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Giving Importance to the Prayer and Perservering upon it is a Cause of Provision – Shaykh Uthaymīn

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

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Shaykh Shaykh Uthaymīn (rahimahullāh) explained and extracted multiple benefits from verse 132 of Surah Ta-Ha:

وَأۡمُرۡ أَهۡلَكَ بِٱلصَّلَوٰةِ وَٱصۡطَبِرۡ عَلَيۡہَا‌ۖ لَا نَسۡـَٔلُكَ رِزۡقً۬ا‌ۖ نَّحۡنُ نَرۡزُقُكَ‌ۗ وَٱلۡعَـٰقِبَةُ لِلتَّقۡوَىٰ (١٣٢)

And enjoin As-Salât (the prayer) on your family, and be patient in offering them [i.e. the Salât (prayers)]. We ask not of you a provision (i.e. to give Us something: money); We provide for you. And the good end (i.e. Paradise) is for the Muttaqûn (pious and righteous persons – see V.2:2). (Ta Ha: 132)

Benefits extracted from this verse are:

  1. The importance of the prayer.
  2. The obligation of commanding the family with the prayer, and that which they need to perform it (wudhu etc).
  3. The obligation of patiently persevering upon the prayer, even if a person endures what he endures from striving of his soul.
  4. Allah’s complete Self Sufficiency  (The Most High) of having any need of His creation, since He does not command us to seek provision from us.
  5. That giving importance, care and concern to the prayer; and patiently persevering upon it is a means of gaining provision.
  6. That having taqwa of Allāh (Mighty & Majestic) is a cause for a praiseworthy and good outcome in this life and the next.

Al-ilmām bi b’ad Āyāt al-Ahkhām Tafsīran wa Istimbātan Pgs. 54-55

22 Benefits Extracted By Shaykh al-‘Uthaymīn from the Verses of Fasting (Al-Baqarah:183-186)

Written by Amjad Khan on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Articles, Basics, Featured, Qur'aan, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

‎يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ

O you who believe! Observing As-Ṣaum (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqūn (the pious – see V. 2:2).

‎أَيَّامًا مَّعْدُودَاتٍ فَمَن كَانَ مِنكُم مَّرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ وَعَلَى الَّذِينَ يُطِيقُونَهُ فِدْيَةٌ طَعَامُ مِسْكِينٍ فَمَن تَطَوَّعَ خَيْرًا فَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَّهُ وَأَن تَصُومُوا خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ

[Observing Ṣaum (fasts)] for a fixed number of days, but if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number (should be made up) from other days. And as for those who can fast with difficulty, (e.g. an old man, etc.), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a Miskīn (poor person) (for every day). But whoever does good of his own accord, it is better for him. And that you fast, it is better for you if only you know.

‎شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي أُنزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَاتٍ مِّنَ الْهُدَىٰ وَالْفُرْقَانِ فَمَن شَهِدَ مِنكُمُ الشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُ وَمَن كَانَ مَرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ بِكُمُ الْيُسْرَ وَلَا يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ الْعُسْرَ وَلِتُكْمِلُوا الْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَاكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ

The month of Ramaḍān in which was revealed the Qurān, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan i.e. is present at his home), he must observe Ṣaum (fasts) that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe Ṣaum (fasts) must be made up] from other days. Allāh intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you. (He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allāh [i.e. to say Takbir (Allāhu-Akbar; Allāh is the Most Great) on seeing the crescent of the months of Ramaḍān and Shawwāl] for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him.

‎وَإِذَا سَأَلَكَ عِبَادِي عَنِّي فَإِنِّي قَرِيبٌ أُجِيبُ دَعْوَةَ الدَّاعِ إِذَا دَعَانِ فَلْيَسْتَجِيبُوا لِي وَلْيُؤْمِنُوا بِي لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْشُدُونَ

And when My slaves ask you (O Muḥammad ṣallallāhu alaihi wa salam) concerning Me, then (answer them), I am indeed near (to them by My Knowledge). I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on Me (without any mediator or intercessor). So let them obey Me and believe in Me, so that they may be led aright.

Shaykh Muḥammad Ibn Ṣālih al-‘Uthaymīn(raḥimahullāh) extrapolates 22 benefits from the 4 āyāt of Al-Baqarah:183-186:

  1. The obligation of fasting Ramaḍān upon this nation.
  2. That fasting was obligatory upon those who came before us from other nations.
  3. The importance of fasting, since it was obligatory upon all of the nations.
  4. The tremendous wisdom of fasting is to attain the Taqwa of Allāh (The Mighty & Majestic).
  5. That fasting is an easy obligation; in that it is not performed for years or months; rather it is only for a fixed number of days, specified for this nation during the month of Ramaḍān.
  6. Fasting is not obligatory to be performed by the sick person, who fasting is difficult upon, or the traveller.
  7. At the beginning of the obligation of fasting, the people had the choice between fasting or feeding a person, this was to make it easy for the people and to allow them to adjust to the obligation of fasting.
  8. Affairs wherein there is difficulty on the souls, then there is wisdom in the Islamic legislation in progressing gradually.
  9. The specifying of Ramaḍān for the obligation of fasting upon this nation.
  10. The wisdom behind specifying Ramadhan for fasting, is that the Qurān was revealed in it.
  11. The virtue of the Qurān, due to that which is mentioned of its tremendous characteristics.
  12. An exhortation and encouragement to return to the Qurān for whosoever desires guidance and beneficial knowledge.
  13. Clarification that Allāh wants for this nation, ease in their religion.
  14. Affirmation of the Will of Allāh (The Mighty & Majestic).
  15. Allah wants from us to complete the period (of fasting) and to glorify him due to Him guiding us.
  16. It is obligatory to make up the amount of fasts that were not kept in Ramadhān, even if it was 29 days (of fasts to catch up).
  17. Carrying out and establishing acts of worship is from showing thanks and gratitude to Allah (The Most High).
  18. Allah blessing upon his servants by clarifying that which they asked about Him.
  19. Allah is close to His servants by way of His Vast Knowledge of them.
  20. Allah answers the call of the supplicant, who supplicates to Him, when he supplicates to Him with sincerity and truthfulness.
  21. The obligation of seeking after the answering of a request of Allāh to your supplications and having ēmān in Him.
  22. Seeking Allāh’s response and answering of your request and having ēmān in Him is guidance and a cause of guidance in all deeds.

Al-ilmām bi b’ad Āyāt al-Ahkhām Tafsīran wa Istimbātan Pgs. 256-257

The Prophet (sallallāhu alaihi wa salam) was Commanded with Seeking Forgiveness, so What About Us?

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

Shaykh Uthaymīn (rahimahullaah) explains al-Istigfār:

The author (Imām an-Nawawi (rahimahullāh)) completed his book (Riyādh as-Sālihīn) – this tremendously beneficial book which Muslims in all corners of the world benefit from (the layperson and the students of knowledge) – with istigfār.

Al-istigfār: means to seek forgiveness, and there is not a single person except that he errs, as the Prophet (sallallāhu alaihi wa salam) said,

“All of mankind err, and the best of those who err are those who repent.” (1)

And mistakes which occur from mankind, are either by way of shortcomings in the performance of an obligation or by the committing of a prohibition.

Mankind is not free from falling into these errors, however the cure of sins and shortcomings is al-istigfār (Alhamdulilāh).

And in an athar, it’s narrated that Shaytān said,

“I have destroyed the people with sins, and I have been destroyed by La Ilāha illa Allāh”

Seeking forgiveness is a means of (gaining) forgiveness, due to this, Allāh commanded with istigfār in many verses of the Qurān.

‎فَاعْلَمْ أَنَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَاسْتَغْفِرْ لِذَنبِكَ وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِ

So know (O Muhammad SAW) that La ilaha ill-Allah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah), and ask forgiveness for your sin, and also for (the sin of) believing men and believing women. (Muhammad: 19)

So Allāh (The Most High) commanded his prophet (sallallāhu alaihi wa salam) to know that there is no deity truly deserving of worship except Allah alone. And he commanded him with seeking forgiveness,

‎وَاسْتَغْفِرْ لِذَنبِكَ

And this was the prophet, he who Allāh has forgiven all of his actions, yet he was still commanded to seek forgiveness.

Likewise, in many verses Allāh has praised those who seek his forgiveness;

‎وَالْمُسْتَغْفِرِينَ بِالْأَسْحَارِ

And those who pray and beg Allah’s Pardon in the last hours of the night. (Āli Imrān: 17)

They are those who seek Allah’s forgiveness in the last part of the night.

The scholars said, that they are those who establish tahajjud and stand the night in prayer, worshipping Allāh, and regard themselves to be deficient, so they ask for Allāh’s forgiveness.

This is alongside the fact that they are from those who pray tahajjud and stand the night in prayer, and they seek forgiveness fearing their shortcomings, hence it is a must for people to be plentiful in seeking Allāh’s Forgiveness (The Mighty and Majestic).

Sharh Riyādh as-Sālihīn Vol.6 Pgs. 711-713

(1) Tirmidhi 2423

Distinguishing Characteristics and Virtues of Ramadhān – Shaykh Sālih al-Fawzān

Written by Amjad Khan on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Articles, Basics, Fasting, Featured, Islamic Jurisprudence - 'Fiqh', Purification of The Soul, Ramadhan, Salaah - Prayer, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

Shaykh Sālih al-Fawzān said,

Indeed the virtues of the month of Ramadhān are numerous, from them are the following:

1. A Pillar of Islām is Performed in Ramadhān.

Allāh has specified Ramadhān for the performance of a pillar (fasting) from the pillars of Islām. This is sufficient to show us the nobility and virtue of this month.

2. The Qur’ān was Revealed in Ramadhān.

The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’ān. (Al-Baqarah: 185)

This is a tremendous virtue, this time was designated for the revelation of the greatest book (the Qur’ān) from the books of Allāh.

A benefit taken from this is that the recitation of the Qur’ān during this month has a greater virtue than any other month. Even though it is desirable for the Muslim to be plentiful in recitation of the Qur’ān in every month, however in this month, the month which the Qur’ān was revealed in, the month wherein Jibreel (alayhis salām) would come and review the Qur’ān with the Prophet (sallallāhu alaihi wa salam), this month has tremendous virtue in reciting the Qur’ān.

All year round the reward for one letter is ten rewards, however during Ramadhān this is multiplied.

3. The Night of Decree is in Ramadhān.

This month has within it, a night which is better than a thousand months. So whosoever prays and worships Allāh upon this night, seeking his reward, then he will be rewarded with the equivalent of 1000 months. And if we calculated this in years it is more than 80 years, all of that time being as if a person was in the worship and obedience of Allāh.

4. Rewards are Multiplied during Ramadhān.

From the virtues and excellent qualities of this month, is that righteous deeds are multiplied in reward many times over, more than in any other month, this is due to the nobility of this month.

5. Tarāwīh is Specified during Ramadhān.

Allāh specified this month with the establishment of the Tarāwīh prayer -which is prayed in congregation in the masājid – and this does not take place in any other month. This shows us Ramadhān’s virtue and great status with Allāh.

6. Gates to Paradise are Open and Gates to the Fire are Closed

During Ramadhān the gates to Jannah are opened to accept righteous actions and their performers, whilst the gates of the fire are closed and disobedience and sinning becomes less during this month.

7. The Devils are Chained and Shackled.

Allāh restrains the devils from the believers during this month, therefore, they do not cause corruption to their worship, because of this you will find the people striving upon acts of worship, even those who are normally lazy and negligent throughout the rest of the year. You will see them striving upon acts of worship during Ramadhān, this is something clear (and well known).

This is because the devils are shackled away from the people of ēmān. As for the disbelievers and hypocrites, then indeed the shayātīn have authority over them in Ramadhān and other than it.

We ask Allāh (Mighty and Majestic) to bless us all, with the good and blessings of Ramadhān, and to make us all from those who take benefit from its virtues and rewards, and we ask that we are not prevented from its virtues and rewards, nor are we prevented from performing righteous actions in this month or other then it.

