Attending wedding parties which involve some evils

Celebrations nowadays are not free of some evils, such as songs, dancing, music, improper clothing, etc. My question is very important:
1- Is it permissible to attend and accept invitations to these occasions?
2- As 99% of these events are not free of songs, especially those that are accompanied by haraam musical instruments or indecent words, does this mean that we should have nothing to do with them and not attend any such occasions?
3- If we do not attend these parties, does that mean we are severing the ties of kinship, cutting ourselves off from people and causing enmity between us and them?
4- The scholars have stipulated that if we attend these celebrations we must denounce what goes on, but such denunciations receive no response and there is no real opportunity at such times which they claim are times of joy.
5- I hope that you can find the time to explain for us in detail about this matter which is so widespread nowadays.

Praise be to Allaah.
1 – It is not permissible to attend wedding parties that involve evil actions, such as singing that is accompanied by music or that includes indecent words. The fact that this is widespread among people does not mean that it is permissible and should not be denounced.

2 – Not attending these parties is not regarded as severing the ties of kinship, rather it is protecting oneself from seeing or hearing evil. Your family and relatives should understand that you would be keen to attend and take part, were it not for the evil things that they do.

3 – If a person who is invited to such an event knows that there will be evil things happening and that he is not able to denounce them, it is not permissible for him to attend.

Ibn Qudaamah (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in al-Mughni (7/214): If a person is invited to a wedding feast in which evil things will take place, such as wine, musical instruments, etc, and he is able to attend and remove those evils, then he must attend and denounce them, because then he will be fulfilling two duties: accepting the invitation of his Muslim brother and removing evil. But if he is not able to denounce them then he should not attend. If he does not know about the evils until he gets there, he should remove them. If he cannot, then he should go away. Something similar was stated by al-Shaafa’i.

It says in Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah:

If wedding parties are free of evils such as men mixing with women and indecent songs, or if you attend then these evils will be changed, then it is permissible to attend, so as to share in the occasion of joy. Rather it is obligatory to attend if there is some evil that you can remove.

But if there are evil things in these parties that you cannot denounce, then it is haraam to attend them because of the general meaning of the words of Allaah (interpretation of the meaning):

“And leave alone those who take their religion as play and amusement, and whom the life of this world has deceived. But remind (them) with it (the Qur’aan) lest a person be given up to destruction for that which he has earned, when he will find for himself no protector or intercessor besides Allaah” [al-An’aam 6:70]

“And of mankind is he who purchases idle talks (i.e. music, singing) to mislead (men) from the path of Allaah without knowledge, and takes it (the path of Allaah, or the Verses of the Qur’aan) by way of mockery. For such there will be a humiliating torment (in the Hell-fire)”

[Luqmaan 31:6]

And because of the many ahaadeeth which condemn singing and musical instruments.

From Fataawa al-Mar’ah, compiled by Muhammad al-Musnad, p. 92.

And Allaah knows best.

Is it hypocrisy to forbid something but then do it oneself?

If I am exhorting my brothers and I warn them against some sins, but I fall into these sins myself, am I to be considered a hypocrite? Please advise me, may Allaah reward you with good.

Praise be to Allaah.

You have to repent from the sins and exhort your brothers against them. It is not permissible for you to continue committing the sin and not to advise your brothers, because by doing this you are combining two sins. You must repent to Allaah from that, whilst also advising your brothers. This does not make you a hypocrite, but it does place you in a category which is condemned as blameworthy by Allaah in the aayaat (interpretation of the meaning):

“Most hateful it is with Allâh that you say that which you do not do” [al-Saff 61:3]

“Enjoin you Al-Birr (piety and righteousness and each and every act of obedience to Allaah) on the people and you forget (to practise it) yourselves, while you recite the Scripture! Have you then no sense?” [al-Baqarah 2:44]

Enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil

Why do the Muslims consider enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil to be one of the basic principles of their religion?

Praise be to Allaah.

