Establishing the beginning and ending of Ramadhaan by sighting the moon

Question: Is it permissible for a Muslim to rely upon astronomical calculations in order to establish the beginning and ending of fasting or is it a must that the new moon is seen? Answer: The Islaamic Sharee'ah is a merciful legislation and is general. Its rulings are appropriate to all of man and jinn upon …

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Hijacking planes and kidnapping

From that which is known to everyone who has the slightest bit of common sense is that hijacking airplanes and kidnapping children and the like are extremely great crimes, the world over. Their evil effects are far and wide, as is the great harm and inconvenience caused to the innocent; the total effect of which …

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The ruling concerning celebrating birthdays

Question: What is the ruling concerning celebrating birthdays? Answer: Celebrating birthdays has no source whatsoever in the pure Sharee'ah. In fact, it is an innovation, since the Messenger of Allaah (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) said: ((Whoever introduces anything into this matter of ours that does not belong to it shall have that action rejected)). This …

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Our Obligations Regarding The Rulers

Question: What is wajib upon us regarding the people who are in authority over us or the Hukaam (Rulers)? Answer: Wishing them well, its explanation is that they are supported regarding the truth, they are followed and obeyed. That they be advised with softness, they are prayed behind, jihaad should be performed with them, they …

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Ruling on using the masbahah (prayer beads)

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah said in al-Fataawa (22/187): “Some of them might show off by putting their prayer-mats over their shoulders and carrying their masbahahs in their hands, making them symbols of religion and prayer. It is known from the mutawaatir reports that neither the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) nor …

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Is it obligatory to obey a ruler who does not rule according to the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger (blessings and peace of Allaah be upon him)?

Question: Is it obligatory to obey a ruler who does not rule according to the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger (blessings and peace of Allaah be upon him)? Answer: Praise be to Allaah. The ruler who does not rule according to the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger …

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Ruling on uttering the intention (niyyah) in acts of worship

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah was asked about the intention when starting to do an act of worship such as praying etc., do we need to utter it verbally, such as saying, “I intend to pray, I intend to fast”? He replied: Praise be to Allaah. The intention of purifying oneself by doing wudoo’ ghusl or …

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Concerning the Hadeeths ”Whoever Listens to a Female Singer” And ”Music Makes Hypocrisy Grow”

Question: I read in a Hadeeth that the Prophet (sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam) said, "Whoever listens to a female singer, then molten lead will he poured into his ears." And another Hadeeth: "Music makes hypocrisy grow in the heart just as water makes grass grow. Are these Hadeeths authentic? And what is the ruling regarding …

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