Is the Punishment of One Who Consumes Alcohol Death?

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Question:

Is the punishment for drinking alcohol more than 3 times death?

Answer:

Assalamu alaykum

Thank you for your question.

A person who drinks alcohol for a fourth time will not be killed according to the majority of scholars, including the four schools of jurisprudence.

The hadith you quote was transmitted by ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (Allah be pleased with him). However, there is a deficiency in the chain of transmission, so the hadith is considered weak and may not be used for legal rulings.

There is another hadith transmitted by Mu’awiyah (Allah be pleased with him) that has a similar meaning and is regarded as authentic. It states that the person who drinks alcohol for the fourth time should be killed.

However, Imam Shafi’i (Allah have mercy on him) and the majority of scholars regard this hadith as having been abrogated because of a hadith in the Sunan of Imam Tirmidhi (Allah have mercy on him). Imam Tirmidhi reports from the companion Qabisa ibn Dhu’ayba that a person who drank alcohol was brought to the Messenger of Allah and lashed. He drank alcohol a second time and a third time and was lashed both times. The Prophet had him lashed again when he drank alcohol for the fourth time, thus abrogating the ruling of killing. This view is the position in all four schools of law, and it is taken by the majority of scholars. [Tuhfa al-Ahwadhi]

I pray that this explanation gives you clear guidance that, according to the majority of scholars, a person is not to be killed on account of the consumption of alcohol even if he consumed it one hundred times. Having said that, it is important to bear in mind that drinking alcohol is a serious crime against Allah Most High and, likewise, so is the consumption of other drugs and intoxicants. Muslims should exert themselves to find ways of avoiding these kinds of evils.

For assistance in abstaining from intoxicants, please follow this link: https://seekersguidance.org/answers/general-counsel/can-help-brother-addicted-drugs/

And Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Abdurragmaan Khan

 

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Abdurragmaan received ijazah ’ammah from various luminaries, including but not restricted to: Habib Umar ibn Hafiz—a personality who affected him greatly and who has changed his relationship with Allah, Maulana Yusuf Karaan—the former Mufti of Cape Town; Habib ‘Ali al-Mashhur—the current Mufti of Tarim; Habib ‘Umar al-Jaylani—the Shafi‘i Mufti of Makkah; Sayyid Ahmad bin Abi Bakr al-Hibshi; Habib Kadhim as-Saqqaf; Shaykh Mahmud Sa’id Mamduh; Maulana Abdul Hafiz al-Makki; Shaykh Ala ad-Din al-Afghani; Maulana Fazlur Rahman al-Azami and Shaykh Yahya al-Gawthani amongst others.

How Do I Know That I Will Be Able To Sexually Satisfy My Wife Before Marriage?

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Question:

I am 28 years old,  unmarried male, and I used to masturbate a lot. I lost some sensitivity, and now I wonder if I will be able to satisfy my future wife’s needs. Will it be permissible for me to go to a prostitute to confirm if I can still perform or not? I do not want to ruin some girl’s life by marrying her.

Answer:

Assalamu alaykum,

Thank you for your question. May Allah reward you for being concerned about your future wife’s welfare.

 

Prostitute

It is still not permissible for you to go to a prostitute to check your capabilities because sleeping with her would be an enormity in and of itself. The sin of fornication is not something that you want to be accountable for on the Day of Judgment. The Prophet, Allah bless him and give him peace, said, “A fornicator who fornicates is not a believer as long as he commits fornication, and no one who steals is a believer as long as he commits theft, and no one who drinks wine is a believer as long as he drinks it, and repentance may be accepted after that.“ [Muslim]

 

Doctor

Rather, you should go to a doctor and talk to him about it. Follow his recommendation. It may be that you will need to visit a doctor even after you are married to see if you suffer from erectile dysfunction. The most important step for you now is that you have stopped masturbating and repented. While your heart is healing, so is your body and by the grace of Allah, you will regain the strength that you once had.

