738. Handling The Mushaf

By Asma Bint Shameem

Of course we have to handle the Mus-haf with utmost care and respect. 

But if we accidentally drop it, there’s nothing for us to do, except be even more careful in handling the Mus-haf the next time. 

And there’s NO SIN on you. 

That’s because our intention was NOT to be disrespectful to the Qur’aan. 

And the reward or sin depends on the INTENTION. 

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

“The reward of deeds depends on the intentions and  every person will have only what they intended.” (al-Bukhaari, Muslim) 

Also we’re not punished for something that’s *unintentional*.

Allaah quotes the believers as saying:

“ ‘Our Lord! Punish us not if we forget or fall into error’”[al-Baqarah 2:286]

To that duaa, Allaah responded:

“I have done that” (i.e., responded to the prayer uttered in this aayah).” (Muslim 126)

And Allaah says:

“And there is no sin on you concerning that in which you made a mistake except in regard to what your hearts deliberately intend” [al-Ahzaab 33:5]

So pick up the Mus’haf quickly as soon as you drop it. 

And there’s no need to kiss it or touch it to your head, or give sadaqah etc. Just pick it up and be careful next time. 

Shaykh Salih al-Fowzaan said:

“There is no proof for that; kissing the Mus-haf has no proof for it. 

So if he/she drops the Mus-haf then let him grab it and pick it up and this is sufficient and all praise is due to Allaah without (him) kissing it.”

And Allaah knows best

737. When A Husband Divorces His Wife

 By Asma bint Shameem 

The correct rules regarding divorce are:

When a man divorces his wife, her iddah starts IMMEDIATELY 

It lasts for THREE menstrual cycles or till she gives birth, if she’s pregnant 

They have a chance to reconcile with each other during this time. 

The wife should stay at her HUSBAND’s house during these three months 

She should ADORN herself and does NOT wear hijaab in front of him. 

She lives like she did BEFORE the divorce. She cooks, cleans and does EVERYTHING like she did before EXCEPT intercouse. 

The purpose behind this is that our Deen ENCOURAGES that the husband and wife get back together. 

If he decides to take her back, all he has to do is say he’s taking her back or show in other ways that he wants to reconcile, for example have intercourse with her. And he does not have to do anything else to claim her back. She is his wife again. 

But this will count as FIRST divorce. 

If he does NOT take her back WITHIN the iddah period, and her iddah is OVER, she goes home to her father’s house and they’re divorced. 

Once the iddah is over, she may marry someone else. 

HOWEVER, 

IF the ex husband wants to reconcile AFTER the iddah is over, *he may STILL do so*.

But now he has to marry her again with a NEW contract and a NEW mahr. 

However he only has ONE MORE chance for a revocable divorce. 

If he divorces her a SECOND time, the SAME rules will apply. 

BUT if he divorces her a THIRD time, then that  divorce is IRREVOCABLE and she will be permanently forbidden to marry. 

That is UNLESS she marries a different person, WITHOUT the intention of marrying the first person, and LIVES a NORMAL married life in a *genuine* marriage with her second husband. 

And IF the second husband HAPPENS BY CHANCE to die or divorce her, she may be allowed to marry her first husband. 

IF she married the second husband JUST to get back with her first husband, that is a MAJOR SIN and HARAAM. 

Shaikh Ibn Baaz said:

“If a man divorces his wife and this is the first or second talaaq and she has not ended her ‘iddah (by giving birth if she is pregnant or by the passage of three menstrual cycles), then he can take his wife back by saying, “I am taking you back” or “I am keeping you.” 

Then his taking her back is valid. 

Or he may do some action intending thereby to take her back, such as having intercourse with the intention of taking her back. 

The Sunnah is to have two witnesses to the fact that he has taken her back, so that two witnesses testify to that, because Allaah says: 

“Then when they are about to attain their term appointed, either take them back in a good manner or part with them in a good manner. And take as witness two just persons from among you (Muslims)”[al-Talaaq 65:2]

In this manner a man may take his wife back. 

But if the ‘iddah has ended following a first or second talaaq, then there has to be a new marriage contract. 

In this case he has to propose marriage like any other man, to her guardian and to her. 

When she and her guardian agree and they agree upon a mahr, then the marriage contract is completed. 

That must be done in the presence of two just witnesses. 

