Question:

My father passed away a long time ago and he is (buried) far away from me. I am not able to visit his (grave) except every two or three years. Am I still able to be righteous and dutiful to him whilst being far away from his burial place?

Answered by Shaykh Muhammad bin Sālih al-Uthaymeen 

The intent behind visiting the deceased (graveyard) is to supplicate for them and supplicating for them will benefit them regardless of where the supplicant is, due to the saying of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم,

“When a person dies all his deeds cease except for three, continuous charity, knowledge which is benefitted from and a righteous child supplicating for him.” [Saheeh Muslim]

So you supplicate for your father wherever you are, close or far, and there is no need for you to visit his grave, but if you happen to be in the same land due to a need and you visit the grave of your father then there is no problem with this. But as for you undertaking a (specific) journey to visit his grave then this is forbidden to do so.

[Fatāwa Noor ‘ala ad-Darb, vol.12, pg.278, question no.6452]

Question:

What is the best time for reciting the Qur’ān in Ramadān?

Answered by Shaykh Muhammad ibn Sālih al-‘Uthaymeen رحمه الله 

The best time to recite the Qur’ān is when the heart is attentive and free (from distractions).[Fatawā Suaal ‘ala al-Hātif, question no.1593, vol.1, pg.799]

Shaykh, Al-‘Allāmah Muhammad Ibn Sālih al-‘Uthaymeen رحمه الله was asked about what is meant by the beard?

He replied by saying:

The boundary/place of the beard is from the two protruding bones next to the ears down to the end of the face, which includes the hair that grows on the cheeks.

The author of Al-Qāmoos al-Muheet* mentioned on page.387 volume 4: 

“The beard: is the hair that grows on the cheeks and the chin.”

Based on this, the one who says: the hair that grows on the cheeks is not part of the beard, then upon him is to prove it.

* An Arabic language reference dictionary by Al-Fayrozabadī (d.817AH)

[Majmoo’ Fatāwa Ash-Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, vol.11, pg.124, question no. 49]

Answered by Shaykh Muhammad bin Sālih al-‘Uthaymeen (رحمه الله)

The deceased person does not see the seeing which is known in the dunyā (the life of this world), because by dying he has lost his perception, but he sees that which he sees in his grave from the world of the Hereafter, and his grave is expanded for him as far as he can see if he is a believer, and he sees the two Angels when they question him about his Lord, his Religion and his Prophet.

As for that which relates to the affairs of the dunyā (life of this world) he does not see it, because he is veiled from the affairs of the dunyā as a result of dying.

[Fatāwā Nūr ‘alā ad-Darb, question no.189, vol.1, pg.240]

Shaykh Sālih al-Fawzān (حفظه الله) mentioned,

Punishment of the grave can continue for a period and then stop. This is only for the sinners from amongst the believers, who are punished in accordance with their sins and then the (punishment is) lightened for them. And it is possible that it can cease altogether by way of supplicating (for the deceased), or charity (given on their behalf), or seeking forgiveness for them.

[Sharh al-‘Aqeedah al-Wāsiteeyah, pg.144, Maktabah al-M’aarif print, 5th edition]

Answered by Shaykh Rabee’ bin Haadī al-Madhkalee (حفظه الله)

This is not befitting, this is degrading (the Mus-haf), and I (sometimes) see some people put the Mus-haf on the floor facing the feet of the worshippers in a row before (the Mus-haf), the feet of worshippers face towards it; this action is improper and not befitting; and if there is a Muslim who does not know (about this) then he should be taught to respect and honour the Book of Allāh, the Mighty and Majestic.

[Majm’ū kutub wa rasaail wa fatawaa Shaykh Rabee’, vol.14, pg.99]

Question: What is the way to avoid and keep away from sins, may Allāh bless you?

Answered by al-‘Allāmah Rabee’ ibn Haadī al-Madhkalee (حفظه الله)

By Allāh, the sound way (to avoid sins) is that you continuously read the Qur’ān and ponder over it much, and ponder over those verses promising the rewards (of Allāh for the obedient ones), as these verses will motivate you to be from this type (of obedient servants), and from those who deserve this recompense and this promise of a great reward; and you should also read those verses that threaten with the Fire, the anger, the wrath and the curse (of Allāh for the disobedient ones); and you should remember the greatness of Allāh and His Majesty, The Exalted and Most High, and inshaa’ Allāh this will help you.

And your greatest deterrent (from sins) should be to worship Allāh as if you see Him, whilst believing that He constantly sees you and knows all your affairs and statements. 

“And He is with you (by His knowledge) wherever you may be.” [Qur’ān 57:4]

“There is no secret conversation of three but He is their fourth (with His knowledge, while He Himself is over the Throne, above the seventh heaven), nor of five but He is their sixth (with His knowledge), nor of less than that or more but He is with them (with His knowledge) wherever they are.” [Qur’ān 58:7]

So when you are about to sin, think (remind yourself); by Allāh, my Lord sees me, and you will become shy.

If you feel ashamed when people see you committing a sin, and you are fearful (of them) and shy, and you fear the punishment of the authorities, and you even feel shy of a child, then how can you not be shy of your Lord?! The Lord of the heavens and the earth?!

You must feel ashamed (to disobey) Allāh, and feel afraid of Allāh, and that He is watching you.

And you should also read the Qur’ān and read from the Sunnah inshā’ Allāh, and turn to Allāh, The Blessed and Most High, take refuge with Allāh and supplicate to Him that He keeps you firm and steadfast (upon obedience) and protects you (from sins). 

And if you fall into error, then there is no way out except to repent.

But in all cases you should remember these points and reflect upon the Qur’ān the way we mentioned, and remember that Allāh is ever an Observer over you, for these are very strong means inshā- Allāh that can prevent you from falling into sins; sins that desires and Shaytān entice you to do, so you must fight off desires and fight off the Shaytān.

[Majmū’ kutub wa rasaail wa fatawaa Shaykh Rabee’, vol.14, pg.139]