Monthly Archives: October 2018

Animated Children’s books and Islamic educational tv shows

Animated Children’s books and Islamic educational tv shows

31 Oct 2018 Ref-No#: 1143

Salam alaykum wrb

Are animated children’s books and Islamic educational tv shows such as Zaky (one4kidstv) permissible for young children?

Jazakallah khairun

Answer

Wa’alaykum as Salam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu,

Angels do not enter a house in which there are pictures of animate objects. It is narrated in a Hadith:

أن ابن عباس رضي الله عنهما قال أخبرني أبو طلحة رضي الله عنه صاحب رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم وكان قد شهد بدرا مع رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم أنه قال ( لا تدخل الملائكة بيتا فيه كلب ولا صورة ) . يريد صورة التماثيل التي فيها الأرواح (أخرجه البخاري  في صحيحه – ج 5 / ص 82)

“The angels do not enter the house in which there is a [animate] picture.”

عن عائشة رضي الله عنها قالت  : دخل علي النبي صلى الله عليه و سلم وفي البيت قرام فيه صور فتلون وجهه ثم تناول الستر فهتكه وقالت قال النبي صلى الله عليه و سلم ( من أشد الناس عذابا يوم القيامة الذين يصورون هذه الصور )

Hazrat Aisha (Radhiyallahu anha) reports that Nabi (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) came to her and in the house; there was a curtain, which had pictures on it. His face turned colour, then He took hold of the curtain and tore it. Thereafter Nabi)  Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) remarked: “Those who create these pictures will receive the most severe of punishments on the day of Qiyāmah” (Bukhari, Pg. 902)

عن ابن عباس أن النبى -صلى الله عليه وسلم- قال « من صور صورة عذبه الله بها يوم القيامة حتى ينفخ فيها وليس بنافخ

Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) has mentioned, “Whoever creates a picture of an animate object, Allah Ta’ala will punish him on the day of Qiyaamah until he will give life to the picture, which he will be unable to do”. (Sunan Abi Dawūd, Pg. 329)

Therefore, the best is to scratch out the faces of the text books and educational material. If thats not possible, the books should be covered when they are not in use.

As for videos and digital photography, there is much debate amongst scholars on whether it is permissible or not.

The chief Mufti of Darul Ulum Deoband, Habibur Rahmaan issued the following verdict on behalf of Darul Uloom Deoband: “The scene produced on the screen by means of the digital system is an image in terms of the Shari’ah.”

This fatwa was issued on the 28th Rabi-ul Aakhir 1430 and it has been approved by the following Muftis:

1. Mufti Mahmood Hassan Bulandshari

2. Mufti Fakhrul Islam

3. Mufti Waqaar Ali

4. Mufti Zainul Islam Qasimi

(Television and Digital Pictures, pg 91)

Therefore, we advise one to take caution with regards to that.

One also needs to take into consideration that there should be no music etc. Besides these, there are numerous other harms of the television which are all well known. Thus, the best is one should avoid having a television, rather let the kids learn from humans, books and other methods.

References

قال الشيخ محمد بخيت : فاخذ الصورة بالفوتغرافيا الذي هو عبارة عن الحبس الظل بالوسائط المعلومة لارباب هذه الصناعة ليس من التصوير المنهي عنه في شيئ لان التصوير المنهي عنه هو ايجاد صورة و صنع صورة لم تكن موجودة و لا مصنوعة من قبل
(الجواب الشافي في اباحة التصوير الفوتوغرافي – ص:23)

جیسے قلم سے تصویر کہیجنا ناجائز ہے اسے ہی فوٹو سے تصویر بنانا یا پریس پر چہاپنا یا سانچہ وغیرہ میں ڈہالنا یہ بہی ناجائز ہے – – ( جواہر الفقہ، ج7، ص246 )

رہا یہ کہ فٹو گرافی در حقیقت عکاسی ہے جیسے آئنہ اور پانی میں یہی ہے کہ آئنہ و غیرہ کا عکس پائیدار نہیں ہوتا اور فوٹو کا عکس مسالہ لگا کر قائم کر لیا جا تا ہے پس  وہ اسی وقت تک عکس ہے جب تک مسالہ سے اسے قائم نہ کیا جائے اور جب اس کو کسی طریقہ سے قائم اور پائییدار کر لیا جاۓ وہی تصویر بن جاتا ہے – رہا یہ کہ فوٹو گرافر مسالہ لگاتے ہوۓ اعضاء کی تخلیق نہیں بناتا تا تو کیا ڈہلی ہوئی مورتیں اور مجسمے بہی جائز کردیے جائیں گے اس کا تو حاصل وہی ہوا کہ آج کل تصویر کشی کا طریقہ وہ نہیں جو پہلے تہا _(امداد الاحکام، ج4، ص384 )

