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The Importance of Truthfulness – By Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali [Part 7]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Da'wah - Calling To Islam, History of Islam, 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, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Al-Allamah Rabee bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah preserve him, continued….

Kab, may Allah be pleased with him, said: When this news reached me that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was on his way back from Tabuk, I was greatly perturbed. I thought of fabricating false stories and asked myself how I would save myself from his anger on the following day. In this connection, I sought the help of every prudent man from amongst the members of my family and when it was said to me that Allah’s Messenger was about to arrive, all the false ideas banished (from my mind) and I came to the conclusion that nothing could save me but the telling of truth, so I decided to speak the truth and it was in the morning that Allah’s Messenger arrived (in Medina). And it was his habit that as he came back from a journey he first went to the mosque and observed two Rak’ahs of nafl prayer and then sat amongst people.

And as he did that, those who had remained behind him began to put forward their excuses and take an oath before him and they were more than eighty persons. Allah’s Messenger accepted their excuses on the very face of them and accepted their allegiance and sought forgiveness for them and left their secret (intentions) to Allah, until I presented myself to him. I greeted him and he smiled and there was a tinge of anger in that. He then said to me: “Come forward”. I went forward until I sat in front of him. He said to me: “What kept you back? Could you not afford to go in for a ride?” I said: “Allah’s Messenger, by Allah, if I were to sit in the presence of anybody else from amongst the people of the world, I would have definitely saved myself from his anger on one pretext (or the other) and I have also the knack to fall into argumentation, but, by Allah, I am fully aware of the fact that if I were to put forward before you a false excuse to please you, Allah would definitely provoke your wrath upon me, and if I speak the truth you may be annoyed with me, but I hope that Allah would make its end well and, by Allah, there is no valid excuse for me. By Allah, I never possessed so good means, and I never had such favourable conditions for me as I had when I stayed behind you (failed to join the expedition)”. Thereupon, Allah’s Messenger said: “This man told the truth, so get up until Allah gives a decision in your case”. I stood up. [end of hadith]

Indeed, they achieved success through the honour, victory, and rewards they received. So, what beneficial lesson comes from their absence from the Battle of Tabuk, even if it can be explained based on its reasons? In this part, he shared his new circumstances upon the Messenger’s return, revealing that he had not participated in the military campaign due to his desire for the shade and the fruits of the trees. No one else shared this lagging behind except for those steeped in hypocrisy, the weak, and those with legitimate excuses. His sincere discerning heart was burdened with the harshness of pain and sorrow, while at the same time, shaytan suggested to him and attempted to fill his soul with various types of lies; however, by Allah’s Grace and care for him, the darknesses of lies and falsehood were lifted from him due to his truthful faith and sincerity to Allah, the Lord of the entire existence, thus, Allah granted him the greatest means of salvation after faith, and that is truthfulness, especially in times of danger and overwhelming events.

He said, “When I was told that Allah’s Messenger was on his way back, the falsehood was removed from me, and I realised that nothing of it will never save me”. Thus, his truthfulness became more wholesome, as the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, arrived in the morning. He mentioned that Sunnah often overlooked or forgotten by many Muslims, which is to perform two Rak’ats in the Masjid upon a Muslim’s return from travel. He mentioned the situation of those who gave (lame) excuses (for their absence from the military expedition), meaning the hypocrites, who resorted to lies and falsehood, that they reinforced their lies with oaths, thus, the Prophet could only accept what they displayed apparently, and entrusted their true hidden intentions to Allah, the knower of unseen, who is aware of the treachery of the eyes and what the hearts conceal. However, Ka’b, may Allah be pleased with him, with his understanding and sound intellect, he recognised that lying to Allah’s Messenger, even when fortified by solemn oaths, would not spare him from the wrath of Allah and subsequently the anger of His Messenger. He discerned this truth through his keen insight and intellect after Allah had granted him this, thus, he refused any other thing besides openly declaring the clear reality. [Paraphrased. Refer to Arabic here: sidq ]

To be continued…InShaAllah

The Importance of Truthfulness – By Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali [Part 6]

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

Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah preserve him, continued…

Kab Bin Malik, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated:

