Should he approve of their playing cards so that they will not go to dance halls and clubs?

It became widely known nowadays in forums what is know as the competition of ‘Allah’s beautiful names’ the members of forum participate in it aiming to increase their good deeds. A member starts writing one name of Allah’s beautiful names, then another member writes another name, and so on. This might differ from a forum to another. Some forums start by writing the name and its explanation. What is the ruling on this? Is it considered congregational dhikr, which is known as impermissible? Please bear in mind that every member might enter the forum in a different time to other members. Please clarify this matter to us.

Praise be to Allaah.

There is nothing wrong with holding this kind of competition, because it is spreading goodness, benefiting all concerned, and increasing knowledge, especially if the participant writes the meaning of the name that he mentions. But it is important to use sound books for this information, and to beware of quoting from people of misguidance and deviation. 

The one who wants to adhere to the names of Allaah that are proven in the Qur'aan and Sunnah is advised to refer to al-Qawaa’id al-Muthla by Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) and Sifaat Allaah ‘azza wa jall al-Waaridah fi’l-Kitaab wa’l-Sunnah by Shaykh ‘Alawi al-Saqqaaf (may Allaah preserve him). 

The members should be encouraged to memorize these names and pay attention to them, because of the report narrated by al-Bukhaari (2736) and Muslim (2677) from Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him), according to which the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Allaah has ninety-nine names, one hundred less one. Whoever memorizes them will enter Paradise.” 

The memorizing mentioned in the hadeeth includes the following: 

1.     Learning them by heart.

2.     Learning their meanings.

3.     Acting upon their meanings. So if a person learns that He is al-Ahad (the One), he should not associate anyone else with Him. If he learns that He is al-Razzaaq (the Provider), he should not seek provision from anyone else. If he learns that He is al-Raheem (the Most Merciful), he should not despair of His mercy, and so on.

4.     Calling upon Him by them, as He says (interpretation of the meaning): “And (all) the Most Beautiful Names belong to Allaah, so call on Him by them” [al-A’raaf 7:180]. That is by saying for example: Ya Rahmaan irhamni (O Most Merciful, have mercy on me), Ya Ghafoor ighfir li (O Oft Forgiving, forgive me), Ya Tawwaab tubb ‘alayya (O Accepter of repentance, accept my repentance) and so on. 

This competition does not come under the heading of communal dhikr which is an innovation, because that is recited in unison, which is not the case here. 

For more information please see the answer to question no. 111562. 

And Allaah knows best.

They go against sharee’ah and use as an excuse the fact that there are righteous people who do that

Some imams in mosques and professors of Islamic education, and others who are regarded as examples for other people, trim their beards – and some shave them altogether – and they let their garments hang too low. When you try to prove it, some people of weak character argue that these actions are haraam and they say to you: So and so is the imam of a mosque and he lets his garment hang too low, or So and so is a teacher of Islamic studies and he shaves his beard. 
We would like you to say something about such imams and those who are in similar roles, and the seriousness of what they are doing for themselves and for all other people.

Praise be to Allaah.

Firstly: 

The fact that some of those who go against sharee’ah are justifying what they do based on the actions of some imams of mosques or some teachers of Islamic education, will not benefit them before their Lord, because what is required of the Muslim is to follow the example of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), and it is not permissible for him to put the teaching of anyone else before the teachings of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“Indeed in the Messenger of Allaah (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) you have a good example to follow for him who hopes for (the Meeting with) Allaah and the Last Day, and remembers Allaah much”

[al-Ahzaab 33:21] 

“And (remember) the Day (Allaah) will call to them, and say: “’What answer gave you to the Messengers?’”

[al-Qasas 29:65] 

If the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) is clear, then it is not permissible for a Muslim to ignore it because of the actions or words of some person. Imam al-Shaafa’i (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: The people [scholars] are unanimously agreed that if the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) has become clear to a person, it is not permissible for him to forsake it because of the opinion of any person. 

Secondly: 

The one who has become an example for people must be more careful about his adherence to the Sunnah and not going against it, because the people will follow his example and will regard his actions as being in accordance with sharee’ah. 

Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: 

Hence the scholars have obligations that others do not, with regard to acts of worship, morals and manners, and interactions with others, because the people will follow their example, they will follow their example completely. Some people will even sit by a scholar whilst he is praying – for example – and take note of every single movement. When Ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) grew old, he did not sit muftarishan (sitting on the left foot and holding the right foot upright with the toes pointing towards the qiblah) in the prayer. One of his sons said to him: “What kind of sitting is this?” He said: “My feet do not let me?” Look at how the people watch the scholar and take note of everything he does, and even what he does not do. Hence it is essential for the seekers of knowledge to be good examples in all things, so that the people will respect them. End quote. 

Al-Liqa’ al-Shahri (introduction to meeting no. 49). 

Shaykh ‘Abd al-‘Azeez ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: 

The scholar is known for his patience, his piety or awareness of Allaah, his fear of Him, his hastening to do what Allaah and His Messenger have enjoined, and his keeping away from what Allaah and His Messenger have forbidden. 

This is how the scholar should be, whether he is a teacher, a qaadi, a daa’i who calls people to Allaah, or in any field of work. His duty is to be an example of goodness, and to be an example of righteous deeds, acting upon his knowledge, fearing Allaah wherever he is, guiding people to goodness. So he should be a good example to his students, to his family members, to his neighbours and others whom he knows, so that they can follow his example in his words and deeds that are in accordance with the laws of Allaah, may He be glorified and exalted. 

The seeker of knowledge must be very careful and beware of being careless about that which Allaah has enjoined, or of falling into that which Allaah has forbidden, because he may be taken as an example in that. If he is heedless, others will be heedless too. The same applies to the Sunnah, and to makrooh actions. He should be keen to observe Sunnah actions, even if they are not obligatory, so that he will become accustomed to doing them, and people will follow his example in that. And he should keep away from makrooh things and dubious matters, so that people will not follow his example in that. 

The seeker of knowledge has an important status. The scholars are the elite in this life, so they have duties that others do not share. The Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ‘Each of you is a shepherd and each of you is responsible for his flock.” End quote. 

Majmoo’ Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn Baaz (2/312, 313) 

2. and he (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: 

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):  

“And who is better in speech than he who [says: ‘My Lord is Allaah (believes in His Oneness),’ and then stands firm (acts upon His Order), and] invites (men) to Allaah’s (Islamic Monotheism), and does righteous deeds, and says: ‘I am one of the Muslims’” [Fussilat 41:33].

This verse shows us that the one who calls people to Allaah must be a person of righteous deeds, calling to Allaah with his words, calling to Allaah with all his actions. Hence He says after that “and does righteous deeds.” The one who calls people to Allaah must call with his words and with his actions. There is no one better in speech than this type of person, those who call to Allaah with their good words and guide the people with their words and deeds. So they become a good example in their words, deeds and behaviour. 

This is how the Messengers (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon them) were: callers to Allaah with their words, actions and behaviour. Many of those who are called benefit more from the callers’ behaviour than from their words, especially the common folk and those with limited knowledge. They benefit from the caller’s behaviour, good attitude and righteous deeds in ways they cannot benefit from their words which they may not understand. One of the most important missions of the one who calls people to Allaah is to have a good track record, to be a person of righteous deeds, to have a good attitude so that his example may be followed in his actions, words and deeds. 

This verse encourages and urges us to call people to Allaah, and explains the status of the callers (daa’iyahs): they are the best of people in word if they are sincere in what they say, and do righteous deeds; they are the best of people in word and no one is better than them in word at all. Foremost among them are the Messengers (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon them), then those who follow them with insight until the Day of Resurrection. End quote. 

Majmoo’ Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn Baaz (3/110, 111) 

We ask Allaah to set the affairs of the Muslims straight, and to guide the daa’iyahs and seekers of knowledge to that which is in their interests and in the people’s interests. 

And Allaah knows best.

She used her neighbour’s Internet and discovered her talent in writing; should she use this talent?