کسی بہی جاندار کی تصویر بنانا سخت حرام اور گناہ کبیرہ ہے،خواہ تصویر کسی بہی قسم کی ہو ۔۔۔قلم سے بنائی جاۓ یا کیمرے سے- اسے طرح تصویر کا پریس میں چہاپنا، مشین یا سانچے میں ڈہالنا بہی ناجائز ہے –(احسن الفتاوی، ج8،ص437 )

تصویر سے مراد کسی شخص کی صورت بنانا ہے، خواہ اس کا مجسمۃ بنایاجاۓ، یا دیوارں پر پینت وغیرہ کے ذریعہ عکسی تصویر کہنچی جاۓ، یہ تمام صورتیں  اس میں داخل ہیں، اور بلا ضرورت تصویر کہنچنے او کہچوانے والے لوگ اس وعید کے مصداق ہیں – (کتاب الفتاوی، ج6، ص165 )

Khalwat e saheeha or fasida

Khalwat e saheeha or fasida

30 Oct 2018 Ref-No#: 1142

I divorced my wife before consummation.
We met once when my wife was attending her friends wedding.. we met for around 30 minutes in my car parked at a roadside wedding banquet parking. We hugged and kiss once and had no intention of intercourse..the place where our car was parked was not a safe place to do more than a kiss or a hug as there were many cars parked nearby and people moving in and out .further more there was a huge residential apartments on our head.
After having a normal talk of about 30 minutes my wife returned to the wedding.
I just want to know whether the situation is khalwat e saheeha or fasida?
Me and my x are willing to reconcile.
So in this case can we remarry with new nikah and meher or not?
Much help needed
Jazak Allah

Answer

Wa’alaykum as Salam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu,

Since others could easily enter upon you and there were apartments overlooking you, the meeting with your wife will be Faasidah (incomplete). It does not matter that you hugged and kissed. Thus, you may reconcile by merely making a new Nikah.

References

إذا خلا بامرأته في البيت القصوى إن كانت الأبواب مفتوحة من  أراد أنيدخل عليهما يدخل من غير استئذان لا تصح الخلوة وكذا لو خلا بها في بيت من دار وللبيت باب مفتوح فيالدار إذا أراد أن يدخل عليهما غيرهما من المحارم أو الأجانب يدخل لاتصح الخلوة (فتاوى قاضيخان – 1 / 196)

والمكان الذي تصح فيه الخلوة أن يكونا آمنين من اطلاع الغير   عليهمابغير إذنهما كالدار والبيت كذا في شرح الجامع الصغير لقاضي خان ولا تصح الخلوة في الصحراء ليس بقربهماأحد إذا لم يأمنا مرور إنسان وكذا لو خلا على سطح ليس على جوانبهستر أو كان الستر رقيقا أو قصيرا بحيث لو قام إنسان يقع بصره عليهمالا تصح الخلوة إذا خافا هجوم الغير فإن أمنا صحت الخلوة، كذا في الظهيرية (الفتاوى الهندية – 1 / 305)

قوله كمرض لأحدهما يمنع الوطء) أي أو يلحقه به ضرر. قال الزيلعي:وقيل هذا التفصيل في مرضها، وأما مرضه)

فمانع مطلقا لأنه لا يعرى عن تكسر وفتور عادة وهو الصحيح اهـ ومثلهفي الفتح والبحر والنهر
قلت: إن كان التكسر والفتور منه مانعا من الوطء أو مضرا له كان مثلالمرأة في اشتراط المنع أو الضرر وإلا فهو كالصحيح (رد المحتار –  3 / 114)

