Da’wah – Calling To Islam – Page 31

Strive for the Hereafter and Do Not Procrastinate – Shaykh Khalid Adh-Dhufayri

Written by Amjad Khan on May 19, 2024. Posted in Articles, Basics, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Death, Jahannam (Hell Fire), Jannah (Paradise), Purification of The Soul.

O servants of Allah! Remember that this abode is that of trials, tribulations and tests, so walk the path to the afterlife and beware of procrastination and negligence. Do not be among those who hope for (reward) in the afterlife without deeds, delaying repentance because of continued eagerness for this world and preoccupied with it. Indeed, the appointed time of death is hidden and death comes suddenly, so do not be deceived by Allah’s Forbearance because Allah gives respite but does not forget, and indeed Paradise and Hellfire are closer to you than your shoelaces.

Shaykh Abu Abdillah Khalid adh-Dhufayri (Allah preserve him).

[1] Essential Considerations For the Caller From Some Admonitions of Al-Fawzan, Rabee, Muqbil, and Abdul Aziz Ibn Baz

Written by Abdullah Jallow on May 17, 2024. Posted in Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, 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.

Allah [The Most High] says:

قُلۡ هَـٰذِهِۦ سَبِيلِىٓ أَدۡعُوٓاْ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ عَلَىٰ بَصِيرَةٍ أَنَا۟ وَمَنِ ٱتَّبَعَنِى‌ۖ وَسُبۡحَـٰنَ ٱللَّهِ وَمَآ أَنَا۟ مِنَ ٱلۡمُشۡرِكِينَ

Say (O Muhammad): “This is my way; I invite unto Allah (i.e. to the Oneness of Allah – Islamic Monotheism) with sure knowledge, I and whosoever follows me (also must invite others to Allah i.e. to the Oneness of Allah – Islamic Monotheism) with sure knowledge. And Glorified and Exalted be Allah (above all that they associate as partners with Him). And I am not of the Mushrikun (polytheists, pagans, idolaters, and disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah; those who worship others along with Allah or set up rivals or partners to Allah)”.

أَدۡعُوٓاْ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ
I invite unto Allah (i.e. to the Oneness of Allah – Islamic Monotheism.

Al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzan [may Allah preserve him] said: This section of the Ayah provides a notification about sincerity because some people call to themselves. It may be that a person propagates, and delivers lectures and sermons, however, his goal is to gain recognition from the people, attain some status, receive praise, and gather and become numerous around him. If this is his aim, then he is not a caller to Allah but rather a caller to himself. The one who abandons Dawah is abandoning a great duty and the one who is insincere in Dawah has fallen into great danger because Dawah must be done sincerely for the sake of Allah. The goal should be to establish Allah’s Shariah and to guide and benefit the people, regardless of whether you receive praise or criticism. Some individuals, however, give up on Dawah when they are not praised or promoted. This serves as evidence that such a caller is not a caller to Allah, but rather he only calls to himself. As a result, the Muslim is warned that sincerity should be his aim in spreading the message of Islam, to benefit the people, free them from polytheism and Bidah, and steer them away from practices that contradict the Shariah, and what is obligated to him. A large number of people surrounding someone does not serve as evidence of their virtue, as some Prophets were only followed by a few people. “A Prophet will come on the day of judgment with a few followers and a Prophet will come with no followers”. [a] Does this mean that such a Prophet is not virtuous? Absolutely not. A person should not pay attention to the large number of people that are present because the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said to Ali [may Allah be pleased with him]. “If Allah gives guidance to a single man through you, it is better for you than possessing red camels”. [b] [1]

Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa’ah are not harmed by their opponents. If you are with them, they are pleased because they want good for the people. If you oppose them, you will not be able to cause them harm as the Messenger [peace and blessing of Allah be upon him] stated, “There will always be a group from my Ummah who will manifest on the truth and harmed by those who abandon them until the command of Allah is fulfilled (i.e. the day of Judgement) while they are (on the right path).” The one who opposes only harms himself. It is not the large number that is given consideration, rather what is given consideration is agreement with the truth, even if only a few follow it. Even if there is only one person in some eras, as long as he is upon the truth, he is the Jamaa’ah. The Jamaa’ah does not necessitate large numbers; rather, it is about agreeing with the truth – in line with the Book and the Sunnah, even if the followers are few. If many unite upon the truth, it is a strength from Allah; but if the majority oppose it, we stand with the truth even if only a few are upon it. [2]

Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baz [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: Let every Muslim be careful of being deceived by the great numbers, 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. Therefore, O sensible one! It is obligated to 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] says: [وَإِنْ تُطِعْ أَكْثَرَ مَنْ فِي الْأَرْضِ يُضِلُّوكَ عَنْ سَبِيلِ اللَّه ِ -And if you obey most of those on earth, they will mislead you far away from Allah’s Path. [Surah Al An-aam Ayah 116]

Allah [The Most High] says: [ وَمَآ أَڪۡثَرُ ٱلنَّاسِ وَلَوۡ حَرَصۡتَ بِمُؤۡمِنِينَ-And most of mankind will not believe even if you desire it eagerly]. [Surah Yusuf Ayah 103] [3]

Al-Allaamah Muqbil Bin Haadee 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 Munaafiqoon that they have tongues that utter beautiful speech. Allah says: [وَإِن يَقُولُواْ تَسۡمَعۡ لِقَوۡلِهِمۡ – And when they speak, you listen to their words]. [Surah Al-Munaafiqoon. Ayah 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. [4]

Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali [may Allah preserve him] said: O youth! Be mindful of Shaytaan who is next to you. Seek Allah’s protection against his destructive evil whispers.

