Praise be to Allah.
Firstly:
We understand the extent of the problem that you are
suffering and the extent of the pressure you are facing to give up your
religion and your commitment. This problem is not yours alone, rather it is
a problem faced by thousands of Muslims who want to adhere to the teachings
of this great religion, and want to live a moral life of honour and
chastity, but they face many problems in their societies that,
unfortunately, have deviated from Islam to a large extent and now look down
upon and scorn those who adhere to Islam, and governments that cause trouble
for those who are committed to Islam. Everyone knows what is going on in
your country, the war against Islam and those who are committed to it. We
ask Allaah to foil their plots and support His religion and His believing
slaves.
Secondly:
“The reward of Allaah is precious, the reward of Allaah is
Paradise.” Thus said the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be
upon him), and undoubtedly the precious reward needs a high price, and there
is nothing more precious than Paradise. Hence the Muslim must accept that
whatever difficulties he faces on his way to Paradise, they are to be
expected, and in fact, no matter how hard it is, they pale into
insignificance when compared with the delights that await him in Paradise.
This is what makes it easy for the Muslim to bear the
calamities of this world and the difficulties that he faces on his path
towards Allaah.
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)
has told us that the most destitute of the people in this world, of those
who will enter Paradise, will be brought and dipped once in Paradise, and it
will be said to him: O son of Adam, did you ever see anything bad? Did you
ever experience any hardship? He will say: No, by Allaah, O Lord. I never
saw anything bad and I never experienced any hardship.”. Narrated by Muslim
(2807).
The mind can imagine the state of this person, “the most
destitute of the people in this world,” and imagine the worst of situations
and trials, but one dip in Paradise will make him forget all that.
And the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be
upon him) has told us about the days of patience, and that the one who
adheres to his religion at that time will be like the one who takes hold of
a burning ember. Perhaps the current time is what the Messenger (peace
and blessings of Allaah be upon him) meant, so we have no choice but to be
patient and put up with hardships and even confront them, otherwise we may
lose out in this world and in the Hereafter:
“By Al‑‘Asr (the time).
2. Verily, man is in loss,
3. Except those who believe (in Islamic Monotheism) and do
righteous good deeds, and recommend one another to the truth [i.e. order one
another to perform all kinds of good deeds (Al‑Ma‘roof) which Allaah has
ordained, and abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds (Al‑Munkar)
which Allaah has forbidden], and recommend one another to patience (for the
sufferings, harms, and injuries which one may encounter in Allaah’s Cause
during preaching His religion of Islamic Monotheism or Jihad)”
[al-‘Asr 103]
Thirdly:
With regard to the social and political pressures that you
are facing – and we understand how hard it is – we offer the following
advice to you and to everyone who is facing a similar problem, whilst noting
that under such pressures a Muslim may face severe difficulty in adhering to
the rulings of Islam, so there may be no choice but to compromise and be
content with partial commitment for fear of giving up commitment altogether.
But that is subject to the condition that the Muslim always seeks that which
is better and strives hard to overcome these difficulties and gradually seek
to attain full commitment.
So this compromise is a temporary stage, it is not
permanent.
Whatever a Muslim cannot do in full today because of the
pressures he is facing, let him do whatever he can of it – even if there are
shortcomings – until he gradually reaches a stage of full commitment and the
society may accept his transformation from one stage to another, because
that is easier than going through confrontations and problems.
There follows some advice, and we apologize for making it too
long, but the matter is serious and of the utmost importance, and affects
thousands and thousands of Muslims as we have said, so one or two words are
not enough.
1 – “Laa hawla wa laa quwwata illa Billaah (there is
no power and no strength except with Allaah)”
This is a beautiful phrase, and it is one of the treasures of
Paradise. We have no power to change from one state to another, from
disobedience to obedience, from imperfection to perfection, except with the
help and guidance of Allaah.
So it is essential to seek the help of Allaah first and last.
