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Behaviour and Knowledge Insights by Ibn Qutaybah, Ibn Al-Qayyim, Al-Barbahari, Al-Allamah Rabee, and Ibn Al-Jawzi

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Articles, Basics, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, History of 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.

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

In the past, a student of knowledge used to listen in order to know, (endeavoured) to know in order to act and sought understanding of the religion ordained by Allah in order to benefit (himself) and others. (However), it has now become the case that a student of knowledge listens to accumulate, accumulates to be mentioned and memorises to outdo (others) and boast. [1]

Allah, The Most High, said:

أَلۡهَٮٰكُمُ ٱلتَّكَاثُرُ
حَتَّىٰ زُرۡتُمُ ٱلۡمَقَابِرَ
كَلَّا سَوۡفَ تَعۡلَمُونَ
ثُمَّ كَلَّا سَوۡفَ تَعۡلَمُونَ
كَلَّا لَوۡ تَعۡلَمُونَ عِلۡمَ ٱلۡيَقِينِ
لَتَرَوُنَّ ٱلۡجَحِيمَ
ثُمَّ لَتَرَوُنَّہَا عَيۡنَ ٱلۡيَقِينِ
ثُمَّ لَتُسۡـَٔلُنَّ يَوۡمَٮِٕذٍ عَنِ ٱلنَّعِيمِ

The mutual rivalry for piling up of worldly things diverts you, until you visit the graves (i.e. till you die). Nay! You shall come to know! Again, Nay! You shall come to know! Nay! If you knew with a sure knowledge (the end result of piling up, you would not have occupied yourselves in worldly things); verily, You shall see the blazing Fire (Hell)! And again, you shall see it with certainty of sight! Then, on that Day, you shall be asked about the delight (you indulged in, in this world)! [Surah At-Takaathur]

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

At-Takaathur means to compete one another in piling up something by way of mutual rivalry, but Allah did not mention the thing that is piled up, therefore the meaning is general. Everything a person competes in – other than obedience to Allah, obedience to the Messenger and that which benefits a person’s Afterlife – by way of mutual rivalry is included in this affair. It enters into every matter, such as wealth, status, leadership, women and speaking; or knowledge, especially when it is not utilised as proof; also collecting books, writing books, engaging in the discussion of numerous topics of the religion, categorising and initiating it. At-Takaathur occurs when a person seeks to amass more than others and this is blameworthy, except in that which earns a person Allah’s love, Pleasure and Reward, because seeking more than others in this affair is competition in good and to excel one another. [2]

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

“And know, may Allah have mercy upon you that knowledge is not in being able to narrate much and in having many books, rather the scholar is the one who follows the knowledge and the Sunnah, even if his knowledge and his books are limited, and whoever opposes the Book and the Sunnah, he is a proponent of Bidah, even if he narrates much and has many books”.

Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Haadi al-Madkhali, may Allah preserve him, stated:

He [Al-Barbahari] sees that the abundance of books and knowledge is not a criterion for the required knowledge of Shariah. Knowledge is what benefits; even if this scholar has little knowledge and few books, he will benefit from his knowledge and it is benefited from in belief, methodology, and application. This is the knowledge that counts in the Sight of Allah- the knowledge He loves, loves, and praises its possessors. Allah said: [إِنَّمَا يَخْشَى ٱللَّهَ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ ٱلْعُلَمَٰٓؤُا۟ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَزِيزٌ غَفُورٌ – It is only those who have knowledge among His slaves that fear Allah]. [35:28]

Hence they [the scholars] said, “Knowledge is to fear Allah”. If one with a lot of knowledge does not fear Allah, he is not a scholar and his knowledge has no value because it is a source of evil to him. The Qur’an is proof for or against you, so evil is the state of that scholar- I seek refuge in Allah – who is under the threat of punishment. The Quran is proof against you, the Sunnah is proof against you and knowledge is proof against you, and Allah’s refuge is sought. He may have many books, but he is misguided. He may have a lot of knowledge of the Arabic language, Tafseer, Hadith, and so on, but he is misguided. This is the knowledge that harms and does not benefit, and it is from this that we seek Allah’s protection, and Allah’s Messenger taught us to seek (Allah’s) protection against it. However, knowledge (in and of itself) is beneficial, so if there is a lot of knowledge and books, it is very good, and there are Imams who have abundant knowledge and many books. If the two are combined: a lot of knowledge and many books, it is desirable; and if devoid of benefitting from this knowledge (i.e. due to misguidance or not acting upon it), then neither an abundance of books or knowledge is beneficial, for it is a source of evil on the person. This is why (Allah stated that) some Prophets said: [وَمَآ أُرِيدُ أَنْ أُخَالِفَكُمْ إِلَىٰ مَآ أَنْهَىٰكُمْ عَنْهُ – I wish not, in contradiction to you, to do that which I forbid you]. [11:88]

Allah said:

أَتَأْمُرُونَ ٱلنَّاسَ بِٱلْبِرِّ وَتَنسَوْنَ أَنفُسَكُمْ وَأَنتُمْ تَتْلُونَ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ أَفَلَا تَعْقِلُونَ

Do you order righteousness of the people and forget yourselves while you recite the Scripture? Then will you not reason? [2:44]

Allah said:

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لِمَ تَقُولُونَ مَا لَا تَفۡعَلُونَ
ڪَبُرَ مَقۡتًا عِندَ ٱللَّهِ أَن تَقُولُواْ مَا لَا تَفۡعَلُونَ

O you who believe! Why do you say that which you do not do? Most hateful it is with Allah that you say that which you do not do. [As-Saff. 2-3]

Some people are merely speakers and they do not act, therefore, a Muslim must combine statements and deeds so that his actions confirm his statements. He calls to belief and believes, and calls to action and acts. This is beneficial knowledge, calling to the Sunnah and adhering to it, fighting Bidah and being serious about fighting it, and being one of the people who are most distant from it. [3]

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

I have met the Mashayikh; their circumstances were different and their stations of knowledge varied. The most beneficial of them for me in companionship was the scholar who acted upon his knowledge, even though there were others more knowledgeable than him.

I met Abdul Wahhab Al-Anmaatee, who adhered to the principles of the pious predecessors. Backbiting was not heard in his gatherings (a) nor did he seek any reward for sharing hadith. Whenever I read to him the hadiths related to Raqaa’iq, he would weep and his tears would flow continuously. As a young person at that time, his weeping profoundly affected my heart. He embodied the characteristics of the scholars whose descriptions we had heard in the reports.

I met Abu Mansur Al-Jawaaleeqee, who was notably quiet and very meticulous in his speech. Even when asked about a clear matter, which some of his young students would quickly answer, he paused to ensure accuracy. He fasted and kept quiet a lot. I benefited from these two men more than I benefitted from others. I understood from this situation that guidance through action is more effective than verbal instruction. The truly impoverished one is the person who spends their life acquiring knowledge without applying it, missing out on the pleasures of this world and the goodness of the hereafter, ultimately proceeding as one bankrupt in deeds with strong proofs against him. [3]

The Ta’ifath Al-Mansurah and Firqah An-Najiyah Will Be Present Regardless of The Circumstances

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

There shall not cease to be a group from my ummah, aided, they are not harmed by those who forsake them until the hour is established. [4]

Upright Revivers Every Hundred Years

The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

Allah will raise for this Ummah at the end of every hundred years the one who will revive its religion for it”. [5]

Allah will raise for this Ummah– Meaning the Ummah Ijabah [i.e. the Muslims]. At the end of every hundred years-Meaning at the end of every hundred years when there is little knowledge of the Shariah and the authentic Prophetic Tradition, whilst ignorance and religious innovation is rife. One who will revive its religion for it– Meaning a scholar who is alive and well known. He will clarify the authentic Prophetic Tradition and distinguish it from the religious innovations. knowledge will be abundant again and its adherents will be aided, and the proponents of religious will be overcome and degraded. This reviver is non else but a scholar who has sound understanding of the religious sciences that deal with acts of worship, the underlying wisdoms of the religion and the texts that deal with beliefs of the heart. [6]

[1] Al-Ikhtilaf Fee Al-Lafdh 18. [Quote was shared by one of my colleagues at school – Abu Zakariyyah (Abdul Malik Al-Congoli, Al-Ifreeqee) – may Allah preserve him]

[2] An Excerpt from Al-Fawaa’id. Pages 58-59

[3] Awnul Baaree Bi-bayaan Maa Tadammanahu Sharh As-Sunnah Lil-Imaam Al-Barbahaaree 2/688-689.

[4] As-Sahihah 403

[5] Sahih Sunan Abee Daawud. Hadeeth Number 4291.

[6] An Excerpt from Awn Al-Ma’bud Sharh Sunan Abee Daawud. 11/259-260. Publisher: Dar Al-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah. 1st Edition 1419AH (Year 1998).

photo of island and thunder

[11] The Character Trait Most Hated By The Messenger

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Articles, Basics, Contemporary Issues, Fitnah, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Sin.

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

Aishah, may Allah be pleased with her, narrated:

“There was no traite more hated to Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, than lying. A man would speak based on lies in the presence of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and he would not be content until he knew that he had repented.” [Sahih Tirmidhi 1973]

The reality of lying is to give news of something in opposition to the true state of affairs. This transmission of news is not limited to speech, rather it can be through action, such as making an indication with one’s hand or nodding one’s head and it can be through silence. It is said that the liar is  a thief, because the thief deceives you with regards to your wealth and the liar deceives you with regards to your intellect. [Adab Ad-Dunya Wad-Deen. page 262]

photo of island and thunder

[10] The Character Trait Most Hated By The Messenger

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

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

Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her said:

There was no behaviour more hateful to Allāh’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, than lying. A man would tell a lie when speaking in the presence of the Prophet, and he would not be satisfied until he knew that he had repented from it. [1]

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

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, 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, while 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. [2]

[1] at-Tirmidhi‌ 1973

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

[2] Khashya

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

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

Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, said that Allāh’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

“A man who wept due to khashyah of Allah shall not enter the Fire until the milk returns to the udder; and dust in the cause of Allah and the smoke of Hell shall not come together.” [Sahih Tirmidhi 1633]

(a) Khashya: The fear of Allah founded upon knowledge of the greatness of Allah and Him being the owner of complete and perfect sovereignty and Dominion.” [Source:  The abbreviated meaning of Khashyah was taken from Shaikh Abu Talhah’s translation of “The Three Fundamental Principles”. May Allah grant him and his wife Jannatul Fir’daws Amin].

