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Month: May 2023

Hunger strike – Admonition By Imaams (Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz and Nasiruddeen Al-Albaanee)

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him] was asked: “We often hear about hunger strike that leads to death; what is Islam’s ruling on this?”

Answer: This does not have a basis (in Islam). This is something by way of which the enemies seek support for their filthy goals. This conduct does not have a basis (in Islam) and it is not permissible if it leads to harm or death. This is what we believe regarding this affair. This (i.e. hunger strike) was adopted from the enemies of Islam and we do not know of a basis for it (in Islam). (1)

Imaam Al-Albaanee [may Allaah have mercy upon him] was asked: At present, in relation to modern methods, they utilize it to draw people’s attention to a specific issue, such as a hunger strike, civil disobedience, refraining from work, standing still at particular hour as sign of mourning and the like, among other things that have been initiated. What is the Islamic ruling on such behaviour?

The Shaikh responded: I do not believe in the legitimacy of all this behaviour due to two reasons: Firstly, and that is the most most important thing, these methods are from the ways of the nations that do not have a path prepared for them through the divine revelation, which if employed would lead to the desired goal. The Muslims are not like those people because we have the Sharee’ah that has not left out anything, except that if act upon it we’ll be happy in the worldly life before the hereafter. Secondly, these methods, in addition to being a habit of the unbelievers, do not benefit and will never benefit the Muslims even if they remain throughout their lives, while they adhere to them and refrain from employing the divine legislated means that are stipulated by texts. This is my answer to this question.

Questioner: May Allah reward you.

The Shaikh: And you.

Questioner: We elaborate a little on hunger strike.

Shaikh: Go on please.

Questioner: I mean, in reality this includes destruction of the body which Allaah [Glorified and Exalted be He] gave to the human being, so now it means that hunger strike in particular, for whatever reason, includes destruction.

The Shaikh: Refraining from food and drink – undoubtedly – is two types, as it is considered one of the medical methods through which some people treat some of the diseases. Of course, this type is not mentioned in your question.

Questioner: Yes.

The Shaikh: Oh, so then the hunger strike intended in the question is the one that is pursued until a negative effect appears on the person’s body, so that the oppressors sympathize with him by releasing him or comfort him with something, or what is similar. This type of refraining from food and drink is tantamount to self-starvation. All these means are not legislated in the Sharee’ah, together with the fact that it is tantamount to exposing oneself to harm if not death. (2)

[Ref1:https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/2470/%D8%AD%D9%83%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%B6%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%A8-%D8%B9%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B7%D8%B9%D8%A7%D9%85-%D8%AD%D8%AA%D9%89-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%88%D8%AA].

[Ref 2: An Excerpt from Silsilah Al-Hudaa Wan-Noor  0156]

[2] Even if I was not busy, I do not need to sit at lessons of anyone in the West!

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Seeking Knowledge, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin haadi al-Mad’khali [may Allaah preserve him] stated: “The entire life of a person is spent in seeking knowledge – from the cradle to the grave. He does not feel proud to acquire truth from a young or older person”. [Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm. 245-248]

The Shaikh also stated: Seeking knowledge is a great affair, which Allaah – in the Qur’aan – urged (us to seek) and Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] urged (us to seek). Allaah informed (us) that Moosaa [peace be upon him] travelled to seek knowledge: “And (remember) when Musa (Moses) said to his boy-servant: “I will not give up (travelling) until I reach the junction of the two seas or (until) I spend years and years in travelling”. [Surah Al-Kahf. Aayah 60]

Once he was in one of the gatherings of Banee Israa’eel, so a man asked him, “Is there anyone more knowledgeable than you?” He said, “No”. So, Allaah revealed to him, saying: “Certainly, my slave Khidr” [i.e. he is more knowledgeable than you in some affairs]. Allaah narrated this story in the Qur’aan and likewise Allaah’s Messenger [i.e. in the Sunnah]. He [Moosaa] was spoken to directly by Allaah and the Tawraat revealed to him, which contained Hudaa [i.e. that which guides a person to Eemaan, truth and protects one from misguidance] and Noor [i.e. a guiding light in the midst of the darkness of ignorance, confusion, doubts, beliefs and deeds that appear to be truth but are falsehood in reality and evil desires], but when he knew that another person possessed knowledge of that which he does not possess, [Allaah informed us he (Moosaa) said]: [لَا أَبْرَحُ حَتَّىٰ أَبْلُغَ مَجْمَعَ الْبَحْرَيْنِ أَوْ أَمْضِيَ حُقُبًا – I will not give up (travelling) until I reach the junction of the two seas or (until) I spend years and years in travelling]. [Surah Al-Kahf. Aayah 60]

