I have a friend who used to deal with riba-based banks, and he took a loan and engaged in other riba-based transactions – we ask Allaah to keep us safe and sound. Allaah blessed him with guidance and he stopped all his dealings with the banks. Now he does not know his original capital, and he cannot separate it from the loans and the interest. He wants to purify himself and his wealth from previous years. What should he do? Please advise us, may Allaah reward you.
Praise be to Allaah.
Your friend should contact the bank to find out how much the interest was that was added to his capital, then he should get rid of this interest by spending it on charitable causes. See question no. 292 and 2370.
If he does not know how much it is exactly, he should pay what he thinks is most likely to be the amount of interest that he took, and Allaah does not burden any soul beyond its scope.
With regard to the interest-based loans that he took and has paid off, that belongs to him. It is sufficient for him to repent and regret what he has done, and to resolve not to repeat such haraam actions.
We praise Allaah for helping him and guiding him away from these haraam interactions, and we ask Him to bless him in his wealth and to provide for him of His bounty.
And Allaah knows best.
Thursday, 22 March 2012
There is no expiation for a false oath except sincere repentance
I heard that the one who swears a false oath (yameen al-ghamoos) will be immersed (taghmis) in Hell, and that there is no expiation for it. Does this mean that there can be no repentance from this sin?
Will Allaah forgive all sins if the repentance is sincere?.
Praise be to Allaah.
Firstly:
Yameen ghamoos refers to a false and evil oath, such as that in which a person unlawfully consumes the property of another. It is called ghamoos because it immerses (taghmis) the one who does that in sin and then in Hell. This was stated by Ibn al-Atheer in al-Nihaayah (3/724).
Secondly:
It says in al-Mawsoo’ah al-Fiqhiyyah (35/41):
The fuqaha’ differed concerning the necessity of expiation in the case of a false oath. There are two points of view:
1 – That it is not obligatory to offer expiation for a false oath. This is the view of the majority of fuqaha’: the Hanafis, Maalikis and Hanbalis.
2 – That it is obligatory to offer expiation for a false oath. This is the view of the Shaafa’is.
Each group offered evidence to support its view. End quote.
See: Badaa’i’ al-Sanaa’i’ (3/3), al-Taaj wa’l-Ikleel (3/266) and Kashf al-Qinaa’ (6/235).
It says in Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah (23/133):
Yameen ghamoos is a major sin, for which no expiation is sufficient because it is such a grave sin. No expiation is required for it according to the more correct of the two scholarly opinions; rather what is required is repentance and prayers for forgiveness. End quote.
Whether one says that expiation is required or not, the expiation does not expiate the sin of a yameen ghamoos. Rather it is essential to repent sincerely.
Hence Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah said in Majmoo’ al-Fataawa (34/139), after mentioning the difference of scholarly opinion concerning expiation for a false oath:
But they are agreed that the sin is not erased merely by offering expiation. End quote.
Thirdly:
A false oath, like other sins, may be expiated by sincere repentance. There is no sin for which repentance cannot be accepted, for Allaah has opened the door of repentance to every sinner, and Allaah accepts the repentance of the one who repents.
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Say: O ‘Ibaadi (My slaves) who have transgressed against themselves (by committing evil deeds and sins)! Despair not of the Mercy of Allaah, verily, Allaah forgives all sins. Truly, He is Oft‑Forgiving, Most Merciful”
[al-Zumar 39:53]
Ibn Katheer (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:
This verse is a call to all sinners, kaafirs and others, to repent and turn to Allaah. It tells us that Allaah forgives all sins for the one who repents from them and turns away from them, no matter what they are, no matter how many they are, even if they are like the foam of the sea. There are many verses on this topic. End quote.
See also the answer to question no. 46683 for more information.
And Allaah knows best.
Will Allaah forgive all sins if the repentance is sincere?.
Praise be to Allaah.
Firstly:
Yameen ghamoos refers to a false and evil oath, such as that in which a person unlawfully consumes the property of another. It is called ghamoos because it immerses (taghmis) the one who does that in sin and then in Hell. This was stated by Ibn al-Atheer in al-Nihaayah (3/724).
Secondly:
It says in al-Mawsoo’ah al-Fiqhiyyah (35/41):
The fuqaha’ differed concerning the necessity of expiation in the case of a false oath. There are two points of view:
1 – That it is not obligatory to offer expiation for a false oath. This is the view of the majority of fuqaha’: the Hanafis, Maalikis and Hanbalis.
2 – That it is obligatory to offer expiation for a false oath. This is the view of the Shaafa’is.
Each group offered evidence to support its view. End quote.
See: Badaa’i’ al-Sanaa’i’ (3/3), al-Taaj wa’l-Ikleel (3/266) and Kashf al-Qinaa’ (6/235).
It says in Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah (23/133):
Yameen ghamoos is a major sin, for which no expiation is sufficient because it is such a grave sin. No expiation is required for it according to the more correct of the two scholarly opinions; rather what is required is repentance and prayers for forgiveness. End quote.
Whether one says that expiation is required or not, the expiation does not expiate the sin of a yameen ghamoos. Rather it is essential to repent sincerely.
Hence Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah said in Majmoo’ al-Fataawa (34/139), after mentioning the difference of scholarly opinion concerning expiation for a false oath:
But they are agreed that the sin is not erased merely by offering expiation. End quote.
Thirdly:
A false oath, like other sins, may be expiated by sincere repentance. There is no sin for which repentance cannot be accepted, for Allaah has opened the door of repentance to every sinner, and Allaah accepts the repentance of the one who repents.
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Say: O ‘Ibaadi (My slaves) who have transgressed against themselves (by committing evil deeds and sins)! Despair not of the Mercy of Allaah, verily, Allaah forgives all sins. Truly, He is Oft‑Forgiving, Most Merciful”
[al-Zumar 39:53]
Ibn Katheer (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:
This verse is a call to all sinners, kaafirs and others, to repent and turn to Allaah. It tells us that Allaah forgives all sins for the one who repents from them and turns away from them, no matter what they are, no matter how many they are, even if they are like the foam of the sea. There are many verses on this topic. End quote.
See also the answer to question no. 46683 for more information.
And Allaah knows best.
He took some of his friend’s money without his knowledge and he wants to return it and more
A person has given me money to put it in my saving account in an Islamic bank, and then he will take the profits. I needed some of this money and my intention was to estimate the amount of profit of the amount of money I used, and add it to the profits will be given by the bank when time of distributing profits in 3 months comes, and give it all to him. Is that permissible? Does it include Riba at all? This person does not know anything about this, and I am giving this to him happily considering it a gift?.
Praise be to Allaah.
Firstly:
You did wrong when you took the money without your friend’s knowledge, because it was a trust (amaanah) that was given to you, so it was not permissible for you to transgress against it. By transgressing against the trust you became liable for it, so you have to return the same amount, but you do not have to give anything more than that, unless you took the money and profited from it, in which case the profit must be given to the owner of the money according to the view of some fuqaha’ who think that the profit on usurped wealth and that which comes under the same ruling should not be taken by the usurper, rather it belongs to the owner of the money. You may tell the owner of the money what has happened, then agree on the way in which the profits are to be shared out.
See also the answer to question no. 87695.
If you took the money and did not make any profit from it, then you must return the same amount, and there is nothing wrong with giving something extra as a gift.
Secondly:
You have to repent to Allaah for transgressing against this trust. The conditions of repentance include resolving not to do that again, because repentance is not valid if you continue taking your friend’s wealth without his knowledge. You also have to tell your friend and ask for his forgiveness, unless you are afraid that telling him will lead to negative consequences, such as his cutting you off, in which case it is sufficient to return the money only.
And Allaah knows best.
Praise be to Allaah.
Firstly:
You did wrong when you took the money without your friend’s knowledge, because it was a trust (amaanah) that was given to you, so it was not permissible for you to transgress against it. By transgressing against the trust you became liable for it, so you have to return the same amount, but you do not have to give anything more than that, unless you took the money and profited from it, in which case the profit must be given to the owner of the money according to the view of some fuqaha’ who think that the profit on usurped wealth and that which comes under the same ruling should not be taken by the usurper, rather it belongs to the owner of the money. You may tell the owner of the money what has happened, then agree on the way in which the profits are to be shared out.
See also the answer to question no. 87695.
If you took the money and did not make any profit from it, then you must return the same amount, and there is nothing wrong with giving something extra as a gift.
Secondly:
You have to repent to Allaah for transgressing against this trust. The conditions of repentance include resolving not to do that again, because repentance is not valid if you continue taking your friend’s wealth without his knowledge. You also have to tell your friend and ask for his forgiveness, unless you are afraid that telling him will lead to negative consequences, such as his cutting you off, in which case it is sufficient to return the money only.
And Allaah knows best.
He went to a practitioner of witchcraft to undo a spell – can he repent?
Pain squeezes my heart and I am becoming insane. I do not know what is right and what is wrong anymore. I have done things I always avoided doing. I moreover did things which I fear are shirk. I fear that all my deeds are in vain. I feel that my salaah, fasting, hajj and every deed that might be good is fruitless. Whenever I read this ayah “If you join others in worship with Allah, (then) surely, (all) your deeds will be in vain” it breaks my heart by Allah. What I am saying now is not of riyaa’, it is really what I feel.
Going to pray has become heavy on me. I cannot open the Quran; I feel that the Quran is cursing me because I did not implement what I have memorized. Even when I start reading I feel unable to continue, so I just close it. I ask myself how I will be able to stand in front of Allah and say (Wa Eyyaka nasta’een) “You (Alone) we ask for help (for each and everything).” Where has this “seeking help” gone? I used before to depend only on Allah and ask His help. I used to make du’a and persist in it; I always felt I am close to Allah, even after this spell matter I used to make much du’a but I did not have patience. I feel that Allah has tested me and I failed this test due to lack of patience.
I feel that all my deeds are not accepted. I almost hear a sound saying to me: “why do anything when it will not be accepted? After what you have done all your deeds are not, nor will be accepted, all your deeds are in vain”.
What I have done in brief is that I went to a magician to counteract a spell that was put on me after marriage. For more than one month he has been giving me things that are not understandable while I feel hatred to be with him. I hatefully took them while I was like heedless. Is not this a type of shirk that makes all deeds in vain and nullifies his Islam? Did not the prophet (PBUH) say: “Incantations, amulets and being attached to tangible things are shirk.”? And said also: “Whoever goes to a fortune-teller and believes what he says, is kaafir of what has been revealed on Muhammad”?
Please help me; I am in pain by Allah. I have no luck in this life, nothing of my wishes has become true, and I fear I have a bad end so I lose everything in life and hereafter.
Praise be to Allaah.
Firstly:
Your feeling that you have sinned, and the pain that you feel in your heart because of that, indicate that your faith is sound and that your heart is pure. This is a blessing that Allaah has bestowed upon you, for those whose hearts are truly alive are those who are affected by sin and who flee to Allaah in repentance and seeking forgiveness. As for those whose hearts are deadened, they are not affected by commission of sins, as it is said: The dead feel no pain.
Allaah says concerning the people of faith (interpretation of the meaning):
“Verily, those who are Al-Muttaqoon (the pious), when an evil thought comes to them from Shaytaan (Satan), they remember (Allaah), and (indeed) they then see (aright)”
[al-A’raaf 7:201]
What is meant is that they commit sins, then they remember the punishment of Allaah and His great reward, and His promises and warnings, so they repent and turn to Him, and they seek refuge with Allaah, and come straight back to Him. “and (indeed) they then see (aright)” i.e., they realize the error of their ways and set themselves straight. End quote from Tafseer Ibn Katheer.
All you have to do is repent and seek forgiveness, and remember that you are turning to a Lord Who is Most Merciful, Who rejoices over the repentance of His slave and accepts it from him, and turns his bad deeds into good deeds, no matter what these bad deeds were.
It is as if you do not realize that Allaah accept the repentance of kaafirs, atheists, evildoers and sinners if they repent and turn back to Him, so how can He not accept the repentance of believers if they fall into sin, when they are the ones who love Him and turn to Him, who bow and prostrate, who do wudoo’ and purify themselves, and know that no one can forgive their sins except Him, and no one can help them to mend their ways except Him; so they hasten to regret (their sin) and seek His forgiveness, and say: Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves, and if You do not forgive us and have mercy on us, we will be among the losers. The Most Merciful says to His angels: My slave knew that no one forgives sins except Me. I bear witness to you that I have forgiven him. Then his sorrow and worry disperse, and contact with Allaah is re-established and he feels comforted. By Allaah, how sweet is the joy of the penitents and how beautiful is the return of the sinners.
The Most Merciful Lord says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Know they not that Allaah accepts repentance from His slaves and takes the Sadaqaat (alms, charity), and that Allaah Alone is the One Who forgives and accepts repentance, Most Merciful?”
[al-Tawbah 9:104]
“And those who invoke not any other ilaah (god) along with Allaah, nor kill such person as Allaah has forbidden, except for just cause, nor commit illegal sexual intercourse __ and whoever does this shall receive the punishment.
69. The torment will be doubled to him on the Day of Resurrection, and he will abide therein in disgrace;
70. Except those who repent and believe (in Islamic Monotheism), and do righteous deeds; for those, Allaah will change their sins into good deeds, and Allaah is Oft‑Forgiving, Most Merciful”
[al-Furqaan 25:68-70]
al-Bukhaari (7507) and Muslim (2758) narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: I heard the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) say: “A man committed a sin and said: ‘O Lord, forgive me.’ His Lord said: ‘Does My slave realize that he has a Lord Who forgives sin, and calls people to account for sin? I have forgiven My slave.’ Then as much time passed as Allaah willed, then he sinned again and said: ‘My Lord, I have sinned again, please forgive it.’ [Allaah] said: ‘Does My slave realize that he has a Lord Who forgives sin, and calls people to account for sin? I have forgiven My slave.’ Then as much time passed as Allaah willed, then he sinned again and said: ‘My Lord, I have sinned again, please forgive it.’ [Allaah] said: ‘Does My slave realize that he has a Lord Who forgives sin, and calls people to account for sin? I have forgiven My slave.’”
And Muslim (2749) narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “By the One in Whose hand is my soul, if you did not commit sin, Allaah would dispense with you and create people who would commit sins then ask Allaah for forgiveness, then he would forgive them.”
So hasten to repent, regret your sin and seek forgiveness, and do a lot of righteous deeds, and receive glad tidings of goodness and success.
Secondly:
One of the tricks of the shaytaan is to make sin appear attractive to a person, so as to make him fall into it, then make him despair of repenting; he gives him false advice: How can you return to Allaah when you have done what you did? Do you not feel ashamed before Him? Do you think He will accept it from you? A person’s sin may be major, such as zina, then he leads him through that into something that constitutes kufr, such as not praying. So think about how the shaytaan toys with this man.
As for the believer, the shaytaan has no way to reach him in this manner, because he knows what we have stated above, about repentance being essential and about his Lord rejoicing over it, and how He honours those who repent and turns their bad deeds into good deeds.
Thirdly:
It is not permissible to go to practitioners of witchcraft, soothsayers or fortune-tellers, even if that is in order to undo a spell, which is called nushrah. Rather spells are to be treated with Qur’aanic verses and Prophetic du’aa’s, and by turning to the Creator of mankind, may He be glorified and exalted. See the answer to question no. 11290 and 48967.
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever goes to a fortune-teller and asks him about something, his prayer will not be accepted for forty days.” Narrated by Muslim (2230).
And he said: “Whoever has intercourse with a menstruating woman or with a woman in her back passage, or goes to a fortune-teller and believes what he says, has disbelieved in that which Allaah revealed to Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him).”
Narrated by Ahmad (9779), Abu Dawood (3904), al-Tirmidhi (135) and Ibn Majaah (936); classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Ibn Majaah.
This is to be understood as referring to minor kufr, according to many scholars, unless he believes that the practitioner of witchcraft or fortune-teller has knowledge of the unseen.
Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: “…and asks him about something, his prayer will not be accepted for forty days” – the apparent meaning of the hadeeth is that just asking him something means that his prayer will not be accepted for forty days, but this is not absolute. Asking a fortune-teller and the like falls into several categories:
1 – Asking him a question. This is haraam because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever goes to a fortune-teller …” The fact that punishment is confirmed when asking him indicates that it is haraam, because there is no punishment except for doing a haraam action.
2 – Asking him and believing him, and paying attention to what he says. This is kufr because believing that he has knowledge of the unseen is disbelieving the Qur'aan, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Say: None in the heavens and the earth knows the Ghayb (Unseen) except Allaah”
[al-Naml 27:65].
3 – Asking him in order to test him and find out whether he is telling the truth or lying, not in order to follow what he says. There is nothing wrong with this and it is not included in the hadeeth. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) asked Ibn Sayyaad: “What am I hiding from you?” He said: Al-dukh (referring to Soorat al-Dukhaan).
He said: “Be off with you! You will never go beyond your rank.” The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was asking about something that he was concealing from him in order to test him, and he told him of it.
4 – Asking him in order to show up his inability and lies, so he tests him with things. This may be obligatory or essential.
Undoubtedly, disproving the sorcerer’s statements is something essential, and it may be obligatory. So asking questions of the fortune-teller is not haraam in all cases, rather it depends on what is indicated by the shar’i evidence. End quote from al-Qawl al-Mufeed (2/49).
Based on this, if you did not believe that this practitioner of witchcraft had knowledge of the unseen, then you are safe from major kufr, praise be to Allaah.
Some scholars are of the view that it is permissible to undo witchcraft with witchcraft, but this is a weak view, that opens the door to evil and encourages practitioners of witchcraft to carry on with their falsehood and encourages others to learn witchcraft on the grounds that they will benefit people.
Wearing an amulet in the belief that it can bring benefit or cause harm is major shirk. Believing that it has some effect is minor shirk. See question no. 34817.
We ask Allaah to accept your repentance and to erase your sins, and to give you well being in your religious and worldly affairs.
And Allaah knows best.
Going to pray has become heavy on me. I cannot open the Quran; I feel that the Quran is cursing me because I did not implement what I have memorized. Even when I start reading I feel unable to continue, so I just close it. I ask myself how I will be able to stand in front of Allah and say (Wa Eyyaka nasta’een) “You (Alone) we ask for help (for each and everything).” Where has this “seeking help” gone? I used before to depend only on Allah and ask His help. I used to make du’a and persist in it; I always felt I am close to Allah, even after this spell matter I used to make much du’a but I did not have patience. I feel that Allah has tested me and I failed this test due to lack of patience.
I feel that all my deeds are not accepted. I almost hear a sound saying to me: “why do anything when it will not be accepted? After what you have done all your deeds are not, nor will be accepted, all your deeds are in vain”.
What I have done in brief is that I went to a magician to counteract a spell that was put on me after marriage. For more than one month he has been giving me things that are not understandable while I feel hatred to be with him. I hatefully took them while I was like heedless. Is not this a type of shirk that makes all deeds in vain and nullifies his Islam? Did not the prophet (PBUH) say: “Incantations, amulets and being attached to tangible things are shirk.”? And said also: “Whoever goes to a fortune-teller and believes what he says, is kaafir of what has been revealed on Muhammad”?
Please help me; I am in pain by Allah. I have no luck in this life, nothing of my wishes has become true, and I fear I have a bad end so I lose everything in life and hereafter.
Praise be to Allaah.
Firstly:
Your feeling that you have sinned, and the pain that you feel in your heart because of that, indicate that your faith is sound and that your heart is pure. This is a blessing that Allaah has bestowed upon you, for those whose hearts are truly alive are those who are affected by sin and who flee to Allaah in repentance and seeking forgiveness. As for those whose hearts are deadened, they are not affected by commission of sins, as it is said: The dead feel no pain.
Allaah says concerning the people of faith (interpretation of the meaning):
“Verily, those who are Al-Muttaqoon (the pious), when an evil thought comes to them from Shaytaan (Satan), they remember (Allaah), and (indeed) they then see (aright)”
[al-A’raaf 7:201]
What is meant is that they commit sins, then they remember the punishment of Allaah and His great reward, and His promises and warnings, so they repent and turn to Him, and they seek refuge with Allaah, and come straight back to Him. “and (indeed) they then see (aright)” i.e., they realize the error of their ways and set themselves straight. End quote from Tafseer Ibn Katheer.
All you have to do is repent and seek forgiveness, and remember that you are turning to a Lord Who is Most Merciful, Who rejoices over the repentance of His slave and accepts it from him, and turns his bad deeds into good deeds, no matter what these bad deeds were.
It is as if you do not realize that Allaah accept the repentance of kaafirs, atheists, evildoers and sinners if they repent and turn back to Him, so how can He not accept the repentance of believers if they fall into sin, when they are the ones who love Him and turn to Him, who bow and prostrate, who do wudoo’ and purify themselves, and know that no one can forgive their sins except Him, and no one can help them to mend their ways except Him; so they hasten to regret (their sin) and seek His forgiveness, and say: Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves, and if You do not forgive us and have mercy on us, we will be among the losers. The Most Merciful says to His angels: My slave knew that no one forgives sins except Me. I bear witness to you that I have forgiven him. Then his sorrow and worry disperse, and contact with Allaah is re-established and he feels comforted. By Allaah, how sweet is the joy of the penitents and how beautiful is the return of the sinners.
The Most Merciful Lord says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Know they not that Allaah accepts repentance from His slaves and takes the Sadaqaat (alms, charity), and that Allaah Alone is the One Who forgives and accepts repentance, Most Merciful?”
[al-Tawbah 9:104]
“And those who invoke not any other ilaah (god) along with Allaah, nor kill such person as Allaah has forbidden, except for just cause, nor commit illegal sexual intercourse __ and whoever does this shall receive the punishment.
69. The torment will be doubled to him on the Day of Resurrection, and he will abide therein in disgrace;
70. Except those who repent and believe (in Islamic Monotheism), and do righteous deeds; for those, Allaah will change their sins into good deeds, and Allaah is Oft‑Forgiving, Most Merciful”
[al-Furqaan 25:68-70]
al-Bukhaari (7507) and Muslim (2758) narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: I heard the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) say: “A man committed a sin and said: ‘O Lord, forgive me.’ His Lord said: ‘Does My slave realize that he has a Lord Who forgives sin, and calls people to account for sin? I have forgiven My slave.’ Then as much time passed as Allaah willed, then he sinned again and said: ‘My Lord, I have sinned again, please forgive it.’ [Allaah] said: ‘Does My slave realize that he has a Lord Who forgives sin, and calls people to account for sin? I have forgiven My slave.’ Then as much time passed as Allaah willed, then he sinned again and said: ‘My Lord, I have sinned again, please forgive it.’ [Allaah] said: ‘Does My slave realize that he has a Lord Who forgives sin, and calls people to account for sin? I have forgiven My slave.’”
And Muslim (2749) narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “By the One in Whose hand is my soul, if you did not commit sin, Allaah would dispense with you and create people who would commit sins then ask Allaah for forgiveness, then he would forgive them.”
So hasten to repent, regret your sin and seek forgiveness, and do a lot of righteous deeds, and receive glad tidings of goodness and success.
Secondly:
One of the tricks of the shaytaan is to make sin appear attractive to a person, so as to make him fall into it, then make him despair of repenting; he gives him false advice: How can you return to Allaah when you have done what you did? Do you not feel ashamed before Him? Do you think He will accept it from you? A person’s sin may be major, such as zina, then he leads him through that into something that constitutes kufr, such as not praying. So think about how the shaytaan toys with this man.
As for the believer, the shaytaan has no way to reach him in this manner, because he knows what we have stated above, about repentance being essential and about his Lord rejoicing over it, and how He honours those who repent and turns their bad deeds into good deeds.
Thirdly:
It is not permissible to go to practitioners of witchcraft, soothsayers or fortune-tellers, even if that is in order to undo a spell, which is called nushrah. Rather spells are to be treated with Qur’aanic verses and Prophetic du’aa’s, and by turning to the Creator of mankind, may He be glorified and exalted. See the answer to question no. 11290 and 48967.
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever goes to a fortune-teller and asks him about something, his prayer will not be accepted for forty days.” Narrated by Muslim (2230).
And he said: “Whoever has intercourse with a menstruating woman or with a woman in her back passage, or goes to a fortune-teller and believes what he says, has disbelieved in that which Allaah revealed to Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him).”
Narrated by Ahmad (9779), Abu Dawood (3904), al-Tirmidhi (135) and Ibn Majaah (936); classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Ibn Majaah.
This is to be understood as referring to minor kufr, according to many scholars, unless he believes that the practitioner of witchcraft or fortune-teller has knowledge of the unseen.
Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: “…and asks him about something, his prayer will not be accepted for forty days” – the apparent meaning of the hadeeth is that just asking him something means that his prayer will not be accepted for forty days, but this is not absolute. Asking a fortune-teller and the like falls into several categories:
1 – Asking him a question. This is haraam because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever goes to a fortune-teller …” The fact that punishment is confirmed when asking him indicates that it is haraam, because there is no punishment except for doing a haraam action.
2 – Asking him and believing him, and paying attention to what he says. This is kufr because believing that he has knowledge of the unseen is disbelieving the Qur'aan, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Say: None in the heavens and the earth knows the Ghayb (Unseen) except Allaah”
[al-Naml 27:65].
3 – Asking him in order to test him and find out whether he is telling the truth or lying, not in order to follow what he says. There is nothing wrong with this and it is not included in the hadeeth. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) asked Ibn Sayyaad: “What am I hiding from you?” He said: Al-dukh (referring to Soorat al-Dukhaan).
He said: “Be off with you! You will never go beyond your rank.” The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was asking about something that he was concealing from him in order to test him, and he told him of it.
4 – Asking him in order to show up his inability and lies, so he tests him with things. This may be obligatory or essential.
Undoubtedly, disproving the sorcerer’s statements is something essential, and it may be obligatory. So asking questions of the fortune-teller is not haraam in all cases, rather it depends on what is indicated by the shar’i evidence. End quote from al-Qawl al-Mufeed (2/49).
Based on this, if you did not believe that this practitioner of witchcraft had knowledge of the unseen, then you are safe from major kufr, praise be to Allaah.
Some scholars are of the view that it is permissible to undo witchcraft with witchcraft, but this is a weak view, that opens the door to evil and encourages practitioners of witchcraft to carry on with their falsehood and encourages others to learn witchcraft on the grounds that they will benefit people.
Wearing an amulet in the belief that it can bring benefit or cause harm is major shirk. Believing that it has some effect is minor shirk. See question no. 34817.
We ask Allaah to accept your repentance and to erase your sins, and to give you well being in your religious and worldly affairs.
And Allaah knows best.
