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Reflections on some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Madkhali 91

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

In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

All praise is due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, companions, and those who follow him in righteousness until the Day of recompense. To proceed:

This is an advice of mine to my children, my brothers, the Muslims, and particularly to the people of Hadith and the Salafis. I advise them to fear Allah, to adhere to the rope of Allah, hold firmly to it, and to adhere to the methodology of the righteous predecessors in creed, worship, manners, mutual dealings, transactions, and all aspects of Islam and matters of life.

I advise them with agreement and unity upon the truth, and to hold fast to it with the molar teeth (i.e. adhere to it strongly), cooperating upon righteousness and piety, aid (one another) upon it, help the oppressed, give importance to striving in the path of Allah, elevating the statement of truth and monotheism, and reject the Bidah and misguidance that have corrupted the beliefs and minds of many Muslims, thus ruining their lives, and make them become (like) debris, similar to the debris of the flood, and to return the one who has fallen into (such situation) to the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger, (the path) of the rightly guided caliphs and the rightly guided Imams.

This is a brief (quick message, and what matters is not speech, but rather actions.

Reflections on some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Madkhali 87

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

The Wasiyah of Shaikh, Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Umayr Al-Madkhali, may Allah have mercy on him, who passed away on the night of Thursday, the 15th of Muharram, 1447 AH. His (Janazah) prayer was performed in the Prophet’s Mosque at dawn on Thursday. He was buried in the Baqi, may Allah have mercy on him and grant him a spacious abode in Paradise.

The text of the Shaikh’s Wasiyah

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

Indeed, all praise is due to Allah; we praise Him, seek His assistance, and ask for His forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allah from the evils of our souls and from the evils of our deeds. Whomever Allah guides, there is no one to misguide him, and whomever He (abandons) to stray (due to their own fault), there is no guide for him. I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, alone without partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger. To proceed:

يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ حَقَّ تُقَاتِهِۦ وَلَا تَمُوتُنَّ إِلَّا وَأَنتُم مُّسْلِمُونَ

O you who believe! Fear Allah (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islam (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allah. [1]

يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ ٱتَّقُوا۟ رَبَّكُمُ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَكُم مِّن نَّفْسٍ وَٰحِدَةٍ وَخَلَقَ مِنْهَا زَوْجَهَا وَبَثَّ مِنْهُمَا رِجَالًا كَثِيرًا وَنِسَآءً وَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ ٱلَّذِى تَسَآءَلُونَ بِهِۦ وَٱلْأَرْحَامَ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ عَلَيْكُمْ رَقِيبًا

O mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single person (Adam), and from him (Adam) He created his wife [Hawwa (Eve)], and from them both He created many men and women and fear Allah through Whom you demand your mutual (rights), and (do not cut the relations of) the wombs (kinship). Surely, Allah is Ever an All-Watcher over you. [2]

يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَقُولُوا۟ قَوْلًا سَدِيدًا
يُصْلِحْ لَكُمْ أَعْمَٰلَكُمْ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ذُنُوبَكُمْ وَمَن يُطِعِ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُۥ فَقَدْ فَازَ فَوْزًا عَظِيمًا

O you who believe! Keep your duty to Allah and fear Him, and speak (always) the truth. He will direct you to do righteous good deeds and will forgive you your sins. And whosoever obeys Allah and His Messenger, he has indeed achieved a great achievement (i.e. he will be saved from the Hell-fire and made to enter Paradise). [3]

Indeed, the best speech is the Book of Allah, and the best guidance is the guidance of Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. The worst of all matters are the newly introduced ones (in the religion), and every newly invented matter (in the religion) is a Bidah, every Bidah is misguidance and every misguidance is in the fire.

This is a Wasiyah for all the Muslims – from a weak servant (of Allah) who is about to leave this worldly life and approaching the Hereafter – to fear Allah as He should be feared, hold firmly to His rope altogether, not to be divided and not to divide their religion; for in the fear of Allah and holding firmly to His rope – the Book (i.e. the Qur’an) and the Sunnah – (depends) their happiness and Siyadah in this worldly life (ie. honour, nobility, upright leadership, dominance, authority in this worldly life) and the Hereafter (i.e. honour, safety in the Hereafter); and in division and diferring lies their humiliation and disgrace. Their unity and cohesion cannot be accomplished through anything except the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. Therefore, it is (incumbent upon) them to adhere to this great means (or determinant) that leads to happiness in both this worldly life and the Hereafter, and steer clear of what opposes it, (such as) division and differing, which are both the cause of misery and humiliation in this worldly life and the Hereafter.

