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Naseehah – [A Brief Faa’idah]

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

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

The meaning of ‘Naseehah’ is Al-Khuloos [purity]. It is said that something is ‘Naasih’ meaning: It is free from deceit. And it is said: ‘Asalun Naasihun’ [Pure Honey]; Labanun Naasihun [Pure Milk]- meaning: Free from deceit and bad mixtures. This is how it is [with regards] to the religion of Islaam, for indeed it is free from every falsehood and deception, cheating and treachery. It is a pure and unadulterated religion. Likewise, the Muslim’s apparent [affairs] are the same as his hidden [affairs]- upon purity and safe from evil manners, treachery, betrayal and other than that. As for the one who cheats, deceives and plots, or his apparent [affairs] are in opposition to his hidden [affairs], this trait is not from the Religion. [Source: An Excerpt from ‘Minhatur-Rabbaaniyyah Fee Sharhi Ar-ba’een An-Nawawiyyah’- page 12]

 

An Affair That Should Make Us Shy In The Presence of Allaah When The Nafs Inclines Towards Sin

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allaah [The Most High] said:

وَلَقَدۡ خَلَقۡنَا ٱلۡإِنسَـٰنَ وَنَعۡلَمُ مَا تُوَسۡوِسُ بِهِۦ نَفۡسُهُ ۥ‌ۖ وَنَحۡنُ أَقۡرَبُ إِلَيۡهِ مِنۡ حَبۡلِ ٱلۡوَرِيدِ

إِذۡ يَتَلَقَّى ٱلۡمُتَلَقِّيَانِ عَنِ ٱلۡيَمِينِ وَعَنِ ٱلشِّمَالِ قَعِيدٌ۬

مَّا يَلۡفِظُ مِن قَوۡلٍ إِلَّا لَدَيۡهِ رَقِيبٌ عَتِيدٌ۬

And indeed We have created man, and We know what his ownself whispers to him. And We are nearer to him than his jugular vein (by Our Knowledge). (Remember!) that the two receivers (recording angels) receive (each human being after he or she has attained the age of puberty), one sitting on the right and one on the left (to note his or her actions). Not a word does he (or she) utter, but there is a watcher by him ready (to record it). [50:16-18]

Few Reminders from the above Aayaat:

Allaah [The Most High] informed us that He alone created human beings-males and females- and He knows all their state of affairs. He knows everything that is hidden about them and what their own souls whisper to them. Allaah [The Most High] is nearer to them than their jugular veins by His knowledge, even though the jugular vein is the closest thing to the human. Therefore, this should make the human being mindful of Allaah -the One Who knows all the hidden affairs in the soul and heart of the human being in all circumstances. This should also make the human being shy in the presence of Allaah -that he [or she] is not seen committing what Allaah has forbidden or abandoning what Allaah has commanded. [An Excerpt from ‘Tayseer Al-kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan’. Slightly paraphrased]

The Heart Does Get Sick Just As The Body Gets Sick!

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] said:

The heart does get sick just as the body gets sick and its cure is found in repentance and bring keen [to obey Allaah and the Messenger etc]. The heart does become rusty just as a mirror becomes rusty, and remembrance of Allaah polishes it. The heart does become unadorned just as the body, and fear of Allaah beautifies it. The heart does suffer from discomfort just as the body suffers from discomfort due to hunger, and its food and drink are knowledge and awareness of Allaah, love of Allaah, reliance upon Allaah, turning sincerely to Allaah in repentance and obedience with Tawheed, and carrying out acts of obedience to Allaah. [An Excerpt from ‘Al-Fawaa’id 143’]

The Effect of Admonition On Our Hearts and Actions

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Imaam Ibnul Jawzee (rahimahullaah) said:

Indeed the listener is awaken at the time of hearing admonitions, but when he leaves a gathering (in which) Allaah was remembered he returns to a (state) of impenitence and heedlessness. So, I pondered and came to know of its causes and saw that the people were in different (circumstances) in that regard. The general state of affairs is that the heart does not remain upon a distinct state of wakefulness after one hears an admonition, and this is due to two reasons:

Firstly: An admonition is like a whip and a whip does not cause harm after its use ceases.  Its pain is (felt) at the time it is used.

