Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)
What is the best month in which to get married?
The best month in which to contract the marriage is Shawwal, because it was in this month that the Prophet ﷺ married Sayyidatuna `Aishah. He later consummated the marriage in the same month. The next best month is Safar, in which Sayyidatuna Fatimah married Sayyiduna `Ali.
Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)
What intentions should we make when we play sports?
You should intend to gain strength to worship Allah and obey His commands and to use it to gently call people to Allah. You should remember Allah while taking part.
Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)
Should those involved in dawah take part in protests which condemn things like police brutality or the oppression of the Palestinian people?
Oppression must be condemned whatever form it takes as long as this does not lead to greater oppression or some other kind of evil. Demonstrations are a normal means of expression in our day and age and they are given political importance. Ordinary people are free to get involved in such protests if they wish, but the role of those involved in dawah is to clarify the Islamic position on such matters. They should not be directly involved in protests because this may have political and social implications and may lead them to neglect aspects of their dawah. Making sincere tawbah, returning to Allah and pleading with Him will have more impact.
Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)
What is the best method of memorising the Qur’an?
You should take between five and ten verses (depending on their length) at a time and repeat them until you have memorised them.
Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)
Can we work with ‘Salafi’ groups?
If these groups truly follow the Salaf (the Pious Predecessors) in the realm of tenets of faith then we are in agreement with them. If, however, they claim to follow the Salaf but in reality go against their methodology then we should avoid mixing with them so that confusion does not arise regarding how we call people to Allah. It may be possible to work with the moderate elements among them on things on which there is scholarly consensus and which benefit society. We may also work with them on projects which are run in the name of all Muslims in the region, not in the name of a specific group.
Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)
Which comes first: certainty (yaqin) or knowledge of Allah (ma’rifah)?
‘Ilm al-yaqin (certainty based upon knowledge) opens the door to ma’rifah. ‘Ayn al-yaqin (certainty based upon witnessing) is part of ma’rifah.
Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him).
If you are able to do so, it is better to fast every Monday and Thursday because if you do so you will fast eight days in every month, as opposed to only three days if you fast the White Days. One of those Mondays or Thursdays is also likely to coincide with the White Days. If you are able to fast the White Days and another five days in addition to this, this would also be good. We cannot say categorically that one type of fasting is better than another. If someone finds that a certain type of fasting has more effect on their heart and helps him on his path to Allah then this is the best fast for that person.
Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)
When can someone be said to be an `alim (scholar)?
Linguistically anyone who has even one piece of Islamic knowledge is an `alim (literally someone who knows). Technically speaking there is consensus that an `alim is someone who is qualified to make ijtihad (independent legal reasoning) and issue fatwa (formal legal opinion). Someone who has attained a large amount of knowledge but has not reached this level may also be called an `alim, but there is no consensus on this.
Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him) explains the criteria for showing people respect and veneration.
It is praiseworthy to show respect and veneration to someone to who the Sacred Law commands you to show respect, such as a scholar, an elder or your parents. Kissing someone’s hand and standing up for them when they enter is an expression of that respect and veneration. Continue reading Criteria for Showing People Respect and Veneration
Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him) emphasises the importance of reflection (tafakkur).
If someone’s reflection is sound and their heart is pure, their reflection increases them in faith, tranquillity, certainty and knowledge of Allah. It leads them to perfect their transaction with Him. They will then receive spiritual assistance (madad) from everything that they gaze at. Continue reading Reflecting on Your Own Self
