Tag: Guide

A Muslim’s Guide to the Stock Market: Beginner Level

About a year or so ago, I was encouraged to read the highly popular personal finance book Rich Dad, Poor Dad and developed a sensational interest in stocks and investments in general. But there was just one problem. I knew nothing about the subject. How do they work? How do I buy and sell them? How do I know which ones to buy? What about the Islamic aspect? How can I know if they are halal or haram? What’s a mutual fund?

So this led me on a quest of many weeks to do an intense self-study on the stock market and try to figure it out. I took notes, which I’ve linked to in the guide below, read a book or two, watched videos, read numerous articles, and bookmarked a large collection of websites and articles discussing the subject of stocks and investments in general. I even looked into Islamic rulings on stocks and bookmarked various fatwas on the issue as well.

I am happy to say that after all of that I was able to understand the market at a basic level to be able to at least delve into the subject. I even bought and sold some individual stocks just for fun and practice. I am now confident enough to say that I have a better understanding of stocks and investments than I did before my quest. I’m no expert but I know enough to be able to weigh my options.

I’ve just recently realized that there are many other Muslims that are in the same boat that I was. They don’t understand how stocks work at all but are interested in the subject. They especially want to understand it from an Islamic perspective before delving into the craft. So I’ve decided to write a guide of sort and give resources and links to all the research that I did that helped me understand the stock market better. Below is my complete guide. I’ve left the Islamic part at the end because you need to understand how the market works before delving into the fatwas regarding it. Reading the fatwas without understanding how the market works first may confuse you. Just be patient and go through the whole guide and it will start to make sense after a while insha’Allah.

If anyone finds anything missing, please let us know in the comments section below. I’ve added newer stuff that I found while writing up this article.

Disclaimer – The links and resources below are what helped me personally understand the subject. I am not guaranteeing that it will do the same for you. I am only relaying this information to help my brothers and sisters who are in the same boat that I was in before. I am hoping that they will get enough out of it to at least be able to have a basic understanding of how investments, particularly stocks, work.

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Video Tutorials | Written Tutorials | Books | Articles | Tools | Useful Websites to Follow | Islamic Rulings on Stocks | Islamic Based Investment Companies | Conclusion

Video Tutorials

Bonds are exclusively interest based and should be avoided by Muslims. Just indicating that here because some of the videos below delve into it. There will be more on this in the fatwa section.

Khan Academy’s Course on Stocks and Bonds – You can utilize my notes here from it as an extra resource.

Khan Academy’s Course on investment vehicles, insurance, and retirement

Udemy’s Course on Investing for Beginners

3 Rules to Investing

How to Invest in Stocks and Bonds for Beginners

Investing 101: Stocks, Bonds, 401K, Cash, Portfolios, Asset Allocation, Etc.

How Does an Index Fund Work?

Value Investing Course – This used to be a Udemy course and was very informative but for some reason they have taken it down. I am providing the link to the notes that I took instead.

Halal Investing: Principles and Products

A Muslim’s Guide to Mastering Money: Halal Investing, Money Mastery, Life Success

Written Tutorials

Stock Basics

The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Investing in Stock

Introduction To Fundamental Analysis

The Beginner’s Guide to Investing in Mutual Funds: What Mutual Funds Are, How Mutual Funds Work, and Much More

Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

IPO Basics

Investment Risk Course

Books

Rich Dad, Poor Dad

The Only Investment Guide You’ll Ever Need

A Beginner’s Guide to Investing: How to Grow Your Money the Smart and Easy Way

Picking Stocks: A Practical Guide to Investing in the Stock Market

A List of Recommended Books for Investors

Articles

Defining the 3 Types of Investments

10 Questions to Ask Before You Buy a Stock

Analyze a Stock in 12 Easy Steps

How to Invest in Stocks: A Beginner’s Guide to Investing in Stocks

When a Stock Price Falls, What Happens to Your Money?

How to Research a Stock

How To Do Stock Market Research

What is the cheapest, fastest way to research, buy and trade stock?

5 Essential Things You Need To Know About Every Stock You Buy

How To Pick A Stock

What Is A Dividend?

Dividend Investing 101

Understanding Index Funds

Myths and Facts About Dividend Investing

Dividend Yield

Reading the Balance Sheet

Understanding the Income Statement

6 Dangerous Moves for First-Time Investors

5 Must-Have Metrics for Value Investors

Mutual Funds: Does Size Really Matter?

Return On Investment – ROI

A Guide to Calculating Return on Investment

Understanding Stock Quotes

How to Read a Stock Chart in Just Five Seconds

What Is a Good Return on Your Investments?

The Mathematics of Getting Rich By Investing in Stocks

Capital Gains Tax 101: How They Work & How to Reduce Them

Online brokers to Buy and Sell Stocks

There are many different websites out there but following are among the more popular ones.

Robinhood – This is a popular free trading app. Usually, it costs around $10 to trade in stocks. But this app lets you do it completely for free. It’s quite popular among the younger and beginner level investors.

E-Trade – This is a popular website to trade stocks and has a fee associated with trading in stocks.

