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How those who possessed a profound understanding of their own reality responded to praise or recognition

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

A man among the companions of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, used to say when he was praised:

اللهُمَّ لا تؤاخِذْني بما يقولون، واغفِرْ لي ما لا يعلمونَ

“O Allah! Do not take me to account for what they say and forgive me for what they do not know (about me)”.

Al-Allamah Zayd Bin Hadi Al-Madkhali, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

This is one of the supplications, specifically when praised and one hears it. For example, when it is said, “Fulaan (such and such person) is upright and righteous”, so he hears what was said about him, or such praise reaches him; or it is said, “Fulaan is very truthful, such and such is a good doer, a charitable person, a scholar and so on”. If he hears this, a believer fears for himself and feels shy that he is the opposite of what the people say about him, and because of this he re-examines himself and becomes active in carrying out deeds to make him righteous- a good doer and worthy of the praise given to him by the people. If he does this, he will be successful and blessed; but if he becomes deceived by what the people say and becomes oblivious of his mistakes and shortcomings, shaytan will afflict him with self-importance. Due to this, when a believer hears the people commending and praising him with righteousness, he makes this supplication “O Allah! Do not take me to account for what they say” – Meaning: “Do not hold me account due to this praise and commendation, and the good characteristics (mentioned about me”. This is because he fears for himself.

The soul of a person is  weak, thus he says, “And forgive me for what they do not know (about me)”- Meaning: “The people commend a person based on what they know about him outwardly, so the person fears that he has Mukhaalafaat [i.e. deeds in opposition to the commands and prohibitions in the Shariah] which are unknown to the people, thus he asks his Lord [The Blessed and Exalted] not to hold him to account and to forgive those sins, his shortcomings and mistakes that are unknown to the people. The children of Adam are deficient, but there are those among them who fall short and return to (repentance or rectification) and are active again in the performance of good deeds after falling short. Among them are those who fall short and persist upon (sin) until punishment comes upon them. (1)

We ask Allah:

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

O Allah! Rectify my religion for me, which is the safeguard of my affairs; rectify my worldly [affairs], wherein is my livelihood; and rectify my Afterlife to which is my return; and make life for me [as a means of] increase in every good and make death for me as a rest from every evil. [Saheeh Muslim Number: 2720] (2)

Nafi, may Allah have mercy upon him, reported that a man said to Ibn Umar, may Allah be pleased with him and his father: “O you the best of people” or “the son of the best of people”. Ibn Umar responded, stating, “I am neither the best of people nor the son of the best of people; I am merely a servant of Allah, hoping for His mercy and fearing Him. By Allah, you will continue to (elevate) a man until you lead him to his destruction.” (3)

Muttarif Ibn Abdillah, may Allah have mercy upon, said: remarked “No one has ever praised me except that my self-worth diminished.” (4)

Malik Ibn Dinar, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “Whoever distances himself from the allure of worldly life is one who has dominated his desires and one who takes pleasure in false praise has enabled shaytan to enter his heart.” (5)

Fudayl Ibn Iyad, may Allah have mercy upon him, reported that it was said to Sulayman al-Taymi, may Allah have mercy upon him: “You are such and such! Who is like you?” He said, “Do not speak in such a manner. I do not know what may be revealed to me by my Lord, the Mighty and Majestic. I have hear Allah, the Exalted and Majestic, say (i.e. in the Qur’an):

وَبَدَا لَهُمْ مِنَ اللَّهِ مَا لَمْ يَكُونُوا يَحْتَسِبُونَ

And there will become apparent to them from Allah, what they had not been reckoning. (6)


(1) Awnul Ahadis Samad Sharh Al-Adabil Mufrad’ 2/389

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

(3) Hilyatul Awliyaa 1/307

(4) Hilyatul Awliyaa 2/198

(5) Hilyatul Awliyaa 2/364

(6) Hilyatul Awliyaa 3/30

Has the story reached you, of the honoured guests – [A Lesson On Hospitality In The Story of Prophet Ibrahim]

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

Allah (The Most High) says:

هَلْ أَتَاكَ حَدِيثُ ضَيْفِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ الْمُكْرَمِينَ

إِذْ دَخَلُوا عَلَيْهِ فَقَالُوا سَلَامًا ۖ قَالَ سَلَامٌ قَوْمٌ مُّنكَرُونَ

فَرَاغَ إِلَىٰ أَهْلِهِ فَجَاءَ بِعِجْلٍ سَمِينٍ

فَقَرَّبَهُ إِلَيْهِمْ قَالَ أَلَا تَأْكُلُونَ

فَأَوْجَسَ مِنْهُمْ خِيفَةً ۖ قَالُوا لَا تَخَفْ ۖ وَبَشَّرُوهُ بِغُلَامٍ عَلِيمٍ

فَأَقْبَلَتِ امْرَأَتُهُ فِي صَرَّةٍ فَصَكَّتْ وَجْهَهَا وَقَالَتْ عَجُوزٌ عَقِيمٌ

Has the story reached you, of the honoured guests [three angels; Jibrael (Gabriel) along with another two] of Ibrahim (Abraham)? When they came in to him, and said, “Salam, (peace be upon you)!” He answered; “Salam,(peace be upon you),” and said: “You are a people unknown to me. Then he turned to his household, so brought out a roasted calf [as the property of Ibrahim (Abraham) was mainly cows]. And placed it before them, (saying): “Will you not eat? Then he conceived a fear of them (when they ate not). They said: “Fear not.” And they gave him glad tidings of an intelligent son, having knowledge (about Allah and His religion of True Monotheism). Then his wife came forward with a loud voice, she smote her face, and said: “A barren old woman!” [51:24-29]

Imam Ibnul Qayyim, may Allāh have mercy upon him, said:

Allah described Ibrahim’s, peace be upon him, guests as being honourable. They were either honourable in the sight of Ibrahim or honourable in the sight of Allah. The verse carries both meanings. 

Allah says: [ إِذْ دَخَلُوا عَلَيْهِ- When they came in to him]. So, there is not a mention about them seeking permission to visit him and this is proof that he was known for being generous to guests. His house was open to guests and frequented by the one who could find it without the need for asking permission. This is the highest level of generosity.

[فَرَاغَ إِلَىٰ أَهْلِهِ -Then he turned to his household]: He went to his family in secret without the knowledge of the guests. This is an act of nobility – the leader of the house goes away secretly in such a manner that the guest is unaware, lest (the guest) becomes uneasy and shy, thus he is made unaware until (the host) comes along with the food, as opposed to the one who says to his guest or those who are present: ‘’Wait, so that I bring you food’’ or a similar statement, that makes the guest feel shy and embarrassed.

[فَجَاءَ بِعِجْلٍ سَمِينٍ – so (he) brought out a fat roasted calf]: This is an indication of his hospitality to his guests. Allah did not say that Ibrahim ordered for them, rather he went and came back with the (roasted calf) himself. He did not send his servant to bring it and this is the highest degree of hospitality to guests. He came with a full roasted calf and not half of it- perfect hospitality. The calf was fat and not skinny, and it is well known that this was among the best of their wealth. The likes of it is given particular attention and nurturing, and Ibrahim, peace be upon him, chose it for his guests.

He himself brought the food close to them and did not command his servant to do so.  He brought the food close to them and did not make them come close to the food. This is the highest level of generosity- bringing the food close, carrying it to the guest and not placing it at a distance and then asking the guest to come close.

He said to them [أَلَا تَأْكُلُونَ- Will you not eat?] This is a generous and soft speech, and it is better than saying ‘eat’ or ‘extend your hands’ and what is similar to it. He spoke to them with this generous and soft speech when he saw that they were not eating because his guests are never in need of his permission; rather they eat when he presents food to them. Thus, when these guests did not eat, he said to them: ‘’Will you not eat?’’ He felt fear of them but did not reveal it. 

An Excerpt from “Bada’i at-Tafsir al-Jami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim 3/45-46

This Fa’idah was first brought to my attention by Ustadh Abu Tasneem – Mushaf Al-Banghali – may Allah bless him and his family

Exquisite Equitable Enforcement of Justice

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

Equal Application of the Law On All Those Have Reached The Age of Accountability or Considered Accountable In Islamic Law

Aa’isha, may Allah be pleased with her, reported that the Quraish had been anxious about the Makhzumi woman who had committed theft, and said, “Who will speak to Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, about her?” They said, “Who dare it, but Usamah, the loved one of Allah’s Messenger?” So Usamah spoke to him. Thereupon Allah’s Messenger said, “Do you intercede regarding one of the punishments prescribed by Allah?” He then stood up and addressed (people) saying, “O people! Those who have gone before you were destroyed, because if any one of high status committed theft amongst them, they spared him; and if anyone of low status committed theft, they inflicted the prescribed punishment upon him. By Allah, if Fatima, daughter of Muhammad, were to steal, I would have her hand cut of”. (1)

“Do you intercede regarding one of the punishments prescribed by Allah?” Meaning, it is not permissible to intercede regarding the divine prescribed punishments.

