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[2] Even if I was not busy, I do not need to sit at lessons of anyone in the West!

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

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

Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin haadi al-Mad’khali [may Allaah preserve him] stated: “The entire life of a person is spent in seeking knowledge – from the cradle to the grave. He does not feel proud to acquire truth from a young or older person”. [Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm. 245-248]

The Shaikh also stated: Seeking knowledge is a great affair, which Allaah – in the Qur’aan – urged (us to seek) and Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] urged (us to seek). Allaah informed (us) that Moosaa [peace be upon him] travelled to seek knowledge: “And (remember) when Musa (Moses) said to his boy-servant: “I will not give up (travelling) until I reach the junction of the two seas or (until) I spend years and years in travelling”. [Surah Al-Kahf. Aayah 60]

Once he was in one of the gatherings of Banee Israa’eel, so a man asked him, “Is there anyone more knowledgeable than you?” He said, “No”. So, Allaah revealed to him, saying: “Certainly, my slave Khidr” [i.e. he is more knowledgeable than you in some affairs]. Allaah narrated this story in the Qur’aan and likewise Allaah’s Messenger [i.e. in the Sunnah]. He [Moosaa] was spoken to directly by Allaah and the Tawraat revealed to him, which contained Hudaa [i.e. that which guides a person to Eemaan, truth and protects one from misguidance] and Noor [i.e. a guiding light in the midst of the darkness of ignorance, confusion, doubts, beliefs and deeds that appear to be truth but are falsehood in reality and evil desires], but when he knew that another person possessed knowledge of that which he does not possess, [Allaah informed us he (Moosaa) said]: [لَا أَبْرَحُ حَتَّىٰ أَبْلُغَ مَجْمَعَ الْبَحْرَيْنِ أَوْ أَمْضِيَ حُقُبًا – I will not give up (travelling) until I reach the junction of the two seas or (until) I spend years and years in travelling]. [Surah Al-Kahf. Aayah 60]

He went on foot – neither had a car nor a riding beast, nor a horse; [rather] he travelled on foot. Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] said about him: [قَالَ ذَٲلِكَ مَا كُنَّا نَبۡغِ‌ۚ فَٱرۡتَدَّا عَلَىٰٓ ءَاثَارِهِمَا قَصَصً۬ا – Musa (Moses) said: “That is what we have been seeking.” So, they went back retracing their footsteps]. [Surah Al-Kahf. Aayah 64].

[They did this (i.e. Moosaa and his boy servant went back to find Khidr)] for the sake of knowledge, because indeed none knows virtue except the one given virtue. None knows the virtue of knowledge, except those who are virtuous. If one humbles himself due to knowledge, this is honour. Do not lower yourself – even in the presence of the greatest person- for the sake of the Dunyaa; (rather) humble yourself, be well mannered and lower yourself for the sake of knowledge, because it is the loftiest thing, and by way of it, you will be raised in the sight of Allaah and the people. If you lower yourself to acquire knowledge, this can never be humiliation; (rather) it is humility, a proof of good manners, truthfulness in the path of seeking after knowledge and the truth. [Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm. Page 248. Slightly paraphrased]

[1] Even if I was not busy, I do not need to sit at lessons of anyone in the West!

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

In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of mercy.

“Even if I was not busy, I do not need to sit at the lessons of anyone in the West, because I have my Arabic audios and books!”

May Allaah grant us the Tawfeeq to wage a constant and fierce battle against our souls whenever they incline towards bragging and self-amazement contained in the above statement Aameen. Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi Al-Mad’khali [may Allaah preserve him] stated: O youth! Be mindful of shaytaan who is next to you. Seek Allaah’s protection against his destructive evil whispers. [وَإِمَّا يَنزَغَنَّكَ مِنَ ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنِ نَزۡغٌ۬ فَٱسۡتَعِذۡ بِٱللَّهِ‌ۖ إِنَّهُ ۥ هُوَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلۡعَلِيمُ – And if an evil whisper from Shaitan (Satan) tries to turn you away (O Muhammad) (from doing good, etc.), then seek refuge in Allah. Verily, He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower]. [Surah Fussilat’ Aayah 36]

If you sense that your soul is inclined towards showing off to the people and bragging about knowledge, then turn to Allaah, lower and humble yourself in His presence, ask Him to grant you sincerity and to save you from shaytaan – to save you from his whispers and plots. One of the scholars said, “Indeed, it is extremely difficult [upon a person] whose enemy can see him, but he cannot see him.” He [i.e. this scholar] said this when he explained the statement of Allaah [The Blessed and Exalted] about shaytaan and his armies: [إِنَّهُ ۥ يَرَٮٰكُمۡ هُوَ وَقَبِيلُهُ ۥ مِنۡ حَيۡثُ لَا تَرَوۡنَہُمۡ‌ۗ – Verily, he and (his soldiers from the jinns or his tribe) see you from where you cannot see them. [Surah Al-A’raaf’ Aayah 27]

He [i.e. that scholar] said, “By Allaah! Indeed, it’s a bitter feud and extreme difficulty (for one) whose enemy can see him, but he cannot see him, except for the one whom Allaah safeguards”- Meaning, this enemy is more dangerous than the army you can see that has troops and strength. This hidden enemy – whom you cannot see – is extreme difficulty and will destroy you whilst you are unaware and unable to see him. We ask Allaah for well-being. (1)

