Consequences for one who does not adhere to Islam

What are the consequences for one who does not adhere to Islam?

Praise be to Allaah.
As you know, Islam is the religion of Allaah, and it is the true religion. It is the religion which was brought by all the Prophets and Messengers. Allaah has prepared a great reward in this world and in the hereafter for those who believe in it, and He has prepared a severe punishment for those who disbelieve in it.

Allaah is the Creator and Sovereign, the One Who is in control of this universe, and you, O man, are part of His creation; He has subjugated to you all that is in the universe, and has prescribed His laws for you, which He has commanded you to follow. If you believe and obey what He has commanded you and keep away from what He has prohibited to you, then you will attain that eternal bliss which He has promised you in the Hereafter, and you will be happy in this world because of the different kinds of blessings which He will bestow upon you, and you will be akin to the most wise of creation and the purest in heart, namely the Prophets, Messengers, righteous and angels who are close to Allaah.

But if you disbelieve and disobey your Lord, you will lose in this world and in the Hereafter. You will be exposed to His wrath and punishment in this world and in the Hereafter. You will be akin to the most evil and foolish of creation, and worse than the devils, wrongdoers, evildoers and false gods. This is in general terms.

I will explain to you something about the consequences of kufr, the details of which are as follows:

1 – Fear and lack of security

Allaah has promised those who believe in Him and follow His Messengers complete security in this world and in the Hereafter. He says (interpretation of the meaning):

 “It is those who believe (in the Oneness of Allaah and worship none but Him Alone) and confuse not their Belief with Zulm (wrong, i.e. by worshipping others besides Allaah), for them (only) there is security and they are the guided”

[al-An’aam 6:82]

Allaah is al-Mu’min (the Giver of security) and al-Muhaymin (the Watcher over His creatures); He is the Sovereign of all that exists in the universe. If Allaah loves a person for his faith then He will grant him security, tranquility and contentment. If a man disbelieves in Him He will take away his tranquility and security, so you will only see him either fearful about his destiny in the Hereafter, or fearing sickness for himself, or fearing for his future in this world. This is why the insurance business was established, to insure people’s lives and property, because of the lack of security and the lack of trust in Allaah.

2 – A life of hardship

Allaah has created man and has subjugated to him all that is in the universe. He has decreed for every creature its share of provision and its life span. So you see the bird going out from its nest in the morning to seek its provision, which it picks up, flying from branch to branch and singing the most beautiful songs. Man is one of these creatures whose provision and lifespan is already allocated. If he believes in his Lord and adheres to His laws, He will bless him with happiness and stability, and make things easy for him, even if he is only given the bare necessities of life.

But if he disbelieves in Him, and arrogantly refuses to worship him, He will make his life hard and fill him with worries and distress, even if he possesses all kinds of comforts and luxuries. Do you not see how many suicides in the world are committed by people who have all kinds of luxuries? Do you not see the extravagant spending on furniture and travel aimed at enjoying life?  What makes people spend extravagantly is the fact that their hearts are devoid of faith, and their feeling that life is difficult and hard; it is an attempt to rid themselves of these feelings by ever-changing means. Allaah indeed spoke the truth when He said:

“But whosoever turns away from My Reminder (i.e. neither believes in this Qur’aan nor acts on its teachings) verily, for him is a life of hardship, and We shall raise him up blind on the Day of Resurrection”

[Ta-Ha 20:124]

3 – He will live in conflict with himself and with the universe around him

 That is because his own soul was created to believe in and worship Allaah alone (i.e., Tawheed). Allaah says:

“Allaah’s Fitrah (i.e. Allaah’s Islamic Monotheism) with which He has created mankind”[al-Room 30:30]

His body submits to its Creator, and acts in accordance with His system, but the kaafir insists on going against his own innate nature and lives in such a way that in matters where he is given a choice, he always chooses to follow the way which goes against the command of his Lord, so even if his body is surrendering to the laws of Allaah, in matters of choice he chooses to oppose the laws of Allaah.

He is in a state of conflict with the universe around him, because this entire universe, from the hugest galaxies to the tiniest insect is operating in accordance with the laws that Allaah has decreed for it. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Then He rose over (Istawa) towards the heaven when it was smoke, and said to it and to the earth: ‘Come both of you willingly or unwillingly.’ They both said: ‘We come willingly’”[Fussilat 41:11]

Indeed, this universe loves the one who also submits to Allaah, and it hates the one who goes against that. The kaafir is the rebellious one in this universe, where he sets himself up in opposition to his Lord, rallying others to oppose Him too. Hence it comes as no surprise that the heavens and the earth and all creatures hate him and hate his kufr and heresy. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And they say: ‘The Most Gracious (Allaah) has begotten a son (or offspring or children) [as the Jews say: ‘Uzayr (Ezra) is the son of Allaah, and the Christians say that He has begotten a son [‘Eesa (Jesus)], and the pagan Arabs say that He has begotten daughters (angels and others)].’

