570. Can We Go To Amusement Park?

“It is not permissible to go to places in which munkaraat (evil things) are prevalent, (particularly since) there is sufficient enjoyment in the things which Allaah has permitted for us, and we have no need of that which He (Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala) has forbidden for us.” 

(Fataawa al-Lajnah ad-Daa.imah lil-Buhooth al-'Ilmiyyah wal-Iftaa., - Volume 12, Page 361, Question 2 of Fatwa No.9354)

And Shaikh Ibn Uthaymeen said: 

“These funfairs – as the questioner mentioned – include some evils. If there are any objectionable things in them, then if it is possible for a person to remove these objectionable things, then he is obliged to go there in order to remove them. 

If he cannot do that, then it is haraam for him to go there and in that case we say: 

Take your children out to the country and that is sufficient. 

But if he takes them to the funfair, in which there is mixing and foolish man who try to chat up women, and there are clothes that it is not permissible for a woman to wear, then it is not permissible to go there unless he is able to remove the objectionable things.”

(al-Liqa’ al-Shahri, 75/question no. 8)

And Allaah knows best

569. Rain Water Is A Blessing

By Asma Bint Shameem 

Rain water may be used when reading ruqyah over a person who’s sick or affected with magic or evil eye. 

Rain is a blessing and a mercy from Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala. 

And so rainwater is blessed. 

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam used to LOVE to wet himself with rain water. 

Anas radhi Allaahu anhu said

‘We were with Allaah’s Messenger Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam when rain fell upon us. 

Allaah’s Messenger Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam 

opened up his garment a bit so that the rain could touch his skin. 

We asked: “O Messenger of Allaah, why do you do this?” 

He Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam replied: 

*“Because it has just recently come from its Lord’.”* (Muslim)

And he Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said:

“We are given rain by Allaah’s mercy, Allaah’s providence, and Allaah’s grace.” 

(al-Bukhaari)

So rainwater may be used for ruqyah purposes. 

And Allaah knows best

568. Virtue Of Giving Charity

By Asma bint Shameem

We all know the virtue of *giving charity* for the sake of Allaah. 

It’s one of the *most BELOVED* deeds to Allaah and its something that’s rewarded 10 to 700 times or even more. 

Want to know the BEST DAY to give charity?

Yes you guessed it.... it’s *FRIDAY*!

Giving charity on Friday is the *best* day of the week to do so. 

Ibn Al-Qayyim said:

*“Giving charity of Friday with regard to the rest of the week is the best day to do so.*

*This is similar to the superiority of giving charity during Ramadhaan with regard to the rest of the months.”*

And Ka’b radhi Allaahu anhu said:

*“Giving Sadaqah on Friday is better than giving it on any other day of the week”* 

(Abdur Razzak in his Musanaf(5558)-Saheeh)

So just like there are certain times that are better than others, like Ramadhaan is better than other months, or Laylatul Qadr is the best night of the entire year, or the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are the best days of the year, similarly Friday has *superiority* over other days.

Ibn al-Qayyim said:

*“I witnessed Shaykh ul Islaam Ibn Taymeeyah, when he would go out to the Jumu’ah prayer he would take whatever he could find at home of bread etc., and he would give that in charity, secretly on his way to the prayer.”*

(Zad by Ibn al-Qayyim 1/395)

So give sadaqah today, even if it’s ONE dollar. 

Do it *REGULARLY*...

*TODAY* and *EVERY FRIDAY*. 

And reap the rewards from your Rabb. 

“And whatsoever you spend of anything (in Allah’s Cause), He will replace it.” 

(Surah Saba:39)

And Allaah knows best

567. 7 Qu'ranic Du'as For Your Children

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah Sallalahu alayhi wa salaam said, “3 Duas are answered without a doubt: the Dua of an oppressed person, the Dua of a traveler, and *the Dua of a parent over his child.”*

Sunan al-Tirmidhī 1905

*1)* Surah Aal-e-Imran, Verse 38

هُنَالِكَ دَعَا زَكَرِيَّا رَبَّهُ قَالَ *رَبِّ هَبْ لِي مِن لَّدُنكَ ذُرِّيَّةً طَيِّبَةً إِنَّكَ سَمِيعُ الدُّعَاءِ*

There did Zakariya pray to his Lord, saying: *"O my Lord! Grant me from Yourself a progeny that is pure: indeed, You are the hearer of   Duaa*

*2)* Surah As-Saaffat, Verse 100

*رَبِّ هَبْ لِي مِنَ الصَّالِحِينَ*

*"O my Lord! Grant me (a child) from among the righteous !"*

*3)* Surah Aal-e-Imran, Verse 38

*وَإِنِّي أُعِيذُهَا بِكَ وَذُرِّيَّتَهَا مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ*

*"And I commend her and her offspring to Your protection from the Evil One, the Rejected."*