Imaam Abdullaah Ibnul Mubaarak [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: “A man will not be from the (students or scholars) of Hadeeth until he writes from someone similar to him, someone above him and someone below him.” (2)

Imaam Sufyaan Ibn Uyaynah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: “A man will not be from the (students or scholars) of Hadeeth until he takes from someone above him, someone below him and someone similar to him.” (3)

Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee Al-Madkhalee [may Allaah preserve him] said: Musa [peace be upon him] was spoken to directly by Allaah and the Tawraat was revealed to him, which contained Hudaa [i.e. that which guides a person to Eemaan, truth and protects one from misguidance] and Noor [i.e. a guiding light in the midst of the darkness of ignorance, confusion, doubts, beliefs and deeds that appear to be truth but are falsehood in reality and evil desires], but when he knew that another person possessed knowledge of that which he did not possess, [Allaah informed us he (Musa) said]: [لَا أَبْرَحُ حَتَّىٰ أَبْلُغَ مَجْمَعَ الْبَحْرَيْنِ أَوْ أَمْضِيَ حُقُبًا – I will not give up (travelling) until I reach the junction of the two seas or (until) I spend years and years in travelling]. [Surah Al-Kahf. Verse 60] He went on foot – neither had a car nor a riding beast, nor a horse; (rather) he travelled on foot”. (4)

Al-Khateeb Al-Baghdaadi [may Allaah have mercy upon him] stated: It is necessary that the seekers of Hadeeth should have the most perfect (behaviour, manners, etiquettes etc) amongst the people, be the most humble amongst the people, the greatest in their impartiality and adherence to the religion, the least in (deviating from good conduct) and (being overcome with) anger, because they constantly listen to the narrations that gathers the excellent manners and etiquettes of Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him], the lives of the virtuous pious predecessors, the path of the scholars of Hadeeth and the virtues of the (pious ones and scholars) who have passed away, so they adhere to the purest and excellent (aspects of those traits, etiquettes, manners etc) and turn away from the most despised and lowly [(traits, behaviour, manners, etiquettes etc). (5)

We ask Allaah not to abandon us and the youth to ourselves.
يَا حَيُّ يَا قَيُّومُ بِرَحْمَتِكَ أَسْتَغيثُ أَصْلِحْ لِي شَأْنِيَ كُلَّهُ وَلاَ تَكِلْنِي إِلَى نَفْسِي طَرْفَةَ عَيْنٍ

O Ever Living! O The Self Subsisting, Upon Whom Everything Depends! By Your mercy I seek assistance; rectify for me all of my affairs and do not leave me to myself, even for the blink of an eye. [Silsilah As-Saheehah Number 227]

[Ref 1: Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm’ pages 55-57. slightly paraphrased]
[Ref 2: Taareekh Baghdaad by Al-Khateeb Al-Baghdaadee 5/68]
[Ref 3: Al-Jaami Li-Akhlaaq Ar-Raawee 2/218]
[Ref 4: Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm. 245-248. Slightly paraphrased]
[Ref 5: An Excerpt from ‘Jaami Bayaan Al-Ilm 1/78. By Al-Khateeb Al-Baghdaadi]

Behaviour Expected – In The Masjid and Elsewhere – When Interacting With Our Contemporaries In Any Affair of Knowledge

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Seeking Knowledge, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Do I Have a Low Opinion of My Contemporary Just Because He Has Not Benefitted More Than Me In Affairs of Knowledge?!

The questioner [may Allaah bless him] asks Shaikh Saaleh Aala Ash-Shaikh [may Allaah preserve him]: “I have been seeking knowledge for a number of years, but despite this, neither have I consolidated the knowledge-based information (sought after) nor am I aware of the benefit (acquired from that). What do you advise me? May Allaah reward you”.

Answer: Do not say that you are not aware of a benefit because a student of knowledge is (considered to be engaged) in worship. The aim behind seeking knowledge is that the person receives Allaah’s [The Mighty and Majestic] Pleasure.

You all know about the man who went away to repent, so the angel of death came to him (i.e. took his soul); then the angels of mercy and the angels of punishment disputed about his affair- angels of mercy said, “He came along being repentant and remorseful in his heart in the presence of Allaah” but the angels of punishment said, “He has done no good at all”. Then another angel came in the form of a human being in order to decide between them and said, “Measure between the two lands” (i.e. to find out which of them he was closer to). They measured it and found him nearer to the land where he intended to go (i.e. the land of the pious people), so the angels of mercy took him. This repentant man was forgiven because his steps (towards repentance) were recorded for him; therefore the steps of a student of knowledge towards knowledge are an act of worship similar to the steps of the repentant migrator towards the land of goodness. Seeking knowledge is better for you than supererogatory prayer or some of the supererogatory acts of worship; therefore there has to be a truthful intention (behind it). Then the benefit will (be acquired) bit by bit. And the aim is not to become a scholar or a student of knowledge initially; rather the aim behind your seeking knowledge is to remove ignorance from yourself-worshiping Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] with correct acts of worship and that your Aqeedah is sound, become submissive to Allaah, safeguarded from doubtful affairs that are made to resemble the truth and from seeking fame. Allaah (The Most High) said:

يَوۡمَ لَا يَنفَعُ مَالٌ۬ وَلَا بَنُونَ
إِلَّا مَنۡ أَتَى ٱللَّهَ بِقَلۡبٍ۬ سَلِيمٍ۬

The Day whereon neither wealth nor sons will avail; except him who brings to Allah a clean heart [clean from Shirk (polytheism) and Nifaq (hypocrisy)].

