The useful principles and rules related to living, sitting, standing, walking, speaking, eating, drinking, sleeping, waking, bathing, and washing are called etiquettes. The adherence or non-adherence to these etiquettes indicates whether a person is civilized or uncivilized.
Etiquettes at a glance
Etiquettes of Allah Almighty:
And they are:
(1) To rely on and trust Allah Almighty.
(2) To be thankful to Allah Almighty.
(3) To repent and seek forgiveness.
Etiquettes of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him):
And they are:
(1) To love Allah Almighty and His Messenger (peace be upon him) the most.
(2) To respect the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him).
Etiquettes of the Holy Quran:
And they are:
(1) To recite the Holy Quran.
(2) To understand it.
(3) To act upon it.
(4) To spread its message.
Etiquettes of learning and teaching knowledge:
And they are:
(1) To enjoin good and forbid evil.
Etiquettes of kinship:
And they are:
(1) Etiquettes of parents.
(2) Etiquettes of education and upbringing of children.
(3) Etiquettes and rights of husband and wife.
(4) Etiquettes of relations with relatives and family.
Etiquettes of relations with friends and other people:
And they are:
(1) Etiquettes of interaction with friends and acquaintances.
(2) Etiquettes of the poor, strangers, and needy.
(3) Etiquettes of reconciliation among people.
Etiquettes of gatherings and conversations:
And they are:
(1) Etiquettes of gatherings.
(2) Etiquettes of conversation.
(3) Etiquettes of humor (wittiness).
Etiquettes of eating:
And their details are somewhat as follows:
(1) Etiquettes of guests and hospitality.
(2) Moderation is a sign of noble character.
Good Morals:
The virtues of a person’s character are called good morals and the vices are called bad morals. It is necessary to adopt goodness and avoid evil. And they are:
Purification of the soul:
Tazkiyah-e-Nafs means purifying oneself from sins. It is very important to protect oneself from sins. Because when a person commits a sin, he incurs the displeasure of Allah Almighty upon himself. The consequence of this is destruction in this world and the Hereafter. Just as Allah Almighty destroyed previous nations due to their sins.
Hastening towards good deeds:
Since good deeds are the cause of Allah Almighty’s mercy and pleasure, and a person is always in need of Allah Almighty’s mercy in every situation, it is therefore necessary to pay attention to good deeds.
Allah Almighty’s pure command is:
﴿فَاسْتَبِقُوا الْخَيْرَاتِ﴾
“That you hasten towards good deeds.”
Because good deeds are beneficial in this world and the Hereafter.
Company of righteous people:
Naturally, a person always loves someone. If this love is with good people, its outcome is also very good. But if the love is with bad people, the outcome is also bad. Sayyidna Abu Musa رضي الله عنه narrates that the Noble Messenger صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم said:
«مثل الجليس الصالح والجليس السوء كمثل صاحب المسك وكير الحداد، لا يعدمك من صاحب المسك إما تشتريه أو تجد ريحه، وكير الحداد يحرق بدنك أو توبك، أو تجد منهريحا خبيثة»
“The example of a good and bad friend is like one who sells musk and the other who stokes the fire in a furnace. The musk seller will gift you musk, or you will buy musk from him, or at least you will get the best fragrance from him. And the one who stokes the furnace will burn your body or clothes, or at least you will get a bad smell from him.”
Seeing with a smile, speaking, and meeting:
Among the good qualities of a Muslim is that he meets his brother in a good manner, that is, with an open and smiling face. This act is also valued by Allah. Accordingly, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
«عن ابي ذر، قال: قال لي النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم: لا تحقرن من المعروف شيئا، ولوان تلقى أخاك بوجه طلق»
“It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Dharr (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said to me: Do not consider anything insignificant in goodness, even if it is meeting your brother with a cheerful face.”
Modesty and Shyness:
Modesty and shyness are signs of living nations and people of sound nature. Because in nations where the conscience is dead, there is no such thing as modesty and shyness. Therefore, Islamic Shariah gives special importance to modesty and shyness. In fact, modesty and shyness are considered a part of faith.
«عن ابي هريرة عن النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: الايمان بضع وستون شعبة، والحياء شعبة من الإيمان.»
“The Noble Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Faith has over sixty branches, and modesty is also a part of faith.”
Expressing Sympathy to the Afflicted:
Consoling an afflicted person is one of the signs of a living nation, showing that they feel each other’s pain. This act brings great reward and blessings. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that whoever offers condolences to his afflicted brother will receive a reward equal to that of the afflicted person. The reward for the one who is patient in adversity is Paradise and the pleasure of Allah Almighty. Thus, the one who offers condolences will receive the same reward, which grants him a special honor and respect. Accordingly, the Prophetic hadith is:
«ما من مؤمن يعزى أخاه بمصيبة إلا كساه الله سبحانه من حلل الكرامة يوم القيامة»
“Whoever a believer consoles his brother in his affliction, Allah, the Lord of Glory, will clothe him on the Day of Resurrection with one of the garments of honor (respect).”
Placing the Hand on the Orphan’s Head:
One of the commendable qualities of a good society is that it takes care of the weak people. So that their lives can also be good, and they become respected members of society, and their feelings of inferiority are eliminated. Among the weak members of society is an orphan. An orphan is a child whose parents die in childhood. Now, since this child is deprived of those who show great affection, and feels helpless and unsupported, this child often faces difficulties. At such a time, it is the responsibility of society to support this child and make every effort to eliminate his difficulties and worries so that his problems are resolved and he can live a good life. Allah Almighty has strongly emphasized taking care of orphans. The Divine command is:
﴿وَيَسْتَفْتُونَكَ فِي النِّسَاءِ ۖ قُلِ اللَّهُ يُفْتِيكُمْ فِيهِنَّ وَمَا يُتْلَىٰ عَلَيْكُمْ فِي الْكِتَابِ فِي يَتَامَى النِّسَاءِ اللَّاتِي لَا تُؤْتُونَهُنَّ مَا كُتِبَ لَهُنَّ وَتَرْغَبُونَ أَن تَنكِحُوهُنَّ وَالْمُسْتَضْعَفِينَ مِنَ الْوِلْدَانِ وَأَن تَقُومُوا لِلْيَتَامَىٰ بِالْقِسْطِ ۚ وَمَا تَفْعَلُوا مِنْ خَيْرٍ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ بِهِ عَلِيمًا﴾
“And they ask you about women. Say, Allah gives you permission concerning them and about the orphan women to whom you do not give what is prescribed for them — and [yet] you desire to marry them — and about the oppressed children. And to maintain justice toward orphans is best. And whatever good you do — indeed, Allah is ever Knowing of it.”
Protection of Muslims’ Honor:
A Muslim is the protector of another Muslim’s honor. Islam has made this a binding right upon him.
«عن أبى هريرة، عن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: المؤمن مرآة المؤمن، والمؤمن أخو المؤمن: يكف عليه ضيعته، ويحوطه من ورائه»
“It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: A believer is the mirror of another believer, and a believer is the brother of another believer. He protects his wealth from loss and safeguards his honor in his absence.”
Trustworthiness and Honesty:
One of the good qualities of good and civilized nations is honesty and integrity. This virtue is a sign of any nation’s goodness. This is why Allah Almighty has strongly emphasized that Muslims should always adopt honesty and integrity as their motto. Allah Almighty says:
﴿يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تَخُونُوا اللَّهَ وَالرَّسُولَ وَتَخُونُوا أَمَانَاتِكُمْ وَأَنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ﴾
“O you who have believed, do not betray Allah and the Messenger or betray your trusts knowingly.”
At another place, it is stated:
But those who do not honor this trust have severe warnings, indeed such people are declared as inhabitants of Hell. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
«عن خولة الانصارية رضي الله عنها قالت: سمعت النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم يقول: إن رجالا يتخوضون فى مال الله بغير حق فلهم النار يوم القيامة»
Narrated Sayyida Khawla al-Ansariyya (may Allah be pleased with her): I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) say: Indeed, some people unlawfully consume the wealth of Allah, so for such people is the fire of Hell on the Day of Judgment.
Modesty:
A Muslim is the protector of the honor of another Muslim. Therefore, it is obligatory upon a Muslim to defend the honor of his Muslim brother and not to do anything that would harm his honor or do anything that could hurt his self-respect. Among the matters that cause harm to a person’s self-respect is revealing a person’s faults in front of others. Since this causes embarrassment for a person, the Shariah absolutely does not permit it. Rather, it obliges a Muslim to defend the honor of his brother.
«عن ابي الدرداء رضى الله عنه عن النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: من رد عن عرض أخيه رد الله عن وجهه الناريوم القيامة»
“It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Darda (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: Whoever defends the honor of his Muslim brother, Allah will remove the fire of Hell from his face on the Day of Resurrection.”
Kindness to the Young and Respect for the Elders:
One of the good qualities of any society is that in that society, children are loved and elders are respected. A society in which elders are not respected usually reaches the brink of destruction because the experiences of the elders are beneficial. If beneficial actions are abandoned, the risk of harm increases. To protect from this harm, the Sharia strongly emphasizes respecting the elders.
«عن عبد الله ابن عمر ويرويه، قال ابن السرح: عن النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: من لم يرحم صغيرنا ويعرف حق كبيرنا فليس منا»
“Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Amr (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Whoever does not show kindness to our young ones and does not give due rights to our elders is not one of us.”
Accepting Invitations:
The invitation should be accepted because accepting an invitation is also a cause of love and affection, and it is a right of one Muslim over another.
«عن أبى هريرة أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: حق المسلم على المسلم ست وإذا دعاكفاجبه»
The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said: A Muslim has certain rights over another Muslim. One of them is this: when he invites you, accept his invitation.
But this acceptance of invitation will be in permissible and lawful matters. Invitations to unlawful and forbidden acts by Allah should absolutely not be accepted.
Allah Almighty says:
﴿وَتَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْبِرِّ وَالتَّقْوَىٰ وَلَا تَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْإِثْمِ وَالْعُدْوَانِ﴾
“Help one another in righteousness and piety, but do not help one another in sin and transgression.”
Greeting with Salaam and its method and etiquettes:
Salam is one of the Islamic rituals. It indicates that the one who says السلام عليكم is a Muslim. Such a person should be treated as a Muslim. Allah Almighty says:
﴿يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِذَا ضَرَبْتُمْ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ فَتَبَيَّنُوا وَلَا تَقُولُوا لِمَنْ أَلْقَىٰ إِلَيْكُمُ السَّلَامَ لَسْتَ مُؤْمِنًا﴾
“O you who have believed, when you go forth in the cause of Allah, do not say to one who gives you greeting of peace ‘You are not a believer.'”
«عن عمران بن حصين قال جاء رجل إلى النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم فقال: السلام عليكم، فرد عليه السلام ثم جلس فقال النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم: عشر ثم جاء آخر فقال: السلام عليكم ورحمة الله، فرد عليه فجلس فقال: عشرون ثم جاء آخر فقال: السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته فرد عليه فجلس، فقال: ثلاثون»
Narrated Sayyiduna Imran bin Husain (may Allah be pleased with him): A man came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and said: السلام عليكم. The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied to his salam and he sat down. Then the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Ten. Then another man came and said: السلام عليكم و رحمته الله.. The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied and he sat down. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Thirty. Then another came and said السلام عليكم ورحمته الله وبركاته. The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied and he sat down. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Forty.”
In another hadith, it is mentioned that then another person came and said: “As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu wa maghfiratuhu” (Peace, mercy, blessings, and forgiveness of Allah be upon you). The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Forty, and then said: “In this way, people surpass each other in virtue.”
Keeping Promises:
It is a sign of conscientious and good nations that they fulfill their promises. That is, they keep their commitments. In Islam, great attention has been given to this. Allah Almighty’s sacred command is:
﴿وَأَوْفُوا بِالْعَهْدِ ۖ إِنَّ الْعَهْدَ كَانَ مَسْئُولًا﴾
“That you fulfill your promises, for you will be questioned about your covenants.”
A sign of Allah Almighty’s righteous and pious servants is also that they fulfill their promises. Allah Almighty’s sacred command is:
﴿وَالْمُوفُونَ بِعَهْدِهِمْ إِذَا عَاهَدُوا﴾
“That the servants of Allah are those who, when they make a covenant, fulfill it.”
Punctuality:
Punctuality is the hallmark of good and organized nations, as they perform their tasks in an orderly manner. Organization is evidence of the goodness of any nation. This is why Allah Almighty has given special importance to punctuality. Allah’s command is:
﴿فَإِذَا قَضَيْتُمُ الصَّلَاةَ فَاذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ قِيَامًا وَقُعُودًا وَعَلَىٰ جُنُوبِكُمْ ۚ فَإِذَا اطْمَأْنَنتُمْ فَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ ۚ إِنَّ الصَّلَاةَ كَانَتْ عَلَى الْمُؤْمِنِينَ كِتَابًا مَّوْقُوتًا﴾
“Then when you have completed the prayer, remember Allah standing, sitting, and lying on your sides. But when you become secure, establish prayer. Indeed, prayer has been decreed upon the believers a decree of specified times.”
Gentleness:
One of the good and most excellent qualities of any human being is gentleness. It is such a great attribute through which a person attains the heights of this world and the Hereafter. Since the purpose of Islamic Shariah is also the welfare and success of a person in this world and the Hereafter, for this reason, Islamic Shariah has strongly emphasized gentleness. Accordingly:
﴿وَإِمَّا تُعْرِضَنَّ عَنْهُمُ ابْتِغَاءَ رَحْمَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكَ تَرْجُوهَا فَقُل لَّهُمْ قَوْلًا مَّيْسُورًا﴾
“If you turn away from those who associate others with Allah and seek provision from your Lord, then say to them a good word.”
«عن أنس بن مالك قال: خدمت النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم عشر سنين بالمدينة وأنا غلام ليس كل أمرى كما يشتهي صاحبي أن أكون عليه، ما قال لي: فيها أن قط وما قال لي: لم فعلت هذا؟ أو ألا فعلت هذا»
“Sayyiduna Anas رضي الله عنه narrates that I served the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم in Madinah Munawwarah for ten years while I was a young boy. My work was not always up to the standard that my beloved صلى الله عليه وسلم desired. (Despite this) the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم never said ‘uff’ (an expression of annoyance) to me, nor did he say: Why did you do this? And why did you not do that?”
Protect the Tongue:
One of Allah Almighty’s great blessings is the blessing of the tongue. It is such a great blessing upon which the success of this world and the Hereafter depends.
«عن عقبة بن عامر قال: قلت: يا رسول الله ! ما النجاة؟ قال: أملك عليك لسانك، وليسعك بيتك وابك على خطيئتك»
“Sayyiduna Uqbah bin Amir (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates, I asked the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), ‘What is salvation?’ He (peace be upon him) replied: Control your tongue, stay in your home, and be ashamed of your sins.”
Speaking the Truth:
Among good morals is speaking the truth. Speaking the truth means speaking according to the reality of the matter. Speaking the truth is a great attribute of Allah Almighty. Allah Almighty says:
﴿وَمَنْ أَصْدَقُ مِنَ اللَّهِ حَدِيثًا﴾
“Who can be more truthful than Allah?”
Meaning, Allah Almighty is the most truthful. He commands to speak the truth, praises the truthful, and commands to support those who speak the truth. Allah Almighty says:
﴿يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَكُونُوا مَعَ الصَّادِقِينَ﴾
“O you who have believed! Fear Allah and be with those who are truthful.”
Giving Gifts:
One of the good qualities of any nation is that they exchange gifts with each other. This act creates love among the people of any nation, and when love is created, society becomes a cradle of peace, tranquility, and affection. For this reason, Islamic Sharia has strongly encouraged it. Allah Almighty says:
﴿وَإِذَا حُيِّيتُم بِتَحِيَّةٍ فَحَيُّوا بِأَحْسَنَ مِنْهَا أَوْ رُدُّوهَا ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ حَسِيبًا ﴾
“And when you are given a gift, give a better gift in return or at least the equivalent. Indeed, gifts exchange creates love and affection.”
Similarly:
«عن ابي هريرة قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم تها دوا تحابوا»
“It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: Exchange gifts among yourselves; it will create mutual love.”
Avoiding Doubtful Matters:
The source of evil and corruption in society is following suspicious matters and believing in suspicious things. Because of this, feelings of hatred and enmity are created in any person, which ultimately result in fighting and corruption. So, the root of fighting and corruption is acting upon suspicious matters. For this reason, Shariah has prohibited matters involving doubts and suspicions. The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said:
«دع ما يرينك إلى ما لا يريبك»
“Leave that which makes you doubt and hold on to that which does not make you doubt.”
Patience:
To achieve any success, one has to endure hardships and difficulties. Until a person learns to play with difficulties and develops the strength to be patient, he cannot succeed. The Arabs say, “He who is patient is successful.” For success in this world and the Hereafter, it is necessary to show patience and never let go of the garment of patience. Success is for such people. Allah Almighty says:
﴿وَأَطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ وَلَا تَنَازَعُوا فَتَفْشَلُوا وَتَذْهَبَ رِيحُكُمْ ۖ وَاصْبِرُوا ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ مَعَ الصَّابِرِينَ﴾
“And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.”
«عن صهيب قال: قال رسول الله: عجبا لأمر المؤمن، إن أمره كله خير وليس ذاك لأحد إلا للمؤمن، إن أصابته سراء شكر فكان خيرا له وإن أصابته ضرا صبر فكان خير اله»
“It is narrated from Sayyiduna Suhaib (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: The matter of the believer is strange, indeed there is good for him in every matter, and this is only for the believer. If he is given happiness, he thanks, which is good for him. And if he is afflicted with hardship, he is patient, which is good for him.”
Reformation:
Reformation is essential for the welfare of any society. Reformation means eliminating discord among people and eradicating every bad habit, custom, and tradition. Any society from which bad habits are removed will certainly be a successful society, and any home, city, or country from which hatred and enmity are eliminated will be on the path to success. Due to this importance, Allah Almighty has emphasized the command of reconciliation. The Divine command is:
﴿وَإِنِ امْرَأَةٌ خَافَتْ مِن بَعْلِهَا نُشُوزًا أَوْ إِعْرَاضًا فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْهِمَا أَن يُصْلِحَا بَيْنَهُمَا صُلْحًا ۚ وَالصُّلْحُ خَيْرٌ ۗ وَأُحْضِرَتِ الْأَنفُسُ الشُّحَّ ۚ وَإِن تُحْسِنُوا وَتَتَّقُوا فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرًا﴾
“If a woman fears ill-treatment or neglect from her husband, there is no blame upon them if they make peace between themselves. Peace is better. Greed is inherent in every soul. If you do good and fear Allah, indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted.”
Justice and Fairness:
Justice and fairness are extremely essential for the survival and progress of any society. Until justice and fairness are established in any society, that society will be plagued by chaos and disorder, and the paths to development and welfare will be blocked. Because people will suffer from insecurity, due to which they will not be able to carry out their work peacefully, which will halt the journey of progress. The result of this will be the destruction and ruin of the society. Therefore, it is said that any country can survive on the basis of disbelief, but it cannot survive on the basis of oppression. For this reason, Islamic Shariah considers oppression and injustice very bad, which can be understood from the following Hadith.
«عن انس رضى الله عنه ان النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: الأئمة من قريش إذا حكموا عدلوا، وإذا عاهدو أوفوا ، وإن استرحموا رحموا ، فمن لم يفعل ذلك منهم فعليه لعنة الله والملائكة والناس أجمعين لا يقبل منهم صرف ولا عدل»
“It is narrated from Sayyiduna Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: The rulers will be from Quraysh; when they judge, they will judge with justice, and when they make a promise, they will fulfill it, and when mercy and compassion are sought, they will show mercy and compassion. Whoever among them does not do so, upon him will be the curse of all the angels of Allah and all the people. Neither his obligatory nor voluntary deeds will be accepted.”
Giving Charity and Alms:
To maintain any society, it is necessary that the prosperous and influential people of that society adopt giving charity and alms to the weak and poor people there as their principle. Because in society, there are some weak people who cannot fulfill their basic needs of life. It is the responsibility of the wealthy people to fulfill the needs of such people so that these weak people can meet their needs and some degree of stability and moderation can be established within the society and community.
Allah Almighty says:
﴿فِي أَمْوَالِهِمْ حَقٌّ مَّعْلُومٌ ﴿٢٤﴾ لِّلسَّائِلِ وَالْمَحْرُومِ ﴿٢٥﴾
“A fixed portion is for them (the poor) from their wealth. (For charity and alms) for those who ask and those who do not ask, so that the weak people can fulfill their life needs in a better way.”
Bad Morals:
Being Hopeless of Allah Almighty’s Mercy:
Despairing and losing hope in the mercy of Allah Almighty is absolutely not the way of the people of faith and Islam, rather it is the way of the misguided and disbelievers. As the Divine command states:
﴿قَالَ وَمَن يَقْنَطُ مِن رَّحْمَةِ رَبِّهِ إِلَّا الضَّالُّونَ﴾
“Our master Ibrahim (peace be upon him) said: Who despairs of the mercy of his Lord except the misguided?”
Furthermore, our master Abdullah bin Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him), while explaining the details of sins, states that among the major sins is also:
«الْقَنُوطَ مِن رَّحْمَةِ الله»
“(Among the major sins) is despairing of the mercy of Allah Almighty.”
Being ungrateful to Allah Almighty:
Allah Almighty has boundless favors and blessings upon all the children of Adam, indeed upon all creatures. Whoever, while safeguarding and considering these favors and blessings, thanks Allah, then Allah Almighty will grant him success in all matters and further progress. On the contrary, if he turns to ingratitude towards Allah, which is a great crime and sin, then Allah Almighty will deprive him of all favors and subject him to punishment. As the Divine command states:
﴿وَإِذْ تَأَذَّنَ رَبُّكُمْ لَئِن شَكَرْتُمْ لَأَزِيدَنَّكُمْ ۖ وَلَئِن كَفَرْتُمْ إِنَّ عَذَابِي لَشَدِيدٌ﴾
“And when your Lord proclaimed: ‘If you give thanks, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.'”
Lying about Allah Almighty:
To slander the Holy Being of Allah, meaning attributing to Allah something He has not said, is certainly a great sin and injustice, and it causes pain and suffering to Allah. Accordingly, Allah Almighty says:
« ومن أظلم ممن افترىٰ على الله كذبا أو كذب بالحق لما جاءه ۚ أليس فى جهنم مثوى للكافرين»
“And who is more unjust than one who invents a lie against Allah, or denies the truth when it comes to him? Is there not a Hell for the disbelievers?”
Lying about Sayyiduna Muhammad Rasul Allah ﷺ:
Slandering the noble person of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, that is, attributing to him something he did not say, leads a person to Hell. It is narrated from Sayyiduna Mughira bin Shu’bah, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Noble Prophet, peace be upon him, said:
«إن كذبا على ليس ككذب على أحد، من كذب على متعمدا فليتبوا مقعده من النار»
“To lie about me is not like lying about anyone else. Whoever deliberately lies about me, let him prepare his place in Hell.”
Preferring following the obedience of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, over mere imitation:
Obedience and compliance to the Noble Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, is obligatory and necessary for all of humanity, because he is the source of human guidance. Accordingly, the Divine command is:
﴿وَمَن يُطِعِ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ يُدْخِلْهُ جَنَّاتٍ تَجْرِي مِن تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا ۚ وَذَٰلِكَ الْفَوْزُ الْعَظِيمُ﴾
“And whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger, He will admit him to gardens beneath which rivers flow, to abide therein forever; and that is the great success.”
Diminishing or Exalting the Status of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him:
All the Prophets and Messengers of Allah, the Exalted, are extremely honored and exalted, and in rank they are higher than all of mankind and other creatures. However, no follower has the right to exaggerate or overstate the status and rank of any Prophet or Messenger—from Sayyiduna Adam, peace be upon him, to the last-time Prophet, Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him—by elevating them from ”مقام عبوديت“ to ”مقام الوهيت“, or to call them the son of Allah, or to establish beliefs related to them such as ”عالم الغيب“ and ”نورمن نور الله“.
It should be remembered that increasing or decreasing the status of any Prophet or Messenger beyond what Allah has assigned is equivalent to corrupting one’s faith. Accordingly, while mentioning the Christians, Allah, the Exalted, said:
﴿لَقَدْ كَفَرَ الَّذِينَ قَالُوا إِنَّ اللَّهَ هُوَ الْمَسِيحُ ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ ۖ وَقَالَ الْمَسِيحُ يَا بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ اعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ رَبِّي وَرَبَّكُمْ ۖ إِنَّهُ مَن يُشْرِكْ بِاللَّهِ فَقَدْ حَرَّمَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ الْجَنَّةَ وَمَأْوَاهُ النَّارُ ۖ وَمَا لِلظَّالِمِينَ مِنْ أَنصَارٍ﴾
“Indeed, they have disbelieved who say, ‘Allah is the Messiah, the son of Mary,’ while the Messiah said, ‘O Children of Israel, worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord.’ Indeed, whoever associates others with Allah—Allah has forbidden him Paradise, and his refuge is the Fire. And there are not for the wrongdoers any helpers.”
Also, in another place, rejecting the Jews and Christians, He said:
﴿ وَقَالَتِ الْيَهُودُ عُزَيْرٌ ابْنُ اللَّهِ وَقَالَتِ النَّصَارَى الْمَسِيحُ ابْنُ اللَّهِ ۖ ذَٰلِكَ قَوْلُهُم بِأَفْوَاهِهِمْ ۖ يُضَاهِئُونَ قَوْلَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا مِن قَبْلُ ۚ قَاتَلَهُمُ اللَّهُ ۚ أَنَّىٰ يُؤْفَكُونَ﴾
“And the Jews say, ‘Ezra is the son of Allah’; and the Christians say, ‘The Messiah is the son of Allah.’ That is their statement from their mouths; they imitate the saying of those who disbelieved before. May Allah destroy them; how are they deluded?”
Exaggeration (excess) is unlawful and wrong whether it is in the greatness and dignity of the Prophets and Messengers, or in other religious matters. Accordingly, the Divine command is:
﴿يَا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ لَا تَغْلُوا فِي دِينِكُمْ وَلَا تَقُولُوا عَلَى اللَّهِ إِلَّا الْحَقَّ﴾
“O People of the Scripture, do not commit excess in your religion or say about Allah except the truth.”
In another place, it is said:
﴿قُلْ يَا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ لَا تَغْلُوا فِي دِينِكُمْ غَيْرَ الْحَقِّ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا أَهْوَاءَ قَوْمٍ قَدْ ضَلُّوا مِن قَبْلُ وَأَضَلُّوا كَثِيرًا وَضَلُّوا عَن سَوَاءِ السَّبِيلِ ﴾
“Say, ‘O People of the Scripture, do not exceed limits in your religion beyond the truth and do not follow the inclinations of a people who had gone astray before and misled many and strayed from the soundness.’”
Moreover, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, also severely condemned those who exaggerate. It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Mas’ud, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Noble Messenger, peace be upon him, said:
«هلك المتنطعون قالها ثلاثا»
“Those who exaggerate are destroyed.” The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, repeated these words three times.
Also, it is narrated from Sayyiduna Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said:
«لا تطروني كما أطرت النصارى ابن مريم فإنما أنا عبده فقولوا : عبد الله ورسوله»
باب قول الله تعالى: ﴿وَاذْكُرْ فِي الْكِتَابِ مَرْيَمَ إِذِ انتَبَذَتْ مِنْ أَهْلِهَا﴾
“Do not exaggerate in praising me as the Christians exaggerated in praising Jesus. I am only a servant, so say, ‘The servant of Allah and His Messenger.’”
Not to consider the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, more beloved than your own life and wealth:
Loving the Noble Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, is the foremost requirement of faith, and whoever loves the Prophet, peace be upon him, more than their parents, children, and wealth, and considers him their decision-maker in all matters, then Allah Almighty forgives all their sins in return for such love and admits them into Paradise. This is the sign of a true and steadfast believer and Muslim. On the contrary, whoever does not sincerely love the Prophet, peace be upon him, and does not consider him their leader and guide, cannot be a true believer. This is why Allah, the Exalted, has said:
﴿قُلْ إِن كُنتُمْ تُحِبُّونَ اللَّهَ فَاتَّبِعُونِي يُحْبِبْكُمُ اللَّهُ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ذُنُوبَكُمْ ۗ وَاللَّهُ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ﴾
“Say, [O Muhammad], ‘If you love Allah, then follow me, so Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.'”
It is also narrated from Sayyiduna Anas, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Prophet, peace be upon him, said:
«لا يؤمن أحدكم حتى أكون أحب إليه من والده وولده والناس أجمعين»
“None of you can be a believer until I am dearer to him than his parents, his children, and all people.”
Not sending blessings and salutations upon hearing the name of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him:
It is the duty of every believer and Muslim that when the blessed name of the Noble Prophet ﷺ reaches their ears, they should immediately present a gift of salutations and blessings upon the Noble Prophet. Not only believers and Muslims, but Allah Almighty Himself and all His angels continuously send bouquets of salutations and greetings to the Noble Prophet ﷺ. Allah, the Exalted, says:
﴿إِنَّ اللَّهَ وَمَلَائِكَتَهُ يُصَلُّونَ عَلَى النَّبِيِّ ۚ يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا صَلُّوا عَلَيْهِ وَسَلِّمُوا تَسْلِيمًا﴾
“Indeed, Allah and His angels send blessings upon the Prophet. O you who have believed, send blessings upon him and greet him with peace.”
Those who send salutations and greetings upon the Noble Prophet ﷺ receive glad tidings. It is narrated from Sayyiduna Anas رضي الله عنه that the Noble Messenger ﷺ said:
«من صلى على صلوة واحدة، صلى الله عليه عشر صلوات، وحطت عنه عشر خطيئات، ورفعت له عشر درجات»
“Whoever sends blessings upon me once, Allah will send ten blessings upon him, forgive ten sins, and raise him ten degrees.”
Mocking and Denying the Day of Judgment:
The Day of Judgment holds fundamental importance not only in Islam but in all the religions of the world, because on that day the scale of justice, fairness, and honesty will be established, in which every deed, effort, and struggle will be rewarded according to sincerity. Or in other words, understand that the Day of Judgment is the day of the result of all worldly deeds of all mankind, in which every person will be rewarded according to their actions.
And it should also be kept in mind that just as it is obligatory to believe in Allah Almighty, His all messengers (peace be upon them), all heavenly books, and angels, similarly it is obligatory to believe in the Day of Judgment. Just as denial of any one of these leads to disbelief, similarly mocking or denying the Day of Judgment also leads to disbelief. Therefore, whoever mocks or denies the Day of Judgment, his abode is Hell. As Allah Almighty says:
﴿وَإِذَا قِيلَ إِنَّ وَعْدَ اللَّهِ حَقٌّ وَالسَّاعَةُ لَا رَيْبَ فِيهَا قُلْتُم مَّا نَدْرِي مَا السَّاعَةُ إِن نَّظُنُّ إِلَّا ظَنًّا وَمَا نَحْنُ بِمُسْتَيْقِنِينَ ﴿٣٢﴾ وَبَدَا لَهُمْ سَيِّئَاتُ مَا عَمِلُوا وَحَاقَ بِهِم مَّا كَانُوا بِهِ يَسْتَهْزِئُونَ ﴿٣٣﴾ وَقِيلَ الْيَوْمَ نَنسَاكُمْ كَمَا نَسِيتُمْ لِقَاءَ يَوْمِكُمْ هَٰذَا وَمَأْوَاكُمُ النَّارُ وَمَا لَكُم مِّن نَّاصِرِينَ ﴿٣٤﴾
“And when it was said that indeed Allah’s promise is true and there is no doubt about the coming of the Hour, you said, ‘We do not know what the Hour is; we think it is only a conjecture, and we have no certainty about it.’ And their evil deeds appeared before them, and the punishment they used to ridicule encompassed them. And it will be said, ‘Today We will forget you as you forgot the meeting of this Day of yours, and your refuge is the Fire, and there is no helper for you.'”
