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Contemplation – From the Takbir to Al-Fatihah

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

الله اكبر

Allah is the Greatest:

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

When one says this, they have testified to Allah’s Majesty.

سُبْحَانَكَ اللَّهُمَّ وَبِحَمْدِكَ. تَبَارَكَ اسْمُكَ وَتَعَالَى جَدُّكَ. وَلاَ إِلهَ غَيْرُكَ

I declare You free from all imperfections O Allāh, and all praise is for You. Blessed is Your Name, great and exalted is Your kingdom. And there is none worthy of worship besides You [1]

When one says this, they have testified with the heart that the Lord is free from every fault, removed from every shortcoming and worthy of praise with every perfect praise. This necessitates that Allah is described with every Attribute of perfection and free from every deficiency – blessed be His Name. Neither is His Name mentioned in a small matter except that it becomes big nor in something good except that it increases and becomes blessed; neither mentioned in a state of affliction except that it ceases nor mentioned against a Shaytan except that the Shaytan is repelled, turned away and defeated. The perfection of a name is from the perfection of the one named with it; therefore when it is the fact that nothing can cause harm in the heavens or the earth with (a mention) of His Name, then the affair of the owner of the name is loftier and more exalted.

وَتَعَالَى جَدُّكَ

Great and exalted is Your kingdom.

Meaning: Exalted is His Greatness and above everything that is considered great. His affair is exalted above every affair and every authority (kingdom) is completely under His absolute authority, and exalted is He above having a partner in His kingdom, Lordship, deity ship, His actions and Attributes, just as (He informed us) that the believers amongst the Jinn said:

وَأَنَّهُ ۥ تَعَـٰلَىٰ جَدُّ رَبِّنَا مَا ٱتَّخَذَ صَـٰحِبَةً۬ وَلَا وَلَدً۬ا

And exalted be the Majesty of our Lord, He has taken neither a wife, nor a son (or offspring or children)]. [Al-Jinn. 3]

أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ

I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed devil.

When the person says this, they have turned to Allah’s all encompassing power against the enemy (shaytaan) who wants to sever, and separate them from the Lord and distance them from earning the love, pleasure and assistance of the Lord, and leave them in the worst situation.

When he says:

 الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ

“All the praises and thanks be to Allah Lord of the entire existence”, he pauses a little to wait for the response of his Lord with the statement “My servant has praised Me”.

When he says:

الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ

“The Most Merciful, The Bestower of (special) to the believers”, he waits for the response “My servant has exalted Me”.

When he says:

مَالِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ

“The Only Owner (and the Only Ruling Judge) of the Day of Recompense (i.e. the Day of Resurrection)”, he waits for the response, “My servant has glorified Me”.

What a pleasure for his heart, pleasure of his eyes and happiness of his soul due to the statement of his Lord, “My servant” three times. By Allah, had there not been the smudge of desires on the hearts and the murkiness of the souls, they would have sparkle with joy and happiness due to the statement of their Lord, their Originator and object of worship (when He says):

“My servant has praised Me”, “My servant has exalted Me” and “My servant has glorified Me”.

Then his heart would have had room to draw close attention to these three Names, namely “Allah”, “Ar-Rabb” and “Ar-Rahman”, which are the basis of all the beautiful (and perfect Names). [2]

The complete hadith mentioned above is as follows:

Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

“Allah [Almighty] said, “I have divided prayer between Myself and My servant into two halves, and My servant shall have what he has asked for. When the servant says, ‘All praises and thanks be to Allaah, Lord of the entire existence’, Allah says, ‘My servant has praised Me. When he says, ‘The Most Merciful, The Bestower of (special) Mercy to the believers’, Allah says, ‘ My servant has exalted Me’. When he says, ‘The Only Owner (and the Only Ruling Judge) of the Day of Recompense (i.e. the Day of Resurrection)’, Allah says, ‘My servant has glorified’. When he says, ‘You alone we worship, You alone we ask for help’, Allah says, ‘This is between Me and My servant, and My servant will have what he has asked for’. When he says, ‘Guide us to the straight path, the path of those whom you have favored, neither the path of who earned Your anger nor those who went astray”, Allah says, ‘This is for My servant, and My servant will have what he has asked for'”. [3]

Regarding the statement: “I have divided prayer between Myself and My servant into two halves”, its meaning is: three and half verses in Surah Al-Fatihah are for the Lord and they are the first part of the Surah. And three and half verses are for the servant and they are the last verses. The first part is about praising Allah and the last part are supplications for the servant”.[4]


[1] Supplication translated by Shaikh Abu Khadeejah [may Allaah preserve him]. See here: https://www.abukhadeejah.com/prophets-prayer-beginners-illustrations/

[2] An Excerpt from Kitaab As-Salaah. Page 345-346.

[3] Ṣaḥeeh Muslim 395

[4] Sharh Ad-Durus Al-Muhimmah. page 16-17. By Shaikh Abdur Razzaaq Al-Badr – may Allah preserve him.

An Advice of Imam Abdul Aziz bin Baz to the Entire Ummah on the Approach of Ramadan

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

My advice to all Muslims is to fear Allah, the Exalted, and to welcome their blessed month with sincere repentance, pursue understanding in their religion and learn the rulings of fasting and their prayers. This is because the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him stated, “Whomever Allah wishes good for, He grants them understanding in religion.”

The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

“When Ramadan arrives, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained”.

The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

On the first night of Ramadan, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained. A caller says: “O seeker of good, come forth; and O seeker of evil, refrain.” And Allah has those whom He frees from the Fire, and this occurs every night.

The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

“Whoever fasts during Ramadan with Iman and seeking reward will have their previous (minor) sins forgiven. Whoever engage in prayer during Ramadan with Iman and seeking reward will have their previous (minor) sins forgiven. Whoever stands in prayer on the Night of Decree (Laylatul Qadr) with Iman and seeking reward will have their previous (minor) sins forgiven”.

The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said that Allah, The Exalted, said:

“Every deed of the child of Adam is for them, with a good deed rewarded tenfold up to seven hundred times, except for fasting, which is for Me, and I will reward it. The person abandons their desires, food, and drink for My sake. The fasting person experiences two joys: one at the time of breaking the fast and another when meeting their Lord. The scent of a fasting person’s mouth is more pleasant to Allah than the scent of musk.”

The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

“If someone insults you or wants to fight you, respond by saying, “I am a person who is fasting.”

He, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

“Whoever does not refrain from false speech and acting upon it, and ignorant behaviour, Allah has no need for him to abandon his food and drink.”

The advice for all Muslims is that they fear Allah, safeguard their fasts, and protect it from all types of sin. It is legislated for them to strive for goodness and to compete in acts of obedience, such as giving charity, increase in Qur’an recitation, the utterance of Subhaanallaah, Laa Ilaha illal lah, Allahu Akbar, and seeking forgiveness, as this is the month of the Quran.

Allah said:

شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِيَ أُنزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ

The month of Ramadan (is the month in which) the Qur’an was revealed. [Al-Baqarah 185]

It is legislated for the believers to diligently engage in the recitation of the Quran. It is recommended for both men and women to increase their reading of the Quran both day and night. Each letter recited earns a reward, with each good deed multiplied tenfold, as reported from the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. Also, being cautious of sins and acts of disobedience, while enjoining truth on one another, offering mutual advice, enjoining what is good and forbidding evil.

It is a great month during which good deeds are multiplied, but also sins are considered greater within it than other months. It is obligated to a believer to strive diligently to fulfil what Allah has commanded and be cautious of what Allah has prohibited. One’s focus during Ramadan should increase and become greater, as well as the fact that it is legislated for the believer to engage earnestly in good deeds, such of charity, visiting the sick, attending funerals, maintaining family ties, and increasing the recitation of the Quran, remembrance of Allah, the utterance of Subhaanallaah, Laa Ilaha illal lah, seeking forgiveness, making du’a and other good actions, while hoping for Allah’s reward and fearing His punishment.

We ask Allah to grant success to Muslims in all that pleases Him. We ask Allah to enable us and all Muslims to observe fasting and engage in prayer with Iman and hoping for reward. We ask Allah to grant us, and all Muslims everywhere, understanding of the religion and to adhere to it steadfastly, as well as safeguarded from the causes of His anger and punishment.

I ask Him to grant success to all leaders of the Muslims and all Muslim rulers, guide them, improve their circumstances, and enable them to judge by Allah’s Sharia in all their affairs, in their worship, actions, and all matters concerning them. We ask Allah to grant them this success, in accordance with His statement:

وَأَنِ احْكُم بَيْنَهُم بِمَآ أَنزَلَ اللّهُ

And judge between them by what Allah has revealed. [Al-Ma’idah 49]

Allah said:
فَلاَ وَرَبِّكَ لاَ يُؤْمِنُونَ حَتَّىَ يُحَكِّمُوكَ فِيمَا شَجَرَ بَيْنَهُمْ ثُمَّ لاَ يَجِدُواْ فِي أَنفُسِهِمْ حَرَجًا مِّمَّا قَضَيْتَ وَيُسَلِّمُواْ تَسْلِيمًا

But no, by your Lord, they can have no Faith, until they make you (O Muhammad) judge in all disputes between them, and find in themselves no resistance against your decisions, and accept (them) with full submission. [An-Nisa 65]

Allah said:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ أَطِيعُواْ اللّهَ وَأَطِيعُواْ الرَّسُولَ وَأُوْلِي الأَمْرِ مِنكُمْ فَإِن تَنَازَعْتُمْ فِي شَيْءٍ فَرُدُّوهُ إِلَى اللّهِ وَالرَّسُولِ إِن كُنتُمْ تُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الآخِرِ ذَلِكَ خَيْرٌ وَأَحْسَنُ تَأْوِيلًا

O you who have believed, obey Allāh and obey the Messenger and those in authority over you. And if you disagree among yourselves over anything then refer it back to Allāh and the Messenger if you truly believe in Allāh and the Last Day. That is better (conduct) and (leads to) the most excellent outcome. [An-Nisa 59]

Allah said:

قُلْ أَطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُوا الرَّسُولَ

Say: “Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger”. [An-Nur 54]

Allah said:

وَمَا آتَاكُمُ الرَّسُولُ فَخُذُوهُ وَمَا نَهَاكُمْ عَنْهُ فَانتَهُوا

Whatever the Messenger gives you, take it; and whatever he prohibits you, keep away from it. [Al-Hashr 7]

