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An Introspective Scrutiny of the Conscience – Before Sunrise – Through Some Admonitions of the Virtuous

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Articles, Mental Health, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah', Zuhd (Abstinence).

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

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

When a person does not act on the truth he is in need of- neither affirming nor loving it, he is an oppressor against himself. When he affirms or loves falsehood, and follows his desires, he is an oppressor against himself.

Oppressing oneself occurs due to following conjecture and what the soul desires, and this can occur through following one’s views and desires.

Bidah is the basis of evil and that is to give precedence to one’s intellect over the divin text and choosing one’s desires over the fulfilment of a command; and following guidance is the basis of good, as Allah, The Most High, said:

فَإِمَّا يَأۡتِيَنَّڪُم مِّنِّى هُدً۬ى فَمَنِ ٱتَّبَعَ هُدَاىَ فَلَا يَضِلُّ وَلَا يَشۡقَىٰ
وَمَنۡ أَعۡرَضَ عَن ذِڪۡرِى فَإِنَّ لَهُ ۥ مَعِيشَةً۬ ضَنكً۬ا وَنَحۡشُرُهُ ۥ يَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ أَعۡمَىٰ

Then if there comes to you guidance from Me, then whoever follows My Guidance shall neither go astray, nor fall into distress and misery. “But whosoever turns away from My Reminder (i.e. neither believes in this Quran nor acts on its orders, etc.) verily, for him is a life of hardship, and We shall raise him up blind on the Day of Resurrection.” [Ta Ha. 123-124] [1]

Al-Allamah Abdur-Rahmaan Ibn Yahyah Al-Mu’allimee, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

The human being does not hate truth due to considering it to be falsehood; rather he loves truth through his Fitra and loves falsehood due to his desires and lusts. The shift towards success or loss defends on what he gives preference to. Allah said:

فَأَمَّا مَن طَغَىٰ
وَءَاثَرَ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةَ ٱلدُّنۡيَا
فَإِنَّ ٱلۡجَحِيمَ هِىَ ٱلۡمَأۡوَىٰ
وَأَمَّا مَنۡ خَافَ مَقَامَ رَبِّهِۦ وَنَهَى ٱلنَّفۡسَ عَنِ ٱلۡهَوَىٰ
فَإِنَّ ٱلۡجَنَّةَ هِىَ ٱلۡمَأۡوَىٰ

Then, for him who Tagha (transgressed) and preferred the life of this world (by following his evil desires and lusts), Verily, his abode will be Hellfire; But as for him who feared standing before his Lord, and restrained himself from impure evil desires, and lusts. Verily, Paradise will be his abode. [An-Naazi’aat. 37-41] [2]

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

The servant does not embark upon that which he has been forbidden except through two ways- either due harbouring evil thoughts about his Lord that if he were to obey Allah and preferred Him, Allaah will not grant him that which is better from the lawful things; or he acknowledges that (Allaah will grant him something better than the forbidden thing he wants) and that whoever leaves something for Allah’s sake, Allaah will replace it with something better; but lusts overcomes his patience and desires overcomes his intellect. The first affair is due to weakness in knowledge and the second a weakness in intellect and insight. [3]

Illegal Partisanship

A person sees that acknowledging the truth would necessitate an acknowledgment that he was upon falsehood. A person is nurtured upon a religion, creed, school of thought or views acquired from his nurturer and teacher, which he considers to be the truth and followed it for a long time.

Then when it becomes clear to him that (such religion, creed, view or school of thought) is false, it becomes difficult for him to acknowledge, just as when his forefathers, ancestors or the one he follows are upon a (particular) way and then its falsity is clarified for him. This is because he sees that their deficiencies necessitate his own deficiencies and acknowledgement of their misguidance or errors necessitates his own deficiencies.

In this era of ours, you even see a woman who comes across an issue related to the religion – in which there is a difference of opinion between the mother of the believers Aa’isha and others amongst the companions, may Allah be pleased with them, so she defends Aa’isha’s position solely due to the fact that Aaisha is a woman like her. When she presumes and then claims that Aa’isha is correct and those men who oppose her position are mistaken, in this is an affirmation of Aa’isha’s virtue over those men, which then becomes a virtue for women unrestrictedly and she receives some of that. And through this appears – to you – the underlying reasons behind the bigoted partisanship of an Arab to an Arab, a Persian to a Persian, a Turk to a Turk and other than that. [4]

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

How many a person knows about love of Allah, its rulings and all the affairs it necessitates, but his heart is deprived of it?! And how many a servant (of Allah) knows and bears witness to the pre-decree of Allah and the excellence of sufficing oneself with Him, but when that which has been decreed takes place in opposition to what he desires, you see him anxious- having no tranquility and certainty, nor repose?! And only the one whose heart has acquired knowledge and awareness of Allah in truth is at ease with the fact that Allaah is sufficient for him, whilst submitting to His judgements regardless what the state of affairs may turn out to be.  And how many a person knows the rulings of trade and its details, but at the time of dealing, buying and selling, he does not deal in a beautiful manner with others?!  So, do not be deceived when you know something that you will be attributed to it. This is why it is obligated on a person to ask Allaah for beneficial knowledge- knowledge that produces [righteous] deeds.  And Allaah knows best. [5]

One day Sufyaan Ath-Thawree, may Allah have mercy upon him, sat and spoke, while Sa’eed Ibn As-Saa’ib at-Taa’ifee, may Allah have mercy upon him, was present in the gathering; so Sa’eed started weeping until Sufyaan felt sorry for him. Then Sufyaan said to him, “O Sa’eed! What makes you weep when you heard me mentioning the good people and their deeds?” He said, “O Sufyaan! What should prevent me from weeping, for when the stations of the good people are mentioned, I am not from them’. So Sufyaan said, ‘You have a right [or it is befitting that] you weep”. [6]

[1] Sharh al-Hadith “Allaahummah Innee Zalamtu Nafsee Katheeran. page 66.

[2] At-Tankeel Bimaa Fee Ta’neeb Al-Kawtharee Minal Baatil. 2/179 with the checking of Imam al Albaanee, may Allah have mercy upon him.

[3] An Excerpt from Al-Fawaa’d. page 78

[4] Aathaar Ash-Shaikh Al-Allaamah Abdur Rahmaan Bin Yahyaa al-Mu’allimee. 11/294

[5] Majmu Al-Fawaa’id Waqtinaas Al-Awaabid. Faa’idah Number 14

[6] Muhaasabah An-Nafs page 76- By Ibn Abee Dunya, may Allah have mercy upon him.

An Incident at Fustat: When Status Meets Truth, Humility as the Scholar’s Test and Shield

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Articles, Featured, History of Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah', Zuhd (Abstinence).

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

Imam Abu Bakr Ibn Al-Arabi Al-Maliki, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: Muhammad Bin Qasim Al-Uthmani, may Allah have mercy upon him, told me more than once:

“I arrived in Fustat one day, then I went to the gathering of Shaikh Abi Al-Fadl Al-Jawhari, may Allah have mercy upon him, and there I witnessed a statement that he uttered to the people. And that which he stated – in the first gathering when I sat with him – was that ‘The Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, طلق – i.e. he did divorce, ظاهر – i.e. he did utter the statement to a wife, ‘You are like my mother’s back’, and آلى – i.e. he made an oath to abandon his wives for a month”.

When he (i.e. Shaikh Abi Al-Fadl Al-Jawhari) left, I followed him until I reached his house with a group of people; then he sat with us in the vestibule and acquainted them with my affair because he saw a stranger [i.e. I (Muhammad Bin Qasim)] and did not know the person among those who came to him before. When most of them departed from him, he said to me, “I see that you are a stranger; do you have anything to say?” I said, “Yes”. He said to his companions, “Excuse him from having to speak in your presence”, so, they got up and I stayed alone with him. I said to him, “I attended your gathering today so that Allah may bless me (with some of the knowledge you possess), and I heard you say, ‘Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] آلى – i.e. he once made an oath to abandon his wives for a month and what you said was true; طلق – i.e. he did divorce women, and what you said was true, and you said that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, ظاهر i.e. he did utter the statement to a wife, ‘You are like my mother’s back’, but this never happened and can never be correct to say that it happened because Az-Zihaar [i.e. to say to one’s wife, ‘You are like my mother’s back’ (i.e. unlawful for me to approach)] is an evil statement and false speech, and this can never be uttered by the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him”. He hugged and kissed my forehead, and said, “I repent from this statement. May Allah reward you on my behalf as a good teacher”.

I departed from his presence, and the next day I went early to his gathering, but he was in the Central Masjid before me and was sitting on the pulpit. When I entered the Masjid and thus he saw me, he called out at the top of his voice (saying), “Welcome, my teacher. Make room for my teacher”. So, the people turned towards me and their eyes stared at me! O Abu Bakr! And you know me – meaning, he (i.e. Muhammad Bin Qasim Al-Uthmani) was indicating to Ibn Al-Arabi about his extremely shy character because when someone greeted him by surprise, he would feel shy – due to his extreme shyness – and turned red as if his face was painted with Gulnaar (pomegranate blossom). He (i.e. Muhammad Bin Qasim) continued, “People hastened towards me, raising their hands towards me (i.e. acknowledging me) and nudging me until I reached the pulpit, and I did not know in which part of the earth I was due to my extreme shyness (i.e. shocked), whilst the Masjid was overcrowded with people and I sweated due to shyness. Then the Shaikh turned towards the people and said to them, ‘I am your teacher and this is my teacher! Yesterday, I told you that Allah’s Messenger آلى – i.e. he once made an oath to abandon his wives for a month; طلق – i.e. he did divorce women, and ظاهر i.e. he once uttered the statement to a wife, ‘You are like my mother’s back’, and neither did a single one of you give me the correct understanding nor respond to me, but he (i.e. Muhammad Bin Qaasim) followed me to my house and said such and such to me. I repeat (i.e. right now) what took place between him and I, repent from yesterday’s statement, and return to the truth. Whoever hears it from those who were present, let him not rely on what he says, and let the one who is present convey this affair to the absent one. May Allaah reward him with good’”. Then he (i.e. Shaikh Abee Al-Fadl) started supplicating a lot and the people responded with Aameen.

Ibn Al-Arabi stated – after narrating this incident- “So look – may Allah have mercy upon you – at this firm adherence to the religion and an acknowledgment of the people of knowledge given by this man – whose leadership was manifest and whose worth was well known- to a stranger whom he neither knew nor where he came from! Follow his example and you’ll be led aright”. [Ahkam Al-Qur’an 1/248-249]

———————————

Zihaar: Allah [The Exalted] says:

ٱلَّذِينَ يُظَـٰهِرُونَ مِنكُم مِّن نِّسَآٮِٕهِم مَّا هُنَّ أُمَّهَـٰتِهِمۡ‌ۖ إِنۡ أُمَّهَـٰتُهُمۡ إِلَّا ٱلَّـٰٓـِٔى وَلَدۡنَهُمۡ‌ۚ وَإِنَّہُمۡ لَيَقُولُونَ مُنڪَرً۬ا مِّنَ ٱلۡقَوۡلِ وَزُورً۬ا‌ۚ وَإِنَّ

Those among you who make their wives unlawful (Az-Zihar) to them by saying to them “You are like my mother’s back.” They cannot be their mothers. None can be their mothers except those who gave them birth. And verily, they utter an evil statement and a lie. [Surah Al-Mujaadilah. Ayah 2]

Two Timeless Traits That Have Always Defined Ideal Role Models

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

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

Two Timeless Traits That Have Always Defined Ideal Role Models—No Matter the Era and Competition For Global Influence

Allah, The Mighty and Majestic, said:

إِنَّ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ كَانَ أُمَّةً قَانِتًا لِّلَّهِ حَنِيفًا وَلَمْ يَكُ مِنَ ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ

Verily, Ibrahim was an Ummah (leader), Qanitan (obedient), Hanifan (one who worshipped Allah alone), and he was not one of the Mushrikeen (polytheists and those who associate partners with Allah in worship). [An-Nahl. 120]

Ibrahim, peace be upon him, is the leader of the Hunafaa (the adherents to Tawhid) and this is why Allah said to him: [إِنِّى جَاعِلُكَ لِلنَّاسِ إِمَامًا – Verily, I am going to make you a leader (Prophet) of humankind]. [Al-Baqarah. 124]

It is a tradition among people to align themselves with prominent figures, particularly those they deeply respect. Therefore, if an individual claims that their chosen leader is an Imam (a virtuous guide), it is important to recognise that no Imam surpasses Prophet Ibrahim (following Prophet Muhammad). Allah has made declarations regarding Prophet Ibrahim:

وَمَن يَرْغَبُ عَن مِّلَّةِ إِبْرَٰهِۦمَ إِلَّا مَن سَفِهَ نَفْسَهُۥ

And who turns away from the religion of Ibrahim (i.e. Islamic Monotheism) except him who befools himself]! [Al-Baqarah. 130]

When an individual relies this as evidence to assert that the person they follow is an Imam, it is essential to scrutinise the Aqeedah (Islamic Creed) of that individual whom they elevate to the status of Imam. This evaluation should be conducted in accordance with the Qur’an to determine if he belongs to the adherents of Tawhid. Should someone attempt to validate the position of Imam as a form of proof, it is imperative that this proof entails a thorough examination of the Aqeedah of the individual designated as Imam, assessed against the Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah, to ascertain whether he embodies the principles of Tawhid. Furthermore, Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, said regarding the Prophet:

لَّقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِى رَسُولِ ٱللَّهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ لِّمَن كَانَ يَرْجُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَٱلْيَوْمَ ٱلْءَاخِرَ وَذَكَرَ ٱللَّهَ كَثِيرًا

Indeed in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad) you have a good example to follow for him who hopes in (the Meeting with) Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah much. [Surah Al-Ahzab. 21] (1)

Prophet Saul, peace be upon him

Allah, The Exalted, stated about the Children of Israel:

وَقَالَ لَهُمْ نَبِيُّهُمْ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ قَدْ بَعَثَ لَكُمْ طَالُوتَ مَلِكًا قَالُوٓا۟ أَنَّىٰ يَكُونُ لَهُ ٱلْمُلْكُ عَلَيْنَا وَنَحْنُ أَحَقُّ بِٱلْمُلْكِ مِنْهُ وَلَمْ يُؤْتَ سَعَةً مِّنَ ٱلْمَالِ قَالَ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ ٱصْطَفَىٰهُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَزَادَهُۥ بَسْطَةً فِى ٱلْعِلْمِ وَٱلْجِسْمِ وَٱللَّهُ يُؤْتِى مُلْكَهُۥ مَن يَشَآءُ وَٱللَّهُ وَٰسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ

And their Prophet (Samuel) said to them, “Indeed Allah has appointed Talut (Saul) as a king over you.” They said, “How can he be a king over us when we are better fitted than him for the kingdom, and he has not been given enough wealth.” He said: “Verily, Allah has chosen him above you and has increased him abundantly in knowledge and stature. And Allah grants His Kingdom to whom He wills. And Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures’ needs, All-Knower.” [Al-Baqarah 247]

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

He [Talut] was given deep insight and physical strength through which he was qualified for his position as king because if he has deep insight and the ability to implement the right decision, he will be able to fulfil this role in the most perfect manner; but if he lacked one of the two, he would not be able to do his job properly. If he was physically strong but lacked deep insight, a king would be unsuccessful in running the affairs of the kingdom because his strength would not be utilised wisely. If he had deep insight but did not have the strength to implement any decisions, his insight would not benefit him because he would not be able to achieve anything. [2]

The Goal Behind Leadership

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

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

وَٱلَّذِينَ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا هَبْ لَنَا مِنْ أَزْوَٰجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّٰتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعْيُنٍ وَٱجْعَلْنَا لِلْمُتَّقِينَ إِمَامًا

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

They ask Allah to grant them the comfort of the eye by making their wives and offspring obedient to Allah, and to grant them happiness in their hearts due to being followed by the righteous in obedience and servitude to Allah. This is because a trustworthy leader in the religion cooperates upon obedience and the call them to (sound) leadership in the religion, whose foundation is patience and certainty, as Allah said:

وَجَعَلۡنَا مِنۡہُمۡ أَٮِٕمَّةً۬ يَہۡدُونَ بِأَمۡرِنَا لَمَّا صَبَرُواْ‌ۖ وَڪَانُواْ بِـَٔايَـٰتِنَا يُوقِنُونَ

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

Thus, in their supplication to Allah that He makes them leaders of the righteous people, is that Allah guides, grants them success, bless them with beneficial knowledge and righteous actions–outwardly and inwardly–without which (sound) leadership in the religion cannot be achieved.

This is different from (merely) seeking leadership, for indeed its seekers hasten to obtain it in order to achieve their goals, exaltedness in the earth, enslavement and attachment of the hearts to them, and aiding them in all their goals, while they are exalted and everyone subservient to them. This pursuit of leadership brings about corruption – (the extent) which none can encompass (in their knowledge) except Allah- such as rebellion, envy, transgression, enmity, oppression, trials, being ardent in defending oneself at the expense of violating the rights of Allah, exalting those despised by Allah and belittling those honoured by Allah. [3] [end of quote]

In light of this matter, the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, has left us with clear guidance on how to deal with rulers. Just as we are not infallible, rulers too will err. Therefore, as our relationships with one another across various walks of life are determined by divine revelation, so too is our relationship with those in authority guided by divine revelation. Please read further below:

Believer’s Bahaviour Towards Muslim Rulers – [Supplicates For Them….]

Furthermore, we are bound by a covenant to uphold while coexisting with non-Muslim governments, and we do not follow the path of the khawarij in our interactions with non-Muslims, nor do we act in a treacherous manner. This is neither a passive view nor a compromise, as the radicals attempt to portray, rather, it is rooted in Islamic law because Islam is perfect way of life that establishes justice and well being for all. Read below by Shaikh Abu Iyaad, may Allah preserve him.

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

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

 

[1] An Excerpt from ‘Sharh Kitaab At-Tawheed’. Lesson 1 By Shaikh Abdur Razaaq Al-Badr, may Allah preserve him.

[2] Tafsir As-Sadi

[3] An Excerpt from Ar-Ruh. 487-489

The Silent Admission of Willing Murderers

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Articles, Basics, Death, Fitnah, Mental Health, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Scholars of Islam, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

The Silent Admission of Willing (Intentional) Aware, Rational Rule-Breaking Murderers Without Evidence of a Legally Defined Self-Defense Case When the Strong Influence of Taqwah Is Absent to Restrain the Wicked Soul

Imam As-Sadi, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated in his Tafsir of Ayah 32 in Surah An-Nisaa about the one who kills without a justified reason:

فلما تجرأ على قتل النفس التي لم تستحق القتل علم أنه لا فرق عنده بين هذا المقتول وبين غيره، وإنما ذلك بحسب ما تدعوه إليه نفسه الأمارة بالسوء. فتجرؤه على قتله، كأنه قتل الناس جميعا. وكذلك من أحيا نفسا أي: استبقى أحدا، فلم يقتله مع دعاء نفسه له إلى قتله، فمنعه خوف الله تعالى من قتله، فهذا كأنه أحيا الناس جميعا، لأن ما معه من الخوف يمنعه من قتل من لا يستحق القتل

When he had the effrontery to kill a soul that does not deserve to be killed, it is known that (or it implies that) for him (i.e. the murderer) there is no distinction between this one who is killed and other than him (i.e. another person not murdered yet), rather,  that (i.e. his deed of unlawful killing) is due to what his evil soul calls him to. Thus, his dareness to kill him is as if he has killed all humankind.

On the other hand, the one who saves a life, meaning, spares the life of someone and does not kill him, while his soul entices him, but fear of Allah, The Most High, prevents him from killing, this is as if he has saved the lives of all humankind, because the fear (of Allah) with him prevents him from killing the one who does not deserve to be killed.

An Excerpt from “Tafsir As-Sadi”. Paraphrased

 

NB: In all of this, it’s important to remember certain points that are present in the final divine revelation and in the different Tafaaseer of the Qur’an, including Tafsir As-Sadi.

The murderer is dealt with along with the rights of the victim and their family through legal means. Vigilantism is not allowed under any circumstances.

The doors of repentance are still open for the murderer even though the legal consequences are still in place from the beginning to the end through the courts.

All of this is outlined in Shariah law regarding crimes.

Within a month – in a Time Period of Impunity – a Close Companion Spoke to Us About the Mentalities and Shared Six Admonitions

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Articles, Death, Featured, Fitnah, Jannah (Paradise), Mental Health, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Repentance, Scholars of Islam, Shirk, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah', Zuhd (Abstinence).

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

Muttarrif Bin Abdillah, may Allah have mercy upon him, used to say:

“People’s intellects are in accordance with (circumstances) of their era”.

[Siyar A’lam An-Nubulaa 4/188]

 

First Reminder:Allah Never Commits Injustice!

Allah, The Most High, said:

إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يَظْلِمُ مِثْقَالَ ذَرَّةٍ ۖ وَإِن تَكُ حَسَنَةً يُضَاعِفْهَا وَيُؤْتِ مِن لَّدُنْهُ أَجْرًا عَظِيمًا

Surely! Allah does not do injustice, even as much as an atom (or a small ant), but if there is any good (done), He doubles it, and gives from Himself a great reward. [An-Nisaa 40]

Allah, The Most High, informs us of the perfection of His justice and grace, as well as being far removed from everything that is in opposition to this, whether it is minor or major injustice. He says:

إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يَظْلِمُ مِثْقَالَ ذَرَّةٍ ۖ

Surely! Allah does not do injustice, even as much as an atom (or a small ant).

Meaning, He neither diminishes the good deeds of His servant nor increases their sins, as He said (in Surah Az-Zalzalah):

فَمَنْ يَعْمَلْ مِثْقَالَ ذَرَّةٍ خَيْرًا يَرَهُ وَمَنْ يَعْمَلْ مِثْقَالَ ذَرَّةٍ شَرًّا يَرَه

So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it, and whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it.

“But if there is a good deed done, He doubles it”.

Meaning, multiplied up to tenfold or even more, depending on the deed, its benefit, the situation of the doer, their level of sincerity, love for Allah, and the perfection of the deed.

“And (He – Allah) gives from Himself a great reward”.

Meaning, not only the reward for the deed itself but also guidance towards other good actions and the provision of abundant blessings and goodness. [1]

 

Second Reminder: Anyone who gives up something for Allah’s sake will be given something better in its place!

This matter is found in many places in the Qur’an. Allah mentioned it in relation to the first immigrants who left their homes, wealth, and loved ones behind for the sake of Allah, thus, Allah substituted that for them with increased provision, honour, and authority in the worldly life.

When Ibrahim, peace be upon him, disassociated himself from his people, his father, and that which they worshipped other than Allah [i.e. departed after his father threatened to stone him for rejecting the idols], Allah bestowed on him Ishaq, Yaqub, and righteous offspring. When Sulayman, peace be upon him, was diverted from remembering Allah by his horses, he got rid of them, thus, Allah substituted them.

فَسَخَّرۡنَا لَهُ ٱلرِّيحَ تَجۡرِى بِأَمۡرِهِۦ رُخَآءً حَيۡثُ أَصَابَ
وَٱلشَّيَـٰطِينَ كُلَّ بَنَّآءٍ۬ وَغَوَّاصٍ۬

So, We subjected to him the wind; it blew gently by his order whithersoever he willed. And also the Shayaateen (devils) from the jinn (including) every kind of builder and diver. [Sa’d. 36-37]

When the people of the cave [i.e. the young men mentioned in Surah Al-kahf] separated themselves from their people and what they worshipped other than Allah, Allah bestowed His Mercy on them, facilitated means of success and tranquillity for them, and made them a guide for the misguided.

And (regarding) Maryam, peace be upon her, Allah said:

وَٱلَّتِىٓ أَحۡصَنَتۡ فَرۡجَهَا فَنَفَخۡنَا فِيهَا مِن رُّوحِنَا وَجَعَلۡنَـٰهَا وَٱبۡنَهَآ ءَايَةً۬ لِّلۡعَـٰلَمِينَ

And she who guarded her chastity (virgin Maryam), We breathed into (the sleeves of) her (shirt or garment) (through our Ruh Jibraa-eel), and We made her and her son (Eesa) a sign for the Aalameen (mankind and jinn)]. [Al-Anbiya. Ayah 91]

Whoever gives up what their Nafs call them to – the vain desires, Allah will replace it for them with His love, repentance to Him, and what is better from that which is gathered for them of the pleasures of this life. (2)

 

Third Reminder: Whoever Abandons What is Beneficial Will Be Put to Trial With What Is Harmful!

This is found in a number of verses, that when the polytheists shunned the worship of Ar-Rahman (Allah), they were put to trial with the worship of images (idols).

When they displayed haughtiness and claimed that the Messengers were (only) humans (i.e. therefore they are not obliged to follow the Messengers), they were put trial with submission to everything that made (their) intellect and religion unstable.

When Iman was clearly shown to them (i.e. the disbelievers) at the first instance and they recognised it, but then turned away from it, Allah – Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections- turned away, afflicted and sealed their hearts.  Thus, they did not believe until they perceived the painful punishment.

After the straight path was clarified for them, but they deviated from it by choice and approved the path of deviation in opposition to the path of guidance, they were punished- Allah allowed their hearts to stray (due to their own wrong doing) and became confounded in their path (of misguidance).

When they belittled the signs of Allah and His Messengers, Allah belittled them with a humiliating punishment. When they displayed haughtiness, Allah humiliated them in this life and the next.

When they forbade that Allah’s Name be glorified and mentioned in the Mosques of Allah and strive for their ruin, it was not fitting after that they should enter it except in fear.

وَمِنْهُم مَّنْ عَاهَدَ اللَّـهَ لَئِنْ آتَانَا مِن فَضْلِهِ لَنَصَّدَّقَنَّ وَلَنَكُونَنَّ مِنَ الصَّالِحِينَ
فَلَمَّا آتَاهُم مِّن فَضْلِهِ بَخِلُوا بِهِ وَتَوَلَّوا وَّهُم مُّعْرِ‌ضُونَ
فَأَعْقَبَهُمْ نِفَاقًا فِي قُلُوبِهِمْ إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ يَلْقَوْنَهُ بِمَا أَخْلَفُوا اللَّـهَ مَا وَعَدُوهُ وَبِمَا كَانُوا يَكْذِبُونَ

And of them are some who made a covenant with Allah (saying): ”If He bestowed on us of His Bounty, we will verily give Sadaqah (Zakat and voluntary charity in Allaah’s cause) and will be certainly among those who are righteous”.  ‘Then when He gave them of His Bounty, they became niggardly [refused to pay the Sadaqah (Zakat or voluntary charity)], and turned away, averse.  So He punished them by putting hypocrisy into their hearts till the Day whereon they shall meet him, because they broke that (covenant with Allaah) which they had promised to Him and because they used to tell lies”. [at-Tawbah. Aayaat 75-77]

The verses that convey this meaning are numerous and in them is that a servant (of Allah) was close to being guided and made to follow the straight path, but then he abandoned it after being acquainted, or he renounced it after following it, thus he is punished and has no right to guidance.  This is a recompense for his actions, as Allah says about the Yahud [i.e. those who knew the truthfulness of Muhammad’s, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, Messengership, but turned away from it wilfully]:

وَلَمَّا جَاءَهُمْ رَ‌سُولٌ مِّنْ عِندِ اللَّـهِ مُصَدِّقٌ لِّمَا مَعَهُمْ نَبَذَ فَرِ‌يقٌ مِّنَ الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ كِتَابَ اللَّـهِ وَرَ‌اءَ ظُهُورِ‌هِمْ كَأَنَّهُمْ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ
وَاتَّبَعُوا مَا تَتْلُو الشَّيَاطِينُ عَلَىٰ مُلْكِ سُلَيْمَانَ

And when there came to them a Messenger from Allah (i.e Muhammad) confirming what was with them, a party of those who were given the Scripture threw away the Book of Allah behind their backs as if they did not know!  They followed what the (devils) gave out (falsely of the magic) in the lifetime of Sulayman.  [Al-Baqarah. 101-102]

They abandoned the most sublime, the most beneficial and the most truthful of the Books (i.e. the Qur’an), thus Allah put them to trial with following that which is the most debased, most untruthful, and most harmful. Those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger abandon spending their wealth in obedience to Allah, and (instead) spend it in obedience to Shaytan. (3)

 

Fourth Reminder: Sin Breed Other Similar Sins!

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

Sins breed similar sins, and they give rise to one another, making it difficult for a person to abandon them, as some of the pious predecessors said, “Indeed, one of the punishments for an evil deed is to commit another one after it, and one of the rewards for good deeds is doing a good deed after it. When a servant of Allah does a good deed, another good deed says, “Let me be like that one”. The third one does the same, and so on, leading to an increase in rewards and a multiplication of good deeds, and the same applies to evil deeds, until good deeds and sins becoming essential traits and established habits.