Denying the Punishment of the Grave:
The torment of the grave is a fundamental belief in Islam, and there is no room for doubt or skepticism about its truthfulness, and believing in it is obligatory. Those who deny this belief while considering it untrue are acting in clear contradiction to the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah.
The torment of the grave is true. Allah, the Exalted, says:
﴿يُثَبِّتُ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا بِالْقَوْلِ الثَّابِتِ فِي الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ ۖ وَيُضِلُّ اللَّهُ الظَّالِمِينَ ۚ وَيَفْعَلُ اللَّهُ مَا يَشَاءُ﴾
“Allah keeps firm those who believe with the firm word in the worldly life and in the Hereafter. And Allah sends astray the wrongdoers, and Allah does what He wills.”
The interpretation of this verse is found in the narration of Sayyiduna Bara’ bin Azib (may Allah be pleased with him), in which the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
«إذا أقعد المؤمن فى قبره أتاه ملكان أذرقان ثم شهد أن لا إله إلا الله وأن محمدا رسول الله، فذلك قوله:»
﴿يُثَبِّتُ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا بِالْقَوْلِ الثَّابِتِ﴾
“When a believer is placed in his grave, two angels with blue eyes come to him. He testifies that there is no deity except Allah and that the noble Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the Messenger of Allah. This is the interpretation of the divine command in Surah Ibrahim that Allah keeps the believers firm on the truth, i.e., monotheism, in this life and the Hereafter.”
And the family of Pharaoh are punished morning and evening, as Allah says:
﴿فَوَقَاهُ اللَّهُ سَيِّئَاتِ مَا مَكَرُوا ۖ وَحَاقَ بِآلِ فِرْعَوْنَ سُوءُ الْعَذَابِ ﴿٤٥﴾ النَّارُ يُعْرَضُونَ عَلَيْهَا غُدُوًّا وَعَشِيًّا ۖ وَيَوْمَ تَقُومُ السَّاعَةُ أَدْخِلُوا آلَ فِرْعَوْنَ أَشَدَّ الْعَذَابِ ﴿٤٦﴾
“So Allah saved him from all evils that they had planned, and the punishment of Pharaoh’s people seized them. They were presented to the Fire morning and evening, and on the Day of Resurrection, (Allah will say) ‘Cause Pharaoh’s people to enter the severest punishment.'”
And the disbelievers begin to receive torment from the moment of death. The evidence is Allah’s statement:
﴿وَلَوْ تَرَىٰ إِذِ الظَّالِمُونَ فِي غَمَرَاتِ الْمَوْتِ وَالْمَلَائِكَةُ بَاسِطُو أَيْدِيهِمْ أَخْرِجُوا أَنفُسَكُمُ ۖ الْيَوْمَ تُجْزَوْنَ عَذَابَ الْهُونِ بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَقُولُونَ عَلَى اللَّهِ غَيْرَ الْحَقِّ وَكُنتُمْ عَنْ آيَاتِهِ تَسْتَكْبِرُونَ﴾
“And if you could see when the wrongdoers are in the pangs of death while the angels are stretching forth their hands, (saying), ‘Give up your souls! Today you will be awarded the punishment of humiliation for what you used to say against Allah unjustly and [because] you were arrogant toward His verses.'”
Further, He said:
﴿وَلَوْ تَرَىٰ إِذْ يَتَوَفَّى الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا ۙ الْمَلَائِكَةُ يَضْرِبُونَ وُجُوهَهُمْ وَأَدْبَارَهُمْ وَذُوقُوا عَذَابَ الْحَرِيقِ ﴾
“Would that you could see when the angels take the souls of the disbelievers, striking their faces and their backs and saying, ‘Taste the punishment of the burning fire.'”
Regarding the truth of the torment of the grave, the sayings of the Prophet (peace be upon him) are as follows. It is narrated from Sayyida Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) that:
«أن يهودية دخلت عليها فذكرت عذاب القبر فقالت لها أعاذك الله من عذاب القبر فسألت عائشة ( رضى الله عنه ) رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم عن عذاب القبر فقال: نعم عذاب القبر، قالت عائشة رضي الله عنها فما رأيت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم بعد صلى صلاة إلا تعوذ من عذاب القبر زاد غندر عذاب القبر حق »
A Jewish woman came to her and mentioned the torment of the grave and said, “May Allah protect you from the torment of the grave.” Upon this, Sayyida Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) asked the Prophet (peace be upon him) about the torment of the grave, and the Prophet (peace be upon him) replied that yes, the torment of the grave is true. Also, Sayyida Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) stated that she never saw the Prophet (peace be upon him) perform any prayer without seeking refuge from the torment of the grave. Imam Ghundar (may Allah have mercy on him) added the words عذاب القبر حق in this narration.”
And it is narrated from Sayyiduna Ayyub (may Allah be pleased with him) that:
«خرج رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم بعد ما غربت الشمس فسمع صوتا فقال: يهود تعذب فى قبورها»
“The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) went out after sunset one day and heard a voice. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: The Jews are being punished in their graves.”
Belief in what has been conveyed in the Quran and Hadith about the torment of the grave is obligatory, but one should not delve into its nature and details, as it is an intermediate (Barzakh) matter. Therefore, it is necessary to believe exactly in what has been conveyed. Denying the torment of the grave is fleeing from the path of Islam.
The author of Sharh Aqeedah Tahawiyyah states:
“There are mutawatir (mass-transmitted) hadiths from the Prophet (peace be upon him) affirming the torment of the grave and the blessings of the grave for those who deserve them. Likewise, it is obligatory to believe in the questioning by the two angels in the grave. We do not discuss its nature because understanding these matters is not the work of reason, as these are not customary in this world, and the Shariah does not discuss matters that are rationally impossible. However, sometimes such matters are discussed in the Shariah which leave reason astonished. The return of the soul to the body is not like the usual return in this world; rather, the matter of the soul’s return is not like the usual return in this world.”
Imam Ajuri has titled a chapter in الشريعه as:
«التصديق والإيمان بعذاب القبر»
“Affirmation of the torment of the grave and belief in it”
Then he narrated hadiths about the torment of the grave and said:
«ما أسوأ حال من كذب بهذا الأحاديث لقد ضل ضلالا بعيدا وخسر خسرا مبينا»
“Whoever denies these hadiths is in a very bad state; indeed, he has gone far astray and suffered clear loss.”
Allama Abu Bakr Ahmad bin Ali al-Razi (may Allah have mercy on him) states:
«واعلم أن سؤال منكر ونكير للميت فى القبر عن ربه ودينه حق لوردد الأحاديث عن النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم»
“Believe that the questioning of the deceased by Munkar and Nakeer in the grave about his Lord and his religion is true, because there are hadiths narrated from the Prophet (peace be upon him) about it.”
Allama Muhammad bin Ahmad al-Saffarini states:
«وعذاب القبر واحياء الموتى وقبورهم ومسئلة منكر ونكير لهم ثابت وواجب القول به وأنه يعذب بعد أن ترد الروح اليه فعذاب القبر حق»
“The torment of the grave, the revival of the dead in the graves, and the questioning by Munkar and Nakeer are established. It is obligatory to believe in this, and after the soul’s return, the torment is inflicted. So the torment of the grave is true.”
Imam Abu al-Hasan al-Ash’ari states:
«واختلفوا فى عذاب فمنهم من نفاه وهم المعتزلة والخوارج ومنهم من أثبته وهم أكثر أهل الإسلام»
“The nature of the disagreement regarding the torment of the grave is that the Mu’tazilah and Kharijites denied it, while the majority of the people of Islam affirm it.”
Denying Destiny:
Like the torment of the grave, the issue of “Qadr (Divine Decree)” also holds fundamental importance. Just as it is obligatory to believe in the reality of the torment of the grave, similarly, belief in Qadr is also obligatory and necessary. Moreover, the belief of the Salaf and Khalaf (early and later generations) is that whoever accepts the Divine Decree with complete sincerity, meaning without any doubt, is a true and firm believer. Therefore, whoever doubts (has hesitation) in the Divine Decree should be concerned about their faith.
Accordingly, Allah, the Exalted, says:
﴿إِنَّا كُلَّ شَيْءٍ خَلَقْنَاهُ بِقَدَرٍ ﴿٤٩﴾ وَمَا أَمْرُنَا إِلَّا وَاحِدَةٌ كَلَمْحٍ بِالْبَصَرِ ﴿٥٠﴾
“We have created everything according to a precise measure, and Our command is but one, like the blinking of an eye.”
Furthermore, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) linked the acceptance of charity to faith in Qadr by saying:
«لو أن الله عذب أهل سمواته وأهل أرضه: عذبهم وهو غير ظالم لهم، ولو رحمهم كانت رحمته خيرا لهم من أعمالهم ولو أنفقت مثل أحد ذهبا فى سبيل الله ما قبله الله منك حتى تؤمن بالقدر، وتعلم أن ما أصابك لم يكن ليخطنك، وأن ما أخطأك لم يكن ليصيبك، فلو مت على غير هذا لدخلت النار»
“If Allah were to punish all the inhabitants of the heavens and the earth, He would not be unjust to them; and if He were to have mercy on them, it would be better for them than their deeds. If you were to spend gold equal to Mount Uhud in the way of Allah, Allah would not accept it until you believe in good and bad Qadr and become certain that whatever has reached you could not have missed you, and whatever has missed you could not have reached you. If you die without accepting this belief, you will surely be admitted to the Fire.”
Insulting the Companions (May Allah be pleased with them):
Loving the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) is not only a part of faith but is indeed faith itself. Because they were blessed with the companionship of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him. The Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, believed in the Messenger of Allah, strengthened His religion, wished well for Him, in short, they gave themselves to the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, with complete sincerity in every field. This is why Allah, the Exalted, became pleased with all the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them. As the Divine Command states:
﴿رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ وَرَضُوا عَنْهُ ۚ أُولَٰئِكَ حِزْبُ اللَّهِ ۚ أَلَا إِنَّ حِزْبَ اللَّهِ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُونَ﴾
“Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased with Him. Those are the party of Allah. So be aware that the party of Allah are the successful ones.”
At another place, mentioning the Muhajirin and Ansar, the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them), Allah Almighty said:
﴿وَالسَّابِقُونَ الْأَوَّلُونَ مِنَ الْمُهَاجِرِينَ وَالْأَنصَارِ وَالَّذِينَ اتَّبَعُوهُم بِإِحْسَانٍ رَّضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ وَرَضُوا عَنْهُ وَأَعَدَّ لَهُمْ جَنَّاتٍ تَجْرِي تَحْتَهَا الْأَنْهَارُ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا أَبَدًا ۚ ذَٰلِكَ الْفَوْزُ الْعَظِيمُ﴾
“And the first forerunners among the Muhajirin and Ansar and those who followed them with good conduct—Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased with Him, and He has prepared for them gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide forever. That is the great attainment.”
Whoever loves them, it is as if he has loved the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him. Conversely, whoever insults or harbors enmity against the Companions, it is as if he has insulted or harbored enmity against the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him. Accordingly, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said:
«لا تسبوا أصحابي، فلو أن أحدكم أنفق مثل أحد ذهبا ما بلغ مد أحدهم ولانصيفه»
“Do not insult my Companions. If anyone spends gold equal to Mount Uhud in the way of Allah, it will not equal even a mudd (measure) of their grain, nor half a mudd.”
Moreover, whoever targets the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, with abuse, Allah Almighty, His angels, and all people curse him. As the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said:
«من سب أصحابي فعليه لعنة الله والملائكة والناس أجمعين»
“Whoever insults my Companions, upon him be the curse of Allah, the angels, and all people.”
And regarding Lady Fatimah, may Allah be pleased with her, He said:
«إنما فاطمة بضعة منى يؤذينى ما أذاها وينصبني ما أنصبها»
“Fatimah is a part of me. Whoever harms her or displeases her, it is as if he harms me or displeases me.”
Similarly, whoever holds the belief that any one of the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, will enter Hellfire, this belief is absolutely baseless and incorrect. The proof is the narration of Sayyidna Jabir, may Allah be pleased with him, in which a slave of Sayyidna Hatib bin Abi Balta’ah, may Allah be pleased with him, came to the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, complaining and said: O Messenger of Allah! Hatib will surely enter Hellfire. Upon hearing this, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said:
«كذبت لا يدخلها فإنه قد شهد بدرا والحديبية»
“You have lied; he will not enter Hellfire because he participated in Badr and Hudaybiyyah.”
Disrespecting the Ahl al-Bayt:
Respecting and loving the Ahl al-Bayt is a part of faith, just as loving and respecting the other noble companions (Sahabah) رضی اللہ عنہم is a part of faith. No person can truly become a sincere Muslim and believer until he sincerely respects the Ahl al-Bayt. However, it is regrettable that some people, despite calling themselves believers and monotheists, interfere in the “disputes among the Sahabah رضی اللہ عنہم” and fall into misguidance by exaggerating. In any case, respecting and loving the Ahl al-Bayt is a part of faith. Moreover, when the Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم loved the Ahl al-Bayt, then who is unfortunate enough not to love the Ahl al-Bayt?
The Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم also prayed for his wives and children. It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Humaid Saidi رضی اللہ عنہ that when the companions رضی اللہ عنہم asked him (how should we send blessings upon you), the Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم said:
«اللهم صل على محمد وأزواجه وذريته»
“O Allah! Send mercy upon Muhammad and your purified wives and your offspring.”
Furthermore, it is narrated from Sayyiduna Usama bin Zaid رضی اللہ عنہ that when the Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم saw the two Hasanayn, i.e., Sayyiduna Hasan and Husayn رضی اللہ عنہما, he said:
«أللهم إنى أحبهما فأحبهما وأحب من تحبهما»
“O Allah! I love these two, Hasan and Husayn, so love them too, and love those who love them.”
It is understood that loving Hasanayn and the other Ahl al-Bayt رضی اللہ عنہم is a great means and cause of divine love. Whoever does not love them cannot be deserving of divine love and is rather a sinner.
Not Performing Enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil:
Enjoining good and forbidding evil, which means commanding good deeds and advising to avoid bad deeds, is a very important duty in Islam. Those who sincerely engage in fulfilling this duty are certainly deserving of great reward and recompense from Allah Almighty. And those who neglect this duty, avoid its propagation, or only command sinful acts, are undoubtedly committing sin. Allah the Exalted says:
﴿وَلْتَكُن مِّنكُمْ أُمَّةٌ يَدْعُونَ إِلَى الْخَيْرِ وَيَأْمُرُونَ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَيَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنكَرِ ۚ وَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُونَ﴾
“And let there be [arising] from you a nation inviting to [all that is] good, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong, and those will be the successful.”
Mocking the Limits Set by Allah:
The religion of Islam is a universal religion, in which Allah Almighty has explained matters related to beliefs, actions, and morals for humans. Alongside this, to reform human society and make it a cradle of peace, He has also prescribed legal punishments and limits, so that the oppression of the oppressor, the immorality of the immoral, and the crime of the criminal can be prevented.
Accordingly, a few examples are given below to fully clarify that the punishments for these dangerous crimes are just, wise, and perfectly aligned with the interests of peace.
Adultery:
This crime is one of those whose harms attack human civilization and the system of peace, destroying the assets of culture and society. Therefore, its punishment is also severe: if the offender is married, they are to be stoned to death, and if unmarried, they are to be given one hundred (100) lashes.
