Humility & Submission – Shaikh Ibn Baaz

While mentioning what one should and should not do in the Prophet’s Mosque, and near the grave of the Prophet (salallaahu ‘alaihiwasallam), Shaikh ibn Baaz said,

“Similarly, those who, at the time of offering Salaam to the Prophet (salallaahu ‘alaihiwasallam) put their right hand on the left side of their chest: this posture is not lawful at the time of offering Salaam to him (salallaahu ‘alaihiwasallam) or to any ruler or leader, for this posture signifies one’s humility and submission which is valid in the case of Allaah alone.

This point is made by Hafidh Ibn Hajar on the authority of the great ‘Ulama. This point will be clear to anyone who gives attention to it, provided he intends to follow the way of the righteous predecessors [salaf]. However, those who are swayed by prejudice, selfish desires and blind imitation, and those who are biased against the way of the righteous people, Allaah would decide their fate. We seek from Allaah for us and for them guidance, and preference of the truth over everything.”

Similarly, those who face the Prophet’s grave at a distance and move their lips for Salaam or supplication, it also belongs to the category of bid’ah. It is not permissible for a Muslim to invent such things in Faith as they are not permitted by Allaah. By doing such things, he transgresses rather than expressing love for the Prophet (salallaahu ‘alaihiwasallam).

Condemning such practices, Imam Malik said that reform of the later generations will only be in the same manner as of earlier generations. It is common knowledge that what reformed the earlier generations was their observance of the way of of the Prophet (salallaahu ‘alaihiwasallam), and his Rightyly-Guided Caliphs, his companions and successors. Later generations of the Ummah too, would find the right path by adhering close to the Prophet’s way. This alone can reform them. May Allaah grant Muslims the ability to do such things which may ensure their welfare and success both in this world and the hereafter.”

This excerpt is from: Shaikh Ibn Baz’s book Hajj,’Umrah & Ziyarah, In the Light of the Qur`an and the Sunnah, Chapter Seven (An account of Visiting the Prophet’s Mosque), Pg. 182-184.