Imitating Disbelievers
By Saud Ash-Shuraim Imam Al-Haramain Makkah


First Khutbah

I advise you, as well as myself, to fear Allaah in times of prosperity and misfortune, in secret and in public: "O mankind! Worship your Lord, who created you and those before you, that you may become righteous." (Al Baqarah: 21).

O people! When a person meditates upon the histories of past nations and populations, he will be instantly amazed at the revolutions and transformations they went through. For instance, there was a pioneering nation (i.e., the Muslim nation) which led the world for many centuries but then, it faltered and lost its leading role; it fell in the midst of blind imitation and followed the paths of other nations in terms of manners and beliefs. Once it was at the acme of development and reached the highest level of power and glory, but it later fell to the lowest point and was afflicted with misery. It died after it had been living, deteriorated after it was once flourishing and withered after it was blossoming. It was the nation that discovered the sources of knowledge and developed the Islaamic civilization and sciences, which the West later obtained significantly, without having to exert the least of efforts. Thus it seems as if the gates towards progress had been shut off for the Muslims as they turned into artificial consumers of the Western civilization. They even began to adopt certain features of it, which were originally theirs but had been stolen away from them.

O Muslims! When a Muslim blindly imitates the West, he turns into a loyal supporter of their beliefs and customs; he is like one who tries to reform something but spoils it while he is unaware. He is just like a defeated follower, like a baby who bites and severs his mother's breast while it is in his mouth. Such a person does not know that blind copying of the West involves hidden hazards and that our rights, honor and dignity are violated by such imitation and imbecilic pride.

O Muslims! The Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "You will imitate the nations before you very closely to the extent that if they went into a lizard's hole, you would enter it as well” his companions, may Allaah be pleased with them, inquired: “(Do you mean) the Jews and Christians, O Messenger of Allaah?” He sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam replied: "Who else?” (Bukhaari & Muslim). The Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam also said: "The Day of Judgment will not come until my Nation closely imitates the nations before them.” It was asked: “Like the Persians and Romans, Messenger of Allaah?” He sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam replied: "Who are the nations (I could mean) except those?” (Bukhaari).

The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam foretold that some of his nation will imitate the People of the Book, namely the Jews and Christians, as well as other non-Arabs, namely the Persians and Romans. Allaah says that which means: "[You disbelievers are] like those before you; they were stronger than you in power and more abundant in wealth and children. They enjoyed their portion [of worldly enjoyment], and you have enjoyed your portion as those before you enjoyed their portion, and you have engaged [in vanities] like that in which they engaged…" (At-Tawbah: 69). Ibn ‘Abbaas, may Allaah be pleased with him, commented on this verse by saying: “These are the Children of Israel that we will imitate.” Ibn Mas’ood, may Allaah be pleased with him, also said in this regard: “You are closely similar to the Children of Israel as far as outside appearance and manners are concerned, but I do not know whether you will worship the calf (as they did) or not.”

O servants of Allaah! The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam used to prohibit imitating other nations. It is worth mentioning that these traditions do not indicate that the entire Muslim nation will commit this sin as he sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam also foretold that a group of his nation will continue to stick to the Straight Path until the Day of Judgment.

The Muslims constitute the most guided and well-mannered nation in this life; and on the Day of Judgment Allaah will make them witnesses over all other nations as He says that which means: "And thus We have made you a median [i.e., just] community that you will be witnesses over the people and the Messenger will be a witness over you…" (Al-Baqarah: 143). Indeed, this is a very prestigious position. How is it, then, that Muslims imitate others in their customs, traditions and feasts? The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam even forbade the Muslims from acquiring religious information from the People of the Book; once, ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattaab, may Allaah be pleased with him, was reading some parts of one of the scriptures of the People of the Book to the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, so he got angry and said: "I have conveyed to you a clear religion. Do not ask them (the People of the Book) about anything, for they may tell you the truth while you belie them or they may lie and you might believe them. I swear by Him in Whose Hands is my soul, if Moosaa was alive, he would not have any choice but to follow me.” (Ahmad & Ibn Abi Shaybah).

