Playful People

Assalamu 'alaikum

Yeah I'm sure I can speak for everyone when I say that we've the updates on your blog. MashaAllah if there was ever a good reason not to update, you've found it.

There's something special about the da'wah at fajr time. Sometimes it is tempting to continue conversations for hours on end, especially when you can see the person changing in front of you.

I remember Babs-M once telling me that the ideological Muslim should be getting reward for watching Eastenders, inshaAllah, as long as he's linked it to seeking the pleasure of Allah. That's excellent! Allah makes it a blag getting into Jannah.

What is most impressive about Muslims like the sisters you mention at Uni is that they refer everything to Islam, and not to themselves. You're not following them like some people follow a scholar - you're going with the strongest Islamic opinion, regardless of who gave it to you and where they're from. Alhamdulillah.
 

BTW, you do realise that "bangers" are sausages, right?! Astagfirullah! (Kidding!)
 

salaam :D
bumped into your blog.. liking it (y)
keep it up mashallah :)
 

The Shaykh: lol - that's such a silly name - it doesn't suit your blog at all – but I guess that’s maybe what you were trying to do… I guess your right about following the strongest idea. Can I ask you something, Shaykh? *GIGGLE*

When there’s an issue where different people give different Islamic opinions and I’m convinced of one of them should I follow that immediately or wait until I’ve got more knowledge? What if I follow and then I find out I was wrong? I’ll feel awful, like what if I find out I’ve been praying the wrong way all along?

Btw - by “Bangers” I meant Bangladeshis… I think you must just have a dirty mind, astaghfirullah – lol.

Brotherhood: thanks for your nice comment. I thought I’d check out your blog – but I’ve left it without reading anything – you have such a nice user identity but your blog title is scary! I promise I’ll visit it soon when I can pluck up the courage.

Saffy x
 

(Hehe! I can tell you use Microsoft Word to write your comments!)

There will always be a difference of opinion on particular issues in Islam. Even the sahabah had difference of opinion, sometimes very publicly leading to war after the death of Muhammad (saws).

The Arabic language can be ridiculously clear when necessary. Allah is very specific in certain ayat, leading to text in which we have only one possible understanding. However, He (swt) has chosen to make the wording in certain ayat open to interpretation, i.e. he is allowing difference of opinion. There is still only ONE absolutely and completely correct understanding on the Qur'an, but Allah and his Messenger (saws) are the only ones with that knowledge.

The imams of the four main madhabs had a difference of opinion, too, which is perhaps what you are referring to. They would say of each other's opinions that "I am right, with a tiny chance of being wrong, and you are wrong with a tiny chance of being right". They accepted the difference of opinion because it was valid. For it to be valid it had to be based on the correct sources and ijtihad done by following the correct method.

So now there is a dilemma: Which opinion do we follow? Alhamdulillah, as Muslims our Creator has given us a method to solve this problem. We must follow this method and not our own desires.

The general principle is to alwaysfollow what you believe to be Islam.

First, you can follow someone without even hearing the ruling on an issue, just by copying a Muslim that you trust not to choose to do haram. This is taqleed (blind following).

In all cases, however, take the first Islamic opinion you hear. You only need a ruling (hukum), not evidence (dileel). You can carry on blindly following this opinion forever, UNLESS someone later approaches you with evidence.

As soon as someone brings evidence from a legitimate source you must follow that opinion. Then you must find out which of the two opinions is stronger, and from then on always follow the strongest opinion.

To assess the strength of an opinion is often a difficult process and far too involved to explain in a blog comment. In fact I don't fully understand it myself, but inshaAllah I'm learning. Sometimes a mujtahid (a scholar who can derive rulings) is so sharp, like Imam Abu Hanifa, that he'll often deck the other person's argument. Few people who dish out rulings today are on that level. Most of the time there are various different valid opinions, and it isn't just the mujtahid's understanding of the text (Qur'an/Hadith) that matters. They need to understand the problem before they can refer to text. For example, if someone does ijtihad on an aspect of medicine, that person must have knowledge of medicine (by being a doctor/professor, etc). Unfortunately many "scholars" are too willing to give rulings without understanding the issue.

So: You must continue to follow the first opinion you hear, unless someone brings evidence. Then you then follow the opinion with evidence, and then the opinion with the strongest evidence. The "value" of this method is that you are either following the first opinion - and hence not just your desires - or you are following the strongest opinion.

