733. Wedding In Islaam

By Asma Bint Shameem 

The wedding is very simple in Islaam. 

So there’s nothing much to do as far as a wedding is concerned in our Deen. 

Keep it simple. 

Men and women should be separate. 

Women can dress up but they should keep the limits of showing their awrah in mind, even in front of other women. So they should dress modestly. 

The bride should not dress up and sit on a stage in front of hundreds of strange men staring at her. 

There should be no music.

And of course there should be no alcohol or other prohibited things in the wedding. 

The family of the girl does not have to do anything. 

It’s NOT any extra rewards to do nikaah in the masjid. Nikaah can be done *anywhere*. 

There’s no proof of “ubtan” or “mayyun” or “Haldi”. That’s Hindu culture. 

The mehndi ceremony the way we have in our customs is also not allowed. 

There’s a lot of haraam that goes on in these ceremonies. 

There’s music, dancing, mixing of men and women, women dressed inappropriately, going around without hijaab, and some even have alcohol Astaghfirullaah. 

All these things are completely prohibited in our Deen. 

However if just the girls get together and apply mehndi (henna) on their hands and sing on Daff only and among themselves without any men there, then there’s nothing wrong with that. 

Also there’s no need for the extravagant weddings that we usually have after borrowing money and spending thousands and thousands and inviting unnecessarily large numbers of people. 

And of course there no need for “jahayz” or the money and stuff that the parents are *forced* to give their daughters for their wedding. 

Again, that’s HINDU culture. 

Rather it’s the GROOM that is supposed to bring the dowry and the gifts for his new bride. 

All the groom needs is a nikaah then a waleemah; that’s it. 

And ALLAH knows the best.

732. Is It Sunnah To Make Duaa Routinely After Every Fardh Salaah?

By Asma Bint Shameem 

This is a very common misconception among the people. They think that it is part of the Sunnah to make duaa every single time they finish the fardh salaah. 

But it’s not. 

It is not proven from the authentic practice or teachings of the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam that he made duaa after every fardh prayer. 

Rather, the place of *duaas* is  *before* the tasleem. And the place of *dhikr* is *after* the tasleem. 

Proof:

The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said: 

“O Mu’adh, I advise you not to miss supplicating at *the end of every prayer* (dibr as-Salaah) saying: 

‘Allahumma a’inni ‘ala dhikrika wa shukrika, wa husni ‘ibadatika,’ 

“O Allaah, help me remember You, expressing gratitude to You and worship You in the best manner”.

(Abu Dawood 1522; saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood)

 And Ibn Mas’ood radhi Allaahu anhu said:

“The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam taught them the tashahhud then he said at the end of it (meaning the tashahhud):

*“Let him ask for whatever good things he wishes.”* (al-Bukhaari, 5876; Muslim, 402)

The key word here is  *دُبُرَ*

The word دُبُرَ means something that is attached to something and is part of it. 

The scholars explained that the words “at the end of the prayer (dubr as-salaah)” means in the “last part” of the prayer *before* the salaam, because “*dibr ash-shay’*” (lit. the end of a thing) is “*part*” of it. 

 Ibn al-Qayyim said: 

“At the end of the prayer” may be understood as meaning before the salaam or after it. 

Our shaykh [i.e., Ibn Taymiyah] regarded it as more likely that it is “before” the salaam. 

I asked him  about that and he said: 

“Dibr kulli shay’ (the end of everything) is part of it, like the dibr (rear end) of an animal.”

(Zaad al-Ma‘aad 1/294)

 Someone asked Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen about making duaas after Salaah.

He said:

“It is not legislated; because Allaah said:

‎فَإِذَا قَضَيْتُمُ الصَّلاةَ فَاذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ

“And when you have completed the prayer, remember Allaah.”

(Soorah An Nisa 4:103)

He did not say: ‘Supplicate.’ 

Therefore the place for Dua’a is NOT “after” the prayer. 

The place for Dua’a is “before” the Salaam (before the Salaam to exit the prayer).

The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam used to teach his companions the tashahhud, and he said:

‘Then after it (the tashahhud), supplicate as you like’.

Thus he made the place for Dua’a “before” the Salaam.

And he advised Muadh Radhi Allaahu anhu to say after the final tashahhud *before* the Salaam:

‎اللَّهُمَّ أَعِنِّي عَلَى ذِكْرِكَ وَشُكْرِكِ وَحُسْنِ عِبَادَتِكِ

“O Allaah, help me in remembering You, in giving You thanks, and worshipping You well.”
(Abu Dawud 1522)

And this is a Dua’a. 

And this is necessitated by the intent because as long as the person is praying, he is conversing with Allaah, and when he leaves the prayer, the conversation ends. 

So is it more befitting to supplicate while you are conversing with Allaah or after you have left the conversation? 

The first is more befitting (to supplicate while you are conversing with Allaah). 

And there is no difference whether it is the obligatory prayers or the supererogatory prayers.

Second: after the prescribed prayers and it is the plural of (دبر) and it is the “end” of prayer. 

This is because the (*دبر*) is the end of everything and it is *“before”* the salutations and NOT *“after”* it. 

The evidence for that is in the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of the Messenger Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam.