Slander:
Accusing a respectable man or woman of adultery with false allegations causes the seeds of family enmity to sprout, and the fire of revenge flares up, leading to conflict and strife. Moreover, the marital relations between spouses become unpleasant due to an unfounded suspicion. Therefore, the offender is sentenced to eighty lashes.
Theft:
Theft is also a precursor to destruction and ruin for humans. Accordingly, a severe punishment has been prescribed for it, which is to cut off the hand of such a criminal.
Robbery and Banditry:
Robbery, banditry, and piracy destroy people’s peace, and no one feels safe in their life, property, or honor, and the authorities are completely unable and helpless to provide immediate protection. Therefore, exile and the death penalty have been prescribed for those who commit this crime.
Drinking Alcohol:
Alcohol consumption suspends humanity from reason and deprives it of intellect and reflection, the inevitable result of which is that a drunkard commits acts in a state of intoxication that become a disgrace and shame for humanity and a great corruption for social peace. Accordingly, for those who commit such crimes, a punishment of (40) or (80) lashes has been prescribed according to the nature of the crime.
Allah, the Exalted, and His Messenger, peace be upon him, have not given anyone the right to annul or amend these limits, nor to alter or change them. Allah, the Exalted, says:
﴿تِلْكَ حُدُودُ اللَّهِ فَلَا تَقْرَبُوهَا﴾
“These are the limits of Allah; do not approach them.”
And those who transgress the limits of Allah and exceed them are the wrongdoers. Allah, the Exalted, says:
﴿تِلْكَ حُدُودُ اللَّهِ فَلَا تَعْتَدُوهَا ۚ وَمَن يَتَعَدَّ حُدُودَ اللَّهِ فَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الظَّالِمُونَ﴾
“These are the limits of Allah; do not transgress them. And whoever transgresses the limits of Allah, those are the wrongdoers.”
Transgressing the limits of Allah is equivalent to wronging oneself. Allah, the Exalted, says:
﴿وَمَن يَتَعَدَّ حُدُودَ اللَّهِ فَقَدْ ظَلَمَ نَفْسَهُ﴾
“And whoever transgresses the limits of Allah, He will wrong himself.”
Also, transgressing the limits of Allah is a cause for entering Hell, as Allah, the Exalted, says:
﴿وَمَن يَعْصِ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ وَيَتَعَدَّ حُدُودَهُ يُدْخِلْهُ نَارًا خَالِدًا فِيهَا وَلَهُ عَذَابٌ مُّهِينٌ ﴾
“And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger and transgresses His limits, He will admit him to the Fire, to abide therein forever, and he will have a humiliating punishment.”
From all the above-mentioned Quranic verses, it is understood that transgressing and exceeding the limits of Allah is outright injustice and oppression; indeed, the one who transgresses the limits of Allah is a denizen of Hell.
Those who guard the limits of Allah deserve good tidings. Accordingly, Allah, the Exalted, has described the qualities of the believers, saying:
﴿وَالنَّاهُونَ عَنِ الْمُنكَرِ وَالْحَافِظُونَ لِحُدُودِ اللَّهِ ۗ وَبَشِّرِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ﴾
“(The believers) are those who forbid evil and guard the limits of Allah. And give glad tidings to the believers.”
But the most regrettable thing is that in our country “Pakistan,” under the conspiracy to promote obscenity and indecency and to exploit women’s rights, the “Protection of Women Act” has been enacted, which is rebellion against Allah and a blatant transgression of the limits of Allah present in the Book and Sunnah. As evidence and example, we present a brief comparative review of the Protection
.
Limits of Allah:
No one has been given the authority to amend or abolish the limits set by Allah.
﴿وَمَا كَانَ لِمُؤْمِنٍ وَلَا مُؤْمِنَةٍ إِذَا قَضَى اللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُ أَمْرًا أَن يَكُونَ لَهُمُ الْخِيَرَةُ مِنْ أَمْرِهِمْ ۗ وَمَن يَعْصِ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ فَقَدْ ضَلَّ ضَلَالًا مُّبِينًا﴾
Protection of Women Act 2006:
The Act has rebelled against Allah by amending and abolishing the limits related to adultery and false accusation.
Limits of Allah:
In Islam, the punishment for adultery is divided between married and unmarried individuals.
Protection of Women Act 2006:
The Act has introduced invalid terms for consensual adultery and forced adultery.
Limits of Allah:
In Islam, the punishment for a female adulterer (Zaniyah) and a male adulterer (Zani) is one hundred lashes.
For married individuals, the punishment is stoning.
Protection of Women Act 2006:
The Act has set the maximum punishment for adultery as 5 years imprisonment and a fine of 10,000 rupees.
Limits of Allah:
In Islam, four witnesses are required to enforce the punishment for adultery.
Protection of Women Act 2006:
The Act has set five witnesses for the punishment of adultery.
Limits of Allah :
In Islam, the punishment of adultery is established upon the confession of the accused.
Protection of Women Act 2006:
In the Act, the confession of the accused has been removed altogether.
Limits of Allah :
In Islam, the punishment for Qadhf (false accusation of adultery) is 80 lashes, and the accuser can never be a witness.
Protection of Women Act 2006 :
In the Act, the maximum punishment for false accusation of adultery is 5 years imprisonment and a fine of 10,000.
Limits of Allah :
In Islam, once the crime is proven, no pardon can be granted in the implementation of the punishment.
Protection of Women Act 2006:
In the act, the provincial government and the president are authorized to pardon the criminal.
The organization for the protection of women is openly leading the women of the world towards the misguidance of nudity, women marrying women, temporary companionship of a boyfriend instead of a husband’s love, the marketplace instead of the home, puppies instead of children in the lap, dancing in clubs instead of a connection with Allah Almighty, drinking alcohol instead of Zamzam water, modeling and acting instead of protecting one’s honor and chastity, naked dance instead of recitation of the Holy Quran, pushing towards disease and AIDS instead of health and wellness. And in countries like Europe, America, and India, women extinguish their lust unnaturally with other women, and our rights organization proudly keeps advocating for such laws.
Calling a Muslim a disbeliever:
It is absolutely not permissible for a person to declare his Muslim brother a disbeliever, because if a person calls his Muslim brother a disbeliever while there is no element of disbelief found in him, then he himself commits disbelief. It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
«إذا قال الرجل لأخيه: يا كافر فقد بات به أحدهما»
“When a person says to his brother: O disbeliever! then one of them is indeed a disbeliever.”
Unjustly harming a Muslim:
It is absolutely forbidden to cause harm or trouble to believing and Muslim men and women without any Shariah reason. This includes every action and word that causes distress to a believing Muslim, whether it is related to disrespect or any other matter. Those who wrongfully harm others become infamous in this world, and in the Hereafter, they are counted among the worst people. Allah, the Exalted, says:
﴿وَالَّذِينَ يُؤْذُونَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِ بِغَيْرِ مَا اكْتَسَبُوا فَقَدِ احْتَمَلُوا بُهْتَانًا وَإِثْمًا مُّبِينًا ﴾
“And those who harm believing men and believing women without any fault, they bear the burden of slander and manifest sin.”
And it is narrated from Sayyida Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) that the Noble Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
«ان شر الناس عند الله منزلة يوم القيامة من تركه الناس اتقاء شره»
“On the Day of Resurrection, the worst people in the sight of Allah will be those from whom people keep away out of fear of their evil.”
Cutting off communication with a Muslim:
Creating discord and estrangement among Muslims is one of the most important schemes of Satan. Many people who follow Satanic steps distance themselves from their Muslim brothers. Sometimes, the series of grievances and resentments continues for a long time, and some hard-hearted people even swear not to speak to their brother or visit his house, and if they see him on the street, they ignore him.
In any case, such behavior and actions are an extremely dangerous means of causing corruption in Islamic society. That is why the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ gave a severe warning regarding this. It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Huraira رضي الله عنه that the Noble Prophet ﷺ said:
«لا يحل لمسلم أن تهجر أخاه فوق ثلاث، فمن هجر فوق ثلاث فمات دخل النار»
“It is not permissible for a Muslim to forsake his brother for more than three days. Whoever forsakes him for more than three days and dies in that state, he will enter Hell.”
Cursing Without Reason:
Often, people do not control their tongues when angry and start cursing and blaming without reason—humans, animals, inanimate objects, days and hours, and sometimes even themselves and their children, and thus husbands curse wives, and wives curse husbands.
In any case, this matter of cursing and blaming without cause is extremely dangerous, as narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Darda رضي الله عنه that the Noble Messenger صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم said:
«إن العبد إذا لعن صعدت اللعنة إلى السماء فتغلق أبواب السماء دونها، ثم تهبط إلى الأرض، فتغلق أبوابها دونها ، ثم تأخذيمينا وشمالا، فإذا لم تجد مسافا رجعت إلى الذى لعن، فإن كان لذالك أهلا و إلا رجعت إلىٰ قائلها »
“When a person curses someone, the curse ascends towards the sky, and the gates of the sky are closed for it. Then it falls towards the earth, and the gates of the earth are also closed for it. Then it circles around, and when it finds no way, it returns to the one who was cursed. If that person deserves it, then so be it; otherwise, it returns to the one who uttered it.”
Not Paying Zakat:
Not paying Zakat is a cause of severe warning and is one of the major sins, because Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam. Zakat is the right of the poor upon the wealthy, and it is obligatory upon the wealthy to deliver this right to the deserving. Those who avoid paying Zakat have been given severe warnings in the Holy Quran and Hadith, along with the threat of painful punishment in the Hereafter. Allah Almighty says:
﴿وَالَّذِينَ يَكْنِزُونَ الذَّهَبَ وَالْفِضَّةَ وَلَا يُنفِقُونَهَا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ فَبَشِّرْهُم بِعَذَابٍ أَلِيمٍ﴾
“And those who hoard gold and silver and do not spend it in the way of Allah – give them tidings of a painful punishment.”
And those who do not pay Zakat, on the Day of Judgment their wealth will become a bald snake and will bite them. As narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (RA) that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
«من آتاه الله ما لا فلم يؤد زكاته مقل له ماله يوم القيامة شجاعا أقرع له زبيبتان يطوقه يوم القيامة ثم يأخذ بلهزمتيه يعني بشدقيه ثم يقول أنا مالك أنا كنزك»
“Whoever Allah has given wealth and does not pay its Zakat, on the Day of Resurrection his wealth will take the form of a bald snake with two black spots over its eyes, it will become a necklace around his neck, then it will tear his jaws and say: I am your wealth and treasure.”
Not Performing Hajj Despite Having the Ability:
Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam and the greatest Islamic slogan. Whoever has the means and provisions for the journey is obligated to perform the duty of Hajj. And whoever does not perform this duty despite having the ability commits a very great crime and major sin. Allah, the Exalted, says:
﴿وَلِلَّهِ عَلَى النَّاسِ حِجُّ الْبَيْتِ مَنِ اسْتَطَاعَ إِلَيْهِ سَبِيلًا ۚ وَمَن كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ غَنِيٌّ عَنِ الْعَالَمِينَ﴾
“And Hajj to the House (Kaaba) is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, those who can afford the journey. And whoever disbelieves – then indeed, Allah is free from need of the worlds.”
Note:
Allah, the Exalted, in this blessed verse has described not performing Hajj despite having the ability as “disbelief.”
Moreover, Imam Ibn Kathir, may Allah have mercy on him, commenting on this verse, states:
“Sayyiduna Farooq-e-Azam, may Allah be pleased with him, said: My intention is to send people to different cities. They should see those who do not perform Hajj despite having wealth, impose Jizya on them; they are not Muslims, they are not Muslims.”
Deliberately Breaking Fasting in Ramadan Without Excuse:
Fasting during the blessed month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam and a most magnificent obligation. Allah Almighty has made it obligatory upon the Ummah of Muhammad ﷺ just as He did upon previous nations. Whoever deliberately breaks the fast without a valid Islamic excuse faces severe warning. Regarding the obligation of fasting, Allah Almighty has stated:
﴿يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ﴾
“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.”
And those who abandon fasting without a valid excuse have been given a severe warning. It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Umamah Al-Bahili رضي الله عنه that he heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say:
«بينما أنا نائم؟ إذا رجلان، فأخذا بضبعي، فأتيابي جبلا وعرا، فقالالي: اصعد، حتى إذا كنت فى سواء الجبل، فإذا أنا بصوت شديد، فقلت: ما هذه الأصوات؟ قال: هذا عوا أهل النار ثم انطلق بي، فإذا أنا بقوم معلقين بعرا قيبهم مشققة أشداؤهم، تسيل أشدافهم دما، فقلت: من هؤلاء فقيل: هؤلاء الذين يفطرون قبل تحلة صومهم»
“I was asleep, and two men came to me, they grabbed me by the arms and brought me to a difficult steep mountain, and both said: Climb it. I said: I cannot climb. They said: We will make it easy for you. So I climbed until I reached the top of the mountain, where I heard loud screams and cries. I asked: What are these sounds? They said: These are the screams of the inhabitants of Hell. Then they proceeded with me further, where I saw some people hanging upside down, their mouths slit and blood flowing from them. I asked: Who are these people? They replied: These are the people who used to break their fast before its time.”
Following the disbelievers:
Leaving the path of the righteous people, that is, the straight path, and following the path of the disbelievers is an extremely dangerous and deadly sin. A person with insight and knowledge of Islamic Shariah cannot deny this clear truth that today the majority of Muslims have started following the disbelievers in many matters. In character, habits, speech, behavior, and many small and big things, we have adopted the imitation of the “atheists” of the East and the “seculars” of the West. In any case, it is absolutely impermissible and forbidden for Muslims to follow any disbeliever. The proof of this is the statement of Allah, the Exalted, in which Muslims are taught supplicatory words during prayer.
﴿اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ ﴿٦﴾ صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا الضَّالِّينَ ﴿٧﴾
“(O Allah!) Guide us to the straight path, the path of those upon whom You have bestowed favor, not the path of those who have evoked Your anger, nor of those who are astray.”
Also, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, taught Sayyiduna Hasan bin Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, words to recite in the Witr prayer, among which the first words were:
«اللهم اهدني فيمن هديت»
“O Allah! Guide me to the path of those whom You have guided.”
From these two evidences, it is understood that the path of Allah’s righteous and pious servants is distinct, and the path of Jews, Christians, and other disbelievers is distinct.
Usury (Interest):
Usury is one of the major sins, yet Allah Almighty has declared war only against usurers in the Holy Quran and not against anyone else. Thus, the Divine command is:
﴿يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَذَرُوا مَا بَقِيَ مِنَ الرِّبَا إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ ﴿٢٧٨﴾ فَإِن لَّمْ تَفْعَلُوا فَأْذَنُوا بِحَرْبٍ مِّنَ اللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ ۖ وَإِن تُبْتُمْ فَلَكُمْ رُءُوسُ أَمْوَالِكُمْ لَا تَظْلِمُونَ وَلَا تُظْلَمُونَ ﴿٢٧٩﴾
“O you who have believed, fear Allah and give up what remains [due to you] of interest, if you should be believers. And if you do not, then be informed of a war [against you] from Allah and His Messenger.”
In any case, for a person who reflects on trade and national affairs, it is certainly not difficult to realize the destruction and ruin caused solely by usurious transactions. These include poverty, inability to repay debts, weakness in the economic structure, the emergence of poverty and destitution in society, and class conflicts related to wealth, among other notable issues. Consequently, the better capital of the country continues to circulate in the hands of a few individuals, but no one can deny the clear fact that many usurers become a tragic example of deprivation. Perhaps this is a glimpse of the severe punishment that exists in the form of Allah’s stern warning and threat of war against usurers. According to the noble saying of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, all those involved in usurious business are deserving of curse. It is narrated from Sayyiduna Jabir, may Allah be pleased with him, that:
«لعن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم آكل الربا، وموكله، وكاتبه، وشاهديه، وقال: هم سواء»
“The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, cursed the one who consumes usury, the one who gives it to eat, the one who writes it down, and the witnesses to it, and said that they are all equal in sin.”
