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The Promised Land: A Brief Examination from a Religious and Historical Perspective

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

The aim of this short article is not to deny any group’s right to exist within the human race, nor to support the oppression of any individual. Instead, it serves as a religious examination aimed at clarifying the misleading assertions made by those who promote ambiguity, particularly among orientalists and others who seek to manipulate texts for political purposes or to appease figures like Netanyahu and his Zionist allies. Furthermore, it is crucial to recognise that not all individuals who identify as Jewish endorse or support the actions of Netantahu’s regime, who have been perpetrating violence and oppression against Palestinians—actions that many have described as genocidal over the past year. Similarly, we reject the actions of any group or individual identifying as Muslim—whether in Palestine, the UK, or elsewhere—that harms non-combatants, regardless of the victims’ religious backgrounds. Also, we do not support vigilantism or anti-Semitism in any form. Must read clarifications provided at the end of this article.

The Promised Land Examined From a Religious Perspective

Allah [The Exalted] said:

وَلَقَدۡ ڪَتَبۡنَا فِى ٱلزَّبُورِ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ ٱلذِّكۡرِ أَنَّ ٱلۡأَرۡضَ يَرِثُهَا عِبَادِىَ ٱلصَّـٰلِحُونَ

And indeed We have written in Zabur and after (We have already written in the) Dhikr that My righteous servants shall inherit the land. [Al-Anbiya. 105]

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated:

The word Zabur in this verse means all the revealed books and does not specifically mean the Zabur that was given to (Prophet) Dawud, peace be upon him. The word Adh-Dhikr in this verse is the Ummul Kitab that is with Allah [i.e. the Lawh Al-Mahfooz], the word Al-Ard in this verse means the worldly life, and the righteous servants mean the Ummah of Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. This verse is one of the signs of the Prophethood of Muhammad because he conveyed this at Makkah, while all the people of Makkah were unbelievers, enemies to him and his companions, and the polytheists had expelled them from their homeland and their dwellings. The word Dhikr has been mentioned in reference to the Kitab in the statement of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, in a hadith reported by Imam Al-Bukhari and Muslim: “There was Allah and nothing else before Him and His Throne was over the water, and He then created the heavens and the earth and wrote everything in the Dhikr [The Book].” [Sahih Al-Bukhari. 7418]

This is the Dhikr [The Book] in which was written that the earth will be inherited by the Ummah of Muhammad, and (also) the revealed books have been referred to as Zubur in the statement of Allah:

وَمَآ أَرۡسَلۡنَا مِن قَبۡلِكَ إِلَّا رِجَالاً۬ نُّوحِىٓ إِلَيۡہِمۡ‌ۚ فَسۡـَٔلُوٓاْ أَهۡلَ ٱلذِّكۡرِ إِن كُنتُمۡ لَا تَعۡلَمُونَ
بِٱلۡبَيِّنَـٰتِ وَٱلزُّبُرِ‌ۗ

And We sent not (as Our Messengers) before you (O Muhammad ) any but men, whom We inspired, (to preach and invite mankind to believe in the Oneness of Allah). So ask of those who know the Scripture [learned men of the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)], if you know not. [بِٱلۡبَيِّنَـٰتِ وَٱلزُّبُرِ‌ۗ – with clear signs and Books]. [An-Nahl. 43-44] [1]

Imam Muhammad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaymeen, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: Based on this (verse), the land of the Arabs does not (eternally) belong to the Arabs, the land of the Persians does not (eternally) belong to the Persians, and the land of the Romans does not (eternally belong to them). The land belongs to Allah and He grants it to whomever He chooses – the righteous servants who believe and engage in good deeds. Therefore, if the children of Israel claim, “The land of Sham is ours because Musa, peace be upon him, stated: [يَا قَوْمِ ادْخُلُوا الْأَرْضَ الْمُقَدَّسَةَ الَّتِي كَتَبَ اللَّهُ لَكُمْ – O my people! Enter the holy land (Palestine) which Allah has assigned to you]; we say:

Indeed, Prophet Musa, peace be upon him, stated this because during that era you were righteous people and Allah’s righteous servants. The earth belongs to Allah, who gives it as a heritage to those He chooses among His righteous servants. However, after Islam came and you rejected it, you lost the (specific) right to this inheritance. Instead, the righteous believers in Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, who follow him, became the true inheritors. Before the Muslims were expelled from this land, it was held by the Roman Christians, who took it from the Jews, as they were considered righteous after the Jews. Then, the Muslims took over because they are the true servants of Allah. Therefore, the land of Sham was designated as an inheritance for the righteous.

[وَلَقَدۡ ڪَتَبۡنَا فِى ٱلزَّبُورِ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ ٱلذِّكۡرِ أَنَّ ٱلۡأَرۡضَ يَرِثُهَا عِبَادِىَ ٱلصَّـٰلِحُونَ – And indeed We have written in Zabur and after (We have already written in) Dhikr that My righteous servants shall inherit the land].

As a result, the Children of Israel (inherited the land from) those people in the holy land who had great streghth followed the truth. Later, Christians took it from the Jews, who became followers of the truth. Then, Muslims inherited it from Christians because they became followers of the truth.

وَعَدَ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مِنكُمْ وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ لَيَسْتَخْلِفَنَّهُمْ فِي الْأَرْضِ كَمَا اسْتَخْلَفَ الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ

Allah has promised those among you who believe, and do righteous good deeds, that He will certainly grant them succession to (the present rulers) in the earth, as He granted it to those before them…[An-Nur. 55] [2] Read article by Shaikh Abu Khadeejah, may Allah preserve him: The State of the Ummah: Causes that led to its Weakness and the Means of Rectification: https://abukhadeejah.com/state-of-ummah-causes-of-weakness-means-of-rectification-ebook/

The Promised Land Examined From a Historical Perspective

The children of Israel are the descendants of (Prophet) Yaqub, peace be upon him. Their first entry into Palestine was with Yusha Bin Nun, peace be upon him, after the death of Prophet Musa, peace be upon him, during his travels from one place to another, and after they initially refused to fight (when commanded to do so). There were three tribes in Palestine before the children of Israel took control of it: they were the Phoenicians who inhabited it around the year 3000 BC, and they settled in the northern region of the Mediterranean Sea. And the Canaanites descended south of the Phoenicians and occupied the central region of Palestine in the year 2500 BC. These were Arab tribes migrating from the Arabian Peninsula, then groups came from the Island of Crete around the year 1200 BC. It was called [فلستين] and was situated between Jaffa and Gaza on the Mediterranean Sea. The Canaanites called these people [فلسطين] and the name prevailed over the entire region, so it became referred to as [فلسطين]. According to what the Jews mentioned in their books, and what was written in the history of the region is that these peoples continued (residing) in the region. Many wars between them and the Children of Israel and the Jews occurred, which continued throughout the presence of the Jews in that region. Therefore, from a historical perspective, it becomes clear to us that the Jews were not the first to inhabit Palestine, but rather they entered it or some of it and captured parts of it after it had been in the possession of these people. [3]

Must Read:

https://abuiyaad.com/sn/muslims-antisemitism

https://abuiyaad.com/a/amalekite-genocide-doctrine-gaza

https://www.abuiyaad.com/w/hamas-israeli-right

https://abuiyaad.com/a/slaughtering-children-holy-war/print

https://abuiyaad.com/a/how-islam-saved-jews

https://abuiyaad.com/a/prophet-dealings-jews

https://abukhadeejah.com/having-alliance-with-the-non-muslims-is-of-two-types-misunderstanding-this-affair-leads-people-astray/

https://www.abukhadeejah.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Living-with-Non-Muslims.pdf

https://www.abukhadeejah.com/the-prophet-of-islam-would-not-kill-diplomats-ambassadors-emissaries-or-foreign-delegations-even-if-they-were-sent-by-the-worst-of-his-enemies/

http://www.shariah.ws/articles/duviqgl-shaykh-salih-al-fawzan-the-islamic-shariah-provides-security–for-muslims-and-non-muslims-and-those-who-violate-it-are-kh257rijites-who-are-to-be-fought-and-severely-punished.cfm

http://www.shariah.ws/articles/szsumlh-the-foundation-of-muslim-relations-with-non-muslims-who-do-not-show-aggression-and-hostility.cfm

http://www.shariah.ws/articles/nmsdfkp-islam-and-the-muslims-are-free-and-innocent-of-the-kharijite-extremists.cfm


[1] An Excerpt from “Shifaa Al-Aleel” page 39

[2] An Excerpt from “Tafseer Surah An-Nur”. Ayah 55

[3] An Excerpt from “Diraaasaat Fil Ad’yaan Al-Yahoodiyyah Wan-Nasraaniyyah. pages 65-66. Publisher: Daar Adwaa As-Salaf. 6th Edition 1439AH (2018).

Vote for me!!

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

O Abdullah or Muhammad! Show mercy to yourself before saying, “Vote for me”.

Abu Dharr [may Allah be pleased with him] said, “I said to the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him], ‘Will you not appoint me to a public office?’ He stroked my shoulder with his hand and said, ‘Abu Dhar! You are weak and authority is a trust, and on the Day of judgment it is a cause of humiliation, and repentance except for one who fulfills its obligations and (properly) discharges the duties attendant thereon'”. [Sahih Muslim 1825]

Imam An-Nawawi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, “This hadith is a great principle with regards to avoiding leadership, especially for the one who lacks the strength to fulfill the tasks of that leadership. Disgrace and regret (afflicts) the one who is not worthy of leadership or he is worthy but not just, thus, Allah [The Exalted] disgraces and exposes him on the day of resurrection, and he regrets his shortcomings. As for the one who is worthy of leadership and he is just, he has great virtue such as what is mentioned in the hadith regarding the seven who will be shaded on the day of judgment”. [1] 

Abdur-Rahman Bin Samurah [may Allah be pleased with him] narrated that the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “O Abdur-Rahman! Do not seek to be a ruler, for if you are given authority on your demand, you will be held responsible for it, but if you are given it without asking, you will be helped (by Allah). If you ever take an oath to do something and later on find that something else is better, then you should expiate your oath and do what is better”. [Al-Bukhari 7146]

The person who pursues authority and attains it will not find assistance. It is well known that holding authority comes with difficulties, so if one does not receive help from Allah, they will become ensnared by it and consequently lose both their worldly life and the afterlife. Hence, a sensible person refrains from seeking authority. However, if they are deserving and it is bestowed upon them without their request, then the truthful and trustworthy [Messenger] has assured them that Allah will assist them. [2]

Abu Hurairah [may Allah be pleased with him] reported that the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “You people will crave leadership and it will be a thing of regret on the Day of Resurrection. What a nice wet nurse it is, yet how evil is the weaning!” [Al-Bukhari 7148]

“Leadership” includes the Greater leadership, which is the Khilafah, and the smaller one which is the governorship over some countries. This is information given (by the Prophet about something) before its occurrence, and it has occurred as he stated.

“It will be a thing of regret on the Day of Resurrection” for those who did not act by what is obligated regarding it.

“What a nice wet nurse, yet how evil is the weaning”. Ad-Dawudi said, “A nice wet nurse in this worldly life, yet evil in the hereafter as one will be held responsible. It mirrors premature weaning, resulting in ruin (harm)”. Others said, “A nice wet nurse due to the attainment of status, wealth, influence, and the fulfilment of physical and illusory pleasures (that may lead one to be fully distracted by the material world), yet how evil is the weaning when separated from it by death or other means, and the consequences that follow in the hereafter.” [3]

Abu Musa [may Allah be pleased with him] reported: Two men from my tribe and I came to the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him]; one of the two men said to the Prophet, “O Allah’s Messenger! Appoint me as a governor,” and so did the second. The Prophet said, “We do not assign the authority of ruling to those who ask for it, nor to those who are eager to have it.” [Al-Bukhaari 7149]

Abdur Rahman Bin Shumasa [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: I came to A’isha [may Allaah be pleased with her] to inquire something from her. She said, “From which people are you?” I said, “I am from the people of Egypt”. She said, “What was the behaviour of your governor towards you in this war of yours?” I said, “We did not experience anything bad from him. If the camel of a man from us died, he would bestow on him a camel. If any one of us lost his slave, he would give him a slave. If anybody was in need of the basic necessities of life, he would provide them with provisions”. She said, “Behold! the treatment that was meted out to my brother, Muhammad Bin Abu Bakr, does not prevent me from telling you what I heard from Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of allaah be upon him]. He said in this house of mine, ‘O Allah! Whoever (happens to) acquire some kind of control over the affairs of my people and is hard upon them, be hard upon him, and who (happens to) acquire some kind of control over the affairs of my people and is kind to them, be kind to him'”. [Sahih Muslim 1828]

Regarding the statement of the Prophet: “O Allah! Whoever (happens to) acquire some kind of control over the affairs of my people and is hard upon them, be hard upon him, and who (happens to) acquire some kind of control over the affairs of my people and is kind to them, be kind to him”, Imam An-Nawawi [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “This is one of the strongest rebukes against causing hardship for the people and the greatest urge to be kind to them”. [4]

Abu Hurairah [may Allah be pleased with him] reported: One day Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] stood among us (to deliver a sermon). He talked about the misappropriation of booty, and declared it to be a serious matter and a grave sin. Then he said, “I shouldn’t find that any of you should come on the Day of Judgment with a growling camel mounted on his neck, and should appeal to me for help saying, ‘Messenger of Allah, help me’ and I should say, ‘I cannot avail you against Allah at all; I already communicated to you’. I shouldn’t find that any of you should come on the Day of Judgment with a bleating ewe mounted on his neck, and he should say to me, ‘Messenger of Allah, help me’ and I should say, ‘I cannot avail you against Allah at all; I conveyed to you’. I shouldn’t find that one of you should come on the Day of Judgment with a person crying loudly mounted on his neck, and he should say to me, ‘Messenger of Allah, help me’, and I should say, ‘I cannot avail you against Allah at all; I conveyed to you’. I shouldn’t find that any one of you should come on the Day of Judgment with fluttering clothes wrapped round his neck and he should say to me, ‘Messenger of Allah, help me’, and I should say, ‘I cannot avail you against Allah at all; I conveyed to you’. I shouldn’t find that any of you should come on the Day of Judgment with a heap of gold and silver placed on his neck and he should say to me, ‘Messenger of Allah, help me’, and I should say, ‘I cannot avail you against Allaah at all; I already conveyed to you (the warning from the Almighty)'”. [Sahih Muslim 1831]

Regarding the statement of the Prophet, “I cannot avail you against Allah at all”, Imam An-Nawawi [may Allah have mercy upon him] stated that Al-Qadhi [may Allah have mercy upon him] said that this means “(Cannot avail you against Allah) with regards to forgiveness and intercession, except by the will of Allah [The Exalted]”. This statement of the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] is (a manifestation of) anger towards this person – at first – due to his wrong deed, then thereafter the Prophet will intercede for all the Muwahhideen [i.e. those who died upon the creed of pure Islamic monotheism]. [5]

Adee Bin Amirah Al-Kindi [may Allah be pleased with him] said, “I heard Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] say, “Whosoever from you is appointed by us to a position of authority and he conceals from us a needle or something smaller than that, it would be misappropriation (of public funds) and will (have to) produce it on the Day of Judgment”. The narrator says: “A dark-complexioned man from the Ansar stood up – I can visualise him still – and said, ‘O Allah’s Messenger! Take back from me your assignment’. He said, ‘What has happened to you?’ The man said, ‘I have heard you say so and so’. He said, ‘I say that (even) now: Whosoever from you is appointed by us to a position of authority, he should bring everything, big or small, and whatever he is given therefrom he should take, and he should restrain himself from taking that which is forbidden'”. [Sahih Muslim 1833]

The Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “Any man whom Allah has given authority to look after the affairs of a people and he dies whilst not looking after them [in the manner obligated by Allah and His Messenger], he will not smell the scent of paradise”. [Sahih Al-Bukhari. 7150]

Imam Muhammad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaymeen [may Allah have mercy upon him] said:

This does not (only) refer to the Muslim ruler, his assistant or a minister, or the elders of a people; rather it applies even to a man in his house. If he dies and did not look after his family (in the manner obligated by Allah and His Messenger), Allah will prevent him from smelling the scent of paradise. And those who give their families games that corrupt manners and destroy belief, there is no doubt that they have not looked after their families (in the manner obligated by Allah and His Messenger in this affair). If they die whilst being upon this state, it is feared that Allah will prevent them from smelling the scent of paradise”. [6]

Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “The sinners [i.e. those who die whilst committing sins lesser than shirk] are under the will of Allah. If Allah wishes, He will either punish them or forgive them straight away, or He enters them into hell for some time and paradise thereafter, just as Allah said: 

[إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَغۡفِرُ أَن يُشۡرَكَ بِهِۦ وَيَغۡفِرُ مَا دُونَ ذَٲلِكَ لِمَن يَشَآءُ‌-Verily, Allah forgives not that partners should be set up with him in worship, but He forgives except that (anything else) to whom He pleases. [Surah An-Nisaa’ Aayah 48] https://www.binbaz.org.sa/noor/2527

Obedience to The Rulers In Good and Not to Rebel Even When They Are Oppressive

Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “Indeed, you will see Atharatan after me and affairs you’ll disapprove; they [i.e. the people] said, ‘What do you command us O Allah’s Messenger?’ He said, ‘Fulfil their rights [i.e. the rulers] and ask Allah for your rights'”.

Al-Allamah Zaid Bin Hadi Al-Madkhali [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: 

This authentic hadith is related to the affair of the rulers- during the end of time – when they will give precedence to themselves through enjoyment of the worldly things and those under their authority will face harm, something of oppression and tyranny; so the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] guided and directed the people to fulfil the rights of the rulers; obey and listen to them in that which is good- whether it is during a time in which one is enthusiastic [to listen and obey them in what is good] or feeling lackadaisical- perform Jihad behind their banner against the enemies of the religion, establish the prayer and behave in a manner obligated by the Islamic legislation. They should not rebel against the ruler just because he is a sinner or an oppressor, nor refrain from giving him the rights obligated on them to give him; rather they should fulfil his rights just as the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] commanded them, saying, “Fulfil their rights”.

