Question:-
1. Recently, there was a tiger at a ‘Muslim’ wedding. It attracted the attention of almost everyone. However, bar a few people, the following two things were forgotten:
a) The wedding was Haraam from the beginning to the end. Music, intermingling of the sexes, wastage, videoing, photography, Muslims dressed up like Kuffaar, emulating the Kuffaar, and a host of many other sins encumbered the wedding, which makes one wonder if it can even be called a ‘Muslim’ wedding!
b) Whilst everyone speaks about animal cruelty, which is undoubtedly evil and intolerable in Islam, Muslims consume with relish the doubtful, and also, Haraam meat served at weddings, functions and at all the famous restaurants. The animals are stunned before slaughtering. Is this not animal cruelty? Why is no one making a noise about animal cruelty when it comes to chickens, sheep and cows? Or does animal cruelty only apply to chained tigers? To add on, I must say that the entire system of commercial slaughtering is in conflict with the Shariah, and this Haraam meat can be readily found in almost all of the local butchers – the owners being Muslim unfortunately. Due to it being driven by money-making, and Muslims have become addicted to Haraam restaurants and want cheap meat even though it is Haraam, they simply don’t care! And then, our local Muslims stupidly argue that it is “Halaal-certified”. So, why don’t they volunteer to be stunned if they feel the chicken is not harmed and experienceds no pain when it is stunned and hung upside down. Afterall, if that is the argument of those defending Haraam meat, then so too will the defenders not be harmed nor experience pain if they are hung upside down and stunned. I regard it to be extremely cruel to hang a chicken upside down and stun it. But those certifying and even selling stunned meat, are the biggest culprits in my opinion. They are not at all concerned about our Deen and I am sure they will even defend such animal cruelty – typical of those following the devil. I say devil because only a devil will promote animal cruelty.
Have I correctly understood the relevant issues discussed in a) and b) above? Remember that I am not justifying that one may have a tiger at a wedding. In any case, having a tiger at a wedding is stupid and also showing-off. Kindly advise.
2. My second question is, that at this very same Muslim wedding in Roshnee, they had a ‘halaal gin bar’. Now, my two questions are as follows:
A- Is a “gin bar” halaal?
B- In the past some Ulama said that “Coke” and other soft drinks are Haraam. I read somewhere that our Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam said something to this effect that, a time will come when Muslims will drink liqour and call it by some other name. I also read in an Islamic Newspaper that, one of the reasons why soft drinks are Haraam is to close the door to fitnah. I never understood the fitnah and now I understand why the Fatwa of the Hanafi mathhab is that soft drinks are Haraam. It leads to Muslims having “gin bars” at their weddings. The fact that the word ‘halaal’ was attached to “gin” shows that gin is actually haraam and they are following corrupt muftis who say that non-grape alcohol is halaal to consume, whereas reputable Muftis and Darul Iftas all around the world have stated that all types of alcohol are Haraam for consumption and they even state that this is the Fatwa explicitly mentioned in books of Hanafi jurists. They have also clearly explained that, if soft drinks are halaal despite the ethanol, then by the same token a deviate could argue that rum, vodka, beer in those amounts which will not intoxicate a person, is not Haraam. And this shows that the people who attended the Roshnee wedding are actually following that view. So, should Muftis not be more cautious and think carefully before saying that soft drinks are halaal, as it leads to “halaal gin bars”?
In Umhlanga, Muslims are actually drinking liquor at the hotels with many who have deviated and become alcoholics. I blame those Muftis and Ulama who say soft drinks are halaal, as it is such corrupt fatwas which lead to things like the “halaal gin bar” at the Roshnee wedding. If “Coke” containing alcohol is halaal, then by the same token gin containing non-grape alcohol should be halaal, if it does not make you drunk! Am I right or wrong? Please guide me on the issue. If I am wrong, please forgive me. And if I am right, then I hope some sense and responsibility develops amongst Ulama and Muftis who say that “Coke” and soft drinks are halaal. Such fatwas are not just misleading – they just don’t make sense. And to top it all, those who enjoyed the “halaal gin” at the evil Roshnee wedding have much grounds for justification from Ulama and Muftis who say that, a drink containing non-grape alcohol is halaal to consume such as Coke, Pepsi and the rest. Your comments will be highly appreciated.
Answer:-
1.
a) Firstly, for the validity of a Nikah, a proposal is required from one side and acceptance from the other side, in the presence of two male witnesses, or one male, and two female witnesses. The recitation of the Khutbah of Nikah is Mustahab. Once the marriage is consummated (by the couple spending time together in seclusion after the Nikah), it is Sunnah to have a Walimah. This Sunnah can be fulfilled by inviting a few individuals such as friends, family, the pious and the poor. From the above, it is clearly understood that Nikah is absolutely simple in our Deen. The custom of hosting a bridal reception and hiring of a wedding hall is a western concept and alien to Islam.
When the Ummah forgot their objective in life (which was primarily to recognize and please Allah Ta’ala and prepare for the Aakhirah), then they began channelling their wealth and energies in futile activities such as extravagant wedding functions, merry-making parties, vacations, sports, entertainment etc.
However the Quraan Sharif states, “It is a fact that man is rebellious because he considers himself to be independent.” [Surah Alaq, Verses, 6 & 7] Whilst millions of underprivileged people go hungry without food, the wealthy are busy squandering and wasting money in useless activities such as hiring a ‘tiger’ for entertainment. The jurists have written that it is permissible to adopt a pet that is of some benefit to man such as, adopting a bird by which one will derive some comfort. However, if the pet is of such a nature that it is not of any benefit, then such a pet should not be adopted. In reality, what benefit and comfort can one derive from hiring a tiger for a wedding function, except converting the wedding into a circus or zoo? The Quraan categorically prohibits us from wastage, “And do not waste, for indeed He does not like those who waste.” [Surah A’raaf, Verse 31] Yet, in another verse Allah Ta’ala states, “Without doubt, the extravagant ones are the brothers of the Shayateen, and Shaytaan was ever ungrateful to his Rabb.” [Surah Bani Isra’eel Verse 27] ]
A Hadith states that a person will not be able to proceed on the Day until he responds to five questions. From among these five questions, one question pertains to one’s wealth, “Where did he earn his wealth from, and in which avenues did he spend his wealth?” This indicates that there will be accountability in the court of Allah for wastage through hiring elegant halls which cost hundreds of thousands just for a few hours, decorated stages, fancy seating arrangements, photography and filming etc. and the list goes on. We are reminded in Surah Takaathur that we will most certainly be questioned on that Day in regards to the bounties of Allah Ta’ala.
Intermingling, photography, dressing like the Kuffar and emulating their ways, are all acts that are impermissible in the Shariah. Unfortunately, these acts are openly carried out without them being considered as sinful any longer. This then draws the wrath and anger of Allah Ta’ala which we are witnessing in the form of riots, looting, burning of trucks, floods, hijackings, robberies, unjust leaders and rulers who are openly usurping our wealth, without there being any form of recourse. It is time that we reflect and make amends before it is too late. May Allah Ta’ala guide us in these matters and grant us the understanding. Ameen!
b) Allah Ta’ala has blessed us with a complete and perfect Deen. If we follow the teachings of Deen, we will attain success in this world and in the hereafter. On the contrary, if we abandon the teachings of Deen, then we will suffer humiliation in this world and the hereafter. We have been taught how to slaughter animals in the best possible manner and, if we adopt this method, the animal will experience minimal difficulty. We are taught not to slaughter an animal in view of other animals, nor should the carcass be skinned in the view of other animals. Similarly, we have been taught to wash off any remaining blood before slaughtering the next animal, and to ensure that the knife is absolutely sharp at the time of slaughter. Unfortunately, the method of stunning animals is adopted in most commercial abattoirs nowadays, and the same meat is then sold in most of the local butchers, which you have correctly stated in your query. Undoubtedly, the hanging of a bird upside down and dipping its head in boiling water, or using a drill bit to stun the brain of a cow, is considered as torturing the animal. Your understanding in this matter is therefore correct. It is for this reason that, we advise avoiding consumption of commercial meat and we prefer slaughtering of one’s own animals and birds.
2.
a & b) A “gin bar” is generally used to serve alcohol which is totally Haraam. Having a “gin bar” set up at a Muslim function is a clear indication of the level of love in our hearts for the Kuffar and their ways. The Quraan Sharif states, “Do not even incline towards (the ways) of the disbelievers, else the fire of Jahannam will afflict you.” [Surah Hood, Verse 113] When we have been prohibited in the Hadith from eating (Halaal food) on a table where alcohol is served, then how can we participate in a function with a “gin bar” being a part of it? There is a narration of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam recorded in Abu Dawud Sharif and in other Kitaabs of Hadith, which prohibit one from even utilising containers which were used in the manufacture of wine during the days of Jahiliyyah. Now, if we are prohibited from utilizing utensils that were previously used in the manufacture of wine, how can it ever be permissible to introduce a “gin bar” which is used to serve alcoholic beverages, in a gathering of Muslims? There is hardly any difference left between us and the non-Muslims. In fact, the Kuffar are no longer required to destroy us, rather, we are destroying ourselves. The youth and children witnessing such functions, will definitely grow up considering such evil and Haraam practices to be acceptable and normal. What future can be expected of such youth except partying and merry-making all the time? Can the newlywed couples ever have hope of attaining Barakah which will allow them to enjoy perpetual bliss and happiness in their lives?
Hadrat Abu Musa Ash’ari Radiallahu Anhu narrates that he heard Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam saying, “Most certainly the people of my Ummah will drink wine whilst giving it names other than its actual name.” Many alcohol companies now manufacture wine labelled as non-alcoholic drinks or grape juice etc. hence, you are correct in your understanding in this regard as well. According to government regulations non-alcoholic wine manufacturers are permitted to include 0.5% alcohol in their beverages that are labelled as non-alcoholic, which make it Haraam.
With regards to soft drinks, we will reproduce a previous Fatwa which we have issued in the past:
Wikipedia defines ethanol as follows. Ethanol, also called ethyl alcohol, pure alcohol, grain alcohol, or drinking alcohol, is a volatile, flammable, colorless liquid. A psychoactive drug and one of the oldest recreational drugs known, ethanol produces a state known as alcohol intoxication when consumed. Best known as the type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages, it is also used in thermometers, as a solvent, and as a fuel. In common usage it is often referred to simply as alcohol or spirits.
In regards to the permissibility of ethanol, we will quote below textual references from Hidaayah and its commentary Biyaanah, the rulings of the Fuqaha.
According to Imaam Abu Hanifa R.A, alcohol that is extracted from wheat, barley, honey, maize/corn, (which in simple terms refer to ethanol) is Halaal and permissible to use, provided that such a huge quantity is not consumed that intoxicates a person. A person that consumes wine that has been manufactured from these sources (i.e. wheat, barley, honey, maize /corn, etc.) will not be given the Shari’ee Hadd (punishment) even though one had reached a state of intoxication.
However, according to Imaam Muhammad R.A it is Haraam to consume such alcohol and if a person consumes wine that has been manufactured from these sources to such an extent that he is intoxicated, then the Shari’ee Hadd (punishment for consuming alcohol) will be enforced upon such a person. The Ulema have written that the Fatwa has been passed on the view of Imaam Muhammad R.A due to Fasaad (corruption) being prevalent in our era.
According to the principles of Ifta it is necessary for one to follow the juristic view, which is the view of Imaam Muhammad R.A in the above-mentioned Mas’ala, hence, ethanol will not be permissible for consumption in items which are consumed for indulgence sake, such as soft drinks etc. which are not regarded as a necessity. This is the actual reason for refraining from consuming soft drinks.
وَقَالَ فِي الْجَامِعِ الصَّغِيرِ : وَمَا سِوَى ذَلِكَ مِنْ الْأَشْرِبَةِ فَلَا بَأْسَ بِهِ ) قَالُوا : هَذَا الْجَوَابُ عَلَى هَذَا الْعُمُومِ وَالْبَيَانِ لَا يُوجَدُ فِي غَيْرِهِ ، وَهُوَ نَصٌّ عَلَى أَنَّ مَا يُتَّخَذُ مِنْ الْحِنْطَةِ وَالشَّعِيرِ وَالْعَسَلِ وَالذُّرَةِ حَلَالٌ عِنْدَ أَبِي حَنِيفَةَ ، وَلَا يُحَدُّ شَارِبُهُ عِنْدَهُ وَإِنْ سَكِرَ مِنْهُ ، ——- وَعَنْ مُحَمَّدٍ أَنَّهُ حَرَامٌ وَيُحَدُّ شَارِبُهُ وَيَقَعُ طَلَاقُهُ إذَا سَكِرَ مِنْهُ كَمَا فِي سَائِرِ الْأَشْرِبَةِ الْمُحَرَّمَةِ (البناية فى شرح الهداية ص 104 ج15)
وعن محمد r انه حرام اي ان المتخذ من الحنطة والشعير والعسل والذرة حرام ويُحَدُّ شَارِبُهُ اذا سكر منه اي من المتخذ من هذه الاشياء— ان الفتوي على قول محمد r كذا ذكره الامام المحبوبى (البناية فى شرح الهداية ص 104 ج15)
قال الزيلعي وصاحب الملتقي ——ان الفتوي فى زماننا بقول محمد r لغابة الفساد—- (البناية فى شرح الهداية ص 104 الخ
Finally, any alcohol that intoxicates (if consumed) in large quantity is Haraam if consumed in small quantity as well; hence, the various types of alcohol mentioned in your query are Haraam.
In conclusion, we should turn in repentance to Allah Ta’ala for our shortcomings and errors and reform our lives by turning towards the obedience of Allah Ta’ala as shown to us by Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam.
ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai
Date: 01 Dhul Hijjah 1443 / 01 July 2022