As for in the Book of Allaah, then Allaah said:

‎إذا قضيتم الصلاة فاذكروا الله قياما وقعودا وعلى جنوبكم

“When you have finished As-Salaah (the prayer – congregational), remember Allaah standing, sitting down, and lying down on your sides, but when you are free from danger, perform As-Salaah (Iqaamat-as- Salaat). 

Verily, the prayer is enjoined on the believers at fixed hours.”

[4:103]

And He did not mention “supplication”, rather He ordered “remembrance”. 

There came a clear Sunnah which he Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam legislated the one praying to say when he finishes his prayer:

‎أن يستغفر الله ثلاثا ويقول اللهم أنت السلام ومنك السلام تباركت يا ذا الجلال والإكرام

He would beg forgiveness from Allaah thrice and then would recite: “Allaahumma Antas- Salaam, wa minkas-Salaam, tabarakta yaa Dhul-Jalaali wal-Ikraam 

(O Allaah, You are the Grantor of security, and security comes from You. You are Blessing, O You Who have majesty and nobility)!

[al-Bukhaari and Muslim]

So him making supplication “before” finishing his prayer is more deserving than him making supplication when he finishes his prayer.

The usage of ‘the end of the prayer‘ is used on both the end before the Tasleem and what comes after it, but after investigating it has become clear that what’s attached to the end of the prayer in regards to *Duaa or Supplications*, then its place is *“before” the Tasleem*. 

And *dhikr* or Remembrances come *“after” the Tasleem.*

It’s built upon what has preceded of the verse and the hadeeth, and this is a beneficial principle.”

(Fatawaa Noor ‘ala Darb)

 Ibn al-Qayyim said: 

“With regard to du’aa’ after the prayer facing the qiblah or facing the congregation, this is not something that the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam did at all. 

It is NOT narrated with a saheeh or hasan isnaad. 

As for doing that only after Fajr and ‘Asr prayers, he Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam did not do that and neither did any of his successors (khulafa’), and he did not teach his ummah to do that. Rather this is something that some people thought it was good to do to make up for not offering Sunnah prayers after those prayers.

The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam offered most of the du’aa’s that are connected to the prayer “during” the prayer, and he commanded us to offer them “during” it. 

This befits the state of the one who is praying, for he is facing his Lord and conversing with Him so long as he is praying. 

When he says the salaam that conversation comes to a close and he is no longer standing before Him and close to Him. 

So why should he not ask of Him whilst he is conversing with Him and close to Him and turning to Him, and then ask of Him when he has turned away from Him? Undoubtedly it is better to do the opposite.”

(Zaad al-Ma’aad, 1/257, 258)

 *So what's proven from the Sunnah?* 

Go ahead and make Duaa DURING Salaah in your SUJOOD and in TASHAHHUD before the Tasleem. 

*In sajdah:*

The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

“The closest that any one of you may be to his Lord is when he is prostrating, *so say a lot of du’aa’ at that time.”* (Muslim)

We can make ANY duaa in the sujood that’s from the Qur’aan or Sunnah or even our own duaa in our own language. 

And it doesn’t matter if the prayer is fardh or Sunnah or Nafl. 

*In Tashahhud* 

We can make duaa in tashahhud after sending peace and blessings on the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam but before Tasleem.

 Ibn Mas’ood radhi Allaahu anhu said:

“The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam taught them the tashahhud then he said at the end: 

“Let him ask for whatever good things he wishes.” (al-Bukhaari, 5876; Muslim, 402)

We can make Duaa in ALL the prayers and there’s no proof to say that we can not make Duaa in Fardh Salaah. 

And there’s nothing to stop you from making duaa in your own language. 

Remember that the way to succeed in this dunya and Aakhirah is to follow the ways and practice of the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam. 

That’s the ONLY way. 

And Allaah knows best

731. What Is ‘Zawaal Time’ And Why Is It Important?

By Asma bint Shameem 

First of all, Zawaal does NOT mean the time the sun is at its highest point or zenith as many people commonly believe. 

Rather, the word “Zawaal” means to “decline” or “fall”.

So Zawaal is “the time when the sun moves AWAY from its central meridian or highest point in the sky during the day.”

Therefore, Zawaal is actually the starting point of Dhuhr - when the sun starts to begin its descent.

It is PERMISSIBLE to pray at Zawaal time. 

On the other hand, when the sun is at its highest peak in the afternoon sky (midday), THAT’S the time when it’s not allowed to offer prayers.

People mistakenly refer to midday as the time of Zawaal. 

Zawaal time is important because the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam specifically told us not to offer any Salaah at the time of the day when the sun is overhead at its highest point, until it has passed its zenith. 

Once the sun reaches its highest point, it starts to decline (zawaal) and the prohibition to pray is lifted. 

“Midday” is NOT at 12 noon necessarily. 

Uqbah ibn Aamir al-Juhani radhi Allaahu anhu said: 

There are three times at which the Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam forbade us to pray or to bury our dead:* 

1. *when the sun has clearly started to rise until it is fully risen,*

2. *when it is directly overhead at midday until it has passed its zenith, and* 

3.  *when the sun starts to set until it has fully set.”* (Muslim)

*But isn’t ‘midday’ at 12 noon*?

