It is Not Allowed for a Muslim to Hate that which Allâh does not Hate

Question :

Some people abstain from what is allowed, thinking that they are performing a righteous act, for which they will be rewarded. Is this a kind of innovation? Some people
think that such abstinence is a form of piety, and some even deem certain lawful things to be unlawful or Makruh (disliked), based on no proof. Please clarify this issue for us.

Answer:

It is not allowed for a Muslim to forbid what Allah has made permissible, to hate that which Allah does not hate, or to deem permissible that which Allâh has forbidden, for Allâh Almighty says:
"And say not concerning that which your tongues put forth falsely.This is lawful and this is forbidden, so as to invent lies against Allah"

And:
"Say: "(But) the things that my Lord has indeed forbidden are Al-Fawahishah (great evil sins, every kind of unlawful sexual intercourse, etc.) whether committed openly or secretly, sins (of all kinds), unrighteous oppression, joining partners (in worship) with Allah for which He has given no authority, and saying things about Allah of which you have no knowledge."

In Surat Al-Baqarah Allah Almighty explains that this is the command of Shaytan:
"O mankind! Eat of that which is lawful and good on the earth, and follow not the footsteps of Shaytan. Verily, he is to you an open enemy. Shaytan commands you only what is evil and Fahsha' (sinful), and that you should say against Allah what you know not."

But if someone leaves what is permissible in order to draw nearer to Allâh Almighty seeking help by such means to obey Allâh and His Messenger without claiming that he is. abstaining from what is unlawful for himself or others, like not wearing certain types of clothing occasionally out of humility, and to avoid arrogance by restricting himself from what he fears may lead to arrogance, boastfulness, and pride then he is not only doing something that is permissible, but also something that he will be rewarded for if Allah wills.

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