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Author: Abdullah Jallow

The Path to Maximizing the Benefits of Our Supplications

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, 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.

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

The one whose goal in their supplication is to draw closer to Allah while also seeking to fulfill their requests has perfected many things, unlike the one who focuses solely on his request, which is the case for most people. Indeed, this  is a shortcoming and a missed opportunity in a significant virtue. And for this (virtue) then let those who compete, compete with each other (by hastening to piety and righteousness). This reflects the benefits of valuable knowledge, as ignorance hinders many individuals from achieving lofty aspirations and the (following the) beautiful paths (to success in this life and the next). (1)

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

Supplication is three types: The first type is to invoke Allah by His Names and Attributes, and this is one of the explanations of Allah’s statement:

  وَلِلَّهِ ٱلۡأَسۡمَآءُ ٱلۡحُسۡنَىٰ فَٱدۡعُوهُ بِہَا

And (all) the Most Beautiful [perfect] Names belong to Allah , so supplicate to Him by them]. [Al-A’raaf. 180]

The second type is that you invoke Allah for your need and due to your poverty, saying: “I am Your poor slave, the needy one, the one to be pitied, the one seeking help and refuge etc”.

The third type is that you ask for your need whilst not using the aforementioned two types of invocations.

The first invocation is more perfect and the second is more perfect than the third.  If an invocation gathers all three types, it will be most perfect and this is what the invocations of the Prophet usually comprised. (2)

(1) Al-Fatawa As-Sadiyyah page 43

(2) Jalaa Al-Ifhaam. 201

The prophet drew a square to demonstrate the worldly hopes, afflictions and death

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

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

Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, drew a square and in the middle he drew a line which poked out the end. Across the middle line he drew some smaller lines. The Prophet said, “This is the man (or human being) and the square surrounding him is death. The middle line is his worldly hopes and the smaller lines are his troubles. If this one misses him, another will distress him. If that one misses him, another will distress him”. [Al-Bukharee 6717]

After quoting the above hadith and others, Imam Abdul Aziz Bin Baz, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated:

These narrations contain an urge towards curtailing one’s hope (for the temporary things of this life), the remembrance of death and preparing for it. The goal is to prepare for death and being alert, not being negligent and wasting one’s (time, opportunity for doing good). This worldly abode is an abode of deception.

وَمَا الْحَيَاةُ الدُّنْيَا إِلَّا مَتَاعُ الْغُرُور

The life of this world is only the enjoyment of deception (a deceiving thing)]. [Surah Aal Imran. 185]

The sensible person prepares for provision (of good deeds), makes death his concern and curtails his hope (for the things of this life), so that when death arrives he is prepared. Indeed, the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, mentioned the situation of the servant, his prolonged hope and the troubles he’ll encounter. He mentioned the restriction of one’s hopes and that it is incumbent upon a believer not to prolong his hopes (for the things of this worldly life), but rather he should fear death, because indeed death comes suddenly. Whilst having prolonged hopes, then suddenly his lifespan pounces (i.e. death). Therefore, it is incumbent upon a sensible person not be deceived by this life and that he prepares provision (i.e. good deeds) for his afterlife before his life span pounces on him. [1]

Al-Allamah Abdur Rahman Bin Yahyah Al-Mu’allimee, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Allah tested Prophet Ayyoub, peace be upon him, and Prophet Yaqub, peace be upon him, during the time he lost his two sons, (Yusuf and Binyamin), peace be upon them, along with the profound sorrow that afflicted his heart. Allah said:

وَتَوَلَّىٰ عَنۡہُمۡ وَقَالَ يَـٰٓأَسَفَىٰ عَلَىٰ يُوسُفَ وَٱبۡيَضَّتۡ عَيۡنَاهُ مِنَ ٱلۡحُزۡنِ فَهُوَ كَظِيمٌ۬

And he turned away from them and said: “Alas, my grief for Yusuf (Joseph)!” And he lost his sight because of the sorrow that he was suppressing]. [Yusuf. 84]

Allah tested Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, during the initial years of his prophethood, commanding him to call his people to renounce the Shirk and the erroneous beliefs inherited from their ancestors. He communicated this message both privately and publicly, tirelessly day and night. He engaged with them in their social settings, assemblies, and communities, persistently advocating for nearly 13 years, despite enduring significant persecution, a stark contrast to the 40 years of his life before this period during which he faced no harm.

He hailed from a distinguished and esteemed tribe, belonging to a household that was both noble and revered. He grew up with refined manners, earning him the admiration and respect of the people, however, he remained remarkably humble despite his elevated status. The individual possessing these attributes endured significant suffering and encountered profound difficulties. This suffering was exacerbated by ridicule; this one spat in his face, another tried to place his feet on his neck while he was in prostration to his Lord, and yet another placed camel intestines on his back when he prostrated to his Lord. Another seized the collar of his garment in an attempt to strangle him. His uncle, Abu Lahab, relentlessly pursued him, cautioning others by declaring, “He is a liar” and “He is insane.”

The ignorant were stirred up against him, and they hurled stones at him until blood streamed from his feet. Others chose to ostracize him and his close relatives for an extended period, hoping they would perish from starvation. Some individuals subjected his followers to various forms of torment, including forcing them to lie on the scorching sand during the peak heat of the day without access to water. One follower was burned with fire, and the only thing that could extinguish the flames was the fat from his back. A woman among them faced severe torture, but when it became evident that she would not abandon her faith in Islam, she was stabbed in her private area and ultimately killed.

The suffering they endured stemmed solely from the Messenger’s efforts to lead them away from the darkness of Shirk and into the light of Islam. He intended to remove them from corruption and guide them towards righteous behaviour, to steer them away from the wrath of Allah and direct them towards the means of achieving His Pleasure. He sought to divert them from the path of eternal punishment and guide them towards everlasting happiness. Despite the clarity of these truths, they remained oblivious, fixated instead on the fact that he was urging them toward something contrary to their desires.