وإن لم يجامعها بل خلاها بها خلوة صحيحة فطلقها بعد الخلوة الصحيحة يقع الطلاق البائن، سواء بلفظ صريح أو بكناية، وتجب عليها العدة ولا يجوزللزوج أن يراجعها، ولا للمرأة أن تنكح رجلا آخر قبل مضي العدة، ويجوز أن تنكح الزوج الذي طلقها – إن لم يطلقها ثلاثا- في العدة كما يجوز بعد انقضاء العدة.     (المختصر في الفقه الحنفي : ص303)

Marriage (edited and final ques version)

Marriage (edited and final ques version)

29 Oct 2018 Ref-No#: 1147

Salam brothers and sisters,

Hope you well. Actually I’m so confused about a matter. That is:

Recently I married a women whom I loved like 12 yrs. but I didn’t did any physical relationship except lipkiss 3 times. My parents are not agree with me at all to marry her. But her mother is agree about me. But my parents totally are not agree.

I promised her to marry her by touching A Quran. So recently we married via with my friends and her friends by face to face. But none of our parents know about this at all. Recently I’m living Australia and she is living bangladesh. We stayed togather for 4 hrs. But I couldn’t complete proper physical relationship. Deeply my … didn’t went inside at all ( sorry because of understanding I used this language, forgive me). Now I am feeling that I do not love her anymore.

So the question is it our marriage is halal ? And just give me some suggestions what to do now ?

Answer

Wa’alaykum as Salam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu,

Whenever there is a Haram relationship, there is bound to be problems. Your relationship with the girl before marriage was not permissible, and you need to beg Allah to forgive you.

If at the time when you got married infront of your friends there were males, or one male and two females present, all of whom were Muslim and Baaligh, and they all clearly heard the offer of marriage and acceptance, then your marriage is done. Although it was not the ideal way of doing it, the marriage is still done. This is immaterial whether you had physical relations or not.

Since you are now both married, the best is to divulge this to your parents, and discuss thw way forward with them. If they agree on the marriage, then have a public Nikah, in accordance with the Sunnah.  The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) advised:

أعلنوا هذا النكاح، واجعلوه في المساجد، واضربوا عليه بالدفوف.
(أخرجه الترمذي (2/ 390)

 “Publicize this marriage, and hold it in the masjid, and beat the duff for it.” (Tirmidhi 2 / 390).

If you both marry publicly and remain chaste, Allah will put mutual love between you two again.

If your parents do not agree, then discuss this with your wife. Do not let her know that you do not love her, otherwise it will seem as if you ‘used’ her. Rather, dicuss with her how impractical and difficult it will be if your parents are not happy. Take note of her feelings and do not let her for a moment feel that she was betrayed.

Make Mashwara with your parents and local ‘Ulama, and decide the way from there.

References

النكاح ينعقد بالايجاب والقبول بلفظين يعبر بهما عن الماضى او يعبر باحدهما عن الماضى والاخر عن المستقبل ….ولا ينعقد نكاح المسلمين الا بحضور شاهدين حرين بالغين عاقلين مسلمين…(مختصر القدورى – ص.210)

قوله :قالوا:لو عقد بلفظ الخ اقول ،هذا بناء على ان فهم الشاهدين ليس بشرط وصححه فى الخلاصة، والمعتمد انه شرط ، حما اختاره فى الخانية ، والحاصل :انه يشترط سماعا معا مع الفهم (الاشباه والنظائر – 1 / 83)

اذا قال لامرأة هذه امرأتى و قالت المرأة هذا زوجى و كان ذالك بمحضر من الشهود لا يكون نكاحا و الفتاوى الخلاصة :هو المختار
وفى اليتيمة : سئل على السغدى عن رجل سلم على امرأة فقال سلام عليك يا زوجتى فقالت و عليك السلام يا زوجى وسمع ذالك شاهدان؟ فقال :لا ينعقد النكاح
و فى الظهيرية :لو قال ‘اين زن من است’ بمحضر من الشهود فقالت المرأة اين شوى است ولم يكن بينهما نكاح اختلف المشائخ فيه ، والصحيح أنه لا ينعقد النكاح، و فى الحجة : و عليه الفتوى، قال القاضى الامام محدود البخارى :لو قضى قاض بثبوت النكاح يكون نكاحا متفقا، ان قالت اكون لك زوجة فقال نعم، لا يصح. و فى الحجة : قالت الاجنبية لرجل ، هذا زوجى: و قال الرجل ، هذه أمرأتى بمحضر من جماعة  لم يكن بينهما نكاح. ( الفتاوى التاتارخانية – 4/14)

alima

alima

29 Oct 2018 Ref-No#: 1160

i am in class 12 ,currently i am studying commerce but i have a deep interest in islam .i want to be aalima. but i have less knowledge about islam. can i be a alima.? if yess it would be easy for me?

