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Parables In the Qur’an: Corrupt Spending likened to crops destroyed by extreme cold that burns like fire, with loud sound

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

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

Allah, The Exalted, says:

إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ لَن تُغْنِىَ عَنْهُمْ أَمْوَٰلُهُمْ وَلَآ أَوْلَٰدُهُم مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ شَيْـًٔا وَأُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ أَصْحَٰبُ ٱلنَّارِ هُمْ فِيهَا خَٰلِدُونَ

مَثَلُ مَا يُنفِقُونَ فِى هَٰذِهِ ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا كَمَثَلِ رِيحٍ فِيهَا صِرٌّ أَصَابَتْ حَرْثَ قَوْمٍ ظَلَمُوٓا۟ أَنفُسَهُمْ فَأَهْلَكَتْهُ وَمَا ظَلَمَهُمُ ٱللَّهُ وَلَٰكِنْ أَنفُسَهُمْ يَظْلِمُونَ

Surely, those who reject Faith (disbelieve in Muhammad as being Allah’s Prophet and in all that which he has brought from Allah), neither their properties nor their offspring will avail them aught against Allah. They are the dwellers of the Fire, therein they will abide. The likeness of what they spend in this world is the likeness of a wind which is extremely cold; it struck the harvest of a people who did wrong against themselves and destroyed it. Allah wronged them not, but they wronged themselves. [Surah Aal Imran 116-117]

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

Allah gives this parable regarding those who spend their wealth in a way that displeases Him and amounts to disobedience. Their spending, which is (accompanied by) boasting and (pretending) to be generous, seeking praise and a good reputation, and not seeking the face of Allāh, spending to hinder (people) from the path of Allah and from adherence to the path of His Messengers, is likened to crops planted by its owner, hoping for benefit and goodness, only to be destroyed by a cold wind, burning the crops and fruits, leaving the plants dry and destroyed.

There is a difference in opinion regarding the word “صر”. Some said it refers to extreme cold, while others said it refers to fire, as mentioned by Ibn Abbas. Ibn Al-Anbari stated that fire was described as صر due to its intensity when ignited. It was also said that صر refers to the sound accompanying the wind due to its strong gust. These three interpretations are interconnected: extreme cold that burns like fire, with a loud sound.

And regarding the statement of Allah:

أَصَابَتْ حَرْثَ قَوْمٍ ظَلَمُوا أَنفُسَهُمْ

It struck the harvest of a people who did wrong against themselves.

This is a reminder that their harvest was ruined due to their wrongdoing, resulting in them being afflicted by the mentioned wind until it decimated their crops and left them barren. The wind, brought upon by their wrongdoing, destroyed all that they had toiled for and invested in their crops.

[An Excerpt from Badaa’i at-Tafsir Al-Jami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim 1/239-240]

Parables In The Qur’an – The Deeds Likened to Ashes Blown Furiously On a Stormy Day

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

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

Allah, The Exalted, says:

 مَّثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ بِرَبِّهِمْ أَعْمَٰلُهُمْ كَرَمَادٍ ٱشْتَدَّتْ بِهِ ٱلرِّيحُ فِى يَوْمٍ عَاصِفٍ لَّا يَقْدِرُونَ مِمَّا كَسَبُوا۟ عَلَىٰ شَىْءٍ ذَٰلِكَ هُوَ ٱلضَّلَٰلُ ٱلْبَعِيدُ

The parable of those who disbelieve in their Lord is that their works are as ashes, on which the wind blows furiously on a stormy day, they shall not be able to get aught of what they have earned. That is the straying, far away (from the Right Path). [Surah Ibrahim. 18]

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

Allah, The Exalted, likened the deeds of the unbelievers to ashes scattered by a strong wind on a stormy day, illustrating the futility and lack of benefit in their deeds. He likened the nullification and disappearance of their deeds to floating scattered particles of dust due to their lack of Iman and Ihsan. Since their deeds are not for the sake of Allah and not based on His command, they are like ashes blown away by the stormy wind. As a result, the doer of the deed cannot benefit from it at all in times of dire need. This is why Allah says:

 لا يَقْدِرُونَ مِمَّا كَسَبُوا عَلَى شَيْءٍ

They shall not be able to get aught of what they have earned.

