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The Only Thing The Prophet Muhammad was Commanded to Ask for an Increase in – Ibn Hajr

Written by Amjad Khan on . Posted in Articles, Qur'aan, Seeking Knowledge.

{رَبِّ زِدْنِي عِلْماً}

Oh my Lord increase me in knowledge.

This aayah is clear in showing the virtue of knowledge, because Allah The Most High, did not command the prophet (peace and blessing upon him) with asking for an increase in anything, except for knowledge.

{رَبِّ زِدْنِي عِلْماً}

واضح الدلالة في فضل العلم، لأن الله تعالى لم يأمر نبيه صلى الله عليه وسلم بطلب الازدياد من شيء إلا من العلم

From Ibn Hajr’s Explanation of Kitabul Ilm of Imam al-Bukhari as found in his work, Fath al-Bari

Do You Want to Benefit from your Religion; or be Bankrupted? (1) – Shaykh Zayd (rahimahullah)

Written by Amjad Khan on . Posted in Articles, Seeking Knowledge.

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

In reality there is no life for mankind, except by having understanding (fiqh) of the religion.

The people are in two situations; those who benefit from this religion and those who are bankrupt and deprived of benefit. Those who turn away from having understanding in the religion are much more than those who apply themselves in gaining understanding in the religion.

And in general, the people of evil and misguidance are more abundant than the people of good and righteousness (those upon the obedience of Allah) throughout the various nations, and the plentitude of their evil is because of ignorance and disinclination (towards knowledge), as has come in the hadith,

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:

“On the day of resurrection, Allah, The Most High will say, ‘O Adam!’ and Adam will reply, ‘’I respond to your call and I am obedient to Your Orders,’ Then there will be a loud call (saying), Allah orders you to take out from amongst your offspring the group for the Hellfire.’ Adam will say, ‘Who are the group for the Hellfire?’ Allah will say, ‘Out of every thousand, take out nine hundred and ninety nine.’ (2)

Shaykh Zayd (Allah have mercy upon him) continues, “and one is in paradise, and that is a proof that the people of good are few in all times, however the people of good are more in this nation, as the Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) said,

“The people of jannah on the day of resurrection are 120 rows and you (ummah of Muhammad) are 80 rows of them.” (3)

These are tremendous glad tidings, those who are guided are increased in this nation in guidance and enthusiasm (for good deeds), because they utilise the means (to attain reward) and compete in the performance of righteous actions; because Allah commanded with this,

وَسَارِعُوا إِلَىٰ مَغْفِرَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَجَنَّةٍ عَرْضُهَا السَّمَاوَاتُ وَالْأَرْضُ أُعِدَّتْ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ

And march forth in the way (which leads to) forgiveness from your Lord, and for Paradise as wide as are the heavens and the earth, prepared for Al-Muttaqun (4)

So, rush, rush to gaining understanding of the religion, and encourage whoever you find at any time and any place to gain understanding of the religion, so they can gain the Pleasure of the Lord of all that exists, and so they are saved from a disgracing torment.

(1) Slightly Abridged from Sharh Kitab al-Ilm pgs 38-39 by Shaykh Zayd ibn Haadi al Madkhali
(2) Sahih al-Bukhari 4372 translation of Muhsin Khan
(3) Imam Ahmad 4100, Authenticate by Shaykh Al Albaani Al-Mishkaat 5640
(4) Surah Aali Imran: 133 – translation by Muhsin Khan and Taqi ud deen Al-Hilaali

Soofiyah and it’s Books – Shaykh Uthaymeen

Written by Amjad Khan on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Articles, Bid'ah (Innovation), Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Fatawa-Rulings, Innovations In Islam (Bidah), Refutations, Sufis.

Al-‘Allaamah Al-Faqeeh the Noble Scholar Muhammad ibn Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen (rahimahullah) was asked regarding the books of the Soofiyah, 

He responded, my view with regards to tassawuf is the same as to other than it from that which has been innovated into al-Islaam. The Messenger of Allah clarified this when he said,

“Upon you is my sunnah, and the sunnah of the rightly guided caliphs after me; and be warned of newly innovated matters, for every innovation is misguidance.” (1)

Therefore, tasawwuf (and it’s people) are in opposition to the guidance of the Messenger (peace and blessings upon him), innovation and misguidance is obligatory for the Muslim to stay far away from. He should take his path to Allah from the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger. 

As for the books of tasawwuf, then it is impermissible to acquire them or review (or read) them, except(2) for an individual (who is qualified to do so; i.e. a person of knowledge) who wants to know what is in them of innovation, so as to refute it; (in this instance) this persons looking through them is of a tremendous benefit. 

And this benefit is: refuting this innovation so that the people are safe from it. And this is an affair which is sought after; if the person is safe from deviating by way of these books.

Fataawa Nur ala ad-Darb Vol.2 Pg.66 Fatwa 675 

(1) Ahmad, Abu Dawood, At-Tirmidhi and Ibn Maajah

(2) See following links for more details regarding books of innovators and their harms

https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2013/04/reading-the-books-of-the-innovators-ash-shaykh-saalih-al-fawzaan/

Shaykh Rabee (hafidahullah) clarifies two dangerous doubts; one of them regarding books of people of misguidance; he explains the harms and gives examples of knowledgeable individuals, scholars, who fell into misguidance due to doubts of the people of misguidance. 

https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2017/02/24652/

The Mubtadi And Those Who Opposed The Methodology of The Sahaabah Are The Cause of Differing In The Ummah

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Articles, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Methodology - 'Manhaj'.

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

Shaikh Saaleh Al-Fawzaan (may Allaah preserve him) stated:

The cause of the differing that take place between the callers is the differing in methodologies.  And had the callers (may Allaah guide them and grant them success) traversed a singular methodology; and that is the methodology of the Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam)– that which the Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-sallam) and his companions were upon, then these differences would not have occurred.

Therefore, it is obligatory upon all the callers to make their methodology one–upon the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allaah (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam); and that their call is (carried out) for the sake of Allaah and to make the word of Allaah uppermost.  Their call should not be for the sake of desires, raising individuals or parties; rather their call should be sincerely for Allaah’s Face-making Allaah’s word uppermost; following the Messenger of Allaah (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) and to aid His Religion.  (So) by way of this the differing will cease. [Source: Al-Ijaabaatul Muhimmah Fil Mashaakil Al-Mulimmah (page:221-222)]

Shaikh Zaid Ibn Hadee al Madkhalee (rahimahullaah) said:

The Mubtadi (innovator) is the cause for the splitting (in the Ummah). That is because splitting is connected to innovation and unity (upon the sound creed and methodology of the Salaf) is connected to the Sunnah.  The obligation of refuting the Mukhaalif (the opposer of the truth) is not lifted from the scholar due to anticipation of harm, unless it is harm he is not able to bear.  Then (in this case), Allah does not burden a soul beyond what it can bear.  The earth is not devoid of people of knowledge who will carry out refutation against the Mubtadi and the Mukhaalif. [Source: Al Ajwibah Al Mukhtasar Alaa As-ila Al-Ashrati(Page43-44)]

An Example of Hasan Al-Basri’s Amazing Character

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Articles, Scholars of Islam.

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

Khaalid Ibn Safwaan (rahimahullaah) reported: I met Maslamah Ibn Abdil Maalik (rahimahullaah) in a state of bewilderment, so he said to me: ”O Khaalid! Inform me of Hasan Al-Basree (rahimahullaah), for indeed I think that you know of his affair that which none else knows”.

So I said, ”May Allaah rectify the affairs of the Ameer, I am the best of those to inform you about him based on knowledge. I was a neighbour of his, I sat with him and I sat in his gatherings”. So he (Maslamah) said to me, ”Give what you have (of information)”. So I said, ”Indeed, he was a man whose private affairs were the same as his public affairs (i.e. what he believed and did in private was the same as what he believed and did in public), and his speech conformed to his actions. When he commanded good, he was the one who acted upon it the most, and when he forbade evil, he was the one who abandoned it the most. Indeed, I saw him free from having any need of the people and abstaining from what the people possessed, but the people were in need of him and sought after what he had.” So Maslamah (rahimahullaah) said, ”Enough O Khaalid! How can a people be misguided when the likes of such a person was amongst them”.

[Source: Suwar Min Hayaat At-taab’een Lis-saf Ath-thaalitha Al-Mutawassit page 14. Saudi Arabia Ministry of Education]

Verily! We Have Made That Which Is On Earth As An Adornment For It, In Order That We May Test Them As to Which of Them Are Best In Deeds

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Articles, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allaah (The Most High) stated:

إِنَّا جَعَلْنَا مَا عَلَى الْأَرْضِ زِينَةً لَّهَا لِنَبْلُوَهُمْ أَيُّهُمْ أَحْسَنُ عَمَلًا

وَإِنَّا لَجَاعِلُونَ مَا عَلَيْهَا صَعِيدًا جُرُزًا

Verily! We have made that which is on earth as an adornment for it, in order that We may test them (mankind) as to which of them are best in deeds. [i.e.those who do good deeds in the most perfect manner, that means to do them (deeds) totally for Allah’s sake and in accordance to the legal ways of the Prophet]. And verily! We shall make all that is on it (the earth) a bare dry soil (without any vegetation or trees, etc.).

Imaam Sadi (rahimahullaah) stated: Allaah (The Most High) informed (us) that He has made everything on the face of the earth- such as the delicious foods and drinks, the beautiful houses, the trees, the rivers, the vegetations, the fruits, the beautiful scenes (or beautiful things that captures the attention of the eyes), the pretty gardens, the beautiful images, gold, silver, horses, camels and other than them- as an adornment for it, a trial and test.  [لِنَبْلُوَهُمْ أَيُّهُمْ أَحْسَنُ عَمَلًا -that We may test them (mankind) as to which of them are best in deeds]; that is: The most sincere (i.e. sincerity in worship) and most correct (i.e. carry out deeds in accordance with the authentic Sunnah of the Prophet).

And besides this, Allaah will (finally) make all these things disappear and the earth will return to been a bare dry soil- its enjoyment will disappear and come to an end. This is the reality of this worldly life! Indeed Allaah has made this worldly life clearly visible to us and warned us not to be deceived by it. He urged us towards the home of the (afterlife) – whose enjoyment is ever lasting- out of mercy to us. However, the one who merely looks at the outward appearance of this worldly life and not its true reality is deceived by its adornment and beauty; so he goes along with it like animals do and enjoy himself like cattle that graze around freely. He neither gives concern to the rights of his Lord nor gives importance to knowing his Lord; rather his concern is only to follow his desires in every way he can and in every situation. When death arrives to the likes of these people, they are restless because of the disappearance of the enjoyment (of the worldly pleasures) and due to what they have sent forth of evil deeds.

As for the one who looks at the true reality of this worldly life and knows the true purpose behind it and from it, he utilises from it that which will aid him to fulfil the reason it was created for him (i.e. he utilises the worldly blessings in obedience to Allaah). He utilises his noble lifespan as an opportunity (to obey Allaah). He makes this worldly life a place of transition and not a place of permanent (joy); a place of travel and not a place of permanent residence. Therefore, he strives to know his lord, fulfil the commands of his Lord (and keep away from what his Lord has forbidden) and (strives to) perfect his deeds. This person has the highest station in the presence of his Lord and he is deserving- (by the kindness and mercy of his Lord) – of every good treatment, bliss, nobility and happiness (in the hereafter).

[Source: An Excerpt from ‘Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan’. slightly paraphrased]

Grateful For Being Guided to The Authentic Sunnah – [Ibnul Qayyim Narrates An Incident About a Companion of His]

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Articles, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Ibn al-Qayyim [rahimahullaah] said: One day I entered upon one of our companions and indeed something did happen to him that made him cry, so I asked him about it; he said: I remembered what Allaah has bestowed on me from the Sunnah and acquaintance with it; freed [me] from the Shub’hah [i.e. doubts that are made to resemble the truth] of the people and their false principles; conformity with clear intellectual discernment and sound natural disposition based on that which the Messenger [sallal laahu alay wasallam] came with, so it made me happy until it made me cry. [Madaarij As-Saalikeen 3/127] [paraphrased] [Quoted By Shaikh Abdur Razzaaq Al-Badr (hafidhahullaah)] http://al-badr.net/muqolat/5481

Admonition to Neighbours – [By Shaikh Muhammad Bin Abdillaah As-Subayyil and Shaikh Zayd Bin Haadi (rahimahumallaah)]

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Articles, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Question: The questioner asks: What are the rights of a neighbour?

Answer: The rights of a neighbour are great and many. Indeed many ahaadeeth have been narrated regarding the rights of a neighbour and among them is the hadeeth narrated by Abdullaah Ibn Umar (radiyallaahu-anhumaa) that the Messenger of Allaah (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said: Jibreel did not cease advising me (about the rights) of a neighbour to the extent that I thought he (i.e. the neighbour) would be my inheritor. [Reported by Bukhari and Muslim]

Abu Hurairah (radiyallaahu-anhu) narrated that the Messenger of Allaah (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said: The one whose neighbour is not safe from his evil behaviour will not enter paradise. [Reported by Muslim]

Abu Hurairah (radiyallaahu-anhu) narrated that the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said: By Allah, he does not believe (i.e. he is not a perfect believer); by Allah, he does not believe (i.e. he is not a perfect believer); by Allah, he does not believe (i.e. he is not a perfect believer); It was said: Who O Messenger of Allah? He said: The one whose neighbour is not safe from his evil behaviour. [Reported by Bukhari]

And there are other Narrations that demonstrate the greatness of a neighbour’s rights. Neighbours are three types: The neighbour with three rights; the neighbour with two rights and the neighbour with one.

[a] The neighbour with three rights is the one who is a relative, so he has rights (over you) as a relative, as a Muslim brother (or sister) and the rights of a neighbour.

[b] The neighbour with two rights is a Muslim neighbour, so he has rights (over you) as a neighbour and as a Muslim (brother or sister).

[c] As for neighbour with one right, he (or she) is a non-Muslim neighbour and has the rights of a neighbour. [Ref 1]

The Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said: ”He Is Not a (True) Believer Whose Stomach Is Filled While His Neighbour Goes Hungry”. [Ref 2]

This Hadeeth (clearly demonstrates or indicates) that the one whose stomach is filled while his neighbour is hungry is not a believer of complete Eemaan. A person of complete Eemaan is the one who checks on his neighbour if the neighbour is in need of him. It is not possible for a neighbour to be enjoying himself with foods and drinks while his (other) neighbour cannot find anything and he does not give him anything. This (behaviour) does not reflect the manners of a believer with complete Eemaan. And because of this-in this hadeeth- the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) negated the completeness (of the Eemaan of the one who behaves in such a manner); rather a believer of complete Eemaan is the one who is generous to his neighbour as much as he is able, especially when in need of a necessity such as food and drink. [Ref 3]

Question: The questioner asks: A neighbour of mine and his children harm me through their speech and actions, so will I be rewarded due to being patient with them?

Answer: There is no doubt that you will be rewarded (In-Shaa-Allaah) due to your patience in receiving harm from your neighbour and his children. This patience of yours is from good manners and kind treatment to your neighbour. Indeed Allaah (The Most High) advised His Messenger (sallal laahu alayhi wasallam) about showing kindness to neighbours, saying:

وَاعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ وَلَا تُشْرِكُوا بِهِ شَيْئًا ۖ وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا وَبِذِي الْقُرْبَىٰ وَالْيَتَامَىٰ وَالْمَسَاكِينِ وَالْجَارِ ذِي الْقُرْبَىٰ وَالْجَارِ الْجُنُبِ وَالصَّاحِبِ بِالْجَنبِ وَابْنِ السَّبِيلِ وَمَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَانُكُمْ ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ مَن كَانَ مُخْتَالًا فَخُورًا

