Is this haram?

So after visiting the masjid yesterday, I think I have a better perspective of the alcohol and dogs issue. The brother I spoke with asked me, "Do you think your life would be better without alcohol?" I had to say that yes, it probably would be better without it. It also means I may have to cut back the time I spend with some people in my life. They're not bad people, but it's like the brother asked me "Are they helping you to improve yourself?" Right now, I'd say that no, they are probably not helping me to improve myself. That one is clear to me what I have to do now.

As for the dogs issue, well, that is something I will just have to deal with in my own way. It is a small matter, but a big one for me, but right now I am more concerned with my relationship with Allah and becoming who I am supposed to be. I think that's a little more important for me right now than whether or not I should keep my dogs. But even the brother I talked to said that he didn't expect me to just throw my dogs out because I'm converting to Islam. I know the Qu'ran also talks about not abusing animals.

I'm very pleased to learn that Allah sent you a wise brother who knows his religion well. Alhamdulillahir rabbil al ameen!!

May Allah reward him abundantly. Ameen.
 
as-salaamu alaykum First, welcome to Islam my dear brother *virtual hug* . My dear brother, that's exactly what you should do. This is why it's recommended to Muslims to deal with new Muslims according to their level of imaan and knowledge and not throw everything at them which might drive them away from Islam, it's part of Islamic adab. But sadly many of us fall into that error. What is important for you my brother is belief in tawheed and trying your best to learn about obligation and performing them with your utmost ability. Secondary issues like "is music haraam, can i keep the dogs" etc will have to come later. May Allah Azza wa Jal make your journey easier, keep you steadfast and let you die as a Muslim, ameen PS: Check your pm, insha'Allah

I got your pm and responded. Thanks for the advice, brother. I admit this is a lot to take in and while I have not taken the shahada officially yet, I know that I will do so soon. I asked Allah to show me when the time is right, so I will know when I am ready.

I'm very pleased to learn that Allah sent you a wise brother who knows his religion well. Alhamdulillahir rabbil al ameen!! May Allah reward him abundantly. Ameen.

Yeah, Allah was looking out for me on that one. I feel like I am closer to becoming the man I was meant to be. I'm not there yet, but I'm closer now than I have been in a long time. I'm trying to start practicing some of the virtues of Islam even though I am not a Muslim yet.

That being said, there is an event tomorrow night at the masjid that I plan on attending. I need to surround myself with strong brothers because this is not going to be an easy time for me. I'm still trying to digest the fact that my whole life to this point has been a lie, and that doesn't even cover how my friends and family will react...
 
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I don't care which group you support as long as you support that group which speaks the truth.

Again I'll repeat what I said earlier. The rules of Islam are not absolute. They can be broken under certain circumstances.

Take the case of the question: "Is music haram?"

Group A scholars say, "Yes, it is haram!"

Group B scholars say, "No, it isn't haram!"

Group C scholars recognize that the issue depends on conditions, circumstances and situations, so they say, "It depends....."

If Group A scholars say, "Music is haram!" they are making an absolute statement.

If Group B scholars say, "It is not haram!" they are also making an absolute statement.

It would have been far better for them to say, "In my opinion, music is haram," or "In my opinion, music is not haram."

If Allah had explicitly declared music to be haram, then we have the right to make an absolute statement. But has this been made explicit? Is there any verse in the Qur'an or any hadith of the Prophet (saws) where we are told that music is haram? No..... then why make absolute statements about music?!!

This is fanaticism, this insistence that music is haram.

It reminds me of my early days when I was a new revert to Islam..... I had given up listening to music because I had read a ruling by some scholars that music was prohibited. My uncle who is not a Muslim learnt about this and asked how listening to music could be haram. He said he loved listening to old Hindi songs and wondered how indulging in such an activity was considered harmful in Islam. I immediately sent him a long list of articles on scholarly rulings about the prohibition of music. I might add that I didn't take the trouble to read the rulings myself. I just assumed that scholars understood things better than I did. Anyway, my uncle read the articles. He wasn't convinced. What did convince him though was that Islam was a religion practiced by fanatics.

I didn't want him to think I was a fanatic. So I began to read the articles myself. When I did that I discovered that there wasn't anything concrete in the Qur'an or Sunnah that prohibited music. I realized that the prohibition was a matter of opinion of some scholars and that not all scholars agreed on its prohibition.

That was an eye-opener for me. And from that day on, I made sure that I did not ever follow the rulings given by scholars blindly.

