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Reflections on some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi al-Mad’khali [70 of 80]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, 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.

It is not permissible to call them scholars because the scholars in the Islamic legislation are those who possess (sound) understanding of Allah’s religion. “If Allah wishes good for a person, He grants them understanding in the religion.” Allah grants him (sound) understanding in matters of Aqeedah, worahip, dealings, Siyaasah and other affairs that are important to Islam and for the Muslims in their religious and worldly affairs, beneficial to their religious and worldly affairs and preserve their honour and nobility. As for the ignoramuses, they lead the people to Bidah and misguidance – towards that which distances the people from the (path, pleasure) of Allah and lead them to the fire of hell. The Messenger of Allah drew a straight line and said, “This is Allah’s straight path”, then he drew lines to the right and left of that line and said, “These are the other paths, on each path there is a devil who calls to it”, then he recited the statement of Allah: “And verily, this is my Straight Path, so follow it, and follow not (other) paths, for they will separate you away from His Path”. [Al-An’aam. 153]

The Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “And what I fear for my Ummah is the leaders of misguidance”. [Sahih Al-Jami 1773]

They are the ones whom Allah’s Messenger (warned against) when he warned the Ummah about the Fitna of the Anti-Christ [i.e. Dajjaal]! He said that the Dajjaal will stay on the earth for forty days- a day like a year, a day like a month, a day like a week and the rest of the days like the normal days of the world. He will command the sky to rain and it will rain. He will command the earth to grow vegetation and it will grow, thus, the ignorant people will consider him a deity and believe that he is their lord. Then the Messenger said (i.e. after warning against the Fitna of the antichrist), “It is other than Dajjaal that I fear more for you”. [Sahih Muslim 2937] [1]

This is because the word ‘Kafir’ will be written on the Dajjaal’s forehead and everyone – both the literate and illiterate believer- will be able to read it. It will be a clear sign that he is a Kafir, as opposed to that one who deceitfully uses the name of Islam and carries Islamic slogans [i.e. whilst calling to deviation]. This one is more harmful. [2]

Dajjaal will live in this Ummah for forty days – a day like a year, a day like a month, a day like a week and his remaining days will be like the normal days of the world; but as for the (misguided figurehead) – since the departure of the first three righteous generations of Muslims, they have swayed many people in the Ummah and lead them to (practices, views, beliefs, methodologies etc) that are tantamount to ignorance and misguidance. The deviated sects that have been threatened with entry into the hell fire emerged at the hands of these liars and ignorant (figurehead), whose danger and evil the Messenger feared for his ummah. He warned against their evil just as he warned against Dajjaal, as he said: “It is other than Dajjaal I fear more for you”.

These liars bring destruction to the Ummah and place them in a state of ignominy in this worldly life and next life. Thus, this shows the danger of ignorance and the ignoramuses, and the station of knowledge and the (upright) scholars. [3]

[1] & 3: Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm pages 197-200

[2] Sharh Usul As-Sunnah 39-40

Tweets and Retweets, Especially In Ramadan

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Brotherhood, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul.

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

From Abū Muḥammad al-Ḥasan bin ʿAlī bin Abī Ṭālib, the grandson of the Messenger of Allāh (ṣallallāhu ʿalayhi wasallam) and his sweet fragrance (raḍiyallāhu ʿanhu) who said: I memorized from the Messenger of Allāh (ṣallallāhu ʿalayhi wasallam), “Leave that which makes you doubt for that which does not make you doubt.” https://www.nawawis40hadith.com/nw/hadith/11/leaving-doubt

When a young man encounters something he finds very questionable or contradictory to his observations about those whom he knows to be people of integrity, and he brings his concerns to us, we first remind him of the importance of being cautious with our words, especially during Ramadan. It’s not just about speaking outright falsehoods; sometimes, a person may express an opinion that hasn’t been thoroughly examined, share feelings stemming from a past conflict they didn’t directly experience, or unintentionally convey a partial truth that lacks the complete context.

It is our constant endeavour to remind our beloved younger brothers that when contentious matters are thrust upon them without their pursuit of discord or uncertainty, and while they are diligently engaged in the lessons offered at various centers, Masajid and hired halls in the West, including Birmingham, Manchester, London, and beyond, they must remain steadfast in their understanding. They should not permit their well-founded knowledge to be clouded by confusion and conjecture. Thus, a discerning individual refrains from hastily retweeting or sharing information without careful consideration.