No. Midday is NOT necessarily at 12 noon. 

Midday is the exact MIDDLE point between the time of Sunrise and Sunset and since these times vary from place to place AND from season to season even in the same town or city, so does its middle point. 

And so ‘midday’ may be at 12 noon OR it may be earlier or later. 

*How to calculate ‘midday’*?

To calculate midday or the highest point that the sun reaches on any given day, count the number of hours from sunrise to Sunset. 

Divide that in half. 

That’s the highest point of the sun. That’s midday. 

*How long should I wait to pray*?

The sun is at its zenith for only a short period of time and so the scholars include a few minutes from either side of midday to calculate the forbidden time for prayer. And prayer must be avoided for that period of time.

So first determine ‘midday’ then add a few minutes before it and a few minutes after it, to be on the safe side.

 

This is the prohibited time to pray Salaah until the sun starts to decline. 

That’s when the time for Dhuhr starts and you can offer prayers.

So for example if sunrise is at 6 am and Sunset is at 8:30 pm, then you calculate that the number of hours between these two times. 

And that equals 14 hours and 30 minutes. 

Now divide that in half.

That gives us 7 hours and 15 minutes.

 

Add 7 hours and 15 minutes to sunrise time (that is, 6 am) so that means midday is at 1:15 pm. 

So to know the time when you can’t pray, add a few minutes before 1:15. And a few minutes after 1:15. 

In other words,  the prohibited time is from 1:10 to 1:20 or even less in this particular time example. 

Similarly you can calculate midday according to the time for sunrise  and Sunset in your particular town or city. 

Keep in mind that it will also vary from month to month. 

*Why is it prohibited to pray at midday*?

We shouldn’t do our prayers at this time because the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam told us not to do so.

 

That’s reason enough for us as Muslims. We hear and we obey. 

We don’t question. 

However, the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam also told us that the Fire of Hell is stoked up at midday and  therefore we shouldn’t be praying at this time. 

He Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said:

“Pray Fajr, then refrain from praying until the sun has risen and become high, for when it rises, it rises between the horns of the Shaytaan and at that time the kuffaar prostrate to it. 

Then pray, for the prayer is witnessed and attended until the shadow of a spear falls directly north (midday). *Then refrain from praying, for at that time Hell is stoked up*. Then when the shadow moves forward, pray, for the prayer is witnessed and attended, until you have prayed ‘Asr. Then refrain from praying until the sun has set, for it sets between the horns of the Shaytaan and at that time the kuffaar prostrate to it.” (Muslim 832)

Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen said: 

“With regard to the prohibition on praying when the sun is near its zenith, this is because this is the time when the Fire of Hell is intensified, as was reported from the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam, so we should refrain from praying at these times.”

(fatwas of Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, 1/354)

*Are ALL kinds of prayers prohibited at this time?*

No. 

The prohibition to pray at midday applies to GENERAL VOLUNTARY prayers, which the scholars call al-nafl al-mutlaq (general nafl prayer). 

But IF there’s a NEED and a REASON to pray at midday, it’s ALLOWED EVEN at the prohibited times. 

For example if you have to pray Tahiyyatul Masjid, or Tahiyyatul wudhu, or the two rak’ah after Tawaaf, or you have to pray the  istikhaarah Prayer etc., then it’s allowed to pray such prayers even at the prohibited times because there’s a REASON why these prayers are being done. 

Shaikh Ibn Uthaymeen said about the hadeeth regarding prayer during the prohibited times:

“To sum up, this hadeeth is specific; if a person offers a prayer for which there is a reason, then it is not prohibited. 

What I have mentioned....is the correct view, because there is no prohibition on the prayers for which there is a reason.”

[Majmoo’ Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (14/344)]

*What about Qur’aan or sajdah at-Tilaawah at this time*?

Its allowed to read the Qur’aan during  the prohibited times of prayers, and it’s also ALLOWED to do the sajdah for tilaawah at these times. That’s because sajdah at-Tilaawah is NOT ‘Salaah’. 

And the prohibition in the hadeeth  is for ‘Salaah’ at midday and not for reading Qur’aan or making ‘sujood’ or other ibaadaat. 

And Allaah knows best

730. Secret Second/Third/Fourth Wife?

Secret Second/Third/Fourth WIFE?

HE WILL TELL EVERYONE LATER? 

RUN AWAY!!

If someone wants to get into a secret second marriage with you, then run from him, delete him, and ban him out of your life, and don't look back.

The Messenger Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said, 

“Announce the Nikāḥ.” [Ṣaḥīḥ] He also said, “The difference between Halal and Haram is the sound of beating the daff. (i.e. a public celebration)” [Ḥasan]

Hishām ibn ‘Urwah (r) said, 

“My father used to say: Secret marriages are not appropriate.”

Nāfi‘ (r) said, 

“There is no such thing as a secret marriage in Islam.”

‘Abdullah ibn ‘Utbah (r) said, 

“The worst of marriages are secret marriages.”

Ibn Taymiyyah (r) said, “Secret marriages are from the same category as taking up mistresses; similar to them...” 