This is what is obligated to all Muslims and their leaders. It is obligated to the leaders of the Muslims, their scholars, and the general populace, to fear Allah, adhere obediently to Allah’s Shariah, and judge by Allah’s Shariah among themselves. This is because the Shariah is the thing through which upright rectification, guidance, and a praiseworthy outcome (will be attained), as well as Allah’s Pleasure; through it is attained the truth that Allah has ordained and caution against injustice. [Footnote a]

We ask Allah to grant success, guidance, upright intention and action to everyone. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, as well as his family and companions. [Majmu Fatawa 15/50]

——————————–

Footnote a:

Imam Al-Barbahaaree on the Manhaj of Dealing With the Rulers

https://www.salafipublications.com/sps/sp.cfm?subsecID=MNJ16&articleID=MNJ160002&pfriend=

The Obligation of Hearing and Obeying the Muslim Rulers

[Lesson 44] – Chapter: The Obligation of Hearing and Obeying the Muslim Rulers. – The ‘Aqīdah of Imām Muhammad ibn ‘Abdil-Wahhāb – By Abu Khadeejah – Masjid Bin Bāz – London.

Closing the Door of Rebellion Against the Ruler

Believer’s Bahaviour Towards Muslim Rulers – [Supplicates For Them….]

A Treatise on Ruling by Other than What Allaah has Revealed – By Shaikh `Abdus-Salam al-Burjis – may Allah have mercy upon him

https://www.salafipublications.com/sps/sp.cfm?subsecID=MNJ05&articleID=MNJ050003&articlePages=6

Verse 1 Surah Al-Hujurat

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

 يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تُقَدِّمُوا بَيْنَ يَدَيِ اللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ ۖ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ

O you who believe! Do not put (yourselves) forward before Allah and His Messenger. [Al-Hujurat 1]

Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baz, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

In this great Surah, there are lofty benefits and rulings. The Muslims are greatly in need of understanding (it), to be conscious of it and take benefit from it.

In the first part, there is a warning against putting oneself forward before Allah and His Messenger. And that which is obligated to the People of Iman is that they be followers and not innovators (in the religion), and that they do not put themselves forward before Allah and His Messenger.

The people of knowledge say (that this Ayah means): “Do not speak until you are commanded by Allah and His Messenger, and do not act until the Messenger acts and legislates; do not put (yourselves) forward before him through either speech or action, (but) be you followers of that which has been prescribed for you and made clear in the Shariah. This is the way the people of Iman are to be. They do not innovate acts of worship and rulings in Allah’s Shariah.

وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيم

And fear Allah. Verily! Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing

Allah hears their statements -nothing is hidden from Him regarding circumstances – knows the truth you utter and other than it. Meaning: Be mindful of Him and be warned because nothing is hidden from Him. He hears and He knows your different circumstances. Therefore, it is incumbent upon you to be followers and not innovators in Allah’s Shariah.

Al-Fawa’id al-Ilmiyyah Min Ad-Durar Al-Baaziyyah. 4/391-392; Vol: 4. Publisher: Daar Ar-Risaalah 1st ed 1430AH (Year 2009).

Verses 151-153 Surah Al-An’am

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

قُلۡ تَعَالَوۡاْ أَتۡلُ مَا حَرَّمَ رَبُّڪُمۡ عَلَيۡڪُمۡ‌ۖ أَلَّا تُشۡرِكُواْ بِهِۦ شَيۡـًٔ۬ا‌ۖ وَبِٱلۡوَٲلِدَيۡنِ إِحۡسَـٰنً۬ا‌ۖ وَلَا تَقۡتُلُوٓاْ أَوۡلَـٰدَڪُم مِّنۡ إِمۡلَـٰقٍ۬‌ۖ نَّحۡنُ نَرۡزُقُڪُمۡ وَإِيَّاهُمۡ‌ۖ وَلَا تَقۡرَبُواْ ٱلۡفَوَٲحِشَ مَا ظَهَرَ مِنۡهَا وَمَا بَطَنَ‌ۖ وَلَا تَقۡتُلُواْ ٱلنَّفۡسَ ٱلَّتِى حَرَّمَ ٱللَّهُ إِلَّا بِٱلۡحَقِّ‌ۚ ذَٲلِكُمۡ وَصَّٮٰكُم بِهِۦ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تَعۡقِلُونَ

Say (O Muhammad): “Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited you from: Join not anything in worship with Him; be good and dutiful to your parents; kill not your children because of poverty – We provide sustenance for you and for them; come not near to Al-Fawahish (shameful sins, illegal sexual intercourse, etc.) whether committed openly or secretly, and kill not anyone whom Allah has forbidden, except for a just cause (according to Islamic law). This He has commanded you that you may understand. [Al-An’am. 151]

وَلَا تَقۡرَبُواْ مَالَ ٱلۡيَتِيمِ إِلَّا بِٱلَّتِى هِىَ أَحۡسَنُ حَتَّىٰ يَبۡلُغَ أَشُدَّهُ ۥ‌ۖ وَأَوۡفُواْ ٱلۡڪَيۡلَ وَٱلۡمِيزَانَ بِٱلۡقِسۡطِ‌ۖ لَا نُكَلِّفُ نَفۡسًا إِلَّا وُسۡعَهَا‌ۖ وَإِذَا قُلۡتُمۡ فَٱعۡدِلُواْ وَلَوۡ ڪَانَ ذَا قُرۡبَىٰ‌ۖ وَبِعَهۡدِ ٱللَّهِ أَوۡفُواْ‌ۚ ذَٲلِڪُمۡ وَصَّٮٰكُم بِهِۦ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تَذَكَّرُونَ

And come not near to the orphan’s property, except to improve it, until he (or she) attains the age of full strength; and give full measure and full weight with justice. We burden not any person, but that which he can bear. And whenever you give your word (i.e. judge between men or give evidence, etc.), say the truth even if a near relative is concerned, and fulfill the Covenant of Allah, this He commands you, that you may remember. [Al-An’am. 152]

وَأَنَّ هَـٰذَا صِرَٲطِى مُسۡتَقِيمً۬ا فَٱتَّبِعُوهُ‌ۖ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُواْ ٱلسُّبُلَ فَتَفَرَّقَ بِكُمۡ عَن سَبِيلِهِۦ‌ۚ ذَٲلِكُمۡ وَصَّٮٰكُم بِهِۦ لَعَلَّڪُمۡ تَتَّقُونَ

And verily, this [i.e. Allah’s Commandments mentioned in the above two Verses 151 and 152] is my Straight Path, so follow it, and follow not [other] paths, for they will separate you away from His Path. This He has ordained for you that you may become the pious. [Surah Al-An’aam. Aayah 153]

Shaikh Abdur Razzaq Al-Badr, may Allah preserve him, said;

All these Aayaat end with the command:

ذَٲلِكُمۡ وَصَّٮٰكُم بِهِ

This He (i.e. Allah) has commanded (or ordained) for you.

At the end of the first Ayah, Allah said:

ذَٲلِكُمۡ وَصَّٮٰكُم بِهِۦ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تَعۡقِلُون

This He has commanded you that you may understand].

At the end of the second Ayah, Allah said:

ذَٲلِڪُمۡ وَصَّٮٰكُم بِهِۦ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تَذَكَّرُون

This He commands you, that you may remember.

And at the end of the third Ayah, Allah said:

ذَٲلِكُمۡ وَصَّٮٰكُم بِهِۦ لَعَلَّڪُمۡ تَتَّقُونَ

This He has ordained for you that you may become pious.

Some of the scholars say this is because the first thing is that one should understand what is intended by the command. Secondly is that he remembers and finally he fears Allah (by doing what he has been commanded) and keep away from what will anger Allah.

Sharh Kitab At-Tawheed. Audio Lesson 1

Ayah 100 Shurah Al-Ma’idah

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

قُل لَّا يَسْتَوِي الْخَبِيثُ وَالطَّيِّبُ وَلَوْ أَعْجَبَكَ كَثْرَةُ الْخَبِيثِ ۚ فَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ يَا أُولِي الْأَلْبَابِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ

Say: “Not equal are Al-Khabith (all that is evil and bad as regards things, deeds, beliefs, persons, foods, etc.) and At-Taiyib (all that is good as regards things, deeds, beliefs, persons, foods, etc.), even though the abundance of Al-Khabith (evil) may please you.” So fear Allah much [(abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which He has forbidden) and love Allah much (perform all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained)], O men of understanding in order that you may be successful. [Al-Ma’idah Ayah 100]

[قُل -say (O Muhammad)] to mankind- (by) warning against evil and desiring good:

[لَّا يَسْتَوِي الْخَبِيثُ وَالطَّيِّبُ  – Not equal are (all that is evil and bad) and At-Taiyib (all that is good) in affair]

Meaning: Iman is not equal to kufr, obedience to (Allah and His Messenger) is not equal to disobedience to (Allah and His Messenger), the people of paradise are not equal to the people of hellfire, filthy deeds are not equal to good deeds, and unlawful wealth is not equal to lawful wealth.

[وَلَوْ أَعْجَبَكَ كَثْرَةُ الْخَبِيث  – even though the abundance of Al-Khabeeth (evil) may please you (people)]

Meaning, because indeed it will not benefit the person in anything, rather it will harm his religious and worldly affairs.

[فَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ يَا أُولِي الْأَلْبَابِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ – So fear Allah much [(abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which He has forbidden) and love Allah much (perform all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained)], O men of understanding in order that you may be successful].

An Excerpt from Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan’ by Imaam As-Sadi  (rahimahullaah). Publisher: Daar Ibn Hazm’ 1st Edition 1424AH (Year 2003).

[8] Be Vigilant Against Subtle Repackaged Shubuhaat In Some WhatsApp Groups

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

Gentle reminder to the one who says: Akhi, the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “The one who remains quiet is safe”. [1]

Al-Allamah Ibn Abd Al-Barr Al-Maliki, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

To utter good, such as the remembrance of Allah, recitation of the Qur’an, righteous deeds, and also stating the truth, bringing about reconciliation between people and what is similar, are better than silence. Rather praiseworthy silence is to refrain from uttering falsehood. [2]


[1] Sahih Al-Jami 6367

[2] at-Tamheed 20/22

“Let the Sunnah Guide These Interactions” – Reminder from a friend this morning

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

Interactions

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

The first group is those whose companionship is akin to nourishment, essential for both morning and evening. One leaves it once their needs are fulfilled, and returns to it when in need. These people are those who know Allah, His commandments, the plots employed by His enemies, the diseases of the hearts, and the remedies to heal them. They are sincere to Allah, His Messenger, and His creation, and their company brings forth comprehensive benefits.

The second group is those whose companionship can be compared to vital medication needed during periods of illness. Thus, you do not need to intermingle with them as long as you are healthy. These are people one cannot do without when it comes to beneficial aspects of life, such as sustaining a livelihood, fulfilling various dealings, engaging in partnerships, seeking consultation, receiving medical aid, and so forth.

The third group is those whose companionship resembles various diseases, each with its level of severity and mildness. Within this group, there is one whose companionship is akin to a chronic illness. This particular person does not bring any benefit to your religious or worldly matters, and in fact, associating with them may result in a loss in either or both aspects of your life. Therefore, if you engage with this person, it would be like a disease that could ultimately lead to your demise. Among them, there is one whose companionship is comparable to a toothache whose pain intensifies, but abates once the toothache disappears.

The fourth group is those whose companionship is utterly destructive, and associating with them is akin to consuming poison. Common indeed is this among the people! May Allah not increase their numbers, and they are the advocates of misguidance and innovation in religious matters. They obstruct others from following the path of the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and instead call to that which is in opposition to it. They divert people from the path of Allah and strive to distort it, presenting innovation in religious matters as if they were part of the Sunnah, and misrepresenting virtues as vices and vices as virtues. Whenever you establish pure Islamic monotheism among them, they say, “You have degraded the Awliyaa [friends of Allah]”. [Footnote a]

And when you adhere strictly to the path of the Messenger, they say, “You have invalidated the adherence to the path of the Imams”. [Footnote b] Furthermore, when you enjoin what Allah and His Messenger have commanded and forbid what they have forbidden, they say, “You are subjecting people to trials”. [Footnote c] [1]

—————————————-

Footnote a:

Al-Allamah Muqbil Bin Hadi Al-Wadi’i, may Allah have mercy upon him,stated:

Allah said:

وَعَجِبُوٓاْ أَن جَآءَهُم مُّنذِرٌ۬ مِّنۡہُمۡ‌ۖ وَقَالَ ٱلۡكَـٰفِرُونَ هَـٰذَا سَـٰحِرٌ۬ كَذَّابٌ
أَجَعَلَ ٱلۡأَلِهَةَ إِلَـٰهً۬ا وَٲحِدًا‌ۖ إِنَّ هَـٰذَا لَشَىۡءٌ عُجَابٌ۬
وَٱنطَلَقَ ٱلۡمَلَأُ مِنۡہُمۡ أَنِ ٱمۡشُواْ وَٱصۡبِرُواْ عَلَىٰٓ ءَالِهَتِكُمۡ‌ۖ إِنَّ هَـٰذَا لَشَىۡءٌ۬ يُرَادُ
مَا سَمِعۡنَا بِہَـٰذَا فِى ٱلۡمِلَّةِ ٱلۡأَخِرَةِ إِنۡ هَـٰذَآ إِلَّا ٱخۡتِلَـٰقٌ
أَءُنزِلَ عَلَيۡهِ ٱلذِّكۡرُ مِنۢ بَيۡنِنَا‌ۚ بَلۡ هُمۡ فِى شَكٍّ۬ مِّن ذِكۡرِى‌ۖ بَل لَّمَّا يَذُوقُواْ عَذَابِ

And they wonder that a warner (Prophet Muhammad) has come to them from among themselves! And the disbelievers say, “This (Prophet Muhammad) is a sorcerer, a liar. Has he made the aaliha (gods) (all) into One Ilaah (God – Allah). Verily, this is a curious thing!” And the leaders among them went about (saying), “Go on and remain constant to your aaliha (gods)! Verily, this is a thing designed (against you)! We have not heard (the like) of this among the people of these later days. This is nothing but an invention! Has the Reminder been sent down to him (alone) from among us?” Nay! But they are in doubt about My Reminder (this Qur’an)! Nay, but they have not tasted (My) Torment! [Surah Sa’d. 4-8]

So, you say to the Raafidah, “Indeed, it is shirk to invoke other than Allah with regards to seeking benefit and protection from harm in a matter which none can (fulfil) besides Allah. It is not permissible to invoke Ali Ibn Abee Taalib [may Allah be pleased with him] or other than him amongst the dead [may Allah have mercy upon them] because Allah said:

وَٱلَّذِينَ تَدۡعُونَ مِن دُونِهِۦ مَا يَمۡلِكُونَ مِن قِطۡمِيرٍ
إِن تَدۡعُوهُمۡ لَا يَسۡمَعُواْ دُعَآءَكُمۡ وَلَوۡ سَمِعُواْ مَا ٱسۡتَجَابُواْ لَكُمۡۖ وَيَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ يَكۡفُرُونَ بِشِرۡڪِكُمۡۚ وَلَا يُنَبِّئُكَ مِثۡلُ خَبِيرٍ۬

And those, whom you invoke or call upon instead of Him, own not even a Qitmeer (the thin membrane over the date stone). If you invoke (or call upon) them, they hear not your call, and if (in case) they were to hear, they could not grant it (your request) to you. And on the Day of Resurrection, they will disown your worshipping them. And none can inform you (O Muhammad) like Him Who is the All-Knower (of each and everything). O mankind! it is you who stand in need of Allah, but Allah is Rich (Free of all wants and needs), Worthy of all praise. [Surah Fatir. 13-14]

