Salam Aleikum,
I have very difficult question and I this is my only hope that you can help me to find the answer.
I am Russian Jewish girl and I know this Muslim guy for over a year. The longer we know each other, the more problems and difficulties we face. Not in the religious or cultural ways. We love each other and there is an issue of whether he can marry me or not. He is very good Muslim and he
comes from traditional family. I am very found of his believes and believes of his family. I was born in very agnostic country and couldn't be properly introduced into any religion. It was forbidden. When I came to US I started my research on different religions and found out, that my believes do not really match all jewish sayings. I did a lot of research on Islam and by looking at him and couple other Muslim boys and girls, and
by reading Quaran, I have very strong feeling that I could become a good Muslim. I want to go to school to learn the culture and religion more precise, to learn the language. I contacted the mosque and was ready to go... but I faced the issue: would I be accepted as Muslim sister like other people who came from different religions accept Jewish? Jewish and Muslims are in big contradictions and I know that friendship is almost impossible. I am praying to God (in my home language - Russian), to lead me the right way to achieve my believes. Please, help me to find my answers!
Thank you very much.
Praise be to Allaah.
“I have very strong feeling that I could become a good Muslim.” The way you express yourself so clearly in your message indicates that you are indeed open to the truth and have been sincerely seeking for it.
“I am praying to God (in my home language –Russian), to lead me to the right way…” What you say here, at the end of your message, makes the Muslim reader feel deeply moved by the story of a woman who has turned towards Allaah after realizing that He answers the prayers of those who call on Him and ask for guidance to the right way. Allaah says in the Qur’aan (interpretation of the meaning): “And when My slaves ask you (O Muhammad) concerning Me, then (answer them), I am indeed near (to them, by My knowledge). I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on Me (without any mediator or intercessor). So let them obey Me and believe in Me, so that they may be led aright.” [al-Baqarah 2:186]. It is a good sign that your heart appears to be open to Islam. Allaah also tells us in the Qur’aan: “And whomsoever Allaah wills to guide, He opens his breast to Islam, and whomsoever He wills to send astray, He makes his breast closed and constricted, as if he is climbing up to the sky…” [al-An’aam 6:125]
Please note that Muslims who understand their religion properly will not feel any kind of reservation or resentment towards any brother or sister who embraces Islam, no matter what their origins. The fact that a new Muslim comes from a Jewish or Christian background should not be a reason for any kind of discrimination or prejudice. We will give you two examples from Islamic history of two Jews – one man and one woman – who entered Islam.
The first one is Abu Yoosuf ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Salaam (may Allaah be pleased with him). Anas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “When ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Salaam heard that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) had come to Madeenah, he came to him and said, ‘I am going to ask you about three things which no one knows except a Prophet. What is the first Sign of the Hour? What is the first food that the people of Paradise will eat? And how is it that a child may resemble either his father or his maternal uncles?’ The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ‘Jibreel has just now informed me about these.’ ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Salaam said, ‘He is the enemy of the Jews among the angels.’ The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ‘The first sign of the Hour is a fire that will gather the people together from the East to the West. The first food that the people of Paradise will eat will be the caudate (extra) lobe of fish-liver. As for the child resembling one parent or another, when a man has intercourse with his wife, if the man’s discharge precedes the woman’s discharge, the child will resemble the man, and if the woman’s discharge precedes the man’s, the child will resemble the woman.” [‘Abd-Allaah] said: ‘I bear witness that you are the Messenger of Allaah…’” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 3082).
Al-Bukhaari also reported: “ ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Salaam came and said: ‘I bear witness that you are the Messenger of Allaah and that you have brought the truth. The Jews know that I am the best of them and the son of the best of them, and I am the most knowledgeable of them and the son of the most knowledgeable of them, so call them and ask them about me before they know that I have become Muslim, for if they know that I have become Muslim, they will say things about me that are not true.’ The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) sent for them and they came to him. The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to them, ‘O Jews, woe to you! Fear Allaah, for by Allaah besides Whom there is no other god, you know that I am truly the Messenger of Allaah and that I come to you with the truth, so become Muslim.’ They said, ‘We know nothing about that.’ He said it three times… He said, ‘What kind of man is ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Salaam among you?’ They said, ‘He is the best of us and the son of the best of us; he is the most knowledgeable of us and the son of the most knowledgeable among us.’ He said, ‘What would you think if he became Muslim?’ They said, ‘May Allaah protect him from that! He would never become Muslim.’ He said, ‘What would you think if he became Muslim?’ They said, ‘May Allaah protect him from that! He would never become Muslim.’ He said, ‘What would you think if he became Muslim?’ They said, ‘May Allaah protect him from that! He would never become Muslim.’ He said, ‘O son of Salaam, come out to them.’ He [‘Abd-Allaah] came out and said, ‘O Jews, fear Allaah! By Allaah besides Whom there is no other god, you know that he is the Messenger of Allaah and that he has come with the truth.’ They said, ‘You are lying!’ The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) told them to leave.” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 3621)
This man’s Jewish origins did not prevent him from being one of those who were given the glad tidings of Paradise before they died. Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “I never heard the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) saying to any man who walked on the face of the earth that he would be one of the people of Paradise except for ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Salaam. Concerning him, the aayah (interpretation of the meaning) ‘… and a witness from among the Children of Israel testifies that this Qur’aan is from Allaah…’ [al-Ahqaaf 46:10] was revealed.”
The Jewish woman who became Muslim was Safiyyah bint Huyay ibn Akhtab, from the Jews of Khaybar, who believed in Allaah as her Lord, Islam as her religion, and Muhammad as her Prophet.
This Jewish woman Safiyyah, who embraced Islam, became a mother for all of us Muslims, as Allaah said in the Qur’aan (interpretation of the meaning): “The Prophet is closer to the believers than their own selves, and his wives are their mothers…” [al-Ahzaab 33:6].
Anas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) stayed between Khaybar and Madeenah for three days when he got married to Safiyyah bint Huyay, and invited the Muslims to his waleemah (wedding feast)… The Muslims said, ‘Is she one of the Mothers of the Believers or is she one of those whom his right hand possesses?’ They said, ‘If he covers her, then she is one of the Mothers of the Believers and if he does not cover her, then she is one of those whom his right hand possesses.’ When he got on his camel, he made her ride behind him, and he put a screen between her and the people.” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 4762).
