Question
A well known resident Imaam at well known masjied invited shias to give lectures there. After the lecture the the resident 'sunni' imaam stands up and says "whoever calls a shia a kaafir they themselves are kaafir, shias and sunnis are one there is no diffrence in our Islam". After he said this half the musallis got up and left. What is the position of this Imaam?
Answer
All the Musalis should have left. The Imaam is ignorant. That is not a Sunni Masjid.
And Allah Knows Best
Mufti Elias (May Allah Protect him)
Category:Masjid
Question
Muhtarrum Mufti Saheb
On your recent visit to Zimbabwe the Ulamaa sought your advice regarding the banning of non-aalims speaking at Jummuah. Whilst I agree that Ulamaa only, should handle these programs, despite numerous attempts to get them to do so - they refuse to take part. This coupled with the refusal to allow an eminent personality to speak, has forced them to review their decision to ban non aalims from speaking. However, the decision is one that some Ulamaa would prefer to remain in place.
The executive has approached me on several occasions asking me (a non-aalim) to speak. After each occassion the Ulamaa have coincidently approched me and mentioned the ruling. As such I have refused to speak, on the basis that I prefer to follow the final ruling of the Ulamaa. The Ulamaa however, are now informing people that there was never such a ban in place and my decision not to speak is merely me being awkward.
I do not wish to get into the politics. However, the executive has made the decision that the ban has been overrulled. Some Ulamaa have always agreed with the executive and one senior Aalim does not. Who should I follow? In the coming weeks there will be a meeting and pressure will be applied to me to speak. I do not wish to speak if it will create conflict with the Ulamaa. Yet the Ulamaa will deny any conflict or problem. Whilst the Aalim who initiated the ban will monitor every word and look for every fault to prove his case. Please advise
Jazakallah
Answer
It is permissible for non-Alim to speak at Jumuah, Eid or any other platform provided he does not delve in the special areas of laws/rulings reserved for the Ulema. Every Muslim is a 'Mubaligh' Every Muslim has a responsibility of enjoining what is right and forbidding what is evil. However do not get shot in the cross-fire of politics.
And Allah Knows Best
Mufti Elias (May Allah Protect him)
Category:Masjid
Question
i have a 7 year old son who accompanies to the mosque . however i am told that he cannot read next to me , what is the qranic ruling about this . thanks
Answer
Teach him the mannerism of the Masjid. In the Fardh Salaat stand in the last row and let him stand behind you for the remaining Salaat be it Taraweeh he may stand alongside you, better to be at the side.
And Allah Knows Best
Mufti Elias (May Allah Protect him)
Category:Masjid
Question
Salaam Mufti
1 At the masjid which i attend they continously give the azaan 5/10 minutes late.
2 when it is time for the farz namaaz and someone comes in they wait until he finnishes before starting the farz namaaz. shoud'nt we at all times stick to the proper times. is there any hadeeth regarding sticking to the alloted times.
when we are sitting in the masjid at fajr time,as soon as the imaam comes in he continously breaks wind (throat) loudly and we find it very disturbing. have we got the right to talk to him about this.
shukrin
Answer
1) This is contrary to the Sunnat.
2) This practice should not be encouraged. It distrusts the administration and planning and schedule of the Musalees.
3) Perhaps the Imaam has a medical problem. However, if he is doing so without any Shaari valid excuse then it is Makrooh. Nevertheless respectfully talk to him.
And Allah Knows Best
Mufti Elias (May Allah Protect him)
Category:Masjid
Question
Asalaamualaikum Respected Mufti
I know non muslims are allowed in the musjid but what are their rights ?
Are they allowed to sit amongst the muslims in the safs whilst the jumma khutbah is being delivered?
Is a non muslim allowed to giv a talk in the musjid ? On the day of Jumma? Is he allowed to ascend the pulpit ?
What is the shariah ruling on this and if not permissible what are the consequences ?
Jazakallah
Answer
They are allowed, they should be seated at the back, allowed to see the proceedings, not allowed to give a talk. Foolish are those who want those on misguidance to offer advice to those who are guided.
The one in the dark cannot lead those in the light.
Remove those trustees who promote such activities.