According to Imam Malik (r), a secret marriage includes a marriage in which there are two witnesses but they are advised not to tell others. In his view, such a marriage should be annulled with a divorce and the two parties should be separated!

Marriages are meant to be public, clear, and transparent, so there is no abuse, and so each party can be held responsible. Unless someone is willing to take responsibility for this contract which Allah calls “ميثاقا غليظا”, a firm covenant, don't destroy your own life by getting into such a relationship! That covenant is that he should either keep you in his care responsibly or discontinue the marriage appropriately!

- Brother Abdul Wahab Saleem 

- - -

Secret marriage is one of several kinds of violation by men of the rights and dignity of women. I have been informed that it is increasingly common for Muslim preachers in Europe and America and for those visiting the West to marry women in secret and for a short period, after which they, presumably, end the marriage, before going on to contract another marriage of the same sort somewhere else. This is a violation of the laws and good purposes of marriage, and a vicious exploitation of women whose circumstances oblige them to enter into such contracts. The wrong is analogous to riba..."

729. Should Wudhu Be Done In Specific Order

By Asma Bint Shameem

Allaah says:

“O you who believe! When you intend to offer As-Salaat (the prayer), wash your faces and your hands (forearms) up to the elbows, rub (by passing wet hands over) your heads, and (wash) your feet up to ankles”

[Surah al-Maa’idah 5:6].

Based on the above Aayah, there are SIX essential parts (“pillars”) or Fardh of wudhu. 

If any of these steps is missing, the wudhu is NOT VALID. 

1-Washing the face, of which the mouth and nose are part.

2- Washing the arms up to the elbows.

3- Wiping the head.

4- Washing the feet up to the ankles.

5- *Washing these parts of the body in the proper order.*

6- Doing these actions consecutively (that is, washing one after the other, with no lengthy lapse of time in between).

(ar-Rawd al-Murbi‘ ma‘a Haashiyat Ibn Qaasim (1/181-188).

Therefore as you can see from the above Aayah, washing the body parts in proper order is essential. 

And the order must be followed, so we wash the face first, then the arms, then wipe the head, then wash the feet, because the Prophet ﷺ did wudhu in this order.

Humran the freed slave of ‘Uthman radhi Allaahu anhu said that ‘Uthman ibn ‘Affan radhi Allaahu anhu called for water to do wudhu. 

He washed his hands three times, then he rinsed his mouth and nose, then he washed his face three times, then he washed his right arm up to the elbow three times, then he washed his left arm likewise. Then he wiped his head, then he washed his right foot up to the ankle three times, then he washed his left foot likewise. 

Then he said, “I saw the Messenger of Allaah t Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam doing wudhu as I have done it, then the Messenger of Allaah  Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said:

“Whoever does wudhu as I have done it, then prays two rak’ahs in which he focuses completely on his prayer, his previous sins will be forgiven.’” (Muslim, al-Taharah, 331) 

2- If you are taking a bath/shower to purify yourself from MAJOR impurity, (like after menses or Janaabah) and you wash your entire body and rinse your mouth and nose then you don’t “HAVE” to make wudhu separately although it’s Sunnah to make wudhu first. 

But if you’re just showering to cool off or clean yourself WITHOUT the  intention of purification from major impurity then you *should* make a separate wudhu. 

And it’s good to do the wudhu in the beginning. 

Shaikh Ibn Uthaymeen said:

“If a person takes a bath because of janaabah, then it takes the place of wudhu’, because Allaah says: 

“If you are in a state of Janaaba (i.e. after a sexual discharge), purify yourselves (bathe your whole body)”

[al-Maa’idah 5:6]

If a person is junub and he immerses himself in a bathtub or river or the like, intending thereby to cleanse himself of janaabah, and he rinses his mouth and nose, then he purifies himself from both minor and major impurity, because Allaah, may He be exalted, only enjoined us to purify ourselves from janaabah, i.e., we should ensure that water reaches all parts of the body when doing ghusl. 

But it is better for the person who is doing ghusl to do wudhu’ first, because the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam used to wash his private parts after washing his hands, then he would do wudhu’ as for prayer, then he would pour water over his head, and when he thought that it had reached the skin, he poured water over his head three times, then he would wash the rest of his body. 

But if a person takes a bath to clean himself or to cool himself down, then this does not take the place of wudhu’, because that is not an act of worship, rather it is just an ordinary action, although Islam prescribes cleanliness. 

Whatever the case, if the bath is taken to “cool down” or “get clean”, then it does not take the place of wudhu’.”

(Majmoo’ Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, 11/question no. 182)

And Allaah knows best

728. Can A Woman Travel Alone?

By Asma Bint Shameem

First of all, we should understand that there’s a difference between “traveling” and “driving”. 

*Traveling* is when someone travels *out* of his or her home town to another city. 

But “*driving*” means you’re going from one place to another *within* your own town. That’s not considered “travel”. 

And if she’s using a public transport like a bus or she’s walking etc then she can go alone. 

But if her father feels that she is not safe when going  anywhere alone then she should listen to her father and take a friend or female cousin, mother etc with her. 

And if she doesn’t have anyone to go with her, it’s best to avoid going at that particular time or she can wait for someone to accompany her later. 

