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Mirage In The Desert and Darkness In The Vast Deep Sea

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Fitnah, Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Shirk, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

وَٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓا۟ أَعْمَٰلُهُمْ كَسَرَابٍۭ بِقِيعَةٍ يَحْسَبُهُ ٱلظَّمْـَٔانُ مَآءً حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا جَآءَهُۥ لَمْ يَجِدْهُ شَيْـًٔا وَوَجَدَ ٱللَّهَ عِندَهُۥ فَوَفَّىٰهُ حِسَابَهُۥ وَٱللَّهُ سَرِيعُ ٱلْحِسَابِ

أَوْ كَظُلُمَٰتٍ فِى بَحْرٍ لُّجِّىٍّ يَغْشَىٰهُ مَوْجٌ مِّن فَوْقِهِۦ مَوْجٌ مِّن فَوْقِهِۦ سَحَابٌ ظُلُمَٰتٌۢ بَعْضُهَا فَوْقَ بَعْضٍ إِذَآ أَخْرَجَ يَدَهُۥ لَمْ يَكَدْ يَرَىٰهَا وَمَن لَّمْ يَجْعَلِ ٱللَّهُ لَهُۥ نُورًا فَمَا لَهُۥ مِن نُّورٍ

As for those who disbelieve (i.e. reject Allah or any of His Messengers), their deeds are like a mirage in a desert. The thirsty one thinks it to be water until he comes up to it, he finds it to be nothing, but he finds Allah with him, Who will pay him his due (Hell). And Allah is Swift in taking account. Or [the state of a disbeliever in Allah or any of His Messengers] is like the darkness in a vast deep sea, overwhelmed with a great wave topped by a great wave, topped by dark clouds, darkness, one above another, if a man stretches out his hand, he can hardly see it! And he for whom Allah has not appointed light, for him there is no light. [An-Nur. 39-40]

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

These are the people who are ignorant and unjust -ignorant of what the Messenger conveyed and unjust by following their vain desires. They are the individuals to whom Allah refers.

إِن يَتَّبِعُونَ إِلَّا ٱلظَّنَّ وَمَا تَهْوَى ٱلْأَنفُسُ وَلَقَدْ جَآءَهُم مِّن رَّبِّهِمُ ٱلْهُدَىٰٓ

They follow but presumption and what their souls desire, though there has certainly come to them guidance from their Lord. (a)

 These are two groups of people:

The first group:

Those who think that they are knowledgeable, yet they are ignorant and misguided. These people display compound ignorance, as they are unaware of the truth, show hostility towards its people, endorse falsehood, and align themselves with it and its people. They think that they have something (to stand upon). Verily they are liars.

Their comprehension of faith contradicts their current state, much like an individual who perceives a mirage and desires it to be water, only to discover nothing upon reaching it. The deeds and wisdom of these people resemble a mirage that fails the onlooker when water is most needed. It goes beyond mere disillusionment and deprivation similar to someone who approaches a mirage but discovers no water; thus, they will encounter the fairest of judges and the most equitable of those who dispense justice (Allah – free from all imperfections) and will be recompensed according to their (corrupt) knowledge and deeds. Their deeds are presented and they had hoped for its benefit, but it will be scattered dust because it was not done sincerely for the sake of Allah, nor according to the Sunnah of His Messenger. Therefore, the false assumptions they thought were beneficial knowledge will become scattered dust, and their deeds and knowledge will turn into regret for them.

A mirage is an optical illusion seen on a flat surface due to sunlight, resembling flowing water, and a plain and flat land that has no mountains or valleys. This is similar to the knowledge of someone who did not build his knowledge and deeds upon Allah’s divine revelation, like a mirage seen by a traveler in extreme heat. He hopes for (water), but his expectations are disappointed. This is the manifestation of the knowledge and deeds of those who followed falsehood when they are resurrected, while their thirst becomes more intense. Their deeds appear to them like a mirage, causing them to believe it is water; however, as they approach it, the chains of punishment will grip them and lead them towards the hell fire. Allah said:

وَسُقُوا مَاءٌ حَمِيمًا فَقَطَّعَ أَمْعَاءَهُمْ

And they will be given to drink a mixture of boiling water that will cut their intestines to pieces.”(Muhammad: 15)

The water they drank is the knowledge that ultimately proved to be useless, and the deeds they performed for the sake of other than Allah led to their suffering. They will be made to consume it, along with their food (the tree of Zaqqoom). The water they will drink is like useless knowledge as well as the deeds they did for other than the sake of Allah. Allah will give them boiling water, just as their food is thorny, not nourishing, and not satisfy hunger. [Al-Ghashiyah 6-7]

Similarly, in the material world, (such useless knowledge and deeds) neither enriched (their hearts) nor protected them from going astray. These are the people about who Allah said:

قُلْ هَلْ نُكَبِّئُكُم بِالْأَخْسَرِينَ أَعْمَلًا الَّذِينَ ضَلَّ سَعِيهِمْ فِي الْحَيَوةِ الدُّنْيَا وَهُمْ يَحْسَبُونَ أَنَّهُمْ يُحْسِنُونَ صُنْعا

Say (O Muhammad): “Shall We tell you the greatest losers in respect of (their) deeds?  [They are] those whose effort is lost in worldly life, while they thought that they were acquiring good by their deeds!” [Al-Kahf 103-104]

(Also), they are the ones about whom Allah said:

وَقَدِمْنَا إِلَى مَا عَمِلُوا مِنْ عَمَلٍ فَجَعَلْتَهُ هَبَاءَ مَّنثُورًا

And We shall turn to whatever deeds they (disbelievers, polytheists, sinners, etc.) did, and We shall make such deeds as scattered floating particles of dust. [Al-Furqan: 23]

They are also the one about whom Allah said:

كَذَٰلِكَ يُرِيهِمُ ٱللَّهُ أَعْمَٰلَهُمْ حَسَرَٰتٍ عَلَيْهِمْ وَمَا هُم بِخَٰرِجِينَ مِنَ ٱلنَّارِ

Thus, Allah will show them their deeds as regrets for them. And they will never get out of the Fire. [Al-Baqarah: 167]

 

The Second Group

Those who find themselves shrouded in darkness. They are steeped in ignorance, thus encompassed on all sides. They resemble cattle, yet are even more astray. Their deeds lack understanding, instead driven by blind adherence and the (misguided) traditions of their forefathers, devoid of guidance from Allah. The darkness signifies the darkness of ignorance, disbelief, injustice, the pursuit of desires, doubt, and rejection of the truth that Allah Almighty conveyed through His Messengers, peace and blessings be upon them, and the guidance He bestowed upon them to guide humanity from darkness into light.

The reason for this is that whoever rejects the guidance and the true religion that Allah sent through Muhammad will be engulfed by layers of darkness: his words will be dark, his actions will be dark, his mindset will be dark, his methods will be dark, his ultimate fate will be dark, his heart will be dark, his speech will be dark, and his circumstances will be dark. When approached with the divine guidance from Allah through Muhammad, his deceitful and corrupt insight flees from the light of truth. Consequently, he flees to the darkness of opinions, which seem more appealing and suitable to him.

And regarding the statement of Allah:

يَغْشَهُ مَوْجٌ مِن فَوْقِهِ مَوْجٌ مِن فَوْقِهِ

Overwhelmed with a great wave topped by a great wave.

This illustrates the condition of an individual who deliberately rejects the divine guidance of Allah, thus the surging waves of doubts and falsehood in his heart are like the surging waves of the sea crashing upon each other- layers of darkness: the darkness of the deep sea, the darkness of the waves above, and the darkness of the clouds overhead. When one attempts to reach out into this sea, he can hardly see.

An Excerpt from “Badaa’i at-Tafseer al-Jaami Limaa Fassarahu al-Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim 2/246-248

(a)https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/search/53_23

Night and Day, Hearing and Eyesight

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Shirk, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

In The Name of Allah, The Merciful, The Bextower of Mercy.

Allah, The Most High, said:

قُلۡ أَرَءَيۡتُمۡ إِن جَعَلَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيۡڪُمُ ٱلَّيۡلَ سَرۡمَدًا إِلَىٰ يَوۡمِ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ مَنۡ إِلَـٰهٌ غَيۡرُ ٱللَّهِ يَأۡتِيڪُم بِضِيَآءٍ‌ۖ أَفَلَا تَسۡمَعُونَ
قُلۡ أَرَءَيۡتُمۡ إِن جَعَلَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيۡڪُمُ ٱلنَّہَارَ سَرۡمَدًا إِلَىٰ يَوۡمِ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ مَنۡ إِلَـٰهٌ غَيۡرُ ٱللَّهِ يَأۡتِيڪُم بِلَيۡلٍ۬ تَسۡكُنُونَ فِيهِ‌ۖ أَفَلَا تُبۡصِرُونَ
وَمِن رَّحۡمَتِهِۦ جَعَلَ لَكُمُ ٱلَّيۡلَ وَٱلنَّهَارَ لِتَسۡكُنُواْ فِيهِ وَلِتَبۡتَغُواْ مِن فَضۡلِهِۦ وَلَعَلَّكُمۡ تَشۡكُرُونَ

Say (O Muhammad ): “Tell me! If Allah made night continuous for you till the Day of Resurrection, who is an ilah (a god) besides Allah who could bring you light? Will you not then hear?” Say (O Muhammad ): “Tell me! If Allah made day continuous for you till the Day of Resurrection, who is an ilah (a god) besides Allah who could bring you night wherein you rest? Will you not then see?” It is out of His Mercy that He has put for you night and day, that you may rest therein (i.e. during the night) and that you may seek of His Bounty (i.e. during the day), and in order that you may be grateful. [Al-Qasas. 71-73]

The (night and day) are a bestowal from Allah to His servants and this should make them thankful, worship Allah alone and fulfil His Rights. Allah- out of His Mercy- created the day for them in order that they may seek after His Bounties- seeking after their provisions and livelihoods during daylight. And Allah created the night for them (as a means of) rest and repose- (allowing) their bodies and souls to take a rest due to tiredness after work during the day. This is a bounty of Allah (bestowed) on His servants and Mercy (from Him). Is there anyone who is able to do this (besides Allah)?

