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Demonstrations: [A Satanic Innovation and Satanic Methodology of Misguided Karl Marx And Vladimir Lenin]

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

Al-Allaamah Zayd Bin Haadi Al-Madkhali [rahimahullaah] said:

Protests [or demonstrations] are newly invented matters in the religion. Every newly invented matter in the religion is a bidah; every bidah is misguidance and every misguidance is in the hell fire [i.e. is a path leading to the hell fire]. Allaah’s legislation is perfect and complete-based on The Book and The Sunnah-and we do not know of anything by way of the evidences in the Book and the Sunnah that makes it permissible for a handful of people to gather for demonstrations, which causes disturbance for the people and time wasting. And greater than this [disturbance and time wasting] is abandonment of the prayers [during protests] and the loss of life [i.e. murder]. If one was to kill a Muslim in a single protest, the one [or those] who called to such protests will carry his sins-be it an individual, a group or those who participate. It has been reported in an authentic hadeeth: The termination of the world means less to Allah than the killing of a Muslim [i.e. without right].[a] These protests are nothing but bidah and acts of misguidance advocated by shaytaan; [enticed] by the urge of the evil soul and desires. And these enemies [i.e. shaytaan, the urge of the evil soul and desires] do not come together in any affair except that the religion and worldly affairs are destroyed, just as it is the case in these demonstrations [or protests].

The end results of protests [or demonstrations]: Carnage, destruction, wastage of wealth and time and terrorising those living in peace. And how many disadvantages are there in [that]! It is enough to be considered something sinister due to the fact that the Noble Messengers and the Great Prophets who were put to trial and harmed by their people did not hold protests [or demonstrations]. Neither did they engage in plotting to cause explosions nor committing suicide; rather Islaam has forbidden all of that.

Those who call to protests [or demonstrations] and hold that there is success in it, they are mistaken and they have missed the correct path. Rectification of the affairs can only be by way of the Book and The Sunnah in accordance with the understanding of those scholars who are firmly grounded in knowledge. So whoever calls the people to this chaos, then indeed he has brought about a means to corrupting the land and the slaves, and what has occurred – in the past and at present- is a witness to that.

Therefore, we warn the students of knowledge that they are not persuaded by the speech of those who allow protests [or demonstrations]. They say that peaceful demonstrations are permissible-as they categorise it into this categorisation- without proofs and concrete evidence from the Book and the Sunnah- neither from the actions of the Messenger and the Noble Sahaabah nor from the Notable Imaams; rather the verdict on protests [or demonstrations] is only what has been stated earlier and as well as what has been written by other than myself [i.e. protests (or demonstrations) are not permissible] [Slightly paraphrased. Source: الأفنان وتوحيد ابن خزيمة وحديث عن المظاهرات4-4-1432هـ.]

Question to Shaikh Rabee Bin Haadi [hafidhahullaah]: Going out to demonstrations, [initiating] revolutions and nurturing the youth upon it; is this from the methodology of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa’ah or not, whether [carried] out within or outside the Muslim countries? Answer: This is the methodology of Marx (i.e. Carl Marx), Lenin (i.e. Vladimir Lenin) and those similar to them. It is not from the Islamic methodology. Revolutions, bloodshed, trials and troubles are Marx’s and Lenin’s school of thought. [Source:An excerpt from كشف الستار  Page: 18]


[a] Hadeeth declared authentic by Imaam Albaanee. Saheeh Al-Jaami 9208]

 

 

One of The Many Admonitions Given By The Messenger During The Farewell Hajj – With Short Commentary By Shaikh Zaid Bin Haadi [rahimahullaah]

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

Abu Qutaylah narrated that Allaah’s Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] stood before the people during the farewell hajj and said, “Neither is there a prophet after me nor an Ummah after you, so worship Allaah your Lord; establish your five daily [prayers], pay your zakaat, fast your month of [Ramadhaan], obey those who have been placed in charge over your affairs and you’ll enter paradise”.

Shaikh Zaid Bin Haadi [rahimahullaah] said, This hadeeth gathers a number of beneficial Prophetic commandments, and the first and foremost affair is to worship Allaah, which is a general command that includes all types of worship- statements and deeds, apparent [actions of the limbs] and deeds concealed [in the heart]. Then the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] specified some of the types of worship and the most important of them being the obligatory prayers, payment of Zakaat, fasting during the month of Ramadhaan out of Eemaan and hoping for Allaah’s reward, and obedience to the ruler of the Muslims in that which is good. The fulfilment of these affairs are a great means of entry into paradise which Allaah has prepared for His believing servants. [At-taleeqaat Al-Maleehah Alaa Silsilah Al-Ahaadeeth As-Saheehah. Vol 1 page 309. Slightly paraphrased]

Allaah Has Commanded Unity In The Religion And He Forbade Splitting – [A Statement of Imaam Muhammad Bin Abdil Wahhaab Explained By Shaikh Zaid Bin Haadi]

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

Imaam Muhammad Bin Abdul Wahhaab [rahimahullaah] said in Usoolus Sitta. “The Second Principle: Allaah has commanded Unity in the Religion and He forbade splitting in it; so Allah has clarified this with a clear clarification that is understood by the common people”.

Shaikh Zayd Bin Haadee Al-Madkhalee [rahimahullaah] commented on the above statement: I say’ this is truth stated in the Book of Allah, when Allaah [The Mighty ad Majestic] said: [ وَٱعۡتَصِمُواْ بِحَبۡلِ ٱللَّهِ جَمِيعً۬ا وَلَا تَفَرَّقُواْ‌ۚ وَٱذۡكُرُواْ نِعۡمَتَ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيۡكُمۡ إِذۡ كُنتُمۡ أَعۡدَآءً۬ فَأَلَّفَ بَيۡنَ قُلُوبِكُمۡ فَأَصۡبَحۡتُم بِنِعۡمَتِهِۦۤ إِخۡوَٲنً۬ا وَكُنتُمۡ عَلَىٰ شَفَا حُفۡرَةٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱلنَّارِ فَأَنقَذَكُم مِّنۡہَا‌ۗ – And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allaah (i.e. this Qur’aan), and be not divided among yourselves, and remember Allaah’s Favour on you, for you were enemies one to another but He joined your hearts together, so that, by His Grace, you became brethren (in Islaamic Faith), and you were on the brink of a pit of Fire, and He saved you from it]. [Surah Aal Imraan. Aayah 103]

Therefore, Allah commanded that [one] holds onto His Rope- the Firm Religion which the Book of the Lord of the Worlds and the Sunnah of the leader of the first and later Prophets- [Muhammad (Sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam)]- came with.  And Allaah forbade His Messenger from division in the Religion; because it is the path of the Mushrikoon and the Innovators.  As for those who possess understanding in the Religion -from the Book of their Lord and the Sunnah of their Prophet; they unite upon all affairs the Religion and they do not split- in compliance with the command given to them in the Revelation.

Unity upon the Clear Truth is the path of the Salafus Saaliheen [the pious predecessors]- those who possessed the correct understanding of Allaah’s Magnificent Book and the Sunnah of the trustworthy Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam].  Splitting is the path of the people of Bidah – those who are misguided and misguiding others, because they are the ones who bring about splitting as a result of deviating from the Siraat Al-Mustaqeem.

Indeed, Allaah commanded all the Ummah to follow a single path- the Siraat Al-Mustaqeem, and warned [them] against the crooked paths. Allaah said:

وَأَنَّ هَـٰذَا صِرَٲطِى مُسۡتَقِيمً۬ا فَٱتَّبِعُوهُ‌ۖ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُواْ ٱلسُّبُلَ فَتَفَرَّقَ بِكُمۡ عَن سَبِيلِهِۦ‌ۚ

And verily, this is my Straight Path, so follow it, and follow not (other) paths, for they will separate you away from His Path. [Surah Al-An’aam. Aayah 53]

As for the people of the Qur’aan, the Sunnah and correct understanding,  they embrace this divine commandment in their hearts, tongues and with the actions of their limbs.  They do not turn away from the straight path that leads to Allaah’s  Pleasure. As for the people of Bidah, then indeed they deviate from that straight path to the other paths on the right and the left, as reported by Jaabir Bin Abdillaah [radiyallaahu-anhu] who said: We were sitting with the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam), so he drew a straight line in front of him and said, ‘this is Allaah’s path’.  He then drew lines on the right and left sides of this (straight line) and said, ‘these are the path of shaytaan’.  Then he placed his finger on the line in the middle and then recited this ayah: [  وَأَنَّ هَـٰذَا صِرَٲطِى مُسۡتَقِيمً۬ا فَٱتَّبِعُوهُ‌ۖ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُواْ ٱلسُّبُلَ فَتَفَرَّقَ بِكُمۡ عَن سَبِيلِهِۦ‌ۚ – And verily, this is my Straight Path, so follow it, and follow not (other) paths, for they will separate you away from His Path]. [Surah Al-An’aam. Aayah 153]

