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Author: Abdullah Jallow

Why is noble prophet Musa mentioned more than other prophets in the Qur’an?!

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

Imam Muhammad Ibn Salih al-Uthaymeen, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated:

The repetition of stories in the Quran is not done without some benefit; rather, there is benefit in it. Some stories, such as the story of Luqman and the Companions of the Cave have not been repeated and some are repeated based on the need for it. Those that are repeated are not presented in a single context in all places (instances); rather, they must vary. For instance, in Surah Al-A’raf (Ayah 109), Allah said: [قَالَ الْمَلَأُ مِن قَوْمِ فِرْعَوْنَ – The chiefs of Pharaoh’s people said”, and in Surah Ash-Shu’ara (Ayah 34), Allah said: [قَالَ لِلْمَلَا حَوْلَهُ – He (Pharaoh) said to the chiefs around him]. In the first story, the statement of Pharaoh’s companions is highlighted, while in the second, Pharaoh’s own statement is mentioned. This is because Pharaoh spoke and those people affirmed his speech, echoing his sentiments, thus making Pharaoh the initial speaker, and then followed by his rank and file.

You observe that these recurring stories vary according to the needs they address. This is particularly evident in the frequent repetition of the story of Musa, peace be upon him, due to the circumstances that necessitated it. This is because the Jews used to be present in Madinah, in proximity to the Quraysh, as well as the Christians in Najran and other regions. Due to this, the stories of Musa and Isa, peace be upon them, are reiterated more than others, reflecting the demands of the situation and the benefits at hand. Despite this, the repetition is not based on one angle, rather, they vary in length, mellowness and intensity, with certain aspects of the story appearing in one context rather than another. It is exceedingly rare for a verse to be identical to another verse that came before, thus, this occurs very little. For instance, we find among the shortest and most impactful stories in Surah Al-Qamar. The stories (in this Surah) are very brief, yet they contain profound warnings, each concluding with the statement [فَهَلْ مِن مُّدَّكِرٍ Is there anyone to take heed?] The one who reads this Surah with reflection is bound to be affected by (its significance) because it is tremendous.

What is the wisdom behind this repetition (of the stories)?

It highlights the importance of the story, as its repetition demonstrates that close attention is to be given to it. It reinforces the story, ensuring it is firmly established in the hearts of the people. It takes into account the time and the condition of the audience; thus, one often finds brevity and intensity in the stories conyed in the Makkan Surahs, in contrast to those in the Madinan Surahs. A clarification of the eloquence of the Qur’an, as these stories appear in various forms, tailored to the circumstances. It demonstrates the truthfulness of the Qur’an, affirming that it is from Allah, as these stories are presented in diverse ways without any contradiction.

If someone were to say: “You have stated that the various stories do not contradict one another; however, we observe that some appear to conflict, such as the story of Musa and Pharaoh. In certain verses, Pharaoh declared [إِنَّ هَٰذَا لَسَٰحِرٌ عَلِيمٌ- Indeed, this is a well versed sorcerer], while in another verse it is stated: [قَالَ ٱلْمَلَأُ مِن قَوْمِ فِرْعَوْنَ إِنَّ هَٰذَا لَسَٰحِرٌ عَلِيمٌ – The chiefs of the people of Fir’aun (Pharaoh) said: “This is indeed a well-versed sorcerer]. [Al-A’raf 109] So, how can these be reconciled? We say, reconciling this is very easy. The attribution of this statement to his people and to him does not present any contradiction. He expressed it first, and then people followed. This is not unusual (or strange).

Similarly, the statement [لَسَاحِرٌ مُّبِينُ – This is indeed an evident sorcerer] and [لَسَٰحِرٌ عَلِيمٌ – a well versed sorcerer] can be that he said “a well versed sorcerer” at one time and “an evident sorcerer” at another time. This is because a well versed sorcerer must also be evident (or prominent), thus it is known that the subject matter (or narrative) is not limited to one statement. Therefore, a perceptive individual can reconcile what appears to be contradictory within a single narrative. [Source: An Excerpt from “Sharh Usul Fee at-Tafsir” pages 347-35]

