Introduction

Salam alaykum sisters,
I thank Allah for this wonderful opportunity to make this website. This website is especially made for children. InshAllah I will be covering as much as topics as we can.  This website is a way to gain knowledge and I hope, InshAllah, that children who read this will gain knowledge .             

As Allah the Almighty said:

" Say (Oh Mohammed): This is my way; Invite unto Allah with sure knowledge, I and whosoever follows me with sure knowledge ."  YUSUF 12:108

There will be different categories in the website of what particular things for the children to know. I hope the children of all ages will enjoy this website as much as I will!           

                                              

Tauwid Abdul- Wahab chapter 14 - 17

                                   CHAPTER NO.14
To seek help in other than Allah (Istighatha) or to invoke other than Him is an act of Shirk 

Allah the exalted said:

"And invoke not besides Allah any that will neither profit you nor hurt you, but if (in case) you did so, you shall certainly be one of the Zalimun (polytheists and wrongdoers). And if Allah touches you with hurt, there is none who can remove it but He; and if He intends any good for you, there is none who can repel His Favour which He causes it to reach whomsoever of His slaves He will. And He is the Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."(10:106, 107)

And He said:
"You worship besides Allah only idols, and you only invent falsehood. Verily, those whom you worship besides Allah have no power to give you provision, so seek your provision from Allah (Alone) and worship Him (Alone), and be grateful to Him. To Him (Alone) you will be brought back." (29:17)

He the Almighty said:
"And who is more astray than one who calls (invokes) besides Allah, such as will not answer him till the Day of Resurrection; and who are (even) unaware of their calls (invocations) to them? And when mankind are gathered (on the Day of Resurrection), they (false deities) will become enemies for them and will deny their worshipping."(46: 5,6)

Allah, the Most Exalted said:
"Is not He Who responds to the distressed one, when he calls Him; and Who removes the evil, and makes you inheritors of the earth, generations after generations? Is there any god with Allah? Little is that you remember!"(27:62)

At- Tabarani narrates with his Isnad (chain of the narrators):
During the days of the Prophet (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) there was a hypocrite who used to harm the believers, some of them (the believers) said, "Come (support) with us while we appeal to Allah's Messenger (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) for assistance against this hypocrite." The Prophet (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) replied, "Verily, no one should seek to me for assistance. Indeed, it is Allah Who is to be sought for assistance and help." 

Important issues of the Chapter
1) To attach supplication or invocation (Du'a) with seeking assistance (Istighatha) through conjunction is to attach a general matter to one which is specific.
2) Explanation of the verse:
"And invoke not besides Allah any that will neither profit you nor hurt you..." (10: 106).
 3) This is the greater Shirk.
4) The most pious person, if he calls for help other than Allah, even for the gratification of someone else, he will become one of the Zalimun (wrong-doers, polytheists).
5) Explanation of the verse following (10: 107).
6) Calling others for help besides Allah is of no benefit in this world and besides that it is
disbelief (Kufr).
7) Explanation of the Verse 29: 17.
8) Requesting sustenance and provisions should be done to none other than from Allah. Just as Paradise can be requested from none other than Him.
9) Explanation of the fourth Verse 46:5.
10) There is none more misguided than the one who calls on others than Allah.
11) To whom the call is made (besides Allah) is unaware of the supplications of the caller; he
knows nothing about it.
12) That call will be the cause of anger and enmity of the one called towards the caller.
13) The call is named as worship of the one called on.
14) The one called upon will deny and reject this act of worship towards him.
15) This is why such a supplicant is the most astray of the people.
16) Explanation of the fifth Verse 27: 62.
17) Astonishing is the admission of idolaters that none relieves the one in distress other than Allah. That is why, they call upon Him in times of extreme difficulty with the utmost
religious sincerity.
18) The protection of the Chosen One (May Allah be pleased with him) means the protection of
Tauhid and being mindful towards Allah. 

       CHAPTER No: 15

(The created one could not be an object of worship)

Allah the Almighty said:
"Do they attribute as partners to Allah those who created nothing but they themselves are created? No help can they give them, nor can they help themselves."(7:191,192)

Allah the Most Exalted said:
"And those, whom you invoke or call upon instead of Him, own not even a Qitmir (the thin membrane over the date-stone). If you invoke (or call upon) them, they hear not your call, and if (in case) they were to hear, they could not grant it (your request) to you. And on the Day of Resurrection, they will disown your worshipping them. And none can inform you (O Muhammad (May the peace and blessing of Allah be uponhim)) like Him Who is the All-Knower (of each and everything)."(35: 13, 14) 

It is reported in the Sahih (i.e. AI-Bukhari and Muslim) from Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) who narrated:
The Prophet (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) was hit on the day of Uhud (the battle of Uhud) and his teeth were broken. So he said, "How can a people succeed who hit their Prophet?" The verse (3: 128) was then revealed: "Not for you (O Muhammad, but for Allah) is the decision."

Also reported therein from Ibn Umar (May Allah be pleased with him):
He heard Allah's Messenger (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) say when he raised his head from bowing in the last Rak'at of the Fair prayer: "O Allah, curse so-and-so:' Then Allah revealed: "Not for you (O Muhammad, but for Allah) is the decision."

