Islamic ruling on the issue of imitating the kuffaar in their customs and dealings?

What is the Islamic ruling on the issue of imitating the kuffaar in their customs and dealings? What are the guidelines concerning that in Islamic sharee’ah? Is every imitation of the actions of the kuffaar regarded as a haraam kind of imitation – knowing that there are many things that the kaafirs do that are not haraam and are not condemned by sharee’ah, where the one who does them does not do them merely to imitate the kuffaar, but because he thinks those things are good, as Ibn Mas’ood (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “What the Muslims think is good is good before Allaah”?
Please advise us, may Allaah honour you, and please give me a detailed answer and explain to me the guidelines on this matter.

Praise be to Allaah.

Firstly:

The Muslims have no need to imitate any of the other nations in matters of religious rituals and acts of worship, for Allaah has perfected His religion and completed His Favour, and chosen for us Islam as our religion, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):

“This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion”

[al-Maa'idah 5:3]

Islam forbids the Muslims to imitate the kuffaar, especially the Jews and Christians, but this prohibition does not apply to all their affairs, rather it applies to matters of their religion and things that are unique to them, by which they are known.

It was narrated from Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “You will certainly follow the ways of those who came before you hand span by hand span, cubit by cubit, to the extent that if they entered the hole of a lizard, you will enter it too.” We said: “O Messenger of Allaah, (do you mean) the Jews and the Christians?” He said: “Who else?” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1397; Muslim, 4822.

This hadeeth indicates that it is haraam to imitate the Jews and the Christians, and that those who follow them and tread the same path as them are criticized. Islam has reinforced this prohibition, by describing those who imitate the kuffaar as being of them.

It was narrated that ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Umar said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever imitates a people is one of them.” Narrated by Abu Dawood, 3512; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Irwa’ al-Ghaleel, 2691.

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:

This at the very least indicates that it is haraam to imitate them, although the apparent meaning is that the one who imitates them is a kaafir.

Iqtida’ al-Siraat al-Mustaqeem, 237.

The one who imitates the kuffaar feels that inferior and defeated, so he hastens to make up for his feelings of inadequacy by imitating those whom he admires. If these people were to ponder the greatness of Islamic sharee’ah and understand how corrupt is that civilization they are running after, they would realize that they are doing wrong and that they have forsaken something that is perfect and true for something that is imperfect and corrupt.

Secondly:

The types of imitation which are forbidden to us are many.

Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan said:

The things in which the kuffaar are imitated include acts of worship, such as imitating them in matters of shirk, such as building (structures) over graves, building shrines and exaggerating about them. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “May the curse of Allaah be upon the Jews and the Christians, for they took the graves of their Prophets as places of worship.” Al-Bukhaari, 425; Muslim, 531. And he told us that when a righteous man among them died, they would build a place of worship over his grave, and install images therein, and that they were the most evil of mankind. Al-Bukhaari, 417; Muslim, 528. Nowadays there are instances of major shirk because of exaggeration concerning graves, as is well known to scholars and ordinary folk alike. The cause of that is imitation of the Jews and Christians.

Another example is their imitation of the festivals of shirk and bid’ah, such as birthday celebrations, whether it is the birthday of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) or the birthdays of presidents and kings. Or these festivals of bid’ah and shirk may be named after days or weeks, such as a country’s national day or independence day, or Mother’s Day, or hygiene week, and other days or weeks that are celebrated. All of these have come to the Muslims from the kuffaar, for Islam has only two festivals: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Anything else is bid’ah and an imitation of the kuffaar.

From a khutbah entitled al-Hathth ‘ala Mukhaalafat al-Kuffaar (Exhortation to be distinct from the kuffaar)

In the answer to question no. 47060 we have stated that it is forbidden to imitate the kuffaar in the clothing that is unique to them and in the customs that are unique to them, such as imitating them by shaving the beard.

Thirdly:

The prohibition on imitating the kuffaar applies to their acts of worship and the customs that are unique to them and by which they are distinguished, not the things that they do and invent from which we may benefit. There is no sin on the Muslims if they share in that, rather the Muslims should be in the forefront of such things.

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen said:

With regard to the phrase “imitation of the kuffaar”, that does not mean that we should not use anything that they have manufactured. No one says such a thing. At the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and afterwards the people used to wear clothes made by the kuffaar and use vessels made by them.

Imitation of the kuffaar means imitating their clothing and appearance, and the customs that are unique to them. It does not mean that we should not ride what they ride or wear what they wear. But if they ride in a specific way that is unique to them, then we should not ride in that way. If they tailor their clothes in a certain fashion that is unique to them, we should not do likewise. But if we have cars that are similar to theirs and fabric that is similar to theirs, there is nothing wrong with that.

Majmoo’ Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, 12, question 177.

And he said:

The definition of imitating is when the imitator does something that is unique to those whom he is imitating. Imitation of the kuffaar refers to when a Muslim does something that is one of their unique characteristics. With regard to that which has become widespread among the Muslims and is no longer something by which the kuffaar are distinguished, then this is not imitation of the kuffaar, and it is not haraam because it is an imitation, unless it is haraam for some other reason. What we have said is what is indicated by the meaning of the word tashabbuh (imitation).

Majmoo’ Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, 12, question 198.

In the answer to question no. 21694 you will find a detailed discussion of the ruling on imitating the kuffaar. See question no. 43160 for further details.

Fourthly:

There are both beneficial things and harmful things in non-Muslim civilization. We should not ignore the good things and take the harmful things. This attitude was summed up by Shaykh al-Shanqeeti (may Allaah have mercy on him) who said:

Our attitude towards western civilization may be one of four things, and there is no fifth:

1- Ignoring this civilization, good points and bad alike.

2- Adopting it in whole, good points and bad.

3- Adopting the bad things and not the good.

4- Adopting the good things and not the bad.

The first three are undoubtedly wrong and only one of them is undoubtedly good, which is the last one.

Adwa’ al-Bayaan, 4/382.

Fifthly:

With regard to the words of ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Mas’ood (may Allaah be pleased with him), “What the Muslims think is good is good before Allaah”, this does not refer to things that go against sharee’ah but which may be deemed good on the basis of rational thinking. Imam al-Shaafa’i (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: “Whoever thinks something is good issuing a ruling.” It does not refer to when one person thinks a thing is good but the majority of people do not. Rather this phrase may be interpreted in one of two ways, both of which are sound:

1 – That what is meant is traditions and customs that do not go against sharee’ah

2 – That what is meant is the proof of scholarly consensus, for the Muslims are unanimously agreed that thinking a thing is good is consensus which counts as evidence. So this thing must be good before Allaah as well. This is what is indicated by the words, “What the Muslims think is good.”

See al-Mabsoot by al-Sarkhasi, 12/138’ al-Faroosiyyah by Ibn al-Qayyim, p. 298.

