Imaam al-Albaanee on Suicide Bombings - English

Listen to the muhaddith of our time clarify that the suicide bombings that go on today are not permitted in Islaam at all. Additionally, he mentions that the many of the people who carry out these bombings do not do so for the sake of Islaam. Rather, they carry out these actions for the sake of their land or country.

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What Foods Are Good For Your Eyesight?

These foods are good for maintaining good eyesight. Weakened eyesight may be the result of improper nutrition and lack of the relevant nutrients that are related to the maintenance of the various eye components.

• Carrots. These are rich in Vitamin A. Beta-carotene which is a precursor of Vitamin A plays an important role in numerous biochemical reactions in the body. The benefits of Vitamin A / Beta-carotene include maintenance of the surface linings in the eyes, and intestinal, urinary and respiratory tracts.
• Cold water fish. These include sardines, mackerel, cod and tuna. These fish are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, and particularly DHA which plays a crucial role in the structure of cell-membranes. It is recommended for people with dry eyes, and for the preservation of sight in general.
• The leafy greens. These include spinach and kale. These are rich in carotenoids, with lutein of particular interest. This is a pigment that protects the macula (part of the eye deep in the centre of the retina) from damage via sunlight.
• Eggs. They are rich in sulfur, cysteine, lecithin and again, lutein. They can protect from cataract formation.
• Garlics and onions. These are also rich in sulfur, which is required for the synthesis of glutathione which is an antioxidant for the whole body, including the eye lens. It protects the body from damage and deterioration and this applies to the eyes as well.
• Fruits and vegetables. They contain a lot of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin E and Beta-carotene. Carrots are good for daytime vision.
• Blueberries and grapes. They contain anthocyanins which are good for night vision.
• Nuts and seeds These contain zinc which is important for retina function. Zinc is also required to release Vitamin A from the liver which is then used by the eye.

These foods provide the nutrients to maintain good eyesight. You can also take supplements too. This would include Vitamin C, vitamin B Complex, alpha-Lipoic acid, DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid), selenium, zinc and magnesium.

Source : HealthyMuslim.com

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Busying oneself with Knowledge or Work? – Shaykh Fawzaan

Shaykh Saalih Al Fawzaan was asked:

Is it better to devote oneself with seeking of knowledge or occupy oneself with trade (seeking after sustenance) ?

Answer:
There is no doubt there is nothing equal to the seeking of knowledge; however seeking knowledge does not prevent occupying oneself with trade (seeking after sustenance), evidently he seeks knowledge in its time and he occupies himself with trade (seeking after sustenance) in its time.

http://www.alfawzan.af.org.sa/node/12870

Source : SalafiCentre

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Fear of Jinn - Shaikh Rabee

Question:

Does fearing the Jinn enter into natural fear or not?

Answer:

Fearing the jinn; if it is inner fear and if it is believed that the jinn can benefit and harm you, then this enters into shirk: ‘And verily, there were men among mankind who took shelter with the masculine among the jinns, but they (jinns) increased them (mankind) in sin and disbelief.’ [Surah Al-Jinn Verse 6]
And in the most part/cases fear of the jinn – and Allah knows best – falls into the fear (that is regarded to be) worship; because it is believed that by way of it (jinn) you can be harmed or benefitted, whilst no one has the ability to cause harm or benefit except Allah, neither the jinn nor the people, as the Messenger of Allah sallaallaahu alaihi wa sallam said: “Know that if the nation were to gather together to benefit you with something, they would not benefit with anything except that which Allaah has already recorded for you. If they gather to harm you by something, they would not be able to harm you by anything except what Allaah has already recorded against you.” (Tirmidhee Hasan saheeh)

And the true believer does not fear (anyone or anything) except Allah (The Mighty and Majestic). “So fear them not, but fear me if indeed you are (true) believers” [Aali Imran verse 175]; Meaning the inner fear, the fear (that is regarded to be) worship.  As for fear of a snake, a lion or a corrupt person – meaning he who attacks you and you are not able to resist/fight him, then this is natural fear (and) it does not harm. This does not harm – Inshaa Allah – and it has no effect on the Aqeedah.

However fear of jinn in most cases is a fear established upon corrupted beliefs!  The Messenger sallaallaahu alaihi wa sallam has given you weapons and has taught you; Read ayatul kursi, read Surah al Falaq and Surah an Nas to be protected.  The remembrance of Allah (The Mighty and Majestic) protects you from them. Use the means which will protect you from them and from every type of harm—from snakes, scorpions and from other than them, (reciting):    َعُوذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ التَّامَّة مِنْ شَرِّ مَا خَلَقَ
I seek refuge in the Perfect Words of Allah from the evil of what He has created.) (Recite three times in the evening.)  If you said this nothing will come to you (of harm), neither a jinn nor a snake nor other than them.  Nothing will harm you (by permission of Allah) and this is (when) it is done with sincerity and truthfulness. 

