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[8] The Self-Evident and Irresistible Nature of Pure Islamic Monotheism

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

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

خَلَقَ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضَ بِٱلۡحَقِّ‌ۖ يُكَوِّرُ ٱلَّيۡلَ عَلَى ٱلنَّہَارِ وَيُكَوِّرُ ٱلنَّهَارَ عَلَى ٱلَّيۡلِ‌ۖ وَسَخَّرَ ٱلشَّمۡسَ وَٱلۡقَمَرَ‌ۖ ڪُلٌّ۬ يَجۡرِى لِأَجَلٍ۬ مُّسَمًّى‌ۗ أَلَا هُوَ ٱلۡعَزِيزُ ٱلۡغَفَّـٰرُ

He has created the heavens and the earth with truth. He makes the night to go in the day and makes the day to go in the night. And He has subjected the sun and the moon. Each running (on a fixed course) for an appointed term. Verily, He is the All-Mighty, the Oft-Forgiving].

Allah, The Most High, informed (us) that He created the heavens and the earth due to a perfect Wisdom and for a (perfect and purposeful)  benefit- to command His servants (with acts of obedience) and forbid them (from acts of disobedience); reward them (for being obedient) and punish them (for being disobedient).

Then Allah, The Most High, said:

وَيُكَوِّرُ ٱلنَّهَارَ عَلَى ٱلَّيۡلِ‌ۖ وَسَخَّرَ ٱلشَّمۡسَ وَٱلۡقَمَرَ‌ۖ ڪُلٌّ۬ يَجۡرِى لِأَجَلٍ۬ مُّسَمًّى‌ۗ أَلَا هُوَ ٱلۡعَزِيزُ ٱلۡغَفَّـٰرُ

He makes the night to go in the day and makes the day to go in the night. And He has subjected the sun and the moon. Each running (on a fixed course) for an appointed term; [أَلَا هُوَ ٱلۡعَزِيزُ ٱلۡغَفَّـٰرُ -Verily, He is the All-Mighty, the Oft-Forgiving].

Then Allah, The Most High  said:

خَلَقَكُم مِّن نَّفۡسٍ۬ وَٲحِدَةٍ۬ ثُمَّ جَعَلَ مِنۡہَا زَوۡجَهَا وَأَنزَلَ لَكُم مِّنَ ٱلۡأَنۡعَـٰمِ ثَمَـٰنِيَةَ أَزۡوَٲجٍ۬‌ۚ يَخۡلُقُكُمۡ فِى بُطُونِ أُمَّهَـٰتِڪُمۡ خَلۡقً۬ا مِّنۢ بَعۡدِ خَلۡقٍ۬ فِى ظُلُمَـٰتٍ۬ ثَلَـٰثٍ۬‌ۚ

He created you (all) from a single person (Adam); then made from him his wife [Hawwa’ (Eve)]. And He has sent down for you of cattle eight pairs (of the sheep, two, male and female; of the goats, two, male and female; of the oxen, two, male and female; and of the camels, two, male and female). He creates you in the wombs of your mothers, creation after creation in three veils of darkness.

Then Allah [The Most High] said:

ذَٲلِكُمُ ٱللَّهُ رَبُّكُمۡ لَهُ ٱلۡمُلۡكُ‌ۖ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ‌ۖ فَأَنَّىٰ تُصۡرَفُون

Such is Allah your Lord. His is the kingdom, La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He). How then are you turned away?

Meaning: He is the One Who created the heavens and the earth, subjected the sun and the moon, created you and created the cattle for you, and created all the blessings you have; therefore, He alone is worthy of being deified and worshipped, for He alone is the One Who nurtured you [i.e. created you, created everything for you and showed you both the worldly benefits and the path to salvation in this life and the next], and placed all your affairs in order. And just as He alone created and nurtured everything and none is a partner to Him in all of that, likewise this establishes the fact that none has the right to be worshipped except Him. This is why He, The Most High, said:

ذَٲلِكُمُ ٱللَّهُ رَبُّكُمۡ لَهُ ٱلۡمُلۡكُ‌ۖ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ‌ۖ فَأَنَّىٰ تُصۡرَفُونَ

Such is Allah your Lord. His is the kingdom, La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He).

“How then are you turned away?” Meaning: How are you turned away after this manifest proof (which shows that) none has the right to worshipped except Him, yet you worship false deities that neither control anything nor have command over anything in the universe.

An Excerpt from Tafsir As-Sadi

Deviation from Upright Conduct and Deviation Related to Knowledge and Creed: Requires Prolonged, Constant, and Attentive Reflection

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Articles, Basics, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Featured, Fitnah, Khawaarij, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Scholars of Islam, Shirk, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

الغي والضلال يجمعان جميع السيئات.

الغي والضلال يجمعان جميع السيئات

Al-Ghay: [to deviate from upright conduct] and Ad-Dalal: [misguidance related to knowledge and creed] combine all evils

Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Haadi Al-Mad’khali [may Allaah protect him] stated:

All Praise be to Allaah, Lord of the entire existence, and prayers and peace be upon the most honorable of the prophets and messengers, our Prophet Muhammad, and upon his family and companions. To proceed:

Presented to all Muslims is this [الكلام الرائع – wonderful, remarkable, speech] of Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy upon him, in which he spoke about the danger of Hasad (envy), and the danger of Ghay and Dalal, and that they combine all evils. Therefore, it is incumbent upon all to [مراقبة الله – i.e. to recall the fact that Allah sees us, knows everything about us at all times, knows everything in our souls etc], strive to correct our beliefs and purify our hearts from envy, arrogance, transgression and all kinds of sins, especially major sins. Here is the speech of this Imam, who, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated in his treatise (titled) at-Tawbah (repentance) pages 236-238:

Indeed, Allah commanded His believing servants to supplicate to Him in every prayer with His statement:

ٱهۡدِنَا ٱلصِّرَٲطَ ٱلۡمُسۡتَقِيمَ
صِرَٲطَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَنۡعَمۡتَ عَلَيۡهِمۡ غَيۡرِ ٱلۡمَغۡضُوبِ عَلَيۡهِمۡ وَلَا ٱلضَّآلِّينَ

Guide us to the straight path (of beneficial knowledge coupled with righteous action); the path of those (Prophets and their truthful, righteous followers) upon whom You have bestowed favour, not of those who earn Your anger (by not acting upon what they know) and nor of the astray (who act without knowledge). [Al-Faatihah. 6-7] [Noblequran-Shaikh Abu Iyaad]

And for this reason, Allah freed His Prophet from these two (i.e. Ghay and Dalal), saying:

وَٱلنَّجۡمِ إِذَا هَوَىٰ
مَا ضَلَّ صَاحِبُكُمۡ وَمَا غَوَىٰ
وَمَا يَنطِقُ عَنِ ٱلۡهَوَىٰٓ
إِنۡ هُوَ إِلَّا وَحۡىٌ۬ يُوحَىٰ

By the (phenomenon) of the star when it descends (and vanishes with the appearance of dawn). Your companion-(O Pagans of Quraysh)—has not erred (in the knowledge he has been given) nor has he erred (in his sincerity of purpose). Nor does he speak out of the desire (of his own soul) (and forge revelation thereby). It is nothing but revelation revealed to him (containing guidance, rectitude and piety which he follows). [Surah An-Najm. Aayaat 1-4] [NobleQuran -Shaikh Abu Iyaad]

[الضال – The misguided one]:

He is the one that does not know the truth, but rather thinks that he is upon the truth while he is ignorant of it, as is the case regarding what the Christians are upon. Allaah [The Exalted] said:

وَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا أَهْوَاءَ قَوْمٍ قَدْ ضَلُّوا مِنْ قَبْلُ وَأَضَلُّوا كَثِيرًا وَضَلُّوا عَنْ سَوَاءِ السَّبِيلِ

And do not follow the inclinations of a people who had gone astray before and misled many and have strayed from the soundness of the way. [Al-Ma’idah. 77]

And [الغاوي – the one who deviates from upright conduct] follows his whims and desires even though he knows that this is contrary to the truth, as is the case regarding what the Yahud are upon. Allah, The Most High, said:

سَأَصْرِفُ عَنْ آيَاتِيَ الَّذِينَ يَتَكَبَّرُونَ فِي الْأَرْضِ بِغَيْرِ الْحَقِّ وَإِنْ يَرَوْا كُلَّ آيَةٍ لَا يُؤْمِنُوا بِهَا وَإِنْ يَرَوْا سَبِيلَ الرُّشْدِ لَا يَتَّخِذُوهُ سَبِيلًا وَإِنْ يَرَوْا سَبِيلَ الْغَيِّ يَتَّخِذُوهُ سَبِيلًا ذَلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ كَذَّبُوا بِآيَاتِنَا وَكَانُوا عَنْهَا غَافِلِينَ

I shall turn away from My Ayat (verses of the Quran) those who behave arrogantly on the earth, without a right, and (even) if they see all the Signs, they will not believe in them. And if they see the way of righteousness (monotheism, piety, and good deeds), they will not adopt it as the Way, but if they see the way of error (polytheism, crimes and evil deeds), they will adopt that way, that is because they have rejected Our Signs and were heedless (to learn a lesson) from them. [Al-A’raf. 146]

Allah, The Most High, said:

وَاتْلُ عَلَيْهِمْ نَبَأَ الَّذِي آتَيْنَاهُ آيَاتِنَا فَانْسَلَخَ مِنْهَا فَأَتْبَعَهُ الشَّيْطَانُ فَكَانَ مِنَ الْغَاوِينَ
وَلَوْ شِئْنَا لَرَفَعْنَاهُ بِهَا وَلَكِنَّهُ أَخْلَدَ إِلَى الْأَرْضِ وَاتَّبَعَ هَوَاهُ فَمَثَلُهُ كَمَثَلِ الْكَلْبِ إِنْ تَحْمِلْ عَلَيْهِ يَلْهَثْ أَوْ تَتْرُكْهُ يَلْهَثْ

And recite (O Muhammad) to them the story of him to whom We gave Our Signs, but he threw them away, so Shaitan (Satan) followed him up, and he became of those who went astray. nd had We willed, We would surely have elevated him therewith but he clung to the earth and followed his own vain desire. So his description is the description of a dog: if you drive him away, he lolls his tongue out, or if you leave him alone, he (still) lolls his tongue out. [Al-A’raf. 175-176]

And in a hadith, the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

“Indeed, what I fear most for you is the desires of the stomachs and privates parts that deviates a person from upright conduct, and the misleading trials”.

That is because indeed Ghay and Dalal combine all the evils of the children of Adam, because the human being is as Allah stated:

وَحَمَلَهَا الْإِنْسَانُ إِنَّهُ كَانَ ظَلُومًا جَهُولً

But man bore it. Verily, he was unjust (to himself) and ignorant (of its results)] [Al-Ahzab. 72]

So, through his wrongdoing, he becomes one who deviates from upright conduct, and through his ignorance, he becomes a misguided one. And often he combines both these two, this, he is misguided in one thing, and deviated from upright conduct in another thing, because he is unjust and ignorant, and each of the two sins succeed one another, as Allah said:

فِي قُلُوبِهِمْ مَرَضٌ فَزَادَهُمُ اللَّهُ مَرَضًا

In their hearts is a disease (of doubt, disbelief and hypocrisy), so Allāh increased their disease (by subjecting them to trials in which they preferred disbelief)]. [Al-Baqarah. 10] [NobleQuran-Shaikh Abu Iyaad]

And as Allah said:

فَلَمَّا زَاغُوا أَزَاغَ اللَّهُ قُلُوبَهُمْ

So when they turned away (from the Path of Allah), Allah turned their hearts away (from the Right Path)]. [As-Saff. 5]

Just as a believer is rewarded for a good deed with another good deed; if he acts according to his knowledge, Allah grants him knowledge he did not know; and if does a good deed, it invites him to another good deed. Allah, The Most High, said:

وَالَّذِينَ اهْتَدَوْا زَادَهُمْ هُدًى وَآتَاهُمْ تَقْوَاهُمْ

While as for those who accept guidance, He increases their guidance, and bestows on them their piety.[Muhammad 17]

Allah, The Most High, said:

وَيَزِيدُ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ اهْتَدَوْا هُدًى

And Allah increases in guidance those who walk aright [true believers in the Oneness of Allah who fear Allah much (abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which He has forbidden), and love Allah much (perform all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained). [Maryam. 76]

Allah, The Most High, said:

وَالَّذِينَ جَاهَدُوا فِينَا لَنَهْدِيَنَّهُمْ سُبُلَنَا

As for those who strive hard in Us (Our Cause), We will surely guide them to Our Paths (i.e. Allah’s Religion – Islamic Monotheism). [Al-Ankabut. 69]

Allah, The Most High, said:

وَلَوْ أَنَّهُمْ فَعَلُوا مَا يُوعَظُونَ بِهِ لَكَانَ خَيْرًا لَهُمْ وَأَشَدَّ تَثْبِيتًا
وَإِذًا لَآتَيْنَاهُمْ مِنْ لَدُنَّا أَجْرًا عَظِيمًا
وَلَهَدَيْنَاهُمْ صِرَاطًا مُسْتَقِيمًا

And if We had ordered them (saying), “Kill yourselves (i.e. the innocent ones kill the guilty ones) or leave your homes,” very few of them would have done it; but if they had done what they were told, it would have been better for them, and would have strengthened their (Faith); ad indeed We should then have bestowed upon them a great reward from Ourselves. And indeed We should have guided them to a Straight Way. [An-Nisaa. 66-68]

