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Answer
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Name
Hoda
-
Profession
Question
Dear Sheikh, how can we as youths avoid such great temptations surrounding us ever where at beaches. I think the only way to be able to do so is to refrain from going there at all. Am I RIGHT?
Answer
Salam Hoda,
Thank you for your question.
One way of avoiding evil is not to confront it; or to close the doors to all such temptations.
Another way is to develop in ourselves a strong will not to yield to the inclinations and impulses that lead to evil.
It is always better to have a strong will in this regard than just running away from such circumstances. This is because running away may not be possible at all times. Indeed, the evils that we wish to avoid may be around us.
In this context, it is well worth remembering the teaching of Shaykhul Islam, Ibn Taymiyyah, who said:
Showing patience in (avoiding) the unlawful things is more excellent than showing patience in calamities and afflictions. Whoever abandoned an act of disobedience although he was capable of performing it is one whose fight against his soul is most intense and most excellent. This is because he left a thing which his soul tempted him with and made him aspire for. Yet, he opposed it and was capable of defeating it.
And Allah knows best.
Name
Rayan
- United States
Profession
Question
What is all this big fuss about? I wonder what is wrong if I look at what I consider to be beauty. At least I am not committing adultery. Explain please!!!
Answer
Salam Rayan,
Thank you for your question.
You know that the first step towards adultery is taken by the eye: First, you look at something; second, you develop a desire towards it; and third, you think of gratifying that desire by any means. All these steps can be taken in a short time depending on the circumstances.
Indeed, this is the way adultery is committed; or even theft is committed.
Islam does not merely prohibit adultery; it closes the very doors leading to it.
And Allah knows best.
Name
Abo Amr
-
Profession
Question
What are the Shar`i restrictions on Muslims who want to join fun places like beaches, fairs ...etc?
Answer
Salam Abo Amr,
Thank you for your question.
In the noble Qur'an, Allah Almighty commands:
(Tell the believing men to lower their gaze “from looking at forbidden things”, and protect their private parts “from illegal sexual acts”.) (An-Nur 24:30)
This verse quoted above summarizes the Shari'ah instruction regarding visiting places like the beaches.
Can I spend the summer learning music? Can music be really used to serve Islam???
Answer
Salam Nabeel,
Thank you for your question.
Here I quote the fatwa given by Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi:
The whole issue of singing is controversial, whether it is with musical accompaniment or not. All scholars have unanimous view on the prohibition of all forms of singing and music that incites debauchery, indecency or sin. As for musical instruments, given the weakness of the evidence indicating that they are forbidden, the rule to be applied here is the one stating that all things are originally deemed permissible, as long as there is no Shari`ah text that prohibits them.
Scholars agree on the permissibility of singing without instrumental accompaniment and where the content is not prohibited. This sort of singing is allowed only in certain occasions such as: weddings, feasts, welcoming a traveler, and the like.
For the full fatwa, go to: http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?pagename=IslamOnline-English-Ask_Scholar/FatwaE/FatwaE&cid=1119503544202
And Allah knows best.
Name
Ahmed
- Egypt
Profession
Question
How can I spend my time in summer most fruitfully and beneficially?
Answer
Salam Ahmed,
Thank you for your question.
Indeed, it is in summertime that people in many countries have their vacation; but so many people do not have any idea as to how they can utilize their time.
But as Muslims, it is our duty to see how best we can fill two months - may be a little more or less - of our free time with beneficial activities.
In some areas different kinds of activities are organized by associations of people for the purpose of using the vacation. One activity generally favored is going on a tour to see places.
This can be a good idea, depending on where you go, and what you do during these trips. Moreover, ee should never lose sight of the general commands and prohibitions of our Shari'ah during these trips.
While it is permissible to have opportunities for harmless enjoyment, we need to see how our time is used for our own good. We need to take particular care in turning our attention away from activities and interests that are deleterious to our spiritual development. Especially we should take care not to deviate into areas that are useless or potentially evil. No problem in participating in games of various sorts, as long as they help our body, mind and spirit.
1. Part of our time can be used for reading. This would develop our knowledge and expand our mental horizons.
2. If we visit places, we can learn the history and geography of such places; we may also learn about the lifestyles of people.
3. We may also visit places of importance to Islam and learn more about topics of that kind, which would help our spiritual uplift.
4. We can have discussion forums, lectures and other activities aimed at the general welfare of the people, especially the poor people, the refugees, and the like.
5. And we can use the time to pray punctually and do all other acts of worship in the proper manner.
May Allah Almighty guide us and help us in all our efforts in His Way!
Name
Editor
-
Profession
Answer
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