When someone approaches us —whether in person or through a tweet—claiming that a person we know well, who we observe daily and see what he shares on social media regarding Aqeedah and Manhaj, is behaving differently, we find it perplexing when the claimant produces no proof. These individuals on Twitter may insist – either directly or indirectly- on their alternate narratives but constantly fail to provide any solid evidence when requested, and instead continue to repeat the same claims at various times, while it becomes clearer every day that their assertions are in stark contrast to what one witnesses. This is why we have not ceased either blocking or ignoring those who want attention no matter how frustrating their comments may be.

It’s essential to recognise that rational individuals don’t forsake the concrete evidence they can observe in favour of negative portrayals of someone on social media, while those portrayals lack substantiation or clearly contradict reality. Be wary of accepting claims about a person based solely on gossip, guessing, assumptions and insinuations, as the speaker may have already formed a biased opinion and believes that repeating their assertions will somehow validate and solidify their views or feelings in the presence of those who share the same feelings on social media. We consistently remind our beloved younger brothers that any tweets or retweets concerning others, or specific situations in various countries regarding certain Salafiyyoon, must be grounded in facts and verified realities, regardless of who makes or shares these claims.

In our era, some individuals – on social media – exploit the trust placed in them to launch attacks on others or perpetuate misunderstandings until they are accepted as truth by those unfamiliar with the full context of the issue. Many may not grasp the beginning, middle, and end of a situation, nor can they reconcile the broader themes with the specific details of the disagreement. They often struggle to distinguish between what is absolute and what is limited in the debate, or to differentiate between clear facts and ambiguous statements. Consequently, those with ulterior motives can present narratives that distort the true nature of events, blurring the line between certainty and doubt.

Sometimes, you encounter individuals on twitter who express opinions without fully grasping the disagreement at hand. They may communicate ideas that are based on misconceptions rather than the actual situation. It’s as if they believe they understand the issue, even when evidence suggests otherwise—either that their statements are inaccurate or that they are exaggerating. They might hold onto a narrative that they are certain is doubtful due to the clarity and reality of what opposes this narrative, but they prefer contradictory information that is, in fact, less credible or non-existent after being examined. This topic occasionally surfaces on Twitter, where people from different regions of the world compete to express their viewpoints. Consequently, when users or groups on Twitter—whether overtly or subtly—make comments about a well-know follower of Sunnah, a community’s circumstances, or events in a specific Western location, it’s essential to avoid rushing to judgment by tweeting, retweeting or commenting without careful consideration. The primary objective of the affair must be to distance oneself completely from Qeel Wa Qaal. The Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

“Verily Allah is pelased with three things for you and He hates three things for you. He is pleased with you that you worship Him alone and associate none with Him, that you all hold fast to the rope of Allah, and be not divided, and hates for you Qeel Wa Qaal, persistent questioning and wasting of wealth”. [Sahih Muslim 1715]

The Marakiz are well-known, and their daily activities are observed in Birmingham, London, Manchester, and other cities. The teachers – both young and old – actively engage in lessons, offer reminders, and share publications rooted in the teachings of revered predecessors and respected contemporary scholars, including Al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzan and Al-Allamah Abdul Muhsin Al-Abbad, among others. Don’t let the chatter of Twitter distract you, even for a moment.

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 Abdul-Azeez Bin Baaz, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “This requires two affairs: profuse remembrance (of Allah) and keeping away from gatherings of heedlessness and doubts, and that which will result in fornication and nonsense speech”. [3]

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”. [4]

Imam Ibn Qudamah Al-Maqdisi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “Know that whoever is acquainted with the worth of his era and that it is his main capital will not seek an understanding except in what is beneficial. This acquaintance obligates one to restrain the tongue from speaking about that which does not concern him, for indeed the one who abandons the remembrance of Allah and busies himself with what does not concern him is like one who can get hold of a gem but exchanges it for a clod of earth.  This is a loss of one’s lifespan”. [5]

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.” [6]

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.” [7]

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!” [8]

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”. [9]

Al-Hasan Bin Salih, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “I scrutinised the affair regarding one refraining from doubtful matters out of fear of falling into haram and did it find it more lacking in anything than the tongue”. [10]

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.”  [11]

Ibnul Mubaarak, may Allah have mercy upon him, was asked about the statement of Luqmaan, peace be upon him, to his son: ‘’If speech is from silver, then silence is from gold.” So he said: ‘’It means that if speech in obedience to Allah is from silver, then silence (to refrain from) disobedience to Allah is gold’’. [12]

 

[1] Sahih at-Tirmidhee 2407

[2] Al-Bukhari 6474

[3] Al-Hulalul Ibreeziyyah Min At-Taliqaat Al-Baaziyyah Alaa Saheeh al-Bukhari. Vol 4. Page:244. Footnote:2