The Reason Behind This Article

A beloved cousin called Ibrahim residing in America reached out with a thoughtful inquiry regarding the frequency of mentions of Prophet Musa, peace be upon him, compared to that of Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. He noted that while Musa is referenced numerous times due to his esteemed status as a great Prophet, all Prophets, peace be upon them, hold an esteemed status, with Prophet Muhammad being the most distinguished among them. This led him to question why Musa appears more often in the Qur’an than Prophet Muhammad. Upon receiving his message, I was in the company of my colleagues at the primary school, Ustadh Abu Tasnim and Ustadh Ahmad Qasim. I sought insights on the matter from my colleague at school Ustadh Ahmad Qasim, may Allah preserve him, who kindly directed me to this clarification by Imam Muhammad Ibn Salih al-Uthaymin, may Allah have mercy upon him, and graciously provided me with the relevant pages in Arabic for my perusal. After acquaintance with the Arabic text, I assured my cousin that I would convey this valuable insight to him. May Allah reward him for his desire to increase in knowledge, and may He also bless Ustadh Ahmad Qasim for his generosity and support in sharing this beautiful clarification Aameen.

Visit: Visit: https://www.islammoses.com/im/

Verification sought from the Jerusalem Post concerning certain quotes ascribed to the Talmud

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

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

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

Allah, The Exalted, said:

فلذلك فادع واستقم كما أمرت ولا تتبع أهواءهم وقل آمنت بما أنزل الله من كتاب وأمرت لأعدل بينكم الله ربنا وربكم لنا أعمالنا ولكم أعمالكم لا حجة بيننا وبينكم الله يجمع بيننا وإليه المصير

So unto this (religion of Islam, alone and this Qur’an) then invite (people) (O Muhammad ), and Istaqim [(i.e. stand firm and straight on Islamic Monotheism by performing all that is ordained by Allah (good deeds, etc.), and by abstaining from all that is forbidden by Allah (sins and evil deeds, etc.)], as you are commanded, and follow not their desires but say: “I believe in whatsoever Allah has sent down of the Book [all the holy Books, this Qur’an and the Books of the old from the Taurat (Torah), or the Injeel (Gospel) or the Pages of Ibrahim (Abraham)] and I am commanded to do justice among you, Allah is our Lord and your Lord. For us our deeds and for you your deeds. There is no dispute between us and you. Allah will assemble us (all), and to Him is the final return. [Ash-Shuraa. 15]

[وَأُمِرۡتُ لِأَعۡدِلَ بَيۡنَكُمُ‌ۖ – And I am commanded to do justice among you]. Meaning, when passing judgement regarding that which you have differed between yourselves. Therefore, your enmity and hatred does not prevent me from judging with justice between you. And from justice is that when judging between people who make different statements – amongst the people of the Scripture and others – one accepts what they possess of truth and reject what they possess of falsehood. [ٱللَّهُ رَبُّنَا وَرَبُّكُمۡ‌ۖ لَنَآ أَعۡمَـٰلُنَا وَلَكُمۡ أَعۡمَـٰلُڪُمۡ‌ۖ لَا حُجَّةَ بَيۡنَنَا وَبَيۡنَكُمُ‌ۖ ٱللَّهُ يَجۡمَعُ بَيۡنَنَا‌ۖ وَإِلَيۡهِ ٱلۡمَصِيرُ – Allah is our Lord and your Lord. For us our deeds and for you your deeds. There is no dispute between us and you. Allah will assemble us (all), and to Him is the final return].

[لَا حُجَّةَ بَيۡنَنَا وَبَيۡنَكُمُ‌ۖ – There is no dispute between us and you]. Meaning, there is no dispute between us and you after the realities have been manifested, and after the clear distinction between truth and falsehood, and after the clear distinction between guidance and misguidance, there is no room for debate because the goal behind debate is to distinguish between right and wrong, so that the one to be guided is guided and the proofs established against the misguided one. [ٱللَّهُ يَجۡمَعُ بَيۡنَنَا‌ۖ وَإِلَيۡهِ ٱلۡمَصِيرُ – Allah will assemble us (all), and to Him is the final return]. [Tafsir As-Sadi]

