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The boundaries of steady moral qualities

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.

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

Moral character has boundaries. Going beyond these boundaries leads to transgression while falling short results in deficiency and humiliation.

Anger:

Anger is commendable when it is within the boundaries of bravery and a dislike for despicable and poor (behaviour). However, crossing those boundaries leads to oppression, while insufficient anger results in cowardice and a lack of aversion towards despicable actions.

Eagerness:

Eagerness should be balanced to achieve what is necessary in life and to work towards those goals. A lack of eagerness leads to humiliation and a waste of (valuable time and missed opportunities), while excessive eagerness leads to vehement greed and unpraiseworthy desire.

Envy:

The boundaries of envy lie in (praiseworthy or healthy) competition for excellence and improvement, without wishing ill upon the other person. Going beyond these limits leads to negative feelings of envy and oppression, where one desires that the envied should be deprived of blessings and is eager to harm him. (However), if one lacks (what is required of this matter), it leads to a lack of self-esteem and ambition. The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “There is no envy except with regards to two (people): a person whom Allah has given wealth and he spends it in the right way, and a person whom Allah has given wisdom (knowledge) and he judges by it and teaches it to others”. This type of envy is competition between people and the one with benign envy seeks to emulate the one he envies whilst not harbouring the despised envy which is to wish that the blessings bestowed on the envied should cease.

Permissible Desires:

They are a means of relaxation for the heart and mind after dedicating oneself to acts of obedience and striving to achieve virtuous deeds. Yet, if one indulges excessively, it results in intense and difficult-to-control emotions and immoral behaviour, causing the individual to sink to the level of animals. On the other hand, if a person lacks desire and does not (use leisure as a means) of pursuing excellence and virtue, it leads to weakness, helplessness, and degradation.

Relaxation:

It provides a renewed strength to the self and enhances one’s cognitive capacity, enabling them to perform acts of obedience and achieve virtuous deeds, and to avoid being weakened by labour and fatigue. Nevertheless, exceeding one’s limits results in apathy, idleness, squandering and the loss of many advantageous opportunities.

Furthermore, insufficient relaxation damages one’s strength and may leads to weakness.

Generosity: 

Exceeding its boundaries results in excess and wastefulness. Conversely, a lack of generosity leads to stinginess and penny-pinching.

Bravery:

Exceeding one’s boundaries results in recklessness, while a lack of courage leads to cowardice and vulnerability. Knowing when to act and when to abstain is the key to staying within its limits.

Protective Jealousy:

Going beyond one’s limits results in false accusations and (unfounded) suspicion against an innocent person. Similarly, lacking protective jealousy leads to carelessness and a disregard for one’s own reputation.

Humility:

Going beyond one’s boundaries results in disgrace and embarrassment. Conversely, a deficiency in humility leads to pride and boasting.

Honour:

Going beyond one’s boundaries results in pride, whilst a lack of honour leads to humiliation and indignity.

Justice ensures an upright balance in all matters, requiring individuals to follow the balanced path set by the Islamic legislation, which is free from exaggeration and negligence. All beneficial things of the worldly life and the Hereafter depend on this (balance). Physical well-being cannot be attained without it, as any imbalance in the body’s elements – whether through excess or deficiency – will lead to a loss of well-being and strength. Similarly, engaging in natural activities like sleep, eating, and socialising in moderation is considered balanced.

However, veering towards extremes in any of these activities will result in deficiencies and negative outcomes. One of the most noble and advantageous fields of knowledge is the acquaintance with the limits (boundaries in different matters), particularly the divine limits, the commands and prohibitions. The most knowledgeable are those who possess the most knowledge of these divine limits, hence they neither exceed them nor fall short of them. As Allah, The Exalted, states:

ٱلۡأَعۡرَابُ أَشَدُّ ڪُفۡرً۬ا وَنِفَاقً۬ا وَأَجۡدَرُ أَلَّا يَعۡلَمُواْ حُدُودَ مَآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ رَسُولِهِ

The Bedouins are the worst in disbelief and hypocrisy, and more likely to be in ignorance of the limits (Allah’s Commandments and His Legal Laws, etc.) which Allah has revealed to His Messenger. [at-Tawbah 97]

Therefore, the most just, balanced and upright people are those who stay within the limits of moral character, the actions and deeds legislated in the Islamic legislation- in knowledge and practice.

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.

Source: An Excerpt from ‘Al-Fawaa’id page 207- 209

Admonition when Shariah schools began to emerge in Baghdad

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in History of 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.

Al-Allamah Siddeeq Hasan Khan, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated:

(You) should know that sound knowledge does not contain any harm. Conversely, ignorance does not hold any benefits. This is because every piece of sound knowledge has a benefit that is connected to matters of the Afterlife, the life (in this world), or human perfection. However, in certain sciences, it may be mistakenly assumed that harm can arise or that the knowledge is not beneficial due to a failure to consider the necessary conditions that must be observed in acquiring knowledge and by the scholars, because every branch of knowledge has its boundaries, and these boundaries should not be exceeded. It is erroneous to believe that knowledge can surpass its intended purpose, just as it is incorrect to assume that mainstream medicine can cure all ailments. In reality, certain diseases cannot be cured through (medical) treatment. [I] Among them (the people) is one who thinks that (some specific) knowledge is above its rank, just as one thinks that jurisprudence is the most honourable of all sciences without exception, but this is not the case, as the knowledge of pure Islamic monotheism is more honourable without exception. [II]

Among them is (one) intending through knowledge other than its purpose, such as the one who learns for the sake of wealth or prestige. The purpose of sciences of the religion in and of themselves is not to earn wealth, but rather acquaintance with facts and refining morals. Therefore, he who pursues knowledge of the religion for the sake of professionalism is not a scholar, but rather he is someone who feigns resemblance to the scholars. [III] The scholars of Transoxiana revealed and stated this when they were informed of the construction of schools in Baghdad; so, they held gatherings of religious knowledge and stated: “The people with lofty aspirations and the pure souls used to preoccupy themselves with it, whose goal behind the pursuit of knowledge was because of its nobility and perfection (attained) through it, thus, they came to the scholars to benefit from them and their knowledge. However, if it becomes a means of earning, the mean (vile) and lazy people will approach it and this will be a reason for its disappearance, thus the sciences of wisdom are abandoned, even though they are noble in and of themselves”. [IV] [1]

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[I]https://abukhadeejah.com/what-are-the-principles-of-medicine-with-the-scholars-of-islam/ https://abukhadeejah.com/why-i-post-health-articles-on-my-site-and-top-12-tips-for-cancer-prevention/

[II]Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Haai Al-Mad’khali, may Allah preserve him, stated: The Muslims have to be acquainted with the knowledge of Tawheed and Shirk. Shirk is the gravest sin that can be committed in disobedience to Allah. The Prophets brought the greatest (aspect) of knowledge, and that is the knowledge of Tawheed, and they warned against the greatest wrong-doing, which is to ascribe partners to Allah. [ إِنَّ ٱلشِّرۡكَ لَظُلۡمٌ عَظِيمٌ۬ – Verily! Associating partners to (Allah in worship) is a great wrong indeed]. [Luqman. 13]

This is an affair that many of the callers to Islam have turned away from at present and do not give importance. The knowledge of Tawheed is the first thing they snub and flee from, (and) Shirk is the first thing they decline (to address) when seeking to guide the Ummah. Neither do they warn the people nor caution them against this greatest danger known to mankind [i.e. Shirk]. Tawheed is the greatest (knowledge) brought by Prophets as glad tidings, but they (i.e. many of the callers) do not convey it; rather the greatest affair to them is modern politics. The knowledge of Tawheed is the affair by way of which this Ummah is distinguished. Neither is there anything more impure (i.e. corrupts the heart, deeds, manners, thoughts, ideas, intentions, goals, aims, etc) nor filthier than shirk, so why do we not purity the Ummah from this impurity and filth? Why do those callers to Islam deliberately feign ignorance of this impurity, in which the people wander blindly and belittle its severity, even though there is nothing equal to its (filthiness and impurity)? It is obligated to the Muslims to free themselves from the filth of shirk and sincerely worship Allah alone so that they become the cleanest people and purest [i.e. in creed, deeds, thoughts, views, intentions, goals, aims, etc]. And through this, they will be distinguished [in every virtuous trait]. If the mosques of the Muslims in the Islamic world are filled with graves- even though the Messenger severely cursed those who turn graves into places of worship- and those callers to Islam have not taken any steps to confront this filthy practice, then there can be no betrayal and deception -against the ummah- greater than this.

إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يَكۡتُمُونَ مَآ أَنزَلۡنَا مِنَ ٱلۡبَيِّنَـٰتِ وَٱلۡهُدَىٰ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ مَا بَيَّنَّـٰهُ لِلنَّاسِ فِى ٱلۡكِتَـٰبِ‌ۙ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ يَلۡعَنُہُمُ ٱللَّهُ وَيَلۡعَنُہُمُ ٱللَّـٰعِنُونَ

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 Allah and cursed by the cursers. [Al-Baqarah. 159]

The greatest clear proof is Tawheed and it is the guidance that will remove the people from shirk. Therefore, O callers to Islam! Fear Allah, safeguard the Muslims from this greatest danger, and raise them to the highest station in this worldly life – the station of Tawheed because there is no station loftier than the station of Tawheed. Tawheed is the greatest station in the entire universe and Shirk is the lowest. [2]

[III] https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2025/01/04/certificates/

[IV] Imam Ibn Al-Jawzi, may Allah have mercy upon him,  said: I saw that solely being preoccupied with studying Fiqh and listening to hadeeth is not enough to rectify the heart, except combined with (the authentic narrations concerning the) softening of the hearts, and looking into the biographies of the pious predecessors. As for knowing Halal and Haram only, it does not have a great strength in softening the heart; rather the softening of the heart is (attained) by mentioning the Ahadith on the subject matter and the stories of the pious predecessors. That is because they (i.e. the pious predecessors) grasped the intent behind narrating, demonstrated the tangible obligated actions by way of them, practical encounter with their meanings, and the goals behind them. And there is nothing that will make you experience this, except after cultivation and experience. That is because I find that the ambition of the majority of the Muhadditheen and the students of hadeeth is (focused on acquiring hadeeth that has the closest chain of transmission from the Prophet and gathering numerous authentic Ahadith on a particular subject matter in the religion. And the majority of the jurists (focus on) the science of debate and that which gives one the upper hand, so how can the heart be softened through these affairs? Indeed, a group of pious predecessors aspired to see that a righteous slave should look to his character and upright guidance and not (merely) the knowledge he has acquired. That is (because) his character and upright guidance are the fruits of his knowledge. So understand this! The students of Hadeeth and Fiqh should combine (seeking after hadeeth and fiqh) with studying the lives of the pious predecessors and the Zuhhaad so that it can be a means to soften the heart. Indeed, books have been compiled regarding the affairs and manners of each one of those well-known outstanding men (of piety). A book has been compiled regarding the affairs of Al-Hasan [Al-Basri], Sufyaan Ath-Thawri, Ibraaheem Bin Ad-ham, Bishr Al-Haafiy, Ahmad Bin Hanbal, Ma’roof and other than them amongst the scholars and the Zuhhaad. [6]

It is necessary that the seekers of Hadeeth should have the most perfect (behaviour, manners, etiquette, etc) amongst the people, be the most humble amongst the people, the greatest in their impartiality and adherence to the religion, the least in (deviating from good conduct) and (being overcome with) anger because they constantly listen to the narrations that gather the excellent manners and etiquettes of Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him], the lives of the virtuous pious predecessors, the path of the scholars of Hadeeth and the virtues of the (pious ones and scholars) who have passed away; so they adhere to the purest and excellent (aspects of those traits, etiquettes, manners, etc) and turn away from the most despised and lowly (traits, behaviour, manners, etiquettes, etc). [7]

[1] An Excerpt from “Abjad Al-Ulum” 1/77-78. slightly paraphrased

[2] An Excerpt from “Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm”. pages 104-106. slightly paraphrased

[3] Sharh Hilya Taalib Al-Ilm..page:22. slightly paraphrased

[4] An Excerpt from ‘Saydul khaatir’ Page 171. Daar Ibn Rajab. 1st edition 2003

[5] Source: An Excerpt from ‘Jaami Bayaan Al-Ilm 1/78. By Al-Khateeb Al-Baghdaadi

Destructive Self-sufficiency

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

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

Allah, The Exalted, said:

كَلَّآ إِنَّ ٱلۡإِنسَـٰنَ لَيَطۡغَىٰٓ
أَن رَّءَاهُ ٱسۡتَغۡنَىٰٓ

Nay! Verily, man does transgress all bounds, because he considers himself self-sufficient.

[كَلَّآ إِنَّ ٱلۡإِنسَـٰنَ لَيَطۡغَىٰٓ – Nay! Verily, man does transgress all bounds]- Meaning, Abu Jahl, who used to be insolent and boastful about his clothing, riding beast and food when he earned more wealth. [1]

[أَن رَّءَاهُ ٱسۡتَغۡنَىٰٓ – because he considers himself self-sufficient]- Meaning, due to the human being’s ignorance and wrongdoing when he considers himself self-sufficient, he transgresses, rebels, haughtily turns away from guidance, forgets that he will be returned to his Lord and does not not fear the recompense; rather, he might reach such a state that he abandons guidance and calls others to abandon it and tell others not to perform the prayer which is the most virtuous deed of Iman. [2]

Allah did not (solely) state that he (this human being) became self-sufficient; rather, He indicated that tyranny arises from the perception of his self-sufficiency. But He did not mentioned this perfection in Surah Al-Layl; instead, He stated:

وَأَمَّا مَنۢ بَخِلَ وَٱسْتَغْنَىٰ

وَكَذَّبَ بِٱلْحُسْنَىٰ

فَسَنُيَسِّرُهُۥ لِلْعُسْرَىٰ

But as for he—( Umayyah bin Khalaf)—who is miserly (with respect to his wealth and Allāh’s right upon him) and considers himself self-sufficient (from his Lord). And rejects al-Ḥusnā (the statement of monotheism) (or: the obligations of prayer, fasting and charity) (or: the promise of Allāh) (or: Paradise and its reward). Then We will make easy for him (the path to) evil (or: Hellfire). https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/verse/92/8

This, and Allah knows best, is due to the cause of his arrogance, which stems from his perception of his own self-sufficiency.

Surah Al-Layl elucidates the factors contributing to his downfall and the lack of ease in his affairs, stemming from their belief that they do not need their Lord by abandoning obedience and servitude. Had they genuinely relied on Allah, they would have endeavored to draw nearer to Him through the prescribed acts of worship, akin to a servant who cannot do without his Lord even for a moment and adhering to His orders. For this reason, this is linked to his miserliness, which reflects his failure to fulfill his obligations in speech, actions, and wealth, as well as his rejection of Al-Husna [Footnote a] which is promised those who perform good deeds, as stated by Allah: [لِلَّذِينَ أَحْسَنُوا الْحُسْنَى وَزِيَادَةٌ – For those who have done good is the best (reward, i.e. Paradise) and Ziyadah]. [Footnote b]

The purpose of this discussion is that the perfection of not needing Allah is the cause of the downfall of a servant of Allah and is the root of all difficulties. His perfection of not being in need of his Lord is the cause of his transgression and downfall, both of which stand in stark contrast to the dependence on Allah and servitude (to Him). [3]

The creation find themselves within two types of neediness. The first type of neediness is inevitable. It is a type of neediness which every everyone (cannot do without) – the righteous and the wicked. It neither necessitates praise nor dispraise, and neither reward nor punishment; rather it is solely due to the fact that the creation are created beings [i.e. absolutely in need and completely dependent on their Creator in every way].

The second type of neediness is one based on choice from which emanates two noble aspects of knowledge. The first one is the servant’s knowledge and awareness of his Lord and the second is knowledge and awareness of oneself in reality. As soon as one acquires these two types of knowledge, it brings about a type of neediness that becomes a person’s distinguished and most precious source of wealth, and the means to success and happiness in (this life and the next). The people’s different stations in this type of neediness depends on their different stations in these two affairs of knowledge.

The one who knows that his Lord (Allaah) is the Self-Sufficient One [absolutely free from all wants and to Whom everyone and everything depends, and none can do without Him in the twinkling of an eye], then he will know that he is completely in need.

The one knows that his Lord (Allaah) is alone the Possessor of Perfect Ability [possessor of All-Encompassing Ability and able to do all things], he will know that he is completely unable [cannot do anything in the twinkling of an eye without the help of] his Lord.

The one who knows that his Lord (Allaah) is The All-Mighty, he will know that he is one completely in a state of [complete poverty, weakness and want unless his Lord provides for him etc]. The one who knows that his Lord (Allaah) is the possessor of All- Encompassing knowledge and Wisdom, he will know that he is ignorant.

Allah brought the person out of his mother’s womb while he knew nothing- not able to do anything and owned nothing; neither able to give nor take, and neither able to harm nor benefit. This state of neediness – until he reached a more perfect state – is something witnessed and tangible for everyone (to see), and it is well known that this is the very essence of the human being and he remains upon that state. He does not move from this state and enters into a state of Lordship – a state in which he becomes absolutely self-sufficient and not need of anyone and anything; rather he does not cease being a slave, a needy one to his Rabb [Allah the Creator, All-Provider and the Only One Who Controls and Sustains Everything] and His Fatir [Allah, The Originator and Creator of Everything].

However, after the human being was granted blessings, shown mercy, granted the means to reach a more perfect state, and Allah -out of His Perfect Kindness and Generosity- granted him apparent blessings [i.e. to recognize the Messengers who were sent with Islamic Monotheism, granted him the lawful pleasures of this world, including health, good looks, etc.] and the hidden blessings [i.e. granted him the innate disposition to recognize his Lord when the Messenger calls him to Iman, and granted him knowledge, wisdom, guidance for doing righteous deeds, and also the pleasures and delights of the Hereafter in Paradise, etc.], granted him hearing, sight and a heart, and taught him [i.e. gave him the means to knowledge], granted him ability, subjugated things to him, granted him [the desire and enthusiasm to pursue what is beneficial, and take action], enabled him to receive the service of those of his kind [i.e. gave him authority over other humans], subjugated to him horses and camels, gave him the ability to capture the animals in the sea, drop birds from the sky, subjugate wild animals, dig wells [irrigate water etc.], plant trees, dig the earth, learn how to build, acquire the things that are of benefit to him, guard against and protect himself from that which is harmful to him; then the Miskin [i.e. this absolutely poor, dependent human being] thinks that he has a share of authority and claims – for himself – a kingship [or authority] similar to that of Allah [Glorified be Allah and free is Allah from all imperfections, partners, coequals, similarities etc.], and begins to see himself in a manner other than what he was at first, forgets his (prior) state of non-existence, poverty and neediness, until he becomes as if he was not that poor and needy thing. [4]

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Footnote a: al-Ḥusnā (the statement of monotheism) (or: the obligations of prayer, fasting and charity) (or: the promise of Allāh) (or: Paradise and its reward). Then We will make easy for him (the path to) evil (or: Hellfire). https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/verse/92/8

Footnote b:

“‏زيادة‏”‏ وهي النظر إلى وجه الله الكريم، وسماع كلامه، والفوز برضاه والبهجة بقربه، فبهذا حصل لهم أعلى ما يتمناه المتمنون، ويسأله السائلون

The word Ziyadah in this verse means to see Allah’s face, hear His Speech, attain His pleasure etc, (on the Day of Judgement). [Tafsir Sadi]

[1] An Excerpt from Zaadul Maseer Fee Ilm at-Tafseer. By Imam Ibnul Jawzi [may Allaah have mercy upon him]
[2] An Excerpt from Tafsir As-Sadi
[3] An Excerpt from Tariq Al-Hijratayn 13 By Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him.
[4] An Excerpt from Tariq Al-Hijratayn. pages 9-10

Indespensible

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

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

The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “It is enough sin for a person to speak of everything that he hears”. [1]

Abu Hatim (Imam Ibn Hibban) – may Allah have mercy upon him him – said:

This narration contains a rebuke that a person should not speak about everything he hears until he knows whether it is authentic or not, then he speaks about it. He should not speak about that which is not authentic. [2]

The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “I command you fear Allah and to listen to and obey your (leaders) even if a maimed (or disabled) Abyssinian slave is put in charge over you. Whoever lives among you will see a lot of differences, so it is obligated to you to adhere to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly guided Khulafaa- bite onto it with your molar teeth [i.e. adhere firmly to it]. And beware of newly invented matters (in the religion), for every newly invented matter (in the religion) is Bidah innovation and every bidah is misguidance. [3]

Imam Abu Hatim said:

This is a sound evidence that the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, commanded his Ummah to (distinguish) the weak narrators from the reliable narrators. This is because it is impossible for a person to adhere to the Sunnah if it is mixed with lies and falsehood, except when one can distinguish the weak narrators from the reliable narrators. [4]

(1) Muqaddimah Saheeh Muslim 1/10; Sharh Muqaddimah Saheeh Muslim’ by Imaam An-Nawawi 1/74.

(2) Muqaddimah Kitaab Al-Majrooheen Minal Muhadditheen’ page 60-64.

(3) Jaami As-Saheeh Al-Musnad Mimmaa Laysah Fee As-Saheehayn’ 5/26-27’ Number 3249.

(4) Muqaddimah Kitaab Al-Majrooheen Minal Mihadditheen page 66

[4] Reflection on some statements of Al-Allamah Ubaid Al-Jabiri

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in 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.

Narrated Abu Kabshah Al-An’maariy, may Allah be pleased with him, that Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “I swear by Allah regarding three (matters) which I am going to tell, so remember them. The wealth of a man does not decrease due to (giving) charity. A servant (of Allah) does not exercise patience when oppressed, except that Allah increases his honour. A servant (of Allah) does not open the door of begging, except that Allah opens for him the door of poverty (or he stated a statement similar to it). I am going to tell you (something), so remember it: the worldly life is for four types of people. A servant (of Allah) whom Allah has given wealth and knowledge, so he fears his Lord through it. He preserves the ties of kinship and acknowledges Allah’s Rights regarding it. This (person) is on the most virtuous position. A servant (of Allah) whom Allah has given knowledge but not wealth. He is truthful in his intention and says: ‘If I had wealth, I would have done the deed of such and such (person)’. Because of this intention of his, his reward is the same (i.e. the same as the righteous one who has been given wealth and knowledge). A servant (of Allah) whom Allah has given wealth but not knowledge. He wastes his wealth out of ignorance. He neither fears Allah nor does he keep the ties of kinship, nor does he acknowledge Allah’s rights. This (type of person) is at the evilest position. A servant (of Allah) whom Allah has neither given wealth nor knowledge and he says: ‘If I had wealth, I would have done the deed of such and such (person)’. So through his intention, they are similar (i.e. similar to the evil person who wastes his wealth). [1]

Al-Allamah Ubaid Al-Jabiri, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated:

The first is a wealthy person who is thankful (to Allah), thus, Allah will raise him to the most virtuous position due to his deed. The second is a poor person who exercises patience. He is truthful in his intention with regards to spending from that which Allah has bestowed on him. So Allah makes him reach the most virtuous position due to his truthful intention. The third is a boastful wealthy person. He is covetous and stingy, thus, his deed takes him to the most evil position. The fourth is a boastful poor person and his intention is evil. So together with his poverty, his intention takes him to the most evil position. So, due to this, we know that by way of truthful intentions, Allah raises the person. And an evil intention debases a person until he finds himself in the most evil position. [2]

[1]Reported by Tirmidhee 2325. Ahmad 18031. Al-Baghawiy 4097

[2] An Excerpt from:  البيان المرصع شرح القواعد الأربع- pages 8-9. Slightly paraphrased

[1] Reflection on some statements of Al-Allamah Ubaid

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

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

Al-Allamah Ubaid Ibn Abdillah Al-Jabiri, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

When the people of virtue and righteousness were faced with an adversity and an intricate matter, they would go to the senior people of knowledge to ask them and seek a Jawab Ash-Shaafee Al-Kaafee [i.e. an appropriate answer that would bring about rectification of the religious affairs and preservation of the well-being of the people based on the Qur’an and the Sunnah]. This is a followed path –beginning since the era of Prophet’s companions, then the Imams of the Tabi’in and –after them- the people of knowledge, virtue, religion and Iman. How beautiful is what Ibn Mas’ud said: “The people will not cease to be righteous and upright as long as knowledge comes to them from the companions of Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and their elders. But if knowledge comes to them from their young ones, they will be destroyed. [1] [Footnote a]

Footnote a: Shaykh Burjis then explains: “In these last two statements is one of the reasons for not taking the Ilm from the smaller ones-(as was mentioned by Ibn Qutaibah) and that is the fear that Ilm will be rejected if it comes from a younger person.(…he goes on to say…) The intent here is not to make hijrah from the Ilm of the small person (i.e. reject completely) with the presence of the older person. Rather the intent is to put the people in their correct and proper places.

As for the young one who is up and coming and seems to have intelligence and have some Ilm, then his position should be in the schools or giving reminders and in the assistance of research. As for that this person is put on a pedestal for fatawa and that one writes to him with questions – then no, a thousand no’s, because that is a death for him and a fitnah and a deception.”  https://salafipublications.com/sps/downloads/pdf/SCL060005.pdf

[1] [الطيب الجني على شرح السنة للإمام المزني – page 19]

Reflections from some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali [44 of 80]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Basics, Bid'ah (Innovation), Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Khawaarij, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, 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.

By Allah! The Ummah will not be removed from its problems, humiliation and the degradation they are living in except through returning to the Book of Allah, the Sunnah of the Messenger and the understanding of the pious predecessors, (when dealing) with the Khawaarij and other than them. Al-Aajuriy said: “The scholars—past and present—do not differ that the khawarij are an evil people, disobedient to Allah and His Messenger, even if they pray, fast and strive in acts of worship”.

Adh-Dhari’ah ilaa Bayan Maqasid Kitaab Ash-Shari’ah 1/97

Carefully choosing words

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Basics, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Prophets, 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 Most High] said:

إِذۡ قَالَ لِأَبِيهِ يَـٰٓأَبَتِ لِمَ تَعۡبُدُ مَا لَا يَسۡمَعُ وَلَا يُبۡصِرُ وَلَا يُغۡنِى عَنكَ شَيۡـًٔ۬ا

 يَـٰٓأَبَتِ إِنِّى قَدۡ جَآءَنِى مِنَ ٱلۡعِلۡمِ مَا لَمۡ يَأۡتِكَ

Remember when he [i.e. Ibrahim, peace be upon him] said to his father: O my father! Why do you worship that which hears not, sees not and cannot avail you in anything? O my father! Verily! There has come to me of knowledge that which came not unto you. [19:42-43]

Imam Sadi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: Look at this fine speech that appeals to the hearts?! He did not say to his father, “Indeed, you are a Jahil [an ignorant person]” lest his father is turned away due to rough speech; rather [Allah said that Ibrahim said]:

فَٱتَّبِعۡنِىٓ أَهۡدِكَ صِرَٲطً۬ا سَوِيًّ۬ا

 يَـٰٓأَبَتِ لَا تَعۡبُدِ ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنَ‌ۖ إِنَّ ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنَ كَانَ لِلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ عَصِيًّ۬ا

 يَـٰٓأَبَتِ إِنِّىٓ أَخَافُ أَن يَمَسَّكَ عَذَابٌ۬ مِّنَ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ فَتَكُونَ لِلشَّيۡطَـٰنِ وَلِيًّ۬ا

So follow me. I will guide you to a Straight Path. “O my father! Worship not Shaitan (Satan). Verily! Shaitan (Satan) has been a rebel against the Most Beneficent (Allah). “O my father! Verily! I fear lest a torment from the Most Beneficent (Allah) overtake you, so that you become a companion of Shaitan(Satan) (in the Hell-fire).” [19:43-45]

Qisas Al-Anbiyaa’ page 45’ 

Friendships

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

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

Allah [The Most High] said:

ٱلۡأَخِلَّآءُ يَوۡمَٮِٕذِۭ بَعۡضُهُمۡ لِبَعۡضٍ عَدُوٌّ إِلَّا ٱلۡمُتَّقِينَ

يَـٰعِبَادِ لَا خَوۡفٌ عَلَيۡكُمُ ٱلۡيَوۡمَ وَلَآ أَنتُمۡ تَحۡزَنُونَ

ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ بِـَٔايَـٰتِنَا وَڪَانُواْ مُسۡلِمِينَ

ٱدۡخُلُواْ ٱلۡجَنَّةَ أَنتُمۡ وَأَزۡوَٲجُكُمۡ تُحۡبَرُونَ

يُطَافُ عَلَيۡہِم بِصِحَافٍ۬ مِّن ذَهَبٍ۬ وَأَكۡوَابٍ۬‌ۖ وَفِيهَا مَا تَشۡتَهِيهِ ٱلۡأَنفُسُ وَتَلَذُّ ٱلۡأَعۡيُنُ‌ۖ وَأَنتُمۡ فِيهَا خَـٰلِدُونَ

