The shaykh (may Allaah preserve him) has given permission for this article to be spread in Western newspapers and media. The final edit, along with a short introduction and a brief ABOUT THE AUTHOR note can be found at: http://www.bakkah.net/articles/defense-muhammad.htm There is a note mentioning that the article may be reproduced in its entirity and is not protected by copyright. Those who would like to help are encouraged to write or email their local newspapers and other media outlets they know of and request that they run the article in their religion, editorials, or opinions section. Include either the entire article or a link to it. May Allaah reward the shaykh for his profound words and allow them to reach the hearts and minds of the people. Moosaa ibn John Richardson (owner of bakkah.net)

taken from http://www.bakkah.net/articles/defense-muhammad.htm In Defense of In Defense of the Prophet Muhammad (May Allaah raise his rank and grant him peace) Shaykh Rabee' ibn Haadee al-Madkhalee A Renowned Muslim Scholar's Criticial Response to Recent Attempts to Defame the Prophet Muhammad through Cartoon Drawings and Accusations of Terrorism [ In the Name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the Bestower of Mercy ] All praises are due to Allah, and may Allah exalt the status of the Messenger of Allah, and that of his family and his companions, and may He grant them peace. As for what follows: Some newspapers and other forms of media have spread hurtful, vicious information that could only emanate from the jealous, arrogant enemies of Islam and its Prophet (may Allah raise his rank and grant him peace). That conduct comprises a calumniation of Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah and a distortion of his message by jealous individuals and Christian organizations, as well as envious and irresponsible columnists, like those who write for the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten. Its writers mocked the best of Mankind and the most distinguished of the Messengers, Muhammad (may Allah raise his rank and grant him peace), the likes of whose nobility, honor, justice, and manners the earth has never known of. Neither has it known of a more complete and comprehensive message than his, nor a more just and merciful one. It is a message that embraces belief in all of the prophets and messengers, honoring them and defending them from calumniation and defamation. It has also preserved an accurate history of the prophets, including Jesus and Moses. So whoever disbelieves in Muhammad and speaks of him in a derogatory manner has disbelieved in all of the prophets and disparaged all of them. Recently, some uncivilized miscreants made fun of the Prophet, drawing various pictures of him. Twelve despicable pictures, one of them portrayed him (may Allah raise his rank and grant him peace) wearing a turban resembling a bomb on his head. We say to these criminals and their envious supporters in Europe and America: You are blaming others for your very own crimes! Let it be known that never did Muhammad (may Allah raise his rank and grant him peace), nor his righteous successors or any of his honorable companions, ever establish factories for even the most primitive of weapons, like swords and spears, let alone atomic bombs, long-range missiles, or any other weapon of mass destruction. Never did Muhammad (may Allah raise his rank and grant him peace) build a single weapon factory. Rather, he was sent as a mercy for the entire creation, to guide all Mankind towards happiness in their worldly lives and in their hereafter, such that they fulfill their Creator’s right upon them, for it is He who created them to worship Him alone. Whoever rejects this is truly a criminal deserving punishment in this life and the next, by the Lord of all that exists, the Creator of this universe and its Master. As for you O Westerners, claimants of civilization, you have constitutions and statutes that destroy upright moral character and permit all kinds of forbidden acts, the likes of fornication and homosexuality, as well as usury which destroys the economies of entire nations, and the eating of improperly slaughtered animals (dead meats) and pork, something that causes the loss of concern for women's values, and thus a man does not feel protective of his wife, sister, or daughter, and thus she fornicates with or intimately befriends whomever she pleases. These are some of the means which lead to ruin, and they have been prohibited in all of the prophetic messages. As for bombs and all other weapons of destruction, war planes, tanks, and long-range missiles, you are the ones who engineered and manufactured them with your satanic minds that only think about transgression, animosity, oppression, attacking, tyranny, conquering entire races of people and enslaving them, spilling their blood, and usurping their natural resources. You think only about annihilating those who oppose you and stand in the way of your greedy aspirations, your oppression and spreading of hatred. All this wrapped up in the name of civilization, human rights, freedom, and justice! All intelligent people know this about you. For your dark history is overflowing with uncivil and terrorist acts, a history recorded against you by both your enemies and allies alike. Anyone who does not know this should read about your history and your occupation of numerous nations, or at least read the history and some horrible results of your two World Wars. For example, the number of fatalities in the First World War in Europe reached "More than 10 million, and they were the elite of their nations' youth. And more than twice this number had incurred serious injuries disabling them for the rest of their lives." [Refer to: At-Taareekh al-Mu'aasir: Uruubbaa minath-Thawratil-Fransiyyah ilal-Harbil-'Aalamiyyaith-Thaaniyah, p.505. (Lit: Recent History, Europe from the French Revolution to the Second World War)] The number of soldiers killed in the Second World War reached: "17 million, along with another 18 million civilian fatalities - all of them killed within a period of only five and a half years. Experts have estimated that the military expenses alone reached $1.1 trillion, and that losses caused by the war