وَإِمَّا يَنزَغَنَّكَ مِنَ ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنِ نَزۡغٌ۬ فَٱسۡتَعِذۡ بِٱللَّهِ‌ۖ إِنَّهُ ۥ هُوَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلۡعَلِيمُ

And if an evil whisper from Shaitan (Satan) tries to turn you away (O Muhammad) (from doing good, etc.), then seek refuge in Allah. Verily, He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower]. [Surah Fussilat’ Aayah 36]

If you feel that your inner self is inclined towards showing off and boasting about your knowledge, then turn to Allah, humble yourself, and beseech Him to bless you with sincerity and protect you from the whispers and schemes of Shaytaan. A wise scholar once remarked, “It is truly challenging for a person when their enemy can see them, but they cannot see their enemy.” This statement was made while explaining Allah’s mention of Shaytaan and his armies: [إِنَّهُ ۥ يَرَٮٰكُمۡ هُوَ وَقَبِيلُهُ ۥ مِنۡ حَيۡثُ لَا تَرَوۡنَہُمۡ‌ۗ – Verily, he and (his soldiers from the jinns or his tribe) see you from where you cannot see them. [Surah Al-A’raaf’ Ayah 27]

He said, “By Allah! It is a bitter conflict and immense hardship for the person whose adversary can observe them, yet they cannot perceive their adversary, except for the one whom Allah protects. This foe is more dangerous than the army you can see that has troops and strength. This hidden enemy is extremely challenging and will annihilate you while you remain oblivious and incapable of detecting them. We beseech Allah for well-being. [5]

[a] Bukhaari 5705

[b] Bukhaari 3009

[1] An Excerpt from ‘I’aanah Al-Mustafeed Bi-Sharhi Kitaab At-Tawheed’ pages 97-98. Publisher: Ar-Risaalah Publishers 1st edition 1428AH (Year 2007) Slightly paraphrased

[2] An Excerpt from ( لمحة عن الفرق الضالة )– pages 14 -15

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

[4] قم المعاند – 2/547

[5] An Excerpt from Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm’ pages 55-56

The Ruling On Visiting and Exploring Ancient Ruins of The Destroyed Nations

Written by Abdullah Jallow on May 5, 2024. Posted in Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Sahaabah, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors).

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

Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali [may Allah preserve him] stated:

The focus on artefacts by Archaeologists in this era was not present during the era of the Prophet’s companions and the pious predecessors. Instead, Muslims began to imitate the Europeans and Americans, who aimed to revive pre-Islamic nationalistic traits like Pharaonism, Babylonianism, and Phoenicianism in the Muslim lands. They were largely successful in achieving these objectives, leading to the emergence of pre-Islamic national pride and the glorification of these nationalistic identities in Muslim societies.

Imam Al-Bukhaaree said: “Abdullah Bin Muhammad Al-Ju’fee narrated to us that Abdur Razzaaq narrated to them from Az-Zuhree who narrated from Salim, who narrated from Ibn Umar who said that when the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] passed by Al-Hijr, he said, ‘Do not enter the dwelling places of those people who were unjust to themselves unless you enter in a weeping state lest the same calamity similar to theirs should befall you’. Then he covered his head and increased his speed till he crossed the valley. Yahyah Bin Bukayr narrated to us who said that Malik narrated to us from Abdullah Bin Deenaar who reported from Ibn Umar who said that Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said to his companions who were at Al-Hijr, “Do not enter upon these people who are being punished, except in a weeping state, lest the same calamity similar to theirs should befall you”. [Sahih Al-Bukhaari. Numbers 4419 and 4420]

The two Prophetic reports illustrate the peril of entering into the places of those who have earned Allah’s wrath and were consequently annihilated for their disbelief and rejection of the prophets and their message. The Prophet prohibited entry into such places, except for those who fear Allah and dread His punishment. In cases of dire necessity, he may enter these locations while weeping. It is feared that one who enters the dwellings of those who have been punished may suffer the same punishment. It is legislated for those who approach these dwellings to quickly pass by while covering their faces, following the example of Allah’s Messenger. Do Muslims, including archaeologists and those who encourage them, comprehend what is embodied in this guidance from the Prophet, who speaks not from his own desires? Additionally, Allah’s Messenger advised those passing through the valleys of Muhassar to hasten, as it was the location where Allah destroyed the people of the Elephant.

So, do those who dig up the artefacts of Ad, Thamud, the Ashaab Al-Ukh’dud, the Pharaohs, and the Babylonians, follow the teachings of Allah’s Messenger or blindly follow the enemies of Allah who establish partnerships to explore the artefacts of the destroyed nations to entice them (towards) the pride of the pre-Islamic era of ignorance? I and others have read numerous boasting by Muslims or those who ascribe to Islam, such as the statement of one of them, (as follows), “O Misree (i.e. Egyptian)! Be proud of the builders of your glory when people were sleeping”. He boasts about the Pharaonic artefacts such as the pyramids and other than them.

