In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy

Maymoon Bin Mehraan [rahimahullaah] said, “Do not go to a woman [i.e. a strange woman] even if you say, ‘I am going to teach him the Qur’aan and do not lend an ear to a person of desires [i.e. a proponent of religious innovations] because you do not know what your heart will become attached to”. [Ref 1]

The Fitna of Women

Shaikh Saaleh Aala Ash-Shaikh [hafidhahullaah] said:

It is neither permissible for a man to be in seclusion with a woman in a house, a car or another place, nor is it permissible for a woman to be in seclusion with a strange man in a house, a car or another place. This is due to the saying of the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam), “Let not any of you be in seclusion with a woman, except in the presence of a male relative of hers.” (i.e. a relative she is not allowed to marry, such as her father, husband, brother, uncle, grandfather etc ) [Bukhaari and Muslim]

And also in (Bukhaari and Muslim) the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said, “A man is not secluded with a woman, except that shaytaan is the third of them”.

The impermissible seclusion is that which includes behind closed doors or in a room, a car and what is similar to it, or being out of sight. These are the cases of forbidden seclusion and this is how it is defined by the jurists. [Ref 2]

Allaamah Saaleh Al-Fawzaan [hafidhahullaah] said:

Firstly: Allaah commanded (us) to lower the gaze because the eyes are a means among the means to fornication. [Allaah said: قُلْ لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَغُضُّوا مِنْ أَبْصَارِهِمْ وَيَحْفَظُوا فُرُوجَهُمْ – Tell the believing men to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts, etc.) 24:30]. Therefore, lowering the gaze is a means to protecting the private parts. And Allaah  (جلال وعلا) said: [يَعْلَمُ خَائِنَةَ الْأَعْيُنِ وَمَا تُخْفِي الصُّدُورُ – Allah knows the fraud of the eyes, and all that the breasts conceal (40:19)]

What is fraud of the eyes? It is when one steals a glance at what Allaah has forbidden. When (a person) is with the people and the people are looking at him, he lowers his gaze; but when he sees that they are inattentive, he steals a glance at the unlawful. This is the fraud of the eyes and Allaah knows about it.

Hijaab

Hijaab is a means of protection against lewd behaviour. [Allaah said]: ”And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts, etc.) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent and to draw their scarves over themselves and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husband’s fathers, their sons, their husband’s sons, their brothers or their brother’s sons, or their sister’s sons, or their (Muslim) women (i.e. their sisters in Islam), or the (female) slaves whom their right hands possess, or old male servants who lack vigour, or small children who have no sense of the shame of sex. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And all of you beg Allah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful. [24:31] Therefore, Hijaab is among the greatest means of protecting the private parts and due to that Allaah commanded the female believers (saying): ”And when you ask (his wives) for anything you want, ask them from behind a screen..” [33:53]

[Allaah said]: ”O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies. That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allah is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” [33:59] Hijaab is among the greatest means of protection against fornication and lack of Hijaab is among the greatest means leading to the act of fornication.

One of the means of protection against [lewd acts or fornication] is that it is prohibited for a man and woman to be in seclusion – that is a woman to whom the man is not a Mahram. The Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said, “A man is not secluded with a woman (i.e. a woman whom the Islamic law does not allow him to be secluded with), except that shaytaan is the third of them.’’ Therefore, a man should not be in seclusion with a woman whom he is not allowed (to be in seclusion with) – neither in a house nor in an office; neither in car nor in a land, nor any place. There has to be someone present with them in order that they are not in a state of seclusion. But if no one else is in a place except a man and woman (i.e. a man and woman- both of whom the Islamic legislation does not allow them to be with each other in private), then it is not allowed, for indeed shaytaan is with them. And what does shaytaan do to these two people who are in seclusion? He makes them fall into immorality. [Ref 3]

Free-Mixing between the sexes in Islam – A detailed discussion

https://www.abukhadeejah.com/free-mixing-between-the-sexes-in-islam-a-detailed-discussion/

An Excellent Guide Regarding The Hijaab Titled

THE STATUS OF THE MUSLIM WOMAN AND THE VEIL IN ISLAAM

http://www.abukhadeejah.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Veil-of-the-Muslim-woman-Hijaab-1.pdf

Hijaab Of The Muslim Woman and It’s Conditions: Download Leaflet

Distance From Ahlul Bidah [The Proponents of Religious Innovations]

Imaam Sufyaan Ath-thawri [rahimahullaah] said, “The one who sits with a person of innovation is not safe from one of three [calamities]: Either he becomes a trial for other than himself; or something of [misguidance] enters into his heart, and thus he slips by way of that and Allaah enters him into the hell fire; or he says, ‘By Allaah, I don’t care what they say because I am sure of myself’. But whoever feels safe about his religion [i.e. without Allaah’s guidance, protection etc] in the twinkling of an eye, it will be snatched away from him”. [Ref 4]