reached the value of $2.1 trillion. Added to this are the number of entire cities destroyed, the amount of earth scorched, the agriculture that was flooded, and the factories and plantations that stopped production, not to mention the number of livestock that were destroyed or lost." [(Al-Harb al-'Aalamiyyah ath-Thaaniyah by Ramadhaan Land, p.448-449) (Lit: The Second World War)] The Hiroshima Bomb Stated the author of the book, "al-Harb al-'Aalamiyyah ath-Thaaniyah" (p.446-447) (Lit: The Second World War), "And perhaps it is appropriate to speak about this first atomic bomb. Let us relay what was reported directly from one of the Japanese in his interview with Marcel Junod, a representative of the Red Cross, speaking about the reality of this most frightening explosion. He said: …And suddenly there appeared these intense, muddy pinkish lights, accompanied by an unnatural tremor. This was immediately followed by an asphyxiating wave of heat and violent winds that ravaged everything in their path. Within only a few seconds, thousands of people who walked the roads or sat in the city's main streets were burned alive. A great number were then killed by the intense heat that spread all over. Others were left lying on the ground screaming in pain with deadly burns all over their bodies. Anything that had been at the point of impact – walls, homes, factories, and other buildings – was completely and totally annihilated, with all traces of these things sent hurling into the sky in a ghastly whirlwind. Trams were plucked from their steel tracks and flung as if they had lost their weight and substance. Trains were lifted off the ground along with their tracks as if they were mere toys. Horses, dogs, and livestock were all befallen with what befell the people. Every living thing had lost its life in one painful turn of events too difficult to describe. Trees were engulfed in blazing fires, rice fields lost their color, and farms crackled and burned away like dry straw. As for the surrounding areas that escaped instant death: Homes were crumbled and only piles of wooden boards remained amongst bricks and stone foundations. Everything was crushed as if they were cardboard houses in a zone of destruction 10 kilometers in diameter. Those who survived found themselves totally surrounded by raging fires. The few people who managed to get to any type of shelter in time died painful deaths from gamma radiation within 20 to 30 days. By nightfall on the day of the blast, the blaze slowed down and then died out, finding nothing left to fuel it. Hiroshima had passed away into nothingness." These are some of the landmarks of your civilization that you sing and boast about, and become insolent towards Islam and its Prophet with. Yet you continue intensifying every form of oppression and corruption and you go on inventing more and more weapons of destruction, annihilation, and devastation, and this – by Allah – is the utmost limit of barbaric and animalistic behavior. ( Or do you think that most of them even listen or use their intellects? They are only like cattle, rather, even more astray than that. ) [Quran 25:44] So crown yourselves with your own bombs, including the Hiroshima bomb and its likes, and crown your leaders with them. Consider all other weapons of mass destruction as your fangs and claws that you use to prey upon wild animals and all of Mankind. ( And those who oppress shall see what kind of outcome overturns them. ) [Quran 26:227] ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dr. Rabee' ibn Haadee al-Madkhalee is a renowned Islamic scholar and critic, author of many works primarily in the field of Hadeeth Sciences. The former head of the Sunnah Department at the prestigious Islamic University of Madinah, Saudi Arabia, his articles have appeared in many newspapers in the Arab world, and his web site (in Arabic: www.rabee.net) features a great number of them. [This article may be reproduced and distributed in its entirity, on the web or in print, as the copyright policy of this website does not apply to it. -Webamster]

Imams Denounce Danish and Norwegian Newspapers in Cartoons Row Imams of mosques across the Kingdom yesterday denounced Danish and Norwegian newspapers that published cartoons tarnishing the image of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and urged Islamic countries to confront such hostile campaigns. Delivering his Friday sermon, Sheikh Osama Khayyat, imam of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, emphasized the lofty position of the Prophet in the minds of Muslims. “The Prophet Muhammad was sent to the world as a mercy,†Khayyat said, quoting a verse from the Holy Qur’an. He said such blasphemous cartoons would not affect the noble personality of the Prophet. He commended the Saudi government for taking a firm stand against the cartoons that defiled the Prophet and his teachings. “This goodly government has warmed our hearts with its clear Islamic stance,†Khayyat said in the sermon aired by state television. “It showed its extreme displeasure, did justice to the Prophet and warned of the dangers of continuing this grave hostile path,†he said. Jyllands-Posten, Denmark’s largest newspaper, ran 12 cartoons last September, including one in which the Prophet is portrayed wearing a turban shaped as a bomb. Islam considers images of prophets disrespectful and caricatures of them blasphemous. The sermon of Sheikh Ali Al-Hudaify, imam of the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, also centered on the cartoon issue. He said many people in the past had tried to defame the Prophet. “They were thrown in the dustbin of history and nobody remembers them,†the imam said, adding that Muhammad (pbuh) is remembered as a great Prophet and reformer. The imam said the mockery of the Prophet would be considered a mockery of other prophets such as Moses, Jesus and Abraham (peace be upon them). “We call upon governments, organizations and scholars in the Islamic world to extend support for campaigns protesting the sacrilegious attacks on the Prophet. They should also highlight the danger posed by such vilifications, using international forums and information media,†Hudaify said. Saudi companies and organizations have already called