Question 1

Is music, singing, or musical instruments haram?

Accepted Answer

The Four Imams of fiqh — Abu Hanifah, Malik, ash-Shafi''i, and Ahmad — are agreed that musical instruments (al-ma''azif) are forbidden. The proof is the explicit hadith of al-Bukhari (5590) on the authority of Abu Malik al-Ash''ari: the Prophet (ﷺ) said: "There will appear among my Ummah people who will declare permissible: fornication, silk, wine, and musical instruments (al-ma''azif)." The hadith establishes that ma''azif belong to the same category as fornication and wine — and the wording "will declare permissible" only makes sense if they were originally forbidden. Allah said: "And of the people are some who buy idle talk (lahw al-hadith) to mislead from the way of Allah." (Luqman 31:6) — Ibn Mas''ud said three times: "By Allah besides whom there is no god — it is singing." (al-Hakim, sahih). Excluded from the prohibition is: the duff (a one-sided drum) for women on weddings and at the two ''ids; the chants of the Companions while digging the trench; and the lullabies sung to children. Singing without instruments — if its words are clean and it is not a profession one habituates upon — is differed about, but the safest path is to leave it.

Question 2

Contemporary & Miscellaneous?

Accepted Answer

Shaykh Salih al-Fawzan was asked about the ruling on dealing with the cryptocurrency Bitcoin. He responded that dealing with it is not permissible.

The Shaykh explained his reasoning by highlighting several major issues. Firstly, he stated that Bitcoin is "majhool," meaning it is unknown, obscure, and lacks clarity. The entity that issues it is anonymous, and there is no state or recognized financial authority that backs it or takes responsibility for it. This makes it highly unreliable and dangerous for one's wealth.

He clarified that a currency in Islam must be controlled and issued by a legitimate authority (wali al-amr) to prevent chaos, fraud, and corruption. Without this oversight, the `currency` has no real basis or verifiable value. The Shaykh noted that it is merely a "code" or a number that has no tangible asset or basis, making its value purely speculative.

Furthermore, he warned that such anonymous currencies become a tool for illicit activities, such as money laundering, drug trafficking, and financing terrorism, as there is no oversight or accountability. He likened the extreme speculation and volatility to gambling (maysir), which is strictly forbidden in Islam. Because it can create sudden wealth without real effort or production, it falls into the category of consuming wealth unjustly.

Therefore, due to the immense uncertainty (gharar), the lack of state backing, its use in unlawful activities, and its resemblance to gambling, Shaykh al-Fawzan advised Muslims to stay away from Bitcoin and all similar cryptocurrencies.

Question 3

What is the ruling on celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or non-Islamic holidays?

Accepted Answer

Congratulating the disbelievers upon the rituals of their disbelief is forbidden by consensus, even if the one congratulating does not himself fall into disbelief — for it is approval of their kufr, and approving kufr is itself kufr. As for innovated celebrations among the Muslims (birthdays, anniversaries of death, etc.), they are rejected: the Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Whoever introduces into this affair of ours that which is not from it, it is rejected."

Question 4

Is celebrating birthdays allowed in Islam?

Accepted Answer

The festivals of a people are part of their religion and methodology, by which they are distinguished. Allah has only legislated for this Ummah two ʿīds — al-Fitr and al-Adha — and the day of Jumuʿah. Singling out the day of one's birth, or the birthday of any person — even the Prophet (ﷺ) — for celebration is an innovation: neither the Prophet (ﷺ) nor his Companions did this, and they were the people most loving of him and most eager for good. Whoever introduces a recurring religious celebration not legislated by Allah and His Messenger has innovated in the religion.

Question 5

Is it allowed to celebrate Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, or similar occasions?

Accepted Answer

Whoever resembles a people is one of them. Adopting the festivals of the disbelievers — even partially, even by way of food, gifts, or congratulations — is a form of agreement with their religion and is forbidden. The Companions used to leave even outwardly permissible matters if they were a hallmark of the disbelievers' religious life. As for honouring one's mother, this is obligatory every day of the year, not on a single day legislated by others.

