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Author: Salafi Dawah Manchester

Uttering One’s Intention Before Performing Ablution – [Brief Clarification By Shaikh Saaleh Aala Ash-Shaikh]

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Articles.

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

 Uttering one’s intention at the time of performing ablution

It is not allowed. The place of intention is the heart. Uttering the intention loud is something that was not done by our Prophet, and he is the example to be followed.  The Niyyah [legislated intention] is that the performer of ablution establishes in his heart that such ablution is for the prayer, or (for) touching a copy of the Qur’aan, or for [purification after one’s ablution has been nullified by defecation, urination or passing wind etc.] and what is similar to it. This is intention, because intention is the conviction of the heart to carry out an act of worship. The Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] ordered us to begin the ablution with the Basmalah [i.e. to say بِالسْمِ اللّه] and nothing other than it. So to begin it [i.e. the ablution] by pronouncing one’s intention loud is in opposition to what he [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wsallam] has indicated to and commanded. [Source: Al-Min’dhaar Fee Bayaan Katheer Minal Akhtaa Ash-Shaa’i’ah. page 20]

It Is Not Permissible to Exalt The Innovators – [By Shaikh Saaleh Al-Fawzaan]

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Shaikh Saaleh Al-Fawzaan [may Allaah preserve him] said:

It is not permissible to exalt and praise the innovators even if they have some truth with them. That is because raising and praising them will spread their bidah and place them amongst the sincere ones-those who are taken as examples amongst distinguished men of this Ummah. The Salaf warned against having trust for the innovators, (warned against) praising them and their gatherings. In this regard, Asad Ibn Musa (rahimahullaah) wrote: ”Beware of being a brother of the innovator (by association) or a companion of his, or one whom you sit with; for indeed it has been narrated that ‘Whoever sits with a person of innovation has left the protection of Allaah and is entrusted to himself’.

The innovators must be warned against and kept away from even if they have some truth with them. Indeed, the most astray are not devoid of some truth, but as long as they have with them innovation, opposition and sinful views, it is not permissible to praise and exalt them. It is impermissible to not have an objection against their innovation because this spreads bidah, belittles the Sunnah and by way of this the innovator will emerge and become a guide for the Ummah.

As for giving consideration (to the fact) that the innovation has some truth, this does not justify praising him. This is -to a far greater extent- against what is of overriding benefit and it is known in relation to a principle in the religion that averting harm takes precedence over seeking that which is of benefit. And with regards to having hatred for the innovator, the harm that is averted from the Ummah is weightier than the benefit possessed by the innovator. And had we adhered to this concept (i.e. praising the innovator because he has some truth with him), then no one would have been judged to be misguided and declared an innovator. That is because there is not an innovator except that he has some truth and adherence to the Sunnah. The innovator (may) neither be a disbeliever nor be in opposition to all the Islamic legislation; rather he is either an innovator in some or most of the affairs. However, if the innovation is particularly related to affairs of Creed and Methodology, then the affair is dangerous indeed because it will become an example (to be followed); innovation will spread and the innovators will become active in spreading their innovation.

So, this person who praises the innovators and makes their affair obscure to the people -due to some truth they (i.e. innovators) have – is one of two (people): Either he is one ignorant of the methodology of the pious predecessors and their stance against the innovators, so neither is it permissible for this ignorant one to speak nor is it permissible for the Muslims to listen to him; or he is one who has an objection to the truth because he knows the danger of innovation and the innovators, but he wishes to spread innovations. Nevertheless, this is a dangerous affair and it is not permissible to be lackadaisical with regards to innovation and its people, whatever that may be.  [Source: An Excerpt from At-Tabdee Wat-Tafseeq Wat Takfeer. Page: 72-76. slightly paraphrased]

 

Those Who Embarked Upon The Stratagem of The Khawaarij, The Rawaafid, the Mutazilah And Jahmiyyah – [Sayyid Qutb And His Ilk]

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Methodology - 'Manhaj'.