It is understood that all matters assisting in usurious business are absolutely unlawful. This is why working in a bank is also forbidden.
It has also become clear that the prohibition of usury is general for all individuals, whether a capitalist, a poor person, or anyone else; no one is exempt from this ruling.
The reality is evident that many capitalists and large traders have been ruined by usury. This is why the Noble Prophet, peace be upon him, said:
«درهم ريا يأكله الرجل وهو يعلم أشد من ستة وثلاثين زنية»
“The one who knowingly consumes even one dirham of usury, it is more severe and heavier than committing adultery thirty-six times.”
Those who consume usury should ponder over this hadith, and the least of usury is that no matter how much the usurious wealth increases in number, its blessing is absolutely lost, as narrated from Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Mas’ud, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said:
«ما أحد أكثر من الربا إلا كان عاقبة أمره إلى قلة»
“Usurious wealth, no matter how much it increases, its end is nothing but decrease.”
Taking and Giving Bribes:
Taking and giving bribes is one of the major sins, and its form is that giving a bribe to a ruler, five owners, or any official to deprive a person of his right or to get an unlawful and illegal matter done, and accepting that bribe, is an extremely despicable crime, because such acts lead to injustice in decisions, oppression of the rightful person, and cause turmoil on the earth. Accordingly, Allah Almighty says:
﴿وَلَا تَأْكُلُوا أَمْوَالَكُم بَيْنَكُم بِالْبَاطِلِ وَتُدْلُوا بِهَا إِلَى الْحُكَّامِ لِتَأْكُلُوا فَرِيقًا مِّنْ أَمْوَالِ النَّاسِ بِالْإِثْمِ وَأَنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ﴾
“And do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers in order that [they might aid] you [to] consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you know [it is unlawful].”
And the Noble Messenger ﷺ cursed both the giver and the taker of bribes in judgment, as narrated by Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه that:
«لعن رسول الله صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم الراشي والمرتشي فى الحكم»
“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ cursed those who take or give bribes while judging or causing judgment.”
Regrettably, in the present era, the scope of bribery has reached a vast scale; salaried employees earn much more from bribes than their monthly salary, and most of their affairs begin and end with bribery transactions. This disease is a major cause of the destruction of employees; a good position is only granted to the person who greases the palm of an official, and the one who cannot do so remains completely deprived of good positions. Conversely, those who manage their affairs through bribery attain high positions through it, and then exploit their office unlawfully, oppressing people, and sometimes leave early and return.
Such cruel and hard-hearted people becoming the target and victim of the curse of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and being rejected by divine mercy is neither unreasonable nor surprising. Accordingly, it is narrated from Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Amr رضي الله عنه that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
«لعنة الله على الراشئ والمرتشى»
“May Allah curse the giver and the taker of bribes (both).”
Unlawful Seizure of Land:
When a person loses the fear of Allah Almighty from their heart, their ego and mental strength become a source of destruction for them, because they use that ego and mental strength to oppress people and seize their properties. One of the greatest injustices among these oppressions is the unlawful seizure and usurpation of others’ lands and properties, while Islam has prescribed a severe punishment for this sin. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
« من أخذ من الأرض شيئا بغير حقه خسف به يوم القيمة إلى سبع أرضين»
“Whoever wrongfully takes even a small piece of land from someone, on the Day of Judgment he will be made to sink into the earth up to seven earths.”
Accepting Gifts in Exchange for Recommendation:
Certainly, for a person to have status and rank among people is a great blessing from Allah Almighty, provided that he shows gratitude for it. The way to show gratitude is to use this status and rank to benefit others. As is evident from the general meaning of the saying of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him:
«من استطاع منكم أن ينفع أخاه فليفعل»
“If any one of you can benefit his brother, he should certainly do so.”
Whoever benefits his brother due to his status and rank, provided there is no religious objection in it, deserves reward and recompense from Allah. As the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said:
«اشفعوا فلتوجروا»
“You should recommend (others), and you will receive its reward.”
Embezzlement from the Public Treasury:
The official treasury, that is Bayt al-Mal, contains the rights of the poor and needy of the nation, and it is also spent on national affairs. Whoever embezzles from it commits a major sin. Embezzlement from Bayt al-Mal not only violates the rights of the poor and needy but also causes difficulty in fulfilling the country’s necessities. This is why a very severe warning was revealed from the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, regarding such a person. It is narrated from Sayyiduna Sa’d bin ‘Ubada, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Noble Messenger, peace be upon him, said to him:
«قم على صدقة بني فلان، وانظر لا تأتي يوم القيامة ببكر تحمله على عاتقك له رغاء يوم القيامة قال: يا رسول الله اصرفها عني فصرفها عنه»
“Go and collect the zakat from such and such tribe. (But keep one thing in mind) Do not come on the Day of Resurrection with a young camel around your neck that is groaning.” Sayyiduna Sa’d bin ‘Ubada, may Allah be pleased with him, said: O Messenger of Allah! Relieve me of this responsibility. So the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, relieved him of it.
Eating the Wealth of an Orphan:
It is the duty of every Muslim, indeed every person, to treat orphans with kindness, compassion, and gentleness, especially the person appointed as the guardian and custodian of their wealth. It is obligatory upon such a guardian to treat them well. And whoever, instead of treating them well, unlawfully consumes the wealth of orphaned children, commits a very severe major sin, and his abode is Hell. As the Divine command states:
﴿إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَأْكُلُونَ أَمْوَالَ الْيَتَامَىٰ ظُلْمًا إِنَّمَا يَأْكُلُونَ فِي بُطُونِهِمْ نَارًا ۖ وَسَيَصْلَوْنَ سَعِيرًا ﴾
“Those who unjustly consume the wealth of orphans fill their bellies with fire, and soon they will taste the blazing fire.”
And it is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Noble Messenger (peace be upon him) said:
«أربع: حق على الله أن لا يدخلهم الجنة، ولا يذيقهم نعيمها : مد من الخمر، و آكل الربا، و آكل مال اليتيم بغير حق، والعاق لوالديه»
“Allah has made it obligatory upon Himself that He will not admit four types of people into Paradise, nor will He let them taste its blessings. These four types of people are:
1: The habitual drinker of alcohol.
2: The one who consumes usury (interest).
3: The one who unlawfully consumes the wealth of orphans.
4: The one who disobeys his parents.”
Eating Haram Wealth:
Unlawfully seizing someone’s wealth is absolutely impermissible, forbidden, and one of the most grievous major sins. Whoever commits this sin, none of his prayers are accepted by Allah Almighty, and furthermore, such a person will be cast into Hell on the Day of Judgment.
Allah, the Blessed and Exalted, says:
﴿وَلَا تَأْكُلُوا أَمْوَالَكُم بَيْنَكُم بِالْبَاطِلِ﴾
“And do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly.”
And it is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Noble Messenger (peace be upon him) said:
أيها الناس إن الله طيب لا يقبل إلا طيبا، وإن الله أمر المؤمنين بما أمر به المرسلين، فقال عزوجل ﴿يَا أَيُّهَا الرُّسُلُ كُلُوا مِنَ الطَّيِّبَاتِ وَاعْمَلُوا صَالِحًا ۖ إِنِّي بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ عَلِيمٌ ﴾
﴿يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُلُوا مِن طَيِّبَاتِ مَا رَزَقْنَاكُمْ وَاشْكُرُوا لِلَّهِ إِن كُنتُمْ إِيَّاهُ تَعْبُدُونَ﴾
Then he mentioned a man who travels a long journey, disheveled and dusty, raising his hands to the sky saying: O Lord, O Lord, while his food is unlawful, his drink is unlawful, his clothing is unlawful, and he is nourished with unlawful things. How can his supplication be accepted?
“O people! Allah is Pure and only accepts that which is pure. Indeed, Allah has commanded the believers with the same that He commanded His Messengers:
‘O my Messengers! Eat of the good things and do righteous deeds. Indeed, I am Knowing of what you do.’
And He said to the believers: ‘O you who have believed, eat from the good things We have provided for you.’
Then He mentioned a man who travels a long journey, disheveled and dusty, raising his hands to the sky and calling out: O my Sustainer! O my Lord! While his food is unlawful, his drink is unlawful, his clothing is unlawful, and all his nourishment is unlawful. Then how can his supplication be accepted?”
Reducing Measurement and Weighing:
Showing mercy and sympathy towards one another is a duty of Islamic brotherhood and its most important requirement. Not only Islamic brotherhood but also human brotherhood demands sincerity in dealings with people, and there should be absolutely no reduction in measurement and weighing between each other. Therefore, those who reduce measurement and weighing commit a grave sin, and Allah Almighty has written destruction in the fate of such people. Accordingly, Allah the Exalted has forbidden reducing measurement and weighing in various ways at different places, some of which we present to the readers as a gift.
﴿وَأَوْفُوا الْكَيْلَ إِذَا كِلْتُمْ وَزِنُوا بِالْقِسْطَاسِ الْمُسْتَقِيمِ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ خَيْرٌ وَأَحْسَنُ تَأْوِيلًا﴾
“And give full measure when you measure, and weigh with an even balance. That is better and fairer in the end.”
Deceiving and Cheating:
Islamic and human brotherhood demands that one person treats another with kindness and sincerity, without any form of deceit or fraud. On the contrary, a person who deceives or cheats others commits a major sin. It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
«من غشنا فليس منا»
“Whoever cheats us is not one of us.”
Increasing the price by deception:
There are many forms of deception, but one important and major form is when “a person increases the bid on their own property through deception.”
بيع نجش is a type of sale contract, in which a person who is not a genuine buyer increases the price by bidding, in order to deceive another person and persuade them to buy the goods at a higher price. Such people are often associated with shopkeepers. It is strictly forbidden to deceive someone in buying and selling in this manner. This is why the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, forbade “Bai’ Najsh”:
«لا تناجشوا»
“Do not engage in Bai’ Najsh.”
Betrayal:
Betraying a trust is a great sin. Therefore, Allah, the Exalted, has forbidden committing this evil act and said:
﴿يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تَخُونُوا اللَّهَ وَالرَّسُولَ وَتَخُونُوا أَمَانَاتِكُمْ وَأَنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ﴾
“O you who have believed, do not betray Allah and the Messenger or betray your trusts while you know.”
It is narrated from Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
«آية المنافق ثلات: إذا حدث كذب، وإذا وعد أخلف، وإذا اثتمن خان»
“The signs of a hypocrite are three:
(1) When he speaks, he lies.
(2) When he makes a promise, he breaks it.
(3) And when he is entrusted with something, he betrays that trust.”
Oppression:
Oppressing someone is a great sin, and especially oppressing a human being is equivalent to damaging their honor and dignity. Therefore, those who oppress others deserve painful punishment from Allah Almighty. Accordingly, the Divine command is:
﴿إِنَّمَا السَّبِيلُ عَلَى الَّذِينَ يَظْلِمُونَ النَّاسَ وَيَبْغُونَ فِي الْأَرْضِ بِغَيْرِ الْحَقِّ ۚ أُولَٰئِكَ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ﴾
“The blame is on those who oppress people and spread corruption unjustly on earth; for them is a painful punishment.”
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) condemned oppression by saying:
«الظلم ظلمات يوم القيامة»
“And for the oppressor, there will be darkness on the Day of Resurrection.”
It is understood that on the Day of Resurrection, the oppressor will be deprived of light. Darkness upon darkness means that in those darknesses he will stumble and wander confused.
Oppressing the ruler of the time or the authority:
Oppressing the ruler of the time is a great sin. It is narrated from Sayyid Na’maqil bin Yasar رضي الله عنه that the Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم said:
«ما من عبد يسترعيه الله رعية فلم يحطها بنصحه إلا لم يجد رائحة الجنة»
“Whoever Allah appoints as the guardian of the people and he does not act in their best interest, he will not even smell the fragrance of Paradise.”
Oppression of animals:
Animals are also creations of Allah Almighty, and oppressing any of Allah’s creations is a great sin. Whoever commits this sin is, firstly, deserving of the curse of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, and secondly, such a sin leads a person to Hell. It is narrated from Sayyiduna Jabir رضي الله عنه:
«أن النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم مر عليه حمار قد وسم فى وجهه فقال لعن الله الذى وسمه»
“A donkey passed by the Prophet ﷺ whose face had been branded, and he said: May Allah curse the one who branded it.”
Also, it is narrated from Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umar رضي الله عنه that the Noble Messenger ﷺ said:
«دخلت امرأة النار فى هرة ربطتها فلم تطعمها ولم تدعها تأكل من خشاش الأرض»
“A woman went to Hell because of a cat. She tied it up and neither fed it nor let it go so that it could eat the insects of the earth.”
Showing Off Kindness:
Showing off kindness after doing good to someone is a great sin. Accordingly, Allah the Exalted says:
﴿يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تُبْطِلُوا صَدَقَاتِكُم بِالْمَنِّ وَالْأَذَىٰ﴾
“O you who have believed, do not invalidate your charities with reminders or injury as does one who spends his wealth to be seen by the people.”
Backbiting:
Backbiting is a major sin, and committing this sin is like eating the flesh of your dead brother. Therefore, Allah Almighty has forbidden backbiting and has also given an example to make His servants detest it, an example that undoubtedly causes disgust for backbiting in the heart. Thus, the Divine command is:
﴿وَلَا تَجَسَّسُوا وَلَا يَغْتَب بَّعْضُكُم بَعْضًا ۚ أَيُحِبُّ أَحَدُكُمْ أَن يَأْكُلَ لَحْمَ أَخِيهِ مَيْتًا فَكَرِهْتُمُوهُ﴾
“And do not backbite one another. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would detest it.”
What is backbiting? To define it, consider the statement of the Noble Messenger ﷺ:
«أتدرون ما الغيبة؟ قالوا الله ورسوله أعلم قال: ذكرك أخاك بما يكره قيل: أفرأيت إن كان فى أخي ما أقول؟ قال: إن كان فيه ما تقول فقد اغتبته وان لم يكن فيه فقد بهته»
“Do you know what backbiting is?” The Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, said: Allah and His Messenger know best. He ﷺ said: Mentioning your brother in a manner which he dislikes is backbiting. Someone asked: What if my brother actually has that fault? He said: If what you say about him is true, then you have backbitten him, and if it is not true, then you have slandered him.”
Backbiting :
Backbiting is also one of the major sins, because speaking ill of one another with the intention of causing discord has always been a cause and reason for the deterioration of human relationships and the ignition of hatred and enmity in hearts. Therefore, committing backbiting is a reason for not entering Paradise and being afflicted with the torment of the grave. Allah Almighty has condemned the backbiter and said:
﴿وَلَا تُطِعْ كُلَّ حَلَّافٍ مَّهِينٍ ﴿١٠﴾ هَمَّازٍ مَّشَّاءٍ بِنَمِيمٍ ﴿١١﴾
“And do not obey every worthless swearer, defamer, going about with slander.”
And it is narrated from Sayyiduna Hudhaifah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
«لا يدخل الجنة قتات»
“The backbiter will not enter Paradise.”
Mistreatment of Neighbors :
Mistreating neighbors and harassing them is a very serious crime, and the heart of the person who commits this crime is devoid of the sweetness and flavor of faith. Allah Almighty has greatly emphasized good treatment of neighbors. Thus, Allah Almighty says:
﴿وَاعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ وَلَا تُشْرِكُوا بِهِ شَيْئًا ۖ وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا وَبِذِي الْقُرْبَىٰ وَالْيَتَامَىٰ وَالْمَسَاكِينِ وَالْجَارِ ذِي الْقُرْبَىٰ وَالْجَارِ الْجُنُبِ وَالصَّاحِبِ بِالْجَنبِ وَابْنِ السَّبِيلِ وَمَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَانُكُمْ ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ مَن كَانَ مُخْتَالًا فَخُورًا﴾
“Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and show kindness to parents, relatives, orphans, the needy, neighbors who are near, neighbors who are strangers, the companion by your side, the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess. Indeed, Allah does not like the proud and boastful.”
