VOWS, OATHS AND AQIQAH
| By sisters UmmAlwiya and Qamar.

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INTRODUCTION

Innal-Hamdulillah was-Salaatu was-Salaam `alaa Rasoolillah

Asalaamu’alaykum waRahmatullah, Insha’Allah sister Umm Alwiya and myself sister Qamar will be doing our group presentation on:

“Keeping Vows and Oaths in Islaam, and the Rulings of an Aqiqah”

We hope to Insha’Allah cover the following aspects today:

• Some rulings related to fulfilling vows and oaths
• What types of vows are forbidden for us to make
• What is the repentance for broken oaths
• And then we will end with discussing what is an Aqiqah and how it is performed

KEEPING VOWS AND OATHS IN ISLAAM

Let’s begin with our first topic, which is Vows and Oaths. So what exactly is a vow and an oath?

A VOW is to pledge and swear by Allah to do a particular thing, it is to make a promise to carry out a certain action. You often hear people use the word “Wallahi” all the time, even for minor thingswell this means they are swearing “By Allah” and this is a major statement, such people need to be very careful when using this word.

This is why the true Muslim, the Believer – takes his vows very serious, because he knows the implications of making such a statement, and the consequences of breaking a vow.

The following Hadith shows the seriousness of breaking promises:

As our Prophet Muhammad (sa) said: “There are four characteristics whoever possesses them is a hypocrite and whoever possesses some of them has an element of hypocrisy until he leaves it – and one of the four characteristics the prophet mentioned was – when he promises he breaks his promise.” (Hadith found in Bukhaari and Muslim)

So you see here, the one who breaks his promises – he is one who has a characteristic of a hypocrite.

Also, Allah Subhaana hu wa ta’ala says in the Qur’an, in the interpretation of the meaning: “…surely every promise (covenant) shall be questioned about.” (Surah Al-Isra, 17:34)

As for making an OATH, this is similar to making a vow – and is usually made when having to swear to tell the truth regarding an event or situation; another example of an oath is to swear by Allah that one will not do something, but when people make an oath and break their oath, they must seek Allah’s forgiveness and also make an expiation – which is known as KAFARAH, which sister Umm Alwiya will insha’Allah discuss later.

The next Hadith, talks about making false oaths - ‘Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that Allah’s Apostle (sa) said: “If somebody takes a false oath in order to get the property of a Muslim (unjustly) by that oath, he will incur Allah’s Wrath when he will meet Him.” (Hadith found in Bukhaari)

Making false oaths is amongst one of the major sins in Islaam – which is also known as disastrous swearing – which is to make an oath that involves lying, or to say you will do something that is haram –- our prophet Muhammad (sa) told us why it is so disastrous in a Hadith in Bukhari where he mentioned it along side some of the major sins in Islaam, such as: “Associating partners with Allah, disobedience to parents and murder.” [Bukhari]

So the believer thinks twice before making any oath, in fear of not being able to fulfil it and being held accountable for it by Allah Subhaana hu wa ta’ala.

RULINGS RELATED TO FULFILLING VOWS

I will now go over some rulings related to fulfilling vows:

* If one makes a vow and then dies before fulfilling it, then someone should fulfil it for them. This is proven in the following Hadith found in Bukhaari and Muslim:

Where Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: That a woman was travelling in the sea, and she vowed that if Allaah saved her she would fast for one month. Allaah saved her, but she died before fulfilling her vow. Her daughter came to the Prophet (sa) and mentioned this to him. He asked “Had she owed money as debt, wouldn’t you have paid it on her behalf?” She replied, “Yes”. He said: “Allaah’s debt is more worthy of being fulfilled. So fulfill (the vow) for your mother.” (Bukhaari and Muslim)

This ruling applies for any vow not just fasting, whether the deceased vowed to give in charity, to make Hajj or do anything – then the vow should be fulfilled on their behalf.

* If one makes a vow before becoming a Muslim, he must still fulfil this vow, as evidence is proven in the Hadith by Bukhaari:

Where Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated: That ‘Umar said “O Allah’s Apostle! I vowed to perform I’tikaf for one night in Al-Masjid-al-Haram, before embracing Islam. “The Prophet said, “Fulfill your vow.” (Bukhaari)

From these two Hadith, we can see the importance of fulfilling vows, a vow is like having a debt over your head, and it will be with you until you fulfil it. And to show the seriousness of fulfilling vows, even when you die; with vows un fulfilled; you will still be accountable to them in front Allah subhannahu wa ta a’ala.

So we should all take our vows and oaths serious as The Prophet Muhammad (sa) ordered us to help others to fulfill them. (Bukhaari).

We will now move on to the next section, being:

WHAT VOWS ARE NOT PERMITTED IN ISLAAM

Each and every one of us must be aware of what vows are haraam (meaning forbidden), in order to never fall into making them.

* We can not make any vow that involves harming yourself or others, to cause trouble and mischief, and the likes.

This is clearly shown in the following hadith found in Maliks Muwatta, where:

Our Prophet Muhammad (sa) saw a man standing in the sun. The Prophet asked, “What’s wrong with him?” The people said, “He has vowed not to speak or to seek shade from the sun or to sit and (during which) to fast.” The Prophet Muhammad (sa) said, “Go and tell him to speak, to seek shade, and to sit, but let him complete his fast.” (Maliks Muwatta)

Now, this man was willing to harm himself by standing out in the hot sun all day, whilst fasting – due to a vow he had made, however such a vow is not allowed in Islaam, even though he was doing it for the sake of Allah; as an I’badah (as worship), but even our I’badah must be done the way Allah (SWT) has legislated, so if we make such a vow it should be broken as our Prophet (sa) ordered him to do and requested for him to continue the fast.

* Another vow that is not allowed in Islaam is –- One can not make a vow that involves the disobedience to Allah, if one makes a vow that includes both obedience and disobedience to Allah, the person should complete the vow abandoning all the actions of disobedience from it.

Proof of this can be found in Maliks Muwatta, where A’isha (may Allah be pleased with her) related that the Messenger of Allah (sa) said, “Whoever vows to obey Allah, let him obey Him. Whoever vows to disobey Allah, let him not disobey Him.” (Maliks Muwatta)

Clearly indicating that it is an obligation to fulfil your vows in Islaam, but not fulfil any vows if it means disobeying Allah (SWT); as they are to be rejected.

Example: To make an oath to give your children up for adoption is haraam (forbidden) because adoption is haraam in Islaam because adoption involves saying one belongs to a set of parents that are not their parents. And the Prophet (sa) has prohibited one calling themselves by someone who is not their father. But there is nothing wrong with sponsoring/fostering the child, as you are not calling the child your own, you are simply taking care of the child.

* And now the last forbidden vow that I will talk about is a very important one, one that falls under the category of ‘Shirk – which is Associating partners with Allah’. This is to make a vow and to swear by anyone or anything other than Allah Almighty.

This includes swearing by the moon, the sun or the stars, by your father, mother or children; or any of Allahs creation. This is all HARAAM – WHICH IS TOTALLY FORBIDDEN.

There are many Hadith that talk about this, one being in Maliks Muwatta where Umar ibn al-Khattab swore by his father and the Messenger (sa) said, “Allah forbids you to swear by your fathers. If anyone swears, let him swear by Allah or keep silent.” (Maliks Muwatta)

So evidence is clear: we either swear by Allah, or we don’t swear at all — to do so, is one the worst sin one can commit.

However, unfortunately, many ignorant people today swear by other than Allah either through ignorance or from carelessness, yet they still claim to love Allah and His Messenger – Do they not know that all their deeds will be destroyed because of this very act and they will be amongst the loosers – as Allah Subhaana hu wa ta’ala has informed us in the Qur’aan, in surah Az-Zumar.

So we all need to fear Allah and swear by Him alone, like the Prophet Muhammad (sa) and his companions did; they never went around making vows they had no intention of fulfilling, they never went around making oaths that were not true – they were honest people, true to their word – and we should be too. So, before making any vow or oath, we must ask ourselves: Are we 100% determined to fulfil them? If not, we simply shouldn’t make them.

I will now pass you on to sister Umm Alwiya who will discuss when or if Kafarah (repentance) is needed for making particular oaths and vows. Jazaakallahu khair

KAFARAH AND VOWS/OATHS

Inal hamdulillah wasalatu wasalaam ‘ala rasoolilllah, Asalaamu’alaykum waRahmatullah, Now that Sis Qamar has explained to us what an oath or vow is and their rulings about them and what oaths are haraaam, I Umm Alwiya will mention what is the repentance or Kaffarah for a broken oath.

What we shall cover here is:

• When Kafarah is not needed
• What is the kafarah for breaking an oath
• What is the kafarah of swearing by other than Allah
• Which oaths require kafarah

When Kafarah is not needed (don’t read)

There is one situation when a Kaffarah is not needed. For example a person might say ‘I swear by Allah I will do so such and such by tomorrow’ and then adds InshaAllah (Allah Willing) and then does not do what he had sworn to do then his vow is not broken and he does not need a Kaffarah for a broken oath.

Yahya related to me from Malik from Nafi that Abdullah ibn Umar said: “Whoever swears by Allah and then says, ‘Allah willing’ and then does not do what he has sworn to, has not broken his oath.” (This hadith is from the Muwatta.)

What is the kafarah for breaking an oath (don’t read)

So what do we do when we do break a vow.

Allah indicates in the Qur’aan (in the interpretation of the meaning):

” Allah will not punish you for what is unintentional in your oaths, but He will punish you for your deliberate oaths; for its expiation (a deliberate oath) feed ten poor people, on a scale of the average of that with which you feed your own families; or clothe them; or manumit a slave. But whosoever cannot afford (that), then he should fast for three days. That is the expiation for the oaths when you have sworn. And protect your oaths (i.e. do not swear much). Thus Allah make clear to you His Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) that you may be grateful. ” (Surat Al Maeda, 5:89)

One should do what is in ones means to expiate ones broken vows because Allah Subhanahu wataala is most Merciful and does not burden his creation with what he cannot bear.