Man is very forgetful and makes a lot of mistakes. His own self (nafs) tells him to do evil and the Shaytaan tempts him to commit sin. When bodies get sick and are afflicted with disease, one has to find a doctor who can prescribe the appropriate medicine so that the body may be restored to full health. Similarly, souls and hearts may be afflicted with the diseases of desire and doubt, so people do things which Allaah has forbidden, such as shedding blood, committing adultery, drinking alcohol, oppressing people and consuming their wealth unlawfully, preventing people from following the way of Allaah and disbelieving in Allaah.

The diseases of the heart [psychological and spiritual diseases] are worse than diseases of the body. This means that one must find a doctor who is skilled in treating such diseases. Because the diseases of the heart are so many and cause the spread of evil and corruption, Allaah has enjoined the believers to treat these diseases, by enjoining that which is good and forbidding that which is evil. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good (Islam), enjoining Al-Ma‘roof (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do) and forbidding Al-Munkar (polytheism and disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden). And it is they who are the successful” [Aal ‘Imraan 3:104]

Enjoining what is good (al-ma’roof) and forbidding what is evil (al-munkar) is one of the most important Islamic duties, indeed it is the noblest and most sublime. This is the task of the Prophets and Messengers (peace be upon them all), as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Messengers as bearers of good news as well as of warning in order that mankind should have no plea against Allaah after the (coming of) Messengers” [al-Nisaa’ 4:165]

Allaah has made the Muslim ummah the best nation ever raised up for mankind, in order to do this important task, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“You (true believers in Islamic Monotheism, and real followers of Prophet Muhammad and his Sunnah) are the best of peoples ever raised up for mankind; you enjoin Al-Ma‘roof (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam has ordained) and forbid Al-Munkar (polytheism, disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden), and you believe in Allaah” [Aal ‘Imraan 3:110]

If the ummah fails to do its duty of enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil, wrongdoing and corruption will spread throughout the ummah, and it will deserve the curse of Allaah. For Allaah cursed those among the Children of Israel who disbelieved because they failed in this important duty. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Those among the Children of Israel who disbelieved were cursed by the tongue of Dawood (David) and ‘Eesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary). That was because they disobeyed (Allaah and the Messengers) and were ever transgressing beyond bounds.

They used not to forbid one another from Al-Munkar (wrong, evildoing, sins, polytheism, disbelief) which they committed. Vile indeed was what they used to do [al-Maa’idah 5:78]

Enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil is one of the basic principles of this religion, and doing this is jihaad for the sake of Allaah. Jihaad requires putting up with difficulties and bearing insults and harm with patience, as Luqmaan said to his son:

“O my son! Aqim-is-Salaah (perform As-Salaah), enjoin (on people) Al-Ma‘roof  (Islamic Monotheism and all that is good), and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (i.e. disbelief in the Oneness of Allaah, polytheism of all kinds and all that is evil and bad), and bear with patience whatever befalls you. Verily, these are some of the important commandments (ordered by Allaah with no exemption” [Luqmaan 31:17 – interpretation of the meaning]

Enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil is an important mission, hence those who undertake this mission must be of good character and must understand the objectives of sharee’ah; they must call people with wisdom and fair preaching and deal with them in a kind and gentle manner, so that Allaah may guide those whom He wills at their hands. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Invite (mankind, O Muhammad) to the way of your Lord (i.e. Islam) with wisdom (i.e. with the Divine Revelation and the Qur’aan) and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better. Truly, your Lord knows best who has gone astray from His path, and He is the Best Aware of those who are guided” [al-Nahl 16:125]

The ummah which establishes the symbols of Islam, enjoins what is good and forbids what is evil, will attain happiness in this world and in the Hereafter. Allaah will send them His support and grant them victory, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Verily, Allaah will help those who help His (Cause). Truly, Allaah is All-Strong, All-Mighty.

