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Interpreting Current Events with Respect to the Signs of the Hour is the Task of Living Salafi Scholars – Not Social Media Influencers

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Basics, Bid'ah (Innovation), Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Featured, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Interpreting Current Events with Respect to the Signs of the Hour is the Task of Living Salafi Scholars—Not Social Media Influencers, Figureheads of Illegal Partisanship or American Evangelists

Allah’s Messenger, peace abnd blessings of Allah be upon him, and what has been revealed to him are the authorities one must return to in order to understand the subject of trials and tribulations before the end of time. As a result, one cannot return to the following matters: the narrations of the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), opinions and dreams, weak and false narrations, analogy, and political, economic, or socialist analysis. This is because the narrations about the trials and tribulations, the signs of the Hour, and the strife that will occur are from the (affairs) of the Religion, and the Religion is Tawqeefee (i.e. its source can only be established from the divine texts of the Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah). So, whatever is reported from the Prophet with authentic chains of transmission about (upcoming events) is necessary for a Muslim to believe, whether it appeals to the intellect or not, and this is the reality of one’s testimony that Muhammad is Allah’s Messenger. Allah, The Most High, 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. [An-Najm. Ayah 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)].[Al-Hashr. Ayah 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 hadith is the statement of the Prophet: “He was Jibreel, who came to you to teach you your religion”. Therefore, the principle in the preceding hadith is that the Prophet asked a question concerning the Hour and its circumstances, and he established that it is part of 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.) [1]

Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

In the Qur’aan 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. [Saheeh Al-Bukhaari. 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. [2]

Must Return to The Senior Scholars In Times of Severe Fitan and The Nawaazil

Al-Allamah Ubaid Bin Abdillah Al-Jaabiri, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated:

كان أهل الفضل والصلاح والتقى إذا نزلت بهم نازلة أو حلت بهم مشكلة عمدوا إلى الأكابر من أهل العلم بالسؤال وطلبوا منهم الجواب الشافي الكافي وهذه سنة متبعة بدءاً من الصحابة فأئمة التابعين فمن بعدهم من أهل العلم والفضل والدين والإيمان، وما أحسن ما قاله ابن مسعود رضي الله عنه : لا يزال الناس صالحين متماسكين ما أتاهم العلم عن أصحاب محمد صلى الله عليه وسلم وأكابرهم فإذا أتاهم العلم عن أصاغرهم هلكوا

When the people of virtue, righteousness, and piety were faced with a Nazilah or faced with difficulties, they would betake themselves to the senior people of knowledge to ask and seek from them a Jawaab Ash-Shaafee Al-Kaafee [i.e. comprehensive and satisfactory response that would bring about rectification and preservation of the well-being of the people]. This is a path that has been followed since the time of the companions, then by the Imams of the Tabi’in, and by those after them among the people of knowledge, virtue, religion and Iman. And excellent is that which Ibn Mas’ud, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “The people will not cease to be righteous and upright as long as knowledge comes to them from the companions of Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and their elders; but if knowledge comes to them from their young ones, they will be destroyed”. [3]

Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

“Verily, Allah does not take away knowledge by snatching it from the people, but He takes it away by taking away death of the religious scholars till none of the scholars remains alive. Then the people will take ignorant ones as their leaders, who, when asked to deliver religious verdicts, will issue them without knowledge, the result being that they will go astray and will lead others astray”. [Bukhari and Muslim]

Shaikh Abdullah Al-Bukhari, may Allah preserve him, stated:

This text (proves) that the disappearance of knowledge will not be through its removal from the hearts, but through the death of the scholars. (Then) the ignorant people will remain- those who will occupy the place of the scholars in giving verdicts and teaching. They will teach and give verdicts based on ignorance, thus ignorance will spread and become manifest”. Therefore, if the sound Sunni knowledge is taken away, acting upon it will be taken away- is that not the case?! When ignorance manifests, acting upon it will become manifest, thus both knowledge and acting upon (Knowledge) will disappear, and ignorance will manifest, and acting upon (ignorance) will become widespread just as Al-Hafidh Al-Qurtubi clarified in Al-Mufhim. [4]

Who Investigates The Plots?

Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee Al-Madkhali, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

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 Quraan 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) [5]

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.” [6]

Beware of The Analysts

The senior Salafi scholars of the Ummah are still with us – Mufti Al-Allanmah Salih Al-Fawzan, Al-Muhaddith Al-Allamah Abdul Muhsin Al-Abbad, and the Minister of Religious Affairs Al-Allamah Salih Aala Ash-Shaikh. When it comes to understanding the events of the end times, whether they involve wars, distressing occurrences, or political upheaval, we should not rely on social media influencers or political analysts. Instead, we should turn to the senior Salafi scholars, and not the scholars of Bidah and the proponents of illegal partisanship. Imaam Muhammad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaymin, may Allah have mercy upon him said:

“Some people say, ‘The one who does not understand the knowledge of current affairs is not a scholar’ and they forget that indeed the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, ‘Whoever Allah wishes good for, He grants him understanding of the religion’. Then they become heedless of an existing reality, which is that busying oneself with the knowledge of current affairs diverts a person from (seeking) understanding of the religion; rather it may preoccupy (and divert) him from correct worship, and that is to worship Allah alone, devoting one’s heart to Allah, pondering upon Allah’s universal signs [i.e. the things He has created] and Allah’s divine revelation. In reality, preoccupying the youth with the Knowledge of current affairs prevents them from (seeking) understanding of Allah’s Religion, because the heart is a vessel and it does not take another thing when it is filled with something else; therefore, it is not possible to fill it with this and that.

Busying oneself with the understanding of the Religion, fulfilling acts of worship and pure Islamic Monotheism and sincerity is better for him [i.e. a person] than looking into the knowledge of current affairs and regarding what such and such person is about. It maybe that one acquires knowledge of current affairs through weak and fabricated narrations via the media, or he bases knowledge of current affairs on the analysis and speculations of a person.

The person who is engaged in the subject matter of current affairs may seek to establish an analysis that is far from what the current affairs (shows in reality), or he looks into affairs that have been concocted for him by the enemies (regarding) a particular (expected) event; but then this event happens to be something else and does not exist at all, so all those plans come to nothing. Therefore, what is of important is that one acquires understanding of what Islam requires of a person.

The understanding related to ones self (necessitates) rectification of heart by way of sound belief and to wish good for the Muslims, and this is (also) related to understanding of halaal, haraam and other affairs of a similar nature. A person must acquaint himself with knowledge of current affairs if he is in need of it; but as for giving it complete importance in relation to affairs (or events) that have not occurred in reality, such as lies, deception, analysis and speculation, this has no (sound) basis”. [7]

Therefore, return to the Salafi scholars and the rulers, and not social media influencers, ahlul bidah or figureheads of illegal partisanship. “The scholar possesses knowledge and precise understanding to aid him derive ruling (from the texts of the Shariah). So, when a matter regarding universal public safety occurs, he is able to quickly derive a ruling, teach the people, disseminate the ruling and explain the Shariah ruling related to that (particular) matter of universal public safety. The ability (to do this) is not acquired by merely reading books when a matter of universal public safety occurs, without the skills, knowledge and prolonged experience possessed by the scholars”. [8]

Listen to a brief clarification regarding this subject matter, especially during wars etc – By Shaikh Falah Isma’il Al-Mundikar- may Allah have mercy upon him.

https://youtu.be/FBbdpAWU5CQ?si=sYtMjVQOH1n0nPSe

We ask Allah:

اللَّهُمَّ بِعِلْمِكَ الْغَيْبَ وَقُدْرَتِكَ عَلَى الْخَلْقِ أَحْيِنِي مَا عَلِمْتَ الْحَيَاةَ خَيْراً لِي وَتَوَفَّنِي إِذَا عَلِمْتَ الْوَفَاةَ خَيْراً لِي، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ خَشْيَتَكَ فِي الْغَيْبِ وَالشَّهَادَةِ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ كَلِمَةَ الْحَقِّ فِي الرِّضَا وَالْغَضَبِ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ الْقَصْدَ فِي الْغِنَى وَالْفَقْرِ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ نَعِيماً لَا يَنْفَذُ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ قُرَّةَ عَيْنٍ لَا تَنْقَطِعُ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ الرِّضِا بَعْدَ الْقَضَاءِ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ بَرْدَ الْعَيْشِ بَعْدَ الْمَوْتِ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ لَذَّةَ النَّظَرِ إِلَى وَجْهِكَ وَالشَّوْقَ إِلَى لِقَائِكَ فِي غَيْرِ ضَرَّاءَ مُضِرَّةٍ وَلَا فِتْنَةٍ مُضِلَّةٍ، اللَّهُمَّ زَيِّنَّا بِزِينَةِ الْإِيمَانِ
وَاجْعَلْنَا هُدَاةً مُهْتَدِينَ

O Allah! By Your Knowledge of the unseen and by Your Power over creation, let me live if life is good for me, and let me die if death is good for me; O Allah! I ask You to grant me (the blessing of having) fear of You in private and public, and I ask You (to make me utter) a statement of truth in times of contentment and anger, and I ask You for moderation when in a state of wealth and poverty, and I ask you for blessings that never ceases, and I ask You for the coolness of my eye that never ends, and I ask You (to make me pleased) after (Your) decree; and I ask You for a life of (ease, comfort, tranquillity, etc) after death; I ask You for the delight of looking at Your Face (i.e. in the Hereafter) and yearning to meet You without any harm and misleading trials (coming upon me). O Allah! Adorn us with the adornment of Iman, and make us (from those who are) guided and guiding (others). [9]

[1] Mawqif Al-Muslim Min Al-Fitan. pages 15-18

[2] An Excerpt from Al-Jawaabus Saheeh Liman Baddala Deen Al-Maseeh. 2/65-67

[3][ الطيب الجني على شرح السنة للإمام المزني – page 18-19. Paraphrased]

[4] Al-Hajr Fee Daw-il Kitaab Was-Sunnah Wa Fahm Salaf Al-Ummah pages 15-16

[5 & 6]: An excerpt from an article at www.salafipublications.com titled: The Salafis and Looking into the Affairs of the Ummah

[7] An Excerpt from Sharh Hilyah Talib Al-Ilm. pages 194-195. slightly paraphrased

[8] Fī qalb al-ḥadath maqālāt mutanawwiʿa page 48

[9]https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2021/01/01/o-allaah-let-me-live-if-life-is-good-for-me-and-let-me-die-if-death-is-good-for-me/

Salafi Ideologies – Brief Response to a Misconception of Ohad Merlin at Jerusalem Post

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Bid'ah (Innovation), Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Featured, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Refutations, Sahaabah, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors), Scholars of Islam, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

إِن يَتَّبِعُونَ إِلَّا ٱلظَّنَّ وَمَا تَهْوَى ٱلْأَنفُسُ

They follow but presumption and what their souls desire. [1]

The Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

“Leave that which makes you doubt for that which does not make you doubt.” [2]

In an article published at Jerusalem Post on January 18, 2024, and updated the following day, the writer named a particular individual, and said that this person “also faces attacks from anti-Islamist actors who reject Salafi ideologies and based their disdain on his roles in several al-Qaeda offshoots”. [end of quote]

In this article, we are not going to address the conflict between that individual and his opponents, instead, our aim is to briefly clarify the term “Salafi/Salafiyyah”, and that linking either of them to the concept of ideology is a misconception. 

First, it is necessary to examine the definition of the term “ideology”. Whoever researches will find that ideology, is a form of social or political philosophy in which practical elements are as prominent as theoretical ones- a system of “ideas” that aspires both to explain the world and to change it; or a set of “opinions” or “beliefs” of a group or an individual. It can also refer to a set of “political beliefs” or a set of ideas that characterise a particular culture. Capitalism, communism, socialism, and Marxism are ideologies. Furthermore, even if social scientists define ideology in a broader sense to include religious beliefs, the Salafi says that religious beliefs are subjected to scrutiny as to to whether they were initiated by an individual without precedence or that that they were from a previous Scripture but corrupted. The basis of determining what beliefs or religious rites are correct or incorrect are the sources of the final infallible revelation – the Qur’an and Sunnah – as understood and practiced by the companions of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.  

Second, every person with some knowledge of the infallible divine revelation- the Qur’an and Sunnah, as understood and implemented by the Sahabah – knows that the ideas of philosophy, theory, opinions, capitalism, communism, socialism, and Marxism originate from the inherently flawed nature of human thought. Thus, they are inherently debatable, with their inconsistencies and shortcomings clearly visible to everyone acquainted with them.

Third, as for “belief”, it may be either fabricated or innovated by individuals who stray from the teachings of the Prophets, or they may be rooted in the pure, infallible final revelation – the Qur’an and the Sunnah. Thus, when the word “belief” is mentioned without clarifying its foundation, it becomes ambiguous. This is why we scrutinise the language and terminology used by all intellectuals, and in particular more scrutiny is applied to the language and expressions of the well known anti-Islam ideologues, demagogues, journalists, or provocateurs when they seek to impose their flawed interpretations or judgments on the term ‘Salafi’ or ‘Salafiyyah’. 

The term ‘Salafi’ or ‘Salafiyyah’ can never be categorised as an ideology or a set of ideas, as these can be contested, debated, or labeled as right or wrong. Instead, Salafiyyah represents the path of infallible revelation—the Qur’an and Sunnah as understood and practiced by the companions of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. Therefore, those who assert that ideology encompasses belief and then assess Salafiyyah by the same criteria as other beliefs either lack understanding of Salafiyyah and the path of a true Salafi, or have utilised ambiguous language – whether intentionally or unintentionally – that leads to an absurd and dangerous confusion. As it’s the norm in some cases with regards to writers who subscribe to different ideologies, they are genuinely confused about Salafiyyah and the path of a true Salafi, and perhaps Ohad is genuinely confused and misguided in this matter. Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: 

“The basis of Banee Adam’s misguidance is as a result of general terms and ambiguous meanings, especially if they come in contact with a confused mind, so how about when desires and misguided enthusiasm is added to that? Therefore, ask the One Who keeps the hearts steadfast [i.e. Allah] to keep your heart firm upon His Religion and not allow you to fall into this darkness. [3]

One of the core principles in Islam is the understanding that words or terms fall into two categories: those found in the Qur’an and Sunnah, which every believer is required to affirm, and those that are negated by Allah and His Messenger. The terms affirmed by Allah represent the truth, while those He has negated are also rejected as false, since Allah speaks only the truth and guides us along the right path. The terminology of Shariah is sacred, and it is essential for one to seek the accurate meanings intended by the Messenger to affirm what he affirmed and reject what he negated. It is our duty to believe in and testify to everything he has conveyed and to follow his commands. Regarding terms that do not appear in the Qur’an or Sunnah, and where the early scholars have not reached a consensus on their affirmation or negation, individuals are not obligated to side with those who affirm or deny them until their intended meanings are clarified. If the intended meaning aligns with the revelations and commands of the Messenger, it is accepted; if it contradicts his teachings, it is dismissed. [4]

Salafi ideology, or rather the notion of multiple Salafi ideologies, does not exist. What truly exists is Salafiyyah, a path rooted in the infallible teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah, as understood and practiced by the Prophet’s companions. Any deviation from this path—whether in creed/belief, worship, or methodology—cannot be considered part of Salafiyyah, regardless of the claims made by various groups, individuals, or the author of the article in question. While innovations in religion are linked to ideologies, opinions and ideas of men, Salafiyyah is anchored in infallible divine revelation as understood by the Prophet’s companions. Al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzan, may Allah preserve him, said:

Salafiyyah is to follow the path of pious predecessors – the Sahabah, the Tabiin and the virtuous generations. Allah, The Most High, said:

وَٱلسَّـٰبِقُونَ ٱلۡأَوَّلُونَ مِنَ ٱلۡمُهَـٰجِرِينَ وَٱلۡأَنصَارِ وَٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّبَعُوهُم بِـإِحۡسَـٰنٍ۬ رَّضِىَ ٱللَّهُ عَنۡہُمۡ وَرَضُواْ عَنۡهُ

And the first to embrace Islam of the Muhaajiroon (those who migrated from Makkah to Al-Madinah) and the Ansar (the citizens of Al-Madinah who helped and gave aid to the Muhaajiroon) and also those who followed them exactly (in Faith). Allah is well-pleased with them as they are well-pleased with Him. [at-Tawbah 100]

Allah, The Most High, said about the Sahabah:

إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَهَاجَرُواْ وَجَـٰهَدُواْ بِأَمۡوَٲلِهِمۡ وَأَنفُسِہِمۡ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَاوَواْ وَّنَصَرُوٓاْ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ بَعۡضُہُمۡ أَوۡلِيَآءُ بَعۡضٍ۬‌ۚ

Verily, those who believed, and emigrated and strove hard and fought with their property and their lives in the Cause of Allah as well as those who gave (them) asylum and help, – these are (all) allies to one another – up to His statement:

وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ مِنۢ بَعۡدُ وَهَاجَرُواْ وَجَـٰهَدُواْ مَعَكُمۡ فَأُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ مِنكُمۡ‌ۚ

And those who believed afterwards, and emigrated and strove hard along with you, (in the Cause of Allah) they are of you.

Allah, Glorified be He and free is He from all Imperfections, said in Surah Al-Hashar:

لِلۡفُقَرَآءِ ٱلۡمُهَـٰجِرِينَ ٱلَّذِينَ أُخۡرِجُواْ مِن دِيَـٰرِهِمۡ وَأَمۡوَٲلِهِمۡ يَبۡتَغُونَ فَضۡلاً۬ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَرِضۡوَٲنً۬ا وَيَنصُرُونَ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ ۥۤ‌ۚ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ هُمُ ٱلصَّـٰدِقُونَ

وَٱلَّذِينَ تَبَوَّءُو ٱلدَّارَ وَٱلۡإِيمَـٰنَ مِن قَبۡلِهِمۡ يُحِبُّونَ مَنۡ هَاجَرَ إِلَيۡہِمۡ

(And there is also a share in this booty) for the poor emigrants, who were expelled from their homes and their property, seeking Bounties from Allah and to please Him. And helping Allaah (i.e. helping His religion) and His Messenger (Muhammad). Such are indeed the truthful (to what they say); And those who, before them, had homes (in Al-Madinah) and had adopted the Faith, love those who emigrated to them, up until the statement of the Most High:

 وَٱلَّذِينَ جَآءُو مِنۢ بَعۡدِهِمۡ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا ٱغۡفِرۡ لَنَا وَلِإِخۡوَٲنِنَا ٱلَّذِينَ سَبَقُونَا بِٱلۡإِيمَـٰنِ 

And those who came after them say: “Our Lord! Forgive us and our brethren who have preceded us in Faith.

The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “This ummah will split into seventy three sects; all of them will enter the fire except one. They said, ‘which is that (saved sects) O Messenger of Allah? He replied: ‘those who are upon that which I and my companions are upon today’”. [Footnote a] The Prophet said: “Adhere to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly guided Khulafaa after me”.

Therefore, Salafiyyah is the methodology that has been obligated to us to follow and we are to abandon all other methodologies that are in opposition to it. The (people of Salafiyyah) are the saved sect- Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jama’ah, and they are the aided group till the Day of Judgement. May Allah include us amongst them.

However, ascription to this methodology requires knowledge of its fundamentals in order that the Muslim may adhere to it. [One is] required to have knowledge of the other methodologies that are in opposition to Salafiyyah in order to avoid them. Therefore, Salafiyyah upon the path of the pious predecessors has to be upon knowledge and clear sightedness. It is not enough for a person to ascribe himself to [Salafiyyah] while ignorant of it or being in opposition to it. For this reason, Allah said:

 وَٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّبَعُوهُم بِـإِحۡسَـٰنٍ۬ 

And also those who followed them exactly (in Faith)].

They follow based on knowledge- neither fall into extremism nor negligence. They neither exaggerate nor fail to give the matter its right like those who ascribe themselves to the Madhabs of the four Imams whilst being in opposition to them in creed and worship. And like the one who ascribes himself to the methodology of the Salaf, yet he either declares the Muslims to be disbelievers or rebels against the Muslim rulers, or he follows other orientations towards extremism. This person is not a Salafi, rather he is named a khariji or a Mutazili. Or like the one who ascribes himself to the methodology of the Salaf, but utters the statements of the Murji’ah in the subject of Iman and Kufr. This is not Salafiyyah. Therefore, it is obligatory to pay attention to this matter and not to mix the Salafi methodology with the other methodologies that are in opposition to it, and then says, “All these methodologies are not from Islam”. This is reckless speech, an oppressive judgement and deception against the people. [5]

Finally, there is no such thing as a quietist or Jihadist categorisation of Salafiyyah or Salafis. Read here by Shaikh Abu Khadeejah- may Allah preserve him. https://abukhadeejah.com/a-response-to-western-academics-who-categorise-salafis-into-quietists-politicos-and-jihadists-and-why-this-is-a-false-categorisation/

It is therefore important that the author seeks knowledge before making statements. The sincere seeker of truth must refer to the following links: http://www.salafis.com/index.cfm

What is Salafism? Read about the most important aspects of Salafiyyah- By Shaikh Abu Khadeejah, may Allah preserve him. https://abukhadeejah.com/what-is-salafism-and-salafiyyah/

The Ideological Origins of Al-Qaeda: https://abukhadeejah.com/the-evils-of-modern-day-terrorism-and-its-roots-al-qaeda-isis-the-nusra-front-etc/

———————————————-

Footnote a:   https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2024/12/28/all-in-the-fire-except-one/

[1]https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/verse/53/23

[2]https://www.nawawis40hadith.com/nw/hadith/11/leaving-doubt

[3] An Excerpt from ‘As-Sawaa’iq Al-Mursalah Alal Jahmiyyah Wal Mu’attilah’ 3/927

[4] An Excerpt from ‘Al-Haqeeqatus Shar’iyyah Fee Tafseeril Qur’aan Al-A’dheem Was-Sunnatin Nabawiyyah’ page 17

[5] An Excerpt from Al-Bayaan Li-Akh’taa Badil Kuttab. 2/173-174

Two Inevitable Reflections in the Face of Useless Conflicts Initiated by Corrupt Creed Advocates and Wealth Worshippers

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Basics, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Featured, Mental Health, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Scholars of Islam, Sin, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah', Zuhd (Abstinence).

