Sunday, December 21, 2014

Meaning of the word ‘Aayah’

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Ibn Hajar رحمه الله mentioned in al-Fath:

“al-Mu`aafa al-Nahrawaanee mentioned in his book “al-Jalees”: the word al-Aayah (الآية) in the (Arabic) language connotes three meanings:
1. A distinguishing sign.
2. A miracle (which took place or is) in progress.
3. A befalling affliction (calamity).

As for the first, it is the saying of Allaah تعالى:

Friday, December 19, 2014

How this hadith: “Convey from me, even if it is one verse” should be understood

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Narrated `Abdullaah bin `Amr رضي الله عنه: The Prophet said: “Convey (my teachings) to the people even if it were a single Aayah (Verse, sentence), and tell others the stories of Banee Israa’eel (which have been taught to you), for it is not sinful to do so. And whoever tells a lie on me intentionally, will surely take his place in the (Hell) Fire.” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (3461) and Sunan al-Tirmidhee (2669)]

The Hadeeth, when quoted in full, gives the explanation that not everyone is suitable to propagate except when the person is sure that what he is saying is the truth. He should be sure that he is not attributing a lie against Allaah, His Book, His Deen and His Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم. And this assurance only comes with seeking knowledge.

Shaikh Muhammad bin Saalih al-`Uthaymeen رحمه الله said:

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Importance of scholars and seeking knowledge in establishing the Sharee`ah

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Shaikh Ibn al-`Uthaymeen رحمه الله said:

“…and this is from Shaitaan. Shaitaan is the one who wants to incite enmity between the Muslims and especially between the students of knowledge to the extent that one renounces the other. For the Shaitaan knows that the Sharee`ah (of Allaah) cannot be established except through (seeking) knowledge and by the scholars.” [Tafseer Surah aal-`Imraan pg. 602]
۩۞۩

And then we have people calling the scholars as:
1. Scholars for dollars.
2. Scholars of “al-Heedh wal-Nifaas” (menstruation and postpartum bleeding) (a derogatory term by which these people want to limit the scope of the scholars, claiming that they are only concerned with the issues of Tahaarah etc.).
3. The scholars are ignorant of “al-fiqh al-waaqi`” (the current affairs).
4. “We live in the West while they are in the East”, (another way of saying that the scholars are ignorant).


So when we hear such things or something similar to it, where scholars are being degraded, then know that Shaitaan is at work. These are the ways Shaitaan wants to create a rift between the scholars and the people. We seek Allaah’s refuge from such evil.

Monday, December 15, 2014

Beware of speaking about Allaah without knowledge for one wrong word can destroy our Hereafter

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Do not speak about Allaah without Knowledge:

Al-Imaam Ibn al-Qayyim رحمه الله said:

“And indeed Allaah سبحانه prohibited speaking about Him without knowledge in giving fatwaa and issuing judicial rulings, and He تعالى made it from the greatest of the Muharramaat (the prohibited matters). Rather He placed it in the highest level from them. So He تعالى said:

﴿قُلْ إِنَّمَا حَرَّمَ رَبِّيَ الفَوَاحِشَ مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَاوَمَا بَطَنَ وَالإِثْمَ وَالْبَغْيَ بِغَيْرِ الحَقِّ وَأَن تُشْرِكُوا بِاللَّهِ مَا لَمْ يُنَزِّلْ بِهِ سُلْطَاناً وَأَن تَقُولُوا عَلَى اللَّهِ مَا لاَ تَعْلَمُونَ﴾

Sunday, December 14, 2014

Unity is not achieved by wishful thinking or flattery

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

So many speakers in the east and the west are trying to “unite” the Ummah by uniting with the deviants, sharing the same platform with them and many have signed the treaty with them to: “cooperate in which they agree and remain silent in which they disagree”. The likes of Nouman Ali Khan cooperating with the Soofees including the deviant Hamza Yusuf and others. Yasir Qadhi and his complete U-turn on the Raafidhah and his aligning them now. And many more like “Mufti” Menk, one would hardly find them touching the subject of Tawheed, `Aqeedah and Shirk. Their reasoning: The topic on Tawheed and Shirk divides the Ummah and these topics do not generate big crowds.

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Refutations are good for they serve a purpose

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Tameem al-Daaree رضي الله عنه narrated that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “The Deen (Religion) is al-Naseehah (sincerity).” The people said: To whom? The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:
1) To Allaah
2) His Book
3) His Messenger
4) To the Imaams (rulers and scholars) of the Muslims
5) And the Muslims in general.”
[Saheeh Muslim]

Refutations are good for they serve a purpose:

1. Prevents the people from violating the rights and the limits set by Allaah:

Sunday, December 7, 2014

Truth is not judged by numbers

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

The number of followers/likes/hits/comments is not the criterion to judge the truth

From Silsilat-ul-Ahaadeeth al-Saheehah of Shaikh al-Albaanee رحمه الله:

397 - “No Prophet (from among the Prophets) has been testified (by such a large number of people) as I have been testified. And verily there would be a Prophet among the Prophets who would be testified to by only one man from his people.”

Reported by Ibn Hibbaan in his Saheeh (6243) and in Mawaarid (2305) from his chain to Anas Ibn Maalik رضي الله عنه, that he said that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said…and he mentioned the Hadeeth.

I say: The Isnaad of the narration is “Saheeh”, and (Imaam) Muslim has reported it in his Saheeh (383) as well and in the beginning of it is mentioned:

Saturday, December 6, 2014

Ill-formed logic while discussing Names and Attributes of Allaah?

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

The Manhaj of the Salaf is Safer, more Knowledgeable and Wiser in comparison to those who rely on their own ill-formed logic.

In numerous places in the Qur’aan, Allaah تعالى says:

﴿إِنَّ اللَّـهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ﴾

which is translated as:

{Certainly, Allaah has power over all things}

Or

{Verily, Allaah is Able to do all things}


And Shaikh al-Islaam, Ibn Taymiyyah رحمه الله said:

“As for Ahl al-Sunnah, in their view, Allaah تعالى has power over all things, and everything that is possible is included in that. As for that which is inherently impossible, such a thing both existing and being non-existent, there is no reality in it and its existence cannot be imagined, so it cannot be called a “thing” according to the consensus of the wise (people). This includes the idea of creating another like Himself, and so on.” [Minhaaj al-Sunnah al-Nabawiyyah (2/293)]

۩۞۩

And then we have Dr. Zakir Naik who uses his logic to say:

“There are a 1000 (Thousand) things I can list which God Almighty can’t do.”

۩۞۩

We ask Allaah تعالى to guide us to Sabeel al-Rashaad (the way of right conduct).

Friday, December 5, 2014

Hadeeth: "Allaah may help this Deen even with a wicked person"

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

We are in an age where the speakers are more, but the scholars are less; where the listeners are more, but those who understand are less. And this is the age where the speakers are treated like celebrities, having mass followers and fans. Among these speakers, there are those who speak about Allaah تعالى, His Deen and His Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم without knowledge and get away with it.

-So among them is one who said: “You can call Allaah by the names of Hindu gods”, and he says: “the one who rejects the Messengership of Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم can still have a possibility of entering the Jannah.”

-Then there is another who said that it is not important to know where Allaah is or it is a secondary issue; for him addressing the social vice takes precedence over teaching about the matters of `Aqeedah. 

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Being equivalent in merit does not make it a substitute

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Shaikh Muhammad Ibn Saaleh al-`Uthaymeen رحمه الله said:

The merit of Surah al-Ikhlaas is great. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:

إنها تعدل ثلث القرآن

“It is equivalent to one-third of the Qur’aan.” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (5051) and Saheeh Muslim (811)]

It is equivalent and not its substitute. (Recitation of) Surah al-Ikhlaas is equivalent to one-third of the Qur’aan, and it is not a substitute for the one-third of the Qur’aan.

Saturday, November 29, 2014

Brief Comments on Riyaadh al-Saaliheen #77

Do not treat your wives like slaves:

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

There are men who, out of no reason, annoy their wives, treat them like captives, do not fulfill their rights, yet they want the wives to be submissive and obedient and expect the marriage to be successful.

In the Hadeeth of `Abdullaah bin Zam`ah رضي الله عنه he mentioned: Then (in the sermon) the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم made mention of women and said: “There is amongst you who beats (flogs) his wife as if she was a slave, and then he sleeps with her at the end of the day.” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (4942) and Saheeh Muslim (6837)]

Shaikh Ibn `al-`Uthaymeen رحمه الله said:

The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم gave a sermon and `Abdullaah ibn Zam`ah was among those who heard it. Among the things which the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم mentioned was:

“There is amongst you who flogs (beats) his wife as if she was a slave, and then he sleeps with her at the end of the day.”

Meaning: he flogs (or beats) her as if there is no relationship between the two of them and as if she is a subjugated captive (and who is there only to fulfill his desires). This is not an appropriate behavior because the relationship between the man with his wife is a special bond which should be based upon love, affinity and away from immorality – either of statements or actions.

But as for his flogging her like a slave and then at the end of the day he wants to sleep with her – how can he sleep with her at the end of the day and enjoy her and fulfill his desires while he has beaten her like a slave?! This is an inharmonious behavior. That is why the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم admonished against such behavior, for such things should not be part of a man’s attitude (towards his wife). And the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم spoke the truth, for such behavior does not befit a sane person let alone a Believer.


[Sharh Riyaadh al-Saaliheen (3/118-119)]

The one who denies al-Istawaa is a filthy Jahmee

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

`Abdul Wahhaab bin `Abdul Hakeem al-Warraaq mentioned the statement of Ibn `Abbaas رضي الله عنهما: “The distance between the Seventh Heaven and the Kursee (Footstool and it is other than al-`Arsh (Throne)) is Seven Thousand (veils of) Noor (light) and He تعالى is above that (`Arsh – the way it befits His Majesty).”

Then `Abdul Wahhaab said: “Whoever claims that Allaah is here (on this earth), then he is a filthy Jahmee. Allaah تعالى is above the `Arsh and His knowledge encompasses the world and the Hereafter.”

`Abdul Wahhaab was Thiqah (a reliable scholar), a Haafidh (the one who memorized a lot of Ahaadeeth) and a man of great esteem. Among those who narrated from him where Abu Dawood, al-Nasaa’ee and al-Tirmidhee (in their respective books). It was said to Imaam Ahmad رحمه الله: After your (demise), whom should we approach to ask questions? He said: “Ask `Abdul Wahhaab” and he mentioned him with praises.


[al-`Uloo’ lil-`Alee al-Ghaffaar of Imaam al-Dhahabee (1/193/511)]

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Brief Comments on Riyaadh al-Saaliheen #76

Be gentle with your wives and benefit from them the way they are.

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه reported: the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: "Take my advice with regard to women: Act kindly towards women, for they were created from a rib, and the most crooked part of a rib is its uppermost. If you attempt to straighten it; you will break it, and if you leave it alone it will remain crooked; so act kindly toward women." [Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree and Saheeh Muslim].

In another narration of Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim, the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: "A woman is like a rib, if you attempt to straighten it, you will break it; and if you benefit from her, you will do so while crookedness remains in her."

Monday, November 17, 2014

Using only the right hand for doing the Tasbeeh

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Shaikh Naaser-uddeen Al-Albaanee رحنه الله said:

“So whoever does the Tasbeeh (Adhkaar) using the left hand (for counting) has disobeyed (and opposed the Sunnah); and whoever does the Tasbeeh using both hands (for counting), as is done by lots of people, then {they have mixed a deed that was righteous with another that was evil. Perhaps Allaah will turn to them in forgiveness}*; and whoever limits it to using only the right hand (for counting), then he has been guided and has followed the Sunnah of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم.”

[Saheeh al-Adab al-Mufrad pg. 471]
**[Surah al-Tawbah (9): 102]

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Conformity of `Umar's رضي الله عنه statements with Divine Revelation

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

`Aaishah رضي الله عنها reported Allaah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم as saying: “There had been among the people before you inspired persons and if there were any such among my Umma `Umar Ibn al-Khattaab would be one of them.” Ibn Wahb explained the word Muhaddathoon as: “those who receive hint from the High (Mulhamun).” [Saheeh Muslim (5901)]

Narrated Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Among the nation of Banee Israa’eel who lived before you, there were men who used to be inspired with guidance though they were not prophets, and if there is any of such persons amongst my followers, it is `Umar.” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (3689, 3469)]

Saturday, November 1, 2014

The wretched 13 whom Allaah will not look at on the Day of Judgment

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

There will be a group of people whom Allaah تعالى will not look at on the Day of Judgment and they will be great in number. Allaah تعالى protect us and you from being among those who will not receive His Mercy on that Day.

So who are these wretched ones?

First: Those who sell their covenants and oaths to Allaah for a small price.

﴿إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَشْتَرُونَ بِعَهْدِ اللَّـهِ وَأَيْمَانِهِمْ ثَمَنًا قَلِيلًا أُولَـٰئِكَ لَا خَلَاقَ لَهُمْ فِي الْآخِرَةِ وَلَا يُكَلِّمُهُمُ اللَّـهُ وَلَا يَنظُرُ إِلَيْهِمْ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ وَلَا يُزَكِّيهِمْ وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ﴾

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Importance of learning “Tawheed al-Asmaa’ was-Sifaat”

Before establishing worship it is important to know whom to worship. Only Allaah, the One Who created us, provides for us, gives us protection and is the Owner of the Day of Judgment is worthy of all worship. There is none in the heavens and the earth but must come to al-Rahmaan as a humbled slave.

To believe in Allaah تعالى as the way He has described Himself as well as what the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم has mentioned about Him تعالى. It is to accept all the Names and Attributes of Allaah تعالى without Tahreef (distortion), Ta`teel (denial), Takiyeef (description) and Tamtheel (comparison/resemblance).


Downplaying the importance of `Aqeedah in rectifying the Ummah: 

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Removing the Doubts: Did Abu Hurairah take knowledge from Shaitaan?

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

To attain their goal, some people leave out the obvious facts and chase that which is untrue or not entirely clear. This is also true in the case of those who say: “Take the good and leave the bad”, and in support of their claim, allege that Abu Hurairah took knowledge from Shaitaan. This principle has already been tackled and refuted by the scholars [1]; the purpose now is to analyze their evidence which they bring to support their principle.

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Khawaarij's Love for Dunya

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد


A man from the Khawaarij came to al-Hasan al-Basree and said: What do you have to say about the Khawaarij? Al-Hasan said: They chase the Dunya. The man said: And what makes you say that, whereas one of them walks with the spear till it breaks (i.e. engages in war) and abandons his wife and children? Al-Hasan said: Tell me about the ruler, does he prevent you from establishing the prayer, paying the Zakaah and performing Hajj and `Umrah? He said: No. He said: I only see that he prevented you from the Dunya, so you fought him for it.
البصائر والذخائر (1/156)

Saturday, October 11, 2014

Brief Comments on Riyaadh al-Saaliheen #75

Disgrace is the retribution from Allaah for the one who insults the rulers

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Ziyaad bin Kusaib Al-`Adawi said: I was with Abu Bakrah رضي الله عنه near the Minbar (pulpit) of Ibn `Amir while he was giving a Khutbah (Friday sermon) wearing a fine garment. Abu Bilaal said: Look at our Ameer wearing clothes of wickedness! So Abu Bakrah said: Be quiet! I heard the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم saying: “Whoever insults Allaah’s ruler on the earth, Allaah will disgrace him.” [Sunan al-Tirmidhee (2224) and graded as “Saheeh” by Shaikh al-Albaanee]


Shaikh Ibn `al-`Uthaymeen رحمه الله said:

Then the author (Imaam al-Nawawee) mentioned the last Hadeeth in this chapter: The Hadeeth of Abu Bakrah that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:

Thursday, October 2, 2014

10 virtues when the Day of `Arafah coincides with Friday

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Ibn al-Qayyim رحمه الله said:

Some of the merits when the Day of `Arafah coincides with Jumu`ah:

First: The coming together of two days which are the best of days.

Friday, September 26, 2014

al-Istighfaar: The Obligation after An Obligation

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Allaah تعالى says:

﴿ثُمَّ أَفِيضُوا مِنْ حَيْثُ أَفَاضَ النَّاسُ وَاسْتَغْفِرُوا اللَّـهَ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّـهَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ﴾

{Then depart from the place from where [all] the people depart and ask Allaah for forgiveness. Indeed, Allaah is Oft-Forgiving and Most-Merciful.} [Surah al-Baqarah (2): 199]

Shaikh al-Sa`dee رحمه الله said:

“Allaah تعالى commands the one who has completed the rituals of Hajj (like stoning, slaughtering etc.), to seek His forgiveness (Istighfaar) and to do a lot of Dhikr (Remembrance). Seeking forgiveness is for the shortcomings and the negligence which happened while the slave (of Allaah) carried out the acts of worship; and Remembering Allaah is for Thanking Allaah for His blessings upon him by accommodating him in carrying out these duties and for His vast favors.

It behooves the slave, that whenever he completes the acts of worship (like the Salaah), he should seek Allaah’s forgiveness for his shortcomings and thank Him for His assistance in carrying out the duties. Don’t be like the one who thinks that he has completed his duties (flawlessly) and regards it as doing a favor to Allaah and who thinks highly about himself. This one deserves to be detested and have his deeds rejected - unlike the first one - who deserves to (have his deeds) accepted and assisted in doing more good deeds.”


[Tafseer al-Sa`dee (1/92)]

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

For those who are tempted to argue:

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه narrates that a man abused Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه while the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم was sitting. Appreciating (the forbearance and patience of Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه), he صلى الله عليه وسلم kept smiling, but when the man went on length and Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه replied to some of what he said, the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم became angry and left.

Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه went after him and said: Oh Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم! He was abusing me in your presence but when I replied to some of what he said, you became angry and left. He صلى الله عليه وسلم replied, “There was an Angel with you, replying to him on your behalf but when you replied to him, Shaitaan got in and I am not supposed to sit with Shaitaan.” He صلى الله عليه وسلم then added: “Oh Abu Bakr! There are three things, all of which are true:

1- Anyone who is wronged and he ignores it for the sake of Allaah, Allaah will help him out and strengthen him.

2- Anyone who begins to give intending thereby to unite ties of kinship, Allaah provides for him with much more because of it.

3- Anyone who opens the door of begging, desiring to increase his wealth, Allaah increases his scantiness because of it.”


[Musnad Ahmad (9624) and graded as “Jayyid” by Shaikh al-Albaanee in al-Saheehah (2231)]

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Death: the destroyer of pleasures.

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه reported: the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Remember more often the destroyer of pleasures (i.e. death).” [Sunan al-Tirmidhee (2307), Sunan Ibn Maajah (4258), Sunan al-Nasaa’ee (1824) and graded as “Hasan Saheeh” Shaikh al-Albaanee]

Allaah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “None of you should long for death, for if he is a good man, he may increase his good deeds, and if he is an evil-doer, he may stop the evil deeds and repent.” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (5671, 5673, 7235) on the authority of Anas Ibn Maalik and Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنهما and Saheeh Muslim (6480, 6482, 6485)]

Shaikh Ibn al-`Uthaymeen رحمه الله said:
“It is necessary that one keeps in mind about his situation and his end in this world. And this end is not the (real) end; rather, behind it is a destination greater than this (worldly life) and it is: the Hereafter. So it is necessary that a person always remembers death, not because it will separate him from his loved ones - and this is shortsightedness - but because it will separate him from (doing more) good deeds. So if he remembers death with this perspective, he would prepare himself and do more good deeds for the Hereafter. But if he is of the former perspective, then it will only sadden him and make matters worse.” [Sharh al-Mumti` (5/231)]

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Medicine & Pharmaceutical Symbols: The symbols of paganism spread among the people

بسم الله والحمد لله والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد

The snake and snake venoms have stimulated the mind and imagination of humankind since the beginning of records about society. No animal has been more worshipped yet more cast out, more loved yet more despised than the snake. The essence of the fascination with fear of the snake lies within the creature’s venom. Snakes have been used for worship, magic potions and, medicine, and they have been the symbol of love, health, disease, medicine, pharmacy, immortality, death and even wisdom. In the Sumer civilization (B.C. 2350-2150), designs with 2 snakes appeared. In Greek mythology (B.C. 2000-400), statues of Asclepius (“god” of Medicine), with “Caduceus”, and his daughter Hygeia (“goddess” of Health), holding a snake and bowl, were created as symbols for medicine and health, respectively. A kind of Caduceus (1 snake and 1 staff) has been used as a symbol by the World Health Organization (WHO) and a snake and bowl as a symbol of pharmacies in Europe. Snakes have also been worshipped by the Hindus. In ancient Egypt, snake designs were used in hieroglyphs. In China, dried bodies of about 30 species of snakes are still using as Chinese medicines.

These symbols and its variants are largely found in the Pharmacies and medical places like hospitals and clinics:


1. The serpent of Epidaurus on the staff of Aesculapius (Asclepius):
Aesculapius was one of the Greek “gods” of medicine and is often depicted holding a staff with a snake coiled around it. The snake has represented wisdom, immortality and healing in a lot of cultures long before its association to ancient Greece.


2. The bowl of Hygeia with the serpent of Epidaurus:
This is a variation of the previous symbol. Hygeia was Aesculapius’s daughter and a “goddess” of health (“Hygiene”). Hygeia was often pictured holding a cup with a snake coiled about her body or arm.


3. The Caduceus
The two snakes on a staff has been adopted in the West as a symbol of medicine (not pharmacy) since the 19th century and has likely stemmed from the other two, older symbols. The staff is depicted with wings and is that of Mercury (Roman) or Hermes (Greek), the messenger of the “gods”.

﴿سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ عَمَّا يَقُولُونَ عُلُوًّا كَبِيرًا﴾

{Glorified and High be He! From `Uluwwan  Kabeeraa (the great falsehood) that they say.} [Surah al-Israa (17): 43]

Rather, Allaah is al-Shaafee (Curer), who {…when I am ill, it is He who cures me} [Surah al-Shu`araa’ (26): 80]

Rather, “You (O Allaah!) are the Great Curer. There is no cure except through You. Cure (him/her), a cure that leaves no disease.” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree and Saheeh Muslim]


Shaikh Muhammad `Alee Farkoos* حفظه الله said:

Fifth: The Muslim doctor, pharmacist, and other than them should remove and abstain from placing all (types of) medical symbols and stuff - which have the potential of corrupting the `Aqeedah or have links to the pagan philosophy – either on the (glass) walls, signboards, (prescription) papers, stamps, means of transports (ambulance). Included in this is also the “Red Cross” which is similar to the Christian symbol of the cross and it is from the worst form of Kufr and the detestable form of Shrik (associating partners with Allaah). Allaah تعالى said:

﴿لَّقَدْ كَفَرَ الَّذِينَ قَالُوا إِنَّ اللَّـهَ ثَالِثُ ثَلَاثَةٍ ۘ وَمَا مِنْ إِلَـٰهٍ إِلَّا إِلَـٰهٌ وَاحِدٌ﴾

{Surely, disbelievers are those who said: “Allaah is the third of the three (in a Trinity).” But there is no ilaah (god) (none who has the right to be worshipped) but One Ilaah (God -Allaah).} [Surah al-Maaidah (5): 73]

This also includes the symbol on the pharmacies of the snake coiled around a cup, because in the religion of the Greek and Romans, the snake represents the “god” of medicine which bestows health and wellbeing. Similarly, all the symbols which opposes Tawheed and Sincerity towards Allaah and corrupts the Muslim `Aqeedah (Creed) should be shunned.”

[Adapted from the book, “نصيحة إلى الطبيب المسلم” (Advice to the Muslim Doctor), pg.9:]

Also know that from that which causes deficiency in Tawheed is extreme reliance upon the means, such as the doctor, the medicine and other things, while not placing ultimate reliance upon Allaah. What is correct according to the Islaamic-legislation is that effort should be made to use the means, like seeking cures and sustenance, but the heart should be reliant upon Allaah and not the means.

[*Shaikh Muhammad `Alee Farkoos is a senior Salafi scholar from Algeria and has been praised by Shaikh Ahmad Bazmool: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAsjoCZZkBA
Shaikh Ahmad Bazmool said: No one speaks ill of Shaikh Farkoos except an innovator. ]


And Allaah is the One who grants success.