The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, also greatly emphasized good treatment of neighbors and forbade mistreating and harassing them. It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Shuraih, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said:
«من كان يؤمن بالله واليوم الآخر فليحسن إلى جاره»
“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should treat his neighbor well.”
Not Paying the Worker Full Wages:
Not paying the worker his full wages (unnecessarily) on time is a grave sin, while the Messenger of Allah ﷺ encouraged paying the worker his wages as soon as possible. It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umar رضي الله عنه that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
«أعطوا الأجير أجرة قبل أن يجف عرفه»
“Give the worker his wages before his sweat dries.”
Not Repaying a Debt:
Despite having the ability, neglecting to repay a debt is a very severe sin. A debt is essentially a trust, and Allah, the Exalted, has commanded the fulfillment of trusts with great strictness. Thus, the Divine command is:
﴿إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَأْمُرُكُمْ أَن تُؤَدُّوا الْأَمَانَاتِ إِلَىٰ أَهْلِهَا﴾
“Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due.”
In our society, where many other corruptions have spread, there is also the corruption of criminal negligence in repaying debts. The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, warned about the dreadful consequences of debt by saying:
«من أخذ أموال الناس يريد أداتها ألى الله عنه، ومن أخذ يريد إتلافها أتلفه الله»
“Whoever takes money from people as a loan intending to repay it, Allah will grant him the ability to repay it. And whoever takes money from people intending to devour it (not repay), Allah will cause him to perish.”
Stealing:
Stealing someone’s property is an extremely serious crime and a major sin. Islamic Shariah has prescribed very severe punishments for this crime. Allah Almighty has said:
﴿وَالسَّارِقُ وَالسَّارِقَةُ فَاقْطَعُوا أَيْدِيَهُمَا جَزَاءً بِمَا كَسَبَا نَكَالًا مِّنَ اللَّهِ ۗ وَاللَّهُ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ﴾
“Cut off the hands of the thief and the thiefess as a punishment for what they have done, and as a deterrent from Allah. And Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise.”
Also, the person who steals is not considered a believer at that time, as narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
«ولا يسرق حين يسرق وهو مؤمن»
“And when a thief steals, he is not a believer.”
Robbery:
Forcibly snatching someone’s property and robbing passersby and travelers is a grave sin, and whoever commits this sin faces painful punishment in both this world and the Hereafter. Allah Almighty says:
﴿إِنَّمَا جَزَاءُ الَّذِينَ يُحَارِبُونَ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ وَيَسْعَوْنَ فِي الْأَرْضِ فَسَادًا أَن يُقَتَّلُوا أَوْ يُصَلَّبُوا أَوْ تُقَطَّعَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَأَرْجُلُهُم مِّنْ خِلَافٍ أَوْ يُنفَوْا مِنَ الْأَرْضِ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ لَهُمْ خِزْيٌ فِي الدُّنْيَا ۖ وَلَهُمْ فِي الْآخِرَةِ عَذَابٌ عَظِيمٌ﴾
“Indeed, the penalty for those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger and strive upon earth [to cause] corruption is none but that they be killed or crucified or that their hands and feet be cut off from opposite sides or that they be exiled from the land. That is for them a disgrace in this world; and for them in the Hereafter is a great punishment.”
It should be clear that this verse is called the verse of “Muharaba” (waging war against Allah and His Messenger), and in Islamic legal terminology, it applies to disbelief, robbery, and looting, etc. Also, the person who robs and loots is considered outside the fold of faith, meaning he is no longer a complete believer, as narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
«ولا ينتهب نهبة يرفع الناس إليه فيها أبصارهم وهو مؤمن»
“Whenever a robber robs while people are looking at him with longing eyes, he is no longer a believer.”
Gambling:
Gambling is a major sin and forbidden, whether it is in the form of playing cards, chess, chaupar, match-fixing, betting bonds, or any other form. In any case, all kinds of gambling are forbidden because it is a satanic act that not only disrupts the peace and tranquility of society but also causes fights, disputes, and hatred among people. Allah Almighty has declared “gambling” forbidden forever.
Thus, the Divine command is:
﴿يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِنَّمَا الْخَمْرُ وَالْمَيْسِرُ وَالْأَنصَابُ وَالْأَزْلَامُ رِجْسٌ مِّنْ عَمَلِ الشَّيْطَانِ فَاجْتَنِبُوهُ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ﴾
“O you who have believed! Indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone alters [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful.”
﴿إِنَّمَا يُرِيدُ الشَّيْطَانُ أَن يُوقِعَ بَيْنَكُمُ الْعَدَاوَةَ وَالْبَغْضَاءَ فِي الْخَمْرِ وَالْمَيْسِرِ وَيَصُدَّكُمْ عَن ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ وَعَنِ الصَّلَاةِ ۖ فَهَلْ أَنتُم مُّنتَهُونَ﴾
“Indeed, Satan only wants to cause between you animosity and hatred through intoxicants and gambling and to avert you from the remembrance of Allah and
«إن الله حرم على الخمر والميسر والكوبة»
«ومن قال لصاحبه تعال أقامرك فليتصدق»
Drinking Alcohol:
The consumption of all kinds of alcohol and intoxicating substances is absolutely forbidden and a major sin. Allah Almighty has given a strict command to abstain from drinking alcohol, and there is clear and strong evidence of its prohibition in the following divine statement:
﴿يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِنَّمَا الْخَمْرُ وَالْمَيْسِرُ وَالْأَنصَابُ وَالْأَزْلَامُ رِجْسٌ مِّنْ عَمَلِ الشَّيْطَانِ فَاجْتَنِبُوهُ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ ﴿٩٠﴾ إِنَّمَا يُرِيدُ الشَّيْطَانُ أَن يُوقِعَ بَيْنَكُمُ الْعَدَاوَةَ وَالْبَغْضَاءَ فِي الْخَمْرِ وَالْمَيْسِرِ وَيَصُدَّكُمْ عَن ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ وَعَنِ الصَّلَاةِ ۖ فَهَلْ أَنتُم مُّنتَهُونَ ﴿٩١﴾
“O you who have believed! Indeed, intoxicants, gambling, [sacrificing on] stone alters [to other than Allah], and divining arrows are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it that you may be successful. Indeed, Satan only wants to cause between you animosity and hatred through intoxicants and gambling and to avert you from the remembrance of Allah and from prayer. So will you
«إن على الله عزوجل عهدا لمن يشرب المسكر أن يسقيه من طينة الخبال قالوا : يا رسول الله وما طينة الخبال؟ قال: عرق أهل النار أو عصارة أهل النار»
طينة الخبال
طينة الخبال
«ومن شرب الخمر مسكرا، لم تقبل له صلاته أربعين صباحا، وإن مات دخل النار ، فإن تاب تاب الله عليه، وإن عاد فشرب فسكر، لم تقبل له صلوة أربعين صباحا فإن مات دخل النار فإن تاب تاب الله عليه، وإن عاد فشرب فسكر ، لم تقبل له صلوة أربعين صباحا، فإن مات دخل النار فإن تاب تاب الله عليه، وإن عاد كان حقا على الله أن يسقبه من ردغة الخبال يوم القيامة، قالوا : يا رسول الله وما ردغة الخبال؟ قال: عصارة اهل النار»
ردغبة الخبال
ردغبة الخبال
Tamba Konoshi :
Where Islam has declared the use of other intoxicating substances as unlawful and forbidden, the use of tobacco, i.e., hookah and cigarettes, has also been declared unlawful and forbidden, because the use of tobacco causes physical and financial harm to a person, which is explicitly against Islamic teachings.
Accordingly, Professor Diamond conducted a long-term research study on twenty thousand different human conditions. Among them were those who were wasteful (extravagant), those who followed moderation, and those who refrained from evils. Professor Diamond opened the file of each person at Johns Hopkins University and recorded everything related to that person’s habits, health, and diseases. His research began in 1919 and was completed in 1940. The result of this entire effort and endeavor was as follows:
“Tobacco smoking has a profound effect on human life and reduces life expectancy according to the amount of tobacco used. Those who avoid it live longer than those who follow moderation, and those who follow moderation live longer than those who are wasteful in tobacco use.”
Physical harms of smoking:
1: Weakening of eyesight.
2: Weakening of the heart and irregular heartbeat.
3: Muscle cramps and weakness.
4: Diseases like cough, phlegm, and throat constriction.
5: Loss of appetite.
6: Contracting cancer.
7: Development of chest diseases.
8: Decrease in male potency.
9: Incomplete absorption of nutrients from food.
10: Damage to blood cells.
Financial harms of smoking:
1: Loss of wealth.
2: Becoming indebted.
Additionally, tobacco smoking makes a person’s mouth foul-smelling. It is well known that the smell of tobacco, i.e., cigarettes and hookah, is no less offensive than garlic and onions. The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said:
«من أكل ثوما أو بصلا فليعتزلنا ، أو فليعتزل مسجدنا أو ليقعد فى بنته»
“Whoever has eaten garlic or onion should keep away from us and our mosque and stay in his house.”
From this Prophetic hadith, it is understood that if a person who has eaten garlic or onion cannot attend the mosque or Islamic gatherings due to the bad odor, then a person who smokes tobacco certainly cannot attend the mosque or Islamic gatherings, because the smell of tobacco is far worse than that of garlic or onion.
The destruction and ruin of heroin:
In the past, people used intoxicants like opium and bhang, but now heroin has wreaked havoc on the human race. Such vile and lowly habits begin in schools, colleges, universities, or neighborhoods. Once someone takes a hit, destruction and ruin are imposed for a lifetime. The most regrettable thing is that earlier only boys used these intoxicants, but in this modern era, girls also use heroin and other intoxicating substances alongside them.
It should be noted that the use of modern intoxicants rapidly leads to diseases, and their effects also manifest very quickly.
Use of Opium:
The use of opium is extremely harmful to human health. Those who use opium have weakened nerves and generally remain in a state of unconsciousness. Thus, through the use of opium, a person forgets his worldly life and wanders in an imaginary and conceptual world; moreover, cowardice and unconsciousness become his fate, to the extent that he becomes a scourge for society.
Harmful Effects of Hashish:
Hashish is another name for cannabis, and it is also extremely harmful to human health. Its use causes anemia, cowardice, and mental disorder, which overall have a very bad effect on human health, resulting in the loss of proper thinking and reasoning. Furthermore, excessive use of hashish makes a person uncontrollable and ultimately leads to death.
Fornication:
Fulfilling sexual desire with anyone other than one’s wife or slave woman is a very serious crime, because it is known that the protection of honor and lineage is among the most important objectives of Shariah. Therefore, Shariah has declared adultery forbidden. Accordingly, the Divine command is:
﴿وَلَا تَقْرَبُوا الزِّنَىٰ ۖ إِنَّهُ كَانَ فَاحِشَةً وَسَاءَ سَبِيلًا﴾
“Do not approach adultery; indeed, it is an immorality and an evil way.” At another place it is stated:
﴿وَالَّذِينَ لَا يَدْعُونَ مَعَ اللَّهِ إِلَٰهًا آخَرَ وَلَا يَقْتُلُونَ النَّفْسَ الَّتِي حَرَّمَ اللَّهُ إِلَّا بِالْحَقِّ وَلَا يَزْنُونَ ۚ وَمَن يَفْعَلْ ذَٰلِكَ يَلْقَ أَثَامًا ﴿٦٨﴾ يُضَاعَفْ لَهُ الْعَذَابُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ وَيَخْلُدْ فِيهِ مُهَانًا ﴿٦٩﴾
“And those who do not invoke with Allah another deity or kill the soul which Allah has forbidden except by right, and do not commit unlawful sexual intercourse. And whoever should do that will meet a penalty.” On the Day of Resurrection, their punishment will be doubled, and they will abide therein humiliated.
The one who commits adultery becomes devoid of faith. As narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
«إذا زني الرجل خرج منه الإيمان كان عليه كالظلة، فإذا أقلع رجع إليه الإيمان »
“When a person is engaged in adultery, faith leaves him and acts as a shade over his head. When he separates from it, his faith returns to him.”
Because of adultery, the condition of that person becomes extremely dangerous, especially if he commits adultery despite old age and being near the grave. It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
«ثلاثة لا يكلمهم الله يوم القيامة ولا يزكيهم، قال أبو معاوية ولا ينظر إليهم ولهم عذاب أليم شيخ زان، وملك كذاب، وعائل مستكبر»
There are three types of people from whom Allah will neither speak on the Day of Resurrection, nor will He purify them, nor look at them, and for them is a painful punishment. These three are:
1: An old man who commits adultery.
2: A lying king.
3: An arrogant poor person.
Sodomy:
Fulfilling sexual desires with men or women through unnatural means is an extremely heinous sin and immoral crime, and such a sinner will be deprived of Allah’s mercy on the Day of Judgment. Allah Almighty mentioned the people of Lot and said:
﴿وَلُوطًا إِذْ قَالَ لِقَوْمِهِ إِنَّكُمْ لَتَأْتُونَ الْفَاحِشَةَ مَا سَبَقَكُم بِهَا مِنْ أَحَدٍ مِّنَ الْعَالَمِينَ ﴿٢٨﴾ أَئِنَّكُمْ لَتَأْتُونَ الرِّجَالَ وَتَقْطَعُونَ السَّبِيلَ وَتَأْتُونَ فِي نَادِيكُمُ الْمُنكَرَ ۖ فَمَا كَانَ جَوَابَ قَوْمِهِ إِلَّا أَن قَالُوا ائْتِنَا بِعَذَابِ اللَّهِ إِن كُنتَ مِنَ الصَّادِقِينَ ﴿٢٩﴾
“And We sent Lot as a prophet. When he said to his people: Do you commit such immorality as no one has done before you among the worlds? Do you approach men with desire instead of women? Indeed, you are a transgressing people.”
It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
«لا ينظر الله الى رجل أتى رجلا أو امرأة فى الدبر»
“Allah Almighty will not look with mercy on those men (on the Day of Judgment) who approach another man with lust, or approach a woman through unnatural means.”
Islamic Shariah has prescribed the punishment of death for the one who commits such an act, and even if it happens with the consent of the one with whom the act is done, he should also be killed. As narrated from Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him), the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
«من وجدتموه يعمل عمل قوم لوط فاقتلوا الفاعل والمفعولبه»
“Whoever you find doing the act of the people of Lot, kill both the doer and the one to whom it is done.”
The wisdom behind the punishment prescribed by Islamic Shariah for this evil act is very clear: so that society does not fall into corruption and to eradicate the contagious and deadly diseases that arise from this act. Nowadays, this disease is spreading widely in countries like America, England, and India.
Masturbation:
Masturbation, meaning fulfilling sexual desire by hand, is an extremely lowly and wrong act. The satisfaction of sexual desires is either permissible with one’s wife or with a slave woman; besides these, there is no other permissible way. Masturbation falls outside these two cases, therefore whoever commits it will surely be considered as one who exceeds limits and deserves blame, as the Divine command states:
﴿وَالَّذِينَ هُمْ لِفُرُوجِهِمْ حَافِظُونَ ﴿٥﴾ إِلَّا عَلَىٰ أَزْوَاجِهِمْ أَوْ مَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَانُهُمْ فَإِنَّهُمْ غَيْرُ مَلُومِينَ ﴿٦﴾ فَمَنِ ابْتَغَىٰ وَرَاءَ ذَٰلِكَ فَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْعَادُونَ ﴿٧﴾
“And those who guard their private parts, Except from their wives or those their right hands possess, for indeed, they are not to be blamed – But whoever seeks beyond that, then they are the transgressors.”
Arrogance:
Considering others as lowly and insignificant while regarding oneself as great, honorable, and dignified is a major sin, and such a person’s abode is very severe. Moreover, arrogance causes distance from Allah’s love and is a reason for not entering Paradise. Allah Almighty says:
﴿إِنَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ الْمُسْتَكْبِرِينَ﴾
“Indeed, Allah does not like the arrogant.”