Answer

Wa’alaykum as Salam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu,

May Allah accept your intention and make it easy for you to become a pious Alimah.

The greatest act after fulfilling ones Faraaidh (compulsory actions) is to seek Islamic knowledge.

Allah Ta’ala states:

﴿قُلْ هَلْ يَسْتَوِى ٱلَّذِينَ يَعْلَمُونَ وَٱلَّذِينَ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ‌ إِنَّمَا يَتَذَكَّرُ أُوْلُواْ ٱلْأَلْبَــــٰـــبِ﴾

“Say: ‘Can those who have knowledge and those who do not be alike?’ So only the wise do receive the admonition.” [al-Zumar, 39:9.]

A famous Hadith which explains the virtues of going out to seek Islamic knowledge is as follows:

منْ سَلَكَ طَرِيقًا يَطْلُبُ فِيهِ عِلْمًا سَهل اللَّهُ بِهِ طَرِيقًا مِنْ طُرُقِ الْجَنَّةِ، وَإِنَّ الْمَلَائِكَةَ لَتَضَعُ أَجْنِحَتَهَا رِضًا لِطَالِبِ الْعِلْمِ، وَإِنَّ الْعَالِمَ لَيَسْتَغْفِرُ لَهُ مَنْ فِي السَّمَوَاتِ، وَمَنْ فِي الْأَرْضِ، وَالْحِيتَانُ فِي جَوْفِ الْمَاءِ، وَإِنَّ فَضْلَ الْعَالِمِ عَلَى الْعَابِدِ، كَفَضْلِ الْقَمَرِ لَيْلَةَ الْبَدْرِ عَلَى سَائِرِ الْكَوَاكِبِ، وَإِنَّ الْعُلَمَاءَ وَرَثَةُ الْأَنْبِيَاءِ، وَإِنَّ الْأَنْبِيَاءَ لَمْ يُوَرِّثُوا دِينَارًا، وَلَا دِرْهَمًا وَرَّثُوا الْعِلْمَ، فَمَنْ أَخَذَهُ أَخَذَ بِحَظٍّ وَافِر (أخرجه أبو داود في سننه – ج3 / ص317)

“Whosoever traverses a path of knowledge, Allah will ease his path to Jannah. And the angles happily spread their wings for the one seeking knowledge. And every creation in the skies and the earth seek forgiveness for the seeker of knowledge including the fishes in the ocean. The virtue of a scholar over a worshipper is like that of a full moon on the night of 14th over the rest of the stars. And the scholars are the heirs of the Prophets. And the Prophets do not leave behind any wealth except for knowledge. Whosoever inherits from it has inherited a great portion. (Sunan Abi Dawood, 3 / 317)

In the history of Islam, from the noble wives of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam), women always excelled in their intellectual abilities and their vast knowledge of Islam. As the first Madrassa is the lap of a mother, it becomes of even greater importance for a female to expand her Islamic knowledge. Similarly, there are numerous laws which are exclusive for females. Ladies find it easier to discuss with an Alimah.

We are living in a time when stress, depression and anxiety have reached alarming levels. There are many girls who need counselling, advises or just need to discuss with someone who can guide them. All these enhances the importance of having female scholars.

When seeking Islamic knowledge, it is of utmost importance to go to an institute which does not contravene any law of Shariah. There should be full Purdah and no intermingling or unnecessary discussions with male teachers. Also, please make sure that the institute is run by reliable Ulama with correct Aqidah.

Depending on the institute and curriculum, it should not be a problem if you have less knowledge. They will take an exam to see how much you know so that they can determine the best way forward for you. If they put you directly into the Alima course, you might have to work abit more, but it will be worth it for you.

Cat food

Cat food

27 Oct 2018 Ref-No#: 1145

Asalamualaikum

I’ve read that we can’t purchase pet food made out of meat slaughtered unislamically because they’re still considered haram even if we don’t eat them. However, I recently found out that two of the brands I buy which make fish selection cat food, both have traces of non-fish meat in their food. My mother still buys meat selection even after explaining to her why we shouldn’t.

