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

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

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

إِنَّ ٱلَّذِى فَرَضَ عَلَيۡكَ ٱلۡقُرۡءَانَ لَرَآدُّكَ إِلَىٰ مَعَادٍ۬‌ۚ قُل رَّبِّىٓ أَعۡلَمُ مَن جَآءَ بِٱلۡهُدَىٰ وَمَنۡ هُوَ فِى ضَلَـٰلٍ۬ مُّبِينٍ۬
وَمَا كُنتَ تَرۡجُوٓاْ أَن يُلۡقَىٰٓ إِلَيۡكَ ٱلۡڪِتَـٰبُ إِلَّا رَحۡمَةً۬ مِّن رَّبِّكَ‌ۖ فَلَا تَكُونَنَّ ظَهِيرً۬ا لِّلۡكَـٰفِرِينَ
وَلَا يَصُدُّنَّكَ عَنۡ ءَايَـٰتِ ٱللَّهِ بَعۡدَ إِذۡ أُنزِلَتۡ إِلَيۡكَ‌ۖ وَٱدۡعُ إِلَىٰ رَبِّكَ‌ۖ وَلَا تَكُونَنَّ مِنَ ٱلۡمُشۡرِڪِينَ
وَلَا تَدۡعُ مَعَ ٱللَّهِ إِلَـٰهًا ءَاخَرَ‌ۘ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ‌ۚ كُلُّ شَىۡءٍ هَالِكٌ إِلَّا وَجۡهَهُ ۥ‌ۚ لَهُ ٱلۡحُكۡمُ وَإِلَيۡهِ تُرۡجَعُونَ

Verily, He Who has given you [O Muhammad] the Qur’an will surely bring you back to the Ma’aad [place of return]. Say [O Muhammad]: “My Lord is Aware of him who brings guidance, and he who is in manifest error.” And you were not expecting that the Book [this Qur’an] would be sent down to you, but it is a mercy from your Lord. So never be a supporter of the disbelievers. And let them not turn you [O Muhammad] away from [preaching] the Aayat [revelations and verses] of Allah after they have been sent down to you, and invite [humankind] to [believe in] your Lord, and be not of Al-Mushrikoon [those who associate partners with Allah, e.g. polytheists, pagans, idolaters, those who disbelieve in the Oneness of Allah and deny the Prophethood of Messenger Muhammad]. And invoke not any other ilaah [god] along with Allah, Laa ilaaha illaa Huwa [none has the right to be worshipped but He]. Everything will perish save His Face. His is the Decision, and to Him you [all] shall be returned. [Al-Qasas. 85-88]

إِنَّ ٱلَّذِى فَرَضَ عَلَيۡكَ ٱلۡقُرۡءَانَ لَرَآدُّكَ إِلَىٰ مَعَادٍ۬‌ۚ

“Verily, He Who has given you (O Muhammad) the Qur’an will surely bring you back to the Ma’aad [place of return]”

Meaning: Allah is the one who revealed the Qur’an, ordained divine rulings in it, clarified and explained what is lawful and unlawful, commanded you [O Muhammad] to preach it to Humankind and Jinn, and that you convey all the commands and prohibitions that are obligated to those who have reached the age of accountability; therefore, it is not befitting Allah’s Wisdom that life will only be limited to the life of this world and that people will neither be rewarded with good due to their good deeds nor punished due to their evil deeds; rather the fact is that they will be returned to the Afterlife where the doers of good will be rewarded for their good deeds and the evil doers will be punished for their disobedience.

Indeed, Allah’s guidance has been established for the people and the path has been made manifestly clear, therefore if they follow you [O Muhammad], then that will be their good portion and well-being (in this life and the next); but if they reject you, disparage the guidance you have brought and give precedence to the falsehood they are upon over the truth, then there remains no room for argumentation; rather the only thing that remains is that Allah – The All-Knower of the Unseen and the Seen- will recompense those upon truth based on their good deeds, and likewise those upon falsehood based on their evil deeds.

And regarding the statement of Allah:

قُل رَّبِّىٓ أَعۡلَمُ مَن جَآءَ بِٱلۡهُدَىٰ وَمَنۡ هُوَ فِى ضَلَـٰلٍ۬ مُّبِينٍ۬

Say (O Muhammad): “My Lord is Aware of him who brings guidance, and he who is in manifest error]- Meaning: Allah has made it known that His Messenger is rightly guided and he is also an upright guide for others”. On the other hand, his enemies are misguided and misguiding others.

