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O Allah’s Messenger! Prices have gone up, so fix prices for us

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, History of Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Sahaabah, Scholars of Islam, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

وَلَنَبْلُوَنَّكُمْ بِشَيْءٍ مِنَ الْخَوْفِ وَالْجُوعِ وَنَقْصٍ مِنَ الأَمْوَالِ وَالأَنْفُسِ وَالثَّمَرَاتِ وَبَشِّرِالصَّابِرِينَ
ٱلَّذِينَ إِذَآ أَصَـٰبَتۡهُم مُّصِيبَةٌ۬ قَالُوٓاْ إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّآ إِلَيۡهِ رَٲجِعُونَ
أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ عَلَيۡہِمۡ صَلَوَٲتٌ۬ مِّن رَّبِّهِمۡ وَرَحۡمَةٌ۬‌ۖ وَأُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ هُمُ ٱلۡمُهۡتَدُونَ

And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to As-Sabirin (the patient ones, etc.). Who, when afflicted with calamity, say: “Truly! To Allah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return.” They are those on whom are the Salawat (i.e. blessings, etc.) (i.e. who are blessed and will be forgiven) from their Lord, and (they are those who) receive His Mercy, and it is they who are the guided-ones. [Surah Al-Baqarah. Verses 155-157]

Anas Bin Malik, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the people said: “O Allah’s Messenger! Prices have gone up, so fix prices for us”. So, Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “Allah is the one Who fixes prices, Who withholds, gives lavishly and provides, and I hope that when I meet Allah, none of you will have any claim on me for an injustice regarding blood or property”. [Sahih Sunan Abee Dawud. Number 3450]

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

High increases in prices and their decreases are among those events that none brings about except Allah alone and nothing can occur from it except by Allah’s Will, but He, Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections, has made some of the actions of His slaves the cause of some incidents, just as He made the deed of killing by a killer a cause of the death of the victim, and the increase in prices may be due to the injustice of the people, and the decrease may be due to the benevolence of some people. (1)

Pay attention to the statement of Shaikh Al-Islam as follows, “….the increase in prices may be due to the injustice of the people, and the decrease may be due to the benevolence of some people”.

It has been reported that in some wealthy countries, farmers were sometimes told to throw away good food. This happens for several reasons: first, some capitalists hoarders did not have a system that helps farmers grow only what is necessary, leaving them with no option but to discard some of their harvest. Despite this surplus, many people still cannot afford quality food in other regions of the world. Secondly, some greedy capitalists only cared about making money, no matter the impact. For instance, there have been reported cases in some wealthy nations where farmers were instructed to reduce their livestock to raise prices, while many families struggled to afford meat. This is a clear example of collusion with farmers to create scarcity. You can find detail discussions regarding this matter under the topic market manipulation. However, high prices can also arise from genuine scarcity, demand, or seasonal variations when certain foods are less available. An incident of scarcity occurred a few years ago when flood in some Asian countries that import rice caused a significant increase in rice prices.

The Hoarders: Muammar Bin Abdillah, may Allah be pleased with him, who said that the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “None hoards except a sinner”. [Sahih Muslim. Number 1605]

Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baz, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

They are the ones who buy commodities, such as food and the like that people need in times of hardship and store it, so that when the price is high he sells it for more. This is not permissible, it is an evil deed and the one who does this is a sinner. If there is one in charge of authority in the country, it is obligated to him to implement the affairs related to the Shariah, prevent him from doing so and compel him to sell food at the same price – at the current price that is in the markets; and he cannot hoard it if it is during the time of hardship. As for the one who buys food or other than food that people need in a time of prosperity and abundance in the markets, and not to harm anyone, then when trade begins, he sells it with the people without delaying it until when a state of extreme need occurs, rather, he sells when the trading begins and there is benefit, there is no objection to this action of his. This is the work of merchants in ancient and modern times. (2)

Imam Muhammad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaymin, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

It is forbidden to monopolise (or hoard) what people are in need of. The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “None hoards except a sinner”. This is a person who deliberately commits a sin; but monopolising (or hoarding) is only in relation to what is not found with anyone else other than this monopolist (or hoarder). As for what him and someone else possess and he wants to keep the commodity until its season comes, there is nothing wrong with this and it is not considered monopoly (or hoarding). For instance, if a person buys rice and says, “I will save it until the time of its season, whilst the people have rice and they sell as they want”, this is not considered monopoly (or hoarding); but if it is not found except with him and he is saves it until the time of high prices comes, then indeed this is monopolising (or hoarding). The scholars say that the one in charge of authority is obliged to force the monopolist to sell what he has monopolised (or hoarded) just as people sell at the time they need to sell because this is in the public interest. (3)

[1]Majmu Al-Fataawaa 8/520]

[Ref2:https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/6025/%D8%AD%D9%83%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%AD%D8%AA%D9%83%D8%A7%D8%B1

[3] https://binothaimeen.net/content/11952. paraphrased

How Tears Reflect the State of the Heart

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

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

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

Crying is different types:

Crying out of mercy and compassion. Crying out of fear and awe. Crying out of love and longing. Crying out of joy and happiness. Crying out of panic due to the arrival of something painful and unbearable. Crying out of sadness.

The difference between crying out of sadness and crying out of fear: Crying out of sadness is for what has passed of a calamity or the loss of a beloved one. Crying out of fear is for what is expected in the future of that. The difference between crying out of joy and crying out of sadness: Tears of joy are cold and the heart is happy. Tears of sadness are warm and the heart is sad.

Crying out of weakness and vulnerability. Crying out of hypocrisy, when the eyes tear up but the heart is hard, so the person appears to be pious while having one of the hardest hearts.

Borrowed crying, like the crying of a professional mourner for a fee, as Umar ibn Al-Khattab said: “She sells her emotions and cries for the pain of others.”

Crying out of conformity, when a person sees others crying for something that has happened to them, so he cries with them without knowing what they are crying for, but he sees them crying and cries with them.