On the Day of Judgment, their deeds will be of no use to them, for they will find no trace of reward or benefit. Allah only accepts deeds done sincerely for His sake and in line with His Shariah.

There are four types of deeds: one is acknowledged, and three are dismissed. The acknowledged one is the one carried out sincerely and correctly, with sincerity referring to it being for Allah alone, and correctly meaning it is in line with what Allah has prescribed through His messenger. The three dismissed ones are those that oppose this. 

There is an awesome underlying reason for likening their deeds to ashes due to the resemblance between their deeds and ashes in a burning fire. That is because deeds that are not done for the sake of Allah and not based on what He wants will become fuel for the fire, making them a flame for the inhabitants of the fire. Allah, The Exalted, has created a fire and punishment for them due to their false deeds that will be reduced to ashes by the fire, leaving them and what they worship besides Allah as the fuel for the fire. Whereas, those whose deeds are in line with His command and done sincerely for His sake will be a source of bliss and tranquility. 

An Excerpt from Badaa’i at-Tafsir Al-Jami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim 2/91-92

Parables In The Qur’an – Someone whose avarice is likened to a dog eagerly and greedily sniffing

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Scholars of Islam, Seeking Knowledge, Shirk, Sin.

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

Allah – The Exalted- says:

وَٱتۡلُ عَلَيۡهِمۡ نَبَأَ ٱلَّذِىٓ ءَاتَيۡنَـٰهُ ءَايَـٰتِنَا فَٱنسَلَخَ مِنۡهَا فَأَتۡبَعَهُ ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنُ فَكَانَ مِنَ ٱلۡغَاوِينَ

 وَلَوۡ شِئۡنَا لَرَفَعۡنَـٰهُ بِہَا وَلَـٰكِنَّهُ ۥۤ أَخۡلَدَ إِلَى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَٱتَّبَعَ هَوَٮٰهُ‌ۚ فَمَثَلُهُ ۥ كَمَثَلِ ٱلۡڪَلۡبِ إِن تَحۡمِلۡ عَلَيۡهِ يَلۡهَثۡ أَوۡ تَتۡرُڪۡهُ يَلۡهَث‌ۚ ذَّٲلِكَ مَثَلُ ٱلۡقَوۡمِ ٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُواْ بِـَٔايَـٰتِنَا‌ۚ فَٱقۡصُصِ ٱلۡقَصَصَ لَعَلَّهُمۡ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ

And recite [O Muhammad] to them the story of him to whom We gave Our Ayat [proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.], but he threw them away, so Shaitan [Satan] followed him up, and he became of those who went astray. And had We willed, We would surely have elevated him therewith but he clung to the earth and followed his own vain desire. So, his description is the description of a dog: if you drive him away, he lolls his tongue out, or if you leave him alone, he [still] lolls his tongue out. Such is the description of the people who reject Our Ayat [proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.]. So, relate the stories, perhaps they may reflect. [Al-A’raf Ayat 175-176]

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

Allah compared him to a dog because he was given knowledge of the Book and taught what was not given to others, but he abandoned it, followed his desires, and chose Allah’s anger over Allah’s pleasure, the worldly life over the afterlife, and the created beings over the Creator. A dog is known for being one of the greediest animals and most eager for food. Because of this eagerness, it does not wander around without its nose on the ground, sniffing greedily and eagerly. When it comes across a dead animal enough for a hundred dogs, it would not let another dog eat from it, except by growling and trying to gain the upper hand due to eagerness, greed, and covetousness. The person who abandoned Allah’s verses and instead pursued their own desires did so out of a strong craving for material possessions and because his heart was detached from Allah and the afterlife. His intense desire for worldly things is akin to the relentless eagerness of a dog, regardless of whether it is troubled or not.