for a boycott of Danish products until the daily apologizes for publishing the cartoons. Imams of mosques across the Kingdom yesterday used their Friday sermons to back the boycott campaign. Abdullah Al-Othaim, executive president of Al-Othaim Holding Company, has said that his company would boycott of Danish products. “As Denmark has freedom of the press, we Muslims have freedom to buy or not to buy their products,†he said. Al-Othaim’s decision, which he says includes a boycott of any supplier that includes Danish products, may help to impact SR1.3 billion worth of exports to Saudi Arabia. “This is religious duty and all businessmen should do something,†said Sultan, manager of a Riyadh supermarket which had signs warning customers where the Danish products were. Norway said on Thursday it had advised its Middle East embassies to voice regret that an Oslo-based newspaper ran reprints of the cartoons. Kari Karame, an expert in conflicts and the Middle East at the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs, said it was wrong to exploit freedom of speech to defend any insults. “It’s a very bad principle to say you can treat people who are different from you as you want because of freedom of expression,†she told Reuters. The cartoons have sparked uproar in the Muslim world. Saleh Al-Wohaibi, secretary-general of the World Assembly of Muslim Youth, called the newspaper’s actions part of “a culture of Islamophobiaâ€. The Organization of the Islamic Conference, the Muslim World League and the Arab Foreign Ministers Council have issued statements condemning the cartoons. http://www.no4denmark.com/ar/su.php http://www.fatwaonline.com/

i found shaykh ibn uthaymeen's position on this and his proof's for it. Does the Sun Revolve Around The Earth? (1445 total words in this text) (511 Reads) Fatawa Arkanul-Islam (Islamic Verdicts o­n the Pillars of Islam) Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih Al-Uthaymeen (Rahimallah) Pgs. 67-72 Question: Does the sun revolve around the earth? Answer: It is apparent from the Islamic evidences that they confirm that it is the sun which revolves around the earth, and by its revolving the alternation of night and day takes place o­n the surface of the earth. It is not for us to exceed the apparent meanings of these evidences without some evidence stronger than that, which permits us to explain them differently from their apparent meaning. Among the proofs that the sun revolves around the earth in a manner which causes the alternation of the night and day are the following: 1) Allah, the Most High says, that when Ibraheem (alayhee salaam), disputed with the o­ne who argued with him concerning his Lord: "Verily, Allah brings the sun form the east; then bring it you from the west." {Surah Al-Baqarah 2:258} 2) He also tells us that Ibraheem (alayhee salaam) said: "When he saw the sun rising up, he said: 'This is my lord. This is greater.' But when it set, he said: 'O my people! I am indeed free from all that you join as partners (in worship with Allah)." {Surah Al-An'am 6:78} So He described the settings as an attribute of the sun and not that the earth set upon it, for if it was the earth which revolved, He would have said: but when (the earth) set upon it. 3) Allah the Most High says: "And you might have seen, the sun, when it rose, declining to the right from their Cave, and when it set, turning away from them to the left." {Surah Al-Kahf 18:17} He has described the declining and turning away as descriptions of the sun, and that is a proof that the movement was from the sun. If it was a description of the earth, He would have said: Their Cave declined from it. Likewise, describing the sun as rising and setting proves that it is the sun which revolves, even though the indication of the may be less than the indication in His Words: "declining" & "turning away from them" 4) Allah, the Most High says: "And He it is Who has created the night and the day, and the sun, and the moon, each in an orbit floating." {Surah Al-Anbiya 21:33} Ibn Abbas (radiallahu anhu) said: "They revolve in an orbit, like the turning of a mill. This was widely reported from him. 5) Allah, the Most High says: "He brings the night as a cover over the day, seeking it rapidly." {Surah Al-Ara'af 7:54} He described the night as seeking the day, and the seeker rushes and overtakes, and it is well known that the night and the day follow the sun. 6) Allah, the Most High says: "He has created the heavens and the earth with truth. He makes the night to go in the day and makes the day to go in the night. And He has subjected the sun and the moon. Each running (on a fixed course) for an appointed term. Verily, He is the All-Mighty, the Oft-Forgiving." {Surah Az-Zumar 39:5} and His Words: "He makes the night to go in the day" that is, it turns around it, as a turban is wrapped around, which proves the revolving of the night and the day around the earth. If it were the earth which revolved around them, He would have said: He causes the earth to revolve around the night and day. And in His words: "the sun and the moon, each running (on a fixed course)." It is clear from what precedes it that it is a proof that the sun and the moon move in a perceptible orbit, because subjecting something which moves to its movement is more apparent than subjecting something stationary which does not move. 7) Allah, the Most High say: "By the sun and its brightness. By the moon as it follows it (the sun)." {Surah Ash-Shaams 91:1-2} and the meaning of: "follows it" is that 'it comes after it' and this is a proof of their moving and revolving around the earth, for if it were the earth which revolved around them, the moon would not be following the sun; rather it would sometimes be following it and sometimes it would be followed by it, because the sun is higher than it. And deduction from this verse requires study and reflection. 