I never remained behind Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, from any expedition which he undertook except the Battle of Tabuk and that of the Battle of Badr. So far as the Battle of Badr is concerned, nobody was blamed for remaining behind as Allah’s Messenger and the Muslims (did not set out for attack but for waylaying) the caravan of the Quraish, but it was Allah Who made them confront their enemies without their intention (to do so). I had the honour to be with Allah’s Messenger on the night of ‘Aqaba when we pledged our allegiance to Islam and it was more dear to me than my participation in the Battle of Badr, although Badr was more popular amongst people as compared with that (Tabuk). And this is my story of remaining back from Allah’s Messenger on the occasion of the Battle of Tabuk. Never did I possess enough means and (my circumstances) more favourable than at the occasion of this expedition. And, by Allah, I had never before this expedition simultaneously in my possession two rides. Allah’s Messenger set out for this expedition in extremely hot season; the journey was long and the land (which he and his army had to cover) was waterless and he had to confront a large army, so he informed the Muslims about the actual situation (they had to face), so that they should adequately equip themselves for this expedition, and he also told them the destination where he intended to go. And the Muslims who accompanied Allah’s Messenger at that time were large in numbers but there was no proper record of them. Ka’b (further) said: Few were the persons who wanted to absent themselves, and were under the impression that they could easily conceal themselves (and thus remain undetected) until revelations from Allah, the Exalted and Glorious (descended in connection with them). And Allah’s Messenger set out on an expedition when the fruits were ripe and their shadows had been lengthened. I had weakness for them and it was during this season that Allah’s Messenger made preparations and the Muslims too along with them. I also set out in the morning so that I should make preparations along with them but I came back and did nothing and said to myself: I have enough (to make preparations) as soon as I like. And I went on doing this (postponing my preparations) until people were about to depart and it was in the morning that Allah’s Messenger set out and the Muslims too along with him, but I made no preparations. I went early in the morning and came back, but I made no decision. I continued to do so until they (the Muslims) hastened and covered a good deal of distance. I also made up my mind to march on and to meet them. Would that I would have done that but perhaps it was not destined for me. After the departure of Allah’s Messenger as I went out amongst people, I was shocked to find that I did not find anyone like me but people who were labelled as hypocrites or the people whom Allah granted exemption because of their incapacity.

This excerpt highlights the significance of the Pledge of Aqabah and its position in his heart, as it embodied profound meanings that represents the robust foundation upon which is established the migration to Madinah by the companions of Allah’s Messenger, the support given by the Ansar, the establishment the Islamic state, and served as the foundation for Jihad and the strength of Islam and the Muslims. From this foundation emerged the various expeditions and campaigns, leading to the defeat of apostasy and the expansion of Islamic armies across the world, illuminating hearts with the light of Iman and guiding them out from darkness into light. It was from this understanding that this noble companion recognised the status of the Pledge of Aqabah, expressing that he would not be pleased with any substitute for it, as he stated: “It was more beloved to me than participation in the battle of badr”.

He spoke about the circumstances surrounding his absence from the Battle of Tabuk with the courage of the truthful, in a clear and illuminated manner, overflowing with truthfulness from a heart exemplifying Iman, and a soul filled with integrity and truthfulness whose similarity is not witness in that type of dreadful situation where the cowardly the hypocrites would resort to lying and false pretenses by fabricating excuses that were swiftly exposed by Allah, leading to their disgrace and ultimately consigning them to the abode of destruction (hell fire).

He clearly stated that his absence was not due to poverty or hardship, nor was it a result of incapacity or weakness, as he had previously participated in the Battle while in a condition less favourable than that of this particular expedition. He said: “Never did I possess enough means and (my circumstances) more favourable than at the occasion of this expedition. And, by Allah, I had never before this expedition simultaneously in my possession two rides”.

He clearly stated the reasons that undermined his resolve in participating in Jihad (Battle of Tabuk, which included the intense heat, the long journey, the perilous vast terrains between Madinah and Tabuk, and the numerous forces of the Romans and Arabs allied with them. He mentioned that the Messenger of Allah informed the people of their duty to prepare themselves for their expedition.

He clearly stated what may be one of the most significant reasons for staying behind (.e. not going for the Tabuk expedition), which is the ripe fruits and good shade. He then clearly expressed it despite the possibility of (being able) to conceal it, but his truthful soul did not allow him except to reveal it, (saying) “I had a weakness for them”, in other words, “My soul inclined towards them”. This represents a profound level of truthfulness that very few individuals attain. He mentioned his internal struggle and hesitation regarding joining the Messenger of Allah.