وَمَا كُنتَ تَرۡجُوٓاْ أَن يُلۡقَىٰٓ إِلَيۡكَ ٱلۡڪِتَـٰبُ إِلَّا رَحۡمَةً۬ مِّن رَّبِّكَ‌ۖ فَلَا تَكُونَنَّ ظَهِيرً۬ا لِّلۡكَـٰفِرِينَ

And you were not expecting that the Book (this Qur’an) would be sent down to you, but it is a mercy from your Lord. So never be a supporter of the disbelievers.

وَلَا يَصُدُّنَّكَ عَنۡ ءَايَـٰتِ ٱللَّهِ بَعۡدَ إِذۡ أُنزِلَتۡ إِلَيۡكَ‌ۖ وَٱدۡعُ إِلَىٰ رَبِّكَ‌ۖ وَلَا تَكُونَنَّ مِنَ ٱلۡمُشۡرِڪِينَ

And let them not turn you (O Muhammad) away from (preaching) the Ayat (revelations and verses) of Allah after they have been sent down to you, and invite (men) to (believe in) your Lord, and be not of Al-Mushrikun (those who associate partners with Allah, e.g. polytheists, pagans, idolaters, those who disbelieve in the Oneness of Allah and deny the Prophethood of Messenger Muhammad).

Then Allah [The Most High] said:

وَلَا تَدۡعُ مَعَ ٱللَّهِ إِلَـٰهًا ءَاخَرَ‌ۘ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ‌ۚ كُلُّ شَىۡءٍ هَالِكٌ إِلَّا وَجۡهَهُ ۥ‌ۚ لَهُ ٱلۡحُكۡمُ وَإِلَيۡهِ تُرۡجَعُونَ

And invoke not any other ilah (god) along with Allah, La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He). Everything will perish save His Face. His is the Decision, and to Him you (all) shall be returned.

Meaning: Direct your worship sincerely to Allah alone because none has the right to be worshipped except Him. Any other (thing taken an object of worship) does not have the right to be deified, loved and worshipped except Allah, because He alone is the Ever-living and He is Perfect [free from all imperfections, deficiencies weaknesses, faults etc]. And when it is the fact that everything will perish except Him, then it is extreme falsehood and corruption to worship those who will perish.

Indeed, what they [i.e. the polytheists] worship besides Allah is falsehood and are things that will perish, but Allah alone is the One who will never perish and there is no deity worthy of worship besides Him. He alone has absolute dominion over everything; He alone controls all the affairs of the universe, what He wills has to take place and what He does not will cannot take place [i.e. based on His perfect Wisdom and Justice]; He alone is the ruling Judge between the servants in the Hereafter and they will all return to Him to be recompensed for their deeds.

An Excerpt from Tafsir as-Sadi

Prioritising the Objective: A Lesson from the Sunnah

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in 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'.

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

Imam Muhammad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaymeen, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

The Sunnah has shown that one should give concern to the main objective in every affair, and this can be found in the hadith of It’ban ibn Malik, may Allah be pleased with him. It’ban requested the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, to come to his house and perform prayer in the place he chose as a Musallah. [1] The Prophet promised to fulfil his request, so he prepared some food for him and informed his neighbours about it. When the Prophet arrived, It’ban informed him about what he did, but the Prophet said, “Where do you want me to pray in your house?” It’ban showed him the place and he prayed before eating the food and sitting with the people. This is because he came for a specific objective. Therefore, do not be diverted – by those things you did not desire initially- from the objective you desired because that would waste your time. This is a, matter related to Uluww Al-Himmah [i.e. having a high aspiration].

Sharh Hilyah Talib Al-Ilm’ page 162-163.

The complete hadith regarding this incident

[1] Narrated It’ban Bin Malik, may Allah be pleased with him, who was one of the companions of Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and one of the Ansaar who took part in the battle of Badr: I came to Allah’s Messenger and said, “O Allah’s Messenger, I have weak eyesight and I lead my people in prayers. When it rains the water flows in the valley between me and my people so I cannot go to their mosque to lead them in prayer. O Allah’s Messenger! I wish you would come to my house and offer Salaah in it so that I could take that place as a Musalla [appointed place for Salaah].” Allah’s Messenger said, “If Allah will, I will do so”. Next day after the sun rose high, Allah’s Messenger and Abu Bakr came, and Allah’s Messenger asked for permission to enter. I gave him permission and he did not sit on entering the house but said to me, “Where do you like me offer Salaah?” I pointed to a place in my house. So Allah’s Messenger stood there and said, ‘Allahu Akbar’, and we all got up and aligned behind him and offered a two-Rak’at prayer and ended it with Tasleem. We requested him to stay for a meal called “Khazira” which we had prepared for him…. [Al-Bukhari 425]