Furthermore, Allah tested the Prophet peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, through the loss of his parents during his early childhood, followed by the passing of his grandfather, the demise of his uncle who provided him with protection, and the death of his wife who offered him solace. The calamities continued unabated, despite his status as the leader of the children of Adam and his position as the most beloved individual to Allah.

Contemplate these matters to understand, through genuine knowledge, that the competitive strife in which we participate, driven by our desire to attain the pleasures of this world, pales in comparison to the pursuit of Allah’s Pleasure and the everlasting joy of paradise. In contrast, the suffering and challenges of worldly existence that we seek to avoid are insignificant when weighed against Allah’s discontent, His wrath, and the eternal torment of hellfire. Anas Bin Malik, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him, said, “A person amongst the inhabitants of Hell – who lived the most enjoyable life amongst the people of the world – would be dipped in fire only once on the Day of Resurrection and then it would be said to him, ‘O son of Adam! Did you find any comfort, did you happen to get any material blessing?’ He would say, ‘By Allah! No, my Lord’. Then a person amongst the people of the world would be brought – who lived the most miserable life (in the world) – from amongst the inhabitants of Paradise and he would be dipped once in Paradise, and it would be said to him, ‘O son of Adam! Did you face any hardship? Or had any distress fallen to your lot?’ He would say, ‘By Allah! No, O my Lord, never did I face any hardship or experience any distress’”. [Sahih Muslim. 2807] [2]

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

Unlike the person upon certainty, the person who has no certainty in faith (or lacks certainty) does not remain firm, rather he acts carelessly, whereas certainty is the firm Iman in the heart based on knowledge and action. It may be that a person has knowledge but does not exercise patience during calamities; rather he is swayed by emotion. Al-Hasan Al-Basri, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: If you wish to see someone with insight but has no patience, you will see him; and if you wish to see someone who has patience but not insight, you will see him; but if you see a person who has insight as well as patience, he is the one mentioned by Allah in the verse:

وَجَعَلۡنَا مِنۡہُمۡ أَٮِٕمَّةً۬ يَہۡدُونَ بِأَمۡرِنَا لَمَّا صَبَرُواْ‌ۖ وَڪَانُواْ بِـَٔايَـٰتِنَا يُوقِنُونَ

And We made from among them (Children of Israel), leaders, giving guidance under Our Command, when they were patient and used to believe with certainty in Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.)]. [As-Sajdah’. 24] [3]

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]. [4]

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). [5]

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. [6]

[1] https://binbaz.org.sa/audios/2521/198-%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%AD%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%AB-%D8%AE%D8%B7-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%A8%D9%8A-%D8%B5%D9%84%D9%89-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%84%D9%87-%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%8A%D9%87-%D9%88%D8%B3%D9%84%D9%85-%D8%AE%D8%B7%D8%A7-%D9%85%D8%B1%D8%A8%D8%B9%D8%A7-%D9%88%D8%AE%D8%B7-%D8%AE%D8%B7%D8%A7-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%88%D8%B3%D8%B7-%D8%AE%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AC%D8%A7-%D9%85%D9%86%D9%87
[2] An Excerpt from “Aathaar Ash-Shaikh Al-Allamah Abdur Rahman Bin Yahyah Al-Mu’allimee”. 11/311-313

[3] An Excerpt from ‘Al-Fawaa’id’ page 300

[4] Declared authentic by Imaam Al-Albaanee in Irwaa al-Ghaleel 1/115

[5] https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2021/01/01/o-allaah-let-me-live-if-life-is-good-for-me-and-let-me-die-if-death-is-good-for-me/

[6] Sahih Muslim 770

Look how they lie against themselves!

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

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

Allah, The Exalted, said:

وَيَوْمَ نَحْشُرُهُمْ جَمِيعًا ثُمَّ نَقُولُ لِلَّذِينَ أَشْرَكُوا أَيْنَ شُرَكَاؤُكُمُ الَّذِينَ كُنتُمْ تَزْعُمُونَ

ثُمَّ لَمْ تَكُن فِتْنَتُهُمْ إِلَّا أَن قَالُوا وَاللَّهِ رَبِّنَا مَا كُنَّا مُشْرِكِينَ

 انظُرْ كَيْفَ كَذَبُوا عَلَىٰ أَنفُسِهِمْ ۚ وَضَلَّ عَنْهُم مَّا كَانُوا يَفْتَرُونَ

And on the Day when We shall gather them all together, We shall say to those who ascribed partners in worship (with Us): “Where are your partners (false deities) whom you used to assert (as partners in worship with Allah)?” There will then be (left) no excuses or statements or arguments for them but to say: “By Allah, our Lord, we were not those who ascribed others in worship with Allah.” Look how they lie against themselves! But the (lie) which they invented will disappear from them. [Al-An’am 22-24]

“Look” with astonishment their condition; “How they lie against themselves”- Meaning, they tell a lie that ultimately lead to their own detriment, causing them immense harm. “But the (lie) which they invented will disappear from them”, such as those whom they ascribed as partners with Allah, and Exalted is Allah above this. (1)

“Look how they have lie against themselves,” through false excuses and declaring themselves innocent of Shirk. “But the (lie) which they invented will disappear from them” – Meaning, depart and cease, referring to the idols they once hoped for their intercession and support, but all of that proves futile on that day. (2)

(1) An Excerpt from Tafsir As-Sadi.

