Observances the New Muslim Should Do and Sins that should be Avoided by Shaykh Saalih bin Fawzaan al-Fawzaan

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

All praise is for Allah and may His peace and blessings be bestowed upon our Prophet Muhammad, as well as his family and companions. To proceed: Allah created mankind to worship Him as the Most High says: {I did not create the Jinn or mankind except to worship me}. One does not worship Allah except by what He legislated and revealed to His messengers. They were the ones who fully explained to their people what was legislated for the servants to perform since worshiping Allah with acts that He did not legislate is invalid.

Allah completed the prophet hood of the messengers with the last messenger Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, and He made it compulsory for all of mankind to follow him. The Most High says: {Say: O People! Indeed I am a messenger of Allah sent to all of you.}  Therefore whoever does not believe in Muhammad as the final messenger sent to mankind is a disbeliever. The religion of Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, is Islam and Allah will not accept any other religion. The Most High says: {Whoever seeks another religion besides Islam, then it will never be accepted of him and in the hereafter he will be from the losers.} 

Islam is the religion revealed to Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, and it consists of five pillars: the attestation that there is nothing worthy of worship except for Allah and that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah, the establishment of five daily prayers, the payment of alms, fasting in the month of Ramadan, and pilgrimage to the sacred house of Allah for the one who is able to do so. 

The person who wishes to convert to Islam first proclaims the two attestations of faith, then begins to practice the aforementioned pillars based on the following examples:

First, the person says verbally, “I bear witness that there is nothing worthy of worship except for Allah, and that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.” 

Second, the person prays five daily prayers –the early Morning Prayer, the Noon Prayer, the Afternoon Prayer, the Sunset Prayer, and the Evening Prayer. One preforms these prayers daily and nightly for the rest of one’s lifetime. The early Morning Prayer consists of two units of worship, the Noon Prayer consists of four units of worship, the Afternoon Prayer consists of four units of worship, the Sunset Prayer consists of three units of worship, and the Evening Prayer consists of four units of worship. The person does not pray until first having performed ablution which is structured upon washing the entire face, the hands up to the elbows, wiping over the head, and the feet up to the ankles utilizing clean water. 

Third, if a person has earned a significant amount of wealth that is beyond one’s means, then one gives 2.5% of one’s earnings as alms to the poor and those in need once a year. If a person does not earn beyond one’s means, then the payment of alms is not obligatory for one to pay. 

Fourth, one must fast during the month of Ramadan which is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. One refrains from eating, drinking, and sexual intercourse from sunrise until sunset. 

Fifth, if one has the financial and physical means, then one should travel to perform the pilgrimage to the house of Allah, once in one’s lifetime. However, if one has the financial means, but not the physical means, whether due to age or a permanent illness, then one can entrust another to perform on their behalf.

The sins that the new Muslim should avoid are the following: 

First, one does not associate any partners with Allah in any of its forms when worshipping Allah as it is considered only to be done for Him. Such examples are supplicating to dead people, slaughtering animals for them, and swearing to an oath using their names. 

Second, one does not commit religious acts of innovations which are acts of worship that were not revealed to the messenger Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, based on his statement: (Whoever does an act that has not been commanded by Allah will have it rejected), which means Allah will not accept it. 

Third, one does not engage in dealing with interest, gambling, bribery, lying during business transactions, in addition to selling impermissible products and making a profit from them.

Fourth, one does not engage in sexual intercourse unless one is married and one does not engage in homosexuality. 

Fifth, one does not drink alcohol, eat pork, and eat meat slaughtered to false gods or dead animal flesh. 

Sixth, one does not marry the non-Muslim women except for the People of the Book. 

Seventh, one should divorce his non-Muslim wife unless she is from the People of the Book. But if she converts with her husband or converts during the divorce period, they can remain married. 

Eighth, if circumcision will not harm the new male Muslim convert, then he should have it performed by a Muslim physician. 