He mentioned the pain of regret and sorrow that accompanied his state of being left behind, as he found no example of his condition except for a man deeply entrenched in hypocrisy or a person whom Allah has excused due to weakness. This reflects the vitality of his heart and being truthful in his Iman. [Paraphrased. Refer to the Arabic text here sidq ]

A robust and very beneficial relationship

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, Scholars of Islam, Sin, 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 affairs related to his religion and gives him insight into a worldly affair has perfected their relationship and fulfilled his obligation of (brotherhood) to him”. [Tarikh at-Tabari 6/572]

Imam Al-Barbahaaree, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated: “From the Sunnah is that you do not help anyone in disobedience to Allah, whether they be parents or any of the creation. There is no obedience to a human in disobedience to Allah and no one is to be loved for that; rather all of that is to be hated for [the sake of Allah], the Blessed and Most High”.

“From the Sunnah is that you do not help anyone in disobedience to Allah”.

Al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzan, may Allah preserve him, commented saying: This is a fundamental principle from the fundamental principles of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jama’ah that has been derived from the statement “There is no obedience to the creation in disobedience to the Creator”. And he, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Obedience is only in that which is good”.

Thus, whoever commands disobedience to Allah is not to be obeyed. He is not to be obeyed in disobedience, whether your father, mother, or from the closest of the people to you, a ruler or a king. [Footnote a] He is not to be followed in disobedience. Allah [The Exalted] stated about the Yahud and Nasara when they followed [their Rabis and Monks] in disobedience: [ٱتَّخَذُوٓاْ أَحۡبَارَهُمۡ وَرُهۡبَـٰنَهُمۡ أَرۡبَابً۬ا مِّن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ – They took their rabbis and their monks to be their lords besides Allah (by obeying them in things which they made lawful or unlawful according to their own desires without being ordered by Allah)]. [Al-Tawbah. 31] [Footnote b]

And regarding the statement of Imam Barbahaaree, “Whether they be parents or any of the creation”. Allah [The Exalted] said about parents:

وَوَصَّيۡنَا ٱلۡإِنسَـٰنَ بِوَٲلِدَيۡهِ حَمَلَتۡهُ أُمُّهُ ۥ وَهۡنًا عَلَىٰ وَهۡنٍ۬ وَفِصَـٰلُهُ ۥ فِى عَامَيۡنِ أَنِ ٱشۡڪُرۡ لِى وَلِوَٲلِدَيۡكَ إِلَىَّ ٱلۡمَصِيرُ
وَإِن جَـٰهَدَاكَ عَلَىٰٓ أَن تُشۡرِكَ بِى مَا لَيۡسَ لَكَ بِهِۦ عِلۡمٌ۬ فَلَا تُطِعۡهُمَا‌ۖ وَصَاحِبۡهُمَا فِى ٱلدُّنۡيَا مَعۡرُوفً۬ا‌ۖ وَٱتَّبِعۡ سَبِيلَ مَنۡ أَنَابَ إِلَىَّ‌ۚ َ

And We have enjoined on man (to be dutiful and good) to his parents. His mother bore him in weakness and hardship upon weakness and hardship, and his weaning is in two years give thanks to Me and to your parents, unto Me is the final destination. But if they (both) strive with you to make you join in worship with Me others that of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not, but behave with them in the world kindly, and follow the path of him who turns to Me in repentance. [Surah Al-Ankabut. 8]

There is no obedience to the creation in disobedience to the Creator, regardless who that may be, even if he is the closest of the people to you, such as the two parents; then what about other than them! [1]

Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah preserve him, said:

Allah said:

وَلَا تَرْكَنُوا إِلَى الَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا فَتَمَسَّكُمُ النَّارُ وَمَا لَكُم مِّن دُونِ اللَّهِ مِنْ أَوْلِيَاءَ ثُمَّ لَا تُنصَرُونَ

And incline not toward those who do wrong, lest the Fire should touch you, and you have no protectors other than Allah, nor you would then be helped. [Hud 113]

Do not incline towards the oppressors—those who oppress the people by (shedding) their blood, (seizing) their wealth, and (violating) their honour, or they oppress people in their religion through Bidah and various forms of misguidance, spreading harmful propaganda and calls (ideas) that contradict Islam. Refrain from inclining towards such people; do not assist them or support their falsehoods. The verse includes all these types (of people).