*4)* Surah Ibrahim, Verse 40

*رَبِّ اجْعَلْنِي مُقِيمَ الصَّلَاةِ وَمِن ذُرِّيَّتِي رَبَّنَا وَتَقَبَّلْ دُعَاءِ*

*O my Lord! make me one who establishes regular Prayer, and also (raise such) among my offspring O our Lord! and accept my Prayer.*

*5)* Surah Al-Furqan, Verse 74

وَالَّذِينَ يَقُولُونَ *رَبَّنَا هَبْ لَنَا مِنْ أَزْوَاجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّاتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعْيُنٍ وَاجْعَلْنَا لِلْمُتَّقِينَ إِمَامًا*

And those who pray, *"Our Lord! Grant unto us wives and offspring who will be the comfort of our eyes, and give us (the grace) to lead the righteous."*

*6)* Surah Al-Ahqaf, Verse 15

 قَالَ *رَبِّ أَوْزِعْنِي أَنْ أَشْكُرَ نِعْمَتَكَ الَّتِي أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيَّ وَعَلَىٰ وَالِدَيَّ وَأَنْ أَعْمَلَ صَالِحًا تَرْضَاهُ وَأَصْلِحْ لِي فِي ذُرِّيَّتِي إِنِّي تُبْتُ إِلَيْكَ وَإِنِّي مِنَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ*

 *"O my Lord! Grant me that I may be grateful for Your favour which You have bestowed upon me, and upon both my parents, and that I may work righteousness such that You will approve; and make righteous  for me my offspring. Indeed, i have repented   to You and indeed, I am of the  Muslims."*

*7)* Surah Al-Baqara, Verse 128

*رَبَّنَا وَاجْعَلْنَا مُسْلِمَيْنِ لَكَ وَمِن ذُرِّيَّتِنَا أُمَّةً مُّسْلِمَةً لَّكَ وَأَرِنَا مَنَاسِكَنَا وَتُبْ عَلَيْنَا إِنَّكَ أَنتَ التَّوَّابُ الرَّحِيمُ*

*"Our Lord! make us Muslims, bowing to Your (Will), and of our progeny a people Muslim, bowing to Your (will); and show us our place for the celebration of (due) rites; and turn unto us (in Mercy); for You are the Oft-Returning, Most Merciful.*

The factors that *prevent duaa from being answered* are 

1) Qalb Ghafil 

Oblivious (careless) Heart 

2) Haram sustenance 

3) Being Hasty 

4) Sin block the path of duaa

566. 4 Traits That Allaah Loves

By Asma bint Shameem 

Imam Ibn ul-Qayyim said:

“Generosity is one of the Attributes of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala; 

He gives and does not take; 

He feeds and is not fed; and He is the Most Generous One. 

The most beloved to Him is whoever acquires the same traits; 

He is Generous and He loves the generous; 

He is Knowledgeable and He loves the knowledgeable; 

He is Powerful and He loves the courageous; and

He is Beautiful and He loves beauty.” 

[al-Wabil as-Sayyib p. 43]

Subhaan Allaah!

Four beautiful traits that Allaah loves!

Let’s acquire these traits and gain the love of our Rabb. 

A) *Generosity* — SPEND in the path of Allaah 

B) *Knowledge* — start LEARNING the Deen of Allaah 

C) *Courage* — Fear NO ONE but Allaah 

D) *Beauty* — It’s the beauty INSIDE that counts. 

Be the owner of a beautiful heart and soul.

565. 7 Traps Of Shaytan

1. Misbehaving and not mannered in front of parents and in society - its 'Boldness' 

2. Act and promote 'fahisha' (Naked,Nude behavior) - Its Confidence 

3. No Hijab needed- attracting opposite gender with Shamelessness - Its 'Beauty and Fashion '

4. Illicit & Kafir style actions and #Zina (adultery, fornication, Lust) - Its 'Love ' 

5.Music, dance (like animals), alcohol and drugs,movies - Its 'Entertainment'

6. Wasting precious time of Life (youth and other ages) on useless activities and worst sins possible to commit . Its 'Exception and Needed'. 

7. To talk against and make mockery of religion , scholars , Prophets, Mujahideen Islam - It is independence and 'Freedom of Speech'. 

May Allah azza wajal keep us away from such traps and guide us to sirat Mustaqeem - Milat ul Ibraheem- the way of the Prophets- Ameen 

564. Useful Advice For Muslim Parents

Useful advice for muslim parents on raising children which will have good consequences when the child grows up! (by Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah)

1. Children should not be picked up and carried around until they are three months old or more, because they have only recently emerged from their mother’s wombs and their bodies are still weak.

2. They should be given only milk until their teeth appear, because their stomachs are weak and unable to digest food. When the baby’s teeth appear, his stomach has grown strong and is able to be nourished by food. Food should be introduced gradually.

