A Fun and Creative Way to Teach Islamic Studies
To Be Continued, inshaa'Allaah ...
Showing posts with label Women. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Women. Show all posts
An Advice to the Muslim Youth Who Attend Hyde Park Speakers' Corner (Audio)
To the young brothers (and sisters) who ascribe to Salafiyyah, who gather in Hyde Park Speakers' Corner to shout and debate in the name of dawah ...
I ask you a simple question:
"Who, upon the Sunnah of the Messenger ﷺ and the Manhaj of the Salaf preceded you in this action of gathering to shout face to face, arguing and debating with Ahlul Bida, the people of the Book and Atheists?"
I advise those who go to witness these debates with the words of the Messenger of Allaah ﷺ who said:
“From the signs of the hour is when knowledge is sought from al-asaagheer (the young ones)”
And from the words of Shaykh Abdus Salaam bin Burgess who mentioned:
"That is because taking knowledge from those who are young in age; those who did not firmly establish their feet in knowledge, their beards did not become grey within it (they did not spend a long time with seeking knowledge) along with the presence of those older than them in age, whose feet are grounded, because of this the foundation of the beginner is weak. He is prevented from the benefit of the experience of the major scholars and attainment of their manners which is established by knowledge and time ..."
And he also mentions the following quote.
Hajjaaj bin Ar-Taah said:
“The people use to dislike that a man speak until grey was seen in his beard.”
[End Quote] Read the Shaykh's statement in full HERE, inshaa'Allah.
So, we can see from this that the beard was an established Sunnah amongst the Salaf and it was customary for the people of knowledge to be recognised by their grey beards (meaning they were elderly) and it was disliked for younger men to speak and put themselves forward as people of knowledge.
[End Quote] Read the Shaykh's statement in full HERE, inshaa'Allah.
So, we can see from this that the beard was an established Sunnah amongst the Salaf and it was customary for the people of knowledge to be recognised by their grey beards (meaning they were elderly) and it was disliked for younger men to speak and put themselves forward as people of knowledge.
So what does that say about these young brothers who come out to debate, some having no beard at all? If they had knowledge they would know that the beard is an obligation upon men and that one of the steps of seeking knowledge is implementing it before teaching it so that they might lead by example.
And if these brothers truly are unable to grow a beard, then we ask Allah to rectify that for them and to beautify their faces and their characters and to guide their actions to be upon the methodology of the Salaf.
Regarding Debating Ahlul Bida' by Abu Khadeejah Abdul Wahid (click to read)
Regarding Debating at Speaker's Corner by Abu Ibraheem Husnayn (click to listen)
Don't Watch Debates by Abu Mussab Wajdi Akkari (click to listen)
The Dangers of Hyde Park Debates - Ustadh AbdurRahman Hassan & Ustadh Muhammad Tim Humble (click to listen) @1hr 38min
Debating & Being Amazed with One's Debating Skills by Abu Khadeejah Abdul Wahid (click to read)
Shaykh Ubayd al-Jaabiree, hafidhahullah, mentioned in his advice regarding 'Returning to the Elders': Ibn Mas’ood (rahimahullah) said: The people will not cease to be righteous and upright as long as knowledge comes to them from the companions of Muhammad [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] and their elders. But if knowledge comes to them from their young ones, they will be destroyed. [SOURCE]
A Short Benefit for the One Who Enquired about the Statement ‘’The Blessing is with your elders’’ by Shaykh Ubayd al-Jaabiree (published by Salafi Centre, Manchester)
The Messenger (sallal laahu alayhi wasallam) said: ”Indeed from the signs of the hour is that knowledge will be sought from the young ones.”
Ibn Mas’ood [radiyallaahu anhu] said: ”The people will not cease to be upon good as long as they acquire knowledge from their elders, their trustworthy ones and their scholars, for if they acquire it from their young ones and evil ones, they will be destroyed.”
Shaikh Abdus Salaam Burgess [rahimahullaah] stated in Awaa’iq At-Talab pages 29-35 that this ruling is not an absolute [or unrestricted] one against the young ones, for indeed there were a group of the Sahaabah and the Taabi’een who taught and gave verdicts in their young age, whilst the elders were present. However, the likes of these people are hard to find amongst those who came after them. So if they are found and are known for being upright, upon a sound [path] and they possess knowledge, and their firmness is manifested, whilst there are no elders to be found, then knowledge of the Sharee’ah is acquired from them – if they are free from fitnah!