Allaah made human beings and all other creatures accustomed to interacting with their similar counterparts. When the degree of similarity increases, such interaction and hence imitation in morals and characteristics becomes more complete, until it is hardly possible to distinguish between them. Accordingly, human beings are affected by each other and acquire each other's traits through cohabitation and imitation. It is also known that if a human being stays in the company of a certain type of animal, he would pick up some of its features; that is why, for example, those who tend camels are known for their pride and arrogance, while shepherds are known to be humble and calm, whereas those who raise both camels and mules acquire some of the bad attributes of both. Similarly, a domestic animal acquires some human characteristics, such as the ability to live with others.

Furthermore, when a person puts on the clothes usually worn by scholars, he may feel himself as somehow closer to them, because similarity and imitation in outward appearance leads to resemblance in inward characteristics such as personal characteristics and morals, as is witnessed in reality and is confirmed by Islaamic jurisprudence and common sense. In the old times, it was said: ‘Birds of a feather flock together’; this is a realistic proverb which conforms to the manner in which Allaah has formed His creation. The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam spoke the truth when he said: "Whoever imitates a people is one of them." (Ahmad & Abu Dawood)

Shaykh Al-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allaah have mercy on him, said: “We have seen that the degree of polytheism is less in those Jews and Christians who reside with Muslims, and that the degree of faith in the Muslims who have dealt extensively with the Jews and Christians is lesser than that of the pious Muslims.”

O servants of Allaah! Imitating polytheists and atheists in their clothing, customs, rules, politics and economics has become widespread among many Muslims to a very large extent, so much so that the one who blindly imitates and tries to Westernize might even be respected by the foolish masses and the youth, including the rich, intellectuals and even the poor, who are attracted to such a person. Woe to imitation and subordination! What weighty and oppressive constraints they have! What a dark path theirs is! What a great loss for whoever follows them!

Yes, woe to imitating and following the West! It has trapped some Muslim generations in the dark, narrow prisons of subordination and dependence, and prevented them from thinking, meditating and heading for glory. It has blocked the means to the real happiness of their souls.

Woe to imitation and dependence! They are obstacles for the intellects and prevent everything that may revive them.

The Muslim Nation should lead, not be led; others should depend on us and not the reverse. Our Nation should not be deceived by the artificial adornments possessed by some devastated people, as Allaah says that which means: "And do not extend your eyes toward that by which We have given enjoyment to [some] categories of them, [its being but] the splendor of worldly life by which We test them. And the provision of your Lord is better and more lasting." (Taa-Haa: 131).

The Western civilization is like a mirage, which, when seen from a distance is like a large sea, but it is as Allaah says which means: "But the disbelievers – their deeds are like a mirage in a lowland which a thirsty one thinks is water until, when he comes to it, he finds it is nothing but finds Allaah before him, and He will pay him in full his due; and Allaah is swift in account." (An-Noor: 39).

The weak and ignorant Muslims, who try to remodel the principles of our nation through imitation, should know that even though such temporal morals may ruin some of the deeply rooted ones, they will never remain or become innate. If some people believe that our nation must change its ways for development, then let it be known that our resorting to the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam is the best means for change. Allaah says that which means: "…Indeed, Allaah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves. And when Allaah intends for a people ill, there is no repelling it. And there is not for them besides Him any patron." (Ar-Ra`d: 11).

If we embrace the means to be powerful, stick to deep-rooted principles such as strong will, piety, courage and Islaamic zeal and adhere to our distinctive code of life which indicates that we are religious and ethical people, what harm would we get from it? Are these not the true Islaamic morals? Are there any other solid foundations for progress besides them? Allaah says that which means: "[And say, ‘Ours is] the religion of Allaah. And who is better than Allaah in [ordaining] religion? And we are worshippers of Him’” (Al-Baqarah: 138) and also: "[Say], ‘Then is it other than Allaah I should seek as judge while it is He who has revealed to you the Book [i.e., the Qur’aan] explained in detail?’…" (Al-An’aam: 114)

However, if we are to adopt foreign customs and traditions alien to our religion, from the West, we should remember that Islaam is Islaam and polytheism is polytheism, and that they live in one hemisphere and we live in another. We were the masters before we assumed these Western traditions that ruined the free Muslim nation – its men and especially its women, who have rushed after the unknown in a breathless attempt to imitate the West. They are amazed by the eye-catching products of its industries and have followed its disgraceful women to the extent that their clothes became almost the same as those of Western models. When you see any Muslim woman wearing a dress barely covering her private parts, you should know that this is an example of their kind of clothing. The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said about such women: "I have seen none lacking in common sense and failing in religion and (at the same time) robbing the wisdom of wise men, besides you (women).” (Bukhaari & Muslim).

