Are Women Prohibited to Drive in Islam?

In the Name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Specially Merciful.

All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of Mankind (male and female)

Islamic Center of Windermere:  Door to Door drive will begin, InshAllah, on July 14, 2012 at 5 PM, and continue until we cover all the communities. We need to select a person responsible for each community, so please let me know if you like to volunteer. 407-873-2187

After writing my last article, I received a comment from one of my dear brothers, who was worried that we may be drinking water with urine in it. So, let us investigate what is the truth. Following is his comment.

'' Islam does not ask us to ban women from driving''.  

Unfortunately this (driving ) of women [art of your article is not permitted in Islaam as it is against the laws of Hijaab.

Your article is 97% water mixed with 3% urine.

Therefore not good for Muslims consumption.

Wsalaam

This brother is claiming that women driving a car is against the laws of hijab. In fact, Saudi Arabia bans women from driving, so he is not alone, and many Muslims seems to believe this. If a woman wants to go for grocery with her kids to the market, she is breaking the laws of hijab? If a woman goes to masjid, she is breaking the laws of hijab? If a woman drives with her husband sitting next to her, she is breaking the laws of hijab? How can that be? What laws of hijab are these? Are they mentioned in the Quran, or the Sunnah, or agreed upon by major scholars?

In fact, a little bit of investigation reveals that prohibiting women from driving is more of a cultural influence, and a minority opinion. There is no prohibition in Islam for a woman to go out alone and ride. In the following hadith, wife of Umar ibn AlKhattab (RA) goes out to the masjid, even when he did not give explicit permission. He was the strictest believer regarding hijab, and even complaint to the Prophet (PBUH) regarding his wives, and hence some of the orders of hijab were revealed.

Yahya related to me from Malik from Yahya ibn Sa'id that 'Atika bint Zayd ibn 'Amr ibn Nufayl, the wife of 'Umar al-Khattab, used to ask 'Umar ibn al-Khattab for permission to go to the mosque. He would keep silent, so she would say, "By Allah, I will go out, unless you forbid me," and he did not forbid her. (Muwatta Malik Book 14 Hadith 14.5.14)

There are other incidents where women came to masjid alone, and Umar knew about it.When Umar himself didn't prohibit women from travelling within the city alone, who else is more pious and understanding then him that can stand up and claim that women should not go out.

Banning women from driving is based on the fear that it will lead to immorality in the society, and it is certainly possible. Just like women going to masjid can lead to immorality. Just like women going to Hajj can lead to immorality. Just like allowing women to walk on the same street with man can lead to immorality. Just like allowing women to go to school can lead to immorality. Just like women working on the battlefield can lead to immorality. There are so many things that could lead to immorality that if we ban these, we will be enslaving women. Is that what Islam want us to do?

In fact, Saudi  Arabia bans women, because it goes against their culture norms, and it is no different than women being banned from masajid in Pakistan, and girls being banned from being educated in Afghanistan. These are not based on Islamic laws, but laws created to satisfy the cultural requirements.

Honestly, it is men feeling insecure and paranoid about the women, and I saw how a man behaved when a woman entered the masjid from the main door. His skin turns pale, eyes widened, face frowned, but the same person I know owns a gift shop where half naked women and covered women come and buy things, and he will smile and say "Thank you Maam." Why not he setup a separate counter for women? 

Islam does not ban women from driving, insecure men do, but we should change that. We should educate ourselves with Quran and Sunnah and replace these twisted ideologies with clear teachings of Islam.

After saying that, Islam does prohibit women from exposing part of her body except hands and face, and interacting with non-mahram men unnecessarily, but we don't have to police that, we should discourage that, without banning them from doing anything.

AbU Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) having said this: "Two are the types of the denizens of Hell whom I did not see: people having flogs like the tails of the ox with them and they would be beating people, and the women who would be dressed but appear to be naked, who would be inclined (to evil) and make their husbands incline towards it. Their heads would be like the humps of the bukht camel inclined to one side. They will not enter Paradise and they would not smell its odour whereas its odour would be smelt from such and such distance."( Sahih Muslim Book 24 Hadith 5310)

Brothers, please don't become the first type of residents of hell by banning your wives from doing anything. Teach them Islam and how to behave and don't chain them in the houses like cattles, and don't whip them with driving bans, masjid bans, school bans. You yourself should lower your gaze at work, at school, and at market. You should not be only worrying about banning women but banning your eyes from fornicating. And, you know what I mean. Protect your flock but modestly.