And if the father still does not concede then I would suggest that you take these Qur’aan classes online until he agrees. That’s because the father is a girl’s guardian until she gets married and she must obey her father as long as he does not tell her to do something that’s against the rules of the Sharee’ah. 

The scholars of the Standing Committee said:

“Before marriage, a woman is under the guardianship of her father, so it is not permissible for her to go out of the house except with his permission, whether it is to go to the masjid or elsewhere, because obedience to one’s father is obligatory so long as it does not involve disobedience towards Allaah. 

We advise you to listen to broadcasts from the Al-Qur’aan Al-Kareem station, because there is much knowledge and sound teaching to be gained from it. May Allaah help you to do all that is good and grant you a sound understanding of Islaam.”

( Fataawaa Al-Lajnah Al-Daa’imah, 12/101)

And Allaah knows best

727. Memorizing The Quran

By Asma Bint Shameem

The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam did not “order” us to memorize the Qur’aan but he Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam *”encouraged”* us to do so. 

Memorizing the Qur’aan is an honor and a privilege that comes only from Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala. 

A person who memorizes the Qur’aan has *tremendous* rewards in this dunya and Aakhirah. 

But the condition to receive this honor and reward is *sincerity* to Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala and the intention to please Him, then to put into *practice* what he learnt of the Qur’aan. 

In Jannah, the haafidh will keep rising in status until his status is as *high*, as the last aayah he memorized. 

The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said: 

“It will be said to the companion of the Qur’aan (i.e., the one who memorized and studied it): ‘Read, advance in status and recite as you used to do in the world, for your status will be commensurate with the last aayah that you recite.’”

(Abu Dawood 1464, al-Tirmidhi, 2914; hasan by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi 2329)

The scholars said that the meaning of the word “reciting” used in the hadeeth means “*memorizing*”.

 The haafidh will be in the company of angels.

The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said: 

“The one who recites the Qur’aan and learns it by heart, will be with the noble righteous scribes (in Jannah) and the one who exerts himself to learn the Qur’aan by heart and recites it with great difficulty, will have a double reward.”

 (al-Bukhaari 4653, Muslim 798) 

He will be given a crown of honor and a garment of honor to wear. 

The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said: 

“The Qur’aan will come on the Day of Resurrection and will say, ‘O Lord, adorn him.’ 

So he will be given a crown of honor to wear. 

Then it will say, ‘O Lord, give him more.’ 

So he will be given a garment of honor.’ 

Then it will say, ‘O Lord, be pleased with him.’ 

So Allaah will be pleased with him. 

Then it will be said to him, ‘Recite and advance in status, and for each verse you will gain one more hasanah (reward for good deed).”

(al-Tirmidhi 2915; hasan by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi, 2328)

 The Qur’aan will intercede on his behalf with Allaah. 

Abu Umaamah al-Baahili Radhi Allaahu anhu said: 

“I heard the Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam say, ‘Recite the Qur’aan, for it will come on the Day of Resurrection to intercede for its companions. Recite the two bright ones, al-Baqarah and Soorat Aal ‘Imraan, for they will come on the Day of Resurrection like two clouds or two shades or two flocks of birds in ranks, pleading for those who recite them. Recite Soorat al-Baqarah for to take recourse to it is a blessing and to give it up is a cause of grief, and the magicians cannot confront it.”

 (Muslim, 804)

Not just the haafidh himself, but even his *parents* will be honored because they worked hard to teach him the Qur’aan and raise him up with an Islaamic upbringing. 

The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said: 

“The Qur’aan will come on the Day of Resurrection like a pale man saying to its companion, “Do you recognize me? 

I am the one who made you stay up at night and made you thirsty during the day…” 

Then he will be given dominion in his right hand and eternity in his left, and a crown of dignity will be placed upon his head, and his parents will be clothed with garments which far surpass everything to be found in this world. 

They will say, “O Lord, how did we earn this.” 

It will be said to them, “*Because you taught your child the Qur’aan.*”

(al-Tabaraani in al-Awsat, 6/51; authenticated by al-Albaani in al-Silsilah al-Saheehah)

And the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said: 

‘Whoever reads the Qur’aan, learns it and acts in accordance with it, on the Day of Resurrection his parents will be given a crown to wear whose light will be like the light of the sun, and his parents will be given garments which far surpass everything to be found in this world. 

They will say, “Why have we been given this to wear?” 

It will be said, “Because your child learned the Qur’aan.”

(al-Haakim, 1/756; al-Silsilah al-Saheehah 2829)

Memorizing the Qur’aan is not just lip service. Rather  understanding the meanings and implementation are the key to succeed and be able to qualify for the rewards promised by Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala. 

Please see my article below for further clarification. 

And Allaah knows best

726. Can A Woman Get A Massage?

 By Asma Bint Shameem

 A woman may get a massage only if certain conditions are fulfilled. 

For example 

- the one massaging is also woman 

- the woman is completely covered and there’s no unnecessary exposure. 

- the area between the navel and the knee is completely covered all the time and is not to be touched or removed. 

- there’s no fear of fitnah (temptation) or harm etc. 

-if there’s a “NEED” for it. 