Safiyyah (may Allaah be pleased with her) was the one for whom the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) came out of seclusion (I’tikaaf) especially to accompany her to her house. (The one who is in seclusion for worship is not allowed to come out except for a valid reason). ‘Ali ibn al-Husayn (may Allaah be pleased with them both) reported that Safiyyah, the wife of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) told him that she came to the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) to visit him whilst he was in I’tikaaf in the mosque, during the last ten days of Ramadaan. She spoke with him for a while, then she wanted to go back to her house, so the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) got up and took her back… (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 1894)
According to another report: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was in the mosque, and his wives were with him, then they left. He said to Safiyyah bint Huyay, “Don’t rush, I will go with you.” Her home was in the house of Usaamah, and the Prophet (peace and blessin
Friday, April 6, 2012
She wants to become Muslim but thinks she will have problems with her friends, family and job
I am a woman studying Islam and have a few questions that need answering:
1. I have a few Muslim male friends, we are very close and they treat me as an equal, if I had to convert to Islam would their attitutes towards me have to change, e.g. when I visit their houses, their wifes are very much in the background while I am allowed to sit with the men and partake in the conversation the wifes are usually busy in the kitchens or else busy with the kids or generally sit and watch TV while we talk; I would not like to loose these special moments with my friends;
2. What will I be able to do about Friday prayers? I work in a place where my situation is very difficult. My collegeus are very prejudice against Muslims and I am afraid that should I convert they will freak. I have read somewhere that you can appoint someone to do the prayers for you, is that true?
3. My family are all very staunch Christians and I was brought up as a christian, I am also married to a christian but he has no objections to my studying and practicing Islam, if I had to convert how can I get my family to leave me alone?
4. Obviously this is a big step for me and I do still have doubts as to whether I am doing the right thing, how can one be 100% sure that you are doing the right thing. In my heart I feel OK about this although my mind has a lot of worries as you can notice from my questions. I am sure of the Oneness of God and have always been. I have read the Choice by Ahmed Deedat and I am sure about the Prophet (PBUH) and I do and have always believed in life after death but why do I still feel so confused? Am I ready to take the big step?
Praise be to Allaah.
Is what you want to do the right step? Are you ready to take this great step? From what you say, these are the two important questions to which you have been trying to find the answer. We thank you for consulting us, and we believe that what you are going to do is the right step for sure, because this is the religion of Allaah, and He does not accept any other religion from His slaves, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers.”
[Aal ‘Imraan 3:85]
Maybe you have compared (religions, etc.) and read widely and have reached the conviction that this is the true religion which you must follow, but this is not enough and it will not save a person just to believe in the Oneness of Allaah and the Prophethood of Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and the resurrection after death. He must also utter the Shahadataayn and practise Islam. It seems to us that your hesitation is not due to lack of conviction of the truth but because of certain fears that have to do with social factors such as friends, family, husband and job.
One aspect of the answer may be found under Question # 4775, so please refer to that. As far as your Muslim acquaintances are concerned, you will be sitting with their wives, not with the men, as is dictated by Islamic teaching. If you find this difficult at first, you will find it easy later on. If these women are too busy, then look for other sincere Muslim women who you can make friends with and encourage one another to adhere to the truth.
If you are sincere towards Allaah, He will help you to overcome your difficulties with your husband and family. With regard to Friday Prayers, this is not obligatory for women because the Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “It is a duty for every Muslim to pray Jumu’ah in congregation apart from four: slaves, women, young boys and the sick.” (Reported by Abu Dawood, 901). Women have to pray four rak’ahs of Zuhr prayer on Friday wherever they are. What you have heard about a person delegating someone else to pray on his behalf is not correct at all. Prayer is fard ‘ayn, i.e., an individual duty for each Muslim, and it is not acceptable for one person to appoint someone else as a proxy or for one person to pray on behalf of another. In any case, you have no need for this in the case of Jumu’ah prayers, as you now know.
Briefly, all you need in your case is to put your trust in Allaah and strive to please Him. Go ahead and embrace His religion even if it makes other people angry. So long as you accept Him as your Lord and God, and follow His religion, He will never let you down or forsake you. We believe that you are ready to take this great step, in sha Allaah, so remember our advice in brief is “Go for it” and put your trust in Allaah. We ask Allaah to give you strength.
1. I have a few Muslim male friends, we are very close and they treat me as an equal, if I had to convert to Islam would their attitutes towards me have to change, e.g. when I visit their houses, their wifes are very much in the background while I am allowed to sit with the men and partake in the conversation the wifes are usually busy in the kitchens or else busy with the kids or generally sit and watch TV while we talk; I would not like to loose these special moments with my friends;
2. What will I be able to do about Friday prayers? I work in a place where my situation is very difficult. My collegeus are very prejudice against Muslims and I am afraid that should I convert they will freak. I have read somewhere that you can appoint someone to do the prayers for you, is that true?
3. My family are all very staunch Christians and I was brought up as a christian, I am also married to a christian but he has no objections to my studying and practicing Islam, if I had to convert how can I get my family to leave me alone?
4. Obviously this is a big step for me and I do still have doubts as to whether I am doing the right thing, how can one be 100% sure that you are doing the right thing. In my heart I feel OK about this although my mind has a lot of worries as you can notice from my questions. I am sure of the Oneness of God and have always been. I have read the Choice by Ahmed Deedat and I am sure about the Prophet (PBUH) and I do and have always believed in life after death but why do I still feel so confused? Am I ready to take the big step?
Praise be to Allaah.
Is what you want to do the right step? Are you ready to take this great step? From what you say, these are the two important questions to which you have been trying to find the answer. We thank you for consulting us, and we believe that what you are going to do is the right step for sure, because this is the religion of Allaah, and He does not accept any other religion from His slaves, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers.”
[Aal ‘Imraan 3:85]
Maybe you have compared (religions, etc.) and read widely and have reached the conviction that this is the true religion which you must follow, but this is not enough and it will not save a person just to believe in the Oneness of Allaah and the Prophethood of Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and the resurrection after death. He must also utter the Shahadataayn and practise Islam. It seems to us that your hesitation is not due to lack of conviction of the truth but because of certain fears that have to do with social factors such as friends, family, husband and job.