(2) An Excerpt from Tafsir Al-Baghawi

It’s attractive, but temporary

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Jahannam (Hell Fire), Jannah (Paradise), Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Prophets, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allah [The Exalted] said:

فَأَعۡرِضۡ عَن مَّن تَوَلَّىٰ عَن ذِكۡرِنَا وَلَمۡ يُرِدۡ إِلَّا ٱلۡحَيَوٰةَ ٱلدُّنۡيَا
ذَٲلِكَ مَبۡلَغُهُم مِّنَ ٱلۡعِلۡمِ‌ۚ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ هُوَ أَعۡلَمُ بِمَن ضَلَّ عَن سَبِيلِهِۦ وَهُوَ أَعۡلَمُ بِمَنِ ٱهۡتَدَىٰ

Therefore withdraw (O Muhammad) from him who turns away from Our Reminder (this Qur’an) and desires nothing but the life of this world. That is what they could reach of knowledge. Verily, your Lord it is He Who knows best him who goes astray from His Path, and He knows best him who receives guidance. [Surah An-Najm. Aayaat 29-30]

When it is the case that this is the abiding behaviour of these polytheists – that they do not have any aim to follow the truth; instead their only aim and intent is that which their souls desire, thus, Allah [The Exalted] commanded His Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] to turn away from the one who has turned away from Allah’s Reminder- the Wise Reminder, the Great Qur’aan and the Noble News. They turn away from the beneficial subject matters and do not want except the worldly life, and this is the beginning and end of their desire. It is well known that a servant of Allah does not act except for something he wants, so their deeds are limited to the world, its pleasures and desires. This is where their knowledge stops and its purpose. As for those who believe in the Hereafter- those who testify to the truthfulness of it, the people of sound understanding and sound intellect, their utmost concern and desire is the home of the afterlife. Their sciences are the most virtuous and the loftiest, and that is knowledge taken from the Qur’an and the Sunnah of Allah’s Messenger. Allah knows who deserves guidance and guides him; and the one who is not deserving of it, he is left to himself and forsaken, thus, he deviates from the path of Allah. And due this due Allah said:

إِنَّ رَبَّكَ هُوَ أَعۡلَمُ بِمَن ضَلَّ عَن سَبِيلِهِۦ وَهُوَ أَعۡلَمُ بِمَنِ ٱهۡتَدَىٰ

Verily, your Lord it is He Who knows best him who goes astray from His Path, and He knows best him who receives guidance – Meaning, Allaah [The Exalted] places blessings exactly where it should be. (1)

Allah (The Most High) informed us that the believer amongst the people of Pharaoh said:

يَـٰقَوۡمِ إِنَّمَا هَـٰذِهِ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةُ ٱلدُّنۡيَا مَتَـٰعٌ۬ وَإِنَّ ٱلۡأَخِرَةَ هِىَ دَارُ ٱلۡقَرَارِ

O my people! Truly, this life of the world is nothing but a (quick passing) enjoyment, and verily, the Hereafter that is the home that will remain forever”. [Surah Ghaafir. Verse 39]

Mujahid [may Allaah have mercy upon him] narrated that Abdullah Ibn Umar [may Allaah have mercy upon him and his father] said: Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] took hold of my shoulder and said, “Be in this world as if you were a stranger or a traveler”. The sub narrator added: Ibn Umar Used to say, “If you survive till the evening, do not expect to be alive in the morning, and if you survive till the morning, do not expect to be alive in the evening, and take from your health for your sickness, and (take) from your life for your death”. (2)

The Muslim is like a stranger in this worldly life; the stranger is one residing in a country other than his country. The worldly life is not the Muslim’s permanent place of residence; instead the Muslim’s permanent place of residence is paradise. He is in this worldly life to work for entry into Paradise. He takes what is needed from this world to aid him work for entry into paradise.

The Muslim is like a traveler in this worldly life: The traveler takes rest during his journey and then carries on travelling. He does not reside permanently in that place he stopped to take a rest. In the life of this world the Muslim is that traveler. In reality he is not a permanent resident in the worldly life because his time in it is very little. His nights and days take him towards the afterlife.

What is befitting the Muslim with regards to the days, nights, and his health etc! If you reach the morning do not delay good deeds till in the evening because it maybe that you will not reach the evening. If you reach the evening do not delay good deeds till the morning because it maybe that you will not reach the morning. Do not delay repentance and righteous deeds till another time.

As long as a person is in a state of good health and wellbeing, he is able to perform fasting, the night prayer etc; but when he becomes sick he is not able to perform fasting, the night prayer etc. Therefore, as long as Allaah has given you good health, then hasten towards righteous actions because a time will come in which you will be unable to perform them-either due to illness, old age, or senility. Prepare for death and what is to come after it. Allaah gave you this life in order that you busy yourself with what will benefit you in the afterlife. So do not spend your life in play and jest. (3)

Imam As-Sadi [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: The sensible person is in a position to have the Baaqiyaat As-Saalihaat as provision [i.e. the good righteous deeds that last and are better in the sight of Allah for reward and better in respect of hope in the Hereafter] together with his share in the worldly life with ease- by seeking aid in going out in the morning and midday and something of the night time. This is the foundation upon which he places his worldly affairs and the means to [accomplishing them]. And even when such [affairs] come to him late at night, he would pray and seek aid from his Lord and asks for that which brings about goodness in his religious and Worldly affairs.

He begins his day with good – recitation of the Qur’aan and acts of worship- to which one devotes himself in the morning; performs the five daily prayers in their earliest times and that which Allah makes easy for him to perform of good deeds, such as (optional) prayer, recitation of the Qur’an, remembrance of Allah, seeking knowledge and other than that. He engages his tongue in the Remembrance of Allah and in seeking forgiveness.