I used my neighbour’s Internet (DSL network) without their knowledge, and whilst using it I did a psychological test on an Internet website, and I discovered that my talent is writing. 
Is it permissible for me to use this talent (writing) even though I acquired it in a way that is not permissible, as I believe, to earn money and write books, especially since I do not know who they (the neighbours) are? Is there any way out from this by giving charity on their behalf and so on? 
May Allaah reward you with good.

Praise be to Allaah.

We have previously spoken about the ruling on using someone else's Internet connection. Please see the answer to question number 99544. 

If we assume that your using this Internet connection affected its speed and harmed your neighbour, then this is a sin that you must ask forgiveness for. But it does not mean that you cannot make use of talents in writing or benefit from them, whether it is said that you had this talent before or you acquired it by using the Internet -- which is unlikely -- but if you give something in charity on behalf of the people whose rights you transgressed against, that is something good in sha Allaah. 

We do not advise you to use that talent in writing that you have discovered in the Internet, because this is something that may not have good consequences, because there is a lot of nonsense on the Internet, the traps of the shaytaan are widespread in it and his tricks are hidden. Strive to write essays or books that will be of benefit to you and your brothers, focus more on calling people to Allaah, enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil, and teaching useful books to your sisters and the people around you. Let your focus in writing be that which is of benefit and which brings you closer to Allaah, and you will be happy when you see it in the record of your good deeds on the Day of Resurrection. 

We ask Allaah to bless and guide us and you. 

And Allaah knows best.

A Spanish newspaper is accusing our website of fanaticism and extremism

I am a seeker of knowledge from Spain, and I am the moderator of a chat room on Paltalk, through which we are trying to spread the teachings of Islam to both new Muslims and non-Muslims. Praise be to Allaah, many people have become Muslim because of this chat room. We are opposed to all acts of terrorism or anything that have any connection to violence in all forms. But a few days ago, a Spanish newspaper published an article in which it says that there are a number of chat rooms promoting violence. And they sad that those who visit these websites, when they do not find an answer to a question, they go to the Islam Q&A website which they describe as extremist and fanatic. I would like you to give us some advice as to how we should deal with this matter. We are not fanatics at all and we are not as they described us in the article.

Praise be to Allaah.

You should understand that the issue, for those Westerners who are hostile towards Islam and its people, is not the issue of any specific website or approach. Rather the issue is Islam in and of itself. If a person is Muslim then -- in their estimation -- he is an extremist and terrorist. This is an ancient element of European culture, since the time of the mobilisation for the crusades against Islam and Muslims. You should realise that the aim of this enmity and hatred is not to make us give up our approach or even to shut down websites -- not at all. Rather the aim is that we should give up our  religion altogether and follow their religion. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Never will the Jews nor the Christians be pleased with you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) till you follow their religion. Say: ‘Verily, the Guidance of Allaah (i.e. Islamic Monotheism) that is the (only) Guidance. And if you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) were to follow their (Jews and Christians) desires after what you have received of Knowledge (i.e. the Qur’aan), then you would have against Allaah neither any Wali (protector or guardian) nor any helper’”

[al-Baqarah 2:120]. 

There are some points that we may note concerning this issue: 

1.     What is the definition of fanaticism or extremism and terrorism according to that writer and others such as politicians, leaders and media figures? The world cannot agree on the meaning of each of these words. Everyone looks at these words and assumes that its meaning is what he himself understands from it, based on his religion or ideas or country or party. So how can we debate these matters when their definition is so unclear?!

2.     We are commanded to adhere to the religion of our Lord, may He be exalted, by entering into the religion of Allaah completely, and clinging strongly to it. Of course, this approach is not going to be liked by those Muslims who take the matter if religion lightly, so how do you expect the kaafir and mushrik to like it? Can such people be expected to help the Muslims to adhere to the religion of Allaah or to encourage them not to be heedless with regard to matters of their religion?