Indeed you have brought forth (said) a terrible evil thing.

Whereby the heavens are almost torn, and the earth is split asunder, and the mountains fall in ruins,

That they ascribe a son (or offspring or children) to the Most Gracious (Allaah).

But it is not suitable for (the Majesty of) the Most Gracious (Allaah) that He should beget a son (or offspring or children).

There is none in the heavens and the earth but comes unto the Most Gracious (Allaah) as a slave”[Maryam 19:88-93]

And Allaah says of Pharaoh and his troops:

“And the heavens and the earth wept not for them, nor were they given a respite”[al-Dukhaan 44:29]

4 – He will live in ignorance

For kufr is ignorance, indeed it is the greatest form of ignorance, because the kaafir is ignorant of his Lord and he sees this universe that He created in such an amazing way, and he sees how great is his own creation, then he ignores the One Who created this universe and Who created him. Is this not the greatest form of ignorance?

5 – He will wrong himself and wrong those around him

Because he is subjugating himself to something other than that for which he was created, and because he does not worship his Lord, rather he worships someone other than Him. Wrongdoing means putting something in the wrong place, and what wrongdoing is greater than directing worship to someone other than the One Who deserves it? Luqmaan the Wise said, explaining the abhorrent nature of shirk:

“O my son! Join not in worship others with Allaah. Verily, joining others in worship with Allaah is a great Zulm (wrong) indeed”

[Luqmaan 31:13 – interpretation of the meaning]

He also does wrong to others around him, humans and other creatures, because he does not recognize the rights of those who have rights. When the Day of Resurrection comes, everyone whom he wronged, whether human or animal, will stand before him and will ask his Lord to settle the score between them.

6 – He exposes himself to the wrath and anger of Allaah in this world

He is exposed to that because disasters and calamities will befall him, as a punishment in this world. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Do then those who devise evil plots feel secure that Allaah will not sink them into the earth, or that the torment will not seize them from directions they perceive not?

Or that He may catch them in the midst of their going to and fro (in their jobs), so that there be no escape for them (from Allaah’s punishment)?”

[al-Nahl 16:45-46]

“And a disaster will not cease to strike those who disbelieved because of their (evil) deeds or it (i.e. the disaster) settles close to their homes, until the Promise of Allaah comes to pass. Certainly, Allaah breaks not His Promise”

[al-Ra’d 13:31]

“Or, did the people of the towns then feel secure against the coming of Our punishment in the forenoon while they were playing?”

[al-A’raaf 7:98]

 This is the situation of everyone who turns away from the remembrance of Allaah. Allaah said, telling us of the punishments that befall the earlier disbelieving nations (interpretation of the meaning):

“So We punished each (of them) for his sins, of them were some on whom We sent Haasib (a violent wind with shower of stones) [as on the people of Loot (Lot)], and of them were some who were overtaken by As-Sayhah [torment — awful cry, (as Thamood or Shu‘ayb’s people)], and of them were some whom We caused the earth to swallow [as Qaaroon (Korah)], and of them were some whom We drowned [as the people of Nooh (Noah), or Fir‘awn (Pharaoh) and his people]. It was not Allaah Who wronged them, but they wronged themselves”

[al-‘Ankaboot 29:40]

And you see the disasters around you that have befallen people as a punishment and vengeance from Allaah.

7 – Disappointment and loss are decreed for him

Because of his wrongdoing he will lose out on the greatest things that hearts and souls can enjoy, which is knowing Allaah and conversing with Him, and finding peace and contentment in Him. He will lose in this world because he will live a life of misery and confusion therein, and he will lose his own soul for the sake of which he has been striving, because he did not subjugate it to the purpose for which it was created. He will not be happy in this world, because his soul lives a miserable life and dies a miserable death, and it will be resurrected with the doomed. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And as for those whose Scale will be light, they are those who will lose their ownselves (by entering Hell)”[al-A’raaf 7:9]

And he will lose his family, because he lives with them in a state of disbelief in Allaah, so they are the same as him in their misery and hard life, and their ultimate destiny will be the Fire. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“The losers are those who will lose themselves and their families on the Day of Resurrection”[al-Zumar 39:15, al-Shoora 42:45]

On the Day of Resurrection they will be gathered into Hell, what an evil abode. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“(It will be said to the angels): ‘Assemble those who did wrong, together with their companions (from the devils) and what they used to worship,

Instead of Allaah, and lead them on to the way of flaming Fire (Hell)’”

[al-Saaffaat 37:22-23]

He lives disbelieving in his Lord and denying His blessings

Allaah created him from nothing, and bestowed all kinds of blessings upon him. How can he then worship someone other than Him, and take as a friend someone other than Him, and give thanks to someone other than Him? What denial can be greater or more abhorrent than this?