3. When they approach the age where they will begin to speak and one wants to make it easy for them to speak, a little honey and salt should be placed on the infant’s tongue, because they contain substances that will reduce the excessive moisture that prevents speech. When the child begins to speak, one should prompt him to say Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah Muhammad Rasool Allaah.

4. When the time for the teeth to appear comes, the gums should be rubbed every day with butter and ghee.

5. The child should be protected against everything that may scare him of harsh and terrifying noises, frightening scenes and disturbing movements.

6. Complete breastfeeding lasts for two years. This is the right of the child if he needs it and cannot do without it. The Qur’aan confirmed that by adding the word kaamilayn (meaning complete or whole, in the verse “The mothers shall give suck to their children for two whole years” [al-Baqarah 2:233]). If the one who is breastfeeding the child wants to wean him, she should wean him gradually, and not wean him suddenly in one go; rather she should get him used to it slowly because of the harm that may be done by changing the child’s food and habit in one go.

7. It is mistreatment of children to allow them to eat their fill of food, and to eat and drink a lot. One of the most beneficial ways of training them is to give them less than their fill, so that they may digest well and be in good health, there will be less waste in their bodies and their bodies will be healthy, and they will have less sickness because of having less food waste in their bodies.

8. One thing that the child needs most urgently is close attention to his moral well being. He grows up with whatever the one who is raising him gets him used to when he is small. [If it is] resentment, anger, arguments, haste, being easily led by whims and desires, foolishness, hot-temperedness and greed, then it will be difficult for him to change that when he grows up. Hence you will find that most people are deviant in their character, because of the way they were brought up.

9. The child’s guardian should keep him from taking from others because if he gets used to taking, that will become natural for him, and he will grow up as one who takes and not one who gives. If the guardian wants to give something, he should give it by his hand [i.e., give it to the child to give away] so that that he will taste the sweetness of giving.

10. He should keep him away from lying and treachery more than he would keep him awa y from lethal poison. Once he lets him get the habit of lying and betrayal, he will have corrupted his happiness in this world and in the Hereafter, and deprived him of all goodness.

11. He should keep him away from laziness, idleness, a life of ease and too much rest, and he should force him to do the opposite. He should not let him rest more than is sufficient to restore his energy so that he can do more work, for laziness and idleness bring bad consequences and lead to regret. Yahya ibn Abi Katheer said: “Knowledge cannot be attained by letting the body rest.”

12. He should get him used to waking up at the end of the night, for that is the time when reward is allocated and prizes are awarded; some will take less and some will take more and some will be deprived. If he gets used to that when he is little, it will be easy for him when he grows up.

This is an excerpt from the book of: Imam Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah (d. 751 AH), a famous book called Tuhfat al-Mawdood bi Ahkaam al-Mawlood. One of the most important chapters of his book is the sixteenth chapter, which is entitled Fi fusool naafi’ah fi Tarbiyat al-Atfaal tuhmad ‘awaaqibuha ‘ind al-Kabr (Useful advice on raising children which will have good consequences when the child grows up).

[Tuhfat al-Mawdood (194-203).]

563. 7 Prophetic Du'as For our Children

Parenting is the world's most challenging task, yet it can be the most satisfying and rewarding one, when done, the way Allah wants us to do !

Besides, we rely on our Greatest  weapon, DU'A

Amongst the many hurdles, we know that Shaitan is one of our greatest enemy & hence we need to seek refuge in Allah from his evil plots, *Even before the child is born !*

Hence, please make sure to protect our upcoming generations by consciously making dua before intimacy. 

Abu Huraira said, "I heard Allah's Messenger (sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam) saying, 'There is none born among the off-spring of Adam, but Satan touches it. A child therefore, cries loudly at the time of birth because of the touch of Satan, except Mary and her child." Then Abu Huraira recited: "And I seek refuge with You for her and for her offspring from the outcast Satan" (3:36)

Sahih Al Bukhari 3134

*1) Du'a before  Intimacy*

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ اللَّهمَّ جَنِّبْنَا الشَّيْطَانَ، وَجَنِّبِ الشَّيْطَانَ مَا رَزَقْتَنَا

‘In the name of Allah. O Allah, keep the devil away from us and keep the devil away from that which You provide for us .’

Al-Bukhari 6/141

Muslim 2/1028

*2) Du'a for Protection from evil* 

Ibn 'Abbaas (ra)related that the Messenger of Allaah (sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam) used to commend al-Hasan and al-Husayn to Allaah's protection, saying:

أُعيـذُكُمـا بِكَلِـماتِ اللهِ التّـامَّة، مِنْ كُلِّ شَيْـطانٍ وَهـامَّة، وَمِنْ كُـلِّ عَـيْنٍ لامَّـة

I seek protection for you in the Perfect Words of Allah from every devil and every beast , and from every envious blameworthy eye.

Al-Bukhari 4/119

*3) Du'a when someone wears new clothes.*

When we see our children wear new clothes, we can make this du'a for them.