These interpretations mentioned above are applicable if we take the words of Ibn Mas’ood (may Allaah be pleased with him) as applying to all the Muslims in general. But from the context it seems that he is referring to the companions of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) only, and not others. What Ibn Mas’ood said was: “Allaah looked into the hearts of His slaves and found that the heart of Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was the best of all His slaves’ hearts. So He chose him for Himself and sent him with His Message. Then He looked into the hearts of all His slaves after the heart of Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and He found that the hearts of his companions were the best of all His slaves’ hearts, so He made them the helpers of His Prophet, fighting for the sake of his religion. So what the Muslims think is good is good before Allaah and whatever the Muslims think is bad is bad before Allaah.”

Narrated by Ahmad, 3418; classed as saheeh by Shaykh al-Albaani in Takhreej al-Tahhaawiyyah, 530.

Whatever the case, it is not correct to quote the words of Ibn Mas’ood (may Allaah be pleased with him) as evidence for thinking as good that which is forbidden in Islam, such as imitating the mushrikeen.

And Allaah knows best.

Islam Q&A

A fabricated hadeeth about the reward for charity given on behalf of the deceased being presented to him on a platter of light

How sound is this hadeeth: “If you offer supplication for the deceased, the angel will enter upon him with a platter of light and will say: ‘This is a gift to you from your brother or relative So and and so,’ and he will rejoice thereat”?.

Praise be to Allaah.


This hadeeth is fabricated. It was narrated by at-Tabaraani in al-Mu‘jam al-Awsat (6504): Muhammad ibn Dawood ibn Aslam as-Sadafi told us, ‘Ubaydullah ibn ‘Abdillah al-Munkadiri told us, Muhammad ibn Ismaa‘eel ibn Abi Fudayk said: I heard Abu Muhammad ash-Shaami narrate that he heard Abu Hurayrah say that he heard Anas ibn Maalik say: I heard the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) say: “There is no household of whom one person dies and they give charity on his behalf after his death, but Jibreel (peace be upon him) will present it to him on a platter of light. He will stand at the edge of the grave and say: ‘O occupant of the deep grave, this is a gift given to you by your family, so accept it.’ Then he will enter upon him, and he will rejoice thereat and be of good cheer, and his neighbours who were not given anything will be sad.”

At-Tabaraani said after quoting it: This hadeeth was not narrated from Anas except via this isnaad, which was narrated only by Ibn Abi Fudayk.

Al-Haythami (may Allah have mercy on him) said:

It was narrated by at-Tabaraani in al-Awsat; its isnaad includes Abu Muhammad ash-Shaami, of whom al-Azdi said: He is a liar.

End quote from Majma‘ az-Zawaa’id, 3/139

Shaykh al-Albaani (may Allah have mercy on him) mentioned it in as-Silsilah ad-Da‘eefah (486) and said: It is fabricated … The problem with this hadeeth is that it is narrated by Abu Muhammad ash-Shaami. Adh-Dhahabi said: He narrated odd hadeeths from some of the Taabi‘een. Al-Azdi said: He is a liar.

This is how it appears in al-Lisaan; it is as if what they meant by munkar hadeeth was this report. End quote.

So it is not permissible to attribute these words to the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) or to narrate it from him except for the purpose of explaining its status and to warn against narrating it, because the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever narrates a hadeeth from me thinking that it is a lie is one of the liars.” Narrated by Muslim in the Introduction to his Saheeh (1/7).

An-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) said:

This hadeeth contains a stern warning against lying and indicates that whoever thinks it most likely that what he is narrating is false but still narrates it is a liar. How can he not be a liar when he is telling you of something that did not happen? End quote.

In the same chapter there is another hadeeth which says: “The dead person in his grave is like the drowning person who calls for help, hoping for a supplication to reach him from his father or mother or brother or friend, and when it reaches him it will be dearer to him than this world and everything in it. Allah will cause to reach the inhabitants of the graves gifts like mountains as a result of the supplication of the inhabitant of houses (i.e., the living). And the gift of the living to the dead is prayers for forgiveness.”

This was quoted by Shaykh al-Albaani in as-Silsilah ad-Da‘eefah (799). He said: (It is) munkar jiddan (very odd). End quote.

With regard to the hadeeth which says: “When you offer supplication for the dead, the angel enters upon him with a platter of light…”, we could not find any such report from the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) whether this version or the first version. So it is not permissible to attribute that to the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) just as it is not permissible to quote it, even if it is not attributed to the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him), because the matter of al-barzakh is one of the matters of the unseen, and it is not permissible to indulge in talking about it without knowledge.

And Allah knows best.

Source: Islam Q&A

DOWRY IN ISLAM?

DOWRY IN ISLAM?

A woman holds a very high status in Islamic faith. She is honoured and respected at all times, but many startling transgressions have crept into Islamic practice. These transgressions have been caused by cultural influence that has no basis in Islamic scripture.

Muslims living in the Indian subcontinent have slowly incorporated the act of dowry into their lives. Dowry originated in the upper caste Hindu communities as a wedding gift (cash or valuables) from the bride's family to the groom's family. There is nothing strange or unique about a culture influencing Muslim practice, as it is a common characteristic around the globe that when a new religion spreads in an area, people who live in that area retain some of the customs and traditions which they have been practising for centuries. There is nothing wrong with this as long as those practices do not contradict Islamic law. The practice of dowry, however, does in fact transgress Islamic law.

We usually use the word gift for something, which we give voluntarily, to a person we like. A gift is something that strengthens the friendship bond between two people. Dowry, which is usually defined as a “gift” given along with the bride, by a bride’s family to the bridegroom, is used as tool of coercion and greed in some societies. The bride’s family must give this “gift” or the marriage will not take place. Always the price of the dowry is set higher than the bride’s family can afford and sadly, this results in the bride becoming a burden on her family. The bride’s family then struggles to pay the “gift”.

In Islam it is the the man who pays Mahr(dower) to the woman . The following verses in the Qur’an proves that it is the man who is obligated to pay the Mahr (dower) to the woman unless the woman chooses not to take it.

"And give women (on marriage) their dower (Mahr) as a free gift; but if they, of their own good pleasure, remit any part of it to you, take it and enjoy it with right good cheer." (Al-Qur'an : Al-Nisa' :4)

Cultures that demands dowry from the bride’s family, are actually practicing the opposite of what Allah commanded. They have reversed Allah’s words in their practice. The bride is forced to pay a negotiated amount to the groom unless the man chooses not to take it.