The scholar that has derived the right ruling will receive two rewards; the one who gets it wrong will receive one reward. As long as you follow this method you will have one reward (haha we've gotta work hard for that one!). Since you aren't in a position to derive rulings, you'll be following a scholar. Note that as long as you seriously struggle to follow what you believe is Islam, it doesn't matter if you ultimately got it wrong or right - you're still only getting one reward.

You shouldn't feel bad unless you didn't use the sequence above. Allah is rewarding you either way inshaAllah - why would you feel bad?!

Hehe excellent - the example of "Bangers" in the title: I thought you meant sausage, and you meant Bangladeshi. We can even have a difference of opinion in simple things like that!

("Free the *neck* of the slave" - just the neck, or the whole slave?)

("When a husband and wife hold hands, their sins drip from their fingers". Does that mean they are sinful for holding hands [haram], or that sins fall away when they hold hands [recommended]?) You get the idea...
 

This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
 

Salaamaleykum.Tahnks for the visit.:D
 

Assalamz..

hmmm yea u def have been missed. Its pretty interesting reading ur posts, sometimes I get to learn new stuff too alhamdulillah! Also being out here alone sometimes really sucks n reading ur blog brings a smile to my face, infact brings many smiles to my face. Its so nice to know that there are sisters out there trying to spread the deen for the pleasure of Allah (swt). May Allah (swt) reward u for all your efforts inshaAllah!

love u for the sake of Allah (don) xxx
 

Salam you!

I thought you'd left to sort that pot of yours' out!!!

I think you should stick to some downloads available on the Zaytuna site and try your best not to 'learn' the world in a day!

I have seen far too many young girls and boys post Ramadhan eager to learn everything but 6 months later agreeing they need to 'go easy'.

Anyway, I'm far too old and boring than most of your friends here.. but from my experience I have come to a realisation:
"doing dawah" is not an islated activity or an 'especially timetabled activity' that one does - eventually it should become part and parcel of the individual; a characteristic; a quality.

The best dawah is ones' prime example which is in open view by all.

All the best. May God ALmighty ease your path to Him.

Take care love
Wasalam
Bin xx
 

Ooh btw - did that actually sound harsh?

Well, you know me style by now to know what I mean ;-)

x
 

dont you just hate 'em!!

I would really hate if someone is trying to hassle me with this stuff of finding time about religion. its my business, and nobody needs to judge me.
 

Shaykh: Thanks man. I’m sorry for making you write such a long answer! It doesn’t make sense to ask questions like these on a blog – my bad. I’ve read your post a few times now and it makes sense. You’ve answered my question but your post generated more questions in my head (even though you were really comprehensive).

I’ll leave my other questions for now except one… where can I read about these issues coz it’s not taught in my Islamic studies class! Did you have to learn Arabic first to get access to the right books?

PS: How did you know I use word to write my posts? Was it the speech marks? I do it coz sometimes you just lose what you’re typing.
 

Sister Binti: No way – it wasn’t harsh at all. Everyone is so nice to each other on the blog, you can’t tell if people are being honest – at least I won’t have that problem with you, alhamdulillah. You’re right, I probably will start taking it easy after 6 months but doesn’t that mean I should be pushing myself even more now, while I still have the zeal?

I’m trying to use the Sahaba and the Prophet PBUH as my example and the more I read the more I feel like they were either all extremists or I’m still not doing enough – I guess I need to think about this a little more. Thank you so much for looking out for me – I really appreciate that.

Oh and by the way, you’re not boring – that’s such a horrible thing to say!

Love Saffy x
 

Conversations about important issues are always better in person. Even books don't cut it without having someone to speak to about it. I assume those sisters at your Uni can help out?

Hehe I don't know much Arabic at all, maybe only about 30/40 words or so, and not a bit of grammar.

Many (not all) Islamic Studies classes are places for people to memorise stuff like parrots, and to get hit with a stick by an old man if they don't. Usually, at best these classes are academic. Think about how many hafiz are jahil.

It makes me question... which of the sahabah had a certificate/degree in Islam? Sure, they learnt about Islam, they memorised the Qur'an and the sunnah of Muhammad, saws, but they did something special: They lived Islam. That is why they are called *practicing* Muslims.

You should find some Muslims who do the same (like those sisters, inshAllah). They'll know the importance of understanding Islam and applying the Qur'an and Sunnah. We should aim to become like the sahabah.

Alhamdulillah, it is from these types of brothers that I have been learning.

Two big points:
1. Islam is practical.
2. The knowledge that will haunt us on judgement day is that which we didn't implement.

