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Author: Abdullah Jallow

The pursuit of economic sovereignty should not be considered nationalism

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Basics, Contemporary Issues, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq'.

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

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

What is Dzulm (injustice or oppression)? It is three types according to the people of knowledge. Firstly, the greatest of them is Shirk. Why is shirk referred as Dzulm? This is because the basis of injustice is to place something in other than its rightful place. The meaning of Shirk is to devote acts of worship to other than its rightful place and this is the greatest injustice because when they (i.e. the people of Shirk) devoted acts of worship to other than its rightful place and to those who are not deserving of it, they equated the created (beings) to the Creator, and a weak one (i.e. a created being) to Al-Qawiy [The One Perfect in Strength (i.e. Allaah)], who is not unable to do anything. Thus, is there any greater injustice after this?

The second type of Dzulm is committed when a person oppresses himself by committing sins. A sinner oppresses himself because he exposes himself to punishment, even though it is obligated to him to save himself and place himself in an appropriate situation and that is to obey Allah.

The third type of Dzulm is committed when a person oppresses others by taking their wealth, or backbiting them, or spreading tales about them, or stealing their wealth, or violating their honour through backbiting, tale carrying, slander, or shedding their blood through murder, or beating them, inflicting injuries, degrading them without right etc [1] [end of quote]

Indeed, the foremost priority is not the accumulation of material wealth or earthly influence; rather, the purpose of life is to worship of Allah alone and adherence to the path of the final Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, in every facet of life. Otherwise, material success, no matter how formidable, will ultimately fade away, for Allah bestows strength upon whomever He wills based on His perfect Wisdom and Justice. A believer understands that strength and honour can only be attained through obedience to Allah and His Messenger. Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated:

Whoever ponders upon circumstances of the world will find that every matter of rectification is due to Tawheed, singling out Allah in worship and obedience to His Messenger (Muhammad). And every evil in the world, trial, affliction, scarcity (in livelihood), being overpowered by an enemy and other than that is due to opposition to the Messenger and the call to other than (the way of) Allah and His Messenger. Whoever truly ponders upon this and examines the circumstances of the world- since its beginning and until the time Allah will take it away and those upon it, he will realise this regarding himself and others, in general and specific (circumstances). And there is no Might or Power except with Allah –The Most High, The Most Great. [2]

In stating all of this, it is important to recognise that dominance does not imply that the dominant party must oppress, nor is oppression to be considered other than its true nature. The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said that Allah said, “O My servants! I have forbidden oppression for Myself, and I have made it forbidden amongst you, so do not oppress one another”. [3]

Consequently, it should not be considered nationalism when nations that have faced oppression and exploitation for extended periods choose to seek fair treatment and establish a partnership grounded in transparency. If a nation opts to terminate exploitation by taking decisive actions to gain control over its natural resources, this courageous decision is a strategic initiative rather than a mere bureaucratic modification; it represents a quest for economic sovereignty, just resource management, and liberation from organisations that symbolise neocolonial dominance. This cannot be classified as nationalism if it is a response to decades of exploitation of a nation’s mineral resources, which were previously left vulnerable to external forces with minimal advantages for the local population, thereby exacerbating economic dependency on aid from the exploiters. A country has the right to implement measures that guarantee the extraction of its resources in accordance with national interests, while also attracting responsible investors and ensuring equitable profit distribution. This stance is not an expression of nationalism; rather, it is a proclamation of economic sovereignty and a rejection of the ongoing role as a resource colony for foreign entities.

It is praiseworthy when a nation implements strategies to ensure it retains a just portion of the wealth produced from its resources. This retention enhances revenues that can be reinvested into essential infrastructure and social programs, ultimately transforming the lives of ordinary citizens. Such initiatives include constructing roads to link rural communities with markets and services, establishing schools and hospitals, ensuring accessible education and healthcare, and supporting farmers through the provision of modern agricultural equipment and tools. These efforts aim to enhance productivity and food security, as well as initiate youth employment programs to generate jobs and opportunities. All these initiatives are commendable.

Furthermore, these measures help to eliminate the influence of international loan sharks, liberate the nation from constraints, and challenge the neoliberal policies imposed by international institutions that prioritise foreign investment over local development. Economic bondage cannot be escaped when wealthy international institutions offer their liberal reforms aimed at resource extraction in return for substantial loans to certain so-called poor countries, which may favour multinational corporations at the expense of local communities. Therefore, those who seek liberation from these constraints should not be viewed as nationalistic or as destabilising forces.

The believer deals justly with everyone, whether with Muslims or non-Muslims. He does not behave like those who demand their rights in full but oppress others. Allah, The Most High, said:

وَيْلٌ لِّلْمُطَفِّفِينَ
ٱلَّذِينَ إِذَا ٱكْتَالُوا۟ عَلَى ٱلنَّاسِ يَسْتَوْفُونَ
وَإِذَا كَالُوهُمْ أَو وَّزَنُوهُمْ يُخْسِرُونَ

Woe to those who (deceptively) give less (than full weight or measure) (in trading goods) (or: fulfilling rights) (or: in acts of worship). Those who, when they are to receive (something) by measure from people, demand full measure (or more). But when they have to give to them by measure or by weight, they give less than (what is) due. [Al-Mutaffifeen 1-3]

False Accusation of Digital Tyranny

[1] I’anah Al-Mustafeed Bi-Sharhi Kitaab At-Tawheed. pages 55-56. slightly paraphrased
[2]Badaa’i Al-Fawaa’id 3/525-526
[3] Hadith 24 An-Nawawi

“Ostentatious Charity Followed by Harm” – A Vice In Our Era

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

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

Allah [The Exalted] said:

قَوۡلٌ۬ مَّعۡرُوفٌ۬ وَمَغۡفِرَةٌ خَيۡرٌ۬ مِّن صَدَقَةٍ۬ يَتۡبَعُهَآ أَذً۬ى‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ غَنِىٌّ حَلِيمٌ۬

Kind words and forgiving of faults are better than Sadaqah (charity) followed by injury. And Allah is Rich (Free of all wants) and He is Most-Forbearing. [Al-Baqarah. 263]

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

Allah informed us that kind speech- which all hearts recognise and do not reject; and forgiveness- to pardon the one who treated you badly, are better than charity that is followed by harm. Kind speech is good treatment and charity through speech; and forgiveness is good treatment by way of refraining from retaliation and holding someone responsible. These are two types of good treatments. As for charity followed by harm, it is a good deed that is followed by its nullifier, and there is no doubt that two good deeds are better than a good dead that is nullified. This also includes the forgiveness shown by the person when he encounters some harm and harsh behaviour from the one who he could not fulfil his request; therefore, showing forgiveness to him would be better than giving him charity and then harming him. Speaking kindly to him, refraining (from retaliation) and forgiving him is better for you than giving him charity and then harming him.

Then Allah, The Most High, ended this verse with the mention of two of His Attributes which are suitable for mention in this affair, saying: [وَٱللَّهُ غَنِىٌّ حَلِيمٌ۬- and He is Most-Forbearing]. Indeed, Allah is not in need of you and nothing (from the benefits of) your charity reaches him, rather all the abundant good in this charity and its benefits returns to you and not to Allah [Glorified and Exalted be He]. Therefore, how can one flaunt through his spending and causes harm while Allah is completely not in need of it and everything else besides it. In addition to this, Allah is forbearing because He does not hasten punishment against the one who flaunts. Allah is completely free from need in every way and He is the One described as One with forbearance, the one who overlooks and forgives, alongside the fact that He bestows His vast favours and ample gifts; then how can one of you harm another person by flaunting and offending, even though what you give is little, and you are weak and poor (in the sight of Allah). Then Allah said:

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا تُبۡطِلُواْ صَدَقَـٰتِكُم بِٱلۡمَنِّ وَٱلۡأَذَىٰ كَٱلَّذِى يُنفِقُ مَالَهُ ۥ رِئَآءَ ٱلنَّاسِ وَلَا يُؤۡمِنُ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلۡيَوۡمِ ٱلۡأَخِرِ‌ۖ فَمَثَلُهُ ۥ كَمَثَلِ صَفۡوَانٍ عَلَيۡهِ تُرَابٌ۬ فَأَصَابَهُ ۥ وَابِلٌ۬ فَتَرَڪَهُ ۥ صَلۡدً۬ا‌ۖ لَّا يَقۡدِرُونَ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ۬ مِّمَّا ڪَسَبُواْ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يَهۡدِى ٱلۡقَوۡمَ ٱلۡكَـٰفِرِينَ

O you who believe! Do not render in vain your Sadaqah (charity) by reminders of your generosity or by injury, like him who spends his wealth to be seen of men, and he does not believe in Allah, nor in the Last Day. His likeness is the likeness of a smooth rock on which is a little dust; on it falls heavy rain which leaves it bare. They are not able to do anything with what they have earned. And Allah does not guide the disbelieving people. [Al-Baqarah 264]

This spender, whose spending has been nullified, is likened to a Safwaan – a rock with a smooth, flat, and slippery surface and with dust on it. Then heavy rain falls on it, washing away the dust and leaving it bare, devoid of any vegetation or growth. This is one of the finest and most profound parables because it draws a parallel between the heart of such a spender, who flaunts and his spending is devoid of belief in Allah and the Last Day, to the rock itself, symbolising hardness, rigidity, and lack of benefit. It demonstrates the impact of charity represented by the fine dust on the rock, and the heavy rain that washes it away, mirroring the nullification and removal of the spender’s charity. Consequently, the spender is unable to reap any rewards from his charity, as it has been nullified and removed.

Another perspective on this is that (even though) someone spends for something other than the sake of Allah, it may seem like they have performed a deed that will be rewarded. So, it seems as if it is made to grow like the grain that is sown in fertile soil and it grows seven ears, and each era has a hundred grains. However, hidden behind this spending there is something that prevents it from gaining anything, just like a rock hidden beneath the soil that stops seeds from sprouting and growing. [An Excerpt from ‘Tareeq Al-Hijratayn. pages 452-454]

The strategy employed by the genocidal Netanyahu and some of his associates involves a constant denial of the starvation occurring in Gaza, which is one of his cruel tactics. When even his allies ramp up their calls for a ceasefire and for sufficient aid to be allowed into Gaza or other areas, a new issue arises. As soon as the Palestinians hear that aid is available at a specific location, they immediately set out in droves to that site. This creates the first hurdle in the aid distribution process, as a starving, terrified, and desperate populace rushes to seize as many supplies as they can. Consequently, this desperation and instinct for survival lead to chaos during the distribution, particularly when aid is left in an area where tens of thousands of people converge to grab whatever they can.

Undoubtedly, this method of distributing aid in such an environment and under these conditions resembles tossing chicken feed to a flock of chickens. Consequently, those who can snatch up more than others will do so, leaving some without their rightful portion. Furthermore, the amount of aid available may be insufficient due to limitations imposed by Netanyahu’s Zionist army. This orchestrated or forced chaos typically does not arise when aid is distributed by organizations independent of Netanyahu’s administration, as it is widely recognized that his Zionist government tends to exploit essential resources while continuing its genocidal actions.