Al-Allaamah Rabee bin Haadee Al-Madkhalee [hafidhahullaah] said:

Allaah [The Most High] said:

[وَلَا تَرۡكَنُوٓاْ إِلَى ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُواْ فَتَمَسَّكُمُ ٱلنَّارُ -And incline not toward those who do wrong, lest the Fire should touch you]. [Surah Hud: Ayah 113]

The word [ظلم –wrong] in [this ayah] can [mean] disbelief; it can mean bidah and it can be [فسوق  i.e. sinful, immoral behaviour], because (ظلم) can be applicable to all [i.e. in different contexts]. Therefore, we refrain from inclining towards the evil doers, the people of bidah, the Kuffaar, the Ilmaaniyyoon and other than them. And we protect ourselves, our Aqeedah, the Eemaan and sound religion which Allaah has bestowed on us.

It is enough for us to remember that the Salaf fled from Fitan – not mixing, sitting and debating with the people of Fitan. And even amongst them, such as the likes of Ayyoub As-Sakhtiyaanee and Ibn Seereen did not listen to the speech of those [people of bidah]. And when Ibn Seereen was asked,  “Why do you not speak; why do you not listen to them?” He said, “Indeed, my heart is not in my hands! I am not in control of my heart; I fear for myself that I may be misguided”. So the likes of these Imaams feared fitna and deviation for themselves; but you the Miskeen possess that bravery to enable you to challenge ahlul bidah….!!! Many people say, “We sit with ahlul ahwaa [i.e. the people of desires] and we take [from them]; we distinguish between truth and falsehood; we take what is truth and abandon falsehood”, whilst he [i.e. the utterer of this speech] is a Miskeen who can neither distinguish between truth and falsehood nor is he in control of his heart. How many a young person has been put to trial through this satanic view and thus he [becomes] degraded, reverts back on his heels [into misguidance] and depraved, and Allaah’s Aid is sought. He falls prey in the arena of the people of fitan! Therefore, it is obligated on a student of knowledge not to [regard] himself safe from ahlul bidah, for indeed he is not more knowledgeable than Ayyoub and Ibn Seereen, nor can he reach their station [in knowledge, piety etc] and those who followed them. [Ref  5]

Imaam Muhammad Bin Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen [rahimahullaah] said:

It is not permissible to sit with a Mubtadi due to the following reasons: Firstly: We fear his evil, because the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said: ‘’Indeed, some eloquent speech has the influence of magic.’’ [Al-Bukhaari 5146]  He can bewitch the intellect until it agrees with his bidah.

Secondly: It encourages [or promotes] the Mubtadi and thus many people gather around him, or [it is said] that such and such person among the people of nobility, high status and prominence sits with him, so this increases his status and he becomes deluded by his bidah and in himself.

Thirdly: A bad suspicion is held about the one who sits with a person of bidah and this might not become known to him until afterwards; for indeed when the people see you going to a person of bidah, they will blame you even if that is not manifested until afterwards. And because of this, it is befitting for the student of knowledge, rather it is obligated on him to avoid sitting with ahlul bidah. [Ref 6]

The Destructive Consequence of Music

Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [rahimahullaah] stated regarding the effect of Music upon the souls:

It is the intoxicant of the souls. When the souls are intoxicated with the sounds [from Music and musical instruments], Shirk [gradually] comes to them; they incline towards lewd acts and oppression, and thus they begin to commit Shirk, murder and fornication. These three deeds are present – a lot – amongst the people who listen to music. [Majmoo Al-Fataawaa 10/417]

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] said:

“That which we and others have witnessed, and know based on experience, is that indeed musical instruments and instruments used for forbidden amusement do not appear amongst a people, spread amongst them and they busy themselves with it, except that Allaah [allows] their enemy to overcome them, and they are afflicted with famine, drought and evil rulers (ref a). Therefore, the sensible person reflects on the state of affairs of the world and examines. And Allaah’s Aid is sought! [Madaarij As-Saalikeen 1/500]

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] said:

Obedience to [Allaah and His Messenger] is a light and disobedience is darkness.  And whenever the darkness becomes more intense, straying increases until [the person] falls into bidah, affairs of misguidance and destruction, whilst he does not know–similar to a blind man who comes out in the darkness of night and walking by himself.  [Ref 7]

 Consequences of Persisting Upon Evil, Whilst Receiving More Provision – By Imaam As-Sadi [rahimahullaah]

Allaah [The Most High] said:

وَالَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا بِآيَاتِنَا سَنَسْتَدْرِجُهُم مِّنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ

وَأُمْلِي لَهُمْ ۚ إِنَّ كَيْدِي مَتِينٌ

Those who reject Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), We shall gradually seize them with punishment in ways they perceive not.  And I respite them; certainly My Plan is strong. [7:182-183]

[سَنَسْتَدْرِجُهُم  – We shall gradually seize them with punishment] – by granting them plentiful provision and respite until they think that they will neither be taken to task for their disobedience nor punished, so they increase in disbelief and transgression, and evil upon evil. And through this their punishment is increased and multiplied, so they harm themselves in ways they perceive not. This is why Allaah said: [إِنَّ كَيْدِي مَتِينٌ -certainly My Plan is strong] [End of Quote] [Ref 8]

[ سَنَسْتَدْرِجُهُم مِّنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ –  We shall gradually seize them with punishment in ways they perceive not]: Imaam Sufyaan Ath-Thawree [rahimahullaah] said that this means, ”Whenever they commit [major] sins, Allaah bestows a blessing on them and make them forgetful of seeking forgiveness. [Ref 9]

Allah Will Not Change The Good Condition of a People As Long As They Do Not Change Their State of Goodness Themselves

Allaah [The Most High] said:

إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُغَيِّرُ مَا بِقَوْمٍ حَتَّىٰ يُغَيِّرُوا مَا بِأَنفُسِهِمْ

Verily! Allah will not change the good condition of a people as long as they do not change their state of goodness themselves (by committing sins and by being ungrateful and disobedient to Allah). [Soorah Ar-Ra’d: Ayah: 11]

Ibnul Jawzee [rahimahullaah] said: Whoever loves that the state of affairs should become rectified then let him strive in rectifying (his) deeds.  Allaah (The Mighty and Majestic) said: [وَأَن لَّوِ اسْتَقَامُوا عَلَى الطَّرِيقَةِ لَأَسْقَيْنَاهُم مَّاءً غَدَقًا   – If they had believed in Allah, and went on the Right Way, We should surely have bestowed on them water (rain) in abundance]  [Ref 10]

The Evil Consequences of Our Evil Deeds On Earth

Allaah [The Most High] said:

ظَهَرَ ٱلۡفَسَادُ فِى ٱلۡبَرِّ وَٱلۡبَحۡرِ بِمَا كَسَبَتۡ أَيۡدِى ٱلنَّاسِ لِيُذِيقَهُم بَعۡضَ ٱلَّذِى عَمِلُواْ لَعَلَّهُمۡ يَرۡجِعُونَ

Evil (sins and disobedience of Allah, etc.) has appeared on land and sea because of what the hands of men have earned.’’ (Soorah Ruum; Ayah:41]

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] said:

This ayah was revealed regarding the state of affairs of the world- the relationship between it and the events that occur. You see how the occurrence of those evil actions and defects (of the people) affects the harvest, vegetation and the animals in every era, and the manner in which those evil (affairs) necessitates other evils. And whenever the people initiate oppression and wickedness, their Lord (The Blessed and Most High) brings about- from those evils and defects (of theirs)- deficiencies and harm in their nourishments, fruits, atmospheres, bodies, outward appearances and manners, as a justification for their deeds, acts of oppression and wickedness.

The majority of the illnesses and the general evil affairs are remnants of the punishment afflicted upon the people of the previous nations; then there remained from that what remains, as a surprise punishment against those who remain upon the (evil) deeds of those previous nations. This is a just judgement and just decree.  And indeed the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) has indicated to this in his statement concerning plagues, that it is a remnant of an affliction or punishment that was sent by Allaah to the Children of Israa’eel. [Ref 11]

Ref a: Can the tyranny of the rulers be a justification for rebellion?!

The Tyranny Of The Rulers, A Reason For Reb

http://www.islamagainstextremism.com/articles/gtrea-regarding-the-origins-and-nature-of-the-tyranny-and-oppression-of-the-rulers.cfm

[Ref 1: Hilyatul Awliyaa (Tahdheeb) 2/54]

[Ref 2: Source: Al-Mindhaar Fee Bayaani Katheer Minal Akhtaa Ash-shaa-i-a: 112-113 of Shaikh Saaleh Aala Shaikh]

[Ref 3: It’haaf At-Tullaab Bi-Sharhi Mandhommah Al’Aadaab  pages 89- 90. paraphrased]

[Ref 4: Source: البدع والنهي عنها  by Ibn Wadaah. page 54]; [Ref 2: An Excerpt from ‘Sharh Hilyati Taalibil Ilm’ page 346. Slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 5: An Excerpt from (الذريعة إلى بيان مقاصد كتاب الشريعة ) Vol 1 pages 192-193. Slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 6: Sharh Hilyati Taalibal Ilm page 346. Slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 7]: Al-Jawaab Al-Kaafee: page: 13.

[Ref 8: An Excerpt from ‘Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam al-Mannaan’ by Imaam Sadi. slightly paraphrased].

[Ref 9: Al-Mukhallisaat  2352].

[Ref 10: An Excerpt from ‘Saydul Khaatir’ page: 6].

[Ref 11: An Excerpt from ‘Badaa’i-ul At-Tafseer Al-Jaami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imaam Ibnu Qayyim Al-Jawziyyah: page: 313: Vol:2. slightly paraphrased