اِلْبَـسْ جَدِيـداً وَعِـشْ حَمِـيداً وَمُـتْ شَهِيداً

Wear new clothes, live commendably (a praise-worthy life)  and die a martyr (shaheed).

Ibn Majah 2/1178

Sahih- by Al-Albani

*4) Du'a for Aafiya*

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْعَفْوَ وَالْعَافِيَةَ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْعَفْوَ وَالْعَافِيَةَ فِي دِينِي وَدُنْيَايَ وَأَهْلِي، وَمَالِي،

 

O Allaah, I ask You for pardon and well-being in this life and the next. O Allaah, I ask You for pardon and well-being in my religious and worldly affairs, and my family and my wealth.

Sahih ibn Majah 2/332

*5) Du'a for ease*

Seeking Allah help to make parenting easy each passing day.

اَللّٰهُمَّ لَاسَھْلَ اِلاَّ مَاجَعَلْتَهُ سَھْلًا وَاَنْتَ تَجْعَلُ الْحَزْنَ سَھْلًا اِذَا شِئْتَ 

O Allah! There is no ease except which You have made easy and You ease out the difficulty. 

Sahih ibn Hibban 2429

*6) Du'a for Anguish*

Protection for every moment as parents.

اَللّٰهُمَّ رَحْمَتَكَ اَرْجُوْ فَلَا  تَكِلْنِیْ اِلٰی نَفْسِیْ طَرْفَةَ عَيْنٍ وَّاَصْلِحْ  لِیْ شَاْنِیْ کُلَّهُ لَا اِلٰهَ اِلَّا اَنْتَ 

 O Allah! I hope for Your mercy, so do not entrust me to myself for the twinkling of an eye and set all my affairs straight, there is no deity except You. 

Abu Dawud 4/324

Sahih by Al Albani 

*7) Du'a for Protection from misery & grief*

اَللّٰهُمَّ اِنِّیْ اَعُوْذُ بِكَ مِنْ جَارِالسُّوْءِ وَمِنْ زَوْجٍ تُشَیِّبُنِیْ قَبْلَ الْمَشِیْبِ وَمِنْ وَلَدٍ یَکُوْنُ عَلَیَّ رَبًا وَّمِنْ مَّالٍ یَکُوْنُ عَلَیَّ عَذَابًا وَّمِنْ خَلِیْلٍ مَّاكِرٍ عَیْنُهُ تَرَانِیْ وَقَلْبُهُ یَرْعَانِیْ اِنْ رَّاٰی حَسَنَةً دَفَنَھَا وَاِنْ رَّاٰی سَیِّئَةً اَذَاعَھَا 

O Allah! I seek your protection from evil neighbour, and from a spouse who will cause me to age before my time, *and from children who will become a source of misery and grief for me*, and from wealth which will become a means of torment for me, and a treacherous friend whose eyes are always watching me, and in his heart, he is probing into my affairs. And if he sees any good in me, he will conceal it but if he comes across any faults in my character he exposes them to all. 

Silsilah Hadith Sahih 

3137

*8) Du'a for Protection & Baraka*

اَللّٰهُمَّ اَلِّفْ بَيْنَ قُلُوْبِنَا وَاَصْلِحْ ذَاتَ بَيْنِنَا وَاھْدِنَا سُبُلَ السَّلَامِ وَنَجِّنَا مِنَ الظُّلُمَاتِ اِلَی النُّوْرِ وَجَنِّبْنَا الْفَوَاحِشَ مَا ظَھَرَ مِنْھَا وَمَا بَطَنَ وَبَارِكْ لَنَا فِیْ اَسْمَاعِنَا واَبْصَارِنَا وَقُلُوْبِنَا وَاَزْوَاجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّاتِنَا وَتُبْ عَلَيْنَا اِنَّكَ اَنْتَ التَّوَّابُ الرَّحِيْمُ وَاجْعَلْنَا شَاكِرِیْنَ لِنِعَمِكَ مُثْنِیْنَ بِھَا عَلَيْكَ قَابِلِیْنَ لَھا وَاَتْمِمْھَا عَلَیْنَا 

 O Allah! Put affection amongst our hearts, reform our matters within us, guide us to the path of peace, save us from the darkness towards the light, save us from all kinds of obscenity; the apparent as well as the hidden; bless our hearing, our sight, our hearts, our spouses and *our children,* turn in mercy towards us. Indeed You are the One who greatly accepts repentance, most Merciful. Make us the ones most grateful for Your bounties so we may compete with one another in Praising You for these (bounties) and complete these (bounties) for us. 

Mustadarak Al Hakim 

Sahih -1016

*May Allah accept our du'a, Aameen*

562. Duaas And Adhkaar That The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alayhi Sa Sallam Frequently Said During The Day And Night

 By Asma bint Shameem 

There are many duaas and adhkaar that the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam frequently said during the day and night. 