 

Give Thanks

Allah, Most High, says, “And ˹remember˺ when your Lord proclaimed, ‘If you are grateful, I will certainly give you more. But if you are ungrateful, surely My punishment is severe.’” [Qur’an, 14:7] Thank Allah for having stopped your sin and ask Him to increase you in every good. Say these du’as, marry for the right reason and prepare yourself for marriage with our free marriage courses.
https://seekersguidance.org/articles/general-artices/selected-prophetic-prayers-for-spiritual-physical-and-emotional-wellbeing-by-chaplain-ibrahim-long/

Turn to Allah with supplication before dawn, and ask Him to help you satisfy your wife. Do what you can medically and leave the rest up to Allah. Give regularly in charity and be the best Muslim that you can be, until then. May Allah give you the best in this world and the next.

[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.

 

What Should I Do About My Anxiety Over My Children’s Health?

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Question: Assalamu ‘alaykum. I experience anxiety regarding the health of my children. A few years ago they had to be hospitalised due to a virus and ever since then, I have just had this severe fear and anxiety over their health. Each time I notice something even slightly wrong, my mind goes to the worst. This anxiety is really difficult to deal with. Are there any reasons for this? Any specific duas to recite? Tried counselling, but it did not help.

Answer:

Wa ‘alaykum assalam wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh.

I pray you are well.

I can understand how this must be difficult for you. There are two routes out of this.

 

Being Prepared – With Faith

Firstly, learning to be comfortable with the fact that there are things we cannot control. Your children have a Loving Lord who wants what is best for them ultimately. If they are tested with health issues, then it will certainly be something that is in their best interest. They will benefit in many ways – if it was to happen.

Know that sometimes a small amount of pain and difficulty can bring much ease and goodness in the long term. Think of it as the pain of a needle when getting vaccinated compared to being saved from a serious illness. Please refer to this article for advice on how to cope with the anxiety.

Secondly, you should consider some form of therapy. Therapy is not the same as counselling. It focuses on the cause of the symptom. Please listen to this seminar for further clarity on the matter. The reason why your anxiety is so strong is that you have been been in situations that have been traumatic. Every time a new incident occurs and reminds you on a subconscious level of those past events, it triggers the past traumatic emotions and you suffer from the compounded effect of all the events. Once you work on this, it should improve.

Ask Allah for help, and leave your children to Him. He loves them and will always do what is in their long-term benefit. May Allah make it easy for you.
[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.

What Is the Prophetic Advice Regarding Illnesses?

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Question: Assalam ‘alaykum, My 2 year old son was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder Phenylketonuria at 8 months. As a result of late diagnosis, his cognitive, social, as well as motor skills are delayed, and he is still unable to walk or talk. For the past 4 months, he has started having seizure episodes as well. Please advise if there is Prophetic guidance for his condition. 

Answer:

Wa ‘alaykum assalam wa rahmatullah wa baakatuh.

I pray you are well, and that Allah heals your child completely.

The Prophetic advice in such matters is twofold: inward and outward.

 

Turning To Allah

Inwardly, we are told to turn to Allah. We place our needs before Him, feeling our need, desperation, hope in His mercy and kindness, knowing that what He chooses for all His servants is what is in their best interests. Ask Him to heal your son, but be mindful that Allah may well have a better outcome planned for Him.

 

Taking the Means

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “O Servants of Allah, take treatment, but do not treat yourselves with the impermissible.” [Abu Dawud] Take all the means at your disposal. Sometimes, looking at alternative medicine can help too. Follow all the avenues that present themselves; perhaps Allah will grant him a cure through one you have not yet considered.

May Allah grant us all wellbeing in this life and the next.
[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.

Can I Wipe Over Parts of the Skin Affected by Eczema in Wudu?