The Essence of a Good and Beneficial Life

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, Qur'aan, Repentance, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Before beginning this article, we remind the reader that the verses regarding Jihad and the statements of the scholars are not cited in isolation, rather, they must be understanding in the context of its rules, conditions, and etiquettes. To assist with this, clear details have been provided in a this link from an article by Shaikh Abu Khadeejah, may Allah preserve him, based on the clarifications of the noble Mufti, Al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzan, may Allah preserve him. It is therefore imperative that readers consult this link, so that the statements on Jihad are not misconstrued or misunderstood out of context in our era.

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

To proceed:

Alla,  The Most High, said:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اسْتَجِيبُوا لِلَّهِ وَلِلرَّسُولِ إِذَا دَعَاكُمْ لِمَا يُحْيِيكُمْ ۖ وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ يَحُولُ بَيْنَ الْمَرْءِ وَقَلْبِهِ وَأَنَّهُ إِلَيْهِ تُحْشَرُونَ

O you who believe! Answer Allah and (His) Messenger when he calls you to that which will give you life, and know that Allah comes in between a person and his heart. And verily to Him you shall (all) be gathered. [Al-Anfaal 24]

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

This Ayah comprises some matters and one of them is that a beneficial life is only attained through obedience to Allah and His Messenger, thus, whoever does not submit to this call (of Allah and His Messenger) will have no life (upright guidance), even though he has a life similar to that of the most despicable animals (i.e. eats, drinks and fulfils desires while devoid of the sound faith that enables a person to distinguish between guidance and misguidance).

A real and good life is the life of that one who answers the call of Allah and His Messenger- outwardly and inwardly. They are those who are alive (with sound faith in this life), even if they have passed away (i.e. their righteous example remains). As for others besides them, they are dead (with hearts devoid of sound faith), even if their bodies are alive. This is why the one with the most perfect life amongst the people is the one with the most perfect response to the call of the Messenger because there is life (upright guidance) in everything he calls to. Therefore, whoever missed a portion of it will miss a portion of life and there is life in accordance with his response to his call.

[لِمَا يُحْيِيكُمْ -To that which will give you life].

Mujahid, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: Meaning, the truth”.

Qatadah, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Meaning, this Qur’an in which (there) is life (upright guidance), safety and protection in the life of this world and the hereafter”.

As-Sa’dee, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Meaning, Islam. They were given life (upright guidance) through it after being dead (completely misguided) through disbelief.

Ibn Ishaq, may Allah have mercy upon him, said that Urwa Bin Zubayr, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Meaning, through Jihad, Allah gave you might after being subdued, powerful after being weak and protected against your enemy after being overpowered by them.

All these interpretations are of a singular reality, and that is to fulfil what the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, conveyed – outwardly (deeds) and inwardly (sound belief in the heart).

Al-Farraa’i, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“If you are called to that which gives life” means when you are commanded to perform Jihad against your enemy.

He intends that the believers become strong through Jihad, and if they were to abandon Jihad their authority would become weak and their enemy would gain an advantage over them. Jihad is one of the greatest (acts of worship) through which they are given life in the worldly life (enabled to establish and follow the upright religion), in the Barsakh (life of bliss in the grave) and in the Hereafter (a life of bliss in paradise). As for the worldly life, their power and domination over their enemy is by way of Jihad. [Footnote a: Must refer to the link at the end about Jihad in our era for proper understanding]

Regarding the Barsakh, Allah said:

وَلاَ تَحْسَبَنَّ الَّذِينَ قُتِلُوا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ أَمْوَاتًا بَلْ أَحْيَاءٌ عِنْدَ رَبِّهِمْ يُرْزَقُونَ

Think not of those who are killed in the Way of Allah as dead. Nay, they are alive, with their Lord, and they have provision]. [Al-Imran. 169]

As for in the Hereafter, indeed the share of the Mujahidin and Shuhadaa with regards to life and bliss would be greater than that of others. For that reason, Ibn Qutaybah, may Allah have mercy upon him, said regarding Allah’s statement: [لِمَا يُحْيِيكُمْ -To that which will give you life] means martyrdom. Some of the Mufassirun said that it means Paradise because it is the abode of the eternal good life.

The Ayah includes all these (things) because Iman, Islam, the Qur’an and Jihad give the hearts a good life (upright guidance) and perfect life in Paradise, and the Messenger is a caller to Iman and Paradise, therefore, he is a caller to life in the life of this world and the Hereafter.

The life of the body enables a person to be conscious of what benefits and harms, so he chooses that which benefits over what harms him. When deprived of this, he is affected by pain and weakness. Due to this, the life of the sick person, the grief-stricken, the one afflicted with anxiety, distress, fear, poverty and humiliation is inferior to the life of the one protected from that.

The life of one’s heart and soul enables a person to distinguish between truth and falsehood, misguidance and guidance, so, the person chooses the truth and not its opposite. This life benefits him with the strength to distinguish between benefit and harm in issues of knowledge, intent and action; benefits him with the strength of Iman, intent, love for the truth and the strength to abhor falsehood. Therefore, self-consciousness, discernment, love and aversion are (judged in accordance with) what one possesses of this life (of the heart and soul), just as the body that is alive is (judged in accordance with) its self-consciousness and perception of what is of benefit and what brings about pain.

The (first) is about the life of the body and the (other one) is about the life of the heart. And just as the human being cannot have life (physically) until the Angel blows the soul into him – because prior to this, he was lifeless; also, is the life of his soul and heart until the Messenger conveys to him the revelation. Allah said:

يُنَزِّلُ الْمَلاَئِكَةَ بِالرُّوحِ مِنْ أَمْرِهِ عَلَى مَنْ يَشَاءُ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ

He [Allah] sends down the angels with [Rooh (i.e. revelation)] of His Command to whom of His slaves He pleases (i.e. the chosen Messengers)]. [16:2]

Allah said:

وَكَذَلِكَ أَوْحَيْنَا إِلَيْكَ رُوحًا مِنْ أَمْرِنَا مَا كُنْتَ تَدْرِي مَا الْكِتَابُ وَلاَ الإِيمَانُ وَلَكِنْ جَعَلْنَاهُ نُورًا نَهْدِي بِهِ مَنْ نَشَاءُ مِنْ عِبَادِنَا

And thus We have sent to you (O Muhammad) Roohan (an Inspiration, and a Mercy) of Our Command. You knew not what is the Book, nor what is Faith? But We have made it (this Qur’an) a light wherewith We guide whosoever of Our slaves We will. [42:52]

[Life of the body begins] through the angel sent by Allah to blow the soul into a person and the life of [upright guidance for the heart through] the advent of the human Messenger. So, whoever receives the Ruh [i.e. the soul] brought by the Angel Messenger and the Ruh [i.e. revelation conveyed by the human Messenger] will receive two types of life. The one who receives the Ruh [soul], but not the [other Ruh (the revelation conveyed by the human Messenger)] will receive one type of life and miss the other. Allah said:

أَوَمَنْ كَانَ مَيْتًا فَأَحْيَيْنَاهُ وَجَعَلْنَا لَهُ نُورًا يَمْشِي بِهِ فِي النَّاسِ كَمَنْ مَثَلُهُ فِي الظُّلُمَاتِ لَيْسَ بِخَارِجٍ مِنْهَا

Is he who was dead and We gave him life and set for him a light whereby he can walk amongst men, like him who is in the darkness from which he can never come out? [6:122]

Therefore, he is given both light and life, just as the one who turns away from the (Qur’an and Sunnah) receives both death (a misguided heart) and darkness (misguidance). Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him and his father, and all the Mufassirun said that such a one [i.e. the one who is guided] used to be an unbeliever, then Allah guided him.

And regarding Allah’s statement:

وَجَعَلْنَا لَهُ نُورًا يَمْشِي بِهِ فِي النَّاسِ

And set for him a light whereby he can walk amongst men.

This includes a number of (things) and one of them is that he walks amongst the people with light, while the people are in darkness, thus, his example and theirs is like that of a people who got lost during nightfall and could not find their way, while he had light whereby he could walk in the road, and could see as well as see what he is to be cautious of. The second is that he walks amongst them with his light, so they borrow from it due to their need for it. The third is that he walks with his light on the day of judgement on the bridge of as-Siraat, while the people of Shirk and Nifaaq remain in the darkness of their Shirk and Nifaq.

And regarding Allah’s statement:

وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ يَحُولُ بَيْنَ الْمَرْءِ وَقَلْبِهِ وَأَنَّهُ إِلَيْهِ تُحْشَرُونَ

And know that Allah comes in between a person and his heart. And verily to Him you shall (all) be gathered.

The first explanation of this statement is: it is well known that Allah is the one who intervenes between the believer and disbelief, between the disbeliever and Iman, between the people of obedience and their disobedience to Him, and between the people of disobedience and their obedience to Him. This is the saying of Ibn Abbas and the majority of the Mufassiroon.

The second explanation is: Allah is close to the heart of the human (by His All-Encompassing Perfect knowledge) and no secret is hidden from Him. This was mentioned by Al-Waahidiy from Qatadah. It appears that this statement (reported from Qatadah) is more in conformity with the context because the basis of this Istijabah [i.e. responding to the call of Allaah and His Messenger] is through the heart. A bodily response is of no benefit without the response of the heart because Allah comes between a person and his heart and knows whether the person has responded to Him with his heart or hides the opposite of that.

With regards to the first statement (i.e. the statement of Ibn Abbas and the majority of the Mufassirun), it is the fact that if one turns away (i.e. refuses to respond to the call of Allah and His Messenger), he will not be safe, thus Allah comes between him and his hearts as a punishment because he abandoned (this response) after the truth had been explained and made clear. So, he will be like what (has been mentioned) in the statement of Allah:

وَنُقَلِّبُ أَفْئِدَتَهُمْ وَأَبْصَارَهُمْ كَمَا لَمْ يُؤْمِنُوا بِهِ أَوَّلَ مَرَّةٍ

And We shall turn their hearts and their eyes away (from guidance), as they refused to believe therein for the first time. [6:110]

فَلَمَّا زَاغُوا أَزَاغَ اللَّهُ قُلُوبَهُمْ

So when they turned away (from the Path of Allah), Allah turned their hearts away (from the Right Path).

فَمَا كَانُوا لِيُؤْمِنُوا بِمَا كَذَّبُوا مِنْ قَبْلُ

But they were not such as to believe in that which they had rejected before. [62:5]

This Ayah (Al-Anfaal 24) is a warning against (failing to respond) with the heart even if a response had been through the limbs. [(1)]

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

[(1)]: Al-Fawaa’id. pages 140-144

Various Manifestations of Truth in the Presence of Blatant Opposition

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

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

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

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

هَلۡ أُنَبِّئُكُمۡ عَلَىٰ مَن تَنَزَّلُ ٱلشَّيَـٰطِينُ
تَنَزَّلُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ أَفَّاكٍ أَثِيمٍ۬

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

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

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

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

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

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

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

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

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

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

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

إِنۡ هِىَ إِلَّا فِتۡنَتُكَ تُضِلُّ بِہَا مَن تَشَآءُ وَتَہۡدِى مَن تَشَآءُ

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ٱتَّخَذُوٓا۟ أَحْبَارَهُمْ وَرُهْبَٰنَهُمْ أَرْبَابًا مِّن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ وَٱلْمَسِيحَ ٱبْنَ مَرْيَمَ

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

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

وَقَالُوا۟ لَوْ كُنَّا نَسْمَعُ أَوْ نَعْقِلُ مَا كُنَّا فِىٓ أَصْحَٰبِ ٱلسَّعِيرِ

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

Allah said:

وَلَقَدۡ ذَرَأۡنَا لِجَهَنَّمَ كَثِيرً۬ا مِّنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ وَٱلۡإِنسِ‌ۖ

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

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

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

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

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

Miswak On The Tongue

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

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

Abu Burda narrated, “My father [Abu Musa – may Allah be pleased with him] said:

“I came to the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and saw him carrying a Siwak in his hand and cleaning his teeth, saying, ‘U’, ‘U’, as if he was retching while the Siwaak was in his mouth”.

It is legislated to use the Siwaak on the tongue for a longer time. As for the teeth, what is more desired is that the Siwaak is made to come into contact with them widthways – across the mouth. Siwaak is not specified for use on the teeth only. (1)

Listen here: The Virtues Of The Siwaak By Shaikh Abu Khadeejah, may Allah preserve him:

The Virtues Of The Siwaak By Abu Khadeejah

[1] Sahih Al-Bukhari. Number 244. Excerpt from ‘Fath Al-Bari 1/462-463. Publisher: Daarus Salaam 1st edition 1421AH (2000)]

photo of island and thunder

[7] The Character Trait Most Hated By The Messenger

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Articles, Basics, Contemporary Issues, Fitnah, History of Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Sahaabah, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors), Scholars of Islam, Sin, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah', Zuhd (Abstinence).

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

Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her said:

There was no behaviour more hateful to Allāh’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, than lying. A man would tell a lie when speaking in the presence of the Prophet, and he would not be satisfied until he knew that he had repented from it. [at-Tirmidhi‌ 1973]

Allah said:

وَلَقَدۡ خَلَقۡنَا ٱلۡإِنسَـٰنَ وَنَعۡلَمُ مَا تُوَسۡوِسُ بِهِۦ نَفۡسُهُ ۥ‌ۖ وَنَحۡنُ أَقۡرَبُ إِلَيۡهِ مِنۡ حَبۡلِ ٱلۡوَرِيدِ
إِذۡ يَتَلَقَّى ٱلۡمُتَلَقِّيَانِ عَنِ ٱلۡيَمِينِ وَعَنِ ٱلشِّمَالِ قَعِيدٌ۬
مَّا يَلۡفِظُ مِن قَوۡلٍ إِلَّا لَدَيۡهِ رَقِيبٌ عَتِيدٌ۬

And indeed We have created man, and We know what his ownself whispers to him. And We are nearer to him than his jugular vein (by Our Knowledge). (Remember!) that the two receivers (recording angels) receive (each human being after he or she has attained the age of puberty), one sitting on the right and one on the left (to note his or her actions). Not a word does he (or she) utter, but there is a watcher by him ready (to record it). [50:16-18]

Allah informed us that He alone created humans -males and females- and He knows all their state of affairs. He knows everything that is hidden about them and what their souls whisper to them. Allah is nearer to them than their jugular veins by His knowledge, even though the jugular vein is the closest thing to the human. Therefore, this should make the human being mindful of Allah -the One Who knows all the hidden affairs in the soul and heart of the human being in all circumstances. This should also make the human being shy in the presence of Allah so that he (she) is not seen committing what Allah has forbidden or abandoning what Allah has commanded. [An Excerpt from ‘Tafsir As-Sadi]

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

“When the son of Adam wakes up in the morning, all the limbs humble themselves before the tongue and say, ‘Fear Allah for our sake, (for) we are with you; if you are upright, we will be upright; and if you are crooked, we will become crooked'”. [1]

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

“Whoever can guarantee (the chastity of) what is between his two jaw bones and what is between his two legs (i.e. his mouth, his tongue, and his private parts), I guarantee Paradise for him”. [2]

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

“Neither hajj nor taking up positions during battle, nor Jihad is more difficult than restraining the tongue”. [3]

Abdullah Ibn Tawus, may Allah have mercy upon him,  said:

Tawus, may Allah have mercy upon him, used to find it difficult to speak for a very long time, and he would say: “I examined my tongue and found it to be malicious”. [4]

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

“Some of our companions used to guard their speech from one Jumu’ah to another Jumu’ah.” [5]

It was said to one of the scholars may Allah have mercy upon him,  “Indeed, you do keep quiet for a long time!” He said: “Indeed, I consider my tongue as a wild voracious animal. I fear that if I let it loose, it will hurt me.” [6]

It is said that a man argued with Al-Ahnaf Ibn Qays- may Allah have mercy upon both of them- and said: “If you say one, you will hear ten.” Al-Ahnaf replied: “But if you say ten, you will not hear one!” [7]

Ziyad Ibn Yunus, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“By Allah, Malik, may Allah have mercy upon him, was the greatest of people in terms of honourabe behaviour, and the one who kept silent the most. When he sat down, he would not get up until he had to, and I saw him as someone who was often silent, spoke little, and guarded his tongue”. Ibn Al-Mubarak said: “Malik was the most patient in dealing with people, and he would leave what did not concern him”. [8]

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

“I scrutinised Al-Wara (the fear of Allah that makes one refrain from doubtful matters in order not to fall into haram) and did not find it more lacking in anything than the tongue”. [9]

Yunus Ibn Ubayd, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“Indeed, you see a man fasting a lot, abstaining from the forbidden deeds and praying the night prayer, whilst he testifies to falsehood in the morning.”  [10]

Ibnul Mubarak, may Allah have mercy upon him, was asked about the statement of Luqman, peace be upon him, to his son: “If speech is from silver, then silence is from gold”. He said: “It means that if speech in obedience to Allah is from silver, then silence (to refrain from) disobedience to Allah is gold”. [11]

None can be slandered or his affair misrepresented, whether a Muslim or non-Muslim, not even an animal. Read below:

 https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2022/05/08/the-freed-slave-girl-the-precious-stones-and-the-kite/

 https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2025/03/27/qaswa-received-deserved-praise/

 

 

[1] Sahih at-Tirmidhee 2407
[2] Al-Bukhari 6474
[3] Jami’ul Uloom Wal-Hikam 145
[4] As-Samt page 86
[5] As-Samt page 223
[6] As-Samt page 299
[7] Siyar A’lam An-Nubula 4/93
[80] Tarteeb Al-Madaarik Wa Taqreeb Al-Masaalik 1/127-128
[9] Siyar A’laam An-Nubulaa  7/368
[10] Hilyatul Awliyaa 3/20]
[11] Jami-ul Uloom Wal-Hikam 155]

[1] Private Gatherings and Conversations

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Articles, Basics, Methodology - 'Manhaj', 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.

لَّا خَيْرَ فِي كَثِيرٍ مِّن نَّجْوَاهُمْ إِلَّا مَنْ أَمَرَ بِصَدَقَةٍ أَوْ مَعْرُوفٍ أَوْ إِصْلَاحٍ بَيْنَ النَّاسِ ۚ وَمَن يَفْعَلْ ذَٰلِكَ ابْتِغَاءَ مَرْضَاتِ اللَّهِ فَسَوْفَ نُؤْتِيهِ أَجْرًا عَظِيمًا
أي: لا خير في كثير مما يتناجى به الناس ويتخاطبون، وإذا لم يكن فيه خير، فإما لا فائدة فيه كفضول الكلام المباح، وإما شر ومضرة محضة كالكلام المحرم بجميع أنواعه. ثم استثنى تعالى فقال
إِلَّا مَنْ أَمَرَ بِصَدَقَةٍ
من مال أو علم أو أي نفع كان، بل لعله يدخل فيه العبادات القاصرة كالتسبيح والتحميد ونحوه، كما قال النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم
إن بكل تسبيحة صدقة، وكل تكبيرة صدقة، وكل تهليلة صدقة، وأمر بالمعروف صدقة، ونهي عن المنكر صدقة، وفي بضع أحدكم صدقة
أَوْ مَعْرُوفٍ
وهو الإحسان والطاعة وكل ما عرف في الشرع والعقل حسنه، وإذا أطلق الأمر بالمعروف من غير أن يقرن بالنهي عن المنكر دخل فيه النهي عن المنكر، وذلك لأن ترك المنهيات من المعروف، وأيضا لا يتم فعل الخير إلا بترك الشر. وأما عند الاقتران فيفسر المعروف بفعل المأمور، والمنكر بترك المنهي.
أَوْ إِصْلَاحٍ بَيْنَ النَّاسِ
والإصلاح لا يكون إلا بين متنازعين متخاصمين، والنزاع والخصام والتغاضب يوجب من الشر والفرقة ما لا يمكن حصره، فلذلك حث الشارع على الإصلاح بين الناس في الدماء والأموال والأعراض، بل وفي الأديان كما قال تعالى
وَاعْتَصِمُوا بِحَبْلِ اللَّهِ جَمِيعًا وَلَا تَفَرَّقُوا
وقال تعالى: { وَإِنْ طَائِفَتَانِ مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ اقْتَتَلُوا فَأَصْلِحُوا بَيْنَهُمَا فَإِنْ بَغَتْ إِحْدَاهُمَا عَلَى الْأُخْرَى فَقَاتِلُوا الَّتِي تَبْغِي حَتَّى تَفِيءَ إِلَى أَمْرِ اللَّهِ ْ}
وقال تعالى
{ وَالصُّلْحُ خَيْرٌ ْ} والساعي في الإصلاح بين الناس أفضل من القانت بالصلاة والصيام والصدقة، والمصلح لا بد أن يصلح الله سعيه وعمله. كما أن الساعي في الإفساد لا يصلح الله عمله ولا يتم له مقصوده كما قال تعالى: { إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُصْلِحُ عَمَلَ الْمُفْسِدِينَ ْ}. فهذه الأشياء حيثما فعلت فهي خير، كما دل على ذلك الاستثناء. ولكن كمال الأجر وتمامه بحسب النية والإخلاص، ولهذا قال: { وَمَنْ يَفْعَلْ ذَلِكَ ابْتِغَاءَ مَرْضَاةِ اللَّهِ فَسَوْفَ نُؤْتِيهِ أَجْرًا عَظِيمًا ْ} فلهذا ينبغي للعبد أن يقصد وجه الله تعالى ويخلص العمل لله في كل وقت وفي كل جزء من أجزاء الخير، ليحصل له بذلك الأجر العظيم، وليتعود الإخلاص فيكون من المخلصين، وليتم له الأجر، سواء تم مقصوده أم لا، لأن النية حصلت واقترن بها ما يمكن من العمل.

