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Month: January 2025

Interactions Comparable to Nourishment, Medication, Ailments, and Ingesting Poison

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Basics, Bid'ah (Innovation), Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Featured, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Sin.

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

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

The first group is those whose companionship is akin to nourishment, essential for both morning and evening. One leaves it once their needs are fulfilled, and returns to it when in need. These people are those who know Allah, His commandments, the plots employed by His enemies, the diseases of the hearts, and the remedies to heal them. They are sincere to Allah, His Messenger, and His creation, and their company brings forth comprehensive benefits.

The second group is those whose companionship can be compared to vital medication needed during periods of illness. Thus, you do not need to intermingle with them as long as you are healthy. These are people one cannot do without when it comes to beneficial aspects of life, such as sustaining a livelihood, fulfilling various dealings, engaging in partnerships, seeking consultation, receiving medical aid, and so forth.

The third group is those whose companionship resembles various diseases, each with its level of severity and mildness. Within this group, there is one whose companionship is akin to a chronic illness. This particular person does not bring any benefit to your religious or worldly matters, and in fact, associating with them may result in a loss in either or both aspects of your life. Therefore, if you engage with this person, it would be like a disease that could ultimately lead to your demise. Among them, there is one whose companionship is comparable to a toothache whose pain intensifies, but abates once the toothache disappears.

The fourth group is those whose companionship is utterly destructive, and associating with them is akin to consuming poison. Common indeed is this among the people! May Allah not increase their numbers, and they are the advocates of misguidance and innovation in religious matters. They obstruct others from following the path of the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and instead call to that which is in opposition to it. They divert people from the path of Allah and strive to distort it, presenting innovation in religious matters as if they were part of the Sunnah, and misrepresenting virtues as vices and vices as virtues. Whenever you establish pure Islamic monotheism among them, they say, “You have degraded the Awliyaa [friends of Allah]”. [Footnote a] And when you adhere strictly to the path of the Messenger, they say, “You have invalidated the adherence to the path of the Imams”. [Footnote b] Furthermore, when you enjoin what Allah and His Messenger have commanded and forbid what they have forbidden, they say, “You are subjecting people to trials”. [Footnote c] [1]

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Footnote a:

Al-Allamah Muqbil Bin Hadi Al-Wadi’i, may Allah have mercy upon him,stated: Allah, Glorified and Exalted be He, said:

وَعَجِبُوٓاْ أَن جَآءَهُم مُّنذِرٌ۬ مِّنۡہُمۡ‌ۖ وَقَالَ ٱلۡكَـٰفِرُونَ هَـٰذَا سَـٰحِرٌ۬ كَذَّابٌ
أَجَعَلَ ٱلۡأَلِهَةَ إِلَـٰهً۬ا وَٲحِدًا‌ۖ إِنَّ هَـٰذَا لَشَىۡءٌ عُجَابٌ۬
وَٱنطَلَقَ ٱلۡمَلَأُ مِنۡہُمۡ أَنِ ٱمۡشُواْ وَٱصۡبِرُواْ عَلَىٰٓ ءَالِهَتِكُمۡ‌ۖ إِنَّ هَـٰذَا لَشَىۡءٌ۬ يُرَادُ
مَا سَمِعۡنَا بِہَـٰذَا فِى ٱلۡمِلَّةِ ٱلۡأَخِرَةِ إِنۡ هَـٰذَآ إِلَّا ٱخۡتِلَـٰقٌ
أَءُنزِلَ عَلَيۡهِ ٱلذِّكۡرُ مِنۢ بَيۡنِنَا‌ۚ بَلۡ هُمۡ فِى شَكٍّ۬ مِّن ذِكۡرِى‌ۖ بَل لَّمَّا يَذُوقُواْ عَذَابِ

And they wonder that a warner (Prophet Muhammad) has come to them from among themselves! And the disbelievers say, “This (Prophet Muhammad) is a sorcerer, a liar. Has he made the aaliha (gods) (all) into One Ilaah (God – Allah). Verily, this is a curious thing!” And the leaders among them went about (saying), “Go on and remain constant to your aaliha (gods)! Verily, this is a thing designed (against you)! We have not heard (the like) of this among the people of these later days. This is nothing but an invention! Has the Reminder been sent down to him (alone) from among us?” Nay! But they are in doubt about My Reminder (this Qur’an)! Nay, but they have not tasted (My) Torment! [Surah Sa’d. 4-8]