Dowry is purely a matter of culture. One should not feel obliged to continue these unIslamic traditions. If a culture contains unIslamic aspects, then one should not feel any shame to break the culture’s traditional practices. The practice of dowry has caused Muslims in many parts of the world to continue their prejudices against women despite the Islamic prohibitions against it. In the Indian subcontinent, a woman is considered to be a great burden mainly because of the dowry system. Here, it is common to see people rejoicing over the birth of a son and lamenting over the birth of daughter. In India, the reason why people prefer male children over female children is mainly due to cultural practices such as dowry. Why aren’t people listening to the message of Islam instead of following the customs of others around them?

Allah has given us warning of this in the Qur’an. Allah tells us that infanticide is a grave sin and that favor of one gender over the other has no grounds in Islam.

When news is brought to one of them, of (the Birth of) a female (child), his face darkens and he is filled with inward grief! With shame does he hide himself from his people because of the bad news he has had! Shall he retain her on (sufferance) and contempt, or bury her in the dust? Ah! What an evil (choice) they decide on? (Al-Qur'an: An Nahl: 58-59)

As Muslims, we should consider, the birth of daughters to be a great blessing. In addition to the Qur’an, the Hadiths also carry the message to value women.

Malik reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: He, who brought up two girls properly till they grew up, he and I would come (together) (very closely) on the Day of Resurrection, and he interlaced his fingers (for explaining the point of nearness between him and that person). [Sahih Muslim: Book 032, Number 6364]

Narrated 'Aisha: (the wife of the Prophet) A lady along with her two daughters came to me asking me (for some alms), but she found nothing with me except one date which I gave to her and she divided it between her two daughters, and then she got up and went away. Then the Prophet came in and I informed him about this story. He said, "Whoever is in charge of (put to test by) these daughters and treats them generously, then they will act as a shield for him from the (Hell) Fire." [Sahih Bukhari :Volume 8, Book 73, Number 24]

It is so unfortunate to see the people submitting themselves to the dictates of culture than to the will of Allah who is our Creator, Cherisher and the Sustainer. Islam stresses fairness and kindness. Islam ensures that boys and girls are treated equally. Discrimination between children because of their gender is not advocated in Islam.

If you are a true muslim say no to dowry. Believe me Allah will bless your marriage and will provide you and for your family.

REMEMBER
Allah is Ar Razzaq - Allah is the Provider! 
Taken From

Taking The Husband's Name After Marriage - Not Based on Shareeah

In our eagerness to copy the West, we Muslims have adopted many of their practices which have no basis in the Sharee’ah. And among them is the practice of a woman changing her family name to that of her husband after she gets married. 

The fact is that Islam does not require woman to change her name at marriage and there is nothing in the Sunnah to indicate that a woman should take her husband’s name after she gets married.

Actually, the Ulama tell us that this is an innovated practice that is not approved of in Islaam.

Now, I know some people will say…“ Oh, come on…What is the big deal?!!”

So read on and you will know what I mean….

The wives of the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) are the Mothers of the Believers, and the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam), is the noblest of people and the best example. And yet when we look at their example, we will realize that when the Prophet(Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) married any of his wives, NOT ONE of them took his name. On the contrary, each one of them kept her father’s name even if her father was a kaafir. Similarly, the wives of the Sahaabah and those who came after them did not change their names. 

Did you ever think why they didn’t do that?

Surely, if it was a good thing, the wives of the Prophet(Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) would have done it and the Prophet(Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) would himself have instructed it and encouraged them to do it. That is because it is Allaah’s order to keep your father’s name as an indication of your lineage.

“Call them (adopted sons) by (the names of) their fathers, that is more just with Allaah…” [al-Ahzaab 33:5]. And the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said:"Whoever calls himself by other than his father’s  name, will be cursed by Allaah, the angels and all the people." (Ibn Maajah -Saheeh by al-Albaani). 

And he (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) also said: 

“Whoever knowingly claims to belong to anyone other than his father, Paradise will be denied him.” (Ahmad, al-Bukhaari, Muslim). 

Now some might argue….“But the woman is not claiming that her father is someone else. She is just honoring her husband or she doesn’t mean it that way. She just wants to belong to her husband out of love for him.”

To those people I say….

If it was a matter of honor to have the husbands name attached to the wife’s, wouldn’t our Ummahaat have done that??

Isn’t it the biggest honor in the WORLD to have the name of the Prophet(Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) attached to yours?? And yet the wives of the Prophet(Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) didn’t do that.  Ever wonder why??

And if it was a matter of expressing love for the husband, no relationship between a husband and wife on the face of this earth was better than the relationship between the Prophet(Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) and his wives. And yet none of the Mothers of the Believers expressed their love for the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) by changing their last names

The Islamic practice is not to change the surname, especially if it is her father name. Our prophet's daughter was always known as Fatima bint Muhammad not as Fatima Ali. Similarly the wife of the prophet, Aisha is always known as Aisha bint Abu Bakar, not as Aisha Mohammad.

Taken From Face Book

Is tradition of kissing of thumbs on Listening Prophet (saw) name is authentic??

Recently i saw this post on Facebook 

The post Claimed-

‘Kissing the thumbs when hearing the blessed name Muhammad (peace be upon him)’. In order to show their respect for their Prophet, the Muslims kiss their thumbs and wipe their eyes upon hearing the blessed name Muhammad (peace be upon him). This is proven as a practice dating back to the noble Companions. Al-Dehlmi reports in al-Firdaus that when Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) heard Muhammad’s name in Azan, he kissed his thumbs and wiped them on his eyes. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) saw this and said: ‘Whoever does the same as my beloved has done (i.e. Abu Bakr), then my intercession has become permissible for him.’

So I asked brother to Provide refrence:-

He Replied:- Our Ulama of Ahl-us-Sunnah consider it as MUSTAHAB and we do not claim this act as a Fardh, Wajib or Sunnah. Hence we r not obliged to bring or show a verse from The Holy Quran or a Sahih Hadith in favour of practice of kissing the thumbs. To prove this practice as MUSTAHAB, I will bring a Za'eef Hadith and other ref to prove that it has been the practice of good and pious Muslim.. And by the way Mohammed bhai.. don't tell "it is a Za'eef i.e A Hadith with a narrator who is not pious (Muttaqi) or a good memory. But as far as my knowledge Za'eef Hadith is accepted in "FAZAIL".... (He is bit busy n promised to provide refrence in few days... I'll update his reply.)

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Strange he said he is not required to produce proof!!
"He has made such a big claim  in the name of Prophet (saw) but his scholars of Ahl us-sunna are not required to support such a big claim."

In Islam regarding religious matter we always support our claim with authentic refrence from Quran & Sunnah. Otherwise there will be no difference between us and others.

Matter becomes serious when we say anything in the name of Prophet (saw) as if thats not true that becomes lying in the name of Prophet (saw) and there are so many Sahi hadiths which explains the degree of sin lying in the name of Prophet (saw) is.