Allaah (The Mighty and Exalted) said: [إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ إِنَّا لَا نُضِيعُ أَجۡرَ مَنۡ أَحۡسَنَ عَمَلاً – Verily! As for those who believe and do righteous deeds, certainly! We shall not suffer to be lost the reward of anyone who does his (righteous) deeds in the most perfect manner].

If you never benefited except yourself and your family, then there is great good in this. (1)

 

Neither Belittle Nor Mock at Others Below You in Knowledge

Allaah [The Most High] said:
وَإِذْ قَالَ مُوسَىٰ لِقَوْمِهِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَأْمُرُكُمْ أَن تَذْبَحُوا بَقَرَةً ۖ قَالُوا أَتَتَّخِذُنَا هُزُوًا ۖ قَالَ أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ أَنْ أَكُونَ مِنَ الْجَاهِلِينَ

And (remember) when Musa (Moses) said to his people: “Verily, Allah commands you that you slaughter a cow.” They said, “Do you make fun of us?” He said, “I take Allah’s Refuge from being among Al-Jahilun (the ignorants or the foolish). [2:67]

A Jaahil [ignorant one] is that one who speaks with a speech that contains no benefit and he mocks at the people. As for a sensible person, he sees that one of the most blameworthy traits -which is abhorred by [sound] religion and intellect- is to mock at someone who is a human being like himself. And if he has been favoured over another person, then this favour necessitates that he thanks Allaah and shows mercy to Allaah’s servants. Therefore, when Musa [alayhis-salaam] said this to them [i.e. I take Allaah’s Refuge from being among the ignorant], they knew that it [i.e. what he commanded them] was truth, so they said: [ادْعُ لَنَا رَبَّكَ يُبَيِّن لَّنَا مَا هِيَ -call upon your Lord for us that He may make plain to us what it is!(2:68)] (2)

Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee [may Allaah preserve him] said, “Abdullaah Ibn Al-Mubaarak [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, ‘Whoever belittles the scholars will ruin his religion; whoever belittles the rulers will ruin his worldly affairs and whoever belittles his brothers will ruin his sense of honour’. O my brothers! Therefore, let us behave in a good manner, especially the students of knowledge”. (2.1)

The Shaikh also said: This knowledge (of the Sharee’ah) was spread mostly through (praiseworthy) manners – through patience, forbearance, firm fulfilment of obligations and responsibilities, truthfulness, honourable behaviour, nobility, noble mindedness, fulfilling promises and what is similar to that. These manners became manifest to the people, so the hearts, ears and eyes of the nations accepted this guidance, which the companions of Muhammad carried”. (2.2)

The Shaikh also said: “Good manners is a necessity in the path of seeking knowledge, and (when dealing with) scholars and elders. It was said to king Abdul Azeez [may have mercy upon him], ‘How do you view the people?’ He said, ‘The people in my view are three types: a man who is older than me, so he is placed in my father’s position; a man who is in my age group, so he is placed in my brother’s position, and a man who is younger than me, so he is like my son’. Therefore, a Muslim behaves towards his brothers in this manner- he places the people in these different categories. The student of knowledge should respect the elders, honour his contemporaries and show mercy to those below his age. The one who is old in age is like his father, the one in his age group is like his brother and the one below him in age is like his son. (2.3)

 

Al-Allaamah Saaleh Aala Ash-Shaikh [may Allaah preserve him] gave some advice regarding the relationship expected between students of knowledge whilst in pursuit of knowledge

He said: There may be different people in attendance -some of them attend for knowledge, some of them attend as beginners, among them are those who attend to be in a sitting where Allaah is remembered and they listen (especially if it is after dawn or during time periods when supplications are answered), and among them are those who attend for a benefit, and are content with whatever they obtain. And that which is befitting in reality is that the students of knowledge should treat each other well, so the student teaches his brother – who is a beginner – the way to learn and gives him advice. This is why we should show mercy to one another in the lessons, and in all affairs of knowledge, and perhaps the reason scholars begin their texts with the advice to the seeker of knowledge to be merciful. This is why you find in Hadeeth Ijaazaat that the first hadith transmitted is “The merciful will be shown mercy by the Most Merciful. Be merciful to those on the earth and the One in the heavens will have mercy upon you”. [Saheeh Sunan Tirmidhee 1924]

Question: Why do they learn the hadith, “The merciful will be shown mercy by the Most Merciful?” Answer: Know, may Allaah have mercy upon you, that it is one of the qualities of a seeker of knowledge – whom Allaah blesses and shows mercy – that he is merciful towards those around him, guides, teaches and aids them etc. If whilst in pursuit of knowledge you are merciful to the people – to colleagues and friends, and being present in cooperation and goodness, then receive glad tidings of Allaah’s Mercy and His true promise based on the statement of His Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him], “The merciful will be shown mercy by the Most Merciful”. (3)

Finally, Al-Allaamah Muqbil Bin Haadi Al-Waadi’ee [may Allaah have mercy upon him] stated, “If a person fears being amazed with himself, then let him not compare himself with contemporaries, (rather) look at Haafidh Ibn Hajr or Al-Haafidh Ibn katheer, Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah and other than them amongst the Huffaaz”. (4)