Those (Muslim rulers) who, if We give them power in the land, (they) enjoin Iqamaat-as-Salaah [i.e. to perform the five compulsory congregational Salaah (prayers) (the males in mosques)], to pay the Zakaah and they enjoin Al-Ma‘roof (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do), and forbid Al-Munkar (i.e. disbelief, polytheism and all that Islam has forbidden) [i.e. they make the Qur’aan as the law of their country in all the spheres of life]. And with Allaah rests the end of (all) matters (of creatures)” [al-Hajj 22:40-41]

Enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil is a mission which will never end until the Hour begins. It is obligatory upon all the ummah, rulers and subjects, men and women, each according to his or her circumstances. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever among you sees an evil action, let him change it with his hand [by taking action]; and if he cannot, then with his tongue [by speaking out]; and if he cannot, then with his heart [by feeling that it is wrong] – and that is the weakest of faith.” (Narrated by Muslim, 49)

The Muslim ummah is one nation, and if corruption becomes widespread in it and its circumstances turn bad, then all the Muslims are obliged to reform it, rid it of evil things, enjoin what is good and forbid what is bad, and offer sincere advice to all. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:

“Religion is sincerity.” We said, “To whom?” He said, “To Allaah and His Book, and His Messenger, and to the leaders of the Muslims and their common folk.” (Narrated by Muslim, 95).

If a Muslim is commanded to do something, he should be the quickest of people to do it, and if he is forbidden to do something, he must be the one who keeps furthest away from it. Allaah has issued a warning to those who go against that, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):

“O you who believe! Why do you say that which you do not do?

Most hateful it is with Allaah that you say that which you do not do” [al-Saff 61:2-3]

No matter how righteous a person may be, he still needs sincere advice, guidance and reminders in the light of the Qur’aan and Sunnah. Allaah said to the Messenger of the Lord of the Worlds, the most perfect of all creation (interpretation of the meaning):

“O Prophet (Muhammad)! Keep your duty to Allaah, and obey not the disbelievers and the hypocrites (i.e., do not follow their advice). Verily, Allaah is Ever All-Knower, All-Wise”

[al-Ahzaab 33:1]

So we must all enjoin that which is good and forbid that which is evil, so that we may attain the Pleasure of Allaah and His Paradise.

How can he enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil with regard to his father who is older than him?

As a young Muslim (26yrs) im often challenged with enjoining good and forbidding the wrong with poeple much older than me, especially my father who is muslim(from Egypt),how do I do this when he acts unjust with the way he talks to me,my brothers and my mother,not spending or teaching that much for thier deen ,whilst they go extreamly astray ,seeing my father shaking hands or hugging wemon at work for business puposses as he says not to make them feel uncomfortable or think weird,,,or as a youth leader for a youth group ,the parents will some times tell the children in my group while we are having a meeting to do something wich is a bida' in front of me,,how do I correct things like this in my position with out seeming disrespectfull to my elders.

Praise be to Allaah.
Enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil is one of the greatest duties that Islam enjoins upon Muslims; Allaah has made it the main quality of this ummah and a condition of it being the best of people. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“You (true believers in Islamic Monotheism, and real followers of Prophet Muhammad and his Sunnah) are the best of peoples ever raised up for mankind; you enjoin Al-Ma‘roof (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam has ordained) and forbid Al‑Munkar (polytheism, disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden), and you believe in Allaah”

[Aal ‘Imraan 3:110]

“The believers, men and women, are Awliyaa’ (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another; they enjoin (on the people) Al‑Ma‘roof (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do), and forbid (people) from Al‑Munkar (i.e. polytheism and disbelief of all kinds, and all that Islam has forbidden); they perform As-Salaah (Iqaamat-as-Salaah), and give the Zakaah, and obey Allaah and His Messenger. Allaah will have His Mercy on them. Surely, Allaah is All-Mighty, All-Wise”

[al-Tawbah 9:71]

See also question no. 11403. This is indicative of the high status that Islam gives to enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil.

With regard to the problems of undertaking this duty with regard to those who are older than you, especially your father, you can overcome these problems to a great extent by understanding that this duty must be accompanied by three basic characteristics: knowledge, kindness and patience. Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah said: “These three are essential: knowledge, kindness and patience: knowledge before enjoining or forbidding, kindness when doing so and patience afterwards, as it was narrated that one of the salaf said: No one can enjoin what is good or forbid what is evil unless he understands what he is enjoining or forbidding, and is kind in enjoining and kind in forbidding, and is patience and forbearing when enjoining and when forbidding.”