Sahi Bukhari
Volume 4, Book 56, Number 712
Narrated Wathila bin Al−Asqa: Allah's Apostle said, "Verily, one of the worst lies is to claim falsely to be the son of someone other than one's real father, or to claim to have had a dream one has not had, or to attribute to me what I have not said."
Ruling on one who tells lies about the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)


P S -Interesting he already knows that the proof he is going to produce is from" ZA'EEF HADITH" still he accept that.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx


Now the authentic ruling over this:
Kissing one’s thumbs when the name of the Prophet is mentioned is a bid’ah

Do we kiss our thumbs when the prophet Mohammed’s (pbuh)name is said? Praise be to Allaah. As far as we know, there is no saheeh report from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) that when the muezzin says “Ashhadu anna Muhammadan Rasool-Allaah” we should kiss our thumbs, so doing so is a bid’ah (innovation). But it was proven that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “Whoever innovates something in this matter of ours that is not part of it will have it rejected.” And Allaah is the Source of strength. May Allaah bless our Prophet Muhammad. See Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah, vol. 6, p. 96. Source: Islam Q A

May Allah Guide us n keep us away from biddah.


     Regards
Mohammed Tariq

Why Muslims celebrate Christian holidays??

Let's read the story of George Mathew, who celebrates Adha Eid

George is an American man who is over 50 years old. He lives in Washington with his wife, his son & his daughter.

When Dhul Hijja was coming near, George started to catch the news to know when Dhul Hijja will start exactly. He watched the TV, his wife listened to the radio & his son surfed the internet and checked some Islamic sites.

When they knew when Dhul Hijja would start, they prepared themselves for Adha Eid which is on the 10th of Dhul Hijja.

On the second day, they went & bought a sheep (according to Islamic rulings) to slaughter it on the first day of Eid.

They took the sheep in their car, and on the way, the little girl was expressing her joy of having Eid. She was happy that she'll wear her new dress & go with her peers to play. She wished that all days are Eid.

When they got home, the wife told George: "I've read that we should cut the sheep into three parts (according to Sunnah of the Prophet Mohammad - Peace & Blessings be Upon Him). We should give the first part to the poor, second part to our neighbors (Elizabeth, David & Mark) and the third is ours."

When the day of Eid came, they were confused where the Qiblah is exactly. They assumed that it's in a certain direction towards Ka'aba. He hold the knife, put the sheep towards the Qiblah & slaughtered it. The wife hurried to cut the sheep into three parts as agreed.

Suddenly, George remembered & shouted: "We're late for church! Today is Sunday, and we'll miss the Sunday Mass!"

George was a committed Christian. He always made sure to take his wife and kids with him.



Ahmad finished his story about George.
A guy from the audience exclaimed: "You confused us! Is George a Muslim or a Christian?!"

Ahmad replied: "George is a Christian who believes in three Gods. He doesn't believe in Prophet Mohammad (Peace & Blessings be Upon Him) as being the last & final messenger".

A voice from the crowd said: "Don't lie to us Ahmad! Who could believe that George & his family would do that?! How could a Christian do Muslims' rituals?? A Christian wouldn't wait for Dhul Hijja, buy a sheep to slaughter.. blah blah...."

Ahmad smiled sarcastically & said: "My beloved brothers, why do you find it so hard to believe my story? Why can't you believe that such a Christian family exists?"

Isn't there in our Muslim community..
 Like: Abdullah, Mohammad, Khaled, Khadija or Fatima who celebrates Christian or Jewish Holidays?

Don't we celebrate New Year, Christmas, Valentine's, Halloween, Easter.. blah blah.. ??

George is a Christian who celebrates our Eid!
Why can't believe that?
Why are refusing George's acts?
Why don't we refuse our acts?



Finally, Ahmad said:
I've lived in the U.S. for more than ten years now.
I swear by Allah, I never saw a Christian or a Jew who celebrates any of our Eids.
I've never heard of anyone who asked about them either.
Even when I invited them for a Eid Fitr celebration in my apartment, no one attended when they knew it's Muslim's Eid.
I've that in the West, and when I returned back to my Muslim country, I find Muslims celebrating Christian & Jewish holidays.


 Please think!!!!


There is no power and no might except by Allah.
لا حولَ ولا قوَّة إلاَّ بالله

Take From
Facebook

Valentine Day or ZINA DAY ??

FINALLY ZINA (VALENTINE) DAY IS OVER.

Let's analyze who is in gain and who is in loss.


LOSS
  1- Those who have celebrated this (Hindu, Muslim, Jew or Christian), they have broken the words of their scriptures, all scriptures state that “Man should lower his gaze”, so we can very well imagine the degree of sin dating is .

2- Those who have further crossed their limit .... there are strict punishment for Zina in Bible, Vedas and we very well Know about Quran.

3- School kids who exchanged gift... they have taken their first step, and Allah says in Quran "Don't follow the footstep of satan" , there fundamental thinking/ beliefs have been corrupted and we can’t expect a strong building over a weak foundation.

4-Especially for Muslims- In addition you have accepted Pagan Valantine as SAINT & celebrated his B'day. (Dont use if and but....this is a fact)



GAIN
1- Telecom Companies- Earned revenue in the form of call charges, sms etc.

2- Chocolate companies- Chocolate is one of the thing widely exchanged as gift on this day...their business increased many times over the period.

3- Alcohol Company- They love occasions like this….earned billions in revenue.

4-Hotels and Resorts- Made special arrangement for Zaanis/Adulterers/Fornicators. Good business for them.

 5- Gift & Card Companies- Gift were exchanged around the world. Good business for them too.



We can very well see that it’s in the financial interest of companies to Promote days like this ….. How can we expect anything else from them other than hating Islam which is the only religion which openly speaks against evil!!

Media is in their hands, 24x7 they brainwash us through lucrative ads……….



Can we guess what would be the fate of all these companies???

Please read this hadith (2nd part)……

Sahih Muslim, Bk 33, Number 6470
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “If anyone calls others to follow right guidance, his reward will be equivalent to those who follow him (in righteousness) without their reward being diminished in any respect, and if anyone invites others to follow error, the sin, will be equivalent to that of the people who follow him (in sinfulness) without their sins being diminished in any respect”.
  Regards
Mohammed Tariq
 

The History of Valentine Day ... Kufr

Let us examine the origin of Valentine’s Day:

  Valentine's Day started in the time of the Roman Empire. In ancient Rome, February 14th was a holiday to honor Juno. Juno was the Queen of the Roman Gods and Goddesses. The Romans also knew her as the Goddess of women and marriage. The following day, February 15th, began the Feast of Lupercalia.

