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Month: October 2024

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The Struggle of a Lifetime -[How to Attain Sincerity While In Pursuit of Knowledge]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Seeking Knowledge.

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

Imam Muhammad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaymeen, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: If one says: “Through what can sincerity in seeking knowledge be (attained)?” We say that sincerity in seeking knowledge can be (attained) by making an intention for the following:

The fulfilment of Allah’s command because Allah, The Most High, commanded it. Allah says: [فَاعْلَمْ أَنَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَاسْتَغْفِرْ لِذَنبِكَ- So know (O Muhammad) that La ilaha ill-Allah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah), and ask forgiveness for your sin].[Surah Muhammad Ayah 19]

Allah, Glorified and Exalted be He, strongly urged (a person) towards acquiring knowledge, and strongly urging towards something necessitates having love for it, being pleased with it, and commanding it.

To preserve Allah’s Shariah because preserving Allah’s Shariah can be done by way of learning, memorisation, and writing.

To protect and defend the Shariah because had it not been for the scholars no one would have protected or defended the Shariah. Due to this, we find the likes of Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyahand others among the people of knowledge, may Allah have mercy upon them, repelling Ahlul Bidah and clarifying the falsity of their Bidah. We see that they attained a lot of good.

To follow Muhammad’s, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, Shariah because it is not possible for you to follow his Shariah until you learn about it.

An Excerpt from “Sharh Hilyah Taalib Al’Ilm”. pages 16- 17

“Smaller Families!!!”

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Basics, Contemporary Issues, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Refutations, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allah [The Exalted] said:

فَلَمَّا جَآءَتۡهُمۡ رُسُلُهُم بِٱلۡبَيِّنَـٰتِ فَرِحُواْ بِمَا عِندَهُم مِّنَ ٱلۡعِلۡمِ وَحَاقَ بِهِم مَّا كَانُواْ بِهِۦ يَسۡتَہۡزِءُونَ

Then when their Messengers came to them with clear proofs, they were glad [and proud] with that which they had of the knowledge [of worldly things]: And that at which they used to mock, surrounded them [i.e. the punishment]. [Ghaafir. 83]

Every constructed ideology attracts its share of uncritical adherents, extremists, and oppressors. It is not surprising that some of the so-called enlightened authorities or scholars in the field of worldly sciences engage in various forms of criminal behaviour and mischief. Many of us, having progressed through primary and secondary education, as well as colleges and universities, are familiar with Charles Darwin’s work “Savages and Favoured Races,” which undeniably serves as a foundation for racial discrimination. Nevertheless, the trajectory of the arrogant and dogmatic eugenicists has resulted in further oppression, manifesting as crimes against the weak and vulnerable segments of society. Population eugenics involved encouraging individuals to reproduce in ways that yield preferred traits. Indeed, the believer remains entirely unencumbered by the agendas and ideologies of those who approach reproduction solely to advance their materialistic or racist objectives—whether that be to generate future labourers for communists and capitalists or to inhibit certain societal groups from procreation under the guise of racial hygiene or out of a fear of poverty. We do not heed the voices of any malevolent individuals who attempt to instill fear regarding financial hardship, suggesting that having numerous children inevitably leads to a life of poverty.

Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, said: I heard Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, saying, “If you were to put your trust in Allah in the manner that He deserves, then you would be provided (with sustenance) as the birds are (provided for). They go out early in the day with empty stomachs and return at the end of the day with full (stomachs)’”.

Imam Muhammad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaymeen, may Allah have mercy upon him, comments on the above hadith as follows:

“If you were to put your trust in Allah in the manner that He deserves” – Meaning, true reliance upon Allah, complete dependence upon Allah in seeking your provision and other than that. “Then you would be provided (with sustenance) as the birds are (provided for)”.

The bird’s sustenance is with Allah. The birds do not have an owner, thus they fly in the air and set out early in day in search of Allah’s Provision. “They go out early in the day with empty stomachs” – in the early hours of the day with hunger and empty stomachs, as Allah [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections] said:

[فَمَنِ ٱضۡطُرَّ فِى مَخۡمَصَةٍ غَيۡرَ مُتَجَانِفٍ۬ لِّإِثۡمٍ۬‌ۙ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَفُورٌ۬ رَّحِيمٌ۬ – But as for him who is forced by severe hunger, with no inclination to sin (such can eat these mentioned meats), then surely, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful]. [Al-Ma’idah. 3]

“They go out early in the day with empty stomachs”- nothing in their stomachs. However, they put their trust in their Lord (The Mighty and Majestic], and “Return at the end of the day with full stomach”. They return in the latter part of the day with stomachs filled with Allah’s Provision.

So there are proofs in this (hadith) with regards to some matters:

It is incumbent upon the person to truly depend on Allah. Indeed, there is no living creature on the earth, except that its provision is due from Allah. Even the bird in the sky, none holds it up in the sky and none provides for it besides Allah. Every creature on the earth, be it as tiny as a small ant or huge like an elephant and its likes, its provision is due from Allah, as Allah [The Exalted] said: [وَمَا مِن دَآبَّةٍ۬ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ إِلَّا عَلَى ٱللَّهِ رِزۡقُهَا وَيَعۡلَمُ مُسۡتَقَرَّهَا وَمُسۡتَوۡدَعَهَا‌ۚ – And no (moving) living creature is there on earth but its provision is due from Allaah. And He knows its dwelling place and its deposit (in the uterus, grave, etc.)]. [Surah Hud. Verse 6]

Indeed, the clearly misguided one is he who harbours suspicion about his Lord. He says, “Do not have many children because you will not have enough provision”. By the Lord of the Throne! They have lied because Allah will give you more provision if you have more children. There is not a living creature on the earth except that its provision is due from Allah. The provision for your children and little ones is due from Allah. He (Allah) is The One Who opens the doors of provision for you, in order that you may spend on them. However, many people harbour an evil suspicion about Allah and are dependent on materialistic ideas. They do not look at (the affairs) with far sightedness and in accordance with Allah’s Absolute Ability, and that He [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections] is The One Who provides even if the children are many. The more children you have, the more provision you will be given. This is the correct (belief).

In this is evidence that the one who truly relies on Allah will (also) utilise the means (to attaining what he seeks after). The misguided one is he who says, “I will not utilise the means and I am one who relies on Allah”. This is not correct. The one who truly relies on Allah is he who utilises the means whilst depending on Allah [The Mighty and Majestic]. This is why he [i.e. the Prophet] said, “Then you would be provided (with sustenance), as the birds are (provided for). They go out early in the day with empty stomachs”. (The bird) goes out in search of sustenance and does not stay in its nest; rather it sets out early in search of sustenance. So, after truly depending on Allah, you must (also) take the means that Allah has provided in seeking permissible sustenance- through agriculture, trade, work and through any means of seeking sustenance. Seek sustenance whilst depending on Allah and Allah will make it easy for you to obtain it.

From the benefits of this hadith is that the birds and other than them among Allah’s creation do know Allah, as Allah [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections] said:

[تُسَبِّحُ لَهُ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتُ ٱلسَّبۡعُ وَٱلۡأَرۡضُ وَمَن فِيہِنَّ‌ۚ وَإِن مِّن شَىۡءٍ إِلَّا يُسَبِّحُ بِحَمۡدِهِۦ وَلَـٰكِن لَّا تَفۡقَهُونَ تَسۡبِيحَهُمۡ‌ۗ – The seven heavens and the earth and all that is therein, glorify Him and there is not a thing but glorifies His Praise, but you understand not their glorification]. [Al-Israa. 44]

لَمۡ تَرَ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَسۡجُدُ لَهُ ۥ مَن فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَمَن فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَٱلشَّمۡسُ وَٱلۡقَمَرُ وَٱلنُّجُومُ وَٱلۡجِبَالُ وَٱلشَّجَرُ وَٱلدَّوَآبُّ وَڪَثِيرٌ۬ مِّنَ ٱلنَّاسِ‌ۖ وَكَثِيرٌ حَقَّ عَلَيۡهِ ٱلۡعَذَابُ‌ۗ وَمَن يُہِنِ ٱللَّهُ فَمَا لَهُ ۥ مِن مُّكۡرِمٍ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَفۡعَلُ مَا يَشَآءُ

See you not that to Allah prostrates whoever is in the heavens and whoever is on the earth, and the sun, and the moon, and the stars, and the mountains, and the trees, and Ad-Dawab (moving living creatures, beasts, etc.), and many of mankind? But there are many (people) on whom the punishment is justified. And whomsoever Allaah disgraces, none can honour him. Verily! Allaah does what He wills. [Al-Hajj. 18]

The birds do know their Lord [The Mighty and Majestic]. The bird seeks after the provision Allah has allocated for it through a natural disposition that guides it to what is beneficial for it, and returns to its nest in the early part of the evening with a full stomach. This is what it does everyday. Allah [The Mighty and Majestic] provides it with sustenance and makes it easy for it to obtain it. And look at the Wisdom of Allah?! How the birds set off early to a far away place and are guided back to their place of (residence) without failing to find it! (That is) because Allah gave to each thing its form and nature, then guided it aright. [1]

Shaikh Abdul Wahid Abu Khadeejah, may Allah preserve him, said:

“According to scientists, another cause of poverty is population growth in countries that cannot afford to feed the extra mouths. Most rich countries have a stable population with roughly as many babies born as people dying. However, in poor countries, the populations seem to be increasing. Muslims, as rule, are not allowed to use contraception due to fear of not being able to provide for their children – they learn from the Quran that Allah will enrich them from Himself from ways and means that He provides. Population control measures are not from the Islamically legislated means to remove poverty – this is proven by the fact that there is sufficient food and resources in the world to feed the poor many times over daily! Added to that is the reality that large populations are a tremendous resource for a nation. Countries with large populations are quite often the wealthiest and have the fastest growing economies. Note: In certain situations, contraception is permitted and I have discussed that elsewhere. Islam teaches that poor people must be helped with education, skills, charity, better infrastructure and better health care. In this way the poor are not neglected and the wealth of the rich is purified in the sight of Allāh through the giving of charity. People have large families because the family unit helps each other and they care for their elders. Death of young children is much higher in poorer countries due to sicknesses and disease. So, the Muslims have a duty to help the poor, even if they are non-Muslims. The Prophet said, ‘Give charity to people of other Religions'” (Shaikh Al-Albānī said it was an authentic Hadīth, in As-Saheehah). [2]

Indeed, the legacy of the arrogant and opinionated eugenicists is well-known- those who engaged in their useless quest for a genetic overclass and so called reproduction of only perfect people, and thus discriminated against everyone with the slightest disability or deficiency! The Nazis took this to the next level and committed atrocities – utilized eugenic ideology to justify large-scale forced sterilization and euthanasia. So called “Positive eugenics” paid close attention to encouraging those of so-called “good stock” to reproduce, but those considered unfit for reproduction, such as the poor, criminals or the feeble-minded were discouraged or prevented through so-called “Negative eugenics”. When this satanic idea was championed by some politicians and government officials, the wellbeing of the vulnerable in society was completely under the control of a people whose worldly sciences were devoid of the compassion, mercy and the upright moral character ordained by the creator of the heavens and the earth. The founder of the eugenics movement was called Francis Galton – [1822-1911]- and he was influenced by Charles Darwin’s kufr idea “The Origin of Species”. This Galton concentrated on the idea of heritability of different traits, especially the heritability of intelligence and how to counter society’s so-called scarcity of talent and character, and that poverty, vagrancy and crime were due to the transfer of degenerate traits from parents to their child. His satanic ideas influenced some so-called intellectuals in Britain, the US, Germany and other countries at the time. Indeed, all praise and thanks be to Allah, this not how a believer addresses problems in society, because it is nothing but seeking for scapegoats so as to justify neglect of the vulnerable in society. Some of those arrogant and opinionated eugenicists held that preventing the poor from having children was a means of protecting society because it stopped them from producing people similar to them. Thirty-two American states passed eugenic-sterilization laws during the twentieth century, and between sixty and seventy thousand people were sterilized under them. However, this had no effect in improving virtue. Imam As-Sadi, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated:

“Among the most amazing of affairs is that many contemporary writers and politicians seek to remedy the many social ills and try to do so do from many angles, however as for the problem of deviation from the path of Allah -whose surge has carried away the majority of young people, they have not rushed to stop it by returning to sound faith and certainty; rather they have been abandoned to wander blindly in their misguidance and wavering in beguilement, and thus the social ills they seek to remedy gives birth to other social ills, because if the path to remedying social ills is not based on sound faith and sound religion, they will increase and become worse”. [3]

He [may Allah have mercy upon him] also said, “What type of progress is this? A progress whose people became like vicious wild animals and whose abiding practice is oppression, annihilation, colonization of weak nations and depriving them of their rights?” [4] The Imam also said, “They developed these affairs through a development that is disconnected and severed from submission to Allāh and the religion ordained by Allāh… it has caused harm and led its proponents to savagery and barbarism whose outcomes has been destruction, ruin and evils that has no comparison”. [5]

He said, “Indeed, it is impossible to rectify the souls and acquire virtue solely through the worldly sciences. Experience and clearly witnessed circumstances are the greatest proofs regarding this affair, because despite its advancement and vastness it has been unable to nurture and rectify the souls. What the Religion of Islam propagates is that which is entrusted with this rectification – it is what will guide the thoughts towards the truthful and authentic sources of knowledge and guide the actions of the people towards good and prevent them from evil. Islam is The Rectifier of the Creeds and Manners- the thing that cultivates the thoughts [upon righteousness], urges towards virtuousness and prevents from depravity. The essence of that which the religion calls to regarding belief in the Unseen, which includes belief in Allaah and that which He possesses of Names, Attributes and Actions of perfection; belief in Angels, belief in recompense for one’s good and bad deeds in this life and the next, which cannot be known except through the Messengers, is what acquaints a person with the fact that rectification – in reality – is not possible through other than sound belief and the religion of Islaam. Therefore, even if the worldly sciences rectify [some] affairs based upon that which people know in detail, it will still not be equal [in perfection, excellence etc] to the knowledge of the Messengers [in the least]. It will neither reach that which is reached through the knowledge of the Messengers nor can it influence the souls in the manner in which the knowledge of the Messengers has done; for indeed the souls do not voluntarily submit except through belief in Allaah, belief in His Angels, belief in His Books, belief in His Messengers and belief in the hereafter. And without this, voluntary submission is impossible, as is well known regarding human nature”. [6]

Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi, may Allah preserve him, said:

“The knowledge brought by the Prophets is rectification for the people, a guide for them towards the right path and removes them from the darkness they are living in – the darkness of disbelief and ignorance. As for the knowledge of the philosophers and the heretics, then what Allah has stated truly applies to it:

 فَلَمَّا جَآءَتۡهُمۡ رُسُلُهُم بِٱلۡبَيِّنَـٰتِ فَرِحُواْ بِمَا عِندَهُم مِّنَ ٱلۡعِلۡمِ وَحَاقَ بِهِم مَّا كَانُواْ بِهِۦ يَسۡتَہۡزِءُونَ

Then when their Messengers came to them with clear proofs, they were glad (and proud) with that which they had of the knowledge (of worldly things): And that at which they used to mock, surrounded them (i.e. the punishment)]. [Ghaafir 83]

It is the knowledge which the people boast about nowadays, whether it is medicine, engineering, astronomy, [modern] politics and economics. After the Prophets came to them – to remove them from the darkness of ignorance and enter them into the light of the knowledge and Iman, they were glad and boastful with the knowledge they possess, (just as Allah has stated): “Then when their Messengers came to them with clear proofs, they were glad (and proud) with that which they had of the knowledge (of worldly things); and that at which they used to mock, surrounded them (i.e. the punishment)”. [Ghafir’ 83]

These sciences become a trial and tribulation if they are not regulated by the knowledge which Muhammad [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] brought. [7]

Therefore, be warned against embracing the ideas of eugenicists regarding population control! Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz, may Allah have mercy upon him, was asked about a husband and a wife who agreed not to have children and whether this is allowed. He responded and said that this agreement of theirs is not permissible. As long as the woman is able [to bear children], then it is not permissible for them to do this because the Islamic legislation requires that the people give concern to bearing children and make the Ummah numerous. The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, ‘Marry the childbearing, loving woman for I shall outnumber the peoples by you on the Day of Resurrection’. In another wording [of this narration the Prophet said], ‘Outnumber [i.e. the followers of the other] Prophets on the Day of Judgement’. That is because by way of this [i.e. having many children] those who worship Allah among the Muslims will be numerous, the Ummah will be numerous and strong in opposing their enemies.

It is not permissible for a man to abandon having children out of fear of either tiredness in seeking after a livelihood or due to difficulty, or due to expenditure, or due to a desire to enjoy one’s wife and other than that. It also not permissible for a woman to do this, rather it is obligated on both of them to pursue the means of having offspring -be eager to seek the means to having children so that the Ummah becomes numerous and to fulfil what the Prophet stated. However, if the woman either suffers a lot of pain due to an illness of the womb or she cannot give birth except by way of surgical operation, then this is an excuse to not have children. If the surgical operation [or caesarean] will harm her- it is feared that something will happen to her, and also if the children are many- born at close intervals and bringing them up becomes difficult upon her, then there is nothing to prevent her from taking some pills [or contraception] or some preventative measures for a year or two – the period of breastfeeding- so that she becomes strong enough to nurture the children and able to nurture the other newly born. [8]

Therefore, let the Muslim doctor fear Allah when consulted. A doctor must fear Allah with regards to those affairs about which one is consulted, especially that which is related to the rights of the people- such as when a sick person approaches him for a sick note or when in need of a medical note to prove that he is fit for employment, or when consulted regarding a particular type of medication, or whether the state of health of an individual (woman) allows her to utilise contraception in order not to get pregnant, or whether her state of health warrants the removal of her ovaries. It has been reported in a hadeeth by Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him] who said that the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said: [الْمُسْتَشَارُ مُؤْتَمَنٌ – The consultee is in a position of trust]. [9]

[الْمُسْتَشَارُ مُؤْتَمَنٌ – The consultee is in a position of trust]. [المستشار -The Consultee]: He is the one whose opinion is sought after regarding an affair of Maslahah (i.e. an affair that will bring about benefit and repel harm). He is in a position of trust with regards to what he is asked and it is not permissible for him to deceive the one who consults him, by concealing the affair that would bring about benefit. [10]

This hadeeth is an evidence, showing that the consultee has to (advise) with the course of action and opinion -in relation to the consultation – that which he would do for himself. And it is not permissible that he directs his Muslim brother to something he would not be pleased with for himself. [11]

The eugenicists were deprived of this fear of Allah, rather they were opinionated and filled with arrogance, so they violated the rights of vulnerable people. Recently, thousands of Japanese – who were forcibly sterilised – will receive government compensation after the government passed legislation and the Prime Minister Shinzo Abe apologized to the victims on behalf of the government. Nearly 16,500 mentally disabled people were sterilized in Japan without their consent under the previous law that was abolished in 1996. Each victim is to receive $29,000. This started when a Japanese woman, now in her 60s, sued the government because she was sterilized in 1972 after diagnosed with a mental disability. Under Japan’s previous law, some leprosy patients were forced to have abortions because they were not allowed to have children. In 2005, a Japanese court ordered the government to compensate a leprosy patient who was wronged by this law. Germany and Sweden also had similar eugenics laws, but their governments have apologized and paid compensation to the victims.