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen said: 

 “If a husband does it (massage) with his wife or the wife with her husband, then there is no harm in this because if the affair is like this, it is allowed even if his desires are aroused. His desires are fulfilled with his wife. As for if it is done between other then them, then in it is fitnah. If a young man does that with another man, is it not feared that his desires will be aroused? Of course, even if a woman did it with another women it is feared her desires will be aroused because the woman has desires like how a man has desires. So I do not see this permitted except with a husband with his wife. Likewise, if we assume that the man is very old and he has daughters and he requests them to press his back, then there is no harm with this because desires in this situation are very far. An old man needs this and along with his need and desires being far, we say: there is no harm in this In Shaa’ Allaah.”

And Allaah knows best

725. Is It Ok To Make A LIST Where Different People Volunteer To Read One Juz Each So We Can Complete The Qur’aan This Way?

By Asma Bint Shameem

*We want to encourage people to read MORE Qur’aan.*

*So is it ok to make a LIST where different people volunteer to read one Juz each so we can complete the Qur’aan this way?*

ANSWER

Reading the Qur’aan is of course a good deed and we should encourage ourselves to read it as much as we can, especially while understanding the meanings. 

However, since reading the Qur’aan is an act of ibaadah, it must also be done the *”way”* the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam read it. 

That’s because all acts of ibaadah are *”tawqeefi”*; which means that there has to be PROOF of that from the Qur’aan and/or the authentic practice or teachings of the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam. 

And it is not proven from the authentic practice or teachings of the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam to “finish” the Qur’aan this way. 

Someone asked Shaykh ‘Abd ar-Rahmaan al-Barraak about a similar “list” of good deeds like reading the Qur’aan, fasting, giving charity etc. that they fill out every two weeks to “encourage” each other. 

He replied: 

“What appears to me to be the case is that keeping this schedule and competing in filling it out is a kind of *innovation (bid‘ah)*, because it involves *boasting* to one another and admiring ones own good deeds, as well as making manifest deeds which are best kept concealed, because concealing good deeds of charity, reciting Qur’aan and dhikr should be furthest removed from showing off. 

Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala says: 

“Invoke your Lord with humility and in SECRET” [al-A ‘raaf 7:55]

And He says:

“(This is) a mention of the mercy of your Lord to His slave Zakariya, When he called out his Lord (Allaah) a call in secret” [Maryam 19:2-3]. 

And one of the seven whom Allaah will shade with His shade (on the Day of Resurrection) will be *“a man who gives charity and conceals it to such an extent that his left hand does not know what his right hand is giving.”* [al-Bukhaari (660) and Muslim (1031)].

So what you should do is encourage one another to do more naafil (supererogatory) acts of obedience, and to do a great deal of that, each one doing whatever he is able to *but keeping it between him and his Lord.*

In this manner you will be able to attain cooperation in righteousness and piety, whilst being safe from that which may nullify good deeds or detract from their reward. 

And Allaah is the source of strength and the Guide to the straight path. And Allaah knows best.” 

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen issued a similar fatwa in Majmoo‘ al-Fataawa (16/175). 

In any case, the recitation of the Qur’aan is not considered “finished” if different people read different Juz’. 

Rather each person will be credited for only “that” portion of the Qur’aan that they read. 

Someone asked Shaykh Ibn Jibreen:

“There are people who sit together to read the Qur’aan quietly. Each individual reads one juz’ (part) of the Qur’aan, claiming that the entire Qur’aan will have been read in this gathering. Is this permissible or is it counted as being bid’ah?”

He said:

“In my opinion the action mentioned is not permissible, and I do not recall anything of this kind being reported from the Salaf. A person will only be rewarded for what he himself reads or listens to in order to benefit from it. But if another person reads and he does not listen, the reward for that will go to the person who read it. These people are not considered to have completed the whole Qur’aan; but if each person has read a juz’ he will be rewarded for that. But they should not do this; either one person should read and the others listen, or each person should read by himself without making a connection between his reading and that of the others.”

(Al-Lu’lu’ Al-Makeen Min Fataawa Al-Shaykh Ibn Jibreen, P. 50)

So although it’s good to encourage people to complete the Qur’aan, and do other good deeds, that should be done without making “lists” or holding “contests” for that, and without telling others about the number of complete readings or other good deeds that Allaah has enabled each one to do.

And Allaah knows best.

724. Every Person Will Be Questionable On The Day Of Judgement

By Asma Bint Shameem

Every single person will be questioned on the day of judgement s as bad they will have to give account of what they did and what they said when they stand in front of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala. 

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said: 

"The two feet of the son of Adam will not move from near his Lord on the day of Judgement until he is asked about five (matters) 

about his life - how he spent it; about his youth - how he took care of it; about his wealth - how he earned it; and where he spent it and 

about that which he acted upon from the knowledge he acquired." (at Tirmidhi and others; saheeh by al-Albaani) 

And Allaah knows best

723. Smoking: Bad In Every Sense

By Asma bint Shameem

Subhaan Allaah we live in a time when good is mixed with bad, evil is everywhere and temptations surround us day and night.

Knowledge is for the fortunate few and ignorance is rampant. 

