Your Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed

Year 44th - Feb. 2018 -Issue 518

)Monthly Islamic & Cultural Magazine(Issued by the General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments

The Islamic Affairs as envisioned by Zayed, the Leader

Protecting the environment: A goal of the Islamic Sharia

An interview with an Awqaf Official

Thank you,Your Highness, SheikhMohammed bin Zayed

In the Year of Zayed, we not only evoke history and critical moments of our lives, yet Zayed, may Allah rest his soul in peace, is the spirit of the Union that runs in arteries of the country, and conscience of people in terms of belonging, loyalty, supplication and role model.

Zayed has planted in us the spirit of belonging to this country, which stems from religion, tradition, coherence and giving.

Also, Zayed has instilled feelings of love and loyalty in us due to his parental personality and leadership, who established the bridges of love and loyalty be-tween people and its wise leadership. For this reason, we are hugely proud and feel the bounty of Allah the Exalted that He has bestowed upon us prudent lead-ership that builds, and so do we hand in hand the edifices of our development in perfect harmony amongst tradition, modernity and progress.

Indeed Zayed comes in the first line of the supplication every time we pray to Allah the Almighty and every bounty we enjoy, be it safety, stability, and wel-fare throughout the country, our hearts start to palpitate in thanking Allah for these favours and our throats hasten to pray for the founding leader and the astute leadership. Thanks to Sheikh Zayed, the astute leadership has learnt of the springs of giving. As a result, they give our people open-handedly and confer upon us with benevolence and generosity, so we have become to live in welfare and happiness amid peoples and nations worldwide.

Moreover, Zayed is the leader and role model to emulate; and we draw from his sayings a roadmap when he once said, “we believe in the role of knowledge in building the human being since knowledge is the foundation of every progress and spring of every civilisation.” The late Sheikh Zayed would thank Allah the Most High, the Giver so abundantly. Moreover, his advice only pushes all of us to continue thanking Allah for it is the key to everything that is good.

Recently, on the eve of taking over the reins of the Emirate of Dubai, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched a national and human initiative added to his other major initiatives on the art of leadership and wisdom when His Highness extended his thanks to his brother HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his determination in continuing the march of development and giving as well as for his initiatives that are known to every citizen and expat and friend across the Arab world and worldwide.

In return, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan exchanged the letter of thanks of profound significance for being a brother, teacher, lifetime friend and leader. What a beautiful exchange of thanks between the great leaders, and this has generated a burst of enthusiasm of citizens and they raised the sign: Thank You Mohammed bin Zayed.

In this issue, readers are invited to explore shining parts of the national and human values; in addition to a whole range of activities Awqaf undertook last month. You are also expected to read research, studies, Fatwas, and contempo-rary issues related to thinking, Fiqh and the Islamic values, and other sections on readings of the past and present.

Zayed: The Spirit of the Union

Edito

rial

Dr. Ahmed Al-Mousa

Manar Al-Islam Issue 518 3

Feb. 20184

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Monthly Islamic & Cultural Magazine

Established in 1394 AH (1974 AD) and

Issued on 1st day of every lunar month by the General Authority of Islamic Affairs

& EndowmentsThe United Arab Emirates

General Manager :Dr Mohammed Matar Al Kaabi

Deputy General Manager :Omar Al Derei

Editors-in-Chief :Abdul-Rahman Al ShamsiDr Ahmed Mousa Al Mousa

Managing Editor :Khalifa AlDhaheri

Editorial Board :Juma Al Hosani

Shammah AlDahriSara AlHosani

Mona AlAhbabiMoza AlSuwaidi

Editor :Maisara Al Hibr

Graphic Design: Graphics sectionin the Magazine

Contents

Mohammed bin Zayed: His giving to the Islamic Affairs goes beyond the call of duty

President Al Bashir hails the high level of relations between Sudan and UAE

The Islamic Affairs and the Abu Dhabi Police ensure ties of cooperation and coordination

Delegation of the “ Ministry of Education” and “Awqaf” visits Al Azhar University

The 1st competition of reading of the Quran as part of the “National beautiful reciting voices” initiative

The Islamic Affairs: cleanliness and caretaking of mosques are a priority

The Islamic Affairs re-builds 28 mosques that were constructed in the era of the late Sheikh Zayed

Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies held in Abu Dhabi entitled: The Fear of Islam and Roadblocks on the road to Radicalism (2)

Fatwas

06

08

09

10

11

12

13

14

18


Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and

do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors and the publisher.

Dear Reader: This magazine contains verses from the Holy

Quran and the Hadiths of the Prophet (PBUH).

It is therefore necessary you treat it with utmost respect.

All correspondence to be addressed to Managing Editor

P.O.Box 2922 - Ab u Dhabi. U.A.E- Tel. +971 2 6143 666

Fax: +971 2 6212484 - E-mail : [email protected]

Dr Mohammed Matar Al Kaabi, Awqaf Chairman, ex-pressed his sincere appreciation and admiration of the personality of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Na-hyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, who is endowed with leadership, national and humanitarian characters.

Dr Al Kaabi said: “With deep appreciation to the UAE wise leadership, the General Authority of Islamic Affairs

and Endowments is swelled with great pride and admi-ration of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s profound understanding of the issues concerning reli-gion and his keen interest in highlighting the religious duties as enjoined upon by Allah and His Messenger Mu-hammad, peace be upon him, as well as the Islam mis-sion and its civilisation across the country and abroad. In the sisterly and brotherly countries, His Highness gives

Mohammed bin Zayed: His giving to the Islamic Affairs goes beyond the call of duty

[Dr Mohammed Matar Al Kaabi]

Feb. 20186

directions to carry out projects aimed at promoting de-velopment in these countries so as to enhance the mor-al and practical education and knowledge of Islam as a religion of mission, civilisation and status worldwide.

Dr Al Kaabi affirmed that whenever Awqaf puts in a request to His Highness or comes up with any sugges-tion, he immediately responds to our request and meets our needs so splendidly coupled with the keen interest in caring for projects carried out by Awqaf and its mis-sion in society and its international participation. This is evidenced in the holy Quran memorisation centres that His Highness has substantially developed thanks to his unrelenting support for the Quran with the aim of rais-ing students totalling at 47,000 on the Quranic, moral and spiritual values.

