Earthquakes in Islam

Earthquakes are one of the great signs of Allah in this universe, with which He tests His slaves as a reminder or to instil fear of Him or as a punishment. Man must remember, when the signs occur, his weakness, incapability, humble status before Allah and his need of Him, so he turns to Allah, may He be exalted and glorified, in supplication, beseeching and humility, in the hope that Allah will lift this great distress from the people.

Allah says (interpretation of meaning):

16.Do you feel secure that He, Who is over the heaven (Allâh), will not cause the earth to sink with you, then behold it shakes (as in an earthquake)?

17. Or do you feel secure that He, Who is over the heaven (Allâh), will not send against you a violent whirlwind? Then you shall know how (terrible) has been My Warning? [067:16-17]

Allah says (interpretation of meaning):
42. Verily, We sent (Messengers) to many nations before you (O Muhammad). And We seized them with extreme poverty (or loss in wealth) and loss in health with calamities so that they might believe with humility.

43. When Our Torment reached them, why then did they not believe with humility? But their hearts became hardened, and Shaitân (Satan) made fair¬seeming to them that which they used to do.

44. So, when they forgot (the warning) with which they had been reminded, We opened to them the gates of every (pleasant) thing, until in the midst of their enjoyment in that which they were given, all of a sudden, We took them to punishment, and lo! They were plunged into destruction with deep regrets and sorrows.
[al-An’aam 6:42-44]

Shaykh Ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:
What must be done at the time of an earthquake or other calamity, or an eclipse, strong wind or flood is to repent to Allah, may He be glorified, and to beseech Him and ask Him for well-being, and to remember Him a great deal and ask Him for forgiveness, as the Prophet (pbuh) said at the time of an eclipse: “When you see that, then turn to remembrance of Allah and call upon Him and ask for His forgiveness.”

It is also mustahabb to show compassion to the poor and needy, and to give charity to them, because the Prophet (pbuh) said: “Show mercy, you will be shown mercy.” (Narrated by Ahmad) And he said: “Those who show mercy will be shown mercy by the Most Merciful. Show mercy to those who are on earth and the One Who is in heaven will show mercy to you.” Narrated by al-Tirmidhi. Prophet (pbuh) said: “The one who does not show mercy will not be shown mercy.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari. It was related from ‘Umar ibn ‘Abd al-‘Azeez (may Allaah have mercy on him) that he used to write to his emirs when earthquakes took place telling them to give charity.

One of the means of being safe and sound from all evils is for those in authority to hasten to restrain the foolish and compel them to adhere to the truth, and to implement the laws of Allaah among them, and to enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil, as Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“The believers, men and women, are Auliyâ’ (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another, they enjoin (on the people) Al-Ma’rûf (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism and all that Islâm orders one to do), and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (i.e. polytheism and disbelief of all kinds, and all that Islâm has forbidden); they perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât) and give the Zakât, and obey Allâh and His Messenger. Allâh will have His Mercy on them. Surely Allâh is All-Mighty, All-Wise.” [al-Tawbah 9:71]

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

41. Those (Muslim rulers) who, if We give them power in the land, (they) order for Iqamat-as-Salât. [i.e. to perform the five compulsory congregational Salât (prayers) (the males in mosques)], to pay the Zakât and they enjoin Al-Ma’rûf (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism and all that Islâm orders one to do), and forbid Al-Munkar (i.e. disbelief, polytheism and all that Islâm has forbidden) [i.e. they make the Qur'ân as the law of their country in all the spheres of life]. And with Allâh rests the end of (all) matters (of creatures). [al-Hajj 22:40-41]

“And whosoever fears Allah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty).

3. And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine. And whosoever puts his trust in Allâh, then He will suffice him. Verily, Allâh will accomplish his purpose. Indeed Allâh has set a measure for all things.” [al-Talaaq 65:2-3]

Allah know the best

Dress code for women in Islam

The Islam instructs both Muslim men and Women to dress in a modest way. For women clothing must cover the entire body, only the hands and face may remain visible (According to some Fiqh Schools).

Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts, etc.) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like palms of hands or one eye or both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer dress like veil, gloves, head-cover, apron, etc.), and to draw their veils all over Juyubihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms, etc.) and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husband’s fathers, their sons, their husband’s sons, their brothers or their brother’s sons, or their sister’s sons, or their (Muslim) women (i.e. their sisters in Islâm), or the (female) slaves whom their right hands possess, or old male servants who lack vigor, or small children who have no sense of the shame of sex. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And all of you beg Allah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful. ”[al-Noor 24:31]

Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And as for women past child-bearing who do not expect wed-lock, it is no sin on them if they discard their (outer) clothing in such a way as not to show their adornment. But to refrain (i.e. not to discard their outer clothing) is better for them. And Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower.” [al-Noor 24:60]

“Women past childbearing” are those who no longer menstruate, so they can no longer get pregnant or bear children.

Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e. screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allah is Ever Oft¬Forgiving, Most Merciful.” [al-Ahzaab 33:59]

Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“O you who believe! Enter not the Prophet’s houses, except when leave is given to you for a meal, (and then) not (so early as) to wait for its preparation. But when you are invited, enter, and when you have taken your meal, disperse, without sitting for a talk. Verily, such (behavior) annoys the Prophet, and he is shy of (asking) you (to go), but Allah is not shy of (telling you) the truth. And when you ask (his wives) for anything you want, asks them from behind a screen that is purer for your hearts and for their hearts. And it is not (right) for you that you should annoy Allah’s Messenger, nor that you should ever marry his wives after him (his death). Verily! With Allah that shall be an enormity.” [al-Ahzaab 33:53]

Narrated by Safiyyah bint Shaybah (R.A) that ‘Aa’ishah (R.A) used to say: When these words were revealed – “and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms)” – they took their izaars (a kind of garment) and tore them from the edges and covered their faces with them. ( al-Bukhaari, 4481)

May Allah have mercy on the Muhaajir women. When Allaah revealed the words “and to draw their veils all over Juyoobihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms)”, they tore the thickest of their aprons (a kind of garment) and covered their faces with them. Abu Dawood (4102)

Narrated by ‘Aa’ishah (R.A) that the wives of the Prophet (pbuh) used to go out at night to al-Manaasi’ (well known places in the direction of al-Baqee’) to relieve themselves and ‘Umar used to say to the Prophet (pbuh), “Let your wives be veiled.” But the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) did not do that. Then one night Sawdah bint Zam’ah (R.A), the wife of the Prophet (pbuh), went out at ‘Isha’ time and she was a tall woman. ‘Umar called out to her: “We have recognized you, O Sawdah!” hoping that hijab would be revealed, then Allah revealed the verse of hijab.(al-Bukhaari, 146; Muslim, 2170.)

Narrated by Ibn Shihaab that Anas said: I am the most knowledgeable of people about hijab. Ubayy ibn Ka’b used to ask me about it. When the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) married Zaynab bint Jahsh (R.A), whom he married in Madeenah, he invited the people to a meal after the sun had risen. The Prophet (pbuh) sat down and some men sat around him after the people had left, until the Prophet (pbuh) stood up and walked a while, and I walked with him, until he reached the door of‘Aa’ishah’s(R.A) apartment. Then he thought that they had left so he went back and I went back with him, and they were still sitting there. He went back again, and I went with him, until he reached the door of ‘Aa’ishah’s (R.A) apartment, then he came back and I came back with him, and they had left. Then he drew a curtain between me and him, and the verse of hijab was revealed. (Al-Bukhaari, 5149; Muslim, 1428.)

Narrated by ‘Urwah (R.A) that ‘Aa’ishah (R.A) said: Prophet (pbuh) used to pray Fajr and the believing women would attend (the prayer) with him, wrapped in their aprons, then they would go back to their houses and no one would recognize them. (al-Bukhaari, 365; Muslim, 645.)

The material of Clothing must not be so thin that one can see through it and the clothing must hang loose so that the shape / form of the body is not apparent.

The female clothing must not resemble the man’s clothing and the design of the clothing must not resemble the clothing of the non believing women. The design must not consist of bold designs which attract attention. Clothing should not be worn for the sole purpose of gaining reputation or increasing one’s status in society.

Allah knows the best.

Astrology, horoscopes and fortune-telling in Islam

Astrology, horoscopes and fortune-telling in Islam

Astrology, horoscopes, superstition and fortune-telling are all actions of jaahiliyyah (ignorance) which Islam came to show as false and to explain that they are shirk, because they involve depending on something other than Allah and believing that benefit and harm come from something other than Him, and believing the words of fortune-tellers and soothsayers who falsely claim to have knowledge of the unseen in order to cheat people of their money and change their beliefs. The evidence (daleel) for that is the hadeeth narrated by Abu Dawood in his Sunan with a saheeh isnaad from Ibn ‘Abbaas (R.A), that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: “Whoever learns anything of astrology has learned a branch of witchcraft (al-sihr)…” And al-Bazzaar narrated with a jayyid isnaad from ‘Imraan ibn Husayn that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: “He is not one of us who practises augury or has it done for him, who tells fortunes or has his fortune told, or who practises witchcraft or has that done for him.” Allah is the only One Who has knowledge of the unseen. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning);

