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Children do not Forget Their Early Lessons and Advice – Shaykh Al-‘Uthaymin

Written by Amjad Khan on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Articles, Basics, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Family & Women, Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

Al-‘Allaamah Ibn ‘Uthaymin (رحمه الله تعالى) said:

“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

“O young boy, say Bismillah, and eat with your right hand.”

Know that when manners and etiquettes are taught to a child at a young age, they are not easily forgotten. A child will not forget what you teach him while he is young. However, when he grows older, it is possible that he may forget what you taught him, or even show some resistance. But whilst he is still young, he is more likely to be responsive and accepting of what you teach him.”

Sharh Riyadh as-Salihin, vol. 3, p. 172

Clarification regarding Tijaniyyah – By Al-Allamah Abdur Rahman Ifreeqee – Part 1

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Basics, Bid'ah (Innovation), Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Shirk, Sin, Sufis, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Al-Allamah Abdur Rahman Al-Afreeqee, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated:

He (i.e. Ahmad Tijani) said in Jawaahir Al-Ma’aanee: Indeed a single utterance of ‘Salatul Faatiha’ is equal to every ‘Tasbeeh’ (i.e. to say Subhaanallaah) that takes place in the ‘kawn’ (i.e. the entire existence or universe). [Source: Jawaahir Al-Ma’aanee page: 96.طبع مطبعة التقدم العلمية الطبعة الأولى]

Response to the above claim of Ahmad Tijani:

Then Al-Allaamah Abdur Rahman stated:

I think the one who uttered this speech is not really aware who Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is! He is not really aware of what Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was sent with and why Muhammad was sent.

Indeed the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, definitely fulfilled the trust he was entrusted with; conveyed the message and strove in the path of Allah until he passed away.  He is the seal of the Prophets and the legislation (in belief and acts of worship) he conveyed abrogates every other law until the day of judgement. There is no human being who has ever brought anything similar to what the Messenger Muhammad  brought after he left this world. Whoever claims that there is a revelation or that he has received revelation after Muhammad, then indeed this is the greatest lie against Allah.  Allah, The Most High, said:

وَلَا تَقُولُواْ لِمَا تَصِفُ أَلۡسِنَتُڪُمُ ٱلۡكَذِبَ هَـٰذَا حَلَـٰلٌ۬ وَهَـٰذَا حَرَامٌ۬ لِّتَفۡتَرُواْ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ٱلۡكَذِبَ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يَفۡتَرُونَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ٱلۡكَذِبَ لَا يُفۡلِحُونَ
مَتَـٰعٌ۬ قَلِيلٌ۬ وَلَهُمۡ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ۬

And say not concerning that which your tongues put forth falsely: “This is lawful and this is forbidden,” so as to invent lies against Allah. Verily, those who invent lies against Allah will never prosper.  A passing brief enjoyment (will be theirs), but they will have a painful torment.’’ [An-Nahl. 116-117]

The Prophet said:
وخير ما قلت أنا والنبيون من قبلي: لا إله إلا الله وحده لا شريك له، له الملك وله الحمد وهو على كل شيء قدير

And the best thing said by me and the previous prophets is: ”There is no deity worthy of worship other than Allah, who is alone, having no partner. His is the dominion, and to Him belongs all praise. He is, of everything, All-Capable.”  [Silsilah As-Sahihah. Number: 1503]

Therefore, will anyone with a sound intellect affirm that a single utterance of Salatul Fatiha is better than a single Dhikr that has been transmitted from the Prophet with an authentic chain of transmission, let alone all the Adhkaar (supplications) that take place in the Kawn (i.e. the entire existence or universe)?  Do you not use your intellects?! O people! Did they [Adam, Nuh, Musaa, Eesaa and Muhammad (peace be upon them)] not used to remember Allaah? So is the innovator of this Tareeqah Tijaaniyyah better than these Prophets?

He (i.e. Ahmad Tijaani) stated in Al-Ifaadah (page: 80): ”Whoever does not believe that it (i.e. Salatul Fatihah) is from the Qur’aan will not receive a reward from it [i.e. he or she will not be rewarded for reciting Salatul Fatiha]”.