Every follower  of falsehood is an oppressor, every Mubtadi is an oppressor, and everyone who (violates) a Muslim’s honour is an oppressor. Therefore, do not lean towards any of them, thus you are afflicted by the fire. That is because when you incline towards the sinner, the Mubtadi, the oppressor, the criminal, the one who violates people’s honour and those who violate the sanctity of the Islamic legislation, it is as if you are pleased (with that), as if you are aiding and endorsing. A believer must exercise caution to avoid falling into this perilous inclination. A believer should be careful of this type of inclination, for indeed it is from the causes of deviation and misguidance, and Allah’s refuge is sought.

فَلَمَّا زَاغُوا أَزَاغَ اللَّهُ قُلُوبَهُمْ وَاللَّهُ لَا يَهْدِي الْقَوْمَ الْفَاسِقِينَ 

So when they turned away (from the Path of Allah), Allah turned their hearts away (from the Right Path). And Allah guides not the people who are Fasiqun (rebellious, disobedient to Allah)]. [As-Saff 5] [2]

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

There is no (unrestricted or unconditional) allegiance except to Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, because he is infallible and never speaks out of his desires. As for unrestricted allegiance to personalities whether they are correct or mistaken, this is not permissible for the seeker of knowledge. On the other hand, he should look to such and such Shaikhs as to which of them is upon uprightness and is following the methodology of the pious predecessors. This is the one whom we place our hands on his hands- not out of blameworthy blind following, rather due to the fact that he is upon the truth. So we agree with him upon truth and follow a singular path in obedience to the statement of Allah, The Mighty and Majestic:

[وَأَنَّ هَٰذَا صِرَاطِي مُسْتَقِيمًا فَاتَّبِعُوهُ ۖ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا السُّبُلَ فَتَفَرَّقَ بِكُمْ عَن سَبِيلِهِ – And verily, this is my Straight Path, so follow it, and follow not (other) paths, for they will separate you away from His Path] [6:153]

As for the one who selects Shaikhs, leaders and guides, whilst being in agreement with them- in what is correct and wrong- to the extent that they do not leave their methodology whether they are correct or wrong, these are the people who bring evil upon themselves and others. If they do not repent, they are most worthy of being blamed. Thus, the matter – and all praise belongs to Allah- is clear and it is not permissible for a person to be in confusion regarding this . We are with those who follow the straight path-we follow a singular path which Allah, The Mighty and Majestic, has commanded us to follow and which the messenger called us to. Those you follow the wrong path or are mistaken in many matters, or in some, we leave him [i.e. we leave his mistakes]. None is followed in everything except the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. As for the people, they can be correct or mistaken. Indeed, we do not follow them and we do not follow their footsteps solely because they are Shaikhs, callers to Islam, leaders or guides; instead, you should be with the people of the Salafi Methodology -those who follow the correct methodology and understanding. [3]

Read: https://abukhadeejah.com/ahmad-hanbal-usool-sunnah-innovations-hizbiyyah-differing-sectarianism-call-to-unity-part-3/

Listen: Hizbiyyah; is not from Salafiyyah – By Shaikh Abu Khadeejah, may Allah preserve him.

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Footnote a: Imam Al-Barbahaaree on the Manhaj of Dealing With the Rulers

https://www.salafipublications.com/sps/sp.cfm?subsecID=MNJ16&articleID=MNJ160002&pfriend=

The Obligation of Hearing and Obeying the Muslim Rulers

https://www.salafisounds.com/lesson-44-the-aqidah-ibn-abdil-wahhab/

Believer’s Bahaviour Towards Muslim Rulers – [Supplicates For Them….]

Footnote b:

https://abukhadeejah.com/obedience-to-the-scholars-and-rulers-in-making-haram-what-allah-has-made-halal-and-vice-versa-kitab-tawheed-ch-37/

[1]An Excerpt from It-haaful Qaaree Bitta’liqaat Alaa Sharhis Sunnah Lil Imaam Barbahaaree. 2/297-299

[2] An Excerpt from Al-Wasaayaa Al-Manhajiyyah page 20

[3]  العقد المنضد الجديد في الإجابة على مسائل في الفقه والمناهج والتوحيد -(page:144)

Reflections on some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali [63 of 80]

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

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

Observe how the countries where revolutions and coups have occurred live in (a state) of misery, torture, and bloodshed. In this is a lesson for those who reflect.

