FOOD AND DRINK

In today’s world, the word ‘Halaal’ has become very famous and is commonly used by many throughout the world. While it may be something which really does not matter to the non-Muslims, it is a matter which is extremely important and significant for a Muslim. A Muslim has become accustomed to hearing the word Halaal in many aspects of his religion, whether it be food, drink, wealth, business, clothing, etc. But how much does he really understand from this word, about its implication and significance in his life as a Muslim?

The word Halaal is an Arabic word which literally means that which is allowed, permitted or permissible, lawful, legal or legitimate and according to the technical meaning used in the Shariah of Islam it means that which has been ordained as lawful by Allah and His Messenger (S.A). In its literal and technical usage the word Halaal would be applicable to many things, hence wealth which is not achieved in an unlawful manner will be called Halaal wealth. Sales which are not unlawful will be called Halaal sales, businesses which are not unlawful will be called Halaal businesses – and the list goes on to include many different things. The concept of Halaal (in Islam) is a very broad one which basically refers to everything which is allowed and permissible in Islam. Muslims are therefore commanded to use only that which has been made lawful in their religion.

From its broad understanding an area which is of great concern to the Muslims at present, is that of Halaal and Haraam (lawful and unlawful) in food and drinks. In this regard, Allah’s commandment in the Holy Quraan is: “O mankind eat from the earth that which is permissible and good and do not follow the footsteps of the Sataan. Indeed he is for you an open enemy”. (2:168).

Mankind has been placed on this earth for a period of time during which he is supposed to worship his creator, the Almighty Allah. The instrument of worship is this physical body which we all possess. The human body is the vehicle for the soul which lives on after death. To be kept alive the body must be nourished with food and drink. Allah (S.W.T) in His mercy has filled the earth with an immense variety of fruits, vegetables, meats, grains and drinks from which the human being can draw his sustenance. He says in the Holy Quraan, “Say, see what things Allah has sent down to you for sustenance.” (10:59)


WHY ARE SOME THINGS NOT PERMISSIBLE?

It is often asked why Allah (S.W.T) has permitted some things while others which belong to the same species may be not allowed for consumption. For example, many types of animals can be consumed but some such as the pig, reptiles, etc are not for food. Allah says about this: “They ask you about what is permitted for them, (it is) pure things.” (5:4).

It means that Allah (S.W.T) has directed towards mankind the consumption of things which are beneficial for him and has prohibited those things which are impure, unhealthy, and bad for him. Allah (S.W.T) therefore, in His wisdom has placed on the earth sustenance for all His creatures and has directed man to eat the pure things which have been indicated to us by the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W).


CATEGORIES OF HARAAM

The main categories of foods which are not permissible for consumption by muslims are:

• Intoxicants and anything derived from it
  
• Animals which are slaughtered without the name of Allah “Bismil-laah” being recited
  
• Animals slaughtered in the name/names of other beings/things besides Allah
  
• Animals which are slaughtered and dedicated to others besides Allah
  
• Animals slaughtered by non-Muslims even it they have recited “Bismil-laah” (In the name of Allah)
  
• Animals which die for themselves (without being slaughtered)
  
• Animals which are beast of prey
  
• Birds which are birds of prey
  
• Reptiles and insects
  
• Animals which feed on filth
  
• Foul and filthy animals
  
• Swine
  
• Blood
  

INTOXICANTS

Allah says: ‘O you who believe, intoxicants, gambling, altar stones and divining arrows are filth, the works of Sataan. Refrain from them so that you may be successful. (4:91)

This is a clear ruling from the Holy Quraan which prohibits among other things the consumption of all intoxicants regardless of what it may be derived from. The verse also indicates to the prohibition of every product which intoxicates and befogs the mind, be it drinkable or non drinkable.

There are many Ahaadith which explains this verse. For example the Prophet (S.A) cursed 10 categories of people who are in some way involved with intoxicants:

1. the one who distills it,
   
2. the one who pays for its distillation,
   
3. the one who drinks it,
   
4. the one who carries it,
   
5. the one to whom it is carried,
   
6. the one who serves it,
   
7. the one who sells it,
   
8. the one who benefits from its price,
   
9. the one who purchases it,
   
10. the one for whom it is purchased.

It can therefore be seen that intoxicating beverages are all totally prohibited in Islam and a Muslim is ordered to disassociate himself entirely from having to do anything with it. While on the topic of intoxicants, a term which is commonly used in our day and age is that of ‘alcohol’.

Generally speaking the term alcohol is associated with ethanol, also called grain alcohol or ethyl alcohol. This is the substance found in intoxicating beverages and food.

In chemistry however the word alcohol refers to a group of organic compounds containing an “OH” group.