8) Allah, the Most High say: "And the sun runs o­n its fixed course for a term {appointed}. That is the Decree of the Almighty, the All-Knowing. And the moon, We have measured for it mansions {to traverse} till it returns like the old dried date stalk. It is not for the sun to overtake the moon, nor does the night outstrip the day. They all float, each in an orbit. {Surah Ya-Sin 36:38-40} So, attributing the movement to the sun and describing it as a Decree from the Almighty, Most Wise proves that it is a real movement with a far-reaching Decree, since the consequence of it is the alternation of the night and day and the seasons. The measure of the moon's mansions {i.e., stations} is a proof that it traverses them, for if it was the earth which revolves , the measuring of the mansions would be for the earth's movement around the moon and not for the moon's movement around it. And negating the sun's ability to overtake the moon, and the night's ability to outstrip the day are evidence of the rushing movement o­n the part of the sun and the moon, and the night and the day. 9) The Prophet (alayhee salatul wasalaam) said to Abu Tharr (radiallah anhu), when the sun had just set: "Do you know where it goes?" He said, "Allah and His Messenger knows best." He (alayhee salatul wasalaam) said: "Verily, it goes (i.e., travels) and it prostrates beneath the Throne and seeks permission to rise, and permission is granted to it. Then (a time will come when) it will be about to prostrate itself but its prostration will not be accepted, and it will ask permission to go o­n its course but will not be permitted, but it will be ordered: Return from whence you came, and so it will rise in the West." *** ***{Reported by Bukhari in the Book of the Beginning of Creation, in the Chapter: Description of the Sun and the Moon (#3199), and by Muslim in the Book of Faith, in the Chapter: Explanation of the Time When Faith will not be accepted (#159).} So and it is extremely clear from his words: Return from whence you came that it revolves around the earth and through its revolving the sunrise and sunset occur. 10) It is clear form the many Ahadith which attribute rising, setting, and declining from its zenith to the sun, that it is the sun which does so and so and the earth. There are most probably other proofs that are not present with me at the moment, but what I have mentioned is a sumamry of the subject, and it is sufficient for my purpose. And Allah is the Granter of success. http://www.calgaryislam.com/imembers/Sections+index-req-viewarticle-artid-284-page-1.html

Bismillaah was salaalutu was salaam 'ala rasolillaah Barakallaahu feek. Many ask this similar question. Quick pointers to help you understand. Just like many fields in islam, hadeeth has its own science. Hadeeths can be saheeh (authentic), Hassan (the next level after authentic and these hadeeths are acceptable) and then the weak hadeeths (and they are many types). The scholars of hadeeth have studied the sciences and thus became knowledgable in how to categorise and grade a hadeeth. In brief the grading of the hadeeth depends on the men who appear in the chain. The biographies of all men who have narrated hadeeths have been recorded in many many many books writen by earlier scholars. and are widely available, some even on the internet (in arabic). Shaykh albany is not the only muhaddith or scholar capable of grading hadeeths. However, in our era, he has been recognized for the abdunance of knowledge he possesses in this field, which is evident in the number of books on hadeeth he wrote which students of knowledge use. Similarly shaykh ibn uthaymeen rahimallaah is recognize for his strength in the principles of fiqh, and the arabic language. But shaykh ibn uthaymeen as well as other scholars of our era have also authenticated and graded hadeeths. And there have been many instances where the scholars of islam differed on the gradind of hadeeths. Shaykh albani's title as the muhaddith of our era doesnt necessitate that he is correct in every hadeeth he grades and so should always be given preference over another alim's grading of the same hadeeth. There have been instances where he would mention a hadeeth in one of his books as saheeh, and then removing it later after discovering that it had a defect. May Allaah have mercy on him. This is from their taqwa and strong adherence in finding the truth. Sahih Bukhari is the next most authentic book after the quran and this is the consensus of the people of knowledge. This is because of al-bukhari's conditions and approach in grading the hadeeths. Al-bukhari also has a book titled 'adabul mufrad' and not every hadeeth in that book is saheeh, you will even find ones that are extremely weak. The difference between the two is that sahih bukhari is a compilation of hadeeths after al-bukhari graded them authentic. if it wasnt authentic he did not includ it in his saheeh. FYI, Imaam bukhaari was not an arab, hopefully this will be an encouragement to learn the arabic language and benefit from sciences of islam. for a introductory study to hadeeth terminologies http://www.fatwa-online.com/downloads/dow007/index.htm for arabic speakers: explanations of the poem al-bayqooniyyah http://www.salafitalk.net/st/viewmessages.cfm?Forum=19&Topic=2437

By the Grace of Allaah we have started the month of Dhul-Hijjah (the month of Hajj or Pilgrimage), in which Allaah has marked out, for both the pilgrims and the non-pilgrims, some very blessed days. So we shall mention here some of the virtues and rewardful acts that are connected to these blessed days. DOING GOOD DEEDS IN GENERAL: The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are the best and most virtuous days of the year. They are the days in which Allaah the Mighty and Majestic - most loves the doing of good deeds. About this the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The best days in the world are the ten days.†[1] Imaam Ibnul-Qayyim (d.751H) - rahimahullaah – said, “Indeed, its days are the most excellent of all the days with Allaah. And it has been confirmed in Saheehul-Bukhaaree (2/382), from Ibn ’Abbaas (radiyallaahu ’anhumaa) who said, that Allaah’s Messenger (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “There ore no days during which good deeds are more beloved to Allaah than these (ten) days.†He was then asked, ‘Not even jihaad in the path of Allaah?’ So he replied, “Not even jihaad in the path of Allaah, except for a person who goes out with his self and his wealth, and comes back with nothing.†And it is these ten days that Allaah has taken an oath by in His Book, by His saying, “By the Dawn and by the Ten Nights.