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

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

A longing for the afterlife can only be fulfilled by refraining from the superfluous pleasures of the worldly life, and this abstention from such pleasures can be realised solely through two types of contemplation.

The First Contemplation: Reflect on the worldly life its fleeting nature, disappearance, inherent inferior status, hassles, ordeals, frustrations and troubles, and finally a conclusion marked by loss and remorse. Thus, the individual pursuing such a life finds no protection from sorrow, both prior to and following its acquisition, nor after it has faded away. This constitutes the first reflection.

The Second Contemplation: Reflect on the Afterlife- its proximity, its inevitable arrival, its permanence, the dignity of the goodness and joy it encompasses, and the distinctions between it and this worldly life, as Allah, Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections, said:

وَٱلۡأَخِرَةُ خَيۡرٌ۬ وَأَبۡقَىٰٓ

Although the Hereafter is better and more lasting. [Al-A’laa. 17]

It is perfect and everlasting, whereas the (worldly life) is deficient and transient.

If a person accomplishes these two reflections, they will naturally favour what sound reasoning dictates and avoid what should be reliquished. No one who is inclined to forgo an immediate gain and a readily available pleasure can do so unless their aspiration for something greater and more virtuous is more compelling, and the merits of the anticipated virtue are evident when compared to the immediate gratification. If an individual chooses what is deficient and will (ultimately) face extinction, it may be due to either the absence of awareness regarding the merits of the afterlife or a deficiency in the desire for that which is more virtuous. Both scenarios reflect a weakness in Iman, intellect, and discernment. This is because the person who desires the worldly life, prioritises it over the temporal world and is eager for it, either acknowledges the existence of something more virtuous and eternal or he does not acknowledge it. Should he choose not to acknowledge, he is entirely devoid of Iman. And if he does acknowledge but fails to prioritise it, his reasoning is flawed, and he has made a poor decision for himself. These two are inescapable, as a servant of Allah cannot evade them. Prioritising the worldly life over the hereafter stems either from a deficiency in Iman or corruption of intellect, and often, both issues coexist within (an individual). As a result, the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, along with his companions, distanced themselves from the worldly things (which one can do without) and redirected their hearts away from them. The Prophet said:

“What is the world to me? What am I to the world? Verily, the example of this world and myself is that of a rider who seeks shade under a tree, then he moves on and leaves it behind”. [Ahmad 3701]

The Prophet said:

“What is the example of this worldly life in comparison to the Hereafter other than one of you dipping his finger in the sea? Let him see what he brings forth”. [Muslim 2858]

Allah, The Most High, said:

نَّمَا مَثَلُ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا كَمَآءٍ أَنزَلۡنَـٰهُ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ فَٱخۡتَلَطَ بِهِۦ نَبَاتُ ٱلۡأَرۡضِ مِمَّا يَأۡكُلُ ٱلنَّاسُ وَٱلۡأَنۡعَـٰمُ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَآ أَخَذَتِ ٱلۡأَرۡضُ زُخۡرُفَهَا وَٱزَّيَّنَتۡ وَظَنَّ أَهۡلُهَآ أَنَّہُمۡ قَـٰدِرُونَ عَلَيۡہَآ أَتَٮٰهَآ أَمۡرُنَا لَيۡلاً أَوۡ نَہَارً۬ا فَجَعَلۡنَـٰهَا حَصِيدً۬ا كَأَن لَّمۡ تَغۡنَ بِٱلۡأَمۡسِ‌ۚ كَذَٲلِكَ نُفَصِّلُ ٱلۡأَيَـٰتِ لِقَوۡمٍ۬ يَتَفَڪَّرُونَ
وَٱللَّهُ يَدۡعُوٓاْ إِلَىٰ دَارِ ٱلسَّلَـٰمِ وَيَہۡدِى مَن يَشَآءُ إِلَىٰ صِرَٲطٍ۬ مُّسۡتَقِيمٍ۬

Verily the likeness of (this) worldly life is as the water (rain) which We send down from the sky, so by it arises the intermingled produce of the earth of which men and cattle eat until when the earth is clad with its adornments and is beautified, and its people think that they have all the powers of disposal over it, Our Command reaches it by night or by day and We make it like a clean-mown harvest, as if it had not flourished yesterday! Thus do We explain the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, laws, etc.) in detail for the people who reflect. Allah calls to the home of peace (i.e. Paradise, by accepting Allah’s religion of Islamic Monotheism and by doing righteous good deeds and abstaining from polytheism and evil deeds) and guides whom He wills to a Straight Path. [Yunus 24-25]

Allah, The Most High, said:

وَٱضۡرِبۡ لَهُم مَّثَلَ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا كَمَآءٍ أَنزَلۡنَـٰهُ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ فَٱخۡتَلَطَ بِهِۦ نَبَاتُ ٱلۡأَرۡضِ فَأَصۡبَحَ هَشِيمً۬ا تَذۡرُوهُ ٱلرِّيَـٰحُ‌ۗ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىۡءٍ۬ مُّقۡتَدِرًا
ٱلۡمَالُ وَٱلۡبَنُونَ زِينَةُ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا‌ۖ وَٱلۡبَـٰقِيَـٰتُ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتُ خَيۡرٌ عِندَ رَبِّكَ ثَوَابً۬ا وَخَيۡرٌ أَمَلاً۬

And put forward to them the example of the life of this world, it is like the water (rain) which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it, and becomes fresh and green. But (later) it becomes dry and broken pieces, which the winds scatter. And Allah is Able to do everything. Wealth and children are the adornment of the life of this world. But the good righteous deeds (five compulsory prayers, deeds of Allah’s obedience, good and nice talk, remembrance of Allah with glorification, praises and thanks, etc.), that last, are better with your Lord for rewards and better in respect of hope. [Al-Kahf. 45-46]

Allah, The Most High, said:

ٱعۡلَمُوٓاْ أَنَّمَا ٱلۡحَيَوٰةُ ٱلدُّنۡيَا لَعِبٌ۬ وَلَهۡوٌ۬ وَزِينَةٌ۬ وَتَفَاخُرُۢ بَيۡنَكُمۡ وَتَكَاثُرٌ۬ فِى ٱلۡأَمۡوَٲلِ وَٱلۡأَوۡلَـٰدِ‌ۖ كَمَثَلِ غَيۡثٍ أَعۡجَبَ ٱلۡكُفَّارَ نَبَاتُهُ ۥ ثُمَّ يَہِيجُ فَتَرَٮٰهُ مُصۡفَرًّ۬ا ثُمَّ يَكُونُ حُطَـٰمً۬ا‌ۖ وَفِى ٱلۡأَخِرَةِ عَذَابٌ۬ شَدِيدٌ۬ وَمَغۡفِرَةٌ۬ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَرِضۡوَٲنٌ۬‌ۚ وَمَا ٱلۡحَيَوٰةُ ٱلدُّنۡيَآ إِلَّا مَتَـٰعُ ٱلۡغُرُورِ

Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children, as the likeness of vegetation after rain, thereof the growth is pleasing to the tiller; afterwards it dries up and you see it turning yellow; then it becomes straw. But in the Hereafter (there is) a severe torment, and (there is) Forgiveness from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure, whereas the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment. [Al-Hadid 57]

Allah, The Most High, said:

زُيِّنَ لِلنَّاسِ حُبُّ ٱلشَّهَوَٲتِ مِنَ ٱلنِّسَآءِ وَٱلۡبَنِينَ وَٱلۡقَنَـٰطِيرِ ٱلۡمُقَنطَرَةِ مِنَ ٱلذَّهَبِ وَٱلۡفِضَّةِ وَٱلۡخَيۡلِ ٱلۡمُسَوَّمَةِ وَٱلۡأَنۡعَـٰمِ وَٱلۡحَرۡثِ‌ۗ ذَٲلِكَ مَتَـٰعُ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا‌ۖ وَٱللَّهُ عِندَهُ ۥ حُسۡنُ ٱلۡمَـَٔابِ
قُلۡ أَؤُنَبِّئُكُم بِخَيۡرٍ۬ مِّن ذَٲلِڪُمۡ‌ۚ لِلَّذِينَ ٱتَّقَوۡاْ عِندَ رَبِّهِمۡ جَنَّـٰتٌ۬ تَجۡرِى مِن تَحۡتِهَا ٱلۡأَنۡهَـٰرُ خَـٰلِدِينَ فِيهَا وَأَزۡوَٲجٌ۬ مُّطَهَّرَةٌ۬ وَرِضۡوَٲنٌ۬ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ بَصِيرُۢ بِٱلۡعِبَادِ

Beautified for men is the love of things they covet; women, children, much of gold and silver (wealth), branded beautiful horses, cattle and well-tilled land. This is the pleasure of the present world’s life; but Allah has the excellent return (Paradise with flowing rivers, etc.) with Him. Say: “Shall I inform you of things far better than those? For the pious there are Gardens (Paradise) with their Lord, underneath which rivers flow. Therein (is their) eternal (home) and Azwajun Mutahharatun (purified mates or wives), And Allah will be pleased with them. And Allah is All-Seer of the (His) slaves”. [Aal Imran. 14-15]

Allah, The Most High, said:

 وَفَرِحُواْ بِٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا وَمَا ٱلۡحَيَوٰةُ ٱلدُّنۡيَا فِى ٱلۡأَخِرَةِ إِلَّا مَتَـٰعٌ۬

And they rejoice in the life of the world, whereas the life of this world as compared with the Hereafter is but a brief passing enjoyment. [Ar-Rad. 26]

Allah, The Most High, said:

إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يَرۡجُونَ لِقَآءَنَا وَرَضُواْ بِٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا وَٱطۡمَأَنُّواْ بِہَا وَٱلَّذِينَ هُمۡ عَنۡ ءَايَـٰتِنَا غَـٰفِلُونَ
أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ مَأۡوَٮٰهُمُ ٱلنَّارُ بِمَا ڪَانُواْ يَكۡسِبُونَ

Verily, those who hope not for their meeting with Us, but are pleased and satisfied with the life of the present world, and those who are heedless of Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.); Those, their abode will be the Fire, because of what they used to earn. [Yunus 78]

Allah, The Most High, said:

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ مَا لَكُمۡ إِذَا قِيلَ لَكُمُ ٱنفِرُواْ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ ٱثَّاقَلۡتُمۡ إِلَى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ‌ۚ أَرَضِيتُم بِٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا مِنَ ٱلۡأَخِرَةِ‌ۚ فَمَا مَتَـٰعُ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا فِى ٱلۡأَخِرَةِ إِلَّا قَلِيلٌ

O you who believe! What is the matter with you, that when you are asked to march forth in the Cause of Allah you cling heavily to the earth? [Footnote a] Are you pleased with the life of this world rather than the Hereafter? But little is the enjoyment of the life of this world as compared with the Hereafter. [at-Tawbah. 38]

Allah, The Most High, said:

أَفَرَءَيۡتَ إِن مَّتَّعۡنَـٰهُمۡ سِنِينَ
ثُمَّ جَآءَهُم مَّا كَانُواْ يُوعَدُونَ
مَآ أَغۡنَىٰ عَنۡہُم مَّا كَانُواْ يُمَتَّعُونَ

Tell Me, if We do let them enjoy for years; And afterwards comes to them that (punishment) which they had been promised! All that with which they used to enjoy shall not avail them. [Ash-Shu’ara 205-207]

Allah, The Most High, said:

وَيَوۡمَ يَحۡشُرُهُمۡ كَأَن لَّمۡ يَلۡبَثُوٓاْ إِلَّا سَاعَةً۬ مِّنَ ٱلنَّہَارِ يَتَعَارَفُونَ بَيۡنَہُمۡ‌ۚ

And on the Day when He shall gather (resurrect) them together, (it will be) as if they had not stayed (in the life of this world and graves, etc.) but an hour of a day. They will recognise each other. [Yunus 45]

Allah, The Most High, said:

كَأَنَّہُمۡ يَوۡمَ يَرَوۡنَ مَا يُوعَدُونَ لَمۡ يَلۡبَثُوٓاْ إِلَّا سَاعَةً۬ مِّن نَّہَارِۭ‌ۚ بَلَـٰغٌ۬‌ۚ فَهَلۡ يُهۡلَكُ إِلَّا ٱلۡقَوۡمُ ٱلۡفَـٰسِقُونَ

On the Day when they will see that (torment) with which they are promised (i.e. threatened, it will be) as if they had not stayed more than an hour in a single day. (O mankind! This Qur’an is sufficient as) a clear Message (or proclamation to save yourself from destruction). But shall any be destroyed except the people who are Al-Fasiqun (the rebellious, disobedient to Allah)]. [Al-Ahqaf. 35]

Allah, The Most High, said:

يَسۡـٴَـلُونَكَ عَنِ ٱلسَّاعَةِ أَيَّانَ مُرۡسَٮٰهَا
فِيمَ أَنتَ مِن ذِكۡرَٮٰهَآ
إِلَىٰ رَبِّكَ مُنتَہَٮٰهَآ
إِنَّمَآ أَنتَ مُنذِرُ مَن يَخۡشَٮٰهَا
كَأَنَّہُمۡ يَوۡمَ يَرَوۡنَہَا لَمۡ يَلۡبَثُوٓاْ إِلَّا عَشِيَّةً أَوۡ ضُحَٮٰهَا

They ask you (O Muhammad) about the Hour, – when will be its appointed time? You have no knowledge to say anything about it; To your Lord belongs (the knowledge of) the term thereof? You (O Muhammad) are only a warner for those who fear it; The Day they see it, (it will be) as if they had not tarried (in this world) except an afternoon or a morning. [An-Nazi’at’. 42-46]

Allah, The Most High, said:

وَيَوۡمَ تَقُومُ ٱلسَّاعَةُ يُقۡسِمُ ٱلۡمُجۡرِمُونَ مَا لَبِثُواْ غَيۡرَ سَاعَةٍ۬‌ۚ

And on the Day that the Hour will be established, the Mujrimun will swear that they stayed not but an hour. [Ar-Rum. 55]

Allah, The Most High, said:

قَـٰلَ كَمۡ لَبِثۡتُمۡ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ عَدَدَ سِنِينَ
قَالُواْ لَبِثۡنَا يَوۡمًا أَوۡ بَعۡضَ يَوۡمٍ۬ فَسۡـَٔلِ ٱلۡعَآدِّينَ
قَـٰلَ إِن لَّبِثۡتُمۡ إِلَّا قَلِيلاً۬‌ۖ لَّوۡ أَنَّكُمۡ كُنتُمۡ تَعۡلَمُونَ

He (Allah) will say: “What number of years did you stay on earth?” They will say: “We stayed a day or part of a day. Ask of those who keep account.” He (Allah) will say: “You stayed not but a little, if you had only known! [Al-Mu’munun 112-114]

Allah, The Most High, said:

يَوۡمَ يُنفَخُ فِى ٱلصُّورِ‌ۚ وَنَحۡشُرُ ٱلۡمُجۡرِمِينَ يَوۡمَٮِٕذٍ۬ زُرۡقً۬ا
يَتَخَـٰفَتُونَ بَيۡنَہُمۡ إِن لَّبِثۡتُمۡ إِلَّا عَشۡرً۬ا
نَّحۡنُ أَعۡلَمُ بِمَا يَقُولُونَ إِذۡ يَقُولُ أَمۡثَلُهُمۡ طَرِيقَةً إِن لَّبِثۡتُمۡ إِلَّا يَوۡمً۬ا

The Day when the Trumpet will be blown (the second blowing): that Day, We shall gather the Mujrimun, (criminals) Zurqa (blind or thirsty); In whispers will they speak to each other (saying): “You stayed not longer than ten (days).” We know very well what they will say, when the best among them in knowledge and wisdom will say: “You stayed no longer than a day!” [Taha. 102-104]

Allah’s Aid is sought and upon Him we place our reliance!

An Excerpt from Al-Fawa’id. page 148-152

Footnote a: https://abukhadeejah.com/salafi-shaikh-fawzaan-on-jihaad-in-our-times-and-the-guidelines-of-jihaad-according-to-islam/

A Timeless Criteria for Judging Specific Individuals Who Wrestle for Worldly Supremacy

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

مَا يُجَـٰدِلُ فِىٓ ءَايَـٰتِ ٱللَّهِ إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ فَلَا يَغۡرُرۡكَ تَقَلُّبُہُمۡ فِى ٱلۡبِلَـٰدِ

None disputes concerning the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allah, except those who disbelieve. So, let not their ability of going about here and there through the land (for their purposes) deceive you (O Muhammad , their ultimate end will be the Fire of Hell)! [Ghafir. 4]

مَا يُجَـٰدِلُ فِىٓ ءَايَـٰتِ ٱللَّهِ إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ

None disputes concerning the Aayat of Allah, except those who disbelieve.

The intended meaning behind the word ‘disputes‘ is disputation to reject Allah’s Ayat and oppose them with falsehood. This is a deed of the disbelievers. As for the believers, they humble themselves to Allah, The Most High, for indeed Allah makes statements of truth that invalidates falsehood.

It is not permissible for one to be deceived by a person’s worldly circumstances and thinks that the favours Allah has bestowed on him in this worldly life proves that Allah loves him and that he is upon the truth. And due to this, Allah, The Most High, said:

فَلَا يَغۡرُرۡكَ تَقَلُّبُہُمۡ فِى ٱلۡبِلَـٰدِ

So let not their ability of going about here and there through the land (for their purposes) deceive you.

Meaning: Going back and forth in pursuit of various affairs of trade and earnings; rather what is obligated to a servant (of Allah) is that he judges the people based on the truth, examines the realities of the divine revelation and judges people through them- not that he judges the truth through the people, as the one who neither has knowledge nor (sound) intellect does. [1]

The Difference Between Desire For Righteous Leadership and Pursuit of Leadership For Exaltedness In The Earth

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

The difference between the desire for righteous leadership as opposed to merely desiring leadership:

It is the difference between exalting the command of Allah and being sincere to Allaah as opposed to love of exalting oneself and hastening towards the fulfilment of desires. Indeed, the one who is sincere to Allaah and exalts Him, he loves that his Lord is obeyed and not disobeyed; [loves that] Allah’s Word should be uppermost and that all affairs of the religion should be established sincerely for the sake of Allah, that the servants obey Allah’s commands and keep away from what Allah has forbidden. He is sincere in his servitude to Allah and sincere to Allah’s creation by calling them to the path of Allah. He loves to be (an upright) leader in the religion; rather he asks his Lord to make him from the leaders of the righteous people who are followed, just as he is a follower of the righteous. Therefore, if this person who calls to Allah loves that he is considered dignified in the eyes (others), revered, beloved in their hearts and followed, trusted and they follow the example of the Messenger through him, this (desire of his) does not harm him; rather he is praised for it. This is because the caller to Allah loves that Allah is obeyed and singled out in worship. He loves to be a means through which (people) are aided to (obey Allah, single out Allah in worship and follow the Messenger). And due to this, Allah mentioned those chosen slaves of His- whom He praised in His revelation and will grant the best of reward on the day they meet Him- with the best of their deeds and characteristics, saying:

 وَٱلَّذِينَ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا هَبۡ لَنَا مِنۡ أَزۡوَٲجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّـٰتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعۡيُنٍ۬ وَٱجۡعَلۡنَا لِلۡمُتَّقِينَ إِمَامًا

And those who say: “Our Lord! Bestow on us from our wives and our offspring who will be the comfort of our eyes, and make us leaders for the pious. [Al-Furqan. 74]

So they ask Allah to grant them the comfort of the eye by making their wives and offspring obedient to Allah, and to grant them happiness in their hearts due to being followed by the righteous in obedience and servitude to Allah. Thi is because a trustworthy leader in the religion co-operates with others in obedience (to Allah and His Messenger), and that is to call them to (sound) leadership in the religion, whose foundation is patience and certainty, as Allah, The Most High, said:

 وَجَعَلۡنَا مِنۡہُمۡ أَٮِٕمَّةً۬ يَہۡدُونَ بِأَمۡرِنَا لَمَّا صَبَرُواْ‌ۖ وَڪَانُواْ بِـَٔايَـٰتِنَا يُوقِنُونَ

And We made from among them (Children of Israel), leaders, giving guidance under Our Command, when they were patient and used to believe with certainty in Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.)]. [Surah as-Sajdah. 24]

Thus in their supplication to Allah that He makes them leaders of the righteous people, is that Allah guides them, grants them success, bless them with beneficial knowledge and righteous actions–outwardly and inwardly–without which (sound) leadership in the religion cannot be achieved. This is different from (merely) seeking leadership, for indeed its seekers hasten to obtain it in order to achieve their goals-exaltedness in the earth,  enslavement of the hearts to them, attachment to them and aiding them in all their goals, whilst they are exalted and everyone subservient to them.