3.     We -- if Allaah wills -- on this website of ours and our brothers on the other fatwa websites of Ahl al-Sunnah, do not make it our aim when answering any question to please any state, party or group that belongs to Islam, so would we take into account a kaafir’s approval of what we say and issue fatwas on that basis concerning the religion of Allaah? We do not rejoice in their praise of what they think is in accordance with their reason and principles, and we will not be harmed either -- if Allaah wills -- by their criticism of what we say. They have their religion and we have our religion; they have their Lord and we have our Lord.

“We are pleased with what we have and you are pleased with what you have and our opinions differ.”

4.     If they are really fair-minded and sincere, then what is their opinion of blind fanaticism and hateful extremism that is widespread in more than one country, to the extent that their extremists and ignorant people slandered our Prophet Muhammad (blessings and peace of Allaah be upon him) and our religion, on the basis of ignorance and whims and desires. If they were truly fair-minded, they would have taken a stance against ideas of fanaticism and extremism that are propagated by their popes and rabbis and the leaders of their parties concerning the Muslim minorities and the symbols of our religion, such as hijab. But we see them overlooking all of that and looking for slips on the tongue on the part of some overenthusiastic Muslims so that they can use that as a means to attack our religion itself.

5.     If this article was really fair-minded, then what is its attitude towards the state terror that is practised against the Muslims, those who are in the right, the people of the land in Palestine, Iraq, Afghanistan and other Muslim countries? What is their attitude towards the shedding of blood, the transgression of sacred limits and the plunder of resources?

6.     If this article is fair-minded, then let him look at the history of his own country in the colonisation of peoples, the plundering of their resources, what they did to the Native Americans and other indigenous peoples whom they colonised and plundered their resources.

7.     If this article is fair-minded, let him look at the history of the Inquisition and think long and hard, how much time and effort he will need in order to apologize for this history. 

The present and the past alike need a fair-minded approach! 

You need to adhere to the right path and keep away from that which will provoke trouble where you live, and to call people to Allaah with wisdom and beautiful preaching, in accordance with what your circumstances and resources will allow. Let your knowledge, your words, your attitude and your deeds be a true testimony to the soundness of your approach and true proof of the lie of those who accuse you falsely.  

You should realise that pleasing the people is an aim that cannot be reached! 

We ask Allaah to foil the plans of those who want to harm this religion and make their plots backfire, and to help you to be callers to the way of the Qur'aan and Sunnah. 

And Allaah is the source of strength.

She has recently become Muslim and she wants to keep her dog

I have had a dog for 11 years and changed my religion to Islam. I know it is haram to have a dog in the house but the dog was before my change to Islam, will my prayers be excepted? Once the dog passes away I will never ever have another dog because I know now.

Praise be to Allaah.

Firstly: 

One of the things that should be understood is that Islam means submitting to the command of Allah, adhering to His laws and accepting His wisdom, because the essence of Islam is based on showing true servitude (‘uboodiyyah) to Allah, the One, the Subduer. The more a person submits in servitude to Allah, the more Allah will raise him in status and guide him and accept his deeds.

 So the heart of the matter is love of Allah and love of His Messengers and Prophets (blessings and peace be upon them), as Allah, may He be exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Say (O Muhammad SAW to mankind): ‘If you (really) love Allâh then follow me (i.e. accept Islâmic Monotheism, follow the Qur'ân and the Sunnah), Allâh will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.’”

[Aal ‘Imraan 3:31]. 

The whole of the heavens and the earth is based on the concept of this love; with it the heart of the Muslim comes alive as he seeks the pleasure of Allah. Indeed it is what differentiates between the Muslim and non-Muslim, because the Muslim submits to the law and decree of Allah out of love, respect and veneration of Allah, may He be exalted, whereas the non-Muslim thinks that “servitude to Allah” means being forced to follow the letter of the law, devoid of spirit and meaning, even though Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning):

“There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right Path has become distinct from the wrong path”

[al-Baqarah 2:256]. 