Therefore, the ruler has rights that should be fulfilled by his subjects and the subjects also have rights to be fulfilled by the ruler. It is obligated on the ruler to fulfil their rights and it is obligated on them to fulfil his rights. However, if he [i.e. the ruler] falls short in something related to their rights, it is not permissible for them to [deliberately] fall short in fulfilling his rights. And due to the great importance of rulership and the rulers, indeed the Prophet commanded them to fulfil the obligation of As-Sam’i wat-Taa’ah [i.e. to listen and obey the ruler in good], refrain from disobedience[when commanded to do something good], supplicate to Allah to make their affairs easy and change their state of affairs to that which is good, aid them to fulfil their needs and those affairs they cannot do without.

This hadith contains a miracle of the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] and that is the fact that he clearly stated that during the end of time, the rulers will give precedence to themselves with something of wealth and worldly enjoyment, and others will be deprived of it. Also, there will be affairs which the people of sound judgement will reject. [So], when this era comes, it is obligated on them – those under the rulership of a Muslim ruler – to listen and obey in that which is good, fulfil the rights that have been obligated on them to fulfil and seek their rights from Allah – meaning: they supplicate to Allah to aid them in fulfilling their needs and facilitate them with ease in their affairs. And Allaah knows best. [7]

Strength and Security is Achieved Behind The Ruler

Abu Hurairah [may Allah be pleased with him] said, “The Prophet peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, ‘Verily, the leader is a shield behind whom they fight and he protects them. If he commands (people to) fear Allah [The Exalted] and justice, then he will have a reward. If he commands something else, then it will be against him’”. [Ṣaḥih Muslim 1841]

Regarding the Prophet’s [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] statement, “The leader is a shield”, Imam An-Nawawi [may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “He is like a shelter because he prevents the enemy from harming the Muslims, prevent the people from (harming) one another, protects the Muslim nation and the people fear his authority. And the meaning of the Prophet’s [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] statement, “Behind whom they fight”, meaning, alongside him they fight against the disbelievers (i.e. those at war with his country), the rebels, the khaarijites and all the perpetrators of corruption and oppression”. [8]

Al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzan [may Allah preserve him] stated: 

Towards the end of the Messenger’s life, he admonished the people as occurs in the hadeeth of Irbad Ibn Sariyah [may Allah be pleased with him] who said, ‘The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] led us in prayer one day, then turned his face towards us and delivered a powerful admonition that made our hearts fearful and our eyes tearful. So, a man said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah! It is as if it were a farewell admonition, so what do you enjoin upon us?’ He said, ‘I advise you to fear Allaah and to listen and obey even if a slave is a leader over you. Verily, the one who lives among you after me will see a lot of differences, so adhere to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly guided khulafaa- adhere to it and bite onto that with your molar teeth (i.e. adhere to it firmly), and avoid the newly invented matters in the religion, because indeed every newly invented matter in the religion is an innovation in religion and every innovation in religion is misguidance'”.

In this command, the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] commanded us to fear Allah. [At-Taqwah (Fear of Allah)] is a comprehensive word that covers all good qualities. And the meaning of Taqwah is a ‘means of protection between yourself and what you fear will harm you’. It is what shields you from danger, such as (something used) as a means of protection between your foot and the excessive heat on the ground, or (something) placed as a means of protection between you and an injurious thing, or a shield placed as means of protection between you and a weapon, or )something) placed as a means of protection between you and the cold or the heat. This (i.e. above examples) are related to tangible things. As for Taqwah (in the divine revelation it means) to protect yourself from the Anger of Allah, His punishment and the fire of hell, by carrying out His commands and keeping away from His Prohibitions. You cannot be protected from the punishment of Allah, His Anger and the Fire of Hell by fortresses, armies and garments; rather you can only be protected through Fear of Allah [Glorified and Exalted be He] by carrying out Allah’s commands and keeping away from His Prohibitions.

Leadership cannot be accomplished except by way of Sam’i wat Taa’ah (i.e. to listen to the Ruler and being obedient to him) even if he is an Abyssinian slave and does not command a person to disobey Allah. Therefore, the Leader of the Muslims is to be obeyed because there is an overriding benefit for the Muslims in doing so, in order to bring about unity. However, the exception is what the Messenger stated that ‘There is no obedience to the creation in disobedience to the Creator’. Therefore, the ruler is not obeyed in disobedience to Allah, but he is obeyed in that which is in opposition to sin. However, this does not mean that we come out and rebel if he commands disobedience; rather we do not obey him in sin, but we obey him in those affairs that do not involve sin'”. [9] 

The Shaikh also stated:

Allah (The Most High) says:

وَإِذۡ قَالَ إِبۡرَٲهِـۧمُ رَبِّ ٱجۡعَلۡ هَـٰذَا بَلَدًا ءَامِنً۬ا وَٱرۡزُقۡ أَهۡلَهُ ۥ مِنَ ٱلثَّمَرَٲتِ مَنۡ ءَامَنَ مِنۡہُم بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلۡيَوۡمِ ٱلۡأَخِرِ‌ۖ

And (remember) when Ibrahim (Abraham) said, “My Lord, make this city (Makkah) a place of security and provide its people with fruits, such of them as believe in Allah and the Last Day.” [Surah Al-Baqarah. Ayah 126]

Indeed, he (Ibrahim- peace and blessings be upon him) gave priority to security over seeking sustenance because security is a necessity. Security is a necessity and the people cannot enjoy sustenance alongside fear; rather sustenance cannot be reached in the presence of fear. This is what the enemies desire- those who try to destabilise Muslim societies. They wish to disassociate the Muslims from their unity behind their Muslim rulers. This is what they desire – and they do not desire good advice (rectification etc) for the Muslims – in the name of fulfilling beneficial affairs, rectification, removal of oppression, and the like. All of this is lies and pretenses because if rulership slips away chaos will be at large, corruption will spread and the beneficial affairs which they say will be fulfilled will be non-existent. Corruption will be at large and there will not be rectification. Therefore, for this reason, there has to be rulership upon which the Muslims unite. Even if (such rulership) has shortcomings and negligence, the (people) should exercise patience because there is a prevention of that which is more severe and harmful in exercising patience. Shaikhul Islam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “It is not known of a group that rose against their Muslim Ruler, except that their state of affairs after his removal was eviler than their state of affairs whilst he was present”. This is something experienced at present! The rulers and heads of state who have been removed, what is the state of affairs of their countries after they were (removed)? There has not ceased to be fear, anxiety, chaos, bloodshed, etc. [10]

Supplicating For The Rulers

Imam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: “I hold that the leader of the believers is to be obeyed (in good) in private and public, in my times of hardship and ease, in my times of enthusiasm and when I dislike doing something (i.e. something that’s not unlawful, but one does not like to do it, however he must do it in obedience to the ruler), and when others are given precedence over me. Indeed, I supplicate to Allah – night and day – for him to be successful and guided”. [11] 

Abdus Samad Bin Yazid Al-Baghdadi [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: I heard Al-Fudayl Bin Iyaad [may Allah have mercy upon him] saying, “If I had a supplication that would be accepted, I would not make it except for the leader”. It was said to him, “O father of Ali! Why is that?” He said, “When I make it for myself, it would be only for me, but if I make it for the leader, the rectification (or righteousness) of the leader would consequently result in the rectification of the people and the country”. It was said to him, “O father of Ali! How is that? Explain this to us”. He said, “As for the wellbeing of the land, if the people are safe from the ruler’s tyranny, they will develop abandoned areas and settle in the land. And with regards to the rectification of the people, one observes the affair of a people among the ignoramuses and says, ‘They have been distracted by the pursuit of livelihood rather than seeking what will benefit them with regards to learning the Qur’an and other things’. So, he gathers them together in a house – fifty in number, less or more, and says to a man, ‘You have what will make your affair upright and teach these people their religion’. Then you’ll see what Allah [The Mighty and Majestic] brings forth from among them that would make the land righteous (and prosperous, thrive, flourish, etc) and that would return to them (i.e. they’ll receive its benefits). This would be the rectification of the people and the country”. Imam Ibn Al-Mubarak [may Allah have mercy upon him] kissed Imam Fudayl’s forehead and said, “O teacher of goodness! Who else (i.e. among us) would be able to (say or do) this better than you?!” [12]

Read: Tyranny of the ruler a reason for rebellion? https://www.abukhadeejah.com/the-tyranny-of-the-rulers-a-reason-for-rebellion/

Believer’s Bahaviour Towards Muslim Rulers: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2021/02/10/believers-bahaviour-towards-muslim-rulers-advise-given-in-private-supplicate-for-them-and-refrain-from-rebellion-so-beware-of-spiteful-foreign-instigators-and-some-dangerous-social-media-networ/


[1] Sharh Sahigh Muslim. 12/177. Publisher: Dar Al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah. 1st Edition 1421 AH (2000)]

[2] An Excerpt from Fat’hul Baari Sharh Sahih Al-Bukhari 13/153-155. Publisher: Daarus Salam. 1st Edition 1421H (Year 2000)]

[3] An Excerpt from Fat’hul Baari Sharh Sahih Al-Bukhari 13/155-156. Publisher: Daarus Salam. 1st Edition 1421H (Year 2000)]

[4] Sharh Sahih Muslim 12/179-180. Publisher: Dar Al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah. 1st Edition 1421 AH (2000)]

[5] Sharh Sahih Muslim. 12/182. Publisher: Dar Al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah. 1st Edition 1421 AH (2000)]

[6] at-Taleeq Alaa As-Siyaasah Ash-Shar’iyyah. page 35.

[7] at-Taleeqaat Al-Maleehah Alaa Silsilah Al-Ahaadeeth As-Saheehah. 1/142] 

[8] Sharh Sahih Muslim 12/193. Publisher: Dar Al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah. 1st Edition 1421 AH (2000)]

[9] https://salafidawahmanchester.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/The_means_to_attaining_safety-Salvation_for_the_Ummah.pdf

[10] https://safeshare.tv/x/GTWtXddir  https://video.link/w/tr4U

[11] Al-Bidaayah Wan-Nihaayah 14/413

[12] Hilyah Al-Awliya 8/91

 

The Uncivilised Third World and Developing Countries!

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

The Determinant of Civilized and Uncivilized Behaviour

Al-Allamah Salih Aala Ash-Shaikh, may Allah preserve him, said:

Allah created the heavens and the earth in order that two obligations are fulfilled: His rights and the rights of His servants. Every Messenger and the divine scriptures were revealed to explain these two obligations: to worship Allah alone, reject all false gods and rivals, and follow His Messenger in that particular era and place. Allah revealed His scriptures and sent His Messengers to establish these two obligations. Allah, The Exalted, said:

لَقَدۡ أَرۡسَلۡنَا رُسُلَنَا بِٱلۡبَيِّنَـٰتِ وَأَنزَلۡنَا مَعَهُمُ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ وَٱلۡمِيزَانَ لِيَقُومَ ٱلنَّاسُ بِٱلۡقِسۡطِ

Indeed We have sent Our Messengers with clear proofs, and revealed with them the Scripture and the Balance (justice) that mankind may keep up justice. [Al-Hadid. 25]

Allah said:
وَلَقَدۡ بَعَثۡنَا فِى ڪُلِّ أُمَّةٍ۬ رَّسُولاً أَنِ ٱعۡبُدُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَٱجۡتَنِبُواْ ٱلطَّـٰغُوتَ

And verily, We have sent among every Ummah (community, nation) a Messenger (proclaiming): “Worship Allah (Alone), and avoid (or keep away from) Taghut (all false deities, etc. i.e. do not worship Taghut besides Allah).” [Al-Nahl. 36]

Because of this, the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “O Mu’adh! Do you know what is the right of Allah upon His servants?” I (Mu’adh) said, “Allah and his messenger know best”. The Prophet said, “To worship Him alone and associate none in worship with Him. And do you know what is their right upon Him?” I said, “Allah and his messenger know best”. The Prophet said, “Not to punish them if they do so”. [Al-Bukhari 6938] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRkeYjcJ728

Imam Ash-Shaatibi, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated:

Know that Allah has established this Shariah as proof against the creation (humankind and jinn) – the old and young alike, the obedient and the disobedient, the righteous and the wicked. He did not specify the proof against anyone in exclusion of another one. Also, all the other revealed laws were established as proof against all the nations to whom they were revealed. The Shariah is the judge- in general, and specifically- the judge on all those who have reached the age of responsibility. It is the path attached to (what Allah has ordained) and it is the Greatest Guide. Have you not heard the statement of Allah, The Most High:

وَكَذَٲلِكَ أَوۡحَيۡنَآ إِلَيۡكَ رُوحً۬ا مِّنۡ أَمۡرِنَاۚ مَا كُنتَ تَدۡرِى مَا ٱلۡكِتَـٰبُ وَلَا ٱلۡإِيمَـٰنُ وَلَـٰكِن جَعَلۡنَـٰهُ نُورً۬ا نَّہۡدِى بِهِۦ مَن نَّشَآءُ مِنۡ عِبَادِنَاۚ وَإِنَّكَ لَتَہۡدِىٓ إِلَىٰ صِرَٲطٍ۬ مُّسۡتَقِيمٍ۬

And thus We have sent to you (O Muhammad) Ruhan (an Inspiration, and a Mercy) of Our Command. You knew not what is the Book, nor what is Faith? But We have made it (this Qur’an) a light wherewith We guide whosoever of Our slaves We will. And verily, you (O Muhammad) are indeed guiding (mankind) to the Straight Path (i.e. Allah’s religion of Islamic Monotheism). [Ash-Shura 52]

He (the Prophet) – peace and blessings of Allah be upon him- was the first to be guided to the Book and Iman, and then those who followed him. The Book is the Guide and also the Sunnah that was revealed to him explains that guidance (i.e. the Sunnah and the Qur’an explain each other). All the creation (mankind and Jinn) are guided through it. Therefore, when this is the case that the Shariah is worthy of being a decisive proof against them and a beacon by way of which they are guided to the truth, their nobility is determined by the extent to which they embrace its rulings- through acting upon them in speech, belief, and deeds– and not merely due to the level of their intellects or their nobility amongst their people. That is because Allah, The Most High, has determined nobility through Taqwa and no other than it. Allah, The Most High, says: [إِنَّ أَڪۡرَمَكُمۡ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ أَتۡقَٮٰكُمۡۚ- Verily, the most honourable of you with Allah is that (believer) who has At-Taqwa] [49:13] [1]

This is clear distinction in behaviour that can be seen as either civilised or uncivilised. Actions that align with divine revelation reflect moral integrity, while those that contradict it are considered evil, corrupt, or misleading. It is important to be cautious of those who promote misguided ideas in Muslim communities—individuals who aim to undermine the sound social values that are in harmony with the Messenger’s guidance, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. Imam As-Sadi, may Allah have mercy upon him, rebuked those misguided individuals in Muslim countries who attempted to evaluate civilized behaviour through the lens of foreign practices. He stated: “In the view of these deviants, revival and advancement means to assimilate into the morale and mentality of the outsiders – the enemies of all religions; lose all their personalities by adopting the personalities of those people, imitate them in their manners, dress, dealings and customs – precisely and distinctly, because they see that one should dissociate from the religion ordained by Allāh and from beautiful manners. This is progress and advancement in their view, thus they replace that which is lofty, perfect and precious with something that is low and despicable. They are in agreement with their enemies outwardly and inwardly, and through this path they became the greatest weapon of the enemies against their religion and people, and for this reason they blindly imitated the foreigners in harmful matters. As for that which they possess of those things that are of benefit – even if associated with the religion, they are the most distant from it as is well known regarding their state of affairs. And through that which the deviants decorate their falsehood is their strong language (or forceful speech) regarding modern culture (or intellectual development), whilst claiming that neither can manners be refined nor free from oppression and tyranny except by way of that. They exaggerated in praising it and its educators, vilify those who do not have this modern culture and ridicule them. They interpret it with various deviated interpretations and everyone blurting, because if sciences are disorderly and manners are based on them, then this is how its people will behave. They do not agree – in anything – in their views and opinions, and all their statements refer back to toppling the religion and manners. Indeed, sound intellectual development and beneficial refinement is that which the religion of Islaam brought, which cleansed the beliefs from polytheism and the worship of images; cleansed the manners from every evil trait, cleansed deeds and etiquettes until matters became rectified, the state of affairs came to be upright, combined between the religious and worldly affairs, reformed the beneficial morale and the material sciences that support them. And certainly what is witnessed is a testimony to that which we have mentioned, for indeed the contemporary (or modern) sciences and inventions – despite their expansion and vastness – have been unable to rectify the manners, bring about sound virtues and remove evil due to them being devoid of (sound) religion; rather the religion of Islaam is that which will guarantee this rectification, undertake this beneficial refinement, direct towards every good and deter every evil, for indeed it is the rectifier of the apparent matters (i.e. deeds) and the hidden affairs of the soul in the religious and worldly affairs. Whoever looks at its fundamentals, subsidiary issues and what it deters, he will find the affair as we have mentioned; rather -above everything else -Allāh is the granter of success. [2]

The Third World and Developing Countries

Allah [The Exalted] said:

إِنَّا عَرَضۡنَا ٱلۡأَمَانَةَ عَلَى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَٱلۡجِبَالِ فَأَبَيۡنَ أَن يَحۡمِلۡنَہَا وَأَشۡفَقۡنَ مِنۡہَا وَحَمَلَهَا ٱلۡإِنسَـٰنُۖ إِنَّهُ ۥ كَانَ ظَلُومً۬ا جَهُولاً۬

Truly, We did offer Al-Amanah (the trust or moral responsibility or honesty and all the duties which Allah has ordained) to the heavens and the earth, and the mountains, but they declined to bear it and were afraid of it (i.e. afraid of Allah’s Torment). But the human being bore it. Verily, he was unjust (to himself) and ignorant (of its results). [Surah Al-Ahzaab. Verse 72]

Abu Dharr, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him, said, “Allaah – The Almighty – said, ‘O My servants! I have forbidden injustice for Myself and I have forbidden it among you, so do not oppress one another’”. [Saheeh Muslim 2577]

Al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzan, may Allah preserve him, said: Dhulm (injustice or oppression) is three types according to the people of knowledge (i.e. the scholars).