This pursuit of leadership brings about corruption- which none can estimate except Allah- such as rebellion, envy, transgression, enmity, oppression, trials, being ardent in defending oneself at the expense of violating the rights of Allah, exalting those despised by Allah and belittling those honoured by Allah. [2]

[1] An Excerpt from Tafsir As-Sadi.

[2] An Excerpt from ‘Ar-Rooh’ pages 487-489

One of the Many Reasons Why Tawhid Holds Paramount Importance

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Basics, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Featured, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Shaikh Abdur Razzaq Al-Badr, may Allah preserve him, said:

The first Surah of the Qur’an [i.e. Al-Fatiha] and last Surah of the Qur’an [i.e. An-Nas] gather the three categories of Tawheed; namely: Tawheed Ar-Robubiyyah [The Oneness of Allaah’s Lordship], Tawheed Al-Uluhiyyah [Allah is the only deity worthy of worship] and Tawheed al-Asmaa Was-Sifaat [The Oneness of Allaah in His Names and Attributes].

Surah Fatiha

الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ

الرَّحْمَٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ

مَالِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ

إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ

All the praises and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of the ‘Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists). The Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. The Only Owner (and the Only Ruling Judge) of the Day of Recompense (i.e. the Day of Resurrection). You (Alone) we worship, and You (Alone) we ask for help (for each and everything).

Guide us to the Straight Way. The Way of those on whom You have bestowed Your Grace, not (the way) of those who earned Your Anger (such as the Jews), nor of those who went astray (such as the Christians).”

Surah An-Naas:

قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ النَّاسِ

مَلِكِ النَّاسِ

إِلَٰهِ النَّاسِ

Say: “I seek refuge with (Allah) the Lord of mankind. The King of mankind. The Ilah (God) of mankind. From the evil of the whisperer (devil who whispers evil in the hearts of men) who withdraws (from his whispering in one’s heart after one remembers Allah). Who whispers in the breasts of mankind. Of jinns and men.

Source: Mukhtasar Al-Mufeed Fee Bayaan Dalaa’il Aqsaam at-Tawheed. Audio lesson: 2.

Verse 83 Surah Al-Qasas

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Fitnah, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Scholars of Islam, Shirk, Sin, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

تِلْكَ الدَّارُ الْآخِرَةُ نَجْعَلُهَا لِلَّذِينَ لَا يُرِيدُونَ عُلُوًّا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا فَسَادًا ۚ وَالْعَاقِبَةُ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ

That home of the Hereafter We assign to those who do not desire exaltedness in the earth or corruption. And the good end is for the pious ones. [28:83]

تِلْكَ الدَّارُ الْآخِرَةُ

“That home of the hereafter” – Meaning Paradise.

نَجْعَلُهَا لِلَّذِينَ لَا يُرِيدُونَ عُلُوًّا فِي الْأَرْضِ

“We shall assign to those who do not desire exaltedness upon the earth”.

Saeed Ibn Jubair said: “It is (those who do not desire) transgression”.

Ad-Dahhaak said: “It is (those who do not desire) oppression”.

Yahyah Ibn Sallam said: “It is (those who do not desire) shirk” and Muqatil said: “It is (those who do not desire to be) haughty by rejecting Iman”.

وَلَا فَسَادًا

“or corruption”.

Ikrimah said: “It is (those who do not desire) disobedience (to Allah and His Messenger)”.

Ibn Sa’ib said: “It is (those who do not) call to the worship of other than Allah”.

وَالْعَاقِبَةُ لِلْمُتَّقِين

“And the good end is for the pious ones”- Meaning, they will have a praiseworthy end.

An Excerpt from Zad Al-Maseer Maseer Fee Ilm at-Tafseer by Imam Ibn Al-Jawzi. Page 1074. Publisher: Daar Ibn Hazm’ 1st Edition 1423AH (2002)

Beyond Slogans: The True Causes of Every Calamity in the World

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Basics, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Featured, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Shirk, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

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

The basis of all sins – major and minor – are three: the heart’s attachment to other than Allah, going along with the intense strength of one’s anger and the intense urge of one’s desires. These three things constitute shirk, injustice and indecency (immorality). Shirk and invoking other than Allah is the heart’s attachment to other than Allah, murder is (related) to going along with one’s intense anger and fornication is going along with the intense urge of one’s desires. And because of this, Allah mentioned the three together in the verse:

وَٱلَّذِينَ لَا يَدۡعُونَ مَعَ ٱللَّهِ إِلَـٰهًا ءَاخَرَ وَلَا يَقۡتُلُونَ ٱلنَّفۡسَ ٱلَّتِى حَرَّمَ ٱللَّهُ إِلَّا بِٱلۡحَقِّ وَلَا يَزۡنُونَ

And those who invoke not any other ilah (god) along with Allah, nor kill such life as Allah has forbidden, except for just cause, nor commit illegal sexual intercourse. [Al-Furqan. 68]

These three invite to one another – Shirk leads to injustice and indecency (immorality), just as Tawheed and Ikhlas turns a person away from them. Allah, The Most High, said:

ڪَذَٲلِكَ لِنَصۡرِفَ عَنۡهُ ٱلسُّوٓءَ وَٱلۡفَحۡشَآءَ‌ۚ إِنَّهُ ۥ مِنۡ عِبَادِنَا ٱلۡمُخۡلَصِينَ

Thus it was, that We might turn away from him (Yusuf) evil and indecency. Surely, he was one of Our chosen, guided slaves. [Yusuf. 24]

Meaning: turned him away from infatuation and illegal sexual intercourse.

Injustice leads to Shirk and indecency (immorality), because Shirk is the greatest injustice, just as Tawheed is the greatest justice. Justice is a companion of Tawheed and injustice is a companion of Shirk, and this is why Allah mentioned both together.

As for Tawheed and justice, Allah said:

شَهِدَ ٱللَّهُ أَنَّهُ ۥ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ وَٱلۡمَلَـٰٓٮِٕكَةُ وَأُوْلُواْ ٱلۡعِلۡمِ قَآٮِٕمَۢا بِٱلۡقِسۡطِ

Allah bears witness that Laa ilaaha illaa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), and the angels, and those having knowledge (also give this witness); (He is always) maintaining His creation in Justice]. [Aal Imran. 18]

As for injustice and Shirk, Allah said:

إِنَّ ٱلشِّرۡكَ لَظُلۡمٌ عَظِيمٌ۬

Verily, Shirk is great injustice. [Luqmaan. 13]

Indecency (immorality) leads to shirk and injustice, especially when there is a strong desire that cannot be reached except through some type of injustice, such as seeking help through magic and shaytan. And indeed Allah mentioned both fornication and Shirk together in the verse:

ٱلزَّانِى لَا يَنكِحُ إِلَّا زَانِيَةً أَوۡ مُشۡرِكَةً۬ وَٱلزَّانِيَةُ لَا يَنكِحُهَآ إِلَّا زَانٍ أَوۡ مُشۡرِكٌ۬‌ۚ وَحُرِّمَ ذَٲلِكَ عَلَى ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ

The adulterer marries not but an adulteress, or a female polytheist and the adulteress none marries her except an adulterer or a male polytheist [and that means that the man who agrees to marry (have a sexual relation with) a female polytheist, pagan or idolatress) or a prostitute, then surely he is either an adulterer, or a polytheist)]. And the woman who agrees to marry (have a sexual relation with) a male polytheist or an adulterer, then she is either a prostitute or a female polytheist)]. Such a thing is forbidden to the believers [of Islamic Monotheism]. [An-Noor. 3]

These three [Shirk, indecency and injustice] can either be the cause of one another or lead to one another. And this is why whenever Tawheed in the heart is weaker and the Shirk in it is greater, it commits more indecency (immorality), becomes stronger in its attachment to images and infatuated with them. And what is similar to this is the statement of Allah:

فَمَآ أُوتِيتُم مِّن شَىۡءٍ۬ فَمَتَـٰعُ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا‌ۖ وَمَا عِندَ ٱللَّهِ خَيۡرٌ۬ وَأَبۡقَىٰ لِلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَلَىٰ رَبِّہِمۡ يَتَوَكَّلُونَ

وَٱلَّذِينَ يَجۡتَنِبُونَ كَبَـٰٓٮِٕرَ ٱلۡإِثۡمِ وَٱلۡفَوَٲحِشَ وَإِذَا مَا غَضِبُواْ هُمۡ يَغۡفِرُونَ

So whatever you have been given is but a passing enjoyment for this worldly life, but that which is with Allah (Paradise) is better and more lasting for those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah Islamic Monotheism) and put their trust in their Lord (concerning all of their affairs). And those who avoid the greater sins and indecency, and when they are angry, they forgive. [Ash-Shuraa. 36-37]

Allah informed us that what He has with Him is better for the one who believes in Him and relies upon him, and that is Tawheed. Then Allah said:

وَٱلَّذِينَ يَجۡتَنِبُونَ كَبَـٰٓٮِٕرَ ٱلۡإِثۡمِ وَٱلۡفَوَٲحِشَ

And those who avoid the greater sins and indecency.

Meaning, avoid the intense urge towards lowly desires. Then Allah said:

وَإِذَا مَا غَضِبُواْ هُمۡ يَغۡفِرُونَ

And when they are angry, they pardon.

This opposes the intense strength of anger.

Therefore, Allah mentioned Tawheed, pardon and justice together, and they are that which gathers every good. [1]

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 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. [2]

Every sin is a legacy inherited from a nation that was destroyed by Allah. Taking more than one is entitled to is a legacy from the people of Shu’ayb, peace be upon him. The corruption and arrogance displayed on earth are inherited from the people of Pharaoh, and the pride and tyranny are legacies from the people of Prophet Hud, peace be upon him. Thus, the sinner is adorned in the garments of these nations that are enemies of Allah. [3]

The pursuit of (vain) desires and prolonged (covetous) hope are the ingredients of every corruption, because the pursuit of (vain) desires blinds (one) from the truth in knowledge and intent, while prolonged (covetous) hope (makes one) forget the afterlife and hinders from making preparations for it. [4]

Everyone who possesses even a modicum of (sound) intellect is aware that the corruption of the world and its destruction are caused by placing human opinion ahead of divine revelation and desires ahead of sound reasoning. These two evil objectives cannot be deeply ingrained in a heart without causing its complete deterioration, nor exist in a nation without entirely corrupting its affairs. [5]

Allah, The Most High, said:

تِلْكَ الدَّارُ الْآخِرَةُ نَجْعَلُهَا لِلَّذِينَ لَا يُرِيدُونَ عُلُوًّا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا فَسَادًا ۚ وَالْعَاقِبَةُ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ

That home of the Hereafter We assign to those who do not desire exaltedness in the earth or corruption. And the good end is for the pious ones. [28:83]

تِلْكَ الدَّارُ الْآخِرَةُ

“That home of the hereafter” – Meaning Paradise.

