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Showing posts with label Shirk. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shirk. Show all posts
Al-'Aqeedatul Waasitiyyah - Audio Lessons
Al-'Aqeedatul Waasitiyyah
by
Shaykh-ul-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah
Commentary by
Shaykh Muhammad Ibn Salih al-'Uthaymeen
Lessons by
The Origins of Halloween
Origins of the Hallow’een Festival
The ancient Celtic (Irish/Scottish/Welsh) festival called Samhain is considered by most historians and scholars to be the predecessor of what is now Hallow’een. Samhain was the New Year’s day of the pagan Celts. It was also the Day of the Dead, a time when it was believed that the souls of those who had died during the year were allowed access into the “land of the dead”. Many traditional beliefs and customs associated with Samhain continue to be practiced today on the 31st of October. Most notable of these customs are the practice of leaving offerings of food and drink (now candy) to masked and costumed revelers, and the lighting of bonfires. Elements of this festival were incorporated into the Christian festival of All Hallow’s Eve, or Hallow-Even, the night preceding All Saint’s (Hallows’) Day. It is the glossing of the name Hallow- Even that has given us the name of Hallow’een. Until recent times in some parts of Europe, it was believed that on this night the dead walked amongst them, and that witches and warlocks flew in their midst. In preparation for this, bonfires were built to ward off these malevolent spirits.
By the 19th century, witches’ pranks were replaced by children’s tricks. The spirits of Samhain, once believed to be wild and powerful, were now recognized as being evil. Devout Christians began rejecting this festival. They had discovered that the so-called gods, goddesses, and other spiritual beings of the pagan religions, were diabolical deceptions. The spiritual forces that people experienced during this festival were indeed real, but they were manifestations of the devil who misled people toward the worship of false idols. Thus, they rejected the customs associated with Hallow’een, including all representations of ghosts, vampires, and human skeletons – symbols of the dead – and of the devil and other malevolent and evil creatures. It must also be noted that, to this day, many Satan-worshippers consider the evening of October 31st to be their most sacred. And many devout Christians today continue to distance themselves from this pagan festival.
The Islamic Perspective
Iman (faith) is the foundation of Islamic society, and tauheed (the belief in the existence and Oneness of Allah) is the essence of this faith and the very core of Islam. The safeguarding of this iman, and of this pure tauheed, is the primary objective of all Islamic teachings and legislation. In order to keep the Muslim society purified of all traces of shirk (associating partners with Allah) and remnants of error, a continuous war must be waged against all customs and practises which originate from societies’ ignorance of divine guidance, and in the errors of idol worship.
Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (sall'Allahu alayhi wasalam) issued a stern warning: “Whoever imitates a nation is one of them!” (Abu Da’oud). Muslims should heed this warning and refrain from copying or imitating the kuffar in their celebrations. Islam has strongly forbidden Muslims to follow the religious or social customs of the non-Muslims, and especially of the idol-worshippers or those who worship the devil. The Prophet (sall'Allahu alayhi wasalam) said: “By Him in Whose hands is my life, you are ordered to enjoin good and forbid evil, or else Allah will certainly afflict you with torments. Thereafter, even your du’a (supplications) will not be accepted.” (Tirmidhi).
From an Islamic standpoint, Hallow’een is one of the worst celebrations because of its origins and history. It is HARAM (forbidden), even if there may be some seemingly good or harmless elements in those practises, as evidenced by a statement from the Prophet (sall'Allahu alayhi wasalam) “Every innovation (in our religion) is misguidance, even if the people regard it as something good” (ad-Daarimee.). Although it may be argued that the celebration of Hallow’een today has nothing to do with devil-worship, it is still forbidden for Muslims to participate in it. If Muslims begin to take part in such customs, it is a sure sign of weak iman and that we have either forgotten, or outrightly rejected the mission of our Prophet (sall'Allahu alayhi wasalam) who came to cleanse us from jahiliyyah customs, superstitions and false practises.