How can one possibly anticipate that aid will be allocated efficiently when every individual in Gaza is deemed a target by the Zionist military, including civil servants? Given that this scenario has become the standard whenever the Zionists meddle with aid distribution, they aim to achieve two objectives simultaneously: they often rationalise their obstruction of food supplies by asserting that the aid would benefit Hamas, thus providing them with a pretext to starve the Palestinians and accomplish their objective of displacing them from Gaza. Concurrently, their media propaganda apparatus, along with numerous supportive writers on websites, Twitter, and various social media platforms, employs diverse arguments to reinforce the notion that Netanyahu’s administration bears no responsibility, which is typically the position of these writers unless they encounter situations where there is no room to obscure the truth or distort its reality.

Every discerning observer understands that the objective of numerous writers within the Zionist Media, along with their supporters, is to manipulate the narrative by utilising various writers who will reiterate the same claims, intertwining some truths with fabrications, exaggerations, misrepresentations, and emotional appeals. This strategy serves to amplify their assertions, undermine the rights of Palestinians, invoke anti-Semitism where it is unjustified, blur the lines of the discourse, distort its realities, and provide cover for the genocidal Netanyahu to perpetuate the slaughter of Palestinians under the pretense of self-defense and retaliation. Those who dare to question this and advocate for an immediate cessation of the killings are labeled as anti-Semites, self-hating Jews, or terrorist sympathizers, yet the slaughter, starvation, and genocide continue unabated. Many Jews, Christians, and others oppose this brutality simply because it is considered repugnant by anyone possessing a modicum of decency, justice, mercy, and common sense.

It is unequivocal that anyone possessing even a modicum of common sense cannot endorse the actions executed by Hamas against defenseless civilians and non-combatants on October 7th. Nevertheless, there can be no justification for Netanyahu’s genocidal measures and the starvation inflicted upon a populace he aims to displace or further subjugate. No one has articulated this matter more clearly or powerfully than Prince Turki Al-Faisal in his remarks regarding both Hamas and Netanyahu’s administration. You may listen to it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3-cWyFcK5w

Any distribution of aid overseen by Netanyahu’s administration, or any organisation that is affiliated with them, is merely a pretentious and deceptive exhibition of compassion, simultaneously inflicting harm and devastation. Allah is all aware of their intentions. Allah said:

وَلَا تَحْسَبَنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَٰفِلًا عَمَّا يَعْمَلُ ٱلظَّٰلِمُونَ إِنَّمَا يُؤَخِّرُهُمْ لِيَوْمٍ تَشْخَصُ فِيهِ ٱلْأَبْصَٰرُ
مُهْطِعِينَ مُقْنِعِى رُءُوسِهِمْ لَا يَرْتَدُّ إِلَيْهِمْ طَرْفُهُمْ وَأَفْـِٔدَتُهُمْ هَوَآءٌ

And never think that Allah is unaware of what the wrongdoers do. He only delays them for a Day (i.e. the Day of Judgement) when eyes will stare [in horror]. (They will be) hastening forward with necks outstretched, their heads raised up (towards the sky), their gaze returning not towards them and their hearts empty (from thinking because of extreme fear). [Ibrahim 42-43]

It used to be said that whoever perpetrates these three acts will be haunted by them:

Rebellion against Allah’s commandments

Allah [The Most High] said:

يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ إِنَّمَا بَغْيُكُمْ عَلَىٰ أَنْفُسِكُمْ
O mankind! Your rebellion (disobedience to Allah) is only against your ownselves. [Yunus 23]

Evil plotting

Allah [The Most High] said:
وَلَا يَحِيقُ الْمَكْرُ السَّيِّئُ إِلَّا بِأَهْلِهِ
But the evil plot encompasses only him who makes it. [Faatir: 43]

Breaking pledges

Allah [The Most High] said:

فَمَنْ نَكَثَ فَإِنَّمَا يَنْكُثُ عَلَىٰ نَفْسِهِ
Then whosoever breaks his pledge only breaks it to his own harm.[Al-Fath: 10]

[Kitaab Uyoon al-Akhbaar by Ibn Qutaybah 1/149

Resources in the world are not enough for everyone

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

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

Allah, The Exalted, said:

وَمَا خَلَقْتُ ٱلْجِنَّ وَٱلْإِنسَ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُونِ
مَآ أُرِيدُ مِنْهُم مِّن رِّزْقٍ وَمَآ أُرِيدُ أَن يُطْعِمُونِ
إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ هُوَ ٱلرَّزَّاقُ ذُو ٱلْقُوَّةِ ٱلْمَتِينُ

And I did not create the Jinn and Men except to worship Me. I desire not from them any provision, and nor do I desire that they feed Me. (On the contrary), it is Allāh who is the Great Provider, the possessor of mighty strength. [1]

Have you come across this continent that the French neocolonialists deem impoverished, yet they refuse to permit its people to manage their own resources?! This continent is so rich that even after 600 years of exploitation, its wealth remains abundant. It is the second largest continent globally, following Asia, with a total land area of approximately 30.37 million square kilometers, encompassing 20 percent of the Earth’s total land area. This landmass surpasses the combined size of China, the USA, India, Japan, and all of Europe. It boasts the highest number of countries, totaling 54, and ranks second in arable land, only behind Asia. However, from December to March each year, farming capabilities in some regions of Asia diminish significantly, as 30 to 40 percent of its lands are blanketed in snow. In contrast, this continent has less than 1 percent of its land area affected by snow, and sunlight is predominantly consistent throughout the year, ensuring solar energy is perpetually available when required.

The Sahara Desert, spanning 9.2 million square kilometers, holds the title of the world’s largest hot desert. The Congo Rainforest is the second largest rainforest globally, following the Amazon in Brazil. The Nile River, at a length of 6,650 kilometers, is recognised as the longest river in the world. Allah has blessed this continent with a plethora of natural resources, including gold, diamonds, copper, platinum, cocoa, oil and gas, uranium, along with untapped resources. Furthermore, this continent is home to a wide array of diverse medicinal herbs and boasts the youngest populations, with 40 to 45 percent averaging an age of 19 years. This short account pertains solely to one continent; however, what of the others that are also rich in resources? Thus, poverty is not merely the lack of resources. Rather, the core issue lies in the actions of humanity, encompassing both the oppressed and the oppressor.

Allah, The Most High, said:

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

Evil (sins and disobedience of Allah, etc.) has appeared on land and sea because of what the hands of men have earned. Al-Rum. 41]

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

This verse was revealed regarding the circumstances of the world, the relationship between it and the events that occur. You see how the occurrence of those evil actions and defects (of the people) affects the harvest, vegetation and the animals in every era, and the manner in which those evils necessitate other evils. And whenever the people initiate oppression and wickedness, their Lord, The Blessed and Most High, brings about- from those evils and defects – deficiencies and harm in their nourishments, fruits, atmospheres, bodies, outward appearances and manners, as a justification for their deeds, acts of oppression and wickedness. The majority of the illnesses and the general evils are remnants of the punishment afflicted upon the people of the previous nations; then there remained from that what remains, as a surprise punishment against those who remain upon the (evil) deeds of those previous nations. This is a just judgement and decree. [2]

[1] https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/search/51_L56 https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/verse/51/57

[2] An Excerpt from ‘Badaa’i-ul At-Tafseer Al-Jaami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imaam Ibnu Qayyim Al-Jawziyyah. 2/313

O Seth J Frantzman! Tidy up your backyard as well

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

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

Allah said:

أَتَأْمُرُونَ ٱلنَّاسَ بِٱلْبِرِّ وَتَنسَوْنَ أَنفُسَكُمْ وَأَنتُمْ تَتْلُونَ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ أَفَلَا تَعْقِلُونَ

Enjoin you Al-Birr (piety and righteousness and each and every act of obedience to Allah) on the people and you forget (to practise it) yourselves, while you recite the Scripture [the Taurat (Torah)]! Have you then no sense? [Al-Baqarah 44]

The title of Seth’s article may suggest to the unsuspecting readers that there are no significant issues within the ranks of the Zionists. There is no doubt that the Hoothiies and other proponents of Bidah manipulate the youth with their Bidah and superstitions. Likewise, it is undeniable that there are Zionists who indoctrinate their young people through the ideology of Zionism. In the two links that will be provided, there are statements and positions that vividly demonstrate the extremism of certain individuals raised under the ideology of the Zionists. Seth must recognise this as extremism; however, we typically do not anticipate him or others to acknowledge it due to their double standards, biased opinions, and a pronounced sense of self-entitlement. The Zionist extremists mentioned in the links include Yair Netanyahu, the son of Netanyahu, Eli Yishai, Bezalel Smotrich, Tally Gotliv, Itamar Ben Gvir, Arieh King, and the creators of “The Friendship Song.” Additionally, the aforementioned links showcase examples of extremism from the Houthis, the Khawarij, and the far-right. Read:

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

Commending acts of violence by some Jews, Rafidah, Muslims, and Christians

Regarding Netanyahu, his genocidal remarks are also well-known. Read here: https://abuiyaad.com/a/amalekite-genocide-doctrine-gaza

Furthermore, anyone with a shred of common sense cannot support the actions taken by Hamas against unarmed civilians and non-combatants on October 7th. There has been no clearer or stronger explanation of this issue than the statements made by Prince Turki Al-Faisal concerning both Hamas and Netanyahu’s government. You can listen to it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3-cWyFcK5w

Therefore, O Seth J Frantzman! Tidy up your backyard as well!

Every careful observer knows that the aim of many in the Zionist Media and their blind followers aim to shape the narrative by employing various writers who will echo the same assertions, blending some truths with falsehoods, exaggerations, misrepresentations, and emotional appeals until they inflate their claims, undermine the rights of Palestinians, invoke anti-Semitism where it is unwarranted, obscure the lines of the discussion, distort its realities, and buy time for the genocidal Netanyahu to continue the slaughter of Palestinians under the guise of self-defense and retaliation. No rational individual supports the killing of civilians and non-combatants, whether they are Jewish or non-Jewish, so why has it become acceptable to persist in the massacre of Palestinians in the pursuit of Hamas?! Anyone who questions this and calls for an immediate halt to the killings is branded an anti-Semite, a self-hating Jew, or a terrorist sympathizer, yet the slaughter, starvation, and genocide persist. Many Jews, Christians, and others stand against this cruelty simply because it is deemed abhorrent by anyone with a shred of decency, justice, mercy, and common sense.

