Posts

Bringing to Mind Graphic Blasphemy

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Shaykh Jamir Meah explains the rulings on blasphemous thoughts presented to one in discourse.

Can there ever be a cause that makes the bringing to mind of very graphic blasphemy (insulting images and actions of God that are very grave with sexuality and humiliation) permissible or halal? Like when it is sent to a scholar?

Does the simple fact that you read my question not mean that you imagined what you read – at least the sentences or maybe the entire act – in context?

It is possible to listen to, or read something, and understand the gist of what is being said without vividly imagining it in one’s head, particularly absurdities.  

If an image is inadvertently conceived in the mind, then it does require that it fall under a ruling of “permissibility,” etc., especially if it is discarded afterwards. One is not accountable for thoughts that occur unintentionally or that are presented to one without one seeking them.  

The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Verily, Allah forgives my nation those [evil inclinations] their souls may whisper or suggest to them, as long as they do not act (on it) or speak.” (Bukhari)

Certain images may be presented to scholars when listening to people’s psychological issues or when studying and refuting erroneous theological beliefs, or for example, therapists when treating patients with various disturbing thoughts. 

In these cases, it is permissible to listen, read, attempt to understand and discuss what is being said, with the intention of confronting the issues people are struggling with and finding a solution, or in order to expose and disprove false beliefs. Indeed, it may be obligatory to do so and rewarded as such. However, even here, one limits oneself to what is necessary to fulfill the need at hand, and not enter into and engage in blameworthy discussions. And Allah knows best.  

Warmest salams,

Jamir

Checked and approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani.

Types of Thought, Blasphemy, and Sin

Passing Blasphemous Thoughts Leading to Despair

Misgivings Regarding Apostasy and How to Deal with Them

Are These Thoughts Disbelief and Sinful?

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Answered by Shaykh Jamir Meah

Question: Assalamu alaykum

Often when I am staying idle an urge to think about bad things comes to me.I think about the destructions in the middle east. Often I end up imagining blasphemous things like paraphilia and phallic god.

Is this case called intentionally or deliberately bringing blasphemous thoughts to mind and thus nullifies my islam or it is called thinking?

My mind often plays like a tape recorder all kinds of things I have heard ,seen or felt and even invents sounds, images and actions. Example: It plays an image, sound and feeling as if i am hitting god with my arms and I feel the feeling that is produced by hitting god with your arms. It plays a sound as if I am insulting god with bad words and I feel the unique sound of those bad words.

Is this case called intentionally or deliberately bringing blasphemous thoughts to mind and thus nullifies my islam or it is called thinking?

Imagining a female doing sexual acts like intercourse,dancing and all kinds of seductions: Is it a major sin or minor?

Answer: Assalam ‘alaykum. Thank you for writing in to us.

The thoughts that you are having are unusual and unsettling. Given the extreme nature of these thoughts, their persistency, and their effect over your well-being, I highly suggest you seek out counselling or other natural therapies which deal with psychological disturbances.

As for whether what you are thinking is disbelief and sinful, I would leave off thinking about these questions until you have sought medical help. This should be your first step.

Further suggestions

In the meantime, please do the following:

· Remember that Allah is perfect and free from all deficiencies. Know that anything that comes to your mind as being God is anything but God. Therefore, seek refuge in Him from the devil whenever, these thoughts come to your mind.

· Ensure you are not sinning in any way, especially in private

· Unplug from the internet and looking at screens other than when it is absolutely necessary

· If bad thoughts come to you, after seeking refuge in Allah from the devil, and leave the room you are in. Make wudu and pray, or do exercise, go for a walk outside, or get into company.

· Ensure you are praying regularly and with concentration. Do the sunna dhikr after prayers and supplicate to Allah for help overcome these thoughts

· Do not spend too much time alone, find good company, get a job find a hobby, spend time with family, do community work.

· Say the sunna supplications for every day acts throughout the day

· Say the supplications and the last three chapters of the Quran at night upon sleeping.

· Read a portion of Quran daily with the intention of healing yourself and purifying your thoughts.

· Go to bed early after Isha and do not look at computer screens at night

· Make wudu before sleeping

May Allah grant you all the best and heal you.

Warmest salams,
[Shaykh] Jamir Meah

Shaykh Jamir Meah grew up in Hampstead, London. In 2007, he traveled to Tarim, Yemen, where he spent nine years studying the Islamic sciences on a one-to-one basis under the foremost scholars of the Ribaat, Tarim, with a main specialization and focus on Shafi’i fiqh. In early 2016, he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continues advanced studies in a range of Islamic sciences, as well as teaching. Jamir is a qualified homeopath.

Can I Marry a Girl After Fantasizing About Her Mother?