And Allah said:
وَمَنۡ أَضَلُّ مِمَّن يَدۡعُواْ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ مَن لَّا يَسۡتَجِيبُ لَهُ ۥۤ إِلَىٰ يَوۡمِ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ وَهُمۡ عَن دُعَآٮِٕهِمۡ غَـٰفِلُونَ
وَإِذَا حُشِرَ ٱلنَّاسُ كَانُواْ لَهُمۡ أَعۡدَآءً۬ وَكَانُواْ بِعِبَادَتِہِمۡ كَـٰفِرِينَ

And who is more astray than one who calls (invokes) besides Allah, such as will not answer him till the Day of Resurrection, and who are (even) unaware of their calls (invocations) to them? And when mankind are gathered (on the Day of Resurrection), they (false deities) will become enemies for them and will deny their worshipping.’ [Surah Al-Ahqaf. 5-6]

And Allah said:

وَمَن يَدۡعُ مَعَ ٱللَّهِ إِلَـٰهًا ءَاخَرَ لَا بُرۡهَـٰنَ لَهُ ۥ بِهِۦ فَإِنَّمَا حِسَابُهُ ۥ عِندَ رَبِّهِۦۤ‌ۚ إِنَّهُ ۥ لَا يُفۡلِحُ ٱلۡكَـٰفِرُونَ

And whoever invokes (or worships), besides Allah, any other ilaah (god), of whom he has no proof, then his reckoning is only with his Lord. Surely! Al-Kaafiroon (the disbelievers in Allah and in the Oneness of Allah, polytheists, pagans, idolaters, etc.) will not be successful.’ [Surah Al-Muminoon. 117]

And if you say, “Indeed others have joined them (i.e. the Mushrikoon) in this (affair”, so I say, “Whoever joins them in this (affair of shirk) is similar to them”. Read

https://www.manhaj.com/manhaj/articles/xyjjc-takfir-and-the-excuse-of-ignorance-shaykh-saalih-al-fawzaan-5—on-those-who-worship-the-righteous.cfm

Allah said

وَلَا تَدۡعُ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ مَا لَا يَنفَعُكَ وَلَا يَضُرُّكَ‌ۖ فَإِن فَعَلۡتَ فَإِنَّكَ إِذً۬ا مِّنَ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ
وَإِن يَمۡسَسۡكَ ٱللَّهُ بِضُرٍّ۬ فَلَا ڪَاشِفَ لَهُ ۥۤ إِلَّا هُوَ‌ۖ وَإِن يُرِدۡكَ بِخَيۡرٍ۬ فَلَا رَآدَّ لِفَضۡلِهِۦ‌ۚ يُصِيبُ بِهِۦ مَن يَشَآءُ مِنۡ عِبَادِهِۦ‌ۚ وَهُوَ ٱلۡغَفُورُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ

And invoke not besides Allah, any that will neither profit you, nor hurt you, but if (in case) you did so, you shall certainly be one of the Zaalimoon (polytheists and wrongdoers). And if Allah touches you with hurt, there is none who can remove it but He; and if He intends any good for you, there is none who can repel His Favour which He causes it to reach whomsoever of His slaves He will. And He is the Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.’ [Surah Yunus. 106-107]

When you convey these verses and what is similar to them to the (Rawaafid), and then say to them, “Indeed, is it permissible to call upon the dead and seek deliverance and rescue from them?” They (say), “You are a Wahhaabi. You hate the family of the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him]”. This is the same regarding the extreme Soofees when you say, “Indeed, the Awliyaa can neither benefit nor harm”, they say, “You hate the Awliyaa”. Indeed, mighty is the statement that comes out of the mouths of these two sects; they utter nothing but a lie! [2]

Footnote b:

“Why do the Salafīs say that it’s impermissible to blindly follow the Great Imāms such as Abu Hanīfah, Mālik, Ash-Shāfi’ī and Ahmad Ibn Hanbal, yet they blindly follow the scholars such as Ibn Bāz, Ibn Uthaymīn, Al-Albānī, etc?” Question 4 in the Manhaj.

Cling To The Sunnah And Avoid Taqleed – Tele-link with Abu Khadeejah ‘Abdul-Wāhid

Footnote c:https://abukhadeejah.com/the-great-virtue-and-principles-of-enjoining-the-good-and-forbidding-evil-by-imam-al-barbahari-d-329h-and-al-fawzan/#:~:text=’%20Rather%20you%20should%20enjoin%20the,just%20go%20along%20with%20them.


[1]An Excerpt from “Bada’i at-Tafsir Al-Jami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim 3/467-469

[2]An Excerpt from “Ilhaad Al-Khomeini Fee Ard Haramayn”. Pages 206-207

Verse 73 Surah Al-Furqan

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

Allah, the Most High, said:

وَٱلَّذِينَ إِذَا ذُكِّرُوا۟ بِـَٔايَٰتِ رَبِّهِمْ لَمْ يَخِرُّوا۟ عَلَيْهَا صُمًّا وَعُمْيَانًا

And those who, when they are reminded of the Signs of their Lord, fall not deaf and blind thereat. [Al-Furqan 73]

Imam Muḥammad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaymin, may Allah have mercy upon him, commented:

ولم يبين من المذكِّر ليشمل كل مذكِّر؛ وليبين أن قبولهم للتذكير ليس من أجل شخص مذكِّر؛ لأن من الناس من لا يقبل الحق إلا من شخص معين، إذا جاءه من شخص آخر لم يقبله، مثل ما فعل أهل الكتاب بالنبي عليه الصلاة والسلام، وغيرهم أيضًا، لا يقبلون الحق إلا من طائفة معينة أو شخص معين

He (Allah) did not make known (specifically) the one giving the reminder, therefore, it includes every person who gives a reminder. This is because among the people there is one who does not accept the truth except from a specific person; if it reaches him from another person, he does not accept it, such as how the people of the Scripture behaved towards the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and other than them, who do not accept the truth except from a specific party or person.

وَلَئِنْ أَتَيْتَ الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ بِكُلِّ آيَةٍ مَا تَبِعُوا قِبْلَتَكَ

And even if you were to bring to the people of the Scripture all the Signs, they would not follow your Qiblah (prayer direction). [Al-Baqarah 145]

فهنا قال: ﴿إِذَا ذُكِّرُوا﴾ ولم يبين المذكر إشارة إلى أنهم إنما يقبلون الحق؛ لأنه حق، لا من أجل من قال به، نعم، فهم لا يقبلون التذكير لأجل شخص مذكِّر أو يردونه من أجل شخص مذكِّر، وإنما يقبلونه؛ لأنه تذكير، وهذا هو الفائدة في حذف الفاعل

إِذَا ذُكِّرُوا

“When they are reminded”.

Here, He (Allah) did not make known (specifically) the one who gives the reminder, as a demonstration that they (the ones receiving the reminder) accept the truth (solely) because it is the truth, not because of who utters it. They neither accept nor reject a reminder (merely) due to the person who gives the reminder; rather, they accept it because it is a reminder. This is the benefit of omitting- (from the verse) – the doer (i.e. the one giving the reminder). [2]

The Imam, may Allah have mercy upon him, also stated:

يعني إذا نسوا شيئاً من طاعة الله ثم ذكّرهم أحد بذلك قبلوا وسمعوا وأبصروا
فلم يخروا عليها صماً وعميانا.
وإنما تلقونها بالقبول والراحة ويقومون بما يجب عليهم.
إن بعض الناس والعياذ بالله إذا ذكر بآيات الله استنكف واستكبر.
وقال: من أنت حتى تأمرني؟ من أنت حتى تنهاني؟ أنا أكبر منك. أنا أعلم منك
وهذا محرم
الواجب إذا ذكرك أحدٌ بطاعة الله أن تتذكر، وأن لا تخر على ذلك أصم أعمى

Meaning:

When they forget something pertaining to obedience to Allah, then someone reminds them, they accept it, listen, and hearken to clear insight (give thought, observe, etc.), not falling on deaf ears and blind thereat. Rather, they receive (welcome) it with acceptance and repose and fulfil what is obligated to them.

Indeed, some people – and Allāh’s Refuge is sought – when they are reminded of Allah’s verses, they become dismissive (disdainful, etc.) and arrogant, and say:

“Who are you to command me? Who are you to forbid me (from this or that)? I am older than you. I am more knowledgeable (or I know more) than you”.

This (behaviour) is forbidden. When someone reminds you of obedience to Allah, the obligation is that you take heed; (it should) not fall on deaf ears and be blind thereat. [2]

We ask Allah to include us among the truthful Amin. Allāh’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

The best of the people are those living in my generation, then those who will follow the latter and then those who come after them. Then there will come after them people who will be treacherous and will not be trustworthy, they will bear witness without being asked to do so, [a] and they will vow, but will never fulfil their vows, and fatness will appear among them. [b]

Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

They give false testimony, act treacherously and deceitfully. They behave in a very sinful manner and follow evil desires, except those whom Allah safeguards amongst the Taa’ifatul Mansoorah [i.e. the victorious (aided) group of Muslims upon the straight path] – those whom Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, praised. Therefore, it is obligated to us to acquire knowledge for the sake of Allah, The Mighty and Majestic, and act upon it. Ignorance is a deadly disease and knowledge is a weapon that will destroy you if you do not act upon it, and Allah’s refuge is sought. [An Excerpt from “Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm” pages 268-270] [end of quote]

——————————————-

[a]: Regarding the statement, “They will bear witness without being asked to do so”. This can mean that they bear witness before being asked, or they bear witness based on falsehood, or they give witness without being from those who are worthy of it. [Sharh Saheeh Muslim 12/17]

However, there is another Hadith in which the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, stated: “Should I not inform you about the best of witnesses, they are those who bear witness before being asked”. The scholars say that what is intended by this hadith is that for example someone has a witness to give on behalf of another person based on truth, but the person does not know about it, so he informs the person about it; or for example, a person has already passed away and another person knows what the deceased person has left behind as inheritance, so he bears witness to that and makes it known. [Fat-hul Baari 5/260] [end of quote]

[b] And regarding the statement, “And fatness will appear among them”. Meaning: These people give importance to the means of fattening themselves – food, drink and over-abundance. So, their only concern is their bodies and fattening themselves. As for being fat without choice, then one cannot be blamed for that, just as a person cannot be blamed for being tall, short, black or white…[Majmu Al-Fataawaa 10/1056 -By Imam Muhammad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaymeen, may Allah have mercy upon him]

We ask Allah, the Most High, as Ibn Shaheen stated that among the supplications of those who came before (i.e. the pious predecessors) was that they said:

اللَّهُمَّ أَرِنِي الْحَقَّ حَقًّا وَارْزُقْنِي اتِّبَاعَهُ، وَأَرِنِي الْبَاطِلَ بَاطِلًا وَارْزُقْنِي اجْتِنَابَهُ

O Allah! Show me the truth as truth (or as it is in reality) and bestow on me (the ability) to follow it; show me falsehood as falsehood (or as it is in reality) and bestow on me (the ability) to avoid it. [3]

 


[1] An Excerpt from Tafseer Surah Al-Furqan. (Paraphrased). May Allah bless my Salafi brother, colleague, and friend, Abu Zakariyyah (Abdul Malik Al-Congoli Al-Ifreeqee) for sharing the Arabic text of this reminder.

[2](Paraphrased): https://www.alathar.net/home/esound/index.php?op=codevi&coid=166809

[3] Sharh Madhahib Ahl As-Sunnah 40

[7] Be Vigilant Against Subtle Repackaged Shubuhaat In Some WhatsApp Groups

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

An Important Book That Demonstrates What The Scholars Say About The Difference Between Sincere Advice and Shaming

كتاب اقرا اونلاين Pdf 292 الفرق بين النصيحة والتعيير : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive
https://archive.org/details/Pdf292

One of the means of protecting Tawhid

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

Aa’ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, said: Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “May Allah curse the Jews and Christians [i.e. those amongst them who corrupted the religion of their prophets], because they took the graves of their Prophets as places of worship”. Then Aa’ishah said, “Had that not been the case, his grave would be in an open place, but he feared that it would be taken as a place of worship”. [Al-Bukhari 1330]

Imam Muhammad Naasiruddeen Al-Albani, may Allah have mercy upon him said: 

The statement of Aa’Ishah clearly shows why the Prophet was buried in his house and that was to prevent the one who would build a Masjid over him. And it is not permissible to use this as evidence to bury others in a house and what supports this is that it is in opposition to the initial Islamic practice, because the Sunnah (legislates) that the deceased are buried in the graveyards. This is why Ibn Urwah, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated in Al-Kawakib Ad-Daraaree that to be buried in the graveyards of the Muslims was more pleasing to Abu Abdillah (Imam Ahmad) than being buried in the houses, because it poses lesser harm to those who are alive [i.e. a safeguard against grave worship].

And if it is said, “The Prophet’s grave is in his house as well as the graves of his two companions (i.e. Abu Bakr and Umar)”, so we say, “Aa’ishah said that the Prophet asked to be buried in his house so that his grave is not taken as a place of worship, because he used to bury his companions at Al-Baqee (i.e. the graveyard) and his practice is more worthy to be followed than that of others. His companions knew that he- in particular – was to be buried in his house, because he said: “The Prophets are to be buried where they die”. This protects [the place they are buried from too much noise] and distinguishes them from other people”. [1]  

The late Mufti of Saudi Arabia Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: Shrines are graves and the Prophetic tradition regarding this matter is that graves are to be raised a hand span from the ground, so that they are recognised as graves and not degraded. This is why in the hadith of Sa’d Bin Abee Waqqaas it is reported that the grave of the Prophet raised a hand span and Sa’d also gave orders that the same should be done to his grave. As for building over them, taking them as Masajid and building domes, this is not permissible. According to the people of knowledge, this is evil, an innovation in religion and one of the means to Shirk. And due to this the Prophet stated in an authentic hadith:

“The curse of Allah is upon the Jews and Christians [i.e. those Jews who deviated from the pure message of Musa and those Christians who deviated from the pure message of the Messiah], because they took the graves of their Prophets as places of worship”

And in a hadith in Saheeh Muslim, the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, forbade from plastering graves, used as sitting places and building over them. Therefore, it is not permissible to build over graves – neither mosques nor domes, nor other than them, and also they are not to be plastered, because indeed this is one of the means to Shirk – one of the means, because it may be exalted, invoked besides Allah and help sought from it, thus shirk occurs. Building over graves- placing domes, mosques and lamps over them are from the means to Shirk, and this is why the Prophet warned against it and cursed those who do so. It is incumbent that Muslims are warned against this and that they do not build over a grave – neither a Masjid nor other than it, neither a dome nor plastered, nor place lamps on them nor shrouded. All this is not permissible, rather it is from the means to Shirk…. [2]

Who Included The Grave of The Prophet In The Masjid?

 Shaikh Abdul Waahid Abu Khadeejah, may Allah preserve him, stated as follows: The grave of the Prophet (salallāhu ‘alaihi wasallam) was initially outside of his Mosque in Madeenah – the fact is that his house was next door to the Mosque and that is where he was buried after his death. Later, in the time of the rule of Waleed Ibn Abdul-Malik he commanded that the Mosque be expanded, and thus the house of the Prophet (salallāhu ‘alaihi wasallam) was included into the Mosque as it was extended. This occurred at the displeasure of the Scholars – and they hated it – from them, Sa’eed Ibn Al-Musayyib (died 94H). [3]


[1] An Excerpt from Tahdheer As-Saajid Min Itti-khadh Al-Qubur Masajid. pages 14-15

[2] https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/16337/%D8%AD%D9%83%D9%85-%D8%A8%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%B6%D8%B1%D8%AD%D8%A9-%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%89-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%82%D8%A8%D9%88%D8%B1. paraphrased

[3] https://www.abukhadeejah.com/decisive-proofs-against-the-sufis-who-take-graves-as-places-of-worship-the-condemnation-of-the-one-who-worships-allah-at-the-grave-of-a-righteous-man-so-how-much-worse-is-the-one-who-actually-worsh/ ]