Zaad Al-Ma’aad (1/184, 185)

 

The true reality behind that mesmerising glitter

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Basics, Contemporary Issues, Featured, Fitnah, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allah, 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. And verily! We shall make all that is on it (the earth) a bare dry soil.

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

Allah, 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.

Meaning: The most sincere (i.e. in actions) and most correct (i.e. deeds done in accordance with the authentic Sunnah of the Prophet).

And besides this, Allah 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, Allah 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 for 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, thus, 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 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 Allah). He utilises his noble lifespan as an opportunity (to obey Allah). 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 (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). [1]

Ibn Umar, may Allah be pleased with him and his father, said:

Rarely would Allāh’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, stand from a sitting until he supplicated with these words for his Companions:

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 ولَا تُسَلِّطْ عَلَيْنا مَنْ لَا يرْحَمُنا

O Allah! Apportion for us (from the act of) fearing You that which would be a barrier (deterrent) between us and disobedience, and obedience to You that will take us to Your Jannah, and certainty that will make it easy for us to bear the calamities of this world. O Allah! (Enable) us enjoy our hearing, our sight and our power as long as You keep us alive and make our heirs from our own offspring; and make our vengeance be towards those who oppress us, support us against those who show us enmity and do not make our affliction in our religion. Do not make the worldly life our greatest concern, nor the limit of our knowledge, and let not us be overcome by those who will not show us mercy. (Sahih Tirmidhi 3502)

Regarding the statement:

“Do not make the worldly life our greatest concern”, Al-Allamah Al-Mubarakfuri 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”. [2]

[1] An Excerpt from “Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan”. slightly paraphrased.

[2] An Excerpt from “Tuhfah Al-Ahwadhee 9/475-477

What happens when callers to truth become weak – By Al Allamah Muhammad Aman Al-Jami

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Basics, Bid'ah (Innovation), Contemporary Issues, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Featured, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Scholars of Islam.

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

Al-Allamah Muhammad Aman Al-Jami, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

وإذا ضعف الدعاة دعاة الحق من القيام بالرد على المبتدعة والدفاع عن العقيدة، وجاملوا أو جبنوا ظهرت البدع، وفشت وانتشرت، كما هو الواقع في دراستنا في الليالي السابقة في الفتوى الحموية، أدركنا موقف الأئمة من هؤلاء الفرق.
لكل إمام من الأئمة الذين ذكر شيخ الإسلام في النقول التي مرت بنا من التابعين وتابعي التابعين لهم موقف حاسم، ورد قوي، ومناقشة مفحمة.
ولما ضعف الرد عليهم، وربما جُهل المنهج نفسه، منهج السلف، واختلط الأمر على كثير من الناس، كثرت الجماعات ولا تزال تكثر. والله المستعان.

If the callers to the truth become weak in refuting the innovators and defending the creed, and they [ جاملوا – compromising truth or saying something just to please others, avoiding frankness to appease someone etc] or become cowardly, Bidah will appear, spread, and become widespread. As is the case – over the past nights – in our study of al-Fatwa al-Ḥamawiyyah, we came to understand the stance (or position) of the Imams toward these sects. Every one of the Imams mentioned by Shaikh al-Islam – in the transmissions we came across from the Tābiʿīn and those who followed the Tābiʿīn – had an unfaltering stance, strong refutation, and compelling discussion (argument).

(But) when refutation against them (i.e. the sects and those who innovate in the religion) weakened, and perhaps due to ignorance about the methodology- the Methodology of the Salaf- and matters became confusing for many people, the groups became numerous and have not ceased being numerous. And Allah’s aid is sought! [Paraphrased]

The audio and the Arabic text was shared by Ustadh Abu Tasneem Mushaf Al-Banghali, may Allah preserve him.

Excavation of the Relics of Misguided Forefathers

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Basics, Contemporary Issues, Fitnah, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Refutations, Scholars of Islam, Sin.

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

Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Haadee al-Madkhalee, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated:

The attention given to artefacts (or relics) – in this era – in the manner pursued by the Archaeologists was not known during the era of the Prophet’s companions, may Allah be pleased with them, and the pious predecessors, may Allah have mercy upon them, but rather the Muslims blindly followed the Europeans and Americans whose greatest goal in studying artefacts (or relics) in the land of the Muslims is to revive (the traits of) pre-Islamic nationalism, such as Pharaonism, (Pan) Babylonianism, Phoenicianism etc. And they succeeded to a great extent in actualising many of these goals, thus arose – in the Muslim lands – the (traits) of pre-Islamic national pride and taking pride in these nationalisms.

Indeed, I am amazed by the example of yours [i.e. the person the Shaikh was refuting] regarding the towns of (Prophet) Salih and Ukhdud, which are places (that earned) Allah’s anger!! Imam Al-Bukhari, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: Abdullah Bin Muhammad Al-Jufee narrated to us that Abdur Razzaaq narrated to them from Az-Zuhree who narrated from Salim, who narrated from Ibn Umar, may Allah be pleased with him and his father, who said: When the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, passed by Al-Hijr, he said:

“Do not enter the dwelling places of those people who were unjust to themselves unless you enter in a weeping state lest the same calamity as of theirs should befall you”. Then he covered his head and made his speed fast till he crossed the valley.

Yahyah Bin Bukayr narrated to us who said that Malik narrated to us from Abdullah Bin Deenaar who reported from Ibn Umar, who said: Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said to his companions who were at Al-Hijr:

“Do not enter upon these people who are being punished, except in a weeping state, lest the same calamity as of theirs should befall you”. [Al-Bukhari. 4419 and 4420]

The two Prophetic reports show the danger of entering the places of those who incurred Allah’s anger and He destroyed them due to their disbelief, denial of the prophets and their message. The Prophet did not permit entry into them except for one who fears Allah and fears His punishment, so he enters when in need while weeping. It is feared for the one who enters the dwellings of those who were punished that he would be afflicted with the punishment that afflicted them. It is legislated for the one who approaches those dwellings to go past quickly while covering his face to follow the example of Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. Do the Muslim possess understanding – and amongst them the Archeologists and those who encourage them – of what is in this Prophetic guidance that came from one who does not speak out of his own desires [i.e. the Prophet -peace and blessings of Allah be upon him]?

Also, Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, legislated for the one who goes past the valleys of Muhassar to hurry because Allah destroyed the people of the Elephant over there [i.e. the story of the people of the Elephant – Surah Al-Feel].

Therefore, those who excavate the artefacts (relics) of the people of Aad, Thamud, the Ashaab Al-Ukhdud, the Pharoanic and Babylonian artefacts (or relics), do they act based on the guidance of Allah’s Messenger, or do they blindly follow the enemies of Allah who set up partnership of exploration for them from the artefacts (or relics) of the destroyed nations in order to entice (them) towards (traits) of pre-Islamic ignorance. Indeed, I and other than myself have read the numerous boasting of Muslims or those who ascribe to Islam, such as the statement of some of them:

“O Misree (i.e. Egyptian)! Be proud of the builders of your glory when people were sleeping”. He boasts about the Pharoanic artefacts (relics) such as the pyramids and other than them. (1)

 

Why Ponder Upon The Story of The Nations of Old?

Allah, The Most High, said:

قَدْ خَلَتْ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ سُنَنٌ فَسِيرُوا فِي الْأَرْضِ فَانْظُرُوا كَيْفَ كَانَ عَاقِبَةُ الْمُكَذِّبِينَ

Many similar mishaps [troubles, problems] of life were faced by nations that have passed away before you, so travel through the earth, and see what was the end of those who disbelieved]. [Aal Imran. 137]

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

Indeed, there were nations like yourselves before you, so look to their evil end. You have to know that the reason behind their evil end was due to their disbelief in the revelations of Allah and disbelief in Allah’s Messengers. They were the forefathers and you are the descendants. The main affair that connects you to each other is your disbelief and the ruling on that disbelief is destruction. (2)

Imam Muhammad Bin Salih Al-Uthaymeen, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: If it is said, “What is the benefit in narrating to us the stories of the destroyed nations despite the fact that this Ummah will not be completely destroyed in a manner similar to the destruction of the previous nations before it?'”.

The Answer: Indeed, this has two benefits: The first benefit is a clarification of Allah’s blessings upon us that the occurrence of a complete destruction is removed from us, and that were it not for Allah’s Benevolence we would have been deserving of it. Second, the likeness of the punishment they received may occur in the hereafter for the one who did what they did, if punishment was not received in the worldly life. And this may be understood from the statement of Allah:

“Such is the Seizure of your Lord when He seizes the population of towns while they are doing wrong. Verily, His Seizure is painful and severe. Indeed in that (there) is a sure lesson for those who fear the torment of the Hereafter.”

So what is apparent from this verse is that what is similar to the punishment they received will happen in the Hereafter, and Allah knows best. (3)

Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him and his father, said: The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

“The most hated people to Allah are three: a person who deviates from right conduct sanctuaries of Makkah and Medeenah; a person who seeks that the traditions of the Pre-lslamic Period of Ignorance should remain in Islam and a person who seeks to shed somebody’s blood without any right”.

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

These three actions are major sins. The first major sin is to stray from good behaviour within the sacred sanctuaries of Makkah and Madeenah. This deviation means to abandon the path of truth and embrace falsehood, and promoting falsehood to suppress the truth. Allah, The Mighty and Majestic, has censured those who engage in such misconduct within the sanctuaries of Makkah and Madeenah, saying:

وَمَن يُرِدۡ فِيهِ بِإِلۡحَادِۭ بِظُلۡمٍ۬ نُّذِقۡهُ مِنۡ عَذَابٍ أَلِيمٍ۬

And whoever intends evil actions therein or to do wrong, We shall make him taste a painful torment]. [Al-Hajj. 25]

Allah has promised them a severe punishment for their evil intentions therein, so what about committing such deeds?! It would indeed be a more severe sin, a more terrifying state, and a harsher punishment. This highlights the sanctity of Makkah and Madeenah, chosen by Allah as sacred lands where virtuous acts of worship, like Hajj, are performed – a pillar of Islam. The virtues of these places are countless, with increased rewards for good deeds done there, and surpassing all other lands on earth in virtue.

The second major sin is committed by the individual who wants the practices of the pre-Islamic era of ignorance to remain within Islam, as if he prioritises the evil customs that were followed during that era over Islamic practices, Iman and Ihsaan, their virtue and the virtue of the Prophet’s Sunnah. This act constitutes a major sin, as it involves favouring Bidah over the authentic Sunnah that leads to the right path.

The third major sin is shedding the blood of a Muslim without any right, especially when it is done out of oppression and animosity. Shedding the blood of a Muslim is a great crime as the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

“The extinction of the entire world is less significant than killing a Muslim (without right)”.

He stated regarding the rights of the Kabah:

“Great you are and great is your sanctity, but the sanctity of a believer is greater than yours in the Sight of Allah”.

Therefore, it is forbidden to transgress against Muslims, both male and female, in the sanctuaries of Makkah and Madeenah, as well as in any other place, due to the severe consequences and punishment that follow. [1]

Amr Ibn Al-Hamiq, may Allah be pleased with him] reported that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

“Whenever a man promises safety for another man’s life and then kills him, I disavow myself from him even if the victim was an unbeliever”. [2]

[1] An Excerpt from “At-taleeqaat Al-Maleehah Alaa Silsilah Al-Ahaadeeth As-Saheehah”. Vol 1. Pages 429-430

[2] Saheeh Al-Jaami 6103

 

[1] Baraa’a As-Sahaabah Al-Akhyaar Min at-Tabarruk Bi Al-Amaakin Wa- Al-Aathaar. Pages 11-14. Slightly paraphrased

[2] I’laam Al-Muwaqqi-een: 1/181

[3] Al-Muntaqaa Min Fawaa’d Fawaa’d 123-124

[4] An Excerpt from “at-Taleeqaat Al-Maleehah Alaa Silsilah Al-Ahadith As-Sahihah”. 1/429-430

[5] Sahih Al-Jami 6103

The Unbreakable, Timeless Path to Honour, Strength, and Victory

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Basics, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Featured, Mental Health, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Repentance, Scholars of Islam, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

مَن كَانَ يُرِيدُ ٱلۡعِزَّةَ فَلِلَّهِ ٱلۡعِزَّةُ جَمِيعًاۚ

Whosoever desires honour, then to Allah belong all honour…..[Al-Fatir. 10]

Meaning: let him seek it through sincere obedience to Allah because he will not find it except through obedience to Allah. One of the pious predecessors used to supplicate:

اللهم اعزني بطاعتك ولا تذلني بمعصيتك

O Allah! Grant me honour through obedience to you and do not humiliate me through disobedience to you.

Therefore, whoever seeks honour, let him seek it through sincere obedience to Allah through by good speech and righteous deeds. [(1)

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

Whoever loves that the state of affairs should become rectified, let them strive to rectify their deeds. Allah, The Mighty and Majestic, said:

وَأَن لَّوِ اسْتَقَامُوا عَلَى الطَّرِيقَةِ لَأَسْقَيْنَاهُم مَّاءً غَدَقًا

If they had believed in Allah and went on the Right Way, We should surely have bestowed on them water (rain) in abundance]. [(2)]

Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

The path to victory is through learning the Shariah and acquiring an understanding of the religion by the rulers, those under the ruler’s authority, the elders and the young; acting upon what this learning and understanding necessitates, and abandon that which Allah has forbidden. Allah, The Most High, said:

إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُغَيِّرُ مَا بِقَوۡمٍ حَتَّىٰ يُغَيِّرُواْ مَا بِأَنفُسِہِمۡ‌ۗ

Verily! Allaah will not change the good condition of a people as long as they do not change their state of goodness themselves (by committing sins and by being ungrateful and disobedient to Allah)]. [13:11]

Therefore, whoever wishes for victory and assistance from Allah, and to make Allah’s statement [i.e. none has the right to be worshipped except Allah] uppermost, they should change what one is upon with regards to disobedience and sins. Allah said:

وَعَدَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ مِنكُمۡ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ لَيَسۡتَخۡلِفَنَّهُمۡ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ ڪَمَا ٱسۡتَخۡلَفَ ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبۡلِهِمۡ وَلَيُمَكِّنَنَّ لَهُمۡ دِينَہُمُ ٱلَّذِى ٱرۡتَضَىٰ لَهُمۡ وَلَيُبَدِّلَنَّہُم مِّنۢ بَعۡدِ خَوۡفِهِمۡ أَمۡنً۬ا‌ۚ يَعۡبُدُونَنِى لَا يُشۡرِكُونَ بِى شَيۡـًٔ۬ا‌ۚ

Allah has promised those among you who believe, and do righteous good deeds, that He will certainly grant them succession to (the present rulers) in the earth, as He granted it to those before them, and that He will grant them the authority to practise their religion, that which He has chosen for them (i.e. Islaam). And He will surely give them in exchange a safe security after their fear (provided) they (believers) worship Me and do not associate anything (in worship) with Me. [24:55] [(3)]

Imam Muhammad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaymeen, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Indeed, defeat against the Muslims occurred due to one act of disobedience (i.e. at the battle of Uhud). At present we want victory whilst disobedience is rife amongst us, so due to this it is not possible for us to rejoice with victory as long as we are in this state of affairs, unless Allah shows us kindness and rectifies us. [(4)]

Good Will Remain and One Should Not Despair

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

[One] should not lose hope when trials and evil increase. Indeed, he has to remain tranquil and should make others tranquil when trials occur, and he should say: “All Praise is due to Allah, we are upon guidance and a clear Religion. Solace is close by and evil will cease to exist by the permission of Allah”.

This is what is incumbent upon the people of goodness and the scholars –that they have tranquillity and make the people tranquil; because this (evil) is something that will cease to exist by the permission of Allah and solace will come after it.

It is not permissible for a person to say: “The people are destroyed”. This is not permissible; rather (a person) should make the people tranquil and firm upon goodness, whilst expecting assistance, for indeed the good end is for the people of piety. Therefore, no matter how great the evil and trial is, it will cease to exist. He, [The Prophet- peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said:

“A group of my followers will remain manifest upon the truth. They will neither be harmed by those who forsake them nor by those who oppose them till Allah’s command arrives”. [i.e. the day of judgement] [Al-Bukhri and Muslim]

Therefore, Islam will not cease to continue and all praise be to Allah. The religion and the Qur’an will not cease to exist until that appointed time about which the prophet, peace and blessings of Allah, has informed us – that at the end of time, the Qur’an will be taken away from the hearts of men and from the Masaahif (i.e. the copies of the Qur’an); but this will be at the time of the destruction of the world. (However) good will continue to exist whilst the Qur’an, the Sunnah and the Qiblah are present, even though there is one who is led away and becomes misguided; and even though there is one who deviates and becomes deviated, as the saying goes: “Fitnah has its victims”. It takes away the one who goes with it, but the people of Iman will remain even if they are small in number. Even if there is one who goes along with the Fitna, and the one who goes astray and the one who comes along with it, (still) the truth and its people will remain and all praise be to Allah. The truth is present, as Allah, The Most High, said:

إِنَّا نَحْنُ نَزَّلْنَا الذِّكْرَ وَإِنَّا لَهُ لَحَافِظُونَ

Verily We: It is We Who have sent down the Dhikr (i.e. the Qur’an) and surely, We will guard it (from corruption). [15:9]

A person should not lose hope nor should he despair. He should not make the people lose hope of a return to goodness. He should not make the people lose hope regarding (the fact) that truth will prevail and falsehood will be repelled because Allah has made that promise and He does not fail to fulfil His promise. Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“The Religion is aided when put to the test; therefore do not be amazed for this is the way of Ar-Rahman” (The Most Merciful). [(5)]

 

Witnessed in This Life or After Death, Victory Always Belongs to Truth and Sound Methodology

 https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2026/02/07/witnessed-in-this-life-or-after-death-victory-always-belongs-to-truth-and-sound-methodology/

[(1)]An Excerpt from Bada’i at-Tafsir Al-Jami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imam Ibnul Qayyim 2/346-347

[(2)]: An Excerpt from “Saydul Khaatir”. page 6

[(3)] An Excerpt from “Your Enemies Are About To Gather Against You- The Causes of The Weakness of The Muslims In The Presence Of Their Enemy”. Page 29

[(4)]: Al-Qawlul Mufeed Alaa Kitaab At-tawheed 1/289.

[(5)]https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2019/08/admonition-from-the-hadeeth-of-hudhaifah-people-used-to-ask-the-messenger-of-allaah-about-the-good-times-but-i-used-to-ask-him-about-bad/

Creates what He wills, bestows and withholds – The Almighty, The All-Wise

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Basics, Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Scholars of Islam, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ فَاطِرِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ جَاعِلِ الْمَلَائِكَةِ رُسُلًا أُولِي أَجْنِحَةٍ مَّثْنَىٰ وَثُلَاثَ وَرُبَاعَ ۚ يَزِيدُ فِي الْخَلْقِ مَا يَشَاءُ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ

مَّا يَفْتَحِ اللَّهُ لِلنَّاسِ مِن رَّحْمَةٍ فَلَا مُمْسِكَ لَهَا ۖ وَمَا يُمْسِكْ فَلَا مُرْسِلَ لَهُ مِن بَعْدِهِ ۚ وَهُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ

All the praises and thanks be to Allah, the (only) Originator [or the (only) Creator] of the heavens and the earth, Who made the angels messengers with wings, – two or three or four. He increases in creation what He wills. Verily, Allah is Able to do all things. Whatever of mercy Allah may grant to mankind, none can withhold it, and whatever He may withhold, none can grant it thereafter. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.

الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ فَاطِرِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ

All the praises and thanks be to Allah, the (only) Originator of the heavens and the earth.

Meaning: the One who created and brought them into existence prior to their non-existence.

جَاعِلِ الْمَلَائِكَةِ رُسُلًا أُولِي أَجْنِحَةٍ مَّثْنَىٰ وَثُلَاثَ وَرُبَاعَ

Who made the angels messengers with wings,– two or three or four.

Meaning: Allah sends them to the Prophets and for other matters as He wills. They have wings – some two wings, some three and some four.

 يَزِيدُ فِي الْخَلْقِ مَا يَشَاءُ

He increases in creation what He wills.

Muqaatil said: “Allah increased the wings of the angels as He wills. [1]

He gave some of His creation more than others in relation to their physical characteristics, strength, beauty, additional limbs (or faculties) and beautiful voices.

 إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِير

Verily, Allah is Able to do all things.

Meaning: By His Power He does whatever He wills and nothing can escape Him, and in relation to this is that He gave some of His creation more than others. [2]

مَّا يَفْتَحِ اللَّهُ لِلنَّاسِ مِن رَّحْمَةٍ فَلَا مُمْسِكَ لَهَا ۖ وَمَا يُمْسِكْ فَلَا مُرْسِلَ لَهُ مِن بَعْدِهِ

Whatever of mercy Allah may grant to mankind, none can withhold it, and whatever He may withhold, none can grant it thereafter.

Meaning: The good things and provisions. This shows that Allah alone is the true deity because none is able to withhold what He has granted nor give what He withholds. [3]

وَهُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ

And He is the Almighty, The All-wise.

[وَهُوَ الْعَزِيزُ – And He is Al-Aziz (The Almighty)]: Meaning, He has subdued all things. [Footnote a]

[الْحَكِيمُ – The Al-Hakim (All-Wise)]: Meaning, He places all things in their appropriate places. [4] [Footnote b]

————————-

Footnote a: Al-Aziz: The Almighty. The Invincible. The Almighty One Whom nothing can overcome. The One Mighty in vengeance when He punishes His enemies. The All-Powerful One Who overcomes all, and before Whose Might all submit, and Who has no need of anyone.

Footnote b: Al-Hakim: The All-Wise. The One completely Wise in everything He decrees, and completely Wise in His Sayings, and in His Actions. There is no deficiency in anything He decrees, says or does. [5]

[1] An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi.

[2] An Excerpt from Zad Al-Maseer Fee Ilm at-Tafseer By Imaam Ibnul Jawzi.

[3] An Excerpt from Zad Al-Maseer Fee Ilm at-Tafseer

[4] An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi.

[5] An Excerpt from “The Names and Attributes of Allah” by Shaikh Abu Talhah (Dawud Burbank)- may Allah have mercy upon him and his wife.

Steadfast Moderation in Worship and Uprightness in Times of Lesser Enthusiasm

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Basics, Featured, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Continuous Goods Deeds, Even If Little

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

”The Most beloved deeds to Allah are that which (a person does) continuously even if little”. [1]

Imaam Abdul Aziz Bin Baz, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Righteous deeds (i.e. supererogatory deeds)- even if little-performed regularly are better than performing a lot of deeds that are not regular. [2]

The hadith shows that a Muslim should limit himself to the acts of worship he is able perform (i.e. supererogatory deeds) and what is understood from this is a prohibition against imposing on himself (supererogatory deeds) which he is not able to perform. [3]

Remaining Upon Guidance Even During Times of Reduced Activity

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

Indeed, every deed has enthusiasm, and every enthusiasm has a time limit (or period of inactivity). Whoever’s time of enthusiasm is for my Sunnah has been guided and he is ruined if upon other than that. [4]

In another narration, the Prophet said: So, if the doer behaves in an upright manner and is moderate, then have hope for him (i.e. success). [5]

“If its doer behaves in an upright manner and is moderate”.

Al-Allamah Al-Mubaarakrufee, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Meaning: The doer becomes moderate (i.e. within the boundaries of the Shariah) and avoids the two extremes- excess at the time of enthusiasm and negligence at the time of inactivity. [6]

We ask Allah:

 اللهمَّ أعنِّي على ذكرِك وشكرِك وحسنِ عبادَتِك

O Allah! Help me to remember and thank you, and to worship you perfectly.

[1] Sahih Muslim Number 782

[2] Al-Hulal Al-Ibreeziyyah Min at-Taleeqaat Al-Baaziyyah Alaa Sahih Al-Bukhari. Vol 1 footnote number 2. Page 24.

[3] Bugh’yah Al-Mutatawwi Fee Salah at-Tatawwu. page198.

[4] Sahih Al-Jami 2152

[5] Sahih At-Targheem 57

[6] Tuhfah Al-Ahwadahi 7/126

The Best Place for the Heart to Attach Itself

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

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

Salman, may Allah be pleased with him, wrote to Abu Ad-Dardaa, may Allah be pleased with him, saying, “O my brother! It is incumbent upon you to attach yourself to the Masjid and be constantly there, for indeed I heard the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, saying, ‘The Masjid is the house of every pious person'”.

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

First: The hadith is proof to show that the most virtuous place on the earth are the Masajid and the best of the people are its maintainers, because they are people of Iman based on the proof:

إِنَّمَا يَعۡمُرُ مَسَـٰجِدَ ٱللَّهِ مَنۡ ءَامَنَ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلۡيَوۡمِ ٱلۡأَخِرِ وَأَقَامَ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَءَاتَى ٱلزَّڪَوٰةَ وَلَمۡ يَخۡشَ إِلَّا ٱللَّهَ‌ۖ فَعَسَىٰٓ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ أَن يَكُونُواْ مِنَ ٱلۡمُهۡتَدِينَ

The Mosques of Allah shall be maintained only by those who believe in Allah and the Last Day; perform As-Salat, give Zakat and fear none but Allah. It is they who are expected to be on true guidance. [a-Tawbah. 18]

Second: Prayer in the Masjid is multiplied [i.e. 27 times] and none is excused for being absent from the Masajid [i.e. except one who has a legislated Islamic excuse]. Continuous presence in the Masajid and attaching one’s heart to them is a sign of one’s Iman, strength and desire for good.

at-Taleeqaat Al-Maleehah Alaa Silsilah Al-Ahaadith As-Saheehah.  1/286

Plotting to Uphold Kufr, Boasting About Military Might to Utilise for Transgression, and Outrageous Declarations

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Featured, Fitnah, History of Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Prophets, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Scholars of Islam, Shirk, Sin.

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

Plotting to Uphold Kufr, Boasting About Military Might to Utilise for Transgression, and Outrageous Declarations: An Inheritance of Tyrannical Nations of Old

Allah  The Most High, said:

قَدۡ مَڪَرَ ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبۡلِهِمۡ فَأَتَى ٱللَّهُ بُنۡيَـٰنَهُم مِّنَ ٱلۡقَوَاعِدِ فَخَرَّ عَلَيۡہِمُ ٱلسَّقۡفُ مِن فَوۡقِهِمۡ وَأَتَٮٰهُمُ ٱلۡعَذَابُ مِنۡ حَيۡثُ لَا يَشۡعُرُونَ
ثُمَّ يَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ يُخۡزِيهِمۡ وَيَقُولُ أَيۡنَ شُرَڪَآءِىَ ٱلَّذِينَ كُنتُمۡ تُشَـٰٓقُّونَ فِيہِمۡ‌ۚ قَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُواْ ٱلۡعِلۡمَ إِنَّ ٱلۡخِزۡىَ ٱلۡيَوۡمَ وَٱلسُّوٓءَ عَلَى ٱلۡڪَـٰفِرِينَ

Those before them indeed plotted, but Allah struck at the foundation of their building, and then the roof fell down upon them, from above them, and the torment overtook them from directions they did not perceive. Then, on the Day of Resurrection, He will disgrace them and will say: “Where are My (so called) ‘partners’ concerning whom you used to disagree and dispute (with the believers, by defying and disobeying Allah)?” Those who have been given the knowledge (about the Torment of Allah for the disbelievers) will say: “Verily! Disgrace this Day and misery are upon the disbelievers. [An-Nahl. 26-27]

قَدۡ مَڪَرَ ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبۡلِهِمۡ

Those before them indeed plotted.

The Mufassiroon say that this refers to Namrud who built a tall tower in order to climb – as he claimed – the heavens and fight its inhabitants.

فَأَتَى ٱللَّهُ بُنۡيَـٰنَهُم مِّنَ ٱلۡقَوَاعِدِ فَخَرَّ عَلَيۡہِمُ ٱلسَّقۡفُ مِن فَوۡقِهِمۡ

But Allah struck at the foundation of their building, and then the roof fell down upon them, from above them]: The Mufassiroon say: Allaah sent a wind which flung the top of the tower to the sea and the rest was destroyed.

وَأَتَٮٰهُمُ ٱلۡعَذَابُ مِنۡ حَيۡثُ لَا يَشۡعُرُونَ

And the torment overtook them from directions they did not perceive]: Meaning, from where they thought they were safe. [ثُمَّ يَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ يُخۡزِيهِمۡ – Then, on the Day of Resurrection, He will disgrace]: Meaning, disgraced with punishment. [1]

قَدۡ مَڪَرَ ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبۡلِهِمۡ

Those before them indeed plotted.