Under the rule of Emperor Claudius II Rome was involved in many bloody and unpopular campaigns. Claudius the Cruel was having a difficult time getting soldiers to join his military leagues and creating a huge army. Many men did not want to participate in the army. This made Claudius furious. He believed that the reason for this was that roman men did not want to leave their loved ones or their families. As a result, Claudius decided to cancel all marriages and engagements in Rome. Many people thought this was a preposterous and a cruel idea.

At that time, a Saint existed by the name of Valentine who was a priest of Rome in the days of Claudius II. He did not like the Emperor. He and Saint Marius aided the Christian martyrs and secretly married couples even after Emperor Claudius passed his law. He would isolate himself in a secret candlelit room with the bride and the groom. He whispered the words of the ceremony, listening all the while for the steps of the soldiers.

One night, he heard the footsteps of the soldiers and the couples he was marrying escaped in time. Unfortunately he was caught. For this action of his, Saint Valentine was apprehended and dragged before the Prefect of Rome, who condemned him to be beaten to death with clubs and to have his head cut off. He was then thrown in prison and was told that his punishment was sentenced to death. The news spread and many young people came from across the land to visit him in prison. They threw flowers and notes up to the window. One of the young people was the daughter of the prison guard. Her father allowed her to visit Saint Valentine in the cell. Sometimes they would sit and talk for hours. She helped him in keeping up his spirits. She agreed that he had done the right thing by ignoring the Emperor and going ahead with the secret marriages. Saint Valentine had fallen in love with her and on the day he was to die, he left his little friend a note thanking her for her friendship and loyalty. He signed it, “Love from your Valentine.”

Saint Valentine died on February 14, 269 A.D. Since then, every year people from all over the world commemorate this day as “Valentine’s Day”. At that time it was the custom in Rome, a very ancient custom, indeed, to celebrate in the month of February the Lupercalia, feasts in honor of a heathen god. On these occasions, amidst a variety of pagan ceremonies, the names of young women were placed in a box, from which they were drawn by the men as chance directed.

On the eve of the festival of Lupercalia, the names of Roman girls were written on slips of paper and placed into jars. Each young man would draw a girl's name from the jar and would then be partners for the duration of the festival with the girl whom he chose. Sometimes the pairing of the children lasted an entire year, and often, they would fall in love and would later marry.

 It has been believed that the custom of exchanging love notes had started on Valentine’s Day.

Valentine Traditions
Hundreds of years ago in England, many children dressed up as adults on Valentine's Day. They went singing from home to home. One verse they sang was:

Good morning to you, valentine;
Curl your locks as I do mine ---
Two before and three behind.
Good morning to you, valentine.

In Wales, wooden love spoons were carved and given as gifts on February 14th. Hearts, keys and keyholes were favourite decorations on the spoons. The decoration meant, "You unlock my heart!"

In the Middle Ages, young men and women drew names from a bowl to see who their valentines would be. They would wear these names on their sleeves for one week. Wearing the heart on the sleeve made it is easy for other people to know how they were feeling. In some countries, a young woman may receive a gift of clothing from a young man. If she kept the gift, it meant that she would marry him.

From the history of Valentine’s Day, we acknowledge that Valentine is not just a name of a holiday. In fact, Valentine was a man whom the Christians believe to be a saint. Moreover, the history of Valentine is based on Shirk. In addition to this, the actions committed by the young boys and girls,[1] were purely the acts of fornication.

Islam is a religion of peace, love and unity. In Islam, there is no special day to express gratitude and love. In fact, everyday is a day to express love to one’s wife, children, parents, elders etc. Islam has ordered us to be kind and just with our family members and close ones to the extent that even animals deserve love and affection. A beautiful Hadith of Rasullullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam explains that Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’alā had forgiven an immoral and a prostitute woman due to her kindness towards a thirsty dog.

بَيْنَمَا كَلْبٌ يُطِيفُ بِرَكِيَّةٍ، كَادَ يَقْتُلُهُ العَطَشُ، إِذْ رَأَتْهُ بَغِيٌّ مِنْ بَغَايَا بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ، فَنَزَعَتْ مُوقَهَا فَسَقَتْهُ فَغُفِرَ لَهَا بِهِ )صحيح البخاري (4/ 173)

“There was a dog who was circling a well. Thirst had nearly killed him when a prostitute from amongst the prostitutes of Bani Israeel had seen him. She removed her shoes and quenched the dog. Thereupon, she was forgiven due this action of hers.”

(Sahih Al-Bukhari 4/173)


We should show love to our loved ones everyday of our lives. Our love should not be confined to a particular date such as the 14th of February. A person receives tremendous amount of reward simply by placing a morsel in the mouth of one’s wife. Imagine the reward for other good deeds. The Hadith mentions:

وَلَسْتَ تُنْفِقُ نَفَقَةً تَبْتَغِي بِهَا وَجْهَ اللَّهِ إِلَّا أُجِرْتَ بِهَا، حَتَّى اللُّقْمَةَ تَجْعَلُهَا فِي فِي امْرَأَتِكَ

)صحيح البخاري (5/ 178(

“And you spend not upon your family seeking the pleasure of Allah but that you are rewarded for it to the extent of placing a morsel in the mouth of your wife.”

(Sahih Al-Bukhari 5/178)

However, due to the fact that the foundation of celebrating Valentine’s Day is based on kufr and shirk, such a celebration is Harām and prohibited in Islam.

And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best

Mawlana Abdul Hannan Nizami,
Student Darul Iftaa
USA

Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.

May ALLAH SWT save us from such fake lovers day.

JAZAKALLAHU KHAIRAN KASEERAN KASEERAH

Muhammad Raghib Khan
A Slave of ALLAH SWT.

Ruling on Celebrating Prophet's Birthday, with Scholarly Refutation of the arguments brought by those who support it

The commands mentioned in the Qur'aan and Sunnah to follow the laws of Allaah (subhanahu wa ta'aala) and His Messenger (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam), and the prohibitions on introducing innovations into the religion are quite clear. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

"Say (O Muhammad to mankind): 'If you (really) love Allaah, then follow me (i.e. accept Islamic Monotheism, follow the Qur'aan and the Sunnah), Allaah will love you and forgive you your sins.'" [Aal 'Imraan 3:31]

"Follow what has been sent down unto you from your Lord (the Qur'aan and Prophet Muhammad's Sunnah), and follow not any Awliyaa' (protectors and helpers who order you to associate partners in worship with Allaah), besides Him (Allaah). Little do you remember!" [al-A'raaf 7:3]

"And verily, this is My straight path, so follow it, and follow not (other) paths, for they will separate you away from His path." [al-A'naam 6:153]

And the Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said: "The most truthful of speech is the Book of Allaah and the best of guidance is the guidance of Muhammad, and the most evil of things are those which are newly-invented." And he (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said: "Whoever innovates anything in this matter of ours (i.e., Islam), that is not part of it will have it rejected." (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, no. 2697; Muslim, no. 1718). According to a version narrated by Muslim,

"Whoever doe anything that is not in accordance with this matter of ours (i.e., Islam), will have it rejected."