I’m finding this stressful. We have 3 cats to feed and buying this brand food is convenient as it’s in a number of stores.

Another reason why this issue brings me stress is because, often both the dry and wet food falls onto the ground either by our mistake or the cat’s doing. The dry food on the wet floor means impurity has spread. Sometimes of the food ends up on carpets too. So I’m always worried about impurity.

Can I still buy the cat food I usually get, both meat and fish selection? Or am I at least allowed to buy fish selection, as they only have a few traces of unlawful meat in them?

(Today, out of pressure from my mother, I feel I have to get the fish selection.)

Answer

Wa’alaykum as Salam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu,

It is not permissible for a Muslim to derive any benefit from Haram food. Thus, it is not permissible to sell, buy or even feed non Muslims or animals with Haram.

As an alternative, consider feeding normal fish or non-meat pet food to your cats, or prepare your own cat food with Halal ingredients or feed them with your leftovers. In this manner the food will not go to waste and the cats will be fed.

References

وذكر الكرخي رحمه الله تعالى عن أصحابنا أنه لا يحل للإنسان أن ينظر إلى الخمر على وجه التلهي وأن يبل منها الطين ويسقي بها الحيوان، وكذلك الميتة لا يطعمها كلابه لأن ذلك انتفاع بها  (فتاوى قاضيخان – 117 / 3)

وَلَا يَجُوزُ لِأَحَدٍ أَنْ يُطْعِمَ الْمَجْنُونَ الْمَيْتَةَ بِخِلَافِ الْهِرَّةِ وإذا تَنَجَّسَ الْخُبْزُ أو الطَّعَامُ لَا يَجُوزُ أَنْ يُطْعِمَ الصَّغِيرَ أو الْمَعْتُوهَ أو الْحَيَوَانَ الْمَأْكُولَ اللَّحْمِ وقال أَصْحَابُنَا لَا يَجُوزُ الِانْتِفَاعُ بِالْمَيْتَةِ على أَيِّ وَجْهٍ وَلَا يُطْعِمُهَا الْكِلَابَ وَالْجَوَارِحَ كَذَا في الْقُنْيَةِ (ْالفتاوى الهندية – 344 / 5)

لا بأس بأن يحمل الهرة ألى الفأرة لتأكلها لأن فيه إزالة الأذى و يكره له أن يحمل الفأرة إلى الهرة لأنه تصرف فى الميت (عيون المسائل  – 220)

Loan Interest Hukm

Loan Interest Hukm

25 Oct 2018 Ref-No#: 1144

Assalamu’alaikoom Ya Mufti,
Please kindly explain to me why a conventional loan annuity interest that is originally Haram due to Riba can change to Halal after the said interest is converted to Ujrah and the said Loan Transaction is converted to the ‘Aqad Ijarah.
Jazakallah khair.

Answer

Wa’alaykum as Salam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu,

We are unaware of which exact loan you are asking about, nor did we see any contracts of the Ijarah referred to in the question. The Ijarah contract could be permissible, or if there is still interest or any clause which contradicts Shariah, then it will still not be permissible. Just calling it Ijarah does not make it permissible. The entire contract will have to be studied.

Generally, the complete contract and deal is changed. Thus, whilst a bank charges interest from non-Muslims, it might construct the deal in a completely different way for Muslims. It is not just a change of wording. Rather, the whole contract changes. Since there is a complete change in the entire deal, the ruling will differ.

Again, we do not know of the details in this case and cannot comment on the deals which you spoke about in your question. You should ask a reliable Mufti to see if it is really Ijarah, and if there is nothing which contradicts Shariah.

Dream Interpretation – Ants eating an Ayah tattooed on my arm

Dream Interpretation – Ants eating an Ayah tattooed on my arm

25 Oct 2018 Ref-No#: 1134

Assalamoalaikum wrwb.

My question is about a dream interpretation. I got up today and prayed tahajjud and then went to Masjid for fajr. Since Fajr is really early these days in Adelaide (Australia) and I hadn’t gotten ample sleep, after returning I decided to take a short 40 minute nap. I then slept for 2 hours instead. This isn’t something I am in the habit of doing, I only did this today, and I understand sleeping after Fajr isn’t recommended.