And Allah Knows Best
Mufti Elias (May Allah Protect him)
Category:Masjid
Question
Assalaamu Alaiykum warahmatullahi Wabarakaatuh,
Dear Respected Mufti Saheb,
I’m an Imaam at a Masjid in Pretoria town and most of the musallees that come for Salaah here are foreigners. Since I have been here there is a continuous battle regarding standing in the saff for Saaah. I try my level best to ensure that the saffs are straightened, however many of these musallees argue and say that I’m doing a great injustice in the sense that I don’t ensure that the feet of one person touches the feet of the next person, rather should I say that the toes of the one person should touch that of the next person’s toes. I hope you understand what I mean. Nevertheless they say that there is a Hadith that clearly states this fact, which hadith are they referring to? And what is the explanation of this specific Hadith? Could you kindly site other Ahaadith relating to straightening the saffs which are authentic and also the explanations given by the Muhadditheen with regards to standing in the saff and the correct method of standing in the saff? How do I explain and make them understand that the way they are standing in Salaah is not correct? Jazakallah and May Allah reward you abundantly in this world and Aaakhirah, Aameen.
Noman Shaikh.
Answer
The detailed answer is on our site, and in our published work - Towards Understanding Taqleed Part 2.
And Allah Knows Best
Mufti Elias (May Allah Protect him)
Category:Masjid
Question
dear respected mufti saheb:
asalamu alikum:
We have an old masjid which we want to demolish
and make new with basement.
1. Can we use the underground for parking
which comes under the hudud of the old
mosque? There is very little available area
on the ground level.
2. Can we use it occaisionaly for feeding
people?
3. Can we use a portion of it for passage
of cars?
Wasalam
Answer
1) Permissible
2) Yes
3) Yes, Makrooh.
And Allah Knows Best
Mufti Elias (May Allah Protect him)
Category:Masjid
Question
Assalamualaykum Mufti,
If a marriage contract was written out or verbally recorded on video,and later viewed by witnesses,even though at the time of the recording no witnesses were present,Is this a valid marriage contract and if so,does the marriage become valid only once the recording was seen by the witnesses
Shukran
Answer
Not valid.
And Allah Knows Best
Mufti Elias (May Allah Protect him)
Category:Masjid
Question
If the trust/committee of the Mosque is taking awful decisions and losing moral/confidence in the community:
Q-1: What should community take steps on the said situation?
Q-2: What should trust/committee take steps on this circumstances that they knew no more confidence on them because of their awful decisions.
Answer
1) Study the constitution, find legal way of removing them. Lodge complaint to the Jamiat etc and Muslim mediation and arbitration board.
2) (as 1)
And Allah Knows Best
Mufti Elias (May Allah Protect him)
Category:Masjid
Question
1 If Imaam (call himself Maulvi) making/influencing group of area resident, and/or committee members, to construct residence in Mosque area at illegitimate place (lawn), even though he knows that this place is against the law. Suitable accommodation already provided to Imaam, but he persists to construct home in Mosque at illegitimate place, what does Islam say?
2- If Imaam making/influencing group of area resident, and/or committee members, to brawl with who are in opposition to making home at illegitimate place in Mosque, what does Islam say?
Answer
1) This is in the sight of Shariaat absolutely wrong. The commitee must review and abstain.
2) The Imaam should not cause disunity for his own personal gains.
And Allah Knows Best
Mufti Elias (May Allah Protect him)
Category:Masjid
Question
If Imaam Sahib promoting war, or deal with political issues in community, or in Mosque to brawl against government, what does Islam say?
We are very much worry nowadays about the terrorist activities in Pakistan and our Imam Sahib does not understand the situation.
Please send us your kind opinion in detail, so that we can show to our Imam Sahib.
Answer
You should write more clearly.
In S.A. currently (2009) all forms/doors of communication and negotiation avenues are wide open to talk to the goverment.
No use shouting from the Mimbar use the facilities provided.
Try as far as possible to keep politics out of the Masjid Mimbar.
