Take Your Beliefs

Take Your Beliefs

from the Qur’aan and Sunnah

By

Muhammad Ibn Jameel Zainoo

Teacher in Dar Al-Hadeeth Al-Khairiyyah, Makkah Al-Mukarramah

In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful

Verily, all praise is due to Allaah, we praise Him and we seek His Aid and we ask His Forgiveness and we seek refuge with Allaah from the wickedness of ourselves and the evil of our deeds. Whomsoever Allaah guides, there is none can misguide him and whomsoever Allaah sends astray, there is none can guide him.

And I testify that none is worthy of worship except Allaah, Alone, without partners and I testify that Muhammad is His slave and His Messenger.

As for what follows, these are important questions in ‘aqeedah which I have answered along with the evidences from the Qur`aan and hadeeth, so that the reader may rest assured that the answers are correct, because the belief in tawheed is the foundation of mankind’s happiness in the life of this world and in the Hereafter. These questions were reviewed with the author’s other book, “Islamic Creed from the Quran and the Authentic Sunnah,” mistakes were corrected, and some questions were added therefrom.

By Allaah, I ask that He makes this work of benefit to the Muslims and that He make it pure for His sake.

Muhammad Ibn Jameel Zainoo

Meaning of Islam and Faith

What is Islam?

A1: Islam is submission to Allah through monotheism, obedience to Him through following His commands, and avoiding associating partners with Him. Allah, the Most High, said, "On the contrary, whoever submits himself to Allah and is a doer of good will have his reward with his Lord. They will have no fear, nor will they grieve." (Surat Al-Baqarah: 112)

The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said, "Islam is that you testify that there is no god worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger (ﷺ), perform prayers, pay the zakah, fast during Ramadan, and perform pilgrimage to the House, provided you have resources of making journey to it." (Narrated by Muslim)

Q2: What is faith?

A2: Faith is belief in the heart, declaration by the tongue, and action by the limbs and body parts. Allah, the Most High, said, "The Bedouins say, 'We have believed.' Say, 'You have not believed, but say, ‘We have submitted,’ for faith has not yet entered your hearts.'" (Al-Hujurat: 14)

The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said, "Faith is to believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day, and to believe in divine destiny, good and bad." (Narrated by Muslim)

Al-Hasan Al-Basri said: "Faith is not by wishful thinking or outward adornment, but it is what settles in the heart and is confirmed by action."

Q3: What is your god?

A3: Allah is my Lord who created and nurtured me along with all creatures with His blessings. He is the One I worship. I have no deity besides Him. Allah, the Most High, said, "All praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds." (Surat Al-Faatihah: 2)

Q4: What is your religion?

A4: My religion is Islam, which the Quran and Sunnah indicate and impose to worship and obey Allah. Allah, the Almighty, said: "The true religion with Allah is Islam." (Surat Aal-'Imran: 19)

َ5: Who is your Prophet?

A5: My Prophet is Muhammad (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) who was born in Mecca and sent as a Prophet and Messenger to all mankind. He is the son of Abdullah, the son of Abdul-Muttaleb, the son of Hashim. His mother is Aaminah bint Wahb. Allah, the Almighty, said: {Say [O Prophet], “O people, I am the Messenger of Allah to you all.'"} (Surat Al-A'raf: 158)

He is the Seal of the Prophets and there is no prophet or messenger after him. Allah, the Almighty, said: "Muḥammad is not the father of [any] one of your men, but [he is] the Messenger of Allāh and seal [i.e., last] of the prophets." (Surat Al-Ahzab: 40)

He became a Prophet when this verse was revealed to him. Allah, the Almighty, says: "Recite in the name of your Lord who created." (Surat Al-'Alaq: 1)

And he became a Messenger when these verses were revealed on him, "O you who covers himself [with a garment]. Arise and warn." (Surat Al-Muddathther: 1-2)

The Quran started to be revealed to him when he was forty years old. He immigrated to Media thirteen years after being a prophet, stayed there for ten years, and passed away at the age of sixty-three. Allah's oneness was the first thing he called people to, which is the declaration: “Lā ilāha illa Allah” (There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah). His God commanded him to call upon Him alone and not to associate anyone with Him in worship, as the polytheists of his time used to do. His God said to him: "Say, [O Muḥammad], "I only invoke my Lord and do not associate with Him anyone." (Surat Al-Jinn: 20)

The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said, "Supplication is the worship." (Narrated by Termidhy who said, "A good and authentic hadith)

Thus, Muslims are commanded to supplicate Allah alone and not anyone else even if it is a prophet or a righteous person, for Allah alone is the Powerful while others especially the dead are powerless to remove harm from themselves. Allah, the Almighty, says: "And those they invoke other than Allāh create nothing, and they [themselves] are created. They are [in fact] dead,[695] not alive, and they do not perceive when they will be resurrected." (Surat An-Nahl: 20-21)

The Right of Allaah Upon His Slaves

Q.1 Why did Allaah create us?

A. He created us to worship Him and not to associate any partners with Him. The evidence for this is in the Words of Allaah, Most High, in Surat Adh-Dhaariyaat: "I have not created the jinn and mankind except to worship Me." (Surat Adh-Dhariyaat: 56)

And in the words of the Prophet: “The right of Allaah upon the slaves is that they worship Him and do not associate any partners with Him.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhaari and Muslim)

Q.2 What is ‘ibaadah?

A. It is a comprehensive term for all those words and deeds which are loved by Allaah, such as du’aa` (supplication), salaah (prayer), thabh (halaal slaughter), etc. Allaah says: "Say: Truly, my prayers, my sacrifice (i.e. slaughter), my life, and death are for Allaah, the Lord of the worlds." (Surat Al-An’aam:162)

The word "nusuky" means slaughtering animals as a sacrifice.

And the Prophet: Allaah, Most High, says: “My slave does not come nearer to Me with anything more beloved to Me than that which I have enjoined upon Him.” (A Hadeeth Qudsiyy, narrated by Al-Bukhaari)

Q.3 How do we worship Allaah?