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

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

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

وَإِذۡ قَالَ إِبۡرَٲهِيمُ لِأَبِيهِ وَقَوۡمِهِۦۤ إِنَّنِى بَرَآءٌ۬ مِّمَّا تَعۡبُدُونَ
إِلَّا ٱلَّذِى فَطَرَنِى فَإِنَّهُ ۥ سَيَہۡدِينِ
وَجَعَلَهَا كَلِمَةَۢ بَاقِيَةً۬ فِى عَقِبِهِۦ لَعَلَّهُمۡ يَرۡجِعُونَ

And [remember] when Ibrahim [Abraham] said to his father and his people: “Verily, I am innocent of what you worship, except Him [i.e. I worship none but Allah Alone] Who did create me, and verily, He will guide me.” And he made it [i.e. Laa ilaha ill-Allah – none has the right to be worshipped but Allah Alone] a Word lasting among his offspring [True Monotheism], that they may turn back [i.e. to repent to Allah or receive admonition]. [Az-Zukhruf. 26-27]

وَإِذۡ قَالَ إِبۡرَٲهِيمُ لِأَبِيهِ وَقَوۡمِهِۦۤ

And (remember) when Ibrahim (Abraham) said to his father and his people]: Meaning: He said to his people who used to worship deities besides Allah; [إِنَّنِى بَرَآءٌ۬ مِّمَّا تَعۡبُدُونَ – Verily, I am innocent of what you worship;

إِلَّا ٱلَّذِى فَطَرَنِى فَإِنَّهُ ۥ سَيَہۡدِينِ

Except Him [i.e. Allaah] Who did create me, and verily, He will guide me].

Meaning: Allah is my Protector and I have hope that Allaah will guide me to knowledge of the truth and to act upon truth. And just as Allaah created me and nurtured me with blessings by way of which I attained physical well-being and other worldly benefits, likewise Allaah will guide me towards that which will bring me well-being in my religion and well-being in the afterlife.

Then Allah, The Most High, said:

وَجَعَلَهَا كَلِمَةَۢ بَاقِيَةً۬ فِى عَقِبِهِۦ لَعَلَّهُمۡ يَرۡجِعُونَ

And he made it (i.e. Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah -None has the right to be worshipped but Allah Alone) a Word lasting among his offspring (True Monotheism), that they may turn back (i.e. to repent to Allah or receive admonition)].

Meaning: He established this praiseworthy quality – sincerely worshipping Allaah alone and freed himself from everything worshipped besides Allaah, which is foundation and basis of all praiseworthy qualities. He was well-known for this quality and he commanded his offspring – Ishaaq, Ya’qub and others- to adhere to it, just as Allah [The Most High] said in Surah Al-Baqarah:

وَمَن يَرۡغَبُ عَن مِّلَّةِ إِبۡرَٲهِـۧمَ إِلَّا مَن سَفِهَ نَفۡسَهُ ۥ‌ۚ وَلَقَدِ ٱصۡطَفَيۡنَـٰهُ فِى ٱلدُّنۡيَا‌ۖ وَإِنَّهُ ۥ فِى ٱلۡأَخِرَةِ لَمِنَ ٱلصَّـٰلِحِينَ

And who turns away from the religion of Ibrahim (Abraham) (i.e. Islamic Monotheism) except him who befools himself? Truly, We chose him in this world and verily, in the Hereafter he will be among the righteous.

إِذۡ قَالَ لَهُ ۥ رَبُّهُ ۥۤ أَسۡلِمۡ‌ۖ قَالَ أَسۡلَمۡتُ لِرَبِّ ٱلۡعَـٰلَمِينَ

When his Lord said to him, “Submit (i.e. be a Muslim)!” He said, “I have submitted myself [as a Muslim] to the Lord of the ‘Alamin [mankind, jinns and all that exists].

وَوَصَّىٰ بِہَآ إِبۡرَٲهِـۧمُ بَنِيهِ وَيَعۡقُوبُ يَـٰبَنِىَّ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ ٱصۡطَفَىٰ لَكُمُ ٱلدِّينَ فَلَا تَمُوتُنَّ إِلَّا وَأَنتُم مُّسۡلِمُونَ

And this [submission to Allah, Islaam] was enjoined by Ibrahim [Abraham] upon his sons and by Ya’qub [Jacob], [saying], “O my sons! Allah has chosen for you the [true] religion, then die not except in the Faith of Islam [as Muslims – Islamic Monotheism].