Imaam Ash-Shaafi’ee [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “If self-amazement is concealed within your deeds, then recall the one whose pleasure you are seeking, which blessings you desire and which outcome you fear. The one who ponders upon this, his actions will become small in his presence”. (5)

Imaam Sufyaan Ath’Thawree [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “Beware of what corrupts your deeds, for indeed Riyaa is what corrupts your deeds. And if it is not Riyaa, then it may be you being amazed with yourself until it makes you think that you are more virtuous than your brother. It may be that you have not achieved deeds the likes of which he has achieved, and it may be that he has more ورع [apprehensive fear (see footnote a)] and righteous deeds than you. And if it is not self-amazement, then beware of loving the praise of the people-loving their praise so that they may honour you due to your deeds and see you as someone of nobility and high status in their hearts. Remembering death a lot is enough to make you have less concern for the things of the worldly life and make you have a fervent desire for the afterlife. A prolonged hope (for the things of this worldly life) is enough as a (means) to having little fear of (Allaah) and committing acts of disobedience, and the distress and regret on the Day of Judgment is enough for the one who knows but does not act”. (6)

Footnote a: ورع Wara (apprehensive fear): The translation of this tern as ‘Apprehensive fear’ was taken from one of Shaikh Amjad Rafiq’s articles.

[Ref 1: Source: الوصايا الجليّة للاستفادة من الدروس العلميّة للشيخ العلامة صالح آل الشيخ- Question 3. Page 24. slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 2: An Excerpt from Tayseer al-Kareem ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam al-Mannaan]

[Ref 2.1: Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm’ pages 123-124]

[Ref 2.2: An Excerpt from Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm. page 86]

[Ref 2.3: An Excerpt from Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm’ page 123]

[Ref 3: An Excerpt From (الوصايا الجلية للاستفادة من الدروس العلمية – pages 30-32. paraphrased]
https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2022/10/29/a-young-student-of-knowledge-studying-in-a-muslim-country-gave-us-an-important-reminder/

[Ref 4: Al-Bashaa-ir Fis-Samaa-i Al-Mubaashir’ page 14. with introduction by Shaikh Muhammad Bin Abdul-Wahhaab Al-Wassaabee (rahimahullaah)]

[Ref 5: Siyar A’laam Nubulaa: 10/42]

[Ref 6: Hilyatul Awliyaa 6/391]

[5] Setting The Record Straight – [Our Senior Scholars Have Already Clarified Which Books Detail Aqeedah and Manhaj of The Salaf]

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

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

Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi Al-Mad’khali [may Allaah preserve him] was asked: Which books do you advise the student of knowledge to read-those that give special attention in making clear the Salafi Methodology for him?

Response: Firstly, I advise myself and my brothers [to concentrate on memorising and studying] the Book of Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic], for in it is guidance and light. It is the main foundation of Islaam and the Sunnah is its explanation and clarification. Thereafter, study the guidance of Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] from the Saheehayn [i.e. Bukhaari and Muslim], the four Sunan [i.e. Sunan Abu Dawood, Sunan Daraqutni, Sunan Ibn Maajah, Sunan Nasaa-I, Sunan Al-Kubraa of Bayhaqi], the Masaaneed [i.e. Musnad Ahmad, Musnad Abu Dawood At-Tayalisi, Musnad Ad-Daarimi, Musnad Abu Ya’laa etc], the Jawaami (see footnote a) and other than them.
I advise the students of knowledge to study these three Books of the Sunan which have been (transmitted) with authenticity from Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him], and that they study some sections in these Ummahaat [i.e. in Bukhaari, Muslim, Nasaa’ee, Abu Dawood, Tirmidhee, Ibn Maajah] and firmly concentrate on them in particular. That is because they are connected to the fundamental principles of the religion, such as kitaabul Ilm [the Book of Knowledge] in Saheeh Al-Bukhaari and kitaabul Imaan, because indeed Imaam Al-Bukhaari narrated – in this kitaabul Imaan- ahaadeeth in order clarify the methodology of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa’ah in the subject matter of Imaan, and in their chapter headings he rebutted the Murji’a- those who are in opposition to this fundamental. And he firmly placed in this great book [i.e. Saheeh Al-Bukhaari] the Book of Itisaam [.e. the book of holding onto the way of the Prophet], the Akhbaarul Aahaad and kitaab At-Tawheed. That is because these [affairs] are connected to the fundamentals of the religion and they are very important.

It is obligatory to have an understanding of them after acquiring understanding of the Book of Allaah [The Most High]. Likewise, concentrate on kitaab As-Sunnah in Sunan Abee Dawood because it is a very important fundamental and it agrees with Saheeh Al-Bukhari in these affairs that we have mentioned. And in it is a notification about bidah-the bidah of the Jahmiyyah, the khawaarij and other than them. It distinguished the Aqeedah of Ahlus Sunnah and its Madhab from the deviated Madhabs. So the fundamentals in this subject matter are to be studied.

Likewise, (study) kitaab Al-Ittibaa of Ibn Maajah [i.e. adherence to the Messenger’s path] and khalq Af’aal Al-Ibaad of Bukhaari, because by way of it a person becomes acquainted with great fundamentals from the fundamental principles of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa’ah regarding affairs related to the Qur’aan, (sound) creed, the Jahmiyyah and other than them amongst the people of bidah and misguidance. Likewise, [study] the first section of Sharhus Sunnah of Al-Baghawi because it concentrates on this subject matter. And ‘As-Sunnah’ of Al-khallaal, Sharh Usool Al-ittiqaad Ahlis Sunnah of Laalikaa’ee, Al-Hujja of Asfahaanee, Al-Ibaanah of Ibn Battah and what is similar to that.