This is why when Allaah says that which means: "…and amended for him [i.e., Zakariyya] his wife…” (Al-Anbiyaa’: 90) it denotes that He thereby bestowed much grace upon Zakariyya, peace be upon him: He also says which means, "…So righteous women are devoutly obedient, guarding in [the husband's] absence what Allaah would have them guard…" (An-Nisaa’: 34)

O Muslims! The restrictions imposed by our religion on the human being are not meant to torture or deprive him from the pleasures of this life. Rather, their aim is to elevate him from mere animalism to complete humanity. Thus, a Muslim will become capable of overcoming subservience and dependence, and his faith and piety will overpower animalistic lusts.

Whenever a society ignores such restrictions or belittles them, it jeopardizes and opens itself to serious problems and positions itself on the brink of destruction, as Allaah says that which means: "…And whoever transgresses the limits of Allaah – it is those who are the wrongdoers [i.e., the unjust]” (Al-Baqarah: 229) and also: "…And who is more astray than one who follows his desire without guidance from Allaah? Indeed, Allaah does not guide the wrongdoing people." (Al-Qasas: 50).

Second Khutbah

Our Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam prohibited whatever acts lead to the imitation of the polytheists to such an extent that one of the Jews said about him: "This man does not wish to set aside any of our affairs until he acts in nonconformity with it." (Muslim).

It is also reported that the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam forbade Muslims from offering prayers after dawn until the sun rises and following the afternoon prayer until sunset. He explained that the sun rises and sets between the horns of the devil and at this time, the polytheists prostrate before it. It is well-known that a believer never prostrates himself to anything except Allaah; most people may not even be aware that the sun rises and sets between the horns of the devil and that the polytheists prostrate before it, yet, the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam commanded Muslims not to pray at this time so as not to imitate the polytheists in any way.

Imitating the People of the Book and the non-Arab polytheists will surely lead to some degree of affection towards them. For this reason also, imitation is prohibited in order to block the way before such love transpires and to prevent allegiance to them; this is aside from the legal evidences that prohibit such imitation.

It is plainly evident that some people who copy the polytheists in their clothes, manners, traditions or speak their language, harbor love and admiration for them. In this way, the polytheists succeed in disseminating ideas such as globalization and a universal religion which affect some sick-hearted Muslims; all of these aim at weakening the Muslim character and identity. Whenever a person objects to such ideas, he is labeled as an introvert, an isolationist and even a narrow-minded person alienated from this world and who should have died in his cradle.

Such people seem to ask why the bells of churches do not chime along with the minarets reverberating "Allaah is the Greatest." They ask why there are not many religions being practiced in the Arabian Peninsula, but they forget or seem to forget that the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: "There must not be two religions in the Arabian Peninsula.” (Maalik & Ahmad).

Allaah says that which means: “And never will the Jews and the Christians approve of you until you follow their religion. Say: ‘Indeed, the guidance of Allaah is the [only] guidance.’ If you were to follow their desires after what has come to you of knowledge, you would have against Allaah no protector or helper.” (Al-Baqarah: 120). He also says that which means: "They wish you would disbelieve as they disbelieved so you would be alike…” (An-Nisaa’: 89).

I am sorry for the long post but i thought it was better to post such an important matter here rathar than the link because people may be too lazy to go if there is a link.

I forgot the Source

SOURCE

can you say post boosting!

"It has blocked the means to the real happiness of their souls."

how so?

"O Muslims! The restrictions imposed by our religion on the human being are not meant to torture or deprive him from the pleasures of this life. Rather, their aim is to elevate him from mere animalism to complete humanity. Thus, a Muslim will become capable of overcoming subservience and dependence, and his faith and piety will overpower animalistic lusts."

I hope so ... I'm trying to fight lusts everyday.

lol it was an accident

Forgiving People

Shaykh Saud Ash-Shuraym
20, Rabee‘ul-Awwal 1426 (29 April 2005)



All praise is due to Allaah, Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon the Messenger, his household and his companions.