Among the reprehensible innovations that people have invented is the celebration of the birthday of the Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) in the month of Rabee' al-Awwal. They celebrate this occasion in various ways:

Some of them simply make it an occasion to gather and read the story of the Mawlid, then they present speeches and qaseedahs (odes) for this occasion. Some of them make food and sweets etc., and offer them to the people present. Some of them hold these celebrations in the mosques, and some of them hold them in their houses.

Some people do not limit themselves to the actions mentioned above; they include in these gatherings haraam and reprehensible things, such as free mixing of men and women, dancing and singing, or committing actions of shirk such as seeking the help of the Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam), calling upon him, seeking his support against their enemies and so on.

Whatever form it takes and whatever the intentions of those who do this are, there is no doubt whatsoever that it is an invented, haraam innovation which was introduced by the Shi'a Faatimids after the three best centuries, in order to corrupt the religion of the Muslims. The first person to do this after them was the king al-Muzaffar Abu Sa'eed Kawkaboori, the king of Irbil, at the end of the sixth century or the beginning of the seventh century AH, as was mentioned by the historians such as Ibn Khalkaan and others. Abu Shaamah said: the first person to do that in Mosul was Shaykh 'Umar ibn Muhammad al-Malaa, one of the well-known righteous people. Then the ruler of Irbil and others followed his example.
Al-Haafiz Ibn Katheer said in al-Bidaayah wa'l-Nihaayah (13/137), in his biography of Abu Sa'eed Kazkaboori: "He used to observe the Mawlid in Rabee' al-Awwal and hold a huge celebration on that occasion... some of those who were present at the feast of al-Muzaffar on some occasions of the Mawlid said that he used to offer in the feast five thousand grilled heads of sheep, ten thousand chickens and one hundred thousand large dishes, and thirty trays of sweets... he would let the Sufis sing from Zuhr until Fajr, and he himself would dance with them."

Ibn Khalkaan said in Wafiyaat al-A'yaan (3/274): "When it is the first of Safar they decorate those domes with various kinds of fancy adornments, and in every dome there sits a group of singers and a group of puppeteers and players of musical instruments, and they do not leave any one of those domes without setting up a group (of performers) there.

The people give up work during this period, and they do no work except going around and watching the entertainment. When there are two days to go until the Mawlid, they bring out a large number of camels, cows and sheep, more than can be described, and they accompany them with all the drums, songs and musical instruments that they have, until they bring them to the square... On the night of the Mawlid there are performances of nasheed after Maghrib in the citadel."

This is the origin of this celebration on the occasion of the Prophet's birthday. More recently idle entertainment, extravagance, and wasting of money and time have become associated with an innovation for which Allaah (subhanahu wa ta'aala) has not sent down any authority.


Quote: What Muslims should do is revive the Sunnah and put an end to bid'ah (innovation); they should not do any action until they know the ruling of Allaah (subhanahu wa ta'aala) concerning it.

Reasons for the Forbiddance of celebrating the Prophet's birthday

Celebrating the occasion of the birthday of the Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) is forbidden and is to be rejected for a number of reasons:

1 - It is not part of the Sunnah of the Messenger (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) or of the khaleefahs who succeeded him. Since this is the case, then it is a forbidden innovation, because the Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said: "I urge you to follow my Sunnah and the way of the rightly-guided khaleefahs after me; adhere to it and cling to it firmly. Beware of newly-invented things, for every newly-invented thing is an innovation (bid'ah) and every innovation is a going astray." (Narrated by Ahmad, 4/126; al-Tirmidhi no. 2676).
Celebrating the Mawlid is an innovation introduced by the Shi'a Faatimids after the three best centuries in order to corrupt the religion of the Muslims. If a person does anything in order to draw closer to Allaah which was not done by the Messenger (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) or enjoined by him, and was not done by the khaleefahs who succeeded him, this action implies that he is accusing the Messenger of not explaining the religion to the people, and that he disbelieves in the words of Allaah (interpretation of the meaning):

"This day, I have perfected your religion for you." [al-Maa'idah 5:3]

because he is adding something extra and claiming that it is a part of the religion, but the Messenger (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) did not bring this.

2 - Celebrating the birthday of the Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) is an imitation of the Christians, because they celebrate the birth of the Messiah (peace be upon him). Imitating them is extremely haraam. The hadeeth tells us that it is forbidden to imitate the kuffaar, and we are commanded to differ from them. The Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said: "Whoever imitates a people is one of them." (Narrated by Ahmad, 2/50; Abu Dawood, 4/314). And he said, "Be different from the mushrikeen." (narrated by Muslim, 1/222, no. 259) - especially with regard to things that are the symbols or rituals of their religion.

3 - Besides being bid'ah and an imitation of the Christians, both of which are haraam, celebrating the birthday of the Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) is also a means that leads to exaggeration and excess in venerating him, which even goes as far as calling upon him (making du'aa' to him) and seeking his help, instead of calling upon Allaah, as happens now among many of those who observe the bid'ah of the Mawlid, when they call upon the Messenger instead of Allaah, and ask him for support, and sing qaseedahs (odes) of shirk praising him, like Qaseedat al-Burdah etc. The Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) forbade going to extremes in praising him, as he said: "Do not extol as the Christians extolled the son of Maryam. For I am just His slave, so say, the slave of Allaah and His Messenger." (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 4/142, no. 3445; al-Fath, 6/551), i.e., do not exaggerate in praising me as the Christians exaggerated in praising the Messiah and venerated him until they worshipped him instead of Allaah. Allaah forbade them to do that when he said (interpretation of the meaning):

"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." [an-Nisaa' 4:171]

Our Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) forbade us to exaggerate concerning him lest the same thing happen to us as happened to them, so he said: "Beware of exaggeration, for those who came before you were destroyed because of exaggeration." (narrated by al-Nasaa'i, 5/268; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Sunan al-Nasaa'i, no. 2863).

