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

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

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِى جَعَلَ لَكُمُ ٱلَّيۡلَ لِتَسۡكُنُواْ فِيهِ وَٱلنَّهَارَ مُبۡصِرًاۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَذُو فَضۡلٍ عَلَى ٱلنَّاسِ وَلَـٰكِنَّ أَڪۡثَرَ ٱلنَّاسِ لَا يَشۡكُرُونَ
ذَٲلِڪُمُ ٱللَّهُ رَبُّكُمۡ خَـٰلِقُ ڪُلِّ شَىۡءٍ۬ لَّآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَۖ فَأَنَّىٰ تُؤۡفَكُونَ
كَذَٲلِكَ يُؤۡفَكُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَانُواْ بِـَٔايَـٰتِ ٱللَّهِ يَجۡحَدُونَ
ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِى جَعَلَ لَڪُمُ ٱلۡأَرۡضَ قَرَارً۬ا وَٱلسَّمَآءَ بِنَآءً۬ وَصَوَّرَڪُمۡ فَأَحۡسَنَ صُوَرَڪُمۡ وَرَزَقَكُم مِّنَ ٱلطَّيِّبَـٰتِۚ ذَٲلِكُمُ ٱللَّهُ رَبُّڪُمۡۖ فَتَبَارَكَ ٱللَّهُ رَبُّ ٱلۡعَـٰلَمِينَ
هُوَ ٱلۡحَىُّ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ فَٱدۡعُوهُ مُخۡلِصِينَ لَهُ ٱلدِّينَۗ ٱلۡحَمۡدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلۡعَـٰلَمِينَ

Allah, it is He Who has made the night for you that you may rest therein and the day for you to see. Truly, Allah is full of Bounty to mankind, yet most of mankind give no thanks.

That is Allah, your Lord, the Creator of all things, Laa ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), where then you are turning away (from Allah, by worshipping others instead of Him)!

Thus were turned away those who used to deny the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allah.

Allah, it is He Who has made for you the earth as a dwelling place and the sky as a canopy, and has given you shape and made your shapes good (looking) and has provided you with good things. That is Allah, your Lord, then blessed be Allah, the Lord of the ‘Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists).

He is the Ever Living, Laa ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), so invoke Him making your worship pure for Him Alone (by worshipping Him Alone, and none else, and by doing righteous deeds sincerely for Allah’s sake only, and not to show off, and not to set up rivals with Him in worship). All the praises and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of the ‘Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists). [Ghafir. 61-65]

 

ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِى جَعَلَ لَكُمُ ٱلَّيۡلَ لِتَسۡكُنُواْ فِيهِ وَٱلنَّهَارَ مُبۡصِرًاۚ

Allah, it is He Who has made the night for you that you may rest therein and the day for you to see”.

Meaning: Allah, The Most High, reminds His creation [i.e. Mankind and Jinn] of His favours. He made the night for them, in which they take rest and cease from their activities so that they can return to seeking after their livelihood during the daytime. He [The Most High] made the daytime bright, so that they can travel and engage in their occupations.

إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَذُو فَضۡلٍ عَلَى ٱلنَّاسِ وَلَـٰكِنَّ أَڪۡثَرَ ٱلنَّاس لَا يَشۡكُرُونَ

Truly, Allah is full of Bounty to mankind, yet most of mankind give no thanks]: Meaning: They are not thankful for the favours Allaah has bestowed on them.

ذَٲلِڪُمُ ٱللَّهُ رَبُّكُمۡ خَـٰلِقُ ڪُلِّ شَىۡءٍ۬ لَّآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَۖ

That is Allah, your Lord, the Creator of all things, none has the right to be worshipped but He).

Meaning: Allah is the One Who did all these things- The One and Only, the Unique One, the one and only true deity, Who possesses all the Names and Attributes of perfection and free is He from all imperfections, faults, deficiencies, similarities, co-equals; the One singled out in His actions [the Creator, Provider and in Whose control is all the affairs of the universe]- besides Whom there is no other true object of worship or Lord. [فَأَنَّىٰ تُؤۡفَكُونَ -How then are you turning away]: Meaning: How can you worship idols when it is the fact that they have not created anything [and cannot create anything]; rather are themselves made and carved by [people].

Then Allah, The Mighty and Majestic, said:

كَذَٲلِكَ يُؤۡفَكُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَانُواْ بِـَٔايَـٰتِ ٱللَّهِ يَجۡحَدُونَ

Thus were turned away those who used to deny the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allah”.

Meaning: Just as these people [i.e. the pagans of the Arabian peninsula] are misguided by worshipping others besides Allaah, likewise those who were before them did turn away [from guidance], so they worshipped others besides Allaah with no proof or evidence; rather their worship of others was merely due to ignorance and desires. They wilfully denied Allaah’s proofs and His signs.

Then Allah, The Most High, said:

ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِى جَعَلَ لَڪُمُ ٱلۡأَرۡضَ قَرَارً۬ا

Allah, it is He Who has made for you the earth as a dwelling place.

Meaning: Allah made it firmly fixed and spread out, so that they [i.e. the creatures] can live on it and walk on its pathways (or roads). He [The Most High] strengthened the earth with the mountains, so that it does not tremble. [وَٱلسَّمَآءَ بِنَآءً۬ – and the sky as a canopy]: Meaning: Allaah made it a roof covering for the world.

[وَصَوَّرَڪُمۡ فَأَحۡسَنَ صُوَرَڪُمۡ – and has given you shape and made your shapes good (looking)].

Meaning: Allah created you in the most excellent shape and form.

[وَرَزَقَكُم مِّنَ ٱلطَّيِّبَـٰتِۚ – and has provided you with good things]

Meaning: Allaah provided you with foods and drinks in this worldly life, just as He, The Most High, said in Surah Al-Baqarah that He created the earth as a dwelling, its inhabitants and provision. He, The Most High, said:

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلنَّاسُ ٱعۡبُدُواْ رَبَّكُمُ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَكُمۡ وَٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبۡلِكُمۡ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تَتَّقُونَ
ٱلَّذِى جَعَلَ لَكُمُ ٱلۡأَرۡضَ فِرَشً۬ا وَٱلسَّمَآءَ بِنَآءً۬ وَأَنزَلَ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مَآءً۬ فَأَخۡرَجَ بِهِۦ مِنَ ٱلثَّمَرَٲتِ رِزۡقً۬ا لَّكُمۡ‌ۖ فَلَا تَجۡعَلُواْ لِلَّهِ أَندَادً۬ا وَأَنتُمۡ تَعۡلَمُونَ

O mankind! Worship your Lord (Allah), Who created you and those who were before you so that you may become Al-Muttaqun (the pious). Who has made the earth a resting place for you, and the sky as a canopy, and sent down water (rain) from the sky and brought forth therewith fruits as a provision for you. Then do not set up rivals unto Allah (in worship) while you know (that He Alone has the right to be worshipped). [Al-Baqarah 21-22]

Then after Allah, The Most High, stated (in the in Surah Ghaafir) that He alone created all these things [i.e. the night, the day, the earth, the sky etc], He said:

ذَٲلِكُمُ ٱللَّهُ رَبُّڪُمۡۖ فَتَبَارَكَ ٱللَّهُ رَبُّ ٱلۡعَـٰلَمِينَ

That is Allah, your Lord, then blessed be Allah, the Lord of the ‘Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists)”.

Meaning: He is The Pure and Perfect One- Exalted, and free is He from all imperfections, faults, deficiencies, shortcomings, weaknesses- and He is the Lord of the Aalameen.

Then Allah said: [هُوَ ٱلۡحَىُّ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ – He is the Ever Living, None has the right to be worshipped but He].

فَٱدۡعُوهُ مُخۡلِصِينَ لَهُ ٱلدِّينَۗ ٱلۡحَمۡدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلۡعَـٰلَمِينَ

so invoke Him making your worship pure for Him Alone. All the praises and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of the ‘Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists)”.

Meaning: Affirm that He is One, the only one worthy of being worshipped and that all the praises and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of the Aalameen (mankind, jinns and all that exists).

Excerpt from Misbah Al-Munir Fee Tahdhib Tafsir Ibn Kathir and Tafsir as-Sadi

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

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Basics, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Repentance, Scholars of Islam, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allah, The Most High, said:
حمٓ
تَنزِيلُ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبِ مِنَ ٱللَّهِ ٱلۡعَزِيزِ ٱلۡعَلِيمِ
غَافِرِ ٱلذَّنۢبِ وَقَابِلِ ٱلتَّوۡبِ شَدِيدِ ٱلۡعِقَابِ ذِى ٱلطَّوۡلِۖ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَۖ إِلَيۡهِ ٱلۡمَصِيرُ

Haa-Meem. The revelation of the Book (this Qur’an) is from Allah the All-Mighty, the All-Knower. The Forgiver of sin, the Acceptor of repentance, the Severe in punishment, the Bestower (of favours), Laa ilaaha illaa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), to Him is the final return. [Surah Ghaafir 1-3]

Allah, The Most High, informs (us) about His Great Book – the Qur’an – that it was from Him and sent down by Him; and that He alone has the right to be deified and worshipped due to the fact that He alone is the Perfect One and the One singled out in His Actions.

[ٱلۡعَزِيزِ – The All-Mighty One], Who has absolute control over everything and He is never overcome].

[ٱلۡعَلِيمِ – The All-Knower]

[غَافِرِ ٱلذَّنۢبِ – The Forgiver of sin]

[وَقَابِلِ ٱلتَّوۡبِ – the Acceptor of repentance]

[شَدِيدِ ٱلۡعِقَابِ- the Severe in punishment] on those who are unrepentant]

[ذِى ٱلطَّوۡلِۖ – the Bestower (of favours)]

After Allah, The Most High, established the fact that He alone is perfect, this absolutely necessitates that He alone has the right to be deified and that all acts of worship are to be sincerely devoted to Him.

لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَۖ إِلَيۡهِ ٱلۡمَصِيرُ

None has the right to be worshipped but He), to Him is the final return.

The appropriateness of mentioning – in these verses – that the Qur’an was revealed by Allah is because the Qur’an comprises of all these (things) mentioned in these verses. The Qur’an either informs (us) of the Perfect Names and Attributes of Allah and His Actions, or about the unseen events of the past, and what will take place in future – a lesson from Allah, The All-Knower.