During my sleep I dreamt that I was lying down half asleep and I realised a few weeks ago I had gotten an ayat of surah Rahmaan (Fabi ayyi aala irabbikuma tukazzebaan) tattooed on my arm above my elbow in really small writing, almost illegible from a distance. But upon observing it closely I realised that there were Tiny Red and black ants crawling over it and my skin had started to lose pigmentation in certain spots and so the tattoo was partly erased. Also some ants were crawling under my skin in that specific area of the body, but surprisingly I felt no pain.

At seeing this, I was terrified and I immediately got up and started to brush them off and that’s when they started biting me and it started to sting. And that was the end of it.

I would like to add, in real life, I have no tattoos on my body, and this is something i strongly object to and consider Haram (even if it is an ayah of the Quran).

I am curious to know if this means anything.

JazakAllah khair.

Answer

Wa’alaykum as Salam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu,

The dream means that there are people who are jealous of you, and due to that, your bounties are being snatched away.

You should recite the verses of the Quran to protect yourself from enemies (example: Ayatul Kursi, last three Quls etc). Also, do not expose the bounties of Allah to others. Keep your affairs hidden.

May Allah protect you from your enemies.

Permissibility/impermissibity of Lanolin

Permissibility/impermissibity of Lanolin

25 Oct 2018 Ref-No#: 1141

Salaam Mosaab,
I’m wanting to know if Lanolin synthesised from animal cholesterol for vitamin D3 is permissible. This would be a part of a multi vitamin supplement.
Jazakallah

Answer

Wa’alaykum as Salam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu,

Since Lanolin (E913) is derived from the wool of sheep, it will be Halal. This is irrespective whether the animal was slaughtered Islamically or not.

 

References

قال أصحابنا رحمهم الله بأن صوف الحيوانات الميتة وعصبها ووبرها وشعرها وعظمها طاهر. ألا ترى أنه يكون على العظم دسم سواء كان مأكول اللحم أو غير مأكول اللحم حتى تجوز الصلاة مع هذه الأشياء عندنا جز قبل الموت أو بعده  (المحيط البرهاني – 2/ 207)

 وَأَمَّا الْأَجْزَاءُ التي لَا دَمَ فيها فَإِنْ كانت صُلْبَةً كَالْقَرْنِ وَالْعَظْمِ وَالسِّنِّ وَالْحَافِرِ وَالْخُفِّ وَالظِّلْفِ وَالشَّعْرِ وَالصُّوفِ وَالْعَصَبِ والأنفحة الصُّلْبَةِ فَلَيْسَتْ بِنَجِسَةٍ عِنْدَ أَصْحَابِنَا   (بدائع الصنائع – 1/ 63)

وَأَمَّا شَعْرُ الْمَيْتَةِ وَعَظْمُهَا وَصُوفُهَا وَقَرْنُهَا فَلَا بَأْسَ بِالِانْتِفَاعِ بِهَا وَبَيْعُ ذَلِكَ كُلِّهِ جَائِزٌ  (الفتاوى الهندية -21/ 198)

 وَثَمَانِيَةٌ مِنْ الْمَيِّتِ يَجُوزُ الِانْتِفَاعُ بِهَا الْقَرْنُ وَالظِّلْفُ وَالْعَصَبُ وَالصُّوفُ وَالْوَبَرُ وَالشَّعْرُ وَالرِّيشُ وَالْعَظْمُ سَوَاءٌ كَانَ مَأْكُولَ اللَّحْمِ أَوْ غَيْرَهُ  (غمز عيون البصائر في شرح الأشباه والنظائر – 5/ 473)

Consensus of Scholars and Ulemas on study and research of robots

Consensus of Scholars and Ulemas on study and research of robots

25 Oct 2018 Ref-No#: 1104

I am a graduate student who would like to continue his study/research in the field of robotics. The research in the field of robotics has reached a point where the invention of intelligent and smart robots who are self-aware and self-conscious is possible. For example, humanoid robots which is research on human + robots, creating robots in the form of humans to help humans. Even in the form of animals like spiders, ants or dogs are actively being researched. It can even comprise of bionics, which is operating on patients with the help of robots, meaning robotic arms, hands and fingers. And also prosthetic limbs/arms which have built-in automatic functions. My first question, what does Islam say about robotics. Second question, can a Muslim 1) study robotics as his undergraduate/graduate research 2) Work as a researcher in robotics industry 3) Work in a company which deals with robotics but himself/herself doesn’t work on robotics directly, purely with the intention to benefit/help mankind. Third question, and if it is allowed then, a murder or any kind of sin committed by a robot because of an unintentional human error is it same as the person who help build it is himself/herself committing in Islam?