All of them are beautiful, yet very deep and rich in meaning. 

Of these, the duaas most frequently said by the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam were:

a) Anas radhi Allaahu anhu  said that *the most frequent Dua'a* of the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam 

was:

اللهم ربَّنا آتِنا في الدنيا حسنةً، وفي الآخِرةِ حسنةً، وقِنا عذابَ النارِ

"Allahumma atina fid-dunya hasanatan, wa fil-akhirati hasanatan, wa qina 'adhab-annar”

“O our Lord, grants us the best in this life and the best in the next life, and protects us from the punishment of the Fire.” 

(al-Bukhaari, Muslim)

b) Umm Salamah radhi Allaahu anhaa said: 

‘The supplication *he said most frequently* was: 

”‏ يَا مُقَلِّبَ الْقُلُوبِ ثَبِّتْ قَلْبِي عَلَى دِينِكَ ‏”‏

“O Changer of the hearts, make my heart firm upon Your religion 

Yaa Muqallibal-quloob, thabbit qalbī `alaa deenik.

She said: 

‘So I said: 

“O Messenger of Allaah, why do you supplicate so frequently: ‘O Changer of the hearts, make my heart firm upon Your religion.’ 

He said:

‘O Umm Salamah! Verily, there is no human being except that his heart is between Two Fingers of the Fingers of Allaah, so whomsoever He wills He makes steadfast, and whomever He wills He causes to deviate.’”

(At-Tirmithi- saheeh by al-Albaani)

Subhaan Allaah so easy but SO Deep and SO comprehensive! 

Let’s memorize these beautiful duaas and let’s make them a FREQUENT part of OUR lives too, just as they were a part of the life of our Beloved; Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam. 

May Allaah forgive us and accept from us. Ameen

561. Is It Haraam To Keep Images Of Animate Beings In Our Homes And Shops

By Asma Bint Shameem

First of all, it is haraam to keep images of animate beings in our homes and shops. 

The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said: 

“The angels do not enter a house in which there is a dog or an image.” (Ibn Maajah -- saheeh by al-Albaani)

As for offering prayers in a room where there’s an image or a statue:

The majority of the scholars say that it is makrooh (allowed but disliked) to pray in a room that has images in it. 

But others said it is absolutely prohibited. 

Ibn Tayimiyah said: 

“The correct view, which was narrated from ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab and others, and is mentioned in reports from Ahmad and others, is that if there are images in it (the church), he should not pray there, because the angels do not enter the room in which there are images, and because the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam did not enter the Ka‘bah until the images that were in it had been erased. This is what ‘Umar said: “We would not enter their churches if there were images in them.”

(Majmoo‘ al-Fataawa, 22/162)

And Al-Shibramalsi said: 

“It is makrooh to pray in a garment on which there is an image, or on a cloth on which there is an image, even if one is blind or it is dark, or the image is behind his back or placed face downwards on the ground so that he cannot see it when he prays on it (the cloth). This is clear, so as to keep away from the image which is forbidden.”

(Haashiyat Nihaayat al-Muhtaaj, 2/14)

So we cannot keep any kind of 2D or 3D images of living beings. 

But if you’re in some place where there are images and there’s no other choice but to offer your prayer there, otherwise you would miss your prayer, then you can go ahead and pray there and the prayer would be valid. 

But try to cover the picture with something or move it away if possible. 

The scholars of the Standing Committee said:

“It is haraam to keep images or statues and put them in houses, 

because the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said to ‘Ali radhi Allaahu anhu: 

“Do not leave any image without erasing it or any built-up grave without levelling it.” 

And because he Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said: 

“The angels do not enter a house in which there is a dog or an image.” 

It is makrooh to pray in a room in which there are pictures hanging or statues, especially if they are in front of the person when he faces the qiblah. But the prayer is *valid*. 

[Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah (5/377) [vol. 2]

And Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen said:

“As for the prayer, it is *valid*, but it is *makrooh* to pray in a place in which there are images except in the case of *necessity*; if nothing else is available, then there is nothing wrong with it.”

And Allaah knows best

560. Taking The Husband’s Name After Marriage……Not Based On Sharee’ah

By Asma bint Shameem

In our eagerness to copy everyone around us, we Muslims have adopted many of their practices which have no basis in the Sharee’ah. 

And among them is the practice of a woman changing her family name to that of her husband after she gets married. 

The fact is that Islam does not require woman to change her name at marriage and there is nothing in the Sunnah to indicate that a woman should take her husband’s name after she gets married.

Actually, the Ulama tell us that this is an innovated practice that is not approved of in Islaam.

Now, I know some people will say…

“ Oh, come on…What is the big deal?!!”

So read on and you will know what I mean….

The wives of the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) are the Mothers of the Believers, and the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam), is the noblest of people and the best example. 

And yet when we look at their example, we will realize that when the Prophet(Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) married any of his wives, NOT ONE of them took his name. 