Allah, The Most High, said:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَآمِنُوا بِرَسُولِهِ يُؤْتِكُمْ كِفْلَيْنِ مِنْ رَحْمَتِهِ وَيَجْعَلْ لَكُمْ نُورًا تَمْشُونَ بِهِ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ وَاللَّهُ غَفُورٌ رَحِيمٌ
لِئَلَّا يَعْلَمَ أَهْلُ الْكِتَابِ أَلَّا يَقْدِرُونَ عَلَى شَيْءٍ مِنْ فَضْلِ اللَّهِ وَأَنَّ الْفَضْلَ بِيَدِ اللَّهِ يُؤْتِيهِ مَنْ يَشَاءُ وَاللَّهُ ذُو الْفَضْلِ الْعَظِيمِ

O you who believe [in Musa (Moses) (i.e. Jews) and ‘Iesa (Jesus) (i.e. Christians)]! Fear Allah, and believe too in His Messenger (Muhammad ), He will give you a double portion of His Mercy, and He will give you a light by which you shall walk (straight), and He will forgive you. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. So that the people of the Scripture may know that they have no power whatsoever over the Grace of Allah, and that (His) Grace is (entirely) in His Hand to bestow it on whomsoever He wills. And Allah is the Owner of Great Bounty. [Al-Hadid. 28-29]

And he [i.e. the Prophet (may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)] mentioned the desires of the stomachs and private parts that deviates a person from upright conduct as reported in the Sahih:

“Whoever can guarantee (the chastity of) what is between his two jaw-bones and what is between his two legs (i.e. his tongue and his private parts), I guarantee Paradise for him.” [Al-Bukhari 6474]

The common people know that this is a sin, but they commit it in pursuit of their desires. As for the misleading trials, if a servant of Allah is tempted, he will stray from the path ordained by Allah, while thinking that he is guided, as Allah stated:

وَمَنْ يَعْشُ عَنْ ذِكْرِ الرَّحْمَنِ نُقَيِّضْ لَهُ شَيْطَانًا فَهُوَ لَهُ قَرِينٌ
وَإِنَّهُمْ لَيَصُدُّونَهُمْ عَنِ السَّبِيلِ وَيَحْسَبُونَ أَنَّهُمْ مُهْتَدُونَ

And whosoever turns away (blinds himself) from the remembrance of the Most Beneficent (Allah) (i.e. this Qur’an and worship of Allah), We appoint for him Shaitan (Satan – devil) to be a Qarin (an intimate companion) to him. And verily, they (Satans / devils) hinder them from the Path (of Allah), but they think that they are guided aright! [Az-Zukhruf. 36-37]

Allah said:

أَفَمَنْ زُيِّنَ لَهُ سُوءُ عَمَلِهِ فَرَآهُ حَسَنًا فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ يُضِلُّ مَنْ يَشَاءُ وَيَهْدِي مَنْ يَشَاءُ

Is he, then, to whom the evil of his deeds made fair-seeming, so that he considers it as good (equal to one who is rightly guided)? Verily, Allah sends astray whom He wills, and guides whom He wills. [Fatir. 8]

Allah said:

وَكَذَلِكَ زُيِّنَ لِفِرْعَوْنَ سُوءُ عَمَلِهِ وَصُدَّ عَنِ السَّبِيلِ وَمَا كَيْدُ فِرْعَوْنَ إِلَّا فِي تَبَابٍ

Thus it was made fair-seeming, in Fir’aun’s (Pharaoh) eyes, the evil of his deeds, and he was hindered from the (Right) Path, and the plot of Fir’aun (Pharaoh) led to nothing but loss and destruction (for him). [Ghafir. 37]

Allah said:

قُلْ هَلْ نُنَبِّئُكُمْ بِالْأَخْسَرِينَ أَعْمَالً
الَّذِينَ ضَلَّ سَعْيُهُمْ فِي الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا وَهُمْ يَحْسَبُونَ أَنَّهُمْ يُحْسِنُونَ صُنْعًا

Say (O Muhammad): “Shall We tell you the greatest losers in respect of (their) deeds? Those whose efforts have been wasted in this life while they thought that they were acquiring good by their deeds! [Al-Kahf. 103-104]

And due to this, the companions of the Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, interpreted this verse (and applied it) to those devoted in worship based on other than Allah’s Shariah with which He sent His Messenger, such as the idolaters, the people of the Scripture like the monks and the people of desires from this Ummah (of Muhammad), such as the Kharijites whom the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, commanded that they should be fought against, saying:

“One of you will belittle his prayer compared to their prayer, his fast compared to their fast, and his recitation compared with their recitation. They will recite the Qur’an but it does not go beyond their throats, they pass through Islam as an arrow goes through the game’s body. Kill them wherever you meet them (i.e. when they initiate bloodshed), for indeed in killing them there is a reward from Allaah – on the Day of Resurrection – for those who killed them”. [Footnote a]

This is because these people exited the Sunnah of Allah’s Messenger and the Jamaa’ah of Muslims to the point that those who opposed them – such as Uthmaan, Ali and the rest of the believers who ruled over them – were declared disbelievers, and they declared it lawful to kill Muslims and confiscate their wealth, as the Prophet said about them:

“They will kill the adherents to Allah and leave the idol worshippers”. [Must read about Jihad in Footnote b]

And if the desires that deviates a person from upright conduct combines with misleading trials, the affliction becomes severe and the one upon this path becomes one who earns Allah’s Anger – an astray person. This often occurs because of the love of leadership and self-exaltation in earth, as was the case of Pharaoh. Allah, The Most High. said:

إِنَّ فِرْعَوْنَ عَلَا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَجَعَلَ أَهْلَهَا شِيَعًا يَسْتَضْعِفُ طَائِفَةً مِنْهُمْ يُذَبِّحُ أَبْنَاءَهُمْ وَيَسْتَحْيِي نِسَاءَهُمْ إِنَّهُ كَانَ مِنَ الْمُفْسِدِينَ

Verily, Fir’aun (Pharaoh) exalted himself in the land and made its people sects, weakening (oppressing) a group (i.e. Children of Israel) among them, killing their sons, and letting their females live. Verily, he was of the Mufsidun (i.e. those who commit great sins and crimes, oppressors, tyrants, etc.). [Al-Qasas. 4]

So, Allah described him as one who exalted himself in the earth and caused corruption. Allah stated in the end of Surah:

تِلْكَ الدَّارُ الْآخِرَةُ نَجْعَلُهَا لِلَّذِينَ لَا يُرِيدُونَ عُلُوًّا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا فَسَادًا وَالْعَاقِبَةُ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ

That home of the Hereafter (i.e. Paradise), We shall assign to those who rebel not against the truth with pride and oppression in the land nor do mischief by committing crimes. And the good end is for the Muttaqun (pious). [Al-Qasas. 83]

This is why Allah stated about Fir’awn’s affair in particular:

وَكَذَلِكَ زُيِّنَ لِفِرْعَوْنَ سُوءُ عَمَلِهِ

Thus it was made fair-seeming, in Fir’aun’s (Pharaoh) eyes, the evil of his deeds. [Ghafir. 37]

And that is because love of the leadership is a hidden lust, as Shaddad Bin Aws, may Allah be pleased with him, said:

“O Arabs! What I fear for you the most is Riyaa and hidden lust”. It was said to Abu Dawud As-Sijistani: “What is hidden lust?” He said, “Love of the leadership”.

Your love for a thing blinds and deafens (i.e. one neither sees the truth nor listens to truth), thus, the love for that will beautify for him what he loves of self-exaltation and hatred against its opposite, until haughtiness and pride are combined in the affair, and envy, which is to harbour hatred against Allah’s blessing bestowed on His servants, especially those who oppose Him. Pride and envy are two diseases that destroyed the early and latter generations, and they are the greatest sins through which Allah was first disobeyed, because Iblees became arrogant towards Adam and envied him. Similarly, the son of Adam, who killed his brother, envied his brother, and that is why arrogance contradicts Islam just as polytheism contradict Islam, because Islam is submission to Allah alone. Whoever submits to Allah, and to others (in worship) is a polytheist, and whoever does not submit is an arrogant person, like the case of Pharaoh and the chiefs of his (kingdom). This is why Musa said:

وَأَنْ لَا تَعْلُوا عَلَى اللَّهِ إِنِّي آتِيكُمْ بِسُلْطَانٍ مُبِينٍ

And exalt not (yourselves) against Allah. Truly, I have come to you with a manifest authority. [Ad-Dukhan. 19]

Allah stated about Fir’awn:

وَاسْتَكْبَرَ هُوَ وَجُنُودُهُ فِي الْأَرْضِ بِغَيْرِ الْحَقِّ وَظَنُّوا أَنَّهُمْ إِلَيْنَا لَا يُرْجَعُونَ

And he and his hosts were arrogant in the land, without right, and they thought that they would never return to Us.(Surah Al-Qasas. Aayah 39)]

Allah said:

وَجَحَدُوا بِهَا وَاسْتَيْقَنَتْهَا أَنْفُسُهُمْ ظُلْمًا وَعُلُوًّا فَانْظُرْ كَيْفَ كَانَ عَاقِبَةُ الْمُفْسِدِينَ

And they belied them (those Ayat) wrongfully and arrogantly, though their ownselves were convinced thereof [i.e. those (Ayat) are from Allah, and Musa (Moses) is the Messenger of Allah in truth, but they disliked to obey Musa (Moses), and hated to believe in his Message of Monotheism]. So see what was the end of the Mufsidun (disbelievers, disobedient to Allah, evil-doers, liars.). [An-Naml. 14]

And whoever submits himself to Allah as a Hanif (i.e. one who worships Allaah alone), he is a Muslim who is adhering to the religion of Abrahim, about whom Allah said to him, “Submit”, he said, “I have submitted to the Lord of the worlds”. And this Islam is the religion of the first and the last of the prophets and their followers, as Allah described – in his book – Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa, Yusuf, Sulayman and others amongst the Prophets, such as the statement of Musa to his people:

إِنْ كُنْتُمْ آمَنْتُمْ بِاللَّهِ فَعَلَيْهِ تَوَكَّلُوا إِنْ كُنْتُمْ مُسْلِمِينَ

If you have believed in Allah, then put your trust in Him if you are Muslims (those who submit to Allah’s Will). [Yunus. 84]

Allah said:

إِنَّا أَنْزَلْنَا التَّوْرَاةَ فِيهَا هُدًى وَنُورٌ يَحْكُمُ بِهَا النَّبِيُّونَ الَّذِينَ أَسْلَمُوا لِلَّذِينَ هَادُوا

Verily, We did send down the Taurat (Torah) [to Musa (Moses)], therein was guidance and light, by which the Prophets, who submitted themselves to Allah’s Will, judged the Jews. [Al-Ma’idah. 44]

Nuh said:

فَإِنْ تَوَلَّيْتُمْ فَمَا سَأَلْتُكُمْ مِنْ أَجْرٍ إِنْ أَجْرِيَ إِلَّا عَلَى اللَّهِ وَأُمِرْتُ أَنْ أَكُونَ مِنَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ

But if you turn away [from accepting my doctrine of Islamic Monotheism, i.e. to worship none but Allah], then no reward have I asked of you, my reward is only from Allah, and I have been commanded to be one of the Muslims (those who submit to Allah’s Will). [Yunus. 72]

Yusuf said:

تَوَفَّنِي مُسْلِمًا وَأَلْحِقْنِي بِالصَّالِحِينَ

Cause me to die as a Muslim (the one submitting to Your Will), and join me with the righteous. [Yusuf. 101]

Bilqees said:

وَأَسْلَمْتُ مَعَ سُلَيْمَانَ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ

And I submit (in Islam, together with Sulaiman (Solomon), to Allah, the Lord of the ‘Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists). [An-Naml. 44]

And deviating from upright conduct is not limited to the desires of the stomach and the private parts only, rather it related to desires of the stomach, the private parts, the desires of leadership, pride, self-exaltation and other than that. He (i.e. the person) is following his desires, even if he does not believe that it is a desire; (but) he is not like the misguided one, because he (i.e. the misguided one) thinks that he is doing well, and that is why Iblees was the first of those who deviated from upright conduct, as Allah said:

فَبِمَا أَغْوَيْتَنِي لَأَقْعُدَنَّ لَهُمْ صِرَاطَكَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ
ثُمَّ لَآتِيَنَّهُمْ مِنْ بَيْنِ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمِنْ خَلْفِهِمْ وَعَنْ أَيْمَانِهِمْ وَعَنْ شَمَائِلِهِمْ وَلَا تَجِدُ أَكْثَرَهُمْ شَاكِرِينَ

Because You have sent me astray, surely I will sit in wait against them (human beings) on Your Straight Path. Then I will come to them from before them and behind them, from their right and from their left, and You will not find most of them as thankful ones (i.e. they will not be dutiful to You). [Al-A’raf. 16-17]

رَبِّ بِمَا أَغْوَيْتَنِي لَأُزَيِّنَنَّ لَهُمْ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَأُغْوِيَنَّهُمْ أَجْمَعِينَ
إِلَّا عِبَادَكَ مِنْهُمُ الْمُخْلَصِينَ

O my Lord! Because you misled me, I shall indeed adorn the path of error for them (mankind) on the earth, and I shall mislead them all. Except Your chosen, (guided) slaves among them. [Al-Hijr. 39-40]

Allah said:

وَيَوْمَ يُنَادِيهِمْ فَيَقُولُ أَيْنَ شُرَكَائِيَ الَّذِينَ كُنْتُمْ تَزْعُمُونَ
قَالَ الَّذِينَ حَقَّ عَلَيْهِمُ الْقَوْلُ رَبَّنَا هَؤُلَاءِ الَّذِينَ أَغْوَيْنَا أَغْوَيْنَاهُمْ كَمَا غَوَيْنَا تَبَرَّأْنَا إِلَيْكَ مَا كَانُوا إِيَّانَا يَعْبُدُونَ