The Editor
Jerusalem Post
Dear Mr or Mrs……

I recently encountered an article online that included quotes attributed to the Talmud. Although we, as Muslims, recognize that previous Scriptures have been altered, leading to corruption in derived texts in many cases, I wish to confirm whether these quotes genuinely originate from the Talmud. I lack access to the Talmud and do not comprehend the language in which it was originally written or compiled. My motivation for verifying these quotes stems from my firm belief that noble Musa and Harun, along with other noble prophets sent to Bani Israel, peace and blessings of Allah be upon them, would never express or endorse the views and beliefs promoted in these quotes. It is clear to me that some of the quotes I found are likely the personal opinions of individuals who have strayed from the teachings of the prophets of Bani Israel. Therefore, I kindly request that you confirm whether these quotes are indeed from the Talmud, and if they are, whether their English translations accurately reflect what is contained in the Talmud. Conversely, if these quotes are misinterpretations or distortions, I would appreciate your clarification on that matter. While I await your response, I will also seek to uncover the origins of these quotes from Arab scholars who have addressed this topic. However, it is only fair that we also consider your perspective, especially since you often assert that there is a significant amount of misinformation about you since the onset of the Gaza conflict.

Expecting a reply

Abdullah Jallow

Some of The Quotes


All quotes on this link:

This soft piece of flesh can be very dangerous

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

Allah said:

وَلَقَدۡ خَلَقۡنَا ٱلۡإِنسَـٰنَ وَنَعۡلَمُ مَا تُوَسۡوِسُ بِهِۦ نَفۡسُهُ ۥ‌ۖ وَنَحۡنُ أَقۡرَبُ إِلَيۡهِ مِنۡ حَبۡلِ ٱلۡوَرِيدِ
إِذۡ يَتَلَقَّى ٱلۡمُتَلَقِّيَانِ عَنِ ٱلۡيَمِينِ وَعَنِ ٱلشِّمَالِ قَعِيدٌ۬
مَّا يَلۡفِظُ مِن قَوۡلٍ إِلَّا لَدَيۡهِ رَقِيبٌ عَتِيدٌ۬

And indeed We have created man, and We know what his ownself whispers to him. And We are nearer to him than his jugular vein (by Our Knowledge). (Remember!) that the two receivers (recording angels) receive (each human being after he or she has attained the age of puberty), one sitting on the right and one on the left (to note his or her actions). Not a word does he (or she) utter, but there is a watcher by him ready (to record it). [50:16-18]

Allah informed us that He alone created humans -males and females- and He knows all their state of affairs. He knows everything that is hidden about them and what their souls whisper to them. Allah is nearer to them than their jugular veins by His knowledge, even though the jugular vein is the closest thing to the human. Therefore, this should make the human being mindful of Allah -the One Who knows all the hidden affairs in the soul and heart of the human being in all circumstances. This should also make the human being shy in the presence of Allah so that he (she) is not seen committing what Allah has forbidden or abandoning what Allah has commanded. [An Excerpt from ‘Tafsir As-Sadi]

Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “When the son of Adam wakes up in the morning, all the limbs humble themselves before the tongue and say, ‘Fear Allah for our sake, (for) we are with you; if you are upright, we will be upright; and if you are crooked, we will become crooked’”. [1]

Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Whoever can guarantee (the chastity of) what is between his two jaw bones and what is between his two legs (i.e. his mouth, his tongue, and his private parts), I guarantee Paradise for him.” [2]

Al-Fudayl Ibn Iyad, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “Neither hajj nor taking up positions during battle, nor Jihad is more difficult than restraining the tongue”. [3]

Abdullah Ibn Tawus, may Allah have mercy upon him,  said: Tawus, may Allah have mercy upon him, used to find it difficult to speak for a very long time, and he would say: “I examined my tongue and found it to be malicious”. [4]

Al-Fudayl Ibn Iyad, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “Some of our companions used to guard their speech from one Jumu’ah to another Jumu’ah.” [5]

It was said to one of the scholars may Allah have mercy upon him,  “Indeed, you do keep quiet for a long time!” He said: “Indeed, I consider my tongue as a wild voracious animal. I fear that if I let it loose, it will hurt me.” [6]

It is said that a man argued with Al-Ahnaf Ibn Qays- may Allah have mercy upon both of them- and said: “If you say one, you will hear ten.” Al-Ahnaf replied: “But if you say ten, you will not hear one!” [7]