Muslims are enjoined to neither imitate the behaviour and customs of the non-Muslims, nor to commit their indecencies. Behaviour-imitation will affect the attitude of a Muslim and may create a feeling of sympathy towards the indecent modes of life. Islam seeks to cleanse the Muslim of all immoral conducts and habits, and thus paving the way for the Qur’an and Sunnah to be the correct and pure source for original Islamic thought and behaviour. A Muslim should be a model for others in faith and practice, behaviour and moral character, and not a blind imitator dependant on other nations and cultures.
Even if one decides to go along with the outward practises of Hallow’een without acknowledging the deeper significance or historical background of this custom, he or she is still guilty of indulging in this pagan festival. Undoubtedly, even after hearing the Truth, some Muslims will still participate in Hallow’een, send their kids “trick-or-treating,” and they will try to justify it by saying they are doing it merely to make their children happy. But what is the duty of Muslim parents? Is it to follow the wishes of their children without question, or to mould them within the correct Islamic framework as outlined in the Qur’an and Sunnah? Is it not the responsibility of Muslim parents to impart correct Islamic training and instruction to their children? How can this duty be performed if, instead of instructing the children in Islam, parents allow and encourage their children to be taught the way of the unbelievers? Allah exposes these types of people in the Qur’an: “We have sent them the Truth, but they indeed practise falsehood” (23:10).
Muslim parents must teach their children to refrain from practising falsehood, and not to imitate the non-Muslims in their customs and festivals. If the children are taught to be proud of their Islamic heritage, they themselves will, insha Allah, abstain from Hallow’een and other non-Muslim celebrations, such as birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, Valentines Day, etc. The Prophet Muhammad (sall'Allahu alayhi wasalam) said: The Final Hour will not come until my followers copy the deeds of the previous nations and follow them very closely, span by span, and cubit by cubit (inch by inch). (Bukhari). Islam is a pure religion with no need to accommodate any custom, practise or celebration that is not a part of it. Islam does not distinguish between “secular and sacred;” the shari’ah must rule every aspect of our lives.
“You must keep to my Sunnah and the sunnah of the rightly-guided Caliphs; cling to it firmly. Beware of newly invented matters, for every new matter is an innovation, and every innovation is misleading.” (Bukhari)
“When the people see a person committing a wrong, but do not seize his hand to restrain him or her from the deed, it is likely that Allah will punish them both.” (Abu Da’oud, Nasa’i, Tirmidhi)
“Whoever imitates a nation is one of them.” (Abu Da’oud)
What to do on Halloween.
We have established, beyond doubt, that the celebration of Hallow’een is absolutely forbidden in Islam. It is HARAM. The question arises as to what to do on this night. Muslim parents must not send their kids out “trick-or-treating” on Hallow’een night. Our children must be told why we do not celebrate Hallow’een. Most children are very receptive when taught with sincerity, and especially when shown in practice the joy of their own Islamic celebrations and traditions. In this regard, teach them about the two Islamic festivals of Eid.
It must also be mentioned that, even Muslims who stay home and give out treats to those who come to their door are still participating in this festival. In order to avoid this, leave the front lights off and do not open the door. Educate your neighbours about our Islamic teachings. Inform them in advance that Muslims do not participate in Hallow’een, and explain the reasons why. They will respect your wishes, and you will gain respect in the process. “A person who calls another to guidance will be rewarded, as will the one who accepts the message.” (Tirmidhi)
Finally, we must remember that we are fully accountable to Allah for all of our actions and deeds. If, after knowing the Truth, we do not cease our un-Islamic practises, we risk the wrath of Allah as He himself warned us in the Qur’an: “Then let them beware who refuse the Messenger’s order lest some trial befall them, or a grievous punishment be afflicted upon them!” (24:63). This is a serious matter and not to be taken lightly. And Allah knows best. May Allah guide us, help us to stay on the right path, and save us from all deviations and innovations that will lead us into the fires of Hell.
