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“The end of history” claim shattered

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

وَإِن تُطِعْ أَكْثَرَ مَن فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ يُضِلُّوكَ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ إِن يَتَّبِعُونَ إِلَّا ٱلظَّنَّ وَإِنْ هُمْ إِلَّا يَخْرُصُونَ

And if you obey most of those on earth, they will mislead you far away from Allah’s Path. They follow nothing but conjectures, and they do nothing but lie. [Al-An’am 116]

Allah, The Mighty and Majestic, said:

إِن يَتَّبِعُونَ إِلَّا ٱلظَّنَّ وَمَا تَهْوَى ٱلْأَنفُسُ وَلَقَدْ جَآءَهُم مِّن رَّبِّهِمُ ٱلْهُدَىٰٓ

They follow but presumption and what their souls desire, though there has certainly come to them guidance from their Lord. [An-Najm 23]

Allah, The Most High, said:

إِن يَتَّبِعُونَ إِلَّا ٱلظَّنَّ وَإِنَّ ٱلظَّنَّ لَا يُغْنِى مِنَ ٱلْحَقِّ شَيْـًٔا

They follow but presumption. And verily, presumption does not avail anything against the truth. [An-Najm 28]

Allah, The Exalted, said:

وَمَا يَتَّبِعُ أَكْثَرُهُمْ إِلَّا ظَنًّا إِنَّ ٱلظَّنَّ لَا يُغْنِى مِنَ ٱلْحَقِّ شَيْـًٔا إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلِيمٌۢ بِمَا يَفْعَلُونَ

And most of them follow nothing but conjecture. Certainly, conjecture can be of no avail against the truth. Surely, Allah is All-Aware of what they do.[Yunus 36]

Through His immense mercy, Allah rescued us from the ideologies propagated by philosophers, including those regarded as political or social scientists, which we pursued during our higher education before being guided to the authentic Sunnah. A notable political philosopher whose ideas significantly influenced our misguided perceptions of global events was Francis Fukuyama. In 1989, he claimed that the Western democratic and capitalist model had achieved a definitive triumph, suggesting that while various events would continue to unfold, the ideological struggle had concluded with the ascendance of a particular contemporary liberal political and economic model as the singular and superior choice for humanity’s future. This notion, which can be characterised as one of Mr. Fukuyama’s misconceptions, was encountered during our academic journey in the mid to late 1990s. At that time, it shaped our worldview and fueled our aspirations to engage in politics. However, Allah guided us to the Sunnah and distanced us from speculations of these people. Therefore, it is essential for those who take pride in their children pursuing studies in social or political sciences to exercise extreme caution, as the vast majority of those in authority within these fields reject the infallible guidance provided by the Prophets and Messengers of Allah, establishing principles that lead humanity away from the path ordained by the Creator. Allah, the Most High, stated:

فَلَمَّا جَاءَتْهُمْ رُسُلُهُم بِالْبَيِّنَاتِ فَرِحُوا بِمَا عِندَهُم مِّنَ الْعِلْمِ وَحَاقَ بِهِم مَّا كَانُوا بِهِ يَسْتَهْزِئُونَ

Then when their Messengers came to them with clear proofs, they were glad (and proud) with that which they had of the knowledge (of worldly things): And that at which they used to mock, surrounded them (i.e. the punishment). [Ghafir 83]

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يُجَادِلُونَ فِي آيَاتِ اللَّهِ بِغَيْرِ سُلْطَانٍ أَتَاهُمْ ۙ إِن فِي صُدُورِهِمْ إِلَّا كِبْرٌ مَّا هُم بِبَالِغِيهِ ۚ فَاسْتَعِذْ بِاللَّهِ ۖ إِنَّهُ هُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْبَصِيرُ

Verily, those who dispute about the Signs of Allah, without any authority having come to them, there is nothing else in their breasts except pride [to accept you (Muhammad) as a Messenger of Allah and to obey you]. They will never have it (i.e. Prophethood which Allah has bestowed upon you). So seek refuge in Allah (O Muhammad from the arrogant ones). Verily, it is He Who is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer. [Ghafir 56]

قَدۡ مَڪَرَ ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبۡلِهِمۡ فَأَتَى ٱللَّهُ بُنۡيَـٰنَهُم مِّنَ ٱلۡقَوَاعِدِ فَخَرَّ عَلَيۡہِمُ ٱلسَّقۡفُ مِن فَوۡقِهِمۡ وَأَتَٮٰهُمُ ٱلۡعَذَابُ مِنۡ حَيۡثُ لَا يَشۡعُرُونَ

ثُمَّ يَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ يُخۡزِيهِمۡ وَيَقُولُ أَيۡنَ شُرَڪَآءِىَ ٱلَّذِينَ كُنتُمۡ تُشَـٰٓقُّونَ فِيہِمۡ‌ۚ قَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُواْ ٱلۡعِلۡمَ إِنَّ ٱلۡخِزۡىَ ٱلۡيَوۡمَ وَٱلسُّوٓءَ عَلَى ٱلۡڪَـٰفِرِينَ

Those before them indeed plotted, but Allah struck at the foundation of their building, and then the roof fell down upon them, from above them, and the torment overtook them from directions they did not perceive. Then, on the Day of Resurrection, He will disgrace them and will say: “Where are My (so called) ‘partners’ concerning whom you used to disagree and dispute (with the believers, by defying and disobeying Allah)?” Those who have been given the knowledge (about the Torment of Allah for the disbelievers) will say: “Verily! Disgrace this Day and misery are upon the disbelievers. [An-Nahl. 26-27]

They plotted against their Messengers, employed various tricks in order to reject that which the messengers brought and established gigantic safeguards for their plots.

فَأَتَى ٱللَّهُ بُنۡيَـٰنَهُم مِّنَ ٱلۡقَوَاعِدِ

But Allah struck at the foundation of their building]– Meaning, an affair came to them from its basis and foundation.

فَخَرَّ عَلَيۡہِمُ ٱلسَّقۡفُ مِن فَوۡقِهِمۡ

And then the roof fell down upon them, from above them.

Meaning, so what they built became a punishment for them.

وَأَتَٮٰهُمُ ٱلۡعَذَابُ مِنۡ حَيۡثُ لَا يَشۡعُرُونَ

And the torment overtook them from directions they did not perceive.

Meaning, because they thought that such a building will benefit and protect them from punishment, but their punishment occurred from that which they built and established. This is one the best of parables regarding how Allah nullifies the plots of his enemies, for indeed they pondered and reflected on that which the Messengers brought when they belied them, concocted principles and rules based on falsehood, referred back to them to reject that which the Messengers came with, employed tricks to bring about discomfort to the Messengers, and to inflict harm on them and their followers, but their plot became a source of evil against them, so their plan became their destruction, because their plot was evil as Allah said:

وَلَا يَحِيقُ الْمَكْرُ السَّيِّئُ إِلَّا بِأَهْلِهِ

But the evil plot encompasses only him who makes it]. [Fatir. 43]

This is in this worldly life and the punishment in the afterlife would be more disgraceful, and due to this Allah said: [ثُمَّ يَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ يُخۡزِيهِمۡ – Then, on the Day of Resurrection, He will disgrace them]. [1]

The claim that the world has unanimously embraced a particular contemporary liberal political and economic model as the singular and superior choice for humanity’s future is a rejection of the undeniable truths found within the sacred texts of the final divine revelation. These texts speak of the return of the methodology of the Prophets, peace and blessings be upon them, alongside the rulership of Prophet Isa, peace be upon him.

In that era, justice will once again reign supreme, guided by the principles of the Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah. The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

“Prophethood will remain amongst you for as long as Allah wills it to be. Then Allah will raise it when He wills to raise it. Then there will be the khilaafah upon the Prophetic methodology. And it will last for as long as Allaah wills it to last. Then Allaah will raise it when He wills to raise it. Then there will be biting kingship, and it will remain for as long as Allaah wills it to remain. Then Allaah will raise it when He wills to raise it. Then there will be tyrannical (forceful) kingship and it will remain for as long as Allaah wills it to remain. Then He will raise it when He wills to raise it. Then there will be a khilafah upon the Prophetic methodology”. Then he (the Prophet) was silent.  [Footnote a]

Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

“By Him in Whose hand is my life, the son of Mary, peace be upon him, will soon descend among you as a just judge. He will break crosses, kill swine and abolish Jizya and the wealth will pour forth to such an extent that no one will accept it”. [Sahih Muslim 155]

We must express our profound gratitude to Allah for guiding us away from the conjectures of the philosophers. Indeed, The political power across the globe rests firmly and solely within the divine will of Allah, as confirmed by the infallible revelation.

Allah’s Messenger and what has been revealed to him are the authorities one must study in order to understand the subject of trials and tribulations before the end of time. As a result, one cannot return to the following matters: the narrations of the people of the Scripture, opinions and dreams, weak and false narrations, analogy, and political, economic, or socialist analysis. That is because the narrations about the trials and tribulations, the signs of the Hour, and the strife that will occur are from the (affairs) of the Religion, and the Religion is Tawqeefee (i.e. its source can only be established from the divine texts of the Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah). So, whatever is reported from the Prophet with authentic chains of transmission about (upcoming events) is necessary for a Muslim to believe, whether it appeals to the intellect or not, and this is the reality of one’s testimony that Muhammad is Allah’s Messenger.

