Skip to main content

Author: Abdullah Jallow

Reflections from some statements of Al Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali [31 of 80]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Bid'ah (Innovation), Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Question: Can we students of knowledge remain silent about the Mubtadi’ah (1), educate the seekers of knowledge and the youth on the methodology of the pious predecessors without mentioning the Mubtadi’ah by their names?

Response: By Allah, they are mentioned by their descriptions and names when the need arises. If so-and-so embarks upon leadership – guiding the Ummah and the youth, and drags them to falsehood, his name is mentioned. If there is a need to mention his name, his name must be mentioned. It would be relevant (to mention at this point about) one of the Salafis in Egypt, who used to teach and would mention matters in a general manner, so they (i.e. the students) did not understand. Then he began to clearly mention the groups and individuals, so they said, “O Shaikh! Why did you not teach us (like this) from the beginning?” He said, “I used to give you many lessons, and I would tell you this and that”, they said, “By Allah! We did not understand”.

We studied Kitaab Al Firaq (i.e. book discussing the sects) and memorised it properly, but the contemporary sects were not mentioned. The scholars did not mention At-Tabligh, Al-Ikhwan and others. (2) We did not consider them to be innovators (in religious matters) until we became familiar with their condition and studied them, thus, we thought it necessary to mention them. All praise be to Allah, the Shaikhs who used to avoid mentioning them are now clearly mentioning their names. All praise be to Allah, this is an obligation. If there is no danger, there is no need to mention the names. If there is danger and they are dragging young people into their midst, rather they are overwhelmed by their trouble- utilise them to wage war against Ahlus Sunnah, it is obligatory to mention their names. They say: “O Ibn Uthaymeen! (Proceed) to the hell fire forever – you and your followers”. This is their view regarding the scholars, they consider them to be unbelievers. These are khawarij upon extreme harshness. We ask Allah for wellbeing. [An Excerpt from Kashf As-Sitar. p 30-31]

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

[2]At-Tableegh: https://abukhadeejah.com/mistakes-tablighi-jamaat/Al-Ikhwaan: http://www.ikhwanis.com/

Resilient hearts

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah', Zuhd (Abstinence).

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

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

Contemplate the stories of some of the distinguished people of (piety) and the good life they lived! Whether they were wealthy or poor, (facing) hardship or (in a state of) ease, you still found them to be the most well behaved amongst the people- the most relaxed at heart and the most delighted; rather you will find one amongst them in a state of insignificance and poverty, yet he is pleased and contented- neither displeased with Allah nor the creation. This is a blessing from Allah bestowed on whomsoever He pleases, and He is the Possessor of all blessings.

As for those enslaved by the worldly life- those who have submitted to its glitter, they do not care how they gather wealth, whether through permissible or impermissible means. They are not bothered about (uttering) false and evil speech against the righteous slaves of Allah, heedless, seeking to raise themselves, disseminating their falsehood and rumours for the sake of their merchandises and to fulfil their lowly desires. However, your Lord knows about them, and He is Ever Watchful over them.

An Excerpt from “Al-Mu’een Alaa Tahseel Aadaab al-Ilm Wa-Akhlaaq Al-Muta’allimeen” page 69

Reflections from some statements of Al Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali [30 of 80]

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

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

Question: Some say that clarifying the Manhaj [Methodology] of the pious predecessors is a reason behind setbacks among the youth, and that silence is the wisdom that would be more effective in bringing about uprightness and the means that is more likely to bring about guidance. What is the ruling on this statement?

Response: Silence is tantamount to concealment of truth. Allah [The Exalted] said:

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَكْتُمُونَ مَا أَنزَلْنَا مِنَ الْبَيِّنَاتِ وَالْهُدَىٰ مِن بَعْدِ مَا بَيَّنَّاهُ لِلنَّاسِ فِي الْكِتَابِ ۙ أُولَٰئِكَ يَلْعَنُهُمُ اللَّهُ وَيَلْعَنُهُمُ اللَّاعِنُونَ

Verily, those who conceal the clear proofs, evidences and the guidance, which We have sent down, after We have made it clear for the people in the Book, they are the ones cursed by Allah and cursed by the cursers. [Surah Al-Baqarah. Ayah 159]

This act of concealment of theirs, they call it wisdom; this act that is tantamount to protecting Bidah, they call it wisdom; how would the people know the truth whilst you are silent?! The trials and doubts are brought forth by the  proponents of vain desires and innovation in the religion, (whereas) the call to Allah, the Book of Allah, adherence to the Book of Allah and the Sunnah, is the call that will unite all the Ummah. All the trials, splitting and (blameworthy) differing come from the path of the proponents of falsehood and Fitan. They do not keep quiet, they spread their falsehoods in their newspapers, magazines and audio tapes, while wishing that the voice of truth should be silent. In their view, the voice of truth is what should be silent and the voice of falsehood should be raised and spread in the earth! Do they remain silent?! The people of falsehood do not remain silent, they neither abate nor slow down. They have [ خطط جهنمية -i.e. paths or footsteps leading to the hell fire] which they enforce and thereafter demand silence from the people of truth! Allah said to Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him:

وَدُّوا لَوْ تُدْهِنُ فَيُدْهِنُونَ
وَلَا تُطِعْ كُلَّ حَلَّافٍ مَّهِينٍ
هَمَّازٍ مَّشَّاءٍ بِنَمِيمٍ
مَّنَّاعٍ لِّلْخَيْرِ مُعْتَدٍ أَثِيمٍ
عُتُلٍّ بَعْدَ ذَٰلِكَ زَنِيمٍ
أَن كَانَ ذَا مَالٍ وَبَنِينَ
إِذَا تُتْلَىٰ عَلَيْهِ آيَاتُنَا قَالَ أَسَاطِيرُ الْأَوَّلِينَ

They wish that you should compromise (in religion out of courtesy) with them, so they (too) would compromise with you. And obey not everyone who swears much, and is considered worthless, a slanderer, going about with calumnies, hinderer of the good, transgressor, sinful, cruel, after all that base-born (of illegitimate birth). (He was so) because he had wealth and children. When Our Verses (of the Qur’an) are recited to him, he says: “Tales of the men of old!” [Al-Qalam. 9-15]

So they approach the Salafi Methodology and say to you, “This tear apart! This (cause) splits!” Rather, the Ahwaa (vain desires, bidah etc) and misguidance are what splits and tears the Ummah apart, which the people of falsehood are ardent in spreading in the internet -at present- and places of falsehood, in the newspapers, magazines and the schools. They spread their falsehood in every place, but the very thing that is difficult for them is to hear the voice of truth! [Kashf As-Sitar. 28-29]

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

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:

يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ إِنَّا خَلَقْنَٰكُم مِّن ذَكَرٍ وَأُنثَىٰ وَجَعَلْنَٰكُمْ شُعُوبًا وَقَبَآئِلَ لِتَعَارَفُوٓا۟ إِنَّ أَكْرَمَكُمْ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ أَتْقَىٰكُمْ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ خَبِيرٌ

O mankind, We have created you from a male (Ādam) and female (Eve) (making you all of equal lineage) and We made you into nations and tribes that you may know one another (and fulfil each other’s rights). Verily, the most honourable of you with Allāh is the most pious of you (and not the noblest in lineage or most affluent) (so do not be boastful and belittle others). Indeed, Allāh is all-Knowing, all-Aware. [1]

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

The Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “Whoever is held back by his deeds, his (nobility) of lineage will not push him forward”. Imam An-Nawawi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, “Its meaning is that the one whose deeds are deficient and he does not catch up with the performers of (good) deeds, it is obligated to him not to crown himself with nobility of lineage and the virtues of his forefathers, whilst he is lagging behind in (performing good) deeds”. [3]

This article aims to provide the views of a researcher on the origins of the Children of Israel. As previously noted in the sacred texts of the Shariah quoted above, Allah has created humanity with diverse lineages, and no one lineage holds superiority over another, save for those who faithfully follow the teachings of Allah’s Prophets and Messengers, with Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, being the final one. Consequently, no race can assert virtue over another; rather, true virtue is found in one’s commitment to divine guidance. Our objective is not to diminish anyone based on their racial background, as such actions reflect the ignorance prevalent before the advent of Islam, whether aimed at Muslims or non-Muslims alike. We stand firmly against all forms of racism, including anti-Semitism, recognising that racism is not only a profound moral failing but also a transgression in the eyes of the Creator, who, in His infinite wisdom and justice, has created us with diversity.[Refer to Footnote a] This article is dedicated to research that illustrates how, just as Muslims encompass a variety of races while sharing a common faith, so too do Jews represent a spectrum of ethnicities. However, some among the Jewish community, by virtue of their association with Bani Israel, have made claims that may not be justified. The author of the research we will reference articulates the following:

Some propagate the idea that they are the descendants of the first Israelites who lived in Palestine, and claim that they are the inheritors of those first Israelites who were in Palestine. They strive to disseminate the claim of the purity of this race that it is not mixed with other nations- a race that has maintained, in their claim, its purity. This claim portrays them, in the eyes of Christians, as the children of Yaqub, peace be upon him, and his descendants, thus they are the ones intended for the promises found in the Old Testament to the children of Israel. So, through this, they win the sympathy, kindness, and support of many Christians, especially with knowledge of the fact that the Christians sanctify the Torah and believe that what is in it is a revelation from Allah, The Mighty and Majestic. However, the reality opposess their claim of the purity of their race, and that is because a general observation of their appearance and features shows the difference in their origins. Some of them have European features, some have Arab features, and some have African features. With this difference, it cannot be claimed that their origin is the same, as they must have mixed with other nations from whom they inherited this difference in physical characteristics.