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

Shaikh Rabee Bin Haadi [may Allaah preserve him] said:

The political parties [or groups] emerged in this era [whilst] affected- to some extent- by the creed and methodologies of [the khawaarij]. And for this reason they do not give importance to [other affairs] besides politics. Neither do they give any concern to rectifying the situation of the Ummah though [sound] Creed and Knowledge nor do reflect upon [the affair about] returning the Ummah to the Book, the [authentic] Sunnah, and the piety and steadfastness the Salafus Saaleh were upon in every aspect of the Religion. Rather they [i.e. these political parties (or groups)] increase the Ummah in corruption upon corruption-in creed and manners. So, you see them giving allegiance to the people of Bidah and Misguidance; waging war against the people who [truly] follow the Qur’aan and the Sunnah, and the scholars [i.e. waging war against those scholars who truly adhere to the Qur’aan and the Sunnah].

They erect false objectives and  slogans for Ahlul Bidah Wad-Dalaalah [the people of Bidah and Misguidance] and their books; and amongst them [i.e. these people of bidah] are Sayyid Qutb and his followers – the one [i.e. Sayyid Qutub] who embark upon the stratagem of the Khawaarij, the Rawaafid, the Mu’tazilah and the Jahmiyyah in creed, methodology and politics; especially in the subject matter of Takfeer based on oppression and ignorance [i.e. he make Takfeer based on ignorance and oppression]. According to him all human societies are societies of Pre-Islamic ignorance and the Muslim Ummah is the severest in its apostasy and Pre-Islamic state of ignorance. Thereafter, the path of the Baatiniyyah was added to this [methodology of his, such] as assassinations, blowing up [buildings, people etc]. Then his followers attribute themselves to the Salafi Methodology based on a mighty plot against the [true, upright] leaders [of the Salafi Methodology].

[Therefore], when you come to know this, you will know that the Salafi Methodology is free from this [type] of Takfeer, and destruction; and you will know who the treacherous people are. If you know this, then it is tantamount to an act of manifest oppression when the Raafidah, the Secularists and Rationalists attribute [terrorist acts], [false] Takfeer and destruction to the Salafi Methodology. [An Excerpt from Shaikh Rabee’s Book Titled: (من هم الإرهابيون) pages 104-105. slightly paraphrased]

Also read article: A response to Western academics who categorise Salafis into Quietists, Politicos and Jihadists – and why this is a false categorisation. A response to Western academics who categorise Salafis into Quietists, Politicos and Jihadists – and why this is a false categorisation.

Some of the Deeds That Will Lead to Paradise By The Will of Allaah

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [rahimahullaah] said: The deeds of the People of Paradise: Imaan and Taqwa, and deeds of the people of hell fire: Disbelief, wicked deeds and disobedience to [Allaah and His Messenger].

Deeds of the people of Paradise:

Belief in Allaah; Belief in the Malaa’ikah; Belief in Books revealed by Allaah; Belief in Allaah’s Messengers; Belief in the Hereafter; Belief in Qadr (the good and bad of it); Belief in the Shahaadataan [None has the right to be worshipped except Allaah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah]; Salaah; Zakat; Fasting during the month of Ramadhaan; Hajj; Ihsaan [to worship Allaah as if you see Him, even though you cannot see him, but you know that He certainly sees you]; Truthfulness in speech; Fulfilling trusts; Fulfilling agreements; kind treatment towards parents; Sincerity to Allaah; Maintaining the ties of kinship; kind treatment towards neighbours; Kind treatment towards orphans; Kind treatment towards poor people; Kind treatment towards slaves; Kind treatment towards animals; Reliance upon Allaah; Love of Allaah and His Messenger; Fear of Allaah; Hope in Allaah; Hope for Allaah’s Mercy; Turning to Allaah with repentance and obedience; Exercising patience with Allaah’s judgements; Thanking Allaah for His Blessings; Recitation of the Qur’an; Remembrance of Allaah; Supplicating to Allaah for one’s special needs; Reliance upon Allaah whilst fleeing away from what one fears; Enjoining good and forbidding evil; Striving in the path of Allaah against the disbelievers and the hypocrites; Keeping good relations with the one who cuts it off; Giving to the one who deprives you and Pardoning the one who oppresses you.