I have read on your website that a repenting person should hope that his repentance will be accepted but he cannot be sure it will be accepted. Can one hope his repentance may be accepted if he disbelieved then returned to Islam and asked for Allah’s forgiveness, especially that his apostasy was due to practicing witchcraft? If the answer is that he should just hope, then is he hoping that his repentance is accepted similar to the doubt in hypocrites’ hearts especially that this doubt is regarding faith, not regarding repentance being accepted or not of any sin but disbelieving. Please answer my question quickly; I am too afraid that, by Allah, I cannot sleep. Praise be to Allaah. If a person falls into kufr or apostasy, then repents to Allaah and comes to Islam sincerely, Allaah will accept his repentance and turn his bad deeds into good deeds, as He has promised, and Allaah does not break His promise. It is not right for a person to doubt this. A number of scholars have clearly stated that repentance from kufr is definitely accepted, unlike repentance from sins, as some said it is definitely accepted and some said it may or may not be accepted. Al-Nawawi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in Sharh Muslim: The repentance of the kaafir from his kufr is definitely accepted, but is any other kind of repentance definitely accepted or likely to be accepted? There is a difference of opinion among Ahl al-Sunnah concerning that, and Imam al-Haramayn was of the view that it is likely, and this is the more correct view. And Allaah knows best. End quote. Al-‘Iraqi said in Tarh al-Tathreeb (8/40): Repentance expiates for major sins, and there is consensus on that. But is its expiation definite or likely? With regard to repentance from kufr, it is definite, but with regard to other major sins, the scholars of Ahl al-Sunnah disagreed. Al-Nawawi said: The strongest view is that it is likely. The Mu’tazilah were of the view that repentance should be accepted on the basis of reason (as it was their way to refer everything to reason). Abu’l-‘Abbaas al-Qurtubi said: What I say is that the one who studies sharee’ah on the basis of Qur'aan and Sunnah, and follows what is in them with regard this topic knows for certain that Allaah accepts the repentance of those who are sincere. End quote. Ibn ‘Ashoor said in al-Tahreer wa’l-Tanweer (1/914): The scholars of Ahl al-Sunnah fall into two groups: One group is of the view that repentance is definitely accepted because there are reports to support that. The large number of reports indicates that this is definitive. End quote. To sum up: the one who repents from kufr and apostasy should be optimistic, because Islam erases whatever came before it, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to ‘Amr ibn al-‘Aas (may Allaah be pleased with him): “Do you not know that Islam destroys whatever came before it?” Narrated by Muslim (121). Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “How shall Allaah guide a people who disbelieved after their Belief and after they bore witness that the Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) is true and after clear proofs had come unto them? And Allaah guides not the people who are Zaalimoon (polytheists and wrongdoers). 87. They are those whose recompense is that on them (rests) the Curse of Allaah, of the angels, and of all mankind. 88. They will abide therein (Hell). Neither will their torment be lightened, nor will it be delayed or postponed (for a while). 89. Except for those who repent after that and do righteous deeds. Verily, Allaah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful” [Aal- ‘Imraan 3:86-89] This includes one whose kufr involved the practice of witchcraft. If he repents to Allaah, Allaah will accept his repentance. This is a matter that is between him and his Lord. As for acceptance of the magician’s repentance in this world, that is subject to further discussion, as has been explained in the answer to question no. 69914. With regard to hoping that repentance is accepted without being certain of it, that has to do with repentance from sins that are less serious than kufr. This means that the person still fears that his repentance may not have been accepted, but he hopes that his Lord will accept it. That does not mean that he should doubt that his faith is accepted or that his doubt is like the doubt of the hypocrites, rather he is certain of his faith, but he fears that Allaah may punish him for his sins if He does not accept his repentance. What you should do is turn to Allaah and keep yourself busy with obeying and worshipping Him, and think positively of Him. You should know that He accepts those who repent to Him and He honours those who obey Him, and He loves those who seek His forgiveness; He rejoices over those who come back to Him, and He draws them close to Him and grants them happiness and opens their hearts and fills their hearts with light; He endears to them obedience and remembrance of Him. So strive to be one of them, and do not pay any attention to the whispers of the shaytaan, because he wants to put people off from repenting and make them despair, so that they will carry on in their misguidance. He says to people: how can Allaah accept your repentance when you did such and such? Why make it hard on yourself when you are going to be rejected anyway? This is part of his lies and tricks and misguidance. Allaah is more merciful towards His slave than a mother is towards her child. Hence He has made it easy to repent and has increased the reward of the penitent, and He stretches forth His hand by night to accept the repentance of the one who sinned during the day, and He stretches forth His hand during the day to accept the repentance of the one who sinned during the night. So repent to Allaah and be optimistic of goodness and success. May Allaah increase us and you in guidance, help, prosperity and success. And Allaah knows best.
I have read on your website that a repenting person should hope that his repentance will be accepted but he cannot be sure it will be accepted. Can one hope his repentance may be accepted if he disbelieved then returned to Islam and asked for Allah’s forgiveness, especially that his apostasy was due to practicing witchcraft? If the answer is that he should just hope, then is he hoping that his repentance is accepted similar to the doubt in hypocrites’ hearts especially that this doubt is regarding faith, not regarding repentance being accepted or not of any sin but disbelieving. Please answer my question quickly; I am too afraid that, by Allah, I cannot sleep.
Praise be to Allaah.
If a person falls into kufr or apostasy, then repents to Allaah and comes to Islam sincerely, Allaah will accept his repentance and turn his bad deeds into good deeds, as He has promised, and Allaah does not break His promise.
It is not right for a person to doubt this. A number of scholars have clearly stated that repentance from kufr is definitely accepted, unlike repentance from sins, as some said it is definitely accepted and some said it may or may not be accepted.
Al-Nawawi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in Sharh Muslim: The repentance of the kaafir from his kufr is definitely accepted, but is any other kind of repentance definitely accepted or likely to be accepted? There is a difference of opinion among Ahl al-Sunnah concerning that, and Imam al-Haramayn was of the view that it is likely, and this is the more correct view. And Allaah knows best. End quote.
Al-‘Iraqi said in Tarh al-Tathreeb (8/40): Repentance expiates for major sins, and there is consensus on that. But is its expiation definite or likely? With regard to repentance from kufr, it is definite, but with regard to other major sins, the scholars of Ahl al-Sunnah disagreed. Al-Nawawi said: The strongest view is that it is likely. The Mu’tazilah were of the view that repentance should be accepted on the basis of reason (as it was their way to refer everything to reason).
Abu’l-‘Abbaas al-Qurtubi said: What I say is that the one who studies sharee’ah on the basis of Qur'aan and Sunnah, and follows what is in them with regard this topic knows for certain that Allaah accepts the repentance of those who are sincere. End quote.
Ibn ‘Ashoor said in al-Tahreer wa’l-Tanweer (1/914): The scholars of Ahl al-Sunnah fall into two groups: One group is of the view that repentance is definitely accepted because there are reports to support that. The large number of reports indicates that this is definitive. End quote.
To sum up: the one who repents from kufr and apostasy should be optimistic, because Islam erases whatever came before it, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to ‘Amr ibn al-‘Aas (may Allaah be pleased with him): “Do you not know that Islam destroys whatever came before it?” Narrated by Muslim (121).
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“How shall Allaah guide a people who disbelieved after their Belief and after they bore witness that the Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) is true and after clear proofs had come unto them? And Allaah guides not the people who are Zaalimoon (polytheists and wrongdoers).
87. They are those whose recompense is that on them (rests) the Curse of Allaah, of the angels, and of all mankind.
88. They will abide therein (Hell). Neither will their torment be lightened, nor will it be delayed or postponed (for a while).