An Excerpt from “Baraa’ah As-Sahaabah Al-Akhyaar Min At-Tabarruk Bil Amaakin Wal-Aathaar”. Pages 11-14

A visit to Shaikh Mustapha Mabram

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on March 28, 2024. Posted in Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Seeking Knowledge, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allah [The Exalted] says:

فَاسْأَلُوا أَهْلَ الذِّكْرِ إِن كُنتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ

Statement of the visitors as follows:

Alhamdulillāh this evening we’ve had a beneficial sitting with Shaikh Mustafa Mabram hafidhahullāh— Abu Ukkāshah, Abū Talhah Ibrāhīm, myself and some other brothers.

He admonished us regarding the Taqwā of Allāh, and not being from those who seek Uluww and Fasād in the Earth — rather that we should aim to worship Allāh upon piety and staying away from his prohibitions.

I asked the Shaikh regarding those who are easygoing with regards to the affairs that are Makrūh, and they say that “it’s not harām, just makrūh”.

He referred back to his original advice regarding Taqwā, and added to it this statement of Al-Hasan Al-Basri rahimahullāh:

ما زالت التقوى بالمتقين حتى تركوا كثيرا من الحلال مخافة الحرام

“Taqwā has not ceased within the Muttaqīn, so long as they abandon much of that which is halāl, out of fear of Harām.”

The Shaikh said: “It is unanimously agreed upon that the affairs that are Makrūh are to be abandoned.”

He also said: “Even if something is mubāh — much less Makrūh or harām — the khatīb, the dā’ī, and the one who has some stake in Da’wah should look at the ta’thīr (effect) that this action has upon him, and how he affects the people, and how his call affects the people. [Allah the Most High said]: ‘They will bear their own burdens in full on the Day of Resurrection, and also of the burdens of those whom they misled without knowledge.'”

“Even if it the evil effect does not affect you, or those around you, what about your offspring and the generations that come after you?”

“There are those who still have with them the remnants of Ikhwāniyyah. So they aim to appear to the kuffār as not being extreme, so they become lax regarding these issues and then accuse their brothers of Tashaddud!”

“They would have you looking like the kuffar, and I fear that they would have you resembling the “مغضوب عليهم” and the “ضالين” — either resembling them directly in their asl (origin). Or resembling those who resemble them from the Fasaqah (open sinners) amongst us — so they have resembled the far’ (branch).”

Abu Ukkāshah asked him about those who say that there is a Qā’idah that the origin as it relates to the forbiddances in the Sharī’ah when it comes to ādāb (etiquette) and clothing, is that it denotes Karāhah and not tahrīm, and that people use it to allow Qaza’ and Isbāl and so on.

He said: “If you want to be upon every evil then follow the license and mistake of every scholar.”

And he added to that mention of a book that gathered the allowances of the scholars and was presented to one of the rulers of the Salaf, as evidence for that ruler that should he desire to partake in these allowances, he had precedent from various scholars before him. Upon this, the ruler said: “If we were to do this we would fall into zandaqah (heresy).”

The Shaikh said: “There are those from the scholars — even though they are not to be considered and our scholars have overcome them — who allow the cutting of the beard. And there are some who say that it is permissible to eat with the left hand.”

And he said: “The People of Kūfah allowed Nabīdh, the people of Makkah allowed Sarf — and so on. By merely following them, they would be sinful.”

I asked: “So is this Qā’idah a Qā’idah in reality? Does it have a basis?”

He said: “No! This Qā’idah is not correct.”

Written by Abdullah Abdul-Wahid Alam
Tuesday 26th March 2024 — 17th Night Ramadan 1445

Present were:
– Abu Ukkāshah Abdul-Hakeem
– Zakariyyah Adam
– Abdullah Abdul-Wahid Alam

[6] Seeking to Discredit Scholars of Ahlul Athar! [Muhammad Hijaab and his ilk from ahlul bidah represent the typical trial faced by upright Scholars and Ahlus Sunnah, which ultimately leads to a clearer manifestation of the truth]

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on March 9, 2024. Posted in Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Deviated Callers & Individuals, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Refutations.

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

Allah [The Most High] says:

وَجَعَلْنَا بَعْضَكُمْ لِبَعْضٍ فِتْنَةً أَتَصْبِرُونَ

And We have made some of you as a trial for others: will you have patience? [Surah Al-Furqan Ayah 20]

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: A man asked Imam Ash-Shaafi’ee [may Allah have mercy upon him], “Which is better: to be granted strength and authority to follow the path of Allah without any hindrance, or to face trials first?” Ash-Shaafi’ee told him, “No one is given strength and authority to follow the path of Allah without facing obstacles from those who deny or oppose Allah and His Messengers. This is because Allah tested and tried Nuh, Ibraaheem, Musa, Isa, and Muhammad, and after they exercised patience, they were given the authority and strength to establish the path of Allah without any hindrance”. [1]