Question 6

What does Islam say about climate change and science?

Accepted Answer

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen explained that while all events occur by the will and decree of Allah, humans are held responsible for their actions. Phenomena like climate change, if proven by empirical science, are understood as a direct consequence of human actions, specifically the 'corruption' (fasad) that Allah has forbidden.

In the Qur'an, Allah says: "Corruption has appeared throughout the land and sea by what the hands of people have earned so He may let them taste part of [the consequence of] what they have done that perhaps they will return [to righteousness]." (Surah Ar-Rum 30:41). The Shaykh noted that this verse explicitly links the calamities and negative changes in the environment to human deeds. This includes industrial pollution, deforestation, the wasteful consumption of resources (israf), and other practices that disrupt the natural balance (mizan) that Allah has established in His creation.

Regarding the role of science, Islam accepts and encourages the pursuit of knowledge that benefits humanity and helps us understand the world. Empirical data from science that demonstrates harm to the environment is to be taken seriously as evidence of the 'fasad' we are commanded to prevent. It is therefore a religious obligation upon Muslims—individuals and communities—to avoid causing environmental harm, to rectify damage where possible, and to live in a way that preserves the Earth for future generations. This responsibility stems from humanity's role as a steward (khalifah) on Earth. Ignoring the scientifically-proven consequences of our actions would be a failure in this divinely-appointed role. Thus, actions that knowingly contribute to widespread environmental degradation are considered haram.

Question 7

What is the Islamic perspective on environmentalism?

Accepted Answer

The principles underpinning modern environmentalism are deeply rooted in the Islamic tradition. The Qur'an and Sunnah establish a clear framework for humanity's relationship with the natural world, based on the concepts of stewardship (khilafah), the prohibition of wastefulness (israf), and the forbiddance of causing corruption in the land (fasad).

Allah states that He has made humanity a steward and successor (khalifah) on earth, which implies a great responsibility to manage and care for it, not to exploit and destroy it. The Council of Senior Scholars in Saudi Arabia affirmed this in a formal statement, emphasising that preserving the environment is a demand of the Shari'ah. They highlighted the comprehensive nature of Islamic teachings, which call for the protection of all essential elements of life, including air, water, and food sources.

The prohibition of wastefulness is a cornerstone of this perspective. Allah says in the Qur'an, "...and eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess." This principle applies to all resources, from water used in ablution (wudu') to food and energy. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) famously advised against using water excessively for wudu, even if one were at a flowing river.

Furthermore, Islam strictly forbids 'fasad fi'l-ard' (causing mischief or corruption upon the earth). This is a broad prohibition that includes polluting water sources, destroying habitats, and disrupting the natural balance established by Allah. The Qur'an warns, "And cause not corruption upon the earth after its reformation." The act of planting and cultivation, by contrast, is highly rewarded. The Prophet said that if a Muslim plants a tree or sows a crop, whatever is eaten from it by a bird, person, or animal is a form of charity for him.

Therefore, actions that align with environmental protection—such as conserving water, reducing waste, planting trees, and avoiding pollution—are not merely contemporary ethics but are mandated by and rewarded within Islam.

Question 8

Is it allowed to celebrate Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, or similar occasions?

Accepted Answer

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen was asked about the ruling on celebrating holidays such as Mother’s Day, birthdays, or Valentine's Day. He stated that all celebrations other than the two legislated Eids (Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha) are forbidden and are considered innovations (bid'ah).

The reasoning is that these celebrations were not practiced by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) or his companions. The religion of Islam is complete, and adding new acts of worship or celebration that are not from the Qur'an and Sunnah is a rejection of this completeness. If there were any goodness in these celebrations, the Salaf as-Salih (the pious predecessors) would have been the first to practice them.