Indeed, Allaah has prepared Paradise for those who fear Him-those who spend in times of ease and adversity; those who suppress anger and pardon the people. Allaah loves the doers of good. And from the deeds of the people of Paradise is Justice in all affairs and towards all the creation, even the disbelievers. [1]

Shaikh Rabee Bin Haadi [hafidhahullaah] said: Allaah said:

وَعَدَ اللَّهُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِ جَنَّاتٍ تَجْرِي مِنْ تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا وَمَسَاكِنَ طَيِّبَةً فِي جَنَّاتِ عَدْنٍ ۚ وَرِضْوَانٌ مِنَ اللَّهِ أَكْبَرُ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ هُوَ الْفَوْزُ الْعَظِيمُ

Allah has promised the believers – men and women, – Gardens under which rivers flow to dwell therein forever, and beautiful mansions in Gardens of ‘Adn (Eden Paradise). But the greatest bliss is the Good Pleasure of Allah. That is the supreme success. [2]

This promise is for them – the companions, the first and foremost.  And you will rarely find a beautiful description or a promise of good like the one that I have mentioned, except that it will be attributed to the companions of the Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] first and foremost after the prophets, and then the people that followed them.

Examine the statement of Allaah: [ وَرِضْوَانٌ مِنَ اللَّهِ أَكْبَرُ – But the greatest bliss is the Good Pleasure of Allah]- meaning, Allaah will enter them into Jannah, and will address them, saying, “O dwellers of paradise!” and they will say, “At thy service and pleasure, our Lord, the good is in Thy Hands”. He [Allaah- The Lord] will say, “Do you wish for anything more?” Then they will say, “What more could you give us, whilst you have already given us that which you have never given to any of the creation?” He [Allaah-The Lord] will say, “Yes, (and) I shall give to you something greater than that!” They will say, “And what is that?” He [Allaah] will say, “’I will bestow My pleasure and contentment upon you, such that I shall never be angry with you eternally thereafter”.[3]

So, the pleasure and contentment of Allaah is greater than Paradise itself, “Two gardens’, its utensils’ and all of its contents which are made of Gold, and Two other gardens’, its utensils’ and all of its contents which are made of silver, and there will be nothing preventing the people of the Garden of Eden from seeing the Face of their Lord, except for His Curtain of Majesty (veil) [4]

During their bliss, Allaah describes them (as being): [ فَلَا تَعْلَمُ نَفْسٌ مَا أُخْفِيَ لَهُمْ مِنْ قُرَّةِ أَعْيُنٍ جَزَاءً بِمَا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُون – And if We had willed, surely! We would have given every person his guidance, but the Word from Me took effect (about evil-doers), that I will fill Hell with jinn and mankind together.)] [5]

And Allaah mentioned many characteristics of this bliss, and from them is that which appears in this hadeeth, (Two gardens, its utensils, and all within it of Gold)… and from them is that which Allaah mentioned in his statement:

مَثَلُ الْجَنَّةِ الَّتِي وُعِدَ الْمُتَّقُونَ ۖ فِيهَا أَنْهَارٌ مِنْ مَاءٍ غَيْرِ آسِنٍ وَأَنْهَارٌ مِنْ لَبَنٍ لَمْ يَتَغَيَّرْ طَعْمُهُ وَأَنْهَارٌ مِنْ خَمْرٍ لَذَّةٍ لِلشَّارِبِينَ وَأَنْهَارٌ مِنْ عَسَلٍ مُصَفًّى ۖ وَلَهُمْ فِيهَا مِنْ كُلِّ الثَّمَرَاتِ وَمَغْفِرَةٌ مِنْ رَبِّهِمْ ۖ كَمَنْ هُوَ خَالِدٌ فِي النَّارِ وَسُقُوا مَاءً حَمِيمًا فَقَطَّعَ أَمْعَاءَهُم.