And (remember) the Day when He will call to them, and say: “Where are My (so-called) partners whom you used to assert?” Those about whom the Word will have come true (to be punished) will say: “Our Lord! These are they whom we led astray. We led them astray, as we were astray ourselves. We declare our innocence (from them) before You. It was not us they worshipped.” [Al-Qasas. 62-63]

Allah said:

فَكُبْكِبُوا فِيهَا هُمْ وَالْغَاوُونَ
وَجُنُودُ إِبْلِيسَ أَجْمَعُونَ

Then they will be thrown on their faces into the (Fire), They and the Ghawun (devils, and those who were in error). And the whole hosts of Iblis (Satan) together. [Ash-Shu’araa 94-95]

That which is in the hadith, “What I fear for this Ummah of deviation from upright conduct”, is tantamount to deviation through desires of the stomach and private parts, but as for the deviation from upright conduct that is tantamount to arrogantly turning away from truth, this is the origin of unbelief, and the person upon this path is not from this Ummah, such as Iblees, Pharaoh and others. As for deviation from upright conduct through by desires of the stomachs and the private parts, this can happen to the people of faith, then they repent, as Allah said:

وَعَصَى آدَمُ رَبَّهُ فَغَوَى
ثُمَّ اجْتَبَاهُ رَبُّهُ فَتَابَ عَلَيْهِ وَهَدَى

Thus did Adam disobey his Lord, so he went astray. Then his Lord chose him, and turned to him with forgiveness, and gave him guidance. [Taa Haa. 121-122]

And in the Sunan and Al-Musnad from the hadith of Laith bin Sa’d on the authority of Yazid bin Al-Haad on the authority of Amr on the authority of Abu Saeed Al-Khudri who said: I heard Allaah’s Messenger (saying):

Indeed, Iblis said to his Lord, The Mighty and Majestic, “By Your Might and Majesty, I will not cease to deceive the children of Adam as long as the souls are in them (i.e. as long as they are alive)”. His Lord, The Mighty and Sublime, said to him, “By my Might and Majesty, I will not cease to forgive them as long as they ask forgiveness from me”.

May Allah have mercy on Shaikh Al- Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, and I ask Allah that this article will benefit all Muslims, especially students of knowledge. May Allah bless and bestow peace upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and companions.

Written by
Rabee Bin Haadi Omair Al-Madkhali
On 28/8/1432 AH

Paraphrased:

الغي والضلال يجمعان جميع السيئات.

——————————————————-

Footnote a:

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

Footnote b:

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

https://www.shariah.ws/articles/duviqgl-shaykh-salih-al-fawzan-the-islamic-shariah-provides-security–for-muslims-and-non-muslims-and-those-who-violate-it-are-kh257rijites-who-are-to-be-fought-and-severely-punished.cfm

https://www.shariah.ws/articles/szsumlh-the-foundation-of-muslim-relations-with-non-muslims-who-do-not-show-aggression-and-hostility.cfm

https://www.shariah.ws/articles/nmsdfkp-islam-and-the-muslims-are-free-and-innocent-of-the-kharijite-extremists.cfm

[6] The Self-Evident and Irresistible Nature of Pure Islamic Monotheism

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Articles, Basics, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Repentance, Scholars of Islam, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allah, The Most High, said:
حمٓ
تَنزِيلُ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبِ مِنَ ٱللَّهِ ٱلۡعَزِيزِ ٱلۡعَلِيمِ
غَافِرِ ٱلذَّنۢبِ وَقَابِلِ ٱلتَّوۡبِ شَدِيدِ ٱلۡعِقَابِ ذِى ٱلطَّوۡلِۖ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَۖ إِلَيۡهِ ٱلۡمَصِيرُ

Haa-Meem. The revelation of the Book (this Qur’an) is from Allah the All-Mighty, the All-Knower. The Forgiver of sin, the Acceptor of repentance, the Severe in punishment, the Bestower (of favours), Laa ilaaha illaa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), to Him is the final return. [Surah Ghaafir 1-3]

Allah, The Most High, informs (us) about His Great Book – the Qur’an – that it was from Him and sent down by Him; and that He alone has the right to be deified and worshipped due to the fact that He alone is the Perfect One and the One singled out in His Actions.

[ٱلۡعَزِيزِ – The All-Mighty One], Who has absolute control over everything and He is never overcome].

[ٱلۡعَلِيمِ – The All-Knower]

[غَافِرِ ٱلذَّنۢبِ – The Forgiver of sin]

[وَقَابِلِ ٱلتَّوۡبِ – the Acceptor of repentance]

[شَدِيدِ ٱلۡعِقَابِ- the Severe in punishment] on those who are unrepentant]

[ذِى ٱلطَّوۡلِۖ – the Bestower (of favours)]

After Allah, The Most High, established the fact that He alone is perfect, this absolutely necessitates that He alone has the right to be deified and that all acts of worship are to be sincerely devoted to Him.

لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَۖ إِلَيۡهِ ٱلۡمَصِيرُ

None has the right to be worshipped but He), to Him is the final return.

The appropriateness of mentioning – in these verses – that the Qur’an was revealed by Allah is because the Qur’an comprises of all these (things) mentioned in these verses. The Qur’an either informs (us) of the Perfect Names and Attributes of Allah and His Actions, or about the unseen events of the past, and what will take place in future – a lesson from Allah, The All-Knower.

It either informs (us) of Allah’s tremendous blessings and great favours bestowed on mankind, and this why Allah said: [ذِى ٱلطَّوۡلِۖ – the Bestower (of favours)]; about His severe punishment on those who commit sins, and this is why Allah said:[شَدِيدِ ٱلۡعِقَابِ- the Severe in punishment], or it informs (us) about the sinners being urged to repent, and this is why Allah said:

غَافِرِ ٱلذَّنۢبِ وَقَابِلِ ٱلتَّوۡبِ شَدِيدِ ٱلۡعِقَابِ

The Forgiver of sin, the Acceptor of repentance, the Severe in punishment.

It informs (us) about the fact that Allah alone has the right to be deified and worshipped, while citing the clear rational and divine proofs to establish this; commanding (mankind and jinn) to worship Allah alone and forbid them from worshipping others besides Him, while citing clear proofs to show the falsity of worshipping others besides Him, and warning them about the (destructive consequences of polytheism in this life and the next), and this is why Allah said: [لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَۖ – none has the right to be worshipped but He (Allah)].

It also informs us of Allah’s just recompense – the reward that will be granted to doers of good and the punishment that will be inflicted on the sinners, and this is why Allah said: [ إِلَيۡهِ ٱلۡمَصِيرُ- to Him is the final return].

An Excerpt from Tafsir As-Sadi

river beside trees and grass field

[5] The Self-Evident and Irresistible Nature of Pure Islamic Monotheism

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

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

Allah, The Most High, said:
طه
مَآ أَنزَلۡنَا عَلَيۡكَ ٱلۡقُرۡءَانَ لِتَشۡقَىٰٓ
إِلَّا تَذۡڪِرَةً۬ لِّمَن يَخۡشَىٰ
تَنزِيلاً۬ مِّمَّنۡ خَلَقَ ٱلۡأَرۡضَ وَٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ ٱلۡعُلَى
ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنُ عَلَى ٱلۡعَرۡشِ ٱسۡتَوَىٰ
لَهُ ۥ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَمَا فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَمَا بَيۡنَہُمَا وَمَا تَحۡتَ ٱلثَّرَىٰ
وَإِن تَجۡهَرۡ بِٱلۡقَوۡلِ فَإِنَّهُ ۥ يَعۡلَمُ ٱلسِّرَّ وَأَخۡفَى هُوَ‌ۖ ل
ٱللَّهُ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ‌ۖ لَهُ ٱلۡأَسۡمَآءُ ٱلۡحُسۡنَىٰ

Ta-Ha. We have not sent down the Qur’an unto you (O Muhammad) to cause you distress; but only as a Reminder to those who fear (Allah). A revelation from Him (Allah) Who has created the earth and high heavens. The Most Beneficent (Allah) Istawa (rose over) the (Mighty) Throne (in a manner that suits His Majesty). To Him belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is on the earth, and all that is between them, and all that is under the soil. And if you (O Muhammad) speak (the invocation) aloud, then verily, He knows the secret and that which is yet more hidden. Allah! Laa ilaaha illaa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He)! To Him belong the Best Names. [Taha. 1-8]

مَآ أَنزَلۡنَا عَلَيۡكَ ٱلۡقُرۡءَانَ لِتَشۡقَىٰٓ

We have not sent down the Qur’an unto you (O Muhammad) to cause you distress.

Juwaybir reported from Ad-Dahhak, who said that when Allah revealed the Qur’an to His Messenger, he and his Companions acted upon it. Then the Quraish polytheists said, “This Qur’an was not revealed to Muhammad except to cause him distress”. Thus, Allah, The Most High, revealed:

طه
مَآ أَنزَلۡنَا عَلَيۡكَ ٱلۡقُرۡءَانَ لِتَشۡقَىٰٓ
إِلَّا تَذۡڪِرَةً۬ لِّمَن يَخۡشَىٰ

“Ta-Ha. We have not sent down the Qur’an unto you (O Muhammad) to cause you distress, but only as a Reminder to those who fear (Allah)”.

Meaning: The matter is not what the falsifiers claim; rather the one to whom Allah grants knowledge, this is because (Allah) wants him to acquire abundant good as established in Sahih Al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim from Mu’aawiyah, may Allah be pleased with him, who said: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

“Whoever Allah wants good for, He gives him understanding of the religion”.

إِلَّا تَذۡڪِرَةً۬ لِّمَن يَخۡشَى

But only as a Reminder to those who fear (Allah).

Meaning: Indeed Allah revealed His Book and sent His Messenger as a mercy through which He shows mercy to His slaves, so that the person who ponders might be reminded and benefits from what he hears of the Book of Allah, for it a reminder in which Allah revealed what He has made lawful and unlawful.

تَنزِيلاً۬ مِّمَّنۡ خَلَقَ ٱلۡأَرۡضَ وَٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ ٱلۡعُلَى

A revelation from Him (Allah) Who has created the earth and high heavens.

Meaning: O Muhammad! This Qur’an, given to you, is a revelation from your Lord- the Lord of everything, the Owner of everything and the One Who is Fully Able to do whatever He wills. He created the earth- both its regions that are easy to access and those that are difficult to access. He created the high heavens- elevated and having great distances between each other.

ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنُ عَلَى ٱلۡعَرۡشِ ٱسۡتَوَىٰ

The Most Beneficent (Allah) Istawa (rose over) the (Mighty) Throne (in a manner that suits His Majesty).

لَهُ ۥ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَمَا فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَمَا بَيۡنَہُمَا وَمَا تَحۡتَ ٱلثَّرَىٰ

To Him belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is on the earth, and all that is between them, and all that is under the soil.

Meaning: He is the owner of everything in the heavens and the earth. They are in His complete grasp, under His absolute control, will, intent and judgement. He is the Creator of all of them, their owner and God. Neither is there a true deity nor a true Lord besides Him.

And regarding the Ayah

وَإِن تَجۡهَرۡ بِٱلۡقَوۡلِ فَإِنَّهُ ۥ يَعۡلَمُ ٱلسِّرَّ وَأَخۡفَى

And if you (O Muhammad) speak (the invocation) aloud, then verily, He knows the secret and that which is yet more hidden.

Meaning: The One Who revealed this Qur’an [i.e. Allah] is also the One Who created the high heavens and the earth. He knows the secret and that which is even more hidden. Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, said:

Allah knows what the children of Adam hide in their souls and what is hidden from the children of Adam before they do what they do. Allah knows all of that and His knowledge encompasses what has already taken place and what will happen in future.

Then Allah, The Most High, said:

ٱللَّهُ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ‌ۖ لَهُ ٱلۡأَسۡمَآءُ ٱلۡحُسۡنَىٰ

Allah! Laa ilaaha illaa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He)! To Him belong the Best Names.

Meaning: Allah is the One Who revealed this Qur’an to you (O Muhammad) and there is no deity worthy of worship except Him. Allah is the possessor of the perfect Names and lofty Attributes. [1]

There is no deity worthy of being loved, feared and invoked besides Him. There is no deity to whom a person should humble himself, turn to in repentance, submission and obedience besides Him. [2]

[1]Al-Misbah Al-Munir Fee Tahdhib Tafsir Ibn Kathir

[2]Tafsir As-Sadi

Gentleness and Harshness in Religious Guidance — The People of Knowledge

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Articles, Basics, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Imam Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahhab, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated in Al-Usul ath-Thalatha:

“I’lam, Rahimakallaah – Know, may Allah have mercy upon you”.

Shaikh Abdur Razzaq Al-Badr, may Allah preserve him, said:

In the beginning of all the three principles, Imam Muhammad Ibn Abdil Wahhab, may Allah have mercy upon him, started by supplicating for the learner.

In the first principle, he said:

اعلم رحمك الله

Know, may Allah have mercy upon you.

In the second principle, he said:

اعلم رحمك الله

Know, may Allah have mercy upon.

In the third principle, he began by saying:

اعلم ارشدك الله لطاعته

Know, may Allah guide you to His obedience.

Beginning with the word اعلم in this treatise and in his other treatises is employed when discussing important and great subjects, and due to this, you find that in the Qur’an, this word اعلم is mentioned in the great subjects and important commandments, such as the statement of Allah:

فَٱعۡلَمۡ أَنَّهُ ۥ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّهُ

So know (O Muhammad) that Laa ilaaha ill-Allah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah).