The alcohol that we are concerned with however is ethanol. It is used in alcoholic beverages and is produced by the fermentation of sugar by yeasts in the absence of oxygen, a process called brewing. This process is used in the production of beer and wine. Other processes such as distillation are used to obtain the extensive range of alcoholic products available today, such as whisky, liquors, brandies etc.

In addition to fermentation, ethanol is also produced for industrial use from ethylene. Industrially, ethanol is used as a fuel, a solvent for paints, perfume, as an antifreeze and as a disinfectant. Industrial ethanol is unfit for human consumption. Fermented ethanol also has a major use in the food industry, that is as a solvent.

Ethanol is used to dissolve many compounds such as fats, oils and flavours which are not soluble in water. For this reason, many food products contain alcohol, which make them not permissible to consume.

It is enough being Muslims that Allah has prohibited alcohol and intoxicants for us, but it is for our benefit to look at the effects of alcohol on human beings and our society.

The Prophet (S.A) has said, “The addict is like one who worship idols”. It is a trap of Sataan and a gatherer of sins. We can see the effects of alcohol and other intoxicants on our society in many different ways. Some of these are:

• Alcohol destroys the mind and body of one who consumes it.
  
• It relaxes the moral limits of a person and leads to fornication, adultery, lying, stealing etc.
  
• It breaks up families and puts the dependants of alcoholics under tremendous pressures and difficulties.
  
• It increases the chances for serious accidents due to drunk-driving and operating of machinery.
  
• It causes a great economic burden on the state as those whose lives are destroyed by alcohol need to be rehabilitated, are non-productive members of society and their families need to be supported.
  

Since the effects of other intoxicants are very similar, all of them are prohibited also. Illegal drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, and heroin, fall into this category.

The Prophet Muhammad (S.A) also indicated that those things which intoxicates in large amounts are also prohibited in small amounts. It means that Muslims must be careful not to consume any quantity of alcohol at all otherwise we would be committing a grievous sin.

There are many products being sold today which are not alcohol themselves but contain it as an ingredient. This makes the entire product Haraam. Additionally, in some areas where food is cooked and sold, cooking wine is added. This contaminates the entire item which cannot be used by Muslims. As Muslims we must be aware of what we use lest we contaminate our bodies with Haraam things.


PORK AND ITS PRODUCTS

Allah (S.W.T) says: “Verily it is made prohibited for you dead meat, and the flesh of swine……” (2:73).

This verse of the Holy Quraan along with other traditions makes it clear that all aspects of swine is prohibited, its meat, skin, bones, fat, hair, the rearing of pigs and the buying and selling of it. It is sufficient for us to know that Allah (S.W.T) has prohibited it, however if we look closely at this animal, many reasons for its prohibition become apparent.

Some of these are:

• The swine itself is a dirty animal which lives, feeds and enjoys filth and mud.
  
• It is a scavenger and eats all kinds of foul matter.
  
• It is a host to and transmitter of dozens of disease causing micro-organisms and parasites. It is one of the few animals capable of transmitting diseases to man through its meat even after it has been thoroughly cooked.
  

Muslims are generally aware that pork and pork containing products are prohibited. However it must be noted that there are some products in which pork ingredients are used indirectly, such as the use of pig fat in the frying of foods, or rennet from pigs being used to produce cheese. Even snacks containing gelatin or the hormone insulin may be derived from Haraam sources. Of course there are many snacks without gelatin and there are other sources of insulin except pigs so that it is only a matter of being vigilant. Muslims should be aware also that utensils in which pork is cooked must be thoroughly washed. This has implications for many restaurants, especially Chinese restaurants which serve pork since their method of washing the cooking utensils do not conform to the Shariah law of washing. It would not be permissible therefore to consume food cooked in these vessels.


OTHER TYPES OF ANIMALS, FLOWING BLOOD, ETC.

While the scope of this article is not to enumerate all the categories of animals which are prohibited, it is important to note that all of them are considered by man to be obnoxious, foul, offensive and below the dignity of a human being. Allah (S.W.T) has created man as the best of all creations and it is not becoming of man and certainly Muslims that they consume dead animals, or blood etc.

Secondly these things have been shown to be dangerous to one’s health. Blood for example contains many waste products, toxins and bacteria. Similarly animals which may have died accidentally the blood left inside their bodies can contaminate the flesh with disease causing organisms and toxins. The Shariah therefore protects us from these harms.

Many scholars have also written that what we consume has an effect on our personalities and character. Therefore man is prohibited from filthy animals like pigs, from carnivorous creatures which hunt other animals such as tigers as well as offensive creatures such as frogs and worms.

In fact Allah (S.W.T) refers to the effect of consuming only that which is pure and halaal on the good deeds of a person in Chapter 23 Verse 5, He says: “ O Messengers eat from the pure things and do righteous deeds”. Here we can see the command to be righteous in deeds refers itself back to the command to eat what is Halaal.

The Prophet Muhammad (S.A) also refers to this connection between our food and drink and our creator in a Hadith which describes a traveler with disheveled hair who is dusty and who raises his hands in Dua to Allah (S.W.T) and the Prophet (S.A) questions Allah’s acceptance of such Dua when the person’s food is Haraam, his drink is Haraam and his wealth is from Haraam sources. If it is that the whole purpose of life is to worship Allah, then it is senseless to do such things that will cause our worship to be refused. If we consume prohibited food and drink, we contaminate the body that is the means of doing these deeds and we risk the refusal by Allah of our efforts in this world.

Dear Brothers and Sisters, we should strive to be concerned, informed and aware of all that we consume so that Allah (S.W.T) will accept our efforts and grant us Paradise.

To this end the Darul Uloom has begun investigating and certifying Meat Processors, Food Manufacturers and Food Outlets in order to help the Muslim community determine the authentic, Halaal sources of food in our country.


SOME PRODUCTS HAVING ALCOHOL

• Essences - used in bakery products, drinks, sweets, etc.
  
• Ice Cream - found in flavourings
  
• Some Soft Drinks - found in flavourings
  
• Vanilla extract - used in a variety of foods, snacks and candies
  
• Angostura Bitters and LLB
  
• Angostura seasonings such as Teriyaki sauce
  
• Non Alcoholic Beer (e.g. Sharp’s)
  
• Mauby Fizz
  
• Tisane Dubon
  
• Dijon Mustard
  
• Ponche de Crème
  
• Fruitcake (wine soaked fruits)
  
• Kikkoman Naturally Brewed Soy Sauce
  

As Muslims we should investigate the ingredients of products thoroughly before we consume them, even if it involves contacting the manufacturers and distributors of these products.


PRODUCTS AND PLACES PRESENTLY CERTIFIED AS HALAAL

Muslims must read all Halaal Certificates properly ensuring that the Certificate is valid for THE PLACE, PRODUCT and TIME certified.

• Arawak Chicken Ltd.
  
• Fine Choice Meats Ltd. and Heat n Eat Deli meats
  
• Naisa frozen beef clods
  
• Naisa corned beef
  
• Abdool’s meat shop (fresh beef) – La Romain
  
• Hap Hing Restaurant, Marabella
  
• Lees Restaurants, Chaguanas, San Juan and San Fernando
  
• Wu’s Restaurant, Curepe
  
• Indar’s Fast Food, Cunupia
  
• Ali’s Bar B Que, Cunupia
  
• Haleem’s Café, Cunupia
  
• Husain’s Fast Food, Cunupia
  
• Subway, Price Plaza ONLY
  
• F.M. Enterprises, Warrenville
  
• Kamil’s Poultry and Bar B Que, Warrenville
  
• Midway Poultry Depot, Cunupia
  
• Ismail’s Poultry Depot, Cunupia
  
• Arabian Cuisine, Chaguanas
  
• Food Basket Restaurant, Chaguanas
  
• Grillman Foods, San Juan and Valsayn
  
• Saleema’s Roti Shop, Marabella
  

PLACES INVESTIGATED BUT HAVE NOT BEEN ISSUED ANY CERTIFICATE

The Darul Uloom has investigated the following companies and has found the following products permissible for consumption by Muslims at the time of this publication, however no Halaal Certificates have been issued.

WILLIES ICE CREAM LTD.
Ice Creams

• Cherry Coconut
  
• Coconut and Raisin
  
• Cherry Vanilla
  
• Maple Almond
  
• Rocky Road
  
• Barbadine
  
• Guava
  
• Orange Pine
  
• Passion Fruit
  
• Pineapple
  
• Sour Sop
  
• Chocolate
  
• Coconut
  
• Strawberry Cheesecake
  
• Peanut
  
• Pistachio
  
• Strawberry
  
• Vanilla
  
• Vanilla Cookie
  
• Chocolate Soya
  
• Peanut Soya
  
• Butter Pecan (No added sugar)
  
• Coconut (No added sugar)
  
• Strawberry (No added sugar)
  
• Vanilla (No added sugar)
  

Milk Flavour

• Plain Milk
  
• Chocolate Milk
  
• Peanut Milk
  

Yogurt Flavour

• Peach Yogurt
  
• Strawberry Yogurt
  

FLAVORITE FOODS LTD.
Ice Cream

• Amaretto
  
• Coconut
  
• Golden Vanilla
  
• Chocolate
  
• Butter Pecan
  
• Peanut
  
• White Vanilla
  
• Orange Pine
  
• Cherry Coconut
  
• Pineapple
  
• Chocolate Ripple
  
• Strawberry
  
• Caramel Toffee
  
• Neapolitan
  
• Cheesecake
  
• Caramel Toffee
  
• Cookies and Cream
  
• Golden Vanilla/Strawberry
  
• Golden Vanilla/Chocolate
  
• Golden Vanilla/Cheesecake
  
• Coconut/Chocolate
  

Lolly Flavours
Freezies

• Grape
  
• Kola
  
• Pear
  
• Lemon Lime
  

Split

• Kola
  
• Lemon
  
• Orange
  

Hola Kola

• Grape
  
• Apple
  
• Kola Champagne
  
• Pineapple
  
• Tropical Fruit
  
• Paradise Plum
  

Milkies

• Vanilla
  
• Chocolate
  

Twin Ice

• Grape/Cream Soda
  
• Kola/Cream
  
• Soda/Kola/Pine
  

Double Chocolate

• Dark and Crunchy
  
• Dark and Gold
  

Likka Stik

• Coconut/Strawberry
  
• Vanilla/Strawberry
  
• Vanilla/Chocolate
  
• Vanilla
  
• Chocolate
  
• Peanut
  
• Coconut
  
• Orange Pine
  
• Strawberry
  

Island Naturals

• Coconut
  
• Soursop
  

Yogurt Flavours

• Vanilla Chocolate
  
• Strawberry
  
• Tangerine
  
• Cheesecake
  

KFC

• All products except Mashed Potato and Gravy
  

POPEYES CHICKEN AND BISCUITS

• All chicken meals and side orders except fish, jabalaya rice and desserts containing L Cystien (a dough conditioner which may be made from human hair).
  

PLACES/PRODUCTS WHICH ARE:

• NOT YET CERTIFIED, OR
  
• NO LONGER CERTIFIED, OR
  
• HAVE NOT YET MET DARUL ULOOM’S STANDARD OF HALAAL CERTIFICATION.
  

Muslims have enquired about the following places/products which may fall into one of the above categories.

• Saara Products
  
• Marios Pizzas
  
• Jays Sausages
  
• Vashas Foods
  
• Heng Xing Restaurant, Chaguanas
  
• Gold Coast Restaurant, Chaguanas
  
• Little Beijing Restaurant, Monroe Road, Cunupia
  
• SnR Processors, Warrenville
  
• Churches Fried Chicken
  
• Al Safa Halaal Products
  
• Maple Leaf Zabiha Halaal Products
  
• Erin Farms Products
  
• Mac Foods Products
  
• Nutrina Farms
  
• Pizza/Burger Boys
  
• Queznos Subs
  
• Pizza Hut
  
• Pricesmart Cafes
  
• Eat It
  
• Al Tayyib Halaal Products
  

PLACES/PRODUCTS UNDER CURRENT INVESTIGATION:

• Chief Brand Products (some products)
  
• KC Confectionery (some products)
  
• Fresh Express
  
• RIK Pizzas
  
• Nabisco Products
  

PARTS OF HALAAL ANIMALS NOT PERMISSIBLE

According to many Islamic jurists from the past and present, there are certain parts of lawful animals that are considered foul and are abominable and should not be consumed:

• Penis
  
• Testicles
  
• Vagina
  
• Glands
  
• Bladder
  
• Gall Bladder (Bile)
  
• Flowing Blood (See note)
  

NOTE: Flowing blood is considered unlawful in the Quraan and must not be consumed in any manner.


PERMISSIBLE HUNTED ANIMALS
The following animals which are hunted in our forests are considered permissible by the Jurists:

• Deer
  
• Agouti
  
• Lappe
  

PIZZA AND CHEESE

The proprietors of Pizza Boys, Marios and Pizza Hut claim that the cheese used in their pizzas is permissible for Muslims to consume. However all of these establishments sell pork ingredients with their pizza. Contamination can occur when attendants use their hands to dip into different containers to scoop out ingredients, as well as in using the same cutters. It would be safer to make one’s pizza at home.


ROYAL CASTLE PRODUCTS

Royal Castle products are not certified by the Darul Uloom, however the company has informed us that the following outlets, owned by the parent company will only serve Arawak or Fine Choice chicken as a service for Muslims. Muslims should however exercise caution in consuming these products.

• Piarco Airport
  
• Rio Claro
  
• Medford Plaza
  
• Fredrick St. P.O.S.
  

SCHOOL-FEEDING PROGRAMME

There are some food outlets, including some caterers in the school-feeding programme who use “Halaal” foreign meats. In many cases these products do not meet our standards for Halaal. The school-feeding programme does NOT use only Halaal meats. Instead they direct the caterers of Muslim schools to purchase Halaal meats. Muslim students in non-Muslim schools can request through their principals to obtain Halaal meals which will be specially made by the caterers. Muslim schools and parents of students who have requested Halaal meals can contact the Darul Uloom Halaal Committee who can communicate with the school feeding programme (now called the National Schools Dietary Services Ltd.) in order to verify this information.


CORNED BEEF

There are many brands of corned beef on the market, which claim to be Halaal. However, so far only Naisa Corned Beef is certified. Consumers should enquire about the authenticity of such products and insist that their distributors contact Darul Uloom to investigate their claims.


PRODUCTS HAVING HARAAM OR QUESTIONABLE INGREDIENTS

Muslims must be aware that there are products which may seem to be permissible to use, but may contain Haraam or questionable ingredients. Some of these are:

• Maggi Seasonings and Products
  
• Oyster Sauce
  
• Chicken Powder
  
• Some Cheeses and Whey which contain rennet from pigs
  
• Foods in restaurants including fish in which cooking wine is added
  
• Many vitamins such as Centrum which contains gelatin. Many gelcaps are made with gelatin.
  
• Snacks containing gelatin such as Skittles, Snow White Mints and Biscuits. Even though some biscuits from several countries claim to have Halaal Gelatin. No one has investigated these claims. Consumers need to contact the companies for this information or ask them to contact the Darul Uloom Halaal committee to verify their claims.
  
• Jello Gelatin Desserts and many other types are not permissible even if they write “K” (Kosher) on the box.
  
• Kellog’s frosted pop tarts
  
• Lamb & Weston fries
  

FOREIGN HALAAL CERTIFICATES

Many products today come on the market accompanied by a Halaal certificate. The Darul Uloom does not readily accept foreign Halaal Certificates without firstly contacting those who issue them to determine the standards used in certification.

We have found that standards for slaughtering do not always conform to our standards of certification. Some of these practices include:

• Stunning of Poultry
  
• Machine Slaughtering
  
• Playing a Tape instead of reciting “Bismil-laah”
  
• Non-Muslims Reciting “Bismillah”
  

SOME COMMON NON HALAAL PRODUCTS

The following information was obtained from a foreign Halaal Certifying body.

• Similac (Baby foods)
  
• Red Bull Energy Drinks
  
• Some Allergy Tablets & Jell Caps
  
• Sudafed Non Drowsy Sinus tablets
  
• Benadryl Allergy tablets
  
• Tylenol Allergy Complete Jell tab, Caplets
  
• Tylenol Severe Allergy Fast Relief Caps
  
• Claritin Non Drowsy tablets
  

INGREDIENTS TO BE CAREFUL OF IN FOOD PRODUCTS

• Animal Fat
  
• Collagen
  
• Emulsifiers
  
• Enzymes (Animal)
  
• Fatty acids (Animal)
  
• Glycerides
  
• Glycerine (Animal)
  
• Hormones
  
• Hydrolyzed animal proteins
  
• Monoglycerides and diglycerides
  
• Pepsin
  
• Phospholipids (Animal)
  
• Whey (pig)
  
• Rennet (pig)
  
• Gelatin (pig)
  
• Lecithin (animal)
  

E-NUMBERS

Many products have among its ingredients E Numbers. Many of these E Numbers have doubtful sources and ingredients. These are currently being investigated. Below is a list of some which are NOT PERMISSIBLE:

• E-120
  
• E-441
  
• E-542
  

THE IMPORTANCE AND SIGNIFICANCE OF MAKKAH

Makkah is the holy land, the most beloved land to Allah and His Messenger (SA), the Qiblah (direction faced in prayer) of the Muslims, the focus of their love and the place where they come together in pilgrimage. Allah made it sacred and bestowed respect and sanctity upon it the day He created the heavens and the earth. In it is the Ka’bah, the first House set up for the worship of Allah on earth. For the sacred House, Allah set up a sanctuary so that it might be venerated, in which He created safety and protection even for the trees and plants, which should not be cut down or picked, and for the birds which are not to be disturbed. He has decreed that rewards for deeds in Makkah are greater than rewards for deeds done elsewhere, and prayer in Makkah is equal to one hundred thousand prayers elsewhere. It is from the greatness and sanctity of the House that Makkah takes its greatness and sanctity; and from the security of the House, Makkah derives its security - as Allah says:

“...whosoever enters it, he attains security.” (3:97)

Allah swears by Makkah as an indication of its great status, as He says: “I swear by this city (Makkah).” (90:1) It was in Makkah that Allâh’s Messenger (SA) said:

“By Allah, you are the best land of Allah, the most beloved land of Allah to Allah. Had I not been driven out of you, I would not have left you.” (Ahmad, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah)

And it was reported that Ka’b (RA) said: “Allah favored some lands over others, and the most beloved land to Allah is Al Balad Al-Haram (the Sacred City).” (Baihaqi)


The Superiority of Makkah

There are many Ahadith which describe the virtues of Makkah and its high status before Allah and His Messenger (SA). One of these Ahadith is the Hadith of ‘Abdullah bin ‘Adi bin Al-Hamra’, who said that he heard Allah’s Messenger (SA) saying in Makkah, whilst he was on his camel in Al Hazwarah:

“By Allah, you are the best land of Allah, the most beloved land of Allah to Allah. Had I not been driven out of you, I would not have left you.”

This - the Hadith of lbn Al-Hamra’ - is the most authentic of the Ahadith narrated on this topic. It is the evidence cited by those who say that Makkah is superior to other places.

To explain the superiority of Makkah, it is sufficient to note that the reward for prayer in Al-Masjid Al-Haram is multiplied many times. It was reported that Jabir bin Abdullah narrated that Allâh’s Messenger (SA) said:

“A prayer in this mosque of mine is better than one thousand prayers anywhere else, except for Al-Masjid Al-Haram. A prayer in Al-Masjid Al-Haram is better than one hundred thousand prayers (anywhere else).” (Ahmad)

If we calculate the superiority of one prayer in Al-Masjid Al-Haram according to the Hadith which says that one prayer there is one hundred thousand times better than prayer elsewhere, then one prayer in Al-Masjid Al-Haram is equivalent to the five daily prayers offered over a period of fifty-five years, six months and twenty days, and the five prayers offered over a single twenty-four hour period are equivalent to the five daily prayers offered over a period of two hundred and seventy-seven years, nine months and ten days. The Hadith which says that the reward for prayer is multiplied also indicates that the reward for every good deed is multiplied one hundred thousand times. Al-Muhibb At-Tabari said: “The Ahadith quoted above which say that the reward for prayer and fasting is multiplied, also apply by analogy to the multiplication of the reward for all good deeds.”

Al-Hasan Al-Basri said: “Fasting for one day in Makkah is equivalent to fasting one hundred thousand days, and giving one dirham in charity is like giving one hundred thousand; every good deed is equivalent to one hundred thousand.” (Fadaailu Makkah by Al Hasan Al Basri)

Two conditions must be met in order for the reward to be multiplied by one hundred thousand: the act must be done sincerely for the sake of Allah alone, and it must be done following the Sunnah of His Messenger (SA).

The Muslim must avoid committing sin in Makkah, for just as the reward for good deeds is multiplied, so too the burden of bad deeds is also multiplied. Mujahid said: “The burden of bad deeds is multiplied in Makkah just as the reward for good deeds is multiplied.” (Muthir Al Gharam)

Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal was asked: “Is more than one Sayi’ah recorded for a bad deed?” He said: “No, except in Makkah, because of the sanctity of the land.” Ibn Mas’ud likewise said: “If a man resolves at the Ka’bah to kill a believer who is far away in ‘Aden, Allah will cause him to taste a painful torment in this world.” (Ahmad)


THE IMPORTANCE AND SIGNIFICANCE OF MADINAH

Al-Madinah possesses in-numerable virtues and uncountable distinctions, and its rank is exalted with Allah and His Messenger. This rank of Al Madinah’s virtue has been reported in Prophetic Ahadith and narrations from the Companions (RA). Similarly the Ahadith on the supplications of the Prophet (SA) confirm that it combines the blessings of this world and the Hereafter. It is reported in the Hadith of ‘Aishah (RA) that Allah’s Messenger(SA) said:

“O Allah! Make Al-Madinah beloved to us, as we love Makkah - or more. O Allah! Make it conducive to health, and bless us in its Saa’ (a medium of measurement equivalent to four scoops of an average man’s hand), and in its Mudd (a dry measure equivalent to two handfuls) and transfer its fever to Al-Juhfah.” (Bukhaari and Muslim)

And Allah the Most High answered His Messenger and Al-Madinah remains shaded by this fine supplication, blessed in its way of life; and Al-Madinah continues to be among the most beloved of places on earth - if not the most beloved place - in the heart of every Muslim, in answer to this supplication. And how often did the Prophet (SA) supplicate for its blessings! It is reported on the authority of Anas bin Malik (RA) that he heard Alläh’s Messenger (SA) saying: “O Allah! Bestow upon Al-Madinah twice the blessings which You bestowed upon Makkah.” (Bukhaari and Muslim)

And in the Sahihain (Bukhaari and Muslim), it is reported in the Hadith of Abdullah bin Zaid bin ‘Asim from the Prophet (SA) that he said:

“Verily, Abraham (AS) declared Makkah as inviolable and supplicated for its inhabitants, and I declare Al-Madinah to be inviolable as Abraham (AS) declared Makkah inviolable, and I have supplicated (Allah) to bless its Saa’ and its Mudd (two units of measure) twice as Abraham did for the inhabitants of Makkah.”

Abdullah bin ‘Umar (RA) said that he heard his father, ‘Umar bin Al-Khattab saying: “When the conditions in Al-Madinah became hard and the prices of things went high, the Prophet said: ‘Be patient, 0 people of Al-Madinah! And receive glad tidings, for I have invoked Allah’s blessings on your Saa’ and your Mudd. And eat together, and do not separate, for the food of one man is sufficient for two and the food of two is sufficient for four and the food of four is sufficient for five or six, and verily, the blessing is in the congregation.” (Al Bazzaar with a Sound chain of narrators)

And among the Ahadith reported by Muslim is the Hadith of Abu Hurairah (RA) who narrated:

“On seeing the first crop yield, the people would bring it to the Prophet and if the Prophet (SA) took it, he would say: ‘0 Allah! Bless for us our city and bless for us our Saa’ and bless for us our Mudd. 0 Allah! Verily, Abraham (AS) is Your slave, Your Khalil and Your Prophet and he supplicated to You for Makkah, and I supplicate to You for Al-Madinah (to bless it with) the same as he supplicated for Makkah plus the same again.’ Then he would call the youngest boy with him and he would give him that yield.” (Muslim)

And Faith is centered and gathered in Al-Madinah, as Abu Hurairah narrated that Allah’s Messenger (SA) said: “Verily, Faith will recede to Al-Madinah just as the serpent crawls back to its hole.” (Bukhaari and Muslim)

That is, just as a snake goes forth from its hole in search of food, and then if anything frightens it, it returns to its hole, likewise, Faith went forth from Al-Madinah. And every believer has a desire within himself to go to Al-Madinah due to his love for the Prophet (SA) - and this includes all times, because in the time of the Prophet, they desired to go there to learn from him and in the time of the Companions (RA) and the Taabi’un (those who met and learned from the companions), and those who came after them, in order to follow their guidance and after that, to pray in his Mosque.

And among the great virtues of Al-Madinah is that it expels the evil people from it. As for the good person, he stands out and he remains therein, for it is reported on the authority of Jabir (RA) that a Bedouin came to the Prophet (SA) and swore allegiance to Allah’s Messenger (SA). The next day, he came suffering from a severe fever and said: “Cancel my oath of allegiance,” but Allah’s Messenger (SA) refused three times and said: “Al-Madinah is like a furnace which expels its impurities and purifies what is good therein.” (Bukhaari and Muslim)

And he said: “Verily, it removes impurities just as fire removes impurities from silver.” (Muslim)

And what is meant is the sinners. And no one from among the sinners is expelled except that Allah replaces him with a better person, for it is reported in one of the Ahadith collected by Muslim that Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that the Prophet (SA) said:

“A time will come for the people (of Al-Madinah) when a man will invite his cousin and any other near relation: ‘Come (and settle) at (a place) where living is easy, come (and settle) at (a place) where living is easy,’ but Al-Madinah will be better for them, did they but know it! By Him in Whose Hand my life is, none amongst them would go out (of the city) with a dislike for it, but Allah would make his successor in it someone better than him. Behold, Al-Madinah is like a furnace which eliminates the impurities from it. And the Last Hour will not come until Al-Madinah banishes its evils just as a furnace eliminates the impurities from iron.” (Muslim)

And among the virtues of Al-Madinah is that neither plague nor Ad-Dajjal may enter it, for a number of authentic Ahadith have been reported to that effect, as it is reported in the Sahihain in the Hadith of Abu Hurairah:

“On the roads to Al-Madinah are angels – neither plague nor Ad-Dajjal may enter it.” (Bukhaari and Muslim)

And it has also been reported in the Sahihain in the Hadith of Anas (RA) from the Prophet (SA): “There will be no land which will not be covered by Ad-Dajjal except Makkah and Al-Madinah, and there will be no passage among the passages leading to them which would not be guarded by angels arranged in rows. Then he (Ad-Dajjal) will appear in a barren place adjacent to Al-Madinah and it will rock three times so that every disbeliever and hypocrite will get out of it and head towards him.” (Buhkaari and Muslim)

And in one of the Ahadith reported by Al-Bukhaari, Abu Bakrah (RA) narrated that the Prophet (SA) said:

“The terror of Al-Masih Ad-Dajjal will not enter Al Madinah; on that day, it will have seven gates and on each gate there will be two angels.” (Al Bukhaari)

In addition to these virtues, there are two great virtues which no other virtue can equal and they are: (i) that in it is the grave of the Prophet (SA) and (ii) in it is the Mosque of the Prophet (SA).

Regarding the virtue of Al-Madinah, Malik bin Anas (RA) says: “It is the home of migration and the Sunnah and it encompasses the martyrs and Allah the Almighty, the All- Powerful chose it for His Prophet (SA) and placed his grave therein and in it is a Garden from the Gardens of Paradise and in it is the pulpit of Allah’s Messenger (SA).” (Bukhaari)

[The above extract on the Importance and Significance of Makkah and Madinah has been taken from the books – History of Makkah and History of Madinah which were prepared by a Group of Scholars under the supervision of Shaikh Safiur-Rahman Mubarkpuri]


FATAAWA SECTION

In this section Fataawas (religious verdicts and answers) would be published for the benefit of the Muslim Community. These Fataawas are responses which were given to questions asked by many of our Muslim brothers and sisters via letters, e-mails, etc. and were answered by the Darul Iftaa of Darul Uloom. You are also welcomed to ask questions, make queries and seek clarifications on any matter you may so desire. Your questions and answers would be treated with the highest confidentiality and would be mailed / e-mailed directly to your address. If you wish we can also publish it on this section of our ongoing Sabeelur Rashaad.


Question (1): Dear Mufti Saheb -
In the past years some of our sisters have been encouraged to undertake the Hajj (Pilgrimage) even though their husbands or their Mahrams were not going with them. We were made to understand that since the sisters are going with a group of other sisters it was OK for them to do so and the law of going with a Mahram was not essential. We wish to know the correct ruling on this matter so that we may practice on that which is correct.

Answer (1): It is not permissible for a woman to undertake the Hajj (Pilgrimage) without being accompanied by her husband or a blood relative. Even though there are sisters in the group, each of them is required by the law of the shariah to have a Mahram. Women undertaking this pilgrimage without their Mahram (Maharim) are committing a grave wrong and their action is in violation to the teaching of the Prophet (S.A.S.). The Messenger of allah (S.A.S.) clearly stated that, ‘No woman is allowed to undertake a journey for three days except that her Mahram is with her’. (Bukhari).

If you wish that your Hajj be valid according to the teachings of the shariah then you must follow the teachings of the Prophet (S.A.S.) by ensuring that your Mahram accompanies you on this trip for Hajj.


Question (2): Dear Mufti Saheb -
I have my own business and I possess the means to go for Hajj, however my husband has not given me the permission to go on this pilgrimage. What should I do?

Answer (2): It is not permissible for a woman to undertake the Hajj pilgrimage without the consent of her husband, if a woman is financially equipped to undertake the journey but she has no Mahram to accompany her then the Hajj has not become compulsory upon her. Similarly if a Mahram wishes to accompany her but her husband has not granted her the permission to undertake this journey then it would not be permissible for her to perform the pilgrimage.


Question (3): Dear Mufti Saheb -
For this upcoming Hajj season, I have made an intention to perform the compulsory Hajj, however after some time I remembered that I had already performed my Hajj in the past. As such, I now wish to do it on behalf of my deceased father, can I change my intention and perform the Hajj for him instead of it being on my behalf.

Answer (3): Yes in this case it is permissible to change your intention and perform it on behalf of your father since you have already performed the compulsory Hajj.


THE DARUL ULOOM

The Darul Uloom T&T is an Islamic institution disseminating primary to tertiary Islamic Studies and secondary academic education. We are a non-profit organization whose objective is to educate Muslims about the Sacred Deen of Allah.

To achieve this end the Darul Uloom offers many programmes and courses on a full-time and part-time basis for brothers and sisters separately.

Our five-year full time secondary programme offers training in Islamic and academic studies up to O’levels. Graduates can further their studies for the next three years in the full time A’alim course where they can qualify as Maulana. There is also a full Hifz programme where students can memorize the entire Quraan with the aid of qualified teachers. There are also classes for adults on a part time basis on Monday nights for males and on Saturdays for males and females.

In addition to these programmes, services such as Counseling, the Issuing of Islamic legal opinions, and collection of Zakaah and Sadaqah are done at the Darul Uloom.

Through the Grace and Mercy of Allah (S.W.T) the Darul Uloom is able to conduct these various programmes and courses only through the kind and generous donations of the Muslim Community.

As a service to Islam you are humbly requested to contribute to these efforts as we strive together to establish the Deen of Allah (S.W.T).