men mixing with women, women appearing before men other than their mahrams, and other haraam things, or things that are a means that leads to immorality. That cannot be excused by the claim that this is a kind of entertainment and fun. The one who is sincere towards himself should keep away from sin and the means that lead to it.
And he said:
Based on this, it is not permissible to sell these gifts and roses, if it is known that the purchaser celebrates these festivals or will give these things as gifts on those days, so that the seller will not be a partner of the one who does those innovations. And Allaah knows best. End quote.
And Allaah knows best.






:: Share ::

- PUBLISHERNajimudeeN M

Dought & clear, - A Hindu is wondering: Which is better, Hinduism or Islam, and why?

Share ::-

Well am Vijay from Mauritius,a country in Indian Ocean.Pease tell me which religion is best and why?hinduism or islam.am a hindu.
Praise be to Allah
The best religion is that which has proof that it is the religion with which the Creator (may He be glorified and exalted) is pleased, and which He sent down as light for humanity, to bring them happiness in their worldly lives and to save them in the Hereafter. Proof or evidence must be very clear, so that people can have no doubts about it or challenge it. Allah (may He be glorified and exalted) knows what the liars and charlatans produce of flawed evidence to support their lies; hence He chose to support His Messengers and Prophets with comprehensive miracles and clear signs, which confirmed to people the truthfulness of this man who has received revelation from his Lord, so that they will believe in him and follow him.
Thus the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) brought dazzling miracles, of which there are many, about which huge books have been written. But the greatest of them is the Holy Qur’an, which challenged the Arabs to produce anything like it in all aspects of its perfection, because it contains the linguistic miracle that the eloquent speakers of Quraysh – who had attained the pinnacle of eloquence, as attested by all historians – could not produce the like of it. It also contains the scientific miracle, as the Holy Qur’an – and also the Prophet’s Sunnah – refer to some scientific facts before anybody knew about them, the like of which humanity could not have known at that time except via divine revelation. It also spoke of events in the distant past and of future events, and Muhammad (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) could not have had prior knowledge of history, nor was there anyone in that land who possessed this knowledge at all, apart from some remnants of the people of the Book. It also contains the legislative miracle, as is seen in its comprehensive system that covers personal manners and etiquette, rulings on the family and personal matters, regulation of international relations and rulings on social matters; it lay the foundations for principles of justice and freedom among people; it affirmed of the concepts of this world, the unseen and the Hereafter, and the concepts of eternal bliss or doom. All of that came from an unlettered man who could neither read nor write, but his enemies attested to his honesty and trustworthiness before his friends did. Then this Qur’an became the basis on which the Muslims built the brilliant Islamic civilisation that has lasted for more than fourteen hundred years.
The best religion in our view is the religion which connects you to one force, which is the force that created you and blessed you and has full control over the heavens and the earth. It is the force that will have mercy on you and will be with you in the Hereafter, if you believe in it and do righteous deeds. It is Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, the One, the Unique, the Self-Sustaining and All-Sustaining. (The best religion) does not connect you to anything other than Him, for everything other than Him is created and weak, and is in need of Him, may He be glorified. Thus man can liberate himself from the bonds of servitude to anything but Allah, the True God, and he can free himself from earthly connections that cause humanity humiliation, wrongdoing, and persecution, all of which is done in the name of the false religion that approves of the caste system [see the research paperat-Tabaqaat fi’l-Mujtama‘ al-Hindoosi(Caste in Hindu society) in the book by Dr al-A‘zami,Diraasaat(p. 4)], approves of servitude to other than Allah, may He be exalted, and in fact approves of servitude to animals such as cows and others. Man, whom Allah has honoured with reason and the soul which is created by Him, becomes a prisoner to those animals which he regards as holy, and reveres and venerates them, although they have no power to bring him any benefit or ward off any harm; indeed they cannot do that for themselves, let alone others.
The best religion is that which offers an integrated system which guides man to the way of happiness in this world and the Hereafter, because the aim of religions is to achieve happiness, and that cannot be achieved without guidance from Allah, may He be glorified and exalted. In Islam we find guidance on all aspects of life: economic, political, social, familial and psychological, in order to achieve this integrated happiness. When the Muslims adhered to these teachings in the earliest period, they established a prosperous life one the basis of justice and fair-mindedness. When they became heedless, they lost the prosperity that Allah had granted to them.
The best of religions is that which came latest in chronological sequence, confirming what came before it of true religions, abrogating some of the previously-revealed laws that were suitable to the time and place in which they became widespread, and fulfilling the prophecies mentioned in those religions, that spoke of a Prophet who would be sent at the end of time, and described his signs and characteristics. The Holy Qur’an tells us that all of the previous Messengers and Prophets knew of a Prophet who would be sent at the end of time, whose name would be Muhammad, with whom Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, would bring to an end the series of Messengers. Allah, may He be exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And (remember) when Allah took the Covenant of the Prophets, saying: ‘Take whatever I gave you from the Book and Hikmah (understanding of the Laws of Allah, etc.), and afterwards there will come to you a Messenger (Muhammad SAW) confirming what is with you; you must, then, believe in him and help him.’ Allah said: ‘Do you agree (to it) and will you take up My Covenant (which I conclude with you)?’ They said: ‘We agree.’ He said: ‘Then bear witness; and I am with you among the witnesses (for this).’”
[al-Anbiya’ 21:81].
Hence we find in the remnant that was not distorted of the previous religions clear prophecies that speak of this noble Prophet. The Torah and the Gospel are full of them, but there is no need to quote them here. Rather what concerns us is that which is mentioned in the holy books of the Hindus of clear prophecies that speak of our Prophet Muhammad (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him). These prophecies do not necessarily mean that all of these books are sound or true; rather they point to a few words of truth remaining in them, that was taken from the Messages and Prophets that were sent a long time ago.
These texts have been quoted by Dr Muhammad Diya’ ar-Rahman al-A‘zami in his valuable bookDiraasaat fi’l-Yahoodiyyah wa’l-Maseehiyyah wa Adyaan al-Hind(Studies in Judaism, Christianity and Indian Religions), p. 703-746, especially since the author is a doctor from India who is able to read those books that have not been translated into Arabic as far as we know.
1.
“At that time in the city of Shambhala (which means the safe land or place of peace), in the house of a man whose name is Vishnu Bhagat (meaning ‘Abdullah or slave of God), who is pure of heart, in his house will be born Kalki (meaning one who is pure and free of sins and iniquities).”
Bhagavata Purana, 2/18
It is well-known that the name of the father of our Prophet Muhammad (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) was ‘Abdullah (meaning slave of Allah or servant of God), and in the Qur’an, Makkah (Mecca) is called the safe land.
2.
“Kalki will be born in the house of Vishnu Bhagat, from his wife Soomati, whose name means the woman of peace and security, which is the meaning of the name Aaminah.”
Kalki Purana, 2/11
It is also well-known that the name of the mother of our Prophet Muhammad (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) was Aaminah bint Wahb.
3.
“He will be born on the twelfth of the month called Madhva (also known as Chaitra, spring month) [which means the month that is beloved to people, which is the month of ar-Rabee‘ (lit. “spring”)].”
Kalki Purana, 2/15
The books of the Prophet’s biography clearly state the date of his birth, which was the twelfth of the month of Rabee‘ al-Awwal, although there are differences of opinion among the scholars.
4.
“Kalki will have eight characteristics, as follows:
Pragya (foretell the future)
Culinata (one of the noblest of his people)
Indridaman (self-control)
Shrut (receive revelation)
Prakram (physical strength)
Abhu bhashita (speaks little)
Dan (generous)
Kritagyata (acknowledges kindness).”
All of them are a few of the attributes of Sayyiduna Muhammad (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) which were acknowledged by all the Arabs who knew him, whether they entered Islam or remained disbelievers.
5.
“He will ride on a horse from which light comes, and no one can compete with his awe and beauty; he will be circumcised; and will destroy hundreds of thousands of wrongdoers and disbelievers
Bhagavata Purana, 12-2-20
Circumcision is not practised by the Hindus; rather it is an Islamic obligation upon the males of the ummah of Muhammad (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him).
6.
“With the help of four of his companions he will destroy the devil, and the angels will come down to earth to help him in his battles.”
Kalki Purana, 2/5-7
The four companions of our Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) are the Rightly-Guided Caliphs who ruled after him. The scholars of Islam are unanimously agreed that they are the best of mankind after our Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him).
7.
“After he is born, he will go to the mountains to learn from Parasurama (meaning the great teacher), then he will go to the North, then he will return to his birthplace.”
