Brotherhood

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

Written by Abdullah Jallow on April 19, 2023. 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]

Mutual Co-operation and Consultation

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on March 17, 2023. Posted in Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul.

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

Allaah [The Most High] said: [ وَتَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْبِرِّ وَالتَّقْوَىٰ ۖ وَلَا تَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْإِثْمِ وَالْعُدْوَانِ – Help you one another in Al-Birr and At-Taqwa [virtue, righteousness and piety]; but do not help one another in sin and transgression. [5:2]

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: This verse contains all the Masaalih (things that will bring about benefit and repel harm) for the salves in their worldly affairs and in the Hereafter – amongst themselves or in relation to their relationship with their Lord. That is because every servant finds himself within two circumstances and obligations – either to fulfil the obligations owed to Allaah or the obligations owed to Allaah’s creation. As for the obligations owed to the creation, they include (righteous) association, companionship, aiding one another upon what Allaah loves and obedience to Allaah, and that is the goal behind one’s search for happiness and success in the afterlife. There can be no happiness in the afterlife except through Bir and Taqwaa, because it is basis of all affairs of the religion.

As for Taqwa, its reality is to act in obedience to Allaah based on Eemaan in Allaah and hoping for Allaah’s Reward- fulfil what Allaah has commanded based on having Eemaan in that which Allaah has commanded and affirming the reward Allaah has promised; abandon what Allaah has forbidden based on one’s belief that what Allaah has forbidden is forbidden and fearing Allaah’s punishment, just as Talq Bin Habeeb [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “When Fitna occurs, extinguish it with Taqwa”. So the people said, “What is Taqwa?” He said, “You act in obedience to Allaah upon a light from Allaah [i.e. Eemaan, sincerity, guidance etc] and hoping for reward from Allah. And you abandon disobedience to Allaah upon a light from Allah and fearing the punishment of Allah”. This is the best of that which has been stated regarding Taqwa, because indeed there has to be an aim and a goal behind every deed. A deed cannot be considered an act of obedience to Allaah and an act that gets one close to Allaah until it is based on Eemaan, so that which leads to the performance of that deed is solely due to Eemaan – neither (un-Islamic) customs nor desires, neither seeking praise nor status and other than it; rather it should be solely based on Eemaan and the aim behind it should be to attain Allaah’s reward and seeking after Allaah’s Pleasure. (1)

Imaam Al-Hasan al-Basree [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “By Allaah! Never have a people sought advice except that they were guided to the best of what was available to them”. Then he recited [the statement of Allaah]: [وَأَمۡرُهُمۡ شُورَىٰ بَيۡنَہُمۡ – And (the Believers) who (conduct) their affairs by mutual consultation] [42:38]

Al-Allaamah Zaid Bin Haadi Al-Mad’khali [may Allaah have mercy upon him] stated: Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] commanded His Messenger Muhammad [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] to consult his companions in some affairs. Allaah [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections] said:

[وَشَاوِرۡهُمۡ فِى ٱلۡأَمۡرِ‌ۖ فَإِذَا عَزَمۡتَ فَتَوَكَّلۡ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ – and consult them in the affairs. Then when you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah] [3:159]

He is the example to be followed by the Ummah, therefore when it is the case that Allaah commanded him [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] to consult his companions, then there is even a greater reason that the Muslims are in need of consultation amongst themselves. When a difficulty that is related to a Muslim’s religious and worldly affairs occurs, then indeed it is fitting that he consults someone whom he considers reliable, wise, truthful and sincere. He examines [the advice] given by that person, then he makes a choice – either to take that advice or decides not to take it based on what he is satisfied with, in relation to his personal affairs. The hadeeth places emphasis on the fact that consultation guides to the best outcomes, and due to this it is said: “The one who consults [others] does not regret [thereafter InShaaAllaah] and the one who performs Istikhaarah will not fail [to achieve good]”. Both Istikhaarah and consultation are legislated and a lot of good is achieved by way of them, as opposed to when affairs are pursued in a rigid and haphazard manner, for indeed this might lead to regret and harm. (2)

Finally, teaching books of the scholars and promoting brotherhood is a praiseworthy affair, but this does not mean that the one who manifests zeal in these affairs is one worthy of being from those whose opinion is sought after first and foremost; rather we return to the elder teachers for advice and consult them when our community embarks upon specific important affairs. When you consult those elder students who are in their fifties, then indeed you will come to know the great difference between their advice and that of others who are much younger than them. The youngsters – even including those who have reached the age of forty – cannot give Tarbiya to others; rather elders are the ones who can give Tarbiyah. Some of us have now reached the age of 52, 55 and 59, yet we constantly return to our elders, so how about anyone in his early forties who thinks that he has enough experience to deal with affairs independently – something neither certified for him by a single scholar nor an elder student in his mid fifties! As for the Nwaazil, our elder teachers in the UK are the first to make it known that we must return to the senior Ulama for guidance, such as the likes of Al Allaamah Rabee and Al Allaamah Saalih Al Fawzaan.

[Ref 1: An Excerpt from ‘Badaa’i At-Tafseer Al-Jaami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imaam Ibnul Qayyim Al-Jawziyyah’ Vol 1 pages 307-311. Publisher: Daar Ibn Al-Jawziyyah 2nd Ed, 1431AH- Slightly paraphrased]
[Ref 2: An Excerpt from ‘Awnul Ahadis Samad Sharh Al-Adab Al-Mufrad’ 1/285. slightly paraphrased]

What Has Al-Allaamah Rabee Advised The Taa’ifatul Mansoorah and What Has Al-Alaamah Saaleh Al-Fawzaan Stated About Them?

Written by Amjad Khan on March 15, 2023. Posted in Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee [may Allaah preserve him] stated: It is obligated on the Taa’ifatul Mansoorah [i.e. the aided group] – those whom Allaah’s Messenger gave glad tidings that they will remain (upon truth) and will be aided; neither harmed by those who betray them nor by those who oppose them till the end of time – to establish brotherhood for the sake of Allaah, co-operate upon righteousness and piety, roll up their sleeves and get to work, so that this great status is maintained, which is that they will be manifest upon the truth, neither harmed by those who forsake them nor by those who oppose them. And acquaintance with the truth cannot be except by way of the knowledge inherited from the Prophets and Messengers [peace be upon them], and from the seal of the Prophets [i.e. the Messenger Muhammad]. The scholars are the inheritors of the (knowledge left behind by) the Prophets in calling to the path of Allaah, (in propagating) Allaah’s Message and in enjoining good and forbidding evil. (1)

The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “There will not cease to be a group amongst my Ummah upon the truth; neither will they be harmed by those who betray them nor those who oppose them until the command of Allaah arrives [i.e. the day of judgement]”. [Bukhaari]

Al-Allaamah Saaleh Al-Fawzaan [may Allaah preserve him] stated: This group will not cease to exist in the Ummah. The Ummah will not be deprived of this Sunni Group. This Taa’ifah can be one group. If it adheres to the Qur’aan and the Sunnah, it is the Taa’ifah Al-Mansoorah [The Victorious Group], even if it is only one. The Ummah will not lose this Sunni Group, this good group, and all praise be to Allaah – until the command of Allaah comes to pass [i.e. the day of judgment]. ‘They will not be harmed by those who forsake them’. Amongst the people are those who forsake them and those who oppose them, but they will not be harmed. This is from Allaah’s Grace upon His servants and that He will establish the truth for the one who aids the truth and call to it, even if evil is rife. There will be those who adhere to good, call to it and disseminate it amongst the people. Not all the Ummah will be misguided, but some will remain upon truth, but they might be strangers [i.e. their affair will be strange to the people], just as the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said, “Islam began as a strange thing and it will return as a strange thing, and glad tidings to the strangers”, so they said, ‘Who are the strangers O Messenger of Allaah? He said, ‘They are those who will be upright when the people become corrupt’.. and in another version of this hadeeth, “Those who rectify what the people have corrupted’. These are the strangers, because the majority of the people oppose them, belittle, forsake and keep away from what they are upon, but this will not harm them, “They will never be harmed by those who forsake them nor by those who oppose them’. Allaah will make them remain so that His Proofs remain amongst the creation until the end of time. This group might be in the East, the West, or the North etc…They are not in a specific place, but they are present. Whoever wants will find it. It is present and all praise is due to Allaah. Alhamdulil laah, we – at present – are upon a correct methodology, upon a sound methodology; our methodology is that which the Qur’aan and sunnah necessitate, our learning is based upon the Qur’aan and the Sunnah. We study Tafseer, hadeeth and its explanation, the Aqeedah of the pious predecessors and that which they were upon. Alhamadulil laah at present we are upon a correct path, a sound methodology and straight path. We ask Allaah to keep us firm upon it until we meet him, neither substituting nor changing it. [Paraphrased Excerpt: Listen to audio here: https://safeyoutube.net/w/TlUI

[Ref 1: An Excerpt from Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm’ page 200. slightly paraphrased]

Caution When Am Given Access to Wealth, Status, Position or Recognition More Than Others!

Written by Abdullah Jallow on March 13, 2023. Posted in Brotherhood, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allaah [The Exalted] said:

فَأَمَّا ٱلۡإِنسَـٰنُ إِذَا مَا ٱبۡتَلَٮٰهُ رَبُّهُ ۥ فَأَكۡرَمَهُ ۥ وَنَعَّمَهُ ۥ فَيَقُولُ رَبِّىٓ أَكۡرَمَنِ
وَأَمَّآ إِذَا مَا ٱبۡتَلَٮٰهُ فَقَدَرَ عَلَيۡهِ رِزۡقَهُ ۥ فَيَقُولُ رَبِّىٓ أَهَـٰنَنِ

As for man, when his Lord tries him by giving him honour and gifts, then he says (puffed up): “My Lord has honoured me.” But when He tries him, by straitening his means of life, he says: “My Lord has humiliated me!” [Surah Al-Fajr. Aayaat 15-16]

When tried with richness and wealth, and given in abundance, he says that his lord has honoured him due to what he has been given. And when afflicted with poverty, he says that his lord has degraded him. However, this view of his is incorrect; rather he should praise Allaah in both circumstances-in times of poverty and richness. (1)

The human is ignorant and unjust. He has no knowledge of the final outcomes of events. He thinks that the situation in which he finds himself is to continue and will never cease. He thinks that the kind treatment and blessings he receives from Allaah in the worldly life is an indication that he is honoured by Allaah, and that he is one close to Him. However, not everyone who receives Allaah’s blessings in this worldly life is one honoured by Allaah, and not everyone whom Allaah afflicts with poverty is one humiliated by Allaah; rather riches and poverty, scarcity and abundance are a trial and a test by way of which Allaah makes known those who will show gratitude and those who will exercise patience. (2)

What Did Prophet Sulaymaan [peace be upon him] say when he saw the throne of Bilqees [peace be upon her] placed before him within the twinkling of an eye?

[هَـٰذَا مِن فَضۡلِ رَبِّى لِيَبۡلُوَنِىٓ ءَأَشۡكُرُ أَمۡ أَكۡفُرُ‌ۖ – This is by the Grace of my Lord to test me whether I am grateful or ungrateful!]- Meaning, to test me by way of of it. He was not beguiled kingdom, authority and power as is the habit of the ignorant kings; rather he knew that this was a test from his Lord, so he was scared of not being thankful for these blessings. Then he clarified that being grateful to Allaah does not benefit Allaah; rather its benefits returns to the grateful one; so he said: [وَمَن شَكَرَ فَإِنَّمَا يَشۡكُرُ لِنَفۡسِهِۦ‌ۖ وَمَن كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ رَبِّى غَنِىٌّ۬ كَرِيمٌ۬- and whoever is ungrateful, (he is ungrateful only for the loss of his ownself). Certainly! My Lord is Rich (Free of all wants), Bountiful]- Meaning, Allaah is not in need of a person’s deeds, and He is generous, bestows abundant good that to both a grateful person and an ungrateful person, except that being grateful for the blessings He bestows leads to more blessings and being ungrateful leads to its decrease. (3)

Just Because We Are Given Does Not Mean That We Are of Higher Status

Al-Allaamah Saalih Al-Fawzaan [may Allaah preserve him] stated, “When the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] used to distribute wealth, he used to give those whose Eemaan was weak and the hypocrites – gave them more; but he did not give anything to the best of the Sahaabah; rather he entrusted them to their religion, for indeed due to their [strong] Eemaan they would not become angry if not given. As for the people of weak Eemaan, the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] feared that they will be enraged, so he gave them and brought their hearts closer (the religion)”. (4)

Have I Ever Felt That Such and Such Believer Is Not Worthy to Be In a Gathering Where Many People Are Entitled to Be Present Because Either I Feel More Worthy of It or That His Presence Makes Me Feel That His Status Has Been Elevated to Me, So I Wish That He Is Prevented From That Gathering:

وَلَا تَطۡرُدِ ٱلَّذِينَ يَدۡعُونَ رَبَّهُم بِٱلۡغَدَوٰةِ وَٱلۡعَشِىِّ يُرِيدُونَ وَجۡهَهُ ۥ‌ۖ مَا عَلَيۡكَ مِنۡ حِسَابِهِم مِّن شَىۡءٍ۬ وَمَا مِنۡ حِسَابِكَ عَلَيۡهِم مِّن شَىۡءٍ۬ فَتَطۡرُدَهُمۡ فَتَكُونَ مِنَ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ

And turn not away those who invoke their Lord, morning and afternoon seeking His Face. You are accountable for them in nothing, and they are accountable for you in nothing, that you may turn them away, and thus become of the Zalimun (unjust). [Surah Al-An’aam. Aayaat 52]

Meaning, “O Prophet! Do not keep the weak Muslims away from sitting with you, who worship their Lord at the beginning of the day and at the end of it, wanting by their righteous deeds the Face of Allaah. You are not accountable any thing with regards the deeds of these poor people, but their account of deeds is with Allaah, and they are not accountable for anything regarding your deeds. If you distance them, then indeed, you are among those who transgress the limits imposed by Allaah – those who place affairs in other than its right place”. (5)

Have I Ever Felt That I Am More Virtuous Just Because People Listen to Me or Accept My Intercession

Sahl [may Allaah be pleased with him] reported: A man passed by Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him], and Allaah’s Messenger asked (his companions), “What do you say about this man?” They replied, “If he asks for a lady’s hand, he ought to be given her in marriage; and if he intercedes (for someone), his intercession will be accepted; and if he speaks, he will be listened to”. Allaah’s Messenger kept silent, and then another man from the poor Muslims passed by, and Allaah’s Messenger asked (them), “What do you say about this man?” They replied, “If he asks for a lady’s hand in marriage, no one will accept him, and if he intercedes (for someone), his intercession will not be accepted; and if he speaks, he will not be listened to”. Allaah’s Messenger said, “This poor man is better than so many of the first as to fill the earth”. Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him] briefly commented on this hadith, saying, “This clarifies that what matters is the religion (of a person) and not wealth and status. All those (men) were from the Sahaabah”. (5.1)

Have I Ever Refused to Give Room to Someone In a Gathering Where Everyone Is Entitled to Be Present!

Allaah [The Most High] said:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِذَا قِيلَ لَكُمْ تَفَسَّحُوا فِي الْمَجَالِسِ فَافْسَحُوا يَفْسَحِ اللَّهُ لَكُمْ ۖ وَإِذَا قِيلَ انْشُزُوا فَانْشُزُوا يَرْفَعِ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مِنْكُمْ وَالَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْعِلْمَ دَرَجَاتٍ ۚ وَاللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرٌ

O you who believe! When you are told to make room in the assemblies, [spread out and] make room. Allah will give you [ample] room [from His Mercy]. And when you are told to rise up, rise up. Allah will exalt in degree those of you who believe, and those who have been granted knowledge. And Allah is Well-Acquainted with what you do. [58:11]

This is a practical code of behaviour commanded by Allaah to His believing slaves- that when they come together in one of their gatherings, some of them or some of those who have already arrived should make room [for others]; for indeed it is part of good etiquettes to make room for him [i.e. the other person] to reach his goal. And this is not to harm the one who is [already] in the gathering in anyway; rather he enables his [Muslim] brother to reach his goal without him being harmed, and reward is given in accordance with a deed; for indeed whoever makes room, Allaah makes room for him, and whoever shows generosity to his brother, Allaah will show him generosity.

[وَإِذَا قِيلَ انْشُزُوا – And when you are told to rise up]- Meaning: To rise up and retire from your gathering for an [obligatory or important] need [i.e. prayer etc], then [فَانْشُزُوا – rise up] – Meaning: proceed towards the fulfilment of that beneficial affair, for indeed the fulfilment of the likes of these affairs is connected to knowledge and Eemaan. And Allaah [The Most High] will exalt in degree the people of knowledge and Eemaan in accordance with what He has portioned out for them from knowledge and Eemaan.

[وَاللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِير -And Allah is Well-Acquainted with what you do]- Meaning: Allaah [The Most High] rewards every performer of deeds in accordance with his [or her] deeds-if they are good, there will be good recompense, and if evil deeds, there will be an evil recompense. And in this Ayah [i.e. 58:11] is [a mention] of the virtue of knowledge, whose beautification and benefit is that one disciplines [himself or herself] with its etiquettes and act in accordance with what it necessitates. (6)

What Should I Strive to Achieve In Gatherings

Behave well towards the young, the old and your peers. Deal with each of them in a way they deserve and have respect for the one who deserves to be respected and honoured. Be eager to make your congregation relaxed by way of speech that is appropriate and good, even if that was in relation to the worldly (affairs).
The sensible and determined person achieves abundant goodness through the gatherings of the people and he becomes more beloved to them than all (beloved things). This is because he approaches the people with what they approve (i.e. good) and statements they desire, and the foundation in this is success in taking over control of all the affairs placed before them.

And these affairs (i.e. good advice and companionship) become more emphasized on a journey, because during a journey sitting together is prolonged and the travellers are in need of having someone who revives their hearts with good statements, the news of events and joke–if all of that is truth and not too much–and to assist them with the essential affairs of travel. And Allaah is the One Who grants all success. (7)

We ask Allaah: [اللهم كما حَسَّنْت خَلْقِي فَحَسِّنْ خُلُقِي – O Allah! Just as You made my external form beautiful, make my character beautiful as well]. https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2021/07/31/o-allah-just-as-you-made-my-external-form-beautiful-make-my-character-beautiful-as-well/

[Ref1: An Excerpt from ‘Zaadul Maseer’ Slightly paraphrased]

[Ref2: An Excerpt from ‘Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan.’ Slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 3: An Excerpt from ‘Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam al-Mannaan’. Slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 4: An Excerpt from Tasheelul Il’haam Bi-Fiqhil Ahaadeeth Min Bulooghil Maraam’ Vol 6’ page 217-218. Publisher: Daar al-Imaam Ahmad’ 1st edition 1430 AH (Year 2009). slightly paraphrased

[Ref 5: At-Tafseer Al-Muyassar]

[Ref 5.1: Al-Hulalul Ibreeziyyah Min At-Taleeqaat Al-baaziyyah Alaa Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree 4/35. Footnote Number 3]

[Ref 6: An Excerpt from ‘Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan) by Imaam As-Sadi (rahimahullaah). slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 7: Noorul Basaa’ir Wal al-baab fee ahkaam al ‘Ibaadaat Wal Mu‘aamalaat Wal Huqooq Wal Aadaab’ pages 64-65]

Speak Straight and Abandon General Speech When Speaking About Ta’assub!

Written by Abdullah Jallow on March 7, 2023. Posted in Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Pearls of Wisdom, Refutations, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Speak Straight and Abandon General Speech When Speaking About Ta’assub Lest Ahlus Sunnah’s Sound Stances Are Confused With The Stances of Ahlul Bidah, The People of Tamyee and Those Who Turn Personal Disagreements Into Blameworthy or Unnecessary Standoff

Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] stated: “Regarding distinction between truth and falsehood, guidance and misguidance, the path leading to guidance and the path leading to misguidance, the path of happiness (in this life and the next) and the path of wretchedness and destruction, then everything that Allaah revealed to His Messengers and in His Books is obligatory to be followed (see footnote a) and through it one acquires distinction between right and wrong, guidance, knowledge and Eemaan. Allaah [The Most High] testified that it (i.e. His Revelation) is the truth and a testimony to the truth, and what is in opposition to it from the statements of the people are displayed before it for inspection- if in agreement with it, then it is truth; and if in opposition, it is falsehood. (But), if it is unknown whether (a statement) is in opposition or in agreement due to its general nature, or the meaning intended by the utterer is known or unknown, but it is unknown whether the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] has brought something that testifies to (its correctness) or declares it to be false, then one abstains and does not speak except with knowledge, because knowledge is that which is established with evidence and what is beneficial of it is that which the Messenger came with. The Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] is the most knowledgeable amongst the creation and he has the greatest desire in acquainting the creation with it. He is the most capable in giving a clarification and definition of it. He is above everyone in knowledge, ability and intent, and through these three affairs the goal is accomplished. (However), those besides the Messenger are either deficient or corrupted in their knowledge. (1)

Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee Al-Madkhalee [may Allaah preserve him] stated: After speaking about those – amongst the different factions of the Jahmiyah, the Khawaarij, the Rawaafid and the Qadariyyah, and the reason behind such Takfeer – who excommunicate (Muslims) based on falsehood, Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] stated, “On the opposite side of these people who make Takfeer (footnote b) based on falsehood, there are a people who do not know the creed of Ahlus Sunnah Wal-Jamaa’ah as it should be; or they know some of it and are ignorant of some. And perhaps what they know of it, they do not clarify for the people, rather they conceal it. They do they forbid innovations in religious affairs- neither censure the proponents of innovation in religious affairs nor chastise them; rather they may censure speech regarding the Sunnah and the fundamental principles of the religion – completely – and not differentiate between what the true adherents to the Prophetic tradition say and what proponents of religious innovations and schism say; or they would affirm all their differing paths in a manner similar to how the scholars would affirm the different opinions related to affairs of Ijtihaad (footnote c) in which difference of opinion is justified (or allowed). This path has overwhelmed many of the Murji’ah (footnote d), some of the jurists, those pursuing the path of asceticism and the philosophers, just as it has overwhelmed – first and foremost – many amongst the people of desires and rhetoric. Both these paths are perverted, outside the Kitaab [i.e. The Qur’aan] and the Prophetic tradition”. [End of Quote] (2)

After quoting the statement of Shaikhul Islaam, Al-Allaamah Rabee stated, “I say, may Allaah have mercy on Ibn Tamiyyah. Indeed, he clarified the situation of the people of his era and those before them, then what if he saw the situation of many amongst the Al-Jamaa’aat Al-Hizbiyyah Wal-Bid’iyyah [The Groups of Illegal Partisanship and Innovations in religious affairs] who ascribe themselves to true adherents to the Prophetic tradition and take cover behind him- in particular – to promote their falsehoods. What if he saw them whilst they have definitely gathered between the paths of the two groups- the khawaarij and those who follow their way in pronouncing Takfeer in the subject matter of Al-Haakimiyyah and the way of the Mur’jiah in the manner they approach the affair of people who are upon the major and numerous innovations in religious affairs, and equating innovation in religion to those affairs of the religion in which Ijtihaad is justified, whose people are rewarded alongside a refutation against their mistakes. In the view of these people, the leaders of Misguidance and innovation in religion are just like the Imaams of Guidance and Sunnah. (3)

Finally, Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyah stated: Rather what is obligatory is to clarify that which Allaah sent His Messengers with and (revealed) in His Books – propagate that which the Messengers brought from Allaah and fulfil the covenant which Allaah took from the scholars. Therefore, it is obligatory to know that which the Messengers brought, believe in it, propagate it, call to it, striving with it, weigh up all that which the people embark upon – (statements, actions, religious fundamentals and subsidiary issues pertaining to the apparent actions of the Limbs and affairs related to actions of the heart)- under the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger; neither following desires (through) customs, a school of law, a religious order, a leader or a predecessor; neither following conjecture through a weak hadeeth nor corrupt analogy, regardless whether it is an analogy that offers some degree of certainty or not; nor blindly following someone whom it is not obligated to follow his statement and deed, because indeed Allaah -in His Book – censured those who follow conjecture and that which their souls desire, whilst they abandon that which came to them from their Lord of Guidance. (4)

Footnote a: The Qur’aan abrogates all other laws. Allaah [The Exalted] said:

وَأَنزَلۡنَآ إِلَيۡكَ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ بِٱلۡحَقِّ مُصَدِّقً۬ا لِّمَا بَيۡنَ يَدَيۡهِ مِنَ ٱلۡڪِتَـٰبِ وَمُهَيۡمِنًا عَلَيۡهِ‌ۖ فَٱحۡڪُم بَيۡنَهُم بِمَآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ‌ۖ وَلَا تَتَّبِعۡ أَهۡوَآءَهُمۡ عَمَّا جَآءَكَ مِنَ ٱلۡحَقِّ‌ۚ لِكُلٍّ۬ جَعَلۡنَا مِنكُمۡ شِرۡعَةً۬ وَمِنۡهَاجً۬ا‌ۚ وَلَوۡ شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ لَجَعَلَڪُمۡ أُمَّةً۬ وَٲحِدَةً۬ وَلَـٰكِن لِّيَبۡلُوَكُمۡ فِى مَآ ءَاتَٮٰكُمۡ‌ۖ فَٱسۡتَبِقُواْ ٱلۡخَيۡرَٲتِ‌ۚ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ مَرۡجِعُڪُمۡ جَمِيعً۬ا فَيُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا كُنتُمۡ فِيهِ تَخۡتَلِفُونَ

And We have sent down to you (O Muhammad ) the Book (this Qur’an) in truth, confirming the Scripture that came before it and Mohayminan (trustworthy in highness and a witness) over it (old Scriptures) . So judge between them by what Allah has revealed, and follow not their vain desires, diverging away from the truth that has come to you. To each among you, We have prescribed a law and a clear way. If Allah willed, He would have made you one nation, but that (He) may test you in what He has given you; so strive as in a race in good deeds. The return of you (all) is to Allah; then He will inform you about that in which you used to differ. [Surah Al-Maa’idah. Aayah 48]

Footnote b:

The Principles of Takfeer:

http://www.salafipublications.com/sps/sp.cfm?secID=MNJ&subsecID=MNJ09&loadpage=displaysubsection.cfm

Footnote c: Ijtihaad:
https://www.abukhadeejah.com/tolerated-differing-and-impermissible-differing-in-islaam/

Footnote d: Who are the Murji’ah?
http://www.sahihalbukhari.com/sps/sp.cfm?secID=GSC&subsecID=GSC05&loadpage=displaysubsection.cfm
https://www.abukhadeejah.com/shaikh-rabees-advice-on-interacting-with-ahlul-bidah-in-the-west/

[Ref 1: Majmoo Ar-Rasaa’il Al-Kubraa. 1/102]
[Ref 2: Majmoo Al-Fataawaa 12/467-468]
[Ref 3: Al-Mukhtaaraat Al-Bahiyyah Min Kutub Shaikh Al-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah. Pages 62-63]
[Ref 4: Majmoo Al-Fataawaa 12/467-468]

Salafiyyah In Manchester – Elder Teachers In The Nineties

Written by Abdullah Jallow on March 5, 2023. Posted in Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam.

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

This is an audio clip that was recorded by a young sister, even though the speaker (Abu Aa’isha) does not allow anyone to record; however, the audio contains a beautiful reminder about benefitting from elders, even though the speaker hates that this audio is shared – not due to harbouring any dislike for transmitting truth, but solely due to disliking that his speech is transmitted in public whilst the likes of uncle Abu Khalid (Dawud) – who witnessed many events before him – is present.

No Bigoted Attachment to Personalities Amongst UK Salafiyyoon

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on March 1, 2023. Posted in Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul.

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

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

There is no (unrestricted or unconditional) allegiance except to Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, because he is infallible and never speaks out of his desires. As for unrestricted allegiance to personalities whether they are correct or mistaken, this is not permissible for the seeker of knowledge. On the other hand, he should look to such and such Shaikhs as to which of them is upon uprightness and is following the methodology of the pious predecessors. This is the one whom we place our hands on his hands- not out of blameworthy blind following, rather due to the fact that he is upon the truth. So we agree with him upon truth and follow a singular path in obedience to the statement of Allah, The Mighty and Majestic:

[وَأَنَّ هَٰذَا صِرَاطِي مُسْتَقِيمًا فَاتَّبِعُوهُ ۖ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا السُّبُلَ فَتَفَرَّقَ بِكُمْ عَن سَبِيلِهِ – And verily, this is my Straight Path, so follow it, and follow not (other) paths, for they will separate you away from His Path] [6:153]

As for the one who selects Shaikhs, leaders and guides, whilst being in agreement with them- in what is correct and wrong- to the extent that they do not leave their methodology whether they are correct or wrong, these are the people who bring evil upon themselves and others. If they do not repent, they are most worthy of being blamed. Thus, the matter – and all praise belongs to Allah- is clear and it is not permissible for a person to be in confusion regarding this . We are with those who follow the straight path-we follow a singular path which Allah, The Mighty and Majestic, has commanded us to follow and which the messenger called us to. Those you follow the wrong path or are mistaken in many matters, or in some, we leave him [i.e. we leave his mistakes]. None is followed in everything except the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. As for the people, they can be correct or mistaken. Indeed, we do not follow them and we do not follow their footsteps solely because they are Shaikhs, callers to Islam, leaders or guides; instead, you should be with the people of the Salafi Methodology -those who follow the correct methodology and understanding.(1)

The UK Salafiyyoon and their well-known brothers in other regions of the earth stood firm against the Qutubiyyah, the Sooriyyah, the Ikhwaanees, the Hajaawirah, the figureheads of Bidah (such as Abdur Rahmaan Abdul Khaaliq, Salmaan Al-Awdah, Safar Al-Hawali, Abul Hasan Al-Maribi, Ali Al-Halabi, Yahyah Al-Hajuri, Muhammad Al-Maghraawi) and their staunch followers. They do not even tolerate the transgression of those who have not been declared innovators, such as the likes of Muhammad Bin Haadi and his ilk. Indeed, our brothers at Maktabah Salafi have been at the forefront of the battle against all the heads of Bidah in the UK, stood firm and transmitted the verdicts of the senior scholars against all the heads of Bidah and the transgressors. During all the trials related to Manhaj and Aqeedah – by the Tawfeeq of Allaah, the elders at Salafipublications and the Maraakiz neither gave precedence to falsehood nor allowed its adherents to beautify it; neither sought to find lame excuses for the promoters of falsehood nor the oppressors; neither entertained blind following nor allowed the status of anyone to take precedence over the truth; rather they and their well-known brothers in the other regions of the world- due to following the footsteps of the scholars of Sunnah – have constantly aided the people of Sunnah, work tirelessly to maintain unity and allegiance to the Sunnah. This is what Al-Allaamah Ubaid Bin Abdillaah Al-Jaabiri [may Allaah have mercy upon him], Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi Al-Mad’khali [may Allaah preserve him] and others know about Salafipublications and their brothers in the UK, and this is – to this day – manifest for everyone to see. May Allaah continue to unite all the Salafiyyoon upon the sound Aqeedah and the sound Manhaj stances, protect them from all the causes of differing in Aqeedah and Manhaj, increase the love and compassion between them, and continue to guide the masses to this bless Manhaj Aameen. Whoever claims or insinuates that the UK Salafiyyoon are guilty of bigoted attachment to any personality or individual, then either he does not understand what bigoted attachment necessitates or he is guilty of slander, and may Allaah guide him Aameen.

Read:

https://abukhadeejah.com/ahmad-hanbal-usool-sunnah-innovations-hizbiyyah-differing-sectarianism-call-to-unity-part-3/

Brotherhood Should Be Based On Genuine Love, Enjoining Good, Forbidding Evil and Sincere Advice

[Ref 1: العقد المنضد الجديد في الإجابة على مسائل في الفقه والمناهج والتوحيد -(page:144) ]

[1] Reality of the Shaikh they claim is the reason behind our so called Ta’assub (bigoted attachment)

Written by Amjad Khan on February 22, 2023. Posted in Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Refutations.

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: All praise be to Allaah, and may peace and blessings be upon Allaah’s Messenger, his family, his companions, and those who follow his guidance. To proceed: Indeed, this book of mine was written in the year (1411 AH) to confront a new trend of Ta’assub (bigoted attachment) at that time and I believe that it had an effect on making the truthful Salafis firm upon the truth and unveiled the state of the fake ones who are swept away by blind bigoted attachment and the tides of desires. Today, it is being disseminated again in Salafi websites to treat the diseases of bigoted attachment in the hope that Allaah will benefit people who want to (seek the Pleasure) of Allaah and the home of the Afterlife through their deeds and stances – those whom shaytaan does not have power over them just as Allaah [The Exalted] stated:

إِنَّهُ لَيْسَ لَهُ سُلْطَانٌ عَلَى الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ وَعَلَى رَبِّهِمْ يَتَوَكَّلُونَ إِنَّمَا سُلْطَانُهُ عَلَى الَّذِينَ يَتَوَلَّوْنَهُ وَالَّذِينَ هُم بِهِ مُشْرِكُونَ

Verily! He (shaytaan) has no power over those who believe and put their trust only in their Lord (Allah). [Surah An-Nahl. Aayah 99]

I ask Allaah to divert shaytaan’s plots from all believers. Indeed, the One Who hears supplication. Written by Rabih Bin Hadi Umayr Al-Madkhali. 10/2/1430 AH [End of quote] (1)

We remind those who utter the statement, “Some youth have Ta’assub (bigoted attachment) to some of the scholars” that we’ll ask them questions during this series, expose their plots and rebuke them for insinuating that we are guilty of Ta’assub due to our stances against Dr Muhammad Bin Haadi. We’ll also quote from Umdatul Abee Fee Raddi Ta’seelaat Wa Dalaalaat Ali Al-Halabi when necessary because there is no doubt that the Mubtadi Ali Al-Halabi and the Mubtadi Abul Hasan al-Maribi, and their staunch followers are the flag-bearers of Ta’assub. Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi [may Allaah preserve him] stated, “Destructive Good Suspicion is to have a good suspicion of the people of falsehood whether are they disbelievers, innovators or evil sinners. And that which led the disbelievers to belie the Messengers, (harbouring) a severe disbelief in them and their message was due to their evil suspicion towards the people of truth (i.e. the Prophets and their true followers), and having a good suspicion of their forefathers and their religions of falsehood and disbelief. Ahlul Bidah such as the Rawaafid, the khawaarij, the soofiyyah, the murji’ah, the qadariyyah and the people of Tahazzub Al-Baatil [false partisanship] are destroyed by good suspicion towards their shuyookh and figureheads, and their corrupt creeds. On the other hand, they are destroyed by their evil suspicions towards the truth and its people. Abul Hasan Al-Maribee and his followers have a share of both this destructive good suspicion and destructive evil suspicion. (2)

To be continued….InShaaAllaah

[Ref 1: https://rabee.net/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D8%B9%D8%B5%D8%A8-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B0%D9%85%D9%8A%D9%85-%D8%A8%D9%85%D9%82%D8%AF%D9%85%D8%A9-%D8%AC%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%AF%D8%A9/ paraphrased]

[Ref 2: Majmoo 13/363-364]

Allaah’s Concealment of One’s Shortcomings – [Conversation With Ustaadh Abu Tasneem (Mushaf Al-Banghaalee)]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on February 6, 2023. Posted in Brotherhood, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

A Benefit Received From Ustaadh Abu Tasneem – [Mushaf Al-Banghaalee] – Two Years Ago and Recalled Today During Our Night Conversations

The Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] stated: [الرَّجُلُ عَلَى دِينِ خَلِيلِهِ فَلْيَنْظُرْ أَحَدُكُمْ مَنْ يُخَالِلُ – A man follows the religion of his friend; so each one should consider whom he makes his friend]. [Sunan Abee Dawud 4833]

We ask Allaah to faciliate us with good companions, overlook our shortcomings, include us amongst those who constantly scrutinise themselves honestly, grant us firmness, truthfulness and a good departure from this worldly life Aameen.

Today [15th Rajab, 1444 AH – Corresponding 6/02/23], whilst in the company of my Salafi brother, close friend and companion- Ustaadh Abu Tasneem Mushaf Al Banghaalee [may Allaah preserve him], he spoke about some of the benefits in Al-Allaamah Saaleh Al-Fawzaan’s [may Allaah preserve him] book titled I’aanah Al-Mustafeed B-Sharhi Kitaab at-Tawheed; then he recommended that I should also read the introduction of Kitaab at-Tawheed by Imaam Ibn Khuzaymah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] to find out why the Imaam wrote the book! Ustaadh also spoke about the importance of striving to implement what one learns, then the conversation alternated to one of the diseases that is manifesting itself in our era, such as self-importance and love of fame, and that this affair mostly afflicts a person when he is young, but it becomes something very insignificant – InShaaAllaah- when a person gets older and truly understands – by the Tawfeeq of Allaah – that the desire for these things do not add and will never add anything fruitful to a person’s wellbeing. This immediately reminded me of Imaam Al-Qahtaani’s Nooniyyah which he (Ustaadh Abu Tasneem) recommended – in the past – that I read, especially the section about how Allaah conceals one’s sins and shortcomings, whilst the people hold a good suspicion about him or her. Here are some of those lines of peotry by Imaam Al-Qahtaani [may Allaah have mercy upon him], which Ustaadh was referring to. The Imaam [may Allaah have mercy upon him] stated:

And You (Allaah) have placed love for me within the hearts….And the affection from You is through mercy and kindness.

And You have spread – amongst the people – good about me… And conceal my acts of disobedience from their eyes.

And you have made my good mention amongst the people common (or widespread)…until you made them all my brothers.

By Allaah, if they knew the repugnance of my secret affairs (or inner self)….The one who meets me would have refused to give me Salaams.

And they would have turned away from me and loath my companionship…And I would have brought disgrace upon myself after being honoured.

But you conceal my faults and deficiencies…And you dealt with my sins and transgression with forbearance (i.e. gave me an opportunity to repent).

So all praise and commendations- by way of my thoughts, limbs and tongue- is Yours….

May Allaah reward Ustaadh Abu Tasneem with good and bless all of us with the guidance to scrutinize ourselves honestly and never be deceived by the good opinions and praises received from the people. Umar Bin Abdil Azeez [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said to Khaalid bin Safwaan [may Allaah have mercy upon him], “Admonish me”, so Khaalid said, “O leader of the believers! There are a people who have been deceived by Allaah’s concealment of (their sins, faults etc) and good praise (received from people) has put them to trial; therefore, do not let the ignorance of others (about you) overcome what you know about yourself (in reality). May Allaah protect us and you from being deceived by Allaah’s concealment of (our sins, faults etc), and from being pleased with the praise (received from) people, falling short and being neglectful that which Allaah has obligated on us and inclining towards (evil) desires”. So he [i.e. Umar] wept and said, “May Allaah protect us and you from following (evil) desires”. (1)

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 righteous deeds and that fear of Allaah that keeps a person away from doubtful matters out of fearing harm in the Hereafter. 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. (2)

Imaam As-Sadi [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: How many a person knows about love of Allaah, its rulings and all the affairs it necessitates, but his heart is deprived of it?! And how many a slave knows and bears witness to the pre-decree of Allaah and the excellence of sufficing oneself with Him, but when that which has been decreed takes place in opposition to what he desires, you see him anxious- having no tranquility and certainty, nor repose?! And only the one whose heart has acquired knowledge and awareness of Allaah in truth is at ease with the fact that Allaah is sufficient for him, whilst submitting to His judgements regardless what the state of affairs may turn out to be. And how many a person knows the rulings of trade and its details, but at the time of dealing, buying and selling, he does not deal in a beautiful manner with others?! So, do not be deceived when you know something that you will be attributed to it. This is why it is obligated on a person to ask Allaah for beneficial knowledge- knowledge that produces [righteous] deeds. And Allaah knows best. (3)

Therefore, one should remember the following: “A man [may Allaah be pleased with him] among the companions of the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] used to say when he was praised: [اللهم لا تؤاخذني بما يقولون و اغفر لي ما لا يعلمون – O Allaah! Do not take me to account for what they say and forgive me for what they do not know (about me)].

Al-Allaamah Zaid Bin Haadee Al-Madkhalee [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: This is one of the invocations and supplications [which a person supplicates with], specifically when praised and he hears it; for example, when it is said, ‘’Fulaan [i.e. such and such person] is upright and righteous’’, so he hears what was said about him, or such praise reached him, or it is said, ‘’Fulaan is very truthful, such and such is a good doer, a charitable person, a scholar and so on’’. If he hears this, then a believer fears for himself and feels shy that he is the opposite of what the people say about him, and because of this he re-examines himself and becomes active in carrying out deeds to make him righteous- a good doer and worthy of the praise given to him by the people. If he does this, he will be successful and blessed; but if he becomes deceived by what the people say and becomes oblivious of his mistakes and shortcomings, shaytaan will afflict him with self-importance. Due to this, when a believer hears the people commending and praising him with [attributes] of righteousness, he utters this dhikr: ‘’O Allaah! Do not take me to account for what they say]’’ – Meaning: ‘’Do not hold me account due to this praise and commendation, and the good characteristics [mentioned about me].’’ That is because he fears for himself. The soul of a person is weak, so he says, ‘’And forgive me for what they do not know (about me)’’- Meaning: ‘’The people commend a person based on what they know about him outwardly, so the person fears that he has Mukhaalafaat [i.e. deeds that are in opposition to the commands and prohibitions in the Sharee’ah] which are unknown to the people, so he asks his Lord [The Blessed and Exalted] not to hold him to account and to forgive those sins of his, shortcomings and mistakes which are unknown to the people. The children of Adam are deficient, but there are those amongst them who fall short and return to [repentance or rectification] and are active again in the performance of good deeds after falling short. And amongst them are those who fall short and persist upon (sin) until punishment comes upon them. (4)

We ask Allaah to include us amongst those who truthfully scrutinize themselves at all times, thankful when they given blessings, patient when facing trials and always repentant Aameen.

Supplications:

Abdullah Bin Umar [may Allaah be pleased with him] said: Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] never abandoned these supplications in the morning and evening:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ العافِيَـةَ فـي الدُّنيا والآخِرَةِ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ العَفْوَ والعافِيَـةَ فـي دِيني ودُنْـيايَ وأَهْلِي ومالِي، اللَّهُمَّ اسْتُـرْ عَوْراتِي، وآمِنْ رَوْعاتِي،
اللَّهُمَّ احْفَظْنِـي مِنْ بَـيْنِ يَدَيَّ، ومِنْ خَلْفِي، وعَنْ يَمِيـنِـي، وعَنْ شِمالِي، ومِنْ فَوْقِي، وأَعُوذُ بِعَظَمَـتِكَ أَنْ أُغْتالَ مِنْ تَحْتِـي

“O Allaah! I ask You for well-being in this Dunyaa and the Aaakhirah. O Allāh, I ask You for pardon and well-being in my religion, my worldly affairs, my family and my wealth. O Allaah! Conceal my [faults, shortcomings etc] and safeguard me against everything that will bring me fear and sorrow. O Allaah! Protect me from in front, from behind me, from my right and my left, and from above. And I seek refuge with Your Magnificence from being swallowed up from beneath me”.

Reminder From The Above Supplication:

This great supplication begins with one asking Allaah for [العافِيَـةَ -wellbeing] in the Dunyaa and Aakhirah. Nothing can be equal to wellbeing, for whoever is granted well-being then indeed he has received his complete share of good. Seeking [العَفْوَ -pardon] necessitates that one is forgiven his sins and they are wiped away. As for [العافِيَـةَ – Well-being], it is safety Allaah bestows on a servant of His- protects him against every punishment and trial, by averting evil from him, protecting him against calamities and ailments [sicknesses], evil affairs and sins. So, the Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] asked for wellbeing in the Dunyaa and Aakhirah, as well as wellbeing in his religion, worldly affairs, his family and wealth.

Well-being in one’s religion is protection against everything that will bring dishonour [or disgrace] to one’s religion or deprive him of it.

Well-being in the Dunyaa is to seek protection against everything that will harm the person in his worldly affairs, such as calamities or trials, severe poverty and ailments.

Well-being in the Aakhirah is to seek protection against the extreme hardships in the Aakhirah and its various punishments. Well-being in one’s family is that they are protected from trials, calamities and tests; wellbeing in one’s wealth is that it is protected from drowning, burning, theft etc…

[اللَّهُمَّ اسْتُـرْ عَوْراتِي – O Allaah! Conceal my faults, shortcomings etc [ وآمِنْ رَوْعاتِي – safeguard me against every affair that will frighten me and bring sorrow upon me].

[اللَّهُمَّ احْفَظْنِـي مِنْ بَـيْنِ يَدَيَّ، ومِنْ خَلْفِي، وعَنْ يَمِيـنِـي، وعَنْ شِمالِي، ومِنْ فَوْقِي، وأَعُوذُ بِعَظَمَـتِكَ أَنْ أُغْتالَ مِنْ تَحْتِـي – O Allaah! Protect me from in front, from behind me, from my right and my left, and from above. And I seek refuge with Your Magnificence from being swallowed up from beneath me] – Meaning: Asking Allaah to protect you against destructive things and evils which a person is exposed to from the six directions, for indeed evil can approach from the front, behind, the right, the left, above or below, and he does not know which direction calamity will suddenly come upon him. (5)

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

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

This is also one of the comprehensive supplications of the Prophet. Indeed, it gathers affairs a person asks Allaah for the rectification of one’s religious affairs, worldly affairs and affairs related to the Afterlife. It begins with one’s religious affairs because when one religion is rectified, then the other affairs [i.e. one’s Dunyaa and Aakhirah] will also be rectified.

[اللَّهُمَّ أَصْلِحْ لِي دِينِي الَّذِي هُوَ عِصْمَةُ أَمْرِي – O Allaah! Rectify my religion for me, which is the safeguard of my affairs]. The statement: [اللَّهُمَّ أَصْلِحْ لِي دِينِي – O Allah! Rectify my religion for me]- Meaning: Asking Allaah for the rectification of one’s religion- to be blessed with the ability and guidance to fulfil its obligations, etiquettes and requirements in a perfect and complete manner; blessed with the guidance and ability to adhere to the Qur’aan and the authentic Sunnah based on the path of the Salafus Saaleh – the Sahaabah, the Taabi’een and the righteous Imaams- in affairs related to sound creed, worship, Dawah [i.e. the sound method of calling to the path of Allaah] and good social behaviour in general. [الَّذِي هُوَ عِصْمَةُ أَمْرِي– which is the safeguard of my affairs]- Meaning: The affair through which all my affairs will be protected, just as Allaah stated: [وَٱعۡتَصِمُواْ بِحَبۡلِ ٱللَّهِ جَمِيعً۬ا وَلَا تَفَرَّقُواْ‌ۚ – And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allah (i.e. this Qur’an), and be not divided among yourselves]. [Surah Aal Imraan. Aayah 103]

This shows the fact that adherence to the religion based on the sound methodology [of the Salaf] is a means to safety for the person – [a safeguard] against the misleading trials and against falling into deviation in creed and deeds; and that not adhering to the religion is the reason behind ruining one’s affairs, just as Allaah said: [وَلَا تُطِعۡ مَنۡ أَغۡفَلۡنَا قَلۡبَهُ ۥ عَن ذِكۡرِنَا وَٱتَّبَعَ هَوَٮٰهُ وَكَانَ أَمۡرُهُ ۥ فُرُطً۬ا – and obey not him whose heart We have made heedless of Our Remembrance, one who follows his own lusts and whose affair (deeds) has been lost]. [Surah Al-Kahf. Aayah 28]

[وَأَصْلِحْ لِي دُنْيَايَ الَّتِي فِيهَا مَعَاشِي – And rectify my worldly (affairs), wherein is my livelihood].

[وَأَصْلِحْ لِي دُنْيَايَ – And rectify my worldly (affairs)]- Meaning: Asking Allaah to rectify one’s worldly affairs- to be granted sufficiency in what one needs and through permissible means, as well as making it a means that aids one to obey Allaah. [الَّتِي فِيهَا مَعَاشِي– wherein is my livelihood]- Meaning: In my livelihood and my life. This shows that people have a specified livelihood and a determined provision, and they will receive all of it before they die.

[وَأَصْلِحْ لِي آخِرَتِي الَّتِي فِيهَا مَعَادِي – And rectify my Afterlife to which is my return].

[وَأَصْلِحْ لِي آخِرَتِي – And rectify my Afterlife]- Meaning: Asking Allaah to make one’s affairs upright in the afterlife – to receive Allaah’s Kindness, guidance and ability to obey Him [and the Messenger]; granted a righteous departure from this life and success through eternal bliss in paradise. [الَّتِي فِيهَا مَعَادِي – to which is my return]- Meaning: My place of return and my return to Allaah. [Allaah said]: [ لِيَجۡزِىَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَسَـٰٓـُٔواْ بِمَا عَمِلُواْ وَيَجۡزِىَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَحۡسَنُواْ بِٱلۡحُسۡنَى- so that He (Allaah) may requite those who do evil with that which they have done (i.e. punish them in Hell), and reward those who do good, with what is best (i.e. Paradise)]. [Surah An-Najm. Aayah 31]

[وَاجْعَلِ الْحَيَاةَ زِيَادَةً لِي فِي كُلِّ خَيْرٍ – And make life for me (as a means of) increase in every good].

[وَاجْعَلِ الْحَيَاةَ زِيَادَةً لِي فِي كُلِّ خَيْرٍ– And make life for me (as a means of) increase in every good]- Meaning: Make the duration of lifespan an opportunity and a means of attaining good in speech and deeds. This shows that the duration of person’s lifespan is a motive for increasing in righteous and good deeds.

[وَاجْعَلِ الْمَوْتَ رَاحَةً لِي مِنْ كُلِّ شَرٍّ – And make death for me as a rest from every evil].

[وَاجْعَلِ الْمَوْتَ رَاحَةً لِي مِنْ كُلِّ شَرٍّ– And make death for me as a rest from every evil]- Meaning: Make death and my departure from this worldly life a means of rest; and not trials, tests and calamities through sinning and heedlessness.

This shows that the believer is upon complete ease and submission in desiring to meet his Lord, [desiring] to receive Allaah’s great reward and external bliss. We ask Allaah for His Bounty. [Ref 6]

[Ref 1: Al-Hilyatul Awliyaa 2/485]

[Ref 2: Hilyatul Awliyaa. 6/391]

[Ref 3: Majmoo Al-Fawaa’id Waqtinaas Al-Awaabid. Faa’idah Number 14]

[Ref 4: Awnul Ahadis Samad Sharh Al-Adabil Mufrad’ Vol 2, page 389]

[Ref 5: An Excerpt from Fiqh Al-Ad’iyah Wal Afkaar 3/32-33. Slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 6: An Excerpt from Fiqhul Ad’iyah Wal Ad’kaar. Vol 4. Pages 493-494. slightly paraphrased]

O Youth! Cliques – Whether In a House, WhatsApp or Telegram – Are Mostly Deprived of These Blessings

Written by Abdullah Jallow on February 3, 2023. Posted in Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul.

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

Allaah [The Most High] said:

This is a practical code of behaviour commanded by Allaah to His believing slaves- that when they come together in one of their gatherings, some of them or some of those who have already arrived should make room (for others), because indeed it is from good etiquettes to make room for him (i.e. the other person) to reach his goal. And this is not to harm the one who is (already) in the gathering in anyway; rather he enables his (Muslim) brother to reach his goal without him being harmed, and reward is given in accordance with a deed. Indeed, whoever makes room, Allaah makes room for him, and whoever shows generosity to his brother, Allaah will show him generosity.

Allaah (The Most High) said:

لَّا خَيۡرَ فِى ڪَثِيرٍ۬ مِّن نَّجۡوَٮٰهُمۡ إِلَّا مَنۡ أَمَرَ بِصَدَقَةٍ أَوۡ مَعۡرُوفٍ أَوۡ إِصۡلَـٰحِۭ بَيۡنَ ٱلنَّاسِ‌ۚ وَمَن يَفۡعَلۡ ذَٲلِكَ ٱبۡتِغَآءَ مَرۡضَاتِ ٱللَّهِ فَسَوۡفَ نُؤۡتِيهِ أَجۡرًا عَظِيمً۬ا

There is no good in most of their private talks, except him who commands Sadaqah (charity in Allah’s Cause), or all the good and righteous deeds which Allah has ordained, or conciliation between mankind, and he who does this, seeking the good Pleasure of Allah, We shall give him a great reward. [Surah An-Nisaa: Ayah 114]

Imaam As-Sadi [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: There is no good in most of their private conversations; therefore, if there is no good in it, then there will be no benefit in it, such as excessive permissible speech, speech that is evil and completely harmful and all types of unlawful speech. Then Allaah [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections] made an exception, saying: [إِلَّا مَنۡ أَمَرَ بِصَدَقَةٍ – except him who commands Sadaqah (charity in Allaah’s Cause)]- Meaning, through wealth, knowledge or any means of benefit. And included in this are the lesser acts of worship, such as Tasbeeh (the utterance of SubhaanAllaah) and Tahmeed (the utterance of Alhamdulil-laah) and what is similar, as the Prophet said, “Indeed, every Tasbeeh (utterance of Subhaanallaah) is sadaqah, and every Takbeer (utterance of Allaahu Akbar) is Sadaqah, and every Tahleel (utterance of Laa-ilaaha-ilal-lah) is Sadaqah, and Enjoining Good is Sadaqah, and Forbidding Evil is Sadaqah, and even when one of you has sexual intercourse [with his wife], there is Sadaqah in that”’.

Then Allaah [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections] said: [أَوۡ مَعۡرُوفٍ – Or (one) who orders Maruf] – Meaning, perfection in worship and obedience, every good in the Islamic legislation and everything whose goodness is known by way of sound intellect [i.e. not in opposition to the Islamic legislation]. And whenever ‘Enjoining Good’ is mentioned and ‘Forbidding Evil’ is not mentioned alongside it, ‘Forbidding Evil’ is also included. That is because to abandon what is prohibited is part of good deeds and good deeds cannot be complete except by abandoning evil. And with regards to companions (or associates), Ma’roof is explained to mean commanding (good) and Munkar means to abandon what is prohibited. (2)

Al-Allaamah Saaleh Al-Fawzaan [may Allaah preserve him] stated, “Therefore, a person should not leave the people in dispute; rather it is incumbent upon him to be eager to bring about conciliation between disputing parties, especially relatives. As for some people-and Allaah’s Protection is sought, they only bring into disputes that which will increase it. This type of person is a shaytaan. Also the one who seeks to bring about conciliation between the people should do that with justice; he should not oppress any of them or judge based on desires”. (3)

Imaam As-Sadi [may Allaah have mercy upon him] stated: When you sit with the people, make humility the sign by which you are recognized. Fear of Allaah should be your shield and giving advice to the servants of Allaah as your constant habit. Be eager to (make) every gathering in which you sit one of goodness- either research into affairs of knowledge or advice on religious matters; either directing (others) towards a general or a particular beneficial affair, or making a mention of the blessings of Allaah; either making a mention of the superior status of praiseworthy manners and good etiquettes or warning against that which is detrimental to the well-being of one’s religious or worldly (affairs). The least of this (i.e. your companionship and advice to those you sit with) is that the earnings from their occupations should be by way of permissible (means) and not what is forbidden. Behave well towards the young, the old and your peers. Deal with each of them in a way they deserve and have respect for the one who deserves to be respected and honoured. Be eager to make your congregation relaxed by way of speech that is appropriate and good, even if that was in relation to the worldly (affairs). The sensible and determined person achieves abundant goodness through the gatherings of the people and he becomes more beloved to them than all (beloved things). This is because he approaches the people with what they approve (i.e. good) and statements they desire, and the foundation in this is success in taking over control of all the affairs placed before them. And these affairs (i.e. good advice and companionship) become more emphasized on a journey, because during a journey sitting together is prolonged and the travellers are in need of having someone who revives their hearts with good statements, the news of events and joke–if all of that is truth and not too much–and to assist them with the essential affairs of travel. And Allaah is the One Who grants all success. (4)

Why Are The Gatherings Where Allaah Is Remembered Considered to Be The Purest, Noblest, Most Beneficial And Loftiest Gatherings:

Why Are The Gatherings Where Allaah Is Remembered Considered to Be The Purest, Noblest, Most Beneficial And Loftiest Gatherings

[Ref 1: An Excerpt from ‘Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan) by Imaam As-Sadi (may Allaah have mercy upon him). slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 2: An Excerpt from ‘Tafseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan’. Slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 3: An Excerpt from “Al-Minhatur Rabbaaniyyah Fee Sharh Al-Arba’een” pages 213-217]

[Ref 4: Noorul Basaa’ir Wal al-baab fee ahkaam al ‘Ibaadaat Wal Mu‘aamalaat Wal Huqooq Wal Aadaab’ pages 64-65]