4 - Observing the innovation of the Prophet's birthday opens the door to other kinds of bid'ah and being distracted by them from the Sunnah. Hence you find that the innovators are very active when it comes to bid'ah and very lazy when it comes to the Sunnah; they hate it and regard those who follow it as enemies, until their entire religion is innovated anniversaries and Mawlids. They have split into various groups, each of which commemorates the anniversary of its imaam's birth, such as the births of al-Badawi, Ibn 'Arabi, al-Dasooqi and al-Shaadhili. No sooner do they end the celebration of one birthday but they start the celebration of another. This results in exaggeration concerning these dead people and others, and in calling upon them instead of Allaah, believing that they can bring benefit and cause harm, until they deviate from the religion of Allaah and go back to the religion of the people of the Jaahiliyyah of whom Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

"And they worship besides Allaah things that harm them not, nor profit them, and they say: 'These are our intercessors with Allaah.'" [Yoonus 10:18]

"And those who take Awliyaa' (protectors, helpers, lords, gods) besides Him (say): 'We worship them only that they may bring us near to Allaah.'" [al-Zumar 39:3]

Refuting the specious arguments of those who celebrate the Mawlid

Those who think that this bid'ah should be continued produce specious arguments which are flimsier than a spider's web. These specious arguments may be dealt with as follows:

[First Doubt] - Their claim that this is veneration of the Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam):


Quote: The response to that is that the way to venerate him is to obey him, do as he commanded and avoid that which he forbade, and to love him; he is not to be venerated through innovations, myths and sins. Celebrating his birthday is of this blameworthy type because it is a sin. The people who venerated the Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) the most were the Sahaabah (radiallaahu 'anhum), as 'Urwah ibn Mas'ood said to Quraysh:

"O people, by Allaah I have visited kings. I went to Caesar, Chosroes and the Negus, but by Allaah I never saw a king whose companions venerated him as much as the companions of Muhammad venerated Muhammad (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam). By Allaah, whenever he spat, it never fell on the ground, it fell into into the hand of one his companions, then they wiped their faces and skins with it. If he instructed them to do something, they would hasten to do as he commanded. When he did wudoo', they would almost fight over his water. When he spoke, they would lower their voices in his presence; and they did not stare at him out of respect for him." (al-Bukhaari, 3/178, no. 2731, 2732; al-Fath, 5/388).

Yet despite this level of veneration, they never took the day of his birth as an 'Eid (festival). If that had been prescribed in Islam, they would not have neglected to do that.

[Second Doubt] - Using as evidence the fact that many people in many countries do this.

Quote: The response to that is that evidence consists of that which is proven from the Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam), and what is proven from the Prophet is that innovations are forbidden in general, and this is an innovation. What people do, if it goes against the evidence (daleel), does not prove anything, even if many of them do it.

"And if you obey most of those on the earth, they will mislead you far away from Allaah's path." [al-An'aam 6:116 - interpretation of the meaning]


quote: Nevertheless, in every age, praise be to Allaah, there have always been those who denounce this bid'ah and state clearly that it is false. Those who persist in following it after the truth had been explained to them have no proof.

Among those who denounced the celebration of this occasion was Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah, in Iqtidaa' al-Siraat al-Mustaqeem; Imaam al-Shaatibi in al-'I'tisaam; Ibn al-Haaj in al-Madkhil; Shaykh Taaj al-Deen 'Ali ibn 'Umar al-Lakhami who wrote an entire book denouncing it; Shaykh Muhammad Basheer al-Sahsawaani al-Hindi in his book Siyaanah al-Insaan; al-Sayyid Muhammad Rasheed Ridaa wrote a separate essay on this topic; Shaykh Muhammad ibn Ibraaheem Aal al-Shaykh wrote a separate essay on it; Shaykh 'Abd al-'Azeez ibn Baaz; and others who are still writing and denouncing this bid'ah every year in the pages of newspapers and magazines, at the time when this bid'ah is being done.

[Third Doubt] - They say that by celebrating the Mawlid they are keeping the memory of the Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) alive.


Quote: The answer to that is that the memory of the Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) is constantly kept alive by the Muslim, such as when his name (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) is mentioned in the adhaan and iqaamah and in khutbahs, and every time the Muslim recites the Shahaadatayn after doing wudoo' and in the prayers, and every time he sends blessings upon the Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) in his prayers and when he is mentioned, and every time the Muslim does a waajib (obligatory) or mustahabb (recommended) action that was prescribed by the Messenger (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam). In all of these ways (the Muslim) remembers him and the reward equivalent to the reward of the one who does that action goes back to the Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam). Thus the Muslim constantly keeps the memory of the Messenger alive and has a connection with him night and day throughout his life through that which Allaah has prescribed, not only on the day of the Mawlid and things which are bid'ah and go against the Sunnah, for that puts one at a distance from the Messenger (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) and the Messenger will disown him because of that.

The Messenger (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) has no need of this innovated celebration, because Allaah has already bestowed veneration and respect upon him, as He says: "and raised high your fame." [al-Sharh 94:4]

For Allaah is not mentioned in the adhaan, iqaamah or khutbah, except that the Messenger (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) is mentioned after Him; this is sufficient veneration, love and renewal of his memory, and sufficient encouragement to follow him.

Allaah did not refer to the birth of the Messenger (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) in the Qur'aan, rather He referred to his Mission, and says (interpretation of the meaning):

"Indeed, Allaah conferred a great favour on the believers when He sent among them a Messenger (Muhammad) from among themselves." [Aal 'Imraan 3:124]

"He it is Who sent among the unlettered ones a Messenger (Muhammad) from among themselves." [al-Jumu'ah 64:2]


[Fourth Doubt] - They may say that the celebration of the Prophet's birthday was introduced by a knowledgeable and just king who intended thereby to draw closer to Allaah.

Quote: Our response to that is that bid'ah is not acceptable, no matter who does it. A good intention does not justify a bad deed and even if a person died as a knowledgeable and righteous person, this does not mean that he was infallible.

[Fifth Doubt] - They say that celebrating the mawlid comes under the heading of bid'ah hasanah ("good innovation") because it is based on giving thanks to Allaah for the Prophet!


Quote: Our response to that is that there is nothing good in innovation. The Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said: "Whoever innovates anything in this matter of ours (i.e., Islam), that is not part of it will have it rejected." (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, no. 2697; al-Fath, 5/355). And he said, "Every innovation is a going astray." (Narrated by Ahmad, 4/126; al-Tirmidhi, no. 2676). The ruling on innovations is that they are all misguidance, but this specious argument suggests that not every bid'ah is a going astray, rather there are good innovations.

Al-Haafiz ibn Rajab said in Sharh al-Arba'een: "The words of the Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam), 'every innovation is a going astray' is a concise but comprehensive comment which includes everything; it is one of the most important principles of religion. It is like his words 'Whoever innovates anything in this matter of ours (i.e., Islam), that is not part of it will have it rejected.' (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 3/167, no. 2697; al-Fath, 5/355). Whoever innovates anything and attributes it to Islam when it has no basis in the religion, this is a going astray and is nothing to do with Islam, whether that has to do with matters of belief ('aqeedah) or outward and inward words and deeds." (Jaami' al-'Uloom wa'l-Hakam, p. 233)

These people have no proof that there is any such thing as a "good innovation" apart from the words of 'Umar (radiallaahu 'anhu) concerning Taraaweeh prayers, "What a good innovation this is." (Saheeh al-Bukhaari, 2/252, no. 2010 mu'allaqan; al-Fath 4/294).