Kalki Purana
This is how the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) was: he secluded himself in the cave of Hira’ until Jibreel came down to him with the revelation; then he migrated to the north, to al-Madinah al-Munawwarah, then he returned to Makkah as a conqueror.
8.
“The people will be enchanted with the fragrance that comes from his body, for the fragrance of his pure body will mix with the air, and will delight the people.”
Bhagavata Purana, 2/2/21
9.
“The first one to slaughter and offer sacrifices will be Ahmadu and he will become like the sun.”
Sama Veda, 3/6/8
10.
“A spiritual teacher will come with his noble companions and will become famous among the people by the name of Mahaamad. The ruler will come to him saying: O desert dweller, O destroyer of the devil, performer of miracles, innocent of all evil, adhering to the truth, speaking of the knowledge of God and loving Him, peace be upon you, I am your slave and will live beneath your feet.”
Bhavishya Purana, 3/3/5-8
11.
“During these stages, when the time comes for the emergence of good for all mankind, then truth will be established and darkness will end with the appearance of Muhammad, and the light of understanding and wisdom will shine.
Bhagavata Purana, 2/76
These texts clearly mention the name of Muhammad or Ahmad, both of which are names of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him). Allah, may He be exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning):
“…and giving glad tidings of a Messenger to come after me [‘Eesa], whose name shall be Ahmad ...”
[as-Saff 61:6].
12.
“Agni Devi, bringer of the bright laws, We have placed you in the middle of the earth to offer sacrifices.”
Rig Veda, 3/29/4
13.
In theHotar Veda(Rig Veda), on several scattered pages, there is mention of the foretelling of Narashans (meaning the praiseworthy man). He is described as the most handsome person on earth; his light will enter every house; he will cleanse the people of sin and iniquity; he will ride camels; he will have twelve wives… “Listen, O people! Narashans will be held in high esteem… Narashans will be praised, he will migrate from among sixty thousand and ninety people… I have given Mamaha one hundred gold coins, ten garlands and three hundred horses.”
In the Seerah (biography of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him)), the names of his wives are given and they add up to the number mentioned.
14.
“A man who lived a virtuous life came to the ruler Bhoja, ruler of Sindh, in the dead of night, and said to him: O king, your religion (arya dharma) supercedes all the religions in India, but by the decree of the greatest God, I shall cause to prevail the religion of a man who will eat all kinds of good things; he is circumcised and has on his head no braid that hangs down or is tucked up, and he has a long beard. He will bring about a great upheaval, and will call out loudly to the people. He will eat all kinds of good things apart from the flesh of swine. His religion abrogates all other religions. We call them Musalay. The greatest God is the One Who revealed that religion to him.”
Bhavishya Purana, 3/3/3/23-27
We say that the call to prayer (adhaan) and avoiding pork are among the most prominent distinguishing characteristics of Islam. Its followers are called Muslims, not Musalay, but these are similar words with the same origin.
We also say to you that the implications of the words of the Hindu scholars allow you to believe in the teachings of Islam and the religion that was brought by the Prophet Muhammad (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), because Hinduism – according to their scholars – is distinguished by its lack of bias and its search for the truth, so your Hinduism will not be affected whether you believe in God or not; what matters is that you continue to seek the truth.
The Indian leader Gandhi said:
“One of the advantages of Hinduism is that it does not have a distinct doctrine. If I were to be asked about it, I would say that its doctrine is not to be biased and to seek the truth in good ways. As for belief in the existence of the Creator or otherwise, it is all the same. No Hindu is required to believe in the Creator; he is a Hindu whether he believes or not.”
He also said:
“One of the advantages of Hinduism is that it gave up all beliefs, but it encompasses all major beliefs and the main principles of other religions.”
Taken from his book,Hindu Dharma; quoted from Dr. al-A‘zami’s bookDiraasaat fi’l-Yahoodiyyah wa’l-Maseehiyyah wa Adyaan al-Hind, p. 529-530
For more information, please see the answer to question no. 126472
Why don’t you take that as your starting point in studying Islam, look at its positive characteristics and virtues, and try to find out that which distinguishes it from all other religions, because it is the religion that abrogates all that came before it. The Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) was foretold by all the Messengers and Prophets who came before him. The matter is very serious, because the Holy Qur’an tells us that the only way to salvation is Islam, the religion of Tawheed (monotheism, affirmation of the Oneness of Allah). Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers”
[Aal ‘Imraan 3:85].
And Allah knows best.