Ziyad Ibn Yunus, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “By Allah, Malik, may Allah have mercy upon him, was the greatest of people in terms of honourabe behaviour, and the one who kept silent the most. When he sat down, he would not get up until he had to, and I saw him as someone who was often silent, spoke little, and guarded his tongue”. Ibn Al-Mubarak said: “Malik was the most patient in dealing with people, and he would leave what did not concern him”. [8]

Al-Hasan Bin Salih, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “I scrutinised Al-Wara (the fear of Allah that makes one refrain from doubtful matters in order not to fall into haram) and did not find it more lacking in anything than the tongue”. [9]

Yunus Ibn Ubayd, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “Indeed, you see a man fasting a lot, abstaining from the forbidden deeds and praying the night prayer, whilst he testifies to falsehood in the morning.”  [10]

Ibnul Mubarak, may Allah have mercy upon him, was asked about the statement of Luqman, peace be upon him, to his son: ‘’If speech is from silver, then silence is from gold.” So he said: ‘’It means that if speech in obedience to Allah is from silver, then silence (to refrain from) disobedience to Allah is gold’’. [11]

Riba of The Tongue

https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2023/08/27/riba-usury-of-the-tongue/

Not even a non-Muslim is to be accused falsely. Read:

The Freed Slave Girl, The Precious Stones and The Kite

Even the honour of animals is safeguarded

Qaswa received deserved praise


[1] Sahih at-Tirmidhee 2407
[2] Al-Bukhari 6474
[3] Jami’ul Uloom Wal-Hikam 145
[4] As-Samt page 86
[5] As-Samt page 223
[6] As-Samt page 299
[7] Siyar A’lam An-Nubula 4/93
[80] Tarteeb Al-Madaarik Wa Taqreeb Al-Masaalik 1/127-128
[9] Siyar A’laam An-Nubulaa  7/368
[10] Hilyatul Awliyaa 3/20]
[11] Jami-ul Uloom Wal-Hikam 155]
 

O Joanie Margulies! Exaggerating or Guessing The Number of Years Through Silver Doesn’t Improve the Situation

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

وَإِن تُطِعْ أَكْثَرَ مَن فِي الْأَرْضِ يُضِلُّوكَ عَن سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ ۚ إِن يَتَّبِعُونَ إِلَّا الظَّنَّ وَإِنْ هُمْ إِلَّا يَخْرُصُونَ

And if you obey most of those on earth, they will mislead you far away from Allah’s Path. They follow nothing but conjectures, and they do nothing but lie. [Al-An’am 116]

Joanie said:

Firstly, concerning relics and artefacts, Al Allaamah Rabee, may Allah have mercy upon him, has given us a profound reminder.

Secondly, regarding the age of a relic, it relies on assumptions, along with the reality that anyone can either exaggerate or distort any issue to rationalise land theft and unfounded claims. Read below:

One of The Corrupt Goals Behind The Attention Given to Artefacts- By Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Hadi, may Allah have mercy upon him.

One of The Corrupt Goals Behind The Attention Given to Artefacts- By Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee

Thirdly, some of your Rabbis are known for theft and justifying it in the name of religion. Allah, The Most High, said:

وَمِنۡ أَهۡلِ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبِ مَنۡ إِن تَأۡمَنۡهُ بِقِنطَارٍ۬ يُؤَدِّهِۦۤ إِلَيۡكَ وَمِنۡهُم مَّنۡ إِن تَأۡمَنۡهُ بِدِينَارٍ۬ لَّا يُؤَدِّهِۦۤ إِلَيۡكَ إِلَّا مَا دُمۡتَ عَلَيۡهِ قَآٮِٕمً۬ا‌ۗ ذَٲلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمۡ قَالُواْ لَيۡسَ عَلَيۡنَا فِى ٱلۡأُمِّيِّـۧنَ سَبِيلٌ۬ وَيَقُولُونَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ٱلۡكَذِبَ وَهُمۡ يَعۡلَمُونَ

Among the people of the Scripture is he who, if entrusted with a Cantar [a great amount of wealth, etc.], will readily pay it back; and among them there is he who, if entrusted with a single silver coin, will not repay it unless you constantly stand demanding, because they say: ‘’There is no blame on us to betray and take the properties of the illiterates (Arabs).” But they tell a lie against Allah while they know it. [Surah Aal Imraan. Verse 75]

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

They made corrupt claims and held repulsive views, and considered themselves to be possessors of great status and that the illiterate Arabs were extremely degraded, therefore, the rights of the illiterate Arabs could be violated. So, through these corrupt claims and repulsive views they ate haraam and considered it lawful by way of creed. Also, they lied against Allah because the scholar who declares things lawful or unlawful is considered- by the people- as one transmitting Allah’s Judgement and not from himself; and that (ruling of theirs about the wealth of the illiterate Arabs) is a lie. Allah said:

وَيَقُولُونَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ٱلۡكَذِبَ وَهُمۡ يَعۡلَمُون

“But they tell a lie against Allah while they know it”.

