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The Man Who Came to Imaam Ibraaheem Bin Ad’ham to Seek Advice Regarding How to Abandon Sin!

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Imaam Abdul Ghaniy Al-Maqdisi stated in his book At-tawwaabeen that a man once came to Ibraaheem Bin Adham and said, “O Abu Ishaaq! Indeed I have transgressed against my Nafs [through evil deeds], so present to me that which will be a deterrent for my nafs and will save [or rescue] my heart”. So, Ibraaheem said to him: “If you accept five affairs and fulfil them, neither will you be harmed due to sinning nor will the enjoyment [or delight from it] bring you destruction. The man said, “Mention them to me O Abu Ishaaq”.

Ibraaheem said: “The first affair is that when you want to disobey Allaah – The Mighty and Majestic- do not eat His provision”. The man said, “Where would I eat from when it is case that all that is in the earth is from His provision?” He said, “O you! Is it right that you eat His provision and disobey him?” The man said, “No; mention the second affair to me”.

Ibraaheem said, “If you want to disobey Allaah, do not live anywhere in Allaah’s earth”. The man said, “This is greater than the first affair! When it is the case that the east, the west and whatever is between them belongs to Him, then where would I live?” Ibraaheem said to him, “O you! Is it right that you eat His provision and live on his earth, yet you disobey him?” The man said, “No; mention the third affair”.

Ibraaheem said, “If you want to disobey Him whilst you are being provided from His provision and living on his earth, then do so in a place where He cannot see you”. The man said, “How can that be when it is the case that He knows everything that is hidden”. Ibraaheem said, “O you! Is it right that you eat his provision, live on his earth and you disobey him whilst he sees you and what you do?” The man said, “No; mention the fourth affair”.

Ibraaheem said, “When the angel of death comes to take your soul, tell him, ‘Delay its departure until I perform sincere repentance and perform righteous deeds for the sake of Allaah’”. The man said, “He (the angel) will not accept that from me”. Ibraaheem said, “O you! When it is the case that you cannot repel death until you repent and you know that there is no delay when it comes to you, then how do you hope to escape?” The man said, “Mention the fifth affair”.

Ibraaheem said to him, “When the Zabaaniyah [i.e. guardians of hell] come to you on yawmul qiyaamah to take you to the fire, do not go with them”. The man said, “Neither will they leave me nor accept that from me”. Ibraaheem said to him, “So, how do you hope for safety then?” The man said, “O Ibraaheem! This is enough! This is enough! I seek Allah’s forgiveness and repent to Him.” At-Tawwaabeen 285]

 

 

The Danger of Attributing Calamities to Vicissitudes of Time And Not Taking a Divine Admonition From Them– [View of Some of Our Corrupt Forefathers]

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul.

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

Allaah [The Most High] said:

وَمَآ أَرۡسَلۡنَا فِى قَرۡيَةٍ۬ مِّن نَّبِىٍّ إِلَّآ أَخَذۡنَآ أَهۡلَهَا بِٱلۡبَأۡسَآءِ وَٱلضَّرَّآءِ لَعَلَّهُمۡ يَضَّرَّعُونَ

ثُمَّ بَدَّلۡنَا مَكَانَ ٱلسَّيِّئَةِ ٱلۡحَسَنَةَ حَتَّىٰ عَفَواْ وَّقَالُواْ قَدۡ مَسَّ ءَابَآءَنَا ٱلضَّرَّآءُ وَٱلسَّرَّآءُ فَأَخَذۡنَـٰهُم بَغۡتَةً۬ وَهُمۡ لَا يَشۡعُرُونَ

And We sent no Prophet to any town (and they denied him), but We seized its people with suffering from extreme poverty and loss of health and calamities, so that they might humble themselves (and repent to Allah). Then We changed the evil for the good, until they increased in number and in wealth, and said: “Our fathers were touched with evil (loss of health and calamities) and with good (prosperity, etc.)”. So We seized them of a sudden while they were unaware. [Surah Al-A’raaf. Aayaat 94-95]

[وَمَآ أَرۡسَلۡنَا فِى قَرۡيَةٍ۬ مِّن نَّبِىٍّ إِلَّآ أَخَذۡنَآ أَهۡلَهَا بِٱلۡبَأۡسَآءِ وَٱلضَّرَّآءِ لَعَلَّهُمۡ يَضَّرَّعُونَ – And We sent no Prophet to any town (and they denied him), but We seized its people with suffering from extreme poverty and loss of health and calamities, so that they might humble themselves (and repent to Allah)]- Meaning: [The Prophets] called them to worship Allaah alone and forbid them from Shirk, but they did not submit to him, except that Allaah put them to trial through poverty, illnesses and various types of afflictions; so that when afflicted, their souls will be humbled- humble themselves to Allaah and submit to the truth.