So we say: Whoever believes that (Salatul Fatiha) is from the Qur’an, then indeed he has committed clear disbelief because revelation is not sent down except to a Prophet. We do not find this (Salatul Fatiha) in the Qur’an; rather not even in a fabricated hadeeth attributed to Allah’s Messenger.  Is the one to whom ‘Salatul Fatiha’ was revealed a Prophet or a Wali?  If he is a Wali, then revelation is never sent down to a Wali.

The people in this Tijani path are two types of people: The first group: If they believe that ‘Salatul Fatiha’ is from the Qur’an, then indeed they have exited the fold of Islam. (I) The second group: If they believe that ‘Salatul Fatiha’ is not from the Qur’an, then indeed they have exited from their Tijani path because there is no reward in it. (1)

Footnote I: Principles regarding Takfeer (i.e. the principles applied by upright scholars before removing a Muslim from the fold of Islam due to deviation.

http://www.salafipublications.com/sps/sp.cfm?secID=MNJ&subsecID=MNJ09&loadpage=displaysubsection.cfm ]

Knowledge of The Unseen – A Brief Rebuttal Against All The Extremist Sufis

Neither Do the Prophets, Messengers and Angels Possess Knowledge of Unseen nor Does Allah Reveal the Unseen to Anyone Else, Except What He Wishes to Inform the Prophets and Messengers

Allah (The Most High) said: [وَعِنْدَهُ مَفَاتِحُ الْغَيْبِ لَا يَعْلَمُهَا إِلَّا هُوَ – And with Him are the keys of the Ghaib (all that is hidden), none knows them but He].

In his explanation of the above Ayah, Imaam Ash-Shanqeetee, may Allah have mercy upon him, brought a number of robust proofs to demonstrate and establish that even the most knowledgeable amongst the creation- Allah’s Messengers and Angels-do not posses knowledge of the Unseen. The Imam, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Proof A: Aa’isha (may Allah be pleased with her] was falsely accused and the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] did not know whether she was innocent or not until Allah informed him, saying: [ أُولَٰئِكَ مُبَرَّءُونَ مِمَّا يَقُولُونَ- ‘Such (good people) are innocent of (each and every) bad statement which they say].

Proof B: Prophet Ibrahim, peace be upon him,  slaughtered a lamb for the angels, whilst not knowing that they were angels until they informed him that they were angels. Allah said that the angels said to him: [إِنَّا أُرْسِلْنَا إِلَىٰ قَوْمِ لُوطٍ    – We have been sent against the people of Lout (Lot). (11:70)]

Proof C: When the angels came to Prophet Lut (peace be upon him), he did not know that they were angels, and due to that Allah said: [عَصِيبٌ سِيءَ بِهِمْ وَضَاقَ بِهِمْ ذَرْعًا وَقَالَ هَٰذَا يَوْمٌ – He was grieved on their account and felt himself straitened for them (lest the town people should approach them to commit lewdness with them). He said: This is a distressful day]. And because of this Allah said that lut said: [لَوْ أَنَّ لِي بِكُمْ قُوَّةً أَوْ آوِي إِلَىٰ رُكْنٍ شَدِيدٍ  – Would that I had strength (men) to overpower you, or that I could betake myself to some powerful support (to resist you). (11:80)]. He did not know the news the angels brought until they said to him: [إِنَّا رُسُلُ رَبِّكَ لَنْ يَصِلُوا إِلَيْكَ – Verily, we are the Messengers from your Lord!]

Proof D: Prophet Ya’qub, peace be upon him, lost his eye sight due to grieving for Yusuf (peace be upon him), whilst he was in Egypt.  He did not know anything about Yusuf until Allah reveal news about him.

Proof E: Prophet Sulayman (peace be upon him), even though Allah gave him authority over the devils and subjugated the wind in his service, did not know about the people Bilqees until the Hud-hud came with news about them. Allah said that the Hud-hud said: [أَحَطْتُ بِمَا لَمْ تُحِطْ بِهِ وَجِئْتُكَ مِنْ سَبَإٍ بِنَبَإٍ يَقِينٍ  – I have grasped (the knowledge of a thing) which you have not grasped and I have come to you from Saba’ (Sheba) with true news].

