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A Brief Examination of the Foundations and Frontiers of Human Rights

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

This lecture was initially highlighted to us by our Salafi brother, a close friend and confidant, Ustadh Abu Tasneem, may Allah reward him with abundant good for consistently enhancing our understanding of various issues, Amin.

Upon listening to this lecture, we once again recognised the profound insights of our Salafi scholars, whose analyses and methodology are unparalleled, and how every subject they tackle is examined through the lens of this mighty and infallible religion of Islam. May Allah bless Al-Allamah Salih Aala Ash-Shaikh, grant him a long life filled with what is pleasing and beloved to Him, and continue to benefit the Ummah through his enlightening lessons and clarifications, Amin.

This article includes only select sections of the Shaikh’s Lecture, and we have also provided titles for different sections to assist the reader in navigating the topic with ease, InShaAllah.

  • Introduction
  • The Main Purpose Behind The Creation
  • The History of Human Rights and a New World Order
  • The Goals and Motivations Behind The Declaration of Human Rights
  • The Core Principles of Islamic Law
  • The West’s Ideas Regarding Human Rights (Freedom and Equality)
  • The Circumstances Prior to The Advent of The Final Messenger
  • The Eradication of Social Class Conflict
  • The Eradication of Structural Inequality

PDF:

https://salafidawahmanchester.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/A-precise-scrutiny-of-Human-Rights_1.pdf

Lecture:

[1] Determinants of Wholesome Relationships

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

وَقُل لِّعِبَادِى يَقُولُوا۟ ٱلَّتِى هِىَ أَحْسَنُ إِنَّ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنَ يَنزَغُ بَيْنَهُمْ إِنَّ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنَ كَانَ لِلْإِنسَٰنِ عَدُوًّا مُّبِينًا

And say to My slaves (i.e. the true believers of Islamic Monotheism) that they should (only) say those words that are the best. (Because) shaitan (Satan) verily, sows disagreements among them. Surely, shaitan (Satan) is to man a plain enemy.

And this is from His benevolence to His servants as He commanded them with the best of manners, deeds, and statements that would surely lead to happiness in this Dunya and the Hereafter. He said: [وَقُلْ لِعِبَادِي يَقُولُوا الَّتِي هِيَ أَحْسَنُ – And say to My slaves (i.e. the true believers of Islamic Monotheism) that they should (only) say those words that are the best]. This is a command to utter every speech that would draws a person closer to Allah, such as (Qur’an) recitation, remembrance (of Allah), knowledge, enjoining good and forbidding evil, good and benevolent speech towards the creation in accordance with different ranks and positions. And when a matter involves choosing between two good things, then indeed, He commands that the better of the two be given precedence if the two cannot be combined. Good speech urges towards every beautiful character and righteous deed, for indeed the one who controls his tongue gains control of all his affairs.

And his statement: [إِنَّ الشَّيْطَانَ يَنْزَغُ بَيْنَهُمْ – (Because) shaitan (Satan) verily, sows disagreements among them]. Meaning, he strives among people to corrupt their religion and worldly affairs. So, the remedy for this is that indeed they should not obey him with regards to speech that is not good which he calls to, and that they employ gentleness among themselves in order to subdue shaitan who sows enmity between them, for indeed he is their true (or real) enemy regarding whom they are obligated to fight because he calls them only “to be among the dwellers of the blazing fire.

As for their brothers, even if Satan sows enmity between them and strives to stir up enmity, then indeed, (there should be) absolute resolve (or determination) in striving against their enemy and subdue their souls that command evil by way of which which shaitan finds his way in. Thus, by way of this, they obey their Lord, their affairs become upright, and they are guided due to their upright conduct.

An excerpt from Tafsir As-Sadi.

To be continued InShaAllah

Riba of the tongue

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

Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “Verily, the worst act of usury is to attack the honour of a Muslim without a just cause”. (1) Meaning: The greater in evil and the more strictly prohibited is to unleash your tongue against the honour of a Muslim by insulting him, acting haughtily towards him, and speaking ill of him through abusive language or slander. This becomes a stricter prohibition because honour is more valuable than wealth. “Without a just cause”. This shows there are instances in which it is allowed to refer to someone negatively by using language like “such and such is an oppressor or transgressor” or “such and such is an innovator (in religious affairs) and an open sinner” in order to warn others is allowed. (2)

This has been referred to as usury because the transgressor receives his honour and then goes above and beyond it as if he has added an increase that encroaches on the boundaries in regard to the honour of a Muslim, which is more valuable than his wealth. According to At-Teebee [may Allah have mercy upon him], “From the standpoint of emphasis, honour is included in the categories of wealth. Usury is classified into two types: that which is conventional and is described as what is added to debts, and that which is not unconventional, such as verbally disparaging someone’s honour.” Al-Qaadhee [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, ”Violating a Muslim’s honour means dealing with him more than he deserves of what is to be said about him, or more than is permitted to be said about him, which is why it is compared to usury and regarded as one of its types. Then it is considered to be worse because it contains more harm and is more serious in corruption”. (3)

Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud [may Allah be pleased with him] said, “If there’s evil in anything, it is between the two Jaws, meaning the tongue. There is nothing more in need of prolonged imprisonment than the tongue”. (4)

Ibnul Akwaa came to Rabee Bin Khuthaym and said: “Refer me to one who is better than you; he (Rabee) said: The one whose speech is a reminder for himself; his silence is (so that he can) think and his destination (in the Afterlife is a reason) for reflection.  He (i.e. this type of person) is better than me. (5)


Ref 1: Abu Daawud 4876

Ref 2: An Excerpt from ‘Awnul Mabood Sharh Sunan Abee Daawud’ 13/152

Ref 3: An Excerpt from ‘Mirqaatul Mafaateeh Sharh Mishkaat Al-Masaabeeh’ 8/3157

Ref 4: Musannaf Abdur Razzaaq 19528

Ref 5: Siyah A’laam An-Nubulaa: 4/261

One of the Vilest Forms of Tale-Carrying

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

Al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzan, may Allah protect him, stated:

‏Namīmah: it is to transmit speech among the people in way to cause corruption between them. Allah, Glorified be He, free from all imperfections, the Most High, said:

‏وَلا تُطِعْ كُلَّ حَلافٍ مَّهِينٍ، هَمَّازٍ مَّشَّاءٍ بِنَمِيمٍ‏

And obey not everyone who swears much, and is considered worthless, a slanderer, going about with calumnies. [Al-Qalam 10-11]

The most severe (or serious) in all of this is the one who spreads (tales) among the students of knowledge and the callers to the path of Allah in order to corrupt (their relationships), split the Jama’ah of the Muslims, and in order that some harbour enmity towards others. The one who does this is a tale-carrier and indeed Allah has forbidden believing or obeying such a person, even if he makes an oath, as He (Allah) said:

‏وَلا تُطِعْ كُلَّ حَلاّفٍ مَّهِينٍ، هَمَّازٍ مَّشَّاءٍ بِنَمِيمٍ‏

And obey not everyone who swears much, and is considered worthless, a slanderer, going about with calumnies. [Al-Qalam 10-11]


An Excerpt from: “Wujūb at-tathabbuti min al-akhbār wa iḥtirām al-‘ulamā’ wa bayān makānatihim fī al-ummah”. page 21-22

Admonition to Those—Wherever They May Be—Who Carry Tales to Ruin Relationships

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

Asma Bint Yazid, may Allah be pleased with her, said: The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “Shall I not tell you about the best of you?” They said, “Certainly”. The Prophet said, “Those who, if they are seen, they remind you of Allah. Shall I not tell you about the worst of you?” They said, “Certainly”. The Prophet said, “Those who carry tales and ruin relations between those who loved one another, seeking misery for the innocent.” [1]

“Those who carry tales”. 

Their habit – constantly and always – is to embark upon transmitting corrupt speech.

They do this to sow corruption (or ruin the good relationships between people).

You find two people – two people upon brotherhood and friendship, however due to the endevour of a tale-carrier, he (the tale-carrier) does not cease transmitting speech from this one to that one until an incident occurs between them…[2] [End of quote]

One of the bad behaviours of some people during our teenager years was that they would feign agreement to gain your trust and then transmit your disagreements to someone else whom they knew strongly disagrees with you. This was nothing but treachery regardless of the good character put on by the perpetrator.


[1] al-Adab al-Mufrad 323
[2] https://www.alathar.net/home/esound/index.php?op=codevi&coid=258598 a paraphrased excerpt from a statement of Imam Al-Albani, may Allah have mercy upon him.

A Brief Reminder Regarding Tale-Carrying — At Home and Abroad

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

Atā ibn al-Sā’ib, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: I travelled from Makkah, so ash-Shaʿbi, may Allah have mercy upon him, met me and said: “O Abu Zayd! Present to us from that which you have heard in Makkah”. I said: “I have heard Abd al-Rahman ibn Sābiṭin saying: ‘Neither one who sheds blood resides in Makkah nor one who consumes Riba, nor one who carries tales” . I was boggled when he mentioned tale-carrying alongside bloodshed and usury. So, ash-Shabi said: “What boggles you regarding this? Is it not the case that bloodshed and heinous crimes are committed except due to tale-carrying”. [1]

Yahyah Ibn Abi kathir, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “Sulayman Ibn Dawud, peace be upon him and his father, said to his son: ‘O my son! Beware of tale-carrying, for indeed it is more severe (in causing harm) than a sword”. [2]

One of the companions of Ja’far ibn Muhammad al-Sadiq, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “I entered the presence of Ja’far and Musa was in his presence, while he was advising him. And from that which I committed to memory was his statement: ‘O my son! Accept my advice and memorise my speech: beware of tale-carrying because it sows enmity in the hearts of men, and beware of seeking after the faults of the people, because seeking after the faults of the people is tantamount to making oneself a target'”. [3]

Yahyah Ibn Abi Kathir, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “Indeed, the tale-carrier corrupts the relationships of the people in a single day more than what a magician cannot do in a month”. [4]

Tahir ibn Al-Husayn, may Allah have mercy upon him, wrote a letter to his son Abdullah after he was appointed by Al-Ma’mun Ibn Harun Al-Rashid as the governor of Raqqa, Egypt, and the lands between them: “Restrain your tongue from lies and false speech, and hate its perpetrators; cut off the tale-carriers, for indeed the first corruption of your affairs, both at the beginning and the end, would be due to closeness to a compulsive liar and boldness in uttering lies. This is because lying is the main source of all sins, and false speech and tale-carrying are its final outcomes, for indeed neither can a tale-carrier find safety nor can the utterer find a genuine friend, nor will the affairs of the one who pursues it remain upright. [5]

We ask Allah: [اللهم كما حَسَّنْت خَلْقِي فَحَسِّنْ خُلُقِي – O Allah! Just as You made my external form beautiful, make my character beautiful as well]. [6]


[1] Az-Zuhd’ (446) by Al-Wakee

[2] Az-Zuhd 467 by Imam Ahmad

[3] Hilyah al-Awliya 3/195

[4] Shu’ab al-Iman 13/448 by Imam Al-Bayhaqi

[5] Tārīkh ar-Rusul wa al-Mulūk 8/585 by Imam at-Tasbari

[6] https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2021/07/31/o-allah-just-as-you-made-my-external-form-beautiful-make-my-character-beautiful-as-well/

Be selective who you confide in

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

Be selective who you confide in, even if someone shows agreement, as some may transmit to initiate rancour, distrust or suspicion between people

Narrated Anas Ibn Malik, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “Do you know what Al-Ad’hu is [i.e. calumny]?” They said, “Allah and His Messenger know best”. He said, “Transmitting speech from some people to another people to destroy their (mutual relationships)”.

Al-Allamah Zayd Bin Haadi Al-Madkhali, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, “The subject matter of this hadith is about the dangerous (consequences) of tale-carrying in this worldl and the hereafter. Indeed, the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, called it Ad’hu, and the meaning of Ad’hu is to transmit speech from some people to other people to corrupt their relationships. And in the hadith of Ibn Mas’ud, may Allah be pleased with him, it is explained to mean tale-carrying, and that is to transmit the statement of one person to another person, or from a group of people to another group, or from one country to another one, to cause corruption.

This is one of the major sins due to its evil and the punishment (associated with it) in this life and the next. In this worldly life, it may lead to murder, chaos, and other similar affairs – events that are in opposition to rectification. Due to this, the scholars say that the tale carrier- the one who transmits speech from one person to another person, or from a group of people to another group, or from one country to another, to sow the seeds of corruption- causes more harm than a magician. This is because a magician might only harm one person, but as for the tale-carrier, he might harm many individuals and the trial is prolonged.

Therefore, it is forbidden for a Muslim to transmit speech to cause corruption between those upon brotherhood and those who aid one another upon piety. And even if nothing like this [i.e. fighting, chaos, killing, etc] occurs, it is still not permissible to corrupt the relationship between the people by way of lies- sowing the seeds of enmity and hatred between them. The Messenger of Allah went past two graves and then said, “Both of them (i.e. the two people in these graves) are being punished, and they are not being punished due to (committing the greatest of the major sins), but indeed they are great sins. One of them used not to protect himself from being soiled with his urine, and the other one used to go about with tale-carrying”. [at-Taleeqaat Al-Maleehah Alaa Silsilatil Ahaadeeth As-Saheehah’ 1/27-28] [end of quote]

One of the bad behaviours of some people during our teenager years was that they would feign agreement to gain your trust and then transmit your disagreements to someone else whom they knew strongly disagrees with you. This was nothing but treachery regardless of the good character put on by the perpetrator.

A Subtle Poison, A Silent Doom: A Grave Warning to Those With Expertise In The Worldly Sciences

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

A Subtle Poison, A Silent Doom: A Grave Warning to Those With Expertise In The Worldly Sciences Before It Is Too Late

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

Quote: The most profound evils of knowledge and its inconsistencies arise from engaging with creation without recognizing its Creator, understanding effects without acknowledging the One who brought them into being, examining causes without considering the one who initiated those causes, and exploring paths without clear objectives. The deficiencies inherent in this type of engagement are numerous, and the harm it causes is considerable. Indeed, many atheists, along with those misled by them, are knowledgeable in the natural sciences; however, they confine themselves to this knowledge and remain unaware of its connection to the Creator and the ultimate Cause. Moreover, regarding the wonders and secrets present in these natural sciences, they see themselves as the sole possessors of such knowledge—believing that no one else understands the marvels of the natural sciences or the secrets that Allāh has embedded in nature. This perception elevates their status above others, leading them to become afflicted with arrogance and self-deception. They limit their understanding to this domain, viewing it as the ultimate conclusion, purpose, and goal, which ultimately leads to profound deviation and a lack of depth in both knowledge and intellect.

Full Article Below:

subtle poison and silent doom_pdf

 

Beneficial Advice by Shaykh Ahmad Az-Zahrānī, may Allah preserve him

Beneficial Advice By Shaikh Ahmad az-Zahrani – in person – may Allah preserve him, during the recent Umrah trip with Ustadh Abdul Hakim Mitchell and some brothers from Manchester, may Allah preserve them all. Amin

All praise is due to Allāh, the Lord of all Creation. May the peace and blessings of Allāh be upon our Noble Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, His Family, His Companions and all those who follow him correctly until the establishment of the Hour.

Alhamdulillāh, during the course of our ʿUmrah trip, Allah allowed us to visit Shaykh Ahmad Zahrani حفظه الله on Sunday 7th September — after Maghrib — at his masjid, Jāmiʿ Bin ʿUbayd in Makkah.

Shaykh Ahmad حفظه الله تعالى began with praise of Allah سبحانه وتعالى and sending salutations upon the Prophet ﷺ. He then gave specific advice for those in the West as well as general advice to the brothers present. The following is a paraphrased transcription of the advice of the Shaykh, may Allah preserve him:

On Hijrah

“My advice, first for myself and then for you, is that we must hold firmly to the Book of Allah and the authentic Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, upon the understanding of the Salaf as-Salih in every aspect of our lives.

It is a duty upon you to strive to leave the lands of disbelief and migrate to the lands of the Muslims. Remaining in the West brings with it numerous harms: to your religion, your worldly life, your family affairs, your social standing, your finances, and even your mental wellbeing.

The Prophet ﷺ warned against residing in the lands of the disbelievers, except in cases of genuine necessity. And necessity is defined according to its precise limits, not according to our own desires. Do not let Shaytān deceive you into thinking you are in a state of necessity when you are not.

So, beware of Shaytān’s whispers and tricks in this matter, and exhaust every possible means to make Hijrah. Look at those who have already migrated to the Muslim lands: their condition, in truth, is far better than those who stayed behind.

Even if you think they are worse off materially, often their financial situation is in fact no less than yours — and the blessing they have is far greater: the ability to establish the rituals of Islam openly and with ease.

Do not be deceived by the wealth, opportunities and glitter of Europe or elsewhere. Do not say: “I am comfortable here while those who migrated are struggling.” You do not know — perhaps their condition is better than yours in every sense, including financially.

What is certain is that the religious comfort and social ease of being among Muslims, practising your deen without obstruction, is worth far more than wealth or status in the West.

Matters such as trade, study, or official positions of necessity (like an ambassador or minister) can fall under the category of necessities that permit prohibitions. But if it is not a genuine necessity, the ruling does not change. This is the summary of my advice, and Allah knows best.

General Advice

1. First Advice

It is upon us to adhere firmly to the Book of Allah and the authentic Sunnah of the Messenger ﷺ, upon the way of the Salaf in both speech and action.

2. Second Advice

Commit yourselves to seeking knowledge of the Shariah — knowledge of the Qur’an and Sunnah. Take knowledge from the senior scholars who are firmly grounded in this path.

Read the books that provide you with a strong basis and a clear foundation in Islamic knowledge. Begin with the smaller, more essential treatises before moving on to the larger works.

Knowledge must be taken step by step. Among the important works of this time are:

  • The Four Principles
  • The Three Fundamental Principles
  • The Six Fundamental Principles
  • Removal of the Doubts
  • The Ten Nullifiers of Islam
  • The Book of Tawheed

All of these are from the writings of Shaykh al-Islam Muhammad ibn ʿAbdul-Wahhab رحمه الله.

Most of these works have already been translated into English by Maktabah Salafiyyah, so they are accessible. Read them, and consult your mashāyikh at Maktabah Salafiyyah about which books are most appropriate for your level of knowledge.

The Prophet ﷺ said: “The blessing is with your elders.”

These mashāyikh with you are from your elders, inshā’Allāh. With them is goodness. They are students of the senior scholars, known to the senior scholars, praised by them, and their fruits are apparent — all praise belongs to Allah. So ask them what is suitable for your level.

For example, if someone is a university-level student, like Ustādh Abdul Hakeem, it would not be suitable to give him a beginner’s book. He should move to a more advanced text. On the other hand, a beginner should not be given Kitab at-Tawheed straight away. Rather, he should start with something smaller — such as The Four Principles — to establish the foundation of his creed.

Knowledge is taken step by step, level by level. Who determines what suits each person? It is your mashāyikh who are with you.

3. Third Advice

Adorn yourselves with noble character and virtuous manners. This is part of cultivating our own souls and being examples for others — our brothers, our children, our families, and the wider community. Do this sincerely for the sake of Allah, not to seek praise, recognition or reputation.

4. Fourth Advice

Stay away from trials and tribulations. Stay away from them in every form of communication. Instead, busy yourselves with that which truly matters in your day and in your night.

And if something happens to you from the affairs of trials or difficulties, then ask your teachers. You have with you Shaykhs Abu Khadeejah, Abdulilah Lahmami, Uways, and other teachers whom I know. Many of them I know personally.

إن هذا العلم دين فانظروا عن من تأخذون دينكم
“Indeed, this knowledge is religion, so look from whom you take your religion.”

Do not take your religion from just anyone who comes and goes. When you buy a car, you ask questions, you check details, you consult several people until you are confident in what you are buying. If this is the care you take in worldly matters, how much more should you take in the matter of your religion?

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Let each of you look at whom he befriends. A person is upon the religion of his companion. A person will be raised with the one he loves.”

It may happen that someone takes knowledge from a person of innovation, a person of deviation, or one who is known for trials and problems.

Without consulting the senior brothers, you may attach your heart to him, begin to love him, and then defend him against any criticism — even when he is clearly mistaken. This is following desires, and we seek refuge with Allah from that.

Therefore, O servant of Allah, be diligent in taking knowledge from the right people: those known for the Sunnah, firm upon it, consistent, and not known for tribulations or deviations.

5. Fifth Advice

Lastly, I advise you to take yourselves to account seriously regarding your remaining in the lands of disbelief. Strive to make Hijrah, O brothers. The situation today is not like it was in the past. The situation today is not like it before. Matters have become far more dangerous. The pressures and harms upon Muslims in these lands have only increased.

Now they are even making it obligatory upon children to adopt practices and mannerisms that are completely evil — and you know exactly what is meant by this.

I ask Allah to grant me and you success in all goodness. This will suffice for now. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his companions. Jazakum Allāhu Khayran.

Reflections from some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali – [98]

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

He, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “Fill the world with knowledge. People are in need of this knowledge”. [Awn Al-Bari 1/70]

He, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “I have been waging war against Irjaa since I began my journey in knowledge and I will do so -InShaAllah- until I meet Allah”. [Majmu 2/177

He, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “The people of falsehood have tried and clashed against the rock of Salafiyyah; their horns have shattered. So, they resorted to this cunning method of pretending to be Salafi and claiming Salafiyyah”. [Al-Majmu 1/454]