But if the divorce is the final – i.e., third – divorce, then she becomes haraam for him until another man has married her, because Allaah says: 

“And if he has divorced her (the third time), then she is not lawful unto him thereafter until she has married another husband” [al-Baqarah 2:230]So it is not permissible for him to marry her unless she has been married to another man and the marriage has been consummated, then he leaves her either through death or divorce. 

This marriage must be a legitimate shar’i marriage; if she marries him just to make it permissible for her to go back to her first husband, that is not permitted and she does not become permissible (to the first husband).”

(Fataawa Al-Talaaq 1/195-201)

What if the man says talaaq three times in one sitting?

Multiple divorces in one sitting are counted as “ONE”.

Even if he says it a 100 times, it counts as one talaaq. 

And it counts as ONE talaaq, even if the husband said it on different occasions, but there was no taking her back or a new marriage contract in between. 

A women is divorced for the second or third time only after taking the wife back or doing a new marriage contract.

Ibn Abbaas radhi Allaahu anhu said:

“At the time of the Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam, the time of Abu Bakr radhi Allaahu anhu and the first two years of the caliphate of ‘Umar radhi Allaahu anhu, a threefold divorce was counted as ONE.” 

(Muslim)

When shaikh Ibn Baaz was asked about someone who divorced his wife three times in one go, he said:

“The scholars were of the view that this is to be regarded as a single divorce, and the husband may take her back so long as the ‘iddah has not yet ended. If the ‘iddah has ended then she may marry him with a new marriage contract.It was also the view favored by Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah and his student Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on them). This is also my view, because that is following all of the texts, and because it is also more merciful and kind to the Muslims.”

(Fataawa Islamiyyah, 3/281, 282)

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen said: 

“The view that is most likely to be correct concerning all these issues is that there is no such things as a threefold divorce, unless there is the taking back of the wife or a new marriage contract in between. Otherwise, the threefold divorce does NOT count as three. This is the view favored by Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah and it is the correct view.”

(ash-Sharh al-Mumti‘ 13/94).

So if they want to get back together, after this first talaaq, he may take her back. 

If he takes her back within the three months of iddah, there’s nothing more to do. 

But this will count as one revocable divorce. 

But if he takes her back AFTER the iddah is over, he has to marry her again with a new marriage contract and new mahr. 

There’s NO NEED for “halaalah” 

In fact marrying another person just for the purpose of getting back to the first husband is haraam and a major sin. 

Halaalah Is ONLY valid if a man irrevocably divorced his wife then she marries another one in a “genuine” marriage without Intending to get back to the first husband. 

Then if the second husband *happens* to die or divorces her WITHOUT any “preplanning”, then she may marry her first husband if he wants. 

And Allaah knows best

736. 15 Tips To Help You Wake Up For Fajr

By Asma bint Shameem 

We MUST pray each prayer at its own time and exert EVERY POSSIBLE effort to do so regularly. 

Salaah is *“THE absolute, most important”* part of a Muslim’s life.

It’s the very first thing we’ll be asked about when we stand in front of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala. 

If the Salaah is good, everything else will be good. 

If the Salaah is lacking, then everything else is of NO USE. 

 The Prophet ﷺ said:

"The first matter that the slave will be brought to account for on the Day of Judgment is the prayer. If it is sound, then the rest of his deeds will be sound. And if it is bad, then the rest of his deeds will be bad." 

(al-Tabarani; saheeh by al-Albaani, Saheeh al-Jami, vol.1, p. 503)

After all, what distinguishes us from the non Muslims?

*It’s the Salaah*, of course. 

So we MUST do our BEST to pray on time and *exert every effort* that we can to make it possible. 

ALL the five daily prayers are CRUCIAL but Fajr prayer is especially important because it is the first prayer of the day. 

How can we expect Allaah to bless us and help us during the day if we start the day off *disobeying Him* if we miss the fajr salaah?

So if you can’t wake up for Fajr, it’s *incumbent* upon you to *IDENTIFY* those factors that play a role in missing this Salaah. 

 Some Tips to help in waking up for Fajr

1. Sleep early

2. Try to sleep and wake up around the same time every day

3. Take a short midday nap

4. Eat dinner early at least a few hours before bedtime. 

5. Use TWO or THREE separate ALARMS

6. Don’t be on your laptop or phone just before bedtime

7.  Make wudhu when you go to bed

8.  Say the bedtime adhkaar

9.  Make duaa to Allaah to help you wake up in time for Fajr

10. Stay away from sins during the day especially music

11. Keep good company

 12. Have a ‘Fajr buddy’ who can call you at Fajr and make sure you’re up

13. Drink 2-3 glasses of water at bedtime

This way you will “have” to wake up (to use the bathroom) by the time fajr arrives. 