“Those who have gone before you were destroyed because if any one of high status committed theft amongst them, they spared him; and if anyone of low status committed theft, they inflicted the prescribed punishment upon him”. Meaning, destroyed through punishment due to their sins. They were destroyed due to this matter because they said, “This is a person of high status and it is not possible to cut his hand”. When a person of high status amongst them stole, they let him off, (but) when a person of low status stole, they established the punishment on him, thus the implementation of Allah’s prescribed punishments was carried out based on their desires. In this hadith is proof to show that the nations before us committed theft, and that there was much theft in their midst including the wealthy, the poor, the one of high status and the one of low status.

The Messenger then made an oath – even though he is the righteous and truthful one without making an oath – that “By Allah, if Fatima, daughter of Muhammad, were to steal, I would have her hand cut of”.

O Allah! Send Your Salutations and blessings upon him (i.e. the prophet). This is how justice should be and the manner in which Allah’s rulings are to be applied, and not through desires. He made an oath that if Fatimah – who was of a higher status than that Makhzumi woman, both in nobility and lineage, because she is the leader of the women of paradise, the daughter of Muhammad – stole, he would cut her hand. (2)

Imaam An-Nawawi, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated that Imam Muslim, may Allah have mercy upon him, mentioned narrations in the chapter regarding the forbiddance of interceding in the divine ordained punishments and that this was the cause of the destruction of the Children of Israel. The scholars unanimously agreed that – due to these narrations – interceding in the divine ordained punishments – after the affair has reached the leader – is prohibited. As for before it reaches the leader, most scholars have permitted intercession if the one being interceded for is not an evil person and harmful to the people. As for the sins (or acts of disobedience) for which there are no prescribed punishments, then intercession regarding them is permissible whether the affair has reached the leader or not. Intercession in these affairs is desirable if the one being interceded for is not a harmful person and so on. (3)


[1] Saheeh Muslim. 1688a

[2] An Excerpt from Sharh Riyaadus Saaliheen 6/525-530 By Imam Muhammad Ibn Saalih Al-Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy upon him)

[3] An Excerpt from ‘Sharh Saheeh Muslim’. 11/155

The Jihad of a Lifetime Against Four Things!

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

Allāh, The Exalted, says:

وَٱعۡتَصِمُواْ بِٱللَّهِ هُوَ مَوۡلَٮٰكُمۡ‌ۖ فَنِعۡمَ ٱلۡمَوۡلَىٰ وَنِعۡمَ ٱلنَّصِيرُ 

And hold fast to Allah; He is your Maula (Patron, Lord, etc.), what an Excellent Maula (Patron, Lord, etc.) and what an Excellent Helper!’’ [Al-Hajj. 78]

When you hold fast to Allah, He will protect you. Allah will help you against ([the evil desires) of your souls and shaytaan – the two enemies that never isolate themselves from a person. Their enmity is more harmful than an apparent enemy. Therefore, being given help against them is the most important thing and a person’s need for it is more.The completeness of this help is (given) is based on the level of one’s attachment to Allah. [1]

Allah, The Most High, says:

وَٱلَّذِينَ جَـٰهَدُواْ فِينَا لَنَہۡدِيَنَّہُمۡ سُبُلَنَا‌ۚ

As for those who strive hard in Us (Our Cause), We will surely guide them to Our Paths (i.e. Allah’s Religion – Islamic Monotheism)] [29:69]

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

Allah, Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections, attached guidance to Jihad [striving in the path of Allah]. The people with the most perfect guidance are those who (perform) a greater Jihad.  The most obligatory Jihad is the Jihad against the Self (a), Jihad against (vain) desires, Jihad against shaytan and Jihad against the Dunyah (b) Whoever strives against these four, Allah will guide him to the paths of His Pleasure leading to Paradise. Whoever abandons (this) Jihad will miss guidance depending on the extent of what he neglected it. Junaid, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “Those who strive against their (vain) desires through repentance, Allah will  guide them to the paths of sincerity. It is not possible to strive against the enemy in the open, except for the one who strives against these enemies inwardly. Thus, whoever is aided against them, he will be victorious against his enemy and whoever is made to be overcome by them, his enemy will be made victorious over him. [2]

[a] Jihad Against The Self: Striving to attain upright guidance, adhering to it after being acquainted with it, calling to it and exercising patience when faced with the difficulties in that path [3]  Imam Al-Aajurree – may Allah have mercy upon him- said: I will provide you with a similitude that is clear to you. Know that the soul can be compared to a young horse, and the beholder is amazed when he looks at its good appearance and beauty. The people who possess knowledge regarding it say, “It will not yield any benefit until it undergoes proper training and discipline, at which point it will prove to be advantageous – capable of performing well and being of service, leading its rider to commend the results of its training and discipline. However, without discipline, its attractive appearance and beauty will be futile, and its rider will not praise its performance when needed”.

If the young horse’s owner heeds the advice of knowledgeable individuals regarding its situation, he will recognize the validity of their counsel and subsequently entrust the horse to a trainer. A horse trainer is only deemed deserving of the title if they are skilled in the training process and possess patience. If the trainer is well-versed in horse training and understands the most effective approach, the owner will benefit; however, if the trainer lacks expertise in horse training and discipline, he will harm the young horse, expend unnecessary effort, and the rider will be dissatisfied with the outcome.

Should he possess expertise in horse training and disciplinary techniques, yet lack the fortitude to withstand the challenges inherent in the process, seek comfort over perseverance, and exhibit negligence towards the appropriate actions to be taken, he will ultimately ruin and mistreat the young horse, rendering it unsuitable for duty and incapable of running, resulting in a discrepancy between its outward appearance and its actual capabilities.

If the owner of the young horse was also its trainer, he would feel remorse when regret becomes futile due to his neglect. So, when a task is required, he looks to another horse whose assistance is requested and given and moves swiftly when necessary. However, when he asks his horse for help and requests it to move swiftly, he receives no answer and the horse refuses to comply. All of this is a result of his negligence in training the horse and his impatience after acknowledging it. Consequently, he starts to blame himself, saying: “Why was I negligent and why did I fall short? Truly, my impatience has caused everything I detest”. And Allah’s Aid is sought! Consider and comprehend this similitude, may Allah have mercy on you, so that you may be successful and saved. [4]

[b] Jihad against the Dunyah: In a supplication, the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, asked Allah:

اللَّهُمَّ اقْسِمْ لَنَا مِنْ خَشْيَتِكَ مَا يَحُولُ بَيْنَنَا وَبَيْنَ مَعَاصِيكَ وَمِنْ طَاعَتِكَ مَا تُبَلِّغُنَا بِهِ جَنَّتَكَ وَمِنَ الْيَقِينِ مَا تُهَوِّنُ بِهِ عَلَيْنَا مُصِيبَاتِ الدُّنْيَا وَمَتِّعْنَا بِأَسْمَاعِنَا وَأَبْصَارِنَا وَقُوَّتِنَا مَا أَحْيَيْتَنَا وَاجْعَلْهُ الْوَارِثَ مِنَّا وَاجْعَلْ ثَأْرَنَا عَلَى مَنْ ظَلَمَنَا وَانْصُرْنَا عَلَى مَنْ عَادَانَا وَلاَ تَجْعَلْ مُصِيبَتَنَا فِي دِينِنَا وَلاَ تَجْعَلِ الدُّنْيَا أَكْبَرَ هَمِّنَا وَلاَ مَبْلَغَ عِلْمِنَا وَلاَ تُسَلِّطْ عَلَيْنَا مَنْ لاَ يَرْحَمُنَ

[وَلاَ تَجْعَلِ الدُّنْيَا أَكْبَرَ هَمِّنَا وَلاَ مَبْلَغَ عِلْمِنَا ‘Do not make the Dunyah our greatest concern]. [5] Al-Allamah Al-Mubaarakfooree, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated in his explanation of this supplication that it means: “Do not make wealth and status our greatest goal or the reason behind our grief, rather direct our greatest goal or the reason behind our grief towards the deeds of the afterlife. [6]

We ask Allah:

اللَّهُمَّ بِعِلْمِكَ الْغَيْبَ وَقُدْرَتِكَ عَلَى الْخَلْقِ أَحْيِنِي مَا عَلِمْتَ الْحَيَاةَ خَيْراً لِي وَتَوَفَّنِي إِذَا عَلِمْتَ الْوَفَاةَ خَيْراً لِي، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ خَشْيَتَكَ فِي الْغَيْبِ وَالشَّهَادَةِ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ كَلِمَةَ الْحَقِّ فِي الرِّضَا وَالْغَضَبِ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ الْقَصْدَ فِي الْغِنَى وَالْفَقْرِ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ نَعِيماً لَا يَنْفَذُ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ قُرَّةَ عَيْنٍ لَا تَنْقَطِعُ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ الرِّضِا بَعْدَ الْقَضَاءِ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ بَرْدَ الْعَيْشِ بَعْدَ الْمَوْتِ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ لَذَّةَ النَّظَرِ إِلَى وَجْهِكَ وَالشَّوْقَ إِلَى لِقَائِكَ فِي غَيْرِ ضَرَّاءَ مُضِرَّةٍ وَلَا فِتْنَةٍ مُضِلَّةٍ، اللَّهُمَّ زَيِّنَّا بِزِينَةِ الْإِيمَانِ
وَاجْعَلْنَا هُدَاةً مُهْتَدِينَ

O Allah! By Your Knowledge of the unseen and by Your Power over creation, let me live if life is good for me, and let me die if death is good for me; O Allah! I ask You to grant me (the blessing of having) fear of You in private and public, and I ask You (to make me utter) a statement of truth in times of contentment and anger, and I ask You for moderation when in a state of wealth and poverty, and I ask you for blessings that never ceases, and I ask You for the coolness of my eye that never ends, and I ask You (to make me pleased) after (Your) decree; and I ask You for a life of (ease, comfort, tranquility, etc) after death; I ask You for the delight of looking at Your Face (i.e. in the Hereafter) and yearning to meet You without any harm and misleading trials (coming upon me). O Allah! Adorn us with the adornment of Iman, and make us (from those who are) guided and guiding (others). [7]

اللَّهُمَّ أَصْلِحْ لِي دِينِي الَّذِي هُوَ عِصْمَةُ أَمْرِي

وَأَصْلِحْ لِي دُنْيَايَ الَّتِي فِيهَا مَعَاشِي

وَأَصْلِحْ لِي آخِرَتِي الَّتِي فِيهَا مَعَادِي

وَاجْعَلِ الْحَيَاةَ زِيَادَةً لِي فِي كُلِّ خَيْرٍ

وَاجْعَلِ الْمَوْتَ رَاحَةً لِي مِنْ كُلِّ شَرٍّ

O Allah! Rectify my religion for me, which is the safeguard of my affairs; rectify my worldly [affairs], wherein is my livelihood; and rectify my Afterlife to which is my return; and make life for me [as a means of] increase in every good and make death for me as a rest from every evil. [Saheeh Muslim Number: 2720] [8]


[1] Jalaa Al-Af’haam. Page 154

[2] Al-Fawaa’id page 97

[3] Zaad Al-Ma’aad 3/9

[4] An Excerpt from Adabun Nufoos. Page 5]

[5]Sahheeh at-Tirmidhee 3502 

[6] Tuhfah Al-Ahwadhee 9/475-477]

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

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

A Principle In The Qur’an: “Turning Away From What Is Beneficial Is Replaced With Harm”

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

Whoever Abandons What is Beneficial Will Be Put to Trial With What Is Harmful

Imam As-Sadi, may Allaah have mercy upon him, stated:

This is found in a number of verses, that when the polytheists shunned the worship of Ar-Rahmaan (Allah), they were put to trial with the worship of images (idols).

When they displayed haughtiness and claimed that the Messengers were (only) humans (i.e. therefore they are not obliged to follow the Messengers), they were put trial with submission to everything that made (their) intellect and religion unstable.

When Iman was clearly shown to them (i.e. the disbelievers) at the first instance and they recognised it, but then turned away from it, Allah – Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections- turned away, afflicted and sealed their hearts.  Thus, they did not believe until they perceived the painful punishment.

After the straight path was clarified for them, but they deviated from it by choice and approved the path of deviation in opposition to the path of guidance, they were punished- Allah allowed their hearts to stray (due to their own wrong doing) and became confounded in their path (of misguidance).

When they belittled the signs of Allah and His Messengers, Allah belittled them with a humiliating punishment. When they displayed haughtiness, Allah humiliated them in this life and the next.

When they forbade that Allah’s Name be glorified and mentioned in the Mosques of Allah and strive for their ruin, it was not fitting after that they should enter it except in fear.

وَمِنْهُم مَّنْ عَاهَدَ اللَّـهَ لَئِنْ آتَانَا مِن فَضْلِهِ لَنَصَّدَّقَنَّ وَلَنَكُونَنَّ مِنَ الصَّالِحِينَ
فَلَمَّا آتَاهُم مِّن فَضْلِهِ بَخِلُوا بِهِ وَتَوَلَّوا وَّهُم مُّعْرِ‌ضُونَ
فَأَعْقَبَهُمْ نِفَاقًا فِي قُلُوبِهِمْ إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ يَلْقَوْنَهُ بِمَا أَخْلَفُوا اللَّـهَ مَا وَعَدُوهُ وَبِمَا كَانُوا يَكْذِبُونَ

And of them are some who made a covenant with Allaah (saying): ”If He bestowed on us of His Bounty, we will verily give Sadaqah (Zakat and voluntary charity in Allaah’s cause) and will be certainly among those who are righteous”.  ‘Then when He gave them of His Bounty, they became niggardly [refused to pay the Sadaqah (Zakat or voluntary charity)], and turned away, averse.  So He punished them by putting hypocrisy into their hearts till the Day whereon they shall meet him, because they broke that (covenant with Allaah) which they had promised to Him and because they used to tell lies”. [at-Tawbah. Aayaat 75-77]

The verses that convey this meaning are numerous and in them is that a servant (of Allah) was close to being guided and made to follow the straight path, but then he abandoned it after being acquainted, or he renounced it after following it, thus he is punished and has no right to guidance.  This is a recompense for his actions, as Allah says about the Yahud (i.e. those who knew the truthfulness of Muhammad’s (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) Messengership, but turned away from it wilfully)]:

وَلَمَّا جَاءَهُمْ رَ‌سُولٌ مِّنْ عِندِ اللَّـهِ مُصَدِّقٌ لِّمَا مَعَهُمْ نَبَذَ فَرِ‌يقٌ مِّنَ الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ كِتَابَ اللَّـهِ وَرَ‌اءَ ظُهُورِ‌هِمْ كَأَنَّهُمْ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ
وَاتَّبَعُوا مَا تَتْلُو الشَّيَاطِينُ عَلَىٰ مُلْكِ سُلَيْمَانَ

And when there came to them a Messenger from Allaah (i.e Muhammad) confirming what was with them, a party of those who were given the Scripture threw away the Book of Allaah behind their backs as if they did not know!  They followed what the (devils) gave out (falsely of the magic) in the lifetime of Sulaymaan.  [Al-Baqarah. Ayaat 101-102]

They abandoned the most sublime, the most beneficial and the most truthful of the Books (i.e. the Qur’aan), thus Allah put them to trial with following that which is the most debased, most untruthful, and most harmful. Those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger abandon spending their wealth in obedience to Allah, and (instead) spend it in obedience to shaytaan.


An Excerpt from ‘Al Qawaa-idul Hisaan Li-tafseer Al Qur’an’ Pages 96-97

It may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you- [A number of insightful guidelines in this Ayah]

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

Allah, The Most High, says:

وَعَسَىٰٓ أَن تَكۡرَهُواْ شَيۡـًٔ۬ا وَهُوَ خَيۡرٌ۬ لَّڪُمۡ‌ۖ وَعَسَىٰٓ أَن تُحِبُّواْ شَيۡـًٔ۬ا وَهُوَ شَرٌّ۬ لَّكُمۡ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ يَعۡلَمُ وَأَنتُمۡ لَا تَعۡلَمُونَ

And it may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you and that you like a thing which is bad for you. Allah knows but you do not know.” [AI-Baqarah. Verse 216]

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

There is for the servant -in this verse – a number of insightful guidelines, underlying benefits and welfare. (This is) because indeed if he knows that Al-Makruh (what is hated) can bring forth Al-Mahbub (i.e. what is beloved), and vice versa, then neither would he feel safe from the harm that might occur from something that makes him happy nor would he lose hope whilst expecting a final source of happiness from a situation of harm. This is because he does not have (infinite or perfect) knowledge of the Awaqib (i.e. the final outcomes), but Allah knows that which he does not know.

There is nothing more beneficial for him than fulfilling Allah’s commands, even if it is difficult for him in the beginning and his soul dislikes it, because all its end result will be good – a means to happiness, pleasure and joy. Similarly, there is nothing more harmful for him than doing what he has been forbidden, even if his soul desires and inclines towards it because all its end result will lead to pain, grief, evil and calamities. A distinguishing characteristic of (sound) intellect is that it prefers to bear little pain whose end results will lead to great enjoyment and abundant good, and it avoids that little enjoyment whose end results will lead to great pain and prolonged evil. The observations of an ignorant person does not permit him to (pay attention to the true or real) goals behind events that occur from the very beginning of an affair, but as for the sensible person, he always looks at the (true or real) goals behind those events. He looks at the praiseworthy and unpraiseworthy goals that are not obvious (to the ignorant one). He sees what is forbidden as tasty food that is mixed with deadly poison, therefore, whenever he is urged towards eating that food due to its tastiness, he is turned away due to the poison in it. As for the commandments, he sees them as bitter medication that will lead to physical well-being and cure; therefore, whenever he is turned away from the medication due to its bitterness, he is then urged towards it due to its benefits.

However, this requires the blessing of knowledge by way of which a person can perceive the (praiseworthy and unpraiseworthy goals) behind those events that occur from the very beginning of an affair, as well as firm patience that would enable him to bear the difficulties upon the path towards achieving the expected goals. If he does not have certainty and patience, it would be difficult for him to achieve that; but if he has firm certainty and patience, he would be facilitated with ease whilst bearing every difficulty in his pursuit of everlasting good and enjoyment. 

The servant should hand over his affair to the One (Allah) who knows – (perfectly without anything hidden from Him)- the end result of affairs. He should be pleased with what Allah chooses and decrees for him because of the good end result he hopes for.

Neither should he make suggestions to his Lord nor put forward his choice over that of his Lord, nor does he ask for something about which he has no knowledge because it may be that what will bring about harm and destruction on him is found in what he asks, whilst he does not know. Therefore, he does not choose anything over what his Lord chooses; rather he asks his Lord to choose the best for him and make him pleased with what has been chosen for him, because there is nothing more beneficial for him than this.

When he hands over his affair to his Lord and is pleased with what has been chosen for him, his Lord facilitates him with strength, determination and patience in that which has been chosen for him; repel the afflictions he would have encountered due to the choice he makes and show him some of the good end results of the choice his Lord made for him, which could not have been attained through the choice he makes for himself.

He is relieved of the difficult reasoning about all types of choices and his heart is emptied of projections through which he ascends one obstacle and descends into another. And alongside this, he cannot escape what is decreed for him. If he is pleased with Allaah’s choice, then what has been decreed will come to him, whilst he is deserving of commendation and graceful in it; otherwise, what has been decreed will come to him while he is blameworthy and ungraceful, because he is left with the choice he made for himself. (1)

If Allah wants good and guidance for His servant, He makes him witness the fact that the blessing he has is one of His blessings and enables him to be grateful for it. If his soul whispers to him to move away from it, he seeks guidance from His Lord – by way of Istikhara (a) – as one who is ignorant of his welfare and unable to attain it, and then delegates the affair to Allah by asking Him to make a good choice for him. (2)

[a]: Al-Istikhara: Jaabir Bin Abdillah, may Allah be pleased with him and his father] said, ”Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] used to teach us the way of doing Istikhara (i.e. the means to ask Allah to guide one to the right action concerning any job or a deed) in all matters as he taught us the Suras of the Qur’an. He said, ‘If anyone of you wants to do any task [i.e. wants to decide on a matter], he should offer a two rak’ats other than the compulsory ones and say (after the prayer):

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْتَخِيرُكَ بِعِلْمِكَ وَأَسْتَقْدِرُكَ بِقُدْرَتِكَ وَأَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ الْعَظِيمِ فَإِنَّكَ تَقْدِرُ وَلَا أَقْدِرُ وَتَعْلَمُ وَلَا أَعْلَمُ وَأَنْتَ عَلَّامُ الْغُيُوبِ اللَّهُمَّ إِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الْأَمْرَ خَيْرٌ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي فَاقْدُرْهُ لِي وَيَسِّرْهُ لِي ثُمَّ بَارِكْ لِي فِيهِ وَإِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الْأَمْرَ شَرٌّ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي فَاصْرِفْهُ عَنِّي وَاصْرِفْنِي عَنْهُ وَاقْدُرْ لِي الْخَيْرَ حَيْثُ كَانَ ثُمَّ أَرْضِنِي

O Allah! I seek counsel through Your Knowledge, and I seek Power from Your Might, and I ask for Your great blessings. You are capable and I am not. You know and I do not and You (alone) know the unseen. O Allah! If You know that this task (or affair) is good for my religion and my subsistence and in my Hereafter- (or said, ‘If it is better for my present and later needs), then You ordain it for me and make it easy for me to get, and then bless me in it. And if You know that this task (affair) is harmful to me in my religion and subsistence and in the Hereafter-(or said, ‘If it is worse for my present and later needs’), then keep it away from me and let me be away from it. And ordain for me whatever is good for me, and make me satisfied with it’. The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, added that then the person should mention his need [i.e. the affair or task]. [Bukhaari: 1162] 

After Istikhara, one also seeks the advice of upright people who are capable of giving advice in the affair. Al-Hasan al-Basri, may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “By Allah! Never have people sought advice except that they were guided to the best of what was available to them”. Then he recited (the Ayah) “And (the Believers) who (conduct) their affairs by mutual consultation”. [Ash-Shura. 38]

Al-Allamah Zayd Bin Hadi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: 

Allāh, The Mighty and Majestic, commanded His Messenger Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him,  to consult his companions in some affairs: “And consult them in the affairs. Then when you have made a decision, put your trust in Allāh”. [Aal Imran. 159]

He [i.e. the Prophet] is the example to be followed by the Ummah, therefore when it is the case that Allah commanded him to consult his companions, then there is even a greater reason that the Muslims are in need of consultation amongst themselves. When a difficulty that is related to a Muslim’s religious and worldly affairs occurs, then indeed it is fitting that he consults someone whom he considers reliable, wise, truthful and sincere. He examines [the advice] given by that person, then he makes a choice – either to take that advice or decides not to take it based on what he is satisfied with, in relation to his personal affairs. The hadeeth places emphasis on the fact that consultation guides to the best outcomes, and due to this it is said, “The one who consults (others) does not regret (thereafter InShaaAllah) and the one who performs Istikhara will not fail (to achieve what is good for him or her)”. Both Istikhaara and consultation are legislated and a lot of good is achieved by way of them, as opposed to when affairs are pursued in a rigid and haphazard manner, for indeed this might lead to regret and harm. [3]

Abu Hurairah, may Allāh be pleased with him, said that the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him, said: “The consultee is in a position of trust”. [Sahih  Sunan Abi Dawud. 5128]

The consultee is in a position of trust]. He is the one whose opinion is sought after regarding an affair of Maslahah (i.e. an affair that will bring about benefit and repel harm). He is in a position of trust with regards to what he is asked and it is not permissible for him to deceive the one who consults him, by concealing the affair that would bring about benefit. [4]

This hadith is evidence, showing that the consultee has to (advise) with the course of action and opinion -in relation to the consultation – that which he would do for himself. And it is not permissible that he directs his Muslim brother to something he would not be pleased with for himself. [5]

We ask Allah:

اللَّهُمَّ أَصْلِحْ لِي دِينِي الَّذِي هُوَ عِصْمَةُ أَمْرِي

وَأَصْلِحْ لِي دُنْيَايَ الَّتِي فِيهَا مَعَاشِي

وَأَصْلِحْ لِي آخِرَتِي الَّتِي فِيهَا مَعَادِي

وَاجْعَلِ الْحَيَاةَ زِيَادَةً لِي فِي كُلِّ خَيْرٍ

وَاجْعَلِ الْمَوْتَ رَاحَةً لِي مِنْ كُلِّ شَرٍّ

O Allah! Rectify my religion for me, which is the safeguard of my affairs; rectify my worldly [affairs], wherein is my livelihood; and rectify my Afterlife to which is my return; and make life for me [as a means of] increase in every good and make death for me as a rest from every evil. [Saheeh Muslim Number: 2720] [6]


[1] An Excerpt from ‘Al-Fawa’id’ pages 203-204

[2] Al-Fawa’id 259

[3] An Excerpt from ‘Awnul Ahadis Samad Sharh Al-Adab Al-Mufrad’ 1/285

[4] Mirqaat Al-Mafaateeh Sharh Mishkaat Al-Masaabeeh. 4/259. Hadith 5062

[5] Awn Al-Ahad As-Samadi, Sharhu Al-Adab Al-Mufrad. 1/283. Hadith Number 256

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

The act of pardoning is virtuous, but sometimes it requires careful consideration in certain situations

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

Abdullah Bin Amr Ibn Al-Aas, may Allah be pleased with him and his father, said: The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Be merciful to others and you will receive mercy. Forgive others and Allah will forgive you. Woe to the vessels that catch speech (the ears). Woe to those who persist – those who consciously persist upon what they commit (sin) whilst they know”.

Al-Allamah Zayd Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “Be merciful to others and you will receive mercy”- Meaning, be merciful to yourselves and others. The one who is merciful to himself by performing acts of obedience to Allah, abandoning disobedience to Allah and restraining himself from Allah’s punishment, shows mercy to another person in that which contains one’s wellbeing, aids him, and fulfills his needs, then indeed Allah, The Blessed and Exalted, will show him mercy because recompense is given in accordance to the good deed, and vice versa. This is because the understanding behind this statement, “Be merciful to others and you will receive mercy” comprises an affair and its answer, which is that the one who does not show mercy to the people will not be shown mercy. In another hadith, (the Prophet said), “Those who are merciful will be shown mercy by the Most Merciful. Show mercy to those on earth, and the One above the heavens will show you mercy”.

“Forgive others and Allah will forgive you”. The intent behind the word Maghfirah in this hadith is to overlook the mistake of the one who commits a mistake. Whoever wrongs you through speech or deed, and then approaches you with an apology and (desires to) free himself from it, then indeed pardon him and do not be harsh towards him, whilst you hope that – behind such pardon- Allah will pardon you and forgive you your sin because you did good to one of His servants, pardon him, solve the problem and relinquished your rights, and Allah is more worthy that you do that for His Sake, so that He pardons you, forgives you your sin, conceal your shortcomings and makes your affair easy. [1]

Allah, The Exalted, said:
فمن عفا وأصلح فأجره على الله

“But whoever forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is due from Allah”. [Ash-Shura 40]

Imam Muhammad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaymin, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: Pardon is not (considered) good unless (accompanied) by reconciliation. If an individual is known for their wrongdoing, rebelliousness, and transgression against Allah’s servants, it is better not to forgive him and to seek after one’s rights. This is because if you pardon, his evil will increase. As for if the individual who has wronged you is a person who does not commit much wrong and transgression, and the offense is an isolated incident, then, in this case, it is better to pardon. [2]

The Imam also stated: Pardon may (sometimes) be a cause for an increase in transgression and animosity; (sometimes) may be a cause to end to it, and it may be that the transgressor neither increase (in transgression) nor lessen it. If (a pardon) would cause an increase in transgression, then in this case it is blameworthy and maybe forbidden. For example, pardoning a criminal who subsequently commits another crime, and another crime or a greater one, then in this case, the one who pardoned is not praised. It may be that pardon ends transgression, as the (wrongdoer) may feel ashamed and say: “This person who has pardoned me, it is not possible that I transgress against Allah’s servants”. Thus he feels ashamed of being from the transgressors. In this case, we say that the pardon is praiseworthy, required, and may (even) be obligatory. If the pardon neither results in an increase (in transgression) nor a fault (flaw), it is better (to pardon) due to Allah’s statement:

[وأن تعفوا أقربُ للتقوى – And to forego and that is nearer to (piety, righteousness). [Al-Baqarah 237] [3]

“Woe to the vessels that catch speech”. This contains a warning to one who hears the truth but is heedless. It enters one of his ears and exits the other and he does not benefit from it. “Woe to those who persist, those who consciously persist upon what they commit, whilst they know”. They are those who persist in a sin while knowing that it is a sin. Allah rebuked them because they persist in sin and they do not fear, unlike the (true) believers because Allah described them saying:

وَٱلَّذِينَ إِذَا فَعَلُواْ فَـٰحِشَةً أَوۡ ظَلَمُوٓاْ أَنفُسَہُمۡ ذَكَرُواْ ٱللَّهَ فَٱسۡتَغۡفَرُواْ لِذُنُوبِهِمۡ وَمَن يَغۡفِرُ ٱلذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا ٱللَّهُ وَلَمۡ يُصِرُّواْ عَلَىٰ مَا فَعَلُواْ وَهُمۡ يَعۡلَمُونَ

And those who, when they have committed Fahishah (illegal sexual intercourse etc.) or wronged themselves with evil, remember Allah and ask forgiveness for their sins; – and none can forgive sins but Allah – And do not persist in what (wrong) they have done, while they know. [Surah Aal Imraan. Aayah 135] [4]


[1] An Excerpt from at-Taleeqaat al-Maleehah Alaa Silsilah Al-Ahaadeeth As-Saheehah. 1/63-64

[2] https://www.alathar.net/home/esound/index.php?op=codevi&coid=213449 [paraphrased]

[3]https://www.alathar.net/home/esound/index.php?op=codevi&coid=125647#:~:text=%D8%AB%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AB%D8%A7%20%3A%20%D8%A5%D8%B0%D8%A7%20%D9%83%D8%A7%D9%86%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D9%81%D9%88%20%D9%84%D8%A7,%D9%87%D9%86%D8%A7%20%D8%A8%D9%8A%D9%86%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D9%81%D9%88%20%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%82%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%B1%D8%8C%20%D9%84%D8%A3%D9%86 paraphrased

[4] An Excerpt from at-Taleeqaat al-Maleehah Alaa Silsilah Al-Ahaadeeth As-Saheehah. 1/63-64

The Messenger is The Definitive and Weightiest Criterion In Every Matter, Including Not Deceitfully Sidestepping Responsibility

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

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: He (the Messenger) serves as the definitive and weightiest criterion (for humankind and Jinn) through whose manners, statements and actions are measured the manners, statements and actions (of others). He is the manifest criterion that when followed, a distinction is made between the people of guidance and the people of misguidance”. [1]

It is thus emphasised that we strive to embody the likes of the above statements in all our interactions and mutual dealings. This includes refraining from employing deceitful tactics on social media to escape accountability, avoiding a victim mentality, and not selectively quoting the general remarks of scholars and students of knowledge to sidestep personal obligations. Additionally, we should not subtly resort to sophistry and adorned speech to avoid taking responsibility. The Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “Indeed, I am only a human being and you people (i.e. disputants) come to me with your disputes. And it may be that one of you can present his case more eloquently than the other and I consider him truthful, and judge in his favour. So if I ever judge and give the right of a brother to his brother, then it is a piece of hell-fire and let him not take it”

Some Benefits Derived From This Hadeeth:

The Ummah (i.e. the scholars and judges) have been commissioned to judge based on what is apparent, but the mere judgement of a judge cannot prohibit the lawful and allow the unlawful (i.e. when proven erroneous). This hadeeth also shows that speech can be seen to be true based on what is apparent, but it is truly falsehood concerning what is hidden within it. This hadeeth shows that the one who receives a judgement in his favour is more aware than every other person as to whether he is entitled to it or whether he is a falsifier. So, he takes it if he is entitled to it or leaves it if he a falsifier because, in reality, a judgement cannot change an affair from what it was in origin (i.e. the original truth in the affair before its distortion or concealment). This hadeeth shows the sinfulness of the one who argues based on falsehood until he receives what he wants publicly, whilst he is upon falsehood. [2]


[1] I’lam Al-Muwaqqi’een 1/4

[2]Saheeh Al-Bukhaari -Kitaab Al-Ahkaam (Book of Judgements): Chapter 29: Hadeeth Number: 7181 with Fathul Bari]

An Important Matter to Contemplate Concerning Knowledge and Influence When Muslims Conquered Various Regions

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

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

When the Muslims conquered the different regions of the earth and Islam spread, the affair became as if it started from the non-Arabs, until the people of Persia and other non-Arabs became the scholars and the Imams of the mosques, and people acquired knowledge from them. It is recorded in Islamic history that many non-Arabs led the Muslims in knowledge, in issuing religious verdicts, and in many affairs. Take for example Abu Haneefah, may Allah have mercy on him, who was not an Arab, and Imam Al-Bukhaari, may Allah have mercy on him, and how his book became an upright example, and there’s none amongst the Muslims except that he knows Imam Abu Abdillaah Muhammad Bin Ismaa’eel Al-Bukhaari. Consider other examples – besides Al-Bukhaari and Abu Haneefah – among the Imams of Islam. When Islam came with its implementation, it abolished the differences that were initiated by the people and those non-Arabs became the leaders and Imams of the Arabs; why? Because they carried the religion, raised the banner of pure Islamic monotheism – there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, and because there is no distinction in virtue between a non-Arab and an Arab, except through fear of Allah.

When the Muslims disciplined themselves with Islam, there was no dispute between them regarding social class through that pre-Islamic dispute and distinction because neither did they accept leadership nor give precedence to anyone based on this; rather they accepted everyone because people are equal in this affair. Quraysh’s rulership, the Umayyad rulership, and the Abbasid rulership ended; then the rulership of the Mamluks arose and thereafter the rulership of Banee Uthman – meaning in the beginning when it was upright; so the Muslims obeyed them and they became the leaders and rulers because the Muslims saw that there was welfare for the people in doing so. Therefore, class differentiation and its practice were abolished from the beginning; rather no one had any reservation in implementing Islam. So, Islamic history attests to the implementation of this great principle.

[Listen here: https://youtu.be/wRkeYjcJ728?si=xVE-_LmQAkZUwAJC ]

[14] Faris Al-Hammadi – [An Observation On a Statement of His Regarding Teaching, Debates, Controversy, Honesty and Sincerity]  

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

We ask Allah:

اَللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا, وَ رِزْقًا طَيَّبًا, وَ عَمَلاً مُتَقَبَّل

O Allah, I ask you for beneficial knowledge, a good provision, and deeds that will be accepted. [Sahih Ibn Majah 762]

In this brief article, we aim to expand upon a statement made by Faris Al-Hammadi, as we believe it warrants further discussion in light of the insights provided by the upright scholars. The label of “influencer,” which some have attributed to Faris—regardless of his personal acceptance of this title—carries significant implications. Many individuals tend to view the words and actions of influencers as worthy of emulation or as reflections of an ideal reality. This observation is what drives our desire to delve deeper into this topic, especially at a time when we are witnessing a battle over ideas, opinions, and perspectives. To navigate this landscape safely, it is essential to return to the clarifications of the upright scholars who base their understanding on the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of the Messenger, as interpreted and practiced by the righteous predecessors.

Faris stated:

Faris stated: “Dawah focuses on teaching the core principles and fundamentals of Islam, particularly in matters of belief and practical application”. [End of quote]

Observation:

This is a truthful assertion, but it may be necessary to provide a bit more detail on this matter. At the heart of the core principles lies the crucial difference between a sound and corrupt Aqeedah, a proper commitment to the Sunnah of the Messenger, and the rejection of Bidah. Shaikh Abdullah Al-Bukhari, may Allah protect him, stated: “From that which the people of knowledge have affirmed is that this religion is established on two affairs: clarification of the truth and refuting falsehood and its people.  The affirmation of this becomes manifest to the one who contemplates the statement of Tawheed [لا إله إلا الله] with clarification and by way of explanation. The saying of the slave (i.e. the Muslim)  لا إله is a refutation against falsehood and its people- those who deify others besides Allah. And the statement إلا الله is an affirmation of truth and a clarification of it. It (means) that Allah alone has the right to be worshipped and He has no partner. Likewise, the statement محمد رسول الله is an affirmation of the Messengership of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and a refutation against the one who gives him a status above that, thus deifies him; or lowers the rank of his Prophethood and Messengership”. [1]  

Hudhaifah Bin al Yamaan, may Allah be pleased with him, said: People used to ask Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, about the good times, but I used to ask him about bad times fearing lest they overtake me. I said, ‘O Messenger of Allah! We were in a state of pre-Islamic ignorance and evil, and then Allah brought us this good [time through Islam], is there any evil time after this good one?’ He said, ‘Yes.’ I asked, ‘Will there be a good time again after that evil?’ He said, ‘Yes, but therein will be a hidden evil.’ I asked, ‘What will be the evil hidden therein?’ He said, ‘[That time will witness the rise of] the people who will follow ways other than mine and seek guidance other than mine. You will know [their] good points as well as [their] bad points.’ I asked, ‘Will there be an evil time after this good one?’ He said, ‘Yes. [A time will come] when there will be people standing and inviting at the gates of Hell. Whosoever responds to their call they will throw them into the fire.’ I said, ‘O Messenger of Allah! Describe them for us.’ He said, ‘They will be a people having the same complexion as ours and speaking our language.’ I said, ‘O Messenger of Allah! What do you suggest if I happen to live in that time?’ He said, ‘You should stick to the main body of the Muslims and their leader.’ I said, ‘If they have no [such thing as the] main body and have no leader?’ He said, ‘Separate yourself from all these factions, though you may have to eat the roots of trees [in a jungle] until death comes to you and you are in this state.’’’ [Bukhari and Muslim…. The wording of the above is that of Imam Muslim]

Al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzan, may Allah protect him, said: 

They used to ask him, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, about the good related to righteous actions, sound Islamic creed, and dealings, but Hudhaifah used to ask him about the evil times fearing lest they overcome him. Therefore, this is evidence that it is not enough to only learn about good; rather one must know about evil to avoid it. If you do not know about evil, you will come close to falling into it, as the poet said, “I acquaint myself with the evil, not for the sake of evil, but to be safeguarded from it. The one who does not know (the distinction between) evil and good will fall into evil”.

A person must learn about the truth- its proofs and evidences. He must learn and know what falsehood is and the doubts associated with it, so that he can be saved from falsehood and warn people against it. How can he avoid and warn people against it if he is unaware of it? With regards to this, the Qur’an has clarified truth and falsehood- clarified Iman and Kufr, Tawheed and Shirk, and Halaal and Haraam. It has not only clarified Tawheed, Halaal, and truth; rather it clarified that which is in opposition to them so that the Muslims can avoid them. Likewise, the Prophet – in his Sunnah- clarified good and evil, truth and falsehood in all affairs of the religion. The scholars clarified – in their written works- what Tawheed, Shirk, disbelief, and hypocrisy are. They have clarified the belief of Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaa’ah and the beliefs of the deviated sects, such as the Jahmiyyah, the Mutazilah, the Ashaa-irah…..and others. 

They have clarified the correct and forbidden (deeds) in mutual dealings; clarified the correct (Islamic) marriage, the false and corrupt marriage, and the women forbidden (for one to marry); clarified the (good manners legislated in the Shari’ah) and the evil manners that are in opposition to it. All of this gives the Muslim an insight into his affairs, so that he knows the truth by its evidences, knows what falsehood is and the doubts associated with it so that he can avoid falsehood and tell the people to avoid it. This is why you find in the books of belief: clarification of the belief in Tawheed and the belief of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa’ah, clarification of the beliefs (that are tantamount) to misguidance, the doubts associated with it and refutation against it, so that the Muslim is not misled by beliefs (that are tantamount to) deviation, false beliefs and deviated schools of thought; and so that the Muslims can be upon a correct understanding with regards to the affairs of their religion and that which is in opposition to it.

Some of the people at present- the majority of them ignorant and amongst them, misguided ones- say, “Do not learn about the false beliefs; suffice yourselves with learning the correct belief only and do not involve yourself in seeking to know the beliefs of the people of misguidance and the refutations against their doubts. Leave this and teach the children of the Muslims the correct belief only. Do not inform them about the statements that are in opposition (to the truth), the doubts and refutation against them”. This one (i.e. the one who makes these statements) is either an ignoramus who knows nothing about knowledge or he is one of those motivated by personal desires- those who want to spread the false schools of thought and their doubts; rather it may be that they say, “It is sufficient for a person to say, ‘I am a Muslim, I am a believer….. a general Islaam suffices, do not say, Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaa-ah, (do not say), ‘the people of misguidance, schism and differing, do not say this, because it will cause division between the Muslims’”.

These ( statements are tantamount to ) misguidance because Allah [The Mighty and Majestic] has clarified the truth in opposition to falsehood, guidance in opposition to misguidance, and Tawheed in opposition to shirk. Allah [The Mighty and Majestic] has clarified all the affairs of the Religion- a detailed clarification of the affairs related to worship, mutual dealings, and manners. Therefore, this must be clarified so that it is made clear to the people, [and in order] that they can be upon clarity, and so that the true Muslim is distinguished from the so-called Muslim and no deviation and forgery enter into Islam. We must make a distinction between this and that one, so that truth is not confounded with falsehood, and [in order] to distinguish between truth and falsehood, and [between] good and wickedness. We do not suffice ourselves with a general Islam because this is misleading, and it is deception. We warn against this propaganda. The truth must be clarified and distinguished from falsehood, and guidance must be distinguished from misguidance. Hudhaifah used to ask the Prophet about the evil and did not suffice himself by only asking the Prophet about the good. The Prophet affirmed that for him and did not say to him, “Suffice yourself with knowing what good is” rather he affirmed and clarified – for him- the evil that was to occur, so that he may beware and warn others. This is the Sunnah, the path of the Qur’an and that of the Messenger. [2]

The aforementioned scholars clearly articulate the fundamental distinction between truth and falsehood, illuminating their perspectives with precision and clarity.