The ignorant people are a trial for the scholars regarding whether they will teach and advise them while exercising patience, and the scholars a trial for the ignorant people regarding whether they will obey and follow the guidance of the scholars. [2]

Shaikh Shamsuddeen Al-Afghaanee As-Salafi [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: Ahlul Bidah are the ones who kindle trials and disorder. They are chaotic people and are deprived of safety and security. They are a people of trials and disturbance as opposed to Ahlul Hadeeth Was-Sunan (i.e. those who steadfastly adhere to authentic narrations of the Prophet in Creed, worship, and methodology). Have they (i.e. the people of Sunnah) committed what the people of bidah and trials have committed?! The people of bidah trespass alongside enmity and innovation, while Ahlus Sunnah respond and defend (the religion). [3]

So, let it be known to Muhammad Hijaab and all those who speak ill of the erudite Salafi Scholar Al-Allaamah Saalih Al-Fawzaan or any other upright scholar, that his wrongful actions can be summed up in the following poem:

يُخاطِبُني السَفيهُ بِكُلِّ قُبحٍ
فَأَكرَهُ أَن أَكونَ لَهُ مُجيبا
يَزيدُ سَفاهَةً فَأَزيدُ حِلماً
كَعودٍ زادَهُ الإِحراقُ طيبا

The fool addresses me with every repugnant (expression etc), but I hate to be a respondent, so he increases in foolishness and I increase in forbearance, just as Oud increases in good smell when burnt.

To be continued InShaaAllah

[1] An Excerpt from “Al-Fawaa’id”. Pages 293-300

[2] An Excerpt from “Ighaathatul Lahfaan”. 2/170

[3] عداء الماتريدية للعقيدة السلفية -1/26-27

[5] Seeking to Discredit or Mock Scholars of Ahlul Athar! [Al-Allaamah Saalih Al-Fawzaan [An Imam of the Sunnah in our era] and Muhammad Hijaab [a Stubborn Dead Heart]

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on March 9, 2024. Posted in Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Deviated Callers & Individuals, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Muhammad Hijab, Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Scholars of Islam, Sin.

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

Imaam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said:

All praise is due to Allaah, who in every age and interval between the Prophets, raises up a group from the people of knowledge, who call the misguided to guidance, patiently bear ill-treatment and harm. With the Book of Allaah they give life to the dead and with the Light of Allaah they give sight to the blind. How many a person killed by Iblees (the Devil) they have revived, how beautiful their effect has been upon the people, and how vile the people have been towards them! They remove from Allaah’s Book the alterations of those going beyond bounds, the false claims of the liars and the false interpretations of the ignoramus- those who uphold the banner of innovation and let loose the trials and discords, who oppose the Book and agree upon opposing the Book. They speak about Allaah and his Book without knowledge, argue about what is ambiguous in the Book and deceive the ignorant ones with such ambiguities. We seek refuge in Allaah from the trials of the misguided ones. [Ar-Radd Alal Jahmiyyah Waz-Zanaadiqah. p. 2]

To be continued InShaaAllah

Sound Creed, Methodology, and Upright Conduct Derived From Few Authentic Narrations About Fasting In Ramadhaan

Written by Abdullah Jallow on March 3, 2024. Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Ramadhan, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Abu Dharr [may Allah be pleased with him] reported that Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “My Ummah will continue in goodness so long as they hasten to break their fast and delay the pre-fasting meal”. [1]

Abu Hurayrah [may Allah be pleased with him] reported that the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “The religion will not cease to prevail as long as people hasten to break the fast, because the Jews and the Christians (i.e. those amongst them who deviated from the path of their Prophets) delay it”. [2]

“The religion will not cease to prevail”- Meaning, triumphant and lofty or manifest and clear, “as long as the people hasten to break the fast”- Meaning, they earnestly hasten to break the fast, “because the Jews and the Christians delay it” [i.e. those amongst them who deviated from the path of their Prophets]. At-Teebiy [may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “In this is proof that upright establishment of the religion of pure Islamic monotheism is by opposing the enemies amongst the people of the scripture, and agreeing with them ruins the religion”. [i.e. what they have innovated in the religion of the Prophets] [3]

Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “This is a text regarding (the fact that) triumph of the religion is attained through hastening to break the fast, and it is to oppose the Jews and Christians [i.e. those amongst them who deviated, innovated in religion and opposed their prophets]. And when it is the case that opposing them is a reason behind the triumph of the religion, then the purpose of sending the Messengers is so that the religion ordained by Allah prevails over all others. Therefore, being in opposition to (the deviated people) is one of the greatest goals behind the advent of the Messengers”. [4]

Sahl Ibn Sad [may Allaah be pleased with him] said that Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “The people will not cease to be upon good as long as they hasten to break the fast”. [5]

Imaam An-Nawawi [may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “In this is an urge to hasten (to break the fast) after the setting of the sun is ascertained. What this means is that the affair of the Ummah will not cease being consistent and that they will (remain) good if they preserve this Prophetic tradition. If they delay breaking the fast, then this is a sign of corruption”. [6]

They will not cease to be upon good if they do this by acting upon the Sunnah and limiting themselves to its prescribed legislated boundaries, not being over-stringent (through what their) intellects (suggest to them), and changing its principles. The people of the scripture [i.e. those amongst them who deviated] delayed breaking the fast until the stars appeared. [7]

Is The One Who Provides Suhoor For Needy People The Same As The One Who Provides Iftaar?