Allah, The Most High, said:

وَمَا يَنْطِقُ عَنِ الْهَوَىٰ

إِنْ هُوَ إِلَّا وَحْيٌ يُوحَىٰ

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

وَمَا آتَاكُمُ الرَّسُولُ فَخُذُوهُ وَمَا نَهَاكُمْ عَنْهُ فَانْتَهُو

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

Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, reported:

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

The testimony in this hadith is the statement of the Prophet, “He was Gibreel, who came to you to teach you your religion”. Therefore, the principle in the preceding hadeeth is that the Prophet asked a question concerning the Hour and its circumstances, and he established that it is something contained in religion. The trials and tribulations, circumstances, and strife associated with the (portents) of the Hour are from the religion, and it is not for anybody to speak about it based on their own (opinions, views, analysis, interpretations, etc.). [2]

Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him,  reported that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

“The Hour will not be established till two big groups fight each other whereupon there will be a great number of casualties on both sides and they will be following one and the same path, till about thirty Dajjals (liars) appear and each one of them will claim that he is Allah’s Messenger, till religious knowledge is taken away (by the death of Religious scholars), earthquakes will increase in number; time will pass quickly, afflictions will appear, Al-Harj, (i.e., killing) will increase, till wealth will be in abundance – so abundant that a wealthy person will worry lest nobody should accept his Zakat, and whenever he will present it to someone, that person (to whom it will be offered) will say, ‘I am not in need of it, till the people compete with one another in constructing high buildings, till a man when passing by a grave of someone will say, ‘Would that I were in his place’ and till the sun rises from the West. So when the sun will rise and the people will see it (rising from the West) they will all believe (accept Islam) but that will be the time when: (as Allah said):

لاَ يَنْفَعُ نَفْسًا إِيمَانُهَا لَمْ تَكُنْ آمَنَتْ مِنْ قَبْلُ، أَوْ كَسَبَتْ فِي إِيمَانِهَا خَيْرًا

No good will it do to a person to believe then, if he believed not before, nor earned good (by performing deeds of righteousness) through his Faith]. And the Hour will be established while two men spreading a garment in front of them but they will not be able to sell it, nor fold it up, and Hour will be established when a man has milked his she-camel and has taken away the milk but he will not be able to drink it, and Hour will be established before a man repairing a tank (for his livestock) is able to water (his animals) in it, and Hour will be established when a person has raised a morsel (of food) to his mouth but will not be able to eat it.” [Saheeh Al-Bukhaari. Hadeeth Number 7121]

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

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

Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

“By Allah in Whose Hands my soul is, son of Mary (Jesus) will shortly descend amongst you people (Muslims) as a just ruler and will break the Cross and kill the pig and abolish the Jizya (a tax taken from the non-Muslims, who are in the protection, of the Muslim government). Then there will be an abundance of money and nobody will accept charitable gifts”. [Sahih Al-Bukhari 2222]

Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

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

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

Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

The Last Hour would not come before the Euphrates uncovers a mountain of gold, for which people would fight. Ninety-nine out of each one hundred would die but every man amongst them would say that perhaps he would be the one who would be saved (and thus possess this gold). [Saheeh Muslim 2894]

The Beast:

Allah said:

وَإِذَا وَقَعَ ٱلۡقَوۡلُ عَلَيۡہِمۡ أَخۡرَجۡنَا لَهُمۡ دَآبَّةً۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡأَرۡضِ تُكَلِّمُهُمۡ أَنَّ ٱلنَّاسَ كَانُواْ بِـَٔايَـٰتِنَا لَا يُوقِنُونَ

And when the Word (of torment) is fulfilled against them, We shall bring out from the earth a beast to them, which will speak to them because mankind believed not with certainty in Our Ayat (Verses of the Qur’an and Prophet Muhammad).

Imam As-Sadi [may Allah have mercy upon him] commented: Meaning, when the time comes for the warning, which Allah has decided; [أَخۡرَجۡنَا لَهُمۡ دَآبَّةً۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡأَرۡضِ – We shall bring out from the earth a beast to them] or one of the earth’s beasts, rather than the heavens. This beast [تُكَلِّمُهُمۡ – will speak to them]; Meaning, it would speak to the people about how they did not believe with certainty in Our (i.e. Allah’s) signs due to a lack of knowledge and certainty in Allah’s signs. So Allah will make this beast appear as one of His amazing signs to manifest to the people what they doubted. This beast is the well-known beast that will appear at the end of time, and it will be one of the (major) signs indicating the approach of the Day of Judgement, as mentioned in many Prophetic narrations. [3]

Abu Umamah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

The beast will emerge and strike the people on their noses, then their numbers will increase among you until a man will buy a camel and they will say, ‘Who did you buy it from?’ and he will say, ‘I bought it from one of those with a mark on their noses”. [Reported by Imam Ahmad 22362 and declared authentic by Imaam Al Albaanee in As-Sisilah As-Saheehah. Number 322]

Anas, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

“The Hour will not occur until ‘Allah, Allah’ is not said on earth”. [Saheeh Muslim 148]

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

Shaikh Al-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allah have mercy upon him] as follows:

In the Qur’an and authentic Prophetic reports, there are numerous reports regarding that which will take place in the worldly life and the Hereafter, and the events that occurred perfectly after the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] spoke about them many years prior to their occurrence, such as his statement: ‘The Hour will not be established until you fight with the Turks; people with small eyes, red faces, and flat noses. Their faces will look like shields coated with leather. The Hour will not be established till you fight with people whose shoes are made of hair. [Saheeh Al-Bukhaari. Number 2928]

 Those amongst the Muslims – who saw and fought those Turks when their king Genghis Khan appeared, his children and grandchildren, such as Hulagu Khan and other than him amongst the disbelieving kings- could not describe them better than how the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] described them [i.e. even though he did not meet them]. He stated this 600 years prior to its occurrence. (4)

In addition to the misguided political theorists, the practitioners of dark arts, including devil-worshipping magicians, soothsayers, and psychics, also partake in this speculation. Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah preserve him, stated:

Among the liars – whose affair has been unveiled by Islam in the Qur’an and the Sunnah – are the soothsayers, fortune tellers and magicians. They are from the most evil liars. Allah said:

هَلۡ أُنَبِّئُكُمۡ عَلَىٰ مَن تَنَزَّلُ ٱلشَّيَـٰطِينُ

تَنَزَّلُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ أَفَّاكٍ أَثِيمٍ۬

يُلۡقُونَ ٱلسَّمۡعَ وَأَڪۡثَرُهُمۡ كَـٰذِبُونَ

وَٱلشُّعَرَآءُ يَتَّبِعُهُمُ ٱلۡغَاوُ ۥنَ

أَلَمۡ تَرَ أَنَّهُمۡ فِى ڪُلِّ وَادٍ۬ يَهِيمُونَ

وَأَنَّہُمۡ يَقُولُونَ مَا لَا يَفۡعَلُونَ

إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ وَذَكَرُواْ ٱللَّهَ كَثِيرً۬ا وَٱنتَصَرُواْ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ مَا ظُلِمُواْ‌ۗ وَسَيَعۡلَمُ ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوٓاْ أَىَّ مُنقَلَبٍ۬ يَنقَلِبُونَ

Shall I inform you (O people!) upon whom the Shayatin (devils) descend? They descend on every lying (one who tells lies), sinful person. Who gives ear (to the devils and they pour what they may have heard of the unseen from the angels), and most of them are liars. As for the poets, the erring follow them; see you not that they speak about every subject (praising others right or wrong) in their poetry? And that they say what they do not do. Except those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah Islamic Monotheism), and do righteous deeds, and remember Allah much, and reply back (in poetry) to the unjust poetry (which the pagan poets utter against the Muslims). And those who do wrong will come to know by what overturning they will be overturned. [Ash-Shu’araa. 221-222]

Allah made it known that the devils descend on these types of liars, even the poets amongst them; except those who believe, perform righteous deeds and reply back (in poetry) to the unjust poetry (which the pagan poets utter against the Muslims).

 The Messenger said, “Whoever goes to a fortune teller or soothsayer and believes in what he says has disbelieved in what has been revealed to Muhammad”. [Sahih al-Jami. Number 5015]

It has been reported in an authentic narrations that the devils eavesdrop in the [first] heavens and then inform the magician or the soothsayer, then they add a hundred lies to it; so the ignorant wrong doer believes them whilst being aware of the recompense for the one who believes them. If this is the ruling against the one who believes them, then how about the one who is immersed in the sludge of soothsaying, magic and fortune telling? Therefore, the Muslims should also be cautious of these evil category of people and from their most distinct characteristics is lying. Allah and Messenger testified that indeed they are liars and made known their attachment to the devils. [5]

The Khawaariq – [Phenomena Attributed to Something Outside The Norm]

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

The Khawaariq by way of which the devils misguide the children of Adam – such as when the devils take the image of a person who is absent or has passed away and what is similar to this – has misguided many of those who ascribe themselves to the Muslims or to the people of the Scripture. They establish this on two affairs: Firstly, that whoever from whom these khawaariq occurs is a Wali, and according to the term of the Christians he is a Qadees A’dheem – a great saint! Secondly, that the one from whom these khawaariq occurs is therefore infallible, everything he narrates is truth and everything he commands is justice”. However, it can definitely be the case that neither did a phenomena outside the norm – whether unrelated or related to sound knowledge and piety – occur from such a person nor a phenomena outside the normal related to deeds of the devils; rather the person merely carried out the tricks of the liars and wicked sinners. The tricks of the liars and wicked sinners are numerous indeed, so one thinks that they are amazing events outside the norm, however neither is that the case nor is it something similar to the tricks of the monks. Some people have written books regarding the tricks of the monks, such as the trick reported about one of them changing water into oil- that when the oil is in the interior of the lighthouse, the water gradually reduces and thus the oil floats [or pops up] on the water, so those who are present think that the water has changed into oil. The likes of this affair are numerous from the tricks of those Christians, because all that those Christians possess – those who altered the religion of the Messiah [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] – of activities that are attributed to something out of the norm are either from the devils or they are tricks, and there’s nothing in them related to the miracles of the righteous people.

