Category: Muslims

On Difficulties in Working With People Attached to other Shuyukh

Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him).

We sometimes find difficulty in working with people attached to other shuyukh. What should we do?

You should do what you can to overcome your differences with them through your perception, intention and feelings for them. Your differences should not cause you to distance yourself from each other and they should not destroy the spirit of co-operation. They may not agree with something you are doing, so do not force them to take part in it. If it is something important that cannot be left, do it in a way that does not cause friction. If it is something that can be left, then do something else which does not cause any friction. We should help and co-operate if they are doing something which does not conflict with our principles. If what they are doing will cause conflict or harm to the dawah we very gently decline to get involved.

On Helping People in Open Disobedience to Allah

Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)

How do we help people who are in open disobedience to Allah?

We do not condone their disobedience and we must not be present while they are in disobedience to Allah. Instead we should try to find a time when they are ready to listen to us. We can then either give them sincere advice (nasihah) directly or use some indirect means such as inviting them to a gathering or giving them a book or a recording of a talk. Continue reading On Helping People in Open Disobedience to Allah

On Dealing with Relatives who Say Offensive Things about Allah and His Messenger ﷺ

Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)

Some of my relatives say offensive things about Allah and His Messenger. How should I deal with this?

If they will accept it, then give them sincere advice. If they will not accept it, and it is not absolutely necessary for you to be with them when they are saying these things, then avoid such gatherings. When you find the opportunity and people are ready to listen, speak to them about the greatness of Allah and His Messenger using rational proofs and firm evidence from the Qur’an and Sunnah.

On Praying Over a Muslim who Committed Suicide

Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)

If a Muslim commits suicide should we pray for them as we would pray for any Muslim that has died?

It is permissible to pray for any Muslim unless we are certain that they have left Islam or fallen into disbelief before dying.

On Muslims Spreading Bad Rumors about Others’ Dawah Efforts

Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)

The people running our local mosque have spread bad rumours about our efforts calling people to Allah. How should we deal with them?

Remain firm in showing good character and clarify controversial issues when asked with gentleness. Your good character will contrast with their bad character and this will become clear to all. A good deed and a bad deed are not equal. Repel (evil) with that which is better (41:34).

On Dealing with Extremism

Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)

How can extremism be dealt with?

People of knowledge and people in positions of leadership must first realise their need and the need of the Ummah to prevent extremism. Then they must work together to prevent it, following the Sacred Law and trying to implement it and act according to it. They must clarify the truth by clarifying the texts and principles of the Sacred Law. Different means should be used such as dialogue, teaching and meetings.  This will remove the root causes of extremism. Continue reading On Dealing with Extremism