So, you say to the Raafidah, “Indeed, it is shirk to invoke other than Allah with regards to seeking benefit and protection from harm in a matter which none can (fulfil) besides Allah. It is not permissible to invoke Ali Ibn Abee Taalib [may Allah be pleased with him] or other than him amongst the dead [may Allah have mercy upon them] because Allah [The Mighty and Majestic] said:

وَٱلَّذِينَ تَدۡعُونَ مِن دُونِهِۦ مَا يَمۡلِكُونَ مِن قِطۡمِيرٍ
إِن تَدۡعُوهُمۡ لَا يَسۡمَعُواْ دُعَآءَكُمۡ وَلَوۡ سَمِعُواْ مَا ٱسۡتَجَابُواْ لَكُمۡۖ وَيَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ يَكۡفُرُونَ بِشِرۡڪِكُمۡۚ وَلَا يُنَبِّئُكَ مِثۡلُ خَبِيرٍ۬

And those, whom you invoke or call upon instead of Him, own not even a Qitmeer (the thin membrane over the date stone). If you invoke (or call upon) them, they hear not your call, and if (in case) they were to hear, they could not grant it (your request) to you. And on the Day of Resurrection, they will disown your worshipping them. And none can inform you (O Muhammad) like Him Who is the All-Knower (of each and everything). O mankind! it is you who stand in need of Allah, but Allah is Rich (Free of all wants and needs), Worthy of all praise. [Surah Fatir. 13-14]

And Allah said:
وَمَنۡ أَضَلُّ مِمَّن يَدۡعُواْ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ مَن لَّا يَسۡتَجِيبُ لَهُ ۥۤ إِلَىٰ يَوۡمِ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ وَهُمۡ عَن دُعَآٮِٕهِمۡ غَـٰفِلُونَ
وَإِذَا حُشِرَ ٱلنَّاسُ كَانُواْ لَهُمۡ أَعۡدَآءً۬ وَكَانُواْ بِعِبَادَتِہِمۡ كَـٰفِرِينَ

And who is more astray than one who calls (invokes) besides Allah, such as will not answer him till the Day of Resurrection, and who are (even) unaware of their calls (invocations) to them? And when mankind are gathered (on the Day of Resurrection), they (false deities) will become enemies for them and will deny their worshipping.’ [Surah Al-Ahqaf. 5-6]

And Allah said:
وَمَن يَدۡعُ مَعَ ٱللَّهِ إِلَـٰهًا ءَاخَرَ لَا بُرۡهَـٰنَ لَهُ ۥ بِهِۦ فَإِنَّمَا حِسَابُهُ ۥ عِندَ رَبِّهِۦۤ‌ۚ إِنَّهُ ۥ لَا يُفۡلِحُ ٱلۡكَـٰفِرُونَ

And whoever invokes (or worships), besides Allah, any other ilaah (god), of whom he has no proof, then his reckoning is only with his Lord. Surely! Al-Kaafiroon (the disbelievers in Allah and in the Oneness of Allah, polytheists, pagans, idolaters, etc.) will not be successful.’ [Surah Al-Muminoon. 117]

And if you say, “Indeed others have joined them (i.e. the Mushrikoon) in this (affair”, so I say, “Whoever joins them in this (affair of shirk) is similar to them”. Read https://www.manhaj.com/manhaj/articles/xyjjc-takfir-and-the-excuse-of-ignorance-shaykh-saalih-al-fawzaan-5—on-those-who-worship-the-righteous.cfm

Allah said:
وَلَا تَدۡعُ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ مَا لَا يَنفَعُكَ وَلَا يَضُرُّكَ‌ۖ فَإِن فَعَلۡتَ فَإِنَّكَ إِذً۬ا مِّنَ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ
وَإِن يَمۡسَسۡكَ ٱللَّهُ بِضُرٍّ۬ فَلَا ڪَاشِفَ لَهُ ۥۤ إِلَّا هُوَ‌ۖ وَإِن يُرِدۡكَ بِخَيۡرٍ۬ فَلَا رَآدَّ لِفَضۡلِهِۦ‌ۚ يُصِيبُ بِهِۦ مَن يَشَآءُ مِنۡ عِبَادِهِۦ‌ۚ وَهُوَ ٱلۡغَفُورُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ

And invoke not besides Allah, any that will neither profit you, nor hurt you, but if (in case) you did so, you shall certainly be one of the Zaalimoon (polytheists and wrongdoers). And if Allah touches you with hurt, there is none who can remove it but He; and if He intends any good for you, there is none who can repel His Favour which He causes it to reach whomsoever of His slaves He will. And He is the Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.’ [Surah Yunus. 106-107]

When you convey these verses and what is similar to them to the (Rawaafid), and then say to them, “Indeed, is it permissible to call upon the dead and seek deliverance and rescue from them?” They (say), “You are a Wahhaabi. You hate the family of the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him]”. This is the same regarding the extreme Soofees when you say, “Indeed, the Awliyaa can neither benefit nor harm”, they say, “You hate the Awliyaa”. Indeed, mighty is the statement that comes out of the mouths of these two sects; they utter nothing but a lie! [2]

Footnote b:

https://abukhadeejah.com/taqleed-blind-following-four-imams-salafis/

https://www.salafisounds.com/cling-to-the-sunnah-and-avoid-taqleed-tele-link-with-abu-khadeejah-abdul-wahid/

Footnote c:
https://abukhadeejah.com/the-great-virtue-and-principles-of-enjoining-the-good-and-forbidding-evil-by-imam-al-barbahari-d-329h-and-al-fawzan/#:~:text=’%20Rather%20you%20should%20enjoin%20the,just%20go%20along%20with%20them.

[1]An Excerpt from “Bada’i at-Tafsir Al-Jami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim 3/467-469

[2]An Excerpt from “Ilhaadul Khomeini Fee Ardil Haramayn”. Pages 206-207

[23] The Ascent and Decline of The Ottoman Empire

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in History of Islam, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq'.

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

Sultan Muhammad IV

This sultan was born in the year 1051 AH and assumed responsibility at the age of seven. Europe perceived that the time had come to undermine the Ottoman Empire; thus, a coalition was formed comprising Austria, Poland, Venice, the Knights of Malta, the Pope, and Russia, which was referred to as the “Holy League.” This alliance aimed to counter the Islamic expansion that had approached every household in Eastern Europe due to the valiant efforts of the Ottomans. Consequently, a Crusader assault was launched against the territories of the Ottoman Empire. During this period, the Köprülü family emerged, playing a significant role in repelling enemy attacks and strengthening the state. The Grand Vizier, Mehmed Köprülü, who passed away in 1072 AH (1661 CE), restored the empire’s prestige, and his son, Ahmad Köprülü, followed in his footsteps by refusing to negotiate peace with Austria and Venice. He led an army against Austria and succeeded in capturing the formidable fortress of Nötsch, located east of Vienna, on the 25th of Safar, 1074 AH (September 28, 1663 CE). During the tenure of this Grand Vizier, France sought to draw closer to the Ottoman Empire and renew privileges; however, the Grand Vizier rejected this overture. France then resorted to threats, with King Louis XIV sending a French ambassador along with a naval fleet, which only strengthened the Grand Vizier’s resolve. He asserted, “The privileges were a grant, not a treaty that must be enforced.”

The death of the Grand Vizier, Ahmad Koper Yelli, marked a period of decline for the Ottoman Empire. During this time, Austria launched an attack on Hungary, seizing the fortress of Nohazl, as well as the cities of Pest and Buda. Additionally, the King of Poland invaded the province of Moldavia, while Venetian ships raided the coasts of the Morea and Greece, capturing Athens and Corinth in the year 1097 AH, among other cities.