He pursues the means by way of which one seeks his livelihood such as trade, production of goods, farming and what is similar to them, whilst seeking the aid of his Lord in that. He suffices himself with the permissible means and turns away from that which Allaah has made unlawful. The intent behind this is to fulfil the individual obligations; to be (upon) self-sufficiency and having little or no need of the creation. If he does this or something closer to it, the result will be goodness and he will gain abundant reward [for the afterlife]. Also he does not forget his [lawful] share in the worldly life and it may be that Allah will bless him with contentment, which is true richness by way of which a good life is attained.(4)

The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said: “What is the world to me? What am I to the world? Verily, the example of this world and myself is that of a rider who seeks shade under a tree, then he moves on and leaves it behind”. [Reported by Imaam Ahmad 3701 and others]

The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “What is the example of this worldly life in comparison to the Hereafter other than one of you dipping his finger in the sea? Let him see what he brings forth”. [Reported by Imaam Muslim 2858]

Allah [The Most High] said:

نَّمَا مَثَلُ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا كَمَآءٍ أَنزَلۡنَـٰهُ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ فَٱخۡتَلَطَ بِهِۦ نَبَاتُ ٱلۡأَرۡضِ مِمَّا يَأۡكُلُ ٱلنَّاسُ وَٱلۡأَنۡعَـٰمُ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَآ أَخَذَتِ ٱلۡأَرۡضُ زُخۡرُفَهَا وَٱزَّيَّنَتۡ وَظَنَّ أَهۡلُهَآ أَنَّہُمۡ قَـٰدِرُونَ عَلَيۡہَآ أَتَٮٰهَآ أَمۡرُنَا لَيۡلاً أَوۡ نَہَارً۬ا فَجَعَلۡنَـٰهَا حَصِيدً۬ا كَأَن لَّمۡ تَغۡنَ بِٱلۡأَمۡسِ‌ۚ كَذَٲلِكَ نُفَصِّلُ ٱلۡأَيَـٰتِ لِقَوۡمٍ۬ يَتَفَڪَّرُونَ
وَٱللَّهُ يَدۡعُوٓاْ إِلَىٰ دَارِ ٱلسَّلَـٰمِ وَيَہۡدِى مَن يَشَآءُ إِلَىٰ صِرَٲطٍ۬ مُّسۡتَقِيمٍ۬

Verily the likeness of (this) worldly life is as the water (rain) which We send down from the sky, so by it arises the intermingled produce of the earth of which men and cattle eat until when the earth is clad with its adornments and is beautified, and its people think that they have all the powers of disposal over it, Our Command reaches it by night or by day and We make it like a clean-mown harvest, as if it had not flourished yesterday! Thus do We explain the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, laws, etc.) in detail for the people who reflect. Allah calls to the home of peace (i.e. Paradise, by accepting Allah’s religion of Islamic Monotheism and by doing righteous good deeds and abstaining from polytheism and evil deeds) and guides whom He wills to a Straight Path.[Yunus. 24-25]

Allah [The Most High] said:

وَٱضۡرِبۡ لَهُم مَّثَلَ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا كَمَآءٍ أَنزَلۡنَـٰهُ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ فَٱخۡتَلَطَ بِهِۦ نَبَاتُ ٱلۡأَرۡضِ فَأَصۡبَحَ هَشِيمً۬ا تَذۡرُوهُ ٱلرِّيَـٰحُ‌ۗ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىۡءٍ۬ مُّقۡتَدِرًا
ٱلۡمَالُ وَٱلۡبَنُونَ زِينَةُ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا‌ۖ وَٱلۡبَـٰقِيَـٰتُ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتُ خَيۡرٌ عِندَ رَبِّكَ ثَوَابً۬ا وَخَيۡرٌ أَمَلاً۬

And put forward to them the example of the life of this world, it is like the water (rain) which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it, and becomes fresh and green. But (later) it becomes dry and broken pieces, which the winds scatter. And Allah is Able to do everything. Wealth and children are the adornment of the life of this world. But the good righteous deeds (five compulsory prayers, deeds of Allah’s obedience, good and nice talk, remembrance of Allah with glorification, praises and thanks, etc.), that last, are better with your Lord for rewards and better in respect of hope. [Al-Kahf. 45-46]

Allah [The Most High] said:

ٱعۡلَمُوٓاْ أَنَّمَا ٱلۡحَيَوٰةُ ٱلدُّنۡيَا لَعِبٌ۬ وَلَهۡوٌ۬ وَزِينَةٌ۬ وَتَفَاخُرُۢ بَيۡنَكُمۡ وَتَكَاثُرٌ۬ فِى ٱلۡأَمۡوَٲلِ وَٱلۡأَوۡلَـٰدِ‌ۖ كَمَثَلِ غَيۡثٍ أَعۡجَبَ ٱلۡكُفَّارَ نَبَاتُهُ ۥ ثُمَّ يَہِيجُ فَتَرَٮٰهُ مُصۡفَرًّ۬ا ثُمَّ يَكُونُ حُطَـٰمً۬ا‌ۖ وَفِى ٱلۡأَخِرَةِ عَذَابٌ۬ شَدِيدٌ۬ وَمَغۡفِرَةٌ۬ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَرِضۡوَٲنٌ۬‌ۚ وَمَا ٱلۡحَيَوٰةُ ٱلدُّنۡيَآ إِلَّا مَتَـٰعُ ٱلۡغُرُورِ

Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children, as the likeness of vegetation after rain, thereof the growth is pleasing to the tiller; afterwards it dries up and you see it turning yellow; then it becomes straw. But in the Hereafter (there is) a severe torment (for the disbelievers, evil-doers), and (there is) Forgiveness from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure (for the believers, good-doers), whereas the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment. [Al-Hadeed. 57]

Allah [The Most High] said:

زُيِّنَ لِلنَّاسِ حُبُّ ٱلشَّهَوَٲتِ مِنَ ٱلنِّسَآءِ وَٱلۡبَنِينَ وَٱلۡقَنَـٰطِيرِ ٱلۡمُقَنطَرَةِ مِنَ ٱلذَّهَبِ وَٱلۡفِضَّةِ وَٱلۡخَيۡلِ ٱلۡمُسَوَّمَةِ وَٱلۡأَنۡعَـٰمِ وَٱلۡحَرۡثِ‌ۗ ذَٲلِكَ مَتَـٰعُ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا‌ۖ وَٱللَّهُ عِندَهُ ۥ حُسۡنُ ٱلۡمَـَٔابِ
قُلۡ أَؤُنَبِّئُكُم بِخَيۡرٍ۬ مِّن ذَٲلِڪُمۡ‌ۚ لِلَّذِينَ ٱتَّقَوۡاْ عِندَ رَبِّهِمۡ جَنَّـٰتٌ۬ تَجۡرِى مِن تَحۡتِهَا ٱلۡأَنۡهَـٰرُ خَـٰلِدِينَ فِيهَا وَأَزۡوَٲجٌ۬ مُّطَهَّرَةٌ۬ وَرِضۡوَٲنٌ۬ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ بَصِيرُۢ بِٱلۡعِبَادِ