The most dangerous liars in society

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

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

The Most Dangerous Liars in Society

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

Among the categories of the liars are the Munaafiqoon and they are more dangerous for the society, especially the Islamic society. Due to this, Allah spoke about them a lot, warned against them a lot and made known their characteristics in chapters of the Qur’an; rather there is an specific chapter of the Qur’an called Surah Al- Munaafiqeen. Allah, The Blessed and Exalted, exposed them, unveil their hypocrisy and lies. And from that which Allah stated about them is:

وَمِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ مَن يَقُولُ ءَامَنَّا بِٱللَّهِ وَبِٱلۡيَوۡمِ ٱلۡأَخِرِ وَمَا هُم بِمُؤۡمِنِينَ

And of mankind, there are some (hypocrites) who say: “We believe in Allah and the Last Day” while in fact they believe not. Meaning, they are liars.

يُخَـٰدِعُونَ ٱللَّهَ وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَمَا يَخۡدَعُونَ إِلَّآ أَنفُسَهُمۡ وَمَا يَشۡعُرُونَ
فِى قُلُوبِهِم مَّرَضٌ۬ فَزَادَهُمُ ٱللَّهُ مَرَضً۬ا‌ۖ وَلَهُمۡ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمُۢ بِمَا كَانُواْ يَكۡذِبُونَ
وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمۡ لَا تُفۡسِدُواْ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ قَالُوٓاْ إِنَّمَا نَحۡنُ مُصۡلِحُونَ

They (think to) deceive Allah and those who believe, while they only deceive themselves, and perceive (it) not! In their hearts is a disease (of doubt and hypocrisy) and Allah has increased their disease. A painful torment is theirs because they used to tell lies. And when it is said to them: “Make not mischief on the earth,” they say: “We are only peacemakers.” Look at this big claim! Rather:

أَلَآ إِنَّهُمۡ هُمُ ٱلۡمُفۡسِدُونَ وَلَـٰكِن لَّا يَشۡعُرُونَ

Verily! They are the ones who make mischief, but they perceive not.

Every liar and corrupt person in the earth does not tell the people that he is a corrupt person; instead he says, “I am one who rectifies the affairs” and claims that he leads the Ummah to righteousness.

In summary, indeed Allah made known their lies and deception, and that this lie increases them in sickness – and Allah’s Refuge is sought. They are from the people of hypocrisy, and they are increased in hypocrisy. Allah said:

أَلَمۡ تَرَ إِلَى ٱلَّذِينَ تَوَلَّوۡاْ قَوۡمًا غَضِبَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيۡہِم مَّا هُم مِّنكُمۡ وَلَا مِنۡہُمۡ وَيَحۡلِفُونَ عَلَى ٱلۡكَذِبِ وَهُمۡ يَعۡلَمُونَ

Have you (O Muhammad) not seen those (hypocrites) who take for friends a people upon whom is the Wrath of Allah? They are neither of you (Muslims) nor of them (Jews), and they swear to a lie while they know. [Al-Mujaadilah. 14]

They made an oath to the believers that they are indeed believers, while they are Munaafiqoon, liars and allies of the Yahud [i.e. those Yahud who abandoned the path of Musa and rejected Muhammad].

أَعَدَّ ٱللَّهُ لَهُمۡ عَذَابً۬ا شَدِيدًا‌ۖ إِنَّهُمۡ سَآءَ مَا كَانُواْ يَعۡمَلُونَ

Allah has prepared for them a severe torment. Evil indeed is that which they used to do.

يُخَـٰدِعُونَ ٱللَّهَ وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَمَا يَخۡدَعُونَ إِلَّآ أَنفُسَهُمۡ وَمَا يَشۡعُرُونَ
فِى قُلُوبِهِم مَّرَضٌ۬ فَزَادَهُمُ ٱللَّهُ مَرَضً۬ا‌ۖ وَلَهُمۡ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمُۢ بِمَا كَانُواْ يَكۡذِبُونَ
وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمۡ لَا تُفۡسِدُواْ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ قَالُوٓاْ إِنَّمَا نَحۡنُ مُصۡلِحُونَ

They (think to) deceive Allah and those who believe, while they only deceive themselves, and perceive (it) not! In their hearts is a disease (of doubt and hypocrisy) and Allah has increased their disease. A painful torment is theirs because they used to tell lies. And when it is said to them: “Make not mischief on the earth,” they say: “We are only peacemakers.”

Allah said:
أَلَمۡ تَرَ إِلَى ٱلَّذِينَ تَوَلَّوۡاْ قَوۡمًا غَضِبَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيۡہِم مَّا هُم مِّنكُمۡ وَلَا مِنۡہُمۡ وَيَحۡلِفُونَ عَلَى ٱلۡكَذِبِ وَهُمۡ يَعۡلَمُونَ

Have you (O Muhammad) not seen those (hypocrites) who take for friends a people upon whom is the Wrath of Allah (i.e. Jews)? They are neither of you (Muslims) nor of them (Jews), and they swear to a lie while they know. [Al-Mujaadilah. 14]

They swore to the believers that they are indeed believers, while they are Munaafiqoon, liars and allies of the Yahud.

أَعَدَّ ٱللَّهُ لَهُمۡ عَذَابً۬ا شَدِيدًا‌ۖ إِنَّهُمۡ سَآءَ مَا كَانُواْ يَعۡمَلُونَ

Allah has prepared for them a severe torment. Evil indeed is that which they used to do.

ٱتَّخَذُوٓاْ أَيۡمَـٰنَہُمۡ جُنَّةً۬

They have made their oaths a screen. Meaning, for their lies;

فَصَدُّواْ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ فَلَهُمۡ عَذَابٌ۬ مُّهِينٌ۬
لَّن تُغۡنِىَ عَنۡہُمۡ أَمۡوَٲلُهُمۡ وَلَآ أَوۡلَـٰدُهُم مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ شَيۡـًٔا‌ۚ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ أَصۡحَـٰبُ ٱلنَّارِ‌ۖ هُمۡ فِيہَا خَـٰلِدُونَ
يَوۡمَ يَبۡعَثُہُمُ ٱللَّهُ جَمِيعً۬ا فَيَحۡلِفُونَ لَهُ ۥ كَمَا يَحۡلِفُونَ لَكُمۡ‌ۖ وَيَحۡسَبُونَ أَنَّہُمۡ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ‌ۚ أَلَآ إِنَّہُمۡ هُمُ ٱلۡكَـٰذِبُونَ
ٱسۡتَحۡوَذَ عَلَيۡهِمُ ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنُ فَأَنسَٮٰهُمۡ ذِكۡرَ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ حِزۡبُ ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنِ‌ۚ أَلَآ إِنَّ حِزۡبَ ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنِ هُمُ ٱلۡخَـٰسِرُونَ
إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يُحَآدُّونَ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ ۥۤ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ فِى ٱلۡأَذَلِّينَ
ڪَتَبَ ٱللَّهُ لَأَغۡلِبَنَّ أَنَا۟ وَرُسُلِىٓ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ قَوِىٌّ عَزِيزٌ۬

Thus they hinder (men) from the Path of Allah, so they shall have a humiliating torment. Their children and their wealth will avail them nothing against Allah. They will be (the) dwellers of the Fire, to dwell therein forever. On the Day when Allah will resurrect them all together (for their account), then they will swear to Him as they swear to you (O Muslims). And they think that they have something (to stand upon). Verily, they are liars! Shaitan (Satan) has overtaken them. So he has made them forget the remembrance of Allah. They are the party of Shaitan (Satan). Verily, it is the party of Shaitan (Satan) that will be the losers! Those who oppose Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad), they will be among the lowest (most humiliated). Allah has decreed: “Verily! It is I and My Messengers who shall be the victorious.” Verily, Allah is All-Powerful, All-Mighty. [al-Mujaadilah. 15-21]

Allah made known the state of these people, exposed them, made it known that they are liars and described their actions to be evil. Due to their state of loss, they took these oaths and swearing by Allaah as a screen. Allah said:

إذا جاءك المنافقون قالوا نشهد إنك لرسول الله والله يعلم إنك لرسوله والله يشهد إن المنافقين لكاذبون ـ اتخذوا أيمانهم جُنة فصدوا عن سبيل الله إنهم ساء ما كانوا يعملون ـ ذلك بأنهم ءامنوا ثم كفروا فطُبع على قلوبهم فهم لا يفقهون ـ وإذا رأيتهم تعجبك أجسامهم وإن يقولوا تسمع لقولهم كأنهم خشب مسنّدة يحسبون كل صيحة عليهم هم العدو فاحذرهم قاتلهم الله أنى يؤفكون ـ وإذا قيل لهم تعالوا يستغفر لكم رسول الله لووا رءوسهم ورأيتهم يصدون وهم مستكبرون ـ سواء عليهم أستغفرت لهم أم لم تستغفر لهم لن يغفر الله لهم إن الله لا يهدي القوم الفاسقين

When the hypocrites come to you (O Muhammad), they say: “We bear witness that you are indeed the Messenger of Allah.” Allah knows that you are indeed His Messenger and Allah bears witness that the hypocrites are liars indeed. They have made their oaths a screen (for their hypocrisy). Thus they hinder (men) from the Path of Allah. Verily, evil is what they used to do. That is because they believed, then disbelieved, therefore their hearts are sealed, so they understand not. And when you look at them, their bodies please you; and when they speak, you listen to their words. They are as blocks of wood propped up. They think that every cry is against them. They are the enemies, so beware of them. May Allah curse them! How are they denying (or deviating from) the Right Path.

And when it is said to them: “Come, so that the Messenger of Allah may ask forgiveness from Allah for you”, they turn aside their heads, and you would see them turning away their faces in pride. It is equal to them whether you (Muhammad) ask forgiveness or ask not forgiveness for them. Verily, Allah guides not the people who are the Fasiqin (rebellious, disobedient to Allah). [Al-Munaafiqoon. Verses 1-6]

Allah testified that they are liars; even if they testified to the Messengership of Muhammad and that Allah alone has the right to be worshipped, they are still liars and do not believe in that. Allah exposed them because He knows their reality- the disbelief and hypocrisy they hide in their hearts. Allah made it known that they disbelieved and believed thereafter, then they disbelieved finally; and Allah made it known that they do not understand and that even if Allah’s Messenger – the most virtuous amongst the creation – sought forgiveness for them, they will not be forgiven and Allah will not guide them to Iman and the truth due to their [wilful] wickedness and evil.

There maybe hypocrites in the Ummah who have these characteristics, thus receive this recompense from Allah. Sadly, some people think that hypocrisy has ended, while in reality it is something that will continue.

Hudhaifah, may Allah be pleased with him, said, “The hypocrites at present are more evil than the hypocrites during the era of Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him”. Then he was asked about this, so he said, “Indeed, the hypocrites used to hide their hypocrisy and these people at present make it manifest”.

Whenever time elapses, they become many amongst the groups of ahlul bidah, burden Islam and the Muslims with their evil, plots and hypocrisy; and all of that is done under the guise of Islam and in the name of Islam. Many of ahlul bidah or many Mubtadi’ah– in the past and thereafter – in belief and matters related to shirk are from their plots and cunning ways.