Ibn Juraij, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “A dog, when thirsty, is one of the animals with the least patience. It sticks out its tongue the most, whether it is standing, sitting, moving, or not moving. Its strong desire means that it will always stick out its tongue. Similarly, this is the case for a person compared to the dog, as the intense eagerness and burning desire in his heart means that he will always exert himself (for worldly goods at the expense of the afterlife). He continues to exert himself whether he is warned or not”.

Mujaahid, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “This is similar to someone who is given knowledge of the Book, yet fails to apply it”. Ibn Abbas said, “If you direct him to wisdom, he does not follow it; and if you leave him, he is not guided to goodness akin to a dog that sticks out its tongue whether at ease or shooed away”. Al-Hasan, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “It is the Munafiq who does not remain steadfast upon truth, regardless of being called or left alone, admonished or not admonished, much like a dog that sticks out its tongue whether shooed away or left undisturbed”.

So, Allah gave an illustration of the one who abandoned His verses, saying that he is misguided, whether admonished or left alone, just like the dog that lolls its tongue out, whether driven away or left alone. This Ayah is similar to the saying of Allah:

وَإِن تَدۡعُوهُمۡ إِلَى ٱلۡهُدَىٰ لَا يَتَّبِعُوڪُمۡ‌ۚ سَوَآءٌ عَلَيۡكُمۡ أَدَعَوۡتُمُوهُمۡ أَمۡ أَنتُمۡ صَـٰمِتُونَ

And if you call them to guidance, they follow you not. It is the same for you whether you call them, or you keep silent] [7:193]

Contemplate the wisdom and meanings found in this parable!

Allah informs us that He bestowed knowledge of His verses upon this individual as a blessing, attributing the source of this gift to Himself. Subsequently, Allah mentions that this person abandoned them, likening it to how a snake sheds its skin. Allah did not say “We cast it away from him,” since it was this person who abandoned it due to following his desires. Furthermore, Allah states that Shaytaan approached and pursued him. Initially protected by Allah’s verses, the individual succumbed to Shaytaan’s influence after turning away, akin to a lion overpowering its prey. Consequently, he strayed from the right path, acting contrary to the knowledge he possessed, resembling the misguided scholars who know the truth but act against it.

Then Allah states, “And if We had willed, We would surely have elevated him therewith.” This indicates that elevation in the sight of Allah is not solely attained through knowledge, even though this individual was among the scholars. Rather, elevation is achieved through steadfastness in the truth, prioritising it, and seeking to please Allah. This person was one of the most learned individuals of his time, yet neither was he elevated through his knowledge nor did he reap any benefits from it. We seek Allah’s protection from knowledge that does not bring any benefit. Hence, Allah informs us that He is the One who will elevate a servant with the knowledge He grants if He so wills, otherwise the servant will be debased. 

Muqaatil, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “He found satisfaction in material possessions”. Al-Kalbee, may Allah have mercy upon him, said,  “He pursued the debased matters and neglected lofty matters”. Abu Rawqah said, “He prioritised worldly things over the afterlife”. Ataa said, “He desired worldly possessions and followed his Shaytaan”. Ibn Zayd said, “He succumbed to his desires by joining the opposition against Prophet Musa, peace be upon him, and his followers.

This is a description of an evil scholar who goes against the knowledge he possesses. He strayed after acquiring knowledge and deliberately chose disbelief over Iman, and not out of ignorance. He abandoned Iman in a way that made it impossible for him to ever return to it, for he completely disregarded Allah’s verses just as a snake sheds its skin. If he had been left with anything, he would not have completely abandoned it. Shaytaan overpowered him and captured him as his prey. He [غوى-strayed] after being upon a state of [الرشد-the right course- well guided in affairs of the religion]. The word [الغي] means to be misguided in knowledge and intention, and it is more specified to corruption in knowledge and action, just as the word [الضلال] is more specified to corruption in knowledge and creed. When one of the two words is mentioned on its own, it includes the meaning of the other; but if mentioned together, then each of them takes its more specific meaning as mentioned above.

Allah wished that he would not be elevated through knowledge, leading to his destruction.  And because he was not raised through knowledge, it became a cause of distress. It would have been better if he were not a scholar, as it would have lessened his punishment. 

Allah informs us of his evil intentions, as he chose the most despicable thing over the noblest. His decision was not a result of fleeting thoughts or unconscious ideas, but rather a result of being attached to worldly desires. Az-Zujaaj explained that the root of the words [خلد and أخلد] is [خلود], means to be constant in something. He abandoned guidance to follow his base desires, making them his guide, and followed them. 

[An Excerpt from “Badaa’i at-Tafsir al-Jami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim” 1/426-431]

Factors Contributing to The Weakness of the Ummah – A Forthcoming Publication

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Basics, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, 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.

We praise and thank Allah for guiding us to the blessed Salafi Methodology and acquainting us with its erudite scholars in the Muslim lands, and its students of knowledge in the East and the West. After thanking Allāh, the One alone deserving of all praise and thanks, and acknowledging that our gratitude can never be enough, we express our gratitude to our Salafi teacher, bosom buddy, companion, and confidant, Ustadh Abu Tasneem, Mushaf Al-Banghali, for emphasising the importance of translating this treatise into English and then dedicating effort to editing the translation up to this present moment. As a trusted friend and confidant, he has assured me that in the event of my passing before him, may Allah grant us life as long as life is good for us, he will finalise the editing and review of this treatise. Additionally, we acknowledge our indebtedness to those who continue to format and proofread this treatise, our Salafi brothers and companions Mahfudh Khan and Faizal Kara, and our sisters in Birmingham and Manchester- Umm Habibah, Umm Salih, Umm Ubayd and Fatima Hirad. May Allah bestow upon us and all of them unwavering steadfastness, and may He strengthen our collaboration in all endeavours that are pleasing to Him. The formatting and proofreading of this treatise continues and will be publish very soon InShaaAllah, but it is presented to you because its message cannot be delayed due our great need of this urgent and tremendous reminder.     

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Parables In The Qur’an – A Parable Concerning The Bearer of Useful Knowledge Who Does Not Reap Its Benefits – Part 1

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

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

Allah, The Exalted, says:

مَثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ حُمِّلُوا۟ ٱلتَّوْرَىٰةَ ثُمَّ لَمْ يَحْمِلُوهَا كَمَثَلِ ٱلْحِمَارِ يَحْمِلُ أَسْفَارًۢا بِئْسَ مَثَلُ ٱلْقَوْمِ ٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا۟ بِـَٔايَٰتِ ٱللَّهِ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يَهْدِى ٱلْقَوْمَ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ

The likeness of those who were entrusted with the (obligation of the Torah) (i.e. to obey its commandments and to practice its legal laws), but who subsequently failed in those (obligations), is the likeness of a donkey who carries huge burdens of books. How bad is the example (or the likeness) of people who deny the Ayat (proofs, verses, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allah. And Allah does not guide the people who are Zalimun (polytheists, wrong-doers, unbelievers etc.). [Al-Jumu’ah 5]

After Allah mentions His favour bestowed upon this Ummah, to whom He sent the unlettered Prophet, along with the unique virtues and merits that Allah has granted them, which surpasses those of both the earlier and later generations, including the People of the Scripture who pride themselves on being erudite scholars and possessing superior knowledge, Allah then mentions those among the Jews and Christians who were entrusted with the Torah, commanding them to learn and act upon it, however, they failed to fulfill those obligations and upheld their trust, thus having no virtue (over others). They are similar to a donkey carrying books of knowledge on its back, so does it benefit from them, or is its only role to carry them? This is similar to those Jewish scholars who did not act upon the teachings of the Torah, in which the greatest command is to follow Muhammad, the glad tidings about him, and belief in the Quran that was revealed to him. The one like this has not gained anything from the Torah other than loss upon himself and the proofs established against him! This parable is fitting for their situation. [An Excerpt from Tafsir as-Sadi]

Nevertheless, there were indeed scholars within their ranks who acknowledged the Prophethood of Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, as stated by Allah.

لَيْسُوا۟ سَوَآءً مِّنْ أَهْلِ ٱلْكِتَٰبِ أُمَّةٌ قَآئِمَةٌ يَتْلُونَ ءَايَٰتِ ٱللَّهِ ءَانَآءَ ٱلَّيْلِ وَهُمْ يَسْجُدُونَ

يُؤْمِنُونَ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلْيَوْمِ ٱلْءَاخِرِ وَيَأْمُرُونَ بِٱلْمَعْرُوفِ وَيَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ ٱلْمُنكَرِ وَيُسَٰرِعُونَ فِى ٱلْخَيْرَٰتِ وَأُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ مِنَ ٱلصَّٰلِحِينَ

Not all of them are alike; a party of the people of the Scripture stand for the right, they recite the Verses of Allah during the hours of the night, prostrating themselves in prayer. They believe in Allah and the Last Day; they enjoin Al-Ma’ruf (Islamic Monotheism, and following Prophet Muhammad) and forbid Al-Munkar (polytheism, disbelief and opposing Prophet Muhammad); and they hasten in (all) good works; and they are among the righteous. [Aal Imran 113-114]

Allah states about those followers of Prophet Isa, peace be upon him, who accepted the Prophethood of Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him:

وَإِذَا سَمِعُوا۟ مَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَى ٱلرَّسُولِ تَرَىٰٓ أَعْيُنَهُمْ تَفِيضُ مِنَ ٱلدَّمْعِ مِمَّا عَرَفُوا۟ مِنَ ٱلْحَقِّ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَآ ءَامَنَّا فَٱكْتُبْنَا مَعَ ٱلشَّٰهِدِينَ

وَمَا لَنَا لَا نُؤْمِنُ بِٱللَّهِ وَمَا جَآءَنَا مِنَ ٱلْحَقِّ وَنَطْمَعُ أَن يُدْخِلَنَا رَبُّنَا مَعَ ٱلْقَوْمِ ٱلصَّٰلِحِينَ

And when they (who call themselves Christians) listen to what has been sent down to the Messenger (Muhammad), you see their eyes overflowing with tears because of the truth they have recognised. They say: “Our Lord! We believe; so write us down among the witnesses. And why should we not believe in Allah and in that which has come to us of the truth (Islamic Monotheism)? And we wish that our Lord will admit us (in Paradise on the Day of Resurrection) along with the righteous people (Prophet Muhammad and his Companions).” [Al-Ma’idah 83-84]

 

 

 

 

 

Parables In The Qur’an – A Goodly Word Likened To A Goodly Tree – Part 2

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

Allah – The Exalted- says:

أَلَمْ تَرَ كَيْفَ ضَرَبَ ٱللَّهُ مَثَلًا كَلِمَةً طَيِّبَةً كَشَجَرَةٍ طَيِّبَةٍ أَصْلُهَا ثَابِتٌ وَفَرْعُهَا فِى ٱلسَّمَآءِ

تُؤْتِىٓ أُكُلَهَا كُلَّ حِينٍۭ بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهَا وَيَضْرِبُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلْأَمْثَالَ لِلنَّاسِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَذَكَّرُونَ

وَمَثَلُ كَلِمَةٍ خَبِيثَةٍ كَشَجَرَةٍ خَبِيثَةٍ ٱجْتُثَّتْ مِن فَوْقِ ٱلْأَرْضِ مَا لَهَا مِن قَرَارٍ

See you not how Allah sets forth a parable – a goodly word as a goodly tree, whose root is firmly fixed, and its branches (reach) to the sky (i.e. very high).  Giving its fruit at all times, by the Leave of its Lord, and Allah sets forth parables for mankind so that they may remember. And the parable of an evil word is that of an evil tree uprooted from the surface of the earth having no stability. [Surah Ibrahim. Ayat 24-26]

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

This parable contains matters that are (not immediately obvious to some people); matters of knowledge, and matters that can be established through perception, self-awareness, and personal experiences that befits it. It necessitates the (perfect) Wisdom and Knowledge of the Lord who mentioned this parable.