†[sooratul-Fajr 89:1-2] This is why it is recommended to increase in making takbeer (saying Allaahu akbar), tahleel (saying Laa ilaaha illallaah) and tamheed (saying Alhamdulillaah) during these days ...â€[2] The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “There are no days that are greater with Allaah, and in which good deeds are more beloved to Him, than these ten days. So increase in making tasbeeh (saying Subhaanallaah), tamheed, tahleel and takbeer, during them.â€[3] FASTING THE DAY OF ’ARAFAH: The ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah is the day of ’Arafah, since it is on this day that the pilgrims gather at the mountain plain of ’Arafah, praying and supplicating to their Lord. It is mustahabb (highly recommended) for those who are not pilgrims to fast on this day, since the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) was asked about fasting on the day of ’Arafah, so he said, “It expiates the sins of the past year and the coming year.†[4] Likewise, the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, ‘There is no day on which Allaah frees people from the Fire more so than on the day of ’Arafah. He comes close to those (people standing on ’Arafah), and then He revels before His Angels saying, ‘What are these people seeking.†[5] Imaam at-Tirmidhee (d.275H) - rahimahullaah – said, “The People of Knowledge consider it recommended to fast on the day of ’Arafah, except for those at ’Arafah.†[6] SLAUGHTERING ON THE DAY OF AN-NAHR AND ’EEDUL-ADHAA OR THE FOLLOWING THREE DAYS: The tenth day of Dhul-Hiijah is known as the day of an-Nahr (slaughtering), since it marks the ending of the major rites of Hajj (Pilgrimage), and commemorates the bounty and mercy of Allaah - the Most High - in that He gave His beloved Prophet Ibraaheem - ’alayhis-salaam - a ram to sacrifice in place of his firstborn son Ismaa’eel - ’alayhis-salaam. And out of the ten best days of the year, it is the day of an-Nahr which is the most excellent day of the year with Allaah. Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (d.728H) - rahimahullaah – said, “The most excellent day of the week is the day of Friday, by the agreement of the Scholars. And the most excellent day of the year is the day of an-Nahr. And some of them said that it is the day of ’Arafah. However, the first opinion is the correct one, since it is related in the Sunan collections that the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The most excellent days with Allaah is the day of an-Nahr, then the day of al-Qarr (the day that the Muslims reside in Minaa).†[7]†[8] The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The greatest day of the Hajj (Pilgrimage) is the Day of an-Nahr (Slaughtering).†[9] The day of an-Nahr is also known as ’Eedul-Adhaa (the Festivity of Sacrifice) and is one of the two major festivals that Allaah has granted to this Ummah. Anas (radiyallaahu ’anhu) said, ‘The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) came to al-Madeenah and the people of al-Madeenah had - since the times of jaahiliyyah (Pre-lslaamic Ignorance) - two days which they marked out for play and amusement. So the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, ‘I came to you, and you had two days of play and amusement in the times of jaahiliyyah. But Allaah has replaced them with something better for you: The day of al-Adhaa (sacrificing) and the day of al-Fitr (ending the Fast).†[10] The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) also said, “The day of al-Fitr, and the day of an-Nahr, and the days of at-Tashreeq (the three days after an-Nahr) are our days of ’Eed (festivity); and they are days of eating and drinking.†[11] ’Eedul-Adhaa, is a day in which the Muslims slaughter a camel, cow, sheep or goat, in commemoration of the sacrifice of Ibraaheem - ’alayis-salaam. And this sacrifice is an obligation upon all those who have the means to do so - according to the most correct opinion of the Scholars. [12] The basis of this is the Prophet’s (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “One who has the ability to sacrifice, but chooses not to do so, should not approach our place of (’Eed) Prayer.†[13] And his (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “Whosoever sacrificed before the Prayer, then let him do so again. But whosoever has not sacrificed, then let him sacrifice.†[14] So this order refers to those who have the ability to do so - and Allaah knows best. As regards those who intends to sacrifice - normally the head of the household - then they are prohibited from cutting their hair or nails, starting from the first day of Dhul-Hijjah up until after the sacrifice. Allaah’s Messenger (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When the ten days start, and one of you intends to sacrifice, then let him not cut his hair or his nails.†[15] GLORIFYING ALLAAH WITH THE TAKBEER: From the day of ’Arafah (the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah), up until the ’Asr Prayer on the thirteen day, are days in which the takbeeraat (saying Allaahu Akbar) should be said. Imaam al-Khattaabee (d.456H) - rahimahullaah – said, “The wisdom behind saying the takbeeraat in these days is that in the times of jaahiliyyah (pre-lslaamic ignorance), they used to slaughter for their tawaagheet (false objects of worship). So the takbeeraat were prescribed in order to indicate that the act of slaughtering is directed to Allaah alone, and by mentioning only His - the Mighty and Majestic - Name.†[16] Shaykhul-lslaam Ibn Taymiyyah - rahimahullaah – said, “All praise be to Allaah. The most correct saying concerning the takbeer - that which the majority of the Salaf (Pious Predecessors), and the Scholars from the Companions and Imaams were upon - is to begin making the takbeer from Fajr (dawn) on the day of ’Arafah, up until the last day of at-Tashreeq (the thirteenth of Dhul-Hijjah), after every Prayer.†[17] Ibn Abee Shaybah relates, “That ’Alee (radiyallaahu ’anhu) used to make the takbeer beginning after the Fajr Prayer on the day of ’Arafah, up until after the ’Asr Prayer on the last day of at-Tashreeq.†[18] As regards the actual wording of the takbeeraat, then nothing authentic has been related from the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam). However, certain wordings have been authentically related from a group of Companions. From them: Ibn Mas’ood (radiyallaahu ’anhu) would say, “Allaah is great, Allaah is great. None has the right to be worshipped except Him. And Allaah is great, Allaah is great. And to Him belongs all praise. [Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, Laa ilaahaa illallaah, wallaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar wa lillaahil-hamd.]†[19] Ibn ’Abbaas (radiyallaahu ’anhu) said, “Allaah is great, Allaah is great, Allaah is great, and to Allaah belongs all praise. Allaah is greater and Sublime. Allaah is greater to what He has guided us to. [Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, wa lillaahil-hamd. Allaahu akbar wa ajalla. Allaahu akbar ’alaa maa hadaanaa.]†[20] Unfortunately, many Muslims have neglected the takbeer established from our Salaf (Pious Predecessors) and have instead resorted to additions which have no basis at all. Al-Haafidh Ibn Hajr (d.856H) - rahimahullaah – said, “Indeed, additions have been invented upon this day, which have no basis at all.†[21] And may Allaah have mercy upon the one who said, “Every good is in following the Salaf; And every evil is in the innovations of the late-comers.†And all praise is for Allaah, Lord of the worlds. And may Allaah extol and send the choicest blessings of peace upon our Leader, Muhammad, and upon his Family, his Companions, and all those who follow them. http://www.troid.org/articles/ibaadah/hajjandumrah/dhulhijjah.htm

e-book: The night prayer in Ramadan, by shaykh al-banny rahimallah. arabic text and english translation both available.

Performance of the Night Prayer Author: Imaam al-Albaani Source: Qiyaam Ramadaan (pgs. 28-30) (trans. Masjid Ahl ul-Quran was-Sunnah Association, NY, USA) Article ID : IBD090009 [4125] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I spoke in detail about this subject in my book Salaat-ut-Taraaweeh (pg. 101-115), so I felt that I should abridge that discussion here in order to make it easy for the reader and to remind him: The First Manner: consists of thirteen rak’aat, which is commenced with two short rak’aat. According to the most correct opinion, these are the two rak’aat of Sunnah prayer offered after ‘Ishaa, or they are two specific rak’aat by which one begins the Night Prayer, as has been stated previously. Then one prays two very long rak’aat (after that). Then two more rak’aat are prayed, and then another two rak’aat are prayed. Then two more rak’aat are prayed and another set of two rak’aat are prayed. Then witr is made with one rak’ah. The Second Manner: consists of thirteen rak’aat. There are eight rak’aat within them, in which one makes tasleem after every two rak’aat. Then witr is made with five rak’aat and one does not sit nor make the tasleem except in the fifth rak’ah. The Third Manner: consists of eleven rak’aat, in which one makes tasleem after every two rak’aat and then prays witr at the end with one rak’ah. The Fourth Manner: consists of eleven rak’aat, in which one prays four rak’aat and makes one tasleem after the four. The he prays another four in a similar manner and ends it with three rak’aat (for witr). Would the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) remain in the sitting position after eveyr two rak’aat, when praying a unit of four rak’aat or a unit of three rak’aat? We do not find a clear answer for this, but remaining in the sitting position (for tashahhud) while doing a unit of three rak’aat is not legislated (in the Religion)! The Fifth Manner: consists of eleven rak’aat, in which one prays eight rak’aat and does not sit in any of them except for the eighth rak’ah. While sitting (in the eighth rak’ah), he makes the tashahhud and sends Salaat on the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) and then stands up again without making the tasleem. Then he makes witr with one rak’ah and when finished, he makes the tasleem. This consists of nine rak’aat. Then he prays two rak’aat after that while in the sitting position. The Sixth Manner: One prays nine rak’aat, in which he does not sit except after the sixth rak’ah. Then he makes the tashahhud and sends Salaat on the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) and then stands again without making the tasleem. Then he makes witr with three rak’aat and when finished, he makes the tasleem, etc. (the rest is the same as the previous manner) These are the manners in which it is reported that the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) performed the Night Prayer. It is possible to add other types of manners to it, by subtracting what one wishes from each set of rak’aat until he cuts it down to one rak’ah, acting on the previously mentioned hadeeth of Allaah’s Messenger (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam): “So whoever wishes, then let him pray witr with five rak’aat, and whoever wishes, then let him pray witr with three rak’aat, and whoever wishes, then let him pray witr with one rak’ah.†So if one wants, he can pray these five rak’aat or three rak’aat with one sitting and one tasleem, as is stated in the Second Manner. And if he wants, he can make tasleem after every two rak’aat, as is stated in the Third Manner, and this is preferred. As for praying the set of five rak’aat or three rak’aat by sitting after every two rak’aat and not making the tasleem, then we did not find any authentic report that the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) used to do this. The asl (foundation) is that it is permissible, but since the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) forbade us from praying witr with three rak’aat indicating the reason for that by saying: “And do not liken it to the Maghrib prayer.†[1] So then anyone that prays the witr in three rak’aat must not liken it to the Maghrib prayer. This can be done in two ways: 1. Making the tasleem between the even and odd number rak’ah (i.e. between the second and the third rak’ah). This is what is more strong and preferred. 2. One does not sit between the even and odd number (i.e. he prays three rak’aat straight with one tasleem), and Allaah knows best.