The description of Paradise which the Muttaqun (pious – see V.2:2) have been promised is that in it are rivers of water the taste and smell of which are not changed; rivers of milk of which the taste never changes; rivers of wine delicious to those who drink; and rivers of clarified honey (clear and pure) therein for them is every kind of fruit; and forgiveness from their Lord. (Are these) like those who shall dwell for ever in the Fire, and be given, to drink, boiling water, so that it cuts up their bowels? [6]

And from them is the mention of the Hoor Al-‘Ayn, and Allaah describes them many times, regarding their goodness and beauty, and giving one the urge [to perform good deeds]. All this bliss and happiness takes place before one receives the pleasure and contentment of Allaah, and this pleasure and contentment is greater than Paradise ,and it also takes place before the [believers] see Allaah, and there is nothing more beloved to them than to see their Lord. [7]

And due to their belief, truthfulness and sincerity, Allaah gives them this blessing. They strove, and for the one who strives there are a hundred levels, every level is between the heavens and the earth, and there is no one equal and better than them in that.

Therefore, it is obligated on us to know the status of the Companions of the Prophet, and that we are pleased with them, and that we call to their way, and we ask Allaah that he places us in their company and that of their prophet.  Love for them is Eemaan and a part of one’s religion, and hatred of them is Kufr (disbelief) and Nifaaq (hypocrisy). And there are many Aayaat mentioned in the Qur’aan regarding the virtues of the companions. So, read the Qur’aan and understand it, and you will find many (verses) more than this, and do not dismiss any of them.  [Source: An Excerpt from ‘Al-Wasaayaa Al-Manhajiyyah Li Muttabi’ee As-Sunnah An-Nabawiyyah pg.316-318. Slightly paraphrased]

[1] Source: Majmoo Al-Fataawaa 10/422;  [2] Suratut-Tawbah – Verse 72; [3] Reported By Ahmad in his Musnad (3/88) Hadeeth no. 11857 and Bukhaari in Ar-Riqaaq no. 6549; [4] Surah As-Sajdah – Verse 17; [5] Reported by Ahmad in His Musnad (4/411), Bukhaaree in At-Tafseer (no.4878) and Muslim in Al-Eemaan (no.180),from the hadeeth of Abee Moosaa Al-Ash’aree (May Allaah be pleased with him); [6] Surah Muhammad – Verse 15; [7] Just as it appears in the Hadeeth in Musnad Ahmed (4/332 no. 19143, 19144) and Muslim in Al-Eemaan (no. 181) with the chain from Suhayb that the Messenger of Allaah ﷺ read this Aayah: [لِلَّذِينَ أَحْسَنُوا الْحُسْنَىٰ وَزِيَادَةٌ -For those who have done good is the best (reward, i.e. Paradise) and even more (i.e. having the honour of glancing at Allaah’s Face]. And then he said: When the people of paradise enter paradise, and the people of Hellfire enter Hellfire then the Caller will call out: “O inhabitants of paradise, indeed you have with your Lord a promise he wishes to fulfil,” so they will say: “What is that? Has He not already made our scales heavy, brightened our faces, entered us into paradise and saved us from the Hellfire?” He ( the narrator) said: “Then the Lord will lift the veil, and of that which has been given to them, nothing will be more dear to them and more beloved to their eyes than the sight of their Lord, The Mighty and Majestic. [7] Reported by Imaam Ahmed in Al-Musnad 2/335 (8402) and Bukhaaree in Al-Jihaad and As-Siyar (hadeeth no. 2790) from the Hadeeth of Abee Hurayrah (May Allaah be pleased with him), and Muslim in Al-Imaarah (Hadeeth no.1884) from the hadeeth of Abee Sa’eed Al-Khudree (May Allaah be pleased with him).

Who Does More Wrong Than One Who Utters a Lie Against Allaah, And Denies The Truth When It Comes to Him!

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq'.

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

Allaah (The Most High) said:

فَمَنْ أَظْلَمُ مِمَّنْ كَذَبَ عَلَى اللَّهِ وَكَذَّبَ بِالصِّدْقِ إِذْ جَاءَهُ أَلَيْسَ فِي جَهَنَّمَ مَثْوًى لِلْكَافِرِينَ

Then, who does more wrong than one who utters a lie against Allah, and denies the truth [this Qur’an, the Prophet (Muhammad ), the Islamic Monotheism, the Resurrection and the reward or punishment according to good or evil deeds] when it comes to him! Is there not in Hell an abode for the disbelievers? [Soorah Zumar: Ayah:32]

There is none that is more oppressive than the one who fabricates a lie against Allaah by attributing to him that which is not befitting for him, like setting up partners along with him and attributing to him a son or he says I have received revelation and absolutely nothing was revealed to him. And there is none that is more oppressive than the one who rejects the truth that which has been revealed to Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم . Is not the fire a final abode and a dwelling place for those who disbelieve in Allaah and those who do not believe in Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم and they do not act according to what he came with; certainly it is! [Source: Tafseer Muyassar, with the supervision of Shaikh Saaleh Aala Shaikh]

And Say to My slaves That They Should (only) Say Those Words That Are The Best, Because Satan Sows Disagreements Among Them

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allaah [The Most High] said:

وَقُل لِّعِبَادِي يَقُولُوا الَّتِي هِيَ أَحْسَنُ ۚ إِنَّ الشَّيْطَانَ يَنزَغُ بَيْنَهُمْ ۚ إِنَّ الشَّيْطَانَ كَانَ لِلْإِنسَانِ عَدُوًّا مُّبِينًا

And say to My slaves that they should (only) say those words that are the best. (Because) Shaitan (Satan) verily, sows disagreements among them. Surely, Shaitan (Satan) is to man a plain enemy.

Allaah [The Blessed and Most High] command His slave and Messenger [i.e. Muhammad (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam)] to command Allaah’s believing slaves that they speak to one another in their conversations and discussions with what is better and good, for if they do not do that, shaytaan will initiate a state of conflict between them and speech will lead to actions, and thus evil, [blameworthy] argumentation and fighting will arise; for indeed shaytaan is an enemy of Aadam and his children since [the time] he refused to prostrate to Aadam. His enmity is clear and manifest, so because of this it prohibited for a man to point at his Muslim brother with an iron [instrument], for indeed shaytaan [can entice an evil action] in his hand and he may strike [ his Muslim brother] with it. [Ref 1]

Imaam Sadi stated that this command [i.e. in Surah Al-Israa Aayah 53] is related to every speech that will bring a person close to Allaah, such as recitation [of the Qur’aan], remembrance of Allaah, enjoining good and forbidding evil, [to address the people] with good and gentle speech in accordance with their different social statuses and positions. If something resolves around two good affairs, then Allaah commands that the better of the two is chosen if it is not possible to combine both of them. Good speech leads to every beautiful mannerism and righteous deed, for indeed the one who controls his tongue will be able to take control of his affairs.

Shaytaan wants to cause disagreements between you. He hastens towards that which will corrupt the religious and worldly affairs of the slaves. Therefore, the remedy for this is that he is not to be followed when he incites you to utter statements that are not good in order to cause enmity and disagreements between you. He is your real enemy and it is obligated on you to wage war against him because he calls you to be among the people of the hell fire. [Ref 2]

[Ref 1: Source: An Excerpt from Al-Misbaah Al-Muneer Fee Tahdheb Tafseer Ibn katheer’ Surah Al-Israa 17: 53]

[Ref 2: An Excerpt from Tayseer Al-kareem ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam al-Mannaan]

Enthusiasm And Excitement Under Scrutiny! [By Shaikh Uthaymeen]

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul.