Therefore, whoever holds onto the middle line will be safe and happy; and whoever turns away from the middle line will follow the deviated lines, fall into destruction in this worldly life, in the Barsakh and in the hereafter. [Allaah said]: [ وَمَن لَّمۡ يَجۡعَلِ ٱللَّهُ لَهُ ۥ نُورً۬ا فَمَا لَهُ ۥ مِن نُّورٍ – And he for whom Allaah has not appointed light, for him there is no light]. [Surah An-Noor. Aayah 40]

The author [Imaam Muhammad Bin Abdul Wahhaab (rahimahullaah)] clarified that Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] forbade splitting and differing.  And regarding the first thing related to this subject matter, Allaah [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections] forbade splitting in the Aqeedah, in the  Manhaj of Jihaad, in Dawah and in the Obligation of Enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil.  He clarified that splitting and differing in the Religion is a characteristic of the people of Bida’atul Mukaffirah [i.e. the bidah that nullifies one’s Islaam] and the people of Bida’atul Mufassiqah [i.e. the bidah that does not exit a person from Islaam] because all innovation in the Religion is evil, and the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] called it ‘Misguidance’. Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] dispraised splitting and its people with an intense dispraise in His statement:[  إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ فَرَّقُواْ دِينَہُمۡ وَكَانُواْ شِيَعً۬ا لَّسۡتَ مِنۡہُمۡ فِى شَىۡءٍ‌ۚ – Verily, those who divide their religion and break up into sects (all kinds of religious sects), you (O Muhammad) have no concern in them in the least. [Surah Al-An’aam. Aayah 159]

Allaah [The Might ad Majestic] said: [  وَلَا تَكُونُواْ كَٱلَّذِينَ تَفَرَّقُواْ وَٱخۡتَلَفُواْ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ مَا جَآءَهُمُ ٱلۡبَيِّنَـٰتُ‌ۚ – And be not as those who divided and differed among themselves after the clear proofs had come to them. [Surah Aal Imraan. Aayah 105]

Therefore, Allaah [The Blessed and Exalted] cautioned us- in order that we do not fall into the splitting, differing, discord an sectarianism which those before us fell into- as a mercy upon us and a clear proof, so that no one may come on the day of judgment saying, “Neither did a giver of glad tidings came to us, nor a Warner, nor did we hear a Messenger [conveying] the command of Allaah [Al-Aliyyul Kabeer], even though Allaah did command His Messenger to give glad tidings and warning.

Allaah [The Blessed and Exalted] gave an excuse [to the creation] by sending the Messengers and by way of what He assigned to [the Messengers] to convey. [Allaah said]: [ رُّسُلاً۬ مُّبَشِّرِينَ وَمُنذِرِينَ لِئَلَّا يَكُونَ لِلنَّاسِ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ حُجَّةُۢ بَعۡدَ ٱلرُّسُلِ‌ۚ – Messengers as bearers of good news as well as of warning in order that mankind should have no plea against Allaah after the Messengers]. [Surah An-Nisaa. Aayah 65]

The Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said, “Indeed, the scholars are the inheritors of the Prophets, and the Prophets do not leave behind Dinars nor Dirhams, but they leave behind knowledge”.

Therefore, splitting in the fundamental principles and foundations of the Religion- rather in all affairs of the Religion- is blameworthy. It (splitting) is not from the characteristics of the people of Eemaan and Certainty; rather it is from the characteristics of the deviants and the innovators. As for differing in those issues of the Sharee’ah in which differing is permissible, such as differing that occurs regarding [the ruling] on some acts of worship [i.e. as to whether it is obligatory, recommended etc] or [the rulings] related some of the issues of Mutual dealing and their what is similar to them – in which differing is allowed amongst the scholars of Ijtihaad; then indeed there is no basis for splitting, hatred, turning away from one another and boycotting [in this]; rather if this occurs amongst the  scholars of Ijtihaad, then each one examines the proof, its support and basis. And when the truth is made clear even in these issues, then it becomes obligatory to embrace it and leave that which is the opposite of it.

And the important thing we should be aware of, (is that): differing in the subsidiary issues, of that which differing is allowed through Ijtihaad, [from that which is (designated) to the people of scholarly research and examination]; then there is neither a basis for cutting off one another and turning away from one another (in this affair), nor should it bring about splitting between the people.   Indeed, the Salaf used to differ in some of the [subsidiary issues of the Religion], and each had his own view; because firstly they were scholars of Ijtihaad, and secondly their differing did not enter into the blameworthy differing.  And when the truth is made clear in a matter in which differing (occurs), then it is obligatory to settle with it. And in any case, the one who is right in this differing is rewarded twice, and the one who is mistaken is rewarded once and his mistake is forgiven. [Source: An Excerpt from ‘Sullamul Wusool Ilaa Bayaan As-Sitta Al-Usool, pages 17-21. Slightly paraphrased]

Read: https://www.abukhadeejah.com/tolerated-differing-and-impermissible-differing-in-islaam/

Withholding from supplicating for the Muslim Rulers – Shaykh Al Fawzaan

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

What do you say about the one who says its not a must for him to supplicate for the (Muslim) ruler?

(You say this) because you do not love the ruler, and this is a proof of hypocrisy. The ruler of the Muslims is loved, this is the way of the believers, that they love the Muslim rulers and make dua for their success and their guidance and for them to be aided (by Allah), because their guidance is guidance for the Muslims. And if they are guided, Allah benefits the Muslims by them.

Supplicating for them is from Sincere advice, and the Religion is sincere advice to Allah, his messenger, the rulers of the muslims and the general people. (1)

And the salaf used to supplicate for the Muslim rulers upon the minbar, supplicating for their success and rectification and their guidance because this is rectification of the Muslims and a benefit for the Muslims. (2)

And this (statement) is not possible except from he who has a soul of the khawaarij, a soul of hypocrisy.
And Allah’s refuge is sought.

From the lecture:
أسباب محبة الله
————–
(1) The famous hadith of Tameem Ad-Daarimi (May Allah be pleased with him) as reported in Saheeh Muslim

(2) It is reported that Al-Fudayl bin Ayyad [Allah have mercy on him] said, ‘If I had one supplication that was going to be answered I would make it for the ruler (imam), for the wellbeing and righteousness of the imam means wellbeing for the land and its people.’

Al-Dhahabi, Siyar A’lam Al-Nubala` in his biography of Al-Fudayl b. Ayyad.

We ask Allah The Lord of the Tremendous Throne to rectify the affairs of our Muslim rulers, to make them from the righteous and to benefit Islaam and the Muslims by way of them. آمين

Is Supplicating for the Ruler Wrong? Shaykh Al-Fawzaan (hafidahullah)

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

 

Supplication for the Rulers of the Muslims is from the Methodology of Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaa’ah, and abandoning it is from the methodology of the innovators.

Imam Ahmad said, “If we only had one supplication that was accepted, we would have supplicated for the ruler, because with his rectification lies the rectification of the Muslims.”

And indeed this sunnah has been abandoned to the extent that people find supplicating for the rulers strange and have bad thoughts regarding whoever does. 

Leaving The Correct Path Occurs In Two Ways

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

Imaam Barbahaaree [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: “Know that leaving the correct path occurs in two ways. Firstly: that a man strays from the correct path intending nothing but good, so his error is not to be followed since it leads to destruction. Secondly, a man who deliberately opposes the truth and acts contrary to the Pious ones who came before him, he is astray, leading others astray, a rebellious devil within the Ummah. It is a duty upon those who know of him to warn the people against him and to explain his condition to them so that no one falls into his innovation and is destroyed”.