أمۡ كُنتُمۡ شُہَدَآءَ إِذۡ حَضَرَ يَعۡقُوبَ ٱلۡمَوۡتُ إِذۡ قَالَ لِبَنِيهِ مَا تَعۡبُدُونَ مِنۢ بَعۡدِى قَالُواْ نَعۡبُدُ إِلَـٰهَكَ وَإِلَـٰهَ ءَابَآٮِٕكَ إِبۡرَٲهِـۧمَ وَإِسۡمَـٰعِيلَ وَإِسۡحَـٰقَ إِلَـٰهً۬ا وَٲحِدً۬ا وَنَحۡنُ لَهُ ۥ مُسۡلِمُونَ

Or were you witnesses when death approached Ya’qub [Jacob]? When he said unto his sons, “What will you worship after me?” They said, “We shall worship your Ilah [God – Allah], the Ilah [God] of your fathers, Ibrahim [Abraham], Isma’il [Ishmael], Ishaque [Isaac], One Ilah [God], and to Him we submit [in Islam].

تِلۡكَ أُمَّةٌ۬ قَدۡ خَلَتۡ‌ۖ لَهَا مَا كَسَبَتۡ وَلَكُم مَّا كَسَبۡتُمۡ‌ۖ وَلَا تُسۡـَٔلُونَ عَمَّا كَانُواْ يَعۡمَلُونَ

That was a nation who has passed away. They shall receive the reward of what they earned and you of what you earn. And you will not be asked of what they used to do.

An Excerpt from “Tafsir as-Sadi”

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

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, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

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

Know that leaving the correct path occurs in two ways. Firstly: that a man strays from the correct path intending nothing but good, so his error is not to be followed since it leads to destruction. Secondly, a man who deliberately opposes the truth and acts contrary to the Pious ones who came before him, he is astray, leading others astray, a rebellious devil within the Ummah. It is a duty upon those who know of him to warn the people against him and to explain his condition to them so that no one falls into his innovation and is destroyed.

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

After the Shaikh [i.e. Imam Barbahaaree] described the correct path in his previous statement- the correct path that is obligated to a Muslim to follow in his Aqeedah and religion, he then mentioned that the one who leaves the correct path is one of two men:

The First Man: Is the one who leaves the (correct path) without the intention (to do so), rather he intended good but followed other than the path of good. Striving (alone) is not sufficient, and even if the person has a righteous intention and a good aim, then that has to be upon the correct path. Therefore, this (person) is considered mistaken and whoever agrees with him upon that and follows with him upon error will be destroyed; because this is a path of destruction even though the (person) did not intend leaving (the correct path); rather his quest was (to reach something) good. This is the state of many of those who initiate newly invented matters -from themselves – in the knowledge of Aqeedah (Creed). This is not permissible and they should not adhere to it. The person is not upon correctness. Allah, The Mighty and Majestic, said:

 وَأَنَّ هَٰذَا صِرَاطِي مُسْتَقِيمًا فَاتَّبِعُوهُ ۖ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا السُّبُلَ فَتَفَرَّقَ بِكُمْ عَنْ 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]

Therefore, we reject any path that exits us from the Straight Path even if the one who (calls) to it aims for good and has a good intention. We do not follow him upon that while he continues upon his error, eventually leading to destruction; because whoever abandons the correct path in his journey and takes a path of ruin will be destroyed.

As For The Second Person: It is the one who intends to leave (the correct path). He knows the truth and that what he embarks upon is falsehood, but he intends to leave the truth with the intention of misguiding the people. The intention of the first (person) is to bring about benefit for the people, but he did not follow the correct path. The second (person) intended to misguide the people and to turn them away from the correct path. So this one (i.e. the one who intends misguidance for the people) is a devil, because the devils take the people away from the Straight Path.

لَأَقْعُدَنَّ لَهُمْ صِرَاطَكَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ

Surely I (Iblis) will sit in wait against them (human beings) on Your Straight Path. [7:16]

He intends to turn them away from it [i.e. the straight path] and (direct them) towards the deviated paths. The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, gave us an example when he drew a straight line and drew other lines on its sides, he then said about the straight line:

“This is the path of Allah” and he said about the other lines, “These are the other paths, and on each path is a devil calling to it”.

This is a clear example that is in agreement to what the Shaikh [i.e. Imam Barbahaaree] has mentioned here. So the one who takes the people away from the Straight Path (and direct them) to the innovated paths of the innovators is not one who intends good for them; rather he intends destruction for them. He is a devil, be it that he is a devil from amongst the Jinn or the people.

It is obligated to us to be more careful of this (second person) than the first one because this one [i.e. the intentionally deviated one] intends to misguide the people.

And regarding the statement of Imaam Barbahaaree: “He is astray, leading others astray, a rebellious devil”.

Al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzan commented:

He is misguided and misguiding others. He is a rebellious devil, a rebel intending to turn the people from the Straight Path.

And regarding the statement of Imam Barbahaaree:

“It is a duty upon those who know of him to warn the people against him and to explain his condition to them so that no one falls into his innovation and is destroyed”.

