How do we lose faith - Iman إيمان

Maintaining one's faith in Allah and Islam is one of the most difficult thing to do ever sine the advent of Islam and more so in the environment we live in today. In the initial verses of Surah Al-Hadid (Chapter 57 of the Qur'an), specially verses 11-19, the mention of believers and the hypocrites is made. Why not the unbelievers, one may ask? It is because we know exactly that the unbelievers do not believe in Islam and monotheism of Allah. But the hypocrites are most dangerous for they wear two masks: An outward mask of being a Muslim and inward mask that of unbelievers.

These dual faced people are those who have weak Iman / faith إيمان and because of this they lose the rigours of tests and trials a true believer goes through. Even in times of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ the hypocrites, specially in the city of Medinah, would outwardly claim to be Muslims but whenever a time of test came, they always abandoned Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and joined hands with the unbelievers.

So is the case even today. Many of the born Muslims have a very weak Iman and in their hearts there is always a tug of war going on between the truth and the otherwise. This is specially happening now with those Muslims who have gone to foreign lands and find themselves amid atheists and non believers, whose life is at tangent to the teaching of Islam. Coupled with the anti Islam propaganda, much talked of Islamophobia is taking a heavy toll on these Muslims who do not really know Islam well and get overpowered by their environment of "openness and lewdness" and start to lose their Iman. Thus they become similar to hypocrites who are outwardly Muslims, yet their hearts are far distant from the true Iman.

Let us now take a deeper look what the the initial verses of Surah Al-Hadid (Chapter 57 of the Qur'an) and see how fate of the hypocrites is being portrayed and the severe consequences on the Day of Judgement. In the initial verses, Allah reminds us of His supreme authority and dominion over all that exists, emphasizing His control over both the seen and unseen. These verses help us understand how Iman (faith) can be lost when we fail to recognize and internalize these fundamental truths. Here’s how these ideas relate:

Forgetting the Majesty of Allah

The surah begins with: "Whatever is in the heavens and earth glorifies Allah, for He is the Almighty, All-Wise." (57:1)

When a person loses sight of the constant glorification of Allah by all creation, they may begin to neglect their own relationship with Him. This forgetfulness can lead to heedlessness (ghaflah) and eventually weaken their iman, as they fail to see Allah’s presence in all aspects of life.

Becoming Detached from Allah’s Absolute Control

In verses 2-3, Allah is described as: "To Him belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth. He gives life and causes death, and He is over all things competent." (57:2)

Forgetting that Allah alone has the power to give life, death, and sustenance can lead to dependence on worldly means. When people start attributing success and failure solely to themselves or to worldly factors, they might lose faith in Allah’s ultimate plan, leading to the weakening of their reliance (tawakkul) on Him.

Neglecting the Knowledge of the Unseen

Verse 4 mentions: "He is with you wherever you are." (57:4)

A person may lose iman when they forget that Allah’s knowledge encompasses everything, including what is hidden in their hearts. Losing sight of Allah’s omnipresence can result in carelessness toward personal deeds, both inward and outward, thereby weakening faith and connection to Allah.

Being Overwhelmed by Dunya (Worldly Life)

Surah Al-Hadid later discusses how the adornments and distractions of this worldly life can delude people: "Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another..." (57:20)

When one becomes overly attached to the fleeting pleasures and distractions of the dunya, the heart becomes distant from Allah, and this attachment can lead to a gradual erosion of iman.

Plight of Hypocrites on the Day of Judgement (Verses 11-19)

Then come the warning shots as mentioned in verses 11-19. Here the comparison of the believers and hypocrites is given. On that day the true believers will have their light shining before them while the hypocrites will have their fate no different than the disbelievers and Those who spend in charity will be repaid manifold and also be given liberal reward besides it:

(57:12) On that Day you will see believing men and women that their light will be running before them and on their right hands. (They will be told): “A good tiding to you today.” There shall be Gardens beneath which rivers flow; therein they shall abide. That indeed is the great triumph.

(57:13) On that Day the hypocrites, both men and women, shall say to the believers: “Look at us that we may extract some light from your light.” They will be told: “Go back and seek light for yourselves elsewhere.” Then a wall shall be erected between them with a door in it. On the inside of it there will be mercy, and on the outside of it there will be chastisement.

Many of our Muslim brethren going astray and are heedless about the gravity of losing Iman. They are on the verge of being a believer and a hypocrite, though unknowingly. This is the subject of an informational lecture by one of the most eminent scholars of present times, Nouman Ali Khan, who talks in detail as how do we lose faith and its consequences as mentioned in Suarah Al Hadid. Please watch the video:

About Nouman Ali Khan: Born to a Pakistani family, Nouman Ali Khan is an American Muslim speaker and Arabic instructor who founded the Bayyinah Institute for Arabic and Qur’anic Studies, after serving as an instructor of Arabic at Nassau Community College. He has been named one of the 500 most influential Muslims in the world by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre of Jordan.

Let us our brothers and sisters, specially those who have gone for higher studies and seeking employment un Non Muslim countries, be mindful of not losing faith despite an environment which entirely tangent to teachings of Islam. Many of our sisters immediately throw away their Hijab and enter into revealing attire and amalgamating into a life of lewdness and forgetfulness of their faith. By and by their Iman falls to a dreadful low level, which is what has been warned about.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is our duty to convey only to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the video above are those of the scholar concerned. We have shared this view as added information in better understanding of Islam. The reader may or may not agree with the view owing to their own perception. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

Photo | 

For more Scholarly views and videos, please read our reference page: Scholars' Viewpoint on Important Issues Related to Islam. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Quran.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Holy Qur'an - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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Who will be the lucky ones for whom the Paradise will be brought closer

Many a non Muslims often comment on the Divine wrath and object that "Allah of Islam" breeds violence and is heartless to the good and the kind. But if they ever try to read Qur'an they should be surprised that Allah is full of mercy and ever forgiver of the sins of all those who return to Him repenting and begging Him for His mercy and forgiveness. And Allah on umpteen number of times promises that He would forgive their sins provided they repent in absolute sincerity. But those stubborn and ungrateful who do not repent their sins due to their sheer arrogance, shall surely see the Divine wrath and will be thrown into the Hell.

We have already shared a number of posts on this very theme and shared the attributes of the lucky believers who will shown the way into the Paradise. Today we share yet another verse from Qur'an, the 32nd verse of Surah 50. Qaf (The letter Qaf) which mentions two types of people for whom the Paradise will be brought closer.

The 32nd verse is in fact continuation for the verse 31 which says:

وَاُزۡلِفَتِ الۡجَـنَّةُ لِلۡمُتَّقِيۡنَ غَيۡرَ بَعِيۡدٍ‏ 

And when Paradise shall be brought close to the God-fearing, and will no longer be far away,

That is, as soon as the judgment will be passed about a person from the court of Allah that he is righteous and worthy of Paradise, he will immediately find Paradise in front of him. He will not have to travel a distance on foot or by a conveyance to reach to it. There will be no interval between the pronouncement of the judgment and his entry into the Paradise. From this it can be judged how different the concept of space and time is between this world and the Hereafter. The concept of space and time that we are familiar in this world will become meaningless there.

And then the mention is made of the two types of believers for whom this promise is being made:

هٰذَا مَا تُوۡعَدُوۡنَ لِكُلِّ اَوَّابٍ حَفِيۡظٍ​ۚ‏ 

(50:32) it will be said: “This is what you were promised, a promise made to everyone who turned much (to Allah) and was keeper [of His covenant],

The word Awwāb أَوَّاب is very extensive in meaning. It implies the person who might have adopted the way of obedience and Allah's goodwill instead of the way of disobedience and the flesh, who gives up everything that is disapproved by Allah and adopts everything that is approved by him, who gets alarmed as soon as he swerves a little from the path of worship and obedience and repents and returns to the path of worship and obedience, who remembers Allah much and turns to Him in all matters of life. 

The word Hafeez حَفِيۡظٍ​ۚ‏ means the "one who guards. " This implies the person who takes care of the bounds and duties enjoined by Allah, who guards the trusts imposed by Allah and avoids the things forbidden by him, who keeps watch over his time, energies and activities to see that none of these is being misemployed or misused, who offers repentance, remains steadfast and keeps it. strong and intact, who examines himself over and over again to see that he is not disobeying his Lord anywhere in word or deed. [1]

Honour is shown with every word and move. Paradise is brought near so that they do not trouble themselves about going to it. The bliss of being accepted by God is extended to them there: "This is what you have been promised; this is for everyone who used to turn to God and to keep Him in mind, who used to stand in awe of the Lord of Grace although He is beyond the reach of human perception, and who comes before  Him with a heart full of devotion." It is those who are on high that state their qualities. Thus they realize that this is how they appear in God's records. Then they are admitted to heaven, in peace, a place from which they will not be turned out: "Enter paradise in peace; this is the day when everlasting life begins." An announcement is made on high, noting their position and making it clear that their share with God is unlimited: "There they shall have all that they desire, and We have even more for them." Whatever they may wish for will remain less than what is prepared for them. Since more' is given by their Lord, it must be limitless. [2]

This verse emphasizes the importance of two key qualities that lead to the reward of Paradise:

• Repentance and devotion (Awwab): Those who continuously seek Allah’s forgiveness, recognizing their mistakes and returning to Him again again.
• Guarding Allah’s commands (Hafeez): Those who preserve their faith, guard themselves from sins, and maintain their religious obligations with sincerity.

Reference to Hadith:

The concept of repentance and keeping one’s duties to Allah is supported by numerous Hadiths that highlight the virtues of both.

• Hadith on Repentance (Awwab): The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

"All the sons of Adam are sinners, but the best of sinners are those who repent." (Tirmidhi)

This hadith complements the concept of being an Awwab — someone who repeatedly returns to Allah through repentance. It shows that no matter how often a believer sins, the act of returning to Allah through sincere repentance is highly valued in Islam.

• Hadith on Guarding Obligations (Hafeez): The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

"Guard the commandments of Allah, and He will guard you. Safeguard His rights, and you will find Him with you." (Tirmidhi)

This hadith reflects the concept of being a Hafeez, where a believer is conscious of their duties toward Allah, safeguarding the obligations such as prayer, fasting, and other commandments.

Deeper Insights:

"This is what you were promised" refers to the promise of Paradise, which Allah guarantees to those who meet the criteria of being an Awwab and a Hafeez. These qualities of repentance and safeguarding one's duties show that Islam places a great emphasis on continuous effort and sincerity, rather than perfection. It's about constantly turning back to Allah and striving to guard one's faith.

Surah Qaf, verse 32, thus, emphasizes the qualities of repentance and protecting one’s religious obligations as key factors in attaining Paradise. The supporting Hadiths reinforce the idea that while all humans make mistakes, what truly matters is the continual return to Allah and commitment to safeguarding His commands. Those who embody these characteristics are promised the ultimate reward of Paradise.

If we start acting on all such promises made by Allah at various places in Qur'an, we can cleanse ourselves of all sins and ensure adherence to covenant made to Allah and be rest assured of promise of Allah of bringing Paradise close to us, In sha Allah.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎)  help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

For more Selected Verses, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'an. You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Tafsir References: | 1 | 2 | 

An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of the Qur'ān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.  

In addition, references of other sources which have been explored have also been given above. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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The Questions that will be asked INSTEAD on the Judgement Day

Religions, specially the Divine religions, are not to be tackled on the interpretation of personal whims of those who want to score a point over the others. Unfortunately, Islam too, has become a playing field for many pseudo scholars who just to counter the view point of others, come up with explanations which are tangent to the teaching of Islam as drawn from the Divine Commandments. Such ill intended explanations more often than not confuse the ordinary believers and sometimes even mislead them from the truth.

In many countries of  such practices are on the increase and pseudo scholars are misleading with ideas very misleading and untrue. And there are some who go to the extent of labeling others as Kafir / disbelievers. They forget for a moment that on the Judgment Day, the questions asked in the Divine Court will baffle them and they will stand like criminals for their misleading deeds in their worldly life.

Hereinunder are some misleading concepts and other facets of life for which the questions will be asked INSTEAD:

The very person of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ - was he a Human or Light (Noor)

The the mainstream and traditional Islamic belief, based on the Qur'an and authentic Hadith, is that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ  Like all previous prophets and messengers, he too was chosen by Allah to deliver the final revelation, the Qur'an, and he was an example for mankind. While the Qur'an and Hadith refer to him as a "light" (Noor) metaphorically, this refers to the guidance he brought, not his nature as a created being. But this metaphorical mention becomes a tool in the hands of some who interpret that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was not human, but made of light. 

To say that the Prophet was anything other than human goes against the clear teachings of the Qur'an. Therefore, the Prophet was not created as Noor in a literal sense, but as a human being who was given divine revelation.

Thus on the Day of Judgement, it will not be asked that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was a human or a Noor (light). Instead it be asked whether you obeyed him or not?  

That is some Muslims are so engrossed in defending this absurd idea, they fail to concentrate on preaching their followers to follow the message Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was Divinely conveyed and he practically demonstrated these in his life, known as his Sunnah. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ strictly said before his death that he was leaving behind Qur'an and Sunnah for Muslims to follow. He never meant that Muslims should get into debates that create dissection in Islam.

How to wrap one's hands during the prayer / As Salat

Offering As Salat / prayer five times a day is obligatory for all adult / sane / healthy man and woman. There is no excuse from skipping any of the five prayers. However, it is generally seen that imams and pseudo scholars make it difficult for believers to concentrate on their prayers by repeatedly asking so called etiquettes of prayer like where the folded arms be during standing: Whether around the chest, above or below the navel.  Sometimes many a believers weak in faith bolt and leave praying after listening to so many versions. In fact one should be conditioned to offer prayer regularly no matter where arms are folded.

It will not be asked whether you put your hands around your naval or above it. Instead it will be asked Did you offer your prayers regularly?

Visiting graves of saints / Awliya and asking them for help

It will not be asked whether your wali and awliya listen to you in their grave and answer your call. Instead it will be asked did you accepted Allah as the only God with no associates or you found a via media to him through your worldly holy men or yo associated a human at part with him?

* Please read our post: Is it Right to Ask the “Dead” by visiting their graves for Help?

Wearing of attire to cover the Awrah

It will not be asked which attire you wore, western or eastern. Instead it will be asked did your dress cover your awrah or not?

We have already written a number of posts on the subject, some are listed below for explanation:

• Why Islam gives so much emphasis on Modesty " Hayā حياء " 
• O ye children of Adam!  Wear Raiment of Modesty and Righteousness
• Islam PROHIBITS looking at `Awrah – the Intimate Body Parts of others
• Strict prohibition of looking at `awrah (عورة) of others - Hadith attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
• What is Hijab in Islam - a broader viewpoint
• Hijab for Muslim Women

Questions about Huqooq Allah (حقوق الله - Rights of Allah) and Huqooq al-Ibad ( Rights of the Servants/People حقوق العباد)

We are more worried about Huqooq Allah (حقوق الله - Rights of Allah) and continue to follow or try to follow the five pillars of Islam and feel confident that we have performed our duty as is applicable to us. While questions will be asked about Huqooq Allah, it will also be asked whether  we fulfilled our obligations about Huqooq al-Ibad ( Rights of the Servants/People حقوق العباد)? It will be asked did you ensure your neighbour slept with a stomach full of food provided by  you or not?

* We will write a separate post on the subject in time

Wearing of different turbans representing different schools of thought

There were times when Muslims mostly wore white coloured prayer cap when going to masjids. But now we see a host of different coloured and differently styled caps and turbans to represent different schools of thoughts and referring to representing a particular religious saint or scholar. However, on the Day of Judgement it will not be asked which colour of cap or turban we wore. Instead it will be asked did we contributed towards unity of Muslim Ummah or were part of adding diversity?

Have we forgotten Surah 3. Al Imran, verse 103: 

"And hold fast, all of you together, to the cable of Allah, and do not separate. And remember Allah's favour unto you: How ye were enemies and He made friendship between your hearts so that ye became as brothers by His grace; and (how) ye were upon the brink of an abyss of fire, and He did save you from it. Thus Allah maketh clear His revelations unto you, that haply ye may be guided," 

Qur'an makes every aspect of our lives very clear while Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ it has been commanded by Allah. ﷺ substantiates it. Yet we remain ignorant and follow the pseudo religious pied pipers who mislead us and make difficult for us to understand Islam and follow as commanded by Allah.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎)  help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

You may like to read more posts on similar theme in our series of posts related to: Ref Page: Divine Court Rules

For more Selected Verses, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'an. You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of the Qur'ān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.  

In addition, references of other sources which have been explored have also been given above. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More

Is it Right to Ask the Dead by visiting their graves for Help?

Today we write on a subject which is very sensitive to a large section of Muslims, specially in many countries of Asia and Middle East. Therefore this post is to be read with an open mind with a caution that is it only academic viewpoint and DOES NOT in any way considered to be infringing upon one's faith or teachings of a particular school of thought. 

It is generally seen in countries of Indian sub-continent that Muslims visit shrines (the graves of those whom people ‘believe’ were pious) and ASK the souls of the ‘pious’ for health, children, wealth, and things that only Allah can provide. These people claim that they’re really not asking the dead for these things, but using them as intercessors with Allah. Their belief is that because the pious did good in this world when they were alive, they are now in a position to act as intercessors with Allah for those who invoke them.

However, in Islam, the practice of visiting graves has a clear and defined purpose, as taught by Prophet Muhimmad (peace be upon him), but asking or praying to the dead, "even to pious individuals like the awliya (saints or friends of Allah)" is not permitted. 

Hereinunder we share a neutral viewpoint based on the Qur'an, Hadith, and Islamic teachings.

Islamic Monotheism (Tawhid)

One of the fundamental beliefs in Islam is Tawhid, the oneness of Allah. This means that all worship, prayers, and supplications should be directed to Allah alone. No one, no matter how righteous or pious they were in their lifetime, has the power to intercede or fulfill our requests without Allah’s will.

Hereinunder are verses from Qur'an emphasizing the act of Tawhid and oneness of Allah:

• "It is You we worship and You we ask for help." Surah Al-Fatiha (1:5) This verse establishes the foundation that all forms of seeking help and worship must be directed to Allah alone.
• "And do not invoke, besides Allah, that which neither benefits you nor harms you, for if you did, then indeed you would be of the wrongdoers." Surah Yunus (10:106). This verse clearly forbids asking anyone other than Allah for help or intercession.

Prohibition of Associating Partners (Shirk)

The act of asking or calling upon the dead, even if they are considered awliya (friends of Allah), can lead to shirk (associating partners with Allah), which is considered one of the gravest sins in Islam.

Let us see what how Qur'an guides us from preventing shirk:

• "And the mosques are for Allah, so do not invoke anyone along with Allah." Surah Al-Jinn (72:18). This verse emphasizes that supplication and invocation should only be directed to Allah and no one else.
• "Unquestionably, for Allah is the pure religion. And those who take protectors besides Him [say], 'We only worship them that they may bring us nearer to Allah.' Indeed, Allah will judge between them concerning that over which they differ. Indeed, Allah does not guide he who is a liar and [confirmed] disbeliever." Surah Az-Zumar (39:3). This verse refutes the idea of intermediaries between a believer and Allah, even if those intermediaries are perceived as pious.

Purpose of Visiting Graves

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged visiting graves for the purpose of remembering death and the Hereafter, not for seeking help or making supplications to the dead.

• Hadith on Visiting Graves: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "I had forbidden you to visit the graves, but now visit them, for they remind one of death." (Sahih Muslim)

This hadith clarifies that the purpose of visiting graves is to remind oneself of the temporary nature of this world and the inevitability of death. There is no mention of asking the dead for help or intercession.

Intercession and Prayers for the Dead

In Islam, we are encouraged to pray for the dead, asking Allah to forgive them and grant them mercy. However, praying to the dead or asking them for intercession is not allowed.

• Hadith on Asking for Intercession: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "When a person dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, and a righteous child who prays for him." (Sahih Muslim)

This hadith indicates that the deceased cannot help themselves or others once they have passed away, except through the deeds they left behind. Therefore, asking them for help is not in accordance with Islamic teachings.

Misunderstandings About Awliya and Their Role

While Islam holds the awliya (pious individuals) in high regard for their closeness to Allah, it is crucial to understand their role. They are respected for their righteousness, but they are still human beings, and like all other humans, they are subject to death and the limitations of created beings. They cannot hear, respond, or intercede on behalf of anyone unless Allah permits.

Here is what Qur'an says about status of Awliya:

• "Indeed, you will not make the dead hear, nor will you make the deaf hear the call when they turn their backs, retreating." Surah An-Naml (27:80): This verse clarifies that the dead cannot hear the supplications of the living.
• "Or have they taken other than Allah as intercessors? Say, 'Even though they do not possess [power over] anything, nor do they reason?' Say, 'To Allah belongs [the right to allow] intercession entirely. To Him belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. Then to Him you will be returned.'" Surah Az-Zumar (39:43-44). That is Allah alone has the right to grant intercession, and no one else has the power to act on behalf of anyone without His permission.

Conclusion: Is it Right to Ask the Dead for Help?

No, it is not right to ask the dead, including awliya, for help or intercession. This practice contradicts the core principles of Tawhid (monotheism) in Islam, which mandates that all prayers, supplications, and invocations must be directed to Allah alone. While it is permissible and encouraged to visit graves for the sake of remembering death and praying for the deceased, asking the dead for assistance can lead to shirk, which is strictly forbidden in Islam.

The proper way to honor the pious awliya is by remembering their good deeds, learning from their examples, and praying for them, not to them.

Let us watch a video by Dr. Omar Suleiman as what to say when we visit a graveyard. It is not about them to intercede for us but to send salutations to all those buried in the graveyard and praying for their forgiveness  and that of our on for no one knows when is it our turn to be buried here. Let us also teach these supplications to our children so that when they visit our graves, they know what to say for our Magfirah / forgiveness:

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎)  help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Please refer to our Reference Page: Understanding Shirk - Grave sin of Associating Partners with Allah to know about Shirk and why it is the unpardonable act by Allah

To know more about Islam and Qur'ān, please visit our exclusive reference page: Understanding Al Qur'an.

Photo | Resource References: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 

An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of the Qur'ān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.  

In addition, references of other sources which have been explored have also been given above. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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Believers! Take a Reappraisal of your Faith - much too often

The foundation pillar of any religion hinges on firm and unwavering faith. Though many believers have this resolve embeded into them, yet adulteration injected into one's mind by fortune seeker scholars, imams and pseudo scholars sometimes taints one faith and derail them from the true path as shown in Qur'an and practically demonstrated by Prophet Muhammad sws.  In fact these adulterations in Islam have become so pronounced, specially many Asian countries, that one wonders whether one is truly following the "Original" Islam as practiced during times of Prophet Muhammad sws and the period of first four caliphs of Islam?

Like adulteration in the food or drugs by adding sub standard material making these of poor quality, the same is true for the religions. Opportunity seekers fabricate the original Divine text and give them misleading meaning and putting across cleverly to those illiterate followers, illiterate here also include otherwise well educated who have never tried to understand the religion by personal research and following some of the authenticated research work and exegesis of Qur'an.

Hereinunder are some simple questions one must keep asking oneself off and on and ascertain whether any adulteration has not entered in his mind and pulling him away from the straight path - the Siraat al Mustaqeem?

• Do I only follow the Qur'an and authentic sunnah?
• Many of us will answer in affirmative. But would it be really true since our actions and way of life is mostly tangent to commandments of Allah as contained in Qur'an and Sunnah. Many of us, specially the born Muslims, are still enslaved to following customs and traditions of bygone days that persisted before the advent of Islam.
• Do I practice Islam the way Prophet practiced?
• I feel ashamed when I watch videos that have no relevance to Islam and nor were practiced or recommended to be followed.
• The fake religious mentors indulge into practices which even non Muslims do not. These fake people dress like unmanly attire, their followers pour on them rice, chocolates, flowers or even loads of money while these recite verses from Qur'an with twisted meaning. There are these fake people who say they have currents filled in their bodies and anyone who touches them will have these holy currents transformed in to them and they will be filled with Islamic light.
• These unholy and un-Islamic teachings mostly happen in Asian countries and beside mostly illiterates, even some very well read also join in these rituals and think they have been blessed.
• Do I avoid fabricated and false Hadith (story telling)?
• Islam is a straight forward religion with clear commandments, easy to understand and follow. Yet there are people who fabricate Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad sws and turn these into stories to attract their followers. 
• Do I avoid worshipping the dead saints?
• This is one of the most dreaded menace that has crept into way of life of many countries of Asia. So called devotees flock the graves of holy men and even prostrate in front of their grave with the hope of having their wishes answered since they believe that these holy men are still alive in their graves and act as an intermediary to convey their requests to Allah.
• These shrines in fact are means of thriving business by the managers of these shrines as poor people donate their hard earned money money boxes, which amount to hundreds of thousands each day.
• Do I seek help from Allah alone as only Allah can grant us our wishes?
• Following the last point above, many believe that they cannot communicate to Allah directly and thus find intermediaries to route their requests through the mockers and fake holy men.
• Many followers of such fake holy men believe that what they are blessed with is due to their mentors who are a means of communication with Allah. 
• Those who do it, in fact step into domain of shirk as only Allah can listen to us without any intermediary as it is said in Qur'an: Allah is closer to your jugular vein, so ask me and I will answer your wishes.
• Do I practice Tawheed in its purest form and avoid shirk?
• Tawheed is the central tenet of Islamic belief, which means the oneness and uniqueness of Allah in all aspects—His Lordship, His names and attributes, and His right to be worshiped alone. To practice Tawheed in its purest form means to ensure that your belief and actions reflect complete devotion to Allah without associating partners with Him.
• The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever dies while still invoking anything other than Allah as a rival to Allah, will enter Hell." (Sahih Bukhari)
• This hadith emphasizes the seriousness of Shirk and the need to avoid it in all forms.
• Whereas Shirk is the opposite of Tawheed and is considered the gravest sin in Islam. It means associating partners with Allah or attributing to others the rights that belong solely to Allah.
• Shirk involves openly associating others with Allah in worship or believing in multiple gods. For example, praying to idols, saints, or other beings besides Allah.
• Therefore, I must ask myself do I commit shirk by praying or sacrificing for anyone besides Allah, such as dead saints or other deities?
• Do I REALLY Trust in Allah instead of Taweez / Amulets?
• Hidden Shirk is even more subtle, like relying on charms, amulets, or good luck symbols, believing they have power apart from Allah.
• Do I believe in the power of charms, superstitions, or people’s influence instead of trusting only in Allah?
• Am I performing my prayers regularly and with sincerity? 
• Prayer / As Salat is obligatory five times a day on all adult, sane and healthy man and woman in Islam. It is to be ascertained whether we pray to Allah to please Him or do we offer prayer as a show off so that people consider us a pious and devoted man?

In view of the above, every Muslim must take a reappraisal of his or her faith through a process of deep reflection, self-examination, and spiritual growth. Reappraising faith means taking a sincere look at one's beliefs, actions, and connection with Allah, and striving for improvement in light of Islamic teachings. Here are some steps and ways to undertake a meaningful reappraisal of one's faith:

Reflect on the Purpose of Life (Tafakkur)

Islam emphasizes constant reflection on the purpose of life, the hereafter, and the role of faith in guiding daily decisions. A Muslim should ask themselves, "Why am I here? What is my ultimate purpose?"

• Quranic Reflection: 
• Surah Al-Mulk (67:2): “He who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed…”
• Reflecting on these questions helps Muslims realign their actions and intentions with the ultimate goal of pleasing Allah and preparing for the hereafter.

Evaluate Your Connection with Allah (Taqwa)

Taqwa (God-consciousness) is the cornerstone of a believer's relationship with Allah. A Muslim should assess how conscious they are of Allah’s presence in their life. This can be done by evaluating one's worship (such as prayer, fasting, and charity) and reflecting on the sincerity of one's intentions.

• Questions for reflection:
• How often do I remember Allah (through dhikr and prayer)?
• Am I performing my prayers regularly and with sincerity?
• Am I conscious of Allah in my private and public life?
• Quranic Reflection: Surah Al-Baqarah (2:2): "This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah."

Reassess Your Deeds (Muhasabah)

Muhasabah refers to self-accountability or taking oneself to account. This means regularly reflecting on one’s actions and deeds to determine whether they align with Islamic teachings.

• Hadith Reflection: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “The wise person is the one who holds himself accountable and works for what comes after death.” (Tirmidhi)
• Regularly asking oneself:
• Am I fulfilling my obligations to Allah, such as prayer, fasting, and charity (zakat)?
• Am I being kind, just, and merciful in my dealings with others?
• Am I seeking to avoid sins, both major and minor?

This form of daily self-reflection allows a Muslim to stay on the path of righteousness and constantly improve their character and actions.

Seek Knowledge (Tafaqquh)

To take a meaningful reappraisal of faith, a Muslim should seek knowledge of the Quran, Sunnah, and Islamic teachings. The more one understands the depth of the religion, the easier it becomes to practice it with conviction.

• Hadith Reflection: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim." (Ibn Majah)
• Seeking knowledge can involve:
• Studying the Quran and reflecting on its meanings.
• Learning about the life and example of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
• Reading about Islamic ethics, morality, and spiritual development.

Renew Intentions (Niyyah)

Islam places great emphasis on the intention (niyyah) behind actions. A Muslim should regularly reassess their intentions to ensure they are seeking Allah’s pleasure in everything they do.

• Hadith Reflection: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Actions are but by intentions, and every man shall have only that which he intended.” (Sahih Bukhari)
• Evaluate whether daily actions, work, and worship are being done purely for Allah's sake, or whether there are worldly distractions. Correcting one’s intentions can renew one’s faith and bring them closer to Allah.

Strengthen Acts of Worship (Ibadah)

Acts of worship are the pillars of faith. A Muslim should reassess the quality and consistency of their worship:

• Prayer (Salah): Are my prayers focused, and am I performing them on time?
• Fasting (Sawm): Am I observing fasts beyond Ramadan for spiritual growth?
• Charity (Zakat and Sadaqah): Am I giving in charity, and am I conscious of the needs of others?
• Supplication (Dua): How often do I turn to Allah for guidance and help?
• Quranic Reflection: "And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me." Surah Al-Baqarah (2:186):

Correct and Purify the Heart

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the condition of the heart in relation to faith. A Muslim should take time to cleanse their heart of pride, jealousy, anger, and arrogance. Faith resides in the heart, and its purification is critical for sincere belief.

• Hadith Reflection: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Verily in the body is a piece of flesh which, if sound, the whole body is sound, and if corrupt, the whole body is corrupt. Truly it is the heart.” (Sahih Bukhari)
• Reappraising faith requires checking for spiritual diseases in the heart and striving to fill the heart with love for Allah, gratitude, humility, and sincerity.

Repent and Seek Forgiveness (Tawbah)

Islam emphasizes the importance of continuous repentance (tawbah). A Muslim must regularly seek Allah’s forgiveness for past sins and make sincere efforts to avoid repeating them.

• Quranic Reflection: "Say, 'O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.'" Surah Az-Zumar (39:53)
• True repentance involves recognizing one’s mistakes, feeling genuine regret, and making a firm intention not to return to those sins.

Evaluate Relationships with Others

Islam places great emphasis on the rights of others, such as family, friends, and society. A Muslim should reassess their relationships with others to ensure they are fulfilling their obligations.

• Hadith Reflection: "None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself." (Sahih Bukhari)
• Are you treating others with kindness, fairness, and respect? Are you maintaining ties of kinship (silat ar-rahm)? Taking stock of relationships helps in spiritual growth.

Engage in Community Service

Part of reappraising one’s faith is looking at one’s role in the broader Muslim community and society. Serving others and being an active member of the community is highly encouraged in Islam.

• Hadith Reflection: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "The best of people are those who are most beneficial to others." (Tabarani)
• Engaging in acts of charity and service not only helps others but also strengthens personal faith by acting on Islamic values.

Set Spiritual Goals and Plan for Improvement

Once a reappraisal of faith is complete, it’s essential to set practical spiritual goals for improvement. This could include:

• Increasing the amount of Quran read daily.
• Performing voluntary prayers (Sunnah and Nafl).
• Engaging more in remembrance of Allah (dhikr).
• Improving character by being more patient, forgiving, or charitable.
• Setting achievable goals and striving to improve consistently helps deepen faith and maintain closeness to Allah.

You may like to listen to a very informative lecture by eminent scholar Dr. Omar Suleiman on the subject of How To Practice Daily Self Accountability:

Reappraising one’s faith in Islam is a continual process of self-reflection, worship, and spiritual growth. It involves evaluating one’s relationship with Allah, reassessing deeds, improving intentions, and ensuring that actions align with Islamic principles. Through sincere reflection, repentance, and striving to improve, a Muslim can renew their faith and strengthen their bond with Allah, ultimately fulfilling the purpose of life in a more meaningful and dedicated way.

So when do we start our reappraisal, brothers and sisters in Islam?

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎)  help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

You may read more posts on similar theme in our series of posts related to: Compiled verses from Qur'an on specific subjects: Faith in Allah 

For more Selected Verses, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'an. You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of the Qur'ān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.  

In addition, references of other sources which have been explored have also been given above. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More

The Prophetic Wisdom behind advising women to give alms (Hadith Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)

Today we share a Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ which is carry an advice for women only. Women are generally involved in slandering and cursing, and gossiping and backbiting, may be not as an ill will, but just as a habit of gossiping.

Before we share the Hadith and the Prophetic Advice, let it be mentioned that this hadith has been the subject of considerable discussion and interpretation. Thus it is essential to approach it within the broader context of Islamic teachings and the social context of the time. The statements of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in this hadith are not meant to degrade women but rather to highlight certain religious and legal rulings and to encourage self-reflection, especially in terms of gratitude, charity, and behavior.

The Hadith is mentioned in Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī  (Book 6 Menstrual Periods كتاب الحيض/ Chapter 6: A menstruating women should leave observing Saum (fasting) باب تَرْكِ الْحَائِضِ الصَّوْمَ) as Hadith 304 and also found in Jami` at-Tirmidhi  (Book # 40 The Book on Faith كتاب الإيمان عن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم/ Chapter # 6 Regarding the Completion of Faith, Its Increasing And Decreasing باب مَا جَاءَ فِي اسْتِكْمَالِ الإِيمَانِ وَزِيَادَتِهِ وَنُقْصَانِهِ ‏) as Hadith number # 2613:

Narrated by Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri:

حَدَّثَنَا سَعِيدُ بْنُ أَبِي مَرْيَمَ، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ جَعْفَرٍ، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنِي زَيْدٌ ـ هُوَ ابْنُ أَسْلَمَ ـ عَنْ عِيَاضِ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، عَنْ أَبِي سَعِيدٍ الْخُدْرِيِّ، قَالَ خَرَجَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فِي أَضْحًى ـ أَوْ فِطْرٍ ـ إِلَى الْمُصَلَّى، فَمَرَّ عَلَى النِّسَاءِ فَقَالَ ‏"‏ يَا مَعْشَرَ النِّسَاءِ تَصَدَّقْنَ، فَإِنِّي أُرِيتُكُنَّ أَكْثَرَ أَهْلِ النَّارِ ‏"‏‏.‏ فَقُلْنَ وَبِمَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ قَالَ ‏"‏ تُكْثِرْنَ اللَّعْنَ، وَتَكْفُرْنَ الْعَشِيرَ، مَا رَأَيْتُ مِنْ نَاقِصَاتِ عَقْلٍ وَدِينٍ أَذْهَبَ لِلُبِّ الرَّجُلِ الْحَازِمِ مِنْ إِحْدَاكُنَّ ‏"‏‏.‏ قُلْنَ وَمَا نُقْصَانُ دِينِنَا وَعَقْلِنَا يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ قَالَ ‏"‏ أَلَيْسَ شَهَادَةُ الْمَرْأَةِ مِثْلَ نِصْفِ شَهَادَةِ الرَّجُلِ ‏"‏‏.‏ قُلْنَ بَلَى‏.‏ قَالَ ‏"‏ فَذَلِكَ مِنْ نُقْصَانِ عَقْلِهَا، أَلَيْسَ إِذَا حَاضَتْ لَمْ تُصَلِّ وَلَمْ تَصُمْ ‏"‏‏.‏ قُلْنَ بَلَى‏.‏ قَالَ ‏"‏ فَذَلِكَ مِنْ نُقْصَانِ دِينِهَا ‏"‏‏.

Once Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) went out to the Musalla (to offer the prayer) of `Id-al-Adha or Al-Fitr prayer. Then he passed by the women and said, "O women! Give alms, as I have seen that the majority of the dwellers of Hell-fire were you (women)." They asked, "Why is it so, O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)?" He replied, "You curse frequently and are ungrateful to your husbands. I have not seen anyone more deficient in intelligence and religion than you. A cautious sensible man could be led astray by some of you." The women asked, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! What is deficient in our intelligence and religion?" He said, "Is not the evidence of two women equal to the witness of one man?" They replied in the affirmative. He said, "This is the deficiency in her intelligence. Isn't it true that a woman can neither pray nor fast during her menses?" The women replied in the affirmative. He said, "This is the deficiency in her religion."

Explanation of Key Points in the Hadith

• "Majority of the Dwellers of Hell are Women":
• This part of the hadith can be understood as a warning to women, emphasizing the importance of rectifying common behavioral tendencies such as cursing and being ungrateful. It is not a condemnation of all women but rather a call for moral and spiritual improvement. 
• In Islam, both men and women are individually accountable for their deeds, and everyone is encouraged to seek forgiveness and righteousness. Other hadith emphasize that the majority of the dwellers of Paradise are women, showing that spiritual standing is based on deeds, not gender.
• Frequent Cursing and Ingratitude to Husbands:
• The Prophet ﷺ points out two specific behaviors that can be spiritually harmful: excessive cursing and ingratitude, particularly within marital relationships. Gratitude and good character are highly emphasized in Islam for both men and women, and marriage is seen as a relationship of mutual respect and responsibility.
• This criticism should be seen in the context of encouraging improvement in character and behavior. Islam teaches that husbands and wives should treat each other with kindness and gratitude (Qur'an, Surah An-Nisa 4:19), and both genders are called to good conduct.
• "Deficiency in Intelligence" – Reference to Testimony:
• The Prophet ﷺ refers to the legal rule in Islamic law (fiqh) that in certain financial or legal matters, the testimony of two women is required to equal that of one man (Qur'an, Surah Al-Baqarah 2:282). This is often understood in the context of social realities at the time, where women generally had less exposure to financial and legal dealings.
• The "deficiency" in intelligence mentioned here is not a statement about women’s overall intellectual capacity but refers to specific contexts where women’s testimony is weighed differently due to the conditions of that era. Many scholars explain that this ruling reflects practical considerations and does not imply inherent inferiority.
• "Deficiency in Religion" – Reference to Menstruation:
• During menstruation, women are exempt from performing certain acts of worship, such as prayer and fasting (Qur'an, Surah Al-Baqarah 2:222). This exemption is seen as a concession, not a sign of spiritual deficiency. The Prophet ﷺ describes it as "deficiency in religion" in the sense that women have fewer opportunities for ritual acts of worship during that time.
• Importantly, this "deficiency" is not a moral or spiritual flaw, but a recognition of the physical limitations during menstruation, for which women are not held accountable. Their spirituality and faith are assessed by their overall deeds, intentions, and actions, not by temporary exemptions from prayer or fasting.

Broader Context in the Qur'an and Sunnah

• Equality in Spiritual Responsibility:
• The Qur'an emphasizes that men and women are spiritually equal and will be judged based on their actions, not their gender. In Surah Al-Ahzab (33:35), Allah says: "Indeed, the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women...for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward."
• This reinforces that the hadith should be understood within a larger framework of equality, where both men and women are encouraged to strive for righteousness.
• Encouragement of Charity:  The Prophet ﷺ encourages the women to give alms (Sadaqah) as a way to atone for sins and seek nearness to Allah. Charity is one of the most important acts in Islam, and women are being reminded of its spiritual benefits.

This hadith is not meant to diminish women but serves as a reminder for all to reflect on their behavior, give charity, and strive for self-improvement. The references to "deficiency" are contextual and should be understood in the light of specific rulings related to testimony and menstruation, not as a general comment on women's worth or capabilities. The Qur'an and other hadiths make it clear that both men and women are fully capable of attaining spiritual excellence and are judged by their faith, intentions, and actions.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.  

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Please refer to our reference page: Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ related to Muslim Women  for more Hadiths on the status of women in Islam.

Please refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given below. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

Photo | Source of Hadith | Resource References: | 1 | 2 |

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