Moral Responsibility Violated By Many Amongst Humankind

Allah [The Exalted] said:

إِنَّا عَرَضۡنَا ٱلۡأَمَانَةَ عَلَى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَٱلۡجِبَالِ فَأَبَيۡنَ أَن يَحۡمِلۡنَہَا وَأَشۡفَقۡنَ مِنۡہَا وَحَمَلَهَا ٱلۡإِنسَـٰنُۖ إِنَّهُ ۥ كَانَ ظَلُومً۬ا جَهُولاً۬

Truly, We did offer Al-Amanah (the trust or moral responsibility or honesty and all the duties which Allah has ordained) to the heavens and the earth, and the mountains, but they declined to bear it and were afraid of it (i.e. afraid of Allah’s Torment). But the human being bore it. Verily, he was unjust (to himself) and ignorant (of its results). [Surah Al-Ahzaab. Verse 72]

Abu Dharr [may Allah be pleased with him] reported that Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “Allah – The Almighty – said: O My servants! I have forbidden injustice for Myself and I have forbidden it among you, so do not oppress one another’”. [Sahih Muslim 2577]

Al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzan, may Allah preserve him, said: What is Dhulm -injustice or oppression? Dhulm [injustice (or oppression)] is of three types: the greatest of them is Shirk (i.e. to ascribe partners to Allah). And why is shirk referred as Dhulm [injustice]? That is because the basis of injustice is to place something in other than its rightful place, and the meaning of shirk is to direct acts of worship to other than its rightful place and this is the greatest injustice, because when they (i.e. the people of shirk) directed acts of worship to other than its rightful place and to those who are not deserving of it, they equated the created (beings) to the Creator, a weak one (i.e. a created being) to Al-Qawiy [The One Perfect in Strength (i.e. Allaah)], who is able to do everything. Therefore, is there any greater injustice after this? The second type of Dhulm (oppression or injustice) is committed when a person oppresses himself by committing sins. A sinner oppresses himself because he exposes himself to punishment, even though it is obligated on him to save himself and place himself in an appropriate situation, and that is to obey Allaah. The third type of Dhulm (oppression or injustice) is committed when a person oppresses others (or commits injustice against them) by taking their wealth (unlawfully), backbiting them, spreading tales about them, stealing their wealth, violating their honour through backbiting, tale carrying, slander, or shedding their blood by way of unlawful murder, beating them, inflicting injuries, degrading them without right etc [12]

Indeed, besides the disbelief of the colonialists – forefathers of the neocolonialists, they also commit oppression in different ways in the name of advancement and civilization. We read – in the history books – about the oppressive behaviour of the colonialists between the 15th and 18th centuries when they raided other lands, looted natural resources and transported millions of Africans to the US to work in the plantations. Listen below:

https://video.link/w/Qbaub https://youtu.be/MfxUAtyYLJk

Then after this barbaric enterprise was abolished, it was replaced with another barbaric enterprise – neocolonialism. So, in 1884, the colonialists met in Berlin and decided to share the colonies between themselves. Then came a time in which they decided to offer a so called independence to the colonies and amazing indeed was this offer! In one offer of independence, the colonialists said to the colonized, “We’ll grant you independence, but before doing so you must agree to the following: you must deposit 85% of your bank reserves with our ministry of finance – under our central bank. And with regards to all your discovered minerals or yet to be discovered, our companies have the ‘Right of First Refusal’. Your official language has to be our language, we’ll have a military presence in your country, your military can only be trained by our military, you can only buy military equipment from us, you cannot have any military alliance with your neighbours and in the event of war you must be on our side”. This was the independence offered! The money deposited in their ministry of finance was invested in their name and all the profits belonged to them. This is how some of them treated the colonies, yet they have the audacity to tell the whole world that the countries they’ve looted and oppressed for nearly over 400 years are poor- the very countries they continue to oppress economically. In addition to this, they constantly seek to demoralize the former colonies and give their economic situations different descriptions- sometimes referring to them as “The Third World”, the “Under-developed countries”, the “Developing Countries” etc. All these descriptions are utilized to demoralize the former colonies. Many of the neocolonialists talk about ethics, but how many are just in their mutual dealings?! Rather, self-interested individuals and groups do not give concern to anything other than finding ways and devising tactics to enslave the former colonies through usury. Read here: https://www.abukhadeejah.com/the-grave-crime-of-usury-and-interest-riba-based-transactions-what-is-allowed-and-what-is-not/

Indeed, it is impossible for countries that are always in bondage to lenders to take control of their economies, because as soon as a nation is heavily in debt, the lenders can easily gain the upper hand through Structural Adjustment Policies (SAPs), which secures repayment of the debt and forces a county to adopt economic restructuring. So, in some cases, the weaker nation is forced to reduce spending on essential social services, such as healthcare provision, education and development, whilst repayment of the debt is given priority, as well as the possibility of giving the lender an easy access to the country’s raw materials. This is well known and whoever researches will come across a lot that has been written on the subject matter. Indeed, there is no benefit in providing financial assistance that is going to permanently make a nation dependent on another nation due to usury. Debt is a heavy burden, let alone when accompanied with usury. Aa’isha [may Allaah be pleased with her] narrated that the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] used to invoke Allaah in the prayer [before the Tasleem] saying, “O Allaah, I seek refuge with You from the punishment of the grave and from the trial and affliction of Maseeh Ad-Dajjaal and from trial and affliction of life and death. O Allaah, I seek refuge with You from sins and from being in debt”. So somebody said to him, “Why do you so frequently seek refuge with Allah from being in debt?” The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) replied, “A person in debt tells lies whenever he speaks, and breaks promises whenever he makes (them)]”. [13]

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim [may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] combined (in this supplication between seeking Allah’s refuge) from sins and debt because sins necessitate loss in the afterlife and debt necessitates loss in the worldly life”. [14]

Trade: Also with regards to buying and selling, Shaikh Abdul Wahid Abu Khadeejah [may Allah preserve him] stated: “The way that countries buy and sell with each other does not always help people in poor countries. Producers of crops like wheat and rice will usually sell to the country that will pay them the most for it, so poor countries cannot compete and therefore cannot buy crops to feed their people. So these poor people have to grow their own crops to feed themselves. In many poor countries the rich farmers grow cash crops such as fruit and flowers that they sell to rich countries and their profit often does not help the poor people. So the Muslim is always encouraged to give aid to those less fortunate, so that no one in the land remains hungry, unclothed or unsheltered. Islam has no problem with people becoming wealthy so long as the poor not are neglected; they must be taken care of, helped, educated and empowered to look after themselves. Wealthier Muslims are obligated to give in charity (zakāt) every year, and each Ramadān (zakāt al-fitr)”. [15]

Pay attention to what Shaikh Abu Khadeejah [may Allah preserve him] stated above about empowering and educating poor people and what some of the greedy colonialists stated in the past! Cecil Rhodes stated: “We must find new lands from which we can easily obtain raw materials and at the same time exploit the cheap slave labour that is available from the natives of the colonies. The colonies would also provide a dumping ground for the surplus goods of our factories.” Nye Bevin stated: “Africa is a valuable source of manpower and raw materials. The US is very barren of essential minerals. In Africa we have them all.” Larry Summers stated: “I think the economic logic behind dumping a load of toxic waste in the lowest wage country is impeccable and we should face up to that.” These were some of their views and its effects are still witnessed in our era in many previous colonies in Africa, Asia and elsewhere. This is the behaviour of a people mentioned in the Qur’an. Allah [The Exalted] said:

وَيْلٌ لِّلْمُطَفِّفِينَ
الَّذِينَ إِذَا اكْتَالُوا عَلَى النَّاسِ يَسْتَوْفُونَ
وَإِذَا كَالُوهُمْ أَو وَّزَنُوهُمْ يُخْسِرُونَ
أَلَا يَظُنُّ أُولَٰئِكَ أَنَّهُم مَّبْعُوثُونَ
لِيَوْمٍ عَظِيمٍ
يَوْمَ يَقُومُ النَّاسُ لِرَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ

Woe to Al-Mutaffifin [those who give less in measure and weight (decrease the rights of others)], those who, when they have to receive by measure from men, demand full measure, and when they have to give by measure or weight to men, give less than due. Think they not that they will be resurrected (for reckoning), on a Great Day, the Day when (all) mankind will stand before the Lord of the ‘Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists)? [Surah Al-Mutaffifeen]

Prophet Hud [peace be upon him] and His People

Allah [The Most High] said in Surah Hud Ayah 88 that Shu’aib [peace be upon him] said to his people: [يَا قَوْمِ أَرَأَيْتُمْ إِن كُنتُ عَلَىٰ بَيِّنَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّي – O my people! Tell me, if I have a clear evidence from my Lord]- Meaning: I am upon certainty and tranquillity regarding the correctness of [the Message] I have brought. [وَرَزَقَنِي مِنْهُ رِزْقًا حَسَنًا – and He (Allah) has given me a good sustenance from Himself]- Meaning: Allah has given me various types of wealth.

[وَمَا أُرِيدُ أَنْ أُخَالِفَكُمْ إِلَىٰ مَا أَنْهَاكُمْ عَنْهُ – I wish not, in contradiction to you, to do that which I forbid you]- Meaning: I do not wish to forbid you from [the evil practice of giving lower in weight and Measure by way of cheating in business transactions], yet I myself do the same and eventually you will charge me for doing so; rather I will not forbid you from an affair except that I will be the first person to hasten to abandon it; [إِنْ أُرِيدُ إِلَّا الْإِصْلَاحَ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُ – I only desire reform so far as I am able, to the best of my power]- Meaning: I do not have any other intentions [goals or aims] other than to rectify your state of affairs and the things that are of benefit to you. And because this statement of Shu’aib contains something which may indicate that he is attributing piety to himself, he repels it with the statement [وَمَا تَوْفِيقِي إِلَّا بِاللَّهِ – And my guidance cannot come except from Allah]-Meaning: The ability I have to do good and to refrain from evil is a bestowal from Allah [The Most High] and it is neither due to my strength nor power; [عَلَيْهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَإِلَيْهِ أُنِيبُ – in Him I trust and unto Him I repent]- Meaning: I rely on Allah in all my affairs and suffice myself with Him. I turn to Allah in all the various acts of worship He has commanded me to draw close to Him by performing good deeds. By way of these two affairs- seeking aid and assistance from Allah, turning to Him in repentance, complete submission and obedience- a person’s state of affairs becomes upright, just as Allah [The Most High] said in another Aayah: [فَاعْبُدْهُ وَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَيْهِ– So worship Him (O Muhammad) and put your trust in Him]. [16]

Therefore, the affair is not about so called overpopulation, rather the problem is due to Kufr, which leads to every other evil, as Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “Everyone with a bit of (sound) intellect knows that the corruption of the world and its ruin occurs due to giving precedence to opinion over the divine revelation and (evil) desires over sound intellect. These two corrupt motives are not entrenched in a heart except that its destruction becomes inevitable nor in a nation except that its affairs are completely corrupted”. [17]

Our Sins and Change of Circumstances

Allah says:

ظَهَرَ ٱلۡفَسَادُ فِى ٱلۡبَرِّ وَٱلۡبَحۡرِ بِمَا كَسَبَتۡ أَيۡدِى ٱلنَّاسِ لِيُذِيقَهُم بَعۡضَ ٱلَّذِى عَمِلُواْ لَعَلَّهُمۡ يَرۡجِعُونَ

Evil (sins and disobedience of Allah, etc.) has appeared on land and sea because of what the hands of men have earned.

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

This Ayah was revealed regarding the state of affairs of the world- the relationship between it and the events that occur. You see how the occurrence of those evil actions and defects (of the people) affects the harvest, vegetation and the animals in every era, and the manner in which those evil (affairs) necessitates other evils. And whenever the people initiate oppression and wickedness, their Lord (The Blessed and Most High) brings about- from those evils and defects (of theirs)- deficiencies and harm in their nourishments, fruits, atmospheres, bodies, outward appearances and manners, as a justification for their deeds, acts of oppression and wickedness. The majority of the illnesses and the general evil affairs are remnants of the punishment inflicted upon the people of the previous nations; then there remained from that what remains, as a surprise punishment against those who remain upon the (evil) deeds of those previous nations. This is a just judgement and just decree. The Prophet has pointed out  this in his statement concerning plagues, that it is a remnant of an affliction or punishment that was sent by Allah to the Children of Israa’eel. [18]

Allah, The Most High, says:

إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُغَيِّرُ مَا بِقَوْمٍ حَتَّىٰ يُغَيِّرُوا مَا بِأَنفُسِهِمْ

Verily! Allah will not change the good condition of a people as long as they do not change their state of goodness themselves (by committing sins and by being ungrateful and disobedient to Allah).

Imam Ibn Al-Jawzee, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: Whoever loves that the state of affairs should become rectified then let him strive in rectifying (his) deeds. Allah (The Mighty and Majestic) says:

وَأَن لَّوِ اسْتَقَامُوا عَلَى الطَّرِيقَةِ لَأَسْقَيْنَاهُم مَّاءً غَدَقًا

If they had believed in Allah, and went on the Right Way, We should surely have bestowed on them water (rain) in abundance. [19]

The Danger of Sinning Whilst Receiving More Provision

Allah says:

وَالَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا بِآيَاتِنَا سَنَسْتَدْرِجُهُم مِّنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ

وَأُمْلِي لَهُمْ ۚ إِنَّ كَيْدِي مَتِينٌ

Those who reject Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), We shall gradually seize them with punishment in ways they perceive not. And I respite them; certainly My Plan is strong.

[سَنَسْتَدْرِجُهُم – We shall gradually seize them with punishment] – by granting them plentiful provision and respite until they think that they will neither be taken to task for their disobedience nor punished, so they increase in disbelief and transgression, and evil upon evil. And through this their punishment is increased and multiplied, so they harm themselves in ways they perceive not. This is why Allah says: [إِنَّ كَيْدِي مَتِينٌ -certainly My Plan is strong]. [20]

سَنَسْتَدْرِجُهُم مِّنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ

“We shall gradually seize them with punishment in ways they perceive not”.

Imam Sufyan Ath-Thawree, may Allah have mercy upon him,  said that this means, “Whenever they commit [major] sins, Allah bestows a blessing on them and make them forgetful of seeking forgiveness”. [21]

Istighfaar

Imam Al-Qurtubi, may Allah have mercy upon him, reported that Bin Subayh, may Allah have mercy upon him, mentioned that man complained to Imam Al-Hasan Al-Basri, may Allah have mercy upon him, about drought. Al-Hasan said to him, “Seek Allah’s forgiveness”. Another person complained about poverty, to which Al-Hasan similarly responded, “Seek Allah’s forgiveness”. A third person said to him, “Supplicate to Allah to grant me a child”, Al-Hasan again said to him, “Seek Allah’s forgiveness”. Then another complained about the dryness of his garden, Al-Hasan said to him, “Seek Allah’s forgiveness”. So, Rabee Bin Sibayh said to him, “Men came with different complaints and you commanded all of them to seek Allah’s forgiveness!” He replied: “I did not say anything from myself, rather Allah, The Mighty and Majestic, says in Surah Nuh:

فَقُلْتُ ٱسْتَغْفِرُوا۟ رَبَّكُمْ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ غَفَّارًا

يُرْسِلِ ٱلسَّمَآءَ عَلَيْكُم مِّدْرَارًا

وَيُمْدِدْكُم بِأَمْوَٰلٍ وَبَنِينَ وَيَجْعَل لَّكُمْ جَنَّٰتٍ وَيَجْعَل لَّكُمْ أَنْهَٰرًا

I (Nuh) said (to them): ‘Ask forgiveness from your Lord; Verily, He is Oft-Forgiving; ‘He will send rain to you in abundance; and give you increase in wealth and children, and bestow on you gardens and bestow on you rivers.” [22]

Fertility issues and contraception in Islam: The choice to have children.

https://www.abukhadeejah.com/fertility-issues-and-contraception-in-islam-the-choice-to-have-children-ethics-1-6/
Rulings Related to Contraception, Family Planning & Following One Pregnancy: 
https://www.salafisounds.com/tag/contraception/

Abortion and its ruling in Islam
https://www.abukhadeejah.com/abortion-and-its-ruling-in-islam-redstone-academy-ethics-1-4/

Miscarriage of a foetus and the rulings related to the mother and child: Ibn Bāz and Ibn Uthaimeen.
https://www.abukhadeejah.com/miscarriage-of-a-foetus-and-the-rulings-related-to-the-mother-and-child-ibn-baz-and-ibn-uthaimeen/

[1] An Excerpt from ‘Sharh Riyaadus Saaliheen 1/557-560’. slightly paraphrased]

[2]https://www.abukhadeejah.com/the-causes-of-poverty-in-light-of-climate-change-population-growth-and-other-factors-part-ii-ethics-2-4/%5D

[3] An Excerpt from ‘Al-Adillatul Qawaatiq’ pages 40-41′. slightly paraphrased]

[4] & [5] Excerpt from Ad-Dalaa’il Al-Qur’aaniyyah Fee Annal Uloom Wal-A’maal An-Naafi’ah Al-Asriyyah Daakhilatun Fid-deen Al-Islaamiy 44]

[6] Al-Adillatul Qawaati Wal-Baraaheem Fee Ibtaalil Usoolil Mulhideen. Page 48

[7] Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm. Page 100]

[8] http://www.binbaz.org.sa/noor/11853 NB: This is a general Fatwa, therefore married couples should ask the scholars about their specific circumstances, in order to receive specific ruling related to their situation.

[9] Excerpt from Akhlaaq At-Tabeeb Al-Muslim pages 4- 18. Hadeeth reported by Abu Dawud (rahimahullaah)’ Number 5128’ & declared Saheeh by Imaam Albaani (rahimahullaah) in his checking of Sunan Abee Dawud]

[10] See Hadeeth Number 5062′ Vol 4’ page 259′ in Mirqaat Al-Mafaateeh Sharh Mishkaat Al-Masaabeeh]

[11] Source: Awnul Ahadis Samadi, Sharhu Al-Adab Al-Mufrad’ Vol 1′ Hadeeth Number 256′ page 283]

[12] An Excerpt from I’aanah Al-Mustafeed Bi-Sharhi Kitaab At-Tawheed’ page 55-56]

[13] Bukhaari, Hadeeth Number: 832]

[14]Al-Fawaa-id: page: 97]

[15]https://www.abukhadeejah.com/the-causes-of-poverty-in-light-of-climate-change-population-growth-and-other-factors-part-ii-ethics-2-4/ ]

[16] An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi. Slightly paraphrased]

[17] A’laam Al-Muwaqqi’een 1/67-69]

[18] An Excerpt from ‘Badaa’i-ul At-Tafseer Al-Jaami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imaam Ibnu Qayyim Al-Jawziyyah: 1/313

[19] : An Excerpt from ‘Saydul Khaatir’ page: 6]

[20] An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi]

[21]: Al-Mukhalisiyaat 2352]

[22] Tafsir Al-Qurtubi 18/301-303

Neither brand nor hit the face

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

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

Jabir, may Allah be pleased with him, said: (Someone) went past the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, with a donkey that was branded on its face, so he said, “Has it not reached you that I indeed cursed one who brands animals on their faces or hits them on their faces?!” So, he forbade that.

Al-Allamah Zaid Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated:

The hadith demonstrates the proof that it is obligatory to be gentle to animals. In it is a prohibition against branding on the face because the face is honoured. It is not permissible for anyone to brand an animal’s or a man’s face, and also it is forbidden to hit on the face.

at-Taleeqaat Al-Maleehah Alaa Silsilah al-Ahadith As-Sahihah 1/325

Utter good speech and feed the people

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

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

“Feed (people) and speak in a good manner”.

Al-Allamah zaid Bin Hadi al-Mad’khali, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

The first matter is to provide food. This encompasses that which a person gives his family, which is regarded as a mandatory expenditure, and for which an individual receives reward. Then, others beyond the immediate family, including relatives, neighbours, companions, and those similar to them. An individual is rewarded for every endeavor undertaken in this regard.

The second matter pertains to good speech. This primarily involves teaching people and disseminating knowledge for the sake of Allah in an appropriate manner, (characterized by) truthfulness and sincerity. Additionally, giving sincere counsel—rooted in Shariah—to all those whom the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, instructed us to advise sincerely. This includes advice to adhere to the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of the Messenger, as well as offering sincere advice to both rulers and the general populace under their governance. [a]

Furthermore, enjoining good and forbidding evil constitutes an aspect of good speech, abundant remembrance of Allah through various (forms of authentic and legislated invocations and supplications). The pinnacle of this matter, and the most truthful speech —without exception—is the speech of Allah (the Qur’an), as well as other (legislated methods) of remembering Allah are encompassed within the righteous deeds that Allah has lauded and encouraged His servants to undertake. Allah stated:

 ٱلۡمَالُ وَٱلۡبَنُونَ زِينَةُ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا‌ۖ وَٱلۡبَـٰقِيَـٰتُ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتُ خَيۡرٌ عِندَ رَبِّكَ ثَوَابً۬ا وَخَيۡرٌ أَمَلاً۬

Wealth and children are the adornment of the life of this world. But the good righteous deeds that last, are better with your Lord for rewards and better in respect of hope. [Surah Al-Kahf. Aayah 46] [1]

Hani, may Allah be pleased with him, said that when he came to Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, he said, “O Allah’s Messenger! What will necessitate entry into paradise?” He said, “Adhere to good speech and give food (to others)”.

Al-Allamah Zaid Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

This hadith contains evidence that it is obligated to the one who lacks knowledge about a particular matter to seek knowledge regarding it, and that it is a duty to provide answers to the one who inquires, so that he becomes acquainted with Shariah knowledge, act and attain significant good in both this life and the Hereafter.

The scholars who adhere to the Qur’an, the Sunnah, and the path of the righteous predecessors of this Ummah are the heirs of the Messenger’s (knowledge), peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. It is obligated to them to be ready to address inquiries posed to them, and it obligated to those who ask questions to inquire about matters that they find challenging to comprehend concerning their religious matters, especially important deeds, such as Tawhid and its types, the implementation of Tawhid and its implications, as well as shirk, its types, and its dire consequences. This is what it should be for the the one who has reached the age of accountability to ask a scholar regarding issues pertaining to his religious affairs, which is the very purpose for which Allah created him, enabling him to gain understanding and act.

The question posed to the Prophet by this traveler, who journeyed from a distant location to seek knowledge on a significant issue, pertained to the requirements for entering paradise. Generally, the prerequisites for entry into paradise include the performance of various acts of obedience, such as fulfilling obligatory duties, striving to draw nearer to Allah through recommended acts of worship, and refraining from sinful actions out of a fear of Allah’s punishment. The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, used to address the questioners with different responses, each person given a response that was appropriate to their circumstances.

When this man inquired about that which would lead to entry into paradise, the Prophet directed him towards two noble deeds. The first is the practice of good speech, which encompasses all statements that are obligatory and recommended. The second deed is the act of providing food to others—both to those known to you and to those who are strangers, among the righteous members of the Ummah, regardless of their proximity. This is because the one who is blessed to engage in good speech and offer food will find that Allah guides him to fulfil other obligations and recommendations, as well as in refraining from prohibited and disliked actions. This serves as evidence that one should choose good speech that is pleasing to Allah and that brings about reward. Furthermore, this hadith underscores the importance of treating others kindly in various manners and at different levels, depending on the circumstances of the people. [2] [End of quotes]

We ask Allah: [اللهم كما حَسَّنْت خَلْقِي فَحَسِّنْ خُلُقِي – O Allah! Just as You made my external form beautiful, make my character beautiful as well].

————————————————————–
Ref a: Manners of Advising The Rulers:

http://www.salafipublications.com/sps/sp.cfm?subsecID=MNJ16&articleID=MNJ160003&articlePages=1

[1] at-Taleeqaat al-Maleehah Alaa Silsilah Al-Ahadith As-Sahihah 1/321

[2] at-Taleeqaat al-Maleehah Alaa Silsilah Al-Ahadith As-Saheehah. 1/147-147

Forgiveness

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

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

“Forgive and you will be forgiven”.