Yahya related to me from Malik from Nafi that Abdullah ibn Umar used to do kaffara for a broken oath by feeding ten poor people. Each person got a mudd of wheat. He sometimes freed a slave if he had repeated the oath. (This hadith is from Muwatta.)

For those who don’t know what a mudd is, one mudd is equal to the amount held by cupping the two hands together

Thus we see that if a vow is broken, we need to either:

• Feed 10 poor people,
• Or clothe 10 poor people,
• Or free a slave,
• Or if we don’t have the means to do that then we should fast for three days.

What is the kafarah of swearing by other than Allah

As mentioned by Sis Qamar it is not permitted to swear by the Ka’bah, by trustworthiness, by honour, by help, by the blessing of so-and-so, by the life of so-and-so, by the virtue of the Prophet, by the virtue of a wali, by one’s father and mother, by the heads of one’s children, etc.

All of that is haraam, and the expiation for doing it is to say La ilaaha ill-Allaah, as is stated in the saheeh hadeeth: “Whoever swears and says ‘By al-Laat’ or ‘By al-’Uzza,’ let him say ‘La ilaaha ill-Allaah (there is no god except Allaah).’” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, al-Fath, 11/536).

Which oaths require kafarah – IT IS EXCELLENT TO BREAK THE VOW IF ONE FINDS a BETTER Alternative and then ONE SHOULD EXPIATE IT.

Yahya related to me from Malik from Suhayl ibn Abi Salih from his father from Abu Hurayra that the Messenger of Allah (sa) said, “Whoever makes an oath and then sees that something else would be better than it, should do kaffara for his oath and do what is better.” (This hadith is from Muwatta.)

The example of this can be seen in another hadith where Abu Huraira reported:

A person sat late in the night with Allah’s Apostle (may peace be upon him), and then came to his family and found that his children had gone to sleep. His wife brought food for him. but he took an oath that he would not eat because of his children (having gone to sleep without food) He then gave precedence (of breaking the vow and then expiating it) and ate the food He then came to Allah s Messenger (may peace be upon him) and made mention of that to him, whereupon Allah’s Messenger (may peace he upon him) said: He who took an oath and (later on) found something better than that should do that, and expiate for (breaking) his vow. (From Sahih Muslim.)

This concludes the discussion on the rulings of vows and oaths and also the kaffara for the broken oaths. I will hand u over back to Sis Qamar to introduce to u all our next topic which is the Aqiqa.

AQIQAH – INTRODUCTION

Jazaak’Allahu khair sister Umm Alwiya.

Now we will discuss what is an Aqiqah?

An Aqiqah is a ritual we perform in Islaam on the occasion of new born baby (whether male or female) – this ritual is done to thank Allah (SWT) for blessing us with a child, and to show Allah our gratitude.

When the non-Muslims have a new born baby, they have something called a ‘Baby Shower’; as Muslims we are clearly prohibited in imitating them in any shape or form; and therefore when we Muslims have a new born baby, we celebrate this by having an Aqiqah.

The Aqiqah involves sacrificing an animal as told to us by the sunnah of our Prophet Muhammad (sa) and it also includes some other rituals which will be later explained by sister Umm Alwiya, such as:

• Shaving the hair of the baby, and giving the equivalent of weight in charity
• Giving the baby a name
• Reciting of the adhaan in the new born babies right ear
• And having the baby boy circumcised

Many people ask the question: “Is the Aqiqah a Fard (an Obligation)?”

Well, the Aqiqah is not a fard, however it is a highly recommended Sunnah. This is proven in the following Hadith in Maliks Muwatta: Where the Prophet (sa) was asked about the Aqiqah, he replied: ‘If anyone has a child born to him, and wants to sacrifice for his child, then let him do it.’ (Maliks Muwatta)

Making the aqiqah an optional/voluntary act of worship. So those who can afford to do an Aqiqah, SHOULD do it – as it will bring about reward, however if you do not or can not – then you will not be SINFUL.

Example – One may not have the finances to do an Aqiqah on the 7th day as recommended to us by the Sunnah, if one later on one now has the means to do so they can do an Aqiqah after the 7th day. This also applies for one who embraces Islaam, they can also have an Aqiqah done for themselves.

The prophet (sa) said: “The Prophet Ibrahim circumcised himself when he was eighty years old and he circumcised himself with an adze.” (Related by Bukhari, Muslim & Ahmad.)

I would also like to clear up a very big misconception about the aqiqah:

The Aqiqah is not done in honour of the child, let me repeat that the aqiqah is not done in the honour of the child!! – the Aqiqah is done for the sake of Allah (SWT) alone, to earn His Pleasure, and to thank Him.

The same applies to the animal sacrifice, we do not sacrifice the animal for the sake of the child, Au’othubillah – we do the sacrifice as with all animal sacrifices for the sake of Allah, and to do otherwise, one would fall guilty of Shirk Al-Akbar – which is the greatest associating partners with Allah.

Our Prophet Muhammad (sa) has told us in a Hadith found in Muslim, that: “Allaah will curse the one who sacrifices to anything other than Allaah.” (Muslim).  This clearly shows us the seriousness of this matter, & we must all make sure we conduct our Aqiqah with the correct manner & intentions.

I will now pass it to sister Umm Alwiya, who will go into detail on how to actually perform an Aqiqah…

AQIQAH – ITS RULINGS

Jazaakallahu khair sister Qamar. Having understood what the aqiqa is let us now focus on the rulings or the procedure to be followed.

1.Sacrificing an animal for the sake of Allah, to thank Allah for giving you an baby

So what exactly is done for an aqiqa?

It was reported that Samurah ibn Jundub (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “A boy is ransomed by his ‘ aqeeqah. Sacrifice should be made for him on the seventh day, he should be given a name and his head should be shaved.” (Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 1522; al-Nasaa’i, 4220 and Abu Dawood, 2838. The hadeeth was classed as saheeh by al-Albaani, may Allaah have mercy on him, in al-Irwaa’ 4/385).

Also reported from Muwatta (Book 26, Number 26.2.4) Yahya related to me from Malik from Nafi that if any of Abdullah ibn Umar’s family asked him for an aqiqa, he would give it to them. He gave a sheep as aqiqa for both his male and female children.

The rules regarding the animal sacrificed for the aqiqah are the same rules applied as with all sacrificial animals – one-eyed, emaciated, injured, or sick animals must not be used, and neither the meat nor the skin is to be sold.

The family eat the meat and give some of it away as charity.

2.Shaving the hair of the baby, and giving the equivalent of weight of silver in charity

The shaving of the head is another practice of the prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). Muwatta, Book 26, Number 26.1.2: Yahya related to me from Malik from Jafar ibn Muhammad that his father said, “Fatima, the daughter of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, weighed the hair of Hasan, Husayn, Zaynab and Umm Kulthum, and gave away in sadaqa an equivalent weight of silver.”

This does not have to be done by actually weighing the hair; if it is too difficult to do that, it is sufficient to estimate the weight and give paper currency equivalent to the price of that amount of gold or silver.

3.Given the baby a name

The prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to give the new born a meaningful name as is evident from the following hadith.

From the Sahih Bukhari, Volume 7, Book 66, Number 376: Narrated Abu Musa: A son was born to me and I took him to the Prophet who named him Ibrahim, invoked Allah to bless him and returned him to me. (Bukhaari)

4.Reciting of the adhaan in the new borns right ear

Among the Sunnahs for welcoming the newborn, the scholars mentioned that the Adhaan should be recited into the baby’s right ear so that the first thing he hears in this world will be the words of Tawheed, which will have a great and blessed effect on the child (See al-Silsilat al-Da’eefah, 1/491).

5.Circumcision

Circumcision is part of the Sunan al-Fitrah (practices related to the pure and natural inclinations of man). It is obligatory in the case of boys because it is connected to matters of purity which are essential conditions of prayer.

It was reported from Salmaan ibn ‘Aamir (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “For the boy there should be an ‘ aqeeqah. Slaughter (an animal) for him and remove the harmful thing [i.e., the foreskin] from him.” (Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 1515; al-Nasaa’i, 4214; Abu Dawood, 2839; Ibn Maajah, 3164. The hadeeth was classed as saheeh by al-Albaani, may Allaah have mercy on him, in al-Irwaa’, 4/396).

It was reported from Abu Hurayrah: “Five things are related to the Fitrah: circumcision, removing the pubic hairs, plucking the armpit hairs, cutting the nails, and trimming the moustache.” (Bukhari and Muslim).

6. To Summarise the Benefits of ‘aqeeqah

• It is a sacrifice by means of which the child is brought close to Allaah soon after he comes into this world.
• It is a sunnah action
• The ‘aqeeqah is the gathering of relatives and friends for the waleemah or feast.

7.Bida – Innovation

Unfortunately we see that even in this blessed ritual where we try to please Allah Subhanhu wataala, bidda or innovation has crept in and we find that in some places the child is smeared with the blood of the sacrificed animal. This is a pagan practice. And we should stay away from this.

Another bida found in this ritual is with regards to reciting the iqaamah in the child’s left ear, but there is nothing in the sunnah to prove that this is required.
The tahnik was done by the prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) with the new born babies brought to him where the prophet SAW chewed a date and then applied his saliva in the baby’s mouth.

Narrated by Asma’ bint Abu Bakr: “I conceived ‘Abdullah bin AzZubair at Mecca and went out (of Mecca) while I was about to give birth. I came to Medina and encamped at Quba’, and gave birth at Quba’. Then I brought the child to Allah’s Apostle and placed it (on his lap). He asked for a date, chewed it, and put his saliva in the mouth of the child” (Bukhaari)

There are some opinions to this by the scholars about the Tahnik:

1. Some scholars say you can do the Tahnik, but only from a righteous man.
2. Some scholars say that this action is done exclusively for the Prophet Muhammad (sa), and we should not do it.

