Assalam Alykum wrtb Dear Brothers and Sisters:
The ISBC has received queries about the Islamic Shariah guidance that supports its decision to disallow the attendance of Masjid Alhidayah by Dr. Saadeldin Bahr. For the enlightenment of everyone, the administration wants to share with you the basis of this decision to clear any doubts or false claims.
“O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. And if you disagree over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you should believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is the best [way] and best in result.” Surat Al Nisaa, verse: 50
In this verse, Allah (swt) sheds the light on the necessity of seeking the judgment of Allah, the All-Mighty, and His Messenger, it is true that Muslims must seek the judgment of Allah and His Messenger in all their affairs and disputes. But this does not mean that seeking advice and consultation of the people is violating the obedience of Allah and His Messenger. In the same Surah, Allah, says: "When there comes to them some matter touching (public) safety or fear, they make it known (among the people) ; if only they had referred it to the Messenger (peace be upon him) or to those charged with authority among them, the proper investigators would have understood it from them (directly). Had it not been for the Grace and Mercy of Allah upon you, you would have followed Shaitân (Satan), save a few of you." Surat Al Nisaa, verse: 83
So, Allah, the All-Mighty, asks us to refer sensitive issues that touch the safety of Muslim community to Allah, His Messenger and to the scholars so that all matters shall be dealt with properly. In this way, it is not violating the judgment of Allah. It is the same case when anyone of us is sick and visits the clinic. The doctor advises him not to fast in Ramadan as fasting shall worsen his health conditions. That man shall not fast and shall not be violating the Obedience of Allah! It is the same what we did with Dr. Saadulddin Bahr. We do not harbor for him any personal hatred. It is only that we want to keep the general benefit of Muslim groups, the safety of the mosque and the people praying there. The benefit of the group is a priority as compared to the benefit of a single person. We can summarize the matter in two points:
- The mosque is currently being sued to pay a financial compensation because of Brother Saad’s felony. His attending the mosque may result in making us lose the case and may subject the mosque to be sold by virtue of a court order to pay for the financial compensation. We are all responsible before Allah to keep His House. We cannot bear the responsibility of endangering the mosque.
- As we have been informed, many people do not want brother Saad to attend at the mosque and they might behave offensively if they see him or just know that he attends. His presence there might lead to a dispute among those who pray there which in turn might result in sedition and disperse of the group. So out of keeping the group benefit, we should not allow him to attend and endanger the mosque and the group there. Allah knows best.
It was narrated in the authentic Hadith that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "That who eats (garlic or onions) should not approach our mosque" Reported by Bukhari and Muslim
On the authority of Omar bin Al Katab, he said: "oh, you people I see that you eat onion and garlic which I believe to be offensive plants. I saw prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, expel that one whose mouth smells after eating them. He used to expel that one to graveyard."
Reported by Muslim
If we contemplate this, we shall find that Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, expelled that one who ate garlic or onion as the smell should hurt those who prayed. What about things that touch the safety of the mosque and the group praying there!
We know that the measure we took against Dr. Bahr may be strict but it is the only solution before us. We can not hazard to lose the trust we are entitled to keep in our hands. Also, the country has many mosques where he can pray in. Prayer is not limited only to that mosque.
Allah knows best. Peace be upon Prophet Muhammad.