Beautified for men is the love of things they covet; women, children, much of gold and silver (wealth), branded beautiful horses, cattle and well-tilled land. This is the pleasure of the present world’s life; but Allah has the excellent return (Paradise with flowing rivers, etc.) with Him. Say: “Shall I inform you of things far better than those? For Al-Muttaqun (the pious) there are Gardens (Paradise) with their Lord, underneath which rivers flow. Therein (is their) eternal (home) and Azwajun Mutahharatun (purified mates or wives) [i.e. they will have no menses, urine, or stool, etc.], And Allah will be pleased with them. And Allah is All-Seer of the (His) slaves”. [Aal Imraan. 14-15]

Allah [The Most High] said:

 وَفَرِحُواْ بِٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا وَمَا ٱلۡحَيَوٰةُ ٱلدُّنۡيَا فِى ٱلۡأَخِرَةِ إِلَّا مَتَـٰعٌ۬

And they rejoice in the life of the world, whereas the life of this world as compared with the Hereafter is but a brief passing enjoyment. [Ar-Rad. 26]

Allah [The Most High] said:

إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يَرۡجُونَ لِقَآءَنَا وَرَضُواْ بِٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا وَٱطۡمَأَنُّواْ بِہَا وَٱلَّذِينَ هُمۡ عَنۡ ءَايَـٰتِنَا غَـٰفِلُونَ
أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ مَأۡوَٮٰهُمُ ٱلنَّارُ بِمَا ڪَانُواْ يَكۡسِبُونَ

Verily, those who hope not for their meeting with Us, but are pleased and satisfied with the life of the present world, and those who are heedless of Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.); Those, their abode will be the Fire, because of what they used to earn. [Yunus. 7-8]

Allah [The Most High] said:

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ مَا لَكُمۡ إِذَا قِيلَ لَكُمُ ٱنفِرُواْ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ ٱثَّاقَلۡتُمۡ إِلَى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ‌ۚ أَرَضِيتُم بِٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا مِنَ ٱلۡأَخِرَةِ‌ۚ فَمَا مَتَـٰعُ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا فِى ٱلۡأَخِرَةِ إِلَّا قَلِيلٌ

O you who believe! What is the matter with you, that when you are asked to march forth in the Cause of Allah (i.e. Jihad) you cling heavily to the earth? Are you pleased with the life of this world rather than the Hereafter? But little is the enjoyment of the life of this world as compared with the Hereafter. [At-Tawbah. 38]

Allah [The Most High] said:

أَفَرَءَيۡتَ إِن مَّتَّعۡنَـٰهُمۡ سِنِينَ
ثُمَّ جَآءَهُم مَّا كَانُواْ يُوعَدُونَ
مَآ أَغۡنَىٰ عَنۡہُم مَّا كَانُواْ يُمَتَّعُونَ

Tell Me, if We do let them enjoy for years; and afterwards comes to them that (punishment) which they had been promised! All that with which they used to enjoy shall not avail them. [Surah Ash-Shu’araa. Verses 205-207]

Allah [The Most High] said:

وَيَوۡمَ يَحۡشُرُهُمۡ كَأَن لَّمۡ يَلۡبَثُوٓاْ إِلَّا سَاعَةً۬ مِّنَ ٱلنَّہَارِ يَتَعَارَفُونَ بَيۡنَہُمۡ‌ۚ

And on the Day when He shall gather (resurrect) them together, (it will be) as if they had not stayed (in the life of this world and graves, etc.) but an hour of a day. They will recognise each other. [Surah Yunus. Verse 45]

Allah [The Most High] said:

كَأَنَّہُمۡ يَوۡمَ يَرَوۡنَ مَا يُوعَدُونَ لَمۡ يَلۡبَثُوٓاْ إِلَّا سَاعَةً۬ مِّن نَّہَارِۭ‌ۚ بَلَـٰغٌ۬‌ۚ فَهَلۡ يُهۡلَكُ إِلَّا ٱلۡقَوۡمُ ٱلۡفَـٰسِقُونَ

On the Day when they will see that (torment) with which they are promised (i.e. threatened, it will be) as if they had not stayed more than an hour in a single day. (O mankind! This Qur’an is sufficient as) a clear Message (or proclamation to save yourself from destruction). But shall any be destroyed except the people who are Al-Fasiqun (the rebellious, disobedient to Allah)]. [Al-Ahqaaf. 35]

Allah [The Most High] said:

يَسۡـٴَـلُونَكَ عَنِ ٱلسَّاعَةِ أَيَّانَ مُرۡسَٮٰهَا
فِيمَ أَنتَ مِن ذِكۡرَٮٰهَآ
إِلَىٰ رَبِّكَ مُنتَہَٮٰهَآ
إِنَّمَآ أَنتَ مُنذِرُ مَن يَخۡشَٮٰهَا
كَأَنَّہُمۡ يَوۡمَ يَرَوۡنَہَا لَمۡ يَلۡبَثُوٓاْ إِلَّا عَشِيَّةً أَوۡ ضُحَٮٰهَا

They ask you (O Muhammad) about the Hour, – when will be its appointed time? You have no knowledge to say anything about it; To your Lord belongs (the knowledge of) the term thereof? You (O Muhammad) are only a warner for those who fear it; The Day they see it, (it will be) as if they had not tarried (in this world) except an afternoon or a morning. [An-Naazi’aat. 42-46]