I will now pass you onto sister Qamar, who will conclude our presentation…

CONCLUSION

Masha’Allah. Jazaakallahu khair sister Umm Alwiya. Alhamdulillah we have now come to the end of our presentation. Insha’Allah we hope the information presented has been as beneficial to you all, as it has been for us – and you have a clear understanding of the importance of keeping vows and oaths in Islaam, and the rulings pertaining to an Aqiqah.

I will now conclude with on of my favourite Hadiths of our Prophet Muhammad (sa) where he said: “I have left behind me two things, if you cling to them you will never go astray. They are the Book of Allah (The Qur’aan) and my Sunnah” [Hadith found in Al-Hakim]

May Allah have mercy on us all and keep us upon the sunnah. ~ Ameen.

Subhana kallah huma wabi hamdika, ashadu an laa elaha ila anta, astagh fi ruka wa atubu elayk (Perfect are you O Allah, and to you is the Praise. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except you. I seek your forgiveness and repent to you)

Jazaakallahu khair

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A KAFIR AND AN ACTION OF KUFR
| By sisters Fatima, Jamila and Qamar.

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INTRODUCTION

Innal-Hamdulillah was-Salaatu was-Salaam `alaa Rasoolillah

Asalaamu’alaykum waRahmatullah,

Insha’allah sister Jamila, sister Fatima and myself sister Qamar will be doing our group presentation on:

“What is Disbelief? The difference between a Kafir, and an act of Kufr.”

Now this subject is a very a serious topic, that each and every one of us needs to be well aware of.

• To know what is Kufr
• What actions can we as Muslims do to take us out of the folds of Islaam
• And can we call another Muslim a Kafir if we see them committing an act of Kufr?

We hope to Insha’Allah cover these areas today.

KUFR AND ITS SERIOUSNESS

One of the biggest evils that exist today is Kufr. Kufr in Arabic is to cover or conceal something. In shariah terms (Islamic law) it is to disbelief and rejects the truth.

The truth being – that Allah is one and he has no partners
The truth being – that Islaam is the one and only religion sent to the whole of mankind
The truth being – that the prophet Muhammad (sa) is the last prophet of Allah
The truth being – that the quran is the final revelation, and the true words of allah

Whether it be from doubt, arrogance or the following of ones desire, whether it be in your heart or the uttering of your tongue. To deny these things, is pure disbelief.

To deny any of the articles of faith is disbelief. Allah says in the interpretation of the meaning:

“Anyone who denies Allah, His angels, His books, His Apostles, and the Day of judgment has gone far, far astray.” (Surah An-Nisaa’: 136)

Allah has made it clear that associating partners with Allah is the worst sin of disbelief, and he will not forgive it unless one repents from it before they die. For Allah says in the interpretation of the meaning:

“Verily, Allaah forgives not (the sin of) setting up partners (in worship) with Him, but He forgives whom He wills, sins other than that” (Surah An-Nisaa’, 4:116).

The religion of Islaam is to believe and worship Allah in his oneness, and to believe in His prophet Muhammad (sa), to belief in one and not the other is disbelief. For those people who accept Allah for who He is, but denies the Prophet Muhammad is not from those who believe. For our prophet (sa) said:

“Whoever hears about me and then dies without believing in the Message with which I have been sent, but he will be from the dwellers of the (Hell) Fire.” (Hadith Muslim)

So to say Laa elaha illallah Muhammad dur Rasool Allah (that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah, and Prophet Muhammad is the last messenger of Allah): Well, this is the first step of entering into the folds of Islaam … into the folds of belief, but to remain within these folds we need to ensure we do not do any actions of disbelief that will take us straight out.

And the only way to ensure this, is to be well aware of the actions of kufr, in order to never fall into committing such a horrendous sin. The worst sin, that if you die in such a state allah will never forgive you and to think we can say ‘we did not know’ this is not a valid excuse, and on the day of judgement allah will ask ‘why did you not know, for it was an obligation for you to seek knowledge of your religion’.

So just like shirk can take many forms, as it is not simply worshipping an idol, Kufr can also take many forms. And just like there is major shirk that if one commits takes one out of the folds of Islaam, well there is also major kufr known as Al Kufr al Akbar, if one commits this then in the eyes of Allah they are no longer a Muslim let alone a Believer.

The committing of the sin of disbelief will determine whether or not you will enter the paradise or you will enter the hellfire. This was just an introduction to brief you on the seriousness of Kufr.

So now, Insha’Allah sister Fatima will go into detail of the major acts of kufr, but before she does I will pass you onto sister Jamila who will explain the difference Between an Action Being Kufr and the Doer of the Action Being a Kafir. Jazaakallahu khair.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A KAFIR AND AN ACTION OF KUFR

Innal-Hamdulillah was-Salaatu was-Salaam `alaa Rasoolillah. Sister Qamar explained that the word Kaffir refers to a disbelievers.

What is a Kafir

The Quran and the Hadiths give clear proof and evidence that the Christians and Jews are among the disbelievers

Allah clearly declared the Jews and Christians as Kaffir.

The Jews; they lied and twisted the words of our prophet saws in the Quran it states in the interpretation of the meaning:

“Of those who are Jews there are those who alter words from their places and say: We have heard and we disobey distorting the word with their tongues and taunting about religion; and if they had said instead: We have heard and we obey, and hear thou, it would have been better for them and more upright; but Allah has cursed them on account of their unbelief, so they do not believe but a little.” (An-Nisa, Chapter 4, Verse 46)

The Christians; they lied, they say that Allah is three, the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit. In the Quran Allah swt states:

“Surely, disbelievers are those who said: “Allaah is the third of the three.” But there is no Ilaah but One Ilaah. And if they cease not from what they say, verily, a painful torment will befall on the disbelievers among them” [al-Maa'idah 5:73]

What is Kufr

The word Kufr is used to describe when a Person is committing an act of disbelief. However, for the Muslim when they do minor acts of disbelief, he will still remain a Muslim. But, we must make it very clear that there are some acts of disbelief that will totally nullify one’s Islam. Sister Fatima will go into further explanation presently, describing these Major types of disbelief.

So when a Muslim acts sins such as drinking alcohol; while they are doing that sin they are in a state of disbelief – they are still a muslim, but no longer a believer.

We must not overlook the Muslims who fail to perform some or any of the obligatory pillars of Islam. There are Muslims that choose to only pray on Fridays, there are Muslims that choose to only pray during Ramadan. A true believer is not merely a person who performs any part of the religion as and when he chooses. To neglect the salat is an act of disbelief. The salah is an act so important and vital to Islam that the Prophet, salla Allaahu ‘alaihe wasallam, said; “Between a person and disbelief is discarding prayer” This is narrated in Muslim.

Muslims must remember that true Imaan is comprised of Action as well as statement. There is no point in building upon good deeds while you are committing acts of kuffur, these deeds will be nul and void. Our Imaan increases with obedience but will decrease with disobedience.

Most Muslims who do acts of kuffur, do so from ignorance or laziness. Salat is an easy act of worship except, of course, for those who do not truly submit to Allah; they will find it toilsome. In the Quran Allah says in the interpretation of the meaning: “And seek help in patience and prayer and truly it is prayer extremely heavy and hard except for the true submitting.” [2;45].

How do we as Muslims react to someone doing an act of kuffur? Do we have the right to label them a Kaffir and call them disbelievers? This would be one of the worst things we could do. A lot of Muslims do this when they get mad or disagree with someone. We have to be very careful referring to another Muslim being a Kaffir.

The prophet (sa) said: When a man curses a thing this curse goes up towards Paradise, the doors of Paradise are shut against it, the curse then moves right and left it finds no way for it, then it goes back down to the cursed one if he deserves it or else to the curser.

We can not go around labelling anyone a disbeliever until they have spoken with the people of knowledge. The people of knowledge will inform them of the seriousness of their actions. If they then decide not to obey Allah, and continue with the act of kuffur – only then do the people of knowledge have the authority to label them a disbeliever.

Every Muslim should take the time to study the acts of disbelief.
Laa ilaa ha lila Allaah. None has the right to be worshipped except Allaah It is important for every Muslim to learn the significance of this statement. Here at adly.net we do just that. We focus on Tawheed, everyday, twice a day we come and learn the meaning behind these words. Our prophet Muhammad saw also focused on the importance of Tawheed. for the people of his time were pagans they were idol worshippers. The prophet stayed in Makkah for thirteen years while he called his people to the Tawheed of Allah. He taught his Companions to begin their call with tawheed. In Bukare and Muslim it is reported that the prophet saw said to Mu’aad Ibn Jabal, “So let the first thing you call them to, be the testification that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah.” …that they worship Allaah alone.”

The Disbelievers and those who do acts of disbelief will be punished in Hell. Along with the disbelievers the Christians and Jews will abide in hell forever, never leaving it and never dying. In the Quran, Alllah SubHana wa ta’ala says: for those who reject Allah for them will be the fire of hell, No term shall be determined for them 35:36. Allaah describes their torment as everlasting. He says “Their wish will be to get out of the Fire, but never will they get out therefrom” (5:37)

For those Muslims who committed minor acts of Kufar (without associating partners with Allah).. they too shall enter the hellfire, but only for a time. They will have to be purified by the fires of hell. By the mercy of Allah they will be set free and enter paradise. But as for those who commited Major Kufr, they will abide in there forever

As in Bukhari & Muslim it is narrated that Allah SubHana wa ta’ala will order the angels to take out of hell those who worshipped none but Him alone.

The ignorant Muslims who do acts of kuffur rely on this fact, and say oh but we will go to jannah eventually anyway. These Muslims need to take heed. It is not to be taken likely. If we listen to the presentations on the Punishments of Hellfire which can be downloaded from this site you will discover the horrific punishments in store for those who do acts of disbelief. May Allah have mercy on us all.