First: The greatest of them is Shirk (polytheism or to ascribe partners to Allaah). And why is shirk referred as Dhulm [injustice]? That is because the basis of injustice is to place something in other than its rightful place. And the meaning of shirk is to direct acts of worship to other than its rightful place and this is the greatest injustice, because when they (i.e. the people of shirk) directed acts of worship to other than its rightful place and to those who are not deserving of it, they equated the created (beings) to the Creator and a weak one (i.e. a created being) to Al-Qawiy [The One Perfect in Strength (i.e. Allaah)], who is able to do everything. Therefore, is there any greater injustice after this?

The second type of Dhulm (oppression or injustice) is committed when a person oppresses himself by committing sins. A sinner oppresses himself because he exposes himself to punishment, even though it is obligated on him to save himself and place himself in an appropriate situation, and that is to obey Allaah etc

The third type of Dhulm (oppression or injustice) is committed when a person oppresses others (or commits injustice against them) by taking their wealth (unlawfully), backbiting them, spreading tales about them, stealing their wealth, violating their honour through backbiting, tale carrying, slander, or shedding their blood by way of unlawful murder, beating them, inflicting injuries, degrading them without right etc. [3]

One of the ways in which wealthy capitalists exploit less influential nations is through food. Many of us are aware that food waste occurs not only in households and during special events but also within the food industry itself. It is well known that in some wealthy countries, farmers are sometimes instructed to discard perfectly good produce. This situation arises for several reasons: either due to the lack of a good system of distribution that often lead farmers to overproduce, leaving them with no option but to throw away surplus goods. However, despite this excess, many individuals still struggle to afford nutritious food. Secondly, there are instances where profit-driven motives lead capitalists to make decisions that disregard the well-being of others. For instance, there have been cases in wealthy nations where farmers were told to reduce their livestock numbers to drive up prices, leaving many families unable to afford meat. This behaviour highlights a troubling aspect of capitalism, where the creation of artificial scarcity can have dire consequences for those who are already vulnerable. In relation to trade, Shaikh Abu Khadeejah, may Allah protect him, stated: “Also with regards to buying and selling, Shaikh Abdul Waahid Abu Khadeejah [may Allaah preserve him] stated: “The way that countries buy and sell with each other does not always help people in poor countries. Producers of crops like wheat and rice will usually sell to the country that will pay them the most for it, so poor countries cannot compete and therefore cannot buy crops to feed their people. So these poor people have to grow their own crops to feed themselves. In many poor countries the rich farmers grow cash crops such as fruit and flowers that they sell to rich countries and their profit often does not help the poor people. So the Muslim is always encouraged to give aid to those less fortunate, so that no one in the land remains hungry, unclothed or unsheltered. Islam has no problem with people becoming wealthy so long as the poor not are neglected; they must be taken care of, helped, educated and empowered to look after themselves. Wealthier Muslims are obligated to give in charity (zakāt) every year, and each Ramadān (zakāt al-fitr)”. (4)

Oppression persists today, having originated many years in the past. We read – in the history books – about the oppressive behaviour of the colonialists between the 15th and 18th centuries when they raided other lands, looted natural resources and transported millions of Africans to the US to work in the plantations. Listen on the links below:

After this barbaric enterprise was abolished, it was replaced with another barbaric enterprise – neocolonialism! So, in 1884, the colonialists met in Berlin and decided to share the colonies between themselves. Then came a time in which they decided to offer a so called independence to the colonies and amazing indeed was this offer! In one offer of independence, the colonialists said to the colonized, “We’ll grant you independence, but before doing so you must agree to the following: you must deposit 85% of your bank reserves with our ministry of finance – under our central bank. And with regards to all your discovered minerals or yet to be discovered, our companies have the ‘Right of First Refusal’. Your official language has to be our language, we’ll have a military presence in your country, your military can only be trained by our military, you can only buy military equipment from us, you cannot have any military alliance with your neighbors and in the event of war you must be on our side”. This was the independence offered! The money deposited in their ministry of finance was invested in their name and all the profits belonged to them. This is how some of them treated the colonies, yet they have the audacity to tell the whole world that the countries they’ve looted and oppressed for nearly over 400 years are poor- the very countries they continue to oppress economically. In addition to this, they constantly seek to demoralize the former colonies and give their economic situations different descriptions- sometimes referring to them as “The Third World”, the “Under-developed countries”, the “Developing Countries” etc. Many amongst the neocolonialists talk about ethics, but few establish justice in their mutual dealings; rather, self-interested individuals and groups do not give concern to anything other than finding ways and devising tactics to enslave the former colonies through usury. Read here: https://www.abukhadeejah.com/the-grave-crime-of-usury-and-interest-riba-based-transactions-what-is-allowed-and-what-is-not/

Indeed, it is impossible for any country to improve its economy whilst constantly being in bondage to lenders. A typical example is that as soon as a nation is heavily in debt, the lenders can easily gain the upper hand through Structural Adjustment Policies (SAPs) – secure repayment of the debt and demand economic restructuring. In some cases the weaker nation is forced to reduce spending on essential social services, such as health, education and development, whilst repayment of the debt is given priority as well as the possibility of giving the lender easy access to the country’s raw materials. This is well known and whoever researches will come across a lot that has been written on the subject matter. Indeed, there is no benefit in providing financial assistance that is followed by harm. Allaah [The Exalted] said: [قَوۡلٌ۬ مَّعۡرُوفٌ۬ وَمَغۡفِرَةٌ خَيۡرٌ۬ مِّن صَدَقَةٍ۬ يَتۡبَعُهَآ أَذً۬ى‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ غَنِىٌّ حَلِيمٌ۬ – Kind words and forgiving of faults are better than Sadaqah (charity) followed by injury. And Allah is Rich (Free of all wants) and He is Most-Forbearing]. [Surah Al-Baqarah. Aayah 263]

Allah [The Exalted] said:
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا تُبۡطِلُواْ صَدَقَـٰتِكُم بِٱلۡمَنِّ وَٱلۡأَذَىٰ كَٱلَّذِى يُنفِقُ مَالَهُ ۥ رِئَآءَ ٱلنَّاسِ وَلَا يُؤۡمِنُ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلۡيَوۡمِ ٱلۡأَخِرِ‌ۖ فَمَثَلُهُ ۥ كَمَثَلِ صَفۡوَانٍ عَلَيۡهِ تُرَابٌ۬ فَأَصَابَهُ ۥ وَابِلٌ۬ فَتَرَڪَهُ ۥ صَلۡدً۬ا‌ۖ لَّا يَقۡدِرُونَ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ۬ مِّمَّا ڪَسَبُواْ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يَهۡدِى ٱلۡقَوۡمَ ٱلۡكَـٰفِرِينَ

O you who believe! Do not render in vain your Sadaqah (charity) by reminders of your generosity or by injury, like him who spends his wealth to be seen of men, and he does not believe in Allah, nor in the Last Day. His likeness is the likeness of a smooth rock on which is a little dust; on it falls heavy rain which leaves it bare. They are not able to do anything with what they have earned. And Allah does not guide the disbelieving people. [Al-Baqarah 264].

Indeed, debt is a heavy burden, let alone when accompanied with usury. Aa’isha [may Allaah be pleased with her] narrated that the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] used to invoke Allaah in the prayer [before the Tasleem] saying: “O Allaah, I seek refuge with You from the punishment of the grave and from the trial and affliction of the anti-Christ (Maseeh Ad-Dajjaal) and from trial and affliction of life and death. O Allaah, I seek refuge with You from sins and from being in debt.” Someone said to him, ’‘Why do you so frequently seek refuge with Allaah from being in debt?’’ The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] replied, “A person in debt tells lies whenever he speaks (i.e. through finding excuses due to being unable to repay), and breaks promises whenever he makes them (i.e. due to being able to pay at the time he promised to pay)]”. [Bukhaari, Hadeeth Number: 832]

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] combined [in this supplication between seeking Allaah’s refuge] from sins and debt, because indeed sins necessitate loss in the afterlife and debt necessitates loss in the worldly life. [Al-Fawaa’id: page. 97]

Pay attention to what Shaikh Abu Khadeejah [may Allaah preserve him] stated above about empowering and educating poor people as opposed to what the greedy colonialists stated in the past! Cecil Rhodes stated: “We must find new lands from which we can easily obtain raw materials and at the same time exploit the cheap slave labour that is available from the natives of the colonies. The colonies would also provide a dumping ground for the surplus goods of our factories.” Nye Bevin stated: “Africa is a valuable source of manpower and raw materials. The US is very barren of essential minerals. In Africa we have them all.” Larry Summers stated: “I think the economic logic behind dumping a load of toxic waste in the lowest wage country is impeccable and we should face up to that.” Indeed, these are a people who never deal justly with others; rather they take as much as they desire and give less or nothing in return. Allah [The Exalted] said:

وَيۡلٌ۬ لِّلۡمُطَفِّفِينَ
ٱلَّذِينَ إِذَا ٱكۡتَالُواْ عَلَى ٱلنَّاسِ يَسۡتَوۡفُونَ
وَإِذَا كَالُوهُمۡ أَو وَّزَنُوهُمۡ يُخۡسِرُونَ
أَلَا يَظُنُّ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ أَنَّہُم مَّبۡعُوثُونَ
لِيَوۡمٍ عَظِيمٍ۬
يَوۡمَ يَقُومُ ٱلنَّاسُ لِرَبِّ ٱلۡعَـٰلَمِينَ

Woe to Al-Mutaffifin [those who give less in measure and weight (decrease the rights of others)], those who, when they have to receive by measure from men, demand full measure, and when they have to give by measure or weight to men, give less than due. Think they not that they will be resurrected (for reckoning), on a Great Day, the Day when (all) mankind will stand before the Lord of the ‘Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists)? [Surah Al-Mutaffifeen]

Allah explained who the Mutaffifeen are in his statement: [ٱلَّذِينَ إِذَا ٱكۡتَالُواْ عَلَى ٱلنَّاسِ يَسۡتَوۡفُونَ – Those who, when they have to receive by measure from people, demand full measure] -Meaning, they take from them in full what is established to be their due and demand in full without any loss.

[وَإِذَا كَالُوهُمۡ أَو وَّزَنُوهُمۡ يُخۡسِرُونَ – And when they have to give by measure or weight to people, give less than what is due] -Meaning, when they give the people what they are entitled to by way of measure or weight, they give them less- either by giving short measure or weight, or by not giving the full measure or weight, or by not filling the measuring or weighing equipment and what is similar that. This is tantamount to stealing the people’s wealth and not being fair to them. If this is the threat of divine vengeance against those who give short measure and short weight, then those who take people’s wealth by force or by stealing are more deserving of this threat than those who give short measure and short weight.

This noble Aayah shows that just as a person takes from the people what he is entitled to, it is also obligated on him to give them everything they are entitled to – whether related to wealth or mutual dealings; rather included in the generality of this Aayah are proofs and statements, because indeed what usually takes place between those engaged in argumentation and discussion is that each of them is eager to establish his proofs, therefore, it is obligated on a person also to make known the proofs possessed by the other person and examine the proofs of the other person just as he examines his own proofs. In relation to this affair, the justice of a person is known as opposed to whether he is afflicted with bigotry, his humility as opposed to being haughty, his common sense as opposed to foolish behaviour. We ask Allah bestow on us every good.

Then Allah issued a threat to those who give short measure, stated with amazement regarding their state of affairs and their persistence upon what they are doing. Allah said: [أَلَا يَظُنُّ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ أَنَّہُم مَّبۡعُوثُونَ – Think they not that they will be resurrected (for reckoning), on a Great Day, the Day when (all) mankind will stand before the Lord of all that exists – Meaning, what makes them dare to give short measure is because they do not believe in the Last Day, otherwise had they believed in it and known that they will stand before Allah to give account – whether related to something small or big, they would stopped and repent.

Prophet Shu’aib [peace be upon him] advised his nation about unjust trade practices

Allah [The Most High] said in Surah Hud Ayah 88 that Shu’aib [peace be upon him] said to his people:

[يَا قَوْمِ أَرَأَيْتُمْ إِن كُنتُ عَلَىٰ بَيِّنَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّي – O my people! Tell me, if I have a clear evidence from my Lord]- Meaning: I am upon certainty and tranquillity regarding the correctness of [the Message] I have brought. [وَرَزَقَنِي مِنْهُ رِزْقًا حَسَنًا – and He (Allah) has given me a good sustenance from Himself]- Meaning: Allah has given me various types of wealth.

[وَمَا أُرِيدُ أَنْ أُخَالِفَكُمْ إِلَىٰ مَا أَنْهَاكُمْ عَنْهُ – I wish not, in contradiction to you, to do that which I forbid you]- Meaning: I do not wish to forbid you from [the evil practice of giving lower in weight and Measure by way of cheating in business transactions], yet I myself do the same and eventually you will charge me for doing so; rather I will not forbid you from an affair except that I will be the first person to hasten to abandon it; [إِنْ أُرِيدُ إِلَّا الْإِصْلَاحَ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُ – I only desire reform so far as I am able, to the best of my power]- Meaning: I do not have any other intentions [goals or aims] other than to rectify your state of affairs and the things that are of benefit to you. And because this statement of Shu’aib contains something which may indicate that he is attributing piety to himself, he repels it with the statement [وَمَا تَوْفِيقِي إِلَّا بِاللَّهِ – And my guidance cannot come except from Allah]-Meaning: The ability I have to do good and to refrain from evil is a bestowal from Allah [The Most High] and it is neither due to my strength nor power;

[عَلَيْهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَإِلَيْهِ أُنِيبُ – in Him I trust and unto Him I repent]- Meaning: I rely on Allah in all my affairs and suffice myself with Him. I turn to Allah in all the various acts of worship He has commanded me to draw close to Him by performing good deeds. By way of these two affairs- seeking aid and assistance from Allah, turning to Him in repentance, complete submission and obedience- a person’s state of affairs becomes upright, just as Allah [The Most High] said in another Aayah: [فَاعْبُدْهُ وَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَيْهِ– So worship Him (O Muhammad) and put your trust in Him]. [5]

Therefore, whenever you hear the words ‘civilized’ and ‘uncivilized’ being attributed to a belief, view, thought or deed, you must judge the affair based on the infallible divine revelation – the Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah. And whenever you hear the term ‘the third world’, then do not forget the global structural injustices through which some nations enslave others. And recall the Ayah:

إِنَّا عَرَضۡنَا ٱلۡأَمَانَةَ عَلَى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَٱلۡجِبَالِ فَأَبَيۡنَ أَن يَحۡمِلۡنَہَا وَأَشۡفَقۡنَ مِنۡہَا وَحَمَلَهَا ٱلۡإِنسَـٰنُۖ إِنَّهُ ۥ كَانَ ظَلُومً۬ا جَهُولاً۬

Truly, We did offer Al-Amanah (the trust or moral responsibility or honesty and all the duties which Allah has ordained) to the heavens and the earth, and the mountains, but they declined to bear it and were afraid of it (i.e. afraid of Allah’s Torment). But the human being bore it. Verily, he was unjust (to himself) and ignorant (of its results). [Surah Al-Ahzaab. Verse 72]

The Simple Solution: Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: Whoever ponders upon the state of affairs of the world will find that every affair of rectification is due to Tawheed, singling out Allah in worship and obedience to His Messenger (Muhammad). And every evil in the world, trial, affliction, scarcity (in livelihood), being overpowered by an enemy and other than that is due to (our) opposition to the Messenger and the call to other than (the way of) Allah and His Messenger. Whoever truly ponders upon this and examines the state of affairs of the world- since its beginning and until the time Allah will take it away and those upon it- he will realise this affair regarding himself and others, in general and specific (circumstances). And there is no Might or Power except with Allah –The Most High, The Most Great. [6]

And Allah knows best


[1] Al-I’tisam 3/434]

[2] An Excerpt from Ad-Dalaa’il Al-Qur’aaniyyah Fee Annal Uloom Wal-A’maal An-Naafi’ah Al-Asriyyah Daakhilatun Fid Deen Al-Islaamiy. page 33- 36

[3] An Excerpt from I’aanah Al-Mustafeed Bi-Sharhi Kitaab At-Tawheed’ page 55-56]

[4]https://www.abukhadeejah.com/the-causes-of-poverty-in-light-of-climate-change-population-growth-and-other-factors-part-ii-ethics-2-4/ ]

[5] An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi. Slightly paraphrased]

[6] Badaa’i Al-Fawaa’id 3/525-526]

American Christian Zionists’ Media Initiatives Aimed at Influencing Public Opinion, With a Brief Mention of The Concept of Greater Israel

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

Allah [The Exalted] said:

وَإِذَا قُلۡتُمۡ فَٱعۡدِلُواْ وَلَوۡ ڪَانَ ذَا قُرۡبَىٰ‌ۖ

And when you testify, be just, even if (it concerns) a near relative. [I]

When you testify by way of a statement to judge between people, differentiate between them in a discourse, and speak regarding matters and circumstances, be just in your speech, adhere to truthfulness regarding those you love and those you hate, be fair and do not conceal what needs to be made clear because it is forbidden and tantamount to injustice to divert (from justice and fairness) when speaking against the one you hate. [II]

This article presents an excerpt from the research conducted by a Muslim researcher on the utilization of media by Christian Zionists, particularly within the United States. The author briefly addresses the financial resources accessible to the organizations, individuals, and groups involved in this initiative, as well as the relationship between the ideologies of Christian Zionists and political dynamics. It also examines the degree to which these individuals have succeeded in supporting those Zionists ascribed to Judaism who perceive Palestine as a divinely promised land. Additionally, the author references a Christian Zionist who advocates for the concept of a Greater Israel, which extends to Saudi Arabia, grounded in their abrogated scriptural interpretations. It is important to acknowledge that the organisations referenced by the author may have undergone changes, or been merged with or acquired by other entities. Consequently, it can be challenging to pinpoint the current status of a specific organisation and its ownership compared to its original state when the researcher initiated the study. Nevertheless, it is a well-established fact that the activities of American Christian Zionists and their backing of the successive administrations preceding Netanyahu are widely recognised to this day. Furthermore, it is important to note that this article solely reflects the author’s research findings regarding some organisations and does not serve as a guide for addressing the agenda of Christian Zionists. Instead, it is left to the senior scholars and their senior students to guide the Ummah in choosing a path aligned with the sound methodologies of the Prophets to counter the misguided notions propagated by various fabricated or abrogated religions. Moreover, this article does not imply that all American Christians are involved in the activities or erroneous beliefs associated with Christian Zionism. It is also essential for us as Muslims to follow the guidance of scholars regarding peaceful coexistence and equitable interactions with non-Muslim neighbours.