Sisters, please don't become the second type of residents of hell by preparing yourself when going out more than you prepare yourself for your husband. Don't wear the tight blouse and pants under a scarf. Don't socialize with non-mahram men unnecessarily. Your body, your voice, and your actions are all trials for men and an attraction for them. Please don't make it easy for Satan. Fight for your cause but with modesty.

And Allah knows best.

JazakAllah Khairin

A drinker of water without urine. (hopefully)

AbuArman Jumani

Saudi Arabia: A non-Islamic Country

In the Name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.

All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds.

"O you who believe! Have Taqwa of Allah and give up what remains from Riba, if you are (really) believers. And if you do not do it, then take a notice of war from Allah and His Messenger but if you repent,you shall have your capital sums. Deal not unjustly, and you shall not be dealt with unjustly" (Quran 2:278-279)


Ibn Majah recorded that Abu Hurayrah said that the Messenger of Allah said, "Riba is seventy types, the least of which is equal to one having sexual intercourse with his mother." (Ibn Kathir)

Whenever, I told people that Saudi Arabia is not an Islamic country, some would not believe me, and cite me that the Saudi laws are based on Islamic Sharia, and they would tell me that we should not disrespect the country that contains the two most holy places for believers. In fact, Saudi Arabia has become an Arab country that is populated with Arab Muslims, and is not an Islamic country anymore.Why do I say that? Well, let us look at the following facts, and you can decide for yourself, if Islam is the supreme law of the land.

Saudi Arabia is a kingdom ruled by a family, who establishes the law. If Saudi Arabia was an Islamic country, then Islam will be the supreme law, and any law or royal decree that contradicts Islam would not be implemented. Moreover, any act of disobedience to Allah will not be decreed by the ruler, or tolerated. So, is Saudi Arabia an Islamic Country?

Unfortunately, the answer is no. There is no Islamic country left in this world, and no country can claim that they uphold Islam above all man made law and regulations. Saudi Arabia is probably the best case for a possible Islamic country. However, recently, I realized the hypocrisy of Saudi Arabia, and it was very painful. First I thought that I am mistaken and misunderstanding the situation, but then I verified with my teacher Dr. Anwar Sahib, who lived in Medinah for 15 years, and he concurred with my conclusion.

In 1957, Saudi Arabia surrendered to IMF, and disobeyed Allah's command in the above verse. IMF stands for International Monetary Funds. It is one of the five institution established, on July 22, 1944, during Bretton Woods Conference, during World War II, which established the current world monetary system. Although membership is voluntary, every country was pressured to become member. Initially, no one need to take any assistance, but every country has a credit limit, which can be used to fulfil budget gaps. Loans are taken on interest, and returned over time. Saudi Arabia also fell into the trap.

According to 2011 Article IV IMF report, Saudi Arabia paid 8.6 billion Saudi Riyal in interest payments. Also, SAMA ( Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency) provides loans to commercial banks at discounted rates (interest) to encourage conventional banking systems that has been established in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Citizens earn interest on savings account, and take interest loans. All of this activity is decreed by the Saudi Law which clearly overrides the law of Islam in Saudi Arabia.

How can this be an Islamic country? This is an ultimate hypocrisy. On one side, foreigners are being beheaded, and on the other side Riba is being established. Since when having Allah and his Messenger waging war against you, makes you a leader of believers. I reject this version of Islamic Sharia which is only upheld in some cases and ignored in other.

In fact, Saudi Arabia is not a model for Islam, and we should not look up to it as moral compass. Islam does not ask us to ban women from driving. Islam does not say that Arabs are superior than non-Arabs. Islam does not allow for Al Walid ibn Talal to mock Allah's commandment of Hijab. Islam does not allow for a ruler to establish Riba.

I hope that these facts will clear up the misconception that Saudi Arabia has established the Islamic Sharia, which it has not, because many use it as an argument, and it is clear that Saudi Royal family is the final authority in Saudi Arabia, and not Allah. No one can challenge the royal decree of permitting interest, and get it over ruled on the basis of Quranic verse above. Can they?

