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War-Mongers and War-Profiteers Cannot Conflate Strategic Maneuvering with Treachery

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

Ka’b Bin Malik, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “When the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, intended to go on an expedition (against a people with whom there is no treaty and war was declared), he always pretended to be going somewhere else, and he would say, ‘War is stratagem'”. [1]

Imam at-Tabari, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “To give a wrong impression – during war – through Mu’aaradah [i.e. making one’s statements or actions obscure (ambiguous) to mislead the opponent about one’s real plans] is allowed”. [2]

Ibn al-Arabi Al-Maliki, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, “Stratagem during war takes place through concealment and giving a wrong impression (to the opponent)”. [3]

The scholars unanimously agree that it is permissible to deceive the unbelievers (i.e. when a Muslim country declares war), but this is not permissible if it violates a covenant or an agreement that was made for a guarantee of safety. [4]

However, stratagem does not necessitate treachery. Abu Al-l Fayd, may Allah have mercy upon him, narrated that Sulaym Ibn Amir, may Allah have mercy upon him, reported that there was a peace treaty between Mu’aawiyah, may Allah be pleased with him and his father, and the Byzantines. He was marching towards their country and when the covenant came to an end, he would attack them. A man came on a horse, saying, “Allah is the Most Great! Allah is the Most Great! Let there be fulfillment and not treachery!” Mu’aawiyah sent for him and questioned him about that. He said: “I heard Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, say, “When one has a covenant with people he must not strengthen or loosen it until its term comes to an end or he brings it to an end in agreement with them”. He said, “So Mu’aawiyah returned with the people”. [5]

Abdullah Ibn Umar, may Allah be pleased with him and his father, reported that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “When Allah gathers the earlier and later generations on the Day of Resurrection, He will raise a banner for every treacherous person and it will be announced that this is the treachery of this person, the son of this person”. [6]


[1] Sunan Abu Dawud. Hadeeth Number 2637

[2] Sharh Saheeh Muslim Vol 12. Page 40

[3] Fat-hul Baaree Sharh Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree. Vol 6. Pages 190-191

[4] An Excerpt from Awnul Ma’bood Sharh Sunan Abee Dawud Vol 7. Page 214

[5] Sunan At-Tirmidhee 1580

[6]Saheeh Muslim. Hadeeth Number 1735

 

Verses 94-95 Surah Al-A’raf

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

Allah, The Most High, said: said:

وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَا فِي قَرْيَةٍ مِّن نَّبِيٍّ إِلَّا أَخَذْنَا أَهْلَهَا بِالْبَأْسَاءِ وَالضَّرَّاءِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَضَّرَّعُونَ
ثُمَّ بَدَّلْنَا مَكَانَ السَّيِّئَةِ الْحَسَنَةَ حَتَّىٰ عَفَوا وَّقَالُوا قَدْ مَسَّ آبَاءَنَا الضَّرَّاءُ وَالسَّرَّاءُ فَأَخَذْنَاهُم بَغْتَةً وَهُمْ لَا يَشْعُرُونَ

And We sent no Prophet unto any town (and they denied him), but We seized its people with suffering from extreme poverty (or loss in wealth) and loss of health and calamities, so that they might humiliate themselves (and repent to Allah). Then We changed the evil for the good, until they increased in number and in wealth, and said: “Our fathers were touched with evil (loss of health and calamities) and with good (prosperity, etc.).” So We seized them of a sudden while they were unaware. [Al-A’raaf 94-95]

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

Meaning, they said: “This is something normal that has not ceased since the earlier and later generations and is still happening among the later generations. At times they were in a state of ease and at other times they encountered hardships- at times there was happiness and at other times there was sorrow, according to the alternation of time periods”.

They thought that neither is there an admonition or reminder to pay attention to nor that this is Istidraj (i.e. being gradually led to destruction while they persist in sin), until when they rejoiced in what they were given and this worldly life became the most important thing in their minds, Allah seized them with punishment.

“Suddenly while they were unaware”– Meaning, it never occurred to them that they may encounter destruction, and they thought that they possessed full control over what Allah bestowed on them and that neither will they cease to exist nor leave it behind.

An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi

[16] Some Extraordinary Personalities of The First Three Generations

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

Uways ibn Āmir ibn Juzʾ ibn Mālik al-Qaranī al-Murādī al-Yamānī – may Allah have mercy upon him 

Umar Ibn Al-Khattab Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, said, “I heard Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, saying: “Indeed, the best of the Tabi’in [i.e. followers of the companions] would be a person who would be a man called Uways. He would have his mother (living with him) and he would have (a small) sign of leprosy (on his skin). If you meet him, ask him to seek Allah’s forgiveness for you”.

Usair Bin Jabir, may  have mercy upon him, reported that whenever the people from Yemen came to help (the Muslim army at the time of jihad), Umar would ask: “Is Uways ibn Āmir among you?” When he found Uways, he said: “Are you Uways ibn Āmir?” He said: “Yes”. He said: “Are you from Murad then from Qaran?” He said: “Yes”. He said: “Did you have leprosy, then you recovered from it except for a spot the size of a dirham?” He said: “Yes”. He said: “Do you have a mother?” He said: “Yes”. He said: “I heard Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, saying:

“There will come to you Uways ibn Āmir with the reinforcements from Yemen, from Murad then from Qaran. He had leprosy but he recovered from it except for a spot the size of a dirham. He has a mother and he honours her. If he were to swear in the name of Allah that something should happen, Allah would cause it to happen. If you can ask him to supplicate for forgiveness for you then do so”. Seek forgiveness for me. So, he supplicated for forgiveness for him. Umar said to him: “Where are you headed?”  He said: “Kufa”. He said: “Shall I write to the governor for you?” He said: “Being among the common folk is dearer to me”.