Sultan Sulayman II

He was born in 1052 AH and ascended to the throne following his brother, Muhammad IV, in 1099 AH. During his reign, the decline of the Ottoman Empire continued, and the hostility of its enemies intensified. Austria seized numerous territories and cities, including Belgrade in 1099 AH, while Venice occupied the eastern Dalmatian coast along with certain areas in Greece. The empire faced a series of defeats during this period. However, a significant figure emerged, Grand Vizier, Mustafa bin Muhammad Köprülü, who followed in his father’s footsteps. He treated Christians with kindness and also imposed severe penalties on anyone who hindered them from practicing their religion [Footnote a], thereby winning the support of the Christian population within the empire. As a result of the fair treatment of Christians, the inhabitants of Morea rose against the Catholic Venetians, driving their army from the region due to the oppression they faced and their forced conversion to Catholicism. They willingly sought the protection of the Ottoman Empire, assured of their religious freedom.

On the 26th of Ramadan in the year 1102 AH, corresponding to June 23, 1691 AD, Sultan Sulayman II passed away without leaving an heir at the age of 50, having ruled for three years and eight months.

Sultan Ahmad II (1102 – 1106 AH / 1690 – 1694 CE):

He ascended to the throne in 1102 AH following the death of his brother Sulayman II. During his reign, the Grand Vizier Mustafa Koprulu, who was highly beneficial to the Ottoman state, was killed in battle. He was succeeded by the Grand Vizier Gi Ali Pasha Ariji, who proved to be ineffective. The Republic of Venice occupied several islands in the Aegean Sea during this period. Sultan Ahmed II’s reign was brief, concluding in 1106 AH / 1694 CE, characterized by minor skirmishes. Following his death, the throne was inherited by his nephew, Mustapha II, son of Muhammad IV.

Sultan Mustafa II (1106 – 1115 AH / 1694 – 1703 CE):

He was born in 1074 AH, he ascended to the throne in 1106 AH (1694 AD) as the son of Sultan Muhammad IV. During his reign, the Islamic influence began to wane in Eastern Europe, attributed to a decline in religious practice, a weakening of the spirit of Jihad, and the infiltration of defeatist sentiments within the nation. The harshness of the Crusader attacks on the Ottoman territories further exacerbated this situation. Notably, during his rule, the Treaty of Karlowitz was signed in 1110 AH (1699 CE) near Zagreb along the Danube River with Russia. According to the terms of this treaty, the Ottomans withdrew from Hungary and Transylvania, marking a troubling chapter in the history of some Ottoman rulers, as they retreated from battles, leaving Muslims vulnerable to an adversary devoid of compassion and mercy. Consequently, all the states that had previously paid tribute began to refuse payment, while Christian nations united against the Ottomans, collaborating to thwart the expansion of the empire and to work towards its division, driven by fears of the spread of Islamic influence. The Ottoman concession of its territories signified the beginning of their withdrawal from Europe and marked the transition into an era of rapid disintegration and decline. Following the intervention of the Janissaries and their demand for the deposition of the Grand Vizier, which the Sultan refused, they resolved to depose him. He passed away four months later.

Sultan Ahmad III (1115 – 1143 AH / 1703 – 1730 CE):

During his reign, the banner of Jihad was raised [Footnote b], and the state succeeded in reclaiming Moldavia and Azov. The struggle against Russia continued, culminating in a significant blow when Ottoman fighters besieged the Russian Tsar and his consort, along with 200 fighters who were on the verge of capture. However, treachery fueled by the allure of wealth led to the lifting of the siege and the estabilishment of the Treaty of Kucuk Kaynarca in Jumada al-Akhirah in 1123 AH with the Russians. This treaty resulted in the evacuation of the city of Azov to the Russian Crusaders and a commitment not to interfere in the affairs of the Cossacks. Consequently, Sultan Ahmad III dismissed the Grand Vizier, Baltaji Pasha, and the Jihad against the Russians persisted. Meanwhile, the Netherlands and England deemed it in their interest to halt the war, leading to their intervention and the signing of the Treaty of Edirne in 1125 AH / 1716 CE, in which Russia ceded all territories it had seized along the Black Sea coast, while simultaneously relinquishing its payments to the Crimean rulers.

The Ottomans achieved victory over the Venetians in the west, capturing Crete and several other islands. In response, the Venetians sought assistance from Austria to reclaim their lost territories from the Ottoman Empire, but the request was denied. This led to a conflict between the two parties, resulting in an Austrian victory and the fall of Belgrade in 1717. Subsequently, a peace treaty was established in 1718, facilitated by the mediation of Britain and the Netherlands. A peace treaty was concluded in Sarovitz, which resulted in the Austrians seizing Belgrade, a significant portion of Serbian territory, and part of Wallachia. The coasts of Dalmatia (eastern Adriatic) were retained by Venice, while the region of Morea was returned to the Ottomans. Additionally, the treaty allowed Catholic clergy to regain their former privileges in Ottoman lands, enabling both the clergy and Austria to intervene in Ottoman affairs under the pretext of protection. A separate agreement stipulated the freedom of trade for merchants from the signatory states of the treaty. Consequently, Austria acquired the right to protect foreign traders within the Ottoman Empire.

When the Russians observed the weakness of the Ottomans, they requested permission for traders and pilgrims to Jerusalem to pass through Ottoman territories without paying any fees. The Ottomans agreed to this request. Meanwhile, the Ottomans occupied Armenia and Georgia, while Peter the Great seized Dagestan and the western shores of the Caspian Sea due to the decline of the Safavid state. A potential war between the two sides was averted thanks to French mediation at Russia’s request, allowing each party to maintain control over the territories they had entered without interference from the other. However, the Safavids rallied and engaged the Ottomans in battle, but they were defeated, losing Tabriz, Hamadan, and several fortresses. A peace treaty was subsequently established in 1140 AH / 1728 AD. During this period, the Janissaries revolted, deposing the caliph and installing his nephew in his place.

Foreign Influence

A small number of Ottomans advocated for reforms aimed at adopting the methods that had enabled Europe to achieve its strength, particularly in military organization and modern weaponry. Damad Ibrahim Pasha, who held the grand vizierate during the reign of Sultan Ahmad III, was the first Ottoman official to recognize the importance of engaging with Europe. He established regular communications with European ambassadors residing in Istanbul and sent Ottoman envoys to European capitals, notably Vienna and Paris, for the first time. The role of these ambassadors extended beyond merely signing trade and diplomatic agreements related to previously established treaties; they were also tasked with providing the state with insights into European diplomacy and military strength. This signified a breach in the Ottoman iron curtain and an acknowledgment of the reality that the Ottomans could no longer ignore the internal developments occurring in Europe. The influence of Europe began to manifest in the construction of palaces, as well as in the extravagance and opulence that people significantly partook in. This prompted the wealthy and the elite to seek to adopt European customs related to furnishings, home decoration, palace construction, and garden creation. The emergence of foreign traditions in their desires and extravagance became increasingly evident. [Footnote c] This period marked the beginning of the modern Ottoman literary movement, characterized by a surge in translation efforts into the Turkish language. Sultan Ahmed also dispatched envoys to France to observe its factories and the achievements of French civilization. Additionally, a printing office was established in Istanbul. [An Excerpt from Ad-Dawlah al-Uthaniyyah Awamil An-Nuhud Wa Asbab As-Suqut 6/339 – 344]

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Footnote a:

Allah said:

لَآ إِكْرَاهَ فِى ٱلدِّينِ قَد تَّبَيَّنَ ٱلرُّشْدُ مِنَ ٱلْغَىِّ فَمَن يَكْفُرْ بِٱلطَّٰغُوتِ وَيُؤْمِنۢ بِٱللَّهِ فَقَدِ ٱسْتَمْسَكَ بِٱلْعُرْوَةِ ٱلْوُثْقَىٰ لَا ٱنفِصَامَ لَهَا وَٱللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ

There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right Path has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever disbelieves in everything worshipped besides Allah and believes in Allah (by worshipping Him alone and follow Muhammad), then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break. And Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower. [Al-Baqarah 256]

Footnote b:
https://abukhadeejah.com/salafi-shaikh-fawzaan-on-jihaad-in-our-times-and-the-guidelines-of-jihaad-according-to-islam/

Footnote c:
https://abukhadeejah.com/muslim-lifestyles-choices-and-adopting-non-muslim-practices-that-conflict-with-islamic-teachings-islam-4-1/

Protection

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Basics, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Imam Ibn Rajab, may Allah have mercy upon him, reported that Imam Al-Hasan Al-Basri, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“Whoever adheres to four matters, Allah will protect him from shaytan and safeguard him from the fire of hell: the one who controls himself when desirous of something, when in a state of fear, when inclined towards lowly desires and when angry”.

These four matters mentioned by Al-Hasan are the beginning of every evil. Being desirous of something is the heart’s inclination towards it. The one who has a desire for something may be led to seek after it through every path, but it may be that most of what is connected to this thing is unlawful and maybe the thing itself is unlawful.

Fear: When a person fears something, he looks for every means to repel it; but it maybe most of that is unlawful.

Lowly desires: It is the soul’s inclination towards what gives it enjoyment and may incline towards the unlawful, such as fornication, theft and alcohol consumption; rather may incline towards disbelief, magic, hypocrisy and bidah.

Anger: It is a rush of blood to the heart out of seeking to repel harm when one fears that it will befall him or out of seeking revenge against the one who harmed you. Many unlawful deeds results from this, such as murder, hitting people and various types of oppression and transgression, as well as many unlawful statements, such as slander, insult and lewd speech.

Jaami’ul Uloom Wal-Hikam 193-194]

 

A Fabricated Narration About Our Noble Father, Prophet Adam

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Bid'ah (Innovation), Contemporary Issues, Innovations In Islam (Bidah), Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allah ennobled and favoured Adam, peace be upon him, with great specific qualities mentioned in the Qur’an and the Sunnah. Allah created him with His two Noble Hands, as He said:

قَالَ يَـٰٓإِبۡلِيسُ مَا مَنَعَكَ أَن تَسۡجُدَ لِمَا خَلَقۡتُ بِيَدَىَّ

(Allah) said: “O Iblis (Satan)! What prevents you from prostrating yourself to one whom I have created with Both My Hands”. [Sad. 75]

The angels prostrated to him [Footnote a] after he was created. Allah said:

فَإِذَا سَوَّيۡتُهُ ۥ وَنَفَخۡتُ فِيهِ مِن رُّوحِى فَقَعُواْ لَهُ ۥ سَـٰجِدِينَ
فَسَجَدَ ٱلۡمَلَـٰٓٮِٕكَةُ ڪُلُّهُمۡ أَجۡمَعُونَ
إِلَّآ إِبۡلِيسَ ٱسۡتَكۡبَرَ وَكَانَ مِنَ ٱلۡكَـٰفِرِينَ

So when I have fashioned him and breathed into him (his) soul created by Me, then you fall down prostrate to him.” So the angels prostrated themselves, all of them: Except Iblis (Satan) he was proud and was one of the disbelievers. [Sad. 72-74]

Allah entered him and his wife into paradise, as Allah said:

وَقُلۡنَا يَـٰٓـَٔادَمُ ٱسۡكُنۡ أَنتَ وَزَوۡجُكَ ٱلۡجَنَّةَ وَكُلَا مِنۡهَا رَغَدًا حَيۡثُ شِئۡتُمَا

And We said: “O Adam! Dwell you and your wife in the Paradise and eat both of you freely with pleasure and delight of things therein as wherever you will”. [Al-Baqarah. 35]

These specific qualities have been gathered in the long hadith regarding the intercession reported by Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him. [Al-Bukhari 3340]

The physical traits of Prophet Adam, peace be upon him

He was tall – 60 cubits, very good looking. Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: Allah created Adam, making him 60 cubits tall. When He created him, He said to him, “Go and greet that group of angels, and listen to their reply, for it will be your greeting (salutation) and the greeting (salutations of your offspring”. So, Adam said (to the angels), As-Salamu Alayum (i.e. Peace be upon you). The angels said, “As-Salamu Alayka wa Rahmatullah”(i.e. Peace and Allah’s Mercy be upon you)”. Thus the angels added to Adam’s salutation the expression Wa Rahmatullah. Any person who will enter Paradise will resemble Adam (in appearance and figure). People have been decreasing in stature since Adam’s creation. [Al-Bukhari. 3326]

The Claim That Adam Perform Tawassul [Footnote b] By The Virtue And Status of The Prophet [i.e. that he sought Allah’s forgiveness by virtue and status of Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him

The followers of vain desires and proponents of innovation in religious matters claim that when Adam, peace be upon him, ate from the forbidden tree, he performed Tawassul through the Prophet’s status as means of getting what he desired whilst supplicating, thus Allah accepted his repentance.