May Allah bless you all.

Source : salaficentre.co.uk 

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Placing the Qur'an in One's Car and Elsewhere for Protection and Blessings

Shaykh Abd al-Aziz bin Baz (rahimahullaah) was asked:

Question:

Some people place Qur'anic verses and Prophetic statements in rooms in [their] residences, or restaurants or offices. Likewise in the hospitals and clinics they hang the saying of Allaah, the Exalted, "And when I am ill He is the one who cures me" (26:80) and other (verses).

Is hanging those (verses and statements) considered to be amongst the talismans which are prohibited in the Shariah, with the knowledge that their intent is to receive blessings and repel the devils, and sometimes the intent could also be to remind the forgetful and notify the heedless. And is placing the qur'an (mushaf) with the justification of seeking blessings also considered to be from the talismans.

The Shaykh's answer:


When the intent behind what the questioner has mentioned is to remind the people, to teach them and to benefit them, there is no harm in that. As for when the intent is to consider [the placing and hanging of these words] to be a protection from the devils or the jinn, then I do not know of any basis for this. Likewise, placing the qur'an (mushaf) in the car for blessing through that, this does not have any basis and it is not legislated. As for when he places it in the car in order to read it at certain times, or so that some of the passengers read it, then this is good and there is no harm in it. And Allaah is the overseer of success. al-Bida' wal-Muhdathaat wa Maa Laa Asla Lahaa (p. 259-260).

Source : bidah.com

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Imaam al-Sa'dee: What is the Definition of Tawheed and What Are Its Types?

Question:

What is the definition of Tawheed and what are its types?

The Answer:

The comprehensive definition of Tawheed comprising all of its types is: (a) The knowledge and belief of the servant, his acknowledgement and his faith in His Lord being singled out with every attribute of perfection, and his uniqueness in that (b) and the belief that there is no partner (shareek) or like (matheel) for Him in His perfection and (c) [the belief] that He holds (the right) of Uloohiyyah (devotion, worship) and Uboodiyyah (worship, servitude) over all of His creation. Thereafter, to single Him out with the types of worship. Hence, the three types of Tawheed enter into this definition, the first of them is Tawheed al-Ruboobiyyah, which is the acknowledgement of the Lord being singled out in creating (khalq), providing (rizq), regulating (tadbeer) and nurturing (tarbiyyah). The secondd, Tawheed ul-Asmaa wal-Sifaat, which is to affirm everything that Allaah affirme for Himself or His Messenger Muhammad (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) affirmed for Him, of beautiful names, and whatever attributes (are indicated) by these names, without resembling or likening them (to those of the creation), and without distorting them or denying them. The third, Tawhid ul-Ibaadah, which is to single out Allaah alone with all of the types of worship and their categories, and to make them only [for Allaah] and sincerely for Allaah without making anyone as a partner in anything from them.
So these are the categories of Tawheed, a servant cannot be a muwahhid (true monotheist) unless he holds fast to them and acts (in accordance) with them.

Source: Su'aal wa Jawaab Fee Ahimml-Muhimmaat in al-Majmoo'ah al-Kaamilah of Shaykh al-Sa'dee (3/61).

Link : aqidah.com

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Jesus Is the Messenger, the Word and the Spirit of Allaah, the Exalted

Allaah (al-Ilaah, Eloh-im), the Sublime and Exalted, said in his final revelation to mankind, establishing the truth about Jesus, the Messenger (peace be upon him):

يَا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ لاَ تَغْلُواْ فِي دِينِكُمْ وَلاَ تَقُولُواْ عَلَى اللّهِ إِلاَّ الْحَقِّ إِنَّمَا الْمَسِيحُ عِيسَى ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ رَسُولُ اللّهِ وَكَلِمَتُهُ أَلْقَاهَا إِلَى مَرْيَمَ وَرُوحٌ مِّنْهُ فَآمِنُواْ بِاللّهِ وَرُسُلِهِ وَلاَ تَقُولُواْ ثَلاَثَةٌ انتَهُواْ خَيْرًا لَّكُمْ إِنَّمَا اللّهُ إِلَـهٌ وَاحِدٌ سُبْحَانَهُ أَن يَكُونَ لَهُ وَلَدٌ لَّهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَات وَمَا فِي الأَرْضِ وَكَفَى بِاللّهِ وَكِيلاً