Fellow Muslims! The most truthful speech is the Book of Allaah and the best guidance is that of Muhammad. The worst of all matters are innovations and every innovation is misguidance.

Dear brethren! Know that the life of this world is just an enjoyment and that the Hereafter is the abode of permanence.

“Fear Allaah, O men of understanding, in order that you may be successful.”

(Al-Maaidah 5:100)






Dear Muslims! Freedom of the heart and the mind from hatred and egoism is a sign of a righteous and amicable Muslim, who has no ill-feeling against anyone and is not jealous of anyone. He is selfless and knows that this world is just a transitory abode and not a permanent one. In his view, this world is nothing but a step stone to the Hereafter. What is the value of man in this world if his heart is filled with selfishness and harshness?

Many are those who are looking for ways to attain glory by all means. But there is a great source of glory that most people are oblivious of, though it is easily attainable: The key to that is a strong will and holding back one’s self from pursuing personal ego.

The desired glory can be attained through having sense of forgiveness. Being gentle-minded, having good opinion of others, excusing others, exonerating people, suppressing anger and forgiving others are some of the most important qualities encouraged by Islaam in human dealings. He who has these qualities deserves to be among the glorious and elevated people. The Messenger of Allaah said, “No wealth is ever diminished by charity. Allaah increases a man who forgives others in nothing but glory and no one humbles himself except that Allaah elevates him.” (Muslim)

According to the narration of Imaam Ahmad, the Messenger of Allaah said, “If an injustice is done to a man and he overlooks it, Allaah will give him glory and victory with it.” This is the essence of glory; O you who are looking for one!

It is a glory and exaltation in this world and in the Hereafter. This is so because Allaah has made a promise to those who possess these qualities when He says,

“And march forth in the way (which leads to) forgiveness from your Lord, and for Paradise as wide as the heavens and the earth, prepared for the pious: Those who spend (in Allaah’s Cause) in prosperity and in adversity, who repress anger, and who pardon men; verily, Allaah loves the good-doers).”

(Aal Imraan 3:133-134)

Dear brethren! Those who suppress their anger are those who do not vent their rage on people. They rather desist from bothering others and hope to get their reward from Allaah. Those who forgive are those who overlook the wrong done to them by others. They bear no grudge in their hearts against anyone. Whoever possesses these qualities should rejoice with the love of Allaah for him, for he has attained a level of righteousness and Allaah says, “Allaah loves the righteous.” Allaah loves whoever is righteous; and if He loves someone He forgives him and shows mercy to him.

Fellow Muslims! Forgiveness is a symbol of the pure, righteous, deliberate and pleasant Muslim. Forgoing one’s rights is a kind of preferring the benefits of the Hereafter above that of this world. Being generous to others with pure a mind and out of piety commands their love and respect.

Forgiving others is not an easy matter. For, one has to fight and overcome one’s self-centredness and sense of revenge. This can only be achieved by the strong men who are able to overpower the desires of their heart even though they are able to express their anger. Allaah says,

“And indeed whosoever takes revenge after he has suffered wrong, for such there is no way (of blame) against them.”

(Ash-Shooraa 42:41)

Forgoing one’s right and having self-control are signs of overcoming the norms. This is where one stands distinguished from others. This is the real strong person that the Prophet praised, according to the hadeeth reported by al-Bukhaaree and Muslim. The Messenger of Allaah also said, “Whoever suppresses his anger while he is able to express it, Allaah will call him in the presence of all creatures [on the Day of Resurrection] and ask him to choose of the houris [of Paradise] the ones he likes.” (Ahmad)

Fellow Muslims! Since the day our distinguished religion encouraged adoption of sense of pardon and forgiveness, it did not do in a narrow sense. It rather makes it wide-ranging so that it can include many aspects of private and public interactions. Islaam encourages people of higher authority to adopt sense of forgiveness as part of their policy, for doing so is a sign of successful leadership. Allaah commands His Messenger to adopt this policy when He says,

“Show forgiveness, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the foolish (i.e. don't punish them).”

(Al-A‘raaf 7:199)

He also says,

“And by the Mercy of Allaah, you dealt with them gently. And had you been severe and harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about you; so pass over (their faults), and ask (Allaah’s) Forgiveness for them; and consult them in the affairs.”