http://www.troid.org/articles/ibaadah/siyaam/ http://www.fatwaislam.com/fis/index.cfm?scn=sc&sc=10&c=2 http://www.therighteouspath.com/ibaadah/ramadaan_issues_specific_to_women.pdf http://www.al-ibaanah.com/sect.php?SectID=7 http://salafipublications.com/sps/sp.cfm?secID=IBD&subsecID=IBD09&loadpage=displaysubsection.cfm http://www.masjiduthaymeen.org/posts/category/worship-ibaadah/fasting-sawm/

Ramadan, the month of taqwa. may Allaah increase us in Taqwa and eemaan this ramadan. ameen. i want to remind everyone who has not yet made up those fasts from last ramadan to do so before the arrival of this one inshallah. here are some articles on ramadan, i hope you benefit: http://www.bakkah.net/articles/ramadan.htm many relevant questions are answered here: http://www.fatwa-online.com/ keep me in you duah's

EDIT: DIDN'T SEE PUCCA'S POST ABOVE, SORRY FOR THE REPEAT. I found this these two reglious verdicts regarding this issue, hope it answers your questions. (refer to www.fatwaonline.com Ruling concerning birth control Question: What is the ruling concerning birth control? Response: This is a contemporary issue and many people ask about it. In the previous session of the Council of the Senior Scholars [of Saudi Arabia], there was a study of this issue. They issued a verdict according to their opinion on this issue. In sum, they concluded that it is not allowed to take birth control pills. Allaah has sanctioned the means that lead to procreation and a larger Muslim nation. The Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) said: ((Marry the child-bearing, loving woman for I shall outnumber the peoples by you on the Day of Resurrection)). Another narration states at the end: (([outnumber] the prophets on the Day of Resurrection)). The Muslim Nation is in need of being increased in numbers so that it may worship Allaah, strive in His way, and defend the Muslims, by the will of Allaah, from the plots of their enemies. It is a must to avoid such things [as birth control] and not to use them except in the cases of dire necessity. If there is a necessity, there is no harm. [This would be] for example, if the woman has some illness in her uterus or so forth that would harm her if she were to become pregnant. Then she may use such pills to the extent of her need. This is also the case if she already has many children and it would become a hardship on her to have another one soon, then she may use the birth control pills for a specific amount of time, such as one year or two years, which is the amount of time designated for breast feeding, until she reaches the stage where she would be able to raise the child properly. But if the women is taking them just so she will be free of responsibility or to be able to work or to live a comfortable life and other similar reasons why women take such pills these days, [it should be understood that] for these reasons it is not allowed to take birth control pills. Shaykh Ibn Baaz Fataawa al-Mar.ah Regarding coitus interrupts One can only practice coitus interruptus with the permission of the wife Question: When is it allowed for a woman to use birth control pills? Is there a clear text or opinion of the jurists on birth control? Is it allowed for a Muslim to practice coitus interruptus for no reason? Response: Muslims must increase their numbers to the best of their ability. This is the command that the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) gave to the Muslims when he said: ((Marry the child-bearing, loving woman for I shall outnumber the peoples by you)). Having more children means the Muslim nation will be larger. This is an honor for the Muslim Nation. Allaah stated while talking about His blessings on the Tribes of Israel: {We made you more numerous in man-power}, [soorah al-lsraa., Aayah 6]. And Shuayb said to his people: ((And remember when you were but few and He multiplied you)), [soorah al-A’raaf, Aayah 86]. No one can deny that the larger the Nation, the greater its hone and strength. This is the opposite of those who falsely and wrongfully claim that large population is a cause for poverty and hunger. If the Nation becomes larger, relies upon Allaah and believes in the promise Allaah has made in the verse: {And no moving (living) creature is there on earth but its provision is due from Allaah}, [soorah Hood, Aayah 6]. Allaah will make their affairs easy for them and enrich them from His bounty. Based on that comes the answer to the question. A woman should not use birth control unless two conditions are met: The first condition is that she is in need of such a practice. For example, she may be ill and cannot sustain bearing a child every year, her body might be weak or other causes that may make it difficult for her to be pregnant every year. The second condition is that the husband gives his permission for the practice. This is because it is the right of the husband to have children. Furthermore, they must consult with a doctor concerning those pills. They have to see if taking them or not taking them could be hazardous to her health. If these two conditions are met, there is no harm in her using those pills. But such procedures as pills or other forms must not be of a permanent nature. That is, one cannot use a form of birth control that is of a permanent nature as that will cut off the possibility of procreation. As for the second part of the question, the answer is that, in reality, birth control is something that is not possible. This is because pregnancy and non-pregnancy are both in the hand of Allaah. If humans try to limit their children to a specific number, it is possible that all of them may die in one year due to some cause and they will be left with no children at all. Birth control is something that is not