He went on foot – neither had a car nor a riding beast, nor a horse; [rather] he travelled on foot. Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] said about him: [قَالَ ذَٲلِكَ مَا كُنَّا نَبۡغِ‌ۚ فَٱرۡتَدَّا عَلَىٰٓ ءَاثَارِهِمَا قَصَصً۬ا – Musa (Moses) said: “That is what we have been seeking.” So, they went back retracing their footsteps]. [Surah Al-Kahf. Aayah 64].

[They did this (i.e. Moosaa and his boy servant went back to find Khidr)] for the sake of knowledge, because indeed none knows virtue except the one given virtue. None knows the virtue of knowledge, except those who are virtuous. If one humbles himself due to knowledge, this is honour. Do not lower yourself – even in the presence of the greatest person- for the sake of the Dunyaa; (rather) humble yourself, be well mannered and lower yourself for the sake of knowledge, because it is the loftiest thing, and by way of it, you will be raised in the sight of Allaah and the people. If you lower yourself to acquire knowledge, this can never be humiliation; (rather) it is humility, a proof of good manners, truthfulness in the path of seeking after knowledge and the truth. [Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm. Page 248. Slightly paraphrased]

[1] Even if I was not busy, I do not need to sit at lessons of anyone in the West!

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Seeking Knowledge, Sin.

In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of mercy.

“Even if I was not busy, I do not need to sit at the lessons of anyone in the West, because I have my Arabic audios and books!”

May Allaah grant us the Tawfeeq to wage a constant and fierce battle against our souls whenever they incline towards bragging and self-amazement contained in the above statement Aameen. Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi Al-Mad’khali [may Allaah preserve him] stated: O youth! Be mindful of shaytaan who is next to you. Seek Allaah’s protection against his destructive evil whispers. [وَإِمَّا يَنزَغَنَّكَ مِنَ ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنِ نَزۡغٌ۬ فَٱسۡتَعِذۡ بِٱللَّهِ‌ۖ إِنَّهُ ۥ هُوَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلۡعَلِيمُ – And if an evil whisper from Shaitan (Satan) tries to turn you away (O Muhammad) (from doing good, etc.), then seek refuge in Allah. Verily, He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower]. [Surah Fussilat’ Aayah 36]

If you sense that your soul is inclined towards showing off to the people and bragging about knowledge, then turn to Allaah, lower and humble yourself in His presence, ask Him to grant you sincerity and to save you from shaytaan – to save you from his whispers and plots. One of the scholars said, “Indeed, it is extremely difficult [upon a person] whose enemy can see him, but he cannot see him.” He [i.e. this scholar] said this when he explained the statement of Allaah [The Blessed and Exalted] about shaytaan and his armies: [إِنَّهُ ۥ يَرَٮٰكُمۡ هُوَ وَقَبِيلُهُ ۥ مِنۡ حَيۡثُ لَا تَرَوۡنَہُمۡ‌ۗ – Verily, he and (his soldiers from the jinns or his tribe) see you from where you cannot see them. [Surah Al-A’raaf’ Aayah 27]

He [i.e. that scholar] said, “By Allaah! Indeed, it’s a bitter feud and extreme difficulty (for one) whose enemy can see him, but he cannot see him, except for the one whom Allaah safeguards”- Meaning, this enemy is more dangerous than the army you can see that has troops and strength. This hidden enemy – whom you cannot see – is extreme difficulty and will destroy you whilst you are unaware and unable to see him. We ask Allaah for well-being. (1)

Imaam Abdullaah Ibnul Mubaarak [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: “A man will not be from the (students or scholars) of Hadeeth until he writes from someone similar to him, someone above him and someone below him.” (2)