Furthermore, the Jews mentioned in their books that many of them married foreign women and that their women folk were also taken by foreign men, to the point that they attributed this to Prophet Sulayman – peace be upon him – (i.e. that he married women outside his race). It has also been proven historically that a big nation, the people of the Khazar state, converted to Judaism in the eighth century CE. This nation had previously been pagans, a Turkic Aryan people who inhabited the Central Asian region, and their state, named after themselves as the Khazar state, was located in the region between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. It occupies the northern Azerbaijani, Armenian, and Ukrainian regions and the entire South Asian region, up to the borders of Moscow, the capital of Russia. The Caspian Sea was called the Khazar Sea. It is stated in the Jewish Encyclopedia about the Khazars as follows: “The Khazars are a people of Turkish origin, whose life and history are mixed with the beginning of the history of the Jews of Russia. The nomadic tribes of the steppes, on the other hand, forced them to consolidate the foundations of the Khazar kingdom in most parts of southern Russia before the Franks established the Russian monarchy in 855 CE. At this time (855 CE), the Khazar Kingdom was at the height of its power, engaged in constant wars, and at the end of the eighth century, the Khazar king, his nobles, and a large number of his pagan people converted to the Judaism. The Jewish population was large throughout the Khazar province during the period between the 7th and 10th centuries CE, (and) it appears that around the 9th century, all the Khazars had become Jews and that they had converted to Judaism only a short time earlier. Then this country subsequently fell into the hands of the Russians, who occupied it and completely destroyed it, and seized all of its lands. It disappeared from the map of Europe in the thirteenth century CE, and its people were dispersed among the countries of Eastern and Western Europe, and their largest existence in Eastern Europe were Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Russia”. This clearly shows that the Jews who are called Ashkenazi, who are European, have no connection to Prophet Yaqub by lineage. [4] [End of quote]

Nevertheless, it cannot be asserted that there is not a single Jewish individual in the world who is not connected to Yaqub, peace be upon him, by ancestry. If such a connection is proven by any of them, it should not be refuted. 

As for the usage of the word “Israel” concerning the state, it differs from their usage of it when talking about the Sacred Land. They make it obligatory for every Jew to live in the “Chosen Land” because whoever lives in it will have their sins expiated and receive a reward. This is why they said in the Talmud, “Every Jew must live in the Land of Israel, and this obligation is above every other obligation. The Land of Israel is pure and the pious among the Children of Israel must be buried there, and if that is not possible, some of the soil from it should be placed with the shroud. He who walks four cubits on the Land of Israel will not doubt that he is one of the children of the afterlife”. It was written in some of their books, “The people residing therein will be removed from sin”.

Theodor Herzl, the founder of Zionism, defines the desired Land of Israel, saying, “The distance from the Nile River to the Euphrates, and we want a period during which the situation changes from one state to another under our institutions, and a Jewish ruler during this period. After that, a relationship will be established similar to the one that exists now between Egypt and the Sultan, and once the Jewish population in a region becomes two-thirds of its total population, a Jewish administration becomes effective at the political level”. [5]

This ambition of Theodor Herzl reminds us of a statement of Imam Abdul Aziz Bin Baz [may Allah have mercy upon him] as follows, “As for the Zionist ideological (or intellectual war), it is like (the Crusader ideological war), and they spare no effort to corrupt the Muslims in their morals and beliefs. They have ambitions in Muslim countries and elsewhere. They have plans, some of which have been fulfilled, and they are still working hard to achieve the rest. Even if they fight Muslims with force and weapons, and seize some of their lands, they also fight them with their thoughts and beliefs. This is why they spread – within the ranks of the Muslims – false principles, (innovated) religious paths, and sects, such as freemasonry, Qadiyaaniyyah, Baha’iyyah, Tijaniyyah and other than them, and they seek the help of Christians and others to achieve their goals and objectives”. [6]

Also read: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2024/11/20/the-promised-land-a-brief-examination-from-a-religious-and-historical-perspective/

Footnote a: https://abuiyaad.com/sn/muslims-antisemitism

[1] https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/search/49_13

[2] Sahih Abee Dawud 5116

[3] Sharh Sahih Muslim. Hadith Number 2699. Vol 17. p18

[4] An Excerpt from “Diraasaat Al-Adyaan Al-Yahoodiyyah Wan Nasraaniyyah”. Pages 67-70. 6th Edition 1439AH (2018)

[5] An Excerpt from “As-Suhyooniyyah An-Nasraaniyyah Diraasah Fee Daw’i Al-Aqeedah Al-Islaamiyyah”. page 223-224. 1st Edition 1430AH – 2009.