Wearing Clothes Below the Ankles:
Letting the sheet, shalwar, shirt, and turban hang below the ankles is a major sin. It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
«ما أسفل من الكعبين من الإزار فى النار»
“The part of the garment that hangs below the ankles will be in Hell.”
Envying:
Envying someone for the blessings or favors given by Allah Almighty is a great sin, and envy completely ruins a person’s religion just as illness ruins a person’s hair. Allah Almighty mentioned the Jews and said:
﴿يَحْسُدُونَ النَّاسَ عَلَىٰ مَا آتَاهُمُ اللَّهُ مِن فَضْلِهِ﴾
“They envy people for what Allah has given them out of His grace.”
And it is narrated from Sayyiduna Zubair (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
«دب إليكم داء الأمم قبلكم الحسد والبغضاء، هي الحالقة، لا أقول تحلق الشعر ولكن تحلق الدين»
Lying:
Lying while speaking is an extremely despicable act and a major sin, as the Divine Command states:
﴿إِنَّمَا يَفْتَرِي الْكَذِبَ الَّذِينَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِآيَاتِ اللَّهِ ۖ وَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْكَاذِبُونَ﴾
“Indeed, those who fabricate lies are those who do not believe in the verses of Allah, and they are the liars.”
Although many subcategories of lying can be made, we will suffice with a few topics.
بتوفيق الله تعالى وبعونه
Suspicion:
Suspicion is the greatest lie. As narrated by Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger (peace be upon him) said:
«إياكم والظن فإن الظن أكذب الحديث»
﴿يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اجْتَنِبُوا كَثِيرًا مِّنَ الظَّنِّ إِنَّ بَعْضَ الظَّنِّ إِثْمٌ ۖ وَلَا تَجَسَّسُوا﴾
“Avoid suspicion, for suspicion is the greatest falsehood.”
False Testimony:
Giving false testimony due to greed or relationship (etc.) is also a very serious crime, as Allah Almighty forbids giving false testimony and says:
﴿فَاجْتَنِبُوا الرِّجْسَ مِنَ الْأَوْثَانِ وَاجْتَنِبُوا قَوْلَ الزُّورِ﴾
“So avoid impurity, both apparent and hidden, and avoid false speech.”
Narrating a False Dream:
Claiming superiority over others, accumulating financial benefits, frightening someone out of enmity, or narrating a dream that was not seen for any other purpose is a grave sin. There is a severe warning in the Hadith for those who narrate false dreams. It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Masood (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
«من تحلم بحلم لم يره كلف أن يعقد بين شعيرتين ولن يفعل»
“Whoever narrates a dream that he has not seen will be commanded on the Day of Judgment to tie two grains of barley together, and he will not be able to do so.”
Lying to make people laugh:
Lying merely to make people laugh is also a grave sin, indeed it leads to destruction, as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
«ويل للذى يحدث فيكذب ليضحك به القوم ويل لمويلله»
“Destruction is for the person who lies merely to make people laugh, destruction is for him, destruction is for him.”
In the dramas and stage shows of our countries, people are made to laugh by telling lies, and exaggeration, nonsense, falsehood, immoral behavior, sarcastic remarks, and the promotion of indecent talk among people are prevalent.
Taking False Oaths:
Deliberately swearing a false oath, regardless of the matter, is a grave sin, and such a person will be deprived of speaking with Allah Almighty on the Day of Judgment and of His mercy. Moreover, such a person deserves a painful punishment, as Allah Almighty says:
﴿إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَشْتَرُونَ بِعَهْدِ اللَّهِ وَأَيْمَانِهِمْ ثَمَنًا قَلِيلًا أُولَٰئِكَ لَا خَلَاقَ لَهُمْ فِي الْآخِرَةِ وَلَا يُكَلِّمُهُمُ اللَّهُ وَلَا يَنظُرُ إِلَيْهِمْ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ وَلَا يُزَكِّيهِمْ وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ ﴾
“Indeed, those who exchange the covenant of Allah and their oaths for a small price will have no portion in the Hereafter, and Allah will not speak to them, nor will He look at them on the Day of Resurrection, nor will He purify them. And they will have a painful punishment.”
That is, those who swear false oaths for the insignificant amount and trivial price of this world and do not uphold the covenant and promises made to Allah Almighty will have no share in the blessings and rewards of the Hereafter, but rather will face painful punishment. There are three types of oaths, which are as follows:
1. Yameen Laghw (vain oath).
2. Yameen Ghamoos (oath that leads to sin).
3. Yameen Muallaqah (suspended oath).
False Oath:
Swearing unintentionally during conversation without intention is called a false oath, for example, “By Allah! You drink it,” “By Allah! You read it,” etc. There is neither any blame nor any expiation for such an oath. Allah, the Exalted, says:
﴿لَّا يُؤَاخِذُكُمُ اللَّهُ بِاللَّغْوِ فِي أَيْمَانِكُمْ وَلَٰكِن يُؤَاخِذُكُم بِمَا كَسَبَتْ قُلُوبُكُمْ ۗ وَاللَّهُ غَفُورٌ حَلِيمٌ﴾
“Allah will not call you to account for your unintentional oaths, but He will call you to account for the oaths you intended in your hearts. And Allah is Forgiving and Forbearing.”
Oath of Deception:
Deliberately taking a false oath is called “Yameen Ghamoos,” and there will be severe accountability for such an oath. Allah Almighty says:
﴿وَلَا تَتَّخِذُوا أَيْمَانَكُمْ دَخَلًا بَيْنَكُمْ فَتَزِلَّ قَدَمٌ بَعْدَ ثُبُوتِهَا وَتَذُوقُوا السُّوءَ بِمَا صَدَدتُّمْ عَن سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ ۖ وَلَكُمْ عَذَابٌ عَظِيمٌ﴾
“And do not make your oaths a means of deceit among yourselves, lest a foot slip after it has been firmly set, and you incur a punishment for turning away from the way of Allah, and indeed, for you is a great punishment.”
Also, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, has counted such an oath among major sins, as narrated from Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said:
«الكبائر الإشراك بالله ، وعقوق الوالدين ، وقتل النفس، واليمين الغموس»
“The major sins are: associating partners with Allah, disobedience to parents, unlawfully taking a life, and taking a false oath.”
Yameen Muallaq (Suspended Oath):
Swearing an oath about a future action is called a conditional oath, such as “By Allah! I will not do such and such,” or “By Allah! I will not speak to so and so,” etc. It should be kept in mind that the divine ruling regarding oaths is that when a Muslim swears an oath, he must fulfill it. However, if the oath becomes an obstacle in the path of a righteous deed, then such an oath should be broken, and that good and righteous deed should be performed, and the expiation for the oath should be paid. Allah Almighty has indicated this in the Holy Quran as follows:
﴿وَلَا تَجْعَلُوا اللَّهَ عُرْضَةً لِّأَيْمَانِكُمْ أَن تَبَرُّوا وَتَتَّقُوا وَتُصْلِحُوا بَيْنَ النَّاسِ ۗ وَاللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ﴾
“And do not make Allah an excuse in your oaths against doing good, fearing that you would not be able to do good, or fearing that you would not be able to reconcile among people. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing.”
It is narrated from Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Noble Messenger (peace be upon him) said:
«من حلف على يمين فرأى غيرها خيرا منها، فليأت الذى هو خير وليكفر عن يمينه»
“Whoever swears an oath and then sees a better alternative, let him pay the expiation for his oath and do what is better.”
Lewdness:
Remaining silent or tolerating moral corruption within one’s family not only leads to disgrace for oneself and one’s family but also constitutes committing a major sin. Moreover, Allah Almighty has declared Paradise forbidden for such a person. It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Noble Messenger (peace be upon him) said:
«ثلاثة قد حرم الله عليهم الجنة مد من الخمر و العاق، والديوت الذى يقر فى أهله الخبث»
“Paradise is forbidden for three types of people:
1: The one who always drinks alcohol.
2: The one who disobeys his parents.
3: And the lewd person who tolerates immorality within his family.”
Performing or arranging Halala:
After the third divorce, a woman becomes permanently forbidden for her husband. However, if she marries another man in a lawful and permanent marriage, and that husband either divorces her willingly or passes away, then after completing her waiting period (iddah), she becomes permissible to marry her first husband again. On the other hand, if the marriage with the second man is temporary, such that after one or two days he divorces her to make her permissible for the first man, this is called Halala. Both the one who performs and the one who arranges such an act are cursed. It is narrated from Sayyiduna Ali and Harith (may Allah be pleased with them):
«إن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم لعن المحل والمحلل له»
“Indeed, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) cursed both the one who performs Halala and the one who arranges it.”
Being Stingy:
Being stingy in maintaining family ties, in jihad, or in spending on any good cause in the way of Allah is also a major sin. This is why the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, sought refuge from Allah to be saved from it. Moreover, being stingy is equivalent to forgetting Allah. Accordingly, Allah mentioned the hypocrites and said:
﴿الْمُنَافِقُونَ وَالْمُنَافِقَاتُ بَعْضُهُم مِّن بَعْضٍ ۚ يَأْمُرُونَ بِالْمُنكَرِ وَيَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمَعْرُوفِ وَيَقْبِضُونَ أَيْدِيَهُمْ ۚ نَسُوا اللَّهَ فَنَسِيَهُمْ ۗ إِنَّ الْمُنَافِقِينَ هُمُ الْفَاسِقُونَ ﴾
“The condition of the hypocrite men and hypocrite women is the same; they enjoin evil and forbid good and keep their hands tied (withhold charity). They have forgotten Allah, so He has forgotten them. Indeed, the hypocrites are the defiantly disobedient.”
Wasteful Spending:
Allah Almighty has blessed man with the bounty of sustenance, so he should use this blessing with moderation and temperance, so that he may become a grateful servant of Allah Almighty. On the contrary, the person who uses this blessing not with moderation and temperance but with extravagance and wastefulness is ungrateful, indeed, in ingratitude, he is like Satan, as Allah Almighty says:
﴿وَآتِ ذَا الْقُرْبَىٰ حَقَّهُ وَالْمِسْكِينَ وَابْنَ السَّبِيلِ وَلَا تُبَذِّرْ تَبْذِيرًا ﴿٢٦﴾ إِنَّ الْمُبَذِّرِينَ كَانُوا إِخْوَانَ الشَّيَاطِينِ ۖ وَكَانَ الشَّيْطَانُ لِرَبِّهِ كَفُورًا ﴿٢٧﴾ وَإِمَّا تُعْرِضَنَّ عَنْهُمُ ابْتِغَاءَ رَحْمَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكَ تَرْجُوهَا فَقُل لَّهُمْ قَوْلًا مَّيْسُورًا ﴿٢٨﴾ وَلَا تَجْعَلْ يَدَكَ مَغْلُولَةً إِلَىٰ عُنُقِكَ وَلَا تَبْسُطْهَا كُلَّ الْبَسْطِ فَتَقْعُدَ مَلُومًا مَّحْسُورًا ﴿٢٩﴾
“And give the relative his right, and the poor and the traveler, and do not spend wastefully. Indeed, the wasteful are brothers of the devils, and ever has Satan been to his Lord ungrateful. And if you avoid their [i.e., those who are wasteful] request, seeking the mercy of your Lord which you expect, then speak to them a gentle word. And do not make your hand [as] chained to your neck or extend it completely and [thereby] become blamed and insolvent.”
Greed of the World:
Temporary things are temporary, no matter how beautiful and attractive they may appear on the surface. The same is true for the world; it appears very beautiful because of its attractions and its lands, but in reality, it is a deception and a trick. The naive person falls prey to the greed of this deceptive world. But remember, the person who is only greedy for this world will receive the reward of his efforts in this world, but in the Hereafter, he will receive nothing except the fire, as Allah Almighty says:
﴿مَن كَانَ يُرِيدُ الْحَيَاةَ الدُّنْيَا وَزِينَتَهَا نُوَفِّ إِلَيْهِمْ أَعْمَالَهُمْ فِيهَا وَهُمْ فِيهَا لَا يُبْخَسُونَ ﴿١٥﴾ أُولَٰئِكَ الَّذِينَ لَيْسَ لَهُمْ فِي الْآخِرَةِ إِلَّا النَّارُ ۖ وَحَبِطَ مَا صَنَعُوا فِيهَا وَبَاطِلٌ مَّا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ ﴿١٦﴾
“Whoever desires the life of this world and its adornments, We fully repay them for their deeds therein, without any reduction. Those are the ones who will have no portion in the Hereafter except the punishment of Hellfire, and what they used to do in this world will be lost, and what they used to do there (without faith) was in vain.”
Men Wearing Gold Jewelry:
For men, Allah has forbidden gold, whether it is in the form of a ring or in the form of a chain, or in any other form, as the Prophet ﷺ said:
«رأى خاتما من ذهب فى يد رجل فنزعه فطرحه وقال يعمد أحدكم إلى جمرة من نار فيجعلها فى بدم»
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ saw a man wearing a gold ring on his hand, so he took it off and threw it away and said: “One of you is holding a burning coal and wearing it on his hand.”
Committing Suicide:
Suicide is a crime through which a person thinks that he has escaped troubles and difficulties, but in reality, he traps himself in eternal torment, as Allah Almighty says:
﴿يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تَأْكُلُوا أَمْوَالَكُم بَيْنَكُم بِالْبَاطِلِ إِلَّا أَن تَكُونَ تِجَارَةً عَن تَرَاضٍ مِّنكُمْ ۚ وَلَا تَقْتُلُوا أَنفُسَكُمْ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ بِكُمْ رَحِيمًا ﴿٢٩﴾ وَمَن يَفْعَلْ ذَٰلِكَ عُدْوَانًا وَظُلْمًا فَسَوْفَ نُصْلِيهِ نَارًا ۚ وَكَانَ ذَٰلِكَ عَلَى اللَّهِ يَسِيرًا ﴿٣٠﴾
“O you who have believed, do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly but only [in lawful] business by mutual consent. And do not kill yourselves [or one another]. Indeed, Allah is to you ever Merciful. And whoever does that in aggression and injustice – then We will drive him into a Fire. And that, for Allah, is [always] easy.”
In Sahih Muslim, its explanation is given as follows, narrated by Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him):
«قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم من قتل نفسه بحديدة فحديدته فى بده يتوج بها فى بطنه فى نار جهنم خالدا مخلدا فيها أبدا، ومن شرب سما فقتل نفسه فهو يتحشاه فى نار جهنم خالدا مخلدا فيها أبدا ومن تردى من جبل فقتل نفسه فهو يتردى فى نار جهنم خالدا مخلدا فيها أبدا »
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: Whoever kills himself with a sharp object, then that sharp object will be in his hand, and he will continuously stab his abdomen with it in the Hellfire. And whoever drinks poison and kills himself, he will eternally drink poison in the Hellfire. And whoever throws himself from a mountain and kills himself, he will eternally fall from that mountain in the Hellfire.
Calling others to act righteously while being sinful oneself:
This is an act from which a person who avoids it is very fortunate, one who practices what they preach. But on the contrary, calling others to act righteously while being neglectful and sinful oneself, Allah Almighty says about this:
﴿يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لِمَ تَقُولُونَ مَا لَا تَفْعَلُونَ ﴿٢﴾ كَبُرَ مَقْتًا عِندَ اللَّهِ أَن تَقُولُوا مَا لَا تَفْعَلُونَ ﴿٣﴾
“O you who have believed, why do you say what you do not do? It is most hateful to Allah that you say that which you do not do.”
Peeping into people’s homes without permission:
Peeping into someone’s house without permission is a sinful act, as Allah Almighty says:
﴿يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تَدْخُلُوا بُيُوتًا غَيْرَ بُيُوتِكُمْ حَتَّىٰ تَسْتَأْنِسُوا وَتُسَلِّمُوا عَلَىٰ أَهْلِهَا﴾
“O you who have believed, do not enter houses other than your own houses until you have asked permission and greeted those in them.”
