Q & A on circumcision, visiting and donating to churches, world hijab day.

Assalamu Alykum.

1. Can you tell us how the Sunnah of circumcision how did it come about.

2. What is the ruling in visiting churches donating items too churches.

3. How do we the less learned differentiate between different rulings of scholars of same madhabs in issues with all the negativity against Muslim.

4. Is it advisable to join in February 1st hijab day? Jazakhallah khair for answers.

Wa Alaikum Assalaam,

الجواب و بالله التوفيق

1.The Sunnah of circumcision started from Ibrahim (A.S). He was the first to circumcise himself as instructed by Allah. After him, circumcision continued among the Messengers and their followers. (Tuhfa Al Mawdood – Hafiz Ibn Qayyim, Pg.104-106, Al Maktaba Tawqeefiya, Cairo).

The Prophet (S.A.S) encouraged the males to circumcise as it was from the blessed teachings which were given to Ibrahim (A.S) which had many health and hygiene benefits in it. In this regard, the Prophet (S.A.S) has mentioned that circumcision (for the males) is from the natural disposition and character of a person (Al Fitrah). (Bukhari Hadith No.5891; Muslim Hadith No.257).

  1. Visiting churches is not permissible since one will be required to be part of/or witness actions/practices/teachings that are connected to Shirk. Donating items to churches is not permissible since it will be considered as a help and support to Institutions that are founded on Shirk and whose activities are connected to Shirk.
  2. You need to consult the learned Scholars who will identify to you what is the ‘preferred verdict’ and ‘most acceptable opinion’ on issues when different rulings of the same Madhab are narrated. Learned Scholars will be able to consult with original works/text and examine these to give a correct answer.
  3. The negativity towards Muslims is not on account of women wearing hijab. Hence, joining the ‘Hijab Day’ for this purpose will not help. Today, Muslims are criticised and condemned because of their failure to fully practice the religion of Islam. Although, there is the element of religious discrimination showed by others to Islam, one cannot deny the fact that the conduct and behaviour of Muslims have a lot to do with the negativity shown towards Islam and Muslims.

Besides the recent violent actions which have contributed to this negativity, one of the major reasons is that today the majority of Muslims in the world do not fully practice their religion. Many neglect Islam and are not concerned about their Islamic identity. Thus, they behave as non-Muslims in their daily lives in almost all aspects. Insha Allah, when Muslims begin to practice Islam fully, Allah’s help will come to them, and he will honour them and remove the problems they are facing.

With respect to the ‘Hijab Day’, Muslim sisters should be reminded that hijab is not only about a ‘head cover’, instead, it is also about the entire dress, conduct, speech and manners of a woman. Adhering to the teaching of hijab in Islam requires a woman not to mix freely with the opposite sex, and not to make a public display of themselves on the streets, parks and other places. Sisters should pay attention to the true teachings of Islam and follow these in words and deeds, and must not compromise their Islamic conduct by doing that which may seem to be ‘good’ in their eyes. They must look at what is allowed and disallowed for them as Muslim women, before getting involved in such activities.

From an Islamic perspective, what the ‘hijab day’ entails and what is seen from the conduct of Muslim women and young Muslim girls who propagate it, are against the teachings given to Muslim women, and hence, will not be permissible.

And Allah Knows Best.

Mufti Waseem Khan.

29/1/16.