[Article attributed to Br. Feyoun Khan]
Can Muslims Celebrate Halloween?
Abu Sufyan Abdul Kareem
Listen/Download Audio
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Shaykh Fu’aad Al-‘Amree on the Halloween and the Holidays of the Kuffaar
Question: Our Shaykh, may Allaah reward you and treat you well. We are in need of you commenting on this affair as there is a time drawing near for the disbelievers in our land and many of the Muslims fall into participating in it and allowing their children to do so. It is as follows:
The disbelievers have a holiday called Halloween
الهالوين
It is also called:
عيد الرعب
It is known that all of the holidays of the disbelievers are impermissible for the Muslims; however, this holiday has origins in Shirk and worship of the devils. It is said that the ancient Christians used to believe that on October 31st or around this day, the devils and demons were released from Hell and would cause havoc upon the lands. The only people whom they would not harm were those who made sacrifices by placing cakes and milk on the graves of the dead for the purpose of keeping the dead at ease.
Today, the people, on this day, dress up in costumes as monsters and devils and other things, some frightening and some not frightening, to simulate the dead and the devils coming out on this night. They dress their children up in these costumes and they walk about in the neighborhoods and knock on the people's doors and say: "Trick or treat". The meaning is: "Either you give me a treat or I will do a trick (i.e., some type of evil to you or your home." And the occupants of the home usually buy candy to give the children who are dressed in the costume. This is a connection to the giving of cakes and milk to the inhabitants of the grave that the ancient Christians would do. The people also decorate their homes to look like scary haunted houses in celebration of this Satanic day.
This holiday is very big in these lands, yet I have not found, in my research, any of the scholars speaking about it. My dear Shaykh, is it possible for you to comment on this in a recorded statement on Whatsapp, which I will translate and spread before the day of October 31st to warn the Muslims from participating in this day and allowing their children to do so. May Allah reward you and beautify you with Tawheed and the Sunnah.
Shaykh Fu’aad Al-‘Amree responds:
All the praise is for Allaah; may prayers and peace be upon the Messenger of Allaah, his family and companions altogether. As to proceed:
I say, in response to that the mention of which was presented in the question: It is not permissible for the Muslim who believes in Allaah and the last day to participate with the disbelievers and polytheists in their holidays. Allaah the Exalted says regarding the descriptions of the slaves of Ar-Rahmaan:
وَالَّذِينَ لَا يَشْهَدُونَ الزُّورَ وَإِذَا مَرُّوا بِاللَّغْوِ مَرُّوا كِرَامًا
And those who do not witness falsehood, and if they pass by some evil play or evil talk, they pass by it with dignity. (Al-Furqan 25:72)
Mujaahid and others have stated that: Az-Zoor الزُّورَ is the ‘Eids of the polytheists. When the Prophet, upon him be prayers and peace, came to Al-Madeenah and found them having two days in which they played he asked about them. He was informed that they were two days in which they would play during the days of Jahiliyah. He repudiated them with his statement:
Allaah has replaced them with that which is better than them; the day of Ad’haa and the day of Fitr.
Participating in holidays of falsehood contains imitation of their people. It has been authentically narrated from the Prophet, upon him be prayers and peace, that he said:
He who imitates a people is one of them.