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Question: I suffer from a skin condition called eczema around my mouth and nose. One of the things that makes it worse is washing the area with water. How do I deal with making wudhu in my situation? I have tried keeping my wudhu for at least 2 prayers but find it hard to do so. Would tayammum be valid for just this body part?
Answer:
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful and Compassionate,
Assalāmu ‘alaykum dear brother or sister in faith,
After applying a moisturizer or other occlusive substance to the affected areas of your skin, you may lightly wipe over them with a wet hand. [Shurunbulali, Nur al-Idah, 26]
Allah, Most High, says,  “And no hardship did He lay upon you in the Religion” [Quran 22:78]
Please see:
[Ustadha] Iman Badawi
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

What Happens On the Day of Judgement If I Intentionally Broke the Lockdown Rules?

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Question: Asalamu alaykum.  I wonder, if a person intentionally breaks the lockdown rules and ends up passing on the virus, unintentionally, to someone vulnerable and they pass away, would that person be held accountable for their actions and breaking of the rules on the day of judgment?

Answer: 

Wa ‘alaykum assalam wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh.

I pray you are well.

Usually, there are legal consequences for being a direct, but accidental cause for the death of another. [Marghinani, al-Hidaya] From this, we can assume that there will be some form of questioning on the Day of Judgement. However, the matter lies in Allah’s hands.

There are many factors at play, and it may be that the precise cause of someone contracting the illness is unknown to us. There is also the matter of negligence and what it entails. We can be confident that Allah is absolutely just – which means someone who deserves to be questioned for His actions will be asked.

All matters will be taken care of perfectly on that day. Be sure of that, and be confident that no wrong will go unnoticed. Try not to focus on that matter. Focus on keeping yourself and others safe, and trust that everyone dies at the time they were meant to and that Allah uses such illnesses to manifest His mercy on believers.

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.

 

What Does Islam Tell Us About Eating Etiquette For People With Weight Problems?

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Question: Assalamu ‘alaykum. I recently learned about the Prophetic guidance on eating and some rulings on this topic. I am underweight with a fast metabolism. Eating like this has made me lose more weight, and I have become noticeably weaker. What should I do?

Answer:

Wa ‘alaykum assaalm wa rahmatulllah wa barakatuh.

I pray you are well.

The Prophetic guidance on this matter is beautiful and beneficial for those who are able to implement it. It is general guidance though, and in times of necessity, one may consult with a physician if there are specific health concerns. In your situation, I recommend that you consult with a doctor, nutritionist, or dietician.

Your health conditions require the opinion of an expert. Perhaps, once you have had the matter looked at you may be able to resume your practice. For now, try fasting, if possible, and making sure you praise and thank Allah after every meal and drink. That is also a very important sunna.

The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Indeed, Allah is pleased with a servant [when] he eats a morsel and praises Him or drinks something and praises Him.” [Bukhari] Try applying this and the advice of the professionals.

May Allah grant you strength and wellbeing.
[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 Using Treatments To Regrow My Beard Permissible?

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Question: Is it permissible to use hair regrowth and beard growth products for people who cannot grow beards? Would this constitute changing the creation of Allah?

Answer:

Walaikum assalam,

I hope you are doing well, insha’Allah.

These treatments are not impermissible to use, Islamically—as long as there is not any clear medical harm in using them. For that, consult doctors.

Religiously, there is no specific need or expectation to use such treatments. Allah Most High reminds us, “Allah does not make any soul responsible for more than it is able.” [Qur’an 2:286]

And Allah is the giver of success and facilitation.

Wassalam,

[Shaykh] Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani spent ten years studying with some of the leading scholars of recent times, first in Damascus, and then in Amman, Jordan. His teachers include the foremost theologian of recent times in Damascus, the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas (may Allah have mercy on him), as well as his student Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi, one of the leading Hanafi fuqaha of the present age. He returned to Canada in 2007, where he founded SeekersGuidance in order to meet the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge–both online and on the ground–in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He is the author of: Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School (White Thread Press, 2004.) Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center.