One aspect of the answer may be found under Question # 4775, so please refer to that. As far as your Muslim acquaintances are concerned, you will be sitting with their wives, not with the men, as is dictated by Islamic teaching. If you find this difficult at first, you will find it easy later on. If these women are too busy, then look for other sincere Muslim women who you can make friends with and encourage one another to adhere to the truth.
If you are sincere towards Allaah, He will help you to overcome your difficulties with your husband and family. With regard to Friday Prayers, this is not obligatory for women because the Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “It is a duty for every Muslim to pray Jumu’ah in congregation apart from four: slaves, women, young boys and the sick.” (Reported by Abu Dawood, 901). Women have to pray four rak’ahs of Zuhr prayer on Friday wherever they are. What you have heard about a person delegating someone else to pray on his behalf is not correct at all. Prayer is fard ‘ayn, i.e., an individual duty for each Muslim, and it is not acceptable for one person to appoint someone else as a proxy or for one person to pray on behalf of another. In any case, you have no need for this in the case of Jumu’ah prayers, as you now know.
Briefly, all you need in your case is to put your trust in Allaah and strive to please Him. Go ahead and embrace His religion even if it makes other people angry. So long as you accept Him as your Lord and God, and follow His religion, He will never let you down or forsake you. We believe that you are ready to take this great step, in sha Allaah, so remember our advice in brief is “Go for it” and put your trust in Allaah. We ask Allaah to give you strength.
The tolerance of Islam
How can we prove to non-Muslims that Islam is a tolerant and easy religion?
Praise be to Allaah.
Islam is the religion of mercy and kindness, the religion of tolerance and ease. Allaah has not burdened this ummah with more than it can bear. Whatever good it does, it will be rewarded for it, and whatever evil it does, it will have to bear the burden of that sin, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Allaah burdens not a person beyond his scope. He gets reward for that (good) which he has earned, and he is punished for that (evil) which he has earned”
[al-Baqarah 2:286]
Allaah has spared the Muslims any difficulty or hardship in all that He has enjoined upon them. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“He has chosen you (to convey His Message of Islamic Monotheism to mankind by inviting them to His religion of Islam), and has not laid upon you in religion any hardship”
[al-Hajj 22:78]
Every sin that a Muslim commits because he makes a mistake, or forgets, or is forced to do it, is forgiven by Allaah, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Our Lord! Punish us not if we forget or fall into error”
[al-Baqarah 2:286]
And Allaah says: your prayer is granted.
The Muslim will be brought to account for what he does deliberately, not for what he does by mistake, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And there is no sin on you concerning that in which you made a mistake, except in regard to what your hearts deliberately intend”
[al-Ahzaab 33:5]
Allaah is Kind and Merciful. He sent Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) with ease and the tolerant monotheism:
“Allaah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you
[al-Baqarah 2:185 – interpretation of the meaning]
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Religion is very easy and whoever overburdens himself in his religion will not be able to continue in that way. So you should not be extremists, but try to be near to perfection and receive the good tidings that you will be rewarded.” (narrated by al-Bukhaari, 39).
The Shaytaan is man's greatest enemy. He makes him forget the remembrance of his Lord (dhikr) and makes his sin attractive to him, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Shaytaan (Satan) has overpowered them. So he has made them forget the remembrance of Allaah. They are the party of Shaytaan (Satan). Verily, it is the party of Shaytaan (Satan) that will be the losers![al-Mujaadilah 58:19]
What one’s own nafs (self) says has been forgiven by Allaah, The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Allaah has forgiven my ummah for thoughts that cross their minds, so long as they do not speak of them or act upon them.” (Narrated by Muslim, 127)
Whoever commits a sin then Allaah conceals it, it is not permissible for him to speak of it, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “All of my ummah will be fine except those who commit sin openly.” (Narrated by Muslim, 2990).
If a person commits a sin then repents, Allaah will accept his repentance:
“your Lord has written (prescribed) Mercy for Himself, so that if any of you does evil in ignorance, and thereafter repents and does righteous good deeds (by obeying Allaah), then surely, He is Oft‑Forgiving, Most Merciful” [al-An’aam 6:54 – interpretation of the meaning]
Allaah is Generous and Kind, He multiplies the reward for good deeds and forgives bad deeds, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, narrating the words of his Lord: “Allaah has decreed hasanaat (good deeds) and sayi’aat (bad deeds), then He explained that. Whoever intends to do a good deed then does not do it, Allaah will write it down as one complete hasanah; if he intends to do it then he does it, then Allaah will write it down as between ten and seven hundred hasanaat, or more. Whoever intends to do a bad deed, then he does not do it, Allaah will write it down as one complete hasanah; if he intends to do it then he does it, Allaah will write it down as one sayi’ah.” (Agreed upon; narrated by al-Bukhaari, Kitaab al-Raqaa’iq, 81)
Praise be to Allaah.
Islam is the religion of mercy and kindness, the religion of tolerance and ease. Allaah has not burdened this ummah with more than it can bear. Whatever good it does, it will be rewarded for it, and whatever evil it does, it will have to bear the burden of that sin, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Allaah burdens not a person beyond his scope. He gets reward for that (good) which he has earned, and he is punished for that (evil) which he has earned”
[al-Baqarah 2:286]
Allaah has spared the Muslims any difficulty or hardship in all that He has enjoined upon them. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“He has chosen you (to convey His Message of Islamic Monotheism to mankind by inviting them to His religion of Islam), and has not laid upon you in religion any hardship”
[al-Hajj 22:78]
Every sin that a Muslim commits because he makes a mistake, or forgets, or is forced to do it, is forgiven by Allaah, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Our Lord! Punish us not if we forget or fall into error”
[al-Baqarah 2:286]
And Allaah says: your prayer is granted.
The Muslim will be brought to account for what he does deliberately, not for what he does by mistake, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And there is no sin on you concerning that in which you made a mistake, except in regard to what your hearts deliberately intend”
[al-Ahzaab 33:5]
Allaah is Kind and Merciful. He sent Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) with ease and the tolerant monotheism:
“Allaah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you
[al-Baqarah 2:185 – interpretation of the meaning]
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Religion is very easy and whoever overburdens himself in his religion will not be able to continue in that way. So you should not be extremists, but try to be near to perfection and receive the good tidings that you will be rewarded.” (narrated by al-Bukhaari, 39).