I go with the Group C scholars who say, "It depends.....", because this is the only group that allows room for discussion.

Assalaamu Alaaykum

From my understanding..

Scholar who say haram=yes

Scholar who say haram=no

Scholar who say it depends=Necessities, again this doesnt mean its not haraam or halaal..Ofcourse no doubt it depends on the situation of an individual, this is what Islaam does it fits into the lifestyle of one..its not here to make ones life hell for them

Now if you look at the western lifestyle it wont fit because this lifestyle is created by people, now people are used to not dressing fully and Islaam tells them to cover up whether it be sunny or cold, they will say "why should we cover up?" "is it not hot out there?" But if they continue to go out like they are going to either burn their skin without using some sort of sun lotion, as a muslim there is no need because there is one covered, but if one wishes to apply they are still on the safe side..

Sis you have to realise that not everyone will understand the Qur'aan nor Islaam, listening to music is by far the most hardest to take into, but there are also reasons to why there are soo many principles of each issue. I used to have a sikh friend, i used to try give her dawah and explain to her how Prophet Muhammad (saw) was a great man and was the best of mankind etc, now she would explain to me how all prophets are great, that those prophets she believed in were good and like lets put it this way, all prophets were all good and at the same level ( i apologise for a silly example :-\), and thats all that made me lose my emaan but alHamdulilaah soon enough i continued to stay strong and not let this bother me even though it didnt seem like such a big problem either. Islaam isnt the religion of fanatism nor extremism, by not listening to music i dont feel like an extremist, and i dont judge others if they do listen to music but simply a good advice should help and its all up to them, i will be accountable for my deeds and everyone else for theirs..

Whether others disagree with some issue, it shouldnt deter a believer from practising his faith, there are many who will think Islaam is a strange religion, but this is the truth and this is what Islaam is..There are many other things where people who dont know anything about Islaam could call 'fanaticism', such as the Jinn, the unseen etc..

Sis we as muslims believe in the Unseen, that is how much faith one needs 'only' to believe, you know how much that will bother those who dont believe? They will call us crazy and many more stuff..You cant just jump too deep into issues with people who never heard about Islaam if you want to give dawah you ofcourse start with the basics.

I dont know if im getting anywhere with this post but i really dont want you to lose faith just because something isnt clear to you. Also the post brother Abd al latif, it should help insha'Allaah..

.. peace ..
 
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Pєαяℓ σf Wιѕ∂σм ;1444474 said:
Whether others disagree with some issue, it shouldnt deter a believer from practising his faith, there are many who will think Islaam is a strange religion, but this is the truth and this is what Islaam is..There are many other things where people who dont know anything about Islaam could call 'fanaticism', such as the Jinn, the unseen etc..

Sis we as muslims believe in the Unseen, that is how much faith one needs 'only' to believe, you know how much that will bother those who dont believe? They will call us crazy and many more stuff..You cant just jump too deep into issues with people who never heard about Islaam if you want to give dawah you ofcourse start with the basics.

I dont know if im getting anywhere with this post but i really dont want you to lose faith just because something isnt clear to you. Also the post brother Abd al latif, it should help insha'Allaah..

I really have no idea why you seem to think that I would allow anyone to deter me from practicing my faith.

I started this thread to express an opinion. It's about the need for us Muslims to be open-minded and just when answering questions. I am of the opinion that we mustn't be quick to rush in and give a "yes" or "no" reply. It isn't good manners.

The truth is clear and always has been clear. There is no other deity worthy of worship but Allah and Muhammad is His messenger. What other truth does one need to know besides this? This is where it all begins. If you don't have a firm grasp about what this means, then it doesn't matter how good you are at following the rules of Islam.

Belief in Allah, hope in Allah, trust in Allah, love of Allah, fear of Allah are all actions of the heart. Following the rules of Islam are actions of the limbs.

The actions of the heart and far more important than the actions of the limbs.

If the actions of the heart are in order, then the actions of the limbs will be in order. This is where our focus must be! THE ACTIONS OF THE HEART: Belief in Allah and the fear of standing before Him on the Day of Judgement.
 
Assalaamu Alaaykum

I spoke in general dear sister, not aiming at you personally..

Has anyone ever posted an answer yes or no without giving a reason along with it? It is ofcourse no doubt unnacceptable, to rush in giving an answer and then not explaing why or where it is said such and such.. and musnt be quick to post opinions either.

The truth is clear and always has been clear. There is no other deity worthy of worship but Allah and Muhammad is His messenger. What other truth does one need to know besides this? This is where it all begins. If you don't have a firm grasp about what this means, then it doesn't matter how good you are at following the rules of Islam.