Majmoo’ al-Fataawa, 28/137

In order to solve these problems we should first draw attention to the importance of being patient and forbearing. Do not be too harsh with your father, because he is first of all your father, and because he is older than you. Seek help in doing that by choosing the right time for each conversation, watching out for times when he is in a good mood and is more likely to be influenced and respond. Also seek the help of wise, righteous and sincere people. Before all that it is essential to be sincere towards him in word and deed, and in all your affairs, and to fear that the punishment of his Lord may befall him, and after that be patient in awaiting the decree of your Lord. Whatever happens to you if you do this duty for the sake of Allaah, as Luqmaan the wise said to his son:

“O my son! Aqim‑is‑Salaah (perform As‑Salaah), enjoin (on people) Al‑Ma‘roof  (Islamic Monotheism and all that is good), and forbid (people) from Al‑Munkar (i.e. disbelief in the Oneness of Allaah, polytheism of all kinds and all that is evil and bad), and bear with patience whatever befalls you. Verily, these are some of the important commandments (ordered by Allaah with no exemption)”

[Luqmaan 31:17 – interpretation of the meaning]

You should always remember the Close Friend of the Most Merciful, Ibraaheem, and how he addressed his father when he told him not to associate others with Allaah, which is worse than the things that your father is doing; how he was loving towards him, felt pity for him and was sincere towards him, then he bore his bad response with patience. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And mention in the Book (the Qur’aan) Ibraaheem (Abraham). Verily, he was a man of truth, a Prophet.

42. When he said to his father: ‘O my father! Why do you worship that which hears not, sees not and cannot avail you in anything?

43. ‘O my father! Verily, there has come to me of the knowledge that which came not unto you. So follow me, I will guide you to the Straight Path.

44. ‘O my father! Worship not Shaytaan (Satan). Verily, Shaytaan (Satan) has been a rebel against the Most Gracious (Allaah).

45. ‘O my father! Verily, I fear lest a torment from the Most Gracious (Allaah) should overtake you, so that you become a companion of Shaytaan (Satan) (in the Hell‑fire).’

46. He (the father) said: ‘Do you reject my gods, O Ibraaheem (Abraham)? If you stop not (this), I will indeed stone you. So get away from me safely (before I punish you).’

47. Ibraaheem (Abraham) said: ‘Peace be on you! I will ask forgiveness of my Lord for you. Verily, He is unto me Ever Most Gracious.

48. ‘And I shall turn away from you and from those whom you invoke besides Allaah. And I shall call upon my Lord and I hope that I shall not be unblest in my invocation to my Lord’”

[Maryam 19:41-48]

With regard to the group that you are leading, this is an easier matter, because their closeness in age makes it easier for them to accept advice from you, especially if they know you to be sincere and honest, and that you practise what you preach. This practical implementation of what you are calling them to is one of the most effective means of da’wah, especially if speaking directly will cause them to turn away and be stubborn.

With regard to your advice and da’wah being undermined by their parents’ directions, you should avoid blatantly contradicting what they say; rather you should look at the mistakes and teach them the right way. If it is the matter of a sin that they are committing, then teach them to fear disobeying Allaah and to love obeying Him. Instill in their hearts a sense of the greatness of Allaah and the seriousness of His prohibitions, then teach them about what has been narrated concerning these particular sins. This is what you should do if it is the matter of an innovation that you notice them engaging in. First instill in their hearts the love of the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and teach them that this is the practical manifestation of love for the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). And instill in their hearts a hatred for bid’ah and tell them how it is the way that leads to Hell even though the one who follows it thinks that it is the way that leads to Paradise. Tell them of the advice of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) to his ummah concerning that, as narrated in the hadeeth of al-‘Irbaad ibn Saariyah (may Allaah be pleased with him) who said:

“The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) led us in praying Fajr then he turned to us and delivered an eloquent exhortation that caused our eyes to flow with tears and our hearts to melt. We said (or they said): ‘O Messenger of Allaah, it is as if this exhortation is a farewell, so advise us.’ He said: ‘I advise you to fear Allaah and to listen and obey even if (your leader is) an Abyssinian slave. Those of you who live will see great differences after I am gone, so I urge you to adhere to my Sunnah and the path of the Rightly-Guided Caliphs, and take hold of it firmly. And beware of newly-invented matters, for every newly-invented matter is an innovation and every innovation is a going astray.’” Narrated by Ahmad, 16692 and others; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in al-Saheehah, 45.

