Pearls of Wisdom

[14] Usaamah Bin Zayd: Exemplifying Positive Engagement and Effective Communication With The Rulers

Written by Abdullah Jallow on February 19, 2024. Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To 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.

Shaqeeq [may Allah have mercy upon him] reported that it was said to Usamah Bin Zayd [may Allah be pleased with him], “Why don’t you visit Uthman [may Allah be pleased with him] and speak to him?” So, he said, “Do you think that I have not spoken to him except if I make you hear (about it)? By Allah! I have spoken to him (about affairs) concerning me and him, and I did not like to divulge those things about which I had to take the initiative and I do not say to my ruler, ‘You are the best among people’ after I heard Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] saying, ‘A man will be brought on the Day of Resurrection and thrown in Hell-Fire and his intestines will pour forth in Hell and he will go round along with them, as an ass goes round the mill stone. The inhabitants of Hell would gather round him and say, ‘O, so and so! What has happened to you? Were you not enjoining us to do what was good and forbidding us to do what was evil? He will say, ‘Of course, it is so; I used to enjoin (upon people) to do what was good but did not practice that myself. I had been forbidding people to do what was evil, but did it myself”. [1]

Waa’il [may Allah have mercy upon him] reported that it was said to Usamah Bin Zayd [may Allah be pleased with him], “Will you go to so-and-so [i.e. Uthman – may Allah be pleased with him] and speak to him (i.e. advise him regarding rulership of the country)?” He said, “You see that I don’t speak to him. I speak to (advise) him secretly without opening a door because neither do I want to be the first to open it nor will I say to a man who is my ruler that he is the best of all the people after I have heard something from Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said”. They said, “What have you heard him saying?” He said, “I have heard him saying, “A man will be brought on the Day of Resurrection and thrown in the (Hell) Fire, so that his intestines will come out, and he will go around like a donkey goes around a millstone. The people of (Hell) Fire will gather around him and say, ‘O so-and-so! What is wrong with you? Didn’t you use to order us to do good deeds and forbid us to do bad deeds?’ He will reply, ‘Yes, I used to order you to do good deeds, but I did not do them myself, and I used to forbid you to do bad deeds, yet I used to do them myself'” [2] [Footnote a]

Regarding the statement: “I speak to (advise) him secretly without opening a door “. Al-Aynee [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: Meaning, without opening one of the doors of temptation. I speak to him to pursue a Maslahah [aiming to bring about positive outcomes and deter negative or evil ones] and not to incite temptations, as openly disapproving of the rulers can be perceived as a form of rebellion, carrying insults that lead to division and schism within the unified body of Muslims under the authority of the ruler. [3] Al-Qaadhi Iyaadh [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: Meaning, “I do not wish to be the first to open this door”, which is expressing open disapproval and directing it toward the rulers, and its evil consequences, as was the case when they openly disapproved of Uthman [may Allah be pleased with him] which led to the shedding of his blood and the subsequent turmoil that ensued”. [4]

Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee al-Mad’khali [may Allah preserve him] said: Uthman [may Allah be pleased with him] was one of those who restrained the people from bloodshed the most as well as that of the people who violated his honour. Shaikh Al-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “What is well known through successive numerous narrations is that Uthman [may Allah be pleased with him] was one of those who restrained the people from bloodshed the most, exercised patience the most regarding the affair of those who violated his honour and those who made a determined attempt to shed his blood, so they besieged him and endeavoured to kill him, and he knew their desire to kill him. The Muslims came to him from every place to help him and indicated to him to fight the besiegers, but he commanded them to refrain from fighting and commanded those who obeyed him not to fight. He said to his slaves, ‘Whoever restrains his hand is freed’. It was said to him, ‘Will you go to Makkah?’ He said, ‘I will not be amongst those who commit evil in the sacred house’. Then it was said to him, ‘Will you not go to Syria?’ He said, ‘I will not leave my place of Hijrah (i.e. Madeenah)’. Then it was said to him, ‘Fight them’, he said, ‘I will not be the first in the Ummah of Muhammad [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] to unleash the sword after the departure of Muhammad’. Uthmaan’s patience until he was murdered is one of his greatest virtues in the sight of Muslims”. [5]

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim [may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “Upon realising that he would face death based on his observations of the events and signs, Uthman [may Allah be pleased with him] chose not to engage in fighting or self-defence to prevent conflict among the Muslims. He preferred to be killed rather than (initiating) fighting between Muslims”. [6]

Footnote a: “A man will be brought on the Day of Resurrection and thrown in the (Hell) Fire, so that his intestines will come out, and he will go around like a donkey goes around a millstone. The people of (Hell) Fire will gather around him and say, ‘O so-and-so! What is wrong with you? Didn’t you use to order us to do good deeds and forbid us to do bad deeds?’ He will reply, ‘Yes, I used to order you to do good deeds, but I did not do them myself, and I used to forbid you to do bad deeds, yet I used to do them myself'”. [Saheeh Al-Bukhari 3267] Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi al-Mad’khali [may Allah preserve him] said, “Indeed, there may be someone worse than this man because he [i.e. the one worse than the man mentioned in this Hadeeth] enjoins evil and forbids good, so what will be his state of affairs, and Allah’s Refuge is sought?!” [7]

To be continued…InShaaAllah

[1] Saheeh Muslim 2989

[2] Saheeh Al-Bukhari 3267

[3] Umdah Al-Qaaree Sharh Saheeh Al-Bukhaari. 15/166

[4] Ik’maal Al-Mu’allim Bi-Fawaa’id Muslim 8/538]

[5] An Excerpt from Al-Mukhtaaraat Al-Bahiyyah Min Kutub Shaikhil Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah. Page 296. Slightly paraphrased

[6] الطُّرُقُ الْحُكميَّة- page 30

[7] Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm. Pages 270-271

Our teacher, khateeb, or Masjid Committee is Balanced- neither speak nor take a stance until after assessing benefits and harms

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on February 12, 2024. Posted in Bid'ah (Innovation), Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Our teacher, khateeb, or Masjid Committee refrains from speaking until after carefully assessing the advantages and disadvantages

Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi Al-Mad’khali [may Allah preserve him] clarified this affair when Dr Ibraaheem Ar-Ruhayli [may Allah rectify his affair] mentioned the importance of considering the benefits of a refutation, and that it is crucial to ascertain the benefits of the refutation because if it will result in more harm than the initial corruption, it is not legislated to proceed with it. This is because a Mafsadah [a corrupt affair] is not to repelled if it will lead to greater corruption. Dr. Ibraaheem then cited a statement by Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah, stating that it is impermissible to repel a minor act of corruption that may lead to greater corruption. The preferable course of action is to not repel the lesser of two harmful matters which leads to greater corruption, as the Islamic Legislation aims to bring about beneficial outcomes and accomplish them fully, while also putting a halt to corrupt affairs and minimising their impact as much as possible. The objective is to prioritise the weightier of two good matters, in cases where achieving both is not feasible and to repel the more evil of two matters if it is not possible to eliminate both.

Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee Al-Mad’khalee responded to Dr Ibraaheem’s statement, stating that the words of Shaikhul Islam are indeed true. He emphasised that it is not permissible to repel a minor act of corruption that would lead to greater corruption. Then the Shaikh stated, however, I [Rabee] believe that Shaikh Al-Islam does not consider Shirk, Kufr, the Major Bidah, waging war against Ahlus Sunnah, and defending the senior proponents of Bidah as minor matters of corruption, or that disapproving them (openly) and highlighting their danger is something that will result in more corruption. There is no greater advantage than spreading Tawheed and demonstrating it, eradicating Shirk and Kufr, and cleansing the earth from them; (cleansing the earth from) Bidah which the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] referred to as the most detrimental of all matters. Shaikh Al-Islaam intended, as evident from this statement, the one who gives advice to the rulers or expresses disapproval towards the actions of Muslim rulers or their representatives because this is to be carried out with evidence, leniency, and gentleness, but in cases where disapproving their minor acts of corruption may result in greater corruption, one bears the smaller corruption to repel the occurrence of a greater corruption. Then the Shaikh expounded on this matter in a footnote on page 54 where he stated, “This is contrary to the actions of the khawaarij and their ilk because their disapproval (of the ruler) is either manifested through armed rebellion or instigation and provocation. Consequently, the resulting corruption from their disapproval of the ruler’s actions surpasses and intensifies the very corruption they sought to prevent.”

Then the Shaikh proceeded to state that if the corrupt actions carried out by the rulers amount to Shirk, Rafd (the creed of the Raafidah Shiites), or Kufr, then this principle of bearing the lesser evil does not apply in this case. Regarding bidah, particularly bidah which is equivalent to disbelief or polytheism, the statement of Shaikh Al-Islam should not be applied in such situations. Then the Shaikh stressed this point to Dr Ibraaheem, reminding him of Imaam Ahmad’s opposition to those who claimed that the Qur’an is created, despite their political power. Shaikh Al-Islaam and Ibn Al-Qayyim wrote numerous books refuting Ahlul Bidah, including Al-Waasityyah, Al-Hamawiyyah, At-Tadmuriyyah, Minhaaj Ahl Sunnah, Naqd al-Mantiq, Dar Ta’aarud Al-Naql Wal-Aql, Talbees Al-Jahmiyyah, Iqtidaa Siraat al-Mustaqeem, Al-Fataawaa Al-Kubraa, and Majmoo Al-Fataawaa. Most of these books specifically refute the Ash’ariyyah. (a) Ibnul Qayyim’s books, such as As-Sawaa’iq Al-Mursalah Alal Jahmiyyah Wal-Mu’attilah (b) I’laam Al-Muwaqqi’een, Ighaatha Al-Lahfaan, and An’Nubuwwah were primarily written to refute the Ash’ariyyah Soofiyyah, despite their political authority. The reason for clarification and disapproval in this matter (i.e. rebuttal against the major bidah) is nothing else other than something that brings more benefit than harm. This is the call of the Messengers, from Nuh to the last of them Muhammad, because they manifested the truth, explained Tawheed, and warned against Shirk, regardless of their enemies’ tyranny, authority, strength, and transgressions. [1]

Must read the article By Shaikh Abu Khadeejah [may Allah protect him] regarding rebellion, Takfeer, speaking against rulers openly in general, and pay close attention to what Imaam Ahmad advised the delegation that approached him and suggested rebellion, saying, “Keep opposing (the false belief itself) with your statements, but do not remove your hands from obedience and do not encourage the Muslims to rebel and do not spill your blood and the blood of the Muslims along with you. Look to the results of your actions. And remain patient until you are content with a righteous or sinful rule.” http://www.abukhadeejah.com/the-tyranny-of-the-rulers-a-reason-for-rebellion/ ]

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Footnote a: http://www.asharis.com/creed/

Footnote b: http://www.sahihmuslim.com/sps/sp.cfm?secID=AQD&subsecID=AQD12&loadpage=displaysubsection.cfm

[1] An Excerpt from “Bayaan Maa Fee Naseehati Ibraaheem Ar-Ruhayli Minal Khalal Wal-Ikhlaal” 53-54. paraphrased

Our Teacher, Khateeb or Masjid Committee is Balanced – neither mentions names of Ahlul Bidah nor Details Issues of Methodology to Common People!

Written by Abdullah Jallow on February 11, 2024. Posted in Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi Al-Madkhali [may Allah preserve him] was asked, “What do you say about an individual who advises people not to listen to refutations, and when asked why he took this stance, he answered, ‘The person who asked me about this was a common person, and he is unable to recite the Quran properly’. What is your comment on this? May Allah bless you”.

Answer: If he is a layman, he must be taught the Islamic creed and warned against Ahlul bidah. Because the majority of ordinary people have become supporters of the people of bidah these days, it is necessary to warn them against (the people of bidah). Say to him, “So and so is on such and such bidah, and you will be harmed if you listen to him.” This is done so that they will not read (his books), listen to his audio tapes, and will be cautious of his statements. This layman needs someone to caution him and remind him of the principle, “This knowledge is religion so look at whom you take your religion from”. During these times, the common people are targeted by the people of bidah, who will tell you, “Do not let them read the books of refutations.” No. No. This will expose them (the people) to destruction. (1)

Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi Al-Mad’khali [may Allah preserve him] was asked, “Is it permitted for us as students of knowledge to be silent about the Mubtadi’ah and to nurture the youth and students on the Salafi path without mentioning the names of the Mubtadi’ah?”

Answer: By Allah, if necessary, the Mubtadi’ah are to be mentioned by their characteristics as well as their names. If so and so has put himself forward for leadership, leading this Ummah and the youth to falsehood, he is to be mentioned by name. If there is a necessity, he must be mentioned by name. In this regard, one of the Salafis in Egypt used to teach, and he would just mention generalities (general descriptions without mentioning names), and the people did not understand these generalities. Following that, he began to openly mention the names of the groups and individuals, so they said, “O Shaykh! Why did you not teach us like this in the beginning?” He said, “I delivered many lessons to you, and I would say this and that (i.e. general descriptions without names)”. They said, “By Allah! We did not understand.” (2)

Al-Allaamah Saaleh Al-Fawzaan [may Allah preserve him] said:

The principle here is about warning against mistakes and deviance after identifying them as such. If the affair necessitates making known the name of an individual among the obstinate opponents so that beguilement does not occur through them, particularly those individuals with deviated views or deviation in behaviour and methodology, and they are well known among the people and a good opinion is held about them, there is no harm in mentioning them by their names and their methodology warned against. The scholars carry out research in the science of Jarh Wat-Tadeel and then mention the narrators and the criticism directed against them. This is not done for the sake of personal (criticism), but rather to advise the Ummah in case they come across affairs from these individuals that are harmful to the Religion or lies against the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him]. Therefore, this principle is first and foremost about warning against mistakes. But the person who made such a mistake should not be named if doing so would either do more harm or if there is no benefit in doing so.

If the matter requires that his name be made known to warn the people about his methodology, this is an act of sincere devotion to Allah in worship, an act of sincere devotion to Allah’s Book, an act of sincere devotion to Allah’s Messenger (by following his Sunnah), and an act of sincere advice to Muslim leaders and their common folk, especially if he (the one warned against) is active among the people and they have a positive view of him and buy his books and audio tapes. Therefore, there has to be clarification and warning because silence will be harmful to people. His affair has to be unveiled, however, it must be done as an act of sincere devotion to Allah in worship, an act of sincere devotion to Allah’s Book, an act of sincere devotion to Allah’s Messenger (by following his Sunnah), and an act of sincere advice to Muslim leaders and their common folk, and not for defamation or to satisfy one’s desires. [3]

[1] Fataawa Fadeelah Ash-Shaykh Rabee’ Al-Madkhalee (1/273)]

[2] Fataawa Fadeelah Ash-Shaykh Rabee’ Al-Madkhalee (1/277)]

[3] An Excerpt from “Al-Ajwibah Al Mufeedah”. Question number 66. Page 162.

Gratitude and Remembrance of Allah, Recalling Allah’s Favours or Fluanting, Pursuing Virtuous Leadership or Self-aggrandisement

Written by Abdullah Jallow on February 10, 2024. Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

The Three Pillars of Gratitude

Allah [The Most High] says:

لِتَسْتَوُوا عَلَىٰ ظُهُورِهِ ثُمَّ تَذْكُرُوا نِعْمَةَ رَبِّكُمْ إِذَا اسْتَوَيْتُمْ عَلَيْهِ وَتَقُولُوا سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي سَخَّرَ لَنَا هَٰذَا وَمَا كُنَّا لَهُ مُقْرِنِينَ
وَإِنَّا إِلَىٰ رَبِّنَا لَمُنقَلِبُونَ

So that you may mount on their backs, and then may remember the Favour of your Lord when you mount thereon, and say: “Glory to Him Who has subjected this to us, and we could never have it (by our efforts). And verily, to Our Lord, we indeed are to return!” [Surah Az-Zukhruf. Ayaat 13-14]

Imam As-Sadi [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: The Ayah highlights the three pillars of gratitude, which encompass the acknowledgment of Allah’s blessings, openly expressing gratitude for them, and utilising these blessings to engage in acts of worship solely for the sake of Allah.

Regarding Allah’s saying: [ثُمَّ تَذْكُرُوا نِعْمَةَ رَبِّكُمْ إِذَا اسْتَوَيْتُمْ – And then may remember the favour of your Lord when you mount thereon], this specific mention is intended to draw attention to the time when a person enjoys those favours because blessings intoxicate many people, leading them to heedlessness, evil, and ungratefulness. Therefore, this situation where Allah commanded (us to remember Him) is a remedy for this destructive ailment. When a person remembers that they are surrounded by Allah’s blessings and that everything comes from Allah and not from oneself, but rather blessings are facilitated by Allah and its means are from Him, one then submits to Allah, humbles himself, thanks and praises Allah, and he is bestowed continuous blessings.

Regarding the statement of Allah: [وَإِنَّا إِلَىٰ رَبِّنَا لَمُنقَلِبُونَ – And verily, to Our Lord, we indeed are to return], this serves as an acknowledgement of recompense (in the Afterlife) and preparing for because the objective behind these favours is to assist a servant of Allah in carrying out the obligations commanded by Allah. [(1)]

Remembrance of Allah and Gratitude

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

Allah [The Most High] said: [فَٱذۡكُرُونِىٓ أَذۡكُرۡكُمۡ وَٱشۡڪُرُواْ لِى وَلَا تَكۡفُرُونِ – Therefore, remember Me (by praying, glorifying, etc.). I will remember you, and be grateful to Me (for My countless Favours on you) and never be ungrateful to Me]. [Surah Al-Baqarah. Ayah 152]

The intent behind Dhikr is not merely to remember (Allah) with one’s tongue, rather it is remembrance with the heart and the tongue. Remembrance of Allah includes remembering Him by His Names and Attributes, His commandments, His prohibitions and His Speech. This necessitates that a person should have knowledge and awareness of Allah (I), belief in Allah, belief in Allah’s Perfect and Lofty Attributes, as well as (constantly) praising Allah with various types of praise [i.e. based on what Allah has legislated in the authentic texts of the Shariah and not by way of Bidah]; and this cannot be accomplished except through Tawheed [i.e. singling Allah out in His Lordship, Names and Attributes, and devoting all acts of worship to Allaah alone]. True Remembrance of Allah necessitates all of this, as well as remembering the blessings and favours, which Allah has bestowed upon His creatures and His kindness to them.

As for Shukr [i.e. to be grateful or thankful to Allah], it is to act in obedience to Allah and seek to draw close to Him through those apparent (deeds of the limbs) and (deeds of the heart) that are beloved to Him. The religion is based on these two: remembrance of Allah, which necessitates having knowledge and awareness of Allah, and being grateful to Him, which necessitates obedience to Him through acts of worship and (refraining from disobedience). This is the purpose behind the creation of the Jinn, mankind, the heavens and the earth- the reason for which reward and punishment are determined, (the reason for which) Allah revealed the Books and sent the Messengers. It is the truth for which the heavens, the earth and what is between them were created, and what is in opposition to it is falsehood, such as the assumption held by the enemies of Allah that there is no purpose behind the creation [free is Allah from what they attribute to Him]. Allah [The Most High] says:

[وَمَا خَلَقۡنَا ٱلسَّمَآءَ وَٱلۡأَرۡضَ وَمَا بَيۡنَہُمَا بَـٰطِلاً۬‌ۚ ذَٲلِكَ ظَنُّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ‌ۚ – And We created not the heaven and the earth and all that is between them without purpose! That is the assumption of those who disbelieve!]

Allah [The Most High] says:
وَمَا خَلَقۡنَا ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضَ وَمَا بَيۡنَہُمَا لَـٰعِبِينَ
مَا خَلَقۡنَـٰهُمَآ إِلَّا بِٱلۡحَقِّ

And We created not the heavens and the earth, and all that is between them, for mere play; We created them not except with truth (i.e. to examine and test those who are obedient and those who are disobedient and then reward the obedient ones and punish the disobedient ones).

Allah [The Most High] says: [وَمَا خَلَقۡنَا ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضَ وَمَا بَيۡنَہُمَآ إِلَّا بِٱلۡحَقِّ‌ۗ وَإِنَّ ٱلسَّاعَةَ لَأَتِيَةٌ۬‌ۖ – And We created not the heavens and the earth and all that is between them except with truth, and the Hour is surely coming…]

Allah [The Most High] said: [مَا خَلَقَ ٱللَّهُ ذَٲلِكَ إِلَّا بِٱلۡحَقِّ‌ۚ – Allah did not create this but in truth]. Allah [The Most High] said: Allaah [The Most High] said: [أَيَحۡسَبُ ٱلۡإِنسَـٰنُ أَن يُتۡرَكَ سُدًى – Does man think that he will be left Suda [neglected without being punished or rewarded for the obligatory duties enjoined by his Lord (Allah) on him]?

Allah [The Most High] says: [أَفَحَسِبۡتُمۡ أَنَّمَا خَلَقۡنَـٰكُمۡ عَبَثً۬ا وَأَنَّكُمۡ إِلَيۡنَا لَا تُرۡجَعُونَ – Did you think that We had created you in play (without any purpose), and that you would not be brought back to Us?]

Allah [The Most High] says: [وَمَا خَلَقۡتُ ٱلۡجِنَّ وَٱلۡإِنسَ إِلَّا لِيَعۡبُدُونِ – And I (Allah) created not the jinns and humans except they should worship Me (Alone)]

Allah [The Most High] says:
ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ سَبۡعَ سَمَـٰوَٲتٍ۬ وَمِنَ ٱلۡأَرۡضِ مِثۡلَهُنَّ يَتَنَزَّلُ ٱلۡأَمۡرُ بَيۡنَہُنَّ لِتَعۡلَمُوٓاْ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىۡءٍ۬ قَدِيرٌ۬ وَأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ قَدۡ أَحَاطَ بِكُلِّ شَىۡءٍ عِلۡمَۢا

It is Allah Who has created seven heavens and of the earth the like thereof (i.e. seven). His Command descends between them (heavens and earth), that you may know that Allah has power over all things and that Allah surrounds (comprehends) all things in (His) Knowledge.

Allah [The Most High] says:
جَعَلَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡكَعۡبَةَ ٱلۡبَيۡتَ ٱلۡحَرَامَ قِيَـٰمً۬ا لِّلنَّاسِ وَٱلشَّہۡرَ ٱلۡحَرَامَ وَٱلۡهَدۡىَ وَٱلۡقَلَـٰٓٮِٕدَ‌ۚ ذَٲلِكَ لِتَعۡلَمُوٓاْ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَعۡلَمُ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَمَا فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ بِكُلِّ شَىۡءٍ عَلِيمٌ

Allah has made the Ka’bah, the Sacred House, an asylum of security and Hajj and ‘Umrah (pilgrimage) for mankind, and also the Sacred Month and the animals of offerings and the garlanded (people or animals, etc. marked with the garlands on their necks made from the outer part of the stem of the Makkah trees for their security), that you may know that Allah knows all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth, and that Allah is the All-Knower of each and everything.

Therefore, based on what has (already) been mentioned, it has been established that the purpose behind the creation and the Command is so that Allah is remembered and thanked. Allah is to be remembered and not forgotten, and He should be thanked and not shown ingratitude. Allah [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections] acknowledges the one who remembers Him, and He is Ready to appreciate good deeds and to recompense the one who is grateful to Him. Remembrance of Allah is the reason Allah acknowledges the one who does so. (II) Being grateful to Allah is the reason why a person is given an increase in blessings and favours. (III) Remembrance of Allah is to be carried out with the heart and tongue; gratitude is to be carried out with one’s heart- out of love for Allah and constantly turning to Him in repentance and obedience with true faith [Islamic Monotheism]. Extolling and praising Him is to be carried out with one’s tongue and being obedient to Him (by performing acts of obedience). [2] We ask Allah saying: [اللَّهُمَّ أَعِنِّي عَلَى ذِكْرِكَ، وَشُكْرِكَ، وَحُسْنِ عِبَادَتِكَ – O Allah, help me remember You, thank You, and worship You in an excellent manner]. [Saheeh Sunan Abee Dawud 1522]

Recalling Allah’s Favours or Flaunting

Allah [The Exalted] says: [وَأَمَّا بِنِعْمَةِ رَبِّكَ فَحَدِّثْ – And as for the favour of your Lord (in granting you Prophethood, the Qurʾān and all other bounties), then narrate it (to others)]. [3] Imam As-Sadi [may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “This encompasses both blessings from a religious and worldly perspective. It is expressing gratitude to Allah for these blessings and mentioning them specifically if there is a benefit in doing so. Even though one can speak generally about Allah’s blessings because doing so encourages one to be thankful and fosters a sense of love for (Allah) in the hearts of those who receive His blessings. This is because the hearts are naturally inclined towards those who treat them kindly”. [4]

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: “The difference between speaking of Allah’s blessings and being boastful about them is that the speaker regarding the blessing (i.e. the one who is not boasting) is making a mention of the Attributes of the Bestower (i.e. Allah), His perfect generosity and benevolence- praising Allah by manifesting the blessings and speaking of them, thanking Allah, and making known all that Allah has bestowed. The speaker intends to make known the Attributes of Allah, praising Allah with love and extolling Him, inspiring the soul to seek (things) from Allah alone, and hoping for (His favours), thus he has a fervent desire (to attain the Love and favours of) Allah by displaying Allah blessings, spreading them, and speaking of them. As for boasting about blessings, it is that one uses them to become arrogant towards the people and to show them that he is nobler and loftier in status than them, enslaves their hearts, and attracts them to himself so that they glorify him and be at his service”. [5]

Pursuing Virtuous Leadership or Self-aggrandisement

Allah says:

وَٱلَّذِينَ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا هَبۡ لَنَا مِنۡ أَزۡوَٲجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّـٰتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعۡيُنٍ۬ وَٱجۡعَلۡنَا لِلۡمُتَّقِينَ إِمَامًا

And those who say: “Our Lord! Bestow on us from our wives and our offspring who will be the comfort of our eyes, and make us leaders for the pious. [Surah Al-Furqan. Ayah 74]

Imaam Ibn Al-Qayyim [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: So, they ask Allah to grant them the comfort of the eye by making their wives and offspring obedient to Him, and to grant them happiness in their hearts due to being followed by the righteous in obedience and servitude to Allah. That is because a trustworthy leader in the religion co-operates with (others) in obedience (to Allah and His Messenger), and that is to call them to (sound) leadership in the religion, whose foundation is patience and certainty, as Allah [The Most High] says:

[ وَجَعَلۡنَا مِنۡہُمۡ أَٮِٕمَّةً۬ يَہۡدُونَ بِأَمۡرِنَا لَمَّا صَبَرُواْ‌ۖ وَڪَانُواْ بِـَٔايَـٰتِنَا يُوقِنُونَ – And We made from among them (Children of Israel), leaders, giving guidance under Our Command when they were patient and used to believe with certainty in Our Ayat (proofs, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.). Therefore, in their supplication -[in Surah Al-Furqaan Ayah 74]- to Allah that He makes them leaders of the righteous people is that Allah guides them, grants them success, bless them with beneficial knowledge and righteous actions–outwardly and inwardly–without which (sound) leadership in the religion cannot be achieved. This is different from (solely) seeking leadership because its seekers hasten to obtain it to achieve their goals, exaltedness in the earth, enslavement of the hearts to them, attachment to them and aiding them in all their goals, while they are exalted and everyone subservient to them. This pursuit of leadership brings about corruption, which none can evaluate except Allah, such as rebellion, envy, transgression, enmity, oppression, trials, being ardent in defending oneself at the expense of violating the rights of Allah, exalting those despised by Allah and belittling those honoured by Allah. [6]

We ask Allah:
اللَّهُمَّ أَصْلِحْ لِي دِينِي الَّذِي هُوَ عِصْمَةُ أَمْرِي
وَأَصْلِحْ لِي دُنْيَايَ الَّتِي فِيهَا مَعَاشِي
وَأَصْلِحْ لِي آخِرَتِي الَّتِي فِيهَا مَعَادِي
وَاجْعَلِ الْحَيَاةَ زِيَادَةً لِي فِي كُلِّ خَيْرٍ
وَاجْعَلِ الْمَوْتَ رَاحَةً لِي مِنْ كُلِّ شَرٍّ

O Allah! Rectify my religion for me, which is the safeguard of my affairs; rectify my worldly [affairs], wherein is my livelihood; and rectify my Afterlife to which is my return, and make life for me [as a means of] increase in every good and make death for me as a rest from every evil. [7]

———————————————-

Footnotes:

(I): Knowledge and Awareness of Allaah: Shaikh Uthaymeen [may Allah have mercy upon him] said, ’ Marifatullaah” – Knowledge and awareness of Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, with the heart, with such knowledge and awareness that it makes the person accept whatever He has prescribed and laid down, and causes him to submit to that, and to judge by the Prescribed Laws (Sharee’ah) which His Messenger Muhammad came with. The servant increases in knowledge and awareness of His Lord by considering the clear signs pertaining to the deen found in the book of Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, and in the Sunnah of His Messenger, and also by considering the signs which Allaah has provided for us in the creation. So whenever a person examines and considers these signs he will increase in his knowledge and awareness of His creator and His God, who alone has the right to all his worship. Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, says “And on the earth, there are signs for those with certain belief, and also in your own selves. Will you not then consider?” [Soorah adh Dhaariyaat: 20-21] [Translated by Ustaadh Abu Talhah Dawud Burbank (may Allaah grant him and his wife abundant mercy…Aameen)]

(II): [فَٱذۡكُرُونِىٓ أَذۡكُرۡكُمۡ وَٱشۡڪُرُواْ لِى وَلَا تَكۡفُرُونِ – Therefore, remember Me (by praying, glorifying, etc.). I will remember you, and be grateful to Me (for My countless Favours on you) and never be ungrateful to Me]: Ibn Abbaas and Ibn Jubayr said that this Aayah means, ”Remember Me by obeying Me and I [Allaah] will remember you by granting you My Maghfirah. [Zaadul Maseer Fee Ilmit-Tafseer’by Imaam Ibnul Jawzi. Publisher: Daar Ibn Hazm. 1st Edition 1424AH (2002)]

Al-Maghfirah: It necessitates that Allaah will protect you from the evil consequences of your sins, accept [your deeds, repentance etc], grant you His pleasure and favours, show you kindness and generosity etc. [Majmoo Al-Fataawaa 14/140]

(III): [And be grateful to Me (for My countless Favours on you) and never be ungrateful to Me]: Imaam Ibnul Qayyim said, ”And being grateful to Allaah is the reason behind which a person is given an increase in blessings and favours.” [ Al-Fawaa’id’ page 192-194]. Question: What are some of the evil consequences if a person persists upon disobedience, whilst he or she receives more blessings and favours from Allaah? Answer: Allaah [The Most High] said:

وَالَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا بِآيَاتِنَا سَنَسْتَدْرِجُهُم مِّنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ
وَأُمْلِي لَهُمْ ۚ إِنَّ كَيْدِي مَتِينٌ

Those who reject Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), We shall gradually seize them with punishment in ways they perceive not. And I respite them; certainly My Plan is strong. [سَنَسْتَدْرِجُهُم – We shall gradually seize them with punishment] – by granting them plentiful provision and respite until they think that they will neither be taken to task for their disobedience nor punished, so they increase in disbelief and transgression, and evil upon evil. And through this their punishment is increased and multiplied, so they harm themselves in ways they perceive not. This is why Allah said: [إِنَّ كَيْدِي مَتِينٌ -certainly My Plan is strong]. [8]

[1] An Excerpt from “Fataawa As-Sa’diyyah” page. 61

[2] An Excerpt from ‘Al-Fawaa’id’ page 192-194. slightly paraphrased

[3] https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/sura/93/11

[4] Tafseer Sadi.

[5] Ar-Rooh 312

[6] Ar-Rooh pages 487-489

[7] Saheeh Muslim Number: 2720]: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2020/12/29/o-allaah-rectify-my-religion-for-me-which-the-safeguard-of-my-affairs-a-tremendous-supplication/

[8] An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi

[1] Trials of Life- [Some issues we didn’t contemplate thoroughly – during our youth – in our religious and worldly affairs, and during serious disagreement between close ones]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on February 8, 2024. Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

SUPPLICATION

A Tremendous Supplication After Tashahud and Before Tasleem:

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). [1]

اللَّهُمَّ بِعِلْمِكَ الْغَيْبَ وَقُدْرَتِكَ عَلَى الْخَلْقِ أَحْيِنِي مَا عَلِمْتَ الْحَيَاةَ خَيْراً لِي وَتَوَفَّنِي إِذَا عَلِمْتَ الْوَفَاةَ خَيْراً لِي

*”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”.

This requires surrendering and submitting all of one’s affairs to the Lord, asking Allah for the best outcome in every situation, and seeking that through His All-Encompassing knowledge because Allah has complete knowledge of both hidden and visible matters, and He has absolute power over everything. No one can change His judgment or prevent His decree. It is well known that a servant of Allah cannot predict the outcome of their affairs or their final destination. They are also unable to achieve good or avoid harm except with the help and ease granted by Allah. Therefore, a servant of Allah is always in need of Allah, regardless of where he may be. This is why one says in this supplication: [أَحْيِنِي مَا عَلِمْتَ الْحَيَاةَ خَيْراً لِي وَتَوَفَّنِي إِذَا عَلِمْتَ الْوَفَاةَ خَيْراً لِي – Let me live if life is good for me, and let me die if You know that death is good for me].

That’s why the Sunnah forbids against wishing for death when faced with hardships, as one may not fully understand the repercussions. The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “Let none of you wish for death. If he is righteous, he might increase his good deeds. If he is sinful, he might repent”. [Bukhaari]

*[اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ خَشْيَتَكَ فِي الْغَيْبِ وَالشَّهَادَةِ – O Allah! I ask You to grant me (the blessing of having) fear of You in private and public].

Meaning: That I fear You in private and public- when I am with the people and when they are absent because while some fear Allah in public and when seen, the true measure of devotion lies in fearing Allah when not seen by the people. Allah praised those who fear Him in the unseen, saying: [ الَّذِينَ يَخْشَوْنَ رَبَّهُمْ بِالْغَيْبِ وَهُمْ مِنْ السَّاعَةِ مُشْفِقُونَ – Those who fear their Lord without seeing Him, while they are afraid of the Hour]. [Surah Al-Anbiyaa. Aayah 49]

Allah [The Most High] says: [ مَنْ خَشِيَ الرَّحْمَنَ بِالْغَيْبِ وَجَاءَ بِقَلْبٍ مُنِيبٍ – Who feared the Most Beneficent (Allah) in the Ghaib (unseen): (i.e. in this worldly life before seeing and meeting Him), and brought a heart turned in repentance (to Him – and absolutely free from each and every kind of polytheism)]. [Surah Qaaf. Ayah 33]

*[وَأَسْأَلُكَ كَلِمَةَ الْحَقِّ فِي الرِّضَا وَالْغَضَبِ – And I ask you (to make me utter) a statement of truth in times of contentment and anger].

Meaning: Empower me to speak the truth during moments of contentment and anger. Speaking the truth during moments of anger is a virtuous and powerful act, as anger often leads a person to utter the opposite of truth and other than justice. Indeed, Allah commends those of His servants who forgive when angered and their anger never drives them towards transgression and aggression. Allah [The Most High] says: [ وَإِذَا مَا غَضِبُوا هُمْ يَغْفِرُونَ – And when they are angry, they forgive]. [Surah Ash-Shuraa. Ayah 37]

If someone speaks only the truth when they’re angry, it shows that they have a strong faith and are in control of their soul (by the permission of Allah). In a hadeeth. the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “The strong one (i.e. the one who is more worthy to be described as a strong person) is not the one who (overcomes the people in) wrestling, rather the strong person is the one who restrains his himself when angry”.

*[وَأَسْأَلُكَ الْقَصْدَ فِي الْغِنَى وَالْفَقْرِ – And I ask You for moderation when in a state of wealth and poverty].

Meaning: Being moderate whether I’m poor or wealthy, following the balanced path set by the Shariah; neither stingy when I’m poor and fear running out of what I have; nor being extravagant and burdening myself with things I can’t handle, as Allah [The Most High] says: [ وَلاَ تَجْعَلْ يَدَكَ مَغْلُولَةً إِلَى عُنُقِكَ وَلاَ تَبْسُطْهَا كُلَّ الْبَسْطِ فَتَقْعُدَ مَلُومًا مَحْسُورًا – And let not your hand be tied (like a miser) to your neck, nor stretch it forth to its utmost reach (like a spendthrift), so that you become blameworthy and in severe poverty]- [Surah Al-Israa. Aayah 29].

And that if one is wealthy, his wealth does not lead him to extravagance and he exceeds the limits. Allah [The Most High] says: [وَالَّذِينَ إِذَا أَنفَقُوا لَمْ يُسْرِفُوا وَلَمْ يَقْتُرُوا وَكَانَ بَيْنَ ذَلِكَ قَوَامًا – And those, who, when they spend, are neither extravagant nor niggardly, but hold a medium (way) between those (extremes)]. [Surah Al-Furqaan. Ayah 67]

*[وَأَسْأَلُكَ نَعِيماً لَا يَنْفَذُ – And I ask you for blessings that never ceases]. Meaning: The blessing that never ceases is the blessing of the Hereafter, as Allah [The Most High] says: [مَا عِنْدَكُمْ يَنفَدُ وَمَا عِنْدَ اللَّهِ بَاقٍ – Whatever is with you, will be exhausted, and whatever with Allah will remain]. [Surah An-Nahl. Ayah 96] Allah says: [ إِنَّ هَذَا لَرِزْقُنَا مَا لَهُ مِنْ نَفَادٍ – (It will be said to them)! Verily, this is Our Provision which will never finish]. [Surah Saad. Ayah 54]

*[وَأَسْأَلُكَ قُرَّةَ عَيْنٍ لَا تَنْقَطِعُ -And I ask You for the coolness of my eye that will never end]. Meaning: Some blessings come to an end, while others do not. The coolness of one’s eyes in worldly things is only temporary and will eventually fade away. Moreover, this is tainted with fear and anxiety due to the hardships and pain we experience. As a result, believers do not find greater pleasure in anything of this world except in their love for Allah, their remembrance of Him, and their obedience to Him, as the Messenger said, “The coolness [pleasure or delight] of my eyes is in prayer”. Therefore, whoever finds the pleasure of his eyes in this (i.e. their love for Allah and obedience to Him), they have something that will never cease to exist in this world, in the grave, and the Hereafter.

*[وَأَسْأَلُكَ الرِّضِا بَعْدَ الْقَضَاءِ – And I ask You (to make me pleased) after (Your) decree]. Meaning: Asking Allah to grant you contentment after His decree has been fulfilled, as it would genuinely demonstrate your satisfaction with Allah’s decree.

*[وَأَسْأَلُكَ بَرْدَ الْعَيْشِ بَعْدَ الْمَوْتِ – And I ask You for a life of (ease, comfort, tranquillity etc) after death]. Meaning: This demonstrates that the true essence of a perfect life, filled with goodness and comfort, can only be experienced after death. Life before death is marred by pain and suffering. If the only pain we had to endure in this life was death itself, that would have been enough. But the reality is that life is filled with countless pains, sorrows, illnesses, the frailty of old age, and the heartache of being separated from loved ones.

*[وَأَسْأَلُكَ لَذَّةَ النَّظَرِ إِلَى وَجْهِكَ وَالشَّوْقَ إِلَى لِقَائِكَ فِي غَيْرِ ضَرَّاءَ مُضِرَّةٍ وَلَا فِتْنَةٍ مُضِلَّةٍ – And 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)]. This part of the supplication brings together the best aspects of both this life and the Hereafter – the desire to meet Allah and see His Noble face in the Hereafter [May He be free from any imperfections, equals, similarities, or partners]. And since the fulfilment of this desire depends on being protected from harm in this life and being tested in one’s religious affairs, one expresses the following sentiment: [فِي غَيْرِ ضَرَّاءَ مُضِرَّةٍ وَلَا فِتْنَةٍ مُضِلَّةٍ – without any harm and misleading trials (coming upon me)].

The meeting between the believer and his lord on the day of judgment has been mentioned in many texts in the Qur’an and Sunnah. Only those who have deviated from the right path would deny it. It is the ultimate happiness for the people of Jannah and brings them the greatest joy. The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said: When the people of Paradise would enter Paradise, Allah [The Blessed and the Exalted] would ask, “Do you wish Me to give you anything more?” They would say, “Have You not brightened our faces? Have You not made us enter Paradise and saved us from Fire?” He would lift the veil, and of things given to them, nothing would be dearer to them than looking at their Lord”. [Saheeh Muslim 181]

*[اللَّهُمَّ زَيِّنَّا بِزِينَةِ الْإِيمَانِ وِاجْعَلْنَا هُدَاةً مُهْتَدِينَ – O Allah! Adorn us with the adornment of Eemaan, and make us (from those who are) guided and guiding (others)]. Meaning: Beautification with Imaan involves adornment of the heart with authentic creed and noble deeds of the heart. It also entails adorning the tongue with remembrance of Allah and recitation of the Qur’an, as well as enjoining good and forbidding evil; adorning the limbs with righteous deeds that bring one closer to Allah.

*[ وَاجْعَلْنَا هُدَاةً مُهْتَدِينَ – And make us (from those who are) guided and guiding (others)]. Meaning: To be guided and guide others. This is the greatest status when one is acquainted with the truth, lives by it, and teaches others. We pray to Allah to lead us towards this path and allow us to be among those who are guided and guiding others.

[An “Excerpt from “Fiqh Al-Adiyah Wal Adkaar. 3/165-169. Slightly paraphrased]

To be continued…InShaaAllah

[Ref 1: Sunan An-Nasaa’ee’ Number 1305 & declared Saheeh by Imaam Albaani (rahimahullaah) in As-Saheehah Number 1301]

Popes Received a Deserved Precise Response From An Erudite Contemporary Senior Scholar of The Ummah [Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi Al-Mad’khali]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on February 7, 2024. Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Prophets, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Refutations, Repentance, Scholars of Islam, Shirk, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi Al-Mad’khali [may Allah preserve him] stated:

It has been broadcasted and spread in the media, including via broadcasts, newspapers, and websites, that the Pope of the Vatican Benedict the 16th attacked Islam and Allah’s Messenger, Muhammad [peace and blessings be upon him], describing him and his message to be evil and rough. This is a strange and astounding affair that contradicts sound reasoning and intelligence, and the evident reality of Islam – the Islam through which Allah removed humankind out of darkness (and entered them) into light, (removed them) from the tyranny of (false or distorted) religions to the justice of Islam, which (even) the people of intelligence amongst its enemies bear witness to. I will not prolong my praise of Islam and the Messenger of Islam, because indeed the world and the libraries are filled with it, so I say:

Indeed, Muhammad is Allah’s Messenger- truly and truthfully. Allah sent him as a mercy to the entire creation, as a bearer of glad tidings, a warner, a caller to (the path of) Allah, and an illuminating lamp (through Allah’s instructions from the Qur’an and the Sunnah). He came honouring the Prophets and their books; rather he came with love for them, belief in them and their books. Allah [The Exalted] said:

آمَنَ الرَّسُولُ بِمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْهِ مِن رَّبِّهِ وَالْمُؤْمِنُونَ كُلٌّ آمَنَ بِاللّهِ وَمَلآئِكَتِهِ وَكُتُبِهِ وَرُسُلِهِ لاَ نُفَرِّقُ بَيْنَ أَحَدٍ مِّن رُّسُلِهِ

The Messenger (Muhammad ) believes in what has been sent down to him from his Lord, and (so do) the believers. Each one believes in Allah, His Angels, His Books, and His Messengers. They say, “We make no distinction between one another of His Messengers”. [Surah Al-Baqarah. Ayah 285]

Allah [The Exalted] – whilst commanding the Muhammad [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] and his Ummah- stated:

قُولُواْ آمَنَّا بِاللّهِ وَمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْنَا وَمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَإِسْمَاعِيلَ وَإِسْحَاقَ وَيَعْقُوبَ وَالأسْبَاطِ وَمَا أُوتِيَ مُوسَى وَعِيسَى وَمَا أُوتِيَ النَّبِيُّونَ مِن رَّبِّهِمْ لاَ نُفَرِّقُ بَيْنَ أَحَدٍ مِّنْهُمْ وَنَحْنُ لَهُ مُسْلِمُونَ

Say (O Muslims), “We believe in Allah and that which has been sent down to us and that which has been sent down to Ibrahim (Abraham), Isma’il (Ishmael), Ishaque (Isaac), Ya’qub (Jacob), and to Al-Asbat [the twelve sons of Ya’qub (Jacob)], and that which has been given to Musa (Moses) and ‘Iesa (Jesus), and that which has been given to the Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him we have submitted (in Islam).” [Surah Al-Baqarah. Ayah 136]

Allah [The Exalted] said:

قُلْ آمَنَّا بِاللّهِ وَمَا أُنزِلَ عَلَيْنَا وَمَا أُنزِلَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَإِسْمَاعِيلَ وَإِسْحَاقَ وَيَعْقُوبَ وَالأَسْبَاطِ وَمَا أُوتِيَ مُوسَى وَعِيسَى وَالنَّبِيُّونَ مِن رَّبِّهِمْ لاَ نُفَرِّقُ بَيْنَ أَحَدٍ مِّنْهُمْ وَنَحْنُ لَهُ مُسْلِمُونَ

Say (O Muhammad ): “We believe in Allah and in what has been sent down to us, and what was sent down to Ibrahim (Abraham), Isma’il (Ishmael), Ishaque (Isaac), Ya’qub (Jacob) and Al-Asbat [the twelve sons of Ya’qub (Jacob)] and what was given to Musa (Moses), ‘Iesa (Jesus) and the Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between one another among them and to Him (Allah) we have submitted (in Islam).” [Surah Aal Imran. Ayah 84]

Muhammad [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] brought Adl and Ihsan, forbidding indecency, evil and transgression. Allah [The Exalted] said:

إِنَّ اللّهَ يَأْمُرُ بِالْعَدْلِ وَالإِحْسَانِ وَإِيتَاء ذِي الْقُرْبَى وَيَنْهَى عَنِ الْفَحْشَاء وَالْمُنكَرِ وَالْبَغْيِ يَعِظُكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَذَكَّرُونَ

Verily, Allah enjoins Al-Adl (i.e. justice and worshipping none but Allah Alone – Islamic Monotheism) and Al-Ihsan [i.e. to be patient in performing your duties to Allah, totally for Allah’s sake and in accordance with the Sunnah (legal ways) of the Prophet in a perfect manner], and giving (help) to kith and kin (i.e. all that Allah has ordered you to give them e.g., wealth, visiting, looking after them, or any other kind of help, etc.): and forbids Al-Fahsha’ (i.e all evil deeds, e.g. illegal sexual acts, disobedience of parents, polytheism, to tell lies, to give false witness, to kill a life without right, etc.), and Al-Munkar (i.e all that is prohibited by Islamic law: polytheism of every kind, disbelief and every kind of evil deeds, etc.), and Al-Baghy (i.e. all kinds of oppression), He admonishes you, that you may take heed. [Surah An-Nahl. Ayah 90]

He brought Jihad to uphold the statement of Allah [i.e. none has the right to be worshipped except Allah] and eliminate disbelief, polytheism and corruption. Musa [Moses – (peace and blessings be upon him)] and the Prophets of the Children of Israel preceded him in this. And he brought Qisaas [the law of Equality in punishment] and Hudood [prescribed limits related to lawful and unlawful based on the Qur’an and Sunnah] to protect religion, lives, honour and wealth. And indeed, Musa (Moses) and the Prophets of the children of Israel after him preceded Muhammad in this affair, and that is good, benevolence, preservation of honour and wealth… to establish security and safety, facilitate (sound, lawful things that are) beneficial and ward off harm. No one describes Muhammad and his message as evil except a disbelieving liar who attacks Musa and his message, and attacks the Prophets after him who used to rule by the Torah. Allah [The Exalted] said:

إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَا التَّوْرَاةَ فِيهَا هُدًى وَنُورٌ يَحْكُمُ بِهَا النَّبِيُّونَ الَّذِينَ أَسْلَمُواْ لِلَّذِينَ هَادُواْ وَالرَّبَّانِيُّونَ وَالأَحْبَارُ بِمَا اسْتُحْفِظُواْ مِن كِتَابِ اللّهِ وَكَانُواْ عَلَيْهِ شُهَدَاء فَلاَ تَخْشَوُاْ النَّاسَ وَاخْشَوْنِ وَلاَ تَشْتَرُواْ بِآيَاتِي ثَمَناً قَلِيلاً وَمَن لَّمْ يَحْكُم بِمَا أَنزَلَ اللّهُ فَأُوْلَـئِكَ هُمُ الْكَافِرُونَ وَكَتَبْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ فِيهَا أَنَّ النَّفْسَ بِالنَّفْسِ وَالْعَيْنَ بِالْعَيْنِ وَالأَنفَ بِالأَنفِ وَالأُذُنَ بِالأُذُنِ وَالسِّنَّ بِالسِّنِّ وَالْجُرُوحَ قِصَاصٌ فَمَن تَصَدَّقَ بِهِ فَهُوَ كَفَّارَةٌ لَّهُ وَمَن لَّمْ يَحْكُم بِمَا أنزَلَ اللّهُ فَأُوْلَـئِكَ هُمُ الظَّالِمُونَ

Verily, We did send down the Taurat (Torah) [to Musa (Moses)], therein was guidance and light, by which the Prophets, who submitted themselves to Allah’s Will, judged the Jews. And the rabbis and the priests [too judged the Jews by the Taurat (Torah) after those Prophets] for to them was entrusted the protection of Allah’s Book, and they were witnesses thereto. Therefore fear not men but fear Me (O Jews) and sell not My Verses for a miserable price. And whosoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed, such are the Kafirun (i.e. disbelievers – of a lesser degree as they do not act on Allah’s Laws ). 45. And We ordained therein for them: “Life for life , eye for eye, nose for nose, ear for ear, tooth for tooth, and wounds equal for equal.” But if anyone remits the retaliation by way of charity, it shall be for him an expiation. And whosoever does not judge by that which Allah has revealed, such are the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers – of a lesser degree). [Surah Al-Maa’idah. Ayaat 44-45]

Allah [The Exalted] said: [وَلْيَحْكُمْ أَهْلُ الإِنجِيلِ بِمَا أَنزَلَ اللّهُ فِيهِ وَمَن لَّمْ يَحْكُم بِمَا أَنزَلَ اللّهُ فَأُوْلَـئِكَ هُمُ الْفَاسِقُونَ – Let the people of the Injeel (Gospel) judge by what Allah has revealed therein. And whosoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed (then) such (people) are the Fasiqun (the rebellious i.e. disobedient (of a lesser degree) to Allah]. [Surah Al-Maa’idah. Ayah 47]

Indeed, the Jews and Christians disbelieved in the Torah and the Injeel (i.e. those amongst them who disbelieved during and after the departure of their Prophets), and they did not act according to the (sound) beliefs and rulings in them. And they belied Muhammad [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him], who came to confirm the Prophets and their books, including the Torah and the Injeel. They disbelieved in Muhammad and what was included in his message of ratification of all the Prophets and ratification of what is in the Torah and the Injeel, and what is in them of (sound) beliefs and rulings, except what Islam abrogated.

And they fought him with the fiercest of war, especially their rabbis, monks and popes, out of arrogance, envy and transgression after they distorted their books and manipulated their texts, and turned what they contained of (sound) beliefs, monotheism and faith into polytheism and disbelief, and invalidated the rulings in them!! So if this is their stance towards their books that they claim to believe in, then how is it difficult for them to disbelieve in Muhammad and in what he brought of the Qur’an, which falsehood cannot approach from before it or behind it [i.e. no devil -amongst humankind and Jinn – can approach it, neither by stealing nor by entering what is not part of it, neither by addition nor taking away something from it, because Allah preserved it at the time of its revelation, preserved its words and meanings, and indeed the One who revealed it (Allah) guaranteed that it will be preserved, as He [The Exalted] said: إِنَّا نَحۡنُ نَزَّلۡنَا ٱلذِّكۡرَ وَإِنَّا لَهُ ۥ لَحَـٰفِظُونَ – Verily We: It is We Who have sent down the Dhikr (i.e. the Quran) and surely, We will guard it (from corruption). (see Tafseer as-Sadi. Surah Fussilat. Ayah 42]

O People of the Scripture! Repent to Allah with sincere repentance, and follow Muhammad, about whom your books and Isa (Jesus) [peace and blessings be upon him] gave glad tidings. Allah says:

وَإِذْ قَالَ عِيسَى ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ يَا بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ إِنِّي رَسُولُ اللَّهِ إِلَيْكُم مُّصَدِّقاً لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيَّ مِنَ التَّوْرَاةِ وَمُبَشِّراً بِرَسُولٍ يَأْتِي مِن بَعْدِي اسْمُهُ أَحْمَدُ فَلَمَّا جَاءهُم بِالْبَيِّنَاتِ قَالُوا هَذَا سِحْرٌ مُّبِينٌ

And (remember) when ‘Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), said: “O Children of Israel! I am the Messenger of Allah unto you confirming the Taurat [(Torah) which came] before me, and giving glad tidings of a Messenger to come after me, whose name shall be Ahmed . But when he (Ahmed i.e. Muhammad ) came to them with clear proofs, they said: “This is plain magic.” [Surah As-Saff. Ayah 6]

Allah says:

قُلْ يَا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ تَعَالَوْاْ إِلَى كَلَمَةٍ سَوَاء بَيْنَنَا وَبَيْنَكُمْ أَلاَّ نَعْبُدَ إِلاَّ اللّهَ وَلاَ نُشْرِكَ بِهِ شَيْئاً وَلاَ يَتَّخِذَ بَعْضُنَا بَعْضاً أَرْبَاباً مِّن دُونِ اللّهِ فَإِن تَوَلَّوْاْ فَقُولُواْ اشْهَدُواْ بِأَنَّا مُسْلِمُونَ

Say (O Muhammad ): “O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians): Come to a word that is just between us and you, that we worship none but Allah, and that we associate no partners with Him, and that none of us shall take others as lords besides Allah. Then, if they turn away, say: “Bear witness that we are Muslims.” [Surah Al Imran . Ayah 64]

Allah says: [يَا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ لِمَ تَلْبِسُونَ الْحَقَّ بِالْبَاطِلِ وَتَكْتُمُونَ الْحَقَّ وَأَنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ . O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians): “Why do you mix truth with falsehood and conceal the truth while you know?”] [Surah Al Imran. Ayah 71]

Allah says: [قُلْ يَا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ لِمَ تَصُدُّونَ عَن سَبِيلِ اللّهِ مَنْ آمَنَ تَبْغُونَهَا عِوَجاً وَأَنتُمْ شُهَدَاء وَمَا اللّهُ بِغَافِلٍ عَمَّا تَعْمَلُونَ – Say: “O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians)! Why do you stop those who have believed, from the Path of Allah, seeking to make it seem crooked, while you (yourselves) are witnesses [to Muhammad as a Messenger of Allah and Islam (Allah’s Religion, i.e. to worship none but Him Alone)]? And Allah is not unaware of what you do.”] [Surah Al Imran. Ayah 99]

O you who is called the Pope of the Vatican! Submit in Islam and you will be safe, and Allah will reward you twice; but if you refuse, then you are responsible for the sin of your followers among the European and non-European Christians. Submit to Islam so that the adherents to your religion will be safe, and Allah will enter you into a garden as wide as the heavens and the earth, prepared for the righteous, the followers of the truthful messengers. Believe in this great Qur’an, which is (trustworthy in highness and a witness) over all messages, brought the correct beliefs and just rulings that are supported by those with the most superior (sound) intellects and sound (uncorrupted) natural disposition.

Believe – you and your followers – in this Qur’an that contains what I have mentioned to you, and has reached a degree of miraculousness that cannot be matched by any other type – material or religious. Allah challenged Jinn and mankind to come up with the like of it, but they are unable to come up with the like of it; rather, they are unable to come up with ten chapters like it, and not even a chapter like it. They are unable, even if they aid one another. In this alone is what should invite the popes and their followers to (Islamic) faith if they have a share of reason, prudence, comprehension and fairness. Submit in Islam O Popes, surrender and obtain a paradise as wide as the heavens and the earth, or else be sure of the severe, eternal punishment of a fire that Allah has prepared for the unbelievers, whose heat is intense and its bottom is far away. Allah [The Exalted] stated in the Great and His Book full of wisdom (i.e. full of laws, evidences, and proofs): [إِنَّا أَعْتَدْنَا لِلْكَافِرِينَ سَلاسِلا وَأَغْلالاً وَسَعِيراً – Verily, We have prepared for the disbelievers iron chains, iron collars, and a blazing Fire]. [Surah Al-Insaan. Ayah 4]

Allah [The Exalted] says in His Great Book:

وَذَرْنِي وَالْمُكَذِّبِينَ أُولِي النَّعْمَةِ وَمَهِّلْهُمْ قَلِيلاً إن لدينا أنكالا وجحيما وطعاما ذا غصة وعذابا أليما يوم يوْمَ تَرْجُفُ الْأَرْضُ وَالْجِبَالُ وَكَانَتِ الْجِبَالُ كَثِيباً مَّهِيلاً . إنا أرسلنا إليكم رسولا شاهداً عليكم كما أرسلنا إلى فرعون رسولا فعصى فرعون الرسول فأخذناه أخذا وبيلا

And leave Me Alone to deal with the beliers (those who deny My Verses, etc.), and those who are in possession of good things of life. And give them respite for a little while. Verily, with Us are fetters (to bind them), and a raging Fire. And a food that chokes, and a painful torment. On the Day when the earth and the mountains will be in violent shake, and the mountains will be a heap of sand poured out and flowing down. [Surah Al-Muzzammil. Ayaat 11-14]

O popes! Neither be deceived by the life of this worldly life nor let the chief deceiver (Satan) deceive you about Allah. And know that your predecessors have distorted your books, corrupted your religion, made human beings objects of worship besides Allah and claimed that Jesus is the son of Allaah or the third of three -Exalted is Allaah, far away and above is He from this. Allaah stated in His eternal and miraculous book that is preserved against distortion and alteration: [قل هو الله أحد الله الصمد لم يلد ولم يولد ولم يكن له كفوا أحد – Say (O Muhammad): “He is Allah, (the) One. Allah-us-Samad (The Self-Sufficient Master, Whom all creatures need, He neither eats nor drinks). He begets not, nor was He begotten; and there is none co-equal or comparable unto Him]. [Surah Al-Ikhlaas]

And [The Exalted] stated in this great, miraculous book:

لقد جئتم شيئاً إدا تكاد السماوات يتفطرن منه وتنشق الأرض وتخر الجبال هدا أن دعوا للرحمن ولدا وما ينبغي للرحمن أن يتخذ ولداً إن كل من في السماوات والأرض إلا آتي الرحمن عبداً لقد أحصاهم وعدهم عدا وكلهم آتيه يوم القيامة فرداً

Indeed, you have brought forth (said) a terrible evil thing. Whereby the heavens are almost torn, and the earth is split asunder, and the mountains fall in ruins, that they ascribe a son (or offspring or children) to the Most Beneficent (Allah). But it is not suitable for (the Majesty of) the Most Beneficent (Allah) that He should beget a son (or offspring or children). There is none in the heavens and the earth but comes unto the Most Beneficent (Allah) as a slave. Verily, He knows each one of them, and has counted them a full counting. And everyone of them will come to Him alone on the Day of Resurrection (without any helper, or protector or defender). [Surah Maryam. Ayaat 89-95]

O People of the Scripture and O Popes! All the messengers – including Jesus [peace be upon him] – came with monotheism and fought against polytheism. Allah [The Exalted] said:

لَقَدْ كَفَرَ الَّذِينَ قَالُواْ إِنَّ اللّهَ هُوَ الْمَسِيحُ ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ وَقَالَ الْمَسِيحُ يَا بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ اعْبُدُواْ اللّهَ رَبِّي وَرَبَّكُمْ إِنَّهُ مَن يُشْرِكْ بِاللّهِ فَقَدْ حَرَّمَ اللّهُ عَلَيهِ الْجَنَّةَ وَمَأْوَاهُ النَّارُ وَمَا لِلظَّالِمِينَ مِنْ أَنصَارٍ

Surely, they have disbelieved who say: “Allah is the Messiah [‘Iesa (Jesus)], son of Maryam (Mary).” But the Messiah [‘Iesa (Jesus)] said: “O Children of Israel! Worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord.” Verily, whosoever sets up partners in worship with Allah, then Allah has forbidden Paradise for him, and the Fire will be his abode . And for the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers) there are no helpers. [Surah Al-Maa’idah. Ayah 72]

So he [Isa (Jesus – peace be upon him)] commanded that Allah is worshipped alone, declared that Allah is his Lord, the Lord of those he addressed and was sent to (as their Messenger), and that whoever associates partners with Allah, then indeed Allah will forbid him from Paradise and his abode is Hell (if he dies in that state and did not repent). Allah [The Exalted] says:

لَّقَدْ كَفَرَ الَّذِينَ قَالُوا إِنَّ اللَّهَ ثَالِثُ ثَلَاثَةٍ ۘ وَمَا مِنْ إِلَٰهٍ إِلَّا إِلَٰهٌ وَاحِدٌ ۚ وَإِن لَّمْ يَنتَهُوا عَمَّا يَقُولُونَ لَيَمَسَّنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا مِنْهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ

Surely, disbelievers are those who said: “Allah is the third of the three (in a Trinity).” But there is no ilah (god) (none who has the right to be worshipped) but One Ilah (God -Allah). And if they cease not from what they say, verily, a painful torment will befall the disbelievers among them. [Surah Al-Maa’idah. Ayah 73]

O Christians and popes! Refrain from what Allah has warned you against about deifying Jesus and others amongst the creation, otherwise you are upon disbelief and polytheism, and the recompense for that is that Allah will forbid you from entering Paradise and make your abode the Fire (forever if you die in that state and refrain from repentance through Islam).

Do not be deceived by what you found your predecessors upon, your popes and monks, because indeed – By Allah – they were upon falsehood and disbelief, and they have distorted the Torah and the Injeel, as I have told you before. Do not think that Jesus will intercede for you or enter you into paradise and save you from Hell, because this is not in his hand, and because you have opposed him and his belief- the belief in monotheism; and you have taken him as a god, whilst he has declared that one who does so is a disbeliever, and he will free himself from you and your misguidance, and your taking him and his mother as two deities besides Allah. Allah [The Exalted] says:

وَإِذۡ قَالَ ٱللَّهُ يَـٰعِيسَى ٱبۡنَ مَرۡيَمَ ءَأَنتَ قُلۡتَ لِلنَّاسِ ٱتَّخِذُونِى وَأُمِّىَ إِلَـٰهَيۡنِ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۖ قَالَ سُبۡحَـٰنَكَ مَا يَكُونُ لِىٓ أَنۡ أَقُولَ مَا لَيۡسَ لِى بِحَقٍّ‌ۚ إِن كُنتُ قُلۡتُهُ ۥ فَقَدۡ عَلِمۡتَهُ ۥ‌ۚ تَعۡلَمُ مَا فِى نَفۡسِى وَلَآ أَعۡلَمُ مَا فِى نَفۡسِكَ‌ۚ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ عَلَّـٰمُ ٱلۡغُيُوبِ
مَا قُلۡتُ لَهُمۡ إِلَّا مَآ أَمَرۡتَنِى بِهِۦۤ أَنِ ٱعۡبُدُواْ ٱللَّهَ رَبِّى وَرَبَّكُمۡ‌ۚ وَكُنتُ عَلَيۡہِمۡ شَہِيدً۬ا مَّا دُمۡتُ فِيہِمۡ‌ۖ فَلَمَّا تَوَفَّيۡتَنِى كُنتَ أَنتَ ٱلرَّقِيبَ عَلَيۡہِمۡ‌ۚ وَأَنتَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىۡءٍ۬ شَہِيدٌ
إِن تُعَذِّبۡہُمۡ فَإِنَّہُمۡ عِبَادُكَ‌ۖ وَإِن تَغۡفِرۡ لَهُمۡ فَإِنَّكَ أَنتَ ٱلۡعَزِيزُ ٱلۡحَكِيمُ

And (remember) when Allah will say (on the Day of Resurrection): “O ‘Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary)! Did you say unto men: ‘Worship me and my mother as two gods besides Allah?’ ” He will say: “Glory be to You! It was not for me to say what I had no right (to say). Had I said such a thing, You would surely have known it. You know what is in my inner-self though I do not know what is in Yours, truly, You, only You, are the All-Knower of all that is hidden and unseen. “Never did I say to them aught except what You (Allah) did command me to say: ‘Worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord.’ And I was a witness over them while I dwelt amongst them, but when You took me up, You were the Watcher over them, and You are a Witness to all things. (This is a great admonition and warning to the Christians of the whole world). “If You punish them, they are Your slaves, and if You forgive them, verily You, only You are the All-Mighty, the All-Wise .” [Surah Al-Maa’idah. 116-118]

This is Jesus disavowing the belief of the Christians and their false belief in him and his mother that they are deities besides Allah, and declares in the presence of Allah that he only commanded people as his Lord commanded him (to worship Allah alone, my Lord and your Lord). Allah is his Lord and the Lord of people, and it is impossible for him to claim deityship for himself and his mother, and command people to associate partners with Allah.

If you deny the realities contained in this speech, argue and dispute about it, then indeed, I (i.e. Rabee Bin Haadi) invite you to Mubahala (see footnote a), just as Allah commanded His truthful and trustworthy Messenger, saying:

فَمَنْ حَآجَّكَ فِيهِ مِن بَعْدِ مَا جَاءكَ مِنَ الْعِلْمِ فَقُلْ تَعَالَوْاْ نَدْعُ أَبْنَاءنَا وَأَبْنَاءكُمْ وَنِسَاءنَا وَنِسَاءكُمْ وَأَنفُسَنَا وأَنفُسَكُمْ ثُمَّ نَبْتَهِلْ فَنَجْعَل لَّعْنَةَ اللّهِ عَلَى الْكَاذِبِينَ

Then whoever disputes with you concerning him [‘Iesa (Jesus)] after (all this) knowledge that has come to you, [i.e. ‘Iesa (Jesus)] being a slave of Allah, and having no share in Divinity) say: (O Muhammad ) “Come, let us call our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves – then we pray and invoke (sincerely) the Curse of Allah upon those who lie.” [Surah Al Imran. Ayah 61]

There is a perfect example – for me and every Muslim – in this to follow Muhammad [may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] And peace be upon those who follow guidance.

Written By Ash-Shaikh Rabee Bin Hadi Umayr Al-Madkhali 24 /Shaaban / 1427 AH

[Source: https://www.mimham.net/met-987 paraphrased]

———————————–

Footnote a: Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Tamiyyah [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: As for the Christians, then indeed the people of Najraan – from Yemen – came to debate with him [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] in his Masjid, so Allah revealed Surah Al Imraan regarding them. And when his proofs became manifest and it became clear to them that he is a Messenger of Allah sent to them, Allah commanded him that if they do not respond to his call, then he should call them for MUBAAHALAH [i.e. invoke the curse of Allah on the liars]. Allah [The Exalted] says:

فَمَنۡ حَآجَّكَ فِيهِ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ مَا جَآءَكَ مِنَ ٱلۡعِلۡمِ فَقُلۡ تَعَالَوۡاْ نَدۡعُ أَبۡنَآءَنَا وَأَبۡنَآءَكُمۡ وَنِسَآءَنَا وَنِسَآءَكُمۡ وَأَنفُسَنَا وَأَنفُسَكُمۡ ثُمَّ نَبۡتَہِلۡ فَنَجۡعَل لَّعۡنَتَ ٱللَّهِ عَلَى ٱلۡڪَـٰذِبِينَ

Then whoever disputes with you concerning him [‘Iesa (Jesus)] after (all this) knowledge that has come to you, [i.e. ‘Iesa (Jesus)] being a slave of Allah, and having no share in Divinity) say: (O Muhammad) “Come, let us call our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves – then we pray and invoke (sincerely) the Curse of Allah upon those who lie.” [Surah Aal Imraan. Aayah 61]

When he called them for MUBAAHALAH, they asked him to give them some time until they consult one another. So they said to one another, “Do not do this, because by Allah, if he is a Prophet and we do this invocation, then neither we nor our offspring after us will be successful”. So they excused themselves from Mubaahalah and agreed to pay Jizyah, because they were scared of his supplication as they knew that he is Prophet. [An Excerpt from ‘Al-Jawaabus Saheeh. Pages 50-51. Slightly paraphrased]

MUBAAHALAH: Al-Haafidh Ibn Hajr [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “There is a benefit in the story of the people of Najraan, and in it is that Mubaahalah is legislated against the opposer when he persists upon [falsehood] after the proofs have been manifested. Indeed, Ibn Abbaas [radiyallaahu-anhumaa] did call to it, then Al-Awzaa’ee [rahimahullaah] and some of the scholars. And that which is well known from experience is that the affair of one who performs Mubaahalah – whilst he is one upon falsehood – does not extend beyond the year of the Mubaahalah. This occurred between me and a person who was fanatically supporting some of the heretics and after two months he could not stand up”. [An Excerpt from ‘Fat-hul Baari’ 12/195. Slightly paraphrased]

Imaam Al Albaanee [may Allaah have mercy upon him] was asked about the ruling on MUBAAHALAH in relation to worldly matters: Question: The hadith regarding the Najran delegation is well known when they came to the Messenger of Allah [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him], and then Allah revealed:

Then whoever disputes with you concerning him [‘Iesa (Jesus)] after (all this) knowledge that has come to you, [i.e. ‘Iesa (Jesus)] being a slave of Allah, and having no share in Divinity) say: (O Muhammad) “Come, let us call our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves – then we pray and invoke (sincerely) the Curse of Allah upon those who lie.” [Surah Aal Imraan. Ayah 61]

So he called them to MUBAAHALAH, but they refused. It is well known to us that MUBAAHALAH is not to be done except in issues related to Aqeedah, but some people amongst the Muslims suggest this ruling in worldly affairs between him and his Muslim brother; meaning, if my Muslim brother owes me money but denies it, then would it be permissible to suggest this ruling between me and my Muslim brother?

Answer: May Allah bless you. The answer to this question is that it is not permissible to suggest this in such a situation or suggest this Shariah ruling in relation to material issues due to two reasons: Firstly, because this story is related to issues of Aqeedah as you have stated today. Secondly, as for the material issues, then Islam has legislated a system and principle for it. He [i.e. the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)] said, “The burden of proof is on the claimant and an oath is a duty upon the one who denies the claim”. So, there is no room for Mubaahalah in this affair, which Allah [The Mighty and Majestic] legislated in that affair between His Messenger [peace and blessing of Allah be upon him] and those Christians of the Najran who denied true Islamic Monotheism and persisted on the Trinity. So, this affair is not suggested in another issue besides this because neither is there a narration of the pious predecessors nor a hadeeth regarding it. However, if it must be done, then it can be suggested when two groups of Muslims differ in some ideas or Aqeedah- for example between the Mutazilah and Ahlus Sunnah. It is possible that if some Mu’tazilee is haughty after discussion and after evidences have been presented, then the Sunnee seeks Mubaahalah from him – that may the curse of Allah be upon the liars. Therefore, it is possible to suggest this in such an affair. (see footnote b) But as for the question with regards to suggesting this affair in issues related to material dispute, then this is not permissible. [An Excerpt from ‘Silsilah Al-Hudaa Wan-Noor 703’. Slightly paraphrased]

Footnote b: Shaikh Rabee’: Decisive words regarding permissible and forbidden debating in explanation of Imām al-Barbahāree (d. 329H): https://abukhadeejah.com/shaikh-rabee-decisive-words-regarding-permissible-and-forbidden-debating-in-explanation-of-imam-al-barbaharee-d-328h/

Finally, we once make it very clear that we are a people – by the Tawfeeq of Allah – who deal justly with the non-Muslims. Read articles by Shaikh Abu Khadeejah and Shaikh Abu Iyaadh [may Allah preserve them].

The Islamic Shariah on the Foundation of Muslim Relations With Non-Muslims Who Do Not Show Aggression and Hostility: http://www.shariah.ws/articles/szsumlh-the-foundation-of-muslim-relations-with-non-muslims-who-do-not-show-aggression-and-hostility.cfm

http://www.shariah.ws/articles/nmsdfkp-islam-and-the-muslims-are-free-and-innocent-of-the-kharijite-extremists.cfm

Living With non-Muslims in the West with fine conduct- By Shaikh Abu Khadeejah [may Allaah preserve him]: https://abukhadeejah.com/living-with-non-muslims-in-the-west-with-fine-conduct/

Informing The Authorities of Terrorist Plots – By Shaikh Abu Khadeejah [may Allaah preserve him]: https://masjidfurqan.co.uk/2014/07/03/informing-the-authorities-of-terrorist-plots-by-ustaadh-abu-khadeejah-may-allaah-preserve-him/

Al-Allaamah Salih Aal Ash-Shaikh: Shariah Calls for Protection of Life and Property: http://www.shariah.ws/articles/csuslgk-shaikh-salih-aal-ash-shaikh-shariah-calls-for-protection-of-life-and-property.cfm

Al-Allaamah Salih Al-Fawzan: The Islamic Shariah Provides Security for Muslims and Non-Muslims and Those Who Violate It Are Kharijites Who Are to Be Fought and Severely Punished

http://www.shariah.ws/articles/duviqgl-shaykh-salih-al-fawzan-the-islamic-shariah-provides-security–for-muslims-and-non-muslims-and-those-who-violate-it-are-kh257rijites-who-are-to-be-fought-and-severely-punished.cfm

The Prophet of Islam would not kill diplomats, ambassadors, emissaries or foreign delegations even if they were sent by the worst of his enemies
https://abukhadeejah.com/the-prophet-of-islam-would-not-kill-diplomats-ambassadors-emissaries-or-foreign-delegations-even-if-they-were-sent-by-the-worst-of-his-enemies/

[12] Ubaydullah Bin Adi Bin Al-Khiyar: Exemplifying Positive Engagement and Effective Communication with the Rulers

Written by abuaisha on February 6, 2024. Posted in 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.

Ubaydullah Bin Adi Bin Al-Khiyar narrated that Al-Miswar Bin Makhrama and Abdur-Rahman Bin Al-Aswad Bin Abu Yaghuth said (to me), “What prevents you from speaking to Uthman about his brother Al-Walid because people have spoken much about him?” So, I went to Uthman and when he went out for prayer I said (to him), “I have something to say to you and it is a piece of advice for you”. Uthman said, “O man, from you.” (Umar said: I see that he said, “I seek Refuge with Allah from you.”) So I left him and went to them. Then the messenger of Uthman came and I went to him (i.e. `Uthman), `Uthman asked, “What is your advice?” I replied, “Allah sent Muhammad with the truth and revealed the Divine Book (i.e. Qur’an) to him, and you were amongst those who followed Allah and His Messenger, and you participated in the two migrations (to Ethiopia and Medina) and enjoyed the company of Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) and saw his way. No doubt, the people are talking much about Al-Walid.” `Uthman said, “Did you receive your knowledge directly from Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) ?” I said, “No, but his knowledge did reach me and it reached (even) to a virgin in her seclusion.” Uthman said, “And then Allah sent Muhammad with the truth and I was amongst those who followed Allah and His Messenger and I believed in whatever he (i.e. the Prophet) was sent with, and participated in two migrations, as you have said, and I enjoyed the company of Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) and gave the pledge of allegiance him. By Allah! I never disobeyed him, nor did I cheat him till Allah took him unto Him. Then I treated Abu Bakr and then Umar similarly and then I was made Caliph. So, don’t I have rights similar to theirs?” I said, “Yes.” He said, “Then what are these talks reaching me from you people? Now, concerning what you mentioned about the question of Al-Walid, Allah willing, I shall deal with him according to what is right.” Then he called Ali and ordered him to flog him, and Ali flogged him (i.e. Al-Walid) eighty lashes. [Sahih Al-Bukhari. 3696]

[11] Ibn As-Sammaak: Exemplifying Positive Engagement and Effective Communication with the Rulers

Written by Abdullah Jallow on February 5, 2024. Posted in Brotherhood, History of Islam, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors), The Salaf - Pious Predecessors.

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

One day Ibn As-Sammaak [may Allah have mercy upon him] came when Haaroon Ar-Rasheed [may Allah have mercy upon him] asked for water. After a cup of cold water was brought, he said to Ibn As-Sammaak, “Admonish me”. Ibn As-Sammaak said to him, “O leader of the believers! How much would you pay for this drink if you were deprived of it?” He replied, “Half of my reign”. Ibn As-Sammaak said to him, “Drink, may it be blessed”. After he drank, Ibn Sammaak said to him, “If this water was prevented from exiting your body, then how much would you pay for it (to be removed)”, he said, “The other half of my reign”. Ibn Sammaak said to him, “Indeed, half of the reign is the value of a little drink of water and the value of the other half is that of urine. It is befitting that you do not strive and compete with others for it”. Haaroon wept.

An Excerpt from Al-Bidaayah Wan-Nihaayah. 10/213-217

[10] Ibn Sammaak: Exemplifying Positive Engagement and Effective Communication with the Rulers

Written by faizkara on February 5, 2024. Posted in Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors).

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

Ibn As-Sammaak [may Allah have mercy upon him] once gave an admonition to Haaroon Ar-Rasheed [may Allah have mercy upon him], saying, “O leader of the believers! Indeed, you will stand before Allah, and indeed you have a standing that would decide the relocation to another place (i.e. reward or punishment in the Hereafter), so ponder upon where you would be”. Haaroon then wept a lot.

He once approached one of the leaders to intercede for a poor man, saying, “I came to you for a need; the seeker and the giver are honourable if you fulfill the need, and humiliated if you do not fulfill it, so choose for yourself the nobility of giving over the humiliation of withholding, and the nobility of success over the humiliation of refusing to give (when you are able)”.

[Siyar A’laam An-Nubula 8/329

[8] Ibn Sammaak: Exemplifying Positive Engagement and Effective Communication with the Rulers

Written by faizkara on February 5, 2024. Posted in Brotherhood, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors), Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Ibn Sammaak [may Allah have mercy upon you] once said to Haaroon Ar-Rasheed [may Allah have mercy upon him]: “Indeed, you will die one day, enter the grave on your own and will be resurrected (on the day of judgement), so beware of your standing in the presence of Allah [The Mighty and Majestic] and in the presence of paradise and hellfire when one will be restricted and the feet will not move. There will be regret, but no repentance will be accepted – neither will a statement be uttered with ambiguity nor will wealth be accepted as ransom”. Haaroon began to weep until his voice could be heard; then Yahyah Bin Khaalid [may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “O Ibn As-Sammaak! Indeed, tonight you have brought difficulty on the leader of the believers”. Haaroon got up and left while weeping.

Al-Bidaayah Wan-Nihaayah. Vol 10. Pages 213-217