In the Qur’an, there are over 30 verses with this word mentioned in connection with Allah’s Names and Attributes, or in the affirmation of Tawhid and other important and great subjects. It is a word that is mentioned so that the reader’s or listener’s attention is captured.

Also supplicating for others is a sign of sincere advice and it is the path of the sincere advisers, for indeed the sincere adviser combines – for the one who is being advised – beneficial, gentle clarification and sincere supplication. He teaches him in a beneficia, gentle manner and supplicates for him while hoping that Allah benefits him through this knowledge. This is a matter that must be given importance – that a scholar, the one who nurtures others, an admonisher or a khateeb supplicates for the people, that Allah benefits, guides and shows them mercy. This supplication emanates from the mercy in the adviser’s heart, the eagerness in his heart and great desire that Allah benefits those who are being advised or called to Islam.

Sometimes the word رحمة is mentioned on its own and sometimes it is mentioned alongside المغفرة. When they are mentioned together, Al-Maghfirah means forgiveness of one’s previous sins in the past, and Rahma means asking Allah to protect, aid, forgive and guide a person towards righteous deeds and statements. And if one of them is mentioned alone, the meaning of the other is included in it. [1]

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

Rahimakallaah” is a supplication made for the student of knowledge. The Shaikh (Imam Muhammad ibn Abdul Wahhab) supplicates for Allah’s Mercy upon the students of knowledge, that Allah has mercy upon them. Therefore, in this there is gentleness from the teacher towards the student.

Indeed, he begins with a good statement and a righteous supplication so that it has an effect and thereby making the student incline towards his teacher with acceptance. But if he begins with a harsh statement or a statement that is not deemed appropriate, this would make him flee.

Therefore, it is obligated to a teacher and the one who calls to (the path of) Allah, and the one who enjoins good and forbids evil, that he is gentle with the one he addresses – through supplication for him, commendation and soft speech, because this urges towards acceptance. However, as for the stubborn wilful, opposer, this one is to be addressed differently. Allah said:

وَلَا تُجَـٰدِلُوٓاْ أَهۡلَ ٱلۡڪِتَـٰبِ إِلَّا بِٱلَّتِى هِىَ أَحۡسَنُ إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُواْ مِنۡهُمۡ‌ۖ

And argue not with the people of the Scripture unless it be in a way that is better, except with such of them as do wrong]. [29:46]

Those who do wrong among the people of the scripture- wilfully opposing and are haughty- are not addressed with what is better; rather they are addressed with what would prevent from their (harm and misguidance). Allah said:

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلنَّبِىُّ جَـٰهِدِ ٱلۡڪُفَّارَ وَٱلۡمُنَـٰفِقِينَ وَٱغۡلُظۡ عَلَيۡہِمۡ‌ۚ وَمَأۡوَٮٰهُمۡ جَهَنَّمُ‌ۖ وَبِئۡسَ ٱلۡمَصِيرُ

O Prophet (Muhammad)! Strive hard against the disbelievers and the hypocrites, and be harsh against them, their abode is Hell,-and worst indeed is that destination]. [9:73]

Striving against the hypocrites is not carried out with weapons, rather it is carried out with proofs, statements, refutation against them with harshness that will prevent (them from propagating their misguidance and harm) and to keep the people away from them. Allah said about them: [وَقُل لَّهُمۡ فِىٓ أَنفُسِہِمۡ قَوۡلاَۢ بَلِيغً۬ا – But admonish them, and speak to them an effective word to reach their innerselves] [4:63]

Therefore, there is a specific type of speech that is prescribed for these people because they are wilful opposers and people afflicted with pride. They do not want the truth, rather they want to misguide the people. So, they are addressed in a way they deserve. As for the seeker of guidance, this one is addressed with gentleness and mercy. This is because he wants the truth, knowledge and something beneficial. [2]

Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah have mercy upon him, was asked?

When should we employ gentleness and when should we employ harshness in Dawah to the path of Allah, and in (our) dealings with the people?

Response: The initial approach (or the basis) with regards to Dawah is gentleness, softness, and wisdom. This is the basis (or initial approach) regarding it. May Allah bless you, however, if you find someone who is obstinate, does not accept the truth, you establish proof against him and he rejects (it), then you may employ a rebuttal. If you possess (political) authority (and) this person is a caller, you discipline him with the sword, which could lead to execution (in Islamic law) if he persists in spreading corruption.

There are among the scholars – from the various schools of Islamic jurisprudence – who hold that this person is more severe in corruption than highway robbers. Therefore, he is advised, and proof is established against him, if he refuses, then the Hakim Al-Shar’ee (i.e. the one recognised as the legitimate ruler in the Shariah) may embark upon punishing him, which maybe through imprisonment, exile, or execution.

May Allah bless you, indeed, they (i.e. the Scholars) issued the judgement of execution against Jahm ibn Safwan and others, Bishr al-Mareesee, and other than them; among them (i.e. those officially executed) were Ja’ad ibn Dirham. This is the ruling of the scholars against those who obstinately persist in spreading their Bidah. And if Allah benefits him (with guidance) and he recants, this is what is sought after. [3]

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

One of the plots and deceptions employed by Shaytan is to entice a servant of Allah towards sinful behaviour by using good manners, friendliness, and cheerfulness, thus, a person is approached in this manner by someone whose evil he cannot escape except with a smirk, frowning and turning away from him. The enemy (Shaytan) makes it fair-seeming to him to approach this person with a warm demeanor, a pleasant countenance, and charming words, thus establishing a bond with him. However, once he desires to distance himself from this person, he finds himself incapable of doing so. The enemy (Shaytan) persists in his efforts until he attains his objective, thus, he cunningly manipulates a servant of Allah through the guise of good behaviour and a pleasant countenance. Hence, the scholars (who possess) knowledge regarding the (ailments, weaknesses, and strengths) of the heart advised that one should turn away from the advocates of Bidah- neither greeting nor displaying a friendly demeanor towards them, and instead meeting them with a frown and turning away. [4]

The Stance of As-Salaf As-Saalih [The Pious Predecessors] Against Ahlul Bidah

Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him and his father, said, “Do not sit with the people of desires, because indeed it causes sickness of the heart”. [5]

Sallam Ibn Abee Mutee, may Allah have mercy upon him] said: A man from the people of (vain) desires said to Ayyoub As-Sakhtiyaanee, “O Abaa-Bakr! I want to ask you about some statement”. Ayyoub walked away and started gesturing with his finger, saying, “Not even half a statement”. [6]

Shu’aib, may Allah have mercy upon him, narrated: I said to Ibn Seereen, “What is your view with regards to listening to the people of (vain) desires (i.e. ahlul bidah)?” He said, “We neither listen to them nor honour (them)”. [7]

Imam Fudayl Ibn Iyad said, “Whoever sits with a person of bidah has not been given wisdom”. Al-Allaamah Salih Al-Fawzaan, may Allah preserve him, commented on this statement, saying, “He (i.e. the one who sits with a person of bidah) is deprived of wisdom, and wisdom is understanding of the religion ordained by Allah. The one who sits with ahlul bidah is deprived of understanding of the religion as punishment for him”. [8]

Finally, caution required! We must seek advice and guidance from the upright people of knowledge when dealing with the likes of those who persist upon error because when to employ gentleness and harshness can be very ambiguous in some situations, thus, gentleness without guidance maybe exploited by one utilising victim mentality in order to escape accountability and harshness without guidance maybe exploited by an extremist. Therefore, we need the insight of the experienced people of knowledge whenever we  encounter different situations. And Allah knows best.

[1] Sharh Usul ath-Thalatha Audio Number 1. Masjid An-Nabawi. Date: 22/08/1434.

[2] An Excerpt from ‘Sharh Usul Ath-Thalaatha. page13-15.

[3] متى نستعمل اللين ومتى نستعمل الشدة في الدعوة إلى الله وفي المعاملات مع الناس؟ – العلامة الشيخ ربيع بن هادي عمير المدخلي

متى نستعمل اللين ومتى نستعمل الشدة في الدعوة إلى الله وفي المعاملات مع الناس؟

[4] Ighaathatul Laffaan 1/140

[5] Reported by: Imaam Al-Aajuree in Ash-Shari’ah 1/453

[6] Reported by Imaam Al-Aajuree in Ash-Sharee-ah 1/440

[7] Siyar A’laam Nubulaa 4/611

[8] It’haaful Qaaree Bitta’liqaat Alaa Sharh As-Sunnah Lil Imaam Barbahaaree. 2/318

What’s your proof that I can’t celebrate Mawlid, National Day, Isra Wal-Miraj?!

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Articles, Basics, Bid'ah (Innovation), Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Featured, Fitnah, History of Islam, Innovations In Islam (Bidah), Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Sahaabah, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors), Scholars of Islam.

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

“What’s your proof that I can’t celebrate Mawlid, National Day, Israa Wal-Miraaj”, etc

The above statement is uttered by some of those who can neither offer any proof nor can they ever offer proof to justify these practices, rather, they give verdicts based on conjecture. Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

“Verily, Allah does not take away knowledge by snatching it from the people, but He takes it away by taking away death of the religious scholars till none of the scholars remains alive. Then the people will take ignorant ones as their leaders, who, when asked to deliver religious verdicts, will issue them without knowledge, the result being that they will go astray and will lead others astray”. [Bukhari and Muslim]

Shaikh Abdullah Al-Bukhari, may Allah preserve him, stated:

This text (proves) that the disappearance of knowledge will not be through its removal from the hearts, but through the death of the scholars. (Then) the ignorant people will remain- those who will occupy the place of the scholars in giving verdicts and teaching. They will teach and give verdicts based on ignorance, thus ignorance will spread and become manifest”. Therefore, if the sound Sunni knowledge is taken away, acting upon it will be taken away- is that not the case?! When ignorance manifests, acting upon it will become manifest, thus both knowledge and acting upon (Knowledge) will disappear, and ignorance will manifest, and acting upon (ignorance) will become widespread just as Al-Hafidh Al-Qurtubi clarified in Al-Mufhim. [1] [end of quote]

Indeed, it is a well-known principle among the scholars of Usul Al-Fiqh that the ruling concerning all matters of worldly life—such as clothing, food, and various other activities—is that they are permissible, unless there exists divine text that renders them impermissible. [2]

As for acts of worship, Al-Allamah Abdul Muhsin Al-Abbad, may Allah preserve him, said:

“The initial ruling regarding acts of worship is that neither are they permissible nor legislated, except when there is proof to show that they are legislated by Allah and His Messenger; otherwise they are included in the statement of Allah:

[أَمۡ لَهُمۡ شُرَڪَـٰٓؤُاْ شَرَعُواْ لَهُم مِّنَ ٱلدِّينِ مَا لَمۡ يَأۡذَنۢ بِهِ ٱللَّهُ‌ۚ – Or have they partners with Allah (false gods), who have instituted for them a religion which Allah has not allowed?!]” [3]

The aforementioned principle concerning acts of worship, which is well understood by the scholars of Usul Al-Fiqh, highlights mistake of the one who says: “Provide evidence that I cannot celebrate the Mawlid, National Day, Israa Wal Miraj etc”.

Al-Allamah Abdul Muhsin Al-Abbad said: Two conditions must be fulfilled for an act of worship to be accepted; the first of the two conditions is that the act of worship must be done sincerely for Allah, and secondly the act of worship must be in agreement with the Sunnah of the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. The act of worship has to be done sincerely for the sake of Allah (alone) and no one is to be associated as a partner with Allah in worship. The act of worship must be done in conformity with what the Messenger conveyed (the Qur’an and the Sunnah). This is what the Shahadah (لا إله إلا الله محمدا رسول الله) necessitates. (لا إله إلا الله) necessitates that acts of worship must be carried out sincerely for the sake of Allah alone; and (محمدا رسول الله) necessitates that acts of worship must be carried out in conformity with what was revealed to the noble Messenger. Therefore, Allah is not to be worshipped with bidah, newly invented matters in Religion, and evil acts, for which Allah, The Most High, has sent down no authority; rather acts of worship must conform with the Sunnah of the noble Messenger. If any of these two conditions or both of them are not fulfilled, the act of worship will be rejected by Allah [The Mighty and Majestic] says: [وَقَدِمۡنَآ إِلَىٰ مَا عَمِلُواْ مِنۡ عَمَلٍ۬ فَجَعَلۡنَـٰهُ هَبَآءً۬ مَّنثُورً – And We shall turn to whatever deeds they disbelievers, polytheists] did, and We shall make such deeds as scattered floating particles of dust] [Al-Furqan. 23]

The noble Messenger said: [مَنْ أَحْدَثَ فِي أَمْرِنَا هَذَا مَا لَيْسَ مِنْهُ فَهُوَ رَدٌ- He who innovates something in this matter of ours [i.e., Islam] that is not of it will have it rejected (by Allah)].[Al-Bukhari. 2697] [Muslim. 1718]

And in another wording of this hadith in Sahih Muslim the Prophet said: [مَنْ عَمِلَ عَمَلًا لَيْسَ عَلَيْهِ أَمْرُنَا فَهُوَ رَد – He who does an act (of worship) which we have not commanded (i.e. not commanded by the Prophet), will have it rejected].