Al-Allaamah Salih Al-Fawzan commented:

It is not permissible to keep quiet about this one who leaves the truth intentionally; rather it is incumbent to unveil his affair and uncover his vileness until the people are warned about him. And it is not to be said that the people are free to hold views, freedom of speech and respecting the views of others, as say present with regards to (having) respect for the views of others. The affair is not about views; (rather) the affair is about Ittibaa [i.e. following the authentic proofs narrated from the Messenger accompanied with the understanding of the Salaf]. Allah has outlined a clear path for us and He told us to adhere to it, when He stated:

وَأَنَّ هَٰذَا صِرَاطِي مُسْتَقِيمًا فَاتَّبِعُوهُ

And verily, this is my Straight Path, so follow it. [6:153]

Therefore, any person comes to us and wants us to leave this straight path, then firstly we reject his statement. Secondly, we clarify and warn the people against him and we do not keep quiet about him, because if we keep quiet about him, the people will be deceived by him, especially if he is an eloquent person, (with) good speech, writing and is educated; for indeed the people will be deceived by him and will say:

“This one is competent, this one is from the thinkers” as is taking place today.

So, the affair is very dangerous, and regarding this is a reason to refute the one in opposition, as opposed to what those ones say:

“Abandon the refutations, leave the people, everyone has his own views and have respect for him”.

Through this respect for the views and freedom of speech, the Ummah will be destroyed. The Salaf did not keep quiet about the likes of these people; rather they exposed and refuted them due to their knowledge of their danger upon Ummah. We do not keep quiet about their evil; rather that which Allah has revealed must be clarified, otherwise, we will be from those who conceal the truth- those about whom Allah stated:

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَكْتُمُونَ مَا أَنْزَلْنَا مِنَ الْبَيِّنَاتِ وَالْهُدَىٰ مِنْ بَعْدِ مَا بَيَّنَّاهُ لِلنَّاسِ فِي الْكِتَابِ ۙ أُولَٰئِكَ يَلْعَنُهُمُ اللَّهُ وَيَلْعَنُهُمُ اللَّاعِنُونَ

Verily, those who conceal the clear proofs, evidences and the guidance, which We have sent down, after We have made it clear for the people in the Book, they are the ones cursed by Allaah and cursed by the cursers. [2:159]

And the affair is not limited to the innovator, rather it is extended to the one who keeps quiet about him, for indeed rebuke and punishment is extended to him, because it is obligatory to clarify and made clear for the people…..up until Al-Allamah Salih stated: “So our intention is to clarify the truth. Our intention is not to (merely) disparage the people or to speak about the people. The intent is to clarify the truth and this is a trust entrusted upon the scholars. It is not permissible to keep quiet about these people.

Source: An Excerpt from It’haaf Al-Qaaree Bi-attaliqat Alaa Sharh As- Sunnah Lil Imam Barbahaaree. 1/110-115. slightly paraphrased

 

 