14. Be ‘motivated’ for Fajr by reading all the virtues and rewards for praying on time.

15. Last but not least, be SINCERE in your intention to worship Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala and please Him.

These are only some of the things you can do to help you wake up. 

Shaykh Ibn Baaz said:

“It’s obligatory that every Muslim fears Allaah, and establishes the five daily prayers in their fixed times in the masjid in congregation. 

And a person should be diligent in utilizing every means to achieve this. 

Some of the means that will aid in praying (Fajr) in congregation is:

1- Going to bed early.

2- Setting an alarm for a suitable time to get up to pray in congregation.

3- Being diligent in asking Allaah to aid (you) and give (you) the success (to do this.)

4- Saying the legislated words of remembrance before going to sleep.

And by doing these things, Allaah willing, Allaah will give a person the success to get up and pray in congregation.”

And Allaah knows best

735. Is It Allowed To Frame Family Photos Or Hang Them On The Wall?Or Keep Figurines Or Statues?

By Asma Bint Shameem 

The basic principle is that it’s not allowed for Muslims to have images of animate beings, whether as a decorative object or to hang on walls or put in frames or on clothes etc. 

The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

“Jibreel came to me and said: I was going to come to you yesterday and nothing prevented me from entering upon you in the house where you were except that at the door of the house there were some statues of men, and in the house there was a curtain  on which there were*images*, and there was a dog in the house. So tell someone to cut off the heads of the statues that are by the door of the house, so that they will become like trees, and tell someone to take down the curtain and make it into two cushions which can be thrown on the floor and on which people may step, and tell someone to take the dog out.So the Messenger of Allaah  Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam  did that.” 

(at-Tirmidhi -saheeh by al-Albaani) 

And the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

“The angels do not enter any house in which there is a dog or an image.’” (Muslim 2104)

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen explains in detail:

“*Firstly:*

Image-making is of two types: 

- one, by hand and 

- the other, by means of machines. 

Image-making by *hand* is haraam, and is in fact a major sin, because the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam cursed the one who does it. 

He did not differentiate between images that have a shadow (i.e., three-dimensional) or those that are simply drawn (two-dimensional), according to the more correct scholarly opinion, because of the general meaning of the hadeeth.  

With regard to image-making by means of *machines*, i.e. cameras, there is a difference of opinion among the later scholars on this matter. 

Some of them forbid it and some of them allow it. 

In order to be on the safe side, it is better to *avoid* that, because it is one of the doubtful areas. 

And whoever is careful with regard to doubtful matters will protect his religious commitment and his honor. 

But if he needs to do that for a specific purpose such as proving his identity, there is nothing wrong with that because if there is a “need”, the matter is no longer doubtful.

 *Secondly:* 

With regard to keeping pictures, this is also of two types: 

The first type is keeping images that are *three-dimensional.* 

Keeping them is haraam. 

Ibn al-‘Arabi narrated that there is consensus on this point. (Fath al-Baari, p. 388, vol. 10). 

He said: This consensus has to do with things *other than girls’ dolls*. 

It was narrated that ‘Aa’ishah Radhi Allaahu anhaa said: 

“I used to play with dolls in the presence of the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallamand I had friends who would play with me. 

When the Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam entered they would hide themselves and he would call them to come and play with me.” (al-Bukhaari, 5779; Muslim, 2440)

The second type is images that are not three-dimensional. 

These are of different types: 

1. Those that are hung up to be venerated and respected, as in the case of pictures of kings, presidents, ministers, scholars etc. 

This is haraam because it involves exaggeration about a created being.

2. Those that are hung up for the sake of memory, such as hanging up pictures of one's friends. 

This is also haraam, because of the hadeeth narrated in Saheeh al-Bukhaari from Abu Talhah Radhi Allaahu anhu who said: 

“I heard the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam say: 

“The angels do not enter any house in which there is a dog or an image.’” (Muslim 2104)

3. Those that are hung up for the purpose of adornment. 

These are also haraam because of the hadeeth of ‘Aa’ishah who said: 

“The Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam

came back from a journey and I had hung a patterned curtain on which there were images over (the door of) a room of mine. 