So it is obligatory upon he who desires safety for himself to cling to the pure legislation and to bite onto the guidance of the Prophet, upon him be prayers and peace, with the molar teeth; and to abandon all of that which Allaah the Exalted has prohibited. Shaykhul-Islaam has written, regarding this issue, a magnificent treatise which the one who seeks the truth and desires felicity should refer to, entitled: Iqtidaa’ As-Siraat Al-Mustaqeem Mukhaalifah As’haabil-Jaheem
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Translated by Raha ibn Donald Battsالحمد لله، والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله صلى الله عليه وعلى آله وصحبه أجمعين، وبعد: فأقول جوابا على ماتقدم ذكره في السؤال: ﻻ يجوز لمسلم يؤمن بالله واليوم اﻵخر أن يشارك الكفار والمشركين في أعيادهم، قال تعالى في صفات عباد الرحمن (والذين ﻻ يشهدون الزور وإذا مروا باللغو مروا كراما)قال مجاهد وغيره: الزور أعياد المشركين. والنبي عليه الصﻻة والسﻻم لما قدم المدينة ووجد لهم يومين يلعبون فيهما، فسأل عنهما فأخبر بأنهما يومان كانوا يلعبون فيهما في الجاهلية. فأنكر عليهم بقوله:(قد أبدلكم الله بخير منهما يوم اﻷضحي ويوم الفطر) رواه أبو داود. والمشاركة في اﻷعياد الباطلة فيه تشبه بأهلها وقد صح عن النبي عليه الصﻻة والسﻻم قوله:(من تشبه بقوم فهو منهم) رواه أبو داود . فالواحب على من أراد النجاة لنفسه أن يلزم الشرع المطهر، وأن يعض بالنواجذ على هدي النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم، وأن يهجر كل ما حرم الله تعالى. وقد كتب شيخ اﻹسﻻم في هذا الباب رسالة عظيمة فليراجعها طالب الحق وباغي السعادة والنجاة بعنوان اقتضاء الصراط المستقيم مخالفة أصحاب
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Shaykh Fu’aad Al-‘Amree on the Halloween and the Holidays of the Kuffaar
Question: Our Shaykh, may Allaah reward you and treat you well. We are in need of you commenting on this affair as there is a time drawing near for the disbelievers in our land and many of the Muslims fall into participating in it and allowing their children to do so. It is as follows:
The disbelievers have a holiday called Halloween
الهالوين
It is also called:
عيد الرعب
It is known that all of the holidays of the disbelievers are impermissible for the Muslims; however, this holiday has origins in Shirk and worship of the devils. It is said that the ancient Christians used to believe that on October 31st or around this day, the devils and demons were released from Hell and would cause havoc upon the lands. The only people whom they would not harm were those who made sacrifices by placing cakes and milk on the graves of the dead for the purpose of keeping the dead at ease.
Today, the people, on this day, dress up in costumes as monsters and devils and other things, some frightening and some not frightening, to simulate the dead and the devils coming out on this night. They dress their children up in these costumes and they walk about in the neighborhoods and knock on the people's doors and say: "Trick or treat". The meaning is: "Either you give me a treat or I will do a trick (i.e., some type of evil to you or your home." And the occupants of the home usually buy candy to give the children who are dressed in the costume. This is a connection to the giving of cakes and milk to the inhabitants of the grave that the ancient Christians would do. The people also decorate their homes to look like scary haunted houses in celebration of this Satanic day.
This holiday is very big in these lands, yet I have not found, in my research, any of the scholars speaking about it. My dear Shaykh, is it possible for you to comment on this in a recorded statement on Whatsapp, which I will translate and spread before the day of October 31st to warn the Muslims from participating in this day and allowing their children to do so. May Allah reward you and beautify you with Tawheed and the Sunnah.
Shaykh Fu’aad Al-‘Amree responds:
All the praise is for Allaah; may prayers and peace be upon the Messenger of Allaah, his family and companions altogether. As to proceed:
I say, in response to that the mention of which was presented in the question: It is not permissible for the Muslim who believes in Allaah and the last day to participate with the disbelievers and polytheists in their holidays. Allaah the Exalted says regarding the descriptions of the slaves of Ar-Rahmaan:
وَالَّذِينَ لَا يَشْهَدُونَ الزُّورَ وَإِذَا مَرُّوا بِاللَّغْوِ مَرُّوا كِرَامًا
And those who do not witness falsehood, and if they pass by some evil play or evil talk, they pass by it with dignity. (Al-Furqan 25:72)
Mujaahid and others have stated that: Az-Zoor الزُّورَ is the ‘Eids of the polytheists. When the Prophet, upon him be prayers and peace, came to Al-Madeenah and found them having two days in which they played he asked about them. He was informed that they were two days in which they would play during the days of Jahiliyah. He repudiated them with his statement:
Allaah has replaced them with that which is better than them; the day of Ad’haa and the day of Fitr.
