Question:
Assalamualaikum wa-rahmatullahi wa-barakatuhu
Dear Mufti Sahab,
For the past few weeks I have become too much troubled emotionally with a few selected people leading Salaat who are openly doing things that are not allowed in Islam. For me, it is coming almost to a threshold limit.
There is also a doubt that one of these is involved in celebration of Rasoolullah (S.A.W.)’s birthday. Please let me know if celebrating Mawlid is right or not?
Frankly speaking when the time for Iqaamah comes, many times, I find nobody over there who is more suitable to lead Salaat than me, but I do not have the best of Tajweed or Qiraat (Please excuse me with this statement of mine as it is not to boast about myself, but only to put a clear picture in front of you).
There is a fear that I might hurt some brothers if I go ahead without their consent and they will not voluntarily send me forward, many times, instead sending somebody else who will be a Faasiq, but will have either memorised more Qur’an or have a good Qiraat. I want more people to come to Masjid primarily Insha Allah and so do not want to hurt the brothers too.
To let you know a bit about myself, I do Da’wah and Tabligh Maashaa Allah.
Please kindly advise me in light of Qur’an and Sunnah as to what course should I adopt in these situations.
Please also make Du’aa to Allah (SWT) to give me Sabr and control over my anger Insha Allah.
Your reply will be greatly appreciated and it will Insha-Allah help me immensely.
Jazakallah khayran
Wassalaam wa-rahmatullahi wa-barakatuhu
Answer:
Maashaa Allah, through the grace of Allah you have joined the work of Da’wah and Tabligh. May Allah accept your efforts.
If the Imam of the Masjid was appointed by the overseers of the Masjid then you should perform your Salaah behind him, even though he may be a Faasiq in your knowledge. If his Fisq is of a practical nature, then you should inform those responsible, in such a manner which does not give an uprising to Fitnah. A request should also be made regarding the appointment of a suitable Imam. Any opposition should not be created with them, if they do not accept your view. Continue going to the Masjid and performing your Salaah congregationally. If an Imam was not appointed, then a suitable person, who recites Qur’an correctly and is well versed in the Masaail of Imaamat and Salaah, should be appointed.
If you feel that you are the only one in the congregation possessing these requirements, then you should willingly take the position of Imaamat or consult the other Musallis with regards to this.
A Faasiq person who recites Qur’an correctly should be given preference over a Saalih person who cannot recite correctly whereby invalidating the Salaah.
Speaking of the birth and life of Nabi (S.A.W.) is permissible. It is imperative upon one to acquire sufficient knowledge regarding the life of Nabi (S.A.W.). However, the gatherings of Maulood, which take place today, entertain such activities which are not in harmony with the teachings of Shari’ah. Therefore, one should not attend these gatherings.
You should continuously recite the following Du’aa, “ALLAHUMMA ALHIMNY RUSHDY WA A’ITHNY MIN SHARRI NAFSY.”
And Allah Ta’ala knows best
Mufti Muhammad Ashraf
Darul Iftaa
Jameah Mahmoodiyah
Springs
26 July 2005
19 Jumaadul Ukhraa 1426