One more time. There is no Islamic country in the world, and every believer lives under a non-Islamic rule.

May Allah establishes an Islamic land which is ruled by Allah's commands, and it is only possible, if we keep practicing Islam in our individual lives.

JazakAllah Khairin

Resident of Non-Islamic Country
AbuArman Jumani

Sword is strong, but words are might!

Note: We will be starting our door to door drive for Islamic Center of Windermere on July 14, 2012 at 5 PM. Please call me if you like to participate 407-873-2187.


In the Name of Allah, the one with infinite sight.

Some pulls me from the left, some from the right,
Some ask me, "You are insane right?"
Some love me, some hate me for what I write.

Allah wants us to be upright,
How can that be if we fight?,
Days are passing by and the night,
We will just come, pray, and go home tonight,

I reject this ignorant plight,
If you are truthful, show me the light,
Truth is not dark, it is bright.

"Let us extend the masjid into a might",
So, the Friday becomes our Sunday lite,
Empty Churches comes to my sight,
5 Million Dollar Masjid will be tourist delight.

Communities are Muslim in the name alright,
In them, Islam is nothing more than a hand's slight,
Speeches are heavy, but practice is light.

Everyone thinks that they are right,
I know for sure I am not always right,
I struggle for Allah, for whom do they fight?

All of us holding the rope tight,
But, the rope is not the same, it is hanafite, or salafite,
O Abu Arman! choose a madhab, or we might...
Sorry Brothers! I have jumped the ship with Islam tied

I feel the wind, and the breeze on my side,
Would I land in hell or heaven, Allah is all might.
As I study Islam, it expands my sight,
Who needs a cane, when Allah is the guide.

When I write, observe, and criticize,
They tell me, it has been settled already, alright!
Really! so why Muslims are not at the same height,
Nay, they resist the change, which is forthright.

Follow who you want; Do what you feel right,
Be very sure, that your Imam is right,
Remember, you will answer alone when you have died.
                                                                  - abu arman

Exclusive Investigation: Ijtema Tableeghi Jamat

In the Name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Specially Merciful.

All praise is due to Allah, the King of the day of judgement.

Whenever I warned my dear brothers about the fitnah of Tableeghi Jamat, they would always invite me to come and experience their gatherings before making my judgement. Friday night, I decided to attend the Ijtema  organized by the Tableeghi Jamat. Following is my report on that. I have tried to put aside my personal opinion, and look at it objectively, but I am just a human.

According to my limited understanding, Ijtema is a gathering of Muslims, to remind themselves, and to learn their deen, and to leave with increased faith and more knowledge then one arrived. So, the main event will be the speeches, and this is what I wanted to see. To see what this Ijtema means for Muslim Ummah.

As I drove towards the Osceola High School, I saw the signs for ijtema, and as I entered the school, parking area was well organized. People were streaming in the school from every direction. I parked my car, and slowly walked towards the school. Most of the people were carrying sleeping bag and luggage, and it reminded me of Hajj. Jamat members were collecting money for dinner, but I already had dinner so I walked inside. When I came close to the auditorium doors, I was shocked to see people lying around with their luggage, and it was probably because I wasn't expecting that view.

It was almost Maghrib time, so me and another brother sat down in the front rows, and I was very impressed with the setup and organization. After adhan, salat didn't start for 15 minutes or so, and when it did, the recitation was very simple, which I liked, but was surprised that many of the Huffaz with a good recitation were not selected to lead salat. Finally, after salat, the famous announcement was made "After the rest of the salat, there is a very important talk on deen, please come closer." Then, the announcement said something which made my jaw dropped. He said, please do not leave, because this talk is the most important part. Wait. What!? So, this talk is more important then Salat? Anyways, the speaker came and sat down.

He started speaking without invoking Allah's name or any salutation to the Prophet (PBUH), and it was not a good start at all. Well, he started talking about our four stages, and the first stage being the womb. I think he forgot that the first stage is the soul staying in the heavens before womb, but anyways not a big deal. the speech was mostly about how Allah provides our need, and running after this world will take us away from Allah's path, which is all true and good reminders. However, he kept saying the we should practice our deen, but the only two practices he mentioned were Salat and going in the path of Allah, and the path of Allah was "tashkeel" of course, which he mentioned a couple of times.