As per the construction, maintenance and furnishing of mosques, including the nation’s martyrs mosques, we cannot find words to express our thanks and apprecia-tion to His Highness to the extent that mosques, imams, Khateebs and muezzins have achieved record high in the satisfaction of public due to the unwavering support of His Highness.

We cannot express the joy of pilgrims and their love, loyalty and thanks to His Highness when he calls them in every Haj season to ensure their comfort until they reach the peak of happiness when performing the rites of Haj in a proper religious, psychological and health manner. We clearly acknowledge that His Highness un-remitting support to the UAE official haj delegation and pilgrims helps the UAE delegation stand out amongst the world countries’ delegations.

Speaking of His Highness intellectual and analytical vision towards what is happening around the world regarding the forums and dialogues that take place to refine and solve the ailments and malicious and ex-tremist practices, the country’s scholars and muftis, in addition to scholars and intellects who take part in the conferences held in UAE from across the globe evident-ly witness His Highness deep insight of the causes and derailments away from the right path, as well as his in-terest in Islam by adopting the contemporary moderate discourse aiming to cast light on the essence of Islam and its truths in terms of co-existence, compassion and tolerance worldwide.

For this reason, the scholars of the Islamic world have studied some of significant features of his Islamic sound thought when HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed wel-comed the visiting delegations and exchanged amicable

talks with them. He also welcomed the scholars in the UAE as "their second home country", wishing them suc-cess in fulfilling their great mission in promoting aware-ness, preaching, offering advices and guidance as well as educating Muslims about their religion and life affairs.

HH further expressed his confidence that the scholars can live up to the responsibility of reviving the nights of the holy month to the fullest thanks to their praisewor-thy effort aimed at enlightening people with regards to their religion and Fiqh and promoting their knowledge.

"The UAE's humane mission is based on the great mission of Islam, which came to dispel the darkness of fanaticism, oppression and ignorance, spreading instead the noblest values of love, tolerance, co-existence, justice and equality, in addition to opening minds into knowl-edge and sciences," HH Sheikh Mohammed pointed out.

"The UAE's humane mission is based on the great mission of Islam, which came to dispel the darkness of fanaticism, oppression and ignorance, spreading instead the noblest values of love, tolerance, co-existence, justice and equality, in addition to opening minds into knowl-edge and sciences," HH Sheikh Mohammed pointed out.

We, in the UAE, are determined to continue fulfilling our responsibility in cooperation with our Arab and Mus-lim brethren as well as with support and efforts of our honourable scholars in highlighting the bright civilised image of Islam. We should all form an impenetrable fort in the face of the groups of darkness and terrorism and all those who might be induced to tamper with the sacred-ness of Islam and distort its tolerant image or those mis-guided attempts to associate extremism and terrorism with Islam and Muslims," Sheikh Mohammed concluded.

When receiving the participants at the Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies Forum, HH Sheikh Moham-med bin Zayed also emphasised the vital role played by the scholars in eliminating misconceptions and practic-es deviated from Islam as well as exposing the devastat-ing agenda of those who use extremism and violence as a means for their malicious goals that seek to distort the image of Islam and its tolerant teachings. He prayed to Allah the Almighty to spread security, peace, and toler-ance in the region and the entire world.

We pray to Allah the Exalted to protect His Highness and continue blessing him with success, wisdom and leadership, and may Allah bless his traits, and whoever is not grateful to the people, he is not grateful to Allah, the Exalted.


HE Field Marshal Omar Al Bashir, Pres-ident of the Republic of Sudan, met with Dr Mohammed Matar Al Kaabi, Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, who was on a working visit to Sudan as part of the programme of continuing coor-dination and cooperation between Awqaf and the Ministry of Endow-ments and Guidance of Sudan.

The meeting was attended by HE Hamad Mohamed Al Junaibi, UAE Ambassador to Khartoum, Sudan and the accompanying delegation.

For his part, the President Al Bashir hailed the high level of relations be-tween Sudan and the United Arab Emirates in all fields, and appreciated the UAE wise leadership support for the development projects since the era of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sul-tan Al Nahyan, and to the present day in the age of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of UAE.

Dr Mohammed Matar Al Kaabi ex-tended greetings of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President and the prudent leadership to His Ex-cellency the President of Sudan, lead-ership and people.

Dr Al Kaabi affirmed the UAE lead-ership keen interest in deepening the

brotherly relations and exchanging the expertise and studies pertaining to the religious affairs, bot at scholarly and practical levels.

For this to happen, Awqaf Chairman stressed, in particular, the cooperation between the two countries in authenti-cating and developing the modern reli-gious discourse and current Fiqh issues and confronting the challenges facing the contemporary Muslim societies pertaining to extremism, bigotry, and vicious practices that are alien to Islam.

The meeting came at the sidelines of the visit by Dr Mohammed Matar Al Kaabi, Awqaf Chairman, alongside with a teamwork from Awqaf aimed at following the implementation of the memorandum of understanding signed between the Islamic Affairs of UAE and the Ministry of the Islamic Affairs and Endowments of Sudan.

During the meeting, Dr Al Kaabi discussed with HE Abu Bakr Othman Ibrahim, Minister of Endowments of Sudan in the presence of HE Hamad Mohammed Al Junaibi, UAE Ambas-sador to Sudan, and HE Dr Ahmed Ab-dul-Jalil Al Karouri, ways to promote cooperation between the two sides in the service of the religious affair.

For his part, the Sudanese Minister

expressed his great gratitude and ap-preciation to UAE, government and people for the leading role the UAE has long played in all fields, particularly in the religious affair as well as in the joint projects and the service of mosques.

He said: “We look to further co-operation between the Ministry of endowments of Sudan and the Gen-eral Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments in a wide range of pro-grammes and projects aimed at pro-moting the mosque affairs and the enlightened religious discourse.

Dr Al Kaabi also said: “We have ro-bust relations endorsed by the Arab or-igins, and many shared grounds estab-lished by the founding leader, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and are still cherished to present day under the leadership of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of UAE.”

“We work closely with the Sudan Minister of endowments closely for the good of both countries as we welcome the Year of Zayed, and af-firm our commitment to fulfilling the wish of the two countries’ leadership in accomplishing everything that can positively affect the religious affair and the shared interests of the two countries,” Dr Kaabi concluded.

President Al Bashir hails the

high level of relations

between Sudan

and UAEThe President of Sudan receiving Awqaf Chairman and the accompanying delegation HE Dr Awqaf Chairman in a meeting with Ali Abdullah Al Dharmaki, Brigadier General

Feb. 20188

In the implementation with the initiatives of Year of Zayed as launched by HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of UAE, Awqaf coordinated with the Abu Dhabi Police to supervise mosques belonging to the Police in Abu Dhabi, and Al Dhafra and Al Ain regions.

The mission of these mosques, thanks to imams, preachers, les-sons, and Friday speeches, will help enhance the approach of moder-ation as part of the development

Awqaf has started implementing its plan to carry out maintenance and refurbishment works for around 116 mosques in Abu Dhabi.

On this occasion, Awqaf Chairman, HE Dr Moham-med Matar Al Kaabi, said: “in line with the accelera-tors of the initiative of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President, to declare 2018 Year of Zayed and with support of the UAE wise leadership, Awqaf has begun to implement this major initiative, which is maintenance works all over the Abu Dhabi mosques as per a plan agreed upon with a host of consultants and contracting companies.”

It is worth mentioning that the Awqaf teamwork undertook on-field tours around all mosques in the

capital, Abu Dhabi, and delivered a detailed report in this regard. As per the report, the consultants and contracting companies are bound to carry out main-tenance works at a rapid pace according to a schedule and within a time limit.

This should be done in consistency with the urban development of the capital in terms of comprehensive maintenance, cleanliness and rejuvenation.

Awqaf Chairman gives high priority to the mainte-nance of the 116 mosques. For this to happen, he gave instructions to the engineering department to do a daily follow-up for companies and workshops in order to speed up the pace of maintenance works as per the concluded contracts and agreed requirements.

witnessed across the country under the UAE wise leadership. The latter has made everything possible for the Emirati community and the country’s institutions to accom-plish growth, progress, happiness, civilisational co-existence and building.

In a statement, Awqaf Chairman, HE Dr Mohammed Matar Al Kaa-bi, said that the coordination and cooperation between Awqaf and headquarters of Abu Dhabi Police came in line with the directives

of the UAE astute leadership by adopting moderate approach and fostering and spreading the val-ues of tolerance, national identity, faithfulness and belonging to our prudent leadership.

“This coordination and cooper-ation between Awqaf and all part-ners and institutions in the country is established to promote the com-munity’s culture and strengthen their values and work on making everyone living in this dear country feel happy,” concluded Dr Al Kaabi.

116 Mosques to be maintained in Abu Dhabi, says Awqaf

The Islamic Affairs and the

Abu Dhabi Police

ensure tiesof cooperation

and coordinationHE Dr Awqaf Chairman in a meeting with Ali Abdullah Al Dharmaki, Brigadier General


The UAE delegation led by Her High-ness Sheikha Khulood Al Qasimi, Di-rector of Curriculum Department, paid a visit to the Islamic Studies Fac-ulty “Girls” at Al Azhar University in the Arab Republic of Egypt. The aim was to know of the faculty curricula and their role in enhancing the toler-ant values of Islam.

The delegation represented by the Ministry of Education and Iftaa De-partment at the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments was received on Tuesday 19, January, 2018 by Dr Itimad Abdul-Sadiq Afifi, Dean of the Islamic Studies Faculty “Girls” at Al Azhar University, in addition to a host of heads of departments and teaching staff at the Faculty.

The meeting discussed the march

of the Faculty and developments it has witnessed at all levels as well as its objectives and mission. The at-tendees also had the opportunity to know of the Faculty’s departments including Department of Religion Sources, Department of the Islamic Sharia, and Department of the Ara-bic Language.

For her part, Her Highness Sheikha Khulood Al Qasimi, expressed her happiness over the high level of the Islamic Studies Faculty, ensuring that the goal of the visit is to have a clos-er look at the curricula taught at the Faculty and their role in endorsing the moderate thinking and also know of the best preaching methods that have an impact in building the girl student personality and helping her feel her

responsibility towards individuals and societies.

HH Sheikha Khulood lauded the continuing development of curricula at the Faculty, noting that Al Azhar does not stop at the heritage, but it moves towards building a moderate thinking tackling current challenges.

For her part, Dr Itimad Afifi said that the Faculty prepares the graduate students academically in the sphere of the Islamic Sciences so that they be-come highly qualified preachers able to carry the torch of Al Azhar mission and its moderate approach.

The delegation members included Mr Omar Al Dhirei, Director of Iftaa Department at Awqaf, and a host of department directors at the Ministry of Education and Awqaf.

Delegation of the “ Ministry of Education” and “Awqaf” visits Al Azhar University

Dr Itimad Afifi, Dean of the Islamic Studies Faculty receiving the Awqaf delegation

Feb. 201810

Awqaf has started to bear the fruits of the “National beautiful reciting voices” initiative that it launched last year to care for the outstanding stu-dents at the Holy Quran memorisa-tion centres who are endowed with pleasant reciting voices, so they be-come Quran reciters worldwide, and be supportive of the national radio and television stations with Emirati reciters of the Quran.

HE Dr Mohammed Matar Al Kaa-bi, Awqaf Chairman, attended the graduates of the first batch of recit-ers where he listened along with the attendees to a beautiful recitation of the Quran by Abdullah Hashim Al Hashimi, who completed the read-

ing of the Quran in celebration of his graduation and his peers at the Qura-nic centres.

On this occasion, Dr Al Kaabi said: “With an unwavering and continuing support of the UAE wise leadership of the local and global Quranic com-petitions that take place in UAE, the Quran memorisation centres keep pace with such events and introduce the national beautiful reciting voic-es aimed at promoting the Emirati youth skills and caring for them and following them up.”

Dr Al Kaabi pointed out that the initiative had attracted an elite of skilful male and female students from across the Quran memorisation

centres, and had been qualified by reciters and scholars at Awqaf who have the licensing with sound chain of authorities to the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless and grant him peace, and have the experience in the perfect recitation of the Quran and its Maqamat (melodic modes).

Awqaf Chairman added that this initiative would go on with the aim of improving skilful people and at-tracting them and employing their skills in the best way possible at the national, regional and global levels, and providing the national radio and television stations and mosques around the country with Emirati re-citers.

The 1st competition of reading of the Quran as part of the “National beautiful reciting voices” initiative

The Emirati reciter: Abdullah Al Hashimi


HE Dr Mohammed Matar Al Kaa-bi, Awqaf’s Chairman, emphasised Awqaf’s keen interest in fostering the mosques regarding their construc-tion, maintenance, cleanliness and mission, and meeting their needs to ensure worshippers’ happiness and tranquillity.

Dr Al Kaabi stressed that the considerable financial support that mosques receive from the UAE as-tute leadership have tremendously helped mosques to take leading po-sitions among the most prominent landmarks that highlight the urban development witnessing across the country.

In his meeting with the repre-sentatives of cleaning companies at Awqaf’s head office in attendance of the branches’ directors, Dr Al Kaabi

urged for increasing efforts aimed at cleaning mosques with high ef-fectiveness and professionalism. He also called for them to feel the re-sponsibility borne on their shoulder before Allah and the leadership that provides everything that is prerequi-site for mosques so that they become beacons of comfort, tranquillity and submissiveness.

On a related note, Awqaf Chair-man requested the cleaning com-panies to keep pace with the state-of-the-art systems and methods widely employed in this field by us-ing sophisticated equipment and skilled workforce able to take on the responsibility of taking care of mosques with perfection. To make this happen, Dr Al Kaabi affirmed that Awqaf is fully prepared to over-

come all hurdles and challenges that may come in their way.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Awqaf held a workshop for the repre-sentatives of the companies in which Awqaf demonstrated the mecha-nism for implementing the contract articles concluded with the cleaning companies. During the workshop, Awqaf presented examples of daily and weekly, monthly and periodical works that the cleaning companies are supposed to undertake and the way to keep the mosques clean.

At the end of the workshop, Awqaf emphasised the necessity of organising workshops aimed at train-ing workers and raising their aware-ness on the working mechanism that should be taken into account while cleaning the mosques.

The Islamic Affairs: cleanliness and caretaking of mosques are a priority

Awqaf Chairman speaking to the companies representatives

Feb. 201812

Awqaf has completed the recon-struction of 28 mosques that had been built in the era of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in Al Ain city and turned them into architectural masterpieces character-ised with the Emirati Islamic pattern and designs similar to Al-Hosn Palace. The open spaces available outside the mosques are utilised to become mus-allas during the days of Eid.

The total number of Sheikh Zayed mosques in Al Ain stands at around 28, 20 of which have

been demolished and re-built, whereas the remaining eight mosques have been maintained and refurbished.

The said mosques are scattered in all parts of Al Ain city, most of which were built in the 70s and 80s of the last century. In 2017, roughly 49 new mosques were constructed in Al Ain that the overall number of mosques built in Al Ain and its vicinities now stands at 1163.

For his part, Dr Abdul-Aziz Ab-

dullah Al-Ghaithi, Director Gener-al of Awqaf in Al Ain Region, said: “The reconstructed Sheikh Zayed mosques have shaped an Islamic artistic portrait and a landmark that emulates the Emirati Islamic style, where they have been paint-ed bright white and have become large mosques. He noted that sev-eral mosques accommodate up to 2000 worshippers in the inner hall, in addition to outsides spac-es, some of which accommodate around 2,000 worshippers.

The Islamic Affairs re-builds 28 mosques that were constructed in the era of the late Sheikh Zayed

Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Al Ain


In his opening speech, Shaykh Abdullah bin Bayyah, Chairman of the Forum for Promoting Peace, said: “We have planted the tree of peace in this blessed country, UAE over the past four years and now we are reaping the fruits. The first of such fruit is the meeting we are attend-ing today with the participation of leaders and scholars of the Arab and Muslim worlds, people of intellect and understanding.

We are in desperate need of the wise and sagacious peo-ple everywhere who are summoned to confront the ca-lamities the world is facing, whether in theory or practice.”

Shaykh Abdullah bin Bayyah also said that the Forum would continue to provide the true testimony of Islam, affirming that the Forum since its very inception has be-gun to refine the misconceptions that cause violence and bring them back to the right path in accordance with an authentic approach that is based on the regulating texts and objectives.

On a related note, bin Bayyah said that the board of trustees consider the world status quo that requires the necessity to connect between peace that we look up to and the phenomenon of fear of Islam. For this reason, we

chose the theme for the 4th edition of the Forum to be: Global Peace, and the Fear of Islam: Roadblocks on the road to Radicalism.

HE Shaykh Bin Bayyah explained that treating the phe-nomenon of Islamophobia does not mean to stand trials for someone or pleading on behalf of someone else. We are somewhat looking for a positive rapprochement that we hope will manifest the opening of a new era for trust between Muslims and people of other beliefs as well as represent the right image of Islam. “We are also trying to provide a roadmap for tackling the issue of Islamophobia which is the exact side of extremism,” said Shaykh bin Bayyah, adding that such calls on us to correct such mis-conceptions and exert efforts to combat hatred, wards and violence.”

Tangible achievements for the ForumShaykh bin Bayyah affirmed that Forum had started

to bear fruits in the realm of research and publishing on the topic of spreading the culture of peace in Muslim so-cieties, where the Forum launched the encyclopedia of peace, which aims to cast light on peace and the meth-

Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies held in Abu Dhabi entitled: The Fear of Islam and Roadblocks on the road to Radicalism )2(

Feb. 201814

odology of the Islamic discourse on the basis of the cor-rect understanding and accurate rapprochement that is grounded on the authentic approach.

He pointed out that the second edition of the Peace Magazine would be published soon, aiming to publish the correct narration of Islam and shed light on the practical vision of peace through exploring the potential opportunities in the Islamic culture and human heritage for the discourse renewal.

It is noteworthy that the Forum was present in inter-national platforms where it was invited to take part in New York by the Muslim World League on the topic: “Civilisational Rapprochement between the U.S. and the Muslim World”. The Forum also participated in the Da-vos meeting for the elimination of human trafficking in New York with the invitation of the UN and attended in the conference designed to combat impulses for vio-lence and hate speech.

Additionally, the Forum replied the invitation extend-ed by the Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Britain where the Forum members held talks in the service of peace. This year, the Forum received the America Car-avan for Peace in Abu Dhabi as the first station and the next station will be held in Rabat, Morocco.

Shaykh bin Bayya, in his speech, talked about the Fo-rum experience with the American Caravan for Peace as

hosted by UAE, being the aim to enhance tolerance and co-existence, hoping that the next meeting in Washing-ton would be the declaration of interfaith alliance so that it becomes a model of dialogue and cooperation and a new page of relationships between the Abrahamic reli-gions and the people of intellect and understanding so as to cement peace, justice and giving in the world and to cope with grievances.

The Comprehensive Peace of Hope and Intellectual Harmony

For his part, HE Dr Mohammed bin Abdul Karim al Isa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, under-lined in his speech that peace in the broad sense includes peace and harmony. Those principles reflect in the Mus-lim’s daily acts of worship and dealings. When we lack the means of communication and civilised dialogue, we lose an essential component of Islam.

He underscored that peace is on many occasions ham-pered by political and media interests and ill-intent people barriers that result in essence from made-up hatred and the absence of communication and its skills. He added that such interpretations had distorted the concept of Islam.

Correcting The Misconceptions For his part, HE Dr Ahmed Tawfiq, Minister of the

Endowments and the Islamic Affairs of the Kingdom of Morocco, talked in his speech about the phenomenon of fear of Islam, explaining that political views on peace and stability should go hand in hand with the scholarly views, considering that those concerned with such matter are fundamentally the scholars. Thus, they should be aware of their responsibility and raise people’s awareness, both in times of peace and war. They should also raise peo-ple’s awareness of the importance of adhering to justice and patience, explaining that the concepts had to correct and, thus helps curb the discourse of sedition and spread the discourse of peace and stability.

Islam: Religion of ToleranceThe Undersecretary of Al Azhar, Dr Abbas Shuman

hailed the Forum theme for this current status quo, praising the efforts the UAE is making to promote the values of peace. In his speech, Dr Shuman talked about the reasons behind the immerge of Islamophobia saying: “It stems from the misunderstanding of Islam and its ob-jectives. Such understanding is prevalent among those af-filiated with Islam, and they distort the image of Islam, ei-ther intentionally or unintentionally, but the truth is that Islam is a religion of mercy and tolerance, not a religion of violence and hate.

“Whoever takes a look at the history of Islam, they will see examples of tolerance manifested by the Messenger of Allah PBUH in periods where he lived in Mecca and Medina,” added Dr Shuman.


He enumerated some of the points that cause Islam-ophobia including the failure of some of Muslims in the West to integrate into societies they are living in. He also mentioned another reason which is some of the stances of the West they have proved discrimination and vio-lence against Islam and Muslims.

Building Bridges of CommunicationMeanwhile, HE Luqman Hakim Saiful Deen, Indone-

sia’s Minister of Islamic Affairs, condemned the US de-cision recognising Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. He said that such decision would never lead to global peace, calling on scholars to protect the people’s minds and highlight the true image of Islam and build bridges of communication between Muslims and non-Muslims so that the concepts of love and tolerance are enshrined in communities.

Solidarity for peaceDr Sardar Mohammed Yusuf, Pakistan’s Minister of

Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, who also underlined his coun-try’s stance on the US decision, describing it as unjust. Such move can never lead to peace. It will rather increase hatred and violence, he added, calling on bettering the relationships and fostering peace and respect and bring-ing solidarity between the Muslim society and the inter-national community for stability and peace

“Islam is the religion of peace for Muslims and non-Muslims. The Messenger of Allah pbuh called for peace and mercy. Thus, it is necessary that we avoid vi-olence since it is inconsistent with Islam’s principles. We should further improve our relationships and respect the other in order to promote the concept of peace,” Yusuf added, stressing the need for consolidation between the Muslim society and the international community. Islam-ophobia is not in the interest of neither Muslims nor others, and the world needs stability and security.

Thanking the UAE Invited to stage, the UN Special Adviser on the Pre-

vention of Genocide, Adama Dieng lauded the efforts of peace being exerted everywhere and at any time for be-ing the only effective means to save modern humanity from the epidemic of brutality.

He explained that the Forum efforts are on the right track, and highly appreciated the ideas put forward by Shaykh Abdullah bin Bayyah that have come to receive widespread acceptance around the world. Adama Di-eng extended his thanks to UAE leadership for rushing to criminalise the Takfeer (accusing people of apostasy) and praised its presence in providing humanitarian aid all over the world.

The Forum SessionsThe three -day forum discussed four topics: the first

“Religion, Identity, and Global Peace”, which is made up of three sessions namely: “The International Environment for Global Peace” and “Regional Environment for Glob-al Peace”. In the first session, three workshops were held to discuss the topics as follows: “Religion and Violence”, “Identities and Global Peace”, and “Islam and Requirements for Global Peace”. In the second session, the participants discussed the topic “Fear of Islam – Reasons and Trends”, which is made up of two titles: “The Fear of Islam from Western Perspective”, and “The Fear of Islam from Mus-lims’ Perspective in the West”. Also they discussed during the workshops the topics: “Islamophobia and Neo-Islam-ophobia”, “Islamophobia and Neo-Populist Trends”, and “Islamophobia, Media and Means of Communication”.

In the third session of the Forum, the participants dis-cussed the topic “Islam and the World – Islamic Vision for Global Peace”. The session focused on the nature of the contributions that Islam provides for global peace, while the four session, the participants discussed the topic “Islam and the World – Trends of Cooperation and Solidarity”.

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In the final communique, the Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies recommended the establishment of an international watchdog for Islamophobia and ha-tred so that it becomes a platform for investigating the reasons and features through studies and also becomes a powerhouse for introducing ideas that help curb and raise public awareness of the danger of Islamophobia.

The Forum also recommended holding international conferences for institutions of communication and dia-logue among religions and cultures to exchange exper-tise, unify the efforts and set up educational programs and scholarships to encourage cooperation and expertise between departments of religious studies at the Islamic universities and religion teaching universities in the West.

The participants at the conference congratulat-ed the Forum for hosting the American Caravan for Peace as such emphasises the necessity of establishing a positive partnership for happier co-existence. This initiative has demonstrated to what extent the Abra-hamic family can cherish the values of co-existence and fraternity on the ground.

They lauded the Forum for choosing the “the Egyp-tian Family House” to win the Al Hassan bin Ali Peace Award considering that such award represents the partnership formed between Al Azhar and Coptic Church on the basis of values of co-existence, cooper-ation and national unity.