In another narration:
"He (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) invoked Allah against Safwan bin Umaiyah and Suhail bin' Amr and Al-Harith bin Hisham", then the verse was revealed: 'Not for you (O Muhammad, but for Allah) is the decision.' "

It is also reported in the Sahih Al-Bukhari and Muslim from Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) who said:
Allah's Messenger (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) stood up when it was revealed to him:" And warn your tribe (O Muhammad May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him ) of near kindred." (26:214) and (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) said, "O people of Quraish" -or words similar to that -"sell your own souls. I will not be of any  help to you before Allah; O Abbas bin Abdul-Muttalib, I will not be of any help to you before Allah; O Safiyah, aunt of Allah's Messenger, I will not be of any help to you before Allah; O Fatimah, daughter of Muhammad, ask of my wealth what you wish, I will be of no avail to you before Allah."

Important issues of the Chapter
1) An explanation of the two verses (7:120 and 35:13,14).
2) The story of Uhud.
3) Qunut (supplication) of Allah's Messenger (May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)
in the prayer (against someones) and saying Amin of the Companions (May Allah be pleased
with him) behind him.
4) The ones who were supplicated against, were disbelievers (Kuffar).
5) They (Quraish) did things that most other of the disbelievers had not done such as causing
injury to the head of their Prophet and being intent upon his murder. Also mutilation of those
killed in battle though they were their cousins. 6) Allah revealed to him in relation to this:
"Not for you (O Muhammad, but for Allah) is the decision." 7) His (Allah's) Statement:
"He turns in mercy to (pardons) them or punishes them" and He did turn toward them and they believed.
8) Al-Qunut (invoking Allah against someones) in time of disaster.
9) Specifically naming the ones who are being invoked against in the prayers by their names and
the names of their fathers.
10) Cursing someone in particular in the Qunut.
11) Circumstances of the Prophet (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) at the time
of the revelation to him of:
"And warn your tribe (O Muhammad (P.B.UH)) of near kindred." (26:214)
12) The seriousness of the Prophet (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) to the issue that insanity was attributed to him, and likewise is the case of a Muslim who does so
now.
13) His (the Prophet's) statement to those close and far to him: "I will be of no avail to you before
Allah" to the extent that he said: "O Fatimah, daughter of Muhammad, 1 will not be of any avail to you before Allah." If he made this clear while he was the leader of the Messengers that he (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) could not avail the best of women of this world, and a man believes that he (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) does not speak but truth, -then he looks at what has occurred in the hearts of the people of position today, the issue of Tauhid would be clear, and so the strangeness of the religion.1
----------------------------------------------------------------
1 Reference is made to the Hadith: "Islam began as something strange and it will again return to being something  

strange, so may Allah bless the strangers (that they be beneath a tree of Paradise)."

  CHAPTER No: 16

(What the Lord has said)

"Until when fear is banished from their hearts they say: 'What is it that your Lord has said?" They say: 'The Truth, and He is the Most High, the Most Great.' "(34:23) And in 

Sahih (Al-Bukhari) it is reported that Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet (May thepeace and blessing of Allah be upon him) said:
When Allah decrees some order in the heaven, the angels flutter their wings indicating complete surrender to His Saying, which sounds like chains being dragged on rock. And when the (state of) fear is banished from their hearts, they say, "What is that your Lord has said?" They say: "The truth. And He is the Most High, the Most Great." (34:23) Then the stealthy .listeners (devils) hear this order, and these stealthy listeners are like this, one over the other (Sufyan, a sub- narrator demonstrated that by holding his hand upright and separating the fingers). A stealthy listener hears a word which he will convey to that which is below him, and the second will convey it to that who is below him, till the last of them will convey it to the wizard or foreteller. Sometimes a flame (fire) may strike the devil before he can convey it, and sometimes he may convey it before the flame (fire) strikes him, whereupon the wizard adds to that word a hundred lies. The people will then say, "Didn't he (i.e. magician) tell such and-such a thing on such-and- such date?" So that magician is said to have told the truth because of the Statement which has been heard from the heavens.


An-Nauwas bin Sam'an (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated that Allah's Messenger (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) said:
"When Allah wishes to reveal something to man, He speaks out the words to be revealed. At this, the heavens shake strongly in fear of Him. When the Words of Allah fall upon the inhabitants of heaven, they are taken by shock and fall prostrate. The first of them to raise his head is the angel Jibrael whom Allah speaks out of the revelation what He wishes. Then Jibrael passes by the other angels in different heavens, and is asked at each station, 'What did our Lord say, O Jibrael?' He answers: 'He said the Truth; He is the Most High, the Most Great' and all repeat the same after him. Then Jibrael moves on to the destination with the revelation, to where commanded by Allah the Most High."