Al-Allaamah Zayd Bin Hadi Al-Madkhali, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

This statement of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is a clarification that reward is given in accordance with the deed performed. If a person is one with a forgiving character when taking (something that belongs to him), when giving, buying and selling, and when dealing with his family, neighbours and companions; rather when dealing with the society and people -wherever that may be, then indeed reward given in accordance with the deed. He will be forgiven – meaning, Allah will forgive him by making his affairs easy, forgive him by wiping away his sins (a) and facilitate him with a people who will deal with him in the same manner he deals with (other) people. [at-Taleeqaat Al-Maleehah Alaa Al-Ahadith As-Sahihah. 1/75]

a: Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [rahimahullaah] stated a principle related the unrestricted Ahaadeeth in which a mention is made regarding the expiation of sins, that they are restricted by the texts regarding the abandonment of major sins – either restricted by the statement of Allah:

إِنْ تَجْتَنِبُوا كَبَائِرَ مَا تُنْهَوْنَ عَنْهُ نُكَفِّرْ عَنْكُمْ سَيِّئَاتِكُمْ

If you avoid the great sins which you are forbidden to do, We shall remit from you your (small) sins. (Surah An-Nisaa. Aayah 31)]; or by the statement of the Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam], “The five prayers, Friday to Friday, and Ramadan to Ramadan will expiate the sins committed between them, as long as major sins are avoided”.

ال النبيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم: «العمرةُ إلى العمرة كفَّارةٌ لما بينهما، والحجُّ المبرور ليس له جزاء إلا الجنة»، هذا يُبين فضل الحج والعمرة، وأن العمرة كفَّارة لما بينهما، يعني: عند اجتناب الكبائر.
قاعدة: الأحاديث المطلقة في تكفير الذنوب مُقيَّدة بترك الكبائر، إما بقوله سبحانه: {إِنْ تَجْتَنِبُوا كَبَائِرَ مَا تُنْهَوْنَ عَنْهُ نُكَفِّرْ عَنْكُمْ سَيِّئَاتِكُمْ} [النساء:31]، وفي قوله صلى الله عليه وسلم: «الصَّلوات الخمس، والجمعة إلى الجمعة، ورمضان إلى رمضان كفَّارات لما بينهنَّ إذا اجتنب الكبائر»، وفي اللفظ الآخر: «ما لم تُغْشَ الكبائر»، فالعمرة إلى العمرة كفَّارة لما بينهما عند اجتناب الكبائر.
«والحج المبرور ليس له جزاء إلا الجنة» يعني: عند اجتناب الكبائر، كما قال صلى الله عليه وسلم: «مَن حجَّ فلم يرفث ولم يفسق رجع كيوم ولدته أمه»، فالحج المبرور هو الذي ليس فيه رفثٌ ولا فسوقٌ، هذا الحج المبرور، ليس فيه ما يُبطله، وليس فيه ما ينقصه من المعاصي، هذا هو الحج المبرور الذي يُوجب الجنة
https://binbaz.org.sa/audios/45/1–%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%AD%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%AB-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D9%85%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%89-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D9%85%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D9%83%D9%81%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D9%84%D9%85%D8%A7-%D8%A8%D9%8A%D9%86%D9%87%D9%85%D8%

Who are these special apartments for?!

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Jannah (Paradise), Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

The Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Indeed in Paradise there are apartments, whose exterior can be seen from their interior, and their interior can be seen from their exterior”. So a Bedouin stood up and said: “Who are they for, O Messenger of Allah?!” He said: “For those who speak good, feed others, fast regularly and perform prayer for the sake of Allah at night, whilst the people are asleep”. [Sahih Sunan at-Tirmidhee Number 1984]

Martin Luther (1483-1546)

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Bid'ah (Innovation), Deviated Callers & Individuals, Refutations.

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

Allah [The Most High] said:

قُلۡ يَـٰٓأَهۡلَ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبِ تَعَالَوۡاْ إِلَىٰ ڪَلِمَةٍ۬ سَوَآءِۭ بَيۡنَنَا وَبَيۡنَكُمۡ أَلَّا نَعۡبُدَ إِلَّا ٱللَّهَ وَلَا نُشۡرِكَ بِهِۦ شَيۡـًٔ۬ا وَلَا يَتَّخِذَ بَعۡضُنَا بَعۡضًا أَرۡبَابً۬ا مِّن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ فَإِن تَوَلَّوۡاْ فَقُولُواْ ٱشۡهَدُواْ بِأَنَّا مُسۡلِمُونَ

Say (O Muhammad): “O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians): Come to a word that is just between us and you, that we worship none but Allah, and that we associate no partners with Him, and that none of us shall take others as lords besides Allah. Then, if they turn away, say: “Bear witness that we are Muslims]. [Aal Imran. 64]

Meaning: say to the people of the scripture – the Jews and Christians: [تَعَالَوۡاْ إِلَىٰ ڪَلِمَةٍ۬ سَوَآءِۭ بَيۡنَنَا وَبَيۡنَكُمۡ – Come to a word that is just between us and you]- Meaning: Come let us unite upon the statement which all the Prophets and Messengers agreed upon and none opposes it except the obstinate and misguided. This statement is not specific to anyone of us; rather it is something that you and us should establish between us, so this is justice and fairness in debate. Then Allah explains this and said: [أَلَّا نَعۡبُدَ إِلَّا ٱللَّهَ وَلَا نُشۡرِكَ بِهِۦ شَيۡـًٔ۬ا – that we worship none but Allah, and that we associate no partners with Him]- Meaning: We should single out Allah in worship, devoting all love, fear and hope to Him alone, and we should not associate anyone as partner with Allah in worship- neither a Prophet, an Angel, a Righteous Person, an Idol, a Deified image, a living or non-living thing, [وَلَا يَتَّخِذَ بَعۡضُنَا بَعۡضًا أَرۡبَابً۬ا مِّن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ – and that none of us shall take others as lords besides Allah]; rather all obedience is to be devoted to Allah and His Messengers. [فَإِن تَوَلَّوۡاْ فَقُولُواْ ٱشۡهَدُواْ بِأَنَّا مُسۡلِمُونَ – Then, if they turn away, say: “Bear witness that we are Muslims]”. [Tafsir As-Sadi]

Since its inception, Christian Zionism has been at odds with Catholicism and Orthodoxy. This doctrine originated in reaction to the Pope’s teachings and the dictatorial laws of the Catholic Church, and it was attacked by the founder, Martin Luther (1483-1546), as well as the fanatical Protestant “Calvin” and the rest of the pioneers of the Christian Zionist doctrine. Then, its animosity towards Catholics persisted because, according to what they understood from Catholic and Orthodox texts, they were hostile to Jewish Zionism and would ultimately aid the enemies of both the Jews and the Christians at the end of time. Protestants and Christian Zionist groups that adopted their approach viewed Catholics and Orthodox people as either the beast described in the Book of Revelation or the beast’s agents, and that ten European nations would unite to form a powerful union in the last days- the establishment of the European Community consisting of ten nations, which is the realisation of this Prophecy and proof that the last days are here, as these nations will be hostile to Christ due to their departure from Christianity. They supported this belief with texts from their books, including “No one should deceive you because the apostasy must first precede, then the man of sin (or lawlessness) will appear- the son of perdition”. In the interpretation of some of the texts they hold to be sacred, one of the priests stated, “There is no doubt that apostate Christianity will be reunited, but this union will be devoid of Christ’s teachings. All apostate systems will unite, and the papal church will reclaim its influence and control, with its churches becoming one huge body encompassing all aspects of Christianity. These churches will be strengthened by the Vatican and will serve the antichrist beast”. In another explanation, he stated, “The person with insight can plainly see the signs of relapse from today, and it is amazing that the end of civilisation and mental enlightenment would occur in apostate Christianity, and that is the human being’s worship of Satan.” Another priest explains this doctrine by saying, “Ten European powers will unite in one alliance, and these ten will become one ruler of Europe, and this ruler is the beast.” According to Christian Zionism, apostate Christians included a wide range of Catholics and Orthodox people.

Before the rise of Protestantism, Catholicism interpreted the Torah figuratively rather than literally, particularly about the Jews and the reports regarding their return to Jerusalem. Father Sarkis stated, “There is no difference between Israel and those who ascribe to Christianity in name only. In a coming day, and it is very soon, the Lord will deal – based on His terrifying judgment- with those who are Christians only by name”. Pastor Sayegh stated, “The apostate church will give the “antichrist” beast full authority to represent it and the Jews, and everyone will be bound by the treaty to protect the Jewish state. The Antichrist will be a global dictator, and he will be the Universal president for Jews and Christian apostates”. Another stated: “We now see that the Jews have gathered in Palestine, and have come from Eastern and Western Europe to the land of their fathers. Oh, this miserable and deceived people! They imagine that they have finally found a refuge in which they will be safe from persecution and out of danger. No, they are preparing themselves, unknowingly for the wrath of the Lord. The Antichrist will declare himself the only god worthy of worship, to whom apostate Christians will show absolute loyalty, and he will assume for himself in front of the Jews the status of their promised Messiah. A long time ago, on the lips of the prophets, the Jews accepted his claims and said, ‘This is him truly, the Messiah we have always waited for, and this is the one our sacred book talks about'”. The texts indicating the Jews’ return to the Holy Land were interpreted by the Catholics as the people’s return to Christianity. They also held that because the Jews had sinned, God had driven them from Palestine to their exile in Babylon, and when they rejected Jesus Christ, the Lord banished them once more, ending their existence as a people with a state and an assembly. Up to the rise of Protestantism, Catholics adhered to this theology, which was established by Saint Augustine in the fifth century AD.

When Protestantism came, a new doctrine was born about the Jewish past, present, and even the future. This doctrine is “Christian Zionism, which was described as a Hebrew or Jewish resurrection, as it repudiated the Catholic belief about the Jews, promoted the idea that the Jews are God’s chosen people, a favoured nation, the Old Testament as the main source of Christianity and a book of history related to the end of time. The founder of this Christian Zionism, Martin Luther, declared his revolution against Catholicism for its distortion of Christianity and thereby prevented the Jews from embracing it. He aimed to convert the Jews to Christianity, however, when he saw that they would not convert, but rather worked to “Judaize Christianity” and influence it, he turned against them at that time and expressed his hatred for them in his book that was published in the year 1544 entitled “The Jews and Their Lies,” in which he demanded their expulsion from Germany, and even from Europe.

In summary, Christian Zionism, since its founding, was a strong protest against the Catholic Church and heralded a new era of Christian-Jewish tolerance. I mentioned previously that after the separation of King Henry VIII from Rome, Christian Zionism stormed Britain and was established by a royal decree issued in the year 1538 when Henry VIII replaced the Pope of Rome as Supreme Head of the Church of England. Thus, the opposition remained manifest between the Catholic Church, the Orthodox Church, Christian Zionism, and Judaism. Pope Pius declared Catholicism’s opposition to the Balfour Declaration, which was issued in 1917. However, after World War II, some Catholics began to sympathise with Zionist ideas on several issues, which may be mentioned in section four of this chapter. It is worth noting that with the emergence of Christian Zionism in America, especially in the last third of the twentieth century – I mean the emergence of its strength and effects in Many areas – its trends have penetrated Catholic circles. In statistics prepared by the Gallup Institute, 17 Catholics considered themselves fundamentalists and believed in the Jewish resurrection and the second coming of Christ. Thus, the “Protestant” Zionist Christian influence on Catholics developed to the point that “Pope John Paul II began to approach Zionist ideas, affirmed the innocence of the Jews from the sin of killing and crucifixion, as well as affirmed the Jewish origin of Jesus Christ in a document approved by the Vatican in 1985.

Catholics traditionally voted for Democratic Party candidates for the presidency and Congress, and the Catholic Church has tended to connect the “Catholic voice” with the candidate who supports the church’s social program. However, with the influence of the rise of religious revival in America in the 1980s, the Catholic vote shifted to the Republican Party, which is historically a party of white Protestants, instead of the Democratic Party, which is historically a minority party. The Catholic vote had an impact on the victory of President Ronald Reagan, and the Republican Party’s share in the 1994 legislative elections was 53% of the votes of white Catholics. Thus, the traditional connection between Catholics and the Democratic Party was broken, with the Catholic vote in favour of the Republican Party, which was traditionally associated with Protestantism. This new Catholic-Republican connection emerged as a result of the connection between religious and political conservatism within the Christian Right, which brought together the Protestant and Catholic religious right and the political right within the Republican Party.

The above, and others, confirm that Catholics in America, although they have a deep religious connection to the Vatican, Christian Zionism, both religious and political, has affected them a lot, especially regarding their stance towards the Jews and some Zionist ideas. The Orthodox Church, and all the churches of the East, neither support Christian Zionism nor Jewish Zionism, but rather believe that Jerusalem should always belong to Christians only and that neither Jews nor Muslims have any right to it. However, we find their writings indicating that the Jews and all Christians of the West are closer to them in contrast to the Muslims, and there is an apparent loyalty between them. [An Excerpt from “As-Sahyuniyyah An-Nasraaniyyah, Diraasah Fee Daw’i Al-Aqeedah Al-islaamiyyah”. pages 401-407]

Perfect Solution of Their Dispute

Allah [The Exalted] says:

شَرَعَ لَكُم مِّنَ ٱلدِّينِ مَا وَصَّىٰ بِهِۦ نُوحًا وَٱلَّذِىٓ أَوْحَيْنَآ إِلَيْكَ وَمَا وَصَّيْنَا بِهِۦٓ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ وَمُوسَىٰ وَعِيسَىٰٓ أَنْ أَقِيمُوا۟ ٱلدِّينَ وَلَا تَتَفَرَّقُوا۟ فِيهِ كَبُرَ عَلَى ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ مَا تَدْعُوهُمْ إِلَيْهِ ٱللَّهُ يَجْتَبِىٓ إِلَيْهِ مَن يَشَآءُ وَيَهْدِىٓ إِلَيْهِ مَن يُنِيبُ
وَمَا تَفَرَّقُوٓا۟ إِلَّا مِنۢ بَعْدِ مَا جَآءَهُمُ ٱلْعِلْمُ بَغْيًۢا بَيْنَهُمْ وَلَوْلَا كَلِمَةٌ سَبَقَتْ مِن رَّبِّكَ إِلَىٰٓ أَجَلٍ مُّسَمًّى لَّقُضِىَ بَيْنَهُمْ وَإِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ أُورِثُوا۟ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ مِنۢ بَعْدِهِمْ لَفِى شَكٍّ مِّنْهُ مُرِيبٍ
فَلِذَٰلِكَ فَٱدْعُ وَٱسْتَقِمْ كَمَآ أُمِرْتَ وَلَا تَتَّبِعْ أَهْوَآءَهُمْ وَقُلْ ءَامَنتُ بِمَآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ مِن كِتَٰبٍ وَأُمِرْتُ لِأَعْدِلَ بَيْنَكُمُ ٱللَّهُ رَبُّنَا وَرَبُّكُمْ لَنَآ أَعْمَٰلُنَا وَلَكُمْ أَعْمَٰلُكُمْ لَا حُجَّةَ بَيْنَنَا وَبَيْنَكُمُ ٱللَّهُ يَجْمَعُ بَيْنَنَا وَإِلَيْهِ ٱلْمَصِيرُ

He (Allah) has ordained for you the same religion (Islam) which He ordained for Nuh (Noah), and that which We have inspired in you (O Muhammad SAW), and that which We ordained for Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses) and ‘Iesa (Jesus) saying you should establish religion (i.e. to do what it orders you to do practically), and make no divisions in it (religion) (i.e. various sects in religion). Intolerable for the Mushrikun, is that to which you (O Muhammad) call them. Allah chooses for Himself whom He wills, and guides unto Himself who turns to Him in repentance and in obedience. And they divided not till after knowledge had come to them, through selfish transgression between themselves. And had it not been for a Word that went forth before from your Lord for an appointed term, the matter would have been settled between them. And verily, those who were made to inherit the Scripture [i.e. the Taurah (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] after them (i.e. Jews and Christians) are in grave doubt concerning it (i.e. Allah’s true religion Islam or the Quran). So unto this (religion of Islam, alone and this Quran) then invite (people) (O Muhammad), and Istaqim [(i.e. stand firm and straight on Islamic Monotheism by performing all that is ordained by Allah (good deeds, etc.), and by abstaining from all that is forbidden by Allah (sins and evil deeds, etc.)], as you are commanded, and follow not their desires but say: “I believe in whatsoever Allah has sent down of the Book [all the holy Books, this Quran and the Books of the old from the Taurat (Torah), or the Injeel (Gospel) or the Pages of Ibrahim (Abraham)] and I am commanded to do justice among you, Allah is our Lord and your Lord. For us our deeds and for you your deeds. There is no dispute between us and you. Allah will assemble us (all), and to Him is the final return. [Surah Al-Shuraa. Ayaat 13-15]

Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allah have mercy upon him] said:

When Allah [The Exalted] sent Muhammad [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him], they disbelieved in him, so their disbelief and misguidance occurred in two ways- substitution of the religion of the first Messenger [i.e. the Messiah] and rejecting the other Messenger [i.e. Muhammad], just as the Jews substituted the rulings of the Torah before the Messiah was sent and then belied him. The Christians’ denial of Muhammad’s Messengership is a well-known belief of theirs to every Muslim, which is similar to the Jews’ disbelief in the Messiah. The Christians emphasised the disbelief of the Jews as greater than what the Jews deserve because the Jews claimed that the Messiah was a magician and a liar; rather they said that he was an illegitimate child, as Allah informed us about them: [وَقَوۡلِهِمۡ عَلَىٰ مَرۡيَمَ بُہۡتَـٰنًا عَظِيمً۬ا – And their speech against Maryam (Mary)- a grave false charge (that she has committed illegal sexual intercourse]. [Surah An-Nisaa. Ayah 156] However, the Christians claimed that the Messiah is Allah, therefore the trial between them and the Jews regarding the Messiah involved a lot of contradictions, misguidance at similar levels, and confrontation, and this is why both rebuked one another with something more than what each of them deserved, just as Allah said:

وَقَالَتِ ٱلۡيَهُودُ لَيۡسَتِ ٱلنَّصَـٰرَىٰ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ۬ وَقَالَتِ ٱلنَّصَـٰرَىٰ لَيۡسَتِ ٱلۡيَهُودُ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ۬ وَهُمۡ يَتۡلُونَ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ‌ۗ كَذَٲلِكَ قَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يَعۡلَمُونَ مِثۡلَ قَوۡلِهِمۡ‌ۚ فَٱللَّهُ يَحۡكُمُ بَيۡنَهُمۡ يَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ فِيمَا كَانُواْ فِيهِ يَخۡتَلِفُونَ

The Jews said that the Christians follow nothing, and the Christians said that the Jews follow nothing; though they both recite the Scripture. Like unto their word, said (the pagans) who know not. Allah will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection about that wherein they have been differing. [Surah Al-Baqarah. Ayah 113]

Muhammad Bin Abee Muhammad the protege of Zaid Bin Thaabit reported from Ikrimah or Saeed Bin Jubayr, who reported from Ibn Abbas that when the Christian delegation of Najraan came to Allah’s Messenger, the Rabbis came and argued with them in the presence of the Messenger; so Rabee Bin Hurmilah said, “You are upon nothing” and thus he disbelieved in Eesa and all the Injeel. Then a man from the people of Najraan said to the Jews, “You are upon nothing”, and thus he wilfully denied Musa’s [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] Prophethood and disbelieved in the Torah, so Allah revealed:

وَقَالَتِ ٱلۡيَهُودُ لَيۡسَتِ ٱلنَّصَـٰرَىٰ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ۬ وَقَالَتِ ٱلنَّصَـٰرَىٰ لَيۡسَتِ ٱلۡيَهُودُ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ۬ وَهُمۡ يَتۡلُونَ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ‌ۗ

The Jews said that the Christians follow nothing, and the Christians said that the Jews follow nothing; though they both recite the Scripture. [Surah Al-Baqarah. Ayah 113]

So each of them recited the affirmation of what they rejected in their book- meaning, the Jews disbelieved in Eesaa whilst they had the Torah in which Allaah established the evidence against them through Musa that they should believe in Eesaa and the Injeel, and Eesaa confirmed Musa’s Messengership and what he came with. So, each one disbelieved in what was in the possession of the other. [Ibn Abee Haatim. 1/339]

[وَقَالَتِ ٱلۡيَهُودُ لَيۡسَتِ ٱلنَّصَـٰرَىٰ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ۬ – The Jews said that the Christians follow nothing]: Qataadah said regarding this Aayah, “Certainly, the early Christians were upon something, but they innovated and split”.