 

American Christian Zionists’ Media Initiatives Aimed at Influencing Public Opinion Through Political, Economic, and Social landscapes, Interpreted Through Old Testament (Abrogated) Scriptures, With a Brief Mention of  The Concept of Greater Israel Advocated by an American Cleric

 The author said:

The media undoubtedly serves as one of the most significant and perilous avenues for the dissemination and promotion of ideas. Its influence extends across diverse people, governments, society, and individuals, both within and beyond the nation where communication channels are employed. The media landscape, encompassing newspapers, magazines, and audiovisual platforms, has increasingly transcended national borders, especially in contemporary times. The two predominant Zionist ideologies, (namely Christian and Jewish), have historically exercised significant control over numerous media outlets, whether through their establishment, exploitation, or acquisition of intellectual and financial resources. Consequently, the media has evolved into a powerful instrument for Zionist-Christian influence. Various news agencies dominate the dissemination of information globally, and it is widely recognised that news significantly shapes public opinion, influencing both the language used and the substance of the content. Cinemas and film production entities play a significant role in the dissemination of ideas. It is possible that the lectures, seminars, and speeches aimed at providing guidance across various platforms are more extensively utilised by Christian Zionists to promote their beliefs.

Furthermore, articles, interviews, and analyses featured in newspapers and magazines effectively influence public opinion and persuade individuals regarding their intended messages. In addition, books and published pamphlets represent crucial mediums for communication, alongside the influence of scientific theories and philosophical concepts. Many people are attracted to theories and novel concepts, which is why Christian Zionism sought to use them as an effective tool for disseminating its ideals, whether they were among those who created the theories and ideas or among those who rode their waves of popularity. As a result, theories put forth by John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Pascal Blaise, Immanuel Kant, even Isaac Newton, and Joseph Priestley are among some of the most significant approaches that helped propagate Christian Zionism and its ideas. [Also] Zionist beliefs and people’s adherence to them were greatly aided by poets and other authors.

Christian Zionism’s influence is evident in how it uses the following strategies: News Agencies as the primary source of information on global events that other media use. They can choose to spotlight a story by covering it extensively in newspapers and other media, or they can choose to hide and obfuscate it. Propaganda Mediums. There is no doubt that the main news agencies are responsible for any media hype that attracts attention, mobilise supporters, and raises morale, while weakening enemies, and transferring the battle to a global atmosphere, in which there are opportunities for progress and resolution. Theodor Herzl said, “Hype is everything, and the truth is that hype leads to great actions”. [III] In the Zionist Protocols, it is stated that the Zionists must influence non-Zionist governments through public opinion, which they have created through the greatest force, namely the press, which is worthless except in exceptional cases and is within their reach.

 

The Visible Church

 Christian Zionism makes significant use of visual and audio broadcasting means to promote its principles and ideas and to reach as many people as possible through television programs and radio speeches. These methods are known as the electronic church, the “Visual Church”, or religion at prime time. The visual church and its programs have an impact since the majority of its viewers are adults aged forty and over, in particular. This age group comprises the largest and wealthiest electoral bloc in the United States of America, and hence it is of importance to competing politicians in various election campaigns. The fundamentalist church’s call and influence extended beyond the walls of its buildings to millions of people through television screens, satellites, and airwaves, where they preached, Christianized, guided, and educated on Zionist ideas that were meant to be conveyed to the people. The first person to use the term “visible church” was journalist Jim Montgomery in an article in the Wall Street Journal on May 19, 1978, and since that time this expression has been used. The percentage of viewers of the visual church, in statistics for the year 1985, amounted to something nearly 40% of television viewers in general.

Visible churches have substantial financial resources, but possibly most importantly, they rely on contributions from their members, watchers, and supporters. Because of this, the visual church has developed into a lucrative industry thanks to fund-raising efforts through show programs that address social, political, and artistic concerns rather than just religious preaching. As to the figures in 1985, the Christian Radio Network had approximately 233 million dollars in resources. To reach the greatest number of viewers and listeners, the network of visual church stations has grown significantly and is now spread among hundreds of radio and television stations in America. They don’t just broadcast their programs on the network of radio and television stations they own; instead, they buy time slots on other popular stations, pick the best ones to watch, and broadcast their programs enough times to draw in more listeners and viewers. As a result, the way Americans think and behave became greatly influenced by the visible church.

Because of their significant and effective influence, this enormous intellectual source was called the Fifth Estate, while the press was called the Fourth Estate. Relevant statistics show that more than half of Americans watch one or more religious programs at least once a month. According to the Gallup Institute, 52 million Americans watched one or more video church programs on a monthly basis in 1981. In 1983, the number reached 60 million people. According to another estimate released by a religious radio organisation, the number of weekly viewers of the church’s video programs reached 25 million in 1984. Whatever the number, it is certain that the number of listeners and viewers of these programs, as well as those influenced by them, has grown rapidly, and the pioneers of these programs who have become its authors and presenters are “visible stars” in American daily life. The church’s video programs attract different ages of people, including children. According to one statistic, children watching the program “An Hour from the Old Gospel” by the Zionist pastor Jerry Folwell constituted 30% of its total viewers. According to a study conducted by a company specialising in radio and television statistics called Nelson Viewer Composition, viewers of church video programs are men, women, and children, and some of them may be better at attracting women than others. According to a 1980 poll conducted by Christianity Today magazine in collaboration with the Gallup Institute, 85% of watchers and listeners of visual churches became religious after previously not being so. This is because of the programs of Zionist evangelists, which implies that the capacities of these churches, both organisational and technical, are advanced and have a significant economic impact, as well as on their listeners and viewers.

The audio-visual church has helped the Christian Zionist doctrine spread further than its previous supporters and the church has succeeded in convincing many Americans that its ideas represent the majority of American public opinion, which are ideas and readings of contemporary political, economic, and social conditions in light of Old Testament texts. It evaluates the world and its events in light of the scriptures’ prophecies.  The majority of visible churches support Christian Zionist ideals and principles, as promoted by proponents of “fundamentalist Christianity.” As a result, the relationship of biblical prophecy to Israel, the second coming of Christ, the gathering of Jews in Palestine, the battle of Har Majdon, and other Zionist beliefs and ideas are central to these church programs, both visual and audible. These visual and audio programs likewise portray “Israel” as sacred based on what is mentioned in their Holy Bible. Especially in the Old Testament, this belief is usually reinforced through political pretexts offered by the speaker in the program supporting the Jewish state “Israel” as an implementation of the Lord’s word. The majority of church men have the ability to influence because they are specialists in the field of media and mass communication sciences, in addition to being familiar with theology, which increases the strength of the impact of their programs, especially since it goes beyond preaching, guidance, and education to consultations, personal and political relationships, social, and sometimes even physical therapy. Visual church programs are growing increasingly popular in the United States of America, and it is difficult to stop their growth.

 According to 1985 figures, the number of television network stations for the Visual Church surpassed 1,500. Religious radio stations were projected to number over 1,400, with each broadcasting roughly 17 hours per day – 37 of those programs were time for preaching and religious guidance and 12 for news and interviews. In recent years, their reliance on satellites to broadcast their programs has grown, and it is estimated that half of these stations use satellites. The National Religious Broadcasters Association, which is an association that includes more than 76% of the Christian Zionist television and radio stations in the United States of America and was founded in 1944, indicates in its statistics that it has a thousand television and radio stations involved in its activities, and it also estimates that the number of listeners to the radio stations and members reaches 115 million listeners weekly, and nearly 14 million people are members of visible churches.

 The most important media stations for Christian Zionism

At the time this research was conducted, the author stated:

 There are numerous Christian Zionist media outlets, some of which are listed below: “CBN station” owned by Christian Zionist Pat Robertson, the son of Willis Robertson, a former senator from Virginia. He was a Yale Law School graduate who employed over 1,300 people to run his aforementioned Christian television network. The network’s central management is situated on 697 acres in a Virginia Beach suburb worth $22 million, and the CBN firm includes CBN, the 700 Club, three television stations, a radio station, an international aid system, and a lobby group. This Christian Zionist channel collaborates with the Middle East Television channel, which transmits from Lebanon’s south. In early 1986, CBN began a half-hour daily news program called “C. with me. The Night News” which was presented in a Zionist-Christian format and the station had 27.3 million viewers. Pat Robertson’s station repeated the belief that the founding of Israel is a fulfilment of Biblical prophecies and a sign of the impending Battle of Armageddon and the Second Coming of Christ. He also stated that “God stands on the side of Israel and not on the side of the terrorist Arabs,” and he spoke of “the great evil that exists among the Arabs because they are enemies of Israel,” and he reiterated that the most important predictive event in our lives is Israel’s seizure of Jerusalem, which indicates the near end of the era of non-Jews. [Footnote a] He named his television and radio station “The Pat Robertson Foundation” to include other work and tasks.

 “Baton Rouge” in Louisiana run by the fanatical Christian Zionist, Jimmy Swaggart. Based on data from “Nielsen Media Research”, it is the second most popular Christian Zionist television station. It is a targeted station that is viewed by 9.25 million households.

 “The Jim Bakker Show” is America’s third most popular Christian Zionist station. Its founder, Jim Bakker, was a student of Zionist Pat Robertson, and its programs reach approximately 6 million families. His station is lucrative and ranks eighteenth in the country. Annual financial resources are expected to be one hundred million dollars.

 “Oral Roberts Station” owned by a Christian Zionist whose programs reach approximately 5.77 families. His station concentrates on the interpretation of the Old Testament and linking it to the major events of the last ages.

 The “National Christian Company” was purchased by the Zionist priest Jerry Falwell and its name changed to “Daily Freedom Broadcasting”. It operates (or operated) from Leechburg, Virginia, and offers religious programming 24 hours a day. Its owner, Jerry Folwell, a close friend of former US President George H.W. Bush, frequently asserts through his station that “the re-establishment of Israel among fundamentalist Christians is a fulfillment of biblical prophecies, and every American must make every effort to ensure full support for Israel.” He also states that the Torah’s Book of Genesis declares that Israel’s borders will extend from the Euphrates to the Nile and that the promised territory will include Iraq, Syria, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, Sudan, Lebanon, Jordan, and Kuwait.

The station of the Zionist priest Kenneth Copeland: He is a fanatic of the Dispensationalist sect, one of the sects of Christian Zionism. In his programs, which reach more than 4.92 million families, he often says “God established modern Israel. We are watching God’s move for Israel. It is a great time to start supporting our government as long as it supports Israel. It is a wonderful time to feel how connected we are to the roots of Abraham”. He also focuses his station’s broadcast on the Battle of Har-Megiddon, the return of Christ, and other principles of Christian Zionism.

Richard DeHaan’s Christian Zionist station had religious programs that transmitted the beliefs and principles of Zionism Christianity to over 4.75 million homes.

Zionist station of Rex Humbard: He was one of the fanatics of the dispensationalist sect. His station’s broadcast reaches more than 3.7 million households. He used to repeat that “God knew from the very beginning that we the ones who live today will destroy the Earth.”

 “Voice of Hope” is a Christian Zionist station that was founded by George Otis, a friend of former US President Ronald Reagan. It is a radio station in southern Lebanon that was founded on September 9, 1979, with the collaboration and encouragement of the Jewish “Israeli” government after Israel invaded and occupied southern Lebanon in the summer of 1978. George Otis, the station’s (original) owner, spoke about Israel’s role in its establishment: “Israeli support was a miracle. Did you ever believe the day would arrive when the Jews wanted to establish a Christian station?!” After a few months, George Otis launched a visual station alongside his audio station, naming it “Star of Hope,” and it is sometimes referred to as “Middle East Television.” Pat Robertson, a Zionist pastor, later bought this station. According to reports, more than a hundred American Zionist Christians attended the March 17, 1989 opening ceremony of the new headquarters of the “Voice and Star of Hope” station in the presence of the commander of the Israeli occupation forces in southern Lebanon.

The most influential Christian Zionist programs in American society in particular for viewers in general are the following:

 “Decision Hour” program, hosted by Zionist Reverend Billy Graham, is one of the earliest religious programs that began in 1950 and broadcast from nine hundred television and radio stations. “Torah Study” program by the Zionist Billy Graham broadcasted on a thousand radio stations around the world. “A Day of Discovery” program also by Reverend Billy Graham, a daily program watched by more than seven people million families.

 “The Old Religious Call Awakening Hour” by the Zionist priest Charles Feller, and one of the most famous old religious programs. It started in 1925, transmitting from Los Angeles, and reached 456 radio stations in the early 1940s. “A Study in the Word” program by Zionist Pastor Jimmy Swaggart is a daily program watched by over 4.58 million families each month. In one of his episodes, he stated, “I feel that the United States of America is connected to Israel by an umbilical birth cord. These ties, I believe, date back to long before the birth of the United States of America, just as the Judeo-Christian concept dates back to Abraham and God’s promise to him; a promise that I believe includes the United States of America because God still says, ‘I bless those who bless Israel, and I curse those who curse it’, and it is God’s grace to the United States of America that it is still strong today, and I am confident that this is due to the fact that it stands behind Israel, and I pray to God that it will always remain a supporter of Israel.”

“The Seven Hundred Clubs” Program or “The Seven Hundred Club” by Christian Zionist Pat Robertson, which is a daily program watched by more than 16.30 million families every month and broadcast for ninety minutes. It is given this name due to the number of viewers in the program. “Weekly Crusade” by Zionist Pastor Jimmy Swaggart, a weekly program watched by more than 9.25 million families every month. “Hour of Power” program by the Zionist Pastor Robert Schuller, which is a weekly program watched by more than 7.64 million families every month. This Zionist priest mentioned, in one of his programs, the text of a message he received from one of the viewers of his program in 1979 in which he said, “Every morning on Sundays, my wife and I sit in front of the TV, and we listen to your program, while we are having tea, and now that I am away from home, I will listen to your program, while I am sitting in my hotel room, while my wife is also listening to you at home. This indicates the passion of Christian listeners for the programs of this evangelical priest.

“Glorify the Lord” program by Zionist Pastor Jim Packer or Jim Baker, which is a daily program watched by more than 5.77 million families every month. “Expect a Miracle” program by Christian Pastor Oral Roberts, a weekly program watched by more than 5,773 million families every month. The “Jerry Falwell Live” program by Zionist Pastor Jerry Folwell, which is a weekly program every Sunday evening received by 34 million homes. “An Hour from the Gospel of the Time” program also by the Zionist Pastor Jerry Folwell is a daily program that is watched by more than 5.6 million families every month and is broadcast on 392 video stations and 500 audible stations.

 “Kenneth Copeland Program and Review” by Zionist Pastor Kenneth Copeland, is a weekly program watched by more than 4.92 million families every month. “Discovery Day” program by Zionist Pastor Paul Van Gorder, is a weekly program viewed by more than 4.75 million families every month.

“The Rex Humbard Program and Show” by Christian Zionist Rex Humbard is a weekly program watched by more than 3.7 million families every month. “Israel is America’s Key to Survival” by the Christian Zionist Mike Evans. It is a daily program that is broadcast for an hour a day on more than fifty television stations, covering more than 25 American states, according to a report published in 1983 by this pastor. And due to this, the Zionist pastor said, “There are many Christian activities which focus on the call to protect Israel and cooperate with it, in fulfilment of the texts of the Old Testament”.

 Associations and Organisations

Many associations and organisations were founded by Christian Zionists to promote and realise the ideas of Christian Zionism. It is very difficult to list all of the organisations and associations that they founded or attempted to dominate, exploit, and pressure. According to some experts, there are around 250 Christian Zionist organisations in the United States alone. This is not surprising and it is a reality because the “Christian Zionist Lobby” was active for many years before the Jewish “Lobby” was founded. This is because Christian Zionist organisations and associations believe that supporting Israel is not an abstract political or religious obligation, but rather a divine message, and God blesses those who support it. Millions of American and European Zionists began to provide Israel with strength and financial, military, and political protection, out of the belief that supporting Israel is the way. The strongest for the survival, preservation, and victory of those who support it. This religious and political perspective is the main reason for which there has been a proliferation of organisations and associations working and lobbying for the interests of the state of Israel. In this regard, I’d like to highlight the most prominent and well-known Zionist organisations and Christian associations, including the following:

The Pro-Palestinian Federation of America: In 1930, the American Zionist priest Charles Russell founded this organisation. He stated that the purpose of his organisation was to defend the Jewish national homeland. The organisation then held conferences, gave lectures, and held seminars to accomplish this goal.

The Palestinian-American Committee: This organisation was created in 1932, and the committee was led by Zionist Senator “Robert Wagner” and minority leader “Charles McMurray” in 1942. Its membership included 68 senators, almost 200 representatives in the House of Representatives, and dozens of priests and clergy. This organisation stated that its mission was to mobilise non-Jewish Zionist supporters and to raise American public understanding of Zionism, its goals, and achievements in Palestine.

The Palestinian Christian Council Organisation: This organisation was founded in 1942, and the majority of its members were senior Protestant Christian priests. It declared that its goal was to focus attention on Palestine since it is the only homeland for Jews, a land promised by God, and approved by the Balfour Declaration. Sometime after its inception, this organisation amalgamated with the “Palestinian American Committee” to form a new organisation known as “The American Christian Committee of Palestine.”