Important issues of the Chapter 

1) Explanation of the Verse 34:23.
2) In this verse is a proof for the invalidation of Shirk. Especially regarding what is attached to those righteous people (i.e. of the supplications of the ignorant toward them). It is said that this verse cuts the roots of the tree of Shirk in the heart. 
3) Explanation of Allah's Words:
"They say: 'The truth, and He is the Most High, the Most Great.'"
4) The reason for their question about that (verse).
5) That Jibrael (Gabriel) (May Allah be pleased with him) answered their question after that by his words "He said such and such".
6) The description of the fact that Jibrael (Gabriel) (May Allah be pleased with him) was the first to raise his head (to attend to the revelation of Allah).
7) Jibrael (Gabriel) (May Allah be pleased with him) answers to all angels of the heavens for they all question him.
8) Unconsciousness occurs to all the dwellers of the heavens.
9) Trembling of the heavens due: to the Words of Allah.
10) That Jibrael (Gabriel) (May Allah be pleased with him) is the one who conveys the revelation to wherever Allah commands.
11) Eavesdropping of heavenly discussion by devils.
12) State of standing of Jinns atop of one another.
13) Falling down of shooting stars.
14) The shooting star sometimes hits the devil before he conveys the stolen message and sometimes he reaches the ear of his human friend before he is struck.
15) Sometimes the soothsayer may relay the truth.
16) The soothsayer mixes the truth with a hundred lies,
17) His lies are not believed except for the word (of truth) which was heard from heaven.
18) The acceptance of falsehood by the human nature. How they hang onto one truth and not consider the 100 lies.
19) How they pass the word to one another, memorize it and use it as evidence (for other lies). 
20) Affirmation of the Divine Attributes of Allah, in opposition to denials of the Ash'ariyah(1 )and
Mu'attilah.

21) That the trembling and shaking of the heavens is due to the fear of Allah the Almighty. 22) Angels fall down in prostration for Allah.

----------------------------------------
1 One of their beliefs is to nullify Allah's Attribute of having speech. Ahlus-Sunnah is firm upon the principle of affirming these names and attributes that are mentioned by Allah and His Prophet (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) .However, without negating their evident meaning, saying exactly how, or making any similitude with the creation. 

CHAPTER No: 17

The Intercession

"And warn therewith those who fear that they will be gathered before their Lord, when there will neither be a protector nor an intercessor for them besides Him, so that they may fear Allah and keep their duty to Him."

"Say: To Allah belongs all intercession."
"Who is he that can intercede with Him except with His Permission..."

"And there are many angels in the heavens whose intercession will avail nothing except after Allah has given leave for whom He wills and pleases." He said:

"Say: Call upon those whom you assert (to be associate gods) besides Allah, they possess not even the weight of an atom (or a small ant), either in the heavens or on the earth, nor have they any share in either, nor there is for Him any supporter from among them. Intercession with Him profits not, except for him whom He permits…" (34:22,23)             Abul-Abbas(1) said that Allah has equally negated all that the Mushrikin have attached (to their false gods). For He has negated that anyone has any dominion or any share of it besides Him, or that there is any assistant to Allah, And that there is nothing to remain except intercession. It is clear that there will be no benefit to anyone except for who has been granted permission by the Lord as He stated:
"They will not be able to intercede except for him with whom He is pleased" (21 :28) 
And for this reason the intercession that the Mushrikin believe in is rejected on the Day of Resurrection, as it is rejected by the Qur'an and as the Prophet (May the peace and blessing of
Allah be upon him) informed us:

-----------------------------------------------
1 Sheikh-ul-Islam Ibn Taimiyah, Ahmad bin Abdul-Haleem bin Abdus-Salam -see Fath-ul-Majeed, page 168. 

He will come and prostrate to his Lord and praise Him, and he will not begin with intercession at first. It will be said afterwards: "Raise your head, speak and it will be heard, ask and you will be given, intercede and intercession will be granted."

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) asked the Prophet (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) :
"Who will be the happiest of people with your intercession?" He (the Prophet P.B.U.H) said, "Whoever said La ilaha illa Allah sincerely with pure intention from his heart."
So this intercession is for those people with pure intent, if Allah so wills, and it will not be for those who commit Shirk.
The essence of the matter is that it is Allah, Who is above all imperfections, Who favours the people sincere in their worship and forgives them through the medium of the invocation of whoever He has given permission to intercede as an honour to him and to confer upon him the Highest Place (Al-Maqam-al-Mahmud).

The intercession which is rejected and denied in the Qur'an is that which involves Shirk, and this is why intercession is confirmed and affirmed by the permission of Allah in many places. The Prophet (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) made it clear that this intercession will not be for other than the people of Tauhid (Islamic Monotheism) and Ikhlas (sincerity in the religion of Islam).

Important issues of 
1) Explanation of the verses mentioned.
2) Description of rejected intercession.
3) Description of affirmed intercession.
4) The "Greatest Intercession" being the "Highest Place" (of the Prophet May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him).
5) A description of what the Prophet (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) will do (on the Day of Judgement) and that he will not begin by making intercession, rather he will prostrate and when he is given permission he will intercede.
6) Who would be the happiest of people with the intercession of the Prophet (May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him).
7) Intercession will not at all be for whoever committed Shirk.

8) Clarification of the real state of intercession

Food and Gifts from Non-Muslims – Shaikh Muhammad Salih Al-Uthaimeen

Food and Gifts from Non-Muslims

Shaikh Muhammad Salih Al-Uthaimeen (May Allah have mercy on him)

Question:  Occasionally, for special events my non-Muslim neighbor sends me food and sweets.  Is it permissible for me to eat them?

