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Few people keep your company, and even fewer are truly acquainted with you personally!

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

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

Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him and his father, said, “Well-being and safety are ten parts; nine parts are found in silence (i.e. speak good or remain silent) and the tenth part is found in seclusion”. [1]

Malik Bin Deenaar, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, “The righteous people used to advise one another with three affairs: restraint of the tongue, seeking Allah’s forgiveness, and seclusion”. [2]

Al-Khattaabee, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated that the intent behind this [i.e. seclusion] neither means that a person abandons the obligatory gatherings [i.e. Salawaat, the Jumu’ah prayer and other gatherings where one is required to appear, etc], nor that one neglects the rights of the people [i.e. such as visiting people for the sake of Allah, helping them, responding to an invitation, etc] and the good customary practices established amongst the people (i.e. the ones not in opposition to the Shariah), nor does it mean that one refrain from replying to their greetings; rather seclusion necessitates abandoning excessive and increased intermingling for which there is no need. [3]

The Hidden One: Imam Muhammad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaymeen, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: He does not make himself manifest and does not give importance to manifesting himself amongst the people, to be pointed out or for people to speak about him. You find him between his house and his Masjid and vice versa; from his house to his relatives and his brothers, whilst being unnoticed, and making himself unnoticed. However, this does not mean that if Allah grants a person knowledge, he confines himself in his house and does not teach the people. This is in opposition to piety. Teaching the people is better for him than being confined in his house and not benefiting the people with his knowledge, or sitting in his house and not benefiting the people with his wealth; rather if the affair is between being conspicuous- to manifest himself or make himself visible, or hiding (i.e. without a need to make himself manifest), he chooses to hide; but if it is the case that he must make himself apparent, he has to make himself apparent. This is beloved to Allah [The Mighty and Majestic]. [4]

[1] Sifatus Safwa. 4/257]

[2] Hilyatul Awliyaa 2/277]

[3] Al-Uzlah. pages 12-13]

[4] Explanation of Riyaadus Saaliheen. Chapter 69. 3/509

Exercise Caution Regarding The Persuasive Yet Burdensome Speech and Its Advocates, Particularly On Social Media Platforms

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, 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 Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

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

إن الله يبغض البليغ من الرجال الذي يتخلل بلسانه تخلل الباقرة بلسانها

Indeed, Allah hates the eloquent one among men who moves his tongue round [within his teeth], as cattle do. [1]

Al-Allaamah Abdul Muhsin Al-Abbad, may Allaah preserve him, said: The person intended in this hadith is the one who speaks eloquently, while using obscure or ambiguous language, immerses himself in speech and burdens himself. He burdens himself in speech and utters something blameworthy. However, if this (eloquence) is not done by way of burdening oneself in speech, such as the one whom Allah has granted eloquence and he utilises it in his speech to clarify the truth, then this is not blameworthy. Allah hates the person who speaks eloquently and utters that which is blameworthy due to deliberately utilising obscure, ambiguous and burdensome speech. This person is likened to a cow that moves its tongue round when eating. It is said that a cow is not like other animals because other animals use their teeth but a cow uses its tongue. This hadith forbids the likes of this action [i.e. eloquent, burdensome speech] and the one who does so is hated by Allaah. [2]

[1] Sahih Abi Dawud 5005
[2] Explanation of Sunan Abu Dawud. Audio number 569.

Why Has Andrew Tate Received Public Advice From Salafi Teachers Rather Than Private One?

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

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

Umar Ibn Abdul Azeez, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “Whoever advises his brother to rectify matters related to his religion and gives him insight into a worldly affair of his, indeed he has perfected their relationship and fulfilled his obligation towards him. [1]

Imam Al-Barbahaaree, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: It is not permissible to hide sincere advice from any of the Muslims, whether pious or impious, in matters of the religion. Whoever hides that has acted deceitfully towards the Muslims. Whoever acts deceitfully towards the Muslims has done so towards the religion. Whoever acts deceitfully towards the religion has behaved treacherously towards Allah, His Messenger, and the believers.

Al-Allamah Ahmad Bin Yahyah An-Najmi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:  The meaning of An-Naseehah is “Purity” and “Clearness”. It is said: [  نصح اللبن – the milk is pure] when it is clear. This is the linguistic meaning of An-Naseehah. In the Shariah, (it is) to inform a Muslim regarding what is obligated to him concerning the (rights of Allah or his relationship with Allah) and His creation without slyness and false courtesy. An-Naseehah is obligatory, even though its obligation varies, and its opposite is Al-Ghish (deception). [2]

Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: If a man commits evil openly, denouncing him openly is not tantamount to backbiting him. It is obligatory to chastise him openly with what would prevent him from (the evil), such as boycotting and other than that”. [3]

Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz, may Allah have mercy upon him, was asked: When should advice be given in private or openly?