Regarding the night, He said: [أَفَلَا تَسْمَعُونَ -Then will you not then hear], and regarding the day, He said: [أَفَلَا تُبْصِرُونَ – Then will you not then see?]

This is because the (faculty) of hearing is sharper than the (faculty) of sight during night time, and the (faculty) of sight is sharper than the (faculty) of hearing during day time.

In these verses (i.e. Al-Qasas 71, 72 & 73) the servant is exhorted to ponder upon the blessings Allah has bestowed. He should contemplate what the situation would have been if such blessings were absent, because if a servant were to contemplate on the situation due to the presence of such blessings compared to what the situation would have been if such blessings were absent, he will realise the station of this favour, contrary to the one who merely goes along with the normal state of affairs and considers (these favours) as something that will neither cease nor come to an end. So his heart is hindered from praising Allah for these blessings and from realising that he is in need of Allah every time. This neither prompts his thoughts towards thanksgiving nor remembrance. [1]

Al-Hasan Al-Basri, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

”The night and the day have not ceased to lessen the life spans and bringing close the appointed times of death.” [2]

Awn Bin Abdillah, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Indeed, the most beneficial days the believer has in the worldly life, is the one about which he thought he would not reach its end. [3]

[1] An Excerpt from Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahman Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannan’. Publisher: Daar Ibn Hazm 1st Ed. 1424AH (Year 2003)

[2] Jami Al-Ulum Wal-Hikam. page 400

[3] Jami Al-Ulum Wal-Hikam. page 401

tree between green land during golden hour

Using a wolf to expel the Jinn – By Imam Abdul Aziz Bin Baz

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Contemporary Issues, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

السؤال:
شاع عند العامة وعند بعض القرّاء إذا جاءهم الشخص فيه مس من الجن يحضرون ذئبًا ثم يقولون ثبت عندنا بالتجارب أن المسوس بالجن إذا رأى الذئب يخرج، وهذا قد شوهد من ناس ثقات، ويقولون: لا نعتقد في الذئب، لكن جرى العرف في الطب بالتجربة، وثبت أن الذئب يخرج الجن؟

The Imam, may Allah have mercy upon him, was asked:

It has become common (or rife) among the common people and some of those who read (the Qur’an or other means as a remedy) that when a person afflicted by the jinn comes to them, they bring a wolf and claim that “It has been established (i.e. or ascertained) with us through experience that when the possessed person sees a wolf (i.e. due to the Jinn inside him seeing the wolf), it exits. This has been observed (i.e. or witnessed) by trustworthy people”, and they say: “We do not believe in the wolf, but this has become customary (i.e. the norm) – through experience – in the field of medicine (i.e. specifically when treating the possessed person), and it has been established that the wolf drives away the jinn”.

الجواب:
محل نظر، الأصل في التداوي أنه يجوز بكل ما هو من المباحات إذا جُرّب ونفع، فهذا أصل في التداوي.
وكونه ينفر من الذئب ويخرج الجني من الإنسان إذا رأى الذئب هذا يدّعونه، وهذا يُفضي إلى الاعتقاد في الذئب، وتعليق جلده كما يفعل بعض الناس أو تعليق رأسه.
والذي أرى أنه ينبغي ترك هذا؛ حتى لا تقع الكوارث بالاعتقاد في الذئب وأنه يسبب براءة المجانين، والأغلب على هذا أنها خرافات من خرافاتهم.

 

The response:

[محل نظر – This is something that requires examination and scrutiny]. The basis (or fundamental principle) with regards to remedies is that (treatment) – through everything that is from the permissible methods – is permissible if tested and (established) to be of benefit. This is the basis (or fundamental principle) with regards to remedies.

As for it being assumed that (the Jinn) flees from the wolf and exits the person when it sees the wolf, this is what they claim, and can lead to the belief in the wolf (that it can expel a jinn), attaching its skin (i.e. using a piece of it to attach to oneself, hanging its skin somewhere etc), as some people do, or even its head. [والذي أرى أنه ينبغي – What I hold is that it is befitting (or obligatory)] to abandon this in order that calamities (or grave harms) do not arise from the belief (or due to the belief) in the wolf, and that it makes the insane recovery (or cures them). [والأغلب على هذا أنها خرافات من خرافاتهم – And what is predominantly the case regarding this (in society, customs) is that it is a superstition among their superstitions (or superstitious beliefs)]. [Paraphrased]

https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/23767/%D8%AD%D9%83%D9%85-%D8%B2%D8%B9%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AC%D9%86-%D9%8A%D9%86%D9%81%D8%B1-%D8%B9%D9%86%D8%AF-%D8%B1%D9%88%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B0%D9%89%D8%A8

https://youtube.com/shorts/awQ9mRWutVs?si=GXjfJTi-no2dNx3K

Various Manifestations of Truth in the Presence of Blatant Opposition

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Basics, Bid'ah (Innovation), Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Prophets, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Shirk, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

When the polytheists rejected the Qur’an and exerted every effort to invalidate it, they were simultaneously challenged to produce a text comparable to it, whether it be ten chapters or even a single chapter. This situation revealed to those with sound judgment that, despite their vigorous attempts and the formidable resources they utilised, they were incapable of countering it. Had they chosen to embrace rather than oppose and attempt to nullify it, their failure to challenge it—which served as evidence—would not have been so apparent.

When the magicians challenged Musa, peace be upon him, Allah rendered their displays ineffective, thereby revealing the truth of Musa’s message. This exemplifies a key difference between the signs of the Prophets, known as True Miracles, and the deceptive acts performed by magicians and devils. Allah has outlined several distinctions between these two phenomena. Allah said:

هَلۡ أُنَبِّئُكُمۡ عَلَىٰ مَن تَنَزَّلُ ٱلشَّيَـٰطِينُ
تَنَزَّلُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ أَفَّاكٍ أَثِيمٍ۬

Shall I inform you (O people!) upon whom the Shayatin (devils) descend? They descend on every lying (one who tells lies), sinful person. [Al-Shu’ara 221–22]

Among the notable signs is that which Allah has elucidated in the verses that pose a challenge to the adversaries, as well as the signs bestowed upon the Prophets, peace and blessings of Allah be upon them. These signs cannot be contested or surpassed. Furthermore, they cannot be rendered void. In contrast, the paranormal acts of magicians and devils can indeed be met with similar or even more powerful responses, and they can be nullified.

In a similar manner, when the adversaries of the Prophets—both the devils among humanity and the Jinn—who inspire one another with adorned speech through deception to validate their false religions, and create a facade of truth through their fabricated narratives, this, in turn, serves to highlight the authentic beliefs that Allah has guaranteed that they will prevail over all other religions, supported by clear explanations, undeniable evidence, and then through force, whether by hand or weapon. [Footnote a]

Allah, The Most High, said:

لَقَدۡ أَرۡسَلۡنَا رُسُلَنَا بِٱلۡبَيِّنَـٰتِ وَأَنزَلۡنَا مَعَهُمُ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ وَٱلۡمِيزَانَ لِيَقُومَ ٱلنَّاسُ بِٱلۡقِسۡطِ‌ۖ وَأَنزَلۡنَا ٱلۡحَدِيدَ فِيهِ بَأۡسٌ۬ شَدِيدٌ۬ وَمَنَـٰفِعُ لِلنَّاسِ وَلِيَعۡلَمَ ٱللَّهُ مَن يَنصُرُهُ ۥ وَرُسُلَهُ ۥ بِٱلۡغَيۡبِ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهُ قَوِىٌّ عَزِيزٌ۬

Indeed We have sent Our Messengers with clear proofs, and revealed with them the Scripture and the Balance (justice) that mankind may keep up justice. And We brought forth iron wherein is mighty power (in matters of war), as well as many benefits for mankind, that Allah may test who it is that will help Him (His religion), and His Messengers in the unseen. Verily, Allah is All-Strong, All-Mighty. [Al-Hadid 25]

Thus, through the clear signs and evidence established by Allah, the truth is given superiority over falsehood; what is beneficial is given superiority over triviality; guidance over misguidance; truthfulness over that which cannot be substantiated; the path of righteousness over deviation; uprightness over corruption; and accuracy over error. This serves as a test for humanity, distinguishing the wicked from the virtuous. Allah, The Most High, said:

مَّا كَانَ ٱللَّهُ لِيَذَرَ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ عَلَىٰ مَآ أَنتُمۡ عَلَيۡهِ حَتَّىٰ يَمِيزَ ٱلۡخَبِيثَ مِنَ ٱلطَّيِّبِ

Allah will not leave the believers in the state in which you are now, until He distinguishes the wicked from the good. [Aal Imran 179]

Allah, The Most High, said:

الٓمٓ
أَحَسِبَ ٱلنَّاسُ أَن يُتۡرَكُوٓاْ أَن يَقُولُوٓاْ ءَامَنَّا وَهُمۡ لَا يُفۡتَنُونَ
وَلَقَدۡ فَتَنَّا ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبۡلِهِمۡ‌ۖ فَلَيَعۡلَمَنَّ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ صَدَقُواْ وَلَيَعۡلَمَنَّ ٱلۡكَـٰذِبِينَ
أَمۡ حَسِبَ ٱلَّذِينَ يَعۡمَلُونَ ٱلسَّيِّـَٔاتِ أَن يَسۡبِقُونَا‌ۚ سَآءَ مَا يَحۡكُمُونَ

Alif-Laam-Meem. Do people think that they will be left alone because they say: “We believe,” and will not be tested. And We indeed tested those who were before them. And Allah will certainly make (it) known (the truth of) those who are true, and will certainly make (it) known (the falsehood of) those who are liars (although Allah knows all that before putting them to test). Or do those who do evil deeds think that they can outstrip Us (i.e. escape Our Punishment)? Evil is that which they judge! [Al-Ankabut 1–4]

Fitna is a test, as Allah stated that Musa, peace be upon him, said:

إِنۡ هِىَ إِلَّا فِتۡنَتُكَ تُضِلُّ بِہَا مَن تَشَآءُ وَتَہۡدِى مَن تَشَآءُ

It is only Your Trial by which You lead astray whom You will, and keep guided whom You will. [Al-A’raf 155]

Meaning, your trial and test through which those who oppose the Messengers are misguided and those who follow them are guided. Trial for a human being is like when gold is exposed to the bellows because it separates its good parts from its impurities. Thus, truth is like pure gold, and whenever it is put to trial, its quality increases.

As for falsehood, it is like something adulterated and shrouded in mist, and whenever put to the test, its corruption manifests. So whenever an observer examines the religion of truth, and whenever the arguer argues on its behalf, its proofs manifest, certainty is strengthened, the Iman of the believers is increased, and its light shines in the hearts of humankind and Jinn. As for when an arguer argues on behalf of false religion and seeks to establish its crooked structure, Allah establishes those who fling the truth against the falsehood. Thus, it destroys it. It becomes manifest that the proponent of that false religion is an idiot, a liar, lost, dim-witted and unstable.

Corruption and repugnance are manifested from such a religion—the corrupt creed of incarnation, the corrupt creed that the creation are in union with the Creator, contradiction, heresy, disbelief, misguidance, ignorance, absurdity, as well as that which becomes manifest to all men in general that the proponents of false religions are the most misguided, and to the extent that corruption is manifested from such a religion regarding that which was unknown to the majority of men. Through this affair, the one who was heedless and in a state of slumber—the one who could neither differentiate between deviation and upright guidance—is awoken and given guidance through sound knowledge and Iman. And prior to that his heart was dead (with misguidance) due to being unaware of those who are well known (for piety, upright guidance etc)—those whom Allah bestows His grace, such as the Prophets, the truthful ones, the martyrs and the righteous. And prior to this, he did not reject the evil of those who earned Allah’s Anger and those who went astray whom Allah rebuked—the Nasaaraa and the Yahud—on account of the following traits:

  • They denied the truth that opposes evil desires, turned away from the truth and did not accept it due to pride.

  • Harboured envy against the people of truth and transgressed against them.

  • Followed the path of deviation, miserliness, cowardice and hard-heartedness.

  • Described Allah with the deficiencies of the creation and their shortcomings.

  • Willfully denied the Perfect Attributes which Allah described Himself with and which have no likeness to the creation.

  • Exaggerated the status of the Prophets and righteous people, and ascribed partners to Allah—the Lord of the entire creation—in worship.

  • Believed in Hulul and Ittihad (i.e. that Allah dwells in a particular person and that He is in union with the creation), which makes a created being the creator.

  • Abandoned the sound acts of worship that were from the path of the Prophets and Messengers, acting merely based on the desires of the heart—what it relishes and is passionately in love with.

  • Refrained from adhering to the knowledge which Allah has revealed in His clear Book, took their elders, scholars and leading worshippers as lords besides Allah by following them in that which they innovated in religion—in opposition to the path of the Prophets—as Allah stated:

ٱتَّخَذُوٓا۟ أَحْبَارَهُمْ وَرُهْبَٰنَهُمْ أَرْبَابًا مِّن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ وَٱلْمَسِيحَ ٱبْنَ مَرْيَمَ

They took their rabbis and their monks to be their lords besides Allah (by obeying them in things which they made lawful or unlawful according to their own desires without being ordered by Allah), and (they also took as their Lord) Messiah, son of Maryam (Mary). [at-Tawbah 31]

And they opposed that which was clearly reasonable and the clear narrations due to what they thought was divine revelation and revelations of the unseen, even though it is whispering of the cursed one [Iblees], until the one upon this path became similar to one about whom Allah stated:

وَقَالُوا۟ لَوْ كُنَّا نَسْمَعُ أَوْ نَعْقِلُ مَا كُنَّا فِىٓ أَصْحَٰبِ ٱلسَّعِيرِ

And they will say (acknowledging that all their excuses have been removed): “If only we had (benefited from these faculties and) been listening (to the warner) or using our intelligence (to take heed), we would not be among the companions of the Blazing Fire.” [Al-Mulk 10]

Allah said:

وَلَقَدۡ ذَرَأۡنَا لِجَهَنَّمَ كَثِيرً۬ا مِّنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ وَٱلۡإِنسِ‌ۖ

And surely, We have created many of the jinn and mankind for Hell. [Al-A’raf 179]

And their other innovations in religious matters and misguidance due to which Allah rebuked them—this is from that which Allah has warned this Ummah and made it an admonition for those who have insight. Indeed, the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, informed us that these deeds will occur amongst some of the Muslims, even though he also stated:

“There will not cease to be a group amongst my Ummah who will be established upon the truth…”

An Excerpt from Al-Jawab As-Sahih Liman Baddala Deen Al-Masih 1/20–23

Footnote a: https://www.abukhadeejah.com/salafi-shaikh-fawzaan-on-jihaad-in-our-times-and-the-guidelines-of-jihaad-according-to-islam/

Are you a Haruree?

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Bid'ah (Innovation), Contemporary Issues, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, History of Islam, Innovations In Islam (Bidah), Khawaarij, Mental Health, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Sahaabah, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors), Scholars of Islam, Sin, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Mu’aathah, may Allah have mercy upon her, asked Aa’ishah, may Allah be pleased with her:

“Why does the menstruating woman make up for the missed days of fasting but not for the missed prayers?” She said, “We used to menstruate during the lifetime of the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and we were commanded (by him) to make up for the missed days of fasting and not to make up for the missed prayers”. And in another report, Mu’aathah said that Aa’isha said to her, “Are you a Haruriyyah?”

Haruriyyah: The word Haruriyyah is the female noun of Haruree, and it is attributed to Haruraa – a town 2 miles from Kufa. The one who believed in the path of the Khawarij was referred to as Haruree because they were the first sect – amongst them – that rebelled against Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, at that town (Haruraa). The khawarij are numerous groups and one of their fundamental principles- which they agreed upon amongst themselves – is that they accepted what is stated in the Qur’an and rejected the additional text found in the Hadith. Aaisha’s disapproval against her (i.e. against Mu’aathah due to the question she asked) was either due to her (i.e. Aa’isha’s) knowledge of the fact that they (i.e. the Khawarij of Haruraa) used to obligate to the women to make up for the missed prayers after menstruation, because Ibn Abdul Barr, may Allah have mercy upon him, reported a statement about this from a group amongst the Khawarij, or due to her knowledge that their fundamental principle necessitated that. (1)

Many Amongst Ahlul Bidah – Including The Khawaarij – Went Astray Due to Their Misguided Intellects

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

Shaikh, are the ones who depend on their intellects in understanding many of the affairs of the religion considered to be from those who are mistaken?

Response: Yes; it is obligated to him not to depend on his intellect, rather he studies the texts and relies on the divine texts from the speech of Allah and that of Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, because there is guidance in it and direction towards good. As for the intellect, it can be right or wrong. The sects that oppose Ahlus sunnah were destroyed due to their intellects. They thought that they had good intellects and that their intellects arrived at what is correct, thus they opposed the texts through their stagnant intellects which they thought were sound.

What was that which made the Jahmiyyah negate the Perfect Names and Attributes of Allah, except due to their corrupt intellects?!