9 – He will be deprived of true life

That is because the one who deserves a good life is the one who believes in his Lord and knows his purpose in life, who knows where he is going and is certain that he will be resurrected. So he acknowledges the rights of all those who have rights, and he does not deny any rights, or harm any other creature. He lives the life of the blessed and enjoys a good life in this world and in the Hereafter. Allaah says:

“Whoever works righteousness — whether male or female — while he (or she) is a true believer (of Islamic Monotheism) verily, to him We will give a good life”[al-Nahl 16:97]

“and pleasant dwellings in ‘Adn (Eden) Paradise; that is indeed the great success”[al-Saff 61:12]

As for the one who lives a life akin to that of the animals, not knowing his Lord or knowing his aim in life or where he is headed, rather his aim is to eat, drink and sleep … what difference is there between him and the rest of the animals? Indeed, he is further astray. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And surely, We have created many of the jinn and mankind for Hell. They have hearts wherewith they understand not, and they have eyes wherewith they see not, and they have ears wherewith they hear not (the truth). They are like cattle, nay even more astray; those! They are the heedless ones”

[al-A’raaf 7:179]

“Or do you think that most of them hear or understand? They are only like cattle nay, they are even farther astray from the Path (i.e. even worse than cattle)”[al-Furqaan 25:44]

10 – He will be punished eternally

The kaafir will move from one torment to another, in the sense that he will depart from this world – where he is exposed to shocks and calamities – to the Hereafter. In the first stage (of this transition) the angels of death will descend upon him, preceded by the angels of torment who will give him a taste of the punishment that he deserves. Allaah says:

“And if you could see when the angels take away the souls of those who disbelieve (at death); they smite their faces and their backs…”[al-Anfaal 8:50]

 Then when his soul has come forth and he is placed in his grave, he is met with a more severe torment. Allaah says, speaking of the people of Pharaoh:

“The Fire, they are exposed to it, morning and afternoon. And on the Day when the Hour will be established (it will be said to the angels): ‘Cause Fir‘awn’s (Pharaoh) people to enter the severest torment!’”[Ghaafir 40:46]

Then the Day of Resurrection will come and all creatures will be resurrected and shown their deeds, and the kaafir will see that Allaah has listed all of his deeds in that book of which Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And the Book (one’s Record) will be placed (in the right hand for a believer in the Oneness of Allaah, and in the left hand for a disbeliever in the Oneness of Allaah), and you will see the Mujrimoon (criminals, polytheists, sinners), fearful of that which is (recorded) therein. They will say: ‘Woe to us! What sort of Book is this that leaves neither a small thing nor a big thing, but has recorded it with numbers!’”[al-Kahf 18:49]

Then the kaafir will wish that he were dust:

“the Day when man will see that (the deeds) which his hands have sent forth, and the disbeliever will say: ‘Woe to me! Would that I were dust!’”

[al-Naba’ 78:40 – interpretation of the meaning]

Because of the horrors of that situation [on the Day of Resurrection], if a man possessed all that is on earth he would give it to ransom himself from the torment of that Day. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And those who did wrong (the polytheists and disbelievers in the Oneness of Allaah), if they had all that is in earth and therewith as much again, they verily, would offer it to ransom themselves therewith”

[al-Zumar 39:47]

“The Mujrim, (criminal, sinner, disbeliever) would desire to ransom himself from the punishment of that Day by his children.

And his wife and his brother,

And his kindred who sheltered him,

And all that are in the earth, so that it might save him”

[al-Ma’aarij 70:11-14]

That abode is the abode of requital and not the abode of hope, so man must inevitably face the requital for his deeds: if they were good, then it will be good, and if they were bad, then it will be bad. The worst that the kaafir will encounter on the Day of Resurrection will be the torment of the Fire. Allaah has created different kinds of torment for its inhabitants so that they may taste the consequences of their deeds. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“This is the Hell which the Mujrimoon (polytheists, criminals, sinners) denied.

They will go between it (Hell) and the fierce boiling water!”
[al-Rahmaan 55:43-44]

And He says, describing their drink and clothing (interpretation of the meaning):

“then as for those who disbelieved, garments of fire will be cut out for them, boiling water will be poured down over their heads.

With it will melt (or vanish away) what is within their bellies, as well as (their) skins.

And for them are hooked rods of iron (to punish them)”

[al-Hajj 22:19-21]

At whose hand should change be wrought at a time when the situation of the Muslims contradicts the greatness of their religion?

This is universal truth that islam is the only religion which is based on justice and solves the problem of humanity especially in the present scenario it is the duty of all muslims to struggle and implement this so that humanity can prosper but unfortunately the muslims have gone to the lowest of the ladder don,t u think ALLAH can choose some other nation to bring the reqd changes because we muslims are behaving hypocritically.

Praise be to Allaah.
There is no doubt concerning the universal truth that you have mentioned. Justice between people is a general principle of sharee’ah which applies to everyone, both believer and non-believer, those whom we love and those whom we hate. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allaah as just witnesses; and let not the enmity and hatred of others make you avoid justice. Be just: that is nearer to piety; and fear Allaah. Verily, Allaah is Well‑Acquainted with what you do”

[al-Maa'idah 5:8]

“So unto this (religion of Islam alone and this Qur’aan) then invite (people) (O Muhammad), and stand firm (on Islamic Monotheism) as you are commanded, and follow not their desires but say: “I believe in whatsoever Allaah has sent down of the Book [all the holy Books, this Qur’aan and the Books of the old from the Tawraat (Torah), or the Injeel (Gospel) or the Pages of Ibraaheem (Abraham)] and I am commanded to do justice among you. Allaah is our Lord and your Lord. For us our deeds and for you your deeds. There is no dispute between us and you. Allaah will assemble us (all), and to Him is the final return”

[al-Shoora 42:15]

There is also no doubt that mankind has no hope of being saved from its problems or of being guided and saved from misguidance except through this religion. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Such is Allaah, your Lord in truth. So after the truth, what else can there be, save error? How then are you turned away?”

[Yoonus 10:32]

 “And if the people of the towns had believed and had the Taqwa (piety), certainly, We should have opened for them blessings from the heaven and the earth, but they belied (the Messengers). So We took them (with punishment) for what they used to earn (polytheism and crimes)”

[al-A’raaf 7:96]

It is not only that mankind will not prosper if they follow this religion and will be corrupted if they forsake it, because of its justice which encompasses all creatures, rather the most fundamental principles that will enable mankind to prosper is the principle of pure Tawheed, the belief that the Lord of the Worlds is One, on which this religion is based. So there is no submission to any angel or jinn, or to any human being or rock. Just as there cannot be more than one creator for this universe, so too there cannot be more than one controller, who is Allaah, may He be glorified. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Indeed, your Lord is Allaah, Who created the heavens and the earth in Six Days, and then He rose over (Istawa) the Throne (really in a manner that suits His Majesty). He brings the night as a cover over the day, seeking it rapidly, and (He created) the sun, the moon, the stars subjected to His Command. Surely, His is the creation and commandment. Blessed is Allaah, the Lord of the ‘Aalameen (mankind, jinn and all that exists)!”

[al-A’raaf 7:54]

“Had there been therein (in the heavens and the earth) aalihah (gods) besides Allaah, then verily, both would have been ruined. Glorified be Allaah, the Lord of the Throne, (High is He) above all that (evil) they associate with Him!”

[al-Anbiya’ 21:22]

Mankind’s deviation from this great principle is the greatest cause of the confusion and misguidance in which they are living and the misery that has overtaken them. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Say (O Muhammad): ‘Shall we invoke others besides Allaah (false deities), that can do us neither good nor harm, and shall we turn back on our heels after Allaah has guided us (to true Monotheism)? — like one whom the Shayaateen (devils) have made to go astray in the land in confusion, his companions calling him to guidance (saying): Come to us.’  Say: ‘Verily, Allaah’s Guidance is the only guidance, and we have been commanded to submit (ourselves) to the Lord of the ‘Aalameen (mankind, jinn and all that exists)’”

[al-An’aam 6:71]

“But whosoever turns away from My Reminder (i.e. neither believes in this Qur’aan nor acts on its teachings) verily, for him is a life of hardship, and We shall raise him up blind on the Day of Resurrection.”

125. He will say: ‘O my Lord! Why have you raised me up blind, while I had sight (before).’

126. (Allaah) will say: ‘Like this: Our Ayaat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) came unto you, but you disregarded them (i.e. you left them, did not think deeply in them, and you turned away from them), and so this Day, you will be neglected (in the Hell‑fire, away from Allaah’s Mercy).’

127. And thus do We requite him who transgresses beyond bounds [i.e. commits the great sins and disobeys his Lord (Allaah) and believes not in His Messengers, and His revealed Books, like this Qur’aan], and believes not in the Ayaat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of his Lord; and the torment of the Hereafter is far more severe and more lasting”

[Ta-Ha 20:124-127]

By Allaah’s wisdom, there are two types of people: believers and disbelievers, obedient and disobedient, and by His wisdom the one is checked by means of the other. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And if Allaah did not check one set of people by means of another, the earth would indeed be full of mischief. But Allaah is full of bounty to the ‘Aalameen (mankind, jinn and all that exists)”

[al-Baqarah 2:251]

“For had it not been that Allaah checks one set of people by means of another, monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques, wherein the Name of Allaah is mentioned much would surely, have been pulled down. Verily, Allaah will help those who help His (Cause). Truly, Allaah is All‑Strong, All‑Mighty”

[al-Hajj 22:40]

Allaah is most wise in that, for He distinguishes the sincere from the liar, so that Allaah may know who will support Him (His cause) and His Messengers, and who will oppose Him and wage war against Him. This is the reason behind trials in this life:

“but if it had been Allaah’s Will, He Himself could certainly have punished them (without you). But (He lets you fight) in order to test some of you with others. But those who are killed in the way of Allaah, He will never let their deeds be lost”

[Muhammad 47:4]

What you have referred to, the fact that many Muslims have gone astray from the teachings of their religion, is true of most Muslims today, except for those on whom their Lord has mercy, the saved group who adhere to the truth. This is the greatest trial that we are faced with at this time, and it is the cause of the weakness and humiliation that the Muslims are suffering from, and their being dominated by their enemies. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “When you enter into the ‘aynah transaction, hold onto the tails of oxen, are content with agriculture, and give up jihad, Allaah will cause disgrace to prevail over you, and will not withdraw it until you return to your (true) religion.” Narrated by Abu Dawood, 3462; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in al-Saheehah, 11.

Allaah has warned His slaves in more than one verse of His Book, of the punishment for being negligent with regard to their religion and of being careless with regard to the trust that He has placed on their shoulders. He has warned them that the consequences of that will come back on them, and the loss will be theirs. As for the religion of Allaah, it is protected by Allaah. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Muhammad is no more than a Messenger, and indeed (many) Messengers have passed away before him. If he dies or is killed, will you then turn back on your heels (as disbelievers)? And he who turns back on his heels, not the least harm will he do to Allaah; and Allaah will give reward to those who are grateful”

[Aal ‘Imraan 3:144]

When the lazy generation moves on, those who away from the battlefield and neglected their trust, then will come the turn of those who are chosen for this mission, whom Allaah has honoured by entrusting them with His religion:

“O you who believe! Whoever from among you turns back from his religion (Islam), Allaah will bring a people whom He will love and they will love Him; humble towards the believers, stern towards the disbelievers, fighting in the way of Allaah, and never fear of the blame of the blamers. That is the Grace of Allaah which He bestows on whom He wills. And Allaah is All‑Sufficient for His creatures’ needs, All‑Knower”

[al-Maa'idah 5:54]

“Behold! You are those who are called to spend in the Cause of Allaah, yet among you are some who are niggardly. And whoever is niggardly, it is only at the expense of his ownself. But Allaah is Rich (Free of all needs), and you (mankind) are poor. And if you turn away (from Islam and the obedience to Allaah), He will exchange you for some other people and they will not be your likes”

[Muhammad 47:38]

But we reiterate that this new generation will be from among the Muslims themselves, not from any other nation. There will not be angels who come down to take up the mission that people have neglected.

There will not be a miracle that makes lazy people victorious.  And there will never be a generation among the kuffaar who support the religion of Allaah. Allaah and His religion have no supporters and helpers except the pious. When that generation comes, then will come the help of Allaah:

“O you who believe! If you help (in the cause of) Allaah, He will help you, and make your foothold firm”

[Muhammad 47:7]

It is up to us to renew ourselves, to train our children and families, to call others, so that we will be part of this generation or at least a step in the right direction.

We ask Allaah to help us to do that which He loves and which pleases Him and to support His religion through us. And Allaah knows best.

He wants to call other employees to pray but he is hesitant

I offer namaz regularly (mash-allah) also when i am in office, but in my office i have other muslim brothers who dont offer namaz. I want to talk to them but feel that if i try to convince them i will stop offering namaz. I dont understand why i have these feeling. Please guide me. Also in my office i asked our tea boy why he does not offer namaz. He said he has to clean toilet daily so he gets impure to offer namaz and evening when he reaches home he is tired as he is working for 12 hours so he is not able to offer. Please tell me how do i convince this person. I also always pray for him so that he starts offering namaz regularly.

Praise be to Allaah.
We ask Allaah to increase you in faith and piety and to help you to adhere to that which He has enjoined.

You should not hesitate to advise your colleagues and remind them about the prayer, rather that is what Allaah has enjoined. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good (Islam), enjoining Al-Ma‘roof (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do) and forbidding Al-Munkar (polytheism and disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden). And it is they who are the successful”

[Aal ‘Imraan 3:104]

“O my son! Aqim-is-Salaah (perform As-Salaah), enjoin (on people) Al-Ma‘roof  (Islamic Monotheism and all that is good), and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (i.e. disbelief in the Oneness of Allaah, polytheism of all kinds and all that is evil and bad), and bear with patience whatever befalls you. Verily, these are some of the important commandments (ordered by Allaah with no exemption)”

[Luqmaan 31:17]

And the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever among you sees an evil action, let him change it with his hand (by taking action); if he cannot, then with his tongue (by speaking out); if he cannot then with his heart (by hating it and feeling that it is wrong), and that is the weakest of faith.” Narrated by Muslim, 49.

Not praying is a great evil, indeed it is kufr that puts one beyond the pale of Islam, according to the more correct of the two scholarly opinions, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Between a man and kufr and shirk there stands his giving up prayer.” Narrated by Muslim, 82.

And he (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The covenant that stands between us and them is prayer, whoever gives it up is a kaafir.” Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 2621; al-Nasaa’i, 463; Ibn Maajah, 1079.

You should not even entertain the notion of not praying, rather you should hate that thought as you would hate to be thrown into the fire, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There are three things, whoever attains them has found the sweetness of faith: when Allaah and His Messenger are dearer to him than anything else; when he loves a person and only loves him for the sake of Allaah; and when he would hate to go back to kufr as he would hate to be thrown into the fire.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 49; Muslim, 60.

With regard to the excuse that your colleague gives about his clothes becoming impure, the answer is that he can clean the bathrooms without his clothes becoming impure, and he can also set aside pure clothes for praying in.  You should note that one who truly respects the prayer and understands its importance and the seriousness of not praying would not give such an excuse.

It is essential to advise this man and others, and explain the ruling concerning one who does not pray, and the obligation to offer prayer on time, and that it is haraam to delay it until after work or before going to bed, because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Then, there has succeeded them a posterity who have given up As-Salaah (the prayers) [i.e. made their Salaah (prayers) to be lost, either by not offering them or by not offering them perfectly or by not offering them in their proper fixed times] and have followed lusts. So they will be thrown in Hell”

[Maryam 19:59]

Ibn Mas’ood said concerning al-ghayy (translated above as “Hell”): This is a valley in Hell which is very deep and has a foul taste.

And Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“So woe unto those performers of Salaah (prayers) (hypocrites),

5. Those who delay their Salaah (prayer from their stated fixed times)”

[al-Maa’oon 107:4-5]

Delaying prayer until its time is over is a major sin, and not praying at all is major kufr – we seek refuge with Allaah from that.

And Allaah knows best.

See also question no. 47425.

A woman who has been guided to Islam fears for herself and is suffering from waswaas (insinuating whispers of the Shaytaan)

I am a muslimah who lives in a non-muslim country...i have been blesse by the almighty who has guided me to the right path last year(started practissing islam althought i've been a muslimah my whole life) anyway for the last few months  my iman has dropped tremendously...alhamdulillah i haven't stopped doing anything but i have been overwhelmed by wiswas...and i've tried some duas and although it has  helped a bit it hasn't helped me to its fullest...a feel so afraid of everything around me (mainly the kufaar and their ways) i don't what it is that's making me feel this way but i really don't like it...i'm so afraid of being led astray...i sometimes get some weird thoughts in my head now i know it's sheitan messing with my head but i just want to know what to do to get rid of it...i've read some duas as i've mentioned above read some quran...but nothing yet...now i know it's something i'm doing wrong but i just want to know what it could be? if you have any suggestions on what it could be please let me know jazakumallahu khairan and may allah guide us to the right path amin?

Praise be to Allaah.
Allaah has given man in this world that which will help him to worship and obey Him as He has commanded. He has given him strength in himself and has created him in the best mould (cf. al-Teen 95:4). Then He sent His Messengers to mankind to tell them the way to worship and obey Him, and He sent down His Books to mankind, and gave the ability to understand and learn.

The slave has to seek the means which will help him to follow the path of obedience and faith. These include:

1 – Striving to perform the obligatory duties as prescribed in sharee’ah, and doing so regularly.

2 – Striving to keep away from haraam things and sin, because that has a great effect on man’s heart.

3 – Taking time to read Qur’aan. What we should note here is that the kind of reading Qur’aan which has a beneficial effect on the one who reads it is that which is accompanied by thinking and pondering the meanings of the verses of the Qur’aan. Allaah has told us of the effect of the Qur’aan on His believing slaves, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):

“and when His Verses (this Qur’aan) are recited unto them, they (i.e. the Verses) increase their Faith”[al-Anfaal 8:2]

“Allaah has sent down the Best Statement, a Book (this Qur’aan), its parts resembling each other (in goodness and truth) (and) oft‑repeated. The skins of those who fear their Lord shiver from it (when they recite it or hear it). Then their skin and their heart soften to the remembrance of Allaah”[al-Zumar 32:23]

4 – Remembering Allaah (dhikr) and persisting in doing so. Beneficial dhikr is that which is done in the heart and on the lips. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“verily, in the remembrance of Allaah do hearts find rest”[al-Ra’d 13:28]

5 – Calling upon Allaah (du’aa’) and turning to Him. Among the du’aa’s concerning this is that which is described in the hadeeth of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him):