Motif Investing – This is another fee based stock trader.  It has some unique aspects though. It allows investors to choose from over 100 pre-built portfolios of 20-30 stocks, to customize existing motifs, or to create a brand new, unique portfolio all for a low execution cost of $9.95. So in a way, it’s a customizable mutual fund that you can manage on your own. You can add or remove stocks as you wish from a motif or designate a particular percentage for each stock in your motif. So if you have a motif of 25 stocks, you can say ‘I want to invest $200 and distribute 4% to each stock.’ This way Motif will automatically invest $8 in each of your 25 stocks. You can also customize and choose how much more or less do you want to invest in each stock in your motif.

Stock Screeners

A stock screener is a tool that investors and traders can use to filter stocks based on user-defined metrics. Investors use screeners to find stocks that are poised to perform well over time. They allow investors and traders to analyze hundreds of stocks in a short period of time, making it possible to weed out those stocks that don’t meet the user’s requirements and focus on the instruments that are within the user-defined metrics. Stock screeners are offered on many websites and trading platforms. You can also use them to see a history of the stock you want to research or buy. You can see how the stock has done over the past few years. I personally have used the following only:

Finviz – This is a popular screener among traders and is very detailed. It even provides financial information on stock companies. If you want to do thorough research, then this is one of the places to go.

Yahoo Finance – Yahoo allows you links to the financial information of the company as well to view their income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow but, unfortunately, doesn’t have that information always available for every stock.

Google’s Stock Screener

Calculators

Compound Interest Calculator – find out how much you would earn over time

Savings Goal Calculator – find out how much you would need to invest every month to get to your goal

Useful Websites to Follow

I recommend following the below websites to keep up to date the market situation. Like them on facebook, twitter, get on their e-mail list, etc.

Investopedia

The Balance

StockTwits

Recently Priced IPOs – This lists the latest new stocks that have just come on the market. If you can find that right stock that has potential for great growth, you could do well with early investment.

10 Financial Websites That Help You Stay On Top Of The Market

Islamic Rulings on Stocks

As the fatwas and articles below will show, stock trading in general is permissible as long as certain conditions are met. Therefore, not all stocks are permissible for Muslims to trade with and precaution should be taken by God-conscious Muslims.

Investing in stock market: the Shariah way

Guidelines on investing in stocks

Shares in the Stock Market

Buying shares in a company with mixed assets (halal with haram)

Ruling on Short Selling Stock

Zakat on 401ks and IRAs

Do I have to pay zakat on my stocks?

Ruling on Commodities on Stock Exchange

General guidelines on trading stocks

Halal Investing 101 w/ Dr. Yasir Qadhi

Binary options contracts are prohibited in Islam

Halal Mutual funds and 401k

Rulings on Mutual Funds

Allowed percentage of questionable income of stock companies

Islamic Investment questions

20 questions related to the stock market

Contemporary financial issues related to real estate and retirement accounts

Working With Islamic Finance – This is a non-Muslim website but has a nice write up on the topic and includes a section on stocks.

Bitcoin and Islamic Law

What is the Islamic Ruling on Cryptocurrency?

Islamic Based Investment Companies

Since for most people trying to figure out which stocks are halal and which are not is a hassle and not an easy task, there are many Muslim based investment companies out there that do the heavy lifting of Sharia compliant stock research for you. Following are a few that I am aware of:

Wahed Invest

At sign up, they ask you a few questions and assess your risk tolerance and ideal investment strategy. Then based on your risk level (derived from your answers), they recommend to you one of their eight investment portfolio options (conservative, moderate, aggressive, etc.). If you’re happy with it, then you can fund your account and invest and hope it does well. You can also choose a different portfolio than the one they recommend. In addition, they recently launched a Halal Stock Screener app which you can use to find out if a particular stock is Islamically ethical to invest in or not.

Update (10/10/2018): Wahed has announced that it is now offering halal index funds! This is very unique and the only product of its sort that I am aware of. Index funds are considered the best way to invest for individuals in the long run for retirement but there was, before Wahed, practically no way to do it in a halal manner. It looks very promising so be sure to look into it!

Amana Mutual Funds

They choose the Sharia compliant investments for you without asking you. Your only job is to tell them what type of fund you want to invest in (income, growth, etc.) and they will take it from there. It’s a good option if you don’t want much control and just want to do things on auto pilot.

Azzad Mutual Funds

Same as Amana model

Iman Fund

Same as Amana model

Investofy

This is a recent project by Sh. Joe Bradford, an Islamic finance expert, and offers Sharia compliant trade alert service for a monthly fee. So they don’t invest anything on your behalf. They just tell you what type of stocks are Sharia compliant and what types are not.

Sharia Portfolio

They require at least $100k to be able to invest with them according to one of their representatives that I spoke with at an event.

Ameen Housing

This is not a stock investment but I’m including it here because it is a Shariah compliant investment option for Muslims. Basically, they own properties from which they collect rent. Rental income from homes and any appreciation of property value is distributed as dividends among the investors.

Conclusion

As you can see from the above, stock picking requires a lot of research and work. It is not an easy task. At the end of the day, the market is unpredictable and you cannot be certain if you will keep or lose your money. Even the legendary stock picking guru Warren Buffett does not recommend delving into individual stocks. This is why if you are thinking of doing individual stock investments, then pick well established companies, diversify your portfolio, and stick in there for the long term and not short term. If you don’t want the headache of doing the research, both Islamic and secular on the particular stock, then just stick to an Islamic based, low fee investment option and keep investing a certain amount monthly into that account. However, if you want to delve into daily trading for the ‘love of the game’, then may Allah make it easy for you.

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Easy Umrah Guide (Printable PDF Included)

What follows is a very easy step by step process on how to do Umrah prepared by Sh. Muhammad Alshareef. You can also download a brochure style one page double sided printable PDF version of the guide below by clicking here. My family used this very guide to do our very first Umrah on our own without any help from anyone. That is how easy to follow and helpful this guide was to my family and I.

I am sharing it here so others may benefit as well. Be sure that you print the printable PDF guide in a double sided format so that you can fold it like a brochure. I also have a similar guide for Hajj on my blog. Let me know if it was helpful in the comments section below!

STAGE 1 – IHRAM AT THE MEEQAT

1 – Go to the Meeqat

  • If you are going from Madinah, the Meeqat is a place called Dhul-Hulayfah; a large Masjid on the outskirts of Madinah
  • Shave you’re underarms and pubic hairs and cut your nails before going
  • Note: If you are arriving in the Jeddah airport and are proceeding directly to Makkah to perform Umrah, the airplane will pass the Meeqat before you land. Therefore, you must complete steps 2-6 before the airplane lands. The pilot usually announces it over the speaker when he reaches the Meeqat

2 – Take a shower, remove all clothes, and wear two white towels

  • The Dhul-Hulayfah Masjid is well-equipped with washing facilities. However, you may shower in your hotel room before going to the Meeqaat
  • If you are putting on Ihram on an airplane, you should shower before boarding the airplane
  • With the towel, cover both shoulders at this point

3 – Enter the prayer hall and pray 2 rak’a

  • If an obligatory prayer is in process, join them. If not, pray with the intention of Sunnah al-Wudu

4 – Now, make a vocal intention for Umrah

  • Say: Labbayk Allahumma Umrah, which means O Allah, I am answering you’re call to perform Umrah

5 – After making this intention, you have entered in to the state of Ihram

In Ihram, the following restrictions apply:

  • Do not cut your hair
  • Do not trim your nails
  • Do not apply perfume (including scented soap, shampoo, or wet towels that come with meals)
  • Do not wear gloves
  • Do not touch your wife/husband with desire
  • Do not perform intercourse
  • Do not consummate a marriage contract
  • Do not hunt any wild animals

Additional Restrictions Specific for Men:

  • Do not cover your head, not even with your Ihram towel
  • Do not wear clothes sewn to the shape of your body. That includes undergarments

Additional Restrictions Specific for Women:

  • Do not cover your face or hands. However, in the presence of men you may cover your face as Aisha used to do

6 – Begin reciting the Talbiyah

  • The Talbiyah is: Labbayk Allaahumma Labbayk / Labbayka Laa shareeka laka labbayk / Inn alhamda wan-Ni’mata laka wal-mulk / laa shareeka lak (Here I am at your service, O Allah / You have no partners, here I am at your service, O Allah / Verily, all praise and grace belongs to you, and the kingdom / You have no partner)

7 – Proceed to the Haram in Makkah

  • While traveling, shorten and join prayers. Continue to recite the Talbiyah out loud throughout the trip

8 – Enter the Haram with your right foot

  • While entering say: Bismillaah (In the name of Allah) was-Salaatu was-salaamu ‘ala Rasoolillaah (and may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon Allah’s Messenger) Allahumma iftah-li abwaaba Rahmatik (O Allah, open for me the doors of your Mercy)

9 – Now, uncover your right shoulder and proceed to the Black Stone

  • Slip the Ihram towel under your right underarm, from the back. Then throw it over your left shoulder, from the front

STAGE 2 – TAWAF (CIRCLING AROUND THE KA’BAH)

10 (a) – Point and face your open hand towards the Black Stone and say: Allahu Akbar!

  • It is Sunnah that you kiss the Black stone. But, due to the crowd, you may not get the chance, therefore, pointing suffices
  • Touch if you can, but do not kiss, the Yemeni corner of the Ka’bah (the corner left of the Black Stone corner)

10 (b) – Begin Tawaf (go around the Ka’bah 7 times)

  • Each time you complete one circle and find yourself in-line with the Black Stone, face an open hand at it and say Allahu Akbar!
  • You must have Wudu for the entire Tawaf
  • The first three times around the Ka’bah should be done in a fast walking pace if possible
  • You may recite Qur’an, do Dhikr, or make Du’a. There is nothing specific that you must say

STAGE 3 – TWO RAK’AT AT THE STATION OF IBRAHEEM

11 – Go to Maqami Ibraheem

  • Recite the verse:
    وَاتَّخِذُوا مِن مَّقَامِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ مُصَلًّى ۖ
    (And take of the station of Ibraheem as a place of prayer (Quran 2:125)

12 – Pray Two Rak’at

  • If the spot is crowded, back up and pray in a comfortable area

13 – Go to the Zamzam fountains

  • Drink ZamZam, pour it over your head, and make dua

14 – Return to Black Stone and kiss it if you can

  • If crowded, face an open hand and say Allahu Akbar!

