Skip to main content

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]

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]

 

Shuraih Al-Qaadhiy’s Thankfulness When Afflicted With a Calamity

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Pearls of Wisdom, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Shuraih Al-Qaadhiy [rahimahullaah] said: Indeed [when] afflicted by a calamity, I praise Allaah four times: I praise Allaah for not making the calamity greater than what it is. I praise Allaah for granting me patience. I praise Allaah for the reward I hope for in that calamity and I praise Allaah for not placing that calamity in the affairs of my religion.

[Shu’ab Al-Eemaan 9507]

 

Verily! We Have Made That Which Is On Earth As An Adornment For It, In Order That We May Test Them As to Which of Them Are Best In Deeds

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Articles, 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) stated:

إِنَّا جَعَلْنَا مَا عَلَى الْأَرْضِ زِينَةً لَّهَا لِنَبْلُوَهُمْ أَيُّهُمْ أَحْسَنُ عَمَلًا

وَإِنَّا لَجَاعِلُونَ مَا عَلَيْهَا صَعِيدًا جُرُزًا

Verily! We have made that which is on earth as an adornment for it, in order that We may test them (mankind) as to which of them are best in deeds. [i.e.those who do good deeds in the most perfect manner, that means to do them (deeds) totally for Allah’s sake and in accordance to the legal ways of the Prophet]. And verily! We shall make all that is on it (the earth) a bare dry soil (without any vegetation or trees, etc.).

Imaam Sadi (rahimahullaah) stated: Allaah (The Most High) informed (us) that He has made everything on the face of the earth- such as the delicious foods and drinks, the beautiful houses, the trees, the rivers, the vegetations, the fruits, the beautiful scenes (or beautiful things that captures the attention of the eyes), the pretty gardens, the beautiful images, gold, silver, horses, camels and other than them- as an adornment for it, a trial and test.  [لِنَبْلُوَهُمْ أَيُّهُمْ أَحْسَنُ عَمَلًا -that We may test them (mankind) as to which of them are best in deeds]; that is: The most sincere (i.e. sincerity in worship) and most correct (i.e. carry out deeds in accordance with the authentic Sunnah of the Prophet).

And besides this, Allaah will (finally) make all these things disappear and the earth will return to been a bare dry soil- its enjoyment will disappear and come to an end. This is the reality of this worldly life! Indeed Allaah has made this worldly life clearly visible to us and warned us not to be deceived by it. He urged us towards the home of the (afterlife) – whose enjoyment is ever lasting- out of mercy to us. However, the one who merely looks at the outward appearance of this worldly life and not its true reality is deceived by its adornment and beauty; so he goes along with it like animals do and enjoy himself like cattle that graze around freely. He neither gives concern to the rights of his Lord nor gives importance to knowing his Lord; rather his concern is only to follow his desires in every way he can and in every situation. When death arrives to the likes of these people, they are restless because of the disappearance of the enjoyment (of the worldly pleasures) and due to what they have sent forth of evil deeds.

As for the one who looks at the true reality of this worldly life and knows the true purpose behind it and from it, he utilises from it that which will aid him to fulfil the reason it was created for him (i.e. he utilises the worldly blessings in obedience to Allaah). He utilises his noble lifespan as an opportunity (to obey Allaah). He makes this worldly life a place of transition and not a place of permanent (joy); a place of travel and not a place of permanent residence. Therefore, he strives to know his lord, fulfil the commands of his Lord (and keep away from what his Lord has forbidden) and (strives to) perfect his deeds. This person has the highest station in the presence of his Lord and he is deserving- (by the kindness and mercy of his Lord) – of every good treatment, bliss, nobility and happiness (in the hereafter).

[Source: An Excerpt from ‘Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan’. slightly paraphrased]

A Means to Protecting One’s Heart – [An Admonition By Imaam Sufyaan Ath-Thawri]

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

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

Abdul-Azeez Al-Qurashee [rahimahullaah] said:

I heard Sufyaan [rahimahullaah] saying: It is incumbent upon you that you do not attach your heart to the worldly life [i.e. a blameworthy attachment as opposed to seeking one’s needs] and you are not eager for its attainment [i.e. the eagerness that leads to sin, transgression, greed etc], and Allaah will make you see the concealed affairs of the worldly life [i.e. its corruption, true reality, worries etc when we are attached to it in a blameworthy manner]. It is incumbent upon you to fear Allaah in a manner that will keep you away from those affairs that are doubtful and thus may affect you in the afterlife and Allaah will make your giving account on [the day of judgement] less burdensome. Leave what makes you doubt for that which is not doubtful; leave those affairs that resemble the truth but are falsehood in reality and your religion will be safeguarded. [Hilyatul Awliyaa 7/20]