“There is no-one who is afflicted by distress and grief, and says: ‘Allaahumma inni ‘abduka ibn ‘abdika ibn amatija naasyati bi yadika, maada fiyya hukmuka, ‘adlun fiyya qadaa’uka. As’aluka bi kulli ismin huwa laka sammayta bihi nafsaka aw anzaltahu fi kitaabika aw ‘allamtahu ahadan min khalqika aw ista’tharta bihi fi ‘ilm il-ghayb ‘indaka an taj’al al-Qur’aana rabee’ qalbi wa noor sadri wa jalaa’ huzni wa dhihaab hammi (O Allaah, I am Your slave, son of Your slave, son of Your maidservant; my forelock is in Your hand, Your command over me is forever executed and Your decree over me is just. I ask You by every name belonging to You which You have named Yourself with, or revealed in Your Book, or You taught to any of Your creation, or You have preserved in the knowledge of the Unseen with You, that You make the Qur’aan the life of my heart and the light of my breast, and a departure for my sorrow and a release for my anxiety),’ but Allaah will take away his distress and grief, and replace it with joy.” He was asked: “O Messenger of Allaah, should we learn this?” He said: “Of course; everyone who hears it should learn it.”

6 – Striving to reduce your attachment to this world and developing an attachment to the Hereafter, for being preoccupied with the worries of this world makes a person more worried and anxious, and makes the problems that he is going through occupy all his thoughts and give him sleepless nights.

7 – Doing things to help one relax and dispel worry, such as keeping company with righteous people, relaxing in permissible ways and giving oneself variety to avoid a boring routine.

If you feel the need to visit a psychologist and consult him, there is nothing wrong with that, so long as you beware of the deviant principles of some doctors.

Slandering callers and reformers

In recent days there has been a lot of slander against those who call people to Islam (daa’iyahs) and dividing them into groups and categories. What is your opinion on that?

Praise be to Allaah.
Allaah has enjoined justice and good treatment of others, and He has forbidden wrongdoing, hatred and enmity. Allaah sent His Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) with the same message as He sent all the Messengers, namely the call to Tawheed and to worship of Allaah alone. He commanded him to establish justice and forbade him to do the opposite, i.e., to worship anything other than Allaah, to cause division and to transgress against the rights of others.

In these days it has become very common that people who claim to have knowledge and to be calling people to good slander many of their brothers among the well-known daa’iyahs, and they talk about the seekers of knowledge, daa’iyahs and lecturers. They do that in secret in their own gatherings, but it may be recorded on tapes that are distributed among the people, and they may do it openly in public lectures in the mosques. This behaviour goes against the commands of Allaah and His Messenger in several ways.

1 – It is a transgression against the rights of the Muslims, and against the elite of the people, namely the seekers of knowledge and daa’iyahs who are striving to make the people aware and to teach them and correct their beliefs and practices, and to organize lessons and lectures, and to write beneficial books.

2 – It splits the Muslims and causes division in their ranks. They are the most in need of unity and they need to keep away from division, discord and too much gossip amongst themselves, especially when the daa’iyahs who are being slandered are from among the Ahl al-Sunnah wa’l-Jamaa’ah who are well known for their opposition to bid’ah (innovation) and myth, and for standing up against those who promote such things, and for exposing their plots and tricks. We see no benefit to be gained by such actions, except for the enemies who lie in wait for opportunities to harm the Muslims, such as the kaafirs, hypocrites and followers of bid’ah and misguidance.

3 – This action offers support and help for the self-serving among the secularists, westernizers and other heretics who are well known for stirring up trouble among the daa’iyahs and telling lies against them, and inciting people against them in their writings and recordings. It is contrary to Islamic brotherhood for those who are too hasty to help their enemies against their brothers among the seekers of knowledge, daa’iyahs and others.

4 – This spreads corrupts ideas in the hearts and minds of the common folk and elite; it spreads and propagates lies and false rumours, and causes a great deal of backbiting and slander. It leaves the door wide open to evil people who persist in spreading doubts and stirring up fitnah, and who are keen to cause harm to the believers by accusing them of things that they did not do.

5 – Much of what is being said has no basis in reality; rather these are illusions which the Shaytaan has made attractive to them, through which he has tempted them. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

 “O you who believe! Avoid much suspicion; indeed some suspicions are sins. And spy not, neither backbite one another…”[al-Hujuraat 49:12]

The believer should interpret what his Muslim brother says in the best possible way. One of the salaf said: Never think of something that is said by your brother as being bad when you still find room for a good interpretation.

6 – Whatever ijtihaad is produced by some scholars or seekers of knowledge, in areas where ijtihaad is permitted, the author of said ijtihaad cannot be blamed or rebuked for it, so long as he is qualified to engage in ijtihaad. If someone else has a different opinion, it is better for him to debate with him in a proper manner, striving to reach the truth via the shortest route and leaving no room for the insinuating whispers of the Shaytaan or for him to cause trouble among the believers. If that is not possible, and someone thinks that he has no choice but to explain what is wrong with his ijtihaad, then he should choose the best wording and the most subtle way of explaining, and not resort to attacking, slandering or going to extremes in criticizing him, which may cause others to reject the truth or to turn away from it. He should also avoid criticizing specific people, casting aspersions upon their intentions or saying unnecessary or irrelevant things about them. In such cases the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) would say, “What is the matter with some people who say such and such…?”

