Do I Share in Other People’s Sins?

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Question:

If one shares premises, a vehicle, a social network account, or any other facility, is one responsible for what others do with it? What if they use it for a sinful purpose?

Answer:

Wa alaykum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

Dear questioner,

Thank you for your important question.

One is not responsible for other people’s actions. Merely sharing a facility with someone does not mean that one is helping the other sin.

However, if one can change what they do, one should do so, especially if they are Muslims.

The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “‘Help your brother whether he is wronging or is being wronged.’ It was said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, we help those being wronged, but how do we help someone doing the wrong?’ The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, ‘By stopping him [doing the wrong].'” [Bukhari and Muslim]

If one cannot change what they do with the shared facility, then it would be far superior to disassociate yourself from them, especially if there is no material need in you sharing with them.

For example, if my brother in Islam and I share a building and he rents out his half as night clubs while I rent out mine as restaurants, I am not sinful for what he is doing. However, as my brother in Islam, I have to tell him to stop doing this sin.

Similarly, if we share an account on social media and he is continually posting sinful content, I am not responsible. However, if there is no particular need in sharing the account, I should just vote with my feet and leave the account.

I pray this helps.

[Ustadh] Farid Dingle

 

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.

Why Am I So Concerned About My Imperfections?

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Question:
Why am I so concerned about my imperfections?
Answer:
Dear questioner,
May Allah bless you and increase you in good.
Perfection 
For us regular Muslims, there is no such thing as “perfection.” Allah did not make us infallible. We all commit sins and we make mistakes. However, this does not mean that we are not mean for the highest degrees of Paradise.
The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “All of the children of Adam are sinners, and the best sinners are those who repent.” [Tirmidhi]
If we repent, we will be raised in our degrees and reach our potential heights.
Deserving Paradise
“None of you will enter Paradise due to your deeds.” They said, “Not even you, O Messenger of Allah?” The Prophet said, “Not even me unless Allah envelops me in His mercy.
Know that the most beloved deed to Allah is that which is done regularly, even if it is small.” [Bukhari]
This hadith shows us that Paradise is not something we deserve, but it is granted by Allah’s bounty and grace, not by our perfection or us deserving it.
Uniting with Loved Ones
The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “A person will be with whom they love.” [Bukhari]
The person who loves another will be with them in Paradise and united. They may not receive the same honor and exact rewards, but they will be together and spend joyous times in each other’s company. This gives Muslims great hope in uniting with Allah’s Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace) in Paradise.
So have hope and strive to be among the righteous but do not despair of their company on the issue of your deeds not being “perfect in every aspect of our lives.”
May Allah honor us and grant us the company of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) and his companions and the righteous.
[Imam] Yama Niazi
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Where Can I Find Good Company?

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Question:
Where can I find good company?
Answer:
Dear questioner,
May Allah bless you and increase you in good.
Turn to Allah
The best thing that I recommend is to build your relationship with Allah Most High. He is our Lord and the Creator of our actions as well as our feelings.
There is no one to change the condition of our hearts except Him!
A recommended dua is the following:
‏ يَا مُقَلِّبَ الْقُلُوبِ ثَبِّتْ قَلْبِي عَلَى دِينِكَ
(Yaa Muqallibal-quluub, thabbit qalbi ala dinik)
“O Changer of the hearts, make my heart firm upon Your religion. [Tirmidhi]
You may also pray the Prayer of Need.
Engaging Others 
At times many of us feel lonely or desire company and often, we may not find it at that particular time or place. However, have hope because I am sure in time, with Allah’s help, you will find the company you desire. I am not sure how old you are, but many other organizations out there may help you connect to other Muslims. There are also MSA’s in many places, are there any close to you? Some areas have gatherings of knowledge or dhikrs etc. Are there any near you? Do not give up without a thorough search.
Family or Relatives 
Consider spending time with family members. If you have siblings and cousins, perhaps you can connect with them? Family can sometimes be healing. Even connecting via a platform online to speak to your family is noble and rewarded by Allah if you intend to please Him.
Finally, loneliness is something that may need further analysis and help if it is more serious. Please consult a health expert or a local scholar for further assistance.
[Imam] Yama Niazi
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

What Can I Do If My Parents Will Not Let Me Marry My Brother-in-Law’s Brother?