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

Shaikh Uthaymeen [rahimahullaah] said:

The goal is to establish the religion of Allaah, [but] neither to give the upper hand to one’s passion [or enthusiasm] nor to [merely] excite the soul. Therefore, if the goal is to aid the religion of Allaah, then indeed a person will follow the closest upright path to accomplish this goal, even if it is by way of gentleness when there is a need for that. [An Excerpt From Sharh Hilyati Taalibil Ilm. Page 10]

What Happens When We Truly know Our Limitations? [Shaikh Uthaymeen Responds]

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul.

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

Question to Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saaleh al-Uthaymeen: May Allaah have mercy upon a person who knows his limitations and worth- [Does this (saying) have an (established) source and has it been transmitted in a hadeeth?]

Answer: I do not know of an (established) source for it; however its meaning is correct. (That is) because when a person knows his (limitations and worth), he will be humble in the presence of his Lord. He will worship Allaah and will know that he is not free from being in need of Allaah in the twinkling of an eye. If he knows himself, he will know his status amongst the people and this knowledge will (prevent) him from being haughty towards them- because haughtiness is from the major sins and looking down on the people is from the forbidden affairs. That is why when the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) warned against haughtiness (or pride), they (i.e. the people) said: “Everyone of us loves that his clothes and shoes are nice;’’ so he (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said: “Indeed, Allaah is beautiful and He loves beauty; haughtiness (or pride) is to reject the truth and look down on the people.” So when a person knows his (limitations and worth), he will know his rank amongst the people. He will place himself in his (rightful) place; humble himself in the presence of his lord and in the presence of Allaah’s creation.  And whoever humbles himself to Allaah, Allaah will raise him.

[Source: Noor Alad-Darb: cassette: 250]

Aspects of Insincerity and Some of their Effects upon One’s Servitude

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Articles, Methodology - 'Manhaj'.

Shaykh Sālih bin Fawzān Al Fawzān – Hafidhahullah – stated in his explanation of the Treatise of Servitude:

[1] Man, if he is amazed by a woman and he is infatuated with her, he becomes a slave to her. He is overpowered by her speech, and he executes her demands, he becomes a servant to his Hawa (vain lusts and desires). For this reason The Lofty and Exalted said,

“Have you seen he who takes his Hawa as a god” [Surah Al-Jāthiyāh: 23].

Whatever his Hawa dictates he does even if it is impermissible, this is the one that takes his desires as an object of worship.

[2] He is attracted by love for praise and position, so he seeks them out at any cost, even if it is at the expense of his religion.

[3] From the dangers of yearning for honour and praise, is that a person is amazed by himself if somebody praises him with that which is false and he is angry with the one who disparages him, even if it is with the truth. This is because he wants honour and position. He likes to be praised falsely while disparagement grieves him, even if it is true.

This is evidence that he wants honour and position at any cost!

As for the one who does not seek honour and position he dislikes praise, because of the prophet’s -SalAllahu alayhi wa’sallam – statement, “If you see those who praise people (to their faces), then throw dirt in their faces”. So he does not accept praise to his face; because praise makes him oppressive and it causes him to be deluded by himself.

As for the one who wants the truth, he is pleased with advice and he is happy with his mistakes being pointed out (to him). For this reason Umar bin al-Khatāb said, “May Allah have mercy upon the person who gifts Umar his mistakes”. So he likened one who clarifies to him his errors to a person who gives him a gift…

(Shaykh Sālih bin Fawzān Al-Fawzān then mentions):

 “And who is more astray than one who follows his own lusts, without guidance from Allah?” [Al-Qasas: 50].