Response: The one giving advice does what is best. If he sees that it is more beneficial in secret, he advises secretly; if he sees that it is more beneficial to do so openly, he does so. However, if the sin is committed secretly, the advice can only be given secretly. If he knows about his brother that he sins in secret, he advises him in secret and does not expose him. But if the sin is committed openly- seen by the people, for example, a person starts drinking alcohol in a gathering, then one must denounce it openly; or if a person started calling (others) to drink alcohol or to fornicate, whilst one is present, he should say, “O my brother! This is not permissible”. [4]

Listen below:

https://www.salafisounds.com/the-religion-is-sincere-advice-by-abu-iyaad-amjad-rafiq/

[1] Tarikh At-Tabari 6/572]
[2] Ir’shaad As-Saariy Fee Sharhis Sunnati Lil-Barbahaaree. Pages 157-158
[3] Majmoo Al-Fataawaa 28/217
[4] Majallah Al-Islaah. (Number 17/241). Date: 23/6/1993

[1] The Position of The Believer Regarding Fitan [Trials, Tests, Tribulations, Turmoils, Temptations] – By the Erudite Scholar (Imam Abdul Aziz Bin Baz)

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, History of Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Must Read, 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.

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

All praise and thanks are due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds, and the (praiseworthy) final outcome is for the righteous. May peace and blessings be upon Muhammad, His servant and messenger, as well as his wives and descendants, all his companions, and those who follow his path until the Day of Judgment. To proceed:

I thank Allah, the Exalted, for the blessing of this gathering with the noble brothers in faith and (our) beloved children. I ask Allah that He makes it a blessed gathering, benefits us all with the knowledge He teaches us, rectifies our hearts and actions, protects us from the evils within ourselves and the consequences of our deeds, supports His religion, elevates His word, improves the conditions of Muslims everywhere, and appoints the best among them over their affairs while shielding them from the worst. Indeed, He is Generous and Gracious. Then I thank the overseers of “Imam Muhammad Bin Saud University” for organising this meeting and I ask Allah to multiply their reward, and grant us all success in matters that rectify our religious and worldly affairs, and everything in which there is a rectification for all the Ummah. Indeed, He is the Generous and Gracious.

Dear brothers and sons in faith, the topic of today’s discussion is the believer’s stance towards trials and tribulations—we seek refuge in Allah from their evil. The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, highlighted their dangers and explained the necessary actions we must take in response, as ordained by his Lord.

What is a Fitna [trial and tribulation]? The term “Fitna” encompasses a wide range of meanings, including associating partners with Allah, which is considered the gravest form of Fitna, as Allah says:

وَقَاتِلُوهُمْ حَتَّى لا تَكُونَ فِتْنَةٌ وَيَكُونَ الدِّينُ كُلُّهُ لِلَّهِ

And fight them until there is no more Fitnah and the religion (worship) will all be for Allah Alone. [Al-Anfal 39] – Meaning, until there is no longer Shirk.

Allah says:

يَسْأَلُونَكَ عَنِ الشَّهْرِ الْحَرَامِ قِتَالٍ فِيهِ قُلْ قِتَالٌ فِيهِ كَبِيرٌ وَصَدٌّ عَنْ سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَكُفْرٌ بِهِ وَالْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ وَإِخْرَاجُ أَهْلِهِ مِنْهُ أَكْبَرُ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ وَالْفِتْنَةُ أَكْبَرُ مِنَ الْقَتْلِ

They ask you concerning fighting in the Sacred Months (i.e. 1st, 7th, 11th and 12th months of the Islamic calendar). Say, “Fighting therein is a great (transgression) but a greater (transgression) with Allah is to prevent mankind from following the Way of Allah, to disbelieve in Him, to prevent access to Al-Masjid-al-Haram (at Makkah), and to drive out its inhabitants, and Al-Fitnah is worse than killing. [Al-Baqarah 217]

Fitna also pertains to punishment and burning, as Allah says:

ذُوقُوا فِتْنَتَكُمْ هَذَا الَّذِي كُنْتُمْ بِهِ تَسْتَعْجِلُونَ

(It will be said): “Taste the torment (of your denial). This is what you would (mockingly) request (from the believers) to be hastened.” https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/search/51_14

Allah, the Exalted, says:

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ فَتَنُوا الْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِ ثُمَّ لَمْ يَتُوبُوا فَلَهُمْ عَذَابُ جَهَنَّمَ وَلَهُمْ عَذَابُ الْحَرِيقِ

Verily, those who put believing men and believing women to trial (in their religion) (and torture and burn them), and then do not repent, for them is the punishment of Hellfire (for their disbelief), and for them is the punishment of a burning Fire (for burning the believers). https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/sura/85/6

What is intended in this verse is punishment and burning. Putting them to trial by punishing them.