Therefore, let the Muslims be careful of these hypocrites and infiltrators within the innovated groups. (1)

One of The Most Dangerous Groups

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

However, the most dangerous of these (above) categories and the ones who produced the worst consequences were the people of innovation-the spiteful ones that are filled with hatred.  This is since by their plotting scheming and their camouflaging of themselves behind the cover of the Sunnah, they were able to penetrate every barrier. Thus, they managed to pour into every crack from these schools, universities and masaajid.  And they were able to create a group that carried their ideologies, whether all of it or some of it, and whether intentionally or unintentionally.

So this group-which they had trained and prepared according to the way they saw fit-began to form movements calling the people towards these ideologies in the universities, schools and elsewhere, and upheld it by becoming active in this place and that place. And these were crucial and significant times in which the dawah (call) to Allah had a great need for enthusiastic and active individuals that would raise its flag with firmness and conviction, fighting the enemies of falsehood, schemes and plots and thus turning them back upon their heels in disgrace.

So then using the name of Salafiyyah and the names of justice and fairness, this group was able to present the innovators-those who wage war against the people of Sunnah and Tawheed in their own land-as ones who were oppressed.

So then using the name of Salafiyyah and the names of justice and fairness, this group was able to present the innovators-those who wage war against the people of Sunnah and Tawheed in their own land-as ones who were oppressed.

And corrupted the minds and the beliefs of many of the youth, distorting the image of the Salafi Manhaj and its adherents in the eyes of the youth. Then the figureheads within this group began calling towards a ‘New Methodology’ with regards to criticizing the methodologies, ideologies, books and individuals-and they claimed that this was the methodology that was just and fair.  So many of the youth and those who wrote in their favour began to think that such was the correct way.  Rather, they even claimed that it was the Methodology of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa’ah and this spread and circulated in the writings of some of those who ascribed themselves to the Salaf.

And it had an effect on many of the youth, such that they accepted it and clung onto it, thinking that it was the truth and that it was just.  And then unfortunately, that began to become deeply rooted in their hearts and they did not realize that this was a way of thinking that was foreign to Islaam and Muslims. This view crept into them from their enemies in the same manner that other (deviant) ideologies had crept into Islaamic Societies.

The effects of this methodology became clearly apparent in the conversations, debates, writing and attitudes of many of the youths and teachers.

So this methodology began to take firm root in the people’s hearts. And from its evil consequences, was that it weakened the Principles of Walaa Wal Baraa [Loyalty and Disassociation] to Allah and for the sake of Allah, and to the Methodology of Allah and those who adhere to it-instead there became manifest the loyalty, love and esteem for the callers, books, ideologies and methodologies that were all far from the Salafi Manhaj, and for their people and not it’s people.

Rather, that became the main avenue used in fighting the salafi Manhaj and they changed it with strong determination so that it (the Manhaj) would be replaced from its original form, halting its progression in its tracks after its departure had already taken place.  This (new) methodology had a great influence upon Writers who were one thought were from the best of the Salafis and from virtuous characters, personages and figures.

We ask Allah to grant them the ability to tread the way and methodology of their righteous predecessors in regards to calling to the Clear Methodolgy of the Salaf, the dedicated education of the youth that are upon it and implanting love for it and its followers whether they are dead or alive, and to follow their example and strengthen themselves by affiliating themselves to them. (2)

(1)An Excerpt from the link below

(2) Manhaju Ahlis Sunnah Wal-Jama’ah Fee Naqdir Rijaal Wal-Kutub Wat-Tawa’if. page: 19-20 (original post Salafi talk.net)

Affirmation, Repetition, and Contagion On Social Media

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

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

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

Beware of kadhib, as it corrupts one’s ability to teach people as well as one ability to illustrate information based on how it should actually be. The liar presents what is present as something non-existent and what is non-existent as something present; misrepresents the truth as being something false and falsehood as being something true; misrepresents the good and the evil, so he corrupts his conception and knowledge, which subsequently results in his punishment. Then he portrays what is not true to the one who has been duped by him – the one who is drawn to him – and therefore corrupts his conception and knowledge.

The soul of the liar turns away from existing reality, preferring the non-existent, and falsehood. And when his conception and knowledge is corrupted, which is the basis of every wilfully chosen deed, his deeds become corrupt and marked by lies, so those deeds would emanate from him just as lies emanate from the tongue- neither benefits from his tongue nor his deeds (i.e. in relation to the specific affair). Because of this, lying serves as the foundation of immorality, as the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “Indeed, lies lead to immorality (or wickedness), and indeed, immorality (or wickedness) leads to the fire.” [Al-Bukhari 2606/2607]

Lies first emerge from the heart and then on the tongue, corrupting it; then they transfer to the limbs and corrupt their deeds, just as they corrupt statements of the tongue. As a result, lying prevails over his utterances, deeds, and state of affairs; corruption gets deeply ingrained in him, and its disease leads to destruction if Allah does not grant him recovery with the medication of truthfulness, which uproots the source (or basis) of the lies. This is why the basis of all deeds of the heart is truthfulness, and the basis of their opposites is lies, such as boasting, self-amazement, pride, being glad (with ungratefulness to Allah’s Favours), conceitedness, boastfulness, insolence, weakness, laziness, cowardice, disgrace, and others.

Every righteous deed, whether done privately or publicly, is founded on truthfulness. And the source of every corrupt deed, whether private or public, is lies. Allah punishes the liar by preventing him (i.e. due to his own chosen evil) from those things that will bring him well-being and benefit, while He rewards the truthful one by granting him the ability to attain the beneficial things of the worldly life and Afterlife. There is nothing comparable to truthfulness in terms of how it brings about the affairs of well-being in this life and the next, and there is nothing comparable to lying in terms of how it corrupts and harms one’s worldly and Afterlife affairs.

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَكُونُوا مَعَ الصَّادِقِينَ

O you who believe! Be afraid of Allah, and be with those who are true (in words and deeds) [9:119]

هَٰذَا يَوْمُ يَنْفَعُ الصَّادِقِينَ صِدْقُهُمْ ۚ

This is a Day on which the truthful will profit from their truth. [5:119]

فَإِذَا عَزَمَ الْأَمْرُ فَلَوْ صَدَقُوا اللَّهَ لَكَانَ خَيْرًا لَهُمْ

And when the matter (preparation for Jihad) is resolved on, then if they had been true to Allah, it would have been better for them. [47:21] (1)

Gustave Le Bon, in his work “The Psychology of Crowds,” asserts that when we aim to gradually instill ideas and beliefs into the collective spirit of the masses, the methods employed by leaders vary significantly. They primarily resort to three fundamental techniques: affirmation, repetition, and contagion. While the impact of these methods may be slow, it is undeniably enduring. Political leaders advocating for a specific cause are well aware of the power of affirmation, just as industrialists recognise the importance of advertising their products. However, advertising only gains influence when coupled with repetition. Napoleon famously stated that there is but one serious form of rhetoric: repetition. Repetition possesses a certain authority that influences rational and well-informed individuals. It allows ideas to embed themselves in the recesses of the unconscious mind, gradually transforming into beliefs that are accepted as truths, ultimately becoming self-evident realities. When these ideas solidify into truths through repetition, they can spread among the masses. For instance, any disturbance among a flock of sheep quickly affects the entire group. This does not require a singular point of origin; the revolution in France in 1848 began in Paris and swiftly extended to a significant portion of Europe, destabilising the monarchies in its wake. The repetition that leads to belief in a particular issue, and consequently its spread, poses a significant risk not only in imposing opinions but also in shaping thought processes, emotions, and feelings. As a result, one may observe that the masses at one point may disdain a certain literary work, only to later take pride in it after several years, or vice versa. This phenomenon can similarly be applied to ideas and beliefs. [2]

Delving deeper into this topic reveals a range of ideologues, demagogues, and provocateurs who argue that people struggle to resist repeated messages. Initially, individuals might dismiss the content, but with ongoing exposure, their skepticism can shift to uncertainty, then bewilderment, and eventually, acceptance, causing them to view the message as truth. Consequently, they believe that relentless repetition is necessary for ideas to take root, thereby strengthening the propaganda that needs to be spread. It is profoundly disheartening to witness some Muslims resorting to such insidious tactics to tarnish reputations online. They perpetuate the same falsehoods, misconceptions, or half-truths in various forms and from multiple perspectives, all while resisting any challenge to their narratives. To remain silent in the face of such distortions would be an act of cowardice; it is imperative to articulate the truth whenever these fallacies are propagated. While it is true that not every instance of misinformation warrants a response, one must not be so naive as to underestimate the potential damage inflicted by those who disseminate their half-truths—whether overtly or covertly—to a targeted audience. When faced with someone who insists on force-feeding you their misconceptions through relentless repetition, maintain your composure and refrain from engaging in conflict. Instead, graciously persist in requesting for tangible clear proof evidence to support their claims, undeterred by their frustration or the frequency of their assertions. Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah preserve him, said:

The seeker of truth is not diverted from the truth, fairness and justice due to admiration of the big personalities and being amazed by them, for indeed the truth is more worthy to be followed. It is not permissible to drop the proofs for the sake of this or that great man. The principle [rule] of the Muslim – the unbiased one, the seeker of truth – is always: [قُلْ هَاتُوا بُرْهَانَكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ صَادِقِينَ -Say, bring forth your proofs if you are truthful]. [Surah An-Nahl. Verse 64] (3)

A recent conversation with one of our in-laws revealed a rather disheartening observation. They recounted how, prior to their acquaintance with the Salafiyyoon, they had been inundated with a barrage of propaganda directed at new Muslims, often portraying a respected elder Salafi teacher in the West in a less than favorable light. This misinformation led some new Muslims to distance themselves from this noble advocate of Tawhid and Sunnah. It was truly shocking to learn that such misconceptions have managed to sway the perceptions of those who are just accepted Islam. Therefore, in the realm of discourse, when one continuously disseminates fallacies, untruths, or distorted narratives, or embodies a mindset of victimhood, it becomes evident that, despite their myriad attempts to elude scrutiny, they lack any substantial and clear evidence. Recognise that their intent is merely to squander your precious time. Do yourself a favour and sever ties with such individuals on platforms like Twitter, WhatsApp, Telegram, or any other venue where they may seek to drain your vitality, even if they present themselves under the pretense of wisdom, counsel, or a quest for mutual understanding.

Al-Hasan al-Basri, may Allah have mercy on him, stated:

Prioritise today for your own sake, recognise the importance of the hour, and value the significance of a single word, while being cautious of regret when the moment of death approaches. (4)

Abu Al-Abbas Ad-Daynuri, may Allah have mercy on him, stated:

There is nothing in this world or the Hereafter more precious and delicate than time and the heart, yet you are squandering both time and the heart. (5)

Imam Ibn Al-Jawzi, may Allah have mercy on him:

It is befitting that a person recognises the significance of their time and the value of each moment, ensuring that no instant is wasted on anything unworthy. One should prioritise the best actions and words, maintaining a sincere intention for good without being slack in that which the body is able. It has been reported that some of the early generations were quick to seize moments. For instance, it is narrated that Amir ibn Abd Qais responded to a man who asked him to speak by saying, “Hold the sun!” [Footnote a] Additionally, Thabit al-Bunani, may Allah have mercy upon him, recounted that when he went to remind his father, his father replied, “My son! Leave me, for I am in my sixth recitation.” There was an instance when some of the early scholars visited another scholar on his deathbed, and upon being asked about his condition, he remarked, “Now my record is being closed.” If a person understands—despite their diligence—that death will interrupt their deeds, they should strive during their lifetime to establish actions that will continue to earn them rewards after their passing. This could involve leaving behind a charitable endowment, planting trees, digging a well, or ensuring that they have descendants who will remember Allah after them, thus securing ongoing rewards. Alternatively, one might author a book on knowledge, as the writings of a scholar serve as a lasting legacy. Engaging in good deeds and imparting knowledge allows others to follow in their footsteps, ensuring that their influence endures beyond their physical existence. Indeed, some have passed away while still living on in the hearts of the people. (6)

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

Wasting time is more severe than death, for while wasting time distances you from Allah and the Hereafter, death separates you from this world and its inhabitants. (7)

We ask Allah:

اللَّهُمَّ بِعِلْمِكَ الْغَيْبَ وَقُدْرَتِكَ عَلَى الْخَلْقِ أَحْيِنِي مَا عَلِمْتَ الْحَيَاةَ خَيْراً لِي وَتَوَفَّنِي إِذَا عَلِمْتَ الْوَفَاةَ خَيْراً لِي، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ خَشْيَتَكَ فِي الْغَيْبِ وَالشَّهَادَةِ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ كَلِمَةَ الْحَقِّ فِي الرِّضَا وَالْغَضَبِ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ الْقَصْدَ فِي الْغِنَى وَالْفَقْرِ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ نَعِيماً لَا يَنْفَذُ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ قُرَّةَ عَيْنٍ لَا تَنْقَطِعُ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ الرِّضِا بَعْدَ الْقَضَاءِ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ بَرْدَ الْعَيْشِ بَعْدَ الْمَوْتِ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ لَذَّةَ النَّظَرِ إِلَى وَجْهِكَ وَالشَّوْقَ إِلَى لِقَائِكَ فِي غَيْرِ ضَرَّاءَ مُضِرَّةٍ وَلَا فِتْنَةٍ مُضِلَّةٍ، اللَّهُمَّ زَيِّنَّا بِزِينَةِ الْإِيمَانِ
وَاجْعَلْنَا هُدَاةً مُهْتَدِينَ

O Allah! By Your Knowledge of the unseen and by Your Power over creation, let me live if life is good for me, and let me die if death is good for me; O Allah! I ask You to grant me (the blessing of having) fear of You in private and public, and I ask You (to make me utter) a statement of truth in times of contentment and anger, and I ask You for moderation when in a state of wealth and poverty, and I ask you for blessings that never ceases, and I ask You for the coolness of my eye that never ends, and I ask You (to make me pleased) after (Your) decree; and I ask You for a life of (ease, comfort, tranquillity, etc) after death; I ask You for the delight of looking at Your Face (i.e. in the Hereafter) and yearning to meet You without any harm and misleading trials (coming upon me). O Allah! Adorn us with the adornment of Iman, and make us (from those who are) guided and guiding (others). (8)

اللَّهُمَّ أَصْلِحْ لِي دِينِي الَّذِي هُوَ عِصْمَةُ أَمْرِي

وَأَصْلِحْ لِي دُنْيَايَ الَّتِي فِيهَا مَعَاشِي

وَأَصْلِحْ لِي آخِرَتِي الَّتِي فِيهَا مَعَادِي

وَاجْعَلِ الْحَيَاةَ زِيَادَةً لِي فِي كُلِّ خَيْرٍ

وَاجْعَلِ الْمَوْتَ رَاحَةً لِي مِنْ كُلِّ شَرٍّ

O Allah! Rectify my religion for me, which is the safeguard of my affairs; rectify my worldly [affairs], wherein is my livelihood; and rectify my Afterlife to which is my return; and make life for me [as a means of] increase in every good and make death for me as a rest from every evil. [Saheeh Muslim Number: 2720] (9)

[1] Al-Fawa’id. pages 202-203

[2] The Psychology of crowds 132-136

[3] Al-Mulakh-khasul Jameel Fee Bayaan Manhaji Ash-Shaikh Rabee Fid-Da’wati Wal-Jarhi Wat-Ta’deel. Page 87

[4] Hilyah Al-Awliya 2/139

[5] Az-Zuhd Al-Kabir. 294

[6] Saydul Khatir 34

[7] Al-Fawaid. p44

[8] As-Saheehah Number 1301

[9] Saheeh Muslim Number: 2720

[35] Ascent and Decline of The Ottoman Empire

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

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

Sultan Abdul Hamid I

Continued..

He was appointed to the caliphate following his brother Murad, on Thursday, 11 Sha’ban 1293 AH (31 August 1876), at which time he was thirty-four years old. The ministers, dignitaries, and senior officials from both civilian and military sectors were present at the ceremony in the Tuwaiq Palace. Cannons were fired throughout the empire in celebration of this occasion, and decorations were displayed across all areas of Istanbul for three days. The Grand Vizier sent telegrams to countries around the world to inform them of this event. He appointed Mehmed Pasha as Grand Vizier, and then on December 23, 1293 AH (1876), he announced a constitution that guarantees civil liberties. It established the principle of parliamentary governance. According to this constitution, the parliament was composed of two chambers: the House of Representatives, or Envoys, and the Senate or Council of Elders.

He faced the hardhandedness of the ministers at the onset of his reign, alongside the intensification of their Westernisation policies led by the Young Ottomans Society, which included the educated elite influenced by the West. This group was manipulated by Masonic hands to serve their objectives. The extent of the ministers’ despotism was such that Mehmed Pasha, in his capacity as the head of the Young Ottomans, wrote to Sultan Abdul Hamid at the beginning of his rule (1877): “Our intention in declaring the constitution was solely to eliminate despotism, to clarify Your Majesty’s rights and obligations, to define the roles of ministers, and to ensure the freedom and rights of all individuals, so that the country may advance to higher levels of progress. I will obey your command as long as it does not contradict the interests of the nation.” He stated: “I found that Medhat Pasha appointed himself as a ruler and guardian, and in his dealings, he was far from constitutionalism and closer to despotism”

Medhat Pasha and his Masonic associates were known to indulge in alcohol. Sultan Abdul Hamid noted in his memoirs: “It is well-known that the intellectuals and poets of that era gathered on the evening of the issuance of the Basic Law decree at Medhat Pasha’s palace, not to discuss state matters, but rather to engage in expressions of gratitude and revelry, while consuming wine. Medhat Pasha had been a heavy drinker since his youth, a fact well recognised. The intoxication from the wine coincided with the exhilaration brought about by the announcement of the Basic Law. When Medhat Pasha rose from the dining table, he leaned on the arms of others to avoid falling. As he washed his hands, he addressed his brother-in-law, Tosun Pasha, while his tongue was swaying in his mouth due to the effects of the alcohol: ‘O Pasha! Who can now, after all that I have achieved, remove me from my position? Who? Tell me, how many years will I remain in this supreme position?’ Tosun Pasha responded by saying: ‘If you continue in this manner, it will not be more than a week’. Medhat Pasha, during his private drinking gatherings, would divulge the most sensitive state secrets, and these secrets would spread the following day among the people of Istanbul. One night, Medhat Pasha spoke of his intention to declare a republic in the Ottoman Empire, stating that he would become the President of the new Ottoman Republic, and then its Emperor. This was reminiscent of what had occurred with Napoleon III in France”. [Footnote a]

An Excerpt from ‘Ad-Dawlah Al-Uthmaaniyyah Awaamil An-Nuhood Wa Asbaab As-Suqoot. 6/444-446

Footnote a: The reference to this individual’s alcohol consumption and inebriation is not something we can confirm; rather, the burden of proof lies with the author who made this claim. Given that this is a historical text, readers are encouraged to conduct further research on the subject. Our role is simply to relay what is presented in the historical narrative provided by the author, and we have not encountered any evidence to support or refute the assertions made by the author. Therefore, we withhold judgment regarding him in this context until definitive evidence is presented to us. Similarly, we have no proof to substantiate his involvement in masonic activities; therefore, it is the responsibility of the reader to conduct further investigation.

 

A principle to recall when comparing one’s circumstances to that of others

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

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

Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “Look at those who are below you and do not look at those above you, for it is more suitable lest you look down on Allah’s blessings”. [Sahih Muslim. 2963]

Al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzan, may Allah preserve him, commented as follows:

A person should neither be covetous nor anxious due to what afflicts him, instead he should exercise patience and be hopeful, whether he is poor, sick or other than that. The worldly life is a place of trial and test, thus, one should not become anxious due to calamities and trials. And what makes this matter easier for a person is the guidance given by the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, in this hadith, “Look at those who are below you and do not look at those above you, for it is more suitable lest you look down on Allah’s blessings”.

A poor person should look at the one who is poorer and should not look at a wealthier (person) because if Allah willed, He would have placed you in the same situation as that poor person who has nothing. You have something – your daily nourishment, while that one poorer than you has nothing, not even his daily nourishment. You are in a better situation, therefore, praise Allah for this and do not look at the wealthier people because that will lead you to harbour anger against Allah and displeased with His divine Will, thus saying, “Why can I not be like so and so; why am not like the wealthy people?” This is the meaning of looking down on the blessing you have. But if you look at the person below you, it will make you thankful because your situation is better than that of many people. Therefore, the one in good health should look at the sick person and then praise Allah for granting him good health. The one who is sick should look at the one who is sicker than him and then praise Allah for being less sick than the person who is sicker than him. This [hadith embodies] a great principle, therefore, “look to the one below you” in wealth, health and in other matters.

However, this should not be the case in matters related to acts of worship. In matters related to acts of worship, you should not look at the one below you. You should not look at the lazy people and those who neglect their religious duties, instead you should look at the righteous and God fearing people so that you can join them in performing good deeds and be similar to them. Therefore, with regards to matters related to the religion, you should not look at the one below you, instead you should look at the one above you in the religion. Why do not want to be like him; why do you not want to be like the righteous people; why do not want to emulate the God fearing scholars? If you are a student of knowledge, you should not be satisfied with the sciences of the religion you have acquired; instead you should seek to increase in knowledge as long as you are alive.

