Doubts About Purification

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Question: If one has doubts about one’s purification (wudu or ghusl) during the prayer, does one have to restart the prayer?

Answer:

Wa alaykum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

Dear questioner,

Thank you for your important question.

To answer this question properly, I will break this down into two sections.

Before and during the prayer

A. Doubts about breaking wudu

If one knows that one has wudu, and before or during the prayer starts to doubt whether or not one broke wudu, the prayer is perfectly valid. This is because the default assumption is that one has wudu, and one merely doubts whether or not one broke it, and certainty is given precedence over doubt.

B. Doubts about making wudu

If one knows that one broke one’s wudu, and before or during the prayer starts to doubt whether or not one made wudu after breaking it, the prayer is invalidated. One must go and make wudu, and start again. This is because one knows that one did not have wudu, and one merely thinks that one made wudu thereafter, and certainty is given precedence over doubt, as before.

After the prayer

Once one gives the salams, the default assumption is that the prayer is valid. So even if one knows that before the prayer one broke one’s wudu, and merely thinks that one made wudu thereafter, the prayer is still valid (Tuhfat al Muhtaj, Ibn Hajar al Haytami). This is assuming such thoughts only came to one’s mind after the prayer was finished and not before.

The reason for this is that the default assumption is that the prayer is valid, and the doubt is now regarding whether or not one actually had wudu, and certainty is given precedence over doubt, as mentioned above.

I pray this helps.

[Ustadh] Farid

 

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadh Farid Dingle has completed extensive years of study in the sciences of the Arabic language and the various Islamic Sciences. During his studies, he also earned a CIFE Certificate in Islamic Finance. Over the years he has developed a masterful ability to craft lessons that help non-Arabic speakers gain a deep understanding of the language. He currently teaches courses in the Arabic Language

Seeking Refuge in Allah From Worrisome Thoughts

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Muslims

Question: I frequently have negative thoughts; like someone will harm or do magic on me and those around me. Because of this, I am unable to concentrate on my work; I wonder if someone has done magic on me. Over the years, I have developed a habit of saying “Auzubillah” {just Auzubillah, and not Auzubillahi min ash-shaitanir rajim} whenever such thoughts come. It makes me feel safe, and after saying this, I can concentrate. Since this happens all day, and I cannot recite du`as or surahs every time, I just say Auzubillah. Is saying just Auzubillah permissible? How do I get rid of such thoughts and increase my focus?

Answer: 

Assalamu alaykum,

Thank you for your question. It is permissible for you to recite A`udhu BiLlah by itself. If you recite the complete ta`awwudh (the saying “A`udhu BiLahi min ash-Shaytan ir-rajeem), it would be even better.

A du`a

I thought this hadith and du’a would benefit you:

The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and give him peace, used to teach them the following words in the case of alarm, “I seek refuge in Allah’s perfect words from His anger, the evil of His servants, the evil suggestions of the devils and their presence.” `Abdullah ibn `Amr used to teach them to those of his children who had reached puberty, and he wrote them down (on some material) and hung on the child who had not reached puberty [Abu Dawud].

The Arabic of the above du`a:

‏ أَعُوذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ التَّامَّةِ مِنْ غَضَبِهِ وَشَرِّ عِبَادِهِ وَمِنْ هَمَزَاتِ الشَّيَاطِينِ

                                                                 وَأَنْ يَحْضُرُونِ

Getting rid of these thoughts

The thoughts that you are getting are pure waswasa (baseless misgivings), and you must train your mind for thought-control and ignore them. Paying attention to them only makes them stronger and more frequent. Seeking refuge from the devil is good, but your ultimate goal is to reduce their frequency to little or none. I feel that your thoughts stem from stress and worry. Please make a habit of doing more dhikr and filling your life with more knowledge, learning, reading, and dhikr. Use for free time for these things and you will find that your thoughts go directly to the last thing that you read or learned. Keep doing this until it becomes your perpetual state.

Steps and resources

The absolute best steps that you can take are in this excellent article, please read it in full:
https://seekersguidance.org/answers/living-religion/how-do-i-calm-my-worries/

Please see these links as well. The more informed you are, the more you can control what to do about it.

https://seekersguidance.org/answers/general-counsel/distinguishing-between-thoughts-from-ourselves-shaytan-and-allah/
https://seekersguidance.org/tag/seeking-refuge-from-the-devil/

Magic

I don’t think that anyone has done magic on you. I feel that the thoughts you are having are from yourself and it’s better to train yourself to get rid of them. This will give you self-control and confidence, a tool that is very useful in life. Please see this video about magic and the related articles linked under it:
https://seekersguidance.org/articles/prophetic-guidance/jinn-sihr-black-magic-protect/

May Allah give you the best in this world and the next, and help you overcome every difficulty.