نَجْعَلُهَا لِلَّذِينَ لَا يُرِيدُونَ عُلُوًّا فِي الْأَرْضِ

“We shall assign to those who do not desire exaltedness upon the earth”.

Saeed Ibn Jubair said: “It is (those who do not desire) transgression”.

Ad-Dahhaak said: “It is (those who do not desire) oppression”.

Yahyah Ibn Sallam said: “It is (those who do not desire) shirk” and Muqatil said: “It is (those who do not desire to be) haughty by rejecting Iman”.

وَلَا فَسَادًا
“or corruption”.

Ikrimah said: “It is (those who do not desire) disobedience (to Allah and His Messenger)”.

Ibn Sa’ib said: “It is (those who do not) call to the worship of other than Allah”.

وَالْعَاقِبَةُ لِلْمُتَّقِين

“And the good end is for the pious ones”- Meaning, they will have a praiseworthy end. [6]

[1] An Excerpt from Al-Fawaa’id 131-132

[2] Excerpt from “Bada’i Al-Fawa’id 3/525-526

[3] Ad-Da’u Wad Dawa’u. page 142

[4] Al-Fawa’id page 156

[5] I’laam Al-Muwaqqi’een 1/67-69

[6] An Excerpt from Zad Al-Maseer Maseer Fee Ilm at-Tafseer by Imam Ibn Al-Jawzi. Page 1074. Publisher: Daar Ibn Hazm’ 1st Edition 1423AH (2002)

Strangeness and Resilience in the Face of Misidentification of Error and Popular Opposition

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Bid'ah (Innovation), Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Featured, History of Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

The Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him:

“Islam began as a strange (thing) and it will return to be something strange just as it began”. [1]

Yunus Ibn Ubaid, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“How remarkable today are those who call to the Sunnah. Even more remarkable are those who respond and accept the Sunnah”.

Al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzaan, may Allah preserve him, said: The Sunnah has become strange and those who call to it have become strange, and even stranger are those who act upon it. No doubt there will be times when there will be strangeness with respect to the Sunnah and its people. As time elapses the Sunnah will become strange and Ahlus Sunnah are the strangers; for that reason he, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Islam began as a strange thing and it will return being strange. So Toobaa is for the strangers. They said, ‘Who are the strangers O Messenger of Allah?’ He said, ‘Those who will rectify when the people become corrupt'”. And in another narration: said, “They rectify that which the people have corrupted”.

These are the strangers during the end of time. They hold onto the Sunnah when the people become corrupt. They exercise patience upon that which touches them of harm. They exercise patience upon (this) strangeness amongst the people because those who oppose them are numerous, for they are in strangeness amongst the people. [2]

Imam Al-Awzaa’ee, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “Indeed, Islam will not vanish, but Ahlus Sunnah will vanish until only one man remains in a land”. This meaning can be found a lot in the speech of the pious predecessors, who praised the Sunnah, described it as strange and described its adherents as few. Al-Hasan, may Allah have mercy on him, used to say to his companions: “O Ahlus Sunnah! Be gentle (to one another), for you are the fewest among the people.”

Yunus Ibn Ubaid, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “There is nothing stranger than the Sunnah, and even stranger is the one who is acquainted with it”.

Sufyan Ath-Thawri, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, “Treat the people of the Sunnah with good, for they are indeed strangers”. The intent of these Imams regarding the Sunnah is the path of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, which he and his companions adhered to, free from Shubuhaat (beliefs and views that are made to resemble truth but are falsehood in reality) and Shahawaat (vain desires).

Then, it became a common thing (or understanding) among many later scholars, both from Ahlul Hadith and others, that the term “Sunnah” refers to that which is free from Shubuhaat and Shahawaat in beliefs, particularly concerning matters of belief in Allah, His angels, His Books, His Messengers, and the Day of Judgment, and also issues related to Qadr and the virtues of the companions of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. Scholars have written in the knowledge of (this affair) under the title of Sunnah because its danger is great and the one in opposition is at the very edge of destruction.

As for the complete Sunnah, it is the path free from Shubuhaat and Shahawaat, as stated by Al-Hasan, Yunus Ibn Ubaid, Sufyan, Al-Fudayl, and others. Due to this, its adherents are described as strangers during the end of time because of their small number and strangeness (upon the complete Sunnah). Due to this, it has been transmitted in some of the narrations previously mentioned in the explanation of the (word) strangers (that they will be) “A righteous people, small in number among a large number of evil people. Those who disobey them are more numerous than those who obey them”. [Silsilah As-Sahihah. Number 1619]

This demonstrates their small number, the few that will respond and accept them, and the numerous people who will oppose and disobey them. Due to this, commendation has been transmitted in several hadiths regarding the one who adheres to his religion during the end of time that he’ll be like one grasping hot coals; [a] and that the reward for one among them will be equivalent to that of fifty among those before them, as they will not find helpers in goodness (righteousness). These strangers (adhering to the Sunnah and righteousness) are two types of people: the first rectifies himself amidst the corruption of the people, while the second is the one who rectifies what has been corrupted by the people, and of the two, he is loftier and more virtuous in status.

From the speech of Ahmad Ibn Aasim Al-Antakee – a senior figure among those who were devoted to worship, a possessor of knowledge, wisdom, and insight into issues of the religion, who lived in the era Abu Sulayman Ad-Daaraanee – was that he said: “Indeed, I witnessed an era from the eras when Islam returned to being strange as it began and the description of truth during it was strange just as it was at its beginning. If you sought after a scholar, you found him captivated by the love of worldly things, love of exaltation, and leadership. If you turn to one devoted to worship, you found him ignorant in his worship, deceived and ensnared by Iblees, who led him to the pinnacle of worship while he was ignorant of its most fundamental aspects, so how about its loftiest aspect?! The rest were merely the rabble—disorderly and predatory, akin to wolves and ferocious beasts, as well as cunning foxes”. This is the description of the people of your era among those who carry knowledge of the Quran and the callers to wisdom. Abu Nu’aym reported this (statement of Ahmad Ibn Aasim) in Al-Hilyah. This was the description of the people of his era, so how about the calamities and disasters that took place after him which he could not have possibly imagined or conceived?! [3]

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

أهل الإسلام في الناس غرباء ، والمؤمنون في أهل الإسلام غرباء،وأهل العلم في المؤمنين غرباء ، وأهل السنة الذين يميزونها من الأهواء والبدع هم غرباء ، والداعون إليها الصابرون على أذى المخالفين هم أشد هؤلاء غربة ولكن هؤلاء هم أهل الله حقا. فلا غربة عليهم وإنما غربتهم بين الأكثرين الذين قال الله عزوجل فيهم : (وإن تُطِع أَكثر مَن في الأرض يُضلّوك عن سبيلِ الله ) ( الأنعام : 116)
فأولئك هم الغرباء من الله ورسوله وغربتهم هي الغربة الموحشة
مدارج السالكين
٣/١٩٥

The people of Islam are strangers among the people, and the believers are strangers among the people of Islam. The (upright) people of knowledge are strangers among the believers, and those who adhere to the Sunnah, distinguishing it from (vain) desires and innovations in religious matters are strangers. The callers to it (the Sunnah), who exercise patience with the harm of those who oppose them, are the strangest of all by far. However, they are – in truth – [أهل الله – the allies of Allah – truly devoted to Allah in righteousness]. Thus, there is no strangeness regarding them (in reality), but rather their strangeness is among the majority about whom Allah, The Most High, said:

وَإِن تُطِعْ أَكْثَرَ مَن فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ يُضِلُّوكَ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ

And if you obey most of those on earth, they will mislead you from the way of Allah. [Al-An’am: 116]

So, these ones [i.e. the majority upon misguidance referred to in the Ayah] are (in reality) the strangers to Allah and His Messenger, and their strangeness (is one characterised by) alienation. [4]

Imam Abu Shamah, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “When the command to adhere to the Jama’ah (the main body) is (mentioned), then the intent behind it is to adhere to the truth, even if those who follow it are few and those who oppose it are numerous. That is because the truth is that which the first Jama’ah was upon- the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and his companions, may Allah be pleased with them- and one does not give consideration to the numerous people of falsehood”. [5]

Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Let every Muslim be careful of being deceived by the great numbers [of people upon such and such idea, view, belief, way of life, etc], whilst saying, “Indeed, the people have become such and such, and have become accustomed to such and such, so I am with them”. This is a great calamity, for indeed many people of the past were destroyed due to this [i.e. blindly following the majority]. Therefore, O sensible one! It is obligated on you to examine yourself; take account of yourself and adhere to the truth, even if the people abandon it. Beware of what Allah has forbidden, even if the people do it, for indeed the truth is more worthy of being followed: just as Allah [The Most High] said: “And if you obey most of those on earth, they will mislead you far away from Allah’s Path”. [Al An’am 116]

And Allah, The Most High, said: [وَمَآ أَڪۡثَرُ ٱلنَّاسِ وَلَوۡ حَرَصۡتَ بِمُؤۡمِنِينَ – And most of mankind will not believe even if you desire it eagerly]. [Surah Yusuf Ayah 103] [6]

 

Al-Allamah Muqbil Bin Hadi Al-Waadi’ee, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

If numbers are the scale by way of which you judge, then the majority are mostly blameworthy; and if persuasive speech and eloquence is the scale by way of which you judge, then indeed Allah described the Munafiqun that they have tongues that utter beautiful speech. Allah said: [وَإِن يَقُولُواْ تَسۡمَعۡ لِقَوۡلِهِمۡ – And when they speak, you listen to their words]. [Al-Munafiqun. 4]

Therefore, what is given consideration is that one knows the people of truth by their characteristics – that they call to the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his family, and companions], and they neither desire reward from the people nor seeking to be thanked. [7]

Al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzan, may Allah preserve him, said:

Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jama’ah is not harmed by those who oppose them. If you are with them- all praise is due to Allah, they are pleased with this because indeed they want good for the people. If you oppose them, you cannot harm them and due to this the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “There will not cease to be a group of my Ummah who will be manifest upon the truth- not harmed by those who forsake them until the command of Allah comes to pass (i.e. the day of judgment) whilst they are (still) upon that (truth)”. The one in opposition does not harm except himself. What is given consideration is not the great numbers; rather what is given consideration is to agree with the truth, even if a small number of people were upon it. And even if in some eras there is only one person (upon truth), then he is the one upon truth and he is the Jama’ah. The Jama’ah does not necessitate great numbers; rather the Jama’ah is what is in agreement with the truth – in agreement with the Book and the Sunnah, even if those upon it are few. However, if many come together and (upon) truth, then – all praise is due to Allah- this is strength. But if the majority oppose it (i.e. the truth), then we side with the truth even if only a few are upon it”. [8]

 

The Ta’ifah Al-Mansurah – The Aided Group

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

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

This group will not cease to exist in the Ummah. The Ummah will not be deprived of this Sunni Group. This group can be one group. If it adheres to the Qur’an and the Sunnah, it is the Taa’ifah Al-Mansoorah [The Victorious Group], even if it is only one. The Ummah will not lose this Sunni Group, this good group, and all praise be to Allah – until the command of Allah comes to pass [i.e. the day of judgment]. ‘They will not be harmed by those who forsake them’. Among the people are those who forsake them and those who oppose them, but they will not be harmed. This is from Allah’s Grace upon His servants and He will establish the truth for the one who aids the truth and calls to it, even if evil is rife.

There will be those who adhere to good, call to it, and disseminate it amongst the people. Not all the Ummah will be misguided, but some will remain upon truth, but they might be strangers [i.e. their affair will be strange to the people], just as the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “Islam began as something strange and it will return as something strange, and glad tidings to the strangers”, so they said, ‘Who are the strangers O Messenger of Allah? He said, ‘They are those who will be upright when the people become corrupt’.. and in another version of this hadith, “Those who rectify what the people have corrupted’. These are the strangers because the majority of the people oppose them, belittle, forsake, and keep away from what they are upon, but this will not harm them, “They will never be harmed by those who forsake them nor by those who oppose them’. Allah will make them remain so that His Proofs remain amongst the creation until the end of time. This group might be in the East, the West, or the North, etc…

They are not in a specific place, but they are present. Whoever wants will find it. It is present and all praise is due to Allaah. All praises and thanks be to Allah, we – at present – are upon a correct methodology, upon a sound methodology; our methodology is that which the Qur’aan and Sunnah necessitate, our learning is based upon the Qur’an and the Sunnah. We study Tafseer, hadeeth and its explanation, the Aqeedah of the pious predecessors, and that which they were upon. All praises and thanks be to Allah at present we are on the correct path, a sound methodology and a straight path. We ask Allah to keep us firm upon it until we meet him, neither substituting nor changing it. [9]

Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

It is obligated to the Ta’ifah Al-Mansurah [i.e. the aided group] – those whom Allah’s Messenger gave glad tidings that they will remain (upon truth) and will be aided; neither harmed by those who betray them nor by those who oppose them till the end of time – to establish brotherhood for the sake of Allah, co-operate upon righteousness and piety, roll up their sleeves and embark upon work, so that this great status is maintained, which is that they will be manifest upon the truth, neither harmed by those who forsake them nor by those who oppose them. And knowing the truth cannot be except through the knowledge inherited from the Prophets and Messengers, peace be upon them, and from the seal of the Prophets [i.e. the Messenger Muhammad]. The scholars are the inheritors of the (knowledge left behind by) the Prophets in calling to the path of Allah, (in propagating) Allah’s Message and in enjoining good and forbidding evil. [10]

The Mujaddidun – The Revivers Every Hundred Years

The Prophet – peace and blessings be upon him- said, “Allah will raise for this Ummah at the end of every hundred years the one who will revive its religion for it”. [11]

“Allah will raise for this Ummah”– Meaning, the Ummah Al-Ijabah (the Muslims). “At the end of every hundred years”– Meaning, at the end of every hundred years when there is little knowledge of the Shariah and the authentic Prophetic Sunnah, while ignorance and innovation in religious matters is rife. “One who will revive its religion for it”– Meaning, a scholar who is alive and well known. He will clarify the authentic Prophetic Sunnah and distinguish it from Bidah. knowledge will be abundant again and its adherents will be aided, and the proponents of Bidah will be overcome and degraded. This reviver is none else but a scholar who has a sound understanding of the religious sciences that deal with acts of worship, the underlying wisdom of the religion, and the texts that deal with beliefs of the heart. [12]

——————————————————

[a] Anas Ibn Malik, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “A time of patience will come to people in which adhering to one’s religion is like grasping a hot coal”. [Sahih Tirmidhee 2260]

[1] Sahih Muslim 145

[2] An Excerpt from It’haaf Al-Qaaree Bitta’liqaat Alaa Sharh As-Sunnah Lil Imam Al-Barbahaaree 2/310-311

[3] An Excerpt from Kash al-Kurbah Fee Wasf Ahl Al-Ghurbah page 6-9

[4] An Excerpt from Madarij As-Salikin 3/195

[5] Al-Baa’ith Alaa Inkaaril Bid’ah Wal-Hawaadith’ page 22

[6] An Excerpt from ‘Majmoo Al-Fataawaa 12/ 412

[7] An Excerpt from Qam Al-Mu’anid 2/547

[8] An Excerpt from ( لمحة عن الفرق الضالة )– pages 14

[9] Paraphrased Excerpt: Listen to the audio here: https://safeyoutube.net/w/TlUI

[10] An Excerpt from Marhaban Yaa Talib Al-Ilm’ page 200

[11] Saheeh Sunan Abee Dawud. Hadith Number 4291.

[12] An Excerpt from Awnul Ma’bood Sharh Sunan Abee Daawud. 11/259-260

Verse 83 Al-Baqarah and An-Nisaa 36

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Basics, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, History of Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Prophets, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Scholars of Islam, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

وَإِذْ أَخَذْنَا مِيثَاقَ بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ لَا تَعْبُدُونَ إِلَّا اللَّهَ وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا وَذِي الْقُرْبَىٰ وَالْيَتَامَىٰ وَالْمَسَاكِينِ وَقُولُوا لِلنَّاسِ حُسْنًا وَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتُوا الزَّكَاةَ ثُمَّ تَوَلَّيْتُمْ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا مِّنكُمْ وَأَنتُم مُّعْرِضُونَ

And [remember] when We took a covenant from Bani Israa’eel, [saying]: ”Worship none but Allah [Alone] and be dutiful to parents, kindred, and to orphans and to the Al-Masaakeen [the poor], and speak good to people, and perform As-Salaat, and give Zakat. Then you slid back, except a few of you, while you are backsliders”. [Al-Baqarah.  83]

These commands are fundamental aspects of the religion that Allah has ordained in all divine laws (revealed to the Prophets and Messengers before Muhammad) as they bring about universal benefits in every time and place. Thus, they are unabrogated, much like the foundations of the religion. Hence, Allah enjoined us in Surah An-Nisaa Ayah 36 to adhere to them.

Allah, The Most High, said:

 وَاعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ وَلَا تُشْرِكُوا بِهِ شَيْئًا ۖ وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا وَبِذِي الْقُرْبَىٰ وَالْيَتَامَىٰ وَالْمَسَاكِينِ وَالْجَارِ ذِي الْقُرْبَىٰ وَالْجَارِ الْجُنُبِ وَالصَّاحِبِ بِالْجَنبِ وَابْنِ السَّبِيلِ وَمَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَانُكُمْ ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ مَن كَانَ مُخْتَالًا فَخُورًا

Worship Allah and join none with Him in worship, and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, Al-Masakin [the poor], the neighbour who is near of kin, the neighbour who is a stranger, the companion by your side, the wayfarer [you meet], and those [slaves] whom your right hands possess. Verily, Allaah does not like such as being proud and boastful.[An-Nisaa. 36]

وَإِذْ أَخَذْنَا مِيثَاقَ بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ

And (remember) when We took a covenant from the children of Israel.

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

Their stubbornness was the cause of this, as they refused to obey any command unless it was accompanied by a solemn oath and a firm covenant.

لَا تَعْبُدُونَ إِلَّا اللَّهَ

Worship none but Allah (alone).

This is a command to worship Allah (alone) and refrain from associating any partners with Him. Deeds will not be acceptable unless they are (established) upon this foundation.

Then Allah said:

وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا

And be dutiful to parents.

Meaning: be dutiful to parents by being kind to them through both speech and actions. This command means that we are not allowed to disobey our parents [i.e. when they ask us to do something that is not against the command of Allah and His Messenger] and it is forbidden to mistreat them. Lack of kindness towards them can manifest in two ways: through evil behaviour, which is a greater crime, or without evil behaviour, but it is forbidden. Relatives, orphans, and the poor should be treated kindly.

Then Allah commanded Bani Israa’eel to be kind towards mankind in general, saying:

وَقُولُوا لِلنَّاسِ حُسْنًا

And speak good to people.

Meaning: utter good speech, enjoin righteousness, forbid evil, impart knowledge to people, and greet them with Salaams. Furthermore, when it is a fact that a person is unable to provide material wealth to everyone, Allah has commanded us to treat everyone (in a good way) through speech, which every individual is capable of fulfilling. Allah said:

وَلَا تُجَادِلُوا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ إِلَّا بِالَّتِي هِيَ أَحْسَنُ

And argue not with the people of the Scripture, unless it be in (a way) that is better (with good words and in good manner).

One of the virtues that Allah has commanded a person to uphold is to maintain uprightness in speech and deeds, refraining from using vulgar or harmful language. One should neither curse nor become argumentative; instead, one should demonstrate good manners, patience, and courtesy towards everyone and exercise much patience when harmed by people, in obedience to Allah’s command and hoping for His reward.

Allah commanded Bani Israa’eel to establish the prayer and pay the Zakat because the prayer necessitates sincerity to The Only True Object of worship [Allah] and Zakat necessitates kind treatment towards the servants of [Allah].

However, after they were commanded to fulfil these good and appropriate commandments, they wilfully turned away, except a few of them.

An Excerpt from ‘Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan. Slightly paraphrased

road between green grass field near mountains under blue and brown sky at golden hour

Verses 24-36 Surah Ta Ha

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Da'wah - Calling To Islam, History of Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Prophets, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Scholars of Islam, Shirk, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

After Allāh, The Most High, appointed Musa, peace be upon him, and showed him magnificent signs, he was sent to Fir’awn – the king of Misr. Allāh, The Most High, said to Musa:

ٱذۡهَبۡ إِلَىٰ فِرۡعَوۡنَ إِنَّهُ ۥ طَغَىٰ

Go to Fir’aun (Pharaoh)! Verily, he has transgressed all bounds.