It either informs (us) of Allah’s tremendous blessings and great favours bestowed on mankind, and this why Allah said: [ذِى ٱلطَّوۡلِۖ – the Bestower (of favours)]; about His severe punishment on those who commit sins, and this is why Allah said:[شَدِيدِ ٱلۡعِقَابِ- the Severe in punishment], or it informs (us) about the sinners being urged to repent, and this is why Allah said:

غَافِرِ ٱلذَّنۢبِ وَقَابِلِ ٱلتَّوۡبِ شَدِيدِ ٱلۡعِقَابِ

The Forgiver of sin, the Acceptor of repentance, the Severe in punishment.

It informs (us) about the fact that Allah alone has the right to be deified and worshipped, while citing the clear rational and divine proofs to establish this; commanding (mankind and jinn) to worship Allah alone and forbid them from worshipping others besides Him, while citing clear proofs to show the falsity of worshipping others besides Him, and warning them about the (destructive consequences of polytheism in this life and the next), and this is why Allah said: [لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَۖ – none has the right to be worshipped but He (Allah)].

It also informs us of Allah’s just recompense – the reward that will be granted to doers of good and the punishment that will be inflicted on the sinners, and this is why Allah said: [ إِلَيۡهِ ٱلۡمَصِيرُ- to Him is the final return].

An Excerpt from Tafsir As-Sadi

Reflections on some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali [106]i

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Fitnah, History of Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah have mercy upon him, was asked?

When should we employ gentleness and when should we employ harshness in Dawah to the path of Allah, and in (our) dealings with the people?

Response: The initial approach (or the basis) with regards to Dawah is gentleness, softness, and wisdom. This is the basis (or initial approach) regarding it. May Allah bless you, however, if you find someone who is obstinate, does not accept the truth, you establish proof against him and he rejects (it), then you may employ a rebuttal. If you possess (political) authority this person is a caller, you discipline him with the sword, which could lead to execution (in Islamic law) if he persists in spreading corruption.

There are among the scholars – from the various schools of Islamic jurisprudence – who hold that this person is more severe in corruption than highway robbers. Therefore, he is advised, and proof is established against him, if he refuses, then the Hakim Al-Shar’ee (i.e. the one recognised as the legitimate ruler in the Shariah) may embark upon punishing him, which maybe through imprisonment, exile, or execution.

May Allah bless you, indeed, they (i.e. the Scholars) issued the judgement of execution against Jahm ibn Safwan and others, Bishr al-Mareesee, and other than them; among them (i.e. those officially executed) were Ja’ad ibn Dirham. This is the ruling of the scholars against those who obstinately persist in spreading their Bidah. And if Allah benefits him (with guidance) and he recants, this is what is sought after.

متى نستعمل اللين ومتى نستعمل الشدة في الدعوة إلى الله وفي المعاملات مع الناس؟

A Timeless and Lofty Trait: Welcoming Truth from Whoever Utters It

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Basics, Featured, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Scholars of Islam, Sin, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

I invoke Allah as a witness to the fact that my intention in this article is not to address any particular situation or person, regardless of where it may be shared on—be it Twitter, WhatsApp, Telegram, or elsewhere. Instead, this article is simply to demonstrate a timeless lofty character trait from the Qur’an about welcoming truth from anyone, whether it is conveyed by someone we love dearly or not, or from someone of great renown or not. Therefore, the main goal of this article is to remind myself first and foremost and anyone it reaches that we ask Allah to constantly bless us with the ability to self-reflect in all matters, especially the one that will be addressed in this article. In this regard, Ibn Shaheen, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Among the supplications of those who preceded (i.e. the pious predecessors) is that they used to say:

اللَّهُمَّ أَرِنِي الْحَقَّ حَقًّا وَارْزُقْنِي اتِّبَاعَهُ، وَأَرِنِي الْبَاطِلَ بَاطِلًا وَارْزُقْنِي اجْتِنَابَهُ

O Allah! Show me the truth as truth (or as it is in reality) and bestow on me (the ability) to follow it; show me falsehood as falsehood (or as it is in reality) and bestow on me (the ability) to avoid it. [1]

To proceed:

Allah, the Most High, said:

وَٱلَّذِينَ إِذَا ذُكِّرُوا۟ بِـَٔايَٰتِ رَبِّهِمْ لَمْ يَخِرُّوا۟ عَلَيْهَا صُمًّا وَعُمْيَانًا

And those who, when they are reminded of the Signs of their Lord, fall not deaf and blind thereat. [Al-Furqan 73]

Imam Muḥammad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaymin, may Allah have mercy upon him, commented:

ولم يبين من المذكِّر ليشمل كل مذكِّر؛ وليبين أن قبولهم للتذكير ليس من أجل شخص مذكِّر؛ لأن من الناس من لا يقبل الحق إلا من شخص معين، إذا جاءه من شخص آخر لم يقبله، مثل ما فعل أهل الكتاب بالنبي عليه الصلاة والسلام، وغيرهم أيضًا، لا يقبلون الحق إلا من طائفة معينة أو شخص معين

He (Allah) did not make known (specifically) the one giving the reminder, therefore, it includes every person who gives a reminder. This is because among the people there is one who does not accept the truth except from a specific person; if it reaches him from another person, he does not accept it, such as how the people of the Scripture behaved towards the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and other than them, who do not accept the truth except from a specific party or person.

وَلَئِنْ أَتَيْتَ الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ بِكُلِّ آيَةٍ مَا تَبِعُوا قِبْلَتَكَ

And even if you were to bring to the people of the Scripture all the Signs, they would not follow your Qiblah (prayer direction). [Al-Baqarah 145]

فهنا قال: ﴿إِذَا ذُكِّرُوا﴾ ولم يبين المذكر إشارة إلى أنهم إنما يقبلون الحق؛ لأنه حق، لا من أجل من قال به، نعم، فهم لا يقبلون التذكير لأجل شخص مذكِّر أو يردونه من أجل شخص مذكِّر، وإنما يقبلونه؛ لأنه تذكير، وهذا هو الفائدة في حذف الفاعل

 

إِذَا ذُكِّرُوا

“When they are reminded”.

Here (in this phrase), He (Allah) did not make known (specifically) the one who gives the reminder, as a demonstration that they (the ones receiving the reminder) accept the truth (solely) because it is the truth, not because of who utters it. They neither accept nor reject a reminder (merely) due to the person who gives the reminder; rather, they accept it because it is a reminder. This is the benefit of omitting- (from the verse) – the doer (i.e. the one giving the reminder). [2]

The Imam, may Allah have mercy upon him, also stated:

يعني إذا نسوا شيئاً من طاعة الله ثم ذكّرهم أحد بذلك قبلوا وسمعوا وأبصروا
فلم يخروا عليها صماً وعميانا.
وإنما تلقونها بالقبول والراحة ويقومون بما يجب عليهم.
إن بعض الناس والعياذ بالله إذا ذكر بآيات الله استنكف واستكبر.
وقال: من أنت حتى تأمرني؟ من أنت حتى تنهاني؟ أنا أكبر منك. أنا أعلم منك
وهذا محرم
الواجب إذا ذكرك أحدٌ بطاعة الله أن تتذكر، وأن لا تخر على ذلك أصم أعمى

Meaning:

When they forget something pertaining to obedience to Allah, then someone reminds them, they accept it, listen, and hearken to clear insight (give thought, observe, etc.), not falling on deaf ears and blind thereat. Rather, they receive (welcome) it with acceptance and repose and fulfil what is obligated to them.

Indeed, some people – and Allāh’s Refuge is sought – when they are reminded of Allah’s verses, they become dismissive (disdainful, etc.) and arrogant, and say:

“Who are you to command me? Who are you to forbid me (from this or that)? I am older than you. I am more knowledgeable (or I know more) than you”.

This (behaviour) is forbidden. When someone reminds you of obedience to Allah, the obligation is that you take heed; (it should) not fall on deaf ears and be blind thereat. [3]

[1] Sharh Madhahib Ahl As-Sunnah page 40.

[2] An Excerpt from Tafseer Surah Al-Furqan. (Paraphrased). May Allah bless my Salafi brother, colleague, and friend, Abu Zakariyyah (Abdul Malik Al-Congoli Al-Ifreeqee) for sharing the Arabic text of this reminder.

[3](Paraphrased): https://www.alathar.net/home/esound/index.php?op=codevi&coid=166809

river beside trees and grass field

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

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

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

Allah, The Most High, said:
طه
مَآ أَنزَلۡنَا عَلَيۡكَ ٱلۡقُرۡءَانَ لِتَشۡقَىٰٓ
إِلَّا تَذۡڪِرَةً۬ لِّمَن يَخۡشَىٰ
تَنزِيلاً۬ مِّمَّنۡ خَلَقَ ٱلۡأَرۡضَ وَٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ ٱلۡعُلَى
ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنُ عَلَى ٱلۡعَرۡشِ ٱسۡتَوَىٰ
لَهُ ۥ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَمَا فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَمَا بَيۡنَہُمَا وَمَا تَحۡتَ ٱلثَّرَىٰ
وَإِن تَجۡهَرۡ بِٱلۡقَوۡلِ فَإِنَّهُ ۥ يَعۡلَمُ ٱلسِّرَّ وَأَخۡفَى هُوَ‌ۖ ل
ٱللَّهُ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ‌ۖ لَهُ ٱلۡأَسۡمَآءُ ٱلۡحُسۡنَىٰ

Ta-Ha. We have not sent down the Qur’an unto you (O Muhammad) to cause you distress; but only as a Reminder to those who fear (Allah). A revelation from Him (Allah) Who has created the earth and high heavens. The Most Beneficent (Allah) Istawa (rose over) the (Mighty) Throne (in a manner that suits His Majesty). To Him belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is on the earth, and all that is between them, and all that is under the soil. And if you (O Muhammad) speak (the invocation) aloud, then verily, He knows the secret and that which is yet more hidden. Allah! Laa ilaaha illaa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He)! To Him belong the Best Names. [Taha. 1-8]

مَآ أَنزَلۡنَا عَلَيۡكَ ٱلۡقُرۡءَانَ لِتَشۡقَىٰٓ

We have not sent down the Qur’an unto you (O Muhammad) to cause you distress.

Juwaybir reported from Ad-Dahhak, who said that when Allah revealed the Qur’an to His Messenger, he and his Companions acted upon it. Then the Quraish polytheists said, “This Qur’an was not revealed to Muhammad except to cause him distress”. Thus, Allah, The Most High, revealed:

طه
مَآ أَنزَلۡنَا عَلَيۡكَ ٱلۡقُرۡءَانَ لِتَشۡقَىٰٓ
إِلَّا تَذۡڪِرَةً۬ لِّمَن يَخۡشَىٰ

“Ta-Ha. We have not sent down the Qur’an unto you (O Muhammad) to cause you distress, but only as a Reminder to those who fear (Allah)”.