I will now pass you over to sister Fatima who will describe to you the Major Acts of Disbelief

THE DIFFERENT CATEGORIES OF AL-KUFRUL AKBAR

Jazakallah Khair Sister Qamar and Jamila. Having now explained clearly what is Kufr and its seriousness as well as the differences between a Kafir and an action of Kufr, I will now go into detail as to the different categories of Al-Kurfural Akbar.
Man by nature man has nafs and desires which compel him to commit evil and go against the rules and regulations set my Allah s.a.w. Clearly, Allah has given us examples of the Jews, who blatantly refuse to accept what was relayed to them, instead of seeing “we hear and obey”, they remained in mockery the message that was given to them by our beloved Prophet s.a.w.

1. Kufrul-‘Inaad – Disbelief out of stubbornness

Having said this, the choice is therefore left to us, do we hear and obey Allah, or do we hear and disobey him. Hence, this brings me to the first kind of Al-Kurfural Akbar, being Kufrul-‘Inaad. This simply means disbelief out of stubbornness. Like the Ayah quoted above about the Jews, this refers to turning your back to something which Allah has command you to do after testifying to it. Brother and Sisters, pay close attention to this. How many times do we hear our fellow Muslims saying that they accept that Allah s.a.w has made the first priority of women is to stay at home and maintain their homes, however, they then go on to claim that we live in modern times and hence, women should be allowed to have careers and make in the corporate ladder. Astagfirullah. How dare we have an opinion in what Allah s.a.w and His messenger have already decreed.

In Surah Al-Ahzaab Ayah 36, Allah says in the interpretation of the meaning: “It is not fitting for any believer, man or women, when Allah and His Messenger have decreed a matter, to have a choice in their affair. And whosoever disobeys Allah and his Messenger, he as gone astray into manifest error”.

So for those Muslims who turn their backs on what Allah has told them, turn to Allah and repent for Allah says that He throws into the Hell fire every stubborn disbeliever.
We can see that the Jews are disbelievers due to their stubbornness, however, this does not mean that it is the only means by which a Muslim can commit disbelief.

2. Kufrul-Kibr – Disbelief due to Pride and arrogance

Pride can be another means by which Kufr can be committed, Yes, pride!

We have all heard of the story of Iblis, refusing to obey the command of Allah thinking that he was superior to Adam and Hawa. Allah punished him but promising him the hell fire and throwing him out of Jannah. This form of disbelief known as Kufrul-Kibr is one that we must all seek refuge in Allah for your destination becomes the hell fire.
Allah says in the interpretation of the meaning:

“And those who disbelieve say: We believe not in this Qur’an nor in that which was before it; but oh, if thou couldst see, when the wrong-doers are brought up before their Lord, how they cast the blame one to another; how those who were despised (in the earth) say unto those who were proud: But for you, we should have been believers.” (Surah Sheba’ 34:31)

So for all those who reject the commands of Allah due to pride, wake up and go seek His forgiveness, for Allah needs nothing of you, but we need and depend on Him for everything.

3. Kufrul-Inkaar – Disbelief of denial

So, you might not be guilty of any of the above forms of disbelief, however, there are many more yet to come, and one of them is, Kufrul-Inkaar: Disbelief of denial. You see, when Allah says one thing, and we do or say another, then that is a clear cut Kufrul-Inkaar. Yes, Allah has clearly stated in the Holy Quran that what ever happens to us in this life is only by His will and nothing else. However, we have heard of people who leave Islam just because their child died. Instead of being patient and accepting that it was what Allah s.w.t will, they deny His Qadr and turn their backs on Him not both with their tongues and hearts. Astagfirullah. May Allah save us from such ignorance and disbelief.

4. Kufrul-Juhood – Disbelief out of rejection.

Ok, so one can be guilty of disbelief both with their tongues and hearts at the same time, but please pay heed, disbelief does not have to be with both, it can be by tongue only having already testified and believed with your heart and this is known as Kufrul-Juhood or disbelief out of rejection.

Soon after the Prophet s.a.w passed away, some Muslims felt that they did not have to pay the Zakaat any longer, consequently, Abu Bakr waged the apostasy wars on them for refusing to accept one of the pillars of Islam. So therefore, rejecting a pillar of Islam will certainly take you out of the fold of Islam and you can be labelled a Kafir like sister jaimila as already explained.
So Muslims who have a clear understanding of their obligations to perform the Salaat, but they still refrain from doing it claiming that all that matters is what’s in the heart and that even though they are not praying, they are still good people. Surly, they speak from nothing but their desires.

Allah says in the interpretation of the meaning: “They denied them (our signs) even though their hearts believed in them, out of spite and arrogance.” (Surah Naml: 14)

5. Kufrul-Nifaaq – Disbelief out of hypocrisy

The next type of disbelief is Kufrul-Nifaaq: Disbelief out of hypocrisy..We all know that not everyone who calls himself a Muslim is a Muslim; some just call themselves Muslims in order to perhaps infiltrate the believers and spy on them. Allah calls such fake people Munafiqs and Subhanallah, their destination is nowhere but in the “lowest depths of the Hell fire” like Allah told us in [Surah An Nisaa (4), Ayah 145]

I seek refuse in Allah for all us from hypocrisy! Ameen.

In discussing the 7th form of disbelief, I would first like to pose a question to you, do you feel so much anger and frustration by the fact that you have to wear a hijab or grow the beard, or by the fact that Allah has told us that we must not commit Zina, or drink alcohol?

6. Kufrul-Kurh – Disbelief out of detesting any of Allah’s (swt) commands

Well, seek refuge in Allah now and ask for forgiveness if your answer is yes, or sometimes, for surly, this is Kufrul-Kurh: Disbelief out of detesting any of Allah’s (swt) commands

Allah has said in the interpretation of the meaning: “Perdition (destruction) has been consigned to those who disbelieve and He will render their actions void. This is because they are averse to that which Allah has revealed so He has made their actions fruitless”. [Surah Muhammad (47), Ayah 8-9]

Subhanallah, may we be of those who say, we hear and we obey Ameen.

7. Kufrul-Istihzaha – Mocking the religion of Islaam

Moving to the next form of disbelief: Kufrul-Istihzaha: Perhaps some of us have seen Muslims sitting on the internet making a joke of Islam, trying to make a spectacle of the deen perhaps with the aim of removing the edge the seriousness of Islam, or laughing at themselves before others do. Well, the Muslims here and other God fearing Muslims see no fun or Joke in making fun of our religion that we hold most sacred and dear to our hearts. If you are a Muslim or even a non Muslim, who makes fun of the dress of Muslim women by calling it funny names. I and my sisters call you to have fear of Allah for Allah has said in the interpretation of the meaning:

Say: Was it at Allah, His signs and His apostles that you were mocking? Make no excuses. You have disbelieved after you have believed. [Surah Taubah (9), Ayah 65-66]

8. Kufrul-Istihaal – Disbelief out of trying to make the HARAM into HALAAL

‘The lawful is what Allah has made lawful in His Book and the unlawful is that which He made unlawful.’

What He has left out is a mercy from Him, so accept Allah’s mercy. Surely Allah would not forget a thing. Having said that, the question we want to pose to those Muslim who want to try to reverse this is that: who gives you authority to do this? Doing this or even attempting to do this will make you guilty of Kufrul-Istihaal.

In the interpretation of the meaning, Allah says: “or have they associates who have laid down for them as religion that for which God gave not leave?” (AI-Shura -21). Aoodubillahi Minashaitani rajeem.

9. Kufrul-I’raadh – Disbelief due to avoidance.

Another form of disbelief is Kufrul-I’raadh: Disbelief due to avoidance. Allah said in the interpretation of the meaning:

“And who is more unjust than he who is reminded of his Lord’s signs but then turns away from them. Then he forgets what he has sent forward (for the Day of Judgement)” [Surah Kahf(18), Ayah 57]

What this means is that, When Allah tells you want thing, you want to do another, hence avoiding the command of Allah. Allah has clearly told us in the Holy Quran that we must not make the Jews and Christians our friend, for they are friends of one another. But what do muslims do, once they know this, they still continue befriending them avoiding the laws of Allah.

10. Kufrul-Istibdaal: Disbelief because of trying to substitute Allah’s Laws

Finally for now, Kufrul-Istibdaal: Disbelief because of trying to substitute Allah’s Laws. Islam is a complete way of life and hence, teaches how to do each and every single thing, from eating, to going to the bathroom to sleeping. Allah regulates each and every action we do..and even how to get married. But what do some muslims do, they go get married in the Kafir courts and live as husband and wife..astagfirullah. what about the rules Allah has laid down regarding how to get married. Is that not good enough, astagfirullah.

Allah says in the interpretation of the meaning: ” Or have they partners with Allah who have instituted for them a religion, which Allah has not allowed.” [Surah Shuraa(42), Ayah 8]

Subhanallah, Islam is a simply way of life that has been perfected by Allah..there are no flaws or mistakes in it..for Allah never makes a mistake..But stubborn as we can be, we ignore the commands of Allah, being a slave to our desires..and therefore, this can take us out of the fold of islam. Aoodubillahi Minashaitani rajeem.

These are only a few examples of the forms of disbelief and ones that we need to be aware of and seek refuge in Allah from. We ask Allah to make us of the humble and obedient believers who once Allah instructs them with something..we say “we hear and we obey” and not question it. Ameen. Jazakallah khair.
Asalamu alaikum Warahmatoulahi Wabarakatuhu.

CONCLUSION

Jazaakallahu khair sister Jamila and sister Fatima, I will now conclude by saying:

Allah makes it very clear without a doubt that if any of us take any other religion except the religion of Islaam it will not be accepted by him and we would be losers in the hereafter. Falling into disbelief is the worst thing any human being can do. For Allah says in the interpretation of the meaning:

“Those who have disbelieved and died in disbelief, the earth full of gold would not be accepted from any of them if it were offered as a ransom. They will have a painful punishment, and they will have no helpers.” (Surah Al Imran, 3:91)

Allah is telling us here, that even if the disbelievers offered Allah a world full of gold to be saved from the hellfire, it would not be accepted by Allah, their only abode will be the hellfire, eternal punishment for committing the evils of disbelief and they would have no one to help them.

Allah has given us the best way of life – Islaam, and the best example to follow our prophet Muhammad (sa) – now his favour is complete upon us, and he has given us free will, to be able to decide what choices we make in this life. So we will have no one to blame but ourselves.

So my fellow Muslims, ask yourself this question, what do you want? Do you want the Paradise, of eternal happiness and bliss? Or do you want the Hellfire, of eternal pain and torture? Well, the choice is ours, we either live our lives in obedience to our Creator or we choice to live our lives in disbelief, disbelieving in Allah and disbelieving in his prophet Muhammad (sa).

Do not take this matter of disbelief lightly.

So, again remember the choice is yours, be careful for the decision that you make, for it will determine your ending in the hereafter, the hereafter being our final destination.

Alhamdulillah we have now come to the end of our presentation. Insha’Allah we hope this presentation has been a benefit to you all.

Jazaakallahu khair, may Allah have mercy on us all, I pray to Allah for him to allow us to stand with the prophet Muhammad (sa) on the day of judgement, and for Allah to allow us into his Jannah. Ameen. Asalaamu’alaykum waRahmatullah waBarakaatuhu!

WHO ARE THE JINN?
| By sisters Fatima, Jamila and Qamar.

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INTRODUCTION

Innal-Hamdalillah was-Salaatu was-Salaam `alaa Rasoolillah.

Asalaamu’alaykum waRahmatullahi waBarakaatuhu

Insha’Allah sister Fatima, sister Jamila and myself sister Qamar, will be doing our group presentation on ‘Who are the Jinn?’

Allah tells us in the Quran, in the interpretation of the meaning:

” And I (Allah) created not the jinns and humans except they should worship Me (Alone).” [Surah Adh-Dhariyat 51:56].

This ayah alone makes it clear that the Jinn do exist, and they are real. Therefore we must believe in their existence because Allah has informed us of them.

So Insha’Allah we will describe to you exactly who are the Jinn detailing their characteristics, then we will explain how the Jinns effect us as Mankind and then we will conclude with what things we can do to protect our self from the evil Jinns.

I will now pass you onto sister Jamila who will give you a profile of who the Jinn are.

A PROFILE OF WHO ARE THE JINN?

Who are the Jinns – The jinns are a part of Allah’s creation separate from man. The jinns live in an independent world from us. The angels, paradise and hell and the Jinns are a part of the unseen world that exists but we cannot see. Accepting the existence of the jinn and the unseen world is an important part of our deen. Those who deny the jinn deny the Quran. They are denying that there exists beyond the material life an unseen world which is clearly supported by Quran and the Sunnah. We as Muslims must hold to what has been revealed in the Quran It does not matter that we do not fully understand them. Belief is to believe in Allah.

So what is the purpose of the Jinn? Why were the jinn created? Allah tells us the jinn were created to worship Allah swt just like we were. Allah created jinn before there was mankind and there origin from fire. The Quran verified these facts: Allah says in the interpretation of the meaning: “And verily, We created mankind from sounding clay of altered smooth mud and the jinn We created from smokeless fire.” (Surah Al-Hijr, 15:26-27)

The jinns creation was also reported by Ibn Abbas may allah be pleased with him: he says: “Two thousand years before (mankind) was created, there were Jinn on (the Earth), and they caused corruption on it and shed blood. Then Allah sent against them a troop of Angels who beat them and cast them away to islands in the seas. So, when Allah said: I am placing (mankind) generations after generations on Earth, They (the Angels) said, Will You place therein one who will cause corruption and shed blood Just as those Jinn did? Then Allah said: I know that which you do not know.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:30)

So this is clear evidence to us all that the jinns were created before mankind and lived on the earth before us.

We also know that the The Jinns are the the descendants of Iblees, Iblees disobeyed Allah’s command to prostrate to Adam, and became known as the (Shaytaan). Allah says in the interpretation of the meaning. We said to the angels bow down to Adam, they bowed down except Iblis. He was one of the jinns and he broke the command of his lord.

Capabilities and Powers of the Jinn

What clearly distinguishes the Jinn from mankind, are their powers and capabilities. Allaah has given the jinn powers that he has not given to humans. Allaah has told us about some of their powers,

The Types of Jinn

We know that there are 3 different types of jinns

Abu Tha’labah al-Khushani said, “The Messenger of Allaah said: The jinn are of three types: a type that has wings, and they fly through the air; a type that looks like snakes and dogs; and a type that travels stops for rest then resumes its journey.” (Hadith reported by al-Tahhaawi and al-Tabaraani. Albaani reported it with a saheeh isnaad).

By knowing the jinn’s capabilities and powers, we can often make sense of much of the mysteries which go on around us.

We are not able to see the Jinn, unless they take a material form, which is usually in an unpleasant or ugly appearance such as snakes, rats, scorpions ugly creatures; Indeed they also have the power to take on human forms.

These jinn’s can also take on the forms of dead people; so when someone says they have seen a ghost or their house is being haunted by a ghost it is in fact a jinn who has taken the form of a dead person.

In the battle of Badr, Ibliss, assumed the form of a an old man and urged the disbelievers to move forward to the battle, saying: ” There is none who can overcome you today.” (8:48)

Then Allah sent the Angel Jibreel against him and when Ibliss saw him, he cried out to the disbelievers: I have nothing to do with you ! I see that which you do not see ! I fear Allah, and Allah is severe in retribution, and then he fled.

Lifestyle of the Jinn

The jinn’s lifestyle has similarities to our own; in respect that they also, like us marry and have children, they eat and drink. They Also have their own animals, and although we cannot see them they live here on earth in the unseen world.

We know the jinn’s marry and have children like ourselves, In the quran allah says in the interpretation of the meaning: “Iblis was one of the jinn’s and he broke the command of his lord, do you take him and his offspring to be your friends, apart from me.” (Surah Al-Kahf, 18:50)

This ayat in the quran indicates that the jinns marry for the sake of offspring.

We know the jinn eat and drink; In Bukhari in an hadith narrated by abu Huraira the prophet saw commanded him to bring him some stones with which to clean himself. The prophet said ” Do not bring bones or dung, when abu huraria asked why the prophet said they are part of the food of the jinn.”

The jinns live all over the earth; they mostly live in deserts, ruins, and places of impurity like dunghills, toilets and graveyards. There are hadiths of the prophet saw which forbid us to pray in the toilets because there is impurity, and because it is the home of jinns and in the graveyards because as well as being a means of associating things with allah the graves are the homes of jinns
Just like us the jinns will be held accountable for their actions. As you can see in many aspects of their world, the Jinn are very similar to us. Like us, they were created with free will like us they have the ability to choose to make choices be they good or bad. Like us the jinn’s will also be subject to a Final Reckoning by Allah the Most High. They will be present with mankind on the Day of Judgement and will either go to Paradise or Hell. In the quran allah swt says in the interpretation of the meaning: “But the jinn’s know quite well that they have indeed to appear before his judgement seat.” (Surah As-Saaffat, 37:158)

So we can see that the jinn’s do exist they are a separate creation from us but their purpose in life is the same as ours to worship allah
Now I will hand you over to sister Qamar who will go into further detail – the effects jinns have on mankind.
Jazzakallah khair

THE EFFECTS JINN HAVE ON MANKIND

Jazaak’allahu khair sister Jamila. Insha’Allah I will now talk about the effects the jinns have on mankind.

The Jinns are part of the unseen world

Even though the jinns are part of the unseen world and we can not see them, they can still however effect us in our every day lives.

Our Personal Jinn Companion!

Each and every human being from the age of puberty are assigned a personal jinn, who has been appointed to be their constant companion through out their lives until they die. Just like at the age of puberty we all get assigned 2 writing angels recording each and every action we do, we also get this jinn whose only mission is to tempt you to disobey Allah and will never give up doing so until you take your last breath in this world.

On the authority of Ibn Mas`ud (may allah be pleased with him) who said, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “There is not any one of you except that he has been assigned his companion from among the jinn and his companion from among the angels.” They said, “Even you, O Messenger of Allah?” He replied, “Even me, except that Allah has helped me against him and he has submitted, so that I am unharmed and so he orders me to do nothing but good.” [Hadith reported by Muslim.]

We see here that even the prophet Muhammad (sa) had been assigned a jinn but Allah made his jinn submit and become a Muslim. However, he was the Prophet of Allah, he was the best of mankind, therefore Allah protected him from his personal jinn and from its evil whisperings, as for us this is not the case. Our personal jinn will never order us to do good, his purpose in life is to try his utmost to make us commit as many bad deeds as possible.

The misconception that we can make our personal jinns become Muslim is totally wrong, our prophet Muhammad (sa) did not say that we could, he simply warned us to be aware of the harm these personal jinns will bring and not to succumb to their whispers of doing evil.
Now, before discussing other ways the jinns effect us as mankind, I would like to point out two very important issues:

1. The Jinns are not our friends, they are our enemies and
2. Communicating with the Jinns is a form of Shirk. Now let me explain this further:

The Jinns are not our friends, they are our enemies

Just like humans, among the jinns are good jinns and evil jinns. The good jinns obey Allah and live by the Sunnah, as for the evil jinns they are referred to as the Shayateen (the devils); these are the rebellious and disbelieving jinns, they do not believe in Allah and have set out to cause mischief and corruption in the land. It is these shayateen that interact with humans in return for the human to disobey Allah.

Allah mentions to us in his Book, that He has friends and allies among the people. Shaytaan also has his friends and allies, one being the shayateen – and being an ally of Shaytan makes one an enemy of Allah. So how can these jinns be our friends, when they are the enemies of Allah, we take the enemies of Allah as our enemies and to do the opposite will result in error.
For Allah says in the interpretation of the meaning: “Verily, We made the devils helpers and protectors for those who disbelieve:” (Surah Al-Araf, 7:27)

Seeking refuge “IN” the Jinn = Shirk Al Akbar

We see many people communicating, calling out and seeking refuge IN the jinn, yes IN the jinn – asking for their help and assistance. This is a form of shirk Al Akbar, which is the greatest form of associating partners with Allah. The ones who do this say “well we are not worshipping the jinns!”, but praying or supplicating are all acts of worship exclusively for Allah, and to do so to other than Allah is shirk – no doubt about it.

Allah makes this clear to us in the quran that turning to the jinns is disbelief, where he says in the interpretation of the meaning: ‘And verily, there were men among mankind who took shelter with the masculine among the jinns, but they (the jinns) increased them (mankind) in sin and disbelief.’ (Surah Al-Jinn, 72:6-7)

‘…will you take him (Iblees) and his children as protectors besides me? And they are enemies to you!..’ (Surah Al-Kahf, 18: 50)

So the jinns will never help or protect us, how can they when they are the allies of Shaytan? They will only bring destruction to us, and lead us to the hellfire. A’outhu billah.

The Evils of Fortune Telling

One of the most frequent activities associated with the Jinn, is fortune telling.

Have you ever wondered how do these fortune tellers sometimes actually give accurate information? Well, these fortune tellers seek assistance from shayaateen who go up to the lowest heaven and eavesdrop on the angels conversation about future events that they heard from Allah.

“And We have guarded it (the heavens) from every accursed devil, except one who is able to snatch a hearing and he is pursued by a brightly burning flame” (Surah Al-Hijr, 15:18)

However the heavens are guarded by Angels and if any Jinn tries to listen they are attacked by meteor / shooting stars. Thereby not getting the full information, they then return back to the fortune-teller and add lies to what they had heard.

As our Prophet Muhammad (saws) said: “They (the Jinns) would pass the information back down until it reaches the lips of a magician or fortune-teller. Sometimes a meteor would overtake them before they could pass it on. If they passed it on before being struck, they would add to it a hundred lies” [Hadith reported by Bukhari]

Fortune-tellers also operate through the personal jinns, remember their job is to make you do wrong. What can be more wrong than to make you commit shirk, remember shirk can also be to claim knowledge of the future – and only Allah has knowledge of the unseen.

So the fortune teller will get his personal jinn to go talk to their personal jinn to get information about the person from them, thus the fortune teller has some true information mixed up with many lies.

Oh its not a big deal

For those people who take this matter lightly, and say oh its not a big deal, let me just mention this one Hadith to you, where the prophet of allah (sa) said: “Whosoever approaches a fortune-teller and believes in what he says, has disbelieved in what was revealed to Muhammed” [Hadith reported by Ahmed]

Prophet Sulaymaan Alayhi-salaam

Here is the story of Prophet Sulaymaan (as), he was the only human being Allah gave power over the Jinn, at his time the shayateen were fooling the people that they had knowledge of the unseen and could foresee the future, this is why Allah gave him Sulaymaan (as) power over them to remove these false beliefs from his followers.
Allah says in the interpretation of the meaning: “They followed what the Shayaateen (devils) gave out (falsely of the magic) in the lifetime of Sulaymaan. Sulaymaan did not disbelieve, but the Shayaateen (devils) disbelieved, teaching men magic” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:102)

The death of Prophet Sulaymaan (as) served as a reminder for his people, and for us all – that the jinns have absolutely no knowledge of the future at all, as before he died he was sitting holding his stick overseeing the jinns working in the mine, he died in that position. Time passed and no one was aware of his death, and the jinns continued to work hard thinking Sulaymaan was watching over them.
Allah says in the interpretation of the meaning: “Then when we decreed death for him (Sulaymaan), nothing informed them (the jinns) of his death except a little worm of the earth, which kept slowly chewing away at his stick, so when he fell down, the jinns saw clearly that if they had known the unseen, they would not have stayed in the humiliating torment.” (Surah Saba, 34:12-14).

Thus, proving to his people that the jinns are full of lies and deceit and will always be up to mischief.

Insha’allah sister Fatima will discuss how we can protect ourself from these evil beings.

Jazaak’Allahu khair, Asalaamu’alaykum

WAYS TO PROTECT OURSELF FROM THE JINN

Jazakallah khair sister Qamar and sister Jamila.

Jazakallah khair sister Qamar and sister Jamila. Now, having clearly been explained to you the existence of the jinn from clear evidence of Quran and sunnah, the question thus becomes, how can we protect ourselves from the Jinn. How can we protect ourselves from beings that can see us, but ones that we cannot see, and can at times be harmful to us.

Qamar has already mentioned that the Prophet s.a.w has control over his own jinn however, for the muslim such as you and I who do not have automatic immunity from the Jinn, what can be done to ensure that we are safe and protected from their evil.

However, what we must first bear in mind is that of the jinns, there are some who are evil, and those which are good, for Allah tells us in the Holy Quran in the interpretation of the meaning:

“Except him on whom your Lord has bestowed His Mercy and for that did He create them. And the word of your Lord has been fulfilled saying: Surly, I shall fill Hell with Jinns and men all together”. (Surah Hud, 11:119)

From this Ayah, just like men, they will be held to account. Hence, our concern is not with the good jinns for surely they do not come near us, except the rebellious ones, whom we seek to seek protection and refuge in Allah from. Now, on How to protect our selves.

Remembering Allah

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And if an evil whisper from Shaytaan (Satan) tries to turn you away (O Muhammad) (from doing good), then seek refuge in Allaah. Verily, He is the All Hearer, the All Knower” (Surah Fussilat, 41:36)

Therefore, simply seeking refuge in Allah from the jinn is a means of protection for us. Consequently, when we turn away from the rememberance of Allah and commit sins and evil deeds, then we pave the way to the calling of the jinns on ourselves, for a person who truly and constantly remembers Allah, then the jinns will surely stay well from him, for Allah tells us in the interpretation of the meaning:

“Whoever withdraws himself from the remembrance of [Allah] Most Gracious, We assign to him a Shaytaan, to be his comrade.” (Surah Az-Zukhruf, 43:36)

So by saying: Laillaha illalla, Subhanallah, Alhamdulilla, Allahu Akbar, “Aoothubillahi minashitani rajeem” these are means of driving the jinn away.

Reciting Ayahs from the Quran

Another means by which we will be protected from the jinns inshallah is by the recitation of Ayahs of the Quran: “Say: ‘My Lord! I seek refuge with you from the whisperings (suggestions) of the shayaateen (devils). And I seek refuge with you, my Lord, lest they may attend (or come near) me.’” (Surah Al-Mumenoon, 23:97-98)

Other verses of the Quran such as Falaq and Nas and surah Iklas all serve as shields and protection from the Shayaateen as taught to us by the Prophet s.a.w.

Reciting all of Surah Baqarah or its last verse and Ayahtul Kursi is another means of protection.

In a famous hadith in Sahih Al-Bukhari, Abu Hurayrah R.A was entrusted with the Zakaat revenue of the month of Ramadan. Someone started stealing from it, having been caught, Abu Hurayrah R.A threatened to take him to the Prophet s.a.w, the thief then said: “I am needy and have many dependents, and I am in great need”. On hearing this, Abu Hurayrah released him and let him go, however, he narrated the incident to and told the Prophet s.a.w, who told him “indeed he told you a lie and he will come again”. Again, the man came again, and again he was caught and told the same lie he told at first, and for the third time, on being caught, he told Abu Hurayrah “I will teach you some words with which Allah will benefit you”, Abu Hurayrah asked what are they, and the man replied “whenever you go to bed, recite Ayahtul-Kursi and Allah will appoint for you who will stay with you and no Shaytan will come near you till morning”. Upon telling the Prophet (sa) of this, he said: “He really spoke the truth, although he is [absolutely] a liar. Do you know whom you were talking to, these three nights, O Abu Hurayrah?” Abu Hurairah said, “No.” He (sa) said, “It was a Shaytan.” (Bukhari)

Therefore, reciting Ayahtul Kursi and Suratul Baqarah will provide you protection from the evil jinn.

Seeking Knowledge and strengthening one’s faith is another way we can get protection from the Jinn.

Is also another protection from the Jinn. Allah tells us in the interpretation of the meaning: “[Satan] has no authority over those who believe and place trust in their Lord.” (Surah An-Nahl, 16: 99)

This is because, one cannot truly believe in Allah until they seek knowledge of Him, and only then will they put their trust and faith in Allah. Therefore, seeking knowledge of Allah and busying once self in doing good deeds for the sake of Allah is gaining protection from the Jinn.

The Adthan

In a hadith in Sahih Muslim, it is narrated “When the Shaytaan hears the call to prayer, he runs away fast.”(Narrated by Muslim, 389).

Playing the adhaan in our homes or reciting in it to ourselves can be a means by which we can protect ourselves from the Shaitan.

This is due to what has been reported from Abu Hurayrah (ra) that Allaah’s Messenger (saw) said, “When the call to prayer is made, Shaytaan flees on his heels and passes wind with noise during his flight so that he does not hear the adhaan. When the adhaan is completed he comes back. When the iqaamah is pronounced he takes to his heels again until it is completed. Then he returns again and whispers into the heart of the person and says to him: “Remember this and remember that”. So the person remembers those things which were not in his mind before the prayer began and as a result, he forgets how much he has prayed”.

It has already be mentioned by sister Jamila that the jinns love dirty places such as the loo, it then becomes important that we recite the recommended duas before entering it.

Not only this, but there are many duas given to us by our Prophet s.a.w for every aspect of our lives. These include saying the name of Allah before eating or drinking. Also saying Bismillaah before entering ones home.

For in a hadith in Muslim, Jaabir (ra) said: “I heard the Prophet (saw) say: “When a man enters his house and remembers Allaah the Exalted upon entering and before eating, Shaytaan says: “There is no place for you to spend the night and there is no supper for you.” When he enters the house and does not remember Allaah, Shaytaan says: “You have found a place to spend the night” and when he does not remember Allaah upon eating his food, Shaytaan says: “You have found a place to stay and some supper”". (Muslim).

Alhamdulilla, we can thus see that we have not been left without protection from the Shaitan and jinns. We must at all times remember that he is a clear enemy to us and therefore whatever means of protection Allah and His prophet s.a.w have given us, then we must hold on to it. We must at all time remember Allah and ensure that we are far away from sins and evil deeds. Seeking knowledge of our deen as already mentioned will help us stay away from these. I will leave you now with a beautiful Hadith: The Messenger of Allah (s) said “Whoever of you desires the heart of the Garden should cling to the community. Shaytan is with the solitary person and further off from a couple.” (Hadith reported by At – Tirmidhi and Ahmad ibn Hanbal transmit it. At-Tirmidhi says that is a sound good Hadith.)

Jazakallah khair. Asalamu alaikum

CONCLUSION

Alhamdulillah, we have now come to the end of our presentation.

Before we go we leave you with the following ayat, Allah says in the interpretation of the meaning: “And Shaitân will say when the matter has been decided: “Verily, Allâh promised you a promise of truth. And I too promised you, but I betrayed you. I had no authority over you except that I called you, so you responded to me. So blame me not, but blame yourselves. I cannot help you, nor can you help me. I deny your former act in associating me (Satan) as a partner with Allâh (by obeying me in the life of the world). Verily, there is a painful torment for the Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong-doers, etc.).” (Surah Ibrahim, 14:22)

So let us not be fooled by Shaytan and his Jinns, but be one step ahead of them – as they can not bring any benefit to us, in this life or the hereafter.

Insha’Allah we hope this presentation has been a benefit to you.

Jazaakallahu khair, may Allah have mercy on us all and grant us into his Jannah. Ameen

Asalaamu’alaykum waRahmatullah

SHIRK IN LOVE AND SHIRK IN FEAR
| By sisters Fatima and Qamar.

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INTRODUCTION

Innal-Hamdalillah was-Salaatu was-Salaam `alaa Rasoolillah.

Asalaamu’alaykum waRahmatullahi waBarakaatuhu

Insha’Allah sister Fatima and myself sister Qamar, will be doing our group presentation on two forms of shirk.

We first need to know what Shirk is and to understand its seriousness, how can we possibly stay away from shirk if we do not know what it is?

In a Hadith Narrated by Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: The Messenger of Allaah (sa) said: ‘Shall I not tell you of the most serious of the major sins?’ he said this three times. We said, ‘Of course, O Messenger of Allaah!’ He replied, ‘Associating anything in worship with Allaah . . .’” [Hadith Bukhari].

To put someone or something equal to or above Allah is associating partners with Him which is shirk, and shirk can take many forms; it is not simply worshipping an idol as many think.

The greatest shirk of all is Shirk Al-Akbar – because Allah subhaanahu wa ta`ala will never forgive an individual if they do not repent from it before they die.

So Shirk is not to be taken lightly and we should all we well aware of the different forms that exist – in order to never commit such a terrible sin, a sin that will land us into the hell fire. A’ou thu billah

Our subject today will describe Shirk in Love and Shirk in Fear.

I will now pass you on to sister Fatima who will describe to you Shirk in Love…

SHIRK IN LOVE

Perhaps when we speak of shirk in love, the first thing that may come to mind is one’s love of his family more than they love Allah, his wealth more than Allah, the beauties of this world and perhaps one’s status in the dunya more than Allah. Indeed, if this is your idea of what shirk in love means, then you’re surly correct. Shirk in love is, committed not only against Allah, but against ourselves. For when we put others before Allah and allocate them the love that is deserve by only him, then surely we have truly wronged ourselves for He is in no need of our love, but we, as humans are in need of his love and mercy.

In order to protect ourselves, we must first understand that there are four types of love:

FOUR TYPES OF LOVE

• TO LOVE ALLAH ALONE
• LOVING THAT WHICH ALLAH LOVES
• LOVING FOR THE SAKE OF ALLAH
• LOVING SOMETHING ALONGSIDE ALLAH

Having said this, perhaps some might say, “Well, I love Allah, I believe in him, and He’s always in my heart”. This is the first type of love mentioned.

Subhaanallah! Please pay head my fellow my Muslims. For surely, we may go astray, unless we truly understand what it means to claim love for Him. It is only by knowing what it means to love Him, that we can protect ourselves from this evil sin of loving our husbands, our children, our wealth, our status and the beauties of this world more than Allah.

Remember, (1) the people of the book claim love for Allah too, but what makes our love different to theirs is that as well as having love for Allah, (2) We love what Allah loves whatever we hate, we hate for the sake of Allah and whatever He loves, we love as well. For example, we know that Allah has made permissible the marrying of up to four wives for men. Although this might be very difficult to accept, yet, because it is something which Allah loves and has made permissible, then we accept and love it only for the sake of Allah.

(3) The third type of love is loving for the sake of Allah. All of us here today have been brought together by one common goal, to earn the love, pleasure and mercy of Allah, because of this, we love you for the sake of Allah.

“Whoever loves for Allah, hates for Allah, gives for Allah, and withholds for Allah, has sought the completion of his faith.” [Hadith Abu Dawood]

We can therefore see, that whatever good our hearts are inclined towards; it will be because of our love for Allah.

So, now, that we know what it means to have love for Allah, how can one commit shirk in love?

(4) This brings us to the fourth type of love.

The difference is very important and one that every Muslim should be familiar with, so as to not fall into the trap.

Loving for the sake of Allaah and loving something alongside Allaah are two very different concepts. It is our obligation as Muslims to make a very clear distinction between them.

Loving for the sake of Allaah is a sign of the perfection of faith, but loving something alongside Allaah is the essence of shirk. In today’s presentation, my focus will be on the latter; SHIRK IN LOVE.

Alhamdulillah, Allah has given our husbands, wives, children and families as a blessing to us, so that we may show thanks to Him.

It is our duty to provide and care for them, to show them love and mercy. However, when our love for these people begins to take us away from the remembrance of Allah and fulfilling our duty to Him, then we have indeed committed Shirk in love.

Loving Our Husbands

Today, it is not a big deal for a Muslim woman to be married to a so-called Muslim husband who doesn’t pray, and he knows it is an obligation he owns to Allah, but he chooses to reject this pillar of Islam thinking that the love he has for Allah in his heart is enough, and we know that failing to pray takes you out of the fold of Islam. But knowing this, she still stays married to him and if you ask her why, she’ll tell you, it’s because I love him.

Astagfirullah! Allah has clearly told us in the Holy Qur’aan in the Interpretation of the meaning:

“And give not (Muslim women) in marriage to idolaters until they believe” [Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:221]

“They (Muslim women) are not lawful for them (the disbelievers) nor are they (the disbelievers) lawful to them” [Surah Al- Mumtahinah, 60:10]

So how can we do this, when it has clearly been related to us not to marry anything but a Muslim man? This without doubt shows that our love for Allah comes secondary to our love for his creation. We need to have fear of Allah. Learn about His rights over us, learn about his beautiful names and attributes and worship Him like he deserves. “And amongst mankind are those who take [for worship] others besides Allah, as equals [with Allah]: They love them as they should love Allah. And those who believe love Allah more [than anything else]. If only the wrongdoers could see, behold, they would see the punishment” [Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:165]

WE AS NEED EDUCATED OURSELVES; OUR LOVE FOR THE CREATION OF ALLAH WILL LEAD US NO WHERE BUT TO THE HELL FIRE, unless we put Allah first.

Loving Our Wealth

Shirk in love not only includes loving our families more than Allah, but also our wealth. How many Muslim men today will close their businesses in order to go pray the congregational salaat or the Friday prayer, especially if the mosque is not even far? But no, they will fear that they might lose customers while they were always praying, worshiping Allah.

“He who became the slave of the Dinar or the Dirham will perish and be destroyed.” [Hadith Bukhari]

Brothers, this wealth that you have, is from no one but Allah; so why not give thanks and give Allah his rights: Take from your wealth and pay your zakaat and fear not any reduction in your wealth for Allah is the provider.

Allah tells us in the interpretation of the meaning, Allah tells us: “Men whom neither trade nor sale (business) diverts from the remembrance of Allaah” [Surah al-Noor, 24:37]

Do you not want to be one of these men, WHOM NEITHER TRADE OR SALE WILL EVER DIVERT FROM REMEMBERING THEIR LORD? Please reflect on this brothers.

Loving Our Children

For the sisters, Alhamdulillah, when Allah has blessed us with beautiful children. We can be so consumed in our daily chores, in feeding them, cleaning them, running after them all day every day, and before we know it, we’ve missed the Zuhr Salaat, we are so exhausted, that all we want to do is put our feet up before they wake up, and before we know it, its Asr salaat, and we are rushing to prepare the food before our husbands come home. We all sit together and eat NOT PRAYING EVEN ONE SALAAT…and what do we say at the back of our minds, I’ll make up for it at Isha.

Sisters, yes, it may be difficult, but when its time to give Allah His rights, our children must never come in the way of doing this. In fact, Allah told us in the interpretation of the meaning: “O you who believe! Let not your properties or your children divert you from the remembrance of Allaah” [Surah al-Munaafiqoon, 63:9].

Surely, our love for Allah should always come first!

Having said this, it does not in anyway mean that we cannot love them, or love beautiful things such as silver, gold, branded beautiful horses, cattle and well-tilled land, our businesses. We can love these things as long as we do not give preference over our love for Allah.

We don’t want to be like the Mushrikeen, who love their idols along side Allah. And this in itself is pure shirk.

We can only protect ourselves from falling into shirk by educating ourselves about Allah. For how can we love Him like He deserves unless we truly know Him.