So after this general advice we move to addressing the specific bid’ah into which they have fallen.

It should be noted that your presence in this group should be for a good purpose; as long as your presence is more likely to do good or to reduce any evils, then join them in their gatherings with this intention. But beware of letting your presence have any negative effect or make you get used to accepting mistakes, or lead you to make similar mistakes. In that case you should leave the place where evil things are happening. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And it has already been revealed to you in the Book (this Qur’aan) that when you hear the Verses of Allaah being denied and mocked at, then sit not with them, until they engage in a talk other than that; (but if you stayed with them) certainly in that case you would be like them. Surely, Allaah will collect the hypocrites and disbelievers all together in Hell”

[al-Nisa’ 4:140]

Shaykh Ibn Sa’di (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: Whoever attends a gathering in which Allaah is disobeyed, then he must denounce their action if he is able to, or he must leave if he not able to do that.

Tafseer Ibn Sa’di, p. 210.

May Allaah help us and you to do that which He loves and which pleases Him, and make us steadfast in adhering to true guidance and the straight path.

It is essential to respond to those who defame the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)

There is no one among us who is unaware of what the Christians say defaming the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), and we are not unaware either of the gheerah (protective jealousy) of the young men of the Muslim ummah towards their religion and their Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). Is it permissible to respond to those who defame the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) by insulting the speaker, knowing that I insulted one of them and some of my relatives advised me not to do that again, because it will make them defame and mock him even more, so their sin will be on me?.

Praise be to Allaah.
Defaming the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) is a kind of kufr. If that is done by a Muslim then it is apostasy on his part, and the authorities have to defend the cause of Allaah and His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) by executing the one who defamed him. If the one who defamed him repents openly and is sincere, that will benefit him before Allaah, although his repentance does not waive the punishment for defaming the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), which is execution.

If the person who defames him is a non-Muslim living under a treaty with the Muslim state, then this is a violation of the treaty and he must be executed, but that should be left to the authorities. If a Muslim hears a Christian or anyone else defaming the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) he has to denounce him in strong terms. It is permissible to insult that person because he is the one who started it. How can we not stand up the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)? It is also obligatory to report him to the authorities who can carry out the punishment on him. If there is no one who can carry out the hadd punishment of Allaah and stand up for the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) then the Muslim has to do whatever he can, so long as that will not lead to further mischief and harm against other people. But if a Muslim hears a kaafir defaming the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and he keeps quiet and does not respond for fear that this person may then defame him even more, this is mistaken thinking. With regard to the verse (interpretation of the meaning):

“And insult not those whom they (disbelievers) worship besides Allaah, lest they insult Allaah wrongfully without knowledge”

[al-An’aam 6:108],

this does not apply in cases where they defame Allaah and His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) first. Rather what is meant is that it is forbidden to insult the gods of the mushrikeen first, lest they insult Allaah out of ignorance and enmity on their part. But if they insult Allaah and His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) first, then we must respond and punish them so as deter them from their kufr and enmity. If we leave the kuffaar and atheists to say whatever they want without denouncing it or punishing them, great mischief will result, which is something that these kuffaar love. No attention should be paid to the one who says that insulting or responding to insults will make him more stubborn. The Muslim has to have a sense of protective jealousy and get angry for the sake of Allaah and His Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). Whoever hears the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) being insulted and does not feel any protective jealousy or get angry is not a true believer – we seek refuge with Allaah from humility, kufr and obeying the Shaytaan.

And Allaah knows best.

He looks for bad sites to send them to the centre which will block them. Is this good or bad?