Specifically regarding Mother's Day, while honoring one's mother is a paramount duty in Islam and an act of worship, singling out a specific day for it annually is an imitation of the non-Muslims. A Muslim is commanded to honor their mother continuously, throughout the year, not just on one designated day. This practice has no basis in the Shari'ah and falls under the category of forbidden imitation (tashabbuh).

As for Valentine's Day, the prohibition is even more severe. It is a holiday that originates from Roman paganism and promotes romantic love and relationships outside the Islamic framework of marriage. Participating in it, even by exchanging gifts or greetings, is a clear imitation of non-Islamic rituals and a promotion of values that contradict Islamic teachings on modesty and chastity.

The Shaykh concluded that it is not permissible to take part in these celebrations in any way, whether by attending, exchanging gifts, offering congratulations, or decorating places, as this constitutes cooperation in sin and transgression.

Question 9

Is it allowed to celebrate Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, or similar occasions?

Accepted Answer

It is not permissible to celebrate holidays such as Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, birthdays, or national holidays that are not prescribed in Islam. The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta' has ruled that these are innovations (bid'ah) and constitute an imitation of the non-Muslims (tashabbuh bi'l-kuffar), both of which are strictly prohibited.

The only festivals that are legislated in Islam are Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Any other celebration that is observed regularly and takes on the characteristics of an Eid is considered a newly-invented matter in the religion. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Whoever innovates something in this matter of ours (i.e., Islam) that is not part of it, will have it rejected." (Agreed upon).

Specifically concerning Mother's Day, the Committee stated that while Islam commands honoring one's mother and has given her a high status, singling out a specific day for this is an innovation that originates from non-Muslim societies. The command to honor and be dutiful to parents applies at all times and in all places throughout the year. Designating one day for it, and neglecting this duty for the rest of the year, is contrary to the teachings of Islam. The correct approach is to show kindness, respect, and obedience to the mother continuously, in accordance with the Qur'an and Sunnah.

Therefore, a Muslim should not participate in these celebrations, exchange gifts on these occasions, or express congratulations. To do so is to approve of and participate in a religious innovation, which is a serious sin.

Question 10

What is the ruling on celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or non-Islamic holidays?

Accepted Answer

Shaykh Ibn Baz ruled that it is not permissible to celebrate birthdays, for the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) nor for one’s children or anyone else. These celebrations are a form of bid’ah (reprehensible innovation) that has been introduced into the religion.

The basis for this ruling is that the Sharī’ah has prescribed only two annual festivals for Muslims: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Any other celebration that is observed regularly on a specific date is considered an innovation and an imitation of the non-Muslims, both of which are forbidden.

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and his rightly-guided successors did not celebrate birthdays. The Companions and the scholars of the early generations also did not engage in this practice. All good is in following their example, and all evil is in what is introduced after them.

Furthermore, celebrating birthdays is an act of imitation (tashabbuh) of the Jews, Christians, and other non-Muslims. It is established from the Prophet (peace be upon him) that this is prohibited, as this can lead to adopting their customs and beliefs. He said, 'Whoever imitates a people is one of them.'

Therefore, Muslims should suffice with the two Eids that Allah has legislated. They must avoid all newly-invented festivals, including birthdays, wedding anniversaries, Mother's Day, and national holidays, as they are additions to the religion and an imitation of the disbelievers. A Muslim should be distinct in their beliefs, practices, and celebrations, adhering only to what is sanctioned by the Qur'an and the Sunnah.

Contemporary Issues

Is music, singing, or musical instruments haram?

Contemporary & Miscellaneous?

What is the ruling on celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or non-Islamic holidays?

Is celebrating birthdays allowed in Islam?

Is it allowed to celebrate Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, or similar occasions?

What does Islam say about climate change and science?

What is the Islamic perspective on environmentalism?

What is the Islamic stance on organ donation, blood transfusion, or medical treatments?

Is watching TV, movies, or using social media with inappropriate content allowed?

Can Muslims have friends of the opposite gender?

Is drawing or making images haram?

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