Meaning: plotted against their Messengers, used various types of tricks to reject that which the messengers brought and established gigantic safeguards (by way of arguments, views etc) on their plots.

فَأَتَى ٱللَّهُ بُنۡيَـٰنَهُم مِّنَ ٱلۡقَوَاعِدِ

But Allah struck at the foundation of their building.

Meaning, an affair came to them from its basis and foundation.

فَخَرَّ عَلَيۡہِمُ ٱلسَّقۡفُ مِن فَوۡقِهِمۡ

And then the roof fell down upon them, from above them.

Meaning, so what they built became a punishment for them.

وَأَتَٮٰهُمُ ٱلۡعَذَابُ مِنۡ حَيۡثُ لَا يَشۡعُرُونَ

And the torment overtook them from directions they did not perceive.

Meaning: Because they thought that such a building will benefit and protect them from punishment, but their punishment occurred from that which they built and established.

This is one the best of parables regarding how Allah nullifies the plots of his enemies, for indeed they reflected on that which the Messengers brought when they belied them, made up principles and rules for it based on falsehood, referred back to them to reject that which the Messengers came with, used tricks to bring discomfort to the Messengers and inflict harm on them and those who followed them, but their plot became a source of evil against them, thus, their plan became their destruction, because their plot was evil as Allah said:

وَلَا يَحِيقُ الْمَكْرُ السَّيِّئُ إِلَّا بِأَهْلِهِ

But the evil plot encompasses only him who makes it. [Fatir. 43]

This is in this worldly life and the punishment in the afterlife would be more disgraceful, and due to this Allah said: [ثُمَّ يَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ يُخۡزِيهِمۡ – Then, on the Day of Resurrection, He will disgrace them. [2]

Allah said:

أَلَمْ تَرَ إِلَى الَّذِي حَاجَّ إِبْرَاهِيمَ فِي رَبِّهِ أَنْ آتَاهُ اللَّهُ الْمُلْكَ إِذْ قَالَ إِبْرَاهِيمُ رَبِّيَ الَّذِي يُحْيِي وَيُمِيتُ قَالَ أَنَا أُحْيِي وَأُمِيتُ ۖ قَالَ إِبْرَاهِيمُ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ يَأْتِي بِالشَّمْسِ مِنَ الْمَشْرِقِ فَأْتِ بِهَا مِنَ الْمَغْرِبِ فَبُهِتَ الَّذِي كَفَرَ ۗ وَاللَّهُ لَا يَهْدِي الْقَوْمَ الظَّالِمِينَ

Have you not seen (contemplated with your heart) him who disputed with Ibrahim (Abraham) about his Lord (Allah), because Allah had given him the kingdom? When Ibrahim (Abraham) said (to him): “My Lord (Allah) is He Who gives life and causes death.” He said, “I give life and cause death.” Ibrahim (Abraham) said, “Verily! Allah causes the sun to rise from the east; then cause it you to rise from the west.” So the disbeliever was utterly defeated. And Allah guides not the people, who are Zalimun (wrong-doers, etc.). [Al-Baqarah. 258]

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

There is a difference of opinion among (the Mufassiroon) regarding the timing of this debate. Muqatil, may Allah have mercy on him, stated that after Ibrahim, peace be upon him, broke the idols, Namrud imprisoned him and later brought him out to be burned. Namrud asked, “Who is the Lord you urge us to worship?” Ibrahim, peace be upon him, replied, “My Lord is the one who gives life and causes death.” Others say that this (occurred) after Ibrahim was thrown into the fire, during a time of drought when people sought food from Namrud. If someone approached him for food, he would inquire, “Who is your Lord?” If the person responded, “You are my Lord,” he would then offer to sell them food. [3]

أَلَمۡ تَرَ إِلَى ٱلَّذِى حَآجَّ إِبۡرَٲهِـۧمَ فِى رَبِّهِۦۤ

“Have you seen (contemplated with your heart and eyes) him who disputed with Ibrahim (Abraham) about his Lord (Allah)…”

Meaning, his insolence, ignorant attitude, obstinacy, and arguing about that which there is no doubt! Nothing led him to this behaviour except because Allah had given him the kingdom, thus, he transgressed, rebelled, and considered himself as one in control of those under his authority, which led him to argue with Prophet Ibrahim, peace be upon him, about Allah’s Lordship and claimed that he can do the same thing as Allah does.

Prophet Ibrahim said to him, “My Lord is He Who gives life and death” – Meaning, “Allah alone is in absolute control of everything”. Then Ibrahim mentioned two specific things – life and death. This is because they the greatest things in Allah’s absolute control. Life is the beginning of the worldly life and death is the beginning of what is to occur in the afterlife.

Then the one (the king) who sought to ague against Ibrahim said, “I give life and cause death”, but he never said, “I am the One Who gives life and death, because could not claim that he is not in need of anyone to interfere in the matter; instead, he only claimed that he could do what Allah does by killing someone and sparing someone’s life. Prophet Ibrahim saw the fallacy in his argument and utterence of speech that is not even worthy of being a Shubhah (i.e. an ambiguity portrayed as wholesome truth) let alone a proof, so he said to him, “Verily! Allah causes the sun to rise from the east”.

Ibrahim mentioned something that can be clearly seen and affirmed by everyone including this disbeliever. “Then cause it you to rise from the West”. This compelled him to bring proof if he is truthful in his claim.