Secondly: Whilst listening to Admonitions, a person may be turned away from [worldly distractions]- his body and thoughts are isolated from the influences of the worldly life and he pays attention with his heart; however when he returns to the [worldly] preoccupations, he is captivated by its hassles.

There are those who are firm and do not go back and forth: They carry on in a state of [wakefulness and righteous action] without turning away.

There are those whose natural inclinations make them incline towards heedlessness at times, but at other times they are called back through admonitions to perform [righteous] actions.  They are similar to a grain of (corn) that is blown back and forth by the breeze.

And there are those who are not affected by [admonitions] except in accordance with the degree of what they heard- similar to water rolling on a smooth rock.  [Source: An Excerpt from ‘Saydul Khaatir’ page: 14. slightly paraphrased]

Words of Advice For The Smoker, Especially The One Who Smokes During Hajj and Umrah – [Admonitions By Shaikh Uthaymeen and Shaikh Abdur Razzaaq Al-Badr]

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Shaikh Uthaymeen [rahimahullaah] said:

Smoking is forbidden due to the evidences found in the Qur’aan and the Sunnah, and based on sound opinion.  Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] said: [وَلا تَقْتُلُوا أَنْفُسَكُمْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ بِكُمْ رَحِيماً  – And do not kill yourselves (nor kill one another). Surely, Allah is Most Merciful to you] [Soorah Nisaa: Ayah: 29]

It is well-known that smoking causes harm to the body which may appear sooner or later, and this is an affair agreed upon by the doctors of today after the advancement of medicine. Smoking also disfigures the teeth, the lips etc.

Also, Allaah [the Most High] said: [وَلا تُؤْتُوا السُّفَهَاءَ أَمْوَالَكُمُ الَّتِي جَعَلَ اللَّهُ لَكُمْ قِيَاماً – And give not unto the foolish your property which Allah has made a means of support for you]. Therefore, Allaah clarified the wisdom behind wealth and that He made it a means of support through which the Religious and worldly benefits are established. And it is well known that spending wealth on cigarettes neither supports Religious nor worldly benefits, rather it does the opposite.

And from the evidences in the Sunnah concerning the impermissibility of smoking is that the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] forbade the squandering of wealth, and squandering wealth is when it is spent in other than what is beneficial. It is well known that spending wealth on smoking is a spending in which there is no benefit, rather it is spending in that which is harmful.

As for sound opinion, then sound intellect necessitates that a person does not partake in that which harms him and wastes his wealth, whilst he is a believer and that he will be brought to account. Therefore, sound intellect necessitates that a person does what benefits him and leaves what harms him, and from the perfection of [one’s religion and character] is to leave that which is of no benefit.

The affairs are three: Beneficial things, Harmful things and Things in which there is neither harm nor benefit.  The first affair is sought after, the second affair is blameworthy, and regarding the third affair, a person refrains from it out of seeking perfection in his affairs, but there is no blame on him if he does it. [End of quote. Ref 1]

Question to Shaikh Abdur Razzaaq Al-Badr [hafidhahullaah]

What is your advice to the smokers?

Answer: We advise the smoker to seek after [great] benefit from this precious opportunity [i.e. Hajj] in this blessed land – this land from which the light of Eemaan started and spread to others regions of the Dunyah – by abandoning cigarettes. Many, many people abandoned smoking forever after coming to this land [i.e. for Hajj or Umrah]. Fear of Allaah, submission to Allaah and being truthful to Allaah entered the heart, so he [i.e. that pilgrim] abandoned smoking and never returned to it. There are many stories regarding this affair. A pilgrim told me that he started smoking from an early age. Once he was at Arafah with a cigarette in my hand, whilst the people -on his right and left-were supplicating, but he was smoking. So, he said to himself, ‘’Even at this present moment I am still smoking?!’’ So, he got rid of the cigarette and raised his hands [in supplication] together with the people. One of the supplications he made was that Allaah saves him from cigarettes and he did abandon smoking thereafter – forever. Therefore, the one who comes to this land should fear Allaah and utilise this opportunity to abandon smoking forever. There are a number of affairs that will also help him abandon smoking:

Firstly, every smoker should know that smoking is Haraam. Many scholars have issued verdicts to show that it is Haraam based on many evidences from the Qur’aan and the [authentic] Sunnah. [From them is the statement of Allaah]: ”And do not throw yourselves into destruction.” [Surah Al-Baqarah’ Aayah 195]. And Allaah said: ”He allows them as lawful At-Taiyibat [(i.e. all good and lawful) as regards things, deeds, beliefs, persons, foods, etc.], and prohibits them as unlawful Al-Khaba’ith (i.e. all evil and unlawful as regards things, deeds, beliefs, persons, foods, etc.)” [Surah Al-A’raaf. Aayah 157].  Smoking is khabeeth.

Secondly, all doctors are unanimously agreed on the fact that smoking harms a person’s health and it is one of the greatest causes of cancer.

Thirdly, smoking is a waste of wealth and a means of placing wealth in the hands of the enemies [of Islaam]. So, the cigarettes harm his health and strengthen his enemy. If the smoker was asked, “You have been smoking for forty or fifty years, what benefit have you acquired from it?!” There is not a single benefit; however the harms are great indeed. He will realise the harm on his health, wealth etc Therefore, the one afflicted with smoking should fear Allaah and utilise this opportunity [in this blessed land] to abandon smoking forever, repent to Allaah and supplicate to Allaah to help him abandon smoking. [Ref 2]

[Ref 1: An Excerpt from the links http://www.ajurry.com/vb/showthread.php?t=8074] http://www.ibnothaimeen.com/all/noor/article_3610.shtml Paraphrased]

[Ref 2: Sharh Usool Ath-Thalaatha’ Audio lesson number 5]

 

 

 

The Usefulness of Pious, Humble and Sensible People In The Sittings And Gatherings

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Imaam As-Sadi [rahimahullaah] said:

When you sit with the people, make humility the sign by which you are recognized, fear of Allaah should be your shield and giving advice to the servants of Allaah as your constant habit. Be eager to (make) every gathering in which you sit one of goodness- either research into affairs of knowledge or advice on religious matters; either directing (others) towards a general or a particular beneficial affair, or making a mention of the blessings of Allaah; either making a mention of the superior status of praiseworthy manners and good etiquettes or warning against that which is detrimental to the well-being of one’s religious or worldly (affairs). The least of this [i.e. your companionship and advice to those you sit with] is that the earnings from their occupations should be by way of permissible (means) and not what is forbidden.

Behave well towards the young, the old and your peers. Deal toward everyone in a way they deserve and have respect for the one who deserves to be respected and honoured. Be eager to make your congregation relaxed by way of speech that is appropriate and good, even if that was in relation to the worldly (affairs).

The sensible and determined person achieves abundant goodness in the gatherings of the people and he becomes more beloved to them than all [beloved things]. This is because he approaches the people with what they approve [i.e. good] and statements they desire, and the foundation in this is success in taking over control of all the affairs placed before them.

And these affairs [i.e. good advice and companionship] become more emphasized on a journey, because during a journey sitting together is prolonged and the travellers are in need of having someone who revives their hearts with good statements, the news of events and joke – if all of that is truth and not too much-and to assist them with the essential affairs of travel. And Allaah is the One who grants all success.

[An Excerpt from ‘Noorul Basaa’ir Wal al-baab fee ahkaam al ‘Ibaadaat Wal Mu‘aamalaat Wal Huqooq Wal Aadaab’ pages 64-65. Slightly paraphrased]

If Speech Is From Silver, Silence Is Gold

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Pearls of Wisdom.

In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower.

Ibnul Mubaarak [rahimahullaah] was asked about the statement of Luqmaan [alayhis-salaam] to his son: ‘’If speech is from silver, then silence is from gold.” So he said: ‘’It means that if speech in obedience to Allaah is from silver, then silence [in order to refrain from] disobedience to Allaah is gold’’.

[Jaami-ul Uloom Wal-Hikam: page: 155]

 

Football: [You Don’t Have to Play Football, But There Is No Harm In Playing Football]

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom.

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

Shaikh Uthaymeen [rahimahullaah] stated about the football:

There is no harm in playing football if the following conditions are fulfilled: 1: Clothing worn should cover what is haraam [i.e. awrah] for another person to see. 2: Should not lead to neglecting an obligation. 3: No foul language. 4: Should not be a habit, such as the one who plays every afternoon. As for playing sometimes, there is no harm in doing so for recreation. And there is no doubt that football invigorates the body and strengthens it. [Source: Sharh Hilyati Taalibil Ilm’ pages 46-47]

 

Few Moral Lessons From The Encounter Between Prophet Sulaymaan [alayhi salaam] And The Ants

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom.

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

Allaah [The Most High] said:

وَحُشِرَ لِسُلَيْمَانَ جُنُودُهُ مِنَ الْجِنِّ

وَالْإِنْسِ وَالطَّيْرِ فَهُمْ يُوزَعُونَ

حَتَّىٰ إِذَا أَتَوْا عَلَىٰ وَادِ النَّمْلِ قَالَتْ

نَمْلَةٌ يَا أَيُّهَا النَّمْلُ ادْخُلُوا

مَسَاكِنَكُمْ لَا يَحْطِمَنَّكُمْ

سُلَيْمَانُ وَجُنُودُهُ وَهُمْ لَا يَشْعُرُونَ

فَتَبَسَّمَ ضَاحِكًا مِنْ قَوْلِهَا وَقَالَ رَبِّ

أَوْزِعْنِي أَنْ أَشْكُرَ نِعْمَتَكَ الَّتِي

أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيَّ وَعَلَىٰ وَالِدَيَّ وَأَنْ أَعْمَلَ

صَالِحًا تَرْضَاهُ وَأَدْخِلْنِي بِرَحْمَتِكَ فِي

عِبَادِكَ الصَّالِحِينَ

And there were gathered before Sulaiman (Solomon) his hosts of jinns and men, and birds, and they all were set in battle order (marching forwards). Till, when they came to the valley of the ants, one of the ants said: “O ants! Enter your dwellings, lest Sulaiman (Solomon) and his hosts crush you, while they perceive not.” So he [Sulaiman (Solomon)] smiled, amused at her speech and said: “My Lord! Inspire and bestow upon me the power and ability that I may be grateful for Your Favours which You have bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may do righteous good deeds that will please You, and admit me by Your Mercy among Your righteous slaves.” [27: 17-19]

Few Reminders From The Above Aayaat:

The ant sought an excuse for the army if they would have harmed its colony due to being unaware of their presence and it blamed its colony if they failed to take precaution by not entering their dwelling place. And due to this, Sulaymaan [alayhis salaam] smiled because indeed it is something that should bring about amazement and make someone smile. [Ref 1]

The ant knew Sulaymaan’s [alayhis salaam] affair and that of his army, exalted Sulaymaan’s [alayhis salaam] authority and excused them if they crushed its colony because that would have occurred unintentionally.

Sulaymaan [alayhis-salaam] heard the ant’s speech and understood it, so he smiled due to being amazed by the ant’s eloquence, [good] advice and fine expression. This is how the Prophets were – perfect manners and expressing their amazement in the right circumstances. They do not laugh; rather they smile just as the Messenger  [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] mostly used to smile, for indeed a loud burst of laughter is an indication of feeble mindedness and bad manners.

On the other hand, the one who does not become amazed by what should amaze a person, then this is an indication of ill-humour and haughtiness, and the Messengers of Allaah are free from that. [Ref 2]

[Ref 1: An Excerpt from ‘Badaa’i At-Tafseer Al-Jaami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imaam Ibnul Qayyim Al-Jawziyyah’ Vol 2′ pages 279-282). Slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 2: An Excerpt from ‘Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam al-Mannaan’. Slightly paraphrased]

Four Types of People: [The Scholar, The Student, The Forgetful One And The One Who Is Unaware That He Does Not Know]

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Pearls of Wisdom.

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

Ibnul Jawzee [rahimahullaah] said, ”Sulaymaan Ibn Moosaa [rahimahullaah] said, ‘The people are four types”’. Also it has been reported to us from Ahnaf Ibn Qais [rahimahullaah] that he said, ”Khaleel Ibn Ahmad [rahimahullaah] said, ‘The people are four types: A man who knows and knows that he knows-this one is a scholar, so take from him. A man who knows, but he does not know that he knows-this one is forgetful, so he is to be reminded. A man who does not know and knows that he does not know-this one is a student, so teach him. A man who does not know that he does not know-this one is an idiot”’. [Akhbaarul Hamqaa. page: 15]