 

Allah, The Most High, said:

لَّا خَيْرَ فِي كَثِيرٍ مِّن نَّجْوَاهُمْ إِلَّا مَنْ أَمَرَ بِصَدَقَةٍ أَوْ مَعْرُوفٍ أَوْ إِصْلَاحٍ بَيْنَ النَّاسِ ۚ وَمَن يَفْعَلْ ذَٰلِكَ ابْتِغَاءَ مَرْضَاتِ اللَّهِ فَسَوْفَ نُؤْتِيهِ أَجْرًا عَظِيمًا

There is no good in most of their secret talks except (in) him who orders Sadaqah (charity in Allah’s Cause), or that which is right, or conciliation between mankind, and he who does this, seeking the good Pleasure of Allah, We shall give him a great reward. [An-Nisaa 114]

Meaning: There is no good in most of secret counsels held by the people and speak about. And if there is no good in it, then either there is no benefit in it due to excessive permissible speech or evil and absolute harm, such as all types of forbidden speech. Then He, The Most High, made an exception, saying:

[ إِلَّا مَنْ أَمَرَ بِصَدَقَةٍ – Except (in) him who orders Sadaqah (charity in Allah’s Cause)], such as wealth, knowledge, or any type of benefit. In fact, conceivably (hopefully), the personal acts of worship are included, such as Tasbih, Tamhid and what is similar, as the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

“Indeed, there is charity in every Tasbihah, charity in every Takbir, charity in every Tahlil; enjoining good and forbidding evil is charity, and there is charity in the sexual relations of one of you”.

[أَوْ مَعْرُوفٍ – or that which is right], (which) is kindness, obedience (to Allah and His Messenger), and everything whose goodness is known through the Shariah and sound intellect. And when the command to enjoin good is mentioned without being associated with prohibition against evil, the prohibition of evil is included, since the abandonment of what is forbidden is part of doing good. Also, the doing of good cannot be accomplished except by abandoning evil. As for when both are mentioned together, the word Al-Maruf is explained to mean doing what is commanded and Al-Munkar as abandoning what is forbidden.

[ أَوْ إِصْلَاحٍ بَيْنَ النَّاسِ – or conciliation between mankind]

Reconciliation does not take place except between disputing people (groups, factions etc). Differing and argumentation inevitably (leads to) evil and splitting that is inestimable, thus, the Ultimate Lawgiver urges towards reconciliation between the people (in matters pertaining) to bloodshed, wealth, and honour, and in fact in religion, as He, The Most High, said:

وَاعْتَصِمُوا بِحَبْلِ اللَّهِ جَمِيعًا وَلَا تَفَرَّقُوا

And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allah (i.e. this Quran), and be not divided among yourselves.

And He, The Most High, said:

وَإِنْ طَائِفَتَانِ مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ اقْتَتَلُوا فَأَصْلِحُوا بَيْنَهُمَا فَإِنْ بَغَتْ إِحْدَاهُمَا عَلَى الْأُخْرَى فَقَاتِلُوا الَّتِي تَبْغِي حَتَّى تَفِيءَ إِلَى أَمْرِ اللَّهِ

If two parties among the believers should fight (each other), then make settlement between them (through the Book of Allāh). But if one of them revolts against the other (and refuses compliance with the judgement of Allāh’s Book), then fight you (all) against the one that revolts until it complies with the command of Allāh.

https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/search/49_9 [Footnote a]

He, The Most High, said: [وَالصُّلْحُ خَيْرٌ – and making peace is better (the best thing to do)]. [Footnote b]

The one who endevours to bring about reconciliation between the people is better than the one who is devoted to (optional) prayer, fasting, and charity. Allah will bless the efforts and actions of the reconciler, just as Allah will neither set right the action of the one who endevours to cause corruption nor will He will He make him attain his goal (or objective), as He, The Most High, said:

إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُصْلِحُ عَمَلَ الْمُفْسِدِينَ

Verily, Allah does not set right the work of Al-Mufsidun (the evil-doers, corrupters). [Yunus 81]

Whenever (and wherever) these matters are carried out (accomplished), they are good, as demonstrated by this exclusion (i.e. as stated in the Ayah Nisaa 114 that there is no good in most of their secret talks except (in) him who orders Sadaqah (charity in Allah’s Cause), or that which is right, or conciliation between mankind).

However, the perfection of the reward and its completeness depend on the intention and sincerity, thus, He (Allah) said:

وَمَنْ يَفْعَلْ ذَلِكَ ابْتِغَاءَ مَرْضَاةِ اللَّهِ فَسَوْفَ نُؤْتِيهِ أَجْرًا عَظِيمًا ْ

And he who does this, seeking the good Pleasure of Allah, We shall give him a great reward.

Therefore, it is incumbent upon a servant (of Allah) to seek the face of Allah, The Most High, sincerely devote deeds to Allah at all times and in every aspect of goodness, so that through this he may attain the great reward, cultivate sincerity and be from the sincere ones, and so that the reward will be completed (accomplished), regardless of whether the objective is achieved or not, since the intention has been accomplished and associated with the action that could be carried out. [1]

We ask Allah:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ خَشْيَتَكَ فِي الْغَيْبِ وَالشَّهَادَةِ،

O Allah! I ask You to grant me (the blessing of having) fear of You in private and public…[2]

اللَّهُمَّ أَصْلِحْ لِي دِينِي الَّذِي هُوَ عِصْمَةُ أَمْرِي
وَأَصْلِحْ لِي دُنْيَايَ الَّتِي فِيهَا مَعَاشِي
وَأَصْلِحْ لِي آخِرَتِي الَّتِي فِيهَا مَعَادِي
وَاجْعَلِ الْحَيَاةَ زِيَادَةً لِي فِي كُلِّ خَيْرٍ
وَاجْعَلِ الْمَوْتَ رَاحَةً لِي مِنْ كُلِّ شَرٍّ

O Allah! Rectify my religion for me, which is the safeguard of my affairs; rectify my worldly [affairs], wherein is my livelihood; and rectify my Afterlife to which is my return; and make life for me [as a means of] increase in every good and make death for me as a rest from every evil. [Sahih Muslim. 2720] [3]

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Footnote a: Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim concerning reconciliation during conflict:

Allah commanded the reconciliation between the two warring factions initially. However, if one side oppresses the other, then the obligation shifts to fighting against the transgressor rather than seeking peace, as they are unjust. Attempting to reconcile in the face of such injustice undermines the rights of the oppressed group. Many unjust individuals who claim to be peacemakers often mediate between the powerful oppressor and the weak victim in a way that favours the powerful, believing they have achieved harmony, while in reality, they deny the oppressed their rightful claims. This is injustice; rather, the wronged party should be allowed to reclaim their rights. They can then be asked, with their consent, to forgo a portion of their rights without favouritism towards those in power, ensuring that there is no coercion involved in favouring others”.

A reconciliation that permits the forbidden and prohibits the permissible is similar to the agreement that forbids a lawful act, allows an unlawful act, enslaves a free person, alters lineage, waives an obligation, suspends a punishment, or inflicts injustice on a third party. The permissible reconciliation among Muslims is one that is based on Allāh’s Pleasure and the satisfaction of both parties involved (based on justice). This represents the most just and rightful form of settlement, grounded in knowledge and fairness. The mediator should be well-informed about the circumstances, aware of their responsibilities, and committed to justice. The merit of this role is even greater than that of the (optional) fasting and prayer of a person, as the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him, said: ‘Shall I not inform you of something more excellent in degree than (voluntary) fasting, prayer and almsgiving?’ The people replied: ‘Certainly O Prophet of Allah!’ He said: “It is working for reconciliation between people, and spoiling it is the shaver (destruction)”. [Abu Dawud 4919]

The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Whoever has wronged his brother, should ask for his pardon (before his death), as (in the Hereafter) there will be neither a Dinar nor a Dirham. (He should secure pardon in this life) before some of his good deeds are taken and paid to his brother, or, if he has done no good deeds, some of the bad deeds of his brother are taken to be loaded on him (in the Hereafter). [Al-Bukhari 6534] [4]

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

ويؤخذ من عموم هذا اللفظ والمعنى أن الصلح بين مَن بينهما حق أو منازعة في جميع الأشياء أنه خير من استقصاء كل منهما على كل حقه، لما فيها من الإصلاح وبقاء الألفة والاتصاف بصفة السماح. وهو جائز في جميع الأشياء إلا إذا أحلّ حراما أو حرّم حلالا، فإنه لا يكون صلحا وإنما يكون جورا.

It is understood from the generality of this wording and meaning that reconciliation between parties – who owe rights to each other or are in dispute – in all matters is better than if each part persist on receiving their full rights, due to what is found in it, such as reconciliation, the maintaining of harmony and embracing the characteristic of forgiveness. It is permissible in all matters except when makes the unlawful lawful or makes what is lawful unlawful, for it it would not be regarded as reconciliation, instead it would be injustice (oppression, inequity). [5]

[1]An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi. paraphrased

[2]https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2021/01/01/o-allaah-let-me-live-if-life-is-good-for-me-and-let-me-die-if-death-is-good-for-me/

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

[4]Excerpts from “I’laam al-Muwaqqi’een 1/84-86

[5]For further details seen Tafsir As-Sadi. Explanation of Ayah 128 Surah An-Nisaa. paraphrased