Question to Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen (rahimahullaah):
Is it obligated on the Ma’moon (i.e. those being led in prayer by the Imaam) to rectify the Imaam if he makes a mistake in his recitation?
Answer:
If the Imaam makes a mistake in the ‘Obligatory Recitation’ such as the recitation of (Surah) Faatihah, it obligated on the Ma’moon (i.e. those praying behind him) to disclose that to him (i.e. by rectifying him). If the recitation is Mustahab (i.e. recommended), we contemplate (on the following): If he changed the meaning, it is then obligated on him to repeat it [i.e. rectifies the mistake when prompted by the Ma’moon or if he (himself) realizes that he made a mistake that changes the meaning]. And if he has not changed the meaning, it is not obligatory (i.e. to rectify him).
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy
Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen (rahimahullaah) said:
What then is the (reason) behind the call for birth control? Is it out of fear of a straitened livelihood or tiredness from bringing up (children)? If it is the first affair, then this is evil suspicion towards Allaah (The Most High)—and that is because Allaah (The Most High) said:
And so many a moving (living) creature there is, that carries not its own provision! Allah provides for it and for you. And He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower] [Ankabut: Ayah 60]
And He (The Most High) stated about those who kill their children out of fear of poverty:
نَحْنُ نَرْزُقُهُمْ وَإِيَّاكُمْ ۚ
[We provide for them and for you] (Israa: Ayah 31)]
And if the (reason) behind the call for birth control is out of fear of tiredness due to bringing up children, then this is a mistake; for how many a small number of children are there whose upbringing involves great difficult, and how many children are there whose upbringing is much easier than that of those far smaller than them in number?! So the affair of bringing up children—the difficulty and ease of it—is dependent on ease facilitated by Allaah. And whenever a slave (i.e. the Muslim) fears Allaah and follows the paths of the Islamic legislation, Allaah makes his affair easy. Allaah (The Most High) said: وَمَنْ يَتَّقِ اللَّهَ يَجْعَلْ لَهُ مِنْ أَمْرِهِ يُسْرًا [And whosoever fears Allah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make his matter easy for him]
Imaam Muhammad Bin Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen (rahimahullaah) was asked about the statement of a person who says:
”I am free (or liberated)”
Answer
If a liberated/free man says this and intends by it freedom from slavery to the creation, then yes he is free from slavery to the creation. However, if he intends by this that he is liberated/ freed from servitude to Allaah (The Mighty and Majestic), then indeed he has erred in his understanding of servitude and he does not understand the meaning of freedom/liberation; because servitude to other than Allaah is bondage. As for the servitude of a person to Allaah (The Mighty and Majestic), then this is real freedom; because if he does not humble himself to Allaah, he will humble himself to other than Allaah. So he deceives himself when he says that he is free/liberated, meaning: he is liberated from obedience to Allaah and does not fulfil (such obedience to Him).
[Source: Al-Manaahiy al-Lafdhiyyah: page: 117]
Imaam Muhammad Bin Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen (rahimahullaah) was asked about the statement of a disobedient person, who when met with disapproval (due to sins committed he would say):
”I am free with regards to what I carry out of my own actions.”
Answer
This is an error; we say: You are not free to disobey Allaah, rather if you disobey Allaah, then indeed you have violated the slavery which you claim to be upon of obedience, humility and submission to Allaah; and you have entered into the bondage of Shaytaan and desires.
It is obligatory to be cautious of those ones who make false affairs fair seeming to the people by way of adorned speech—be it in affairs of Aqeedah, Manners or Manhaj. Their statements and actions are to be presented to the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of Allaah’s Messenger (for examination); so whatever affair they oppose (in the Book and the Sunnah, then their views and actions are regarded to be) falsehood, regardless of what it may be, and one is not to be deceived by what is contained in it of adorned speech, because as the saying goes: ”Adorned speech is an erroneous proof, such as a glass that is truly broken and every broken (glass) is shattered.” And do not say that those people have been given eloquence and the ability to speak clearly in order to aid the truth, for indeed Allaah (The Most High) may put people to the test, so a person may be given eloquence and the ability to speak clearly even though he is upon falsehood, just as Allaah will put the people to trial by way of the Dajjaal, whilst-without a doubt—the Dajjaal is upon falsehood. [Slightly Paraphrased] [1]
Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saaleh al-Uthaymeen (rahimahullaah) said:
Indeed, defeat of the Muslims occurred due to one act of disobedience (i.e. during the battle of Uhud). And at present we want victory whilst disobedience is plenty amongst us. And due to this it is not possible for us to rejoice with victory as long as we are upon this state of affairs, unless Allaah shows us kindness and rectify all of us.