Whosoever is not a servant to Allah, becomes a servant and slave of his Hawa (lusts and desires), shaytān and his doubts.

Mankind will either be a servant to Allah or a servant to other than Allah. It is not possible for man to be other than a servant (i.e. his nature has been created this way).

So whoever abandons servitude to Allah, Allah afflicts him with bondage to other than Him.

And we seek refuge in Allah!

For this reason when the polytheists left off the worship of Allah, Allah put them to trial with the worship of idols, trees, stones and inanimate objects.

Ibn Al-Qayyim said,

“They (the polytheists) fled from Ar-Riqq of Him whom they were created for (i.e. Allah created them to worship Him),

 So they were put in Ar-Riqq to themselves and the Shaytān (their enemy).”

 Ar-Riqq is Servitude. You were created to be a servant of Allah, if you leave off this servitude you will become one who worships other than Allah. No doubt you are a servant (of something) no matter how free you say you are. You are a servant, subjugated to Allah or to other than Him.

Servitude of Allah is nobility for mankind and it is real liberation! As for mankind’s servitude of other than Allah then it is humiliating and degrading (carries no respect). Servitude to other than Allah does not free the slave from the entrapment of desires or lusts. This form of servitude is worship of other than Allah (i.e. Shirk – polytheism).

Nothing frees from the humiliating bonds of servitude to the creation except being a servant to Allah (a servant of The Creator and One truly worthy of being worshipped) – Sub’hanahu wa ta’ālah -.

The heart will not be sincere unless it accepts Allah and rejects or is distant from other than him:

The heart that is upright (upon true monotheism) is attached to Allah, and it opposes anything (in worship) other than him.

The Most high said: “Verily, Ibrahim (Abraham) was an Ummah (a leader having all the good righteous qualities), obedient to Allah, Hanīfah (i.e. to worship none but Allah)” [al-Nahl :120].

So Ibrahīm – Alayhis salām – was completely attached to Allah with his heart, actions and direction and he opposed anything other than Allah (in his worship]). And the true monotheistic religion of Ibrahīm – Alayhis Salām – is: the acceptance of Allah and opposition of that which is worshipped besides Him.

If one is not attached to Allah, opposed to other than Him, he will certainly fall into Shirk (polytheism), because he is (in reality) a servant without a doubt. So he will either be a servant of Allah or he will be in bondage to other than Him.

And there is not a human-being except he is a servant, in fact, everything that is in the sky and on earth is in bondage (to Allah).

[Sharh Ar-Risālatu Ubūdiyah, pages 252-254]

Some Admonitions of Abdullaah Bin Mas’ood [radiyallaahu-anhu]

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

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

He [radiyallaahu-anhu] said: “Indeed, you see an unbeliever with the healthiest body amongst the people and with the sickest heart; and you will come across a believer with the most upright of hearts and the unhealthiest body [i.e. physical illness]. I swear by Allaah, if your hearts were sick and your bodies healthy, you will be more insignificant to Allaah than dung beetles”.

He [radiyallaahu-anhu] said: “’Search for your heart in three situations [i.e. how you respond]: When the recitation of the Qur’aan is heard, in the gatherings where Allaah is remembered and in times of seclusion. If you do not find your heart in these situations, then ask Allaah to grant you a heart, for indeed you do not have a heart’’.

He [radiyallaahu-anhu] said: “Sins take control over the heart”.

He [radiyallaahu-anhu] said: “Indeed, the people make their speech very good and appropriate; the one whose speech is in conformity with his actions is that one who has achieved his portion of [goodness]. And the one whose speech is in opposition to his actions, then he is that one who has rebuked himself’’.

He [radiyallaahu-anhu] said: “There is not anything on the face of the earth more needed than a prolonged imprisonment of the tongue [i.e. speak good or remain silent]’’.

[Source: Al-Fawaa-id by Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah]. page 213-221]