(Aal ‘Imraan 3:195)

This encouragement to adopt the sense of forgiveness is also extended where blood and requital are involved. Allaah says,

“But if anyone remits the retaliation by way of charity, it shall be for him expiation.”

(Al-Maaidah 5:45)

The spouses are also encouraged to demonstrate sense of forgiveness concerning bridal money if divorce occurs before the marriage is consummated. Allaah says,

“And if you divorce them before you have touched (had a sexual relation with) them, and you have appointed unto them the Mahr (bridal-money given by the husbands to his wife at the time of marriage), then pay half of that (Mahr), unless they (the women) agree to forego it, or he (the husband), in whose hands is the marriage tie, agrees to forego and give her full appointed Mahr. And to forego and give (her the full Mahr) is nearer to At-Taqwa (piety, righteousness).”

(Al-Baqarah 2:237)

People are encouraged to exercise sense of forgiveness when they transact with one another. The Messenger of Allaah said, “Whoever frees a Muslim from a commercial obligation, Allaah will forgive his sins.” (Aboo Daawood and Ibn Maajah)

The Prophet also informed us about a merchant who used to give loan to people. Whenever he realizes that one of his debtors was in a financially strained situation, he would command his workers, “Write off some of his debt [or all of it], that Allaah may wipe off our sins. So, Allaah wiped off his sins.” (Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim)

The spirit of forgiveness while dealing with others is generally emphasized in the case of a man who came to the Messenger of Allaah and asked him, “How many times shall we forgive [our] servants?” The Prophet did not respond. The man repeated the question and the Prophet yet did not respond. When the question was repeated again, the Prophet said, “Forgive him seventy times every day.” (Aboo Daawood and at-Tirmidhee)

Dear brethren! Forgiving others and overlooking their mistakes do not in any way mean weakness or submissiveness. It is rather an excellent example of bravery, doing favour to others and suppressing one’s desires, especially when this spirit of forgiveness is exercised in the time of strength.

Imaam al-Bukhaaree titled a chapter in his Saheeh concerning avenging the injustice with the saying of Allaah,

“And those who, when an oppressive wrong is done to them, take revenge.”

(Ash-Shooraa 42:39)

He then narrated that an-Nakha‘ee said, “The righteous predecessors did not like to be humiliated; but if they were capable of avenging a wrong done to them, they would forgive.”

Al-Hasan ibn ‘Alee said, “If someone insults me in this ear of mine and apologizes in the other, I would accept his apology.”

Ja ‘far as-Saadiq said, “To regret twenty times for forgiving people is dearer to me than to regret for punishing them once.”

Al-Fudayl ibn ‘Iyaad said, “If someone comes to you complaining about another person, tell him: ‘My brother, forgive him, for forgiveness is close to piety.’ If he says: ‘But my heart cannot bear that. I would rather take revenge as Allaah has commanded me.’ Tell him: ‘If you are able to take revenge in the best manner, you can proceed to do so; but if you are not, resort to forgiveness, for its gate is wide. He who forgives and amends, his reward is with Allaah. The one who forgives passes his night in his bed happily and contentedly but the one who takes revenge always ponders on these things. This is because; magnanimity lies in forgiving one’s brethren.”

However, there are some people whose hearts are so hardened that they cannot forgive anyone. Nothing in this life is more important to them than taking revenge. They are like permanent clouds. They are neither pleased with secret or public apology. They notice the slightest wrong done to them but they fail to consider the apology however clear it is. They would listen with one of their ears to some sayings and they would convulsively rage for what they hear, yet they would block the other ear from listening to any apology even it is backed with proofs.

He whose situation is this is an enemy of himself who have been subdued by the desire, thereby forcing him from the righteous quality of forgiveness to the abhorrent trait of seeking revenge. ‘Aaishah narrated, “The Messenger of Allaah never beat any woman or servant with his hand. He never struck anyone with his hand except when he was fighting in the way of Allaah. Also, he never avenged any harm done to him, except if one of the sanctities of Allaah was being violated. Then he would take revenge for Allaah.” (Muslim)

Though avenging an injustice is everyone’s right, yet forgiveness is perfection and piety. Allaah says,

“The recompense for an evil is an evil like thereof; but whoever forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is with Allaah. Verily, He likes not the Zâlimûn (oppressors, polytheists, and wrong-doers).”