An Excerpt from ‘Tasheel Al- il’haam Bi-Fiqh Al-Ahadith Min Bulugh Al-Maram’ Hadeeth Number 1438’ 6/168-169. Publisher: Daar Al-Imaam Ahmad’ 1st Edition 1430AH – Year 2009

The current discussion among some African Muslims about Ath’thaqafah

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

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

Some very important points not to overlook in discussions among some Muslims about Ath’thaqafah (culture and cultural reformation) in Africa and other places

Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him and his father, said that the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “The most hated people to Allah are three: a person who deviates from right conduct [i.e. an evil doer] in the Haram [sanctuaries of Makkah and Madinah]; a person who seeks that the traditions of the pre-Islamic era Period of Ignorance should remain in Islam and a person who seeks to shed somebody’s blood without any right”.

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

These three deeds are from the major sins. The first major sin is Al-Ilhad Fil Haram [i.e. deviating from right conduct in the sanctuaries of Makkah and Madinah]. Ilhad means to deviate from the truth [and enter into] falsehood, and supporting falsehood in order to obliterate the truth. Allah [The Mighty and Majestic] censured the Mulhideen Fil Haram [i.e. those who deviate from right conduction in the sanctuaries of Makkah and Madinah], saying: [وَمَن يُرِدۡ فِيهِ بِإِلۡحَادِۭ بِظُلۡمٍ۬ نُّذِقۡهُ مِنۡ عَذَابٍ أَلِيمٍ۬ – And whoever intends evil actions therein or to do wrong (i.e. practice polytheism and leave Islamic Monotheism), We shall make him taste a painful torment]. [Surah Al-Hajj. 25]

Allah promised them [a severe punishment] due to the mere fact they intend evil actions therein [i.e. in the sanctuaries of Makkah and Madinah], then how about perpetrating such deed! Indeed that would be a more severe sin, a more frightening state and a more severe punishment. This is a proof regarding the virtue of the sanctuaries of the Haram- that it is a sacred land chosen by Allah and He made it a place where virtuous acts of worship are performed, [such as] the Hajj which is one of the pillars of Islam. Allah gave this place virtues that cannot be enumerated, such as the increased reward attached to good deeds [performed in Makkah and Madinah] and gave this land virtue over all other lands of the earth.

The second major sin is committed by the person who wants that the pre-Islamic traditions should remain in Islam, as if he gives precedence to the pre-Islamic traditions – the evil customs that were followed during that period and the misguided deeds- over the Islamic practices, Iman, Ihsan, their virtue and virtue of the Sunnah. He is guilty of committing a major sin, and this includes giving precedence to Bidah over [the authentic] Sunnah that guides to the straight path.

The third major sin is to seek to shed somebody’s blood without any right – meaning: seeking to shed the blood of a Muslim without right and doing so based on oppression and animosity. Shedding the blood of a Muslim is a great crime, just as the Prophet said, “The extinction of the whole world is less significant to Allah than killing a Muslim [i.e. unlawfully]”. And he, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, stated regarding the rights of the Ka’bah, “How great you are and how great is your sanctity! But the sanctity of a believer is greater than yours in the sight of Allah”. It is not permissible to transgress against the Muslims and the believers – males and females- in the sanctuaries of [Makkah and Madinah] or in other places due to the great sin and punishment which results from that. [1]

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

Indeed, (acts and beliefs) that are tantamount to ascribing partners to Allah have become rife in this Ummah due to the people being distanced from the Qur’an and the Sunnah, blindly following their forefathers without guidance, exaggerating the status of the dead people (i.e. either pious people or those whom they consider being pious), building (shrines and tombs over their) graves, and being ignorant of the (true) Islam which Allah commanded His Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] to convey, as Umar Ibn Al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “Verily, the (firm) foundations of Islam will be destroyed one after the other when there arises in Islam a people who do not know what Jahiliyyah is [i.e. the acts and beliefs that were prevalent during the pre-Islamic era]; and due to the spread of Shubhah [doubts that are made to resemble the truth but are falsehood in reality] and stories that have misguided the majority of the people. One of these [Shubhah- doubts made to resemble the truth but are falsehood in reality] is what the people of Shirk of the past and those in this Ummah – at present – utilise as proof that they follow the path of their fathers and ancestors, and that they inherited this creed [i.e. polytheistic beliefs and practices] from them, as Allah [The Exalted] said:

وَكَذَٲلِكَ مَآ أَرۡسَلۡنَا مِن قَبۡلِكَ فِى قَرۡيَةٍ۬ مِّن نَّذِيرٍ إِلَّا قَالَ مُتۡرَفُوهَآ إِنَّا وَجَدۡنَآ ءَابَآءَنَا عَلَىٰٓ أُمَّةٍ۬ وَإِنَّا عَلَىٰٓ ءَاثَـٰرِهِم مُّقۡتَدُونَ

And similarly, We sent not a warner before you (O Muhammad) to any town (people) but the luxurious ones among them said: “We found our fathers following a certain way and religion, and we will indeed follow their footsteps”. [Az-Zukhruf Ayah 23]

Everyone unable to establish proof for his claim returns to this proof, even though it is useless proof that does not carry any weight in (sound) discussion because those ancestors they blindly follow were not upon (upright) guidance. Therefore, whoever (follows this path), it is not permissible to follow and take him as an example. Allah [The Most High] said: [أَوَلَوۡ كَانَ ءَابَآؤُهُمۡ لَا يَعۡلَمُونَ شَيۡـًٔ۬ا وَلَا يَہۡتَدُونَ – Even though their fathers had no knowledge whatsoever and no guidance]. [Al-Ma’idah. 104]

Allah [The Exalted] said: [أَوَلَوۡ كَانَ ءَابَآؤُهُمۡ لَا يَعۡقِلُونَ شَيۡـًٔ۬ا وَلَا يَهۡتَدُونَ – Even though their fathers did not understand anything nor were they guided?] [Al-Baqarah. 170]

Following ancestors is only praiseworthy if they were upon the truth. Allah [The Most High] said that Yusuf, peace be upon him, said:

وَٱتَّبَعۡتُ مِلَّةَ ءَابَآءِىٓ إِبۡرَٲهِيمَ وَإِسۡحَـٰقَ وَيَعۡقُوبَ‌ۚ مَا كَانَ لَنَآ أَن نُّشۡرِكَ بِٱللَّهِ مِن شَىۡءٍ۬‌ۚ ذَٲلِكَ مِن فَضۡلِ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيۡنَا وَعَلَى ٱلنَّاسِ وَلَـٰكِنَّ أَڪۡثَرَ ٱلنَّاسِ لَا يَشۡكُرُونَ

And I have followed the religion of my fathers, – Ibrahim (Abraham), Ishaque (Isaac), and Ya’qub (Jacob), and never could we attribute any partners whatsoever to Allah. This is from the Grace of Allah to us and to mankind, but most men thank not (i.e. they neither believe in Allah nor worship Him). [Surah Yusuf’ Ayah 38]

Allah [The Most High] said: [وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَٱتَّبَعَتۡہُمۡ ذُرِّيَّتُہُم بِإِيمَـٰنٍ أَلۡحَقۡنَا بِہِمۡ – And those who believe and whose offspring follow them in Faith, to them shall We join their offspring [i.e. in paradise]. [Al-Tur. 21] [2]

Imam Ash-Shatibee, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated that customs are many different types- some are good and others are corrupt. The good customs are those that neither oppose the Shariah texts nor lead to losing an affair deemed to be beneficial by the Shariah, nor lead to an affair that the Shariah deems to be corrupt. As for the corrupt customs, they are those that oppose the evidence in the Shariah or some of the principles of the Shariah, such as some of the customary dealings in usury and those deeds deemed to be evil by the Shariah which the people engage in during occasions of happiness (or rejoicing, etc). [3]

Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: It is obligated on every Muslim that he does not depend on custom; rather he presents it to the pure Islamic legislation [to be judged], so whatever the Islamic legislation affirms is permissible and whatever it does not affirm is impermissible. The customs of the people are not proof to determine the lawfulness of anything. All the customs of the people in their countries or tribes must be presented to the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] for judgment, so whatever Allah and His Messenger made permissible is permissible, and whatever they forbid, then it is obligatory to abandon it even if it is the custom of the people. [4]

Imam Muhammad Bin Salih Al-Uthaymeen, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: The customs cannot make something that is not legislated (in the divine revelation) as something legislated, because of Allah’s statement:

[وَلَيۡسَ ٱلۡبِرُّ بِأَن تَأۡتُواْ ٱلۡبُيُوتَ مِن ظُهُورِهَا – It is not Al-Birr (piety, righteousness, etc.) that you enter the houses from the back] [Surah Al-Baqarah. Ayah 189], even though it was something they took as their custom and considered it to be an act of righteousness. Whoever takes something as a custom and believes that it is an act of righteousness, then it should be presented to Allah’s divine legislation. [5]

Imam Muhammad Bin Salih Al-Uthaymeen, may Allah have mercy upon him, also said: Extremism about customs is stringent adherence to old customs and not diverting to what is better than them. If the customs are equal in benefit [i.e. the ones judged to be permissible by the divine legislation], then a person remaining upon what he is upon would be better than going along with the new (or emerging) customs. [6]

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: Hardship is only encountered by the one who abandons the Ma’loofaat and Awaa’id [i.e. those habitual things, deeds, practices, customs etc] for other than the sake of Allah. As for the one who abandons them truthfully and sincerely from the bottom of his heart- for the sake of Allah alone- then indeed he does not encounter any difficulty due to abandoning them except in the beginning, in order that he is tested as to whether he is truthful or untruthful in abandoning them? If he exercises a little bit of patience, its [i.e. that abandonment] will alternate into pleasure. Ibn Seereen said that he heard Shurayh swearing by Allah that “A servant does not abandon anything for the sake of Allah and finds a loss in that.” And their statement [i.e. the people of knowledge] that ‘whoever abandons something for the Sake of Allah, Allah will replace it with what is better.” This is true. This compensation is of different types and the best of that which a person is compensated with is: the desire and yearning to get close to Allah, seeking after Allah’s pleasure, love of Allah, and the heart granted-by way of it- tranquility, strength, enthusiasm, happiness and being pleased with its Lord [The Most High]. [7]

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

I have left you with two matters; you will not go astray as long as you hold fast to them: the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Prophet. [Al-Muwatta 2/899]

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

The devil has despaired of being worshipped in your land (i.e. The Arabian Peninsula); however, he is content to be obeyed in other matters that you may consider trivial in your actions. Therefore, be cautious. I have left witrh you that which, if you hold fast to it, you will never go astray: the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Prophet”. [Sahih at-Targhib 40]

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

Whoever ponders upon the state of affairs of the world will find that every affair of rectification is due to Tawheed, singling out Allah in worship and obedience to His Messenger (Muhammad). And every evil in the world, trial, affliction, scarcity (in livelihood), being overpowered by an enemy and other than that is due to (our) opposition to the Messenger and the call to other than (the way of) Allah and His Messenger. Whoever truly ponders upon this and examines the state of affairs of the world- since its beginning and until the time Allah will take it away and those upon it- he will realise this affair regarding himself and others, in general and specific (circumstances). And there is no Might or Power except with Allah –The Most High, The Most Great. [Badaa’i Al-Fawa’id 3/525-526]

Imam Al-Lalaka’ee, may Allah have mercy upon him said:

Indeed, the most obligated matter to a person is to understand the creed of the religion, and what Allah has imposed on His servants regarding the comprehension of His oneness and attributes, the affirmation of (belief) in His Messengers (and what they have conveyed) through evidence and certainty, and the means to access its paths, using them for proofs and evidences. The mightiest of statements and the clearest evidence is the Book of Allah, the unequivocal truth, followed by the sayings of Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and his righteous companions, then that which the pious predecessors agreed upon (consensus) and then adherence to all of them until the Day of Judgment, while avoiding Bidah and not lending an ear to it which has been initiated by the misguided ones. These inherited and followed advices, preserved and transmitted narrations (on creed, worship, methodology, manners, dealings etc) established paths of truth, well-known and evident proofs, and compelling arguments that were acted upon by the companions and their successors, as well as by both the distinguished men of piety and their folk among the Muslims, they believed in them as proof between them and Allah, the Lord of the worlds. Furthermore, those who emulate them among the guided Imams and those adherents who followed in their footsteps, striving to follow the path of the pious, are counted among those who are truly righteous and the good doers. Those who embark on such a path and consistently adhere to these proofs in accordance with the path of the Shariah will find security in their religion in both this life and the hereafter, and will hold firmly to the trustworthy handhold -(none has the right to be worshipped except Allah) – that will never break. [8]

Imam Al-Hasan al-Basri, may Allah have mercy on him, said:

I swear by the One (Allah) besides whom there is no deity worthy of worship but Him! The Sunnah is between the extremes of those who are excessive and those who are neglectful. Therefore, be patient upon it (the Sunnah) – may Allah have mercy on you- for the people of the Sunnah were the fewest among the people in the past, and they remained the fewest among those who remained. Neither did they go along with the excessive ones in their excesses nor with the proponents of Bidah in their Bidah, while remaining steadfast in their adherence to the Sunnah until they met their Lord. Thus, if Allah wills, let it be the same for you. [9]

Imam Muhammad Ibn Sirin, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

They (the pious predecessors) held as their belief that the right path is what is based on the authentic narrations of the Prophet and his companions. [10]

Imam Umar Ibn Abdul Aziz, may Allah have mercy on him, stated:

Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and the leaders who succeeded him (Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman and Ali) established matters based on the pure revelation; adhering to them is an affirmation of Allah’s Book (the Qur’an), complete obedience to Allah, and strength in the religion ordained by Allah. No one has the authority to alter or change these practices, nor substitute them in opposition. Whoever follows these practices is rightly guided, and he who seeks assistance will be assisted (through them). Whoever opposes them and pursues a path other than that of the believers (the companions of the Prophet), Allah will leave him to what he has chosen and cast him into Hell, and what an evil destination. [11]

Imam Az-Zuhri, may Allah have mercy on him, said:

Those who preceded us among our scholars used to say: “Adhering to the Sunnah is salvation and that knowledge is rapidly taken away. The presence of knowledge is the stability of both the religion and worldly affairs, and with the loss of knowledge follows the loss of all of that (i.e. the emergence of corruption).” [12]

Imam Malik, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Whoever introduces a bidah in Islam and considers it to be good, he has implied that Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, has betrayed his mission. This is because Allah says:[اليوم أكملت لكم دينكم – “This day I have perfected your religion for you]. Therefore, anything that was not part of the religion at that time cannot be considered part of the religion today. [13]

Imam Ahmad, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Whoever becomes acquainted with the path of truth, it has been made easy for him to follow. And there is no proof for adhering to the path of Allah except through emulating the Messenger, peace be upon him, in his conduct, statements, and deeds.” [14]

Ibn Ataa, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Whoever commits himself to the etiquettes of the Sunnah, Allah will illuminate their heart with the light of knowledge, and there is no status more noble than following the beloved (Prophet) in His commands, actions, and manners.” [15]

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

Acts of worship are to be based on the authentic Sunnah, neither vain desires nor Bidah”. [16]

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

Whoever adheres to the Book and the Sunnah, distancing himself from his vain desires and that of others, and turns to Allah with his heart, he is truthful and upon what is correct”. [17]

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

Whoever abandons the evidence will stray from the path, and there is no evidence except that which has been brought forth by the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him”. [18]

Saudi King Abdul Azeez Bin Abdir-Rahman, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

The foundation of the Islamic Creed is the Book of Allah, the Sunnah of His Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] and that which the Sahabah were upon; then the pious predecessors after them, and then after them the four Imams of the Muslims- Imam Malik, Imam Shafi’i, Imam Ahmad and Imam Abu Hanifah. The creed of these people is one in the foundation of the religion and that is the three categories of Tawheed- the Oneness of Allah in His Lordship, the Oneness of Allah in that He (alone) has the right to be worshipped and His Oneness in His Names and Attributes”.

It is obligatory that we adhere to the Rope of Allah  [i.e. the Qur’an, Sunnah etc] and that which the Salafus Saaleh [pious predecessors] were upon. If we adhere to this, we will be callers to Allah  [i.e. Callers to Tawheed, the Sunnah and everything Allah has commanded], establish our affairs based on what Allah has revealed, speak and establish our economic affairs based on Taqwaa [i.e. fear of Allah by fulfilling everything Allah has commanded and keeping away from everything Allah has forbidden], so that Allah may show us kindness. However, if we do not do so and we are abandoned to our own selves, then we might become like what Ali  [may Allah be pleased with him] that Allah said: [نَسُوا اللَّهَ فَنَسِيَهُمْ – They have forgotten Allah, so He has forgotten them]”. [Al-Anfal. 67]

O Muslims! It is obligatory that we hold onto the Rope of Allah (i.e. the Qur’an), follow the Sunnah of Allah’s Messenger Muhammad [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him], follow the guidance of the Messenger, act on Allah’s orders and keep away from what Allah has forbidden. Indeed, every speech that is not followed by action is false. There can be no rectification for the Muslims except through their unity upon singling out their Lord in [His Lordship, Names and Attributes and worshipping Him alone and associate none to Him as a partner in Worship]. And during every differing that leads to splitting and division, the Religion commands us to hold onto Allah’s Shariah, enjoin one another with the truth and patience, just as Allah [The Most High] commanded us in the Qur’an. We should be truly acquainted with our Lord and seek His Aid and Assistance. We do not fear except the (consequences of) our sins and it is obligated on the Muslims to follow Allah’s Religion and obey all that Allah has ordered, practically. In this is the (means of) rectifying their worldly affairs and the upright establishment of all their (other) affairs”.

Deeds that are in opposition to the Shariah can never be beneficial for anyone and all harm (is found) in following other than the foundation brought by our Prophet Muhammad [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him].

Indeed, the progress and advancement of the Muslims is among those affairs we (pursue) – we call to it by the will of Allah. (However), there cannot be advancement for the Muslims without a return to their religion, adherence to their sound creed and holding onto the Rope of Allah (i.e. the Qur’an and the Sunnah). The path towards this is clear and provided for the one who wants to follow it, and that is to single out Allah in worship – to be free from shirk and bidah- and act on that which the religion has commanded us, for indeed there is no benefit in speech if not (accompanied) by action. [19]

Saudi Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allah have mercy upon him] said:

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

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

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

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

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

These limits are the unlawful deeds forbidden by Allah because they lead to sins. And just as Allah forbade mankind from going beyond the boundaries of Halaal and Haraam, He also legislated acts of worship and rulings in the religion. [20]

Imam Abu Shamah, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “When the command to adhere to the Jamaa’ah (the main body) is (mentioned), then the intent behind it is to adhere to the truth, even if those who follow it are few and those who oppose it are numerous. That is because the truth is that which the first Jamaa’ah was upon- the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] and his companions [may Allah be pleased with them]- and one does not give consideration to the numerous people of falsehood”. [21]

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

Let every Muslim be careful of being deceived by the great numbers [of people upon such and such idea, view, belief, way of life, etc], whilst saying, “Indeed, the people have become such and such, and have become accustomed to such and such, so I am with them”. This is a great calamity, for indeed many people of the past were destroyed due to this [i.e. blindly following the majority]. Therefore, O sensible one! It is obligated on you to examine yourself; take account of yourself and adhere to the truth, even if the people abandon it. Beware of what Allaah has forbidden, even if the people do it, for indeed the truth is more worthy of being followed, just as Allaah [The Most High] said:

[وَإِنْ تُطِعْ أَكْثَرَ مَنْ فِي الْأَرْضِ يُضِلُّوكَ عَنْ سَبِيلِ اللَّه ِ -And if you obey most of those on earth, they will mislead you far away from Allah’s Path. [Surah Al An-aam Ayah 116]

And Allah [The Most High] said: [ وَمَآ أَڪۡثَرُ ٱلنَّاسِ وَلَوۡ حَرَصۡتَ بِمُؤۡمِنِينَ-And most of mankind will not believe even if you desire it eagerly]. [Surah Yusuf Ayah 103] [22]

Al-Allamah Muqbil Bin Hadi Al-Waadi’ee, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

If numbers are the scale by way of which you judge, then the majority are mostly blameworthy; and if persuasive speech and eloquence is the scale by way of which you judge, then indeed Allah described the Munaafiqoon that they have tongues that utter beautiful speech. Allah said: [وَإِن يَقُولُواْ تَسۡمَعۡ لِقَوۡلِهِمۡ – And when they speak, you listen to their words]. [Al-Munaafiqoon. 4]

Therefore, what is given consideration is that one knows the people of truth by their characteristics – that they call to the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his family, and companions], and they neither desire reward from the people nor seeking to be thanked. [23]

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

A large number of people around a person is not proof that such a person is virtuous because some of the Prophets were only followed by a few people. “A Prophet will come on the day of judgment with a few followers and a Prophet will come with no followers”. [Bukhaari 5705]. Therefore, does this mean that such a Prophet is not virtuous? Absolutely not! A person does not look at the large number of people who are present because the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said to Ali, “If Allah gives guidance to a single man through you, it is better for you than possessing red camels”. [Bukhaari 3009]

The Shaikh, may Allah preserve him, also stated, “Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa’ah is not harmed by those who oppose them. If you are with them- all praise is due to Allah, they are pleased with this because indeed they want good for the people. If you oppose them, you cannot harm them and due to this the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “There will not cease to be a group of my Ummah who will be manifest upon the truth- not harmed by those who forsake them until the command of Allah comes to pass (i.e. the day of judgment) whilst they are (still) upon that (truth)”. The one in opposition does not harm except himself. What is given consideration is not the great numbers; rather what is given consideration is to agree with the truth, even if a small number of people were upon it. And even if in some eras there is only one person (upon truth), then he is the one upon truth and he is the Jamaa’ah. The Jamaa’ah does not necessitate great numbers; rather the Jamaa’ah is what is in agreement with the truth – in agreement with the Book and the Sunnah, even if those upon it are few. However, if many come together and (upon) truth, then – all praise is due to Allah- this is strength. But if the majority oppose it (i.e. the truth), then we side with the truth even if only a few are upon it”. [24]