Guessing at the Unseen Against the Evidence

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

In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Allah, The Most High, said:
سَيَقُولُونَ ثَلَاثَةٌ رَّابِعُهُمْ كَلْبُهُمْ وَيَقُولُونَ خَمْسَةٌ سَادِسُهُمْ كَلْبُهُمْ رَجْمًا بِالْغَيْبِ ۖ وَيَقُولُونَ سَبْعَةٌ وَثَامِنُهُمْ كَلْبُهُمْ ۚ قُل رَّبِّي أَعْلَمُ بِعِدَّتِهِم مَّا يَعْلَمُهُمْ إِلَّا قَلِيلٌ ۗ فَلَا تُمَارِ فِيهِمْ إِلَّا مِرَاءً ظَاهِرًا وَلَا تَسْتَفْتِ فِيهِم مِّنْهُمْ أَحَدًا
[Some] say they were three, the dog being the fourth among them; (others) say they were five, the dog being the sixth, guessing at the unseen; (yet others) say they were seven, the dog being the eighth. Say (O Muhammad): “My Lord knows best their number; none knows them but a few.” So debate not (about their number, etc.) except with the clear proof (which We have revealed to you). And consult not any of them (people of the Scripture) about (the affair of) the people of the Cave. [Al-Kahf 22]
Allah informed us of the differing between the people of the scripture regarding the number of the people of the cave- a differing out of guessing at the unseen, forging statements and speaking about that which they have no knowledge. Some of them said that the people of the cave were three in number and their dog was the fourth, and others said that the people of the cave were five in number and their dog was the sixth. Allah said that these two statements are tantamount to guessing at the unseen, thus this indicates that they are false. Amongst them were those who said that the people of the cave were seven in number and their dog was the eighth. This statement- and Allah knows best- is what is correct because Allah declared the first two statements false but did not declare this third one to be false, indicating that it is correct.
This differing is one that neither carries any benefit nor are the people benefited by knowing the number of the people of the cave. It contains neither a benefit related to religion nor the worldly affairs and that is why Allah stated:
قُل رَّبِّي أَعْلَمُ بِعِدَّتِهِم مَّا يَعْلَمُهُمْ إِلَّا قَلِيلٌ ۗ
Say (O Muhammad):My Lord knows best their number; none knows them but a few]; and they are those who know what is correct and known for being upon what is correct.
فَلَا تُمَارِ فِيهِمْ إِلَّا مِرَاءً ظَاهِرً
So debate not (about their number, etc.) except with the clear proof (which We have revealed to you)] – Meaning, based upon knowledge, certainty and about that which contains benefit. As for debating based on ignorance and guessing at the unseen or about that which has no benefit- either the debater being obstinate or the affair being debated having no benefit- neither any religious nor worldly benefit, such as the number of the people of the cave and what is similar to it, too much debate and continuous research regarding it is a waste of time, and it makes the hearts have a strong love for that which has no benefit.
 وَلَا تَسْتَفْتِ فِيهِم مِّنْهُمْ أَحَدً
And consult not any of them (people of the Scripture, Jews and Christians) about (the affair of) the people of the Cave] – Meaning, because their speech regarding it is based on guessing at the unseen, and conjecture can be of no avail against the truth.
This proves that it is not permissible for a person to issue a verdict when he is not worthy of it- either due to his inability to issue a verdict in that affair or due to fact that he does not care what he says about the affair because he does not possess that fear of Allah that would stop him from speaking about affairs that are unclear to him, which may harm him in the afterlife. Therefore, when it is the case that he has been forbidden from giving verdicts in the likes of this affair, then prohibiting him from giving verdicts is of a greater prohibition. Also this Ayah proves that a person maybe prohibited from giving a verdict in some matters but not in other matters so he gives a verdict in that which he is worthy of giving a verdict and not in other affairs because Allah has not prohibited him from giving a verdict completely; rather they were prohibited from giving a verdict regarding the affair of the people of the cave and what is similar to it.
An Excerpt from Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam al-Mannaan.

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

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

Imam Al-Awzaa’ee, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“Adhere to the path (footsteps) of those who came before you (i.e. the pious predecessors), even if people reject you. Be cautious of the opinions of men, no matter how they may embellish them with persuasive statement, for the truth will eventually become clear, and you will remain on the right path”. [(1)]

 

Imam Umar Ibn Abdul Aziz, may Allah have mercy on him, stated:

“Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and the leaders who succeeded him (Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman and Ali) established matters based on the pure revelation; adhering to them is an affirmation of Allah’s Book (the Qur’an), complete obedience to Allah, and strength in the religion ordained by Allah. No one has the authority to alter or change these practices, nor substitute them in opposition. Whoever follows these practices is rightly guided, and he who seeks assistance will be assisted (through them). Whoever opposes them and pursues a path other than that of the believers (the companions of the Prophet), Allah will leave him to what he has chosen and cast him into Hell, and what an evil destination”. [(2)]

 

Imam Ahmad, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“Whoever becomes acquainted with the path of truth, it has been made easy for him to follow. And there is no proof for adhering to the path of Allah except through emulating the Messenger, peace be upon him, in his conduct, statements, and deeds.” [(3)]

 

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

“Whoever commits himself to the etiquettes of the Sunnah, Allah will illuminate his heart with the light of knowledge, and there is no status more noble than following the beloved (Prophet) in His commands, actions, and manners.” [(4)]

 

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

“Whoever abandons the evidence will stray from the path, and there is no evidence except that which has been brought forth by the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him”. [(5)]

 

Al-Allamah Ahmad Bin Yahyah An-Najmi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Know that the truth is that what (has been revealed by) Allah and (given to) His Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him in the Book and the Sunnah, even if its adherents and those who embrace it are few. What is conveyed in the Islamic legislation is the truth one is commanded to follow, even if the majority of the people free themselves from it and those who follow it are few. Allah stated:

ثُمَّ جَعَلْنَاكَ عَلَىٰ شَرِيعَةٍ مِنَ الْأَمْرِ فَاتَّبِعْهَا وَلَا تَتَّبِعْ أَهْوَاءَ الَّذِينَ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ
إِنَّهُمْ لَنْ يُغْنُوا عَنْكَ مِنَ اللَّهِ شَيْئًا ۚ وَإِنَّ الظَّالِمِينَ بَعْضُهُمْ أَوْلِيَاءُ بَعْضٍ ۖ وَاللَّهُ وَلِيُّ الْمُتَّقِينَ