Answer

Wa’alaykum as Salam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu,

A robot is merely a machine made of advanced technology and software to provide it with artificial intelligence in order to make it carry out certain tasks. The actions of the robot could either be good or bad. There were already discussions at the Davos World Economic Forum to determine the feasibility of using robots in wars.

From an Islamic perspective, Islam does not prohibit technology or scientific advancements.  It is due to technology that our lives have been made much easier than before. Thus, we find many instruments which simulates intelligence and assist humans in carrying out their chores.

An issue which does affect the permissibility of robots is that if the robots are in a form of animate objects, then it will fall under the prohibition outlined in the following:

عن عائشة رضى الله عنها عن النبي صلي الله عليه وسلم قال: إن أصحاب هذه الصور يعذبون يوم القيامة، ويقال لهم: أحيوا ما خلقتم (متفق عليه)

‘Aaisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates: Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said, “Those who make these pictures will be punished on the Day of Resurrection, and it will be said to them, ‘Make alive what you have created.'” (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)

In another narration Saeed bin Abi al-Husain (may Allah be pleased with him) relates,

  عن سعيد بن أبي الحسن قال كنت عند ابن عباس رضي الله عنهما إذ أتاه رجل فقال يا أبا عباس إني إنسان إنما معيشتي من صنعة يدي وإني أصنع هذه التصاوير فقال ابن عباس لا أحدثك إلا ما سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يقول سمعته يقول من صور صورة فإن الله معذبه حتى ينفخ فيها الروح وليس بنافخفيها أبدا فربا الرجل ربوة شديدة واصفر وجهه فقال ويحك إن أبيت إلا أن تصنع فعليك بهذا الشجر كل شيء ليس فيه روح (متفق عليه)

“I was with Ibn Abbaas when a person came to him and asked, ‘Oh Ibn Abbaas, I am a person whose livelihood is attained from manual work. I also draw pictures.’ Ibn Abbaas replied, ‘Whoever makes a picture, Allah will punish him and force him to blow life into that picture but he will never be able to blow any life into it.’ The person  and his face turned pale, Ibn Abbaas (May Allah Ta’ala be pleased with him) turned to him and said, ‘If you really have to draw then draw a tree or anything which has no soul.”  (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)

ومن أظلم ممن ذهب يخلق خلقا كخلقي ، فليخلقوا ذرة أو ليخلقوا حبة أو ليخلقوا شعيرة (متفق عليه)

“Who is more oppressive than one who tries to create like My creation? Let him try to create a speck of dust, or a mustard seed, or a grain of barley!” (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)

From the afore-mentioned it is clear that if the machine is made in the shape of any animate object (human, animals, insects etc), then it is forbidden, and comes under the stern warnings that are stated above. For it to be permissible, there should be no face. Or, the features of the face (mouth, nose and eyes) should not be visible.

As for the researching and studying if robots, then that it permissible and there is no problem at all. Likewise, it is permissible to work in a company which deals with robots with the intention to benefit mankind, as long as you have no role in sculpturing the facial features of the robot.

One will not be accountable for any errors or misuse of a robot.

Having said all the above, we always keep in mind that no matter how far man advances in the field of technology, he will never be able to make anything that is  even close to the creation of Allaah.

فَتَبَارَكَ اللَّهُ أَحْسَنُ الْخَالِقِينَ (سورة المؤمنون – 14)

“So Blessed is Allaah, the Best of all creators” (Surah al-Muminoon, 14)

References

وَقَدِ اتَّفَقَ الْفُقَهَاءُ عَلَى أَنَّ صَنْعَةَ التَّصَاوِيرِ الْمُجَسَّدَةِ لإِنْسَانٍ أَوْ حَيَوَانٍ: حَرَامٌ عَلَى فَاعِلِهَا، سَوَاءٌ أَكَانَتْ مِنْ حَجَرٍ أَمْ خَشَبٍ، أَمْ طِينٍ أَمْ غَيْرِ ذَلِكَ … ، وَكَمَا يَحْرُمُ صُنْعُ هَذِهِ الأْشْيَاءِ، يَحْرُمُ بَيْعُهَا وَاقْتِنَاؤُهَا (الموسوعة الفقهية الكويتية –  7 / 8)