Imaam Sufyaan Ibn Uyaynah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: “A man will not be from the (students or scholars) of Hadeeth until he takes from someone above him, someone below him and someone similar to him.” (3)

Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee Al-Madkhalee [may Allaah preserve him] said: Musa [peace be upon him] was spoken to directly by Allaah and the Tawraat was revealed to him, which contained Hudaa [i.e. that which guides a person to Eemaan, truth and protects one from misguidance] and Noor [i.e. a guiding light in the midst of the darkness of ignorance, confusion, doubts, beliefs and deeds that appear to be truth but are falsehood in reality and evil desires], but when he knew that another person possessed knowledge of that which he did not possess, [Allaah informed us he (Musa) said]: [لَا أَبْرَحُ حَتَّىٰ أَبْلُغَ مَجْمَعَ الْبَحْرَيْنِ أَوْ أَمْضِيَ حُقُبًا – I will not give up (travelling) until I reach the junction of the two seas or (until) I spend years and years in travelling]. [Surah Al-Kahf. Verse 60] He went on foot – neither had a car nor a riding beast, nor a horse; (rather) he travelled on foot”. (4)

Al-Khateeb Al-Baghdaadi [may Allaah have mercy upon him] stated: It is necessary that the seekers of Hadeeth should have the most perfect (behaviour, manners, etiquettes etc) amongst the people, be the most humble amongst the people, the greatest in their impartiality and adherence to the religion, the least in (deviating from good conduct) and (being overcome with) anger, because they constantly listen to the narrations that gathers the excellent manners and etiquettes of Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him], the lives of the virtuous pious predecessors, the path of the scholars of Hadeeth and the virtues of the (pious ones and scholars) who have passed away, so they adhere to the purest and excellent (aspects of those traits, etiquettes, manners etc) and turn away from the most despised and lowly [(traits, behaviour, manners, etiquettes etc). (5)

We ask Allaah not to abandon us and the youth to ourselves.
يَا حَيُّ يَا قَيُّومُ بِرَحْمَتِكَ أَسْتَغيثُ أَصْلِحْ لِي شَأْنِيَ كُلَّهُ وَلاَ تَكِلْنِي إِلَى نَفْسِي طَرْفَةَ عَيْنٍ

O Ever Living! O The Self Subsisting, Upon Whom Everything Depends! By Your mercy I seek assistance; rectify for me all of my affairs and do not leave me to myself, even for the blink of an eye. [Silsilah As-Saheehah Number 227]

[Ref 1: Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm’ pages 55-57. slightly paraphrased]
[Ref 2: Taareekh Baghdaad by Al-Khateeb Al-Baghdaadee 5/68]
[Ref 3: Al-Jaami Li-Akhlaaq Ar-Raawee 2/218]
[Ref 4: Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm. 245-248. Slightly paraphrased]
[Ref 5: An Excerpt from ‘Jaami Bayaan Al-Ilm 1/78. By Al-Khateeb Al-Baghdaadi]

Allah loves a slave who is pious, self-sufficient and unnoticed

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “Allah loves a slave who is pious, self-sufficient and unnoticed.” [Saheeh Muslim 2965]

Taqiy- Pious: Fears Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic], so he fulfils Allaah’s commands and keeps away from what Allaah has prohibited. Fulfils Allaah’s commands, such as performance of the prayer and performs it in congregation in the Masjid, pays the zakaat and gives it to the one entitled to it, fasts the month of Ramadhaan, treats orphans with kindness and other types of acts of piety, righteousness and means to doing good.

Ghaniy- self-sufficient: Has no need of the people and suffices himself with Allaah. He does not ask the people anything (I) and does not lower himself to the people (i.e due to being in need of them) (II); rather he is not in need of the people. He knows himself, suffices himself with his Lord and does not pay attention to other than his Lord.

