The Categories of Using (Law)
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[The Categories of Using (Law)]
His Eminence the Shaykh: Is the word (Law) or (Lawla) permissible in all cases, or is it prohibited in all cases, or is there a detailed ruling? Especially since some reports from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) indicate permissibility, while other reports indicate the opposite?
The use of (Law) or (Lawla) falls into categories. The first category: when it is used for mere information. This is permissible and there is no blame in it.For example, you say: For example, "If I were not busy, I would have visited you." There is absolutely nothing wrong with this; because it is mere information. If it is true, it is truth and righteousness; if it is false, it carries the rulings of lying.
The second category: The second category: when it is used for wishing. This depends on what the person wishes for. If he wishes for good, it is good; if he wishes for evil, it is evil. For this reason, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) reported about the poor man who said: "If I had what so-and-so has, I would do with it what he did," and so-and-so used his wealth in good deeds.So the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: (So he is judged by his intention, and the two are equal in reward). The second man said: "If I had what so-and-so has, I would do with it what so-and-so did," and so-and-so used his wealth in evil deeds.So the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: (So he is judged by his intention, and the two are equal in sin).
The third category: The third category: when it is used for regret over what has passed and for lamentation. This is prohibited.By the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him): (The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, and there is good in both. Strive for what benefits you, seek help from Allah, and do not be weak.And if something befalls you, do not say: If you say, 'If I had done such-and-such, such-and-such would have happened,' then 'Law' opens the door to the work of Satan). These are the categories of (Law), as you have seen.
His Eminence the Shaykh: Is the word (Law) or (Lawla) permissible in all cases, or is it prohibited in all cases, or is there a detailed ruling? Especially since some reports from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) indicate permissibility, while other reports indicate the opposite?
The use of (Law) or (Lawla) falls into categories. The first category: when it is used for mere information. This is permissible and there is no blame in it.For example, you say: For example, "If I were not busy, I would have visited you." There is absolutely nothing wrong with this; because it is mere information. If it is true, it is truth and righteousness; if it is false, it carries the rulings of lying.
The second category: The second category: when it is used for wishing. This depends on what the person wishes for. If he wishes for good, it is good; if he wishes for evil, it is evil. For this reason, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) reported about the poor man who said: "If I had what so-and-so has, I would do with it what he did," and so-and-so used his wealth in good deeds.So the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: (So he is judged by his intention, and the two are equal in reward). The second man said: "If I had what so-and-so has, I would do with it what so-and-so did," and so-and-so used his wealth in evil deeds.So the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: (So he is judged by his intention, and the two are equal in sin).
The third category: The third category: when it is used for regret over what has passed and for lamentation. This is prohibited.By the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him): (The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, and there is good in both. Strive for what benefits you, seek help from Allah, and do not be weak.And if something befalls you, do not say: If you say, 'If I had done such-and-such, such-and-such would have happened,' then 'Law' opens the door to the work of Satan). These are the categories of (Law), as you have seen.