[6]https://binbaz.org.sa/discussions/30/%D8%AD%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D9%85%D8%AC%D9%84%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A8%D8%AD%D9%88%D8%AB-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%B3%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%AD%D9%88%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%BA%D8%B2%D9%88-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%81%D9%83%D8%B1%D9%8A

Reflections from some statements of Al Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali [29 of 80]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Basics, Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Innovations In Islam (Bidah), Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Scholars of Islam, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Haadi Al-Mad’khali [may Allah preserve him] as follows:

All of you hold onto the Rope of Allah [i.e. The Qur’an and authentic Sunnah]- Allah will aid you in this and make you like the sun; return to the understanding of the righteous predecessors, and it is, as I said to you, transmitted (and established) in your presence. This is a challenge to those who oppose this. We are challenging ahlul bidah wal ahwaa [the proponents of innovation in religious affairs and followers of desires] in their creed and politics. We say, between us and you is the (path, understanding of the) pious predecessors and books (of the pious predecessors). Ahmad [i.e. Imam Ahmad] used to say to the proponents of innovation in religious affairs, “Between us and you are the funerals (i.e. whose funeral will be attended by ahlus sunnah in great numbers)”. We say (i.e. at present), “Between us and you are the books (of the pious predecessors)- the books are present! Allah said to His Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him]: [قل فَأْتُوا بِالتَّوْرَاةِ فَاتْلُوهَا إِنْ كُنْتُمْ صَادِقِينَ – All food was lawful to the Children of Israel, except what Israel made unlawful for himself before the Taurat (Torah) was revealed. Say (O Muhammad ): “Bring here the Taurat (Torah) and recite it, if you are truthful”]- So they bring the Torah and you proof them to be upon falsehood.

We bring the books of the pious predecessors – the Qur’an, the Sunnah, the books of Al-Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawood, at-Tirmidhi, an-Nasaa’ee, and what was authored by Ahmad and others; we bring them (to prove) those who are on the path of these (pious predecessors) and those who turn away and oppose them. Just as Allaah challenged the Jews to bring the Torah, so the Torah was brought and they were exposed them, (likewise), we challenge these people to bring the books of the pious predecessors, so that the innovator in religious affairs is exposed, and to clarify who the deviants are- whether us or them? Are they able to challenge? Can they open their mouths like this? We fill our mouths with courage – challenge everyone who says that we are upon other than methodology of the pious predecessors. We, by Allaah, call to the methodology of the pious predecessors- to the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him]. We use the book of Allaah and the Sunnah as proof for our beliefs, our acts of worship, dealings with rulers and their subjects, in dealing with the groups and sects. As for the others, they are upon tricks, deception etc By Allah, you will not find with them anything but tricks and manipulating the emotions of youth”.[Paraphrased. Listen here: https://youtu.be/mxXSfKh_sjw ]

Reflections from some statements of Al Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi al-Mad’khali [28 of 80]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Basics, Bid'ah (Innovation), Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Pearls of Wisdom, Refutations, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Haadi Al-Mad’khali [may Allah protect him] was asked, “Is there a difference between Manhaj [Methodology] and Aqeedah [Creed, Belief], and if there is a difference between them, is there a path for the proponents of illegal partisanship to cause (problems) through that differentiation?”

Answer: Certainly, Manhaj has been extensively discussed, and contemporary discourse surrounding it often diverges from the views held by the righteous predecessors. They referred to the terms Manhaj [Methodology] and Minhaaj [Path], yet did not (employ the term in the manner it is used today). As its usage became widespread, Salafis felt compelled to say “The methodology, The methodology!” I heard Shaikh Ibn Baz asserting that there is no distinction between Aqeedah and Manhaj, considering them to be one and the same. Shaikh Al-Albani makes a distinction, and I make a distinction. I perceive Manhaj as being broader than Aqeedah, as it encompasses the creed, acts of worship, the approach to understanding the religion, and the manner to address proponents of innovation in religion. Manhaj is comprehensive – (for instance, it includes) the methodology of Ahlus Sunnah concerning creed, their approach to worship, their methods of acquiring knowledge, and their methodology in this or that.

Methodology is certainly more comprehensive, however, some the people of (vain) desires differentiate between creed and methodology for partisan and political purposes. Consequently, they mislead many Salafis by asserting, “You may adhere to your creed, but we must collaborate on methodology.” They suggest that it is acceptable to identify as “Salafi in creed and Ikhwaani in methodology,” despite the fact that the Ikhwaani methodology wages war against the Salafi creed. A Salafi who says, “I am Salafi in creed and Ikhwani or Tablighi in methodology,” he is has called himself fighting the Salafi methodology and creed. This is one of the (illegal) partisanship tricks spread by Al-Tabligh and Ikhwan, making a distinction between creed and methodology to manipulate the minds of Salafis, particularly.

Ajwibah Al-Allaamah Ash-Shaikh Rabee Bin Haadi Al-Madkhlai As-Salafiyyah Alaa As’ilati Abee Ruwaahah Al-Manhajiyyah. page 22

Reflections from some statements of Al-Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi al-Mad’khali [27 of 80]