I was searching the web hunting down the unethical sites and sind them to king abdulaziz city of sciences and technology to block them not to be seen . is this work for me or against me as a moslem ?.

Praise be to Allaah.
This brother is to be commended for his protective jealousy regarding haraam things and for his hatred of sin and desire to combat it and rid the people of its evils. But we do not advise him to look for bad sites in order to tell the centre to block them. That is for many reasons, including the following:

1 – the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) has informed us of and warned us against the temptation (fitnah) of women. Undoubtedly the fitnah of naked women in different poses is very great.

It was narrated that Usaamah ibn Zayd (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “I have not left behind me any fitnah that is more harmful to men than women.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 4808; Muslim, 2740.

2 – The Muslim is commanded to keep away from places of fitnah and to flee from places where it is present and shun its people. Undoubtedly seeking out these sites goes against all of that.

It was narrated that ‘Imraan ibn Husayn (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever hears of the Dajjaal, let him flee from him, for by Allaah, a man may come to him thinking that he is a believer, then follow him because of the specious arguments that he presents.” Narrated by Abu Dawood, 4319; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami’, 6301.

Ibn al-Jawzi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:

Beware – may Allaah have mercy on you – of exposing yourself to the causes of calamity, for it is unlikely that those who approach fitnah will be safe from it. Just as caution leads to being safe, so too exposing oneself to fitnah leads to doom, and it is rare that one remains safe from fitnah when approaching it; even those who are safe from fitnah when they approach it will not be safe from thinking about it or being influenced by it.

Dhamm al-Hawa, p. 126

3– The Muslim is commanded to lower his gaze and avoid looking at haraam things; checking on these permissive websites and what is in them goes against this command.

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Tell the believing men to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts). That is purer for them. Verily, Allaah is All‑Aware of what they do”

[al-Noor 24:30]

Ibn Katheer (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:

This is a command from Allaah to His believing slaves to lower their gaze and avoid looking at that which is forbidden to them, so they should not look at anything except that which Allaah has permitted them to look at. If their gaze happens to fall upon something haraam, then it is unanimously agreed (among the scholars) that if a person’s gaze falls upon something haraam unintentionally, then he should look away immediately. It was narrated by Muslim in his Saheeh that Jareer ibn ‘Abd-Allaah al-Bajali (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: I asked the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) about an accidental glance, and he told me to look away.

Tafseer Ibn Katheer, 3/282

4 -  The saheeh text states that it is forbidden for a man to look at the ‘awrah of another man, so what about a man looking at the ‘awrah of a woman?

It was narrated from Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “No man should look at the ‘awrah of another man, and no woman should look at the ‘awrah of another woman.”

Narrated by Muslim, 338.

5 – The Muslim is forgiven the first glance, but repeatedly looking at corrupt sites goes against that.

It was narrated that Buraydah ibn al-Husayb said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to ‘Ali: “O ‘Ali, do not follow one glance with another; you are forgiven the first but not the second.” Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 2777; Abu Dawood, 2149. classed as hasan by Shaykh al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Targheeb, 1903.

It was narrated that Jareer ibn ‘Abd-Allaah said: I asked the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) about an accidental glance, and he told me to look away. Narrated by Muslim, 2159.

Al-Nawawi said:

What is meant by an accidental glace is if one's gaze falls upon a non-mahram woman accidentally; there is no sin in that initially, but he must look away immediately. If he looks away immediately, there is no sin on him, but if he persists in looking, then he has sinned, because of this hadeeth, for the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) commanded him to look away. And Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Tell the believing men to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts)…”

[al-Noor 24:30]
Men must lower their gaze and avoid looking at women at all times, except for sound and legitimate purposes, namely testimony, medical treatment, proposing marriage, buying a slave girl, buying and selling, etc. In these cases it is permitted to look only as much as is necessary and no more. And Allaah knows best.

Sharh Muslim, 14/139

6 – The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) called a forbidden glance the “adultery of the eye”. In addition to it being haraam in the sense of transgressing the limits with regard to looking, it is also an act of ingratitude for the gift of sight that Allaah has bestowed upon the Muslim.

It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Allaah has decreed for the son of Adam his share of zina (adultery), which will inevitably happen. The zina of the eyes is looking, the zina of the tongue is speaking; the heart hopes and wishes for that and the private parts confirm it or deny it.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 5899; Muslim, 2657.

Al-Nawawi said:

What this hadeeth means is that a share of zina is decreed for the son of Adam; in some cases zina will be in a real sense, namely unlawful sexual relations; in other cases it will be zina in a metaphorical sense, by looking at haraam things, or listening to stories of zina and things that have to do with it, or by touching a non-mahram woman with his hand or kissing her, or by walking to zina, or looking, or touching, or speaking in haraam ways with a non-mahram woman, and so on, or by thinking of it in one’s heart. All these are metaphorical kinds of zina.

“The private parts confirm that or deny it” means, zina with the private parts may or may not take place even though a person may have been approaching that. And Allaah knows best.

Sharh Muslim, 16/206

7 – There are an estimated 8 billion permissive websites, up from approximately half a billion in 1998. So how about now? If you were to give each website a quick glance, how would your heart end up? How much time would you waste in seeking them out? Undoubtedly doing that would destroy one's heart and body, and would be a waste of time.

8 – Continually looking at these evil and provocative sites may cause one to become attached to them, so his heart would be filled with forbidden love and become corrupted. Thus he will have exposed himself to fitnah and doom after having been sound and healthy.

Ibn al-Jawzi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:

A person may be exposed to the causes of love so he falls in love, and he may see a person and this first glance does not create love, but repeatedly looking at that person and mixing with him or her may lead to what was unthinkable. Some people may look at a person and that creates some kind of love, but then they keep away and the love disappears, because continual looking may cause love to grow, like a garden planted with seeds which, if it is neglected, will shrivel and die, but if it is watered it will flourish.

Dhamm al-Hawa, p. 237

Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:

The more looks follow one another, the more the heart becomes attached, like water with which a tree is irrigated. If too much water is given the tree is damaged. Similarly if glances are repeated that undoubtedly corrupts the heart. If the heart is exposed to this problem, it will turn away from what it has been commanded and the person will be faced with problems which will inevitably lead him to commit forbidden actions, and his heart will be destroyed. The reason for that is that the one who looks enjoys looking the first time, then he wants to look again, like eating delicious food, when he takes the first bite. But if he had lowered his gaze from the outset, his heart would be at peace.

Rawdat al-Muhibbeen, p. 94, 95

And he said:

Letting one's gaze wander leads to becoming heedless about Allaah and the Hereafter, and will make him intoxicated with love, as Allaah says concerning the lovers of images (interpretation of the meaning):

“Verily, by your life (O Muhammad), in their wild intoxication, they were wandering blindly”

[al-Hijr 15:72]

Looking is like a glass of wine, and love is the intoxication that results from that. The drunkenness of love is worse than the drunkenness caused by wine, for the drunkenness caused by wine will pass, but the drunkenness of love rarely passes until one is in the throes of death.

Rawdat al-Muhibbeen, p. 104

9 – Repeatedly looking at those evil sites may lead a person to commit haraam actions, or to imitate the things he sees. So it starts with looking, and ends with committing haraam deeds.

Ibn al-Qayyim said:

Looking is the origin of most of the problems that befall man, because looking generates thoughts, then thoughts generate ideas, and ideas generate desires, and desires generate will, which then becomes stronger and becomes firm resolve, in which case the deed will inevitably be done unless there is something to prevent it. Hence it was said that patience in lowering the gaze is easier than patience in bearing the pain that comes afterwards.

Al-Jawaab al-Kaafi, p. 106

10 – Repeatedly looking at those evil sites causes other kinds of harm too, such as desensitization, and after a while you will never regard that thing as evil and you will get used to looking. This is a sign that the heart has died and lost the shar’i sensitivity towards sin. Another effect is that you expose yourself to suspicion, if someone sees you going to these sites or if others see that on your computer.