Then the books of Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah and Ibnul Qayyim [may Allaah have mercy on both of them], because in them there is an unequivocal and sufficient clarification of the fundamental principles of the religion and its subsidiary affairs, and all praise is due to Allaah. In these affairs of knowledge there is life [for the hearts]. Learn the Qur’aan, the (sound) creed, the (sound) methodology, the (sound) fundamentals and the (sound) subsidiary affairs (of the religion) in a manner as if you were acquiring them from the mouth of Allaah’s Messenger, and likewise all the books we have mentioned in a manner as if you were acquiring them (directly) from the mouth of the Messenger, the Sahaabah and those who followed their path. Ibn Taymiyyah did not become outstanding, vast in knowledge and well established in clarifying the truth except after learning these books. So we should study these books and these chapters from them, and may Allaah bless you.

Then we study all the Sunan. We look into the books of Fiqh, the books of Tafseer, the books of Hadeeth-all of them are beneficial; but (one gives) specific concentration to these affairs [i.e. the creed and methodology], especially in these times because many deviations are [seen from] the people of innovated thought and politics- the Soofiyyah, the Rawaafid and other than them. These innovations, deviations and trials cannot be confronted except by way of knowledge that is acquired properly from the book of Allaah, the Sunnah of Messenger of Allaah and the understanding of the Salaf. And I ask Allaah to grant us and you understanding of His Religion and “Whoever Allaah wishes good for, He gives him understanding of the religion.’ [end of quote] [Audio lecture titled: Izaatul ilbaas Ammaa Ishtaba Fee Azhaan An-Naas]

Footnote a: The Jawaami [i.e. First category: Those books that gather different types of narrations on the subject matter of creed, rulings, affairs of the heart, manners of eating and drinking, travel, residence, subject matter of tafseer, history, affairs of trials and tribulations, signs of the hour, virtues of the companions etc]. Some Imaams who compiled these works and their titles include: Saheeh Al-Bukhaari; Saheeh Muslim; Al-Muwatta; Musnad Ahmad; Sunan An-Nasaa’ee; Sunan Abu Daawud; Sunan At-tirmidhee; Sunan Ibn Maajah; Sunan Ad-Daarimi; Saheeh Ibn Khuzaymah; Saheeh Ibn Hibbaan]; [Second category: Those are books whose authors intended to gather a large number of Prophetic Ahaadeeth, or gather Ahaadeeth of specific books, or gather different Ahaadeeth in a specific subject matter, such as ‘Jaami-ul Ahaadeeth of As-Suyooti; Jaami-ul usool Fee Ahaadeeth Ar-Rasool of Ibnul Atheer; Silsilah As-Saheehah of Albaanee; Sharh Mushkilah Al-Aathaar of Tahaawi; Al-Musnad Al-Jaami of Nawawi; Nailul Awtaar of Shawkaanee etc

NB: All these books mentioned by Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee [may Allaah preserve him] are to be studied under the scholars and their students, and not merely reading and deriving one’s own understanding from them.

Setting Record Straight – Clarifying Salafiyyah Is Not Something New! Resources by Our Nobel Elder Teachers: https://twitter.com/IslamStoke/status/1598730198450671622

[4] Setting The Record Straight – [Path to Acquiring Knowledge – By Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen and Al-Allaamah Ubaid Al-Jaabiri]

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Pearls of Wisdom, Scholars of Islam, Seeking Knowledge, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Imaam Muhammad Bin Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said that from that which is obligated on a student of knowledge to comply with is that he acquires knowledge directly from the Shaikhs, for indeed he will reach -by way of that- several benefits as follows:

*The path to acquiring knowledge will be shortened for him instead of moving from one book to another whilst trying to find out the view that carries more weight (in a particular subject matter) and the reason behind it; also trying to find out the weak view in (that particular subject matter) and the reason behind it. Instead of going through all this, the teacher will give him what he seeks after through an easy path, present to him – two, three or more than three – different views of the people of knowledge together with a clarification of the view that carries more weight and the proof. Indeed, there is no doubt that this is beneficial (or advantageous) for the student.

*He will be facilitated with the ability to grasp a subject matter quickly, because when the student of knowledge reads to a scholar, he will grasp the subject matter many times quicker than when he reads books (on his own). That is because when he read books, he may come across difficult and obscure statements (or expressions), so he needs contemplation and repetition, which requires time and effort, and he may understand those statements wrongly and then act upon them.

*Close connection (or attachment) between the students of knowledge and the erudite scholars- junior people of knowledge attached to senior people of knowledge.

These are from the benefits of acquiring knowledge directly from the Shaikhs; but as mentioned earlier, it is obligated on a person to choose a scholar who is reliable, trustworthy and strong – one who has real knowledge and understanding and not superficial knowledge; truthful and firm in fulfilling what is entrusted to him and known for fulfilling acts of worship, for indeed a student follows the footsteps of his teacher. [Sharh Hilyati Taalibil Ilm. pages 105-106. slightly paraphrased].

Question to Al-Allaamah Ubaid Bin Abdillaah Al-Jaabiri [may Allaah have mercy upon him]: Is it permissible for the one who seeks knowledge from some Shaikh – by way of books and audios – to say to him [i.e. the Shaikh], “Our Shaikh” and thus he becomes a Shaikh of his?

Answer: There’s no harm in considering someone as one’s Shaikh, but I bring your attention to the fact that there are two ways of acquiring knowledge. The first path is seeking knowledge in person and sitting to acquire knowledge from the scholar directly- sitting in his presence, learn good manners from him and good Tarbiyah. This is the ideal way and the loftiest. This is the way of the Sahaabah in acquiring knowledge from their Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him]- those who were with him in Madeenah and those who traveled to him. They acquired knowledge directly from the Prophet and taught their people. Likewise, this is how the Taabi’oon acquired knowledge from the Sahaabah- took knowledge (directly) from the Sahaabah, especially the seniors. Likewise, those who followed the Taabi’een did the same up to this era of ours. This is the correct and loftiest path of acquiring knowledge from a Shaikh.

The second path is to acquire knowledge from books and audios. There is no harm in this and it benefits, but it does not contain that which is found in the first method; rather it is for a woman and the one who is unable because of the difficulty in reaching the Shaikh due to distance, for one may not be able to sit in the presence of a scholar even in his own country. Not all women are able-some of them are sometimes able and unable at other times, and some are not able. So, these people benefit [i.e. from the books & tapes], but also they are not advised to enter into challenging (or very difficult) issues related to differences of opinion between the scholars; rather they entrust those affairs to the people of knowledge. And whoever is a teacher – one who gives instructions in knowledge (i.e. nurtures others) or an Imaam of a Masjid in his city district or town, we advise him to be at the service of the people and that he takes those questions of theirs which he is able to answer and respond to them in his city district. And those questions that carry difference of opinion and requires investigation, he offers his services to the people by sending those questions to the people of knowledge and take answers from them. This is a good service with regards to the Muslim helping another Muslim. [paraphrased] Listen to audio here: https://safeshare.tv/x/aIVf6vxUqh8#

All praise is due to Allaah, many Salafi Masaajid and Centres either have a resident student or a student who travels to them. Do not cling to books and abandon the study circles. Do not be like those youth who frown and are filled with a sense of false independence when told to take knowledge directly from those who are known to the scholars. May Allaah protect us from self-amazement Aameen.

Read: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2022/07/20/valuable-experiences-some-scholars-and-students-speaking-About-the-path-to-acquiring-knowledge-and-solidifying-ones-salafiyyah-from-day-one/

One of The Important Aims of The Students of Hadeeth

Written by faizkara on . Posted in Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Seeking Knowledge, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Imaam Ibnul Jawzi [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said:

I saw that solely being preoccupied with studying Fiqh and listening to (transmission) of hadeeth is not enough to rectify the heart, except combined with (the authentic narrations about) softening of the hearts and looking into the biographies of the pious predecessors. As for having knowledge of Halaal and Haraam only, it does not have a great strength (specifically) in softening the heart; rather the softening of the heart is (attained) by mentioning the narrations on the subject matter and the stories of the pious predecessors. That is because they (the pious predecessors) grasped the intent behind narrating (ahaadeeth), demonstrated the tangible obligated actions by way of them, the practical encounter with their meanings and the goals behind them. And there is nothing that will make you experience this, except after cultivation and experience. Indeed, a group of the pious predecessors aspired to see that a righteous slave should look to his character and upright guidance and not (merely) the knowledge he has acquired. That is because his character and upright guidance are the fruits of his knowledge. So understand this! The student of Hadeeth and Fiqh should combine (seeking after hadeeth and fiqh) with studying the lives of the pious predecessors and the Zuhhaad, so that it can be a means to softening the heart. Indeed, books have been compiled regarding the affairs and manners of each one of those well-known outstanding men (of piety). A book has been compiled regarding the affairs of Al-Hasan Al-Basri, Sufyaan Ath-Thawri, Ibraaheem Bin Ad-ham, Bishr Al-Haafiy, Ahmad Bin Hanbal, Ma’roof and other than them amongst the scholars and the Zuhhaad. (1)

Imaam Al-Khateeb Al-Baghdaadi [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “It is incumbent that the seekers of Hadeeth should be the (possessors of the) most perfect (behaviour, traits, manners, etiquettes etc) amongst the people, the most humble amongst the people, the greatest in their impartiality and adherence to the religion, the least in (deviating from good conduct) and (being overcome by) angry; and that is due to constantly lending an ear to the narrations that combine the excellent manners and etiquettes of Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him], the lives of the virtuous pious predecessors, the path of the scholars of Hadeeth and the virtues of the (pious ones and scholars) who have passed away; so they adhere to the most refined and excellent (aspects of those traits, etiquettes, manners etc) and turn away from the most despised and lowly (traits, behaviour, manners, etiquettes etc)”. (2)

[Ref 1: An Excerpt from ‘Saydul khaatir’ Page 171. Daar Ibn Rajab. 1st edition 2003. Slightly paraphrased]
[Ref 2: Jaami Bayaan Al-Ilm 1/78. Slightly paraphrased]

Manners of Giving Salaams When There is a Lesson or Gathering – Shaykh Salih al-Fawzaan

Written by Amjad Khan on . Posted in Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Salaah - Prayer, Seeking Knowledge, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

When a person enters upon a gathering which has scholars, students of knowledge, laypeople and they are speaking; does he give salaams and sit, or does he go round everyone giving them individual salaams?