Similarly, the deviated people – those who seek to alter the religion of Muhammad – adopt a religion that is not legislated by Allah and His Messenger, then they make it a path of worship and give it precedence over the path that is legislated by Allah and His Messenger. For example, they give precedence to listening to sounds from the tambourines and the shrill flutes over listening to the book of Allah, so one of them goes into a state of ecstasy and a satanic trance through which he becomes muddled up with shaytaan until he speaks in a language he does not know. Then when he returns to his senses – just as when a jinn speaks through the tongue of the one who is possessed and after informing the people of that which is in his heart and soul, which is from the Shaytaan, and the shaytaan leaves him -, he cannot repeat what he said at first.

The heretics alter the religion of the Messengers – either the religion of the Messiah or seek to alter the religion of Muhammad, and amongst the likes of such people are the proponents of hearsay, misguidance, the disbelievers, the polytheists, apostates and other than them, such as the likes of Musaylimah the liar, Al-Aswad Al-Unzee, Al-Haarith Ad-Dimashqee, Baabaa Roomee and other than them amongst those who engaged in activities that are considered to be outside the norm [i.e. so called miracles] but [in reality] are related to the deeds of the devils.

As for the tricksters, they are numerous and they are not Awliyaa of Allah. Their so called amazing activities that are outside the norm- if not related to the satanic deeds of the soothsayers and the magicians – a just tricks. They deliberately lie and deceive unlike those connected to the devils, because amongst them is he who deceives, so one thinks that what he does is from the miracles of the righteous people, just as amongst them is one who knows that what he does is from the devils, but he does so in order to achieve his goals.

The intent behind this discussion is that many of the activities that are considered to be outside of the norm [i.e. so called miracles] are either satanic deeds or tricks, so one thinks that they are the true miracles of the righteous people, for indeed that which whose cause is based on Shirk and wicked deeds can only be from the devils, such as when a person associates partners with Allah by invoking the stars, or invokes a person- whether such a person is dead or absent, or he makes an oath through unknown words and statements whose meanings are not known, or he knows that they are names of devils, or seeks aid through lewd conduct and oppression, then such deeds – considered to be outside of the norm that emanates from this – are from the devils.

The righteous people have miracles such as the miracles of the pious people of this Ummah [may Allah have mercy upon them], the miracles of the disciples of the Messiah [may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon the Messiah, and may Allah have mercy upon the disciples] and other than them amongst those who were upon the correct and unaltered religion of the Messiah. However, the occurrence of miracles at the hands of the righteous people does not necessitate that they are infallible like the Prophets [peace and blessings of Allah be upon them]; rather it maybe that a righteous man- a Wali – has miracles, but despite this he mixes up by error and makes a mistake in that which he thinks or what he is made to hear or see, or what he sees, or what he understands from the revealed Scripture. And because of this, the statements of those other than the Prophets [peace and blessings of Allah be upon them] can either be accepted or rejected [i.e. based on evidence], but as for the Prophets [peace and blessings of Allah be upon them], it is obligated on a person to affirm truthfully everything they have related regarding the affairs of the unseen and obey them in everything they command. And due to this, Allah [The Exalted] obligated on a person to believe in everything the Prophets [peace and blessings of Allah be upon them] brought and did not obligate on a person to believe in everything that comes from others. Allah [The Exalted] said:

قُولُوٓاْ ءَامَنَّا بِٱللَّهِ وَمَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيۡنَا وَمَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَىٰٓ إِبۡرَٲهِـۧمَ وَإِسۡمَـٰعِيلَ وَإِسۡحَـٰقَ وَيَعۡقُوبَ وَٱلۡأَسۡبَاطِ وَمَآ أُوتِىَ مُوسَىٰ وَعِيسَىٰ وَمَآ أُوتِىَ ٱلنَّبِيُّونَ مِن رَّبِّهِمۡ لَا نُفَرِّقُ بَيۡنَ أَحَدٍ۬ مِّنۡهُمۡ وَنَحۡنُ لَهُ ۥ مُسۡلِمُونَ

Say (O Muslims), “We believe in Allah and that which has been sent down to us and that which has been sent down to Ibrahim (Abraham), Isma’il (Ishmael), Ishaque (Isaac), Ya’qub (Jacob), and to Al-Asbat [the twelve sons of Ya’qub (Jacob)], and that which has been given to Musa (Moses) and ‘Iesa (Jesus), and that which has been given to the Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him we have submitted (in Islam).” [Al-Baqarah. 136]

 Allah [The Exalted] said:

لَّيۡسَ ٱلۡبِرَّ أَن تُوَلُّواْ وُجُوهَكُمۡ قِبَلَ ٱلۡمَشۡرِقِ وَٱلۡمَغۡرِبِ وَلَـٰكِنَّ ٱلۡبِرَّ مَنۡ ءَامَنَ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلۡيَوۡمِ ٱلۡأَخِرِ وَٱلۡمَلَـٰٓٮِٕڪَةِ وَٱلۡكِتَـٰبِ وَٱلنَّبِيِّـۧنَ

 It is not Al-Birr (piety, righteousness, and each and every act of obedience to Allah, etc.) that you turn your faces towards east and (or) west (in prayers); but Al-Birr is (the quality of) the one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the Angels, the Book, the Prophets. [Al-Baqarah. 177]

And because of this the Muslims are all in agreement that the one who disbelieved in a single Prophet whose Prophethood is well known, then he is a disbeliever- an apostate. There is no distinction between one Prophet from the other- by believing in some and disbelieving in others. Allah said:

إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يَكۡفُرُونَ بِٱللَّهِ وَرُسُلِهِۦ وَيُرِيدُونَ أَن يُفَرِّقُواْ بَيۡنَ ٱللَّهِ وَرُسُلِهِۦ وَيَقُولُونَ نُؤۡمِنُ بِبَعۡضٍ۬ وَنَڪۡفُرُ بِبَعۡضٍ۬ وَيُرِيدُونَ أَن يَتَّخِذُواْ بَيۡنَ ذَٲلِكَ سَبِيلاً

أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ هُمُ ٱلۡكَـٰفِرُونَ حَقًّ۬ا‌ۚ وَأَعۡتَدۡنَا لِلۡكَـٰفِرِينَ عَذَابً۬ا مُّهِينً۬ا

Verily, those who disbelieve in Allah and His Messengers and wish to make distinction between Allah and His Messengers (by believing in Allah and disbelieving in His Messengers) saying, “We believe in some but reject others,” and wish to adopt a way in between. They are in truth disbelievers. And We have prepared for the disbelievers a humiliating torment. [An-Nisaa.  150-151] [6]

NB: This brief dialogue we engage in does not, in any manner, endorse violence, terrorism, or the violation of the rights for those who may not subscribe to the infallible sacred teachings of the Qur’an and the authentic reports of the seal of the Prophets, Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.

While we hold an unwavering belief in the inevitability of all the events mentioned in the Islamic Shariah, and acknowledge that the victorious group and the saved sect will endure until the end of time, despite the prevailing corruption – in any era – in the world, we also affirm that the noble Prophet Eesa, peace be upon him, will return to establish perfect justice on earth, guided by Allah’s final revelation.

However, it is important, without any ambiguity, that one adheres to the principles of justice in their interactions with others. Thus, one must explore the insightful writings of Shaikh Abu Iyaad, may Allah safeguard him.

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

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

http://www.shariah.ws/articles/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

We ask 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. [7]

Footnote a:

https://www.aqidah.com/creed/articles/kyvik-the-khilaafah-lasted-for-30-years-then-there-was-kingship.cfm


[1] An Excerpt from Tafseer as-Sadi

[2] An Excerpt from Mawqiful Muslim Minal Fitan. 15-16

[3]An Excerpt from Tafseer as-Sadi

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

[5]https://rabee.net/audio/%D8%AE%D8%B7%D9%88%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D8%B0%D8%A8-%D9%88%D8%A2%D8%AB%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%87-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%A6%D8%A9-%D9%88%D9%85%D9%88%D9%82%D9%81-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A5%D8%B3%D9%84/

[6] An Excerpt from Al-Jawaabus Saheeh Liman Baddala Deen Al-Maseeh. 1/284-287

[7] Saheeh Muslim Number: 2720

 

[2] Some Timeless Lessons and Reflections from Surah al-Kahf

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

After a mention of the Iman and guidance bestowed upon them by Allah, they (i.e. the young men) then addressed what their people were upon. Their people used to ascribe partners to Allah in worship, so they detested them and clarified that their (beliefs, acts of worship etc) were not based on certainty; rather they were upon extreme ignorance and misguidance. Allah said that the young men said:

هَـٰٓؤُلَآءِ قَوۡمُنَا ٱتَّخَذُواْ مِن دُونِهِۦۤ ءَالِهَةً۬‌ۖ لَّوۡلَا يَأۡتُونَ عَلَيۡهِم بِسُلۡطَـٰنِۭ بَيِّنٍ۬‌ۖ فَمَنۡ أَظۡلَمُ مِمَّنِ ٱفۡتَرَىٰ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ كَذِبً۬ا

These our people have taken for worship aliha (gods) other than Him (Allah). Why do they not bring for them a clear authority? And who does more wrong than he who invents a lie against Allah]. [18:15]

لَّوۡلَا يَأۡتُونَ عَلَيۡهِم بِسُلۡطَـٰنِۭ بَيِّنٍ۬‌ۖ

Why do they not bring for them a clear authority?

