Know Your Deen

Q:We have a case in which a man was cremated, can janazah salah be performed. Yes? No?

A: While there may be an academic debate regarding whether such a Janaza prayer would even be considered valid when none of the body remains and only ashes are present, it is important to note that some allow for the performance of the Janaza prayer in such circumstances, especially when the Muslim deceased is not at fault for his cremation.

For those that do allow for a janazah to occur, they should also make clear, if the prayer is conducted, it should be done privately – without public invitation so as to prevent the promotion of such undesirable and prohibited practices within communities. It should also be done by a person that does not have any major religious position in the community. There must never be the perception of approval for such an action.

This is a major sin, we seek Allah (SWT’s) forgiveness.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

P.s. I am told that a particular scholar allows for it. I personally think its allowance is with conditions as mentioned above.

Q: Some of us felt that it was scientifically impossible to spot the moon, according to moonsighting.com as well. However, some people in my family said, “No biggie, we will fast. If we’re wrong, we get a reward; if we’re correct, we get reward.” ‘Some shuyuk’ said to take a position that is ‘evidence based.’ And some refused to follow saudi arabia because of their lack of ‘unity’ and support of our Palestinian bothers and sisters. Also they say to fast as described above is a sin and haram. How can this be? Can fasting be haram? Can you share any light or evidence? We want to do the right thing. Jak

A: I appreciate your inquiry.  Rasool (SAW) said: Fast when you see the new moon and break your fast when you see the new moon, and if you are not sure, then complete the number of Sha’ban as thirty days. (Bukhari)

Ammar ibn Yasir stated: Whoever fasts on the day concerning which there is doubt has disobeyed Abu’l-Qasim (Rasool (SAW)) (Tirmidhi)

Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Uthaymin (Rahmatullah) addressed the differing opinions regarding fasting on the day of doubt, stating: The most correct view is that it is haram. However, if it is proven to the ruler (governing bodies, etc.) that fasting on this day is obligatory and he (they) commands the people to fast, (or there would be adverse consequences upon the individual or community) then no one should openly oppose his decision. This means that no one should openly declare that he is not fasting on that day. Instead, a person who holds a different opinion may choose not to fast, (or fast depending on the situation) but he should do so discreetly (to avoid fitna). (Sharh al-Mumti: 6/318)

Based on the above, it is understood that if there is uncertainty about the start of Ramadan, one should refrain from fasting but without creating further discord. Many conflicts arise from individuals seeking validation for their personal choices. In Islam, decisions regarding the start or end of Ramadan are not based on personal preferences but on religious guidelines. I appreciate your effort in seeking evidence.

Ramadan Kareem.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.  

Q: Please help us on this one. I am writing for a family of 25 and we would like you help us out, please! Some have started based on global sighting. Some on calculation, and some refused based on not seeing the moon nationally. Scientifically, it was impossible to see the moon. My brother is at cal tech and his professors also agree that sighting it with the naked eye was impossible.So what does our family and extended family do. Also, would you as the imaam fast monday or tuesday. JAK

A: I am assuming that none of you are fuqaha (Islamic jurists), so you have the following choices regarding the start of Ramadan:

1. Follow your local Islamic center. If you feel this is an error, schedule a meeting with them after Ramadan. There’s no need to spoil your Ramadan. Go with your proof, you will have plenty to support you.
2. If you are consistent with local moon sighting, then wait for your first fast to be on Tuesday. If this is your choice, do not feel guilty about it. Organizations like www.crescentwatch.org and chicagohilal.org are reputable and have major scholars on their rosters supporting your decision.
3. If your center follows calculations, and you feel that this is the best choice, follow it. However, do seek repentance (make tawba) for not following the hadith that states to look for the moon to start Ramadan. (Cal tech appears to be correct on this one.)
4. If you are a Musaleen (those who pray) at our Musjid, please ask your final question after Ramadan. I understand that many are in pain or even confused, and I do hnot want to downplay anyone’s sentiments or appear to add more salt to the fragile situation.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

Q: Sheikh, please do not be offended, at our musjid we had an issue. Saudi said they saw the moon, one brother refused to accpt it. He is one of these facy MIT brothers mshaALlah. Why are some people opposed to Saudi moon sighting when we are one ummah? If they see the moon, why do some reject it?

A: The fact that he is from MIT, it shows that he is possibly scientifically inclined, and I appreciate his knowledge and sensitivity, Alhamdulillah.

The phrase ‘global sighting‘ implies actual sighting, not just a claim. Please let that last phrase sink in!Additionally, we live in a society and a culture where expert testimony carries weight. When astronomers assert that the moon cannot be seen before a given time period, and only in one part of the world is the moon always seen prior to it being visible as per religious and scientific standards, then one can call such claims bogus. Thus, the issue is not Saudi or non-Saudi; it is about matching up the sightings with scientific and religious data. If one notices a consistent flaw when working with societies from a given geographic location, either due to their lack of scientific knowledge, or just sheer ignorance, etc., then following such sightings would need to be placed on hold. Additionally, if one uses global sightings as a method, then global would include, as the word implies, global and not just one country. Sadly, to many global means just one location, and this defeats the purposes of ‘global sightings.’

And no, we are NOT One United Ummah, had we been ONE United Ummah, our babies, mothers and the elderly in Palestine would need to go through what they are going through while much of the Muslim world plays politics and dances around the topic of ending human savagery and brutality! So do not fool yourself on this label of Unity through having one day for Ramadan and Eid(s)! Look at it from a more scientific and probabilities angle, while also including the religious components of it as well.

I do appreciate you taking out the time and sending in your inquiry. Seeking your prayers for one and All.

Ramadan Kareem!

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

P.s. If you are local, please drop by for a deeper conversation on this matter with an appointment. Too many angels to it, hard to respond via a mere blog post. Jazakallah!

Q: If a person is traveling, for example, I know I will be traveling in Ramadan, should I fast on the day I travel? We are getting mixed information. Some say to fast because travel is made easy, while others say not to fast. One person even said to fast and then break it. What should I (we) do? Please share proof.
A: Asalamualikum:

Thank you for your question and seeking clarification on this important matter.

1. Allah (SWT) clearly states that if one is sick (according to the advice of a good Muslim doctor) or traveling (as a musafir), then one does not need to fast. (Reference, Quran.)
2. It is not ideal to break the fast once you have started: Do not invalidate your good actions. (Reference, Quran.)
3. If someone advises you to fast and then break it, they may mean that you should resemble a fasting person, as it is not good to eat in front of others who are fasting or in public as a Muslim during Ramadan. Maybe they meant this, however, please share the proof of where they got this from, considering I have given you 2 ayah above and a hadith below. I would like to get more insight to this matter for learning purposes.
4. Aishah (RA) reports that Hamzah ibn Amr al-Aslami (RA) inquired to Rasool (SAW): Should I fast whilst traveling? He was from amongst those that fasted a lot. He (SAW) said: If you want to, then fast; if you do not want to, then do not fast. (Bukhari). Thus, one must choose one: fast or do not fast. One cannot do both simultaneously.
   Allah Certainly Knows Best.

Q: My father died and has owed people a lot of money. I am 21, I am a stay home mom. I do not have the money. To my name i only 450. I sold my jewery and paid as much of his personal debt. I do not have any more money. It is over 325 000 I am told by those he owed money too that I must pay for him. What do I do? DO I make a payment plan for my fathers debt? My father left nothing at all behind. Please help.

A: May Allah (SWT) make it easy for you.

You have been generous in settling some of your fathers debt.

You are not responsible to settle your father’s debt. (More so when you do not have any resources yourself.)

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

Question: Salams, the following was posted on our musjid board and one of the sisters who I will call sister Mimi said that this is incorrect, quoting some hadtih which we cannot remember, that if one can stand, they must stand even after sitting due to the person not being able to stand. So, like, if I cannot do sajdah, I am sit when the imam goes down, then stand up again when the imam stands up. Here it goes, is this correct. I use the word He but it is also for woman fyi?

1) The Jurists have mentioned that if someone is unable to perform sajda (prostration) during salat, then the following rulings apply to him:

– Qiyaam (standing posture) is not obligatory on him

–  He will perform the ruku’ (bowing down) and sajda (prostration) by gesture — i.e. by movement of the head — in such a way that the gesture for sajda is lower than the gesture for ruku’.

A person who is able to stand (make Qiyaam) but cannot make sajda has the following options:

From the three options mentioned above, the Jurists have stated that the last option (to perform the entire salat in a sitting posture) is best.

Answer:

The information you have provided is accurate and is derived from authoritative sources such as Darul Mukhtar and the Sharah of Noor ul Idah, which are well-known books of fiqh and fatwa. To establish credibility, it would be advisable for the sister to reference these major authors. Their understanding of the hadith is comprehensive, as it is based on Quranic verses, Hadith, and Qiyas (analogical reasoning).

Regarding the specific point about standing after sitting, while it is permissible for a person to do so, it is important to note that the preferred option, as indicated in the bolded text above, is to sit back down. This is because it is closer to the position of sujood (prostration). It would be incorrect to refute this point, especially in the context where a person is unable to make sujood.

Therefore, it is recommended to follow the guidance provided by these esteemed scholars — Author of Darul Muktar and view the Sarah of Noor ul Idah. If the sister is seeking a religious perspective, explaining the concept of ‘aqrab ilas sujood’ (closest to sujood) to her may help her reconsider her response.

Both opinions are correct, the one we outline is more preferred, for it is in line with the above reference shared. One should try not to give responses that are just ‘theirs,’ try to cling onto the aslaf to limit deviation and confusion. Best to give all opinions on a matter and also share what is most preferred.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

Question: Assalamualaikum sheikh, I hope you and your family are doing well. My wife is pregnant. She is having a hard time bending or lifting her feet to be able to perform wudu. At home she is able to use the bathtub or shower but when traveling how could she perform wudu? What are her options? If I am traveling with her for example on an airplane, if she went to bathroom and did all except washing her feet and came back to her seat to then use a small amount of water to run water over her feet? Or perhaps me rubbing the water over her feet when she gets back to her seat?

