Scholars cannot permit what Allah has forbidden

In The Name of Allah Most Gracious Most Merciful

In Response to an Article Published In the Trinidad Express 17th May 2010, Entitled 'StayAway From The Polls' Pt. 2.

Scholars cannot permit what Allah has forbidden

One of the main excuses some people use today in attempt to justify the evil act of voting for a person to make law on one’s behalf is that the majority of Muslim scholars say it is allowed to vote, and some even go further saying it is a religious duty.

This, like every other so-called argument used to justify voting for man to play the role of God and make law, is entirely flawed and can never be used as an excuse to associate partners with Allah by choosing a lawmaker besides Him. There are many places in the Qur’aan in which Allah (SWT) informs us of individuals in the past who were favoured by Him and were given knowledge, yet they abused the knowledge they were given, started to follow their own desires and misled the people.

For example, the Jews and Christians (People of the Book) were accused by Allah of worshipping their rabbis and priests by obeying and following their religious edicts which clearly went against the commands of Allah. Allah (SWT) says in the Qur’aan:

“They (Jews and Christians) took their rabbis and their monks to be their lords besides Allah (by obeying them in things which they made lawful or unlawful according to their own desires without being ordered by Allah).” (EMQ at-Tawbah, 9:31)

‘Uday bin Haatim used to be a Christian. When he heard the Messenger of Allah (SAW) recite the above verse he tried to deny this and responded: “We did not worship them (rabbis and priests).” The Prophet (SAW) replied: “Did they (rabbis and priests) not forbid what Allah permitted and hence you forbade it; and they permitted what Allah forbade and thus you permitted it?” ‘Uday replied “Yes.” The Prophet (SAW) said, “That is how you worshipped them.” After this incident ‘Uday (RA) embraced Islam.

So it can be argued that any Muslim who blindly follows a scholar when he permits what Allah forbids has taken him as a lord and false god besides Allah. Any matter which is clearly forbidden by Allah – such as alcohol, committing shirk (in this case, voting for man to make law), adultery, interest (ribaa), and so forth – cannot be made lawful by scholars. Moreover, one cannot claim on the Day of Judgement that they were merely following their scholars or the majority of people and therefore cannot be blamed for their actions. Allah (SWT) says:

“And those who followed (blindly) will say: “If only we had one more chance to return (to the worldly life), we would disown (declare ourselves as innocent from) them as they have disowned (declared themselves as innocent from) us.” Thus Allah will show them their deeds as regrets for them. And they will never get out of the Fire.” (EMQ al-Baqarah, 2:167)

Furthermore, it is reported in the Sunan of Ibn Maajah that Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said: “Verily, what I fear most for my Ummah is misguided Imaams.” There can be no doubt that the misguided Imaams (or scholars) of today are those who allow voting for man-made law by twisting the verses of Allah and Shari’ah principles in order to achieve popularity, maintain their career and please the masses, tyrannical governments and disbelievers.

What makes someone an ‘aalim?

What makes someone an ‘aalim is not the level of knowledge they have, the length of their beard or their credentials. The Sahaabah, for example, did not study at a “renowned” institution and nor did they achieve any certificates, credentials, degrees, PhDs, and so forth. Despite this, they were the greatest ‘ulamaa (scholars) the Ummah has ever seen.

What makes someone an ‘aalim, besides having knowledge, is when they engage in the duties of the Anbiyaa (Prophets). Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said, “The ‘ulamaa are the inheritors of the Prophets.” Therefore, in order for one to be considered an ‘aalim, they must engage in the duties of the Prophets. The mission of the previous Prophets was to call people away from shirk (associating partners with Allah) and taaghout (false gods, such as lawmakers or MPs). They called society to Tawheed and to reject man-made laws as well as kufr (un-Islamic) ideals, ways of life and values such as freedom, democracy, liberalism and so forth.

It is for the above reasons that the previous Messengers and Prophets were attacked by the disbelievers, vilified, ridiculed, boycotted, imprisoned and some were even murdered or assassinated. This is how we recognise the people of truth: they are tested by Allah and vilified by the disbelievers. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was labelled a lunatic; Ibraaheem (or Abraham) was thrown into fire; Yoosuf (Joseph) was incarcerated for a crime he did not commit; the disbelievers plotted to crucify ‘Eesa (Jesus); Shu’aib (AS) was threatened with extradition; Nooh (Noah) was ridiculed; and the list goes on.

Allah (SWT) has destined, as part of His Almighty Traditions (Sunnatullah), that any person who desires to be with the Prophets, Messengers and their Companions in the Hereafter must struggle in this life the way they did and endure the tests they were made to endure. Allah (SWT) says:

“Or think you that you will enter Paradise without such (trials) as came to those who passed away before you? They were afflicted with severe poverty and ailments and were so shaken that even the Messenger and those who believed along with him said, “When (will come) the Help of Allah?” Yes! Certainly, the Help of Allah is near!” (EMQ al-Baqarah, 2:214)

In what way have those so-called scholars (who try to justify voting for kufr law) suffered for the sake of Allah and the Deen of Islam? Rather than calling people away from shirk and to shun taaghout (false gods), we find them calling us to commit shirk for their personal interests and benefit (maslahah) and to obey taaghout (those who rule by other than what Allah has revealed). What excuse do these sad individuals (particularly in Trinidad and Tobago) have for not speaking out against this great evil? Unlike scholars in the Middle East, they are not being threatened with torture, imprisonment or death yet they are still afraid of upsetting the masses, gaining notoriety or being labelled an extremist.

There is a famous principle in Islam: “The haq (truth) is known by the daleel (divine evidence), not by men.” Therefore, the haq is not established by the number of people that agree with it or the number of “renowned” or celebrity-like scholars who state it. Rather, the haq is known by the daleel (Qur’aan and Sunnah, by the understanding of the Sahaabah). But if it is names you are after and not daleel, below is a brief list (in no particular order) of scholars from across the world that say democracy opposes Islam and that voting and participating in democratic elections is forbidden (haraam):

·        Sheikh Abu Muhammad al-Maqdisi (Jordan)

·        Sheikh Feiz Mohammad (lived in Australia, originally Lebanon)

·        Sheikh Anwar al-Awlaki (lived in USA, originally Yemen)

·        Sheikh Abu Hamza al-Misri (UK, originally Egypt)

·        Sheikh Omar Abdel-Rahman (USA, originally Egypt)

·        Sheikh Abdullah el-Faisal (lived in UK, originally Jamaica)

·        Sheikh Abdul-Qaadir bin Abdil-Azeez (Egypt)

·        Sheikh Naasir al-Fahd (Saudi Arabia)

·        Sheikh Ahmad Fadeel an-Nazal al-Khalayleh (Jordan)

·        Sheikh Osama bin Mohammed bin Awad bin Laden (Saudi Arabia)

·        Sheikh Ayman Muhammad Rabee’ al-Zawaahiri (Egypt)

·        Sheikh Sayyid Qutb (Egypt)

·        Sheikh Humood bin Uqla Ash-Shu’aibi (Saudi Arabia)

·        Sheikh Ali bin al-Khudayr (Saudi Arabia)

·        Sheikh Naasir ud-Deen al-Albaani (Saudi Arabia, originally Albania)

·        Sheikh Muhammad Ameen al-Shanqeeti (Saudi Arabia, originally Mauritania)

·        Sheikh Ahmad Hamood al-Khaalidi (Saudi Arabia)

·        Sheikh Yusuf al-Uyayri (Saudi Arabia)

·        Sheikh Abdullah al-Ghunaymaan (Saudi Arabia)

·        Sheikh Muhammad al-Fazaazy (Morocco)

·        Sheikh Hani al-Siba’i (UK, originally Egypt)

·        Sheikh Saalih al-Awfi (Saudi Arabia)

·        Sheikh Ziyaad Qattaan (UAE)

·        Sheikh Omar Bakri Muhammad (lived in UK, Lebanon)

·        Sheikh Abu Qataadah al-Filasteeni (UK, originally Palestine)

In Response to an Article Published In The Trinidad Express 17th May 2010, Entitled 'Stay Away From The Polls'

Assalaamu ‘Alaiykum to all my dear Brothers and Sisters;

Please allow me to respond using the ‘tawkeel’ argument.