Meaning: Fir’awn has rebelled and transgressed all the limits in disbelief and corruption. He has become haughty in the earth, overpowered the weak, claimed Ar-Rububiyyah [Lordship for himself] and al-Uluhiyyah [that he deserves to be worshipped]. This transgression of his was the cause of his destruction, but due to Allah’s Perfect Mercy, Wisdom and Justice, He does not punish anyone until after establishing the proof by sending Messengers.

Musa, peace be upon him, knew that he was going to shoulder a great responsibility because he was going to be sent to an obstinate and arrogant dictator, who had no opponent in Misr -amongst the people- to oppose him. He was by himself after killing someone [unintentionally]; but after Allah commanded him to go to Fir’awn, he obeyed Allah’s command, accepted it wholeheartedly, asked Allah for assistance and to facilitate him with the ability to (fulfil the task).  Allah said that Musa said:

رَبِّ ٱشۡرَحۡ لِى صَدۡرِى

O my Lord! My expand my heart.

Meaning: Grant me self-confidence and courage so that I can bear both verbal and physical harm, and so that I neither grieve nor become fed up due such harm, for indeed a person with an aggrieved heart is not fit to guide and invite the people to (Allah’s guidance).

وَيَسِّرۡ لِىٓ أَمۡرِى

And ease my task for me.

Meaning: Grant me ease in every affair I pursue and every path I intend to follow, whilst calling to your guidance; and lighten the difficulties in front of me. The caller is granted ease when he approaches all affairs in the appropriate manner; addresses every person based on what they should be addressed with, and calls them through a path that is easier for them to understand, which will enable them to accept his speech.

وَٱحۡلُلۡ عُقۡدَةً۬ مِّن لِّسَانِى

And make loose the knot (the defect) from my tongue, (i.e. remove the incorrectness from my speech) [That occurred as a result of a brand of fire which Musa (Moses) put in his mouth when he was an infant].

يَفۡقَهُواْ قَوۡلِى

That they understand my speech.

Musa used to suffer from a speech impediment and it was difficult to understand his speech as the Mufassiroon have stated, just as Allah says in another verse that Musa said:

وَأَخِى هَـٰرُونُ هُوَ أَفۡصَحُ مِنِّى لِسَانً۬ا

And my brother Haaroon (Aaron) he is more eloquent in speech than me.

He asked Allah to remove the speech impediment so that what he says can be understood and the people he speaks to can clearly grasp what is intended by his speech.

وَٱجۡعَل لِّى وَزِيرً۬ا مِّنۡ أَهۡلِى

And appoint for me a helper from my family,

هَـٰرُونَ أَخِى

Harun (Aaron), my brother,

 ٱشۡدُدۡ بِهِۦۤ أَزۡرِى

Increase my strength with him.

Meaning: to be my helper and my assistant in delivering the message to those whom you have sent me to deliver your message, as Allah said in another verse:

سَنَشُدُّ عَضُدَكَ بِأَخِيكَ وَنَجۡعَلُ لَكُمَا سُلۡطَـٰنً۬ا

We will strengthen your arm through your brother, and give you both power.

وَأَشۡرِكۡهُ فِىٓ أَمۡرِى

And let him share my task.

Meaning: Grant him prophet-hood and make him a Messenger, just as you have made me a Prophet and a Messenger.

Then Allah informs us of the benefit Musa was seeking by asking for such favours, which is:

كَىۡ نُسَبِّحَكَ كَثِيرً۬ا

That we may glorify You much.

وَنَذۡكُرَكَ كَثِيرًا

And remember You much.

Musa knew that acts of worship and the religion revolves around remembrance of Allah, thus he asked Allah to make his brother a partner in that – aiding and helping one another in righteousness and piety; to remember Allah profusely by way of Tasbeeh [i.e. Subhanallah], Tahleel [i.e. laa ilaaha illal laah] and other types of worship.

إِنَّكَ كُنتَ بِنَا بَصِيرً۬ا

Verily! You are of us Ever a Well-Seer.

Meaning: You know our situation and weaknesses; what we can and cannot do, and our complete need of You in every affair. You see our affair more than us [i.e. you see everything and nothing escapes your sight] and you are more Merciful to us than we have for ourselves; therefore bestow upon us what we have asked You and respond to our supplication.

After he made these supplications and requests, Allah said to him:

قَدۡ أُوتِيتَ سُؤۡلَكَ يَـٰمُوسَىٰ

You are granted your request, O Musa (Moses).

Meaning: I will grant you everything you’ve asked. I will grant you courage, make your task easy and remove the speech impediment from your tongue, so that your speech is understood; and I will make your brother -Hurun – your helper. Allah said in another verse:

وَنَجۡعَلُ لَكُمَا سُلۡطَـٰنً۬ا فَلَا يَصِلُونَ إِلَيۡكُمَا‌ۚ بِـَٔايَـٰتِنَآ أَنتُمَا وَمَنِ ٱتَّبَعَكُمَا ٱلۡغَـٰلِبُونَ

And give you both power, so they shall not be able to harm you, with Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), you two as well as those who follow you will be the victors.

These requests made by Musa show his perfect knowledge and awareness of Allāh, his perfect discernment, perfect knowledge about affairs and perfect sincerity. This is because the caller to the path of Allah- the one who guides the people, especially if the one being invited to the path of Allah is from the obstinate and haughty ones, and transgressors- is need of a courageous heart and complete forbearance, in order to bear the harm he might come across. He is in need of clear speech, in order to be able to express himself to the one he intends and wishes to address. Rather, a person in such a situation needs clear eloquent speech in order to present the truth in a proficient manner, beautify it as much as he is able and make it appealing to the people.

On the other hand, he shows the ugliness of falsehood, so as to repel people from it. Besides this, the caller is in need of being granted ease in his task by approaching affairs in the proper manner – calling to the path of Allah with wisdom, fine admonition and arguing in the best way. He should deal with every person whilst taking into consideration the situation of each person he addresses.

This matter becomes more accomplished when the caller has helpers and assistants, who will help him to reach this goal because when many people speak, it will have an effect and that is why Musa made those requests. If you examine the situation of the prophets – those sent to the people- you will discover this affair, especially the seal and most virtuous amongst them, Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him because he was at the highest peak in every perfect and good human characteristic. He had a courageous heart and was facilitated with the means of calling to Allah. His speech was eloquent – with fine expression and explanation- and he had companions who aided him to convey the truth, and (besides the Prophets and Messengers) none can ever excel those companions of Muhammad after their departure from this world. [1]

Imam Ibn Qayyim, may Allāh have mercy upon him, said:

A man asked Imam Ash-Shaafi’ee, may Allāh have mercy upon him, saying: “What would be better that one is granted strength and the authority to establish the path of Allah and His Messengers without any hindrance from those who belie or oppose Allah and His Messengers, or face trials (at first)?” Ash- Shaafi’ee said to him, “One will not be given strength and the authority to follow the path of Allah without any hindrance from those who belie or oppose Allah and His Messengers until after facing trials; for indeed Allah tried Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa, Eesa and Muhammad; then after they exercised patience, they were granted authority and strength to establish the path of Allah without hindrance”. Therefore, one should never think that he will escape pain. This is a great principle, thus, it is obligated to a sane person to be acquainted with it. Everyone will face afflictions, for indeed a person is a social being who must live with people; the people have wants (or desires, wishes etc) and perceptions, and will seek to make him agree with them. If he disagrees with them, they harm and punish him; but if he agrees with them, sometimes they harm him and at other times he is harmed by others.

Allah said:

فَٱصۡبِرۡ إِنَّ وَعۡدَ ٱللَّهِ حَقٌّ۬‌ۖ وَلَا يَسۡتَخِفَّنَّكَ ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يُوقِنُونَ

And let not those who have no certainty of faith, discourage you from conveying Allah’s Message (which you are obliged to convey)]. [Surah Ar-Rum’ 60]

Unlike the person upon certainty, the person who has no certainty in faith (or lacks certainty) does not remain firm, rather he acts carelessly, whereas certainty is the firm Iman in the heart based on knowledge and action. It may be that a person has sound knowledge but does not exercise patience during calamities; rather he is swayed by emotion.

Al-Hasan Al-Basri, may Allāh have mercy upon him, said:

If you wish to see someone with insight but has no patience, you will see him; and if you wish to see someone who has patience but not insight, you will see him; but if you see a person who has insight as well as patience, he is the one that Allah mentions in the verse:

وَجَعَلۡنَا مِنۡہُمۡ أَٮِٕمَّةً۬ يَہۡدُونَ بِأَمۡرِنَا لَمَّا صَبَرُواْ‌ۖ وَڪَانُواْ بِـَٔايَـٰتِنَا يُوقِنُونَ

And We made from among them (Children of Israel), leaders, giving guidance under Our Command, when they were patient and used to believe with certainty in Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.)]. [As-Sajdah’ 24] [2]

Imam As-Sadi said about this verse (Ar-Rum 60): [فَٱصۡبِرۡ – So be patient]: Meaning, upon that which you have been commanded and in calling them to the (path of) Allah; even if you see them turning away that should not turn you away from the call.

إِنَّ وَعۡدَ ٱللَّهِ حَقٌّ۬‌ۖ

Indeed, the promise of Allah is true.

Meaning, there is no doubt about that. This is from that which aids a person to exercise patience because when a servant (of Allāh) know that his deeds will not be in vain and will find a full reward for it (in the afterlife), then what he faces of hardship will become minor, and it will become much easy for him to bear every difficulty.

وَلَا يَسۡتَخِفَّنَّكَ ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يُوقِنُونَ

And let not those who have no certainty of faith, discourage you.

Meaning, their Iman is weak and their certainty is little, so their forbearance becomes lacking as result and their patience is little.

So, beware – out of fear – of being discouraged by these people because unless you are not careful about their affair, they will discourage you and lead you to not being firm in holding fast to the commands and prohibitions, and the soul may assist them in this affair, seek to be similar and to be in agreement with them. [3]

We ask Allāh:

اللَّهمَّ إنِّي أسألُكَ الثَّباتَ في الأمرِ والعزيمةَ على الرُّشدِ

O Allah! I ask You for firmness in this matter and determination to adhere to the path of guidance. [4]

[1] An Excerpt from ‘Tayseer al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer kalam al-Mannaan’. explanation of Verses 24-36 Surah Taha). Slightly paraphrased

[2] An Excerpt from ‘Al-Fawaa’id’ pages 293-300. slightly paraphrased

[3] An Excerpt from ‘Tayseer al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer kalam al-Mannaan’.

[4] Declared Saheeh Li-Ghayrihee By Imaam Al-Albaanee in Takhreej Mishkaat Al-Masaabeeh 915