Answer: Walaikumsalam, 

May Allah (swt) bless you both with a wonderful pious child(ren), ameen.

1. While performing whudu with ease can be challenging, when there is no injury preventing water from reaching the feet, washing the feet is given priority. Consider using a water bottle to pour water over the feet without causing impure water to splash back. This should be the primary option. Many have used this option.
2. Washing the feet separately after completing whudu, particularly if everything else has already been washed and wiped would invalidate the ablution due to the sequential lapse. It is important to wash the feet as part of the initial whudu process. If she does not wipe her face, hands etc and then poured water over her feet, this would function as a complete whudu. Should this be a challenge, your wife can do as she pleases, however, upon arrival of her destination, merely repeat that given salah with its proper whudu.
3. A better solution if number 1 is a challenge: Consider using the non-water permeable ski socks after the morning ablution. This would allow her to merely wipe over it, instead of washing the feet. Although traditional leather socks are preferable, scholars allow flexibility with the use of non-water permeable ski socks, especially under certain circumstances.
4. As a last resort, if a sincere Muslim doctor indicates potential harm from bending down during whudu, your wife may resort to the wiping method while at work. I would still recommend a person to repeat this prayer, especially if the wiping was done over the regular everyday socks that people wear. Alternatively, at home when you are present, assisting her in washing her feet will be a commendable option.
5. It has become fashionable for some scholars to grant leeway in merely wiping over regular everyday socks. I would recommend them to view the book from which fatwa are derived with the proofs originating from Quran and Hadith for the author — Radul Mukhtar.
6. Your sincere and genuine question reflects your commitment to this great pillar of Islam. May it serve as a guiding light for your beautiful child(ren). The positive actions a mother and father takes during pregnancy and early child-rearing profoundly impact the child’s future.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

Q: please clariffy for me, i heard that woman of 35 does not need a mahram and can go for hajj alone, some say 40, some 45, what is correct? My cousin went at 25 from college. Many groups take woman alone. Some hajj directors say they old so even they men they can become the mahram for the woman. Its so confusing. Help clearify.

A: The requirement for a woman to have a mahram (a male relative, like a father, brother, or husband, etc.) when performing Hajj has been considered the safest opinion. It’s important to note that Hajj is not a holiday; rather, it is a religious requirement with associated laws. All scholars agree that it is recommended and considered more appropriate for a woman to have a mahram when undertaking the pilgrimage, upon her qualifying to do so. This is viewed as the most virtuous course of action, serving as a safety measure and a means of providing support and guidance during the journey, all of which are religiously sanctioned.

Some scholars who have provided an age at which a woman can go alone also should emphasize the additional conditions associated with it. They correctly also suggest that if a woman travels without a mahram, she should be in the company of older women in the group who are modest, fulfill other religious requirements related to but not merely only limited to age, and ensure there is no possibility of fitna (temptation or discord). Therefore, it is not solely an age-related issue but also encompasses other aspects that must be taken into account.

No, a mere old man cannot just become a mahram for woman going for hajj. I have NEVER seen a fatwa with Quranic references or hadith allowing for this, more so, without extenuating circumstances.

In light of these considerations, individuals are encouraged to reflect on whether Allah (SWT) has made Hajj obligatory for them and, if so, under what conditions. It’s essential to consider the safest opinion in religion. Regarding Umrah and Hajj groups, as a sign of Qiyamah, they appear to fulfill the dollar requirement for Hajj operators than sharia requirements. 

May Allah (SWT) protect everyone.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.

Q: i am a little confused, i was told for any mistake at hajj we must do damm (sacrifice an animal.) Today i hear sheik say we are told it is giving dates, i am confused.
A:Hajj stands as one of the Five Pillars of Islam, holding profound significance for Muslims. The pilgrimage involves a meticulous process with specific rituals, demanding careful attention and precision.

When errors occur during the rituals of Hajj, depending on the violation, some violations advocate the sacrifice of an animal, while others suggest fasting or providing sustenance to the less fortunate. The specific actions required hinge on the nature of the mistake and the doctrinal nuances within Islam. All errors do not entail one to slaughter an animal.

The notion of using dates as a form of expiation, as in the case of a person experiencing minor hair follicle loss during Hajj, demonstrates that since this was a small error, the consequences too would not be as severe. This ruling is distinct from major violations committed during the pilgrimage. May Allah (SWT) reward the scholar that helped with this ruling at the timeof Hajj in Makkah.)

For precise and tailored guidance on specific situations, it is advisable to seek counsel from a knowledgeable religious scholar that is experienced in the laws of Hajj. Contacting an experienced individual in the field of Hajj is crucial for obtaining accurate information tailored to your specific circumstances. I appreciate your dedication to seeking clarification.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.