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Question: 

What should I do if my parents will not let me marry my brother-in-law’s brother?

Answer:

Assalamu alaykum,

Thank you for your question. I am sorry that you are going through this frustration with your parents. It is heartbreaking, but I assure you that you will get through this, by the grace of Allah, Most High.

 

Appeal

Appeal to your parents’ wishes for you to be happy and communicate with them gently and politely. Give them time if they need it. Get your sister involved to help convince them, and if they listen to no one, get an elder or imam to talk to them. Also, perhaps the young man can come over and officially propose. This will force them to reconsider and finalize how they feel. You will need to procure their permission in order to marry him, so do not try to rush it or be rude in the process. Your father is essentially trying to protect you and wishes for the best for you.

 

Istikhara

Pray istikhara, and see if this man is really the best for you. Have you picked him based on his religion, or is it simply lust? Six years is a long time to plan to marry someone without telling your parents. If there was an illicit relationship, you will need to repent for it and then submit to what Allah has planned for you. Tell your suitor to pray istikhara as well, and if it is positive, you will both have to convince your parents. Please remember that you can only push them so far, and if you cannot, you must part ways.

 

Ease After Difficulty

Remember that after every difficulty there is ease, as Allah, Most High, has told us in His book, and that no matter what pain and hardship you go through now, it will just make you stronger and better. Always beware of your emotions because the Prophet, Allah bless him and give him peace, said, “Your love for a thing causes blindness and deafness.“ [Abu Dawud] May Allah give you the best of this world and the next bless your union with whomever it may be.

 

Please See:

https://seekersguidance.org/answers/general-counsel/obeying-parents-in-matters-of-marriage/

https://seekersguidance.org/answers/general-counsel/marriage-dealing-with-parents/

[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.

Do I Have To Remove Immoral Comments Online?

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Question:

When I was young, I used to read immoral books, and I would promote these books with extensive praise and comments on forums. Should I go back and delete all of these comments?

Answer:

Wa alaykum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

Dear questioner,

Thank you for your important question.

The past is the past, and we should never allow ourselves to be caught in a trap of guilt.

That said, if you think that your comments are still being read and you can remove them within a few hours, I would go ahead and delete them. Otherwise, you should not go to extremes and just assume that no one will read your comments any more.

One of the great scholars of the past visited another scholar and found him very disturbed. He asked him what was wrong and he replied, “‘A young man just came to me asking about the true nature of repentance. I told him that it was to never forget the sins that you had done.’ He objected and said, ‘Rather, repentance is that you forget your sins!'” [Al-Risala al-Qushayriyya]

This means that repentance requires that you have to feel remorse for what you did. This means that you never forget the fact that you did bad things and that you are shy before Allah. At the same time, you have to forget your sin and never go back to in order to really repent, and you cannot keep digging yourself into a hole of depression thinking about how bad you once were. We should repent, make amends, and get on with life. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Someone who repents from sins is like someone who does not have any sins to begin with.” [Ibn Majah]

I pray this helps.

[Ustadh] Farid Dingle

 

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.

Do Oranges Have Alcohol in Them?

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Question:

I found that alcohol is present in oranges. What must we do? Abandon eating them?

Answer:

Wa ‘alaykum assalam wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh.

I pray you are well.

No, you do not have to give up oranges. They are halal. Do not worry about the term “alcohol.” The impermissibility does not apply here. Rather, it applies to drinks that have been fermented to the point that they are intoxicants. [Maydani, al-Lubab]

Eat the fruits and foods Allah has created for us – and show much thanks for it; you will see an increase in blessings. Reflect on the favours and gifts of God; you see much wisdom and reason for gratitude.

I once heard Shaykh Hamza Yusuf share his reflections on oranges: they are perfect for sharing. So, enjoy them and rejoice in the blessings of Allah. That is better for you.

May Allah grant you the best of both worlds.

[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim Reasat

 

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.