How Can I Help My Husband Who Is Impotent After Surgery?

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Question: I have been married for 17 years with 2 children, and we love each other. Recently my husband got diagnosed with prostate cancer, had prostate removal, and is currently under treatment. He is young, and it is hard for him to accept the fact that he became impotent. I told him I will happily spend the rest of my life with him. But he is not happy and would force me to become intimate with him, even though he is incapable. I hate to excite myself. He kicked me out from home once. What should I do?

Answer:

Assalamu alaykum,

Thank you for your question. I am sorry that you are going through this difficult time with your husband, but this will require patience and tact. Every marriage has its ups and downs but you can get through this, by the grace of Allah.

 

Look For a Medical Solution

Generally speaking, a man usually does recover from his erectile dysfunction after prostate removal. It can take up to two years, but I am not sure if your husband’s surgery was nerve-sparing or not. I would recommend that your husband speaks to his doctor about what possible drugs he can use to help him. 75% of men who use medications are able to achieve erections after prostate removal. Your husband might be in this category so it is very important that he try and learn what he can and see different doctors about this, even if a homeopath, TCM practitioner, or naturopath.

 

If It Is Not Possible

If, after exhausting all options, (and even before) he is unable to recover his erectile function, you should still be intimate with him when he requests it. Although you may not enjoy getting excited without intercourse, he can certainly bring you to climax, and you can make him feel wanted and loved. It will take some getting used to, but you can do it and you must do it.

Communicate with him how you feel, and remember that your reward in this will be great because of the hardship and suffering that you are both enduring. Never get angry, never show dissatisfaction. Be positive, loving, and cheerful. Please see this link for more information:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/Prostate-cancer-and-relationships-The-partners-story

 

Turn To Allah

There is nothing difficult for Allah, so you should turn to Him and ask Him to help you through this. You and your husband should worship Allah in the best way that you can and ask Him to place tranquility and blessings in your life. Allah is able to remove your suffering, stress, and problems, and He can do this for whomever He wills. Ask him through the Prayer of Need, and read some Qur’an every day with the meaning. By His grace, your situation and improve and you will both be content with His decree. Be sincere and give what you can of yourself. Allah will see every particle of your efforts.

Please see this link as well:
https://seekersguidance.org/answers/general-counsel/husband-impotent-what-to-do/

May Allah reward you, make you patient and give you better that you didn’t think possible. And may Allah reward you for standing by his side and may He send you help always in your time of need.

[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.

Is the Dried Discharge That I See In the Morning Mani or Madhi?

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Question: I am a teenage male and often I wake up and see a small white spot (about the size of a dime) near my knee. In addition to this, I see a similar spot near my buttock and another one underneath my thigh. Are they madhi or mani? Could this just be some stain from a laundry detergent that I failed to notice earlier? As for now, I will not do ghusl, as I am not certain that I emitted mani. Is this decision correct?

Answer:

Assalamu alaykum,

Thank you for your question.

In the Reliance of the Traveller, the author, may Allah reward him, says,

“e 10.6  If one does not know whether one’s discharge is sperm or whether it is madhi (def: (1) above), then one may either:

(1) consider its sperm, and perform the purificatory bath (0: in which case washing the portions of clothes and so forth affected with it is not obligatory, as it is legally considered a pure substance);

(2) or consider it madhy, and wash the affected portions of the body and clothes (N: which is obligatory, as it is legally considered filth), and perform ablution, though not the purificatory bath.

The best course in such cases of uncertainty is to do all of the above (0: of bathing, washing the affected portions, and ablution, so as to take due precaution in one’s worship).“

It also mentions in the Reliance of the Traveller that when semen is dry, it smells like egg-white, perhaps you can smell it and see if that helps you determine the source. If you have decided that it is not mani, it is valid, but do try to actively determine what it might be and then stick to your decision.

I hope this helps, may Allah reward you for your efforts and sincere intention to do the right thing.

[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.