At times like these, there is also confusion...confusion about our deen, confusion about what is right and what is wrong, confusion about halaal and haraam. And so it is vital that the correct knowledge be spread so that confusions are dispelled and the Truth becomes clear. 

One such issue that needs clarification is the issue of smoking.

So what does our deen say about smoking?

You may hear people telling you that its not so bad or at most it is 'makrooh'. But the fact of the matter is that smoking is absolutely haraam. It is prohibited on account of the harm that it causes to one's religion, well-being and finances. Here are the proofs. 

Allaah has prohibited all harmful things

Allaah subhaanahu wa Ta'ala has divided things in this dunya into two types, good or permissible and evil or prohibited, and there is no third type. And out of His Infinite Mercy, Allaah has prohibited anything and everything that is khabeeth (evil) and causes harm. It is clear and bright as day, and there is no doubt in any sane person's mind that cigarette smoking is bad for you.

Allah says:

‎وَيُحِلُّ لَهُمُ الطَّيِّبَاتِ وَيُحَرِّمُ عَلَيْهِمُ الْخَبَآئِثَ

"And He makes good things halaal for them and bad things haraam."  Surah al-A'raaf (7:157):   

And in the Sunnah we see that any kind of harm is completely prohibited. The Prophet (sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam) said:

“There is not to be any causing of harm nor is there to be any reciprocating of harm.” (Ibn Majah--hasan) 

You are not allowed to kill yourself

Allaah says:

‎وَلاَ تَقْتُلُواْ أَنفُسَكُمْ إِنَّ اللّهَ كَانَ بِكُمْ رَحِيمًا

"And do not kill yourselves. Allah is the Most Merciful to you." (Nisaa':29)

There is proof beyond doubt that smoking is a slow killer. It is one of the major causes of death. 

Smoking is committing suicide!

One cigarette will not kill you right then and there but it is a gradual poison that we put in our body. It is as if you are committing a slow suicide. According to a research done by the University of California:

"Every cigarette a man smokes reduces his life by 11 minutes. Each carton of cigarettes thus represents a day and a half of lost life. Every year a man smokes a pack a day, he shortens his life by almost 2 months." {University of California, Berkeley Wellness Letter, April 2000} 

Subhaan Allaah! If that isn't that suicide, then what is?!! 

Do you know what the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam) said about the one who commits suicide?

"Whoever purposely throws himself from a mountain and kills himself, will be in Hellfire falling down into it and abiding therein perpetually forever; and whoever drinks poison and kills himself with it, he will be carrying his poison in his hand and drinking it in the Fire wherein he will abide eternally forever; and whoever kills himself with an iron weapon, will be carrying that weapon in his hand and stabbing his abdomen with it in the Fire wherein he will abide eternally forever."  (Bukhaari)

Imagine! A person who dies because of smoking...carrying his cigarette in his hand....and smoking it in the Hell fire??!! 

Yaa Allaah, protect us!!!

Your life is an 'Amaanah'

The Prophet (sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam) said:

"Your body has a right on you." (Bukhaari)

This body that we have, this health that we enjoy is an irreplaceable blessing from Allaah. We are supposed to take care of it and we will be asked by Allaah about this 'amaanah' that He has bestowed on us, on the Day of Judgment. The Prophet (sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam) said:

"A person will not be able to move on the Day of Judgment until he is asked about ... his body as to what he engaged it in." (Tirmidhi--saheeh)

All Doctors agree it is extremely harmful

Smoking harms nearly every organ of the body and wreaks havoc on a person’s overall health. There is no disagreement among the physicians that smoking is one of the major causes of multiple types of cancer, heart diseases, strokes, pulmonary diseases, hip fractures, cataracts, premature births, birth defects, premature deaths and many, many other diseases. Just search about it and the list of diseases caused by smoking is pretty long! May Allaah protect us. 

If we get sick, we take rest, we take medicine, we go to the doctor. Then why is it that when it comes to smoking, some of us totally ignore what the doctors are saying? Why do we disregard all the evidence and all medical data and act as if none of the scientific proofs exist?

It is so strange that even intelligent people, educated people, people who call themselves 'civilized and smart', continue to smoke, even though they know of its irreparable harm and are aware of the detrimental effects on health, mind and body!

Smoking is addictive

Smokers are addicts, addicted to smoking and any kind of addiction is haraam. Not only does smoking cause chemical dependance, it is a reason for psychological dependance as well. People who smoke are so dependent on their smoking that they cannot stay away from it, even if they want to. 

During Ramadhaan, you see these smokers wanting, wishing, craving their cigarettes and that 'nicotine rush' so much so that it makes them extremely irritable, cranky, jittery and short tempered. Sometimes, it is so difficult for them to stay away their evil habit, they even smoke while they are 'fasting', although it is clearly forbidden!  

Some even smoke while in Ihraam during Hajj, the journey of a lifetime!!

What kind of evil is this that it takes you away even from fulfilling a fardh such as fasting? Or away from Hajj, when you are the guest of Allaah? Just think about it. Disobeying the Very One Who invited you to His House and honored you? Surely it is a loss indeed.