Then We have put you (O Muhammad) on a plain way of (Our) commandment [like the one which We commanded Our Messengers before you (i.e. legal ways and laws of the Islamic Monotheism)]. So follow you that (Islamic Monotheism and its laws), and follow not the desires of those who know not. Verily, they can avail you nothing against Allah (if He wants to punish you). Verily, the Zalimun (polytheists, wrong-doers, etc.) are Auliya’ (protectors, helpers, etc.) to one another, but Allah is the Wali (Helper, Protector, etc.) of the Muttaqun (pious). [Al-Jaathiya. 18-19]

Therefore, O slave of Allah! Be eager to follow the truth, follow the straight path and the path of early pious predecessors- the companions of the Messenger, and do not feel lonely due to the small numbers of those who follow it and the large numbers of those who oppose it, for indeed Ibrahim, peace be upon him, was an Imaam on his own and with Allah lies all success. [(6)]

[(1)] Siyar 7/120

[(2)] Ighatha Al-Lahfan 1/159

[(3)] Madarij As-Salikin 2/486

[(4)] Madarij As-Salikin 2/486

[(5)] Miftah Dar As-Sa’adah 1/85

[(6)] An Excerpt from Irshaad As-Saaree Fee Sharh Sunnah Lil-Barbahaaree page 47

An Indian Man’s Reaction to Kitab at-Tawhid

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

In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
There was an Indian man who used to harbour extreme hatred towards Imam Muhammad Ibn Abdil Wahhab, may Allah have mercy upon him, due to the false claims of Ahlul Bidah, so he always reviled the Imam.  Then one day, a sincere adviser wished to clarify to this person that he is mistaken, so he invited him to his house and treated him kindly. He removed the cover from Kitab at-Tawhid and placed it where the guest [i.e. the Indian man] would be sitting because he was a scholar and loved reading books. When he went to get some food for the guest, he saw the book and started reading. He was amazed by the book because it contained nothing else but proofs.
When he returned [i.e. with the food], the guest asked him who the author of the book was and he was told that Shaikh Muhammad Ibn Abdil Wahhab is the author, thus, so he realised that he was one of those who reviled Shaikh Muhammad Ibn Abdil Wahhab based on false claims.
And among the most evil of these false claims is that Shaikh Muhammad Ibn Abdil Wahhab hates and reviles Ahlul Bayt [i.e. the Prophet’s family], but ask these people what the Kunya of Shaikh Muhammad Ibn Abdil Wahhab is! His Kunya is Abu Ali, even all the names of his children are the same as the names of Ahlul Bayt, except one of his children who is called Abdur Azeez. Therefore, is this a sign of love for Ahlul Bayt or a sign of hatred?! Would a person name his children after people he hates?! Rather, these names are well known even amongst the descendants of Shaikh Muhammad Ibn Abdil Wahhab.
Once I met a man in one of the Muslim lands and mentioned the name of Shaikh Muhammad Ibn Abdil Wahhab, he said, “Muhammad Ibn Abdil Wahhab reviles Ahlul Bayt in his books”. I said to the man, “Name a single book in which this revilement is found! If you stand in the presence of Allah on the Day of Judgement and you are questioned about this, would you have any proof to offer?! Show me a single statement in which Shaikh Muhammad Ibn Abdil Wahhab reviles Ahlul Bayt; rather I can bring you many of his statements in which he praised Ahlul Bayt”. This shows that many people are affected by the false claims of Ahlul Bidah – the people of desires and misguidance, because none will show hatred towards Kitab at-Tawhid, except a person of desires.  [Sharh Kitaab At-Tawheed. Audio Lesson 1. By Shaikh Abdur Razaaq Al-Badr – may Allah preserve him]

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

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

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

Imam Ash-Shaatibee, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated:

Know that Allah has established this Shariah as proof against the creation (humankind and jinn) – the old and young alike, the obedient and the disobedient, the righteous and the wicked. He did not specify the proof against anyone in exclusion of another one. Also, all the other revealed laws were established as proof against all the nations to whom they were revealed. The Shariah is the judge- in general, and specifically- the judge on all those who have reached the age of responsibility. It is the path attached to (what Allah has ordained) and it is the Greatest Guide. Have you not heard the statement of Allah, The Most High:

وَكَذَٲلِكَ أَوۡحَيۡنَآ إِلَيۡكَ رُوحً۬ا مِّنۡ أَمۡرِنَاۚ مَا كُنتَ تَدۡرِى مَا ٱلۡكِتَـٰبُ وَلَا ٱلۡإِيمَـٰنُ وَلَـٰكِن جَعَلۡنَـٰهُ نُورً۬ا نَّہۡدِى بِهِۦ مَن نَّشَآءُ مِنۡ عِبَادِنَاۚ وَإِنَّكَ لَتَہۡدِىٓ إِلَىٰ صِرَٲطٍ۬ مُّسۡتَقِيمٍ۬

And thus We have sent to you (O Muhammad) Ruhan (an Inspiration, and a Mercy) of Our Command. You knew not what is the Book, nor what is Faith? But We have made it (this Qur’an) a light wherewith We guide whosoever of Our slaves We will. And verily, you (O Muhammad) are indeed guiding (mankind) to the Straight Path (i.e. Allah’s religion of Islamic Monotheism). [Ash-Shura 52]

He (the Prophet) – peace and blessings of Allah be upon him- was the first to be guided to the Book and Iman, and then those who followed him. The Book is the Guide and also the Sunnah that was revealed to him explains that guidance (i.e. the Sunnah and the Qur’an explain each other). All the creation (mankind and Jinn) are guided through it.  Therefore, when this is the case that the Shariah is worthy of being a decisive proof against them and a beacon by way of which they are guided to the truth, their nobility is determined by the extent to which they embrace its rulings- through acting upon them in speech, belief, and deeds– and not merely due to the level of their intellects or their nobility amongst their people. That is because Allah, The Most High, has determined nobility through Taqwa and no other than it. Allah, The Most High, says: [إِنَّ أَڪۡرَمَكُمۡ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ أَتۡقَٮٰكُمۡۚ- Verily, the most honourable of you with Allah is that (believer) who has At-Taqwa] [49:13]

An Excerpt from Al-I’tisam 3/434

 

river beside trees and grass field

Asking for a prolonged life!

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

In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful The Bestower of Mercy.
Imam Muhammad Bin Salih Al-Uthaymin, may Allah have mercy upon him, was asked about the statement: “May Allah prolong your stay (in this life) or may Allah prolong your life”.
He replied: It is not permissible to utter speech (unrestrictedly) concerning prolongation of one’s stay in this life because a prolongation of one’s life can either be upon good or evil. Indeed, the most evil of people are those whose lives are prolonged while their actions are evil.  Therefore, with regards to this matter, if one were to say: “May Allah prolong your stay (in this life) upon obedience to Him”’, there is no harm in this speech. [Source: Al-Manahi Al-Lafdhiyyah page: 25]
Supplication:

We ask Allah:

اللَّهُمَّ بِعِلْمِكَ الْغَيْبَ وَقُدْرَتِكَ عَلَى الْخَلْقِ أَحْيِنِي مَا عَلِمْتَ الْحَيَاةَ خَيْراً لِي وَتَوَفَّنِي إِذَا عَلِمْتَ الْوَفَاةَ خَيْراً لِي، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ خَشْيَتَكَ فِي الْغَيْبِ وَالشَّهَادَةِ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ كَلِمَةَ الْحَقِّ فِي الرِّضَا وَالْغَضَبِ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ الْقَصْدَ فِي الْغِنَى وَالْفَقْرِ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ نَعِيماً لَا يَنْفَذُ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ قُرَّةَ عَيْنٍ لَا تَنْقَطِعُ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ الرِّضِا بَعْدَ الْقَضَاءِ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ بَرْدَ الْعَيْشِ بَعْدَ الْمَوْتِ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ لَذَّةَ النَّظَرِ إِلَى وَجْهِكَ وَالشَّوْقَ إِلَى لِقَائِكَ فِي غَيْرِ ضَرَّاءَ مُضِرَّةٍ وَلَا فِتْنَةٍ مُضِلَّةٍ، اللَّهُمَّ زَيِّنَّا بِزِينَةِ الْإِيمَانِ
وَاجْعَلْنَا هُدَاةً مُهْتَدِينَ

O Allah! By Your Knowledge of the unseen and by Your Power over creation, let me live if life is good for me, and let me die if death is good for me; O Allah! I ask You to grant me (the blessing of having) fear of You in private and public, and I ask You (to make me utter) a statement of truth in times of contentment and anger, and I ask You for moderation when in a state of wealth and poverty, and I ask you for blessings that never ceases, and I ask You for the coolness of my eye that never ends, and I ask You (to make me pleased) after (Your) decree; and I ask You for a life of (ease, comfort, tranquillity, etc) after death; I ask You for the delight of looking at Your Face (i.e. in the Hereafter) and yearning to meet You without any harm and misleading trials (coming upon me). O Allah! Adorn us with the adornment of Iman, and make us (from those who are) guided and guiding (others). [As-Saheehah Number 1301]

[10] Humility of The Scholars

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

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

Khalaf Bin Tamim, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

I saw Ath-Thawree, may Allah have mercy upon him, at Makkah and many people came to him, so he said, “To Allah do we belong! I fear that Allah has made this Ummah to be lost when the people are in need of the likes of me”.

Siyar A’lam An-Nubula 7/275