I advise the Salafis – and they are the ones distinguished through adherence to the Book and the Sunnah, and calling to both of them – that they intensify their efforts in rectifying the conditions of Muslims in (terms) of creed, worship, politics, economics, society, and other aspects of Muslim life that should all be based on the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. They should make this clear to all the Muslims and highlight their good intentions and objectives, and that they desire nothing else for this Ummah except goodness – every goodness – and that they do not desire except to repel all evils and Makruh (harm, injury, mishap etc) that have befallen this Ummah due to their distance from adherence to the Book and the Sunnah.

I advise the students of knowledge and the scholars [من مختلف الاتجاهات – adhering to the different perspectives, viewpoints] to fear Allah with regards to their Ummah, and to strive with all they are able to return the Ummah to the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and to that which the pious predecessors were upon in terms of creed, worship, politics, social matters, and manners; and that they should completely distance from (vain) desires and the causes of differing that has gravely harmed the Ummah. It is high time for these people to rise to accomplish these noble goals and to steer Muslims away from anything that leads them to weakness and humiliation. The latter part of this Ummah can only be rectified by what rectified its first part. It is (incumbent upon) everyone to understand that this Ummah did not attain superiority over all other nations except that it is the best nation brought forth for mankind, enjoining good, forbidding evil, and believing in Allah.

The early Muslims – the companions and those who followed them in righteousness- attained this Khayriyyah (superiority or virtue over other nations) based on the testimony of Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him: “The best of the people are those living in my generation, then those who will follow the latter and then those who come after them. Then there will come after them people who will be treacherous and will not be trustworthy, they will bear witness without being asked to do so (a), and they will vow, but will never fulfil their vows, and fatness will appear among them”. (b) (4)

And his, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, statement: “The righteous (pious people will depart (die) in succession one after the other, and there will remain (on the earth) useless people like the useless husk of barley seeds or dates; and Allah will show no concern for them”. (5)

Therefore, it is (incumbent upon) the bearers of knowledge to advise for the sake of Allah, His Book, His Messenger, for the (welfare) of believers, for (the welfare) of Muslims in general and in specific, in order that Allah, the Blessed and Exalted, may rescue those among the Muslims who are in a state of Al-Ghutha (i.e. a state tantamount to uselessness, insignificance, etc) and degradation because there is no other reason for this except due to the distance many among them are from adhering to the Book of Allah and seeking judgment from Allah and His Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. If they declare this with diligence and truthfulness, it will lead to great goodness for this Ummah.

We ask Allah, the Blessed and Exalted, to fulfill this and to keep all causes of humiliation and disgrace away from the Muslims, (distanced from) the causes of division, envy, animosity, and hatred, whose effects are felt (observed, perceived) by everyone who wishes good for this Ummah.

Dictated by Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Madkhali On the Thursday evening of 25th of Dhul-Hijjah, 1420 AH.

Written by his student and son, Khalid bin Dhuhai Al-Dhafiri. And he ordered me to publish it in every place, in newspapers and elsewhere.

The Wasiyah of Shaikh, Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Umayr Al-Madkhali, may Allah have mercy on him (was) written at the end of the year 1420 AH during a time when he was severely ill, may Allah have mercy on him. He dictated it to Shaikh Khalid Adh-Dhafiri while he was on his bed in Al-Awali in Makkah, may Allah forgive him and grant him a place in the highest paradise. [https://rabee.net/9155-2/]

[1] Aal Imran 102
[2] Al-Nisaa 1
[3] Al-Ahzab 70-71
[4] Al-Bukhari 3650
[5] Al-Bukhari 6434

Translator’s addition:

(a) Al-Allamah Rabee, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated in Marhaban Yaa Talib Al-Ilm pages 268-270: They give false testimony, act treacherously and deceitfully. They behave in a very sinful manner and follow evil desires, except those whom Allah safeguards amongst the Ta’ifatul Mansurah– those whom Allah’s Messenger, and blessings of Allāh be upon him, praised. Therefore, it is obligated to us to acquire knowledge for the sake of Allah and act upon it. Ignorance is a deadly disease and knowledge is a weapon that will destroy you if you do not act upon it, and Allah’s refuge is sought.