Meaning: Bring Hujjah [i.e. clear and overwhelming proofs that would show the correctness of what they are upon and the falsehood of their opponents] and Burhan [i.e. evidences that clarify and distinguish between truth and falsehood from every angle]; however they have no way of doing so, rather they only invent a lie against Allah and this is the greatest type of wrong doing. This is why Allah said that the young men said:

فَمَنۡ أَظۡلَمُ مِمَّنِ ٱفۡتَرَىٰ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ كَذِبً۬ا
And who does more wrong than he who invents a lie against Allah.

وَتَرَى ٱلشَّمۡسَ إِذَا طَلَعَت تَّزَٲوَرُ عَن كَهۡفِهِمۡ ذَاتَ ٱلۡيَمِينِ وَإِذَا غَرَبَت تَّقۡرِضُہُمۡ ذَاتَ ٱلشِّمَالِ وَهُمۡ فِى فَجۡوَةٍ۬ مِّنۡهُ‌ۚ ذَٲلِكَ مِنۡ ءَايَـٰتِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۗ مَن يَہۡدِ ٱللَّهُ فَهُوَ ٱلۡمُهۡتَدِ‌ۖ وَمَن يُضۡلِلۡ فَلَن تَجِدَ لَهُ ۥ وَلِيًّ۬ا مُّرۡشِدً۬ا

And you might have seen the sun, when it rose, declining to the right from their Cave, and when it set, turning away from them to the left, while they lay in the midst of the Cave. That is (one) of the Ayat (proofs, evidences, signs) of Allah. He whom Allah guides, is rightly guided; but he whom He sends astray, for him you will find no Wali (guiding friend) to lead him (to the right Path).

Allah protected them from the sun by facilitating for them a cave in which when the sun rose, it declined to the right away from it, and when it set, it turned away from it to the left, thus, its heat did not come into contact with them and harm their bodies.

وَهُمۡ فِى فَجۡوَةٍ۬ مِّنۡهُ‌ۚ

While they lay in the midst of the Cave.

Meaning, a spacious part of it, so that fresh air and breezes reaches them, stuffiness removed and not harmed by narrow space, especially that they were staying there for a prolonged period. This is one of Allah’s Signs that demonstrates His Power, His mercy for them, and the fact that He responded to their supplications and guided them even in these matters. This is why Allah said:

مَن يَہۡدِ ٱللَّهُ فَهُوَ ٱلۡمُهۡتَدِ‌ۖ
He whom Allah guides, is rightly guided

Meaning, there is no path to aattaining guidance except from Allah, because He is the One Who guides and directs a person to all the welfare in this life and the next.

وَمَن يُضۡلِلۡ فَلَن تَجِدَ لَهُ ۥ وَلِيًّ۬ا مُّرۡشِدً۬ا

But he whom He sends astray, for him you will find no Wali (guiding friend) to lead him (to the right Path).

Meaning, neither will you find a guiding friend for him to look after him in a manner that will bring about welfare for him nor guide him to good and success.

[An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi. slightly paraphrased]

[1] Some Timeless Lessons and Reflections from Sūrah al-Kahf

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

أَمۡ حَسِبۡتَ أَنَّ أَصۡحَـٰبَ ٱلۡكَهۡفِ وَٱلرَّقِيمِ كَانُواْ مِنۡ ءَايَـٰتِنَا عَجَبًا
إِذۡ أَوَى ٱلۡفِتۡيَةُ إِلَى ٱلۡكَهۡفِ فَقَالُواْ رَبَّنَآ ءَاتِنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ رَحۡمَةً۬ وَهَيِّئۡ لَنَا مِنۡ أَمۡرِنَا رَشَدً۬ا
فَضَرَبۡنَا عَلَىٰٓ ءَاذَانِهِمۡ فِى ٱلۡكَهۡفِ سِنِينَ عَدَدً۬ا
ثُمَّ بَعَثۡنَـٰهُمۡ لِنَعۡلَمَ أَىُّ ٱلۡحِزۡبَيۡنِ أَحۡصَىٰ لِمَا لَبِثُوٓاْ أَمَدً۬ا

Do you think that the people of the Cave and the Inscription (the news or the names of the people of the Cave) were a wonder among Our Signs? (Remember) when the young men fled for refuge (from their disbelieving folk) to the Cave, they said: “Our Lord! Bestow on us mercy from Yourself, and facilitate for us our affair in the right way!” Therefore, We covered up their (sense of) hearing (causing them, to go in deep sleep) in the Cave for a number of years. Then We raised them up (from their sleep), that We might test which of the two parties was best at calculating the time period that they had tarried. [9-12]

أَمۡ حَسِبۡتَ أَنَّ أَصۡحَـٰبَ ٱلۡكَهۡفِ وَٱلرَّقِيمِ كَانُواْ مِنۡ ءَايَـٰتِنَا عَجَبًا

Do you think that the people of the Cave and the Inscription (the news or the names of the people of the Cave) were a wonder among Our Signs?

Meaning: Their affair was not something wonderous in relation to Allah’s All-Encompassing Power and Authority Over all matters, for indeed the creation of the heavens and earth, the alternation of night and day, the subjugation of the sun, moon, the stars and the other mighty signs demonstrates Allah’s All-Encompassing Power. Allah is able to do whatever He wills and nothing escapes Him. Ibn Jurayj, may Allah have mercy upon him, reported from Mujahid, may Allah have mercy upon him, who stated about the meaning of the (above) verse:

“You are amazed by the story of the people of the cave! Indeed, there are among Allah’s signs that which is more amazing than that”. [1]

Allah has not ceased showing His servants signs in the universe and in their ownselves through which truth is distinguished from falsehood, and guidance from misguidance.

إِذۡ أَوَى ٱلۡفِتۡيَةُ إِلَى ٱلۡكَهۡفِ

(Remember) when the young fled to the Cave

Meaning: Intending to fortify and shield themselves from the Fitna of their people.

فَقَالُواْ رَبَّنَآ ءَاتِنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ رَحۡمَةً۬
They said: “Our Lord! Bestow on us mercy from Yourself”

Meaning: Make us steadfast by way of it, protect us from evil and bestow good upon us.

وَهَيِّئۡ لَنَا مِنۡ أَمۡرِنَا رَشَدً۬ا
“And facilitate for us our affair in the right way!”

Meaning: Facilitate for us every means that will lead us to the right way and make our religious and worldly affairs upright.

So, they hurried away and fled from Fitna to a place where they can hide. They supplicated to Allah with humility to make their affair easy and did not merely rely upon themselves and others, thus, Allah answered their supplication and brought about for them that which they could not expect. Allah said:

فَضَرَبۡنَا عَلَىٰٓ ءَاذَانِهِمۡ فِى ٱلۡكَهۡفِ سِنِينَ عَدَدً۬ا

Therefore We covered up their (sense of) hearing in the Cave for a number of years.

Meaning: Allah made them sleep for three hundred and nine years. Through this sleep, Allah protected their hearts from confusion and fear, and from their people, so that they might be a manifest sign (to the people).

ثُمَّ بَعَثۡنَـٰهُمۡ لِنَعۡلَمَ أَىُّ ٱلۡحِزۡبَيۡنِ أَحۡصَىٰ لِمَا لَبِثُوٓاْ أَمَدً۬ا

Then We raised them up (from their sleep), that We might test which of the two parties was best at calculating the time period that they had tarried.

Meaning: Which of them could calculate the time period they had stayed in the cave, as Allah said:

وَڪَذَٲلِكَ بَعَثۡنَـٰهُمۡ لِيَتَسَآءَلُواْ بَيۡنَہُمۡ‌ۚ

Likewise, We awakened them (from their long deep sleep) that they might question one another.

The knowledge regarding how long they slept in the cave demonstrates precision in calculation, knowledge of Allah’s All-Encompassing Power, Wisdom and Mercy. And had they continued to sleep, nothing would have been known regarding their story. [2]


[1] An Excerpt from Al-Misbah al-Munir Fee Tahdbeeb Tafsir Ibn Kathir
[2] An Excerpt from Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam al-Mannaan.

Which of the two has more right to security?

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

Allah stated that Prophet, Ibrahim, peace be upon him, said to his people:

وَڪَيۡفَ أَخَافُ مَآ أَشۡرَڪۡتُمۡ وَلَا تَخَافُونَ أَنَّكُمۡ أَشۡرَكۡتُم بِٱللَّهِ مَا لَمۡ يُنَزِّلۡ بِهِۦ عَلَيۡڪُمۡ سُلۡطَـٰنً۬ا‌ۚ فَأَىُّ ٱلۡفَرِيقَيۡنِ أَحَقُّ بِٱلۡأَمۡنِ‌ۖ إِن كُنتُمۡ تَعۡلَمُونَ

And how should I fear those whom you associate in worship with Allah (though they can neither benefit nor harm), while you fear not that you have joined in worship with Allah things for which He has not sent down to you any authority. (So) which of the two parties has more right to be in security? If you but know.” It is those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah and worship none but Him Alone) and confuse not their belief with Zulm (wrong i.e. by worshipping others besides Allah), for them (only) there is security and they are the guided. [Al-An’aam. 81-82]

وَڪَيۡفَ أَخَافُ مَآ أَشۡرَڪۡتُمۡ

Why should I fear that which you ascribe as partners to [Allah]? – Meaning, when its state is that of inability and cannot benefit.

وَلَا تَخَافُونَ أَنَّكُمۡ أَشۡرَكۡتُم بِٱللَّهِ مَا لَمۡ يُنَزِّلۡ بِهِۦ عَلَيۡڪُمۡ سُلۡطَـٰنً۬ا‌ۚ

“whilst you do not fear ascribing partners to Allah for which He has not sent down to you any authority”..