So the intent is not that the knowledge possessed by the young person is boycotted, whilst the elders are present; rather the intent is that the people are placed in their rightful positions. [1] The right [place] for the young one is that he is benefited from in studies, revision and research.
As for issuing fatwa and questions sent to him [i.e. like the scholars are sent written questions to give fatwa], then no. Likewise, he does not enter into authorship. [Source: Awaa’iq At-Talab’ by Shaikh Abdus Salaam Burgess (rahimahullaah)…the above statement is an excerpt and a paraphrase, so refer to the Shaikh’s Risaalah on pages 29-34 for more benefits]
So the intent is not that the knowledge possessed by the young person is boycotted, whilst the elders are present; rather the intent is that the people are placed in their rightful positions. [1] The right [place] for the young one is that he is benefited from in studies, revision and research.
As for issuing fatwa and questions sent to him [i.e. like the scholars are sent written questions to give fatwa], then no. Likewise, he does not enter into authorship. [Source: Awaa’iq At-Talab’ by Shaikh Abdus Salaam Burgess (rahimahullaah)…the above statement is an excerpt and a paraphrase, so refer to the Shaikh’s Risaalah on pages 29-34 for more benefits]
[1] NB: We return to the scholars to make known the positions and abilities of the students, whether they are young or old. [SOURCE]
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Debating and Arguments are Not From the Way of the Salaf
Debating and disputing theological, political, legal or historical matters will often lead to the hardening of hearts, bad feelings, and even hatred. As such, the Prophet ﷺ has warned us that the nations before us went astray due to their indulgence in argumentation.
Abu Umamah reported: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
مَا ضَلَّ قَوْمٌ بَعْدَ هُدًى كَانُوا عَلَيْهِ إِلَّا أُوتُوا الْجَدَلَ
No people go astray after being guided except that they indulge in arguments.
Then the Prophet ﷺ recited the verse:
مَا ضَرَبُوهُ لَكَ إِلَّا جَدَلًا بَلْ هُمْ قَوْمٌ خَصِمُونَ
They strike an example for you only to argue. Rather, they are a quarrelsome people. (43:58)
Source: Sunan At-Tirmidhi 3253, Grade: Sahih
We should leave arguments and debates aside even if we are certain our position is correct and the others are upon falsehood. The Prophet ﷺ has guaranteed a house in Paradise for those who avoid arguing even if they are right.
Abu Umamah reported: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
أَنَا زَعِيمٌ بِبَيْتٍ فِي رَبَضِ الْجَنَّةِ لِمَنْ تَرَكَ الْمِرَاءَ وَإِنْ كَانَ مُحِقًّا
I guarantee a house on the outskirts of Paradise for one who abandons arguments even if he is right.
Source: Sunan Abu Dawud 4800, Grade: Sahih
The righteous predecessors (salaf as-salih) were firm in the prohibition of disputation as it leads to confusion, doubts, and spiritual ruin.
Malik ibn Anas, may Allah have mercy on him, said:
الْمِرَاءُ وَالْجِدَالُ فِي الْعِلْمِ يَذْهَبُ بِنُورِ الْعِلْمِ مِنْ قَلْبِ الرَّجُلِ
Disputation and arguments about sacred knowledge cause the light of knowledge to extinguish in a man’s heart.
And he said:
الْمِرَاءُ فِي الْعِلْمِ يُقَسِّي الْقَلْبَ وَيُؤَثِّرُ الضَّغْنَ
Disputation about sacred knowledge causes the heart to harden and breeds hatred.
Source: Jāmi’ al-‘Ulūm wal-Ḥikam 1/248
Ma’ruf Al-Karkhi, may Allah have mercy on him, said:
إِذَا أَرَادَ اللَّهُ بِعَبْدٍ خَيْرًا فَتْحَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ بَابَ الْعَمَلِ وَأَغْلَقَ عَنْهُ بَابَ الْجَدَلِ وَإِذَا أَرَادَ بِعَبْدٍ شَرًّا أَغْلَقَ عَلَيْهِ بَابَ الْعَمَلِ وَفَتَحَ عَلَيْهِ بَابَ الْجَدَلِ
If Allah intends good for a servant, He opens the door of action and closes the door of disputation. If Allah intends evil for a servant, He closes the door of action and opens the door of disputation.