Al-Allaamah Saaleh Al-Fawzaan [may Allaah preserve him] commented on the above statement of Imaam Barbahaaree [may Allaah have mercy upon him] saying: After the Shaikh [i.e. Imaam Barbahaaree] described the correct path in his previous statement-the correct path that is obligated on the Muslim to follow in his Aqeedah and Religion- he then mentioned that the one who leaves the correct path is one of two men: The First Man: Is the one who leaves the [correct path] without the intention [to do so], rather he intended good but followed other than the path of good. Striving [alone] is not sufficient, and even if the person has a righteous intention and a good aim, then that has to be upon the correct path. Therefore, this [person] is considered mistaken and whoever agrees with him upon that and follows with him upon error will be destroyed; because this is a path of destruction even though the [person] did not intend leaving [the correct path]; rather his quest was [to reach something] good. This is the state of many of those who initiate newly invented affairs -from themselves – in the knowledge of Aqeedah (Creed). This affair is not permissible and they should not adhere to it. The person [upon this path] is not upon correctness. Allah [The Mighty and Majestic] said:

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

So we reject any path that exits us from the Straight Path even if the one who [calls] to it aims for good and has a good intention. We do not follow him upon that whilst he continues upon his error, eventually leading to destruction; because whoever abandons the correct path in his journey and takes a path of ruin will be destroyed.

As For The Second Person: It is the one who intends to leave [the correct path]. He knows the truth and that what he embarks upon is falsehood, but he intends to leave the truth with the intention of misguiding the people. So the intention of the first [person] is to bring about benefit for the people, but he did not follow the correct path. The second [person] intended to misguide the people and to turn them away from the correct path. So this one [i.e. the one who intends misguidance for the people] is a devil, because the devils take the people away from the Straight Path. [Allaah informed us that] Iblees said: [لَأَقْعُدَنَّ لَهُمْ صِرَاطَكَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ -Surely I will sit in wait against them (human beings) on Your Straight Path]. [7:16] So he intends to turn them away from it [i.e. the straight path] and [direct them] towards the deviated paths. The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] gave us an example when he drew a straight line and drew other lines on its sides, he then said about the straight line: ‘This is the path of Allaah’ and he said about the other lines, ‘These are the other paths, and on each path is a devil calling to it.’ This is a clear example that is in agreement to that which the Shaikh [i.e. Imaam Barbahaaree] has mentioned here. So the one who takes the people away from the Straight Path [and direct them] to the innovated paths of the innovators is not one who intends good for them; rather he intends destruction for them. He is a devil, be it that he is a devil from amongst the Jinn or the People. It is obligated on us to be more careful of this [second ] than the first one [i.e. the person who intends good but was mistaken]; because this one [i.e. the intentionally deviated one] intends to misguide the people.

And regarding the statement of Imaam Barbahaaree: “He is astray, leading others astray, a rebellious devil”, Al-Allaamah Saaleh Al-Fawzaan commented on the above statement, saying: He is misguided and misguiding others. He is a rebellious devil, a rebel intending to turn the people from the Straight Path. And regarding the statement of Imaam Barbahaaree: ”It is a duty upon those who know of him to warn the people against him and to explain his condition to them so that no one falls into his innovation and is destroyed.’ Al-Allaamah Saaleh Al-Fawzaan commented on the above statement, saying: It is not permissible to keep quiet about this one who leaves the truth intentionally; rather it is obligatory to unveil his affair and uncover his vileness until the people are warned about him. And it is not to be said that the people are free to hold views, freedom of speech and respecting the views of others, as say present with regards to [having] respect for the views of others. The affair is not about views; [rather] the affair is about Ittibaa [i.e. following the authentic proofs narrated from the Messenger accompanied with the understanding of the Salaf]. Allah has outlined a clear path for us and He told us to adhere to it, when He [Glorified be He] stated: [وَأَنَّ هَٰذَا صِرَاطِي مُسْتَقِيمًا فَاتَّبِعُوهُ] ‘And verily, this is my Straight Path, so follow it’ [6:153]

So any person comes to us and wants us to leave this straight path, then firstly we reject his statement. Secondly, we clarify and warn the people against him and we do not keep quiet about him; because if we keep quiet about him, the people will be deceived by him, especially if he is an eloquent person, [with] good speech, [skillful] writing and is educated; for indeed the people will be deceived by him and will say, ”this one is competent, this one is from the thinkers,” as is taking place today.

So, the affair is very dangerous and regarding this is a reason to refute the one in opposition, as opposed to what those ones say: [that] ”Abandon the refutations, leave the people, everyone has his own views and have respect for him.” By way of this [having] respect for the views and freedom of speech the Ummah will be destroyed. The Salaf did not keep quiet about the likes of these people; rather they exposed and refuted them due to their knowledge of their danger upon Ummah. We do not keep quiet about their evil; rather that which Allaah has revealed must be clarified. And unless [we do that], we will be from those who conceal the truth-those whom Allah spoke of (saying):

[إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَكْتُمُونَ مَا أَنْزَلْنَا مِنَ الْبَيِّنَاتِ وَالْهُدَىٰ مِنْ بَعْدِ مَا بَيَّنَّاهُ لِلنَّاسِ فِي الْكِتَابِ ۙ أُولَٰئِكَ يَلْعَنُهُمُ اللَّهُ وَيَلْعَنُهُمُ اللَّاعِنُونَ-Verily, those who conceal the clear proofs, evidences and the guidance, which We have sent down, after We have made it clear for the people in the Book, they are the ones cursed by Allaah and cursed by the cursers.'[2:159] And the affair is not limited to the innovator, rather it is extended to the one who keeps quiet about him, for indeed rebuke and punishment is extended to him; because it is obligatory to clarify and made clear for the people…..up until the Sheikh said: So our intention is to clarify the truth. Our intention is not to [merely] disparage the people or to speak about the people. The intent is to clarify the truth and this is a trust entrusted upon the Scholars. It is not permissible to keep quiet about these people. (1)

Al-Allaamah Muqbil Bin Haadee [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said:

Indeed Nad’dhaam, Abu Hudhayl and other than them amongst the enemies of the Sunnah have passed and the Sunnah of the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] has remained white and pure, and their mockery of it has not harmed it (i.e. the Sunnah).  And the contemporary enemies of the Sunnah will die and the Sunnah of the Messenger will remain; because Allaah has guaranteed its preservation. So He (The Most High) said:إِنَّا نَحْنُ نَزَّلْنَا الذِّكْرَ وَإِنَّا لَهُ لَحَافِظُونَ— Verily We: It is We Who have sent down the Dhikr (i.e. the Qur’an) and surely, We will guard it (from corruption)]. [15:9] (2)


[Ref 1: Source: An Excerpt from It-haaful Qaaree Bitta’liqaat Alaa Sharhis Sunnah Lil Imaam Barbahaaree, Vol 1, page: 110-115. slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 2: Source: نصيحتي لأهل السنة – للشيخ مقبل – ص 14 ]

Be Not Like Those Who Say: “We have heard,” But They Hear Not!

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

 Allaah [The Most High]:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ أَطِيعُواْ اللّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ وَلاَ تَوَلَّوْا عَنْهُ وَأَنتُمْ تَسْمَعُونَ

وَلَا تَكُونُواْ كَٱلَّذِينَ قَالُواْ سَمِعۡنَا وَهُمۡ لَا يَسۡمَعُونَ

O you who believe! Obey Allaah and His Messenger, and turn not away from him [i.e. Messenger Muhammad] while you are hearing. And be not like those who say: “We have heard,” but they hear not. [Surah al-Anfaal Aayaat 20-21]

[يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ أَطِيعُواْ اللّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ – O you who believe! Obey Allah and His Messenger]: Meaning: [Obey Allaah and His Messenger] by fulfilling what they have commanded and keeping away from what they have forbidden. [وَلاَ تَوَلَّوْا عَنْهُ وَأَنتُمْ تَسْمَعُونَ – and turn not away from him (i.e. Messenger Muhammad) while you are hearing]: Meaning: Do not turn away from obedience to Allaah and obedience to His Messenger, whilst you are hearing what is been recited to you from the Book of Allaah [i.e. the Qur’aan, Allaah’s commands, admonitions and advices]- because turning away will place you in the most perilous situation. [وَلَا تَكُونُواْ كَٱلَّذِينَ قَالُواْ سَمِعۡنَا وَهُمۡ لَا يَسۡمَعُونَ – And be not like those who say: ‘’We have heard,’’ but they hear not]: Meaning: Do not suffice with claims that are devoid of reality, for it is something displeasing to Allaah and His Messenger. Eemaan is not wishful thinking and merely adorning oneself with it [outwardly]; rather it is that which firmly settles in the hearts and is affirmed by one’s deeds.  [Source: (Tayseer al-Kareem ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam al-Mannaan). slightly paraphrased]


Consequences of disobeying Allaah and His Messenger

http://www.salaficentre.com/2015/07/allaah-afflicts-mankind-with-different-types-of-afflictions-because-of-their-disobedience-and-wicked-deeds/