Answer:  Yes, it is permissible for you to eat food given as a gift from a non-Muslim if you trust them because the prophet (salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam) accepted a gift from a Jewish women which she gave in the form of a sheep and he also accepted a Jew’s invitation to share a meal and he ate (salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam).  So, there is no problem in accepting the gifts of non-Muslims or eating their food with the condition that they are trustworthy (in that they would not try to harm you) and if you are worried or afraid (that they could harm you in some way i.e. serving you poisoned food etc.) then their invitation is not to be answered.  Likewise, it cannot be for a religious event or holiday like Christmas etc. as the gifts given for this event are not to be accepted.

Translated by John ‘Eesa’ Starling
http://www.ibnothaimeen.com/all/noor/article_8315.shtml

Internet Source :

http://mtws.posterous.com/food-and-gifts-from-non-muslims

A Muslim is prohibited to congratulate the disbelievers, Christians, Jews or whomever, on their distinctive occasions

Fatwa no. 21079

Q: On 12/8/1420 A.H. notices were placed on the roads of Riyadh conveying congratulations from the Banque Saudi Fransi on the New Year.

Employees of the Banque Saudi Fransi wish the Saudi people a merry year. Respected shaykh, it undoubtedly hurts every Muslim to find things like this common in the land of Tawhid (belief in the Oneness of Allah/monotheism) and Al-Haramayn Al-Sharifayn (the Two Sacred Mosques, the Sacred Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah).

I hope that Your Honor will clarify the ruling of Islam on this matter.

A:

A Muslim is prohibited to congratulate the disbelievers, Christians, Jews or whomever, on their distinctive occasions. This involves a sort of agreeing with them on their falsehood and being loyal to them.

Similarly, a Muslim is prohibited to congratulate his Muslim brother on the feasts and celebrations of the disbelievers. By doing so, a Muslim imitates them.

Muslims must resent disbelievers, dissociate themselves from them and hate their disbelief and disobedience to Allah, as Allah (Exalted be He) states, It was authentically reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated, Anyone who imitates a people becomes one of them. the Shaykh of Islam Ibn Taymiyyah commented on this Hadith saying, “This Hadith at least implies that it is prohibited for a Muslim to imitate the disbelievers though it apparently signifies the disbelief of the imitator. Allah (Exalted be He) states, …and if any amongst you takes them as Auliyâ’, then surely he is one of them.

You (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) will not find any people who believe in Allâh and the Last Day, making friendship with those who oppose Allâh and His Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) He (Glorified be He) states, O you who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians as Auliyâ’ (friends, protectors, helpers), they are but Auliyâ’ of each other. And if any amongst you takes them as Auliyâ’, then surely he is one of them. Verily, Allâh guides not those people who are the Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong-doers and unjust).

Thus, Muslims are not permitted to express joy or congratulate disbelievers on their festive occasions, whether by word of mouth, posters, newspapers, magazines, cards or the like. The legal authorities must remove these notices.

May Allah grant us success . May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions!

The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’

Member	Member	Member	Chairman
Bakr Abu Zayd	Salih Al-Fawzan	`Abdullah ibn Ghudayyan	`Abdul-`Aziz ibn `Abdullah Al Al-Shaykh

Fatwas of the Permanent Committee>Group 2>Volume 1: `Aqidah>Acts commensurate with Kufr>Congratulating Kafirs in their feasts

Giving and Accepting Christmas Gifts – Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih Al-Uthaymeen

The Christians’ celebrating the ‘Eid of the birth of ‘Eesaa, upon him be peace, is for them. However, it is not permissible for the Muslim to participate in their holidays. They are not to give them gifts at the time of their holidays nor is it befitting to accept their gifts from them at the time of their holidays. Nor is it permissible to sell them anything which will aid them in the celebration of their holidays; all of this is incorrect. This is because it entails being pleased with that which they are upon if the person were to do so. And being pleased with Kufr and the holidays of the disbelievers is prohibited for the Muslims.

Translated By: Raha ibn Donald Batts
Source: http://www.ibnothaimeen.com/all/khotab/article_317.shtml

http://mtws.posthaven.com

Greeting The Kuffaar On Christmas

Greeting The Kuffaar On Their Festivals

Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saalih al-Uthaymeen (Rahimahu ‘Llah)
Source: Majmoo’ah Fataawa wa Rasaa’il

Greeting the kuffaar on Christmas and other religious holidays of theirs is haraam (forbidden), by consensus, as Ibn al-Qayyim – (Rahimahu ‘Llah) – said,

“Congratulating the kuffaar on the rituals that belong only to them is haraam by consensus, as is congratulating them on their festivals and fasts by saying ‘A happy festival to you’ or ‘May you enjoy your festival,’ and so on. If the one who says this has been saved from kufr, it is still forbidden. It is like congratulating someone for prostrating to the cross, or even worse than that. It is as great a sin as congratulating someone for drinking wine, or murdering someone, or having illicit sexual relations, and so on. Many of those who have no respect for their religion fall into this error; they do not realize the offensiveness of their actions. Whoever congratulates a person for his disobedience or bid’ah or kufr exposes himself to the wrath and anger of Allaah” [Ahkaam Ahl al-Dhimmah]

Congratulating the kuffaar on their religious festivals is haraam to the extent described by Ibn al-Qayyim because it implies that one accepts or approves of their rituals of kufr, even if one would not accept those things for oneself. But the Muslim should not accept the rituals of kufr or congratulate anyone else for them, because Allaah does not accept any of that at all, as He says, “If you disbelieve, then verily, Allaah is not in need of you, He likes not disbelief for His slaves. And if you are grateful (by being believers), He is pleased therewith for you…” [Soorah az-Zumar 39:7]

“…This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islaam as your religion…” [Soorah al-Maa’idah 5:3]

So congratulating them is forbidden, whether they are one’s colleagues at work or otherwise.