When Ibrahim uttered this to him, about which he neither had the ability to present an ambiguity to make Ibrahim’s proof look confusing nor could he find something to disparage it, he was utterly defeated – lost for an answer, his proof cut off and his ambiguous statement toppled. [4]

He Who brings life and death (Allah) has absolute control over the existence and creates everything in it, including absolute control of its celestial bodies and their movements. The sun rises everyday from the east, thus, if you were god, as you claim, who gives life and cause death, make the sun rise from the west. [5]

This is the situation of an obstinate falsifier who wants to confront truth and overcome it, because he will be defeated and subdued. This is why Allah said:

وَٱللَّهُ لَا يَہۡدِى ٱلۡقَوۡمَ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ

And Allah guides not the people, who are Zalimun (wrong-doers, etc.)]; instead He abandons them to their disbelief and misguidance. [6]

Outrageous Declarations

Allah, said: [وَقَالَ فِرْعَوْنُ – Fir’aun (Pharaoh) said] – Meaning, with haughtiness and tyranny, whilst deluding his foolish people;

[ذَرُونِي أَقْتُلْ مُوسَىٰ وَلْيَدْعُ رَبَّهُ – Leave me to kill Musa (Moses), and let him call his Lord (to stop me from killing him)!]

This was his claim that had it not been for his consideration of the wishes of his people, he would have killed Musa and that (Musa’s) supplication to his Lord would not have prevented him from that. Fir’awn then mentioned what made him want to kill Musa and that he is a sincere adviser to his people, and that he wished to remove mischief from the land. Allah stated that Fir’awn said:

إِنِّي أَخَافُ أَنْ يُبَدِّلَ دِينَكُمْ أَوْ أَنْ يُظْهِرَ فِي الْأَرْضِ الْفَسَادَ

I fear that he (Musa) may change your religion, or that he may cause mischief to appear in the land!” [Ghafir 26]

This is the most amazing the affair can be! The most evil one among the creation gives advice to the people against the best among the creation. This is (nothing but) disguised falsehood and propaganda, which cannot seize except the intellects of those (people) about whom Allah stated:

فَاسْتَخَفَّ قَوْمَهُ فَأَطَاعُوهُ ۚ إِنَّهُمْ كَانُوا قَوْمًا فَاسِقِينَ

Thus he Fir’aun (Pharaoh)] befooled and misled his people, and they obeyed him. Verily, they were ever a people who were Fasiqun (rebellious, disobedient to Allah).] [Az-Zukhruf. 54] [7]

 يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلۡمَلَأُ مَا عَلِمۡتُ لَڪُم مِّنۡ إِلَـٰهٍ غَيۡرِى

O chiefs! I know not that you have an ilah (a god) other than me

Just look at what Fir’awn said! He did not say. “You do not have a god besides me”, rather he said: “I know not that you have a god other than me’’.

This is because they considered him to be a virtuous scholar and that whatever he said has to be the truth, and whatever he commands has to be followed. And after he made this statement, he then tried to prove that what he has stated is true. Allah said that Fir’awn said to Haman:

فَأَوۡقِدۡ لِى يَـٰهَـٰمَـٰنُ عَلَى ٱلطِّينِ فَٱجۡعَل لِّى صَرۡحً۬ا لَّعَلِّىٓ أَطَّلِعُ إِلَىٰٓ إِلَـٰهِ مُوسَىٰ وَإِنِّى لَأَظُنُّهُ ۥ مِنَ ٱلۡكَـٰذِبِينَ

So kindle for me (a fire), O Haman, to bake (bricks out of) clay, and set up for me a Sarhan (a lofty tower, or palace, etc.) in order that I may look at (or look for) the Ilah (God) of Musa (Moses); and verily, I think that he [Musa (Moses)] is one of the liars.

Meaning: We think that Musa is lying, but we are going to ascertain the affair and prove that he is a liar.

Look at Fir’awn’s extreme sinful boldness! He belied Musa, peace be upon him, claimed that he is a God, claimed that he is not aware of a true object of worship and asked Haman to build him a tower in order that he can see the god of Musa! These claims were nothing else but propaganda; however what is really amazing is the affair of those chiefs who considered themselves as the elders of the Kingdom, for how did they allow Fir’awn to tiffle with their intellects and deceive them? Indeed, that was due to their extremely sinful behaviour, which corrupted their religion and then their intellects. We ask Allah to keep us firm upon Iman and that our hearts do not become deviated after we have been guided. [8]

Allah said:

فَأَمَّا عَادٌ فَٱسْتَكْبَرُوا۟ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ بِغَيْرِ ٱلْحَقِّ وَقَالُوا۟ مَنْ أَشَدُّ مِنَّا قُوَّةً أَوَلَمْ يَرَوْا۟ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَهُمْ هُوَ أَشَدُّ مِنْهُمْ قُوَّةً وَكَانُوا۟ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا يَجْحَدُونَ

As for ‘Ad, they were arrogant in the land without right, and they said: “Who is mightier than us in strength?” See they not that Allah, Who created them was mightier in strength than them. And they used to deny Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, revelations, etc.)![Fussilat 15]

Allah stated that Prophet Hud, peace be upon him, said to his people:

وَإِذَا بَطَشۡتُم بَطَشۡتُمۡ جَبَّارِينَ

And when you seize, seize you as tyrants.

Meaning, when you want to attack with a whip or sword, you attack like tyrants, completely overpowering and being savagely violent – neither compassionate nor aim to discipline (within justice as commanded by Allah), nor contemplating on the consequences. [9]

Allah gave them great strength and it was obligated to them to use this strength in obedience to Allah, but they became boastful and haughty, and they said: [مَنۡ أَشَدُّ مِنَّا قُوَّةً‌ۖ – Who is mightier than us in strength? (Fussilat. 15], and they utilised their strength in disobedience to Allah, fruitlessly and foolishly, thus, their Prophet forbade them from that. [10]

Their Prophet forbade them from that because it was done out of oppression. [11]

[1] An Excerpt from ‘Zad Al-Nasir By Imaam Ibn Al-Jawzi
[2: An Excerpt from Tafseer as-Sadi
[3] An Excerpt from Tafseer Al-Baghawi
[4] An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi.
[5] Tafseer Ibn Katheer
[6] An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi
[7] An Excerpt from ‘Tafseer As-Sadi
[8] An Excerpt from ‘Tafseer As-Sadi
[9] Ruh Al-Ma’aanee 11/165
[10] Tafseer As-Sadi.
[11] Zad Al-Maseer