BahithUse of scalar energy pendant or bracelet in Islam Q1. Some Muslims use scalar energy pendant for treatment and they are convinced of its effect on their body. They say that they do not experience fatigue even after a long day's work, while others have a good body condition because of it. What is its ruling in Islam and is it allowed to work for such companies? A1. There are only two ways to seek treatment in Islam — the first one is through Islamic Ruqyah that is from the Qur'an and the Sunnah — the second one is by using lawful medical treatments that are proven to have real direct effect on treating human sickness rather than illusions. There are some doubts about the real effectiveness of magnetic and scalar energy pendant or bracelets. Muslim should not use it as long as there are no clear scientific evidences supporting its effect. Sheikh Bin Baz (may Allah have mercy on him) was asked about wearing copper bracelet for the purpose of treating, and after a long discussion he concluded that wearing such a copper bracelet is either a prohibited matter of Shirk or a means leading to Shirk or at least a doubtful matter. Therefore, it is better for a Muslim not to wear it and resort to lawful medical treatment. Sheikh Bin Othaimeen (may Allah have mercy on him) has also said the same about the above issue. Working where forbidden items are served or sold Q2. Is it lawful for a Muslim to work in a restaurant where alcohol is served for non-Muslims? A2. Selling or serving any alcoholic drink is forbidden in Islam and is considered as a major sin. Allah said, “O you who believe! Intoxicants (all kinds of alcoholic drinks), gambling, Al-Ansab, and Al-Azlam (arrows for seeking luck or decision) are an abomination of Shaitan's (Satan) handiwork. So avoid (strictly all) that (abomination) in order that you may be successful.” (Qur'an, 8:90) The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “Allah cursed alcohol, the person who drinks it, the person who serves it, the person who sells it, the person who buys it, the person who pressess it, the person who orders someone to press it, the person who carries it, and the person to whom it is carried.” (Abu Dawud) Muslim shouldn't serve or sell it even for non-Muslims and thus you should look for another job. The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta' stated in fatwa number 8289 that it is Haram (prohibited) to work and earn a living from helping others consume forbidden things such as alcohol and pork, and any payment received in return for this is also Haram, because it falls under cooperation in sin and transgression. Allah forbids this saying (what means): ...but do not help one another in sin and transgression. It has been authentically reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him) that he said, “When Allah forbids a thing, He also forbids its price.” Things like livelihood and attracting customers are in the Hands of Allah, not in the selling of prohibited items. Therefore, a Muslim should have Taqwa (fear/wariness of offending Allah) by submitting to His Orders and avoiding His prohibitions. “And whosoever fears Allah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty).” (Qur'an, 65: 2.) “And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine.” (Qur'an, 65:3) Joining the prayer in between Q3. A person enters a mosque to pray and finds the Imam in Sujud. Should a person join the congregation or wait for the new Raka to begin? A3. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “Whatever you catch up with, pray, and whatever you have missed, make it up.” (Bukhari and Muslim) Therefore, join the Imam in whatever position he was and don't wait for him to start a new Rak'a. Any Rak'a in which you did not perform the Ruku will not be counted as a Rak'a, and hence you will have to make up for the missed one. Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “If you come to prayer and we are prostrating, then prostrate but do not count it as anything. Whoever catches up with one Rak'a has caught up with the prayer.” (Abu Dawood) And, Allah knows best. __