[وَقَالَتِ ٱلنَّصَـٰرَىٰ لَيۡسَتِ ٱلۡيَهُودُ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ۬ – and the Christians said that the Jews follow nothing]: Qataadah said regarding this Aayah, “Certainly, the early Jews were upon something, but they innovated and split”. The Jews belied the religion of the Christians and said that the Christians were upon nothing; and the Christians denied everything through which the Jews were distinguished from them, even the laws of the Torah which the Messiah did not abrogate; rather he commanded them to act upon it. As for the Jews, they denied many things through which others were distinguished from them until they denied the truth brought by Isa [peace be upon him]. So, even though the Christians – due to that which they innovated of exaggeration and misguidance – went to extremes in excommunicating the Jews and showed them enmity beyond what is obligated, there is no doubt that the Jews disbelieved when they belied the Messiah, just as Allah [The Exalted] said to the Messiah [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him]:

[إِنِّى مُتَوَفِّيكَ وَرَافِعُكَ إِلَىَّ وَمُطَهِّرُكَ مِنَ ٱلَّذِينَ ڪَفَرُواْ وَجَاعِلُ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّبَعُوكَ فَوۡقَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓاْ – I will take you and raise you to Myself and clear you [of the forged statement that ‘Iesa (Jesus) is Allah’s son] of those who disbelieve, and I will make those who follow you (Monotheists, who worship none but Allah) superior to those who disbelieve [in the Oneness of Allah, or disbelieve in some of His Messengers, e.g. Muhammad, ‘Iesa (Jesus), Musa (Moses), etc., or in His Holy Books, e.g. the Taurat (Torah), the Injeel (Gospel), the Qur’an] till the Day of Resurrection. [Surah Aal Imraan. Aayah 55]
And Allah [The Exalted] said:

قَالَ عِيسَى ٱبۡنُ مَرۡيَمَ لِلۡحَوَارِيِّـۧنَ مَنۡ أَنصَارِىٓ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ‌ۖ قَالَ ٱلۡحَوَارِيُّونَ نَحۡنُ أَنصَارُ ٱللَّهِ‌ۖ فَـَٔامَنَت طَّآٮِٕفَةٌ۬ مِّنۢ بَنِىٓ إِسۡرَٲٓءِيلَ وَكَفَرَت طَّآٮِٕفَةٌ۬‌ۖ فَأَيَّدۡنَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ عَلَىٰ عَدُوِّهِمۡ فَأَصۡبَحُواْ ظَـٰهِرِينَ

Isa the son of Maryam said to Al-Hawariun (the disciples): “Who are my helpers (in the Cause) of Allah?” Al-Hawarieen (the disciples) said: “We are Allah’s helpers” (i.e. we will strive for His Cause!). Then a group of the Children of Israel believed and a group disbelieved. So We gave power to those who believed against their enemies, and they became the uppermost. [Surah Al-Saff. Ayah 14]

The disbelief of the Christians – due to their denial of Muhammad’s Messengership – is greater than the disbelief of the Jews due to their denial of the Messiah’s Messengership, because indeed the Messiah only abrogated a little from the Torah and all the laws and acts of worship ordained for him could be traced back to the Torah; however the majority of the beliefs and practices of the Christians were innovated after the departure of the Messiah. That which is found in the Jews’ denial of the Messiah by opposing Allah’s Shariah is not the same as the Christians’ denial of Muhammad, who brought an independent book from Allah, because nothing in the laws of the Qur’an was ordained based on the law of another Messenger. Allah [The Exalted] said:

أَوَلَمۡ يَكۡفِهِمۡ أَنَّآ أَنزَلۡنَا عَلَيۡكَ ٱلۡڪِتَـٰبَ يُتۡلَىٰ عَلَيۡهِمۡ‌ۚ إِنَّ فِى ذَٲلِكَ لَرَحۡمَةً۬ وَذِڪۡرَىٰ لِقَوۡمٍ۬ يُؤۡمِنُونَ

Is it not sufficient for them that We have sent down to you the Book (the Qur’an) which is recited to them? Verily, herein is mercy and a reminder (or an admonition) for a people who believe]. [Surah Al-Ankabut. Ayah 51]

The Qur’an is an independent book like the Torah of Musa, even though the Qur’an is greater than it. And this is why the Christian scholars made a connection between Musa and Muhammad, just as when An-Najaashee [may Allah have mercy upon him]- the Ethiopian king of the Christians- heard the Qur’an, he said, “Indeed, this and what Musa brought came from the same source”.

Also, when Waqarah bin Nawfil [may Allah have mercy upon him] – who was one of the Christian Arab scholars- heard the statement of the Prophet, he said, “Indeed, the Naamoos [i.e. Jibreel] who came to you was sent to Musa. I wish that I were young till when your people expel you”. Allaah’s Messenger asked, “Will these people drive me out?” Waraqah said, “Yes, because nobody brought the like of what you have brought, but was treated with hostility. If I were to remain alive till your day (when you start calling to Islam), then I would support you strongly”. [Bukhaari]
And this is why Allah mentioned the Torah and the Qur’an together in His statement:

فَلَمَّا جَآءَهُمُ ٱلۡحَقُّ مِنۡ عِندِنَا قَالُواْ لَوۡلَآ أُوتِىَ مِثۡلَ مَآ أُوتِىَ مُوسَىٰٓ‌ۚ أَوَلَمۡ يَڪۡفُرُواْ بِمَآ أُوتِىَ مُوسَىٰ مِن قَبۡلُ‌ۖ قَالُواْ سِحۡرَانِ تَظَـٰهَرَا وَقَالُوٓاْ إِنَّا بِكُلٍّ۬ كَـٰفِرُونَ
قُلۡ فَأۡتُواْ بِكِتَـٰبٍ۬ مِّنۡ عِندِ ٱللَّهِ هُوَ أَهۡدَىٰ مِنۡہُمَآ أَتَّبِعۡهُ إِن ڪُنتُمۡ صَـٰدِقِينَ

But when the truth (i.e. Muhammad with his Message) has come to them from Us, they say: “Why is he not given the like of what was given to Musa (Moses)? Did they not disbelieve in that which was given to Musa (Moses) of old? They say: “Two kinds of magic [the Taurat (Torah) and the Qur’an] each helping the other!” And they say: “Verily! In both we are disbelievers.” Say (to them, O Muhammad): “Then bring a Book from Allah, which is a better guide than these two [the Taurat (Torah) and the Qur’an], that I may follow it, if you are truthful.” [Surah Al-Qasas. 48-49]
Allah did not revealed books that were a better guide than the Tawraat and the Qur’an. Then Allah said:

فَإِن لَّمۡ يَسۡتَجِيبُواْ لَكَ فَٱعۡلَمۡ أَنَّمَا يَتَّبِعُونَ أَهۡوَآءَهُمۡ‌ۚ وَمَنۡ أَضَلُّ مِمَّنِ ٱتَّبَعَ هَوَٮٰهُ بِغَيۡرِ هُدً۬ى مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَہۡدِى ٱلۡقَوۡمَ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ

But if they answer you not (i.e. do not believe in your doctrine of Islamic Monotheism, nor follow you), then know that they only follow their own lusts. And who is more astray than one who follows his own lusts, without guidance from Allah? Verily! Allah guides not the people who are Zalimun (wrong-doers, disobedient to Allah, and polytheists). [Surah Al-Qasas. Aayah 50] [1]

Concerning the signs of the end of time and its major events, such as the appearance of the anti-Christ, the beast, and so on, they cannot be established based on the corrupted, distorted, and abrogated texts of the Jews and Christians, but only on the infallible final divine revelation [The Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah].

The Return of Christ and the Signs of the End of Time: The Anti-Christ DAJJĀL, the Return of the Messiah, JESUS Son of Mary and the Unleashing of Gog and Magog: https://abukhadeejah.com/dajjal-false-messiah-jesus-gog-magog/

Allah’s Messenger and what has been revealed to him are the authorities one must study in order to understand the subject of trials and tribulations before the end of time. As a result, one cannot return to the following matters: the narrations of the people of the (abrogated) Scriptures, opinions and dreams, weak and false narrations, analogy, and political, economic, or socialist analysis. That is because the narrations about the trials and tribulations, the signs of the Hour, and the strife that will occur are from the (affairs) of the Religion, and the Religion is Tawqeefee (i.e. its source can only be established from the divine texts of the Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah). So, whatever is reported from the Prophet with authentic chains of transmission about (upcoming events) is necessary for a Muslim to believe, whether it appeals to the intellect or not, and this is the reality of one’s testimony that Muhammad is Allah’s Messenger. Allah (The Most High) said:

وَمَا يَنْطِقُ عَنِ الْهَوَىٰ
إِنْ هُوَ إِلَّا وَحْيٌ يُوحَىٰ

Nor does he (Muhammad) speak of (his own) desire. It is only an Inspiration that is inspired. [Surah an-Najm. Ayah 3]

Allah (The Most High) said:

وَمَا آتَاكُمُ الرَّسُولُ فَخُذُوهُ وَمَا نَهَاكُمْ عَنْهُ فَانْتَهُو

And whatsoever the Messenger (Muhammad) gives you, take it, and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it)].[Surah Al-Hashr. Ayah 7]

Umar [may Allah be pleased with him] reported: One day while we were sitting with Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] there appeared before us a man whose clothes were exceedingly white and whose hair was exceedingly black; no signs of journeying were to be seen on him and none of us knew him. He walked up and sat down by the prophet. Resting his knees against his and placing the palms of his hands on his thighs, he said: “O Muhammad, tell me about Islam”. The messenger of Allah said: “Islam is to testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah, to perform the prayers, to pay the zakat, to fast in Ramadan, and to make the pilgrimage to the House if you are able to do so.” He said: “You have spoken rightly’’ And we were amazed at him asking him and saying that he had spoken rightly. He said: “Then tell me about Iman.” He said: ”It is to believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, and the Last Day, and to believe in divine destiny, both the good and the evil thereof.” He said: “You have spoken rightly”. He said: “Then tell me about Ihsan.” He said: “It is to worship Allah as though you are seeing Him, and while you see Him not yet truly He sees you”. He said: “Then tell me about the Hour”. He said: “The one questioned about it knows no better than the questioner.” He said: “Then tell me about its signs.” He said: “That the slave-girl will give birth to her mistress and that you will see the barefooted, naked, destitute herdsman competing in constructing lofty buildings.” Then he took himself off and I stayed for a time. Then he said: “O Umar, do you know who the questioner was?” I said: “Allah and His messenger know best”. He said: “He was Gibreel (Gabriel), who came to you to teach you your religion”. [Reported by Muslim. Kitaab al-Imaan. Chapter: Imaan, Islaam and Ihsaan. Hadeeth Number: 8]

The testimony in this hadeeth is the statement of the Prophet, “He was Gibreel, who came to you to teach you your religion”. Therefore, the principle in the preceding hadeeth is that the Prophet asked a question concerning the Hour and its circumstances, and he established that it is something contained in religion. The trials and tribulations, circumstances, and strife associated with the (portents) of the Hour are from the religion, and it is not for anybody to speak about it based on their own (opinions, views, analysis, interpretations, etc.).” [An Excerpt from Mawqiful Muslim Minal Fitan. Pages 15-18]

Abu Hurairah [may Allah be pleased with him] reported that Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “The Hour will not be established till two big groups fight each other whereupon there will be a great number of casualties on both sides and they will be following one and the same path, till about thirty Dajjals (liars) appear and each one of them will claim that he is Allah’s Messenger, till religious knowledge is taken away (by the death of Religious scholars), earthquakes will increase in number; time will pass quickly, afflictions will appear, Al-Harj, (i.e., killing) will increase, till wealth will be in abundance – so abundant that a wealthy person will worry lest nobody should accept his Zakat, and whenever he will present it to someone, that person (to whom it will be offered) will say, ‘I am not in need of it, till the people compete with one another in constructing high buildings, till a man when passing by a grave of someone will say, ‘Would that I were in his place’ and till the sun rises from the West. So when the sun will rise and the people will see it (rising from the West) they will all believe (accept Islam) but that will be the time when: (as Allah said) [لاَ يَنْفَعُ نَفْسًا إِيمَانُهَا لَمْ تَكُنْ آمَنَتْ مِنْ قَبْلُ، أَوْ كَسَبَتْ فِي إِيمَانِهَا خَيْرًا – no good will it do to a person to believe then, if he believed not before, nor earned good (by performing deeds of righteousness) through his Faith]. And the Hour will be established while two men spreading a garment in front of them but they will not be able to sell it, nor fold it up, and Hour will be established when a man has milked his she-camel and has taken away the milk but he will not be able to drink it, and Hour will be established before a man repairing a tank (for his livestock) is able to water (his animals) in it, and Hour will be established when a person has raised a morsel (of food) to his mouth but will not be able to eat it.” [Saheeh Al-Bukhaari. Hadeeth Number 7121]

Abu Zaid -Amr Bin Akhtab [may Allah be pleased with him] reported: Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] led us in the dawn prayer and then mounted the pulpit and addressed us until it was (time for the) noon prayer. He then came down the pulpit and observed prayer and then again mounted the pulpit and again addressed us until it was time for the ‘Asr prayer. He then again came down and observed the prayer and again mounted the pulpit and addressed us until the sun was set and he informed (us about) everything (pertaining to turmoil) that lay hidden in the past and what lies in (the womb) of) the future and the most learned amongst us is one who remembers them well. [ Saheeh Muslim 2892]

Imam Muslim said: Chapter: The Conquest Of Constantinople, The Emergence Of The Dajjal And The Descent Of ‘Isa Bin Maryam [peace be upon him]: Abu Hurairah [may Allah be pleased with him] reported that Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said: The Last Hour would not come until the Romans would land at al-A’maq or in Dabiq. An army consisting of the best (soldiers) of the people of the earth at that time will come from Medina (to counteract them). When they will arrange themselves in ranks, the Romans would say: Do not stand between us and those (Muslims) who took prisoners from amongst us. Let us fight with them; and the Muslims would say: Nay, by Allah, we would never get aside from you and from our brethren that you may fight them. They will then fight and a third (part) of the army would run away, whom Allah will never forgive. A third (part of the army) which would be constituted of excellent martyrs in Allah’s eye, would be killed and the third who would never be put to trial would win and they would be conquerors of Constantinople. And as they would be busy distributing the spoils of war (amongst themselves) after hanging their swords by the olive trees, Satan would cry: The Dajjal has taken your place among your family. They would then come out, but it would be of no avail. And when they would come to Syria, he would come out while they would be still preparing themselves for battle drawing up the ranks. Certainly, the time of prayer shall come, and then Jesus (peace be upon him) son of Mary would descend and would lead them. When the enemy of Allah would see him, it would (disappear) just as the salt dissolves itself in water, and if he (Jesus) were not to confront them at all, even then it would dissolve completely, but Allah would kill them by his hand and he would show them their blood on his lance (the lance of Jesus Christ). [Saheeh Muslim. 2897]

Abu Hurairah [may Allah be pleased with him] narrated that Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “By Allah in Whose Hands my soul is, son of Mary (Jesus) will shortly descend amongst you people (Muslims) as a just ruler and will break the Cross and kill the pig and abolish the Jizya (a tax taken from the non-Muslims, who are in the protection, of the Muslim government). Then wealth will be abundant and nobody will accept charitable gifts”. [Saheeh Al-Bukhaari 2222]

Abu Hurairah [may Allah be pleased with him] narrated that Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “What would you do when the son of Mary would descend amongst you and would lead you as one amongst you? Ibn Abi Dhi’b on the authority of Abu Huraira narrated: Your leader amongst you. Ibn Abi Dhi’b said: Do you know what the words:” He would lead as one amongst you” mean? I said: Explain these to me. He said: He would lead you according to the Book of your: Lord (hallowed be He and most exalted) and the Sunnah of your Messenger”. [Saheeh Muslim 155]

Hudhaifah [may Allah be pleased with him] reported that Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] stood before us one day and he did not leave anything unsaid (that he had to say) at that very spot which would happen (in the shape of turmoil) up to the Last Hour. Those who had to remember them preserved them in their minds and those who could not remember them forgot them. My friends knew them and certain things slip out of my mind, but I recapitulate them when anyone makes a mention of them just as a person is lost from one’s mind but is recalled to him upon seeing his face. [Saheeh Muslim 2891]

Abu Hurairah [may Allah be pleased with him] reported that Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said: The Last Hour would not come before the Euphrates uncovers a mountain of gold, for which people would fight. Ninety-nine out of each one hundred would die but every man amongst them would say that perhaps he would be the one who would be saved (and thus possess this gold). [Saheeh Muslim 2894]

The Beast:

Allah says: [وَإِذَا وَقَعَ ٱلۡقَوۡلُ عَلَيۡہِمۡ أَخۡرَجۡنَا لَهُمۡ دَآبَّةً۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡأَرۡضِ تُكَلِّمُهُمۡ أَنَّ ٱلنَّاسَ كَانُواْ بِـَٔايَـٰتِنَا لَا يُوقِنُونَ – And when the Word (of torment) is fulfilled against them, We shall bring out from the earth a beast to them, which will speak to them because mankind believed not with certainty in Our Ayat (Verses of the Qur’an and Prophet Muhammad)]

Imam As-Sadi [may Allah have mercy upon him] commented: Meaning, when the time comes for the warning, which Allah has decided; [أَخۡرَجۡنَا لَهُمۡ دَآبَّةً۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡأَرۡضِ – We shall bring out from the earth a beast to them] or one of the earth’s beasts, rather than the heavens. This beast [تُكَلِّمُهُمۡ – will speak to them]; Meaning, it would speak to the people about how they did not believe with certainty in Our (i.e. Allah’s) signs due to a lack of knowledge and certainty in Allah’s signs. So Allah will make this beast appear as one of His amazing signs to manifest to the people what they doubted. This beast is the well-known beast that will appear at the end of time, and it will be one of the (major) signs indicating the approach of the Day of Judgement, as mentioned in many Prophetic narrations. [An Excerpt from Tafseer as-Sadi]

Abu Umaamah [may Allah be pleased with him] narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “The beast will emerge and strike the people on their noses, then their numbers will increase among you until a man will buy a camel and they will say, ‘Who did you buy it from?’ and he will say, ‘I bought it from one of those with a mark on their noses’”. [Reported by Imaam Ahmad 22362 and declared authentic by Imaam Al Albaanee in As-Sisilah As-Saheehah. Number 322]

Anas [may Allah be pleased with him] reported that Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “The Hour will not occur until ‘Allah, Allah’ is not said on earth.” [Saheeh Muslim 148]

Abu Hurairah [may Allah be pleased with him] said that Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “When three things appear, faith will not benefit one who has not previously believed or has derived no good from his faith: the rising of the sun in its place of setting, the Dajjal, and the beast of the earth”. [Saheeh Muslim. Number 158]

Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allah have mercy upon him] as follows: “In the Qur’an and authentic Ahaadeeth there are numerous reports regarding that which will take place in the Dunyah and Aakhirah, and affairs that occurred perfectly after the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] spoke about them many years before their occurrence, such as his statement: ‘The Hour will not be established until you fight with the Turks; people with small eyes, red faces, and flat noses. Their faces will look like shields coated with leather. The Hour will not be established till you fight with people whose shoes are made of hair. [Saheeh Al-Bukhaari. Number 2928]

Those amongst the Muslims – who saw and fought those Turks when their king Genghis Khan appeared, his children and grandchildren, such as Hulagu Khan and other than him amongst the disbelieving kings- could not describe them better than how the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] described them [i.e. even though he did not meet them]. He stated this 600 years before its occurrence. [2]

[1] An Excerpt from Al-Jawaabus Saheeh Liman Baddala Deenul Maseeh. 1/26-30]
[2] An Excerpt from Al-Jawaabus Saheeh Liman Baddala Deen Al-Maseeh. 2/65-67]

Quranic and Prophetic Methodology for the Rectification of Society – By Imam Abdul Aziz Bin Baz

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Basics, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Prophets, Qur'aan, Sahaabah, Shirk, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baz, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Society-Muslim and Non-Muslim- is greatly in need of rectification. However, from a certain perspective, the Islamic society is greatly in need of adhering to an upright path by way of which it would be rectified – the path that was followed by the most virtuous human being in the Muslim Ummah, the friend of Allah and the most righteous amongst His slaves, our leader Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. It is well known that the path through which the Islamic and non-Islamic societies will be rectified is the path that was established by Muhammad -the leader of the Messengers and seal of the Prophets.  This path was also established by his noble companions-foremost amongst them were the Rightly Guided Khulafaa: Abu-Bakr As-Siddeeq, Umar, Uthman and Ali, and the other companions of the Messenger, may Allah be pleased with all of them and include us amongst those who follow them in righteousness]. It is well known that this path was established by our Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, in Makkah- first and foremost- and then in Madinah.

“The latter part of this Muslim nation will not be rectified except through that which rectified its early part’’, just as the people of knowledge and sound faith have stated. This is a statement of Imam Malik, may Allah have mercy upon him, – the well-known scholar of sound understanding and piety. Many other people of knowledge reported this statement during and after his era and they all agreed with it- that ‘’The latter part of this Muslim nation will not be rectified except by way of that which rectified its earlier part.” This means that the path followed by its earlier generations -the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His noble Messenger- is what will rectify its future generations until the Day of Judgement. The one who wishes to rectify an Islamic society, or any other society in this worldly life through other than the path and practical steps that rectified those who have preceded [i.e. the Prophet and his companions], then such a person is mistaken and has spoken untruth. There is no path [to rectification] other than the path [of the Messenger and his companions]. The only path of rectification and uprightness is the one that was followed by our Prophet and his noble companions, and then those who follow them exactly in righteousness till this era of ours.  And this necessitates:

-To give close attention to the Great Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah of Allah’s Messenger and convey them to the people.

-To acquire understanding of the Qur’an and authentic Sunnah and convey both of them with knowledge and clear-sightedness.

-To clarify the rulings found in the Qur’an and the Sunnah, including – first and foremost – the sound creed and the views that must be accepted by the Islamic society. On the other hand, one should clarify the forbidden creeds and views that are to be avoided.

-To clarify the boundaries of Halal and Haram that have been legislated by Allah and His Messenger, so that they are not violated. Allah [The Mighty and Majestic] said: [تِلْكَ حُدُودُ اللَّهِ فَلَا تَقْرَبُوهَا – These are the limits (set) by Allah, so approach them not] [Al-Baqarah. 187]

These limits are the unlawful deeds forbidden by Allah because they lead to sins. Just as Allah forbade mankind from going beyond the boundaries of Halal and Haram, He also legislated acts of worship and rulings in the religion.

The first obligation and foundation established by the Messenger was the call to Tawheed. This is the first obligation and fundamental he spoke about, proclaimed and followed. He called the people to worship Allah alone and guided them to its details. The statement upon which this obligation is founded is the testimony of faith [لا إله إلا الله- None has the right to be worshipped except Allah]. This is the solid foundation, alongside the testimony [محمدا رسول الله – Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah].  These two important fundamentals and foundations are the basis of Islam and the basis for the rectification of this Ummah.