However, if that did not bring about any good, their haughtiness continued and their transgression increased, they were given much provision, their bodies were granted wellbeing and the calamity was removed; until they became numerous in number, their provision became abundant, they rejoiced due to Allaah’s blessings and bounty and forgot the calamities they have been through. [وَّقَالُواْ قَدۡ مَسَّ ءَابَآءَنَا ٱلضَّرَّآءُ وَٱلسَّرَّآءُ – And they said, “Our fathers were touched with evil (loss of health and calamities) and with good (prosperity, etc.)”] – Meaning: This is a normal occurrence and it has not ceased to [be the case] in the early and later generations- sometimes they are in a situation of ease and at other sometimes they are in a situation of hardship; sometimes in a situation of happiness and at other times in a situation of grief, in accordance with the changing circumstances in every era and days that are good and days that are not so good. So, they thought that the [calamities] were neither an admonition nor a reminder, nor a gradual plan for their final destruction and punishment; until when they became filled with joy and rejoiced due to what they were granted, and the worldly [life became the most valuable thing in their hearts, minds, thoughts], they were suddenly seized with punishment; [بَغۡتَةً۬ وَهُمۡ لَا يَشۡعُرُونَ   – of a sudden while they were unaware]- Meaning: They did not expect [or perceive] that the destruction will occur and thought that they had all the powers of disposal over that which Allaah gave them, will remain forever and there was not be any change from that.

An Excerpt from Tafsir As-Sadi. Slightly paraphrased

Only Those Who Are Patient Shall Receive Their Rewards In Full, Without Hisaab [Without Limit, Calculation and Estimation]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Question: The questioner asks: What is the status of patience and what is the reward for those who exercise patience?

Answer: Patience has a great status in the sight of Allah (The Most High). The Eemaan of a slave (i.e. a male or female Muslim) cannot be perfect without patience.  Patience is from the best of deeds and its reward has no limits. When it is the case that one good deed is written as ten good deeds and can multiply until it reaches seven hundred or more, then indeed the reward for exercising patience has no limits,  for indeed Allaah ( Glorified and Exalted be He) said:

إِنَّمَا يُوَفَّى الصَّابِرُونَ أَجْرَهُم بِغَيْرِ حِسَابٍ

Only those who are patient shall receive their rewards in full, without Hisaab (without limit, calculation and estimation) [a] [39:10]

Patience is of three types:

[1] The first type patience is when a person exercises patience (whilst striving) to obey Allaah: A Muslim is commanded to exercise patience (whilst striving) to obey Allaah (The Most High), especially the when fulfilling obligations. And the first of those obligations is the prayer, for it is obligatory to establish it at its fixed time together with all its conditions and obligatory acts. [b] Therefore, patience is required in seeking to fulfill the five daily prayers. When a sleeping person hears the Adhaan of Fajr, he strives against his soul and wakes up, and then he performs Wudhu and goes to the Masjid. This is patience whilst seeking to obey Allaah. One also exercises patience in striving to treat his (or her) parents kindly, dealing with them in a beautiful manner and patiently bearing whatever occurs from that. Allaah (The Most High):

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

And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And that you be dutiful to your parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them but address them in terms of honour. [17:23]

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

And lower unto them the wing of submission and humility through mercy, and say: “My Lord! Bestow on them Your Mercy as they did bring me up when I was small.”[17:24]

رَّبُّكُمْ أَعْلَمُ بِمَا فِي نُفُوسِكُمْ ۚ إِن تَكُونُوا صَالِحِينَ فَإِنَّهُ كَانَ لِلْأَوَّابِينَ غَفُورًا

Your Lord knows best what is in your inner-selves. If you are righteous, then, verily, He is Ever Most Forgiving to those who turn unto Him again and again in obedience, and in repentance. [17:25]

A person should also exercise patience in seeking to nurture his (or her) children and teaching them good manners and behaviour.

