Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)
What causes some young people to hold extremist views? Continue reading On Extremist Views and The Youth
Category: Muslims
On Dealing with Muslims who Mistreat Us
Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)
How do we deal with Muslims who mistreat us?
By treating them well and praying for them. Allah says: A good deed and a bad deed are not equal. Repel [evil] with that which is better. The outcome of this is: then the one whom between him and you was enmity will become as if he is an intimate friend (41:34) .
On Dealing with Extreme Beliefs and Divisions
Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)
There is a new mosque in our community which follows a somewhat extreme methodology. This has caused divisions in the community and confusion, especially amongst new Muslims. What is the best way of dealing with these problems?
These problems should not stop you from embodying the attributes which you are obliged to embody. You should remain steadfast in performing your duty of showing mercy and compassion to others, even if they are mistreating you. Continue reading On Dealing with Extreme Beliefs and Divisions
On Renunciation of Extreme Beliefs and Introduction to Spirituality
Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)
If someone has extreme beliefs and then renounces them, at what point should they be introduced to the Shaykhs of the spiritual path and aspects of Tasawwuf? Continue reading On Renunciation of Extreme Beliefs and Introduction to Spirituality
On Teaching Islam to Prisoners
Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him).
I work as an imam in a prison. What topics should I talk about when I teach the inmates?
This is an important job and allows you to benefit people by calling them to Allah. We are happy that you are doing it. Focus on things which strengthen their iman and trust in Allah. You should remind them of the importance of staying on the Straight Path, which saves them from the prison of this life and the greater prison in the next life. Remind them of the different states of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. Remind them of the importance of having sabr (patience and fortitude) and remind them that they will be rewarded if they are patient and it will have a good impact on their time in prison. Continue reading On Teaching Islam to Prisoners
On Dealing With Those Who Backbite Us
Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him).
How do we deal with those who backbite us, particularly if it has negative consequences on our dawah efforts?
You should ask Allah that He allows such people to repent. You should rely upon Allah’s bounty and generosity in attaining success in dawah and do not be concerned by these perceived negative consequences. All the Prophets and Messengers suffered backbiting and mockery but this did not prevent them from being successful in their dawah. The Devil often deceives people into making perceived negative consequences an excuse not to pardon and forgive the person who has wronged them. Rather you should follow the Prophet ﷺ and the pious in swiftly forgiving such people. If you are truthful in this, Allah will aid your dawah efforts.
On Scholars Taking Political Stances
Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him).
Many of the scholars of whom we have a high opinion of have taken political stances in these times of discord. How should we deal with this?
If they have taken political stances we should firmly believe that they have taken these stances on the basis of understanding given to them by Allah. We accept their stances but do not follow them in them and do not publicise those stances. We should follow them in other things.