A. We worship Him in the way in which He and His Messenger commanded us to do. Allaah, Most High, says: "O you who believe! Obey Allaah and obey the Messenger and do not render vain your deeds." (Surat Muhammad: 33)

And the Prophet said: “Whoever performs a deed which is not in conformity with this Religion of ours will have it rejected.” It means it is unacceptable. (Narrated by Muslim)

Q.4 Should we worship Allaah with fear and hope?

A. Yes, that is how we should worship Him. Allaah, Most High, says describing the Believers: They call upon their Lord in fear and hope." (Surat As-Sajdah:16) We also worship Him out of love. The believer worships Allah with love, fear, and hope.

And the Prophet said: “I ask Allaah for Paradise and I seek refuge with Him from the Fire.” (An authentic hadeeth narrated by Abu Dawood)

Q5: What is the ihsan in worship?

A. Ihsaan is to worship Allaah with the knowledge that He sees you. Allaah, Most High, says: "Who sees you (O Muhammad,) when you stand (in the night prayer) and your movements among those who prostrate (in the five daily prayers)." (Surat Ash-Shu’araa`:218-219)

And the Prophet said: “Ihsaan is to worship Allaah as though you see Him, for though you do not see Him, verily, He sees you.” (Narrated by Muslim)

Forms of Tawheed and Its Benefits

Why did Allaah send the Messengers?

A. He sent them to call people to the worship of Allaah and to reject the worship of anything besides Him. Allaah, Most High, says: "And We have surely sent to every people a Messenger (proclaiming) worship Allaah and avoid the taaghoot." (Surat An-Nahl:36)

Taaghoot: All that is worshipped besides Allaah and is happy to be worshipped, or every person who calls others to worship other than Allaah; and every taaghoot is a devil.

And the Prophet said: “The Prophets are brothers… and their Religion is one.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhaari and Muslim)

Q.7 What is the tawheed of Lordship?

A. It is to affirm His Oneness in all His works, such as creation, His disposal (of the affairs of the universe), etc. Allaah, Most High, says: {All praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds.} (Surat Al-Fatihah: 2)

And the Prophet said: “You (O Allaah,) are the Lord of the heavens and the earth.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhaari and Muslim)

Q.8 What is the tawheed of worship?

A. It is to devote exclusively to Him all our acts of worship, such as du’aa` (i.e. supplication), halaal slaughter, vows, etc. Allaah, Most High, says: "And your God is one God. None has the right to be worshipped but He, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful." (Surat Al-Baqarah: 163)

And the Prophet said: “Let the first thing to which you invite them be (the testimony): Laa ilaaha Illallaah (None has the right to be worshipped except Allaah.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhaari and Muslim)

In Al-Bukhaari’s version: “…to affirm Allaah’s Oneness.”

Q4: What is the purpose of monotheism of lordship and worship?

A4: The purpose is to make people recognize their God's greatness so they deeply believe, obey, and worship Him alone. Thus, this faith is translated into action in real life to establish the Islamic state.

What is the tawheed of the Names and Attributes (of Allaah)?

It is to affirm the Names and Attributes by which Allaah has described Himself in His Book and those by which His Messenger has described Him in the authentic hadeeths, in truth, without allegory, without changing the meaning, without comparison with His creation and without negating them, such as His Ascension over the Throne, or His Descent (to the lowest heaven) or His Hand – in a manner befitting His Perfection, as He, Most High, says: "There is none like unto Him, and He is the All-hearing, All-seeing." (Surat Ash-Shura: 11) Ta'wil here means to divert the word from its apparent meaning to something that contradicts it. This ta'wil goes against what the word indicates and clarifies. Referring to this as ta'wil was not known among the early generations (the Salaf); rather, it is a distortion which was the author (may Allah have mercy on him) intended.

And the Prophet said: “Allaah descends each night to the lowest heaven.” (Narrated by Muslim)

(He descends in a manner befitting His Majesty without resembling any member of His creation).

Where is Allaah?

A. Allaah is above the Throne, over the seventh heaven. He, Most High, says: "The Most Beneficent has istawaa over the Throne." (Surat Taa Haa: 5)

Istawaa: That is “ascended,” as reported by Al-Bukhaari.

And the Prophet said: “Verily, Allaah wrote a Book… and it is with Him above the Throne.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhaari and Muslim)

Is Allaah with us?

He is with us by His Hearing, His Seeing, and His Knowledge. Allaah, Most High, says: "He (Allaah) said: “Do not be afraid, I am with you both, hearing and seeing." (Surat Taa Haa: 46)

And the Prophet said: “Verily, you are calling upon One Who hears, Who is near and is with you.” (i.e. by His Knowledge) (Narrated by Muslim)

What is the benefit of tawheed?

A. It is salvation from punishment in the Hereafter, guidance in this world, and forgiveness of sins. Allaah, Most High, says: "Those who believe and confuse not their belief with wrongdoing (i.e. shirk) – for them (only) is there security (from punishment) and they are (rightly) guided." (Surat Al-An’aam: 82)

"With wrongdoing" means polytheism.

And the Prophet said: “The right of the slaves upon Allaah is that He will not punish those who do not worship others besides Him.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhaari and Muslim)

Conditions for Allaah’s Acceptance of Our Deeds

What are the conditions for the acceptance of our deeds?

The conditions for the acceptance of deeds with Allaah are three:

1. Faith and belief in Allaah and affirmation of His Oneness. Allaah says: "Verily, those who believe and work righteous deeds will have the Gardens of Al-Firdaws for their abode." (Surat Al-Kahf: 107)

And the Prophet said: “Say: “I believe in Allaah,” then be straightforward.” (Narrated by Muslim)

2. Sincerity which means to dedicate all one’s deeds purely and solely for Allaah, without showing off and without seeking repute from men. Allaah, Most High, says: "So call upon Allaah with sincere devoution to Him." (Surat Ghafer: 40)

3. That the deeds should be in accordance with that which Allaah’s Messenger brought (i.e. the Sunnah). Allaah says: "So whatsoever the Messenger gives you, accept it and whatever he forbids you, abstain (from it)." (Surat Al-Hashr: 7)

And the Prophet said: “Whoever does any deed (in religion) which we have not commanded, it will be rejected.” (Narrated by Muslim) (Narrated by Muslim)

Loyalty and Disavowal in Islam

Q1: What is loyalty and disavowal in Islam?

Loyalty is to love and support Allah, His Messenger, the Companions, and the monotheists.

Disavowal is to detest those opposing Allah, His Messenger, the Companions, and the monotheists such as the disbelievers, polytheists, and innovators who seek healing, provision, or guidance from other than Allah. Indeed, every monotheist who adheres to the divine commands and avoids prohibitions has to be loved and supported. And everyone who opposes that has to be detested and opposed for the sake of Allah. He also has to be faced with the tongue and the heart according to one’s ability. Everyone under this section has to be detested according to his disobedience.

(1) Allah, the Almighty, said, "The believing men and believing women are allies of one another." [Surat At-Tawbah: 71]

(2) The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said, "The strongest bond of faith is to love for the sake of Allah and hate for the sake of Allah." (Graded as hasan (good) by Sh. Albani due to its multiple chains of transmission)

(3) The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said, "If anyone loves for Allah's sake, hates for Allah’s sake, gives for Allah’s sake, and withholds for Allah's sake, he has perfected faith." (Narrated by Abu Daoud and others)

(4) The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said, "There are people from Allah's servants who are neither prophets nor martyrs, but the prophets and martyrs will envy them on the Day of Resurrection for their rank with Allah, the Most High. They (the people) asked, 'Tell us who are they, O Messenger of Allah?' He replied, 'They are people who love one another for Allah's spirit without having any mutual kinship or giving property to one another. I swear by Allah, their faces will glow and they will sit on light. They will neither have fear when the people fear, nor they will grieve when the people grieve.' Then he recited this verse, 'Unquestionably, [for] the allies of Allah there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.'"

"They are people who love one another for Allah's spirit." It refers to the Quran. (Narrated by Abu Daoud and graded as good by the verifier of Jama Al-Usul)

It was narrated that the early generations (the Salaf) said, "If anyone loves for Allah's sake, hates for Allah’s sake, supports for Allah's sake, and shows enmity for Allah's sake, Allah's guardianship is only attained by that. No servant will taste the sweetness of faith, even if he prayed and fasted a lot, until he acts like that. Indeed, most people's companionship nowadays is based on worldly matters, which does not bring benefit to them."

(6) Be keen to love the believers who seek Allah's help, even if people label them with repulsive nicknames. Stay away from anyone who calls upon other than Allah or denies His being above His Throne. He is among the innovators.

Allies of the Most Merciful and Allies of Satan

Q1: Who are the allies of the Most Merciful?

A1: They are the righteous believers who adhere to the Quran and the Sunnah. Allah, the Almighty, said, "Unquestionably, [for] the allies of Allah there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve." (Surat Yunus: 62)

The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said, "Verily, my support is Allah and the pious believers." [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]

Q2: Who are the allies of Satan?

A2: They are those who oppose the Most Merciful. They are the people of innovation and misguided desires who neither adhere to the Quran nor the Sunnah. They call upon other than Allah and deny His being above His Throne. They strike themselves with iron and eat fire like the Magians and devils used to do. Allah, the Almighty, said: "And whoever is blinded from remembrance of the Most Merciful - We appoint for him a devil, and he is to him a companion. And indeed, they [i.e., the devils] avert them from the way [of guidance] while they think that they are [rightly] guided." Ya'shu means to turn away. (Surat Az-Zukhruf: 36, 37)

Major Shirk

What is the greatest sin in the sight of Allaah?

It is to associate partners with Him, and the evidence for this is in Allaah’s Words: "O my son! Do not associate partners with Allaah, verily, shirk is a great wrong." (Surat Luqman: 13)

And when Allaah’s Messenger was asked: “Which is the greatest sin?” He replied: “It is to ascribe partners to Allaah, although it is He (Alone) Who created you.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhaari and Muslim)

What is major shirk?

What is the major shirk?

It is to direct one’s worship to other than Allaah, such as invoking or supplicating false deities, seeking sustenance from the dead, or the absent from among the living.

Allah, the Almighty, said, "Worship Allaah and do not associate any partners with Him." (Surat An-Nisaa`: 36)

"And the Prophet said: “The greatest sin is associating partners with Allaah.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhaari)

Does shirk exist among the Muslims today?

Yes, it does. The evidence for this is in Allaah’s Words: "And most of them believe not in Allaah, except that they attribute partners (to Him)." (Surat Yusuf: 106)

And the Prophet said: “The Hour will not come until some communities from among my people join the polytheists and until idols are worshipped (by them).” (Narrated by At-Tirmithi)

What is the ruling on supplicating the dead or those who are absent?

Supplicating the dead or those who are absent is a form of major shirk. Allaah says: "And call not upon other than Allaah, who can neither benefit nor harm you, for if you did so, you would indeed be one of the wrong-doers." (Surat Yunus: 106)

It means the polytheist.

And the Prophet said: “Whoever dies as one who supplicated partners besides Allaah, will enter the Fire.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhaari)

Is du’aa` (i.e. supplication) a form of worship?

Yes, du’aa` is a form of worship. Allaah says: "And your Lord said: Call upon Me and I will answer you; verily, those who scorn to worship Me, they will surely enter the Hellfire in humiliation." (Surat Ghafer: 60)

It means they will be humilated.

And the Prophet said: “Du’aa` – that is worship.” (Narrated by Ahmad, and At-Tirmithi said that it is hasan- saheeh)

Do the dead hear supplications?

No, they do not. Allaah says:

1- "You cannot make the dead hear." (Surat An-Naml: 80)

2- "But you cannot make to hear those who are in the graves." (Surat Fater: 22)

Types of Major Shirk

Q.7 Should we seek help from those who are dead or those who are absent?