وإن كان التمثال مقطوع الرأس، فليس بتمثال (المحيط البرهاني – 309 / 5)

وإذا كان التمثال مقطوع الرأس ” أي ممحو الرأس ” فليس بتمثال ” لأنه لا يعبد بدون الرأس (الهداية – 65 / 1)

وظاهر كلام النووي في شرح مسلم الإجماع على تحريم تصويره صورة الحيوان وأنه قال قال أصحابنا وغيرهم من العلماء تصوير صور الحيوان حرام شديد التحريم وهو من الكبائر لأنه متوعد عليه بهذا الوعيد الشديد المذكور في الأحاديث يعني مثل ما في الصحيحين عنه – صلى الله عليه وسلم – «أشد الناس عذابا يوم القيامة المصورون يقال لهم أحيوا ما خلقتم» ثم قال وسواء صنعه لما يمتهن أو لغيره فصنعته حرام على كل حال لأن فيه مضاهاة لخلق الله تعالى وسواء كان في ثوب أو بساط أو درهم ودينار وفلس وإناء وحائط وغيرها  (البحر الرائق – 2/ 29)

HOT! How to control the jinn in Islam?

HOT! How to control the jinn in Islam?

24 Oct 2018 Ref-No#: 1117

Assalamu alaikum. My name is Shamil, I am from Russia. I would like to ask you, is it possible to control a jinn in islam, without making kufr? If so, which verses from the quran will need to be read, or may need a magic artifact(s) (for example: https://m.bonanza.com/listings/antique-ring-4-djinns-2-males-king-and-2-queens-djinn-jinn-genie-demon-psychic/112260619 ) It’s really true? or is it just a myth? What is your opinion on this issue? Please answer my question if you know. Always available contact for communication  Thank you in advance.

P. S. I am very interested in this question.

Answer

Wa’alaykum as Salam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu,

Yes, Allah Ta’ala has given humans the ability of overpowering Jinn. Imam Bukhari (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates,

قال الإمام البخاري حَدَّثَنَا إِسْحَاقُ بْنُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنَا رَوْحٌ، وَمُحَمَّدُ بْنُ جَعْفَرٍ، عَنْ شُعْبَةَ، عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ زِيَادٍ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ “‏ إِنَّ عِفْرِيتًا مِنَ الْجِنِّ تَفَلَّتَ عَلَىَّ الْبَارِحَةَ ـ أَوْ كَلِمَةً نَحْوَهَا ـ لِيَقْطَعَ عَلَىَّ الصَّلاَةَ، فَأَمْكَنَنِي اللَّهُ مِنْهُ، فَأَرَدْتُ أَنْ أَرْبِطَهُ إِلَى سَارِيَةٍ مِنْ سَوَارِي الْمَسْجِدِ، حَتَّى تُصْبِحُوا وَتَنْظُرُوا إِلَيْهِ كُلُّكُمْ، فَذَكَرْتُ قَوْلَ أَخِي سُلَيْمَانَ رَبِّ هَبْ لِي مُلْكًا لاَ يَنْبَغِي لأَحَدٍ مِنْ  بَعْدِي ‏”
قَالَ رَوْحٌ فَرَدَّهُ خَاسِئًا‏ (متفق عليه)

The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said, “Last night a big demon (Ifreet) from the Jinns came to me and wanted to interrupt my prayers (or said something similar) but Allah enabled me to overpower him. I wanted to fasten him to one of the pillars of the mosque so that all of you could See him in the morning but I remembered the statement of my brother Solomon (as stated in Quran): My Lord! Forgive me and bestow on me a kingdom such as shall not belong to anybody after me (Quran 38.35).” The sub narrator Rauh said, “He (the demon) was dismissed humiliated.” (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim).

Whilst Allah blesses some of His special servants with the ability of capturing Jinn, the science of Ruqyaa and ‘Amaliyaat (learning how to overpower Jinn in the correct manner) is a special science which one needs to learn.

As for the link that you posted, we have no knowledge about it. We suggest you get into contact with a reliable ‘Amil/Raaqi, and they could advise you further.