Therefore, whoever adheres to these two foundations and acts upon them steadfastly with knowledge, calls to them and exercises patience [whilst facing hardships in this path], he will become upright and Allah will rectify the Ummah through him depending on the level of his efforts, strength and the sound legislated means he employs whilst following such a path. And whoever neglects both these fundamentals or one of them, he will be ruined and destroyed.

When Allah sent His Prophet and revealed the Qur’an, the first [Surah] revealed to him was Iqrah and then Muddath’thir; so he started to warn the people against Shirk and called them to Tawheed [pure Islamic Monotheism]. He warned them, saying: “O people! Testify that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah and you will be successful [i.e. testify with your tongues, sincerely believe in your heart and carry out acts of worship sincerely for Allah alone and keep away from every other deity worshipped or invoked besides Allah]. However, the polytheists were haughty and rejected his advice because they were not prepared to accept it. It was something they never heard from their predecessors [i.e. forefathers] and thus they turned away. Allah [The Most High] informed us in the Qur’an that they responded to the Prophet, saying:

أَجَعَلَ ٱلۡأَلِهَةَ إِلَـٰهً۬ا وَٲحِدًا‌ۖ إِنَّ هَـٰذَا لَشَىۡءٌ عُجَابٌ۬

Has he made the aliha (gods) (all) into One Ilah (God – Allah). Verily, this is a curious thing!]

And Allah [The Most High] also informed us that they said:

وَيَقُولُونَ أَٮِٕنَّا لَتَارِكُوٓاْ ءَالِهَتِنَا لِشَاعِرٍ۬ مَّجۡنُونِۭ

And (they) said: “Are we going to abandon our aliha (gods) for the sake of a mad poet?]

They responded in such a manner because they were told to testify that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah, just as Allah said:

[ إِنَّہُمۡ كَانُوٓاْ إِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمۡ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّهُ يَسۡتَكۡبِرُونَ –

Truly, when it was said to them: La ilaha ill-Allah “(none has the right to be worshipped but Allah), they puffed themselves up with pride (i.e. denied it)]; therefore, Allah replied to them (saying):

[ بَلۡ جَآءَ بِٱلۡحَقِّ وَصَدَّقَ ٱلۡمُرۡسَلِينَ-

Nay! he (Muhammad) has come with the truth (i.e. Allah’s Religion – Islamic Monotheism and this Qur’an) and he confirms the Messengers (before him who brought Allah’s religion – Islamic Monotheism)].

Due to the negligent attitude of some of the people of knowledge- the students of knowledge and individuals amongst the people of Islam- towards the call to Tawheed, Shirk [i.e. polytheistic beliefs, acts of worship, views, opinions] spread in many lands, and thus the graves and its inhabitants [i.e. the dead in the graves] are invoked besides Allah.

Acts of worship that should be carried out only for sake of Allah are instead carried out for the graves and their inhabitants. [You find] some people invoking the inhabitant of a grave and others beseeching him for help; some make vows to him and others seek assistance from him just as the Quraish pagans and other than them used to do during Al-Jaahiliyyah [i.e. during the period of pre-Islamic Ignorance], because they used to invoke Al-Uzza, Al-laat, Manaat and other idols; and likewise the polytheists-in every era-invoke their idols and those images they worship besides Allah. They exalt them; invoke, seek assistance and blessings from them. This practice is a plot of shaytaan because what he eagerly wants to achieve is to distance people from the sound Islamic creed through every means.

Therefore, it is obligated on the students of knowledge to call to pure Islamic Monotheism, with wisdom, sincerity and truthfulness. They have to give concern to this foundation and should know that the only thing which must be firmly established through which other [praiseworthy achievements] will be established, is the call to Tawheed- sincerely worshipping Allah alone and having a firm belief that Muhammad is truly the Messenger of Allah, and that it is obligatory to follow his path. in Baz continued….. It is obligated on a student of knowledge or a leader to venerate the commandments and prohibitions [legislated by] Allah. He should cultivate the fear of Allah in his heart above everything else. He should not be worried about the rumours being spread by the rumour-mongers to oppose the truth and its people. He should rely upon Allah and affirm that which Allah has promised His Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and all the Messengers, just as Allah [The Most High] said:

وَقَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ ڪَفَرُواْ لِرُسُلِهِمۡ لَنُخۡرِجَنَّڪُم مِّنۡ أَرۡضِنَآ أَوۡ لَتَعُودُنَّ فِى مِلَّتِنَا‌ۖ فَأَوۡحَىٰٓ إِلَيۡہِمۡ رَبُّہُمۡ لَنُہۡلِكَنَّ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ

وَلَنُسۡڪِنَنَّكُمُ ٱلۡأَرۡضَ مِنۢ بَعۡدِهِمۡ‌ۚ ذَٲلِكَ لِمَنۡ خَافَ مَقَامِى وَخَافَ وَعِيدِ

And those who disbelieved said to their Messengers: “Surely, we shall drive you out of our land, or you shall return to our religion.” So their Lord inspired them: “Truly, We shall destroy the [wrong-doers]. And indeed, We shall make you dwell in the land after them. This is for him who fears standing before Me [on the Day of Resurrection or fears My Punishment] and also fears My Threat.”

The student of knowledge – the scholar, the one who gives clear guidance, the leader with insight- should neither worry about the rumours of the grave worshippers nor that of the deluded ones, nor [the rumours] of the one who has enmity towards Islam, regardless who such rumour-monger or enemy is affiliated with; rather he [i.e. the scholar, student of knowledge etc] should carry on in the arena of struggle – exercising patience; attaching his heart to Allah; fearing Allah and hoping for assistance from Allah [The Most High]. That is because Allah is the true Helper and Protector, and He has promised to give help to the one who aids the religion of Islam. Allah [The Most High] said:

[يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ إِن تَنصُرُواْ ٱللَّهَ يَنصُرۡكُمۡ وَيُثَبِّتۡ أَقۡدَامَكُمۡ  –

O you who believe! If you help (in the cause of) Allah, He will help you, and make your foothold firm.”

Allah [The Most High] said: [وَكَانَ حَقًّا عَلَيۡنَا نَصۡرُ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ-And (as for) the believers it was incumbent upon Us to help (them)]. However, this [victory and help] has conditions and they are: One should firmly adhere to the Religion of Allah and being steadfast, and firmly believe in Allah and His Messengers. This is the path and prerequisite that will bring about Allah’s Help, just as Allah [The Most High] said:

وَلَيَنصُرَنَّ ٱللَّهُ مَن يَنصُرُهُ ۥۤ‌ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَقَوِىٌّ عَزِيزٌ

ٱلَّذِينَ إِن مَّكَّنَّـٰهُمۡ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ أَقَامُواْ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَءَاتَوُاْ ٱلزَّڪَوٰةَ وَأَمَرُواْ بِٱلۡمَعۡرُوفِ وَنَهَوۡاْ عَنِ ٱلۡمُنكَرِ‌ۗ

Verily, Allah will help those who help His (Cause). Truly, Allah is All-Strong, All-Mighty. Those (Muslim rulers) who, if We give them power in the land, (they) order for Iqamat-as-Salat. [i.e. to perform the five compulsory congregational Salat (prayers) (the males in mosques)], to pay the Zakat and they enjoin Al-Ma’ruf (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do), and forbid Al-Munkar (i.e. disbelief, polytheism and all that Islam has forbidden).

In another Ayah Allah [The Mighty and Majestic] said:

وَعَدَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ مِنكُمۡ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ لَيَسۡتَخۡلِفَنَّهُمۡ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ ڪَمَا ٱسۡتَخۡلَفَ ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبۡلِهِمۡ وَلَيُمَكِّنَنَّ لَهُمۡ دِينَہُمُ ٱلَّذِى ٱرۡتَضَىٰ لَهُمۡ وَلَيُبَدِّلَنَّہُم مِّنۢ بَعۡدِ خَوۡفِهِمۡ أَمۡنً۬ا‌ۚ يَعۡبُدُونَنِى لَا يُشۡرِكُونَ بِى شَيۡـًٔ۬ا‌ۚ

Allah has promised those among you who believe, and do righteous good deeds, that He will certainly grant them succession to (the present rulers) in the earth, as He granted it to those before them, and that He will grant them the authority to practice their religion, that which He has chosen for them (i.e. Islam). And He will surely give them in exchange a safe security after their fear (provided) they (believers) worship Me and do not associate anything (in worship) with Me.

This promise of Allah is for those who are steadfast upon Iman, guidance and righteous deeds. Indeed Allah will certainly grant them succession in the earth and the authority to practice their religion. Allah will give them a safe security and protect them from the evil and plots of their enemies, and grant them victory.

With regards to fulfilment of the second part of the Shahadah [Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah], this necessitates that his Sunnah is venerated, propagated and implemented, and that which is in opposition to it has to be warned against. And that which a person cannot clearly understand in the Noble Qur’an is to be explained by way of the Sunnah, because the Sunnah explains and clarifies what the Qur’an indicates, just as Allah [The Most High]:

وَأَنزَلۡنَآ إِلَيۡكَ ٱلذِّڪۡرَ لِتُبَيِّنَ لِلنَّاسِ مَا نُزِّلَ إِلَيۡہِمۡ وَلَعَلَّهُمۡ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ –

We have also sent down unto you (O Muhammad) the reminder and the advice (the Qur’an), that you may explain clearly to men what is sent down to them, and that they may give thought.

It is obligatory that this great foundation is made the starting point for the sincere callers and righteous people in the earth-those who want to rectify the affairs of society and direct it towards a path of safety- so that this rectification is firmly grounded upon the greatest basis of rectification, which is: sincerity in worship [i.e. worship Allah alone and associate none as a partner to Him in worship]; belief in Allah’s Messenger, exalting his commands and prohibitions, follow his Shariah and warn against what is in opposition to it.

The companions of the Prophet are the most virtuous in this Ummah. It is obligated on us to have a good suspicion of them and to believe that they are all trustworthy, and that they are the best in this Ummah after the Messenger of Allah. It (is obligatory to believe that) they were the carriers of the Qur’an and the Sunnah, and that their methodology has to be followed. It [is obligatory] to declare that Allah was pleased with them and that they are the best of all people after the prophets, just as it has been reported in Al-Bukhari and Muslim on the authority of Ibn Mas’ud that the Prophet said: ‘’The best of the people are those living in my generation; then those who will follow them, and then those who will follow the latter.” They are on different levels in virtue – the most virtuous of them are the rightly guided khulafaa; then the ten who were guaranteed paradise, and then the remaining companions in their various levels of virtuousness and knowledge. Thereafter [i.e. after beginning with the call to Tawheed and obedience to the Messenger], the caller to rectification should look at the other affairs that are connected to this foundation, such as the fulfilment of the obligatory duties – the obligatory prayers, the Zakat, the Hajj and other than them.

He (the student of knowledge) should forbid what Allah has forbidden, such as shirk, and other sins that are lesser than shirk. He should be eager to bring about rectification to the people by enjoining good and forbidding evil and calls to reconciliation and good relationship between the people. He should forbid people from transgressing the boundaries of halal and haram and warn against Bidah. This is how a successful rectifier should be. He pursues the means, whilst guarding the strong foundation which is that “None has the right to be worshiped except Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah” in knowledge and Action.  He should teach the people and act upon what he teaches, single Allah out in worship and submit to Allah’s Shariah through the [path of] the Messenger. He should accept the Sunnah and venerate it, just as the Sahabah did. He should follow the path of the Sunnah and that which it necessitates, [whilst following] the Book of Allah, just as the Sahabah did.

Indeed, the knowledge of the Sahabah was derived from the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of Allah’s Messenger. They pondered upon the Book of Allah, read it with a righteous intention and with the intention of acquiring knowledge and benefit, and to act. They studied the Sunnah, memorized it, took knowledge from it and acted. This is how the Sahabah, the Messenger and Tabi’in acted before the existence of written works in hadeeth and other than it. Therefore, judge yourself based on the way of these people.

Seek knowledge from the Book of your Lord and the Sunnah of His Messenger, and from the statements of the [trustworthy, righteous and rightly guided] scholars in order to understand the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of the Messenger. Be eager for knowledge and understanding of the religion until you are able to direct the society towards a straight and safe path, and until you know how to act. Begin with yourself and strive to rectify your path to righteousness and be foremost in every good [deed]. Be with those people who are foremost in [performing] the prayer and every other good deed, and be distant from every evil.  Adhere to the Book and the Sunnah in your actions and statements, and when dealing with your colleagues, brothers and assistants.  This is how a believer should be because this was how the Sahabah acted. Also, this is how the Tabi’un, the Atba At-Tabi’in and the righteous people acted. The Imams of guidance studied the book of Allah and acted upon that which is found in it. They read it to the people, acquainted them with it and guided them to its meanings. They acquainted them with the Sunnah, urged them to follow it and to acquire understanding from it. They commanded the people to venerate the commandments and prohibitions legislated by Allah, and they commanded them -throughout their lives- not to transgress the boundaries of halal and haram.

Every means to rectification requires sincerity and truthfulness, therefore the call to Tawheed requires sincerity and truthfulness. Laa ilaaha illal laah means that none has the right to be worshipped in truth except Allah’, therefore it is obligatory to be careful of all types of shirk-big and small- and to warn the people against it, just as the Messenger and the Sahaabah did.

After the belief that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah and that it is obligatory to follow him, and that Allah sent him to everyone -Arabs, Non-Arabs, Humans, Jinns, Male and Female- and that it is obligated on all the people of the earth to follow him, the Sunnah will become manifest when venerated and propagated. Allah [The Most High]:

قُلۡ يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ إِنِّى رَسُولُ ٱللَّهِ إِلَيۡڪُمۡ جَمِيعًا ٱلَّذِى لَهُ ۥ مُلۡكُ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ‌ۖ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ يُحۡىِۦ وَيُمِيتُ‌ۖ فَـَٔامِنُواْ بِٱللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ ٱلنَّبِىِّ ٱلۡأُمِّىِّ ٱلَّذِى يُؤۡمِنُ بِٱللَّهِ وَڪَلِمَـٰتِهِۦ وَٱتَّبِعُوهُ لَعَلَّڪُمۡ تَهۡتَدُونَ

Say (O Muhammad): “O mankind! Verily, I am sent to you all as the Messenger of Allah – to Whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He); It is He Who gives life and causes death. So believe in Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad), the Prophet who can neither read nor write (i.e. Muhammad) who believes in Allah and His Words [(this Qur’an), the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel) and also Allah’s Word: “Be!” -and he was, i.e. ‘Iesa (Jesus) son of Maryam (Mary)] and follow him so that you may be guided.” [Surah Al-A’raaf Ayah 158]

And before the above Ayah, Allaah [The Most High] said:

[فَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ بِهِۦ وَعَزَّرُوهُ وَنَصَرُوهُ وَٱتَّبَعُواْ ٱلنُّورَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أُنزِلَ مَعَهُ ۥۤ‌ۙ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ هُمُ ٱلۡمُفۡلِحُونَ

– So those who believe in him (Muhammad), honour him, help him, and follow the light (the Qur’an) which has been sent down with him, it is they who will be successful] [Al-A’raf. 157]

Therefore, whoever follows the Messenger and exalts his commands and prohibitions, then indeed he will be successful. And whoever opposes him- by following desires and shaytaan- will be a loser and will be destroyed.

وَلَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّة إلَّا بِالَّله

The means to rectification are many depending on what the caller is commanding and forbidding. Therefore, call the people to the religion of Allah- to fulfil the obligatory duties legislated by Allah and abandon what Allah has forbidden based on the path that was followed by Allah’s Messenger.

If you live in a society that wages war against the religion and there is no Muslim ruler to help, you should act just as Allah’s Messenger acted in Makkah by calling to the religion of Allah with good speech, good etiquettes and lenient words, so that what you say will enter the hearts-urging the hearts towards obedience to Allah and His Religion of Islamic Monotheism. You should cooperate with your brothers and those who adhere to your path [i.e. the call to Tawheed, the authentic Sunnah and understanding of the pious predecessors], whilst calling the people and being gentle until Iman becomes firmly settled in the hearts and established amongst the people with clear proofs.

If you live in an Islamic society where a Muslim ruler is present to give you a helping hand, then you can be far more active in enjoining good, forbidding evil and contacting those in charge of authority when the obstinate ones are present- those whose obstinacy poses a danger to society. You should do this, whilst following an upright path and employing leniency, wisdom and patience, just as Allah [The Mighty and Majestic] said:

وَٱلۡعَصۡرِ

إِنَّ ٱلۡإِنسَـٰنَ لَفِى خُسۡرٍ

إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ وَتَوَاصَوۡاْ

بِٱلۡحَقِّ وَتَوَاصَوۡاْ بِٱلصَّبۡرِ

By Al-‘Asr (the time). Verily! Man is in loss; Except those who believe (in Islamic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, and recommend one another to the truth (i.e. order one another to perform all kinds of good deeds (Al-Ma’ruf)which Allah has ordained, and abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds (Al-Munkar)which Allah has forbidden), and recommend one another to patience (for the sufferings, harms, and injuries which one may encounter in Allah’s Cause during preaching His religion of Islamic Monotheism or Jihad, etc.)

There has to be patience and calling one another to the truth until your mission becomes success. Also, the people with positions of responsibility in the society and those leaders about whom it is feared that their evil will harm the Dawah, the caller to rectification should advise them whilst employing good etiquettes through written correspondence and speech just as Allah [The Most High] said:

[فَبِمَا رَحۡمَةٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ لِنتَ لَهُمۡ‌ۖ وَلَوۡ كُنتَ فَظًّا غَلِيظَ ٱلۡقَلۡبِ لَٱنفَضُّواْ مِنۡ حَوۡلِكَ‌ۖ –

And by the Mercy of Allah, you dealt with them gently. And had you been severe and harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about you]. [3:159]

And just as Allah [The Most High] said to Musa and Harun, peace be upon them, when He sent them to Pharaoh: [فَقُولَا لَهُ ۥ قَوۡلاً۬ لَّيِّنً۬ا لَّعَلَّهُ ۥ يَتَذَكَّرُ أَوۡ يَخۡشَىٰ -And speak to him mildly, perhaps he may accept admonition or fear Allah] [20:44] Therefore, it is obligated on those seeking to rectify the affairs and the callers to Islam to follow this path, and that they solve the problems of the society with wisdom and fine admonition-addressing every person with what he deserves, so that they can be successful in their mission and reach their goals.

Allah [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfection] stated:

وَٱلۡعَصۡرِ

إِنَّ ٱلۡإِنسَـٰنَ لَفِى خُسۡرٍ

إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ وَتَوَاصَوۡاْ

بِٱلۡحَقِّ وَتَوَاصَوۡاْ بِٱلصَّبۡرِ

By Al-’Asr (the time). Verily! Man is in loss; except those who believe (in Islamic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, and recommend one another to the truth (i.e. order one another to perform all kinds of good deeds (Al-Ma’ruf)which Allah has ordained, and abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds (Al-Munkar)which Allah has forbidden), and recommend one another to patience (for the sufferings, harms, and injuries which one may encounter in Allah’s Cause during preaching His religion of Islamic Monotheism or Jihad, etc.)”

Likewise, this [i.e. exercising patience] is the way of the noble Messengers, just as Allah [The Most High] said to His Messenger Muhammad in the last part of Surah Al-Ahqaf, and it is a Surah that was revealed in Makkah:

[فَٱصۡبِرۡ كَمَا صَبَرَ أُوْلُواْ ٱلۡعَزۡمِ مِنَ ٱلرُّسُلِ وَلَا تَسۡتَعۡجِل لَّهُمۡ‌ۚ

– Therefore be patient (O Muhammad) as did the Messengers of strong will and be in no haste about them (disbelievers)].

Allah [The Most High] said in Surah Aal Imran and it is a Surah that was revealed in Madinah:

لَتُبۡلَوُنَّ فِىٓ أَمۡوَٲلِڪُمۡ وَأَنفُسِڪُمۡ وَلَتَسۡمَعُنَّ مِنَ ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُواْ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ مِن قَبۡلِڪُمۡ وَمِنَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَشۡرَكُوٓاْ أَذً۬ى كَثِيرً۬ا‌ۚ وَإِن تَصۡبِرُواْ وَتَتَّقُواْ فَإِنَّ ذَٲلِكَ مِنۡ عَزۡمِ ٱلۡأُمُورِ

You shall certainly be tried and tested in your wealth and properties and in your personal selves, and you shall certainly hear much that will grieve you from those who received the Scripture before you (Jews and Christians) and from those who ascribe partners to Allah, but if you persevere patiently, and become Al-Muttaqun then verily, that will be a determining factor in all affairs, and that is from the great matters, [which you must hold on with all your efforts].

Allah [The Most High] said in the last part of Surah Al-Nahl and it is also a Surah that was revealed in Makkah:

وَٱصۡبِرۡ وَمَا صَبۡرُكَ إِلَّا بِٱللَّهِ‌ۚ وَلَا تَحۡزَنۡ عَلَيۡهِمۡ وَلَا تَكُ فِى ضَيۡقٍ۬ مِّمَّا يَمۡڪُرُونَ

إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ مَعَ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّقَواْ وَّٱلَّذِينَ هُم مُّحۡسِنُونَ

And endure you patiently (O Muhammad); your patience is not but from Allah. And grieve not over them (polytheists and pagans, etc.), and be not distressed because of what they plot. Truly, Allah is with those who fear Him (keep their duty unto Him), and those who are Muhsinun (good-doers)

The verses of the Qur’an that conveys this are many indeed. Everyone who followed the path of the Messengers amongst the callers to Allah and the righteous rectifiers was successful in his call – successful with a praiseworthy end and was given victory over the enemies. Whoever examines and studies the narrations transmitted about the righteous rectifiers and their life stories will come to know of this and will be certain about it.