The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said:

فَإِنَّهُ مَنْ يَعِشْ مِنْكُمْ فَسَيَرَى اخْتِلَافًا كَثِيرًا، فَعَلَيْكُمْ بِسُنَّتِي وَسُنَّةِ الْخُلَفَاءِ الرَّاشِدِينَ الْمَهْدِيينَ، عَضُّوا عَلَيْهَا بِالنَّوَاجِذِ، وَإِيَّاكُمْ وَمُحْدَثَاتِ الْأُمُورِ؛ فَإِنَّ كُلَّ بِدْعَةٍ ضَلَالَةٌ

Verily he lives long among you will see a lot of differing, so you must keep to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the Khulafaa Ar-Raashidun [the rightly guided caliphs]. Adhere to it with your molar teeth (i.e. adhere to it firmly). And beware of newly invented matters [in the religion], for every newly invented matter [in the religion] is a bidah [innovation in the religion], and every bidah is misguidance. [Abu Dawood. Number 4607] [Tirmidhee. 2676]

The Messenger, peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him, has clarified -in the hadith about the seventy-three sects amongst whom seventy-two sects will enter the hellfire and one sect will be saved- the saved sect are those who adhere to the path him and his noble companions adhered to. [4]

Imam Abdul Aziz Bin Baz, may Allah have mercy upon him, was asked: What is the intent behind the Messenger’s statement when he spoke about the Ummah in the hadith: “All of them (the sects) are in the fire except one” and what is that one?. Also, will all the other 72 (deviant) sects be in the fire for eternity? Benefit us.

Response: The prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “The Jews split into 71 sects, meaning all of them are astray and their affair ruined, except one. The Christians split into 72 sects, meaning all of them are astray and their affair ruined, except one. And this Ummah will split into 73 sects- all of them in the fire, except one. This one group is Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa’ah [those who firmly adhere to the authentic Prophetic Sunnah and are united upon that] – the companions of the Prophet and those who follow them exactly in faith, the adherents to pure Islamic monotheism and sound faith”.

As for the other 72 sects that have been threatened with the fire, among them is one who is a disbeliever (see footnote a), among them is one who is a sinner, and among them is one about whom it is established with clear evidence that he is an innovator in religious affairs. So, the one – among them – that dies in a state of disbelief (see footnote b) will be in the fire for eternity, and the one that dies in a state of adherence to religious innovation that is lesser than major disbelief (see footnote c) or sins is under the will of Allah, while still threatened with the fire. So, based on this it is known that not all of them are disbelievers, but rather among them is a disbeliever and other than him among the sinners and the innovators in religious affairs. [5]

Imam Malik, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, “The latter part of this Ummah [i.e. those who will come after the Sahabah] will not be rectified except by way of that which rectified its earlier part [i.e. the pious predecessors]”. And he said, “Whoever innovates a bidah in Islaam and considers it to be something good, then indeed he has claimed that Muhammad betrayed the Risaalah (i.e. the message he was entrusted with); because Allaah said: ٱلۡيَوۡمَ أَكۡمَلۡتُ لَكُمۡ دِينَكُمۡ – This day, I have perfected your religion for you]. Therefore, what was not part of the religion at that time [i.e. during the time of the Messenger] cannot be part of the religion today (i.e. after he departs from this world)”. [6]

Ataa, may Allah have mercy upon him, narrated:

A woman said in the presence of Aa’isha, may Allah be pleased with her: “If the wife of such and such gives birth, we’ll slaughter a camel”. Aa’isha said, “But the Sunnah is that two sheep are to be slaughtered for the birth of a boy and one sheep for the birth of a girl”.

Al-Allamah Zayd Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “In this hadith, there is evidence that Ghuluww (going beyond what the Shariah has legislated- neither commanded nor recommended) is forbidden, and that adherence to the Sunnah is the truth. If a newly born child is a boy, then his guardian should slaughter two sheep; and if the child is a girl, one sheep is slaughtered for her. One should not obligate to himself to slaughter a camel, for indeed he has not been commanded to do that. Limiting oneself to the Sunnah is the good thing to do instead of encroaching on its legislated boundaries. [7]

Shaikh A-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: Indeed, there has been much confusion in this subject matter, just as it is the case in the subject matter of halal and haram. A group of people make permissible some of the things which Allah has declared impermissible and others declare impermissible some of those things which Allah has made permissible. Likewise, some people innovate acts of worship that have not been legislated by Allah; rather Allah, The Most High, prohibited them. The foundation of the religion of Islam is that the permissible affairs are those that Allah and His Messenger have made permissible, and the impermissible affairs are those that Allah and His Messenger have made impermissible. It is not allowed for anyone to leave the straight path that Allah sent His Messenger with. Allah said:

وَأَنَّ هَـٰذَا صِرَٲطِى مُسۡتَقِيمً۬ا فَٱتَّبِعُوهُ‌ۖ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُواْ ٱلسُّبُلَ فَتَفَرَّقَ بِكُمۡ عَن سَبِيلِهِۦ‌ۚ ذَٲلِكُمۡ وَصَّٮٰكُم بِهِۦ لَعَلَّڪُمۡ تَتَّقُونَ

And verily, this is my Straight Path, so follow it, and follow not [other] paths, for they will separate you away from His Path. This He has ordained for you that you may become pious].

Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud, may Allah be pleased wit him, reported that the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, drew a line for us and said: “This is Allah’s Straight Path.’’ Then he drew lines to its right and left and then said: ‘’These are other paths. Upon every one of them there is a devil calling towards it.’’ Then he recited:

[وَأَنَّ هَـٰذَا صِرَٲطِى مُسۡتَقِيمً۬ا فَٱتَّبِعُوهُ‌ۖ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُواْ ٱلسُّبُلَ فَتَفَرَّقَ بِكُمۡ عَن سَبِيلِهِۦ‌ – Indeed this is My Straight Path, so follow it. And do not follow other paths; they will separate you from His Path.” [Al-Musnad 4437]

Allah mentions – in Surah Al-An’am, Surah Al-A’raf and other them – those deeds due to which the idol worshipers rebuked when they declared impermissible the things that Allah did not declare impermissible, such as the Baahirah [i.e. a she-camel whose milk was spared for the idols and nobody was allowed to milk it] and the Saa’ibah [i.e. a she-camel let loose for free pasture for their false gods, e.g. idols, etc., and nothing was allowed to be carried on it]. They [also] declared permissible those [deeds] which Allah declared impermissible, such as the killing of their children and they instituted a religion which Allah did not allow. Allah [The Most High] says:

[أَمۡ لَهُمۡ شُرَڪَـٰٓؤُاْ شَرَعُواْ لَهُم مِّنَ ٱلدِّينِ مَا لَمۡ يَأۡذَنۢ بِهِ ٱللَّهُ‌ۚ – Or have they partners with Allah (false gods), who have instituted for them a religion which Allah has not allowed].

There were impermissible deeds that they established as acts of worship, such as shirk, and lewd behaviour, such as Tawaaf around the Kabah, whilst being naked. The acts of worship through which a person seeks to get close to Allah are those that are beloved and pleasing to Allah and His Messenger- whether obligatory or recommended – as reported in Sahih Al-Bukhari that Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said that Allah [The Blessed and Exalted] said: “And the most beloved things which My slave comes nearer to Me, is what I have enjoined upon him; and My slave keeps on coming closer to Me through performing Nawaafil (praying or doing extra deeds besides what is obligatory) till I love him, then I become his sense of hearing with which he hears, and his sense of sight with which he sees, and his hand with which he grips, and his leg with which he walks; and if he asks Me, I will give him, and if he asks My Protection (Refuge), I will protect him”. (see footnote d)

It is well known regarding the prayer that it can either be obligatory, such as the five daily prayers, or optional such as the Qiyaam Al- Layl [i.e. Tahajjud prayer]. Also regarding fasting, it can either be obligatory, such as fasting in the month of Ramadhaan, or it can be optional such as fasting three days every month. Also travelling to the Masjid Al-Haraam [i.e. The kabah] is obligatory and travelling to the other two Masajid-Masjid of the Prophet and Masjid Al-Aqsaa-is recommended. Also, charity can be an obligation or recommendation such as the surplus beyond [what is] needed, as Allah [The Most High] says: [وَيَسْأَلُونَكَ مَاذَا يُنفِقُونَ قُلِ الْعَفْوَ – And they ask you what they ought to spend. Say: That which is beyond (what they) need]. [8]

 

Birthdays and National Days

Saudi Erudite Imam, Muhammad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaymin, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Any occasion that is observed as a day of celebration, occurring weekly or annually, and is not sanctioned by Islamic law, is considered a Bidah (innovative practice in religion). This is because the One [i.e., Allah] who establishes all legislation has prescribed the Aqeeqah for newborns, without instituting any further celebrations. Consequently, the adoption of such recurring celebrations implies a comparison to Islamic holidays, which is not permissible. In Islam, the only recognised festivals are Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha, along with Friday, which is designated for a specific form of worship. [9]

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

According to Islamic law, any celebrations beyond the two that are legislated are deemed incorrect, regardless of whether they are held in honour of an individual, their mother, daughter or son. All this that has been newly introduced – nowadays – is an imitation of the (customs) of Christians and Jews. It has no basis or foundation (within Islamic legislation). Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Uncle’s Day, or any specific day dedicated to an individual or the day for his daughter or son, all are considered inappropriate under Islamic law. [10]

He also stated:

“The celebration of National Day can be viewed as an imitation of the adversaries of Allah. While it may stem from good intentions and the efforts of individuals striving to arrive at a correct conclusion regarding the matter, it is evident that such celebrations lack legislative endorsement and are not befitting (not appropriate or not allowed); rather, imitation of Allah’s adversaries is found in it, even if it is not intended as an act of worship. Should worship be the intention behind it, it would constitute an innovation in religion; however, worship is not intended through it, rather, what is intended is to express congratulations and to highlight the achievements of the nation, which aligns it with the commemorative practices initiated by the Jews and Christians. Therefore, it is not befitting (appropriate, allowed) to imitate them in this regard or in any other matters (that Islamic law has neither permitted nor sanctioned). [11]

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

Hardship is only encountered by the one who abandons the Ma’lufat and Awa’id [i.e. those habitual things, deeds, practices, customs, etc] for other than the sake of Allah. As for the one who abandons them truthfully and sincerely from the bottom of his heart- for the sake of Allah alone- then indeed he does not encounter any difficulty due to abandoning them except in the beginning so that he is tested as to whether he is truthful or untruthful in abandoning them? If he exercises a little bit of patience, its [abandonment] will alternate into pleasure. Ibn Sirin, may Allah have mercy upon him, said that he heard Shurayh swearing by Allah that “A servant does not abandon anything for the sake of Allah and finds a loss in that”. Thus, their statement [i.e. the people of knowledge] that “Whoever abandons something for the Sake of Allah, Allah will replace it with what is better”. This is true. This compensation is of different types and the best of that which a person is compensated with is the desire and yearning to get close to Allah, seeking after Allah’s pleasure, love of Allah, and the heart granted by way of it tranquility, strength, enthusiasm, happiness and being pleased with its Lord, The Exalted. [12]

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

It is incumbent upon every Muslim to refrain from relying (solely) on customary practices; instead, he must refer to the authentic Islamic legislation. Anything that is validated by Islamic law is deemed permissible, while that which is not validated is considered impermissible. The customs of people do not serve as valid evidence for determining the legality of any matter. All customs practiced by people within their respective nations or tribes should be evaluated against the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, for adjudication. Thus, what Allah and His Messenger have permitted is lawful, and what they have prohibited must be forsaken, regardless of its acceptance as a custom among the people. [13]

Israa Wal-Miraj

Saudi Erudite Imam, Abdul Azeez Bin Baz, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated:

There is no doubt that the Israa Wal Miraj is from Allah’s Great Signs, which show the truthfulness of His Messenger Muhammad [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him], the greatness of his status in the Sight of Allah [The Mighty and Exalted], as well as evidence of Allah’s Magnificent Power and His Exaltation above His Creation [Mankind, Jinn etc]. Allah [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections] said:

سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي أَسْرَى بِعَبْدِهِ لَيْلًا مِنَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ إِلَى الْمَسْجِدِ الْأَقْصَى الَّذِي بَارَكْنَا حَوْلَهُ لِنُرِيَهُ مِنْ آيَاتِنَا إِنَّه هُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْبَصِيرُ

Glorified (and Exalted) be He (Allah) [above all that (evil) they associate with Him], Who took His slave (Muhammad ) for a journey by night from Al-Masjid-al-Haram (at Makkah) to the farthest mosque (in Jerusalem), the neighbourhood whereof We have blessed, in order that We might show him (Muhammad) of Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, lessons, signs, etc.). Verily, He is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer. [Surah Al-Israa. Verse 1]

It has been transmitted by way of Tawatur -[i.e. an authentic narration transmitted by numerous narrators to the extent that such narrators cannot all agree on a lie]- from Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] that he was taken up to the heavens and its gates were opened for him until he went past the Seventh Heaven. Then his Lord [Allah (Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections)] spoke to him regarding what He willed and obligated the five daily prayers on him. Allah [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections] obligated fifty daily prayers on him at first, but our Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, did not cease going back to Allah and asking Him to reduce the obligation until Allah made it five – five obligatory prayers but their reward is equal to fifty. That is because (one) good deed carries ten rewards. Therefore, all praise and thanks be to Allah for all His blessings [i.e. all the blessings bestowed on His servants].

This night -in which the Israa Wal Miraj took place- has not been transmitted in the authentic narrations that it took place specifically in the month of Rajab or other than it. All that has been narrated about the specific (month in which) it took place is not transmitted from the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] with authentic chains of transmission according to the scholars of Hadeeth. And with Allah is Perfect Wisdom [free from all weaknesses, shortcomings, deficiencies, faults] as to why He made the people forget [the specific night the Israa and Miraj took place].

And even if the specific night it took place was established, then still it would neither be permissible for the Muslims to specify any act of worship concerning it nor celebrate it. That is because the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] and his companions [may Allah be pleased with them] neither celebrated it nor did they carry out any specific acts of worship on such a night. Had it been that celebrating it is legislated (in the religion), the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] would have made it known to the Ummah- either by way of speech or action. And if anything was practiced, then it would have been known and widely known and his companions would have transmitted it to us, for indeed, they have transmitted – from our Prophet- everything that is needed by the Ummah. They did not neglect anything in the religion; rather they were foremost in practicing every righteous act. Therefore, if celebrating on this night was legislated (in Islam), they would have preceded us in such an act. The Prophet is (was) the most sincere adviser to the people [i.e. in both their religious and worldly affairs], conveyed the message perfectly, and fulfilled the trust [which Allah entrusted on him]. If exalting this night and celebrating it was something (legislated) in the religion, then neither would the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] have neglected nor concealed it.

Therefore, when it [is it the case that nothing has been transmitted from the Prophet’s speech or actions, and his companions] about this, then one knows that celebrating and exalting this night has nothing to do with Islam, for indeed Allah has perfected the religion for this Ummah, completed His favour upon them and censured the one who legislates in the religion that which is not part of it. Allah [Glorified and Exalted be He] said:

[الْيَوْمَ أَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِينَكُمْ وَأَتْمَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعْمَتِي وَرَضِيتُ لَكُمُ الْإِسْلامَ دِينًا – This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion. [Al-Ma’idah. 3]

Allah says: [أَمْ لَهُمْ شُرَكَاءُ شَرَعُوا لَهُمْ مِنَ الدِّينِ مَا لَمْ يَأْذَنْ بِهِ اللَّهُ وَلَوْلا كَلِمَةُ الْفَصْلِ لَقُضِيَ بَيْنَهُمْ وَإِنَّ الظَّالِمِينَ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ – Or have they partners with Allah (false gods), who have instituted for them a religion which Allah has not allowed. And had it not been for a decisive Word (gone forth already), the matter would have been judged between them. And verily, for the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers), there is a painful torment. [Ash-Shura. 21]

It has been transmitted from Allah’s Messenger in the authentic narrations that he warned against innovations in religion and stated explicitly that it is a deviation to warn the Ummah about the great danger of religious innovations and to keep them away from acting on it. It was transmitted from Aa’isha, may Allah be pleased with her, that the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: [من أحدث في أمرنا هذا ما ليس منه فهو رد – Whoever innovates something in this affair of ours [i.e. the religion of Islam], it will be rejected].[Al-Bukhari 2697]

[من عمل عملاً ليس عليه أمرنا فهو رد – Whoever performs (an act of worship) which is not in accordance with our affair (i.e. the religion of Islam), it will be rejected. [Muslim 1718]

The Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

أُوصِيكُمْ بِتَقْوَى اللَّهِ وَالسَّمْعِ وَالطَّاعَةِ وَإِنْ عَبْدًا حَبَشِيًّا فَإِنَّهُ مَنْ يَعِشْ مِنْكُمْ بَعْدِي فَسَيَرَى اخْتِلَافًا كَثِيرًا فَعَلَيْكُمْ بِسُنَّتِي وَسُنَّةِ الْخُلَفَاءِ الْمَهْدِيِّينَ الرَّاشِدِينَ تَمَسَّكُوا بِهَا وَعَضُّوا عَلَيْهَا بِالنَّوَاجِذِ وَإِيَّاكُمْ وَمُحْدَثَاتِ الْأُمُورِ فَإِنَّ كُلَّ مُحْدَثَةٍ بِدْعَةٌ وَكُلَّ بِدْعَةٍ ضَلَالَةٌ

I command you to fear Allah and to listen and obey [the Muslim ruler in what is good] even if a slave is a leader over you. Certainly, the one who will live among you will see lots of differences, so adhere to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the right-guided Khulafaa [i.e. Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali]. Bite onto that with your molar teeth [i.e. adhere firmly to it] and beware of the newly-invented matters in the religion, because every newly invented affair in the religion is a Bidah [religious innovation] and every bidah is misguidance. [Abu Dawud 4607]

The narrations that convey the meaning of this affair are many. And it has been transmitted from the companions of Allah’s Messenger and the pious predecessors [i.e. the first three generations of Islam] after them that they warned against religious innovations and [gave advice to the people in order to make them fearful of practicing religious innovations]. That is because such practices are additions [i.e. acts that are not legislated by Allah and His Messenger] and [practicing them] is tantamount to legislating something in the religion, which Allah has not ordained. It is tantamount to belittling the religion of Islam and accusing it [of imperfection] after it was perfected.

And when it is the case that Allah has obligated on Muslims to give advice to another and explain what He has legislated for them in the Religion, and forbade one from concealing knowledge, I saw that I should notify (or warn) my Muslim brothers about this religious innovation, which has spread to many regions, to the extent that some people think that it is something related to the religion. [14]

Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud, may Allah be pleased with him, said,

“Follow (i.e. the Qur’an, the authentic Sunnah, and the understanding of Muhammad’s companions) and not innovate (in religious matters ) because you have been sufficed”. [15]

Mu’adh Bin Jabal, may Allah be pleased with him, said:

“Beware of that which is innovated (in the religion) because what is innovated is misguidance”. [16]

Ibn Mas’ud, may Allah be pleased with him, said:

“You will find people who claim that they are calling to the Book of Allah whilst they have placed it behind their backs. So, adhere to knowledge and beware of innovations in religious affairs, going beyond bounds and delving too much into affairs (without a justified reason”. [17]

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

“The Sunnah -by the One besides whom there is none worthy of worship except Him (i.e. Allah)- is between the one who exceed the limits and the one who falls short, so be patient upon it-may Allah have mercy upon you; for indeed Ahlus Sunnah were the fewest people in the past and shall be the fewest people (from those to) come- [الّذين لم يذهبوا مع أهل الإتراف في إترافهم -those who did not go with the people of transgression and corruption in their transgression and corruption; [ولا مع أهل البدع في بدعهم -nor with the people of Bidah in their Bidah]; rather they (exercised) patience upon the Sunnah until they met their Lord (i.e. passed away). Likewise-InShaaAllaah- you be (the same)”. [18]

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

“Beware of small innovations (i.e. religious innovations) because they grow until they become large”. [19]

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

“If the truthful ones were to keep silent and the falsifiers speak, then the creation would have relinquished what they have witnessed [of truth] and reject what they have not witnessed. So when the devout ones desire to revive the Sunnah, the people would reject it and think that it is bidah”. [20]

The Perfect Example to Follow In Every Aspect of Life

Allah, The Exalted, said:

لَّقَدۡ كَانَ لَكُمۡ فِى رَسُولِ ٱللَّهِ أُسۡوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ۬ لِّمَن كَانَ يَرۡجُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَٱلۡيَوۡمَ ٱلۡأَخِرَ وَذَكَرَ ٱللَّهَ كَثِيرً۬ا

Certainly, there is for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent example to follow for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day and who remembers Allah often]. [Al-Ahzab. 21]

Allah, The Mighty and Majestic, said:

قُلۡ إِن كُنتُمۡ تُحِبُّونَ ٱللَّهَ فَٱتَّبِعُونِى يُحۡبِبۡكُمُ ٱللَّهُ وَيَغۡفِرۡ لَكُمۡ ذُنُوبَكُمۡ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ غَفُورٌ۬ رَّحِيمٌ۬

Say (O Muhammad to mankind): If you (really) love Allah then follow me, Allah will love you and forgive you of your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful]. [Aal Imran 31]

Imam Abdul Aziz Bin Baz said:

This verse is conveyed to everyone who claims to love Allah, yet does not truly follow Allah’s Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, by obeying the Prophet’s commands and avoiding what he has forbidden. Therefore, unless he truly follows the Messenger, their claim of love for Allah is not truthful. [21]

Imam Sufyan Ibn Uyaynah, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“The Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, serves as the greatest criterion (for both humanity and Jinn), with all matters being submitted to him (for evaluation and adjudication) according to his manners, path, and guidance. Consequently, anything that aligns with this is deemed to be the truth, while anything that contradicts it is considered falsehood”. [22]

A Muslim needs to recognise the paramount importance of adhering to the teachings of the final Messenger in all matters of life. In Islam, the only sanctioned celebrations are the two Eids, as the final Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, nullified all others. Thus, we confine ourselves to the divine ordinances established by our Lord and His final Messenger. Anas Ibn Malik [may Allah be pleased with him] reported that Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] arrived in Medina during two days in which they (i.e. the people) were celebrating. He asked, “What are these two days?” They said, “We used to celebrate these two days in the pre-Islamic era”. He said, “Verily, Allah has replaced these two days with two days that are better – Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr”. [23]

Therefore, we confine ourselves to what Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, has sanctioned- neither speaking nor acting before he has commanded or prohibited in affairs related to the religion. Allah says:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تُقَدِّمُوا بَيْنَ يَدَيِ اللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ ۖ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تَرْفَعُوا أَصْوَاتَكُمْ فَوْقَ صَوْتِ النَّبِيِّ

O you who believe! Do not put (yourselves) forward before Allah and His Messenger, and fear Allah. Verily! Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. O you who believe! Raise not your voices above the voice of the Prophet. [Al-Hujuraat. 1-2] [24]

————————————–

Footnotes a and b:  Bear in mind without any doubt that expelling a Muslim from the fold of Islam is the responsibility of the upright scholars. Read below:

https://www.salafipublications.com/sps/sp.cfm?subsecID=MNJ09&articleID=MNJ090001&articlePages=1
https://www.spubs.com/sps/sp.cfm?secID=MNJ&subsecID=MNJ09&loadpage=displaysubsection.cfm

Footnote c: The Types of Bidah: All religious innovations are evil, but there are those that will exit a person from the fold of Islaam (Bida’atul Mukaffirah) and those that do not exit a person from the fold of Islaam (Bida’atul Mufassiqah). Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee Al-Madkhalee [may Allaah preserve him] was asked whether there is a difference between Bidah Al-Mukaffirah and Bidah Al-Mufassiqah; so he replied that there is Bidah Mukaffirah, such as rejecting the Ruyah (i.e. denying that the believers will see Allaah in the afterlife); rejecting Allaah’s Uluww [i.e. denying that Allaah is above his creation –Allaah ascended over the Throne in a way that benefits his majesty)]; invoking other than Allaah; offering slaughtered sacrifice (i.e. animals) to other than Allaah etc. These are affairs of Bidah Al-Mukaffirah (the bidah that is tantamount to disbelief). But we do not make Takfeer of the people who commit this type of Bidah until we establish the proofs against them. That is because some of them (i.e. the people who fall into these affairs) carry doubts and are far away from the era of Prophethood and its light (i.e. guidance). So they fall into the likes these innovations. Rejecting the Ruyah is disbelief; rejecting Allaah’s Uluww is disbelief; the saying that the Qur’aan is created is disbelief-major disbelief. But this person, -[who testifies that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah and that Muhammad is the messenger of Allaah, and he prays, observes fasting, wants paradise and believes in that] -received the doubts of the people of falsehood, so he falls into the likes of these affairs (i.e. these innovations that are tantamount to disbelief). So we say to him: You have fallen into disbelief and the evidence is this and this, and we clarify for him. So if Allaah grants him Tawfeeq and he returns to the truth, then all praise is due to Allaah. But if not, we declare him a disbeliever after establishing the proofs against him. As for Bidah Al-Mufassiqah it is other than this (i.e. it is not at the level of that which is tantamount to disbelief)… [http://www.rabee.net/ar/questions.php?cat=26&id=484 paraphrased]

Footnote d: Regarding the statement: And My slave keeps on coming closer to Me through performing Nawaafil (praying or doing extra deeds besides what is obligatory) till I love him, then I become his sense of hearing with which he hears, and his sense of sight with which he sees, and his hand with which he grips, and his leg with which he walks…This statement is understood to mean that when a person becomes a Wali (close friend) of Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic), then when the command of Allaah is mentioned with regards to what Allaah loves or hates, he protects his hearing from what Allaah hates and lends an ear to what Allaah loves. He also does the same with regards to what he looks at; what he grips with his hand and where he walks to. Or Allaah guides him, so that he only looks at what Allaah loves; listens to what Allaah loves and walks towards what Allaah loves. [Sharh Arba’een of Imaam Muhammad Bin Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen.. Pages 376-381 and Sharh Arba-een of Shaikh Saaleh Aala Shaikh pages 256-258] [Also see, Jaami-ul Uloom Wal-Hikam of Imaam Ibn Rajab pages 619-641 Daar Ibn Rajab 2002];

Read: article by Shaikh Abu Khadeejah [may Allaah preserve him]: The Prophet’s Birthday — Are the Eid Milad

Celebrations from Islam and the Sunnah?
https://www.abukhadeejah.com/prophet-birthday-eid-milad/

The Origins of The Mawlid, the Eid Milād Nabiyy: By Shaikh Abu Hakeem [may Allaah preserve him]:
https://www.salafisounds.com/the-origins-of-the-mawlid-eid-milad-an-nabi-by-abu-hakeem/

Exposing the Innovated Practice of the Mawlid – Important Facts Related to Celebrating the Prophet’s Birthday- By Ustadh Abu Hatim [may Allah preserve him]:

Exposing the Innovated Practice of the Mawlid – Important Facts Related to Celebrating the Prophet’s Birthday

The Notion of Bidah Hasanah- By Shaikh Abu Iyaad [may Allah preserve him]:

http://www.bidah.com/articles/ezaqa-the-notion-of-bidah-hasan-good-innovation-destroyed-part-1.cfm
http://www.shia.bs/articles/chbjn-refuting-the-notion-of-bidah-hasanah-good-innovation-in-worship-part-8.cfm
http://www.salafipublications.com/sps/sp.cfm?subsecID=BDH02&articleID=BDH020003&pfriend=