First half of the speech was without any reference to Quran and Sunnah, and he gave one reference to a Quranic verse without mentioning the Surah or the verse number. So far, there was nothing that he said was new, which is not said regularly in the bayans for tashkeel in the masjid. All of a sudden, he mentions a pious person giving everything in his house to charity, and in the dream finds the location of burried wealth which the speaker called it "Barakah". I am not sure about this story. Was this dream from Allah or shaytan?  Anyways, nothing wrong with an anonymous story I guess. Then, he mentions a few of ahadith and stories of the companions that blew me away. They were more hand waves and conversation plugins. No reference of the narrator, or the book, just english translations.

First, he mentions that Abdullah bin rawah was stopped by the robbers, and he asked them if he could pray two rakat, before they killed him. They allowed him, and during salat, he said "Arhama Rahimeen", and angels on the highest heaven heard him and they came to help. Really!? who narrated this story? How this narrator knows what angels did? Doesn't sound authentic at all. Some ahadith he mentioned, I couldn't locate at all (when I came back home and checked), and only Allah knows if they are truly ahadith. Some were weak like the one about missing a salat will be punished by 80 years in hell fire. He didn't mention it, but I think it is knows to be from At-Tabari. By the time, he summed up his speech, a few men stood up among the crowd with a notebook and pen, and the speaker told everyone. Tashkeel is the path of Allah, as the companions were sent to fight, you should sign up with us to go out for 40 days. Oh my Allah. What religion is this? I could not believe that every speech ends with a call for recruitment. If Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would have done that, only a handful would have remained in this deen. We can't ask for people to go in the path of Allah after every speech.

Well, brothers and sisters, I gave Tableeghi Jamat another try, hoping to be proven wrong by substantative speeches with authentic evidences, and no mention of joining Tableeghi Jamat, but none of that happen I am exhausted with this group, and I surrender to Allah my affairs and their affairs. I am no saint. I am no scholar. I am no wise man. I am just a Muslim, who follow Allah and his messenger, and Tableeghi Jamat has not shown any connection with Quran and Sunnah so far, and is not beneficial for me or anyone else. If I ever miss my brothers of Tableeghi Jamat or wanted to hang out among these cool dudes ( I really like them), I may visit their ijtema again, but this effort has lost all interest for me, Islamically. Not a bad idea to get away from the family for a day or two.

If any of you believe that this group has more benefits than harm, you may continue to associate with them, but I see more harm than benefit, and I will keep myself and my family away from this deviant group, and continue to advice who would listen. Please discourage this group as this is not healthy at all for this Ummah.

Reason for this group to be harmful and deviant is because they do not base their movement upon Quran and authentic Sunnah, and have established an aggressive cult that prioritize Tashkeel as going in the path of Allah.


 "And verily, this is My straight path, so follow it, and follow not (other) paths, for they will separate you away from His path. This He has ordained for you that you may have Taqwa." (Quran 6:153)

Imam Ahmad, Ibn Majah, in the Book of the Sunnah in his Sunan, and Al-Bazzar collected this Hadith. Ibn Jarir recorded that a man asked Ibn Mas`ud, "What is As-Sirat Al-Mustaqim (the straight path)'' Ibn Mas`ud replied, "Muhammad left us at its lower end and its other end is in Paradise. To the right of this Path are other paths, and to the left of it are other paths, and there are men (on these paths) calling those who pass by them. Whoever goes on the other paths will end up in the Fire. Whoever takes the Straight Path, will end up in Paradise. (Ibn Kathir)

Brothers, Prophet (PBUH), his compaions and generations after them did not consider any of these Tableeghi activites as path of Allah, and the path of Allah is the methodology of the Sunnah, which has no connection with Tashkeel that Tableeghi Jamat is promoting. Tableeghi Jamat is a new religion and a cult, and getting involve in it is serious innovation. It seems very innocent, but we don't need any new "Nisab", as the Prophet (PBUH) has already provided us with a nisab.

Oh my beloved Allah! I pray to Allah to you to discontinue these lines on our left and right, and keep us on the straight path. Keep us from any "Important Talk" that is not decorated with your speech. Ameen.