The advice I offer to these brothers who have fallen into the sin of slandering the daa’iyahs is to repent to Allaah for the things that they have written or said that may have corrupted the hearts of some youth and filled them with hatred and grudges, and kept them from seeking beneficial knowledge or from calling people to Allaah by making them preoccupied with gossip and talking about this one and that one, and seeking out faults for which they could criticize people, and going to extremes in doing that.

I also advise them to offer expiation for the things that they have done by writing and other means that they think they should not have done, and to remove from people’s minds the wrong ideas they may have given them. They should focus on fruitful actions which will bring them closer to Allaah and will be beneficial to people, and they should beware of being too hasty to accuse people of kufr, fisq and bid’ah without any clear evidence or proof. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever says to his brother ‘O kaafir!’ one of them will be deserving of that description.” (Saheeh, agreed upon).

It is prescribed for those who call others to the truth and for seekers of knowledge, if they are uncertain about something said by a scholar or anyone else, to refer to the prominent scholars and to ask them, so that they can explain the facts of the matter to them and remove the confusion and doubt from their minds, in accordance with the words of Allaah in Soorat al-Nisaa’ (interpretatiuon of the meaning):

“When there comes to them some matter touching (public) safety or fear, they make it known (among the people); if only they had referred it to the Messenger or to those charged with authority among them, the proper investigators would have understood it from them (directly). Had it not been for the Grace and Mercy of Allaah upon you, you would have followed Shaytaan (Satan), save a few of you”[al-Nisaa’ 4:83]

And Allaah is the One Whom we ask to reform all the Muslims and to unite their hearts in taqwa and to bring the scholars of the Muslims and those who call to the truth together in doing that which pleases Him and will benefit His slaves. May He unite them in following guidance and protect them against all the causes of division and dissent; may He support the truth through them and humiliate falsehood through them, for He is the One Who is able to do that. May Allaah bless our Prophet Muhammad and his family and companions, and those who follow his guidance until the Day of Resurrection.

A man is accompanying one of the female daa’iyahs, claiming to do good deeds

I read an article by some writer in which he praised the wife of one of the senior daa’iyahs. He said that he was with her all the time because of their common interest in going to lawyers in an effort to secure the release of prisoners. During the days he spent with her he saw the strength of her personality, her eloquence, her good conduct and her wise speech which impressed him greatly. What does Islam have to say about this matter?

Praise be to Allaah.

If they were alone together (khulwah) at the time when both of them were adults, then he has to repent, because being alone with a non-mahram woman and accompanying her here and there is a haraam action which is not permitted, as it opens the door to fitnah (temptation).

But if the man who accompanied her was a minor, so that there was no risk of fitnah, or if he was her mahram, or his accompanying her did not involve their being alone together, and she observed complete hijaab and so on, then he should state that clearly (to whoever he meets) so that he will not be accused. The Muslim should always ensure that his religious commitment and honour are above reproach. And Allaah is the One Whose help we seek.

Some of those who are called to Allaah, when they are told to fear Allaah they say “Mind your own business”

One of things that I find very difficult when I try to advise some people or warn them of some evil that they are doing, is that they say, “This does not concern you, mind your own business, don’t interfere in my private affairs.” What is the ruling on what they say?

Praise be to Allaah.

Their words are false and a rejection of the truth. Allaah is dislikes such a response. The evidence for that is what it says in the saheeh hadeeth narrated from the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): “The most beloved of speech to Allaah is when a person says: ‘Subhaanaka Allaahumma wa bi hamdika, wa tabaaraka ismuka wa ta’aala jadduka, wa laa ilaaha ghayruka (Glory and praise be to You, O Allaah, blessed be Your name and exalted be Your majesty, and there is no god but You).’ The most hated of speech to Allaah is when one man says to another, ‘Fear Allaah,’ and the other says, ‘Mind your own business!’”

(al-Silsilah al-Saheehah by al-Albaani, no. 2598)

You have to persist in da’wah, and bear patiently the things you suffer, as Luqmaan said to his son:

“O my son! Aqim-is-Salaah (perform As-Salaah), enjoin (on people) Al-Ma‘roof  (Islamic Monotheism and all that is good), and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (i.e. disbelief in the Oneness of Allaah, polytheism of all kinds and all that is evil and bad), and bear with patience whatever befalls you. Verily, these are some of the important commandments (ordered by Allaah with no exemption)”

[Luqmaan 31:17 – interpretation of the meaning]