Repentance

https://www.salaficentre.com/2012/03/abridged-the-best-way-to-seek-allaahs-forgiveness-with-comments-from-imaam-bin-baaz-rahimahullaah/

https://www.salaficentre.com/2016/08/salaah-tawbah-prayer-repentance/

http://salaficentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/obligation1.pdf

Ahlus Sunnah Hate Those Who Initiate or Innovate Into The Religion That Which Is Not From It – [By Imaam As-Saabooni (rahimahullaah)]

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

Shaikh Rabee Bin Haadi [may Allaah preserve him] quoted Imaam As-Saabooni [rahimahullaah] who stated, “And they [i.e. Ahlul Hadeeth] hated Ahlul-Bid’ah – those who initiated into the religion what is not from it. They neither loved them nor keep company with them. They neither listened to their speech nor sit with them. They neither argued with them about the religion nor debated with them’’. Then Shaikh Rabee said: How is this [the case]? Is this [view introduced] from themselves or guidance from Allaah and His Messenger, and that which the Salafus Saaleh were upon? Allaah [Glorified and Exalted be He] warned against Ahlul Bidah and clarified for us that they are people of desires, and that they follow Mutashaabihaat [i.e. texts that are not entirely clear in what they indicate, so they are referred back to other texts to be explained] and they abandon the Muhkamaat [i.e. texts that are very clear]. Aa’isha [radiyallaahu-anhaa] said: The Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] recited this ayah:

هُوَ الَّذِي أَنزَلَ عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ مِنْهُ آيَاتٌ مُّحْكَمَاتٌ هُنَّ أُمُّ الْكِتَابِ وَأُخَرُ مُتَشَابِهَاتٌ ۖ فَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ فِي قُلُوبِهِمْ زَيْغٌ فَيَتَّبِعُونَ مَا تَشَابَهَ مِنْهُ ابْتِغَاءَ الْفِتْنَةِ وَابْتِغَاءَ تَأْوِيلِهِ ۗ وَمَا يَعْلَمُ تَأْوِيلَهُ إِلَّا اللَّهُ ۗ وَالرَّاسِخُونَ فِي الْعِلْمِ يَقُولُونَ آمَنَّا بِهِ كُلٌّ مِّنْ عِندِ رَبِّنَا ۗ وَمَا يَذَّكَّرُ إِلَّا أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ

It is He Who has sent down to you [Muhammad] the Book [this Qur’an]. In it are Verses that are (entirely clear, they are the foundations of the Book [and those are the Verses of Al-Ahkaam (commandments, etc.), Al-Faraa’id (obligatory duties) and Al-Hudood (legal laws for the punishment of thieves, adulterers, etc.)]; and others are Mutashaabihaat (i.e. not entirely clear in what they indicate, so they are to be referred back to the Muhkamaat to be explained]. So, as for those in whose hearts there is a deviation (from the truth) they follow that which is not entirely clear thereof, seeking Al-Fitnah (polytheism and trials, etc.), and seeking for its hidden meanings, but none knows its hidden meanings except Allaah. And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge say: ‘’We believe in it; the whole of it (clear and unclear Verses) are from our Lord.” And none receive admonition except men of understanding.’’ [Surah Aal Imraan. Aayah 7]  [Then] she [i.e. Aa’isha] said: The Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said, ‘’If you see those who follow thereof that is not entirely clear, then they are those whom Allah has named [as having deviation (from the truth)] so beware of them’’. [Bukhaari Number 4547]

Allaah clarified that they [i.e. ahlul bidah] have desires [i.e. evil desires] and deviation with them, and that they intend to misguide themselves and other people! They desire trials and intend to misguide the people, and that is why the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] mentioned them and described their condition to us. He [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said, ‘’And indeed there will appear a people out of my Ummah in whom desires will run through them just as rabies runs through a dog.’’ [Read here: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2019/08/there-will-appear-a-people-in-this-ummah-in-whom-desires-will-run-through-them-just-as-rabies-runs-through-a-dog/ ]

Ahlul Sunnah – no doubt – hate Ahlul bidah and Imaam [As Saabooni] mentioned a number of them [i.e. senior scholars of ahlul hadeeth] that they are all agreed upon hating [Ahlul bidah]. However, amongst them [i.e Ahlul bidah] there are du’aat [callers to their bidah]- they are neither to be sat with nor debated with, except in cases of necessity and for a Maslahah [i.e. a carefully assessed benefit identified by rightly guided scholars amongst the scholars]; [otherwise], it is not permissible to enter into debate with them. It is not permissible to enter into a specific debate with the rawaafid if you are weak [i.e. in knowledge and character], except if one is a man who is firmly grounded in knowledge and religion, [very proficient in] establishing evidences, clever and a possessor of [that force and strength that enables him to easily excel in debate with the clear proofs without being affected by doubts]; so if he sees a benefit in debating them, he debates them. [Allaah (The Most High) said]: [وَجَادِلْهُم بِالَّتِي هِيَ أَحْسَنُ  – and argue with them in a way that is better]. This is the legislated debate. Allaah did not close the door of debate completely, so if we have a way of establishing the proofs and to guide the people to good, we follow it. The one who is debated with may not benefit but others may benefit.

As for the weak one, then no [i.e. he does not engage in debate]. Even amongst the scholars there is one who is weak and one who is led to be mistaken by Shub’hah [i.e. a statement or affair that resembles the truth but is falsehood in reality]. He may be a scholar but his character is weak, so he becomes weak in the presence of Ahlul bidah, even if they are younger than him and lesser in knowledge! Indeed, it has happened to many of those who ascribe to the Sunnah and Hadeeth [ i.e. fell into some deviation or error] due to their weakness and opposition to the methodology of the Salaf. For example: Al Bayhaqqi was from the seniors of Ahlul hadeeth and their scholars, and was deceived by some of the Ashaa’irah such as Ibn Fawrak and his ilk, so he fell into Ash’ariyyah! How many among the youth- in this era – have been ruined at the hands of Ahlul bidah?! How many youth, middle age men and graduates from universities have been deceived by Ahlul bidah, and thus they fall into their arms?! They are deceived by the parties [of illegal partisanship] and thus fall into their arms! Why is this? Because they did not act upon the statement of the Messenger: “If you see those who follow thereof that is not entirely clear, then they are those whom Allah has named [as having deviation (from the truth)] so beware of them”. The strong one calls Ahlul bidah; he calls the Christians. There has to be dawah in the path of Allaah and there has to be strong scholars who disseminate the religion of Allaah; and when necessary, they debate so that the proofs are established and benefit one who is to benefit. [Source: An Excerpt from ‘Sharh Aqeedah As-Salaf Ashaab Al-Hadeeth’ pages 301-304′. slightly paraphrased]

 

Important Guidance For The Youth of The Ummah –By Shaikh Saaleh Al-Fawzaan [hafidhahullaah]

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

The youth of a nation are the foundation upon which the nation is made to stand firm and they are the successive generation that will shoulder the responsibilities after their fathers. They possess physical strength and they possess new skills which is not possessed by the elders. The elders possess wisdom and experience and the youth possess strength and vigour. Therefore, if the youth and the elders co-operate for the advancement of the nation, a lot of good will result from that.

On the other hand if the youth disassociate from their fathers and elders, the devils amongst mankind and jinn will come in between them and their affairs; so the youth will naturally drift away and the end result will be detrimental to the nation. Hence, for this reason the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) placed importance in giving commands to the youth. He (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said to his uncle’s son Abdullaah Ibn Abbaas (radiyallaahu-anhu), whilst he was a young man: ‘’O young man, I shall teach you some words (of advice). Be mindful of Allaah, and Allaah will protect you. Be mindful of Allaah, and you will find Him in front of you. If you ask, ask Allaah (Alone). If you seek help, seek help from Allaah (alone). Know that if the nation were to gather together to benefit you with something, they would not benefit with anything except that which Allaah has already recorded for you. If they gather to harm you by something, they would not be able to harm you by anything except what Allaah has already recorded against you. The pens have been lifted and the pages have dried’’. (Recorded by Tirmidhee who said it is a Hasan saheeh hadith)

These (above) words are a path for the youth to follow because an advice given to one of (them) is advice for all of them. This advice comprises of guidance for the youth in their creed, behaviour, manners, reliance upon Allaah and belief in pre-decree. It is a tremendous and comprehensive advice. Anas (radiyallaahu anhu) narrated: Once Mu-adh was riding behind Allaah’s Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) as a companion rider. Allaah’s Messenger said, ‘’O Mu’adh!’’. Mu’adh replied, ‘’Labbaik and Sa’daik O Allaah’s Messenger!’’ Again the Prophet said, ‘’O Mu’adh!’’ Mu’aadh said thrice, ‘’Labaik and Sadaik O Messenger of Allaah!’’ Allaah’s Messenger said, ‘’There is none who testifies sincerely from his heart, that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah, and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah, except that Allaah will forbid that he is punished in the fire.’’ Mu’aadh said, ‘’O Messenger of Allaah! Should I not inform the people about it so that they may have glad tidings?’’ He replied, ‘’Then, they will solely depend on it.’’ Then Mu’aadh narrated the above mentioned Hadith just before his death, being afraid of committing a sin (by concealing the knowledge) (reported by Bukhaari No: 128 and Muslim No: 32)

This is guidance for the youth, as the Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) clarifies what is obligated on the creation of Allaah (i.e. Mankind and Jinn) and that is to worship Allaah (alone) without associating a partner to Him. This is the purpose for which Allaah created them. Allaah (The Most High) said: [ وَمَا خَلَقْتُ الْجِنَّ وَالْإِنسَ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُونِ –And I have not created Jinn and Mankind except that they should worship Me alone]. [51: 56]

 The Rights of Allaah upon His Slaves: They are obligatory upon the slaves and not that they have a choice to carry it out or not, rather they are obligatory.  The Rights of The Slaves upon Allaah: This is Allaah’s grace bestowed upon some more than others. It is not that anything is due from Allaah to anyone; rather He bestows this grace, and real grace belongs to Him (The One free from all imperfection). Except that Allaah will forbid that he is punished in the fire:Indeed, this shows that Tawheed is a safeguard against destruction. It is either an absolute safeguard, (i.e. the person upon Tawheed will not be punished) or a safeguard against eternal punishment if he is punished for his sins; rather he will be removed from the fire and entered into paradise, as long as he is from the people of Tawheed and did not associated anything with Allaah. This shows that whoever associates anything with Allaah (The Most High) will be punished eternally. He will never have any happiness. Allaah (The Most High) said:

 إِنَّهُ مَن يُشْرِكْ بِاللَّهِ فَقَدْ حَرَّمَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ الْجَنَّةَ وَمَأْوَاهُ النَّارُ ۖ وَمَا لِلظَّالِمِينَ مِنْ أَنصَارٍ

Verily whosoever sets up partners (in worship) with Allaah, then Allaah has forbidden Paradise to him, and the fire will be his abode. And for the (polytheists and wrong-doers) there are no helpers. [5:72]

And Allaah (The One free from all imperfections) said:

إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يَغْفِرُ أَن يُشْرَكَ بِهِ وَيَغْفِرُ مَا دُونَ ذَٰلِكَ لِمَن يَشَاءُ ۚ

Verily, Allaah forgives not that partners should be set up with Him (in worship), but He forgives other than that to whomsoever He wills. [4:48]

And regarding the statement of the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam): That He (The Most High) is not to punish him who worships none besides Him; Meaning: Everything that is set up as a partner with Allaah (in worship), such as a tree, a stone, a dead or living person, a jinn or a human, or idols, or Angels, or Messengers, or Prophets, or the awliyaa,…anyone who sets up anything as a partner with Allaah (in worship), then indeed Allaah will not pardon him, except if he repents. But if he dies upon shirk, he will abide in the fire forever.

One day, the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said to Umar Bin Abee Salama,– whilst he was a boy under the guardianship of the prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam), because the prophet married his mother after the death of Abee Salama and this boy was under his guardianship–when food was presented: ‘’O boy! Mention the Name of Allaah, eat with your right hand and eat of the dish what is nearer to you’’. This was guidance from the prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) to this boy.

And he (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said in general to all the young men: ‘’O young people! Whoever among you is able to marry, should marry, because it helps him lower his gaze and guard his modesty, and whoever is not able to marry, should fast, fasting will diminish his sexual strength’’.

So, the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) commanded the young men to guard their modesty, either through marriage if they are able or through adopting measures that would weaken and diminish their desires, fearing that they will be put to trial and out of concern for his ummah. This is an advice of the prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) to the young men until the establishment of the hour and it is obligated on them to adhere to it. 

And he (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said: ‘’Among the seven (people) whom Allaah will protect with His Shade on the day when there would be no shade but His Shade, is a young man who grew up in the worship of Allaah’’. Therefore, if he (i.e. the young man) grew up in the worship of Allaah and was not overtaken by youthful excitement, and the whims that lead the youth towards sin, rather he overcame that through obedience to Allaah, he will receive this honour on the day of judgement. Allaah will provide him with shade on that day of severe heat when the sun will be brought close. (On the) day when the people are drenched in sweat, Allaah will provide a group of people amongst mankind with Shade and included amongst them will be young men who grew up in the worship of Allaah.

Examine the statement of the Prophet sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) to Ibn Abbaas (radiyallaahu anhu): ‘’Acknowledge Allaah in times of ease and He will acknowledge you in times of hardship’’. So, if you worship Allaah and seek to get close to Him in times of ease, Allaah will rescue you when you find yourself in hardship and difficulty. Therefore, it is obligated on the fathers to nurture their sons, for indeed the young men will not be rectified except by way of certain means, and from the greatest of these means are:  

[1]Righteous-Upbringing:

It is obligated on the fathers to nurture their sons upon obedience to Allaah. They are to nurture them until they grow up upon righteousness. However, if they are neglected, they will be nurtured upon heedlessness and youthful whims, and thus become lost in society. This is why the Prophets (alayhimus salaam) used to supplicate for their sons and offspring.

Allaah (The Most High) said that Ibraaheem (Alayhis Salaam) said:

رَبِّ اجْعَلْنِي مُقِيمَ الصَّلَاةِ وَمِن ذُرِّيَّتِي ۚ رَبَّنَا وَتَقَبَّلْ دُعَاءِ

O my Lord! Make me one who performs As-Salaat, and also from my offspring…..[14:40]

Allaah (The Most High) said that Zakariyyah (alayhis Salaam) said:

قَالَ رَبِّ هَبْ لِي مِن لَّدُنكَ ذُرِّيَّةً طَيِّبَةً ۖ إِنَّكَ سَمِيعُ الدُّعَاءِ

O my Lord! Grant me from You, a good offspring. You are indeed the All-Hearer of invocation. [3:38]

He (Zakariyya) did not merely say: ”Grant me from You offspring” and then stopped at that, rather he said, ‘Tayyibah’- good (i.e. a good offspring) because good offspring are offspring in reality.

The messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said: ‘’When the son of Aadam dies-all his deeds are terminated except three: an on-going charity, knowledge from which others benefit and a righteous child who supplicates for him. [Reported by Muslim] This takes place after a person’s death, but when he is a state of infirmity and old age, he is treated with goodness. The son he brought up upon good attends to him and supplicates for him. Allaah (The Most High) said:

وَقَضَىٰ رَبُّكَ أَلَّا تَعْبُدُوا إِلَّا إِيَّاهُ وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا ۚ إِمَّا يَبْلُغَنَّ عِندَكَ الْكِبَرَ أَحَدُهُمَا أَوْ كِلَاهُمَا فَلَا تَقُل لَّهُمَا أُفٍّ وَلَا تَنْهَرْهُمَا وَقُل لَّهُمَا قَوْلًا كَرِيمًا

وَاخْفِضْ لَهُمَا جَنَاحَ الذُّلِّ مِنَ الرَّحْمَةِ وَقُل رَّبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًا

And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And that you be dutiful to your parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them but address them in terms of honour. And lower unto them the wing of submission and humility through mercy, and say: ‘’My Lord! Bestow on them Your Mercy as they did bring me up when I was young. [17:23-24]

The child supplicates for them as a result of the righteous upbringing he was nurtured upon and through which he attained happiness-so he repays their goodness with goodness. (Therefore) with regards to this (arises) the obligation to protect children. Indeed, when a man wants to get married, he should choose a righteous woman, and from the usefulness of this woman is that she is able to bring up children upon good. She is a place where the seed is sown and where children are begotten, therefore the man should choose a righteous woman. The prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said: ‘’A woman is married for four; her wealth, family status, beauty and religion. So you should marry the one with religion, otherwise you will be a loser.”

Neither look at her beauty alone nor her wealth; neither her noble origin nor her status amongst the people; rather you look at her Religion because the religion combines all that is good. As for (looking at) other than her religion, then the woman will carry what will not bring about a praiseworthy end result. So by way of her beauty, she will seduce you and with regards to her wealth she will exceed the limits in spending. And with regards to her noble origin, she will exalt herself with it above the man. As for the woman with religion, then nothing comes from her except good. If you are bestowed with righteous offspring from her, she will bring them up upon good.