Abridged and Paraphrased from Shaykh Fawzāns Majālis Shahr Ramadhān al-Mubārak pgs 8-11

The Imam should consider the conditions of the weak, elderly and other than them during all Prayers – Al-Imam ‘Abdul ‘Aziz ibn Baz

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Basics, Fasting, Fatawa-Rulings, Featured, Ramadhan, Salaah - Prayer, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

The Imam ‘Abdul ‘Aziz ibn Baz said:

This is a sought-after affair in all the prayers; in taraaweeh and in the (five daily) compulsory prayers, due to his statement (sallallahu alaihi wa salam), 

Whoever of you leads the people (in prayer), then lighten it, for indeed amongst them are the weak and the young and those with needs. (Bukhari & Muslim). 

Hence, the imam considers those being led in prayer and is gentle with them regarding the taraaweeh (in general) and during the last ten nights. This is because people are not all the same (in ability, strength and eeman), people differ, therefore it is a must for the imam to consider their situation, and to encourage them to come and to attend; when he lengthens (the prayer) it becomes difficult upon them and they become averse from attending. 

So, it is a must for him to consider that which will be a means of encouragement for them to attend, and make them desirous of attending the prayer, even if this is by shortening and not lengthening. 

A prayer wherein the people have khushoo and are at peace during it; even if short is better than a prayer which causes the lack of khushoo and causes annoyance, and negligence.

Majmoo’ Fataawa wa Maqaalat Mutanawiyya – Shaykh b. Baz Vol.11 Pgs. 336-337

Fasting is Beloved to Allāh – Shaykh Fawzān

Written by Amjad Khan on . Posted in Articles, Basics, Fasting, Ramadhan, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

Shaykh Sālih al-Fawzān said,

Fasting is beloved to Allāh, due to this it is compulsory upon the fasting person to rectify his intention, making his fasting sincerely for Allāh. And he should intend to draw closer to Allāh, with his fasting, whilst being patient with any difficulties he finds in fasting, because fasting is an act of obedience to Allāh. Therefore, upon him is to purify his intention and to be patient.

He should then also know, that fasting isn’t merely refraining from food and drink; rather it is also refraining from everything Allāh has prohibited. He protects his hearing and tongue from that which is prohibited, such as backbiting; slandering and listening to music. And he protects his sight from looking at those things which are prohibited for him. These affairs are prohibited throughout the year, but even more so for the fasting person.

It could be the case that a fasting persons hunger is severe upon him, as is his thirst and tiredness, but he has no reward with Allāh. This is because of his tongue, speaking with that which is prohibited. His eyes looking at that which is prohibited. And his ears listening to that which is prohibited. This person in reality, he didn’t fast (in the complete sense), he merely left off food and drink.

Fasting is a tremendous act of worship, if someone fasts, then indeed he should stay far away from everything which is unsuitable and unbefitting.

A fasting person is similar to the one performing hajj or umrah, they have to leave off some affairs which are permissible. For example eating and drinking in their origin are permissible. However whilst fasting, he abstains from them.  And likewise he must stay away from those affairs which are impermissible, whilst fasting and at all other times, but the issue becomes even more severe whilst fasting.

Hence, it is obligatory upon the fasting person to take care of his fast from everything which will affect it negatively.

Abridged and Paraphrased from Shaykh Sālih al-Fawzān’s, Majālis Shahr Ramadhan al-Mubārak pgs 14-16

The Repugnant and Reprehensible Person – Imām as-Sa’di (rahimahullāh)

Written by Amjad Khan on . Posted in Articles, Basics, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Deviated Callers & Individuals, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan.

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لِمَ تَقُولُونَ مَا لَا تَفْعَلُونَ

‏O you who believe! Why do you say that
‏which you do not do? (As-Saff: 2)

Imām as-Sa’di (rahimahullāh) explains this verse,

“Whoever speaks (and disseminates guidance and) the truth, yet their actions are in opposition to it; they (and their actions) are repugnant and reprehensible. Whereas the praiseworthy outcome  is for the person whose outward state, inward state, his statements and his actions are in conformity with the truth.”

Fath ar-Rahīm al-Malik al-‘Allām fī ‘ilm al-‘Aqā’id wa at-Tawhīd wa al-Akhlāq wa al-Ahkhām al-Mustambita min al-Qur’ān – pg 213

The Result of Seeking Guidance from Other than the Qur’ān and the Sunnah – Imām As-Sa’di (rahimahullāh)

Written by Amjad Khan on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Articles, Basics, Bid'ah (Innovation), Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Qur'aan.

Imām As-Sa’di (rahimahullāh) explained the following part of āyah 73 from sūrah Āli Imrān:

‎قُلْ إِنَّ الْهُدَىٰ هُدَى اللَّهِ

“Verily! Right guidance is the Guidance of Allah” (Āli- Imrān: 73)

This verse and those similar to it, show us that whomsoever seeks guidance and the correct way from other than the Qur’ān and the Sunnah, then he has become misguided and left the correct path. Because (true) guidance is restricted to the guidance of Allāh, that which he sent with the Messenger (sallallāhu alaihi wa salam).

Fath ar-Rahīm al-Malik al-‘Alām fī ‘ilm al-‘Aqā’id wa at-Tawhīd wa al-Akhlāq wa al-Ahkhām al-Mustambita min al-Qur’ān – pg 216

Categories of Sins and Characteristics of the True Believers – Shaykh Sālih al-Fawzān

Written by Amjad Khan on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Articles, Basics, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul.

Shaykh Sālih al-Fawzān explains verses 7-8 of Al-Hujurāt and within theses verses are the following benefits:

  • A categorisation of sins..
  • A description of the rightly guided believers.
  • An exhortation to not be deceived by ones own actions or knowledge.
  • And an elucidation of why some people are provided with certain blessings by Allāh.

‎وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّ فِيكُمْ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ لَوْ يُطِيعُكُمْ فِي كَثِيرٍ مِّنَ الْأَمْرِ لَعَنِتُّمْ وَلَٰكِنَّ اللَّهَ حَبَّبَ إِلَيْكُمُ الْإِيمَانَ وَزَيَّنَهُ فِي قُلُوبِكُمْ وَكَرَّهَ إِلَيْكُمُ الْكُفْرَ وَالْفُسُوقَ وَالْعِصْيَانَ أُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الرَّاشِدُونَ

And know that, among you there is the Messenger of Allāh (sallallāhu alaihi wa salam). If he were to obey you (i.e. follow your opinions and desires) in much of the matter, you would surely be in trouble, but Allāh has endeared the Faith to you and has beautified it in your hearts, and has made disbelief, wickedness and disobedience (to Allāh and His Messenger (sallallāhu alaihi wa salam) hateful to you. These! They are the rightly guided ones. (Al-Hujurāt: 7)

Shaykh Sālih al-Fawzān in explanation of the end of this verse says,

Sins are of three categories;

  1. Disbelief, which exits a person from the religion.
  2. Wickedness, which does not remove a person from the religion, however it decreases ēmān, such as the major sins which are lesser than shirk, this is (what is intended by) wickedness.
  3.  Disobedience; these are the rest of the prohibited affairs which do not reach the level of a major sin.

Allāh has made these three categories detested to the believers, those with true belief. (This enables them to stay away from perpetrating these sins.)

Firstly, disbelief is hated to them, due to their ēmān being firm and established.

Secondly, wickedness is hated to them, because of this they do not commit major sins, the likes of drinking alcohol, fornication, stealing e.t.c.

Thirdly, disobedience is hated to them, as a result of this they do not oppose the prohibitions (which are established from the sunnah of Allāh’s Messenger (sallallāhu alaihi wa salam)).

When it reaches them that the prophet (sallallāhu alaihi wa salam) forbade something, they stay far away from it and they are not tempted to carry it out ever. This is because they hate it, since Allāh has placed in their hearts dislike for it.

‎ أُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الرَّاشِدُونَ
These! They are the rightly guided ones.

Meaning those who are described with the aforementioned characteristics in the verse. They are the rightly guided ones. And being rightly guided is in opposition to being upon misguidance.

