Category: Living in the West

On Involvement in Protests and Demonstrations

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.

 

 

On Difficulties for Muslim Women in France

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

The situation is very difficult for Muslim women in France. The hijab is banned in schools and in the workplace and attacks on Muslim women are on the increase. There is widespread Islamophobia in the media and in politics. How should we react to these attacks and how should we protect our religion and not allow hatred to enter our hearts? Continue reading On Difficulties for Muslim Women in France

Helping New Muslims Struggling with Drug Addiction

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

How do we help people who accept Islam but struggle with drug addiction?

We should be overjoyed by the fact that they have accepted Islam. Those who have strong determination will very quickly deal with these addictions, although they are a minority. We should use different means to deal with these addictions such as natural remedies, moving them from bad environments to good environments and developing their love and veneration for Allah and His Messenger ﷺ and the afterlife.

On Using Interest Payments

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

What should I do with interest payments that have accumulated in my bank account?

You should give the money to the poor and needy or some public project such as repairing roads, providing medication for the sick or feeding the poor. You cannot use it yourself or consider it your property. When you give it, it cannot be considered charity but you will have the reward of preserving it and using it in a way that pleases Allah.

On Preventing Excessive Use of the Internet and Mobile Devices

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

How can we prevent excessive use of the Internet and mobile devices?

This can be done by focusing the heart on remembrance and reflection. You should remember Allah until His remembrance dominates your heart. You should reflect upon the life of the Prophet ﷺ. This engenders a longing to be in his company and a longing to meet him. You should also avoid keeping the company of those who spend a lot of time using the internet. Continue reading On Preventing Excessive Use of the Internet and Mobile Devices

On Raising Children and Mobile Devices

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

How do we raise our children in an open society in which they have access to mobile devices?

Firstly we should plant veneration and vigilance of Allah in their hearts through talking to them, spending time with them and taking them to attend gatherings of knowledge and remembrance. We should also tell them about the people of the past who had fear of Allah and show them videos and talks by scholars that will increase their fear of Allah.

We should put some restrictions on their use of these devices and upon their interaction with society so that they learn to take that which is of benefit and leave that which is not.

 

On Attending Gatherings in which Forbidden Musical Instruments are Used

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

Can we attend gatherings in which forbidden musical instruments are used?

If there is scholarly consensus that they are forbidden then there is no way we can attend. If the scholars differ over whether they are permissible or not, we should assess what benefit there is in attending. If there is a great benefit to be had in attending, we can overlook the fact that the scholars differ over the permissibility of these instruments. If there is no great benefit to be had, it is better not to attend.