STAGE 4 – SA’I BETWEEN SAFA AND MARWA

15 – Proceed to Mt. Safa

  • As you near it, recite the verse:
    إِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِن شَعَائِرِ اللَّهِ ۖ فَمَنْ حَجَّ الْبَيْتَ أَوِ اعْتَمَرَ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْهِ أَن يَطَّوَّفَ بِهِمَا ۚ وَمَن تَطَوَّعَ خَيْرًا فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ شَاكِرٌ عَلِيمٌ
    Verily the Safa and Marwa are among the signs of Allah. Anyone who goes on Hajj to the House or visits (it) will not be blamed if he runs along between them. With anyone who volunteers some good, Allah is Appreciative, Aware (Quran 2:158)

16 – Stand on Mt. Safa and face the Ka’bah

  • Note: While it is highly recommended that one has wudu during Sa’i, it is not a must. You may perform Sa’i without wudu

17 – While standing on the mountain, face the Ka’bah and say: Laa ilaaha illa Allah Wahdahu laa Sharika lah. Lah ul-Mulk. Wa lah ul-Hamd. Wa huwa ‘ala Kulli shay’in Qadeer. Laa ilaaha illa Allah. Anjaza wa’dah. Wa Nasara ‘abdah. Wa hazam al-Ahzaba wahdah (There is nothing worthy of worship except Allah. Alone. He has no partner. To Him belongs the kingdom. And all praise belongs to Him. And He has power above all things. There is nothing worthy of worship except Allah. He fulfilled His promise. Granted victory to His servant. And alone He defeated the allied army.)

18  – Make your own Du’a

  • Pray for anything from the goodness of this life and the next. Pray for both yourself and others

19 – Repeat steps 17-18 two more times

  • Enjoy the process. You’ve come all this way, open your heart in glorification and Dua to Allah!

20 – Leave Mt. Safa and walk to Mt. Marwa

  • After 20% of the way you’ll see green lights above. Begin jogging until you reach the other set of green lights

21 – Stand on the incline of Mt. Marwa

  • Repeat steps 17-18 three times

22 – Continue back and forth between Safa and Marwa until you’ve completed seven. If you’ve counted correctly, you should end at Marwa

  • Steps 16 to 20 = one SA’I. Marwa back to Safa = two. Safa back to Marwa = three; And so on. Note: At each mountain repeat steps 17-18 three times. Remember to jog every time you pass through the valley between Safa and Marwa (marked by the green lights above)

STAGE 5 – SHAVE OR TRIM HAIR

23 – After completing all seven sa’i, shave or trim your hair

  • Specific to women: Cut a centimeter of hair, more or less

24 – Mabrook! Your Umrah is now complete

  • All the items in step 5 are now permissible again. Pray that Allah accepts your Umrah

DOWNLOAD THE COMPLETE UMRAH GUIDE

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Towards Sacred Activism: A Religious Guide for the Muslim Activist

Activism has become a huge part of countries around the world but especially in the West. It seems there is a voice for every issue now crying out for equality or justice. There is no doubt that organized activism is one of the best ways to bring about a positive social change in society. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of causes out there that one can choose to represent in society. The problem, however, is that not all of them are compatible with Islam, particularly some of the popular ones. This is where there is a conundrum for the Muslim activist.

One of the most influential and prominent forms of activism in the West is that of LGBTQ. However, this type of lifestyle is explicitly forbidden in the Qur’an and prophetic statements. In addition, there is a consensus on its prohibition among Muslim scholars in mainstream Islam. Therefore, it should be a no-brainer that as Muslims we cannot get behind this issue and pretend it is just like any other social justice issue.

As Muslims, our fundamental understanding of right and wrong comes from the Qur’an and Sunnah (prophetic statements, actions, and tacit approvals). If it is considered wrong/evil by Allah or His Messenger, then we must not get behind anything that will normalize such evil. Rather, we must oppose it even if the whole world thinks it’s good. Similarly, if Allah or His Messenger consider something good, then we must also consider it as such and get behind it even if the whole world thinks it’s wrong. We are told in the Qur’an:

And if you obey most of those upon the earth, they will mislead you from the way of Allah . They follow not except assumption, and they are not but falsifying [Qur’an 6:116].

Allah also tells his Prophet (pbuh) and in extension the believers in the Qur’an:

And follow what is revealed to you, [O Muhammad], and be patient until Allah will judge [Qur’an 10:109].

Activism has definitely become more popular among young Muslims in the West due to Islamophobia. Today, Muslims are more aware and involved in social and political issues. They have quoted verses from the Qur’an and blessed prophetic statements (hadiths) to back up their activism in fighting for justice for the oppressed. For example, Allah tells us in the Qur’an:

You are the best nation produced [as an example] for mankind. You enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and believe in Allah [Qur’an 3:110].

Traditionally, this verse and others like it with similar wording have been interpreted by Muslim scholars to mean enjoining all that which Allah and His Messenger have commanded and forbidding all that which Allah and His Messenger have prohibited. Even with this interpretation, there are many modern issues which can fall under it, such as, racism, bullying, poverty, exploitation, torture, corruption, etc., because all such things are forbidden in Islam and we should speak out against them and try to eradicate them from our society. The problem arises, however, when a Muslim activist uses such verses to include issues which are clearly contradictory to Islam. For example, LGBTQ normalization, legalization of sex work, abortion rights after the soul has entered into the fetus, etc. would all be considered wrong in Islam and not permissible for Muslims to advocate for them.

In recent times, some Muslim activists in the West have attracted national spotlight for their efforts. Unfortunately, some of them have even advocated for LGBTQ issues like same sex marriage. Those among the mainstream who have advocated for such things use the argument that all minorities must have each others back and that they’re only supporting them so that all minorities, including Muslims, are treated fairly. So in reality, they proclaim, they are advocating for Muslim rights. This has led to lots of debate and confusion among Muslims as to how to go about such issues. Should we support many popular modern movements in the field of “social justice” that clearly contradict our faith principles with the caveat that it will bring us as Muslim minorities benefit as well? What about working with groups who advocate for such forbidden issues but we restrict our work with them on issues we both find problematic (poverty, corruption, racism, islamophobia, etc.)? Can we be partners with such groups?

Imam Dawud Walid, an imam in the Metropolitan Detroit area and Executive Director of the Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MI), has attempted to answer these questions in his latest book entitled Towards Sacred Activism. It’s a small 75 page booklet that concisely addresses Muslim activists in the West and provides guidance on how to do social justice activism from an Islamic perspective. He provides some excellent advice and I will try to summarize to the best of my ability. I highly recommend purchasing it if you want to get involved in social justice work from an Islamic perspective.

He points out in his book that social justice work, for a Muslim, should be done to enhance the good in our society and interrupt injustice based upon the guidance of the Qur’an and Sunnah. The first and foremost motivation and reason a Muslim should do this work, he says, is for the pleasure of Allah and everything else is secondary. In order to understand the guidance from the Qur’an and Sunnah, and what pleases or displeases Allah, it requires religious literacy, hence, Muslim activists should be learned enough in their faith tradition so that they do not fall into promoting that which the Qur’an and Sunnah have forbidden or preventing that which the Qur’an and Sunnah have commanded. He argues that before taking on any modern issue, the Muslim activist should get in touch with Muslim scholars and educate himself/herself on the issue from an Islamic perspective. He admits that there is some sort of gap between Muslim scholars and Muslim activists and that they both live in their own bubbles not really fully engaging with the other side. He states:

“There should be more religious leaders who are in tune with grassroots, social justice activism, just as there should be more activists who have some background in the traditional Islamic sciences. Yet, the reality on the ground is that these two groups are not in regular conversation with each other” (Pgs. 73-74).

He provides five guidelines to keep in mind before delving into social justice work with other groups:

  1. Be upfront, resolute and kind in telling religious leaders and advocates where you stand on this issue based upon normative Islamic beliefs and that it is acceptable for them to disagree. Just as you are not trying to impose your beliefs upon them, you should respectfully tell them that you have the right to not agree with all of their positions but can work together with them where causes align.
  2. Be involved in coalitions calling for social justice that align with the shari’ah (Islamic law), regardless of LGBTQ groups being part of those coalitions.
  3. Attempt to be clear, within yourself, about phrases and nomenclature, that will not be used in campaigns and public rallies that violate the shari’ah. Not everything has to be verbally recognized in the name of intersectionality.
  4. Do not collaborate or encourage any initiative that advances what is clearly forbidden in Islam, falsely in the name of allyship.
  5. Be prepared to hear Islam itself, not just Muslims, being called homophobic and patriarchal because of issues such as the opinion on homosexuality. Remember that soft anti-Islam sentiments exist within the Left in relation to how it sees traditional Islamic theology and jurisprudence conflicting with Liberalism.

Walid differentiates between coalitions and alliances. He views coalitions in a way that allows more flexibility with them. He says coalitions differ from alliances in the following ways:

  • Coalition is a collaboration which is usually temporary in nature and is based upon a narrow focus of issue(s)
  • Coalition partners do not have to share the same belief systems and methodologies in order to cooperate upon limited common goals
  • Coalition partners can be in partnership on some issues while simultaneously be in opposition to each other on other matters

To justify working with such groups in a narrow sense, he uses the verse, “And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression” [Qur’an 5:2]. He also uses the incident of Hilf al-Fudul, a pact which took place before Islam which the idolater leaders of Mecca agreed to implement to establish fair commercial dealings in Mecca and which the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) supported even well after his prophethood. Walid states, “Hilf al-Fudul, however, in no way meant that he [the prophet] would have sanctioned Muslims to affirm, much less propagate, the heresy of Quraysh’s idolatry, the burying of female babies alive and other un-Islamic aspects of their lifestyle as a condition of being in such a coalition” (pg. 56).

Finally, Walid clarifies that as Muslims we must not get involved or support vigilante violence, mayhem, threatening, bullying, etc. against those from the LGBTQ community. We must and can disagree with their lifestyle but not resort to such behavior. In addition, he supports doing social justice work that brings about Islamic based justice in society irrespective of who benefits from it (poverty, homelessness, healthcare reform, immigration reform, etc.). So if you help a LGBTQ person come out of poverty, get affordable healthcare, etc., this does not oppose Islamic ethics or values argues Walid.

There are a lot more gems that he shares based on his experience and I highly encourage those who are interested in getting involved in social justice from an Islamic perspective to buy and read it.

I would also recommend the talk linked below delivered by Sh. Yasir Qadhi at a CAIR event in which he discusses these issues.

 

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Easy Hajj Guide (Printable PDF Included)

What follows is a very easy step by step process on how to do Hajj prepared by Sh. Muhammad Alshareef. You can also download a brochure style one page double sided printable PDF version of the guide below by clicking here. My family used this very guide to do our very first Hajj. It was so helpful that we needed little to no supervision during the transition between the different rites. We knew exactly what to do and what was happening next. At one point other people at Hajj were coming up to us and asking for help when they became confused.

I am sharing it here so others may benefit as well. Be sure that you print the printable PDF guide in a double sided format so that you can fold it like a brochure. I also have a similar guide on this blog for Umrah. Let me know if it was helpful in the comments section below!

Day 1 – 8th Day of Tarwiyah (Watering)

1 – Prepare for Ihram

  • Shower, shave underarms and pubic hair, and put on perfume before wearing the white towels.

2 – Make a vocal intention for Ihram and begin

  • Say: Labbayk Allaahumma Hajjan
    I am here at Your service, O Allah, to perform Hajj

In Ihram, the following restrictions apply for all:

  • Do not cut your hair
  • Do not trim your nails
  • Do not apply perfume (including scented soap, shampoo, or wet towels that come with meals)
  • Do not wear gloves
  • Do not touch your wife/husband with desire
  • Do not perform intercourse
  • Do not consummate a marriage contract
  • Do not hunt any wild animals

Additional specific prohibition for Men:

  • Do not cover your head, not even with your Ihram towel
  • Do not wear clothes sewn to the shape of your body. That includes undergarments.

Additional specific prohibition for Women:

  • Do not cover your face or hands. However, in the presence of men you may cover your face as Aisha used to do.

3 – Go to Mina

  • Pray in Mina the following five Salah at their proper time: Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha, Fajr
  • Pray Dhuhr, Asr, and Isha: 2 Raka’at only
  • Spend the day and night in Mina
  • Remember to do the Talbiyah constantly (Labbayk Alla- huma labbayk)

Day 2 – 9th Day of Arafah

4 – In the morning, proceed to Arafah

  • Arafah begins after Dhuhr. Try not to stress yourself with worship in the morning at the expense of the afternoon
  • After listening to the Khutbah, pray Dhuhr and Asr together shortened (2- 2) at Dhuhr time
  • Pray and remember Allah ta’ala immensely on this day. Arafah is the essence of Hajj! Make lots of Dua.
  • Remain in Arafah until sunset
  • Delay your Maghrib/Isha – which you shall pray together – until you reach Muzdalifah

5 – At sunset, proceed to Muzdalifah

  • The Islamic day ends at Maghrib, not 12:00 A.M. like we may be accustomed to in Western countries. Please keep this in mind

6 – Pray Maghrib/ Isha in Muzdalifah

  • If the bus is taking too long in traffic, do not delay your prayer past half the night. If it is nearing half the night, pray wherever you are on the road.

7 – Spend the night in Muzdalifah

  • The Prophet, sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam, prayed Fajr in Muzdalifah, and then he stood and supplicated before moving on
  • In an authentic hadith, permission was given for the elderly and women to leave halfway through the night

Day 3 – 10th Day of Nahr (Sacrifice)

8 – After Fajr, proceed to Mina

Today you shall be doing the following insha’Allah:

  1. Stone the Aqabah Jamarat – the largest Jamarat – with seven pebbles
  2. Slaughter your sacrificial animal
  3. Shave or trim your hair. Shaving is preferred for men
  4. Go to the Ka’bah and perform Tawaf Al-Ifadah (also known as Tawaf Az-Ziyarah)
  5. Go to Safa/Marwa and perform Sai’. This is for Hajj Tamattu’. (And others who may have missed their Sai’ when they first came)

Coming out of Ihram has two stages:

  • First: After you have completed (1-3 above), you come out of Ihram in the first stage. Meaning, everything that was forbidden in Ihram is now permissible, EXCEPT intercourse
  • Second: After you have completed (4) everything that was forbidden in Ihram is now permissible. You may delay (4) to day four or five or six.

At Maghrib the next day begins. Return to Mina to spend the night there.