Proof F: Prophet Nuh (peace be upon him) did not know that his son – who was drowned- was not from those members of his household who were to be saved, as Allah said that Nuh said: [رَبِّ إِنَّ ابْنِي مِنْ أَهْلِي وَإِنَّ وَعْدَكَ الْحَقُّ   – O my Lord! Verily, my son is of my family! And certainly, Your Promise is true.(11:45)]

He did not know the reality of the affair until Allah informed him, saying:

[بِهِ عِلْمٌ ۖ إِنِّي أَعِظُكَ أَنْ تَكُونَ مِنَ الْجَاهِلِينَ قَالَ يَا نُوحُ إِنَّهُ لَيْسَ مِنْ أَهْلِكَ ۖ إِنَّهُ عَمَلٌ غَيْرُ صَالِحٍ ۖ فَلَا تَسْأَلْنِ مَا لَيْسَ لَكَ  – He said: “O Nuh (Noah)! Surely, he is not of your family; verily, his work is unrighteous, so ask not of Me that of which you have no knowledge! I admonish you, lest you be one of the ignorant].

And indeed Allah (The Most High) also stated in Surah Hud about Nuh that he said to his people: [وَلَا أَقُولُ لَكُمْ عِنْدِي خَزَائِنُ اللَّهِ وَلَا أَعْلَمُ الْغَيْبَ -And I do not say to you that with me are the Treasures of Allah, “Nor that I know the Ghaib (unseen)].

Proof G: And when Allah said to the Angels:  [هَٰؤُلَاءِ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ صَادِقِينَ أَنْبِئُونِي بِأَسْمَاءِ -Tell Me the names of these if you are truthful]; Allah said that the angels replied: [قَالُوا سُبْحَانَكَ لَا عِلْمَ لَنَا إِلَّا مَا عَلَّمْتَنَا  -They (angels) said: “Glory be to You, we have no knowledge except what you have taught us.

Therefore, it is very clear that the most knowledgeable amongst the creation, the Messengers and the Angels, do not know anything of the unseen except what Allah makes known to them. Allah (The Most High) informs His Messengers what He wishes from the knowledge of the Unseen, as Allah stated:

[وَمَا كَانَ اللَّهُ لِيُطْلِعَكُمْ عَلَى الْغَيْبِ وَلَٰكِنَّ اللَّهَ يَجْتَبِي مِنْ رُسُلِهِ مَنْ يَشَاءُ ۖ- Nor will Allah disclose to you the secrets of the Ghaib (unseen), but Allah chooses of His Messengers whom He pleases].

And Allah said: [إِلَّا مَنِ ارْتَضَىٰ مِنْ رَسُولٍ  عَالِمُ الْغَيْبِ فَلَا يُظْهِرُ عَلَىٰ غَيْبِهِ أَحَد- (He Alone) the All-Knower of the Gha’ib (unseen), and He reveals to none His Gha’ib (unseen).” Except to a Messenger (from mankind)…(2)

[1] An Excerpt from ‘Al-Anwaar Ar-Rahmaaniyyah Li-Hidaayah Al-Firqah At-Tijaaniyyah. Pages 14-16]
[2] An Excerpt from ‘Tafseer Al-Qur’aan Bil-Qur’aan Min Adwaa Al-Bayaan’ pages 169-170’ Daar Hady An-Nabawiy’ 2nd ed. (1431AH -2010)]

Sects

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Bid'ah (Innovation), Contemporary Issues, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Refutations, Sin, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Uncategorized.

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

Hafs Bin Humaid, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: I said to Abdullah Ibn Al- Mubarak, may Allah have mercy upon him, “How many sects has this Ummah spilt into?” He said, “The foundation of the sects are four: The shia, the haruriyyah (i.e. khawaarij), the qadariyyah and the murji’ah. The shia split into twenty-two sects, the haruriyyah split into twenty-one sects, the qadariyyah split into sixteen sects and the murji’ah split into thirteen sects. (1)

The Druze

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

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

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

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

They are associated with the Qaramitah and the Batiniyyah, whose disbelief is more severe than that of the Jews, Christians, and the polytheists of Arabia. Their ultimate affair is philosophers in the path of Aristotle and his ilk, or Magians. Their statements are based on the statements of the philosophers and the Magians. (2)

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

The Druze are ones among the people who hide the most what they are upon, concealing their religion and not making it very clear to the people. There are not aligned with the Muslims, while they feign that they are not non-Muslims, (but) what is well known is that they are polytheists and worshippers of the (Fatimid) Ubaidi ruler. They are no aligned with the Muslims and what is apparent is that they are not aligned with the Muslims. What is well known to the one who knows them is that they are not Muslims and they do not adhere to Islam as their religion. They engage in acts of worship that are outside of what the Muslims are upon and they are associated with (or connected) to the well known (Fatimid) Ubaidi ruler. This is what those familiar with them have stated. However, advising them is important – advising, calling them to the path of Allah, guiding them to good and teaching them what benefits them, hoping that Allah guides them….(3) [Footnote b] 