 National Union of Evangelicals: This union was founded in 1942 and later became a Christian Zionist stronghold. It gave birth to many Christian Zionist organisations and associations, which brought together diverse Christian Zionist trends, and worked with American policy both internally and externally. Regardless of what the Union declared, it was founded on the literal inerrancy of the Bible, including prophecies foreshadowing the return of the Jews to Palestine before Christ’s second coming and the establishment of the earthly kingdom.

Christians United for Israel: In 1975, Pastor David Lewis founded this Zionist organisation. It declared that its goal was to bolster Christian Zionist thinking and that it worked to support Zionist objectives and policies as well as Israel. The founder traveled to the Jewish state several times and met officials there. He also met with a defector from the Lebanese army, Saad Haddad, the chief of the Free (South) Lebanese Army, which was pro-Jewish and supported by the Jews. This institution issued a quarterly publication called “The Courier of Jerusalem and the Chosen One of Prophecy” as well as a monthly newsletter. It collaborated with the International Christian Embassy, and the two organisations led tourist groups to Israel and arranged meetings with Jewish politicians for them. In addition, the two organisations took part in Jewish religious celebrations and advocated for the Jewish state in American media and governmental institutions. And within the scope of this effort, anyone with moderate opinions, whether politicians, journalists, or writers, as well as everyone who speaks out against Israel, are defamed.

The Moral Majority: Jerry Falwell, an American Zionist priest, founded this association or organisation in 1979. It declared that “spreading traditional Christian morals” was its primary objective, and further stated that it aims is to achieve the following goals:

To oppose abortion, homosexuality, the legalisation of the rights of homosexuals and lesbians. [Footnote b] Stop the ban on prayer in schools. Fight against communism, provide a strong defencee for the United States of America, oppose the nuclear freeze, and waiting for the nuclear battle of Har-Mageddon between the forces of good and the forces of evil. [Footnote c] Support the State of “Israel” without conditions, [Footnote d] convince the world that they (i.e. the Zionists) have a historical, theological, and legal right to the “Land of Israel,” as God is the one who determines its borders.

This organization has leadership at the national level headed by Jerry Falwell called “National Leadership of the Moral Majority” and branches throughout the United States of America. Its membership reached 6.5 million and its communications more than 25 million Americans. It has strong connections to the White House and Congress, which is why it took the path of “lobbying”, including financial support for candidates for political office who hold Zionist ideology, and it also made persuasive efforts through the “Falwell” radio network and television.

 The “Religious Round Table” organisation

 Several Christian Zionist leaders, including Pastor Jerry Falwell of the “Moral Majority” and Paul Weyrich of the Zionist political organisation “Free Congress Foundation”, founded this organisation in September 1979. Under the leadership of Zionist priest Edward McAteer, this organisation established branches in most American United States. It declared that its objective is to organise seminars to educate religious people about politics and to set up meetings between political leaders and leaders of Fundamentalist Christianity and Evangelicalism in general. At the start of 1980, fourteen seminars were held, one of which was attended by Ronald Reagan, the American presidential candidate. The number of people that attended these seminars was estimated at forty.

 One of the most prominent activities of this organisation is the annual “Prayer Breakfast” to pray for Israel and support its policies and aims. It also has a habit of performing a prayer in which Israel is blessed, with the signatures of more than fifty million Zionist Christians who believe in the Torah. [Footnote a] Religious and political leaders, businesses, and US government representatives all attend these parties. In 1983, the “Prayer Breakfast Conference for Israel” was held in the US capital, then a statement was issued to “confirm the call of the US to cooperate with Israel in fulfillment of the texts of the Torah, and its call to move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

 International Christian Embassy

 This Christian-Zionist organisation was established in occupied Jerusalem in 1980 after the Israeli Jewish government’s decision to consider Jerusalem a unified and eternal capital for Israel. It was stated in the founding document of the organisation: “It is clear that God alone established this international Christian embassy in these critical hours to comfort Zion and a new response of love for Israel”. Jan Van Der Hoven, the organisation’s president, and founder, stated: “We are more Zionist than the Israelis themselves. Jerusalem is the only city that receives the Lord’s attention and the Lord has given this land to Israel forever”. This organisation maintains that there will be no place for the second coming of Christ if Israel does not exist. In addition to protecting and assisting Israel, it also backs its expansionist policies and proclaims that the West Bank and Gaza are divinely granted rights for the Jewish people. To support Israel’s economic growth in the areas of industry and tourism, it established an international investment fund and urged everyone to resist the Arab boycott of the country. It has established centers in over 40 countries worldwide. In the United States alone, the organisation has 22 branches spread across 22 states. At each branch, there is a bishop holding the rank of consul, whose duties include coordinating gatherings and rallies in support of Israel, soliciting financial contributions and aid, selling bonds in support of the country, and establishing direct communication with decision-makers to get Jerusalem recognised as Israel’s eternal capital. The US Congress’s first resolution, passed in April 1990, urging the US government to acknowledge Jerusalem as Israel’s eternal and united capital, was greatly influenced by this organisation. Apart from organising periodic conferences in Jerusalem, this organization’s most significant endeavour is probably organising the yearly Christian Zionist Conference, which takes place in the same location as Zionism’s initial founding conference in Basel, Switzerland.

 “National Christian Leadership for Israel”

This “organised” leadership was founded in 1980 by a gathering of several Christian Zionist groups and organisations, initiated by Franklin Little. According to Paul Findley, “The goal of this Christian Zionist gathering in various activities, includes religious theology through lectures and seminars, including conferences and organising marches, organised means of pressure, concern for the survival, support, and well-being of Israel, books and publications.” It held an annual conference in the American capital, Washington, to serve Israel and call for its protection, and it is attended by members of the US Congress. On the occasion of the fortieth anniversary of the end of World War II, it issued a statement to all Christians, saying, “Give special attention to the meaning of Israel in the thought, faith, and life of the Jewish people throughout its long history, and raise your voices loudly against anti-Semitism, which hides behind anti-Zionism”. [Footnote a] The statement also called the United Nations General Assembly’s resolution calling Zionism a form of racism a scandal that must be expunged from the UN record. This leadership organisation is considered one of the strongest Zionist Christian pressure groups.

 The American Coalition for Traditional Values

During President Ronald Reagan’s administration, Christian Zionist organisations and the conservative political right formed several coalitions intending to jointly influence internal and exterior political trends in the United States. Among these coalitions, the most well-known was the “American Coalition for Traditional Values,” which promoted Christian Zionist ideals and values and exerted pressure to support, defend, and protect Israel.

This coalition was established in 1984 by several Christian Zionist leaders and organisations, including the “Moral Majority” organisation. Tim LaHaye, a Zionist priest, led this coalition. The group published a monthly magazine named “Voice of Christianity” that had a circulation of about one million two hundred thousand copies.

National Christian Congress Organisation: This organisation was established in 1980 with the stated goal of uniting Christians of all sects and organisations for the Jewish national homeland. Representatives from the National Council of Churches attended its establishment ceremony. Republican representative from New York, Jack Kemp, spoke at the opening ceremony and stated in his speech that the establishment of Israel in 1948 was a fulfilment of biblical prophecy.

Great Adventure – a Christian, political, and religious Zionist organisation founded by Zionist priest George Artis, one of the most prominent American Zionists and a close friend of former American President Ronald Reagan. This organisation stated that it is founded on the premise of the literal inerrancy of the Old Testament, that it believes in the impact of modern Israel in bringing the date of Christ’s second return closer, and that it is committed “to supporting Israel and defending its policies; the belief that the entire Holy Land is the inheritance of the Jewish people, inalienable and unchangeable and that it is the promise given to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; and that the establishment of modern Israel is an undisputed fulfilment of biblical prophecy and a harbinger of the second coming of Christ; and that the Jews anywhere are still God’s chosen people and God blesses those who bless them”. This organisation is regarded as the first Christian Zionist organisation in the contemporary period to create a visible and audible church on Arab land controlled by Zionists in southern Lebanon in 1979, in collaboration with the Zionist state and a defector from the Lebanese army Saad Haddad. It has various publications, in addition to the Visible Church, that exalt Zionists and claim that the establishment of a state for them in Palestine is linked to the second coming of Christ.  [End of quote: An Excerpt from “As-Sahyuniyyah An-Nasraaniyyah, Diraasah Fee Daw’’ Al-Aqeedah Al-Islaamiyyah” pages 344-378]

In the discourse presented by the author, it becomes evident that these organizations perceive their support for Israel as a sacred duty. They believe that the return of Jews to Palestine signifies not only the advent of Christ but also heralds the prophesied end of times. While earlier scriptures, including the Injeel and the Torah, recount narratives concerning the signs of the end, particularly the Injeel’s references to the return of Isa, peace be upon him, it is ultimately the infallible final revelation—the Qur’an and Sunnah, bestowed upon the last of the Prophets, Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him—that serves as the definitive guide to understanding the events of the end of times.

Consequently, it is not permissible to revisit the following issues: the accounts of individuals from the (abrogated) Scriptures, personal opinions and dreams, unreliable and false narrations, analogical reasoning, as well as political, economic, or socialist analyses. This is due to the fact that the narrations concerning trials and tribulations, the signs of the Hour, and the conflicts that will arise pertain to matters of Religion, which is Tawqeefee (meaning its foundations can only be derived from the divine texts of the Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah). Therefore, any authentic reports from the Prophet regarding (forthcoming events) must be accepted by a Muslim, regardless of whether they align with rational thought, as this embodies the essence of one’s declaration that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. Allah said:

 وَمَا يَنْطِقُ عَنِ الْهَوَىٰ

إِنْ هُوَ إِلَّا وَحْيٌ يُوحَىٰ

 Nor does he (Muhammad) speak of (his own) desire. It is only an Inspiration that is inspired. [Surah an-Najm. 3]

 Allah (The Most High) said:

 وَمَا آتَاكُمُ الرَّسُولُ فَخُذُوهُ وَمَا نَهَاكُمْ عَنْهُ فَانْتَهُو

And whatsoever the Messenger (Muhammad) gives you, take it, and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it)].[Surah Al-Hashr. 7]

Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, reported: One day while we were sitting with Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] there appeared before us a man whose clothes were exceedingly white and whose hair was exceedingly black; no signs of journeying were to be seen on him and none of us knew him. He walked up and sat down by the prophet. Resting his knees against his and placing the palms of his hands on his thighs, he said: “O Muhammad, tell me about Islam”. The messenger of Allah said: “Islam is to testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah, to perform the prayers, to pay the zakat, to fast in Ramadan, and to make the pilgrimage to the House if you are able to do so.” He said: “You have spoken rightly’’ And we were amazed at him asking him and saying that he had spoken rightly. He said: “Then tell me about Iman.” He said: ”It is to believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, and the Last Day, and to believe in divine destiny, both the good and the evil thereof.” He said: “You have spoken rightly”. He said: “Then tell me about Ihsan.” He said: “It is to worship Allah as though you are seeing Him, and while you see Him not yet truly He sees you”. He said: “Then tell me about the Hour”. He said: “The one questioned about it knows no better than the questioner.” He said: “Then tell me about its signs.” He said: “That the slave-girl will give birth to her mistress and that you will see the barefooted, naked, destitute herdsman competing in constructing lofty buildings.” Then he took himself off and I stayed for a time. Then he said: “O Umar, do you know who the questioner was?” I said: “Allah and His messenger know best”. He said: “He was Gibreel (Gabriel), who came to you to teach you your religion”. [Reported by Muslim. Kitaab al-Imaan. Chapter: Imaan, Islaam and Ihsaan. Hadeeth Number: 8]

The testimony in this hadeeth is the statement of the Prophet, “He was Gibreel, who came to you to teach you your religion”. Therefore, the principle in the preceding hadeeth is that the Prophet asked a question concerning the Hour and its circumstances, and he established that it is something contained in religion. The trials and tribulations, circumstances, and strife associated with the (portents) of the Hour are from the religion, and it is not for anybody to speak about it based on their own (opinions, views, analysis, interpretations, etc.).” [An Excerpt from Mawqiful Muslim Minal Fitan. Pages 15-18]

Abu Hurairah [may Allah be pleased with him] reported that Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “The Hour will not be established till two big groups fight each other whereupon there will be a great number of casualties on both sides and they will be following one and the same path, till about thirty Dajjals (liars) appear and each one of them will claim that he is Allah’s Messenger, till religious knowledge is taken away (by the death of Religious scholars), earthquakes will increase in number; time will pass quickly, afflictions will appear, Al-Harj, (i.e., killing) will increase, till wealth will be in abundance – so abundant that a wealthy person will worry lest nobody should accept his Zakat, and whenever he will present it to someone, that person (to whom it will be offered) will say, ‘I am not in need of it, till the people compete with one another in constructing high buildings, till a man when passing by a grave of someone will say, ‘Would that I were in his place’ and till the sun rises from the West. So when the sun will rise and the people will see it (rising from the West) they will all believe (accept Islam) but that will be the time when: (as Allah said) [لاَ يَنْفَعُ نَفْسًا إِيمَانُهَا لَمْ تَكُنْ آمَنَتْ مِنْ قَبْلُ، أَوْ كَسَبَتْ فِي إِيمَانِهَا خَيْرًا – no good will it do to a person to believe then, if he believed not before, nor earned good (by performing deeds of righteousness) through his Faith]. And the Hour will be established while two men spreading a garment in front of them but they will not be able to sell it, nor fold it up, and Hour will be established when a man has milked his she-camel and has taken away the milk but he will not be able to drink it, and Hour will be established before a man repairing a tank (for his livestock) is able to water (his animals) in it, and Hour will be established when a person has raised a morsel (of food) to his mouth but will not be able to eat it.” [Saheeh Al-Bukhaari. Hadeeth Number 7121]

Abu Zaid -Amr Bin Akhtab [may Allah be pleased with him] reported: Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] led us in the dawn prayer and then mounted the pulpit and addressed us until it was (time for the) noon prayer. He then came down the pulpit and observed prayer and then again mounted the pulpit and again addressed us until it was time for the ‘Asr prayer. He then again came down and observed the prayer and again mounted the pulpit and addressed us until the sun was set and he informed (us about) everything (pertaining to turmoil) that lay hidden in the past and what lies in (the womb) of) the future and the most learned amongst us is one who remembers them well. [ Saheeh Muslim 2892]

Imaam Muslim said: Chapter: The Conquest Of Constantinople, The Emergence Of The Dajjal And The Descent Of ‘Isa Bin Maryam [peace be upon him]: Abu Hurairah [may Allah be pleased with him] reported that Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said: The Last Hour would not come until the Romans would land at al-A’maq or in Dabiq. An army consisting of the best (soldiers) of the people of the earth at that time will come from Medina (to counteract them). When they will arrange themselves in ranks, the Romans would say: Do not stand between us and those (Muslims) who took prisoners from amongst us. Let us fight with them; and the Muslims would say: Nay, by Allah, we would never get aside from you and from our brethren that you may fight them. They will then fight and a third (part) of the army would run away, whom Allah will never forgive. A third (part of the army) which would be constituted of excellent martyrs in Allah’s eye, would be killed and the third who would never be put to trial would win and they would be conquerors of Constantinople. And as they would be busy distributing the spoils of war (amongst themselves) after hanging their swords by the olive trees, Satan would cry: The Dajjal has taken your place among your family. They would then come out, but it would be of no avail. And when they would come to Syria, he would come out while they would be still preparing themselves for battle drawing up the ranks. Certainly, the time of prayer shall come, and then Jesus (peace be upon him) son of Mary would descend and would lead them. When the enemy of Allah would see him, it would (disappear) just as the salt dissolves itself in water, and if he (Jesus) were not to confront them at all, even then it would dissolve completely, but Allah would kill them by his hand and he would show them their blood on his lance (the lance of Jesus Christ). [Saheeh Muslim. 2897]

Abu Hurairah [may Allah be pleased with him] narrated that Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “By Allah in Whose Hands my soul is, son of Mary (Jesus) will shortly descend amongst you people (Muslims) as a just ruler and will break the Cross and kill the pig and abolish the Jizya (a tax taken from the non-Muslims, who are in the protection, of the Muslim government). Then wealth will be abundant and nobody will accept charitable gifts”. [Sahih Al-Bukhari 2222]

Abu Hurairah [may Allah be pleased with him] narrated that Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “What would you do when the son of Mary would descend amongst you and would lead you as one amongst you? Ibn Abi Dhi’b on the authority of Abu Huraira narrated: Your leader amongst you. Ibn Abi Dhi’b said: Do you know what the words:” He would lead as one amongst you” mean? I said: Explain these to me. He said: He would lead you according to the Book of your: Lord (hallowed be He and most exalted) and the Sunnah of your Messenger”. [Sahih Muslim 155]

Hudhaifah [may Allah be pleased with him] reported that Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] stood before us one day and he did not leave anything unsaid (that he had to say) at that very spot which would happen (in the shape of turmoil) up to the Last Hour. Those who had to remember them preserved them in their minds and those who could not remember them forgot them. My friends knew them and certain things slip out of my mind, but I recapitulate them when anyone makes a mention of them just as a person is lost from one’s mind but is recalled to him upon seeing his face. [Sahih Muslim 2891]

Abu Hurairah [may Allah be pleased with him] reported that Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said: The Last Hour would not come before the Euphrates uncovers a mountain of gold, for which people would fight. Ninety-nine out of each one hundred would die but every man amongst them would say that perhaps he would be the one who would be saved (and thus possess this gold). [Sahih Muslim 2894]

 The Beast:

 Allah says: [وَإِذَا وَقَعَ ٱلۡقَوۡلُ عَلَيۡہِمۡ أَخۡرَجۡنَا لَهُمۡ دَآبَّةً۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡأَرۡضِ تُكَلِّمُهُمۡ أَنَّ ٱلنَّاسَ كَانُواْ بِـَٔايَـٰتِنَا لَا يُوقِنُونَ – And when the Word (of torment) is fulfilled against them, We shall bring out from the earth a beast to them, which will speak to them because mankind believed not with certainty in Our Ayat (Verses of the Qur’an and Prophet Muhammad)]

Imam As-Sadi [may Allah have mercy upon him] commented: Meaning, when the time comes for the warning, which Allah has decided; [أَخۡرَجۡنَا لَهُمۡ دَآبَّةً۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡأَرۡضِ – We shall bring out from the earth a beast to them] or one of the earth’s beasts, rather than the heavens. This beast [تُكَلِّمُهُمۡ – will speak to them]; Meaning, it would speak to the people about how they did not believe with certainty in Our (i.e. Allah’s) signs due to a lack of knowledge and certainty in Allah’s signs. So Allah will make this beast appear as one of His amazing signs to manifest to the people what they doubted. This beast is the well-known beast that will appear at the end of time, and it will be one of the (major) signs indicating the approach of the Day of Judgement, as mentioned in many Prophetic narrations. [An Excerpt from Tafseer as-Sadi]

Abu Umaamah [may Allah be pleased with him] narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “The beast will emerge and strike the people on their noses, then their numbers will increase among you until a man will buy a camel and they will say, ‘Who did you buy it from?’ and he will say, ‘I bought it from one of those with a mark on their noses’”. [Reported by Imaam Ahmad 22362 and declared authentic by Imaam Al Albaanee in As-Sisilah As-Saheehah. Number 322]

Anas [may Allah be pleased with him] reported that Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “The Hour will not occur until ‘Allah, Allah’ is not said on earth.” [Sahih Muslim 148]

Abu Hurairah [may Allah be pleased with him] said that Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “When three things appear, faith will not benefit one who has not previously believed or has derived no good from his faith: the rising of the sun in its place of setting, the Dajjal, and the beast of the earth”. [Sahih Muslim. Number 158]

Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allah have mercy upon him] as follows: “In the Qur’an and authentic Ahaadeeth there are numerous reports regarding that which will take place in the Dunyah and Aakhirah, and affairs that occurred perfectly after the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] spoke about them many years before their occurrence, such as his statement: ‘The Hour will not be established until you fight with the Turks; people with small eyes, red faces, and flat noses. Their faces will look like shields coated with leather. The Hour will not be established till you fight with people whose shoes are made of hair”. [Sahih Al-Bukhari. Number 2928]

Those amongst the Muslims – who saw and fought those Turks when their king Genghis Khan appeared, his children and grandchildren, such as Hulagu Khan and other than him amongst the disbelieving kings- could not describe them better than how the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] described them [i.e. even though he did not meet them]. He stated this 600 years before its occurrence. [An Excerpt from Al-Jawab As-Sahih 2/65-67]

 The People of The Scripture Have Abandoned The Right Path

 Shaikh Al-Islam ibn Taymiyyah [may Allah have mercy upon him] stated: The People of the Scripture who came after the abrogation and replacement of (the Torah and the Injeel) are neither those who believed in Allah and the Last Day nor those who worked righteous deeds. They disbelieved because either they substituted the religion of the Messiah [peace be upon him], belied him, or belied Muhammad [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] in various affairs. The verses of the Qur’an (regarding this affair) are clear and many – transmitted in abundance and known by necessity in the Religion of Muhammad [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him]. However, these Christians approach the Qur’an in the same way they approach the Torah and the Injeel – making undue claims on the Muhkamaat [i.e. the very clear texts], whilst clinging onto the Mutashaabih [i.e. the ambiguous texts that must be referred back to the clear texts to explain their intended meanings], even though in them there is that which is in opposition to what they desire. [Al-Jawab As-Sahih 2/234]


[I] Translator: Shaikh Abu Iyaad. NobleQur’an

[II] An Excerpt from Tafseer as-Sadi. Slightly paraphrased

[III] Theodor Herzl is the god father of Zionism. Source: “Asaaleeb Al-Ghazwah al-Fikree. page 164

 

 

 

 

Atatürk?!

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

Imam Al-Albani, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated:

كما يقال إنه جمعني مجلس مرة مع قسيس من قساوسة النصارى فجرى بحث طويل بيني وبينه ، والقصة فيها طول وفيها فائدة ولكن الوقت ضاق يعني معنا نحو خمس دقائق .ولذلك فأذكر منها ما يتعلق بهذا المقام ، لقد أنكر هذا القسيس على المسلمين أنهم حكموا بكفر الذي كان من قبل يسمى بمصطفى كمال باشا ، ثم سمي بأتاتورك ، أبو الأتراك والذي حاد بالأتراك المسلمين عن كثير من أحكام دينهم كما هو معلوم ، هذا القسيس هاجم المسلمين ونسبهم إلى الغلو في تكفيرهم لأتاتورك هذا بزعمه هو أنه لم يصنع شيئا يذكر ويستحق عليه التكفير سوى أنه فرض على الشعب التركي القبعة ، البرنيطة معروفة هذه البرنيطة عندكم وهي القلنسوة التي لها مظلة ، إما مظلة كاملة أو مظلة أمامية ، فكان ردي عليه من ناحيتين ، الناحية الأولى ولا أطيل فيها أن الرجل لم يخالف الإسلام فقط في هذه الناحية وإنما غير كثيرا من أحكام الشريعة ، منها أن جعل للأنثى في الإرث مثل حظ الذكر ، أما فيما يتعلق بمسألة البرنيطة فهنا خضت معه بحثا طويلا خلاصته أن الإسلام من كماله أنه وضع أحكاما وتشريعات في سبيل أن يحافظ المسلمون بها على شخصيتهم الإسلامية لكي لا ينماعوا مع الزمن في شخصية أمة أخرى ، وذكرت له وهو رجل مع الأسف مثقف بأن علماء الإجماع يقولون بأن أي شعب يريد أن يحافظ على شخصيته فعليه أن يحافظ على تقاليده وعلى تاريخه وعلى لغته ، هذا أمر مسلم لديهم في علم الاجتماع ، فقلت له فكان من فضل الإسلام وكمال تشريعه أنه شرع للمسلمين أن يحافظوا على شخصيتهم المسلمة وأن لا يتشبهوا بالمخالفين لهم بل وأن يتقصدوا مخالفتهم كما شرحت لكم آنفا ، هذا الرجل أتاتورك وهنا الشاهد من هذا المثال لو كان يريد الخير للشعب التركي المسلم ووجد فرضا في القبعة مصلحة لا يجدها في لباس آخر فكان باستطاعته أن يجعل فارقا بين قبعة المسلم التركي وقبعة غير المسلم التركي ، كأن يجعل مثلا شريطا على قبعة المسلم كل من يرى هذا المسلم المتبرنط يقول هذا مسلم ولو أنه لبس لباس الكفار ، لكن الرجل فعل ما فعل عداء لدين الإسلام ولذلك حكم عليه علماء المسلمين بالكفر والردة والخروج عن دين الإسلام ، بحث طويل كان بيني وبينه في هذه القضية حتى ألهمني الله عزوجل فقلت له بعد أن قال هذه قضية أن هذا اللباس صار أمر أممي وليس خاصا بشعب من الشعوب أو بدين من الأديان فجئته من ناحية حساسة ، هذا القسيس لبناني والقساوسة اللبنانيون لهم زي خاص ، أولا لباسهم سواد في سواد وثانيا قلنسوتهم هي كطربوش تعرفونه الطربوش الأحمر ولكنه طويل ضعف الطربوش طولا وأسود
السائل
مثل الهرم يعني ؟

الشيخ : لا ، الهرم يكون رأسه رفيع ، هذا يكون مثل السطل هكذا ، الشاهد قلت له هل أفهم من كلامك أن اللباس ليس له علاقة بالدين أنه مث بالنسبة إليك أنت يجوز أن ترفع هذه القلنسوة وتضع على رأسك الطربوش الأحمر وعليه العمامة البيضاء ؟ فمن نظر إليك ظن فيك أنك شيخ من شيوخ المسلمين ؟ قال : لا ، لا ، لا ، قلت له لماذا فهذا لباس ؟ وليس له علاقة بالدين ؟ قال لا ، نحن علماء النصارى يعني ، نحن رجال الدين ولنا زي خاص من بين النصارى عموما لنا زي خاص ، فألهمني الله عزوجل وقلت له كلمة يعني سقط من بعدها تماما وتبين أنه لا مجال لأحد أن يجادل في الإسلام ، قلت له هذا هو الفرق بيننا نحن معشر المسلمين وبينكم أنتم معشر النصارى ، فنحن لا فرق عندنا بين عالم ومتعلم وغير متعلم مادام أنه يجمعنا الإسلام ، فما لا يجوز لأكبر عالم لا يجوز لأقل مسلم ، هذا عندنا ، أما عندكم فعندكم رجال دين ورجال لا دين ، هكذا قلت له ، بدليل أنك تقول هذا لباس خاص بكم أنتم معشر القسيسين ، أما النصارى الآخرون فيلبسون ما يشاءون ، لا هذا عندنا لا يجوز ، ما يحرم على أكبر إنسان وأتقى إنسان يحرم على أصغر وما لا يجوز أن يلبسه العالم لا يجوز أن يلبسه الأمي ، وهكذا ، فسقط في يده والحقيقة هذه من فضائل الشريعة الإسلامية ولعل في هذا القدر كفاية والحمد لله رب العالمين

During a conversation with a Christian priest, we engaged in a lengthy discussion and analysis. Although the story is extensive and contains numerous benefits, our time is limited to just 5 minutes. Hence, I will only mention what is relevant to this occasion. The priest expressed disapproval towards the Muslims, specifically the scholars, for declaring Mustapha Kamal Pasha, later known as Ataturk, as a disbeliever. Ataturk, who is considered the father of the Turks, implemented policies that restricted Turkish Muslims from adhering to many of the rulings of their religion, as is widely known.

The priest verbally attacked the Muslims and accused them of extremism for excommunicating Ataturk, arguing that his only offense was making the wearing of Western-style hats compulsory for Turkish civil servants. In response, I presented two arguments against the priest. Firstly, it is important to note that Ataturk not only opposed Islam in this particular matter, but he also made significant changes to the Shariah, such as altering the inheritance laws to equate the shares of females and males. (see footnote a)

In terms of the hat’s subject matter, I engaged in an extensive discussion and analysis, the essence of which is summarised as follows: One of the aspects of Islam’s perfection is its establishment of laws and divine regulations to help Muslims maintain their Islamic identity and avoid adopting the (un-Islamic) identities of other groups. I pointed out to him that scholars specialising in the topic of Ijmaa [ religious consensus] assert that any society wishing to preserve its distinctiveness must safeguard its customs, history, and language, considering this an undeniable principle in the field of consensus. Therefore, I explained to him that among the virtues of Islam and the excellence of its laws is the provision for Muslims to uphold their Muslim identity and refrain from emulating those who oppose it; instead, they should be in opposition to the ways of those who contradict their identity.

If Ataturk, as an example, truly desired the welfare of the Turkish Muslim society and believed that making the hat mandatory would bring about such benefits that other forms of clothing could not, then he possessed the capability to differentiate between the Turkish Muslim hat and the non-Muslim Turkish hat. For instance, he could have placed a distinctive band on the Muslim hat, so that anyone who saw a Muslim wearing it would immediately recognize their religious affiliation, even if they were dressed in garments typically associated with unbelievers. However, Ataturk’s actions were in direct contradiction to the principles of the Islamic faith, leading Muslim scholars to declare him an apostate and disbeliever (i.e. not due to this matter regarding the hat, but other affairs that are tantamount to apostasy).

The discussion and examination between him and me regarding this matter was quite extensive until Allah made me mentally stimulated and bestowed on me the ability to utter a timely statement when the priest stated, “This attire is not specific to any particular society or religion, but rather a global matter.” In response, I approached the topic from a sensitive standpoint. This particular priest is Lebanese, and Lebanese priests have a distinct attire. Firstly, they wear all black, and secondly, their hoods resemble a cowl, similar to a red cowl but longer and darker. I questioned him, “Does your statement imply that clothing has no connection to religion? For instance, would it be permissible for you to remove your hood and instead wear a red cowl with a white turban, giving the impression that you are a respected Shaikh among the Muslim community?”

He responded, “No, no, no.” I then questioned him, “If that’s the case, why do you wear this attire and does it not have any connection to religion?” He explained, “We are Christian scholars, meaning we are religious men and we have a specific attire that is common among Christians. We have a distinct dress code.” Then by the will of Allah, I was inspired and I made a profound statement that left him speechless, showing that there was no room for argument against Islam. I pointed out, “This is the distinction between us Muslims and you Christians; we do not differentiate between a scholar, a student, or anyone else, as long as we are united in Islam. What is impermissible for the most knowledgeable scholar is also impermissible for the least knowledgeable Muslim. This is what is between us, but as for yourselves, you have ‘Men of Religion’ and ‘Men who are not Men of Religion”

This is the manner in which I presented the situation to him, citing evidence that you, as a priest, claim that this attire is specific to priests, while others can wear whatever they please. However, this is not acceptable for us – it is not allowed. What is forbidden for the most honorable and devout individual (muslim) is also forbidden for the one with the lowest rank. What is prohibited for a Muslim scholar to wear is also prohibited for an ordinary individual. Consequently, he was filled with remorse and left speechless. This indeed exemplifies the virtues of the Islamic Shariah. [https://youtu.be/iKlyiyjwyRw Paraphrased. Your feedback is welcomed to improve the content of this article Jazaakumullaahu Khayran]


Footnote a:

[PLAYLIST] Ar-Rahbiyah – Principles in the Laws of Inheritance – By Shaikh Abu Hakeem Bilāl Davis – Salafi Sounds

https://www.salafisounds.com/playlist-ar-rahbiyah-principles-in-the-laws-of-inheritance-by-abu-hakeem-bilal-davis/

Caution to Muslims Who Entertain Arguments of Demagogues

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

Allah, The Exalted, said:

فلذلك فادع واستقم كما أمرت ولا تتبع أهواءهم وقل آمنت بما أنزل الله من كتاب وأمرت لأعدل بينكم الله ربنا وربكم لنا أعمالنا ولكم أعمالكم لا حجة بيننا وبينكم الله يجمع بيننا وإليه المصير

So unto this (religion of Islam, alone and this Qur’an) then invite (people) (O Muhammad ), and Istaqim [(i.e. stand firm and straight on Islamic Monotheism by performing all that is ordained by Allah (good deeds, etc.), and by abstaining from all that is forbidden by Allah (sins and evil deeds, etc.)], as you are commanded, and follow not their desires but say: “I believe in whatsoever Allah has sent down of the Book [all the holy Books, this Qur’an and the Books of the old from the Taurat (Torah), or the Injeel (Gospel) or the Pages of Ibrahim (Abraham)] and I am commanded to do justice among you, Allah is our Lord and your Lord. For us our deeds and for you your deeds. There is no dispute between us and you. Allah will assemble us (all), and to Him is the final return. [Ash-Shuraa. 15]

وَأُمِرۡتُ لِأَعۡدِلَ بَيۡنَكُمُ‌ۖ

“And I am commanded to do justice among you”. 

Meaning, when passing judgement regarding that which you have differed between yourselves. Therefore, your enmity and hatred does not prevent me from judging with justice between you. And from justice is that when judging between people who make different statements – amongst the people of the Scripture and others – one accepts what they possess of truth and reject what they possess of falsehood.

ٱللَّهُ رَبُّنَا وَرَبُّكُمۡ‌ۖ لَنَآ أَعۡمَـٰلُنَا وَلَكُمۡ أَعۡمَـٰلُڪُمۡ‌ۖ لَا حُجَّةَ بَيۡنَنَا وَبَيۡنَكُمُ‌ۖ ٱللَّهُ يَجۡمَعُ بَيۡنَنَا‌ۖ وَإِلَيۡهِ ٱلۡمَصِيرُ

Allah is our Lord and your Lord. For us our deeds and for you your deeds. There is no dispute between us and you. Allah will assemble us (all), and to Him is the final return].

لَا حُجَّةَ بَيۡنَنَا وَبَيۡنَكُمُ‌ۖ

“There is no dispute between us and you”.

Meaning, there is no dispute between us and you after the realities have been manifested, and after the clear distinction between truth and falsehood, and after the clear distinction between guidance and misguidance, there is no room for debate because the goal behind debate is to distinguish between right and wrong, so that the one to be guided is guided and the proofs established against the misguided one.

ٱللَّهُ يَجۡمَعُ بَيۡنَنَا‌ۖ وَإِلَيۡهِ ٱلۡمَصِيرُ

“Allah will assemble us (all), and to Him is the final return”. (1) [End of quote] 

Caution!! Some Muslims engage in the rhetoric of demagogues from both the right and left of secular politics. Do not entertain this behaviour, rather, when your personal affairs are affected in such circumstances, you must return to the senior upright Salafi Scholars of the Ummah for guidance. The senior scholars, such as the likes of Al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzan, will provide clarity and guidance regarding how to be protected and not to be enticed by any demoguage against another demagogue. The upright senior scholars of the Ummah are ones with the precise knowledge and insight to provide precise guidance and clarification on the statements and views of these demagogues if their affair affects you personally.


(1) An Excerpt from Tafseer as-Sadi

Current Affairs

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

Imam Muhammad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaymeen, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Some people say that someone who does not grasp current affairs is not a scholar, yet they forget what the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “Whoever Allah wishes good for, He grants them understanding in the religion”. They lose sight of the reality that preoccupying oneself with current affairs distracts a person from understanding the religion and may even keep people from engaging in correct worship, which is to worship Allah alone while devoting one’s heart to Allah, contemplating Allah’s divine revelation (i.e. the Qur’an and the Sunnah) and His universal signs (i.e. the things He has created). In reality, preoccupying the youth with current affairs prevents them from understanding the religion Allah has ordained because the heart is a vessel that does not take another thing when it is filled with something else, thus, it is not possible to fill it with this and that. Being preoccupied with seeking understanding in the religion, fulfilling acts of worship, pure Islamic monotheism, and sincerity are the better to do for the individual than learning about current affairs and what such and such a person is about.

It is possible that one receives knowledge of current affairs through flimsy and fabricated media narrations, or bases knowledge of current affairs on the analysis and speculations of a person. The one engaged in the subject of current affairs may seek to establish an analysis that is far from what the current affairs are or they look into affairs that have been concocted for them by the enemies (regarding) a specific event, but this event turns out to be something else and does not exist at all, thus, all those plans come to naught.

Therefore, it is important that one learns what Islam expects of them- the understanding related to one’s self, rectification of the heart through sound belief and wishing good for the Muslims, and this is related to the understanding of halal, haram, and other affairs of a similar nature. (However), if necessary, one can acquire knowledge about current affairs; but when it comes to matters that haven’t actually happened yet, such as lies, deception, analysis, and speculation, attaching absolute emphasis to it has no foundation. (1)

Analysing The Plots Against Islam Is A Fard Kifaayah to Be Carried Out By The Scholars and Their Outstanding Students

 

Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee Al-Madkhalee, may Allah preserve him, says:

So it is not permissible for the Ulamaa to remain heedless of their plans (i.e. the enemies of Islaam), their actions, their publications, their missionary activities and their various calls (to the Muslims). And also the various poisons they are infusing – which are in opposition to the Qur’aan and the Messenger (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) and his Sunnah. And nor of what plans they have for (the destruction of) the beliefs and methodologies of Islaam. It is not permissible either, to remain heedless of their concentrated efforts to Christianize or secularize the Muslim youth. And along with that, the Muslim youth and the students are not able to oppose this plan and strategy. Rather it is necessary that the distinguished Ulamaa – those who are experienced and shrewd – it is for such people, in all the places to undertake this duty. So it is obligatory for some of the intelligent and ingenious people from the field of Aqeedah to be mobilised for opposing these plans. And likewise it is a must that the intelligent and distinguished from amongst the specialists in the Sunnah – that they be mobilised for the refutation of these and similarly the eminent and distinguished from amongst those in the fields of Orientalism for the refutation of the plans of the Orientalists.” (Ahl ul-Hadeeth, p.102)

He also says: “I myself believe that it is a benefit – rather it is of necessity – that we know what the enemies are planning for us, and that it is necessary for us to prepare (ourselves in strength) to destroy their plans. However, I do not exaggerate in this matter, rather my view is the view of our Ulamaa and they have all agreed upon this – that amongst the obligatory matters there are some that are Fard Ain and others that are Fard Kifaayah – and even if knowing the state of the enemies is harmful – it is still necessary for us to know it – but it is treated as Fard Kifaayah. When some attend to it, then the harm is removed from the rest” up until he said: “So I consider that there is no criticism for the Ulamaa and the students of knowledge who take great concern for preserving the Sharee’ah of Allaah – in terms of the Book, the Sunnah and its understanding – for this is one of the duties of the Kifaayah actions. And I believe that these people are more superior, noble, truthful and of more benefit to Islaam than those who are weak in their knowledge of the religion of Allaah or those who have no share in acquainting themselves with it.” (2)


(1) An Excerpt from ‘Sharh Hilyati Taalibil Ilm’ pages 194-195

(2) An excerpt from an article at www.salafipublications.com titled: The Salafis and Looking into the Affairs of the Ummah]

The so-called Awliya who are impervious to pain!

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

Imam Muhammad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaymeen, may Allah have mercy upon him, was asked about a people who hit themselves with metal objects and weapons, and it does not have any effect on them, and they claim that they are Awliyaa of Allah!

The Shaikh responded: Just because these people hit themselves with metal objects or other things and it does not have any effect on them is neither a proof that they are truthful nor that they are Awliyaa of Allah, nor that this is a miracle of theirs; rather this deed of theirs is a type of magic through which they deceive the eyes of the people. Magic  can occur through this and other ways. When the Pharaoh’s magicians threw their ropes and sticks, it appeared as if they moved fast and that they were snakes, just as Allah said: [سَحَرُوٓاْ أَعۡيُنَ ٱلنَّاسِ وَٱسۡتَرۡهَبُوهُمۡ وَجَآءُو بِسِحۡرٍ عَظِيمٍ- They bewitched the eyes of the people, and struck terror into them, and they displayed a great magic]. [Surah Al-A’raaf. Aayah 116]

There is no doubt that what they did was a type of magic and it was not a miracle. Therefore, know – may Allah have mercy upon you – that miracles do not occur except at the hands of Allah’s true Awliyaa – those who truly fear Allah and are steadfast upon the religion ordained by Allah. Allah described them in His statement:

 أَلَآ إِنَّ أَوۡلِيَآءَ ٱللَّهِ لَا خَوۡفٌ عَلَيۡهِمۡ وَلَا هُمۡ يَحۡزَنُونَ

ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَڪَانُواْ يَتَّقُونَ

No doubt! Verily, the Awliya’ of Allah [i.e. those who believe in the Oneness of Allah and fear Allah much (abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which he has forbidden), and love Allah much (perform all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained)], no fear shall come upon them nor shall they grieve, – those who believed [in the Oneness of Allah – Islamic Monotheism), and used to fear Allah much (by abstaining from evil deeds and sins and by doing righteous deeds]. [Yunus. 62-63]

Therefore, not everyone who claims to be a Waliy of Allah is truly a Waliy of Allah, otherwise everyone would make such a claim; rather a claimant is judged by his deeds. If his deeds are based on Iman and piety, he is a Waliy. Merely claiming that he is a Waliy is something that cannot be attributed to true fear of Allah because indeed Allah, The Most High, Said: [ فَلَا تُزَكُّوٓاْ أَنفُسَكُمۡ‌ۖ هُوَ أَعۡلَمُ بِمَنِ ٱتَّقَىٰ  – So ascribe not purity to yourselves. He (Allah) knows best him who fears Allah and keep his duty to Him]. [An-Najm. 32]

If a person claims that he is a Waliy, he has praised himself and fallen into an act of disobedience to Allah, and this is in opposition to piety. Due to this,  the true Awliyaa of Allah do not praise themselves, rather they believe in Allah, fear Allah and obey Allah in a perfect manner. Neither do they beguile nor deceive the people with the likes of these claims and thus misguide them from the path of Allah.

An Excerpt from “Fataawaa Fadeelah Ash-Shaikh Muhammad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaymeen Fil Aqeedah. 2/855-856

Useless Claim

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

“Our civilization was great. The Pharaohs were dark-skinned people and we must celebrate their achievements because the Europeans want to portray them as light-skinned people”.

Allah – The Exalted- said:

قَدْ خَلَتْ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ سُنَنٌ فَسِيرُوا فِي الْأَرْضِ فَانْظُرُوا كَيْفَ كَانَ عَاقِبَةُ الْمُكَذِّبِينَ

Many similar mishaps [troubles, problems] of life were faced by nations that have passed away before you, so travel through the earth, and see what was the end of those who disbelieved]. [Aal Imraan. 137]

Imam Ibnul Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: Indeed, there were nations like yourselves before you, so look to their evil end. You have to know that the reason behind their evil end was due to their disbelief in the revelations of Allah and His Messengers. They were the forefathers and you are the descendants. The main affair that connects you to each other is your disbelief and the ruling on that disbelief is destruction. [I’laam Al-Muwaqqi’een 1/181]

Imam Muhammad Bin Salih Al-Uthaymin, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: If it is said, “What is the benefit in narrating to us the stories of the destroyed nations despite the fact that this Ummah will not be completely destroyed in a manner similar to the destruction of the previous nations before it?”

The Answer: Indeed, this has two benefits: The first benefit is a clarification of Allaah’s blessings upon us that the occurrence of a complete destruction is removed from us, and that were it not for Allaah’s Benevolence we would have been deserving of it. Second, the likeness of the punishment they received may occur in the hereafter for the one who did what they did, if punishment was not received in the worldly life. And this may be understood from the statement of Allaah: “Such is the Seizure of your Lord when He seizes the population of towns while they are doing wrong. Verily, His Seizure is painful and severe. Indeed in that (there) is a sure lesson for those who fear the torment of the Hereafter.” So what is apparent from this Ayah is that what is similar to the punishment they received will happen in the Hereafter, and Allaah knows best. [Al-Muntaqaa Min Fawaa-idil Fawaa-id 123-124]

The Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: Indeed, Allah [The Most High] has removed from you the pride of the pre-Islamic period and its boasting about ancestors. One is only a pious believer or a wretched sinner. You are sons of Adam and Adam (was created from) dust. Let the people abandon boasting about their ancestors, for they are merely fuel in Jahannam; or they will become more insignificant in (the sight of) Allah than the beetle which rolls dung with its nose. [Sahih Abu Dawud 5116]

Allah [The Exalted] said:

وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمُ ٱتَّبِعُواْ مَآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ قَالُواْ بَلۡ نَتَّبِعُ مَا وَجَدۡنَا عَلَيۡهِ ءَابَآءَنَآ‌ۚ أَوَلَوۡ ڪَانَ ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنُ يَدۡعُوهُمۡ إِلَىٰ عَذَابِ ٱلسَّعِيرِ

And when it is said to them: “Follow that which Allah has sent down”, they say: “Nay, we shall follow that which we found our fathers (following).” (Would they do so) even if Shaitan (Satan) invites them to the torment of the Fire. [Luqman. 21]

Allah [The Exalted] stated:

وَلِكُلِّ أُمَّةٍ أَجَلٌ۬‌ۖ فَإِذَا جَآءَ أَجَلُهُمۡ لَا يَسۡتَأۡخِرُونَ سَاعَةً۬‌ۖ وَلَا يَسۡتَقۡدِمُونَ
يَـٰبَنِىٓ ءَادَمَ إِمَّا يَأۡتِيَنَّكُمۡ رُسُلٌ۬ مِّنكُمۡ يَقُصُّونَ عَلَيۡكُمۡ ءَايَـٰتِى‌ۙ فَمَنِ ٱتَّقَىٰ وَأَصۡلَحَ فَلَا خَوۡفٌ عَلَيۡہِمۡ وَلَا هُمۡ يَحۡزَنُونَ
وَٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُواْ بِـَٔايَـٰتِنَا وَٱسۡتَكۡبَرُواْ عَنۡہَآ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ أَصۡحَـٰبُ ٱلنَّارِ‌ۖ هُمۡ فِيہَا خَـٰلِدُونَ
فَمَنۡ أَظۡلَمُ مِمَّنِ ٱفۡتَرَىٰ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ كَذِبًا أَوۡ كَذَّبَ بِـَٔايَـٰتِهِۦۤ‌ۚ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ يَنَالُهُمۡ نَصِيبُہُم مِّنَ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبِ‌ۖ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا جَآءَتۡہُمۡ رُسُلُنَا يَتَوَفَّوۡنَہُمۡ قَالُوٓاْ أَيۡنَ مَا كُنتُمۡ تَدۡعُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۖ قَالُواْ ضَلُّواْ عَنَّا وَشَہِدُواْ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِہِمۡ أَنَّہُمۡ كَانُواْ كَـٰفِرِينَ

قَالَ ٱدۡخُلُواْ فِىٓ أُمَمٍ۬ قَدۡ خَلَتۡ مِن قَبۡلِڪُم مِّنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ وَٱلۡإِنسِ فِى ٱلنَّارِ‌ۖ كُلَّمَا دَخَلَتۡ أُمَّةٌ۬ لَّعَنَتۡ أُخۡتَہَا‌ۖ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا ٱدَّارَڪُواْ فِيہَا جَمِيعً۬ا قَالَتۡ أُخۡرَٮٰهُمۡ لِأُولَٮٰهُمۡ رَبَّنَا هَـٰٓؤُلَآءِ أَضَلُّونَا فَـَٔاتِہِمۡ عَذَابً۬ا ضِعۡفً۬ا مِّنَ ٱلنَّارِ‌ۖ قَالَ لِكُلٍّ۬ ضِعۡفٌ۬ وَلَـٰكِن لَّا تَعۡلَمُونَ
وَقَالَتۡ أُولَٮٰهُمۡ لِأُخۡرَٮٰهُمۡ فَمَا كَانَ لَكُمۡ عَلَيۡنَا مِن فَضۡلٍ۬ فَذُوقُواْ ٱلۡعَذَابَ بِمَا كُنتُمۡ تَكۡسِبُونَ

And every nation has its appointed term; when their term is reached, neither can they delay it nor can they advance it an hour (or a moment). O Children of Adam! If there come to you Messengers from amongst you, reciting to you, My Verses, then whosoever becomes pious and righteous, on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. But those who reject Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) and treat them with arrogance, they are the dwellers of the (Hell) Fire, they will abide therein forever. Who is more unjust than one who invents a lie against Allah or rejects His Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.)? For such their appointed portion (good things of this worldly life and their period of stay therein) will reach them from the Book (of Decrees) until, when Our Messengers (the angel of death and his assistants) come to them to take their souls, they (the angels) will say: “Where are those whom you used to invoke and worship besides Allah,” they will reply, “They have vanished and deserted us.” And they will bear witness against themselves, that they were disbelievers. (Allah) will say: “Enter you in the company of nations who passed away before you, of men and jinns, into the Fire.” Every time a new nation enters, it curses its sister nation (that went before), until they will be gathered all together in the Fire. The last of them will say to the first of them: “Our Lord! These misled us, so give them a double torment of the Fire.” He will say: “For each one there is double (torment), but you know not.” The first of them will say to the last of them: “You were not better than us, so taste the torment for what you used to earn.” [Surah Al-A’raaf. Verses 34-39]

Allah [The Exalted] said:

مَّثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ بِرَبِّهِمۡ‌ۖ أَعۡمَـٰلُهُمۡ كَرَمَادٍ ٱشۡتَدَّتۡ بِهِ ٱلرِّيحُ فِى يَوۡمٍ عَاصِفٍ۬‌ۖ لَّا يَقۡدِرُونَ مِمَّا ڪَسَبُواْ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ۬‌ۚ ذَٲلِكَ هُوَ ٱلضَّلَـٰلُ ٱلۡبَعِيدُ (١٨) أَلَمۡ تَرَ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ خَلَقَ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضَ بِٱلۡحَقِّ‌ۚ إِن يَشَأۡ يُذۡهِبۡكُمۡ وَيَأۡتِ بِخَلۡقٍ۬ جَدِيدٍ۬ (١٩) وَمَا ذَٲلِكَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ بِعَزِيزٍ۬ (٢٠) وَبَرَزُواْ لِلَّهِ جَمِيعً۬ا فَقَالَ ٱلضُّعَفَـٰٓؤُاْ لِلَّذِينَ ٱسۡتَكۡبَرُوٓاْ إِنَّا ڪُنَّا لَكُمۡ تَبَعً۬ا فَهَلۡ أَنتُم مُّغۡنُونَ عَنَّا مِنۡ عَذَابِ ٱللَّهِ مِن شَىۡءٍ۬‌ۚ قَالُواْ لَوۡ هَدَٮٰنَا ٱللَّهُ لَهَدَيۡنَـٰڪُمۡ‌ۖ سَوَآءٌ عَلَيۡنَآ أَجَزِعۡنَآ أَمۡ صَبَرۡنَا مَا لَنَا مِن مَّحِيصٍ۬ (٢١) وَقَالَ ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنُ لَمَّا قُضِىَ ٱلۡأَمۡرُ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ وَعَدَڪُمۡ وَعۡدَ ٱلۡحَقِّ وَوَعَدتُّكُمۡ فَأَخۡلَفۡتُڪُمۡ‌ۖ وَمَا كَانَ لِىَ عَلَيۡكُم مِّن سُلۡطَـٰنٍ إِلَّآ أَن دَعَوۡتُكُمۡ فَٱسۡتَجَبۡتُمۡ لِى‌ۖ فَلَا تَلُومُونِى وَلُومُوٓاْ أَنفُسَڪُم‌ۖ مَّآ أَنَا۟ بِمُصۡرِخِڪُمۡ وَمَآ أَنتُم بِمُصۡرِخِىَّ‌ۖ إِنِّى ڪَفَرۡتُ بِمَآ أَشۡرَڪۡتُمُونِ مِن قَبۡلُ‌ۗ إِنَّ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ لَهُمۡ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ۬ (٢٢) وَأُدۡخِلَ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ جَنَّـٰتٍ۬ تَجۡرِى مِن تَحۡتِہَا ٱلۡأَنۡہَـٰرُ خَـٰلِدِينَ فِيہَا بِإِذۡنِ رَبِّهِمۡ‌ۖ تَحِيَّتُہُمۡ فِيہَا سَلَـٰمٌ (٢٣) أَلَمۡ تَرَ كَيۡفَ ضَرَبَ ٱللَّهُ مَثَلاً۬ كَلِمَةً۬ طَيِّبَةً۬ كَشَجَرَةٍ۬ طَيِّبَةٍ أَصۡلُهَا ثَابِتٌ۬ وَفَرۡعُهَا فِى ٱلسَّمَآءِ (٢٤) تُؤۡتِىٓ أُڪُلَهَا كُلَّ حِينِۭ بِإِذۡنِ رَبِّهَا‌ۗ وَيَضۡرِبُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡأَمۡثَالَ لِلنَّاسِ لَعَلَّهُمۡ يَتَذَڪَّرُونَ (٢٥) وَمَثَلُ كَلِمَةٍ خَبِيثَةٍ۬ كَشَجَرَةٍ خَبِيثَةٍ ٱجۡتُثَّتۡ مِن فَوۡقِ ٱلۡأَرۡضِ مَا لَهَا مِن قَرَارٍ۬ (٢٦) يُثَبِّتُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ بِٱلۡقَوۡلِ ٱلثَّابِتِ فِى ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا وَفِى ٱلۡأَخِرَةِ‌ۖ وَيُضِلُّ ٱللَّهُ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ‌ۚ وَيَفۡعَلُ ٱللَّهُ مَا
يَشَآءُ (٢٧)

The parable of those who disbelieve in their Lord is that their works are as ashes, on which the wind blows furiously on a stormy day, they shall not be able to get aught of what they have earned. That is the straying, far away (from the Right Path). Do you not see that Allah has created the heavens and the earth with truth? If He will, He can remove you and bring (in your place) a new creation! And for Allah that is not hard or difficult (i.e. very easy for Allah). And they all shall appear before Allah (on the Day of Resurrection) then the weak will say to those who were arrogant (chiefs): “Verily, we were following you; can you avail us anything from Allah’s Torment?” They will say: “Had Allah guided us, we would have guided you. It makes no difference to us (now) whether we rage, or bear (these torments) with patience, there is no place of refuge for us.” And Shaitan (Satan) will say when the matter has been decided: “Verily, Allah promised you a promise of truth. And I too promised you, but I betrayed you. I had no authority over you except that I called you, so you responded to me. So blame me not, but blame yourselves. I cannot help you, nor can you help me. I deny your former act in associating me (Satan) as a partner with Allah (by obeying me in the life of the world). Verily, there is a painful torment for the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers, etc.).” And those who believed (in the Oneness of Allah and His Messengers and whatever they brought) and did righteous deeds, will be made to enter Gardens under which rivers flow, – to dwell therein forever (i.e.in Paradise), with the permission of their Lord. Their greeting therein will be: Salam (peace!) . See you not how Allah sets forth a parable? – A goodly word as a goodly tree, whose root is firmly fixed, and its branches (reach) to the sky (i.e. very high). Giving its fruit at all times, by the Leave of its Lord and Allah sets forth parables for mankind in order that they may remember. And the parable of an evil word is that of an evil tree uprooted from the surface of earth having no stability. Allah will keep firm those who believe, with the word that stands firm in this world (i.e. they will keep on worshipping Allah Alone and none else), and in the Hereafter. And Allah will cause to go astray those who are Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers, etc.), and Allah does what He wills. [Ibrahim 18-27]

Thus, regardless of whether the Pharoahs were dark skinned or not, or the greatness of their worldly achievements, they are fuel for the fire.