Day 4 – 11th Day of Tashreeq 1/3

9 – Spend the night in Mina

  • You must spend the night in Mina

10 – Beginning from Dhuhr time, stone the three Jamarat: (small-med-large)

  • Do not throw before Dhuhr
  • Although the time begins at Dhuhr, it is safer to delay stoning until after Asr, or even until late night when the crowd lightens up
  • Say “Allahu Akbar” with each individual throw
  • Step to the side after the small and medium Jamarat, and make dua
  • During the Tashreeq days, you should pray each Salah at it’s proper time. However, Dhuhr, Asr and Isha should be prayed 2 rak’at only
  • In the Qur’an: [And remember Allah during the appointed days (i.e. the Days of Tashreeq). Anyone who hastens to leave in two days, there is no sin on him, and whoever stays on (for the 3rd day), there is no sin on him, if his aim is to do good. And obey Allah and know that you will be surely be gathered unto Him.] Qur’an 2:203

Day 5 – 12th Day of Tashreeq 2/3

11 – Spend the night in Mina

  • You must spend the night in Mina

12 – Beginning from Dhuhr time, stone the three Jamarat: (small-med-large)

  • Do not throw before Dhuhr
  • Although the time begins at Dhuhr, it is safer to delay stoning until after Asr, or even until late night when the crowd lightens up
  • Say “Allahu Akbar” with each individual throw
  • Step to the side after the small and medium Jamarat, and make dua
  • At Maghrib the next day begins. You must leave Mina before Maghrib if you do not wish to stay for the following day. Although Day Six is originally optional, if you delay your departure, you must stay
  • If you choose not to stay for Day Six, you have now completed Hajj minus Tawaf Al-Wada’ (the Farewell Tawaf). If you choose to stay an extra day, then move to Day Six, otherwise, go to step 13

Day 6 – 13th Day of Tahreeq 3/3

11 – Spend the night in Mina

  • You must spend the night in Mina

12 – Beginning from Dhuhr time, stone the three Jamarat: (small-med-large)

  • Do not throw before Dhuhr
  • Although the time begins at Dhuhr, it is safer to delay stoning until after Asr, or even until late night when the crowd lightens up
  • Say “Allahu Akbar” with each individual throw
  • Step to the side after the small and medium Jamarat, and make dua
  • You have now completed Hajj minus Tawaf Al-Wada’ (the Farewell Tawaf)

Before You Leave

13 – Perform Tawaf Al-Wada’

  • Commonly misunderstood, Tawaf Al-Wada’ cannot be done whenever. It should be done prior to departure. You cannot perform it and then leave the next day, for in such a case it would not be considered a farewell. Perform it and then leave Makkah without delay
  • Women in their menses may leave without performing Tawaf Al-Wada’
  • No one can leave until they have performed Tawaf Az-Ziyarah (see step 8 above), and that includes women in their menses. The second stage of coming out of Ihram shall remain until you perform it.

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Guarding Our Children’s Faith: A Guide for Muslim Parents on LGBTQ+ Issues

Identity politics has become a huge part of our society and many Muslim parents are confused on how to navigate through it especially as it relates to their children, who are constantly being exposed and socially conditioned to accept ideas that directly contradict their religious values. Muslim kids face challenges today that many of us never came across growing up. One of these main challenges is the widespread acceptance of the LGBTQ+ lifestyle. It is constantly emphasized through the media, entertainment industry, school, and of course the internet.

There is no escaping it at this point. Our kids will most likely come across it one way or another especially in the West. The most important thing we can do, in addition to making lots of supplications, is talk to our kids by having meaningful discussions on the topic. We must teach them our own value system and prepare them for the real world. They must realize that they take their religious values from home and certainly not the irreligious society around them nor their peers.

I wanted to put together a short list of articles and videos that Muslim parents can use to understand what the LGBTQ+ philosophy is and how to navigate through it. And most important of all, how to protect your kids from it. If you go through all of the links below and comprehend the materials presented, then insha’Allah you will have a much better understanding of how to move forward with your kids. The list below is not complete and I plan to keep adding as I come across more relevant material that I feel may be helpful for Muslim parents in dealing with this issue.

The Modern World – This is an excellent lecture on the topic of what it means to have a “worldview” by Dr. Carl Sharif El-Tobgui. Whether we like it or not, there are competing worldviews struggling against each other in the modern world. Our religion, based on the Qur’an and Sunnah, is also presenting a particular worldview. Dr. Sharif discusses the differences between the Islamic worldview and the modern worldview. Whenever I talk to someone about modernity, I struggle to explain to them the concept of competing worldviews and how it impacts the way we perceive and build opinions about different matters because it requires more than just 10 minutes to break it down! However, Dr. Sharif has done a decent job in 1.5 hours breaking it down in this PowerPoint presentation.

Islam and LGBTQ: Gender, Sexuality, Morality, and Identity – This is probably the most detailed and comprehensive discussion of the topic from Dr. Carl Sharif El-Tobgui. It discusses the history, meaning, implications, and ways to counter the narrative.

The Gender and Gender Identity – This is a presentation by Mobeen Vaid who has done extensive research on the topic. In this presentation, he shares what it means to have a gender and gender identity and whether there is a difference between genders or not. He also gets into the LGBTQ+ agenda and their influence and ways to protect ourselves and kids from it.

Sunni Islam and Gender Nonconformity (Part 1) – An essay by Mobeen Vaid on the Islamic rulings and positions of various forms of gender nonconformity held by Sunni jurists.

Sunni Islam and Gender Nonconformity (Part 2) – This is the second part of the above essay. In it, Mobeen joins forces with Waheed Jensen, a physician, medical researcher, blogger, and the producer and host of “A Way Beyond the Rainbow,” a podcast series dedicated to Muslims experiencing same-sex attractions who want to live a life true to Allah and Islam and to helping Muslim families, communities, and institutions navigate questions related to Islam and homosexuality in the contemporary world. They discuss contemporary discourses surrounding the issue of gender identity (in comparison to biological sex), gender roles, and transgenderism with a focus on the multifarious ways in which modern discourses surrounding these topics can or cannot be accommodated given the legal, ethical, and moral boundaries established by Islamic law.

Straight Struggle – This is a short talk by Waheed Jensen, who struggles with same-sex attractions but has been able to manage his desires in order to live according to Allah’s laws. He shares his story. He also has a more detailed discussion on the topic here.

Sacred Activism – This is an article I wrote for those young Muslims who are involved in social justice work and may come across ideologies, especially LGBTQ+ lifestyles, that contradict their faith teachings. How do we navigate that space? What are our limits and restrictions? Can we work with such groups on mutual issues or no? I did a video podcast with Imam Dawud Walid on this topic as well which is available on YoutTube.

Response from Dr. Yasir Qadhi – A booklet on transgenderism was being distributed to Muslim students at his son’s university so his son brought it home to show it to him. Dr. Qadhi responds to the arguments being made in that pamphlet.

Fatwa on Gender Dysphoria – Fatwa given by Darul Qasim on gender dysphoria. It was given in response to the following questions: Would I be considered a male because of my brain, a female because of my genitals, or intersex because of the incongruence between the two? Would I be allowed to live as the opposite sex and seek HRT (Hormonal Replacement Therapy) and surgery? If I am not allowed to transition, would it be permissible for me to have my friends and family use male pronouns for me in private, or for me to use a chest binder?

When the State Comes for Your Kids – An essay by Abigail Shrier on how some U.S. states are changing laws in a way that they can come after your kids under 18 and take them away if you do not “affirm” their chosen gender even if they have a history of mental illness! They even permit sex change surgeries without parental consent as long as the child wants it.

The LGBTQ Movement – This is a discussion by Dr. Yasir Qadhi on the background of the movement, pronouns, gender fluidity, current conception, and the harms it has for the Muslim community.

Pitfalls of Engaging in Secular Liberal Politics & Activism – In this candid podcast of the Blood Brothers Podcast, Dilly Hussain speaks with Mobeen Vaid on the topic of Muslim groups unconditionally aligning themselves with the left and its negative repercussions. In addition, I would also recommend this discussion by Imam Marc Manley which is critiques ‘wokeness’.

One Contemporary Issues and Shar’i Perspectives – This is part I of a 2-episode series with Sh. Mustafa Umar addressing contemporary issues and Shar’i perspectives related to same-sex attractions and gender identity issues. How can parents, family members and friends support and embrace individuals with same-sex attractions and/or gender dysphoria without compromising their values and Deen? How do we deal with men or women in our families/circle of friends who have “come out” as part of the LGBT community and are living the lifestyle? From an Islamic legal perspective, what are the punishments of same-sex sexual behaviors and some of the common misconceptions surrounding that? Do same-sex sexual acts, the declaration of such acts as halal, or being in a same-sex marriage put one out of the fold of Islam? These and other relevant questions are explored in this episode. You can listen to part II here.

Muslims and LGBT Activism – Mobeen Vaid discusses the rise of LGBT in the West and its influence on the Muslim community.

Gender Roles – Dr. Yasir Qadhi discusses the issue of gender roles in Islam.

Last Stand Against Woke Liberalism – Dr. Ali Ataie discusses the weakness of the new postmodern woke movement.

How Muslim Families Can Navigate Pride Month – Islam recognizes the individual rights of every Muslim and gives high regard to the preservation of one’s dignity. That’s a fact that cannot be disregarded. But for a long time now, the Muslim community has tiptoed around the topic of homosexuality. The materials available are either outdated or too generic which results in further confusion and misinterpretation. Is homosexuality a sin? Is it an act against one’s faith? How do Muslim parents teach their kids about these various identities if they, themselves, are conflicted in their understanding of homosexuality in the Islamic context?

Pride in Islam? – Dr. Tahir Wyatt discusses dealing with LGBT lobby and their quest to normalize the abnormal.

Islamic rulings on transgenderism – Dr. Yasir Qadhi discusses rulings related to gender dysphoria, transgenderism, and how to deal with cases of this nature in accordance to Islamic law.

Islam and LGBTQ – A detailed discussion on the topic of LGBTQ from various Muslim academics and speakers.

Talking to Our Children About Gender and LGBT – A detailed discussion on the topic by Dr. Yasir Qadhi, Mobeen Vaid, and Dr. Carl Sharif El-Tobgui.

Other resources:

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