Thursday, October 29, 2009

Halloween: Harmless or Haraam? (Part 3)

What to do on Halloween


We have established, beyond doubt, that the celebration of Hallow'een is absolutely forbidden in Islam. It is HARAM. The question arises as to what to do on this night. Muslim parents must not send their kids out "trick-or-treating" on Hallow'een night.

Our children must be told why we do not celebrate Hallow'een. Most children are very receptive when taught with sincerity, and especially when shown in practice the joy of their own Islamic celebrations and traditions. In this regard, teach them about the two Islamic festivals of Eid. (Eid-ul-Fitr is fast approaching, and this is the perfect time to start preparing them for it.) It must also be mentioned that, even Muslims who stay home and give out treats to those who come to their door are still participating in this festival. In order to avoid this, leave the front lights off and do not open the door. Educate your neighbours about our Islamic teachings. Inform them in advance that Muslims do not participate in Hallow'een, and explain the reasons why. They will respect your wishes, and you will gain respect in the process.

"A person who calls another to guidance will be rewarded, as will the one who accepts the message." (Tirmidhi)

Finally, we must remember that we are fully accountable to Allaah for all of our actions and deeds. If, after knowing the Truth, we do not cease our un-Islamic practises, we risk the wrath of Allaah as He himself warned us in the Qur'an:

"Then let them beware who refuse the Messenger's order lest some trial befall them, or a grevious punishment be afflicted upon them!" (24:63).

This is a serious matter and not to be taken lightly. And Allaah knows best. May Allaah guide us, help us to stay on the right path, and save us from all deviations and innovations that will lead us into the fires of Hell.



Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Halloween: Harmless or Haraam? (Part 2)

The Islamic Perspective on Halloween

Iman (faith) is the foundation of Islamic society, and tauheed (the belief in the existence and Oneness of Allaah) is the essence of this faith and the very core of Islam. The safeguarding of this iman, and of this pure tauheed, is the primary objective of all Islamic teachings and legislation. In order to keep the Muslim society purified of all traces of shirk (associating partners with Allaah) and remnants of error, a continuous war must be waged against all customs and practises which originate from societies' ignorance of divine guidance, and in the errors of idol worship.

Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) issued a stern warning:

 "Whoever imitates a nation is one of them!" (Abu Da'oud).

Muslims should heed this warning and refrain from copying or imitating the kufar in their celebrations. Islam has strongly forbidden Muslims to follow the religious or social customs of the non-Muslims, and especially of the idol-worshippers or those who worship the devil. The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said:

"By Him in Whose hands is my life, you are ordered to enjoin good and forbid evil, or else Allaah will certainly afflict you with torments. Thereafter, even your du'a (supplications) will not be accepted." (Tirmidhi).

From an Islamic standpoint, Hallow'een is one of the worst celebrations because of its origins and history. It is HARAM (forbidden), even if there may be some seemingly good or harmless elements in those practises, as evidenced by a statement from the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)

"Every innovation (in our religion) is misguidance, even if the people regard it as something good" [1].

Although it may be argued that the celebration of Hallow'een today has nothing to do with devil-worship, it is still forbidden for Muslims to participate in it. If Muslims begin to take part in such customs, it is a sure sign of weak iman and that we have either forgotten, or outrightly rejected the mission of our Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) who came to cleanse us from jahiliyyah customs, superstitions and false practises.

Muslims are enjoined to neither imitate the behaviour and customs of the non-Muslims, nor to commit their indecencies. Behaviour-imitation will affect the attitude of a Muslim and may create a feeling of sympathy towards the indecent modes of life. Islam seeks to cleanse the Muslim of all immoral conducts and habits, and thus paving the way for the Qur'an and Sunnah to be the correct and pure source for original Islamic thought and behaviour. A Muslim should be a model for others in faith and practice, behaviour and moral character, and not a blind imitator dependant on other nations and cultures.

Even if one decides to go along with the outward practises of Hallow'een without acknowledging the deeper significance or historical background of this custom, he or she is still guilty of indulging in this pagan festival. Undoubtedly, even after hearing the Truth, some Muslims will still participate in Hallow'een, send their kids "trick-or-treating," and they will try to justify it by saying they are doing it merely to make their children happy. But what is the duty of Muslim parents? Is it to follow the wishes of their children without question, or to mould them within the correct Islamic framework as outlined in the Qur'an and Sunnah? Is it not the responsibility of Muslim parents to impart correct Islamic training and instruction to their children? How can this duty be performed if, instead of instructing the children in Islam, parents allow and encourage their children to be taught the way of the unbelievers?