[4] Jami’ul Uloom Wal-Hikam 145

[5] Mukhtasar Minhaaj Al-Qaasideen’ page 176

[6] As-Samt page 223

[7] As-Samt page 299

[8] Siyar A’lam An-Nubula 4/93

[9] Tarteeb Al-Madaarik Wa Taqreeb Al-Masaalik 1/127-128

[10] Siyar A’laam An-Nubulaa  7/368

[11] Hilyatul Awliyaa 3/20]

[12] Jami-ul Uloom Wal-Hikam 155]

 

Reflections on some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali [69 of 80]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Brotherhood, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Uncategorized, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

O my sons! I swear by Allah that indeed I am a sincere adviser to you. Indeed I love (good) for you and I am not pleased that anyone follows (the path that will lead) to the anger of Allah for a single moment. My brothers, I am not pleased that anyone commits an error. “None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself”. By Allah, I would love that all of you (adhere) to the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of the Messenger; the methodology of the Messenger, Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthmaan, Ali, Malik, Al- Awzaa’ee, Ath Thawree, The Hammaadayn [i.e. Hammaad Ibn Zayd and Hammaad Ibn Salamah], Ahmad, Ash-Shaafi’ee and the Imaams of Islam – upon a sound creed, methodology and Walaa Wal Baraa.

[Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm. page 26]

Reflections on some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali [68 of 80]

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

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

Nowadays many do not consider bidah to be something harmful to the people who adhere to bidah. By Allah, it is a calamity upon those who have reached this state of affairs. His desires lead him to (such a state) that he does not consider bidah as something harmful to those upon bidah, even though the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “The worst of all matters are the newly invented matters (in the religion) and every newly invented matter (in the religion) is a bidah, and every bidah is misguidance.” [Muslim 867]

“The Jews split into seventy one sects, the Christians split into seventy two sects, and this Ummah [i.e. Muslim Ummah] will split into seventy three sects, and all of them will be in the fire except one. They [i.e. the Sahaabah] said, ‘Who are they O Messenger of Allah?’ He said, “Those upon what I and my companions are upon.” [Sahih Al-Jami 5343] [Footnote a]

They [i.e. the saved sect] are the people upon truth – Ahlus Sunnah, the people who adhere to the Qur’an and Sunnah, the enemies of bidah, misguidance, disbelief, shirk and all types of misguidance. They love the truth, and they establish love and hatred based on that. [Marhaban Yaa Talib Al-Ilm page 22]

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

The Importance of Truthfulness – By Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali [Part 7]

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

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

Al-Allamah Rabee bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah preserve him, continued….

Kab, may Allah be pleased with him, said: When this news reached me that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was on his way back from Tabuk, I was greatly perturbed. I thought of fabricating false stories and asked myself how I would save myself from his anger on the following day. In this connection, I sought the help of every prudent man from amongst the members of my family and when it was said to me that Allah’s Messenger was about to arrive, all the false ideas banished (from my mind) and I came to the conclusion that nothing could save me but the telling of truth, so I decided to speak the truth and it was in the morning that Allah’s Messenger arrived (in Medina). And it was his habit that as he came back from a journey he first went to the mosque and observed two Rak’ahs of nafl prayer and then sat amongst people.

And as he did that, those who had remained behind him began to put forward their excuses and take an oath before him and they were more than eighty persons. Allah’s Messenger accepted their excuses on the very face of them and accepted their allegiance and sought forgiveness for them and left their secret (intentions) to Allah, until I presented myself to him. I greeted him and he smiled and there was a tinge of anger in that. He then said to me: “Come forward”. I went forward until I sat in front of him. He said to me: “What kept you back? Could you not afford to go in for a ride?” I said: “Allah’s Messenger, by Allah, if I were to sit in the presence of anybody else from amongst the people of the world, I would have definitely saved myself from his anger on one pretext (or the other) and I have also the knack to fall into argumentation, but, by Allah, I am fully aware of the fact that if I were to put forward before you a false excuse to please you, Allah would definitely provoke your wrath upon me, and if I speak the truth you may be annoyed with me, but I hope that Allah would make its end well and, by Allah, there is no valid excuse for me. By Allah, I never possessed so good means, and I never had such favourable conditions for me as I had when I stayed behind you (failed to join the expedition)”. Thereupon, Allah’s Messenger said: “This man told the truth, so get up until Allah gives a decision in your case”. I stood up. [end of hadith]