Imam Muhammad Ibn Saalih Al-Uthaymeen [may Allah have mercy upon him] was asked: In Ramadhaan, one notices the concern people give to providing Iftaar for those needy people who observe the fast – whether it is in the Masaajid or the houses – in order to receive reward just as the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “Whoever provides Iftaar for a fasting person, he has reward similar to his” [i.e. reward similar to that of the fasting person]. However, we find big tables [i.e. with food and drink] at the time of Iftaar -in the Masaajid- but few people sit to eat, whereas it is very rare to find one who provides Suhoor for a needy fasting person. Therefore, is the reward received by the one who provides Suhoor for the people similar to the one who provides Iftaar?

Answer: I do not know of a (specific) exhortation -as an act of Sunnah- to provide Suhoor for the fasting people, and it is not possible to compare it to providing Iftaar. That is because the fasting person’s need for eating and drinking during Iftaar is much greater than his need for eating and drinking during Suhoor; therefore, we do not go beyond what has been reported in the Sunnah. However, whoever knows someone- from the poor people around him- who needs food for Suhoor, then the door is open in this affair [i.e. he can provide that person with food for Suhoor]. [8]

Al-Allaamah Abdullaah Bin Humaid [may Allah have mercy upon him] was asked: Is attendance at the Haram (in Makkah) and breaking the fast over there something desired in the Sunnah or not, for some people obligate that on themselves?

Answer: It is not Sunnah; rather some people break their fast at the Masjid Al-Haraam to be present for Maghrib Salaah. That is because they will miss the Maghrib Salaah if they were to break their fast at home. And it is not the case that breaking the fast at a Masjid has a distinguished virtue; rather it is to attend the congregational prayer. So they (i.e. the people) break their fast over there to attend the congregational prayer and not miss it. As for merely breaking the fast, it contains the same reward whether the person does so in his house or at another place. They (i.e. the people) only choose it (i.e. the Masjid) because the Salaah is established over there so that they can perform it at the Kabah and together with the Muslims as a group. This is the aim. [9]

[1] Saheeh Al-Jaami 7224]

[2] Abu Dawud Number 2353. Hadeeth graded ‘Hasan’ by Imaam Al- Albaanee in Saheeh Abu Dawud. Publisher: Maktabah Al-M’aarif. 1st Edition]

[3] Awnul Ma’bood Sharh Sunan Abee Daawud. Vol 3. Pages 343-344. slightly paraphrased. Publisher: Daarul Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah. 1st Edition 1419AH (1998)]

[4] Iqtidaa As-Siraat Al-Mustaqeem 1/209. slightly paraphrased]

[5] Saheeh Muslim 1098]

[6] Sharh Saheeh Muslim. Slightly paraphrased. Vol 7 pages 180-181. Publisher: Daar Al-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah. 1st Edition 1421AH (2000)].

[7] Fat’hul Baaree Sharh Saheeh Al-Bukhaari Vol 4/ 253. Publisher: Daarus Salaam. 1st Edition 1421AH (2000)]

[8] Fataawaa Alaa At-tareeq Fee Masaa’il Mutanawwi’ah. Fatwa Number 871]

[9] Al-Fataawaa Wad-Duroos Fil Masjidil Haraam. pages 528-529]

[4] These people are either unaware of or concealing some realities regarding the legacy of Erudite Salafi Imam, Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz

Written by Abdullah Jallow on February 23, 2024. Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Fatawa-Rulings, Refutations, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “Indeed, the scholars are the inheritors of the prophets, for the prophets do not leave behind a dinar or a dirham for inheritance, but rather, they leave behind knowledge. So whoever takes hold of it, has acquired a large share (i.e. of inheritance)”. [(1)]

The anonymous writers at Wikipedia stated, “Many of ibn Baz’s views and rulings are considered controversial (both inside and outside Saudi Arabia), including those relating to cosmology…” [End of quote]

Response

Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allah have mercy upon him] was asked, “Is the earth spherical or flat?” He responded: According to the scholars, the Earth is spherical. Ibn Hazm and a group of other (scholars) have transmitted that the scholars hold a consensus that it is spherical. Meaning: Some of it is joined together with some and rolled up like a ball. However, Allah spread out the top of it for us and placed on it firm mountains, animals, and seas out of mercy for us. This is why Allah says: [وَإِلَى الأَرْضِ كَيْفَ سُطِحَتْ – And at the earth, how it has been spread out (to facilitate habitation and travel)?] [(2)]

It is flat and visible to us (i.e. the top) so that people can live on it and be calm (without worry). The fact that it is spherical does not exclude that its surface is not flat because if a large, great thing is flat, it will have a wide back. [(3)]

May Allah enter the Imam into Jannatul Firdaws! His remark is quite obvious for everyone to see.

Second, read Shaikh Abu Iyaad’s (may Allah preserve him) article on the link for more information about the statements of other Scholars regarding the shape of the earth. “Ibn Taymiyyah on the Shape of the Heaven and Earth and the Concept of Time and Related Issues:

https://salafitalk.net/st/printthread.cfm?Forum=6&Topic=1859

Third, if after reading Shaikh Abu Iyaad’s post in the aforementioned link you believe that the explanation offered by the other scholars is more persuasive or that the Imam’s position is incorrect, then you should know that every upright Mujtahid is rewarded for striving to reach the correct position, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “If a Mujtahid gives a verdict according to the best of his knowledge and his verdict is correct, he will receive a double reward, and if he gives a verdict according to the best of his knowledge and his verdict is wrong, even then he will get a reward”. [Bukhari Number 7352]

Finally, when it comes to other matters related to cosmology that are very clear and leave no room for any other opinion, the Imam [may Allah have mercy on him] was very stern about it, and he has every right to be because those who speculate about it have openly contradicted the divine texts. Read Shaikh Abu Iyaad’s and Shaikh Abu Khadeejah’s [may Allah preserve them] articles.

Disbelief of the One Who Denies Sun’s Motion Around the Earth

https://www.aqidah.com/creed/articles/auazc-disbelief-of-the-one-who-denies-suns-motion-around-the-earth.cfm

The Motion of the Sun Around the Earth and the Clear Islamic Belief from the Quran and Sunnah

https://abukhadeejah.com/the-motion-of-the-sun-around-the-earth-and-the-islamic-belief/

[1] These people are either unaware of or concealing some realities regarding the legacy of Erudite Salafi Imam, Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz

Written by Abdullah Jallow on February 20, 2024. Posted in Articles, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Refutations, Scholars of Islam.

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

Allah [The Exalted] said:

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ إِذَا قِيلَ لَكُمۡ تَفَسَّحُواْ فِي ٱلۡمَجَٰلِسِ فَٱفۡسَحُواْ يَفۡسَحِ ٱللَّهُ لَكُمۡۖ وَإِذَا قِيلَ ٱنشُزُواْ فَٱنشُزُواْ يَرۡفَعِ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ مِنكُمۡ وَٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُواْ ٱلۡعِلۡمَ دَرَجَٰتٖۚ وَٱللَّهُ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ خَبِيرٞ

O you who believe! When you are told to make room in the assemblies, (spread out and) make room. Allah will give you (ample) room (from His Mercy). And when you are told to rise up [for any obligatory matter, or for any other good deed], rise up. Allah will exalt in degree those of you who believe, and those who have been granted knowledge. And Allah is Well-Acquainted with what you do. [Surah Al-Mujaadilah. Ayah 11]

The anonymous writers at Wikipedia stated, “Sheikh Abd al Aziz ibn Abdullah ibn Baz (Arabic: عبد العزيز بن عبد الله بن باز, romanized: ʿAbd al ʿAzīz bin ʿAbdullāh bin Bāz, 21 November 1912 – 13 May 1999) was a Saudi Arabian Islamic scholar who served as the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia from 1993 until his death in 1999. According to French political scientist Gilles Kepel, ibn Baz was a “figurehead” whose “immense religious erudition and his reputation for intransigence” gave him prestige among the population of Saudi Arabia. He “could reinforce the Saud family’s policies through his influence with the masses of believers”. His death left the government without a comparable figure from amongst Salafi scholars to “fill his shoes”. He was a leading proponent of the Salafi school of thought”. [End of quote]

Response:

First of all, this great Imam’s [may Allah have mercy upon him] reputation was well-known not only in Saudi Arabia but also in the rest of the Muslim world. Read below:

The-Life-of-Imam-Abdul-Aziz-Ibn-Baz_PDF

There is no question that this Imam was among the greatest Salafi scholars of his time. However, instead of saying that he had a reputation for intransigence, it should be said that he was well-known for upholding the sound Aqeedah and Manhaj of the pious predecessors despite the opposition of those deviated callers who opposed him. As a result, his refusal to alter his viewpoint or behaviour was based on the clear guidance of the Qur’an and authentic Sunnah as understood by the Sahaabah and not prejudice, blind allegiance, or illegal partisanship.

They stated: He “could reinforce the Saud family’s policies through his influence with the masses of believers”. [End of quote]

Response:

He made decisions based on the Qur’an and the Sunnah as it was understood by the Sahaabah rather than passively supporting anyone’s policies. He issued rulings in favour of virtue when the rulers asked for anything that did not conflict with the Qur’an and the Sunnah, which is why he was praised for his honesty and steadfastness. He interacted with the Saudi Royal Family in accordance with what Allah commands the rulers and the Scholars to do. Allah (The Exalted) says:

[يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ أَطِيعُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُواْ ٱلرَّسُولَ وَأُوْلِى ٱلۡأَمۡرِ مِنكُمۡ‌ۖ – O you who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger (Muhammad, and those of you (Muslims) who are in authority. [Surah An-Nisaa’ Ayah 59]

The verse encompasses both scholars and those in positions of power. The scholars propagate Allah’s Shariah, teach the people, and issue rulings to the people and rulers, and the rulers implement the rulings – implement the knowledge that the scholars possess and propagate. [(1)]

