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Author: Abdullah Jallow

[2] Exemplary Dealings of the Pious Predecessors with Their Leaders

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Brotherhood, History of Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors), Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Imam Al-Awzaa’ee, may Allah have mercy upon him, wrote to Abu Abaydillah – a governor of the khalifah- as follows: 

I ask Allāh, The Mighty and Most High, to neither deprived you of sound intellect nor religion; may He provide you with the best in your current circumstances—protect what you know (i.e. righteous actions), shield you from what you detest (i.e. blameworthy matters) before you face any trials, not make you unaware of Him due to the trials of covetousness of or excessive work;  bless you with the ability to remember the fleeting pleasures of this world, remind you of the imminent separation from it, make your time spent in it impactful (positively), and grant you mercy when it is taken from you. Indeed, you are someone for whom I feel obligated to mention the good that Allāh may bestow upon him.

Therefore, I wish to counsel you privately, desiring that your religious matters are safeguarded and that evil is kept at bay by the will of Allah. Idrees – the individual who has written to you – inquired if you were able – may Allah have mercy upon you – to… Then the Imam mentioned the request and finally supplicated for the governor. 

An Excerpt from “Muqaddimah Al-Jarh Wat-Tadeel” By Ibn Abee Hatim Ar-Raazee (rahimahullaah) 2/87-88

[14] Exalt Allah and His Shariah First and Foremost

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Basics, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Shirk, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

قُلْ أَئِنَّكُمْ لَتَكْفُرُونَ بِالَّذِي خَلَقَ الْأَرْضَ فِي يَوْمَيْنِ وَتَجْعَلُونَ لَهُ أَندَادًا ۚ ذَٰلِكَ رَبُّ الْعَالَمِينَ

 وَجَعَلَ فِيهَا رَوَاسِيَ مِن فَوْقِهَا وَبَارَكَ فِيهَا وَقَدَّرَ فِيهَا أَقْوَاتَهَا فِي أَرْبَعَةِ أَيَّامٍ سَوَاءً لِّلسَّائِلِينَ

  ثُمَّ اسْتَوَىٰ إِلَى السَّمَاءِ وَهِيَ دُخَانٌ فَقَالَ لَهَا وَلِلْأَرْضِ ائْتِيَا طَوْعًا أَوْ كَرْهًا قَالَتَا أَتَيْنَا طَائِعِينَ

فَقَضَاهُنَّ سَبْعَ سَمَاوَاتٍ فِي يَوْمَيْنِ وَأَوْحَىٰ فِي كُلِّ سَمَاءٍ أَمْرَهَا ۚ وَزَيَّنَّا السَّمَاءَ الدُّنْيَا بِمَصَابِيحَ وَحِفْظًا ۚ ذَٰلِكَ تَقْدِيرُ الْعَزِيزِ الْعَلِيمِ

Say (O Muhammad): “Do you verily disbelieve in Him Who created the earth in two Days and you set up rivals (in worship) with Him? That is the Lord of the ‘Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists).

He placed therein (i.e. the earth) firm mountains from above it, and He blessed it, and measured therein its sustenance (for its dwellers) in four Days equal (i.e. all these four ‘days’ were equal in the length of time), for all those who ask (about its creation).

Then He (rose over) towards the heaven while it was (hot particles of) smoke and said to it and to the earth, “Bring out both of you (with what you have been commanded), willingly or unwillingly.” They said, “We come willingly.”

Then He completed and finished from their creation (as) seven heavens in two Days and He made in each heaven its affair. And We adorned the nearest (lowest) heaven with lamps (stars) to be an adornment as well as to guard (from the devils by using them as missiles against the devils). Such is the Decree of Al-Azeez, Al-Aleem. [Fussilat 9-12]

Al-Azeez: The Almighty. The Invincible. The Almighty One Whom nothing can overcome. The One Mighty in vengeance when He punishes His enemies. The All-Powerful One Who overcomes all, and before Whose Might all submit, and Who has no need of anyone.