Indeed, they achieved success through the honour, victory, and rewards they received. So, what beneficial lesson comes from their absence from the Battle of Tabuk, even if it can be explained based on its reasons? In this part, he shared his new circumstances upon the Messenger’s return, revealing that he had not participated in the military campaign due to his desire for the shade and the fruits of the trees. No one else shared this lagging behind except for those steeped in hypocrisy, the weak, and those with legitimate excuses. His sincere discerning heart was burdened with the harshness of pain and sorrow, while at the same time, shaytan suggested to him and attempted to fill his soul with various types of lies; however, by Allah’s Grace and care for him, the darknesses of lies and falsehood were lifted from him due to his truthful faith and sincerity to Allah, the Lord of the entire existence, thus, Allah granted him the greatest means of salvation after faith, and that is truthfulness, especially in times of danger and overwhelming events.

He said, “When I was told that Allah’s Messenger was on his way back, the falsehood was removed from me, and I realised that nothing of it will never save me”. Thus, his truthfulness became more wholesome, as the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, arrived in the morning. He mentioned that Sunnah often overlooked or forgotten by many Muslims, which is to perform two Rak’ats in the Masjid upon a Muslim’s return from travel. He mentioned the situation of those who gave (lame) excuses (for their absence from the military expedition), meaning the hypocrites, who resorted to lies and falsehood, that they reinforced their lies with oaths, thus, the Prophet could only accept what they displayed apparently, and entrusted their true hidden intentions to Allah, the knower of unseen, who is aware of the treachery of the eyes and what the hearts conceal. However, Ka’b, may Allah be pleased with him, with his understanding and sound intellect, he recognised that lying to Allah’s Messenger, even when fortified by solemn oaths, would not spare him from the wrath of Allah and subsequently the anger of His Messenger. He discerned this truth through his keen insight and intellect after Allah had granted him this, thus, he refused any other thing besides openly declaring the clear reality. [Paraphrased. Refer to Arabic here: sidq ]

To be continued…InShaAllah

Reflections on some statements of Al-al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi al-Mad’khali [67 of 80]

Written by faizkara on . Posted in Bid'ah (Innovation), Contemporary Issues, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul.

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

Hudhaifah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Trials will be presented to the hearts of people like a reed mat woven stick by stick and any heart afflicted by them will have a black mark put into it, but any heart that rejects them will have a white mark put into it. Thus there will be two kinds of hearts: one is pure like a white gemstone and it will not be harmed by any tribulation as long as the heavens and earth endure, and the other is black and dusty like a worn-out vessel, neither recognizing good nor rejecting evil, but rather immersed in its desires.” [Sahih Muslim 144]

We seek refuge with Allah from the trials and desires that cause the hearts to become like a worn out vessel, corrupts them, places them in blindness and darkness; neither recognising good nor rejecting evil, instead immersed in their (evil) desires.

[An Excerpt from Marhaban Yaa Talib Al-Ilm 20-21]

Reflections on some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali [66 of 80]

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

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

None follows Allah’s Guidance and knows the station of this guidance, except one whom Allah has given (sound) intellect and certain knowledge. He knows the consequences and outcomes behind matters, where ignorance, kufr, Shirk and (evil) desires will finally take its people, and where (sound) knowledge, guidance, (sound) intellect and understanding will finally take the person upon (its path).

فَإِمَّا يَأْتِيَنَّكُم مِّنِّى هُدًى فَمَنِ ٱتَّبَعَ هُدَاىَ فَلَا يَضِلُّ وَلَا يَشْقَىٰ
وَمَنْ أَعْرَضَ عَن ذِكْرِى فَإِنَّ لَهُۥ مَعِيشَةً ضَنكًا وَنَحْشُرُهُۥ يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَٰمَةِ أَعْمَىٰ
قَالَ رَبِّ لِمَ حَشَرْتَنِىٓ أَعْمَىٰ وَقَدْ كُنتُ بَصِيرًا
قَالَ كَذَٰلِكَ أَتَتْكَ ءَايَٰتُنَا فَنَسِيتَهَا وَكَذَٰلِكَ ٱلْيَوْمَ تُنسَىٰ

Then whoever follows My Guidance shall neither go astray, nor fall into distress and misery. But whosoever turns away from My Reminder [i.e. neither believes in this Qur’an nor acts on its orders, etc.] verily, for him is a life of hardship, and We shall raise him up blind on the Day of Resurrection. He will say: “O my Lord! Why have you raised me up blind, while I had sight [before].” [Allah] will say: “Like this, Our Ayat [proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.] came unto you, but you disregarded them [i.e. you left them, did not think deeply in them, and you turned away from them], and so this Day, you will be neglected [in the Hell-fire, away from Allah’s Mercy].” [Surah Taha 123-126]

Ignorance is the cause of turning away from the remembrance of Allah, thus the person wanders blindly in the darkness of ignorance, so his final destination, end and abode is that which Allah [The Blessed and Exalted] stated in this noble verse, that he will be raised up blind, so he will say, “Why have you raised me up blind?” Allah will say to him, “Like this, Our Ayat came unto you, but you disregarded them, and so this Day, you will be neglected [in the Hell-fire, away from Allah’s Mercy].