“Say: “None in the heavens and the earth knows the Ghaib (unseen) except Allah.…’” [al-Naml 27:65]

And with Him are the keys of the Ghaib (all that is hidden), none knows them but He. And He knows whatever there is in (or on) the earth and in the sea; not a leaf falls, but he knows it. There is not a grain in the darkness of the earth nor anything fresh or dry, but is written in a Clear Record. [al-An’aam 6:59]

“Verily, Allah! With Him (Alone) is the knowledge of the Hour, He sends down the rain, and knows that which is in the wombs. No person knows what he will earn tomorrow, and no person knows in what land he will die. Verily, Allah is AllKnower, AllAware (of things).” [Luqmaan 31:34].

“(He Alone is) the All-Knower of the Ghayb (Unseen), and He reveals to none His Ghayb (Unseen)” [al-Jinn 72:26].

Aa’ishah (R.A) said: “Whoever tells you that he knows what will happen tomorrow is lying.” Then she recited, “No person knows what he will earn tomorrow.” (Hadeeth no. 4477.Al-Bukhaari )

Prophet (pbuh) said: “Whoever goes to a fortune-teller and asks him about something, his prayer will not be accepted for forty nights.” Narrated by Muslim (2230).

My advice to everyone who has anything to do with these matters is to repent to Allah and ask for His forgiveness, and to depend only on Allah and to put their trust in Him in all their affairs, whilst following the practical means that are prescribed or permitted in sharee’ah. They should give up these matters of jaahiliyyah, keep away from them and avoid asking the people who practise them or believe what they say, out of obedience to Allah and His Messenger (pbuh), and in order to protect his commitment to Islam and his ‘aqeedah (religious belief).

Allah know the best.

Dyeing grey hair in Islam

Dyeing grey hair is Sunnah and is part of the teachings of Islam. It means dyeing grey hair on the head and in the beard, for men. For women, it refers to the hair of the head.

Narrated Abu Huraira (R.A) : The Prophet (pbuh) said, “Jews and Christians do not dye their hair so you should do the opposite of what they do. (Volume 7, Book 72, Number 786: Sahih Bukhari. 3275; Muslim, 2103).

Narrated Abu Umaamah (R.A): “O Ansaar, dye your hair red and yellow, and be different from the A’aajim (Persians).” (Narrated by Ahmad, 21780. The isnaad of this hadeeth was classed as hasan by al-Haafiz Ibn Hajar in al-Fath, 10/354).

Changing grey hair by dyeing it black is haraam. This is the opinion of the majority of scholars, who forbid it completely, because of the hadeeth of the Messenger (pbuh), when he saw Abu Quhaafah. Jaabir said: the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said, when he saw his head looking as white as the thaghaamah plant, “Change this…” (Narrated by Muslim, 2102).

And the Prophet (pbuh) said: There are people who dye their hair black like the crops of pigeons; they will never smell the fragrance of Paradise.” (Narrated by Abu Dawood, 4212; al-Nasaa’i, 5075).

Ibn Hajar said: the isnaad of this hadeeth is qawiy (strong), but there is some dispute as to whether it is marfoo’ (narrated from the Prophet (pbuh)) or mawqoof (the isnaad stops at the Sahaabi). But even if we agree that it is mawqoof, it still has the status of being marfoo’, because the Sahaabah would not have spoken on the basis of their own opinions, i.e., it must be something that they heard from the Prophet (pbuh)). Fath al-baari, 6/499.

With regard to katam, Ibn Hajar said:

Katam is a plant from Yemen which produces a reddish-black dye. Henna produces a red dye, so when they are used together as a dye, they produce a colour that is between black and red. Fath al-Baari, 10/355.

Did the Sahaabah use katam? Yes, they did that and so did the Messenger of Allaah (pbuh).

It was reported that ‘Uthmaan ibn ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Wahb (R.A) said: we entered upon Umm Salamah (R.A) and she brought out a lock of hair of the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) to show us, and it was dyed red. (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 5558. Ibn Maajah (3623) and Ahmad (25995) added: “… with henna and katam.”)

The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: “The best things to use to change grey hair are henna and katam.” (Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 1753; Abu Dawood, 4205; Ibn Maajah, 3622). Al-Tirmidhi said: the hadeeth is hasan saheeh). Abu Bakr (R.A) dyed his hair with henna and katam. (Narrated by Muslim, 2341).

It may be noted that in the ahaadeeth where katam is mentioned, it is always accompanied by henna, because what is meant by the ahaadeeth is that the hair should be dyed with katam mixed with henna.

Ibn al-Qayyim said:

What is prohibited is making the hair pure black, but if something else is added to henna, such as katam etc., there is nothing wrong with that. Katam and henna make the hair a colour between red and black, unlike wasmah (woad leaves) which make the hair black as coal. This is saheeh. (Zaad al-Ma’aad, 4/336). (Wasmah or woad is a plant that is used for dyeing).

Hence we know that katam is not to be used on its own, because it gives a pure, coal-black colour, but it may be used with henna to give a black colour with reddish highlights. Hence we can reconcile the ahaadeeth.

And Allaah knows best.

Ruling on Tattooing in Islam

Tattooing, in which the skin is pierced with a needle and a blue or other coloured dye is injected, is haraam in all forms, whether it causes pain or not, because it involves changing the creation of Allah, and because the Prophet (pbuh) cursed the one who does tattoos and the one for whom that is done. In al-Saheehayn it is narrated that ‘Abd-Allah ibn Mas’ood (R.A) said: “May Allah curse the women who do tattoos and those for whom tattoos are done, those who pluck their eyebrows and those who file their teeth for the purpose of beautification and alter the creation of Allah.” (al-Bukhaari, al-Libaas, 5587; Muslim, al-Libaas, 5538)

Narrated Abu Huraira (R.A):

Allah’s Apostle (pbuh) said, “The evil eye is a fact,” and he forbade tattooing. Volume 7, Book 72, Number 827: Sahih Bukhari

Narrated Ibn ‘Umar (R.A) :

The Prophet (pbuh) has cursed the lady who lengthens her hair artificially and the one who gets her hair lengthened, and also the lady who tattoos (herself or others) and the one who gets herself tattooed. Volume 7, Book 72, Number 823: Sahih Bukhari

Narrated Ibn ‘Umar (R.A) :

I heard the Prophet (pbuh) saying, (or the Prophet said), “Allah has cursed the lady who practices tattooing and that who gets it done for herself, and also the lady who lengthens hair artificially and that who gets her hair lengthened artificially.” The Prophet has cursed such ladies. Volume 7, Book 72, Number 825: Sahih Bukhari

With regard to all these matters, the ahaadeeth testify that the one who does them is cursed and that they are major sins. There is some difference of scholarly opinion as to the reason why they are forbidden. It was said that it is because they are a form of deception, and it was said that it is because it is a way of changing the creation of Allah, as Ibn Mas’ood (R.A) said – which is more correct and also includes the first meaning. And it was suggested that what is forbidden is only that which is permanent, because that is changing the creation of Allah; as for that which is not permanent, such as kohl which used for adornment by women, that is permitted by the scholars. (Tafseer al-Qurtubi, 5/393).

Allah knows the best.

Wearing Wigs and Hair Extensions In Islam

The use of wigs started among non-Muslim women, who were so well known for wearing them and adorning themselves with them that this became one of their distinguishing features. If a woman wears a wig and adorns herself with it, even if she does this for her husband, she is imitating the kaafir women, which the Prophet (pbuh) forbade:

It was narrated that ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Umar said: The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Whoever imitates a people is one of them.” Narrated by Abu Dawood, 3512; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Irwa’ al-Ghaleel, 2691

Wigs also come under the ruling about hair extensions, which is even more vehement in its prohibition as the Prophet (pbuh) forbade this practice and cursed the one who does it.

Women are forbidden to add extensions to their hair, whether they are made of hair or anything else, if they could be mistaken for hair, because of the reports that have been narrated concerning that.

Narrated ‘Aisha (R.A):

An Ansari girl was married and she became sick and all her hair fell out intending to provide her with false hair. They asked the Prophet(pbuh) who said, “Allah has cursed the lady who artificially lengthens (her or someone else’s) hair and also the one who gets her hair lengthened.” Volume 7, Book 72, Number 817: Sahih Bukhari

Narrated ‘Aisha (R.A):

An Ansari woman gave her daughter in marriage and the hair of the latter started falling out. The Ansari women came to the Prophet (pbuh) and mentioned that to him and said, “Her (my daughter’s) husband suggested that I should let her wear false hair.” The Prophet (pbuh) said, “No, (don’t do that) for Allah sends His curses upon such ladies who lengthen their hair artificially.” Volume 7, Book 62, Number 133: Sahih Bukhari

Narrated Abdullah bin Mus’ud (R.A):

Allah’s Apostle (pbuh) has cursed the lady who uses false hair. Volume 6, Book 60, Number 409: Sahih Bukhari

Narrated Asma (the daughter of Abu Bakr) (R.A): Allah’s Apostle (pbuh) has cursed such a lady as artificially lengthening (her or someone else’s) hair or gets her hair lengthened.Volume 7, Book 72, Number 819:Sahih Bukhari

Narrated Sa’id bin Al-Musaiyab (R.A):

Mu’awiya (R.A) came to Medina for the last time and delivered a sermon. He took out a tuft of hair and said, “I thought that none used to do this (i.e. use false hair) except Jews. The Prophet (pbuh) labelled such practice, (i.e. the use of false hair), as cheating. Volume 7, Book 72, Number 821: Sahih Bukhari

Allah Knows the best

Concept of Paradise in Islam

Some Quranic verses and Hadiths about Paradise.

Narrated ‘Abdullah (R.A):

Allah’s Apostle (pbuh) said, “The person who will be the last one to enter Paradise and the last to come out of Hell (Fire) will be a man who will come out crawling, and his Lord will say to him, ‘Enter Paradise.’ He will reply, ‘O Lord, Paradise is full.’ Allah will give him the same order thrice, and each time the man will give Him the same reply, i.e., ‘Paradise is full.’ Thereupon Allah will say (to him), ‘Ten times of the world is for you.” Volume 9, Book 93, Number 602: Sahih Bukhari.

And give glad tidings to those who believe and do righteous good deeds, that for them will be Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise). Every time they will be provided with a fruit therefrom, they will say: “This is what we were provided with before,” and they will be given things in resemblance (i.e. in the same form but different in taste) and they shall have therein Azwâjun Mutahharatun (purified mates or wives), (having no menses, stools, urine, etc.) and they will abide therein forever. [002:025 Al Quran]

But, for those who fear their Lord, are Gardens under which rivers flow (in Paradise); therein are they to dwell (for ever), an entertainment from Allah; and that which is with Allah is the Best for AlAbrâr (those who are obedient to Allah and follow strictly His Orders). [003:198:Al Quran]

The description of Paradise which the Muttaqun have been promised is that in it are rivers of water the taste and smell of which are not changed; rivers of milk of which the taste never changes; rivers of wine delicious to those who drink; and rivers of clarified honey (clear and pure) therein for them is every kind of fruit; and forgiveness from their Lord. …. [047:015:Al Quran]

But for him who [the true believer of Islamic Monotheism who performs all the duties ordained by Allah and His Messenger Muhammad, and keeps away (abstain) from all kinds of sin and evil deeds prohibited in Islam and fears the standing before his Lord, there will be two Gardens (i.e. in Paradise). [055:046:Al Quran]

With spreading branches; [055:048:Al Quran]

In them (both) will be two springs flowing (free) [055:050:Al Quran]

In them (both) will be every kind of fruit in pairs. [055:052:Al Quran]

Reclining upon the couches lined with silk brocade, and the fruits of the two Gardens will be near at hand. [055:054:Al Quran]

Wherein both will be those (maidens) restraining their glances upon their husbands, whom no man or jinn yatmithhunna (has opened their hymens with sexual intercourse) before them. [055:056:Al Quran]

(In beauty) they are like rubies and coral. [055:058:Al Quran]

Is there any reward for good other than good? [055:060:Al Quran]

And besides these two, there are two other Gardens (i.e. in Paradise). [055:062:Al Quran]

Dark green (in colour). [055:064 Al Quran]

In them (both) will be two springs gushing forth water. [055:066:Al Quran]

In them (both) will be fruits, and date- palms and pomegranates. [055:068:Al Quran]

Therein (gardens) will be fair (wives) good and beautiful; [055:070:Al Quran]

Houris (beautiful, fair females) restrained in pavilions; [055:072:Al Quran]

Whom no man or jinn yatmithhunna (has opened their hymens with sexual intercourse) before them. [055:074:Al Quran]

Reclining on green cushions and rich beautiful mattresses. [055:076:Al Quran]

Narrated ‘Abdullah bin Qais (R.A):

The Prophet (pbuh) said, “(There will be) two Paradises of silver and all the utensils and whatever is therein (will be of silver); and two Paradises of gold, and its utensils and whatever therein (will be of gold), and there will be nothing to prevent the people from seeing their Lord except the Cover of Majesty over His Face in the Paradise of Eden (eternal bliss).” Volume 9, Book 93, Number 536: Sahih Bukhari.

Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinns and men) deny? [055:077:Al Quran]

Blessed be the Name of your Lord (Allâh), the Owner of Majesty and Honour.[055:078:Al Quran]

Allah know the Best.