Participating in holidays of falsehood contains imitation of their people. It has been authentically narrated from the Prophet, upon him be prayers and peace, that he said:
He who imitates a people is one of them.
So it is obligatory upon he who desires safety for himself to cling to the pure legislation and to bite onto the guidance of the Prophet, upon him be prayers and peace, with the molar teeth; and to abandon all of that which Allaah the Exalted has prohibited. Shaykhul-Islaam has written, regarding this issue, a magnificent treatise which the one who seeks the truth and desires felicity should refer to, entitled: Iqtidaa’ As-Siraat Al-Mustaqeem Mukhaalifah As’haabil-Jaheem
Sent Via Whatsapp
Translated by Raha ibn Donald Battsالحمد لله، والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله صلى الله عليه وعلى آله وصحبه أجمعين، وبعد: فأقول جوابا على ماتقدم ذكره في السؤال: ﻻ يجوز لمسلم يؤمن بالله واليوم اﻵخر أن يشارك الكفار والمشركين في أعيادهم، قال تعالى في صفات عباد الرحمن (والذين ﻻ يشهدون الزور وإذا مروا باللغو مروا كراما)قال مجاهد وغيره: الزور أعياد المشركين. والنبي عليه الصﻻة والسﻻم لما قدم المدينة ووجد لهم يومين يلعبون فيهما، فسأل عنهما فأخبر بأنهما يومان كانوا يلعبون فيهما في الجاهلية. فأنكر عليهم بقوله:(قد أبدلكم الله بخير منهما يوم اﻷضحي ويوم الفطر) رواه أبو داود. والمشاركة في اﻷعياد الباطلة فيه تشبه بأهلها وقد صح عن النبي عليه الصﻻة والسﻻم قوله:(من تشبه بقوم فهو منهم) رواه أبو داود . فالواحب على من أراد النجاة لنفسه أن يلزم الشرع المطهر، وأن يعض بالنواجذ على هدي النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم، وأن يهجر كل ما حرم الله تعالى. وقد كتب شيخ اﻹسﻻم في هذا الباب رسالة عظيمة فليراجعها طالب الحق وباغي السعادة والنجاة بعنوان اقتضاء الصراط المستقيم مخالفة أصحاب
الجحيم
[Source]
Safeguard Your Children & Protect Them From Halloween
Safeguard Your Children & Protect Them From Halloween
By Abu ‘Abdis Salaam Siddiq Al Juyaanee
By Abu ‘Abdis Salaam Siddiq Al Juyaanee
(Khutbah given at Masjid Al Bukhaari, West Palm Beach, Florida)
Halloween: An Innovated Festival
"Even if one decides to go along with the outward practises of Hallow'een without acknowledging the deeper significance or historical background of this custom, he or she is still guilty of indulging in this pagan festival."
A concise article detailing the origins of how Halloween started and outlining its pagan roots. The article continues to expound upon the proper Islaamic ruling concerning its celebration and a warning to the ignorant Muslims ...
A concise article detailing the origins of how Halloween started and outlining its pagan roots. The article continues to expound upon the proper Islaamic ruling concerning its celebration and a warning to the ignorant Muslims ...