Sects of The Yahud

Some-Deviated-Sects-Amongst-Banee-Israaeel-And-The-One-That-Resembled-The-Khawaarij-In-Fanaticism-Extremism-and-Violence.pdf
https://salafidawahmanchester.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Some-Deviated-Sects-Amongst-Banee-Israaeel-And-The-One-That-Resembled-The-Khawaarij-In-Fanaticism-Extremism-and-Violence.pdf

_______________________________

Footnote a:

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

Footnote b:All in the fire except one
https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2024/12/28/all-in-the-fire-except-one/

[1]Al-Ibaanah of Ibn Battah 1/379-380

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

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

Reflections on some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali 88

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Repentance, Scholars of Islam, 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

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 As-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: 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 says: 

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 disbelievers. 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 Ustaadh Zaid Khalid, may Allah preserve him, on Monday. We discussed how even senior scholars refer their elders, during which he recounted an incident and provided me with this Youtube video in which Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah have mercy upon him, directed these individuals to the Fatwa of the senior scholars prior to addressing their doubts.

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

Reflections on some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Madkhali 86

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Seeking Knowledge, Worship - 'Ibaadah', Zuhd (Abstinence).

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

O brothers! I warn you against harbouring intentions of seeking after the Dunyah, its status and authority in the affair of learning and seeking knowledge, because indeed (knowledge of the religion) is worship – amongst the best types of worship; rather the religion, acts of worship, Jihad (1) and a (successful) life cannot be established except by way of this knowledge. However, it is obligated on us to purify our intentions in this worship. “Whoever seeks knowledge by which the pleasure of Allah is sought, but he only acquires it for worldly gain, he will not smell the fragrance of Paradise”.

This is a very important point and a great affair which the students of knowledge must be notified, for indeed many of them are heedless of it. And it may be that a person seeks knowledge for the sake of worldly gain or other goals that are not beloved to Allaah -neither legislated nor permitted by Allaah, and thus they fall into destruction. This affair enters into the rebuke directed at the Yahud.

مَثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ حُمِّلُواْ ٱلتَّوۡرَٮٰةَ ثُمَّ لَمۡ يَحۡمِلُوهَا كَمَثَلِ ٱلۡحِمَارِ يَحۡمِلُ أَسۡفَارَۢا‌ۚ بِئۡسَ مَثَلُ ٱلۡقَوۡمِ ٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُواْ بِـَٔايَـٰتِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يَہۡدِى ٱلۡقَوۡمَ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ

The likeness of those who were entrusted with the (obligation of the) Taurat (Torah) (i.e. to obey its commandments and to practise its legal laws), but who subsequently failed in those (obligations), is as the likeness of a donkey who carries huge burdens of books (but understands nothing from them). How bad is the example (or the likeness) of people who deny the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allah. And Allah guides not the people who are Zalimun (polytheists, wrong-doers, disbelievers, etc.).

I seek the protection (of Allaah) for myself and you from these blameworthy traits – a person possesses knowledge and does not act upon it, so he is either included (amongst those mentioned in this) Aayah or some of it applies to him. May Allaah protect us and you, for indeed the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him, informed us about the destination of those who perform acts of worship only to be seen, whether it is a student of knowledge, a scholar, a Mujahid or one who spends his wealth.

O my brothers! Sincerity is a great affair. It is incumbent upon a Muslim to guard it and take himself to account at every moment of his life. One of the Salaf said, “I used to hold that the hadith requires a Niyyah [i.e. sincere intention for seeking knowledge of hadith], but then I realised that every hadeeth requires a (sincere) intention”. Therefore, when you narrate or speak, do you desire praise from the people or do you desire the Face of Allah, The Blessed and Exalted? Do you desire that it is said, “He is a scholar; he is intelligent; he is a learned person of sound, precise and robust understanding” or do you desire the Face of Allaah and to fulfil the responsibility you carry (i.e. knowledge of the religion).

An Excerpt from Marhaban Yaa Talib Al-Ilm’ pages 53-55. slightly paraphrased

(1) Salafi Shaikh Fawzaan on Jihad in our times and the guidelines of Jihad according to Islam

Salafi Shaikh Fawzaan on Jihad in our times and the guidelines of Jihad according to Islam

Reflections on some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Madkhali 85

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

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

The Shaikh, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

The Reality of Du’aa in the Qur’an

Allah, The Exalted, said:

هُنَالِكَ دَعَا زَكَرِيَّا رَبَّهُۥ قَالَ رَبِّ هَبْ لِى مِن لَّدُنكَ ذُرِّيَّةً طَيِّبَةً إِنَّكَ سَمِيعُ ٱلدُّعَآءِ

At that time Zakariya (Zachariya) invoked his Lord, saying: “O my Lord! Grant me from You, a good offspring. You are indeed the All-Hearer of invocation.” [Sal Imran 38]

Allah, The Exalted, also said about Zakariyyah:

إِذْ نَادَىٰ رَبَّهُۥ نِدَآءً خَفِيًّا
قَالَ رَبِّ إِنِّى وَهَنَ ٱلْعَظْمُ مِنِّى وَٱشْتَعَلَ ٱلرَّأْسُ شَيْبًا وَلَمْ أَكُنۢ بِدُعَآئِكَ رَبِّ شَقِيًّا
وَإِنِّى خِفْتُ ٱلْمَوَٰلِىَ مِن وَرَآءِى وَكَانَتِ ٱمْرَأَتِى عَاقِرًا فَهَبْ لِى مِن لَّدُنكَ وَلِيًّا

When he called out his Lord (Allah) a call in secret, saying: “My Lord! Indeed my bones have grown feeble, and grey hair has spread on my head, And I have never been unblest in my invocation to You, O my Lord! And Verily! I fear my relatives after me, since my wife is barren. So give me from Yourself an heir”. [Maryam 3-5]

The supplication mentioned in Aal-Imran is referred to here as a call, and the call is interpreted in Surah Maryam as a request for a child.

The reality of Du’aa in the Sunnah

Narrated Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “When one of you makes supplication, he should not say: ‘O Allah! Forgive me if you wish’, instead he should have conviction in his request and have great fervent desire (to receive what he is asking for) because there is nothing so great to Allah which He cannot grant”. (Sahih Muslim 2679)

What a servant seeks from his Lord is referred to as Du’aa (supplication), Mas’alah (request) and Raghbah (fervent desire for something), which aligns with the statements of the scholars of the Arabic language.

Narrated from him (Abu Huraira) who said that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “The supplication of every one of you is granted as long as he does not grow impatient (or hasty)’. It was said, ‘And how does one become impatient (or hasty) O Allah’s Messenger?’ He said, ‘(When) one says, ‘I supplicated but it was not granted'”. (Sahih Ibn Majah 635)

The prophetic narrations, the writings of scholars and compilations of hadith regarding (the meaning of) supplication is something which a person cannot fully encompassed. Nevertheless, when the common people hear the term ‘Du’aa’, nothing comes to their minds except this reality: a call, a request, and seeking.

After the reality of supplication is established and understood in light of the Quran, the Sunnah, the Arabic language, and the circumstances of people, Allah, the Exalted, has commanded us to supplicate to Him and prohibited us from supplicating to others.

He, The Exalted, said:

ٱدْعُوا۟ رَبَّكُمْ تَضَرُّعًا وَخُفْيَةً إِنَّهُۥ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُعْتَدِينَ
وَلَا تُفْسِدُوا۟ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ بَعْدَ إِصْلَٰحِهَا وَٱدْعُوهُ خَوْفًا وَطَمَعًا إِنَّ رَحْمَتَ ٱللَّهِ قَرِيبٌ مِّنَ ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ

Invoke your Lord with humility and in secret. He likes not the aggressors. And do not do mischief on the earth, after it has been set in order, and invoke Him with fear and hope; Surely, Allah’s Mercy is (ever) near unto the good-doers. (Al-A’raf 55-56)

Allah commanded us to invoke Him and has taught us the etiquette of supplication, which is hoped to lead to a response, namely: Humility, Secretly, Fear, and Hope.

An Excerpt from “Adawa Islamiyyah Ala Ba’dil Afkar Al-Khati’a 17-19

How to Bring Life to Your Heart – Shaykh Khalid adh-Dhufayri

Written by Amjad Khan on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Basics, Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

The remembrance of Allah is the life of the hearts; there is no life for them except through it. Al-Bukhari reports in his Saheeh from Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari (may Allah be pleased with him), that the Prophet ﷺ said:

“The example of the one who remembers his Lord and the one who does not remember his Lord is like that of the living and the dead.”

The hearts find no reassurance, no tranquility, no true delight, and no real happiness except through the remembrance of Allah, the Almighty and Majestic.

ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَتَطۡمَئِنُّ قُلُوبُهُم بِذِكۡرِ ٱللَّهِۗ أَلَا بِذِكۡرِ ٱللَّهِ تَطۡمَئِنُّ ٱلۡقُلُوبُ

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. (Ar-Ra’d 13:28)

Khutbah of the Shaykh – سبق المفردون

Remember the Reward – Shaykh Al-Uthaymin

Written by Amjad Khan on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Articles, Basics, Charity (Sadaqah), Hajj, Dhul Hijjah, Eid al Adha, Ramadhan, Salaah - Prayer, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

It is essential that during worship, a person remains conscious that they are performing the act in pursuit of reward. When one is mindful of this, they are more likely to carry out the action in the best possible manner. Intellect naturally guides a person to understand that the reward corresponds to the quality of the deed—if it is performed well, the reward will be greater; if it is lacking, the reward will be less. I believe this is an issue many people overlook, as they fail to pay proper attention to this important aspect.

Tafsir Surah Az-Zumar pg.27

The Rewards and Effects of Worship Leave No Excuse to Neglect Them – Shaykh Salih Al-Luhaydan

Written by Amjad Khan on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Basics, Monotheism - Tawheed, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

Verily, Allah has legislated for us—O worshippers of Allah—acts of worship that purify us, cleanse our souls, bring tranquility and peace to our hearts, and through which our Mawla (Patron, Supporter, and Protector) grants us honor in this worldly life and reward in the Hereafter, if we perform them well—with sincerity and in accordance with the Sunnah.

Indeed, our Lord has clarified this for us in His Book, on the tongue of His Prophet, and through the actions of His Messenger ﷺ, in such a way that leaves no excuse for anyone to neglect it.

For indeed, Muhammad ﷺ, the leader of mankind, has left us upon a clear and bright path; whoever follows it will not be led astray., the one who is destroyed is destroyed because he is deserving of it, and the one who is misguided is misguided due to abandoning guidance and surrendering his affair to the devils—who mislead and deceive him—until he reaches a state where there is neither success nor salvation.

So protect yourselves by striving and holding firmly to the worship of Allah—with sincerity and adherence to the Sunnah—performing your acts of worship in the best manner.

Explanation of The Religion is Built upon Five by Shaykh Salih Al-Luhaydan – رحمه الله –

The Remembrance of Allah Brings Relief, Ease and Joy – Shaykh Khalid adh-Dhufayri

Written by Amjad Khan on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Articles, Basics, Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

“The remembrance of Allah, the Exalted, brings relief after hardship, ease after difficulty, and joy after sorrow and worry.

It is key in relieving distress, facilitating matters, and attaining comfort and happiness in both this world and the Hereafter.

There has never been a distress that was removed, nor a hardship that was alleviated, with anything better than the remembrance of Allah — Glorified and Exalted be He.

Our Prophet ﷺ used to say in times of distress:

لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ الْعَظِيمُ الْحَلِيمُ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ رَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيمِ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ رَبُّ السَّمَوَاتِ وَرَبُّ الأَرْضِ وَرَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْكَرِيمِ

‘There is no god but Allah, the Almighty, the Forbearing. There is no god but Allah, Lord of the Great Throne. There is no god but Allah, Lord of the heavens, Lord of the earth, and Lord of the Noble Throne.’

And he ﷺ said:

‘The supplication of Dhun-Nun [Prophet Jonah] when he called out while in the belly of the whale:

لاَّ إلـه إلاَّ أنت سُبْحـنَكَ إنِّى كُنْتُ مِنَ الظَّـلِمِين

“There is no god but You; Glory be to You! Indeed, I was among the wrongdoers.”

No one supplicates with it during times of distress except that Allah relieves him of his distress.’”

From a Khutbah of the Shaykh: سبق المفردون