If a person who does good neglects obedience, they will feel constricted and uneasy, much like a fish out of water until it returns to its natural environment to find peace. If a sinner turns away from wrongdoing and embraces righteousness, they may feel a sense of inner turmoil, leading them to revert to their old ways. Many wrongdoers engage in sinful acts not out of pleasure or desire, but rather due to the discomfort they experience when trying to abandon those actions. (4)

 

Fifth Reminder: None Can Guide You Except Allah!

“Whoever Allah misguides, then none can guide him”.

This occurs based on Allah’s Perfect Wisdom and Just Decree, as recompense for one’s wickedness (a); due to a hidden plot in one’s heart (b); due one turning away from guidance and behaving as if he does not know Allah’s guidance (c); turning away from Allah’s reminder, which he revealed to his Messenger, turning away from understanding it and not pondering upon it, and that which Allah intends by way of it, thus, Allah leaves such a person with his devil as a punishment – the devil that follows him. So, this devil becomes his ally. (d) This because none submits to Allaah sincerely and truthfully, and performs the deeds of the people of Jannah, except that Allah will never abandon him. (e) Such a person (i.e. the misguided one) was not compelled to go astray, instead he made a choice, but his choice is under the Will of Allah. We do not know what was in the hearts of those who deviate, thus, Allah deviated their hearts; but we know – with absolute certainty – that Allah passes Just Judgments and He does not do injustice to anything; rather, it is the people who wrong themselves. (f)

Sixth Reminder: Keep On Asking Allah!

اللَّهُمَّ أَصْلِحْ لِي دِينِي الَّذِي هُوَ عِصْمَةُ أَمْرِي
وَأَصْلِحْ لِي دُنْيَايَ الَّتِي فِيهَا مَعَاشِي
وَأَصْلِحْ لِي آخِرَتِي الَّتِي فِيهَا مَعَادِي
وَاجْعَلِ الْحَيَاةَ زِيَادَةً لِي فِي كُلِّ خَيْرٍ
وَاجْعَلِ الْمَوْتَ رَاحَةً لِي مِنْ كُلِّ شَرٍّ

O Allah! Rectify my religion for me, which is the safeguard of my affairs; rectify my worldly [affairs], wherein is my livelihood; and rectify my Afterlife to which is my return; and make life for me [as a means of] increase in every good and make death for me as a rest from every evil. [Sahih Muslim 2720]

(1) An Excerpt from Tafsir As-Sadi

(2) An Excerpt from ‘Qawaa-idul Hisaan Li-Tafseeril Quraan’ page 164. By Imam As-Sadi

(3) An Excerpt from ‘Al Qawaa-idul Hisaan Li-tafseer Al Qur’an’ Pages 96-97 By Imam As-Sadi

(4) Ad-Da’u Wad Dawa 60-61. Publisher: Dar Al-Hadith Al-Qahira 1430H (2009)

(a) Tafsir As-Sadi, Surah Israa. Aayah 5

(b) Sharh Arba’een page 87-88. 1st edition. 1424 (2003) by Shaikh Uthaymeen

(c) Zaad Al-Maseer. Tafsir Surah Az-Zukhruf Ayah 36

(d) Al-Jawaab Al-Kaafee 136-137. By Imaam Ibnul Qayyim.

(e) Sharh Arba’een page 88. 1st edition. 1424 (2003)- By Shaikh Uthaymeen.

(f]) Sharh Al-Arba’een pages 55-56- 1st edition 1428 (2007)-by Shaikh Salih Aala As-Shaikh, may Allah preserve him.

[17] Notification to Ahlul Bidah and The Mumayyi’ah: These Clarifications Are Coming Back!

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Articles, Bid'ah (Innovation), Contemporary Issues, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Refutations, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors), Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Al-Marwadhee, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, I said to Abu Abdillah (i.e. Imam Ahmad- may Allah have mercy upon him), “What do you think- a man preoccupies himself with fasting, prayers (i.e. optional fasting and prayers) and refrains from speaking against Ahlul Bidah?” He frowned and said: “If he fasts, prays and secludes himself from the people (i.e. he performs optional fasts, prayers and stays away from the people, except when he has to mix with them), he only benefits himself; but if he speaks (i.e. against ahlul bidah), he (benefits) himself and others, and that is better.[1]

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated in As-Sawaa’iq Al-Mursalah:

Exposing the faults of these ones (i.e. the misguided beliefs and actions of Ahlul Bidah), clarifying their disgraceful acts and their principles is from the best of Jihad in the path of Allah. Indeed, the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said to Hassan Ibn Thabit, may Allah be pleased with him, “The Ruh Al-Qudus (i.e. Jibreel) will continue to support you, so long as you are defending Allah and His Messenger”. He, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, (also said to Hasan): “Lampoon them (i.e. Quraish) and Jibril (Gabriel) is with you”. “O Allah! Aid him (i.e. Hasan) with the Ruh Al-Qudus as long as he is defending Your Messenger”. He stated about Hasan’s rebuke against Quraish: “By Allah! It will hurt them more than arrows”.

Thus, how can this not be from Jihad in the path of Allah when it is the case that many of these interpretations (i.e. those uttered by the deviants) are in opposition to the path of the pious predecessors – the Sahabah, the Taab’ieen, Ahlul Hadith and the Imams of Islam – whom Allah granted honour and are mentioned with good praise by the Ummah- and are tantamount to jesting with the texts and harbouring evil suspicion towards them (i.e. the texts), which is a type of the evil speech that was uttred by those who slandered the Messenger and his religion. This is because these false interpretations contain false claims and what is apparent from the speech of its utterer is slander; something that is impossible to ascertain, disbelief, misguidance, Tashbeeh, Tamtheel or deception; then he (i.e. the deviant utterer of such statements) changes them into meanings whose intended aim behind such words is known to be a type of intentional usage of words to cause ingenuity in ascertaining their sound meanings and to cause beguilement, which does not occur from one who intends to give sincere advice and sound clarification. Therefore, defending the speech of Allah and that of His Messenger is from the best of deeds, the most beloved to Allah and the most beneficial for the servant. [2]

Shaikh Al-Islam clarified the misguidance and bidah of some of the extreme Soofees, saying:

It harmful (effects) on the Muslims is greater than the harm of poison they eat, while being unaware of it. The harmful effects of their bidah and misguidance on the Muslims is greater than the harm (perpetrated by the) thieves and deceivers whom they are not aware of being thieves and deceivers. This is because the severest the harm of the thieves and deceivers can be is that it causes the death of a person or loss of his wealth, which is a worldly affliction and may be a means of receiving Allah’s mercy in the afterlife. As for these ones (i.e. the extreme Soofiyyah), they inculcate the (beliefs and acts) of disbelief and hearsay through the sound path of Prophets and the friends of Allah (i.e. they make the people believe that their beliefs, acts of disbelief and hearsay are based on the path of the Prophets and the close friends of Allah). They portray themselves as strivers in the path of Allah, but inwardly they are from those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger. They manifest the statements of the disbelievers and the hypocrites through the statements of the true friends of Allah (by way of forgery and manipulation), thus, a man joins them, while thinking that he will be from the believers and the friends of Allah, but ends up being a hypocrite and an enemy of Allah. [3]

[1] Tabaqaat Al-Hanaabilah 2/216

[2] As-Sawaa’iq Al-Mursalah 1/301-302

[3] Majmu 2/360

[16] Notification to Ahlul Bidah and The Mumayyi’ah: These Clarifications Are Coming Back!

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Articles, Basics, Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:
If a man commits evil openly, it is obligatory to denounce him openly, and this is not tantamount to backbiting him. It is obligatory to chastise him openly with what would prevent him from (the evil), such as boycotting and other than that. [1]
Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz, may Allah have mercy upon him, was asked: “When should advice be given in private or openly?”
Response: The one giving advice does what is best. If he sees that it is more beneficial in secret, he advises secretly; if he sees that it is more beneficial to do so openly, he does so; but if the sin is committed in secret, the advice can only be given in secret. If he knows about his brother that he sins in secret, he advises him in secret and does not expose him. But if the sin is committed openly, – seen by the people, for example, a person starts drinking alcohol in a gathering, then one must denounce it openly; or if a person started calling (others) to drink alcohol or to fornicate, whilst one is present, he should say, “O my brother! This is not permissible”. [2]
It was said to Imam Al-Albani, may Allah have mercy upon him, “The statement of some people or the stipulation of some of them is that it is more correct that advice must be given before refutations are printed- a copy must be sent to the one refuted so that it can be looked into. They say this is from the methodology of the pious predecessors”.
Response: This is not a condition, but if it is possible and it is hoped that affinity will be attained from this approach – in order not to announce the affair amongst the people, then this is undoubtedly a good thing; but as for making it a condition first and foremost, and secondly, making it a general condition, there is no wisdom in this at all. People, as you all know, are like mines of gold and silver [a], so whoever you know – about him – that he is with us on the path- upon the (sound) methodology and that he accepts advice, then you write to him without making his mistake known, and at least in your view this is good. But this is not a condition, and it would have been impossible (to implement fully) even if it were a condition. How would get his address and how would you be able to correspond with him? Also, will he send you a response or not? These are completely speculative affairs. This condition is very difficult to fulfil, and therefore the issue is not taken as a condition. [3]
Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Haadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah have mercy upon him, was asked: “Our Shaikh, one of the affairs that have become circulated and have aroused an intense feeling among the Salafis, is that there are people who claim that advice is obligatory before warning. Is there a statement you can give in this matter?”
Response: I answered this question before – may Allah bless you. We have been put to trial with these types of affairs, so you find a person spreading falsehoods, lies, and slander against others- both about individuals and in general; and if you give him advice or (respond with) criticism or something, he says, “Why did they not warn me, why did they not advise me, and why did they not explain to me”. (These statements of this person are) corrupt excuses. We seek from these people to repent to Allah and return to the truth with complete good manners and humility, and to leave such excuses. Assume that this one made a mistake and did not speak, and did not advise you, then (still) return to the truth and reprimand him thereafter. As for spreading (trouble) amongst the people and persisting in your falsehood and your mistakes, and saying, “They did not do and they did”, this is empty talk. It is obligated to a believer to return to Allah (in obedience, repentance, etc). You publish your mistakes in books, tapes, etc. If you hid your mistakes and committed them in the darkness of your house – (known only to) you and Allah, then this person discovers you, he would advise you – between you and him (only). As for disseminating your statements and (publicising) deeds in the world, then someone comes and publishes- meaning, replies to you (or rebuts you), there is nothing wrong with this -May Allah bless you. Leave these excuses (arise) from many of the people of falsehood who are rebellious in falsehood and stubbornness. [4]
[1] Majmoo Al-Fataawaa 28/217
[2] Majallah Al-Islaah. (Number 17/241). Date: 23/6/1993
[a] Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “People are like mines of gold and silver; those who were excellent in Jahiliya (during the days of ignorance) are excellent In Islam, when they have an understanding (in the religion), and the souls are troops collected together and those who had a mutual familiarity amongst themselves would have affinity amongst them, and those who opposed one of them, would be at variance with one another”. [Saheeh Muslim 2638]
[3] Silsilah Al-Hudaa Wan-Noor. Number 63

A Solemn Warning to the Children of My Household: On Conduct, Speech, Truthful Testimony and Judgment in Times of Dispute

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Articles, Basics, Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Featured, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah', Zuhd (Abstinence).