Continue reading at
Matam ~ An Evil Innovation ('Aashoora)
What the Shi'a do on 'Aashoora (10th Muharram) is an Innovation
What the Shi’a do on ‘Aashoora’ of beating their chests, slapping their cheeks, striking their shoulders with chains and cutting their heads with swords to let the blood flow are all innovations that have no basis in Islam. These things are evils that were forbidden by the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), who did not prescribe for his ummah to do any of these things or anything similar to them to mark the death of a leader or the loss of a martyr, no matter what his status. During his lifetime (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) a number of senior Sahaabah were martyred and he mourned their loss, such as Hamzah ibn ‘Abd al-Muttalib, Zayd ibn Haarithah, Ja’far ibn Abi Taalib and ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Rawaahah, but he did not do any of the things that these people do. If it was good, he (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) would have done it before us.Ya’qoob (peace be upon him) did not strike his chest or scratch his face, or shed blood or take the day of the loss of Yoosuf as a festival or day of mourning. Rather he remembered his missing loved one and felt sad and distressed because of that. This is something no one can be blamed for. What is forbidden is these actions that have been inherited from the Jaahiliyyah, and which Islam forbids.
Al-Bukhaari (1294) and Muslim (103) narrated that ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Mas’ood (may Allaah be pleased with him) said:
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “He is not one of us who strikes his cheeks, rends his garment, or cries with the cry of the Jaahiliyyah.”
These reprehensible actions that the Shi’a do on the day of ‘Aashoora’ have no basis in Islam. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did not do them, nor did any of his companions. None of his companions did them when he or anyone else died, although the loss of Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was greater than the death of al-Husayn (may Allaah be pleased with him).
Al-Haafiz Ibn Katheer (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:
Every Muslim should mourn the killing of al-Husayn (may Allaah be pleased with him), for he is one of the leaders of the Muslims, one of the scholars of the Sahaabah, and the son of the daughter of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), who was the best of his daughters. He was a devoted worshipper, and a courageous and generous man. But there is nothing good in what the Shi’a do of expressing distress and grief, most of which may be done in order to show off. His father was better than him and he was killed, but they do not take his death as an anniversary as they do with the death of al-Husayn. His father was killed on a Friday as he was leaving the mosque after Fajr prayer, on the seventeenth of Ramadaan in 40 AH. ‘Uthmaan was better than ‘Ali according to Ahl al-Sunnah wa’l-Jamaa’ah, and he was killed when he was besieged in his house during the days of al-Tashreeq in Dhu’l-Hijjah of 36 AH, with his throat cut from one jugular vein to the other, but the people did not take his death as an anniversary. ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab was better than ‘Ali and ‘Uthmaan, and he was killed as he was standing in the mihraab, praying Fajr and reciting Qur’aan, but the people did not take his death as an anniversary. Abu Bakr al-Siddeeq was better than him but the people did not take his death as an anniversary. The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) is the leader of the sons of Adam in this world and the Hereafter, and Allaah took him to Him as the Prophets died before him, but no one took the dates of their deaths as anniversaries on which they do what these ignorant Raafidis do on the day that al-Husayn was killed. … The best that can be said when remembering these and similar calamities is that which ‘Ali ibn al-Husayn narrated from his grandfather the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), who said: “There is no Muslim who is afflicted by a calamity and when he remembers it, even if it was in the dim and distant past, he says Inna Lillaahi wa inna ilayhi raaji’oon (verily to Allaah we belong and unto Him is our return), but Allaah will give him a reward like that of the day when it befell him.”Narrated by Imam Ahmad and Ibn Majaah, end quote from al-Bidaayah wa’l-Nihaayah (8/221).
And he said (8/220): The Raafidis went to extremes in the state of Bani Buwayh in the year 400 and thereabouts. The drums were beaten in Baghdad and other cities on the day of ‘Aashoora’, and sand and straw was strewn in the streets and marketplaces, and sackcloth was hung on the shops, and the people expressed grief and wept. Many of them did not drink water that night, in sympathy with al-Husayn, because he was killed when he was thirsty. Then the women went out barefaced, wailing and slapping their faces and chests, walking barefoot in the marketplaces, and other reprehensible innovations… What they intended by these and similar actions is to impugn the state of Banu Umayyah (the Umayyads), because he was killed during their era.