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Answered by Shaykh Jamir Meah

Question: Assalamu alaykum

I once had immoral and bad thoughts about my future mother in law and masturbated to those thoughts. There was no contact between me and my future Mother in Law. Can I still marry her daughter according to Shafi’i fiqh?

Answer: Assalam ‘alaykum. Jazakum Allah for your question.

Having immoral thoughts about your future mother in law is prohibited. However, it does not affect the permissibility of marrying her daughter.

Sincere Counsel

It is important that you first repent from your thoughts and actions, by praying two cycles of prayer with the intention of repentance. Ask Allah to forgive you and to help you overcome these thoughts and prohibited actions. Focus on your marriage and devote your love and desire towards your wife alone.

If you are struggling with addictions, especially if it has been long term, then start now by weaning yourself off bad habits, as they may affect your marital life a great deal.

Please refer to the various answers below, some of which contain very good practical steps and resources to help control urges and overcoming the issues:

Masturbation Archives

Once you have prayed tawba, be positive and strive to stay firm on the road to healing. If you fall on the way, just keep going. With the help of Allah, anything is surmountable.

Warmest salams,
[Shaykh] Jamir Meah

Shaykh Jamir Meah grew up in Hampstead, London. In 2007, he traveled to Tarim, Yemen, where he spent nine years studying the Islamic sciences on a one-to-one basis under the foremost scholars of the Ribaat, Tarim, with a main specialization and focus on Shafi’i fiqh. In early 2016, he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continues advanced studies in a range of Islamic sciences, as well as teaching. Jamir is a qualified homeopath.

How Can I Battle Bad Thoughts During Worship? (Video)

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Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Question: Assalamu alaykum

How can I battle bad thoughts during worship?

Answer: Wa’leykum Salam,

Here is a video answer by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani to this question:

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani is a scholar and researcher of Islamic law and Executive Director of SeekersHub Global After ten years overseas, Shaykh Faraz returned to Canada in the Summer of 2007. In May 2008 he founded SeekersHub Global to deal with the urgent need to spread Islamic knowledge—both online and on the ground—in a reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible manner. He has been repeatedly listed as one of the world’s 500 most influential Muslims (The Muslim500).

How Should I Deal With My Inward Struggle?

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Answered by Habib Umar bin Hafiz

Question: I love guidance but within me there are two voices; one calls me to the world and the other calls me to religion. What can I do?

Answer: [Assalam alaykum]

Resolve in Following the Truth

This inward battle is real. Allah says, “Satan threatens you with poverty and calls you to foul things and Allah promises you forgiveness and bounty from Him. And Allah is Vast, All-Knowing.” [Quran 2:268 ]

So make your choice of the two, immediately, without hesitating for even a moment. Allah says, “And Allah is better and more lasting.” [Quran 42:36]
And consider, “He only calls his party to be companions of the fire” [Quran 35:6 ] and, “and Allah calls to the Abode of Peace” [Quran 10:25 ]
Glorified and Exalted is He. So which will you choose?

Only the Faithful Struggle for Allah’s Pleasure

And this struggle has only appeared within you due to your faith, by which it is hoped that He will save you and grant you salvation. For indeed the one without faith would never struggle against the internal call of the world and Satan. Rather he would flow in obedience to these calls as naturally as water flows down a slope. But rather the struggle continues within you by what persists of your faith.

So strengthen the army of the All-Merciful, Who calls you to the Abode of Peace and Who will guide you to the straight path. And disregard the whispers of the one who threatens you with poverty and calls you to foul things. And say “Allah is better!” And do not follow the footsteps of Satan, “for indeed he is a clear enemy to you.” [Quran 2:168 ]

The Company of the Most Honored Women in the Hereafter

Answer the caller of Allah, and bear in mind that you will soon depart: either to the companionship of our Liege lady Fatima (al-Zahrah), Khadijah (al-Kubra), Asiyah, Maryam, Aishah, and the Mothers of the Believers, or to the companionship of the fallen, the vile, the rejecters of faith. Who do you wish to share your company with? And that time will come soon.

Today we are speaking and discussing these matters, and the years will pass us by, and all of us will return to that destination. And soon those who will live in this world will be people other than us, and the time will not be long for them either. Allah says, “Indeed they see it far-off. While We see it imminent.” [Quran 70:7]

So make good your answer to the caller, “And answer the caller to Allah. Whoever does not answer the caller to Allah, has no place of refuge in the earth and no protecting friend besides Allah.” [Quran 46:32]

Invoking the Name of Allah and Praying for Steadfastness

May Allah strengthen your heart, and take you by the hand. Repeat often:

يا مقلب القلوب والأبصار ثبت قلبي على دينك
“O Turner of Hearts and Visions! Establish my heart upon Your Religion.”