In Soorat al-Faatihah which the Muslim recites several times each day, it
says (interpretation of the meaning): “You (Alone) we worship, and You
(Alone) we ask for help (for each and everything)” [al-Faatihah 1:5].
We cannot worship Allaah unless Allaah enables us and helps us to do that.
Among the du’aa’ of the people of Paradise are the words (interpretation of
the meaning): “All the praises and thanks be to
Allaah, Who has guided us to this, and never could we have found guidance,
were it not that Allaah had guided us” [al-A’raaf 7:43].
And among the du’aa’ of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of
Allaah be upon him) were the words: “Do not leave me to myself even for the
blink of an eye.” Al-Silsilah al-Saheehah (226).
So it is essential to seek the help of Allaah, rely on Him
and be aware that all things are in His hand, and with the word “Kun
(Be!)” He does whatever He wills.
So seek the help of Allaah and delegate your affairs to Him,
and trust that Allaah will grant you a way out: “And whosoever puts his
trust in Allaah, then He will suffice him” [al-Talaaq 65:3].
2 – Constant du’aa’
Say du’aa’ a great deal, asking Allaah to make things easier
for you, to help you to do all that is good, to guide and to keep evil and
its people away from you. ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab (may Allaah be pleased with
him) used to say: “I am not worried whether Allaah will respond, but I am
worried about whether I will be able to make du’aa’, because if I am helped
to du’aa’, then the response will come with it.” Du’aa’ relieves distress
and takes away worry.
The Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him) said: “There is no Muslim who says a du’aa’ in which there is no sin or
severing of family ties, but Allaah will give him one of three things:
either He will hasten to answer his prayer, or He will store it up for him
in the Hereafter, or He will divert an equivalent evil from him.” They said:
Then we will say a lot of du’aa’! He said: “Allaah can give more than that.”
Narrated by Ahmad (10794), classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh
al-Targheeb (1633). The one who says du’aa’ is always in a good state,
no matter how much du’aa’ he says, for Allaah is greater in goodness,
blessing and grace.
3 – Worship, especially prayer
You have to pay attention to acts of worship, for they will
revive the heart and alert the one who is negligent, and they are among the
most important factors of steadfastness and the best help in achieving one’s
goals, after the help of Allaah, may He be exalted.
The greatest act of worship is prayer, for it is the main
foundation of faith after the shahaadatayn and it is the foundation of
Islam. The heart has no life without prayer. It brings relief from all
worries and hardships. Hence the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah
be upon him) used to say to Bilaal: “Let us find rest in it (the prayer), O
Bilaal.” Saheeh Abi Dawood (4985). So pray, and focus with proper
humility, and ponder, and weep, and relieve yourself of the worries and
stress of this world.
4 –Reading the Holy Qur’aan
Read the Holy Qur’aan regularly, and have a portion of it
that you read every day, and do not neglect it. You should also have a brief
Tafseer (commentary) that will help you to understand and ponder the
meanings of the verses, such as Tafseer al-Sa’di or Aysar
al-Tafaaseer by Shaykh Abu Bakr al-Jazaa’iri.
There is nothing greater than the words of Allaah, and there
is no exhortation more eloquent than the exhortation of Allaah. There is no
book that can offer guidance or relief from worry like the Qur’aan.
5 – Adhkaar and du’aa’s
Always recite the adhkaar that are narrated from the Prophet
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) at various times and on
various occasions, such as the adhkaar for morning and evening, when going
to sleep and when waking up, when eating and drinking, when going out of the
house and when coming in, and in all situations. Be certain of the
importance of understanding their meanings. Among the useful books on this
topic are: al-Futoohaat al-Rabbaaniyyah bi Sharh al-Adhkaar al-Nawawiyyah
by Ibn ‘Allaan. This is a valuable book from which you can learn the
meanings of the adkhaar, so that hearts may be revived and become connected
to the Knower of the Unseen.
6 – Listening to useful lectures and khutbahs
Continue to listen to useful lectures and khutbahs, for you
always need someone to remind you, guide you and advise you. From lectures
etc you can learn a great deal about the rulings of Islam and how to behave
at times of crisis.
7 – It is essential to read and learn.
It is essential for you to learn, read and educate yourself
in Islamic matters, for “whomever Allaah wills good to, He causes him to
understand Islam”, as was narrated by al-Bukhaari and Muslim. So it is
essential to know and understand the rulings of Islam. In many cases where
things seem difficult and complicated, if a person learned the rulings or
asked the scholars, he would find it easy and not complicated. There may be
a concession of which he is not aware, or there may be an alternative in
sharee’ah that would make it easier for him. Among the useful books that we
advise you to read is Fiqh al-Sunnah by Shaykh Sayyid al-Saabiq [this
is available in English translation under the title Fiqh us-Sunnah,
published in 5 volumes by American Trust Publications, Plainfield, IN];
al-Mulakhkhas al-Fiqhi by Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan; ‘Awdat al-Hijaab
by Shaykh Muhammad ibn Ismaa’eel. You can also learn from useful Islamic
websites.
You should also read modern history, especially that of your
own country, and how Islam has been fought, and what their plots were, for
if the Muslim understands that, it will inspire him to face the challenge
and make him adhere to Islam even more.
8 – With regard to marriage
It is undoubtedly very important, and will bring many
benefits in your case, such as:
(a)
Psychological stability, peace
of mind and tranquillity.
(b)
By Allaah’s leave, it will be a
means of reducing the social and family pressures on you, because you will
be able to move to a new home, away from your family and neighbours and the
society which is placing many restrictions on you that you cannot overcome.
(c)
You will be able to raise
righteous offspring in an atmosphere of chastity, trust, modesty and
adherence to this religion, the upbringing that many of us have missed out
on, unfortunately.
A person can do with his children that which he wishes that
his parents had done with him. Raising righteous offspring is one of the
most important benefits of marriage. The ummah is waiting for you and others
like you who love this religion and want to adhere to it. They are waiting
for righteous, believing offspring from you, through whom Allaah will
benefit the ummah and change it for the better.
There are many other benefits that you will attain through
marriage, hence we emphasize the importance of this issue. Based on the
circumstances that you are suffering, the advice which we have to offer you
is: if there comes to you one with whose religious commitment and character
you are pleased, do not hesitate to accept, and if there is no such person
then be content with one who is “semi-committed”, for if we cannot find that
which is perfect we must be content with the best that is available, even if
it is not perfect. This advice is just for you, based on your particular
situation.
We do not mean by this that you should be content with an
evildoer or one who drinks alcohol, not at all. Rather what we mean is one
who is righteous in general terms, who prays regularly and loves Islam in
general, one who is of good character and chivalrous, who feels protective
jealousy with regard to matters of honour, even if he has some other
faults.
You could encourage him to improve, by means of your
personality, your powers of persuasion and your wisdom in dealing with him,
after Allaah guides you and him.
We do not agree that your going to websites is the last hope
for you, rather hope never ceases. The Muslim always has hope and expects
good from his Lord, and he thinks positively of his Lord Who says in the
hadeeth qudsi: “I am as My slave thinks I am.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari and
Muslim.
9 – With regard to the problem of hijab and your not being
able to wear it
Once again, we state that we understand the extent of the war
that you are facing in your country because of hijab, hence we think that
there is no reason why – given your particular circumstances – you should
not take a gradual approach to wearing hijab. What your parents and society
may not accept today, they may accept gradually after a month or two, or a
year.
You have to dress as modestly as possible, and try hard to
cover your head. Wear clothes that are loose, then when the people get used
to your dressing modestly, you can take another step forward, until you are
wearing full hijab as Allaah has enjoined upon the believing women and as
you yourself want and enjoyed wearing in the land of the two sacred mosques
during your visit.
But do not be too hasty. Take it slowly, and you will attain
what you want, in sha Allaah.
This is not the best way that the Muslim should follow, but
it is acceptable in cases of necessity and in the particular circumstances
that you are in. Attaining part of a thing is better than nothing, and
reaching perfection slowly is better than losing everything.