And Allah knows best


JazakAllah Khairin

A seeker of the path of Allah.
Abu Arman Jumani

Mudharabah: The Speculative Parternship in Islam

In the Name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.

All praise is due to Allah, The Provider.

It is an amazing coincidence that speculative partnership is the topic of my recent assignment for Fiqh-ul-Muamalat, but nothing truly is a coincidence in the dominion of Allah, and everything seems so according to his plan. Recently, some events unfolded that provided a painful insight into harms of not following the Islamic conditions of Mudharabah (speculative parternership). Unfortunately, it seems a very common practice in western countries to form this invalid type of speculative partnership. Let us examine the details of this type of trade or business that is certainly haram in Islam, but is very attractive among Muslims. In this example, we are looking at a car dealer, who is a Muslim, and looking for investment for his expanding business. He reaches out to other Muslims in his family and community, and able to convince many to participate in his business. However, these partnerships were formed without giving due regards to the conditions set by Allah and his Messenger (PBUH).  In the end, it was a dishonorable situation, and it became a warning and example for other Muslims to not engage in similar trades.

Mudharabah is a type of partnership where one partner provides assets for the business, but does not participate in day to day operations of the business, and the other partner runs the business. In the example of the car dealer, he receives money from a partner, who provides the money without the presence of witnesses, or any written agreement. The Sleeping partner (partner providing the money) verbally stipulates that he requires a certain amount of money every month regularly as “profit”. The working partner (the car dealer), agrees to the terms verbally, and does provide some returns for a period of time. After a while, the business takes a downturn, and the business runs out of money, as the regular “profit” payments to the sleeping partner continue during the loss. In the beginning, the car dealer hides the reality of the business, and get more sleeping partners involve in the same fashion, but once the original partner finds out, he demands his principal and profit. There are many issues with this partnership, and we can go through each of them and identify a solution for them so it can conform to Islamic law.

“[David] said, "He has certainly wronged you in demanding your ewe [in addition] to his ewes. And indeed, many associates oppress one another, except for those who believe and do righteous deeds - and few are they."” (Quran 38:24)

Even if writing down a partnership contract was not an obligation, in the western countries, it should be an obligation, because the law of the land settles financial transaction with written proofs. At the least, it should be done to protect both parries’ interest, and provide a stable partnership. In the above example, the car dealer didn’t find it necessary to write down the terms of the investment/loan/partnership, which became a major issue in keeping track of total debt, and hence collapse of the business. The car dealer continues to borrow money to pay the others’ monthly “profit” payments, without knowing the true nature of his debt, until the end. If the car dealer would have written down every transaction with witnesses, it would have provided the needed awareness of total debt, and hence minimizing the damage, at the least. According to local custom for the western countries, it is critical to record all business transaction, and should be a condition to Islamic transactions within these countries.

"O You who have attained to faith! Whenever you give or take credit for a stated term, set it down in writing. … And call upon two of your men to act as witnesses…” (Quran 2:282)

In this partnership, the sleeping partner was expecting a fixed return on his investment, and this return is not tied to the profit of the business. As we know that one of the conditions of speculative partnership is to use percentages of profits, and not fixed amount of profit, because the business could make no money in one of the months, but the investor will want their return nonetheless.  In fact, we look at his closely, this is a form of Riban-Nasi’ah (interest based loan), because the investment is a loan that was given to the car dealer to do business on the condition that a fee will be returned for using the money, and the intention was not to share the profit from the business, at all. If these two partners would have stipulated the percentage of share from the profit in their agreement, then there would not have been an issue of riba. Unfortunately, the investors are not willing to take the risk, and greed takes hold of them. This greed destroys the business and everyone attached to this business. The Prophet (PBUH) said.

“Any loan that brings a profit is (kind of) riba” Al-Bayhaqi (10933) [5/573]

Any partnership that has deception in it loses blessings from Allah, and in the example of the car dealer, he failed to disclose the true state of the business to his partners. In fact, this is a very common trend among Muslims, and people expect this from of the working partners. In some cases, the sleeping partner takes the option of interest based loan instead of splitting the profit due to the expected deception from the working partners. Also, the sleeping partners deceived the car dealer as well, by denying the money received, as nothing was documented. So, lack of honesty leads to absence of trust, and motivation to rely on interest based loan (haram) instead of sharing the profit (halal). If the car dealer would have been honest about his profit, and loss, he would have taken hold of the situation before it became unbearable.

Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said: "Allah Says: I am the third partner of any two partners as long as neither of them betrays the other. But if one of them betrays the other I get out of them" (Abu Dawud (3383) [3/438])

In conclusion, this type of partnership has become norm of the society now, and Muslims don’t find it objectionable. When this above partnership broke, and interdiction began, the sleeping partner was told that his investment was riba, but he refused to accept it, and claimed to have invested Islamically for profit (fixed profit i.e.). This event caused harm to three close families, and unknown number of indirect victims, including infants and women. During the interdiction, the debt was documented with the help of two male witnesses, and the profit given so far was deducted from the principal amount, and business inventory ceased with allowance of the car dealer to sell the inventory. It is a living example of how disobedience to Allah results in disgrace in this world and disgrace in the hereafter. May Allah guide us all to learn the Islamic law of business, and apply it to protect ourselves.

I beg to all of you to learn and practice Islam in all aspect of your life, or be ready for dishonor in this world and hereafter.

JazakAllah Khairin
A witness to these disobeying Muslims
AbuArman Jumani

Shab-E-Miraj: Bidah or No Bidah, That is the question!

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Specially Merciful.

All praise is due to Al-Aleem, the most knowledgeable.

"O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. And if you disagree over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you should believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is the best [way] and best in result." (Quran 4:59)

After a long pause, I attended the hadith class on Sundays. I did not expect to witness the clashes of religions on full force. Imam was trying to explain that celebrating Shab-E-Miraj on Rajab 27 is not part of Islam, and he gave many reasons. As he went through the arguments, I could see the room become a little uneasy. People were not buying the argument, and someone asked the long awaited question. "But, what is wrong with worshipping Allah on special days?". This is where the explanation of Good Bidah versus Bad Bidah should have come, but the Imam chose the answer in a short statement which didn't explain it completely.

I am not sure, if it was a mistake or on purpose, but unless this issue is explained, it can explode in the face of the community. I asked an indirect question to a group who attended the class. As expected, it triggered the chain of discussion leading to the topic at hand, and three brothers were on one side and other three brothers on the other side. Group supporting the Shab-E-Miraj festivities presented the argument that there are some scholars who consider it islamic, and thus it is a difference of opinion, and we should not label as bidah. In fact, this is a very good point, because there are many religions within Islam who divide over these differences, so why not another one?

Alright, so lets discuss this a little. There is nothing wrong with  someone worshiping Allah in congregation or alone during any night, and if people do that, there is no blame. However, if they believe that they will receive an extra reward to do it on 27 Rajab, this becomes a new belief in Islam which was not present at the time of death of the Prophet (PBUH). Allah decreed that Islam has been perfected, which means all matter of unseen believe has been established, and there is no more messenger coming with a revelation that a normal human cannot perceive. Shab-E-Miraj is celebrated with this new belief (Bidah) that worship during this night will provide more reward than night before or night after. Have they received a revelation from Allah? Have they figured out something that the Prophet (PBUH) and companions combined couldn't know? All along, this night of special rewards was ignored by the pious generations of believers? How? No, it is impossible. This is prohibited completely in Islam, and can not be tolerated. If anyone wants to know the deviation happening due to this, please cut and past this link on internet (noorulislambolton.com/Articles/Rajab.pdf)

In my humble opinion, the Imam should have explained it a little further by presenting the difference between legitimate differing opinion based on ijtihad, and illegitimate differing opinion which defies Quran and Sunnah evidences. Let us find out how to handle difference of opinions in Islam. Above verse of the Quran provides the instructions for us how to do that. We suppose to follow clear commands from the Quran and Sunnah, and follow the Ameer of the Masjid in complicated matters, and if two Ameers disagree, they suppose to resolve by looking up evidences. It is very simple and it works. I would like to present two examples to clarify the types of difference of opinions.


There are two types of difference of opinions among scholars. One is allowed, and second is not allowed. If both opinions are based on authentic proofs, and ijtihad is the only separating factor, then we have to accept both opinions, and we should follow the scholar that we normally follow.