No, we should not do so. Allaah, Most High, says:

1- "And those whom they invoke besides Allaah do not create anything, but are themselves created. (They are) dead, lifeless and they know not when they will be raised up." (Surat An-Nahl: 20-21)

2- "(Remember) when you sought the help of your Lord and He answered you." (Surat Al-Anfaal: 9)

And the Prophet said: “O You the Ever-living, the All-Sustaining! By Your Mercy, I seek help.” (Good hadith narrated by Imaam At-Tirmithi)

May we seek help from the living?

A2: Yes, in the matters they are able to assist with. Allah, the Almighty, said about Moses, "And the one from his faction called for help to him against the one from his enemy, so Moses struck him and [unintentionally] killed him." (Surat Al-Qasas: 15)

Is it permissible to seek help from other than Allaah?

No, it is not permissible. The evidence for this is in Allaah’s Words: "It is You Whom we worship and it is Your Aid we seek." (Surat Al-Faatihah: 5)

And the Prophet said: “When you ask, ask Allaah and when you seek help, seek it from Allaah.” (A hasan-saheeh narration by At- Tirmithi)

May we seek help from the living?

Yes, we may seek help from them in those things which they are able to do. Allaah, Most High, says: "Help you one another in righteousness and piety." (Surat Al-Maa`idah: 2)

And the Prophet said: “Allaah helps the slave so long as the slave helps his brother.” (Narrated by Muslim)

Is it permitted to swear an oath to other than Allaah?

No, it is not permitted. Allaah says: "My Lord! Verily, I have vowed to You what is in my womb to be dedicated to Your service." (Surat Aal ‘Imraan: 35)

And the Prophet said: "Whoever vowed to obey Allaah, should do so and whoever vowed to disobey Him should not do so.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhaari)

Is it permissible to slaughter an animal in any name besides that of Allaah?

No, it is not permissible. The evidence for this is in Allaah’s Words: "So pray to your Lord and slaughter (in His Name only)." (Surat Al-Kawthar: 2)

"Enhar" means to slaughter.

And the Prophet said: “Allaah’s curse is upon one who sacrifices to other than Allaah.” (Narrated by Muslim)

May we circumambulate the graves in order to get closer to Allaah?

No, we may not circumambulate except around the Ka’bah. Allaah says: "So let them circumambulate the Ancient House (i.e. the Ka’bah)." (Surat Al-Hajj: 29)

And the Prophet said: “Whoever circumambulated the House (of Allaah) seven times it (i.e. his reward) will be as if he had freed a slave.” (An authentic hadeeth narrated by Ibn Maajah)

What is the ruling on practising magic?

Magic is kufr. Allaah says: "But the devils disbelieved, teaching mankind magic." (Surat Al-Baqarah: 102)

And the Prophet said: “Avoid the seven grave sins: Associating partners with Allaah, magic…” (Narrated by Muslim)

Should we believe the claims of the ‘arraaf and the fortuneteller to know the unseen?

No, we should not believe them. Allaah says: "Say: “None in the heavens and the earth knows the unseen except Allaah." (Surat An-Naml: 65)

And the Prophet said: “Whoever visited an ‘arraaf or a fortuneteller and believed in what he said, has disbelieved in what was revealed to Muhammad.” (An authentic hadeeth narrated by Imaam Ahmad)

Does anyone have knowledge of the unseen?

No, none has knowledge of the unseen, except what Allaah revealed to the Messengers. Allaah says: "(He Alone is) the Knower of the unseen and He reveals to none His unseen except to a Messenger whom He has chosen." (Surat Al-Jinn: 26-27)

And the Prophet said: “None knows the unseen except Allaah.” (A hasan narration by At-Tabaraani)

What is the ruling on acting upon laws which contradict Islaam?

Acting upon laws which contradict Islaam is kufr, if the perpetrator claims that it is permissible to do so, or if he believes in their validity.

Allaah says: "And whoever does not judge by what Allaah has revealed, they are the disbelievers." (Surat Al-Maa`idah: 44)

And the Prophet said: “When their leaders do not rule by Allaah’s Book and pick and choose from what Allaah has revealed, Allaah causes conflict between them.” (A hasan hadeeth narrated by Ibn Maajah and others)

Q12: What is atheism and what is the ruling on an atheist?

Atheism is to turn away from the truth through various beliefs and interpretations. An atheist is a person who deviates from Allah’s straight path and opposes His rulings through corrupted interpretations or casting doubt. This includes a person who denies Allah's existence, equates others with Allah by directing worship, supplication, love, and veneration to them, or accepts ideologies and legislations that contradict Allah's law. Whoever subjects the Quran and revealed texts of the Qur'anic verses and Hadiths to reason and personal desire through interpretation has indeed deviated in matters of Allah’s names, attributes, verses, and Hadiths. Allah the Almighty said: "And to Allāh belong the best names, so invoke Him by them. And leave [the company of] those who practice deviation concerning His names. They will be recompensed for what they have been doing." (Surat Al-A'raf: 180)

Qatada said, "Yulhedoun means to have polytheism in the matters of Allah's names."

Ibn Abbas said, "Ilhad means to deny." Allah, the Almighty, said, "Indeed, those who inject deviation into Our verses are not concealed from Us." (Surat Fussilat: 40)

Ibn Abbas said, Ilhad means to falsely use words in other meanings.

Qatada and others said, "Disbelief and arrogance." (Ibn Kathir 4/102)

Likewise, whoever claims that Islamic law does not provide certain knowledge that necessitates action until his corrupt intellect accepts it is an atheist, for he makes his intellect a rival to the Islamic religion.

The ruling on atheists varies based on their atheism:

1- The atheist who denies Allah's existence or any of His established names and attributes is a disbeliever.

2- The atheist who calls upon other than Allah and seeks help from the dead has committed polytheism that nullifies one's deeds.

3- The atheist who falsely interprets Allah's established names and attributes in the Quran and authentic Sunnah is in clear misguidance.

