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Saudi Gazette
4 days ago
- Health
- Saudi Gazette
Grand Mufti: Performing Hajj without a permit is a sin
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Chairman of the Council of Senior Scholars and Head of the General Presidency for Scholarly Research and Ifta Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, stressed the need to fully adhere to the instructions issued by the relevant authorities, most notably obtaining an official permit to perform the rituals. This was delivered in a directive to Muslims wishing to perform Hajj this year. The Grand Mufti emphasized that performing Hajj without a permit constitutes a grave violation of Islamic law, as it violates the system and the public interest. He warned that violating the instructions issued by the relevant Hajj authorities constitutes a clear violation of the orders of the ruler and is contrary to the Islamic Shariah. "Anyone who performs Hajj without a permit is guilty of a religious sin, as this harms public order and undermines the objectives of Islamic law, which are aimed at preserving order, preventing chaos, and achieving the interests of the servants." The Grand Mufti also urged all pilgrims to ensure they receive the health vaccinations prescribed by the Ministry of Health, emphasizing that preventing diseases and epidemics is a religious duty and a religious responsibility, especially during a season when Muslims flock from all over the world. He emphasized the importance of full cooperation with security and health authorities and adhering to their instructions, warning that "negligence in implementing instructions may expose the pilgrim to legal accountability and undermine the purpose of Hajj, which is worship, security, and safety." He praised the great efforts made by the Saudi government, under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in facilitating the performance of the rituals and providing all necessary resources to ensure the safety and security of the guests of God. Meanwhile, the Grand Mufti received fatwa seekers at the headquarters of the General Presidency of Scientific Research and Ifta in Makkah. He assigned a number of scholars and sheikhs to answer pilgrims' inquiries during the Hajj season. These scholars include Sheikh Abdulsalam Al-Sulaiman, a member of the Council of Senior Scholars and member of the Permanent Committee for Ifta, at mobile number (0504222205); Sheikh Jibril Al-Basili, a member of the Council of Senior Scholars and official for Ifta in the Asir Region, at mobile number (0506741787); and Sheikh Abdullah Al Tayyar, official for Ifta in the Qassim region at mobile number (0556377792). The list of scholars also includes: the Fatwa official for the Makkah region Sheikh Muhammad Bazmoul on the number (0553480005), the Fatwa official for the Jazan region Sheikh Muhammad Shaiba,on the number (0504577218), and the General Department of Fatwa's number on the WhatsApp (0535256603).
Express Tribune
28-05-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
CII takes exception to child marriage bill
Listen to article The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) has rejected a bill that bans marriage under the age of 18 in Islamabad, describing it as un-Islamic. The council has also declared the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2025, presented by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government, in conflict with Shariah. A meeting of the CII was held on Tuesday chaired by Dr Raghib Hussain Naeemi. According to the statement issued after the meeting, the council discussed the bill presented by MNA Sharmila Faruqi of the PPP and passed by the National Assembly on May 17. The bill was introduced with the object to curb, discourage and eventually eradicate the concept and phenomenon of child marriages. It said no Nikah registrar shall register a marriage where one or both the contracting parties are below the age of 18 years. It stated that whoever contravened with or failed to comply with sub-section (1) and (2) of the bill shall be liable to be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which shall not be more than one year and with fine amounting to Rs100,000, or both, unless he proved that he had reason to believe that the marriage was not a child marriage. The bill sought further punishment for male adults above 18 years of age marrying a child. "Whoever, being a male above eighteen years of age, contracts a child marriage shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment which may extend to three years but shall not be less than two years and shall be liable to fine," it said. The CII noted that the clauses defining marriage under the age of 18 as sexual assault and prescribing punishments do not align with Islamic injunctions. The statement clarified that the bill to prohibit child marriage was not referred to the CII for review before legislation. The council also found the Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2025 submitted by the K-P government to be in contradiction with Shariah. The CII emphasized that thalassemia testing before marriage should be optional, not mandatory, adding that, according to Islamic teachings, marriage should be kept free from unnecessary complications. The council also expressed concern over the irresponsible reporting of court decisions. It clarified that forcing the bride's family to provide dowry items is contrary to Islamic teachings. The statement also said that women should have the right to choose whether to keep the domicile of their husband's area or that of their parents after marriage. It ruled that after the completion of iddat — the mandatory waiting period — the husband is not financially responsible for the divorced wife. In Islamic Shariah, iddat is also observed in the event of the husband's death. The CII also proposed amendments to Clause 7 of the Muslim Family Laws (Amendment) Bill 2025, which was referred to it by the Ministry of Religious Affairs, and formed a committee to draft a new version of the law. The meeting also considered questions received from the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), as well as issues related to mudarabah (Islamic finance), housing schemes, and investment matters.
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Good response to lights-off movement
Bhatkal: The nationwide ' lights-off movement ' called by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board ( AIMPLB ) against the Waqf Amendment Act 2025 received overwhelming support in Bhatkal on Wednesday night, as Muslim-majority areas plunged into darkness at 9pm in a symbolic show of dissent. In response to AIMPLB's call to switch off lights for 15 minutes from 9pm to 9.15pm, Bhatkal's prominent social organisation, Majlis-e-Islah wa Tanzeem, mobilised support by disseminating the appeal through more than 100 mosques across the town. The forum also issued its own appeal urging the public to turn off lights to express discontent against the law passed by the central govt. As the clock struck 9pm, residents in homes, shops, and commercial establishments in localities such as Sultan Street, Jamia Street, Khalifa Street, Takia Street, Qazia Street, Mushma Street, Ghausia Street, Farooqi Street, Qidwai Road, Main Road, Nawayath Colony, Madina Colony, Umar Street, Usmaniya Street, Kargedde, Azad Nagar, and other Muslim-dominated areas switched off their lights, resulting in a unified 15-minute blackout. Lights were turned back on precisely at 9.15pm. During the blackout, many residents performed ablution and offered special prayers, seeking divine intervention for the protection of the community's religious rights. Protesters denounced the Waqf Amendment Act as being in violation of both Islamic Shariah and the Indian Constitution's guarantees of religious freedom, asserting that the law is unacceptable in its current form and must be withdrawn.
Al Bawaba
27-04-2025
- Business
- Al Bawaba
KIB Invest Launches Islamic KD Money Market Fund
Al Dawli Invest Investment Company (KIB Invest), a leading firm in Shariah-Compliant investments, is pleased to announce the launch of its inaugural investment product, the Al Dawli Invest Islamic KD Money Market Fund. This marks a significant milestone as the first fund under the KIB Invest entity, showcasing the firm's commitment to delivering Shariah-Compliant investment solutions to its Al Dawli Invest Islamic KD Money Market Fund is specifically designed for investors seeking a secure and liquid investment option. By investing in highly liquid short- and medium-term Islamic money market instruments, the Fund aims to deliver competitive returns while ensuring full compliance with Islamic Shariah principles. Investors benefit from flexible access to their funds through weekly liquidity, offering convenience and control. With a focus on capital preservation, the Fund safeguards investor capital while generating consistent addition to its strong performance potential, the Fund features a highly competitive fee structure. With no subscription or redemption fees, it minimizes costs for investors, making it an attractive and affordable choice. This cost-effective approach ensures that more of the returns remain with the investors, enhancing the overall value proposition. Designed to offer returns comparable to Islamic deposit products, the Fund also provides the added advantage of enhanced liquidity.'We are proud to launch the Al Dawli Invest Islamic KD Money Market Fund, which represents a significant step forward for KIB Invest as we establish ourselves as a trusted partner for Islamic investments,' said Jamal Al Barrak, CEO of KIB Invest. 'This Fund reflects our commitment to aligning our clients' investment goals with their values, offering a secure and Shariah-compliant vehicle to manage their capital while benefiting from competitive returns and unmatched flexibility. Looking ahead, we are eager to introduce further products with varying return and risk profiles, catering to clients seeking higher growth opportunities and further broadening the investment universe available to them.'As part of its strategic vision, KIB Invest is dedicated to expanding the investment universe for the group's clients. The launch of the Al Dawli Invest Islamic KD Money Market Fund is supported by a robust Fund Executive Committee, composed of experienced professionals committed to delivering value and maintaining the highest standards of governance and performance. Islamic money market instruments present an attractive return profile, closely resembling the returns of traditional deposits while providing enhanced flexibility through liquidity. This makes the Al Dawli Invest Islamic KD Money Market Fund an ideal choice for investors seeking stability, compliance, and accessibility.
Express Tribune
24-03-2025
- Science
- Express Tribune
Tradition and clarity
The sighting of the moon has long been a cornerstone of Islamic tradition, marking the beginning of Ramazan and the celebration of Eid. Historically, the naked-eye sighting of the crescent moon has been the prescribed method under Islamic Shariah, ensuring accessibility for all Muslims, regardless of geographical location or technological resources. However, as science and technology continue to advance, the question arises: should Islamic rulings on moon sighting incorporate astronomical tools, or should they remain bound to traditional methods? This debate reflects a broader tension between religious tradition and scientific progress. As a physicist, I find the discussion particularly intriguing, as it highlights the interplay between empirical observation and faith-based practice. Modern astronomy allows for precise predictions regarding the moon's position, visibility and phase, offering a level of accuracy that far surpasses human eyesight. Given this, is it not reasonable to integrate scientific advancements to unify moon sighting decisions and reduce confusion? Modern observatories, telescopes and computer simulations can determine the exact moment the moon becomes visible, even when weather conditions obscure direct sighting. Astronomical software and satellite imaging can predict moon visibility based on factors such as atmospheric conditions, light pollution and geographical elevation. These methods do not replace the act of sighting the crescent but serve as invaluable tools to verify claims and prevent disputes that frequently lead to differing dates for Islamic observances. Furthermore, there are parallels between this debate and scientific inquiry itself. In physics, observation is central to validating theories, but the tools we use - whether particle accelerators, electron microscopes or space telescopes - are designed to enhance human perception. The same principle applies to moon sighting: scientific instruments extend our natural abilities, enabling us to see what the naked eye may miss. Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) offers diverse viewpoints on this issue. Some scholars argue that since Islam permits the use of tools to enhance human capability, telescopes and astronomical data should be considered in moon sighting. Others insist that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) prescribed direct human sighting, and reliance on calculations contradicts this tradition. The majority view lies in the middle - acknowledging the utility of technology while maintaining that physical sighting remains a key requirement. Interestingly, some scholars have proposed high-altitude moon sightings from airplanes or mountaintops to ensure clearer visibility. While this approach could provide a solution, it raises concerns about practicality and inclusivity. Islam emphasises equality in religious obligations, ensuring that acts of worship remain accessible to all, not just those with advanced technology. If moon sighting became dependent on sophisticated equipment, it could create a divide between the privileged and underprivileged, contradicting the universal nature of Islamic practice. To resolve this issue, Islamic scholars and scientists must adopt a balanced approach. Technology should serve as a guiding tool rather than a replacement for direct human observation. A unified lunar calendar, informed by both traditional methods and scientific precision, could minimise discrepancies that lead to multiple Eid celebrations within the same country. By integrating astronomical data to verify witness testimonies, Islamic authorities can enhance the accuracy and credibility of moon sighting decisions. The beauty of both science and faith lies in their pursuit of truth. Just as physicists refine their models to better understand the universe, religious scholars can embrace tools that enhance clarity without compromising tradition. In the spirit of both inquiry and faith, a collaborative approach between science and Islamic scholarship is not just possible - it is essential for fostering unity and ensuring that religious observance remains both precise and accessible in the modern world.