Source: Hilyat al-Awliyāʼ 13021
Ja’far ibn Muhammad, may Allah have mercy on him, said:
إِيَّاكُمْ وَالْخُصُومَاتِ فِي الدِّينِ فَإِنَّهَا تُشْغِلُ الْقَلْبَ وَتُورِثُ النِّفَاقَ
Beware of disputes in the religion, for they preoccupy the heart and breed hypocrisy.
Source: Fadl al-‘Ilm 1/5
Ibrahim Al-Nakha’i, may Allah have mercy on him, said:
مَا خَاصَمْتُ أَحَدًا قَطُّ
I have never argued with anyone.
Source: Hilyat al-Awliyāʼ 5541
The righteous predecessors were fully capable of arguing and winning debates against their opponents, but they refused to do so out of fear and mindfulness of Allah.
Ibn Rajab comments on this practice, saying:
فما سكت من سكت من كثرة الخصام والجدال من سلف الأمة جهلا ولا عجزا ولكن سكتوا عن علم وخشية لله وما تكلم من تكلم وتوسع من توسع بعدهم لاختصاصه بعلم دونهم ولكن حبا للكلام وقلة ورع
The refrain of the righteous predecessors and Imams from engaging in excessive disputes and arguments was not due to ignorance or inability, but rather they remained silent due to their knowledge and fear of Allah. Those after them who spoke much and delved deeply into issues did not do so because they had more knowledge than them, but rather due to their love of speaking and lack of scrupulousness.
Source: Fadl al-‘Ilm 1/4
The correct method of defending Islam from its opponents is to be clear in conveying the true message and teachings of Islam with beautiful preaching and without indulging in bitter arguments with them. We should be kind, gentle, and graceful in our speech and wise to their social condition and misunderstandings about Islam.
Allah said:
ادْعُ إِلَىٰ سَبِيلِ رَبِّكَ بِالْحِكْمَةِ وَالْمَوْعِظَةِ الْحَسَنَةِ ۖ وَجَادِلْهُم بِالَّتِي هِيَ أَحْسَنُ
Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching and argue with them in a way that is better.
Surat An-Nahl 16:125
Ibn Kathir comments on this verse, saying:
أَيْ مَنِ احْتَاجَ مِنْهُمْ إِلَى مُنَاظَرَةٍ وَجِدَالٍ فَلْيَكُنْ بِالْوَجْهِ الْحَسَنِ بِرِفْقٍ وَلِينٍ وَحُسْنِ خِطَابٍ
If anyone wants to argue and debate with them, then let him do so in the best manner with kindness, gentleness, and good preaching.
Source: Tafseer Ibn Kathir 16:125
We should respond to their misguided arguments with dignified behavior and engage them in discussion if they demonstrate sincerity, but we should leave them if the discussion descends into bitterness and fruitless debating. If they accept the message of Islam it is good for them, but if they refuse the message they should be left alone.
Allah said:
فَإِن تَوَلَّوْا فَإِنَّمَا عَلَيْكَ الْبَلَاغُ الْمُبِينُ
If they turn away, then your duty is only to clearly convey the message.
Surat An-Nahl 16:82
Haytam ibn Jamil reported: I said to Malik, “O servant of Allah, if a man has knowledge of the prophetic tradition (sunnah), should he argue to defend it?” Malik said:
لَا وَلَكِنْ يُخْبِرُ بِالسُّنَّةِ فَإِنْ قُبِلَ مِنْهُ وَإِلَّا سَكَتَ
No, rather he should convey the Sunnah if they might accept it from him, otherwise he should remain silent.
Source: Jāmi’ al-‘Ulūm wal-Ḥikam 1/248
Therefore, we should avoid getting into detailed and rancorous arguments with the followers of other religions or sects within Islam. This will only obscure the beauty of Islam and put us in danger of falling into arrogance, showing off, and hypocrisy. Rather, we must invite people to Islam in the best way and with the best manners.
Success comes from Allah, and Allah knows best.
Social Media & Our Children
Click on the links below to read articles and listen to audios on the dangers of misusing smart phones and social media and the negative impact they can have on physical and mental health.