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

Stand For What Is Right and Never Hide Truthful Testimony

Allah, The Most High, said:

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ كُونُواْ قَوَّٲمِينَ بِٱلۡقِسۡطِ شُہَدَآءَ لِلَّهِ وَلَوۡ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِكُمۡ أَوِ ٱلۡوَٲلِدَيۡنِ وَٱلۡأَقۡرَبِينَ‌ۚ إِن يَكُنۡ غَنِيًّا أَوۡ فَقِيرً۬ا فَٱللَّهُ أَوۡلَىٰ بِہِمَا‌ۖ فَلَا تَتَّبِعُواْ ٱلۡهَوَىٰٓ أَن تَعۡدِلُواْ‌ۚ وَإِن تَلۡوُ ۥۤاْ أَوۡ تُعۡرِضُواْ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ خَبِيرً۬ا

O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah; even though it be against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, be he rich or poor, Allah is a Better Protector to both (than you). So follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest you may avoid justice, and if you distort your witness or refuse to give it, verily, Allah is Ever Well-Acquainted with what you do. [An-Nisaa. 135]

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

Allah, Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections, commanded His servants to stand out firmly for justice on behalf of everyone – be it an enemy or an ally, and the matter that is most worthy of being established with justice are the statements and methodology related to the commands of Allah as well as everything that Allah has (revealed in the Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah). Therefore, to establish these affairs based on desires and disobedience is contrary to Allah’s command and a negation (i.e. either intentionally or unintentionally) of that which Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was sent with. The establishment of justice is the responsibility of those entrusted with the task of conveying Islam after the death of the Messenger, and this task cannot become a reality unless one establishes it based on pure justice and sincerity to Allah- (sincerity) based on Allah’s Book, to Allah’s Messenger (by adhering to his guidance), and sincere dealings and advice when dealing with Allah’s servants. These people are the true inheritors (i.e. inheritors of the knowledge left behind by the Prophets), but not that one who merely makes his companions, sect, and path the determinant of truth and the distinction between (truth and falsehood) by showing enmity to the one who opposes him and allies with the one who agrees with him, merely based on being opposed or agreed with [i.e. without sound proofs based on the Book and the authentic Sunnah], because where is that command to stand out firmly for justice on behalf of everyone, even though standing out firmly for justice is the greatest command and obligation!

Then Allah [The Exalted] says: [شُہَدَآءَ لِلَّهِ – As witnesses to Allah]:

A witness presents information about something; so if he presents credible information, he is a just witness and his (statement) is accepted; but if he gives false information, he is a false witness. Allah, The Most High, commands us to stand out firmly as just witnesses for His sake, therefore it has to be carried out for the Sake of Allah and not for other than Allah. In [Surah Al-Ma’idah Ayah 8, Allah said]:

[كُونُواْ قَوَّٲمِينَ لِلَّهِ شُہَدَآءَ بِٱلۡقِسۡطِ‌ۖ – Stand out firmly for Allah and be just witnesses].

This Ayah establishes four affairs: stand out firmly for justice and do so for the sake of Allah; witness to justice and do so for the Sake of Allah.

Then Allah said:

وَلَوۡ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِكُمۡ أَوِ ٱلۡوَٲلِدَيۡنِ وَٱلۡأَقۡرَبِينَ‌ۚ

Even though it be against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin.

Allah, Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections, commands us to stand out firmly for justice and testify, even if it were someone who is the most beloved person to us. A person should stand out firmly for justice (for or against) himself, his two parents, his close relatives, and his best friend among the people. If a person’s love for himself, his parents, and his relatives prevents him from standing out firmly for the truth against them, especially if the truth is with someone he hates and regards as an enemy due to them, then none would stand out firmly for justice in such circumstances except one whose love for Allah and His Messenger is more than their love for everyone else. Also, a person has to establish justice when dealing with his enemies and that one who deprives him of his rights because it is not permissible that hatred for his enemies leads him to be unjust towards them, just as it is not permissible that love of himself, his parents and relatives makes him abandon standing firmly for justice against them. Therefore, hatred harboured against someone should not lead him to falsehood, and love (of himself, parents, and relatives) should not make him fall short in establishing truth, just as one of the pious predecessors said, “The just person is that one who when angry, his anger does not lead him to falsehood, and when he is pleased it does not remove him from the truth”. The two Ayaat of the Qur’an [i.e. Surah An-Nisaa 135 and Surah Al-Maa’idah 8] convey two rulings and they are: standing out firmly for justice and making a truthful testimony on behalf of one’s allies and enemies.

Then Allah said:

إِن يَكُنۡ غَنِيًّا أَوۡ فَقِيرً۬ا فَٱللَّهُ أَوۡلَىٰ بِہِمَا‌ۖ

Be he rich or poor, Allah is a Better Protector to both (than you).

Meaning, Allah is the Lord of both of them and their Protector, and they are both His servants. It may be that you become fearful of standing firmly for justice by testifying against a rich person or a poor person – either fearing that the rich person might lose his wealth or because the poor person has nothing, so your heart becomes lackadaisical about standing out firmly for the truth. Therefore, it should be said to them, “Allah is a better Protector of both the rich and poor person. Allah knows the affair of the rich person more than you and He is more Merciful to the poor than you, therefore, do not refrain from standing out firmly for the truth and from giving testimony (for or against) the rich or the poor.

Then Allah said:

فَلَا تَتَّبِعُواْ ٱلۡهَوَىٰٓ أَن تَعۡدِلُواْ‌ۚ

So follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest you may avoid justice.

Meaning, Allah forbids (His slaves) from following desires, which will lead them to abandon justice.

Then Allah said:

وَإِن تَلۡوُ ۥۤاْ أَوۡ تُعۡرِضُواْ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ خَبِيرً۬ا

And if you distort your witness or refuse to give it, verily, Allah is Ever Well-Acquainted with what you do.

Meaning, Allah, Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections, mentions two reasons that will inevitably lead to concealment of truth then He warned against them and issued a threat: the first of them is distortion and the second is to turn away from giving truthful witness. That is because when a proof that supports the truth is manifested and the one who wants to repel it finds no way of doing so, he refrains from mentioning it and thus becomes a silent devil, and sometimes he distorts it. Distortion is of two types -distorting words and meanings. Distorting words occur when one utters a word in a context in which it does not establish the truth – either adding to the word, omitting something from it, or substituting it with something else to the extent that the listener is made to believe something, whilst something else is intended, just as the Yahood [i.e. those Yahood who disbelieved in the Prophet and hated him in Madeenah] used to distort words when giving Salaam to the Prophet [i.e. saying As-Saamu Alayka (death be upon you), instead of saying Assalaamu alaykum)]. This is one type of distortion. The second type of distortion is related to meanings – distorting the wording, giving it an interpretation that is not intended by the one who uttered it and pretending not to know its unintended meaning; or dropping other meanings intended by it.

When it is the case that a witness is required to bear witness based on what the matter should be [i.e. the complete truth], therefore neither should he hide nor change it. Turning away from the testimony is tantamount to concealment and distortion is tantamount to alteration and substitution. Therefore, contemplate this Ayah and the treasures of knowledge it contains. The faith of a person cannot be complete, except through accepting the texts of the Shariah and calling the people to them – neither turning away from them at times nor distorting them at other times. [1]

 

Be Warned Against Oppression

Tawus al-Yamani, may Allah have mercy upon him, entered the presence of Hisham ibn Abd al-Malik, addressing him with a grave warning: “Beware of the Day of the Call”. Hisham, said: “What is the Day of the Call?” Tawus replied, the statement of Allah:

فَأَذَّنَ مُؤَذِّنٌ بَيْنَهُمْ أَنْ لَعْنةُ اللَّهِ عَلَى الظَّالِمِينَ

And a caller will call out among them, ‘The curse of Allah is upon the wrongdoers” [Al-A’raf: 44]

At this, Hisham collapsed due to shock! Tawus then said: “This is the humiliation of mere description; how will it be when faced with reality?” [2]

Mubarak Abu Hamad, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “I heard Sufyan Al-Thawri, may Allah have mercy upon him, saying to Ali ibn Al-Hasan Al-Sulami, may Allah have mercy upon him: ‘My brother, do not harbour any feeling of covetousness towards the people of vain desires due to their indulgences, nor the blessings they enjoy; for ahead of them lies a day when feet will slip, bodies will tremble, skin complexions will change, standing will be prolonged, reckoning will intensify, and hearts will flutter until they reach the throats. Oh, what regret they will feel for the pleasures they pursued! And beware of oppression, an ally to the oppressor, accompanying him, sharing a meal with him, smiling in his face, or receiving anything from him; for you would then be his supporter, and support is partnership. Do not oppose the people of piety, nor befriend the sinful, nor associate with the disobedient, and steer clear of all that is forbidden, and be wary of those who engage in it'”. [3]

Sa’id ibn Abd al-Aziz, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “Whoever does good should expect a reward, and whoever does wrong should not be surprised by the consequences. Whoever seeks honour through unjust means will receive humiliation in truth, and whoever accumulates wealth through oppression will be left in poverty without injustice. [4]

Muawiya ibn Abee Sufyan, may Allah be pleased with him and his father, said: “I feel ashamed of oppressing someone who has no supporter against me except Allah.” [5]

Umar ibn Abdul Aziz, may Allah have mercy upon him, once wrote to some of his governors: “If your power over the people tempts you to oppress them, remember the might of Allah over you, the fleeting nature of what you bring to them, and the permanence of what they bring to you”. [6]

O the children of my household, my nephews and nieces! These narrations unveil the darkened shadows that oppression and injustice cast upon the earth; and clear it is, to every heart that heeds. Let’s raise our hands in a trembling plea, beseeching Allah to shield us from such ruinous wickedness, and bow our hearts in humility, seeking pardon from those we have wronged. And never drape yourselves in the garments of the oppressed while your own hands strike with deceit and evasion. Never resort to twisting, neither cover yourselves with a veil of false victimhood nor demand beyond your due, nor weave ingratitude, manipulation and selfishness into nets that ensnare sympathy.

Avoid False Analogies And Lying During Disputes

Allah said:

إِن يَسْرِقْ فَقَدْ سَرَقَ أَخٌ لَّهُۥ مِن قَبْلُ

If he steals, there was a brother of his [Yusuf (Joseph)] who did steal before (him)]. [Yusuf. 77]

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

Allah informs us about Yusuf’s brothers [Footnote I] that when they found the bowl in their brother’s (Bin Yamin) bag, they said: “If he steals, there was a brother of his (Yusuf) who did steal before (him)”. Thus, they did not draw a (sound) comparison between the basis of the matter and its shared characteristics based on a (sound) reason nor its evidence; but rather they attached one to the other without comprehensive evidence other than the mere similarity between Bin Yamin and Yusuf (as blood brothers); so, they said, “This is analogy regarding the similarity between him and his brother in many ways, and that this one (Bin Yamin) has committed theft just as that one (Yusuf) committed theft (in the past)”. This (analogy of theirs) is a void comparison between similarities and an analogy based on a mere comparison between (two) images that is devoid of a shared cause (or reason) that would necessitate that the two are the same. It is a corrupt analogy. The similarity due to being blood brothers is not a shared cause (or reason) for being similar with regards to committing theft. There is no evidence of similarity in this, so the comparison is one devoid of a (sound or real) shared reason (or cause) and its evidence. [7]

Avoid Burdensome Speech In Seeking to Win An Argument

The Messenger, peace and blessing of Allah be upon him, said: “Indeed, Allah hates the eloquent one among men who moves his tongue round (within his teeth), as cattle do”. Al-Allamah Abdul Muhsin Al-Abbad [may Allah preserve him] said: “The person intended in this Hadith is the one who speaks eloquently while using obscure or ambiguous language, immersing himself in speech and burdens himself. He burdens himself in speech and thus utters something blameworthy. However, if this [eloquence] is not done by way of burdening oneself in speech, such as the one whom Allah has granted eloquence and he utilises it in his speech to clarify the truth, then this is not blameworthy. Allah hates the person who speaks eloquently and utters that which is blameworthy due to deliberately utilising obscure, ambiguous, and burdensome speech. This person is likened to a cow that moves its tongue round [among its teeth] when eating. It is said that a cow is not like other animals because other animals use their teeth but a cow uses its tongue. This hadith forbids the likes of this action [i.e. eloquent burdensome speech] and the one who does so is hated by Allah. [8]

Do Not Be Quarrelsome

The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “The most hated of men in the sight of Allah is the one who is most quarrelsome”.

Al-Allamah Zayd Bin Haadi al-Mad’khali, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“A warning against (blameworthy) argumentation, falling into wicked behaviour and its evil, especially if the argumentation is based on falsehood. As for when it is based on truth, there is nothing wrong with that for the one who has a right to do so; but he should be just in his argument so that he does not enter into oppression or error, and Allah knows best. The hadith is related to a warning against lying during argumentation, falsehood, and adorned speech within it until one changes falsehood into truth and truth into falsehood; not bothered about making an oath, lying, or giving false witness. All this occurs from an extremely quarrelsome person, who goes into excess in the affair and does not feel shy in the presence of Allah- neither fears punishment in this life nor the next life. When it is the case that the extremely quarrelsome person is blameworthy, then indeed the person who has good conduct – if entitled to something – during an argument and other affairs will not utter except truth, and will not seek after anything except the truth- neither lies nor deceives the Shariah judge. This is one of the characteristics of the people of Imaan – those whom Allah praised in the Qur’an and the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, praised them in the pure Sunnah. [9]

Be Warned Against This Severe Threat

Umm Salamah, may Allah be pleased with her, reported that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “Indeed, I am only a human being and you people come to me with your disputes. And it may be that one of you can present his case more eloquently than the other and I consider him truthful, and judge in his favour. So if I ever judge and give the right of a brother to his brother, then it is a piece of hellfire and let him not take it”.

Some Benefits Derived From This Hadith

The Ummah [i.e. the scholars and judges] have been commissioned to judge based on what is apparent, but the (mere) judgement of a judge cannot prohibit the lawful and allow the unlawful [i.e. because it cannot be taken if proven erroneous].

This Hadith contains a refutation against those who say that the Messengers possess knowledge of the unseen. This hadith also shows that speech can be seen to be true based on what is apparent, but it is truly falsehood with regards to what is hidden within it.

This hadith shows that the one who receives a judgement in his favour is more aware than every other person as to whether he is entitled to it or whether he is a falsifier. So, he takes it if he is entitled to it or leaves it if he is a falsifier because, in reality, a judgement cannot change an affair from what it was in origin [i.e. the original truth in the affair before its distortion or concealment].

This hadith shows the sinfulness of the one who argues based on falsehood until he receives what he wants publicly, whilst he is upon falsehood.

In this Hadith is proof that a scholar can make a mistake and it is a refutation against those who say that every Mujtahid is correct. This hadith shows us that the Mujtahid is forgiven (when he makes a mistake).[10]

Be Warned! The Status of No One Nor Your Closeness to Anyone Should Divert You From The Truth, Truthful Testimony, Fair play and Honesty

Imam Ash-Shawkani, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

We often see a man who holds a belief that aligns with truth and correctness. However, when he speaks to someone who disagrees with him- one who is inclined towards something of the innovated matters in the religion, and especially if that person holds a position of leadership or worldly wealth, not to mention a king, he agrees with him, strengthens, supports and aids him against others.

The least in such circumstances is that he would hide what he believes is the truth and show contempt – in the presence of a person from whom it is neither possible to receive harm nor benefit – towards what has become clear to him is the right thing, so, what about someone from whom harm and benefit are possible? This behavior is essentially prioritising worldly things and the life of this world over the religion and the afterlife. If he observed and reflected upon what has happened to him, he would have realised that his inclination toward the (vain) desires of a man, two men, three or more individuals – among those he compliments within that gathering, conceals the truth to be in agreement with them and to gain affection, acquire their possessions, and avoid being isolated by them -is a deficiency in upholding the truth and tantamount to exalting falsehood. If it were not for the fact that these individuals hold a higher position in his eyes than the Lord, he would not have been inclined to their (vain) desires and abandoned what he knows to be what Allah wants and demands from His servants. [11]

False Representation

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

Beware of kadhib [lying], for indeed it corrupts one’s ability to illustrate information based on what it should be in reality. It corrupts one’s ability to illustrate information and his ability to teach the people. The liar portrays what is non-existent as something present and what is present as something non-existent. He portrays truth as something false and falsehood as something true; he portrays good as evil and evil as good, so this corrupts his conception and knowledge, which then becomes a punishment upon him. Then he portrays what is not true to the one deceived by him – the one who is inclined towards him- so he corrupts his conception and knowledge. The soul of the liar turns away from the existing reality -inclined towards what is non-existent and gives preference to falsehood.

And when his conception and knowledge is corrupted, which is the basis of every wilful chosen deed, his deeds become corrupt and marked by lies, so those deeds would emanate from him just as lies emanate from the tongue- he neither benefits from his tongue nor his deeds. This is why lying is the basis [or foundation] of immorality, just as the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “Indeed lies lead to immorality [or wickedness] and indeed immorality [or wickedness] leads to the fire. [Al-Bukhari 2606/2607]

Firstly lies emerges from the heart and then on the tongue, so it corrupts it; then it transfers to the limbs and corrupts its actions, just as it corrupts the statements of the tongue. Therefore, lying prevails over his statements, deeds and state of affairs; corruption becomes deeply rooted in him and its disease leads to destruction if Allah does not grant him cure him with the medication of truthfulness, which uproots its (i.e. lying) from its original source.

This is why the basis [or foundation] of all the deeds of the hearts is based on truthfulness; and the basis of their opposites – such as showing off, self-amazement, pride, being glad [with ungratefulness to Allaah’s Favours], conceitedness, boastfulness, insolence, weakness, laziness, cowardice, disgrace and other than them- is lies. The origin of every righteous deed- whether carried out in private or public- is based on truthfulness. And the origin of every corrupt deed – whether carried out in private or public- is lies.

Allah punishes the liar by preventing him from those affairs that will bring him well-being and benefit, and He rewards the truthful one by granting him the ability to attain the beneficial affairs related to the worldly life and afterlife. There is nothing similar to truthfulness with regards to the manner in which it brings about wellbeing in this life and the next, and there is nothing similar to lying with regards to the manner in which it corrupts and harms one’s worldly affairs and the afterlife. [Allah (The Most High) said]:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَكُونُوا مَعَ الصَّادِقِينَ

O you who believe! Be afraid of Allah, and be with those who are true (in words and deeds) [9:119]

هَٰذَا يَوْمُ يَنْفَعُ الصَّادِقِينَ صِدْقُهُمْ ۚ

This is a Day on which the truthful will profit from their truth. [5:119]

فَإِذَا عَزَمَ الْأَمْرُ فَلَوْ صَدَقُوا اللَّهَ لَكَانَ خَيْرًا لَهُمْ

And when the matter (preparation for Jihad) is resolved on, then if they had been true to Allah, it would have been better for them. [47:21]

وَجَاءَ الْمُعَذِّرُونَ مِنَ الْأَعْرَابِ لِيُؤْذَنَ لَهُمْ وَقَعَدَ الَّذِينَ كَذَبُوا اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ
سَيُصِيبُ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا مِنْهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ

And those who made excuses from the Bedouins came (to you, O Prophet) asking your permission to exempt them (from the battle), and those who had lied to Allah and His Messenger sat at home (without asking the permission for it); a painful torment will seize those of them who disbelieve. [9:90] [12]

Be warned Against Fujur Fil Khusumah

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

“Fujur Fil Khusumah (Iniquity, wicked or evil behaviour when disputing) is of types: rejecting what is obligated to you and claiming what one is not entitled to”. [13]

——————————————-

Footnote I: May Allah raise the rank of the brothers of Yusuf, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, because they expressed regret and repented.

We ask Allah:

اللهم كما حَسَّنْت خَلْقِي فَحَسِّنْ خُلُقِي

O Allah! Just as You made my external form beautiful, make my character beautiful as well]. [14]

[1] An Excerpt from ‘Badaa’i At-Tafseer Al-Jaami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imaam Ibn Al-Qayyim. 1/300-303

[2] Az-Zawājir ʿan Iqtirāf al-Kabāʾir 2/124

[3] Ḥilyat al-Awliyāʾ 7/24

[4] Siyar Aʿlām al-Nubalāʾ 8/36

[5] al-ʿIqd al-Farīd 1/30

[6] Siyar Aʿlām al-Nubalāʾ 5/131

[7] I’laam Al-Muwaqqi’een 1/198. paraphrased:
قوله تعالى : إِن يَسْرِقُ فَقَدْ سَرَفَ أَخٌ لَهُ مِن قَبْلُ
[يوسف: ٧٧]

أخبر عن إخوة يوسف أنهم قالوا لما وجدوا الصواع في رحل أخيهم : إن يَسْرِقُ فَقَدْ سَرَفَ أَخٌ لَهُ مِن قَبْلُ . فلم يجمعوا بين الأصل والفرع بعلة ولا دليلها، وإنما ألحقوا أحدهما بالآخر من غير دليل جامع سوى مجرد الشبه الجامع بينه وبين يوسف، فقالوا : هذا مقيس على أخيه، بينهما شبه من وجوه عديدة، وذاك قد سرق فكذلك هذا ، وهذا هو الجمع بالشبه الفارغ، والقياس بالصورة المجردة عن العلة المقتضية للتساوي، وهو قياس فاسد والتساوي في قرابة الأخوة ليس
بعلة للتساوي في السرقة، ولو كانت حقاً، ولا دليل على التساوي فيها، فيكون الجمع لنوع شبه خال عن العلة ودليلها.
إعلام الموقعين (۱۹۸/۱)

[8] Explanation of Sunan Abu Dawud. Audio number 569

[9] An Excerpt from ‘at-Taleeqaatul Maleehah Alaa Silsilah Al-Ahadith As-Sahihah. 1/26

[10] Saheeh Al-Bukhari -Kitaab Al-Ahkaam (Book of Judgements): Chapter 29: Hadeeth Number: 7181 with Fat’hul Baari]

[11] An Excerpt from Adab At-Talab Wa Muntahaa Al-Adab. Pages 93-95. Slightly paraphrased]

[12] Al-Fawa’id. pages 202-203

[13] https://youtu.be/FGtZtOBbif4

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

It is Allah alone who can unite the hearts

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Articles, Basics, Brotherhood, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', 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, said:

وَأَلَّفَ بَيْنَ قُلُوبِهِمْ ۚ لَوْ أَنفَقْتَ مَا فِي الْأَرْضِ جَمِيعًا مَّا أَلَّفْتَ بَيْنَ قُلُوبِهِمْ وَلَٰكِنَّ اللَّهَ أَلَّفَ بَيْنَهُمْ ۚ إِنَّهُ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ

And He has united their (i.e. believers’) hearts. If you had spent all that is in the earth, you could not have united their hearts, but Allah has united them. Certainly He is All-Mighty, All-Wise. [Al-Anfal 63]

“And He has united their hearts”, thus, they came together and were united, and their strength increased due to their coming together. This was not due to the effort of anyone, nor by the power of other than Allāh’s power. For if you (Muhammad) were to spend all that is on the earth—of gold, silver, and other than that—to unite them after that severe hostility, turning away from one another and division;

مَا أَلَّفْتَ بَيْنَ قُلُوبِهِم

“you could not have united their hearts” because none has the power to turn the hearts except Allah, The Most High.

وَلَٰكِنَّ اللَّهَ أَلَّفَ بَيْنَهُمْ ۚ إِنَّهُ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ

“but Allah has united them”.

And from (perfect) Might is that He united their hearts and gathered them after (their) splitting, as He, the Most High, said:

وَاذْكُرُوا نِعْمَةَ اللَّهِ عَلَيْكُمْ إِذْ كُنْتُمْ أَعْدَاءً فَأَلَّفَ بَيْنَ قُلُوبِكُمْ فَأَصْبَحْتُمْ بِنِعْمَتِهِ إِخْوَانًا وَكُنْتُمْ عَلَى شَفَا حُفْرَةٍ مِنَ النَّارِ فَأَنْقَذَكُمْ مِنْهَ

And remember Allah’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 Islamic Faith), and you were on the brink of a pit of Fire, and He saved you from it. (Aal Imran 103) (1)

 

Ask Allah to Make You Love Him and To Receive The Love of Those Who Love Him

Mu’adh bin Jabal, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated: One morning, Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was prevented from coming to us for morning prayer until we were just about to look for the eye of the sun (meaning sunrise). Then he came out quickly and the Iqama was called for him to (lead) the prayer. Allah’s Messenger performed the prayer, and he performed his prayer in a relatively quick manner. When he said the Salam, he called aloud with his voice saying to us: ‘Stay in your rows as you are.’ Then he turned coming near to us, then he said: ‘I am going to narrate to you what kept me from you this morning: I got up during the night, I performed Wudu and prayed as much as I was able to, and I dozed off during my prayer, and fell deep asleep. Then I saw my Lord, Blessed and Most High, in the best of appearances. He said: ‘O Muhammad!’ I said: ‘My Lord here I am my Lord!’ He said: ‘What is it that the most exalted group busy themselves with?’ I said: ‘I do not know Lord.’ And He said it three times.” He said: “So I saw Him place His Palm between my shoulders, and I sensed the coolness of His Fingertips between my breast. Then everything was disclosed for me, and I became aware. So He said: ‘O Muhammad!’ I said: ‘Here I am my Lord!’ He said: ‘What is it that the most exalted group busy themselves with?’ I said: ‘In the acts that atone.’ He said: ‘And what are they?’ I said: ‘The footsteps to the congregation, the gatherings in the Masajid after the prayer, the correct performance of ablution during difficulties.’ He said: ‘Then what else?’ I said: ‘Feeding others, being lenient in speech, and prayer during the night while the people are sleeping.’ He said: ‘Ask.’ I said:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ فِعْلَ الْخَيْرَاتِ وَتَرْكَ الْمُنْكَرَاتِ وَحُبَّ الْمَسَاكِينِ وَأَنْ تَغْفِرَ لِي وَتَرْحَمَنِي وَإِذَا أَرَدْتَ فِتْنَةَ قَوْمٍ فَتَوَفَّنِي غَيْرَ مَفْتُونٍ أَسْأَلُكَ حُبَّكَ وَحُبَّ مَنْ يُحِبُّكَ وَحُبَّ عَمَلٍ يُقَرِّبُ إِلَى حُبِّكَ

‘O Allah! I ask of you the doing of the good deeds, avoiding the evil deeds, loving the Masakin, and that You forgive me, and have mercy upon me. And when You have willed trial among the people, then cause me to die without being put to trial. And I ask You for Your love, the love of whomever You love, and the love of the deeds that bring one nearer to Your love.'” Allah’s Messenger said: “Indeed it is true, so study it and learn it.” [Sahih at-Tirmidhi 3235]

“O Allah! I ask of you the doing of the good deeds, avoiding the evil deeds”.

There is no need for further explanation regarding the performance of good deeds, other than the fact that they are actions that please Allah, and the doer is praised for them, receiving great rewards. Similarly, the reward for abstaining from wrongdoing is also significant, provided that the intention behind refraining is to seek Allah’s pleasure.

“And loving the Masakin”.

The word Miskin in this sentence “The term refers to the humble individual, neither arrogant nor haughty, someone who is gentle, approachable, and easy to deal with; neither boastful nor evil. (1)

“And when You have willed trial among the people, then cause me to die without being put to trial”.

The essence of the supplication is to ensure the person’s safety from worldly trials throughout their life. If Allah decrees a trial for His servants, He may take them before it occurs. This is one of the most significant supplications, as a believer who lives free from trials and is taken by Allah before they arise is saved from all evil. The Prophet instructed his companions to seek refuge in Allah from both apparent and hidden trials. In another narration, he advised them to avoid both manifest and concealed immoralities and trials. Thus, praying for death out of fear of religious trials is permissible, as it has been done by the companions and righteous individuals after them. (footnote a)

“And I ask You for Your love, the love of whomever You love, and the love of the deeds that bring one nearer to Your love”.

