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Statement from the Iftaa` Council regarding the Brutal Aggression on Gaza
Author : The General Iftaa` Department
Date Added : 05-07-2023

Statement from the Iftaa` Council regarding the Brutal Aggression on Gaza

 

Allah the Almighty says {what means}: "To those against whom war is made, permission is given (to fight), because they are wronged;- and verily, God is most powerful for their aid;-" {Al-Haj, 39}. Indeed, Allah the Exalted tests His believing servants in order to reveal the truth of their reliance on Him, their great care for their religion, and their patience when meeting their enemy. Allah says {What means}: "but if it had been God’s Will, He could certainly have exacted retribution from them (Himself); but (He lets you fight) in order to test you, some with others." {Mohammad, 4}.

 

O Islamic Ummah!, the day of Gaza is not a secret. Allah the Almighty says {What means}: "And they will not cease to fight you until they turn you back from your religion if they can." {Al-Baqarah, 217}. And here is our enemy attacking our brothers in Gaza, destroying mosques, taking lives, and killing children and women. The Prophet (PBUH) said: "A Muslim is a brother of another Muslim. So he should not oppress him nor should he hand him over to (his Satan or to his self which is inclined to evil)." (Transmitted by Bukhari & Muslim). This means that he does not leave him alone in the face of the enemy. Our brothers in Gaza are steadfast heroes and we salute their steadfastness. We are proud of their perseverance in the way of Allah, we magnify their contempt for the Zionist military machine, and we pray with sincerity that Allah bless them with victory over the infidels. This remind of the words of Allah the Almighty Who says {what means}: "Those who were told by the people: Indeed, the people have gathered against you, so fear them. So it increased them in faith, and they said: 'Allah is sufficient for us, and He is the best disposer of affairs.'" (Al-Imran, 173). However, it is not permissible for us to leave them alone in the heat of battle.

 

We declare to everyone that the aggression of the Zionists against our brothers in Gaza represents an aggression against all Muslims. Muslims are one nation, even if their schools of thought, sects, and languages differed. Undoubtedly, every Muslim is feeling pain for what is happening to his brothers in Gaza and considers that a personal aggression against himself. Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "The believers in their mutual kindness, compassion and sympathy are just like one body. When one of the limbs suffers, the whole body responds to it with wakefulness and fever." {Transmitted by Al-Bukhari & Muslim}. Moreover, what has happened in Gaza worries us all and stirs anger in our souls.

 

Today, we are in dire need for unity, not exchanging blame or levelling accusations. We must rise above our differences and rally around the word of Tawheed: "There is none worthy of worship save Allah, and Mohammad is His Messenger." Every Muslim must support his brothers who are doing Jihad and help them by whatever means he can. This is our duty before Allah and His Messenger and we will be held accountable for it. Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) said, "Whoever equips a Mujahid in the way of Allah has indeed fought, and whoever takes care of the family of a Mujahid in his absence has indeed fought." (Bukhari & Muslim).

 

Anger must be turned into effective action; each from their position and according to their ability: (Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity) {Al-Baqarah, 286}.

 

 In this blessed country, we are supporters and immigrants, united by the support of justice, the support of the Mujahideen, and the brotherhood of Islam for more than sixty years. We will continue in this path, Allah willing. We are proud of the sincere gesture that the people of this steadfast country made yesterday to support our brothers in Gaza. The leadership, the government, and the citizens support the people of Gaza and this is not the first gesture through which they have shown support for the people of lawful right. 

 

His Majesty, may Allah protect him, donating his blood and money, and showing support for our brothers, along with his influence on the international arena, is also a source of pride for us. Likewise, we also appreciate the Prime Minister's gesture for reassessing relations with this country. Moreover, all citizens were inspired by His Majesty`s attitude, so they followed his example through donating their blood and money as an expression of sincere brotherhood and unity of destiny. May Allah reward them well for what they have done and are doing.

 

The relief convoys that depart from this country to Gaza are tantamount to an artery that provides our brothers there with the necessities of life and the requirements of steadfastness. This aid must continue since the situation still needs support. Allah the Almighty says {What means}: (The believers, men and women, are protectors of each other.) {At-Tawbah, 71}.

 

These are the right days to express the sincerity of faith, pride in Islam, and in belonging to the nation of the master of creation, Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). It is an Islamic obligation that this support (money, words, supplication) continues. Allah the Almighty says {What means}: "O you who have believed, be patient and persevere, and remain steadfast, and fear Allah that you may be successful.) {Al-`Imran, 200}.

 

Peace, mercy and blessings of Allah be upon you all.

 

 

 

 

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Summarized Fatawaa

What is the ruling on using the *subḥah* (prayer beads) to count during *tasbīḥ* and *dhikr*?