Regarding the statement, “They will bear witness without being asked to do so”. Imam An-Nawawi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “This can mean that they bear witness before being asked, or they bear witness based on falsehood, or they give witness without being from those who are worthy of it”. [Sharh Sahih Muslim 12/17)]. However, there is another Hadith in which the Prophet stated: “Should I not inform you about the best of witnesses, they are those who bear witness before being asked”. The scholars say that what is intended by this hadith is for example: someone has a witness to give on behalf of another person based on truth, but the person does not know about it, so he informs the person about it; or for example, a person has already passed away and another person knows what the deceased person has left behind as inheritance, so he bears witness to that and makes it known. [Fat-hul Baari 5/260]

[b] Regarding the statement, “And fatness will appear among them.’’ – Meaning: These people give importance to the means of fattening themselves – food, drink and over-indulgence. Their only concern is their bodies and fattening themselves. As for being fat without choice, one cannot be blamed for that, just as a person cannot be blamed for being tall, short, black or white. [Majmu Al-Fatawaa 10/1056 -By Imam Muhammad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaymeen, may Allāh have mercy upon him]

Supplication for or against the people of Bidah – Clarification of a Senior Scholar

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Innovations In Islam (Bidah), 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.

Supplication for or against the people of Bidah – By Al Allamah Ubaid Al-Jabiri, may Allah have mercy upon him.

Question: May Allah bless you, our Shaikh. This is the seventh question from Saudi Arabia. What is the ruling on making Du’aa for the guidance of those who call to Bidah and Fitan, including the Khawarij, concerning the misguidance they are in?

Response: Those who smake du’aa for them have Salaf (a precedent or basis) for doing so; however, the people of Bidah fall into two groups:

A group who are callers to their Bidah, having loyalty and enmity in that. They exert every effort to attack the people of the Sunnah based on lies, falsehood, and slander. Therefore, whoever makes Du’aa against them to be annihilated, eradicated, and for their efforts to be frustrated, and their plots to be repelled against them, he has a precedent. And whoever makes Du’aa for their guidance, I hold that it should be done in a restricted manner, saying: “O Allah! The one among these people who possses goodness, hasten guidance for him and bring him back to You in a beautiful manner. And for the one does not possess goodness, suffice us against him through whatever way You wish”.

The matter does not reach the level of severe reproach, such that the one who makes Du’aa for their guidance is reprimanded, as if they have committed a grave evil or spoken falsehood, contrary to the first (stance), which is to make Du’aa for them in a restricted manner, saying: O Allah! The one among them who possess goodness, hasten their guidance, and for those who do not possess goodness, suffice us with whatever You will”.

One might say, “O Allah! Show us through them the wonders of Your power in them, and make them a lesson for those who take heed.” Na’am (surely), some callers to Bidah display enmity, hatred and attack against the people of the Sunnah, especially the Khawarij among them. If I wished, I could mention their names, but they are well-known, the leaders of the revolutionary thought that began in the year 1411 are well-know. In reality, these people I make Du’aa against them that Allah destroys their plots, frustrates their efforts, show Ahlus Sunnah a lesson through them, and make them a lesson for those who reflect. However, I do not reprimand those who oppose me and make Du’aa for their guidance; I do not reprimand them, as the Prophet – peace and blessings of Allah be upon him – made Du’aa for the guidance of the unbelievers. [paraphrased]