Allaah exposes these types of people in the Qur'an:

"We have sent them the Truth, but they indeed practise falsehood" (23:10). 

Muslim parents must teach their children to refrain from practising falsehood, and not to imitate the non-Muslims in their customs and festivals. If the children are taught to be proud of their Islamic heritage, they themselves will, insha Allaah, abstain from Hallow'een and other non-Muslim celebrations, such as birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, Valentines Day, etc. The Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said:

The Final Hour will not come until my followers copy the deeds of the previous nations and follow them very closely, span by span, and cubit by cubit (inch by inch). (Bukhari).

Islam is a pure religion with no need to accomodate any custom, practise or celebration that is not a part of it. Islam does not distinguish between "secular and sacred;" the shari'ah must rule every aspect of our lives.

"You must keep to my Sunnah and the sunnah of the rightly-guided Caliphs; cling to it firmly. Beware of newly invented matters, for every new matter is an innovation, and every innovation is misleading."[2]

"When the people see a person committing a wrong, but do not seize his hand to restrain him or her from the deed, it is likely that Allaah will punish them both." (Abu Da'oud, Nasa'i, Tirmidhi)

"Whoever imitates a nation is one of them." (Abu Da'oud)


To be continued....Part 2 of 3

Source: Troid


Sunday, October 25, 2009

Halloween: Harmless or Haraam? (Part 1)

Every year, on the evening of October 31st, millions of children across North America paint their faces, dress up in costumes, and go door to door collecting treats. The adults often decorate their houses with ghostly figures, carve scary faces on pumpkins, and put candles in them to create "Jack-O-Lanterns." Unfortunately, among the millions of North Americans indulging in this custom, many are also Muslims. This article will shed some light on the significance and origins of Hallow'een, and why Muslims should not participate in it.

Origins of the Hallow'een Festival

The ancient Celtic (Irish/Scottish/Welsh) festival called Samhain is considered by most historians and scholars to be the predecessor of what is now Hallow'een. Samhain was the New Year's day of the pagan Celts. It was also the Day of the Dead, a time when it was believed that the souls of those who had died during the year were allowed access into the "land of the dead". Many traditional beliefs and customs associated with Samhain continue to be practiced today on the 31st of October. Most notable of these customs are the practice of leaving offerings of food and drink (now candy) to masked and costumed revelers, and the lighting of bonfires. Elements of this festival were incorporated into the Christian festival of All Hallow's Eve, or Hallow-Even, the night preceding All Saint's (Hallows') Day. It is the glossing of the name Hallow- Even that has given us the name of Hallow'een. Until recent times in some parts of Europe, it was believed that on this night the dead walked amongst them, and that witches and warlocks flew in their midst. In preparation for this, bonfires were built to ward off these malevolent spirits.

By the 19th century, witches' pranks were replaced by children's tricks. The spirits of Samhain, once believed to be wild and powerful, were now recognized as being evil. Devout Christians began rejecting this festival. They had discovered that the so-called gods, goddesses, and other spiritual beings of the pagan religions, were diabolical deceptions. The spiritual forces that people experienced during this festival were indeed real, but they were manifestations of the devil who misled people toward the worship of false idols. Thus, they rejected the customs associated with Hallow'een, including all representations of ghosts, vampires, and human skeletons - symbols of the dead - and of the devil and other malevolent and evil creatures. It must also be noted that, to this day, many Satan-worshippers consider the evening of October 31st to be their most sacred. And many devout Christians today continue to distance themselves from this pagan festival.

To be continued....Part 1 of 3

Source: Troid

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Leeds 1 Day Mini Conerence






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TALK @ HAREHILLS PLACE  COMMUNITY CENTRE, LEEDS, LS8 5HS FROM 6PM – 9PM ON SATURDAY 31st OCTOBER 2009

THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE ISLAAMIC FAMILY IN THE WEST
By Abu Khadeejah Abdul Waahid


HOW TO ACT UPON THE  2 TESTIMONIES & THEIR CONDITIONS (Shahadah) A general advice for Muslims & New Muslims.
By Abu Idrees Muhammad


THE  CRIME  OF  SHIRK,  IT’S EXAMPLES  &  CONSEQUENCES
(SHIRK - Making partners with Allaah & believing they have a share in anything that only belongs to Allaah alone .
By Abu Hakeem Bilaal Davis

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Sunday, October 18, 2009

The Death of the People of Hell

How will the people in the Hellfire end up?