Worship Allah and join none with Him in worship, and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, Al-Masakin (the poor), the neighbour who is near of kin, the neighbour who is a stranger, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (you meet), and those (slaves) whom your right hands possess. Verily, Allah does not like such as are proud and boastful. [4:36]

The Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said: Jibreel did not cease advising me (about the rights) of a neighbour to the extent that I thought he (i.e. the neighbour) would be my inheritor. [Reported by Bukhari and Muslim]

Therefore, be steadfast in exercising patience and you’ll receive reward and a good recompense from Allaah (In-Shaa-Allaah). There is no doubt that your neighbour is committing evil deeds, for indeed the Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said: By Allah, he does not believe (i.e. he is not a perfect believer); by Allah, he does not believe (i.e. he is not a perfect believer); by Allah, he does not believe (i.e. he is not a perfect believer); It was said: Who O Messenger of Allah? He said: The one whose neighbour is not safe from his evil behaviour. [Reported by Bukhari] [Ref 4]

[Ref 1: Fadaa’il Al A’maal pages 15-16’ by Shaikh Muhamad Bin Abdillaah As-Subayyil (rahimahullaah)]

[Ref 2: Reported by Imaam Al-Bukhaari (rahimahullaah) in Adabul Mufrad Number 112 & declared authentic by Imaam Albaani (rahimahullaah) in his checking of Adabul Mufrad page 50. Publisher Daar As-Siddeeq 2nd ed [1421 AH/ Year 2000]

[Ref 3: Awnul Ahadis Samad Sharhul Adabul Mufrad’ page137, Vol 1- by Shaikh Zayd Bin Haadi Al-Madkhali (rahimahullaah). Publisher: Daar Al-Meeraath An-Nabawiy’ 1st ed Year 1434AH/ 2013]

[Ref 4: Fadaa’il Al-A’maal page 30’ by Shaikh Muhammad Bin Abdillah As-Subayyil (rahimahullaah)]

Advice for a Person who is Immersed in Desires and Doubts – Shaykh Rabee

Written by Amjad Khan on . Posted in Articles, Basics, Fatawa-Rulings, Featured, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

What is your advice, may Allah preserve you, for one who has fell into the sea of desires and doubts?

My advice, for him is to repent to Allah and that he recalls the statement of Allah the Blessed and Most High,

Say: “O ‘Ibâdî (My slaves) who have transgressed against themselves (by committing evil deeds and sins)! Despair not of the Mercy of Allâh, verily Allâh forgives all sins. Truly, He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful (Az-Zumar: 53)

Therefore, even if you were swimming in a sea of disbelief, you have indeed performed good, by way of repenting to Allah the Blessed and Most High, because the door of repentance is open for all of the servants. So, upon him is to repent to Allah and return to the truth.

Source an audio with title: Asbaab al-Inhiraaf wa Tawjeehaat Manhajiyyah: from Shaykh Rabee’s  (hafidahullah) official website.

Utilise the Dunya for Fulfilling the Purpose of Your Creation – Shaykh Uthaymeen

Written by Amjad Khan on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Articles, Basics, Monotheism - Tawheed, Purification of The Soul.

Shaykh Uthaymeen (rahimahullah),

We are created for the purpose of worshipping Allāh alone and everything upon the earth has been created for us [i.e. to aid us in this purpose and for lawful enjoyment].

هُوَ الَّذِي خَلَقَ لَكُم مَّا فِي الْأَرْضِ جَمِيعًا 

He it is Who created for you all that is on earth. (Al-Baqarah: 29) 

And amazing it is that nowadays our people busy themselves with what has been created for them at the expense of what they were created for. This is [tantamount] to foolishness – that they are busying themselves with that which was created for them at the expense of something which they were created for (and if this purpose is fulfilled will lead them to the Pleasure of their Lord, Inshā Allāh t’āla).

An excerpt from Shaykh Uthaymeen’s Tafsir of Surah adh-Dhaariyat, taken from the printed book ‘Tafsir Al-Hujurat to Al-Hadid’ pg 168