And mention often the name of your Lord: Allah, Allah. You will find that His support will overcome the foul enemy who makes you turn towards the world and its adornments. And the remembrance of Allah will surely bring His support. Allah says, “When you sought help from your Lord and He answered you.” [Quran 8:9]

So pray often, “O Turner of Hearts and Visions! Establish my heart upon Your Religion.” Allah commands, “And mention the name of your Lord [in prayer] morning and evening” [Quran 76:25]

And what is the name of your Lord? Allah. Allah. Allah. For this will destroy the army of Satan. May Allah divert him from us and all believers.

Translated by Fazil Ahmed Munir

Habib Umar bin Hafiz is a descendant of the Prophet (upon him be Allah’s peace and blessings). Born into a family of scholars, Habib Umar, pursued the sacred sciences from a young age, including Quran, Hadith, Fiqh, ‘Aqeedah, Arabic, and Spirituality. In 1994, he established Dar al-Mustafa, an educational institute in Tarim, Yemem.

Link to the original answer

هذا صراع داخلي صحيح: ((الشيطان يعدكم الفقر ويأمركم بالفحشاء * والله يعدكم مغفرة منه وفضلا والله واسعٌ عليم )), والآن اختاري واحد من الاثنين بسرعة, لا تتأخري ولا لحظة واحدة: ((والله خير وأبقى))، هذاك يدعو: ((إنما يدعو حزبه ليكونوا من أصحاب السعير)), ((والله يدعو إلى دار السلام)), سبحانه عز وجل, وهذا يدعو لنكون من أصحاب السعير.. فمن تجيبين؟
وما جاء هذا الصراع في باطنك إلا وعندك من الإيمان ما لعل الله به ينجيك وينقذك, فإنه من لا إيمان له لم تتصارع دعوات الدنيا والشيطان في باطنه, بل هو منحدرٌ معها انحدار الماء إلى السفل, ولكن بما بقي عندك من الإيمان قام الصراع فقوِّي جند الرحمن, الذي يدعوك إلى دار السلام, و يهديك إلى الصراط المستقيم, وارفضي خواطر ( الذي يعدكم الفقر, ويأمركم بالفحشاء), وقولي: ((الله خير)), ولا تتبعي خطوات الشيطان، قال: ((فإنه لكم عدوٌ مبين)).
فأجيبي داعي الله, ولبِّي مناديه, واستحضري الآن أنك عما قريبٍ سائرة: إمّا إلى مرافقة الزهراء, والكبرى, وآسية, ومريم, وعائشة, وأمهات المؤمنين.. وإما إلى مرافقة الساقطات الهابطات الكافرات، مع مَن تريدين؟ وقريباً الوقت يأتي، اليوم نتكلم ونتحدث عن هذه الأشياء, وتمر بنا سنوات معدودة والكل بعد ذلك يرجع منا إلى ذلك المصير, وعما قريبٍ يكون الباقون في الحياة الدنيا دوننا وغيرنا ممن سوانا, ولا يطول أيضاً بهم المدد, وما جئنا إلا والدنيا في آخر أمدها, ((وإنهم يرونه بعيداً ونراه قريباً))، أحسني الإجابة لداعي فوق: ((أجيبوا داعي الله و من لا يجب داعي الله فليس بمعجزٍ في الأرض و ليس له من دون الله من أولياء)).
ثبت الله القلب, وأخذ باليد, ورددي: يا مقلب القلوب والأبصار ثبت قلبي على دينك, وأكثري من اسم ربك: الله الله, تجدي أن الإمداد ليصرع العدو الخبيث الذي يحملك على الالتفات إلى الدنيا وزخارفها, ويحق نصر الله بذكر الله: (( إذ تستغيثون ربكم فاستجاب لكم)), فأكثري من: يا مقلب القلوب والأبصار ثبت قلبي على دينك, ومن اسم ربك سبحانه وتعالى: ((واذكر اسم ربك بكرة وأصيلا)), و ما اسم ربك؟ الله … الله … الله … الله … الله فإن ذلك يهزم جند الشيطان, صرفه الله عنا, وعن جميع المؤمنين.

Does Jokingly Pretending to Convert to Cullenism or Not Liking Beards Make Me an Unbeliever?

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Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam

Question: Assalam ‘aleykum,

(1) During my adolescence I became obsessed with the Twilight books. As a result I said, as a joke, ” I have converted to Cullenism,” and, “I won’t die before I see this movie”. Have I committed disbelief?

(2) In the past, I have said that I don’t like beards. Have I committed disbelief?

Answer: Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah,

I pray that this message finds you well, insha’Allah.

(1) No, this is not disbelief (kufr). [See these related answers.]

(2) No. Please see the link at (1).

Consider taking the following free class at SeekersHub: Absolute Essentials of Islam: Basic Hanafi Jurisprudence (STEP)

And see also: A Reader on Waswasa (Baseless Misgivings)

And Allah alone knows best.

wassalam,

Tabraze Azam

Checked & Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Photo: flickr.com/photos/larkyn/

Am I Starting to Be a Disbeliever for Not Crying Anymore Regarding Bad Thoughts Towards Allah and His Messenger?

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Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam

Question: As salam alaykum,

I always have bad thoughts regarding Allah and his messenger (peace be upon him). At first these thoughts were making me crying but now, even if I still hate these thoughts they don’t make me cry anymore. Am I getting accustomed to them? Am I starting to be a disbeliever?

Answer: Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

I pray that this message finds you well, insha’Allah.

You are a Muslim. Remember that “bad thoughts” also arose in the minds of the Companions (sahab) of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace).

They said, “We find in ourselves [thoughts] that any of us would consider too enormous to even mention.” He (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “And you all have found it?” and they said yes. He said, “That is pure faith.” [Muslim]

However, continue seeking repentance, as this is the sign of those who are close to Allah Most High, and strive to seek out ways to increase in worship, knowledge and remembrance, gradually, whilst not omitting any responsibilities you have.

Shaykh Nuh Keller comments, “As long as one has fear and disgust for passing thoughts of unbelief (kufr) and the like and does not make them convictions, they do no harm.” [Sea Without Shore]

Please see: Passing Blasphemous Thoughts Leading to Despair and: What is the Ruling For Someone Who Has Thoughts of Disbelief Without Saying Them Aloud?

And Allah alone knows best.

wassalam,

Tabraze Azam

Checked & Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Is Asking a Question About Uttering Statements of Disbelief Disbelief in Itself?

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Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam

Question: Assalamu alaikum

Someone has thoughts of disbelief and, in order to know the ruling, asks a scholar by writing saying that he has uttered this statements of disbelief.

Does writing this question make him a non muslim?

Answer: Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

I pray that you are in the best of health and faith, insha’Allah.

No, this does not make one a non-Muslim.

What would take a person outside the faith is denying that which brought him into it, namely the testimony of faith and all that it entails of that which is necessarily known to be of the religion.

As for misgivings and passing thoughts of disbelief, they are no consequence as Sheikh Nuh Keller writes in Sea Without Shore, “As long as one has fear and disgust for passing thoughts of unbelief (kufr) and the like and does not make them convictions, they do no harm.”

Imam Muslim narrates in his Sahih collection that some of the Companions of the Prophet (Allah bless
him and give him peace) came and asked him, “We find in ourselves [thoughts] that any of us would consider too enormous to even mention.” He (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “And you all have found it?” and they said yes. He said, “That is pure faith.”

Please see: What is the Ruling For Someone Who Has Thoughts of Disbelief Without Saying Them Aloud?

And Allah alone gives success.

wassalam,

Tabraze Azam

Checked & Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Doubts Regarding the Authenticity of the Qur’an: I Really Need Help

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Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam
Question: Since the end of Ramadan, I try to maintain good habits that I took during Ramadan. My belief in the Quran was so high a that time but now I am overwhelmed with doubts regarding its authenticity. I’m always trying to pray the best way but I have to break my prayer many times and repeat it again and again to make it perfect. Doubts regarding the Qur’an have made my worship very difficult. I really need help.
Answer: Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,
I pray that you are in the best of health and faith, insha’Allah.
(1) It is not permitted to break your prayer because “it is not perfect enough.” Pray once.
(2) I’d advise reading: The History of the Qur’anic Text by Mustafa al-Azami
(3) Ignore such whisperings. All of them are from the devil who wants nothing better than to confuse you and make you leave your religion.
(4) Misgivings of such a nature arise from a lack of knowledge, a lack of study, and a lack of asking the scholars of the religion.
Please read the following: How Do We Know That the Qur’an Is Inimitable and Thus From Allah? and: Tormented by Thoughts of Disbelief and: What is the Ruling For Someone Who Has Thoughts of Disbelief Without Saying Them Aloud?
And Allah alone gives success.
wassalam,
Tabraze Azam
Checked & Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani.

Thoughts of Disbelief While Being Delirious

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Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam
Question: Assalam ‘aleykum,
At one point in my life I became delirious and at that point I had a thought that Allah does not exist and that the purpose of Prayer is to gain control over the mind. Immediately after I asked Allah for forgiveness. Is this considered to be major shirk?

Answer: Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,
I pray that you are in the best of health and faith, insha’Allah.
Yes, you are a believer.
Shaykh Nuh Keller comments, “As long as one has fear and disgust for passing thoughts of unbelief (kufr) and the like and does not make them convictions, they do no harm.” [Sea Without Shore]
Please see: Passing Blasphemous Thoughts Leading to Despair and: What is the Ruling For Someone Who Has Thoughts of Disbelief Without Saying Them Aloud?
And Allah alone gives success.
Wassalam,
Tabraze Azam
Checked & Approved by Faraz Rabbani