In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Imam Fudayl Ibn Iyad, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:
“If you are able not to be known, do so. Is there anything against you if you are unknown? Is there anything against you if you are not praised? Is there anything against you if you are considered blameworthy in the sight of the people but praiseworthy in the sight of Allah, The Mighty and Majestic?!”
Hilyah Al-Awliyaa 8/89
In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Had dogs not been a community amongst the communities, I would have commanded that all of them be killed”. [1] [Footnote a]
Shaikh Falah Ismaa’eel, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated in reference to the Khawarij:
The noteworthy aspect of their danger is that the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, expressed his intention to slaughter them, as Aad and Thamud were slaughtered, despite them being from the Ummah and people of the Qiblah, especially when one recalls the Messenger’s statement, “Had dogs not been a community among the communities, I would have commanded that all of them be killed”. Hence, a sensible individual contemplates what the Messenger of guidance and mercy wished to do to these Khawarij- despite their dedication to acts of worship such as prayer, fasting, and recitation of the Qur’an- which stands in contrast to what he prohibited himself and others regarding dogs. This serves as a piece of significant evidence highlighting the danger posed by the persistence of such thought [i.e. the ideas of the Khawarij] and the presence of such individuals within the Ummah because they weaken the Ummah and preoccupy it. (i.e. through internal strife, insecurity etc)
The Shaikh, may Allah have mercy upon him, also said: They are the basis of the panic, undermining security in the land and every deviation from the true methodology because they abandon knowledge and the scholars out of being deceived by their outward deeds. Due to this, the first thing Abdullah Ibn Abbas discredited them with was that there was not a single companion of Allah’s messenger amongst them and they are the initial carriers of knowledge. It is neither permissible for anyone to emerge and (hold a position in) religious matters except through them nor acquire knowledge except from them because they are the most knowledgeable regarding that which Allah and His Messenger intend through the (divine) text. [2]
Imam Wahb Ibn Munabbih, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:
I was acquainted with the early period of Islam. By Allah, the Khaawaarij have never had a group except that Allah caused it to split because of their evil state of affairs. Never did one of them publicize his opinion except that Allah caused his neck to be struck. Never did the Muslim Ummah unite behind a man from the Khawaarij. If Allah allowed the opinion of the Khawaarij to be accepted and established, then the earth would have been corrupted, the carriageways would have been cut off, Hajj to the sacred house of Allah would have ceased and the affair of Islam would have reverted to ignorance until the people seek shelter in the mountains as they did in the time of ignorance. If ten or twenty men among them were to rise, there would not be a man among them except that he claims the khilaafah for himself- every man among them would have ten thousand other men with him and all of them fighting each other, accusing one another of disbelief until the believer fears for himself, his religion, his life, his family, his wealth, and would not know where to travel or who to be with”. [3]
NB: There is no vigilantism, instead the Khawarij are fought behind a legitimate Muslim Ruler
Imam Al-Barbahari, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:
“It is permissible to fight the Khawaarij if they attack the wealth of the Muslims, or the Muslims and their families, but if they are dispersed, then the Muslim Ruler is not to seek after them, nor are their wounded to be killed, nor is booty taken from them, nor may those taken captive be killed, nor are those who flee to be pursued”.
Al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzan, may Allah preserve him, said:
Regarding the statement of Al-Barbahari, may Allah have mercy upon him: “It is permissible to fight the Khawaarij if they attack the wealth of the Muslims, or the Muslims and their families”: (This is) because the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, commanded that they are to be fought, and because Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, fought them when they attacked and killed Abdullah Ibn Khabbab al Arrat and ripped open the stomach of his pregnant wife. So Amir Al-Muminin decided to fight them as they brought about a good reason to be fought against.
And regarding the saying of Imam Barbahari: “But if they are dispersed, then the Muslim leader is not to seek after them”. If they desist from fighting, the ruler is not to chase them, nor carry out a military expedition against them, as long as they do not commit acts of transgression. And no doubt they are misguided and are to be advised in hope that they may return (repentant) and are not fought.
And regarding the saying of Imam Al-Barbahari: “Nor are their wounded to be killed”. (This is) because the evil of the injured person is curtailed.
And regarding the saying of Imam Al-Barbahari: “Nor is booty to be taken from them”, meaning: their wealth is not to be taken as war booty because it is the wealth of the Muslims.
And regarding the saying of Imam Al-Barbahari: “Nor may those taken captive be killed”. (This is) because they are Muslims, and by being injured and taken as captive their evil is curtailed.
And regarding the saying of Imam Al-Barbahari: “Nor are those who flee to be pursued”. If they flee, the leader is to leave them alone and not go after them as their evil is curtailed. [3.1]
Footnote a: Al-Khattabi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: The meaning of this statement is that the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, hated that a community amongst the communities and a species amongst the creation would disappear until all of them cease to exist. (This is) because there is not a creature from Allah’s creatures except that there is some wisdom and welfare behind their existence. So, when this is the case regarding this matter and there is no way of killing all of them, then kill the evil ones amongst them – the black ones- and leave the others, so that you benefit from them as guard dogs. [Ma’aalim As-Sunan 4/132] [NB: This does not mean that one takes the law into his own hands to kill any animal or violate the rules in any country by killing an animal]
Dogs we can keep:
Abdullah Ibn Umar, may Allah be pleased with him and his father, said: Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “Whoever keeps a dog, except a dog for herding livestock or a dog that is trained for hunting, two qiraats [i.e. great reward] will be deducted from his reward each day”. [4]
Imam Muhammad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaymeen, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, “Due to this, if a house is located in the middle of the city, there is no need of having a dog to guard it. Therefore, to have a dog for this reason in such circumstances is unlawful and impermissible, and it takes away one or two qiraats from a person’s reward each day. However, if the house is located in the countryside and no is present, then it is allowed to have a dog to guard the house and the people residing in it. To guard people of a household is more important than guarding livestock or crops. [5]
The Hunting Dog
Allah, The Most High, said:
يَسۡـَٔلُونَكَ مَاذَآ أُحِلَّ لَهُمۡۖ قُلۡ أُحِلَّ لَكُمُ ٱلطَّيِّبَـٰتُۙ وَمَا عَلَّمۡتُم مِّنَ ٱلۡجَوَارِحِ مُكَلِّبِينَ تُعَلِّمُونَہُنَّ مِمَّا عَلَّمَكُمُ ٱللَّهُۖ فَكُلُواْ مِمَّآ أَمۡسَكۡنَ عَلَيۡكُمۡ وَٱذۡكُرُواْ ٱسۡمَ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيۡهِۖ وَٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ سَرِيعُ ٱلۡحِسَابِ
They ask you [O Muhammad)] what is lawful for them [as food]. Say: “Lawful unto you are At-Tayyibat [all kind of Halal (lawful-good) foods which Allah has made lawful (meat of slaughtered eatable animals, milk products, fats, vegetables, and fruits, etc.)]. And those beasts and birds of prey which you have trained as hounds, training and teaching them [to catch] in the manner as directed to you by Allah; so eat of what they catch for you, but pronounce the Name of Allah over it, and fear Allah. Verily, Allah is Swift in reckoning”. [Al-Ma’dah 4]
Imam Ibn al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:
Indeed, Allah, Glorified be He, free from all imperfections, declared the prey of the untrained hound dead meat and unlawful to eat, and He declared lawful the prey of the trained hound. This is from that which shows the nobility of knowledge because Allaah did not declare lawful except the prey of the trained hound. Had it not been that knowledge and teaching have a special distinguished virtue and nobility, the trained and untrained hound would have been the same. [6]
[1] Sahih Al-Jami 9452 and Sahih An-Nasa’i 4291
[2] An Excerpt from Naz’ah at-Takfeer. Pages 24-25
[3] Tarikh Dimashq 69290
[3.1] An Excerpt from “It’haaf Al-Qari Bi-attaliqwat Alaa Sharh As-Sunnah Li Al-Imam Al-Barbahari. 1/ 240-242
[4] Reported by Bukhari 5163 and Muslim 1574
[5] Majmu Fatawa Ibn Uthaymin 4/246
[6] “Mihtah Dar As-Sa’adah. 1/55
In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Ibn Qutaybah, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:
In the past, a student of knowledge used to listen in order to know, (endeavoured) to know in order to act and sought understanding of the religion ordained by Allah in order to benefit (himself) and others. (However), it has now become the case that a student of knowledge listens to accumulate, accumulates to be mentioned and memorises to outdo (others) and boast. [1]
Allah, The Most High, said:
أَلۡهَٮٰكُمُ ٱلتَّكَاثُرُ
حَتَّىٰ زُرۡتُمُ ٱلۡمَقَابِرَ
كَلَّا سَوۡفَ تَعۡلَمُونَ
ثُمَّ كَلَّا سَوۡفَ تَعۡلَمُونَ
كَلَّا لَوۡ تَعۡلَمُونَ عِلۡمَ ٱلۡيَقِينِ
لَتَرَوُنَّ ٱلۡجَحِيمَ
ثُمَّ لَتَرَوُنَّہَا عَيۡنَ ٱلۡيَقِينِ
ثُمَّ لَتُسۡـَٔلُنَّ يَوۡمَٮِٕذٍ عَنِ ٱلنَّعِيمِ
The mutual rivalry for piling up of worldly things diverts you, until you visit the graves (i.e. till you die). Nay! You shall come to know! Again, Nay! You shall come to know! Nay! If you knew with a sure knowledge (the end result of piling up, you would not have occupied yourselves in worldly things); verily, You shall see the blazing Fire (Hell)! And again, you shall see it with certainty of sight! Then, on that Day, you shall be asked about the delight (you indulged in, in this world)! [Surah At-Takaathur]
Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:
At-Takaathur means to compete one another in piling up something by way of mutual rivalry, but Allah did not mention the thing that is piled up, therefore the meaning is general. Everything a person competes in – other than obedience to Allah, obedience to the Messenger and that which benefits a person’s Afterlife – by way of mutual rivalry is included in this affair. It enters into every matter, such as wealth, status, leadership, women and speaking; or knowledge, especially when it is not utilised as proof; also collecting books, writing books, engaging in the discussion of numerous topics of the religion, categorising and initiating it. At-Takaathur occurs when a person seeks to amass more than others and this is blameworthy, except in that which earns a person Allah’s love, Pleasure and Reward, because seeking more than others in this affair is competition in good and to excel one another. [2]
Imam Al-Barbahari, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:
“And know, may Allah have mercy upon you that knowledge is not in being able to narrate much and in having many books, rather the scholar is the one who follows the knowledge and the Sunnah, even if his knowledge and his books are limited, and whoever opposes the Book and the Sunnah, he is a proponent of Bidah, even if he narrates much and has many books”.
Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Haadi al-Madkhali, may Allah preserve him, stated:
He [Al-Barbahari] sees that the abundance of books and knowledge is not a criterion for the required knowledge of Shariah. Knowledge is what benefits; even if this scholar has little knowledge and few books, he will benefit from his knowledge and it is benefited from in belief, methodology, and application. This is the knowledge that counts in the Sight of Allah- the knowledge He loves, loves, and praises its possessors. Allah said: [إِنَّمَا يَخْشَى ٱللَّهَ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ ٱلْعُلَمَٰٓؤُا۟ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَزِيزٌ غَفُورٌ – It is only those who have knowledge among His slaves that fear Allah]. [35:28]
Hence they [the scholars] said, “Knowledge is to fear Allah”. If one with a lot of knowledge does not fear Allah, he is not a scholar and his knowledge has no value because it is a source of evil to him. The Qur’an is proof for or against you, so evil is the state of that scholar- I seek refuge in Allah – who is under the threat of punishment. The Quran is proof against you, the Sunnah is proof against you and knowledge is proof against you, and Allah’s refuge is sought. He may have many books, but he is misguided. He may have a lot of knowledge of the Arabic language, Tafseer, Hadith, and so on, but he is misguided. This is the knowledge that harms and does not benefit, and it is from this that we seek Allah’s protection, and Allah’s Messenger taught us to seek (Allah’s) protection against it. However, knowledge (in and of itself) is beneficial, so if there is a lot of knowledge and books, it is very good, and there are Imams who have abundant knowledge and many books. If the two are combined: a lot of knowledge and many books, it is desirable; and if devoid of benefitting from this knowledge (i.e. due to misguidance or not acting upon it), then neither an abundance of books or knowledge is beneficial, for it is a source of evil on the person. This is why (Allah stated that) some Prophets said: [وَمَآ أُرِيدُ أَنْ أُخَالِفَكُمْ إِلَىٰ مَآ أَنْهَىٰكُمْ عَنْهُ – I wish not, in contradiction to you, to do that which I forbid you]. [11:88]
Allah said:
أَتَأْمُرُونَ ٱلنَّاسَ بِٱلْبِرِّ وَتَنسَوْنَ أَنفُسَكُمْ وَأَنتُمْ تَتْلُونَ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ أَفَلَا تَعْقِلُونَ
Do you order righteousness of the people and forget yourselves while you recite the Scripture? Then will you not reason? [2:44]
Allah said:
يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لِمَ تَقُولُونَ مَا لَا تَفۡعَلُونَ
ڪَبُرَ مَقۡتًا عِندَ ٱللَّهِ أَن تَقُولُواْ مَا لَا تَفۡعَلُونَO you who believe! Why do you say that which you do not do? Most hateful it is with Allah that you say that which you do not do. [As-Saff. 2-3]
Some people are merely speakers and they do not act, therefore, a Muslim must combine statements and deeds so that his actions confirm his statements. He calls to belief and believes, and calls to action and acts. This is beneficial knowledge, calling to the Sunnah and adhering to it, fighting Bidah and being serious about fighting it, and being one of the people who are most distant from it. [3]
Imam Ibn Al-Jawzi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:
I have met the Mashayikh; their circumstances were different and their stations of knowledge varied. The most beneficial of them for me in companionship was the scholar who acted upon his knowledge, even though there were others more knowledgeable than him.
I met Abdul Wahhab Al-Anmaatee, who adhered to the principles of the pious predecessors. Backbiting was not heard in his gatherings (a) nor did he seek any reward for sharing hadith. Whenever I read to him the hadiths related to Raqaa’iq, he would weep and his tears would flow continuously. As a young person at that time, his weeping profoundly affected my heart. He embodied the characteristics of the scholars whose descriptions we had heard in the reports.
I met Abu Mansur Al-Jawaaleeqee, who was notably quiet and very meticulous in his speech. Even when asked about a clear matter, which some of his young students would quickly answer, he paused to ensure accuracy. He fasted and kept quiet a lot. I benefited from these two men more than I benefitted from others. I understood from this situation that guidance through action is more effective than verbal instruction. The truly impoverished one is the person who spends their life acquiring knowledge without applying it, missing out on the pleasures of this world and the goodness of the hereafter, ultimately proceeding as one bankrupt in deeds with strong proofs against him. [3]
The Ta’ifath Al-Mansurah and Firqah An-Najiyah Will Be Present Regardless of The Circumstances
The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:
There shall not cease to be a group from my ummah, aided, they are not harmed by those who forsake them until the hour is established. [4]
Upright Revivers Every Hundred Years
The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:
Allah will raise for this Ummah at the end of every hundred years the one who will revive its religion for it”. [5]
Allah will raise for this Ummah– Meaning the Ummah Ijabah [i.e. the Muslims]. At the end of every hundred years-Meaning at the end of every hundred years when there is little knowledge of the Shariah and the authentic Prophetic Tradition, whilst ignorance and religious innovation is rife. One who will revive its religion for it– Meaning a scholar who is alive and well known. He will clarify the authentic Prophetic Tradition and distinguish it from the religious innovations. knowledge will be abundant again and its adherents will be aided, and the proponents of religious will be overcome and degraded. This reviver is non else but a scholar who has sound understanding of the religious sciences that deal with acts of worship, the underlying wisdoms of the religion and the texts that deal with beliefs of the heart. [6]
[1] Al-Ikhtilaf Fee Al-Lafdh 18. [Quote was shared by one of my colleagues at school – Abu Zakariyyah (Abdul Malik Al-Congoli, Al-Ifreeqee) – may Allah preserve him]
[2] An Excerpt from Al-Fawaa’id. Pages 58-59
[3] Awnul Baaree Bi-bayaan Maa Tadammanahu Sharh As-Sunnah Lil-Imaam Al-Barbahaaree 2/688-689.
[4] As-Sahihah 403
[5] Sahih Sunan Abee Daawud. Hadeeth Number 4291.
[6] An Excerpt from Awn Al-Ma’bud Sharh Sunan Abee Daawud. 11/259-260. Publisher: Dar Al-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah. 1st Edition 1419AH (Year 1998).
In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Allah, The Mighty and Majestic, said:
فَأَمَّا عَادٌ فَٱسْتَكْبَرُوا۟ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ بِغَيْرِ ٱلْحَقِّ وَقَالُوا۟ مَنْ أَشَدُّ مِنَّا قُوَّةً أَوَلَمْ يَرَوْا۟ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَهُمْ هُوَ أَشَدُّ مِنْهُمْ قُوَّةً وَكَانُوا۟ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا يَجْحَدُونَ
As for ‘Ad, they were arrogant in the land without right, and they said: “Who is mightier than us in strength?” See they not that Allah, Who created them was mightier in strength than them. And they used to deny Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, revelations, etc.)! [Fussilat 15]
Imam As-Sadi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:
This is a detailed account of the story of the two nations, Aad and Thamud. As for Aad, they were arrogant in the earth, together with their disbelief in Allah, their denial of His signs, and their rejection of His messengers. They subdued those – the servants of Allah – around them, oppressed them and were self-amazed with their strength.
وَقَالُوا۟ مَنْ أَشَدُّ مِنَّا قُوَّةً
They said: “Who is mightier than us in strength?
In response, Allah reminded them of a fundamental truth known to all:
أَوَلَمْ يَرَوْا أَنَّ اللَّهَ الَّذِي خَلَقَهُمْ هُوَ أَشَدُّ مِنْهُمْ قُوَّةً
See they not that Allah, Who created them was mightier in strength than them.
If Allah did not create them, they would not have existed. Had they contemplated their situation in a correct manner, they would not have been deceived by their own power, thus, Allah punished them in a manner befitting the strength in which they had placed their misguided trust. [1]
Imam Al-Baghawi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: The statement of the Almighty:
فَأَمَّا عَادٌ فَٱسْتَكْبَرُوا۟ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ بِغَيْرِ ٱلْحَقِّ وَقَالُوا۟ مَنْ أَشَدُّ مِنَّا قُوَّةً
As for Aad, they were arrogant in the land without right, and they said: “Who is mightier than us in strength?”
This was in response to Prophet Hud, peace be upon him, who warned them of impending punishment. They arrogantly claimed that their strength could protect them from such retribution, boasting of their tall and powerful physiques. In response, Allah said to them:
أَوَلَمْ يَرَوْا۟ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَهُمْ هُوَ أَشَدُّ مِنْهُمْ قُوَّةً وَكَانُوا۟ بِـَٔايَٰتِنَا يَجْحَدُونَ
See they not that Allah, Who created them was mightier in strength than them. And they used to deny Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, revelations, etc.)] [2]
Imam Ibn Kathir, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: Allah, The Exalted, said:
فَأَمَّا عَادٌ فَٱسْتَكْبَرُوا۟ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ بِغَيْرِ ٱلْحَقِّ
As for Aad, they were arrogant in the land without right.
Meaning: rebellious, insolent and disobedient. They said:
مَنْ أَشَدُّ مِنَّا قُوَّةً
Who is mightier than us in strength?
Meaning, believing that their physical strength and capabilities would protect them from Allah’s punishment.
أَوَلَمْ يَرَوْا۟ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَهُمْ هُوَ أَشَدُّ مِنْهُمْ قُوَّةً
See they not that Allah, Who created them was mightier in strength than them]- Meaning, they did not reflect on the fact that Allah, who created them, is indeed stronger than they are! Did they not contemplate the One whom openly declared their enmity against? For indeed, He (Allah) is Al-Adheem (Footnote a) who created all things and endowed them with the strength to exist, and His punishment is indeed severe. [3]
Imam Al-Qurtubi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: The statement of Allah:
فَأَمَّا عَادٌ فَٱسْتَكْبَرُوا۟ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ
As for Aad, they were arrogant in the land..
Meaning: without right – towards the servants of Allah, (towards) Prophet Hud, peace be upon him, and those who believed in him.
وَقَالُوا۟ مَنْ أَشَدُّ مِنَّا قُوَّةً
They said: “Who is mightier than us in strength?
They were deceived by their physical stature when faced with the threat of punishment, saying: “We are able to avert the punishment from ourselves by virtue of our strength”. This was due to their tall and mighty physiques. It has already been stated in the explanation of Surah Al-A’raf” (based on a report) by Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him and his father, that the tallest among them was one hundred cubits, while the shortest was sixty cubits. In response, Allah said to them:
أَوَلَمْ يَرَوْا۟ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَهُمْ هُوَ أَشَدُّ مِنْهُمْ قُوَّةً
See they not that Allah, Who created them was mightier in strength than them] and in ability, rather, the ability of a person is contingent upon Allah’s power, and indeed, Allah is the most capable. [4]
فَأَرْسَلْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ رِيحًا صَرْصَرًا فِىٓ أَيَّامٍ نَّحِسَاتٍ لِّنُذِيقَهُمْ عَذَابَ ٱلْخِزْىِ فِى ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا وَلَعَذَابُ ٱلْءَاخِرَةِ أَخْزَىٰ وَهُمْ لَا يُنصَرُونَ
So We sent upon them furious wind in days of evil omen (for them) that We might give them a taste of disgracing torment in this present worldly life, but surely the torment of the Hereafter will be more disgracing, and they will never be helped. [Fussilat 16]
Abu Musa, may Allah be pleased with him, said: Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:
“Verily, Allah will give respite to the oppressor until when He seizes him and he cannot escape”. Then he [i.e. the Messenger] recited the verse:
وَكَذَٲلِكَ أَخۡذُ رَبِّكَ إِذَآ أَخَذَ ٱلۡقُرَىٰ وَهِىَ ظَـٰلِمَةٌۚ إِنَّ أَخۡذَهُ ۥۤ أَلِيمٌ۬ شَدِيدٌ
Such is the Seizure of your Lord when He seizes the (population of) towns while they are doing wrong. Verily, His Seizure is painful, and severe]. [Hud. 102]
Al-Allamah Zaid Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:
There is a warning against oppression in this lofty hadith- oppression against oneself through different levels and types of sins. The one whom Allah has given wealth, good health, safety and stability while he persists upon sin, this is Allah’s plan in stages against this sinner because he deserves it- وَلَا يَظۡلِمُ رَبُّكَ أَحَدً۬ا – And your Lord treats no one with injustice. [Al-Kahf. 49]
There’s a warning – in this hadith – against oppressing others because the one who oppresses others is called an oppressor and the one who oppresses himself through sins is called an oppressor. Therefore, the one who oppresses himself and the one who oppresses others are (exposed) to great danger in this life, in the grave and in the afterlife. If Allah gives him respite and does not hasten punishment against him, then indeed Allah reserves for him the punishment he deserves due to the statement of Allah:
وَكَذَٲلِكَ أَخۡذُ رَبِّكَ إِذَآ أَخَذَ ٱلۡقُرَىٰ وَهِىَ ظَـٰلِمَةٌۚ إِنَّ أَخۡذَهُ ۥۤ أَلِيمٌ۬ شَدِيدٌ
Such is the Seizure of your Lord when He seizes the (population of) towns while they are doing wrong. Verily, His Seizure is painful, and severe].
This is how the hadith is in agreement with the noble verse, that if Allah gives respite to an oppressor, it is not that Allah has neglected his affair. If Allah delays punishment against him in the worldly life, Allah multiplies it for him in the hereafter, thus, he is recompensed based on what he did and the evil deeds he committed. Allah is the possessor of (perfect) wisdom, because He recompenses a doer based on his deed- good recompense for good deeds and evil recompense for evil deeds. [5]
Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:
Everyone with a bit of (sound) intellect knows that the corruption of the world and its ruin occurs due to giving precedence to opinion over the divine revelation and (vain) desires over sound intellect. These two corrupt motives are not entrenched in a heart except that its destruction becomes inevitable nor in a nation except that its affairs are completely corrupted. [6]
The Imam also said:
Whoever contemplates the state of the world will recognise that every instance of rectification stems from Tawhid, singling out Allah in worship and obedience to His Messenger, Muhammad. Conversely, every form of evil, trial, hardship, scarcity in sustenance, and subjugation by adversaries, among other issues, arises from opposing the Messenger and the pursuit of paths other than those prescribed by Allah and His Messenger. Whoever truly contemplates this matter and examines the world’s conditions from its inception until the time Allah ends it, he will realise this about himself and others, both in general and in specific situations. Indeed, there is no might or power except with Allah – The Most High, The Most Great. [7]
Imam As-Sadi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:
Industrialisation and modern inventions; everyone has participated in it – the righteous, the wicked, the believer and the disbeliever. As for religion and manners in this era, it has greatly declined. When this industrial advancement is devoid of (sound) religion and faith, it became a great harm from two angles: firstly, it beguiled many people, who – due of their ignorance – think that worldly advancement is proof to show that its people are more worthy of achieving every good than others. They are clearly misguided because a person maybe from the most skillful in matters related to the material world, whilst he is one of the most ignorant people in matters related to the (sound) religion, virtuous manners and the (other) beneficial affairs in this life and the next. Secondly, when these inventions are devoid of (sound) religion, its mercy and wisdom, it becomes a great disaster for humankind due to the wars that resulted from them- killing, destruction and other matters related to it. Its overseers and scholars are unable to laydown – for humankind -a stable, just and good life; rather they have not ceased moving from one miserable state to another. This is inevitable and the continuous state of affairs shows this. Therefore, all good is found in the sound religion and all evil is found in rejecting and willfully denying (Allah, His Messengers, His Laws, Guidance, Commands, Prohibitions etc).
Indeed, it is impossible to rectify the souls and acquire virtue solely through the worldly sciences. Experience and clearly witnessed circumstances are the greatest proofs regarding this affair, because despite its advancement and vastness it has been unable to nurture and rectify the souls, which is the determinant of (sound) rectification and success.
The Remedy: What the Religion of Islam propagates is that which is entrusted with this rectification; it is what will guide the thoughts towards the truthful and authentic sources of knowledge, guide the actions of the people towards good and prevent them from evil. Islam is The Rectifier of the Creeds and Manners- the thing that cultivates the thoughts, urges towards virtuousness and prevents from depravity.
The essence of that which the religion calls to – regarding belief in the Unseen, which includes belief in Allah and that which He possesses of Names, Attributes and Actions of perfection; belief in Angels, belief in recompense for one’s good and bad deeds in this life and the next, which cannot be known except through the Messengers, is what acquaints a person with the fact that rectification – in reality – is not possible through other than sound belief and the religion of Islam. Thus, even if the worldly sciences rectify (some) matters based upon that which people know in detail, it will still not be equal to the knowledge of the Messengers- neither will it reach that which is reached through the knowledge of the Messengers nor can it influence the souls in the manner in which the knowledge of the Messengers has done, because indeed the souls do not voluntarily submit except through belief in Allah, belief in His Angels, belief in His Books, belief in His Messengers and belief in the hereafter. And without this, voluntary submission is impossible, as is well known regarding human nature. [8]
The followers of truth will remain until the end of time. The Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:
A group of people from my Umma will always remain manifest upon the truth. They will not be harmed by those who forsake them until Allah’s Command comes to pass (i.e. the Day of Judgment). [9]
Why Ponder Upon The Story of The Nations of Old?
قَدْ خَلَتْ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ سُنَنٌ فَسِيرُوا فِي الْأَرْضِ فَانْظُرُوا كَيْفَ كَانَ عَاقِبَةُ الْمُكَذِّبِينَ
Many similar mishaps [troubles, problems] of life were faced by nations that have passed away before you, so travel through the earth, and see what was the end of those who disbelieved]. [Surah Aal Imraan. Verse 137]
Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:
Indeed, there were nations like yourselves before you, so look to their evil end. You have to know that the reason behind their evil end was due to their disbelief in the revelations of Allah and disbelief in Allah’s Messengers. They were the forefathers and you are the descendants. The main affair that connects you to each other is your disbelief and the ruling on that disbelief is destruction. [10]
Imam Muhammad Bin Salih Al-Uthaymin, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:
If it is said, “What is the benefit in narrating to us the stories of the destroyed nations despite the fact that this Ummah will not be completely destroyed in a manner similar to the destruction of the previous nations before it?”
The Answer: Indeed, this has two benefits: The first benefit is a clarification of Allah’s blessings upon us that the occurrence of a complete destruction is removed from us, and that were it not for Allah’s Benevolence we would have been deserving of it. Second, the likeness of the punishment they received may occur in the hereafter for the one who did what they did, if punishment was not received in the worldly life. And this may be understood from the statement of Allah: “Such is the Seizure of your Lord when He seizes the population of towns while they are doing wrong. Verily, His Seizure is painful and severe. Indeed in that (there) is a sure lesson for those who fear the torment of the Hereafter.” So what is apparent from this Aayah is that what is similar to the punishment they received will happen in the Hereafter, and Allaah knows best. [11]
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Footnote a: Al-Adheem: [The Tremendous One, or The Magnificent. The One Tremendous in Greatness, and The Only One deservingly held in awe and venerated by the creation for His Greatness in every sense]. By Shaikh abu Talhah, may Allah have mercy upon him and his wife.
[1]Tafsir As-Sadi
[2]Tafsir Al-Baghawi
[3] Tafsir Ibn kathir
[4]Tafsir Al-Qurtubi
[5]at-Taleeqaat Al-Maleehah Alaa Silsilah Al-Ahaith As-Saheehah. 1/100
[6]I’laam Al-Muwaqqi’een 1/67-69
[7]An Excerpt from Bada’i Al-Fawa’id 3/525-526
[8]An Excerpt from “Al-Adilla Al-Qawaati Wal Baraaheen Fee Ibtaal Usool Al-Mulhideen”. Pages 45-50
[9]Sahih Muslim 1920
[10]I’laam Al-Muwaqqi’een 1/181
[11]Al-Muntaqaa Min Fawaa’id Al-Fawaa’id 123-124
In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Commentary On Four Ahadith Found In Al-Adab Al-Mufrad Regarding Good Character Transmitted By Shaikh Abu Talhah (Dawud Burbank) – May Allah have mercy upon him and his wife.
Narration One:
Hadeeth Number 270: Abu Dardaa [radiyallaahu-anhu] reported from the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] who said: “There is nothing that will be heavier upon the balance than good character”. [1]
Al-Haafiz Muhammad Abdur-Rahmaan al-Mubaarakfooree -rahimahullaah- [d.1353 H] said in his explanation of the Sunan of at-Tirmidhee: As is established, everything that is hated by Allaah has no weight or value, just as everything which is beloved to Him will be something very great with Him, just as He [The Most High] said regarding the Disbelievers Soorah al-Kahf:
فَلَا نُقِيمُ لَهُمۡ يَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ وَزۡنً۬ا
So on the Day of Resurrection We shall give no weight to them]. [18:105]
And in the well-known hadeeth there occurs: Two sayings are light upon the tongue, heavy upon the Balance, beloved to the Most Merciful: Subhaanallaahi wa bihamdihi, Subhaanallaahil-`Azeem (How free is Allaah of all imperfections, and all praise is for Him! How free is Allaah, the Tremendous, of all imperfections!). [2]
Shaikh `Abdul-Muhsin al-`Abbaad -hafizahullaah- said in his taped lessons in explanation of Sunan Abee Daawood: This contains affirmation of the Balance (al-Meezaan); and that the actions of the servants will be weighed on the Day of Resurrection; and it indicates the tremendous status of good character, and its reward with Allaah -the Mighty and Majestic; and that it will be one of the heaviest things upon the Balance, when the deeds are weighed, because it is from the greatest and most excellent of deeds.
Narration Two:
Hadeeth no. 272: Abdullaah Ibn `Amr -radiyallaahu `anhumaa- reported that he heard the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] say: Shall I inform you of the most beloved of you to me, and those who will be seated closest to me on the Day of Resurrection? So the people remained silent, so he repeated it two or three times. The people said: Yes, O Messenger of Allaah! He said: Those who are best in character. [3]
Imaam an-Nawawee -rahimahullaah- (d.676 H) said in his explanation of Saheeh Muslim: It contains an encouragement upon good character, and an explanation of the virtue of its possessor; and it is the characteristic of the Prophets of Allaah -the Most High- and His righteous and beloved servants. Al-Hasan al-Basree said: The true reality of good character is: Doing good to others, withholding from harming, and having a cheerful face; and al-Qaadee Iyaad said: It is to associate with the people in a beautiful manner, to have a cheerful face, to show love for them, to show compassion for them, to tolerate the harm they cause, to be forbearing with them, to have patience upon disagreeable things, to abandon having pride or being arrogant towards them; and to avoid harshness, anger, and taking them to account. [4]
Imaam Ahmad ibn `Umar al-Qurtubee -rahimahullaah- (d.656 H) said in his explanation of the Abridgement of Saheeh Muslim: So the praiseworthy manners are the characteristics of the Prophets, the beloved and obedient servants of Allaah, and the people of virtue, such as: having patience with disagreeable things, having forbearance when treated with coarseness, bearing harm, treating the people well, showing affection towards them, hastening to carry out their needs, being merciful, compassionate, being mild when disagreeing, verifying affairs carefully, avoiding that which causes corruption and evils; and, in summary, the best of manners is that you favour others over your own self: so you treat people with justice and fairness, but you do not enforce justice and fairness for yourself; so you pardon those who wrong you, and you give to those who withhold from you. [5]
Al-Haafiz `Abdur-Ra-oof al-Munaawee -rahimahullaah- (d. 1031 H) said: Yoosuf ibn Asbaat said: The sign of good character is in ten qualities: rarely arguing, treating others fairly, abandoning seeking out people’s faults, seeking to rectify and improve any evil qualities which appear, seeking excuses for people, bearing harm, blaming oneself, occupying oneself with awareness of one’s own faults and not with the faults of others, having a cheerful face, and being mild in speech. [6]
Narration Three:
Hadeeth no. 277: From Anas -radiyallaahu `anhu- who said: I served the Prophet r for ten years, and he never said Uff to me, and he never said to me about anything which I had not done: Why didn’t you do it? Nor about anything which I had done: Why did you do it?! [7]
Imaam an-Nawawee -rahimahullaah- (d.676 H) said in his explanation of Saheeh Muslim: The hadeeth contains an explanation of the completeness of his character, and the fine manner in which he treated others, and his forbearance, and how he pardoned and overlooked.
Al-Haafiz Ibn Hajr -rahimahullaah- (d. 852 H) said: The point of benefit to be derived from this is leaving off rebuking for that which has been left, since one is still free to carry it out if there is a need for it; and it produces the benefit of keeping the tongue free from censuring and blaming; and it causes the mind of the servant to have amicable feelings, due to his not having been rebuked; and all of this applies in cases relating to the person’s individual rights; as for the affairs which are obligations in the Religion, then they are not overlooked, since they fall under ordering the good and forbidding the evil. [8]
Narration Four:
Hadeeth no. 323: From Asmaa bint Yazeed -radiyallaahu `anhaa- that she said The Prophet said: Shall I not inform you of the best ones from amongst you? They said: Yes, indeed. He said: Those who when they are seen, then Allaah is remembered. Shall I not inform you of the worst ones from amongst you? They said: Yes, indeed. He said: Those who go about carrying tales to cause mischief between friends, those who seek harm and corruption for the innocent. [9]
Al-Haafiz `Abdur-Ra-oof al-Munaawee-rahimahullaah- (d. 1031 H) said: (Shall I not inform you of the best ones from amongst you): i.e. those who are the best of you, O Believers. They said: Yes indeed. He said: Those who when they are seen, then Allaah is remembered. i.e. because of their behaviour and appearance, because an individual from them is sorrowful, downcast, his head is bowed, he is silent; the effect of fear is seen upon his appearance, his behaviour, his movements, his stillness, and his speech. One does not look at him except that it causes him to remember Allaah. His outward appearance is an indication of his knowledge. So these people are known through their appearance: in their calmness, their humility, and their humbleness. [10]
Shared with me by our Salafi brother Harun Al-Banghali, may Allah bless him Amin.
1: Hadeeth graded ‘Hasan’ by Shaikh al-Albaanee in As-Saheehah, No.876
2: Tuhfatul-Ahwadhee 6/140
3: Hadeeth graded Saheeh by Shaikh al-Albaanee in As-Saheehah, No. 792
4: Explanation of Saheeh Muslim. Hadeeth No.2321
5: Al-Mufhim 6/116-117
6: Faydul-Qadeer 3/464
7: Bukhaari 6038 and Muslim 2309
8: Saheehul-Bukhaaree, Fathul-Baaree 10/460
9: Graded ‘Hasan’ by Shaikh al-Albaanee
10: Faydul-Qadeer 3/115
In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Imam Abu Bakr Ibn Al-Arabi Al-Maliki, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: Muhammad Bin Qasim Al-Uthmani, may Allah have mercy upon him, told me more than once:
“I arrived in Fustat one day, then I went to the gathering of Shaikh Abi Al-Fadl Al-Jawhari, may Allah have mercy upon him, and there I witnessed a statement that he uttered to the people. And that which he stated – in the first gathering when I sat with him – was that ‘The Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, طلق – i.e. he did divorce, ظاهر – i.e. he did utter the statement to a wife, ‘You are like my mother’s back’, and آلى – i.e. he made an oath to abandon his wives for a month”.
When he (i.e. Shaikh Abi Al-Fadl Al-Jawhari) left, I followed him until I reached his house with a group of people; then he sat with us in the vestibule and acquainted them with my affair because he saw a stranger [i.e. I (Muhammad Bin Qasim)] and did not know the person among those who came to him before. When most of them departed from him, he said to me, “I see that you are a stranger; do you have anything to say?” I said, “Yes”. He said to his companions, “Excuse him from having to speak in your presence”, so, they got up and I stayed alone with him. I said to him, “I attended your gathering today so that Allah may bless me (with some of the knowledge you possess), and I heard you say, ‘Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] آلى – i.e. he once made an oath to abandon his wives for a month and what you said was true; طلق – i.e. he did divorce women, and what you said was true, and you said that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, ظاهر i.e. he did utter the statement to a wife, ‘You are like my mother’s back’, but this never happened and can never be correct to say that it happened because Az-Zihaar [i.e. to say to one’s wife, ‘You are like my mother’s back’ (i.e. unlawful for me to approach)] is an evil statement and false speech, and this can never be uttered by the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him”. He hugged and kissed my forehead, and said, “I repent from this statement. May Allah reward you on my behalf as a good teacher”.
I departed from his presence, and the next day I went early to his gathering, but he was in the Central Masjid before me and was sitting on the pulpit. When I entered the Masjid and thus he saw me, he called out at the top of his voice (saying), “Welcome, my teacher. Make room for my teacher”. So, the people turned towards me and their eyes stared at me! O Abu Bakr! And you know me – meaning, he (i.e. Muhammad Bin Qasim Al-Uthmani) was indicating to Ibn Al-Arabi about his extremely shy character because when someone greeted him by surprise, he would feel shy – due to his extreme shyness – and turned red as if his face was painted with Gulnaar (pomegranate blossom). He (i.e. Muhammad Bin Qasim) continued, “People hastened towards me, raising their hands towards me (i.e. acknowledging me) and nudging me until I reached the pulpit, and I did not know in which part of the earth I was due to my extreme shyness (i.e. shocked), whilst the Masjid was overcrowded with people and I sweated due to shyness. Then the Shaikh turned towards the people and said to them, ‘I am your teacher and this is my teacher! Yesterday, I told you that Allah’s Messenger آلى – i.e. he once made an oath to abandon his wives for a month; طلق – i.e. he did divorce women, and ظاهر i.e. he once uttered the statement to a wife, ‘You are like my mother’s back’, and neither did a single one of you give me the correct understanding nor respond to me, but he (i.e. Muhammad Bin Qaasim) followed me to my house and said such and such to me. I repeat (i.e. right now) what took place between him and I, repent from yesterday’s statement, and return to the truth. Whoever hears it from those who were present, let him not rely on what he says, and let the one who is present convey this affair to the absent one. May Allaah reward him with good’”. Then he (i.e. Shaikh Abee Al-Fadl) started supplicating a lot and the people responded with Aameen.
Ibn Al-Arabi stated – after narrating this incident- “So look – may Allah have mercy upon you – at this firm adherence to the religion and an acknowledgment of the people of knowledge given by this man – whose leadership was manifest and whose worth was well known- to a stranger whom he neither knew nor where he came from! Follow his example and you’ll be led aright”. [Ahkam Al-Qur’an 1/248-249]
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Zihaar: Allah [The Exalted] says:
ٱلَّذِينَ يُظَـٰهِرُونَ مِنكُم مِّن نِّسَآٮِٕهِم مَّا هُنَّ أُمَّهَـٰتِهِمۡۖ إِنۡ أُمَّهَـٰتُهُمۡ إِلَّا ٱلَّـٰٓـِٔى وَلَدۡنَهُمۡۚ وَإِنَّہُمۡ لَيَقُولُونَ مُنڪَرً۬ا مِّنَ ٱلۡقَوۡلِ وَزُورً۬اۚ وَإِنَّ
Those among you who make their wives unlawful (Az-Zihar) to them by saying to them “You are like my mother’s back.” They cannot be their mothers. None can be their mothers except those who gave them birth. And verily, they utter an evil statement and a lie. [Surah Al-Mujaadilah. Ayah 2]
In the Name of Allāh, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:
Accepting Advice and Wholehearted Submission to The truth is One of the Great Obligations (Obligated) to all Muslims
All praises be to Allāh, and may peace and blessings be upon Allah’s Messenger, his family, his companions, and those who follow his guidance. To proceed:
I came across what some internet websites have disseminated (or posted) regarding a statement attributed to me, that I stated during one of my lectures: “If the Messenger of Allah disowned (or freed himself) from you through (or upon) the tongue of our Lord”. I said it while citing (or utilising as proof) the statement of Allah, the Exalted:
إن الذين فرقوا دينهم وكانوا شيعا لست منهم في شيء
“Verily, those who divide their religion and break up into sects (all kinds of religious sects), you (O Muhammad) have nothing to do with them” [3] regarding the prohibition of splitting (divergent sects, groups, parties). Then I stated: “How can we, my brothers, not fear while we choose this splitting and live with it for generations and ages?”
I seek Allah’s forgiveness – a hundred times – for this ugly (disgusting) and false statement. I request the removal of this statement from all cassettes (recordings) in which it appears, and I emphasise that anyone who possesses a recording containing this statement should delete it. And I say: Indeed, this statement is ugly (disgusting) and false; exalted is Allah above it, and free is He from it. That is because He, The Exalted, is free from any resemblance to the created things, as He, Glorified be He and free from all imperfections, says:
لَيْسَ كَمِثْلِهِۦ شَىْءٌ وَهُوَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلْبَصِيرُ
There is nothing like (similar) to Him, and He is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer.
Likewise, He, The Mighty and Majestic, says:
قُلْ هُوَ ٱللَّهُ أَحَدٌ
ٱللَّهُ ٱلصَّمَدُ
لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ
وَلَمْ يَكُن لَّهُۥ كُفُوًا أَحَدٌۢ
Say (with a firm, resolute statement): “He is Allāh, (who is) uniquely One (in His perfect names, attributes, actions, and His right to worship). Allāh, the Eternal, Self-Sufficient Master (of utmost perfection in His attributes, to whom all creatures turn for their needs whilst He has none). He did not beget (such that He became a father) nor was He begotten (such that He became a son). And there is none equal, similar or comparable to Him (in His perfect names, attributes and actions).” https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/sura/112/1
And He, the Most High, said:
هَلْ تَعْلَمُ لَهُۥ سَمِيًّا
Do you know of any that is worthy of His name (due to having similarity to Him)?
In these noble verses are an affirmation of the Attributes of His Perfection and the descriptions of His majesty, while also exalting Him above attributes and descriptions of deficiency and the likeness to created beings. Neither is anyone similar nor comparable to Him in His Dhat (Self), and His Attributes, nor in any of His Magnificent Attributes. [1]
Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jama’ah affirm all of the attributes mentioned in the Qur’an and Sunnah without Tashbih, Ta’teel, Takyeef, or Tamtheel with regards to anything of His Attributes, such as Ascension above His Throne – above all of His creations, His Highness, Descent, Hearing, Sight, Ability, Iraadah, knowledge, Speech, and Wisdom, and the fact that He, The Exalted, is the Creator, the Provider, Giver of Life, and Causer of Death, among the other affirmed Names and Lofty Attributes of His. Ahlus Sunnah affirm them without Takyeef, Tamtheel, Tashbih, or Ta’teel, standing in opposition to Ahlul Ahwa (the sects upon vain desires in their creed), such as the Jahmiyyah, Khawarij, Mu’tazilah, Rawaafid, and Ash’ariyyah. [2]
And all praises be to Allah, I am from those whom Allah blessed with this methodology, which I firmly believe in the depth of my inner-self. I teach it, advocate for it, and defend it as a student and a teacher; calling to it with all my ability, establishing allegiance and enmity based on it from the beginning of my life (i.e. when he became acquainted with it). This statement, which I made during my lecture- in which I called to this path and urged those who oppose it to revise it – is extremely hated to me. This ugly (repugnant, disgusting) statement was a slip of the tongue on my part and had someone alerted me at the moment I uttered it, I would have rejected and distanced myself from it. It is not justified for anyone who comes across it to remain silent about it. It is akin to the statement made by the man whom the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, cited as an example, who said out of overwhelming happiness: “O Allah! You are my servant and I am Your Lord”. [3]
Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, stated, “He (i.e. this man) erred due to overwhelming happiness.” Nevertheless, I experience profound pain from it and strongly condemn it for both myself and others (.e. not to utter this statement).
I beseech Allah, the Generous Lord of the Mighty Throne, to forgive me for all my sins, both those I have concealed and those I have made known. I ask for forgiveness for my slips and errors, including those of the pen, the tongue, the limbs, and the heart. “All the children of Adam commit mistakes, and the best of those who err are the repentant.” I beseech Allah to make me among the repentant and the purified. Accepting advice and adhering to the truth is one of the most obligatory duties for all Muslims, regardless of the source. It is not permissible for a Muslim to belittle or disdain the advisor, no matter their status. I seek refuge in Allah from rejecting advice or defending any wrong or falsehood that originates from me, for such behavior is characteristic of the corrupt, arrogant, obstinate, and those who, when given a reminder do not reflect (or take heed). I seek refuge in Allah from these ugly (repugnant, disgusting) traits. I ask Allah to include me among those about whom He said:
وَٱلَّذِینَ إِذَا ذُكِّرُوا۟ بِـَٔایَـٰتِ رَبِّهِمۡ لَمۡ یَخِرُّوا۟ عَلَیۡهَا صُمࣰّا وَعُمۡیَانࣰا
And those who, when they are reminded of the Signs of their Lord, fall not deaf and blind thereat. [4]
I advise myself and all Muslims to adhere to this methodology and remain steadfast in it, to accept the advice of those who advise, and to follow the path of the righteous predecessors in mutual advice, enjoining one another upon truth, and accepting guidance, in consideration (and application) of Allah’s statement:
وَٱلْعَصْرِ
إِنَّ ٱلْإِنسَٰنَ لَفِى خُسْرٍ
إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَعَمِلُوا۟ ٱلصَّٰلِحَٰتِ وَتَوَاصَوْا۟ بِٱلْحَقِّ وَتَوَاصَوْا۟ بِٱلصَّبْرِ
By (the phenomenon of) time (which Allah manifests through His creation of night and day and in which the servants perform their deeds). Indeed, (all of) mankind is in loss. Except those who believe (in Allāh, His Angels, Books, Prophets, the Last Day and the Divine Decree) and work righteous deeds (which are sincere and correct) and mutually advise each other (in calling to and abiding by) the truth and mutually advise each other with patience (in facing the inevitable harms brought by calling to the truth).
https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/sura/103/
And in consideration (and application) of Allah’s statement:
والمؤمنون والمؤمنات بعضهم أولياء بعض يأمرون بالمعروف وينهون عن المنكر
The believers, men and women, are Auliya’ (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another, they enjoin good and forbid evil.
Among the signs of upright guidance, uprightness, truthfulness (in statement and action), and salvation in this worldly and the Hereafter is to be steadfast upon the Book and the Sunnah, and to follow this methodology in belief, action, manners, and in enjoining good and forbidding evil, addressing shortcomings with wisdom and through (honourable, straight forward, honest) ways.
And I beseech Allah, The Mighty and Majestic, to grant success to this Ummah, particularly Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jama’ah, to advance this great methodology, unite their word upon it, and enable them to achieve (or attain upright) leadership, dignity, and honour in this worldly life; enable them to adhere to this methodology that will lead them to safety and salvation in the Hereafter. Indeed, my Lord is All-Hearing of supplications.
May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his companions.
Written by:
Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali
8/7/1425 AH
Makkah Al-Mukarramah
[1] and [2] https://abukhadeejah.com/categories-of-the-attributes-sifat-of-allah/#:~:text=Examples%20are%20Life%20(Al%2DHay%C4%81t,such%20Attributes%20of%20the%20Self.
https://www.salafipublications.com/sps/sp.cfm?subsecID=AQD03&articleID=AQD030007&articlePages=1
[3] Anas Bin Malik, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessing of Allah be upon him, said: Allah is more pleased with the repentance of His servant when he turns back to Him than one of you would feel upon finding his lost camel in a desolate land, which had carried his food and drink. When he loses hope of recovering it, he lies down in the shade and is disappointed about his camel, thus he suddenly sees his camel standing right beside him. Overwhelmed with joy, he grabs its reins and exclaims: “O Allah! You are my servant, and I am Your Lord.” He has made a mistake due to the intensity of his happiness. [Sahih Muslim 2747]
[4]https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2024/03/21/medication-from-the-quran-for-one-who-only-desires-reminders-from-a-specific-person/
In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Amr Ibnul Aas, may Allah be pleased with him, was one of those given authority and so was Abu Ubaydah Ibn Al-Jarrah, may Allah be pleased with him. Khalid Ibn Al-Walid, may Allah be pleaded with him, was given preference over them due to his bravery and usefulness in Jihad. When Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, passed away, Umar Ibn Al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, gave Abu Ubaydah, may Allah be pleased with him, authority over all of them because Umar Ibn Al-khattab used to be tough for the sake of Allah, thus he appointed Abu Ubaydah because he was soft. Abu Bakr was soft and Khalid was tough. Therefore, the soft one gave authority to the tough one and the tough one gave authority to the soft one to balance the affairs.
An Excerpt from “Adwaa Min Fatawaa Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah” By Al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzan 2/568-569
In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
It is narrated from Maymun ibn Mihran, may Allah have mercy upon him, who said:
“Al-Hamdani, may Allah have mercy upon him, reported to me that he saw Uthman ibn Affan, may Allah be pleased with him, riding a female mule and his boy servant was on it behind him, while he was the khalifah”.
Hilyah Al-Awliya 1/60
In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
It has been reported from Qays ibn Abi Hazim, may Allah have mercy upon him, who said:
When Umar ibn al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, arrived in Sham, its scholars and elders came out to meet him. They said, ‘Ride this mule so that people will see you’. He said: ‘Indeed, you see the matter from here’, then while pointing to the sky, he said: ‘Instead the matter (regarding nobility, honour, recognition etc) is really up there. Leave me on my way.”
Tarikh Dimashq 4/44