Terms & concepts of hunger strike !

An Important Principle Regarding Terms and Concepts

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim said: The basis of Bani Adam’s misguidance is as a result of ‘General Terms’ and ‘Ambiguous Meanings’ (i.e. terms and meanings which can either be utilized for truth or falsehood when not explained in detail and distinguished), especially if they come in contact with a confused mind, then how about when (evil) desires and misguided enthusiasm is added to that? Therefore, ask the One Who keeps the hearts steadfast (i.e. Allah) to keep your heart firm upon His Religion and not allow you to fall into this darkness. [As-Sawa’iq Al-Mursalah Alal Jahmiyyah Wal Mu’attilah – Vol 3 page 927] 

 

The basis of a person’s Islam is to testify that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad (saws) is the Messenger of Allah, to believe in Allah, declare that Allah is One without partner, obey Allah’s commands, keep away from what Allah has forbidden and single out Allah in worship. And safeguarding this path (necessitates) the prohibition of every expression (term or word) that contains Shirk Billaah (i.e. ascribing partners to Allah) or Kuffr, or will lead to one of the two. [Mu’jam Al-Manahi Lil Laf’dhiyyah’ page 34]. In the Qur’an, there are many words that are utilized to rebut the words (or terms) that are in opposition to the call of the Messengers, the revelation that was revealed to them and the truth they brought. [Mu’jam Al-Manahi Lil Lafdhiyyah page 10] 

 

One of the general fundamental principles (in Islam) is to know that words (or terms) are two types: Words that are mentioned in the Qur’an and (authentic) Sunnah, therefore, it is obligated on every believer to affirm them – affirm what Allah and His Messenger have affirmed, and negate what Allah and His Messenger have negated. The words (or terms) affirmed by Allah is truth and the ones Allah negated are (negated) in truth, for indeed Allah speaks the truth and guides to the straight path. The words (or terms) of the Shari’ah are sanctified, and it is from perfection in knowledge that one seeks after the (sound meanings) which the Messenger (saws) intended by them, in order to affirm what he affirmed and negate the meanings he negated; for indeed it is obligated on us to believe and bear witness to everything he has stated and follow him in everything he has commanded.

As for the words (or terms) that are neither found in the Qur’an and (authentic) Sunnah, nor did the Salaf hold a consensus regarding whether they are negated or affirmed, then it is not incumbent on anyone to agree with the one who negates them or affirms them until its intended meaning is explained. So, if its intended meaning agrees with the (revelation, commands, prohibitions, etc) conveyed by the Messenger, it is affirmed; but if its intended meaning is in opposition to the (revelation, commands, prohibitions, etc) conveyed by the Messenger, it is rejected. [Al-Haqiqatus Shar’iyyah Fi Tafsiril Qur’an Al-A’dhim Was-Sunnatin Nabawiyah, page 17]

What Is The Meaning of Fasting

Fasting in the Arabic Language means to abstain from something. In the Shari’ah it means to refrain from eating, drinking and all that will break the fast (i.e. sexual intercourse, etc) with the intention in one’s heart as an act of worship from Fajr to Maghrib. [Al-Fiqh Al-Muyassar, page 170]

Question to Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz Regarding Hunger Strike or Death Fasts.

Question: We often hear about hunger strike that leads to death; what is Islam’s ruling on this?

Answer: This does not have a basis (in Islam). This is something by way of which the enemies seek support for their filthy goals. This conduct does not have a basis (in Islam) and it is not permissible if it leads to harm or death. This is what we believe regarding this affair. This (i.e. hunger strike) was adopted from the enemies of Islam and we do not know of a basis for it.

Question to Imaam Albaani Regarding Hunger Strike Or Death Fasts

Question to Shaikh Albaani: At present in relation to modern methods, they utilize it to draw people’s attention to a specific issue, such as a hunger strike, civil disobedience, refraining from work, standing still at particular hour as sign of mourning and the like, among other things that have been initiated. What is the Islamic ruling on such behavior?

 

Shaikh answer : I do not believe in the legitimacy of all this behavior due to two reasons: Firstly, and that is the most most important thing, these methods are from the ways of nations that do not have a path prepared for them through the divine revelation, which if employed would lead to the desired goal. The Muslims are not like those people because we have the Shari’ah which has not left out anything, except that if act upon it we’ll be happy in the world before the hereafter. Secondly, these methods, in addition to being a habit of the unbelievers, do not benefit and will never benefit the Muslims even if they remain throughout their lives, while they adhere to them and refrain from employing the divine legislated means that are stipulated by texts – which they hold as their belief – in their Shari’ah. This is my answer to this question. 

 

Questioner: May Allah reward you.

Shaikh: And you.

Questioner: We expand a little on hunger strike.

Shaikh: Go on please.

Questioner: I mean, in reality this includes destruction of the body which Allah gave to the human being, so now it means that hunger strike in particular, for whatever reason, includes destruction.

Shaikh: Refraining from food and drink – undoubtedly – is two types, as it is considered one of the medical methods by which some people treat some of the diseases they are afflicted with. Of course, this type is not mentioned in your question.

Questioner: Yes.

Shaikh: Oh, so then the hunger strike intended in the question is the one that is pursued until a negative effect appears on the person’s body, so that the oppressors sympathize with him by releasing him or comfort him with something, or it what is similar. This type of refraining from food and drink enters into (intentional or wilful) self-starvation. All these means are not legislated in the Shari’ah, together with the fact that it tantamount to exposing oneself to harm if not death (or destruction).

[Silsilah Al-Hudaa Wan-Noor ]