Are the Lyrics to This Nashid Song Permissible?
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question
I’m uncomfortable with the lyrics of the nashid “Way of Tears”:
“The way of the tears is the way to comfort
Sigh, my friend, so you can rest
And make emotional supplications in private
The universe will encompass your voice.”
These are the first four lines of the nashid. Is it permissible to say it? Could you clarify for me whether the fourth line is appropriate or not?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate. May Allah alleviate our difficulties and guide us to that which is pleasing to Him. Amin.
The words are not inherently problematic as they can be interpreted in a myriad of metaphorical ways. However, Muslims should refrain from referring to the Universe as if it has some power or independent thoughts. The only true power or force is that of Allah. Nothing occurs except through His knowledge, Power, and Will, and Allah knows best.
I pray that this benefits.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan.
Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Mawlana Yusuf Karaan, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.
He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has served as the Director of the Discover Islam Centre and Al Jeem Foundation. For the last five years till present, he has served as the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.
Shaykh Irshaad has thirteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic online learning and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy living and fitness.