Fiqh of Menstruation ~ An Interactive Notebook
28 Interactive Notebook Pages that can be used in conjunction with the book entitled 'Regulations of Worship During Menses' by Muhammad Mustafa al-Jibaly
Giving Salaams to the Opposite Sex – Shaykh Muqbil ibn Haadee
The questioner asks about verbally giving the Salaams (to women)
Shaykh Muqbil: Verbally giving the Salaam, if she and he are safe from Fitnah, then there is no harm in him saying: As-Salaamu Alaykum. If he fears that the Salaam will lead to that which is after it from Fitnah, then no. As is said:
نظرة فإبتسامة فسلام فكلام فموعد فلقاء
A look; then a smile; then Salaams; then speaking; then (setting) an appointment; then a meeting
A look; then a smile; then Salaams; then speaking; then (setting) an appointment; then a meeting
So if he does not fear Fitnah for himself and he does not fear for her then there is no harm in saying: As-Salaamu Alaykum. The wives of the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) used to be greeted with Salaam. And Allaah’s Aid is sought.
Questioner: Does this apply to responding, as well, O Shaykh?
Shaykh: Huh?
Questioner: Is responding to As-Salaamu Alaykum obligatory upon the woman?
Shaykh: Upon the woman, yes, she is to respond. The same applies to her; if she fears Fitnah for herself or that she will put the man to trial then she responds within herself. Or she moves her lips with some sound (coming out) such that he does not hear her. But if she does not fear (Fitnah) for herself or he is a Mahram for her, then there is no harm in her saying: Wa Alaykum As-Salaam. However, if she fears the occurrence of Fitnah, then there is nothing equivalent to the safety of the heart.
[Source]
Women Exercising & Working Out
Answered by Shaykh Muqbil Ibn Hadee
What is the legislative ruling on the woman who exercises, whether within her home or outside of her home?
Answer:
If it is within the home then there is no harm; rather, we advise with this. If she has work to do then her work takes more precedence. Meaning, work in the service of her house and her home; it is appropriate for her to begin with this. Similarly, if she is with the women and foreign men do not see her, then there is no harm with this, insha-Allaah. Rather, we advise with this. This is because being stagnant and idle will perhaps lead to boredom and weakness in preservation (of the obligations); and to what else, O brothers? To weakness of the body. So what is correct is that the Muslim male and the Muslim female are in need of exercise, within the limits of the legislation.
[Source]
Women Attending Swimming Pools and Saunas
We live in a residential neighbourhood where there is a women’s centre; at this centre there is a swimming pool for women and a sauna. What is the ruling on women going to this centre?
He replied:
My advice to my brothers is not to let their women go to swimming pools and sports clubs because the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) encouraged women to stay at home. Moreover, if a woman becomes accustomed to that she will become very attached to it because she is subject to her emotions, and in that case she will become distracted from her religious or worldly duties and she will always be talking about these activities in gatherings.
And if the woman does such things that will be a cause of her losing sense of shame and modesty, and if a woman loses her sense of shame and modesty do not ask about the evil consequences except for the one whom Allah blesses by guiding her and enabling her to regain the modesty that was taken away from her.
I will close my message by repeating my advice to my believing brothers not to let their daughters, sisters, wives or other female relatives under their guardianship go to these centres or clubs.
End quote from the shaykh’s fatwas for ad-Da‘wah magazine no. 1765/54
The Ruling on Women Attending the Gym
"O our Shaikh - may Allaah treat you in a fine manner - my question is as follows:
Is it permissible for a woman to join a women-only gymnasium in order to undertake physical exercise, and thus to preserve the health of her body; and is it permissible for her to utilize the steam-bath (sauna) which is present within the gymnasium, with the awareness that she will enter it (i.e. the sauna) alone, and that she will wear a bathing-costume which covers her body from her shoulders to mid-way down her calves; also that the changing-rooms are separated from the rest of the gymnasium and consist of individual [cubicles]; also that when the gymnasium is being used by the women then all of the personnel who are on duty are Salafee sisters, and there is no way for a man to enter the place, and all entries to the gymnasium are secured. So benefit us (with the answer) and may Allaah reward you."
1. THE ANSWER OF SHAIKH `UBAYD IBN `ABDILLAAH IBN SULAYMAAN AL-JAABIREE
"All praise is for Allaah. He (salallaahu alaihi wassallam) said:
"Whichever woman removes her clothes in other than the house of her husband then she has torn down the veil lying between her and Allaah"
Reported by Ahmad and others from a hadeeth of `Aa'ishah, radiyallaahu `anhaa, and the hadeeth has an incident attached.
So in summary it is that some women came to her from Shaam, so she said to them: 'Are you the women who go to the steam-baths?' So they said: 'Yes.' So she said: 'I heard Allaahýs Messenger (salallaahu alaihi wassallam)...', and she mentioned the hadeeth; and it has another chain of narration with Ahmad:
'Whichever woman removes her clothes in other than her mother's house..', then she mentioned it.
So the hadeeth is 'Saheeh' and with its narrations it is a textual forbiddance of a woman's going to the bath-houses outside her husband's house or her mother's house; and like that is the house of her maternal or paternal aunt.
This applies equally to swimming-baths and the steam-baths, as long as they are outside the houses we have mentioned.
However if the woman is ill, and a doctor prescribes visiting the steam-bath to her, and she is not able to achieve it in her house, then there is nothing to prevent her from going to these steam-baths as treatment.
But as for going for recreation, or as a sporting activity, then that is not permissible for her. Likewise entering within the generality of the hadeeth is her going to gymnasiums where clothes are removed; and if the woman needs a natural treatment requiring physical exercise, then she may do so in accordance with the amount prescribed for her by the doctor."
Dictated by `Ubayd ibn `Abdillaah ibn Sulaymaan al-Jaabiree, formerly teacher in the Islamic University of al-Madeenah; and this was at the time of Zuhr, on Wednesday 27 Jumaadal-Oolaa, in the year 1428, the 13th of June 2007.
2. THE ANSWER Of SHAIKH `ABDULLAAH AL-GHUDAYAAN
On the 9th of Jumaadath-Thaaniyah 1428 | 24 June 2007, via the telephone-link with the Salafee Mosque (Al-Maktabah As-Salafiyyah), Wright Street, in Birmingham, UK.
"The answer: Allaah, the Perfect and Most High, says:
[[Meaning: And stay in your houses, and do not display yourselves in the manner of the earlier times of ignorance]] [Sooratul-Ahzaab (33):33]
And as is known all of the free-woman is `awrah [that which must be covered], except for her face and hands in the Prayer; and when the woman enters the state of ihraam for the Hajj it is obligatory upon her to cover her face if she sees strange men or they see her.
As for if she is with other women, or with her mahrams, or she is alone, then it is obligatory upon her to uncover her face-because her uncovering her face is like the man's uncovering his head. So it is not permissible for the man to cover his head.
So as is known if a woman enters a sports club then she will uncover something from the parts of her body.
So in any case I do not give a verdict that this is permissible, and success is granted by Allaah."
Advice to my Sisters Regarding Zumba and Dance Fitness
Asalamu
alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatu my dear Sisters,
I pray this message reaches you whilst you are in good health and high
emaan.
I wish to address an issue which has been troubling me for some time and that is the issue of dance fitness classes, such as zumba, bhangra and belly-dancing which has now become a craze amongst our Muslim sisters.
Before I begin I would like to remind you of the saying of our Beloved Prophet, sall’Allahu alayhi wasalam who said: “Ad-deenu naseeha” (The deen is sincere advice), and today I advise my Muslim sisters sincerely to fear Allah. I ask that you please reflect on my words and not accuse me of being judgemental. Instead think good of me and know that I am only striving to meet the characteristics mentioned by my Lord in Surah Taubah 9:71:
“The believers, men and women, are Auliya (friends, protectors, supporters) of one another, they enjoin al Ma’ruf (all that Allah has commanded of good) and forbid from al Munkar (all that Allah has forbidden)” [Quran 9:71]
If anyone should become offended and angry whilst reading this then know: “Whoever pleases Allah by angering the people, Allah will suffice him, but whoever angers Allah by pleasing the people, Allah will leave him to the people.” [1]
Over the past year or so I have seen many sisters developing a keen interest, almost to the point of obsession with dance fitness classes such as zumba, bhangra and belly-dancing. Our bodies are an amanah and we have a duty to keep ourselves in good health as best we can and we must do this through halaal means such as eating halaal foods bought with halaal money and exercising to keep in shape. We can exercise by attending fitness classes if these classes are halaal environments in accordance with what pleases our Creator. Zumba, bhangra and belly-dance classes are not considered halaal environments for a number of reasons which I will go into now:
MUSIC
All three of these classes are dance classes which most of the time contain music. The majority of the scholars are in agreement that music is haraam based on evidence from Quran and Sunnah.
In Surah Luqman 31:6 Allah says: “And of mankind is he who purchases idle talk (lahwal hadeeth) to mislead from the Path of Allah ...” The companion Abdullah Ibn Mas’ood (rh) commented on this ayah saying: “I swear by Him besides whom there is no other God,that it refers to ghinaa (singing).”
