The Rights of the Kin in Islam

The Rights of the Kin in Islam

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful;

All the praise and Thanks is due to Allāh, the Lord of al-`ālameen. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allāh, and that Muhammad, Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam, is His Messenger

It is an obligation upon every Muslim to uphold and keeping the bond of kinship which it is not as easy as it sounds. Families and friends give warmth and meaning to our lives. It keep us strong and fulfilled, make us feel loved and wanted, help us grow. At times we struggle to stay the course of an unpredictable and of unkind life. In Islam, Allah requires us to always maintain ar-rahim or good relationships with them. Allah the Almighty imposes on us to save not only ourselves and our family from the Punishment in which means that a good family can help us evade the Hell Fire of a miserable eternity. 

Allah Says: “O Ye who Believe! Save yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is Men and Stones?”   [Surah At-Tahrim, 66:6]

But the intimacy, closeness, frequent interaction and mutual dependence of family and friends can lead to the opposite of the beautiful things. Warmth of love in a family can turn into situation of envious or even spilling of blood. The search for fulfilment can become thirst for humiliating others, and support in tough times can turn into hatred and rivalry even in good times. It happens when some members of a family do not possess the right values and attitude. Satan, that enemy of mankind, loves none of his snares more than sowing hatred within believing families and friends.

The excessive individualism of modern times as well as timeless ignorance and selfishness can replace the love of families and bonds of friendship with hatred and bad blood.

Unfortunately, some people quickly denounce and desert family members only because they forgot to invite them to the last get together. We can find family members who actually live door-to-door and refuse to even share the greeting amongst them when they met face to face. Each one claims that the other should initiate the first visit and "why should I be the one to go knock on their door? Plus, I got ill the other day and they did not even bother to stop by and see how I was doing!" Oh, does it hurt to hear these arguments.' It makes us understand the words of the Messenger of Allah (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) that Satan runs through the blood stream of the son of Adam. The saddest thing is that their children were told to never speak to their relatives or even approach their door. It rips the hearts inside to even think about it.

1.The value of Ar-Rahim.

Severing relation has become a threatening epidemic that has found its way into many Muslim families. We have forgotten the tremendous value of Ar-Rahim. We become completely unmindful and oblivious of its significance, our selfishness and self-centeredness has gotten the best of us.

Before we go further, let us define the word rahim. The word in Arabic is extracted from rahim which literally refers to go the womb; the latter has been the abode of every human being before they came out to this world except for Adam ('alayhissalam) and Hawa (Eve).

Islamic scholar Ar-Raghib Al-Asfahani (rahimahullah) said, "Ar-Rahim is the womb of the mother, and it stands for family ties knowing that it was the first source from which they were produced" In Islamic terminology, Ar-Rahim means family bonds and relations that we refer to in English as kinship relationships.

The Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) enlightens us on the noble position of rahim through a powerful allegory in a hadith narrated by Abu Hurairah (radiyallāhu`anhu):

“Allah created all the creation, and when He finished, ar-rahim (the womb) got up and pleaded to Allah, where-upon Allah said to it, "What is the matter?" It said: "At this place, I seek your refuge from those who sever me (cut off ties of kinship)." Allah said, "Yes, will you not be satisfied if I bestow My favours on him who keeps your ties, and withhold My favours from him who severs your ties;" Upon this, it said, "Yes, O my Lord!" Allah said, "Then that is for you". [Al-Bukhari]

This hadith lays out the very foundation of kinship, emphasizing its importance as well as the ramifications of' severing kinship ties.

Ar-Rahim is a noun that encompasses all the relatives from the father's and the mother's sides.

Islamic scholar Al-Qurtubi (rahimahullah) said: Generally speaking, ar-rahim has a broad and a particular meaning. The broad one includes all the believers and that is ar-rahim of religion, then there is the one pertaining to all relatives of any person from the father's and the mother's sides which is the one concerning us in this issue. Know that each one of them has a number of due rights over you. Allah revealed this verse regarding ar-rahim, which many Muslims throughout the world recognize, since they hear it every Friday from their Imams as part of the introduction of the khutbah: "And fear Allah through Whom you ask one another; and the wombs." [Surah An-Nisa, 4: 1]

Silah, which literally means connecting, is used often in conjunction with rahim, and so silat ar-rahim means to join the ties of kinship by treating one's relatives fairly and compassionately.

On top of the list of these relations come our parents, who have sacrificed much of their lives to make us strong and worthy human beings. Then come our brothers and sisters with whom we shared the same womb, and then our grandparents along with all the other family members including our uncles, aunts and cousins from both the paternal and maternal sides.

2.Our Kin's Rights over Us

Every member of our family has rights over us. These rights differ from one person to another. For instance, the mother stands higher than the aunt and the grandfather is most definitely above the brother in law.

Some of the rights our next of kin has on us are: To maintain a good relationship with them by showing respect, love and sympathy. Be there for them when they need you. Go visit them at times of sickness and be a good support at times of tribulations. Share with them glorious moments. Let them in on all your good news. Buy them gifts and congratulate them on ‘Eid days. Help them financially during harsh times.