This supplication encompasses all that is good. The chosen actions of Allah’s servants arise from love and intention. If the love of Allah is firmly established in a person’s heart, it will lead to actions of the limbs that align with what Allah loves and approves. Thus, one will cherish all actions and words that Allah loves, resulting in the performance of all good deeds and the avoidance of all wrongdoings, as well as loving those whom Allah loves among His creation. (2)

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Footnote a:

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

O Allah! By Your Knowledge of the unseen and by Your Power over creation, let me live if life is good for me, and let me die if death is good for me; O Allah! I ask You to grant me (the blessing of having) fear of You in private and public, and I ask You (to make me utter) a statement of truth in times of contentment and anger, and I ask You for moderation when in a state of wealth and poverty, and I ask you for blessings that never ceases, and I ask You for the coolness of my eye that never ends, and I ask You (to make me pleased) after (Your) decree; and I ask You for a life of (ease, comfort, tranquillity, etc) after death; I ask You for the delight of looking at Your Face (i.e. in the Hereafter) and yearning to meet You without any harm and misleading trials (coming upon me). O Allah! Adorn us with the adornment of Iman, and make us (from those who are) guided and guiding (others). (3)

(1) An Excerpt from “Al-Istidhkar. 8/ 171” by Al-Allamah Ibn Abdul Barr, may Allah have mercy upon him.

(2) An Excerpt from “Ikhtiyar Al-Awwal” 118-125 by Imam Ibn Rajab, may Allah have mercy upon him.

(3)https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2021/01/01/o-allaah-let-me-live-if-life-is-good-for-me-and-let-me-die-if-death-is-good-for-me/

 

 

 

 

Some lofty required etiquettes in the gatherings

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Articles, Brotherhood, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Make Room For Others

Allah, The Most High, said:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِذَا قِيلَ لَكُمْ تَفَسَّحُوا فِي الْمَجَالِسِ فَافْسَحُوا يَفْسَحِ اللَّهُ لَكُمْ ۖ وَإِذَا قِيلَ انْشُزُوا فَانْشُزُوا يَرْفَعِ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مِنْكُمْ وَالَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْعِلْمَ دَرَجَاتٍ ۚ وَاللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرٌ

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, 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. [58:11]

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

This is a practical code of behaviour commanded by Allah to His believing slaves that when they gather in one of their gatherings, some of them or some of those who have already arrived should make room (for others); for indeed, making room for (others) to reach their goal constitutes an aspect of good etiquettes. And this is not to harm the one who is (already) in the gathering in any way; rather, he enables his brother to reach their goal without harming him, and reward is given in accordance with a deed, because whoever makes room for their brother, Allah makes room for him, and whoever shows generosity to their brother, Allah will show him generosity.

وَإِذَا قِيلَ انْشُزُوا

And when you are told to rise up.

Meaning: To rise and leave your gathering for an (obligatory or necessary) need (i.e. prayer etc), then [فَانْشُزُوا – rise up]: Meaning, proceed towards the fulfilment of that advantageous affair because the fulfilment of such affairs is linked to knowledge and Iman. And Allaah [The Exalted] will exalt in degree the people of knowledge and Iman in line with what He has allotted for them from knowledge and Iman.

وَاللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِير

And Allah is Well-Acquainted with what you do.

Meaning, Allah, The Most High, rewards every doer in accordance with their deeds; if they are good, there will be good compensation; if they are evil, there will be evil retribution. And in this Ayah [i.e. 58:11] is (a mention) of the virtue of knowledge, whose beautification and advantage is to discipline oneself with its etiquettes and acts in accordance with what it necessitates. (1)

 

Strive to be beneficial in the gatherings

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

Make humility the sign by which you are recognised when you sit with the people, fear of Allah should be your protection, and providing guidance to Allah’s servants should be a habit. Be eager to (make) every meeting in which you sit one of goodness–either research into areas of knowledge or religious matters; either directing (others) to a general or specific beneficial affair, mentioning Allah’s blessings or mentioning the superior status of praiseworthy manners and good etiquettes, or warning against that which is detrimental to the well-being of one’s religious or worldly (affairs). Behave well with the young, the elderly, and your peers. Respect the person who deserves to be acknowledged and respected and treat each of them in the manner they deserve. Even if your speech is about worldly (affairs), use acceptable and good language to put your congregation at ease. Through the meetings of the people, the sensible and determined person accomplishes abundant goodness, and he becomes more beloved to them. This is because he approaches the people with what they approve and statements they desire (i.e. good), and the cornerstone for this is success in seizing control of all affairs presented before them. And these matters become more emphasised on a journey because sitting together is prolonged during a journey and the travellers need someone who revives their hearts with good statements, news of events, and jokes if all of that is true and not too much, and to assist them with the essential affairs of travel. And Allah is the One Who bestows success. (2)

Cautious that our gatherings are not cliques

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

One of the etiquettes (to be observed in a) gathering is that two (people) should not have a private conversation in isolation of a third person since it will offend him. He may harbour an evil suspicion of them that they are scheming against him, reviling him, or backbiting him, or that they are looking down on him. The Messenger [peace and blessing of Allah be upon him] said, “When three people are together, then no two of them should hold secret counsel excluding the third person”. The Messenger said:

“When you are three people sitting together, then no two of you should hold a secret counsel excluding the third person until you are with some other people too, for that would grieve him”. (3)

This hadeeth discusses the manners that should be observed when seated together. When there are three persons present, it is not permitted for two of them to converse in secret because the third person will be suspicious if they do so, suspecting that they are talking about him. Also, if they communicate in private without him, he would believe that they are looking down on him and do not value him, which is why they conceal their affair from him and chat in private without him because they do not trust him. This will enter his heart, which is why the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

“For that would grieve him”.

Meaning, it will cause pain in his heart, and he says, “They are either speaking about me or looking down on me.” Therefore, one should speak openly while seated with others and conversation should never take place between two individuals in isolation of a third. As for when there are many individuals in a sitting—more than three—there is no damage if two people speak in private since the other people are numerous and they will not harbour anything in their hearts. If there are more than three people, then there is no harm if two people speak in private due to the statement of the Prophet, “Until you are with some other people too”. Thus, if the reason behind the warning is absent [i.e., if there are several other individuals present at the same sitting], there is no harm (i.e. if two people speak in private). (4)

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

Also, if there are four people, they (i.e. three of them) should not chat in private in isolation from the fourth. The intent is that if the others are having a private chat, there should be more than one person left. (However), there is no harm in doing so if a group speaks privately and apart from another group, as demonstrated by the hadith narrated by Aa’isha that the Prophet spoke to Fatimah in private in the house, but not to his wives. (5)

Here is the Hadeeth: Imam Bukhaari Said, “Chapter: Whoever has a confidential talk with somebody in front of the people and the latter does not disclose his companion’s secret, but when his companion dies, he discloses it”.

http://www.salaficentre.com/2016/10/heart-warming-incident-prophet-sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam-beloved-daughter-faatimah-radiyallaahu-anhaa/ (6)

 

Do Not Listen to The Conversations of The People If They Are Not Pleased With That

It is not allowed to come along and sit down next to someone who is talking to someone else because it could be that they are having a private conversation. The Prophet said, “Whoever listens to the talk of some people who do not like him [to listen] or they run away from him, then molten lead will be poured into his ears on the Day of Resurrection”. [Sahih Al-Bukhaari Number 7042].

Given the seriousness of the threat, one should not listen to the speech of people if they do not want others to know what they are talking about. (7)

It may be the case that two or more people get together to discuss a topic that they do not want anyone else to learn about, but a person or more becomes an obstruction by listening to their speech and (wants) to know what they are discussing, while they are not pleased with that. This is tantamount to transgression and stupidity that a person involves in something that does not concern him. And from the completion of a person’s Islam is to leave everything which does not concern him. However, there is an exception to this restriction, such as when a person listens to the speech of those who are focused on or seeking to breach the state of safety and security of Muslims. (8)

Let The Eldest One Speak – [A Hadith Brought to Our Attention By Ustaadh Abu Tasneem (Mushaf Al-Banghaalee)]

https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2023/02/07/let-the-eldest-one-speak-a-hadith-brought-to-our-attention-by-ustaadh-abu-tasneem-mushaf-al-banghaalee/

We ask Allah:

اللَّهُمَّ حَسَّنْتَ خَلْقِي فَحَسِّنْ خُلُقِي

[1] An Excerpt from Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan’ by Imaam As-Sadi (rahimahullaah). slightly paraphrased]

[2] Noorul Basaa’ir Wal al-baab fee ahkaam al ‘Ibaadaat Wal Mu‘aamalaat Wal Huqooq Wal Aadaab’ pages 64-65

[3] An Excerpt from ‘It’haaf At-tullaab Bi-Sharh Mandhoomah Al-Aadaab’ page 149

[4] An Excerpt from ‘Tasheelul Ilhaami Bi-Fiqhil Ahaadeethi Min Bulooghil Maraam’ 6/172

[5] An Excerpt from ‘Al-Hulalul Ibreeziyyah Min At-taleeqaat Al-Baaziyyah Alaa Saheeh Al-Bukhaari’ Vol 4′ page 192′ footnote number 2]

[6] Al-Hulalul Ibreeziyyah Min At-taleeqaat Al-Baaziyyah Alaa Saheeh al-Bukhaari 4/191

[7] An Excerpt from ‘It’haaf At-Tullaab Bi-Sharhi Mandhoomah Al-Aadaab’ page 149

[8] An Excerpt from ‘Awnul Ahadis Samad Sharh Al-Adabil Mufrad’ 3/281