True devotion is measured not only by how we pray, but also by how we uphold the dignity of our surroundings

As the crescent moon of Ramzan 2025 fades, we reach the conclusion of a deeply spiritual journey. This is a time of gratitude, renewal, and profound introspection. We have fasted, prayed, given charity, and sought closeness to Allah. But have we also paused to reflect on the unintended impact of our worship on those around us? Have our actions, meant to bring us nearer to God, inadvertently created hardship for others?

Too often, our religious enthusiasm spills into public life in ways that disrupt daily routines. Our devotion should be a source of harmony, not inconvenience. If our prayers, gatherings, and celebrations cause public distress, are we truly embodying the values of Islam?

The Changing Landscape of Ramzan: Congested Mosques and Blocked Roads

During Ramzan, our mosques transform overnight. Once sparsely filled, they overflow with worshippers, forcing many to pray on the streets, blocking traffic, and creating chaos. Hasty parking of bikes and cars worsens the problem, making already narrow lanes impassable. In our eagerness to fulfill religious obligations, do we pause to consider the inconvenience to pedestrians, emergency vehicles, or those simply trying to pass through?

The moments before Iftar should be filled with gratitude and calm. Yet, in many areas, they bring chaos. People rush to buy food, crowding markets and streets. Roadside Iftar parties block pedestrian paths and disrupt traffic. Worse, we often leave behind a trail of discarded plastic plates, cups, and food waste, turning our surroundings into a mess. Is this the discipline and cleanliness Islam teaches?

Taraweeh prayers are among the cherished practices of Ramzan. But when held in public spaces or amplified over loudspeakers, they disturb those seeking rest. In the last ten nights, Qiyam-ul-Layl extends into the early hours, further disrupting neighbors. The Prophet (peace be upon him) instructed us to lower our voices in prayer if it might disturb others. If even Quranic recitation should be quieted for consideration, should we not rethink how we conduct our night prayers?

Ramzan is a time of heightened generosity, with many distributing ration kits, Zakat, and food. Yet, unorganized charity efforts often create overcrowding, long queues, and public disorder. A well-intended act of kindness should not lead to chaos or distress.

Laylatul Qadr is a night of immense spiritual reward, but for some, it has become an excuse for reckless behavior. Youth engaging in dangerous bike stunts force authorities to close flyovers and deploy extra police personnel. What should be a night of devotion instead places an undue burden on law enforcement. Staying awake in worship should not translate into actions that harm public order.

Islamic Teachings on Consideration and Responsibility: Respecting Public Spaces

The Prophet (peace be upon him) explicitly forbade blocking public pathways for prayer. A sahih hadith graded by Albani highlights the importance of keeping pathways clear. Worship should not come at the cost of inconvenience to others.

The Quran instructs us to balance our voices in prayer (Surah Al-Isra 17:110). If even Quranic recitation should be kept moderate, how much more should we be mindful of loudspeakers at night?

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “A Muslim is one from whose hands and tongue other Muslims are safe.” (Sahih Bukhari). Our worship should reflect this principle, ensuring that our presence in public spaces does not become a source of hardship for others.

Islam mandates respect for neighbors. Disturbing their sleep with loud prayers is not an act of devotion but of negligence. We must ask ourselves: are we embodying the spirit of Ramzan if our actions cause distress?

Faith and Civic Responsibility

Islam is not just about personal worship but also about our duties to society. Our faith calls us to be disciplined, just, and considerate. This aligns with laws meant to maintain public order, including:

• Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 – Limits loudspeaker use, especially at night.

• Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 – Prohibits obstructing roads and pathways.

• Section 133 of CrPC – Prevents public nuisance and unauthorized gatherings.

The Quran reminds us:

“O you who have believed, fulfill your contracts.” (Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:1)

This extends to our social contracts—upholding laws that govern noise control, traffic management, and public safety.