If they greet us on the occasion of their festivals, we should not respond, because these are not our festivals, and because they are not festivals which are acceptable to Allaah. These festivals are innovations in their religions, and even those which may have been prescribed formerly have been abrogated by the religion of Islaam, with which Allaah sent Muhammad (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) to the whole of mankind. Allaah says,
“Whoever seeks a religion other than Islaam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers.” [Soorah Aal ‘Imraan 3:85]

It is haraam for a Muslim to accept invitations on such occasions, because this is worse than congratulating them as it implies taking part in their celebrations.
Similarly, Muslims are forbidden to imitate the kuffaar by having parties on such occasions, or exchanging gifts, or giving out sweets or food, or taking time off work, etc., because the Prophet (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) said, “Whoever imitates a people is one of them.” [Narrated by Abu Daawood in al-Libaas, hadeeth 3512]

Shaykh al-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah – (Rahimahu ‘Llah) – said,
“Imitating them in some of their festivals implies that one is pleased with their false beliefs and practices, and gives them the hope that they may have the opportunity to humiliate and mislead the weak.” [Iqtidaa’ al-Siraat al-Mustaqeem Mukhaalifat Ashaab al-Jaheem]

Whoever does anything of this sort is a sinner, whether he does it out of politeness or to be friendly, or because he is too shy to refuse, or for whatever other reason, because this is hypocrisy in Islaam, and because it makes the kuffaar feel proud of their religion.

Allaah is the One Whom we ask to make the Muslims feel proud of their religion, to help them adhere steadfastly to it, and to make them victorious over their enemies, for He is the Strong and Omnipotent
.

How could a Muslim celebrate Christmas and New Year’s? – By Shaykh Uthaymeen

Shaykh ibn Uthaymeen (rahimahullaah) :

Then what is worse than that; is some Muslims celebrate the New Year, and they glorify it and venerate it, and it is connected to the religious occasion of the Christians; which is; what? The birthday of the Messiah Eesa ibn Maryam peace be upon him. Thus celebrating New Year’s Eve, yes, in relation with the birth of the Messiah; this is rejoicing with their religious rites and practices. And rejoicing with kufr practices—if the person who is pleased with this is safe from disbelief—then it is as ibn Al Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him said in his book, ‘the ruling on the dhimmi’ it is more severe than being pleased with drinking alcohol and worshiping the cross.

Thus the affair is very dangerous O brothers. It is not permissible for the person to celebrate Christmas; if he is a Muslim. And it is not permissible for him to congratulate them for this holiday; if he is a Muslim. And it is not permissible for him to respond to this greeting if they congratulate him for this holiday; if he is a Muslim.

Subhan’Allah! Shall we congratulate them for a holiday which is considered as a religious practice? And is this anything other than being pleased with disbelief? But most of those who congratulate them do not intend to exalt their religion or practices, but rather they only intend what; to be courteous. And this is incorrect.

If someone says; I am courteous to them because they are courteous to me and they congratulate me for Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha. We say: Alhamdulillah. If they congratulate you with Eid Al-Adha and Eid Al-Fitr, then they have congratulated you for legislated holiday, which Allah has made for His slaves. And it is mandatory for Eid Al-Adha and Eid Al-Fitr to be their holidays, because it is obligatory upon them to accept Islam. But if you congratulate them for Christmas then you are congratulating them for a holiday which Allah has not designated as a holiday.

Thus Christmas has no basis in history and it has no basis in the religious legislation. Eesa ibn Maryam did not command them to establish this holiday. Thus it is either that, which was entered into the religion of the Messiah as innovation and misguidance, or it was prescribed in the legislation of Eesa ibn Maryam but it has been abrogated by the legislation of Islam. Therefore it has no basis by any estimation. Because if we said it is from the innovation of the Christians and it is not from their legislation; then it is misguidance. And if we said it is from their legislation, then it has been abrogated; and to worship Allah with an abrogated religion is misguidance; thus it is misguidance by any estimation. And because it is misguidance, how is it befitting for me—while I am a Muslim—to congratulate them for it?!

And we have answered the issue of them congratulating us for our Eid and us not congratulating them for their holiday because our Eid has been legislated by Allah the Exalted; while their holiday is not legislated. This is because it has either been fabricated in their legislation or abrogated by our legislation.  Thus it has no basis in any regard.