[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad

 

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria for two years where she studied aqidah, fiqh, tajweed, tafseer, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed her Masters in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan where she studied fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She recently moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.

Breaking Wudu by Touching Private Parts

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Question: What constitutes touching private parts that break wudu?

Answer:

Wa alaykum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

Dear questioner,

Thank you for your important question.

Touching means touching with the palm or inner side of the fingers without any barrier (Minhaj al Talibin, Nawawi).

The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, ‘When one of you touches his private parts with his hand when there is no barrier between the two, let him make wudu’ (Ibn Hibban).

A thick layer of cream would be a barrier that could be scratched off. A thin layer that can be felt but that does not form a layer over the skin would not.

For example, if someone put a thick layer of medication or cream on their own genitals or those of a baby, if they did not rub the cream in and left it as a thick layer, they would not really be “touching” the genitals. If they rubbed it in such that the layer of cream between their skin and the skin of genitals was no longer there, then it would break their wudu.

I pray this helps.

[Ustadh] Farid

 

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadh Farid Dingle has completed extensive years of study in the sciences of the Arabic language and the various Islamic Sciences. During his studies, he also earned a CIFE Certificate in Islamic Finance. Over the years he has developed a masterful ability to craft lessons that help non-Arabic speakers gain a deep understanding of the language. He currently teaches courses in the Arabic Language

Taking A Patient Off Life Support

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Asalaam alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

I hope you’re doing well, insha’Allah. May Allah Most High grant you relief in this difficult and testing situation.

Keep in mind that all such tests are expiations (kaffara) for believers’ sins, and reward and raising in eternal ranks in Paradise with Allah Most High.

Our prayers are with your father and family.

Taking A Patient Off Life Support

Life support equipment—such as a ventilator—is a sunna (highly recommended) to seek when someone is sick. It is not morally obligatory for a patient to seek such medical treatment—though when healing is likely or hoped for, it is recommended and encouraged.

Thus, when reliable doctors state that there is little or no likelihood of recovery, it is permitted for the immediate family to agree to take the patient off life support. It is good to seek a second qualified medical opinion, when feasible, out of caution and for peace of mind. Striving to preserve life is a basic aim of Islamic teachings.

It is also good for the family to come together and agree to the course of action being taken. They should also agree not to second-guess any choice made—whether to continue life support or not.

The family should support each other in this difficult time. They should all make many prayers for your father; give in charity on his behalf, and renew certitude in Allah, and have complete trust in His Mercy, Wisdom, and Grace.

Please see the following links as well.

https://seekersguidance.org/answers/general-counsel/dealing-with-a-terminal-illness-and-impending-death/

https://seekersguidance.org/answers/general-counsel/extending-life-support-when-no-recovery-is-expected/

May Allah facilitate all ways of good for you. May Allah grant you success and facilitation.

And Allah is the giver of success and facilitation.

Wassalam,

Faraz Rabbani

 

Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Fate and The Bible

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Planting Seeds of Faith

Question: If Allah destined that the Bible should be changed, does that mean that it was a good thing?

Answer:

Wa alaykum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

Dear questioner,

Thank you for your important question.

Allah has determined and preordained everything, including good deeds and bad deeds, and including the adulteration of the Bible and loss of the true and original teachings of Prophet Jesus (upon whom be peace).

Everything that Allah chooses to happen can be described as wise, just, or kind. Good and bad mean that Allah praises whoever does something and rewards them, or that He blames whoever does something and may punish them (Jam al Jawami, Subki).  Therefore, to describe His actions and decisions as good and bad isn’t really very meaningful. It is only really meaningful to describe our actions as good and bad because it is only our actions that He praises or blames, or rewards or punishes.

So, we can say that people’s changing of the Bible was bad, and Allah’s allowing it to happen was wise and just. Similarly, Muslims’ preservation of the Qur’an and Sunna was good, and Allah’s allowing it to happen is wise and kind.

Please see: https://seekersguidance.org/answers/hanafi-fiqh/can-attend-class-speaking-christianity/

https://seekersguidance.org/answers/theology/confused-about-christianity/

I pray this helps.

[Ustadh] Farid

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadh Farid Dingle has completed extensive years of study in the sciences of the Arabic language and the various Islamic Sciences. During his studies, he also earned a CIFE Certificate in Islamic Finance. Over the years he has developed a masterful ability to craft lessons that help non-Arabic speakers gain a deep understanding of the language. He currently teaches courses in the Arabic Language

Washing of Whole Mouth During Ghusl

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special supplication

Question: Must I move my detached gums in the ritual bath (ghusl) in order for the water to reach underneath?