[An Excerpt from Marhaban Yaa Talib Al-Ilm 17]

The Importance of Truthfulness – By Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali [Part 6]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Brotherhood, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, History of Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Repentance, Sahaabah, Scholars of Islam, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah preserve him, continued…

Kab Bin Malik, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated:

I never remained behind Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, from any expedition which he undertook except the Battle of Tabuk and that of the Battle of Badr. So far as the Battle of Badr is concerned, nobody was blamed for remaining behind as Allah’s Messenger and the Muslims (did not set out for attack but for waylaying) the caravan of the Quraish, but it was Allah Who made them confront their enemies without their intention (to do so). I had the honour to be with Allah’s Messenger on the night of ‘Aqaba when we pledged our allegiance to Islam and it was more dear to me than my participation in the Battle of Badr, although Badr was more popular amongst people as compared with that (Tabuk). And this is my story of remaining back from Allah’s Messenger on the occasion of the Battle of Tabuk. Never did I possess enough means and (my circumstances) more favourable than at the occasion of this expedition. And, by Allah, I had never before this expedition simultaneously in my possession two rides. Allah’s Messenger set out for this expedition in extremely hot season; the journey was long and the land (which he and his army had to cover) was waterless and he had to confront a large army, so he informed the Muslims about the actual situation (they had to face), so that they should adequately equip themselves for this expedition, and he also told them the destination where he intended to go. And the Muslims who accompanied Allah’s Messenger at that time were large in numbers but there was no proper record of them. Ka’b (further) said: Few were the persons who wanted to absent themselves, and were under the impression that they could easily conceal themselves (and thus remain undetected) until revelations from Allah, the Exalted and Glorious (descended in connection with them). And Allah’s Messenger set out on an expedition when the fruits were ripe and their shadows had been lengthened. I had weakness for them and it was during this season that Allah’s Messenger made preparations and the Muslims too along with them. I also set out in the morning so that I should make preparations along with them but I came back and did nothing and said to myself: I have enough (to make preparations) as soon as I like. And I went on doing this (postponing my preparations) until people were about to depart and it was in the morning that Allah’s Messenger set out and the Muslims too along with him, but I made no preparations. I went early in the morning and came back, but I made no decision. I continued to do so until they (the Muslims) hastened and covered a good deal of distance. I also made up my mind to march on and to meet them. Would that I would have done that but perhaps it was not destined for me. After the departure of Allah’s Messenger as I went out amongst people, I was shocked to find that I did not find anyone like me but people who were labelled as hypocrites or the people whom Allah granted exemption because of their incapacity.

This excerpt highlights the significance of the Pledge of Aqabah and its position in his heart, as it embodied profound meanings that represents the robust foundation upon which is established the migration to Madinah by the companions of Allah’s Messenger, the support given by the Ansar, the establishment the Islamic state, and served as the foundation for Jihad and the strength of Islam and the Muslims. From this foundation emerged the various expeditions and campaigns, leading to the defeat of apostasy and the expansion of Islamic armies across the world, illuminating hearts with the light of Iman and guiding them out from darkness into light. It was from this understanding that this noble companion recognised the status of the Pledge of Aqabah, expressing that he would not be pleased with any substitute for it, as he stated: “It was more beloved to me than participation in the battle of badr”.

He spoke about the circumstances surrounding his absence from the Battle of Tabuk with the courage of the truthful, in a clear and illuminated manner, overflowing with truthfulness from a heart exemplifying Iman, and a soul filled with integrity and truthfulness whose similarity is not witness in that type of dreadful situation where the cowardly the hypocrites would resort to lying and false pretenses by fabricating excuses that were swiftly exposed by Allah, leading to their disgrace and ultimately consigning them to the abode of destruction (hell fire).

He clearly stated that his absence was not due to poverty or hardship, nor was it a result of incapacity or weakness, as he had previously participated in the Battle while in a condition less favourable than that of this particular expedition. He said: “Never did I possess enough means and (my circumstances) more favourable than at the occasion of this expedition. And, by Allah, I had never before this expedition simultaneously in my possession two rides”.