Is There Any Du’as To Get Out of a Bad Situation?

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Question:
Is there any du’as to get out of a bad situation?
Answer:
Dear questioner,
May Allah bless you and help you in your affairs.
Provision Varies 
Allah Most High in his creation has allotted everyone certain provision; for some, He has given them more wealth, better health, and yes, for some, perhaps more intelligence than others. You must remember that does not make them better than someone else.
The door to every good in this world and the next is taqwa. Ultimately, this is what will matter in our graves and the hereafter. No matter how smart or intelligent some people claim to be, the fact is it will not benefit them one iota on the Day of Judgement.
Allah Most High says, “The Day when neither wealth nor children will help Except for him who comes to God with a sound heart.” [Qur’an 26: 88-89]
Aiming to attain a sound heart is within the ability of every Muslim.
True Intelligence 
The Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “The intelligent person is the one who keeps a check on himself and does actions that will benefit him after death, and the foolish person is the one who follows his desires and places false hope in Allah.” [Tirmidhi]
Advice on Taqwa 
Allah also says, “O you who believe! If you remain conscious of God, He will give you a criterion, and will remit from you your sins, and will forgive you. God is the possessor of infinite grace.” [Qur’an 8:29]
This “criterion” or furqan in Arabic means to differentiate between truth and falsehood. If Allah has granted you to recognize Him and believe in Him, then you have been given real intelligence.
Allah says, وَاتَّقُواْ اللَّهَ وَيُعَلِّمُكُمُ اللَّهُ” And fear Allah and Allah will teach you…” [Qur’an 2:293]
The best thing to do is strive to be from the people of Taqwa. Allah will grant you ease and a way out of all your affairs and difficulties.
Advice and Dua
You can make this dua – and say, “My Lord, increase me in knowledge.”
In transliteration, that would be “Wa Qur- rabbi zidni i’lma” [Qur’an 20:114]
Finally, dear brother, try to be with people who appreciate you and whom you feel comfortable with. Good company is better than not having any company, but bad company is worst than having no company at all.
[Imam] Yama Niazi
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

How Do I Deal With Doubts Regarding the Purity of Clothing, if I Cannot Remember Whether It Was Pure or Not?

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Question:

How do I deal with doubts regarding the purity of clothing, if I cannot remember whether it was pure or not?

Answer:

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate,

All doubts with regards to impurity are to be ignored. The basis is that everything is purity. Since purity is the basis, you must be reasonably sure of the presence of impurity to deem the garment impure.[Tahtawi/Shurunbulali, Hashiyat Maraqi al-Falah]

Furthermore, there is a certain amount of impurity that is excused where the prayer remains valid despite its presence. The excused amount is 5 grams of weight for solids and 5cms in surface area for liquids. [Ala’ al-Din Abidin, al-Hadiyya al-‘Ala’iyya]

 

Forgetting Impurity

If you cannot remember whether or not a garment is pure, consider it pure, and act accordingly until and unless you recall with reasonable surety the contrary.

If you are sure of the presence of impurity on a garment, however, you forgot the location of the impurity, then estimate to the best of your ability and wash that one section. By doing this, the garment is considered pure, despite the possibility that you may be wrong. [Tahtawi/Shurunbulali, Hashiyat Maraqi al-Falah]

 

Advice

Piety is to do what Allah Most High wants from you in each situation. Allah Most High tells us that He does not charge anyone beyond their capabilities and that He has not put upon us any undue hardship in the religion. [Qur’an: 2: 286 and 22:78]

With these in mind, remember that you are not responsible for anything beyond your ability nor are you required to put yourself in undue hardship to fulfill your duties.

Acting on doubts and inspecting for impurities are both beyond one’s ability and unduly hard. Therefore, you are only charged with acting on that which you are reasonably sure about or certain – all else ignore! Your ignoring of doubts is piety and will draw you nearer to Allah.