Will anyone die in Hell? Is there any saheeh hadeeth to that effect or not? If it is true, then what is the nature of this death, and to whom will it happen?

It was reported in Saheeh Muslim that Aboo Sa’eed al-Khudree (may Allaah be pleased with him) said:

"The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ‘As for the people of Hell, they are its inhabitants, and they neither live therein nor die. But there are people who will enter Hell because of their sins – or mistakes – so Allaah will cause them to die once, then when they become like coal, He will give permission for intercession (for them). They will be brought group by group to the rivers of Paradise. Then it will be said: "O people of Paradise! Pour water on them." Then they will grow like seeds (i.e., the seeds of herbs and aromatic plants, or it was said, small plants that grow in between grasses, or it may mean wheat).’"

The scholars said: "What is meant by the people of Hell are its kaafir inhabitants, who will never come out of it and never die at all.

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

"But those who disbelieve (in the Oneness of Allaah), for them will be the Fire of Hell. Neither will it have a complete killing effect on them so that they die, nor shall its torment be lightened for them. Thus do We requite every disbeliever!" [Faatir 35:36]


But those who disbelieve (in the Oneness of Allaah), for them will be the Fire of Hell. Neither will it have a complete killing effect on them so that they die, nor shall its torment be lightened for them. Thus do We requite every disbeliever!" [Faatir 35:36]

As for the sinners among those who believe in the Oneness of Allaah, those who have committed major sins (kabaa’ir), they will be punished in accordance with the degree of their sins for a period decreed by Allaah, then they will die a lesser death such that they no longer feel anything, for a period decreed by Allaah. Then they will be brought out dead, turned into coals and carried like luggage, and they will be thrown into the rivers of Paradise and the water of life will be poured over them. Then they will grow, like wheat at first, but quickly, like herbs. Then they will get stronger and be fully formed, and will be taken to their homes in Paradise. And Allaah knows best.

[From Fatawaa al-Imaam an-Nawawee, (p. 84)]

Source: Troid

Thursday, October 8, 2009

The Issue of Saints and the Hearing of the Dead in Islaam

A brief answer to questions on the issues of saints, intercession and hearing of the dead:

Questioner asked:

Can the dead hear, (I was under the impression they couldn't)...? Seeking waseela with saints (while acknowledging that Allah gives all)? I basicaly need to know what the view is on them, and if there were known ikhtilaaf regarding any, or ijma regarding any? recommended sites or links, or books about them...

___________________

Wa 'alaykumus-salaamu wa rahmatullaahi.

In the Name of Allaah, the Most Merciful... May His Salaat and Salaam be upon His Messenger...

Allaah the Most High has said, what means:
"Surely you can not make those in the graves hear" (Faatir 35:22)
So here is the general rule - the dead do not hear, as stated clearly by the Knower of all things.

Then, there are some specific exemptions from this general rule, like the defeated enemies of the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alayhe wa sallam) being addressed in the well at Badr, and the dead hearing the footsteps of those at their burial walking away. These two specific exemptions have been authentically reported by the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu 'alayhe wa sallam).

Combining the texts is quite simple, from the easiest ways of combining texts that some people feel have some kind of contradiction is a principle called "'Aamm and khaass". The general rule has been stated by Allaah in His Book, and VERY specific cases were exempted from that generality.

So the dead can not hear - as a general rule - however, at the time of burial, the deceased can hear the footsteps of those walking away from his burial.

And again, the dead can not hear - as a general rule - however, at the time of defeat, the Prophets would declare the promise of Allaah to be true, and ask the defeated enemies who were killed to testify to that. (NOTE: without waiting for an answer!!)

A simple question here:

Could these two texts allow us to consider the Statement of Allaah to be abrogated?

The answer:

That would mean abrogation in a fact of the unseen, and the scholars mention that this concept is outside of the field of abrogation. It would be like Allaah saying, what means, "The dead can not hear," and then saying, "Actually they can." Abrogation is limited to fiqh rulings and can not be considered in issues of 'aqeedah and information about the ghayb (like descriptions of the Hereafter or stories of the past). So to claim abrogation in this case is totally invalid.