Al-Mujmu Ar-Ra’iq 354

Reflections on some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali [61 of 80]

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 Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

We are with the truth. We do not accept mistakes, even from scholars of the Sunnah. We accept the truth, but not (reject mistake) through foolish (behaviour), recklessness, or hostility; instead (should be done) with etiquette, respect, truthfulness and sincerity. [Majmu 15/230]

The Importance of Truthfulness – By Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali [Part 5]

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

Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah preserve him, continued…

Indeed, Allah has praised the companions of Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and has commended them a lot in His book; and His Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, has praised them in many Prophetic reports. One of the most prominent and evident characteristics attributed to them is truthfulness, without which neither the religion nor the worldly affairs will be established (in an upright manner). These truthful people, along with their successors, have – with absolute truthfulness and integrity- transmitted to us the text of the Quran (based on its successive, numerous unbroken and authentic chains of transmission from every generation), the authentic Sunnah of the Messenger, including both the reports (based on their successive, numerous unbroken and authentic chains of transmission from every generation) and the ones (based on their authentic chain from a single trustworthy narrator), in which are established – with authenticity – the biography of Allah’s Messenger, his Jihad and military expeditions. [Footnote a]

The authentic books, the Musannafaat, the Jawami, the Ma’aajim, the books of creed and and other than them are replete with these transmissions. The Imams of Al-Jarh Wat-Tadeel, have distinguished – in them – the sound narrations from the weak ones, ensuring that the Ummah remains on a straight path, an upright methodology, a conscious and rightly guided life. They transmitted the biography of the noble companions, their different statuses and virtues, which distinguished them among all the nations of the prophets, and through this they are indeed the best nation brought forth for humanity. The books on the virtues of the companions and their statuses, along with all the compilations of the Sunnah, are replete with such (lofty characteristics).

Allah’s general praise for them regarding their lofty characteristics and truthfulness being one of them has already been stated in this speech. However, this speech of mine cannot accommodate the mention of (all) authentic accounts of their truthfulness, instead I will provide an example involving three individuals who experienced a specific single incident. The Most prominent among these three is that noble companion, Ka’b ibn Malik – that man whom Allah saved from the hell fire, hypocrisy, the wrath of Allah and His Messenger through his truthfulness. His story is well-known, and although it is lengthy and cannot be fully recounted here, I will select excerpts that illustrate the status of this companion and his peers in this event, from which a Muslim can draw lessons and inspiration from these truthful individuals. [Paraphrased. Arabic text here: sidq ]

To be continued…InShaAllah.

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Footnote a:

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

https://abukhadeejah.com/the-life-of-the-muhammad-in-madinah-treaties-conquests-and-his-death/

Exemplary conduct of a compassionate and humble advisor

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.

Allah, The Exalted, said in Surah Hud verse 88 that Prophet Shu’aib, peace be upon him, said to his people:

[يَا قَوْمِ أَرَأَيْتُمْ إِن كُنتُ عَلَىٰ بَيِّنَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّي – O my people! Tell me, if I have a clear evidence from my Lord]- Meaning: I am upon certainty and tranquility regarding the correctness of (the Message) I have brought. [وَرَزَقَنِي مِنْهُ رِزْقًا حَسَنًا – and He (Allah) has given me a good sustenance from Himself]- Meaning: Allah has given me various types of wealth.

[وَمَا أُرِيدُ أَنْ أُخَالِفَكُمْ إِلَىٰ مَا أَنْهَاكُمْ عَنْهُ  – I wish not, in contradiction to you, to do that which I forbid you]- Meaning: I do not wish to forbid you, yet I myself do the same and eventually you will charge me for doing so, instead I will not forbid you from a matter except that I will be the first person to hasten to abandon it. [إِنْ أُرِيدُ إِلَّا الْإِصْلَاحَ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُ – I only desire reform so far as I am able, to the best of my power]- Meaning: I do not have any other intentions other than to rectify your circumtances and the things that are of benefit to you. Because this statement of Prophet Shu’aib, peace be upon him, contains something that may indicate attributing piety to himself, he repels it with the statement:

[وَمَا تَوْفِيقِي إِلَّا بِاللَّهِ – And my guidance cannot come except from Allah]-Meaning: The ability I have to do good and to refrain from evil is a bestowal from Allah [The Most High] and it is neither due to my strength nor power.

[عَلَيْهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَإِلَيْهِ أُنِيبُ – in Him I trust and unto Him I repent]- Meaning: I rely on Allah in all my affairs and suffice myself with Him. I turn to Allah in all types of worship (through which) He has commanded me to draw close to Him by performing good deeds. Through these two matters- seeking aid and assistance from Allah, turning to Him in repentance, complete submission and obedience-  a person’s circumstances become upright, as Allah  [The Most High] said in another verse: [فَاعْبُدْهُ وَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَيْهِ– So worship Him (O Muhammad) and put your trust in Him]. [1]

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

The distinction between advice and reprimand (without right) is that advice is kind treatment towards the recipient with mercy, compassion, and protective jealousy for him. It is pure kindness that stems from mercy and tenderness, with the advisor seeking Allah’s Face and Pleasure, and kind treatment towards Allah’s creation. He approaches the task with utmost gentleness, enduring the harm and blame of the one being advised, while dealing with him in a manner akin to a knowledgeable and caring physician tending to a seriously ill patient. He endures the patient’s bad manners, ill-temper, and aversion, while being gentle in his pursuit to administer the remedy in every manner possible. This is the affair of the advisor. As for the one reprimanding (without right), he is a man whose aim is to reprimand, belittle, and dispraise the one he reprimands in the image of advice. He may say, “O you who have done such and such; O you who deserve dispraise and humiliation,” portrayed in the image of a compassionate advisor. A sign of this (behaviour) is that if he were to witness someone he loves and would show kindness engaging in similar or worse actions, he would neither confront nor say anything to him, and he would seek excuses for him. If overwhelmed, he might say, “Which one of us is guaranteed infallibility from error. The human being is prone to error? His (i.e. the person he seeks excuses for) good deeds outweigh his faults, and Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful”. It is indeed perplexing how such is afforded to the one he loves and not for the one he hates. One of the distinctions between an advisor and a reprimander (without right) is that the advisor does not hold animosity towards you if you choose not to accept his advice. He says: “The reward (for the advice) may be attained from Allah whether he (the recipient) accepts or not”, and supplicates for you in your absence. Neither mentions your flaws nor exposes them to the people, while the one reprimanding (without right) is the opposite. [2]

Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah preserve him, said:

We are with the truth. We do not accept mistakes, even from scholars of the Sunnah. We accept the truth, but not (reject mistake) through foolish (behaviour), recklessness, or hostility; instead (should be done) with etiquette, respect, truthfulness and sincerity. [3]

We ask Allah: [اللهم كما حَسَّنْت خَلْقِي فَحَسِّنْ خُلُقِي – O Allah! Just as You made my external form beautiful, make my character beautiful as well]. [4]

[1] An excerpt from Tafsir As-Sadi

[2] Ar-Ruh 257-258

[3] Majmu 15/230]

[4] https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2021/07/31/o-allah-just-as-you-made-my-external-form-beautiful-make-my-character-beautiful-as-well/

Reflections on some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Madkhali [59 of 80]

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

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

Rectify your hearts, thus, your tongues and limbs will be upright. Concern must be given to rectification of the hearts by adhering to truthfulness, sincerity, and repentance; concern must be given to “Muraqabatullah”[(a)], being cautious of showoff, envy, malice, and what corrupts the heart. [1]

[a] Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “Muraqabatullah” refers to the continuous awareness of a servant of Allah with certainty that Allah, Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections, is fully aware of both their outward actions and inner thoughts. The persistence of this knowledge and conviction constitutes true Muraqabah. It is the result of the (individual’s) knowledge that Allah is ever-watchful over them, sees and hears them, fully knows about their deeds at all times and in every moment. [2]

[1] Maratib Al-Hidaya Mafasid Al-Kadhib 36

[2] Madarij As-Salikin 2/1489

The Importance of Truthfulness – By Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali [Part 4]

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

Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah preserve him, continued….