السؤال : بارك الله فيكم شيخنا؛ هذا السؤال السابع من السعودية؛
ما حكم الدعاء بالهداية لدعاة البدع والفتن وحتى الخوارج ممَّا هم فيه من الضلال؟
الجواب :
من دعا لهم بالهداية لهُ سَلَف، لكن أهل البدع قسمان:
قسمٌ هُم دعاة إلى بدعهم، يوالون ويعادون فيها، ويَعْمَلون كُلَّ ما استطاعوا للنيلِ من أهلِ السُّنة كذبًا، وزورًا، وبهتانًا، فمن دعا عليهم بالهلاك، والدَّمار، وإحباط السَّعي، ورَدْ كيدهم في نحورِهم لهُ سَلَف، ومَن دعا لهم بالهداية؛ وأرى أن تكون هكذا مُقيَّدة فيقول: اللهم من تعلم أنه فيه من هؤلاء خير فعجِّل له بالهداية، ورُدَّه إليكَ ردًّا جميلًا، ومن كنت لا تعلم فيه خيرًا فأكفيناه بما شئت
فالأمر لا يصل إلى حد النكير الشديد؛ بحيث من دعا لهم بالهداية يُثَرَّبُ عليه، وكأنه أتى منكرًا من القولِ وزورا، خالَف الأوْلى يعني يدعو لهم دعاء هكذا مقيَّدًا؛ اللهم من كان فيه من هؤلاء خير فعجل له بالهداية ومن ليس منهم فيه خير فأكفيناه بما شئت
وقد يقول اللهم أرِنا فيهم عجائب قدرتك، واجعلهم عبرة لمن اعتبر، نعم بعض دعاة البدع مكشِّرون عن أنياب العداوة والبُغض والنَّيل من أهل السُّنة، لاسيما الخوارج منهم، ولو شِئْت ذكرت أسمائهم لكنهم معروفون، أقطاب الثورة الفكرية العالمة التي انطلقت من عام 1411 معروفون، فهؤلاء في الحقيقة أنا أدعو عليهم بأن يدمِّر الله كَيْدَهم ويخيِّب سَعْيَهم، ويُرِيَ أهل السُّنة فيهم العبرة، ويجعلَهُم عبرةً لِمَن اعتبر، لكن لا أُثَرِّبُ على من خالَفَنِي فدعا لهم بالهداية، لا أُثَرِّبُ عليه، النبي
صلى الله عليه وسلم
دعا بالهداية للكُفَّار
نعم
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THZHHyLm5uI

Never allow anyone, especially in this era, to divert you from fulfilling what is found in this hadith

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

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

Suhail Ibn Abi Salih narrated from his father, who narrated from Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Verily Allah loves three things for you and He hates three things for you. He loves that you worship Him alone and that you do not join anyone else in your worship of him and that you do not worship other than him; He loves that you hold tight altogether to the rope of Allah and that you do not be divided; and that you advice the one placed in charge over your affairs. And Allah hates for you Qeel Wa Qaal [i.e. he said and she said – spreading rumours]; He hates for you the wasting of wealth and He hates for you excessive questioning [i.e. questioning devoid of benefit]. [Sahih Muslim 1715]

A Noteworthy Incident Involving Salih, His Father, Imam Ahmad, and Dawud Ibn Ali Al-Asbahani

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

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

أتى داود بن علي الأصبهاني إلى صالح بن أحمد بن حنبل وكان بينه وبين صالح بن أحمد حسن (يعني: علاقته به كانت حسنة) فكلم صالحا أن يتلطف له في

الاستئذان على أبيه.

فأتى صالح أباه أحمد بن حنبل) فقال له : رجل سألني أن يأتيك؟

قال: ما اسمه ؟

قال داود

قال : من أين؟

قال: من أهل أصبهان.

قال: أي شيء صناعته ؟

قال : وكان صالح يروغ عن تعريفه إياه. فما زال أبو عبد الله يفحص عنه حتى فطن.

فقال: هذا قد كتب إلي محمد بن يحيى النيسابوري في أمره انه زعم أن القرآن محدث فلا

يقربني.

قال : يا أبت ينتفي من هذا وينكره.

فقال أبو عبد الله (أحمد بن حنبل): محمد بن يحيى أصدق منه لا تأذن له في المصير إلي “.

Dawud Ibn Ali al-Isfahani approached Salih Ibn Ahmad Ibn Hanbal, with whom he had a good relationship. He requested Salih to kindly seek permission for him to visit his father. Salih then went to his father- (Imam Ahmad)- and said: “A man has asked me to come to you.” He (Imam Ahmad) said: “What is his name?” He (Salih) said: “Dawud”. He said: “Where is he from?” He (Salih) said: “He is from the people of Isfahan”. He said: “Has he done anything (i.e. involved in anything wrong)?” Salih hesitated, thus Abu Abdillah (Imam Ahmad) did not cease scrutinising until he realised (who this Dawud is). Then he said: “Muhammad Ibn Yahyah An-Naysaabooree wrote to me concerning the affair of this one (i.e. Dawud) that he claims that the Quran came into existence (created), [a] so he should not come near me (i.e. should not come to me).” Salih said: “O My father! He has disclaimed and rejected this (statement or claim)”. Abu Abdillah (Imam Ahmad) said: “Muhammad Ibn Yahya is more truthful than him; do not grant him permission to approach me”. [1] 

[a] https://www.salafisounds.com/the-quran-is-the-speech-of-allah-uncreated-and-a-refutation-of-the-opposers-foundations-of-the-sunnah-of-imam-ahmad-bin-hanbal-lesson-19-by-abu-khadeejah-abdul-wahid/

https://abukhadeejah.com/who-first-spoke-with-the-innovation-that-the-speech-of-allaah-is-created-their-isnaad/

[1] Tarikh Baghdad 8/374]

Some of the Characteristics of Ahlul Hadith – 1

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Basics, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Innovations In Islam (Bidah), Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, 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.