The term “fitnah” also refers to tests and trials, as Allah says:

وَنَبْلُوكُمْ بِالشَّرِّ وَالْخَيْرِ فِتْنَةً

And We test you with evil and with good as trial. [Al-Anbiya 35] – Meaning, a trial and test.

Allah says:

إِنَّمَا أَمْوَالُكُمْ وَأَوْلادُكُمْ فِتْنَةٌ

Indeed, your wealth and your children are but a trial” [at-Taghabun: 15]- Meaning, a trial and a trial to make it known who utilises their wealth and children in obedience to Allah, fulfilling their duties and avoiding His prohibitions, versus those who deviate from that and follow their desires.

It also pertains to calamities and punishments, as Allah says:

وَاتَّقُوا فِتْنَةً لا تُصِيبَنَّ الَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا مِنْكُمْ خَاصَّةً

And fear a trial (of affliction) which does not affect (only) those who have done wrong among you in particular. https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/search/8_25

It has been transmitted from by Az-Zubair Ibn Al-Awwam, may Allah be pleased with him, and a group of pious predecessors regarding this turmoil that they stated: “We never thought it would affect us until it happened.” This was triggered by the assassination of Uthman; may Allah be pleased with him. A group of ignorant and oppressive individuals, some of whom misinterpreted the truth and were confused about the situation until they unjustly killed Uthman based on false claims and misguided interpretations.

The turmoil then spread widely and intensified, affecting people who had no connection to it and were not affiliated with the oppressors. This led to the events that transpired between Ali and Mu’aawiyyah, may Allah be pleased with them, as well as the occurrences at the Battle of the Camel and the Battle of Siffin, all stemming from the discord caused by the actions of a group of oppressors against Uthman, may Allah be pleased with him.

Then a group led by Mu’aawiyyah demanded justice for the murder of Uthman, may Allah be pleased with him. They approached Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, who had been given the oath of allegiance by the Muslims as the fourth caliph and a rightly guided leader, requesting the handover of the killers. Ali informed them that the situation did not allow for such an action at that moment, assuring them that he would address the matter later and that he was unable to execute them right away. This led to the turmoil and conflict during the battles of Jamal and Siffin, which are well-documented, prompting some of the early scholars, including Az-Zubair, may Allah be pleased with him, to say that the mentioned verse was revealed concerning these events.

This was the first Fitna that arose among Muslims following the death of their Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. It affected a large number of companions and others, resulting in the deaths of notable figures such as Ammar Ibn Yasir, Talha Ibn Ubaydullah—one of the ten promised paradise—and Al-Zubair, also among the ten, may Allah be pleased with them. Many companions and others lost their lives during the battles of Jamal and Siffin due to this Fitna (turmoil). [1]

Must Listen to (read) information on the two links regarding the dispute between the noble companions.

https://abukhadeejah.com/our-dawah-and-the-call-to-salafiyyah-that-stands-the-test-of-time-the-companions-their-virtues-their-differences-those-who-follow-them-and-those-who-oppose-them-part-3/

https://www.salafisounds.com/the-disputes-battles-between-ali-aishah-muawiyyah-the-position-of-the-ahlus-sunnah-sharhus-sunnah-al-barbahari-lesson-by-abu-khadeejah/

 

To be continued…InShaAllah

[1] https://binbaz.org.sa/discussions/55/%D9%85%D9%88%D9%82%D9%81-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%88%D9%85%D9%86-%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%81%D8%AA%D9%86

Few Matters That Suffices Regarding The Virtue of The Prophets

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

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

وقال ابنُ القَيِّمِ: (يَكفي في فَضْلِهم وشَرَفِهم أنَّ اللهَ سُبحانَه وتعالى اختصَّهم بوَحْيِه، وجعَلَهم أُمَناءَ على رسالتِه، وواسِطةً بينه وبين عبادِه، وخَصَّهم بأنواعِ كراماتِه؛ فمنهم من اتخذه خليلًا، ومنهم من كلَّمه تكليمًا، ومنهم من رفعه مكانًا عليًّا على سائرِهم دَرَجاتٍ، ولم يجعَلْ لعبادِه وصولًا إليه إلَّا من طريقِهم، ولا دخولًا إلى جنَّتِه إلَّا خَلْفَهم، ولم يُكرِمْ أحدًا منهم بكرامةٍ إلَّا على أيديهم؛ فهم أقرَبُ الخَلقِ إليه وسيلةً، وأرفَعُهم عنده درجةً، وأحَبُّهم إليه وأكرمُهم عليه، وبالجُملةِ فخَيرُ الدُّنيا والآخرةِ إنما ناله العبادُ على أيديهم، وبهم عُرِفَ اللهُ، وبهم عُبِدَ وأُطيعَ، وبهم حصَلت محابُّه تعالى في الأرضِ

