Bahith Seeking help from the dead (Awaliya'a) Q1. My father-in-law believes that whenever he is in need of help or is caught up in a critical situation, he calls the names of the dead people (Awaliya'a), and he gets help from them as per his belief. He also believes that on the Day of Judgment this sheikh will protect him from hell and he daily recites his names. Now, he is also forcing other members of his family to follow him. For the past two years I am advising him to follow the Qur'an and Sunnah, but all my efforts are going in vain as he has said that he wouldn't listen to anything against his faith. At the same time he is also forcing his daughter (my wife) to believe in his faith. When I opposed he recommended his daughter to get separated from me, but by the grace of Allah she has strong Aqeedah. Should we stop meeting him and if so then what is the right of a daughter toward her father in this case. Please advise. – Ahmed Mohiuddin A1. Believing that dead people can help one, calling on them or seeking their help is a major Shirk. It is the practice of the people of Jahiliyah (pre-Islamic era); they admitted that Allah is the true God who has created everything, but at the same time they seek help from their idols or Jinn or dead saints. Allah said “And verily, if you ask them: “Who created the heavens and the earth?” Surely, they will say: “Allah (has created them).” Say: “Tell me then, the things that you invoke besides Allah, if Allah intended some harm for me, could they remove His harm, or if He (Allah) intended some mercy for me, could they withhold His Mercy?” Say: “Sufficient for me is Allah; in Him those who trust (i.e. believers) must put their trust.” (Qur'an, 39:38) Muslim should seek help and support from Allah alone and not call on Awliya'a who are dead and who themselves are in need of Dua'a and mercy. Allah said, “Verily, those whom you call upon besides Allah are slaves like you. So call upon them and let them answer you if you are truthful.” (Qur'an, 7:194) “And those whom you call upon besides Him (Allah) cannot help you nor can they help themselves.” (Qur'an, 7:197) “Those whom they (Al-Mushrikun) invoke besides Allah have not created anything, but are themselves created. (They are) dead, lifeless, and they know not when they will be raised up.” (Qur'an, 16: 20-21) My advice to you regarding your father-in-law is: 1. Pray to Allah and make sincere Dua'a asking Allah to guide him. 2. Find someone of his age or older than him with good faith (Aqeedah) and for whom he has respect. Ask him to explain to your father-in-law the truth. You need to know the bases of his belief and his evidences, and then discuss it with him in the light of the Qur'an and Sunnah. 3. With such belief he has no authority on his Muslim daughter and he has no right to divorce her. 4. Be kind to him as much as you can, and deal with him in the best way but never listen to him if he asks you to disobey Allah. Allah said, “And We have enjoined on man (to be dutiful and good) to his parents. His mother bore him in weakness and hardship upon weakness and hardship, and his weaning is in two years, give thanks to Me and to your parents, unto Me is the final destination. But if they (both) strive with you to make you join in worship with Me others that of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not, but behave with them in the world kindly, and follow the path of him who turns to Me in repentance and in obedience. Then to Me will be your return, and I shall tell you what you used to do.” (Qur'an, 31: 14-15) 5. If he is calling others to his belief and if he tries to influence them then you should keep your children and other minors away from his company, so as not to get them influenced. It is your duty to protect their pure belief in Allah. Allah said, “O you who believe! Ward off from yourselves and your families a Fire (Hell) whose fuel is men and stones, over which are (appointed) angels stern (and) severe, who disobey not, (from executing) the Commands they receive from Allah, but do that which they are commanded.” (Qur'an, 66 :6) May Allah guide him and guide all misguided to the straight bath. The Maharam of a woman Q2. Can the husband of my sister be considered as a Mahram for the sake of traveling? A2. No, he is not your Mahram. Mahram is a person who can never marry the woman, for example, father, son, brother or uncle, etc. But, the husband of a woman's sister can marry her if her sister dies or divorces him. __