O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians)! Do not exceed the limits in your religion, nor say of Allaah aught but the truth. The Messiah Eesaa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), was (no more than) a Messenger of Allaah and His Word (through which He created him), (a Word) which He bestowed on Maryam (Mary) and a spirit (Rooh) created by Him. So believe in Allaah and His Messengers. Say not: "Three (trinity)!" Cease! (it is) better for you. For Allaah is (the only) God (worthy of worship), Glory be to Him (Far Exalted is He) above having a son. To Him belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. And Allah is All-Sufficient as a Disposer of affairs. (An-Nisa 4:171)

Comments
 
This verse was revealed in relation to various factions of the Christians (Ya'qubiyyah, Nestoriyyah, Malikaaniyyah, Marqoosiyyah), and they had various sayings so some said, "Jesus is Allaah", others said, "He is the son of Allaah" and others said, "He is the third of three." Allaah, the Exalted is saying:
O people of the Gospel, do not exceed the true belief in your religion, and do not exaggerate and say of Allaah except the truth. Do not claim a son and wife for Him, for Eesaa (Jesus) the son of Maryam (Mary) was no more than a Messenger like many other Messengers, he was sent with the ultimate truth, which is submitting to Allaah alone without any partners, a truth that is witnessed to by all the signs in creation, and which the innate disposition and natural instinct of every person recognizes, provided it has not been corrupted (through nurturing upon false religion). So Jesus is the Messenger of Allaah. And likewise He is the Word of Allaah, with the meaning that he was created through a Word spoken by Allaah which is "Be!" (not that he, Jesus, in his essence, is the actual Word of Allaah) and with this Word, Jibreel was sent, and Jibreel breathed into Maryam (peace be upon her) from the Spirit of Allaah, the Spirit is a created entity, not something that is from Allaah's essence, but the word Rooh (Spirit) is used to refer to a created entity, and the Rooh (Spirit) was also breathed into Aadam (peace be upon Him) - and none knows the reality of this Rooh save Allaah - so this Rooh (Spirit) was breathed into Maryam (peace be upon her) by Jibreel, so Jesus is the Spirit of Allaah, in this sense, in that he was created through Allaah's sending of the Rooh (Spirit) with Jibreel and the breathing of this spirit into Maryam (peace be upon her). This is the truth, so believe in it, and believe in this truth regarding Jesus, Son of Mary, and submit to Allaah alone, and worship Him alone, and shun the worship of all other deities including Jesus and his mother Mary, for they were mere mortals, who ate and drank, and Allaah chooses whomever He wills for Prophethood. And do not say "There are three (deities)", for there is only one deity in truth. For you have unjustly raised him (Jesus) from the station of Prophethood and Messengership to one of Lordship (Rububiyyah), yet Jesus and his mother Mary are mere mortals, they eat and drink and walk the earth, and they own and control nothing of the heavens and earth, save that Allaah gave miracles to Jesus as a sign of his prophethood and as a evidence to Banee Israa'eel (Children of Israel) that he is indeed sent by Allaah. So if you desist from saying this statement of "Three" it is better for you, because this is the way of deliverance, to believe in the unicity of Allaah, His sole right to be worshipped, He is sanctified and too sublime that He should have a son, rather to Him belongs the heavens and the earth, so everything is under His dominion, and everything is subservient to Him and sufficient is He alone as a disposer of all affairs.
Just as this verse was revealed to correct the exaggeration (ghuluww) of the Christians, it was also revealed to correct the belittlement and rejection of the Jews of the Messiah Jesus and so in this verse Allaah establishes that Jesus is the Messenger of Allaah, the Word of Allaah and the Spirit of Allaah (as explained above). And with this Allaah, the Exalted has established the truth for the People of the Book, both Jews and Christians.

Source : IslamJesus.Ws

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Busying oneself with Knowledge or Work? – Shaykh Fawzaan

Shaykh Saalih Al Fawzaan was asked:

Is it better to devote oneself with seeking of knowledge or occupy oneself with trade (seeking after sustenance) ?

Answer:
There is no doubt there is nothing equal to the seeking of knowledge; however seeking knowledge does not prevent occupying oneself with trade (seeking after sustenance), evidently he seeks knowledge in its time and he occupies himself with trade (seeking after sustenance) in its time.

http://www.alfawzan.af.org.sa/node/12870

Source : salaficentre.co.uk

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Ruling on Saying “I Met/Bumped into Someone by CHANCE” Shaikh al-Fawzan

From the pillars of Eemaan is the belief in the Decree which comprises of 4 aspects; belief that Allah’s knowledge is all-encompassing, belief that everything is recorded in the preserved tablet, belief that Allah wills or permits the affairs to occur [i.e. nothing occurs without His permission], belief that Allah creates all affairs.