They used as proof that Umar Ibn Al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, said: When Adam committed his mistake he said, “O my Lord! I am asking you to forgive me for the sake of Muhammad”. Allah said, “O Adam! And how do you know about Muhammad whom I have not yet created?” Adam replied, “O my Lord! After You created me with Your hand and breathed into me the soul you created, I raised my head and saw written on the heights of the Throne: Laa Ilaaha Illal laah Muhammadun Rasoolul laah, so I knew that You would not place next to Your Name but the most beloved one of Your creation”. Allah said, “O Adam! You have spoken the truth, indeed he is the most beloved of the creation to Me, so indeed I have forgiven you, and were it not for Muhammad I would not have created you”.

Falsity of this above narration from a number of angles:

The narration is a fabrication and a lie. It has not been reported with an established (authentic chain of narration) from the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. In the chain of this hadith, there are narrators who were found guilty of lying and fabricating narrations. Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, “It has no basis and it is from the fabricated reports that are narrated by some of the common people- neither any of the Imams of Islam used it as proof nor depended on it.

Indeed Adam, peace be upon him, received words from his Lord and his Lord forgave him. It is not established that he performed Tawassul by the status and virtue of the Prophet or his honour. Had this been established, the explainers of the Qur’an would not have refrained from reporting it from the pious predecessors while explaining these words which Adam received.

Repentance from the sin was established through acknowledgement of the sin and seeking forgiveness, and this was based on the statement:

قَالَا رَبَّنَا ظَلَمۡنَآ أَنفُسَنَا وَإِن لَّمۡ تَغۡفِرۡ لَنَا وَتَرۡحَمۡنَا لَنَكُونَنَّ مِنَ ٱلۡخَـٰسِرِينَ

They said: “Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves. If You forgive us not, and bestow not upon us Your Mercy, we shall certainly be of the losers.” [Surah Al-A’raaf. Aayah 23]. If forgiveness is received due to repentance, the goal has been achieved and there is no need for anything other than it.

If Adam did say this [i.e. made Tawassul by way of the Prophet’s virtue and status] and fulfilled repentance through it, the Ummah of Muhammad would be more worthy of it than him and the Prophet would have commanded them to supplication with this supplication and legislate it for them; however he did not command them to do so, nor legislated it, nor has this been transmitted from any of the companions, nor from any of the righteous scholars. Thus, this shows the falsity of this affair.

It is known by necessity that other people besides Adam, such as the disbelievers and the wicked sinners, do not do so in the (name, honour, status etc) of anyone when they repent to Allah, therefore how can Adam be in need of this in his repentance that which is not needed by anyone amongst the sinners, neither a Muslim nor a disbeliever! [An Excerpt from Mawsu’ah Al-Aqeedah 1st edition 1439H 2018. 1/9- 12]

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Footnote a: Imam Abdul Aziz Ibn Baz, may Allah have mercy upon him, said about the Sujud that used to perform out of respect in the time of some of the Prophets before Muhammad:

At that time, the act of Sujud was permissible as a form of respect and greeting, rather than as an act of worship. Just as the angels prostrated to Adam out of honor and reverence, this prostration is not intended for worship but rather for greeting and respect. It was allowed in the religious practices of previous nations, however, in the Shariah brought by Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, such an act is prohibited. It is reported that he stated, “If I were to command anyone to prostrate to another, I would command a woman to prostrate to her husband due to the significant rights he holds over her.”

https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/18299/%D9%85%D8%A7-%D8%AA%D9%82%D9%8A%D9%8A%D9%85-%D9%83%D8%AA%D8%A7%D8%A8-%D8%A8%D8%AF%D8%A7%D9%89%D8%B9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B2%D9%87%D9%88%D8%B1-%D9%88%D8%AD%D9%83%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B3%D8%AC%D9%88%D8%AF-%D9%84%D8%BA%D9%8A%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%84%D9%87-%D9%84%D9%84%D8%AA%D8%AD%D9%8A%D8%A9

Footnote b: