In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Is The Affair “Saudi Arabia Vs Iran” or “Islam Vs Raafidah, Shirk Vs Tawheed, Sunnah Vs Bidah?!” [A Brief Rebuttal of GÖKHAN ERELI at Daily Sabah]: PDF here: 1_Islam_Vs_Raafidah_Shirk_Vs_Tawheed_Bidah_Vs_Sunnah
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
The pilgrimage site of Eyüp Sultan [Turkey]! [A Warning Against Shirk and Bidah]
Quote from the Pdf: Abu Hurairah [may Allaah be pleased with him] reported that the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “Do not set out on a journey except for three mosques – the Masjid Al-Haraam (at Makkah), Masjid Ar-Rasool (the Messenger’s mosque in Madeenah) and Masjid Al-Aqsaa (at Jerusalem)”. [Saheeh al-Bukhaari Number 1189] The Pilgrimage Site of Eyüp Sultan (Turkey)_Part_One
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Popular Culture And The Believers:
[Believers Ask Allaah For Firmness And Do Not Mind Being Labelled Strange Whilst Adhering to Unadulterated Path of The Prophets]
Read: Issue Which Arise After The Time of Revelation For Which There Is No Specific Text: Al-Masaalih Al-Mursalah and How Islam Is Applicable In Every Age: By Shaikh Abu Khadeejah [may Allaah preserve him]
https://www.abukhadeejah.com/issues-which-arise-after-the-time-of-revelation-for-which-there-is-no-specific-text-al-masalih-al-mursalah-and-how-islam-is-applicable-in-every-age/
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-56508475
How Do We Approach The Affair of The Nations of The Past
Allaah [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. [3:137]
Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [may Allaah 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 Allaah and disbelief in Allaah’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”. (1)
Imaam Muhammad Bin Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen [may Allaah 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 Allaah’s blessings upon us that the occurrence of a complete destruction is removed from us, and that were it not for Allaah’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 Allaah: “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 Aayah is that what is similar to the punishment they received will happen in the Hereafter, and Allaah knows best. (2)
Reviving The Traditions of The Disbelievers
The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “The most hated people to Allaah are three: a person who deviates from right conduct [i.e. an evil doer] in the Haram [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”. [Saheeh Al-Bukhaari 6882]
Al-Allaamah Zayd Bin Haadee Al-Madkhalee [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “These three deeds are from the major sins. The first major sin is Al-Ilhaad Fil Haram [i.e. deviating from right conduct in the sanctuaries of Makkah and Madeenah]. Ilhaad means to deviate from the truth (and enter into) falsehood, and supporting falsehood in order to obliterate the truth. Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] censured the Mulhideen Fil Haram [i.e. those who deviate from right conduction in 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 (i.e. practice polytheism and leave Islamic Monotheism), We shall make him taste a painful torment]. [Surah Al-Hajj. Aayah 25]
Allaah promised them (a severe punishment) due to the mere fact they intend evil actions therein [i.e. in the sanctuaries of Makkah and Madeenah], then how about perpetrating such deed! Indeed that would be a more severe sin, a more frightening state and a more severe punishment. This is a proof regarding the virtue of the sanctuaries of the Haram- that it is a sacred land chosen by Allaah and He made it a place where virtuous acts of worship are performed, (such as) the Hajj which is one of the pillars of Islaam. Allaah gave this place virtues that cannot be enumerated, such as the increased reward attached to good deeds [performed in Makkah and Madeenah] and gave this land virtue over all other lands of the earth.
The second major sin is committed by the person who wants that the pre-Islamic traditions should remain in Islaam, as if he gives precedence to the pre-Islamic traditions – the evil customs that were followed during that period and the misguided deeds- over the Islamic practices, Eemaan, Ihsaan, their virtue and virtue of the Sunnah. He is guilty of committing a major sin, and this includes giving precedence to religious innovations over (the authentic) Sunnah that guides to the straight path.
The third major sin is to seek to shed somebody’s blood without any right – meaning: seeking to shed the blood of a Muslim without right and doing so based on oppression and animosity. Shedding the blood of a Muslim is a great crime, just as the Prophet said, “The extinction of the whole world is less significant to Allaah than killing a Muslim [i.e. unlawfully]”. And he [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] stated regarding the rights of the Ka’bah, “How great you are and how great is your sanctity! But the sanctity of a believer is greater than yours in the sight of Allaah”. It is not permissible to transgress against the Muslims and the believers – males and females- in the sanctuaries of [Makkah and Madeenah] or in other places due to the great sin and punishment which results from that. (3)
Praiseworthy And Blameworthy Rejoicing
Allaah [The Most High] said:
قُلۡ بِفَضۡلِ ٱللَّهِ وَبِرَحۡمَتِهِۦ فَبِذَٲلِكَ فَلۡيَفۡرَحُواْ هُوَ خَيۡرٌ۬ مِّمَّا يَجۡمَعُونَ
Say: “In the Bounty of Allah, and in His Mercy; -therein let them rejoice.” That is better than what (the wealth) they amass.’’ [Surah Yonus. Verse 58]
[قُلۡ بِفَضۡلِ ٱللَّهِ -Say: In the Bounty of Allaah]- Meaning: the Qur’aan, which is the greatest blessing and favour, and a conferment by way of which Allaah preferred His [believing] slaves [over others]; [وَبِرَحۡمَتِهِ -And in His Mercy]-Meaning: The Religion [of Islaam], Eemaan, worship of Allaah, love of Him, and knowledge and awareness of Him; [فَلۡيَفۡرَحُواْ- Therein let them rejoice]; [هُوَ خَيۡرٌ۬ مِّمَّا يَجۡمَعُونَ – That is better than what they amass] of the enjoyable things of the worldly life and its pleasures.
The religion- the bounty that will bring about happiness in this life and the next- cannot be compared to all that is in this worldly life, [because these things of the worldly life] will vanish and come to an end very soon. Rather Allaah [The Most High] commanded [us] to rejoice in His Bounty and Mercy because it is that which will make the soul happy, thankful to Allaah, gives it a strong desire for an increase in knowledge and Eemaan. This is a praiseworthy rejoicing as opposed to rejoicing in the desires of this worldly life and its pleasures, or rejoicing in falsehood, for indeed that is blameworthy, as Allaah [The Most High] stated about a group amongst the people of Qaaroon that they said to him: [لَا تَفۡرَحۡۖ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلۡفَرِحِينَ- Do not be glad (with ungratefulness to Allah’s Favours). Verily! Allah likes not those who are glad (with ungratefulness to Allah’s Favours)] [Soorah Al-Qasas: Ayah 76].
And as Allaah [The Most High] said about those who rejoiced in what they possessed of falsehood in opposition to that which the Messengers came with: [فَلَمَّا جَآءَتۡهُمۡ رُسُلُهُم بِٱلۡبَيِّنَـٰتِ فَرِحُواْ بِمَا عِندَهُم مِّنَ ٱلۡعِلۡمِ -Then when their Messengers came to them with clear proofs, they were glad (and proud) with that which they had of the knowledge (of worldly things)] [Soorah Ghaafir: Ayah 83] (4)
We ask Allaah to protect us from misguidance.
[Ref 1: Source: I’laam Al-Muwaqqi-een: 1/181]
[Ref 2: Source: Al-Muntaqaa Min Fawaa-idil Fawaa-id 123-124]
[Ref 3: Source: At-taleeqaat Al-Maleehah Alaa Silsilah Al-Ahaadeeth as-Saheehah. Vol 1. Pages 429-430. Slightly paraphrased]
[Ref 4: An Excerpt from ‘Tayseer Al-kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan). slightly paraphrased]
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
This is a festival celebrated on the eve of the last Wednesday before the Iranian New Year, Nowruz, a so called ritual cleansing ceremony. So, people demand that the fire takes all away their yellowing (Yellow = Zard in Farsi), their ailments and problems, and replace them with redness, warmth and power. The festival has some connection with Zoroastrianism [Religion of The Fire Worshippers], but they held that jumping from the top of fire is not good. On this last Wednesday of the year, before sunset on Tuesday, people kindle fires outside their houses. Both adults and children jump from the top of the fire flames and say, “Zardi-e Man Az To, Sorkhi-e To Az man,” to give all of last year’s sadness and problems to fire in order to begin the new year with happiness and ease etc. You’ll also find other myths related to this celebration, but it is enough to know that it has some connection with the polytheism of the Zoroastrians (Fire worshippers)- a Jaahiliy festival (Pre-Islamic Festival). The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “The most hated people to Allaah are three: a person who deviates from right conduct [i.e. an evil doer] in the Haram [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”. [Saheeh Al-Bukhaari 6882]
Al-Allaamah Zayd Bin Haadee Al-Madkhalee [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “These three deeds are from the major sins. The first major sin is Al-Ilhaad Fil Haram [i.e. deviating from right conduct in the sanctuaries of Makkah and Madeenah]. Ilhaad means to deviate from the truth (and enter into) falsehood, and supporting falsehood in order to obliterate the truth. Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] censured the Mulhideen Fil Haram [i.e. those who deviate from right conduction in 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 (i.e. practice polytheism and leave Islamic Monotheism), We shall make him taste a painful torment]. [Surah Al-Hajj. Aayah 25]
Allaah promised them (a severe punishment) due to the mere fact they intend evil actions therein [i.e. in the sanctuaries of Makkah and Madeenah], then how about perpetrating such deed! Indeed that would be a more severe sin, a more frightening state and a more severe punishment. This is a proof regarding the virtue of the sanctuaries of the Haram- that it is a sacred land chosen by Allaah and He made it a place where virtuous acts of worship are performed, (such as) the Hajj which is one of the pillars of Islaam. Allaah gave this place virtues that cannot be enumerated, such as the increased reward attached to good deeds [performed in Makkah and Madeenah] and gave this land virtue over all other lands of the earth.
The second major sin is committed by the person who wants that the pre-Islamic traditions should remain in Islaam, as if he gives precedence to the pre-Islamic traditions – the evil customs that were followed during that period and the misguided deeds- over the Islamic practices, Eemaan, Ihsaan, their virtue and virtue of the Sunnah. He is guilty of committing a major sin, and this includes giving precedence to religious innovations over (the authentic) Sunnah that guides to the straight path.
The third major sin is to seek to shed somebody’s blood without any right – meaning: seeking to shed the blood of a Muslim without right and doing so based on oppression and animosity. Shedding the blood of a Muslim is a great crime, just as the Prophet said, “The extinction of the whole world is less significant to Allaah than killing a Muslim [i.e. unlawfully]”. And he [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] stated regarding the rights of the Ka’bah, “How great you are and how great is your sanctity! But the sanctity of a believer is greater than yours in the sight of Allaah”. It is not permissible to transgress against the Muslims and the believers – males and females- in the sanctuaries of [Makkah and Madeenah] or in other places due to the great sin and punishment which results from that. [Source: At-taleeqaat Al-Maleehah Alaa Silsilah Al-Ahaadeeth as-Saheehah. Vol 1. Pages 429-430. Slightly paraphrased]
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Those Who Broadcast Kufr Akbar Must Be Rebuked! [A Figurehead of The Mulhidoon – (Dawkins) Reaches 80 Years of Age and Announces a Desire to Die In a State of Kufr Akbar!]
Contemporary_Those Who Broadcast Kufr Akbar Must Be Rebuked!
Visit website- Tremendous work by Shaikh Abu Iyaad [may Allaah protect him and his loved ones, increase him in beneficial knowledge and righteous deeds. May Allaah raise many more people like him in the West – those elder students of knowledge who follow the path of the Salaf in Aqeedah and clarify the misguidance of both the proponents of religious innovations and the proponents of Kufr Akbar amongst the Muslims and Non-Muslims Aameen].
Richard Dawkins: Only the ‘Appearance’ of ‘Design for Purpose’: Blind Physical Forces ‘Mimic Conscious Design’ to Create Complex Entities
http://www.aboutatheism.net/articles/jovjgks-only-the-appearance-of-design-for-purpose-blind-physical-forces-create-through-chance.cfm
http://www.aboutatheism.net/authors/Abu.Iyaad.cfm
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him] stated:
There is no doubt that the Israa Wal Miraaj are from Allaah’s Great Signs, which is shows the truthfulness of His Messenger Muhammad [peace and blessings of Alaah be upon him], the greatness of his status in the Sight of Allaah [The Mighty and Exalted], as well as evidence of Allaah’s Magnificent Power and His Exaltation above His Creation [Mankind, Jinn etc]. Allaah [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections] said:
سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي أَسْرَى بِعَبْدِهِ لَيْلًا مِنَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ إِلَى الْمَسْجِدِ الْأَقْصَى الَّذِي بَارَكْنَا حَوْلَهُ لِنُرِيَهُ مِنْ آيَاتِنَا إِنَّه هُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْبَصِيرُ
Glorified (and Exalted) be He (Allah) [above all that (evil) they associate with Him], Who took His slave (Muhammad ) for a journey by night from Al-Masjid-al-Haram (at Makkah) to the farthest mosque (in Jerusalem), the neighbourhood whereof We have blessed, in order that We might show him (Muhammad) of Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, lessons, signs, etc.). Verily, He is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer. [Surah Al-Israa. Verse 1]
It has been transmitted by way of Tawaatur -[i.e. an authentic narration transmitted by numerous narrators to the extent that such narrators cannot all agree on a lie]- from Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] that he was taken up to the heavens and its gates were opened for him until he went past the Seventh Heaven. Then his Lord [Allaah (Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections)] spoke to him regarding what He willed and obligated the five daily prayers on him. Allaah [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections] obligated fifty daily prayers on him at first, but our Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] did not cease going back to Allaah and asking Him to reduce the obligation, until Allaah made it five – five obligatory prayers but their reward is equal to fifty. That is because (one) good deed carries ten rewards. Therefore, all praise and thanks be to Allaah for all His blessings [i.e. all the blessings bestowed on His servants].
This night -in which the Israa Wal Miraaj took place- has not been transmitted in the authentic narrations that it took place-specifically-in the month of Rajab or other than it. All that has been narrated about the specific (month in which) it took place is not transmitted from the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] with authentic chains of transmission according to the scholars of Hadeeth. And with Allah is Perfect Wisdom [free from all weaknesses, shortcomings, deficiencies, faults] as to why He made the people forget [the specific night the Israa and Miraaj took place].
And even if the specific night it took place was established, then still it would neither be permissible for the Muslims to specify any act of worship in relation to it nor celebrate it. That is because the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] and his companions [may Allaah be pleased with them] neither celebrated it nor did they carry out any specific acts of worship on such a night. Had it been that celebrating it is legislated (in the religion), the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] would have made it known to the Ummah-either by way of speech or action. And if anything was practiced, then it would have been known and widely known and his companions would have transmitted it to us, for indeed, they have transmitted – from our Prophet- everything that is needed by the Ummah. They did not neglect anything in the religion; rather they were foremost in practicing every righteous act. Therefore, if celebrating on this night was legislated (in Islaam), they would have preceded us in such an act. The Prophet is (was) the most sincere adviser to the people [i.e. in both their religious and worldly affairs], conveyed the message perfectly and fulfilled the trust [which Allaah entrusted on him]. If exalting this night and celebrating it was something (legislated) in the religion, then neither would the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] have neglected nor concealed it.
Therefore, when it [is it the case that nothing has been transmitted from the Prophet’s speech or actions, and from his companions] about this, then one knows that celebrating and exalting this night has nothing to do with Islaam, for indeed Allaah has perfected the religion for this Ummah, completed His favour upon them and censured the one who legislates in the religion that which is not part of it. Allaah [Glorified and Exalted be He] said: [الْيَوْمَ أَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِينَكُمْ وَأَتْمَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعْمَتِي وَرَضِيتُ لَكُمُ الْإِسْلامَ دِينًا – This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion. [Surah Al-Maa’idah. Verse 3]
Allaah said:
أَمْ لَهُمْ شُرَكَاءُ شَرَعُوا لَهُمْ مِنَ الدِّينِ مَا لَمْ يَأْذَنْ بِهِ اللَّهُ وَلَوْلا كَلِمَةُ الْفَصْلِ لَقُضِيَ بَيْنَهُمْ وَإِنَّ الظَّالِمِينَ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ
Or have they partners with Allah (false gods), who have instituted for them a religion which Allah has not allowed. And had it not been for a decisive Word (gone forth already), the matter would have been judged between them. And verily, for the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers), there is a painful torment. [Surah Ash-Shura. Verse 21]
And it has been transmitted from Allaah’s Messenger in the authentic narrations that he warned against innovations in religion and stated explicitly that it is deviation in order to warn the Ummah about the great danger of religious innovations and to keep them away from acting on it. It was transmitted from Aa’isha [may Allaah be pleased with her] that the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said: [من أحدث في أمرنا هذا ما ليس منه فهو رد – Whoever innovates something in this affair of ours [i.e. the religion of Islaam], it will be rejected].[Saheeh Al-Bukhaari 2697]
[من عمل عملاً ليس عليه أمرنا فهو رد – Whoever performs (an act of worship) which not in accordance with our affair [i.e. the religion of Islaam], it will be rejected]. [Saheeh Muslim 1718]
The Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said:
أُوصِيكُمْ بِتَقْوَى اللَّهِ وَالسَّمْعِ وَالطَّاعَةِ وَإِنْ عَبْدًا حَبَشِيًّا فَإِنَّهُ مَنْ يَعِشْ مِنْكُمْ بَعْدِي فَسَيَرَى اخْتِلَافًا كَثِيرًا فَعَلَيْكُمْ بِسُنَّتِي وَسُنَّةِ الْخُلَفَاءِ الْمَهْدِيِّينَ الرَّاشِدِينَ تَمَسَّكُوا بِهَا وَعَضُّوا عَلَيْهَا بِالنَّوَاجِذِ وَإِيَّاكُمْ وَمُحْدَثَاتِ الْأُمُورِ فَإِنَّ كُلَّ مُحْدَثَةٍ بِدْعَةٌ وَكُلَّ بِدْعَةٍ ضَلَالَةٌ
I command you to fear Allaah and to listen and obey [the Muslim ruler in what is good] even if a slave is a leader over you. Certainly, the one who will live among you will see lots of differences, so adhere to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the right-guided Khulafaa [i.e. Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthmaan and Ali]. Bite onto that with your molar teeth [i.e. adhere firmly to it] and beware of the newly-invented matters in the religion, because every newly invented affair in the religion is a Bidah [religious innovation] and every bidah is misguidance. [Sunan Abu Dawud 4607]
The narrations that convey the meaning of this affair are many. And it has been transmitted from the companions of Allaah’s Messenger and the pious predecessors [i.e. the first three generations of Islaam] after them that they warned against religious innovations and [gave advice to the people in order to make them fearful of practicing religious innovations]. That is because such practices are additions [i.e. acts that are not legislated by Allaah and His Messenger] and [practicing them] is tantamount to legislating something in the religion, which Allaah has not ordained. It is tantamount to belittling the religion of Islam and accusing it [of imperfection] after it was perfected.
And when it is the case that Allah has obligated on Muslims to give advice to another and explain what He has legislated for them in the Religion, and forbade one from concealing knowledge, I saw that I should notify (or warn) my Muslim brothers about this religious innovation, which has spread to many regions, to the extent that some people think that it is something related to the religion. [A paraphrased excerpt: see here: http://www.binbaz.org.sa/article/24]
Islamic Awakening and The Upright Path to Rectification Distinguished From Paths of Political Activists and The Khaarijites – May Allaah guide them and protect us from their misguidance Aameen.
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Shaikh Saaleh Aala Ash-Shaikh [may Allaah preserve him] said:
Tawaaf [Circumambulation] around a grave, stroking them (with one’s hands) and seeking blessings from them are acts of shirk. Circumambulation is an act of worship and it has not been legislated in any (other place) besides the Ka’bah and likewise walking between Safaa and Marwa is (only legislated at Safaa and Marwa).
Stroking (graves), seeking blessings from them and hoping to be benefited – in this life and the next – by way of such acts is (tantamount to) deification. It is similar to what the pre-Islamic idolaters used to do with their gods. Whoever hopes (for reward, blessings etc) through (these acts of worship at the) graves, then indeed he has exalted that which Allaah has not legislated to be exalted.
The proof to show that these practices are acts of Shirk is the hadeeth of Abee Waaqid Al-Laythee [may Allaah be pleased with him] who said, ”We went out with the Messenger of Allaah [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] to the (military) campaign to Hunayn, while we were new converts from disbelief to (Islaam). The idol worshippers had a lote tree in (whose vicinity) they used to stay and hang their weapons, and it (i.e. this lote-tree) was called Dhaat Anwaat. So when we went pass a tree, we said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah! Set up a Dhaat Anwat for us just as they have a Dhaat Anwaat’. So the Messenger of Allaah [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, ‘Allaahu Akbar! This is a path that has proceeded (from the people of the past). By Allaah in whose Hand my soul is! You have stated just as the children of Israa’eel stated to Moosaa [peace be upon him], ‘O Moosaa! Make for us Ilaahan (a god) as they have aalihah (gods)’. He (Moosaa) said: ‘Verily, you are a people who know not (the Majesty and Greatness of Allah and what is obligatory upon you, i.e. to worship none but Allah Alone, the One and the Only God of all that exists)’”. [Reported by Ahmad and Tirmidhee and it is a sound hadeeth.]
Those (new Muslims) wanted to perform that act of worship in that particular place and to seek blessings; so the Messenger of Allaah [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] referred to what they sought after as worship of another deity besides Allaah. That (act they sought after) is a means to Shirk, but after the Messenger of Allaah [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] clarified the affair for them, they turned in repentance and obedience to (Allaah and His Messenger). Seeking blessings from graves, circumambulation round them and stroking them are more severe (acts of shirk and sin) than what those (new Muslims) sought after.
[Source: An Excerpt from ‘Al-Min’dhaar Fee Bayaani Katheer Minal Akhtaa Ash-Shaa’i’ah page: 11]
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
The following statement was posted by the Turkish Newspaper Daily Sabah [may Allaah direct its Muslim journalists to every good, repel every evil from them and guide them to the authentic Sunnah, and also guide its Non-Muslim journalists to Islaam and the Sunnah] Aameen. Title: Muslims around the world observe holy night of Laylat al-Raghaib:
First, we remind our Turkish Muslim brothers at Daily Sabah about some few principles related to worship in Islaam.
Al-Allaamah Abdul Muhsin Al-Abbaad [may Allaah preserve him] said:
Al-Ibaadah [Worship]: It is a comprehensive term for everything that Allaah loves and is pleased with, including statements and deeds, apparent [i.e. physical actions of the limbs] and unapparent [beliefs concealed in the heart]. This is the best of what has been stated regarding the definition of worship.
Worship has great importance because Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] created the Khalq [Mankind and Jinn], sent the Messengers and revealed the Books in order to command them to worship Him and forbid them from worshipping others besides Him. Allaah [Glorified Be He] said: [وَمَا خَلَقۡتُ ٱلۡجِنَّ وَٱلۡإِنسَ إِلَّا لِيَعۡبُدُونِ – And I (Allah) created not the Jinns and humans except they should worship Me (Alone).” Meaning: Allaah created them in order to command them to worship Him (alone) and forbid them from disobeying Him. Allaah [Glorified be He] said:
[وَلَقَدۡ بَعَثۡنَا فِى ڪُلِّ أُمَّةٍ۬ رَّسُولاً أَنِ ٱعۡبُدُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَٱجۡتَنِبُواْ ٱلطَّـٰغُوتَۖ – And verily, We have sent among every Ummah (community, nation) a Messenger (proclaiming): “Worship Allah (Alone), and avoid (or keep away from) Taghut (all false deities, etc. i.e. do not worship Taghut besides Allah). [16:36]
Allaah [Glorified Be He] said: [وَمَآ أَرۡسَلۡنَا مِن قَبۡلِكَ مِن رَّسُولٍ إِلَّا نُوحِىٓ إِلَيۡهِ أَنَّهُ ۥ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّآ أَنَا۟ فَٱعۡبُدُونِ – And We did not send any Messenger before you (O Muhammad) but We inspired him (saying): La ilaaha illaa Ana (none has the right to be worshipped but I (Allah), so worship Me (Alone and none else)]. [21:25]
Two conditions must be fulfilled in order for an act of worship to be accepted; the first of the two conditions is that the act of worship must be done sincerely for Allaah, and secondly the act of worship must be in agreement with the Sunnah of the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him]. The act of worship has to be done sincerely for the sake of Allaah (alone) and none else is to be associated as a partner with Allaah in worship. [Likewise] the act of worship must be done in conformity with what the Messenger came with [i.e. the Qur’aan and the Sunnah].
This is what the Shahaadah (لا إله إلا الله محمدا رسول الله) necessitates; because (لا إله إلا الله) necessitates that acts of worship must be carried out sincerely for the sake of Allaah alone. And (محمدا رسول الله) necessitates that acts of worship must be carried out in conformity with what was revealed to the noble Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam]. Therefore, Allaah is not to be worshipped with bidah, newly invented matters in Religion and evil acts, for which Allaah [The Most High] has sent down no authority; rather acts of worship must be in conformity with the Sunnah of the noble Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam].
If any of these two conditions or both of them are not fulfilled, then indeed the act of worship will be rejected by Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic]. Allaah [The Most High] said:
وَقَدِمۡنَآ إِلَىٰ مَا عَمِلُواْ مِنۡ عَمَلٍ۬ فَجَعَلۡنَـٰهُ هَبَآءً۬ مَّنثُورً
And We shall turn to whatever deeds they disbelievers, polytheists] did, and We shall make such deeds as scattered floating particles of dust] [Soorah Al-Furqaan. Ayah 23]
And the noble Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said:
مَنْ أَحْدَثَ فِي أَمْرِنَا هَذَا مَا لَيْسَ مِنْهُ فَهُوَ رَدٌ
He who innovates something in this matter of ours [i.e., Islam] that is not of it will have it rejected [by Allah].”[Saheeh Al-Bukhaari. Number 2697] [Saheeh Muslim. Number 1718]
And in another wording of this hadeeth in Saheeh Muslim the Prophet said:
مَنْ عَمِلَ عَمَلًا لَيْسَ عَلَيْهِ أَمْرُنَا فَهُوَ رَد
He who does an act (of worship) which we have not commanded (i.e. not commanded by the Prophet), will have it rejected.
And he [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said:
فَإِنَّهُ مَنْ يَعِشْ مِنْكُمْ فَسَيَرَى اخْتِلَافًا كَثِيرًا، فَعَلَيْكُمْ بِسُنَّتِي وَسُنَّةِ الْخُلَفَاءِ الرَّاشِدِينَ الْمَهْدِيينَ، عَضُّوا عَلَيْهَا بِالنَّوَاجِذِ، وَإِيَّاكُمْ وَمُحْدَثَاتِ الْأُمُورِ؛ فَإِنَّ كُلَّ بِدْعَةٍ ضَلَالَةٌ
Verily he lives long among you will see a lot of differing, so you must keep to my Sunnah and to the Sunnah of the Khulafaa ar-Rashideen [the rightly guided caliphs]. Adhere to it with your molar teeth (i.e. adhere to it firmly). And beware of newly invented matters [in the religion], for every newly invented matter [in the religion] is a bidah [innovation in the religion], and every bidah is misguidance. [Abu Dawood. Number 4607] [Tirmidhee. Number 2676]
The Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] clarified – in the hadeeth about the seventy three sects amongst whom seventy-two sects will enter the hell fire and one sect will be saved-that the saved sect are those who adhere to the path him and his noble companions adhered to.
Imaam Maalik [rahimahullaah] said: “The latter part of this Ummah [i.e. those who will come after the Salaf] will not be rectified except by way of that which rectified it’s earlier part [i.e. the Salaf].’’ And he [rahimahullaah) said: ‘’Whoever innovates a bidah in Islaam and considers it to be something good, then indeed he has claimed that Muhammad betrayed the Risaalah (i.e. the message he was entrusted with); because Allaah said: ٱلۡيَوۡمَ أَكۡمَلۡتُ لَكُمۡ دِينَكُمۡ – This day, I have perfected your religion for you]. Therefore, what was not part of the religion at that time [i.e. during the time of the Messenger] cannot be part of the religion today (i.e. after his departure from this world).” [Al-Itisaam of Imaam Shaatibee 1/28]
It is not enough for a person to say: “I am going to do this act of worship even though it was not (performed by) the Prophet because my intention is pure and good.” The evidence (against this statement) is that when it reached the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] that a man amongst his noble companions slaughtered the Eed sacrifice before the Eed Salaah, he [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said to him: شَاتُكَ شَاةُ لَحْمٍ– “Your (slaughtered sheep was just mutton (not a sacrifice).”[Saheeh Bukhaari. Number: 5556]; meaning: It is not considered Eed sacrifice because it was not carried out in conformity with my Sunnah. Therefore, what is in conformity with the Sunnah is that the Eed sacrifice is done after the Eed Salaah; but as for sacrificing before the Salaah, then indeed it is outside its specified time and will not be regarded as (Eed sacrifice).
Al-Haafidh said in Fat-hul Baaree (10/17): “Shaikh Abu Muhammad Bin Abu Hamzah said: This hadeeth (establishes the fact that) if an action (i.e. an act of worship) is done with a sincere intention, it is still not (considered) righteous unless it is in conformity with the legislated divine revelation. [An Excerpt from أثر العبادات في حياة المسلم pages: 1-2]
Second, what do the scholars of Islam say about this so-called Laylatul Raghaa’ib?