The Shaytaan is man's greatest enemy. He makes him forget the remembrance of his Lord (dhikr) and makes his sin attractive to him, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Shaytaan (Satan) has overpowered them. So he has made them forget the remembrance of Allaah. They are the party of Shaytaan (Satan). Verily, it is the party of Shaytaan (Satan) that will be the losers![al-Mujaadilah 58:19]
What one’s own nafs (self) says has been forgiven by Allaah, The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Allaah has forgiven my ummah for thoughts that cross their minds, so long as they do not speak of them or act upon them.” (Narrated by Muslim, 127)
Whoever commits a sin then Allaah conceals it, it is not permissible for him to speak of it, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “All of my ummah will be fine except those who commit sin openly.” (Narrated by Muslim, 2990).
If a person commits a sin then repents, Allaah will accept his repentance:
“your Lord has written (prescribed) Mercy for Himself, so that if any of you does evil in ignorance, and thereafter repents and does righteous good deeds (by obeying Allaah), then surely, He is Oft‑Forgiving, Most Merciful” [al-An’aam 6:54 – interpretation of the meaning]
Allaah is Generous and Kind, He multiplies the reward for good deeds and forgives bad deeds, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, narrating the words of his Lord: “Allaah has decreed hasanaat (good deeds) and sayi’aat (bad deeds), then He explained that. Whoever intends to do a good deed then does not do it, Allaah will write it down as one complete hasanah; if he intends to do it then he does it, then Allaah will write it down as between ten and seven hundred hasanaat, or more. Whoever intends to do a bad deed, then he does not do it, Allaah will write it down as one complete hasanah; if he intends to do it then he does it, Allaah will write it down as one sayi’ah.” (Agreed upon; narrated by al-Bukhaari, Kitaab al-Raqaa’iq, 81)
Wants to accept Islam but fears for her mother's health
I am not a muslim but have respect and faith for the religion. Though non-muslims are regarded as non-believers I do believe in ALLAH, but will not be able to convert because my mother, who is unwell, might not be able to bear losing her only daughter.I am in love with a muslim man and we want to get married. I have promised with my sincerest intentions that if we do get married and have children, they will follow Islam. Is there any way of us getting married without me converting and I would also appreciate if I could be told where I can read more on this subject.
Thank You.
All Praise be to Allaah.
To the noble inquirer:
You have traversed an important part of the path to the truth and directing yourself towards it. From what I have been able to gather from your question, I understand that you wish to embrace Islam but what is preventing you from doing so is fear for your sick mother's health upon hearing the news. I want you to know that overcoming this obstacle is an easy matter, as it is possible for you in a practical way, to conceal your acceptance of Islam and not divulge it. You are not required to announce your acceptance of Islam in an Islamic center or anywhere else; all that is required is the pronouncing of the two testimonies of faith (see question(s) ) and the initiation of practicing the rites of the religion. You can pray in private, undisclosed places, for example. In addition, fasting will not be difficult as you can easily advance any appropriate excuse for not eating if something is offered to you during the daylight hours of the month of fasting.
Now, I would like to remind you of two things:
Firstly, that the driving factor and underlying truth regarding wanting to embrace the religion must be to gain the pleasure and acceptance of your Lord--Allaah, the Most Glorified and All-High, who does not accept any religion other than Islam, as He has said in his Glorious Book (the Qur'aan), [interpretation of the meaning]: "And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam--it will never be accepted from him, and in the Hereafter he will be among the losers." (The Family of Imran, verse 3:85) It has been narrated by Abu Hurairah, may Allaah be please with him, that Allaah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "By Him in whose hand Muhammad's soul is (i.e., God, Allaah), there is none from amongst the Jews and the Christians (of these present nations to whom I have been sent) who hears about me and then dies without believing in the message with which I have been sent (i.e. Islamic monotheism), but he will be among the dwellers of the Hellfire." (Sahih Muslim, Book of Faith, #240).
Thus, your objectives in entering Islam are to save yourself from being among the permanent dwellers of Hell in the Hereafter, and to achieve the fantastic reward of the bliss of Heaven, the vastness of which is greater than that of the earth and the skies. Your overriding motive for accepting Islam should not be emotions stemming from your relationship with the Muslim man with whom you are in love. Your embracing Islam is something necessary for yourself whether you marry this man or not.
Secondly, obeying God (Allaah) and His Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has a higher priority than your closest relative and most beloved dear one even if it is your mother or your spouse or anyone else. The Prophet of guidance has said : "There are three qualities, for which whoever is characterized by them will relish the sweetness of faith: one to whom Allaah and His Messenger are dearer than all else; one who loves a man only for Allaah's sake; and one who abhors returning to apostasy after Allaah has rescued him from it as he abhors being cast into Hell." (Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Faith, #15).
He also said: "No worshipper (and in the hadeeth narrated by 'Abdul-Warith, no person) is a truthful believer, until I am dearer to him than the members of his household, his wealth and the whole of mankind." (Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Faith #14).
I ask Allaah to hasten you to Islam and to help you firmly establish yourself in it, and to grant you a righteous and successful marriage as well as a blessed family. Indeed, Allaah is the One who guides to the path of truth, success, and righteousness.
Please see Subject area :Issues Relevant to New Muslims and Accepting Islam.
Thank You.
All Praise be to Allaah.
To the noble inquirer:
You have traversed an important part of the path to the truth and directing yourself towards it. From what I have been able to gather from your question, I understand that you wish to embrace Islam but what is preventing you from doing so is fear for your sick mother's health upon hearing the news. I want you to know that overcoming this obstacle is an easy matter, as it is possible for you in a practical way, to conceal your acceptance of Islam and not divulge it. You are not required to announce your acceptance of Islam in an Islamic center or anywhere else; all that is required is the pronouncing of the two testimonies of faith (see question(s) ) and the initiation of practicing the rites of the religion. You can pray in private, undisclosed places, for example. In addition, fasting will not be difficult as you can easily advance any appropriate excuse for not eating if something is offered to you during the daylight hours of the month of fasting.