All praise is due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon our master, the Messenger of Allah.
It is recommended to use the ordinary or electronic subḥah (prayer beads or counter) to count tasbīḥ, dhikr, and istighfār, because it helps one to remember Allah. Many reports have been transmitted from the Companions and the Followers (tābiʿūn) showing that they continued to use strings of date pits as an aid to dhikr and tasbīḥ.
It is one of the lawful means of worship. Indeed, what is established from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), namely that he counted tasbīḥ on his right hand, shows that it is permissible to count tasbīḥ with whatever helps a Muslim keep track of the number. There is therefore no basis for calling it an innovation (bidʿah), and we know of no jurist who said so.
Al-Ḥāfiẓ al-Suyūṭī (may Allah have mercy on him) wrote a dedicated treatise on the subject titled al-Minḥah fī al-Subḥah, printed within al-Ḥāwī li’l-Fatāwī (vol. 4–6).
Shaykh al-Islām Imam Ibn Ḥajar al-Haytamī (may Allah have mercy on him) was asked: Does the subḥah have a basis in the Sunnah? He replied: “Yes, and al-Ḥāfiẓ al-Suyūṭī wrote on this. Among the evidence is what is authentically reported from Ibn ʿUmar (may Allah be pleased with them both): ‘I saw the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) counting tasbīḥ on his hand.’ Ibn Abī Shaybah, Abū Dāwūd, and al-Tirmidhī also narrated: ‘Hold fast to tasbīḥ, tahlīl, and taqdīs, and do not be heedless, lest you forget the affirmation of Allah’s oneness (tawḥīd). Count them on the fingertips, for they will be questioned and made to speak.’ Counting tasbīḥ with pebbles, date pits, and a knotted string has also been reported from a group of the Companions and those after them. Some scholars held that counting on the fingertips is better than the subḥah, based on the ḥadīth of Ibn ʿUmar. Others distinguished, saying: if the one reciting is safe from miscounting, counting on the fingertips is better; otherwise the subḥah is better.” [al-Fatāwā al-Fiqhiyyah al-Kubrā, Vol.1/p.152]. And Allah Almighty knows best.

What is the ruling on offering a sheep as a sacrifice (Udhiyah) if its fat-tail is sound, except that when it was young, the tip of its fat-tail was cut so that it would grow larger? And what is the ruling in case of doubt regarding the amount that was cut?

 
In the Name of Allah, and may peace and blessings be upon our Master, the Messenger of Allah.
 
Cutting a minor, insignificant portion from the tip of an animal's fat-tail (al-alyah) to encourage it to grow larger is not considered a defect, and it does not prevent the animal from being valid for sacrifice (Udhiyah).
 
It is stated in Tuhfat al-Muhtaj (Vol.9/P.352): "There is some scholarly deliberation regarding the common practice of cutting the tip of the fat-tail so that it grows larger. It could potentially be likened to a partial cut of the ear—supported by the jurists' general rule: 'even if it is a small amount.' On the other hand, if it is an exceptionally minor cut, it might have no effect on validity. This is explicitly clarified by the juristic exception to the general rule, which states that cutting a tiny piece from a large limb causes no harm. This latter view is more well-founded.
 
Furthermore, I found that some scholars investigated this matter and concluded: 'It should not affect validity if a custom-sanctioned portion of its fat-tail is removed during its youth to make it grow larger and look better, just as castrating a male animal causes no harm.' However, applying this unconditionally contradicts the established texts of the jurists, as understood from what I have laid out; thus, the restriction I specified is what must be relied upon."
 
Similarly, it is mentioned in Nihayat al-Muhtaj (8/135): "If a small piece is cut from the fat-tail to help it grow larger, the most well-founded view is that the sacrifice remains valid, as was given in a formal legal verdict (Fatwa) by my father [Shihab al-Din al-Ramli], may Allah be pleased with him. This is proven by the jurists' maxim: 'The loss of a tiny piece from a large limb causes no harm.'"
 
In cases where there is doubt as to whether the portion cut was large or small, the animal is still deemed valid for sacrifice. It is noted in Hashiyat al-Shubramallisi ‘ala Nihayat al-Muhtaj (Vol.8/P.135):
 
"This matter requires careful consideration, but the closer and more correct view is that it is valid. This is because soundness is the default state for the animal from which the piece was cut, and it aligns with what usually occurs—namely, that the part removed to help the fat-tail grow larger is naturally very small." And Allah the Almighty Knows Best.

What are the Sunnahs and etiquettes related to the slaughtering of an animal?

 

 
In the Name of Allah, and may peace and blessings be upon our Master, the Messenger of Allah.
 
1-Avoid terrifying the animal before it is slaughtered.
 
2-Do not slaughter the animal in front of others of its kind.
 
3-Offer water to the animal before the sacrifice.
 
4-Sharpen the knife thoroughly prior to slaughtering to ensure the cut is made as quickly and cleanly as possible. This is in accordance with the statement of our Master, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him): "Indeed, Allah, the Almighty and Majestic, has prescribed excellence (Ihsan) in all things. So when you kill, kill well; and when you slaughter, slaughter well. Let each of you sharpen his blade, and let him put his sacrificial animal at ease." (Narrated by Muslim)
 
Do not begin skinning the carcass until you are absolutely certain that the animal has completely passed away.
 
Slaughter cattle, sheep, and goats while they are lying down on their left side, facing the Qiblah (direction of prayer). Leave the right leg untied so the animal can move it, helping it rest more easily during its final moments. For camels, however, the preferred method (Nahr) is to slaughter them while they are standing up, with their left knee tied. And Allah the Almighty Knows Best.

What is incumbent upon the one offering the sacrifice if, after slaughtering the animal, they discover that one of its internal organs is damaged or diseased?

All praise is due to Allah, and may peace and blessings be upon our Master, the Messenger of Allah.
 
The presence of disease or defect in the internal organs of a sheep does not affect the validity of the sacrificial animal, unless the disease leads to the animal becoming emaciated and its meat becoming corrupted.
 
It is stated in al-Iqnā' (2/590) by Imam al-Shirbīnī: "The third disqualifying condition: an animal with a manifest illness — meaning one whose illness visibly results in emaciation and corruption of its meat. However, if the illness is minor and does not produce such effects, it doesn`t affect the validity of the sacrificed animal." And Allah Almighty knows best.