Videos
Parents and Children
If a mother cuts off contact, the child should persist in trying to reconnect, pray for her, and maintain filial duty. Parents have immense rights, especially when Muslim. The child should avoid resentment, act with patience, and continue to seek reconciliation through good deeds and charity.
Living in Non-Muslim Countries
When work in the West inevitably involves mixed-gender environments, it is permitted if the believer can control their gaze, avoid temptation, and ensure no unlawful seclusion occurs. If there is no alternative and the person genuinely needs the work, they may choose the lesser of two evils, with caution and self-restraint.
Muslim Countries and World Affairs
The claim that American military bases exist in Saudi Arabia is false. The largest American base in the region is in Qatar’s al-`Udayd district. The allegation is used by the Khawārij and the Muslim Brotherhood to discredit Saudi Arabia, which has no such bases or attacks launched from its territory.
Christianity
The claim that Jesus is Allah ﷻ because he was created from Allah’s ﷻ spirit is contradictory. The Qurʾān states that Allah ﷻ created Jesus through a divine breath given by an angel, and Adam was similarly created from clay with a divine breath. Therefore, creation through a breath does not make one divine, and the Christian argument is logically inconsistent.
Sciences of the Qurʾān
Variant readings of the Qurʾān are not a flaw but a mercy, as the ten mutawātir readings are authentically preserved through multiple chains of narration. They differ only in minor, complementary ways, and each has a recognised scholarly interpretation. This preservation contrasts with the contradictory gospels of the Bible.
Foundations of Faith
Persistent doubts about faith are often intrusive thoughts from Shayṭān, not a sign of hypocrisy. The remedy is to seek refuge in Allah ﷻ, recite supplications, and occupy oneself with remembrance and gratitude. Such thoughts indicate the presence of faith, and the believer should reject them and continue worship.
Daʿwah and Invitation to Islam
Scholars differ on photography and video, but those who permit them without veneration consider using videos for dawah permissible. Even those who oppose images may allow it when there is an essential need, such as refuting false arguments, inviting people to Islam, or disassociating Islam from extremist groups.
Prayer
If the Friday sermon contains slander against the scholars of the Sunnah or the rulers, you may distract yourself from listening and complete the prayer, then avoid returning. If you can reach another masjid of the people of Sunnah in time, you should attend there instead.
Death, Grave and Hereafter
Imām Ibn Abbās described the universe as a layered, spindle-shaped structure, with the heavens like domes enclosing one another. Hell (Jahannam) is located at the very lowest point, beneath all creation, in the narrowest part of this form. The ḥadīth of al-Barāʾ ibn Āzib supports this understanding.
Daily Life and Social Conduct
Wearing a thobe and shimāgh in Western countries is generally considered attention-seeking unless it is common within the local Muslim community or society. It is recommended to dress like other Muslims in that country, avoiding styles associated with unbelievers or sinful groups, to maintain modesty and avoid standing out.
Sincerity and Righteous Deeds
If you fear your good deeds are for show, do not let Shayṭān deter you. Act quickly in obedience and avoid pretence. Remember al-Fuḍayl ibn `Iyāḍ’s warning that doing a deed for people is polytheism and abandoning it for people is riyā. Seek refuge in Allah ﷻ and continue worship.
Parents and Children
Buying children’s clothing with pictures is permissible when the intention is simply to purchase clothes, especially given the scarcity of picture-free garments. However, Muslims should strive to avoid such items when possible, and sellers should avoid stocking them to prevent falling into doubt.