Ninth, if one cannot emigrate from the non-Muslim lands to the lands of Islam, then one should remain in one’s land while adhering to the religion of Islam. 

Written by Saalih bin Fawzaan al-Fawzaan, member of the Organization of Major Scholars in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on 03/19/1433 A.H. corresponding to 01/01/2012 and translated by Thomas Maldonado on 12/29/2012.

Is it true that the majority of the Muslims in this day and age are all Ash’arees? Q&A with Shaykh ‘Abdul-Muhsin al-‘Abbaad

The Ash’arees are a group who ascribe themselves to Abul-Hasan al-Ash’aree whose full name was ‘Alee bin Ismaa’eel, may Allah have mercy upon him, who died in the year 330 A.H. In regards to his creed then he went through three stages: At first he was upon the way of the Mu’tazliah sect. Then after this he was caught between the Mu’tazilah and the way of the Sunnah. He affirmed some of the attributes (of Allah) and misinterpreted the rest. Then finally he followed the way of the first three generations of Muslims from this Ummah. He clarified this in his book entitled al-Ibaanah which is one of his last books or the last book that he wrote. He explained that he was upon the belief of the Imaam of Ahlu-Sunnah; Ahmad bin Hanbal, may Allah have mercy upon him, as well as the other people of the Sunnah. He affirmed everything that Allah affirmed for Himself and what His messenger, peace be upon him, affirmed from Allah’s names and attributes in the manner in which only befits Allah. This is without saying “How” or without comparing Him to His creation. And without distorting His names or misinterpreting them just as Allah the Mighty and Majestic says: {There is nothing like Him. He is the All-Hearing, All-Seeing.}

The Ash’arees today remain upon the way he was upon before he changed to the belief of Ahl-us-Sunnah wal-Jama’aah. It is commonly held amongst some of the people today that the Ash’arees number 95% of the Muslims. This statement is incorrect from several angles:

Firstly in order for this percentage to be confirmed there must be a detailed census initiated and this has not been done. It is a claim based on mere allegations.

Secondly even if it was proved that they did in fact reach this number then being a majority does not indicate soundness and correctness of belief. Soundness and correctness of belief is obtained by following what the first three generations of Muslims from this Ummah were upon; following the companions and those who followed their way. It is not by following the belief of their companion who died in the fourth century and who recanted from his earlier beliefs and positions.

Thirdly the way of the Ash’arees it is believed in by those who teach it in their Islamic institutions or by their scholars who are upon this creed. As for the common ordinary people-they are the true majority-then they don’t know anything about the creed of the Ash’arees. They are upon the natural disposition (of Tawheed) that was proven within the belief of the teenage girl (who was asked where Allah is) in the narration relayed by Muslim in his Saheeh. The creed that should be applied and believed in is the natural disposition (of Tawheed) found in the creed of Ahl-us-Sunnah wal-Jama’aah.

The Muhaddith (Hadeeth Scholar) of Madeenah, Shaykh ‘Abdul-Muhsin al-‘Abbaad 
Taken from his explanation of the Creed of Ibn Abee Zayd al-Qayrawaanee
called Qatf-ul-Janee ad-Daanee pages 33-34
Translated by Thomas Maldonado

Does Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan have a Facebook page?

His eminence, ash-Shaykh Saalih bin Fawzaan al-Fawzaan, may Allah protect him, peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. To proceed:

I noticed that while I was searching on the network site, Facebook, that there are three profiles that carry your name, with various topics (from you).

My question is this, does his eminence have a profile on the Facebook site, and what is its address? And are any of the profiles that carry your name supported by you? May Allah protect you.

Response: And may peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. I do not have any profile with this aforementioned site, I do not have any connection to it nor do I know of it. The only reliable site that I have approved is my personal site which is run by Mu’assasah ad-Da’wah al-Khairiyyah (the Charitable Organization for Islamic Invitation), for the sake of clarity reference is cited. I do not permit anyone or the construction of any site or profile within any sites unless my written permission has been given.