Regarding this aspect of eemaan the following question arose, and Shaikh al-Fawzaan answered:

Q: “Is it permissible to say that I bumped into/met someone by chance, if I had not made an appointment prior to meeting him?”

A: “If he intends by his statement “by chance” that he met the individual without having arranged a meeting prior to that, then it’s no problem. However, if his intention is that this meeting is an affair that was not decreed in the pre-decree and it was pure “chance” that caused it, then this is not permissible, this would be rejection of the pre-decree.

Although many of the muslims do not intend this [when they make such a statement], they do not intend rejection of the decree, they mean by “chance” i.e. they were not expecting this or they were not upon a pre-agreed arrangement to meet”.

[via Sahab al-Muntaqa min Akhbaar al Mursaleen 1434-01-03]

Translation by Abu Muadh Taqweem

Source : salaficentre.co.uk

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I Bear Witness That Allaah is Above the Throne Above the Seventh Heaven, Not as the Heretics Say

Abu al-Hasan Alee ad-Daraqutnee (d. 385H), brings in his "Kitaab us-Sifaat, with his chain of narration:
Muhammad bin Makhlad narrated to us: Muhammad bin Muhammad bin Umar bin al-Hakam Abu al-Hasan al-Ataa said: I heard Muhammad bin Mus'ab al-Aabid saying:

Whoever claims that you do not speak and will not be seen in the Hereafter, then He is a kaafir (disbeliever) in your Face, and he does not know you. I bear witness that you are above the Throne, above the seventh heaven and it is not as your enemies, the zanaadiqah (heretics) say.

 

Muhammad bin Mus'ab was one of the pious worshipers and reciters, he was praised by Imaam Ahmad bin Hanbal who described him with being upon the Sunnah, and Abu al-Hasan al-Attaar narrated from him. He was thiqah, and a reciter of the Book of Allaah. He died in 228H, refer to Taareekh Bagdhaad (3/279) of al-Khateeb. And al-Khateeb al-Baghdaadee also reported this athar with the same isnaad in Tareekh Baghdaad (3/280). And it is also found in as-Sunnah of Abdullaah bin Imaam Ahmad (1/182).
 
Source: "Kitaab us-Sifaat" of ad-Daraqutnee (tahqeeq Alee Naasir al-Faqeehee), no. 64, p 72.

Source :  www.abovethethrone.com

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Eat Less and Live Heathier and Longer?

Miqdaam bin Ma'dee Kariba said: I heard the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) say: "The son of Aadam does not fill a container worse than his stomach. It is sufficient for the son of Aadam to take enough morsels of food to keep his back straight (keep him able-bodied). And if it is necessary, then a third for his food, a third for his drink, and a third for his breath".

Read the full article here

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Specifying the Two Eeds or the Day of Jumu'ah for Visiting the Graves

Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen (rahimahullaah) was asked:

What is the ruling on specifying the two Eeds and the day of Jumu'ah for visting the graves?

And from the Shaykh's answer:

This has no basis, for specifying the day of Eed for visiting the graves and believing this is legislated is considered to be from the innovations because this has not been related from the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam), and I do not know of any of the people of knowledge who have spoken with this. As for the day of Jumu'ah, some of the people of knowledge have mentioned it is desirable that the visitation (to the grave) be on the day of Jumu'ah, but alongside that they never mentioned any narration from the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) [as proof].

Seventy Questions on The Rulings of funerals of Ibn Uthaymeen, through al-Bida' wal-Muhdathaat Wa Maa Laa Asla Lahaa, p. 297.

Source : www.bidah.com

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Shaykh Salih Al-Suhaymee on the September 9/11 Attacks in New York

This is a transcript of a recorded Tele-link done by Shaykh Salih al-Suhaymee of al-Madinah al-Nabawiyyah, Saudi Arabia, some time after the September 11 event. After praising and thanking Allaah and sending prayers and peace upon the Messenger, Shaykh Salih as-Suhaymee said:

The correct and upright Islaam is a religion which has finalised all other religions (i.e. is the seal of all other religions) and it is a complete religion for all affairs of life. Allaah has decreed happiness and success for the one who abides by and applies it, in this life and next.

Thus We have made you [true Muslims] a wasat (just and balanced) nation, that you be witnesses over mankind and the Messenger (Muhammad) be a witness over you. (Baqarah 2:143)

Hence, Islaam is a balanced and moderate way, and it does not enter into negligence on the one hand and nor exaggeration or extremism on the other. It is balanced in between and the Muslim nation is also balanced and upon a middle course. Thus, Islaam is balanced in everything, in its creed, in its worship, and it is far removed from both shortcoming and exaggeration. Likewise, in its economy it is also balanced in between those who wish to confiscate money by every right and between those who wish excessive liberalism and encourage it to be given in abundance (above and beyond what is appropriate). In addition, Islaam encourages equity and justice amidst both Muslims and non-Muslims.

