Wearing dirty clothes is not from humility – Explained by Shaykh Fawzan

Questioner:

May Allah grant you good. The questioner says: An Imaam of a masjid has a lot of money; but when he comes to the prayer, he comes wearing a dirty Izar and a dirty shirt. And when I say to him: “Why don’t you buy some new clothes for the prayer”? He says: “Whoever humbles himself for Allah, He will elevate him”. So what is the ruling for his prayer?

Shaykh Fawzan: This is not humility. Allah the Exalted says:

يَا بَنِي آدَمَ خُذُوا زِينَتَكُمْ عِنْدَ كُلِّ مَسْجِدٍ

O children of Adam, take your adornment at every masjid. (Soorah Al-’Araf 7:31)

This means for every prayer. Adornment is not only covering the awrah, rather adornment includes clothes, beautifying oneself for the prayer. You are facing the Lord of all that exists; you are standing in front of Him. Therefore beautify yourself with what you are able to from adornment; in recognition of the prayer, and exalting the standing before your Lord. This is something desired, and favorable. 

And the hadith says:

إِذَا وَسَّعَ اللَّهُ عليكم فَوْسِعُوا

When Allah makes you wealthier then you should clothe yourself properly.

And he says:

إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبَّ أَنْ يُرَى أَثَرُ نِعْمَتِهِ عَلَى عَبْدِهِ

Verily Allah loves to see the effects of His favors upon His slave.

O my brother this is not humility. Yes, do not wear extravagant clothes. Do not wear extravagant clothes such that it becomes an issue of fame or notoriety. Wear moderate clothes which are clean and beautiful.

إِنَّ اللَّهَ جَمِيلٌ يُحِبُّ الْجَمَالَ

Verily Allah is Jameel and He loves beauty.

Translated by Rasheed ibn Estes Barbee http://mtws.posthaven.com

Complain Only to Allah

“He said, “I only complain of my suffering and my grief to Allah , and I know from Allah that which you do not know.” [12:86]

Giving Salaams to the Opposite Sex – Shaykh Muqbil ibn Haadee

The questioner asks about verbally giving the Salaams (to women).

Shaykh Muqbil: Verbally giving the Salaam, if she and he are safe from Fitnah, then there is no harm in him saying: As-Salaamu Alaykum.  If he fears that the Salaam will lead to that which is after it from Fitnah, then no. As is said:

نظرة فإبتسامة فسلام فكلام فموعد فلقاء
 

A look; then a smile; then Salaams; then speaking; then (setting) an appointment; then a meeting

So if he does not fear Fitnah for himself and he does not fear for her then there is no harm in saying: As-Salaamu Alaykum. The wives of the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) used to be greeted with Salaam. And Allaah’s Aid is sought.

Questioner:  Does this apply to responding, as well, O Shaykh?

Shaykh: Huh?

Questioner: Is responding to As-Salaamu Alaykum obligatory upon the woman?

Shaykh: Upon the woman, yes, she is to respond. The same applies to her; if she fears Fitnah for herself or that she will put the man to trial then she responds within herself. Or she moves her lips with some sound (coming out) such that he does not hear her. But if she does not fear (Fitnah) for herself or he is a Mahram for her, then there is no harm in her saying: Wa Alaykum As-Salaam. However, if she fears the occurrence of Fitnah, then there is nothing equivalent to the safety of the heart.

Translated By: Raha ibn Donald Batts
Source: http://www.muqbel.net/fatwa.php?fatwa_id=99
Posted from: http://mtws.posthaven.com

Advice on Sisters Exercising and Working Out – Shaykh Muqbil ibn Haadee

Question:

What is the legislative ruling on the woman who exercises, whether within her home or outside of her home? 

Answer:

If it is within the home then there is no harm; rather, we advise with this. If she has work to do then her work takes more precedence. Meaning, work in the service of her house and her home; it is appropriate for her to begin with this. Similarly, if she is with the women and foreign men do not see her, then there is no harm with this, insha-Allaah. Rather, we advise with this. This is because being stagnant and idle will perhaps lead to boredom and weakness in preservation (of the obligations); and to what else, O brothers? To weakness of the body. So what is correct is that the Muslim male and the Muslim female are in need of exercise, within the limits of the legislation.

Translated by: Raha ibn Donald Batts Source: http://www.muqbel.net/fatwa.php?fatwa_id=3562
Posted from: Masjid Tawheed wa Sunnah, Durham

Worrying about the Future – Shaykh Saalih Al-Fawzaan

Question:

Noble Shaykh, may Allaah grant you success, (the questioner) says: I preserve the five prayers within their times, I am constant in reciting the Qur’aan, and superogatory fasting, and for Allaah is the praise. However, at times fear of the future overtakes me; the future in terms of livelihood and provisions; and fear over the future and provisions of my children; specifically within these recent times. From that which it has caused to enter my soul is grief, anxiety, and confusion. So what is your guidance and advice regarding these affairs?

Answer:

This is from Shaytaan. It is upon you to seek refuge from Shaytaan; if there comes to you something from these (matters) seek refuge with Allaah and have a good thought about Allaah. Put your trust in Allaah, and Allaah will rectify your affairs, insha-Allaah.

Translated by: Raha ibn Donald Batts   
Posted from: Masjid Tawheed wa Sunnah, Durham