Translated by Rasheed ibn Estes Barbee
Masjid Tawheed wa Sunnah

Seeking Refuge From Evils

The Reality Of Thunder

Great wives if the Prophets

by Imâm al-Madîna al-Munawarrah 'Abdul Muhsin Ibn Muhammad al-Qâsim

---

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

Fellow Muslims! Fear Allaah as He should be feared. Fear of Allaah is a reminder for His devoted servants and it is safety from His punishment. Dear brethren! Muslim woman attains prosperity by following the path of the best women who lived in the best generation and got nurtured in the house of Prophethood. They are women of high status and outstanding estimation. Allaah praises them in the Qur’aan where He says,

“O wives of the Prophet! You are not like any other women. If you keep your duty (to Allaah), then be not soft in speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease (of hypocrisy, or evil desire for adultery) should be moved with desire, but speak in an honourable manner.” (Al-Ahzaab 33:32)

They are blessed and great women. Foremost among them is that intelligent and wise woman, Khadeejah bint Khuwaylid, the religious and noble woman. She grew up upon virtuous characters and manners. She was chaste and gracious. She was known among Makkah womenfolk as ‘the pure woman’. The Messenger of Allaah married her and she became an excellent wife for him. She supported him with her life, wealth and wisdom. During his sorrowful days, he would seek shelter with her and confide in her.

When the first revelation came to him he went to his wife frightened, and he said, “O Khadeejah, I fear for myself.” But Khadeejah responded to his fear with a firm heart. She told him, “By Allaah, Allaah will not disgrace you.”

Islaam started in her house and she was the first person to embrace it. Ibn al-Atheer said, “Khadeejah was the first person to embrace Islaam, according to the consensus of the Muslims. No man or woman ever embraced Islaam before her.”

At the beginning of the Prophet’s mission, he was faced with many tribulations. But she stood by him compassionately and supported him with her outstanding intelligence. Whenever he heard any undesirable words from the people and came to her, she would strengthen and console him. The Prophet said about her,

“She believed in me when people denied me, she trusted me when people belied me; she supported me with her wealth when people refused to support me and I was blessed with children by her when I was denied children by other women.” (Ahmad)

Khadeejah was a great and dutiful wife to her husband and an affectionate mother to her children. She gave birth to all the Prophet’s children except Ibraaheem. She was extremely good-mannered. She never argued with her husband and she never bothered him. The Messenger of Allaah said,

“Angel Jibreel came to me and said: ‘Give Khadeejah the good tidings that she will have a palace made of hollowed pearls in Paradise and there will be neither noise nor any trouble in it.’” (Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim)

As-Suhaylee said, “She was given the glad tiding of a house in Paradise because she never raised her voice over that of the Prophet and she never bothered him.” She was pleased with her Lord and Allaah is pleased with her.

The Prophet said, “Angel Jibreel told me:

‘When you come to Khadeejah, convey my Lord’s greetings to her and mine as well.” (Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim)

Ibn al-Qayyim said, “Khadeejah was the only woman known to have this honour.”

Allaah loved Khadeejah, so did His angels. The Messenger of Allaah also loved her so much. He said,

“I am blessed with her love.”  (Muslim)

Whenever the Prophet remembered her, he would mention her in glowing attributes and would show gratitude for her companionship. ‘Aaishah said, “Whenever the Messenger of Allaah remembered Khadeejah, he would never be tired of praising her and invoking Allaah’s forgiveness for her. He appreciated her love and sincerity and he would honour her friends after her death.” ‘Aaishah said, “

He would often slaughter a goat, cut it into parts and distribute it to Khadeejah’s friends. And whenever I asked him, ‘Are there no other women in the world except Khadeejah?’ He would say, ‘She was this and that and she bore me children.’” (Al-Bukhaaree)

After her death, Allaah’s Messenger heard her sister’s voice. He them became sad and said, “She reminded me of Khadeejah.”

Khadeejah was perfect in her religion, wisdom and conduct. The Prophet said,

“Many men attained perfection, but only three women attained it: Maryam, daughter of ‘Imraan [Jesus’ mother], Aasiyah, Pharaoh’s wife and Khadeejah bint Khuwaylid.” (Ibn Mardooyah)

She preceded the women of this Ummah in righteousness, nobility and splendour. Allaah’s Messenger said,

“Maryam [Mary, Jesus’ mother] was the best woman of her time, and the best woman of this Ummah is Khadeejah.” (Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim)

Khadeejah was righteous and made her home righteous. She reaped the fruit of her labour and she and her daughter became the best of the women of the worlds in Paradise. The Prophet said,

“The best f the women of Paradise are: Khadeejah, Faatimah, Maryam [Mary] and ‘Aasiyah.” (Ahmad and An-Nasaa’ee)

She occupied a great place in the Prophet’s heart. He did not marry any woman before her neither did he marry any woman or have any concubine while she was still with him until she died. He was extremely distressed with her death. Adh-Dhahabee said, “Khadeejah was intelligent, gracious, religious, chaste and noble. She is one of the dwellers of Paradise.”