He clearly stated the reasons that undermined his resolve in participating in Jihad (Battle of Tabuk, which included the intense heat, the long journey, the perilous vast terrains between Madinah and Tabuk, and the numerous forces of the Romans and Arabs allied with them. He mentioned that the Messenger of Allah informed the people of their duty to prepare themselves for their expedition.

He clearly stated what may be one of the most significant reasons for staying behind (.e. not going for the Tabuk expedition), which is the ripe fruits and good shade. He then clearly expressed it despite the possibility of (being able) to conceal it, but his truthful soul did not allow him except to reveal it, (saying) “I had a weakness for them”, in other words, “My soul inclined towards them”. This represents a profound level of truthfulness that very few individuals attain. He mentioned his internal struggle and hesitation regarding joining the Messenger of Allah.

He mentioned the pain of regret and sorrow that accompanied his state of being left behind, as he found no example of his condition except for a man deeply entrenched in hypocrisy or a person whom Allah has excused due to weakness. This reflects the vitality of his heart and being truthful in his Iman. [Paraphrased. Refer to the Arabic text here sidq ]

A robust and very beneficial relationship

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

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

Umar Ibn Abdul Azeez, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: Whoever advises his brother to rectify affairs related to his religion and gives him insight into a worldly affair has perfected their relationship and fulfilled his obligation of (brotherhood) to him”. [Tarikh at-Tabari 6/572]

Imam Al-Barbahaaree, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated: “From the Sunnah is that you do not help anyone in disobedience to Allah, whether they be parents or any of the creation. There is no obedience to a human in disobedience to Allah and no one is to be loved for that; rather all of that is to be hated for [the sake of Allah], the Blessed and Most High”.

“From the Sunnah is that you do not help anyone in disobedience to Allah”.

Al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzan, may Allah preserve him, commented saying: This is a fundamental principle from the fundamental principles of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jama’ah that has been derived from the statement “There is no obedience to the creation in disobedience to the Creator”. And he, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Obedience is only in that which is good”.

Thus, whoever commands disobedience to Allah is not to be obeyed. He is not to be obeyed in disobedience, whether your father, mother, or from the closest of the people to you, a ruler or a king. [Footnote a] He is not to be followed in disobedience. Allah [The Exalted] stated about the Yahud and Nasara when they followed [their Rabis and Monks] in disobedience: [ٱتَّخَذُوٓاْ أَحۡبَارَهُمۡ وَرُهۡبَـٰنَهُمۡ أَرۡبَابً۬ا مِّن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ – 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)]. [Al-Tawbah. 31] [Footnote b]

And regarding the statement of Imam Barbahaaree, “Whether they be parents or any of the creation”. Allah [The Exalted] said about parents:

وَوَصَّيۡنَا ٱلۡإِنسَـٰنَ بِوَٲلِدَيۡهِ حَمَلَتۡهُ أُمُّهُ ۥ وَهۡنًا عَلَىٰ وَهۡنٍ۬ وَفِصَـٰلُهُ ۥ فِى عَامَيۡنِ أَنِ ٱشۡڪُرۡ لِى وَلِوَٲلِدَيۡكَ إِلَىَّ ٱلۡمَصِيرُ
وَإِن جَـٰهَدَاكَ عَلَىٰٓ أَن تُشۡرِكَ بِى مَا لَيۡسَ لَكَ بِهِۦ عِلۡمٌ۬ فَلَا تُطِعۡهُمَا‌ۖ وَصَاحِبۡهُمَا فِى ٱلدُّنۡيَا مَعۡرُوفً۬ا‌ۖ وَٱتَّبِعۡ سَبِيلَ مَنۡ أَنَابَ إِلَىَّ‌ۚ َ

And We have enjoined on man (to be dutiful and good) to his parents. His mother bore him in weakness and hardship upon weakness and hardship, and his weaning is in two years give thanks to Me and to your parents, unto Me is the final destination. But if they (both) strive with you to make you join in worship with Me others that of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not, but behave with them in the world kindly, and follow the path of him who turns to Me in repentance. [Surah Al-Ankabut. 8]

There is no obedience to the creation in disobedience to the Creator, regardless who that may be, even if he is the closest of the people to you, such as the two parents; then what about other than them! [1]

Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah preserve him, said:

Allah said:

وَلَا تَرْكَنُوا إِلَى الَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا فَتَمَسَّكُمُ النَّارُ وَمَا لَكُم مِّن دُونِ اللَّهِ مِنْ أَوْلِيَاءَ ثُمَّ لَا تُنصَرُونَ

And incline not toward those who do wrong, lest the Fire should touch you, and you have no protectors other than Allah, nor you would then be helped. [Hud 113]

Do not incline towards the oppressors—those who oppress the people by (shedding) their blood, (seizing) their wealth, and (violating) their honour, or they oppress people in their religion through Bidah and various forms of misguidance, spreading harmful propaganda and calls (ideas) that contradict Islam. Refrain from inclining towards such people; do not assist them or support their falsehoods. The verse includes all these types (of people).

Every follower  of falsehood is an oppressor, every Mubtadi is an oppressor, and everyone who (violates) a Muslim’s honour is an oppressor. Therefore, do not lean towards any of them, thus you are afflicted by the fire. That is because when you incline towards the sinner, the Mubtadi, the oppressor, the criminal, the one who violates people’s honour and those who violate the sanctity of the Islamic legislation, it is as if you are pleased (with that), as if you are aiding and endorsing. A believer must exercise caution to avoid falling into this perilous inclination. A believer should be careful of this type of inclination, for indeed it is from the causes of deviation and misguidance, and Allah’s refuge is sought.

فَلَمَّا زَاغُوا أَزَاغَ اللَّهُ قُلُوبَهُمْ وَاللَّهُ لَا يَهْدِي الْقَوْمَ الْفَاسِقِينَ 

So when they turned away (from the Path of Allah), Allah turned their hearts away (from the Right Path). And Allah guides not the people who are Fasiqun (rebellious, disobedient to Allah)]. [As-Saff 5] [2]

Al-Allamah Zayd Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated:

There is no (unrestricted or unconditional) allegiance except to Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, because he is infallible and never speaks out of his desires. As for unrestricted allegiance to personalities whether they are correct or mistaken, this is not permissible for the seeker of knowledge. On the other hand, he should look to such and such Shaikhs as to which of them is upon uprightness and is following the methodology of the pious predecessors. This is the one whom we place our hands on his hands- not out of blameworthy blind following, rather due to the fact that he is upon the truth. So we agree with him upon truth and follow a singular path in obedience to the statement of Allah, The Mighty and Majestic:

[وَأَنَّ هَٰذَا صِرَاطِي مُسْتَقِيمًا فَاتَّبِعُوهُ ۖ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا السُّبُلَ فَتَفَرَّقَ بِكُمْ عَن سَبِيلِهِ – And verily, this is my Straight Path, so follow it, and follow not (other) paths, for they will separate you away from His Path] [6:153]

As for the one who selects Shaikhs, leaders and guides, whilst being in agreement with them- in what is correct and wrong- to the extent that they do not leave their methodology whether they are correct or wrong, these are the people who bring evil upon themselves and others. If they do not repent, they are most worthy of being blamed. Thus, the matter – and all praise belongs to Allah- is clear and it is not permissible for a person to be in confusion regarding this . We are with those who follow the straight path-we follow a singular path which Allah, The Mighty and Majestic, has commanded us to follow and which the messenger called us to. Those you follow the wrong path or are mistaken in many matters, or in some, we leave him [i.e. we leave his mistakes]. None is followed in everything except the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. As for the people, they can be correct or mistaken. Indeed, we do not follow them and we do not follow their footsteps solely because they are Shaikhs, callers to Islam, leaders or guides; instead, you should be with the people of the Salafi Methodology -those who follow the correct methodology and understanding. [3]

Read: https://abukhadeejah.com/ahmad-hanbal-usool-sunnah-innovations-hizbiyyah-differing-sectarianism-call-to-unity-part-3/

Listen: Hizbiyyah; is not from Salafiyyah – By Shaikh Abu Khadeejah, may Allah preserve him.

————————————————–

Footnote a: Imam Al-Barbahaaree on the Manhaj of Dealing With the Rulers

https://www.salafipublications.com/sps/sp.cfm?subsecID=MNJ16&articleID=MNJ160002&pfriend=

The Obligation of Hearing and Obeying the Muslim Rulers

https://www.salafisounds.com/lesson-44-the-aqidah-ibn-abdil-wahhab/

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

Footnote b:

https://abukhadeejah.com/obedience-to-the-scholars-and-rulers-in-making-haram-what-allah-has-made-halal-and-vice-versa-kitab-tawheed-ch-37/

[1]An Excerpt from It-haaful Qaaree Bitta’liqaat Alaa Sharhis Sunnah Lil Imaam Barbahaaree. 2/297-299

[2] An Excerpt from Al-Wasaayaa Al-Manhajiyyah page 20

[3]  العقد المنضد الجديد في الإجابة على مسائل في الفقه والمناهج والتوحيد -(page:144)

Secrets of the hearts

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

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

Allah (The Most High) said: [يَوْمَ تُبْلَى السَّرَائِرُ – The Day when all the secrets (deeds, prayers, fasting, etc.) will be examined (as to their truth)]. [86:9]

Imam As-Sadi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: Meaning, the secrets of the hearts will be examined. The good and evil that used to be in the hearts will be manifested on the faces (of the people).  Allah (The Most High) said: [يَوْمَ تَبْيَضُّ وُجُوهٌ وَتَسْوَدُّ وُجُوهٌ – On the Day (i.e. the Day of Resurrection) when some faces will become white and some faces will become black].

In this worldly life, many matters are concealed and are not manifested to the people, but on the day of judgement, the righteousness of the righteous (ones) and the immorality (or wickedness) of the wicked (ones) will be manifested and the matters will be made public. [1]

We ask Allah:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ العافِيَـةَ فـي الدُّنيا والآخِرَةِ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ العَفْوَ والعافِيَـةَ فـي دِيني ودُنْـيايَ وأَهْلِي ومالِي، اللَّهُمَّ اسْتُـرْ عَوْراتِي، وآمِنْ رَوْعاتِي،
اللَّهُمَّ احْفَظْنِـي مِنْ بَـيْنِ يَدَيَّ، ومِنْ خَلْفِي، وعَنْ يَمِيـنِـي، وعَنْ شِمالِي، ومِنْ فَوْقِي، وأَعُوذُ بِعَظَمَـتِكَ أَنْ أُغْتالَ مِنْ تَحْتِـي

O Allah! I ask You for well-being in this life and the Hereafter. O Allāh, I ask You for pardon and well-being in my religion, my worldly affairs, my family and my wealth. O Allaah! Conceal my [faults, shortcomings etc] and safeguard me against everything that will bring me fear and sorrow. O Allaah! Protect me from in front, from behind me, from my right and my left, and from above. And I seek refuge with Your Magnificence from being swallowed up from beneath me.

This great supplication begins with one asking Allaah for [العافِيَـةَ -wellbeing] in the worldly life and the Hereafter. Nothing can be equal to wellbeing, for whoever is granted well-being then indeed he has received his complete share of good. Seeking [العَفْوَ -pardon] necessitates that one is forgiven his sins and they are wiped away. As for [العافِيَـةَ – Well-being], it is safety Allaah bestows on a servant of His- protects him against every punishment and trial, by averting evil from him, protecting him against calamities and ailments [sicknesses], evil affairs and sins. So, the Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] asked for wellbeing in the Dunyaa and Aakhirah, as well as wellbeing in his religion, worldly affairs, his family and wealth.

Well-being in one’s religion is protection against everything that will bring dishonour [or disgrace] to one’s religion or deprive him of it.

Well-being in the worldly is to seek protection against everything that will harm the person in his worldly affairs, such as calamities or trials, severe poverty and ailments.

Well-being in the Hereafter is to seek protection against the extreme hardships in the Aakhirah and its various punishments. Well-being in one’s family is that they are protected from trials, calamities and tests; wellbeing in one’s wealth is that it is protected from drowning, burning, theft etc…

[اللَّهُمَّ اسْتُـرْ عَوْراتِي – O Allaah! Conceal my faults, shortcomings etc [ وآمِنْ رَوْعاتِي – safeguard me against every affair that will frighten me and bring sorrow upon me].

[اللَّهُمَّ احْفَظْنِـي مِنْ بَـيْنِ يَدَيَّ، ومِنْ خَلْفِي، وعَنْ يَمِيـنِـي، وعَنْ شِمالِي، ومِنْ فَوْقِي، وأَعُوذُ بِعَظَمَـتِكَ أَنْ أُغْتالَ مِنْ تَحْتِـي – O Allah! Protect me from in front, from behind me, from my right and my left, and from above. And I seek refuge with Your Magnificence from being swallowed up from beneath me] – Meaning: Asking Allah to protect you against destructive things and evils which a person is exposed to from the six directions, for indeed evil can approach from the front, behind, the right, the left, above or below, and he does not know which direction calamity will suddenly come upon him. [2]

[1] Taysir Al-Karim Ar-Rahman Fee Tafsir Kalam Al-Mannan

[2] An Excerpt from Fiqh Al-Ad’iyah Wal Afkaar 3/32-33