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A fierce hidden battle between desires and conscience

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in 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.

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

We often see a man holding a belief that agrees with the truth, but when he speaks to someone who disagrees with him – one who inclines to something of the innovations in religious affairs, not to mention one of the people with leadership and one of those in possession of something of the worldly life, and not to mention one of the kings, he agrees with him, strengthen, supports and aids him against others. The least in such situations is that he would conceal what he believes is the truth, and despises – in presence of a person from whom neither is it possible to receive harm nor benefit from him – what has become clear to him is the right thing; so what about someone from whom harm and benefit is possible?! This – in reality – is from that which is tantamount to giving preference to the worldly things and the present worldly life over the religion and the Hereafter. If he pondered on what has happened to him, he would have known that his inclination to the desires of a man, two men, three or more – amongst those he compliments in that gathering, conceals the truth in order to be in agreement with them and in order to attract their affection, get hold of what they possess and escape from being alienated by them – is a shortcoming in (standing for the) truth and tantamount to exalting falsehood. Were it not that these people are greater in his sight than the Lord, he would not have inclined to their desires and abandon what he knows is that which Allah wants and demands from His servants. [1]

Imam Ash-Shawkaanee [may Allah have mercy upon him] said:

“One of the reasons that leads to the abandonment of fairness and thus distances one from the truth -leads to concealment of truth and not clarifying that which Allah has obligated – is love of high status and wealth. Both these affairs are a greater enemy to a person than two hunting wolves just as Allah’s Messenger described, because indeed that was the reason that led the people of the scripture to distort Allah’s Books and concealed that which came to them of clear proofs and guidance, such as what happened to the Jewish Rabis, and indeed Allah informed us about this in His Mighty Book and the Messenger (also) informed us about it in the authentic narrations”. [2]

Al-Allamah Abdur Rahmaan Bin Yahyah Al-Mu’allimee, may Allah have mercy upon him] stated about giving precedence to the truth:

Ponder on the fact that truth is noble and falsehood is lowly. Ponder on the Greatness of Allah [The Mighty and Majestic]- the fact that Allah is the Lord of the entire universe, Allah loves truth and hates falsehood, and that the one who follows truth is deserving of the Pleasure of the Lord of the universe. Allaah [Glorified be He] will be his protector in the worldly life and the Afterlife by choosing for him everything that is good, better, more beneficial, more perfect, more noble and loftier until Allaah removes his soul whilst being pleased with him. Then Allaah raises him, brings him close and makes him dwell in paradise with honour- in permanent bliss and eternal nobility which no imagination can fully conceive its greatness. He should ponder on the fact that the one who clings to falsehood is deserving of the displeasure, anger and punishment of the Lord of the universe, and if he receives anything of worldly bliss, then indeed that is only a means of humiliating him in order that he is increased in being distanced from Allaah, so that the painful torment of the afterlife is multiplied for him, which no imagination can fully conceive its severity. He should ponder on the bliss of the worldly life [i.e. temporary] as compared to the pleasure of the Lord of the universe and the bliss in the afterlife [i.e. eternal], compare the misery of the worldly life to displeasure of the Lord of the universe and the punishment in the afterlife [i.e. the severest punishment in this life is nowhere equal to punishment in the afterlife]. He should ponder on the statement of Allah [The Mighty and Majestic]:

وَقَالُواْ لَوۡلَا نُزِّلَ هَـٰذَا ٱلۡقُرۡءَانُ عَلَىٰ رَجُلٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡقَرۡيَتَيۡنِ عَظِيمٍ
أَهُمۡ يَقۡسِمُونَ رَحۡمَتَ رَبِّكَ‌ۚ نَحۡنُ قَسَمۡنَا بَيۡنَہُم مَّعِيشَتَہُمۡ فِى ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا‌ۚ وَرَفَعۡنَا بَعۡضَہُمۡ فَوۡقَ بَعۡضٍ۬ دَرَجَـٰتٍ۬ لِّيَتَّخِذَ بَعۡضُہُم بَعۡضً۬ا سُخۡرِيًّ۬ا‌ۗ وَرَحۡمَتُ رَبِّكَ خَيۡرٌ۬ مِّمَّا يَجۡمَعُونَ
وَلَوۡلَآ أَن يَكُونَ ٱلنَّاسُ أُمَّةً۬ وَٲحِدَةً۬ لَّجَعَلۡنَا لِمَن يَكۡفُرُ بِٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ لِبُيُوتِہِمۡ سُقُفً۬ا مِّن فِضَّةٍ۬ وَمَعَارِجَ عَلَيۡہَا يَظۡهَرُونَ
وَلِبُيُوتِہِمۡ أَبۡوَٲبً۬ا وَسُرُرًا عَلَيۡہَا يَتَّكِـُٔونَ
وَزُخۡرُفً۬ا‌ۚ وَإِن ڪُلُّ ذَٲلِكَ لَمَّا مَتَـٰعُ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا‌ۚ وَٱلۡأَخِرَةُ عِندَ رَبِّكَ لِلۡمُتَّقِينَ

And they say: “Why is not this Qur’an sent down to some great man of the two towns (Makkah and Ta’if)?” Is it they who would portion out the Mercy of your Lord? It is We Who portion out between them their livelihood in this world, and We raised some of them above others in ranks, so that some may employ others in their work. But the Mercy (Paradise) of your Lord (O Muhammad) is better than the (wealth of this world) which they amass. And were it not that all mankind would have become of one community (all disbelievers, desiring worldly life only), We would have provided for those who disbelieve in the Most Beneficent (Allah), silver roofs for their houses, and elevators (and stair-ways, etc. of silver) whereby they ascend, and for their houses, doors (of silver), and thrones (of silver) on which they could recline, and adornments of gold. Yet all this (i.e. the roofs, doors, stairs, elevators, thrones etc. of their houses) would have been nothing but an enjoyment of this world. And the Hereafter with your Lord is only for the pious”. [Surah Az-Zuhkruf. Verses 31-35] [3]

[1] An Excerpt from Adab at-Talab Wa Muntahaa Al-Adab. Page 93. Slightly paraphrased]

[2] An Excerpt from Adab At-talab Wa Muntahaa al-Adaab. pages 94-95. slightly paraphrased]

[3] An Excerpt from Aathaar Ash-Shaikh Al-Allamah Abdur Rahman Bin Yahyah Al-Mu’allimee 11/309. Topic: at-Tankeel]

“Jesus lived and died as a Jew”

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Contemporary Issues, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Refutations.

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

Allah [The Exalted] said:

فلذلك فادع واستقم كما أمرت ولا تتبع أهواءهم وقل آمنت بما أنزل الله من كتاب وأمرت لأعدل بينكم الله ربنا وربكم لنا أعمالنا ولكم أعمالكم لا حجة بيننا وبينكم الله يجمع بيننا وإليه المصير

So unto this (religion of Islam, alone and this Qur’an) then invite (people) (O Muhammad ), and Istaqim [(i.e. stand firm and straight on Islamic Monotheism by performing all that is ordained by Allah (good deeds, etc.), and by abstaining from all that is forbidden by Allah (sins and evil deeds, etc.)], as you are commanded, and follow not their desires but say: “I believe in whatsoever Allah has sent down of the Book [all the holy Books, this Qur’an and the Books of the old from the Tawrat (Torah), or the Injeel (Gospel) or the Pages of Ibrahim (Abraham)] and I am commanded to do justice among you, Allah is our Lord and your Lord. For us our deeds and for you your deeds. There is no dispute between us and you. Allah will assemble us (all), and to Him is the final return. [Ash-Shuraa. 15]

[وَأُمِرۡتُ لِأَعۡدِلَ بَيۡنَكُمُ‌ۖ – and I am commanded to do justice among you], Meaning, when passing judgement regarding that which you have differed between yourselves. Therefore, your enmity and hatred does not prevent me from judging with justice between you. And part of justice is that when judging between people who make different statements – amongst the people of the Scripture and others – one accepts what they possess of truth and reject what they possess of falsehood.

[ٱللَّهُ رَبُّنَا وَرَبُّكُمۡ‌ۖ لَنَآ أَعۡمَـٰلُنَا وَلَكُمۡ أَعۡمَـٰلُڪُمۡ‌ۖ لَا حُجَّةَ بَيۡنَنَا وَبَيۡنَكُمُ‌ۖ ٱللَّهُ يَجۡمَعُ بَيۡنَنَا‌ۖ وَإِلَيۡهِ ٱلۡمَصِيرُ – Allah is our Lord and your Lord. For us our deeds and for you your deeds. There is no dispute between us and you. Allah will assemble us (all), and to Him is the final return].

[لَا حُجَّةَ بَيۡنَنَا وَبَيۡنَكُمُ‌ۖ – There is no dispute between us and you] – Meaning, there is no dispute between us and you [i.e. after the realities have been manifested, and after the clear distinction between truth and falsehood, and after the clear distinction between guidance and misguidance, there is no room for debate, because the goal behind debate is to distinguish between right and wrong, so that the one to be guided is guided and the proofs established against the misguided one. [ٱللَّهُ يَجۡمَعُ بَيۡنَنَا‌ۖ وَإِلَيۡهِ ٱلۡمَصِيرُ – Allah will assemble us (all), and to Him is the final return] [An Excerpt from Tafsir As-Sadi]

In the above article, Mr. Amichai Chikli expresses a number of concerns, one of which is that two weeks ago, the pope participated in an event depicting noble Prophet Isa (Jesus – peace be upon him) as a Palestinian Arab. While some of his other complaints, like the assertion that genocide is not occurring in Gaza, is absolutely baseless, we do concur with Mr. Chikli on the point that portraying noble Prophet Isa, peace be upon him, as a Palestinian is baseless. If the Pope’s goal was to portray Isa, peace be upon him, as a Palestinian, we agree with Chikli that this is baseless. However, when Mr Chikli asserts that Jesus, peace be upon him, lived and died as a Jew, there’s a deeper layer to explore in this assertion.

First: It is true that noble Prophet Isa (Jesus), peace be upon him, was of Jewish descent, tracing his lineage back to Prophet Yaqub, peace be upon him. This fact is well-documented, and he was not a Palestinian Arab.

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

Imran Ibn Mathan, who is the grandfather of Jesus, peace be upon him, and the father of Mary, was a descendant of Sulayman, son of Dawud, peace be upon them. The family of Mathan held prominent positions as leaders and scholars among the Children of Israel. [1]

Imam Ibn Kathir, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated:

“There is no disagreement that she [meaning Maryam, peace be upon her] is from the lineage of Dawud, peace be upon him, and her father, Imran, was the one who led the prayers of the Children of Israel during his time.” [2]

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

“There is no doubt that the people of Musa, peace be upon him, were the Children of Israel, and the Torah was revealed in their language. Likewise, the Children of Israel are the people of Christ, peace be upon him, and he spoke in their tongue. Neither of the two Messengers addressed anyone in any language other than Hebrew; neither spoke in Latin, Syriac, Greek, nor Coptic.” [3]

It is well known among the Christians that Christ spoke exclusively in Hebrew, similar to other prophets of the Israelites. Furthermore, it is noted that He was circumcised on the eighth day, in accordance with the customs of the Israelites, and that He prayed facing their designated direction, rather than towards the east, nor did he instruct others to pray in that direction. [4]

Secondly: If it is said that noble Prophet Isa, peace be upon him, was a Jew because he followed the Torah, We would like to inform the claimants that he arrived as a messenger, affirming the teachings of the Torah and receiving the Injeel along with additional directives to follow. Despite this, many Jews of that era did not believe in him, dismissed his message, and even attempted to end his life, but Allah ensured his protection. Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

When Allah, The Exalted, sent Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him,, they disbelieved in him, thus their disbelief and misguidance occurred in two ways- substitution of the religion of the first Messenger (i.e. the Messiah) and belied the second Messenger (i.e. Muhammad), just as the Jews substituted the rulings of the Torah before the Messiah was sent and then belied him. The Christians’ denial of Muhammad’s Messengership is a well-known belief of theirs to every Muslim, which is similar to the Jews’ disbelief in the Messiah. The Christians emphasise the disbelief of the Jews greater than what the Jews deserve, because the Jews claimed that the Messiah was a magician and a liar; rather they said that he is an illegitimate child, as Allah informed us about them: [وَقَوۡلِهِمۡ عَلَىٰ مَرۡيَمَ بُہۡتَـٰنًا عَظِيمً۬ا – And their speech against Maryam (Mary)- a grave false charge (that she has committed illegal sexual intercourse]. [An-Nisaa. 156]; but the Christians claimed that the Messiah is Allah, therefore the trial between them and the Jews regarding the Messiah involved a lot of contradictions, misguidance at similar levels and confrontation, and this is why both nations rebuked one another with something more than what each of them deserved, just as Allah said:

وَقَالَتِ ٱلۡيَهُودُ لَيۡسَتِ ٱلنَّصَـٰرَىٰ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ۬ وَقَالَتِ ٱلنَّصَـٰرَىٰ لَيۡسَتِ ٱلۡيَهُودُ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ۬ وَهُمۡ يَتۡلُونَ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ‌ۗ كَذَٲلِكَ قَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يَعۡلَمُونَ مِثۡلَ قَوۡلِهِمۡ‌ۚ فَٱللَّهُ يَحۡكُمُ بَيۡنَهُمۡ يَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ فِيمَا كَانُواْ فِيهِ يَخۡتَلِفُونَ

The Jews said that the Christians follow nothing; and the Christians said that the Jews follow nothing; though they both recite the Scripture. Like unto their word, said (the pagans) who know not. Allah will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection about that wherein they have been differing. [Al-Baqarah. 113]

Muhammad Bin Abee Muhammad the protege of Zaid Bin Thabit reported from Ikrimah or Saeed Bin Jubayr, who reported from Ibn Abbaas that when the Christian delegation of Najraan came to Allaah’s Messenger, the Rabbis came and argued with them in the presence of the Messenger; so Rabee Bin Hurmilah said, “You are upon nothing” and thus he disbelieved in Isa and all the Injeel. Then a man from the people of Najran said to the Jews, “You are upon nothing”, and thus he willfully denied Musa’s, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, Prophethood and disbelieved in the Torah, thus, Allah revealed: [وَقَالَتِ ٱلۡيَهُودُ لَيۡسَتِ ٱلنَّصَـٰرَىٰ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ۬ وَقَالَتِ ٱلنَّصَـٰرَىٰ لَيۡسَتِ ٱلۡيَهُودُ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ۬ وَهُمۡ يَتۡلُونَ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ‌ۗ -The Jews said that the Christians follow nothing; and the Christians said that the Jews follow nothing; though they both recite the Scripture. [Al-Baqarah. 113]

So each of them recited the affirmation of what they reject in their book- meaning, the Jews disbelieved in Isa whilst they had the Torah in which Allah established the evidence against them through Musa that they should believe in Isa and the Injeel, and Isa confirmed Musa’s Messengership and what he came with. So, each one disbelieved in what was in the possession of the other. [Ibn Abee Hatim. 1/339]

[وَقَالَتِ ٱلۡيَهُودُ لَيۡسَتِ ٱلنَّصَـٰرَىٰ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ۬ – The Jews said that the Christians follow nothing]: Qatadah said regarding this verse, “Certainly, the early Christians were upon something, but they innovated and split”. [وَقَالَتِ ٱلنَّصَـٰرَىٰ لَيۡسَتِ ٱلۡيَهُودُ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ۬ – and the Christians said that the Jews follow nothing]: Qatadah said regarding this verse: “Certainly, the early Jews were upon something, but they innovated and split”. The Jews belied the religion of the Christians and said that the Christians were upon nothing; and the Christians denied everything through which the Jews were distinguished from them, even the laws of the Torah which the Messiah did not abrogate; rather he commanded them to act upon it. As for the Jews, they denied many of things through which others were distinguished from them, until they denied the truth brought by Isa.

So, even though the Christians – due to that which they innovated of exaggeration and misguidance – went into extremes in excommunicating the Jews and showed them enmity beyond what is obligated, however there is no doubt that the Jews disbelieved when they belied the Messiah, just as Allah [The Exalted] said to the Messiah [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him]: [إِنِّى مُتَوَفِّيكَ وَرَافِعُكَ إِلَىَّ وَمُطَهِّرُكَ مِنَ ٱلَّذِينَ ڪَفَرُواْ وَجَاعِلُ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّبَعُوكَ فَوۡقَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓاْ – I will take you and raise you to Myself and clear you [of the forged statement that ‘Isa (Jesus) is Allah’s son] of those who disbelieve, and I will make those who follow you (Monotheists, who worship none but Allah) superior to those who disbelieve [in the Oneness of Allah, or disbelieve in some of His Messengers, e.g. Muhammad, ‘Isa (Jesus), Musa (Moses), etc., or in His Holy Books, e.g. the Tawrat (Torah), the Injeel (Gospel), the Qur’an] till the Day of Resurrection. [Aal Imran. 55]

Allah, The Exalted, said:
قَالَ عِيسَى ٱبۡنُ مَرۡيَمَ لِلۡحَوَارِيِّـۧنَ مَنۡ أَنصَارِىٓ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ‌ۖ قَالَ ٱلۡحَوَارِيُّونَ نَحۡنُ أَنصَارُ ٱللَّهِ‌ۖ فَـَٔامَنَت طَّآٮِٕفَةٌ۬ مِّنۢ بَنِىٓ إِسۡرَٲٓءِيلَ وَكَفَرَت طَّآٮِٕفَةٌ۬‌ۖ فَأَيَّدۡنَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ عَلَىٰ عَدُوِّهِمۡ فَأَصۡبَحُواْ ظَـٰهِرِينَ

Isa the son of Maryam said to Al-Hawariun (the disciples): “Who are my helpers (in the Cause) of Allah?” Al-Hawarieen (the disciples) said: “We are Allah’s helpers” (i.e. we will strive in His Cause!). Then a group of the Children of Israel believed and a group disbelieved. So We gave power to those who believed against their enemies, and they became the uppermost. [As-Saff. 14]

The disbelief of the Christians – due to their denial of Muhammad’s Messengership and – is greater than the disbelief of the Jews due to their denial of the Messiah’s Messengership, because indeed the Messiah only abrogated a little from the Torah and all the laws and acts of worship ordained for him could be traced back to the Torah; however the majority of the beliefs and practices of the Christians were innovated after the departure of the Messiah. That which is found in the Jews’ denial of the Messiah by opposing Allah’s Shariah is not the same as the Christians’ denial of Muhammad, who brought an independent book from Allah, because nothing in the laws of the Qur’an was ordained based on the law of another Messenger. Allah [The Exalted] said: [أَوَلَمۡ يَكۡفِهِمۡ أَنَّآ أَنزَلۡنَا عَلَيۡكَ ٱلۡڪِتَـٰبَ يُتۡلَىٰ عَلَيۡهِمۡ‌ۚ إِنَّ فِى ذَٲلِكَ لَرَحۡمَةً۬ وَذِڪۡرَىٰ لِقَوۡمٍ۬ يُؤۡمِنُونَ – Is it not sufficient for them that We have sent down to you the Book (the Qur’an) which is recited to them? Verily, herein is mercy and a reminder (or an admonition) for a people who believe]. [Al-Ankabut. 51]

The Qur’an is an independent book like the Torah of Musa, even though the Qur’an is greater than it. And this is why the Christian scholars made a connection between Musa and Muhammad, just as when An-Najaashee [may Allaah have mercy upon him]- the Ethiopian king of the Christians- heard the Qur’an, he said, “Indeed, this and what Musa brought came from the same source”. Also, when Waqarah bin Nawfil, may Allah have mercy upon him, – who was one of Christian Arab scholars- heard the statement of the Prophet, he said, “Indeed, the Naamoos [i.e. Jibreel] who came to you was sent to Musa. I wish that I were young till when your people expel you”. Allaah’s Messenger asked, “Will these people drive me out?” Waraqah said, “Yes, because nobody brought the like of what you have brought, but was treated with hostility. If I were to remain alive till your day (when you start calling to Islam), then I would support you strongly”. [Bukhari]

And this is why Allah mentioned the Torah and the Qur’an together in His statement:

فَلَمَّا جَآءَهُمُ ٱلۡحَقُّ مِنۡ عِندِنَا قَالُواْ لَوۡلَآ أُوتِىَ مِثۡلَ مَآ أُوتِىَ مُوسَىٰٓ‌ۚ أَوَلَمۡ يَڪۡفُرُواْ بِمَآ أُوتِىَ مُوسَىٰ مِن قَبۡلُ‌ۖ قَالُواْ سِحۡرَانِ تَظَـٰهَرَا وَقَالُوٓاْ إِنَّا بِكُلٍّ۬ كَـٰفِرُونَ
قُلۡ فَأۡتُواْ بِكِتَـٰبٍ۬ مِّنۡ عِندِ ٱللَّهِ هُوَ أَهۡدَىٰ مِنۡہُمَآ أَتَّبِعۡهُ إِن ڪُنتُمۡ صَـٰدِقِينَ

But when the truth (i.e. Muhammad with his Message) has come to them from Us, they say: “Why is he not given the like of what was given to Musa (Moses)? Did they not disbelieve in that which was given to Musa (Moses) of old? They say: “Two kinds of magic [the Tawrat (Torah) and the Qur’an] each helping the other!” And they say: “Verily! In both we are disbelievers.” Say (to them, O Muhammad): “Then bring a Book from Allah, which is a better guide than these two [the Taurat (Torah) and the Qur’an], that I may follow it, if you are truthful.” [Al-Qasas. 48-49]

Allah did not revealed books that were a better guide than the Tawraat and the Qur’an. Then Allah said:

فَإِن لَّمۡ يَسۡتَجِيبُواْ لَكَ فَٱعۡلَمۡ أَنَّمَا يَتَّبِعُونَ أَهۡوَآءَهُمۡ‌ۚ وَمَنۡ أَضَلُّ مِمَّنِ ٱتَّبَعَ هَوَٮٰهُ بِغَيۡرِ هُدً۬ى مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَہۡدِى ٱلۡقَوۡمَ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ

But if they answer you not (i.e. do not believe in your doctrine of Islamic Monotheism, nor follow you), then know that they only follow their own lusts. And who is more astray than one who follows his own lusts, without guidance from Allah? Verily! Allah guides not the people who are Zalimun (wrong-doers, disobedient to Allah, and polytheists). [Al-Qasas. 50] [5]

Read:

Jesus, the son of Mary and the Messiah: Between Islam and Christianity. Here are ten points that every Christian really should know about Jesus (peace be upon him).

https://abukhadeejah.com/jesus-the-messiah-in-islam-in-christianity-and-in-reality/#:~:text=Jesus%20(peace%20be%20upon%20him)%20was%20a%20beloved%20Prophet%2C,and%20devoted%20servant%20of%20God.&text=3)%20Muslims%20believe%20that%20Jesus,the%20mother%20of%20the%20Messiah.

https://abukhadeejah.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Jesus-in-Islam-2016.pdf

[1] Al-Kamil Fee at-Tarikh 1/252

[2] Al-Bidaya Wan Nihaya 2/52

[3] Al-Jawab As-Sahih 2/94

[4] Al-Jawab As-Sahih 3/32

[5] An Excerpt from Al-Jawaabus Saheeh Liman Baddala Deenul Maseeh. 1/26-28

[20] The Ascent and Decline of The Ottoman Empire

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in History of Islam, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq'.

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

Sultan Muhamamad Khan

He was born in the year 974 AH and ascended to the throne twelve days after his father’s death in 1003 AH, as he was residing in Maghnis. His mother, of Italian descent, was called Safiyyah. Despite the state of weakness and decline that had begun to afflict the Ottoman Empire, the banner of jihad against the Crusaders remained raised. It is noteworthy that this Sultan, upon realising that the empire’s struggles in warfare were due to the absence of the sultans leading the armies personally, he took it upon himself to take command. He assumed the position left vacant by Salim II and Murad III, which was the command of the entire army. He advanced towards Belgrade and then to the battlefields of jihad. Upon his departure, a fervent religious zeal and military pride surged within the troops. He successfully captured the fortified castle of Arlo, which Sultan Sulayman had failed to conquer in 1556. Additionally, he defeated the armies of Hungary and Austria in the Kereszt plain near this castle on October 26, 1596, an event that drew comparisons to the Battle of Mohács, where Sultan Sulayman triumphed in 1526. Following this battle, conflicts persisted without a decisive engagement.

During his reign, the state experienced violent internal revolts led by Qara Yaziji, as well as uprisings initiated by the cavalry. However, the sultan managed to suppress both challenges, albeit with great difficulty. These internal events reveal to the discerning researcher a significant disruption in the military system and its inadequacy in safeguarding the state’s name and honor from its adversaries. Shaikh Saad al-Din Effendi, one of the scholars of Sultan Muhammad III and among those who encouraged him to personally lead the armies, said to him, “I will accompany you until I cleanse my existence of sins, so I shall march forth.” In one of the battles, the Sultan was on the verge of being captured, as his soldiers and aides fled around him. Shaikh Saad urged, “Stand firm, O King; for you are destined to triumph with the assistance of your Lord, who has granted you blessings and favours.” The Sultan mounted his horse, drew his sword, and earnestly prayed to the Almighty. Within an hour, the victory of the One, the All-Powerful, descended upon him. This battle occurred after the conquest of the fortress of Akra.

He had a high level of education and literature, and inclined towards Tasawwuf. [Refer to Footnote a] He passed away after enduring numerous rebellious movements and violent uprisings, leading his armies personally. His death occurred on Sunday, the eighteenth of Rajab in the year 1012, marking the end of his reign which lasted nine years, two months, and two days. He was thirty-eight years old at the time of his passing. [Ad-Dawlah al-Uthaniyyah Awamil An-Nuhud Wa Asbab As-Suqut 6/327-329]

Footnote a: http://www.ibntaymiyyah.com/articles/dgfil-the-origin-of-the-sufis-is-from-basrah-iraq.cfm

Reflections from some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali [35 of 80]

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

When Allah enables a person to be steadfast upon the true religion, the true methodology ordained by Allah, and the sound creed, this is a blessing from Allah, thus a person should not be deceived by himself, become boastful, or arrogant; rather, he should humble himself before Allah – the Lord of all worlds- and thank Him for this; humble himself to Allah, that Allah – Glorified be He – safeguards his (adherence) to his religion, keep him away from pitfalls and deviation, and not to slacken.

فَلَا يَأْمَنُ مَكْرَ اللَّهِ إِلَّا الْقَوْمُ الْخَسِرُون

None feels secure from the Plan of Allah except the people who are the losers. [Al-A’raf 99]

Therefore, we should beseech Him all the time that He makes our hearts steadfast.

Ath-Thabat Alaa As-Sunnah 6

Must keep Andrew Fox and associates focused on the key points of the discussion

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq'.

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

Allah, The Exalted, said:

وَالَّذِينَ لَا يَدْعُونَ مَعَ اللَّهِ إِلَهًا آخَرَ وَلَا يَقْتُلُونَ النَّفْسَ الَّتِي حَرَّمَ اللَّهُ إِلَّا بِالْحَقِّ وَلَا يَزْنُونَ وَمَنْ يَفْعَلْ ذَلِكَ يَلْقَ أَثَامًا * يُضَاعَفْ لَهُ الْعَذَابُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ وَيَخْلُدْ فِيهِ مُهَانًا * إِلَّا مَنْ تَابَ وَآمَنَ وَعَمِلَ عَمَلًا صَالِحًا فَأُولَئِكَ يُبَدِّلُ اللَّهُ سَيِّئَاتِهِمْ حَسَنَاتٍ وَكَانَ اللَّهُ غَفُورًا رَحِيمًا

And those who invoke not any other ilah (god) along with Allah, nor kill such life as Allah has forbidden, except for just cause, nor commit illegal sexual intercourse and whoever does this shall receive the punishment. The torment will be doubled to him on the Day of Resurrection, and he will abide therein in disgrace; Except those who repent and believe (in Islamic Monotheism), and do righteous deeds, for those, Allah will change their sins into good deeds, and Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. [Al-Furqan. 68-70]

In the above article from the Jerusalem Post, Andrew conveys his strong disagreement with what he perceives as an exaggerated death toll of Palestinians and raise concerns about the transparency of Gaza’s health authorities in differentiating between combatants and non-combatants. Nevertheless, even if the statistics provided by various international organizations and Gaza officials contain mistakes, it does not lessen the tragedy of a single innocent life lost. Moreover, it does not change the fact that for more than 70 years, Palestinians have endured violence and oppression at the hands of Zionists, culminating in recent experiences of displacement, starvation, and death. Therefore, while it is crucial to report accurate information—especially in an age rife with misinformation, ideological conflicts, and propaganda—the primary concern for anyone with a sense of justice should be the urgent need to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.

Taking the life of an innocent person or engaging in excessive retaliation is not condoned by any of the teachings of the Prophets. Such actions have profoundly harmful and destructive impacts on society and carry severe repercussions in the afterlife. This principle applies universally to anyone who takes the life of an innocent individual, regardless of their faith. The loss of any innocent life is a heartbreaking tragedy, whether the person is Muslim or non-Muslim. However, it is crucial to recognise that, in the last seventy years, no group has caused more suffering to the Palestinians than the Zionists. The insights shared by Prince Turki Al-Faisal, may Allah preserve him, are worthy of great respect, as he expresses this issue with exceptional clarity. [Refer to Footnote a]

Allah said:

مَنْ قَتَلَ نَفْسًا بِغَيْرِ نَفْسٍ أَوْ فَسَادٍ فِي الْأَرْضِ فَكَأَنَّمَا قَتَلَ النَّاسَ جَمِيعًا وَمَنْ أَحْيَاهَا فَكَأَنَّمَا أَحْيَا النَّاسَ جَمِيعًا

If anyone killed a person not in retaliation of murder, or (and) to spread mischief in the land – it would be as if he killed all mankind, and if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of all mankind. [Al-Ma’idah. 32]

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

If a person is bold enough to kill someone who does not deserve to be killed, this implies that he does make a distinction between the one he killed and other than him; rather he would commit this act whenever his evil calls him to that. Therefore, his bold attitude that led him to kill is as if he has killed all humankind. On the other hand, if a person saves a life and does not kill – whilst his soul calls him to do so – due to fear of Allah, this is as if he has saved the lives of all humankind because the fear of Allah he possesses stops him killing one who does not deserve to be killed. [1]

Abdullah Bin Mas’ud, may Allah be pleased with him, said that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “The first (thing) that will be decided among people on the Day of Judgment will pertain to bloodshed”. [2]

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

This hadith shows the severity of bloodshed and that it will be the first thing that will be judged between people on the Day of Resurrection because of its greatness and extreme danger. This hadith does not contradict the well-known hadith in the Sunan that the first thing a person will be questioned about is the prayer because this hadith is about a matter between Allah and the person, whereas the first hadith (i.e. judgement in matters related to bloodshed) is an affair between the people. [3]

The Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: The termination of the world means less to Allah than the killing of a Muslim (i.e. without right). [4]

Amr Ibn Al-Hamiq, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: Whenever a man promises safety for another man’s life and then kills him, I disavow myself from him even if the victim was an unbeliever.[5]

Abdullah Bin Amr, may Allah be pleased with him, said that the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: Whoever killed a Mu’ahid (a non-Muslim granted the pledge of protection by the Muslim ruler) shall not smell the fragrance of Paradise though its fragrance can be smelt at a distance of forty years (of traveling). [6]

Uqbah Ibn Aamir, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said: Whoever meets Allah whilst neither associating anything with Him nor spilling sacred blood will enter Paradise. [7]

The people said to Jundub, may Allah be pleased with him, “Advise us”. He said, “The first thing of the human body to putrefy is the abdomen, so he who can eat nothing but good food [halaal and earned lawfully] should do so, and he who does as much as he can that nothing intervenes between him and paradise by not shedding even a handful of blood [i.e. unlawful killing], should do so”. [8]

A man wrote to Ibn Umar, may Allah be pleased with him and his father, and asked him to write down all knowledge for him; he replied to him, saying, “Indeed, knowledge is plentiful, but if you are able to meet Allah whilst not shedding people’s blood, not taking their wealth (unlawfully) and violating their honour, then do so”. [9]

——————-

Footnote a: No heroes in Hamas-Israel conflict, only victims: Former Saudi intelligence chief:

https://www.abuiyaad.com/w/hamas-israeli-right

https://abuiyaad.com/a/amalekite-genocide-doctrine-gaza

https://abuiyaad.com/a/slaughtering-children-holy-war/print

https://www.abuiyaad.com/a/pharoah-slaughtering-babies

(1) Tafsir As-Sadi
(2) Sahih Muslim 1678
(3) Sharh Sahih Muslim 11/139
(4) Sahih Al-Jami 9208
(5) Sahih Al-Jami 6103
(6) Al-Bukhari 6914
(7) Silsilah As-Sahih ah 2923
(8) Al-Bukhari 7152
(9) Siyar A’lam An-Nubulaa 3/222

Islamic Awakening

Written by Amjad Khan on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Basics, Bid'ah (Innovation), Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, History of Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', 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 Salih Al-Fawzan, may Allah preserve him, said:

All the praises and thanks be to Allah- the Lord of the worlds- and may peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and companions. To proceed: The Islamic Awakening did not originate in recent times; rather, it traces back to the moment Allah sent His Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, with the message of Islam, and people entered it in crowds and groups. All praise be to Allah, good has persisted within the Ummah, as the Prophet stated, “There will always be a group among my Ummah that (remains) steadfast in the truth. They will not be harmed by those who abandon them or oppose them until Allah’s command uis established (i.e. the Day of Judgement). Despite the ongoing struggle between truth and falsehood, there have consistently been advocates for the truth and their supporters, adhering to the correct methodology. Throughout history, the Ummah has never been entirely dormant or misled to the extent that a faction could claim a distinct identity, such as “Islamic Awakening,” because this would imply that the entire Islamic World was misguided prior to their emergence. This contradicts the Prophet’s statement that “There will always be a group among my Ummah that remains manifest in the truth,” as well as his statement “My Ummah will never unite upon misguidance.”

Indeed, this (revival) is praiseworthy and safe from criticism when it is based on the methodology of the righteous callers and the pious predecessors, grounded in the Book of Allah, the Sunnah, and the path of the pious predecessors of this Ummah – free from associations that contradict the methodology of the pious predecessors. The primary objective should be to gain knowledge of the truth in order to act upon it and promote it, as well as to recognize falsehood to avoid it and caution others against it. This endeavor should not be motivated by a desire for leadership, dominance, insurrection against the main body of Muslims united behind a ruler, or disobedience to Muslim rulers. Such an approach does not align with the correct methodology of Dawah or that of the pious predecessors; instead, it is the methodology of the Khawaarij and the Mutazilah, groups that have strayed from the teachings of the Qur’an, the Sunnah, and the path of the early Muslims. These groups have been a source of shame in Islamic history and a detriment to the Ummah. We beseech Allah to guide the misguided Muslims towards the right path. [An Excerpt from “Al-Bayaan Li-akhtaa’i Badil Kuttaab pages: 29-30. Slightly paraphrased]

Visit:

https://www.kharijites.com/kj/

http://www.mutazilah.com/authors/Abu.Iyaad.cfm

Reflections from some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali [34 of 80]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', 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.

Good manners have profound outcomes, which is why Allah and His Messenger have commanded us to embody good manners. The Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, used to demonstrated these good manners in his interactions with others—with his family at home, his companions, or his adversaries. Even when a Jewish man greeted Allah’s Messenger (with the words), “As-Saamu Alaykum – death be upon you,” he responded, “Wa Alaykum – And upon you.” Aa’isha, may Allah be pleased with her, said (to the Jewish man), “Wa Alaykumus Saam Wal lanah – Death be upon you and the curse of Allah.” The Messenger said, “O Aa’isha! Indeed, Allah is kind and gentle, and He loves kindness and gentleness.”Look (at how) the Jewish man was treated with kindness and gentleness?! If he sees this kindness and gentleness, it may urge him towards Islam, or at the very least these lofty manners could mitigate much of the evil of this person, thereby making you upright and your invitation to the Religion of Allah.

An Excerpt from Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm page 88

Potential double-standards

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Refutations.

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

Allah, The Exalted, said:

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

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

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

Allah, Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections, commanded His servants to stand out firmly for justice on behalf of everyone – be it an enemy or an ally, and the matter that is most worthy of being established with justice are the statements and methodology related to the commands of Allah as well as everything that Allah has (revealed in the Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah). Therefore, to establish these affairs based on desires and disobedience is contrary to Allah’s command and a negation (i.e. either intentionally or unintentionally) of that which Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was sent with. [1]

In the aforementioned article from the Jerusalem Post, Michael Starr reported on remarks attributed to an Anti-Zionist professor, who is said to have praised the attacks by Hamas on October 7. It is noteworthy that individuals who adopt a balanced and equitable perspective on this issue are exceedingly rare. Many either rationalise the actions of Hamas against civilians and non-combatants or, conversely, remain silent regarding the disproportionate retaliation executed by Netanyahu’s Zionist forces. Others may manipulate the narrative, attempting to obscure the fact that this conflict, despite the indefensible nature of Hamas’s unlawful killings, has persisted for over 70 years, marked by relentless Zionist aggression.

Furthermore, the question of whether one condemns Hamas has been reiterated by numerous Zionists and journalists, to which principled individuals have responded with clarity, as evidenced in the reply:

“Do you condemn Hamas?”, “we condemn everyone who opposes the Divine Legislation by killing innocent civilians, including non-combatant men, the elderly, women, children, priests, monks and the likes, no matter who they are, Muslim or non-Muslim, whether ISIS, al-Qaeda, Hamas, Boko Haram or Benjamin Mileikowsky, the IDF, Settlers and their likes. Our condemnation is on the basis that such actions are unjust and oppose Divine Legislation and not because of the race or ethnicity or religion of the perpetrators, and thus we are able to maintain moral consistency and integrity. This is unlike Western politicians who are able to swiftly condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and support Ukraine (the invaded and occupied in this case) with money and weapons for resistance, but unwilling to condemn the genocide and ethnic cleansing of Gazans, while supporting the Mileikowsky regime with bombs, missiles and military hardware to facilitate the excecution of that genocide and ethnic cleansing”. [2]

It is imperative to consider that should this Anti-Zionist professor have indeed lauded the actions of Hamas, no rational individual would find merit in his assertions, provided that such statements were made explicitly and not distorted by sensationalist narratives. The abhorrent nature of taking innocent lives has already been sufficiently addressed. Furthermore, some Zionist leaders, including Netanyahu, have also made profoundly reckless remarks, thus, they must be condemned openly. Unlawful killing is to be openly condemned, irrespective of the faith or political position of its perpetrators, be they Jewish, Christian, or Muslim. Explore the link below to discover some dangerous statements made by certain Zionist figureheads: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2024/08/14/brief-observation-on-elon-musks-proposal-the-second-thing-is-to-change-the-education-so-that-a-new-generation-of-murderers-is-not-created/

Perhaps, one of the most compelling admonitions on this subject comes from Prince Turki Al-Faisal, may Allah protect him. Listen:

[1] An Excerpt from ‘Badaa’i At-Tafseer Al-Jaami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim. 1/300-303
[2] https://abuiyaad.com/a/amalekite-genocide-doctrine-gaza

A basic principle regarding worship

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

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

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

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

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

And verily, this is my Straight Path, so follow it, and follow not (other) paths, for they will separate you away from His Path. This He has ordained for you that you may become pious]. [Al-An’am 153]

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

وَأَنَّ هَـٰذَا صِرَٲطِى مُسۡتَقِيمً۬ا فَٱتَّبِعُوهُ‌ۖ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُواْ ٱلسُّبُلَ فَتَفَرَّقَ بِكُمۡ عَن سَبِيلِهِۦ‌

Indeed, this is My Straight Path, so follow it. And do not follow other paths; they will separate you from His Path. [Al-Musnad 4437]

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

أَمۡ لَهُمۡ شُرَڪَـٰٓؤُاْ شَرَعُواْ لَهُم مِّنَ ٱلدِّينِ مَا لَمۡ يَأۡذَنۢ بِهِ ٱللَّهُ‌ۚ

Or have they partners with Allah (false gods), who have instituted for them a religion which Allah has not allowed.” [42:21]

There were impermissible deeds they established as acts of worship, such as shirk, and lewd behaviour, such as Tawaf around the Kabah, whilst naked.

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

It is well known regarding the prayer that it can either be obligatory, such as the five daily prayers, or optional such as the Qiyaamul Layl [i.e. Tahajjud prayer].

Also regarding fasting, it can either be obligatory, such as fasting in the month of Ramadan, or it can be optional such as fasting three days every month. Also travelling to the Masjid Al-Haram [i.e. The kabah] is obligatory and travelling to the other two Masajid- Masjid of the Prophet and Masjid Al-Aqsaa- is recommended. Also, charity can be an obligation, or a recommendation such as the surplus beyond (what is) needed, as Allah [The Most High] said:

وَيَسْأَلُونَكَ مَاذَا يُنفِقُونَ قُلِ الْعَفْوَ

And they ask you what they ought to spend. Say: That which is beyond (what they need).

It has been reported in an authentic Hadih that the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “O son of Adam! It is better for you if you spend (your) surplus (wealth), but if you withhold it, it is evil for you. And there is no blame (on you) if you withhold the surplus in accordance with a need, in order to spend on yourself and poor relatives. The upper hand (i.e. the one who spends) is better than the lower hand (i.e. the one who asks without a need as opposed to the self-sufficient one); and begin (charity) with your dependents”. [b]

Source: An Excerpt from ‘Al-Ibaadaat Ash-Shar’iyyah Wal-Farqu Baynahaa Wa Baynal Bid’ah page: 7-9

[a]: Regarding the statement: “And My slave keeps on coming closer to Me through performing Nawaafil (praying or doing extra deeds besides what is obligatory) till I love him, then I become his sense of hearing with which he hears, and his sense of sight with which he sees, and his hand with which he grips, and his leg with which he walks…”

This statement is understood to mean that when a person becomes a Wali (close friend) of Allah, The Mighty and Majestic, when the command of Allah is mentioned with regards to what Allah loves or hates, he protects his hearing from what Allah hates and lends an ear to what Allah loves. He does the same with regards to what he looks at, what he grips with his hand and where he walks to; or Allah guides him, thus he only looks at what Allah loves, listens to what Allah loves and walks towards what Allah loves. [Sharh Arba’een by Imaam Muhammad Bin Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen.. Pages 376-381 and Sharh Arba’een by Shaikh Salih Aala Shaikh pages 256-258] [Also see, Jaami’ul Ulum Wal-Hikam by Imaam Ibn Rajab pages 619-641 Daar Ibn Rajab 2002].

[b] Sahih Muslim Hadeeth No 1036 as well as ‘Sharh Saheeh Muslim Vol 7-8 pages 111-113]

[19] The Ascent and Decline of The Ottoman Empire

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in History of Islam, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq'.

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

Sultan Murad III

He rose to the throne after the passing of his father and demonstrated a strong passion for the sciences, literature, and poetry. He was fluent in three languages: Turkish, Arabic, and Persian, and exhibited a preference for Sufism. He provided support to scholars and generously allocated significant funds to soldiers, totaling 110,000 gold lira, which effectively mitigated the unrest that often stemmed from delays in the distribution of these payments. One of his first measures was to enact a decree banning alcohol, which had become prevalent among the people, especially the Janissaries. This decision incited a rebellion among the Janissaries, compelling him to retract his prohibition. This episode underscores the signs of the state’s deterioration, as the sultan struggled to impose the alcohol ban and maintain religious laws. It also reflects a departure of the Janissaries from their foundational Islamic principles of noble upbringing, commitment to Jihad, and aspiration for martyrdom.

He upheld the policies set forth by his father, participating in numerous military campaigns across different regions throughout his reign. In 1574, after King Henry of Poland fled to France, the Ottoman caliph recommended that the Polish leaders elect the Prince of Transylvania as their monarch, a suggestion they accepted, thereby placing Poland under Ottoman protection by 1575. This arrangement was recognized by Austria in a peace treaty with the Ottoman Empire in 1576, which remained in effect for eight years. In 1576, following an incursion by the Tatars into Polish territory, the Polish sought aid from the Ottoman Sultan, who then formally declared their protection through an official treaty. He reinstated privileges with France and Venice, thereby augmenting specific consular and commercial rights in their favor. Significantly, the French ambassador was accorded precedence over all other ambassadors during official ceremonies and governmental gatherings. The surge of ambassadors arriving at the Sublime Porte in pursuit of trade agreements subsequently provided a rationale for genuine intervention in state matters. During the reign of Sultan Murad, Isabella, the Queen of England, obtained exclusive privileges for her merchants, permitting British vessels to display the British flag and gain entry to Ottoman shores and ports.

In the year 985 AH (1577 AD), following the upheaval in Persia after the passing of Tahmasp, the Ottomans initiated a military campaign that effectively covered extensive regions in the Caucasus, resulting in the capture of the city of Tbilisi and Kargestan (Georgia). Later, in 993 AH (1585), the Ottomans advanced into Tabriz, where the sultan’s forces secured dominance over Azerbaijan, Kargestan (Georgia), Shirvan, and Luristan. Upon the ascension of Shah Abbas the Great to the Persian throne, he endeavored to establish a peaceful resolution with the Ottomans, consenting to cede the territories that had fallen under their control. Additionally, he vowed to refrain from disparaging the rightly guided caliphs Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman, may Allah be pleased with them, within his domain, and dispatched a cousin named Haidar Mirza to Istanbul to ensure the adherence to their agreement.

The Janissaries instigated a revolt in the Ottoman provinces after the conclusion of hostilities. The Sultan had dispatched them to engage in combat in Hungary, but they faced defeat at the hands of Austria, which was allied with Hungary. This defeat resulted in the occupation of numerous strongholds, although these were subsequently recaptured by Sinan Pasha. Furthermore, the princes of Wallachia, Moldavia, and Transylvania declared their insurrection and formed an alliance with Austria against the Ottomans. In retaliation, Sinan Pasha launched an offensive against them in 1003 AH / 1594 AD; however, he was unable to secure a victory and lost several cities in the process.

Consequently, the assassination of the Grand Vizier, which stemmed from the machinations within the Sultan’s court, was further exacerbated by foreign agents opposed to the influence of such a capable minister. He was committed to principles of integrity, wisdom, statecraft, effective leadership, meticulous planning, and administrative oversight, while also keeping a close watch on provincial governors and capitalizing on opportunities. His untimely death represented a significant setback and a profound challenge, paving the way for malevolence in the processes of appointing and dismissing grand viziers. This situation fostered a competitive struggle for power that ultimately undermined the sultanate. The ensuing chaos led to instability within the nation, provoking mutinies among certain military factions that the government found difficult to quell. As a result, these internal conflicts and uprisings contributed to Poland’s withdrawal from the Ottoman Empire and its subsequent engagement in hostilities against it.

A faction within the Jewish community perceived that the moment had finally come to fulfill a long-cherished aspiration, leading them to migrate in successive waves to Sinai for settlement. Their initial approach was centered on establishing a foothold in the city of Tor, a strategic decision owing to its favorable position on the eastern coast of the Gulf of Suez, which boasted a port conducive to commercial shipping. This port accommodated vessels from Jeddah, Yanbu, Suakin, Aqaba, and Qulsum, while the city was also linked by land routes to Cairo and Farama. As a result, this arrangement enhanced external communications for the Jewish settlers, safeguarding them from isolation and enabling ships to dock at the port of Tor, thereby facilitating the arrival of new groups of immigrants.

A Jewish individual named Abraham spearheaded a migration initiative, relocating to Al-Tur with his family. Upon their arrival, the Jewish community in Al-Tur created disturbances for the monks residing at St. Catherine’s Monastery. This situation led the monks to submit formal complaints to the Ottoman sultans and their governors, detailing the grievances related to the disruptions caused by these specific Jews. They reminded the authorities of the Ottoman obligation to safeguard their community and cautioned against the settlement of these Jews in Sinai, particularly in Al-Tur, as it could lead to potential unrest. In accordance with Sharia, which mandates the protection of non-Muslims, Ottoman officials were prompted to issue three decrees during the reign of Sultan Murad III. These edicts ordered the expulsion of Abraham, his wife, children, and all other Jews from Sinai, forbidding their future return to the region, including the city of Tor. [Footnote a] Sultan Murad III passed away on January 16, 1595, at the age of 49 and was interred in the courtyard of Hagia Sophia. [1]

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Footnote a: It is crucial to recognize that the author did not provide an in-depth account of the disturbances, and every situation has multiple perspectives. This necessitates a careful approach when considering blame directed at particular Jews or any individuals involved, whether they are Jewish or non-Jewish, unless clear evidence is presented to clarify the underlying issues. Furthermore, we should not automatically assume that the monks were entirely blameless, as the author did not specify the reasons behind their accusations against certain Jews. Given the historical tensions that may have existed between some Jewish and Christian communities due to religious differences, we must exercise even greater caution in our judgments regarding this particular incident. We are commanded to do justice when passing judgement, as Allah stated:

فلذلك فادع واستقم كما أمرت ولا تتبع أهواءهم وقل آمنت بما أنزل الله من كتاب وأمرت لأعدل بينكم الله ربنا وربكم لنا أعمالنا ولكم أعمالكم لا حجة بيننا وبينكم الله يجمع بيننا وإليه المصير

So unto this (religion of Islam, alone and this Qur’an) then invite (people) (O Muhammad ), and Istaqim [(i.e. stand firm and straight on Islamic Monotheism by performing all that is ordained by Allah (good deeds, etc.), and by abstaining from all that is forbidden by Allah (sins and evil deeds, etc.)], as you are commanded, and follow not their desires but say: “I believe in whatsoever Allah has sent down of the Book [all the holy Books, this Qur’an and the Books of the old from the Taurat (Torah), or the Injeel (Gospel) or the Pages of Ibrahim (Abraham)] and I am commanded to do justice among you, Allah is our Lord and your Lord. For us our deeds and for you your deeds. There is no dispute between us and you. Allah will assemble us (all), and to Him is the final return. [Surah Ash-Shuraa. Aayah 15]

[وَأُمِرۡتُ لِأَعۡدِلَ بَيۡنَكُمُ‌ۖ – and I am commanded to do justice among you]- Meaning, when passing judgement regarding that which you have differed between yourselves; therefore, your enmity and hatred does not prevent me from judging with justice between you. And part of justice is that when judging between people who make different statements – amongst the people of the Scripture and others – one accepts what they possess of truth and reject what they possess of falsehood. [2] [End of quote]

Indeed, we are not in a position to judge precisely what really happened between those monks and Jews because the author did not provide full details. The knowledge of all affairs is with Allah.

[1] Ad-Dawlah al-Uthaniyyah Awamil An-Nuhud Wa Asbab As-Suqut 6/323-326

[2] An Excerpt from Tafsir As-Sadi