On the contrary, each one of them kept her father’s name even if her father was a kaafir. 

Similarly, the wives of the Sahaabah and those who came after them did not change their names. 

Did you ever think why they didn’t do that?

Surely, if it was a good thing, the wives of the Prophet(Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) would have done it and the Prophet(Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) would himself have instructed it and encouraged them to do it.

That is because it is Allaah’s order to keep your father’s name as an indication of your lineage.

“Call them (adopted sons) by (the names of) their fathers, that is more just with Allaah…” [al-Ahzaab 33:5].

And the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: 

"Whoever calls himself by other than his father’s

name, will be cursed by Allaah, the angels and all the people." (Ibn Maajah -Saheeh by al-Albaani).

And he (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) also said: 

“Whoever knowingly claims to belong to anyone other than his father, Paradise will be denied him.” (al-Bukhaari, Muslim).

Now some might argue….

“But the woman is not claiming that her father is someone else. She is just honoring her husband or she doesn’t mean it that way. She just wants to belong to her husband out of love for him.”

To those people I say….

If it was a matter of honor to have the husbands name attached to the wife’s, wouldn’t our Ummahaat have done that?

Isn’t it the biggest honor in the WORLD to have the name of the Prophet(Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) attached to yours?

And yet the wives of the Prophet(Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) didn’t do that. 

Ever wondered why??

And if it was a matter of expressing love for the husband, no relationship between a husband and wife on the face of this earth was better than the relationship between the Prophet(Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) and his wives. 

And yet none of the Mothers of the Believers expressed their love for the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) by changing their last names.

The last name is an indication of the father of the person and represents the person’s lineage. 

Shaykh Bakr Abu Zayd said: 

“This is one of the beauties of Sharee’ah, because calling a person by his father’s name is more appropriate for knowing who is who and telling people apart…..” (Tasmiyat al-Mawlood, 30, 31).

Originally, the woman is ‘the Daughter of So and so’, and NOT ‘the wife of So and so’. 

Since there is no blood relationship between the husband and wife, how can she take his last name as if she is part of the same lineage? 

Also what happens if she gets divorced, or her husband dies, and she  marries another man? 

Will she keep changing her last name every time she marries another man? 

In addition to this, there are rulings attached to the woman being named after her father, which have to do with her inheritance, spending and who is her mahram, etc. 

Taking her husband’s last name overlooks all that. 

Also, if you think about it, the husband is named after his own father, and what does she have to do with the lineage of her husband’s father? This goes against common sense and true facts. 

Besides, the husband has nothing that makes him better than his wife’s father. 

So why should she give up her father’s name and  take her husband’s last name?

And why does the man get to keep his father’s name and not the woman?

It just doesn’t make any sense.

Sheikh Salih Al-Munajjid says:

“A woman changing her family name to that of her husband after she gets married is Haraam and is not allowed in Sharee’ah, because it is not permissible for anyone to claim to belong to anyone other than his or her father…… And Allaah knows best.” 

Not only is it so in this world,  but, we will also be called by our father‘s name in the Hereafter as well. 

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said:

“On the Day of Resurrection, each betrayer will have a banner raised beside him, and it will be said, this is the betrayer of So and so, the son of So and so.” (Bukhaari, Muslim).

So, all you single females out there, don’t be in such a hurry to change your maiden name after you get married. 

And those of you who have already done that, it is never too late. 

Take back your maiden name and reclaim your identity. It is part of the Sharee’ah.

559. Are There Any Duaas Before, During And After Wudhu?

By Asma bint Shameem 

Wudhu is an act of worship and so is duaa. 

And since all acts of ibaadah are ‘tawqeefi’, meaning they have to have PROOF from the Qur’aan or authentuc ahaadeeth, we cannot bring in ‘our’ way of making wudhu and we cannot start saying Duaas on our own in our own way. 

We should only make wudhu the way the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam made wudhu and we should say only those duaas that the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said, EXACTLY the ‘way’ he said them, and in the ‘places’ where he said them, when making wudhu. 

Let’s see what those duaas are. 

1. BEFORE Wudhu

It is highly recommended to start your wudhu by saying:

بسم الله

“Bismillaah”

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

“There is no wudhu for one who does not mention the name of Allaah in it.” (al-Tirmidhi - saheeh by al-Albaani)

It’s so important that some of the ulama even considered it obligatory to say Bismillaah before wudhu. 

So don’t forget to say it. 

2. DURING Wudhu

There’s NOTHING proven from the Qur’aan or authentic hadeeth that any duaa or any dhikr is to be said DURING wudhu. 

What some of us were taught to say during wudhu as we wash each part has NO BASIS. 

So there’s NO PROOF of saying la ilaaha ilallaah or Astaghfirullaah or Subhaan Allaah or ANY OTHER dhikr or duaa while washing the different parts in wudhu. 