89. Except for those who repent after that and do righteous deeds. Verily, Allaah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful”
[Aal- ‘Imraan 3:86-89]
This includes one whose kufr involved the practice of witchcraft. If he repents to Allaah, Allaah will accept his repentance. This is a matter that is between him and his Lord. As for acceptance of the magician’s repentance in this world, that is subject to further discussion, as has been explained in the answer to question no. 69914.
With regard to hoping that repentance is accepted without being certain of it, that has to do with repentance from sins that are less serious than kufr. This means that the person still fears that his repentance may not have been accepted, but he hopes that his Lord will accept it. That does not mean that he should doubt that his faith is accepted or that his doubt is like the doubt of the hypocrites, rather he is certain of his faith, but he fears that Allaah may punish him for his sins if He does not accept his repentance.
What you should do is turn to Allaah and keep yourself busy with obeying and worshipping Him, and think positively of Him. You should know that He accepts those who repent to Him and He honours those who obey Him, and He loves those who seek His forgiveness; He rejoices over those who come back to Him, and He draws them close to Him and grants them happiness and opens their hearts and fills their hearts with light; He endears to them obedience and remembrance of Him. So strive to be one of them, and do not pay any attention to the whispers of the shaytaan, because he wants to put people off from repenting and make them despair, so that they will carry on in their misguidance. He says to people: how can Allaah accept your repentance when you did such and such? Why make it hard on yourself when you are going to be rejected anyway? This is part of his lies and tricks and misguidance. Allaah is more merciful towards His slave than a mother is towards her child. Hence He has made it easy to repent and has increased the reward of the penitent, and He stretches forth His hand by night to accept the repentance of the one who sinned during the day, and He stretches forth His hand during the day to accept the repentance of the one who sinned during the night.
So repent to Allaah and be optimistic of goodness and success.
May Allaah increase us and you in guidance, help, prosperity and success.
And Allaah knows best.
From learning Quran online Blog.
And notably& note that we want to discourse and share with you it is about Reading quran and doing Quran recitation online to appreciate it, Ramadan is the month when the divine Holy Quran has been brought out. A miracle by the Lord of the worlds, Allah (SWT) Should we not spiritualize him by reading Quran the natural endowment he has sent down for us and we should learn Arabic Quran by heart to have the power of it and we as Moslem should try to Learn Quran with translation to comprehend it while we do quran memorization and let our heart fill will teardrops of glory and wash away our sins in the month of Ramadan many people teach quran and we should participate in teaching quran as much as we could. important note to before starting to read Koran after social intercourse or menstrual bleeding one must not touch the holy Quran or do quran recitation and also not do quran memorization until after bathing non-Muslim should not handle the religious writing, but may listen up to Quran online. In relation to all these things in your thoughts when one is not reading or reciting holy Quran it must be closed and stored in nice and clean situation, it should never be placed on floor or in a privy and Muslim will require to focus on reading quran the tajweed quran and its normals with a proper institute.
End from online Quran reciter blog.
Praise be to Allaah.
If a person falls into kufr or apostasy, then repents to Allaah and comes to Islam sincerely, Allaah will accept his repentance and turn his bad deeds into good deeds, as He has promised, and Allaah does not break His promise.
It is not right for a person to doubt this. A number of scholars have clearly stated that repentance from kufr is definitely accepted, unlike repentance from sins, as some said it is definitely accepted and some said it may or may not be accepted.
Al-Nawawi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in Sharh Muslim: The repentance of the kaafir from his kufr is definitely accepted, but is any other kind of repentance definitely accepted or likely to be accepted? There is a difference of opinion among Ahl al-Sunnah concerning that, and Imam al-Haramayn was of the view that it is likely, and this is the more correct view. And Allaah knows best. End quote.
Al-‘Iraqi said in Tarh al-Tathreeb (8/40): Repentance expiates for major sins, and there is consensus on that. But is its expiation definite or likely? With regard to repentance from kufr, it is definite, but with regard to other major sins, the scholars of Ahl al-Sunnah disagreed. Al-Nawawi said: The strongest view is that it is likely. The Mu’tazilah were of the view that repentance should be accepted on the basis of reason (as it was their way to refer everything to reason).
Abu’l-‘Abbaas al-Qurtubi said: What I say is that the one who studies sharee’ah on the basis of Qur'aan and Sunnah, and follows what is in them with regard this topic knows for certain that Allaah accepts the repentance of those who are sincere. End quote.
Ibn ‘Ashoor said in al-Tahreer wa’l-Tanweer (1/914): The scholars of Ahl al-Sunnah fall into two groups: One group is of the view that repentance is definitely accepted because there are reports to support that. The large number of reports indicates that this is definitive. End quote.
To sum up: the one who repents from kufr and apostasy should be optimistic, because Islam erases whatever came before it, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to ‘Amr ibn al-‘Aas (may Allaah be pleased with him): “Do you not know that Islam destroys whatever came before it?” Narrated by Muslim (121).
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“How shall Allaah guide a people who disbelieved after their Belief and after they bore witness that the Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) is true and after clear proofs had come unto them? And Allaah guides not the people who are Zaalimoon (polytheists and wrongdoers).
87. They are those whose recompense is that on them (rests) the Curse of Allaah, of the angels, and of all mankind.
88. They will abide therein (Hell). Neither will their torment be lightened, nor will it be delayed or postponed (for a while).
89. Except for those who repent after that and do righteous deeds. Verily, Allaah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful”
[Aal- ‘Imraan 3:86-89]
This includes one whose kufr involved the practice of witchcraft. If he repents to Allaah, Allaah will accept his repentance. This is a matter that is between him and his Lord. As for acceptance of the magician’s repentance in this world, that is subject to further discussion, as has been explained in the answer to question no. 69914.
With regard to hoping that repentance is accepted without being certain of it, that has to do with repentance from sins that are less serious than kufr. This means that the person still fears that his repentance may not have been accepted, but he hopes that his Lord will accept it. That does not mean that he should doubt that his faith is accepted or that his doubt is like the doubt of the hypocrites, rather he is certain of his faith, but he fears that Allaah may punish him for his sins if He does not accept his repentance.
What you should do is turn to Allaah and keep yourself busy with obeying and worshipping Him, and think positively of Him. You should know that He accepts those who repent to Him and He honours those who obey Him, and He loves those who seek His forgiveness; He rejoices over those who come back to Him, and He draws them close to Him and grants them happiness and opens their hearts and fills their hearts with light; He endears to them obedience and remembrance of Him. So strive to be one of them, and do not pay any attention to the whispers of the shaytaan, because he wants to put people off from repenting and make them despair, so that they will carry on in their misguidance. He says to people: how can Allaah accept your repentance when you did such and such? Why make it hard on yourself when you are going to be rejected anyway? This is part of his lies and tricks and misguidance. Allaah is more merciful towards His slave than a mother is towards her child. Hence He has made it easy to repent and has increased the reward of the penitent, and He stretches forth His hand by night to accept the repentance of the one who sinned during the day, and He stretches forth His hand during the day to accept the repentance of the one who sinned during the night.