Allāh (Subhānahu wa ta’āla) said,

‎قَد تَّبَيَّنَ الرُّشْدُ مِنَ الغَيِّ

Verily, the Right Path has become distinct from the wrong path.

and His statement (The Mighty & Majestic),

‎وَإِن يَرَوْا كُلَّ آيَةٍ لَّا يُؤْمِنُوا بِهَا وَإِن يَرَوْا سَبِيلَ الرُّشْدِ لَا يَتَّخِذُوهُ سَبِيلًا وَإِن يَرَوْا سَبِيلَ الْغَيِّ يَتَّخِذُوهُ سَبِيلًا

And if they see the way of righteousness (monotheism, piety, and good deeds), they will not adopt it as the Way, but if they see the way of error (polytheism, crimes and evil deeds), they will adopt that way (Al-A’rāf: 146)

Then He said,

‎فَضْلًا مِّنَ اللَّهِ وَنِعْمَةً وَاللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ

(This is) a Grace from Allah and His Favour. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (Al-Hujurāt: 8)

This which has transpired for the rightly guided (of guidance and praiseworthy characteristics), has only occurred due to the Favour and Grace of Allāh, not due to their own power or strength. Indeed it is only due to Allāh who has given them success.

This (verse) has within it a reminder that a person shouldn’t be deceived with what he has from religion, knowledge or acts of worship. Instead, he thanks Allah for His blessings upon him (verbally with the tongue and physically with his limbs by using these blessings in the obedience of Allah), and he acknowledges (with his heart) that this is a favour from Allah bestowed upon him.

‎وَاللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ 

Allāh is All-Knowing of who is deserving of this grace and blessing.

حَكِيمٌ

He is the All-Wise, meaning he places affairs in their appropriate places, therefore he does not bestow this grace and blessing upon those who do not deserve it, verily He only bestows it upon those who are befitting of it.

Shaykh Fawzān’s Mā Tayassar wa Tahassal min Durūs al-Qurān fī Hizb al-Mufassal Vol.1 Pgs. 23-24

 

 

People cannot Bestow Blessings Upon Themselves or Others – Shaykh Fawzān

Written by Amjad Khan on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Articles, Basics, Islamic Jurisprudence - 'Fiqh', Monotheism - Tawheed.

Shaykh Sālih al-Fawzān:

Allah (Subhānahu wa ta’āla) began this great sūrah (Suratul Mulk) with praise and glorification of Himself, and He is the most deserving to be praised and glorified.

The meaning of تبارك (tabāraka) is تعاظم. Allāh is the one who, when performing dhikr of him, blessings are obtained from (when done sincerely for Allāh and in accordance with the sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (sallallāhu alaihi wa salam)). He is the one who sends down blessings and He is the one who bestows blessings on whomsoever He wills.

This word ‘tabāraka’ does not apply except when speaking of Allāh, hence it is not allowed to say to someone “Oh so and so, tabārak upon us”, as some of the ignoramuses say.

However, as for saying to someone, you are “mubārak”, then there is no issue with it, because the meaning of “mubārak” is that Allāh (Subhānahu wa ta’āla) has blessed you and bestowed his blessings upon you.

Allāh (Subhānahu wa ta’āla) said:

‎وَجَعَلَنِي مُبَارَكًا أَيْنَ مَا كُنتُ

“And He has made me blessed wheresoever I be (Sūrah Maryam: 31)
and

‎كِتَابٌ أَنزَلْنَاهُ إِلَيْكَ مُبَارَكٌ

(This is) a Book (the Qur’ān) which We have sent down to you, full of blessings (Sūrah Sād: 29).

Therefore, Allāh is the one who bestows blessings and places blessings in whoever, wherever and whatsoever he wills. As for mankind, they can not bless themselves, indeed it is only Allāh who gives mankind blessings and makes them blessed.

Slightly Paraphrased from Shaykh Sālih al-Fawzān’s ‘Mā Tayassara wa Tahassala min Durūs al-Qurān fī Hizb al-Mufassal’ Vol.2 Page 6