Now, I would like to remind you of two things:
Firstly, that the driving factor and underlying truth regarding wanting to embrace the religion must be to gain the pleasure and acceptance of your Lord--Allaah, the Most Glorified and All-High, who does not accept any religion other than Islam, as He has said in his Glorious Book (the Qur'aan), [interpretation of the meaning]: "And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam--it will never be accepted from him, and in the Hereafter he will be among the losers." (The Family of Imran, verse 3:85) It has been narrated by Abu Hurairah, may Allaah be please with him, that Allaah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "By Him in whose hand Muhammad's soul is (i.e., God, Allaah), there is none from amongst the Jews and the Christians (of these present nations to whom I have been sent) who hears about me and then dies without believing in the message with which I have been sent (i.e. Islamic monotheism), but he will be among the dwellers of the Hellfire." (Sahih Muslim, Book of Faith, #240).
Thus, your objectives in entering Islam are to save yourself from being among the permanent dwellers of Hell in the Hereafter, and to achieve the fantastic reward of the bliss of Heaven, the vastness of which is greater than that of the earth and the skies. Your overriding motive for accepting Islam should not be emotions stemming from your relationship with the Muslim man with whom you are in love. Your embracing Islam is something necessary for yourself whether you marry this man or not.
Secondly, obeying God (Allaah) and His Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has a higher priority than your closest relative and most beloved dear one even if it is your mother or your spouse or anyone else. The Prophet of guidance has said : "There are three qualities, for which whoever is characterized by them will relish the sweetness of faith: one to whom Allaah and His Messenger are dearer than all else; one who loves a man only for Allaah's sake; and one who abhors returning to apostasy after Allaah has rescued him from it as he abhors being cast into Hell." (Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Faith, #15).
He also said: "No worshipper (and in the hadeeth narrated by 'Abdul-Warith, no person) is a truthful believer, until I am dearer to him than the members of his household, his wealth and the whole of mankind." (Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Faith #14).
I ask Allaah to hasten you to Islam and to help you firmly establish yourself in it, and to grant you a righteous and successful marriage as well as a blessed family. Indeed, Allaah is the One who guides to the path of truth, success, and righteousness.
Please see Subject area :Issues Relevant to New Muslims and Accepting Islam.
A Christian woman is asking whether her marriage to a Muslim is valid
I am a Christian woman, recently married to a Muslim man. Due to our different beliefs, we were married in a courthouse, as opposed to a Mosque. Does the Muslim belief still see this as a "real" marriage? I have researched this, and was surprised to read that the Islam belief does not honor this as a real wedding? Please confirm...I am very much in love with this man!
Praise be to Allaah.
Firstly: if the marriage contract was done with:
1. the proposal of your guardian – who may be your father or whoever is acting in his place if he is not there, on the condition that he is of the same religion as you – by his saying, for example, “I offer my daughter in marriage to you.”
2. Acceptance on the part of the husband by saying, for example, “I accept.”
3. The contract was done in the presence of two Muslim witnesses
– then the marriage is valid. (For more details on the conditions of marriage, see question no. 2127 and the section on conditions of marriage on this web site). If any of these conditions is missing, then the marriage is not valid, and you have to do it again. The place where the marriage contract is done does not have any effect on the validity of the marriage.
Secondly: this question caught our attention because of your keen interest in finding out the rules of the Islamic religion concerning this matter. Perhaps this will lead you to enquire about greater realities, the most important of which is, which is the true religion?
Permit us to ask you the following questions:
Do you want a happy life? Do you care about finding contentment? Are you looking for the truth? Do you want a good and righteous life for your children?
If you do, then please – may Allaah guide you and us to the truth – consider the following:
That Allaah has created mankind for a great purpose, which is to worship Allaah alone with no partner or associate. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And I (Allaah) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone).
I seek not any provision from them (i.e. provision for themselves or for My creatures) nor do I ask that they should feed Me (i.e. feed themselves or My creatures).
Verily, Allaah is the All-Provider, Owner of Power, the Most Strong”
[al-Dhaariyaat 51:56-58]
Allaah sent the Messengers to call mankind to this purpose. He said (interpretation of the meaning):
“And verily, We have sent among every Ummah (community, nation) a Messenger (proclaiming): “Worship Allaah (Alone), and avoid (or keep away from) Taaghoot (all false deities, i.e. do not worship Taaghoot besides Allaah).” Then of them were some whom Allaah guided and of them were some upon whom the straying was justified. So travel through the land and see what was the end of those who denied (the truth)”
[al-Nahl 16:36]
Then Allaah sent the final Messenger, Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). He was the last of the Prophets and Messengers. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allaah and the last (end) of the Prophets. And Allaah is Ever All-Aware of everything”
[al-Ahzaab 33:40]
“Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah. And those who are with him are severe against disbelievers, and merciful among themselves. You see them bowing and falling down prostrate (in prayer), seeking Bounty from Allaah and (His) Good Pleasure. The mark of them (i.e. of their Faith) is on their faces (foreheads) from the traces of prostration (during prayers). This is their description in the Tawraat (Torah). But their description in the Injeel (Gospel) is like a (sown) seed which sends forth its shoot, then makes it strong, and becomes thick and it stands straight on its stem, delighting the sowers, that He may enrage the disbelievers with them. Allaah has promised those among them who believe (i.e. all those who follow Islamic Monotheism, the religion of Prophet Muhammad till the Day of Resurrection) and do righteous good deeds, forgiveness and a mighty reward (i.e. Paradise)”
[al-Fath 48:29]
One of the reasons why He sent the Messengers was so as to establish proof against mankind, lest they say, “No Messenger came to us and no one told us that Allaah commanded us to worship Him.” Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Verily, We have sent the Revelation to you (O Muhammad) as We sent the Revelation to Nooh (Noah) and the Prophets after him; We (also) sent the Revelation to Ibraaheem (Abraham), Ismaa‘eel (Ishmael), Ishaaq (Isaac), Ya‘qoob (Jacob), and Al-Asbaat [the offspring of the twelve sons of Ya‘qaab (Jacob)], ‘Eesa (Jesus), Ayyoob (Job), Yoonus (Jonah), Haaroon (Aaron), and Sulaymaan (Solomon); and to Daawood (David) We gave the Zaboor (Psalms).
And Messengers We have mentioned to you before, and Messengers We have not mentioned to you, — and to Moosa (Moses) Allaah spoke directly.