From those matters that are (not immediately obvious to some in this parable):

[a] Just as a tree must have roots, a trunk, branches, leaves, and fruit, the tree of Iman and Islam requires similar (components). Knowledge, awareness, and certainty serve as its roots; sincerity as its trunk; deeds as its branches; and beneficial outcomes, noble morals, and good character as its fruit. This symbolises the growth of this tree in the heart through these matters. When knowledge is sound and in harmony with what Allah has revealed in His Book, belief aligns with what He states about Himself and what His Messengers stated about Him, sincerity resides in the heart, actions are obedient to His command, and guidance; and good character imitate these affairs, then know that the tree of Iman in the heart stands firm with roots deeply grounded and branches extending towards the sky.  If the situation is the opposite, then know that the one with a corrupt heart is like the evil tree, uprooted from the ground with no stability.

[b] A tree does not remain alive except with the substance that makes it grow. So, if the water is cut off, it would almost wither; (likewise) is the tree of Islam in the heart if a person does not take care of it by watering it all the time with beneficial knowledge and righteous deeds, remembering to reflect, and reflecting to remember. The Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Verily, Iman wears out in the heart just as a garment wears out, so renew your Iman.” [As-Silsilah As-Saheehah 1585]

If the seed of a tree is not tended to by its owner, it would be close to perishing. From this, one knows the servants’ great need for what Allah has commanded in terms of acts of worship at different times, His immense mercy, perfect blessings, and kindness towards His servants by assigning these acts of worship and making them a means to water the seedlings of pure Islamic monotheism that He has planted in their hearts.

[c] Planting and sowing beneficial crops is a habit that Allah has ordained, and it will inevitably be mixed with weeds and foreign plants that are not of its kind. If one diligently cares for (what he grows), purifies it, and uproots the weeds, the planting and sowing will be completed, the plant will grow and flourish, and its fruits will be more abundant, tastier, and more fragrant. However, if neglected, the weeds will almost overpower the crops, taking control, weakening the roots, and making the fruits defective and lacking depending on their abundance or scarcity. Those who do not have understanding and knowledge in this matter will miss out on great profit without even realising it. (Likewise), the believer’s constant effort is in two things: watering this tree (of Iman), and purifying what surrounds it. By watering it, it remains and endures, and by getting rid of what surrounds it, it completes and perfects. Allah is the Helper and upon Him we rely. [1]

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[1] Badaa’i at-Tafsir Al-Jami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim 1/94-96

Parables In The Qur’an – A Goodly Word Likened To A Goodly Tree – Part 1

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

 

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

Allah – The Exalted- says:

أَلَمْ تَرَ كَيْفَ ضَرَبَ ٱللَّهُ مَثَلًا كَلِمَةً طَيِّبَةً كَشَجَرَةٍ طَيِّبَةٍ أَصْلُهَا ثَابِتٌ وَفَرْعُهَا فِى ٱلسَّمَآءِ

تُؤْتِىٓ أُكُلَهَا كُلَّ حِينٍۭ بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهَا وَيَضْرِبُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلْأَمْثَالَ لِلنَّاسِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَذَكَّرُونَ

وَمَثَلُ كَلِمَةٍ خَبِيثَةٍ كَشَجَرَةٍ خَبِيثَةٍ ٱجْتُثَّتْ مِن فَوْقِ ٱلْأَرْضِ مَا لَهَا مِن قَرَارٍ

See you not how Allah sets forth a parable – a goodly word as a goodly tree, whose root is firmly fixed, and its branches (reach) to the sky (i.e. very high).  Giving its fruit at all times, by the Leave of its Lord, and Allah sets forth parables for mankind so that they may remember. And the parable of an evil word is that of an evil tree uprooted from the surface of the earth having no stability. [Surah Ibrahim. Ayat 24-26]

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Chapters From The Life of Shaikh Rabee – Excerpts From a Forthcoming Publication

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Pearls of Wisdom, Scholars of Islam, Uncategorized.

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

We praise and thank Allah for guiding us to this blessed Salafi Methodology and acquainted us with its scholars in the Muslim lands, as well as their students in the east and the west. To proceed:

When our brother Amjad Khan, may Allah preserve him, visited Kuwait before, he received permission from Shaikh Khalid, may Allah preserve him, to translate this amazing biography of Al-Allamah Rabee Ibn Hadi Al-Mad’khali – may Allah preserve him. Upon receiving this news, we informed Ustadh Abu Tasneem Mushaf Al-Banghali, may Allah preserve him, and some of our elder teachers. By the Tawfeeq of Allah, there are chapters filled with gems that have already been translated and waiting to be edited, then excerpts will be shared online while the book form is prepared. As soon as all the material is ready for formatting, it will be presented to both Shaikh Khalid and our local Mashaayikh, may Allah preserve them, to offer advice and guidance, then Salafipublications will be requested to publish it after being satisfied with it. May Allah bless all our younger teachers and Salafi brothers, especially those who have come forward to help with the editing and proofreading of the translation and preparation due to their love of cooperation upon Bir and Taqwah.

The first excerpt:

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Deluges, the Valleys They Flow to, and Their Concealed Benefits Likened to the Different Hearts That Receive The Divine Revelation

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

Allah – The Exalted- says:

أَنزَلَ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مَآءً فَسَالَتْ أَوْدِيَةٌۢ بِقَدَرِهَا فَٱحْتَمَلَ ٱلسَّيْلُ زَبَدًا رَّابِيًا وَمِمَّا يُوقِدُونَ عَلَيْهِ فِى ٱلنَّارِ ٱبْتِغَآءَ حِلْيَةٍ أَوْ مَتَٰعٍ زَبَدٌ مِّثْلُهُۥ كَذَٰلِكَ يَضْرِبُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلْحَقَّ وَٱلْبَٰطِلَ فَأَمَّا ٱلزَّبَدُ فَيَذْهَبُ جُفَآءً وَأَمَّا مَا يَنفَعُ ٱلنَّاسَ فَيَمْكُثُ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ كَذَٰلِكَ يَضْرِبُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلْأَمْثَالَ

He (Allah) sends down water (rain) from the sky, and the valleys flow according to their measure, but the deluge bears away the foam that mounts up to the surface, and (also) from that (ore) which they heat in the fire to make ornaments or utensils, rises a foam like unto it, thus does Allah (by parables) show forth truth and falsehood. Then, as for the foam it passes away as scum upon the banks, while that which is for the good of mankind remains in the earth. Thus Allah sets forth parables. Ar-Ra’d 17]

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Parables In The Qur’an – A Parable Illustrating the Incomparable Freedom, Capabilities, and Usefulness of Two Men

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

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

Allah -The Exalted- says:

ضَرَبَ ٱللَّهُ مَثَلًا عَبْدًا مَّمْلُوكًا لَّا يَقْدِرُ عَلَىٰ شَىْءٍ وَمَن رَّزَقْنَٰهُ مِنَّا رِزْقًا حَسَنًا فَهُوَ يُنفِقُ مِنْهُ سِرًّا وَجَهْرًا هَلْ يَسْتَوُۥنَ ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ بَلْ أَكْثَرُهُمْ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ

Allah puts forward the example (of two men a believer and a disbeliever); a slave (disbeliever) under the possession of another, he has no power of any sort, and (the other), a man (believer) on whom We have bestowed a good provision from Us, and He spends thereof secretly and openly. Can they be equal? (By no means, not). All the praises and thanks be to Allah. Nay! (But) most of them know not. [An-Nahl 75]

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