Faris said: “Debates and controversial issues are not central to dawah”. [End of quote]

Observation:

This statement lacks comprehensiveness for several reasons: if one asserts that Aqeedah and Manhaj must be firmly established at all times, but a teacher may adopt different approaches depending on the specific environment or situation they are in, – following guidance of the righteous predecessors and in consultation with upright contemporary scholars of the Ummah, this understanding remains intact, even though one may encounter various situations where individuals would still consider the teacher’s approach to be contentious or controversial due to specific aspects of the information being conveyed. This is evident as even the most gentle and well-mannered Salafi teacher in any region may face accusations of being controversial from those who oppose the truth, whether out of stubbornness or ignorance, and this can manifest either through overt hostility or more subtle diplomacy. Therefore, the term “controversy” can be inherently ambiguous when applied to Dawah without further elaboration, as it may reflect the subjective perceptions of individuals, particularly when they overlook the comprehensive insights provided by reputable scholars.

Furthermore, Faris, in particular, insults some of those who seek to scrutinise and take a definitive position regarding the Fitna involving Dr. Muhammad Bin Hadi. He views those who approach this issue in a manner he disapproves of as engaging in a foolish pursuit and influenced by Shaytan in this particular matter. Therefore, he perceives their pursuit as more intense than mere controversy; however, this matter has been clarified by scholars such as Al-Allamah Rabee, Al-Allamah Ubaid Bin Abdillah Al-Jabiri, Shaikh Abdullah Al-Bukhari, among others, due to its connection to Dawah, enjoining good and forbidding evil. Despite this, the Salafiyyoon persist in their attendance at study circles. Thus if Faris was referring to a particular incident he has observed, it should be evaluated based on its unique circumstances. Generalising this matter, however, would lead to mere conjecture, as none of us can fully comprehend the diverse situations of all individuals adhering to Sunnah across various regions, which may sometimes require discussion and clarification, and often be misinterpreted as controversial by some.

The scholars always advice us with sound unity and to close all the doors of controversy, but whenever it occurs despite our efforts to avoid them, it does not inherently imply that all parties involved are at fault; rather, it invites us to explore the reasons behind an individual or group becoming the focal point of significant debate, discord, or disapproval. We assess, guided by the insights of scholars, whether this individual or group, often deemed contentious, is traversing the path of truth or misguidance. Should the upright scholars present the proofs to affirm that this individual or group embodies truth, it becomes evident that those who oppose are either truly ignorant of the truth or motivated by their baseless desires or due to misconceptions they carry regarding the need to speak about certain issues to the common people. Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Madkhali, may Allah preserve him, was asked, “What do you say about an individual who advises people not to listen to refutations, and when asked why he took this stance, he answered, ‘The person who asked me about this was a common person, and he is unable to recite the Quran properly’. What is your comment on this? May Allah bless you”.

Answer: If he is a layman, he must be taught the Islamic creed and warned against ahlul bidah. Because the majority of ordinary people have become supporters of the people of bidah these days, it is necessary to warn them against (the people of bidah). Say to him, “So and so is on such and such bidah, and you will be harmed if you listen to him”. This is done so that they will not read (his books), listen to his audio tapes, and will be cautious of his statements. This layman needs someone to caution him and remind him of the principle, “This knowledge is religion so look at whom you take your religion from”. During these times, the common people are targeted by the people of bidah, who will tell you, “Do not let them read the books of refutations”. No, No. This will expose them to destruction”. [3]

The Shaikh was also asked: “Is it permitted for us as students of knowledge to be silent about the Mubtadi’ah and to nurture the youth and students on the Salafi path without mentioning the names of the Mubtadi’ah?”

Answer: By Allah, if necessary, the Mubtadi’ah are to be mentioned by their characteristics as well as their names. If so and so has put himself forward for leadership, leading this Ummah and the youth to falsehood, he is to be mentioned by name. If there is a necessity, he must be mentioned by name. In this regard, one of the Salafis in Egypt used to teach, and he would just mention generalities (general descriptions without mentioning names), and the people did not understand these generalities. Following that, he began to openly mention the names of the groups and individuals, so they said, “O Shaykh! Why did you not teach us like this in the beginning?” He said, “I delivered many lessons to you, and I would say this and that (i.e. general descriptions without names)”. They said, “By Allah! We did not understand”. [4]

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

The principle here is about warning against mistakes and deviance after identifying them as such. If the affair necessitates making known the name of an individual among the obstinate opponents so that beguilement does not occur through them, particularly those individuals with deviated views or deviation in behaviour and methodology, and they are well known among the people and a good opinion is held about them, there is no harm in mentioning them by their names and their methodology warned against. The scholars research the science of Jarh Wat-Tadeel and then mention the narrators and the criticism leveled against them. This is not done for the sake of personal (criticism), but rather to advise the Ummah in case they come across affairs from these individuals that are harmful to the Religion or lies against the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him]. Therefore, this principle is first and foremost about warning against mistakes. But the person who made such a mistake should not be named if doing so would either do more harm or if there is no benefit in doing so.

If the matter requires that his name be made known to warn the people about his methodology, this is an act of sincere devotion to Allah in worship, an act of sincere devotion to Allah’s Book, an act of sincere devotion to Allah’s Messenger (by following his Sunnah), and an act of sincere advice to Muslim leaders and their common folk, especially if he (the one warned against) is active among the people and they have a positive view of him and buy his books and audio tapes. Therefore, there has to be clarification and warning because silence will be harmful to people. His affair has to be unveiled, however, it must be done as an act of sincere devotion to Allah in worship, an act of sincere devotion to Allah’s Book, an act of sincere devotion to Allah’s Messenger (by following his Sunnah), and an act of sincere advice to Muslim leaders and their common folk, and not for defamation or to satisfy one’s desires. [5]

Indeed, it is well known among Salafis that the aforementioned elucidations provided by the scholars are deemed controversial by the Hizbiyyoon, as well as by those who lack a true understanding of their significance. In light of this matter, we would like to remind Faris that once the scholars have pinpointed errors, issued warnings, and instructed us to heed these cautions, the only course of action remaining is to consult them when confronted with situations that require a careful assessment of benefits and harms regardless of who considers such pursuit controversial or not.

Thirdly, with regards to debate, Imam Muhammad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaymin, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated in Sharh Hilyati Talibil Ilm that if there is a variance between humbling oneself to the truth and humbling oneself to people, precedence is given to humbling oneself to the truth. For instance, if there is a person who reviles the truth and rejoices due to his enmity towards those who follow it, in this case, one should not humble themselves in the presence of this person. Instead, one should remain humble to the truth and engage in debate with this person. Even if they belittle or speak against you, do not be concerned about what they say because the truth must be upheld. [6]

Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi al-Mad’khali, may Allah preserve him, said: Among Ahlul Bidah, there exist Du’aat (callers to their innovations) who should neither be engaged in conversation nor debated with, except in cases of necessity and for a Maslahah (a carefully considered benefit recognized by rightly guided scholars). (In other circumstances), it is impermissible to engage in debate with them. It is impermissible to debate with the Rawaafid if you are weak (in knowledge and character); except for a man who is firmly grounded in knowledge and religion, (well-versed) in citing proofs, smart, and possesses (force and strength to effectively engage in debate using clear proofs without being swayed by doubts). Therefore, if he perceives a benefit in debating them, he may proceed to do so. [وَجَادِلْهُم بِالَّتِي هِيَ أَحْسَنُ – and argue with them in a way that is better].

This is the legislated debate. Allah did not close the door of debate completely, thus if we have a way of establishing the proof and guiding the people to good, we follow it. The one who is debated with may not benefit but others may benefit. Regarding the weak individual, the answer is no. Even among scholars, there exists one who may be considered weak and another who is misled by Shub’hah (a matter that superficially resembles the truth but is, in fact, false). He may be a scholar, but weak in his character, thus rendering him vulnerable in the presence of Ahlul Bidah, even if they are younger or possess less knowledge than he does”. [7]

The Shaikh also said: 

One who has the ability and experience – able to call to the path of Allah with wisdom and persuade the people of falsehood, he embarks upon calling them (to the truth), whilst not agreeing with them, not sitting with them, and flattering them; but rather he should be a Mujaahid, a caller to the path of Allah, a sincere adviser, enjoining good and forbidding evil. This is the one who embarks upon calling the people of falsehood (to truth) and clarifies the truth to them, so the one who is guided, then alhamdulil laah; but if not, then he has established the proofs which Allah has obligated to the inheritors of the Prophets (i.e. the scholars) to establish. The Prophets were callers to the path of Allah, they invited the unbelievers to (the truth) and called the sinners (to the truth), and you are one of the inheritors of the Prophets, therefore, call these (people to the truth) and establish the proofs against them, but we do not say that this task is for everyone – that every Tom, Dick, and Harry intermingles with ahlul bidah and advise them; rather we say that this is for the people of knowledge, those well established in knowledge, the strong ones. As for those other than them – the ignoramuses and the ones with weak personalities, we warn and tell them to be on guard against the outcomes that descend on the one who is deceived by himself, so he becomes one from ahlul bidah and misguidance. By Allaah we know people from different Arab and Islamic countries who used to be upon good, then they were captured by this trick- meaning, read, read, take the truth and reject falsehood, but he was not seen thereafter except that he was from the villains of ahlul bidah, waging war against Ahlus sunnah, defending the people of falsehood. [8]