Ibn al-Qayyim said:

“It is not narrated from him Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam that he used to say anything in his wudhu apart from saying Bismillaah. Every hadeeth which speaks of du’aa’s to be said in wudhu’ is FALSE and FABRICATED. The Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam  did not say any of these things and he did not teach them to his ummah.”  [Zaad al-Ma’aad(1/195)] 

And Imaam an-Nawawi said:

“As for the du’aa’s that are said when washing various parts of the body in wudhu, NO such thing has been narrated from the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam.” [al-Adhkaar (p. 30)]

3. AFTER wudhu:

a) The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

“There is no one among you who does wudoo; and does it well, then says, 

أشْهَدُ أنْ لا إله إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لا شَرِيك لَهُ ، وأشْهَدُ أنَّ مُحَمَّداً عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ 

Ashhadu an laa ilaaha ill-Allaah wahdahu laa shareeka lah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu was rasooluhu 

“I bear witness that there is no god except Allaah alone, with no partner or associate, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger” but the eight gates of Paradise will be opened for him and he will enter through whichever one he wants.” (Muslim)

b) He also said:

  اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْنِي    مِنَ التَوَّابِينَ ، واجْعَلْني مِنَ المُتَطَهِّرِينَ

“Allaahumm aj’alni min al-tawwaabeena waj’alni min al-mutatahhireena 

“O Allaah, make me one of those who repent and make me one of those who purify themselves.” 

(at-Tirmidhi - saheeh by al-Albaani)

c) A third duaa to be said:

 سُبْحانَكَ اللَّهُمَّ وبِحَمْدِكَ ، أشْهَدُ أنْ لا إلهَ إِلاَّ أنْتَ ، أسْتَغْفِرُكَ وأتُوبُ إِلَيْكَ

“subhaanaka Allaahumma wa bi hamdika, ashhadu an laa ilaaha ill anta, astaghfiruka wa atoobu ilayka

“Glory and praise be to You, O Allaah, I bear witness that there is no god but You, I seek Your forgiveness and I repent to You”

(al-Nasaa’i - saheeh by al-Albaani)

Say all the above three duaas at the end of your wudhu. 

Some IMPORTANT points:

Do note that it is NOT proven from the authentic Sunnah to raise the index finger or look up towards the sky while saying the duaa/shahadah after wudhu. 

Similarly, there’s NO PROOF to say any “specific surah” before, after or during wudhu. 

Also remember that when saying any duaa or dhikr, whether for wudhu or in Salaah or at any other time, we should MOVE our lips and tongue and not just ‘think’ about them in the head or ‘say’ them in our heart. 

 QUESTION

What if the place I make wudhu is next to the toilet where I relieve myself? Do I still say the duaas for wudhu?

ANSWER

If the toilet/commode area is in the same room as the place for wudhu, you should say Bismillaah and the duaas for wudhu SILENTLY in your HEART. 

That’s because it’s makrooh (disliked) to take Allaah’s Name out of respect in such a place. 

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen said:

“If a person is in the bathroom, then Imam Ahmad said: If a man sneezes he should praise Allaah in his heart. It may be deduced from this report that he should also say ‘Bismillaah’ in his heart.”

[al-Sharh al-Mumti’(1/130)] But some of the ulama are of the opinion that we can say Bismillaah and take Allaah’s name in the bathroom.

 Shaikh Salih al _Fawzaan said: 

“ A person says Bismillaah, even if they are in the bathroom.

Bathrooms today are different to the toilets of the past. 

Today they are flushed and the urine and feces is taken away by the water.”

And Allaah knows best.

558. Which Color Is Forbidden For A Man And Woman ?

By Asma Bint Shameem

Women can wear any color. 

As for men, some of the scholars said they are not allowed to wear solid red or orange. 

Abdullah bin Amr bin Al-Aas said: 

“The Prophet sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam saw me dressed in two saffron-colored garments and asked, 

“Has your mother commanded you to wear these?” 

I asked him, 

“Shall I wash them out?” 

He replied, 

“You had better set them to fire.” (Muslim)

Another narration says: 

“These are garments of the disbelievers. So do not wear them.” (Muslim)

However some of the ulama say that this ruling was only for clothes dyed with a specific kind of dye. 

Shaikh Assim al-Hakeem said:

“It is permissible for them to wear orange and yellow as long as it is

a norm also in their society. 

The Hadeeth refer to a particular dye that was prohibited such as using saffron.”

That’s why Saffron is forbidden for men to be used even as a perfume. 

Anas radhi Allaahu anhu said: 

“The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam forbade men to use saffron.” (al-Bukhaari, Muslim)

At-Tirmidhi said: 

“What is meant by it being disliked for a man to use saffron is for him to perfume himself with saffron.” (Sunan at-Tirmidhi )

And Allaah knows best

557. Is Working In Bank Allowed?

By Asma bint Shameem 

Working in a conventional bank is not allowed because the whole system runs on interest. 