[2] The second type of patience is when a person exercises patience in seeking to restrain him (or herself) from disobeying Allaah: A person excises this patience in order to prevent him or (herself) from sins and (evil) desires. And among those sins a person should keep away from is that he refrains from violating the honour of the people.

[3] The third type of patience is when a person exercise patience when encountered with Allaah’s decree, which maybe something painful (i.e. a calamity): That is because that which afflicts a person, such as the death of a son (or daughter) or being afflicted with a sickness on a person’s the body, or his (or her) sanity, or what may afflict a relative of his (or hers), it is obligated on a person to exercise patience when these affairs are encountered and should hope for Allaah’s reward for being patient. He should know that all these affairs are from Allaah.  Allah (the most high) said:

مَا أَصَابَ مِن مُّصِيبَةٍ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ ۗ وَمَن يُؤْمِن بِاللَّهِ يَهْدِ قَلْبَهُ ۚ

No calamity befalls, but with the Leave [i.e. decision and Qadar (Divine Preordainments)] of Allah, and whosoever believes in Allah, He guides his heart. [64:11]

Alqamah (radiyallaahu-anhu) said: This (ayah) is about a person who is afflicted with a calamity and he knows that it is from Allaah.  So he becomes pleased with what Allaah has decreed and submit to Allaah’s judgement, and he (or she) says: ‘’this is Allaah’s decree. I believe in Allaah and we are pleased with Allaah’s decree.” So Allaah fills his heart with Eemaan and tranquillity, and he (or she) receives a great reward (i.e. due to his patience).

We ask Allaah to include us and you amongst those who exercise patience.

[Source: Fadaa’il Al- A’maal’ pages 11-14’ by Shaikh Muhammad Bin Abdillaah As-Subayyil (rahimahullaah). Abridged and slightly paraphrased]

[a] Tayseerul Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseeri Kalaam Al-Mannaan’ by Imaam Sadi (rahimahullaah)

[b]Conditions, pillars and obligations of the prayer, see  link:

http://www.salafitalk.net/st/viewmessages.cfm?Forum=10&Topic=8984

The Cure for Sorrow and Grief – Shaykh Saaleh Al-Fawzaan

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Basics, Family & Women, Mental Health, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Seeking Knowledge, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

Some people if they are afflicted with grief they go to the entertainers and musicians, to remove it from himself he says. And this increases him (in grief), and Allah’s Aid is sought. It increases him in grief and sadness.

As for if he went to the Qur’an and listened to the Qur’an and remembrance, what he found (of sadness and grief) would have stopped by the Permission of Allah.

Some people when the grief intensifies he kills himself, he commits suicide, and Allah’s Aid is sought. He kills himself expecting this to be the removal (of his difficulty). And this increases him (in grief) because if he kills himself he goes to the Fire.

From where has he freed himself (of his grief)? He has not freed himself.

There is no cure except with patience, and the remembrance of Allah and listening to the Qur’an and Sunnah.
This is the cure. The cure is with you right in front of you. However some of the people, or in fact many of the people are prevented (from being guided) to this cure.

So they flee to its opposite, they go to singers, the musicians, the entertainment theatres. Believing that this will remove (the grief) from himself, this increases his affliction, increases his deterioration.

Looking for beneficial activities and knowledge? Check out all the ways you can improve in your religion via our online learning services. salafidawahmanchester.com/Online

Grief, Distress, Helplessness, Laziness, Miserliness, Cowardice, Being Heavily In Debt And Being Overcome By Men – [The Prophet Used to Seek Allaah’s Refuge From These Eight Affairs]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

The Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] used to supplicate saying:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْهَمِّ وَالْحَزَنِ، وَالْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ، وَالْبُخْلِ وَالْجُبْنِ ، وَضَلَعِ الدَّيْنِ، وَغَلَبَةِ الرِّجَالِ

O Allaah! I seek refuge with You against distress and grief, helplessness and laziness, miserliness and cowardice, being heavily in debt and being overcome by men. [Saheeh Al-Bukhaari. Number 2893]

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] said: So, the Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] sought Allaah’s Refuge against eight affairs and each of  them is connected to another thing.

Distress and Grief: Distress and grief are connected to each other and they are pains in the heart. If it is in relation to an affair that has elapsed, then it is grief; and if related to an affair in the future, then it is distress. So, if the basis of the pain is related to something missed in the past, it is grief; and if its basis is related to fear of what is to come in future, it is distress.

Helplessness And Laziness: Helplessness and Laziness are connected to each other. When one is delayed from what is beneficial and its perfect [accomplishment], it is considered to be helplessness. And if the affair is related to lack of intent, it is considered to be laziness.

Cowardice And Miserliness: Cowardice and miserliness are connected to each other, because indeed Ihsaan [i.e. to do good for others, generosity, etc] brings happiness to the heart and comfort to the inner self, overcomes distress and repels rancour. And abandoning it [i.e. Ihsaan] would cause the heart to be constricted and prevents it from reaching blessings by way of it. Cowardice is to abandon Insaan by way of physical actions and miserliness is the abandonment of Insaan through wealth.

Being Heavily In Debt And Being Overcome By Men: Being heavily in debt and being overcome by men are connected to each other, because being subdued and overcome can occur from the person himself or from others- either based on truth or falsehood. The cause of being heavily in debt emanates from the person himself and no wrong is committed against him, and being overcome by men is tantamount to falsehood [committed against him] and not from himself.

The intent in this discussion is that the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] [showed and clarified] that grief is something a person should seek refuge against, because indeed it weakens the heart, weakens one’s determination and changes one’s intent. And there is nothing more beloved to shaytaan than bringing sadness to the believers. Allaah [The Exalted] said: [  إِنَّمَا ٱلنَّجۡوَىٰ مِنَ ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنِ لِيَحۡزُنَ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا – Secret counsels (conspiracies) are only from Shaitan (Satan), in order that he may cause grief to the believers] [Surah Al-Mujaadilah. Aayah 10]

Grief is one of the ailments of the heart which prevents it from arising, embarking upon and striving [to pursue what is beneficial] – preventing it from attaining reward due to the calamities that afflicts a person outside his own choice, such as sickness, pain and what is similar. [Ref 1]

A Perfect Example to Learn From Ya’qoob [alayhis salaam] That One Turns to Allaah In Times of Grief And Not to Despair

Allaah [The Exalted] said:

وَتَوَلَّىٰ عَنۡہُمۡ وَقَالَ يَـٰٓأَسَفَىٰ عَلَىٰ يُوسُفَ وَٱبۡيَضَّتۡ عَيۡنَاهُ مِنَ ٱلۡحُزۡنِ فَهُوَ كَظِيمٌ۬

قَالُواْ تَٱللَّهِ تَفۡتَؤُاْ تَذۡڪُرُ يُوسُفَ حَتَّىٰ تَكُونَ حَرَضًا أَوۡ تَكُونَ مِنَ ٱلۡهَـٰلِكِينَ

قَالَ إِنَّمَآ أَشۡكُواْ بَثِّى وَحُزۡنِىٓ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ وَأَعۡلَمُ مِنَ ٱللَّهِ مَا لَا تَعۡلَمُونَ

And he turned away from them and said: “Alas, my grief for Yusuf (Joseph)!” And he lost his sight because of the sorrow that he was suppressing. They said: “By Allah! You will never cease remembering Yusuf (Joseph) until you become weak with old age, or until you be of the dead.” He said: “I only complain of my grief and sorrow to Allah, and I know from Allah that which you know not.

Meaning: Ya’qoob [alayhis salaam] turned away from his sons after they informed him of this news [i.e. their claim that Benjamin was caught stealing and is detained in Egypt], and he [Ya’qoob- alayhis salaam] became extremely grieved and saddened. His eyes became white because of the grief in his heart and the sadness that made him weep a lot; so his eyes became white. [فَهُوَ كَظِيمٌ۬ – because of the sorrow that he was suppressing]. [وَقَالَ يَـٰٓأَسَفَىٰ عَلَىٰ يُوسُفَ – He said, “Alas, my grief for Yusuf (Joseph)!”]- Meaning: He manifested his old grief and constant longing, which was concealed, but this recent calamity has now reminded him of the previous calamity, which was greater than this second one.