On the day of ‘Aashoora, the Naasibis of Syria do the opposite of what the Raafidis and Shi’a do. They used to cook grains on the day of ‘Aashoora and do ghusl and perfume themselves, and wear their finest garments, and they took that day as an Eid for which they made all kinds of food, and expressed happiness and joy, intending thereby to annoy the Raafidis and be different from them.
Celebrating that day is an innovation (bid’a), and making it an anniversary for mourning is also an innovation. Hence Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:
Because of the killing of al-Husayn (may Allaah be pleased with him), Shaytaan caused the people to introduce two innovations: the innovation of mourning and wailing on the day of ‘Aashoora’, by slapping the cheeks, weeping, and reciting eulogies. … and the innovation of rejoicing and celebrating. … So some introduced mourning and others introduced celebration, so they regarded the day of ‘Aashoora’ as a day for wearing kohl, doing ghusl, spending on the family and making special foods. … And every innovation is a going astray. None of the four imams of the Muslims or any other (scholars) regarded either of these things as mustahabb.End quote from Minhaaj al-Sunnah (4/554).
What is the Significance of the Day of 'Ashura?
What is the significance of fasting on the Day of `Ashura', i.e. the 10th day of Muharram? Is it to remember the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, may Allah be pleased with him?
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
As a matter of fact, the true Muslim always takes the advantage of the blessed occasions and days of Islam. He spares no efforts in drawing himself nearer to Allah. In doing so, he concerns himself with knowing the virtuous days and occasions in Islam so as to follow his Prophet's suit in all spheres of life.
Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) said: “I never saw Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) so keen to fast any day and give it priority over any other than this day, the day of `Ashura', and this month, meaning Ramadan.” (Al-Bukhari, Hadith 1867)
In another hadith we are told that fasting the day of `Ashura' expiates the sins of the previous year as theProphet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Fasting the day of `Ashura' (is of great merits), I hope that Allah will accept it as anexpiation for (the sins committed in) the previous year” (Muslim).
Focusing more on the question in point, Dr. Muzammil H. Siddiqi, former President of the Islamic Society of North America, states:
Fasting the Day of `Ashura' is not to mourn the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (may Allah be pleased with him). We deeply respect Imam Hussain’s martyrdom,we honor his glorious act of sacrifice for the sake of Islam. He gave us a great example of truth, courage and piety. But we also feel pain and grief in our hearts for his assassination at the hand of some hypocrites who took Islam as a pretext to commit their crime. They fought and killed Allah’s Messenger’s beloved and blessed grandson and his family. This was the most heinous and shameful crime that was committed for the sake of political power. This tragic event took place in the year 61 AH or 680 CE. However, the tradition of `Ashura' fasting is very ancient and it goes back to a long time before Imam Hussain.
It is reported in the Sahih of Imam Al-Bukhari and other authentic collections of hadith that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and his Companions used to fast on the 10th day of Muharram while they were in Makkah (before the hijrah).
It was a day on which people of Makkah used to change the covering (kiswah) of the Ka`bah. Quraysh also used to fast on this day. (Al-Bukhari, hadith 1489 and 1760)
After the hijrah when the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) came to Madinah, he found that the Jews of Madinah also used to observe this day with fasting. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) asked them the reason of their fasting on this day. They said, “This is a blessed day. On this day Allah saved the Children of Israel from their enemy (in Egypt) and so Prophet Musa fasted on this day giving thanks to Allah.” The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “We have more claim to Musa than you.” He fasted on that day and commanded Muslims to fast on this day. (Al-Bukhari, hadith 1865)
In another report it is mentioned that Jews of Madinah used to hold a feast on this day. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) told his Companions to fast instead. (Al-Bukhari, hadith 1866)
`Ashura' fasting was obligatory (fard) in the beginning. In the second year of hijrah (624 CE) when Allah’s command came that Muslims should fast the whole month of Ramadan, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) then sent someone to announce to people that fasting of `Ashura' had become voluntary (nafl). This indicates that whosoever wishes to fast, may fast and whosoever does not want to fast, there will be no blame on him/her.