So repent to Allaah and be optimistic of goodness and success.
May Allaah increase us and you in guidance, help, prosperity and success.
And Allaah knows best.
From learning Quran online Blog.
And notably& note that we want to discourse and share with you it is about Reading quran and doing Quran recitation online to appreciate it, Ramadan is the month when the divine Holy Quran has been brought out. A miracle by the Lord of the worlds, Allah (SWT) Should we not spiritualize him by reading Quran the natural endowment he has sent down for us and we should learn Arabic Quran by heart to have the power of it and we as Moslem should try to Learn Quran with translation to comprehend it while we do quran memorization and let our heart fill will teardrops of glory and wash away our sins in the month of Ramadan many people teach quran and we should participate in teaching quran as much as we could. important note to before starting to read Koran after social intercourse or menstrual bleeding one must not touch the holy Quran or do quran recitation and also not do quran memorization until after bathing non-Muslim should not handle the religious writing, but may listen up to Quran online. In relation to all these things in your thoughts when one is not reading or reciting holy Quran it must be closed and stored in nice and clean situation, it should never be placed on floor or in a privy and Muslim will require to focus on reading quran the tajweed quran and its normals with a proper institute.
End from online Quran reciter blog.
Can the repentance of a practitioner of witchcraft and one who fell into apostasy be accepted?
I have read on your website that a repenting person should hope that his repentance will be accepted but he cannot be sure it will be accepted. Can one hope his repentance may be accepted if he disbelieved then returned to Islam and asked for Allah’s forgiveness, especially that his apostasy was due to practicing witchcraft? If the answer is that he should just hope, then is he hoping that his repentance is accepted similar to the doubt in hypocrites’ hearts especially that this doubt is regarding faith, not regarding repentance being accepted or not of any sin but disbelieving. Please answer my question quickly; I am too afraid that, by Allah, I cannot sleep.
Praise be to Allaah.
If a person falls into kufr or apostasy, then repents to Allaah and comes to Islam sincerely, Allaah will accept his repentance and turn his bad deeds into good deeds, as He has promised, and Allaah does not break His promise.
It is not right for a person to doubt this. A number of scholars have clearly stated that repentance from kufr is definitely accepted, unlike repentance from sins, as some said it is definitely accepted and some said it may or may not be accepted.
Al-Nawawi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in Sharh Muslim: The repentance of the kaafir from his kufr is definitely accepted, but is any other kind of repentance definitely accepted or likely to be accepted? There is a difference of opinion among Ahl al-Sunnah concerning that, and Imam al-Haramayn was of the view that it is likely, and this is the more correct view. And Allaah knows best. End quote.
Al-‘Iraqi said in Tarh al-Tathreeb (8/40): Repentance expiates for major sins, and there is consensus on that. But is its expiation definite or likely? With regard to repentance from kufr, it is definite, but with regard to other major sins, the scholars of Ahl al-Sunnah disagreed. Al-Nawawi said: The strongest view is that it is likely. The Mu’tazilah were of the view that repentance should be accepted on the basis of reason (as it was their way to refer everything to reason).
Abu’l-‘Abbaas al-Qurtubi said: What I say is that the one who studies sharee’ah on the basis of Qur'aan and Sunnah, and follows what is in them with regard this topic knows for certain that Allaah accepts the repentance of those who are sincere. End quote.
Ibn ‘Ashoor said in al-Tahreer wa’l-Tanweer (1/914): The scholars of Ahl al-Sunnah fall into two groups: One group is of the view that repentance is definitely accepted because there are reports to support that. The large number of reports indicates that this is definitive. End quote.
To sum up: the one who repents from kufr and apostasy should be optimistic, because Islam erases whatever came before it, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to ‘Amr ibn al-‘Aas (may Allaah be pleased with him): “Do you not know that Islam destroys whatever came before it?” Narrated by Muslim (121).
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“How shall Allaah guide a people who disbelieved after their Belief and after they bore witness that the Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) is true and after clear proofs had come unto them? And Allaah guides not the people who are Zaalimoon (polytheists and wrongdoers).
87. They are those whose recompense is that on them (rests) the Curse of Allaah, of the angels, and of all mankind.
88. They will abide therein (Hell). Neither will their torment be lightened, nor will it be delayed or postponed (for a while).
89. Except for those who repent after that and do righteous deeds. Verily, Allaah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful”
[Aal- ‘Imraan 3:86-89]
This includes one whose kufr involved the practice of witchcraft. If he repents to Allaah, Allaah will accept his repentance. This is a matter that is between him and his Lord. As for acceptance of the magician’s repentance in this world, that is subject to further discussion, as has been explained in the answer to question no. 69914.
With regard to hoping that repentance is accepted without being certain of it, that has to do with repentance from sins that are less serious than kufr. This means that the person still fears that his repentance may not have been accepted, but he hopes that his Lord will accept it. That does not mean that he should doubt that his faith is accepted or that his doubt is like the doubt of the hypocrites, rather he is certain of his faith, but he fears that Allaah may punish him for his sins if He does not accept his repentance.
What you should do is turn to Allaah and keep yourself busy with obeying and worshipping Him, and think positively of Him. You should know that He accepts those who repent to Him and He honours those who obey Him, and He loves those who seek His forgiveness; He rejoices over those who come back to Him, and He draws them close to Him and grants them happiness and opens their hearts and fills their hearts with light; He endears to them obedience and remembrance of Him. So strive to be one of them, and do not pay any attention to the whispers of the shaytaan, because he wants to put people off from repenting and make them despair, so that they will carry on in their misguidance. He says to people: how can Allaah accept your repentance when you did such and such? Why make it hard on yourself when you are going to be rejected anyway? This is part of his lies and tricks and misguidance. Allaah is more merciful towards His slave than a mother is towards her child. Hence He has made it easy to repent and has increased the reward of the penitent, and He stretches forth His hand by night to accept the repentance of the one who sinned during the day, and He stretches forth His hand during the day to accept the repentance of the one who sinned during the night.
So repent to Allaah and be optimistic of goodness and success.
May Allaah increase us and you in guidance, help, prosperity and success.
And Allaah knows best.
Praise be to Allaah.
If a person falls into kufr or apostasy, then repents to Allaah and comes to Islam sincerely, Allaah will accept his repentance and turn his bad deeds into good deeds, as He has promised, and Allaah does not break His promise.
It is not right for a person to doubt this. A number of scholars have clearly stated that repentance from kufr is definitely accepted, unlike repentance from sins, as some said it is definitely accepted and some said it may or may not be accepted.
Al-Nawawi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in Sharh Muslim: The repentance of the kaafir from his kufr is definitely accepted, but is any other kind of repentance definitely accepted or likely to be accepted? There is a difference of opinion among Ahl al-Sunnah concerning that, and Imam al-Haramayn was of the view that it is likely, and this is the more correct view. And Allaah knows best. End quote.