Verily, Allah enjoins justice (adl) and good conduct (ihsaan), and giving (help) to kith and kin: and forbids all shameful deeds (fahshaa) and all that is evil (munkar) and oppression (baghy), He admonishes you, that you may take heed. (Nahl 16:90)

Further, Allaah has also prohibited oppression for himself, and has likewise prohibited His servants from oppression, [saying, as quoted by the Messenger (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) in the Hadeeth Qudsi], "O My servants, I have forbidden oppression for Myself and have made it forbidden amongst you, so do not oppress one another." (Reported in Saheeh Muslim from Abu Dharr al-Ghifari).

He has also forbidden transgression and aggression and enmity and harm against others, whatever form this may take. He has also ordered the fulfilment of agreements and obligations and has also forbade the killing of those non-Muslims which Muslim countries have agreements with. The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said, "Allaah has forbidden the smell of Paradise for the one who kills a Mu'aahad (one with whom there is a pact or agreement)". And He also forbade the Mujahideen from killing women, children, the elderly, and the ascetics who are devoted to worship, as well as forbidding the cutting down of trees and so on - despite the fact that the associates of these categories of people may be involved in fighting with the Muslims.

Based upon what has preceded, then we say that that which we believe and hold as our religion concerning what happened to the World Trade Centre in America - and in Allaah lies success - that the terrorist attacks that took place and what occurred of general (mass) killing, then it is not permissible and Islam does not allow it in any form whatsoever. Islaam frees itself from this action, regardless of whether those responsible for it were Muslims or non-Muslims. And none of the scholars who are upon the correct form of Islaam, affirm the likes of these actions. The likes of these actions, in any place or time, which happen here and there, were never known in Islaam, ever. In fact, never since Allaah sent the Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) till this time of ours. These actions were never known amongst Islaam and the Muslims - assassination of innocent people and bombings and widespread murder.

So Islaam does not allow them and nor do Muslims perform them, and the true followers of Islaam - which is balanced and moderate - then they free themselves from these actions and from those who performed them, regardless of whether they were Muslims or non-Muslims.

This is oppression and Islaam forbids it.

In this centre there were none but innocent non-Muslims and Muslims, from all the various parts of the world, of different races. They had material possessions and assets in these buildings, and so all of this is impermissible and this is oppression upon both Muslims and non-Muslims. Even if people (who were responsible) claim that they had valid reasons for perpetrating this, then this is not the correct way.

It is obligatory upon the Muslims in this country and elsewhere and upon the students of knowledge to explain that this action is free from Islaam, and that Islaam is free from these actions. I request them to make clear this issue, with certainty and to be truthful when they explain this issue, without compromising the religion of Islaam, and without giving a bad impression of Islaam.

And we say, to whomever has justice and fairness amongst the non-Muslims, that they should reflect upon this matter, and not take it out on innocent Muslims and Arabs, for there are millions of them in the United States. They should also not take anything from the media without question. It is desirable for the American people to understand that Islam does not support these affairs, and that they should not use the media in order to ascribe these actions to Islaam. And the Muslims in those areas should participate in explaining that these affairs are not from Islaam.

In ending, I hope from the students of knowledge specifically and the Muslims generally that they return to the scholars in the likes of these affairs, and that they should return to the Muftee of our country, and to what they have explained of the freedom of Islaam from the likes of these affairs. It is obligatory upon the world to listen to the word of the Muslims, and to the correct Islaam, just like it is upon the students of knowledge in the West that they strive to explain the correct Islaam, balanced between neglect and exaggeration - the Islaam that calls to justice and which calls for the removal of oppression.

May Allaah guide us to what He loves and is pleased with. Prayers and peace upon the Prophet, his family and companions.

 Source :  www.islamagainstextremism.com

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Placing the Qur'an in One's Car and Elsewhere for Protection and Blessings

Shaykh Abd al-Aziz bin Baz (rahimahullaah) was asked:

Question: Some people place Qur'anic verses and Prophetic statements in rooms in [their] residences, or restaurants or offices. Likewise in the hospitals and clinics they hang the saying of Allaah, the Exalted, "And when I am ill He is the one who cures me" (26:80) and other (verses). Is hanging those (verses and statements) considered to be amongst the talismans which are prohibited in the Shariah, with the knowledge that their intent is to receive blessings and repel the devils, and sometimes the intent could also be to remind the forgetful and notify the heedless. And is placing the qur'an (mushaf) with the justification of seeking blessings also considered to be from the talismans.

