Fatwa ID: 06781
Answered by: Alimah Sherbhanu Jadwat
Question:
Salaam, I would really appreciate some guidance on a matter, someone who I didn’t get along with on a personal level left Islam and I felt joy when this happened. Did I also apostate? I have repeated my shahada as a precaution and have asked for Allah’s forgiveness. I have also let go of my personal hatred towards this person and make dua for them to return to Islam again. But did I become a non-Muslim by feeling happiness for another Muslim to become a non-Muslim? Is wanting disbelief for someone disbelief itself? Please let me know as soon as possible. May Allah reward you.
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Answer:
One is not accountable for spontaneous emotions which arise in the heart, provided that one does not act according to their dictates if they are sinful nor utter words of kufr. Even the Sahaabah Kiraam were at times afflicted with evil thoughts which distressed them a lot.
When someone does zulm or injustice upon one, it is natural to want to see them face the consequences of their actions. However, all emotions need to be subjected to one’s intellect before acting upon them.
Thus in the above–mentioned case, you did not lose your Imaan. Your concern for the state of your Imaan is also a sign of your Imaan.
Alhamdulillah you have made taubah and tried to make amends by letting go of your negative feelings for the person; as well as made dua for his return to Islaam. You have thus acted correctly under the circumstances.
May Allah protect all our Imaan and may He be Pleased with us always.
References:
[لا يكلف الله نفسا الا وسعها] قال ابن عباس : فكانت هذه الوسوسة مما لا طاقة للمسلمين بها، و صار الأمر إلى أن قضى الله عز و جل أن للنفس ما اكتسبت و عليها ما اكتسبت في القول و الفعل .
ص٣٣٢ ج١
تفسير القرآن العظيم
الإمام الجليل الحافظ إسماعيل بن كثير
الأزهر القاهرة
Only Allah (عز و جل) knows best.
Written by Alimah Sherbhanu Jadwat
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham