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

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

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

ﻭﻟﻴﺲ ﻟﻠﻤﻌﻠﻤﻴﻦ ﺃﻥ ﻳﺤﺰﺑﻮﺍ ﺍﻟﻨﺎﺱ
ﻭﻳﻔﻌﻠﻮﺍ ﻣﺎ ﻳﻠﻘﻲ ﺑﻴﻨﻬﻢ ﺍﻟﻌﺪﺍﻭﺓ ﻭﺍﻟﺒﻐﻀﺎﺀ،
ﺑﻞ ﻳﻜﻮﻧﻮﻥ ﻣﺜﻞ ﺍﻷﺧﻮﺓ ﺍﻟﻤﺘﻌﺎﻭﻧﻴﻦ ﻋﻠﻰ
ﺍﻟﺒﺮ ﻭﺍﻟﺘﻘﻮﻱ ﻛﻤﺎ ﻗﺎﻝ ﺗﻌﺈﻟﻰ
وَتَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْبِرِّ وَالتَّقْوَى وَلا تَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الإثْمِ وَالْعُدْوَانِ
وليس لأحد منهم أن يأخذ على أحد عهداً بموافقته على كل ما يريده وموالاة من يواليه ومعاداة من يعاديه،بل من فعل هذا كان من جنس جنكز خان وأمثاله الذين يجعلون من وافقهم صديقاً واليا، ومن خالفهم عدوَّا باغيا، بل عليهم وعلى أتباعهم عهد الله ورسوله بأن يطيعوا الله ورسوله ويفعلوا ما أمر الله ورسوله ويحرموا ما حرم الله ورسوله ويرعوا حقوق المعلمين كما أمر الله ورسوله، فإن كان أستاذ أحد مظلوماً نصره، وإن كان ظالماً لم يعاونه على الظلم بل يمنعه منه كما ثبت في الصحيح أنه قال:
(انصر أخاك ظالماً أو مظلوماً. قيل: يا رسول الله: أنصره مظلوماً فكيف أنصره ظالماً؟. قال تمنعه من الظلم فذلك نصرك إياه).

It not allowed for the teachers to initiate (illegal) partisanship between the people and do that which would cause enmity and hatred between them; but rather they should be brothers who cooperate upon righteousness and piety, as Allah [The Exalted] said: [وَتَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْبِرِّ وَالتَّقْوَىٰ ۖ وَلَا تَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْإِثْمِ وَالْعُدْوَانِ – Help you one another in Al-Birr and At-Taqwa [virtue, righteousness and piety]; but do not help one another in sin and transgression]. [Al-Ma’idah. 2]

It is not allowed for anyone of them to receive a pledge from anyone to be in agreement with him in everything he wants – having allegiance to the one he is allied to and enmity against the one he harbours enmity, and whoever does this is similar to Genghis Khan and his ilk (in this affair), who take as their loyal friends the one in agreement with them and the one who oppose them as a rebellious enemy; rather it is obligated on them and their followers (i.e. the teachers) to fulfil the covenant of Allah and His Messenger by obeying Allah and His Messenger, doing that which Allah and His Messenger have commanded, declare unlawful that which Allah and His Messenger have declared unlawful, and preserve the rights of the teachers in the manner commanded by Allah and His Messenger. So, if one’s teacher is oppressed, he should help him; but if the teacher is the oppressor, he should not aid him in his act of oppression; rather he forbids him from it, as it has been established in the authentic books of hadeeth that the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “Help your brother, whether he is an oppressor or he is an oppressed one. People asked, “O Allah’s Messenger! It is all right to help him if he is oppressed, but how should we help him if he is an oppressor?” The Prophet said, “By preventing him from oppressing others.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari 2444] [End of quote] [1] [paraphrased]

Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah preserve him, commented on the above statement as follows: “Today, this is almost absent among the Islamic groups. With great regret, he (the individual) aids his brother, whether they are oppressors or victims, following a methodology reminiscent of (a trait of) pre-Islamic ignorance. Without a doubt, this is a well known issue. Nevertheless, it is imperative that we repent to Allah, and return to the truth that our Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, nurtured us upon, which Allah wants for us- to be lovers of truth and its helpers. [2] [paraphrased] [End of quote]

