Articles

Statement Issued by the General Iftaa` Department
Author : The General Iftaa` Department
Date Added : 19-02-2023

 

From the Islamic perspective, the martyr is the one killed while fighting for Allah’s Word to become superior. Allah The Almighty Says {What means}: "And say not of those who are slain in the way of God: "They are dead." Nay, they are living, though ye perceive (it) not." [Al-Baqarah/154].

 

In addition, Abu Musa told that a man came to the Prophet and said, “One man fights for booty, one for the reputation of fighting, and one for his degree [of bravery] to be seen; which of them is in God’s path?” He replied: "The one who fights that God’s word may have preeminence is in God’s path." {Agreed upon}.

 

Accordingly, how can the Muslim killed by another Muslim be considered a martyr?! This is taking into consideration the fact that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: "Reviling a Muslim is Fusuq (disobedience of Allah) and killing him is (tantamount to) disbelief." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. He (PBUH) also said: "The extinction of the whole world is less significant before Allah than killing a Muslim man." {Tirmithi}. 

 

In addition, inciting killing and destruction of property is considered a grave sin since the Messenger of Allah says: "… if anyone invites others to follow error, the sin, will be equivalent to that of the people who follow him (in sinfulness) without their sins being diminished in any respect." [Moslim].

 

Islamic Sharia prohibits taking life, except for a just cause, and transgressing against others property and honor. How could we judge that the Muslim killed by his fellow Muslim is a martyr! Allah The Almighty Says {What means}: "O ye who believe! Fear God and be with those who are true (in word and deed)." {At-Tawbah/119}. 

 

Consequently, it isn`t allowed for a Muslim to incite Muslims to kill each other then judge who goes to Heaven and who goes to Hell. This is since the Messenger of Allah {PBUH} says: "When two Muslims confront each other with their swords, both the slayer and the slain are doomed to Hell-Fire." {Agreed upon}.

 

As we know, a few months ago, citizens were given the permission to protest and express their opinions freely and they were treated respectfully to the extent that you would see them walking with the security forces side by side. It was a beautiful scene where the protestors expressed their opinions freely while the security forces provided protection to prevent sedition. Allah The Almighty Says {What means}: "but the plotting of Evil will hem in only the authors thereof." {Fatir/43}.

 

Both the protestors and the security forces are brothers and treated each other with mercy and kindness, and this is what we have actually seen on the ground. From an Islamic perspective, it is the duty of the scholars and thinkers to warn against seditions, revealed and concealed, since they will have serious repercussions on all members of society. Allah The Almighty Says {What means}: "And fear tumult or oppression, which affecteth not in particular (only) those of you who do wrong: and know that God is strict in punishment." {Al-Anfal/25}.

 

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "The happy man is he who avoids dissensions: happy is the man who avoids dissensions; happy is the man who avoids dissensions: but how fine is the man who is afflicted and shows endurance." [Related by Abu Dawood].

 

It is also the duty of the scholars to call people to preserve lives, properties, unity and avoid division and conflict. Allah, The Most Exalted Says {what means}: "And obey God and His Apostle; and fall into no disputes, lest ye lose heart and your power depart; and be patient and persevering: For God is with those who patiently persevere:" {Al-Anfal/46}.

 

As Ramadan is about to begin, we invite fellow citizens to unite, cleanse their hearts from any feelings of hatred and animosity, and learn a lesson from the shedding of innocent blood and violation of sanctities that is happening in neighboring countries.

 

This is a call to help the poor, the needy and the sick, in addition to warning the people not to engage in obscene and false speech, and to urge them to abide by virtuous morality and right behavior, especially as we prepare for the holy month of Ramadan. The Prophet (PBUH) said: "If one does not eschew lies and false conduct, Allah has no need that He should abstain from his food and his drink."[Agreed upon]. It is also a duty to call others to good word since it is a charity.

 

We seek refuge in Allah from trials both open and secret and that He Bless this country and other Muslim countries with safety and stability.

 

And All perfect praise be to Allah The Lord of The Worlds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Summarized Fatawaa

Who is the "Capable Person" for whom the Udhiyah is recommended?

Praise be to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon our Master, the Messenger of Allah.

The "Capable Person" (Al-Qadir): This refers to anyone who possesses surplus wealth beyond their own essential needs and the financial maintenance of their wife, children, or whoever is under their legal care, during the day of Eid and the three days of Tashreeq (the 11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul-Hijjah), as this is the designated timeframe for the sacrifice. And Allah Knows Best.

What are the conditions for a valid Udhiyah?

Praise be to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon our master, the Messenger of Allah.
 