They stated: His death left the government without a comparable figure from amongst Salafi scholars to “fill his shoes”. [End of quote]

Response:

There is no question that Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allah have mercy upon him] was one of the greatest Scholars in the world during his lifetime, but his passing does not imply that the outstanding scholars of this blessed Ummah will no longer exist. 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”. [(2)]

“Allah will raise for this Ummah at the end of every hundred years”. That is, at the end of every hundred years, when there is little knowledge of the Shariah and the authentic Prophetic Sunnah, and when ignorance and religious innovation are rampant. “One who will revive its religion for it”. That is a scholar who is alive and well known. He will clarify the authentic Prophetic Sunnah and distinguish it from the religious innovations. knowledge will be abundant again and its adherents will be aided, and the proponents of religious innovations 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 wisdoms of the religion and the texts that deal with beliefs of the heart. [(3)]

They stated: “He was a leading proponent of the Salafi school of thought”. [End of quote]

Response:

What is a school of thought? They say that it is “a set of ideas or opinions that a group of people share about a matter”. [(3.1)] “a way of thinking”. [(3.2)] “A set of ideas or opinions which a group of people share about a matter. Also a point of view recognised as held but not necessarily accepted”. [(3.3)]

Salafiyyah is not a school of thought because it is not based on ideas or opinions, but rather on the way of Muhammad’s [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] companions, which is based on the infallible Qur’an and authentic Sunnah. Shaikh Abu Khadeejah [may Allah preserve him] stated: “To be a Salafi means adhering to the Creed, Methodology and the way of life of the Salaf As-Sālih (the Pious Predecessors). The earliest Salaf were the generation of our Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) and his Companions. Then after them came the three virtuous generations of believers who held fast to the Sunnah (Path) of the Prophet and his Companions. The person who understands this path correctly, follows it exactly, without introducing anything into it and nor deviating from it is a Salafi. To be a Salafi is not merely to imagine that one is upon the true path of the Salaf, but Salafism is to study the religion of the Companions and follow it — it was they who understood best the meanings and intent of the speech and actions of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم)….” [(4)]

Shaikh Abu Iyaad [may Allah preserve him] said: The “Salafi Way” is not something new, invented or innovated. By definition, it is the pure Islaam which the Companions of Allaah’s Messenger (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) held onto. When the sects foretold by the Messenger (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) appeared, those who took knowledge from the Companions began to verbally express the obligation of holding onto the way of (السلف الصالح), “The Righteous Predecessors.” From such statements is the saying of Imaam al-Zuhree (d. 124H), “Adhere to the tracks of the Salaf, even if the people reject you. And beware of the opinions of men, even if they beautify it for you with speech.” Hence, Salafiyyah is not a later innovation. Salafis are the target of sectarian bias and bigotry for many factions, from them the Raafidah, Soofiyyah, Kharijites and Takfiris, the blind-followers of the madhaahib, Secularists, Modernists and many others. As such there is a lot of propaganda in the field which is unfortunately entered into what is claimed to be “objective research”. To make matters more confusing is the presence of numerous orientations falsely ascribing to Salafiyyah despite their deviations from it in their foundations and methodologies. Many of the takfiri, and Khariji groups make this false ascription. This adds another layer of confusion to anyone wanting to research and understand Salafiyyah and leads to Salafis being wrongly attributed with the iniquities of the Takfiris and Kharijites. In light of all of these realities, this website aims to provide relevant information and critical evaluation and analysis of the various views and opinions that are being scattered in books, journals, blogs, websites, audios and videos in relation to “Salafis” and “Salafiyyah”. [(5)]

To be continued…InShaaAllah

[(1)]: An Excerpt from “Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm”. pages 58-60. slightly paraphrased

[(2)]: Sunan Abee Daawud. Hadeeth Number 4291. Declared authentic by Imaam Al-Albaanee [rahimahullaah] in Saheeh Abi Daawud. Publisher, Maktabah Al-Ma’aarif.

[(3)]: An Excerpt from Awnul Ma’bood Sharh Sunan Abee Daawud. Vol 11. Pages 259-260. Publisher: Daaer Al-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah. 1st Edition 1419AH (Year 1998). Slightly paraphrased]

[(3.1)]: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/school-of-thought

[(3.2)]: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/school%20of%20thought

[(3.3)]: https://www.collinsdictionary.com/submission/8221/School+of+thought

[(4)]: https://abukhadeejah.com/what-is-salafism-and-salafiyyah/

[(5)]: http://www.salafis.com/index.cfm

[14] Usaamah Bin Zayd: Exemplifying Positive Engagement and Effective Communication With The Rulers

Written by Abdullah Jallow on February 19, 2024. Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, 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.