Striking a Balance: Worship with Wisdom

Ramzan should deepen our connection with Allah while strengthening our role as responsible members of society. We can fulfill our religious duties without creating disorder. Practical changes include:

• Organized Worship: Mosques should manage crowd control, ensuring that prayers do not spill into streets.

• Eco-Friendly Iftar: Community meals should be planned with waste management in mind, minimizing litter.

• Responsible Taraweeh: Limiting loudspeakers and ensuring prayers do not disrupt neighbors.

• Structured Charity: Distributions should be well-coordinated to avoid unnecessary crowding.

• Discouraging Reckless Behavior: Community leaders must actively address youth engaging in dangerous activities during Laylatul Qadr.

True devotion is measured not only by how we pray, but also by how we uphold the dignity of our surroundings and the well-being of those around us.

As we step beyond Ramzan, let our worship continue—not just through prayer, but through our everyday actions of respect, discipline, and kindness.

This dua is the good fortune for the happy person, it is good fortune for the people of happiness and success…

Istikhaarah in Arabic means seeking guidance to make a decision concerning something. It is said in Arabic – Istakhir Allaaha yakhir laka (Seek guidance from Allaah and He will guide you (to the right decision).

In sharee’ah terminology, Istikhaarah means seeking guidance (to the right decision), i.e., seeking guidance as to what Allaah knows is the best and most appropriate choice, by means of prayer or the du’aa’ narrated concerning Istikhaarah. 

Description

Jabir bin Abdullaah, may Allah be pleased with him, said, “The Messenger of Allaah ﷺ used to teach his companions to make istikhaarah in all matters, just as he used to teach them soorahs from the Qur’aan. He ﷺ said: ‘If any one of you is deliberating about a decision he has to make, then let him pray two rak’ahs of non-obligatory prayer, then say:

Allaahumma inni astakheeruka bi ‘ilmika wa astaqdiruka bi qudratika wa as’aluka min fadlika, fa innaka taqdiru wa laa aqdir, wa ta’lamu wa laa a’lam, wa anta ‘allaam al-ghuyoob. Allaahumma fa in kunta ta’lamu haadha’l-amra (then the matter should be mentioned by name) khayran li fi ‘aajil amri wa aajilihi (or: fi deeni wa ma’aashi wa ‘aaqibati amri) faqdurhu li wa yassirhu li thumma baarik li fihi. Allaahumma wa in kunta ta’lamu annahu sharrun li fi deeni wa ma’aashi wa ‘aaqibati amri (or: fi ‘aajili amri wa aajilihi) fasrifni ‘anhu [wasrafhu ‘anni] waqdur li al-khayr haythu kaana thumma radini bihi

O Allaah, I seek Your guidance [in making a choice] by virtue of Your knowledge, and I seek ability by virtue of Your power, and I ask You of Your great bounty. You have power, I have none. And You know, I know not. You are the Knower of hidden things. O Allaah, if in Your knowledge, this matter (then it should be mentioned by name) is good for me both in this world and in the Hereafter (or: in my religion, my livelihood and my affairs), then ordain it for me, make it easy for me, and bless it for me. And if in Your knowledge it is bad for me and for my religion, my livelihood and my affairs (or: for me both in this world and the next), then turn me away from it, [and turn it away from me], and ordain for me the good wherever it may be and make me pleased with it'”.

Wisdom

Indeed the human being has been created weak, and is in need of Allaah in all his matters and that is because a human does not know from where good and evil will occur in the future from incidents and events.

This is why, from the Wisdom of Allaah and from His Mercy to His slaves, He legislated for them this Dua’ so that they can come closer to their Lord and that they can seek refuge with Him, and that He will direct them to the path leading towards good and benefits.

Shaykh ul-Islaam Ibn Taymeeyah (d.728) said, “The one who seeks guidance from the Creator and he consults the creation and is firm in his issue, will not have any regret”.

Connection With Emaan (Faith)

Ibn Qayyim aj-Jawzeeyah said, “Allaah compensated the Muslims by giving them this supplication, which is Tawheed, and it is being in need of Allaah, servitude of worship, reliance upon Allaah, asking the One in whose Hand is all goodness, Who Alone can turn away evil.

“He Alone who, if He opens up Mercy for His slave then there is none who can seclude a person from that mercy, and if He (Allaah) withholds it then none can send mercy to a person whether it is using omens, astrology or lucky stars.

“This dua is the good fortune for the happy person, it is good fortune for the people of happiness and success, those for whom Allaah gave them happiness before, and it is not good fortune for the people of Shirk and wretchedness, those whom associate another deity with Allaah, then soon will they come to know.

“This Dua’ includes the confirmation and testification of the existence of Allaah. The confirmation and testification of His Perfect Attributes, from the perfection of Knowledge and Capability and universal Will. And it includes the confirmation and testification of Allaah’s Lordship and entrustment of this matter to Him and seeking aid from Him, and relying upon Him, and a person leaves the responsibility from himself and acquits himself from any capability and strength except that it is with Allaah. It also includes the acknowledgement of the slave of Allaah of the weakness of his knowledge and his own interests and his own capability upon these things, and his desire for them, and that all of these things are in the Hand of his Guardian and his Originator and his true Lord”.

What To Pray Istikhaarah For?

The four madhhabs are agreed upon that istikhaarah is prescribed in cases where a person does not know the right decision to make. In matters where it is known whether a thing is good or bad, such as acts of worship, doing good deeds, sins or evil actions, there is no need to pray istikhaarah in these cases.

But if a person wants to find out the right time to do something, such as whether to do Hajj this year, because there is the possibility of encountering an enemy or some tribulation, or whether to go with a certain person or not, then he may pray istikhaarah with regard to such decisions. But there is no room for Istikhaarah when it comes to things that are obligatory, haraam or makrooh. Rather Istikhaarah has to do with things that are recommended or permissible.

Istikhaarah is not ordinarily required with regard to things that are recommended, rather it should be done in cases where there is a conflict, i.e., when a person has a choice of two things and must decide which one to start with or which one not to do.

With regard to permissible things, he may pray Istikhaarah as a regular matter. 

Mindset

The person who wants to pray Istikhaarah should have an open mind, and not have decided on a specific course of action.

The phrase, “If any one of you is deliberating” indicates that Istikhaarah should be prayed when one starts to think of the matter, when through the blessing of prayer and du’aa’ what is good will become clear to him, in contrast to when the idea has taken root and his resolve to do it is firm, in which case his inclination will sway him, and there is the fear that wisdom may not prevail because he is inclined to do that which he has already decided to do.

It may be that which is meant by deliberation here is resolve, because a passing thought does not matter. And a person should not pray istikhaarah except when he has decided to do something but does not have a strong inclination towards it. Otherwise, if a person were to pray Istikhaarah for every thought that crosses his mind, he would never stop and he would consume all his time doing that. 

The secret is that ones heart should not be attached to the matter in question, because that will result in a person becoming restless. Being pleased with something means that ones heart is content with the decree of Allaah.

Best Time To Offer It

Unlike commonly believed, Istikhaara can be prayed anytime, it is not bound to be prayed in the night only.

Al-Nawawi said in al-Adhkaar, “One can pray istikaarah after two rakahs of regular sunnah prayer done at zuhr for example, or after two rakahs of any naafil prayers whether they are regularly performed or not It seems to be the case that if he made the intention to pray istikhaarah at the same time as intending to pray that particular prayer, this is fine, but not if he did not have this intention”.

Surahs To Be Recited In Salaat Al-Istikhaarah

The Hanafis, Maalikis and Shaafa’is said that it is mustahabb, after reciting al-Faatihah, to recite Surah Al kaafiroon in the first rak’ah and Surah Al Ikhlaas in the second. 

Al-Nawawi said, explaining the reason for that: It is appropriate to recite these in prayer, to show sincerity and expressing your leaving your affairs to Allaah. They said that it is also permissible to add other verses from Qur’aan where the context refers to the idea of making a choice or decision.

The Hanbalis and some of the fuqaha’ did not say that any particular verses are to be recited when praying Istikhaarah.

Seeing A Dream Or Soul Feeling Delighted After Offering Istikhaara

Many people think that following istikhaarah there has to be a dream or a feeling of ease in the heart, and so on, but that is not the case. Even if no such thing happens when a person has prayed istikhaarah and done his best to find out what is best for him, such as consulting people, examining the issue and asking those who have experience, then he goes ahead and does it, then it is hoped that this will be what is best for him, even if he does not feel at ease in his heart in the beginning.

Even if we assume that he does not succeed in this matter that he goes ahead with after praying istikhaarah, it may be good for him even if he does not know it, but his Lord knows, may He be exalted. 

That is the correct view is that when Allaah makes something easy for you after having decreed it and accepted your duaa this is a sign that it is good to go ahead and do it.

The existence of obstacles and difficulties is an indication that Allaah is pushing His slave away from doing it. This meaning will be very clear when one ponders the meaning of the hadeeth of Jaabir concerning al-istikhaarah.

Specific Rulings

There is no set time period for salaat al-istikhaarah; it is permissible to repeat it more than once, but there is no limit to how many times.

It is permissible for you while offering Du`a’-ul-Istikharah to raise the hands.

It is permissible for one to offer a single Istikharah for more than one matter.

It is not permissible for anyone to pray istikhaarah on behalf of someone else.

The key is to have complete faith that Allah will guide to what is good for you and be content with it.

Zoha Fatima is a tenth grade student from Hyderabad India, she has a flare for writing and she dreams to be a writer.

The prophecies about the conquest of Constantinople made by Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) are yet to happen before the end of times, and it has nothing to do with Ottoman emperor Sultan Mehmet Fatih…

All the Prophetic narrations which are also known as “Ahadith” that talk about the conquest of Constantinople are related to the end of times—especially during the sequence of the events like the arrival of the Antichrist, the emergence of the Mahdi, the descent of Jesus Christ, till the last Hour. So technically, the best leader who’ll conquer the modern-day secular Turkey is yet to emerge.

.لاَ تَقُومُ السَّاعَةُ حَتَّى يُقَاتِلَ الْمُسْلِمُونَ التُّرْكَ قَوْمًا وُجُوهُهُمْ كَالْمَجَانِّ الْمُطْرَقَةِ يَلْبَسُونَ الشَّعَرَ وَيَمْشُونَ فِي الشَّعَرِ

Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: “The Last Hour would not come until the Muslims fight with the Turks – a people whose faces would be like hammered shields wearing clothes of hair and walking (with shoes) of hair.” [Sahih Muslim Book 54, Hadith 79]

حَدَّثَنَا مَحْمُودُ بْنُ غَيْلاَنَ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو دَاوُدَ، عَنْ شُعْبَةَ، عَنْ يَحْيَى بْنِ سَعِيدٍ، عَنْ أَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ، قَالَ فَتْحُ الْقُسْطُنْطِينِيَّةِ مَعَ قِيَامِ السَّاعَةِ ‏.‏ قَالَ هَذَا حَدِيثٌ غَرِيبٌ ‏.‏ وَالْقُسْطَنْطِينِيَّةُ هِيَ مَدِينَةُ الرُّومِ تُفْتَحُ عِنْدَ خُرُوجِ الدَّجَّالِ وَالْقُسْطَنْطِينِيَّةُ قَدْ فُتِحَتْ فِي زَمَانِ بَعْضِ أَصْحَابِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم. ‏

Anas bin Malik said: “Constantinople will be conquered with the coming of the Hour.” [Jami` at-Tirmidhi Book 33, Hadith 82]

The most famous Islamic contemporary scholars and the historians who lived during the time of the conquest of Constantinople such as Al-Suyuti, Al-Sakhawi, Ibn Al-Imad mentioned about the Ottoman commander Mehmet Fatih in their books describing his conquests, but they never associated him with Prophet Mohammed’s (peace be upon him) prophecies about the conquest of Constantinople.

The Hadith scholars like Imam Abu Dawood – author of Sunan, Imam Ahmad – author of Musnad Ahmad, and Imam Ibn Majah mentioned the reason for the conquest of Constantinople, that is—first the Muslims and Romans will make a strong alliance to fight a third enemy, then the Romans will betray, which will lead to the fierce fight between Muslims and the Romans at a place called Al-Ghouta, that will eventually lead to Al-Malhamah.

The great Scholar of Hadith Shiekh Ahmed Shakir stated that, “Conquest of Constantinople, Turkey which was prophesied in the Ahadith will be in a near or far future which only Allah Almighty knows. The correct conquest is that, when Muslims return to the religion which they had left.”

The Hadith scholar continues, “As for the Turkish conquest that was before our time, it was a prelude to the greatest conquest. Then it came out of the hands of the Muslims, since their government announced that it is a non-Islamic and a non-religious government.” [Source: حاشية عمدة التفسير عن ابن كثير ٢/٢٥٦]

It’s as clear as a day that the prophecies about the conquest of Constantinople made by Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) are yet to happen before the end of times, and it has nothing to do with Ottoman emperor Sultan Mehmet Fatih, while the sequence of events are clearly mentioned in the prophetic narrations—which don’t collide with Fateh’s invasion of Constantinople.

Dr. Areej Hussain is specialized in Arabic Studies from the American university of Cairo.

The series puts the Turkish people and their values at the forefront, thereby relegating Islam to the background…

Diriliş Ertuğrul

‘Diriliş Ertuğrul’ a historical TV series first aired in 2013, which has taken the Muslim world by storm since then. The series is based on Ertugrul Bey, who was the founding father of Ottoman Empire, Osman I.

The series is focused on events leading to the formation of the Ottoman Empire. It is also known for its unique decision to abstain from the use of nudity within the series.

It is part of the Islamic faith to be passionate about anything that demonstrates the superiority and dominance of Islam. As such, we understand why Muslims feel empowered by such a TV series.

We also understand the need to educate the masses regarding Islamic history, including the rise of the Ottoman Empire. Considering it from this angle, there is some benefit to the series.

The main purpose behind the series is to incite patriotism, especially amongst the Turkish nationals, who were its initial intended target audience.

The series puts the Turkish people and their values at the forefront, thereby relegating Islam (and its rise, values, and history) to the background. As such, it will not be correct to say that the purpose behind the show is to educate the masses regarding Islamic history.

If one truly desires to learn about Islamic history, including that of the Ottoman Empire, there are a plethora of well written interesting books available on the subject.

The permissibility of something in the Shari’ah is not solely based on the fact that it has benefits in it. Similarly, while we acknowledge the benefits of this TV series, there are also violations of the Shari’ah in these series. The mere claim of no nudity in the TV show is no justification of the show being permissible.

The Holy Qu’ran acknowledges that there are benefits in Wine, yet it is prohibited. Almighty Allah says in the Holy Quran, Surah Baqarah, Verse 219,

يَسْأَلُونَكَ عَنِ الْخَمْرِ وَالْمَيْسِرِ قُلْ فِيهِمَا إِثْمٌ كَبِيرٌ وَمَنَافِعُ لِلنَّاسِ وَإِثْمُهُمَا أَكْبَرُ مِنْ نَفْعِهِمَا

Translation: “They ask you regarding wine and gambling. Say (O Muhammad), in them is a great sin and benefit for the people. (But) their sin is greater than their benefit.”

Free mixing of gender

The TV series also promotes free intermingling with the opposite gender. If we were to permit the series, it would imply that segregation of sexes and hijab are not a requirement whereas hijab and segregation of sexes are explicitly ordained by Almighty Allah in the Holy Quran and by the Prophet peace be upon him in Hadith,

قَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ لِعَلِيٍّ: ” يَا عَلِيُّ، لَا تُتْبِعِ النَّظْرَةَ النَّظْرَةَ، فَإِنَّ لَكَ الْأُولَى وَلَيْسَتْ لَكَ الْآخِرَةُ “.

Translation: “Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said to Ali (RadiyAllahu Anhu): “O Ali! Do not allow your glance to follow a glance, because the first (glance) is forgiven but not the second.”

Music

There is also music in the series. If we were to permit the series, it would imply that music is also permissible whereas music is prohibited in Quran and hadith. See the following,

وَمِنَ النَّاسِ مَن يَشْتَرِي لَهْوَ الْحَدِيثِ لِيُضِلَّ عَن سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ بِغَيْرِ عِلْمٍ وَيَتَّخِذَهَا هُزُوًا ۚ أُولَٰئِكَ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ مُّهِينٌ

Translation: “And of the people is one buys the amusement of speech to mislead [others] from the way of Allah without the knowledge and who takes it in ridicule. Those will have a humiliating punishment.”

Ibn Abbas (Radhiyallahu Anhu) said: amusement of speech in this verse refers to music. The following hadith also shows the impermissibility of music.

أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ: فِي هَذِهِ الأُمَّةِ خَسْفٌ وَمَسْخٌ وَقَذْفٌ، فَقَالَ رَجُلٌ مِنَ المُسْلِمِينَ: يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ، وَمَتَى ذَاكَ؟ قَالَ: إِذَا ظَهَرَتِ القَيْنَاتُ وَالمَعَازِفُ وَشُرِبَتِ الخُمُورُ

Translation: “Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: “In this Ummah will be earthquakes, disfiguration (of faces which will be transformed into apes and pigs) and showers of stone (descending o­n them from the heaven).” A man from among the Muslimeen said: “O Rasulullah! When will this be?” Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: “When singing girls and musical instruments will become profuse and when liquor will be consumed (in abundance)”.

The above-mentioned violations of Shari’ah are more detrimental to ones Imaan than the perceived and assumed benefits in the series. Furthermore, the series is viewed as a form of entertainment in which many hours of one’s valuable time is wasted.

The intermingling of sexes, music, and patriotism are some of the main causes of the moral decline and retrogression of the Ummah. Hence, it is incumbent upon us to abstain from viewing such series.

Fatwa about watching historical dramas

Shaykh Muhammed Saalih al-Munajjid, General Supervisor of leading English fatwa portal islamqa.info, issued a similar ruling on watching dramas and historical other shows.

Shaykh Munajjid mentioned that, these shows may contain many things that are contrary to shari’a. For example:

1. Distortion of historical texts and the addition of many details that are not limited to making up a dialog between the characters; rather it involves fabricating events with details that never happened, and telling lies about the early generations, the scholars and the mujaahideen by mentioning things that did not happen during their lifetimes, or exaggerating about them. The worst things that you will find in some cases are stories of love and infatuation between a scholar or mujaahid and a girl who is in love with him!

2. Showing those great men in an abhorrent manner that is contrary to sharee‘ah, in terms of clothing and appearance, and going further than that by depicting their families and womenfolk in contemporary style, according to the whims and desires of the people in charge of the production.

3. What is shown of free mixing between men and women in those dramas, and who knows what goes on during filming and beforehand? Indeed, anyone who knows the nature of that environment, and the attitude of the people involved and those who work in it, does not need any further information to find it reprehensible.