Imam At-Tirmidhi mentioned that Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) used to say that we should fast on two days: the 9th and 10th of Muharram to distinguish ourselves from the Jewish community. (At-Tirmidhi)
Ibn`Abbas also quoted the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as saying, “If I live next year, I shall also fast on the 9th day.” (Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal, hadith 2002)
There is a great reward in fasting the day of `Ashura'. There are many hadiths that mention its blessings and virtues. It is mustahhab to fast on this day, although it is not obligatory.
Astrology and Islam
The stars have three purposes (as mentioned below), whoever goes further than that, he is moving towards one of the branches of Kufr, i.e. magic and fortune-telling.
So withhold from learning about the stars except that which they are created for.
Abu Qataadah mentioning Allaah’s statement:
وَلَقَدْ زَيَّنَّا السَّمَاءَ الدُّنْيَا بِمَصَابِيحَ وَجَعَلْنَاهَا رُجُومًا لِّلشَّيَاطِينِ ۖ وَأَعْتَدْنَا لَهُمْ عَذَابَ السَّعِيرِ
"And indeed We have adorned the nearest heaven with lamps, and We have made such lamps (as) missiles to drive away the Shayaateen (devils), and have prepared for them the torment of the blazing Fire." [Surah al-Mulk (67): 5]
Abu Qataadah said: “The creation of these stars is for three purposes, and they are:
1) as decoration of the nearest heaven;
2) as missiles to hit the devils;
3) as signs to guide travellers.
So, if anybody tries to find a different interpretation, he is mistaken and just wastes his efforts and troubles himself with what is beyond his limited knowledge.”
[Saheeh al-Bukhaaree, Book (59): The Beginning of Creation. Chapter (3): About the Stars]
وَهُوَ الَّذِي جَعَلَ لَكُمُ النُّجُومَ لِتَهْتَدُوا بِهَا فِي ظُلُمَاتِ الْبَرِّ وَالْبَحْرِ ۗ قَدْ فَصَّلْنَا الْآيَاتِ لِقَوْمٍ يَعْلَمُونَ
"It is He Who has set the stars for you, so that you may guide your course with their help through the darkness of the land and the sea. We have (indeed) explained in detail Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, Revelations, etc.) for people who know." [Surah al-An`aam (6): 97]
Narrated Zaid bin Khaalid رضي الله عنه: We went out with Allaah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم in the year of Al-Hudaibiyah. One night it rained and Allaah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم led us in the Fajr prayer and (after finishing it), turned to us and said: “Do you know what your Lord has said?”
We replied: Allaah and His Apostle know it better. He صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Allaah said: (Some of) My slaves got up believing in Me, And (some of them) disbelieving in Me. The one who said: We have been given Rain through Allaah's Mercy and Allaah’s Blessing and Allaah’s Bounty, then he is a believer in Me, and is a disbeliever in the star. And whoever said: We have been given rain because of such and- such star, then he is a believer in the star, and is a disbeliever in Me.”
[Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (846, 1038, 4147, 7503) and Saheeh Muslim (132, 133, 134, 135,)]
Narrated `Abdullaah ibn `Abbaas رضي الله عنهما: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “If anyone acquires any knowledge of the stars (i.e. astrology), he acquires a branch of magic; the more he learns (about astrology) the more he learns (the magic).”
[Sunan Ibn Maajah (3726) and Sunan Abu Dawood (3905) and graded as “Hasan” by Shaikh al-Albaanee]
Shirk ~ The Greatest Sin (Worksheet)
This worksheet is a reading comprehension exercise based on the article 'Shirk: The Greatest Sin' by the noble Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan, hafidhullah
Origins of Shirk Worksheet
This worksheet is a reading comprehension exercise based on the article 'The Origins of Shirk' by the noble Shaykh Muhammad Nasirud-Deen al-Albaanee, rahimahullah
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