Another question:

What kind of actions did these texts produce from the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alayhe wa sallam) and the Companions, from what is authentically reported?

Did these two texts lead anyone - even one Companion - to seek things - even one thing - from the deceased? Or to do "waseelah" through any of the deceased?

More clearly - the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alayhe wa sallam) was our example, showing us all ways to gain nearness to Allaah, by his example he led us! Did he go to the graves of the previous prophets and seek anything from them or through them? If that were the intended understanding in Islaam, would it not have been his job to lead by example and show us how to ask the deceased, the manners, the limits, etc. by his example as he did in all important affairs of the Religion? And would not the noble Companions have busied themselves transmitting that and acting upon it?

The answer is obvious: That was not his understanding! Or theirs! They were told of the status of some of their beloved who passed away, like Sa'd ibn Mu'aath for example, and others who were defined as people of Paradise! Obviously awliyaa' of Allaah, beloved to Allaah, forgiven, and Allaah was pleased with them. These are the righteous of whom we have not a shred of doubt about their piety - people of Paradise who died as martyrs! So this would be the perfect occasion - if it were legislated - to request something from one of them or "through" them. Yet, look for the reports - you find nothing!

So the question arises - Is it that the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alayhe wa sallam) and his companions did not understand properly and therefore they lost out on a big opportunity - while the people of "tawassul" of today who ask Allaah for things "through" the deceased have properly understood the issue in a more complete and thorough way, better in understanding and practice than those who received and witnessed the revelation as it came down!?

The answer again is clear. The Prophet (sallallaahu 'alayhe wa sallam) was correct. He was honest and dedicated to showing the Muslims every single way to draw near to Allaah, and this way is not from them.


VERY INTERESTING POINT HERE:

Actually, this way of seeking things from Allaah alone "through" the deceased was indeed practiced by some of the people in the time of the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alayhe wa sallam). So I guess I have to admit it does have a precedence. The people of Makkah used to ask Allaah alone for their needs, yet they used to make "tawassul" through the deceased. Allaah recorded their reason for doing so in the Qur'aan, what means:

"They would say, 'These are our intercessors with Allaah.'" (Yoonus 10:18)

While they believed clearly that only Allaah provided for them, only He created them and everything else, only He causes life and death, and thus, their requests were made TO Allaah alone, meaning they did not ask the deceased to forgive them, they did not ask the deceased for wealth, children, or anything, rather they only requested things from Allaah alone! Yet their request TO Allaah alone were made THROUGH others, and they said, "These are our intercessors with Allaah." To them, this did not violate or oppose their belief in Allaah's Sole Lordship.

So this practice that existed in the time of the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alayhe wa sallam), which is similar to what many people who ascribe to Islaam today endorse - to use such and such pious person as an intercessor, and ask Allaah THROUGH him... was this practice accepted and endorsed, discouraged, or prohibited in the time of the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alayhe wa sallam)?

THE CRUX

You should now acknowledge that we have arrived at the heart of the matter and the answer to confusion related to this issue is about to become very clear by Allaah's Permission!

The answer:

This practice was not endorsed or accepted. Nor was it discouraged. Nor was it simply prohibited as being haraam! Instead, it was made as an example of THE SIN that Allaah will not forgive, THE CRIME against the Beneficent Lord that leads to eternal punishment, and THE VERY ACT that drew the lines of battle between the people of tawheed - the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alayhe wa sallam) and his purely monotheist following (may Allaah be pleased with all of them) and the polytheists who refused to abandon their intercessors and make their worship for Allaah alone!

Regarding their requests from Allaah through these intercessors, they said, as Allaah recorded in His Book, what means:

"We only worship them to draw nearer to Allaah" (Az-Zumar 39:3)

Now remember when I said that this actions was "similar" to the practice of some of the people who ascribe to Islaam today who endorse this sort of so-called "tawassul"... I did not say "identical" but rather "similar" for a reason. There are some very important differences between them and the people of today.

1) The people in the time of the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alayhe wa sallam) knew what they were doing was worship, and they knew that it was in direct contradiction to the message of "laa ilaaha ill-Allaah" they were being invited to, and thus they fought him over it with their lives and wealth.