وَتِلۡكَ ٱلۡجَنَّةُ ٱلَّتِىٓ أُورِثۡتُمُوهَا بِمَا كُنتُمۡ تَعۡمَلُونَ

لَكُمۡ فِيہَا فَـٰكِهَةٌ۬ كَثِيرَةٌ۬ مِّنۡهَا تَأۡكُلُونَ

Friends on that Day will be foes one to another except the pious. (It will be said to the true believers of Islamic Monotheism): My worshippers! No fear shall be on you this Day, nor shall you grieve; (You) who believed in Our Aayat [proofs, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.] and were Muslims. Enter Paradise, you and your wives, in happiness. Trays of gold and cups will be passed round them, (there will be) therein all that the one’s inner selves could desire, all that the eyes could delight in, and you will abide therein forever. This is the Paradise which you have been made to inherit because of your deeds which you used to do (in the life of the world). Therein for you will be fruits in plenty, of which you will eat (as you desire). [Az-Zukhruf. 67-73]

[ٱلۡأَخِلَّآءُ يَوۡمَٮِٕذِۭ – Friends on that day] – Meaning: On the day of judgement, those who befriended one another (in the worldly life) based on disbelief, belied (Allah and His Messenger), and disobedience to (Allah and His Messenger), [بَعۡضُهُمۡ لِبَعۡضٍ عَدُوٌّ – (They) will be foes one to another]- Meaning: Because their friendship and love for one another was for other than the sake of Allah, thus, they will be enemies one to another; [إِلَّا ٱلۡمُتَّقِينَ – Except the pious)]- Meaning: Those who kept away from shirk and disobedience because their love for one another will continue.

Thereafter, Allah mentioned the reward, and that [He] will address them with what will gladden their hearts and dispel every evil from them, saying:

[يَـٰعِبَادِ لَا خَوۡفٌ عَلَيۡكُمُ ٱلۡيَوۡمَ وَلَآ أَنتُمۡ تَحۡزَنُونَ- My worshippers! No fear shall be on you this Day, nor shall you grieve]- Meaning: Neither will you encounter any fear from those matters one will come across nor grieve about what has already taken place, because after what is hated has been removed [i.e. the judgement] from every direction, what is beloved and sought after is attained.

Then Allah said: [ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ بِـَٔايَـٰتِنَا  – (You) who believed in Our Ayat (proofs, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.)] – Meaning: Allah described them as those who believed in His Ayat, and this includes testifying to its truthfulness as well as those matters without which this testification cannot be complete, such as having knowledge of its meaning and acting upon what it necessitates.

[وَڪَانُواْ مُسۡلِمِينَ – and were Muslims]- Meaning: They (willingly) submitted to Allah in all circumstances, so they combined the characteristics of outward (righteous) deeds and (righteous) deeds (of the heart) . [1]

ٱدۡخُلُواْ ٱلۡجَنَّةَ أَنتُمۡ وَأَزۡوَٲجُكُمۡ تُحۡبَرُونَ

يُطَافُ عَلَيۡہِم بِصِحَافٍ۬ مِّن ذَهَبٍ۬ وَأَكۡوَابٍ۬‌ۖ وَفِيهَا مَا تَشۡتَهِيهِ ٱلۡأَنفُسُ وَتَلَذُّ ٱلۡأَعۡيُنُ‌ۖ وَأَنتُمۡ فِيهَا خَـٰلِدُونَ

وَتِلۡكَ ٱلۡجَنَّةُ ٱلَّتِىٓ أُورِثۡتُمُوهَا بِمَا كُنتُمۡ تَعۡمَلُونَ

لَكُمۡ فِيہَا فَـٰكِهَةٌ۬ كَثِيرَةٌ۬ مِّنۡهَا تَأۡكُلُونَ

Enter Paradise, you and your wives, in happiness. Trays of gold and cups will be passed round them, [there will be] therein all that the one’s inner selves could desire, all that the eyes could delight in, and you will abide therein forever. This is the Paradise which you have been made to inherit because of your deeds which you used to do [in the life of the world]. Therein for you will be fruits in plenty, of which you will eat [as you desire].

[1]: An Excerpt from ‘Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam al-Mannaan’