From this noble verse, it is proven that entering someone’s house without permission is not permissible. Taking permission is necessary because entering without permission may cause (any kind of) exposure of the household members. This is the reason mentioned in the Hadith of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ:
«أن رجلا اطلع فى جحر فى باب رسول الله صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم ، ومع رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم مدرى يحك به رأسه، فلما رآه رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: لو أعلم أنك تنتظرني لطعنت به فى عينك، وقال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم : إنما جعل الإذن من أجل البصر»
“A man peeped through the hole of the door of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. At that time, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ had an instrument in his hand with which he was scratching his head. When the Messenger of Allah ﷺ saw him, he said: If I had known that you were looking at me, I would have thrust it into your eye. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: The command of permission was prescribed because of this looking.”
Two men whispering excluding the third person:
This is also a serious sin and a means of corruption for Satan, through which he creates discord, mutual enmity, and hatred among Muslims. For example, if two out of three men whisper separately, even if it is for their benefit, Satan instills suspicion in the heart of the third person that perhaps they are plotting against me, etc. By planting such thoughts, he attacks them. Therefore, the Noble Prophet ﷺ forbade this act, as narrated from Sayyiduna Abdullah رضي الله عنه:
«قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم إذا كنتم ثلاثة فلا يتناجى اثنان دون الآخر حتى تختلطوا بالناس من أجل أن تحزنه»
“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: When you are three, do not whisper between two without the third until others come, because doing so—two people consulting separately—causes grief to the third person.”
Watching films based on obscenity and nudity:
The Noble Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
«أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال لا ينظر الرجل إلى عورة الرجل، ولا المرأة إلى عورة المرأة، ولا يفضي الرجل إلى الرجل فى ثوب واحد، ولا تفضى المرأة إلى المرأة فى الثوبالواحد»
“Indeed, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: A man should not look at the private parts of another man, and a woman should not look at the private parts of another woman, and a man should not lie naked with another man under one cloth, nor should a woman lie naked with another woman under one cloth.”
In this noble hadith, the Prophet of Allah (peace be upon him) has taught men and women a principle by which they can avoid many evils and sins that could lead them to eternal punishment. In this hadith, the Prophet (peace be upon him) forbids a man from looking at the private parts of another man and a woman from looking at the private parts of another woman. However, it is also not permissible for a man to look at any part of a non-mahram woman from head to toe. Similarly, in our society, the dramas and films presented often pay special attention to this matter, showing women unveiled and more than half naked in front of men. Such roles are portrayed in these films that cause the youth, whether male or female, to be overwhelmed by lust and act according to what they have seen. Therefore, the Prophetic hadith forbids looking at the private parts. Moreover, being naked and sitting in seclusion with men and expressing immorality is an even more serious crime. Those men and women who do not protect their private parts will have the fire of Hell kindled upon those very parts. Although it may appear as a pleasurable sight to the viewers, compared to the punishment in the Hereafter, it is an extremely lowly and shameful act.
Attributing oneself to someone other than the biological father:
Some people register false lineage in official documents, and some do this because their father abandoned them in childhood, so they change their paternity out of resentment and hatred. However, all this is forbidden, and the prohibition of this act is mentioned in Shariah. Indeed, for the person who does this, Paradise becomes forbidden. The Prophet of Mercy, peace be upon him, said:
«من ادعى إلى غير أبيه وهو يعلم فالجنة عليه حرام»
“Whoever attributes himself to someone other than his real father, knowing this, Paradise is forbidden for him.”
Applying black dye to hair:
The correct and prevailing view regarding applying black dye to hair is that it is forbidden because there is a strong warning against this act in the Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
«يكون قوم يخضبون فى آخر الزمان بالسواد كحواصل الحمام، لا يريحون رائحة الجنة»
“In the last days, there will come people who will use black dye, which will be like the belly of a pigeon in texture; these people will not smell the fragrance of Paradise.”
Plucking facial hair for beauty:
Plucking hair for beauty, whether by a man or a woman, is an act for which the doer is declared accursed, because it is equivalent to altering the creation of Allah, and whoever changes Allah’s creation is as if acknowledging partnership with Him. Therefore, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) forbade this act, as in the Hadith of the Noble Prophet (peace be upon him):
«لعن الله الواشمات والمستوشمات والنامصات والمتنقصات والمتفلجات للحسن المغيرات خلق الله»
“Allah has cursed the one who plucks hair to beautify the body, the one who has hair plucked for beautification, and the one who creates a gap between the teeth, for they alter the creation of Allah.”
Mocking the Beard:
Keeping a beard is obligatory and a Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. As narrated by Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umar رضي الله عنه, he said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
«أحفوا الشوارب وأعفوا اللحى»
“Let the beards grow, and trim the mustaches.”
In one hadith, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
«جزوا الشوارب، وأرخوا اللحى خالفوا المجوس »
“Trim the mustaches, let the beards grow, and oppose the Magians.”
Not Avoiding Urine Splashes:
A person becomes deserving of punishment and is afflicted with torment due to urine drops or splashes falling on clothes. As Abdullah bin Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates:
«مر رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم على قبرين فقال: أما إنهما ليعذبان وما يعذبان فى كبير، أما أحدهما فكان يمشي بالنميمة، وأما الآخر فكان لا يستتر من بوله»
“The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) passed by two graves; the two occupants of those graves were being punished, and the punishment was not due to a major sin. One of them used to backbite, and the other did not guard himself from his urine.”
Women Wearing Thin, Tight, and Short Clothes:
In today’s era, the enemies of Islam have opened many fronts against us, one of which is the front of new fashions and designs of clothing. Besides this, small, thin, transparent, and tight clothing causes immodesty and shamelessness. However, despite understanding, the mothers and sisters of our society promote fashion and immorality. But in this regard, there is a hadith of the Prophet of the Universe, peace be upon him, which contains a severe warning. It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Huraira, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said:
«صنفان من أهل النار لم أرهما قوم معهم سياط كاذناب البقر يضربون بها الناس، ونساء كاسيات عاريات مميلات مائلات رؤسهن كأسنمة البخت المائلة لا يدخلن الجنة، ولا يجدن ريحها ، وإن ريحها ليوجد من مسيرة كذا وكذا»
“There are two types of people among my Ummah who are from the inhabitants of Hell, whom I have not yet seen, meaning they have not yet appeared: one are those who will have whips like the tails of oxen in their hands, with which they will strike the people; the other are women who will be clothed yet naked, who will attract men and be attracted to men themselves. Their heads will be like the humps of camels that are bent down. These women will not enter Paradise, nor will they even smell its fragrance, although the fragrance of Paradise can be perceived from a distance of years and years of travel.”
Men resembling women and women resembling men:
The divine nature requires that a man protects his masculinity, and a woman protects her femininity. Those who want to change this nature of Allah, whether men or women, commit a major sin. As narrated by Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him):
«لعن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم المتشبهين من الرجال بالنساء والمتشبهات من النساء بالرجال»
“The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) cursed men who imitate women and women who imitate men.”
A woman going out wearing perfume:
It is religiously forbidden for women to go out wearing perfume, and regarding those women who do so, the Noble Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
«أيم امرأة استعطرت ثم مرت على القوم ليجدوا ريحها فهي زانية»
“Whoever is a woman who uses perfume and then passes by people so that they may smell her fragrance, she is a fornicator.”
A woman traveling without a mahram:
It is religiously forbidden and haram for a woman to travel without her mahram. As the Noble Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said. It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
«لا يحل لامرأة تؤمن بالله واليوم الآخر تسافر مسيرة يوم إلا مع ذى محرم»
“For any woman who believes in Allah and the Last Day, it is not permissible for her to travel a distance of one day and one night except with her mahram.”
Similarly, in another noble hadith, the explanation from the blessed tongue of the Prophet (peace be upon him) is as follows:
“For any woman who believes in Allah and the Last Day, it is not permissible for her to travel three days or more except with her father, or her son, or her husband, or her brother, or any mahram.”
From the above two hadiths, it is understood that a woman cannot travel anywhere without her mahram. Furthermore, the man with whom her marriage is not religiously permissible is her mahram. These are honorable and golden principles of Shariah, and if we follow them, we can be protected from many trials and corruption.
Men and Women Wearing Artificial Hair:
It is religiously forbidden for men and women to wear artificial hair. It is narrated from Sayyida Asma bint Abi Bakr (may Allah be pleased with her):
«جاءت امرأة إلى النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم فقالت: يا رسول الله! إن لي ابنة عريسا أصابتها حصبة فتمرق شعرها أفاصله ؟ فقال: لعن الله الواصلة والمستوصلة»
“A woman came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and said, ‘My daughter’s marriage is approaching, and due to illness, her hair has fallen out. Should I have artificial hair attached for her?’ The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: Allah has cursed the one who attaches artificial hair and the one for whom it is attached.”
Leaving the Husband’s Bed Without Excuse:
Human beings are prone to mistakes; sometimes a decision is made that causes disagreement between husband and wife or leads to a matter that causes resentment. In such a situation, the woman should remain obedient to her husband and should not refuse to obey him. Especially if the husband calls the wife to bed and she does not go, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said about such women:
«إذا دعا الرجل امرأته إلى فراشه فأبت فبات غضبان عليها لعنتها الملائكة حتى تصبح»
“When a husband calls his wife to his bed and she refuses, and he remains angry throughout the night, then until morning the angels curse that woman.”
Demanding divorce by a woman without a valid Islamic excuse:
Divorce is an issue that Shariah dislikes because it causes great corruption. Families break apart, children are rejected, and both the woman and the man suffer regret and distress. However, at that time, there is no solution. For these reasons, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said about a woman who asks for divorce without a valid reason:
«عن ثوبان رضى الله عنه مرفوعا: أيما امرأة سألت زوجها الطلاق من غير ما بأس فحرام عليها رائحة الجنة»
“It is narrated from Sayyid Nathuban (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: A woman who asks her husband for divorce without a valid reason is forbidden the fragrance of Paradise.”
Shaking hands with a non-mahram woman:
Shaking hands with a non-mahram woman is religiously impermissible and forbidden, whether the non-mahram woman is a relative or not, belongs to one’s own country or region, or comes from a foreign country or region, whether young or old. In all cases, it is not correct to shake hands with a non-mahram woman, as the Prophet of the Universe, peace be upon him, said regarding this matter:
«لأن تطعن فى رأس أحدكم بمخبط من حديد خير له من أن تمش امرأة لا تحل له»
“If an iron nail were driven into the head of any one of you, it would be better for him than to touch a woman who is unlawful for him.” (Touching a non-mahram woman)
Furthermore, the Prophet, peace be upon him, stated regarding this issue:
«إني لا أصافح النساء»
“Indeed, I do not shake hands with women.”
«إني لا أمش أيدى النساء»
“I do not touch the hands of women when taking the pledge of allegiance.”
And Lady Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, clarifies this further with the following hadith:
«عن عائشة رضي الله عنها قالت: ولا والله ما مست يد رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يدامرأة قط غير انه يبايعهن بالكلام»
“Lady Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, said: (While taking the pledge) the blessed hand of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, did not touch the hand of any woman; he used to take the pledge by words only.”
Looking at a Non-Mahram Woman:
It is forbidden and prohibited to stare fixedly at a non-mahram woman. Allah Almighty says:
﴿قُل لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَغُضُّوا مِنْ أَبْصَارِهِمْ وَيَحْفَظُوا فُرُوجَهُمْ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ أَزْكَىٰ لَهُمْ ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ خَبِيرٌ بِمَا يَصْنَعُونَ ﴾
“Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their private parts; that is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do.”
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
«فزنا العين النظر»
“Is looking at non-mahram women considered the zina (adultery) of the eyes?”
Therefore, deliberately looking at non-mahram women or looking at them with lust is a cause of sin. Similarly, there is a hadith of the Prophet of the Universe (peace be upon him) that states:
«يا على لا تتبع النظرة النظرة فإن لك الأولى وليست لك الآخرة»
“O Ali! Do not fix your gaze behind your first glance, meaning do not keep looking continuously. The first glance is permissible for you, but the second glance is not permissible.”
This means that if the eyes accidentally fall on a woman for the first time, there is no sin in that, but if a person continues to look despite that, then looking becomes sinful. Whether this looking is lustful or deliberate, it is included in sin. Therefore, the same ruling applies to believing men and believing women that they should keep their gaze lowered.
Having intercourse with a woman during menstruation:
Having intercourse with a woman during menstruation is not permissible, as Allah Almighty says:
﴿وَيَسْأَلُونَكَ عَنِ الْمَحِيضِ ۖ قُلْ هُوَ أَذًى فَاعْتَزِلُوا النِّسَاءَ فِي الْمَحِيضِ ۖ وَلَا تَقْرَبُوهُنَّ حَتَّىٰ يَطْهُرْنَ﴾
“People ask you about menstruation. Say, it is an impurity. So keep away from women during menstruation and do not approach them until they are purified.”
The prohibition and abhorrence of this act is proven by the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) saying:
«من أتى حائضا أو امرأة فى دبرها أو كاهنا فقد كفر بما أنزل لىٰ محمد»
“Whoever has intercourse with a menstruating woman or has intercourse with his wife from behind, or goes to a soothsayer, has denied the religion revealed to Muhammad (peace be upon him).” Therefore, from the above hadith it is understood that intercourse with a woman during menstruation should not be done.”
Having intercourse in an unnatural place on a woman:
This is a major sin, and the one who commits this act is the one whose faith is weak. It is a vile, unnatural, and disgraceful act. The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, cursed such a person. Sayyiduna Abu Huraira, may Allah be pleased with him, narrates that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said:
«ملعون من أتى امرأته فى دبرها»
“Whoever has intercourse with his wife in her anus is accursed.”
Therefore, it is clear that having intercourse in the unnatural place of a woman, i.e., the anus, is a major sin, and the one who commits it is accursed.
Not maintaining justice and fairness:
Allah Almighty has commanded that justice and fairness be maintained, even instructing to be just among wives:
﴿وَلَن تَسْتَطِيعُوا أَن تَعْدِلُوا بَيْنَ النِّسَاءِ وَلَوْ حَرَصْتُمْ ۖ فَلَا تَمِيلُوا كُلَّ الْمَيْلِ فَتَذَرُوهَا كَالْمُعَلَّقَةِ ۚ وَإِن تُصْلِحُوا وَتَتَّقُوا فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ غَفُورًا رَّحِيمًا﴾
“It is not possible for you to be equally just between wives, even if you desire to do so. Therefore, do not incline completely towards one and leave the other hanging. But if you do good and fear Allah, then indeed Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.”
It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
«من كانت له امرأتان فمال إلى إحداهما جاء يوم القيامة مائل»
“Whoever has two wives and inclines more towards one of them, he will come on the Day of Judgment with one side of his body tilted (crooked).”
Accusing Chaste Women of Falsehood:
Accusing chaste women is an extremely grave sin, and the one who commits such a sin deserves divine curse and painful punishment. Allah Almighty says:
﴿إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَرْمُونَ الْمُحْصَنَاتِ الْغَافِلَاتِ الْمُؤْمِنَاتِ لُعِنُوا فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ عَظِيمٌ﴾
“Indeed, those who accuse chaste, unaware, believing women are cursed by Allah in this world and the Hereafter, and they will have a great punishment.”
Similarly, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
«اجتنبوا السبع الموبقات قيل يا رسول الله وما بسن؟ قال الشرك بالله ، والسحر، وقتل النفس التى حرم الله إلا بالحق، وأكل مال اليتيم، وأكل الرلو و التولى يوم الزحف، وقذف المحصنات الغافلات المؤمنات»
“Avoid the seven destructive sins.” It was asked: O Messenger of Allah! What are they? He said: Associating partners with Allah, practicing magic, killing a person whose killing is not permissible, consuming usury, consuming the property of an orphan, turning back from the battlefield on the day of fighting, and accusing chaste, innocent, believing women of adultery.”