Written by Saalih Fawzaan al-Fawzaan
6/3/1432 A.H.

Translated by Thomas Maldonado
Source: http://www.alfawzan.ws/node/13197

Sneezing then Praising Allah while being led in Prayer Q&A by Shaykh ‘Abdul-‘Azeez bin ‘Abdullah Aali ash-Shaykh

Question: One of the people being led in prayer next to me sneezed and then said, “all praise is for Allah (al-Hamdullilah)” while in prayer. Is this permissible to do in prayer, and how should one respond? 

Answer: When one being led in prayer sneezes, then it is prescribed for that person to praise Allah. This is based on the narration of Mu’aadh bin Rifaa’ah bin Raafi’ from his father, may Allah be pleased with him, that he said, “I prayed behind the Prophet, peace be upon him, when I sneezed and said al-Hamdullilah, Hamdan Katheeran, Tayeeban Mubaarakan feeh, Mubaarkan ‘alayhi Kamaa Yuhibu Rabbanaa wa Yardhaa (All praise is for Allah, many pure blessings, blessings upon him as our Lord loves and is pleased with).” So when the Prophet finished praying, peace be upon him, he asked who had spoken during prayer but no one answered. Then he asked a second time who had spoken so Rifaa’ah said, “I did Messenger of Allah.” Then he asked him what he had said and Rifaa’ah told him. The Prophet, peace be upon him said: (By the One who my soul is in His hand, I saw thirty or so angels scrambling to see which one would take it up to heaven.) 

This narration is related by at-Tirmidhee who said it was a good narration as well as an-Nisaa’ee. Therefore this companion praised Allah after sneezing while he was in prayer and the Prophet, peace be upon him, approved this action, so this proves its permissibility. 

From the Legal Rulings of Shaykh ‘Abdul-‘Azeez bin ‘Abdullah Aali ash-Shaykh
From the magazine Majallat-ul-Buhooth al-Islaamiyyah pages 42-43
Translated by Thomas Maldonado

Statements of the Major Scholars concerning Demonstrations and Protests by Shaykhs: ‘Abdul-‘Azeez bin Baaz, Muhammad bin Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen, Saalih al-Fawzaan, ‘Abdul-‘Azeez ar-Raajihee and Muhammad Naasir-ud-Deen al-Albaanee

His Eminence, ash-Shaykh, al-Imaam, ‘Abdul-‘Azeez bin Baaz (may Allah have mercy upon him) said, “Using good methods are the best ways of having the truth accepted. Using bad and violent methods are the most dangerous ways in having the truth rejected and not accepted. It causes unrest, oppression, aggression, and disturbances. In relation to this are the demonstrations and protests that are carried out by some people. These demonstrations and protests cause great harms to the callers (of Islam). Marching and shouting in the streets is not the means to rectification and inviting (to the application of Islam). The correct way is by visiting and written correspondence while utilizing good manners. This is how the president, the ruler, and the leader of the tribes is advised, using this method, not by violence and demonstrations. The Prophet, peace be upon him, resided thirteen years in Makkah and never did he engage in demonstrations or marches. He did not terrify the people by destroying their property or killing. No doubt this method harms the Da’wah and the callers…they want good by observing this method but only the opposite occurs. Therefore the one who calls to Allah treads the way of the Messengers and their followers even if it takes a long time, it is better than harming the Da’wah and causing adversity.” Taken from the al-Buhooth al-Islaamiyyah magazine, edition 38, page 210.

And he was asked, may Allah have mercy upon him, are demonstrations performed by men and women against the ruler considered a means from the many ways of inviting to (the application of) Islam? And is the one who is killed while engaged (in these protests) considered a martyr who fought in the path of Allah?