What was it that led the Mutazilah to negate the attributes of Allah and declared that the sinners [i.e. those who die whilst committing the major sins that are lesser that major kufr and major shirk] will remain in the fire forever, except due to their corrupt intellects?! Likewise, is the case of their followers who utter this same speech.

What led the Khawarij to excommunicate the people due to committing sins – that the sinner is a disbeliever and that he will remain in the fire forever, except due to their corrupt intellects.

Similarly, this is the case regarding other than them amongst the proponents of Bidah. The intellects they depend upon is that which destroy them, because they think that their intellects are safe, sound, good and infallible, whereas that is not the case; rather it is not infallible – commits mistakes a lot; however they hold a good suspicion regarding their intellects and an evil suspicion regarding the texts, thus they are destroyed.

It is obligatory to have good suspicion of the texts and an evil suspicion of the intellect, and to submit the intellects to the texts. The texts are infallible if their chain of transmission are established to be authentic. As for the intellects, they are fallible. A person is susceptible to mistakes, shortcoming and desires. As for the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, what he conveyed from Allah is infallible. Similarly, the Qur’an is infallible- the speech of Allah. Therefore, it is obligatory that the Qur’an and Sunnah passes a judgement on your intellect and that you give precedence to the Qur’an and Sunnah over your intellect- over the intellect of the Shaikh, the Mashaayikh, your forefathers, ancestors and all the people. The texts are given precedence over all the intellects. (2)

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

“The khawaarij are of different types: amongst them are those who carry weapons; there are those who speak like the who said to the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, “Be Just”. Amongst them are those who write and amongst them is the one who believes in his heart, but he neither speaks nor does anything; however he has the belief of the khawarij in his creed. But some of them are worse than others”. (3)

[1] Irwaa Al-Ghaleel- By Imam Al-Albaanee (may Allaah have mercy upon him). An Excerpt from Vol 1. Page 220-221. slightly paraphrased. Publisher: Al-Maktabah Al-Islaamiy. 2nd Edition 1405 (1985)]

[2]https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/28730/%D9%8A%D8%AC%D8%A8-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7-%D9%8A%D8%B9%D8%AA%D9%85%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%89-%D8%B9%D9%82%D9%84%D9%87-%D8%A8%D9%84-%D9%8A%D8%B9%D8%AA%D9%85%D8%AF-%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%89-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B5%D9%88%D8%B5 [paraphrased]

[3]Al-Ijaabaat Al-Muhimmah Fil-Mashaakil Al-Mulimmah. page: 10-11

Teach me a supplication to say in my prayers

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), History of Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Repentance, Sahaabah, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors), Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated:

I said to Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, “O Allah’s Messenger! Teach me a supplication to say in my prayers”, he said, Say:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي ظَلَمْتُ نَفْسِي ظُلْمًا كَثِيرًا وَلَا يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ فَاغْفِرْ لِي مَغْفِرَةً مِنْ عِنْدِكَ وَارْحَمْنِي إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحِيمُ

O Allah! I have wronged myself with many wrongs and none forgives except You, so forgive me and have mercy upon me. Verily, you alone are the Forgiving, the Merciful’”

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

Supplication is three types:

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

  وَلِلَّهِ ٱلۡأَسۡمَآءُ ٱلۡحُسۡنَىٰ فَٱدۡعُوهُ بِہَا

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

The second type is that you invoke Allah for your need and due to your poverty, saying:

I am Your poor slave, the needy one, the one to be pitied, the one seeking help and refuge etc.

The third type is that you ask for your need while not using the aforementioned two types of invocations. The first invocation is more perfect and the second is more perfect than the third.

Therefore, if an invocation gathers all three types, then it will be most perfect and this is what the invocations of the Prophet usually comprised of.

And in this invocation which Siddeeq Al-Ummah [i.e. AbuBakr] was taught, the three types of invocations are mentioned. In the beginning of the supplication:

[اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي ظَلَمْتُ نَفْسِي ظُلْمًا كَثِيرًا – O Allah! I have wronged myself with many wrong]:

This clarifies the situation of the one asking.

Then one says: [وَلَا يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ – and none forgives except You]: This is about the affair of the one being asked.

Then one says: [فَاغْفِرْ لِي – So forgive me]: Here one mentions his need, and then ends the innovation with two Names from Allah’s Names that necessitates and fitting what is being requested. [1]

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

In this supplication is the fact that it is obligated to a servant of Allah to be mindful of his Lord in all circumstances, even if he is one of those who strives the most in worship, because despite the position of Abu Bakr in the religion, he was not exempted from having the need for seeking the forgiveness of his Lord. [2]

Ibn Daqeeq Al-Eid, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

This hadith passes judgement with regards to making this supplication in Salah without specifying where it should be performed. However, perhaps the best place where it is most worthy are two- either in Sujud or after Tashahud, because they are the two places we have been commanded to make du’aa.  The Prophet,  peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said,

“And while in prostration, then make effort in supplication”. [Muslim 479].

And regarding Tashahud [i.e. after Tashahud and before Tasleem], he said:

“Then select the invocation you like best and recite it”. [Bukhaari 835].

Perhaps the best place would be after Tashahud due to the importance given to the affair. [3]

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

“This hadith establishes proof regarding the fact that it is legislated to seek knowledge from the scholars, especially in relation to the supplications of the prayer”. [4]

[1] Jalaa Al-Ifhaam. 201

[2] Sharh Sahih Al-Bukhari. By Ibn Battaal 10/93

[3] Ihkam Al-Ahkaam. 1/314-315

[4] Al- I’lam Sharh Umdah Al-Ahkam 3/511

Reflections on some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali [105]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Bid'ah (Innovation), Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Fatawa-Rulings, Fitnah, Innovations In Islam (Bidah), Khawaarij, Mental Health, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Scholars of Islam, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Telephone Link Between Al-Allamah Rabee, may Allah have mercy upon him, and the “Strangers Brigade” dated 2nd Ramadan 1420 AH (1999)

Questioner: The brothers here have realised that there is no path to guidance and truth except by returning to the scholars — the scholars of Ahl Al-Sunnah — in this era, asking them, and adhering to their statements thereafter. Now, we present to you the most critical issue currently unfolding on the Algerian scene, which is the ongoing conflict between us and the ruling regime for the past eight years. We seek to know your opinion on this matter together with the largest platoon.

We have questions that we urgently need you to clarify the truth for us, so we hope, dear Shaikh, for a thorough and clear explanation. Please open your heart to us and perhaps Allah may guide back to the truth those who have strayed from it, and Allah’s aid is sought!

First question: What is your opinion on the ongoing conflict in Algeria? On what basis do you form your statements and stance, dear Shaikh, knowing that we adhere to the Salafi methodology, uphold the banner of Ahl As-Sunnah Wal Jama’ah, and disassociate ourselves from Jama’ah Takfir Wal-Hijrah that commit massacres and atrocities? We also disassociate ourselves from the proponents of illegal partisanship who revolve around elections and partisanship, among other things?

The Shaikh Responded: May Allah reward you with goodness. I am currently preparing to go to the prayer at Masjid Al-Haram. I want to remind you of the fatwas from scholars and Imams of the Sunnah in this era, such as Shaikh Al-Albani, Shaikh Ibn Baz, and Ibn Uthaymeen. Have you heard and read their fatwas?

Questioner: Yes, we have received them, but some doubts have prevented us from benefiting from them, and we need your answers to these, O our Shaikh.

The Shaikh: Therefore, the answers to these questions will be postponed until I return from prayer at the Masjid Al-Haram. Then, the Shaikh made another appointment for later that same day. But before the call ended, the Shaikh added: I have a quick question for you: What percentage of these individuals are Salafis?

Questioner: They are a large group, O our Shaikh, a very large group!

The Shaikh: Good, if they are Salafis, why didn’t they refer to the scholars before getting involved in this problem?

Questioner: They were actually relying on a fatwa from Shaikh Nasir Ad-Din al-Albani — I mean — an old fatwa, but it has now become clear that it wasn’t — you know — as strong and sound as they thought, and Allah knows best.

The Shaikh: Good, InShaAlllah, in any case, the investigation will continue later.

And at the appointed time, the revolutionaries contacted the Shaikh

Questioner: We would like to inform you that the ones speaking to you now are your brothers from Algeria, specifically the fighters of the “Salafi Group for Preaching and Combat”, and we are part of one of its brigades: “The Strangers Brigade” in Bouira. Of course, we’ll return after having received insights from the scholars, and we would like to present you with some questions. We had already given you the initial part this morning, and now we are providing you with the details, InShaAllah. Generally, I would like to provide you, our Shaikh, with an overview of the events that have transpired from the beginning until today; so that you have a complete picture of what has occurred, InShaAllah.

As you know, our Shaikh, the issue began with the emergence of the “Islamic Salvation Front” on the scene. The concept of partisanship and elections came into play, but then the elections were halted, leading to the events that unfolded during that time. In 1992, a group among the Takferis initiated acts of violence, while the “Islamic Salvation Front”, during that period, was only supporting the fight through media, encouraging the youth to participate. After that, it spread among the brothers that Shaikh Nasir Ad-Din al-Albani had issued a fatwa regarding this fighting, saying: “Hasten! Hasten!” There is an audio recording from that time, amidst the media circumstances and the changing conditions, I mean the youth began to join these fighters in waves.

The Shaikh: Let me hear the tape of al-Albani.

Questioner: What Shaikh?

The Shaikh: Let me hear the words of Shaikh al-Albani where he said “Hasten! Hasten”.  I say: Let me listen to the voice of Shaikh Al-Albani, whose fatwa you have relied upon.

Questioner: The tape is available, but it is based on a reality that does not correspond to the one that the Shaikh was asked about; it did not provide the correct circumstances. It was made to seem to him that there were certain provisions, and that there were 7 million and 3 million, and so forth. Thus, the Shaikh said: “Hasten! Hasten!” as if he understood the opposite of the true circunmstances, leading to the situation that occurred.

The Shaikh: I say, may Allah bless you: Praise be to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger, his family, and his companions, and those who follow his guidance. Now, I see that you distinguish between the Salafis and the Takfiris?

Questioner: Yes, indeed!

The Shaikh: From what you’ve said, I understand that you disassociate yourselves from those who declare an unrestricted takfir against the people. Does this imply that you also engage in takfir?

Questioner: Yes, indeed! Yes, indeed! We are not in that manner, but rather in a different way.

The Shaikh: What is your form of takfir?

Questioner: The group declares takfir on the ruler, which is why they have revolted against him.

The Shaikh: The ruler, the army, the ministers, and those around them?

Questioner: Yes indeed! Anyone who joins the ruler’s faction is fought alongside him!

The Shaikh: Do they fight him on the grounds that he is an unbeliever?

Questioner: No, not in the sense of a specific act of disbelief. Not every individual in the faction is considered specifically an unbeliever, O our Shaikh!

The Shaikh: Do you consider the ruler to be an unbeliever at present?

Questioner: Yes, indeed!

The Shaikh: Why do you label him as such?

Questioner: Based on the fact that he has set aside Islamic law and replaced it with man-made laws, and he has fought against Muslims, and Shaikh Nasir Ad-Din al-Albani has issued a fatwa on this matter, as I mentioned to you earlier.

The Shaikh: No! Now, what about the new fatwa from Al-Albani?

Questioner:  The new one? This is where our confusion and bewilderment lie, O our Shaikh!

The Shaikh: Al-Albani declares the rulers of Algeria to be disbelievers? Did Al-Uthaymeen or Al-Fawzan say that the rulers are disbelievers? Laa Hawla Walaa Quwwata Illaa Billaah!

Questioner: They did not say that, O our Shaikh.

The Shaikh: Good, and you believe that their disbelief is evident and that there is a proof from Allah, as if they said that Islam is not suitable, that it is backward, and that these laws are better than Islam. Did they say this?

Questioner: We have not heard this from them, O our Shaikh.

The Shaikh: Therefore, you have no clear evidence that they are unbelievers upon a clear (blatant) disbelief. This should be treated according to what has been mentioned in the hadiths that have been transmitted from Allāh’s messenger, peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him, about the Muslim’s stance towards a deviated ruler – the rulers whose good deeds you know and approve and disapprove of their evil deed, about whom he (the Prophet) was said: “They are guided by other than my guidance and follow a path other than my Sunnah”. And there are many hadiths on this matter to the extent that when the Prophet was asked: “Should we fight them?” He replied: “No, not as long as they establish prayer among you”. This means they deviate while in Islam to the very end. If they continue to pray and claim to be Muslims, they should not be fought or rebelled against. Do you understand these points?

Questioner: We listen to you, our virtuous Shaikh, and we are learning from you now.

The Shaikh: Yes, may Allah bless you, study these hadiths, study the statements of the scholars, and study the speech of Al-Albani. You must seek knowledge. Then I ask you: after eight years, what are the fruits of this fighting? What have the Muslims gained from this Jihad?

Questioner: So far, nothing, Shaikh!

The Shaikh: How many have been killed, how much wealth has been lost, how many rights have been violated, and so on?

Questioner: A lot! A lot!

The Shaikh: So many! So many! You have supported this situation, you have backed the Takferis who shed blood, and they have been emboldened by your, and you aided them. You say that you are Salafis and that you oppose their views, but they benefit from your support, and their boldness (in committing crimes) against this society increases through you, crushing them, leaving them with neither (practice of the) religion nor worldly possessions! Is Islam pleased with these qualities?!

Questioner: No, our Shaikh! We have indeed had conflict and disputes with them.

The Shaikh: What led the Algerian people, including its youth, students, and others, to embrace Salafism? Was it this current situation or the time of the revolution and turmoil?

Questioner: The current situation is not better!

The Shaikh: Good, you fought to improve the situation compared to what it was?

Questioner: Yes, indeed! Yes, indeed! It’s an evil situation, O our Shaikh, it’s an evil situation until now!

The Shaikh: Do you not find a lesson in this?! Isn’t this proof that this jihad stemmed from ignorance, and (dubious) Fatwas, we ask Allah for safety. They did not seek guidance from scholars, and instead took the wicked ones – ignorant ones- as leaders – who issue rulings without knowledge, leading themselves and others astray, and they did not stop at misguidance only, but went further to spill blood and destroy Islam. Islam has been severely and horrifically destroyed in Algeria due to the actions of these people!! Perhaps if they had not rushed and had approached knowledge with insight, the Islamic state in Algeria might have been a reality. However, due to their ignorance and ill intentions—because their motives are corrupt and they seek only power—they do not aim to elevate the word of Allāh. They desire to ascend to the pinnacle of governance, which is why they have created elections, democracy, and empty rhetoric. Their only focus is on wrestling with the rulers, and their sole concern is to reach the heights of power. After achieving that, they turn their backs on Islam, just as their counterparts have done in Sudan, Turkey, and elsewhere.

If these individuals were to gain power, they would increase fear and oppression among the people, straying further from Islam…So now… take heed from what has transpired, and roll up your sleeves to gain knowledge and guide this good nation back to the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of the Messenger, so that it may return to its former state before this turmoil, and then advance towards achieving the goals that Islam aspires to.

Questioner: Our Shaikh! According to your statement, it seems that one cannot declare a ruler to be a disbeliever, even if he rules by laws other than what Allah has revealed, until the scholars make such a judgment.

The Shaikh: Yes! The scholars must first see a clear act of disbelief, and then after the fatwa is issued, the question arises whether to fight or not; because Allah said:

وَأَعِدُّوا لَهُمْ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُمْ مِن قُوَّةٍ وَمِن رِبَاطِ الخَيْلِ تُرْهِبُونَ بِهِ عَدُوَّ اللهِ وَعَدُوَّكُمْ

And prepare against them whatever you are able of power and of steeds of war by which you may terrify the enemy of Allah and your enemy.  [Al-Anfal 60]

This applies if they are unbelievers (i.e. a declared war under a Muslim ruler). I had some young men come to me at the beginning of this conflict, and I asked them: Have you prepared for battle, considering they are disbelievers in your eyes? They replied: No! I said: You do not have power, while they possess aircrafts, tanks, and so much more, backed by Britain, America, and all the other nations. You have nothing at your disposal, so you haven’t prepared the necessary measures to instill fear in the enemy of Allah. Instead, you have only prepared what encourages the enemy of Allāh against you and Islam. Even if the ruler is openly a disbeliever, in Algeria or elsewhere, it is essential to refer to the scholars. They are the ones who can assess the benefits and harms, determining when fighting is justified and when it is not, and so on. It should not be left to the foolish, the ignorant, or those with ambitions for power. This is a mistake, and you have seen the consequences of this recklessness.

You must repent to Allah, the Exalted, for you may not escape accountability before Him regarding the blood that has been shed, the honour that has been violated, and the wealth that has been stolen and plundered. So turn to Allah with a sincere repentance — may Allah bless you — for you bear the responsibility before Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, because you have participated with these people. Therefore, repent to Allah with a sincere repentance for what has happened to the rights of the Muslims… the oppressed. Then roll up your sleeves, for Allah accepts repentance. And roll up your sleeves in earnest pursuit of knowledge, and call upon your brothers who remain in the mountains to repent and return to Allah. Convey to them the likes of this.

An except from this video: https://youtu.be/2-IZRfLsxwY?si=xrNXOqvl3OgmTchk

The motivation behind sharing this excerpt stems from a conversation I had with Ustadh Zaid Khalid, may Allah preserve him, some time ago. We discussed how even senior scholars refer to their elders, during which he remembered this incident and provided me with this Youtube video.

Believer’s Bahaviour Towards Muslim Rulers – [Supplicates For Them….]

[23] Notification to Ahlul Bidah and The Mumayyi’ah: These Clarifications Are Coming Back!

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Categories, Contemporary Issues, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Scholars of Islam, Shirk, Sin, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

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

The one who abandons the truth or some of it will be tried with falsehood. This is the case with ahlul bidah. You will not find anyone who has abandoned some of the Sunnah that should be affirmed and acted upon, except that he falls into bidah. You will not find a person of Bidah except that he has abandoned something from the Sunnah, as reported in the narration “A people do not bring about a Bidah, except after abandoning something similar to it of the Sunnah”.