Al-‘Iraqi said in Tarh al-Tathreeb (8/40): Repentance expiates for major sins, and there is consensus on that. But is its expiation definite or likely? With regard to repentance from kufr, it is definite, but with regard to other major sins, the scholars of Ahl al-Sunnah disagreed. Al-Nawawi said: The strongest view is that it is likely. The Mu’tazilah were of the view that repentance should be accepted on the basis of reason (as it was their way to refer everything to reason).
Abu’l-‘Abbaas al-Qurtubi said: What I say is that the one who studies sharee’ah on the basis of Qur'aan and Sunnah, and follows what is in them with regard this topic knows for certain that Allaah accepts the repentance of those who are sincere. End quote.
Ibn ‘Ashoor said in al-Tahreer wa’l-Tanweer (1/914): The scholars of Ahl al-Sunnah fall into two groups: One group is of the view that repentance is definitely accepted because there are reports to support that. The large number of reports indicates that this is definitive. End quote.
To sum up: the one who repents from kufr and apostasy should be optimistic, because Islam erases whatever came before it, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to ‘Amr ibn al-‘Aas (may Allaah be pleased with him): “Do you not know that Islam destroys whatever came before it?” Narrated by Muslim (121).
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“How shall Allaah guide a people who disbelieved after their Belief and after they bore witness that the Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) is true and after clear proofs had come unto them? And Allaah guides not the people who are Zaalimoon (polytheists and wrongdoers).
87. They are those whose recompense is that on them (rests) the Curse of Allaah, of the angels, and of all mankind.
88. They will abide therein (Hell). Neither will their torment be lightened, nor will it be delayed or postponed (for a while).
89. Except for those who repent after that and do righteous deeds. Verily, Allaah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful”
[Aal- ‘Imraan 3:86-89]
This includes one whose kufr involved the practice of witchcraft. If he repents to Allaah, Allaah will accept his repentance. This is a matter that is between him and his Lord. As for acceptance of the magician’s repentance in this world, that is subject to further discussion, as has been explained in the answer to question no. 69914.
With regard to hoping that repentance is accepted without being certain of it, that has to do with repentance from sins that are less serious than kufr. This means that the person still fears that his repentance may not have been accepted, but he hopes that his Lord will accept it. That does not mean that he should doubt that his faith is accepted or that his doubt is like the doubt of the hypocrites, rather he is certain of his faith, but he fears that Allaah may punish him for his sins if He does not accept his repentance.
What you should do is turn to Allaah and keep yourself busy with obeying and worshipping Him, and think positively of Him. You should know that He accepts those who repent to Him and He honours those who obey Him, and He loves those who seek His forgiveness; He rejoices over those who come back to Him, and He draws them close to Him and grants them happiness and opens their hearts and fills their hearts with light; He endears to them obedience and remembrance of Him. So strive to be one of them, and do not pay any attention to the whispers of the shaytaan, because he wants to put people off from repenting and make them despair, so that they will carry on in their misguidance. He says to people: how can Allaah accept your repentance when you did such and such? Why make it hard on yourself when you are going to be rejected anyway? This is part of his lies and tricks and misguidance. Allaah is more merciful towards His slave than a mother is towards her child. Hence He has made it easy to repent and has increased the reward of the penitent, and He stretches forth His hand by night to accept the repentance of the one who sinned during the day, and He stretches forth His hand during the day to accept the repentance of the one who sinned during the night.
So repent to Allaah and be optimistic of goodness and success.
May Allaah increase us and you in guidance, help, prosperity and success.
And Allaah knows best.
He embezzled public funds and still has some of them; how should he repent?
Several years ago, I gathered much of public money in illegal ways through bribes and embezzlement. I repented to Allah, and want to know what I shall do with this money, as I cannot return it to the individuals in charge because they are thieves, plus this will create a scandal for me. Most of my home contents are from this money, gold, lands, cars, even the clothes I wear and the computer by which I am sending this question by a brother’s help, and many other things. I used this money in trade, it increased and decreased, and spent a lot of it for my brother’s and my cousin’s marriage, and my own marriage as well. I spent a lot of it buying many things, not haram things; normal things for home, etc. I gave charity out of it for relatives and needy people. Am I permitted to keep some of this money with me because the monthly salary is not enough for our needs, and life is expensive and difficult here? Please enlighten me as I live in a nightmare. I fear I die before I correct this great sin.
Praise be to Allaah.
It is not permissible to transgress against public wealth by stealing, embezzling and so on. The one who does that is transgressing against the Muslims as a whole, not only against the state, and the one who takes any such thing does not own it, and he has to give it back to the bayt al-maal (state treasury), because of the report narrated by Ahmad (20098), Abu Dawood (3561), al-Tirmidhi (1266) and Ibn Majaah (2400) from Samurah ibn Jundub (may Allaah be pleased with him) who said that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The hand that takes is responsible for what it has taken until it returns it.” al-Tirmidhi said: A saheeh hasan hadeeth. Shu’ayb al-Arna’out said in Tahqeeq al-Musnad: it is hasan li ghayrihi (hasan because of corroborating evidence).
Ibn Qudaamah (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: Once this is established, the one who embezzled something must return it if it still exists, and there is no difference of scholarly opinion as far as we know. Al-Mughni (5/38).
Returning it is part of repenting properly. In order for repentance to be accepted, it is essential that property and rights be restored to their owners, along with regret, asking for forgiveness and resolving not to do it again.
But if it cannot be returned to the bayt al-maal, then what is left of the money should be given in charity to the poor and needy, but if he is poor it is permissible for him to take from it as much as he needs. As for that which has already been consumed, spent and disposed of, we hope that Allaah will forgive him for that.
See also the answer to question no. 85266 and 81915.
And Allaah knows best.
Praise be to Allaah.
It is not permissible to transgress against public wealth by stealing, embezzling and so on. The one who does that is transgressing against the Muslims as a whole, not only against the state, and the one who takes any such thing does not own it, and he has to give it back to the bayt al-maal (state treasury), because of the report narrated by Ahmad (20098), Abu Dawood (3561), al-Tirmidhi (1266) and Ibn Majaah (2400) from Samurah ibn Jundub (may Allaah be pleased with him) who said that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The hand that takes is responsible for what it has taken until it returns it.” al-Tirmidhi said: A saheeh hasan hadeeth. Shu’ayb al-Arna’out said in Tahqeeq al-Musnad: it is hasan li ghayrihi (hasan because of corroborating evidence).
Ibn Qudaamah (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: Once this is established, the one who embezzled something must return it if it still exists, and there is no difference of scholarly opinion as far as we know. Al-Mughni (5/38).
Returning it is part of repenting properly. In order for repentance to be accepted, it is essential that property and rights be restored to their owners, along with regret, asking for forgiveness and resolving not to do it again.
But if it cannot be returned to the bayt al-maal, then what is left of the money should be given in charity to the poor and needy, but if he is poor it is permissible for him to take from it as much as he needs. As for that which has already been consumed, spent and disposed of, we hope that Allaah will forgive him for that.
See also the answer to question no. 85266 and 81915.
And Allaah knows best.
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