Answer: 

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate

You are not obliged to move your detached gums in the ritual bath (ghusl) in order for the water to reach underneath [Tahtawi/Shurunbulali, Hashiyat Maraqi al-Falah].

Water Reaches

Even though you may assume that water does not reach underneath your gums – the basis is that it does. Water is naturally thin and permeating. Since this is the basis of understanding one would need reasonable surety to assume otherwise [Ibid.].

Due to this, you should ignore any assumptions that the water does not reach. Merely swish the water around your mouth and consider that integral complete.

Hope this helps.

Allah knows best
[Shaykh] Yusuf Weltch

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Yusuf Weltch is a graduate from Tarim; a student of Habib Umar and other luminaries; and authorized teachers of the Qur’an and the Islamic sciences

Could the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) Commit Sins?

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Prophet's Smile

Question: I would like clarity on Qur’an, 66:1, 80:1-10, and 9:43. My understanding is that the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) is infallible, but someone referenced these verses to indicate Allah correcting the Prophet’s “mistakes”. Regarding the first two suras, my understanding is these weren’t mistakes. He was correct however Allah’s reproach was more refined. However in Sura al Tawba Allah explicitly asks the Prophet to seek forgiveness which has me confused. Can you clarify, please?

Answer:

Wa ‘alaykum assalam wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh

I pray you are well.

Prophets Can’t Sin

The dominant Sunni orthodox position is that Prophets cannot sin (Bajuri, Tuhfa al Murid). All of the texts which could be misunderstood as contradicting the above are understood to mean that the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) chose to do an excellent action in the presence of something even better.

This explanation of Sura ‘Abasa gives more detail to that. Qadi ‘Iyad also has a detailed description of this in his excellent work al Shifa. Please refer to that for more details.

Explaining Qur’an, 9:43

The verse you referred to in Sura al Tawba does not instruct the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) to ask for forgiveness. Rather, Allah tells him that He has pardoned him – before discussing a matter He wanted the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) to have approached it differently.

Please see as well: https://seekersguidance.org/answers/islamic-belief/if-the-prophet-was-infallible-why-did-he-ask-for-forgiveness/

I hope that clarifies matters. May Allah grant us deep love and reverence of His Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace). Amin.

[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat began his studies in Arabic Grammar and Morphology in 2005. After graduating with a degree in English and History he moved to Damascus in 2007 where, for 18 months, he studied with many erudite scholars. In late 2008 he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continued his studies for the next six years in Sacred Law (fiqh), legal theory (Usul al-fiqh), theology, hadith methodology, hadith commentary, and Logic. He was also given licenses of mastery in the science of Quranic recital and he was able to study an extensive curriculum of Quranic sciences, tafsir, Arabic grammar, and Arabic eloquence.

My Non-Muslim Parents Want Me To Marry a Non-Muslim

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Learn a Short Surah

Question: Idolatrous parents don’t approve of their daughter’s marriage because her suitor doesn’t believe in idol worship. Instead, they want her to marry an idol-worshipper. She does not currently believe in idol worship and believes firmly in Almighty God. What should she do in light of the Quran and hadith?

Answer:

Assalamu alaykum,

Thank you for your question.  This must be a difficult time for you since your beliefs are very different from your parents’ beliefs. I pray that you can reconcile with them with ease and good character without undue pain and hardship to either party.

Marrying a non-Muslim man

Please see this answer about why a Muslim woman cannot marry a non-Muslim man, there is simply no room for it in the shari`ah and there is unanimous consensus about its impermissibility.
https://seekersguidance.org/answers/hanafi-fiqh/muslim-woman-not-allowed-marry-non-muslim-man/

Non-Muslim father to act as a legal guardian

If your parents are non-Muslim, while you are Muslim, your father may not act as your guardian for your marriage contract. In such a situation, you would ask an imam or other reliable legal upright Muslim man to act on his behalf.

In addition, you would not need his permission to marry the man of your choice. Please see these links:
https://seekersguidance.org/answers/general-counsel/i-am-a-convert-and-ready-to-marry/
https://seekersguidance.org/answers/general-counsel/how-to-overcome-the-hardships-of-getting-married-as-an-hidden-convert/

Family and Wisdom

With the understanding of the above rulings, you should proceed with love, tact, and wisdom. Your parents brought you into this world and they should be involved in attending the wedding and being informed every step of the way. Explain to them gently that what they want from you is not possible.

Respect their views and hear their advice, even if you disagree and will not act upon it. Tell them that you appreciate any marital advice that they can offer after the marriage has taken place and that you hope and expect that they will be active participants in your children’s lives.