Finally,

What you should keep away from is looking at these sites, even if the purpose is to inform the authorities of them, for the Shayatan may make you go to these sites on this basis and then lead you to worse sins after that.

There are technical means available which mean that the Muslims does not need to seek out these sites, and there are specialized committees in some government departments and companies who block these sites. Undoubtedly when a committee in a work place views such things, that is not like a person viewing these sites alone at home, because the person who is doing that alone is more likely to fall into the trap of these sites.

We are not speaking of something imaginary or something that is impossible or unlikely. We often hear stories of righteous young men who have been tempted by these sites; they start with a glance, then they waste their time with them.

You have no need of all that; protect your capital and do not take risks. We ask Allaah to write your reward in full and to make you steadfast in adhering to truth and guidance.

And Allaah knows best.

Is punishment from Allaah one of the consequences of sin?

I read that one of the consequences of sin is punishment from Allaah and loss of blessing, and I wept with fear because of that. Please advise me

Praise be to Allaah.
Undoubtedly committing sin is one of the causes of Allaah’s wrath and of loss of blessing and withholding of rain and being overtaken by the enemy. Allaah says (interpretation of the meanings):

 “And indeed We punished the people of Fir‘awn (Pharaoh) with years of drought and shortness of fruits (crops), that they might remember (take heed)”

[al-A’raaf 7:130]

“So We punished each (of them) for his sins, of them were some on whom We sent Haasib (a violent wind with shower of stones) [as on the people of Loot (Lot)], and of them were some who were overtaken by As-Sayhah [torment — awful cry, (as Thamood or Shu‘ayb’s people)], and of them were some whom We caused the earth to swallow [as Qaaroon (Korah)], and of them were some whom We drowned [as the people of Nooh (Noah), or Fir‘awn (Pharaoh) and his people]. It was not Allaah Who wronged them, but they wronged themselves”

[al-‘Ankaboot 29:40]

There are many similar aayahs. And it was narrated in a saheeh hadeeth that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “A person may be deprived of provision because of sins that he commits.” So each Muslim man and woman must beware of sin, and must repent from sins that they have committed in the past, whilst also thinking positively about Allaah, hoping for His forgiveness and fearing His wrath and punishment. Allaah says in His Holy Book about His righteous slaves:

“Verily, they used to hasten on to do good deeds, and they used to call on Us with hope and fear, and used to humble themselves before Us”

[al-Anbiya’ 21:90 – interpretation of the meaning]

And Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Those whom they call upon [like ‘Eesa (Jesus) - son of Maryam (Mary), ‘Uzayr (Ezra), angel and others] desire (for themselves) means of access to their Lord (Allaah), as to which of them should be the nearest; and they [‘Eesa (Jesus), ‘Uzayr (Ezra), angels and others] hope for His Mercy and fear His Torment. Verily, the Torment of your Lord is (something) to be afraid of!”

[al-Isra’ 17:57]

“The believers, men and women, are Awliyaa’ (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another; they enjoin (on the people) Al-Ma‘roof (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do), and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (i.e. polytheism and disbelief of all kinds, and all that Islam has forbidden); they perform As-Salaah (Iqaamat-as-Salaah), and give the Zakaah, and obey Allaah and His Messenger. Allaah will have His Mercy on them. Surely, Allaah is All-Mighty, All-Wise”

[al-Tawbah 9:71]

It is prescribed, however, for Muslim men and women also to pursue the means that Allaah has permitted, placing their hope in Him and fearing Him, pursuing the means whilst also putting their trust in Allaah and depending on Him to bring what they hope for and keep them safe from what they fear, for He is the Ever-Responsive and Most Generous who says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And whosoever fears Allaah 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”
[al-Talaaq 65:2-3]

“and whosoever fears Allaah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make his matter easy for him”

[al-Talaaq 65:4]

“And all of you beg Allaah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful”[al-Noor 24:31]

So you must repent to Allaah from whatever sins you have committed in the past and be steadfast in obeying Allaah, whilst thinking positively of Him and fearing His wrath. Be of good cheer and have the hope of a good end