Aqaaid

Presents on Nicolas day

Q: I had today head ache what made me difficult to concentrate. I opened up the door to a sister who holds a present for my children. Because of my condition I did not realize what I did or was not able to correct situation. She is a Muslim sister and clearly said that this present is because of Nicolas. (In Germany we have Nicolas day in our schools. Children receive gifts from their teachers.) She is a neighbour and new interested in Islam and I work on her. I did not want to say it directly but later on explained that she should give such presents for the sake of Allah Ta´ala and earn thawab and send thawab to her dead father. But expressed my happiness about the present for my children because I know that she likes me and want to stay in contact with me. I told her that also there is no need for present if I read Yasin Shareef for her father and I cannot accept gifts. I am very sad that I did not react on the door before taking the gift. Please explain me if there was something wrong according deen. What would be wisdom? I know it is kufr to give gifts on a eid day of other religions but what is if accept them what I did but with the intention to bring to her attention.

Saying "Happy Festive Season"

Q: Is one permitted to wish customers well on their respective holy days by saying "Happy Festive Season" instead of "Happy Christmas/Diwali"?

Similarly, can one have specials/decorations etc. in one's business which say "Festive Season" specials, rather than a religious promotion saying "Christmas specials or Diwali specials"?

من نسب نفسه إلى جنسيته

س: مع الأسف الشديد، انتشر في كلام كثير من المسلمين الجهال التلفظ بهذه الكلمات: "أولا أنا عربي (أو التركي) و ثم ثانيا أنا مسلم." و الشيخ مصطفى صبري (أخير من شيوخ الإسلام في الدولة العثمانية) كتب بأن القول بها كفر. (أظن أنه قال به لأن تعظيم الإسلام واجب على كل مسلم بالمرتبة الأولى ؛ و الشخص عندما يقول بتلك الكلمات، فهو مثل من اعتقد أن الإسلام في  المرتبة الثانية (فقط!!) في حياة المسلم؛ و أن هذا القول يؤدي إلى الإستخفاف بالدين الحق و الإستخفاف بالدين و الإستهزاء به و الإستهانة به - كفر). و لكن هؤلاء الجهال عندما يتلفظون بهذه الكلمات، فهم لا يقصدون بها الإستهزاء بالدين و لا يقصدون بها الكفر و الردة، و لا يعرفون أن تلك الألفاظ مذمومة على الأقل. هل هذا يكون كفرا عندكم؟ هل الصحيح أن يقال بأنه لا  يجوز للمسلم أن يتلفظ بمثل هذه الكلمات، و أن على المسلم أن يجتنب من الكلام المؤدي إلى عدم الإحترام و التعظيم المستحق بدين الإسلام؟

Birthday Party

Q: I wanted to know that if a relative invites me for a dinner party which is for celebrating his sons birthday then should I avoid the invitation or should I join the dinner party and avoid the birthday celebration?

Statement of Imaam Shafi'ee (Rahmatullahi Alayh)

Q: Respected Mufti Saheb Please verify if the statement below is correct:

Facebook newsfeed post by: MuslimMarriageAdvice

MuslimMarriageAdvice wrote:

This is a bit harsh BUT very wise and beneficial words. "Say what you wish in abuse of me, for my silence towards an idiot is indeed an answer. I am not at a loss for a response but rather, It does not befit the lion to answer dogs." - Imam Shafi (rahimaullah)

What have you learnt form this statement?