4. What is played of music before the show begins, during it, and at the end?

5. Wanton display and unveiling in all types of TV shows are obvious to anyone. The appearance of women in the first place is not permissible, so how about if women appear wearing make-up and adorned?

6. What some of these shows include of dancing, singing and drinking alcohol on the part of slave women, which is shown on the grounds of showing what really happened of immoral deeds and blatant sin, which also involves telling lies and distorting the biographies of many of those whose life stories they claim to be presenting.

7. The portrayal by actors of the Sahaabah in a very bad way; these roles may be played by an actor who is an evildoer or a disbeliever!

8. Playing the role of a disbeliever who wears a cross or prostrates to it, or the role of a disbeliever who reviles the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) or Islam. All of that is tantamount to disbelief in Allah, may He be exalted, and apostasy from Islam. We do not know of any shar‘i concession that allows actors to say or do anything that constitutes kufr. This also applies to the one who does plainly evil actions in a real manner, such as one who drinks real alcohol when acting, or he kisses a woman who is not permissible for him, and so on. The scholars have stated that it is haraam to pretend to do such things or to imitate people who do such things, such as the one who drinks water in the manner of one who drinks alcohol, and the like.

9. Distracting the Muslims and wasting their time with the foolish drama shows that present a distorted picture of our glorious history or of a great character, or that provoke desires in young men and women, or encourage them to form haraam relationships and many other things contained in these shows.

Why such dramas only in Ramadaan?

Regrettably, this distraction comes to the Muslims in Ramadan, which is the month of the Qur’aan, qiyaam and i‘tikaaf.

This is indicative of evil intent and plotting on the part of the devils of mankind, who take on the role of the chained devils and distract the Muslims from obedience and worship, and cause them to watch and listen to haraam things.

Hence we think that it is not permissible for the Muslim to watch any type of these shows, and that the prohibition is more emphatic when they contain many things that are contrary to sharee‘ah.

Shaykh ‘Abd al-‘Azeez ibn Baaz (may Allah have mercy on him) said: What is required of every Muslim, man and woman, is to avoid these evils and to beware of them. The same applies to watching TV shows that include wanton display on the part of women. It is haraam to watch them because of the grave danger that watching them poses of causing spiritual sickness and loss of protective jealousy, and because that might cause him to fall into that which Allah has forbidden, whether the viewer is a man or a woman. (Fataawa Islamiyyah, 3/72)

It is not arduous to conclude the impermissibility to watch such a series, given the prohibitions are greater than the benefits.

Abdul Rahman Irfan is a Teacher and Quran Proofreader at Zill Noorain Academy, based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

And we have in our glorious religion of Islam, what would suffice us if we only held to its tenets and teaching from the World Health Organization (WHO)…

And ponder upon the state of the world today. The greatest nation in terms of population—the People’s Republic of China. It sleeps panicked, alarmed, in dread—not knowing what it will do.

What is the enemy that frightens it? What has broken the calm of its nights and distressed its days?

And what has made its people wanting displacement into other parts of the world as though they were to fleeing from death, how impossible?

What is the weapon of ruin, the operant weapon that has affected millions of human beings?

No one imagined such an effect upon millions of human beings could occur by the might of human beings except with nuclear weapons and what is even more eminent.

However, Allah has made from His army an organism from His most minute of organisms. The virus, is of the most miniscule, if not the most miniscule of organisms. Even in its chemical composition. This virus is not seen unless magnified a quarter of a million time so that the eye may see it under microscopes by this high magnification. Magnified by 250,000x or 500,000x.

The virus, which has them panic-stricken and the entire world frightened, the reason for which all ports and harbors are closed, the reason airports are closed, for whose sake—travel is banned, for whose sake (employment) leave is granted, and the reason millions, billions, are spent in guarding against it—and it is not seen or beholden.

Nor does anyone know from where it will reach him because Allah does what He wills. He is the Great Creator and none know the Soldiers of your Lord except Him.

Its name, translated from its original Latin is, the “CROWN”. Corona, in its Latin etymology, means the crown. Because when it is magnified for observation, its form resembles that of a crown. This awful horror, this fracturing enemy isn’t seen unless it’s magnified by approximately half a million time, so that the eye may see it under finely tuned modern microscopes.

This is what they fear. You hear this—does this frighten you? The Muslim knows with certainty, that the likes of these pandemics hold the ruling of plagues.

If it strikes a country, it is impermissible for the Muslim to depart it. And if it occurs in a country while the Muslims is outside of it, it’s impermissible for him to enter it.

As for the corpses (dead among the living), that don’t believe in hereafter—who don’t affirm a Creator for this existence—from the Communists and their likes from Atheists—for these ones, life simply ends with death. Therefore they fear and crave for this life.

The Muslim, however—when Muadh (may Allah be pleased with him) at the advent of the plague in Levant—it was the Emmaus/Amwas Plague — he was infected and plagued. He was the commander of the army there.

He would kiss the blister formed from the infection and he would place it over his eyes and say—“O Allah, do not grant this good fortunes in the Home of Muadh, to Muadh (himself).” And so his son was plagued. Because death by plague is martyrdom.

And we have in our glorious religion of Islam, what would suffice us if we only held to its tenets and teaching from the World Health Organization (WHO) and every health organization in every quarter of the earth.

We have in the glorious religion of Islam what Allah protects us from the transmission of these contagions in the matter that they spread. We have in our religion, if a human being wishes to relieve him or herself, that they don’t use their right hand. It is for greeting, for food, giving and receiving – it is for these noble matters.

As for the left hand, it is used for the various matters of impurity and other than them.

Meeting [one another], with us, isn’t conducted according to the Sunnah. If we would adhere to it, Allah would guard us from many dangers—by means of the Islamic law. Particularly, the practices of Egyptians.

If one were to meet his brother, he hugs and sticks to him, he pats his shoulders and he remains so for perhaps, a long while. This isn’t from the Sunnah. This is done only when one arrives from his travel—and still not in this manner. Because when Jaafar (may Allah be pleased with him) came from Abbasynia, the Prophet went out hastily to greet him, clutching his lower garment—he came to him and kissed him between his eyes.

When the Companions would meet one another, they would shake each other’s hands.

A man now may meet another five times a day or more and every time he meets him, he embraces him, sputters in his face, blows in his mouth, and transmits what he has. This is not from our religion in the least. This is not from the Sunnah in the least. Keep to this if you are able. This is a lowly practice.

This is not from our religion, not from the front or the rear. Countless matters—if you wish to drink, keep to the Sunnah.

The Prophet didn’t breathe into the cup. And he would drink in three sips. He would invoke the name of Allah, drink and not breathe into the cup, then praise Allah, and repeat that because a human being may be thirsty and in need of more drink.

Drinking once won’t quench him unless he breathes (with contaminants) into the cup. And Allah protects him from that by the Sunnah of the Prophet, the Master of the Prophets.

The matters of this type are many, my beloved—if we were to hold to them from the Book of our Lord and the Sunnah of our Prophet. Allah would safeguard us in our religion before safeguarding our material world. And this is true safeguarding.

So that a [man or womn] may safeguard his or her heart. And so that no desires of polytheism infilterate them—with Shirk in fear, because true fear is the fear of Allah Alone. And whomsoever is true, fears no one.

A man who fears anything besides Allah isn’t so except due to a sickness in his heart.

It was asked of Imam Ahmad, “Does a man fear another man?” He said, “A man doesn’t fear another man except due to a sickeness in his heart.”

No one fears another besides Allah except due to a sickess in his heart.

I ask Allah to protect us, and to protect our land, and all the lands of the Muslims. And may He guide us to the Truth and the Straight Path.

Source: The Pillar1 Youtube Channel.