They, moreover, expressed their sincere thanks to UAE for warm welcome and hospitality, extend-ing their gratitude to HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President, His Deputy HH Sheikh Mo-hammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Su-preme Commander of the Armed Forces and Their Highness, Members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates. They prayed to Allah the almighty to send His mercy upon the soul of the Founding Father, late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and continue blessing UAE with further prosperity, safety and love.

The Forum stressed the necessity of spreading the values of peace, co-existence and love among religions and people especially young people while taking in consideration caring for the innovation and the social networking sites for their easy use and efficacy.

They, furthermore, underlined the desperate need of revising the school curricula in Muslim societies in light of authentic Islamic values including tolerance, respect for other religions and cultures, and good treatment towards their followers.

They also emphasised that if press freedom had to be linked with accountability for social and interna-tional peace, there would be an urgent need to shape a global accord for press that consists of the advocates for this trend who seek to expand the range of sup-porters and therefore narrow down the scope for dis-agreement with the opponents in the best interest of co-existence and peace among people.

They cast light on the danger of fear of Islam phenom-enon, warning of its grave repercussions and stressing that fear of Islam speech inevitably leads to massive damage and deep wounds within the social fabric and harms the social contract that is based on equal citizenship, let alone it contradicts the balance of mind and morals.

The Forum considered that the reasons for Islamopho-bia are diverse and complex and are even incredibly soaring due to lack of communication among people of intellect and understanding from both sides, aiming to hamper the speech of hate and extremism and safeguard individuals and societies from both financial and physical terrorism.

To cure this dilemma, the Forum considers that means of promoting peace adopted by the Muslim societies are similar to the means that help spread peace in human societies because the spoils and hur-dles of peace are everywhere and are part of the fear of Islam phenomenon. In harmony with its principles and nature of its project, the Forum does not exercise any guardianship on citizens of other countries as they themselves choose the available legal means to con-front the violence and hatred ideology and to gain their rights according to each society’s speciality.

In conclusion, the Forum suggested that the cure for fear of Islam could be found in three cycles: refining Is-lam from within, engaging in dialogue with the other and forming coalition with people of other religions and lovers of humanity.

The Forum affirmed that the cultural system within Muslim societies is in dire need of renewal by highlighting the correct curricula and taking the right ways in dealing with the texts of the Quran and Sunna.

The Forum also mentioned that it looks forward to shap-ing a new approach in relations of Muslims with non-Mus-lims and relations among cultures and religions in general, which are based on diversity rather than on mutual criti-cism and coalition of all parties to serve humankind on earth. This prompts all of us to take the initiative for action on the right time in fear of the coming generation might be trapped in tough times such as the soaring rise of popula-tions, degradation of the environment, the growing dispar-ity between the north and south or the social segregation.

The Final Communique and The Forum Recommendations


FatwasAnswered by: THE UAE OFFICIAL FATWA CENTRE

omitted), its expiation is (only) that he should ob-serve it when he remembers it.” This ruling con-cerns he who forgets the prayer while being asleep, let alone he who neglects the prayer deliberately.

In another Hadith, the Messenger of Allah PBUH said: “Pay Allah’s debt as He has more right to be paid.”

Therefore, he who missed many prayers, they would have to work harder to compensate for the missed ones as much as they could. However, they should not spend much time in observing the non-obligatory prayers except for the Fajr prayer, and Shafaa and Witr prayers. In this regard, the scholar said: “The non-obligatory prayer shall not be permitted for anyone who missed obligatory prayers save Fajr prayer and Shafaa and Witr prayers.”

To compensate for the missed prayers, you need to estimate the number of the missed prayers and

Making up for the missed prayers

I have missed the prayer for ؟a long period of time, and then Allah put me on the right track, and I sought His repentance. Currently, I observe my prayers regularly. In light of my situation, do I have to make up for the prayers I missed in the past?

- First, we beg Allah to accept your repentance and strengthen your determination to do the righ-teous deeds. Be informed that there is no Kaffara (expiation) for the missed prayer except for the compensation. This opinion is endorsed by what the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless and grant him peace, said in a Hadith that follows: “He who forgets the prayer, or he slept (and it was

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do your best to pray them as much as you can. One of the ways to compensate for the missed prayers is to pray two units of prayer following the obligatory prayer. And Allah knows best.In summary: There is no expiation for the missed prayer except for the compensation. Therefore, he who missed many prayers, they would have to work harder to compensate for the missed ones as much as they could. One of the ways to compensate for the missed prayers is to pray two units of prayer following the obligatory prayer.

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Observing the optional prayer while sitting

Can you tell me whether it is permitted ؟

to observe the obligatory or non- obligatory prayers while I am sitting with a pain in my foot?

- We supplicate to Allah the Almighty to in-crease your interest in praying lots of non-oblig-atory prayers as much as you can. There is no wrongdoing to continue the non-compulsory while you are sitting due to the pain you feel in your foot. It will be permissible to pray while sit-ting in the non-compulsory prayer even though you feel alright. In this respect, the scholar Ibn Yunus said in his book: “Ibn Qasim said: whoever starts the non-obligatory prayer while sitting and later wants to observe the prayer while standing upright, or whoever begins the non-obligatory prayer while standing upright and later wants to pray while sitting, they would be allowed to do so.”

In the event that you move the position of stand-

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ing upright to the sitting while observing the non-obligatory prayer, you will be given the reward of the prayer of some-one who observes the prayer while standing. If, however, you moved to the position of standing upright to the sitting with no valid excuse, you would be given the half reward of some-one who observes the prayer while standing.

Imran bin Hussain asked the prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless and grant him peace, about the prayer a man offers in sitting condition. “He replied: his prayer in standing position is better than his prayer in sitting condition, and his prayer in sitting position is half the prayer he offers in standing position.” And Allah knows best.In summary: There is no wrongdoing to continue the non-compulsory while you are sitting due to the pain you feel in your foot. It will be permissible to pray while sitting in the non-compulsory prayer even though you feel alright.


The two units of Fajr Prayer and the Morning Prayer

I often do not wake up for Fajr prayer that strikes at ؟5 am, but I get out of bed after the sun rises. So, is my Fajr prayer counted as compensation? And should I have the intention to observe the Fajr or Morning Prayer?