First: The age of the animal must meet the Sharia requirements. These requirements vary depending on the type of sacrifice:
 
Camels: Must have completed five years and entered their sixth.
 
Cows: Must have completed two years and entered their third.
 
Goats: Must have completed two years and entered their third. As for Sheep, they must have completed one year and entered their second.
 
Some scholars have permitted goats that have completed one year and entered their second.
 
The Hanafi school, along with an opinion in the Maliki school, permits sacrificing sheep that are at least six months old, provided they are healthy and physically substantial. According to the Shafi’i school, it is permissible if the sheep sheds its front teeth (ajdha') before reaching one year [Al-Iqna’, by Al-Shirbini (Vol.2/P.588)].
 
Second: Soundness and freedom from defects. The animal must be free from any defect that causes a decrease in its meat or market value. This is based on the hadith narrated by Al-Bara' bin 'Azib, that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
 
"Four [defects] are not permissible in sacrifices: A one-eyed animal whose blindness is evident, a sick animal whose illness is evident, a lame animal whose lameness is evident, and an emaciated animal that has no marrow in its bones." [Reported by Abu Dawood and Al-Tirmidhi, who graded it as authentic].
 
These defects are detailed as follows:
 
Evident Lameness: It is not permissible to sacrifice a lame animal if the lameness is severe enough to prevent it from walking to the pasture or seeking food, as this leads to a decrease in its meat. However, slight lameness that does not hinder its grazing is overlooked.
 
Evident Blindness (One-eyed): It is not permissible to sacrifice a sheep, cow, or camel that has a white film over its eye blocking light, or one that has lost an eye entirely. Weak vision that does not affect its ability to eat does not prevent the sacrifice from being valid.
 
Evident Illness: An animal with a clear sickness that prevents it from eating or moving is not valid. This includes severe mange (Jarab) that spoils the meat.
 
Extreme Emaciation: An animal so thin that there is no marrow left in its bones is invalid. The standard for emaciation that invalidates the sacrifice is that which spoils the quality of the meat to the point that people would find it undesirable even in times of plenty.
 
Additional Considerations:
These are the defects mentioned in the Prophetic tradition, and any defect that causes emaciation or reduces the meat or value is compared to them by analogy. This includes animals that are mentally unstable (diseased), those with mange, or those with a missing ear. In contrast, a slit or pierced ear does not affect the validity of the sacrifice. And Allah the Almighty knows best.

What is the wisdom behind legislating the Udhiyah?

The Muslim must know that through the Uḍḥiyah, he complies with the command of Allah, the Exalted, and performs a worship that brings him closer to Allah and distances him from the Fire.
 
The Uḍḥiyah holds profound wisdoms and noble meanings, including:
 
1-Reviving the Sunnah of Abraham, peace be upon him: He complied with Allah's command when He ordered him to slaughter his son Ishmael. Abraham, peace be upon him, succeeded in the test, and when he was about to slaughter his son, Allah sent down a ram to ransom Ishmael and commanded him to slaughter it instead. Allah, the Exalted, says {what means]: "And when he reached with him [the age of] exertion, he said, 'O my son, indeed I have seen in a dream that I [must] sacrifice you, so see what you think.' He said, 'O my father, do as you are commanded. You will find me, if Allah wills, of the steadfast.' And when they had both submitted and he put him down upon his forehead, We called to him, 'O Abraham, You have fulfilled the vision.' Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good. Indeed, this was the clear trial. And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice." [Al-Ṣāffāt/102-107]. Thus, the sacrificial offering became an enduring Sunnah until the Day of Judgment, and Muslims offer their wealth as sacrifices, drawing closer to Allah, the Exalted, reviving this great Sunnah.
 
2-Providing abundance for people on Eid day and the Days of Tashrīq: Among the wisdoms of the Uḍḥiyah is that the Muslim provides generously for his family, neighbors, relatives, and the poor during these days. The Muslim is encouraged to eat from his sacrifice, give charity from it to the poor, and gift from it to his wealthy neighbors. Thus, goodness spreads throughout the entire community. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "The Days of Tashrīq are days of eating and drinking." (Narrated by Muslim). Allah, the Exalted, says {what means}: "And the camels and cattle We have appointed for you as among the symbols of Allah; for you therein is good." [Al-Ḥajj/36]. This good includes the good of both this world and the Hereafter.

What is the ruling on eating or drinking forgetfully during the day in Ramadan or during voluntary fasting?

Whoever eats or drinks forgetfully while fasting, whether in an obligatory or voluntary fast, should continue their fast, for it is Allah who has provided them with food and drink. There is no difference between obligatory and voluntary fasting in this ruling.