The Shaykh's answer:

Answer: When the intent behind what the questioner has mentioned is to remind the people, to teach them and to benefit them, there is no harm in that. As for when the intent is to consider [the placing and hanging of these words] to be a protection from the devils or the jinn, then I do not know of any basis for this. Likewise, placing the qur'an (mushaf) in the car for blessing through that, this does not have any basis and it is not legislated. As for when he places it in the car in order to read it at certain times, or so that some of the passengers read it, then this is good and there is no harm in it. And Allaah is the overseer of success. al-Bida' wal-Muhdathaat wa Maa Laa Asla Lahaa (p. 259-260).

Source : www.bidah.com

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Imam Al-Albani on the Ruling on Suicide Bombings and Those Who Perform Them

Listen to the muhaddith of our time clarify that the suicide bombings that go on today are not permitted in Islaam at all. Additionally, he mentions that the many of the people who carry out these bombings do not do so for the sake of Islaam. Rather, they carry out these actions for the sake of their land or country.

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The Hadeeth of Abu Hurairah: Firdaws Is The Highest Place in Paradise and the Throne of ar-Rahmaan is Above It

From Abu Hurairah (radiyallaahu anhu) from the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam), who said: "Whoever believes in Allah and His Messenger, establishes the prayer and fasts the month of Ramadan will rightfully be granted Paradise by Allah, no matter whether he fights in Allah's cause or remains in the land where he is born." The people said, "O Allah's Messenger! Shall we inform the people with this good news?" He said, "Paradise has one-hundred levels which Allah has reserved for the Mujaahideen who fight in His cause, and the distance between each of two levels is like the distance between the Heaven and the Earth. So, when you ask Allah (for something), ask for Al-Firdaws which is the middle-most and highest part of Paradise. Above it is the Throne of ar-Rahmaan, and from it originate the rivers of Paradise.

Al-Bukhaaree said towards the end of his Saheeh:

Chapter: His, the Mighty and Majestic's saying, "And His Throne was over the water", and He is the Lord of the Mighty Throne.

Then he said:

And Mujaahid said, "Istiwaa, meaning 'alaa, rose over the Throne.

Source: "Mukhtasar al-Uluww" of adh-Dhahabee (p. 101).

Link: www.abovethethrone.com

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Correctness of a Person's Methodology Determines Paradise or Hellfire

Question: Does the Correctness of a Person’s Methodology Determine Paradise or Hellfire for Him?
Answer: Yes. When a person’s methodology is correct he becomes one of the inhabitants of Paradise. So when he is upon the methodology of the Messenger (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) and the methodology of the Salaf us-Salih, he becomes one of the people of Paradise by the permission of Allaah. But when he traverses upon the methodology of those who are astray, he has been threatened with Hellfire.
Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan
Al-Ajwibah al-Mufidah, compiled by Jamal bin Farihan al-Harithi.
Translated by Abu `Iyaad Amjad Rafiq

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Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan on the Ikhwani Bid'ah of al-Muwaazanah

Shaikh Saalih al-Fawzaan (hafidhahullaah) was questioned about "al-Muwaazanah":

It has spread amongst the youth today amongst the youth that it is obligatory to counterbalance between to good and bad points when criticising and so they say: 'When you criticise such and such person for an innovation and you expose his mistakes, it is necessary for you to mention his good points - and this is from the perspective of justice and fairness.' So is this manhaj (methodology) in criticising correct? And is it necessary for me to mention the good points when criticising?

So he replied:

When the one who is being criticised is from Ahl us-Sunnah wal-Jamaa'ah and his mistakes are in matters which do not relate to 'aqeedah, then yes... his good points and exceptional [qualities] are mentioned. His mistakes and slips are overwhelmed by his aid for the Sunnah. But when the one being criticised is from the People of Misguidance and the People of Deviation and from the People of Destructive and Adulterated Principles, then it is not permissible for us to mention their good points - when he has good points - because when we mention them, this deceives the people and makes them hold a good opinion about this strayer or about this innovator or deviant or parisan (one engrossed with party-spirit). So then they accept the ideas of this strayer or this innovator or this biased partisan. And Allaah jalla wa 'alaa refuted the Disbelievers, the Criminals and the Hypocrites and did not mention any of their good points. And likewise the Scholars of the Salaf refute the Jahmiyyah and Mu'tazilah and the People of Misguidance and they never mention any of their good points. This is because their good deeds are impaired by their misguidance, disbelief, deviation and hypocrisy. So it is not befitting that you refute a straying wanderer, innovator, deviant and then mention his good points and that you say he is a good man, he has this and that good deed, but he made a mistake! We say to you: Your praise of him is stronger than your his misguidance, because the people will hold on to you praise of him. So when you promote this straying innovator and you praise him then you have deceived the people and this opens up the door for accepting the ideas of those who lead others astray...