- We supplicate to the Exalted Allah to help maintain the prayer. As far is your question is concerned, if you wake up after the call for Fajr Prayer is made and before the sun ris-es, you should start to observe the two units of Fajr Prayer as religion encourages to do so, and then you observe the Morning Prayer which is obligatory.

The obligatory prayer after the sun rises is called the Morn-ing Prayer and it may be also called as Fajr Prayer. In this respect, the scholar Mohamed bin Abi Zaid Al-Qayrawani said: “the Morning Prayer is the middle prayer for the people of Medina which is the Fajr Prayer.”

The Fajr Prayer takes this name because the time in which it is observed enters immediately after the dawn. In this re-gard, the scholar Al-Kharshi said: “The Fajr Prayer must be observed after dawn, and not be allowed after it.”

If, nevertheless, you get up after the sun rises, your prayer is counted as a compensation. Therefore, you start to ob-

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serve the obligatory prayer and then compensate for the Fajr Prayer.In summary: If you wake up after the call for Fajr Prayer is made and before the sun rises, you should start to observe the two units of Fajr Prayer. If, nevertheless, you get up after the sun rises, your prayer is counted as a compensation. Therefore, you start to observe the obligatory prayer and then compensate for the Fajr Prayer.


Warning against refraining from marriage

Can you tell me the ؟ruling on the marriage for an able man, but he does not want to get married in fear of life difficulties?

- First, we urge Allah the almighty to bless you and help you get married. That person who abstains from get married may have personal reasons that ought to be verified first. For this reason, we can-not deliver the ruling in this matter un-less we know details.

Generally speaking, life difficulties do not offer an excuse to abstain from get-ting married as marriage is a reason for sustenance, as Allah the Sublime says: “And marry the unmarried among you and the righteous among your male slaves and female slaves. If they should be poor, Allah will enrich them from His bounty, and Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.” [Al-Nur: 32].

In his interpretation of the Aya men-

tioned above, the scholar Al-Qurtobi said: “Allah pledges His servants to enrich the unmarried people in their quest of Allah’ satisfaction and fear of falling into the forbidden. Ibn Masood said: seek Allah’s bounty in marriage.”

There is a swarm of Hadiths, or the Prophet Muhammad PBUH’s sayings, for instance the one reported by Abi Hu-rayra in which the Prophet Muhammad said: “Here are three for whom it is a right upon Allah to help him, including the one getting married who intends chastity.”

Another Hadith reported by Abdullah bin Masood that the Prophet Muhammad PBUH urged the young people to marry saying: “for it restrains eyes (from casting evil glances) and preserves one from immorality.”

In Sunan Abi Dawud, Maaqil bin Yasar reported that the Messenger of Allah said: “Marry the one who is fertile and

loving, for I will boast of your great numbers among peoples.”

These Hadiths show the one getting married is supported by Allah, so there is no need for

an able man to fear life restraints and let him place his trust in Allah which is bigger than life difficulties. And Allah knows best.In summary: That person who abstains

from get married may have personal reasons that ought to be verified first. For

this reason, we cannot deliver the ruling in this matter unless we know details. Generally speaking,

life difficulties do not offer an excuse to abstain from getting married as marriage is a cause for sustenance and helps to perpetuate chastity and growth of people.


Compensating for the missed days of Ramadan con-secutively

I broke my fast in Ramadan due to childbirth, and I ؟am currently making up for the days I missed. So, should I observe the fast for the missed days consecutively or over different periods?

- We ask Allah the Most High to help you make up the fast of Ramadan days. It is recommended to hasten making up for the fast of the missed days consecutively. The consecu-


tive fast of the missed days of Ramadan is desirable, but no obligatory.

In “Al-Taj Wa Al-Iklil” (Crown and Wreath), the well-known scholar, Al-Muwaq said: "It is recommended to make up the fast consecutively once the person regains his health or ar-rives from journey since the initiative to hasten doing the acts of worship is better than delaying them. Hence, seeking fulfill-ment from the obligations should be given priority.”

However, it is not permitted to delay the compensation of the fast until the following Ramada is up, and whoever neglects to make up the fast of the missed days till the fol-lowing Ramadan is up, they must then compensate for the missed days and feed a poor person for every day he or she did not fast. In this regard, the scholar Mohamed Ghunaim Al-Nafrawi in a book “Al Fawakih Al Dawani” (Ripe Fruits) said: “Whoever neglects to make up the fast for the missed days until the following Ramadan en-ters, they must compensate for the fast by giving the mudd of the main staple food to a poor person for every day they missed.” And Allah knows bestIn summary: It is recommended to hasten making up for the fast of the missed days consecutively. The consecutive fast of the missed days of Ramadan is desirable, but no obligatory.ــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــ

Expiation for the unfulfilled oath

-Can you tell me of the Kaffara (expiation) for the un ؟fulfilled oath and what is its amount?

- First, we pray to Allah the Exalted to make you among those who keep their oath. The expiation for the unfulfilled vow is what should be done to expiate for the vow that one cannot meet. The expiation is endorsed by the Quran in which Allah says: “Allah will not impose blame upon you for what is meaningless in your oaths, but He will impose blame upon you for [breaking] what you intended of oaths. So its expiation is the feeding of ten needy people from the average of that which you feed your [own] families or cloth-ing them or the freeing of a slave. But whoever cannot find

[or afford it] - then a fast of three days [is required]. That is the expiation for oaths when you have sworn. But guard your oaths. Thus does Allah make clear to you His verses that you may be grate-ful.” [Al-Maeda: 89].

The act of feeding or providing clothes for ten poor people is an obligation re-garding the expiation for the oath. If, however, they can neither provide food or clothing, they can observe a three-day fast. In this regard, the scholar Mohamed bin Abi Zaid Al-Qayrawani said: “the ex-piation is to feed ten poor free Muslim people of the country’s food staple each

as the Prophet Muhammad PBUH did. It is preferable to add food

tom reach one third or half Mudd according to the

country’s average food, whether expensive or cheap. He who gives Mudd will be freed

from any obligation ei-ther by providing a shirt

for a man or a cloak and headscarf for a woman. If, nev-

ertheless, they cannot none of these, they would have to observe the fast for three consecutive days or over different periods.

The weight of the Mudd of rice is 510 grams, and whoever provides lunch and dinner for ten people, they will be lift-ed of any obligation of not fulfilling the oath. They can also assign any charita-ble organisation to feed the people by paying the overall value of food which is determined by some of charitable or-ganisation at 200 Dhs.