Insha’Allah, I will leave you with this beautiful Hadith: Anas reported that the Prophet said, “There are three things which cause anyone who takes refuge in them to experience the sweetness of belief – that Allah and His Messenger are more beloved to him than anything else; that he loves a man only for Allah; and that he dislikes the thought of reverting to disbelief as much as he would dislike being cast into the Fire.” [Hadith Bukhari & Muslim].

Allahu Akbar! I will now hand you over to sister Qamar, who will go through with you yet another type of Shirk, Shirk IN FEAR.

Jazaak’Allahu khair and Asalaamu’alaykum

SHIRK IN FEAR

Jazaak’Allahu khair sister Fatima

Now that we are aware about shirk in love, let me tell you about shirk in fear.

Shirk in fear is when you associate partners with Allah in your fear, it is when a person fears someone or something more than they should fear Allah subhaanahu wa ta`ala.

This totally goes against Tawheed which is believing and worshipping Allah in His oneness, how can one think anyone besides Allah can bring them harm.

Having Taqwa (fear of Allah) is an obligation upon each and every Muslim. We must have the correct Fear of Allah in order to stay away from Shirk in Fear. Allah informs us of having fear of Him many times in the Qur’aan: As Allah says, in the interpretation of the meaning:

“…Fear not men, but fear me” [Surah Kafiroon, 5:44]

“O you who believe! Fear Allah as He should be feared, and die not except in a state of Islam.” [Surah Al-Imran, 3:102.]

“Those (i.e. believers) unto whom the people (hypocrites) said, “Verily, the people (pagans) have gathered against you (a great army), therefore, fear them.” But it (only) increased them in Faith, and they said: “Allah (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us).” So they returned with Grace and Bounty from Allah. No harm touched them; and they followed the good Pleasure of Allah. And Allah is the Owner of Great Bounty. It is only Shaitan (Satan) that suggests to you the fear of his Auliya (supporters and friends (polytheists, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah and in His Messenger, Muhammad SAW)), so fear them not, but fear Me, if you are (true) believers.” [Surah Al-Imran, 3:173-175]

Here Allah is instructing us to fear Him alone, and that it is The Cursed Shaytan who tries to deceive us making us to fear the kufar, fearing what they will say when we fulfil our obligations to Allah, fearing they will harm us.

But the TRUE believer knows better than falling into Shaytans trap, because in reality Shaytan and his evil jinns are only as strong as you make them out to be and have no real power over those who are strong in their faith – the believer has fear of Allah alone, AS for the one who fails to do so they have fallen into Shirk in Fear.

4 TYPES OF FEAR

I will now describe to you the 4 different types of fear:

(1) The first is “To fear other than Allah in that which only Allah can inflict upon you”.

This is to fear someone or something other than Allah thinking they can give you an illness, inflict poverty upon you, hurt or kill you etc. This falls under the category of major shirk because only Allah alone has the ability to do these things.

If Allah has decreed for something to harm you it will occur no matter what course of action you take, for the one who understands this they will live their lives fearing Allah alone knowing it is only Allah who is in control of our affairs.

Fearing men is a waste of time as they are human just like you and me, we must fear Allah the creator of the heavens and the earth and realise no harm can afflict any individual without the will of Allah, as our beloved Prophet Muhammad (sa) told us: Related by Abu Abbas Abdullah the son of Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both), who said: “One day I was behind the Messenger of Allah (sa) and he said to me:

‘Young man, I shall teach you some words [of advice]:
Be mindful of Allah, and Allah will protect you.
Be mindful of Allah, and you will find Him in front of you.
If you ask, ask of Allah; if you seek help, seek help of Allah.
Know that if the Nation were to gather together to benefit you with anything, it would benefit you only with something that Allah had already prescribed for you, and if the Nation were to gather together to harm you with anything, they would harm you only with something Allah had already prescribed for you. The pens have been lifted and the pages have dried.’”
[Hadith at-Tirmidhi]

(2) Now the second type of fear is “To fear performing ones obligations to Allah”

This fear results in one either disobeying Allah or not obeying Him at all, these are people who have refused to practice their religion the way Allah has legislated due to the fear they have for others such as the kufar, instead of fearing their creator.

As Muslims we are commanded to enjoin the good and forbid the evil, those who do not fulfil this obligation to Allah due to being afraid of offers, they have committed shirk in fear, as they associated partners in their fear with Allah.

The two examples of this that we unfortunately see among the Muslims today are the Hijab and the beard.

Many Muslim women are walking around refusing to wear Hijab, because they are afraid of the kufar, they are afraid of the harm others will cause them if they did so, this fear is so much that they would rather disobey Allahs command, in fear that others will mock them or ridicule them – well this disobedience to Allah makes them guilty of shirk in fear.

How can she reject the Ayah of the Qur’aan where Allah commands, in the interpretation of the meaning: “O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks all over their bodies. That will be better, that they should be known and not to be annoyed. And Allaah is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful” [Surah al-Ahzaab, 33:59]

Those women who are not wearing Hijab, please ask yourself what is more important being worried about what the kufar will think about you? Or should you concern yourself more with what will Allah think of you?

What is more to fear: fearing Allahs creation or fearing the wrath of Allah?

As for that Muslim brother who continuously shaves off his beard due to being afraid that no organisation will give him a job or feels his Kafir colleagues will not accept him, again he is disobeying Allah subhaanahu wa ta`ala and falls guilty of Shirk Al-Akbar. Because instead of fearing Allah, he has chosen to fear others and the harm they would bring.

How can he reject the Hadith by our prophet Muhammad (sa) where he commands all Muslim men to “Trim the moustache and let the beard grow?” [Hadith Muslim]

These two people are so ignorant, if they would only pick up the Qur’aan and read the following Ayah, where Allah says in the interpretation of the meaning: “And whosoever fears Allah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty). And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine. And whosoever puts his trust in Allah, then He will suffice him. Verily, Allah will accomplish his purpose. Indeed Allah has set a measure for all things.” [Surah At-Talaq, 65:2-4]

Subhaanallah.

If they only feared Allah and fulfilled their obligations to Him – they would not worry or have any fear of anyone else besides Allah, and if they only put their trust in Allah they would see how Allah would protect them from harm and guide them.

But they did not, they did not fear Allah, they did not put their trust in him, and in turn they neglected their obligations, disobeying Allah – committing Shirk in Fear.

(3) The third type of fear is “To fear Allah and His punishment”

This type of fear is the kind of fear we all need to have because it is Allahs punishment alone we should fear and not anyone elses.

It is the fear of Allah and His punishment that keeps us in obedience to Him, having fear of Allahs punishment is what drives us to stay away from the haraam, it is the fear of Allah and having to stand before him on the day of judgment that makes us to fulfil our obligations and rights to all those we owe. However we need to keep a balance, we mustn’t go beyond the boundaries and become extreme by having so much fear of Allah that leads one to reject Allahs Mercy.

Allah says in the interpretation of the meaning: “Truly no one despairs of Allah’s Soothing Mercy, except those who have no faith.” [Surah Yusuf, 12:85]

This is not shirk, but will cause one’s faith to become unbalanced, as Muslims we need to keep an equal balance of our love for Allah, our fear of Allah and our hope in his mercy.

(4) The last type of fear is “Natural fear”

Natural fear is to fear things such as snakes, lions, spiders or if one is being oppressed to fear being tortured etc. To feel this fear is normal, again as long as one does not become extreme and start fearing that thing more than they should fear Allah.

HOW DOES ONE BUILD THEIR FEAR OF ALLAH?

One may ask, “yes I am guilty of shirk in fear, now how do I go about building up of my fear of Allah?”

Well Alhamdulillah Allah answers this question to us in the Qur’aan, where he says in the interpretation of the meaning:
“Say, ‘Are those who know equal to those who know not?’” [39:9].
“It is only those who have knowledge among His slaves that fear Allah.” [35:28]

So for the one who has committed shirk in fear, they need to first repent sincerely to Allah and be determined never go back to that sin again.

Now in order to stay safe from falling into shirk in fear, they need to seek knowledge of Islaam and educate themselves who their fear must be directed to and how to go about doing so.

To do this – you need to know who Allah is, His Names and Attributes, you need to read and ponder over the Qur’aan, read the punishments in store for those who turned away from Allahs signs, those people who Allah destroyed because of their disobedience.

You need to learn the Sunnah of our prophet Muhammad (sa); the situations he dealt with and how Allah protected him and his companions from the kufar because of their strong Taqwa.

When one does this, Insha’Allah they will no longer fear anything or anyone more than Allah, they will realise it was so foolish to fear others harming them to the extent that it drove them to disobey Allah.

We must all take the advice given to us by our prophet Muhammad (sa) where he said: “I have left behind me two things, if you cling to them you will never go astray. They are the Book of Allaah and my Sunnah”. [Hadith al-Haakim]

If we stick to these two sources, Insha’Allah we will never fall into shirk in fear.

So as we embark upon this journey through this world, the hereafter being our final destination we must supply the correct provisions, Allah has informed us of the best provision. He says, in the interpretation of the meaning:

“And take provision [with you] for the journey, but the best provision is Taqwa. So fear Me, O men of understanding.” [Surah Al-Baqarah 2: 197]

CONCLUSION

Alhamdulillah. We will now conclude our presentation by saying it is easy to say YES I FEAR ALLAH or YES I LOVE ALLAH, but it is one’s actions that affirm this believe, it is not simply uttering it by your tongue. If we want to be among the successful we must love Allah more than any of His creation, and we must have fear of him alone without associating partners with Him, to do otherwise we will result in error.

For those who have given their allegiance to Allah, they will have no problem in doing so.

Remember Allah is in no need of our love and is in no need of our fear; it is us who are in need to love and fear him, to gain his mercy. So we either love and fear him the way he deserves, or we don’t? The choice is ours.

We leave you with a beautiful ayah of the Qur’aan, where Allah says in the interpretation of the meaning: “…We ask thee not to provide sustenance: We provide it for thee. But the (fruit of) the Hereafter is for those who fear Allah.” [Surah Ta Ha, 20:132]