Dear brethren! Another great woman of the house of Prophethood is ‘Aaishah, daughter of Aboo Bakr. She was born in the house of truthfulness and piety and she was nurtured in the house of eemaan. Her mother was a companion and her sister, Asmaa, Lady of the Two Girdles and her brother were also companions. Her father is the truthful man of this Ummah. She grew up in the house of knowledge, for her father was the erudite scholar of Quraysh and the highest authority in genealogy. Allaah endowed her with outstanding intelligence and a sharp memory. Ibn Katheer said, “No nation has produced a woman as sharp, knowledgeable, fluent and intelligent as ‘Aaishah.” She excelled the women of her race in knowledge and wisdom. She was blessed with understanding of Islaamic jurisprudence and memorisation of poetry. She was in fact, a treasure of Islaamic sciences. Adh-Dhahabee said, “The most knowledgeable woman of this Ummah is ‘Aaishah. I do not know any woman from the Ummah of Muhammad or from any other nation more knowledgeable than her.”

She excelled all women with her virtues and beautiful companionship. Allaah’s Messenger said,

“The superiority of ‘Aaishah over other women is like the superiority of thareed [1] over other kinds of food.” (Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim)

The Messenger of Allaah loved her; and he did not love anything but that which is pleasant.

‘Amr ibn al-‘Aas once asked Allaah’s Messenger,

“Who is most beloved to you of all people?” The Prophet answered, “‘Aaishah.” And he said, “And among men?” And he answered, “Her father.” (Al-Bukhaaree)

She was the only virgin the Messenger of Allah married, and the revelation did not come to him in other woman’s blanket but hers. She was chaste and devoted to her Lord. She did not go out of her house except in the night so that men could not see her. She said of herself, “We did not use to go out but only in the night.” This is in line with Allaah’s instruction,

“And stay in your houses, and do not display yourselves like that of the times of ignorance.” (Al-Ahzaab 33:33)

Al-Qurtubee said, “There are resplendent evidences in Islaam that require women to stay at home and not to go out except when necessary. And when it becomes necessary for them to go out they should do so with complete covering of themselves and their adornments.”

Allaah puts whomever He wills to test, and the test is in accordance with one’s eemaan. ‘Aaishah was slandered while she was only twelve. She said, narrating her ordeal in this incidence, “I wept and I could not sleep and I just kept weeping until my parents thought that my liver would burst from weeping.” She said that the trial was so severe that she would weep but could not find any more tears to shed.

Ibn Katheer said, “So Allaah decided to defend her honour, and He revealed ten verses to absolve her. This elevated her status and these verses were recited and they shall continue to be recited till the Day of Resurrection. Allaah testified that she was one of the purest women and promised her forgiveness and a generous provision.

She spent nights caring for the Prophet in his illness until he died in her apartment, on her day and in her bosom.

Sawdah bint Zam‘ah is another of the Prophet’s noble wives. She was pure-hearted and the first woman he married after the death of Khadeejah. She was his only wife for about three years. She was gracious and noble, and the purity of her heart manifested when she gave her days with the Prophet to ‘Aaishah out of consideration for her husband’s feelings and in order to earn reward of her Lord.

Another great woman in the Prophet’s household is Hafsah, daughter of ‘Umar. She was given to observing prayers in the night and performing supererogatory fasting. She grew up in a house in which the cause of Islaam was supported and truth was given prominence. Seven members of her family participated in the battle of Badr. ‘Aaishah said of her, “She was my only competitor among the Prophet’s wives.”

There is also Zaynab bint Khuzaymah al-Hilaaliyyah who was very generous and hastened to perform righteous deeds. She lived with Allaah’s Messenger for only two months and then died.

Another distinguished woman in the house of Prophethood is Umm Habeebah daughter of Aboo Sufyaan, the emigrant and the one who was given to performing meritorious deeds. She was the closest to the Prophet of his wives in terms of blood relation. There was no one among his wives who was more generous than her as far as charity giving is concerned. She migrated to Abyssinia, escaping with her religion. The king of Abyssinia paid her bridal gift on the Prophet’s behalf and got her ready for him.

Another outstanding wife of the Prophet was Umm Salamah, the patient and noble woman. Her name is Hind bint Abee Umayyah, one of the earliest emigrants. When she wanted to migrate to al-Madeenah with her husband Aboo Salamah, her clan separated between her and her husband and son. She said, “Every morning I would go to Abtah [a valley in Makkah] and I would keep weeping until evening. I did so for a whole year or close to a year. They later pitied me and gave my son back to me.”

Her sure faith in Allaah was firm-rooted. When her first husband died, she said the invocation that Allaah’s Messenger taught her, so Allaah gave her a better husband in the person of Allaah’s Messenger. Umm Salamah narrated that the Messenger of Allaah said,

“If any Muslim who suffers some calamity says what Allaah has commanded him," We belong to Allaah and to Him we shall return; O Allaah, reward me for my affliction and give me something better than it in exchange," Allah will give him something better than it in exchange.’” When Abu Salamah died she said: ‘Which Muslim is better than Abu Salamah whose family was the first to emigrate to the Messenger of Allaah?’ I then said those words, and Allaah gave me the Prophet in exchange.” (Muslim)

Make this supplication your treasure during afflictions, Allaah will provide you with what is better.