Allah, The Most High, said:

 فَنَسُواْ حَظًّ۬ا مِّمَّا ذُڪِّرُواْ بِهِۦ فَأَغۡرَيۡنَا بَيۡنَهُمُ ٱلۡعَدَاوَةَ وَٱلۡبَغۡضَآءَ

But they have abandoned a good part of the Message that was sent to them.  So We planted amongst them enmity and hatred. [Al-Maa’idah. 14]

After they abandoned a part of the message that was sent to them, they then held onto other than it, thus enmity and hatred occurred between them.

Allah said:

وَمَن يَعۡشُ عَن ذِكۡرِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ نُقَيِّضۡ لَهُ ۥ شَيۡطَـٰنً۬ا فَهُوَ لَهُ ۥ قَرِينٌ۬

And whosoever turns away (blinds himself) from the remembrance of the Most Beneficent (Allah) (i.e. this Qur’aan and worship of Allah), We appoint for him Shaitaan (Satan  devil) to be a Qareen (an intimate companion) to him. [Az-Zukhruf. 36]

Allah said:

فَإِمَّا يَأۡتِيَنَّڪُم مِّنِّى هُدً۬ى فَمَنِ ٱتَّبَعَ هُدَاىَ فَلَا يَضِلُّ وَلَا يَشۡقَىٰ

وَمَنۡ أَعۡرَضَ عَن ذِڪۡرِى فَإِنَّ لَهُ ۥ مَعِيشَةً۬ ضَنكً۬ا وَنَحۡشُرُهُ ۥ يَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ أَعۡمَىٰ

Then if there comes to you guidance from Me, then whoever follows My Guidance shall neither go astray, nor fall into distress and misery.  But whosoever turns away from My Reminder (i.e. neither believes in this Qur’aan nor acts on its orders, etc.) verily, for him is a life of hardship, and We shall raise him up blind on the Day of Resurrection. [Ta Ha 123-124]

Allah said:

ٱتَّبِعُواْ مَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيۡكُم مِّن رَّبِّكُمۡ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُواْ مِن دُونِهِۦۤ أَوۡلِيَآءَ‌ۗ قَلِيلاً۬ مَّا تَذَكَّرُونَ

Follow what has been sent down unto you from your Lord (the Qur’aan and Prophet Muhammad’s Sunnah), and follow not any Auliyaa’ (protectors and helpers, etc. who order you to associate partners in worship with Allah), besides Him (Allah). Little do you remember! [Al-A’raaf. 3]

They have been commanded to follow what has been sent down, and prohibited from that which is in opposition to it, which is to follow protectors and helpers besides Him (Allah). Therefore, whoever does not follow one of them will follow the other. This is why Allah said:

وَمَن يُشَاقِقِ ٱلرَّسُولَ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ مَا تَبَيَّنَ لَهُ ٱلۡهُدَىٰ وَيَتَّبِعۡ غَيۡرَ سَبِيلِ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ نُوَلِّهِۦ مَا تَوَلَّىٰ وَنُصۡلِهِۦ جَهَنَّمَ‌ۖ وَسَآءَتۡ مَصِيرًا

And whoever contradicts and opposes the Messenger (Muhammad) after the right path has been shown clearly to him, and follows other than the believers’ way [i.e. the Sahabah]; we shall keep him in the path he has chosen, and burn him in Hell – what an evil destination. [An-Nisaa. 115]

The scholars state:

“The one who does not follow their path [i.e. the path of the Sahabah] will follow other than their path”.

They utilise this as proof (to show) that it is obligatory to follow their path.  And it is not for anyone to leave that which they are agreed upon. [end of quote] [1]

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

“Bidah is associated with splitting just as the Sunnah is associated with the Jama’ah, thus, it is said Ahlus Sunnah Wal-Jama’ah just as it is said Ahlul Furqah Wal Bidah”. [2]

[1] An Excerpt from “Adwaa Min Fatawa 2/864’. By Mufti, Al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzan, may Allah preserve him.

[2] al-Istiqamah 1/41

 

empty concrete road covered surrounded by tall tress with sun rays

Hope, Repentance, Reform, and the Embrace of Allah’s Acceptance

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Mental Health, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Repentance, Scholars of Islam, Shirk, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah', Zuhd (Abstinence).

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

وَٱلَّذِينَ إِذَا فَعَلُواْ فَـٰحِشَةً أَوۡ ظَلَمُوٓاْ أَنفُسَہُمۡ ذَكَرُواْ ٱللَّهَ فَٱسۡتَغۡفَرُواْ لِذُنُوبِهِمۡ وَمَن يَغۡفِرُ ٱلذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا ٱللَّهُ وَلَمۡ يُصِرُّواْ عَلَىٰ مَا فَعَلُواْ وَهُمۡ يَعۡلَمُونَ

And those who, when they have committed an immoral act or wronged themselves with evil, remember Allah and ask forgiveness for their sins; – and none can forgive sins but Allah – and do not persist in what they have done, while they know. [Aal Imran. 135]

وَٱلَّذِينَ إِذَا فَعَلُواْ فَـٰحِشَةً أَوۡ ظَلَمُوٓاْ أَنفُسَہُمۡ ذَكَرُواْ ٱللَّهَ فَٱسۡتَغۡفَرُواْ لِذُنُوبِهِمۡ

“And those who, when they have committed an immoral act or wronged themselves with evil, remember Allah and ask forgiveness for their sins”.

Meaning: When they commit sins, they return to Allah in repentance and seek His protection from the evil consequences that might reach them in future due to their evil deeds, and seek forgiveness for the evil deeds which they have already committed.

وَلَمۡ يُصِرُّواْ عَلَىٰ مَا فَعَلُواْ وَهُمۡ يَعۡلَمُونَ

“And do not persist in what (wrong) they have done, while they know”.

Meaning: They repent from their sin, turn to Allaah in repentance soon afterwards, refrain from persisting upon disobedience and they know that Allah forgives whoever repents.

أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ جَزَآؤُهُم مَّغۡفِرَةٌ۬ مِّن رَّبِّهِمۡ وَجَنَّـٰتٌ۬ تَجۡرِى مِن تَحۡتِهَا ٱلۡأَنۡہَـٰرُ خَـٰلِدِينَ فِيہَا‌ۚ وَنِعۡمَ أَجۡرُ ٱلۡعَـٰمِلِينَ

For such, the reward is Forgiveness from their Lord, and Gardens with rivers flowing underneath (Paradise), wherein they shall abide forever. How excellent is this reward for the doers (who do righteous deeds according to Allah’s Orders). [1] And they know that persisting upon sin is harmful and abandoning it is a foremost obligation. [2]

When they commit evil deeds -be it major or minor- they hasten towards repentance, seek forgiveness, remember their Lord, the promise given to the disobedient ones and the promise given to those who fear Him, thus, they ask for forgiveness, ask Allah to hide their faults, stop committing the sins and are regretful. And due to this, Allah said about them:

أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ جَزَآؤُهُم مَّغۡفِرَةٌ۬ مِّن رَّبِّهِمۡ وَجَنَّـٰتٌ۬ تَجۡرِى مِن تَحۡتِهَا ٱلۡأَنۡہَـٰرُ خَـٰلِدِينَ فِيہَا‌ۚ وَنِعۡمَ أَجۡرُ ٱلۡعَـٰمِلِينَ

For such, the reward is Forgiveness from their Lord, and Gardens with rivers flowing underneath (Paradise), wherein they shall abide forever. How excellent is this reward for the doers (who do righteous deeds according to Allah’s Orders)]. [3]

Allah, The Most High, said:

إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يَكۡتُمُونَ مَآ أَنزَلۡنَا مِنَ ٱلۡبَيِّنَـٰتِ وَٱلۡهُدَىٰ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ مَا بَيَّنَّـٰهُ لِلنَّاسِ فِى ٱلۡكِتَـٰبِ‌ۙ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ يَلۡعَنُہُمُ ٱللَّهُ وَيَلۡعَنُہُمُ ٱللَّـٰعِنُونَ

إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ تَابُواْ وَأَصۡلَحُواْ وَبَيَّنُواْ فَأُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ أَتُوبُ عَلَيۡہِمۡ‌ۚ وَأَنَا ٱلتَّوَّابُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ

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. Except those who repent and do righteous deeds, and openly declare [the truth which they concealed]. These, I will accept their repentance. And I am the One Who accepts repentance, the Most Merciful. [Al-Baqarah. 159-160]

Abu Salih reported from Ibn Abbas who said:

This Ayah was revealed regarding the leaders of the Yahud, (who) concealed the Bayyinat and the Huda, which Allah revealed in the Tawrat. The Bayyinat are the (rulings) on what is lawful and unlawful, the prescribed punishments and the obligations. And Huda [in this Ayah] is the description of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and his characteristics.

أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ يَلۡعَنُہُمُ ٱللَّهُ وَيَلۡعَنُہُمُ ٱللَّـٰعِنُون

They (i.e. those who conceal the proofs) are the ones cursed by Allah and cursed by the cursers.

إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ تَابُواْ وَأَصۡلَحُواْ وَبَيَّنُواْ فَأُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ أَتُوبُ عَلَيۡہِمۡ‌ۚ وَأَنَا ٱلتَّوَّابُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ

“Except those who repent and do righteous deeds, and openly declare (the truth which they concealed). These, I will accept their repentance. And I am the One Who accepts repentance, the Most Merciful”.

Ibn Mas’ud said: Except those Yahud who repent, rectify their deeds and make known the characteristics of Allah’s Messengers that are mentioned in their book. [4]

Allah, The Most High, said:

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ تُوبُوٓاْ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ تَوۡبَةً۬ نَّصُوحًا عَسَىٰ رَبُّكُمۡ أَن يُكَفِّرَ عَنكُمۡ سَيِّـَٔاتِكُمۡ وَيُدۡخِلَڪُمۡ جَنَّـٰتٍ۬ تَجۡرِى مِن تَحۡتِهَا ٱلۡأَنۡهَـٰرُ يَوۡمَ لَا يُخۡزِى ٱللَّهُ ٱلنَّبِىَّ وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ مَعَهُ ۥ‌ۖ نُورُهُمۡ يَسۡعَىٰ بَيۡنَ أَيۡدِيہِمۡ وَبِأَيۡمَـٰنِہِمۡ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَآ أَتۡمِمۡ لَنَا نُورَنَا وَٱغۡفِرۡ لَنَآ‌ۖ إِنَّكَ عَلَىٰ ڪُلِّ شَىۡءٍ۬ قَدِيرٌ۬

O you who believe! Turn to Allah with sincere repentance! It may be that your Lord will remit from you your sins, and admit you into Gardens under which rivers flow [Paradise] the Day that Allah will not disgrace the Prophet [Muhammad] and those who believe with him, their Light will run forward before them and with [their Records Books of deeds] in their right hands they will say: ‘’Our Lord! Keep perfect our Light for us [and do not put it off till we cross over the Siraat (a slippery bridge over the Hell) safely] and grant us forgiveness. Verily, You are Able to do all things.’’

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ تُوبُوٓاْ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ تَوۡبَةً۬ نَّصُوحًا

“O you who believe! Turn to Allah with sincere repentance”.

Umar Ibn Khattab said:

Sincere repentance is that a person repents from sins and reminds himself not to return to sinning. Al-Hasan Al-Basri was asked about sincere repentance, he said: “It is regret (felt in) the heart, asking for forgiveness with the tongue, the limbs refrain from sinning and being cautious of returning to sin”. Ibn Mas’ud said: ‘’Sincere repentance expiates every evil deed”, then he recited the Ayah ah [i.e. Ayah 8 Surah At-Tahreem] [5]

Shaqeeq Al-Balkhi said:

“The signs of repentance are: Weeping over what has preceded, fear of falling into sin (again), keeping way from evil companions and accompanying the good people”. [6]

Allah, The Most High, said:

إِنَّ ٱلۡمُنَـٰفِقِينَ فِى ٱلدَّرۡكِ ٱلۡأَسۡفَلِ مِنَ ٱلنَّارِ وَلَن تَجِدَ لَهُمۡ نَصِيرًا

إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ تَابُواْ وَأَصۡلَحُواْ وَٱعۡتَصَمُواْ بِٱللَّهِ وَأَخۡلَصُواْ دِينَهُمۡ لِلَّهِ فَأُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ مَعَ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ‌ۖ وَسَوۡفَ يُؤۡتِ ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ أَجۡرًا عَظِيمً۬ا

مَّا يَفۡعَلُ ٱللَّهُ بِعَذَابِڪُمۡ إِن شَكَرۡتُمۡ وَءَامَنتُمۡ‌ۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ شَاڪِرًا عَلِيمً۬ا

Verily, the hyprocrites will be in the lowest depths of the Fire and no helper will you find for them; except those who repent, act righteously, hold fast to Allaah and purify their religion for the sake of Allaah, then they will be with the believers. And Allah will grant to the believers a great reward. Why should Allah punish you if you have thanked [Him] and have believed in Him. And Allah is Ever All-Appreciative [of good], All-Knowing. [An-Nisaa. 145-147]

إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ تَابُواْ

“Except those who repent”.

Meaning: Except those who repent from hypocrisy.

وَأَصۡلَحُواْ

“And act righteously”.

Meaning: Rectify their deeds after repenting.

وَٱعۡتَصَمُواْ

“An hold fast to Allah”

Meaning: Adhere to the religion ordained by Allah.

وَأَخۡلَصُواْ دِينَهُمۡ لِلَّهِ

“And purify their religion for the sake of Allah”.

Meaning: The religion of Islam- sincerely adhere to it and keep away from shirk; act sincerely and removed from the filth of Nifaq [hypocrisy] and Riyaa [showing off].

فَأُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ مَعَ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ‌ۖ وَسَوۡفَ يُؤۡتِ ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ أَجۡرًا عَظِيمً۬ا

“Then they will be with the believers. And Allah will grant to the believers a great reward”.

مَّا يَفۡعَلُ ٱللَّهُ بِعَذَابِڪُمۡ إِن شَكَرۡتُمۡ وَءَامَنتُمۡ‌ۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ شَاڪِرًا عَلِيمً۬ا

“Why should Allah punish you if you have thanked (Him) and have believed in Him. And Allah is Ever All-Appreciative (of good), All-Knowing”. [7]

[1] An Excerpt from ‘Al-Misbaah Al-Muneer Fee Tahdheeb Tafseer Ibn Katheer’.

[2] An Excerpt from Zad Al-Maseer Fee Ilm at- Tafseer’.

[3] An Excerpt from ‘Tayseer al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam al-Mannaan’.

[4]: An Excerpt from ‘Zad Al-Maseer Fee Ilm at-Tafseer’.

[5] An Excerpt from Zad Al-Maseer Fee Ilm at-Tafseer’.

[6] Nazha Al-Fudalaa 711.

[7] An Excerpt from Zad Al-Maseer Fee Ilm at-Tafseer’.

Hearts Granted Tranquillity and Purpose Recalled Through the Remembrance of the All-Mighty

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allah, The Exalted, said:

ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَتَطْمَئِنُّ قُلُوبُهُم بِذِكْرِ ٱللَّهِ أَلَا بِذِكْرِ ٱللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ ٱلْقُلُوبُ

Those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah – Islamic Monotheism), and whose hearts find rest in the remembrance of Allah, Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest. [Al-Rad 28]

Allah said:

ٱللَّهُ نَزَّلَ أَحْسَنَ ٱلْحَدِيثِ كِتَٰبًا مُّتَشَٰبِهًا مَّثَانِىَ تَقْشَعِرُّ مِنْهُ جُلُودُ ٱلَّذِينَ يَخْشَوْنَ رَبَّهُمْ ثُمَّ تَلِينُ جُلُودُهُمْ وَقُلُوبُهُمْ إِلَىٰ ذِكْرِ ٱللَّهِ ذَٰلِكَ هُدَى ٱللَّهِ يَهْدِى بِهِۦ مَن يَشَآءُ وَمَن يُضْلِلِ ٱللَّهُ فَمَا لَهُۥ مِنْ هَادٍ

Allah has sent down the best statement, a Book (this Quran), its parts resembling each other in goodness and truth, oft-repeated. The skins of those who fear their Lord shiver from it (when they recite it or hear it). Then their skin and their heart soften to the remembrance of Allah. That is the guidance of Allah. He Guides therewith whom He pleases and whomever Allah sends astray, for him there is no guide. [Al-Zumar 23]

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

The religion is based on two matters: remembrance of Allah, which necessitates having knowledge and awareness of Allah, and being grateful to Him, which necessitates obedience to Him through acts of worship and (refraining from disobedience). This is the purpose behind the creation of the Jinn, mankind, the heavens and the earth- the reason for which reward and punishment are determined, (the reason for which) Allah revealed the Books and sent the Messengers. It is the truth for which the heavens, the earth and what is between them were created, and what is in opposition to it is falsehood, such as the assumption held by the enemies of Allah that there is no purpose behind the creation [free is Allah from what they attribute to Him].

Allah, The Most High, said:

وَمَا خَلَقۡنَا ٱلسَّمَآءَ وَٱلۡأَرۡضَ وَمَا بَيۡنَہُمَا بَـٰطِلاً۬‌ۚ ذَٲلِكَ ظَنُّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ‌ۚ

And We created not the heaven and the earth and all that is between them without purpose! That is the assumption of those who disbelieve!]

Allah, The Most High, said:

وَمَا خَلَقۡنَا ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضَ وَمَا بَيۡنَہُمَا لَـٰعِبِينَ
مَا خَلَقۡنَـٰهُمَآ إِلَّا بِٱلۡحَقِّ

And We created not the heavens and the earth, and all that is between them, for mere play; We created them not except with truth (i.e. to examine and test those who are obedient and those who are disobedient and then reward the obedient ones and punish the disobedient ones).