considered acceptable by the Sharee'ah. However, temporary limitation of pregnancy due to necessity, as was mentioned above, is permissible. As for coitus interruptus that is done for no sanctioning cause, according to the correct opinion among the scholars, it is permissible. This is based on the hadeeth of Jaabir who said: "We used to perform coitus interruptus during the time that the Qur.aan was being revealed", ...that is, during the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam). If that act were forbidden, Allaah would have forbidden them from it. However, the scholars say that coitus interruptus must not be done with a free [non-slave] wife except with her permission. This is because she also has the right to have children. It also reduces her sexual pleasure. The pleasure of the woman is not complete until after the male ejaculation. Therefore, for these two causes just mentioned, it is not allowed to perform coitus interruptus with one's free wife except with her consent. Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen Fataawa al-Mar.ah

The correct way to do it, is read the aqa'id of both sides, and history. OG please fear Allaah. whose aqeedah do we read? your scholars wrote books and their aqeedah has been outlined. we have the quran, and the aqeedah is outlined there too, and it contradicts what your scholars wrote in their books. we know the history of shia, its a sect that was established well after the death of last messenger to be sent to mandkind. you said you do not take everything in shia books. sometimes you tell us read the shia books if we want truth and sometimes you say 'wait i will tell you what i believe'. sister either you do not know why you are shia and you're simply blind following. or there is something preventing you from openly denying shism. please og girl, fear Allaah and follow His revelation. do you really think shism is the religion Allaah revealed upon Muhammad and that it is the religion Allaah is pleased with?

assalaamu 'alaykum sister who was the book written by or who gave that particular fatwah. is it called rulings pertaining to muslim women? i'm guessing the book is written by either shaykh saalih al fawzan al fawzan , or The Permanent Committee for Islaamic Research and Fataawa . if that's the case then you have your questioned answered by senior scholars inshallah. (i added the bio of the scholars for your own benefit) i don't know about rules being bent for a particular race. besides people describe other races apart from arabs as being hairy as well. and Allaah knows best.

we use our intellect as a guide to understand but not to explain. i should of said "reasoning with the intellect and common sense shouldnt be used as proof" the thing is our intellect is limited to our knowledge, experiences and surroundings etc. just like ali radiyallahu an said. i myself used to wipe under my khuff, it made perfect sense to do so, then i learnt the hadith. this is why you would find many people with different understandings of the texts. so how do we avoid this? by returning to the understanding of the companions and the 2 generations that followed them. since they had the purest understanding of the deen. and really the religion has not left anything out or unanswered, every single issue revelant to all ages and eras has been addressed. and i'm sure an issue as great as this one (the situation of muslims' in uk) has been answered or an example can be found for it in the sunnah. but i doubt the first option would be remove the hijab to be safe in an hostile environment. besides it brings you back to square one: put it back on to avoid molestation. in the earlier years of revelation, the companions were being brutally tortued, murdered etc. so they migrated. some went to abbisinia, which was a kafir country, inorder to be safe. and some remained in makkah and hid their faith, and ended up fighting in the battles against the muslims. i really don't think the situation in the uk is as bad as this. but the point is, the reasoning that was used to conclude that 'the quran justified the abandoning of the hijab', is exactly just that 'reasoning in the 21 century'. 'the hijab was ordered so that they would not be recognized and consequently attacked," so we reason, therefore if it leads to being recognized and attacked, it should not be worn. (again back to square one, no hijab=harrassed) this is like saying, fasting in ramadan was perscribed so that we obtain taqwa. so we reason that if you can't obtain taqwa then one shouldn't fast. i know the situations in my comparison are different but the reasoning used to reach the fatwa is similar. wallaahu ta'alaa 'alam

quote: Honest to God I don't know what the fuss is about. These are the kinds of questions(e.g: what if u're in a desert and u only have pork to eat?) that I got out of the way as a child, the answers to which were based on common sense. in islam nothing is based on common sense and reasoning with the intellect as a source of proof. we have two sources of revelation. the quran and the sunnah. they tell us what to do. 'if you're stuck in a desert and there is only pork to eat' what do we do? the quran answered that. if you're in a desert and there is no water what do you do? the sunnah answered that. an excellent example is the hadeeth of ali about wiping over the khuffs (footwear that pass the ankles). he said in the hadeeth, 'if the religion was based on the intellect we would wipe under the khuff, but i saw the messenger wiping over the khuff.' you're right scholars are not there to baby sit, but we take knowledge from them, and we learn the halal and haram from them, and the detailed matters of the religion that we cannot answer at our level. so we hope for guidance from them.