Q & A

Masturbation is forbidden

Q- Is masturbation unlawful?
A – What is correct among the sayings of the scholars is that masturbation is unlawful. Allah Almighty says: “And those who guard their chastity. Except from their wives or (the slaves) that their right hands possess, for then, they are free from blame. But whoever seeks beyond that, then those are the transgressors.” (Qur’an, 23:5-7)
Here, Allah Almighty praised those who satisfy their sexual desire with only their wives or (lawful) slaves. He Almighty also ruled that those who seek other means of satisfying their desire are transgressors. – Permanent Committee for Islamic Research and Verdicts; Fatawa Islamiyah, vol. 8, p. 298

Blessings on Prophet

Q- If sending salutations of peace is a good innovation, then is it permissible to forbid the people from sending salutations of peace upon the noble Prophet (peace be upon him)?
A – Sending blessings and salutations of peace upon our Messenger, and upon his brothers, the Prophets, is not a good innovation, as the questioner says.
In fact they are both lawful, based upon sound evidences. Therefore, it is not permissible to forbid the people from doing so, unless it is done in a way which was not done during the time of the righteous Companions or the Tabi’een, such as the practice of saying it aloud after the Adhan, as if it were part of the Adhan, or such as at the gathering of people at specific times expressly for the purpose of sending prayers and salutations upon the Prophet (peace be upon him), since this has not been reported from our righteous predecessors. Performing them in this way is therefore the innovation which is detested and which has no basis (in the Sunnah). – Permanent Committee for Islamic Research and Verdicts; Fatawa Islamiyah, vol. 1, p. 285

From the lives of our pious predecessors

Salah is our connection with our Lord and the early Muslims were very keen on praying with full attentiveness. Abu Al-Darda (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “It is from a person’s knowledge and understanding that he sees to his needs first in order to turn to his prayer with a heart free of distractions.” – Ibn Al-Mubarak in Al-Zuhd wal-Raqa’iq, vol. 2, pg. 726

- Thanks to Bro. Shadhuly A. Hassan