Du`a

Ask Allah after your daily prayers and during the last third of the night to facilitate this matter and that your parents be patient and accept your differences. It may take time, but I am certain that they will continue to love you and respect your choices in life. Read some Qu’ran every day with the meaning and learn your obligations in your daily Islamic practice and as a Muslim wife.

Consider taking these free courses:
https://seekersguidance.org/courses/marriage-in-islam-practical-guidance-for-successful-marriage/
https://seekersguidance.org/courses/introduction-to-islam-what-it-means-to-be-muslim/

[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria for two years where she studied aqidah, fiqh, tajweed, tafseer, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed her Masters in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan where she studied fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She recently moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.

Telling My Parents About My Boyfriend

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Prophetic Parenting

Question: I’m in a true relationship with a person for the past 8 years since our student days. We both are honest and true for each other. We want to make our relationship halal and for that, we need more time because he is not settled financially yet. I am getting many marriage proposals and my parents are telling me to get married but I want to marry him only. My parents don’t know that I’m in a relationship and I want to tell them about it but I’m afraid.

Answer:

Assalamu alaykum,

Thank you for your question. The first thing that I need to tell you is that your relationship is not honest or true, as you describe. You have lied to your parents, done the impermissible in the eyes of Allah, and your relationship is based on lust, not love.

Repentance

The first step to getting what you desire is to turn to Allah and repent for your sins. You have had a secret boyfriend, been in a secret relationship, and have become close to a man and emotionally attached instead of following the rules of gender interaction in Islam. Stay away from him from now on and only proceed with a serious engagement or nikah. Please see this link on sincere repentance:
https://seekersguidance.org/articles/featured-articles/what-are-the-conditions-of-making-tawba-transcript-ustadh-abdullah-misra/

Istikhara

After your repentance and resolving to stay away from him, pray istikhara to see if this man is the right one for you. Do not think to make such a big decision just based on feelings, please consider the Prophetic advice first. It seems to me that man who agreed to be in a relationship with you for 8 years without a nikah doesn’t honor you.

Please see this link:
https://seekersguidance.org/answers/marriage/istikhara-prayer-for-marriage/

A proposal: Engagement or nikah

He must come to your family with his parents and offer a formal proposal. There is no reason to tell your parents of your past with him, as it will only break their hearts. Tell them that you are attracted to this proposal and that you feel that it is right for you. If they give their permission, then you are all set and you can have your nikah. If they don’t, you will have to walk away from him.

If your boyfriend can’t come with his family to propose yet, then you must wait for him to find the right time. If you can find a way to hold off your parents, do so, but if you can’t you might have to tell them the truth which will cause them pain and disappointment. Otherwise, you will have to leave him. You certainly can’t be expected to wait for him very long. At least, he should have the decency to propose to you so that you can get engaged, if not married.

Put Allah first

I pray that your situation works out for you, but I recommend that no matter what happens, you put Allah first in your life and strive to live your life by His rules. Learn the halal and the haram of daily life, worship, and the rights and obligations in a Muslim marriage. May Allah reward you and give you the best of both worlds.

[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad

 

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

 

Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria for two years where she studied aqidah, fiqh, tajweed, tafseer, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed her Masters in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan where she studied fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She recently moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.

A Recurrent Vow

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Question: I made a vow to Allah that whenever I overate, I would fast the next day. What do I do if I end up overeating? What do I if this happens again and again?

Answer:

Wa alaykum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

Dear questioner,

Thank you for your important question.

When someone says something like ‘Every time I smoke/swear/drink, I have to fast/pray/give in charity for the sake of Allah.’, then this is a deterring vow (nadhr lajaj).

If they end up doing the thing that they were trying not to do, then they have to either do the act of worship that they made incumbent upon themselves, or expiate (kaffarah) (Minhaj al Talibin, Nawawi).

If they end up doing it again, then they have to do an act of worship or expiate again. This is because they used the word ‘each time’/’every time’ etc.

If you merely make a promise to yourself without mentioning Allah in the vow, then it is not binding.

Please also see:
https://seekersguidance.org/answers/islamic-belief/promises-vs-vows-and-oaths/
https://seekersguidance.org/answers/hanafi-fiqh/expiate-broken-oath/

I pray this helps.

[Ustadh] Farid

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadh Farid Dingle has completed extensive years of study in the sciences of the Arabic language and the various Islamic Sciences. During his studies, he also earned a CIFE Certificate in Islamic Finance. Over the years he has developed a masterful ability to craft lessons that help non-Arabic speakers gain a deep understanding of the language. He currently teaches courses in the Arabic Language