And Allah Knows Best
Mufti Elias (May Allah Protect him)
Category:Masjid
Question
Assalaam U Alaikum
The musjid in our locality is being run by one person. He makes decisions which are generally not liked by ALL musallis and when questioned about these desicions the answer is always the the same - THIS IS MY MOSQUE AND I CAN DO WHAT I FEEL ! Recently our Imam of 9 years was fired, for no good reason, to be replaced by a family member of this man. The new imam also wants to leave after Ramadhaan due to the ill treatment he receives from the "owner". Please can you advise us on a way forward in this problem. We have tried to reason with the "owner" by asking him to make a committee and we will make him chairman(Ameer) but to no avail. The musjid is losing musallis daily and any atmosphere of a musjid is slowly disappearing.PLEASE HELP!!
Answer
Take the matter to the Muslim Medication and Arbitration coucil based via the Jamiat. or select a group of Ulema to talk to this "owner"
And Allah Knows Best
Mufti Elias (May Allah Protect him)
Category:Masjid
Question
I take my grandson(5 years old) to the mosque when i make salaat and he stands next to me and is most disciplined compared to some of the children who stand at the back of the saaf. We wait for the saafs to fill up and then we take our place. I wish that if every parent stood with their child, than we will have the most well behaved children at all times.
I pray that he will learn and be disciplined long after i have left this world. At this early age he is so fascinated with Allah and his creations that i find it so hard to refuse to take him to mosque but some musallee's feel that he should stand in the back. Please Mufti you give me some guidance as what i should do.
Answer
You should stand in the back row, and put your son behind you. May Allaah grant Hidaayat to all.
And Allah Knows Best
Mufti Elias (May Allah Protect him)
Category:Masjid
Question
Are women allowed to attend talks in the masjid,follow the taraweeh salaah etc. Note the entrances for them are completely seperate and no intermigling is possible?
Answer
Although not encouraged, women will be allowed to attend talks in the Madressah or Class rooms linked to the Masjid. This will be done when the laws of movements within the peremeters of Shariat are maintained. Jamaah Salaat , Jihad, Jumuah are
not Waajib for women. Women should read their Salaat at home. The emergence of women from there homes is a source of Fitnah and Fasaad. On request we may forward laws concerning women in congregational salaat
And Allah Knows Best
Mufti Elias (May Allah Protect him)
Category:Masjid
Question
When the moulana is giving khutba (in Arabic) on Friday, do we have to say sallalahualaihiwasslam when he says it?
Answer
No
And Allah Knows Best
Mufti Elias (May Allah Protect him)
Category:Masjid
Question
If I'm in the masjid reciting quraan and the azaan goes on, do I stop recitation or may I continue?
Answer
Not necessary to stop.
And Allah Knows Best
Mufti Elias (May Allah Protect him)
Category:Masjid
Question
Would it be permissable to conduct AGM meetings in the masjid,if not then how is the tableeghi mashwerahs held in the masjid?
Answer
It will be permisable to hold the AGM in the Masjid provided all the etiquettes of Mashwerah are upheld. If this goes out of control then all will be held sinful. Tableeghi Mashweras are disciplined and even if they contravene the laws of etiquete of the Masjid , they will be held responsible.
And Allah Knows Best
Mufti Elias (May Allah Protect him)
Category:Masjid
Question
Can a wudhu area be in the Masjid property? Some small Masjids have the Wudhu area in one corner on the back of the Masjid,which is infact part of the building property?
Answer
No. That section is not part of the Masjid.
And Allah Knows Best
Mufti Elias (May Allah Protect him)
Category:Masjid
Question
If someone offers me to use their itr in the masjid, is there a duty on me to accept? If I refuse is it wrong?
Answer
It is better to accept. If it causes you a headache then you may humbly refuse.
And Allah Knows Best
Mufti Elias (May Allah Protect him)
Category:Masjid
Question
Is it permissible to announce sports report (fixtures) and results after prayers in the Mosque?
Answer
No, this is not the purpose of the Musjid. Todays sports are of very little benefit to even those who play it let alone the spectators and followers.
And Allah Knows Best
Mufti Elias (May Allah Protect him)
Category:Masjid
Please be aware the date specified by this code is an approximate and may need to be adjusted. As we all know months in Islam are calculated by the Phases of the moon which vary at times.