Choosing a Good Name for the Child:

Also, the father is commanded to select a good name for the child. He should name him with a good name and not a repugnant name. That is because a name has an effect on the one it is named after, as it is said: ”Everyone has a share from his name.” The Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said, ‘’the best of names are Abdullaah and Abdur Rahmaan.’’ This is because they are names of servitude to Allaah, such as Abdul Azeez, Abdur Rahmaan, Abdullaah or Abdul Kareem……and so on; Or name him Muhammad, Ali, Saalih and other than that amongst the good names. Do not name him with a name that makes those who hear it have a dislike of it. That is because a name has an effect upon the one who hears it and the one named after it. And due to this, when Suhail ibnu Amrin came to seek peace with the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) at the time of the Treaty of Hudaybiyah, the prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said, ‘’Now the matter has become easy’’ when suhail approached- this being in agreement with the name suhail because without a doubt a good name has an impression upon the one who hears it and upon the one named after it.

The Aqeeqah:

Also, from the rights of the child upon his father is that he should slaughter a sacrifice for him. He should slaughter for the Aqeeqah on his behalf as an act worship and thanks-giving to Allaah (The Most High). There is seeking nearness to Allaah and being thankful to Him in this (sacrifice) and there is good in it for the newly born because goodness is found in acts of worship. Therefore, he slaughters two sheep for the boy and one for the girl. This is an established Sunnah and there is goodness in it for the newly born. He (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said: ‘’Every newly born is in pledge for his/her aqeeqah’’ (Reported by Abu Daawood. No:2831) The sacrificial slaughter, shaving of the head and naming the child are to be done on the seventh day, and these are from the means of bringing about goodness for the new born. The expense for this is to be undertaken by the father.

Elaboration: Concerning the statement of the prophet: ‘’Every newly born is in pledge for his/her aqeeqah’’

There are a number of views about its meaning:

(a) That the aqeeqah is binding just like the pledge.  (b) That the child’s correct growth and upbringing and his being a source of benefit is tied to the aqeeqah just as article held in pledge for a debt cannot be utilized until the debt is paid. (c) That the child is prevented from interceding for its parents when it dies if aqeeqah was not performed for it. This saying is attributed to Ahmad (rahimahullaah) who declared a weak saying by Ibnul Qayyim. (d)That naming and shaving the head are dependent upon the aqeeqah. (e) It is a means of rescuing the child of being caught and ensnared by shaytaan – and this was the view preferred by Ibnul Qayyim in ‘At-Tuhfah’ (page: 49) [Source: ‘’Manners of Welcoming The New Born Child In Islaam’’ (page:53) translated by Aboo Talhah Dawood Ibn Ronald Burbank (rahimahullaah)]

 Commanding the Children with the Salaah at Age of Seven

Also it is obligated on the parents to implement the command of the prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam): ‘’Command your children to pray when they are seven years old, beat them for it when they are ten and arrange their beds (to sleep) separately.’’

The father is a shepherd and is responsible for his flock (i.e. the family) and likewise the mother is a shepherdess. Therefore, it is obligated on them to command (the children) to pray when they reach the age of seven. Even though the prayer is not an obligation (at that age), but it will have a good effect upon them and so that they get used to it. Similarly, they are to be supervised with regards to sleep and not left close to one another, lest desires should arise between them, thus bringing about corruption. They are to be distanced from one another in bed and not to be left to sleep in the same bed. This is a preventative measure and as it is said, ‘’prevention is better than cure.’’

When the companions of the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) implemented these affairs of guidance on their children, there emerged amongst them young men who directed and led the ummah towards knowledge, jihaad, learning and the call to Allaah (The Most High). (Young men), such as the likes of Ibn Abbaas, Ibn Umar, Abdullaah bin Amr bin al Aas, Mu-aadh Ibn Jabal and Zaid Ibn Thaabit……….. Young men amongst the companions, who are distinctly mentioned in Islamic history because they were brought up upon the guidance of the Messenger of Allaah (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) and upon the good nurturing of their fathers, which brought about good for them.

Therefore, we cannot seek uprightness for the children, whilst we neglect them; rather we have to carry out the means that will lead them to uprightness. As for seeking uprightness for them without carrying out the means, then this would be a loss. ‘’Whoever sought an elevated station without hard work, then he would have already wasted a life span in seeking the impossible.’’ The means must be carried out if you want your young men to be nurtured upon goodness and uprightness. Show concern for them and exercise patience in facing exhaustion that may come your way regarding their affairs, for indeed this (effort) is carried in the path of Allaah.  Allaah (The Most High) said:

وَأْمُرْ أَهْلَكَ بِالصَّلَاةِ وَاصْطَبِرْ عَلَيْهَا

And enjoin (the prayer) on your family and be patient in offering them (i.e. the prayers)’’ (20:132)

Patience must be exercised! It would be far-fetched to desire that one’s son should become upright when one is complacent. One must exercise patience, hope for Allaah’s reward and have a righteous intention. If you carry out the upright means, then indeed Allaah does not cause to go lost the reward of the doer of good. Allaah (The Most High) said:

وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَاتَّبَعَتْهُمْ ذُرِّيَّتُهُم بِإِيمَانٍ أَلْحَقْنَا بِهِمْ ذُرِّيَّتَهُمْ وَمَا أَلَتْنَاهُم مِّنْ عَمَلِهِم مِّن شَيْءٍ ۚ كُلُّ امْرِئٍ بِمَا كَسَبَ رَهِينٌ

And those who believe and whose offspring follow them in Eemaan: to them shall We join their offspring, and We shall not decrease the reward of their deeds in anything. Every person is a pledge for that which he has earned. (52:21)

Allaah will unite the children with their fathers in Paradise because their fathers brought them up upon Eemaan, obedience (to Allaah), worship (of Allaah) and goodness; so they followed their (fathers’) path. And on the Day of Judgement when they and their fathers enter Paradise, so the children take their places in Paradise and their fathers take a higher place, Allaah will bestow His grace upon the fathers by raising their children (to that higher station). And if the fathers are in a (particular) station and the children in a higher one, Allaah will bestow His grace upon the fathers and unite them with their children in Paradise as a source of happiness for them.

Specific Advice to the Young Men:

As for you O young men! It is obligated on you to preoccupy yourselves. First and foremost, seek beneficial knowledge with the support of the scholars-be it in the schools, the institutes, the academies or in the mosques. Attend the lessons of the scholars-those known for knowledge, steadfastness and fear of Allaah, and are free from bizarre views and strange statements. It is obligatory upon you to hold onto the upright scholars- those who direct (the Muslims) to what is correct. So take the creed (i.e. study) from them, and manners, (good) etiquettes and the correct methodology, which you are to implement in yourselves and in your dealings with others, for indeed the scholars are the inheritors of the prophets. And just as the young companions of the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) used to seek knowledge from the Messenger of Allaah (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) and from the scholars amongst them, likewise, you should seek knowledge from the inheritors of the Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) and they are the scholars. Be acquainted with knowledge through its people-be it in the schools or by attending seminars, lectures and religious admonitions or by reading the beneficial books.

Advice on the Right Methodology in Seeking Knowledge:

There are two paths of deviation at present with regards to learning:

[1] Learning from books without referring to the scholars! This is a path of deviation and many have deviated as a result of it. He (i.e. the person) will either misunderstand what is in the books or understands in a way other than what is intended because it has not been explained and made clear to him. [2] The author (of the book) may be deviated in his views or knowledge and fills it (i.e. the book) with mistakes in affairs of knowledge. Then this ignorant youth reads and adopts it. Therefore, the books are not to be solely depended upon. And even if the books are sound, you will not be able to understand by merely seeking after it (i.e. reading). The khawaarij were not misguided and misguiding others with their intellects and fear of Allaah, except that they disassociated themselves from the scholars and depended on their own understanding and that of those similar to them. They took instructions from one another, and thus they caused harm to themselves and to the Ummah. This is the result for disassociating from the scholars.