Journey of gaining knowledge – By Al-Allamah Rabee and Imam Muhammad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaymin

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

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

Response: Firstly, I advise myself and my brothers (to concentrate on memorising and studying) the Book of Allah, The Mighty and Majestic, for in it is guidance and light. It is the main foundation of Islam and the Sunnah is its explanation and clarification. Thereafter, study the guidance of Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, from the Saheehayn [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim], the four Sunan [Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah, at-Tirmidhi and An-Nasa’i], the Masaaneed [Musnad Ahmad and others], the Jawami (see footnote a) and other than them.

I advise the students of knowledge to study these three Books of the Sunnah that have been (transmitted) with authenticity from Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and that they study some sections in these Ummahaat [i.e. in Bukhaari, Muslim, Nasaa’ee, Abu Dawood, Tirmidhee, Ibn Maajah] and firmly concentrate on them in particular. This is because they are connected to the fundamental principles of the religion, such as kitab Al-Ilm [the Book of Knowledge] in Saheeh Al-Bukhaari and kitab Al-Iman because Imam Al-Bukhaari narrated – in this kitab Al-Iman- ahaadith to clarify the methodology of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jama’ah in the subject matter of Iman, and in their chapter headings he rebutted the Murji’a- those who oppose this fundamental. He firmly placed in this great book [i.e. Saheeh Al-Bukhari] the Book of Itisam [.e. the book of holding onto the way of the Prophet], the Akhbar Al-Aahad and kitaab At-Tawheed. This is because these are connected to the fundamentals of the religion and they are very important. It is obligatory to have an understanding of them after acquiring understanding of the Book of Allah [The Most High].

Likewise, concentrate on kitab As-Sunnah in Sunan Abee Dawud because it is a very important fundamental and it agrees with Saheeh Al-Bukhari in these affairs that we have mentioned. In it is a notification about bidah-the bidah of the Jahmiyyah, the khawarij and other than them. It distinguished the Aqeedah of Ahlus Sunnah and its Madhab from the deviated Madhabs. So the fundamentals in this subject matter are to be studied.

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

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

Then we study all the Sunan. We look into the books of Fiqh, the books of Tafsir, the books of Hadeeth-all of them are beneficial; but (one gives) specific concentration to these affairs [i.e. the creed and methodology], especially in these times because many deviations are (seen from) the people of innovated thought and politics- the Soofiyyah, the Rawaafid and other than them. These innovations, deviations and trials cannot be confronted except through knowledge that is acquired properly from the book of Allah, the Sunnah of Messenger of Allaah and the understanding of the Salaf. I ask Allaah to grant us and you understanding of His Religion and “Whoever Allaah wishes good for, He gives him understanding of the religion.’ [end of quote] [An Excerpt from ‘Fataawaa Al-Mar’atil Muslimah Page: 71-72]

Imaam Muhammad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaymeen [may Allah have mercy upon him] stated in Sharh Hilyati Taalibil Ilm- [see page 77 onwards, under the section: كيفية الطلب والتلقي]– that a person should learn the Usool and establish his knowledge on sound Usool- the Qur’aan and the Sunnah etc. A person should not approach knowledge, whilst intending to acquire everything at once because that is not possible; rather one should acquire knowledge little by little. Likewise, one should not rely solely on books and his personal efforts, rather one should have a reliable Shaikh- one who is reliable in his understanding and is trustworthy- because the Shaikh who teaches you has already studied, taught, revised and understood. The Shaikh also mentioned that students have different abilities and some may be able to study more advanced books -under a Shaikh- than others. Likewise, the path followed in the path of seeking knowledge under the scholars vary depending where a person is residing and the method adopted by the scholars of that country.

[a] Aqeedah: Thalaathatul Usool, Qawaa’idul Arba’ah, Kash Ash-Shubuhaat, Kitaab At-Tawheed. Tawheed Al-Asmaa Was-Sifaat: Aqeedah Al-Waasitiyyah, then Al-Hamawiyyah and then At-Tadmuriyyah.

[b] Arabic Grammar: Al-Aajurroomiyyah, then Mulhatul I’raab’ by Al-Haraaree, then Qatr An-Nadaa’ by Ibn Hishaam and then Alfiya’ by Ibn Maalik with the explanation of Ibn Aqeel.

[c] Hadeeth: Arba’een of Imaam An-Nawawi, then Umdatul Ahkaam and then Buloogh Al-Maraam. Shaikh Uthaymeen [rahimahullaah] said he prefers that one limits himself [or herself] to Buloogh al Maraam because Umdatul Ahkaam enters Buloogh al Maraam-the majority of the ahaadeeth in Umdatul Ahkaam can be found in Buloogh Al-Maraam. If one is not able to memorise Buloogh al-Maraam, he [or she] has Umdatul Ahkaam because it is short and most of its ahaadeeth are found in Bukhaari and Muslim, so one is not burdened with checking their authenticity. Then one moves to Al-Muntaqaa’ by Ibn Taymiyyah, which is much bigger than Buloogh al-Maraam but weaker in its grading of the ahaadeeth found in it. Then one moves to the Ummahaat As-Sitta [Al-Bukhaari, Muslim, Abu Daawud, At-Tirmidhee, An-Nasaa’ee and Ibn Maajah].

[d] Mustalah: Nukhbatul Fikr and then Al-Fiyyah’ by Al-Iraaqee

[e] Fiqh: Aadaabul Mashee ilas Salaah’ by Shaikhul Islaam Muhammad Ibn Abdil Wahhaab [rahimahullaah], then Zaad Al-Mustaqni or Umdatul Fiqh, then Al-Muqni to study the difference of opinions in the madhaahib and further higher studies of this subject matter in Al-Mughnee. Order: Al-Umdah, then Al-Muqnee, then Al-Kaafee and then Al-Mughnee.

[f] Usool Al-Fiqh: Al-Waraqaat and then Rawdah An-Naadhir. But Shaikh Uthaymeen [rahmahullaah] said that there are other good and concise books on Usool al-Fiqh that can suffice a person.

[g] Tafseer: Ibn Katheer

[h] Usool At-Tafseer: Al-Muqaddimah’ by Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah

[i] Seerah: Mukhtasar Seerah An-Nabiy’ by Shaikhul Islaam Muhammad Ibn Abdil Wahhaab [rahimahullaah]. The source of this work is based on Ibn Hishaam’s work and Ibn Qayyim’s Zaadul Ma’aad. Zaadul Ma’aad -in particular- contains Fiqh in relation to the Seerah, in Tawheed and the deeds [acts of worship, dealings, manners, etiquetes etc] of the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam)]. [End quote]

What Some of The Students and Beginners Have Stated Regarding Their Studies

We asked some of those brothers, who are on Shaikh Khalid’s online course and whose level in the Arabic language enables them to understand the teacher as well as the text they are studying (someone who has finished Madeenah books 2 and 3), so they mentioned the following subject matters: Qur’aan memorisation, Qawaa’id Al-Arba’ah, Usool Ath-Thalaatha, Usool As-Sitta, Fiqh Muyassar, Seerah, Manhajul Anbiyaa and Mudhakkarah Al-Hadeeth An-Nabawiyyah Fil Aqeedah Wal-Itti’baa (by Allaamah Rabee Bin Bin Haadi) etc Shaikh Khaalid [may Allaah protect him] studied under Al-Allaamah Rabee [may Allaah protect him] for over 20 years, and this is the likes of that which he has set up for those on his course. Alhamdulil laah, we know some of youth have made good progress – may Allaah bless them and their parents Aameen.

Ustaadh Abu Humaid Saalim [may Allaah preserve him] stated: I heard our Shaykhs Abdullah Al-Ghudayan, Salih Al-Luhaydan and Salih Al-Fawzan and others all being asked similar questions – about what to focus on as it relates to various sciences and in particular for the beginner – does he focus on Quran first, Arabic, Aqeedah or Fiqh etc – and all had a uniformed answer: a person is to learn the fundamentals of the religion first, tawheed, aqeedah and manhaj – if he is to able to do all at same time – meaning give each science an equal amount of time – no problem – but if not, and a person has limited time/ability – then he must learn that which keeps him upright in his religion and aids him to fulfil the fundamental obligations of the religion – so he has to learn Tawheed/the pillars of Eemaan/the general beliefs of the people of Sunnah in creed – as well as after learning the meaning of the Shahaadah (which would come into the aqeedah anyway) and what it necessitates, he would also need to learn the rulings of the prayer hand in hand with his ongoing study of the Aqeedah, because that us binding upon him immediately and from the greatest of obligation upon him. Thus learning Arabic and Quran and focusing on them so much that a person neglects the above matters, is incorrect and out of place. A person can be proficient in Arabic, even born with an Arabic tongue, haafidh of Quran, yet misguided in creed and methodology. On other hand, you have a person who has zero Arabic and little Quran, yet guided and upright in Aqeedah and manhaj. So, arabic and the mere memorisation of Quran do not prevent a person from being misguided but it is the acquiring of the fundamentals, be that via English or any other language that give the person the tools to deal with doubts and fitan. Without doubt learning the other sciences should not be done at the expense of these fundamental usool. Allāh preserve our 1st teacher and our Shaykh Abū Iyyād, truly a blessing for us here in the UK and West in general. Many students have graduated and sat with numerous scholars over many years yet haven’t benefitted the English speaking Salafi communities in the West in the way he has and continues to. This is the Fadl of our Lord, He gives it to whosoever He pleases. May Allāh grant him a long life upon His Obedience and preserve him upon the Sunnah and protect him from the haters.

Shaikh Abdul Wahid Abu Khadeejah [may Allaah preserve him] said: To solidify your foundations upon Salafiyyah from day one, begin your journey with the well-known books of Aqeedah and Manhaj. Start reading and studying the following: The three fundamental principles- explanations of Al-Allaamah Ubayd Al-Jaabiri, Al-Allaamah Al-Fawzan or Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen, alongside this, the explanation of the Creed (Sharhus Sunnah) of Imaam Al-Barbahari with explanation of Al-Allaamah Saaleh Al-Fawzaan or Al-Allaamah Rabee. Kitaab at-Tawheed: Explanation by Al-Allaamah Ahmad An-Najmi or Al-Allaamah Saaleh Al-Fawzaan, alongside this: The Foundations of the Sunnah (Usulus Sunnah)- explanation of Al-Allaamah Ahmad An-Najmi or Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi. Aqeedah Al-Wasitiyyah- explanation by Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen, alongside this to strengthen your methodology regarding the call of the Prophets, Manhaj Al-Anbiya Fid Dawah ilallaah (The Methodology of The Prophets in Calling to Allaah) by Al-Allaamah Rabee Al-Madkhali (introduction by Al-Allamah Saleeh Al-Fawzaan). The audio explanations of these books taught by the scholars, students of knowledge and Shaikhs are available at salafisounds.com for free download. Alongside this, you should not neglect the Book of Allaah; read it, memorise it and understand it with a reliable Tafsir such as Ibn kathir, As-Sadi, and Ibn Uthaumeen. Also study the books of Fiqh (from a hdith perspective) such as Buloogh Al-Maraam of Ibn Hajr and Umdatul Ahkaam etc [End of quote from this booklet pages 7-8: https://abukhadeejah.com/advice-to-those-who-have-turned-to-the-way-of-the-salafand-a-weapon-in-the-hands-of-the-salafi-against-those-who-throw-doubts-at-his-methodology/

One Should Not Be Disheartened

The questioner [may Allaah bless him] said to Al-Allamah Salih Aala Ash-Shaikh [may Allah 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”.

The Shaikh replied: 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 Allah’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 Allah” 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 Allah [The Mighty and Majestic] with correct acts of worship and that your Aqeedah is sound, become submissive to Allah, safeguarded from doubtful affairs that are made to resemble the truth and from seeking fame. Allah (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)].

Allah (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.[الوصايا الجليّة للاستفادة من الدروس العلميّة للشيخ العلامة صالح آل الشيخ- Question 3. Page 24-25]

Finally, we remind ourselves of an important advice by Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi [may Allah preserve him] when he stated as follows: When you embark on the path towards seeking knowledge- seeking (sound) understanding of it and acting upon it, this indeed is one of the signs that Allah wishes good for you. Therefore, receive glad tidings, have good thoughts about Allah and be sincere to Allah [The Blessed and Exalted] in your statements, deeds and knowledge. Neither be deceived (by yourself) – we seek Allah’s Refuge from self-deception – nor feel safe from Allah’s plan. [فَلَا يَأۡمَنُ مَڪۡرَ ٱللَّهِ إِلَّا ٱلۡقَوۡمُ ٱلۡخَـٰسِرُونَ – None feels secure from the Plan of Allah except the people who are the losers]. [ Surah Al-A’raaf. Aayah 99]

A believer always fears that his situation will change. It has been reported from Aa’isha and Anas [may Allah pleased with them] that the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] often (supplicated), “يَا مُقَلِّبَ الْقُلُوبِ ثَبِّتْ قَلْبِى عَلَى دِينِكَ – O turner of the hearts (Allah)! Keep my heart firm upon your religion”. I [i.e. Aa’isha or Anas] asked, “O Allah’s Messenger! We believe in you and what has been revealed to you, so do you fear for us?” He said, “Yes, indeed the hearts are between two fingers among the fingers of Allah and He turns them how He pleases”. By Allah! This is (true) understanding – that a person does not feel safe about himself, for indeed Satan flows through the human being like blood. (a) Therefore, a person should guard his heart, intellect and deeds ardently more than the (manner in which) he guards his wealth and honour. Whoever is given authority to look after his own affairs, it is obligated on him to guard his heart before everything else.

[رَبَّنَا لَا تُزِغْ قُلُوبَنَا بَعْدَ إِذْ هَدَيْتَنَا وَهَبْ لَنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ رَحْمَةً ۚ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ الْوَهَّابُ – Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate (from the truth) after You have guided us, and grant us mercy from You. Truly, You are the Bestower]. [ Surah Aal Imraan’ Aayah 8] [An Excerpt from Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm’ pages 75-76]

I warn my brothers against the Fitan (trials, temptations) and that they turn to Allah (for help) to keep them steadfast upon the Religion. They should supplicate a lot (just as Allaah taught the believers that they say),[رَبَّنَا لَا تُزِغْ قُلُوبَنَا بَعْدَ إِذْ هَدَيْتَنَا وَهَبْ لَنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ رَحْمَةً ۚ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ الْوَهَّابُ – Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate (from the truth) after You have guided us, and grant us mercy from You. Truly, You are the Bestower]. [Surah Aal Imran’ Aayah 8]

They should make this tremendous supplication often and the supplication which Allah’s Messenger used to make often. Anas said that Allah’s Messenger used to say a lot, “O Turner of the hearts, keep my heart firm upon your religion”. So the companions said, “O Allah’s Messenger! Do you fear for us?” He said, “Yes, indeed the hearts are between two fingers from the fingers of Allah, and He turns them however He wills”.

Therefore, the believer does not feel secure from Allah’s plan. [فَلَا يَأۡمَنُ مَڪۡرَ ٱللَّهِ إِلَّا ٱلۡقَوۡمُ ٱلۡخَـٰسِرُونَ – None feels secure from the Plan of Allah except the people who are the losers]. [Surah Al-A’raaf, Aayah 99]

The believer always fears Allah – fears that Allah may not accept his deeds and he is not deceived by hope [i.e. hoping whilst not striving sincerely]. The spending carried out in the path of Allah and the strenuous effort made through acts of obedience to Allah is nothing in the eyes of the truthful believer, for they are not equal to the smallest blessing amongst the (uncountable) blessings of Allah. Allah’s Messenger said, “Glorified be You (O Allah) and free are You from all imperfections! I cannot fully praise you, for you are as you have praised yourself”. [Saheeh Muslim 486]

This was Muhammad [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] – the one whose past and future sins were forgiven, but he feared Allah the most. He said, “I swear by Allah that I am the most fearful of Allah and the most conscious of Him than you”. He used to stand for so long that his feet became swollen. Aishah said, “O Allah’s Messenger! Why are you doing this when Allah has forgiven your past and future sins?” He said, “Should I not be a thankful slave?” [An Excerpt from Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm. Pages 204-205]

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

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