So he responded by saying, “I do not see demonstrations performed by men and women being a cure, rather it from the causes of tribulations, from the causes of evil, and from the causes of oppressing some of the people and transgressing some of the people’s rights. The divinely legislated ways are written correspondence, giving advice, and inviting to good using sound methods. This is the way of the people of knowledge and this is the way of the companions of the Prophet, peace be upon him, and those who follow them in that which is good; by written correspondence, by speaking with those who are in error and with the leader and ruler. And also by contacting them, advising them, and writing to them without publicizing on the pulpit or other places that the person did this and the person has become that. And it is Allah whom we seek assistance from.” Taken from the tape: Selections from the Statements of the Scholars.

And ash-Shaykh, al-‘Allaamah, Muhammad bin Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy upon him) was asked if demonstrations were a means of the divinely legislated call to Islam?

He said, “All praise is to Allah, Lord of all the worlds. And may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon our master Muhammad, upon his family, companions, and those who follow them perfectly until the Day of Judgment. To proceed: the concept of Demonstrations is a new issue. It was not known in the time of the Prophet, peace be upon him, or in the time of the rightly-guided Muslim rulers or amongst the companions- may Allah be pleased with them all. It consists of prohibited acts based on anarchy and disturbances such as the breaking of glass and doors, etc. Therein occurs mixing of the sexes, the young with the old, as well as other corruptions and objectionable acts. As for the issue of pressuring the government, if it is a Muslim government, then it is sufficient to have an advisor skilled in the Book of Allah and in the Sunnah of His Messenger, peace be upon him. This is the best thing that can be suggested to the Muslim. If it is a non-Muslim government ,then do not concern yourself with these demonstrators. ..based on this, we view demonstrations as being an evil matter. As for those who say that demonstrations are peaceful, at the beginning it is peaceful but then it becomes destructive. I advise the youth to follow the path of those before them as Allah the Glorious, the Most High, has praised the Muhaajiroon and the Ansaar and those who follow them perfectly applying Islam in their daily lives.” From the book al-Jawaab al-Abhar by Fuad Sarraaj page 75.

And ash-Shaykh, al-‘Allaamah, Saalih al-Fawzaan, may Allah protect him from every evil and harm was asked if establishing demonstrations was a means of Da’wah in solving the Muslim world’s problems?

He said, “Our religion is not a religion of chaos and anarchy. It is a religion of discipline, a religion of order and tranquility. Demonstrations are not actions done by Muslims and the Muslims did not know of them (in the beginning of Islam). The religion of Islam is a religion of calmness, a religion of mercy, not one filled with chaos. It is not a religion of commotion or stirring up tribulations. This is the religion of Islam. People’s rights are not obtained through these methods but by legislated Islamic requests and other legislated methods. These demonstrations cause tribulations, the spilling of blood, and the destruction of property therefore they are not permissible.” Taken from al-Ijaabaat al-Muhimmah fee al-Mashaakil al-Malmah by Muhammad al-Husayn page 100.

And His Eminence, ash-Shaykh ‘Abdul-‘Azeez ar-Raajihee, may Allah protect him from every evil and harm was asked, what is your opinion of the one who says that demonstrations are permissible in order to put pressure on the ruler until he responds to them?

He said, “Demonstrations are not actions done by Muslims, they are foreign. They were not known until the influence of the non-Muslim western countries.” Taken from a lecture given by the Shaykh.

And al-‘Allaamah, al-Muhaddith, Naasir-ud-Deen al-Albaanee (may Allah have mercy upon him) said after talking about the weakness of a story of ‘Umar bin al-Khattaab, may Allah be pleased with him, “…That was probably a reason or one of the many reasons some of our brothers who call to Islam tried to use as evidence for demonstrations which are well known today and for methods that the Prophet, peace be upon him, used in inviting to Islam! Some Islamic groups still demonstrate unaware that its roots are from the ways and methods of the non-Muslims which they ascribe to because in their estimation rule is for the people. They negate the statement of the Prophet, peace be upon him: (And the best of guidance is the guidance of Muhammad).” Taken from as-Silsalah adh-Dha’eefah.

Source: http://www.sahab.net/forums/showthread.php?t=385795
Translated by Thomas Maldonado