I advise you to busy yourselves with beneficial knowledge with the support of the scholars, and that you avoid being absorbed and speaking about the people- (such as) backbiting, tale carrying, (false) disparagement and slander. Indeed, this is evil that disperses, divides the youth of the Ummah and causes them to become factions and parties. There are those who have no other concern except, ‘’this one says and that one says that.’’ So seek knowledge until you become acquainted with the truth, but as for seeking after the mistakes of the people before you are acquainted with knowledge, and saying, ‘’this person says and that one says, and be mindful of this one person and that one’’……….this is not a sound methodology. Allaah (The Most High) said: [يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِن جَاءَكُمْ فَاسِقٌ بِنَبَإٍ فَتَبَيَّنُوا  – O you who believe! If a Faasiq (liar-evil person) comes to you with any news, verify it, lest you should harm people in ignorance, and afterwards you become regretful for what you have done. [49:6]

A Warning against the Callers to Misguidance:

O young men! Be warned against the callers to misguidance because they are many today. The prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) warned against them. He (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said: ‘’What I fear most for my nation, is those leaders who will lead astray’’ -and they are those who lead them to misguidance.’’

And he (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said: ‘’What I fear most for my ummah is every hypocrite with an eloquent tongue.’’ This is the one who possesses eloquent impressive speech and he is able to promote his dubious views, whilst falsifying the reality and delivering it to the people. Then the ignorant one thinks that it is knowledge and proof, whilst it is illusion and deceit. So it is obligatory upon you to direct your attention to knowledge and acquire it from those who are well known to be well versed in it. Do not restrict yourself to reading books and listening to audiotapes, for indeed some of the people have taken these audiotapes for learning. And amongst them is one who reads a book or listens to an audiotape and then says: ”I took from the book of such and such or from his audiotape.” This is a grave mistake (because) knowledge is acquired from the scholars. As for these books, they are designated to the scholars and questions are to be asked regarding them, and explanation and clarification given- clarification with regards to the truth and mistakes found in them.

For example, if you want to study medicine, will you read the books on medicine and then implement and give treatment to people based on what you have read? Perhaps this methodology would lead you to kill many people, because you are not a doctor, rather you are a (fake) doctor. And there is threat of a punishment upon the one who practices medicine but is not qualified to do so. Therefore, if this is the case with medicine, then what about the religion, whilst you have not obtained knowledge through a correct methodology; rather you learnt either by way of what you have heard from audio tapes and books you have read or what has been said to you….etc. This is not a path to knowledge. However, we say: There is benefit in the books and tapes together with your sitting with the people of knowledge, and that you ask the teacher questions about what is unclear regarding what you have read or heard.  Allaah (The Most High) said: [ فَاسْأَلُوا أَهْلَ الذِّكْرِ إِن كُنتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ – And ask the people of the reminder if you do not know]. [16:43]

The People of the Reminder are the scholars, so do not depend on your understanding or that of others similar to you, or those beneath you (in rank or value); rather it is obligated on you to ask the people of knowledge. Allaah did not say: ‘’Ask one another’’; rather He said: ‘’Ask the people of the reminder’’ in particular. This is my advice to all the youth that they focus their attention towards beneficial knowledge and to acquire this knowledge from the scholars who are trusted with their knowledge. Some of the salaf said: ‘’Indeed this knowledge is Religion, so look to the one you take your religion from’’. Will you take your religion from an ignorant one or one who misguides others? This is not correct. Will you take your religion from a book? This is not correct! You do not take your religion except from a scholar who is fears Allaah. Allaah (The Most High) said:[إِنَّمَا يَخْشَى اللَّهَ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ الْعُلَمَاءُ – It is only those who have knowledge among His slaves that fear Allaah]. [35:28]

Therefore, take (knowledge) from the scholars with two conditions: The person is a scholar and he is one who fears Allaah. If he is a scholar but does not fear Allaah, you do not take from him. If he is one who fears Allaah, but does not possess knowledge, you do not take from him. It has been reported from the prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) that he said:

Amongst the men of Bani Israel there was a man who had murdered ninety-nine people. Then he set out asking (whether his repentance could be accepted or not). He came upon a monk and asked him if his repentance could be accepted. The monk replied in the negative and so the man killed him. He kept on asking till a man advised to go to such and such village. (So he left for it) but death overtook him on the way. While dying, he turned his chest towards that village (where he had hoped his repentance would be accepted), and so the angels of mercy and the angels of punishment quarrelled amongst themselves regarding him. Allah ordered the village (towards which he was going) to come closer to him, and ordered the village (whence he had come), to go far away, and then He ordered the angels to measure the distances between his body and the two villages. So he was found to be one span closer to the village (he was going to). So he was forgiven. [Reported by Bukhari]

All this good reached him as a result of submitting his questions to the scholar. As for the ignorant worshipper, then what comes from him is known! This (incident shows) the difference between the answer of an ignorant person and that of a scholar. And for this reason, he (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said: The superiority of the scholar over the worshipper is like the superiority of the moon over all the stars” (reported by Abu Daawood No: 3641)

So What Is The Difference Between The Moon And A Star? The moon illuminates the world for the people, as for the star its illumination is limited to itself. The worship (carried out by) the worshipper is only for himself and the people do not benefit from it. As for the scholar, the benefit he has with him is extended to the people, just as the light of the moon is extended to the people. So do not forsake the scholars, rather it is obligated on you to receive them with acceptance. Take from them and submit your questions to them as long as they are alive amongst you. And neither depend on your understanding, nor that of the ignorant ones and the fake scholars-those who have not studied under the people of knowledge. Rather they are either self-taught or taught by those similar to them. The path of these ones and that of those who take from them is error, because they approached knowledge through other than its correct place. Allaah said: [ وَلَيْسَ الْبِرُّ بِأَن تَأْتُوا الْبُيُوتَ مِن ظُهُورِهَا وَلَٰكِنَّ الْبِرَّ مَنِ اتَّقَىٰ ۗ وَأْتُوا الْبُيُوتَ مِنْ أَبْوَابِهَا ۚ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ –It is not (piety, righteousness) that you enter the houses from the back, but (piety, righteousness) is (the quality of the one) who fears Allaah. So enter houses through their (proper) doors, and fear Allaah, that you may be successful]. [3:189]

Therefore, knowledge is to be approached through its doors and not at its highest level; rather there (has to be) gradual progression from the easy issues of the religion to the difficult ones. As for those who take knowledge in one swoop and approach it through its highest point, these ones will not reach anything except ignorance and beguilement. And if only their ignorance and beguilement was limited to themselves; but trouble is that they direct others, issue verdicts and speak about Allaah and His Messenger without knowledge! This is a sinful path-a path to seeking knowledge that is in the increase at present.

Hold on to the Scholars:

Many of the youth have forsaken the scholars and do not take from them. The great trial and tribulation that arose from this has been seen, when someone appeared making claims of jihaad and knowledge, so ruin, terror and killing occurred in the land. This is the result of disassociating from the scholars because those (people) kept away from the scholars and went to those like them amongst the callers to misguidance and the people of deviated views. So they brainwashed and informed them of these views. This is the result of disassociating from the scholars, the society, the jamaa-ah of the Muslims and their leader.

And when the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) informed Hudhaifah Bin Al Yamaan (radiyallaahu-anhu) about the trials, he said: ‘’O Messenger of Allaah, what do you command me if I come across that? He (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said: ‘’Stick to the Jamaa-ah of the Muslims and their Imaam’’ (i.e. the Muslim Ruler) [reported by Bukhari No: 7084]

This is a safeguard from trials, but if you abandon the Jamaa-ah of the Muslims and their Ruler, then indeed you will be destroyed in the trials, just like what took place with those ones and their likes. He (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said: There are three matters, which the heart of the believer does not have an aversion towards: (That is), performing actions sincerely for Allaah, giving sincere advice to the rulers of the Muslims, and sticking to the Jamaa-ah of the Muslims. For indeed, their supplication encompasses them.

And Allaah (The Most High) said:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَكُونُوا مَعَ الصَّادِقِينَ

‘’O you who believe! Have fear of Allaah, and be with those who are true (in words and deeds)’’ [9:119]

That is to be with the Jamaa-ah of the Muslims, the sincere scholars and the Muslim rulers, so that you may be safe from trials and confusing views.

Upon you O youths! Is that you preserve your time for that which is beneficial to you in your religious and worldly affairs- in seeking provision and knowledge, doing good to parents, fulfilling the obligatory affairs and keeping away from the forbidden. This is what you should be upon, for indeed it is the path to safety. Be warned against wasting your time with worthless things, the Internet or with the newspapers that bring about evil and are associated with deviated views.

Be warned against the callers to misguidance-those who prey on the youth, cut them off from their families and society, and inform them of confused views, and thus you find a young man disassociating himself from the state and his family. Then he distances himself from the mosques, the Friday and the five daily prayers. Then his whereabouts become unknown, until the reporters make an announcement about him being arrested or killed. This is the result of heedlessness and the actions of those youth who do not accept advice.