There is no doubt that gatherings have (prescribed) manners, so if the people enter and this gathering is a gathering of knowledge and a lesson then indeed, he sits down and listens and delays the salaams until there is a gap, likewise if the sitting was a sitting of conversing and one person is speaking and the rest are listening then also, he sits and does not give salaam until the speech stops. As for if the speech was shared amongst the people sitting then indeed, he gives salaam generally and he can single out whoever he wishes to give salaam to alone.

http://www.alfawzan.af.org.sa/sites/default/files/14330102_01.mp3 .

Many people are Deprived of Knowledge due to Deficiency in Good Manners – Shaykh Abdullah Bukhari

Written by Amjad Khan on . Posted in Articles, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Seeking Knowledge.

Shaykh Abdullah Bukhari (hafidahullah),

“Many people are deprived of knowledge due to deficiency in good manners, Imam ibn Sireen said,
كانوا يتعلمون الهدي و الصمت كما يتعلمون العلم

(Shaykh Abdullah explains)
They (the salaf) used to learn manners just as they used to learn knowledge. It’s hoped you have read in some of the biographies of the scholars and rulers, that they would bring teachers of good manners and etiquettes to their children.

So, (in conclusion) a student of knowledge without manners is deficient and his lack of, or deficiency in manners is a cause for his being deprived (of good).”

Exp Three Fundamental Principles Lesson 1

Brief Reminder By One of Our Elder Teachers Regarding Some Fruitful Outcomes of Being Welcoming and Facilitating Ease For Learners

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Seeking Knowledge, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Our brother Abu Aa’isha Amjad Khan [may Allaah preserve him] transmitted to us yesterday that Shaikh Abu Khadeejah [may Allaah preserve him] said, “Salafi daʿwah is on the rise everywhere, and is more and more sought after by the people because you are welcoming them, and making things easy and not hard, and giving them glad-tidings and not causing them to flee– that’s the Sunnah of Abul-Qāsim (salallāhu ʿalayhi wasallam)”. [End of quote]

Indeed, this reminds us of a statement of some of the scholars, such as Shaikh Abdus Salaam Burgess [may Allaah have mercy upon him] when he stated: “It is obligated on the teacher to advise the learner – in everyway he can – with regards to learning, exercises patience when the learner does not comprehend, lacks the (most desired) behaviour (in the path of seeking knowledge) and is rough in his behaviour, alongside his (ie. the teacher) great eagerness and his observation of everything that will improve, refine and make the behaviour of the learner more agreeable, because indeed the learner has a right that should be fulfilled by the teacher in view of the fact that he has embarked upon the path to preoccup himself with knowledge that will benefit him and the people, specifically chosen the teacher and not others….. etc”

The Shaikh also said, “Therefore, the teacher is rewarded for his teaching whether the learner comprehends or not. If te learner comprehends what he has learnt, benefits himself and others, the teacher’s reward continues as long as that benefit carries on without disruption. This is a distribution and exchange the likes of which the competitors must compete one another. Therefore, it is incumbent upon the teacher to hasten – earnestly- to be well established in this and improve on it, because it from his deeds and outcomes of his deeds. Allaah said: [إِنَّا نَحۡنُ نُحۡىِ ٱلۡمَوۡتَىٰ وَنَڪۡتُبُ مَا قَدَّمُواْ وَءَاثَـٰرَهُمۡۚ -Verily, We give life to the dead, and We record that which they send before (them), and their traces]”. [36:12] [End of quote] (1) [See footnote a]

Footnote a: Allaah [The Exalted] said: [إِنَّا نَحۡنُ نُحۡىِ ٱلۡمَوۡتَىٰ وَنَڪۡتُبُ مَا قَدَّمُواْ وَءَاثَـٰرَهُمۡۚ وَكُلَّ شَىۡءٍ أَحۡصَيۡنَـٰهُ فِىٓ إِمَامٍ۬ مُّبِينٍ۬ – Verily, We give life to the dead, and We record that which they send before (them), and their traces, and that which they leave behind], and all things We have recorded with numbers (as a record) in a Clear Book].

[إِنَّا نَحۡنُ نُحۡىِ ٱلۡمَوۡتَىٰ – Verily, We give life to the dead]- Meaning, We’ll resurrect them after their death to recompense them for their deeds (2). [وَنَڪۡتُبُ مَا قَدَّمُواْ – and We record that which they send before (them)] – Meaning, good and evil, the deeds they did during their lifetime (3).

[وَءَاثَـٰرَهُمۡۚ – and their traces]. Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: That which they initiated of good or evil and thus they were followed by others after their death. (4)

Imaam Al-Aloosee [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: That which they left behind of good deeds, such as the knowledge they taught people, books they wrote, land they gave as endowment or a building they built in the path of Allaah and other good deeds; or sins, such as establishment of laws [legislation, rules, regulations etc] that are tantamount to oppression and transgression, or setting up principles amongst the people that are tantamount to evil and corruption, and the evil Funoon [i.e. haraam professions, crafts etc] which they initiated and were revived after them by the corrupt people. (5)

Imaam As-Sadi [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: It is the good and evil outcomes about which they were the cause of its occurrence during their life time and after their death, and those deeds that emanated from their statements, deeds and circumstances. Every good performed by one of the people due to the knowledge of the servant, his teaching and advice, or through enjoying good and forbidding evil, or knowledge he transmitted to the learners, or in a book which is benefitted from during his life and after his death, or a good deed, such as Salaah, Zakaat, Sadaqah or kindness based on which he was followed, or built a masjid or a place which the people benefit from and what is similar, it will be from the good outcomes that are written for him, and likewise are the evil outcomes. The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “Whoever starts a good thing [i.e. something other than bidah and sin] and is followed by others, he will have his own reward and a reward equal to that of those who follow him, without it detracting from their reward in any way. Whoever starts a bad thing [i.e. a bidah, sin or something that opposes Islaam] and is followed by others, will bear the burden of his own sin and a burden equal to that of those who follow him, without it detracting from their burden in any way”. [Reported by al-Tirmidhi, no. 2675]

This subject matter makes clear to you the lofty station of calling to the path of Allaah, guidance to His path through every means and path that leads to it; and the lowly status of the caller to evil and a leader in it, and that he is the most degraded human being, one who has committed the severest crime and the greatest sin. (6) [End of quote]

Imaam Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahhaab [may allaah have mercy upon him] stated in Al-Usool Ath-Thalaatha: “I’lam, Rahimakallaah – Know, may Allah have mercy upon you”. Al-Allaamah Saaleh Al-Fawzaan [may Allaah preserve him] stated: “Rahimakallaah” – this is a supplication made for the student of knowledge. The Shaikh [Imam Muhammad ibn Abdul Wahhaab] supplicates for the Mercy of Allaah upon the students of knowledge, that Allaah has mercy upon them. So in this there is gentleness from the teacher towards the student. Indeed he [the teacher] begins with a good word and a righteous supplication [for the student] so that it has an effect and thereby making the student incline towards his teacher with acceptance. But if he began with a harsh statement or a statement not deemed proper, this would make him [i.e. the student] flee.

Therefore, it is obligated on the teacher and the one who calls to Allaah, and the one who enjoins good and forbids evil, that he is gentle with the one he addresses – by way of supplication for him, commendation and soft speech. For indeed, this calls for acceptance [i.e. one’s call to the truth to be accepted by the ones he is calling]. However, as for the Mu’aanid, [the stubborn wilful opposer], indeed this one is to be addressed differently. Allaah [Glorified be He] said: [وَلَا تُجَـٰدِلُوٓاْ أَهۡلَ ٱلۡڪِتَـٰبِ إِلَّا بِٱلَّتِى هِىَ أَحۡسَنُ إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُواْ مِنۡهُمۡ‌ۖ – And argue not with the people of the Scripture unless it be in a way that is better, except with such of them as do wrong]. [29:46]

Those who do wrong among the people of the scripture- wilfully opposing and are haughty- these ones are not addressed with that which is better; rather they are addressed with that which will prevent from their [harm and misguidance]. Allaah said: [يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلنَّبِىُّ جَـٰهِدِ ٱلۡڪُفَّارَ وَٱلۡمُنَـٰفِقِينَ وَٱغۡلُظۡ عَلَيۡہِمۡ‌ۚ وَمَأۡوَٮٰهُمۡ جَهَنَّمُ‌ۖ وَبِئۡسَ ٱلۡمَصِيرُ – O Prophet (Muhammad)! Strive hard against the disbelievers and the hypocrites, and be harsh against them, their abode is Hell,-and worst indeed is that destination]. [9:73]

Striving against the hypocrites is not carried out with weapons, rather it is carried out with proofs, statements, refutation against them with harshness that will prevent [them from propagating their misguidance and harm] and to keep the people away from them. Allah said about them [i.e. the hypocrites]: [وَقُل لَّهُمۡ فِىٓ أَنفُسِہِمۡ قَوۡلاَۢ بَلِيغً۬ا – But admonish them, and speak to them an effective word to reach their innerselves] [4:63]

Therefore, there is a specific type of speech that is prescribed for these people because they are wilful opposers and people afflicted with pride. They do not want the truth, rather they want to misguide the people. So they are addressed in a way they deserve. As for the seeker of guidance, this one is addressed with gentleness and mercy. That is because he wants the truth, knowledge and Faa’idah [i.e. that which will benefit him]. (7) [End of quote]

Therefore, O Maraakiz of Salafiyyah in the West! Be welcoming, facilitate ease and be gentle to the learners. Do not make anyone flee from the lessons due to harsh speech, rather encourage people with gentle speech and let everyone acquire what he is able to acquire. Do Not Dare Say to Anyone In Any UK Markaz or Masjid, “You Are a Waste of Time In Your Pursuit of Knowledge”: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2022/10/24/do-not-dare-say-to-anyone-in-any-uk-markaz-or-masjid-you-are-a-waste-of-time-in-your-pursuit-of-knowledge/

[Ref 1: An Excerpt from Awaa’iq At-Talab. pages 58-59. paraphrased]

 

[Refs. 2 & 3: An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi. Daar Ibn Hazm. 1st edition 1424AH (2003). Slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 4. An Excerpt from Badaa’i at-Tafseer Al-Jaami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imaam Ibnul Qayyim 2/358. Daar Ibn Al-Jawziy 1431AH. Slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 5: An Excerpt from Roohul Ma’aanee 12/325. Daar Al-Fikr. 1417AH (1997). Slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 6: An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi. Daar Ibn Hazm. 1st Edition 1424AH (2003). Slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 7: An Excerpt from ‘Sharh Usool Ath-Thalaatha. page13-15. Slightly paraphrased]