Messengers as bearers of good news as well as of warning in order that mankind should have no plea against Allaah after the (coming of) Messengers. And Allaah is Ever All-Powerful, All-Wise
[al-Nisaa’ 4:163-165]
We call you, and everyone who does not follow the religion of Islam, to hasten to obey the command of Allaah by believing in Him alone, with no partner or associate, and to believe in His Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), whom Allaah sent to all of creation, men and jinn alike. Allaah has commanded them to do this, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):
“O mankind! Verily, there has come to you the Messenger (Muhammad) with the truth from your Lord. So believe in him, it is better for you. But if you disbelieve, then certainly to Allaah belongs all that is in the heavens and the earth. And Allaah is Ever All-Knowing, All-Wise.
O people of the Scripture (Christians)! Do not exceed the limits in your religion, nor say of Allaah aught but the truth. The Messiah ‘Eesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), was (no more than) a Messenger of Allaah and His Word, (“Be!” — and he was) 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) One Ilaah (God), glory is 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 Allaah is All-Sufficient as a Disposer of affairs”
[al-Nisaa’ 4:170-171]
Allaah has told us in His Noble Book (the Qur’aan) that He does not accept any religion other than Islam. Allaah says (interpretation of the meanings):
“And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers”
[Aal ‘Imraan 3:85]
“Allaah bears witness that Laa ilaaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), and the angels, and those having knowledge (also give this witness); (He always) maintains His creation in justice. Laa ilaaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.
Truly, the religion with Allaah is Islam. Those who were given the Scripture (Jews and Christians) did not differ except, out of mutual jealousy, after knowledge had come to them. And whoever disbelieves in the Ayaat (proofs, evidences, verses, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allaah, then surely, Allaah is Swift in calling to account
[Aal ‘Imraan 3:18-19]
Do not forget that if you become Muslim, it will be better for your children, so that they will not be confused or suffer from mental anguish, and say, “Our father is a Muslim and our mother is a Christian, so who should we follow?”
Perhaps thinking through these matters more deeply will lead to a good result, by Allaah’s leave. Strive to read a sound translation of the Qur’aan, which is considered to be the miracle of the Prophet of Islam, then read the biography of the Messenger Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), and how Allaah granted success to him and his Companions, and how Allaah supported him with miracles, such as making water flow from between his fingers and the splitting the moon, when the mushrikoon (polytheists) asked for a sign – so he commanded the moon to split, and it split in two – and other events which are recorded in his Seerah (biography). And he also spoke of unseen matters which could not be known except by means of Revelation, such as when he said that the empires of the Persians and Romans (Byzantines) would be conquered before it happened, and other matters which are indicative of his Prophethood. We ask Allaah to guide us all.
Praise be to Allaah.
Firstly: if the marriage contract was done with:
1. the proposal of your guardian – who may be your father or whoever is acting in his place if he is not there, on the condition that he is of the same religion as you – by his saying, for example, “I offer my daughter in marriage to you.”
2. Acceptance on the part of the husband by saying, for example, “I accept.”
3. The contract was done in the presence of two Muslim witnesses
– then the marriage is valid. (For more details on the conditions of marriage, see question no. 2127 and the section on conditions of marriage on this web site). If any of these conditions is missing, then the marriage is not valid, and you have to do it again. The place where the marriage contract is done does not have any effect on the validity of the marriage.
Secondly: this question caught our attention because of your keen interest in finding out the rules of the Islamic religion concerning this matter. Perhaps this will lead you to enquire about greater realities, the most important of which is, which is the true religion?
Permit us to ask you the following questions:
Do you want a happy life? Do you care about finding contentment? Are you looking for the truth? Do you want a good and righteous life for your children?
If you do, then please – may Allaah guide you and us to the truth – consider the following:
That Allaah has created mankind for a great purpose, which is to worship Allaah alone with no partner or associate. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And I (Allaah) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone).
I seek not any provision from them (i.e. provision for themselves or for My creatures) nor do I ask that they should feed Me (i.e. feed themselves or My creatures).
Verily, Allaah is the All-Provider, Owner of Power, the Most Strong”
[al-Dhaariyaat 51:56-58]
Allaah sent the Messengers to call mankind to this purpose. He said (interpretation of the meaning):
“And verily, We have sent among every Ummah (community, nation) a Messenger (proclaiming): “Worship Allaah (Alone), and avoid (or keep away from) Taaghoot (all false deities, i.e. do not worship Taaghoot besides Allaah).” Then of them were some whom Allaah guided and of them were some upon whom the straying was justified. So travel through the land and see what was the end of those who denied (the truth)”
[al-Nahl 16:36]
Then Allaah sent the final Messenger, Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). He was the last of the Prophets and Messengers. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allaah and the last (end) of the Prophets. And Allaah is Ever All-Aware of everything”
[al-Ahzaab 33:40]
“Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah. And those who are with him are severe against disbelievers, and merciful among themselves. You see them bowing and falling down prostrate (in prayer), seeking Bounty from Allaah and (His) Good Pleasure. The mark of them (i.e. of their Faith) is on their faces (foreheads) from the traces of prostration (during prayers). This is their description in the Tawraat (Torah). But their description in the Injeel (Gospel) is like a (sown) seed which sends forth its shoot, then makes it strong, and becomes thick and it stands straight on its stem, delighting the sowers, that He may enrage the disbelievers with them. Allaah has promised those among them who believe (i.e. all those who follow Islamic Monotheism, the religion of Prophet Muhammad till the Day of Resurrection) and do righteous good deeds, forgiveness and a mighty reward (i.e. Paradise)”
[al-Fath 48:29]
One of the reasons why He sent the Messengers was so as to establish proof against mankind, lest they say, “No Messenger came to us and no one told us that Allaah commanded us to worship Him.” Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Verily, We have sent the Revelation to you (O Muhammad) as We sent the Revelation to Nooh (Noah) and the Prophets after him; We (also) sent the Revelation to Ibraaheem (Abraham), Ismaa‘eel (Ishmael), Ishaaq (Isaac), Ya‘qoob (Jacob), and Al-Asbaat [the offspring of the twelve sons of Ya‘qaab (Jacob)], ‘Eesa (Jesus), Ayyoob (Job), Yoonus (Jonah), Haaroon (Aaron), and Sulaymaan (Solomon); and to Daawood (David) We gave the Zaboor (Psalms).
And Messengers We have mentioned to you before, and Messengers We have not mentioned to you, — and to Moosa (Moses) Allaah spoke directly.
Messengers as bearers of good news as well as of warning in order that mankind should have no plea against Allaah after the (coming of) Messengers. And Allaah is Ever All-Powerful, All-Wise
[al-Nisaa’ 4:163-165]
We call you, and everyone who does not follow the religion of Islam, to hasten to obey the command of Allaah by believing in Him alone, with no partner or associate, and to believe in His Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), whom Allaah sent to all of creation, men and jinn alike. Allaah has commanded them to do this, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):
“O mankind! Verily, there has come to you the Messenger (Muhammad) with the truth from your Lord. So believe in him, it is better for you. But if you disbelieve, then certainly to Allaah belongs all that is in the heavens and the earth. And Allaah is Ever All-Knowing, All-Wise.
O people of the Scripture (Christians)! Do not exceed the limits in your religion, nor say of Allaah aught but the truth. The Messiah ‘Eesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), was (no more than) a Messenger of Allaah and His Word, (“Be!” — and he was) 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) One Ilaah (God), glory is 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 Allaah is All-Sufficient as a Disposer of affairs”
[al-Nisaa’ 4:170-171]
Allaah has told us in His Noble Book (the Qur’aan) that He does not accept any religion other than Islam. Allaah says (interpretation of the meanings):
“And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers”
[Aal ‘Imraan 3:85]
“Allaah bears witness that Laa ilaaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), and the angels, and those having knowledge (also give this witness); (He always) maintains His creation in justice. Laa ilaaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.
Truly, the religion with Allaah is Islam. Those who were given the Scripture (Jews and Christians) did not differ except, out of mutual jealousy, after knowledge had come to them. And whoever disbelieves in the Ayaat (proofs, evidences, verses, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allaah, then surely, Allaah is Swift in calling to account
[Aal ‘Imraan 3:18-19]
Do not forget that if you become Muslim, it will be better for your children, so that they will not be confused or suffer from mental anguish, and say, “Our father is a Muslim and our mother is a Christian, so who should we follow?”
Perhaps thinking through these matters more deeply will lead to a good result, by Allaah’s leave. Strive to read a sound translation of the Qur’aan, which is considered to be the miracle of the Prophet of Islam, then read the biography of the Messenger Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), and how Allaah granted success to him and his Companions, and how Allaah supported him with miracles, such as making water flow from between his fingers and the splitting the moon, when the mushrikoon (polytheists) asked for a sign – so he commanded the moon to split, and it split in two – and other events which are recorded in his Seerah (biography). And he also spoke of unseen matters which could not be known except by means of Revelation, such as when he said that the empires of the Persians and Romans (Byzantines) would be conquered before it happened, and other matters which are indicative of his Prophethood. We ask Allaah to guide us all.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Timing of evening adhkaar
What is the timing of the evening adhkaar? What is the best time for reciting them? Can they be made up later on if one forgets them?
Praise be to Allaah.
The evening (al-masaa’) is a lengthy period, from after ‘asr prayer until ‘ishaa’ prayer – all of this period is called masaa’ (evening). It is the same whether one recites the dhikr at the beginning of this time or at the end, apart from those adhkaar which the reports specifically say should be recited at night, such as reciting Aayat al-Kursi at night. Adhkaar which should be recited specifically at night should be recited at night, and those which should be recited specifically during the day should be recited during the day. With regard to making them up if one forgets them, I hope that he will be rewarded for doing that.
Praise be to Allaah.
The evening (al-masaa’) is a lengthy period, from after ‘asr prayer until ‘ishaa’ prayer – all of this period is called masaa’ (evening). It is the same whether one recites the dhikr at the beginning of this time or at the end, apart from those adhkaar which the reports specifically say should be recited at night, such as reciting Aayat al-Kursi at night. Adhkaar which should be recited specifically at night should be recited at night, and those which should be recited specifically during the day should be recited during the day. With regard to making them up if one forgets them, I hope that he will be rewarded for doing that.
Reading Qur’aan after Fajr prayer
At what times Quran can be read. My understanding is Quran is one of forms of dhikar and dhikar can be done at any time. But few brothers in our mosque feel that it cannot be read between fajr and sun rise, reason is we cannot perform sajjud during this time and if sajde-thilawa comes we cannot perform sajdah and hence we should be reading during this time. Please answer this question in light of Quran and Sunnah with some evidence.
Praise be to Allaah.
This question covers a number of issues
1 – When is a Muslim not allowed to read the Qur’aan?
It is permissible for a Muslim to read Qur’aan in all situations, except when he is junub (in a state of major impurity following sexual activity); he is not permitted to read Qur’aan in this situation. Shaykh al-Islam [Ibn Taymiyah] said: “The scholars are unanimously agreed that it is forbidden for the person who is junub to read Qur’aan.” (See Tawdeeh al-Ahkaam by ‘Abd-Allaah al-Bassaam, vol. 1, p. 309)
With regard to what is mentioned about reading Qur’aan being dhikr, this is correct, indeed it is one of the best forms of dhikr, because it is the words of Allaah.
2 – The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) forbade prayer at certain times. See the answer to Question # 8818. It was narrated that it is not allowed to pray or to bury the dead at those times, but that does not include reading Qur’aan. Rather it was narrated from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) that it is mustahabb to remember Allaah (dhikr) after Fajr, which undoubtedly includes reading Qur’aan. Al-Tirmidhi narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever prays Fajr in jamaa’ah, then sits and remembers Allaah until the sun comes up, then prays two rak’ahs, will have a reward like that of Hajj and ‘Umrah.” He said: the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “Complete, complete, complete.” (al-Jumu’ah 535; classed as hasan by al-Albaani in Saheeh Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 480). Disallowing this is not valid unless there is evidence (daleel) to that effect; how can that be when there is evidence to indicate that it is mustahabb?
3 – Is sujood al-tilaawah (prostration during recitation of Qur’aan) considered to be salaah (prayer)?
Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen said:
Some of the scholars were of the view that it is prayer.