Allah [The Most High] said:

وَيَوۡمَ تَقُومُ ٱلسَّاعَةُ يُقۡسِمُ ٱلۡمُجۡرِمُونَ مَا لَبِثُواْ غَيۡرَ سَاعَةٍ۬‌ۚ

And on the Day that the Hour will be established, the Mujrimun (criminals, disbelievers, polytheists, sinners, etc.) will swear that they stayed not but an hour. [Ar-Rum. 55]

Allaah [The Most High] said:

قَـٰلَ كَمۡ لَبِثۡتُمۡ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ عَدَدَ سِنِينَ
قَالُواْ لَبِثۡنَا يَوۡمًا أَوۡ بَعۡضَ يَوۡمٍ۬ فَسۡـَٔلِ ٱلۡعَآدِّينَ
قَـٰلَ إِن لَّبِثۡتُمۡ إِلَّا قَلِيلاً۬‌ۖ لَّوۡ أَنَّكُمۡ كُنتُمۡ تَعۡلَمُونَ

He (Allah) will say: “What number of years did you stay on earth?” They will say: “We stayed a day or part of a day. Ask of those who keep account.” He (Allah) will say: “You stayed not but a little, if you had only known! [Al-Mu’minoon. 112-114]

Allah [The Most High] said:

يَوۡمَ يُنفَخُ فِى ٱلصُّورِ‌ۚ وَنَحۡشُرُ ٱلۡمُجۡرِمِينَ يَوۡمَٮِٕذٍ۬ زُرۡقً۬ا
يَتَخَـٰفَتُونَ بَيۡنَہُمۡ إِن لَّبِثۡتُمۡ إِلَّا عَشۡرً۬ا
نَّحۡنُ أَعۡلَمُ بِمَا يَقُولُونَ إِذۡ يَقُولُ أَمۡثَلُهُمۡ طَرِيقَةً إِن لَّبِثۡتُمۡ إِلَّا يَوۡمً۬ا

The Day when the Trumpet will be blown (the second blowing): that Day, We shall gather the Mujrimun (criminals, polytheists, sinners, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah, etc.) Zurqa: (blue or blind eyed with black faces); In whispers will they speak to each other (saying): “You stayed not longer than ten (days).” We know very well what they will say, when the best among them in knowledge and wisdom will say: “You stayed no longer than a day!” [Ta Ha. 102-104]

And Allah’s Aid is sought and upon Him we place our reliance! (5)

[1] Tafseer As-Sadi.

[2]Bukhaari: The Book of Ar-Riqaaq Vol 8: Hadeeth Number: 6416

[3] An Excerpt from ‘Al-Minhatur Rabbaaniyyah Fee sharh al-arba’een of Al-Allaamah Saaleh Al-Fawzaan (may Allaah preserve him) pages 285 287

[4] An Excerpt from Noorul Basaa-ir Wal Albaab Fee Ahkaam Al Ibaadaat, Wal Mu-aamalaat, Wal Huqooq, Wal Aadaab of Imam Abdur Rahmaan As-Sadi. Page: 65.

[5] An Excerpt from Al-Fawaa’id’ page 148-152.

Disease of the despots

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Basics, Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Sin, Uncategorized.

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

Beware of the disease of the despots because pride [I], avarice, and envy were the first (sins through which) Allah was disobeyed. Raising yourself above your teacher is pride, [II] being arrogant towards the one who benefits you from amongst those who are below you is pride, [III] and falling short in acting upon knowledge is a sludge of pride and an indication of being deprived.

Imam Muhammad Bin Salih Al-Uthaymin, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

[I]The Prophet said, “Pride is to reject the truth and mock the people”. This refers to Shaytan’s behaviour when he was commanded to prostrate to Adam, but pride prevented him from doing so. He refused and was haughty.

[II] Raising oneself can either be by way of the tongue and it can also be by way of sentiments (feelings, attitude, etc). He (the student) may be walking with his teacher, while swaggering and saying, “I did this, and I did this”.

[III] Likewise, being arrogant towards the one who is below you in knowledge is pride. This also occurs with some of the students, and if someone below him in knowledge informs him of something, you find him arrogant and does not accept. We ask Allah for well-being because this type of pride is a lack of acting upon the knowledge one knows.

An Excerpt from ‘Sharh Hilyati Taalibil Ilm. 38-40. (1st Edition Rabi ul Awwal 1443AH)

Denial

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Mental Health, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allah [The Most High] said:

[بَلِ ٱلۡإِنسَـٰنُ عَلَىٰ نَفۡسِهِۦ بَصِيرَةٌ۬ وَلَوۡ أَلۡقَىٰ مَعَاذِيرَهُ – Nay! Man will be a witness against himself; though he may put forth his excuses] [Al-Qiyaamah 14-15]

[بَلِ ٱلۡإِنسَـٰنُ عَلَىٰ نَفۡسِهِۦ بَصِيرَةٌ۬ – Nay! Man will be a witness against himself]- Meaning: A witness and accept facts about himself; [وَلَوۡ أَلۡقَىٰ مَعَاذِيرَهُ – Though he may put forth his excuses]- Meaning: Those excuses will not be accepted; rather it will confirm what [a person did], just as Allah stated: [اقْرَأْ كِتَابَكَ كَفَىٰ بِنَفْسِكَ الْيَوْمَ عَلَيْكَ حَسِيبًا – Read your book. You yourself are sufficient as a reckoner against you this Day] [Al-Israa. 14]

Even if the servant of Allah denies or seeks excuses concerning what he did, his denial and excuse will not benefit him in anything; for indeed his hearing and sight, and all his limbs will witness against him concerning what he used to do, and that is because his time for a return to seeking Allah’s Pleasure had expired, just as Allah said:

[فَيَوۡمَٮِٕذٍ۬ لَّا يَنفَعُ ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُواْ مَعۡذِرَتُهُمۡ وَلَا هُمۡ يُسۡتَعۡتَبُونَ – So on that Day no excuse of theirs will avail those who did wrong, nor will they be allowed (then) to return to seek Allah’s Pleasure] [Ar-Rum. 57] [1]

[بَلِ ٱلۡإِنسَـٰنُ عَلَىٰ نَفۡسِهِۦ بَصِيرَةٌ۬ -Nay! Man will be a witness against himself]- Meaning: He is a witness against himself and he knows what he did, even if he seeks an excuse and denies, just as Allah said: [اقْرَأْ كِتَابَكَ كَفَىٰ بِنَفْسِكَ الْيَوْمَ عَلَيْكَ حَسِيبًا – Read your book. You yourself are sufficient as a reckoner against you this Day]. [Al-Israa: 14]

Ali Ibn Abee Talhah reported from Ibn Abbas regarding the meaning of the Ayah: [بَلِ ٱلۡإِنسَـٰنُ عَلَىٰ نَفۡسِهِۦ بَصِيرَةٌ۬ – Nay! Man will be a witness against himself]- by way of his hearing, sight, two hands, two legs and his (other) limbs. Qatadah said, ‘’He is a witness against himself’’. In another narration from Qatadah, he said, ‘’By Allah! If you wish to see him, you would see him looking at the faults and sins of the people, whilst being heedless of his own sins’’. [2]

[1] An Excerpt from ‘Taysir As-Sadi

[2] An Excerpt from ‘Al-Misbah Al-Munir Fee Tahdhib Tafsir Ibn Katheer’

A parable regarding the Prophet’s generosity, particularly during Ramadan

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Da'wah - Calling To Islam, History of Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Prophets, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Scholars of Islam, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him and his father, reported: “The Prophet, p4ace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was the most generous amongst the people, and he used to be more so in the month of Ramadaan when Jibreel visited him, and Jibreel used to meet him on every night of Ramadan till the end of the month. The Prophet used to recite the Noble Qur’an to Jibreel, and when Jibreel met him, he used to be more generous than the gentle breeze [sent by Allah with glad tidings (rain)] in readiness and haste to do charitable deeds”. [Sahih al-Bukhari 1902]

Al-Allamah Zayn Ibn Al-Munir, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

The intent behind the comparison between the Prophet’s generosity to the gentle breeze is that the breeze is mercy sent by Allah with rain falling everywhere – both on barren or fertile land. (Similarly), the Prophet’s exemplary behavior and kindness extend to all individuals—be they impoverished, wealthy and the self-sufficient—more than the rain that falls (after the arrival of the) gentle breeze.. [1]

Imam Abdul Aziz Bin Baz, may Allah have mercy upon him,

The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, exemplified unparalleled generosity in his dealings with wealth and giving to the people, not that he was (only) generous after being asked. In the last year of his life, he met Jibreel on two occasions and completed the recitation of the Qur’an twice. This narration highlights the virtue of engaging in the study and recitation of the Qur’an during the night, particularly in the company of righteous individuals, scholars, and virtuous people. The Prophet engaged in recitation to attain the rewards bestowed by Allah. [2]

Extravagance Is Not Praiseworthy

Allah [The Most High] said:

وَآتِ ذَا الْقُرْبَىٰ حَقَّهُ وَالْمِسْكِينَ وَابْنَ السَّبِيلِ وَلَا تُبَذِّرْ تَبْذِيرًا
إِنَّ الْمُبَذِّرِينَ كَانُوا إِخْوَانَ الشَّيَاطِينِ ۖ وَكَانَ الشَّيْطَانُ لِرَبِّهِ كَفُورًا

And give to the kindred his due and to the Miskin (poor) and to the wayfarer. But spend not wastefully (your wealth) in the manner of a spendthrift. Verily, spendthrifts are brothers of the Shayaateen (devils), and the Shaitan (Devil – Satan) is ever ungrateful to his Lord.

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

Shaytaan does not call the person except to every blameworthy habit. He calls him to miserliness and to refrain from spending, but when the person refuses to obey him, he calls him to overspending and extravagance; but Allah calls to what is most just and balance and He praises the person for that, as He, The One free from all imperfections, stated about His faithful slaves:

وَالَّذِينَ إِذَا أَنْفَقُوا لَمْ يُسْرِفُوا وَلَمْ يَقْتُرُوا وَكَانَ بَيْنَ ذَٰلِكَ قَوَامًا

And those, who, when they spend, are neither extravagant nor miserly, but hold a medium (way) between those (extremes).'[Al-Furqaan. 67] [3]

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

“The limit of generosity is between two extremes and when one goes beyond its limits, it leads to extravagance and squander. And when a person is lacking in generosity, it leads to miserliness and tight-fistedness”. [4]

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

Those squanderers who waste meat and food and dispose of it in waste bins should be reminded that there are hungry people hoping for a mouth full and a scrap of bread. They should fear Allah and to fear Him during their gatherings, and that they do not become the cause of Allah’s blessings being stopped. [5]

[1] An Excerpt from Fat-hul Bari Sharh Sahih Al-Bukhari. 4/150. Hadeeth 1902. Publisher- Daarus Salaam 1421 (Year 2000). 1st Edition)

[2] An Excerpt from Al-Hulalul Ibreeziyyah Min Ta’liqaat Al-Baaziyyah Alaa Sahih Al-Bukhaari. 2/121. Footnotes numbers: 1, 2 &3]

[3] An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi]

[4] Al-Fawaa’id page 207- 209]

[5] An Excerpt From “Al-Bayaan Li-Akhtaa’i Ba’dil Kuttaab 2/27

One of The Notable Signs of Virtue and Islam’s Preeminence Through Suhur and Iftar

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

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

Abu Dharr, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “My Ummah will continue in goodness so long as they hasten to break their fast and delay the pre-fasting meal”. [Sahih Al-Jami 7224]

Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “The religion will not cease to prevail as long as people hasten to break the fast because the Jews and the Christians (i.e. those amongst them who deviated from the path of their Prophets) delay it”. (1)

Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, “This is a text regarding (the fact that) triumph of the religion is attained through hastening to break the fast and it is for the purpose of opposing the Jews and Christians [i.e. those amongst them who deviated, innovated in religion and opposed their prophets]. And when it is the case that opposing them is a reason behind the triumph of the religion, then the purpose of sending the Messengers is so that the religion ordained by Allah prevails over all others. Therefore, being in opposition to (the deviated people) is one of the greatest goals behind the advent of the Messengers”. (2)

Sahl Ibn Sa’d, may Allah be pleased with him, said that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him, said, “The people will not cease to be upon good as long as they hasten to break the fast”. (3)

Imam An-Nawawi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, “In this is an urge to hasten (to break the fast) after the setting of the sun is ascertained. And what this means is that the affair of the Ummah will not ceased being consistent and that they will (remain upon) good if they preserve this Prophetic tradition. If they delay breaking the fast, then this is a sign of corruption”. (4)

They will not cease to be upon good if they do this by acting upon the Sunnah and limit themselves to its prescribed legislated boundaries, and not being over-stringent (through what their) intellects (suggest to them) and changing its principles. The people of the scripture [i.e. those amongst them who deviated] delayed breaking the fast until the stars appeared. (5)

[1] Sahin Abee Dawud 2353. Maktabah Al-M’aarif. 1st Edition

[2] Iqtidaa As-Siraat Al-Mustaqeem 1/209

[3] Saheeh Muslim 1098]

[4] Sharh Saheeh Muslim. 7/180-181. Publisher: Daar Al-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah. 1st Edition 1421AH (2000)].

[5] Fath Al-Baaree Sharh Sahih Al-Bukhaari 4/253. Publisher: Darus Salam. 1st Edition 1421AH (2000)]

Great Wisdom: “Leave the Abyssinians and Turks alone….”

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in History of Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Abee Sukaynah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “Leave the Abyssinians alone as long as they leave you alone, and leave the Turks alone as long as they leave you alone”. [1]

Al-Allamah As-Sindee, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“Leave the Abyssinians and the Turks as long as they leave you alone”- Meaning, this is due to the fact that the lands of Abyssinia are rugged, and there are vast deserts and seas separating the Muslims from them, thus, the Muslims are not burdened with entry into their lands due to the immense fatigue (it involves). As for the Turks, their strength is formidable, and their lands are cold. The Arabs, as the soldiers of Islam, were from hot lands, thus, they were not burdened to enter the lands of the Turks. However, if they were to invade the lands of Islam, Allah’s refuge is sought against that, it would not be permissible to refrain from fighting, as indicated by the phrase “as long as they leave you alone.” (2)

(1) Sahih Abee Dawud 4302
(2) Hashiyah As-Sindee Alaa Sunan An-Nasa’i 6/44

Who are the Druze?

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, History of Islam, Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Shi'a.

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

Shaikh al-Islam Ibn Tamiyyah, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

The Druze and the Nusayris are unbelievers by consensus of the Muslim (scholars). It is not permissible to consume their slaughtered animals or to marry their women, for indeed, they are apostates. They are not Muslims, neither are they Jews nor Christians. [Footnote a]

They do not acknowledge the obligation of the five daily prayers, the fasting during Ramadan, or pilgrimage, nor do they recognise the prohibitions established by Allah and His Messenger regarding dead meat, alcohol, and other matters. Even if they profess the two testimonies of faith alongside these beliefs, they are deemed unbelievers by the consensus of the Muslim (scholars).

The Druze are followers of Hashtakin al-Darzi, a freed slave of the ruler, who sent him to the people of the valley of “Taym Allah Ibn Thalabah” to call them to the divinity of of the ruler, whom they refer to as the All-Knowing Creator, swearing oaths by him. They are part of the Isma’iliyyah (Shittes) claiming that Muhammad Ibn Ismail abrogated the Shariah of (Prophet) Muhammad the son Abdullah. Their disbelief is greater than those of the extremists (i.e. the most extreme Shiites), as they assert the eternity of the world, deny resurrection, and reject the obligations and prohibitions of Islam.

They are associated with the Qaramitah and the Batiniyyah, whose disbelief is more severe than that of the Jews, Christians, and the polytheists of Arabia. Their ultimate affair is philosophers in the path of Aristotle and his ilk, or Magians. Their statements are based on the statements of the philosophers and the Magians. [1]

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

The Druze are ones among the people who hide the most what they are upon, concealing their religion and not making it very clear to the people. There are not aligned with the Muslims, while they feign that they are not non-Muslims, (but) what is well known is that they are polytheists and worshippers of the (Fatimid) Ubaidi ruler. They are no aligned with the Muslims and what is apparent is that they are not aligned with the Muslims. What is well known to the one who knows them is that they are not Muslims and they do not adhere to Islam as their religion. They engage in acts of worship that are outside of what the Muslims are upon and they are associated with (or connected) to the well known (Fatimid) Ubaidi ruler. This is what those familiar with them have stated. However, advising them is important – advising, calling them to the path of Allah, guiding them to good and teaching them what benefits them, hoping that Allah guides them….[2]

Footnote a:

The meat of the Muslims, Jews and Christians: Ahlul-Kitāb: Halāl and Harām in Islam (Islam 4.3)

 

[1] An Excerpt from Majmu al-Fatawa 155-162

[2] https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/3363/%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%A7%D9%86-%D9%85%D8%A7-%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%8A%D9%87-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%88%D8%B1%D8%B2-%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D9%82%D9%8A%D8%AF%D8%A9-%D9%88%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%AC%D8%A8%D9%86%D8%A7-%D9%86%D8%AD%D9%88%D9%87%D9%85 Read the rest of the Fatwa as we only quoted what we needed for the article.