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Scapegoating

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

Allaah [The Most High] said:

وَمَن يَكْسِبْ خَطِيئَةً أَوْ إِثْمًا ثُمَّ يَرْمِ بِهِ بَرِيئًا فَقَدِ احْتَمَلَ بُهْتَانًا وَإِثْمًا مُّبِينًا

And whoever earns a fault or a sin and then throws it on to someone innocent, he has indeed burdened himself with falsehood and a manifest sin. [Surah An-Nisaa. Aayah 112]

Be warned against Fujoor Fil Khusoomah [Iniquity when disputing]! Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen [rahimahullaah] said, ‘’Iniquity when disputing is of types: To claim what one is not entitled to and reject what is obligatory upon him [to fulfil, give etc]’’.


[Sharh Riyaadus Saaliheen 4/49-50]

 

The Three Types of Dhulm -[Oppression or Injustice]

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

What is Dhulm -injustice or oppression? Dzulm [injustice (or oppression)] is of three types according to the people of knowledge (i.e. the scholars):

Firstly: The greatest of them is shirk and why is shirk referred as Dzulm [injustice]? That is because the basis of injustice is to place something in other than its rightful place. And the meaning of shirk is to direct acts of worship to other than its rightful place and this is the greatest injustice – because when they (i.e. the people of shirk) directed acts of worship to other than its rightful place and to those who are not deserving of it, they equated the created (beings) to the Creator and a weak one (i.e. a created being) to Al-Qawiy [The One Perfect in Strength (i.e. Allaah)], who is not unable to do anything. Therefore, is there any greater injustice after this?

The second type of Dzulm [injustice] is committed when a person oppresses himself by committing sins. A sinner oppresses himself because he exposes himself to punishment, even though it is obligated on his to save himself and place himself in an appropriate situation and that is to obey Allaah etc

The third type of Dzulm [injustice] is committed when a person oppresses others (or commits injustice against them) by taking their wealth (unlawfully), or backbiting them, or spreading tales about them, or stealing their wealth, or violating their honour through backbiting, tale carrying, slander, or shedding their blood by way of unlawful murder, or beating them, inflicting injuries, degrading them without right etc [Paraphrased. Source: I’aanah Al-Mustafeed Bi-Sharhi Kitaab At-Tawheed’ page 55-56 by Shaykh Saaleh Al-Fawzaan  (may Allaah preserve him)]

An Ignoramus is Better than a Person who has Knowledge But Does not Act – Shaykh Uthaymeen

Shaykh Uthaymeen said:

Verily, we all know that the intent of knowledge is action. Because knowledge is a means and action is the fruits. And if a person does not benefit with his knowledge, then an ignoramus is better than him. And many knowledge based issues are understood by most students, however they do not carry them out, whether it was in (issues of) worship, or dealings with the creation. And this there is no doubt is a deficiency; a deficiency, and a reason for deficiency, meaning deficiency in knowledge. For if a person was to act by his knowledge he benefits and his knowledge increases. So, whoever acts by that which he has learnt, then Allāh will forgive him for that which he did not know.

Naseehah – [A Brief Faa’idah]

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

Al-Allaamah Saaleh Al-Fawzaan [may Allaah preserve him] said:

The meaning of ‘Naseehah’ is Al-Khuloos [purity]. It is said that something is ‘Naasih’ meaning: It is free from deceit. And it is said: ‘Asalun Naasihun’ [Pure Honey]; Labanun Naasihun [Pure Milk]- meaning: Free from deceit and bad mixtures. This is how it is [with regards] to the religion of Islaam, for indeed it is free from every falsehood and deception, cheating and treachery. It is a pure and unadulterated religion. Likewise, the Muslim’s apparent [affairs] are the same as his hidden [affairs]- upon purity and safe from evil manners, treachery, betrayal and other than that. As for the one who cheats, deceives and plots, or his apparent [affairs] are in opposition to his hidden [affairs], this trait is not from the Religion. [Source: An Excerpt from ‘Minhatur-Rabbaaniyyah Fee Sharhi Ar-ba’een An-Nawawiyyah’- page 12]

 

An Affair That Should Make Us Shy In The Presence of Allaah When The Nafs Inclines Towards Sin

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

Allaah [The Most High] said:

وَلَقَدۡ خَلَقۡنَا ٱلۡإِنسَـٰنَ وَنَعۡلَمُ مَا تُوَسۡوِسُ بِهِۦ نَفۡسُهُ ۥ‌ۖ وَنَحۡنُ أَقۡرَبُ إِلَيۡهِ مِنۡ حَبۡلِ ٱلۡوَرِيدِ

إِذۡ يَتَلَقَّى ٱلۡمُتَلَقِّيَانِ عَنِ ٱلۡيَمِينِ وَعَنِ ٱلشِّمَالِ قَعِيدٌ۬

مَّا يَلۡفِظُ مِن قَوۡلٍ إِلَّا لَدَيۡهِ رَقِيبٌ عَتِيدٌ۬

And indeed We have created man, and We know what his ownself whispers to him. And We are nearer to him than his jugular vein (by Our Knowledge). (Remember!) that the two receivers (recording angels) receive (each human being after he or she has attained the age of puberty), one sitting on the right and one on the left (to note his or her actions). Not a word does he (or she) utter, but there is a watcher by him ready (to record it). [50:16-18]

Few Reminders from the above Aayaat:

Allaah [The Most High] informed us that He alone created human beings-males and females- and He knows all their state of affairs. He knows everything that is hidden about them and what their own souls whisper to them. Allaah [The Most High] is nearer to them than their jugular veins by His knowledge, even though the jugular vein is the closest thing to the human. Therefore, this should make the human being mindful of Allaah -the One Who knows all the hidden affairs in the soul and heart of the human being in all circumstances. This should also make the human being shy in the presence of Allaah -that he [or she] is not seen committing what Allaah has forbidden or abandoning what Allaah has commanded. [An Excerpt from ‘Tayseer Al-kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan’. Slightly paraphrased]

The Heart Does Get Sick Just As The Body Gets Sick!

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

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] said:

The heart does get sick just as the body gets sick and its cure is found in repentance and bring keen [to obey Allaah and the Messenger etc]. The heart does become rusty just as a mirror becomes rusty, and remembrance of Allaah polishes it. The heart does become unadorned just as the body, and fear of Allaah beautifies it. The heart does suffer from discomfort just as the body suffers from discomfort due to hunger, and its food and drink are knowledge and awareness of Allaah, love of Allaah, reliance upon Allaah, turning sincerely to Allaah in repentance and obedience with Tawheed, and carrying out acts of obedience to Allaah. [An Excerpt from ‘Al-Fawaa’id 143’]

The Effect of Admonition On Our Hearts and Actions

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

Imaam Ibnul Jawzee (rahimahullaah) said:

Indeed the listener is awaken at the time of hearing admonitions, but when he leaves a gathering (in which) Allaah was remembered he returns to a (state) of impenitence and heedlessness. So, I pondered and came to know of its causes and saw that the people were in different (circumstances) in that regard. The general state of affairs is that the heart does not remain upon a distinct state of wakefulness after one hears an admonition, and this is due to two reasons:

Firstly: An admonition is like a whip and a whip does not cause harm after its use ceases.  Its pain is (felt) at the time it is used.

Secondly: Whilst listening to Admonitions, a person may be turned away from [worldly distractions]- his body and thoughts are isolated from the influences of the worldly life and he pays attention with his heart; however when he returns to the [worldly] preoccupations, he is captivated by its hassles.

There are those who are firm and do not go back and forth: They carry on in a state of [wakefulness and righteous action] without turning away.

There are those whose natural inclinations make them incline towards heedlessness at times, but at other times they are called back through admonitions to perform [righteous] actions.  They are similar to a grain of (corn) that is blown back and forth by the breeze.

And there are those who are not affected by [admonitions] except in accordance with the degree of what they heard- similar to water rolling on a smooth rock.  [Source: An Excerpt from ‘Saydul Khaatir’ page: 14. slightly paraphrased]


Deeds Most Beloved to Allaah – [By Shaikh Zayd Bin Haadi (rahimahullaah)]

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

Chapter: And We have enjoined on man to be dutiful and kind to his parents

Abu Amr Ash-Shaybani said: “The owner of this house-and he pointed at the house of ‘Abdullah-said: “I asked the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam]: ‘’Which deed is most beloved to Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic]?; He said: ‘Prayer at its prescribed time. I said: Then what? He said: kindness to parents. I said: Then what?’ He said: Jihad in the path of Allaah.  He [Abdullaah] said: He told me about these things and had I asked him to tell me more, he would have told me more.

Al-Allaamah Zayd Bin Haadi Al-Madkhali [rahimahullaah] stated: The intent behind ‘Abdullaah’ is Abdullaah Ibn Mas’ood [radiyallaahu-anhu]. These three deeds [mentioned] in this hadeeth are from the deeds of piety and whoever fulfils them whilst being from the people of Tawheed and sound creed, then indeed he has acquired good in its entirety.

The first deed: Prayer at its fixed time: Indeed, there is no doubt that prayer at its prescribed time is from the most virtuous of deeds.  And the intent behind prayer is ‘the correct prayer’ whose pillars, conditions and obligations are fulfilled in accordance with the manner of the Prophet’s [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] prayer. He [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said: ‘’Pray as you have seen me pray.’’  It is from the most virtuous deeds as it has been reported in another hadeeth: ‘’The most beloved deed to Allaah is prayer [performed] at its prescribed time.’’ And in another narration: ‘’At its earliest time.’’

The second deed: Kindness to parents: Kindness to parents is from the commands and obligations. It is obligated on a person to fulfil [it] – be  he male or female-based on one’s ability. One should fulfil the orders given by parents in what is good, obey them and refrain from disobeying them, which will lead to behaving badly towards them.  Allaah [The Most High] said:

وَاعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ وَلَا تُشْرِكُوا بِهِ شَيْئًا ۖ وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا

‘’Worship Allah and join none with Him in worship.’’ [Soorah An-Nisaa: Ayah 36]

And Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] said:

وَوَصَّيْنَا الْإِنْسَانَ بِوَالِدَيْهِ إِحْسَانًا ۖ حَمَلَتْهُ أُمُّهُ كُرْهًا وَوَضَعَتْهُ كُرْهًا

‘’And We have enjoined on man to be dutiful and kind to his parents. His mother bears him with hardship and she brings him forth with hardship’’ [Soorah Al-Ahqaaf: Ayah 15]

And Allaah [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections] said:

وَوَصَّيْنَا الْإِنْسَانَ بِوَالِدَيْهِ حَمَلَتْهُ أُمُّهُ وَهْنًا عَلَىٰ وَهْنٍ

‘’And We have enjoined on man (to be dutiful and good) to his parents. His mother bore him in weakness and hardship upon weakness and hardship.’’ [Soorah Luqmaan: Ayah 14]

The Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] commanded [us] to treat parents with kindness and he greatly [emphasised] the affair. He gave precedence to fulfilment of parents’ rights over fighting Jihaad in the battle field. Indeed, it has been established [in a hadeeth] that a man came to the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] and said to him: ‘’I want to fight alongside you?’’  He [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said: ‘Are your two parents alive?’ He said: ‘yes’. He [salla-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said: ‘Then exert yourself in their service”. [Bukhaari: Number: 3004]

So the prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] gave precedence to obedience and kind treatment to parents over fighting jihaad in the path of Allaah due to the greatness of the affair and the obligation of fulfilling it in the best way- in the most perfect manner through actions and statements- in seeking Allaah’s Pleasure.

The Third deed: Jihaad in the path of Allaah [Ref 1]: Jihaad [striving] begins with one’s soul in order to fulfil the commandments of Allaah and keep away from the things He has forbidden; seeking understanding of Allaah’s Religion, acting upon it and calling to it. Then Jihaad in the battle field when the call is made for it under the banner of the Muslim ruler-fighting to make the word of Allaah [i.e. none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah] the uppermost, and repelling oppression and transgression from the male and female Muslims. [ An Excerpt from عَوْنُ الْأحَدِ الصَّمَدِ شَرْحُ الْأَدَبُ الْمُفْرَدِ pages 1/8 9. slightly paraphrased] [Your feedback is welcome to improve the content of this article. BaarakAllaahu Feekum]


Ref1: http://www.abukhadeejah.com/salafi-shaikh-fawzaan-on-jihaad-in-our-times-and-the-guidelines-of-jihaad-according-to-islam/

 

What Imaam Abu Haneefah Did When His Business Partner Unintentionally Sold An Item That Had a Defect Without Informing The Buyer

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

Ali Bin Hafs Al-Bazzaar [rahimahullaah] said, ‘’Hafs Bin Abdir-Rahmaan [rahimahullaah] was a [business] partner of Abu Haneefah [rahimahullaah] and Abu Haneefah used to supply him with [merchandise].  Once he sent merchandise to Hafs and informed him that there was a defect in such and such thobe and that he should make it known before selling it.  However, Hafs sold it and forgot to make that known and did not know who he sold it to.  When Abu Haneefah knew about it, he gave charity equivalent to the price of all the merchandise.  [Taareekh Baghdaad: 13/358]

The Importance of Giving Utmost Importance to The Heart – [A Brief Admonition By Imaam Ibn Rajab (rahimahullaah)]

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

Imaam Ibn Rajab [rahimahullaah] said: When it is the case that the original (place) of Taqwah is in the heart, then none can determine its reality except Allaah (The Mighty and Majestic), as he (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said: ‘’Indeed Allaah neither looks at your images nor your wealth, but He looks at your hearts and your actions.’’ And in another narration, [he (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam)] said: Indeed, Allaah neither looks at your bodies nor your images’’ [1]

Indeed, there may be many a person with a good-looking image, or wealth, or prestige, or leadership in the worldly life, whilst his heart is deprived of Taqwah. And it may be that there is one with nothing (of the worldly life) but his heart is filled with Taqwah, so he becomes nobler in the Sight of Allaah (The Mighty and Majestic); rather this is mostly what happens. [2]


[1] Reported by Imam Muslim (rahimahullaah) on the authority of Abu Hurairah (radiyallaahu-anhu. Number: 2564.

[2]Source: Jaami-ul Uloom Wal-Hikam of Imaam Ibn Rajab. Hadeeth Number 35]