However, if one opinion has a clear hujjah (proof) over the other, or in the begining both were based on ijtihad, but later a proof is brought up that supports one position, then we should submit to that opinion. If the person supporting the weak opinion accepts the new proof as authentic, but still don't submit to it, because it is outside their "madhab", this is taqleed (blind following).


Narrated by Ibn Umar, On the day of Al-Ahzab (i.e. Clans) the Prophet said, "None of you Muslims should offer the 'Asr prayer but at Banu quraiza's place." The 'Asr prayer became due for some of them on the way. Some of those said, "We will not offer it till we reach it, the place of Banu quraiza," while some others said, "No, we will pray at this spot, for the Prophet did not mean that for us." Later on It was mentioned to the Prophet and he did not berate any of the two groups. (Sahih Bukhari, Volume 5, Book 59, Number 445)


In the above hadith, there was a difference of opinion, and it was allowed. Best opinion was to pray Asr on time, and the Prophet (PBUH) had that opinion as well. However, the companions who disagreed didn't have that knowledge, and they were both right at that time. For the sake of argument, let us assume that they were to get a message that Prophet (PBUH) has prayed Asr already. After that, no difference of opinion would have been allowed, and they would have submit to that and prayed Asr. So, it is all about the available knowledge at the time, and sincerity of intention, but once truth is established, it is an obligation to obey.

"...and if you are ill, or on a journey, or one of you comes from the Gha'it (toilet), or from Lamastum (touching) women, but you do not find water, then perform Tayammum..." (Quran 4:43)

Above verse seems to say that we should perform wudu after merely touching a woman. Some scholars took this meaning literally, and declared that if one touches any woman, their wudu is not valid. Other said that this refers to sexual intercourse, and merely touching does not break wudu. Now, we can't have wudu and not have wudu at the same time. One of them is certainly correct opinion. In fact, the correct opinion is that wudu does not break, because Allah has used this word in other places where touching refers to sexual intercourse. (ibn Kathir)

"And if you divorce them before you have touched them, and you have appointed unto them the dowry, then pay half of that" (Quran 2:237)

Also, the Prophet (PBUH) didn't make wudu after just touching his wives, as it is reported below.


Narrated: Aisha, The Prophet (peace_be_upon_him) kissed me and did not perform ablution. ( Abu Dawood Book of Purification # 178)


In the case of the wudu breaking by mere a physical touch, in the begining, it was a difference of interpreting the word, and the difference was allowed, but we now know the hadith where the Prophet (PBUH) kissed Ayesha (RA) before going out to lead Salah. This clear hujjah overrides any difference of opinion, and if someone still follows the weak opinion, they are either challenging the authencity of the hadith, or have some explaining to do. Shafii madhab still defends this opinion, and stretch the truth so  much that it starts to hurt. If you want to watch this painful act, copy and paste this link on internet (shafiifiqh.com/the-proofs-that-touching-a-woman-breaks-wudu/)

My dear brothers and sisters in Islam, we love you for the sake of Allah, and respect the difference of opinion where there is evidence on both sides, but this is not one of those cases. Please submit to this opinion of Shab-E-Miraj being addition to Islam and Bidah, and save yourselves from the fire. Yes, there are scholars in India and Pakistan who allow celebrating Shab-E-Miraj, but this difference of opinion does not qualify for the immunity, because there is clear evidence against it, and anyone who follows the weak opinion after the truth has come to him is not following the command of Allah mentioned in the begining. We have to obey Allah and obey the Messenger (PBUH), and if we disagree, we should let Quran and Sunnah decide the truth. Once decided, we should surrender to it regardless of who holds that opinion. This is the straight path.

May Allah guide us to the straight path.

JazakAllah Khairin

A sincere brother in Islam.
Abu Arman Jumani

Greet others, if you believe!

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Specially Merciful.

All praise is due to Allah, The All Peace full.