(Ash-Shooraa 42:40)

Fellow Muslims! Fear Allaah as He should be feared and know that Islaam’s encouragement of sense of forgiveness is not restricted to what is outward and apparent. It should rather be adopted apparently and inwardly. A Muslim should not only give up his right to revenge, he should also forgive the offender from his heart. Allaah commands His Prophet,

“Overlook (O Muhammad (peace be upon him)) their faults with gracious forgiveness.”

(Al-Hijr 15:85)

There are many places in the Qur’aan where Allaah encourages both relinquishing the right to avenge and forgiveness. He says,

“But forgive them, and overlook (their misdeeds). Verily, Allaah loves good-doers.”

(Al-Maaidah 5:13)

He also says,

“But forgive and overlook, till Allaah brings His Command.”

(Al-Baqarah 2:109)

And He says,

“And let not those among you who are blessed with graces and wealth swear not to give (any sort of help) to their kinsmen, Al-Masâkîn (the poor), and those who left their homes for Allaah’s Cause. Let them pardon and forgive. Do you not love that Allaah should forgive you? And Allaah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”

(An-Noor 24:22)

Allaah also says,

“O you who believe! Verily, among your wives and your children there are enemies for you (i.e. may stop you from the obedience of Allaah), therefore beware of them! But if you pardon (them) and overlook, and forgive (their faults), then verily, Allaah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”

(At-Taghaabun 64:14)

To overlook and forgive are some of the qualities of our Prophet. Where then are those who are ready to emulate him?! Where are those who have been overwhelmed by sense of revenge? Where do they stand regarding beautiful qualities of the leader of the Messengers?

The mother of the faithful, ‘Aaishah was asked about the character of the Messenger of Allaah. She answered, “The Messenger of Allaah was never given to immoral sayings and deeds. Neither did he ever raise his voice in market places. He did never reciprocate a wrong done to him with the like. He would rather overlook and forgive.” (At-Tirmidhee)

Allaah says,

“That which is with Allaah (Paradise) is better and more lasting for those who and put their trust in their Lord (concerning all of their affairs). And those who avoid the greater sins, and Al-Fawâhish (illegal sexual intercourse), and when they are angry, they forgive.”

(Ash-Shooraa 42:6-37)

jazkallah sis for that, i have read this and seen it as well, SS hasn't done jummah for a looong time

Good Post sis,

.
Assalamu alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh

Very good sharing.

yep, :m: Very good

Shaykh Saud Ash-Shuraym

Dreams And Their Interpretations
Jumaadal ulaa 23, 1423 (July , 2002)[/


All praise is due to Allaah, Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings of Allaah be upon the Messenger, his household and companions.



Fellow Muslims! Men love to wade into issues of unseen, be they past and future. To deny this phenomenon amounts to the denial and prevention of reality. The severity or otherwise of this phenomenon depends on people's closeness to the light of prophethood and true religion that firmly controls this issue of which Allaah says,



"He alone is the All-Knower of the Unseen, and He reveals to none His Unseen; except to a Messenger (from mankind) whom He has chosen."

(Al-Jinn 72:26-27)



It is no wonder then that we see in this contemporary age – those who wade into the issues of unseen and we observe that many weak-minded people would want to know it, either through superstitious means or by making conjectures, though the verses of Allaah are being recited to them all the time. Allaah says,



Say (O Muhammad): None in the heavens and the earth knows the Unseen except Allaah, nor can they perceive when they shall be resurrected."
(An-Naml 27:65)



The Prophet's sayings are also read to these people regarding the Unseen. Among these sayings is, "There are five things which none knows except Allaah:

'Verily with Allaah is the knowledge of the Hour, He sends down the rain, and knows that which is in the wombs. No person knows what he will earn tomorrow, and no person knows in what land he will die. Allaah is the All-Knower, All-Aware.'

(Luqmaan 31:34)

"(At-Tirmidhee)



Therefore, matters of the Unseen should not be waded into except in the light of the Quraan and the Sunnah. Whatever besides that are mere conjectures if not illusions.