When the Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam saw it, he tore it and said, 

“The most severely punished of the people on the Day of Resurrection will be those who tried to imitate the creation of Allaah.’” 

She said: “So I made it into one or two cushions.” (al-Bukhaari 5610; Muslim 2107)

4. Those that are treated with disrespect, such as images in carpets and pillows. 

Al-Nawawi narrated from the majority of scholars among the Sahaabah and Taabi’een that these are permissible.

5. Those that have unfortunately become widespread and are difficult to avoid, such as images engraved on coins etc which have become a problem for the Muslim ummah. 

It seems to me that there is no sin on the one who acquires these without wanting to acquire images.

*Thirdly:* 

With regard to dolls that children play with: 

An exception is made in the case of children’s toys, which are not regarded as haraam or makrooh. 

But what are the toys which are exempted? 

We know that the toys of the past did not have eyes and lips and noses as they do nowadays. 

I think it is better to avoid these toys and limit oneself to those the kind of toys that were known previously.”

(Fataawa al-‘Aqeedah by Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, p. 66, 663, 679)

So as Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen explained, hanging pictures of the family or animals etc is not allowed. 

But we can keep pictures of *INANIMATE* objects like trees, mountains, seaside, flowers etc.

Sa’eed ibn Abi’l-Hasan said: 

“I was with Ibn ‘Abbaas radhi Allaahu anhu when a man came to him and said, 

‘O Ibn ‘Abbaas, I am a man who earns a living by the work of my hands, and I make these pictures (or images).’ 

Ibn ‘Abbaas said: ‘I will only tell you what I heard the Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam say, and I heard him say, 

“Whoever makes an image in this world will be punished until he breathes life into it, and he will never be able to do so.’’ 

The man became very upset and his face turned pale. 

He – meaning Ibn ‘Abbaas – said, ‘Woe to you! If you insist on making them (images), then you can make images of these trees and everything that does not have a soul.’” (Saheeh al-Bukhaari 2225 and Saheeh Muslim 2110)

*What about an incomplete picture?*

If the image or picture is incomplete without which it’s impossible to live, then the scholars say it is “permissible” to keep such an image or picture. 

Shaykh Muhammad ibn Ibraaheem Aal al-Shaykh said: 

“If the picture is incomplete, such as a picture of the face or head or chest, and so on, and something is removed from the picture that represents a part of the body without which there can be no life, then the words of many fuqaha’ indicate that it is permissible, especially if there is a NEED for that, which is partial depiction. 

Whatever the case, people should fear Allaah as much as they are able to and should avoid that which Allaah and His Messenger have forbidden.” 

(Fataawa al-Shaykh Muhammad ibn Ibraaheem, 1/167)

And Shaikh Ibn Uthaymeen said: 

“Everyone who makes something that imitates the creation of Allaah is included in this hadeeth, which says that the Prophet ﷺ cursed the image makers… and his words “The people who will be most severely punished on the Day of Resurrection will be the image-makers.” 

But as I said, if the image is not clear and if it does not have eyes or a nose or mouth or fingers, then it is not a complete image, and is not imitating the creation of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala .”

(Fatawaa Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen)

*Conclusion:*

We should NOT be hanging any pictures of our families, children, or ANY animate being.  

There’s no problem in putting up pictures of flowers, mountains, beaches, or other inanimate objects. 

It’s best to *AVOID* pictures of animals and humans even if the picture is incomplete. 

Why take a chance with something when the warnings are so severe?

Also keep in mind that just because something is “permissible” does not necessarily mean that it’s “desirable”. 

In any case, what’s so special about having a picture on the wall, right?

What difference will it make if we don’t hang it up?

*THINK about it.* 

And Allaah knows best.

734. Is Toilet Paper ‘Enough’ After Using The Bathroom, In Order For Me To Be Considered ‘Pure’ And Offer Salaah?

By Asma bint Shameem 

It’s *perfectly alright* to clean oneself with *toilet paper alone*, and offer Salaah as long as all the najaasah (impurity) is cleaned. 

You don’t have to “wait” or “delay” your salaah until you use water.

Proof:

The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam used to clean himself with stones after using the bathroom and this is called ‘Istijmaar’. 