Al-Hakim, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, may Allah have mercy upon him, excelled in interpreting this report that Ahlul Hadith ‘the adherents to the hadith in belief, acts of worship and sound methodology’ are the Ta’ifah Al-Mansurah ‘The Victorious Group’ from whom being forsaken (by Allah) is removed until the Day of Judgment. Who could be more deserving of this interpretation (being applied to them) than a people who follow the path of the righteous, adhere to the footsteps of the Salaf ‘first three generations of Pious’ predecessors, subdue Ahlul Bidah ‘the followers or proponents of innovated beliefs, acts of worship or methodologies in the religion’ and opponents of the Sunan of Allah’s  Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him and his family.

Marifah Ulum Al-Hadith page 2

He is more concerned for our wellbeing than our own parents

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

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

لَقَدْ جَآءَكُمْ رَسُولٌ مِّنْ أَنفُسِكُمْ عَزِيزٌ عَلَيْهِ مَا عَنِتُّمْ حَرِيصٌ عَلَيْكُم بِٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ رَءُوفٌ رَّحِيمٌ

Verily, there has come unto you a Messenger (Muhammad) from amongst yourselves. It grieves him that you should receive any injury or difficulty. He was is anxious over you (to be rightly guided, to repent to Allah, and beg Him to pardon and forgive your sins, in order that you may enter Paradise and be saved from the punishment of the Hell-fire), for the believers (he is) full of pity, kind, and merciful. [Al-Tawbah 128]

Allah, the Exalted, bestowed His grace upon His believing servants by sending them the unlettered Prophet who is from among themselves. They are familiar with his circumstances and are able to learn from him, willingly submitting to his guidance. He, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is very sincere in advising them and strives for their welfare.

“It grieves him that you should receive any injury or difficulty“, meaning, it is difficult for him to see the matters that trouble you and cause you hardship.

“He is anxious over you (to be rightly guided“, meaning, he loves good for you and exerts his utmost effort to deliver it to you. He is eager for you to be guided to Iman and hates evil for you, and strives diligently to steer you away from it.

“for the believers (he is) full of pity, kind, and merciful“, meaning, very kind and merciful to them, even more than their own parents. Due to this, his rights take precedence over all other rights of creation, and it is obligated to the Ummah to believe in him, honour him,  support him, and show him respect.

 فَإِن تَوَلَّوْا فَقُلْ حَسْبِيَ اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ۖ عَلَيْهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ ۖ وَهُوَ رَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيمِ

But if they turn away, say (O Muhammad): “Allah is sufficient for me. La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), in Him I put my trust and He is the Lord of the Mighty Throne.

An Excerpt from Tafsir As-Sadi.

Strive for Knowledge: Shaykh Ibn Baz’s Call to the Seekers of Truth

Written by Amjad Khan on . Posted in Articles, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Islamic Jurisprudence - 'Fiqh', Methodology - 'Manhaj', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Seeking Knowledge.

Advice on Striving in the Pursuit of Islamic Knowledge and Attending Gatherings of Knowledge – Shaykh Ibn Baz

There is no doubt that circles of knowledge hold a tremendous status. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to sit with the companions, teaching them and reminding them at various times. They would gather around him, listening and learning. This was the way of the Companions — and after the passing of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), they too would hold gatherings of knowledge and teach the people. Likewise, in our time, the scholars and students of knowledge continue this noble tradition.

The benefits of these sittings are immense. The student of knowledge attends and listens attentively, while the common person also participates and benefits. The student brings his book to record the benefits, and through this, the benefit is preserved — for had he not written it down, it might have been lost. As for the common attendee, they listen and ask questions about matters that concern or trouble them, seeking guidance. All of this is from what Allah loves.

Imam Ahmad, al-Tirmidhi, and others narrated on the authority of Anas ibn Malik (رضي الله عنه) that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“When you pass by the gardens of Paradise, then feast.”
They asked, “What are the gardens of Paradise?”
He replied, “The circles of remembrance.”

Additionally, in the Sahihayn, it is narrated that one day the Prophet (ﷺ) was in the masjid, and the companions were gathered around him as he was reminding them. During this gathering, three people entered. One of them came forward and joined the gathering. The second sat at the back. The third turned away and left. When the Prophet (ﷺ) had finished speaking, he said:
“Shall I inform you about these three?”
The companions replied, “Of course, O Messenger of Allah.”
He (ﷺ) said:
“As for the first, he sought refuge with Allah, so Allah granted him refuge. The second felt shy, so Allah was shy towards him. As for the third, he turned away, so Allah turned away from him.”

The statement regarding the third person — that Allah turned away from him — is a severe warning. It highlights the danger of arrogantly turning away from or abandoning the gatherings of knowledge and the pursuit of understanding.

It is also reported on the authority of Mu’awiyah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“Whomever Allah intends good for, He grants him understanding of the religion.”
This hadith shows that one of the signs of true happiness is understanding the religion. If Allah grants a person knowledge and comprehension of the religion, it is a sign that He intends good for that individual. In contrast, a sign of a person’s loss and destruction is being deprived of this understanding — that one turns away and remains negligent of the importance of attaining knowledge and its gatherings.

The Prophet (ﷺ) also said:
“Whoever treads a path seeking knowledge, Allah makes easy for him the path to Paradise.”

Thus, seeking knowledge is one of the greatest and most important means of drawing closer to Allah, the Most High.

My sincere advice to every Muslim — male and female — is to be diligent in acquiring an understanding of the religion, to study earnestly, and to pursue knowledge by every possible means.
–
Summarised and Slightly Paraphrased from Shaykh Ibn Baz’s “Advice on Striving in the Pursuit of Islamic Knowledge and Attending Gatherings of Knowledge.

A principle to recall when comparing one’s circumstances to that of others

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

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

Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “Look at those who are below you and do not look at those above you, for it is more suitable lest you look down on Allah’s blessings”. [Sahih Muslim. 2963]

Al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzan, may Allah preserve him, commented as follows:

A person should neither be covetous nor anxious due to what afflicts him, instead he should exercise patience and be hopeful, whether he is poor, sick or other than that. The worldly life is a place of trial and test, thus, one should not become anxious due to calamities and trials. And what makes this matter easier for a person is the guidance given by the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, in this hadith, “Look at those who are below you and do not look at those above you, for it is more suitable lest you look down on Allah’s blessings”.

A poor person should look at the one who is poorer and should not look at a wealthier (person) because if Allah willed, He would have placed you in the same situation as that poor person who has nothing. You have something – your daily nourishment, while that one poorer than you has nothing, not even his daily nourishment. You are in a better situation, therefore, praise Allah for this and do not look at the wealthier people because that will lead you to harbour anger against Allah and displeased with His divine Will, thus saying, “Why can I not be like so and so; why am not like the wealthy people?” This is the meaning of looking down on the blessing you have. But if you look at the person below you, it will make you thankful because your situation is better than that of many people. Therefore, the one in good health should look at the sick person and then praise Allah for granting him good health. The one who is sick should look at the one who is sicker than him and then praise Allah for being less sick than the person who is sicker than him. This [hadith embodies] a great principle, therefore, “look to the one below you” in wealth, health and in other matters.

However, this should not be the case in matters related to acts of worship. In matters related to acts of worship, you should not look at the one below you. You should not look at the lazy people and those who neglect their religious duties, instead you should look at the righteous and God fearing people so that you can join them in performing good deeds and be similar to them. Therefore, with regards to matters related to the religion, you should not look at the one below you, instead you should look at the one above you in the religion. Why do not want to be like him; why do you not want to be like the righteous people; why do not want to emulate the God fearing scholars? If you are a student of knowledge, you should not be satisfied with the sciences of the religion you have acquired; instead you should seek to increase in knowledge as long as you are alive.

An Excerpt from ‘Tasheel Al- il’haam Bi-Fiqh Al-Ahadith Min Bulugh Al-Maram’ Hadeeth Number 1438’ 6/168-169. Publisher: Daar Al-Imaam Ahmad’ 1st Edition 1430AH – Year 2009