They do not adhere to the statement of the Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) regarding adhering to the Jamaa-ah of the Muslims and their Ruler, obedience and service to parents, observance of the Friday and the five daily prayers. They fell into the hands of their enemies when they neglected these affairs, and thus they were snatched and informed of these confused views, which put an end to their lives. It is difficult to rehabilitate even those who have remained amongst them because it is hard to give treatment to the brainwashed person and the person with corrupt views, just like the sick person afflicted with a disease that has no cure. Rather corrupt views are worse than chronic illness, because chronic illness afflicts the body and as a result death is inevitable. However, the trouble with sick views and a sick mind is that it afflicts the religion and the creed, and there is no happiness after that, except if Allaah grants His favour to the one afflicted by it, and then he repents to Allaah.

Indeed, Allaah has power over all things. However, it is difficult for the likes of these ones to repent, because their intellects have been shackled with confused views. Allaah said: [ فَلَمَّا زَاغُوا أَزَاغَ اللَّهُ قُلُوبَهُمْ ۚ وَاللَّهُ لَا يَهْدِي الْقَوْمَ الْفَاسِقِينَ – So when they turned away (from the path of Allaah), Allaah turned their hearts away (from the right path). And Allaah guides not the people who are Faasiqoon (the rebellious, the disobedient to Allah)]. [61:5]

This is a punishment for them! Allaah is able to guide them, but He (The One Free from All Imperfections) punishes them and prevents them from guidance. Why is this case? This is because they rebel against the Commands of Allaah (The Most High), so Allaah punishes them. And the reality about them is that they neither repent nor return. This is a punishment from Allaah (The Most High). [Taken From a Booklet Titled: Tawjeehaat Muhimmah Li-Shabaabil Ummah]

The Clear Proofs Established – Through The Advent of The Unlettered Prophet- Against The Idolaters And Those People of The Scripture Who Used to Hide The Truth  

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

Allaah [The Most High] said:

هُوَ الَّذِي بَعَثَ فِي الْأُمِّيِّينَ رَسُولًا مِّنْهُمْ

He it is Who sent among the unlettered ones a Messenger (Muhammad) from among themselves. [62:2]

Imaam Ibn Rajab [rahimahullaah] said:

The fact that he is from them carries two beneficial [reminders]: Firstly, indeed this Messenger was also unlettered just like the unlettered ones he was sent to. He never read a book nor wrote with his hand, as Allaah [The Most High] said:

وَمَا كُنتَ تَتْلُو مِن قَبْلِهِ مِن كِتَابٍ وَلَا تَخُطُّهُ بِيَمِينِكَ

Neither did you (O Muhammad) read any book before it (this Qur’an), nor did you write any book (whatsoever) with your right hand. [29:48]

He never left the land of his people [to reside elsewhere] in order to learn anything from them; rather he did not cease being unlettered among the unlettered nation. He neither wrote nor read until he reached the age of forty, then he was given this manifest Book [the Qur’an] that makes things clear.

Secondly: A notification that the one sent among them- the unlettered ones of Makkah in particular- knew his lineage, nobility, truthfulness, trustworthiness and chastity. He grew up among them whilst being well known for [these traits] and that he has never lied. Therefore, when it is the fact that he refrained from lying about the people, then how can he fabricate lies about Allaah. [Ref 1]

Allaah (The Most High) said:

يَـٰٓأَهۡلَ ٱلۡڪِتَـٰبِ قَدۡ جَآءَڪُمۡ رَسُولُنَا يُبَيِّنُ لَكُمۡ ڪَثِيرً۬ا مِّمَّا ڪُنتُمۡ تُخۡفُونَ مِنَ ٱلۡڪِتَـٰبِ وَيَعۡفُواْ عَن ڪَثِيرٍ۬‌ۚ قَدۡ جَآءَڪُم مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ نُورٌ۬ وَڪِتَـٰبٌ۬ مُّبِينٌ۬

يَهۡدِى بِهِ ٱللَّهُ مَنِ ٱتَّبَعَ رِضۡوَٲنَهُ ۥ سُبُلَ ٱلسَّلَـٰمِ وَيُخۡرِجُهُم مِّنَ ٱلظُّلُمَـٰتِ إِلَى ٱلنُّورِ بِإِذۡنِهِۦ وَيَهۡدِيهِمۡ إِلَىٰ صِرَٲطٍ۬ مُّسۡتَقِيمٍ۬

O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians)! Now has come to you Our Messenger (Muhammad) explaining to you much of that which you used to hide from the Scripture and passing over (i.e. leaving out without explaining) much.  Indeed, there has come to you from Allah a light (Prophet Muhammad) and a plain Book (this Qur’an).  Wherewith Allah guides all those who seek His Good Pleasure to ways of peace, and He brings them out of darkness by His Will unto light and guides them to a Straight Way (Islamic Monotheism). [Surah Al-Maa-idah Aayaat 15-16]

After Allaah made a mention of the covenant He took from the people of the scripture-the Jews and Christians- [i.e. in Aayaat 12-14 Surah Maa-idah] and that they violated it except a few amongst them, He then commanded all of them to believe in Muhammad (sallal-laahu – alayhi – wasallam).  He established the proof against them through clear signs that shows the soundness of Muhammad’s (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) Prophethood; and that is: He explained to them much of that which they concealed from mankind, even from the common people who follow their religion.

And if they [i.e. the Jews and Christians] were the ones with knowledge and no one else possessed knowledge during that era except them, then an eager seeker of knowledge would not have had any access to it, except through them. So the Messenger’s arrival with this Great Qur’aan that clarifies for them that which they used to hide amongst themselves–whilst he was unlettered and could neither read nor write–is from the surest of evidences concerning the unequivocal establishment of his Messenger ship, and likewise his qualities mentioned in their books, the presence of the prophecies about him in their books, the verses concerning the divine legislated laws against adultery and what is similar to it.

[وَيَعۡفُواْ عَن ڪَثِيرٍ -And passing over (i.e. leaving out without explaining) much]- Meaning: He abstained from explaining that which is not in agreement with the perfect and infallible wisdom contained in the divine laws. [قَدۡ جَآءَڪُم مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ نُورٌ۬ وَڪِتَـٰبٌ۬ مُّبِينٌ۬- Indeed, there has come to you from Allah a light (Prophet Muhammad) and a plain Book (this Qur’an)]- Meaning: The Qur’aan that gives light [to those] in the midst of the darkness of ignorance and the foolishness of misguidance. [وَڪِتَـٰبٌ۬ مُّبِينٌ۬ – And a plain Book (this Qur’an)], for everything needed by creation [i.e. Mankind and Jinn] in their worldly and religious affairs–such as knowledge and awareness of Allaah; His Names, Attributes and Actions; knowledge of the rulings of the divine Islamic legislation and His Rulings on recompense.

Then He (The Most High ) mentioned those who are guided by this Qur’aan and the reason behind the slave being guided, so He (The Most High ) said : [يَهۡدِى بِهِ ٱللَّهُ مَنِ ٱتَّبَعَ رِضۡوَٲنَهُ ۥ سُبُلَ ٱلسَّلَـٰمِ -Wherewith Allah guides all those who seek His Good Pleasure to ways of peace]- Meaning: It guides the one who strives and is eager to seek Allaah’s Good pleasure with a good aim; (to the) [سُبُلَ ٱلسَّلَـٰمِ -Ways of peace] that safeguards a person from punishment when he follows them and leads him to the abode of peace (i.e. paradise), and that is to possess knowledge of the truth and to act upon it- in its general and specific affairs. [وَيُخۡرِجُهُم مِّنَ – And He brings them out] from the darkness of disbelief,  bidah, disobedience, ignorance and heedlessness, and enters them into the light of Imaan, the Sunnah, obedience, knowledge and remembrance of Allaah.  All these affairs of guidance are reached by the permission of Allaah- The One that whatever He wills has to take place and whatever He does not will cannot take place. [وَيَهۡدِيهِمۡ إِلَىٰ صِرَٲطٍ۬ مُّسۡتَقِيمٍ – And guides them to a Straight Way (Islamic Monotheism)]. [Ref 2]


[Ref 1: Source: An Excerpt from Lataa’if Al-Ma’aarif. Page 166-16. slightly paraphrased]; [Ref 2: An Excerpt from Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan’ by Imaam Sa’di (rahimahullaah). Slightly paraphrased