[1] “Al-Hajr Fee Daw-il Kitaab Was-Sunnah Wa Fahm Salaf Al-Ummah2. page: 15-16

[2] Read about this matter in Majmu Al-Fatawa 21/535

[3] Read about this principle in Majmu Al-Fatawa 16/17-19

[4] An Excerpt from أثر العبادات في حياة المسلم pages 3-31

[5]https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/17308/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%AF-%D8%A8%D9%82%D9%88%D9%84%D9%87-%EF%B7%BA-%D9%83%D9%84%D9%87%D9%85-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7-%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%AD%D8%AF%D8%A9 paraphrased ]

[6] Al-I’tisam by Imam Ash-Shatibi 1/28

[7] at-Taleeqaat Al-Maleehah Alaa Silsilah al-Ahaadeeth As-Saheeh. 1/416

[8] An Excerpt from Al-Ibaadaat Ash-Shar’iyyah Wal-Farqu Baynahaa Wa Baynal Bid’ah page: 78-79

[9] Sharh Kitab at-Tawheed 1/382

[10]https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/26374/%D8%AD%D9%83%D9%85-%D8%A7%D8%B9%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%8A%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%AF paraphrased

[11]https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/2592/%D8%AD%D9%83%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%AD%D8%AA%D9%81%D8%A7%D9%84-%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%B9%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%88%D8%B7%D9%86%D9%8A%D8%A9 paraphrased

[12] Al-Fawaa’id page 166

[13] Majmoo Al-Fataawas 6/510

[14] http://www.binbaz.org.sa/article/24%5D paraphrased

[15] Sharh Usool Al-I’tiqaad 1/86]

[16] Sharh Usool Al-I’tiqaad 1/89]

[17] Al-Bidah Wan-Nahiy Anhaa. page 59]

[18] Ighaatha Al-Lahfaan 1/70]

[19] Translation of Sharhus Sunnah by Shaikh Abu Talhah- Dawud Burbank- (May Allaah have mercy upon him and his wife). point number 7. page 28)]

[20] Shifaa As-Sudoor Fee Ziyaaratil Mashaahid Wal-Quboor page: 148]

[21] Tafsir al-Muyassar

[22] Al-Jaami Li-Akhlaaq Ar-Raawi Wa Aadaab As-Saami’ page 8

[23] Sunan Abu Dawud 1134

[24] An Excerpt from Al-Fawaa-id al-Ilmiyyah Min Ad-Durar Al-Baaziyyah. 4/ 391-392

[3] The Self-Evident and Irresistible Nature of Pure Islamic Monotheism

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

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

هُوَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِى لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ‌ۖ عَـٰلِمُ ٱلۡغَيۡبِ وَٱلشَّهَـٰدَةِ‌ۖ هُوَ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ

هُوَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِى لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ٱلۡمَلِكُ ٱلۡقُدُّوسُ ٱلسَّلَـٰمُ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنُ ٱلۡمُهَيۡمِنُ ٱلۡعَزِيزُ ٱلۡجَبَّارُ ٱلۡمُتَڪَبِّرُ‌ۚ سُبۡحَـٰنَ ٱللَّهِ عَمَّا يُشۡرِڪُونَ

هُوَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡخَـٰلِقُ ٱلۡبَارِئُ ٱلۡمُصَوِّرُ‌ۖ لَهُ ٱلۡأَسۡمَآءُ ٱلۡحُسۡنَىٰ‌ۚ يُسَبِّحُ لَهُ ۥ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ‌ۖ وَهُوَ ٱلۡعَزِيزُ ٱلۡحَكِيمُ

He is Allah, than Whom there is Laa ilaaha illaa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He) the All-Knower of the unseen and the seen (open). He is the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. He is Allah than Whom there is Laa ilaaha illaa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He) the King, the Holy, the One Free from all defects, the Giver of security, the Watcher over His creatures, the All-Mighty, the Compeller, the Supreme. Glory be to Allah! (High is He) above all that they associate as partners with Him. He is Allah, the Creator, the Inventor of all things, the Bestower of forms. To Him belong the Best Names . All that is in the heavens and the earth glorify Him. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise. [Al-Hashr. Aayaat 22-24]

[هُوَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِى لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ‌ۖ – He is Allah, than Whom there is none that has the right to be worshipped but He)]: Meaning: Allah [The Most High] informed us that He alone has the right to be deified and worshipped, for there is no deity worthy of worship besides Him. And that is because He is Perfect [free is He from all imperfections, deficiencies, weaknesses, similarities, co-equals, faults, defects etc]. He alone bestowed everything to the creation out of His All-Encompassing Generosity and He alone controls all the affairs of the universe in perfect order. Every other thing taken as a deity besides Him is false and does not have an atom’s weight of right to be worshipped. Any other thing taken as a deity besides Him is deficient and dependent [or in need].

[عَـٰلِمُ ٱلۡغَيۡبِ وَٱلشَّهَـٰدَةِ‌ۖ – The All-Knower of the unseen and the seen (open)]; Meaning: Allah [The Most High] described Himself as having All Encompassing knowledge. His knowledge encompasses what is hidden from the creation and that which can be seen.

[هُوَ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ – (He is Ar-Rahmaan-The Most Merciful)]:

Meaning:

Allah described Himself that He has an All-Encompassing Mercy which reaches everything and every living thing [a]; “And He is Ar-Raheem-The Bestower of Mercy”. Meaning: He bestowed special mercy to the believers, just as He said in another verse:

[وَكَانَ بِالْمُؤْمِنِينَ رَحِيمًا -And He is Ever Most Merciful to the believers (33:43)][b]

Then Allah [The Most High] reiterated that He alone is the true and only deity worthy of worship, saying:

[هُوَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِى لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ – He is Allah than Whom there is Laa ilaaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He)].

Then Allah [The Most High] stated that He is [ٱلۡمَلِكُ -The King]: Meaning: The owner of everything in the heavens and the earth. All the inhabitants and everything in the heavens and the earth belong to Him, completely in need of Him and under His dominion.

Then Allah [The Most High] said that He is: [ ٱلۡقُدُّوسُ ٱلسَّلَـٰمُ- The Pure and Perfect; The One Free from all defects];

[ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنُ –The True and Trustworthy, The Granter of Security]; [ٱلۡمُهَيۡمِنُ -The Trustworthy and Ever Watchful Witness]; [ٱلۡعَزِيزُ – The All-Mighty or The Invincible]; [ٱلۡجَبَّارُ-The Exalted and All-Mighty Compeller]; [ٱلۡمُتَڪَبِّرُ‌ۚ – The One Supreme in Glory, The Justly and Rightfully Proud].

Then Allah [The Most High] said:

[سُبۡحَـٰنَ ٱللَّهِ عَمَّا يُشۡرِڪُونَ – Glory be to Allah! (High is He) above all that they associate as partners with Him].

This statement declares Allah free from all that is falsely ascribed to Him by those who associate partners with Him and those who wilfully turn away from Him.

Then Allah [The Most High] said:

[هُوَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡخَـٰلِقُ – He is Allah, the Creator]: Meaning: The Creator of all the creation. [ ٱلۡبَارِئُ- The Originator]; [ٱلۡمُصَوِّرُ‌-The Bestower of forms].

Then Allah [The Most High] said:

[لَهُ ٱلۡأَسۡمَآءُ ٱلۡحُسۡنَىٰ – To Him belong the Best Names]: Meaning: He has many Names, which none can enumerate nor does anyone know all of them except Himself. All His Names and Attributes are perfect -[free from all deficiencies, defects etc].

Then Allah [The Most High] said:

[يُسَبِّحُ لَهُ ۥ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ‌ – All that is in the heavens and the earth glorify Him].

[وَهُوَ ٱلۡعَزِيزُ ٱلۡحَكِيمُ – And He is The All-Mighty or The Invincible; The All-Wise]: Meaning: Whatever He wants to occur will occur, and nothing occurs except due to a perfect wisdom and benefit. [1]

[1 & a:] Tafsir As-Sadi

[b] Al-Misbaah Al-Muneer Fee Tahdheeb Tafseer Ibn Katheer

NB: Translation of the Names of Allah in this article was taken from the translation of the Noble Qur’an’ by Dr Muhsin Khan and Shaikh Taqi-yuddeen al-Hilaali, as well as from a poster by Salafipublications.

The Greatest Declaration of The Day

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

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

Indeed, there are numerous texts about the Adhan- the call to the prayer and an announcement of its beginning time through specific wordings- in the Sunnah of the noble Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, demonstrating its virtue, great importance, beneficial (outcomes) and worth for both the Mu’adhdhin and the one who hears it. Al-Bukhari, may Allah have mercy upon him, reported from Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri, may Allah be pleased with him, who said:

“Whoever hears the Adhaan, whether a human being, a Jinn or any other creature will be witness for you on the Day of Judgement”. (a)

In this hadith, there is proof to show that everyone who hears the voice of the Mu’adh’dhin – whether a human being, a Jinn, a tree, a stone or the animals -will bear witness for him on the day of judgement. In this is proof that it is recommended to raise one’s voice when calling the Adhan so that those who witness for him become numerous, as long as it neither strains nor harms him.

Al-Bukhari and Muslim, may Allah have mercy on both of them, reported from Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, who said: Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:,

“If the people knew (the reward for) calling the Adhaan and standing in the first row (in congregational prayers), and found no other way except by drawing lots, they would draw lots; and if they knew (the reward of) the Dhur prayer (at its earliest appointed time), they would race for it (go early); and if they knew the (reward of) Ishaa and Fajr prayers in congregation, they would come to offer them even if they had to crawl”. [Sahih Al-Bukhari Book of Adhaan](b)

Al-Bukhari and Muslim reported from Abu Hurairah who said that the Messenger of Allah said:

“When the Adhaan is called, Satan takes to his heels and passes wind with noise during his flight in order not to hear the A’dhaan. When the A’dhaan is completed he comes back, and again take to his heels when the Iqaamah is called; and after its completion he returns again till he whispers into the heart of the person [to divert his attention from his prayer] and makes him remember things which he does not recall to his mind before the prayer and that causes him to forget how much he has prayed”.(c)

The hadith shows that the Adhaan repels the shaytan and that he runs away in terror in order not to hear it. When the Adhaan finishes he comes back to whisper to the performer of the prayer in order to ruin his prayer. The texts showing the virtues of the Adhaan are many.

What Should Muslim Do When the Adhaan Is Heard?

When a Muslim hears the Adhaan, it is recommended that he says the same as uttered by the Mu’adh-dhin. It is reported in Sahih Muslim from Umar Ibn Al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, who said: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

“When the Mu’adh-dhin says: ‘Allaah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest’, then you should say: ‘Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest’; (and when the Mu’adh-dhin) says: ‘I testify that there is no god worthy of worship except Allaah’, you should say: ‘I testify that there is no god worthy of worship except Allah’; and when he says: ‘I testify that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah’, you should say: ‘I testify that Muhammad is Allah’s Messenger’. When he (the Mu’adh-dhin) says: ‘Hayya Alas Salah- Come to prayer’, you should say: [لَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللهِ – There is no might and no power except with Allaah]. When he (the Mu’adh-dhin) says: Hayya Alal Falah- Come to success], you should say: ‘[لَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللهِ -There is no might and no power except with Allaah]; and when he (the Mu’adh-dhin) says: ‘Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest’, then you should say: ‘Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest’. When he (the Mu’adh-dhin) says: ‘There is no god worthy of worship except Allah’ and he (i.e. the person) says ‘There is no god worthy of worship except Allah’ (sincerely) from his heart, he will enter Paradise'”. (d)

In this, there is virtue for the one who listens to the A’dhaan and repeat its statements as the Mu’adh-dhin utters them – saying the same as he says in all the statements, except when he says Hayya Alas Salah and Hayya Alal Falah, because one should then say: [لَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللهِ ]. That is because the statement of the Mu’adh-dhin “Hayya alas Salah” is a call for the people to come and perform the prayer and his statement “Hayyaa Alal Falah” is a call for them to come and receive its reward. So when a Muslim says: [لَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللهِ ] after hearing the Mu’adh-dhin say “Hayyaa Alas Salaah and Hayyaa Alal Falah”, he is seeking aid and assistance from Allah to enable him to (perform the prayer and receive its reward). Regarding the statement: “Sincerely from his heart”, this is proof that sincerity is a condition to be fulfilled because it is a basis for the acceptance of deeds and statements (acts of worship).

Supplication After the Mu’adh-dhin finishes The Adhaan

Imam Al Bukhari may Allah have mercy upon him, reported from Jabir Bin Abdillah, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

Whoever after listening to the Adhaan says: [اللَّهُمَّ رَبَّ هَذِهِ الدَّعْوَةِ التَّامَّةِ، وَالصَّلَاةِ الْقَائِمَةِ، آتِ مُحَمَّداً الْوَسِيلَةَ وَالْفَضِيلَةَ، وَابْعَثْهُ مَقَاماً مَحْمُوداً الَّذِي وَعَدْتَهُ – O Allah! Lord of this perfect call (i.e. the Adhaan) and of the regular prayer which is going to be established!] Kindly give Muhammad Al-Waseelah (highest position in Paradise) and Al-Fadhilah (extra degree of honour) and raise him to Maqam Mahmud (a station of praise and glory, i.e. the honour of intercession on the Day of Resurrection) which You have promised him], then intercession for me will be permitted for him on the Day Resurrection]. (e)

An Excerpt from “Fiqh Al-Ad’iyah Wal Ad’kar 3/126- 130. By Shaikh Abdur Razzaq Al-Badr, may Allah preserve him

[a]: Sahih Al-Bukhari Book of Adhaan. Chapter: Raising the voice in pronouncing the Adhaan. Hadeeth Number 609]

[b]: Chapter: To draw lots for pronouncing the Adhaan. Hadeeth Number 615 & Sahih Muslim Number 427]

[c] Sahih al-Bukhaari Book of Adhaan. Chapter: Superiority of the Adhaan. Hadeeth Number 608]

[d] Sahih Muslim Number 385]

[e] Sahih Al-Bukhaari Book of Adhaan. Chapter: Invocation at the time of Adnaan. Hadeeth Number 614]

[1] The Self-Evident and Irresistible Nature of Pure Islamic Monotheism

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

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

وَإِذۡ قَالَ إِبۡرَٲهِيمُ لِأَبِيهِ وَقَوۡمِهِۦۤ إِنَّنِى بَرَآءٌ۬ مِّمَّا تَعۡبُدُونَ
إِلَّا ٱلَّذِى فَطَرَنِى فَإِنَّهُ ۥ سَيَہۡدِينِ
وَجَعَلَهَا كَلِمَةَۢ بَاقِيَةً۬ فِى عَقِبِهِۦ لَعَلَّهُمۡ يَرۡجِعُونَ

And [remember] when Ibrahim [Abraham] said to his father and his people: “Verily, I am innocent of what you worship, except Him [i.e. I worship none but Allah Alone] Who did create me, and verily, He will guide me.” And he made it [i.e. Laa ilaha ill-Allah – none has the right to be worshipped but Allah Alone] a Word lasting among his offspring [True Monotheism], that they may turn back [i.e. to repent to Allah or receive admonition]. [Az-Zukhruf. 26-27]

وَإِذۡ قَالَ إِبۡرَٲهِيمُ لِأَبِيهِ وَقَوۡمِهِۦۤ

And (remember) when Ibrahim (Abraham) said to his father and his people]: Meaning: He said to his people who used to worship deities besides Allah; [إِنَّنِى بَرَآءٌ۬ مِّمَّا تَعۡبُدُونَ – Verily, I am innocent of what you worship;

إِلَّا ٱلَّذِى فَطَرَنِى فَإِنَّهُ ۥ سَيَہۡدِينِ

Except Him [i.e. Allaah] Who did create me, and verily, He will guide me].

Meaning: Allah is my Protector and I have hope that Allaah will guide me to knowledge of the truth and to act upon truth. And just as Allaah created me and nurtured me with blessings by way of which I attained physical well-being and other worldly benefits, likewise Allaah will guide me towards that which will bring me well-being in my religion and well-being in the afterlife.

Then Allah, The Most High, said:

وَجَعَلَهَا كَلِمَةَۢ بَاقِيَةً۬ فِى عَقِبِهِۦ لَعَلَّهُمۡ يَرۡجِعُونَ

And he made it (i.e. Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah -None has the right to be worshipped but Allah Alone) a Word lasting among his offspring (True Monotheism), that they may turn back (i.e. to repent to Allah or receive admonition)].

Meaning: He established this praiseworthy quality – sincerely worshipping Allaah alone and freed himself from everything worshipped besides Allaah, which is foundation and basis of all praiseworthy qualities. He was well-known for this quality and he commanded his offspring – Ishaaq, Ya’qub and others- to adhere to it, just as Allah [The Most High] said in Surah Al-Baqarah:

وَمَن يَرۡغَبُ عَن مِّلَّةِ إِبۡرَٲهِـۧمَ إِلَّا مَن سَفِهَ نَفۡسَهُ ۥ‌ۚ وَلَقَدِ ٱصۡطَفَيۡنَـٰهُ فِى ٱلدُّنۡيَا‌ۖ وَإِنَّهُ ۥ فِى ٱلۡأَخِرَةِ لَمِنَ ٱلصَّـٰلِحِينَ

And who turns away from the religion of Ibrahim (Abraham) (i.e. Islamic Monotheism) except him who befools himself? Truly, We chose him in this world and verily, in the Hereafter he will be among the righteous.

إِذۡ قَالَ لَهُ ۥ رَبُّهُ ۥۤ أَسۡلِمۡ‌ۖ قَالَ أَسۡلَمۡتُ لِرَبِّ ٱلۡعَـٰلَمِينَ

When his Lord said to him, “Submit (i.e. be a Muslim)!” He said, “I have submitted myself [as a Muslim] to the Lord of the ‘Alamin [mankind, jinns and all that exists].

وَوَصَّىٰ بِہَآ إِبۡرَٲهِـۧمُ بَنِيهِ وَيَعۡقُوبُ يَـٰبَنِىَّ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ ٱصۡطَفَىٰ لَكُمُ ٱلدِّينَ فَلَا تَمُوتُنَّ إِلَّا وَأَنتُم مُّسۡلِمُونَ

And this [submission to Allah, Islaam] was enjoined by Ibrahim [Abraham] upon his sons and by Ya’qub [Jacob], [saying], “O my sons! Allah has chosen for you the [true] religion, then die not except in the Faith of Islam [as Muslims – Islamic Monotheism].

أمۡ كُنتُمۡ شُہَدَآءَ إِذۡ حَضَرَ يَعۡقُوبَ ٱلۡمَوۡتُ إِذۡ قَالَ لِبَنِيهِ مَا تَعۡبُدُونَ مِنۢ بَعۡدِى قَالُواْ نَعۡبُدُ إِلَـٰهَكَ وَإِلَـٰهَ ءَابَآٮِٕكَ إِبۡرَٲهِـۧمَ وَإِسۡمَـٰعِيلَ وَإِسۡحَـٰقَ إِلَـٰهً۬ا وَٲحِدً۬ا وَنَحۡنُ لَهُ ۥ مُسۡلِمُونَ

Or were you witnesses when death approached Ya’qub [Jacob]? When he said unto his sons, “What will you worship after me?” They said, “We shall worship your Ilah [God – Allah], the Ilah [God] of your fathers, Ibrahim [Abraham], Isma’il [Ishmael], Ishaque [Isaac], One Ilah [God], and to Him we submit [in Islam].

تِلۡكَ أُمَّةٌ۬ قَدۡ خَلَتۡ‌ۖ لَهَا مَا كَسَبَتۡ وَلَكُم مَّا كَسَبۡتُمۡ‌ۖ وَلَا تُسۡـَٔلُونَ عَمَّا كَانُواْ يَعۡمَلُونَ

That was a nation who has passed away. They shall receive the reward of what they earned and you of what you earn. And you will not be asked of what they used to do.

An Excerpt from “Tafsir as-Sadi”

Stand out firmly for justice

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Articles, Basics, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Featured, Methodology - 'Manhaj', 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 of Mercy.

Allah, The Most High, said:

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ كُونُواْ قَوَّٲمِينَ بِٱلۡقِسۡطِ شُہَدَآءَ لِلَّهِ وَلَوۡ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِكُمۡ أَوِ ٱلۡوَٲلِدَيۡنِ وَٱلۡأَقۡرَبِينَ‌ۚ إِن يَكُنۡ غَنِيًّا أَوۡ فَقِيرً۬ا فَٱللَّهُ أَوۡلَىٰ بِہِمَا‌ۖ فَلَا تَتَّبِعُواْ ٱلۡهَوَىٰٓ أَن تَعۡدِلُواْ‌ۚ وَإِن تَلۡوُ ۥۤاْ أَوۡ تُعۡرِضُواْ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ خَبِيرً۬ا

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

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

Allah, Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections, commanded His servants to stand out firmly for justice on behalf of everyone – be it an enemy or an ally, and the matter that is most worthy of being established with justice are the statements and methodology related to the commands of Allah as well as everything that Allah has (revealed in the Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah). Therefore, to establish these affairs based on desires and disobedience is contrary to Allah’s command and a negation (i.e. either intentionally or unintentionally) of that which Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was sent with.

The establishment of justice is the responsibility of those entrusted with the task of conveying Islam after the death of the Messenger, and this task cannot become a reality unless one establishes it based on pure justice and sincerity to Allah- (sincerity) based on Allah’s Book, to Allah’s Messenger (by adhering to his guidance), and sincere dealings and advice when dealing with Allah’s servants. These people are the true inheritors (i.e. inheritors of the knowledge left behind by the Prophets), but not that one who merely makes his companions, sect, and path the determinant of truth and the distinction between (truth and falsehood) by showing enmity to the one who opposes him and allies with the one who agrees with him, merely based on being opposed or agreed with [i.e. without sound proofs based on the Book and the authentic Sunnah], because where is that command to stand out firmly for justice on behalf of everyone, even though standing out firmly for justice is the greatest command and obligation!

Then Allah [The Exalted] says: [شُہَدَآءَ لِلَّهِ – As witnesses to Allah]:

A witness presents information about something; so if he presents credible information, he is a just witness and his (statement) is accepted; but if he gives false information, he is a false witness. Allah, The Most High, commands us to stand out firmly as just witnesses for His sake, therefore it has to be carried out for the Sake of Allah and not for other than Allah. In [Surah Al-Ma’idah Ayah 8, Allah said]: [كُونُواْ قَوَّٲمِينَ لِلَّهِ شُہَدَآءَ بِٱلۡقِسۡطِ‌ۖ – Stand out firmly for Allah and be just witnesses].

This Ayah establishes four affairs: stand out firmly for justice and do so for the sake of Allah; witness to justice and do so for the Sake of Allah.

Then Allah said:

وَلَوۡ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِكُمۡ أَوِ ٱلۡوَٲلِدَيۡنِ وَٱلۡأَقۡرَبِينَ‌ۚ

Even though it be against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin.

Allah, Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections, commands us to stand out firmly for justice and testify, even if it were someone who is the most beloved person to us. A person should stand out firmly for justice (for or against) himself, his two parents, his close relatives, and his best friend among the people. If a person’s love for himself, his parents, and his relatives prevents him from standing out firmly for the truth against them, especially if the truth is with someone he hates and regards as an enemy due to them, then none would stand out firmly for justice in such circumstances except one whose love for Allah and His Messenger is more than their love for everyone else. Also, a person has to establish justice when dealing with his enemies and that one who deprives him of his rights because it is not permissible that hatred for his enemies leads him to be unjust towards them, just as it is not permissible that love of himself, his parents and relatives makes him abandon standing firmly for justice against them. Therefore, hatred harboured against someone should not lead him to falsehood, and love (of himself, parents, and relatives) should not make him fall short in establishing truth, just as one of the pious predecessors said, “The just person is that one who when angry, his anger does not lead him to falsehood, and when he is pleased it does not remove him from the truth”. The two Ayaat of the Qur’an [i.e. Surah An-Nisaa 135 and Surah Al-Maa’idah 8] convey two rulings and they are: standing out firmly for justice and making a truthful testimony on behalf of one’s allies and enemies.

Then Allah said:

إِن يَكُنۡ غَنِيًّا أَوۡ فَقِيرً۬ا فَٱللَّهُ أَوۡلَىٰ بِہِمَا‌ۖ

Be he rich or poor, Allah is a Better Protector to both (than you).

Meaning, Allah is the Lord of both of them and their Protector, and they are both His servants. It may be that you become fearful of standing firmly for justice by testifying against a rich person or a poor person – either fearing that the rich person might lose his wealth or because the poor person has nothing, so your heart becomes lackadaisical about standing out firmly for the truth. Therefore, it should be said to them, “Allah is a better Protector of both the rich and poor person. Allah knows the affair of the rich person more than you and He is more Merciful to the poor than you, therefore, do not refrain from standing out firmly for the truth and from giving testimony (for or against) the rich or the poor.

Then Allah said:

فَلَا تَتَّبِعُواْ ٱلۡهَوَىٰٓ أَن تَعۡدِلُواْ‌ۚ
So follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest you may avoid justice.

Meaning, Allah forbids (His slaves) from following desires, which will lead them to abandon justice.

Then Allah said:

وَإِن تَلۡوُ ۥۤاْ أَوۡ تُعۡرِضُواْ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ خَبِيرً۬ا

And if you distort your witness or refuse to give it, verily, Allah is Ever Well-Acquainted with what you do.

Meaning, Allah, Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections, mentions two reasons that will inevitably lead to concealment of truth then He warned against them and issued a threat: the first of them is distortion and the second is to turn away from giving truthful witness. That is because when a proof that supports the truth is manifested and the one who wants to repel it finds no way of doing so, he refrains from mentioning it and thus becomes a silent devil, and sometimes he distorts it. Distortion is of two types -distorting words and meanings. Distorting words occur when one utters a word in a context in which it does not establish the truth – either adding to the word, omitting something from it, or substituting it with something else to the extent that the listener is made to believe something, whilst something else is intended, just as the Yahud [i.e. those Yahud who disbelieved in the Prophet and hated him in Madinah] used to distort words when giving Salam to the Prophet [i.e. saying As-Saamu Alayka (death be upon you), instead of saying Assalaamu alaykum)]. This is one type of distortion. The second type of distortion is related to meanings – distorting the wording, giving it an interpretation that is not intended by the one who uttered it and pretending not to know its unintended meaning; or dropping other meanings intended by it.

When it is the case that a witness is required to bear witness based on what the matter should be [i.e. the complete truth], therefore neither should he hide nor change it. Turning away from the testimony is tantamount to concealment and distortion is tantamount to alteration and substitution. Therefore, contemplate this Ayah and the treasures of knowledge it contains. The faith of a person cannot be complete, except through accepting the texts of the Shariah and calling the people to them – neither turning away from them at times nor distorting them at other times.

An Excerpt from ‘Badaa’i At-Tafseer Al-Jaami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imaam Ibn Al-Qayyim. 1/300-303