Belief in Allah, hope in Allah, trust in Allah, love of Allah, fear of Allah are all actions of the heart. Following the rules of Islam are actions of the limbs.

The actions of the heart and far more important than the actions of the limbs.

If the actions of the heart are in order, then the actions of the limbs will be in order. This is where our focus must be! THE ACTIONS OF THE HEART: Belief in Allah and the fear of standing before Him on the Day of Judgement.

And of course there is no doubt in that! This is why i mentioned one must focus on the basics, i.e. Tawheed etc..and then move on step by step at ones own pace and not push themselves into doing things..

Also i thought the questions were generally asked, as in anyone can ask the question even a non-muslim..when one asks, their reply will be according to Qur'aan and sunnah and not of someone thinks of a certain matter..
 
The actions of the heart and far more important than the actions of the limbs. If the actions of the heart are in order, then the actions of the limbs will be in order. This is where our focus must be! THE ACTIONS OF THE HEART: Belief in Allah and the fear of standing before Him on the Day of Judgement.


Walaikum Assalam sister,

A lot of people on this forum are not quite sure of a Mathab or what Islam they wish to follow.
Alhamdulillah you have found not only your way but also your niche which seems to be Ilmu Hikmah.
I see it as Husnuzon that you think so highly of others to speak of matters which in reality are alien to most.
I did try to warn you but I guess I did a poor job of it and for that I apologize again.
I by no means wish to dishearten you, on the contrary I would encourage you to take your studies further but don't forget to reinforce your knowledge of Shariah for it's the golden rule of Ilmu Hikmah that what ever is prohibited once to ordinary folks is prohibited thrice to those involved in this Knowledge. As I'm only a student also I don't really know what else to say except be careful of how you express yourself and to who.

May Allah S.W.T protect and guide you always to your heart's heavenly desires.
Masalam

PS: A lot of people here have your best interest at heart even though that might not always seem so.
 
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Pєαяℓ σf Wιѕ∂σм ;1444551 said:
This is why i mentioned one must focus on the basics, i.e. Tawheed etc..and then move on step by step at ones own pace and not push themselves into doing things..

Alhamdulillah! I'm glad that you understand that our focus should be on the basics.. :) One must get that in order first.... If we do, then we would be more fair and just in our speech and deeds.

To be fair and just is very important for a Muslim.... and the reason for that is..... Allah loves the just.

And one cannot be just if one fails to take into consideration all things. One cannot be just if one gives out a verdict WITHOUT listening to both sides.

Justice also isn't possible if the heart suffers from the following diseases: pride, prejudice, bias and selfishness. So even if a person listens to both sides of the argument, the disease in his heart would color his judgement and his verdict would be unjust.

Nowadays you have scholars and people who consider themselves to be knowledgeable and learned, rushing in to give their opinions and verdicts without even a moment's thought of what it's going to be like for themselves on the Day of Judgement! They do not even pause to think if their verdicts and opinions are just. They don't even care to check their intentions. They have no qualms declaring something to be haram... as though they are the final authority on the subject. This is nothing but arrogance.

I have seen how some people in this forum have declared things to be haram..... and then scoffed at and mocked at the opinions of others. They forgot that they were talking to their own brothers and sisters in faith. And they forgot their manners. They became rude and disrespectful towards people!! Treating them with contempt, as though they were fools to have any opinion at all. All they could think of was, "I am the one who is right! Others are wrong!!"

Is this what Islam teaches us to be like? Or does it teach us to be humble and to consider others to be better, to respect all people and be just and fair in all situations.... ?

Yes, most certainly.... THE TRUTH IS CLEAR. IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN CLEAR.

Alhamdulillahir rabbil al ameen!! All praise be to Allah for showing us the Truth and guiding us to it!

I think it might be appropriate to cite here how the salaf and sahabah used to handle questions regarding various matters..... I am of the opinion that THEY are the example to be followed.

-------------------------

Al-Baraa' said,

"I met a hundred and twenty of the Ansaar from the Companions of Allaah's Messenger (saw) and when one of them was asked about a matter there was not a single man amongst them except that he wished that his brother would suffice him (by answering)."

[This saying is reported by ad-Daarimee (1/53) and Ibn `Abdul-Barr in Jaami` (2/163).However it is the saying of `Abdur-Rahmaan ibn Abee Laylaa and not the saying of al-Baraa`, and its chain of narration is saheeh. As for the saying of al-Baraa`, then it is, "I saw three hundred of the people of Badr, there was not a single one of them except that he loved that someone else should take his place in answering." It is reported by Ibnul-Mubaarak in az-Zuhd (no. 58), ibn Sa`d (6/11) and others and its isnaad contains Aboo Ishaaq as-Sabee`ee who is acceptable (sadooq) except that he was mudallis and reports it without stating that he heard it directly.]

................

`Amr ibn Deenaar said to Qataadah when he sat to give religious
verdicts,

"Do you realise the affair that you have fallen into? You have come between Allaah and His worshippers and say, 'This is correct and this is not correct.'" [Reported by al-Khateeb in al-Faqeeh wal-Mutafaqqih (2/168)]

---------

`Alqamah said,

"They used to say, 'The boldest of you in giving religious verdicts is the one having the least knowledge.'"

--------

From Ibn Mas`ood, (ra), who said,

"The one who gives a religious verdict to the people about everything that he is asked is indeed insane." [Reported by Ibn `Abdul-Barr (2/164-165), al-Khateeb in al-Faqeeh wal-Mutafaqqih (2/197-198) and Aboo Khaithamah in al-`Ilm (no. 10) and its chain of narration is saheeh.]

----------

`Umar ibn `Abdul-`Azeez was asked about a question and replied,

"I am not one who is bold about giving religious verdicts."

----------

Sufyaan ath-Thawree said, "We reached the scholars and they used to hate answering questions and giving religious verdicts until they could find no way out except to give a verdict, but if they were relieved of having to do so then that was more beloved to them."

----------

Imaam Ahmad said,

"He who puts himself forward to give religious verdicts has put himself forward to something very serious, unless he is forced through necessity."

It was said to him,

"Then which is better: for him to speak or to remain silent?"

He said,

"It is more beloved to us that he should withhold."

It was said,

"But if there is a necessity?" So he started saying,

"Necessity! Necessity!"

And he said,

"It is safer for him to withhold."

------------

When Ibn Seereen was asked about anything pertaining to the permissible and forbidden his colour would change and he would alter so that he would not seem to be the same person. [Reported by ibn Sa`d (7/195), al-Khateeb in al-Faqeeh wal-Mutafaqqih (2/167) and its isnaad is saheeh].

--------
 
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If a person is relaying the verdicts/rulings that the scholars have given then what is the problem? i.e a person asks can he have a girl friend and do stuff with her out of wedlock, we know this is haraam so what's the problem in telling him?

There is nothing wrong with relaying what the scholars have said regarding a issue is there? I think what you're talking about is people giving their own opinions not the opinions of scholars right?

For example, someone asks a question and a person answers "i think such and such is haraam and you shouldn't do it" this would be wrong if the person does not back up his statement with the verdict of scholars, but what is wrong with a person saying, "regarding your question, the scholars have said the following regarding this situation/scenario".
 
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There is nothing wrong with relaying what the scholars have said regarding a issue is there? I think what you're talking about is people giving their own opinions not the opinions of scholars right?

Brother Salahudeen, are you not aware of the state in today's world? We have scholars giving out fatwas at the drop of a hat. We have fatwas about anything and everything. You can go shopping for a scholar that supports your point of view.

It's alright for you to direct people to the opinions of scholars..... but you must certainly be careful about which scholars you pick! Their opinion would be a reflection of your opinion!
 
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Brother Salahudeen, are you not aware of the state in today's world? We have scholars giving out fatwas at the drop of a hat. We have fatwas about anything and everything. You can go shopping for a scholar that supports your point of view.

It's alright for you to direct people to the opinions of scholars..... but you must certainly be careful about which scholars you pick! Their opinion would be a reflection of your opinion!


But if the scholar has evidence from the Qur'an and sunnah supporting his view, is it not valid? :hmm: for example, the 4 madhabs have differing opinions and they are all based upon evidence from the Qur'an and sunnah. What is wrong with presenting these opinions to a person who asks the ruling regarding something?

i.e, scholar A says this regarding your situation, scholar B says this regarding your situation, scholar A based his decision upon the following evidence from the qur'an and sunnah, scholar B made his decision based upon this evidence from the qur'an and sunnah.
 
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But if the scholar has evidence from the Qur'an and sunnah supporting his view, is it not valid? for example, the 4 madhabs have differing opinions and they are all based upon evidence from the Qur'an and sunnah. What is wrong with presenting these opinions to a person who asks the ruling regarding something?