Khafiy- hidden or unnoticed: He does not make himself manifest and does not give importance to manifesting himself amongst the people, to be pointed out or for people to speak about him. You find him between his house and his (local) Masjid vice versa; from his house to his relatives and his brothers, whilst being unnoticed, and makes himself unnoticed. However, this does not mean that if Allaah grants a person knowledge, he confines himself in his house and does not teach the people. This is in opposition to piety (because) teaching the people is better for him than being confined in his house and does not benefit the people with his knowledge, (III) or he sits in his house and does not benefit the people with his wealth; rather if the affair is between being conspicuous- to manifest himself or make himself visible, and between hiding himself (i.e. without a need to make himself manifest), then he chooses to hide himself; but if it is the case that he must make himself apparent, then he has to make himself apparent. This is beloved to Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic]. (1)

Footnotes:

(I) Asking the people: Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee [may Allaah preserve him] quoted Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] who stated, “The initiate affair with regards to asking the creation is that it is forbidden to do so, but it is permissible in when there is a necessity, but it is better to abandon doing so out of reliance on Allaah. [See Qaa’idah Jaleelah Fee at-tawassul Wal-Waseelah. page 7. Publisher Maktabah al-Furqan. 1st Edition 1422 (Year 2001)]

(II) Lowering Oneself: Imaam Ibn Hibbaan [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “It is obligated on a sensible person that he adheres to humility and avoids pride. Humility is of two types- the first one is praiseworthy and the other is blameworthy. Praiseworthy humility is that one abandons insolence and mockery. Blameworthy humility is that a person humbles himself in the presence of one who possesses the things of the worldly life and desiring what such a person possesses. Therefore, a sensible person maintains his abandonment of blameworthy humility in all circumstances and he does not depart from praiseworthy humility. [An Excerpt from Rawdatul Uqalaa page 58]

(III) The Scholars are three types: Shaikh Abdullah Al-Bukhaari [may Allaah preserve him] stated, Shaikh Abdullah Al-Bukhaaree [may Allaah preserve him] stated, “Ibn Abee Shaybah [may allaah have mercy upon him] reported in Al-Musannaf and Abu Nu-aym [may Allaah have mercy upon him] in Al-Hilya [5/12] with an authentic chain from Abu Muslim Al-Khawlaani [may Allaah have mercy upon him], who said, ‘The scholars are three types- a man who lives with his knowledge and the people live with it alongside him; a man who lives with his knowledge and none else lives with it alongside him, and as for the third man, the people live with his knowledge and it destroys him’. The intent behind this speech: Indeed the first (man) knows, acts and teaches. As for the second, he knows and acts, but does not teach. As for the third, he knows and teaches, but does not act! We ask Allaah for steadfastness and well-being”. [ المقالات الشرعية– pages: 23-24]

Uqbah Ibn Aamir [may Allaah be pleased with him] said, “I said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah! What is salvation[i.e. to be protected from Allaah’s punishment on the Day of Judgement]?’ He said, ‘Restrain your tongue, keep to your house and weep over your sin'”.

Brief Commentary By Imaam Al-Albaanee [may Allaah have mercy upon him]

Restrain your tongue: Meaning, do not speak, except based on that which benefits you and that which concerns you, as the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “Whoever believes in Allaah and the Last Day, then let him say what is good or remain silent”.

Keep to your house: Some people may think that this necessitates keeping away from the people completely; rather this is an advice of the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] that one stays in his house when Fitan becomes rife, so a person realises that there is no benefit in intermingling with the people; rather it becomes obligated on him [or her] to save himself (or herself) by staying indoors. However, this is not permissible in every era and place, because Islaam is established based on the foundation “Arise and warn [i.e. call to Tawheed and warn” against shirk” [Surah Al-Mud-dath-thir’ Aayah 2], and this necessitates that one intermingles with the people to give them dawah. And this why the Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said, “The believer who mixes with people and patiently bears their harm is better than the one who does not mix with people and does not patiently bear their harm.’’ But if intermingling with the people will result in harming the Aqeedah, manners and religion of the Muslim, then he [or she] should adhere to this noble advice of the Prophet that one “Stays in his (or her) house”.