Meaning: you do so (i.e. worship false dieties) solely due to following desires!

فَأَىُّ ٱلۡفَرِيقَيۡنِ أَحَقُّ بِٱلۡأَمۡنِ‌ۖ إِن كُنتُمۡ تَعۡلَمُونَ

(So) which of the two parties has more right to be in security? If you but know?

Then (Allah) differentiated the two parties and stated:

ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَلَمۡ يَلۡبِسُوٓاْ إِيمَـٰنَهُم بِظُلۡمٍ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ لَهُمُ ٱلۡأَمۡنُ وَهُم مُّهۡتَدُونَ

It is those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah and worship none but Him Alone) and confuse not their belief with Zulm (wrong i.e. by worshipping others besides Allah), for them (only) there is security and they are the guided] -Meaning, safe from fear, punishment and misery, and they will be guided to the straight path. [1]

We shall cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve, because they ascribe partners to Allah, for which He had sent no authority. [Aal Imran. 151]

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

The level of Shirk determines the level of fear, and the one who ascribes a partner with Allah has the greatest fear and terror. Those who believe and do not mix their belief with Shirk have safety, guidance and success and the one who ascribes a partner to Allah has fear, misguidance and wretchedness”. [2]


[1]An Excerpt From Tafseer As-Sadi

[2] An Excerpt from Iddat As-Saabireen 166-167

[17] The Self-Evident and Irresistible Nature of Pure Islamic Monotheism

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

أَلَمْ تَرَ إِلَى الَّذِي حَاجَّ إِبْرَاهِيمَ فِي رَبِّهِ أَنْ آتَاهُ اللَّهُ الْمُلْكَ إِذْ قَالَ إِبْرَاهِيمُ رَبِّيَ الَّذِي يُحْيِي وَيُمِيتُ قَالَ أَنَا أُحْيِي وَأُمِيتُ ۖ قَالَ إِبْرَاهِيمُ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ يَأْتِي بِالشَّمْسِ مِنَ الْمَشْرِقِ فَأْتِ بِهَا مِنَ الْمَغْرِبِ فَبُهِتَ الَّذِي كَفَرَ ۗ وَاللَّهُ لَا يَهْدِي الْقَوْمَ الظَّالِمِينَ

Have you not seen (contemplated with your heart) him who disputed with Ibrahim (Abraham) about his Lord (Allah), because Allah had given him the kingdom? When Ibrahim (Abraham) said (to him): “My Lord (Allah) is He Who gives life and causes death.” He said, “I give life and cause death.” Ibrahim (Abraham) said, “Verily! Allah causes the sun to rise from the east; then cause it you to rise from the west.” So the disbeliever was utterly defeated. And Allah guides not the people, who are Zalimun (wrong-doers, etc.). [Al-Baqarah. 258]

Imam Al-Baghawi, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated that there is a difference of opinion among Qur’an commentators regarding the timing of this debate.

Muqatil, may Allah have mercy upon him, mentioned that when Ibrahim, peace be upon him, destroyed the idols, Namrud imprisoned and later attempted to burn him with fire. Namrud asked Ibrahim, peace be upon him: “Who is your Lord that you call us to worship?” Ibrahim, peace be upon him, replied, “My Lord is the one who gives life and causes death.”

Other commentators suggested that this incident occurred after Ibrahim, peace be upon him, was thrown into the fire. Thereafter, people suffered from drought and would seek food from Namrud. Whenever a man approached Namrud for food, he would inquire, “Who is your Lord?” If the man responded, “You are my Lord,” Namrud would agree to sell him food. [1]

أَلَمۡ تَرَ إِلَى ٱلَّذِى حَآجَّ إِبۡرَٲهِـۧمَ فِى رَبِّهِۦۤ

Have you seen (contemplated with your heart and eyes) him who disputed with Ibrahim (Abraham) about his Lord (Allah)..

Meaning: his impudence, ignorance, and obstinacy, along with his incessant arguments on matters that are unquestionable?! His behaviour can only be attributed to the fact that “Allah had bestowed upon him the kingdom,” thus he exceeded his limits, rebelled, and even went as far as challenging Prophet Ibrahim regarding Allah’s sovereignty, arrogantly claiming that he possessed the same power as Allah.

Prophet Ibrahim said to him: “My Lord is He Who gives life and death” – Meaning, Allah is the sole authority over everything, then Ibrahim specifically mentioned two significant matters – life and death – as they hold the utmost importance in Allah’s complete control. This is because the bestowal of life marks the commencement of worldly existence, while death signifies the beginning of what awaits in the afterlife. So, the individual who attempted to dispute Ibrahim’s statement said, “I possess the ability to grant life and cause death,” but never proclaimed, “I am The One Who grants life and death.” This is because he could not say that he did not require any external intervention in these matters. Instead, he merely claimed that he could replicate what Allah does by taking someone’s life or sparing it.

Prophet Ibrahim recognised the flaw in his opponent’s argument and the statement he uttered, which is not even worthy of being a doubt let alone proof. Ibrahim then responded by stating:

“Indeed, Allah causes the sun to rise from the east.”

This statement was something that could be observed and confirmed by everyone, including the disbeliever. Ibrahim further challenged him by saying:

“Then cause it to rise from the west.” This compelled the disbeliever to provide evidence if he truly believed in his claim. However, the disbeliever was unable to present any ambiguity to undermine Ibrahim’s proof or find any fault with it. As a result, he was completely defeated, unable to respond, and his argument crumbled. [2]

The One who has power over life and death (Allah) possesses complete authority over all creation, bringing forth everything within it, including full control over the planets and their orbits. As the sun consistently rises in the east each day, if you truly were a deity who grants life and administers death, then command the sun to rise from the west. [3]

This describes a stubborn liar who seeks to challenge the truth and emerge victorious, as he will ultimately be vanquished and humbled. This is why Allah said:

وَٱللَّهُ لَا يَہۡدِى ٱلۡقَوۡمَ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ

And Allah guides not the people, who are Zalimun (wrong-doers, etc.); rather He abandons them to their disbelief and misguidance. [4]


[1] An Excerpt from “Tafseer Al-Baghawi”

[2] An Excerpt from “Tafseer As-Sadi”

[3] An Excerpt from “Tafseer Ibn Katheer”

[4] An Excerpt from “Tafseer As-Sadi”

[16] The Self-Evident and Irresistible Nature of Pure Islamic Monotheism

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

مَا اتَّخَذَ اللَّهُ مِن وَلَدٍ وَمَا كَانَ مَعَهُ مِنْ إِلَٰهٍ ۚ إِذًا لَّذَهَبَ كُلُّ إِلَٰهٍ بِمَا خَلَقَ وَلَعَلَا بَعْضُهُمْ عَلَىٰ بَعْضٍ ۚ سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ عَمَّا يَصِفُونَ

No son (or offspring or children) did Allah beget, nor is there any ilah (god) along with Him; (if there had been many gods), behold, each god would have taken away what he had created, and some would have tried to overcome others! Glorified be Allah above all that they attribute to Him! [23:91]

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

Contemplate this overwhelming proof through this short and clear statement; for indeed a true god has to be a Creator and a Performer of actions-benefiting the slaves and averting evil from them. Had it been that there was another (true) god besides (Allah), then that god would have had his own creation and actions; but (Allah) is not pleased that another god (i.e. the false gods) is associated as a partner of His. This is because (if another true god besides Allah existed) and was able to overcome Him, he would have done so. And if (such a god) was unable to overcome Him, he would have taken away what he created and depart, just as the kings of this world isolate themselves from one another when they are unable to overcome and gain authority over others. Therefore, there has to be one of the (following) three:

Either each god departs with what he has created and with his authority; or that some of them gain authority over others, or that all of them are placed under the authority of one god, who controls the affairs and they do not control His affairs, and they are restricted by His judgements but they cannot restrict Him. Therefore, Allah (alone) is the true God and they are His nurtured and subjugated slaves.

The organisation of the affairs of the world – above and below, the connection between them and their establishment upon a well-planned and perfect organisation neither clashes nor gets ruined – is the most confirmed evidence that the one in control of its affairs is One (Allah) and there no other (true) god besides Him. And just as it is impossible for the universe to have another Lord and creator, similarly, it is not possible for it to have another god that has the right to be worshipped (except Allah).

Bada’i- at-Tafseer Al-Jami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim Al-Jawziyyah: 1/376

A Statement That Gathers Matters of Welfare in This Life and the Next

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

وَتَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْبِرِّ وَالتَّقْوَىٰ ۖ وَلَا تَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْإِثْمِ وَالْعُدْوَانِ

Help you one another in Al-Birr and At-Taqwa [virtue, righteousness and piety]; but do not help one another in sin and transgression. [Al-Ma’idah. 2]

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

This Ayah contains all the Masaalih [matters of welfare] for the slaves (of Allah) in their worldly affairs and affairs related to the Hereafter- be it between themselves or between them and their Lord, for indeed every servant (of Allah) finds himself within two circumstances and obligations – either (required) to fulfil the obligations owed to Allah or the obligations owed to Allah’s creation.

As for the obligations owed to the creation, they include (righteous) association, companionship, aiding one another upon what Allah loves and obedience to Allah, and that is the goal behind one’s search for happiness and success in the afterlife. There can be no happiness in the afterlife except through Bir and Taqwaa, for it is basis of all affairs of the religion.