Al-Aleem: The All-Knowing. Imaam Ahmad said: “The One Who knows everything in the seven heavens and the seven earths and whatever is between them and whatever is beneath the ground and whatever is in the depths of the oceans and who knows the places where every hair grows and every tree and the place where every leaf falls and the number of stones there are and the number of the grains of sand and the number of grains of soil and the weight of the mountains and all of the actions of the servants and the traces they leave behind and their speech and every breathe they take. He knows everything. Nothing is hidden from Him while He is above the Throne, above the seven heavens. He, The Perfect and Most High.” So He knows whatever was, whatever is, and whatever will be before it occurs, and He knows the true and hidden reality of everything, and He knows whatever is not going to be, and how it would be if it were to exist. He has always been The All-Knowing, Perfect in His knowledge. [Source: The Names and Attributes of Allah by Shaikh Abu Talhah, may Allah have mercy upon him and his wife]

[1] Exemplary Dealings of the Pious Predecessors with Their Leaders

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Basics, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, 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.

Imam Ibn Rajab, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated about the Salaf:

“There is not to be found in the statements of those who came after the Salaf (any) truth, except that it is found in their statements with a more concise wording and a shorter expression. There is not to be found in the statements of those who came after them (any) falsehood, except that there is in their statements that which clarifies its falsity for the one who understands and contemplates. There are wonderful meanings found in their statements and precise observations, which those who came after them were neither guided to nor knew about. The one who does not take knowledge from their statements will miss all that goodness, alongside the numerous falsehoods he will fall into due to following those who came after them”. [i.e. those who came after the Salaf]. [1]

Abdus Samad Bin Yazid Al-Baghdadi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: I heard Al-Fudayl Bin Iyaad, may Allah have mercy upon him, saying: “If I had a supplication that would be accepted, I would not make it except for the leader”. It was said to him: “O father of Ali! Why is that?” He said, “When I make it for myself, it would be only for me, but if I make it for the leader, the rectification (or righteousness) of the leader would consequently result in the rectification of the people and the country”. It was said to him, “O father of Ali! How is that? Explain this to us”. He said, “As for the wellbeing of the land, if the people are safe from the ruler’s tyranny, they will develop abandoned areas and settle in the land. And with regards to the rectification of the people, one observes the affair of a people among the ignoramuses and says: ‘They have been distracted by the pursuit of livelihood rather than seeking what will benefit them with regards to learning the Qur’an and other things’. So, he gathers them together in a house – fifty in number, less or more, and says to a man, ‘You have what will make your affair upright and teach these people their religion’. Then you’ll see what Allāh, The Mighty and Majestic, brings forth from among them that would make the land righteous (and prosperous, thrive, flourish, etc) and that would return to them (i.e. they’ll receive its benefits). This would be the rectification of the people and the country”. Imam Ibn Al-Mubarak, may Allah have mercy upon him, kissed Imam Fudayl’s forehead and said, “O teacher of goodness! Who else (i.e. among us) would be able to (say or do) this better than you?!” [2]

[1] An Excerpt from “Fadl Ilm As-Salaf Alaa Ilm Al-Khalaf”. page 61

[2] Hilyah Al-Awliya 8/91

[13] Exalt Allah and His Shariah First and Foremost

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

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

Al-Allamah Abdur Rahman Bin Yahyah Al-Mu’allimee, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated regarding the contemplation needed in order to give precedence to the truth over vain desires:

Contemplate the fact that truth is noble and falsehood is lowly. Contemplate the Greatness of Allah, The Mighty and Majestic- the fact that Allah is the Lord of the entire universe, Allah loves truth and hates falsehood, and that the one who follows truth is deserving of the Pleasure of the Lord of the universe. Allah, Glorified be He, will be his protector in the worldly life and the Afterlife by choosing for him everything that is good, better, more beneficial, more perfect, more noble and loftier until Allah removes his soul whilst being pleased with him. Then Allah raises him, brings him close and makes him dwell in paradise with honour- in permanent bliss and eternal nobility which no imagination can fully conceive its greatness. He should contemplate the fact that the one who clings to falsehood is deserving of the displeasure, anger and punishment of the Lord of the universe, and if he receives anything of worldly bliss, then that is only a means of humiliating him in order that he is increased in being distanced from Allah, so that the painful torment of the afterlife is multiplied for him, which no imagination can fully conceive its severity.

He should contemplate the bliss of the worldly life [i.e. temporary] as compared to the pleasure of the Lord of the universe and the bliss in the afterlife [i.e. eternal], compare the misery of the worldly life to displeasure of the Lord of the universe and the punishment in the afterlife [i.e. the severest punishment in this life is nowhere equal to punishment in the afterlife]. He should contemplate the statement of Allah, The Mighty and Majestic:

وَقَالُواْ لَوۡلَا نُزِّلَ هَـٰذَا ٱلۡقُرۡءَانُ عَلَىٰ رَجُلٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡقَرۡيَتَيۡنِ عَظِيمٍ
أَهُمۡ يَقۡسِمُونَ رَحۡمَتَ رَبِّكَ‌ۚ نَحۡنُ قَسَمۡنَا بَيۡنَہُم مَّعِيشَتَہُمۡ فِى ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا‌ۚ وَرَفَعۡنَا بَعۡضَہُمۡ فَوۡقَ بَعۡضٍ۬ دَرَجَـٰتٍ۬ لِّيَتَّخِذَ بَعۡضُہُم بَعۡضً۬ا سُخۡرِيًّ۬ا‌ۗ وَرَحۡمَتُ رَبِّكَ خَيۡرٌ۬ مِّمَّا يَجۡمَعُونَ
وَلَوۡلَآ أَن يَكُونَ ٱلنَّاسُ أُمَّةً۬ وَٲحِدَةً۬ لَّجَعَلۡنَا لِمَن يَكۡفُرُ بِٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ لِبُيُوتِہِمۡ سُقُفً۬ا مِّن فِضَّةٍ۬ وَمَعَارِجَ عَلَيۡہَا يَظۡهَرُونَ
وَلِبُيُوتِہِمۡ أَبۡوَٲبً۬ا وَسُرُرًا عَلَيۡہَا يَتَّكِـُٔونَ
وَزُخۡرُفً۬ا‌ۚ وَإِن ڪُلُّ ذَٲلِكَ لَمَّا مَتَـٰعُ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا‌ۚ وَٱلۡأَخِرَةُ عِندَ رَبِّكَ لِلۡمُتَّقِينَ

And they say: “Why is not this Qur’an sent down to some great man of the two towns (Makkah and Ta’if)?” Is it they who would portion out the Mercy of your Lord? It is We Who portion out between them their livelihood in this world, and We raised some of them above others in ranks, so that some may employ others in their work. But the Mercy (Paradise) of your Lord (O Muhammad) is better than the (wealth of this world) which they amass. And were it not that all mankind would have become of one community (all disbelievers, desiring worldly life only), We would have provided for those who disbelieve in the Most Beneficent (Allah), silver roofs for their houses, and elevators (and stair-ways, etc. of silver) whereby they ascend, and for their houses, doors (of silver), and thrones (of silver) on which they could recline, and adornments of gold. Yet all this (i.e. the roofs, doors, stairs, elevators, thrones etc. of their houses) would have been nothing but an enjoyment of this world. And the Hereafter with your Lord is only for the Muttaqun”. [Az-Zuhkruf. 31-35] [1]

We ask Allah:

اللهم آتِ نفسي تقواها أنت خيرُ مَن زكَّاها أنت وليُّها ومولاها أعوذُ بك من قلبٍ لا يخشعُ وعلمٍ لا ينفعُ ودعوةٍ لا يُستجابُ لها

O Allah! Grant my soul its piety, because You are the Best to purify it. You are its Protector and Guardian. I seek refuge in You from a heart that does not fear (You), the knowledge which does not benefit, and the supplication that is not responded to.” [2]

[1] An Aathaar Ash-, Shaikh Al-Allamah Abdur Rahmaan Bin Yahyah Al-Mu’allimee 11/309

[2] Sahih Muslim 2722

 

The Triumph of Truth Outlives Its Bearers

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Featured, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

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

والحق منصور وممتحن

“The truth is both victorious and tested (or subjected to ordeal).”

Imam Muhammad Ibn Salih al-Uthaymin, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Meaning: it is not victorious without trial; rather, it must be subjected to ordeal that makes it evident. There is no astonishment in this, for indeed it is the way of Allah- The Mighty and Majestic – so that through this Allah’s party (i.e. His allies) are distinguished from the party that wars against Allah. Had it not been for this, people would have been one single community (upon upright guidance), and Allah’s party would not have been distinguished from those who wage war against Him. And due to the reason that the truth is both victorious and subjected to ordeal, people become two groups. But whose is the final (praiseworthy) outcome? The final (praiseworthy) outcome is for the people of truth. Allah, The Most High, said:

إِنَّا لَنَنصُرُ رُسُلَنَا وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ فِى ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا وَيَوْمَ يَقُومُ ٱلْأَشْهَٰدُ
يَوْمَ لَا يَنفَعُ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ مَعْذِرَتُهُمْ وَلَهُمُ ٱللَّعْنَةُ وَلَهُمْ سُوٓءُ ٱلدَّارِ

Verily, We will indeed make victorious Our Messengers and those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah Islamic Monotheism) in this world’s life and on the Day when the witnesses will stand forth, (i.e. Day of Resurrection), the Day when their excuses will be of no profit to Zalimun (polytheists, wrong-doers and disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah). Theirs will be the curse, and theirs will be the evil abode (i.e. painful torment in Hell-fire). [Ghafir 51-52]

The final (praiseworthy) outcome is for the people of truth. If it is not attained (or its occurence is not witnessed) in this world, it has a recompense in Allah’s presence. The final (praiseworthy) outcome is theirs in all cases- either in this world or in the Hereafter.

إِنَّا لَنَنصُرُ رُسُلَنَا وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ فِى ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا وَيَوْمَ يَقُومُ ٱلْأَشْهَٰدُ

Verily, We will indeed make victorious Our Messengers and those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah Islamic Monotheism) in this world’s life and on the Day when the witnesses will stand forth, (i.e. Day of Resurrection).

Even though I say that victory is not the victory of an individual, but the victory of the path he follows. If it is that Allah has decreed for a person in this worldly life that he will die before witnessing victory- any victory that he may be attain, then indeed, he he will be victorous after that. His methodology will be victorious and established as long as it is the methodology that Allah has prescribed for His servants.

Due to this, we say that the Muslims’ victory after the death of the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is a victory for the Messenger —is that not the case? Even though it (happened) after his death. What demonstrates this is that when Abu Sufyan informed Heraclius- the Emperor of the Rome – about the call to the truth which the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, adhere to, what did he say to Abu Sufyan? He said: “If what you say is true, he will reign over what is under my these two feet of mine.” But did the Messenger reign over what is under (Hiraclious) two feet (i.e. his Kingdom)?

The student said: Yes.

The Shaikh said: He (The Messenger) reigned over, but not by his personal self; rather, through his Shariah and methodology.

https://alathar.net/home/esound/index.php?op=codevi&coid=129382#:~:text=%D9%8A%D9%82%D9%88%D9%84%20%D8%B1%D8%AD%D9%85%D9%87%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%84%D9%87%20%3A%20%22%20%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AD%D9%82%20%D9%85%D9%86%D8%B5%D9%88%D8%B1,%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%B3%20%D8%B7%D8%A7%D8%A6%D9%81%D8%AA%D9%8A%D9%86%20%D9%88%D9%84%D9%83%D9%86%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D9%82%D8%A8%D9%89%20%D9%84%D9%85%D9%86%20%D8%9F

Beware of Half-Truth Peddlers!

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Brotherhood, Featured, Fitnah, History of Islam, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Scholars of Islam, Sin.

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

Abdur-Raḥmān ibn Yazīd ibn Jābir said: Once we were with Rajāʾ ibn Ḥaywah, then we began reminding one another about showing gratitude for (Allah’s) blessings, so he said: ‘There is no one who can truly fulfill gratitude (to Allah) due to blessings’. And behind us there was a man with a cloak over his head, who said: ‘Not even the Amīr al-Muʾminīn)?’ We said: ‘We said: ‘The Amīr al-Muʾminīn has not been mentioned (specifically) here, rather, we are speaking in general — about any person!’ He (Abdur Rahman) said: ‘Our attention was diverted from him, then Rajā turned to notice his presence but could not see him, so he said, ‘The one who was wearing the cloak came to you. If you are called to swear by Allah, swear by Allah (truthfully)’.

He (Abdur Rahman) said: ‘It was not long before a guard of his (i.e. the Amīr al-Muʾminīn) approached him’. He (the Amīr al-Muʾminīn) said: ‘O Rajā! The Amīr al-Muʾminīn is mentioned, and you did not defend him (or support him)?’ He (Rajā) said: ‘O Amīr al-Muʾminīn! What is the matter about?’ He said: ‘You mentioned showing gratitude for (Allah’s) blessings and said: ‘: ‘There is no one who can truly fulfill gratitude (to Allah) due to blessings’ and it was said to you, ‘Not even the Amīr al-Muʾminīn?’ And you said: ‘Amīr al-Muʾminīn is just a man like others!’ Rajāʾ replied: ‘That did not happen'(i.e. you were not specified as the one intended regarding this discussion). He said, ‘By Allah'(i.e. you did not mean this?)

Rajāʾ said: ‘By Allah’. So, he (Amīr al-Muʾminīn) commanded that the man who transmitted the (rumour) be whipped seventy lashes. Then I exited and the man was covered in his own blood. Then he said: ‘You are Rajā ibn Ḥaywah and this happens because of you?!’ He (Rajā) said: ‘Seventy lashes on your back are better than (spilling) a believer’s blood’. Ibn Jābir said: ‘Thereafter, whenever Rajā sat in a gathering, he would say while looking around, ‘Beware of the man who wore the cloak'”. 

Siyar Aʿlām al-Nubalāʾ. 4/561

[12] Exalt Allah and His Shariah First and Foremost

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Basics, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Prophets, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

ثُمَّ جَعَلْنَٰكَ عَلَىٰ شَرِيعَةٍ مِّنَ ٱلْأَمْرِ فَٱتَّبِعْهَا وَلَا تَتَّبِعْ أَهْوَآءَ ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ

Then We have put you (O Muhammad) on a plain way of (Our) commandment. So follow you that, and do not follow the desires of those who know not. [Al-Jathiyah 18]

Meaning: Then We legislated for you – from Our divine command – a complete (perfect) Shariah that calls to every good and forbids every evil from Our Shariah command. “So follow it” because by following it there is eternal happiness, (sound) rectification and success.

“And do not follow the desires of those who do not know”

Meaning: those whose desires are neither guided by knowledge nor aligned with it. Everyone who opposes the Messenger’s Shariah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, based on his desires and wants is he is from those who do not know.

إِنَّهُمْ لَن يُغْنُوا۟ عَنكَ مِنَ ٱللَّهِ شَيْـًٔا وَإِنَّ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ بَعْضُهُمْ أَوْلِيَآءُ بَعْضٍ وَٱللَّهُ وَلِىُّ ٱلْمُتَّقِينَ

Verily, they can avail you nothing against Allah (if He wants to punish you). Verily, the wrong-doers are Auliya’ (protectors, helpers, etc.) to one another, but Allah is the Wali (Helper, Protector, etc.) of the pious. [Al-Jathiyah 19]

Meaning: They will be of no benefit to you in Allah’s Presence – neither bringing you any good nor protecting you from harm if you follow them in their desires.

It is not right for you to agree with them or take them as allies, for you and they are very different, and they are allies of one another.

“But Allah is the Wali (Helper, Protector, etc.) of the pious”. 

He brings them out of darkness into light because of their piety and their obedience to Him.

An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi Said.

[11] Exalt Allah and His Shariah First and Foremost

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Basics, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, 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.

Imam Muhammad Ameen Ash-Shanqeetee, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated regarding the causes of weakness in the Ummah:

The Great Qur’an provides guidance on how to resolve this issue through the most suitable and upright path. Allah explained that the solution to this is related to turning to Him truthfully, one’s degree of faith in Him, and reliance upon Him. This is because Allah is All-Strong and All-Mighty, the Overwhelming and Absolute Subduer of everything, Who is never overcome. Thus, it is impossible to prevail over someone who is truly an ally of Allah.

One glaring example of this was during the Battle of the Confederates when the Muslims were under siege by the unbelievers. Allah says:

إِذْ جَآءُوكُم مِّن فَوْقِكُمْ وَمِنْ أَسْفَلَ مِنكُمْ وَإِذْ زَاغَتِ ٱلْأَبْصَٰرُ وَبَلَغَتِ ٱلْقُلُوبُ ٱلْحَنَاجِرَ وَتَظُنُّونَ بِٱللَّهِ ٱلظُّنُونَا۠

هُنَالِكَ ٱبْتُلِىَ ٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ وَزُلْزِلُوا۟ زِلْزَالًا شَدِيدًا

When they came upon you from above you and from below you, and when the eyes grew wild and the hearts reached to the throats, and you were harbouring doubts about Allah. There, the believers were tried and shaken with a mighty shaking. [Al-Ahzaab. 10-11]

Aside from the fact that the Muslims were cut off politically and economically at the time by everyone on earth, consider the severity of this military siege and its effects on them! When you realise this, you should be aware that Allah said in Surah Al-Ahzaab the following as the solution to this enormous affair that ended this great difficulty. Allah said:

وَلَمَّا رَءَا ٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ ٱلْأَحْزَابَ قَالُوا۟ هَٰذَا مَا وَعَدَنَا ٱللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُۥ وَصَدَقَ ٱللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُۥ وَمَا زَادَهُمْ إِلَّآ إِيمَٰنًا وَتَسْلِيمًا

And when the believers saw Al-Ahzaab (the confederates), they said: “This is what Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad) had promised us, and Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad) had spoken the truth”, and it only added to their faith and to their submissiveness (to Allah). [Al-Ahzab. 22]

That enormous difficulty was ended by this perfect belief in Allah, great submission to Him, and dependence and reliance on Him.

And in fact, Allah made clear the benefits of this treatment. Allah mentioned the fruits of this remedy, saying:

وَرَدَّ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ بِغَيْظِهِمْ لَمْ يَنَالُوا۟ خَيْرًا وَكَفَى ٱللَّهُ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ ٱلْقِتَالَ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ قَوِيًّا عَزِيزًا

وَأَنزَلَ ٱلَّذِينَ ظَٰهَرُوهُم مِّنْ أَهْلِ ٱلْكِتَٰبِ مِن صَيَاصِيهِمْ وَقَذَفَ فِى قُلُوبِهِمُ ٱلرُّعْبَ فَرِيقًا تَقْتُلُونَ وَتَأْسِرُونَ فَرِيقًا

وَأَوْرَثَكُمْ أَرْضَهُمْ وَدِيَٰرَهُمْ وَأَمْوَٰلَهُمْ وَأَرْضًا لَّمْ تَطَـُٔوهَا وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ قَدِيرًا

And Allah drove back those who disbelieved in their rage; they gained no advantage (booty, etc.). Allah sufficed for the believers in the fighting (by sending against the disbelievers a severe wind and troops of angels). And Allah is Ever All-Strong, All-Mighty. And those of the people of the Scripture who backed them [the Quraish disbelievers] Allah brought them down from their forts and cast terror into their hearts, (so that) a group (of them) you killed (during the battle), and a group (of them) you made captives. And He caused you to inherit (as war booty) their lands, and their houses, and their riches, and a land which you had not trodden (before). And Allah is Able to do all things. [Al-Ahzaab. 25-27]

This is how Allah supported them in their fight against their adversaries. They had no idea nor aware that they were aided by the wind and the angels. Allah said:

يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱذْكُرُوا۟ نِعْمَةَ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيْكُمْ إِذْ جَآءَتْكُمْ جُنُودٌ فَأَرْسَلْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ رِيحًا وَجُنُودًا لَّمْ تَرَوْهَا وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ بَصِيرًا

O you who believe! Remember Allah’s Favour to you, when there came against you hosts, and We sent against them a wind and forces that you saw not [i.e. troops of angels during the battle of Al-Ahzab (the Confederates)]. And Allah is Ever All-Seer of what you do.

An Excerpt from ‘Adwaa Al-Bayaan 3/301-302

[10] Exalt Allah and His Shariah First and Foremost

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), History of Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Scholars of Islam, Shirk, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allah stated that Prophet, Ibrahim, peace be upon him, said to his people:

وَڪَيۡفَ أَخَافُ مَآ أَشۡرَڪۡتُمۡ وَلَا تَخَافُونَ أَنَّكُمۡ أَشۡرَكۡتُم بِٱللَّهِ مَا لَمۡ يُنَزِّلۡ بِهِۦ عَلَيۡڪُمۡ سُلۡطَـٰنً۬ا‌ۚ فَأَىُّ ٱلۡفَرِيقَيۡنِ أَحَقُّ بِٱلۡأَمۡنِ‌ۖ إِن كُنتُمۡ تَعۡلَمُونَ

And how should I fear those whom you associate in worship with Allah (though they can neither benefit nor harm), while you fear not that you have joined in worship with Allah things for which He has not sent down to you any authority. (So) which of the two parties has more right to be in security? If you but know.” It is those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah and worship none but Him Alone) and confuse not their belief with Zulm (wrong i.e. by worshipping others besides Allah), for them (only) there is security and they are the guided. [Al-An’aam. 81-82]

وَڪَيۡفَ أَخَافُ مَآ أَشۡرَڪۡتُمۡ

Why should I fear that which you ascribe as partners to (Allah)?

Meaning, when its state is that of inability and cannot benefit.

وَلَا تَخَافُونَ أَنَّكُمۡ أَشۡرَكۡتُم بِٱللَّهِ مَا لَمۡ يُنَزِّلۡ بِهِۦ عَلَيۡڪُمۡ سُلۡطَـٰنً۬ا‌ۚ

whilst you do not fear ascribing partners to Allah for which He has not sent down to you any authority.

Meaning, you do so solely due to following desires!

 فَأَىُّ ٱلۡفَرِيقَيۡنِ أَحَقُّ بِٱلۡأَمۡنِ‌ۖ إِن كُنتُمۡ تَعۡلَمُونَ

(So) which of the two parties has more right to be in security? If you but know?] Then differentiated the two parties and stated:

ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَلَمۡ يَلۡبِسُوٓاْ إِيمَـٰنَهُم بِظُلۡمٍ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ لَهُمُ ٱلۡأَمۡنُ وَهُم مُّهۡتَدُونَ

It is those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah and worship none but Him Alone) and confuse not their belief with Zulm (wrong i.e. by worshipping others besides Allah), for them (only) there is security and they are the guided

Meaning, safe from fear, punishment and misery, and they will be guided to the straight path.

An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi

Nobility in Islam: Beyond Lineage and Status

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

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

Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated: Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was asked, “Who is the most honourable amongst the people?” He said, “The one who fears Allah the most”. They said, “We are not asking you about this”. He said, “Then the most honourable amongst the people is Yusuf, Allah’s Prophet, the son of Allah’s Prophet, the son of Allah’s Prophet, the son of Allah’s Khaleel”. They said, “We are not asking you about this”. He said, “So you are asking me about the Arabs’ descent; the people are of different descents and those who were best in the pre-Islamic period are the best in Islam, if they acquire (sound) understanding of (religious knowledge)”.

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

In this hadith, it is legislated for the one to whom something related to the religion is hidden that he asks, and the scholar is the one who is asked. The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him, is the foremost teacher and the one who conveys the religion (ordained) by Allah. His companions used to ask him that which they wanted to understand in order to act upon it.This hadith is proof that the companions of the Prophet asked about matters related to their religion in order to acquire understanding of the religion. Knowledge- as it is said – is based on questions and answers.

In this hadith there is proof (regarding) the virtue of Taqwah, as Allah, The Mighty and Majestic, said:

إِنَّ أَڪۡرَمَكُمۡ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ أَتۡقَٮٰكُمۡ‌ۚ

The most honourable of you in the sight of Allaah are those who fear Allaah the most.

Taqwa (fear of Allah) gathers every good because it is clearly manifested in the fulfilment of commands, keeping away from prohibitions, declaring lawful what is lawful and declaring unlawful what is unlawful – inwardly (in one’s heart) and apparent (on one’s actions), and adherence to the (Qur’an, the Sunnah, the Straight path etc).

In this hadith there is proof regarding the virtue of Yusuf, peace be upon him, and his fathers because the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, mentioned them.

In this hadith there is proof regarding the humility of the Prophet because he made known to them the virtue of his brother- the noble Prophet – Yusuf.

In this hadith there is proof regarding the virtue of the Arabs if they possess understanding of the religion of Islam and learn the religion, for indeed the noble Qur’an was sent down in the language of the Arab, thus, if they acquire understanding of the religion, they will be able to convey it in Allah’s earth. This is what happened in this Ummah of Muhammad, for indeed when he was sent, he called the Arabs to Iman until a great Ummah was established who were able to perform Jihad and give Dawah in the path of Allah. So, they dispersed in the earth after acquiring understanding of their religion from Allah’s Messenger and spread it in the regions of the earth- propagating, teaching, performing Jihad and judging between the people, until Allah (gave Islam the upper hand) almost everywhere in the world through them, and this was a favour bestowed on them by Allah.

In this hadith there is proof regarding the virtue of Fiqh in the religion and that the one who acquires understanding of the religion – with a good intention- in order to remove ignorance from himself, act based on the understanding in the Islamic religion and spread it in the earth, he has a great reward and station in the sight of Allah. And Allah knows best.

The evidence (or testimony for the main subject matter in this hadith) is that the people are of different descents. The best of them during the Pre-Islamic era are the best in Islam if they possess (sound) understanding (in the religion). Therefore, whoever was from the good people during the Pre-Islamic era and acted that way amongst the people, then Allah blessed them to accept Islam and they acquire understanding, they’ll be the best people because they had a good basis which Islam increased in good and perfection. [1]

The Messenger said: Indeed, Allah has removed from you the pride of the pre-Islamic period and its boasting about ancestors. One is only a pious believer or a wretched sinner. You are sons of Adam and Adam (was created from) dust. Let the people abandon boasting about their ancestors, for they are merely fuel in Jahannam; or they will become more insignificant in (the sight of) Allah than the beetle which rolls dung with its nose. [2]

The Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “Whoever is held back by his deeds, his lineage will not push him forward”. [3]

Imam An-Nawawi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, “Its meaning is that the one whose deeds are deficient and he does not catch up with the performers of (good) deeds, it is obligated to him not to crown himself with nobility of lineage and the virtues of his forefathers, while he is lagging behind in (performing good) deeds”. [4]

[1] An Excerpt from at -Taleeqaat Al-Maleehah Alaa Silsilah Al-Ahaadith As-Saheehah. 1/34-35

[2] Sahih Abi Dawud 5116

[3] & [4] Saheeh Muslim…part of hadeeth in ‘The Book Pertaining to the Remembrance of Allah, Supplication, Repentance and Seeking Forgiveness. Sharh Saheeh Muslim: Hadith Number 2699 17/18