The scholar Al-Kharshi, in this respect, said: “the number of poor people who

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should receive the food or clothing must be ten in compli-ance with what Allah the Most High says: “the feeding of ten needy people.” [Al-Maeda: 89]. And Allah knows best.In summary: The expiation for the unfulfilled vow is what should be done to expiate for the vow that one cannot meet. The expiation is the feeding of ten needy people from the average of that which you feed your [own] families or clothing them. If, however, they can neither provide food or clothing, they can observe a three-day fast. The weight of the Mudd of rice is 510 grams, and whoever provides lunch and dinner for ten people, they will be lifted of any obligation of not fulfilling the oath. They can also assign any charitable organisation to feed the people by paying the overall value of food which is determined by some of charitable organisation at 200 Dhs.


Repentance from the false oath

Could you tell me on how one can repent of the evil ؟or false oath?

- The expiation of the false oath is to sincerely seek Allah’s repentance and forgiveness and to pledge not to do it again.

Yameen al-ghamoos, or the false oath is one of the ma-jor sins. This is endorsed by what the Prophet Muhammad PBUH said: “the biggest sin is to swear a false oath knowingly, among others.”

The Muslims scholars mention that Yameen al-ghamoos refers to the evil oath that immerse the one who swears false oath into the sin. Whoever seeks Allah’s repentance with sin-cerity and regrets the sin, Allah will accept their repentance, as Allah the Most High says: “Say, "O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah . Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.” [Al-Zumar: 53].

You also need to seek Allah’s forgiveness multiple times and do righteous deeds such as charity and the fast. And if you want to offer the expiation for the false oath, it will be much better. And Allah knows best.In summary: The expiation of the false oath is to sincerely seek Allah’s repentance and forgiveness and to pledge not to do it again. And if you want to offer the expiation for the false oath, it will be much better.

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On observing the night prayer

Could you tell me of the best way to observe Qiyam ؟Al-Layal, or the night prayer? And what are the best times in which the reward is increased?

- First, we supplicate to Allah the almighty to make you among those who perform the night prayer. As for the best way to observe the nigh prayer is to pray eleven units of prayer in the last third of the night for Allah comes down to the earth. It is recommended to perform the night prayer after sleep.

The time for the night prayer begins after the Isha Prayer and lasts until the call to the Fajr Prayer as Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, said: “When the Prophet PBUH finished the 'Isha prayer, he would perform eleven units of prayer before the Fajr prayer, concluding each two units of prayer with Taslim (i.e., saying As-Salamu Alaikum) and observing the Witr (odd) at the end.”

As far the staying long in the prayer; you need to observe the night prayer as much as you can, knowing that several scholars are of the view that it is preferable to do prostration for a long time, while others prefer the long standing in the prayer.

Those who prefer the long standing in the night prayer re-fer to the Hadith reported by Jabir that the Messenger of Allah PBUH said: “The most excellent prayer is that in which the duration of standing is longer.”

In interpretation of the above Hadith, the scholar Al-Nawa-wi said: “the long duration refers to the standing in prayer since remembrance of the night prayer is the reading, while remembrance of the prostration is glorification of Allah, and the reading of the Quran is the most excellent. The Proph-et Muhammad PBUH would observe the night prayer while standing more than long prostration.” And Allah knows best.

In summary: As for the best way to observe the nigh prayer is to pray eleven units of prayer in the last third of the night for Allah comes down to the earth. It is recommended to perform the night prayer after sleep. The time for the night prayer begins the Isha Prayer and lasts until the call to the Fajr Prayer. ــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــ

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The ruling of begging

What is the ruling of begging in ؟the Islamic Sharia?

- Be informed that the hard working Muslim strives to earn his living on his own. Hence, begging is abhorred in the Islamic Sharia and is only permit-ted for he who is in desperate need of it. About it, Abdullah bin Omar re-ported that the Prophet Muhammad PBUH said: “"If one of you would keep begging (of people) until he meets Al-lah (on the Day of Resurrection) his face will be without a shred of flesh.”

Abi Hurayra reported that the Mes-senger of Allah PBUH said: “He who asks others to give to him in order to increase his own wealth is akin to one who asks for live coals. He who wishes to have more, let him have it and he who wishes to have less, let him have it.”

The Islamic Sharia has narrowed the des-perate need for which peo-ple can ask for help and restricted it to three categories. Except for the three categories, it is forbidden for anyone else to ask for help by begging. About it, Qubaisah bin Makhareq said that I had heard the Messenger of Allah says: 'It is not right to ask (for help) except in three cases: A man whose wealth has been destroyed by some calamity, so he asks until he gets enough to keep him going, then he re-frains from asking: a man who under-

takes a financial responsibility, and asks for help until he pays off whatever needs to be paid; and a man concern-ing whom three wise men from his own people swear by Allah that it is permissible for so-an-so to ask for help, so he asks until he has enough to be independent of means, then he refrains from asking. Apart from that. (asking) is unlawful.”

It is noteworthy that the Islamic Shria only gives the green light to these above-mentioned categories to im-plore people to grant a favour, but in the meantime it encourages people to have self-respect and the Exalted Allah has lauded these people in the Quran saying, “An ignorant [person] would think them self-sufficient be-cause of their restraint” [Al Baqara: 273].

Begging is becoming in our time a negative phenom-enon that tarnishes the reputation of the country and its advanced development that Allah has conferred upon it. A host of unemployed people take advantage of beg-

ging to earn their living. It also hides many people of ill-intention and suspicious activities. To put

an end to this ailment, the country has put in place a number of procedures to fight against and curb the prevalence of begging by opening charitable and humanitarian in-stitutions that provide for the needy people

irrespective of their gender, race or religion. Every Muslim ought to obey the Ruler and

cooperate with the country by notifying the rel-evant authorities of beggars via the contact num-

ber available for this purpose. In return, the authorities make sure people who beg on the streets are in need of help or not, whether they grant people help from the charitable institutions, or offer them decent jobs or pun-ish them if found making use of begging as an occupation lying to people and pretending to be in desperate need of help. In summary: We recommend you to treat beggars well without scolding them angrily or violently. All you need is to inform the relevant authorities as this does not contradict with turning people away with kindness that we are commanded to treat people with.


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