And the Prophet, sall’Allahu alayhi wasalam, said: “There will be people of my Ummah who will seek to make lawful; fornication, wine drinking and the use of ma`aazif (musical instruments)”.
Detailed analysis of the arabic word `ma`aazif ` shows that it refers to musical instruments, the sounds of those musical instruments and singing with the accompaniment of instruments.
This should be sufficient to show the impermissibility of music. The music used in these dance classes is also known in some cases to contain sexually explicit words. Do the Muslimaat attending these classes have no hayaa!? If music in general is haraam, then this is even more so. Yet many sisters are actually taken in by the rhythm, gyrating and whatever else with no shame and even singing along with the obscene lyrics – n'authubillah!
DANCING
Women dancing have been permitted by the scholars according to time, place and certain conditions. Women are not permitted to dance in front of men, except privately for their own husbands, and without the use of music. Women may also dance in front of other women during times of celebration such as weddings and Eid and again this is without the use of musical instruments, only the duff (a hand drum) is permissible. The scholars have said this dancing is only permissible if it does not involve enticing movements that may stir desire with the dancer or those watching her, and may be accompanied by singing if the words are virtuous and clean.
The movements during zumba, banghra and belly-dance classes are, in actual fact, designed to be alluring, enticing and sexual. Explict moves alongside explicit lyrics which stir desire in some women causing them to complement and even touch each others bodies in a manner that is not befitting between women. So how can any of this be considered halaal?
‘AWRAH
There are limits on what parts of the body women may display in front of other women. Allah has listed in Surah An-Noor 24:31 those people that a Muslim woman is allowed to remove her hijaab in front of and He, subhanahu wa ta’ala has said “... or their women...”. The fuqaha are of two opinions with regards to unveiling in front of women. One opinion is that it is only permissible to unveil in front of Muslim women and the other opinion is that permissible for her to unveil in front of any woman among the disbelievers, unless she feels that may lead to something harmful, i.e. that the non-Muslim woman may look at her in a sexual way or she may describe her appearance to others.
There are limits to what a woman may expose of her body to other women. The scholars have agreed that the feet, shins, forearms and neck line are permissible to be seen by other women whilst the thighs, knees, stomach and breasts should be covered.
Clearly belly-dancing in front of other women is haram because this means exposing the stomach. It also contains enticing movements and the use of clothing which exposes the breasts and thighs. Similarly, the outfits worn by those who dance bhangra also expose the ‘awrah.
Exposing ones ‘awrah is not limited to what can be seen of the flesh, some scholars even mention that wearing tight clothing in front of other women such as the tank tops and hot pants/tight pants worn by some women attending zumba classes are not permissible because they reveal ones ‘awrah by defining the shape of the breasts and buttocks.
SUPPORTING THE KUFFAR OVER THE MUSLIMS
Many dances fitness classes are run by non-Muslims and it is apparent that many Muslim women are abandoning the halal environments and Muslim-run gyms and classes to attend dance fitness classes run by non-Muslims, giving their money and support to the kuffar instead of their fellow Muslims.
Some Muslim have good intentions, hoping to be able to give dawah to the non-Muslims, but sadly this is a deception of the Shaytaan. If we want to be successful in our dawah, it must be given through halaal means. Attending these classes whilst disobeying Allah is not dawah, and in actual fact is sending messages to the non-Muslim that dance fitness with music is permissible. If, by the will of Allah they accept Islam, they will see a clear contradiction between the Laws of Islam and the actions of the Muslims.
CHARACTER AND MODESTY
It is apparent that music has an evil affect on ones character and sense of modesty. I have already mentioned how some sisters find no shame is singing the lyrics of the explicit songs and even encouraging one another in that. And after a while they start to pick up these characteristics in their behaviour and speech causing them to sound outlandish and rough. Sometimes termed ‘gangsta’, the ways in which some sisters speak reflect the environment they have immersed themselves in. Amongst themselves it may seem amusing but to those around them it is like the braying of a donkey, and Allah, subhanahu wa ta’ala, has said in Surah Luqman 31:19:
“...and lower your voice. Verily, the harshest of voices is the braying of the asses”.
Some women attending these dance fitness classes have even become lax in their hijaab, wearing tight trousers or figure-hugging dresses and ‘accessorising’ their hijaabs with colour-coordinated, fancy hijab pins and jewellery.
And worst of all is the fact that some women are even defying their husbands in order to attend these classes, leading to the break-down of marriages. Subhan’Allah, may Allah guide these women. Do you not know that your husband is your key to Jannah?
