Resolutions of Iftaa' Board



Resolutions of Iftaa' Board

Date Added : 17-11-2015

Resolution No.(185)( 2/2013) by the Board of Iftaa`, Research and Islamic Studies.

“The Status of  the Arabic Language and the Importance of Protecting it Against Negligence “

Date: (26/3/1434 AH) corresponding to (7/2/2013 AD)

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. Peace and blessings be upon Prophet Mohammad and upon all his family and companions.

On the aforementioned date, the Board reviewed the question submitted by Mr. Hasan al-Ta`ll,  “ The National Project for Defending the Arabic Language”, and it reads as follows: What is the ruling on people who mix their Arabic with English words while talking, and they, sometimes, mix it with another language through creating hybrid words which aren`t related to any of them ? What is the ruling on writing Arabic in Latin letters; particularly in phone messages, social media, and the internet ? What is the Sharia ruling as regards defending the Arabic language ?

After thorough study and deliberation, the Board decided the following:

Allah, The Exalted, Has Honored the Arabic language with a special status through choosing it as the language of His Divine Book, The Holy Quran. In this regard He, The Exalted Says (What means): “With it came down the spirit of Faith and Truth-To thy heart and mind, that thou mayest admonish. In the perspicuous Arabic tongue.” {Ash-shu`ara/pp.193-195}. He, The Most Exalted also Says (What means): “A Book, whereof the verses are explained in detail; a Qur’an in Arabic, for people who understand” {Fussilat/3}. Arabic is an honored language chosen to convey the words of Allah, to Him belongs Might and Majesty, to all humanity, and this by itself is the greatest of privileges.

Accordingly, Arabic has become a major factor in the unity of the Muslim Nation to which we all aspire as well as the cultural identity of Muslims. It also links the Ummah`s (Nation`s) religion and heritage with the current generations since it is imperative that they master it along with its discourse techniques in order to understand their religion and make use of their Islamic heritage. Some scholars stated: “Any changes in words and inflections cause a change in meaning which leads to establishing a ruling or denying one." 

Therefore, learning the important aspects of the Arabic language to understand Islam and to secure the validity of the various acts of worship is an individual duty. Whereas, protecting it against negligence and solidifying its status nationally and internationally is a collective duty because  language is the crown of any civilization or culture, thus promoting the message and values of Islam can`t be achieved by neglecting the Arabic language, being ignorant of its basics, and giving precedence to a foreign language. Rather, it is achieved by facing all attempts of alienation, effacement, and distortion exerted against it. This is actually embodied nowadays in:  writing Arabic  using Latin letters via different means of social media, making Arabic difficult to learn, acquiring knowledge in various disciplines in foreign languages, and using colloquial Arabic in some means of mass media. All of these boil down to exchanging that which is meaner for that which is better, and that had an evident effect on the general image of the Arab and Muslim societies.

In this regard scholars stated: “Learning the Arabic language entails learning other disciplines of knowledge, and morals since customs have a great impact on that which Allah favors, or denies. Rightly guided people of old times rarely used a foreign language except when necessary. A Muslim shouldn`t  resort to a language other than that of the Holy Quran as regards oral and written forms of communication although getting used to a language leaves a clear impact on manners, religion, and intellect. The Arabic language itself is an integral part of the religion and understanding it is mandatory.

It is our responsibility to draw up plans and curricula which enable the Arabic language to retrieve some of its glory and influence on the various academic and practical aspects of life through providing the needed moral and material support. And Allah Knows Best.

 

Chairman of the Iftaa` Board,

The Mufti General of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan/His Grace, Abdulkareem Al-Khasawneh

Professor Abed Al-Nassir Abulbassal/Member

His Eminence Sheiykh Sa`eed Hijawi/Member

Professor Moh. Al-Qudah/Member

Dr.Yahia Al-Botosh/Member

Dr. Moh. Al-Khalaylah/Member

Dr. Wasif Al-Bakhri

Dr. Moh. Al-Zou`bi

Dr. Moh. Khair Essa

 

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Summarized Fatawaa

My father passed away, and he had life insurance with "Alico" for an amount of 12,500 dinars. He had paid premiums totaling 2,000 dinars. The insurance company paid us the insured amount. Should we take it, or is it considered forbidden (haram) money? And what should we do with it if it is forbidden?

You may take the amount your father paid to the company. The remaining amount is not yours. However, if you must take it, then accept it and donate it to the poor. And Allah Knows Best.

For passing time, my friends and I have called a famous diviner. She told me that somebody had cast a spill on me not to get married for the rest of my life. I didn`t believe her, but I can`t forget her words. How can I protect myself from such thing?

Praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds.

Dealing with diviners is forbidden and what you are suffering from is due to your having consulted that diviner. Have trust in Allah and ask Him for forgiveness, but rest assured that whatever Allah has decreed will take place. And Allah The Almighty Knows Best.

What is the Islamic ruling regarding a person finding buried treasure, whether gold or artifacts, and what is their share of it?

If the buried treasure is Islamic, it is considered Luqta (lost property), and the finder must announce it to locate its owner. If all efforts to find the owner fail, the finder may take ownership of it. If the treasure is non-Islamic and consists of gold or silver, zakat must be paid on it, which is one-fifth of its value. And Allah Knows Best.

How should I deal with the whispers of the devil with regard to ablution and purity?

Whispers in ablution are from the devil, and so you should take refuge in Allah from the devil`s evil suggestions that aim to distort the religion. Thus, once an organ is completely pure, don`t question its purity since having whispers doesn`t mean that the purity is invalid as it has already been established.