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

It is sufficient concerning their virtue and nobility that Allah, Glorified and Exalted be He, specifically chose them for His revelation, made them trustees of His message, the ones through whom Allah’s servants receive His guidance, and specifically favored them with various types of His blessings. Among them are those whom He took as close friends (i.e Ibrahim and Muhammad), those whom He spoke to directly (i.e. Musa and Muhammad), and those whom He raised to high ranks above all others (i.e. Muhammad, Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa, and Isa). He did not ordain a path for His servants to reach His pleasure except through them, nor enter His paradise except behind them. He did not honor any of them (i.e. the people) with a blessing except through their hands. They are the closest of creation to Him as a means of drawing close to Allah, the highest in rank in His presence, and the most beloved and honored by Him. In summary, the best of this world and the Hereafter is only attained by people through them. Through them Allah is known, worshipped and obeyed, and through them Allah’s love is attained on earth.

Source: “Tariq Al-Hijratayn 350”

(Paraphrased)

Your feedback is welcomed to improve this translation.

Jazaakumullaahu 

An Important Matter to Always Recall With Our Close Friends

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Brotherhood, 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.

The Initial Affair Required In Our Relationships With Close Friends Is Love For The Sake of Allah, and Sincere Advice, But Not Suspicion

Anas, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “Whoever possesses the following three qualities will have the (delight) of faith: The one whom Allah and His Messenger become dearer to him than anything else; the one who loves a person and he loves him only for the sake of Allah, and the one who hates to revert to disbelief as he hates to be thrown into the fire”. [Al-Bukhari 16]

Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “There are not two people who love each other for the sake of Allaah, and then they split from each other, except that it is due to a sin of one of them”.

Al-Allaamah Zaid Bin Haadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah have mercy upon him, commented as follows:

This Hadith shows that to love one another, the religious and worldly benefits it contains is legislated in the Shariah. Regarding the religious benefits of this love, (it brings about) cooperation upon righteousness and piety. As for its worldly benefits, it (leads to the attainment of) necessities of life that are sought after. Those who love one another are attached to each other and remain upon that until one of them commits a sin that leads to the destruction of this legislated love- the love that was established for the sake of Allah and for the sake of Islamic brotherhood. Therefore, it is a good thing that the person abandons the sin he committed, which was the cause of separation between them, so that brotherhood for the sake of Allah is restored as it was before, and so that both the religious and worldly benefits of that brotherly love can continue. The basis of the sin committed by one of them may have occurred without any external influence, or it may have occurred due to tale-carrying and instigated by some of the devils amongst mankind- those who hasten to caused corruption in the earth.

Loving one another for the sake of Allah carries reward that has been mentioned in the Shariah texts. Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “Allaah will give shade to seven on the day when there will be no shade but His”…and amongst those people are: “Two people who love each other only for the sake of Allah and they meet and part in Allah’s cause only”. [Awnul Ahadis Samad Sharhu Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 1/445-446]

Impossible to please everyone

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in 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.

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

One must know that it is neither conceivable to the intellect nor in the religion to seek the pleasure of the creation [i.e. mankind and Jinn] due to two affairs: First, Imam Ash-Shaafi’ee, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, “The people are an unattainable goal”. Therefore, it is obligated to you to (pursue) what rectifies your affairs and adhere to it, abandon its opposite, and not concern (yourself) with it. Second, indeed, we have been commanded to (seek) the Pleasure of Allah and His Messenger, as Allah [The Most High] says:

وَٱللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُ ۥۤ أَحَقُّ أَن يُرۡضُوهُ إِن ڪَانُواْ مُؤۡمِنِينَ

But it is more fitting that they should please Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad) if they are believers].[Surah At-Tawbah. Ayah 62]

It is obligated to us to fear Allah and not fear anyone except Allah, as Allah [The Most High] said:

فَلَا تَخَافُوهُمۡ وَخَافُونِ إِن كُنتُم مُّؤۡمِنِينَ

So fear them not, but fear Me if you are (true) believers.
[Surah Al Imran. Verse 175]

It is obligated to us to fear Allah – fear Allah concerning the (rights) of the people, neither harm them with our hearts (i.e. blameworthy hatred etc.) nor with our limbs (i.e. physical harm); fulfil their rights with our hearts and limbs (i.e. wish them good, love for them what we love for ourselves, physically do what will benefit them, etc), but do not fear them and leave what Allah and His Messenger have commanded. The one who adheres to this path will (reach) the (praiseworthy) outcomes, just as Aa’isha [may Allah be pleased with her] wrote to Mu’aawiyah [may Allah be pleased with him and his father] and said, “To proceed: Indeed, whoever seeks the pleasure of the people at the expense of Allah’s displeasure will (earn) Allah’s displeasure and Allah will cause the people to be displeased with him. And the praise of the people will become recrimination against him. And whoever seeks Allah’s Pleasure at the expense of people’s displeasure, will (earn) Allah’s Pleasure, and Allah will cause the people to be pleased with him. Therefore, a person’s concern and intention should be nothing else but to (seek) the Pleasure of Allah and to avoid Allah’s displeasure, and the praiseworthy outcomes will be his. And there is no might or power except with Allah [(1)]

Imam Muhammad Bin Saalih Al-Uthaymeen [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: If all the people were pleased with you and Allah is not pleased with you, then indeed it will not benefit you except the Pleasure of Allah [The Mighty and Majestic]. Because if Allah is pleased with you, He will make people become pleased with you and make their hearts incline towards you, as it has been reported in a hadeeth, “Indeed, when Allah loves a servant, He calls Jibreel and says, ‘Verily, I love this person so you should love him’. Then Jibreel loves him and makes an announcement in the heavens, saying, ‘Indeed, Allah loves this person and you should love him’, so the inhabitants of the heavens love him. Then he is granted the (pleasure and acceptance) of the (people) on the earth” [see footnote a], just as Allah said:

إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ سَيَجۡعَلُ لَهُمُ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنُ وُدًّ۬ا

Verily, those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah and in His Messenger) and work deeds of righteousness, the Most Beneficent (Allah) will bestow love for them (in the hearts of the believers). [Surah Maryam. Ayah 96]

However, if a person seeks the pleasure of the people at the expense of Allah’s displeasure, the affair will be the opposite. Allah will be angry with him and will make the people become angry with him. This is why when Mu’aawiyah [may Allah be pleased with him and his father] became the Khaleefah, Aa’isha [may Allah be pleased with her] wrote to him, saying, “I heard the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] say, “Whoever seeks the pleasure of Allah at the expense of the displeasure of the people, Allah will suffice him against the people. Whoever seeks the pleasure of people at the expense of Allah’s displeasure, Allah will leave his affair to the people”. [(2)]

Al-Allaamah Saalih Al-Fawzaan [may Allah preserve him] stated:

In this regard, a person should not give precedence to anything over Allah’s Pleasure. He should fear Allah – the Mighty and Majestic- with sincere fear, and people are only feared with a fear less than that, and He employs the means to prevent their evil. If a person relies on Allah and gives precedence to Allah’s Pleasure over people’s pleasure, Allah will protect him from evil. That is because the hearts and ability to do anything are in the hand of Allah [The Mighty and Majestic], so if you please Allah, Allah will be pleased with you and people will be pleased with you. And vice versa, if you please people and displease Allah, He will be displeased with you, and people will be displeased with you, even though you are trying to please them and give priority to their pleasure over Allah’s Pleasure, so the matter will be the opposite for you. That is because the hearts are in the hands of Allah, and in this affair is that one relies on Allah [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections], fears Him alone, and this is a type of worship. [(3)]

[(1)]: An Excerpt from ‘Majmoo Al-Fataawaa 3/233

[(2)]: An Excerpt from ‘Riyaadh As-Saaliheen 1/163

[(3)] https://www.alfawzan.af.org.sa/ar/node/16223

وفي هذا أن الإنسان لا يقدَّم على رضا الله شيء، ويخاف اللهَ -عَزّ وَجَلّ- خوفًا خالصًا، والناس إنما يخافهم خوفًا دون ذلك، ويعمل الأسباب الواقية من شرهم، وإذا إعتمد الإنسان على الله وقدَّم رضا الله على رضا الناس فإن اللهُ يكُفّ عنه الشر، لأن قلوب العباد بيد الله ونواصي العباد بيد الله -عَزّ وَجَلّ-، فإذا أرضيت الله رضي اللهُ عنك وأرضى عنك الناس. والعكس بالعكس إذا أرضيت الناس وأسخطت الله سخط عليك وأسخط عليك الناس. مع إنك تحاول إرضاهم وقدَّمت رضاهم على رضا الله فانعكس الأمر عليك، لأن القلوب بيد الله، وهذا فيه وجوب التوكل على الله -سُبحانَهُ- وإفراد الخوف من الله -عَزّ وَجَلّ- وهذا نوعٌ من أنواع العبادة

 

What kind of clothing is appropriate for those with Shariah knowledge in a specific country?

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Scholars of Islam.

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

Imam Muhammad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaymeen, may Allah’s mercy be upon him, stated: “If two men went past you; a mechanic wearing trousers and a very senior scholar wearing trousers in a country where scholars do not wear this type of clothing, you would hold a lower opinion of the scholar rather than the mechanic.

The Shaikh also said: It is unbefitting for a person to make dressing up smart their top priority. Dressing up smartly and wearing a Ghutra is a matter of personal preference, so it should not be (over) emphasised. However, this does not mean that one should neglect their clothing. It has been stated before that wearing fine clothing is beloved to Allah. Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, said, “It is more beloved to me that I see a reciter wearing white clothing.” This is because it (represents) elegance. [An Excerpt from Sharh Hilyah Taalib Al-Ilm’ page 65]

Also read: A Precise Principle Related to ‘Khawaarim Al-Muroo’ah’ [i.e. Behaviour or Conduct That Is Tantamount to Violating One’s Sense of Honour]

A Precise Principle Related to ‘Khawaarim Al-Muroo’ah’ [i.e. Behaviour or Conduct That Is Tantamount to Violating One’s Sense of Honour]

Parables In The Qur’an – The hopes of the people of Ignorance and Injustice, mirage in a desert and the waves of darkness in the sea

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Qur'aan, Shirk, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allah, The Exalted, says:

وَٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓا۟ أَعْمَٰلُهُمْ كَسَرَابٍۭ بِقِيعَةٍ يَحْسَبُهُ ٱلظَّمْـَٔانُ مَآءً حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا جَآءَهُۥ لَمْ يَجِدْهُ شَيْـًٔا وَوَجَدَ ٱللَّهَ عِندَهُۥ فَوَفَّىٰهُ حِسَابَهُۥ وَٱللَّهُ سَرِيعُ ٱلْحِسَابِ

أَوْ كَظُلُمَٰتٍ فِى بَحْرٍ لُّجِّىٍّ يَغْشَىٰهُ مَوْجٌ مِّن فَوْقِهِۦ مَوْجٌ مِّن فَوْقِهِۦ سَحَابٌ ظُلُمَٰتٌۢ بَعْضُهَا فَوْقَ بَعْضٍ إِذَآ أَخْرَجَ يَدَهُۥ لَمْ يَكَدْ يَرَىٰهَا وَمَن لَّمْ يَجْعَلِ ٱللَّهُ لَهُۥ نُورًا فَمَا لَهُۥ مِن نُّورٍ

As for those who disbelieve, their deeds are like a mirage in a desert. The thirsty one thinks it to be water until he comes up to it, he finds it to be nothing, but he finds Allah with him, Who will pay him his due (Hell). And Allah is Swift in taking account. Or [the state of a disbeliever] is like the darkness in a vast deep sea, overwhelmed with a great wave topped by a great wave, topped by dark clouds, darkness, one above another, if a man stretches out his hand, he can hardly see it! And he for whom Allah has not appointed light, for him there is no light. [An-Nur. 39-40]

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

These are the people who exhibit ignorance and injustice, who are ignorant of what the Messenger conveyed as well as exhibit injustice by following their vain desires. They are the individuals to whom Allah refers.

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

They follow but presumption and what their souls desire, though there has certainly come to them guidance from their Lord. https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/search/53_23

 These are two groups of people:

The first group is those who think that they are knowledgeable, yet they are ignorant and misguided. These individuals exhibit a compound ignorance, as they are unaware of the truth, display hostility towards its proponents, endorse falsehood, and align themselves with it and its proponents. They think that they have something (to stand upon). Verily they are liars. [Al-Mujadilah 18]

Their comprehension of faith contradicts their current state, much like an individual who perceives a mirage and desires it to be water, only to discover nothing upon reaching it. The deeds and wisdom of these individuals resemble a mirage that fails the onlooker when water is most needed. It goes beyond mere disillusionment and deprivation akin to someone who approaches a mirage but discovers no water; instead, they will encounter the fairest of judges and the most equitable of those who dispense justice (Allah – free from all imperfections), and thus they are rewarded according to their (corrupt) knowledge and deeds. Their deeds are presented and they had hoped for its benefit, but it will be scattered dust because it was not done sincerely for the sake of Allah, nor according to the Sunnah of His Messenger. Therefore, the false assumptions they thought were beneficial knowledge will become scattered dust, and their deeds and knowledge will turn into regret for them.

A mirage is an optical illusion seen on a flat surface due to sunlight, resembling flowing water, and a plain and flat land has no mountains or valleys. This is similar to the knowledge of someone who did not build his knowledge and deeds upon Allah’s divine revelation, like a mirage seen by a traveler in extreme heat. He hopes for (water), but his expectations are disappointed. This is the manifestation of the knowledge and deeds of those who follow falsehood when they are resurrected, while their thirst becomes more intense. Their deeds appear to them like a mirage, causing them to believe it is water; however, as they approach it, the chains of punishment will grip them and lead them towards the hell fire. Allah says

وَسُقُوا مَاءٌ حَمِيمًا فَقَطَّعَ أَمْعَاءَهُمْ

And they will be given to drink a mixture of boiling water that will cut their intestines to pieces.”(Muhammad: 15)

The water they drank is the knowledge that ultimately proved to be useless, and the deeds they performed for the sake of other than Allah led to their suffering. They will be made to consume it, along with their food (the tree of Zaqqoom). The water they will drink is like useless knowledge as well as the deeds they did for other than the sake of Allah. Allah will give them boiling water, just as their food is thorny, not nourishing, and not satisfy hunger. [Al-Ghashiyah 6-7]

Similarly, in the material world, (such useless knowledge and deeds) neither enriched (their hearts) nor protected them from going astray. These are the people about who Allah says:

قُلْ هَلْ نُكَبِّئُكُم بِالْأَخْسَرِينَ أَعْمَلًا الَّذِينَ ضَلَّ سَعِيهِمْ فِي الْحَيَوةِ الدُّنْيَا وَهُمْ يَحْسَبُونَ أَنَّهُمْ يُحْسِنُونَ صُنْعا

Say (O Muhammad): “Shall We tell you the greatest losers in respect of (their) deeds?  [They are] those whose effort is lost in worldly life, while they thought that they were acquiring good by their deeds!” [Al-Kahf 103-104]

(Also), they are the ones about whom Allah says:

وَقَدِمْنَا إِلَى مَا عَمِلُوا مِنْ عَمَلٍ فَجَعَلْتَهُ هَبَاءَ مَّنثُورًا

And We shall turn to whatever deeds they (disbelievers, polytheists, sinners, etc.) did, and We shall make such deeds as scattered floating particles of dust. [Al-Furqan: 23]

They are also the one about whom Allah says:

كَذَٰلِكَ يُرِيهِمُ ٱللَّهُ أَعْمَٰلَهُمْ حَسَرَٰتٍ عَلَيْهِمْ وَمَا هُم بِخَٰرِجِينَ مِنَ ٱلنَّارِ

Thus, Allah will show them their deeds as regrets for them. And they will never get out of the Fire. [Al-Baqarah: 167]

The second group is those who find themselves shrouded in darkness. They are steeped in ignorance, thus encompassed on all sides. They resemble cattle, yet are even more astray. Their deeds lack understanding, instead driven by blind adherence and the traditions of their forefathers, devoid of guidance from Allah. The darkness signifies the darkness of ignorance, disbelief, injustice, the pursuit of desires, doubt, and rejection of the truth that Allah Almighty conveyed through His messengers, peace and blessings be upon them, and the guidance He bestowed upon them to guide humanity from darkness into light.

The reason for this is that whoever rejects the guidance and the true religion that Allah sent through Muhammad will be engulfed layers of darkness: his words will be dark, his actions will be dark, his mindset will be dark, his methods will be dark, his ultimate fate will be dark, his heart will be dark, his speech will be dark, and his circumstances will be dark. When approached with the divine guidance from Allah through Muhammad, his deceitful and corrupt insight flees from the light of truth. Consequently, he flees to the darkness of pinions, which seem more appealing and suitable to him.

And regarding the statement of Allah:

يَغْشَهُ مَوْجٌ مِن فَوْقِهِ مَوْجٌ مِن فَوْقِهِ

Overwhelmed with a great wave topped by a great wave.

This illustrates the condition of an individual who deliberately rejects the divine guidance of Allah, thus the surging waves of doubts and falsehood in his heart are like the surging waves of the sea crashing upon each other- layers of darkness: the darkness of the deep sea, the darkness of the waves above, and the darkness of the clouds overhead. When one attempts to reach out into this sea, he can hardly see. 

An Excerpt from “Badaa’i at-Tafseer al-Jaami Limaa Fassarahu al-Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim 2/246-248

Tale-carrying destroys unity, but it cannot be compared to reporting a harmful secret plotter

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

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

Al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzan, may Allah preserve him, stated: The worst (of the tale-carriers) is that one who hastens to destroy the relationship between the students of knowledge and the callers to Islam, split the Jamaa’ah of the Muslims and incite hatred between them. The one who does this is a Nammaam (a tale-carrier). Indeed, Allah, The Most High, forbade (us) from following and believing such a person even if he swears by Allah.

وَلَا تُطِعۡ كُلَّ حَلَّافٍ۬ مَّهِينٍ

هَمَّازٍ۬ مَّشَّآءِۭ بِنَمِيمٍ۬

And obey not everyone who swears much, and is considered worthless, a slanderer, going about with calumnies.

The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “The tale-carrier will not enter paradise”. Wars may occur due to the Tale Carrier, the Muslims may split and show enmity to one another due to the Tale Carrier, neighbours may boycott one another and one’s household may show enmity to one another and split due to a tale-carrier. Therefore, we must fear Allah, The Mighty and Majestic, and be mindful of the tale-carrier. (1)

Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baz, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: This is a threat against the tale carrier. If he is a person upon Tawheed, it is hoped that he will enter paradise, but it is feared that this sin will prevent him from entry into paradise for some time and enter him into the hell fire for some time, just as it is case with all other sinners. The sinners [i.e. those who die whilst committing sins lesser than shirk] are under the will of Allah- if Allah wishes, He will either punish them or forgive them straight away, or He enters them into hell for some time and paradise thereafter, just as Allah says

إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَغۡفِرُ أَن يُشۡرَكَ بِهِۦ وَيَغۡفِرُ مَا دُونَ ذَٲلِكَ لِمَن يَشَآءُ‌ۚ

Verily, Allah forgives not that partners should be set up with him in worship, but He forgives except that (anything else) to whom He pleases]. [Surah An-Nisaa’ Aayah 48] (2)

Narrated Anas Ibn Maalik, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “Do you know what Al-Ad’hu is [i.e. calumny]?” They said, “Allah and His Messenger know best”. He said, “Transmitting speech from some people to another people to destroy their (mutual relationships)”.

Al-Allamah Zayd Bin Haadi Al-Madkhali, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, “The subject matter of this hadeeth is about the dangerous (consequences) of tale-carrying in this Dunyaa and the Aakhirah. Indeed, the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, called it Ad’hu, and the meaning of Ad’hu is to transmit speech from some people to other people to corrupt their relationships. And in the hadeeth of Ibn Mas’ud, may Allah be pleased with him, it is explained to mean tale-carrying, and that is to transmit the statement of one person to another person, or from a group of people to another group, or from one country to another one, to cause corruption.

This is one of the major sins due to its evil and the punishment (associated with it) in this life and the next. In this worldly life, it may lead to murder, chaos, and other similar affairs – events that are in opposition to rectification. Due to this, the scholars say that the tale carrier- the one who transmits speech from one person to another person, or from a group of people to another group, or from one country to another, to sow the seeds of corruption- causes more harm than a magician. This is because a magician might only harm one person, but as for the tale-carrier, he might harm many individuals and the trial is prolonged.

Therefore, it is forbidden for a Muslim to transmit speech to cause corruption between those upon brotherhood and those who aid one another upon piety. And even if nothing like this [i.e. fighting, chaos, killing, etc] occurs, it is still not permissible to corrupt the relationship between the people by way of lies- sowing the seeds of enmity and hatred between them. The Messenger of Allah went past two graves and then said, “Both of them (i.e. the two people in these graves) are being punished, and they are not being punished due to (committing the greatest of the major sins), but indeed they are great sins. One of them used not to protect himself from being soiled with his urine, and the other one used to go about with tale-carrying”.

Therefore, what the opposite of this hadeeth (necessitates is that) it is obligatory to bring about reconciliation between the people due to the statement of Allah:

لَّا خَيۡرَ فِى ڪَثِيرٍ۬ مِّن نَّجۡوَٮٰهُمۡ إِلَّا مَنۡ أَمَرَ بِصَدَقَةٍ أَوۡ مَعۡرُوفٍ أَوۡ إِصۡلَـٰحِۭ بَيۡنَ ٱلنَّاسِ‌ۚ

There is no good in most of their secret talks save (in) him who orders Sadaqah (charity in Allah’s Cause), or Ma’ruf (Islamic Monotheism and all the good and righteous deeds which Allah has ordained), or conciliation between mankind. [Surah An-Nisaa. Aayah 114]

However, there is an exception in this affair when it is carried out to give some sincere advice whose benefit cannot be reached nor can harm be repelled except by way of such speech. For example, you hear a person saying that he is lying in wait against your Muslim brother and wishes to kill him, take his wealth or violate his honour, or the like thereof, (whose evil consequences) you have clarified (for this perpetrator to stop him), but he refuses to accept your advice. Therefore, you go to the person who is unaware and inform him about it, so that he can take precautions. Therefore, speech based on this type of intention and goal is considered to be sincere advice and it is not tantamount to causing corruption, for indeed you are either going to repel harm or bring about a benefit which one cannot do without (except by way of this transmission). And Allah knows best. (3)

[1]: An Excerpt from ‘Atta-thab’but Fil-Akhbaar’ pages 34

[2]: https://www.binbaz.org.sa/noor/2527

[3]: at-Taleeqaat Al-Maleehah Alaa Silsilatil Ahaadeeth As-Saheehah’ 1/27-28