As for Taqwa, its reality is to act in obedience to Allah based on Iman in Allah and hoping for Allah’s Reward; fulfil what Allah has commanded based on having Iman in that which Allah has commanded and affirming the reward Allah has promised; abandoning what Allah has forbidden based on one’s belief that what Allah has forbidden is forbidden and fearing Allah’s punishment, just as Talq Bin Habeeb, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“When Fitna occurs, extinguish it with Taqwa”. So the people said, “What is Taqwa?” He said, “You act in obedience to Allah upon a light from Allah [i.e. Iman, sincerity, guidance etc] and hoping for reward from Allah. And you abandon disobedience to Allah upon a light from Allah and fearing the punishment of Allah”.

This is the best of that which has been stated regarding Taqwa, for indeed there has to be an aim and a goal behind every deed. A deed cannot be considered an act of obedience to Allah and an act that gets one close to Allah until it is based on Iman, so that which leads to the performance of that deed is solely due to Iman – neither customs nor desires, neither seeking praise nor status and other than it; rather it should be solely based on Iman and the aim behind it should be to attain Allah’s reward and seeking after Allah’s Pleasure.

An Excerpt from Bada’i at-Tafseer Al-Jami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim Al-Jawziyyah. 1/307-311. Publisher: Daar Ibn Al-Jawziyyah 2nd Ed, 1431AH

 

A Supplication for Well-Being and Comprehensive Protection, Morning and Evening

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

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ العافِيَـةَ فـي الدُّنيا والآخِرَةِ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ العَفْوَ والعافِيَـةَ فـي دِيني ودُنْـيايَ وأَهْلِي ومالِي، اللَّهُمَّ اسْتُـرْ عَوْراتِي، وآمِنْ رَوْعاتِي،
اللَّهُمَّ احْفَظْنِـي مِنْ بَـيْنِ يَدَيَّ، ومِنْ خَلْفِي، وعَنْ يَمِيـنِـي، وعَنْ شِمالِي، ومِنْ فَوْقِي، وأَعُوذُ بِعَظَمَـتِكَ أَنْ أُغْتالَ مِنْ تَحْتِـي

O Allah! I ask You for well-being in this Dunya and the Aakhirah. O Allāh, I ask You for pardon and well-being in my religion, my worldly affairs, my family and my wealth. O Allaah! Conceal my [faults, shortcomings etc] and safeguard me against everything that will bring me fear and sorrow. O Allah! Protect me from in front, from behind me, from my right and my left, and from above. And I seek refuge with Your Magnificence from being swallowed up from beneath me.

This great supplication begins with one asking Allaah for [العافِيَـةَ -wellbeing] in the Dunya and Aakhira. Nothing can be equal to wellbeing, for whoever is granted well-being then indeed he has received his complete share of good. Seeking [العَفْوَ -pardon] necessitates that one is forgiven his sins and they are wiped away.

As for [العافِيَـةَ – Well-being], it is safety Allah bestows on a servant of His- protects him against every punishment and trial, by averting evil from him, protecting him against calamities and ailments [sicknesses], evil affairs and sins. So, the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, asked for wellbeing in the Dunyaa and Aakhirah, as well as wellbeing in his religion, worldly affairs, his family and wealth.

Well-being in one’s religion is protection against everything that will bring dishonour (or disgrace) to one’s religion or deprive him of it.

Well-being in the Dunyaa is to seek protection against everything that will harm the person in his worldly affairs, such as calamities or trials, severe poverty and ailments.

Well-being in the Aakhirah is to seek protection against the extreme hardships in the Aakhirah and its various punishments. Well-being in one’s family is that they are protected from trials, calamities and tests; wellbeing in one’s wealth is that it is protected from drowning, burning, theft etc…

[اللَّهُمَّ اسْتُـرْ عَوْراتِي – O Allah! Conceal my faults, shortcomings etc]

[ وآمِنْ رَوْعاتِي – safeguard me against every affair that will frighten me and bring sorrow upon me].

اللَّهُمَّ احْفَظْنِـي مِنْ بَـيْنِ يَدَيَّ، ومِنْ خَلْفِي، وعَنْ يَمِيـنِـي، وعَنْ شِمالِي، ومِنْ فَوْقِي، وأَعُوذُ بِعَظَمَـتِكَ أَنْ أُغْتالَ مِنْ تَحْتِـي

O Allah! Protect me from in front, from behind me, from my right and my left, and from above. And I seek refuge with Your Magnificence from being swallowed up from beneath me] – Meaning: Asking Allaah to protect you against destructive things and evils which a person is exposed to from the six directions, for indeed evil can approach from the front, behind, the right, the left, above or below, and he does not know which direction calamity will suddenly come upon him.

An Excerpt from Fiqh Al-Ad’iyah Wal Af’kar 3/32-33- By Shaikh Abdur Razzaq Al-Badr, may Allah preserve him.

Five Comprehensive Supplications of Guidance and Rectification

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

Five Comprehensive Supplications of Guidance and Rectification_PDF

Supplication 1 – After Tashahud and Before Tasleem 

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). [1]

 

اللَّهُمَّ بِعِلْمِكَ الْغَيْبَ وَقُدْرَتِكَ عَلَى الْخَلْقِ أَحْيِنِي مَا عَلِمْتَ الْحَيَاةَ خَيْراً لِي وَتَوَفَّنِي إِذَا عَلِمْتَ الْوَفَاةَ خَيْراً لِي

 “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”.

This requires surrendering and submitting all of one’s affairs to the Lord, asking Allah for the best outcome in every situation, and seeking that through His All-Encompassing knowledge because Allah has complete knowledge of both hidden and visible matters, and He has absolute power over everything. No one can change His judgment or prevent His decree. It is well known that a servant of Allah cannot predict the outcome of their affairs or their final destination. They are also unable to achieve good or avoid harm except with the help and ease granted by Allah. Therefore, a servant of Allah is always in need of Allah, regardless of where he may be. This is why one says in this supplication:

 

أَحْيِنِي مَا عَلِمْتَ الْحَيَاةَ خَيْراً لِي وَتَوَفَّنِي إِذَا عَلِمْتَ الْوَفَاةَ خَيْراً لِي

Let me live if life is good for me, and let me die if You know that death is good for me.

This is why the Sunnah forbids wishing for death when faced with hardships, as one does not fully understand the repercussions. The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “Let none of you wish for death. If he is righteous, he might increase his good deeds. If he is sinful, he might repent”. [Al-Bukhari]

 

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ خَشْيَتَكَ فِي الْغَيْبِ وَالشَّهَادَةِ

O Allah! I ask You to grant me (the blessing of having) fear of You in private and public.

Meaning: To fear You in private and public- when I am with the people and when they are absent because while some fear Allah in public and when seen, the true measure of devotion lies in fearing Allah when not seen by the people. Allah praised those who fear Him in the unseen, saying:

 الَّذِينَ يَخْشَوْنَ رَبَّهُمْ بِالْغَيْبِ وَهُمْ مِنْ السَّاعَةِ مُشْفِقُونَ

Those who fear their Lord without seeing Him, while they are afraid of the Hour. [Al-Anbiya. 49]

Allah, The Most High, said: 

 مَنْ خَشِيَ الرَّحْمَنَ بِالْغَيْبِ وَجَاءَ بِقَلْبٍ مُنِيبٍ

 Who feared the Most Beneficent (Allah) in the Ghaib (unseen): (i.e. in this worldly life before seeing and meeting Him), and brought a heart turned in repentance (to Him – and absolutely free from each and every kind of polytheism). [Qaf. 33]

 

وَأَسْأَلُكَ كَلِمَةَ الْحَقِّ فِي الرِّضَا وَالْغَضَبِ

And I ask you (to make me utter) a statement of truth in times of contentment and anger

Meaning: Empower me to speak the truth during moments of contentment and anger. Speaking the truth during moments of anger is a virtuous and powerful act, as anger often leads a person to utter the opposite of truth and other than justice. Indeed, Allah commends those of His servants who forgive when angered and their anger never drives them towards transgression and aggression. 

Allah, The Most High, said:

  وَإِذَا مَا غَضِبُوا هُمْ يَغْفِرُونَ 

And when they are angry, they forgive. [Ash-Shuraa. 37]

If someone speaks only the truth when they’re angry, it shows that they have a strong faith and are in control of their soul (by the permission of Allah). In a hadith, the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: 

“The strong one (i.e. the one who is more worthy to be described as a strong person) is not the one who (overcomes the people in) wrestling, rather the strong person is the one who restrains himself when angry”.

 

وَأَسْأَلُكَ الْقَصْدَ فِي الْغِنَى وَالْفَقْرِ

 And I ask You for moderation when in a state of wealth and poverty.

 Meaning: Being moderate whether I’m poor or wealthy, following the balanced path set by the Shariah; neither stingy when I’m poor and fear running out of what I have; nor being extravagant and burdening myself with things I can’t handle, as Allah, The Most High, said:

  وَلاَ تَجْعَلْ يَدَكَ مَغْلُولَةً إِلَى عُنُقِكَ وَلاَ تَبْسُطْهَا كُلَّ الْبَسْطِ فَتَقْعُدَ مَلُومًا مَحْسُورًا

 And let not your hand be tied (like a miser) to your neck, nor stretch it forth to its utmost reach (like a spendthrift), so that you become blameworthy and in severe poverty. [Al-Israa. 29]

 And that if one is wealthy, his wealth does not lead him to extravagance, thus, he exceeds the limits. Allah, The Most High, said:

 وَالَّذِينَ إِذَا أَنفَقُوا لَمْ يُسْرِفُوا وَلَمْ يَقْتُرُوا وَكَانَ بَيْنَ ذَلِكَ قَوَامًا

And those, who, when they spend, are neither extravagant nor niggardly, but hold a medium (way) between those (extremes). [Al-Furqan. 67]

 

وَأَسْأَلُكَ نَعِيماً لَا يَنْفَذُ

And I ask you for blessings that never cease.

Meaning: The blessing that never ceases is the blessing of the Hereafter, as Allah, The Most High, said:

 

مَا عِنْدَكُمْ يَنفَدُ وَمَا عِنْدَ اللَّهِ بَاقٍ

 Whatever is with you, will be exhausted, and whatever with Allah will remain. [An-Nahl. 96]

 Allah said:

  إِنَّ هَذَا لَرِزْقُنَا مَا لَهُ مِنْ نَفَادٍ

 (It will be said to them)! Verily, this is Our Provision which will never finish. [Sad. 54]

 

وَأَسْأَلُكَ قُرَّةَ عَيْنٍ لَا تَنْقَطِعُ

 And I ask You for the coolness of my eye that will never end. 

Meaning: Some blessings come to an end, while others do not. The coolness of one’s eyes in worldly things is only temporary and will eventually fade away. Moreover, this is tainted with fear and anxiety due to the hardships and pain we experience. As a result, believers do not find greater pleasure in anything of this world except in their love for Allah, their remembrance of Him, and their obedience to Him, as the Messenger said, “The coolness [pleasure or delight] of my eyes is in prayer”. Therefore, whoever finds the pleasure of his eyes in this (i.e. their love for Allah and obedience to Him), they have something that will never cease to exist in this world, in the grave, and the Hereafter.

 

وَأَسْأَلُكَ الرِّضِا بَعْدَ الْقَضَاءِ 

And I ask You (to make me pleased) after (Your) decree.

 Meaning: Asking Allah to grant you contentment after His decree has been fulfilled, as it would genuinely demonstrate your satisfaction with Allah’s decree.

 

وَأَسْأَلُكَ بَرْدَ الْعَيْشِ بَعْدَ الْمَوْتِ

And I ask You for a life of (ease, comfort, tranquillity etc) after death.

Meaning: This demonstrates that the true essence of a perfect life, filled with goodness and comfort, can only be experienced after death. Life before death is marred by pain and suffering. If the only pain we had to endure in this life was death itself, that would have been enough. But the reality is that life is filled with countless pains, sorrows, illnesses, the frailty of old age, and the heartache of being separated from loved ones.

 

وَأَسْأَلُكَ لَذَّةَ النَّظَرِ إِلَى وَجْهِكَ وَالشَّوْقَ إِلَى لِقَائِكَ فِي غَيْرِ ضَرَّاءَ مُضِرَّةٍ وَلَا فِتْنَةٍ مُضِلَّةٍ

And 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). 

This part of the supplication brings together the best aspects of both this life and the Hereafter – the desire to meet Allah and see His Noble face in the Hereafter [May He be free from any imperfections, equals, similarities, or partners]. And since the fulfilment of this desire depends on being protected from harm in this life and being tested in one’s religious affairs, one expresses the following sentiment: 

فِي غَيْرِ ضَرَّاءَ مُضِرَّةٍ وَلَا فِتْنَةٍ مُضِلَّةٍ 

without any harm and misleading trials (coming upon me).

The meeting between the believer and his lord on the day of judgment has been mentioned in many texts in the Qur’an and Sunnah. Only those who have deviated from the right path would deny it. It is the ultimate happiness for the people of Jannah and brings them the greatest joy. The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said: When the people of Paradise would enter Paradise, Allah, The Blessed and Most High, would ask: 

“Do you want me to give you anything more?” They would say, “Have You not brightened our faces? Have You not made us enter Paradise and saved us from Fire?” He would lift the veil, and of things given to them, nothing would be dearer to them than looking at their Lord”. [Sahih Muslim 181]

 

اللَّهُمَّ زَيِّنَّا بِزِينَةِ الْإِيمَانِ وِاجْعَلْنَا هُدَاةً مُهْتَدِينَ

 O Allah! Adorn us with the adornment of Iman and make us (from those who are) guided and guiding (others).

Meaning: Beautification with Imaan involves adornment of the heart with authentic creed and noble deeds of the heart. It also entails adorning the tongue with remembrance of Allah and recitation of the Qur’an, as well as enjoining good and forbidding evil; adorning the limbs with righteous deeds that bring one closer to Allah.

 

 وَاجْعَلْنَا هُدَاةً مُهْتَدِينَ

And make us (from those who are) guided and guiding (others).

Meaning: To be guided and guide others. This is the greatest status when one is acquainted with the truth, lives by it, and teaches others. We pray to Allah to lead us towards this path and allow us to be among those who are guided and guiding others. [2] 

 

 Supplication 2 – A General Supplication

 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]

 This is also one of the comprehensive supplications of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him. Indeed, it gathers things which a person asks for the rectification of their religious affairs, worldly affairs and affairs related to the Afterlife. It begins with one’s religious affairs because when one’s religion is rectified, the other affairs will also be rectified.

 

اللَّهُمَّ أَصْلِحْ لِي دِينِي الَّذِي هُوَ عِصْمَةُ أَمْرِي

 O Allah! Rectify my religion for me, which is the safeguard of my affairs.

 

اللَّهُمَّ أَصْلِحْ لِي دِينِي 

O Allah! Rectify my religion for me. 

Meaning:  Asking Allaah for the rectification of one’s religion- to be blessed with the ability and guidance to fulfil its obligations, etiquettes and requirements in a perfect and complete manner; blessed with the guidance and ability to adhere to the Qur’aan and the authentic Sunnah based on the path of the Salafus Saaleh – the Sahaabah, the Taabi’een and the righteous Imaams- in affairs related to sound creed, worship, Dawah [i.e. the sound method of calling to the path of Allaah] and good social behaviour in general.

[الَّذِي هُوَ عِصْمَةُ أَمْرِي– which is the safeguard of my affairs]

Meaning: The affair through which all my affairs will be protected, just as Allah stated: [وَٱعۡتَصِمُواْ بِحَبۡلِ ٱللَّهِ جَمِيعً۬ا وَلَا تَفَرَّقُواْ‌ۚ – And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allah (i.e. this Qur’an), and be not divided among yourselves]. [Aal Imran. 103]

This demonstrates the fact that adherence to the religion based on the sound methodology is a means to safety for the person against the misleading trials, deviation in creed and deeds. And not adhering to the religion is the reason behind ruining one’s affairs, as Allah said:

وَلَا تُطِعۡ مَنۡ أَغۡفَلۡنَا قَلۡبَهُ ۥ عَن ذِكۡرِنَا وَٱتَّبَعَ هَوَٮٰهُ وَكَانَ أَمۡرُهُ ۥ فُرُطً۬ا 

And obey not him whose heart We have made heedless of Our Remembrance, one who follows his own lusts and whose affair (deeds) has been lost. [Al-Kahf. 28] 

 

 وَأَصْلِحْ لِي دُنْيَايَ الَّتِي فِيهَا مَعَاشِي

 And rectify my worldly (affairs), wherein is my livelihood.

 

[وَأَصْلِحْ لِي دُنْيَايَ – And rectify my worldly (affairs)]. 

Meaning: Asking Allaah to rectify one’s worldly affairs- to be granted sufficiency in what one needs and through permissible means, as well as making it a means that aids one to obey Allah. 

 

[الَّتِي فِيهَا مَعَاشِي– wherein is my livelihood].

Meaning: In my livelihood and my life. This shows that people have a specified livelihood and a determined provision, and they will receive all of it before they die.

 

وَأَصْلِحْ لِي آخِرَتِي الَّتِي فِيهَا مَعَادِي

And rectify my Afterlife to which is my return.

[وَأَصْلِحْ لِي آخِرَتِي – And rectify my Afterlife]- Meaning: Asking Allah to make one’s affairs upright in the afterlife – to receive Allah’s Kindness, guidance and ability to obey Him; granted a righteous departure from this life and success through eternal bliss in paradise. 

[الَّتِي فِيهَا مَعَادِي – to which is my return] – Meaning: My place of return and my return to Allah.

Allāh said:

لِيَجۡزِىَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَسَـٰٓـُٔواْ بِمَا عَمِلُواْ وَيَجۡزِىَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَحۡسَنُواْ بِٱلۡحُسۡنَى 

So that He (Allah) may requite those who do evil with that which they have done (i.e. punish them in Hell), and reward those who do good, with what is best (i.e. Paradise). [An-Najm. 31]

 

وَاجْعَلِ الْحَيَاةَ زِيَادَةً لِي فِي كُلِّ خَيْرٍ

And make life for me (as a means of) increase in every good.

 

[وَاجْعَلِ الْحَيَاةَ زِيَادَةً لِي فِي كُلِّ خَيْرٍ– And make life for me (as a means of) increase in every good]. 

Meaning: Make the duration of lifespan an opportunity and a means of attaining good in speech and deeds. This shows that the duration of a person’s lifespan is a motive for increasing in righteous and good deeds.

 

 وَاجْعَلِ الْمَوْتَ رَاحَةً لِي مِنْ كُلِّ شَرٍّ

 And make death for me as a rest from every evil.

Meaning: Make death and my departure from this worldly life a means of rest; and not trials, tests and calamities through sinning and heedlessness.

This shows that the believer is upon complete ease and submission in desiring to meet his Lord, [desiring] to receive Allaah’s great reward and external bliss. We ask Allah for His Bounty. [3]

 

 Supplication 3- General Supplication

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 to 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. [4] 

 “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. 