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

وإذا وقع بين معلم ومعلم أو تلميذ وتلميذ أو معلم وتلميذ خصومة ومشاجرة لم يجز لأحد أن يعين أحدهما حتى يعلم الحق، فلا يعاونه بجهل ولا بهوى، بل ينظر في الأمر، فإذا تبين له الحق أعان المحق منهما على المبطل سواء كان المحق من أصحابه أو أصحاب غيره، وسواء كان المبطل من أصحابه أو أصحاب غيره، فيكون المقصود عبادة الله وحده وطاعة رسوله واتباع الحق والقيام بالقسط
قال تعالى
يا أيها الذين آمنوا كونوا قوامين بالقسط شهداء لله ولو على أنفسكم أو الوالدين والأقربين، إن يكن غنياً أو فقيراً فالله أولى بهما، فلا تتبعوا الهوى أن تعدلوا وإن تلووا أو تعرضوا فإن الله كان بما تعملون خبيراً
يقال: لوى يلوي لسانه، فيخبر بالكذب، والإعراض أن يكتم الحق، فإن الساكت عن الحق شيطان أخرس، ومن مال مع صاحبه سواء كان الحق له أو عليه فقد حكم بحكم الجاهلية، وخرج عن حكم الله ورسوله.
والواجب على جميعهم أن يكونوا يدا واحدة مع المحق على المبطل فيكون المعظم عندهم من عظمه الله ورسوله، والمحبوب عندهم من أحبه الله ورسوله، والمهان عندهم من أهانه الله ورسوله، بحسب ما يُرضي الله ورسوله، لا بحسب الأهواء، فإنه من يطع الله ورسوله فقد رشد، ومن يعص الله ورسوله فإنه لا يضر إلا نفسه.
فهذا هو الأصل الذي عليه الاعتماد، وحينئذ فلا حاجة إلى تفرقهم وتشيعه قال – تعالى -: ﴿إِنَّ الَّذِينَ فَرَّقُوا دِينَهُمْ وَكَانُوا شِيَعًا لَسْتَ مِنْهُمْ فِي شَيْءٍ ﴾
وقال – تعالى -: ﴿ وَلَا تَكُونُوا كَالَّذِينَ تَفَرَّقُوا وَاخْتَلَفُوا مِنْ بَعْدِ مَا جَاءَهُمُ الْبَيِّنَتُ وَأُوْلَيْكَ
لمْ عَذَابٌ عَظِيمٌ ﴾ [آل عمران : ١٠٥) . اهـ كلام ابن تيمية – رحمه الله – .
وقال – تعالى -: ﴿ وَلَا تَكُونُوا كَالَّذِينَ تَفَرَّقُوا وَاخْتَلَفُوا مِنْ بَعْدِ مَا جَاءَهُمُ الْبَيِّنَتُ وَأُوْلَيْكَ
هُمْ عَذَابٌ عَظِيمٌ ﴾ [آل عمران : ١٠٥] . اهـ كلام ابن تيمية – رحمه الله –

If an argument and dispute occurs between a teacher and another teacher, or between a student and another student, it is not permissible for anyone to help one of them until he knows the truth – neither to aid him based on ignorance nor desires; rather he he examines the affair, so if the truth becomes clear to him, he helps the one who deserves to be helped (due to him being upon the truth) against the one upon error – regardless whether the one who deserves to be helped is one of his companions or the companion of someone else, or whether the one upon error is one of his companions or the companion of someone else. Therefore, the aim is only to worship Allah alone, obedience to Allah’s Messenger, adherence to truth and establishment of justice. Allah [The Exalted] said:

يا أيها الذين آمنوا كونوا قوامين بالقسط شهداء لله ولو على أنفسكم أو الوالدين والأقربين، إن يكن غنياً أو فقيراً فالله أولى بهما، فلا تتبعوا الهوى أن تعدلوا وإن تلووا أو تعرضوا فإن الله كان بما تعملون خبيراً

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

It is said [لوى يلوي لسانه – twists (or diverts) his tongue, thus gives information based on lies and turns away to conceal the truth, for indeed, the one who remains silent in the face of truth is akin to a mute devil. Whoever aligns himself with his companion (merely based on attachment and not for the sake of truth), whether the truth favours them or not, he has judged by the standards of (a trait) of pre-Islamic ignorance, thus stepping outside the judgement of Allah and His Messenger (in this matter). It incumbent upon all of them to unite in support of the one upon truth against the one upon falsehood. The one exalted to them is the one whom Allah and His Messenger have exalted and the one who is beloved to them is the one whom Allah and His Messenger love (i.e. due to the truth he upholds); and the one who is degraded is the one whom Allah and His Messenger have degraded (i.e. due to being upon falsehood), determined based on what pleases Allah and His Messenger, rather than personal desires, for indeed, whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger is rightly guided, while those who disobeys Allah and His Messenger harm only themselves.

This is the fundamental principle that is firmly adhered to. Therefore, there is no need for their division and sectarianism. Allah, the Exalted, states: [إِنَّ الَّذِينَ فَرَّقُوا دِينَهُمْ وَكَانُوا شِيَعًا لَسْتَ مِنْهُمْ فِي شَيْءٍ – Indeed, those who have divide their religion and become sects, you have no concern with them in anything]. [Al-An’am 109]

Allah said: [وَلَا تَكُونُوا۟ كَٱلَّذِينَ تَفَرَّقُوا۟ وَٱخْتَلَفُوا۟ مِنۢ بَعْدِ مَا جَآءَهُمُ ٱلْبَيِّنَٰتُ وَأُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ عَظِيمٌ – And do not be like those who divided and differed after the clear proofs had come to them. And for them is a great punishment] [Al-Imran: 105] [3] [Paraphrased] [End of quote]

Al-Allamah Rabee Hadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah preserve him, commented on the above statement as follows:

فيجب على كل مسلم أن يفتش نفسه، فقد يميل إنسان إلى صاحب الحق لهوى، فقبل أن يتبين له الحق يتمنى أن يكون فلان هو المنتصر بالحجة أو غيرها، فتميل نفسه لأنه فلان، ولو كان على الحق لا يجوز أن يوجد هذا الميل،
فيقول: إذا وجد هذا الميل ولو مع صاحب الحق يكون من حكم الجاهلية، وهذا أمر لا يخطر بالبال عند كثير من الناس
فيجب على المسلم أن يراقب الله في القضايا المختلف فيها، وأن يكون قصده فقط معرفة الحق سواء مع هذا أو مع ذاك.
ومن هنا يقول الشافعي: إذا دخلت في مناظرة لا أبالي إذا كان الحق مع صاحبي أو معي
فلا يبالي، ولا يتمنى أن يكون الحق معه، بل يتمنى أن يكون مع صاحبه وأن تكون النصرة له، هذا هو الخلق العالي، وهذا هو الدين المستقيم.
نسأل الله أن يجعلنا وإياكم من هذه النوعيات المنصفة الباحثة عن الحق البعيدة عن الهوى وعن أساليب الجاهلية.
فالذي يلزمنا معشر الإخوة أن نفتش أنفسنا فمن وجد في نفسه شيئًا من هذا المرض فعليه أن يتدارك نفسه، ويُقبل على العلاج الناجع، ويبحث دائما عن الحق؛
لينجو بنفسه من وهدة التعصب الأعمى الذي قد يؤدي إلى الشرك بالله – تبارك وتعالى – أو يؤدي إلى الضلال الخطير

It is obligated to every Muslim to self-reflect, as one may be inclined towards a person who possesses the truth due to personal desires, thus before the truth becomes clear, he might wish for a particular individual to prevail through proofs or other matters, so his soul inclined because he (i.e. the one he inclines towards) is so and so. Even if they are upon truth, it is not permissible that such inclination is present. If this inclination exists, even whilst he is with the person upon truth (or the rightful claimant), it reflects a judgement based on a (trait) of pre-Islamic ignorance. This matter does not often cross the minds of many people.

It is obligated to a Muslim to be closely mindful of Allah in matters of differing opinions, and his sole intention should be acquaintance with the truth, regardless of whether it is possessed by this or that one. Regarding this particular matter, Ash-Shafi’i, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “When I enter into a debate, it does not matter to me whether the truth is with the one am debating or with me”. He does not care, nor does he wish for the truth to be on his side; instead, he wishes that that it is with his companion and becomes a support for him. This is noble character and upright (adherence) to the religion. We ask Allah to include us among these just ones, the seekers of truth, and are far from desires and the ways of pre-Islamic ignorance. O brothers! What is obligated to us is to self-reflect. Whoever finds in his soul something of this disease, it is incumbent upon him to take immediate action and adopt the effective treatment, and consistently pursue the truth, in order to safeguard himself from blind loyalty, which can lead to Shirk, or grave misguidance. [4] [Paraphrased] [End of quote]

We ask Allah:

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. [Sahih Muslim. 2720] [5]

[1] Majmoo Al-Fataawaa. 28/15-17

[2] at-Ta’assub Adh-Dhameem Wa Aatharuhu 48-52

[3] Majmoo Al-Fatawaa 28/15-17

[4] at-Ta’assub Adh-Dhameem Wa Aatharuhu 48-52

[5] https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2020/12/29/o-allaah-rectify-my-religion-for-me-which-the-safeguard-of-my-affairs-a-tremendous-supplication/

Reflections from some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali [26 of 80]

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, Seeking Knowledge, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Question: I am a young man at the beginning of my adherence to the right path, and I would like you to clarify the correct methodology for me.

Answer: Hold fast to the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of the Messenger, and the consensus of the pious predecessors. Seek knowledge and you will know the correct methodology. [See footnote a] [1]

The Shaikh, may Allah preserve him, also stated: The means to Dawah are the Quran and the Sunnah – Allah said, Allah’s Messenger (صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ) said. This is the call of the prophets, which is based on clarity, evidence, and proof. It is not established on [رقص – evil, random, uncertain, unreliable, sporadic speech etc], frivolity, and lying. [See footnote b] [2]

————————————-

Footnote a: Journey of gaining knowledge – By Al-Allamah Rabee and Imam Muhammad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaymin: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2024/11/03/journey-of-gaining-knowledge-by-al-allamah-rabee-and-imam-muhammad-ibn-salih-al-uthaymin/

Footnote b: Reflections from some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2024/11/29/reflections-from-some-statements-of-al-allamah-rabee-bin-hadi-al-madkhali-22-of-80/

[1] An Excerpt from Al-Wasaayaa Al-Manhajiyyah…Question 19. Page 354

[2] An Excerpt from Marhaban Yaa Talibal Ilm 328

Iman is in the heart and not about growing the beard

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

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

Al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzan, may Allah preserve him, was asked: What do you say regarding the one who when it is said to him, “Fear Allaah regarding sins, such as shaving the beard, smoking and Isbaal [i.e. wearing one’s garments below the ankles]”, he says, “Iman is in the heart and not about growing the beard, abandoning smoking and Isbaal”. And he says, “Indeed, Allah does not look at your bodies, rather He looks at your hearts”.

Response: This statement is often uttered by some of the ignorant people or those who hold false and erroneous views. It is a statement of truth by way of which falsehood is intended because he utters this statement to justify his sins – that even in the absence of deeds that are to be performed in obedience to Allah as well as not abandoning forbidden deeds, Iman in the heart is sufficient. This false and erroneous view is clearly exposed because Iman is not only something in the heart; rather Iman – as defined by Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa’ah – is speech of the tongue (i.e. acts of worship carried out with the tongue), belief in the heart and deeds of the limbs. Imam Al-Hasan Al-Basri, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, “Iman is neither merely to say something nor merely hope, rather it is what settles in the heart and deeds testify to it”.

Deeds of disobedience and abandoning obedience is proof that either there is no Iman in one’s heart or it is deficient. Allah [The Exalted] said: [يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا تَأۡڪُلُواْ ٱلرِّبَوٰٓا – O you who believe! Eat not Riba (usury)]. [Aal Imran. 130]

Allah said: [يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ ٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ – O you who believe! Do your duty to Allah and fear Him]. [Al-Maa’idah. 35]

Allah said: [مَنۡ ءَامَنَ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلۡيَوۡمِ ٱلۡأَخِرِ وَعَمِلَ صَـٰلِحً۬ا- whosoever believed in Allah and the Last Day and worked righteousness]. [Al-Ma’idah. 69]

Allah said: [إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ – Truly those who believe, and do deeds of righteousness]. [Al-Baqarah. 277]

Allah said: [مَنۡ ءَامَنَ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلۡيَوۡمِ ٱلۡأَخِرِ وَعَمِلَ صَـٰلِحً۬ا – whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day and do righteous good deeds]. [Al-Baqarah. 62]

Iman cannot be complete except when accompanied by righteous deeds and abandoning disobedience. Allah [The Exalted] said:

وَٱلۡعَصۡرِ
إِنَّ ٱلۡإِنسَـٰنَ لَفِى خُسۡرٍ
إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ وَتَوَاصَوۡاْ بِٱلۡحَقِّ وَتَوَاصَوۡاْ بِٱلصَّبۡرِ

By Al-‘Asr (the time). Verily! Man is in loss; except those who believe [in Islamic Monotheism] and do righteous good deeds, and recommend one another to the truth, and recommend one another to patience (for the sufferings, harms, and injuries which one may encounter in Allah’s Cause during preaching His religion of Islamic Monotheism etc] [Surah Al-Asr]

Allah said: [يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ أَطِيعُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُواْ ٱلرَّسُولَ – O you who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger [Muhammad]. [An-Nisaa. 59]

Allah said: [يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ ٱسۡتَجِيبُواْ لِلَّهِ وَلِلرَّسُولِ إِذَا دَعَاكُمۡ لِمَا يُحۡيِيڪُمۡ‌ۖ- O you who believe! Answer Allah (by obeying Him) and (His) Messenger when he calls you to that which will give you life [i.e. fill your hearts with Iman, guidance and lead you righteous deeds]. [Al-Anfaal. 24]

Belief in the heart alone is not enough without uttering one’s Iman with the tongue and performing deeds with the limbs because this [i.e. belief in the heart without performing deeds] is the Madhab of those Murji’ah amongst the Jahmiyyah and other than them, and it is a false Madhab; rather one has to believe in the heart, utter his Iman [i.e. what he believes in] and perform deeds with the limbs. Committing acts of disobedience is a proof of  the weakness and deficiency of the Iman in one’s heart because one’s Iman increases when Allah is obeyed and decreases when Allah is disobeyed.

Al-Muntaqaa Min Fataawaa Ma’aal Ash-Shaikh Al-Allaamah Ad-Doctur Salih Al-Fawzan. 1/1920. Publisher Daar Al-Imaam Ahmad. 1st edition (2013)

Facilitated with all the means to attain nobility, but chooses to degrade himself

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Jahannam (Hell Fire), Jannah (Paradise), 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:

لَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا الْإِنسَانَ فِي أَحْسَنِ تَقْوِيمٍ
ثُمَّ رَدَدْنَاهُ أَسْفَلَ سَافِلِينَ
إِلَّا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ فَلَهُمْ أَجْرٌ غَيْرُ مَمْنُونٍ

We have certainly created man in the best stature ‘in form, appearance, balance and strength, coupled with innate disposition and the power of reason. Then ‘due to his disbelief and opposing his innate disposition’, We return him to the lowest of the low in physical location, the Hellfire. Except those who believe and work righteous deeds, for they ‘due to their gratitude for being created in the best stature by worshipping Allah alone and obeying Him’, will have an unending, continuous reward ‘in Paradise, in the afterlife. [at-Teen 4-6]

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

Allah created the human perfectly with different body parts and organs, and did not leave anything the human needs – externally and internally. Despite all these great blessings necessitating that they show gratitude to Allah, the majority of them are not thankful; rather, they are preoccupied in play and (blameworthy) amusement. Indeed, they bring themselves to the lowest level through deeds that degrade one’s manners, thus, Allah will reduce them to the lowest of the low – the lowest part of the hell fire, the place of the disobedient ones and those who turn away from their Lord. The only ones who will be saved from this are those whom Allah has blessed with Iman, righteous action, virtuous and lofty manners.

An Excerpt from ‘Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer kalaam al-Mannaan