Meaning: The matter is not what the falsifiers claim; rather the one to whom Allah grants knowledge, this is because (Allah) wants him to acquire abundant good as established in Sahih Al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim from Mu’aawiyah, may Allah be pleased with him, who said: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

“Whoever Allah wants good for, He gives him understanding of the religion”.

إِلَّا تَذۡڪِرَةً۬ لِّمَن يَخۡشَى

But only as a Reminder to those who fear (Allah).

Meaning: Indeed Allah revealed His Book and sent His Messenger as a mercy through which He shows mercy to His slaves, so that the person who ponders might be reminded and benefits from what he hears of the Book of Allah, for it a reminder in which Allah revealed what He has made lawful and unlawful.

تَنزِيلاً۬ مِّمَّنۡ خَلَقَ ٱلۡأَرۡضَ وَٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ ٱلۡعُلَى

A revelation from Him (Allah) Who has created the earth and high heavens.

Meaning: O Muhammad! This Qur’an, given to you, is a revelation from your Lord- the Lord of everything, the Owner of everything and the One Who is Fully Able to do whatever He wills. He created the earth- both its regions that are easy to access and those that are difficult to access. He created the high heavens- elevated and having great distances between each other.

ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنُ عَلَى ٱلۡعَرۡشِ ٱسۡتَوَىٰ

The Most Beneficent (Allah) Istawa (rose over) the (Mighty) Throne (in a manner that suits His Majesty).

لَهُ ۥ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَمَا فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَمَا بَيۡنَہُمَا وَمَا تَحۡتَ ٱلثَّرَىٰ

To Him belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is on the earth, and all that is between them, and all that is under the soil.

Meaning: He is the owner of everything in the heavens and the earth. They are in His complete grasp, under His absolute control, will, intent and judgement. He is the Creator of all of them, their owner and God. Neither is there a true deity nor a true Lord besides Him.

And regarding the Ayah

وَإِن تَجۡهَرۡ بِٱلۡقَوۡلِ فَإِنَّهُ ۥ يَعۡلَمُ ٱلسِّرَّ وَأَخۡفَى

And if you (O Muhammad) speak (the invocation) aloud, then verily, He knows the secret and that which is yet more hidden.

Meaning: The One Who revealed this Qur’an [i.e. Allah] is also the One Who created the high heavens and the earth. He knows the secret and that which is even more hidden. Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, said:

Allah knows what the children of Adam hide in their souls and what is hidden from the children of Adam before they do what they do. Allah knows all of that and His knowledge encompasses what has already taken place and what will happen in future.

Then Allah, The Most High, said:

ٱللَّهُ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ‌ۖ لَهُ ٱلۡأَسۡمَآءُ ٱلۡحُسۡنَىٰ

Allah! Laa ilaaha illaa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He)! To Him belong the Best Names.

Meaning: Allah is the One Who revealed this Qur’an to you (O Muhammad) and there is no deity worthy of worship except Him. Allah is the possessor of the perfect Names and lofty Attributes. [1]

There is no deity worthy of being loved, feared and invoked besides Him. There is no deity to whom a person should humble himself, turn to in repentance, submission and obedience besides Him. [2]

[1]Al-Misbah Al-Munir Fee Tahdhib Tafsir Ibn Kathir

[2]Tafsir As-Sadi

Gentleness and Harshness in Religious Guidance — The People of Knowledge

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

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

Imam Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahhab, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated in Al-Usul ath-Thalatha:

“I’lam, Rahimakallaah – Know, may Allah have mercy upon you”.

Shaikh Abdur Razzaq Al-Badr, may Allah preserve him, said:

In the beginning of all the three principles, Imam Muhammad Ibn Abdil Wahhab, may Allah have mercy upon him, started by supplicating for the learner. In the first principle, he said:

اعلم رحمك الله

Know, may Allah have mercy upon you.

In the second principle, he said:

اعلم رحمك الله

Know, may Allah have mercy upon.

In the third principle, he began by saying:

اعلم ارشدك الله لطاعته

Know, may Allah guide you to His obedience.

Beginning with the word اعلم in this treatise and in his other treatises is employed when discussing important and great subjects, and due to this, you find that in the Qur’an, this word اعلم is mentioned in the great subjects and important commandments, such as the statement of Allah:

فَٱعۡلَمۡ أَنَّهُ ۥ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّهُ

So know (O Muhammad) that Laa ilaaha ill-Allah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah).

In the Qur’an, there are over 30 verses with this word mentioned in connection with Allah’s Names and Attributes, or in the affirmation of Tawhid and other important and great subjects. It is a word that is mentioned so that the reader’s or listener’s attention is captured.

Also supplicating for others is a sign of sincere advice and it is the path of the sincere advisers, for indeed the sincere adviser combines – for the one who is being advised – beneficial, gentle clarification and sincere supplication. He teaches him in a beneficia, gentle manner and supplicates for him while hoping that Allah benefits him through this knowledge. This is a matter that must be given importance – that a scholar, the one who nurtures others, an admonisher or a khateeb supplicates for the people, that Allah benefits, guides and shows them mercy. This supplication emanates from the mercy in the adviser’s heart, the eagerness in his heart and great desire that Allah benefits those who are being advised or called to Islam.

Sometimes the word رحمة is mentioned on its own and sometimes it is mentioned alongside المغفرة. When they are mentioned together, Al-Maghfirah means forgiveness of one’s previous sins in the past, and Rahma means asking Allah to protect, aid, forgive and guide a person towards righteous deeds and statements. And if one of them is mentioned alone, the meaning of the other is included in it. [1]

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

Rahimakallaah” is a supplication made for the student of knowledge. The Shaikh (Imam Muhammad ibn Abdul Wahhab) supplicates for Allah’s Mercy upon the students of knowledge, that Allah has mercy upon them. Therefore, in this there is gentleness from the teacher towards the student.

Indeed, he begins with a good statement and a righteous supplication so that it has an effect and thereby making the student incline towards his teacher with acceptance. But if he begins with a harsh statement or a statement that is not deemed appropriate, this would make him flee.

Therefore, it is obligated to a teacher and the one who calls to (the path of) Allah, and the one who enjoins good and forbids evil, that he is gentle with the one he addresses – through supplication for him, commendation and soft speech, because this urges towards acceptance. However, as for the stubborn wilful, opposer, this one is to be addressed differently. Allah said:

وَلَا تُجَـٰدِلُوٓاْ أَهۡلَ ٱلۡڪِتَـٰبِ إِلَّا بِٱلَّتِى هِىَ أَحۡسَنُ إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُواْ مِنۡهُمۡ‌ۖ

And argue not with the people of the Scripture unless it be in a way that is better, except with such of them as do wrong]. [29:46]

Those who do wrong among the people of the scripture- wilfully opposing and are haughty- are not addressed with what is better; rather they are addressed with what would prevent from their (harm and misguidance). Allah said:

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلنَّبِىُّ جَـٰهِدِ ٱلۡڪُفَّارَ وَٱلۡمُنَـٰفِقِينَ وَٱغۡلُظۡ عَلَيۡہِمۡ‌ۚ وَمَأۡوَٮٰهُمۡ جَهَنَّمُ‌ۖ وَبِئۡسَ ٱلۡمَصِيرُ

O Prophet (Muhammad)! Strive hard against the disbelievers and the hypocrites, and be harsh against them, their abode is Hell,-and worst indeed is that destination]. [9:73]

Striving against the hypocrites is not carried out with weapons, rather it is carried out with proofs, statements, refutation against them with harshness that will prevent (them from propagating their misguidance and harm) and to keep the people away from them. Allah said about them: [وَقُل لَّهُمۡ فِىٓ أَنفُسِہِمۡ قَوۡلاَۢ بَلِيغً۬ا – But admonish them, and speak to them an effective word to reach their innerselves] [4:63]

Therefore, there is a specific type of speech that is prescribed for these people because they are wilful opposers and people afflicted with pride. They do not want the truth, rather they want to misguide the people. So, they are addressed in a way they deserve. As for the seeker of guidance, this one is addressed with gentleness and mercy. This is because he wants the truth, knowledge and something beneficial. [2]

Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah have mercy upon him, was asked?

When should we employ gentleness and when should we employ harshness in Dawah to the path of Allah, and in (our) dealings with the people?

Response: The initial approach (or the basis) with regards to Dawah is gentleness, softness, and wisdom. This is the basis (or initial approach) regarding it. May Allah bless you, however, if you find someone who is obstinate, does not accept the truth, you establish proof against him and he rejects (it), then you may employ a rebuttal. If you possess (political) authority this person is a caller, you discipline him with the sword, which could lead to execution (in Islamic law) if he persists in spreading corruption.

There are among the scholars – from the various schools of Islamic jurisprudence – who hold that this person is more severe in corruption than highway robbers. Therefore, he is advised, and proof is established against him, if he refuses, then the Hakim Al-Shar’ee (i.e. the one recognised as the legitimate ruler in the Shariah) may embark upon punishing him, which maybe through imprisonment, exile, or execution.

May Allah bless you, indeed, they (i.e. the Scholars) issued the judgement of execution against Jahm ibn Safwan and others, Bishr al-Mareesee, and other than them; among them (i.e. those officially executed) were Ja’ad ibn Dirham. This is the ruling of the scholars against those who obstinately persist in spreading their Bidah. And if Allah benefits him (with guidance) and he recants, this is what is sought after. [3] [end of quotes]

Finally, caution required! We must seek advice and guidance from the upright people of knowledge when dealing with the likes of those who persist upon error because when to employ gentleness and harshness can be very ambiguous in some situations, thus, gentleness without guidance maybe exploited by one utilising victim mentality in order to escape accountability and harshness without guidance maybe exploited by an extremist. Therefore, we need the insight of the experienced people of knowledge whenever we  encounter different situations. And Allah knows best.

[1] Sharh Usul ath-Thalatha Audio Number 1. Masjid An-Nabawi. Date: 22/08/1434.

[2] An Excerpt from ‘Sharh Usul Ath-Thalaatha. page13-15.

[3] متى نستعمل اللين ومتى نستعمل الشدة في الدعوة إلى الله وفي المعاملات مع الناس؟ – العلامة الشيخ ربيع بن هادي عمير المدخلي

متى نستعمل اللين ومتى نستعمل الشدة في الدعوة إلى الله وفي المعاملات مع الناس؟

[4] Sharh Umdah Al-Ahkam: Audio lesson 9

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

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

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

فَٱعۡلَمۡ أَنَّهُ ۥ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّهُ وَٱسۡتَغۡفِرۡ لِذَنۢبِكَ وَلِلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ وَٱلۡمُؤۡمِنَـٰتِ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ يَعۡلَمُ مُتَقَلَّبَكُمۡ

So know [O Muhammad] that Laa ilaaha ill-Allah [none has the right to be worshipped but Allah], and ask forgiveness for your sin, and also for [the sin of] believing men and believing women. And Allah knows well your moving about, and your place of rest [in your homes, graves etc]. [Surah Muhammad. verse 19]

It is Fard Ayn [i.e. an individual duty (or obligation)] to have knowledge of Laa Ilaaha Ilal laah [i.e. that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah], because it is knowledge a person cannot do without. This knowledge can be acquired through several ways and the greatest of them is to seek knowledge about the sound meanings of Allah’s Names and Attributes, because that teaches a person the Greatness of Allah, directs him to deify and worship Allah alone and makes him know that Allah alone is worthy of all praise.

To know that Allah [The Most High] alone is the Creator, the One in control of all affairs of the universe and this necessitates that He alone has the right to be deified and worshipped.

To know that Allaah [The Most High] alone bestowed the creation with all the apparent blessings they have [i.e. Islaam, the lawful pleasures of this world- including health, good looks, etc] and all the hidden blessings [i.e. Iman, knowledge, wisdom, guidance for doing righteous deeds, and also the pleasures and delights of the Hereafter in Paradise, etc]. All this necessitates that the hearts should be attached to Allaah, love Him, deify Him alone and associate no partners to Him.

To pay attention to what one sees and hears regarding the reward Allah [The Most High] bestows on those who establish Laa Ilaaha Ilal laah- the help He gives them and the bliss He has kept for them in the afterlife; and the punishment He inflicts on the enemies of Tawhid- those who associate partners with Him in worship. All this shows that Allah alone has the right to be worshipped.

To know the characteristics of the idols and the other false deities that are worshipped besides Allah due to the fact that they are deficient in every way and dependent on others. Neither do they have the ability to harm nor benefit; neither do they have the ability to cause death nor give life, nor can they raise the dead. Neither can they aid those who worship them nor can they give them an atom’s weight of benefit, nor repel an atom’s weight of harm from them. The one who knows that these are some of the characteristics of the idols and false deities will know that none has the right worshipped except Allaah and that everything worshipped besides Allaah is false.

To know that the best of the creation-those people who possess the noblest and most perfect manners, the most sound intellects, views and the most perfect in knowledge- are the Messengers and Prophets of Allah and then the pious learned scholars, and they all testify to the fact that Allah alone has the right to be worshipped.

An Excerpt from “Taysir As-Sadi”

[4] The Shariah as the Sole Decisive Proof of Elevation and Nobility through Firm Adherence

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

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

Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Many people humble themselves to one another more than they humble themselves to Allah – The Most High, The Most Great. It is neither permissible for a person to be a slave except to Allah, (i.e. not to be subservient to anyone in a manner that only Allah deserves) nor humble himself except to the Greatness of Allah. Allah [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections] said:

هُوَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِى لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ‌ۖ عَـٰلِمُ ٱلۡغَيۡبِ وَٱلشَّهَـٰدَةِ‌ۖ هُوَ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ
هُوَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِى لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ٱلۡمَلِكُ ٱلۡقُدُّوسُ ٱلسَّلَـٰمُ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنُ ٱلۡمُهَيۡمِنُ ٱلۡعَزِيزُ ٱلۡجَبَّارُ ٱلۡمُتَڪَبِّرُ‌ۚ سُبۡحَـٰنَ ٱللَّهِ عَمَّا يُشۡرِڪُونَ
هُوَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡخَـٰلِقُ ٱلۡبَارِئُ ٱلۡمُصَوِّرُ‌ۖ لَهُ ٱلۡأَسۡمَآءُ ٱلۡحُسۡنَىٰ‌ۚ يُسَبِّحُ لَهُ ۥ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ‌ۖ وَهُوَ ٱلۡعَزِيزُ ٱلۡحَكِيمُ

He is Allah besides Whom none has the right to be worshipped but He; the King, the Holy, the One Free from all defects, the Giver of security, the Watcher over His creatures, the All-Mighty, the Compeller, the Supreme. Glory be to Allaah! [High is He] above all that they associate as partners with Him. He is Allaah, the Creator, the Inventor of all things, the Bestower of forms. To Him belong the Best Names. All that is in the heavens and the earth glorify Him. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise. [Surah Al-Hashar’ Ayaat 23-24]

Examine those Ayaat in the last part of Surah Al-Hashar! The statement:

هُوَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِى لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ

He is Allah besides Whom none has the right to be worshipped but He)]: This necessitates Tawheed Al-Uluhiyyah [The Oneness as the only one Who has the right to be worshipped].

The statement:

هُوَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِى لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ‌ۖ عَـٰلِمُ ٱلۡغَيۡبِ وَٱلشَّهَـٰدَةِ‌ۖ هُوَ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ

He is Allah, besides Whom none has the right to be worshipped but He, the All-Knower of the unseen and the seen (open). He is the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful]: This necessitates Tawheed Al-Asmaa Was Sifaat [The Oneness of Allah in His Names and Attributes.

The statement:
هُوَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡخَـٰلِقُ ٱلۡبَارِئُ ٱلۡمُصَوِّرُ‌ۖ

He is Allah, the Creator, the Inventor of all things, the Bestower of forms]. This necessitates Tawheed Ar-Roboobiyyah [The Oneness of Allah in His Lordship].

These few Ayaat in the last part of Surah Al-Hashr necessitate all the categories of Tawheed [Pure Islamic Monotheism]. [1]

Imam Ash-Shawkaanee [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said:

The love for high status and wealth often leads to the abandonment of fairness, which in turn distances individuals from the truth. This abandonment further results in the concealment of truth and the failure to clarify what Allah has obligated. The two aforementioned matters are a greater enemy to an individual than a pair of hunting wolves, [Footnote a] as stated by Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] because it was the reason that led the people of the scripture to distort Allah’s Books and hide the clear evidences and guidance that were revealed to them, such as what happened to the Jewish Rabbis (i.e. those who deviated after the advents of their Prophets). Allah, in His Mighty Book, and the Messenger, through authentic narrations, have both informed us about this.

The Imam also stated:

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

The least in such circumstances is that he would hide what he believes is the truth and show contempt – in the presence of a person from whom it is neither possible to receive harm nor benefit – towards what has become clear to him is the right thing, so, what about someone from whom harm and benefit are possible? This behavior is essentially prioritizing worldly things and the life of this world over the religion and the afterlife. If he observed and reflected upon what has happened to him, he would have realised that his inclination toward the (vain) desires of a man, two men, three or more individuals – among those he compliments within that gathering, conceals the truth to be in agreement with them and to gain affection, acquire their possessions, and avoid being isolated by them -is a deficiency in upholding the truth and tantamount to exalting falsehood. If it were not for the fact that these individuals hold a higher position in his eyes than the Lord, he would not have been inclined to their (vain) desires and abandoned what he knows to be what Allah wants and demands from His servants. [2]

Footnote a: Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “Two hungry wolves let loose among sheep are not more harmful than a person’s craving after wealth and status is to his Religion”. [3]

Imam Muhamad Ibn Saalih Al-Uthaymeen [may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “Two hungry wolves let loose on a flock -then what will remain from the flock?! Even when a single wolf stops eating because its stomach is full, it still kills the rest of the flock; then what about two hungry wolves let loose on a flock!! Not a single will remain. Likewise, a person who craves wealth or status will corrupt the religion and because of this, it is obligated to a person that his intention is far removed from this- far removed from craving wealth and status in the religion. We ask Allah to aid us to accomplish this”. [4]

We ask Allah:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ حُبَّكَ وَحُبَّ مَنْ يُحِبُّكَ وَالْعَمَلَ الَّذِي يُبَلِّغُنِي حُبَّكَ

O Allah, I ask you for your love and the love of those who love you and the deeds that will bring me your love.

[1] An Excerpt from Majmu Wa Rasaail Wa Fataawa 1/22

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

[3] Reported by Tirmidhee no.2376. Declared Authentic by Imaam Albaani (rahimahullaah) Saheeh Sunan At-Tirmidhee Vol 2 page 553

[4] At-taleeq Alaa Siyaasah Shar’iyyah. pages 454-455

The Grave Danger of Impenitence, and the Amazing Outcomes of Penitence and Submitting to Truth

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Repentance, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors), Scholars of Islam, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

The Danger of Persisting Upon Sins

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

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

If a person who does good neglects obedience, they will feel constricted and uneasy, much like a fish out of water until it returns to its natural environment to find peace. If a sinner turns away from wrongdoing and embraces righteousness, they may feel a sense of inner turmoil, leading them to revert to their old ways. Many wrongdoers engage in sinful acts not out of pleasure or desire, but rather due to the discomfort they experience when trying to abandon those actions. [1]

 

The Weight of Humility, Regret and Sincere Repentance, and The Destructive Outcomes of Self-amazement

One of the pious predecessors said:

Indeed a servant commits a sin due to which he enters Jannah, and he performs a good deed due to which he enters the Fire”. It was said: “How?” He said, “He commits the sin and does not cease thinking about it, fearing (the evil consequences), very unhappy about it, apprehensive, weeps due to it, regretful, feeling ashamed in the presence of his Lord, The Exalted, his head lowered (in submission and humility) in the presence of (his Lord) and sorrowful. Then, this sin becomes a cause of his happiness and success (i.e. due to repentance), and until it becomes more beneficial for him than performing numerous acts of obedience due to the (good) things that results from it that leads to happiness and success; and until the sin (i.e. due to regret and repentance that takes place thereafter) becomes a cause for his entry into Jannah; or he performs a good deed and does not cease to regard it as a favour to his Lord, becomes proud due to it, (afflicted with) self-regard and self-amazement due to it, presumptuous, and saying, “I did such and such”, so this leads him to self-amazement, pride, boasting and presumptuousness which becomes a cause of his destruction.

When a person hears this, he is amazed by it, for indeed it is sin that enters a person into the fire and good deeds enter a person into Jannah, so how can a sin be the cause of entry into Jannah and how can a good deed be the cause of entry into the fire?! So, he clarified it. A servant of (Allāh) sins due to being overcome by shaytan, but then he hastens towards his Lord (in repentance), for he knows that he has a Lord who forgives and accepts repentance, thus, he does not stop weeping and turning to Allah, increases in the performance of good deeds which he hopes will be a cause of wiping away his sin and this becomes a reason for his entry into paradise. On the other hand, a good deed may lead a person to the fire – not due to the good deed itself – due to the [behaviour] of the person after the performance of that good deed, such as being self-amazed and regarding that deed as a favour to his Lord.

They regard as favour upon you [O Muhammad] that they have embraced Islam. Say: “Count not your Islam as a favour upon me. Nay, but Allah has conferred a favour upon you, that He has guided you to the Faith, if you indeed are true. [Al-Hujurat. 17]

And had it not been for the Grace of Allah and His Mercy on you, not one of you would ever have been pure from sins]. [Al-Nur. 21]

Therefore, neither think that you have done a favour nor be afflicted with self-regard- neither become self-amazed nor presumptuous. This behaviour is from that which will nullify deeds, such as self-amazement, presumptuousness and show off. This behaviour might occur after the performance of a good deed, for example, it may be an act of obedience which Allah has enabled you to perform or an matter related to knowledge bestowed on you, or memorisation, so the person becomes presumptuous, shows off and becomes self-amazed, which becomes a cause of entry into the fire – and Allah’s Refuge is sought.

There is a beneficial reminder in this matter and that is when a person commits a sin, he should hasten towards repentance, turn to Allah in repentance- with complete submission, obedience and humility, and he should know that he has a Lord Who forgives. He should be eager to meet Allah on the Day of Judgement without the burden of his sins. If he is favoured with (the ability to perform) an act of obedience or favoured with some knowledge, he should acknowledge Allah’s Favour as well as acknowledge that he has great shortcomings, because when a person is attentive to these things, it will repel self-amazement. If a blessing is bestowed on a person, firstly he should know that it is from Allah; then he busies himself with gratitude to Allah, and then knows that he has many shortcomings, because this will repel self-amazement from him. [2]

 

Tremendous Outcomes of Submitting to Truth 

Al-Allamah Abdur Rahman Bin Yahyah Al-Mu’allimee, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated:

Contemplate the fact that truth is noble and falsehood is lowly. Contemplate the Greatness of Allah, The Mighty and Majestic- the fact that Allah is the Lord of the entire universe, Allah loves truth and hates falsehood, and that the one who follows truth is deserving of the Pleasure of the Lord of the universe. Allah, Glorified be He, will be his protector in the worldly life and the Afterlife by choosing for him everything that is good, better, more beneficial, more perfect, more noble and loftier until Allah removes his soul whilst being pleased with him. Then Allah raises him, brings him close and makes him dwell in paradise with honour- in permanent bliss and eternal nobility which no imagination can fully conceive its greatness. He should contemplate the fact that the one who clings to falsehood is deserving of the displeasure, anger and punishment of the Lord of the universe, and if he receives anything of worldly bliss, then that is only a means of humiliating him in order that he is increased in being distanced from Allah, so that the painful torment of the afterlife is multiplied for him, which no imagination can fully conceive its severity.

He should contemplate the bliss of the worldly life [i.e. temporary] as compared to the pleasure of the Lord of the universe and the bliss in the afterlife [i.e. eternal], compare the misery of the worldly life to displeasure of the Lord of the universe and the punishment in the afterlife [i.e. the severest punishment in this life is nowhere equal to punishment in the afterlife]. He should contemplate the statement of Allah, The Mighty and Majestic:

وَقَالُواْ لَوۡلَا نُزِّلَ هَـٰذَا ٱلۡقُرۡءَانُ عَلَىٰ رَجُلٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡقَرۡيَتَيۡنِ عَظِيمٍ
أَهُمۡ يَقۡسِمُونَ رَحۡمَتَ رَبِّكَ‌ۚ نَحۡنُ قَسَمۡنَا بَيۡنَہُم مَّعِيشَتَہُمۡ فِى ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا‌ۚ وَرَفَعۡنَا بَعۡضَہُمۡ فَوۡقَ بَعۡضٍ۬ دَرَجَـٰتٍ۬ لِّيَتَّخِذَ بَعۡضُہُم بَعۡضً۬ا سُخۡرِيًّ۬ا‌ۗ وَرَحۡمَتُ رَبِّكَ خَيۡرٌ۬ مِّمَّا يَجۡمَعُونَ
وَلَوۡلَآ أَن يَكُونَ ٱلنَّاسُ أُمَّةً۬ وَٲحِدَةً۬ لَّجَعَلۡنَا لِمَن يَكۡفُرُ بِٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ لِبُيُوتِہِمۡ سُقُفً۬ا مِّن فِضَّةٍ۬ وَمَعَارِجَ عَلَيۡہَا يَظۡهَرُونَ
وَلِبُيُوتِہِمۡ أَبۡوَٲبً۬ا وَسُرُرًا عَلَيۡہَا يَتَّكِـُٔونَ
وَزُخۡرُفً۬ا‌ۚ وَإِن ڪُلُّ ذَٲلِكَ لَمَّا مَتَـٰعُ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا‌ۚ وَٱلۡأَخِرَةُ عِندَ رَبِّكَ لِلۡمُتَّقِينَ

And they say: “Why is not this Qur’an sent down to some great man of the two towns (Makkah and Ta’if)?” Is it they who would portion out the Mercy of your Lord? It is We Who portion out between them their livelihood in this world, and We raised some of them above others in ranks, so that some may employ others in their work. But the Mercy (Paradise) of your Lord (O Muhammad) is better than the (wealth of this world) which they amass. And were it not that all mankind would have become of one community (all disbelievers, desiring worldly life only), We would have provided for those who disbelieve in the Most Beneficent (Allah), silver roofs for their houses, and elevators (and stair-ways, etc. of silver) whereby they ascend, and for their houses, doors (of silver), and thrones (of silver) on which they could recline, and adornments of gold. Yet all this (i.e. the roofs, doors, stairs, elevators, thrones etc. of their houses) would have been nothing but an enjoyment of this world. And the Hereafter with your Lord is only for the Muttaqun”. [Az-Zuhkruf. 31-35] [3]

We ask Allah:

اللهم آتِ نفسي تقواها أنت خيرُ مَن زكَّاها أنت وليُّها ومولاها أعوذُ بك من قلبٍ لا يخشعُ وعلمٍ لا ينفعُ ودعوةٍ لا يُستجابُ لها

O Allah! Grant my soul its piety, because You are the Best to purify it. You are its Protector and Guardian. I seek refuge in You from a heart that does not fear (You), the knowledge which does not benefit, and the supplication that is not responded to.” [4]

[1] Ad-Da’u Wad Dawa 60-61. Publisher: Dar Al-Hadith Al-Qahira 1430H (2009)]. May Allah bless my younger brother and colleague – Ahmad Qasim – who provided the Arabic text of this English translation.

[2] An Excerpt from Sharh Al-Wabil As-Sayyib. Lesson 1. By Shaikh Abdur Razzaaq Al-Badr (may Allāh preserve him) https://al-badr.net/sub/371. Slightly paraphrased

[3] An Aathaar Ash-, Shaikh Al-Allamah Abdur Rahmaan Bin Yahyah Al-Mu’allimee 11/309

[4] Sahih Muslim 2722

What’s your proof that I can’t celebrate Mawlid, National Day, Isra Wal-Miraj?!

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Basics, Bid'ah (Innovation), Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Featured, Fitnah, History of Islam, Innovations In Islam (Bidah), Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Sahaabah, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors), Scholars of Islam.

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

“What’s your proof that I can’t celebrate Mawlid, National Day, Israa Wal-Miraaj”, etc

The above statement is uttered by some of those who can neither offer any proof nor can they ever offer proof to justify these practices, rather, they give verdicts based on conjecture. Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

“Verily, Allah does not take away knowledge by snatching it from the people, but He takes it away by taking away death of the religious scholars till none of the scholars remains alive. Then the people will take ignorant ones as their leaders, who, when asked to deliver religious verdicts, will issue them without knowledge, the result being that they will go astray and will lead others astray”. [Bukhari and Muslim]

Shaikh Abdullah Al-Bukhari, may Allah preserve him, stated:

This text (proves) that the disappearance of knowledge will not be through its removal from the hearts, but through the death of the scholars. (Then) the ignorant people will remain- those who will occupy the place of the scholars in giving verdicts and teaching. They will teach and give verdicts based on ignorance, thus ignorance will spread and become manifest”. Therefore, if the sound Sunni knowledge is taken away, acting upon it will be taken away- is that not the case?! When ignorance manifests, acting upon it will become manifest, thus both knowledge and acting upon (Knowledge) will disappear, and ignorance will manifest, and acting upon (ignorance) will become widespread just as Al-Hafidh Al-Qurtubi clarified in Al-Mufhim. [1] [end of quote]

Indeed, it is a well-known principle among the scholars of Usul Al-Fiqh that the ruling concerning all matters of worldly life—such as clothing, food, and various other activities—is that they are permissible, unless there exists divine text that renders them impermissible. [2]

As for acts of worship, Al-Allamah Abdul Muhsin Al-Abbad, may Allah preserve him, said:

“The initial ruling regarding acts of worship is that neither are they permissible nor legislated, except when there is proof to show that they are legislated by Allah and His Messenger; otherwise they are included in the statement of Allah:

[أَمۡ لَهُمۡ شُرَڪَـٰٓؤُاْ شَرَعُواْ لَهُم مِّنَ ٱلدِّينِ مَا لَمۡ يَأۡذَنۢ بِهِ ٱللَّهُ‌ۚ – Or have they partners with Allah (false gods), who have instituted for them a religion which Allah has not allowed?!]” [3]

The aforementioned principle concerning acts of worship, which is well understood by the scholars of Usul Al-Fiqh, highlights mistake of the one who says: “Provide evidence that I cannot celebrate the Mawlid, National Day, Israa Wal Miraj etc”.

Al-Allamah Abdul Muhsin Al-Abbad said: Two conditions must be fulfilled for an act of worship to be accepted; the first of the two conditions is that the act of worship must be done sincerely for Allah, and secondly the act of worship must be in agreement with the Sunnah of the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. The act of worship has to be done sincerely for the sake of Allah (alone) and no one is to be associated as a partner with Allah in worship. The act of worship must be done in conformity with what the Messenger conveyed (the Qur’an and the Sunnah). This is what the Shahadah (لا إله إلا الله محمدا رسول الله) necessitates. (لا إله إلا الله) necessitates that acts of worship must be carried out sincerely for the sake of Allah alone; and (محمدا رسول الله) necessitates that acts of worship must be carried out in conformity with what was revealed to the noble Messenger. Therefore, Allah is not to be worshipped with bidah, newly invented matters in Religion, and evil acts, for which Allah, The Most High, has sent down no authority; rather acts of worship must conform with the Sunnah of the noble Messenger. If any of these two conditions or both of them are not fulfilled, the act of worship will be rejected by Allah [The Mighty and Majestic] says: [وَقَدِمۡنَآ إِلَىٰ مَا عَمِلُواْ مِنۡ عَمَلٍ۬ فَجَعَلۡنَـٰهُ هَبَآءً۬ مَّنثُورً – And We shall turn to whatever deeds they disbelievers, polytheists] did, and We shall make such deeds as scattered floating particles of dust] [Al-Furqan. 23]

The noble Messenger said: [مَنْ أَحْدَثَ فِي أَمْرِنَا هَذَا مَا لَيْسَ مِنْهُ فَهُوَ رَدٌ- He who innovates something in this matter of ours [i.e., Islam] that is not of it will have it rejected (by Allah)].[Al-Bukhari. 2697] [Muslim. 1718]

And in another wording of this hadith in Sahih Muslim the Prophet said: [مَنْ عَمِلَ عَمَلًا لَيْسَ عَلَيْهِ أَمْرُنَا فَهُوَ رَد – He who does an act (of worship) which we have not commanded (i.e. not commanded by the Prophet), will have it rejected].

The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said:

فَإِنَّهُ مَنْ يَعِشْ مِنْكُمْ فَسَيَرَى اخْتِلَافًا كَثِيرًا، فَعَلَيْكُمْ بِسُنَّتِي وَسُنَّةِ الْخُلَفَاءِ الرَّاشِدِينَ الْمَهْدِيينَ، عَضُّوا عَلَيْهَا بِالنَّوَاجِذِ، وَإِيَّاكُمْ وَمُحْدَثَاتِ الْأُمُورِ؛ فَإِنَّ كُلَّ بِدْعَةٍ ضَلَالَةٌ

Verily he lives long among you will see a lot of differing, so you must keep to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the Khulafaa Ar-Raashidun [the rightly guided caliphs]. Adhere to it with your molar teeth (i.e. adhere to it firmly). And beware of newly invented matters [in the religion], for every newly invented matter [in the religion] is a bidah [innovation in the religion], and every bidah is misguidance. [Abu Dawood. Number 4607] [Tirmidhee. 2676]

The Messenger, peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him, has clarified -in the hadith about the seventy-three sects amongst whom seventy-two sects will enter the hellfire and one sect will be saved- the saved sect are those who adhere to the path him and his noble companions adhered to. [4]

Imam Abdul Aziz Bin Baz, may Allah have mercy upon him, was asked: What is the intent behind the Messenger’s statement when he spoke about the Ummah in the hadith: “All of them (the sects) are in the fire except one” and what is that one?. Also, will all the other 72 (deviant) sects be in the fire for eternity? Benefit us.

Response: The prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “The Jews split into 71 sects, meaning all of them are astray and their affair ruined, except one. The Christians split into 72 sects, meaning all of them are astray and their affair ruined, except one. And this Ummah will split into 73 sects- all of them in the fire, except one. This one group is Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa’ah [those who firmly adhere to the authentic Prophetic Sunnah and are united upon that] – the companions of the Prophet and those who follow them exactly in faith, the adherents to pure Islamic monotheism and sound faith”.

As for the other 72 sects that have been threatened with the fire, among them is one who is a disbeliever (see footnote a), among them is one who is a sinner, and among them is one about whom it is established with clear evidence that he is an innovator in religious affairs. So, the one – among them – that dies in a state of disbelief (see footnote b) will be in the fire for eternity, and the one that dies in a state of adherence to religious innovation that is lesser than major disbelief (see footnote c) or sins is under the will of Allah, while still threatened with the fire. So, based on this it is known that not all of them are disbelievers, but rather among them is a disbeliever and other than him among the sinners and the innovators in religious affairs. [5]

Imam Malik, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, “The latter part of this Ummah [i.e. those who will come after the Sahabah] will not be rectified except by way of that which rectified its earlier part [i.e. the pious predecessors]”. And he said, “Whoever innovates a bidah in Islaam and considers it to be something good, then indeed he has claimed that Muhammad betrayed the Risaalah (i.e. the message he was entrusted with); because Allaah said: ٱلۡيَوۡمَ أَكۡمَلۡتُ لَكُمۡ دِينَكُمۡ – This day, I have perfected your religion for you]. Therefore, what was not part of the religion at that time [i.e. during the time of the Messenger] cannot be part of the religion today (i.e. after he departs from this world)”. [6]

Ataa, may Allah have mercy upon him, narrated:

A woman said in the presence of Aa’isha, may Allah be pleased with her: “If the wife of such and such gives birth, we’ll slaughter a camel”. Aa’isha said, “But the Sunnah is that two sheep are to be slaughtered for the birth of a boy and one sheep for the birth of a girl”.

Al-Allamah Zayd Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “In this hadith, there is evidence that Ghuluww (going beyond what the Shariah has legislated- neither commanded nor recommended) is forbidden, and that adherence to the Sunnah is the truth. If a newly born child is a boy, then his guardian should slaughter two sheep; and if the child is a girl, one sheep is slaughtered for her. One should not obligate to himself to slaughter a camel, for indeed he has not been commanded to do that. Limiting oneself to the Sunnah is the good thing to do instead of encroaching on its legislated boundaries. [7]

Shaikh A-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: Indeed, there has been much confusion in this subject matter, just as it is the case in the subject matter of halal and haram. A group of people make permissible some of the things which Allah has declared impermissible and others declare impermissible some of those things which Allah has made permissible. Likewise, some people innovate acts of worship that have not been legislated by Allah; rather Allah, The Most High, prohibited them. The foundation of the religion of Islam is that the permissible affairs are those that Allah and His Messenger have made permissible, and the impermissible affairs are those that Allah and His Messenger have made impermissible. It is not allowed for anyone to leave the straight path that Allah sent His Messenger with. Allah said:

وَأَنَّ هَـٰذَا صِرَٲطِى مُسۡتَقِيمً۬ا فَٱتَّبِعُوهُ‌ۖ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُواْ ٱلسُّبُلَ فَتَفَرَّقَ بِكُمۡ عَن سَبِيلِهِۦ‌ۚ ذَٲلِكُمۡ وَصَّٮٰكُم بِهِۦ لَعَلَّڪُمۡ تَتَّقُونَ

And verily, this is my Straight Path, so follow it, and follow not [other] paths, for they will separate you away from His Path. This He has ordained for you that you may become pious].

Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud, may Allah be pleased wit him, reported that the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, drew a line for us and said: “This is Allah’s Straight Path.’’ Then he drew lines to its right and left and then said: ‘’These are other paths. Upon every one of them there is a devil calling towards it.’’ Then he recited:

[وَأَنَّ هَـٰذَا صِرَٲطِى مُسۡتَقِيمً۬ا فَٱتَّبِعُوهُ‌ۖ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُواْ ٱلسُّبُلَ فَتَفَرَّقَ بِكُمۡ عَن سَبِيلِهِۦ‌ – Indeed this is My Straight Path, so follow it. And do not follow other paths; they will separate you from His Path.” [Al-Musnad 4437]

Allah mentions – in Surah Al-An’am, Surah Al-A’raf and other them – those deeds due to which the idol worshipers rebuked when they declared impermissible the things that Allah did not declare impermissible, such as the Baahirah [i.e. a she-camel whose milk was spared for the idols and nobody was allowed to milk it] and the Saa’ibah [i.e. a she-camel let loose for free pasture for their false gods, e.g. idols, etc., and nothing was allowed to be carried on it]. They [also] declared permissible those [deeds] which Allah declared impermissible, such as the killing of their children and they instituted a religion which Allah did not allow. Allah [The Most High] says:

[أَمۡ لَهُمۡ شُرَڪَـٰٓؤُاْ شَرَعُواْ لَهُم مِّنَ ٱلدِّينِ مَا لَمۡ يَأۡذَنۢ بِهِ ٱللَّهُ‌ۚ – Or have they partners with Allah (false gods), who have instituted for them a religion which Allah has not allowed].

There were impermissible deeds that they established as acts of worship, such as shirk, and lewd behaviour, such as Tawaaf around the Kabah, whilst being naked. The acts of worship through which a person seeks to get close to Allah are those that are beloved and pleasing to Allah and His Messenger- whether obligatory or recommended – as reported in Sahih Al-Bukhari that Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said that Allah [The Blessed and Exalted] said: “And the most beloved things which My slave comes nearer to Me, is what I have enjoined upon him; and My slave keeps on coming closer to Me through performing Nawaafil (praying or doing extra deeds besides what is obligatory) till I love him, then I become his sense of hearing with which he hears, and his sense of sight with which he sees, and his hand with which he grips, and his leg with which he walks; and if he asks Me, I will give him, and if he asks My Protection (Refuge), I will protect him”. (see footnote d)

It is well known regarding the prayer that it can either be obligatory, such as the five daily prayers, or optional such as the Qiyaam Al- Layl [i.e. Tahajjud prayer]. Also regarding fasting, it can either be obligatory, such as fasting in the month of Ramadhaan, or it can be optional such as fasting three days every month. Also travelling to the Masjid Al-Haraam [i.e. The kabah] is obligatory and travelling to the other two Masajid-Masjid of the Prophet and Masjid Al-Aqsaa-is recommended. Also, charity can be an obligation or recommendation such as the surplus beyond [what is] needed, as Allah [The Most High] says: [وَيَسْأَلُونَكَ مَاذَا يُنفِقُونَ قُلِ الْعَفْوَ – And they ask you what they ought to spend. Say: That which is beyond (what they) need]. [8]

 

Birthdays and National Days

Saudi Erudite Imam, Muhammad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaymin, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Any occasion that is observed as a day of celebration, occurring weekly or annually, and is not sanctioned by Islamic law, is considered a Bidah (innovative practice in religion). This is because the One [i.e., Allah] who establishes all legislation has prescribed the Aqeeqah for newborns, without instituting any further celebrations. Consequently, the adoption of such recurring celebrations implies a comparison to Islamic holidays, which is not permissible. In Islam, the only recognised festivals are Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha, along with Friday, which is designated for a specific form of worship. [9]

Saudi Erudite Imam, Abdul Aziz Bin Baz, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

According to Islamic law, any celebrations beyond the two that are legislated are deemed incorrect, regardless of whether they are held in honour of an individual, their mother, daughter or son. All this that has been newly introduced – nowadays – is an imitation of the (customs) of Christians and Jews. It has no basis or foundation (within Islamic legislation). Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Uncle’s Day, or any specific day dedicated to an individual or the day for his daughter or son, all are considered inappropriate under Islamic law. [10]

He also stated:

“The celebration of National Day can be viewed as an imitation of the adversaries of Allah. While it may stem from good intentions and the efforts of individuals striving to arrive at a correct conclusion regarding the matter, it is evident that such celebrations lack legislative endorsement and are not befitting (not appropriate or not allowed); rather, imitation of Allah’s adversaries is found in it, even if it is not intended as an act of worship. Should worship be the intention behind it, it would constitute an innovation in religion; however, worship is not intended through it, rather, what is intended is to express congratulations and to highlight the achievements of the nation, which aligns it with the commemorative practices initiated by the Jews and Christians. Therefore, it is not befitting (appropriate, allowed) to imitate them in this regard or in any other matters (that Islamic law has neither permitted nor sanctioned). [11]

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

Hardship is only encountered by the one who abandons the Ma’lufat and Awa’id [i.e. those habitual things, deeds, practices, customs, etc] for other than the sake of Allah. As for the one who abandons them truthfully and sincerely from the bottom of his heart- for the sake of Allah alone- then indeed he does not encounter any difficulty due to abandoning them except in the beginning so that he is tested as to whether he is truthful or untruthful in abandoning them? If he exercises a little bit of patience, its [abandonment] will alternate into pleasure. Ibn Sirin, may Allah have mercy upon him, said that he heard Shurayh swearing by Allah that “A servant does not abandon anything for the sake of Allah and finds a loss in that”. Thus, their statement [i.e. the people of knowledge] that “Whoever abandons something for the Sake of Allah, Allah will replace it with what is better”. This is true. This compensation is of different types and the best of that which a person is compensated with is the desire and yearning to get close to Allah, seeking after Allah’s pleasure, love of Allah, and the heart granted by way of it tranquility, strength, enthusiasm, happiness and being pleased with its Lord, The Exalted. [12]

Saudi Erudite Imam, Abdul Aziz Bin Baz, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

It is incumbent upon every Muslim to refrain from relying (solely) on customary practices; instead, he must refer to the authentic Islamic legislation. Anything that is validated by Islamic law is deemed permissible, while that which is not validated is considered impermissible. The customs of people do not serve as valid evidence for determining the legality of any matter. All customs practiced by people within their respective nations or tribes should be evaluated against the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, for adjudication. Thus, what Allah and His Messenger have permitted is lawful, and what they have prohibited must be forsaken, regardless of its acceptance as a custom among the people. [13]

Israa Wal-Miraj

Saudi Erudite Imam, Abdul Azeez Bin Baz, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated:

There is no doubt that the Israa Wal Miraj is from Allah’s Great Signs, which show the truthfulness of His Messenger Muhammad [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him], the greatness of his status in the Sight of Allah [The Mighty and Exalted], as well as evidence of Allah’s Magnificent Power and His Exaltation above His Creation [Mankind, Jinn etc]. Allah [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections] said:

سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي أَسْرَى بِعَبْدِهِ لَيْلًا مِنَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ إِلَى الْمَسْجِدِ الْأَقْصَى الَّذِي بَارَكْنَا حَوْلَهُ لِنُرِيَهُ مِنْ آيَاتِنَا إِنَّه هُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْبَصِيرُ

Glorified (and Exalted) be He (Allah) [above all that (evil) they associate with Him], Who took His slave (Muhammad ) for a journey by night from Al-Masjid-al-Haram (at Makkah) to the farthest mosque (in Jerusalem), the neighbourhood whereof We have blessed, in order that We might show him (Muhammad) of Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, lessons, signs, etc.). Verily, He is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer. [Surah Al-Israa. Verse 1]

It has been transmitted by way of Tawatur -[i.e. an authentic narration transmitted by numerous narrators to the extent that such narrators cannot all agree on a lie]- from Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] that he was taken up to the heavens and its gates were opened for him until he went past the Seventh Heaven. Then his Lord [Allah (Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections)] spoke to him regarding what He willed and obligated the five daily prayers on him. Allah [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections] obligated fifty daily prayers on him at first, but our Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, did not cease going back to Allah and asking Him to reduce the obligation until Allah made it five – five obligatory prayers but their reward is equal to fifty. That is because (one) good deed carries ten rewards. Therefore, all praise and thanks be to Allah for all His blessings [i.e. all the blessings bestowed on His servants].

This night -in which the Israa Wal Miraj took place- has not been transmitted in the authentic narrations that it took place specifically in the month of Rajab or other than it. All that has been narrated about the specific (month in which) it took place is not transmitted from the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] with authentic chains of transmission according to the scholars of Hadeeth. And with Allah is Perfect Wisdom [free from all weaknesses, shortcomings, deficiencies, faults] as to why He made the people forget [the specific night the Israa and Miraj took place].

And even if the specific night it took place was established, then still it would neither be permissible for the Muslims to specify any act of worship concerning it nor celebrate it. That is because the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] and his companions [may Allah be pleased with them] neither celebrated it nor did they carry out any specific acts of worship on such a night. Had it been that celebrating it is legislated (in the religion), the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] would have made it known to the Ummah- either by way of speech or action. And if anything was practiced, then it would have been known and widely known and his companions would have transmitted it to us, for indeed, they have transmitted – from our Prophet- everything that is needed by the Ummah. They did not neglect anything in the religion; rather they were foremost in practicing every righteous act. Therefore, if celebrating on this night was legislated (in Islam), they would have preceded us in such an act. The Prophet is (was) the most sincere adviser to the people [i.e. in both their religious and worldly affairs], conveyed the message perfectly, and fulfilled the trust [which Allah entrusted on him]. If exalting this night and celebrating it was something (legislated) in the religion, then neither would the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] have neglected nor concealed it.

Therefore, when it [is it the case that nothing has been transmitted from the Prophet’s speech or actions, and his companions] about this, then one knows that celebrating and exalting this night has nothing to do with Islam, for indeed Allah has perfected the religion for this Ummah, completed His favour upon them and censured the one who legislates in the religion that which is not part of it. Allah [Glorified and Exalted be He] said:

[الْيَوْمَ أَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِينَكُمْ وَأَتْمَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعْمَتِي وَرَضِيتُ لَكُمُ الْإِسْلامَ دِينًا – This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion. [Al-Ma’idah. 3]

Allah says: [أَمْ لَهُمْ شُرَكَاءُ شَرَعُوا لَهُمْ مِنَ الدِّينِ مَا لَمْ يَأْذَنْ بِهِ اللَّهُ وَلَوْلا كَلِمَةُ الْفَصْلِ لَقُضِيَ بَيْنَهُمْ وَإِنَّ الظَّالِمِينَ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ – Or have they partners with Allah (false gods), who have instituted for them a religion which Allah has not allowed. And had it not been for a decisive Word (gone forth already), the matter would have been judged between them. And verily, for the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers), there is a painful torment. [Ash-Shura. 21]

It has been transmitted from Allah’s Messenger in the authentic narrations that he warned against innovations in religion and stated explicitly that it is a deviation to warn the Ummah about the great danger of religious innovations and to keep them away from acting on it. It was transmitted from Aa’isha, may Allah be pleased with her, that the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: [من أحدث في أمرنا هذا ما ليس منه فهو رد – Whoever innovates something in this affair of ours [i.e. the religion of Islam], it will be rejected].[Al-Bukhari 2697]

[من عمل عملاً ليس عليه أمرنا فهو رد – Whoever performs (an act of worship) which is not in accordance with our affair (i.e. the religion of Islam), it will be rejected. [Muslim 1718]

The Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

أُوصِيكُمْ بِتَقْوَى اللَّهِ وَالسَّمْعِ وَالطَّاعَةِ وَإِنْ عَبْدًا حَبَشِيًّا فَإِنَّهُ مَنْ يَعِشْ مِنْكُمْ بَعْدِي فَسَيَرَى اخْتِلَافًا كَثِيرًا فَعَلَيْكُمْ بِسُنَّتِي وَسُنَّةِ الْخُلَفَاءِ الْمَهْدِيِّينَ الرَّاشِدِينَ تَمَسَّكُوا بِهَا وَعَضُّوا عَلَيْهَا بِالنَّوَاجِذِ وَإِيَّاكُمْ وَمُحْدَثَاتِ الْأُمُورِ فَإِنَّ كُلَّ مُحْدَثَةٍ بِدْعَةٌ وَكُلَّ بِدْعَةٍ ضَلَالَةٌ

I command you to fear Allah and to listen and obey [the Muslim ruler in what is good] even if a slave is a leader over you. Certainly, the one who will live among you will see lots of differences, so adhere to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the right-guided Khulafaa [i.e. Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali]. Bite onto that with your molar teeth [i.e. adhere firmly to it] and beware of the newly-invented matters in the religion, because every newly invented affair in the religion is a Bidah [religious innovation] and every bidah is misguidance. [Abu Dawud 4607]

The narrations that convey the meaning of this affair are many. And it has been transmitted from the companions of Allah’s Messenger and the pious predecessors [i.e. the first three generations of Islam] after them that they warned against religious innovations and [gave advice to the people in order to make them fearful of practicing religious innovations]. That is because such practices are additions [i.e. acts that are not legislated by Allah and His Messenger] and [practicing them] is tantamount to legislating something in the religion, which Allah has not ordained. It is tantamount to belittling the religion of Islam and accusing it [of imperfection] after it was perfected.