I hope this helps,
Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Yusuf Weltch

 

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Yusuf Weltch is a teacher of Arabic, Islamic law, and spirituality. After accepting Islam in 2008, he then completed four years at the Darul Uloom seminary in New York where he studied Arabic and the traditional sciences. He then traveled to Tarim, Yemen, where he stayed for three years studying in Dar Al-Mustafa under some of the greatest scholars of our time, including Habib Umar Bin Hafiz, Habib Kadhim al-Saqqaf, and Shaykh Umar al-Khatib. In Tarim, Shaykh Yusuf completed the memorization of the Qur’an and studied beliefs, legal methodology, hadith methodology, Qur’anic exegesis, Islamic history, and a number of texts on spirituality. He joined the SeekersGuidance faculty in the summer of 2019.

What Is the Value of Women in Islam?

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Question:

What are the rights of women in Islam? How does Islam honor and protect women? How does Islam view women in general, and how are they valued?

Answer:

Assalamu alaykum,

Thank you for your question. Your question is very important, and I think that this is something that everyone needs to understand the way that the Prophet understood it, Allah bless him and grant him peace.

 

The Period of Ignorance

The second caliph of Islam, the leader of the believers, Umar ibn al-Khattab, Allah be pleased with him, one of the most influential leaders in history tells us of own view of women before Islam: “In Jahiliyya, we used to have no regard for women whatsoever, but when Islam came and Allah made mention of them, this caused us to realize that they have rights upon us…” [Bukhari]

 

Rights

Women were given rights after the advent of Islam such as the right to inheritance, the right to earn and keep their own money, the right to divorce, and most importantly the right to life, to repel the horrid tradition of burying females infants alive.

 

The Value of Women

The value of women in Islam is undeniable to any logical mind. Women make up the mothers, sisters, wives, and daughters of society. They are instrumental in raising upright children, ensuring that Islam is upheld in the home, instilling and modeling religious values to those around them, and being the beacons of modesty and piety to which societal standards are held. This makes up the very fabric of the ummah. I pray that all Muslim women, including myself, use the role models of Sayyidah A’isha, Sayyida Fatima, Sayyidah Asiyah, Sayyidah Maryam, Sayyidah Khadijah, and countless others who have graced Islamic history with their strength, devotion, and fortitude as our standard.

 

The Point of It All

Allah sums up the reward and purpose of believers, males and females alike, in this verse from His holy book, “Surely, Muslim men and Muslim women, believing men and believing women, devout men and devout women, truthful men and truthful women, patient men and patient women, humble men and humble women, and the men who give Sadaqah (charity) and the women who give Sadaqah, and the men who fast and the women who fast, and the men who guard their private parts (against evil acts) and the women who guard (theirs), and the men who remember Allah much and the women who remember (Him) – for them, Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward.” [Qur’an, 33:35]

If anyone, man or woman, is blessed by Allah’s eternal bounty of Paradise, in which they will be no fear or sadness, where they will gaze at their Lord, Most High, they will have achieved the ultimate pleasure of the Creator and do not need to worry about how they are seen by creation. May Allah give us the best of this world and the next.

 

Please see:

https://seekersguidance.org/articles/knowledge/being-a-woman/
https://seekersguidance.org/tag/women-in-islam/

[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.

Who Are the Pious Predecessors?

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Question:
Who are the Pious Predecessors?
Answer:
Dear questioner,
Thank you for your important question.
May Allah, Most High reward you for your desire to increase in knowledge.
Who are the Pious Predecessors?
The term “Pious Predecessors” or “Al-Salaf Al-Saliheen” technically refers to someone who died within the first four hundred years after the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace). It is a term that was deduced from this hadith:
“The best of people are my generation then those who come after them and then those who come after them.” [Bukhari, al-Sahih]
Examples of these great individuals are the Companions of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace), their students, the four Imam’s of Islamic Law, and many others.
Those who came after the “salaf” are known as the “khalaf.” They are also held in high esteem by all Muslims. They organized and clarified the belief and practices of the pious predecessors.
Please read this answer for more details on the Pious Predecessors
Tashahhud Mistake
Your prayer is valid. There is no delay in any pillars of the prayer. [Maydani, al-Lubab]
And Allah alone knows best,
[Ustadh] Omar Popal
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani