Answers to the questions we presented to our Shaykh, Saleh as-Suheymi, may Allah preserve him, on November 10, 2024 / 8th of Jumād al-Awwal 1446 AH ⤵️
❓Is requesting donations from the public considered begging, and is it permissible to organise events such as football tournaments to raise funds for the masjid?
A. There is no issue with seeking donations if the masjid lacks other sources, even if the donor is a non-Muslim. You may accept such donations unless they condition you to overlook fundamental aspects of your religion; this would be impermissible. As for organising football tournaments to raise funds, this is also permissible as long as prayers are not missed and no impermissible activities are involved.
❓How should we deal with individuals who discourage others from attending lessons at the Masjid due to a video recording of the lessons?
A. Taking pictures without a genuine need is not permissible. The Prophet, may Allah’s praise and salutations be upon him, said لعن الله المصورين (Allah curses the image-makers), along with other narrations that prohibit it. However, many of our scholars have excluded video from this prohibition, stating that it is a transmission of reality and not considered image-making. I also hold this opinion regarding videos.
❓The definition of tamyee’ and his advice against unjustly labeling others as mumay’ah without valid reasons.
A. Tamyee’ is pleasing people at the expense of religion, such as when someone compromises aspects of their faith to gain approval, justifies innovators, defends them, or participates in their gatherings. Another form of tamyee’ is when one refrains from refuting innovators or insists on mentioning their good qualities as a prelude to criticism, known as muwaazanah (balancing between good and bad). This is unnecessary and invalid. Beware of mentioning the good traits of an innovator. Another issue is that some brothers hastily label others as mumaayi’ah (those who water-down the religion) for trivial reasons, such as a picture being taken while standing near an innovator. Did not the Prophet, peace be upon him, give da’wah to disbelievers during the pilgrimage season and stand near them? Should we accuse him of tamyee’—Allah forbid! If you are asked to testify about someone’s methodology, never say, ‘I was told.’ Testify only if it is as clear to you as the sun, or do not testify at all. Such accusations are considered oppression and are a major cause of division among Salafis. Some even say, ‘Be with me, or you’re against me,’ which is wrong when it happens among Salafis. Another issue within the dawah is young people attempting to take senior roles.
Sunday, 8th of Jumada al-Awwal, 1446 AH
Al-Madinah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, may Allah protect it.
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Masjid an-Nawawi
96B Lower Clapton Road, Hackney, E5 0QR
In this video, Shaykh Saleh as-Suheymi (may Allah preserve him) shares a story from our gathering in Madinah, highlighting the harm caused by false accusations of tabdee’ (declaring someone an innovator).
This destructive practice has sadly infiltrated our da’wah, posing a significant danger.
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