This is one of the greatest sins-speaking about Allaah without knowledge. [An excerpt from Tafsir As-Sadi]

Finally, the land does not belong to you exclusively. We’ll suffice with the following articles:

The Promised Land: A Brief Examination from a Religious and Historical Perspective

The Promised Land: A Brief Examination from a Religious and Historical Perspective

A Brief Discussion on the Attribution to the Offspring of Prophet Yaqub In Our Era

A Brief Discussion on the Attribution to the Offspring of Prophet Yaqub In Our Era

Are you ready?! Let’s compete in good deeds

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

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

Every competitor competes the other and is happy when joined, as the companions of the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him, used to compete in good and they were pleased when others joined them; rather they used to encourage one another whilst competing. This is seeking to be foremost in (good deeds). Allah, The Most High, said: [ فَاسْتَبِقُوا الْخَيْرَاتِ – So hasten towards all that is good]

Allah, The Most High, said:
سَابِقُوا إِلَىٰ مَغْفِرَةٍ مِنْ رَبِّكُمْ وَجَنَّةٍ عَرْضُهَا كَعَرْضِ السَّمَاءِ وَالْأَرْضِ

Race one with another in hastening towards Forgiveness from your Lord (Allah), and towards Paradise, the width whereof is as the width of heaven and earth. [57:21]

Umar Ibn Al-Khattab, may Allāh be pleased with him, used to hasten towards (good deeds to compete) Abu Bakr, may Allāh be pleased with him, but he never won. [1]

Umar, may Allāh be pleased with him, said: One day, Allāh’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him, commanded us to give charity. At that time I had some property, so I said: “Today I shall surpass Abu-Bakr if I am to surpass him any day”. So I brought half of my property. The Messenger of Allah said: “What did you leave for your family?” I replied: “The same amount”. Then Abu-Bakr brought all that he had with him. So the Messenger of Allah said to him: “What did you leave for your family?” He replied: “I left Allah and His Messenger for them”. I said: “I shall never (excel you) in anything”. [2]


[1] Ar-Ruh 431-432

[2] Sahih Abi Dawood 1678

Reflections on some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali [95]

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

A statement (or “saying”, “view”) has emerged among some youth whose suggestion (or “meaning”) is that Shaikh Al-Albani, may Allah have mercy on him, is lenient in his judgments on men. Has your study confirmed that he is like this?

I do not know this about Al-Albani, may Allah have mercy on him; rather, he was among the scholars of Ijtihad, the Imams of Sunnah, and one of those who gave the greatest service to the Sunnah of Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and service to the Salafi creed. However, indeed, no one is exempt from criticism. Al-Bukhari was criticised by Abu Hatim in … even though Al-Bukhari is the leader of the believers in Hadith, [من أحفظ حفاظ الدنيا – one of the most able with regards to memorisation of hadith, both its text and chain of transmission, hidden defects if present, as well as knowledge regarding the reliability of narrations and their levels]. Al-Tirmidhi is known for his leniency, and Al-Hakim, Ibn Hibban, and Ibn Khuzaymah also exhibit some leniency. [Now you come along to speak ill of Shaikh Al-Albani regarding this issue, whereas the most critical his image can be is that of these people (i.e. Al-Tirmidhi, Al-Hakim, Ibn Hibban, and Ibn Khuzaymah)] despite his stature and leadership in the religion, may Allah have mercy on him. He is not immune to criticism, but we do not speak ill of him. [I mean, what is aim behind the speech of the questioner and other than him]? Their intent is defamation and ill speech. [paraphrased]

I ask Allah to bless my two colleagues at the Salafi institutions, Ustadh Zaid Khalid and Ustadh Ahmad Qasim, for their help with certain sections of this post.

https://rabee.net/alfatawi/%D8%B8%D9%87%D8%B1-%D8%B9%D9%86%D8%AF-%D8%A8%D8%B9%D8%B6-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B4%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%A8-%D9%85%D9%82%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A9-%D9%85%D9%81%D8%A7%D8%AF%D9%87%D8%A7-%D8%A3%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B4%D9%8A/

Forgive people and Allah will forgive you!