Voting in the Trinidad and Tobago General Election is an act of delegation (tawkeel) where a delegator (muwakkil) appoints a delegate (wakeel) to act on one’s behalf.

Tawkeel (delegation) is a legitimate Islamic contract and is used in cases such as representing someone for marriage or for the guardianship of minors.

Tawkeel, as an Islamic contract, has to proceed according to the rules of Islam.

One pillar of tawkeel is that the delegator (muwakkil) can only delegate that which the Shari’ah deems permissible since the delegate (wakeel) acts on behalf of the delegator (muwakkil). So what is halaal for the delegator (muwakkil) can be delegated and what is haraam for the delegator (muwakkil) cannot be delegated.

For example it is halaal (permissible) for me to delegate another to buy me a pint of milk as it is halaal for me to buy a pint of milk. It is haraam (forbidden) for me to delegate another to rob my neighbours since it is haraam for me to rob my neighbours. This is known as Ghiyaab ul-Mawaani Ash-Shari’ah (the absence of any divine prohibition).

Returning to the fiqh al-mas’alah (or specific reality) of voting in the Trinidad and Tobago General Election we face an insurmountable obstacle. The problem is that this is a delegation for someone to represent them, according to manifesto of the delegate (wakeel), in a legislative chamber – in this case the Trinidad and Tobago Parliament as an MP.

Worse still, the delegator (muwakkil) cannot specify or hold the delegate (wakeel), in this case the MP, to only act on their behalf on certain matters e.g. against Israel or against foreign invasions such as of Iraq and Afghanistan. The MP will generally legislate, vote on legislation, debate legislation, help to draft legislation, amend legislation, propose legislation and defend legislation on behalf of the delegator (muwakkil).

Here we have to ask if it is halaal (permissible) for a Muslim to do any of the things that the delegate (wakeel), in this case the MP, will do.

It is a matter of ‘aqeedah that a Muslim does not have a say when it comes to legislation:

“It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allah and His Messenger have decreed a matter that they should have any option in their decision” (Translated Meaning of Al-Qur’an [TMQ] 33:36)

This is because the right of legislation is only for Allaah SWT (c.f. TMQ 12:40).

Muslims should look to the Shari’ah for all matters:

“But no, by your Lord, they can have no (real) faith until they make you judge in all disputes between them and find in their souls no resistance against your decisions, but accept them with the fullest submission” (TMQ 4:65)

Not to man-made legislation, which is Taghut (an authority other than Allaah SWT):

“Have you seen those (hypocrites) who claim that they believe in that which has been sent down to you, and that which has been sent down before you, and they wish to go for judgment (in their disputes) to the Taghut while they have been ordered to reject them?” (TMQ 4:60)

So I disagree with the comment that “Voting and participating in the electoral process is not tantamount to legislating against Islam” because voting in the Trinidad and Tobago General Election and delegating an MP to act on your behalf is getting involved in legislation without doubt.

As Muslims we should stay with the halaal regardless of our desire (hawah) for any perceived benefits:

“Have you (O Muhammad SAW) seen him who has taken as his ilah (god) his own desire (hawah)? Would you then be a wakeel (delegate) over him? Or do you think that most of them hear or understand? They are only like cattle; nay, they are even farther astray from the Path.” (TMQ 25:43-44)

You are right that we face difficult times and you are right to call the Ummah to action and for that I applaud you but legislating by man-made law, in violation of the Islamic ‘aqeedah, is a line we cannot consider crossing. We should instead have tawakkul (trust/reliance) in Allaah SWT:

“Do they then seek the judgment of (the Days of) Ignorance (Jahiliyyah)? And who is better in judgment than Allah for a people who have firm belief?” [TMQ 5:50]

Wa- Salaam

Umar Abdullah

Voting in Non-Islamc Elections 2010

Let us not invite ourselves to the FIRE OF HELL...

Allah is the Legislator

The most basic of our duties to Allah (Subhanahu Wa Taala), is to establish His laws and make Him the Sovereign of the land.

Muslim's Constitution and Manifesto

A Muslim's Constitution is the QURAN and their MANIFESTO is the Sunnah of

Prophet Muhammad...

Stay Muslim, Dont Vote!

I will NOT be Voting...

Get Out But DON'T VOTE!

DON'T VOTE!

CHARACTERISTICS OF A HYPOCRITE (MUNAFIQ)

Assalaamu ‘Alaiykum Wa Rahamtullah Wa Barakathu;


Hypocrisy is a state of the heart, which is expressed by double-faced actions:


1. They have a discrepancy in what they have in their heart & what is on their lips
2. Munafiq means “double faced”
3. They hide the truth
4. They are untruthful to others (Mumins) and to themselves
5. They create fasaad, by saying one thing to one person and another to another person, neither of them being the truth
6. When they are questioned about their actions that are causing fasaad they say we are just reforming society/people, we are doing this for the good of society.
7. When they are asked to believe, have imaan, they say, “Do I look stupid”?
8. In front of the mumin they say they are with them, but when they are with the Shaiyateen (with people like themselves or their leaders), they say we were just joking privately, we are not really with the Mumins.
9. Their words and actions do not match
10. They are without wisdom and without understanding of reality and truth (Shaoor)
11. Hypocrites are present in all times
12. Though hypocrites say verbally that they believe in God, Allah disqualifies their imaan as they are only saying it only with their tongue, and not with their hearts they do this only to fool others.
13. In their privacy they make fun of the Mumin
14. They prefer to keep their eyes closed rather than see the truth and see the right path.
15. Allah has given them rope to do what they want and they choose to stray further and further away from the right path.
16. They are restless and without peace even in this world and try to entertain themselves with worldly things
17. They live in a world of self-deception
18. Due to their actions they create fasaad in the world and do not have the understanding that their words and actions are the cause of the fasaad.
19. When they are asked to have imaan they say are we stupid that we become stupid like the mumin who lose everything (worldly) because of their imaan.


SUMMARY OF CHARACTERISTICS OF A MUNAFIQ:


1. DOUBLE FACED
2. IN TWO BOATS
3. THEIR ACTIONS DO NOT CONFIRM WHAT THEY SAY
4. THEY FOOL PEOPLE
5. THEY PRACTICE SELF DECEEPTION
6. THEY LIE
7. LACK UNDERSTANDING OF THE TRUTH
8. CREATE FASSAAD BEHIND REFORM
9. THEY DO NOT HAVE A CONSCIENCE
10. THEY ARE STUPID
11. THEY ARE IGNORANT
12. DOUBLE STANDARD
13. CHANGE WITH WHOEVER THEY ARE WITH
14. TRY TO PLEASE EVERYONE
15. THEY MAKE FUN OF MUMINS (PRIVATELY)
16. BAY ASOOL (WITHOUT STANDARDS OF HONESTY & MORALS)
17. THEY DO NOT RECOGNIZE THE TIME ALLAH SWT HAS GIVEN THEM AND ARE MISUSING IT
18. BEY BASEERAT/THEY WANT TO LIVE IN IGNORANCE
19. THEY CHOOSE GUMRAHI (BEING LOST) INSTEAD OF GUIDANCE
20. THEY DELIBERATELY REMAIN AWAY FROM GUIDANCE


One word summary: They lie!


PUNISHMENT FROM ALLAH FOR MUNAFIQS:


1. Allah will make fun of them
2. Blindness of the heart: Allah has given them rope, (leave) and they are taking advantage of it and their hearts are blinded and they are straying further in their wrong path, and Allah is watching them.
3. Allah will deny them guidance (al Hudda) they have exchanged the right path for the wrong path, this will be a huge disadvantageous for them. They are unable to get guidance as they are not asking for it, nor wanting it.
4. There are seven levels of Hellfire and they will be in the bottom most part of the hellfire. why? Because they base their life on lies.
5. Those who have the characteristics of hypocrisy Allah will not give them guidance.


Hadith Sahih Bukhari


How to recognize a hypocrite; four characteristics:


1. When given a trust he betrays it.
2. When he speaks he lies.
3. When he promises he breaks it.
4. When he argues he is unjust
5. Irrespective of whether he prays, fasts and claims that he is a Muslim then he or she is a pure munafiq.


Steps To get out of Hypocrisy (surah Nisa) and join the mumins:


Make Taubah.
Conduct Self-correction.
Establish a Strong connection with Allah.
Make ones deen khalis (do the good works for Allah and not to show people).
Be thankful of every Naimah with kasarat.
Decrease complaints of what we did not get in this world.

HAVE YOU CHECKED YOUR HEART OR LOOK AT YOUR RIGHT INDEX FINGER LATELY?

VOTE AT YOUR OWN RISK!

If politicians work and act as much as they talk… Our country would be the most envious the world over... None of what is being offered to us by both the Government and the Opposition forces is going to work... Read my book ‘Vote at Your Own Risk!’

Mothers

Paradise lies under the feet of mothers every day...

Head of Islamic Organisation Sights Religious Aggravation

Media Release:

A Case of Religious Discrimination and Persecution against Head of an Islamic Organisation

A non-believer of Islam (Dunee Mohammed) has disrespected and attacked not only me – Umar Abdullah - but Allah and our Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessing be upon him) and by extension, Islam and all Muslims; by pulling my Islamic Turban (Amaamah) off my head in public, an incident which occurred on Friday 16th April 2010 on the compound of what used to be known as Lal’s Hardware - now Lal’s Plaza - situated 31 Store Bay Local Road, Bon Accord Tobago. On two other occasions he uttered the words “I don’t care about Muslims” and “I would eat pork in front yuh place and yuh can’t do meh nothing”.


The reason for the attack is that he and a woman who happens to be a grandmother (Omalla Ragbir) who owns and operates a business just next to Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front - an Islamic organisation of which I am the head) has taken offence to us objecting to their negative influence on the youths in the area, the playing of derogatory music and the sale of alcohol.


Apart from our Islamic organisation being just next door, a lot of young children frequent the premises, and a day care centre and kindergarten operates across the road. After pulling off my Islamic Turban (Amaamah) this despicable creature shoved me and struck a blow at me, hitting me on my chest. Equally offensive was the fact that after doing what he had done, he had gone on to verbally abuse my wife. A report was made to the Crown Point Police who are conducting an investigation into the matter.


To all you God fearing people... the Turban is a very strong representation of the practices of the Prophet of Islam (Peace and Blessing be upon him) and as such is sacred to all us Muslims as it encompasses an integral part of our belief system, in that in whatever we follow our Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessing be upon him) we have obeyed Allah.


When al-Mu'tasim was the Caliph of Baghdad and the Romans invaded Malatya a woman was captured and her hijab torn from her head, she screamed “Wa Mu’atasimah” on being told of what was said by the woman, it is said that he had a cup of water and he left the cup immediately and commanded to deploy a massive army to retaliate against the Romans.


On January 30, 2008, a woman was arrested and charged with trying to rip the turban off a man's head in a Washington Street bar at the precinct, the woman admitted "touching" the turban, but told cops she was only joking and didn't mean anything by it, police said. The woman was charged with bias intimidation and harassment, a charge that - once convicted - can land her up to 18 months prison.


In Melbourne, Australia, on October 26, 2009, a 22-year-old man was punched and had his turban removed as he slept at a bus stop. The victim was asleep at a stop near Epping railway station in Cooper Street about 12.45 a.m. when a bus pulled into the depot. Five youths, believed to be between 17 and 19, approached him. Two of the five youths allegedly bashed the man, while their three companions are believed to have tried to stop the assault. Responding immediately, Australia assured New Delhi that the Indian students would be taken care of.


And recently an eleven year-old boy had his turban ripped off and stamped upon by a group of racist thugs on a Liverpool bus. Arjan Rhode was attacked moments after he got on the bus near Aigburth Road. He was tapped on the shoulder and his turban was suddenly pulled from his head. A group of around nine youths, aged around 18, passed the turban around while mocking the St Benedict's RC College pupil. They shouted a tirade of racist abuse at the terrified boy as they stamped on the turban on the floor. Police arrested a boy aged 17 on suspicion of a religiously aggravated public order offence.


What this unfortunate individual has done here is Trinidad and Tobago is totally unacceptable. We see this as an act repulsive as desecrating a place of worship. This atheist must be punished for his actions. We will be making every attempt to deliver justice in this matter and to have him apologize publicly for this malicious attack on our religious sanctity.


For Immediate Release:
17 April 2010


Umar Abdullah
Head of:
Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (The Islamic Front)
Tel: 1 (868) 787-0765/365-6253
Fax: 1 (868) 631-8597 (Please address to Umar Abdullah)
Email: waajihatulislaamiyyah@gmail.com

Shiites are not Muslims...

Shiites are not Muslims...

One of the most perplexing scenarios to non-Muslims and new Muslims alike is the division they may see between Shiites and Sunni Muslims. Some tend to become confused when they see that each group claims to be following the true Islam. To truly understand this subject to the fullest, one must delve into the early history of Islam and see under what circumstances this division actually began, a study far from possible for most people. Another way, much more in the scope of the average person, is to analyze which group is true to the teachings of Islam, a simple comparison may be done between Sunni and Shiite beliefs and practices in relation to textual evidence, the Quran – the revealed word of God, and the Sunnah – or teachings of Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him.


Many times, people see this division to be a major one, while the fact remains that Shiites only make up a mere 8 percent of the Muslim population, reaching even this figure after taking hold of certain important political regions in history. Not a division, one can confidently say that the Shiites are but one of the various splinter groups which left the pure teachings of traditional Islam. Sunnis, on the other hand, are not a splinter group, but merely name themselves as such to differentiate themselves from the Shiites and other deviant sects.


The word “Sunni” itself comes from the term “Sunnah”, explained earlier to be the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, for they are strict in abiding by these teachings without any introductions, interpolations, or omissions. The word Shiite (Shi’a in Arabic) means a “party”, “sect”, “supporters” or a “group of like minded individuals”.


God says in the Quran addressing His Prophet, Muhammad:


“Verily, those who divide their religion and break up into sects (Shi’a), you have no concern in them in the least. Their affair is only with Allah, Who then will tell them what they used to do.” [Quran 6:159].


Although the specific groups called the Shiites is not what is directly intended in this verse, it is inclusive of them.


When one studies a bit of history, they will see that the term Shiite was first used amongst the Muslims in regards to a political issue over which the Muslims varied, 37 years after the death of the Prophet. Although the Shiites claim that their origin lies in that scenario, the actual term Shiite being used to denote this specific sect actually occurred much later in history. In either case, it is clear that the term was unheard of during the time of the Prophet, and thus we can say that the Shiites were a group which appeared after the death of the Prophet.


The Shrine of the Zoroastrian, Abu Lu’lu’ah, in Kashan, Iran, venerated by Shiites over the long evolution of Shiite thought, they incorporated many foreign concepts into their faith. Starting as a political opinion which favored some views of Ali, the cousin of the Prophet, over some other companions, it became a sect purporting strange ideas foreign to Islam. This was due mainly to the fact that this ideology was mainly espoused by people in areas far from the centers of Islamic learning, namely Persia, those who were either new to Islam, had either converted to Islam nominally, and were living in areas where a large percentage of people remained upon their previous religions. Thus the Shiites became fertile soil to the introduction of foreign ideas, which they struggled to incorporate into some aspects and beliefs maintained by Islam, resulting in a sect composed of ideas stemming from Judaism, Zoroastrianism and Islam. Not strange is it then that we see that one of the most important shrines in Shiism visited by many Shiites is that of Abu Lu’lu’ah, a Zoroastrian who died after the Caliphate of Umar, located in the city of Kashan in present day Iran.


Muhammad Ali Mu’zi, an Iranian Shiite researcher in France, stated:


“The basic fundamentals of the Zoroastrian religion has entered into Shiaism even in some minute issues. …And this relationship marked the brotherhood between Shiaism and the ancient Magian Iran.”


We will now take a brief look at Shiism from just one aspect, that of beliefs. From these few examples, one will clearly see how different it truly is from the religion of Islam brought by Prophet Muhammad.


There are various articles of faith in Islam, and from them branch other beliefs which must be held by all who attribute themselves to Islam.


They are as mentioned in the verse:


“…but piety is that one has firm belief in God, the Last Day, the angels, the scriptures and the Prophets…” [Quran 2:177].


This is also mentioned in a statement of the Prophet, may God praise him: "Faith is that you believe in God, the angels, the scriptures, the Prophets, the Last Day..." [Saheeh Muslim].


This short discourse will merely touch on some of these various aspects of faith, and mention just some of the beliefs of the Shiites and how they differ from Islam.


Belief in God


The proper belief about God, or creed is the most important aspect of the religion of Islam. During the first 13 years of Muhammad’s Prophethood, he corrected people’s beliefs about God, warning them against calling to others besides God, whether angels, prophets, saints, martyrs, trees, stones, stars, or idols. He clarified that only God alone, the One who created them was to be worshipped. Very few legislations and acts of worship were revealed for this period. The majority of the Quran itself calls to this belief.


God says in the Quran that calling to others besides Him is a sin worthy of eternal damnation in Hellfire:


“Verily, whosoever sets up partners in worship with Allah, then Allah has forbidden Paradise for him, and the Fire will be his abode.” [Quran 5:72].


This is an uncompromising belief in Islam, and is the basis from which one enters the fold of Islam. We find, however, that Shiites believe in the veneration of others besides God. Homage is to be paid to great saints and martyrs, such as Ali, Hussein, Fatimah, their Imams, and they are directly called out to in times of need. They believe that they can answer their calls as well as intervene for them with God, a belief that according to Islam is clear disbelief.


God says:


“Is not He (God) Who responds to the distressed one, when he calls Him, and Who removes the evil.” [Quran 27:62].


Another important tenet which Shiism clearly violates is the concept that God Alone administers the affairs of the universe, and it is He alone who knows the Unseen. Shiism attributes these powers to their leaders, called Imams, and place them in a position higher than the Prophets and angels.


God says:


“Say: ‘None in the heavens and the earth knows the unseen except Allah, nor can they perceive when they shall be resurrected.” [Quran 27:65].


“And among His Signs is that He shows you the lightning, by way of fear and hope, and He sends down water (rain) from the sky, and therewith revives the earth after its death. Verily, in that are indeed signs for a people who understand.” [Quran 30:24].


The Shiites give many of these attributes to their Imams. Some of them even attribute lightning to be caused by them.


In authoritative Shiite texts, its states:


“The Imams have knowledge of whatever occurred in the past and whatever will happen in the future, and nothing is concealed from them.” (Al-Kulaini, Al-Kaafi, p.260).


“The Imams have knowledge of all the revealed books, regardless of the languages in which they were revealed” (Ibid, p.227).


“The Imams know when they will die, and they do not die except by their own choice” (Ibid, p.258).


“All of the earth belongs to the Imams.” (Ibid, p.407).


There are many aspects of faith in Shiism that oppose Islam and which render a person out of its fold. Due to this reason, Muslims do not consider Shiism to represent Islam, but rather believe it to contradict the very basics of Islamic teachings.


“When prophet Noah (Peace be upon him) was about to drown in the flooding waters, he invoked God Almighty by our (i.e. the names of the Imams) names. Hence God Almighty came to his rescue. When Prophet Abraham (Peace be upon him) was thrown into the scorching fire, he prayed to God through our names, and God Almighty ordered the fire to be cool and a means of safety for him [Abraham]. When prophet Moses (Peace be upon him) struck the Sea with his rod in quest of a path, he invoked God with respect to our names and God made the sea dry out. Finally when the Jews plotted to kill Jesus (Peace be upon him), he supplicated to God by mentioning our names and was rescued from death. God eventually raised him up.” (Wasa’il As-Sheea, 4/1143)


The Shahaadah


The Shism even differ with Islam in the first and most important pillar of Islam and faith, called the Shahaadah, the testimony one gives upon affirming their faith in Islam, that none deserves worship but God, and that Muhammad is His slave and messenger (laa ilaaha ill-Allah). This testimony is the most important aspect of Islam, and the whole religion is built upon it, and embodies this unique and total monotheism and belief in God.


So important is it that the Prophet pleaded to his uncle who was on his deathbed to testify:


"O uncle! Say ‘laa ilaaha ill-Allah,’ a phrase for which I will plead on your behalf in front of God" [Saheeh Al-Bukhari].


His uncle did not make this testimony due to his fear of what people would say about changing the religion of his forefathers upon death. He died, and the Prophet was informed by revelation that he was among the people of Hell.


Point being, this phrase and what it entails is so important that the Prophet made it a means of everlasting life in Paradise.


He said:


"No one says ‘La ilaaha ill-Allah’ and dies firmly upon it, but he/she will enter Heaven (Paradise)" [Saheeh Al-Bukhari].


Thus is this phrase considered the first pillar of Islam, the very statement that rendered one a believer, gives him an opportunity to enter Paradise!


The Shiites, however, have a different ‘testimony of faith’. They not only negate it meanings, as shown in the previous articles by associating others with God, but they have also added certain principles nowhere to be found in authentic texts. Their shahaadah comprises of the statement: "none deserves worship but God, and that Muhammad is His slave and messenger, and Ali is His beloved and chosen one, and successor to the Prophet".


This is due to the extremism they have in regards to the cousin of Prophet Muhammad, Ali, to whom they claim their origin. The Shiites even claim that the succession of Ali was mentioned in all of the scriptures revealed to the previous prophets. They claim that all will be asked about the succession of Ali on the Day of Judgment, and that if anyone believes differently, they are considered polytheists. Although Ali was known to be one of the most pious of the companions of the Prophet, in no narration can we find that Prophet Muhammad ever mentioned his succession in rule. Actually even when we look at early Shiite works, they themselves attribute this belief to Abdullah ibn Saba’, a renegade who claimed Islam and plotted against the Caliph Uthman, and also claimed that Ali was God Himself. Thus it is clear that these beliefs are all innovations never preached by Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him.


Belief in the Scriptures


God mentions in the Quran that He revealed Scriptures to the Prophets which they taught and recited to their people.


Some of these Prophets and Scriptures are mentioned in the Quran:


Say, “We believe in Allah and that which has been sent down to us and that which has been sent down to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and to the tribes, and that which has been given to Moses and Jesus, and that which has been given to the Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him we have submitted (in Islam).” [Quran 2:136].


“It is He (God) Who has sent down the Book to you with truth, confirming what came before it. And He sent down the Torah and the Gospel.” [Quran 3:3].


It was the Prophets who received revelation, and due to the fact that Muhammad, may God praise him, was the last prophet, there will be no other Scriptures revealed after the revelation of the Quran. The Shiites however, believe that there was a scripture revealed after the Quran before the death of the Prophet, which they call the ‘Tablet of Fatimah’. They claim, that in it were the names of all those who were to be their Imams in the future.


They invented these ideas due to the fact that they could not find any verses in the Quran which they could use to defend their views. They did not cease at this, but also went on to directly challenge the authenticity of the Quran by stating that its has not been preserved, and that the Quran today is incomplete, and that the complete version is with their 12th Imam who has been in hiding for the past 900 years in ‘the cave’. They believe that when he emerges he will bring forth the complete version. This, as should be clear to all, is in direct opposition to the teachings of Islam, as God clearly states that the Quran is under the direct protection of God:


“The Chapter of Succession”. On both sides is a translation in Persian.


“Verily it is We Who have sent down the Reminder and surely, We will guard it (from corruption)” [Quran 15:9].


The Shiites assert that the existing Quran must have been altered, since there is no reference to any of their strayed beliefs in it. One of the first to explicitly state this view was Mirza Hussein Muhammad Taqiy al-Noori al-Tabrasi (d. 1320 AH) in his book The Final Verdict on the Distortion of the Book of the Lord of Lords.


The Shiites became so extreme in their beliefs, that they even attempted to insert chapters about Ali, may God be pleased with him, in the Quran, since they could not find any clear texts. One of them is what they called “The Chapter of Succession”.


Belief in the Prophets


As mentioned earlier, Islam teaches that the Prophets were the best of humanity, specifically chosen by God due to their excellent qualities specifically to preach the message of God to humanity.


God says in the Quran:


“Allah specially chooses Messengers from angels and from humans. Verily, Allah is All-Hearer, All-Seer.” [Quran 22:75].


The Prophets were the best of humans, living examples to be emulated:


“We sent no messenger except to be obeyed, by Allah’s leave…” [Quran 4:64].


The Shiites, however believe that their Imams are better than the prophets, and that some prophets were highly praised only due to their love of the Imams.


If one was to mention all the beliefs of the Shiites in which they have opposed the teachings of Islam, it would definitely need many volumes to do so. It should be clear, however, from this short discourse that the beliefs purported by Shiism has no basis in any of the teachings of Islam, but rather that it is a conglomeration of foreign beliefs evolved over a period of time, all of which revolve around extremist views concerning the leadership of certain favored candidates, known as their Imams. A religion which teaches the worship of God alone and living a life taught by God’s prophets, a message preached by all prophets, has for them become a life and existence solely based upon love of Ali and affirming his and their Imam’s claim to leadership, struggling to find ways to fit into Islamic texts by addition, interpolation, or misrepresentation. Creation comes into being, Prophets are sent and Scriptures are revealed, all for the purpose of succession of Ali and the latter Imams, and even on the Day of Judgment, it will be their Imams, not God, who will judge people. It is no matter to wonder, then, what the basis of entering Heaven or Hell will be according to Shiism.


A religion based upon a claimed love of the family of Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, has lead them to beliefs contradicting the very essence of the message brought by him, the message of Islam.

A Wake Up Call To The Ummah!

Until then, Allah says: 'Verily, Allah will never change the condition of a people until they change what is within themselves.' [Ar-Ra'd, 13:11] 

While thousands of Muslims are killed all over the world, and while tens of thousands are imprisoned and tortured for calling to the path of Allah and for enjoining the good and forbidding the evil, most Muslims remain remarkably silent and have no worry except for the material things of life. Their hearts have been filled with the love of this life and the forgetfulness of the Hereafter.



Allah says in the Qur'an: "You will indeed find them, of all people, most greedy of life, even more than those who do not believe in Resurrection. Each one of them wishes he could be given a life of a thousand years. But the grant of such life will not save him even a little from due punishment. For Allah sees well all that they do." (Al Baqarah, 2:96)


Many Muslims today have become so much attached to their life that their desire is to dwell among their family, house, money and commerce. They have forgotten that matters of the Hereafter should come before matters of this life and that we must strive to follow the orders of Allah, not just those we find easy and convenient to follow.

Some Muslims today claim that it is better to perform extra prayers and extra fasting rather than enjoin the good and forbid the evil or defend the lives of weak Muslims. Such people would even blame the Muslims who strive to perform these obligations.


This is what Ibn al-Qayyim had to say about such people: ''The Shaitan has misled most people by beautifying for them the performance of certain voluntary acts of worship such as voluntary prayers and voluntary fasting while neglecting other obligatory acts of worship such as enjoining the good and eradicating the evil, to the extent that they do not even make the intention of performing them whenever they are able to.


Such people are considered by the scholars to be on the bottom of the scale of religion: For the essence of our religion is to perform what Allah ordered us to do. The one who does not perform his obligations is actually worse than the one who performs sins.


Anyone having some knowledge about the revelation of Allah, the guidance of the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, and the life of the companions would conclude that those who are pointed at today as the most pious people are in fact the least pious.


Indeed, what kind of piety is there in a person who witnesses Allah's sanctities being violated, his religion abandoned, the Sunnah of His Messenger shunned, and yet remains still with a cold heart and a shut mouth' Such a person is like a dumb Shaitan! In the same way the one who talks falsehood is a speaking Shaitan.


Isn't the misfortune of Islam due only to those who whenever their life and food are secure, would not care about what happens to the religion? The best among them would offer a sorry face. But if they were challenged in one of the things their heart is attached to like their money, they would spare no efforts to get it back.


These people, besides deserving the anger of Allah, are afflicted with the greatest calamity without even knowing it: They have a dead heart. Indeed the more alive a person's heart is, the stronger its anger for the sake of Allah and the more complete his support to Islam and Muslims."

The Spice Nutmeg is Haraam (Unlawful)

Shaykh Muhammad bin Ibraaheem Aal as-Shaykh (rahimahullaah), quoted the research of previous scholars quoting the concensus amongst the four madhhabs on the unlawfulness of nutmeg due to its intoxicating nature. Further, the Permanent Committee For Research and Verdicts quoted Shaykh Muhammad (quoting the previous research) in their Fataawee (v.22/pp.162-168), signed by Shaykh Ibn Baaz (president), Shaykh 'Abdur-Razzaaq 'Afeefee (vice-president), and others, and dated 4/11/1376.
The above information was provided by Moosaa ibn John Richardson.


The following research is to establish that nutmeg is an intoxicant and is used for recreational use. As such we advise that you clear your spice racks of it, and notify others.


Abernethy MK, Becker LB. Section of Emergency medicine, University of Chicago Hospitals and Clinics, IL 60637. Acute nutmeg intoxication. Am J Emerg Med. 1992 Sep;10(5):429-30.


Nutmeg is a common household spice sometimes abused for its hallucinogenic properties.


This abuse is well reported in the medical literature over the last century. Ingestion of less than one tablespoon can produce symptoms similar to those of an anticholinergic toxic episode. Common presenting complaints are hallucinations, palpitations, and feelings of impending doom. We report a case of intentional nutmeg intoxication in a 23-year-old college student. As laboratory tests are usually normal, this diagnosis should be considered in patients presenting with an acute psychotic break accompanied by symptoms resembling an anticholinergic toxic episode.


Treatment is primarily supportive once other life-threatening conditions have been ruled out.Mathias B. Forrester. Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Unit, Texas Department of State health Services, 1100 W 49th Street, Austin, TX 78756. Nutmeg intoxication in Texas, 1998-2004. Human & Experimental Toxicology, Vol. 24, No. 11, 563-566 (2005).


Nutmeg is a spice that contains volatile oils comprised of alkyl benzene derivatives (myristicin, elemicin, safrole, etc.), terpenes and myristic acid. Nutmeg has a long history of abuse. This study describes the nutmeg ingestion calls received by Texas poison centers from 1998 to 2004.


There were 17 calls involving nutmeg ingestion, of which 64.7% involved intentional abuse. When abuse and non-abuse ingestions were compared, abuse ingestions were more likely to involve males (100 versus 66.7%) and adolescents (55.6 versus 16.7%). The majority of both abuse and non-abuse calls were managed outside of health care facilities (54.5 and 66.7%, respectively). None of the ingestions resulted in more than moderate clinical effects or death.Demetriades AK, Wallman PD, McGuiness A, Gavalas MC. Department of Accident and Emergency, University College London Hospital, London WC1E 6AU, UK. Low cost, high risk: accidental nutmeg intoxication. Emerg Med J. 2005 Mar;22(3):223-5.


Nutmeg poisoning is rare but probably underreported and should be considered in recreational substance users with acute psychotic symptoms as well as central nervous system neuromodulatory signs that may mimic in part an anticholinergic hyperstimulation.Sangalli BC, Chiang W. Hudson Valley Regional Poison Center at Phelps Memorial Hospital Center, Sleepy Hollow, New York 10595, USA. Toxicology of nutmeg abuse. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol. 2000;38(6):671-8


BACKGROUND: Unpleasant and frightening side effects associated with the abuse of nutmeg occasionally generate emergency department referrals. We report a young patient's first-time experience with nutmeg and review the mechanisms of its toxicity. CASE REPORT: A 13-year-old female ingested 15-24 g of nutmeg over a 3-hour period and smoked and shared 2 joints of marijuana.


To facilitate ingestion, the nutmeg was put into 00-000 gelatin capsules. Bizarre behavior and visual, auditory, and tactile hallucinations developed. She also experienced nausea, gagging, hot/cold sensations, and blurred vision followed by numbness, double, and "triple" vision, headache, and drowsiness. Nystagmus, muscle weakness, and ataxia were present. Her vital signs and laboratory tests were normal. She received 50 g of activated charcoal and except for complaints of dizziness and visual changes, her 2-day admission was uneventful. The central nervous system activity of nutmeg is often postulated to result from biotransformation of its chemical components to amphetamine-like compounds, but this has not been proven. Nutmeg contains several compounds with structural similarities to substances with known central nervous system neuromodulatory activity.Pytte M, Rygnestad T.

Nutmeg--more than a spice. Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen. 1998 Nov 20;118(28):4346-7.


Nutmeg is an easily obtainable spice that has been widely used domestically for centuries because of its psychotropic effects. Several cases of nutmeg poisoning, including one fatality, have been published. The active ingredients are volatile oils where myristicin and elemicin are thought to be the most important constituents. These have anticholinergic and psychotropic properties and are metabolised to compounds similar to amphetamine. We present the first reported case of nutmeg poisoning in Norway.And then some other research papers establishing the same. The intoxicating nature of nutmeg is thoroughly established.

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!

Shaykh Ibraaheem Ibn Muhammad Aal ash-Shaykh

This biography was obtained from: http://www.fatwa-online.com/

He was Abu 'Abdul-'Azeez Ibraaheem Ibn Muhammad Ibn Ibraaheem Ibn 'Abdul-Lateef Ibn 'Abdur-Rahmaan Ibn Hasan Aal ash-Shaykh.

He was born in Riyadh on the 17th of Muharram in the year 1311 A.H./1890 C.E.

He was raised in a righteous environment in Riyadh, under the guidance of his father, Shaykh Ibraaheem Ibn 'Abdul-Lateef. Shaykh Muhammad Ibn Ibraaheem, completed the memorization of the Qur.aan at the age of 11 years. He lost his sight when he was 16 years old. However this did not hinder his determination (to seek knowledge), rather, he continued to attend the lectures of the scholars of his time.

He studied with his father and his uncle, Shaykh 'Abdullaah Ibn 'Abdul-Lateef, who was a famous scholar of his time, in Najd. Whilst in the company of his father and uncle, he memorised several texts in Islaamic Law and the Arabic language. He also studied fiqh and mustalah al-hadeeth (science of hadeeth) with Shaykh Sa'd Ibn 'Ateeq, and studied the various aspects of the Arabic language from Shaykh Hamad Ibn Faaris.

He undertook several government appointments, in addition to his efforts in teaching, passing fatwa and giving khutbah, such as Head of Academic Institutions, Head of the Judiciary, Supervisor of the Islaamic University of Madeenah, at al-Madeenah an-Nabawiyyah, Head of Academic Institutions for girls, and other (such) positions.

Several senior scholars graduated from having studied with him, amongst them: Shaykh 'Abdullaah Ibn Humayd, Shaykh 'Abdul-'Azeez Ibn Baaz and Shaykh Sulayman Ibn 'Ubayd, and other than them.

Shaykh Muhammad Ibn Ibraaheem passed away on Wednesday 24th of Ramadhaan 1389 A.H./1968 C.E. at the age of 78 years.

He left behind a large collection of fataawa and treatises that have been printed in several books and journals.

What Causes Some Muslims to Act Violently?

In order to make a balanced evaluation of issues in international relations as well as in inter-cultural communication, one has to bring a frame of mind capable of understanding and accommodating differences. Prejudices die hard, and world media are bent on feeding them, no matter the terrible cost the world is made to pay.


I hope you will agree that some non-Muslims also act violently. Ours is a world where all sections of people — no matter they are Muslims, Christians, Jews or Hindus — have a tendency to resort to violence when there is enough provocation. But at present, there is a general perception particularly in the West that Muslims are more prone to this weakness than others, especially since September 11, 2001. But violence was not born on 9/11.

Violence has always been present in the human psyche since time immemorial. The two world wars that killed millions of humans had little to do with Islam or Muslims. Even today, the most horrible weapons of global destruction are made, put on sale, and tested on defenseless masses by the "civilized nations" of the world. And when we think of the reasons why some Muslims act violently, we cannot ignore the wars of invasion and occupation waged by the big powers.


Let's consider two Muslim countries where Muslims "act violently": Iraq and Afghanistan. It is claimed that the US invaded Afghanistan because they wanted to destroy the terrorists behind 9/11. But we know that none of the "19 hijackers" came from Afghanistan. And yet the invasion and occupation of Afghanistan has continued for the last nine years.