2) The people of today who do this while ascribing to Islaam believe their practice is endorsed by Islaam!! And they believe they are worshipping Allaah upon tawheed! So, as pointed out by our scholars, the people of today who worship Allaah "through" the deceased are more ignorant of the meaning of Islaam than the polytheists of Makkah who fought against our Messenger (sallallaahu 'alayhe wa sallam)!

3) Furthermore, the people of today sometimes use intercessors that were irreligious themselves, sometimes even polytheists who taught shirk, while the people of Makkah used angels and prophets to intercede for them (which was/is still shirk).

From these few points, you can see how even the polytheists of Makkah who fought against the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alayhe wa sallam) were more knowledgeable about the meaning of worship, tawheed, shirk, and thus Islaam, than the modern endorsers of so-called "tawassul" through the deceased.

In Conclusion

I hope that these simple lines have cleared some confusion about this matter. May Allaah bless you all and grant us understanding in His Religion.

May He grant us knowledge of what is right, and the humility, courage, patience, and strength needed to follow it with our hearts and limbs. And may He also grant us knowledge of what is wrong, and the humility, courage, patience, and strength needed to oppose it with our hearts and limbs!

And Allaah Most High knows best, may His Salaat and Salaam be upon His Final Messenger to Mankind.

Recommended reading on the specific topic: "Kashf ash-Shubuhaat", the text itself is very clear on the topic, loaded with Qur'aanic quotes. Read the entire text first before reading any lengthy explanations.[1]


Footnotes:

[1] Written on 3rd Shawwaal 1430 (22nd Sept. 2009).

By Abul-'Abbaas Moosaa Richardson

Source: Troid

Friday, October 2, 2009

New Website - AboveTheThrone.com


Which is a single location for all the statements from the Book of Allaah, the Sunnah, the Companions,
The Taabi'oon, the Salaf as a whole, and the Later Scholars regarding the Uluww of Allaah, the Most High, above His creation, above His Throne - inclusive of refutations of the doubts of the Jahmiyyah, past or present inshaa'Allaah.

Please visit, share and spread EVERYWHERE!

http://www.abovethethrone.com

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Canadian Seminar: How to Maintain as a Muslim Youth

How to Maintain as a Muslim Youth: Youth-based lectures on important issues facing Muslim teenagers and young adults.



UPDATE!
Dates: Friday Oct. 2nd to Sunday Oct. 4th 2009 Re-scheduled for Friday Oct. 23rd to Sunday Oct. 25th 2009 due to unforseen circumstances, we apologise for any inconvenience.

Location: Masjid al-Furqaan & Islaamic Centre (TROID) 874-A Weston Rd. Toronto, Canada (Weston/Black Creek) Google Map

Telelinks: TBA
Speakers: Abu Hakeem Bilaal Davis and Abu Khadeejah 'Abdul-Waahid Alam (from Birmingham, UK)


Seminar Themes:
  • The Fitnah of Being Muslim in High School/University
  • Peer Pressure/Friends - Can Make/Break Your Islaam
  • Using your Youth Wisely
  • How the Salaf Spent their Youth
  • Identifying the Middle Path Amidst the Multiplicity of Muslim Groups/Movements
  • Sticking to the Jama'aah
  • Seeking Knowledge and Travelling to Study
  • Our Relationship with Our Parents: Honour, Respect and Good Da'wah
FREE ADMISSION

Schedule (Local & Online via Paltalk):

All Times EST (+5 BST -3PST)

ALSO BROADCAST LIVE ON PALTALK
For online attendance: go to Paltalk Room: Religion & Spirituality > Islam > troid org room

Fri. Oct. 23rd
13:30 Abu Khadeejah, Jumu'ah Khutbah
19:15 Abu Hakeem, Lecture 1
20:40 Abu Khadeejah, Lecture 1

Sat. Oct. 24th
14:00 Abu Hakeem Lecture 2
17:00 Abu Khadeejah Lecture 2
19:15 Abu Hakeem Lecture 3
20:40 Q&A Session (Abu Khadeejah/Abu Hakeem)

Sun. Oct. 25th
14:00 Telelink (TBA)
17:00 Abu Khadeejah Lecture 3
19:00 Abu Hakeem Lecture 4
20:30 Closing Advice/Q&A (Abu Hakeem & Abu Khadeejah)

Source: Troid