The Prophet, sall’Allahu alayhi wasalam advised a woman with regards to her husband’s rights, saying:
“Look at where you stand with him, because he is either your Paradise or your Fire.” [2]
So to conclude, I ask you once again to reflect on my words, and take whatever action may be necessary to please your Lord. Insha’Allah, this message has been beneficial to you. If you have found it to be of benefit then please share it with whomsoever you wish and if you feel it has been of no benefit then I warn you as the Prophet, sall'Allahu alayhi wasalam, warned: "If you feel no shame, then do as you wish." [3]
Please make du’a for me for I am only a weak slave in need of my Lord’s guidance and mercy.
Jazakum’Allahu khayran for taking the time to read this.
[1] Narrated by Ibn Hibbaan in his Saheeh, 1/115; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in al-Silsilah as-Saheehah, 2311
[2] Collected by An-Nasa’ee in Al Sunan al Kubra from Husayn Ibn Mihsan, also collected by Ahmad (no.19003) and al-Albaani classed it as saheeh in Silsilah as-Saheeh 2612
I wish to address an issue which has been troubling me for some time and that is the issue of dance fitness classes, such as zumba, bhangra and belly-dancing which has now become a craze amongst our Muslim sisters.
Before I begin I would like to remind you of the saying of our Beloved Prophet, sall’Allahu alayhi wasalam who said: “Ad-deenu naseeha” (The deen is sincere advice), and today I advise my Muslim sisters sincerely to fear Allah. I ask that you please reflect on my words and not accuse me of being judgemental. Instead think good of me and know that I am only striving to meet the characteristics mentioned by my Lord in Surah Taubah 9:71:
“The believers, men and women, are Auliya (friends, protectors, supporters) of one another, they enjoin al Ma’ruf (all that Allah has commanded of good) and forbid from al Munkar (all that Allah has forbidden)” [Quran 9:71]
If anyone should become offended and angry whilst reading this then know: “Whoever pleases Allah by angering the people, Allah will suffice him, but whoever angers Allah by pleasing the people, Allah will leave him to the people.” [1]
Over the past year or so I have seen many sisters developing a keen interest, almost to the point of obsession with dance fitness classes such as zumba, bhangra and belly-dancing. Our bodies are an amanah and we have a duty to keep ourselves in good health as best we can and we must do this through halaal means such as eating halaal foods bought with halaal money and exercising to keep in shape. We can exercise by attending fitness classes if these classes are halaal environments in accordance with what pleases our Creator. Zumba, bhangra and belly-dance classes are not considered halaal environments for a number of reasons which I will go into now:
MUSIC
All three of these classes are dance classes which most of the time contain music. The majority of the scholars are in agreement that music is haraam based on evidence from Quran and Sunnah.
In Surah Luqman 31:6 Allah says: “And of mankind is he who purchases idle talk (lahwal hadeeth) to mislead from the Path of Allah ...” The companion Abdullah Ibn Mas’ood (rh) commented on this ayah saying: “I swear by Him besides whom there is no other God,that it refers to ghinaa (singing).”
And the Prophet, sall’Allahu alayhi wasalam, said: “There will be people of my Ummah who will seek to make lawful; fornication, wine drinking and the use of ma`aazif (musical instruments)”.
Detailed analysis of the arabic word `ma`aazif ` shows that it refers to musical instruments, the sounds of those musical instruments and singing with the accompaniment of instruments.
This should be sufficient to show the impermissibility of music. The music used in these dance classes is also known in some cases to contain sexually explicit words. Do the Muslimaat attending these classes have no hayaa!? If music in general is haraam, then this is even more so. Yet many sisters are actually taken in by the rhythm, gyrating and whatever else with no shame and even singing along with the obscene lyrics – n'authubillah!
DANCING
Women dancing have been permitted by the scholars according to time, place and certain conditions. Women are not permitted to dance in front of men, except privately for their own husbands, and without the use of music. Women may also dance in front of other women during times of celebration such as weddings and Eid and again this is without the use of musical instruments, only the duff (a hand drum) is permissible. The scholars have said this dancing is only permissible if it does not involve enticing movements that may stir desire with the dancer or those watching her, and may be accompanied by singing if the words are virtuous and clean.
The movements during zumba, banghra and belly-dance classes are, in actual fact, designed to be alluring, enticing and sexual. Explict moves alongside explicit lyrics which stir desire in some women causing them to complement and even touch each others bodies in a manner that is not befitting between women. So how can any of this be considered halaal?
‘AWRAH
There are limits on what parts of the body women may display in front of other women. Allah has listed in Surah An-Noor 24:31 those people that a Muslim woman is allowed to remove her hijaab in front of and He, subhanahu wa ta’ala has said “... or their women...”. The fuqaha are of two opinions with regards to unveiling in front of women. One opinion is that it is only permissible to unveil in front of Muslim women and the other opinion is that permissible for her to unveil in front of any woman among the disbelievers, unless she feels that may lead to something harmful, i.e. that the non-Muslim woman may look at her in a sexual way or she may describe her appearance to others.
There are limits to what a woman may expose of her body to other women. The scholars have agreed that the feet, shins, forearms and neck line are permissible to be seen by other women whilst the thighs, knees, stomach and breasts should be covered.
Clearly belly-dancing in front of other women is haram because this means exposing the stomach. It also contains enticing movements and the use of clothing which exposes the breasts and thighs. Similarly, the outfits worn by those who dance bhangra also expose the ‘awrah.
Exposing ones ‘awrah is not limited to what can be seen of the flesh, some scholars even mention that wearing tight clothing in front of other women such as the tank tops and hot pants/tight pants worn by some women attending zumba classes are not permissible because they reveal ones ‘awrah by defining the shape of the breasts and buttocks.
SUPPORTING THE KUFFAR OVER THE MUSLIMS
Many dances fitness classes are run by non-Muslims and it is apparent that many Muslim women are abandoning the halal environments and Muslim-run gyms and classes to attend dance fitness classes run by non-Muslims, giving their money and support to the kuffar instead of their fellow Muslims.
Some Muslim have good intentions, hoping to be able to give dawah to the non-Muslims, but sadly this is a deception of the Shaytaan. If we want to be successful in our dawah, it must be given through halaal means. Attending these classes whilst disobeying Allah is not dawah, and in actual fact is sending messages to the non-Muslim that dance fitness with music is permissible. If, by the will of Allah they accept Islam, they will see a clear contradiction between the Laws of Islam and the actions of the Muslims.
CHARACTER AND MODESTY
It is apparent that music has an evil affect on ones character and sense of modesty. I have already mentioned how some sisters find no shame is singing the lyrics of the explicit songs and even encouraging one another in that. And after a while they start to pick up these characteristics in their behaviour and speech causing them to sound outlandish and rough. Sometimes termed ‘gangsta’, the ways in which some sisters speak reflect the environment they have immersed themselves in. Amongst themselves it may seem amusing but to those around them it is like the braying of a donkey, and Allah, subhanahu wa ta’ala, has said in Surah Luqman 31:19:
“...and lower your voice. Verily, the harshest of voices is the braying of the asses”.
Some women attending these dance fitness classes have even become lax in their hijaab, wearing tight trousers or figure-hugging dresses and ‘accessorising’ their hijaabs with colour-coordinated, fancy hijab pins and jewellery.
And worst of all is the fact that some women are even defying their husbands in order to attend these classes, leading to the break-down of marriages. Subhan’Allah, may Allah guide these women. Do you not know that your husband is your key to Jannah?
The Prophet, sall’Allahu alayhi wasalam advised a woman with regards to her husband’s rights, saying:
“Look at where you stand with him, because he is either your Paradise or your Fire.” [2]
So to conclude, I ask you once again to reflect on my words, and take whatever action may be necessary to please your Lord. Insha’Allah, this message has been beneficial to you. If you have found it to be of benefit then please share it with whomsoever you wish and if you feel it has been of no benefit then I warn you as the Prophet, sall'Allahu alayhi wasalam, warned: "If you feel no shame, then do as you wish." [3]
Please make du’a for me for I am only a weak slave in need of my Lord’s guidance and mercy.
Jazakum’Allahu khayran for taking the time to read this.
[1] Narrated by Ibn Hibbaan in his Saheeh, 1/115; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in al-Silsilah as-Saheehah, 2311
[2] Collected by An-Nasa’ee in Al Sunan al Kubra from Husayn Ibn Mihsan, also collected by Ahmad (no.19003) and al-Albaani classed it as saheeh in Silsilah as-Saheeh 2612
[3] Recorded in Saheeh Bukhaari, reported on the
authority of Abu Mas'ood Uqbah ibn Aamr al-Ansaaree
[I originally wrote and shared this article on my
'Ilm blog back in October 2012]
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