When Allah revealed the verse: “You will not attain piety until you spend from that which is beloved to you” [Surah Ali-‘Imran, 3: 93], Abu Talhah (radiyallāhu`anhu) said: "The most beloved to me of my wealth is Bayrahā’ (a garden), and I am giving it as a charity for Allah, I yearn for its reward from Allah. O Messenger of Allah spends it as you see fit according to what Allah has shown you." The Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) said: "Bakhin! (An expression of amazement) That indeed is a profitable trade. I have heard what you said, and I recommend that you spend it on your kin." Abu Talhah (radiyallāhu`anhu) responded, "O Messenger of Allah, I will do so." And Abu Talhah (radiyallāhu`anhu) indeed gave it away to his relatives.

Spending on kinship has become a neglected responsibility, to the point that you can easily find people who will invite a friend to a classy restaurant and never spend a dime on their cousin. They offer valuable gifts and even money to their peers and co-workers while their parents are in dire situations. This brings to mind the event of Musteh who was Abu Bakar's cousin and also among those who fell into the error of slandering his (Abu Bakar’s) daughter, the mother of the believers, 'Aishah (radiyallāhu`anha) in the famous incident of ‘ifk (lie). This made Abu Bakar (radiyallāhu`anhu) so furious that he took an oath he would never again give charity to Musteh.

Following this incident Allah the Almighty sent down a number of verses attesting to the innocence of the mother of the believers, but among them was also this magnificent verse:

"And let not those among you who are blessed with graces and wealth swear not to give (any sort of help) to their kinsmen, and the poor, and those who left their homes for Allah’s cause. Let them pardon and forgive. Do you not love that Allah should forgive you? And Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful." [Surah An-Nur, 24:22]

Upon hearing this beautiful verse, the noble companion Abu Bakar (radiyallāhu`anhu) said, "Yes we love!"(Meaning yes O Allah, we love that you forgive us) Then he resumed his spending on Musteh.

Let us all pause and look deep into this verse and reflect upon its limitless wisdom, and see how Allah the Lord of the worlds guided to Abu Bakar (radiyallāhu`anhu) charity to his kin, even when this person had falsely slandered his daughter!

3.When Your Kinfolk Are Non-Muslim

We should know that kindness to parents is a personal duty imposed by Allah on every son and daughter. To be a dutiful child is to ensure that one is closer to Allah the Almighty. It makes it easier to win Allah’s pleasure and be eventually admitted into Paradise. Parents must be obeyed unless they order us to commit a sin. This is based on the Prophet’s (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) statement that: “No creature may be obeyed in what constitutes disobedience to the Creator.” All this assumes that the parents are Muslims. It may happen, however, that a Muslim child has non-Muslim parents. What should his attitude be toward them?

First and foremost, even if one's kinsfolk are hostile to Islam, one should under no circumstance give up on them; continue to invite them to Islam with kindness, compassion and wisdom. We should pray to Allah constantly to guide them and open their hearts and lead them to the straight path.

Asma’ binti Abu Bakar (radiyallahu'anha) was the Prophet’s sister-in-law. She was the daughter of his closest companion and the sister of his wife ‘Aishah. Her mother, however, did not become a Muslim for quite a long time. Asma’ said: “My mother came to me during the time of the Prophet (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) hoping to get something from me. I asked the Prophet (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) 'whether I should be kind to her'". He answered: “Yes,” [Al-Bukhari].

The way this hadith is phrased suggests that her mother had not yet become a Muslim when she came to her. Another version states clearly that the mother was hostile to Islam. Had she shown any inclination to become a Muslim, Asma’ (radiyallahu'anha) would not have needed to ask the Prophet’s (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) permission to be kind to her. Many a Muslim at that time was extra kind to their parents and relatives who were not Muslims, hoping to win them over to Islam. The significance of this particular hadith is that even when a parent is determined not to become a Muslim, we still should treat him or her kindly.

Try all beautiful and wise ways to bring them into the fold of Islam. Bear in mind that this indeed is one of the most difficult tasks and one of the most honourable ones as well. Show them concern and be patient when dealing with them. Overlook the harsh words and pardon the ridicule.

Remember that never did the Prophet (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) quit calling his uncle Abu Talib bin Abdul Mutallib to embrace Islam, even when his uncle was in his death bed. One of the most touching scenes in Quran is the dialogue that took place between Prophet Nuh (`alayhissalam) and his disbelieving son. Here is a Prophet of Allah trying eagerly to call his son to the path of light and safety. Despite the fact that his son was an adamant disbeliever, Nuh AS chose the kindest of words and used the most compassionate expressions to persuade his son.

Allah the Almighty says: "Allah does not forbid you to deal justly and kindly with those who fought not against you on account of religion nor drove you out of your homes. Verily, Allah loves those who deal with equity." [Surah al-Mumtahana, 60:8]

So long as they do not stand as a barrier between us and our religion, we are obligated to fulfil all the rights they have on us. We must not become someone's excuse for not wanting to become Muslim.

4.Between Islam and the family: Which should I Choose?

This is a question everyone with non-Muslim relatives wishes to never encounter. It represents one of those times we call the moment of truth and the most difficult of tests.

Kindness to non-Muslim parents does not depend on what religion they follow. We are supposed to be kind to them. It is true that such kindness may help win them over to Islam. This is, however, not the only reason. The parent-child relationship transcends matters of personal inclinations, desires, habits, creeds and faith. It is well known that a parent tries hard to overcome his prejudice against something if he feels that his son or daughter likes it. Islam does not like to stir trouble in every family where the parents are not Muslims. It recognizes that the parent-child tie need not be broken on account of faith. It, therefore, instructs its followers to be kind to their non-Muslim parents.

Only when such parents try to persuade their Muslim child to turn away from Islam does Allah command us not to listen to them or obey them. Allah SAYS:

“We have enjoined upon man goodness toward his parents: his mother bore him by bearing strain upon strain, and his weaning is within two years. Be grateful toward Me and toward your parents, with Me all journeys end. Yet should they (your parents) endeavour to make you ascribe divinity, side by side with Me to something of which you have no knowledge, then do not obey them. But even then bear them company with kindness in the life of this world and follow the path of those who turn toward me.”

[Surah Luqman, 31:14-15]

It is reported that these verses were revealed when the mother of Sa’ad Ibn Abu Waqqas (radiyallahu’anhu) who was a companion of the Prophet (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) was so upset when she learned that he had embraced Islam. She tried to persuade him to recant. Realizing that he was determined to follow the Prophet (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) she tried to increase the pressure on him. She knew that he was a most dutiful child and he loved her dearly. She thought that if she brought hardship on herself, he would feel sorry for her and might listen to her. She swore that she would not taste any food or drink until he had left the Prophet (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam).

The judgment in his case was given by Allah in the above quoted verses. Sa’ad (radiyallāhu`anhu) did not listen to his mother and continued to be one of the best companions of the Prophet (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam)  He was later given the happy news by the Prophet (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam)that he was certain to be admitted into Paradise.

It is clear from his story and the verses revealed by Allah concerning it that when it comes to matters of faith, a non-Muslim parent may not be obeyed. That, however, does not mean to be unkind to such a parent as we mentioned before. We are still required to be kind to him or her, hoping always that they may recognize the truth of Islam.

There is absolutely no graver sin than shirik, (i.e. to associate partners with Allah) yet Allah the Almighty advised us to keep them company in this life and show them benevolence. This is the only time when we can say no to parents—but not walk out on them. Instead, we should be with them, support them in all kinds of ways when they need us, so long as they do not ask you to go against the teaching of Allah and his Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam)  This also goes for the rest of our non-Muslim kinfolk.

Remember what Yusuf ('alayhissalam) said as Allah informs us in the verse: "Verily, he who fears Allah with obedience to him, and is patient, then surely, Allah makes not the reward of the Muhsinun (righteous) to be lost." [Surah Yusuf, 12:90]

We do good if we pray Allah to enlighten our non-Muslim parents and guide them to accept Islam. We cannot, however, pray Allah to forgive them. Allah forgives all sins with the exception of associating partners with him. All non-believers associate partners with Allah in one form or another. It is, therefore, futile to pray Him to forgive what he has told us He would not forgive. Moreover, it is an affront to Allah.

It may be hard for a Muslim person to be unable to pray for the forgiveness of his non-Muslim parents. Let us remember that the Prophet’s (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) own parents were non-Muslims. He asked Allah’s permission to pray Him to forgive his mother. His request was declined. We know that Allah granted every prayer the Prophet (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) made either for himself or his companions or, indeed, Muslims generally. The fact that Allah did not permit the Prophet (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) to pray for the forgiveness of his own mother suggests that this is not a trifling matter at all. It is indeed much more beneficial to one’s non-Muslim parents who are alive that he prays Allah to guide them to Islam.

5.The Merits and Benefits of Keeping Good Family Relations.

5.1. The Way to Paradise

The Messenger(Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) said: "Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, then let him be generous to his guest, and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him maintain the bond of kinship, and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him say that which is good or observe silence." [Al-Bukhari]

Abu Ayub Al-Ansari (radiyallāhu`anhu) narrated: "A man said: 'O Messenger of Allah, inform me of a certain deed that if I do it, I shall enter Paradise.' He (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) said: ‘ Worship Allah and do not associate anything with him, establish Solah, Zakah and maintain bonds of kinship'".

5.2. Abundance and Longevity

It is narrated by Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri (radiyallāhu`anhu) that the Messenger of Allah (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) said: "Whoever desires for Allah to multiply his provision and increase his age, he should maintain good relations with his kin".

5.3. Beautiful Pleasures of life

Take advantage of every opportunity which presents itself to help them, visit them and be there for them, for the sake of Allah.

Think about that great moment when your little nephew or niece opened the door and shouted out, "It is my auntie....! It is my uncle ..," then threw themselves, innocently, in your arms. What a great blessing!

6.The Curse of Allah upon Those Who Sever Blood Relations

Allah has severely warned those who cut off their blood relations and family ties. The Prophet (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) also condemned such people. 

Allah the Almighty Says:"Would you then, if you were given the authority, do mischief in the land and sever your ties of kinship? Such are they whom Allah has cursed, so that He has made them deaf and blinded their sight." [Surah Muhammad, 47:22-23]

All Muslims should read these two verses over and over again, and let them sink in, because the verse right after that says: "Do they not then think deeply in the Quran? Or are their hearts locked up?"[Surah Muhammad, 47:24]

We seek refuge in Allah, the Lord of the worlds, from the sealing of our hearts and the subjugation of our weak selves.

Even the company of those who mistreat their families and are cut off from them is accursed. 'Abdullah Ibn Abu 'Awf (radiyallāhu`anhu) narrated that, "One time we were sitting with the Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) who said: `No one who cuts off his ties should sit with us.' So a young man stood up from the crowd and went to visit his aunt, with whom he had some frictions, she then asked forgiveness for him, and he did the same for her, soon afterwards, he came back to our gathering circle, upon which the Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) said:"The Mercy will not descend on people among whom there is a person who severs kin ties."

Severing one's blood ties is far from a trivial choice: it is an evil that may hinder you from entering Paradise. The Messenger of Allah (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) said:"No one who severs his family ties will enter Paradise." [At-Tirmidzi]

Part of the danger resulting from cutting off one's relations can be sensed from the following hadith. 

Abu Hurairah (radiyallāhu`anhu) related that a man came to the Prophet (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) and said: "O Messenger of Allah, my relatives are such that I cooperate with them, but they cut me off; I am kind to them but they ill-treat me; I forbear but they are rude to me."The Prophet (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) replied: "If you are as you say, you are then feeding them with hot ashes; and so long as you remain the way you are, Allah will always help you and he will protect you against their mischief." [Muslim]

Imam An-Nawawi (rahimahullah) said: "The hot ashes are a metaphor for the amount of pain and agony experienced by the one who eats them." The hadith pertains also to the people who behave differently. They will maintain good times as long as their kindred do the same, but otherwise they sever them. Real cherishing of the blood relation is not observed in anticipation of reciprocation on the part of one's kin; but the ties should be maintained for Allah’s sake only, even if this is done from one side only neglecting the behaviour of the other side in return.

‘Abdullah Ibn 'Amr (radiyallāhu`anhu) narrated that the Prophet (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) said: "A person who reciprocates in doing good is not the one who joins his blood relations generously; but he is one who joins with his blood relations when they sever the kinship ties." [Al-Bukhari]

This wonderful hadith puts all things in perspective for those who are so skilled at pointing fingers, trying to justify the haughtiness of their own selves by always blaming other people, thus justifying their cutting of ties. The Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) penly states that regardless of their behaviour you should visit them; regardless of their detachment, you should maintain your ties; regardless of their offensiveness, reward them with forbearance, and most importantly, never cease to include in your supplications that Allah grant them a change of heart; for all the hearts are between His fingers, He flips them as He wills.

The Messenger of Allah (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) set for all humanity the greatest example of forgiveness and mercy after he conquered Makkah. The Makkans had tortured, killed, and humiliated Muslims for so long, and killed some of the dearest relatives of the blessed Prophet (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) himself. But the Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) answered them by saying "I would say to you what Yusuf said to his brothers: No reproach on you this day; May Allah forgives you; He is the most Merciful of those who show mercy. Go free; you are all pardoned!" This incident never fails to bring tears to a Muslim's eye. In fact, any human being would be moved by such nobility and mercy to tears. No wonder ‘Aishah (radiyallāhu`anha) when asked about the character of the Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) said that his character was the Quran. Better yet Allah bears witness that his Messenger stands on the highest plane of character.

Allah Says: "And verily, you have an exalted standard of character." [Surah Al-Qalam, 68:4]

7.Ways to Enhance Your Relations

Here are ways for us to fortify our ties and strengthen our bonds with our kinsmen:

7.1. Arrange frequent visits with those who live close by, on a weekly basis if they are in the same town or on a yearly basis at least if they reside overseas, depending on a person's abilities. But always remember, the least you can do nowadays is to pick up a paper and a pen and write to them how much your heart yearns for them and that they are not at all forgotten. If not, pick up the phone and tell them how much you love them and cannot wait to visit with them. Little things can make a big difference.

7.2. In a family gathering, do not let the opportunity to clear up all misunderstandings, pass you by and show all of your relatives your love and concern.

7.3. When conversing with them, take interest in what they have to say, even if it is not your cup of tea. Listen to their concerns, and help them if you can, and at least give them hope and your prayers—for sincere prayers, reassurance and love are worth much more than any-thing else.

4. Have respect for all elderly people in your family, be all-ears when they are telling their stories and try to learn from their past experiences.

7.5. Bring joy to family gatherings by creating an atmosphere of fun, sharing jokes or even getting a bit playful at times—but always within the limits of decency and without hurting anyone's feelings.