And weep over your sins: This is a constant obligation, whether Muslim lives in isolation from the people [i.e. when the need arises] or intermingles with them. One should take himself [or herself] to account and contemplates on what he [ or she] did during day and night, so that he [or she] remembers his Lord and hopes that he [or she] will be included amongst those seven people [i.e. those who will be provided with shade on the day of judgement when there will be no shade], and amongst them is ‘’the one who remembers Allaah when he is alone, and his eyes fill up with tears.’’ [Al-Bukhaari, no. 620] https://safeshare.tv/x/zoThA-C4aDw

[Ref 1: Explanation of Riyaadus Saaliheen By Imaam Muhammad ibn Saalih Al-Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy upon him). Chapter 69. Vol 3. Page 509. Publisher: Al-Maktabah Al-Arabiyyah As-Su’oodiyyah Edition 1425AH. slightly paraphrased]

What can we do for our amazing parents after they have preceded us to the afterlife?

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Question: The questioner asks: What are the best deeds a person can do in order to please Allaah (The Most High) and (also) benefit one’s parents who have passed away?

Answer: Supplicating for your two parents is one of the best of deeds that will benefit them after they have passed away, fulfilling their promises after they have passed away, keeping the ties of kinship which cannot be done except through them and showing respect and kindness to their friends. It has been reported in a hadeeth on the authority of Abu Usaid Maalik Bin Rabee’ah As-Saa’idee [may Allaah be pleased with him] who said: One day whilst we were with the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] a man from Banu Salamah came and said: O Messenger of Allaah! Is there anything left by way of honouring and showing kindness towards my parents after their death? He said: Supplicating for them, seeking Allaah’s forgiveness for them, fulfilling their promises (or contracts which they may have left behind) after their death, showing respect and kindness towards their friends and keeping the ties of kinship which cannot be done except through them (i.e. their relatives). [Reported by Abu Dawud, Ahmad and Ibn Maajah] (1)

An Important Affair to Bear In Mind As We Constantly Remember Our Deceased Parents

Usama Bin Zayd [may Allaah be pleased with him] said: “While we were with Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him], one of his daughters sent for him to call him and inform him that her child or her son was dying. Allaah’s Messenger told the messenger-bearer to go back and tell her that [ إِنَّ لِلَّهِ مَا أَخَذَ وَلَهُ مَا أَعْطَى وَكُلُّ شَىْءٍ عِنْدَهُ بِأَجَلٍ مُسَمًّ – What Allah had taken belonged to Him, and to him belonged what He granted; and He has an appointed time for everything]. So you order her to exercise patience and seek reward from Allah. The message-bearer went back and said, “She adjures him to come to her”. He got up to go accompanied by Sa’d Bin Ubaadah, Mu’aadh Bin Jabal [may Allaah be pleased with them], and I also went along with them. The child was lifted to him and his soul was feeling as restless as if it was in an old (waterskin). His (Prophet’s) eyes welled up with tears. Sa’d said, “What is this, O Allaah’s Messenger!” He replied, “This is mercy which Allah has placed in the hearts of His servants, and Allaah shows mercy only to those of His servants who are merciful”. [Saheeh Muslim. Number 923]

Imaam An-Nawawi [may Allaah have mercy upon him] stated: This hadeeth is one of the greatest foundations of Islam, which includes many important affairs related to the fundamental principles and branches of the religion, upright behaviour, patience when facing all calamities, worries and illnesses and other distresses. [أن لله تعالى ما أخذ -What Allah had taken belonged to Him] – Meaning: Indeed, the entire universe belongs to Allaah [The Exalted], therefore, he did not take what is yours, but rather He took what belongs to Him in your possession. [وله ما أعطى – and to him belonged what He granted]- Meaning: Indeed, what He has bestowed on you is not outside his ownvership (or dominion), but rather it belongs to Him and He does what He wills [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections]. [وكل شيء عنده بأجل مسمى – and He has an appointed time for everything]- Meaning: Do not be in a state of anxiety, because indeed the one – Allaah- who took it away has brought about its appointed time, therefore, it is impossible to delay or advance its appointed time. If you know all of this, then be patient and seek reward through what has befallen you. And Allaah knows best. (2)

[Ref 1: Fadaa’il Al-A’maal pages 28-29’ by Shaikh Muhmammad Bin Abdillaah As-Subayyil (rahimahullaah)]
[Ref 2: Al-Adkaar 150]