Shaqeeq [may Allah have mercy upon him] reported that it was said to Usamah Bin Zayd [may Allah be pleased with him], “Why don’t you visit Uthman [may Allah be pleased with him] and speak to him?” So, he said, “Do you think that I have not spoken to him except if I make you hear (about it)? By Allah! I have spoken to him (about affairs) concerning me and him, and I did not like to divulge those things about which I had to take the initiative and I do not say to my ruler, ‘You are the best among people’ after I heard Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] saying, ‘A man will be brought on the Day of Resurrection and thrown in Hell-Fire and his intestines will pour forth in Hell and he will go round along with them, as an ass goes round the mill stone. The inhabitants of Hell would gather round him and say, ‘O, so and so! What has happened to you? Were you not enjoining us to do what was good and forbidding us to do what was evil? He will say, ‘Of course, it is so; I used to enjoin (upon people) to do what was good but did not practice that myself. I had been forbidding people to do what was evil, but did it myself”. [1]

Waa’il [may Allah have mercy upon him] reported that it was said to Usamah Bin Zayd [may Allah be pleased with him], “Will you go to so-and-so [i.e. Uthman – may Allah be pleased with him] and speak to him (i.e. advise him regarding rulership of the country)?” He said, “You see that I don’t speak to him. I speak to (advise) him secretly without opening a door because neither do I want to be the first to open it nor will I say to a man who is my ruler that he is the best of all the people after I have heard something from Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said”. They said, “What have you heard him saying?” He said, “I have heard him saying, “A man will be brought on the Day of Resurrection and thrown in the (Hell) Fire, so that his intestines will come out, and he will go around like a donkey goes around a millstone. The people of (Hell) Fire will gather around him and say, ‘O so-and-so! What is wrong with you? Didn’t you use to order us to do good deeds and forbid us to do bad deeds?’ He will reply, ‘Yes, I used to order you to do good deeds, but I did not do them myself, and I used to forbid you to do bad deeds, yet I used to do them myself'” [2] [Footnote a]

Regarding the statement: “I speak to (advise) him secretly without opening a door “. Al-Aynee [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: Meaning, without opening one of the doors of temptation. I speak to him to pursue a Maslahah [aiming to bring about positive outcomes and deter negative or evil ones] and not to incite temptations, as openly disapproving of the rulers can be perceived as a form of rebellion, carrying insults that lead to division and schism within the unified body of Muslims under the authority of the ruler. [3] Al-Qaadhi Iyaadh [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: Meaning, “I do not wish to be the first to open this door”, which is expressing open disapproval and directing it toward the rulers, and its evil consequences, as was the case when they openly disapproved of Uthman [may Allah be pleased with him] which led to the shedding of his blood and the subsequent turmoil that ensued”. [4]

Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee al-Mad’khali [may Allah preserve him] said: Uthman [may Allah be pleased with him] was one of those who restrained the people from bloodshed the most as well as that of the people who violated his honour. Shaikh Al-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “What is well known through successive numerous narrations is that Uthman [may Allah be pleased with him] was one of those who restrained the people from bloodshed the most, exercised patience the most regarding the affair of those who violated his honour and those who made a determined attempt to shed his blood, so they besieged him and endeavoured to kill him, and he knew their desire to kill him. The Muslims came to him from every place to help him and indicated to him to fight the besiegers, but he commanded them to refrain from fighting and commanded those who obeyed him not to fight. He said to his slaves, ‘Whoever restrains his hand is freed’. It was said to him, ‘Will you go to Makkah?’ He said, ‘I will not be amongst those who commit evil in the sacred house’. Then it was said to him, ‘Will you not go to Syria?’ He said, ‘I will not leave my place of Hijrah (i.e. Madeenah)’. Then it was said to him, ‘Fight them’, he said, ‘I will not be the first in the Ummah of Muhammad [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] to unleash the sword after the departure of Muhammad’. Uthmaan’s patience until he was murdered is one of his greatest virtues in the sight of Muslims”. [5]

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim [may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “Upon realising that he would face death based on his observations of the events and signs, Uthman [may Allah be pleased with him] chose not to engage in fighting or self-defence to prevent conflict among the Muslims. He preferred to be killed rather than (initiating) fighting between Muslims”. [6]

Footnote a: “A man will be brought on the Day of Resurrection and thrown in the (Hell) Fire, so that his intestines will come out, and he will go around like a donkey goes around a millstone. The people of (Hell) Fire will gather around him and say, ‘O so-and-so! What is wrong with you? Didn’t you use to order us to do good deeds and forbid us to do bad deeds?’ He will reply, ‘Yes, I used to order you to do good deeds, but I did not do them myself, and I used to forbid you to do bad deeds, yet I used to do them myself'”. [Saheeh Al-Bukhari 3267] Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi al-Mad’khali [may Allah preserve him] said, “Indeed, there may be someone worse than this man because he [i.e. the one worse than the man mentioned in this Hadeeth] enjoins evil and forbids good, so what will be his state of affairs, and Allah’s Refuge is sought?!” [7]

To be continued…InShaaAllah

[1] Saheeh Muslim 2989

[2] Saheeh Al-Bukhari 3267

[3] Umdah Al-Qaaree Sharh Saheeh Al-Bukhaari. 15/166

[4] Ik’maal Al-Mu’allim Bi-Fawaa’id Muslim 8/538]

[5] An Excerpt from Al-Mukhtaaraat Al-Bahiyyah Min Kutub Shaikhil Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah. Page 296. Slightly paraphrased

[6] الطُّرُقُ الْحُكميَّة- page 30

[7] Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm. Pages 270-271