7.6. Be there for them, and offer to help in every way you can.

Many good deeds bear fruit that will not be seen until the Hereafter. But keeping good family relations is something that will benefit you immediately, by making this life a lot happier, lighter, pleasant and more rewarding. Most importantly, Allah will reward us generously for every smile, every hug, and every act of generosity, every phone call or letter, every word of encouragement, every suppression of anger, and every instance of forgiveness towards your family members. Who can afford to be deprived of such an immense reward? Do not allow yourself to be of those who sever what Allah has ordered to be joined. 

He the Almighty Says: "Those who break Allah’s covenant after ratifying it, and sever what Allah has ordered to be joined, and do mischief on earth, it is they who are the losers."  [Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:27]

And Allāh Almighty Knows best.

[Via Islam Web]

Please See Also:

 1.The Meaning of Silatul Rahim; 2.Guidelines on Ties of the Kinship;

3.The Obligation of Upholding the Ties of Kinship;4.The Rights of the Kin in Islam;

5The Rights and Duties of Women in Islam.; 6.All Occurs By The Will And Decree Of Allāh;

7.Allah Obligates Kindness to Parents; 8.Acknowledging the Parents;

9.The Kindred of Kinship;

10. Not Permissible To Forsake A Muslim;

11.Ruling On Disputes and the Virtue of Reconciling;

12.Dealing With Relatives Who Backbite;13. Dealing with Hurtful Relatives;

14.Giving Zakah to Deserving Relatives;15.Is the Father’s Wife among the Relatives (Rahm);

16.Husband’s Duties towards His Wife’s Family ; 17.The Rights of the Husband and the Wife;

18.Upholding the Ties of Kinship for Females;19.A Woman’s Mahram;

20.The Seven under the Shade of Allāh

Visions of the Jinn

 Visions of the Jinn

 

Dr. Bilal Philips

The Author

Ahmad Ibn 'Abdul-Halim Ibn Taimiyyah was born in the town of Harran [near Edessa, in what was once Northern Iraq, but is now called Orfa and is a part of Turkey.], in the year 1263 CE. His father was a leading scholar of the Hanbalite School of Islamic law and so was his grandfather, who authored Muntaqa Al-Akhbar, the text of Ash-Shawkani's Hadith classic Nayl Al-Awtar.

Ibn Taimiyyah mastered the various disciplines of Islamic study at an early age and read extensively the books of the various sects and religions in existence at that time. Much of his time and effort was spend defending the orthodox Islamic position against a tidal wave of deviation which had swept over the Muslim nation. Consequently, he faced many difficulties from both the prominent sectarian scholars of his time and from the authorities who supported them.

His clashes with them led to his imprisonment on numerous occasions. Ibn Taimiyyah also fought, not only against internal enemies of Islam, but also against its external enemies by both his Fatwas (Islamic legal rulings) and against his physical participation in battles.

His ruling allowing the taking up arms against groups which recognized the Shahadatain (Declaration of Faith) but refused to uphold some aspects of the fundamental principles of Islam, greatly affected the resistance movement against the Tartars who had declared their acceptance of Islam but did not rule according to divine law.

During these struggles he wrote countless books and treatises demonstrating his extensive reading and knowledge, not only of the positions of the early scholars, but also those of the legal and theological schools which had subsequently evolved. Ibn Taimiyyah also had a major effect on the open-minded scholars of his day, most of whom were from the Shafi'ite school of law. Among the most famous of his students were Ibn Kathir, Adh-Dhahabi, and Ibn Al-Qayyim. The author died in 1328 while in prison in Damascus for his Fatwa against undertaking journeys to visit the graves of saints [Ibn Taimiyyah's ruling was based on the authentic statement reported by Abu Hurairah wherein the Prophet Muhammad SAW said, "Do not undertake a journey except to three Masjid; this Masjid of mine, Masjid al-Haram (Makkah) and Masjid al-Aqsa (Bayt al-Maqdis)." Collected by Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. His Fatwa had been distorted by his enemies to say that he forbade visiting the Prophet Muhammad's SAW grave.

Demonic Visions

Those involved in incantation and oaths often swear by some devils to help them against others. Sometimes the evil Jinn fulfill their request but frequently they do not, especially when the Jinn against whom the help are sought is honored among them. Neither the one chanting incantations nor his incantations have any power to force the devils to help them.

The reciter of incantations earnestly entreats a being that he considered great - which may or may not be the case - to harm others who may conceivably be greater. In the case where someone entreats the Jinn to harm someone whom the Jinn hold in high esteem, they will ignore him. In fact, it may prevent them from even responding at all. Their situations is quite similar to that of humans except that human beings are generally more intelligent, truthful, just and trustworthy while the Jinn tend to be ignorant, untruthful, oppressive and treacherous.

The point is that though the oaths and incantations of devil-worshippers may contain statements of idolatry and disbelief, they are frequently ineffective against the Jinn. When requested to kill or apprehend other Jinn who have possessed a human, the Jinn will often mock those who make the request by falsely giving them the impression that they killed or detained the offending Jinn. This is especially so in cases where humans believe in the illusions created by the Jinn. The Jinn usually communicate by either visions or voices ["The gleaning of hidden information by way of visions and voices has been well documented among clairvoyants and mediums. ‘A medium’ may be defined as a person through whose agency or through whose orgainsm there are received communications ostensibly from deceased human beings or other discarnate or remote entities. In what is called 'clairvoyant medium ship' -now popularly known as channelling- the medium 'sees' or 'hears' the deceased friends and relatives of persons present and relays messages from them. Generally speaking, the experiences concerned seem not to have the distinctness of ordinary perception but are rather a seeing or hearing 'in the mind's eye' or ear. Sometimes, however, the figures seen or voices heard may attain as hallucinatory vividness; the medium's experience then resembles that of one who witnesses an apparition." (Benjamin B. Wolman. ed., Handbook of Parapsychology, New York, Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, 1977, pp, 579-580)]

With those seeking information among the idol-worshippers, Christians, Jews, and heretical Muslims driven astray by the devils. Jinn’s may take the form of a live picture portraying whatever the sorcerers and fortune tellers wish to know about. When these deviants see the image of what they sought, they then inform other humans about it. Some of them may know that the image is actually an illusion, while others may be deluded into believing that they are actually witnessing the real scene. Jinns may also make humans hear the voice of those whom they call upon who are far away. Such cases are frequent among idolaters, Christians, Jews and ignorant Muslims who seek refuge in those whom they consider holy. When some devotees call on their spiritual masters for help saying, "Oh my Lord so and so!" the Jinn will address them in the voice of their masters. When the masters answer their request, the Jinn, in turn, answer the devotees in the masters' voice. This has happened to many people some of whom are known to me. The devils will often respond while talking the form of the one besought, whether dead or alive, even if he is unaware of those who call on him. Those committing Shirik in this fashion believe that the person beseeched has actually replied when in fact it is the Jinn replying. This frequently happens to Christians who call on those whom they edify, whether dead or alive, like George or other holy figures [ROME, Feb 24 1989 (AFP) - A retired Italian roadman Renato Baron claims that he has been seeing and talking to the Virgin Mary for nearly three years now. Visions by Baron and about thirty others have attracted tens of thousands of people from Italy, France, Belgium, and West Germany to a hill near Venice, causing huge traffic jams.

Ambridge, Pennsylvania, A small Roman Catholic Church in a western Pennsylvania mill town is preparing for a deluge of pilgrims after a reported Good Friday miracle in which the eyes of a statue of Christ suddenly closed. The Rev. Vincent Cvitkovic, a Franciscan friar, and many of his parishioners reported that the eyes of a life-size statue which depicts the crucified Christ, which have been open for 60 years, closed during a prayer meeting. (The Times, Monday, April 10th 1989, no. 63, 364, p.8)

In 1981 a group of five children were playing on a hill just outside of a village in the Yugoslavian Republic of Bosnia - Herzegovina called Medugorje when a vision of a beautiful woman claiming to be the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared before them. Since 1981 some seven to eight million pilgrims from different countries, cultures and Christian traditions have climbed up the holy hill of Medugorje. At 7:30 every evening pilgrims and tourists anxiously crowd around the dark rectory of a nearby church staring at the stream of light which will signify that once more the children, who still gather there daily, are having their private audience with the Blessed Mother. (IRF, Newsletter of the International Religious Foundation, Inc., Vol II, No. 6, Nov-Dec 1987, pp 1-2).

Divine grace (salvation) is felt to be especially potent in places visited by Jesus Christ or Saints or by Mary; where they have appeared in visions. Major pilgrimage centres include Lourdes where visions of the Virgin Mary were first seen in 1858 and where healing has been occurring since that time. (John R. Hinnells, ed., Dictionary of Religions, Middlesex, England: Penguin Books Ltd., 1984, p. 284)]. It also occurs to heretical Muslims who call on the dead or those not present, and the devils take the form of the one called upon even without him realizing it. I know of many cases where this has occurred and the people called upon have told me that they did not know that they were called upon, though those beseeching them for help saw their images and were convinced that it was the actual person. More than one person has mentioned that they called on me in times of distress, each telling a different story about how I have responded. When I told them that I never answered any of them nor did I know that they were calling on me, some said that it must have been an angel. I told them that angels do not benefit those committing SHIRIK and that it was actually a devil trying to further misguide them.

Sometimes the Jinn will take the form of those admired and stand at 'Arafat, and those who believe well of him will think that he actually stood in 'Arafat. Many others have also been actually carried by the devils to 'Arafat and other sacred places. In such cases they pass the Miqat (boundaries that may not be crossed while on Hajj, around Makkah) without formally entering the state of Ihram, or performing many of the obligatory rites of Hajj like making the Talbiyah (chant of response to God's call) or circulating the Ka’abah, and walking between the mounts of Safa and Marwa. Among them are some who do not even pass through Makkah, others who stand at 'Arafat without performing the pre-requisite rite of casting stones at the Jamarat etc. It is by these and other similar feats that Satan leads seemingly pious people in misguidance.

Sincere devotees among heretics are in this way enticed to do acts, which are prohibited (Haram) or despised (Makruh) in the religion. Satan is able to make such misdeeds appealing to them by convincing them that they are among the Karamaat (supernatural or quasi-miraculous feats) of the righteous. However they are, without a doubt, Satanic deceptions because Allah cannot be worshipped by any religious injunction which is neither compulsory (Wajib) nor recommended (Mustahab).

Whoever performs an act of worship, which is neither Wajib nor Mustahabb believing that it is so, has been deceived by Satan? Even if it is decreed that such a person will be forgiven due to his good intention and striving, the act itself is still unacceptable to Allah [An example may be seen in the mistaken belief held by some that a man's head must be covered while he is in formal prayer - Solah - as is the case among Jews or that a woman's hair to be covered while reading the Qur’an. However, the Prophet SAW did not order that it be done nor recommended it but merely followed the customs of his people during that time.].

Such acts are not among the things with which Allah honors His pious servants who are close to Him, as there is no honor in performing prohibited (Haram) or despised (Makruh) acts [Such is the case of the celebration of the Prophet's SAW birthday - 'Eid Maulud an-Nabi - which probably began among ignorant Muslims trying to outdo or at least compete with the Christians’ celebrations of Christmas. Maulud celebrations are a form of innovation - Bid'ah - in religion, which has been forbidden by the Prophet SAW who said: "Whoever innovates in this affair of ours - i.e. Islam - something which does not belong to it will be rejected. - Reported by 'Aishah and collected by Al-Bukhari and Muslim.

Divine honor lies in protecting one whom Allah loves from such acts and preventing him from doing them. For, committing misdeeds debases one who does them and does not in any way favor him, even if he is not punished for doing them. Doing despised or Haram acts MUST decrease the spiritual level of both the one who does them as well as his followers who praise such acts and glorify him. For, heaping praise on prohibited and despised acts and honoring the one who does them is definitely a form of deviation from the path of Allah. The more and more a man innovates in the religion as a result of independent judgment (Ijtihad), the further he becomes from Allah, because innovation (Bid'ah) removes him from Allah’s path; the divine path of "those who Allah has blessed from among the prophets, the sincerely truthful, martyrs and righteous" [An-Nisa, 4:69] unto the path of "those with whom Allah is angry and those who have gone astray" [Al-Fatihah 1:7].

Ibn Taimiyyah mentioned the following [This begins a segment from vol.35 of Ibn Taimiyah's compendium, Majmu' al-Fatwa.] historical incident concerning al-Hallaj [Al-Husain ibn Mansur al-Hallaj (858-922 CE) studied under the eminent Sufi teachers of his time (Tustaree, 'Amr Makee and Junaid) then broke with them and went out into this world to preach asceticism and mysticism in Khurasan, Ahwaz, Fars, India and Turkistan. On his return to Baghdad from Makkah in 908, many were attracted by his teachings, and disciples rapidly gathered around him. He taught that the five pillars of Islam may be replaced by other works. He also taught about the existence of an uncreated Divine spirit (Ruh Natiqah) which becomes united with the created spirit of the ascetic through desire of and submission to suffering.

In his teachings the Saint (Walee) became the living and personal witness of God (H.A.R. Gibb and J.H. Kramers, Encyclopedia of Islam, Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press, 1st ed., 1953, pp 127-80). Consequently he stated in his book: "If you do not recognize God, at least recognise His sign, I am the creative truth -Ana al-Haqq-, because through the truth, I am eternal truth. My friends and teachers are Iblis (Satan) and Pharaoh. Iblis was threatened with Hellfire, yet, he did not recant. Pharaoh was drowned in the sea, yet he did not recant, for he would not acknowledge anything between him and God (i.e. Hallaj felt that Iblis' refusal to prostrate to Adam and Pharaoh's statement "I am your Lord, most High" were correct!). And, I, though, I am killed and crucified and though my hands and feet are cut off; I do not recant." - Kitab al-Tawasin, Massignon Press, Paris, 1913, VI, 32.

The leading scholars from all orthodox schools of Islamic law as well as the leading Shi'ite scholars and some of his former Sufi teachers declared him a heretic and he was subsequently executed due to his refusal to retract his claim to be the personification of God on earth.] and a group of his followers, "Some of them requested some sweets from al-Hallaaj, so he got up and went to a spot a short distance away, then returned with a plateful of sweets. It was later discovered that it had been stolen from a candy shop in Yemen and carried by a devil to that area."

Ibn Taimiyyah went on to say, "Incidents similar to this have happened to others who, like al-Hallaj, also achieved the pinnacle of satanic states, and we know of quite a few such people in our time as well as other times. For instance, there is a person presently residing in Damascus whom the devil used to carry from the Salihiyah Mountain to villages around Damascus. He would appear out of the air and enter the windows of houses in which people were gathered to witness his 'miraculous entrance.'" Ibn Taimiyyah also quoted another mystic master who admitted that he used to fornicate with women and sodomise young boys. The former mystic master said, "A black dog ["Abu Dharr reported: The Messenger of Allah said: 'When any one of you stands for prayer it should be towards something that shields him equivalent (in height) to the back of a saddle, otherwise his prayer will be broken by passing of a donkey, a woman or a black dog.' I asked 'O Abu Dhar, what is the difference between a black dog, a red dog and tan-colored dog?' He replied, 'O son of my brother, I also asked Allah’s Messanger as you are asking me, and he said: 'The black dog is a devil.'" (Sahih Muslim and all other in the six Sahih books with the exception of Sahih al-Bukhari)]

With two white spots between his eyes would come to me and say, 'Verily such and such a person has made an oath by you and he will come to you tomorrow to inform you about it. I have already fulfilled his need for your sake.' [When questioned during his trial, the infamous New York City mass murderer of the seventies, "Son of Sam", claimed that a dog used to come in backyard of his house and tell him to kill his victims. It was assumed by the court and his psychiatrists that he was mentally deranged and the dog a figment of his imagination.] The person would then come to him the next day and the Sufi master would reveal the details of his oath to him and how it was fulfilled. The Sufi master went on to say, 'I used to walk about the city and a black pole with a light on top of it would lead the way.'

“Ibn Taimiyyah said, "When the Sufi master repented and began to pray, fast, and avoid the forbidden, the black dog went away." He also narrated the following about another mystic master who had the aid of devils whom he would dispatch to possess people: "When the family of the possessed would come to him seeking a cure, he would send a message to his demon companion and they would leave the possessed persons, as a result, the Sheikh would be given many dirham’s for his services. Sometimes the Jinn would bring him dirham’s and food which they stole from people, so much so that the Sheikh would request dates from his devils and they would take them from beehives in which some people had hidden their dates. When the beehive owners would look for their dates they would find them gone."

About yet another mystic, Ibn Taimiyyah relates, "There was a Sheikh knowledgeable in the religious sciences and Qur'anic recitation to which the devils came and eventually managed to seduce. They told him that Solah was no longer required of him and that they would bring him whatever he wished. As soon as he complied with their wishes, they began to bring him a variety of sweets and fruit. This continued until he was advised to repent by some scholars that he visited who were firmly following the Sunnah. He subsequently repented and repaid the owners of the sweets for what he ate while under the influence of the Jinn." He then went on to say, "Many of those who call on Sheikhs in time of need saying, 'O master so and so, or Sheikh so and so, fulfil my need' have seen an image of the Sheikh saying, 'I will fulfill your need and put your heart at ease,' then it fulfills their needs or repels their enemies. In such cases it is a devil taking the Sheikh’s form when they committed Shirik by associating partners with Allah and calling on others beside Him." Ibn Taimiyyah then went on to enumerate similar instances involving him saying, "I know of many such incidences even among a group of my companions who called on me in times when they were struck by calamities. One was afraid of the Romans and another of the Tatars. Both of them mentioned that they called out to me, they saw me in the air and I repelled their enemies for them. I informed them that I did not hear their cries no did I repel their enemies. It was a devil taking my appearance to seduce them when they associated partners with Allah the Almighty. Similar incidents have also happened to the students of my contemporaries among the scholars, whereby some of their students have sought refuge in them and have seen them fulfill their needs. The scholars have also denied doing so and indicated that it was in fact the work of devils." [Majmu' Al-Fatwa, Vol. 35, pp. 112-116]

In another book, Ibn Taimiyah said, "I know people whom the plants greet and inform them of their beneficial ingredients, however it is, in fact, Satan who has entered the plants and spoken to them. I also know of others to whom stones and trees speak saying, "Congratulations, Oh friend of Allah" and when the people recite Ayatul-Kursi it stops. I am acquainted with yet others who have gone bird-hunting and the sparrows addressed them saying, "Take me so that the poor may eat me." Such are cases of the evil Jinn possessing the birds in the same way that others who, while in their house with the doors and vice versa [Many of those in our times who have claimed what is known as 'out-of-body experiences' or 'astral-travel' have recorded in vivid detail incidences similar to those mentioned by Ibn Taimiyah. Others have met beings which claimed to be guides, guardian spirits or their higher selves. However, the common thought, which links most of these experiences, is the ultimate expression of idolatry: that man is God, as was expressed by Al-Hallaj and countless others before and after him.] He may even be taken through the closed city gates and back again swiftly by the Jinn. Lights may shine on him or someone looking like his friend may call on him but, if he recites Ayatul-Kursi continually, it will all disappear." He also said, "Some mystics have also said that the Jinn showed them something shiny like water and glass in which images or pictures of whatever they sought information would appear and they in turn would inform people." Ibn Taimiyah mentioned other instances and then concluded by saying, "This is a so vast a topic that if I were to mention all that I knew, it would fill a very large volume." [Ibn Taimiyah, Al-Furqan Bayna Awliya ar-Rahman wa Awliya ash-Syaitan, pp. 87-92].


Reference:
1. Based on Ibn Taimiyah's Essay on the Jinn (Demons)"Iedah ad-Dalalah Fee 'Umum ar- Risalah", Volume 19 of "Majmu' Al-Fatwa" (A Collection of Religious Rulings) Volume 35 of "Majmu' Al-Fatwa" and Ibn Taimiyyah classic, “Al-Furqan Bayna Awliya ar-Rahman wa Awliya ash-Shaitan."

2. All remarks that are bracketed in the text are made by Bilal Phillips.

[ Via Islam.com]