:: Share ::

- PUBLISHERNajimudeeN M

Dought & clear, - Is there a difference between the words “hadeeth” and “Sunnah”?

Share ::-

I hope that you can clarify this topic for me in some detail: Are “hadeeth” and “Sunnah” synonymous, or is there a difference between them? I am asking this question because I read that some Orientalists and some Muslims who specialise in Islamic sciences do not regard these two words as different in meaning. Do you agree with that? I hope that you can explain to me in some detail.
Praise be to Allah
The difference in terminology among scholars is one of the issues that is usually a difference in wording. That is because terminology results from a scholar choosing a particular word to refer to something; hence when differences occur, the difference is in wording but not in meaning.
With regard to the issue of differentiating between the words “Sunnah” and “hadeeth”, we may say that these two words may mean the same thing in some contexts, and may mean different things in other contexts.
Firstly: places where they mean the same thing
1.
Whatever is narrated from or about the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) of words, actions or approval may be called “hadeeth” or it may be called “Sunnah.”
Shaykh ‘Abdullah al-Judayyi‘ said:
The basic meaning of the word “Sunnah” is fundamentally the same as the definition given by hadeeth scholars, as mentioned above for the word “hadeeth”, when mentioned in general terms without anything to describe what is being spoken of. That excludes the reports that speak of the physical description of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him); but this exclusion is only when talking about the Sunnah in the context of it being one of the sources of sharee‘ah. In that context, the reports that speak of his description are not part of the Sunnah; rather the Sunnah is only based on his words, deeds and approval. End quote.
Tahreer ‘Uloom al-Hadeeth
2.
One of the names of the saved group, the group that will continue to adhere to the commands of Allah, is “Ahl al-Hadeeth.” They are also called “Ahl as-Sunnah.”
3.
The books that deal with the transmission of reports from the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) and the Sahaabah, and the words of the righteous early generations, are called “Kutub al-Hadeeth”; they are also called “Kutub as-Sunnah.”
Secondly: places where they mean different things:
1.
The general teachings and practice of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) that have been narrated in reports that are proven to be sound which describe all of his affairs, are called “the Sunnah,” meaning his path, his methodology and his way. In this context, the scholars do not usually use the term “hadeeth.”
Al-‘Allaamah as-Sayyid Sulaymaan an-Nadwi (may Allah have mercy on him) said:
“Hadeeth” refers to every incident that is attributed to the Prophet (peace be upon him), even if he only did it once in his life, and even if it was narrated from him by only one person. With regard to the word “Sunnah,” in reality it is used of his actions – I mean how the Messenger (peace be upon him) did things – that has been transmitted to us via mutawaatir actions, in the sense that the Prophet (peace be upon him) did it, then the Sahaabah did it after him, then the Taabi‘een did it after them, and so on. It does not necessarily mean that there is a narration describing that action; rather this refers to the way in which a particular act was performed and was passed down through the generations by means of tawaatur (i.e., passed down by so many to so many that it is inconceivable that they could have all agreed upon a lie). This is what is called “Sunnah,” and this is mentioned alongside the Book (the Qur’an) in the hadeeth in which the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “I am leaving among you two things and you will never go astray so long as you adhere to them: The Book of Allah, may He be exalted, and the Sunnah of His Messenger.” This is what it is not permissible for any Muslim, no matter who he is, to forsake or go against, otherwise he has no share in Islam. End quote.
Majallat al-Manaar, 30/673
2.
The scholars use the word “Sunnah” to describe adhering to Islam in the manner prescribed, without adding to it or introducing innovations into the religion; they do not call that “hadeeth.” For example, ‘Abd ar-Rahmaan ibn Mahdi al-Mashhoor said: Sufyaan ath-Thawri is an imam (leading scholar) in hadeeth, but he is not an imam in Sunnah; al-Awzaa‘i is an imam in Sunnah but he is not an imam in hadeeth. Maalik ibn Anas is an imam in both.
Tareekh Dimashqby Ibn ‘Asaakir, 35/183
Al-Haafiz Abu ‘Amr ibn as-Salaah (may Allah have mercy on him) was asked:
Some of them said of Imam Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) that he combined knowledge of the Sunnah and of hadeeth; what is the difference between the Sunnah and hadeeth?
He (may Allah be pleased with him) said:
In this context, Sunnah is the opposite of bid‘ah (innovation). A person may be ascholar of hadeeth yet also be an innovator. Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) combined both Sunnahs; he was a scholar of the Sunnah, i.e., hadeeth, and also believed in the Sunnah, i.e., his way was that of Ahl al-haqq (the people of truth), with no bid ‘ah (innovation). And Allah knows best. End quote.
Fataawa ibn as-Salaah, 1/139-140
3.
The fuqaha’ use the word “Sunnah” when explaining the ruling on doing a specific action as being mustahabb (liked or encouraged); they do not use the word “hadeeth” in this context.
4.
When the scholars speak of reports and whether they are saheeh (sound) or da‘eef (weak), they only use the word “hadeeth”; they do not use the word “Sunnah.” So they say “This is a da‘eef (weak) hadeeth”; they do not say “This is a da‘eef Sunnah”, because of them the Sunnah is that which is proven in the hadeeths; therefore they sometimes say “This hadeeth is contrary to qiyaas (analogy), the Sunnah and ijmaa‘ (scholarly consensus).”
And Allah knows best.






:: Share ::

- PUBLISHERNajimudeeN M