Evidence from the Qur'an and Sunnah is cited by scholars holding opposing views. In such a case, we must present the arguments of both groups of scholars..... and then leave the questioner to make his decision for himself.

You wouldn't be fair if you just pointed out ONE SIDE of the argument..... the side that you favor.
 
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Evidence from the Qur'an and Sunnah is cited by scholars holding opposing views. In such a case, we must present the arguments of both groups of scholars..... and then leave the questioner to make his decision for himself.

You wouldn't be fair if you just pointed out ONE SIDE of the argument..... the side that you favor.

Yeah, except when there is 'ijma on a issue and there's no opposing opinions. So back to the issue, what is wrong with doing that? that's not making your own religious verdict that's simply relaying what the scholars have said regarding a issue.

Unless the purpose of this thread was to warn people of the dangers of giving their own opinions regarding issues and not the islamic view point, is that what you meant?
 
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By the way, I would like to share how I personally deal with issues that are controversial or with issues I don't entirely understand.

I leave those matters alone and pray to Allah that some day He will grant me understanding. Then I move on to practice the things that I DO understand.

This is also the same policy I follow when I read the Qur'an. Whenever I come across a verse that I don't understand, I suspend my judgment regarding it. And I move on. Many times it has happened that what I didn't understand before I began to understand later.

So that's what it's all about in the end, I guess. Striving to understand the religion..... in order to follow it in the right spirit... the spirit of sincerity.
 
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Yeah, except when there is 'ijma on a issue and there's no opposing opinions. So back to the issue, what is wrong with doing that? that's not making your own religious verdict that's simply relaying what the scholars have said regarding a issue.

When there are no opposing opinions, then it's a clear verdict. You can certainly relay such a verdict.
 
^so I'm confused sister, what is the purpose of this thread? to tell people to stop saying something is haraam based upon their own opinion?
 
:sl:

A lot of people on this forum are not quite sure of a Mathab or what Islam they wish to follow.
Alhamdulillah you have found not only your way but also your niche which seems to be Ilmu Hikmah.
I see it as Husnuzon that you think so highly of others to speak of matters which in reality are alien to most.
I did try to warn you but I guess I did a poor job of it and for that I apologize again.
I by no means wish to dishearten you, on the contrary I would encourage you to take your studies further but don't forget to reinforce your knowledge of Shariah for it's the golden rule of Ilmu Hikmah that what ever is prohibited once to ordinary folks is prohibited thrice to those involved in this Knowledge. As I'm only a student also I don't really know what else to say except be careful of how you express yourself and to who.

May Allah S.W.T protect and guide you always to your heart's heavenly desires.
Masalam

PS: A lot of people here have your best interest at heart even though that might not always seem so.

Dear brother in Islam, please do not apologize to me. lol.

Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate it much. :)
 
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^so I'm confused sister, what is the purpose of this thread? to tell people to stop saying something is haraam based upon their own opinion?

There isn't just one purpose to this thread. It was meant to be a reminder to us.

1. To fear Allah.

2. To be just and fair in our judgments.

3. To refrain from answering questions and desire that someone more knowledgeable would answer them.

4. To be humble and respectful towards others, whether Muslim or non-Muslim.

5. To mind our manners.

6. To mind our tongues.

7. To stimulate our minds and hearts.

8. To learn from others.

9. To crush our egos.

10. To remember the Day of Judgment.

11. To discuss priorities.

12. To facilitate learning.

13. To think the best of other people's intentions.

14. To understand the greatness of Allah.

15. To focus on what is more important..... IMAN and sincerity towards Allah.
 
^so I'm confused sister, what is the purpose of this thread? to tell people to stop saying something is haraam based upon their own opinion?

The thread's OP actually lists some very common questions that Muslims argue about often... These questions were her example, and so I think the thread is very relevant seeing as it's purpose was to act as a reminder when faced with these types of issues... Especially since most of those questions are argued on this very forum, usually with one side acting as if there is only one clear answer (when there actually isn't...)
 
I haven't gotten as far as which Islam I want to follow. I just know that I want to follow Allah. Coming from a lifetime of Christianity/atheism/doing my own thing, that is not easy. There is a lot I don't understand yet about Islam and I have no one to teach me in my real life. I have to accept that I may not understand everything. For someone who has always been intellectual, this is hard for me to do. This battle I fight alone, and it will not be an easy one. Everything I know is wrong, and I have to forget it all. I know now what is right for me, and what I have to do.

May Allah grant me the strength to do what I must... ameen.
 
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