It is now commonplace that the reasons given by the US government for invading and occupying Iraq were baseless: Iraq had no Al-Qaeda link, and it had no weapons of mass destruction. The UN weapons inspectors had certified this repeatedly, but the Bush administration wouldn't pause to listen to them. They sent their terrible war planes to pound the cities and villages of Iraq; and the mindless destruction continued day after day, night after night for about seven years from 2003 to 2010. The occupation of Iraq continues to this day.


The people of Afghanistan and Iraq confront the machine-gun-toting troops of the occupying powers of the West almost on a daily basis; and if they yearn for freedom from the occupiers, and resort to what they consider the most effective means, namely insurgency, are we justified in placing the blame for their violence squarely on their shoulders alone?


Consider the Palestinian question, which is central to the Middle Eastern quandary. Palestinians are both Christians and Muslims who had been living in Palestine for several centuries; and they are the descendents of the Patriarch Abraham through his sons Ishmael and Isaac. There were Jewish people too — who are also called Old Yishuv by the Israelis — among them.

But soon after the Zionist movement began in Europe as a result of the terrible ghettoization and persecution the Jews of Europe had been subjected to, a good number of the European Jews immigrated to Palestine, claiming the land exclusively for themselves.


And this movement was supported by the same countries that persecuted the Jews of Europe and sent them even to the gas chambers. But it is with their help and support that the extremist Jewish organizations drove out most of the original Arab inhabitants of Palestine from their homeland.


As a consequence of the fighting in Palestine between 1947 and 1949, over 700,000 Palestinian Arabs (Christians as well as Muslims) became refugees. More than 75 percent of the refugees left due to Zionist or Israeli military actions and psychological campaigns aimed at frightening Arabs into leaving, besides direct expulsions. The best-known instance of mass expulsion is that of the 50,000 Arabs of the towns of Lydda and Ramle. The most infamous atrocity occurred at Deir Yassin, a village near Jerusalem, where Menachem Begin's "Irgun" gang killed over 400 unarmed Arabs in cold blood. (El-Khatib, 113)


In 1948, with the recognition of the UN, the Jewish state of Israel was instituted in the same land from where most of the Palestinians were expelled. But after all this, about a million Palestinians are citizens of Israel today, living inside the country's 1949 armistice borders. The largest Palestinian diaspora community, approximately 1.3 million, is in Jordan. Many of them still live in the refugee camps that were established in 1949, although others live in cities and towns. Lebanon and Syria also have large Palestinian populations, living in refugee camps. (Peteet)


The Palestinians in Israel are second-class citizens, since Israel defines itself as the state of the Jewish people, and Palestinians are Muslims and Christians. All of Israel's governments have discriminated against the Arab population by allocating far fewer resources for education, health care, public works, municipal government, and economic development to the Arab sector. (Cattan, 241-255)


In the West Bank and Gaza, the Israeli government inflicts collective punishment on the Palestinians, such as curfews, house demolitions, and closure of roads, schools and community institutions. Since 1967, over 300,000 Palestinians have been imprisoned without trial, and over half a million have been tried in the Israeli military court system.


In short, what we see in Palestine is the systematic occupation of more and more Arab land by Israel. It has been made easy for Israel to do this by the United States. The Israelis, aided, armed, and bankrolled by the US and other powerful countries of the West, goes on inflicting indescribable pain and suffering on the Palestinians. And the latest in a series of assaults on them was the Israeli invasion of Gaza. Today the Gazans are being subjected to a slow genocide by denying them food, shelter, medicine, and even water.


The promise made by the world bodies to Palestinians that they would be given a part of their native land as their own free country remains to this day an empty promise. And Israeli forces continue to ravage what remains of Palestinian homes, farms, schools, and hospitals. In this dire situation, any uprising from the Palestinian side is described by world media as "terrorism" and "extremism". And we hear almost nothing by way of condemnation, or even criticism, of the terrible war crimes committed by the Israeli forces on a defenseless people.


The foregoing I suppose, gives you some idea as to why some Muslims at the end of their tether are driven to act violently, even by imperiling whatever help and support they are getting from outside.

Dead Hearts and Empty Supplications

Dead Hearts and Empty Supplications:



It is reported that Ibrâhîm b. Adham (d162H) – Allâh have mercy on him – once passed through the market of Basrah. People gathered around him and asked:


O Abû Ishâq, Allâh the Exalted says in his Book. ‘Call on me, I will answer your prayers’, but we have been calling on Him for a long time and He does not answer our prayers. [Ibrâhîm] replied, “O people of Basrah, your hearts have died in respect to ten things: First, you know Allâh but you do not give Him His rights; second, you have read Allâh’s Book but you do not act by it; third, you claim to love Allâh’s Messenger – Allâh’s peace and blessings be upon him – yet you abandon his Sunnah; fourth, you claim to be enemies to Shaytân but you conform to [his ways]; fifth, you say you love Paradise yet you do not work for it; sixth, you say you fear The Fire yet you put yourselves closer to it [by sinning]; seventh, you say death is true but you do not prepare for it; eighth, you busy yourselves with the faults of others and disregard your own; ninth, you consume the favors of your Lord but are not grateful for them; and tenth, you bury your dead but take no lesson from them.”

Advice to Teenage Girls and Choosing Friends

You should note that the stage of adolescence is the most dangerous stage that a person goes through, because during this stage there are many physical, mental, emotional and sexual changes, and the shaytaan is keen to tempt a person during this stage by whatever means and methods he can. Hence every adolescent boy and girl must be cautious. What we recommend at this stage is:



Firstly:


* Strive to do acts of worship, both obligatory and mustahabb, and strive to keep away from haraam, doubtful and makrooh things.


* Among the means which will help you to avoid falling into the trap of the shaytaan and keep away from disobedience to Allaah are:


* Remembering that Allaah is always watching and bearing in mind His greatness, especially when you are alone.


* Not following in the footsteps of the shaytaan. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “O you who believe! Follow not the footsteps of Shaytaan (Satan). And whosoever follows the footsteps of Shaytaan (Satan), then, verily, he commands Al Fahsha’ [i.e. to commit indecency (illegal sexual intercourse)], and Al Munkar [disbelief and polytheism (i.e. to do evil and wicked deeds; and to speak or to do what is forbidden in Islam)]” [al-Noor 24:21]. The steps of the shaytaan are like a chain; the one who follows them will not stop and each step is more serious than the one that came before it, unless a person checks himself and gives it up and repents from every sin.


* Repenting from every sin. A Muslim may fall into sin, but if that happens what he must do is give it up and repent, and not continue and persist in it. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And those who, when they have committed Faahishah (illegal sexual intercourse) or wronged themselves with evil, remember Allaah and ask forgiveness for their sins; — and none can forgive sins but Allaah — and do not persist in what (wrong) they have done, while they know” [Aal ‘Imraan 3:135]. And the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Every son of Adam commits sin, and the best of those who commit sin are those who repent.” Narrated by Ibn Majaah (4251). Shaykh al-Albaani said: It is hasan.


* Thinking of death and the meeting with Allaah. The one who remembers that death may come to him suddenly and that he will meet Allaah, Who will ask him about his deeds, will avoid sin.


* Turning to Allaah and praying that He will help you to do good deeds and give up evil deeds, for Allaah will never let down the one who calls upon Him. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And when My slaves ask you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) concerning Me, then (answer them), I am indeed near (to them by My Knowledge). I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on Me (without any mediator or intercessor). So let them obey Me and believe in Me, so that they may be led aright” [al-Baqarah 2:186].