Islaam in its very essence is a religion that removes all superstitions. So, belief in the Unseen should not be regarded as belief in fantasies.



However, there are some people, who, though they are safe from this superstition, they fall into another evil, whereby they take their dreams as having strong connection with their future and you see them happy or sad because of mere dreams. This phenomenon is not peculiar with common men alone, but many great men have become affected by their dreams and many a nation has been preoccupied by the influence of its dream. Prophet Yousuf's dream and the King of Egypt's are not unknown to us. In both dreams, there had been good news and warning at the same time.



Brethren in faith! Dreams have their importance in the life of people before and after the advent of Islaam; but that importance may differ in the views of learned and cultured people as a result of the differences in authorities. The philosophers deny the dreams and attribute them to physical dispositions that only reflect what is in the mind of the dreamer. Some psychologists also have similar view, for they regard dreams as a mixture of moods that settle in one's memory and which is excited by sleep.



In Islaam, the Muslim scholars have followed the path of Prophethood in line with what is mentioned in the Quraan and Sunnah. They believe that good and truthful dreams are true ones from Allaah. Some of these bear good news an some bear warnings. The Prophet said, "Prophethood is gone, but announcers remain." The companions said, "What are announcers?" He answered, "Good dreams that man sees or that are seen for him."



Announcers here may be that of good news or bad news for Allaah says,



"And give them tidings of a painful torment."



It is these dreams about which the Prophet said, "When the end of time nears, the dream of a believer will always almost come true. The truest among you in dreams is the truest among you in speech. The dream of a believer is one of 46 parts of Prophethood." (Al-Bukhaaree & Muslim)



Brethren in Islaam! Many people have been led to distress as a result of spiritual vacuum and farness from Allaah and lack of belief in His predecree, that it is only what He wills that be and that what He wills not shall never be. Many have depended on dreams and visions in a way that is contrary to the path of our righteous predecessors. The matter of dreams have become widespread among people that they seldom talk of other things and the issue has dominated even satellite channels and Islaamic legal fatwas so much so that questions pertaining to dreams double those of other matters of religion. All this is a result of the rampant ignorance as to the correct stand the Muslim must take as regards dreams in spite of the fact that the Prophet has left us on a Clear Path. The matter has come to the extent that if anyone of us has a dream, he will become disturbed and will not feel secured until he finds one who will interpret the dream for him. Had everyone of us stand by the guidance of the Prophet, we would not have plunged ourselves into this deplorable quagmire.



In order to know the best way to deal with dreams, let us listen to these excellent etiquettes.



Imaam Muslim reported that Aboo Salamah said: I used to see dreams that make me sick. When I met Aboo Qataadah, I told him that and he said, "I heard the Messenger of Allaah saying: 'A good dream is from Allaah and a bad one is from Satan, if anyone of you sees what he dislikes, let him spit on to his left side three times, and let him seek refuge with Allaah from its evil; for it cannot harm him.'" In another narration, Aboo Salamah said, "I used to have dreams that seemed heavier on me than a mountain, but as soon as I heard this hadeeth, I do not worry about them any more."



It becomes clear here that, not all that man sees in his dream can be interpreted; for dreams are of three types as explained by the Messenger of Allaah when he said, "Dreams are of three types: (1) Intimidations from Satan by which he causes sorrow to man. (2) What man feels concerned of in his wakefulness and sees in his dreams. (3) A dream that is one of the 46 parts of prophethood." Al-Bagawee said, "This hadeeth explains that not all that man sees in his dream can be true, though it can be interpreted. The true dream is the one that comes from Allaah and whatever besides that are just confused dreams that have no interpretations. Of those confused dreams is the one reported from a Bedouin Arab who told the Prophet that he saw in a dream that his head was cut off and was rolling away and that this made him seriously worried. The Prophet told him, 'Do not tell people of Satan's toying with you in your dream.'"



On how to treat this kind of dreams which is prevalent in the case of many people; the etiquettes taught by the Sunnah are the following:



- Seeking refuge with Allaah from the harm of this dream and the evil of Satan.

- The dreamer should slightly spit on his left side three times when he wakes up.

- He should not tell it to anybody.

- He should perform his obligatory prayers.

- He should change the side on which he was sleeping.

- Som