I ask Allah by His Beautiful (Perfect) Names and (Perfect) Lofty Attributes that He rectifies the state of affairs of the Muslims. And that He grants them understanding in the religion, grants their leaders every good and rectifies their advisers, consultants, helpers etc. And that He protects all the Muslims in every place from the affairs of misguidance that occur as a result of trials, and protects them from following desires and shaytaan. Indeed Allah alone is the Guardian over all this and the one able to grant it. [1] [End of quote]

[1] An Excerpt from “Awaamil Islaah Al-Mujtama’ah” pages 1-27]

Notes from translation of Usul Thalatha by Shaikh Abu Talhah Dawud Burbank- may Allah have mercy upon him and his wife, on Du’a and other acts of worship.

Invocation, vows, offering sacrifices etc are acts of worship and can only be carried out for Allah alone, and not for graves, tombs, shrines and their dead inhabitants. See details below from Usool ath-thalaatha by Shaikh Uthaymeen, translated by Ustaadh Dawud Burbank [may Allaah have mercy upon him and his wife]… Ad-Du’aa: Invocation: “Your Lord says: O people, invoke Me and supplicate to Me making your worship sincerely for Me alone, and I will answer you, and pardon you and have mercy upon you. Indeed those who disdain to worship Me alone will enter Hell-Fire in disgrace’ [69] [Soorah Ghaafir (40):60].  So the noble Aayah proves that invocation/supplication (du’aa) is worship, and if that were not the case it would not be said “those who disdain to worship Me alone….” So whoever called upon anyone besides Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, requesting something which none but Allaah has power over, then he is a mushrik (one who worships others besides Allaah), an unbeliever (kaafir), whether the one he calls upon is living or dead. Whoever requests a living person for something which he is able to do, such as the saying: ‘O so and so give me food’ or ‘O so and so give me a drink,’ then there is no harm in that. But whoever asks a dead person or someone who is absent for that, then he is a mushrik, since the deceased or the absent cannot possibly do that. So in such a case his supplicating to them shows that he believes that they have some control over the creation, and he is therefore a mushrik. It must be noted that du’aa is of two types: (i) Supplication, when a request is made (du ‘aa-u mas’alah) and, (ii) invocation through worship (du’aa-u Ibaadah). So supplication is to request ones needs and is worship when the servant requests that from his Lord.

This is because it involves showing one’s poverty before Allah, the Most High, and ones need to turn to Him, and one’s certain faith that He is the one having full power, the Most Generous, the one who gives bounteously and is Most Merciful. Seeking ones needs from someone else from the creation is permissible if the one to whom the request is made is able to hear and understand it, and has the power to respond to it, like the saying: ‘O so and so give me food.’ As for invocation through worship, then it is that the person does an act of worship seeking reward and fearing punishment, and this is not correct unless directed to Allah alone. To direct this to anyone else besides Allah is major shirk which takes a person out of the Religion, and he falls under the threat in the Saying of Allah, the Most High, “Your Lord says: O people, invoke Me and supplicate to Me making your worship sincerely for Me alone, and I will answer you, and pardon you and have mercy upon you. Indeed those who disdain to worship Me alone will enter Hell-Fire in disgrace.” [Ghaafir (40):60]

Al- Isti’aanah-Appealing for aid and assistance: The evidence for this act of worship is the verse of the Qur’aan:  “O Allaah You alone we worship, and to You alone we appeal for aid” [Soorah al-Faatihah (1):5] and in the hadeeth there occurs: “If you seek help, then seek the help of Allaah.” [79] [Reported by at-Tirmidhee and declared Saheeh by Shaykh al-Albaanee in al-Mishkaat (no.5302)]

Al-isti’aanah is to appeal for assistance, and it is of various types: (i) Appealing for aid and assistance from Allaah – this is an appeal for aid and assistance that comprises complete humility of the servant before his Lord, and to submit and entrust the affair to Him, and to be certain that He is fully sufficient for him. This is not to be except for Allaah, the Most High, alone, and the evidence is the Saying of Allaah, the Most High, “O Allaah You alone we worship, and to You alone we appeal for aid.” [Soorah al-Faatihah (1):5] The fact that this is to be for Allaah, the Most High, alone is shown by the fact that He mentions the word upon which the verb acts before the verb itself, and according to the principles of grammar of the Arabic language, in which the Qur’aan came down, bringing forward that which usually comes afterwards indicates restriction and particularisation. So directing this type to other than Allaah, the Most High, is shirk which takes a person out of the Religion. (ii) Seeking the help of a person from the creation, in something which he is capable of helping in. Then this will be in accordance with the action in which help is sought. If it is a good action then it is permissible for the person to seek help upon it, and prescribed for a person to help in that, as Allaah, the Most High, says, “And assist one another upon righteous actions and avoidance of sins.” [Soorah alMaa’idah (5):2]

If it is a sinful thing, then it is forbidden for the person doing it and for the one who assists, as Allaah, the Most High, says, “And do not assist one another in abandoning what Allaah has commanded and upon transgressing the limits laid down in the Religion.” [Soorah al-Maa’idah (5):2] If it is something permissible, then it is allowed for the person to seek help and to be assisted, and the one who is helping may be rewarded for kind treatment and thus it becomes something prescribed for him as Allaah, the Most High says, “And do good, indeed Allaah loves those who do good.” [Soorah al-Baqarah (2): 195] (iii) Seeking the help of a person from the creation who is alive and present, except that it is something which he is incapable of, then this is futile and useless. For example that he seeks the help of a weak person in order to carry something very heavy. (iv) Seeking the aid of any deceased person, or the aid of the living in a matter of the hidden and unseen, which they cannot reach. Then this is shirk since it will only be done by a person who believes that those whose help he seeks have some hidden control over the creation. (v) Seeking help by performing deeds that are beloved to Allaah, the Most High. This is something that is prescribed due to the Saying of Allaah, the Most High, “And seek assistance through patience and Prayer.” [Soorah al-Baqarah (2):45] The author, rahimahullaah, uses as evidence for the first type the Saying of Allaah, the Most High, “O Allaah You alone we worship, and to You alone we appeal for aid.” [Soorah al-Faatihah (1):5] And the saying of the Prophet saying: “If you seek help then seek the help of Allaah” The evidence for seeking refuge (al-isti’aadhah) is the Saying of Allaah, the Most High: “Say: I seek refuge with the Lord of the dawn” [Soorah al-Falaq (113):1] and: “Say: I seek refuge with the Lord of mankind” [80] [Soorah an-Naas (114):1].

Al-Isti’aadhah-To seek refuge; which is to seek protection against that which one hates and involves seeking refuge and shelter and protection from someone, and is of various types: (i) Seeking the refuge of Allaah, the Most High, and this involves ones complete need of Him, attachment to Him, and one’s certain faith in His being sufficient and His perfect protection from everything, whether in the present or the future, small or large, human or not, and the proof is the Sayings of Allaah, the Most High, “Say: I seek refuge with the Lord of the dawn, from the evil of that which He created…” [Soorahal-Falaq (113): l-2] “Say: I seek refuge with the Lord of mankind; the king of mankind; the one who is worshipped rightfully by mankind; from the evil of Satan who whispers into the hearts of mankind and then withdraws when they remember Allaah…” [Soorah an-Naas (114): 1-4] (ii) Seeking refuge in one of Allaah’s attributes, such as His Speech, His Greatness, His Might, and so on.

The evidence for this are his sayings: The Prophet said, “I seek refuge in the perfect Words of Allaah from the evil of that which He created” [Reported by Muslim (Eng. transl. 4/ 142l/no.654l)]. He said, “I seek refuge in Your Might that I should not be assailed from below” [Reported by Aboo Daawood (Eng. transl. 3/1408/no. 5056) and declared Saheeh by Shaykh al-Albaanee in Saheeh Sunan Abee Dawood (no. 4239)]. Also his saying in the supplication recited when suffering from pain, “I seek refuge in the Might and Power of Allaah from the evil of what I feel and am wary of.” [Reported by Muslim (Eng. transl. 3/1198/no. 5462) and Ibn Maajah (no. 3522)]. The Prophet said, “I seek refuge in Your Pleasure from Your Wrath” [Reported by Muslim (Eng. transl. l/255/no.986)]. His saying, when Allaah, the Most High, sent down His Saying: “Say He is the One fully able to send punishment upon you from above.” [Soorah al-An’aam (6):65] He said: “I seek refuge in Your Face.” [Collected by al-Bukhaaree (Eng. transl. 9/370/503)]. (iii) Seeking refuge either with the dead, or with living people who are not present and able to grant refuge, then this is shirk. In this regard Allaah, the Most High, says, “And there were men from mankind who used to seek refuge with men of the jinn, and so that only increased them in transgression.” [Soorah al-Jinn (72):6] Seeking shelter with some person or in some place, or the like, as long as it is something which can serve the purpose of providing shelter. Then this is permissible and the evidence is his saying, speaking about tribulations, “Whoever exposes himself to them will be destroyed by them, and whoever finds a place of shelter or refuge from them, then let him take shelter in it” [Reported by alBukhaaree (Eng. transl. vol. 9/p. 158/no.203) and Muslim (Eng. transl. 4/1495/no.6893)]. He also explained this place of shelter or refuge in his saying, “So whoever has camels should stick to his camels…“ [Reported by Muslim (Eng. transl. 4/1495-1496/no.6896)]. There also occurs in Saheeh Muslim (Eng. transl. 3/91 I/no.4190) from Jaabir, radiyallaahu ‘anhu, that a woman from the tribe of Banoo Makhzoom stole something, so then she was brought to the Prophet and she sought refuge with Umm Salamah. He also reports in his Saheeh (Eng. transl. 4/ 1494/no.6996) from Umm Salamah, radiyallaahu ‘anhaa, from the Prophet that he said: “A man will seek refuge in the House and an army detachment will be sent against him…” However if it is the case that someone is seeking refuge from the evil of an oppressor, then it is obligatory to shelter him and grant him refuge as far as is possible. But if he seeks refuge in order to help him to commit something forbidden, or to flee away from an obligation, then it is forbidden to shelter him.

Al-istighaathah -To seek rescue and deliverance from severe difficulty and destruction, and is of various types: (i) Seeking deliverance and rescue from Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, is one of the most excellent and most perfect deeds, and it was the continual practice of the messengers and their followers. The evidence for it is what the Shaykh, rahimahullaah, mentioned, “When you sought aid and deliverance of your Lord and He responded to you that He was sending you a thousand angels in succession to assist you.” [Soorah al-Anfaal (8):9]

This occurred at the battle of Badr when the Prophet saw the polytheists numbering a thousand men, whist his companions were a few more than three hundred and ten. So he entered the palm grove calling earnestly upon his Lord, the Mighty and Majestic, raising up his hands and facing the qiblah, and saying: “O Allaah fulfil that which You have promised me. O Allaah if this small group who are the people of lslaam are destroyed you will not be worshipped upon the earth.” Then he continued calling upon his Lord earnestly, with his hands raised such that his cloak fell from his shoulders. So Aboo Bakr, radiyallaahu ‘anhu, took up his cloak and cast it back upon his shoulders and embraced him from behind and said: “O Prophet of Allaah, your earnest supplication to your Lord will be sufficient for you since he will fulfil what He has promised you,” so this Aayah was sent down. [Reported by Muslim (Eng. transl. 3/960/no.4360)] (ii) Seeking rescue and deliverance, either from the dead or from those who are living but are not present and able to give aid and rescue, then this is shirk. This is so because it will not be done except by one who believes that those people have some unseen control over the creation, and they have therefore attributed to them a share of the Lordship that is for Allaah, the Most High, alone. Allaah, the Most High, says, “Or is that which you falsely worship along with Allaah better than He Who responds to the one in distress when he calls Him; who removes the harm; and who makes you to succeed those who came before you?! Is there anything that is worshipped besides Allaah that can do these things for you?! Little do you consider the greatness of Allaah and His favours upon you, and the clear proofs He has given you, so you therefore associate others in worship with Him.” [Soorah an-Naml (27):62] (iii) Seeking aid and rescue from those who are alive, aware of the situation and capable of assistance and rescue. It is permissible to seek aid and rescue from them: Allaah, the Most High, says in the story of Moosaa: “So the man who was upon the same Religion as Moosaa sought the aid of Moosaa against his enemy the copt, so Moosaa struck him forcefully and killed him.” [Soorah al-Qasas (28):15] (iv) Seeking rescue and aid from a living person who is not capable of assisting him, without believing that he has some hidden power. For example that a drowning person calls for rescue from a person who is paralysed. This is futility and is a mockery of the one whom he seeks rescue from, and is therefore prohibited for this reason. A further reason for its prohibition is that anyone who saw him seeking rescue from the paralysed man may be deceived into thinking that the paralysed man must have some hidden power enabling him to rescue people

Adh-dhabh- Sacrifice: The evidence is the ayah of the Qur’aan: “Say, O Muhammad, indeed my Prayer, my sacrifice, my living and my dying are all purely and solely for Allaah, Lord of all creation. There is no share of any of that for other than him.” [82] [Soorah al-An’aam (6): 162-3]. Also the Prophet said: “Allaah has cursed anyone who sacrifices for other than Allaah” [Reported by Muslim (Eng. transl. 3/ 1093- 1094/no.4876)]82 Sacrifice is to kill by spilling the blood of the animal in a particular manner, and is done for a number of reasons:

That it is done as an act of worship, such that he intends by it veneration of the one for whom he sacrifices, and intends it as an act of submission to him and a means of nearness to him. So this may not be done except for Allaah, the Most High, and has to be done in the manner which Allaah, the Most High, has prescribed. Directing it to other than Allaah is major shirk and the evidence (as mentioned by the author) is the Saying of Allaah, the Most High, “Say, O Muhammad, indeed my Prayer, my sacrifice, my living and my dying are all purely and solely for Allaah, Lord of all creation. There is no share of any of that for other than Him’ [Soorah al-An’aam (6):162-3] (ii) That it is done out of hospitality for the guest, or for as wedding feast (waleemah) or the like, then this is something commanded, either as an obligation or a recommendation, as he said “Whoever truly believes in Allaah and the Last Day, then let him treat the guest honourably” [Reported by al-Bukhaaree (Eng. transl. 8/99/no. 156) and Muslim (Eng. transl. 3/935/no. 4286)]. He said to ‘Abdur-Rahmaan ibn ‘Auf, “Give a wedding, feast (waleemah) even if it is only with a single sheep” [Reported by al-Bukhaaree (Eng. transl. 7/72/no.96)]. (iii) That it is done to provide food charitably, or to sell the meat and so on, then this falls under that which is permissible and is in principle according to the Saying of Allaah, the Most High, “Do those mushriks who worship others along with Allaah not see that We have created for them, from what our Hands have created, cattle which they are in charge of, and We have made the cattle subservient to them: so from them are those which they eat the meat of.” [Soorah Yaa Seen (36):71-2] Furthermore, it may be something desirable or prohibited depending upon what it leads to.

An-nadhr- Vows: The evidence is the ayah: “They fulfil their vows and they fear a day whose evil is widespread” [84] [Soorah al-Insaan (76):7]. The Aayah is a proof since Allaah praises them for fulfilling their vows, which shows that Allaah loves that and every action that is beloved to Allaah is worship. This is further supported by the Saying of Allaah, the Most High, “…they fear a day whose evil is widespread.” [Soorah al-Insaan (76):7] The fulfilling of vows which Allaah, the Most High, has praised are all acts of worship which Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, has obligated. This is because when a person starts any of the obligatory acts of worship, then he has become duty bound to fulfil and complete them. The proof for this is the Saying of Allaah, the Most High, “Then let them complete the duties of their hajj, and fulfil their vows (e.g. the sacrifice), and let them perform the tawaaf of ifaadah around the ancient House.” [Soorah al-Hajj (22):29] Vows by which a person makes a pledge and thus obligates himself to do something or other, or makes some act of obedience to Allaah, that is not obligatory, binding upon himself, then this is disliked, and some of the scholars declared it to be forbidden. This is because the Prophet (0) forbade making vows and said, “It does not bring good, it merely causes the miserly person to spend” [Reported by al-Bukhaaree (Eng. transl. 8/448/no.684) and Muslim (Eng. transl. 3/871/no.4019)]. Yet even so, if a person does go ahead and vow that he will do some act of obedience to Allaah, then it becomes obligatory upon him to perform it as the Prophet (3) said, “Whoever vows to act in obedience to Allaah, then let him obey Him” [Reported by al-Bukhaaree (Eng. transl. 8/449/no.687)]. So in summary vows {an-nadhr) applies to the obligatory acts of worship in general, and to making vows in specific, which is that a person obliges himself to do something for the sake of Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic. The scholars divide the vow into various categories and these are laid out in the books of fiqh (details of Islamic law and regulations). [Source: Explanation of the Three fundamental principles. Translated by Abu Talhah Dawud Burbank (may Allaah have mercy upon him and his wife)]

NB: Whoever directs the above acts of worship to others besides Allaah, then indeed he or she has committed major shirk [major polytheism] which expels a person from the fold of Islam but this is a general ruling. However, in order to declare a specific Muslim individual as one who has left the fold of Islaam due to him or her committing acts of major polytheism, this ruling cannot be given, except by a scholar. Regarding this affair, see the following links:

http://www.manhaj.com/manhaj/articles/wwqny-takfir-and-the-excuse-of-ignorance-shaykh-muhammad-bin-abd-al-wahhaab.cfm

http://www.manhaj.com/manhaj/articles/wvnjp-takfir-and-the-excuse-of-ignorance-shaykh-abd-al-aziz-bin-baz.cfm

http://www.manhaj.com/manhaj/articles/obkwf-takfir-and-the-excuse-of-ignorance-shaykh-saalih-al-fawzaan.cfm

http://www.manhaj.com/manhaj/articles/dkhtd-takfir-and-the-excuse-of-ignorance-shaykh-saalih-al-fawzaan-2.cfm

http://www.manhaj.com/manhaj/articles/gzrsz-takfir-and-the-excuse-of-ignorance-shaykh-saalih-al-fawzaan-3—takfir-of-the-raafidah.cfm

http://www.manhaj.com/manhaj/articles/illhh-takfir-and-the-excuse-of-ignorance-shaykh-saalih-al-fawzaan-4—takfir-of-the-raafidah.cfm

http://www.manhaj.com/manhaj/articles/uufmf-takfir-and-the-excuse-of-ignorance-shaykh-saalih-al-fawzaan-5.cfm

http://www.manhaj.com/manhaj/articles/uncnb-takfir-and-the-excuse-of-ignorance-shaykh-abd-al-muhsin-al-abbaad.cfm

http://www.manhaj.com/manhaj/articles/ecksy-takfir-and-the-excuse-of-ignorance-shaykh-rabee-bin-haadee.cfm

Question to Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz (Rahimahullaah)]:

Is enjoining Ma’ruf and forbidding Munkar, namely correcting the wrong by the hand, a right for all Muslims or is it just confined to those in authority and their deputies?

Correcting the is obligated on all Muslims according to their ability, because the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said, “Anyone of you who sees evil, let him stop it with his hand (by taking action); if not able, then with his tongue (by speaking out); and if not able, then with his heart (by hating it and feeling that it is wrong), and that is the weakest of Eemaan.”[Reported by Muslim, Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi & others]

However, changing by the hand must be based on ability and not result in greater corruption or evil. A man has the right to rectify matters with his hand (by taking action) in his home; and a manager has the authority to make changes with the hand within the organization he is responsible for- in accordance with the instructions that were given to them. Otherwise, people should not stop the evil -with their hand- they are not authorized to stop. If they do make stop an evil they have no authority to stop, this will result in more evil and great corruption between them and the people, and between the people and the state.

In this case they should stop the evil with their tongue (by speaking out). They may say: “O so-and-so! Fear Allah! That is not permissible,” “This is Haram (prohibited),” or: “That is Wajib (obligatory) on you,” and clarify it with a legislated Islamic proof. This is what can be done by the tongue. As for changing matters with the hand, this should be done where one has authority, such as one’s home, with those under one’s responsibility, or those authorized by the ruler, such as organizations given permission and authority to enjoin good. They should make changes in accordance with the authority they have been given- in the way prescribed by the Shari’ah (Islamic law), without exceeding their jurisdiction. The same applies to the governor of a city; he should make changes with his hand, in accordance with the instructions he has. [Fataawaa Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz 8/208] [NB: In the Western Europe and some other countries, disapproving of certain acts would be considered harassment or discrimination, therefore, one should know what the law allows him, otherwise he or she will either be cautioned by the authorities and charged]

Manhaj of Correcting the Rulers:

http://www.spubs.com/sps/sp.cfm?subsecID=MNJ16&articleID=MNJ160003&articlePages=1

Some Characteristics of The Pious Predecessors – Abu Bakr and Umar (Part 1)

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Sahaabah, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors).

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

Amr Ibnul Aas, may Allah be pleased with him, was one of those given authority and so was Abu Ubaydah Ibn Al-Jarrah, may Allah be pleased with him. Khalid Ibn Al-Walid, may Allah be pleaded with him, was given preference over them due to his bravery and usefulness in Jihad.  When Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, passed away, Umar Ibn Al-Khattab, may allah be pleased with him, gave Abu Ubaydah, may Allah be pleased with him, authority over all of them because Umar Ibn Al-khattab used to be tough for the sake of Allah, thus he appointed Abu Ubaydah because he was soft. Abu Bakr was soft and Khalid was tough. Therefore, the soft one gave authority to the tough one and the tough one gave authority to the soft one to balance the affairs.  [a]

Question: Who narrated more hadith – Abu Bakr or Abu Hurairah?