Secondly:


Strive to find good companions and keep away from bad companions, for a friend will have an impact on his friends, as it was said:


Do not ask about a man, rather ask about his friend, for every friend follows the example of his friends.


Thirdly:


You should fill your time with beneficial and useful things, both religious and worldly, and beware of free time for it is one of the greatest sources of corruption at this stage.


Fourthly:


If you want to win people’s hearts, then treat them kindly and have a good attitude towards them, cooperate with them and meet their needs, for in this way you will be able to win their hearts.


Among the wisdom narrated from ‘Ali (may Allaah be pleased with him) are his words:


Do favours to whoever you want and you will be like his master, and be in need of whoever you want and you will be like his prisoner, and be independent of whoever you want and you will be his equal.


We will say something in general terms about winning people’s hearts and earning their love.


Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):


“Verily, those who believe [in the Oneness of Allaah and in His Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم)] and work deeds of righteousness, the Most Gracious (Allaah) will bestow love for them (in the hearts of the believers)” [Maryam 19:96]


Qataadah (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in his commentary on this verse: This means, by Allaah, in the hearts of the believers. It was mentioned to us that Haram ibn Hayaan used to say: No person turns with all his heart to Allaah but Allaah will turn the hearts of the believers towards him, until He blesses him with their love and compassion. Tafseer al-Tabari (18/266).


It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “When Allaah loves a person, He calls Jibreel (A) and says: ‘I love So and so, so love him.’ So Jibreel loves him, then he calls out to the people of heaven, ‘Allaah loves So and so, so love him.’ So the people of heaven love him and he finds acceptance on earth. If Allaah hates someone, He calls Jibreel and says: ‘I hate So and so, so hate him.’ So Jibreel hates him, then he calls out to the people of heaven: ‘Allaah hates So and so, so hate him.’ So they hate him and he is hated on earth.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari (7485) and Muslim (2637).


Now you see that winning people’s hearts and earning their love is not within your capacity or that of any other human being, rather it is in the hand of Allaah alone, may He be glorified and exalted. He is the One Who softens hearts towards one another and He is the One Who separates them. He is the One Who gives and withholds, lowers and raises. All of this is part and parcel of His being the Rabb (Lord or Cherisher and Sustainer) of His creation, may He be glorified.


As for how to attain the love of Allaah, this is the greatest desire of the believer, and this is the great and noble purpose for which there is only one way to attain it, which is by following and obeying His Prophet. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):


“Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم to mankind): “If you (really) love Allaah, then follow me (i.e. accept Islamic Monotheism, follow the Qur’aan and the Sunnah), Allaah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allaah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful” [Aal ‘Imraan 3:31]


It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whosoever shows enmity to someone devoted to Me, I shall be at war with him. My slave draws not near to Me with anything more loved by Me than the religious duties I have enjoined upon him, and My slave continues to draw near to Me with supererogatory works so that I shall love him. When I love him I am his hearing with which he hears, his seeing with which he sees, his hand with which he strikes and his foot with which he walks. Were he to ask [something] of Me, I would surely give it to him, and were he to ask Me for refuge, I would surely grant him it. I do not hesitate about anything as much as I hesitate about [seizing] the soul of My faithful slave: he hates death and I hate hurting him.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari (6502).


If there remain after that people of evil and corruption who love to spread evil among those who believe, and they want to harm you, and want you to agree with them, and are annoyed by your obedience to the Most Merciful, and your keenness to worship Him and attain all the branches of faith, then do not pay any attention to them, and continue on your straight path, and be with His righteous slaves.


Here we should point out the importance of respecting parents and relatives, for they are the most deserving of good treatment and of your efforts to win their hearts. It is essential to be patient with parents when they regard you as still being young, because no matter how old you get, you are still young in your parents’ eyes. Moreover they have the right of being in charge of you, looking after you, raising and teaching you, and disciplining you. They are entrusted with your care, and are responsible for you in this world and in the Hereafter. Part of their duty is that they should ensure that you follow proper etiquette and pay attention to the rulings of Islam, and respect the people’s customs and traditions so long as they do not go against sharee’ah. All of that may conflict with the desires and inclinations of teenagers, which may lead to the situation that you describe, and you feel that it is a problem, i.e., reconciling between what is required of you as a teenager and the whims and desires of your own nafs, and what the duties of etiquette demand of you, and what your parents’ rights dictate, that you should respect and accept the guardianship of your parents.


Hence you will know the answer to the rest of your question. If this friend is a good person, then try to love her and grow close to her, and if she is a bad and corrupt person, then keep away from her and she will also keep away from you.


“Bad statements are for bad people (or bad women for bad men) and bad people for bad statements (or bad men for bad women). Good statements are for good people (or good women for good men) and good people for good statements (or good men for good women): such (good people) are innocent of (every) bad statement which they say; for them is forgiveness, and Rizqun Kareem (generous provision, i.e. Paradise)” [al-Noor 24:26].


And Allaah knows best.

A Wake Up Call To The Ummah!

Until then, Allah says: 'Verily, Allah will never change the condition of a people until they change what is within themselves.' [Ar-Ra'd, 13:11]

We have become Alien to Islam as Islam have become Alien to us...


While thousands of Muslims are killed all over the world, and while tens of thousands are imprisoned and tortured for calling to the path of Allah and for enjoining the good and forbidding the evil, most Muslims remain remarkably silent and have no worry except for the material things of life. Their hearts have been filled with the love of this life and the forgetfulness of the Hereafter.


Allah says in the Qur'an: "You will indeed find them, of all people, most greedy of life, even more than those who do not believe in Resurrection. Each one of them wishes he could be given a life of a thousand years. But the grant of such life will not save him even a little from due punishment. For Allah sees well all that they do." (Al Baqarah, 2:96)


Many Muslims today have become so much attached to their life that their desire is to dwell among their family, house, money and commerce. They have forgotten that matters of the Hereafter should come before matters of this life and that we must strive to follow the orders of Allah, not just those we find easy and convenient to follow.


Some Muslims today claim that it is better to perform extra prayers and extra fasting rather than enjoin the good and forbid the evil or defend the lives of weak Muslims. Such people would even blame the Muslims who strive to perform these obligations.


This is what Ibn al-Qayyim had to say about such people: ''The Shaitan has misled most people by beautifying for them the performance of certain voluntary acts of worship such as voluntary prayers and voluntary fasting while neglecting other obligatory acts of worship such as enjoining the good and eradicating the evil, to the extent that they do not even make the intention of performing them whenever they are able to.


Such people are considered by the scholars to be on the bottom of the scale of religion: For the essence of our religion is to perform what Allah ordered us to do. The one who does not perform his obligations is actually worse than the one who performs sins.


Anyone having some knowledge about the revelation of Allah, the guidance of the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, and the life of the companions would conclude that those who are pointed at today as the most pious people are in fact the least pious.


Indeed, what kind of piety is there in a person who witnesses Allah's sanctities being violated, his religion abandoned, the Sunnah of His Messenger shunned, and yet remains still with a cold heart and a shut mouth' Such a person is like a dumb Shaitan! In the same way the one who talks falsehood is a speaking Shaitan.


Isn't the misfortune of Islam due only to those who whenever their life and food are secure, would not care about what happens to the religion? The best among them would offer a sorry face. But if they were challenged in one of the things their heart is attached to like their money, they would spare no efforts to get it back.


These people, besides deserving the anger of Allah, are afflicted with the greatest calamity without even knowing it: They have a dead heart. Indeed the more alive a person's heart is, the stronger its anger for the sake of Allah and the more complete his support to Islam and Muslims."