“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. [5] 

 

Supplication 4- During The Night Prayer, After The Takbir And Before Recitation 

 اللّهُـمَّ رَبَّ جِـبْرائيل ، وَميكـائيل ، وَإِسْـرافيل، فاطِـرَ السَّمواتِ وَالأَرْض ، عالـِمَ الغَيْـبِ وَالشَّهـادَةِ أَنْـتَ تَحْـكمُ بَيْـنَ عِبـادِكَ فيـما كانوا فيهِ يَخْتَلِفـون. اهدِنـي لِمـا اخْتُـلِفَ فيـهِ مِنَ الْحَـقِّ بِإِذْنِك ، إِنَّـكَ تَهْـدي مَنْ تَشـاءُ إِلى صِراطٍ مُسْتَقـيم

O Allah! Lord of Jibraa’eel, Meekaa’eel, and Israafeel, Creator of the heavens and the Earth, The Knower of the seen and the unseen. You judge between Your slaves regarding which they differ. Guide me to the truth regarding that in which there is differing, by Your Will. Verily, You guide whomever you will to the straight path. [Sahih Muslim 770]

The scholars say that these creations [i.e. Jibraa’eel, Meekaa’eel, Israafeel, the heavens, and the earth] have been specifically mentioned, even though Allah is the Creator of all the creation, just as has been established in the Qur’an and authentic Sunnah with regards to the specific mention of every created thing that has a great and mighty status as one of Allah’s creation, such as the statement, “Lord of the Heavens and the Earth”, “Lord of the Supreme Throne”, “Lord of the Angels and Jibreel”, “The Lord of the two Easts (places of sunrise during early summer and early winter) and the Lord of the two Wests (places of sunset during early summer and early winter)”, “The Lord of Humankind”, “The King of Humankind”, “The Only True God of Humankind”, “The Lord of all Created Things”, “The Lord of the Prophets”, “The Creator of the Heavens and the Earth”, “The Originator of the Heavens and the Earth” etc.  All these things and what is similar to them show Allah’s Greatness, All-encompassing Power, and absolute Sovereignty. [6] 

In this supplication, one employs the means of seeking Allah’s (love, aid, pleasure, assistance, etc) through belief and affirmation that He is the Lord – in general and specific – of these three Angels, who have been given a means of giving life. Jibra’eel is given the responsibility to convey the revelation (to the Prophets) by way of which the hearts and souls are given that type of life that necessitates the presence of sound belief in the heart that leads to all righteous deeds. Meekaa’eel is given the responsibility to bring the rain by way of which the earth, the vegetation, and animals are given life, and Israafeel is given the responsibility to blow the trumpet by way of which the creation is resurrected after their death. 

Also employing the means of seeking Allah’s (love, aid, assistance, pleasure, etc) through belief and affirmation that Allah alone is the Originator of the heavens and earth, meaning, He is their Creator and the one who brought them into existence prior to their non-existence, and that He is the knower of the unseen and the seen- meaning, the hidden and apparent, and because He alone is the One Who judges between the servants in that which they differ, so that He guides you to the truth in that which they differ. As for guidance, it is knowledge of the truth together with having the intent to follow the truth and preferring it over other things. The guided person acts upon the truth and desires it, and it is the Greatest blessing of Allah bestowed on the servants. We ask Allah to guide us all to the straight path and grant us every good. [7]

 

Supplication Number 5

Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated: I said to Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, “O Allah’s Messenger! Teach me a supplication to say in my prayers”, he said, say:

 اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي ظَلَمْتُ نَفْسِي ظُلْمًا كَثِيرًا وَلَا يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ فَاغْفِرْ لِي مَغْفِرَةً مِنْ عِنْدِكَ وَارْحَمْنِي إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحِيمُ

 O Allah! I have wronged myself with many wrongs and none forgives except You, so forgive me and have mercy upon me. Verily, you alone are the Forgiving, the Merciful.

 Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: Supplication is three types: 

The first type is to invoke Allah by His Names and Attributes, and this is one of the explanations of Allah’s statement:

   وَلِلَّهِ ٱلۡأَسۡمَآءُ ٱلۡحُسۡنَىٰ فَٱدۡعُوهُ بِہَا

 And (all) the Most Beautiful [perfect] Names belong to Allah, so supplicate to Him by them. [Al-A’raaf. 180]

The second type is that you invoke Allah for your need and due to your poverty, saying: “I am Your poor slave, the needy one, the one to be pitied, the one seeking help and refuge” etc.

The third type is that you ask for your needs while not using the aforementioned two types of invocations. The first invocation is more perfect and the second is more perfect than the third. Therefore, if an invocation gathers all three types, then it will be most perfect and this is what the invocations of the Prophet usually consisted of. 

And in this invocation which Siddeeq Al-Ummah [i.e. AbuBakr] was taught, the three types of invocations are mentioned. In the beginning of the supplication:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي ظَلَمْتُ نَفْسِي ظُلْمًا كَثِيرًا 

O Allah! I have wronged myself with many wrongs.

 This clarifies the situation of the one asking. 

 Then one says: 

وَلَا يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ 

And none forgives except You.

This is about the affair of the one being asked.

 

Then one says: 

فَاغْفِرْ لِي 

So forgive me.

Here one mentions his need, and then ends the innovation with two Names from Allah’s Names that necessitates and fitting what is being requested. [8]

Ibn Battal, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: In this supplication is the fact that it is obligated to a servant of Allah to be mindful of his Lord in all circumstances, even if he is one of those who strives the most in worship, because despite the position of Abu Bakr in the religion, he was not exempted from having the need for seeking the forgiveness of his Lord. [9]

Ibn Daqeeq Al-Eid, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:  This hadith passes judgement with regards to making this supplication in Salah without specifying where it should be performed. However, perhaps the best place where it is most worthy are two- either in Sujud or after Tashahud, because they are the two places we have been commanded to make du’aa.  The Prophet,  peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “And while in prostration, then make effort in supplication”. [Muslim 479] And regarding Tashahud [i.e. after Tashahud and before Tasleem], he said: “Then select the invocation you like best and supplicate with it”. [Al-Bukhari 835] Perhaps the best place would be after Tashahud due to the importance given to the affair. [10]

Ibn Mulqin, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “This hadith establishes proof regarding the fact that it is legislated to seek knowledge from the scholars, especially in relation to the supplications of the prayer”. [11] 


[1] As-Sahihah Number 1301

[2] An “Excerpt from “Fiqh Al-Adiyah Wal Adkaar. 3/165-169 – By Shaikh Abdur Razzaq Al-Badr, may Allah preserve him

[3] An Excerpt from Fiqhul Ad’iyah Wal Ad’kaar. 4/493-494

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

[5] An Excerpt from “Ikhtiyar Al-Awwal” 118-125 by Imam Ibn Rajab, may Allah have mercy upon him.

[6] Sharh Saheeh Muslim 5/50

[7] An Excerpt from Fiqh Al-Ad’iyah Wal Ad’kaar 3/139-140

[8] Jalaa Al-Ifhaam. 201

[9] Sharh Sahih Al-Bukhari. By Ibn Battaal 10/93

[10] Ihkam Al-Ahkaam. 1/314-315

[11] Al- I’lam Sharh Umdah Al-Ahkam 3/511

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[15] The Self-Evident and Irresistible Nature of Pure Islamic Monotheism

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

وَمِنْ آيَاتِهِ اللَّيْلُ وَالنَّهَارُ وَالشَّمْسُ وَالْقَمَرُ لا تَسْجُدُوا لِلشَّمْسِ وَلا لِلْقَمَرِ وَاسْجُدُوا لِلَّهِ الَّذِي خَلَقَهُنَّ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ إِيَّاهُ تَعْبُدُونَ

And from among His Signs are the night and the day, and the sun and the moon. Prostrate not to the sun nor to the moon, but prostrate to Allah Who created them, if you (really) worship Him. [Fussilat 37]

“Among His signs”—which point to the perfection of His power, His all-encompassing Will, His (perfect) boundless authority, and His mercy toward His servants, and (which shows) that He is Allah, alone, without any partner—are “the night and the day”.

This one benefits through its light and the activities of the servants (of the Lord) within it, while that one benefits through its darkness and the (source) of rest it provides for the creation.

(And among His signs) are “the sun and the moon”, without which the livelihoods of the servants (of the Lord) could not be sustained, neither their bodies, nor the bodies of their animals, and through them are Masalih (sources of welfare) whose numbers cannot be enumerated.

So, “Prostrate not to the sun nor to the moon,” for indeed, they are under (the Lord’s absolute control), subjected, and created.

“But prostrate to Allah who created them”,  meaning: worship Him alone, for He is the Al-Khaliq Al-Adheem. [Footnote a]

Abandon the worship of (any) created thing that is worshipped besides Him, even if its size is great and its (source) of welfare is numerous, for indeed that (source of welfare) does not originate from it, but rather from its Creator—Blessed and Most High.

“If you (really) worship Him” then single Him out for worship and devote (all) the religion sincerely to Him alone. (1)

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Footnote a: Al-Al-Khaaliq:

The Creator and Maker of everything. The One Who brought everything into existence after it had previously not existed. The One Who has always had the attribute of being The Creator even when there was no creation in existence.

This is a fine point that Shaikh-ul-Islaam Ibn Taymeeyah (rahimahullaah) brought and made clear that Allaah did not become The Creator when He created – when the creation came into existence – rather He has always been The Creator. This has always been His Attribute. So He did not gain this attribute upon the arrival of the creation, rather He has always had this attribute.

Al-‘Adheem:

The Tremendous One, or The Magnificent. The One Tremendous in Greatness, and The Only One deservingly held in awe and venerated by the creation for His Greatness in every sense. (2)


(1) An Excerpt from “Tafseer As-Sadi”

(2) An Excerpt from the explanation of the Names and Attributes of Allah by Shaikh Abu Talhah (Dawud Burbank)- may Allah have mercy upon him and his wife.