It is a tremendous waste of money

Smoking costs money as well as your health. Statistics show that at today’s prices, if a person smokes one pack of cigarettes each day for ten years, he’ll spend over $58,000 – easily enough to buy a new car! Imagine all that hard earned money going up in smoke! 

Smoking is also a form of extravagance and wasting money. Extravagance in Islaam, means spending on something haraam. Allaah is clearly telling us NOT to waste money.

‎وكُلُواْ وَاشْرَبُواْ وَلاَ تُسْرِفُواْ إِنَّهُ لاَ يُحِبُّ الْمُسْرِفِينَ

"And eat and drink, and do not waste. He does not love the wasteful." (al-Aaraaf: 31)

In fact, the ones who are extravagant and squander money, Allaah calls them 'brothers of Shayaateen'! Subhaan Allaah! Just imagine! What kind of position does such a person have with Allaah?!!

‎وَلاَ تُبَذِّرْ تَبْذِيرًا  إِنَّ الْمُبَذِّرِينَ كَانُواْ إِخْوَانَ الشَّيَاطِينِ

"… and do not be extravagant wasters. Those who are extravagant are brothers of the Shayaateen (devils)." (Surat al-Israa':26-27)

We will be asked about the money we spent on smoking!!

We will be asked about this money that we earned and how we spent it. The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam) said:

"The two feet of the son of Adam will not move from near his Lord on the day of Judgement until he is asked about five (matters) 

about his life - how he spent it; 

about his youth - how he took care of it; 

about his wealth - how he earned it; and where he spent it and 

about that which he acted upon from the knowledge he acquired." (at Tirmidhi and others--Saheeh)

How will we be able to answer Allaah regarding smoking? What will we say? How would we be able to justify ourselves and our actions? 

How could you kill your own loved ones??

Those around the smoker inhale what is known as "second-hand smoke" - the unfiltered, poisonous waste that goes in the air around the smoker. Would we want to harm the ones we love...our very own parents, spouses, children, friends? 

Of course not. In act we do everything we can to protect them. Then why would someone who smokes expose his little daughter or son, his spouse, his family to the harms of second-hand smoking?   

Studies show that tobacco smoke (that a smoker would blow out) contains more than 7,000 chemical compounds. More than 250 of these chemicals are known to be harmful, and at least 69 are known to cause cancer!

 

Let me ask you this? Would you want to kill the very ones you love?

How will you answer Allaah for the harm you caused them?

Allaah says:

‎وَالَّذِينَ يُؤْذُونَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِ بِغَيْرِ مَا اكْتَسَبُوا فَقَدِ احْتَمَلُوا بُهْتَانًا وَإِثْمًا مُّبِينًا

"Those who cause harm to believing men and women without any reason do a great sin." (al-Ahzaab: 58) 

It's repulsive and nasty to all...humans, angels and even Allaah Himself!

The nasty smell of smoke that permeates the clothes, the breath, the skin and even the hair of the smoker is ugly and repulsive. It just becomes part of the smoker. Even if he tries to wash it away, he can't. Every where he goes, the stink goes with him and nauseates everyone around him. And if a smoker goes to the masjid, the overpowering stink sickens everyone and takes away the khushoo' of many around him. 

Subhaan Allaah! 

If the Prophet (sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam) forbade eating garlic and onions before someone goes to the masjid, what about the strong overwhelming stink of smoke?!

The Prophet (sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam) said:

"Whoever causes distress to a Muslim has caused me distress, and whoever causes me distress has caused distress to Allaah." (at-Tabaraani--hasan)

Read that hadeeth again. 

Just think about it. Causing distress to the Prophet (sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam) and distress to Allaah?!!

That smell is so bad that even the angels can't bear it and depart. How can I say that? 

The Prophet (sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam) said:

"The angels are irritated by whatever the humans are irritated by." (Bukhaari, Muslim)

Bad example

In the end, if all these proofs aren't enough, what kind of an example do you want to set for your kids? Do you want them to become smokers just like you? Do you want to see them hurt their health, their Imaan, their families? A child will usually follow the example of his father or mother. They are his 'role models'. He looks up to them and wants to be 'like them'. The responsibility of upbringing a child is a HUGE one. It is put upon us by Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta'ala and He will ask us about it. 

The Prophet (sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam) said:

“Each of you is a shepherd and each of you is responsible for his flock. The ruler of the people is a shepherd and is responsible for his flock. A man is the shepherd of his household and is responsible for his flock. A woman is the shepherd of her husband’s house and children and is responsible for her flock. The slave is the shepherd of his master’s wealth and is responsible for it. Each of you is a shepherd and each of you is responsible for his flock.” (Bukhaari, Muslim)

And each and every one of us will be asked about the one we were responsible for. 

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

“Allaah will ask every person in a position of responsibility about that which was entrusted to him, whether he took care of it or was negligent, until He will ask a man about the members of his household.” (Ibn Hibbaan; saheeh by al-Albaani in Ghaayat al-Maraam, no. 271)

And he (sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam) said:

“There is no slave to whom Allaah has entrusted the care of people, and he dies neglecting his flock, but Allaah will forbid Paradise to him.” (Bukhaari, Muslim)

May Allaah protect us and our families from the evils of smoking and everything else that's haraam.