Until he said:

And the foundation for this doubt of counterbalancing between the good and bad points in criticising, one of the youth spoke by it and wrote a book on it. Then others received this with much joy. Then I came across this book in which its author argues for the principle of counterbalancing and I also came across the work of Shaikh Rabeeý bin Haadee al-Madkhalee (The Methodology of Ahl us-Sunnah in Criticising Men, Books and Movements) and he refuted that book in which its author justifies the idea of counterbalancing with a complete refutation and explained what such words contain of error and promotion of falsehood and he explained the madhhab of the Salaf in refuting and that they used to refute people who lead others astray and that they did not praise them because if they had done that, this would have been contradictory.

source : www.manhaj.com

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£28,000 Donation

MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH


AssalamuAlaikum Wa Rahmatullah,

It is with great pleasure that we announce that we have just recieved a one off donation of £28,000. We ask Allah to reward this brother/brothers for this mighty sacrifice. We ask Allah to accept this sadaqah from them and multiply the reward in these last 10 days of Ramadhan. Jazakumullahu Khair yaa ikhwati fillah.

So as we stand the masjid debt is now cleared. We have also recieved several other donations as follows: (some donations are pending from the local brothers and sisters who setup pledges earlier this year)

£206.65 last Jumuah
£500 profit from the milkshakes outside the Masjid
£200 profit from selling cakes outside the Masjid
£500 donation from a local brother.
£900 donations online through paypal.
Total: £2306.65

We ask Allah to reward all of these people for their efforts and accept this sadaqah from them. We now just need to ensure that our running costs for the Masjid are covered for this year. The approx. running costs we still need to raise stands at £25,000. We encourage everyone to please continue to donate, especially by way of setting up a standing order. Regular donations will ensure that the Masjid costs are always covered. You can setup up a standing order through your online banking, taking a standing order form from the Masjid or setting up a paypal standing order by clicking on the following link:

http://www.albaseerah.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6&Itemid=22

Masjid As-Sunnah is striving to become as active as possible. We are rennovating the new bookshop location, looking into new business ventures to aid the project, looking to open a new primary school, looking to increase in spreading knowledge through a variety of means, looking to do more dawah in the streets and more. But all of this requires finance and manpower. We have witnessed from the very onset of this project that through effort and striving, Allah has opened up things and avenues for us. We ask Allah to reward all of our brothers and sisters connected to Albaseerah and our brothers and sisters around the world who have aided us for many many years. Your reward is with Allah. We ask Allah to raise you and make easy your affairs in this world and the Hereafter.

Hayakumullah.

WassalamuAlaikum Wa Rahmatullah

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NEW BUILDING ACQUIRED TO MOVE BOOKSHOP RIGHT NEXT TO MASJID

MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT: 

NEW BUILDING ACQUIRED TO MOVE BOOKSHOP RIGHT NEXT TO MASJID!

SEE PICTURES BELOW, INTERNAL PICTURES WILL BE SENT SOON INSHA'ALLAH

AssalamuAlaikum Wa Rahmatullah, 

We make reference to our email a few days ago where it was said "we also have another important project in the pipeline and hope to announce this sometime next week as soon as we are able to finalise things." Albaseerah is pleased to announce that after months of tough negotiations, we have finally acquired 2 new properties right next to the Masjid building. We had our sight set on these buildings from the onset of the Masjid project due to their location literally touching the Masjid. The following information we feel is important to convey:

1. The new acquired buildings were a former Lloyds pharmacy that were used by the doctors surgery (which has now become Masjid As-Sunnah). 

2. We have agreed to rent the buildings with the view to purchase it.

3. Our primary aim is to convert one of the buildings into a bookshop. So we will be moving the bookshop from our current location in Bradford 8 to Bradford 7.  

4. The overall building is quite large so we intend to create a flat upstairs and setup a second business with the sole aim to provide financial support to the Masjid, as explained in our social enterprise model.   

5. The pharmacy building is front facing and situated on the main road (Great Horton Road) which boasts a large array of some of the very best food outlets in the city, if not the country (Mumtaz and Anums to name a few). There is a large volume of traffic passing by this main road, arguably, one of the busiest roads in Bradford. 

6. Our goal was to centralise operations so the bookshop, masjid and future school are in one location. Alhamdulillah we have achieved this. 

7. The long term aim is to purchase this building and make it a means to finance the umbrella project which is the Masjid and then the School. 