Secondly: 

Once the Muslim understands that love of Allah must take precedence over love of anyone else, and that obedience to Him must take precedence over all whims and desires of the self or any wish that goes against seeking the pleasure of Allah and loving Him, and that the sign of true love is obedience to Allah and following His command in all matters both great and small, then it will be easy for him to go against his own whims and desires and to give up all worldly matters, if by doing so he may attain the pleasure of the Lord of the Worlds. It will be easy for him to sacrifice himself and his wealth for the sake of Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, so long as that sacrifice is beloved by Allah and brings him closer to attaining His pleasure. Allah, may He be exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Verily, Allâh has purchased of the believers their lives and their properties for (the price) that theirs shall be the Paradise. They fight in Allâh's Cause, so they kill (others) and are killed. It is a promise in truth which is binding on Him in the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel) and the Qur'ân. And who is truer to his covenant than Allâh? Then rejoice in the bargain which you have concluded. That is the supreme success”

[al-Tawbah 9:111]. 

Thirdly: 

Keeping a dog for no reason is haraam for the Muslim and detracts from his reward. Although it does not invalidate his good deeds altogether, and his prayers and good deeds will not be rejected because of that, the reward for his good deeds is reduced by a large amount that the Muslim loses every day because of it. 

It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever keeps a dog, one qiraat (i.e., a certain amount) will be deducted from his good deeds every day, except a dog for watching the fields or herding livestock.” 

Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 3324: Muslim, 1575 

See also the answer to question no.

To sum up: 

The long time that you have had the dog is not a justification for keeping it when the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) has forbidden us to do so and warned us of this great reduction in a person’s reward for good deeds because of that, even if it does not render one’s prayers invalid. 

With regard to what is past, if you did not know of the prohibition on keeping dogs at that time, there is no blame on you in sha Allah and there will be no reduction in the reward for your good deeds because of that. 

And Allah knows best.

Ruling oen sending Qur’aanic verses by text message or e-mail

My Question is we should not send Quranic messages by e-mail or SMS? Is it prohibited?.

Praise be to Allaah.

There is nothing wrong with sending Qur’aanic messages via e-mail or SMS. Rather this is the kind of deed for which a person will be rewarded if he intends thereby to call people to Allah and encourage them to think about and ponder the Book of Allah, may He be glorified and exalted. Allah, may He be exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning):

“But warn by the Qur’ân, him who fears My Threat”

[Qaaf 50:45]. 

And Allah knows best.

Learn Quran to read tajweed listening to Quran online for kids

Is it permissible to add non-mahram women to his list of Facebook friends for the purpose of da‘wah and offering advice?.

Praise be to Allaah.

Firstly: 

Facebook has pros and cons. The benefits of Facebook and the harm it may cause are connected to the reasons why one signed up for it and how one uses it. 

We have discussed this website in the answer to question no. 137243; please refer to it. 

Secondly: 

We do not think it is permissible for a man to add any women who are not his mahrams to his list of friends, and especially we do not think it is permissible to correspond with them and chat with them. What is more dangerous is when you can see them. That is because this opens the door to fitnah for those who get involved in it, and the tragic consequences that result from forming relationships between men and women are too many to list and too well-known to need mentioning. The Muslim should not be deceived by the Shaytaan’s making these relationships attractive by claiming that they are for the purpose of da‘wah, exhortation, advice and helping others. If a man really is keen to call people to Islam, there are millions of his fellow males who need that, so he should hasten to add them and help them. The same might be said to sisters who want to help others: they have to do that their fellow females and leave calling and advising men to other men. 

We have discussed the ruling on correspondence and chat between the sexes in several fatwas. See the answers to questions no. 78375, 26890 and 82702. 

In particular, see the answer to question no. 98107, where we mentioned ways in which the Shaytaan causes daa‘iyahs to fall prey to the fitnah of women on the internet. 

What we hope is that our brother will be sincere to himself and avoid all doubts and close the door to fitnah; he should refrain from adding any non-mahram women to his friends list. If he has done that previously, he should hasten to remove their names from his list (“unfriend” them). It is better for him and for them. And we ask Allah to protect the Muslims in their religious commitment and protect them against the temptation of women. 

And Allah knows best.