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

The Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Forgive (or pardon people) and you will be forgiven”.

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

This statement of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, “Forgive (or pardon people) and you will be forgiven” is a clarification that reward is given in accordance with the deed performed – that if a person is one with a forgiving character when taking, giving, buying and selling, and when dealing with his family, neighbours and companions; rather when dealing with the society and people -wherever that may be, then indeed reward given in accordance with the deed. He will be forgiven – meaning, Allah will forgive him by making his affairs easy, forgive him by wiping away his sins and facilitate him with people who will deal with him in the same manner he deals with (other) people. 


at-Ta’liqat Al-Malihah Alaa Silsilah Al-Ahadith As-Sahihah. 1/75

Older members of our clans and tribes used to joke, then suddenly stopped or limited it; why?

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

Older members of the clans and tribes would often engage in humor, but then suddenly ceased or restricted their joking with certain youth and elders; why?

Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that it was said, “O Allah’s Messenger! Do you joke with us?” Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Verily, I do not say anything but the truth”. [1]

Al-Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him and his father, said: “Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, engaged in joking, thus joking became a Sunnah”. It was said to Imam Sufyan ibn Uyaynah, may Allah have mercy upon him, “Is joking a defect?” He said, “No, it is a Sunnah, but the matter depends on who can do it well and place it in the right place”. [2]

Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “There are six aspects of sense of honour; three when resident and three when travelling. The three when resident are: reciting the Book of Allah, maintaining the mosques of Allah, and forming friendships for the sake of Allah. As for those related to traveling, they are: sharing provisions, exhibiting good character, and engaging in joking without committing sins”. [3]

Khalid Ibn Safwan, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “There is no harm in joking that would lift a man from a state of frowning.” [4]

Saʿīd ibn al-ʿĀṣ, may Allah have mercy upon him, advised his son: “Moderate your joking; for excessive joking diminishes your dignity and emboldens the foolish against you. Conversely, being too reserved in your humour can alienate your companions and create distance with those around you.” [5]

Umar ibn al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, stated: “Whoever engages excessively in something will be recognised for it; whoever jokes too much will be taken lightly; and whoever laughs frequently will lose their dignity.” [6]

Ya’la bin Munyah advised three things in a lengthy discourse: “Beware of joking; for it diminishes dignity, leads to reproach, and undermines honour”. [7]

Saʿīd ibn al-ʿĀṣ, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “O my son! Do not joke with the noble, lest he harbours resentment against you, and do not joke with lowly one, lest he becomes bold towards you”. [8]

al-Khaṭṭābu ibn al-Muʿallā al-Makhzūmiyyū, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “Beware of excessive speech and laughter, as well as joking and trivial joking with friends, for such behaviour diminishes one’s dignity and fosters animosity. Instead, embrace composure, without any arrogance attributed to you, nor any pride that is reported about you” [9]


[1] Sahih Sunan Al-Tirmidhi 1990

[2] al-Laṭāʾif wa-ẓ-Ẓarāʾif page 151 by Abu Mansur Abd al-Malik ibn Muhammad ibn Isma’il al-Naysaburi Ath-Thaʿālibi

[3] al-Tadhkira al-Ḥamdūnīya 831

[4] Muhadarat al-udaba 1/346

[5] Adab al-dunyā wa al-dīn 1/ 346

[6] al-Mūshī page 13 by Abū ʿAlī al-Ḥasan ibn Muḥammad ibn ʿAnbar ibn Shākir al-Baghdādī al-Washshāʾ

[7] al-Murūʾa pages 54-55 by Abū Bakr Muḥammad ibn Khalaf ibn al-Marzubān ibn Bassām al-Muḥawwilī al-Baghdādī al-Ājurrī

[8] al-Samt by Ibn Abi al-Dunya page 211

[9] Rawḍat al-ʿUqalāʾ 198

Reflections on some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali [94]