10 –With regard to prayer
Prayer is the greatest of the pillars of Islam after the
Shahaadatayn. It is the connection between a person and his Lord, so you
should pay a great deal of attention to it and it is essential to offer
prayers regularly, at the proper times.
“Verily, As‑Salaah (the prayer) is enjoined on the
believers at fixed hours”
[al-Nisa’ 4:10]
We do not think there is any problem with regard to Fajr and
‘Isha’, or with Maghrib during the summer, when the time for Maghrib begins
an hour or two after you come back from work.
Based on that, there is no excuse for delaying these prayers
beyond the proper time, so strive hard to offer these prayers at the time
decreed for them in sharee’ah.
That leaves Zuhr and ‘Asr, and also Maghrib during the
winter.
The basic principle – as stated above – is that you should
offer each of them at the proper time, so look for a time when the place for
doing wudoo’ is free of men. If that is not possible, there is nothing wrong
with entering the washroom and doing wudoo’ in there, and wudoo’ done there
will be valid. In most cases its floor – even if it is wet – will be taahir
(pure) and the water that is on it will be taahir, so there is nothing wrong
with doing wudoo’ in there.
When praying, a woman is required to cover all of her body
except her face and hands. If you cannot wear clothes like that for the time
being, then keep a hijab or other garment for prayer in your office, that
you can wear at the time of prayer.
There is no special place where prayers must be performed,
rather prayers may be offered anywhere, so you can wait for a chance when
you are alone in your office, and then pray.
If it is too difficult and you cannot offer every prayer on
time, then we hope that you will have a concession allowing you to join Zuhr
and ‘Asr, so you can delay Zuhr until the time of ‘Asr and pray them
together, but that is subject to the condition that it is done before the
time for ‘Asr ends, and that is half an hour or forty-five minutes before
sunset. If that is not possible, then you have a concession allowing prayer
until sunset, but there is no excuse for delaying ‘Asr until after sunset.
With regard to Maghrib in the winter, if you can do it at
work then this is what you must do, and if that is not possible then you may
delay it and join it with ‘Isha’ at the time of the latter, and you can pray
Maghrib and ‘Isha’ together when you go back home.
Remember that if you do that, you are not delaying the prayer
beyond its proper time, because joining Zuhr and ‘Asr, and Maghrib and
‘Isha’, is permissible in cases of necessity and in order to ward off
hardship, whether one is travelling or not, unlike shortening the prayers,
which is not permitted except when travelling.
But you must try hard to offer every prayer at the proper
time, and the Muslim should always be able to find a way. A senior military
figure was unable to ask for permission to pray, lest he be accused of
fundamentalism or terrorism and be put under watch, so he used to ask
permission to go to the bathroom, where he would do wudoo’ then go and pray,
and come back.
We do not think that you are incapable of coming up with some
way and finding an opportunity to offer every prayer on time. If you cannot,
then join Zuhr and ‘Asr as described above.
Finally, we would draw your attention to the fact that many
of the problems that you are facing at work, such as delaying the prayers
and not being able to wear hijab, are due to your working in a place where
you mix with men.
A woman’s working in a place where she mixes with men, with
no shar’i guidelines, leads to many negative consequences, as is obvious to
you. Hence the wisdom of Islam dictates that this is haraam. If you can move
to another department or another job where there are no men, this will solve
your problems at work to a great extent, or you can choose to stop working
altogether, unless you are facing pressure from your family to carry on
working, in which case we hope that you have a concession to allow you to
continue, whilst trying to avoid the bad things as much as possible.
Finally, we will be happy to keep in ouch with you and offer
advice, and we will be even happier to hear that you have acted upon this
advice and that you have taken steps in the right direction.
We ask Allaah to make you steadfast and to help you to do all
that is good, and to divert all evil away from you, and to bless you with
righteous offspring.
And Allaah is the source of strength and the Guide to the
right path.
And Allaah knows best.