Answer: Indeed, Abu Hurairah, may Allay be pleased with him, narrated more Hadith than Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, but this does not mean that Abu Hurairah heard more Hadeeth than Abu Bakr because Abu Bakr was a companion of Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, in the summers, winters, nights, days, (during) journeys and whilst at home; so he heard and had more knowledge regarding the affairs of Allah’s Messenger. However, he did not spend a lot of time to sit and narrate to the people what was heard from the Prophet. [b]

Umar, may Allāh be pleased with him, said: One day, Allāh’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him, commanded us to give charity. At that time I had some property, so I said: “Today I shall surpass Abu-Bakr if I am to surpass him any day”. So I brought half of my property. The Messenger of Allah said: “What did you leave for your family?” I replied: “The same amount”. Then Abu-Bakr brought all that he had with him. So the Messenger of Allah said to him: “What did you leave for your family?” He replied: “I left Allah and His Messenger for them”. I said: “I shall never (excel you) in anything”. [c]

Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, asked the people, “Who remembers the narration of the Prophet [peace and blessings be upon him] about the affliction?” Hudhaifa said, “I heard the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, saying, ‘The affliction of a person in his property, family and neighbours is expiated by his prayers, fasting, and giving in charity.” `Umar said, “I do not ask about that, but I ask about those afflictions which will spread like the waves of the sea.” Hudhaifa replied, “There is a closed gate in front of those afflictions.” `Umar asked, “Will that gate be opened or broken?” He replied, “It will be broken.” `Umar said, “Then the gate will not be closed again till the Day of Resurrection.” We said to Masruq, “Would you ask Hudhaifa whether `Umar knew what that gate symbolised?” He asked him and he replied “He (`Umar) knew it as one knows that there will be night before tomorrow morning. [1]

Regarding the statement: “The affliction of a person in his property, family and neighbours is expiated by his prayers, fasting, and giving in charity”, Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated that the unrestricted narrations in which a mention is made regarding the expiation of sins are restricted by the texts regarding the abandonment of major sins – either restricted by the statement of Allah: [إِنْ تَجْتَنِبُوا كَبَائِرَ مَا تُنْهَوْنَ عَنْهُ نُكَفِّرْ عَنْكُمْ سَيِّئَاتِكُمْ – If you avoid the great sins which you are forbidden to do, We shall remit from you your (small) sins. (Surah An-Nisaa. Ayah 31)]; or by the statement of the Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him,, “The five prayers, Friday to Friday, and Ramadan to Ramadan will expiate the sins committed between them, as long as major sins are avoided”. [2]

Regarding the statement: Hudhaifa replied, “There is a closed gate in front of those afflictions.” `Umar asked, “Will that gate be opened or broken?” He replied, “It will be broken.” `Umar said, “Then the gate will not be closed again till the Day of Resurrection”, Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: The gate is Umar and his murder is when the door is broken. So, after he was murdered, the gate of the afflictions was opened. [3]

The Messenger of Allah [peace and blessings be upon him] said to Umar [may Allah be pleased with him], “By Him in Whose Hands my soul is, whenever Satan sees you taking a path, he follows a path other than yours.” [4]

Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “Shaytaan (misguides) a person through (evil) desires, but Umar [may Allah be pleased with him] subdued his desires”. [5]

Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “While I was sleeping, I saw myself drinking (i.e. milk), and I was so content that I saw the milk flowing through my nails. Then I gave (the milk) to `Umar.” They (i.e. the companions of the Prophet) asked, “What do you interpret it?” He said, “Knowledge.” [6]

Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: This is a great virtue of Umar [may Allah be pleased with him] and that which Allah granted him of knowledge, and the proofs in this regard are clear. [7]

Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him and his father, said:  When (the dead body of) `Umar was placed on his deathbed, the people gathered around him and invoked (Allah) and prayed for him before the body was taken away, and I was amongst them. Suddenly I felt somebody taking hold of my shoulder and found out that he was `Ali bin Abi Talib. `Ali invoked Allah’s Mercy for `Umar and said, “O `Umar! You have not left behind you a person whose deeds I like to imitate and meet Allah with more than I like your deeds. By Allah! I always thought that Allah would keep you with your two companions, for very often I used to hear the Prophet saying, ‘I, Abu Bakr and `Umar went (somewhere); I, Abu Bakr and `Umar entered (somewhere); and I, Abu Bakr and `Umar went out.”‘ [8]

Imam Abdul Azeez bin Baaz [may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “May Allah be pleased with the companions. In this hadith is the fact that the noble and righteous people are afflicted with trials like the Prophets, and this is what happened to Umar [may Allah be pleased with him] – the best person in the Ummah after the Prophet and As-Siddeeq [i.e. Abu Bakr]. [9]

Abu Sa`eed Al-Khudri, may Allah be pleased with him, said: I heard Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings be upon him] saying, “While I was sleeping, the people were presented to me (in a dream). They were wearing shirts, some of which were merely covering their (chests). and some were a bit longer. `Umar was presented before me and his shirt was so long that he was dragging it.” They asked, “How have you interpreted it, O Allah’s Messenger?” He said, “Religion.” [10]

Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: This a great blessing for Umar [may Allah be pleased with him]. Allah bestowed knowledge and religion on him. [11]

Narrated Abu Musa, may Allāh be pleased with him: While I was with the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him, in one of the gardens of Madina, a man came and asked me to open the gate. The Prophet said to me, “Open the gate for him and give him the glad tidings that he will enter Paradise.” I opened (the gate) for him, and behold! It was Abu Bakr. I informed him of the glad tidings the Prophet had said, and he praised Allah. Then another man came and asked me to open the gate. The Prophet said to me “Open (the gate) and give him the glad tidings of entering Paradise.” I opened (the gate) for him, and behold! It was `Umar. I informed him of what the Prophet had said, and he praised Allah. Then another man came and asked me to open the gate. The Prophet said to me, “Open (the gate) for him and inform him of the glad tidings, of entering Paradise with a calamity which will befall him. ” Behold ! It was `Uthman, I informed him of what Allah’s Messenger  had said. He praised Allah and said, “I seek Allah’s Aid.” [12]

Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allah have mercy upon him] said after quoting this hadith: “Allahu Akbar! Allaahul Mus’ta’aan, Allaahul Musta’aan [Allah’s Aid is sought, Allah’s Aid is sought]. [13]

Narrated Al-Miswar bin Makhrama: When `Umar was stabbed, he showed signs of agony. Ibn `Abbas, as if intending to encourage `Umar, said to him, “O Chief of the believers! Never mind what has happened to you, for you have been in the company of Allah’s Messenger and you kept good relations with him and you parted with him while he was pleased with you. Then you were in the company of Abu Bakr and kept good relations with him and you parted with him (i.e. he died) while he was pleased with you. Then you were in the company of the Muslims, and you kept good relations with them, and if you leave them, you will leave them while they are pleased with you.” `Umar said, (to Ibn “Abbas), “As for what you have said about the company of Allah’s Messenger and his being pleased with me, it is a favour Allah did to me; and as for what you have said about the company of Abu Bakr and his being pleased with me, it is a favour Allah did to me; and concerning my impatience which you see, is because of you and your companions. By Allah! If (at all) I had gold equal to the earth, I would have ransomed myself with it from the Punishment of Allah before I met Him.” [14]

Regarding the statement of Umar: “As for what you have said about the company of Allah’s Messenger and his being pleased with me, it is a favour Allah did to me; and as for what you have said about the company of Abu Bakr and his being pleased with me, it is a favour Allah did to me; and concerning my impatience which you see, is because of you and your companions. By Allah! If (at all) I had gold equal to the earth, I would have ransomed myself with it from the Punishment of Allah before I meet Him”, 

Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: O Allah! Be pleased with him [i.e. Umar]. The one who has more knowledge about Allah will fear Him more. [15]

[a] An Excerpt from “Adwaa Min Fatawaa Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah” By Al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzan 2/568-569

[b] Sharh Hilyati Taalibal Ilm’ page 49. abridged & slightly paraphrased

[c] Sahih Abi Dawood 1678

[1] Bukhaari 1895

[2]https://binbaz.org.sa/audios/45/1–%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%AD%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%AB-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D9%85%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%89-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D9%85%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D9%83%D9%81%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D9%84%D9%85%D8%A7-%D8%A8%D9%8A%D9%86%D9%87%D9%85%D8%A7

[3] Al-Hululul Ibreeziyyah Min at-Ta’leeqaat al-Baaziyyah Alaa Saheeh Al-Bukhaari. Vol 2. Page 118

[4] Bukhaari 3294

[5] Minhaaj As-Sunnah 6/55

[6] Bukhaari 3681

[7] Al-Hulalul Ibreeziyyah Min at-Ta’leeqaat Al-Baaziyyah Alaa Saheeh al-Bukhaari. Vol 3. Page 146

[8] Bukhaari 3685

[9] Al-Hululul Ibreeziyyah Min at-Ta’leeqaat Al-Baariziyyah Alaa Saheeh Al-Bukhaari. Vol 3. page 151

[10] Bukhaari 3691

[11] Al-Hululul Ibreeziyyah Min at-Ta’leeqaat Al-Baariziyyah Alaa Saheeh Al-Bukhaari.Vol 3. Page 153

[12] Saheeh Al-Bukhaari 3693

[13] Al-Hululul Ibreeziyyah Min at-Ta’leeqaat Al-Baariziyyah Alaa Saheeh Al-Bukhaari.Vol 3. Pages 153-154

[14] Bukhaari 3692

[15] Al-Hululul Ibreeziyyah Min at-Ta’leeqaat Al-Baariziyyah Alaa Saheeh Al-Bukhaari.Vol 3. Page 153

The Impact of Worship In The Life of a Muslim

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Bid'ah (Innovation), Mental Health, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Repentance, Sahaabah, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors), Scholars of Islam, Shirk, Sin, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors.

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

Impact_of_Worship_In_The_Life_of_a_Muslim

Al-Allamah Abdul Muhsin Al-Abbad [may Allah preserve him] stated:

Al-Ibadah – worship – is a comprehensive term encompassing everything beloved and pleasing to Allah, both actions and statements, whether visible or hidden. This is the best (definition) of worship. Worship is a great matter because Allah created the creation, sent Messengers, and revealed the Books to instruct them to worship Him alone and prohibit them from worshipping others besides Him. Allah says:

وَمَا خَلَقۡتُ ٱلۡجِنَّ وَٱلۡإِنسَ إِلَّا لِيَعۡبُدُونِ

And I (Allah) created not the Jinns and humans except they should worship Me (Alone).

Allah created them to command them to worship Him alone and to forbid them from disobeying Him. Allah [Glorified be He] says:

وَلَقَدۡ بَعَثۡنَا فِى ڪُلِّ أُمَّةٍ۬ رَّسُولاً أَنِ ٱعۡبُدُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَٱجۡتَنِبُواْ ٱلطَّـٰغُوتَ‌ۖ

And verily, We have sent among every Ummah (community, nation) a Messenger (proclaiming): “Worship   Allah (Alone), and avoid (or keep away from) Taghut (all false deities, etc. i.e. do not worship Taghut besides Allah). [An-Nahl. 36]

Allah says:

وَمَآ أَرۡسَلۡنَا مِن قَبۡلِكَ مِن رَّسُولٍ إِلَّا نُوحِىٓ إِلَيۡهِ أَنَّهُ ۥ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّآ أَنَا۟ فَٱعۡبُدُونِ

And We did not send any Messenger before you (O Muhammad) but We inspired him (saying): La ilaha illa Ana (none has the right to be worshipped but I (Allah), so worship Me (Alone and none else)]. [Al-Anbiya. 25]

There are numerous types of acts of worship, including Al-Khawf (fear), Ar-Rajaa (hope), At-Tawakkul (trust and reliance), Ar-Raghbah (fervent desire), Ar-Rahbah (dread), Al-Inabah (turning repentantly to Allah), Al-Isti’anah (appealing for aid and assistance), Al-Istighatha (seeking deliverance and rescue), Adh-Dhabh (sacrificing), An-Nadr (vow), and other forms of worship. Among the acts of worship are the five pillars of Islam, which have all been mentioned in the renowned hadith of Jibreel when Jibreel inquired about Islam from the Prophet, who then responded: “It is to testify that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is Allah’s Messenger, and that you perform the prayer, pay the Zakah, fast during Ramadan, and perform Hajj (pilgrimage) to the House (i.e. the Ka’bah at Makkah) if you can find a way to it”. [Sahih Muslim. Kitab Al-Iman. Number 8]

It has also been transmitted in the hadith narrated by Abdullah Ibn Umar that the Messenger said: “Islam has been built on five (pillars): to testify that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is Allah’s Messenger, establish the prayer, pay the zakat (obligatory charity), perform the hajj (pilgrimage) to the House, and fasting in Ramadhan”. [Sahih al-Bukhari. Kitaab Al-Iman. Hadith 8] [Sahih Muslim Hadith 19]

Moreover, for an act of worship to be accepted, it is essential to meet two requirements. Firstly, the act of worship must be performed with utmost sincerity solely for the sake of Allah. Secondly, it must align with the Messenger’s Sunnah. It is crucial to worship Allah sincerely, without associating any partners with Him, and to adhere to the guidance brought by the Messenger. This is what the Shahadah (لا إله إلا الله محمدا رسول الله) demands. That is because (لا إله إلا الله) demands that acts of worship must be done sincerely for the sake of Allah alone; (محمدا رسول الله) demands that acts of worship be in accordance with what was revealed to the noble Messenger. Therefore, Allah should not be worshipped with bidah, newly invented matters in Religion, or evil acts; rather, worship must be based on the Sunnah of the noble Messenger. If either of these two conditions, or both, are not met, then the act of worship will be rejected by Allah. Allah says:

وَقَدِمۡنَآ إِلَىٰ مَا عَمِلُواْ مِنۡ عَمَلٍ۬ فَجَعَلۡنَـٰهُ هَبَآءً۬ مَّنثُورً

And We shall turn to whatever deeds they disbelievers, polytheists] did, and We shall make such deeds as scattered floating particles of dust. [Al-Furqan. 23]

The noble Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said:
مَنْ أَحْدَثَ فِي أَمْرِنَا هَذَا مَا لَيْسَ مِنْهُ فَهُوَ رَدٌ

He who innovates something in this matter of ours [i.e., Islam] that is not of it will have it rejected. [Sahih Al-Bukhaari. Number 2697] [Sahih Muslim. Number 1718]

In another wording of this hadith, the Prophet said:
مَنْ عَمِلَ عَمَلًا لَيْسَ عَلَيْهِ أَمْرُنَا فَهُوَ رَد

He who does an act (of worship) that we have not commanded (i.e. not commanded by the Prophet), will have it rejected.

He said:

فَإِنَّهُ مَنْ يَعِشْ مِنْكُمْ فَسَيَرَى اخْتِلَافًا كَثِيرًا، فَعَلَيْكُمْ بِسُنَّتِي وَسُنَّةِ الْخُلَفَاءِ الرَّاشِدِينَ الْمَهْدِيينَ، عَضُّوا عَلَيْهَا بِالنَّوَاجِذِ، وَإِيَّاكُمْ وَمُحْدَثَاتِ الْأُمُورِ؛ فَإِنَّ كُلَّ بِدْعَةٍ ضَلَالَةٌ

Verily he lives long among you will see a lot of differing, so you must keep to my Sunnah and to the Sunnah of the Khulafaa ar-Rashideen [the rightly guided caliphs]. Adhere to it with your molar teeth (i.e. adhere to it firmly). And beware of newly invented matters [in the religion], for every newly invented matter [in the religion] is a bidah [innovation in the religion], and every bidah is misguidance. [Abu Dawood. Number 4607] [Tirmidhee. Number 2676]

In the hadith about the seventy-three sects, (a) the Messenger explained that out of the seventy-three sects, seventy-two will go to hell and only one will be saved. The saved sect is the one that follows the path of the Messenger and his noble companions. Imaam Malik said: “The latter part of this Ummah will not be rectified except by way of that which rectified its earlier part”. He said: “Whoever initiates a bidah in Islam and considers it to be something good, indeed he has claimed that Muhammad betrayed the Risaalah (i.e. the message he was entrusted with). That is because Allah says: ٱلۡيَوۡمَ أَكۡمَلۡتُ لَكُمۡ دِينَكُمۡ – This day, I have perfected your religion for you]. Therefore, what was not part of the religion at that time cannot be part of the religion today”. [Al-Itisaam of Imaam Shaatibee 1/28]

It is insufficient for someone to say, “I will perform this act of worship even though the Prophet did not do it because my intention is pure and good.” The proof against this statement is when the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] learned that one of his noble companions had slaughtered the Eid sacrifice before the Eid prayer, he told him, “Your slaughtered sheep is just mutton, not a specific act of sacrifice on the day of Eid.” This means that it is not considered an Eid sacrifice because it was not done in accordance with my Sunnah. Therefore, what is in accordance with the Sunnah is that the Eid sacrifice is done after the Eid prayer. Sacrificing before the prayer is outside the specified time and will not be recognised as an Eid sacrifice. Al-Hafidh said in Fat-hul Baaree (10/17): Shaikh Abu Muhammad Bin Abu Hamzah stated: “This narration affirms that even if an act of worship is performed with a sincere intention, it will not be deemed righteous unless it aligns with the prescribed divine revelation”.

What will provide further insight into this matter is when Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud arrived at a gathering in the Masjid, where each individual had a collection of stones/pebbles. Amongst them, there was a man who was saying: “Say Subhaanallaah a hundred times; say Laa-ilaaha Il-lal laah a hundred times; say Allaahu Akbar a hundred times”. So they repeated.  Then Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud approached them and said: “What is this that you are doing?” They said: “O Abu Abdurrahman! These are pebbles to count the number of times we say Allahu Akbar, Laa ilaaha Illal laah and Subhaanallaah”. He said: “Count your sins and I assure you that you are not going to lose anything of your good deeds. O Ummah of Muhammad! How quick is your destruction! These are the companions of your Prophet present in great numbers; these are his clothes not worn out yet, and his pots are not broken yet. I swear by the One (i.e. Allah) in Whose Hands my soul is, either you are following a religion that is better than the Religion of Muhammad or you are opening a door of misguidance”. They said: “O Abu Abdurrahman! We swear by Allah that we intend nothing other than good”. He said: “How many people want good but never reach it!” [Sunan Ad-Daarimee 1/68-69. Also recorded by Imam Al-Albani in As-Silsilah As-Saheehah. Number 2005]

Regarding the positive results of worship, they include a relaxed heart, a peaceful state of mind, an increase in one’s provision, a state of overall well-being, serenity, and tranquillity. The Qur’an contains numerous verses and the Sunnah includes several narrations that emphasise these positive outcomes, and that fear of Allah and righteous deeds lead to happiness in both this life and the hereafter. Allah (The Mighty and Majestic) states:

وَلَوۡ أَنَّ أَهۡلَ ٱلۡقُرَىٰٓ ءَامَنُواْ وَٱتَّقَوۡاْ لَفَتَحۡنَا عَلَيۡہِم بَرَكَـٰتٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ

And if the people of the towns had believed and had the Taqwa (piety), certainly, We should have opened for them blessings from the heaven and the earth. [Al-A’raf. 96]

The noble verse highlights the connection between worship and the positive outcomes in a Muslim’s life. Those who fear Allah and have faith in Him will be rewarded and provided for by Allah in this world. Blessings from the heavens and the earth, such as rain, vegetation, and treasures, will be bestowed upon them. Allah (The Mighty and Majestic) states about the people of the Scripture:

وَلَوۡ أَنَّہُمۡ أَقَامُواْ ٱلتَّوۡرَٮٰةَ وَٱلۡإِنجِيلَ وَمَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيۡہِم مِّن رَّبِّہِمۡ لَأَڪَلُواْ مِن فَوۡقِهِمۡ وَمِن تَحۡتِ أَرۡجُلِهِم‌ۚ

And if only they had acted according to the Taurat (Torah), the Injeel (Gospel), and what has (now) been sent down to them from their Lord (the Qur’an), they would surely have gotten provision from above them, and from underneath their feet. [Al-Ma’idah 66]

The content of these two verses regarding the inhabitants of the towns and the followers of the scripture pertains to the worldly reward for those who have faith in Allah and are mindful of Him. As for the reward in the Hereafter for the believers and the God-fearing, Allah says:

وَلَوۡ أَنَّ أَهۡلَ ٱلۡڪِتَـٰبِ ءَامَنُواْ وَٱتَّقَوۡاْ لَڪَفَّرۡنَا عَنۡہُمۡ سَيِّـَٔاتِہِمۡ وَلَأَدۡخَلۡنَـٰهُمۡ جَنَّـٰتِ ٱلنَّعِيمِ

And if only the people of the Scripture had believed (in Muhammad) and warded off evil (sin, ascribing partners to Allah) and had become Al-Muttaqun (pious), We would indeed have blotted out their sins and admitted them to Gardens of pleasure (in Paradise). [Al-Ma’idah 65]

Allah [The Mighty and Majestic] says:
يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ ٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَقُولُواْ قَوۡلاً۬ سَدِيدً۬ا

O you who believe! Keep your duty to Allah and fear Him, and speak (always) the truth).

This verse signifies an act of devotion, and Allah subsequently highlights its positive outcomes, stating:

يُصۡلِحۡ لَكُمۡ أَعۡمَـٰلَكُمۡ وَيَغۡفِرۡ لَكُمۡ ذُنُوبَكُمۡۗ وَمَن يُطِعِ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ ۥ فَقَدۡ فَازَ فَوۡزًا عَظِيمًا

“He will direct you to do righteous good deeds and will forgive you your sins. And whosoever obeys Allah and His Messenger) he has indeed achieved a great achievement”.