Imam Ibn Aqeel [may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “If the truthful ones were to keep silent and the falsifiers speak, then the creation would have relinquished what they have witnessed (of truth) and reject what they have not witnessed.  So when the devout ones desire to revive the Sunnah, the people would reject it and think that it is bidah”. [9]

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

The Fitan and doubts are brought forth by Ahlul Bidah Wal Ahwaa [the people of religious innovation and desires], and the call to Allah- to the Book of Allah, adherence to the Book of Allah and the Sunnah – is the call that will unite all the Ummah. All the Fitan, splitting, and (blameworthy) differing emanate from the path of the proponents of falsehood and Fitan. They do not keep quiet, they spread their falsehoods in their newspapers, magazines, and audio tapes, while wishing that the voice of truth should be silent. In their view, the voice of truth is what should be silent and the voice of falsehood should be raised and spread in the earth! Do they remain silent?! The people of falsehood do not remain silent – neither abate nor slow down. They have [ خطط جهنمية -i.e. paths or footsteps leading to the hell fire] which they enforce and thereafter they demand silence from the people of truth! They approach the Salafi methodology and say to you, “This tears apart! This splits!” Rather, the Ahwaa [the bidah, etc] and the Dalaalaat [deeds, views, and beliefs that are tantamount to misguidance] are what splits and tears the Ummah apart, which the people of falsehood are ardent in spreading on the internet at present and places of falsehood in the newspapers, magazines and the schools. They spread their falsehood in every place, but the very thing that is difficult for them is to hear the voice of truth! [10]

Shaikh Shamsuddeen Al-Afghaani [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: Ahlul Bidah are the ones who kindle temptations and disorder. They are chaotic people and are deprived of safety and security.  They are a people of temptation and disturbance as opposed to Ahlul Hadeeth Was-Sunan [i.e. those who steadfastly follow the authentic Ahaadeeth of the Prophet and his Sunnah]. Have they [i.e. the people of Sunnah] committed what the people of bidah and trials have committed?! The people of bidah trespass alongside enmity and Bidah, whilst Ahlus Sunnah respond and defend (the religion). [11]

Faris says: “Teaching often doesn’t attract as many followers or attention, while debates and controversy do”.

Observation:

Firstly, the insights we have shared thus far, drawn from the upright scholars, are more than sufficient. It is essential to discern truth from falsehood, irrespective of whether such distinctions are labeled as controversial. This term may be wielded by those who seek to undermine the efforts of those who advocate for righteousness and denounce wrongdoing. Furthermore, we have emphasised the importance of consulting the scholars.

Secondly, regarding the eagerness with which individuals seek to engage in learning, this enthusiasm is solely Tawfeeq granted by Allah. Thus, we ask Allah:

اَللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا, وَ رِزْقًا طَيَّبًا, وَ عَمَلاً مُتَقَبَّل

O Allah, I ask you for beneficial knowledge, a good provision, and deeds that will be accepted.

[Sahih Ibn Majah 762]

Finally, Faris says in the context of everything he has stated: “This serves as a test of sincerity and honesty”.

Observation:

There is no doubt that every act of worship is a test of one’s sincerity to Allah, encompassing the aspects of Aqeedah and Manhaj, as well as the refutation of erroneous principles and notions -either in general or specific – when necessary, irrespective of who may subjectively deem them controversial. 

Allah, The Exalted, says:

قُلۡ هَـٰذِهِۦ سَبِيلِىٓ أَدۡعُوٓاْ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ عَلَىٰ بَصِيرَةٍ أَنَا۟ وَمَنِ ٱتَّبَعَنِى‌ۖ وَسُبۡحَـٰنَ ٱللَّهِ وَمَآ أَنَا۟ مِنَ ٱلۡمُشۡرِكِينَ

Say (O Muhammad): “This is my way; I invite unto Allah (i.e. to the Oneness of Allah – Islamic Monotheism) with sure knowledge, I and whosoever follows me (also must invite others to Allah i.e. to the Oneness of Allah – Islamic Monotheism) with sure knowledge. And Glorified and Exalted be Allah (above all that they associate as partners with Him). And I am not of the Mushrikun (polytheists, pagans, idolaters, and disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah; those who worship others along with Allah or set up rivals or partners to Allah).”

[أَدۡعُوٓاْ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ – I invite unto Allah (i.e. to the Oneness of Allah – Islamic Monotheism)]. 

Al-Allamah Saalih Al-Fawzaan, may Allah preserve him, said: 

This part of the Ayah contains a notification regarding sincerity because some people call to themselves. It may be that a person propagates, and delivers lectures and sermons, but his goal is to become apparent to the people [Foonote a] – to receive some status, be praised, and that people gather and become numerous around him. If this is his aim, then he is not a caller to (the path of) Allah; rather he is a caller to himself. The person who abandons Dawah has abandoned a great obligation and the person who is not sincere in Dawah has fallen into great danger because Dawah has to be carried out sincerely for the sake of Allah and the aim should be to establish Allah’s Shariah- to guide and benefit the people, whether you are praised or rebuked. As for some people, when they are not praised and promoted, they abandon Dawah. This is proof that such a caller is not a caller to Allah, rather he only calls to himself. Therefore, the Muslim should be warned that his aim in Dawah should be sincerity, to benefit the people, free them from Shirk and bidah, free them from those affairs that are in opposition to the Shariah, and fulfill what is obligated to him. A large number of people around a person is not proof that such a person is virtuous because some of the Prophets were only followed by a few people. “A Prophet will come on the day of judgment with a few followers and a Prophet will come with no followers”. [Bukhaari 5705]. Therefore, does this mean that such a Prophet is not virtuous? Absolutely not! A person does not look at the large number of people who are present because the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said to Ali, “If Allah gives guidance to a single man through you, it is better for you than possessing red camels”. [Bukhaari 3009] [12]

Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa’ah are not harmed by those who oppose them. If you are with them- all praise is due to Allah, they are pleased with this because they want good for the people. If you oppose them, you cannot harm them and due to this the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him]said, “There will not cease to be a group of my Ummah who will be manifest upon the truth- not harmed by those who forsake them until the command of Allah comes to pass (i.e. the day of judgment) whilst they are upon the (truth)”. The one in opposition does not harm except himself. What is given consideration is not the large numbers; rather what is given consideration is to agree with the truth, even if a small number of people were upon it. And even if in some eras there is only one person (upon truth), he is the one upon truth and he is the Jamaa’ah. The Jamaa’ah does not necessitate large numbers; rather the Jamaa’ah is what is in agreement with the truth – in agreement with the Book and the Sunnah, even if those upon it are few. However, if many come together upon truth, then – all praise is due to Allaah- this is strength; but if the majority oppose it (i.e. the truth), we side with the truth even if only a few are upon it”. [13]

And Allah knows best


[1] المقالات الشرعيّة pages 14-15

[2] An Excerpt from Sharh Hadeeth Innaa Kunnaa Fee Jaahiliyyatin pages 9-12

[3] Fataawa Fadeelah Ash-Shaykh Rabee’ Al-Madkhalee (1/273)

[4] Fataawa Fadeelah Ash-Shaykh Rabee’ Al-Madkhalee (1/277)

[5] Excerpt from “Al-Ajwibah Al Mufeedah”. Question number 66. Page 162

[6] Sharh Hilyati Taalibil Ilm pages 253-254

[7] An Excerpt from “Sharh Aqeedah As-Salaf Ashaab Al-Hadeeth’ pages 301 onwards

[8] An Excerpt from “Awnul Baaree Bi-Bayaan Maa Tadammanahu Sharhus Sunnah Lil-Imaam Al-Barbahaaree”. 2/970-972]

[9] Shifaa As-Sudoor Fee Ziyaaratil Mashaahid Wal-Quboor page: 148

[10] Question number 16. Pages 28-29 in الإجابات الجلية عن القضايا المنهجية – Note: This particular excerpt is found in the second section of the book, titled: كشف الستار عما تحمله بعض الدعوات من أخطار ]

[11] Source: 1/26-27: عداء الماتريدية للعقيدة السلفية –

[12] An Excerpt from ‘I’aanah Al-Mustafeed Bi-Sharhi Kitaab At-Tawheed’ pages 97-98 Publisher: Ar-Risaalah Publishers 1st edition 1428AH (Year 2007). 

[13] An Excerpt from ( لمحة عن الفرق الضالة )– pages 14 -15