They also said that things were innovated which were not denounced by the salaf, such as compiling the Qur'aan into one volume and writing and compiling the hadeeth.


Quote: The response to that is that these matters had a basis in Islam, so they were not newly-invented.

'Umar said: "What a good bid'ah" meaning innovation in the linguistic sense, not in the shar'i sense.

Whatever has a basis in Islam, if it is described as an innovation, is an innovation in the linguistic sense, not in the shar'i sense, because innovation in the shar'i sense means that which has no basis in Islam.

Compiling the Qur'aan into one book has a basis in Islam, because the Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) had commanded that the Qur'aan be written down, but it was scattered, so the Sahaabah compiled it in one volume so as so protect and preserve it.

The Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) led his companions in praying Taraaweeh for a while, then he stopped doing that, lest that become obligatory on them. The Sahaabah (radiallaahu 'anhum) continued to pray it separately during the life of the Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) and after his death, until 'Umar ibn al-Khattaab (radiallaahu 'anhu) gathered them behind one imaam as they used to pray behind the Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam). This was not an innovation introduced into the religion.

Writing down the hadeeth also has a basis in Islam. The Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) ordered that some ahaadeeth should be written down for some of his companions when they asked him for that. In general terms writing it down during his lifetime was not allowed, for fear that the Qur'aan might be mixed with things that were not part of it. When the Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) died, this fear was no longer a factor, because the Qur'aan had been completed and arranged in order before he died.

The Muslims compiled the Sunnah after that in order to preserve it and keep it from being lost. May Allaah reward them with good on behalf of Islam and the Muslims, because they preserved the Book of their Lord and the Sunnah of their Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) from being lost or being tampered with.

We may also say to them: why was this act of thanksgiving, as they call it, not done by the best generations, the Sahaabah, Taabi'een and followers of the Taabi'een, who loved the Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) most and who were most keen to do good and give thanks? Are those who introduced the innovation of the Mawlid more rightly-guided than them? Do they give more thanks to Allaah? Definitely not!

[Sixth Doubt] - They may say that celebrating the birthday of the Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) is indicative of their love for him; this is one way of showing that, and showing love of the Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) is prescribed in Islam!


Quote: The answer to that is that undoubtedly loving the Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) is obligatory for every Muslim; he should love him more than he loves himself, his child, his father and all the people - may my father and mother be sacrificed for him - but that does not mean that we should introduce innovations for doing so that have not been prescribed for us. Loving him dictates that we should obey him and follow him, for that is one of the greatest manifestations of love, as it is said:

"If your love is sincere then obey him; for the lover obeys the one whom he loves."

Loving the Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) implies keeping his Sunnah alive, adhering firmly to it, and avoiding words and deeds that go against it. Undoubtedly everything that goes against his Sunnah is a reprehensible innovation (bid'ah) and a manifest act of disobedience. That includes celebrating his birthday and other kinds of bid'ah. A good intention does not mean that it is permissible to introduce innovations into the religion. Islam is based on two things, purity of intention and following [the Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam)]. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

"Yes, but whoever submits his face (himself) to Allaah (i.e. follows Allaah's religion of Islamic Monotheism) and he is a Muhsin (a doer of good) then his reward is with his Lord (Allaah), on such shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve." [al-Baqarah 2:112]

Submitting one's face to Allaah means being sincere towards Allaah, and doing good means following the Messenger and implementing the Sunnah.

[Seventh Doubt] - Another of their specious arguments is when they say that by celebrating the Mawlid and reading the biography of the Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) on this occasion, they are encouraging people to follow his example!


Quote: We say to them that reading the biography of the Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) and following his example are required of the Muslim all the time, all year long and throughout his life. Singling out a specific day for that with no evidence for doing so is an innovation, and every innovation is a going astray." (Narrated by Ahmad, 4/164; al-Tirmidhi, 2676). Bid'ah does not bear any fruit but evil and it leads to a person distancing himself from the Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam).

In conclusion, celebrating the birthday of the Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam), whatever form it takes, is a reprehensible innovation. The Muslims should put a stop to this and other kinds of bid'ah, and occupy themselves with reviving and adhering to the Sunnah. They should not be deceived by those who promote and defend this bid'ah, for these types of people are more interested in keeping innovations alive than in reviving the Sunnah; they may not even care about the Sunnah at all. Whoever is like this, it is not permissible to imitate him or follow his example, even if the majority of people are like this. Rather we should follow the example of those who follow the path of the Sunnah, among the righteous salaf and their followers, even if they are few. Truth is not measured by the men who speak it, rather men are measured by the truth.

The Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said: "Whoever among you lives (for a long time) will see many differences. I urge you to follow my Sunnah and the way of the rightly-guided khaleefahs who come after me. Hold on to it firmly. Beware of newly-invented matters, for every innovation is a going astray." (Narrated by Ahmad, 4/126; al-Tirmidhi no. 2676). So the Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) explained to us in this hadeeth what we should do when there are differences of opinion, just as he explained that everything that goes against his Sunnah, be it words or deeds, is a bid'ah, and every bid'ah is a going astray.

If we see that there is no basis for celebrating the birthday of the Prophet, whether in the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allaah (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) or in the way of the rightly-guided khaleefahs, then it is one of the newly-invented matters, one of the bid'ahs which lead people astray. This principle is what is implied by this hadeeth and is what is indicated by the aayah (interpretation of the meaning):

"O you who believe! Obey Allaah and obey the Messenger (Muhammad), and those of you (Muslims) who are in authority. (And) if you differ in anything amongst yourselves, refer it to Allaah and His Messenger, if you believe in Allaah and in the Last Day. That is better and more suitable for final determination." [al-Nisaa' 4:59]
Referring to Allaah means referring to His Book, and referring to the Messenger (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) means referring to his Sunnah after he has passed away. The Qur'aan and Sunnah are the reference point in cases of dispute. Where in the Qur'aan or Sunnah does it indicate that it is prescribed in Islam to celebrate the Prophet's birthday? Whoever does that or thinks that it is good must repent to Allaah from this and from other kinds of bid'ah. This is the attitude of the Muslim who is seeking the truth. But whoever is too stubborn and arrogant after proof has been established, then his reckoning will be with his Lord.

We ask Allaah to help us adhere to His Book and the Sunnah of His Messenger (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) until the Day when we will meet Him. May Allaah grant blessings and peace to our Prophet Muhammad and his family and companions.

Note: InshAllah please do share! (For Those Who Acquire Knowledge)

----------------
Reference:
Huqooq al-Nabi (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) bayna al-Ijlaal wa'l-Ikhlaal, p. 139.
Shaykh Dr. Saalih ibn Fawzaan al-Fawzaan, Member of the Committee of Senior Scholars, Saudi Arabia.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Grow-your-Eeman/111699732227730