May Allah protect us from all forms of atheism! (Summarized from "Ajweba Mufida" written by Ad-Dusary)

Q13: What was the polytheists' doctrine before Islam?

A13: They used to call upon the righteous to be close to Allah and seek intercession.

(1) Allah, the Almighty, said, "And those who take protectors besides Him [say], 'We only worship them that they may bring us nearer to Allāh in position.'" (Surat Az-Zumar: 3)

(2) "And they worship other than Allāh that which neither harms them nor benefits them, and they say, 'These are our intercessors with Allāh.'" (Surat Yunus: 18)

And some Muslims do the same and imitate the polytheists.

Q14: What is the ruling on burying the dead in a mosque?

A14: The mosque is Allah's House where it is forbidden to bury the dead. Allah, the Almighty, said: "And [He revealed] that the masjids are for Allāh, so do not invoke with Allāh anyone." (Surat Al-Jinn: 18)

The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said, “May Allah curse the Jews and Christians! They took their Prophets' graves as mosques.” [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]

Q15: Is it permissible to pray in graveyards?

It is not permissible, for Allah said "So turn your face [i.e., yourself] toward al-Masjid al-Ḥarām." (Surat Al-Baqarah: 144)

The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said, "Do not pray towards graves and do not sit on them." (Narrated by Muslim)

What should we do if Satan tempts us to ask the question: “Who created Allaah?”

If Satan whispers this question to any of you, he should seek refuge with Allaah.

Allaah says:

"And if an evil whisper from Satan tries to turn you away (O Muhammad) then seek refuge with Allaah. Verily, He is the All-Hearing the All-Knowing." (Surat Fussilat: 36)

And Allaah’s Messenger taught us to resist Satan’s deceptions by saying: It means: “I believe in Allaah and His Messenger. Allaah is One, the Self-sufficient, He does not beget, nor was He begotten and there is no like unto Him.”

Then he should spit over his left shoulder three times, seeking refuge from Satan. When this is done, the temptation will pass, for it causes the devil to be sent away from him.

(This is the essence of the authentic hadeeths narrated by Al-Bukhaari, Muslim, Ahmad, and Abu Dawood)

What is the danger of major shirk?

Major shirk condemns a person to eternal damnation in the Hellfire, as Allaah says: "Verily, whoever sets up partners with Allaah, Allaah has forbidden for him Paradise and his abode will be the Fire and for the wrong-doers there are no helpers." (Surat Al-Maa`idah: 72)

And the Prophet said: “Whoever meets Allaah while associating anything with Him will enter the Fire.” (Narrated by Muslim)

Is there any benefit in good deeds for one who commits shirk?

No, there is no benefit in his deeds. Allaah says about his prophets: "But if they had committed shirk, all that they used to do would have been of no benefit to them." (Surat Al-An’aam: 88)

And the Prophet said: "Allaah says: “I have no need of partners, whoever does any deed in which he associates partners with Me, I will reject him and his shirk.” (Narrated by Muslim)

Minor Shirk

What is the minor shirk?

Minor shirk is riyaa`. Allaah, Most High, says: "And whoever hopes to meet his Lord, let him perform righteous deeds and associate none as a partner in the worship of his Lord." (Surat Al-Kahf: 110) Minor polytheism is anything that leads to major polytheism and a means to fall into it, or anything that Islam calls polytheism without reaching the level of major polytheism as showing off and swearing by other than Allah.

And the Prophet said: “Verily, the thing which I fear most for you is minor shirk.” which means ostentation. (An authentic hadeeth narrated by Imaam Ahmad)

It is a form of minor shirk for a person to say: “Had it not been for Allaah and so-and-so…” or: “As Allaah and you will.”

The Prophet said: "Do not say: “As Allaah wills and as so-and-so wills.” Instead, he should say: “As Allaah wills, then as so-and-so wills.” (An authentic hadeeth narrated by Abu Dawood)

Is it permitted to swear by other than Allaah?

No, it is not permissible to swear by other than Allaah. He, Most High, says: "Say: “Yes, by my Lord, you will certainly be resurrected…” (Surat At-Taghaabun: 7)

And the Prophet said: “Whoever swears by other than Allaah has committed shirk.” (Narrated by Imaam Ahmad)

And he said: “Whoever swears, let him swear by Allaah or keep silent.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhaari and Muslim)

Should we wear beads, shells, and such like (as a protection from al-’ain)?

No, we should not do so. Allaah says: "And if Allaah seizes you with harm, none can remove it but Him." (Surat Al-An’aam: 17)

And the Prophet said: “Whoever wore a talisman has committed shirk.” (An authentic hadeeth narrated by Imaam Ahmad)

Q4: Is it permissible to wear beads, shells, and the like?

We should not wear them to prevent envy. Allah, the Almighty, said, "And if Allah should touch you with adversity, there is no remover of it except Him." (Surat Al-An'am: 17) Not to prevent envy or anything else.

The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Whoever ties on an amulet commits an act of polytheism.” (Narrated by Ahmad)

Amulets are beads or shells that a person wears to prevent envy.

Q5: Can minor polytheism become a major one?

A5: Yes, if a Muslim believes that the amulets, strings, or rings benefit on their own, or if he avoids falsely swearing by a saint out of fear that he may harm him, believing that he has an effect.

Seeking Intercession

By what means should we seek intercession with Allaah?

A. Seeking intercession is of two types: Permitted and prohibited.

1. That which is permitted and desired is through Allaah’s Names and His Attributes and through righteous deeds.

Allaah, Most High, says: "And to Allaah belong the most beautiful Names, so call upon Him by them." (Surat Al-A’raaf: 180)

And He, Most High, also says: "O you who believe! Fear Allaah and seek the means of approach to Him." (Surat Al-Maa`idah: 35)

It means: Draw near to Allaah by obedience to Him and through the deeds which please Him.