Some of the scholars were of the view that it is not prayer, because the definition of prayer does not apply to it, as it is not proven in the Sunnah that there is any takbeer (saying “Allaahu akbar” as in the beginning of prayer) or tasleem (saying salaams, as at the end of prayer) involved in it. The ahaadeeth narrated concerning Sujood al-Tilaawah do not mention anything except sujood (prostration) – “he prostrated and we prostrated with him” – except for one hadeeth which was narrated by Abu Dawood, but its isnaad is subject to question (“he said ‘Allaahu akbar’ when he prostrated”). But there is no tasleem. It was not narrated in any hadeeth, da’eef (weak) or saheeh (sound), that he said tasleem after doing sujood al-tilaawah. If if there is no saheeh hadeeth to indicate that one should say tasleem, then it is not prayer, because prayer has to begin with takbeer and end with tasleem. This is the view favoured by Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allaah have mercy on him). On this basis there is no need for tahaarah (to have wudoo’) or to cover one’s ‘awrah or to face the qiblah. It is permissible to prostrate even if one has broken one’s wudoo’ (minor impurity). Whoever studies the words of Ibn Taymiyah will see that the correct view is that which he expressed, which is that sujood al-tilaawah is not prayer and is not subject to the same conditions as prayer. If you recite Qur’aan from memory and you do not have wudoo’, and you come to an aayah where sujood is required, then according to this view you may prostrate and it is OK. Ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him), even though he was known to be very strict, used to prostrate when he did not have wudoo’, but to be on the safe side it is better not to prostrate without having wudoo’.
Al-Sharh al-Mumti’ by Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, vol. 4, p. 126
On this basis, it is permissible to read Qur’aan after praying Fajr, indeed it is mustahabb. With regard to the issue of the reader coming across an aayah where sujood al-tilaawah is required, after Fajr or after ‘Asr, Shaykh Ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him) was asked whether the person who is reading Qur’aan after ‘Asr or after Fajr should do sujood al-tilaawah. He said:
It is prescribed to do sujood al-tilaawah after Fajr and after ‘Asr, because this is something that is done for a reason, and because it does not come under the rulings of prayer according to the more correct of the two scholarly views. Rather it comes under the ruling of reading Qur’aan and saying tasbeeh (“subhaan Allaah”) and tahleel (“laa ilaaha ill-Allaah”), so it is permissible for the one who is reading Qur’aan to do sujood al-tilaawah, even if he does not have wudoo’, according to the more correct of the two scholarly opinions.
Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him), vol. 2, p. 344
Praise be to Allaah.
This question covers a number of issues
1 – When is a Muslim not allowed to read the Qur’aan?
It is permissible for a Muslim to read Qur’aan in all situations, except when he is junub (in a state of major impurity following sexual activity); he is not permitted to read Qur’aan in this situation. Shaykh al-Islam [Ibn Taymiyah] said: “The scholars are unanimously agreed that it is forbidden for the person who is junub to read Qur’aan.” (See Tawdeeh al-Ahkaam by ‘Abd-Allaah al-Bassaam, vol. 1, p. 309)
With regard to what is mentioned about reading Qur’aan being dhikr, this is correct, indeed it is one of the best forms of dhikr, because it is the words of Allaah.
2 – The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) forbade prayer at certain times. See the answer to Question # 8818. It was narrated that it is not allowed to pray or to bury the dead at those times, but that does not include reading Qur’aan. Rather it was narrated from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) that it is mustahabb to remember Allaah (dhikr) after Fajr, which undoubtedly includes reading Qur’aan. Al-Tirmidhi narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever prays Fajr in jamaa’ah, then sits and remembers Allaah until the sun comes up, then prays two rak’ahs, will have a reward like that of Hajj and ‘Umrah.” He said: the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “Complete, complete, complete.” (al-Jumu’ah 535; classed as hasan by al-Albaani in Saheeh Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 480). Disallowing this is not valid unless there is evidence (daleel) to that effect; how can that be when there is evidence to indicate that it is mustahabb?
3 – Is sujood al-tilaawah (prostration during recitation of Qur’aan) considered to be salaah (prayer)?
Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen said:
Some of the scholars were of the view that it is prayer.
Some of the scholars were of the view that it is not prayer, because the definition of prayer does not apply to it, as it is not proven in the Sunnah that there is any takbeer (saying “Allaahu akbar” as in the beginning of prayer) or tasleem (saying salaams, as at the end of prayer) involved in it. The ahaadeeth narrated concerning Sujood al-Tilaawah do not mention anything except sujood (prostration) – “he prostrated and we prostrated with him” – except for one hadeeth which was narrated by Abu Dawood, but its isnaad is subject to question (“he said ‘Allaahu akbar’ when he prostrated”). But there is no tasleem. It was not narrated in any hadeeth, da’eef (weak) or saheeh (sound), that he said tasleem after doing sujood al-tilaawah. If if there is no saheeh hadeeth to indicate that one should say tasleem, then it is not prayer, because prayer has to begin with takbeer and end with tasleem. This is the view favoured by Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allaah have mercy on him). On this basis there is no need for tahaarah (to have wudoo’) or to cover one’s ‘awrah or to face the qiblah. It is permissible to prostrate even if one has broken one’s wudoo’ (minor impurity). Whoever studies the words of Ibn Taymiyah will see that the correct view is that which he expressed, which is that sujood al-tilaawah is not prayer and is not subject to the same conditions as prayer. If you recite Qur’aan from memory and you do not have wudoo’, and you come to an aayah where sujood is required, then according to this view you may prostrate and it is OK. Ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him), even though he was known to be very strict, used to prostrate when he did not have wudoo’, but to be on the safe side it is better not to prostrate without having wudoo’.
Al-Sharh al-Mumti’ by Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, vol. 4, p. 126
On this basis, it is permissible to read Qur’aan after praying Fajr, indeed it is mustahabb. With regard to the issue of the reader coming across an aayah where sujood al-tilaawah is required, after Fajr or after ‘Asr, Shaykh Ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him) was asked whether the person who is reading Qur’aan after ‘Asr or after Fajr should do sujood al-tilaawah. He said:
It is prescribed to do sujood al-tilaawah after Fajr and after ‘Asr, because this is something that is done for a reason, and because it does not come under the rulings of prayer according to the more correct of the two scholarly views. Rather it comes under the ruling of reading Qur’aan and saying tasbeeh (“subhaan Allaah”) and tahleel (“laa ilaaha ill-Allaah”), so it is permissible for the one who is reading Qur’aan to do sujood al-tilaawah, even if he does not have wudoo’, according to the more correct of the two scholarly opinions.
Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him), vol. 2, p. 344
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