Dear brethren! There is a woman among the Prophet’s wives known as Mother of the Poor. She is Zaynab bint Jahsh whose mother is the Prophet’s aunt. She enjoyed nobility of birth and character. She was described by Aboo Nu’aym as, ‘devoted and contented woman’. Allaah married her to His Prophet through an explicit verse from His Book,

“So when Zaid had accomplished his desire from her (i.e. divorced her), We gave her to you in marriage.” (Al-Ahzaab 33:37)

Her marriage to the Prophet is a blessing to the Muslim women till the day of Resurrection, for it was after her marriage that Allaah ordained hijaab for the women so that it could serve as a symbol of protection for their honour, chastity and 

purity.

Zaynab was extremely generous to the poor and the weak. She was highly charitable. In spite of her nobility and high status, she used to work with her hands, tanning and making beads. And she would spend the proceeds for the poor. ‘Aaishah said, “I have not seen a woman better in her adherence to religion, more pious, kinder to the kith and kin and more generous in giving charity than Zaynab.”

Juwayriyyah bint al-Haarith from the tribe of Banoo al-Mustaliq is another of the Prophet’s distinguished wives. Her father was the influential chief of his tribe. She was in herself blessed as she was blessed to her tribe. ‘Aaishah said, “I have not seen a woman who is greater in blessing to her people more than her.” She was given to performing much acts of worship for her Lord. She sincerely and devotedly worshiped her Lord. She would sit down in her prayer place remembering her Lord after Fajr until mid-noon. She said

,  “The Messenger of Allaah came to me one morning while I was glorifying Allaah. He then went out for some of his needs. When he came back just before mid-noon he said, ‘Are you still there remembering Allaah?’ And I said, ‘Yes.’” (Muslim)

Another honourable wife of Allaah’s Messenger is the beautiful Safiyyah bint Huyayy, a descendant of Prophet Haaroon [Aaron]. She was a noble and intelligent woman. She was highly-placed, religious, deliberate and peace-loving. The Messenger of Allaah told her, “Indeed, you are a daughter of a Prophet [meaning Aaron], your uncle is a Prophet [meaning Moses]; and you are also married to a Prophet.” (At-Tirmidhee)

The feast of her marriage to the Prophet comprised only of butter, cottage cheese and dates. But the marriage was blessed.

Maymoonah bint al-Haarith al-Hilaaliyyah, the woman who was given to being kind to the kith and kin is another eminent wife of the Prophet. She was one of the greatest women. Allaah endowed her with pure heart and performance of much acts of worship. ‘Aaishah said about her, “She was one of the most pious and most generous to the kith and kin among us.”

Fellow Muslims! That is the history of the outstanding women of Islaam, mothers of the faithful. Their virtues are glowing. They had combination of beauties and virtues. It is therefore, incumbent upon Muslim women to make them their models in matters of their religion, their submission to Allaah and His Messenger, their conduct, their consciousness of Allaah, their performance of acts of worship, their truthfulness in words and their spending for the poor. They need to emulate them in their alleviation of other people’s sufferings; and in their efforts to make their children righteous, correct them with patience and in seeking fortification through knowledge and learning from erudite scholars.

They need to emulate them in keeping themselves properly covered, maintaining their chastity, staying at their homes and keeping away from doubtful and lustful things. They should emulate them by avoiding pinning their hopes on this world, heedlessness and forgetfulness or being carried away by outward beauties while the inward is corrupt.

The Muslim women should avoid looking at forbidden things and engaging in amorous conversations with alien men. They should beware of those who are calling to the removal of hijaab and mixing with men.

Muslim woman’s greatness and glory lie in her religion and her hijaab. Allaah says,

“O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies (i.e. screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way). That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allaah is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Al-Israa 33:59)

Dear Muslims! The Prophet’s wives lived with him humbly in apartments built of brick and palm leaves, but full of eemaan and piety. They showed patience with the Messenger of Allaah over poverty and hunger. Sometimes, a month or two would pass with no cooking fire kindled in their homes. They would spend days with nothing to eat but only dates and water. Sometimes they would make do with water only. Yet they lived in contentedness and patience upon Allaah’s promise that,

“The Hereafter is better for you than the present (life of this world).” (Ad-Duhaa 93:4)

And His promise,

“And whosoever of you is obedient to Allaah and His Messenger and does righteous good deeds, We shall give her, her reward twice over, and We have prepared for her a noble provision.” (Al-Ahzaab 33:31)

Brethren in Islaam! The Prophet married five of his wives with their ages ranging between forty and sixty. By that he was able to lay an example in taking care of the widow and their orphaned children. He married Khadeejah while she was forty years old, with three children from the previous marriage, while he was unmarried before. He married Zaynab bint Khuzaymah who was an almost sixty-year-old widow. He married Umm Salamah who was a widow with six children. He married Sawdah who was a fifty-five years old widow.

He married some relatives from among his cousins. And he married some women who were not his relatives.

He was a compassionate, dutiful and honourable husband to them all. He lived with them in the most beautiful way. He was always cheerful and kind to them.

Therefore, let those who want to prosper emulate the Messenger of Allaah, who is the best of all creatures. Let the Muslim women follow the path of the righteous wives of the Prophet. For, there is no success for any woman except by following the path of these pious ladies in their righteousness and God-consciousness and in their dutifulness to their husband and children.

[1] Thareed is a dish of sopped bread, meat and broth.