(Reported by Ibn Katheer on the authority of Qataadah)

And the Prophet said: “I ask You by every Name which is Yours.” (An authentic hadeeth narrated by Imaam Ahmad)

He also said to the Companion who asked to be with him in Paradise: “Help me in this matter by frequent prostration." It means: Frequent prayers which is a righteous deed). (Narrated by Muslim)

As in the story of the people of the cave who sought intercession through righteous deeds and Allaah made a way out for them.

It is also permitted to pray for intercession through our love and Allaah’s love for the Prophet and the righteous people, for our love for them is a righteous act.

So we say, for example, "O Allah, by Your love for Your Messenger and allies, grant us victory. By our love for Your Messenger and allies, grant us healing)"

2. Prohibited forms of intercession: This is by supplicating the dead and requesting them to fulfill our needs, as occurs today. This is a form of major shirk, as Allaah says: "And call not upon other than Allaah any that can neither profit you nor hurt you, for if you did so, you would certainly be one of the wrongdoers (i.e. the polytheists)." (Surat Yunus: 106)

It means: The polytheists.

3. As for seeking intercession through the rank or honour of the Messenger, such as the saying: “O Allaah! By the honour of the Messenger, cure me,” this is a bid’ah, because the Companions did not do it and ‘Umar sought intercession through Al-‘Abbaas while he was alive, by asking him to supplicate Allaah and he did not seek intercession from the Messenger after his death. And this (innovatory) form of seeking intercession might lead to shirk, if the one who supplicates believes that Allaah is in need of a human intermediary, as if He were like a Governor or a Ruler, for that would be comparing the Creator with His creation.

Author’s footnote: Anyone seeking more information or evidence on this subject is advised to refer to: ‘Intercession, its Rulings and its Forms’ by Shaikh Al-Albani (may Allaah have mercy on him).

Does supplication require a human intermediary?

No, it does not. Allaah, Most High, says: "And when My slaves ask you about Me, (say that) I am near (i.e. in Hearing, Seeing, and Knowledge)." (Surat Al-Baqarah: 186)

And the Prophet said: “Verily, you are supplicating One Who hears and is near (i.e. in His Knowledge).” It means: With His Knowledge. (Narrated by Muslim)

Is it permitted to request those who are living to pray for us?

Yes, it is permitted to ask the living to pray for us, but not the dead.

Allaah said to the Messenger when he was alive:

"And seek forgiveness (from Allaah) for your sins and for (those of) the believing men and women." (Surat Muhammad:19)

And in the authentic hadeeth narrated by At-Tirmithi That a blind man came to the Prophet and said: “Ask Allaah to heal me…” (Narrated by Ibn Khuzaimah)

What is the mediation of the Messenger?

The mediation of the Messenger is the transmission of the Message. Allaah, Most High, says: "O Messenger! Proclaim what has been revealed to you from your Lord." (Surat Al-Maa`idah: 67)

And the Prophet said, “O Allaah! Bear witness!” in his reply to the Companion who said: “We witness that you have transmitted (the Message)." (Narrated by Muslim)

From whom may we seek the Messenger’s intercession?

We seek it from Allaah. He, Most High, says: "Say: “To Allaah belongs all intercession.” (Surat Az-Zumar: 44)

And the Prophet taught the Companion to say: “O Allaah! Make him (i.e. the Prophet my intercessor.” (Narrated by At-Tirmithi who graded it hasan-saheeh)

It means to let the Prophet intercede for me.

And he also said: “I have kept until the Day of Resurrection my prayer for intercession for those of my people who died without associating partners with Allaah.” (Narrated by Muslim)

May we seek intercession from the living?

Yes, we may seek intercession from the living in matters relating to the life of this world. Allaah, Most High, says: "Whoever intercedes with a good intercession will have the reward thereof and whoever intercedes with an evil intercession will have a share in its burden." (Surat An-Nisaa`: 85) It means a share of its burden.

And the Prophet said: “Intercede and you shall be rewarded.” (An authentic hadeeth narrated by Abu Dawood)

Should we praise the Messenger excessively?

No, we should not do so. Allaah, Most High, says: "Say (O Muhammad): “I am only a human being, like you. It has been inspired to me that your God is one God…” (Surat Al-Kahf: 110)

And the Prophet said: “Do not praise me excessively as did the Christians praise ‘Eesaa Ibn Maryam , for I am only a slave. So, say: “(He is) the slave of Allaah and His Messenger.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhaari)

(Excessive praise of a human being is called itraa`)

Jihaad, Walaa`, and Hukm

What is the ruling on jihaad in Allaah’s Cause?

A1: Allah legislated jihad for several reasons, including:

1- Resisting polytheism, for Allah never accepts it.

(2) Removing the obstacles that hinder the path of calling to Allah.

(3) Protecting the Islamic creed from all dangers that threaten it.

4- Defending the Muslims and their homelands.

Q. What is the ruling on jihaad in Allaah’s Cause?

A. Jihaad in Allaah’s Cause with one’s wealth, person, and tongue is an obligation in Islaam. Allaah, Most High, says: "March forth, whether (you are) light (i.e. healthy, young, and wealthy) or heavy (i.e. ill, old, and poor)." (Surat At-Tawbah: 41)

And the Prophet said: And the Prophet said: “Fight against the idolaters with your wealth, your lives, and your tongues.” (An authentic hadeeth narrated by Abu Dawood)

Q. What is walaa`?

A. Walaa` is love and support.

Allaah, Most High, says: "And the believing men and women are awliyaa` (supporters, protectors, etc.) to each other." (Surat At-Tawbah: 71)

And the Prophet said: “The Believers are to each other like (the bricks of) a building, each one supporting the other.” (Narrated by Muslim)

Q. Is it permitted to take the disbelievers as awliyaa` and supporters?

A. No, it is not permitted to do so. Allaah, Most High, says: "And if anyone amongst you takes them as awliyaa`, then verily, he is one of them." (Surat Al-Maa`idah: 51)

And the Prophet said: “Verily, the people of such-and-such tribe are not my awliyaa`.” (An authentic hadeeth narrated by Ahmad)