The following year, a man from among their nobles performed Hajj and he met Umar, who asked him about Uways. He said: “I left him in a shabby house with meagre provisions”. He said: “I heard Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, say: “There will come to you Uways ibn Āmir with the reinforcements from Yemen, from Murad then from Qaran. He had leprosy but he recovered from it except for a spot the size of a dirham. He has a mother and he honours her. If he were to swear in the name of Allah that something should happen, Allah would cause it to happen. If you can ask him to pray for forgiveness for you then do so”. So he went to Uways and said: “Supplicate for forgiveness for me”. He said: “You have just come from a sacred journey, supplicate for forgiveness for me”. He said: “Supplicate for forgiveness for me”.  He said: “You have just come from a sacred journey, supplicate for forgiveness for me”. He said: “Did you meet Umar?” He said: “Yes”. Then he supplicated for forgiveness for him, and the people came to know of his piety, so he left. Usayr said: “His garment (allocated annually by the state) was a cloak (burdah) and every time anyone saw him he would say: ‘From where did Oways get this cloak?'” [Sahih Muslim 2542]

Imam An-Nawawi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

This story of Uways is a clear miracle of Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. The Messenger’s statement “If you meet him, ask him to ssupplicate for Allah’s forgiveness for you” is a manifest virtue of Uway’s, and this hadith shows that it is desired for one to ask for the supplication of the righteous people, even if the one who is asking is more virtuous than the one who is asked to supplicate.

The statement of the Messenger “The best of the Tabi’in is a man called Uways” is very clear regarding the fact that he is the best of the Tabi’in. But if it is said, “Indeed, Ahmad Bin Hanbal did say that the best of the Tabi’in is Sa’eed Ibn Al- Musayyib”, so the response to this is that what they intended is that Sa’eed Ibn Al- Musayyib is the best in the Shariah sciences, such Tafsir, hadith and other than it, but not the best with regards to being virtuous in the sight of Allah, The Most High.

When Umar Ibn Al-Khattab Khattaab met Uways, he said to him, “Where are you headed?” Uways said, “Kufa”. Umar said, “Shall I write to the governor for you?” He said, “Being among the common folk is dearer to me”. This is preferring to be unknown and hiding one’s state of affairs.


An Excerpt from Sharh Sahjh Muslim by Imam An-Nawawi. Vol 15. Pages 76-78.

 

Greater Love for Allah and Devotion to Him Means Less Attachment to Forbidden Images and Desires

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

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

If the heart loves Allah and devotes all the religion sincerely to Him, it will not give a share of this love to anyone else, let alone being afflicted with infatuation; but when afflicted with infatuation, this is due to its deficient love of Allah. This is why due to Yusuf’s, peace be upon him, love of Allah and sincerely devoting all the religion to Allah alone, he did not depart from it; rather Allah said:

ڪَذَٲلِكَ لِنَصۡرِفَ عَنۡهُ ٱلسُّوٓءَ وَٱلۡفَحۡشَآءَ‌ۚ إِنَّهُ ۥ مِنۡ عِبَادِنَا ٱلۡمُخۡلَصِينَ

Thus it was, that We might turn away from him evil and illegal sexual intercourse. Surely, he was one of Our chosen, guided slaves.

But as for the wife of the Azeez, she and her people were polytheists, and due to this she was afflicted with infatuation. [1]

Those people whose hearts are infatuated with images receive the greatest punishment and the smallest reward. This is because if the heart of the one who is infatuated with images continues to be attached and is enslaved, various types of evils, loss and corruption will be gathered for him, which none besides Allah can enumerate. Even if he is safe from committing a major lewd act, the continuous attachment of the heart to the image without committing a lewd act is a greater than the harm that afflicts a person who commits a sin and then repents, thus the effect of that sin ceases to exist in his heart. The greatest aspect of this calamity is when the heart turns away from Allah. This is because when the heart tastes the worship of Allah and being sincere to Him, there will never be anything sweeter than that- neither tastier and enjoyable nor better. A person does not abandon something beloved to him except due to another beloved thing that is more beloved to him, or due to fearing harm. The heart is turned away from a corrupt love by an upright love or due to fearing harm. Allah, The Exalted said about Yusuf, peace be upon him:

ڪَذَٲلِكَ لِنَصۡرِفَ عَنۡهُ ٱلسُّوٓءَ وَٱلۡفَحۡشَآءَ‌ۚ إِنَّهُ ۥ مِنۡ عِبَادِنَا ٱلۡمُخۡلَصِينَ

Thus it was, that We might turn away from him evil and illegal sexual intercourse. Surely, he was one of Our chosen, guided slaves. [Yusuf. 24]

Thus, Allah turned His servant away from that which would plunge one into evil due to inclining towards an image and being attached to it, and turns him away from lewd conduct due to his sincerity to Allah. [2]

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

Hearts that are emptied of love for Allah, turned away from Him and seeking remedy from others besides Him, are afflicted with infatuation with images. This is because when the heart is filled with love for Allah and a strong love for meeting Him, this infatuation with images is repelled from it. For this reason, Allah, The Most High, stated about Yusuf, peace be upon him:

كَذَٰلِكَ لِنَصْرِفَ عَنْهُ السُّوءَ وَالْفَحْشَاءَ ۚ إِنَّهُ مِنْ عِبَادِنَا الْمُخْلَصِينَ

Thus it was, that We might turn away from him evil and illegal sexual intercourse. Surely, he was one of Our chosen, guided slaves.

This shows that sincerity is a means to repelling (evil). Because of this, some of the pious predecessors said: “Infatuation is an agitation in empty hearts”. Meaning: emptied of other than what they crave for. [3]

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

Quote:

know that desires (vain) desires urges a person towards immediate pleasures without him contemplating its evil consequences and urges him towards short-lived pleasures, even though it is a cause of pain and harm in this life and a barrier to pleasure in the Hereafter. As for a sensible person, he keeps away from pleasures whose result will be pain and desires whose result will be regret. This is enough as praise regarding what sound intellect necessitates and a rebuke against (vain) desires.

A sensible person should know that those who are addicted to lowly desires reach a state in which they no longer enjoy themselves, but at the same time they are unable to abandon those desires because it becomes as if it is a necessity of life. Due to this, you’ll find that alcoholics and sex addicts do not even enjoy a tenth of those desires, rather, they place themselves in a perilous situation that compels them to keep on returning to the act. However, if- based on clear-sightedness- the beautification of those lowly desires cease, a person realises that he has exposed himself to some ruin that is contrary to well-being, a situation of grief instead of happiness, while seeking after pleasure. Thus, he resembles an animal that was led to a trap- neither reached the thing that was utilised to lure it into the trap nor able to escape.

A person should contemplate the fact that a human being was not created to fulfil (vain) desires, instead, he is facilitated (with sound intellect and knowledge based on the divine revelation) to contemplate the consequences of his actions and perform righteous deeds for the Hereafter. An animal receives pleasure through eating, drinking and sexual relaations much more than a human being, while living a life devoid of reflection and concern. Thus, it is drawn towards its desires due to being ignorant of the outcomes of its actions.

A person should contemplate the consequences of (vain) desires because many people are deprived of virtue and find themselves in a state of depravity as a result. Many mistakes violates the honour of a person, leads to an evil mention of him as well as the guilt of sinning due to (vain) desires, yet he still does not give thought to anything else except his desires! The best description regarding him is that of one who finds himself in a tannery, for he does not really notice its smell properly until he exits it and then realises where he was. A sensible person should imagine the dishonour that will come to him due to his desires and the harm that results from those pleasures, for indeed he will see that- in most cases- they occur as result of those desires and pleasures.

A person should contemplate on the honour a person receives due to been given the upper hand and the humiliation found in subjugation, for indeed there is none who overcomes his desires except that his honour is strengthened, and none is subjugated by his desires except that he will find humiliation and subjugation in his soul. A person should contemplate the benefits of opposing one’s (vain) desires due to the commendation attached to it in this worldly life, safety of the soul and safeguard of one’s honour, as well as reward in the Hereafter. [4]

Allahul Musta’aan!


[1] Majmu Al-Fataawaa 10/135

[2] Al-Ubudiyyah 114-115

[3] at-Tib An-Nabawi. page180

[4] An Except from Dham Al-Hawaa. 36-38

Palestine, Ever Present in Our Thoughts

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

The Greatest Calamity That Has Ever Afflicted The Ummah

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

“If one of you is afflicted with a calamity, then let him reflect upon his calamity through me (i.e. my death), for indeed it is the greatest of calamities”. [1]

Imam Al-Qurtubi, may Allah have mercy upon him, reported in his Tafseer that Imam Ibn Abdil Barr, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“Indeed, he [the Messenger] spoke the truth because the calamity that results from his death is greater than every calamity that will afflict a Muslim after him until the day of judgement. The revelation stopped and Prophethood ceased (forever)”. [2]

There is nothing more severe upon the Muslims than the death of Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, because he was the most trustworthy and perfect guide for the Ummah. [3]

 

Never Lose Hope

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

A person is neither to lose hope nor despair. He should not make the people lose hope of a return to goodness. He should not make the people lose hope regarding [the fact] that truth will prevail, and falsehood will be repelled; because Allah [Glorified and Exalted be He] has made that promise and He does not fail to fulfill His promise. Imaam Ibnul Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“The Religion is aided when put to the test, therefore, do not be amazed because this is the way of Ar-Rahmaan (The Most Merciful)”.

The wisdom behind Fitna is so that the believers are purified, exercise patience, become firm upon the truth, and are cautioned for their mistakes, and so that they may repent to Allah, The Mighty and Majestic. It is obligated to the Muslim that he looks at (the affairs) with optimism- neither look at history and the state of affairs with pessimism and hopelessness, nor make the people lose hope. It has been reported in a hadith:

“Whoever says, ‘The people are ruined, then he is ruined'”. [Muslim]

Therefore, a person should not lose hope in Allah’s Mercy and he should not make people lose. The Muslim should neither despair nor lose hope; he has to wait for solace from Allah, but this has to be accompanied by what one can perform of actions, statements, spreading knowledge, calling to Allah, telling the people to have certainty, and keeping them away from despair and lack of hope. [4] [End of quotes]

An-Nu’man ibn Bashir, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him: said:

The parable of the believers in their affection, mercy, and compassion for each other is that of a body. When any limb aches, the whole body reacts with sleeplessness and fever. [5]

Our Palestinian brothers and sisters, we reflect upon your suffering. We have reached another Ramadan while being in a state of physical safety, our properties safe and we have food for the day, while you have endured over two years of unimaginable hardship in our era. The hunger and tiredness that accompanies our fasting in the UK is absolutely nothing compared to the hunger and tiredness you endure. May Allah never allow our hearts to forget you, even though Allah alone suffices you.

O Allah! We ask You by Your Greatest Name to grant abundant reward to our Palestinian brothers and sisters, increase them in patience and endurance, and facilitate for them every means of strength to overcome this trial that has persisted for over 70 years.

O Allah! Increase the strength of our Muslim rulers and facilitate for them every path that will increase their influence on the global stage, so that the Ummah is also increased in safety. Unite the hearts of our rulers and the hearts of their subjects upon everything beloved to You. Ameen.


[1] Sahih Al-Jami As-Sagheer. Number 347

[2] Al-Jaami Li-Ahkam Al-Qur’an. Tafseer Surah Al-Baqarah 155-157

[3] Shuruhaat Sunan Ibn Majah pages 633- 634

[4] An Excerpt from the explanation of the Hadith of Hudhayfah Innaa Kunnaa Fee Jahiliyyatin. page 4

[5] al-Bukhari 6011 & Muslim 2586

Verses 17 and 19 Surah Al-Baqarah

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

مَثَلُهُمۡ كَمَثَلِ ٱلَّذِى ٱسۡتَوۡقَدَ نَارً۬ا فَلَمَّآ أَضَآءَتۡ مَا حَوۡلَهُ ۥ ذَهَبَ ٱللَّهُ بِنُورِهِمۡ وَتَرَكَهُمۡ فِى ظُلُمَـٰتٍ۬ لَّا يُبۡصِرُونَ

Their likeness is as the likeness of one who kindled a fire; then, when it lighted all around him, Allah took away their light and left them in darkness. (So) they could not see. [Al-Baqarah. Verse 17]

Allah, The Most High, informed us about the state of the hypocrites with regards to their share of the revelation and that their state is that of one who kindled a fire, in order to be given light and benefited, because they (outwardly) enter into Islam and are given light by way of it- benefit from it, receive safety and keep the company of the Muslims. However, when it is the case that their companionship with the Muslims is not based on the light of Islam in their hearts, it ceased and Allah took away their light. And Allah, The Most High, did not say, “Allah took away their fire” because fire contains both light and flames; rather Allah took away the light from the fire and left them with the flames and darkness, so they could not see.

This is the state of the person who could see guidance, but then became blind in misguidance; the one who knew (the truth) but then rejected it and the one who entered Islam and then separated his heart from it, so he does not return. And that is why Allah said:

فَهُمۡ لَا يَرۡجِعُونَ

So they return not (to the Right Path). (1)

Allah, The Most High, said:

أَوۡ كَصَيِّبٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ فِيهِ ظُلُمَـٰتٌ۬ وَرَعۡدٌ۬ وَبَرۡقٌ۬ يَجۡعَلُونَ أَصَـٰبِعَهُمۡ فِىٓ ءَاذَانِہِم مِّنَ ٱلصَّوَٲعِقِ حَذَرَ ٱلۡمَوۡتِ‌ۚ وَٱللَّهُ مُحِيطُۢ بِٱلۡكَـٰفِرِينَ

Or like a rainstorm from the sky, wherein is darkness, thunder, and lightning. They thrust their fingers in their ears to keep out the stunning thunderclap for fear of death. But Allah ever encompasses the disbelievers (i.e. Allah will gather them all together). [Al-Baqarah. 19]

Allah, The Most High, likened the hypocrites’ share of the guidance to that of a person who did not receive any share of a rainstorm, except the darkness, thunder and lightning. He has no share of what is around that (i.e. water), such as the source of life it (provides) for the land, the people, the trees and the animals. The darkness, thunder and lightning is not the goal, rather it is a means to receiving the complete benefit from that rainstorm. However, due to the ignorance of an ignorant person, his observation is limited to the darkness, thunder and lightning that is found in that rainstorm, which also necessitates (the presence) of severe cold, disruption of the traveler’s journey and hindering a person from his work. He (i.e. the ignorant person) does not have that insight to make him realise the life that is brought (to the land, the trees, animals etc) and (other) benefits. This is the affair of every short sighted and feeble minded person, whose observation of a tangible difficulty does not go beyond (what he sees so as to realise) the desirable things behind that difficulty. This is the state of affairs of the majority of the creation, except those who are given clear-sightedness. (2)


[1] An Excerpt from (I’laam Al-Muwaqqi’een 1/200-202

[2] Bada’i at-Tafseer Al-Jami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim 1/101

The Simple Determinant of a Civilised and Good Life

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

Al-Allamah Salih Aala Ash-Shaikh, may Allah preserve him, said:

Allah created the heavens and the earth in order that two obligations are fulfilled: His rights and the rights of His servants. Every Messenger and the divine scriptures were revealed to explain these two obligations: to worship Allah alone, reject all false gods and rivals, and follow His Messenger in that particular era and place. Allah revealed His scriptures and sent His Messengers to establish these two obligations. Allah, The Exalted, said:

لَقَدۡ أَرۡسَلۡنَا رُسُلَنَا بِٱلۡبَيِّنَـٰتِ وَأَنزَلۡنَا مَعَهُمُ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ وَٱلۡمِيزَانَ لِيَقُومَ ٱلنَّاسُ بِٱلۡقِسۡطِ

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. [Al-Hadid. 25]

Allah said:

وَلَقَدۡ بَعَثۡنَا فِى ڪُلِّ أُمَّةٍ۬ رَّسُولاً أَنِ ٱعۡبُدُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَٱجۡتَنِبُواْ ٱلطَّـٰغُوتَ

And verily, We have sent among every Ummah (community, nation) a Messenger (proclaiming): “Worship Allah (Alone), and avoid (or keep away from) Taghut (all false deities, etc. i.e. do not worship Taghut besides Allah).” [Al-Nahl. 36]

Due to this, the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “O Mu’adh! Do you know what is the right of Allah upon His servants?” I (Mu’adh) said, “Allah and his messenger know best”. The Prophet said, “To worship Him alone and associate none in worship with Him. And do you know what is their right upon Him?” I said, “Allah and his messenger know best”. The Prophet said, “Not to punish them if they do so”. [Al-Bukhari 6938] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRkeYjcJ728

Imam Ash-Shatibi, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated:

Know that Allah has established this Shariah as proof against the creation (humankind and jinn) – the old and young alike, the obedient and the disobedient, the righteous and the wicked. He did not specify the proof against anyone in exclusion of another one. Also, all the other revealed laws were established as proof against all the nations to whom they were revealed. The Shariah is the judge- in general, and specifically- the judge on all those who have reached the age of responsibility. It is the path attached to (what Allah has ordained) and it is the Greatest Guide. Have you not heard the statement of Allah, The Most High:

وَكَذَٲلِكَ أَوۡحَيۡنَآ إِلَيۡكَ رُوحً۬ا مِّنۡ أَمۡرِنَاۚ مَا كُنتَ تَدۡرِى مَا ٱلۡكِتَـٰبُ وَلَا ٱلۡإِيمَـٰنُ وَلَـٰكِن جَعَلۡنَـٰهُ نُورً۬ا نَّہۡدِى بِهِۦ مَن نَّشَآءُ مِنۡ عِبَادِنَاۚ وَإِنَّكَ لَتَہۡدِىٓ إِلَىٰ صِرَٲطٍ۬ مُّسۡتَقِيمٍ۬

And thus We have sent to you (O Muhammad) Ruhan (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. And verily, you (O Muhammad) are indeed guiding (mankind) to the Straight Path (i.e. Allah’s religion of Islamic Monotheism). [Ash-Shura 52]

He (the Prophet) – peace and blessings of Allah be upon him- was the first to be guided to the Book and Iman, and then those who followed him. The Book is the Guide and also the Sunnah that was revealed to him explains that guidance (i.e. the Sunnah and the Qur’an explain each other). All the creation (mankind and Jinn) are guided through it. Therefore, when this is the case that the Shariah is worthy of being a decisive proof against them and a beacon by way of which they are guided to the truth, their nobility is determined by the extent to which they embrace its rulings- through acting upon them in speech, belief, and deeds– and not merely due to the level of their intellects or their nobility amongst their people. That is because Allah, The Most High, has determined nobility through Taqwa and no other than it. Allah, The Most High, says: [إِنَّ أَڪۡرَمَكُمۡ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ أَتۡقَٮٰكُمۡۚ- Verily, the most honourable of you with Allah is that (believer) who has At-Taqwa] [49:13] [1]

This is simple and clear distinction in behaviour that can be seen as either civilised or uncivilised. Actions that align with divine revelation reflect moral integrity, while those that contradict it are considered evil, corrupt, or misleading. It is important to be cautious of those who promote misguided ideas in Muslim societies —individuals who aim to undermine the sound social values that are in harmony with the Messenger’s guidance, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. Imam As-Sadi, may Allah have mercy upon him, rebuked those misguided individuals in Muslim countries who attempted to evaluate civilised behaviour through the lens of foreign practices. He stated:

“In the view of these deviants, revival and advancement means to assimilate into the morale and mentality of the outsiders – the enemies of all religions; lose all their personalities by adopting the personalities of those people, imitate them in their manners, dress, dealings and customs – precisely and distinctly, because they see that one should dissociate from the religion ordained by Allāh and from beautiful manners. This is progress and advancement in their view, thus they replace that which is lofty, perfect and precious with something that is low and despicable. They are in agreement with their enemies outwardly and inwardly, and through this path they became the greatest weapon of the enemies against their religion and people, and for this reason they blindly imitated the foreigners in harmful matters.

As for that which they possess of those things that are of benefit – even if associated with the religion, they are the most distant from it as is well known regarding their state of affairs. And through that which the deviants decorate their falsehood is their strong language (or forceful speech) regarding modern culture (or intellectual development), whilst claiming that neither can manners be refined nor free from oppression and tyranny except by way of that. They exaggerated in praising it and its educators, vilify those who do not have this modern culture and ridicule them. They interpret it with various deviated interpretations and everyone blurting, because if sciences are disorderly and manners are based on them, then this is how its people will behave. They do not agree – in anything – in their views and opinions, and all their statements refer back to toppling the religion and manners. Indeed, sound intellectual development and beneficial refinement is that which the religion of Islam brought, which cleansed the beliefs from polytheism and the worship of images; cleansed the manners from every evil trait, cleansed deeds and etiquettes until matters became rectified, the state of affairs came to be upright, combined between the religious and worldly affairs, reformed the beneficial morale and the material sciences that support them. And certainly what is witnessed is a testimony to that which we have mentioned, for indeed the contemporary (or modern) sciences and inventions – despite their expansion and vastness – have been unable to rectify the manners, bring about sound virtues and remove evil due to them being devoid of (sound) religion; rather the religion of Islaam is that which will guarantee this rectification, undertake this beneficial refinement, direct towards every good and deter every evil, for indeed it is the rectifier of the apparent matters (i.e. deeds) and the hidden affairs of the soul in the religious and worldly affairs. Whoever looks at its fundamentals, subsidiary issues and what it deters, he will find the affair as we have mentioned; rather -above everything else -Allāh is the granter of success. [2]

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

Whoever ponders upon the state of affairs of the world will find that every affair of rectification is due to Tawheed, singling out Allah in worship and obedience to His Messenger (Muhammad). And every evil in the world, trial, affliction, scarcity (in livelihood), being overpowered by an enemy and other than that is due to (our) opposition to the Messenger and the call to other than (the way of) Allah and His Messenger. Whoever truly ponders upon this and examines the state of affairs of the world- since its beginning and until the time Allah will take it away and those upon it- he will realise this affair regarding himself and others, in general and specific (circumstances). And there is no Might or Power except with Allah –The Most High, The Most Great. [3]

Imam Al-Hasan Al-Basri, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated regarding Allāh’s statement:

 وَمِنۡهُم مَّن يَقُولُ رَبَّنَآ ءَاتِنَا فِى ٱلدُّنۡيَا حَسَنَةً۬ وَفِى ٱلۡأَخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً۬

And of them there are some who say: “Our Lord! Give us in this world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good (2:201]

Good in the worldly life is Knowledge and worship. Good in the afterlife is Paradise. [4]


[1] Al-I’tisam 3/434

[2] An Excerpt from Ad-Dalaa’il Al-Qur’aaniyyah Fee Annal Uloom Wal-A’maal An-Naafi’ah Al-Asriyyah Daakhilatun Fid Deen Al-Islaamiy. page 33- 36

[3] Bada’i al-Fawa’id 3/525-526

[4] Jami Bayan Al-Ilm 1/11

 

 

Reflections from some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali – [110]

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

Allah named the Qur’an Al-Furqan (The Criterion) because it distinguishes between truth and falsehood.

Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, separated the people – separated the people of truth, guidance and Iman from the people of Kufr, lies, wickedness, shirk and misguidance.

Allah will definitely make them (humankind and jinn) two groups – a group in paradise and a group in the blazing fire.

An Excerpt from “Juhud Al-Allamah Rabee Al-Mad’khali Fee Naqd Shubuhaat Al-Hizbiyyeen” 74-75

Must Reflect While Their Beautiful Speech About Allah’s Perfect Knowledge Is Contradicted by Lies They Continue to Utter Against Others

In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The

Allah, The Most High, said:

أَلَمۡ تَرَ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَعۡلَمُ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَمَا فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ‌ۖ مَا يَڪُونُ مِن نَّجۡوَىٰ ثَلَـٰثَةٍ إِلَّا هُوَ رَابِعُهُمۡ وَلَا خَمۡسَةٍ إِلَّا هُوَ سَادِسُہُمۡ وَلَآ أَدۡنَىٰ مِن ذَٲلِكَ وَلَآ أَڪۡثَرَ إِلَّا هُوَ مَعَهُمۡ أَيۡنَ مَا كَانُواْ‌ۖ ثُمَّ يُنَبِّئُهُم بِمَا عَمِلُواْ يَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ بِكُلِّ شَىۡءٍ عَلِيمٌ

Have you not seen that Allah knows whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is on the earth? There is no Najwa (secret counsel) of three, but He is their fourth (with His Knowledge, while He Himself is over the Throne, over the seventh heaven), nor of five but He is their sixth (with His Knowledge), not of less than that or more, but He is with them (with His Knowledge) wheresoever they may be; and afterwards on the Day of Resurrection, He will inform them of what they did. Verily, Allah is the All-Knower of everything. [Al-Mijaadilah. 7]

Allah, The Most High, said:

أَلَمۡ يَعۡلَمُوٓاْ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَعۡلَمُ سِرَّهُمۡ وَنَجۡوَٮٰهُمۡ وَأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلَّـٰمُ ٱلۡغُيُوبِ

Know they not that Allah knows their secret ideas, and their Najwa (secret counsels), and that Allah is the All-Knower of the unseen]. [Al-Tawbah. 78]

Allah, The Most High, said:

وَلَقَدۡ خَلَقۡنَا ٱلۡإِنسَـٰنَ وَنَعۡلَمُ مَا تُوَسۡوِسُ بِهِۦ نَفۡسُهُ ۥ‌ۖ وَنَحۡنُ أَقۡرَبُ إِلَيۡهِ مِنۡ حَبۡلِ ٱلۡوَرِيدِ

And we already created man (aforetime) and We know (all that) his soul whispers to him, and We are nearer to him (with our all-encompassing knowledge) than his jugular vein. [Surah Qaaf. 16. https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/search/50_16 ]

Allah, The Most High, said:

وَٱللَّهُ خَلَقَكُم مِّن تُرَابٍ۬ ثُمَّ مِن نُّطۡفَةٍ۬ ثُمَّ جَعَلَكُمۡ أَزۡوَٲجً۬اۚ وَمَا تَحۡمِلُ مِنۡ أُنثَىٰ وَلَا تَضَعُ إِلَّا بِعِلۡمِهِۚۦ وَمَا يُعَمَّرُ مِن مُّعَمَّرٍ۬ وَلَا يُنقَصُ مِنۡ عُمُرِهِۦۤ إِلَّا فِى كِتَـٰبٍۚ إِنَّ ذَٲلِكَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ يَسِيرٌ۬

And Allah did create you (Adam) from dust, then from Nutfah (male and female discharge semen drops i.e. Adam’s offspring), then He made you pairs (male and female). And no female conceives or gives birth, but with His Knowledge. And no aged man is granted a length of life, nor is a part cut off from his life (or another man’s life), but is in a Book (Al-Lauh Al-Mahfuz) Surely, that is easy for Allah. [Faatir. 11]

Allah, The Most High, said:

إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَـٰلِمُ غَيۡبِ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِۚ إِنَّهُ ۥ عَلِيمُۢ بِذَاتِ ٱلصُّدُورِ

Verily, Allah is the All-Knower of the unseen of the heavens and the earth. Verily! He is the All-Knower of that is in the breasts]. [Faatir. 38]

Allah, The Most High, said:

وَإِن تَجۡهَرۡ بِٱلۡقَوۡلِ فَإِنَّهُ ۥ يَعۡلَمُ ٱلسِّرَّ وَأَخۡفَى

And if you speak aloud – then indeed, He knows the secret and what is [even] more hidden. [Taa Haa. 7]

Allah, The Most High, said:

يَعۡلَمُ مَا بَيۡنَ أَيۡدِيہِمۡ وَمَا خَلۡفَهُمۡ وَلَا يُحِيطُونَ بِهِۦ عِلۡمً۬ا

He (Allah) knows what happens to them (His creatures) in this world, and what will happen to them (in the Hereafter), and they will never compass anything of His Knowledge]. [Taa Haa. 110]

Allah, Mighty and Majestic, said:

وَرَبُّكَ يَعۡلَمُ مَا تُكِنُّ صُدُورُهُمۡ وَمَا يُعۡلِنُونَ

And your Lord knows what their breasts conceal, and what they reveal]. [Al-Qasas. 69]

Allah, The Mighty and Majestic, said:

رَّبُّكُمۡ أَعۡلَمُ بِمَا فِى نُفُوسِكُمۡ‌ۚ إِن تَكُونُواْ صَـٰلِحِينَ فَإِنَّهُ ۥ ڪَانَ لِلۡأَوَّٲبِينَ غَفُورً۬ا

Our Lord knows best what is in your inner-selves. If you are righteous, then, verily, He is Ever Most Forgiving to those who turn unto Him again and again in obedience, and in repentance]. [Al-Israa. 25]

Allah, The Mighty and Majestic, said:

وَمَا تَكُونُ فِى شَأۡنٍ۬ وَمَا تَتۡلُواْ مِنۡهُ مِن قُرۡءَانٍ۬ وَلَا تَعۡمَلُونَ مِنۡ عَمَلٍ إِلَّا ڪُنَّا عَلَيۡكُمۡ شُہُودًا إِذۡ تُفِيضُونَ فِيهِ‌ۚ وَمَا يَعۡزُبُ عَن رَّبِّكَ مِن مِّثۡقَالِ ذَرَّةٍ۬ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَلَا فِى ٱلسَّمَآءِ وَلَآ أَصۡغَرَ مِن ذَٲلِكَ وَلَآ أَكۡبَرَ إِلَّا فِى كِتَـٰبٍ۬ مُّبِينٍ

Whatever you (O Muhammad) may be doing, and whatever portion you may be reciting from the Quran, – and whatever deed you (mankind) may be doing (good or evil), We are Witness thereof, when you are doing it. And nothing is hidden from your Lord (so much as) the weight of an atom (or small ant) on the earth or in the heaven. Not what is less than that or what is greater than that but is (written) in a Clear Record. [Yunus. 61]

Allah, The Mighty and Majestic, said:

وَهُوَ ٱللَّهُ فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَفِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ‌ۖ يَعۡلَمُ سِرَّكُمۡ وَجَهۡرَكُمۡ وَيَعۡلَمُ مَا تَكۡسِبُونَ

And He is Allah (to be worshipped Alone) in the heavens and on the earth, He knows what you conceal and what you reveal, and He knows what you earn (good or bad)]. [Al-An’aam. 3]

Allah, The Mighty and Majestic, said:

وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِى يَقۡبَلُ ٱلتَّوۡبَةَ عَنۡ عِبَادِهِۦ وَيَعۡفُواْ عَنِ ٱلسَّيِّـَٔاتِ وَيَعۡلَمُ مَا تَفۡعَلُونَ

And He it is Who accepts repentance from His slaves, and forgives sins, and He knows what you do]. [Ash-Shuraa. 25]

Allah, Glorified be He, free from all imperfections, said:

رَبَّنَآ إِنَّكَ تَعۡلَمُ مَا نُخۡفِى وَمَا نُعۡلِنُ‌ۗ وَمَا يَخۡفَىٰ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ مِن شَىۡءٍ۬ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَلَا فِى ٱلسَّمَآءِ

O our Lord! Certainly, You know what we conceal and what we reveal. Nothing on the earth or in the heaven is hidden from Allah]. [Ibraaheem. 38]

Allah, Glorified be He, free from all imperfections, said:

هُوَ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضَ فِى سِتَّةِ أَيَّامٍ۬ ثُمَّ ٱسۡتَوَىٰ عَلَى ٱلۡعَرۡشِ‌ۚ يَعۡلَمُ مَا يَلِجُ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَمَا يَخۡرُجُ مِنۡہَا وَمَا يَنزِلُ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ وَمَا يَعۡرُجُ فِيہَا‌ۖ وَهُوَ مَعَكُمۡ أَيۡنَ مَا كُنتُمۡ‌ۚ وَٱللَّهُ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ بَصِيرٌ۬

He it is Who created the heavens and the earth in six Days and then Istawa (rose over) the Throne (in a manner that suits His Majesty). He knows what goes into the earth and what comes forth from it, what descends from the heaven and what ascends thereto. And He is with you (by His Knowledge) wheresoever you may be. And Allah is the All-Seer of what you do. [Al-Hadeed. 4]

Allah, The Most High, said:

سَوَآءٌ۬ مِّنكُم مَّنۡ أَسَرَّ ٱلۡقَوۡلَ وَمَن جَهَرَ بِهِۦ وَمَنۡ هُوَ مُسۡتَخۡفِۭ بِٱلَّيۡلِ وَسَارِبُۢ بِٱلنَّہَارِ

It is the same (to Him) whether any of you conceal his speech or declare it openly, whether he be hid by night or go forth freely by day]. [Ar-Rad. 10]

Allah, The Most High, informed us that Luqman, peace be upon him, said to his son, may Allah have mercy upon him:

يَـٰبُنَىَّ إِنَّہَآ إِن تَكُ مِثۡقَالَ حَبَّةٍ۬ مِّنۡ خَرۡدَلٍ۬ فَتَكُن فِى صَخۡرَةٍ أَوۡ فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ أَوۡ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ يَأۡتِ بِہَا ٱللَّهُ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَطِيفٌ خَبِيرٌ۬

O my son! If it be (anything) equal to the weight of a grain of mustard seed, and though it be in a rock, or in the heavens or in the earth, Allah will bring it forth.

Verily, Allah is [لَطِيفٌ -Subtle and Kind (fully aware of the hidden details of all affairs and of that which will benefit the servants and Who is kind to them and causes that which is good for them to reach them by a means which they had no expectation), [خَبِيرٌ۬ – The Fully Aware, the One knowing fully everything that is, has been or will be, knowing whatever will bring harm or benefit, knowing the true condition of everything and the outcome of everything]. [Surah Luqman. 16] (1)

“O my son, even if (anything) equal to the weight of grain of mustard seed”– Meaning, the tiniest and one of the things with the least value; “and though it be in a rock”– Meaning, in the middle of it; “or in the heavens or in the earth”-Meaning, in any direction of the heavens and the earth; “Allah will bring it forth”– Meaning, due to His boundless and perfect knowledge. This is why Allaah then said:

إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَطِيفٌ خَبِيرٌ۬

Allah is Subtle, The Fully Aware- Meaning, He is subtle in His knowledge and being fully aware of all all hidden affairs and secrets, and all that is concealed on land and at sea. The intent behind this is encourage (humankind and Jinn) to pay close attention to Allah and obey Him whenever (and wherever) that may be, and to make one fearful of committing evil deeds, be it a little or a lot. (2)

Allah said:

يَعْلَمُ خَآئِنَةَ ٱلْأَعْيُنِ وَمَا تُخْفِى ٱلصُّدُورُ

Allah knows the fraud of the eyes, and all that the breasts conceal. [Ghafir 19]

The Man Who Came to Imam Ibraaheem Bin Ad’ham to Seek Advice Regarding How to Abandon Sin!

Imam Abdul Ghani Al-Maqdisi, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated in his book at-Tawwaabeen that a man once came to Ibraaheem Bin Adham and said, “O Abu Ishaaq! Indeed I have transgressed against my soul (through evil deeds), so present to me that which will be a deterrent for my nafs and will save [or rescue] my heart”. Ibrahim said to him: “If you accept five affairs and fulfil them, neither will you be harmed due to sinning nor will the enjoyment [or delight from it] bring you destruction. The man said, “Mention them to me O Abu Ishaaq”.

Ibraaheem said: “The first affair is that when you want to disobey Allah – The Mighty and Majestic- do not eat His provision”. The man said, “Where would I eat from when it is case that all that is in the earth is from His provision?” He said, “O you! Is it right that you eat His provision and disobey him?” The man said, “No; mention the second affair to me”.

Ibraaheem said, “If you want to disobey Allah, do not live anywhere in Allah’s earth”. The man said, “This is greater than the first affair! When it is the case that the east, the west and whatever is between them belongs to Him, then where would I live?” Ibraaheem said to him, “O you! Is it right that you eat His provision and live on his earth, yet you disobey him?” The man said, “No; mention the third affair”.

Ibraaheem said, “If you want to disobey Him whilst you are being provided from His provision and living on his earth, then do so in a place where He cannot see you”. The man said, “How can that be when it is the case that He knows everything that is hidden”. Ibraaheem said, “O you! Is it right that you eat his provision, live on his earth and you disobey him whilst he sees you and what you do?” The man said, “No; mention the fourth affair”.

Ibraaheem said, “When the angel of death comes to take your soul, tell him, ‘Delay its departure until I perform sincere repentance and perform righteous deeds for the sake of Allaah’”. The man said, “He (the angel) will not accept that from me”. Ibraaheem said, “O you! When it is the case that you cannot repel death until you repent and you know that there is no delay when it comes to you, then how do you hope to escape?” The man said, “Mention the fifth affair”.

Ibraaheem said to him, “When the Zabaaniyah [i.e. guardians of hell] come to you on yawmul qiyaamah to take you to the fire, do not go with them”. The man said, “Neither will they leave me nor accept that from me”.

Ibraaheem said to him, “So, how do you hope for safety then?” The man said, “O Ibraaheem! This is enough! This is enough! I seek Allah’s forgiveness and repent to Him.” (3)


[1]https://www.salafisounds.com/the-names-attributes-of-allaah-by-abu-talhah-dawood-burbank/

[2] Tafseer As-Sadi

[3] at-Tawwaabeen 285

Verses 1-3 Surah Ibrahim

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

الٓر‌ۚ ڪِتَـٰبٌ أَنزَلۡنَـٰهُ إِلَيۡكَ لِتُخۡرِجَ ٱلنَّاسَ مِنَ ٱلظُّلُمَـٰتِ إِلَى ٱلنُّورِ بِإِذۡنِ رَبِّهِمۡ إِلَىٰ صِرَٲطِ ٱلۡعَزِيزِ ٱلۡحَمِيدِ

ٱللَّهِ ٱلَّذِى لَهُ ۥ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَمَا فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ‌ۗ وَوَيۡلٌ۬ لِّلۡكَـٰفِرِينَ مِنۡ عَذَابٍ۬ شَدِيدٍ

ٱلَّذِينَ يَسۡتَحِبُّونَ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةَ ٱلدُّنۡيَا عَلَى ٱلۡأَخِرَةِ وَيَصُدُّونَ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ وَيَبۡغُونَہَا عِوَجًا‌ۚ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ فِى ضَلَـٰلِۭ بَعِيدٍ۬

Alif-Laam-Raa. [These letters are one of the miracles of the Qur’an, and none but Allah (Alone) knows their meanings]. (This is) a Book which We have revealed unto you (O Muhammad) in order that you might lead mankind out of darkness by their Lord’s Leave to the Path of the All-Mighty, the Owner of all Praise. Allah to Whom belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth! And woe unto the disbelievers from a severe torment. Those who prefer the life of this world instead of the Hereafter, and hinder (men) from the Path of Allah (i.e. Islam) and seek crookedness therein – They are far astray. [Ibraaheem. 1-3]

الٓر‌ۚ ڪِتَـٰبٌ أَنزَلۡنَـٰهُ إِلَيۡكَ لِتُخۡرِجَ ٱلنَّاسَ مِنَ ٱلظُّلُمَـٰتِ إِلَى ٱلنُّورِ بِإِذۡنِ رَبِّهِم

Alif-Lam-Ra. (This is) a Book which We have revealed unto you (O Muhammad) in order that you might lead mankind out of darkness by their Lord’s Leave.

Imam Ash-Shanqeetee, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Allah, The Most High, clarified in this noble verse that He sent down this great Book unto His Prophet in order that he may remove mankind from the darkness of disbelief and misguidance and (enter them) into the light of Iman and guidance. The meaning of this verse has been made clear in other verses, such as the saying of Allah:

هُوَ ٱلَّذِى يُنَزِّلُ عَلَىٰ عَبۡدِهِۦۤ ءَايَـٰتِۭ بَيِّنَـٰتٍ۬ لِّيُخۡرِجَكُم مِّنَ ٱلظُّلُمَـٰتِ إِلَى ٱلنُّورِ‌ۚ

It is He Who sends down manifest Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) to His slave (Muhammad) that He may bring you out from darkness into light]. [Al-Hadid. 9]

Indeed, Allah clarified in this verse that none can be removed from darkness and (entered) into light except by His permission, as He stated:

بِإِذۡنِ رَبِّهِم

By their Lord’s Leave.

This has been made clear in other verses, such as the saying of Allah:

وَمَآ أَرۡسَلۡنَا مِن رَّسُولٍ إِلَّا لِيُطَاعَ بِإِذۡنِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ

We sent no Messenger, but to be obeyed by Allah’s Leave. [Nisaa. 64]

Also the saying of Allah:

وَمَا كَانَ لِنَفۡسٍ أَن تُؤۡمِنَ إِلَّا بِإِذۡنِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ

It is not for any person to believe, except by the Leave of Allaah] [Yunus. 100] [1]

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

Allah, The Most High, informed (us) that He revealed His Book unto His Messenger Muhammad for the benefit of the creation, so that they maybe be removed from the darkness of ignorance, disbelief, evil manners and all types of disobedience, (and entered into) the light of knowledge, Iman and good manners.

And regarding Allah’s statement:

بِإِذۡنِ رَبِّهِم

By their Lord’s Leave.

Meaning, they cannot reach the goal of that which is pleasing to Allah, except by Allah’s Will and Help. So in this there is an exhortation for the servants to seek help from their Lord. Then Allah explained (the meaning of the) light to which this Book guides to, saying:

إِلَىٰ صِرَٲطِ ٱلۡعَزِيزِ ٱلۡحَمِيد

To the Path of the All-Mighty, the Owner of all Praise.

The path that leads to the abode of honour (i.e. paradise), which (is achieved) through knowledge of the truth and acting upon it.

And regarding Allah’s statement:

ٱلۡعَزِيزِ ٱلۡحَمِيدِ

The All-Mighty, the Owner of all Praise;

(which is stated) after the mention of the path leading to Him: in this is an demonstration that the one who follows the straight path is given might by Allah and he is a strong person, even if there are no helpers for him except Allah. He is praiseworthy in his affairs and will achieve a good end. This also demonstrates that Allah’s path is the greatest proof that He, The Most High, possesses Perfect Attributes and Lofty Descriptions, and that what He has appointed for His slaves is mighty authority. He is praised in His Statements, Actions and Rulings. He alone is described with all the perfect Names and Attributes, the only one worthy of worship through those acts of worship (He has prescribed), which are the dignified signposts of the straight path.

And just as He is the owner of the kingdom of the heavens and the earth-The Creator, The Sustainer, The Controller of the affairs of the universe- also, He has religious rulings for His slaves because He is their Owner, and it does not befit His (Wisdom, Majesty, Glory etc) that He leaves them Suda [neglected without being punished or rewarded for the obligatory duties enjoined by Him].

After Allah clarified the evidences and proofs, He then made a promise to the one who does not pay attention, saying:

وَوَيۡلٌ۬ لِّلۡكَـٰفِرِينَ مِنۡ عَذَابٍ۬ شَدِيد

And woe unto the disbelievers from a severe torment.

Then Allah described them, saying:

ٱلَّذِينَ يَسۡتَحِبُّونَ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةَ ٱلدُّنۡيَا عَلَى ٱلۡأَخِرَةِ

Those who prefer the life of this world instead of the Hereafter

They make it a duty and are satisfied with it, whilst being heedless of the afterlife. [وَيَصُدُّونَ – And they hinder] mankind [ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ– From the Path of Allah] which Allah has appointed for His slaves, clarified in His Books and conveyed through the speech of His Messengers.

Thus, these people have indeed turned away from their Protector through enmity and waging war against Him.

[وَيَبۡغُونَہَا عِوَجًا‌ۚ – And seek crookedness therein (i.e. in Allah’s Religion)].

That is: They are eager to ridicule and make it look repugnant, in order to make people flee from it; however Allah will not allow that to happen, rather He made His religion uppermost even though the disbelievers may hate it. (2)

They desire that Allah’s path should become crooked, swaying towards (corruption) and deviated from the right course, even though it is self-evident -neither can it be harmed by the one who opposes it nor by the one who forsakes it. [Qurratul Ainayn Alaa Tafseer Al-Jalaalayn]

So with this desire of theirs, they are in ignorance and straying far away from the truth and rectification. (3)


[1] Tafseer Al-Qur’an Bil-Qur’an Min Adwaa Al-Bayaan

[2] Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan

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