Indeed, Allah has described His faithful servants who have been truthful in their Iman, actions, Jihad, [Footnote a] and covenants:

لَيْسَ الْبِرَّ أَنْ تُوَلُّوا وُجُوهَكُمْ قِبَلَ الْمَشْرِقِ وَالْمَغْرِبِ وَلَكِنَّ الْبِرَّ مَنْ آمَنَ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ وَالْمَلَائِكَةِ وَالْكِتَابِ وَالنَّبِيِّينَ وَآتَى الْمَالَ عَلَى حُبِّهِ ذَوِي الْقُرْبَى وَالْيَتَامَى وَالْمَسَاكِينَ وَابْنَ السَّبِيلِ وَالسَّائِلِينَ وَفِي الرِّقَابِ وَأَقَامَ الصَّلَاةَ وَآتَى الزَّكَاةَ وَالْمُوفُونَ بِعَهْدِهِمْ إِذَا عَاهَدُوا وَالصَّابِرِينَ فِي الْبَأْسَاءِ وَالضَّرَّاءِ وَحِينَ الْبَأْسِ أُولَئِكَ الَّذِينَ صَدَقُوا وَأُولَئِكَ هُمُ الْمُتَّقُونَ

It is not Al-Birr (piety, righteousness, and each and every act of obedience to Allah, etc.) that you turn your faces towards east and (or) west (in prayers); but Al-Birr is (the quality of) the one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the Angels, the Book, the Prophets and gives his wealth, in spite of love for it, to the kinsfolk, to the orphans, and to Al-Masakin (the poor), and to the wayfarer, and to those who ask, and to set slaves free, performs As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat), and gives the Zakat, and who fulfill their covenant when they make it, and who are As-Sabirin (the patient ones, etc.) in extreme poverty and ailment (disease) and at the time of fighting (during the battles). Such are the people of the truth and they are the pious. [Al-Baqarah 177]

Allah, The Exalted, said:

مِّنَ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ رِجَالٌ صَدَقُوا۟ مَا عَٰهَدُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ عَلَيْهِ فَمِنْهُم مَّن قَضَىٰ نَحْبَهُۥ وَمِنْهُم مَّن يَنتَظِرُ وَمَا بَدَّلُوا۟ تَبْدِيلًا

Among the believers are men who have been true to their covenant with Allah [i.e. they have gone out for Jihad (holy fighting), and showed not their backs to the disbelievers], of them some have fulfilled their obligations (i.e. have been martyred), and some of them are still waiting, but they have never changed [i.e. they never proved treacherous to their covenant which they concluded with Allah] in the least. [Al-Ahzab 23]

And Allah, The Exalted, said:
إِنَّمَا ٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ بِٱللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِۦ ثُمَّ لَمْ يَرْتَابُوا۟ وَجَٰهَدُوا۟ بِأَمْوَٰلِهِمْ وَأَنفُسِهِمْ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلصَّٰدِقُونَ

Indeed, the (true) believers are (only) those who believe in Allāh and His Messenger an thereafter never doubt (during trials and tribulations) but strive with their possessions and wealth in the cause of Allāh. It is they—(when they say: ‘We are believers’)—who are the truthful ones. [Al-Hujurat 15] [Footnote b]

He, The Exalted, stated in praise of the poor emigrants, and all companions of Muhammad are truthful, with no distinction between the emigrants and the helpers:

لِلْفُقَرَآءِ ٱلْمُهَٰجِرِينَ ٱلَّذِينَ أُخْرِجُوا۟ مِن دِيَٰرِهِمْ وَأَمْوَٰلِهِمْ يَبْتَغُونَ فَضْلًا مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَرِضْوَٰنًا وَيَنصُرُونَ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُۥٓ أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ همُ ٱلصَّٰدِقُونَ

(And there is also a share in this booty) for the poor emigrants, who were expelled from their homes and their property, seeking Bounties from Allah and to please Him. And helping Allah (i.e. helping His religion) and His Messenger (Muhammad). Such are indeed the truthful (to what they say). [Al-Hashr 8] [Refer to Arabic text: sidq ]

Footnote a: Salafi Shaikh Fawzaan on Jihad in our times and the guidelines of Jihad according to Islam – Abu Khadeejah: https://abukhadeejah.com/salafi-shaikh-fawzaan-on-jihaad-in-our-times-and-the-guidelines-of-jihaad-according-to-islam/

Footnote b: Footnote b: https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/search/49_15