And working in any department of the bank would be “assisting” in this major sin, while Allaah is telling us to cooperate in goodness and not in sin 

وَتَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْبِرِّ وَالتَّقْوَىٰ وَلَا تَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْإِثْمِ وَالْعُدْوَانِ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ شَدِيدُ الْعِقَابِ

“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.”

 (Surah al-Ma’edah:2)

And Allaah says:

مَّن يَشْفَعْ شَفَاعَةً حَسَنَةً يَكُن لَّهُ نَصِيبٌ مِّنْهَا وَمَن يَشْفَعْ شَفَاعَةً سَيِّئَةً يَكُن لَّهُ كِفْلٌ مِّنْهَا وَكَانَ اللَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ مُّقِيتًا

“Whosoever intercedes for a good cause will have the reward thereof, and whosoever intercedes for an evil cause will have a share in its burden. And Allah is Ever All-Able to do (and also an All-Witness to) everything.“

(Surah an-Nisaa:85)

Jaabir radhi Allaahu anhu said:

“The Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam CURSED ten people: the one who consumes ribaa, the one who pays ribaa, the one who writes it down, the two who witness it, the one who makes it lawful, the one for whom it is made lawful...” (Saheeh Muslim)

The scholars of the Standing Committee said:

“It is not permissible for a Muslim to work as a guard for banks that deal with riba, because this is a kind of cooperating in sin and transgression, and Allaah has forbidden that. Most of the banks deal with riba, so you have to look for a halaal means of earning a living, not this way.”

(Fataawa Islamiyyah, 2/401, 402)

And Allaah knows best

556. Is All Seafood Halal? What About Shrimps And Sharks?

By Asma bint Shameem 

In determining whether something is halaal or haraam to consume, the principle of the Sharee’ah is that unless the thing is mentioned in the Qur’aan and/or authentic ahaadeeth as something forbidden, it is considered HALAAL for us to consume. 

So we can’t say something is disallowed to consume unless there’s PROOF of that from the Sharee’ah. 

Allaah says.

“So eat of the sustenance which Allaah has provided for you, lawful and good; and be grateful for the favors of Allaah,  if it is He whom you serve. 

He has only forbidden you: dead meat, and blood, and the flesh of swine, and any (meat) over which the name of other than Allaah has been invoked. 

But if one is forced by necessity without willful disobedience nor transgressing due limits,then Allaah is Oft-Forgiving Most Merciful. 

But say not for any false thing that your tongues may put forth "This is lawful and this is forbidden" so as to ascribe false things to Allaah.   

For those who ascribe false things to Allaah will never prosper.”

(Surah Nahl: 114-116)

Thus, when we look at the Qur’aan and authentic ahaadeeth, we see that ALL seafood is *halaal*. 

Allaah says:

“It is He (Allaah) Who has subjected the sea to your service so that you may get fresh flesh from it to eat and bring out of it articles of ornaments,  which you wear.”  (Surah an-Nahl:14)

And He says: 

“Lawful to you is (the pursuit of) water-game and its use for food – for the benefit of yourselves and those who travel…” [al-Maa’idah 5:96]. 

Ibn ‘Abbaas explained the above Aayah and said: 

“ Sayduhu (lit. hunting, pursuit) refers to whatever is taken from it alive, and ta’aamuhu (lit. its food) means whatever is taken dead.”

Umar ibn al-Khattaab radhi Allaahu anhu said: 

“Water game means what is hunted, and its food is what the sea throws out (onto the shore).” (al-Bukhaari) 

Shurayh radhi Allaahu anhu said:

“Everything in the sea is madhbooh (slaughtered).” (al-Bukhaari) 

Abu Hurairah radhi Allaahu anhu said that a man asked the Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam:

"O Messenger of Allaah, we sail on the ocean and we carry only a little water.  If we use it for ablution, we will have to go thirsty. 

May we use sea water for ablution?"

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

"Its (the sea) water is pure and (even) its dead (animals) are lawful (i.e., they can be eaten without any prescribed slaughtering)." (al-Bukhaari) 

 

Shaikh Salih al-Munajjid said:

“ALL kinds of food from the sea are permissible, whether they are plants or animals, alive or dead.”

This proves that ALL types sea food are halaal, whether it’s crabs, prawns, shrimps, fish eggs, even sharks and whales; ANYTHING that predominantly lives in the sea.

However, if there’s something that’s *harmful* for us to consume, then obviously we shouldn’t eat it and it’s forbidden for us, irrespective of whether it comes from the sea or land. 

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

“There should be neither harming nor reciprocating harm” (Ibn Maajah- saheeh by al-Albaani)”

So say Alhamdulillaah and eat from the sea, what you like. 

And ENJOY the blessings of your Rabb. 

‎فَبِأَيِّ آلَاءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ

“Which then of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?”

 And Allaah knows best