A reminder again that the financial situation of the Masjid is concerning to say the least. The above is to provide you with the confidence that we are striving to become self-sufficing. But at the same time we are in urgent need of donations for the Masjid as our income is substantially less than our costs. Not a penny of your donations will be used for other than the Masjid. We ask you to donate for the sake of Allaah, in particular as the month of charity and  generosity fast approaches. 

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Masjid Needs Your Help!

"£28,000 MASJID DEBT AT PRESENT - YOUR HELP IS REQUIRED"

CLICK TO DONATE: 

http://albaseerah.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6&Itemid=22

AssalamuAlaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuhu,

It was in November 2011 that we provided the last update regarding the Masjid as-Sunnah project in Bradford (see http://storage.albaseerah.com/theark/The_Ark_Issue_37.pdf ). In that update we mentioned several projects that we intended to initiate. Alhamdulillah we were successful in achieving the following:

• Launched the new albaseerah audio website (audio.albaseerah.com)
• Began a weekend islamic lessons for children (currently in its pilot period)
• Created a flat upstairs to be used as a place of residence for the imaam 

The congregation in the Masjid is constantly increasing and the Jumuah is at full capacity. The Qur'an school has been running very well with 2 classes of 30 children. We have a waiting list of over 40 children but cannot take them on due to a lack of skilled teachers. 

Creating fund raising businesses to fund the Project

We quote the following from our last update:
"Our goal for the future is to create a structure which pre-dominantly (75%) is funded through its own activities without the reliance on donations. But we are quite some way from reaching this stage."

This is one of the fundamental principles of this project that we are constantly striving towards. Our efforts are being increasingly exerted towards creating a social enterprise where several fund raising businesses are formed to provide income for the charity. The overall goal is to allow the masjid and school project to fund itself. But as we mentioned and as can be appreciated, such an ambitious effort requires time and a pool of human resources. The albaseerah audio website was the first of these ventures. Our next venture is the new SunnahDirect website which will provide a variety of products from islamic clothing, toys, to health products. 100% of the profit of both these outlets go towards funding the project. 

We also have another important project in the pipeline and hope to announce this sometime next week as soon as we are able to finalise things. All the above is to try and highlight that we are trying our very best to become a self sustainable entity but we are many years away from achieving it.

Financial situation of the Masjid project

Our financial situation is becoming increasingly concerning and we cannot shy away from this. At the same time it is not something strange as we knew that the first few years would be difficult to stabilise finances.

Here is the situation. As is well known we successfully paid back the outstanding loans that were due from the purchasing of the masjid. Out of those loans, we held one of the loans totalling £50,000. The obvious reason was because we had no money to setup and maintain the masjid from its opening on the 15th July 2011 to now. So this £50,000 was kept to act as a buffer to run the masjid this year. The expenditure has been the following:

• Wages for the imaam and Project Manager
• Gas, Electricity and Water
• Lectures and dawah
• IT and web services
• Building maintenance 
• Printing
• Miscellaneous

Even though we have had income from the Quran school, standing orders, jumuah and internet donations, rental income from the flat, public donation boxes, gift aid on donations, food sales outside the masjid - all of this income has still been considerably less than the above mentioned outgoings. We are therefore in a £28,000 debt again. This money was used from that £50,000 loan we held back. This loan is due back by this September 2012. 

So our first challenge is to raise £28,000 for the debt that the masjid is in - we need your help.

Even after we clear this debt, we then have another challenge, having calculated the annual income and expenditure for the coming year Sept 2012 to Aug 2013. We expect an income of £30,400 but an expenditure of £67,000 = -£36,600 minus. This means that we need another £36,600 before September this year in order to keep the masjid going. Please remember that we will give the loan back so we will have no buffer to rely on. 

We make a plea to you to either make a one off donation or set up a standing order by visiting our website www.albaseerah.com. All of the ways to make a donation can be found on the following page:

http://albaseerah.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6&Itemid=22

We would like to iterate again, we are putting our utmost efforts to setup a social enterprise that will make the project self sufficing. But we need time and human resources to build this. Up until then your help is needed. Sometimes people find it difficult to give money towards maintaining the Masjid but easier to actually give to build the Masjid. A reminder that there is little difference between the two affairs. This Masjid was built and being maintained for the worship of Allah alone, for the sake of Allah alone. Whether people gave the money to build it or give money to maintain it, it is a house from the houses of Allah where people prostrate to Allah 5 times a day, where knowledge is spread, where the Quran is taught to the young. We thank you for all the support you have given, are giving and will give. Your reward is with Allah. 

If you have any queries or concerns, you are more than welcome to contact us.

Your brothers at Albaseerah

Wassalam Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakaatuhu 

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