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

Being mindful of Ahlul Bidah– hating and boycotting them- is the correct path to protect Ahlus Sunnah against falling into their fitnah.  And to be lackadaisical about them- to harbour a good suspicion of them and inclining towards them- is the beginning of the path towards misguidance and deviation. Allah said:

وَلَا تَرۡكَنُوٓاْ إِلَى ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُواْ فَتَمَسَّكُمُ ٱلنَّارُ

And incline not toward those who do wrong, lest the fire should touch you. [Hud. 113]

Who is more unjust than Ahlul Bidah?  Ahlul Bidah are more evil than the sinners, and due to this the jurist of Basra and the most intelligent of them- Salam Bin Abee Mutee, may Allah have mercyu upon him – said, “It is more beloved to me that I meet Allah with the scroll of Hajjaj than meet Him with the scroll of Amr Ibn Ubaid”.

Amr Ibn Ubaid was a devote worshipper and one who abandoned the unnecessary permissible pleasures of the worldly life MashaaAllah, but he was misguided and a Mubtadi, while Hajjaj was an evil doer, one who shed blood and a criminal.  He [Salam Bin Abee Mutee] held that if he were to make a choice between meeting Allah with the scroll of Hajjaj and that of Amr Ibn Ubaid, he would choose to meet Allah with the scroll of Hajjaj- the blood shedder and oppressive evil doer.  And why is this? Due to his realisation regarding the danger and ugliness of bidah. And it is sufficient for us that the Messenger, peace and blessing of Allah be upon him, described [bidah] in his khutbah as the worst of all affairs, as reported in Jabir’s hadith.

An Excerpt from Al-Mawqif As-Saheeh Min Ahlil Bidah. page 12

[2] Never anticipate that capable students of knowledge will forsake evidence and follow anyone without critical scrutiny

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

Imam Ash-Shaatibi, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated:

Know that Allah has established this Shariah as proof against the creation (humankind and jinn) – the old and young alike, the obedient and the disobedient, the righteous and the wicked. He did not specify the proof against anyone in exclusion of another one. Also, all the other revealed laws were established as proof against all the nations to whom they were revealed. The Shariah is the judge- in general, and specifically; the judge on all those who have reached the age of responsibility. It is the path attached to (what Allah has ordained) and it is the Greatest Guide. Have you not heard the statement of Allah, The Most High:

وَكَذَٲلِكَ أَوۡحَيۡنَآ إِلَيۡكَ رُوحً۬ا مِّنۡ أَمۡرِنَاۚ مَا كُنتَ تَدۡرِى مَا ٱلۡكِتَـٰبُ وَلَا ٱلۡإِيمَـٰنُ وَلَـٰكِن جَعَلۡنَـٰهُ نُورً۬ا نَّہۡدِى بِهِۦ مَن نَّشَآءُ مِنۡ عِبَادِنَاۚ وَإِنَّكَ لَتَہۡدِىٓ إِلَىٰ صِرَٲطٍ۬ مُّسۡتَقِيمٍ۬

And thus We have sent to you (O Muhammad) Ruhan (an Inspiration, and a Mercy) of Our Command. You knew not what is the Book, nor what is Faith? But We have made it (this Qur’an) a light wherewith We guide whosoever of Our slaves We will. And verily, you (O Muhammad) are indeed guiding (mankind) to the Straight Path (i.e. Allah’s religion of Islamic Monotheism). [Ash-Shura 52]

He (the Prophet) – peace and blessings of Allah be upon him- was the first to be guided to the Book and Iman, and then those who followed him. The Book is the Guide and also the Sunnah that was revealed to him explains that guidance (i.e. the Sunnah and the Qur’an explain each other). All the creation (mankind and Jinn) are guided through it. Therefore, when this is the case that the Shariah is worthy of being a decisive proof against them and a beacon by way of which they are guided to the truth, their nobility is determined by the extent to which they embrace its rulings- through acting upon them in speech, belief, and deeds– and not merely due to the level of their intellects or their nobility amongst their people. That is because Allah, The Most High, has determined nobility through Taqwa and no other than it. Allah, The Most High, says: [إِنَّ أَڪۡرَمَكُمۡ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ أَتۡقَٮٰكُمۡۚ- Verily, the most honourable of you with Allah is that (believer) who has At-Taqwa] [49:13]

Al-I’tisam 3/434

To be continued…InShaAllah