Imaam An-Nawawi [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “The well-known Salaah (prayer) that is known as Salaatul Raghaa’ib [the Raghaa’ib prayer] – which consists of twelve Rak’ats and is performed between Maghrib and Isha on the night before the first Friday in the month of Rajab and the hundred Rak’ats performed on the night of the 15th of Shabaan – are two religious innovations. They are repugnant and evil [i.e. becauae they are not from the acts of worship legislated in the Islamic legislation] and one should neither be deceived due to their mention in the book Quwwatul Quloob and Ihyaa Uloom Ad-Deen nor due to their mention in narrations, because all of that Iis false. And do not be deceived by some of those people to whom the ruling regarding these prayers is ambiguous (or doubtful), so he judged them to be recommended, because indeed they are mistaken. Shaikhul Islaam Abu Muhammad Abdur Rahmaan Bin Ismaa’eel Al-Maqdisee has written a precious book showing the falsity of these prayers and he did well. [Al-Majmoo 3/548]
Ibn Al-Haaj Al-Maalikee [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “One of the religious innovations that has been initiated in this noble month of Rajab is the prayer of Raghaa’ib on the night before the first day of Jumu’ah in the central mosques and the other mosques, so the people gather in some of the central mosques and the other mosques in the various regions to perform this religious innovation. They openly perform it in congregation and behind an Imaam in the mosques were the five daily prayers are performed as if it is a prayer that has been legislated in Islaam. But this prayer – according to the judgement in Imaam Maalik’s school of jurisprudence- is forbidden, because indeed those who came before us (i.e. the Prophet’s companions) never did so and all good is found in following them [may Allaah be pleased with them]”. [Al-Madkhal 1/294]
Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “Neither Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] performed this prayer nor anyone amongst the Sahaabah (i.e. the companions of Allaah’s Messenger), neither the Taabi’een (i.e. the second generaation who adhered to the path of the Sahaabah) nor the Imaams of the Muslims. Neither did Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] show a desire for it nor did any of the pious predecessors, nor the Imaams of Islaam and nor did they mention specific virtues for this night. The narrations that have been transmitted and attributed to Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] are a lie and fabrication based on the consensus of those who are specialists in this field [of hadeeth science]. This is why the Muhaqqi’qeen scholars [i.e. those scholars who are firmly grounded in a subject matter of the religion, who study the difference of opinion or differing in a subject matter, gather the proofs, examine the proofs in depth and compare them. Then they mention the affair that is established based on sound proof, clarify why those proofs are the strong ones, its different types and why that which opposes is weak or fabricated] have stated that this affair [i.e. these innovated acts during Rajab and Shaban] are forbidden and not recommended”. [Al-Fataawa Al-kubraa 2/262]
Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] also said, “As for establishing prayer – in congregation – with a specific number of Rak’ats and a determined type of recitation in a specific time, such as these prayers that are being enquired about – the Salaatul Raghaa’ib during the night before the first Jumu’ah of Rajab, the Al-Fiyah (1) in the beginning of Rajab and the middle of Shabaan, the 27th night in the month of Rajab and other than them, this is not legislated based on the consensus of the Imaams of Islaam, as it has been established from the Imaams of the religion who are considered to be reliable in religious affairs and are people of sound and precise understanding. The likes of this prayer is not initiated except by an ignoranus – an innovator in religious affairs and opening the door to it necessitates an alteration of the sound and legislated acts of worship and rites, and thus one receives a share of (deeds of those) who legislate that which Allaah has not legislated. [Al-Fataawaa Al-Kubraa 2/239]
NB: The Al-Fiyah: This innovated prayer and what is similar to it is well-known to some of us who were upon the innovated Soofi paths. It is performed by some people on Shabaan 15th. They either perform 100 Rak’ats and in every Rak’ah Surah Al-Ikhaas is recited 10 times or they perform 10 Rak’ats and Surah Al-Ikhlaas is recited a 100 times in every Rak’ah.
Finally, we conclude with a statement of Imaam Maalik and Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allaah have upon them and all the scholars of Islaam] which have already been quoted earlier. Imaam Maalik [rahimahullaah] said: “The latter part of this Ummah [i.e. those who will come after the Salaf] will not be rectified except by way of that which rectified it’s earlier part [i.e. the Salaf].’’ And he [rahimahullaah) said: ‘’Whoever innovates a bidah in Islaam and considers it to be something good, then indeed he has claimed that Muhammad betrayed the Risaalah (i.e. the message he was entrusted with); because Allaah said: ٱلۡيَوۡمَ أَكۡمَلۡتُ لَكُمۡ دِينَكُمۡ – This day, I have perfected your religion for you]. Therefore, what was not part of the religion at that time [i.e. during the time of the Messenger] cannot be part of the religion today (i.e. after his departure from this world).” [Al-Itisaam of Imaam Shaatibee 1/28]
Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah said: The likes of this prayer is not initiated except by an ignoramus – an innovator in religious affairs, and opening the door to it necessitates an alteration of the sound and legislated acts of worship and rites, and thus one receives a share of (the deeds of those) who legislate that which Allaah has not legislated. [Al-Fataawaa Al-Kubraa 2/239]
May Allaah open our hearts to that which is correct, grant us the desire to seek knowledge from its sound sources, even that is little, bless us with sincerity and the ability to act Aameen. And Allaah knows best.