"They will not hear therein (in paradise) ill speech or commission of sin -Only a saying: "Peace, peace."" (Quran 56:25-26)

Recently, I traveled to Washington DC due to my work, and went looking for food. As I entered into a restaurant, I saw a believer getting the food from the buffet. He looked at me, and I looked at him. I smiled and waited for him to say Salam, but he did not. It was an amazing display, but not surprising. It was clear that he was a believer, because he had a beard, which is the sign of a believer. Beard is usually an announcement of one's faith that they are not ashamed of obeying Allah. Anyways, I greeted him, but no reply. I wasn't sure if he did not hear me or was he ignoring me. I said it one more time, but a little louder, "AsSalamuAlaykum". This time, he turned around and returned the greeting. It felt like pulling someones tooth. At that time, above verses of Surah AlWaqia came to me, as I have been trying to memorize them. In these verses, Allah was providing a description of Jannah, where everyone will greet each other with the best of greeting.

 After finishing the food while listening to this brother giving me lecture about Satan controlling me, I took the bus to the Islamic Center nearby. As I entered, I was taken by the design and beauty of the architecture of the masjid. It looked more like a palace of a Muslim King. I heard that a masjid is paradise on this earth, so I was waiting for everyone to greet me as I entered. It did not happen. I went and sat down with a brother waiting for Maghrib Salah. When we finish Salah, I greeted the Arab brother on my right side, and the Paksitani brother on my left side. Both were pleasantly surprised with the gesture, and smiled for the first time, since I have been observing them. See, they both were ignoring each other, and I am not sure why. After I greeted them, they both greeted each other and others in the masjid.

We have become so self centered that greeting others have become an abnormal activity. I know that some of the Imam of the masajid don't greet people when they enter unless they are close to them or they know them except for Imam Hatim Hamidullah from Masjid al Haqq. He will go out of his way and greet the new faces. He will smile and greet them and welcome them to the masjid, and may have a small talk. Why not you scholars of Islam? Why not you Imam of communities? Why not greet and smile as you approach people who you do not know? You don't have to come and sit with the people you know, to read a book or chit chat. Isn't the masjid part of paradise? There should be greetings flying left and right, and smiles on most faces as their eyes meet. We should not be like the donkeys who carry the knowledge of Quran and Hadith, but do not practice. Come on now! Walk up to that brother in the far side who looks new, and welcome him with a greeting. I guarantee you that there will be happiness in both hearts.

In fact, we should greet the the strangers on the streets, in the market, and at the workplace, regardless of if they are believers, muslims, or non-muslims. Greeting to strangers diffuses any silent tension that may be building in their head as they see your beard, and your wife's hijab (of course this is assuming that you are practicing Islam). It is the best form of dawah to Islam. It is the key to success at work. It is the bond that will tie the community. If you observe the people, you can tell by how they greet each other, how much they care about each other. Many times, I walk in the masjid, and I see people just ignore anyone who they don't know, and go straight for the group they recognize "Arey Chaudray Sahib kaisey hain aap...?" "Kaifal Haalak ...?"


Narrated Abu Hurayrah
The Messenger of Allah, said: You shall not enter paradise so long as you do not affirm belief (in all those things which are the articles of faith) and you will not believe as long as you do not love one another. Should I not direct you to a thing which, if you do, will foster love amongst you: (i.e.) give currency to (the practice of paying salutation to one another by saying) as-salamu alaykum. (Sahih Muslim 96)

Many discuss with me why we don't have unity in our communities, and the same people do not greet strangers in the masjid. How do they expect the unity to come, if they would not surrender their ego to Allah and walk up to a brother that is not from their circle and greet them with a smile? I do not know of any thing better than greeting one another, to create brotherhood.

I claim that a person who does not greet every living thing has not yet believed. A believer should greet an animal, an empty house, a muslim, a believer, and a non-believer. A believer should greet others before they greet. A believer should greet strangers.

Please greet anyone and everyone, as you will do in the Jannah, if you believe. Of course, If you do not believe, continue avoiding greetings.

P.S.  I like to share a painful detail. One of the brother told me today that Imam of Masjid Al-Sunnah described the lifestyle of Americans as pigs, and hence causing a new female convert to Islam to suffer and cry. I do not know the details of the Friday sermon, but I wish we can avoid it. It is unfortunate that we bring scholars who do not understand the culture, and they will harm our chances. We should find a way to replace them with scholars who understand American culture and benefit Islam in USA. Inviting Non-Muslims in USA is our primary goal. 

JazakAllah Khairin

A person who greets you greetings of peace.
AbuArman Jumani