Q. Who is a waliyy?

A. A waliyy is a pious believer. Allaah, Most High, says: "No doubt! Verily, the awliyaa` of Allaah, no fear shall come upon them, nor shall they grieve – those who believed and used to fear (Allaah)." (Surat Yunus: 62-63)

And the Prophet said: “My only Waliyy is Allaah and the most righteous of the believers.” (An authentic hadeeth narrated by Imaam Ahmad)

Q. By what should the Muslims govern?

A. They should govern according to the Qur`aan and the authentic hadeeths.

Allaah, Most High, says: "And so judge (O Muhammad) between them by what Allaah has revealed." (Surat Al-Maa`idah: 49)

And the Prophet said: “Knower of the unseen and that which is open, You will judge between your slaves.” (Narrated by Muslim)

The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said, "I left two matters with you. As long as you hold to them, you will not go astray: Allah's Book and His Messenger Sunnah." (Narrated by Malik, and graded as authentic by Albānī and the verifier of Jamiʿ al-Usul based on its supporting narrations)

Acting in accordance With the Qur`aan and Hadeeth

Q. Why did Allaah reveal the Qur`aan?

A. He, Most High, revealed the Qur`aan in order that we may act in accordance with it. Allaah says: "Follow what has been revealed to you from your Lord." (Surat Al-A’araaf: 3)

And the Prophet said: “Read the Qur`aan and act upon it and do not make your living from it.” (An authentic hadeeth narrated by Ahmad)

Q2: What is the most important matter that the Quran explains to mankind?

A2: The most important matter that the Quran cares about clarifying for people is the knowledge of the Creator, the Benefactor who alone deserves to be worshipped. It also refutes the polytheists' claims who used to invoke their allies and carve stones in their likeness. Allah commanded His Messenger to say, "Say, [O Muḥammad], 'I only invoke my Lord and do not associate with Him anyone.'" (Surat Al-Jinn: 20)

Q3: Why do we recite the Noble Quran?

A3: To understand, ponder over, and act upon it. "[This is] a blessed Book which We have revealed to you, [O Muḥammad], that they might reflect upon its verses and that those of understanding would be reminded." (Surat Sad: 29)

Q. Can we act upon the authentic hadeeth?

A. Acting upon authentic hadeeth is obligatory. Allaah, Most High, says: "And whatsoever the Messenger gives you, take it, and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it)." (Surat Al-Hashr: 7)

And the Prophet said: “It is incumbent upon you to follow my Sunnah and that of the rightly guided Khulafaa` - hold fast to it.” (An authentic hadeeth narrated by Imaam Ahmad)

Q. Can we suffice ourselves with the Qur`aan alone, without the hadeeth?

A. No, we cannot. Allaah, Most High, says: "And We have revealed to you (O Muhammad) the Reminder (i.e. the Qur`aan) that you might explain to the people what has been sent down to them." (Surat An-Nahl: 44)

And the Prophet said: “Verily, I have been given the Qur`aan and its like (i.e. the hadeeth) along with it.” (An authentic hadeeth narrated by Abu Dawood and others)

Q. Should we give priority to other opinions over the Word of Allaah and His Messenger?

A. No, we should not do so, for Allaah, Most High, says: O you who believe! Do not decide [Any matter of importance] before Allaah and His Messenger." (Surat Al-Hujuraat: 1)

And the Prophet said: “Let there be no obedience to any created being if it entails disobedience to the Creator.” (An authentic hadeeth narrated by At-Tabarani)

And Ibn ‘Abbaas said: “I fear that stones may rain upon you from the heaven! I say to you: “Allaah’s Messenger () said: …,” and you say: “But Abu Bakr and ‘Umar said: …” !!” (Narrated by Ahmad & Ibn Abd Al-Barr)

Q. What should we do if we differ (in matters of religion)?

A. We should refer to the Qur`aan and the authentic Sunnah. Allaah, Most High, says: "And if you differ in anything, refer it to Allaah and His Messenger, if you believe in Allaah and the Last Day. That is better and more suitable for final determination." (Surat An-Nisaa`: 59)

And the Prophet said: “It is incumbent upon you to follow my Sunnah and that of the rightly guided Khulafaa`. Hold fast to it.” (An authentic hadeeth narrated by Imaam Ahmad)

Q. How do we demonstrate our love for Allaah and His Messenger?

A. By obeying them and following their commands. Allaah, Most High, says: "Say: “If you love Allaah, then follow me. Allaah will love you and forgive you your sins and Allaah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Surat Aal ‘Imraan: 31)

And the Prophet said: “None of you has complete faith until I am more beloved by him than his father, his children, and all of mankind.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhaari and Muslim)

Q. Should we abandon action and depend upon Qadar?

A. No, we should not do so. Allaah, Most High, says: "As for him who gives (in charity) and fears (Allaah) and believes in al-husnaa (i.e. that none has the right to be worshipped but Allaah), We shall make smooth for him the path of ease." (Surat Al-Lail: 5-7)

And the Prophet said: “Work (i.e. perform good deeds), for everything is made easy for that which it was created.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhaari and Muslim)

Q10: What is the wisdom behind the occurrence of calamities and hardships?

A10: When a person feels powerful and becomes arrogant, he believes that nothing can defeat him. Conversely, when his strength terribly diminishes and distress intensifies, he sees his real nature, his tyranny and arrogance vanish, and certainly turns to Allah that is alone can save him while everything else is in vain. Allah, the Exalted, said, "And when We bestow favor upon man, he turns away and distances himself; but when evil touches him, then he is full of extensive supplication." (Surat Fussilat: 51)

Sunnah and Bid’ah

Q. Is there such a thing in the Religion as bid’ah hasanah (i.e. a good innovation)?

A. There is no such thing in the Religion as bid’ah hasanah. Allaah, Most High, says: "This day I have perfected for you your Religion and completed My Favour upon you and chosen for you Islaam as your Religion." (Surat Al-Maa`idah: 3)

And the Prophet said: “…and every bid’ah is a misguidance and every misguidance is in the Fire.” (An authentic hadeeth narrated by Imaam Ahmad and others)

Q. What is a bid’ah in religious matters?

A. A bid’ah in religious matters is either an addition or a deficit in the Religion. Allaah says, in refutation of the polytheists and their innovations: "Or do they have partners (with Allaah) who legislate for them a religion which Allaah has not ordained?" (Surat Ash-Shuraa: 21) It is to worship Allah through an act of worship that He does not legislate.

