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Author: Abdullah Jallow

Endured a Food Embargo, Yet Showed Mercy in Power: A Lesson in Contrast to “Oil-for-Food” Policies

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Featured, Fitnah, History of Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Sahaabah, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors), Scholars of Islam, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allah, The Most High, informed us of some of the qualities of the Abrar – the pious, who fear Allah and avoid evil:

ويُطۡعِمُونَ ٱلطَّعَامَ عَلَىٰ حُبِّهِۦ

مِسۡكِينً۬ا وَيَتِيمً۬ا وَأَسِيرًا

And they give food, in spite of their love for it. The Miskin (poor), the orphan, and the captive – Meaning, they are in a state wherein they love wealth and food, but they give precedence to loving Allah over what their souls love, and (they) feed the people who deserve and need it the most, saying:

إِنَّمَا نُطۡعِمُكُمۡ لِوَجۡهِ ٱللَّهِ

“We feed you seeking Allah’s Countenance only. We wish for no reward, nor thanks from you” – Meaning, to seek Allah’s Reward. Mujaahid and Ibn Jubayr, may Allah have mercy upon them, said, “As for these people, they did not make this statement, but Allah knows this is what is in their hearts, so He praised them for it as an exhortation for the one who desires to do so”.

لَا نُرِيدُ مِنكُمۡ جَزَآءً۬

“We wish for no reward”. – Meaning, through actions;

وَلَا شُكُورًا

“nor thanks”. Meaning, through statement. (2)

إِنَّا نَخَافُ مِن رَّبِّنَا يَوۡمًا عَبُوسً۬ا قَمۡطَرِيرً۬ا

“Verily, We fear from our Lord a Day, hard and distressful, that will make the faces look horrible (from extreme dislike to it)”.

فَوَقَٮٰهُمُ ٱللَّهُ شَرَّ ذَٲلِكَ ٱلۡيَوۡمِ وَلَقَّٮٰهُمۡ نَضۡرَةً۬ وَسُرُورً۬ا

So Allah saved them from the evil of that Day, and gave them Nadratan (a light of beauty) and joy]. [Al-Insan. 8-11]

 

The Quraish Attempted to Starve The Prophet and His Close Relatives

Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported: On the Day of Nahr at Mina, the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “Tomorrow we shall stay at Khaif Bani Kinana where the pagans had taken the oath of disbelief.” He meant (by that place) Al-Muhassab where the Quraish tribe and Banu Kinaanah concluded a contract against Banu Haashim and Banu Abdul-Muttalib or Banu Al-Muttalib that they would not intermarry with them or deal with them in business until they handed over the Prophet to them. (3)

Usamah Bin Zayd, may Allah be pleased with him, said: I asked the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, during his Hajj,” O Allah’s Messenger! Where will you stay tomorrow?” He said, “Has Aqeel left any house for us?” He then added, “Tomorrow we will stay at Khaif Bani Kinana, i.e. Al-Muhassab, where Quraish (polytheists) took an oath of disbelief that Banu Kinana allied with Quraish against Banu Hashim on the terms that they would not deal with the members of the tribe or give them shelter.” (4)

The incident mentioned in the above narrations took place when the Makkan polytheists had a meeting at a place called the Valley of Al-Muhassab, where they established an alliance against Banu Hashim and Banu Al-Muttalib. They agreed not to have any business transactions with them, no marriage ties, no visits, and no verbal communication with the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and those who aided him. So, Abu Talib – the Prophet’s uncle who stood by him at the time – decided to move to a valley in the eastern suburbs of Makkah, then Banu Hashim and Banu Al-Muttalib also moved and they were all confined to a narrow passage. They remained in that situation for three years- from the 7th year of the Prophet’s Prophethood until the 10th year. It was a very repressive embargo that brought extreme hardship, and in addition to this, the vile polytheists bought everything that reached Makkah in order that nothing reached Banu Al-Mutallib and Banu Hashim. The situation became so bad that they had to eat the leaves of trees and animal skins, and children constantly cried due to hunger.

They had nothing besides very little provision that was sometimes delivered secretly by some people in Makkah who sympathised with them. During the sacred months when fighting was not permitted, they used to go and buy provisions, but the prices of goods were inflated so that they would not be able to afford them. However, this great hardship never stopped the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, from calling to the truth, rather he used to go to the Kabah and call people to Islam. By the grace of Allah, the agreement between the polytheists ended in the 10th year of the Prophet’s Prophethood, because some of them could no longer bear to see their relatives in that situation. (5)

The Quraish implored the Prophet to refrain from interfering with their food supplies, even though they had previously engaged in the same wrongdoing when they were in a position of power

Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported: “The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, sent a troop of fighters towards Najd and they brought a man from the tribe of Banu Haneefah who was called Thumamah bin Uthaal. He was then tied to one of the pillars of the Masjid. The Prophet went to him and said, “What have you got, O Thumama?” He replied, “I have got a good thought, O Muhammad! If you should kill me, you would kill a person who has already killed somebody, and if you should set me free, you would do a favor to one who is grateful, and if you want property, then ask me whatever wealth you want.” So, he was left till the next day when again the Prophet said to him, “What have you got, O Thumama?” He said, “What I have already told you”. The Prophet left him till the day after, and said to him again, “What have you got, O Thumama?” He said, “I have got what I told you. So the Prophet said, “Set him free”.

Then Thumamah) went to a garden of date palm trees near the Masjid, took a bath, entered the Masjid, and then said, “I testify that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah, and also testify that Muhammad is His Messenger! By Allah, O Muhammad! There was no face on the surface of the earth more disliked by me than yours, but now your face has become the most beloved face to me. By Allah, there was no religion more disliked by me than yours, but now it is the most beloved religion to me. By Allah, there was no town more disliked by me than your town, but now it is the most beloved town to me. Your troops arrested me (at the time) when I was intending to perform the Umra. And now what do you think?” The Prophet gave him good tidings of good in this world and the next, and ordered him to perform the Umra. So when he came to Makkah, someone said to him, “You have become a Sabian?” He replied, “No! By Allah, I have submitted to Islam with Muhammad, Allah’s Messenger. No, by Allah! Not a single grain of wheat will come to you from Yamamah unless the Prophet gives his permission.” (6)

The Prophet asked Thumamah, “What have you got O Thumamah?” He replied that he has good thoughts about the Prophet- Meaning, “You O Muhammad never oppress anyone, rather you are from those who pardon and do good”. So after he was set free, he entered Makkah to perform Umrah and then pronounced the Talbilya and he was the first to enter Makkah in that manner, so Quraish grabbed him and said, “You have the audacity to do this to us”, and they wanted to kill him; then a person amongst the Quraish said, “Leave him because you are in need of food from Yamaamah (i.e. from his land)”, so they released him. Then he said to them, “By Allah! Not a single grain of wheat will come to you from Yamamah unless the Prophet gives his permission.” Ibn Hisham said, “Then Thumamah returned to Yamamah and prevented the Quraish from bringing any food to Makkah, so the Quraish wrote to the Prophet saying, “Indeed, you command people to keep good the ties of kinship”, so the Prophet wrote to Thumamah to allow them to transport their food”.(7)

[1] Tafsir as-Sadi

[2] Zadul Maseer Fee Ilm at-Tafsir by Imam Ibn Al-Jawzi

[3] Al-Bukhari. 1590

[4] Al-Bukhari. 3058

[5] Zadul Ma’ad 3/31 and Seerah Ibn Hisham 1/350

[6] Al-Bukhari. 4372

[7] Fath Al-Bari Sharh Sahih Al-Bukhari 8/110-111 and Al-Hulalul Ibreeziyyah Min at-Taleeqaat al-Baaziyyah Alaa Sahih Al-Bukhari 3/319

The Beautiful Generosity of The Pious Predecessors During Armed Conflict

The Middle Path and Sunniyyah: A Brief Note to Alan Rosenbaum at The Jerusalem Post

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Basics, Bid'ah (Innovation), Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Featured, Innovations In Islam (Bidah), Khawaarij, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Sahaabah, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors), Scholars of Islam, Shi'a, Sufis, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allah said:

يَٰٓأَهْلَ ٱلْكِتَٰبِ قَدْ جَآءَكُمْ رَسُولُنَا يُبَيِّنُ لَكُمْ كَثِيرًا مِّمَّا كُنتُمْ تُخْفُونَ مِنَ ٱلْكِتَٰبِ وَيَعْفُوا۟ عَن كَثِيرٍ قَدْ جَآءَكُم مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ نُورٌ وَكِتَٰبٌ مُّبِينٌ
يَهْدِى بِهِ ٱللَّهُ مَنِ ٱتَّبَعَ رِضْوَٰنَهُۥ سُبُلَ ٱلسَّلَٰمِ وَيُخْرِجُهُم مِّنَ ٱلظُّلُمَٰتِ إِلَى ٱلنُّورِ بِإِذْنِهِۦ وَيَهْدِيهِمْ إِلَىٰ صِرَٰطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ

O people of the Scripture! Now has come to you Our Messenger (Muhammad) explaining to you much of that which you used to hide from the Scripture and passing over (i.e. leaving out without explaining) much. Indeed, there has come to you from Allah a light (Prophet Muhammad) and a plain Book (this Quran). Wherewith Allah guides all those who seek His Good Pleasure to ways of peace, and He brings them out of darkness by His Will unto light and guides them to a Straight Way (Islamic Monotheism). [Al-Ma’idah 15-16]

In this article, our focus is not on politics, as that falls under the purview and expertise of Muslim rulers and the counsel they obtain from righteous scholars. Rather, our response is prompted by the the word moderation and the term Sunni in an article of Alan Rosenbaum at Jerusalem Post. These terms have been misused and misinterpreted by both non-Muslims and uninformed Muslims. Therefore, it is essential to elucidate these concepts to differentiate truth from falsehood, clarity from ambiguity, and detail from generalisation.

Al-Wasatiyyah – The Middle Path

It is well-known regarding some of the people that ٱلۡوُسۡطَ is only what occupies the middle position between two things, and they do not take note of the meaning of this term in the Magnificent Qur’an and the Prophetic Sunnah.

[ٱلۡوُسۡطَ]  in the Shariah is something that is superior to other things. Allah said:

حَـٰفِظُواْ عَلَى ٱلصَّلَوَٲتِ وَٱلصَّلَوٰةِ ٱلۡوُسۡطَىٰ

Guard strictly (five obligatory) As-Salawaat (the prayers) especially the Salatul Wustaa (the Asr prayer)]. [Al-Baqarah. 238]

[ٱلۡوُسۡطَىٰ]- Meaning, the best, most excellent.

Allah said:

مِنۡ أَوۡسَطِ مَا تُطۡعِمُونَ أَهۡلِيكُمۡ

(On the scale) of the average of that which you feed your own families. [Al-Ma’idah. 89]

 [مِنۡ أَوۡسَطِ ] – Meaning, the best and most just.

Allah said:

وَكَذَٲلِكَ جَعَلۡنَـٰكُمۡ أُمَّةً۬ وَسَطً۬ا

Thus We have made you  أُمَّةً۬ وَسَطً۬ا- Meaning, the best and most upright Ummah.

The intent behind this is to understand that [الوسطية] in the religion is what is best and the justice of the religion – to follow the command of Allah and refrain from His prohibitions. As for the explanation of [الوسطية] in the religion with a meaning other than this, it is (something) ready to crumble and a (is like) a mirage which a thirsty one considers water [i.e. an illusion]. [1]

Thus, we notify Alan that both moderation and extremism are evaluated through the lens of divine revelation, as understood and practiced by the companions of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. Allah said:

يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ أَطِيعُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُوا۟ ٱلرَّسُولَ وَأُو۟لِى ٱلْأَمْرِ مِنكُمْ فَإِن تَنَٰزَعْتُمْ فِى شَىْءٍ فَرُدُّوهُ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ وَٱلرَّسُولِ إِن كُنتُمْ تُؤْمِنُونَ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلْيَوْمِ ٱلْءَاخِرِ ذَٰلِكَ خَيْرٌ وَأَحْسَنُ تَأْوِيلًا

O you who have believed, obey Allāh and obey the Messenger and those in authority over you. And if you disagree among yourselves over anything then refer it back to Allāh and the Messenger if you truly believe in Allāh and the Last Day. That is better (conduct) and (leads to) the most excellent outcome.

Allah said:

وَمَن يُشَاقِقِ ٱلرَّسُولَ مِنۢ بَعْدِ مَا تَبَيَّنَ لَهُ ٱلْهُدَىٰ وَيَتَّبِعْ غَيْرَ سَبِيلِ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ نُوَلِّهِۦ مَا تَوَلَّىٰ وَنُصْلِهِۦ جَهَنَّمَ وَسَآءَتْ مَصِيرًا

And whoever contradicts and opposes the Messenger (Muhammad) after the right path has been shown clearly to him, and follows other than the believers’ way (i.e. the companions). We shall keep him in the path he has chosen, and burn him in Hell – what an evil destination. [An-Nisaa 115]

Allah said:
فَلْيَحْذَرِ ٱلَّذِينَ يُخَالِفُونَ عَنْ أَمْرِهِۦٓ أَن تُصِيبَهُمْ فِتْنَةٌ أَوْ يُصِيبَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ

And let those who oppose the Messenger’s (Muhammad) commandment (i.e. his Sunnah legal ways, orders, acts of worship, statements, etc.) (among the sects) beware, lest some Fitnah (disbelief, trials, afflictions, earthquakes, killing, overpowered by a tyrant, etc.) befall them or a painful torment be inflicted on them. [An-Nur 63]

Allah said:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اسْتَجِيبُوا لِلَّهِ وَلِلرَّسُولِ إِذَا دَعَاكُمْ لِمَا يُحْيِيكُمْ ۖ وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ يَحُولُ بَيْنَ الْمَرْءِ وَقَلْبِهِ وَأَنَّهُ إِلَيْهِ تُحْشَرُونَ

O you who believe! Answer Allah and (His) Messenger when he calls you to that which will give you life, and know that Allah comes in between a person and his heart. And verily to Him you shall (all) be gathered. [8:24]

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

This Ayah comprises some affairs and one of them is that a beneficial life is only attained through obedience to Allah and His Messenger, therefore, whoever does not submit to this call (of Allah and His Messenger) will have no life (upright guidance), even though he has a life similar to that of the most despicable animals (eats, drinks and fulfils desires whilst devoid of the sound faith that enables a person to distinguish between guidance and misguidance). A real and good life is the life of that one who answers the call of Allah and His Messenger- outwardly and inwardly. They are those who are alive (with sound faith in this life), and even if they have passed away (their righteous example remains). As for others besides them, they are dead (with hearts devoid of sound faith), even if their bodies are alive. This is why the one with the most perfect life amongst the people is the one with the most perfect response to the call of the Messenger because there is life (upright guidance) in everything he calls to. Therefore, whoever missed a portion of it will miss a portion of life and there is life in accordance with his response to his call.

[لِمَا يُحْيِيكُمْ -To that which will give you life.]

Mujahid said: Meaning, “the truth”. Qatadah, said, “Meaning, this Qur’an in which is life (upright guidance), safety and protection in the life of this world and the hereafter. As-Sa’dee, said, “Meaning, Islam. They were given life (upright guidance) by way of it after being dead (completely misguided) through disbelief.

وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ يَحُولُ بَيْنَ الْمَرْءِ وَقَلْبِهِ وَأَنَّهُ إِلَيْهِ تُحْشَرُونَ

And know that Allah comes in between a person and his heart. And verily to Him you shall (all) be gathered. [2]

Allah, The Most High, said:

وَٱلسَّـٰبِقُونَ ٱلۡأَوَّلُونَ مِنَ ٱلۡمُهَـٰجِرِينَ وَٱلۡأَنصَارِ وَٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّبَعُوهُم بِـإِحۡسَـٰنٍ۬ رَّضِىَ ٱللَّهُ عَنۡہُمۡ وَرَضُواْ عَنۡهُ

And the first to embrace Islam of the Muhajirun (those who migrated from Makkah to Al-Madinah) and the Ansar (the citizens of Al-Madinah who helped and gave aid to the Muhajirun) and also those who followed them exactly (in Faith). Allah is well-pleased with them as they are well-pleased with Him]. [9:100]

Allah said:

إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَهَاجَرُواْ وَجَـٰهَدُواْ بِأَمۡوَٲلِهِمۡ وَأَنفُسِہِمۡ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَاوَواْ وَّنَصَرُوٓاْ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ بَعۡضُہُمۡ أَوۡلِيَآءُ بَعۡضٍ۬‌ۚ

Verily, those who believed, and emigrated and strove hard and fought with their property and their lives in the Cause of Allah as well as those who gave (them) asylum and help, – these are (all) allies to one another [8:72] until Allah stated:

وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ مِنۢ بَعۡدُ وَهَاجَرُواْ وَجَـٰهَدُواْ مَعَكُمۡ فَأُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ مِنكُمۡ‌ۚ

And those who believed afterwards, and emigrated and strove hard along with you, (in the Cause of Allah) they are of you]. [8:75]

Allah said:

لِلۡفُقَرَآءِ ٱلۡمُهَـٰجِرِينَ ٱلَّذِينَ أُخۡرِجُواْ مِن دِيَـٰرِهِمۡ وَأَمۡوَٲلِهِمۡ يَبۡتَغُونَ فَضۡلاً۬ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَرِضۡوَٲنً۬ا وَيَنصُرُونَ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ ۥۤ‌ۚ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ هُمُ ٱلصَّـٰدِقُونَ
وَٱلَّذِينَ تَبَوَّءُو ٱلدَّارَ وَٱلۡإِيمَـٰنَ مِن قَبۡلِهِمۡ يُحِبُّونَ مَنۡ هَاجَرَ إِلَيۡہِمۡ

(And there is also a share in this booty) for the poor emigrants, who were expelled from their homes and their property, seeking Bounties from Allah and to please Him. And helping Allah (i.e. helping His religion) and His Messenger (Muhammad). Such are indeed the truthful (to what they say); And those who, before them, had homes (in Al-Madinah) and had adopted the Faith, love those who emigrate to them.” [59:8-9]- up until His, The Most High, statement:

وَٱلَّذِينَ جَآءُو مِنۢ بَعۡدِهِمۡ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا ٱغۡفِرۡ لَنَا وَلِإِخۡوَٲنِنَا ٱلَّذِينَ سَبَقُونَا بِٱلۡإِيمَـٰنِ

And those who came after them say: “Our Lord! Forgive us and our brethren who have preceded us in Faith”. 59:10

The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

“This ummah will split into seventy-three sects; all of them will enter the fire except one”. They said, “Which is that (saved sects) O Messenger of Allaah?” He replied, “Those who are upon that which I and my companions are upon today”. The Prophet said, “Adhere to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly guided Khulafaa after me”. https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2024/12/28/all-in-the-fire-except-one/

Therefore, the basis for evaluating moderation and extremism are rooted in the Qur’an and Sunnah, as understood and practiced by those who witnessed sending down of the revelation and its application. Any belief or methodology that diverges from this foundational understanding—be it labeled as extremism, moderation, or progress—can only be seen as a form of misguidance. It is important to inform Alan Rosenbraum that this matter is exclusively evaluated according to the aforementioned principle. The statements of individuals can be accepted or dismissed, with the exception of that of the Messenger, as has been articulated by Islamic scholars over the centuries. The assessment of moderation or extremism is not determined by personal desires or human ideologies; instead, it is based on the principle previously outlined, neither ambiguity, sophistry, nor philosophy.

Sunniyyah

It is important to know that an individual’s affiliation with Suniyyah must be grounded in unequivocal evidence. Imam Barbahaaree [329AH], may Allah have mercy upon him said:

It is not permitted for a man to say, “So and so is a person of the sunnah” until he knows that he combines the characteristics of the Sunnah, so it is not said of him, “a person of the Sunnah” until he combines all the Sunnah.

Al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzan, may Allah preserve him, commented on the above statement as follows:

Do not give recommended to a person and a praise of him, except based on knowledge, lest the people become deceived by your praise of him, while he is not what (you have stated about him).  So, when his real affair and path is clear to you, his knowledge and steadfastness, you can give him recommendation. As for giving out praise and recommendation while not knowing of anything about him, this is a dangerous recommendation through which the people will be deceived by this person. Had only those who give commendations to the people stopped at that (i.e. put it in its proper place), they would not give recommendation, except for one who fulfils the conditions of (receiving) recommendation because recommendation is a witness, thus, if the recommendation is not correct it will be a false witness. And regarding the statement of Imaam Al-Barbahaaree: “until he knows that he combines the characteristics of the Sunnah”. The characteristics of the Sunnah are to be in creed, knowledge and adherence to the (path) of the pious predecessors. But if there is not in him except a single characteristic of the (sunnah), he is not judged to be from Ahlus Sunnah on the basis of a single characteristic or one thing, then what about the one who does not have anything from that? [3]

Al-Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Madkhali, may Allah preserve him, was asked: The questioner says: We request a comment from you on this statement: “Indeed both Sunnah and Bidah may be gathered in a man, thus, if the Sunnah is predominant in him, he is a Sunni Salafi. And if bidah is predominant in him, he is an innovator, a misguided one”. Benefit us (i.e. with a comment) and may Allah reward you.

Response: This (statement) is from the [مغالطات-i.e. those misleading statements or matters that are brought forth for the purpose of deception or sophistry].

There is no doubt that the one in whom Bidah is predominant is an innovator in religious matters, but it is not a condition, for example, that he has thirty (matters) of bidah with him and twenty (matters) of Sunnah, because he may have one bidah with him, thus declared an innovator in religious matters. Rather the verdict of disbelief may be passed against him. (footnote a) Because if he adheres to all the Sunnah, but then he says, “Indeed, the Qur’an is created”, do we say that the Sunnah is predominant in this (person)? The Salaf (pious predecessors) declared (people) disbelievers due this because the Qur’an is the Speech of Allah and not created. The Salaf held a consensus regarding this. If he says, “I am a Sunni and the Qur’an is created”, we say: ”You are an innovator in religion, a misguided one, rather this innovation of yours is tantamount to disbelief.  Either you recant or else you are a disbeliever.”  We clarify the truth for him and unless he recants, otherwise he is a disbeliever. He rejects the Ruyah (i.e. he rejects the fact that the believers will see Allah on the day of judgement) and says: “I am a Sunni in everything except in this, for I do not believe that Allah will be seen in the Afterlife.” This one (i.e. the person who says this) has belied the Qur’an and the Sunnah.

This principle (i.e. that a person is a Sunni Salafi or an innovator depending whether the Sunnah or Bidah is predominant in him) is false; and how many with a single bidah – among the major bidah- were declared innovators by the Salaf?! Jad Ibn Dirham had two innovations- negation of the attributes of Allah and the statement (i.e. the belief) that the Qur’an is created, while he used to pray, observe fasting and worshipped Allah. And how many of Ahlul bidah and the devout worshippers have numerous (practices) of Sunnah, but alongside this he is an innovator!

Therefore, it is obligated to the Sunni to be solely dedicated to the truth and that his religion (Creed, Methodology and acts of worship) are pure and not stained by anything from the (matters) of bidah. However, if he falls into a Bidah khafiyyah, while he is desirous of the truth and seeking after it, then if the people were to inform him about it he would recant. Thus, we do not pass the judgement of Tabdee against this person. If he had passed away we ask Allah to forgive him and we do not pass the verdict of Tabdee against him. If he is alive, we advice him, and unless he accepts (the truth), we pass the verdict of Tabdee against him. [4]

The Shaikh also stated:

All the sects of Ahlul Bidah gather truth and falsehood, deny the truth that is with the other sect of Bidah and believe in that which they possess of falsehood. Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: Allah says:

وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمۡ ءَامِنُواْ بِمَآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ قَالُواْ نُؤۡمِنُ بِمَآ أُنزِلَ عَلَيۡنَا وَيَكۡفُرُونَ بِمَا وَرَآءَهُ ۥ وَهُوَ ٱلۡحَقُّ مُصَدِّقً۬ا لِّمَا مَعَهُمۡ

And when it is said to them, “Believe in what Allah has sent down,” they say, “We believe in what was sent down to us.” And they disbelieve in that which came after it, while it is the truth confirming what is with them]. [Al-Baqarah 91]

The Shaikh also stated:

As for the one who falls into an innovation, he is of categories: the first category: Ahlul-Bid’ah, such as the Rawāfid, the Khawārij, the Jahmiyyah, the Qadariyyah, the Mu’tazilah, the Grave-worshipping Sūfīs, the Murji’ah, and whoever is connected to them [in our times] such as al-Ikhwān, at-Tablīgh and those similar to them. For these innovations the Salaf did not make it a condition that the proof be established due to the fact that the ruling upon them is [in accordance to] the innovation. So regarding the Rāfidī, it is said about him, “Innovator (mubtadi’)”. As for the Khārijī, it is said about him, “Innovator”, and so on, regardless of whether the proof is established upon him or not. [5]

Concerning the interactions between Muslim nations and non-Muslim nations, including peace treaties, war, and bilateral relations, these matters are managed by the leaders. It is not within our authority to dictate the actions of Muslim rulers, as this responsibility lies with them and the senior scholars of the Ummah. The rulers are tasked with determining diplomatic relations that serve the interests of the Muslim community and the senior scholars are there to give them sincere advice.

The Life of the Muhammad in Madinah: Treaties, Conquests and his Death (Islam 1.11)

Are Treaties With The Jews, the State of ‘Israel’ and other Non-Muslims Permitted? Is it Allegiance? Is it Apostasy?

Footnote a: Those Who Ought To Pronounce Takfir and Establish the Hadd Punishment:

https://www.salafipublications.com/sps/sp.cfm?subsecID=MNJ09&articleID=MNJ090004&articlePages=1

[1] An Excerpt from Al Haqeeqah Ash-Shar’iyyah Fee Tafsir Al-Qur’aa Al-Adheem Was-Sunnah An-Nabawiyyah. 186

[2] An Excerpt from Al-Fawaa’id. pages 140-144.

[3] It’haf Al-Qaaree Bittaliqaat Alaa Sharh As-Sunnah Lil Imaam Al-Barbahaaree. 2/275-276

[4] Source:  Bahjah Al-Qaaree Bi-Fawaa’id Manhajiyyah Wa Durus Tarbawiyyah Min Kitab Al-i’tisam Bi Al-Kitab Was-Sunnah Min Sahih Al-Bukhari. Question number 13. Pages 92-93

[5]https://abukhadeejah.com/shaikh-rabee-establishment-of-proof-in-declaring-a-person-to-be-an-innovator/

Some Guidelines for Polite Entry Into Your Home and Others’ Homes

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Basics, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Sahaabah, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors), Scholars of Islam, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Knock Three Times When Visiting Someone 

Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri reported: “While I was in one of the gatherings of the Ansar, Abu Musa came as if he was scared, and said, ‘I asked permission to enter upon Umar three times and he did not give me permission, so I returned. (When Umar came to know about it) he said to Abu Musa, ‘Why did you not enter?’ Abu Musa said, ‘I asked permission to enter three times and was not given permission, so I went back, for the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, ‘When one of you asks for permission to enter three times and is not given it, he should go back’. He (Umar) said, ‘By Allah, you will bring witnesses for it’. (Abu Musa went to a gathering of the Ansaar) and said: ‘Is there any of you who heard it from the Prophet?’ Ubayy ibn Ka’b said, ‘By Allah, only the youngest of the people will go with you’. I was the youngest of the people and I went with him and informed Umar that the Prophet had said that. [Al-Bukhari 6245]

Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: This [i.e. Umar asking for a witness] was for the purpose of verification because it is (related) to Ibaadaat (acts of worship). [1]

Mention Your Name When Asked, “Who is It?”

Narrated Jabir Bin Abdillah: I came to the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, in order to consult him regarding my father’s debt. When I knocked at the door, he asked, “Who is that?” I replied: “Me. He said: “Me”, “Me”. He repeated it as if he disliked it. [2]

Do Not Sneak In Your Houses

Al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzan, may Allah preserve him, said:

One of the etiquettes of entry into a house, even your own house in which your family lives, is that you walk while making some noise in order to notify them of your presence or entry. You should not enter in secret or unnoticed because that is tantamount to behaving badly towards them. [3]

[1] Al-Hulal Al-Ibreeziyyah Min at-Taliqat Al-Baaziyyah Alaa Sahih Al-Bukhari 4/185

[2]: Summarised Sahih Al-Bukhari (Publisher: Darussalaam) Hadeeth Number 2063; page: 968-969

[3] Source: It’haf at-Tullab Bi-Sharh Mandhumah Al-Aadaab’ page 145

Core Psychopathic Traits of Extreme Corrupters On The Earth

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Featured, Fitnah, Mental Health, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Refutations, Scholars of Islam, Sin.

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

Arrogant hypocrites, argue without truth, lying, wilfully reject guidance, and destroys while believing themselves to be right etc 

Allah, The Most High, said:

وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمْ لَا تُفْسِدُوا۟ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ قَالُوٓا۟ إِنَّمَا نَحْنُ مُصْلِحُونَ
أَلَآ إِنَّهُمْ هُمُ ٱلْمُفْسِدُونَ وَلَٰكِن لَّا يَشْعُرُونَ

And when it is said to them, “Do not cause corruption on the earth (through your disbelief, sin, treachery, and sedition against those who believe),” they say, “Indeed, we are but reformers (who rectify and make peace).” Indeed, they are the ones who are the mischief-makers (in reality), but they perceive this not (due to their ignorance, disbelief, and arrogance). [1]

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

First, they are declared as liars in their claim.

Secondly, a notification that they are corrupt.

Thirdly, attributed to the root of corruption with the confirmation of their true nature as corrupt individuals.

Finally, declared as very ignorant, signifying their complete lack of self-awareness regarding their corrupt behaviour. [2]

Allah said:

وَمِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ مَن يُعۡجِبُكَ قَوۡلُهُ ۥ فِى ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا وَيُشۡهِدُ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا فِى قَلۡبِهِۦ وَهُوَ أَلَدُّ ٱلۡخِصَامِ
وَإِذَا تَوَلَّىٰ سَعَىٰ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ لِيُفۡسِدَ فِيهَا وَيُهۡلِكَ ٱلۡحَرۡثَ وَٱلنَّسۡلَ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلۡفَسَادَ
وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُ ٱتَّقِ ٱللَّهَ أَخَذَتۡهُ ٱلۡعِزَّةُ بِٱلۡإِثۡمِ‌ۚ فَحَسۡبُهُ ۥ جَهَنَّمُ‌ۚ وَلَبِئۡسَ ٱلۡمِهَادُ

And of mankind there is he whose speech may please you (O Muhammad), in this worldly life, and he calls Allah to witness as to that which is in his heart, yet he is the most quarrelsome of the opponents. And when he turns away, his effort in the land is to make mischief therein and to destroy the crops and the cattle, and Allah likes not mischief. And when it is said to him, “Fear Allah”, he is led by arrogance to (more) crime. So enough for him is Hell, and worst indeed is that place to rest! [Al-Baqarah. 204-206]

وَمِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ مَن يُعۡجِبُكَ قَوۡلُهُ ۥ فِى ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا

And of mankind there is he whose speech may please you in this worldly life.

Meaning, the one who hears his speech is pleased when he speaks and he thinks that he has uttered beneficial speech.

He emphasises what he says:

وَيُشۡهِدُ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا فِى قَلۡبِهِ

And he calls Allah to witness as to that which is in his heart.

Meaning, he states that Allaah knows that what is in his heart agrees with what he says, even though he is lying regarding what he says because his speech contradicts his deeds. His speech would have agreed with his deeds had he being truthful, because this the case regarding the believers- those who are not hypocrites. And due to this Allaah said:

وَهُوَ أَلَدُّ ٱلۡخِصَامِ

Yet he is the most quarrelsome of the opponents.

Meaning, when you disagree with him, you’ll find him to be the most quarrelsome, bigoted and difficult person to deal with, as well as the ugly characteristics that results from this behaviour, which are the opposite of the manners of the believers- those who make ease their way, submit to the truth and pardon people.

وَإِذَا تَوَلَّىٰ سَعَىٰ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ لِيُفۡسِدَ فِيهَا وَيُهۡلِكَ ٱلۡحَرۡثَ وَٱلنَّسۡلَ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلۡفَسَادَ

And when he turns away, his effort in the land is to make mischief therein and to destroy the crops and the cattle, and Allah likes not mischief.

Meaning, when this person – the one whose speech amazes you – is not in your presence, he strives to commit sins which is tantamount to corruption in the earth, so cattle and crops are destroyed as a result of that corruption. The blessings in the vegetations, fruits and livestock decrease and become little due to evil deeds.

وَٱللَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلۡفَسَادَ

And Allah likes not mischief.

Meaning, when it is the case that Allah does not like corruption, then He has an intense hatred for the person who sows corruption in the earth, even if such a person utters a good speech merely on the tongue (i.e. says one thing and does something else).

This verse contains proof regarding the fact that the statements uttered by individuals is not a proof regarding their truthfulness or whether they are upon falsehood, neither that they are righteous nor wicked until deeds ascertain them. And it is obligatory to examine the condition of those who bear witness, the one who is in the right and the falsifier amongst the people based on the righteousness of their deeds – examine the clear indications and their behaviour, and not to be deceived by how they portray themselves and the praise they give themselves. Then Allah mentioned that when this person – the one who causes corruption in the earth through acts of disobedience to Allah – is commanded to fear Allah, he becomes arrogant and haughty:

 أَخَذَتۡهُ ٱلۡعِزَّةُ بِٱلۡإِثۡمِ‌ۚ

He is led by arrogance to (more) crime.

Thus, he combines between disobedience to Allah and being arrogant towards the sincere advisers. [3]

[1] https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/verse/2/11 https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/verse/2/12

[2] Bada’i at-Tafseer 1/97

[3] An Excerpt from Tafsir As-Sadi

Gentleness In The Households Is a Sign of Goodness

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Family & Women, Featured, Marriage (Nikkah), Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Prophets, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Aa’isha, may Allah be pleased with her, narrated that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said to her: “O Aa’isha! Be gentle, for indeed when Allah wishes good for a household, He guides them to gentleness”.

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

This hadith contains proof regarding the fact that it is obligatory to give sincere advice and the first people one should give sincere advice is the members of the household- the wives, sons, daughters and others. Also, this hadith contains proof regarding the virtue of gentleness in all matters, for indeed gentleness is not found in any matter except that it beautifies it, and it is not removed from anything except that it ruins it. On the other hand, the opposite of gentleness is warn against and it is the harshness that is applied in other than its rightful place, because its end result will be alienation and disharmony. [1]

Imam Muhammad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaymin, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: If a person says:

“What will make a man love his wife and vice versa?”

We say: Allah has clarified this in His statement:

وَعَاشِرُوهُنَّ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ

And live with them honourably. [An-Nisaa. 19]

If every person lives with his wife honourably and vice versa, then love, a strong bond and a happy married life will be established.

[Fataawaa Noor Alad-Darb 6/29. Abridged]

[1]at-Ta’liqat Al-Malihah Alaa Silsilah Al-Ahadith As-Sahihah. 1/277.

Revealing the Wholesome Truth About FGM: A Message to Heba Yosry at Al Arabiya News

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Fitnah, History of Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

In an article dated February 10th 2021, Heba Yosry stated that UN Women declared February 6th the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), a practice criminalized in several Muslim countries, with Egypt one of them. It recently increased the period of imprisonment for anyone guilty of doing this from 5-7 years, to 5-20 years. Dar al-Ifta the highest Islamic legislative body in Egypt, proclaims that FGM is forbidden under Islamic law because of the physical and mental damage that it causes. The punitive measures in place do little to deter some parents from subjecting their young daughters to this atrocious procedure. Too often we hear about girls who die due to a botched circumcision or from excessive bleeding. Many FGM victims who survive the attack on their genitalia, then endure the physical and emotional scars that can cripple their future mental, reproductive and sexual wellbeing. The detrimental physical and psychological effects of FGM are well documented and well communicated, but the question remains: Why is FGM still practiced? The answer is the female body. FGM is a crude and abhorrent version of a chastity belt, applied with the misguided and malicious intent to keep a girl’s pureness. It guarantees the young woman will not lose her mind in moments of passion and act on her lust, and on this very basis the people who believe this are preposterous. The recent case of a grown married woman coerced by her husband to undergo a FGM procedure because he suffered from sexual dysfunction, and his unfounded suspicion of her infidelity shows his weakness; not hers. This is hardly an isolated incident. Husbands have ordered several wives to endure the humiliating and painful procedure. Iran jailed an academic partly because of his research on FGM. The female body doesn’t just scare people; it terrorizes governments too. Politicizing the female body is hardly new. Yet the underlying assumption is rarely questioned. Instead, the intention is explained away as conforming to an ancient practice.

FGM rests within the perception that women are either inferior beings who are unable to control their libido or that they are gullible creatures who need guarded against the faceless seducer who will sully her honor. Both assumptions are founded upon the primordial conception that a girl’s body is an object belonging to another, whether a father or a husband. Girls, naturally, lack the ability to make their own decisions. Eradication of lust from the female body is essential because saving a girl or a woman from her innate desires is a man’s mission. Men are doing the right thing because as soon as a girl starts to show any signs of womanhood pruning her body protects the family honor. Utter nonsense. FGM isn’t merely an ugly practice that some Muslims aim to continuously repudiate in front of the Western world. FGM is a statement articulated on the feminine body, a stigma that she must carry her whole life to attest for her inaptitude as a human being, of her inferior status, of the pain she must endure simply because she was born a girl. FGM is a painful manifestation of gender inequality. As countries take steps to end the practice of FGM, through legislative measures that punish its perpetrators, they must address the foundational preconditions that allow this practice to thrive. Imagine this: A father takes a 12-year-old girl to a makeshift clinic, and assures her on their way that she will be alright, that the procedure won’t hurt as much as she thinks, and that this pain is necessary, and compensated with the congratulatory gifts that she will receive. She will be an adult. The girl continues to walk beside her father aided with the pride that she will now be a grown up, and the faith that her father will never do anything to hurt her. She enters the clinic, lies on the cold steel examining table, the nurse pulls up her dress and ties her legs so that she doesn’t kick to protect herself. Her father holds her arms to prevent her from moving. A man emerges holding a blade. He approaches the girl, spreads her legs. She screams. Let her screams be heard, and end the abomination that is, FGM. [End of quote]

Before presenting the knowledge-based research on this subject matter by Shaikh Abu Iyaad, may Allah preserve him, we remind Heba Yosry that her above statement contains both facts and assumptions, ambiguity and clarity. It would have been better to carry out thorough research before speaking about this subject matter whose complete truth and falsehood is not not clear to many people. In this regard, we -including myself -are required to speak based on complete facts or exercise restraint until the wholesome details regarding a matter is clear to us. Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

”It is obligated to you to give detail and make a distinction, because unrestricted and general (statements) without clarification has indeed corrupted this existence (i.e. the world), misguided the intellects and views in every era”.

Al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzan, may Allah preserve him, said:

”There has to be detail explanation. The one who is not proficient in giving detail should keep quiet, because benefit is not acquired from his speech. And every time error occurs, its cause is due to an absence of detail explanation regarding truth and falsehood. There has to be detail explanation and distinction and not to mix up (matters). Indeed, it may be that there is something of truth and falsehood in an opponent’s statement, so all of it is neither deemed to be false nor truth; rather there has to be a distinction between its truth and falsehood. All of it is neither rejected nor accepted; rather a distinction is made regarding the truth and what is correct and the falsehood and error in it. And if you are not proficient in giving detail, then you should not enter into this field”. [1]

We now present a detail discussion on this subject matter titled: On Female Genital Mutilation, Culture and Islam: http://www.aboutatheism.net/articles/kflqsjb-on-female-genital-mutilation-culture-and-islam-a-refutation-of-ayaan-hirsi-ali.cfm

Quotes from the artcle by Shaikh Abu Iyaad, may Allah preserve him.

Pharoanic circumcision: Similar to the phenomena of “road rage” in which a person whose path is cut off by another driver, loses his rags, becomes enraged and then behaves erratically, it appears this woman has had a similar experience in relation to the cutting and mutilation of her genitals by an ancient Egyptian practice that is referred to as “Pharoanic circumcision”. This is no doubt a barbaric, harmful practice and one can empathise with women who have been put through this horrific experience. However, you cannot go on an “FGMRage”, and blame Islām for your harmful, backward culture. Further, one should note that for same strange reason, this procedure has taken the name of one of the greatest tyrants and enemies of Islām to have walked the earth, Firʿaun. It is an ancient Egyptian practice brought to the sub-Saharan countries in Africa and predates Islām by well over 1500 years and this is the likely reason it is referred to as “Pharoanic” circumcision.
As for circumcision, there are three procedures:

Clitoral unhooding or clitoral hood reduction. This is the removal of a part of the layer of skin covering the clitoris, also known as the clitoral prepuce. It is a fold of skin that is equivalent to the male foreskin. This is a beneficial procedure for women with clear benefits that are documented in the scientific literature and there are dozens of surgeries scattered across the United States (and elsewhere) which specialise in this procedure. The size and shape of the prepuce, or the clitoral hood, varies among females, just as the foreskin does in men. As a result, some women may suffer from any of the following: sexual health problems including unsightly appearance and lack of stimulation, urinary tract and yeast infections, adhesion which is known medically as phimosis, sexual pain, and irritation. There are surgeries that specialise in this procedure of “hoodplasty”, or “clitoral hood reduction” in order to treat these conditions. This procedure is commended (and not obligatory) for women in Islāmic law and is known as “al-khitān”, circumcision for women. An excess of the prepuce can hinder stimulation and gratification. Circumcision by a competent practitioner helps resolve this problem and helps regulate sexual desire by enhancing the gratification of the woman which—as well as pleasing the man—does not leave her in want due to lack of fulfilment. Benefits of this practice—hygiene, beautification of the private part and sexual fulfilment—have been indicated by Muslim scholars such as Ibn al-Qayyim.

Excision, also known as “clitoridectomy”. This is the removal of all or part of the clitoris. Infibulation, also known as “Pharoanic circumcision”. This is where the external parts of the female genitalia, as well as the labia minora and the clitoris are removed and then the vagina is stitched together. This is a barbaric practice and a crime against women. This action predated Islām and unfortunately, remained a cultural practice in some African lands. Islām did not accept this disfigurement and destruction of the female reproductive organ, and in this respect we find that in Madīnah, the Prophet came across a woman that would perform female circumcision from prior to Islām and he advised her: “Do not cut in excess and thereby cause harm…”—and in a narration, “make only a small cut”—“… for it brings the woman greater attention [from her husband]”—and in a narration, “…for it brings radiance to the face”—“and it is more loved by the husband. “Upon this, Muslim scholars and jurists have made it clear that it is the prepuce (qulfah), the fold of skin comprising the hood that covers the clitoris, that is reduced in size according to what is appropriate. From these scholars are Ibn Ḥajar al-ʿAsqalānī, (d. 1449) Abū al-Ḥasan al-Mawardī (d. 1058), Ibn Taymiyyah (d. 1328) and Ibn alQayyim (d. 1350) by way of example. This procedure is to be undertaken by an experienced specialist as indicated by Muslim scholars and Ibn al-Qayyim also discusses the issue of compensation for malpractice.

On a similar and related note, The National Health Service (NHS) in the UK provides information on Labiaplasty (vulval surgery), stating: “A labiaplasty is surgery to reduce the size of the labia minora—the flaps of skin either side of the vaginal opening. Some women consider having a labiaplasty because they don’t like the look of their labia, or because the labia cause discomfort. This is a major decision you should weigh up carefully.”6 After providing details about the cost and the process, they make a careful distinction between this procedure and “female genital mutilation”. [end of quote]

Finally, it is absolutely necessary to make it known that FGM is unlawful in the UK and in Muslim nations, where knowledgeable scholars and authorities recognise the clear distinction between FGM and practices that are well-supported by credible medical standards, as demonstrated in the quotes provided above. This is the information we aimed to convey to Heba, and we hope she finds this perspective beneficial.

And Allah knows best.

[1] An Excerpt from at-Taliqat Al-Mukhtasar Alaa Al-Qasidah an-Nuniyyah. 1/216

Gratitude to the selfless wives throughout the year, especially in Ramadan

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Basics, Contemporary Issues, Family & Women, Marriage (Nikkah), Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq'.

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

After thanking Allah, then thanks to that special person in the house – she fasts, establishes the five daily prayers and performs other acts of worship; but she also takes great pleasure in preparing the food which everyone is eager to see on the table at the time of Iftar.

She is not our possession; rather she is the one with a more compassionate heart InShaaAllaah- always ready to make everyone happy, even when she is tired.

We thank Allah for granting us the companionship of this special one- the compassionate wife and mother of the household. She is a treasure and a beloved one, within and outside the month of Ramadan.

It is a great pleasure to know that we are sharing our lives with this person- one of the most selfless people we have ever met. May Allah grant her abundant good in this life and the next and strengthen our relationship with her upon everything beloved to Allah, love and compassion. Aameen. Your hard work is always appreciated, as it involves nurturing our children, providing care, and showing unwavering dedication. “Whoever is not thankful to the people will not be thankful to Allah” (Hadith)

We truly appreciate your patience and selflessness, and we strive not to be swayed by unrealistic expectations. We recognise your struggles, fatigue, and emotional challenges, and we are committed to supporting you in practical ways whenever you need it. May Allah help us all find fulfillment, peace, and a sense of identity in caring for our home and family- roles we embrace with joy and commitment, while doing our best to support each other during demanding times.

O selfless wives! Your homes are not a “lesser” space; they are sanctuaries where we experience joy, warmth, and meaningful companionship, especially when husbands face the pressures of work or when household responsibilities become overwhelming.

The tasks we perform both inside and outside the home, and the roles we assume, are to be celebrated, not sources of conflict. Therefore, just as you appreciate your husbands’ efforts outside the home, we equally value your contributions within it. We ask Allah:

رَبَّنَا هَبْ لَنَا مِنْ أَزْوَاجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّاتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعْيُنٍ وَاجْعَلْنَا لِلْمُتَّقِينَ إِمَامًا

Our Lord! Bestow on us from our wives and our offspring who will be the comfort of our eyes, and make us leaders for the pious.

Listen Here:

https://t.co/lWSSwhn4n8

Shaikh Abdur-Razzaaq Al-Badr speaks about appreciating the efforts of our wives in the house: One Day, Man Did Household Chores & Really Appreciated Wife’s Daily Efforts

Verse 12 Surah Al-Hujurat

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

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اجْتَنِبُوا كَثِيرًا مِنْ الظَّنِّ إِنَّ بَعْضَ الظَّنِّ إِثْمٌ

O you who believe! Avoid much suspicions, indeed some suspicions are sins. [Al-Hujuraat.  12]

Imam As-Sadi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Allah, The Most High, forbids much evil suspicion towards the believers, because some suspicions are tantamount to sin, such as the suspicion that is devoid of reality and indications that point to the validity of something, and the suspicion that is accompanied by much forbidden speech and deeds, because the settlement of evil suspicion in the heart does not stop at that; rather it does not cease until the person utters and does that which is not permissible”.

Tafseer As-Sadi

The antisemitism virus – Brief Dialogue with Dr. Raheli Baratz

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Articles, Contemporary Issues, Fitnah, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Refutations, Sin.

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ كُونُواْ قَوَّٲمِينَ بِٱلۡقِسۡطِ شُہَدَآءَ لِلَّهِ وَلَوۡ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِكُمۡ أَوِ ٱلۡوَٲلِدَيۡنِ وَٱلۡأَقۡرَبِينَ‌ۚ إِن يَكُنۡ غَنِيًّا أَوۡ فَقِيرً۬ا فَٱللَّهُ أَوۡلَىٰ بِہِمَا‌ۖ فَلَا تَتَّبِعُواْ ٱلۡهَوَىٰٓ أَن تَعۡدِلُواْ‌ۚ وَإِن تَلۡوُ ۥۤاْ أَوۡ تُعۡرِضُواْ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ خَبِيرً۬ا

O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah; even though it be against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, be he rich or poor, Allah is a Better Protector to both (than you). So follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest you may avoid justice, and if you distort your witness or refuse to give it, verily, Allah is Ever Well-Acquainted with what you do. [An-Nisaa. 135]

The purpose of this brief article is not to challenge the right of race to exist within humanity, nor to endorse the oppression of any person. Rather, it aims to provide a quick analysis that highlights aspects the article’s author may have overlooked in their argument, as well as some potential exaggerations in their perspective. It’s important to understand that not all individuals who identify as Jewish agree with or support the actions of Netanyahu’s government, which has been guilty of committing violence and oppression against Palestinians—actions that many have labeled as genocidal in the past three years.

Furthermore, we are not implying that the author endorses such actions, as we have not found any statements from that indicate this. Also, we condemn the actions of any group or individual identifying as Muslim—whether in Palestine, the UK, or elsewhere—that inflicts harm on non-combatants or fellow citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs. We also firmly oppose vigilantism and anti-Semitism in any form, a stance we will emphasise throughout this article, InShaaAllah.

In the above article, Dr. Raheli Baratz titled: “The mutating virus of antisemitism: 2024’s most infectious social diseased”, the author stated:

“It seems that the epidemic of antisemitism has become a real global threat in recent years”. [End of quote]

Response: It is not our expertise to explore the complexities and theory of viral mutations; that responsibility lies with the truthful scientists, both from Muslim backgrounds and others, who engaged in meaningful dialogue and diverse perspectives without succumbing to the fearmongering that was frequently witnessed during the lockdowns. When it comes to the metaphorical rise of antisemitism mentioned by the writer, we acknowledge that, irrespective of our opinions on the extent of its prevalence, it is undeniably a form of racism that Islam condemns. However, it is crucial to emphasise that the violence and oppression linked to Zionism over the last 70 years deserves more condemnation.

Dr. Raheli stated: “While it didn’t start following the October 7 massacre, these events served as a powerful catalyst that brought hatred out of the shadows”. [End of quote]

Response: The tragic loss of innocent lives, including unarmed civilians and non-combatants, is an act that can never be justified, whether it occurred on October 7 or at any other time. However, it is also incumbent to acknowledge the deep-seated animosity towards Palestinians that has persisted for over seven decades, alongside the alarming rhetoric of hatred employed by some people who associate with Zionism. Refer to “Footnote a” for the remarks made by Yair Netanyahu, Ehud Olmert, Eli Yishai, Bezalel Smotrich, Tally Gotliv, Itamar Ben Gvir, and Arieh King. Additionally, you will find the content of “The Friendship Song.”

Dr. Raheli stated: “The tragic murder of Rabbi Zvi Kogan, a 28-year-old Chabad-Lubavitch emissary in Dubai, by Islamic terrorists in early 2024 further demonstrates this escalating crisis. His death, which shocked both the Jewish community and people of goodwill worldwide, illustrates how even in places of apparent progress and interfaith cooperation like the UAE, antisemitic violence can emerge with devastating consequences”. [End of quote]

Response: The murder of any innocent individual, whether they are a Rabbi, a Muslim, a Christian, a Hindu, a Sikh, or an atheist, is unequivocally condemned. However, what about the horrific acts of murdering infants and non-combatants, as well as the starvation of mothers and their children during the blockage in Gaza?! These actions are far more heinous than the tragic murder of a 28-year-old Jewish man, which, while a grave crime, pales in comparison to the suffering inflicted by Zionists over the past 70 years. For a deeper understanding of the atrocities committed by Zionists even prior to the recent violence, please refer to Footnote b at the end of this article. As for when discussing what some people refer to as interfaith cooperation, it is essential to clarify its meaning from an Islamic perspective. This concept does not imply that Muslims should abandon their identity or engage in practices that contradict Islamic law. Instead, it should be framed as peaceful coexistence, where the principles of Shariah compel Muslims to safeguard the lives and dignity of non-Muslims. We reiterate that antisemitism is condemned by the Creator, as are the acts of starving and bombing innocent children. Just as antisemitic violence can lead to catastrophic outcomes, the actions of Zionists have resulted in even more devastating consequences for the lives and dignity of Palestinians, all while the world observed the genocide and the inflammatory rhetoric from certain Zionist leaders. For further details, please refer to Footnote d.

Dr. Raheli stated: “The infection rate has reached unprecedented levels, with reports showing a staggering 400% increase in antisemitic incidents over the past year. This exponential growth rate surpasses any previous outbreak in recent history, marking what epidemiologists would call a “super-spreader event” in social terms. The velocity and scale of this surge mirror the behavior of highly infectious diseases, demanding immediate global intervention”. [End of quote]

Response: We must once again assert that antisemitism and its repercussions have no place in any society. However, it is crucial to recognise that the incidents of antisemitism observed by the writer pale in comparison to the staggering loss of thousands of Palestinian lives when the conflict was at its peak, alongside countless others buried under rubble, children starved due to interference with food supplies by settlers etc. While antisemitism is undeniably a grave injustice, the scale of brutality inflicted by Zionists today is unparalleled and demands more urgent global intervention. Furthermore, I believe the writer has overstated the current prevalence of antisemitism, suggesting it surpasses all previous instances, when in fact, the suffering endured by Bani Israel at the hands of Fir’awn was far more severe. There is no need for such exaggeration; instead, we should engage in a fair discussion of these issues without inflating the reality of antisemitism, which has not even approached the magnitude of Zionist brutality experienced over the past 70 years.

Dr. Raheli stated: “The similarity between antisemitism and COVID-19 is striking. Just as we saw colorful maps describing the spread of the epidemic at its peak – green, yellow, orange, and red – we can now imagine the spread of antisemitism. If, in the past, many areas were “green” and relatively clean of this hatred, today, more and more areas are turning orange and red”. [End of quote]

Response: Antisemitism, akin to a profound affliction of the heart, finds its parallel in Zionism; both are manifestations of deeply flawed beliefs and ideologies that inflict far greater harm than mere physical maladies.

Dr. Raheli stated: “On social networks, hatred spreads like a virus. Antisemitic posts travel from device to device in seconds, echoing across the network without real supervision and strengthening ignorance and incitement. What is the cause? The root of the problem lies in ignorance. When people don’t understand Jewish history, the lessons of the Holocaust, or the heavy price of blind hatred, they easily fall for antisemitic rhetoric. Therefore, education is the most effective cure for dealing with the antisemitism epidemic”. [End of quote]

Response: We denounce anti-Semitism wherever it is perpetrated. However, we must also address the blatant genocidal rhetoric and actions of Netanyahu’s government, which are as evident as the midday sun. These provocations have incited some ignorant soldiers to perpetrate atrocious acts. It is undeniable that all forms of racism arise from ignorance, which positions Netanyahu and his far-right associates as some of the most ignorant individuals, given their openly genocidal statements and the actions that follow.

Dr. Raheli stated: “In the US, where campuses have become conflict-ridden arenas, there is an urgent need to implement comprehensive educational programs. Holocaust studies, which are currently mandatory in half of US states, must become a requirement, not just as a historical gesture but as a tool to prevent future infections of ignorance and hatred”.

Response: Firstly, refer to “Footnote e” for a concise overview of America’s historical relationship with Zionism. Furthermore, while any initiatives aimed at combating antisemitism are commendable, the most pressing need is to implement programs that focus on deradicalising Zionists. This is essential to address the sense of superiority that has contributed to recent genocidal actions, as well as the ongoing violence that has persisted for over 70 years.

Dr. Raheli stated: “Legislation is another crucial tool. In Germany, for example, there are clear penalties against inciting calls such as “from the river to the sea,” which deter potential hate spreaders. Other countries need to learn from this example. When there is a real price for spreading hatred – whether legal punishment or social sanctions – people will think twice before choosing it”. [End of quote]

Response: Certainly, the principles that apply to others equally extend to Zionists in every nation and aspect of life, ensuring they respect the rights of all individuals. In my opinion, if the writer is aware that some individuals who support Zionism also utilise this slogan, it would reflect a level of hypocrisy and an unhealthy sense of entitlement to criticise others for using it while defending its use among their own allies. However, if the writer is simply unaware of those who share similar sentiments and align with Zionists, she bears no fault. Regarding this slogan, there are indeed those, particularly among certain evangelists, who advocate for the concept of a Greater Israel. “The National Christian Company” that was purchased by the Zionist priest Jerry Falwell and its name changed to “Daily Freedom Broadcasting” operates (or operated) from Leechburg, Virginia, and offers religious programming 24 hours a day. Its owner, Jerry Folwell, a close friend of former US President George H.W. Bush, frequently asserts through his station that “the re-establishment of Israel among fundamentalist Christians is a fulfillment of biblical prophecies, and every American must make every effort to ensure full support for Israel.” He also states that the Torah’s Book of Genesis declares that Israel’s borders will extend from the Euphrates to the Nile and that the promised territory will include Iraq, Syria, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, Sudan, Lebanon, Jordan, and Kuwait”. [Refer to Footnote f] While both Zionists and antisemites propagate hatred, it is undeniable that the Zionists have perpetrated a greater number of atrocities against the Palestinian people over the past seven decades.

Dr. Raheli stated: “Furthermore, there is an urgent need for cooperation between countries. The antisemitism epidemic crosses borders and cannot be treated separately in each country. Information sharing between countries about incitement networks, joint global campaigns to raise awareness, and encouraging international agreements to protect Jewish communities are critical steps. Democratic countries need to unite around shared core values and work together to eradicate hatred. Just as international cooperation works to fight terrorism and cross-border crime, we can also stop the spread of antisemitism and ensure a safer and more equal society for all. The public needs to understand that antisemitism is not just a problem of the Jewish community. It’s a symptom of a broader disease – the collapse of democratic and liberal values. Throughout history, hatred of Jews has been the first stage in broader social disintegration”. [End of quote]

Response: This is indeed a positive idea, but there is a more pressing need for all countries to work together to stop the much larger atrocities and serious crimes committed by Zionists against Palestinians. We also need to raise awareness about protecting Palestinians in their own land. All good people should oppose racism and antisemitism, but we must also challenge and eliminate Zionist arrogance, impunity, and the terrorism committed by some soldiers to ensure that Palestinians are safe and treated justly. The public should recognise that antisemitism is not only a Jewish issue; it reflects a wider problem. Similarly, Zionist arrogance, terrorism, and brutality are not just Palestinian issues; they indicate a larger failure of compassion, kindness, fairness, and the values found in the infallible final revelation- the Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah.

Regarding the writer’s point that hatred of Jews has historically been the first sign of social breakdown, while the writer does not explicitly say that all Jews are innocent, this statement could be misinterpreted by extreme Zionists to claim moral superiority, despite their actions suggesting otherwise. No nation or group is without wrongdoing by its leaders or certain factions throughout history, which can lead to retaliation that harms the innocent. This is not to deny that Jews have faced injustices at times, but no nation can claim to be free from injustice during its rise and fall or ensure that all its citizens and lands are free from it.

Dr. Raheli stated: “Like COVID-19, the way to stop the epidemic is through combined action – education, regulation, international cooperation, and public awareness. The murder of Rabbi Kogan underscores the urgent need for these interventions. Only if all establishment factors and government ministries cooperate can we break the chain of transmission and stop the antisemitism epidemic before it too becomes the norm”. [End of quote]

Response: The views of Dr. Raheli regarding Covid-19 and its mutations, shaped by her scientific perspective, are not the focus of this article of ours. Instead, we emphasise that both antisemitism and Zionism represent deep-seated ailments of the heart and soul. Furthermore, only the final divine revelation – the Qur’an and authentic Sunnah – can provide the healing needed for these ailments. The tragic murder of Rabbi Kogan calls for immediate action, but the urgency surrounding Zionist brutality and genocide demands even greater attention and intervention. It is imperative for all governments to unite in confronting these two issues and putting an end to them. However, it is important to note that Zionist violence has been a persistent reality for the past 70 years. Mere human ideas will not suffice to resolve these conflicts; we must seek a return to the final revelation.

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

Even though there is something in the paths of analogical reasoning and reflection that will lead to knowledge, however sometimes it cannot give detail explanation in a dispute between the people of the earth due to the minute details and ambiguities (in the dispute), and at other times due to the fact the people differ when prioritising necessities. Due to this, Allah [The Most High] commanded [us] to return to the revelation in times of dispute. Allah [The Most High] said:

كَانَ ٱلنَّاسُ أُمَّةً۬ وَٲحِدَةً۬ فَبَعَثَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلنَّبِيِّـۧنَ مُبَشِّرِينَ وَمُنذِرِينَ وَأَنزَلَ مَعَهُمُ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ بِٱلۡحَقِّ لِيَحۡكُمَ بَيۡنَ ٱلنَّاسِ فِيمَا ٱخۡتَلَفُواْ فِيهِ‌ۚ

Mankind were one community (i.e. upon Tawheed and Allaah’s Sharee’ah) and Allah sent Prophets with glad tidings and warnings, and with them He sent the Scripture in truth to judge between people in matters wherein they differed. [Al-Baqarah. 213]

Therefore, Allah designated the revealed Books [i.e. the Qur’an being the final of them] as the judge between the people in matters wherein they differ”. [Dar Ta’aarud Al-Aql Wan-Naql:. 9/17-18]

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah 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”. [A’laam Al-Muwaqqi’een 1/67-69]

And Allah knows best

Read: Muslims and Antisemitism by Shaikh Abu Iyaad- may Allah preserve him: https://abuiyaad.com/sn/muslims-antisemitism

Footnote a:

Must take a look at what is happening in their own backyard first

Footnote b:

https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2024/11/26/we-have-a-mandate-from-the-almighty-that-we-are-an-eternal-nation/

Footnote c:

http://www.shariah.ws/articles/duviqgl-shaykh-salih-al-fawzan-the-islamic-shariah-provides-security–for-muslims-and-non-muslims-and-those-who-violate-it-are-kh257rijites-who-are-to-be-fought-and-severely-punished.cfm

http://www.shariah.ws/articles/szsumlh-the-foundation-of-muslim-relations-with-non-muslims-who-do-not-show-aggression-and-hostility.cfm

http://www.shariah.ws/articles/nmsdfkp-islam-and-the-muslims-are-free-and-innocent-of-the-kharijite-extremists.cfm

Footnote d:

https://abuiyaad.com/a/slaughtering-children-holy-war/print

https://abuiyaad.com/a/amalekite-genocide-doctrine-gaza

https://www.abuiyaad.com/a/pharoah-slaughtering-babies

Footnote e: 

The Development of Christian Zionism in America Since the Puritan Settlement

Footnote f:

American Christian Zionists’ Media Initiatives Aimed at Influencing Public Opinion, With a Brief Mention of The Concept of Greater Israel

The Humble Beginnings of The Prophet’s Masjid

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Featured, History of Islam, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Prophets, Purification of The Soul, Sahaabah, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors), Scholars of Islam, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Anas Bin Malik, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated:

“We used to pray with the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, in scorching heat, and if one of us could not put his face on the earth (because of the heat), he would spread his clothes and prostrate over them”. [1]

Imam Muhammad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaymeen, may Allah have mercy upon him] mentioned that according to some scholars, this happened before the order to delay prayer in extreme heat. The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, observed that it was difficult for people to perform Sujud on the hot ground, so he instructed them to delay the prayer until the weather was cooler. Some scholars explained that “in scorching heat” refers to a day that is very hot and the stone or the thing with which (the floor) of the Masjid is covered becomes too hot to prostrate on, even if the weather itself is not intensely hot. This is an explanation from another angle. [2]

Abu Salamah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated: I asked Abu Sa’eed, may Allah be pleased with him, and he was a friend of mine, (about the Night of Qadr) and he said: “We practiced I’tikaf in the middle third of the month of Ramadan with the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. In the morning of the 20th of Ramadan, the Prophet came and addressed us and said, “I was informed of (the date of the Night of Qadr) but I was caused to forget it; so search for it in the odd nights of the last ten nights of the month of Ramadan. (In the dream) I saw myself prostrating in mud and water (as a sign). So, whoever was in I’tikaf with me should return to it with me (for another 10 days)”, and we returned. At that time there was no sign of clouds in the sky but suddenly a cloud came and it rained till rainwater started leaking through the roof of the Masjid which was made of date palm leaf stalks. Then the prayer was established and I saw Allah’s Messenger prostrating in mud and water and I saw the traces of mud on his forehead.” [3]

[1] al-Bukhari. 1208

[2] Paraphrased: https://www.alathar.net/home/esound/index.php?op=codevi&coid=43481

[3] al-Bukhari 2016