Al-Allamah Ahmad Bin Yahyah An-Najmi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Know that the truth is that what (has been revealed by) Allah and (given to) His Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him in the Book and the Sunnah, even if its adherents and those who embrace it are few. What is conveyed in the Islamic legislation is the truth one is commanded to follow, even if the majority of the people free themselves from it and those who follow it are few. Allah stated:

ثُمَّ جَعَلْنَاكَ عَلَىٰ شَرِيعَةٍ مِنَ الْأَمْرِ فَاتَّبِعْهَا وَلَا تَتَّبِعْ أَهْوَاءَ الَّذِينَ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ
إِنَّهُمْ لَنْ يُغْنُوا عَنْكَ مِنَ اللَّهِ شَيْئًا ۚ وَإِنَّ الظَّالِمِينَ بَعْضُهُمْ أَوْلِيَاءُ بَعْضٍ ۖ وَاللَّهُ وَلِيُّ الْمُتَّقِينَ

Then We have put you (O Muhammad) on a plain way of (Our) commandment [like the one which We commanded Our Messengers before you (i.e. legal ways and laws of the Islamic Monotheism)]. So follow you that (Islamic Monotheism and its laws), and follow not the desires of those who know not. Verily, they can avail you nothing against Allah (if He wants to punish you). Verily, the Zalimun (polytheists, wrong-doers, etc.) are Auliya’ (protectors, helpers, etc.) to one another, but Allah is the Wali (Helper, Protector, etc.) of the Muttaqun (pious). [Al-Jaathiya. 18-19]

Therefore, O slave of Allah! Be eager to follow the truth, follow the straight path and the path of early pious predecessors- the companions of the Messenger, and do not feel lonely due to the small numbers of those who follow it and the large numbers of those who oppose it, for indeed Ibrahim, peace be upon him, was an Imaam on his own and with Allah lies all success. [25]

Read article by Shaikh Abu Khadeejah, may Allah preserve him:

https://abukhadeejah.com/state-of-ummah-causes-of-weakness-means-of-rectification-ebook/

We ask Allah:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الثَّبَاتَ فِي الْأَمْرِ، وَالْعَزِيمَةَ عَلَى الرُّشْدِ

O Allah! Indeed, I ask You for steadfastness in this affair (regarding sound adherence to the religion) and firm resolve to adhere to the path of guidance. [26]

اللّهُـمَّ رَبَّ جِـبْرائيل ، وَميكـائيل ، وَإِسْـرافيل، فاطِـرَ السَّمواتِ وَالأَرْض ، عالـِمَ الغَيْـبِ وَالشَّهـادَةِ أَنْـتَ تَحْـكمُ بَيْـنَ عِبـادِكَ فيـما كانوا فيهِ يَخْتَلِفـون. اهدِنـي لِمـا اخْتُـلِفَ فيـهِ مِنَ الْحَـقِّ بِإِذْنِك ، إِنَّـكَ تَهْـدي مَنْ تَشـاءُ إِلى صِراطٍ مُسْتَقـيم

O Allah! Lord of Jibraa’eel, Meekaa’eel, and Israafeel, Creator of the heavens and the Earth, The Knower of the seen and the unseen. You judge between Your slaves regarding in that which they differ. Guide me to the truth regarding that in which there is differing, by Your Will. Verily, You guide whomever you will to the straight path. [27]

اللَّهُمَّ بِعِلْمِكَ الْغَيْبَ وَقُدْرَتِكَ عَلَى الْخَلْقِ أَحْيِنِي مَا عَلِمْتَ الْحَيَاةَ خَيْراً لِي وَتَوَفَّنِي إِذَا عَلِمْتَ الْوَفَاةَ خَيْراً لِي، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ خَشْيَتَكَ فِي الْغَيْبِ وَالشَّهَادَةِ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ كَلِمَةَ الْحَقِّ فِي الرِّضَا وَالْغَضَبِ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ الْقَصْدَ فِي الْغِنَى وَالْفَقْرِ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ نَعِيماً لَا يَنْفَذُ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ قُرَّةَ عَيْنٍ لَا تَنْقَطِعُ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ الرِّضِا بَعْدَ الْقَضَاءِ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ بَرْدَ الْعَيْشِ بَعْدَ الْمَوْتِ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ لَذَّةَ النَّظَرِ إِلَى وَجْهِكَ وَالشَّوْقَ إِلَى لِقَائِكَ فِي غَيْرِ ضَرَّاءَ مُضِرَّةٍ وَلَا فِتْنَةٍ مُضِلَّةٍ، اللَّهُمَّ زَيِّنَّا بِزِينَةِ الْإِيمَانِ
وَاجْعَلْنَا هُدَاةً مُهْتَدِينَ

O Allah! By Your Knowledge of the unseen and by Your Power over creation, let me live if life is good for me, and let me die if death is good for me; O Allah! I ask You to grant me (the blessing of having) fear of You in private and public, and I ask You (to make me utter) a statement of truth in times of contentment and anger, and I ask You for moderation when in a state of wealth and poverty, and I ask you for blessings that never ceases, and I ask You for the coolness of my eye that never ends, and I ask You (to make me pleased) after (Your) decree; and I ask You for a life of (ease, comfort, tranquillity, etc) after death; I ask You for the delight of looking at Your Face (i.e. in the Hereafter) and yearning to meet You without any harm and misleading trials (coming upon me). O Allah! Adorn us with the adornment of Iman, and make us (from those who are) guided and guiding (others). [29]

اللَّهُمَّ أَصْلِحْ لِي دِينِي الَّذِي هُوَ عِصْمَةُ أَمْرِي
وَأَصْلِحْ لِي دُنْيَايَ الَّتِي فِيهَا مَعَاشِي
وَأَصْلِحْ لِي آخِرَتِي الَّتِي فِيهَا مَعَادِي
وَاجْعَلِ الْحَيَاةَ زِيَادَةً لِي فِي كُلِّ خَيْرٍ
وَاجْعَلِ الْمَوْتَ رَاحَةً لِي مِنْ كُلِّ شَرٍّ

O Allah! Rectify my religion for me, which is the safeguard of my affairs; rectify my worldly [affairs], wherein is my livelihood; and rectify my Afterlife to which is my return; and make life for me [as a means of] increase in every good and make death for me as a rest from every evil. [29]

[ 1]: at-Taleeqaat Al-Maleehah Alaa Silsilah Al-Ahaadeeth as-Saheehah. 1/429-430

[2] Muhaadaraat Fil Aqeedah Wad-Da’wah’ page 18-20

[3]Al-Muwaafaqaat 2/283

[4]Majmoo Al-Fataawas 6/510

[5]Tafseer Surah Al-Baqarah 2/299

[6]Majmoo Al-Fataawaa 7/7

[7] Al-Fawaa’id page 166

[8] Sharh Usul Al-Ittiqad Ahl As-Sunnah Wal Jama’ah 1/7

[9] Ighatha Al-Lahfan 1/70

[10] Sunan Ad-Darimi 1/66

[11] Ighatha Al-Lahfan 1/159

[12] Al-Darimi 1/5

[13] Al-I’tisam 1/28

[14] Madarij As-Salikin 2/486

[15] Madarij As-Salikin 2/486

[16] Majmoo Al-Fatawa 4/170 (Ibn Taymiyyah)

[17] Madarij As-Salikin 2/487

[18] Miftah Dar As-Sa’adah 1/85

[19] An Excerpt from  “Haqeeqah Manhaj Al-Mamlakah Al-Arabiyyah As-Su’oodiyyah”. Pages 26-33]

[20] An Excerpt from ‘Awaamil Islaah Al-Mujtama’ah pages 1-2]

[21] Al-Baa’ith Alaa Inkaaril Bid’ah Wal-Hawaadith’ page 22

[22] An Excerpt from ‘Majmoo Al-Fataawaa 12/ 412

[23] قم المعاند – 2/547

[24] An Excerpt from ( لمحة عن الفرق الضالة )– pages 14 -15

[25] An Excerpt from Irshaad As-Saaree Fee Sharh Sunnah Lil-Barbahaaree page: 47

[26] Irwaa al-Ghaleel 1/115

[27] Saheeh Muslim 770

[28] As-Saheehah Number 1301

[29] Sahih Muslim. 2720]

Clapping and Whistling

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Basics, Contemporary Issues, History of Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', 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 Muhammad Ibn Abdil-Wahhab, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “They (i.e. the pre-Islamic people of ignorance) carried out worship by whistling and clapping their hands”.

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

From the affairs (i.e. practices) of the pre-Islamic era of ignorance which Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, opposed was that they carried out worship – seeking closeness to Allah- through whistling and clapping. Allah, The Most High said:

وَمَا كَانَ صَلاَتُهُمْ عِندَ الْبَيْتِ إِلاَّ مُكَاء وَتَصْدِيَةً َ

And their prayer at the House (Ka’bah) was nothing but whistling and clapping of hands [Al-Anfal 35]

Meaning, the polytheists did not seek closeness to Allah at the noble kabah, except through whistling and clapping. Al-Mukaa means whistling and Tasdeeyah means clapping with the two hands and palms. They used to do this at the House of Allah and called it prayer- seeking nearness to Allah, Glorified and Exalted be He, by through it. This is from the [matters] that the devils among mankind and jinn made fair seeming to them. This is because worship cannot be (carried out) except through that which Allah has legislated; it is Tawqeefiyyah (i.e. established based on the texts of the Shariah). A person should not initiate anything (i.e. acts of worship) or take it from someone else, while it is not legislated by Allah to be established as worship, nor does it have any origin in the Islamic legislation. And from this, the prohibition of these two traits -whistling and clapping- can be established, even if a person does not intend to perform worship through them, because there is resemblance to the polytheists in that.

And (with regards) to clapping, the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him,  specifically permitted it for the women when there is a need, such as informing the Imam (i.e. by clapping) if he makes a mistake in the prayer. And that is because of the Fitna – if men are present- that may take place from her voice. It is neither permissible for a man to imitate the unbelievers nor a women by way of clapping. If it the case that clapping is not permissible for men out of necessity with regards to informing the Imam when he makes a mistake in the prayer, rather he informs the Imam by way of Tasbeeh [i.e. saying سبحان الله], then it not being allowed when there is no necessity is even a stronger reason. In this there is rebuttal against those men who whistle in the gatherings in resemblance to the disbelievers.

Source: An Excerpt from Sharh Masaa’il Al-Jaahiliyyah. Page:104-105. Slightly paraphrased