And the Prophet said: “Whoever introduced something new into this matter (i.e. this Religion) of ours will have it rejected.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhaari and Muslim)

Q. Is there a thing as sunnah hasanah in the Religion?

Q. Is there a thing as sunnah hasanah in the Religion?

A. Yes, there is such a thing. Allaah’s Messenger said: It means a person who initiates a good deed such as giving charity to urge others to follow him; not a person who introduces something that is not a part of Islamic law.

The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Whoever performs a good sunnah in Islaam will have the reward of it and the reward of those who follow his practice thereafter, without losing any of the reward for it.” (Narrated by Bukhari)

Q. When will the Muslims be victorious?

A. When they return to the implementation of the Book of their Lord and the Sunnah of their Prophet, spread the teachings of tawheed, avoid all different forms of shirk, and confront their enemies with all the power at their disposal. Allaah, Most High, says: "O you who believe! If you help (in the cause of) Allaah, He will help you and make your foothold firm." (Surat Muhammad: 7)

And He, Most High, also says: "Allah has promised those among you who believe and do righteous deeds that He will make them successors in the land, as He made those who came before them, and He will surely establish for them their religion which He has chosen for them, and He will surely change their state of fear into security; that they worship Me, not associating anything with Me." (Surat An-Noor: 55)

Graves: Visiting, blessings, and torture

Q1: How and why do we visit graves?

A1: Visiting graves is recommended. It has benefits and etiquette as follows:

(1) It reminds people of death so they prepare for righteous deeds.

The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said, "I had forbidden you from visiting graves, but now visit them." (Narrated by Muslim)

In another narration: "Because it reminds you of the hereafter." (Narrated by Ahmad - authentic hadith)

(2) We ask Allah's forgiveness for the dead. We neither call them besides Allah nor ask their supplication. The Prophet ﷺ taught his companions to say upon entering the graveyards, "Peace be upon you, the inhabitants of the abode (graveyard), believers and Muslims, and Allah willing, we will join you. I ask Allah's peace for us and you." Peace means to be protected from punishment. (Narrated by Muslim)

(3) Avoid sitting or facing graves while praying.

The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said, "Do not perform prayer while facing graves and do not sit on them." (Narrated by Muslim)

(4) We avoid reciting the Quran even if Surat Al-Fatihah. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said,

“Do not turn your households into graveyards. Indeed, the devils flee from a household where Surat al-Baqarah is recited in.”

The hadith refers to that graves are not places for reciting the Quran unlike homes. It was neither reported that the Prophet ﷺ nor his companions recited the Quran for the deceased. Rather, they supplicated for them. When the Prophet ﷺ finished burying the dead, he used to stand by the grave and say: “Seek forgiveness for your brother and pray for him to be steadfast, for he is now being questioned.” (Narrated by Hakem - authentic hadith)

(5) We do not place flowers on graves, for the Prophet ﷺ and his companions did not do so. It contains imitating the Christian practices. If we gave the flowers' price to the poor, both the deceased and the poor would benefit from it.

(6) We neither coat graves with paint or gypsum nor build over them, for the Prophet forbade so.

Q2: Is it permissible to specifically travel to visit graves?

A2: It is forbidden to travel to visit graves, especially for seeking the dead's blessings or asking their supplication even if the dead is a prophet or a righteous person. Allah, the Exalted, said, "And whatever the Messenger has given you - take; and what he has forbidden you - refrain from." (Surat Al-Hashr: 7)

The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said, "No (religious) journey is to be undertaken but for three mosques: Sacred Mosque, this mosque of mine, and Al-Aqsa Mosque." [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]

According to this hadith, traveling to Medina should be intended to visit the Prophet’s Mosque, not his grave, for praying in his Mosque is better than a thousand prayers elsewhere. Upon entering his mosque, one greets the Prophet ﷺ with peace.

Calling to Allah: Definition and Rulings

Q1: What is the ruling on calling to Islam?

A1: It is every Muslim's duty to whom Allah granted the Quran and the Prophet's Sunnah. Every Muslim is commanded to call to Allah and stick to its requirements. Allah, the Almighty, said: "Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction." (Surat An-Nahl: 125)

Allah, the Almighty, said, "And strive for Allāh with the striving due to Him." (Surat Al-Hajj: 78)

Thus, every Muslim has to take part in all forms of jihad as much as he can, especially at times when Muslims need to work for Islam, call to Allah, and strive for His sake. This is obligatory for every Muslim. He is sinful and negligent in Allah's rights if he falls short or abandons it.

Q2: Is it sufficient for a person to reform himself?

A2: One has to begin by reforming himself first then reforming others as Allah, the Exalted, said: "And let there be [arising] from you a nation inviting to [all that is] good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong,[143] and those will be the successful." (Surat Aal-'Imran: 104)

The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Whoever of you sees an evil, let him change it with his hand. If he is not able to do so, then [let him change it] with his tongue. If he is not able to do so, then [let him change it] with his heart, which is the weakest degree of faith.” (Narrated by Muslim)

The Invocation Which Is Answered

‘O Allaah, I am your slave and the son of your slave and your female slave. My progress is in Your Command, your judgment is effective regarding me, and just is Your decree. I ask You by each of Your Names, by which You have called Yourself or revealed in Your Book, or which You have taught to one of Your creatures, or which You have chosen to keep in Your Secret Knowledge to make the Qur`aan, the joy of my heart the light of my eyes, which removes my grief and drives away my sorrow.’ Allah will replace it with happiness.” (Narrated by Imaam Ahmad)