And he Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam did not necessarily use water for cleaning every time he relieved himself. 

He Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

“When any one of you goes and defecates, let him take with him three stones and cleanse himself with them, and that will be *sufficient* for him.” (Ahmad- saheeh by al-Albaani)

The word “sufficient” used here means it’s *enough for achieving purity*. 

And he Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

“Whoever does wudoo’, let him rinse his nose, and whoever does istijmaar let him use an odd number.” (al-Bukhaari, Muslim)

Salmaan al-Faarisi radhi Allaahu anhu said: 

“Indeed, the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam forbade us from facing the Qiblah while defecating or urinating, from wiping (ourselves) using the right hand, wiping with less than three stones, or *wiping with dung and bones.”

[Muslim]

Abu Hurayrah radhi Allaahu anhu reported that he used to carry a vessel for the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam to do wudhu and clean himself after answering the call of nature. 

Whilst he was following him, he (the Prophet) asked:

“Who is that?”

He said: 

“I am Abu Hurayrah.”

He said: 

“Get me some stones I can use to clean myself, but do not bring me any bones or dung.”

So I brought him some stones, carrying them in the hem of my garment, and placed them by his side, then I went away. 

When he had finished, I came back and asked him, 

“What is wrong with bones and dung?”

He said: 

“They are the food of the jinn.”

(al-Bukhaari, 3571).

The above Ahaadeeth show the validity of Istijmaar. 

And it PROVES that it does not HAVE to be “only” water or stones to clean ourselves. 

Rather ANYTHING can be used as long as it’s not bones or dung. 

So the conditions for istijmaar are:

* Not to face the qiblah

* Not to use one's right hand

* To use a minimum of three pebbles

* Not to use bones or dung.

Everything else is permissible. 

If ONLY water or stones were supposed to be used for cleaning ourselves after answering the call of nature, then the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam would have clearly said so. 

Rather he Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam ONLY forbade the use of bone or dung. 

That’s why the Ulama say that anything that’s pure like leaves, cloth, and even toilet paper may be used for istijmaar although washing with water is best. 

But in case there’s no water or it’s difficult to use it, for some reason, then toilet paper is sufficient to purify oneself and offer prayers. 

Just make sure that all the najaasah is removed and that you clean yourself at least three times. 

The use of stones or toilet paper or anything else in its place is a rukhsah (allowance or concession) that Allaah has given us out of His Mercy for us. 

And Allaah LOVES that we use his concessions  whenever we can. 

The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

“Allaah likes His concessions (rukhsah) to be taken” 

(Ahmad 5832; saheeh by al-Albaani in Irwa’ al-Ghaleel 564)

We must also remember Allaah’s words in the Qur’aan: 

“He has not placed any hardship for you in your religion.” 

(Al-Hajj 22:78)

The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

“This religion of ours is easy and simple to practice; if you make it hard upon yourself, you will be defeated by it.

So do not be extremists, but try to be near perfection and receive the good tidings that you will be rewarded.”

(al-Bukhaari) 

Ibn al-Qayyim said:

“There is consensus among the Muslims that it is permissible to do istijmaar using stones both in the winter and in the summer.”

(Ighaathat al-Lahfaan (1/151) 

And using tissue or toilet paper is the SAME as using stones or pebbles. 

*How to do Istijmaar*?

- Use your left hand

- wipe ODD number of times, but not less than three times. 

- you can use anything such as toilet paper or pebbles like in the old days; 

Or any other material, except bones, dung etc that was prohibited to be used by the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam.

 Shaikh ibn Uthaymeen said:

“Istijmaar means to cleanse the front or back passage of urine or stools using stones or something else in their place. One of the things that may take their place is tissue, but on the condition that one wipes no less than three times. And one should not use things that are forbidden to be used for istijmaar such as dung and bones, or things that have a kind of sanctity such as food etc. It is permissible to do istijmaar with or without water. The scholars said, it is better to use both, because that is cleaner.” 

So even if you use just toilet paper after using the bathroom you are still ‘clean’ and you can still offer your prayers

No need to “wait” to ‘wash’ with water later on in order for  your Salaah to be valid. 

Remember the profound words of ibn Qudaamah; 

He said:

“The salaf … used to spend their time in purification of the *heart* and were [somewhat] lenient in exterior matters.”

(Mukhtasar Minhaj al-Qasideen)

And Allaah knows best.