So, his sons said to him whilst being amazed with his state: [تَٱللَّهِ تَفۡتَؤُاْ تَذۡڪُرُ يُوسُفَ حَتَّىٰ تَكُونَ حَرَضًا أَوۡ تَكُونَ مِنَ ٱلۡهَـٰلِكِينَ – By Allah! You will never cease remembering Yusuf (Joseph) until you become weak with old age, or until you be of the dead]- Meaning: You will not stop remembering Yoosuf in all circumstances until you lose all power and become unable to move or speak or you die. He said: [  قَالَ إِنَّمَآ أَشۡكُواْ بَثِّى وَحُزۡنِىٓ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ وَأَعۡلَمُ مِنَ ٱللَّهِ مَا لَا تَعۡلَمُونَ – I only complain of my grief and sorrow to Allah, and I know from Allah that which you know not]- Meaning: I have not disseminated my speech, rather I only complain of my grief – which in my heart – to Allaah alone; neither to you nor others. Therefore, say whatever you want, [because (I know from Allaah what you do not know]- Meaning: Allaah will return them to me and gladden my eyes due to being reunited with them. [Ref 2]

[Ref 1: An Excerpt from Tareeq Al-Hijratayn. Pages 606-607. Slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 2: An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi. Slightly paraphrased]

Those Who Desire Neither Haughtiness Nor Corruption In The Earth!

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allaah [The Most High] said:

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

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

[تِلْكَ الدَّارُ الْآخِرَةُ- That home of the hereafter]: Meaning Paradise. [ نَجْعَلُهَا لِلَّذِينَ لَا يُرِيدُونَ عُلُوًّا فِي الْأَرْضِ –We shall assign to those who do not desire exaltedness upon the earth]. Saeed Ibn Jubair said, “It is [those who do not desire] transgression.’’ Ad-Dahhaak said, “It is [those who do not desire] oppression”. Yahyah Ibn Sallaam said, “It is [those who do not desire] shirk” and Muqaatil said, “It is [those who do not desire to be] haughty by rejecting Eemaan”. [وَلَا فَسَادًا – or corruption]: Ikrimah said, “It is [those who do not desire] disobedience [to Allaah and His Messenger]”. Ibn Saa’ib said, “It is [those who do not] call to the worship of other than Allaah”. [وَالْعَاقِبَةُ لِلْمُتَّقِين-And the good end is for the Muttaqoon (pious ones)]- Meaning: They will have a praiseworthy end.

[Source: An Excerpt from Zaadul Maseer ‘ by Ibnul Jawzi (rahimahullaah)’ abridged and slightly paraphrased. Page 1074. Publisher: Daar Ibn Hazm’ 1st Edition 1423AH (2002)]

Trials – A Means of Increasing The Imaan of The Believer

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allaah [The Most High] said: [أَوَلَا يَرَوۡنَ أَنَّهُمۡ يُفۡتَنُونَ فِى ڪُلِّ عَامٍ۬ مَّرَّةً أَوۡ مَرَّتَيۡنِ ثُمَّ لَا يَتُوبُونَ وَلَا هُمۡ يَذَّڪَّرُونَ – See they not that they are tried once or twice every year? Yet, they turn not in repentance, nor do they learn a lesson (from it)]. [9:126] – Meaning: By way of calamities, diseases and the divine laws; but they neither turn in repentance nor [abandon] the evil they are upon, nor do they learn a lesson regarding what will benefit, so that they may act upon it; nor regarding what is harmful to them, so that they may abandon it. Allaah [The Most High] put them to the test-and this is Allaah’s way with all the nations-through poverty [or loss in wealth]; loss of health, calamities and through commands and prohibitions, so that they might turn to Allaah, but they neither repent nor learn a lesson. In this Ayah is proof that Imaan increases and decreases and that it is obligated on the believer to examine his Imaan- pay close attention to it, improve and increase it [i.e. by way of the Qur’aan and authentic Sunnah], so that it constantly rises. [An Excerpt from ‘Tayseer Al-kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer kalaam Al-Mannaan by Imaam Sadi (rahimahullaah). Slightly paraphrased]

The Messenger Used to Ask Allaah For These Four Things- [Guidance, Piety, Modesty and Self-sufficiency (or Contentment)]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Abdullah Bin Mas’ood [radiyallaahu anhu] said that the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] used to supplicate, saying: [اللَّهُمَّ إِنِي أَسْأَلُكَ الهُدَى، وَالتُّقَى، وَالعفَافَ، والغنَى – O Allaah! I ask You for guidance, piety, modesty and self-sufficiency].

This is a comprehensive supplication that gathers four great affairs that are to be sought after and they are: Guidance, Piety, Modesty and Self-sufficiency [or contentment]. At-Teebiy [rahimahullaah] said, “Guidance and Piety brings about everything that will [rightly] guide a person to the worldly affairs, affairs of the afterlife and noble manners, and keeps a person away from everything that is obligated on him to refrain from, such as Shirk, disobedience and evil manners…”

Imaam An-Nawawi [rahimahullaah] said, “As for modesty, it is to be free from what is not permissible and to refrain from it. And self-sufficiency in this statement means contentment of the soul – to suffice oneself and not covet what the people possess.”

Shaikh Abdur Rahmaan Bin Sadi [rahimahullaah] said, “This supplication is one of the most comprehensive and beneficial, and it necessitates asking for the good of this world and the afterlife; for indeed guidance necessitates beneficial knowledge, piety necessitates righteous deeds and to abandon that which Allaah and His Messenger have forbidden, and by way of this one’s religion will become upright; for indeed the religion is based on beneficial sciences and sound knowledge based issues, and that necessitates guidance; and piety necessitates obedience to Allaah and His Messenger. Modesty and self-sufficiency necessitate not being in need of the people [i.e. being covetous] and attaching one’s heart to them, sufficing oneself with Allaah and His provision, being contented and seeking after that which brings tranquillity to the heart through self-sufficiency; and by way of this, complete happiness in the worldly life and a relaxed heart is attained. This is what a good life is. Therefore, whoever is bestowed with guidance, piety, modesty and self-sufficiency, then he will obtain the two types of happiness, achieved everything that is sought after and has been saved from every fear”.

[An Excerpt from Fiqhul Ad’iyah Wal-Adkaar. Vol 1. Pages 479-480. Slightly paraphrased]

Disease And Plague In The Year 478 AH, And Response of The Khaleefah!

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Imaam Ibn Katheer [rahimahullaah] said: “In the year 478AH, diseases were many – fever and plague in Iraq, the Hijaaz and Shaam. The wild animals died and thereafter the livestock. There was fiece black wind and the trees fell. The Khaleefah Al-Muqtadee Bin Amril laah commanded that enjoining good and forbidding evil be revived [i.e. by the authorities (1)] and that the musical instruments be smashed, and thus the plague ceased”. [Ref 1.1]

Question to Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [rahimahullaah]: Is enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil by the hand an obligation on all Muslims, or is it limited to those in authority and their deputies?

Answer: To stop wrongdoing is obligated on all Muslims according to their ability, because the Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] “Anyone of you who sees evil [i.e. that which is declared an evil deed by Islaam], then let them stop it with their hand; if he cannot, then with his tongue; and if he cannot, then with his heart, and that is the weakest of Imaan’’. [Muslim, Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi & others]

However, stopping evil by the hand must be based on ability and should not result in greater corruption or evil. A man has the right to rectify matters with his hand in his home [i.e. based on what the law of the land allows him]; a manager has the authority to make changes with the hand within the organization they are responsible for, in accordance with the instructions that is given to them [i.e. the authority given to them by the state authorities]; otherwise, people should not change with their hand anything they are not authorised to change.  If they do make changes in matters that they have no authority, then this will result in more evil and great corruption between them and the people, and between the people and the state.

In this case they should stop evil with their tongue (by speaking out). They may say: “O Fulaan! Fear Allaah! This is not permissible; this is Haraam, or This is obligated on you,’’ and clarify it with evidence from Sharee’ah. [NB: Reader: In the UK, objecting to certain behaviour can be viewed as harassment or verbal abuse, therefore a Muslim should be aware of what the law allows him before he says or does anything whilst living in the West].

As for changing matters with the hand, this should be done where one has authority, such as one’s home [i.e. based on what the law of the land allows], or those authorized by the ruler such as organizations given permission and authority to enjoin good. They should make changes in accordance with the authority they have been given- in the way prescribed by the Sharee’ah, without exceeding their jurisdiction. The same applies to the governor of a city; he should make changes with his hand, in accordance with the instructions he has [been given by the government]. [Ref 2]

[Ref 1: Al-Bidaayah Wan-Nihaayah 16/93]

[Ref 2: An Excerpt from Fataawa Ibn Baaz 8/208. Slightly paraphrased]

A Trait That Illuminates And Glitters In The Character of Upright Scholars!

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] said:

“Whoever has knowledge, then let him guide us to it. Whoever sees deviation, [something] incomplete [deficient] or wrong in our statement, then let him guide us to what is correct; we’ll thank him for his deed, accept what he says, comply, obey and submit”.

[Madaarij As-Saalikeen 3/1798-1799]