If there is anything you want to ask in the mean time, come on over to the blog and leave a comment for any of the contributors.

About Word: Your "..." had been replaced by an ellipsis "…" (try to highlight just one of those dots!)
 

Assalaam Alaikum Sister,

I just wanted to tell you should remove your picture because it adds a lot of shuba (doubt) on your character.

Walaikum Salaam
 

Jacare: WS.

Thanks for the advice - that's always good.

But why does it put doubt on my character? :(

It's at home - plus it's nothing dodgy! If I had my awra exposed in public, that would be dodgy but isn't a picture different?

Saffy x
 

As salaam wa alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa baraktahu,
Sister , in response to the Naseeha Jacare left in his last comment;I agree with what he said.There are many reasons why having a picture/a picture without hijab/jus a picture of you in general could be seen as 'shubha' (i.e. doubt)
Firstly- altho a picture is not technically reality, and so technically speaking it could be considered halal, it is still a predominant opinion that pictures are not allowed islamically...so as you have mentioned, you said you started doing da'wah to sisters mashallah, well imagine a sister that doesnt know you reads your blog and sees you have a picture of yourself, for alll the brothers/males that ever manage to stumble across your blog to see...don't you think that she may see it as dodgy? She may think you are committing sin...and that's something you really dont want...also even if you think that you can just 'explain' the whole reality issue behind why you think photos of yourself without hijab are halal....not every person will be convinced and plus there are more important topics of conversation which the ummah needs to be engaging in....

Also despite the shubha issue with other people, as muslims we wear hijab- this is physically and metapohorically- we should always be aware of how we conduct ourselves in public...the internet is no different. I have noticed, not just with you but with other bloggers too, that when there is interaction occurring between brothers and sisters, then sometimes the comments are perhaps slightly too informal...just because we aren't face to face, doesnt mean that the ability to socialise unkowingly isnt there- in fact it is very easy to reveal your character and personality over the internet. The words we pick, the things we say and the way in which we say it are all very revealing. You should always be aware of this, for instance would you call a brother 'a sweety' if you knew his wife was sitting next to him?
I know that blogs are personal things, but i feel that some things are better left off the internet, kept for your sisters ears only... that way it makes you all the more special as only you're mahram males and the sisters in this world will ever know the real you....that is why the social system in Islam is so amazing as it makes each relationship for instance between a husband and a wife ultra special as they are the only ones who get to see the 'real you' without hijab in all senses.
I hope that i have not offended you or anyone else, and i hope that you can accept the naseeha, please correct me if I am wrong or unjustified in anything i have said....
 

About her picture, why should it create doubt? Isnt wearing a hijab strictly between her and Allah? But Allah knows best.

Anyways, your post made me smile & i think its wikked your doing da'wah. Keep it up :)

masalaams

Zay
 

I am growing a beard! It has grown a fair length because it has been a few weeks since I last shaved, but there are still a couple of "patches" which don't grow... :-( Can't have that tonk two-fisted beard yet.

I've also shaved my head and trimmed the 'tache, so I have a typically "Islamic" look at the moment.

I've got through the itchiest phase of growth, and it is all settling in nicely. However, in the next few days I'm gonna shave the beard off. I hold the opinion that growing a beard is not a fard. I've looked at all of the relevant evidence, and not seen a single solitary bit of dileel to suggest obligation. It is not my personal ijtihad, since I'm in no position to make that type of assessment, but the opinion of a number of scholars that I trust.

This is not - and should not - be the place to discuss whether I am right about the beard. That discussion can happen elsewhere; I think this string of comments has grown enough and is already far from the original topic.

My point is this: I *could* grow a ten foot long beard to keep particular Muslims happy. I could even dress in traditional Arab clothing. I'm sure that a number of people would prefer that I did. No doubt some Muslims would think I'm a dodgy brother for not doing so. The same applies to sisters and the niqab. Some Muslims think I’m dodgy for not voting in the General Election, while I think they are misguided for adopting on secularism.

We could carry on that line of thought forever and still not understand how to act.

We are Muslim and Allah has given us guidance. The best of examples, Muhammad, saws, has already solved this problem for us. Alhamdulillah.

This conversation is about two things: shubha and "diplomacy".

Shubha: It means doubt. Not just any doubt, though. The relevant hadith (paraphrased here for brevity) is about the Prophet saws once leaving a building from a side exit with a woman. During that time, leaving from a side exit was usually done when someone had something to hide (a prostitute, for example). Some of the sahabah saw the Prophet saws leaving with the woman and quickly turned away and walked off. Muhammad saws ran after them and explained that the woman was his wife and not a foreign woman.

Notice what happened: Everyone involved understood the ruling about the relationship between men and women. However, those sahabah misunderstood the reality.

There were plenty of times when people did not understand a hukum, or held a different Islamic opinion on the ruling. In these cases the Muslims were not required to correct the other person and could continue acting in accordance with the hukum. However, when there was only one ruling, but someone misunderstood the situation, then it became a fard to explain just as Muhammad saws did. This is the definition of shubha in its Islamic context.

It is clear that there is a valid Islamic opinion that Saffy’s photograph is halal. It is therefore not a matter of shubha. I would suggest that we all (me included) check the definitions of these words in their proper context before using them.

Now, as for the other matter that has been brought up: diplomacy.

Despite saying that it is completely halal for that photograph to be up there, I agree that it might be a politically astute move to consider its removal just to avoid anyone deciding not to read the blog. I can equally well see the point of view that says that there will be people for whom a photograph will be a genuine benefit. For some it will be of no consequence. This is a considered decision that Saffy needs to make. It is this assessment that she must make, and it is this assessment that she will be asked about on Judgement Day. I happen to think that since she believes it to be halal, she ought to keep it there and continue to produce a blog that reflects her Islamic personality. Her Islamic opinions are an integral part of her personality, and as such the presence of that photograph is part and parcel of that personality. Of course, Islam even defines personality.

The sister also correctly hinted at a very important principle, one that has sadly been corrupted in the minds of many Muslims. Allah defines beauty as a matter of context. Saffy took this photograph indoors. She is dressed appropriately for that context. As such, Islam defines that photograph as beautiful, mashaAllah. If that exact same photograph was taken outdoors, it would be ugly. As the Screaming Banshee pointed out, a photograph is not “reality” and as such the rulings on awrah simply do not apply.

Finally, I disagree that the hijab is strictly between her and Allah. We are all part of one body, the Ummah, and what affects one part should affect us all. That is Islam. MashaAllah I believe that we are all here trying to help each other. No doubt that is why these blogs and comments are being written in the first place.

Wa Allahu 'alim.
 

Wow - that was long so I'll keep this short.

Thanks to all for your comments. I love Muslims - even though you were giving me advice, I didn't get a hint of arrogance from your comments - just pure and healthy advice. Thanks guys!

Conclusion: Photo will stay until I'm convinced it's Haram :p

PS I'm not THAT ugly - stop trying to get rid of me ;)
 

Assalam Alaikum,

I think you totally missed the point. The picture by itself is not haraam, but what is the objective behing showing a picture of you being uncovered on your blog and in the comments on other people`s blogs while being fully aware that brothers will inevitably look at it? No offense, but each time I am reading the comment section on our blog, I have to constanly try not to look at it and it is becoming quite annoying.
There is a principle in Islam that states that whatever leads to Haraam is Haraam itself. This principle is the reason why pornographic movies and magazines are haraam even though you are only looking at a picture and not the real thing as it encourages you to commit haraam. On the other hand watching the BBC news presented by a female broadcaster is not haraam as long as you don`t get agitated by it. So you see the difference. It is not a question of picture or not picture but rather a question of why do you want people, and especially brothers, to know how you look without hijab.

Walaikum Salaam
 

Abu Khadeejah: WS

You mentioned: "...each time I am reading the comment section on our blog..."

Could you please tell me, which one is your blog?

Thanks a lot.

Saffy
 

This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
 

Abu Khadeeja: Don't worry - I've figured out which blog you contribute on.

I'm sorry for annoying you - that really was never my intention - I promise... and don't worry, I won't annoy you on your blog anymore.

Thanks for being honest - if you didn't tell me how you felt, I would never know :)

May Allah bless you a million times over.

Saffy
 

Salam

ANYWAY little sister I thought I'd pop my head round and let you know that my room is finally clean!

LOL

How's that for a conversation ender??

Also, are you thinking of attending the forthcoming events by Q-News? There is something in London too..

Excuse me for posting this here:

This Weekend Girlfriend!

Anyhow,

Look after yourself -

Wasalam, love and duas dear

Your old aunt Bint x x x x
 

Salaam Auntiji

lol

One of my friends is going to that event - I've been invited but I can't go :(

InshAllah it goes well.

Saffy
 

Walaikumslam!

lol

Okey doke x x x

I am sure there are many wonderful events coming soon x x x

Wasalam & duas