Allah, The Most High, said:

وَمَا خَلَقۡنَا ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضَ وَمَا بَيۡنَہُمَآ إِلَّا بِٱلۡحَقِّ‌ۗ وَإِنَّ ٱلسَّاعَةَ لَأَتِيَةٌ۬‌ۖ

And We created not the heavens and the earth and all that is between them except with truth, and the Hour is surely coming…

Allah, The Most High, said:

مَا خَلَقَ ٱللَّهُ ذَٲلِكَ إِلَّا بِٱلۡحَقِّ‌ۚ

Allah did not create this but in truth.

Allah, The Most High, said:

أَيَحۡسَبُ ٱلۡإِنسَـٰنُ أَن يُتۡرَكَ سُدًى

Does man think that he will be left Suda [neglected without being punished or rewarded for the obligatory duties enjoined by his Lord (Allah) on him]?”

Allah, The Most High, said:

أَفَحَسِبۡتُمۡ أَنَّمَا خَلَقۡنَـٰكُمۡ عَبَثً۬ا وَأَنَّكُمۡ إِلَيۡنَا لَا تُرۡجَعُونَ

Did you think that We had created you in play (without any purpose), and that you would not be brought back to Us?”

Allah, The Most High, said:

وَمَا خَلَقۡتُ ٱلۡجِنَّ وَٱلۡإِنسَ إِلَّا لِيَعۡبُدُونِ

And I (Allah) created not the jinns and humans except they should worship Me (Alone)

Allah, The Most High, said:

ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ سَبۡعَ سَمَـٰوَٲتٍ۬ وَمِنَ ٱلۡأَرۡضِ مِثۡلَهُنَّ يَتَنَزَّلُ ٱلۡأَمۡرُ بَيۡنَہُنَّ لِتَعۡلَمُوٓاْ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىۡءٍ۬ قَدِيرٌ۬ وَأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ قَدۡ أَحَاطَ بِكُلِّ شَىۡءٍ عِلۡمَۢا

It is Allah Who has created seven heavens and of the earth the like thereof (i.e. seven). His Command descends between them (heavens and earth), that you may know that Allah has power over all things and that Allah surrounds (comprehends) all things in (His) Knowledge.

Therefore, based on what has (already) been mentioned, it has been established that the purpose behind the creation and the Command is so that Allah is remembered and thanked. Allah is to be remembered and not forgotten, and He should be thanked and not shown ingratitude. Allah [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections] acknowledges the one who remembers Him, and He is Ready to appreciate good deeds and to recompense the one who is grateful to Him. Remembrance of Allah is the reason Allah acknowledges the one who does so. Being grateful to Allah is the reason why a person is given an increase in blessings and favours. Remembrance of Allah is to be carried out with the heart and tongue; gratitude is to be carried out with one’s heart- out of love for Allah and constantly turning to Him in repentance and obedience with true faith [Islamic Monotheism]. Extolling and praising Him is to be carried out with one’s tongue and being obedient to Him (by performing acts of obedience). [An Excerpt from Al-Fawa’id 192-194]

One of the benefits of Dhikr is that it is a reason behind one being declared truthful by Allah, because indeed the one who remembers Allah [is in reality] speaking about Allah’s Perfect Attributes and Exalted Characteristics. So, when a person speaks about [Allah’s Perfect Attributes and Exalted Characteristics], Allah declares that what he [i.e. the person] says is true, and whoever is declared truthful by Allah will not be resurrected with the liars; instead, is hoped that he will be resurrected with the truthful ones. Abee Ishaq narrated from Al-Aghar Bin Muslim who bore witness that Abu Hurairah and Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudree, may Allah be pleased with them, said that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

“When the servant says, ‘Laa ilaaha illal-laah Wa Allahu Akbar “None has the right to be worshipped except Allah and Allah is the Most Great”, Allah says, ‘My servant has spoken the truth; none has the right to be worshipped except I, and I am the Most Great.’ When he says, “Laa ilaaha Illal laahu Wahdahu “None has the right to be worshipped except Allah alone”, Allah says, ‘My servant has spoken the truth; none has the right to be worshipped except I, alone.’ When he says, “Laa ilaha Ilal laah, laa Shareekalahu “None has the right to be worshipped except Allaah, He has no partner or (associate)”, Allah says, ‘My servant has spoken the truth; none has the right to be worshipped except I, and I have no partner (or associate).’ When he says, “Laa ilaaha illal laah, lahul Mulku Wa lahul Hamdu “None has the right to be worshipped except Allah, all dominion is His and all praise is to Him”,’ Allah says, ‘My servant has spoken the truth; none has the right to be worshipped except I, all dominion is Mine and all praise is due to Me.’ When he says: “Laa ilaaha illal laa, laa hawla wa la quwwata illaa billah “None has the right to be worshipped except Allah and there is no power and nor strength (given to anything to move or alternate from one state to another except by the will of) Allah”, Allah says, ‘My servant has spoken the truth; none has the right to be worshipped except I, and there is no power and nor strength (given to anything to move or alternate from one state to another except by My Will).’ One of the narrators Abu Ishaq said: “Then Agharr said something that I did not understand. I said to Abu Jafar: ‘What did he say?’ He said: ‘Whoever is blessed with (the ability to say) them [i.e. these words] at the time of death, the Fire will not touch him.'” [Sunan Ibn Maajah. Number 3794. Sunan Tirmidhee 3430. As-Sahihah. Number 1390]

From the benefits of Dhikr is that profuse remembrance of Allah is a safeguard against hypocrisy, for indeed the hypocrites remember Allah very little. Allah said about the hypocrites: [وَلَا يَذۡكُرُونَ ٱللَّهَ إِلَّا قَلِيلاً۬  – And they do not remember Allah but little]. [An-Nisaa 142]
Ka’b said: “Whoever remembers Allah, The Mighty and Majestic, a lot, he will be free from hypocrisy.’’ And perhaps this is why Allah ended Surah Al-Munaafiqoon with the statement:

 يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا تُلۡهِكُمۡ أَمۡوَٲلُكُمۡ وَلَآ أَوۡلَـٰدُڪُمۡ عَن ذِڪۡرِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ وَمَن يَفۡعَلۡ ذَٲلِكَ فَأُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ هُمُ ٱلۡخَـٰسِرُونَ

O you who believe! Let not your properties or your children divert you from the remembrance of Allah. And whosoever does that, then they are the losers]. [Al-Munaafiqoon. 9]

This is because (the Ayah) contains a warning against the Fitna of the hypocrites, who are heedless of Allah’s remembrance, thus fall into hypocrisy. Little remembrance of Allah is one of the signs of hypocrisy, therefore profuse remembrance of Allah is a safeguard against hypocrisy.

From the benefits of Dhikr is that it is a healing for the hearts and a remedy for its diseases. Mak’hool Bin Abdillah said, “Mentioning Allah is a remedy [i.e. it purifies the heart] and mentioning the people [i.e. by way of impermissible speech] is a disease”. Also Dhikr removes hardness of the heart, for there is a hardness in the heart that cannot go away except through Dhikr. A man came to Hasan Al-Basri and said, “O Abu Sa’eed! I complain to you about the hardness of my heart”, he said, “Expel it through remembrance of Allah.”

From the benefits of Dhikr is that Allah will be a close ally of the one who remembers Him. Allah will love, support and grant him Tawfeeq [i.e. guide him and enable him to act upon that guidance], just as Allah said:

إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ مَعَ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّقَواْ وَّٱلَّذِينَ هُم مُّحۡسِنُونَ

Truly, Allah is with those who fear Him (i.e. He grants them aid and assistance (1), and those who are Muhsinoon (good-doers). [An-Nahl. 128]

Allah said:

وَٱللَّهُ مَعَ ٱلصَّـٰبِرِينَ

And Allah is with the patient ones (i.e. He grants them aid and assistance. (2) [Al-Baqarah. 249]

Allah said: [وَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَمَعَ ٱلۡمُحۡسِنِينَ – And verily, Allah is with the good doers (i.e. He grants them aid and assistance (3). [Al-Ankabut. 69]

The one who remembers Allah has a great share of this, just as it has been reported in a Hadith Qudsee: “Allah says: ‘I am with My slave  when he remembers Me and his lips move while mentioning Me. [i.e. I grant him aid, assistance, help, guide and grant him the ability to act upon that guidance”. (4) [Ibn Maajah 3792]

From the benefits of Dhikr is that it brings about blessings [or bounties] and repels vengeance. There’s nothing that earns a person blessing and repels vengeance in a manner [more effective] than remembrance of Allah. Allaah said: [إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُدَٲفِعُ عَنِ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ‌ۗ   – Truly, Allah defends those who believe]. [Al-Hajj 38]

Allah’s defence for a person is based on the strength of the person’s Iman and its perfection, and the essence of Iman and its strength is remembrance of Allah. So whoever’s Iman is more perfect and his remembrance (of Allah) is more, his share will be greater [i.e. he’ll receive more protection from Allah].

An Excerpt from “Fiqh Al-Ad’iyah Wal Ad’kar 1/ 22-24. By Shaikh Abdur Razzaq Al-Badr, may Allah preserve him

 

Refs 1, 2 & 3: Zad Al-Maseer Fee Ilm at-Tafsir

Ref 4: Shurooh Sunan Ibn Majah Ad-Dehlawiy…Page1376. Kitab Al-Adab