And when it is the case that Allah has obligated on Muslims to give advice to another and explain what He has legislated for them in the Religion, and forbade one from concealing knowledge, I saw that I should notify (or warn) my Muslim brothers about this religious innovation, which has spread to many regions, to the extent that some people think that it is something related to the religion. [14]

Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud, may Allah be pleased with him, said,

“Follow (i.e. the Qur’an, the authentic Sunnah, and the understanding of Muhammad’s companions) and not innovate (in religious matters ) because you have been sufficed”. [15]

Mu’adh Bin Jabal, may Allah be pleased with him, said:

“Beware of that which is innovated (in the religion) because what is innovated is misguidance”. [16]

Ibn Mas’ud, may Allah be pleased with him, said:

“You will find people who claim that they are calling to the Book of Allah whilst they have placed it behind their backs. So, adhere to knowledge and beware of innovations in religious affairs, going beyond bounds and delving too much into affairs (without a justified reason”. [17]

Imam Al-Hasan Al-Basri, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“The Sunnah -by the One besides whom there is none worthy of worship except Him (i.e. Allah)- is between the one who exceed the limits and the one who falls short, so be patient upon it-may Allah have mercy upon you; for indeed Ahlus Sunnah were the fewest people in the past and shall be the fewest people (from those to) come- [الّذين لم يذهبوا مع أهل الإتراف في إترافهم -those who did not go with the people of transgression and corruption in their transgression and corruption; [ولا مع أهل البدع في بدعهم -nor with the people of Bidah in their Bidah]; rather they (exercised) patience upon the Sunnah until they met their Lord (i.e. passed away). Likewise-InShaaAllaah- you be (the same)”. [18]

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

“Beware of small innovations (i.e. religious innovations) because they grow until they become large”. [19]

Ibn Aqeel, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“If the truthful ones were to keep silent and the falsifiers speak, then the creation would have relinquished what they have witnessed [of truth] and reject what they have not witnessed. So when the devout ones desire to revive the Sunnah, the people would reject it and think that it is bidah”. [20]

The Perfect Example to Follow In Every Aspect of Life

Allah, The Exalted, said:

لَّقَدۡ كَانَ لَكُمۡ فِى رَسُولِ ٱللَّهِ أُسۡوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ۬ لِّمَن كَانَ يَرۡجُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَٱلۡيَوۡمَ ٱلۡأَخِرَ وَذَكَرَ ٱللَّهَ كَثِيرً۬ا

Certainly, there is for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent example to follow for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day and who remembers Allah often]. [Al-Ahzab. 21]

Allah, The Mighty and Majestic, said:

قُلۡ إِن كُنتُمۡ تُحِبُّونَ ٱللَّهَ فَٱتَّبِعُونِى يُحۡبِبۡكُمُ ٱللَّهُ وَيَغۡفِرۡ لَكُمۡ ذُنُوبَكُمۡ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ غَفُورٌ۬ رَّحِيمٌ۬

Say (O Muhammad to mankind): If you (really) love Allah then follow me, Allah will love you and forgive you of your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful]. [Aal Imran 31]

Imam Abdul Aziz Bin Baz said:

This verse is conveyed to everyone who claims to love Allah, yet does not truly follow Allah’s Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, by obeying the Prophet’s commands and avoiding what he has forbidden. Therefore, unless he truly follows the Messenger, their claim of love for Allah is not truthful. [21]

Imam Sufyan Ibn Uyaynah, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“The Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, serves as the greatest criterion (for both humanity and Jinn), with all matters being submitted to him (for evaluation and adjudication) according to his manners, path, and guidance. Consequently, anything that aligns with this is deemed to be the truth, while anything that contradicts it is considered falsehood”. [22]

A Muslim needs to recognise the paramount importance of adhering to the teachings of the final Messenger in all matters of life. In Islam, the only sanctioned celebrations are the two Eids, as the final Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, nullified all others. Thus, we confine ourselves to the divine ordinances established by our Lord and His final Messenger. Anas Ibn Malik [may Allah be pleased with him] reported that Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] arrived in Medina during two days in which they (i.e. the people) were celebrating. He asked, “What are these two days?” They said, “We used to celebrate these two days in the pre-Islamic era”. He said, “Verily, Allah has replaced these two days with two days that are better – Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr”. [23]

Therefore, we confine ourselves to what Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, has sanctioned- neither speaking nor acting before he has commanded or prohibited in affairs related to the religion. Allah says:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تُقَدِّمُوا بَيْنَ يَدَيِ اللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ ۖ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تَرْفَعُوا أَصْوَاتَكُمْ فَوْقَ صَوْتِ النَّبِيِّ

O you who believe! Do not put (yourselves) forward before Allah and His Messenger, and fear Allah. Verily! Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. O you who believe! Raise not your voices above the voice of the Prophet. [Al-Hujuraat. 1-2] [24]

————————————–

Footnotes a and b:  Bear in mind without any doubt that expelling a Muslim from the fold of Islam is the responsibility of the upright scholars. Read below:

https://www.salafipublications.com/sps/sp.cfm?subsecID=MNJ09&articleID=MNJ090001&articlePages=1
https://www.spubs.com/sps/sp.cfm?secID=MNJ&subsecID=MNJ09&loadpage=displaysubsection.cfm

Footnote c: The Types of Bidah: All religious innovations are evil, but there are those that will exit a person from the fold of Islaam (Bida’atul Mukaffirah) and those that do not exit a person from the fold of Islaam (Bida’atul Mufassiqah). Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee Al-Madkhalee [may Allaah preserve him] was asked whether there is a difference between Bidah Al-Mukaffirah and Bidah Al-Mufassiqah; so he replied that there is Bidah Mukaffirah, such as rejecting the Ruyah (i.e. denying that the believers will see Allaah in the afterlife); rejecting Allaah’s Uluww [i.e. denying that Allaah is above his creation –Allaah ascended over the Throne in a way that benefits his majesty)]; invoking other than Allaah; offering slaughtered sacrifice (i.e. animals) to other than Allaah etc. These are affairs of Bidah Al-Mukaffirah (the bidah that is tantamount to disbelief). But we do not make Takfeer of the people who commit this type of Bidah until we establish the proofs against them. That is because some of them (i.e. the people who fall into these affairs) carry doubts and are far away from the era of Prophethood and its light (i.e. guidance). So they fall into the likes these innovations. Rejecting the Ruyah is disbelief; rejecting Allaah’s Uluww is disbelief; the saying that the Qur’aan is created is disbelief-major disbelief. But this person, -[who testifies that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah and that Muhammad is the messenger of Allaah, and he prays, observes fasting, wants paradise and believes in that] -received the doubts of the people of falsehood, so he falls into the likes of these affairs (i.e. these innovations that are tantamount to disbelief). So we say to him: You have fallen into disbelief and the evidence is this and this, and we clarify for him. So if Allaah grants him Tawfeeq and he returns to the truth, then all praise is due to Allaah. But if not, we declare him a disbeliever after establishing the proofs against him. As for Bidah Al-Mufassiqah it is other than this (i.e. it is not at the level of that which is tantamount to disbelief)… [http://www.rabee.net/ar/questions.php?cat=26&id=484 paraphrased]

Footnote d: Regarding the statement: And My slave keeps on coming closer to Me through performing Nawaafil (praying or doing extra deeds besides what is obligatory) till I love him, then I become his sense of hearing with which he hears, and his sense of sight with which he sees, and his hand with which he grips, and his leg with which he walks…This statement is understood to mean that when a person becomes a Wali (close friend) of Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic), then when the command of Allaah is mentioned with regards to what Allaah loves or hates, he protects his hearing from what Allaah hates and lends an ear to what Allaah loves. He also does the same with regards to what he looks at; what he grips with his hand and where he walks to. Or Allaah guides him, so that he only looks at what Allaah loves; listens to what Allaah loves and walks towards what Allaah loves. [Sharh Arba’een of Imaam Muhammad Bin Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen.. Pages 376-381 and Sharh Arba-een of Shaikh Saaleh Aala Shaikh pages 256-258] [Also see, Jaami-ul Uloom Wal-Hikam of Imaam Ibn Rajab pages 619-641 Daar Ibn Rajab 2002];

Read: article by Shaikh Abu Khadeejah [may Allaah preserve him]: The Prophet’s Birthday — Are the Eid Milad

Celebrations from Islam and the Sunnah?
https://www.abukhadeejah.com/prophet-birthday-eid-milad/

The Origins of The Mawlid, the Eid Milād Nabiyy: By Shaikh Abu Hakeem [may Allaah preserve him]:
https://www.salafisounds.com/the-origins-of-the-mawlid-eid-milad-an-nabi-by-abu-hakeem/

Exposing the Innovated Practice of the Mawlid – Important Facts Related to Celebrating the Prophet’s Birthday- By Ustadh Abu Hatim [may Allah preserve him]:

Exposing the Innovated Practice of the Mawlid – Important Facts Related to Celebrating the Prophet’s Birthday

The Notion of Bidah Hasanah- By Shaikh Abu Iyaad [may Allah preserve him]:

http://www.bidah.com/articles/ezaqa-the-notion-of-bidah-hasan-good-innovation-destroyed-part-1.cfm
http://www.shia.bs/articles/chbjn-refuting-the-notion-of-bidah-hasanah-good-innovation-in-worship-part-8.cfm
http://www.salafipublications.com/sps/sp.cfm?subsecID=BDH02&articleID=BDH020003&pfriend=

[1] “Al-Hajr Fee Daw-il Kitaab Was-Sunnah Wa Fahm Salaf Al-Ummah2. page: 15-16

[2] Read about this matter in Majmu Al-Fatawa 21/535

[3] Read about this principle in Majmu Al-Fatawa 16/17-19

[4] An Excerpt from أثر العبادات في حياة المسلم pages 3-31

[5]https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/17308/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%AF-%D8%A8%D9%82%D9%88%D9%84%D9%87-%EF%B7%BA-%D9%83%D9%84%D9%87%D9%85-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7-%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%AD%D8%AF%D8%A9 paraphrased ]

[6] Al-I’tisam by Imam Ash-Shatibi 1/28

[7] at-Taleeqaat Al-Maleehah Alaa Silsilah al-Ahaadeeth As-Saheeh. 1/416

[8] An Excerpt from Al-Ibaadaat Ash-Shar’iyyah Wal-Farqu Baynahaa Wa Baynal Bid’ah page: 78-79

[9] Sharh Kitab at-Tawheed 1/382

[10]https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/26374/%D8%AD%D9%83%D9%85-%D8%A7%D8%B9%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%8A%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%AF paraphrased

[11]https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/2592/%D8%AD%D9%83%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%AD%D8%AA%D9%81%D8%A7%D9%84-%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%B9%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%88%D8%B7%D9%86%D9%8A%D8%A9 paraphrased

[12] Al-Fawaa’id page 166

[13] Majmoo Al-Fataawas 6/510

[14] http://www.binbaz.org.sa/article/24%5D paraphrased

[15] Sharh Usool Al-I’tiqaad 1/86]

[16] Sharh Usool Al-I’tiqaad 1/89]

[17] Al-Bidah Wan-Nahiy Anhaa. page 59]

[18] Ighaatha Al-Lahfaan 1/70]

[19] Translation of Sharhus Sunnah by Shaikh Abu Talhah- Dawud Burbank- (May Allaah have mercy upon him and his wife). point number 7. page 28)]

[20] Shifaa As-Sudoor Fee Ziyaaratil Mashaahid Wal-Quboor page: 148]

[21] Tafsir al-Muyassar

[22] Al-Jaami Li-Akhlaaq Ar-Raawi Wa Aadaab As-Saami’ page 8

[23] Sunan Abu Dawud 1134

[24] An Excerpt from Al-Fawaa-id al-Ilmiyyah Min Ad-Durar Al-Baaziyyah. 4/ 391-392