Indeed, being guided towards righteous and correct actions and having one’s sins forgiven in the afterlife are positive results of worship. This noble verse highlights the positive outcomes of acts of worship in both this worldly life and the afterlife. In this life, Allah will guide individuals towards righteousness and goodness, enabling them to make sound decisions and follow the path of Allah with clarity. In the afterlife, Allah will grant forgiveness for sins and erase all evil deeds. Allah (The Mighty and Majestic) also says:

وَمَن يَتَّقِ ٱللَّهَ يَجۡعَل لَّهُ ۥ مَخۡرَجً۬ا
وَيَرۡزُقۡهُ مِنۡ حَيۡثُ لَا يَحۡتَسِبُ‌ۚ

“And whosoever fears Allah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty). And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine”.

This noble verse affirms that fear of Allah and worshipping Him alone, along with adhering to His commandments and abstaining from what He has prohibited, will rescue an individual from challenging and arduous circumstances. Furthermore, Allah bestows sustenance upon those who obey and revere Him from unexpected sources beyond their imagination. Allah says:

وَمَن يَتَّقِ ٱللَّهَ يَجۡعَل لَّهُ ۥ مِنۡ أَمۡرِهِۦ يُسۡرً۬ا

“And whosoever fears Allah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make his matter easy for him”.

Indeed, as a result of fearing Allah, one can experience the ease of their affairs. Allah will simplify their journey toward righteousness and unveil paths that bring joy and contentment in both this world and the hereafter. Allah says:

وَمَن يَتَّقِ ٱللَّهَ يُكَفِّرۡ عَنۡهُ سَيِّـَٔاتِهِۦ وَيُعۡظِمۡ لَهُ ۥۤ أَجۡرًا

“And whosoever fears Allah and keeps his duty to Him, He will remit his sins from him, and will enlarge his reward”. This pertains to the rewards in the afterlife that are attained through one’s fear of Allah.

Allah (The Mighty and Majestic) says:
يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ إِن تَتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ يَجۡعَل لَّكُمۡ فُرۡقَانً۬ا وَيُكَفِّرۡ عَنڪُمۡ سَيِّـَٔاتِكُمۡ وَيَغۡفِرۡ لَكُمۡ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ ذُو ٱلۡفَضۡلِ ٱلۡعَظِيمِ

“O you who believe! If you obey and fear Allah, He will grant you Furqan a criterion [(to judge between right and wrong), or (Makhraj, i.e. making a way for you to get out from every difficulty)], and will expiate for you your sins, and forgive you, and Allah is the Owner of the Great Bounty”.

The verse shows that those who fear Allah and obey Him and His Messenger will be given the ability to differentiate between right and wrong. They will follow Allah’s path with clarity and guidance in this life. In the next life, Allah will erase their sins and forgive them.

Also, in the latter portion of the verse addressing the proper conduct when it comes to loans and debts, Allah (The Most High) says: [وَٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ‌ۖ وَيُعَلِّمُڪُمُ ٱللَّهُ‌ۗ-So be afraid of Allah, and Allah teaches you].

Allah states in the story of Nuh [peace be upon him] and his people:

فَقُلۡتُ ٱسۡتَغۡفِرُواْ رَبَّكُمۡ إِنَّهُ ۥ كَانَ غَفَّارً۬ا
يُرۡسِلِ ٱلسَّمَآءَ عَلَيۡكُم مِّدۡرَارً۬ا
وَيُمۡدِدۡكُم بِأَمۡوَٲلٍ۬ وَبَنِينَ وَيَجۡعَل لَّكُمۡ جَنَّـٰتٍ۬ وَيَجۡعَل لَّكُمۡ أَنۡہَـٰرً۬ا

“I (Nooh) said (to them): Ask forgiveness from your Lord; Verily, He is Oft-Forgiving; He will send rain to you in abundance; And give you increase in wealth and children, and bestow on you gardens and bestow on you rivers”.
The mentioned matters in the previous verses are positive results of worship. The worship mentioned here is seeking forgiveness, and its positive result is that Allah will bless them with abundant rain, increase their wealth and children, and grant them gardens and rivers.

Furthermore, akin to the aforementioned verse, Allah also referred to Hud [peace be upon him] and his nation:

وَيَـٰقَوۡمِ ٱسۡتَغۡفِرُواْ رَبَّكُمۡ ثُمَّ تُوبُوٓاْ إِلَيۡهِ يُرۡسِلِ ٱلسَّمَآءَ عَلَيۡڪُم مِّدۡرَارً۬ا وَيَزِدۡڪُمۡ قُوَّةً إِلَىٰ قُوَّتِكُمۡ

“And O my people! Ask forgiveness of your Lord and then repent to Him, He will send you (from the sky) abundant rain, and add strength to your strength”.

Likewise, Allah mentions about His Prophet Muhammad and the people:

وَأَنِ ٱسۡتَغۡفِرُواْ رَبَّكُمۡ ثُمَّ تُوبُوٓاْ إِلَيۡهِ يُمَتِّعۡكُم مَّتَـٰعًا حَسَنًا إِلَىٰٓ أَجَلٍ۬ مُّسَمًّ۬ى وَيُؤۡتِ كُلَّ ذِى فَضۡلٍ۬ فَضۡلَهُ ۥ‌ۖ

“Seek the forgiveness of your Lord, and turn to Him in repentance, that He may grant you good enjoyment, for a term appointed, and bestow His abounding Grace to every owner of grace (i.e. the one who helps and serves needy and deserving, physically and with his wealth, and even with good words)”.

Allah (The Most High) says:

مَنۡ عَمِلَ صَـٰلِحً۬ا مِّن ذَڪَرٍ أَوۡ أُنثَىٰ وَهُوَ مُؤۡمِنٌ۬ فَلَنُحۡيِيَنَّهُ ۥ حَيَوٰةً۬ طَيِّبَةً۬‌ۖ وَلَنَجۡزِيَنَّهُمۡ أَجۡرَهُم بِأَحۡسَنِ مَا ڪَانُواْ يَعۡمَلُونَ

“Whoever works righteousness, whether male or female, while he (or she) is a true believer (of Islamic Monotheism) verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment, and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do (i.e. Paradise in the Hereafter)”.

This noble verse affirms that faith and good deeds result in a good and happy life- a life filled with fear of Allah, obedience to Him and His Messenger, and a great reward in the Hereafter.

As for the narrations in the Sunnah regarding the positive results of the acts of worship in a Muslim’s life, there exists a valuable piece of advice from the noble Prophet to Ibn Abbas: “Be mindful of Allah and He will protect you. Be mindful of Allah and you will find Him before you”. This hadeeth was reported by Imam Tirmidhee (number 2516) and he graded it Hasan Sahih. In another wording of this hadeeth reported by Imam Ahmad (Number 2803), the Prophet said to Ibn Abbas: “Be Mindful of Allah, and you will find Him in front of you. Acknowledge Allah in times of ease and prosperity, and He will acknowledge you in times of hardship”.

Ibn Rajab provided precious commentary on this hadith in Jami Al-Uloom Wal Hikam. He explained that Allah’s protection for His servant manifests in two ways: safeguarding the individual’s body, wealth, children, and family, as well as protecting his religion by shielding him from doubts that may lead to misguidance and unlawful desires. As a result, the person can maintain righteousness and steadfastness in both his religious and worldly matters. This divine protection is granted to those who are conscious of Allah, those who adhere to His commandments and refrain from what He has prohibited. Allah rewards such individuals based on their mindfulness of Him, and recompense is given in accordance with one’s deeds. The Prophet’s statement “He (Allah) will protect you” serves as a reward for the positive outcomes that stem from righteous actions, with the reward being commensurate with one’s actions. As for the statement of the Prophet “Be mindful of Allah and you will find Him before you”, this means that you will find Allah in front of you- Allah will guard and protect you, and He will protect you from every evil. The statement of the Prophet “Acknowledge Allah in times of ease and prosperity, and He will acknowledge you in times of hardship” means that if you remain in obedience to Allah and His Messenger in times of ease and well-being, Allah will reward you by protecting you during times of severe hardship and critical situations. What will shed more light on this is the tale of three individuals who were strolling when the rain started to pour, forcing them to seek shelter in a mountain cave. A large rock blocked the entrance, trapping them inside as if they were in a grave while alive. They then recalled and reminded each other of the righteous deeds they had done for the sake of Allah during times of ease, using them as a means of seeking intercession. One mentioned his kindness towards his parents, another his abstention from fornication for the sake of Allah, and the third his fulfilment of a worker’s rights even after the worker had left without collecting his wages. By invoking Allah with these righteous actions, the rock miraculously moved, allowing them to escape from the cave. [1]

Also, prayer, zakat, fasting, and hajj are acts of worship and each of them brings positive outcomes in the life of a Muslim. Prayer is a fundamental pillar of the Religion and serves as a deterrent against immoral and wicked actions. It establishes a strong connection between a person and Allah, and by strictly observing the five daily prayers in congregation with fellow Muslims, one can strengthen their bond with Allah, remaining constantly attached to Him day and night. By performing the obligatory five daily prayers for the sake of Allah, as well as the voluntary prayers, a person will be rewarded by Allah for their devotion. Moreover, prayer helps to distance oneself from immoral and wicked deeds. Whenever the urge to disobey Allah and engage in evil actions arises, the individual is reminded of the purpose behind performing prayer and the importance of being consistent in its practice. This motivation stems from the desire to receive rewards from Allah and the fear of His punishment. Ultimately, prayer acts as a shield against immoral and wicked acts, thus one is distanced from evil. Allah (The Mighty and Majestic) says:

إِنَّ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ تَنۡهَىٰ عَنِ ٱلۡفَحۡشَآءِ وَٱلۡمُنكَرِ‌ۗ

“Verily, As-Salat (the prayer) prevents from Al-Fahsha’ (i.e. great sins of every kind, unlawful sexual intercourse, etc.) and Al-Munkar (i.e. disbelief, polytheism, and every kind of evil wicked deed, etc.)” [al-Ankabut 45]

Also, the positive impacts of Zakat are truly immense. It serves as a means of cleansing the soul from stinginess and avarice. It acts as a way to purify one’s wealth, allowing it to flourish and multiply. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in achieving the goal of what is known as ‘Social Security’ in today’s society. When the wealthy give Zakat to the poor and needy, their needs are met and they also receive nourishment. This obligation of Zakat Payment, obligated by Allah, is taken from the wealth of the wealthy. It has been transmitted in a hadith reported by Mu’adh Ibn Jabal that the Prophet stated: “And if they offer their Salah (five daily prayers), tell them that Allah has enjoined on them Zakat of their properties and it is to be taken from the rich among them and given to the poor among them”. (2)

Zakat payment brings significant benefits to the wealthy as it cleanses their souls, increases their wealth, and earns them rewards from Allah for helping their less fortunate Muslim brothers and sisters in need. Through this act of charity, the needy have their needs met and their poverty alleviated. Allah has commanded that Zakat should be collected from the wealth of wealthy individuals in a way that will assist the impoverished and the needy while ensuring that the wealthy are not adversely affected. Zakat is a small sum obtained from ample wealth, which Allah has bestowed upon people. Allah has mandated the contribution of this small portion, which does not burden the wealthy when they give it, but rather aids the poor and needy – those who lack resources and possess no wealth.

One of the positive results of showing charity and kindness to the poor and needy is exemplified in a narration by Abu Hurairah, where the Prophet stated: While a person was in the wilderness he heard a voice from the cloud (commanding it thus): Irrigate the garden of so and so. (After that the clouds slunk aside and poured water on a stony ground. It filled a channel amongst the channels of that land and that person followed that water and he found a person standing in the garden busy in changing the course of water with the help of a hatchet. He said to him: Servant of Allah, what is your name? he said: So and so. And it was that very name which he had heard from the clouds. And he said to him: Servant of Allah, why do you ask me my name? He said: I heard a voice from the clouds of which It is the downpour, saying: Water the garden of so and so, (with a mention) of your name. What do you do (for the favour) shown to you by Allah in this matter? He said: Now as you state so; I look what yield I get from it, then I give one-third as charity out of it and I and my family eat one-third of it and one-third I return to it as investment.’’ And in another narration of this same hadeeth, he said: I earmark one-third for the poor, the needy, and the wayfarer. (3)

As for fasting, it has tremendous benefits as it serves as a form of protection. The Prophet said, “Fasting is a shield.” (4)  It serves as a shield against the hellfire in the hereafter and shields against disobedience. Fasting diminishes a person’s desires, thus curbing their impulsive actions and serving as a safeguard against engaging in harmful and forbidden deeds driven by indulgence. Indulging excessively can lead the soul towards unfavorable outcomes both in this life and the hereafter. Because of this, the Prophet said: “Paradise is surrounded by hardships and the hellfire is surrounded by all kinds of desires and passions”. (4)

The journey to paradise necessitates the practice of patience in refraining from disobedience, while the path to hellfire is encompassed by all forbidden desires. By distancing oneself from these forbidden desires, safety is ensured. However, engaging in such desires leads to falling into what Allah has prohibited. Although this forbidden pleasure may provide temporary satisfaction, its consequences bring sorrow, remorse, and humiliation in both this life and the hereafter. It has been reported in a hadith on the authority of Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud that the prophet stated: “O young people! Whoever among you can marry, should marry, and whoever is not able to marry, is recommended to observe Sawm (fast) as fasting will diminish his sexual power”. (6)

Henceforth, the Prophet explicitly stated that if an individual is capable of entering into marriage, they should promptly pursue it to maintain their chastity and enable another person (i.e. the wife) to do the same. However, if one is unable to get married, one should dedicate oneself to the Prophetic solution advised by the noble Messenger, which is fasting. This practice serves as a shield and safeguard against succumbing to acts of disobedience. To summarise, this is valuable guidance bestowed by the noble Messenger to the younger generation, emphasising that they should marry if possible, and if not, they should control their desires through fasting. Regarding the fasting of wealthy individuals, it serves as a reminder of hunger pangs. Consequently, they contemplate the blessings bestowed upon them by Allah, as they have Muslim brethren who experience hunger pangs even without fasting. This realisation stems from their inability to alleviate extreme hunger. As a result, this introspection motivates them to exhibit kindness towards the impoverished and contribute to the support of the destitute and needy.

Regarding the hajj, it is a great act of worship. Allah has obligated it to His servants at least once in their lifetime. Hajj encompasses various acts of worship that involve both financial contributions and physical actions. It has praiseworthy outcomes in an individual’s life. The noble Prophet stated: “(The performance of) Umrah is expiation for the sins committed between it and the previous one. And the reward of Al-Hajj Al-Mabroor (the one accepted by Allaah) is nothing but Paradise”. (7) Abu Hurairah said that Allah’s Messenger was asked about the best of deeds, so he replied, “To believe in Allah and His Messenger”. The questioner then asked, “What is the next (in goodness)?” He replied, “To participate in Jihaad”. The questioner again asked, “What is the next (in goodness)?” He replied, “To perform Hajj Mabroor (which is accepted by Allaah…)”. (8) Abu Hurairah also narrated that Allah’s Messenger said: “Whoever performs Hajj for Allah’s sake only and does not have sexual relations with his wife and does not do evil or sins; then he will return (after hajj, free from sins) as if he was born anew”. (9)

A ‘Hajj Mabroor’ is a pilgrimage that is performed in accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet, and a clear indication of a ‘Hajj Mabroor’ is the positive transformation that occurs within the individual after completing the pilgrimage. If a person’s negative circumstances improve or if their already good state becomes even better, then it is evident that their Hajj is Mabroor (InShaallah).

Hajj and Umrah encompass various acts of worship, one of which is Tawaaf. This particular act of worship is exclusive to its designated location, namely around the Kabah. Tawaaf is a form of worship that has been specifically ordained by Allah to be performed around the Baitul Ateeq (the Ancient House) within the Haram. Upon reaching Makkah, individuals engage in Tawaaf around the Baitul Ateeq as a means to draw closer to Allah (The Mighty and Majestic). This act of worship, Tawaaf, holds a unique significance that can only be fulfilled within the confines of Makkah. It is important to note that Tawaaf is exclusively performed around the Noble Kabah and cannot be carried out in any other location on Earth. This serves as a reminder and raises awareness that performing Tawaaf in any other place or around any tomb is not sanctioned by Allah (The Mighty and Majestic). Hence, it is impermissible to engage in Tawaaf around any tomb or any other location on Earth apart from the Noble Kabah. Furthermore, the same principle applies to kissing and gesturing towards the Black Stone and the Yemeni Corner. It is important to note that Allah (The Mighty and Majestic) has not prescribed for Muslims to seek closeness to Him by kissing any other stone or gesturing towards it, except in these two specific locations. This is exemplified by the actions of Umar Ibnul Khattaab who approached the Black Stone, kissed it, and then said: “No doubt, I know that you are a stone and can neither harm (anyone) nor benefit anyone. Had I not seen Allaah’s Messenger kissing you, I would not have kissed you”. (10)

Another benefit of Hajj and Umrah is the act of changing into Ihram attire, a simple garment worn by all pilgrims regardless of their social status. This act serves as a reminder of the white shroud that will eventually cover the deceased, prompting the pilgrim to focus on performing good deeds and preparing for the afterlife which is the most valuable provision for the hereafter, as Allah says:

وَتَزَوَّدُواْ فَإِنَّ خَيۡرَ ٱلزَّادِ ٱلتَّقۡوَىٰ‌ۚ

“And take a provision (with you) for the journey, but the best provision is At-Taqwa (piety, righteousness, etc.)”.

Another positive result of Hajj is the congregation of pilgrims at Arafah, symbolising the gathering of people on the Day of Judgement. Therefore, standing at Arafah serves as an inspiration for individuals to ready themselves for the Day of Judgement through the practice of virtuous actions. Furthermore, during the Hajj, Muslims from both the Eastern and Western regions of the world have the opportunity to come together and cooperate. They get to gain insight into each other’s circumstances, fostering a bond of shared happiness and joy. Similarly, they empathise with each other’s hardships, offering guidance and assistance in fulfilling their religious obligations. In this way, they collaborate in promoting righteousness and piety, as commanded by Allah. These significant acts of worship prescribed by Allah (The Mighty and Majestic), upon which His Religion of Islamic Monotheism is established, yield positive results for a Muslim in both this life and the Hereafter. [An Excerpt from  أثر العبادات في حياة المسلم pages 4-31]

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[a] All The Sects In The Fire Except One – [A Precise Clarification By Imaam Abdul Azeez In Baaz] – salafidawahmanchester.com/
https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2021/03/06/all-the-sects-in-the-fire-except-one-a-precise-clarification-by-imaam-abdul-azeez-in-baaz/

[1]: Narrated Ibn ‘Umar: The Prophet said, “While three persons were walking, rain began to fall and they had to enter a cave in a mountain. A big rock rolled over and blocked the mouth of the cave. They said to each other, ‘Invoke Allah with the best deed you have performed (so Allah might remove the rock)’. One of them said, ‘O Allah! My parents were old and I used to go out to graze (my animals). On my return, I would milk (the animals) and take the milk in a vessel for my parents to drink. After they had drunk from it, I would give it to my children, family, and wife. One day I was delayed and on my return I found my parents sleeping, and I disliked waking them up. The children were crying at my feet (because of hunger). That state of affairs continued till it was dawn. O Allah! If You regard that I did it for Your sake, then remove this rock so that we may see the sky.’ So, the rock was moved a bit. The second said, ‘O Allah! You know that I was in love with a cousin of mine, like the deepest love a man may have for a woman, and she told me that I would not get my desire fulfilled unless I paid her one hundred Dinars (gold pieces). So, I struggled for it till I gathered the desired amount, and when I sat in between her legs, she told me to be afraid of Allah and asked me not to deflower her except rightfully (by marriage). So, I got up and left her. O Allah! If You regard that I did it for Your sake, kindly remove this rock.’ So, two-thirds of the rock was removed. Then the third man said, ‘O Allah! No doubt You know that once I employed a worker for one Faraq (three Sa’s) of millet, and when I wanted to pay him, he refused to take it, so I sowed it, and from its yield I bought cows and a shepherd. After a time that man came and demanded his money. I said to him: Go to those cows and the shepherd and take them for they are for you. He asked me whether I was joking with him. I told him that I was not joking with him, and all that belonged to him. O Allah! If You regard that I did it sincerely for Your sake, then please remove the rock.’ So, the rock was removed completely from the mouth of the cave.” [See Saheeh Bukhaari. (Number: 2215)] and Saheeh Muslim (Number 2743)]

[2] Narrated Ibn Abbas: When the Prophet sent Mu’aadh to Yemen, he said to him, ‘’You are going to a nation from the people of the Scripture, so let the first thing to which you will invite them is they should testify to the Tawheed of Allah [i.e. Laa ilaaha Il-lal lah (None has the right to be worshipped except Allah)]. If they accept that, tell them that Allah has enjoined on them, five obligatory congregational Salah (prayers) to be offered in one day and one night. And if they offer their Salaat (five daily prayers), tell them that Allah has enjoined on them Zakat of their properties and it is to be taken from the rich among them and given to the poor among them. And if they agree to that, then take from them Zakat, but avoid the best property of the people”. [Sahih al-Bukhari (The Book of Tawheed). Hadeeth Number: 7372]

[3] [Sahih Muslim: Kitaab Az-Zudh War-Riqaaq. Hadeeth Number 2984. Chapter: Charity to the Masaakeen]

[4] Bukhaari No1894 and Muslim No: 1151.

[5]Muslim No: 2822 and Bukhaari No: 6487]

[6] Bukhaari No: 5065

[7] Bukhaari. Number 1773 and Muslim. Number 1349

[8]Bukhaari Number: 26 and Muslim Number 83

[9]Bukhaari Number: 1521 and Muslim 1350

[10] Bukhaari. 1597 and Muslim 1270