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Judicious Queen Exhausted all Diplomatic Avenues to Safeguard Wellbeing of Her Nation When Dealing With a Very Powerful Opponent

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan.

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

Judicious Queen Exhausted all Diplomatic Avenues to Safeguard Wellbeing of Her Nation When Dealing With a Very Powerful Opponent –[A far cry from the immaturity of some smaller nations that lend an ear to manipulative foreign instigators who push them into a situation to anger and provoke their much more powerful neighbours, so that they can use them for proxy wars and geopolitical agendas]

Allaah stated that when Bilqees [may Allaah have mercy upon her] received the letter sent by Prophet Sulaymaan [peace be upon him]], she said: [ يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلۡمَلَؤُاْ إِنِّىٓ أُلۡقِىَ إِلَىَّ كِتَـٰبٌ۬ كَرِيمٌ – O chiefs! Verily! Here is delivered to me a noble letter]- Meaning, a letter of great stature from the greatest kings of the earth. Then she made known the content of the letter and said:

إِنَّهُ ۥ مِن سُلَيۡمَـٰنَ وَإِنَّهُ ۥ بِسۡمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
أَلَّا تَعۡلُواْ عَلَىَّ وَأۡتُونِى مُسۡلِمِينَ

Verily! It is from Sulaiman (Solomon), and verily! It (reads): In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful; be you not exalted against me, but come to me as Muslims (true believers who submit to Allah with full submission)- Meaning, do not attempt to make yourself superior to me; but rather bring yourself under my authority, submit to my commands and come to me as Muslims. This is very a precise statement together with a perfect clarification, because indeed it included forbidding them from being haughty towards him and persisting upon that state of theirs, commanded them to submit to his command, come under his authority, come to him and called them to Islam. This shows that it is recommended to begin with the Basmalah “In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, The Bestower of (special Mercy to the believers)” in Books, and writing one’s name in the first line of the letter.

And due to her determination and sound intellect, she gathered the senior people of her nation state and the (important) men of her kingdom, and said: [يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلۡمَلَؤُاْ أَفۡتُونِى فِىٓ أَمۡرِى – O chiefs! Advise me in (this) case of mine]- Meaning, tell me what I should respond with- should we obey him and submit or what else should we do?

[مَا ڪُنتُ قَاطِعَةً أَمۡرًا حَتَّىٰ تَشۡہَدُونِ – I decide no case till you are present with me]- Meaning, I do not a make a final decision on an affair except after consulting you. [قَالُواْ نَحۡنُ أُوْلُواْ قُوَّةٍ۬ وَأُوْلُواْ بَأۡسٍ۬ شَدِيدٍ۬ – They said: We have great strength, and great ability for war]- Meaning, if you reject speech and refuse to obey him, then indeed we are strong enough to fight. It appeared that this view is what they were ready to act upon and it would have been the cause of their destruction if finalised; but also they did not make a final decision on that; rather they said: [وَٱلۡأَمۡرُ إِلَيۡكِ – but you (i.e. the Queen) are in command]- Meaning, the final decision is yours; because they knew that she possessed sound intelligence and determination, and one who was sincere to them. [فَٱنظُرِى مَاذَا تَأۡمُرِينَ – so think over what you will command]- Meaning, look into the matter, reflect and then decide. So, she said to them – whilst being satisfied with what they said and clarifying the evil outcomes of fighting -[إِنَّ ٱلۡمُلُوكَ إِذَا دَخَلُواْ قَرۡيَةً أَفۡسَدُوهَا – Verily! Kings, when they enter a town (country), they despoil it]- Meaning, killing, capturing, pillaging and destroying its homes; [وَجَعَلُوٓاْ أَعِزَّةَ أَهۡلِهَآ أَذِلَّةً۬‌ۖ – and make the most honourable amongst its people low]- Meaning, they make the noble leaders among the lowest, therefore the decision to fight is not an upright one; but also I am not going to obey him before learning more about him, send someone who would unveil his affair to me and ponder upon it, so that we would be upon clear-sightedness regarding his affair. Then she said: [وَإِنِّى مُرۡسِلَةٌ إِلَيۡہِم بِهَدِيَّةٍ۬ فَنَاظِرَةُۢ بِمَ يَرۡجِعُ ٱلۡمُرۡسَلُونَ – But verily! I am going to send him a present, and see with what (answer) the messengers return]- Meaning, whether he would continue to hold onto his view or become dazzled due to the present and change his view; (find out) about his state of affairs and that of his armies.

Then she sent a gift to Sulaymaan to be delivered by the intelligent ones and those men of sound opinion among her people; but when they came to Sulyamaan with the present, he said – whilst rejecting this initiative of theirs and manifested his anger due their failure in responding to what he sought after – [أَتُمِدُّونَنِ بِمَالٍ۬ فَمَآ ءَاتَٮٰنِۦَ ٱللَّهُ خَيۡرٌ۬ مِّمَّآ ءَاتَٮٰكُم – Will you help me in wealth? What Allah has given me is better than that which He has given you!] – Meaning, neither is your present of significance to me nor am I happy with it, because Allah has given me what suffices and to be in need of it. [بَلۡ أَنتُم بِہَدِيَّتِكُمۡ تَفۡرَحُونَ – Nay, you rejoice in your gift!]- Meaning, because of your love for this worldly life and the little you have in comparison to what Allah has bestowed on me. Then Sulaymaan advised the messenger of the Queen, but did not do so in writing, because of what he noticed that the messenger was of sound intelligence and would convey his message just as he stated. He said: [ٱرۡجِعۡ إِلَيۡہِمۡ فَلَنَأۡتِيَنَّهُم بِجُنُودٍ۬ لَّا قِبَلَ لَهُم بِہَا وَلَنُخۡرِجَنَّہُم مِّنۡہَآ أَذِلَّةً۬ وَهُمۡ صَـٰغِرُونَ – Go back to them. We verily shall come to them with hosts that they cannot resist, and we shall drive them out from there in disgrace, and they will be abased].

So the messenger of the Queen returned, delivered Sulaymaan’s message and that they get ready to go to Sulayman. Sulayman knew that they would come to him, so he said to the jinn and humans who were in his presence: [قَالَ يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلۡمَلَؤُاْ أَيُّكُمۡ يَأۡتِينِى بِعَرۡشِہَا قَبۡلَ أَن يَأۡتُونِى مُسۡلِمِينَ – He said: “O chiefs! Which of you can bring me her throne before they come to me surrendering themselves in obedience?]

[ قَالَ عِفۡرِيتٌ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ أَنَا۟ ءَاتِيكَ بِهِۦ قَبۡلَ أَن تَقُومَ مِن مَّقَامِكَ‌ۖ وَإِنِّى عَلَيۡهِ لَقَوِىٌّ أَمِينٌ۬ – An Ifrit (strong) from the jinns said: “I will bring it to you before you rise from your place (council). And verily, I am indeed strong, and trustworthy for such work]. [قَالَ عِفۡرِيتٌ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ – An Ifrit (strong) from the jinns said]. An Ifreet is an extremely strong and forceful one (amongst the Jinn). And what is apparent here is that at that Sulayman was in Sham at the time, so the distance between him and Saba was a period of four months journey- two months to go there and two months to return; however regardless of this, the Ifreet said, “I take it upon myself to bring it – regardless of its big size and heftiness, and regardless of its distance- before you can rise from your (council). Customarily, the councils take a long time and they take most of the forenoon- about one third of the day. This is the mostly the time period of councils, but it may take lesser or more than that. So, there was a subject of this great King (Sulaymaan) who was bestowed with the power and ability to do what was greater than the offer of the Ifreet. Allaah said: [قَالَ ٱلَّذِى عِندَهُ ۥ عِلۡمٌ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبِ أَنَا۟ ءَاتِيكَ بِهِۦ قَبۡلَ أَن يَرۡتَدَّ إِلَيۡكَ طَرۡفُكَ‌ۚ – One with whom was knowledge of the Scripture said: “I will bring it to you within the twinkling of an eye!] The Qur’aan commentators stated that he was man – a scholar and righteous in the presence of Sulyamaan, and he was called Aaif Ibn Barkhiyaa. He knew Allaah’s Greatest Name through which Allaah responds and gives when invoked and asked.

Allaah said that he said: [أَنَا۟ ءَاتِيكَ بِهِۦ قَبۡلَ أَن يَرۡتَدَّ إِلَيۡكَ طَرۡفُكَ‌ۚ – I will bring it to you within the twinkling of an eye!]- Meaning, by invoking Allaah with that Name. And Allaah knows best as to whether this is what is intended or that this person had knowledge of the scripture through which he was able to bring something that was far away and attain what was very difficult to attain (by the will of Allaah).

Prophet Sulyamaan’s Reaction When He Saw The Throne of Bilqees In His Presence

Allaah [The Exalted] said:

 فَلَمَّا رَءَاهُ مُسۡتَقِرًّا عِندَهُ ۥ قَالَ هَـٰذَا مِن فَضۡلِ رَبِّى لِيَبۡلُوَنِىٓ ءَأَشۡكُرُ أَمۡ أَكۡفُرُ‌ۖ وَمَن شَكَرَ فَإِنَّمَا يَشۡكُرُ لِنَفۡسِهِۦ‌ۖ وَمَن كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ رَبِّى غَنِىٌّ۬ كَرِيمٌ۬

Then when he (Sulayman) saw it (Bilqees’s Throne) placed before him, he said: “This is by the Grace of my Lord to test me whether I am grateful or ungrateful! And whoever is grateful, truly, his gratitude is for (the good of) his ownself, and whoever is ungrateful, (he is ungrateful only for the loss of his ownself). Certainly! My Lord is Rich (Free of all wants), Bountiful]. [فَلَمَّا رَءَاهُ مُسۡتَقِرًّا عِندَهُ – Then when he (Sulayman) saw it (Bilqees’s Throne) placed before him], he praised Allaah [The Exalted] for ability placed at his disposal, his kingdom and the affairs facilitated for him. Then he said: [هَـٰذَا مِن فَضۡلِ رَبِّى لِيَبۡلُوَنِىٓ ءَأَشۡكُرُ أَمۡ أَكۡفُرُ‌ۖ – This is by the Grace of my Lord to test me whether I am grateful or ungrateful!]- Meaning, to test me by way of of it. He was not beguiled kingdom, authority and power as is the habit of the ignorant kings; rather he knew that this was a test from his Lord, so he was scared of not being thankful for these blessings. [An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi. slightly paraphrased] 

[4] Kufr (Disbelief) and Its Destructive Consequences!

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Shirk, Sin.

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

Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] stated about those Christians who deviated from the path of Messiah [peace be upon him] and fell into disbelief…..

Then when Allaah [The Exalted] sent Muhammad [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him], they disbelieved in him, so their disbelief and misguidance occurred in two ways- substitution of the religion of the first Messenger (i.e. the Messiah) and belied the second Messenger (i.e. Muhammad), just as the Jews substituted the rulings of the Torah before the Messiah was sent and then belied him. The Christians’ denial of Muhammad’s Messengership is a well-known belief of theirs to every Muslim, which is similar to the Jews’ disbelief in the Messiah. The Christians emphasise the disbelief of the Jews greater than what the Jews deserve, because the Jews claimed that the Messiah was a magician and a liar; rather they said that he is an illegitimate child, as Allaah informed us about them:

[وَقَوۡلِهِمۡ عَلَىٰ مَرۡيَمَ بُہۡتَـٰنًا عَظِيمً۬ا – And their speech against Maryam (Mary)- a grave false charge (that she has committed illegal sexual intercourse]. [Surah An-Nisaa. Aayah 156]; but the Christians claimed that the Messiah is Allaah, therefore the trial between them and the Jews regarding the Messiah involved a lot of contradictions, misguidance at similar levels and confrontation, and this is why both nations rebuked one another with something more than what each of them deserved, just as Allaah said:

وَقَالَتِ ٱلۡيَهُودُ لَيۡسَتِ ٱلنَّصَـٰرَىٰ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ۬ وَقَالَتِ ٱلنَّصَـٰرَىٰ لَيۡسَتِ ٱلۡيَهُودُ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ۬ وَهُمۡ يَتۡلُونَ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ‌ۗ كَذَٲلِكَ قَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يَعۡلَمُونَ مِثۡلَ قَوۡلِهِمۡ‌ۚ فَٱللَّهُ يَحۡكُمُ بَيۡنَهُمۡ يَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ فِيمَا كَانُواْ فِيهِ يَخۡتَلِفُونَ

The Jews said that the Christians follow nothing; and the Christians said that the Jews follow nothing; though they both recite the Scripture. Like unto their word, said (the pagans) who know not. Allah will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection about that wherein they have been differing. [Surah Al-Baqarah. Aayah 113]

Muhammad Bin Abee Muhammad the protege of Zaid Bin Thaabit reported from Ikrimah or Saeed Bin Jubayr, who reported from Ibn Abbaas that when the Christian delegation of Najraan came to Allaah’s Messenger, the Rabbis came and argued with them in the presence of the Messenger; so Rabee Bin Hurmilah said, “You are upon nothing” and thus he disbelieved in Eesaa and all the Injeel. Then a man from the people of Najraan said to the Jews, “You are upon nothing”, and thus he wilfully denied Musa’s [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] Prophethood and disbelieved in the Torah, so Allaah revealed:

وَقَالَتِ ٱلۡيَهُودُ لَيۡسَتِ ٱلنَّصَـٰرَىٰ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ۬ وَقَالَتِ ٱلنَّصَـٰرَىٰ لَيۡسَتِ ٱلۡيَهُودُ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ۬ وَهُمۡ يَتۡلُونَ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ‌ۗ

The Jews said that the Christians follow nothing; and the Christians said that the Jews follow nothing; though they both recite the Scripture. [Surah Al-Baqarah. Aayah 113]

So each of them recited the affirmation of what they reject in their book- meaning, the Jews disbelieved in Eesaa whilst they had the Torah in which Allaah established the evidence against them through Musa that they should believe in Eesaa and the Injeel, and Eesaa confirmed Musa’s Messengership and what he came with. So, each one disbelieved in what was in the possession of the other. [Ibn Abee Haatim. 1/339]

[وَقَالَتِ ٱلۡيَهُودُ لَيۡسَتِ ٱلنَّصَـٰرَىٰ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ۬ – The Jews said that the Christians follow nothing]: Qataadah said regarding this Aayah, “Certainly, the early Christians were upon something, but they innovated and split”.

[وَقَالَتِ ٱلنَّصَـٰرَىٰ لَيۡسَتِ ٱلۡيَهُودُ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ۬ – and the Christians said that the Jews follow nothing]: Qataadah said regarding this Aayah, “Certainly, the early Jews were upon something, but they innovated and split”. The Jews belied the religion of the Christians and said that the Christians were upon nothing; and the Christians denied everything through which the Jews were distinguished from them, even the laws of the Torah which the Messiah did not abrogate; rather he commanded them to act upon it. As for the Jews, they denied many of things through which others were distinguished from them, until they denied the truth brought by Eesaa.

So, even though the Christians – due to that which they innovated of exaggeration and misguidance – went into extremes in excommunicating the Jews and showed them enmity beyond what is obligated, however there is no doubt that the Jews disbelieved when they belied the Messiah, just as Allaah [The Exalted] said to the Messiah [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him]: [إِنِّى مُتَوَفِّيكَ وَرَافِعُكَ إِلَىَّ وَمُطَهِّرُكَ مِنَ ٱلَّذِينَ ڪَفَرُواْ وَجَاعِلُ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّبَعُوكَ فَوۡقَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓاْ – I will take you and raise you to Myself and clear you [of the forged statement that ‘Iesa (Jesus) is Allah’s son] of those who disbelieve, and I will make those who follow you (Monotheists, who worship none but Allah) superior to those who disbelieve [in the Oneness of Allah, or disbelieve in some of His Messengers, e.g. Muhammad, ‘Iesa (Jesus), Musa (Moses), etc., or in His Holy Books, e.g. the Taurat (Torah), the Injeel (Gospel), the Qur’an] till the Day of Resurrection. [Surah Aal Imraan. Aayah 55]

And Allaah [The Exalted] said:

قَالَ عِيسَى ٱبۡنُ مَرۡيَمَ لِلۡحَوَارِيِّـۧنَ مَنۡ أَنصَارِىٓ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ‌ۖ قَالَ ٱلۡحَوَارِيُّونَ نَحۡنُ أَنصَارُ ٱللَّهِ‌ۖ فَـَٔامَنَت طَّآٮِٕفَةٌ۬ مِّنۢ بَنِىٓ إِسۡرَٲٓءِيلَ وَكَفَرَت طَّآٮِٕفَةٌ۬‌ۖ فَأَيَّدۡنَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ عَلَىٰ عَدُوِّهِمۡ فَأَصۡبَحُواْ ظَـٰهِرِينَ

Eesaa the son of Maryam said to Al-Hawariun (the disciples): “Who are my helpers (in the Cause) of Allah?” Al-Hawarieen (the disciples) said: “We are Allah’s helpers” (i.e. we will strive in His Cause!). Then a group of the Children of Israel believed and a group disbelieved. So We gave power to those who believed against their enemies, and they became the uppermost. [Surah As-Saff. Aayah 14]

The disbelief of the Christians – due to their denial of Muhammad’s Messengership and – is greater than the disbelief of the Jews due to their denial of the Messiah’s Messengership, because indeed the Messiah only abrogated a little from the Torah and all the laws and acts of worship ordained for him could be traced back to the Torah; however the majority of the beliefs and practices of the Christians were innovated after the departure of the Messiah. That which is found in the Jews’ denial of the Messiah by opposing Allaah’s Sharee’ah is not the same as the Christians’ denial of Muhammad, who brought an independent book from Allaah, because nothing in the laws of the Qur’aan was ordained based on the law of another Messenger. Allaah [The Exalted] said:

[أَوَلَمۡ يَكۡفِهِمۡ أَنَّآ أَنزَلۡنَا عَلَيۡكَ ٱلۡڪِتَـٰبَ يُتۡلَىٰ عَلَيۡهِمۡ‌ۚ إِنَّ فِى ذَٲلِكَ لَرَحۡمَةً۬ وَذِڪۡرَىٰ لِقَوۡمٍ۬ يُؤۡمِنُونَ – Is it not sufficient for them that We have sent down to you the Book (the Qur’an) which is recited to them? Verily, herein is mercy and a reminder (or an admonition) for a people who believe]. [Surah Al-Ankabut. Aayah 51]

The Qur’aan is an independent book like the Torah of Musa, even though the Qur’aan is greater than it. And this is why the Christian scholars made a connection between Musa and Muhammad, just as when An-Najaashee [may Allaah have mercy upon him]- the Ethiopian king of the Christians- heard the Qur’an, he said, “Indeed, this and what Musa brought came from the same source”.

Also, when Waqarah bin Nawfil [may Allaah have mercy upon him] – who was one of Christian Arab scholars- heard the statement of the Prophet, he said, “Indeed, the Naamoos [i.e. Jibreel] who came to you was sent to Musa. I wish that I were young till when your people expel you”. Allaah’s Messenger asked, “Will these people drive me out?” Waraqah said, “Yes, because nobody brought the like of what you have brought, but was treated with hostility. If I were to remain alive till your day (when you start calling to Islaam), then I would support you strongly”. [Bukhaari]

And this is why Allaah mentioned the Torah and the Qur’aan together in His statement:

فَلَمَّا جَآءَهُمُ ٱلۡحَقُّ مِنۡ عِندِنَا قَالُواْ لَوۡلَآ أُوتِىَ مِثۡلَ مَآ أُوتِىَ مُوسَىٰٓ‌ۚ أَوَلَمۡ يَڪۡفُرُواْ بِمَآ أُوتِىَ مُوسَىٰ مِن قَبۡلُ‌ۖ قَالُواْ سِحۡرَانِ تَظَـٰهَرَا وَقَالُوٓاْ إِنَّا بِكُلٍّ۬ كَـٰفِرُونَ
قُلۡ فَأۡتُواْ بِكِتَـٰبٍ۬ مِّنۡ عِندِ ٱللَّهِ هُوَ أَهۡدَىٰ مِنۡہُمَآ أَتَّبِعۡهُ إِن ڪُنتُمۡ صَـٰدِقِينَ

But when the truth (i.e. Muhammad with his Message) has come to them from Us, they say: “Why is he not given the like of what was given to Musa (Moses)? Did they not disbelieve in that which was given to Musa (Moses) of old? They say: “Two kinds of magic [the Taurat (Torah) and the Qur’an] each helping the other!” And they say: “Verily! In both we are disbelievers.” Say (to them, O Muhammad): “Then bring a Book from Allah, which is a better guide than these two [the Taurat (Torah) and the Qur’an], that I may follow it, if you are truthful.” [Surah Al-Qasas. Aayaat 48-49]

Allaah did not revealed books that were a better guide than the Tawraat and the Qur’aan. Then Allaah said:

فَإِن لَّمۡ يَسۡتَجِيبُواْ لَكَ فَٱعۡلَمۡ أَنَّمَا يَتَّبِعُونَ أَهۡوَآءَهُمۡ‌ۚ وَمَنۡ أَضَلُّ مِمَّنِ ٱتَّبَعَ هَوَٮٰهُ بِغَيۡرِ هُدً۬ى مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَہۡدِى ٱلۡقَوۡمَ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ

But if they answer you not (i.e. do not believe in your doctrine of Islamic Monotheism, nor follow you), then know that they only follow their own lusts. And who is more astray than one who follows his own lusts, without guidance from Allah? Verily! Allah guides not the people who are Zalimun (wrong-doers, disobedient to Allah, and polytheists). [Surah Al-Qasas. Aayah 50] [An Excerpt from Al-Jawaabus Saheeh Liman Baddala Deenul Maseeh. 1/26-30. Slightly paraphrased]

[3] Kufr (Disbelief) and Its Destructive Consequences!

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Deviated Callers & Individuals, Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Shirk, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allaah [The Exalted] said:

أَلَمۡ تَرَ إِلَى ٱلَّذِى حَآجَّ إِبۡرَٲهِـۧمَ فِى رَبِّهِۦۤ أَنۡ ءَاتَٮٰهُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡمُلۡكَ إِذۡ قَالَ إِبۡرَٲهِـۧمُ رَبِّىَ ٱلَّذِى يُحۡىِۦ وَيُمِيتُ قَالَ أَنَا۟ أُحۡىِۦ وَأُمِيتُ‌ۖ قَالَ إِبۡرَٲهِـۧمُ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَأۡتِى بِٱلشَّمۡسِ مِنَ ٱلۡمَشۡرِقِ فَأۡتِ بِہَا مِنَ ٱلۡمَغۡرِبِ فَبُهِتَ ٱلَّذِى كَفَرَ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يَہۡدِى ٱلۡقَوۡمَ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ

Have you not seen (contemplated with your heart) him who disputed with Ibrahim (Abraham) about his Lord (Allah), because Allah had given him the kingdom? When Ibrahim (Abraham) said (to him): “My Lord (Allah) is He Who gives life and causes death.” He said, “I give life and cause death.” Ibrahim (Abraham) said, “Verily! Allah causes the sun to rise from the east; then cause it you to rise from the west.” So the disbeliever was utterly defeated. And Allah guides not the people, who are Zalimun (wrong-doers, etc.). [Surah Al-Baqarah. Aayah 258]

[أَلَمۡ تَرَ إِلَى ٱلَّذِى حَآجَّ إِبۡرَٲهِـۧمَ فِى رَبِّهِۦۤ – Have you seen (contemplated with your heart and eyes) him who disputed with Ibrahim (Abraham) about his Lord (Allah)]- Meaning, his insolence, ignorant attitude and obstinacy, and arguing regarding that which there is no doubt?! Nothing led him to this behaviour except because that “Allah had given him the kingdom”, so he transgressed and rebelled, and considered himself as one in control of those under his authority, which led him to argue with Prophet Ibraaheem about Allaah’s Lordship and claimed that he can do the same thing as Allaah does. Prophet Ibraheem said to him, “My Lord is He Who gives life and death” – Meaning, Allaah alone is in absolute control of everything; then Ibraaheem mentioned two specific affairs – life and death, because they the greatest things in Allaah’s absolute control. That is because granting life is the beginning of the worldly life and death is the beginning of that which is to occur in the afterlife. So, the one who sought to ague against Ibraaheem said, “I give life and cause death”, but never said, “I am The One Who gives life and death”, because he could not claim that he was not in need of anyone to interfere in the affair; rather he only claimed that he could do what Allaah does by killing someone and sparing someone’s life. Prophet Ibraaheem saw the fallacy in his argument and his utterence of speech that is not even worthy of being a Shubhah (i.e. an ambiguity portrayed as wholesome truth) let alone a proof, so he said to him, “Verily! Allah causes the sun to rise from the east”- Meaning, Ibraaheem mentioned something that can be clearly seen and affirmed by everyone including this disbeliever; “Then cause it you to rise from the west”- Meaning, this compelled him to bring proof if he was truthful in his claim. So, when Ibraaheem uttered this to him about which he neither had the ability to present an ambiguity to make Ibraaheem’s proof look confusing nor could he find something to disparage it, he was utterly defeated – lost for an answer, his proof cut off and his ambiguous statement toppled. (1) He Who brings life and death (Allaah) has absolute control over the existence and creates everything is in it, including absolute control of its planets and their movements. The sun rises everyday from the east, so if you were god, as you claim, who gives life and cause death, then make the sun rise from the west. (2) This is the situation of an obstinate falsifier who wants to confront truth and overcome it, because he will be defeated and subdued. This is why Allaah said:

[وَٱللَّهُ لَا يَہۡدِى ٱلۡقَوۡمَ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ – And Allah guides not the people, who are Zalimun (wrong-doers, etc.)]; rather He abandons them to their disbelief and misguidance. (3)

[Ref 1: An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi. slightly paraphrased]
[Ref 2: Tafseer Ibn Katheer]
[Ref 3: An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi. slightly paraphrased]

[2] Robust Principles That Protects Sound Creed In The Face of all Ideologies – [Past, Present and Future]!

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Monotheism - Tawheed, 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.

The sound Islamic Creed is based on the Qur’aan and the [authentic] Sunnah as opposed to the other creeds. The sources of the other creeds differ and you’ll find them being in opposition to each other- filled with contradictions and diverse orientations. As for the person who has been blessed with the sound Islamic creed, he is saved from all of this. The sound Islamic creed is the creed that agrees with Fitrah [natural disposition of (human beings)] and sound intellect. Allaah [The Most High] said:

فَأَقِمْ وَجْهَكَ لِلدِّينِ حَنِيفًا فِطْرَةَ اللَّهِ الَّتِي فَطَرَ النَّاسَ عَلَيْهَا لَا تَبْدِيلَ لِخَلْقِ اللَّهِ ذَلِكَ الدِّينُ الْقَيِّمُ وَلَكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ

So set you (O Muhammad) your face towards the religion of pure Islamic Monotheism Hanifa (worship none but Allah Alone) Allah’s Fitrah (i.e. Allah’s Islamic Monotheism), with which He has created mankind. No change let there be in Khalq-illah (i.e. the Religion of Allah Islamic Monotheism), that is the straight religion, but most of men know not. [Soorah Ar-Rum: Ayah: 30]

The Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said, “Every newly born child is born in a state of fitrah [i.e. upon a natural inclination to worship Allaah (alone)], and it is his parents who make him into a Jew, a Christian or fire-worshipper……”

The Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said that Allaah said: “Indeed, I created my servants as Hunafaa [i.e. inclined towards monotheism and distanced from polytheism], but the devils divert them from their true religion [of Islamic monotheism]”.

When a person of sound intellect is introduced to the sound Islamic creed and its evidences, he will not oppose it. He will know that it does not contradict sound intellect. It was said to one of the Arabs, “How do you know that the Messenger of Allaah [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] is truthful? He replied, ‘I have not found him command something, except that it is commanded by the sound intellect; and I have not found him prohibit something, except that it is prohibited by the sound intellect’”.

This shows that those who nurture the people upon the sound Islamic creed are the callers to that which agrees with the natural disposition and sound intellect, as opposed to the false creeds because they are in opposition to the natural disposition and sound intellect. Those who call to false creeds utilise lies, deceit, fables, dreams etc…. to spread those false and deviated creeds.

The false creeds and their adherents contradict each other, but as for the sound Islamic creed, its people do not contradict one another. Allaah [The Most High] said:

أَفَلَا يَتَدَبَّرُونَ الْقُرْآَنَ وَلَوْ كَانَ مِنْ عِنْدِ غَيْرِ اللَّهِ لَوَجَدُوا فِيهِ اخْتِلَافًا كَثِيرًا

Do they not then consider the Qur’an carefully? Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely have found therein many contradictions. [Soorah An-Nisaa: Ayah: 82]

Allaah [The Most High] said: [لَا يَأْتِيهِ الْبَاطِلُ مِنْ بَيْنِ يَدَيْهِ وَلَا مِنْ خَلْفِهِ تَنْزِيلٌ مِنْ حَكِيمٍ حَمِيدٍ – Falsehood cannot come to it from before it or behind it (it is) sent down by the All-Wise, Worthy of all praise (Allah)]. [Soorah Fussilat: Ayah: 42]

The sound Islamic creed founded upon the Qur’aan and the Sunnah is free from falsehood. Falsehood cannot approach it because it is founded upon a pure source. As for the other creeds, they are based on contradictions and differences;

يُؤۡفَكُ عَنۡهُ مَنۡ أُفِكَ

إِنَّكُمۡ لَفِى قَوۡلٍ۬ مُّخۡتَلِفٍ۬ ]

And certainly, you (i.e. people of false creeds) have different ideas (about Muhammad and the Qur’an). Turned aside therefrom (i.e. from Muhammad and the Qur’an) is he who is turned aside (by the Decree and Preordainment of Allaah)]

The sound Islamic creed is clear and there are no obscurities in it, as opposed to the creed of the falsifiers. Its fundamental principles and evidences are clear, as opposed to the other creeds. For example one of the people of philosophical rhetoric wrote a very abstruse treatise on the knowledge of the existence of Allaah and then said, “None will comprehend it, except someone who is firmly grounded in knowledge”. Ibn Abil Izz Al-Hanafi (rahimahullaah) said that one of the philosophers said, “I spent all night looking at the evidences of the philosophers till morning came, but I could not understand anything”.

The sound Islamic creed unites the hearts and prevents hatred and rancour between the people; rather it even unites creatures that are different from one another. For example, look at the bond between the angels and the pious people amongst the children of Aadam! Allaah said:

الَّذِينَ يَحْمِلُونَ الْعَرْشَ وَمَنْ حَوْلَهُ يُسَبِّحُونَ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّهِمْ وَيُؤْمِنُونَ بِهِ وَيَسْتَغْفِرُونَ لِلَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا رَبَّنَا وَسِعْتَ كُلَّ شَيْءٍ رَحْمَةً وَعِلْمًا فَاغْفِرْ لِلَّذِينَ تَابُوا وَاتَّبَعُوا سَبِيلَكَ وَقِهِمْ عَذَابَ الْجَحِيمِ

Those (angels) who bear the Throne (of Allah) and those around it glorify the praises of their Lord and believe in Him (i.e. believe in the oneness of Allaah) and ask forgiveness for those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah) (saying): “Our Lord! You comprehend all things in mercy and knowledge, so forgive those who repent and follow Your Way, and save them from the torment of the blazing Fire!’’ [Soorah Ghaafir: Ayah: 7]. So they (i.e. the angels) supplicate and ask Allaah to forgive the believers, and this bond between them and the believers is due to the sound Islamic creed they share.

Allaah (The Most High) said: [وَأَلَّفَ بَيْنَ قُلُوبِهِمْ لَوْ أَنْفَقْتَ مَا فِي الْأَرْضِ جَمِيعًا مَا أَلَّفْتَ بَيْنَ قُلُوبِهِمْ وَلَكِنَّ اللَّهَ أَلَّفَ بَيْنَهُمْ إِنَّهُ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ – And He has united their (i.e. believers’) hearts. If you had spent all that is in the earth, you could not have united their hearts, but Allah has united them. Certainly He is All-Mighty, All-Wise]. [Soorah Al-Anfaal: Ayah: 63]

It is Allaah Who unites (the hearts of the) believers through the sound Islamic creed and this is why Allaah (The Most High) said: [إِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ إِخْوَةٌ – The believers are nothing else than brothers (in Islamic religion)]. [Soorah Al-Hujuraat: Ayah: 10]

As for the bond you find between the people of corrupt creeds, they are all disconnected. Allaah (The Most High) said:[إِذْ تَبَرَّأَ الَّذِينَ اتُّبِعُوا مِنَ الَّذِينَ اتَّبَعُوا وَرَأَوُا الْعَذَابَ وَتَقَطَّعَتْ بِهِمُ الْأَسْبَابُ – When those who were followed, disown (declare themselves innocent of) those who followed (them), and they see the torment, then all their relations will be cut off from them]. [Soorah Al-Baqarah: Ayah: 166]

Allaah (The Most High) said:[الْأَخِلَّاءُ يَوْمَئِذٍ بَعْضُهُمْ لِبَعْضٍ عَدُوٌّ إِلَّا الْمُتَّقِينَ – Friends on that Day will be foes one to another except Al-Muttaqun ([the pious and righteous persons who 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)].

The sound Islamic creed gives one’s heart peace and tranquillity. Allaah (The Most High) said: [مَنْ عَمِلَ صَالِحًا مِنْ ذَكَرٍ أَوْ أُنْثَى وَهُوَ مُؤْمِنٌ فَلَنُحْيِيَنَّهُ حَيَاةً طَيِّبَةً وَلَنَجْزِيَنَّهُمْ أَجْرَهُمْ بِأَحْسَنِ مَا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ – Whoever works righteousness, whether male or female, while he (or she) is a true believer (of Islamic Monotheism) verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do (i.e. Paradise in the Hereafter)]. [Soorah An-Nahl: Ayah: 97]

A good life is dependent upon Eemaan and righteous actions. Allaah (The Most High) said:

طه (1) مَا أَنْزَلْنَا عَلَيْكَ الْقُرْآَنَ لِتَشْقَى (2) إِلَّا تَذْكِرَةً لِمَنْ يَخْشَى

Ta-Ha. [These letters are one of the miracles of the Qur’an, and none but Allah (Alone) knows their meanings.] We have not sent down the Qur’an unto you (O Muhammad) to cause you distress. [Soorah Taahaa: Ayah:1-2]

Allaah (The Most High) said: [الَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا وَتَطْمَئِنُّ قُلُوبُهُمْ بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ أَلَا بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوبُ – Those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah – Islamic Monotheism), and whose hearts find rest in the remembrance of Allah, Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest]. [Soorah Ar-Radd: Ayah:28]

Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullaah) said: The hearts were created to be upon Tawheed, but when they abandon what they were created for, they become confused and bewildered. The heart’s need of Tawheed and remembrance of Allaah is like a fish’s need for water. A fish dies when deprived of water and likewise the heart dies when deprived of Tawheed and remembrance of Allaah.

The sound Islamic creed is a creed of uprightness and justice- neither going beyond bounds nor falling short, as opposed to the other creeds. There is not an affair in the religion- be it the beliefs, acts of worship and its laws- except that the people are divided into three categories in that regard; [a]The Extremists [b]Those who fall short and [c]Those who remain upon uprightness and justice upon the sound creed-those who cling to the Qur’aan and the Sunnah. (1)

The (sound) creed in the Religion is like the roots of a tree and the foundation of a building. And just as a tree cannot stand (firm) except by way of its roots and a building cannot stand (firm) except by way of its foundation, likewise the Religion cannot be established except by way of (sound) Eemaan and Sound Creed. A person without sound creed is similar to a body without a soul. Allaah (The Most High) said:

[أَوَمَنْ كَانَ مَيْتًا فَأَحْيَيْنَاهُ وَجَعَلْنَا لَهُ نُورًا يَمْشِي بِهِ فِي النَّاسِ كَمَنْ مَثَلُهُ فِي الظُّلُمَاتِ لَيْسَ بِخَارِجٍ مِنْهَا كَذَلِكَ زُيِّنَ لِلْكَافِرِينَ مَا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ – Is he who was dead (without Faith by ignorance and disbelief) and We gave him life (by knowledge and Faith) and set for him a light (of Belief) whereby he can walk amongst men, like him who is in the darkness (of disbelief, polytheism and hypocrisy) from which he can never come out? Thus it is made fair-seeming to the disbelievers that which they used to do]. [Soorah Al-An-aam: Ayah: 122]

Allaah (The Most High) said: [يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا اسْتَجِيبُوا لِلَّهِ وَلِلرَّسُولِ إِذَا دَعَاكُمْ لِمَا يُحْيِيكُم – O you who believe! Answer Allah (by obeying Him) and (His) Messenger when he (Muhammad) calls you to that which will give you life] [Soorah Al-Anfaal: Ayah: 24]

This is why Allaah called the revelation ‘Rooh’. Allaah said:

وَكَذَلِكَ أَوْحَيْنَا إِلَيْكَ رُوحًا مِنْ أَمْرِنَا مَا كُنْتَ تَدْرِي مَا الْكِتَابُ وَلَا الْإِيمَانُ وَلَكِنْ جَعَلْنَاهُ نُورًا نَهْدِي بِهِ مَنْ نَشَاءُ مِنْ عِبَادِنَا وَإِنَّكَ لَتَهْدِي إِلَى صِرَاطٍ مُسْتَقِيمٍ صِرَاطِ اللَّهِ الَّذِي لَهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ أَلَا إِلَى اللَّهِ تَصِيرُ الْأُمُورُ

And thus We have sent to you (O Muhammad) Roohan (an Inspiration, and a Mercy) of Our Command. You knew not what is the Book, nor what is Faith? But We have made it (this Qur’an) a light wherewith We guide whosoever of Our slaves We will. And verily, you (O Muhammad) are indeed guiding (mankind) to the Straight Path (i.e. Allah’s religion of Islamic Monotheism).” [Soorah Ash-Shoorah: Ayah: 52-53]

And why did Allaah (The Most High) call it Rooh? It is because the real life of the hearts cannot exist, except by way of the revelation, and the sound creed is the greatest affair in the revelation. Allaah (The Most High) said: [أَتَى أَمْرُ اللَّهِ فَلَا تَسْتَعْجِلُوهُ سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى عَمَّا يُشْرِكُونَ (1) يُنَزِّلُ الْمَلَائِكَةَ بِالرُّوحِ مِنْ أَمْرِهِ عَلَى مَنْ يَشَاءُ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ أَنْ أَنْذِرُوا أَنَّهُ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنَا فَاتَّقُونِ – The Event (the Hour or the punishment of disbelievers and polytheists or the Islamic laws or commandments), ordained by Allah will come to pass, so seek not to hasten it. Glorified and Exalted be He above all that they associate as partners with Him. He sends down the angels with inspiration of His Command to whom of His slaves He pleases (saying): “Warn mankind that La ilaha illa Ana (none has the right to be worshipped but I), so fear Me (by abstaining from sins and evil deeds)]. [Soorah Nahl:Aayaat: 1-2]

This (i.e. the sound creed, Tawheed, sincerity in worship) are the greatest affair in the revelation.

Some Virtues of the Sound Creed

The sound creed is the basis upon which the Religion of Allaah is built. This is manifested in the parable in the Ayah:

أَلَمْ تَرَ كَيْفَ ضَرَبَ اللَّهُ مَثَلًا كَلِمَةً طَيِّبَةً كَشَجَرَةٍ طَيِّبَةٍ أَصْلُهَا ثَابِتٌ وَفَرْعُهَا فِي السَّمَاءِ تُؤْتِي

أُكُلَهَا كُلَّ حِينٍ بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهَا وَيَضْرِبُ اللَّهُ الْأَمْثَالَ لِلنَّاسِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَذَكَّرُونَ

See you not how Allah sets forth a parable? – A goodly word as a goodly tree, whose root is firmly fixed, and its branches (reach) to the sky (i.e. very high). Giving its fruit at all times, by the Leave of its Lord and Allah sets forth parables for mankind in order that they may remember.” [Soorah Ibraaheem: Aayaat: 24-25]

“Whose (i.e. this tree) roots are firmly fixed and its branches (reach) to the sky (i.e. very high)”. The firmness of these roots are [the sound Creed, sound Eemaan and Sincerity in worshipping Allaah alone], and thereafter, the branches are made strong and the fruits are produced. “Its roots are firmly fixed”; and what is well known is that a tree cannot be of benefit when its roots are not firmly fixed; so if the roots are firm, the branches will be strong and the fruits are produced. This is a parable in explanation of the Religion of Islaam and the status of the sound creed in the Religion.

And if you wish to know the status of the sound creed in the Religion of Allaah, then look at the date palm tree because the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said that the goodly tree which has been compared to the believer is the date palm tree. Ibn Umar (radiyallaahu-anhumaa) narrated: While we were with the Messenger of Allaah (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam), he said: ‘’Inform me of a tree which resembles a Muslim man. Its leaves do not fall and it does not, and does not, and does not; and it gives its fruits every now and then.’’ It came to my mind that such a tree must be the date palm, but seeing Abu Bakr and Umar saying nothing, I disliked to speak. So when they did not say anything, the Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said: ‘’It is the date-palm tree’’………[Al-Bukhaari: Vol 6: Number: 4698]

This (hadeeth) shows the nobility of this tree amongst other trees, because Allaah specified it and compared it to the believer. The date-palm tree has roots which are firmly fixed and deeply rooted, and it seeks after water by way of which it is given life. And whenever there is water, its roots seek after it; likewise the heart of the believer seeks after Allaah’s revelation by way of which it is given life. Allaah (The Most High) said:

أَلَمْ يَأْنِ لِلَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا أَنْ تَخْشَعَ قُلُوبُهُمْ لِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ وَمَا نَزَلَ مِنَ الْحَقِّ وَلَا يَكُونُوا كَالَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ مِنْ قَبْلُ فَطَالَ عَلَيْهِمُ الْأَمَدُ فَقَسَتْ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَكَثِيرٌ مِنْهُمْ فَاسِقُونَ اعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ يُحْيِي الْأَرْضَ بَعْدَ مَوْتِهَا قَدْ بَيَّنَّا لَكُمُ الْآَيَاتِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَعْقِلُونَ

Has not the time come for the hearts of those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah – Islamic Monotheism) to be affected by Allah’s Reminder (this Qur’an), and that which has been revealed of the truth, lest they become as those who received the Scripture [the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] before (i.e. Jews and Christians), and the term was prolonged for them and so their hearts were hardened? And many of them were Fasiqun (rebellious, disobedient to Allah). Know that Allah gives life to the earth after its death! Indeed We have made clear the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) to you, if you but understand.” [Soorah Al-Hadeed: Ayah:16]

Allaah revives the dead earth by way of water; so just as a tree is given life by way of water and dies when deprived of water; likewise, the hearts cannot be alive, except by way of the revelation. And if (the hearts) are deprived of the revelation, they become dead. And that is why whenever a person is distanced from the revelation, he comes closer to death (i.e. his heart comes closer to corruption), and whenever he comes closer to the revelation, his heart is given life (i.e. obedience to Allaah, worshipping Allaah alone, distanced from sin etc) in accordance with his closeness to the revelation. (2)

[Ref 1: Source: Al-Madkhal Li-Diraasah Al-Aqeedah Al-Islaamiyyah: Lesson 1 of Shaikh Abdur Razzaaq Al-Badr (may Allaah preserve him)]
[Ref 2: Source: Al-Madkhal Lidiraasat Aqeedah Al-Islaamiyyah’ by Shaikh Abdur-Razzaaq Al-Badr ‘ lesson 3]

[2] Kufr (Disbelief) and Its Destructive Consequences!

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Refutations, Shirk, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allaah [The Exalted] said: [وَقُلِ ٱلۡحَقُّ مِن رَّبِّكُمۡ‌ۖ فَمَن شَآءَ فَلۡيُؤۡمِن وَمَن شَآءَ فَلۡيَكۡفُرۡ‌ۚ – And say: “The truth is from your Lord.” Then whosoever wills, let him believe, and whosoever wills, let him disbelieve].

Meaning – O Muhammad! Say to the people: This is the truth from your Lord and certainly He has clearly explained the difference between guidance and misguidance, distinguished between the path of upright conduct and deviation, the traits of those who are blessed and the traits of those who are wretched have been distinguished based on that which Allah has explained through the speech of His Messenger. Therefore, after it has been manifested and made clear, and there remains no ambiguity, then [فَمَن شَآءَ فَلۡيُؤۡمِن وَمَن شَآءَ فَلۡيَكۡفُرۡ‌ۚ – Then whosoever wills, let him believe, and whosoever wills, let him disbelieve] – Meaning, nothing remains except to follow one of the two paths based on whether a person is blessed with guidance or not. Indeed, Allah granted a person free will by way of which he can choose between faith and disbelief, and between good and evil; so whoever believes then indeed he has been blessed with what is correct and whoever disbelieves then indeed the proofs have been established against him. There is no compulsion as Allaah stated in another verse:

لَآ إِكۡرَاهَ فِى ٱلدِّينِ‌ۖ قَد تَّبَيَّنَ ٱلرُّشۡدُ مِنَ ٱلۡغَىِّ‌ۚ فَمَن يَكۡفُرۡ بِٱلطَّـٰغُوتِ وَيُؤۡمِنۢ بِٱللَّهِ فَقَدِ ٱسۡتَمۡسَكَ بِٱلۡعُرۡوَةِ ٱلۡوُثۡقَىٰ لَا ٱنفِصَامَ لَهَا‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ

There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right Path has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever disbelieves in Taghut and believes in Allah, then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break. And Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower. [Surah Al-Baqarah. Aayah 256]

And regarding Allaah’s statement, [فَمَن شَآءَ فَلۡيُؤۡمِن وَمَن شَآءَ فَلۡيَكۡفُرۡ‌ۚ – Then whosoever wills, let him believe, and whosoever wills, let him disbelieve], this does not mean that one is given permission in both affairs (i.e. belief and disbelief), but rather the statement is a threat and warning to those who choose disbelief after the affair has been explained thoroughly. Then Allaah mentions the final abode of both groups, saying:

إِنَّآ أَعۡتَدۡنَا لِلظَّـٰلِمِينَ نَارًا أَحَاطَ بِہِمۡ سُرَادِقُهَا‌ۚ وَإِن يَسۡتَغِيثُواْ يُغَاثُواْ بِمَآءٍ۬ كَٱلۡمُهۡلِ يَشۡوِى ٱلۡوُجُوهَ‌ۚ بِئۡسَ ٱلشَّرَابُ وَسَآءَتۡ مُرۡتَفَقًا
إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ إِنَّا لَا نُضِيعُ أَجۡرَ مَنۡ أَحۡسَنَ عَمَلاً
أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ لَهُمۡ جَنَّـٰتُ عَدۡنٍ۬ تَجۡرِى مِن تَحۡتِہِمُ ٱلۡأَنۡہَـٰرُ يُحَلَّوۡنَ فِيہَا مِنۡ أَسَاوِرَ مِن ذَهَبٍ۬ وَيَلۡبَسُونَ ثِيَابًا خُضۡرً۬ا مِّن سُندُسٍ۬ وَإِسۡتَبۡرَقٍ۬ مُّتَّكِـِٔينَ فِيہَا عَلَى ٱلۡأَرَآٮِٕكِ‌ۚ نِعۡمَ ٱلثَّوَابُ وَحَسُنَتۡ مُرۡتَفَقً۬ا

Verily, We have prepared for the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers, etc.), a Fire whose walls will be surrounding them. And if they ask for help (relief, water, etc.) they will be granted water like boiling oil, that will scald their faces. Terrible the drink, and an evil Murtafaqa (dwelling, resting place, etc.)! Verily! As for those who believe and do righteous deeds, certainly! We shall not suffer to be lost the reward of anyone who does his (righteous) deeds in the most perfect manner. These! For them will be ‘Adn (Eden) Paradise (everlasting Gardens); wherein rivers flow underneath them, therein they will be adorned with bracelets of gold, and they will wear green garments of fine and thick silk. They will recline therein on raised thrones. How good is the reward, and what an excellent Murtafaqa (dwelling, resting place, etc.)! (1)

Read: On Imaan (Faith) and Kufr (disbelief):

http://www.salafipublications.com/sps/sp.cfm?secID=AQD&subsecID=AQD13&loadpage=displaysubsection.cfm

[Ref 1: An Excerpt from Tafsir as-Sadi. Surah Al-Kahf. Verses 29-31. Slightly paraphrased]

[1] Robust Principles That Protects Sound Creed In The Face of all Ideologies – [Past, Present and Future]!

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Bid'ah (Innovation), Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Shirk, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

The creeds are two types – the creed revealed by Allaah and the creed initiated by the people. However, the sound and correct creed can only be from Allaah’s Wahi [the revelation sent down by Allaah in the Qur’aan and the authentic Sunnah]. Allaah [The Most High] informed us about Yusuf [peace be upon him] that he said to his companions in the prison:

يَا صَاحِبَيِ السِّجْنِ أَأَرْبَابٌ مُتَفَرِّقُونَ خَيْرٌ أَمِ اللَّهُ الْوَاحِدُ الْقَهَّارُ; مَا تَعْبُدُونَ مِنْ دُونِهِ إِلَّا أَسْمَاءً سَمَّيْتُمُوهَا أَنْتُمْ وَآَبَاؤُكُمْ مَا أَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ بِهَا مِنْ سُلْطَانٍ إِنِ الْحُكْمُ إِلَّا لِلَّهِ أَمَرَ أَلَّا تَعْبُدُوا إِلَّا إِيَّاهُ ذَلِكَ الدِّينُ الْقَيِّمُ وَلَكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ

O two companions of the prison! Are many different lords (gods) better or Allah, the One, the Irresistible? You do not worship besides Him but only names which you have named (forged), you and your fathers, for which Allah has sent down no authority. The command (or the judgement) is for none but Allah. He has commanded that you worship none but Him (i.e. His Monotheism), that is the (true) straight religion, but most men know not. [Surah Yusuf Aayaat 39-40]

Allaah (The Most High) said:

أَفَرَأَيْتُمُ اللَّاتَ وَالْعُزَّى
وَمَنَاةَ الثَّالِثَةَ الْأُخْرَى
أَلَكُمُ الذَّكَرُ وَلَهُ الْأُنْثَى
تِلْكَ إِذًا قِسْمَةٌ ضِيزَى
إِنْ هِيَ إِلَّا أَسْمَاءٌ سَمَّيْتُمُوهَا أَنْتُمْ وَآَبَاؤُكُمْ مَا أَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ بِهَا مِنْ سُلْطَانٍ إِنْ يَتَّبِعُونَ إِلَّا الظَّنَّ وَمَا تَهْوَى الْأَنْفُسُ وَلَقَدْ جَاءَهُمْ مِنْ رَبِّهِمُ الْهُدَى

Have you then considered Al-Lat, and Al-‘Uzza (two idols of the pagan Arabs) And Manat (another idol of the pagan Arabs), the other third? Is it for you the males and for Him the females? That indeed is a division most unfair! They are but names which you have named, you and your fathers, for which Allah has sent down no authority. [Soorah Najm:19-23]

Allaah (The Most High) said:

أَمْ لَهُمْ شُرَكَاءُ شَرَعُوا لَهُمْ مِنَ الدِّينِ مَا لَمْ يَأْذَنْ بِهِ اللَّهُ

Or have they partners with Allah (false gods), who have instituted for them a religion which Allah has not allowed. [Surah Ash-Shoorah: Ayah:21]

Allaah (The Most High) said:

وَكَذَلِكَ أَوْحَيْنَا إِلَيْكَ رُوحًا مِنْ أَمْرِنَا مَا كُنْتَ تَدْرِي مَا الْكِتَابُ وَلَا الْإِيمَانُ وَلَكِنْ جَعَلْنَاهُ نُورًا نَهْدِي بِهِ مَنْ نَشَاءُ مِنْ عِبَادِنَا وَإِنَّكَ لَتَهْدِي إِلَى صِرَاطٍ مُسْتَقِيمٍ
صِرَاطِ اللَّهِ الَّذِي لَهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ أَلَا إِلَى اللَّهِ تَصِيرُ الْأُمُورُ

And thus We have sent to you (O Muhammad) Ruhan (an Inspiration, and a Mercy) of Our Command. You knew not what is the Book, nor what is Faith? But We have made it (this Qur’an) a light wherewith We guide whosoever of Our slaves We will. And verily, you (O Muhammad) are indeed guiding (mankind) to the Straight Path (i.e. Allah’s religion of Islamic Monotheism). [Surah Ash-Shoorah: Aayaat 52-53]

All these verses of the Qur’aan demonstrate the fact that the sound Islamic creed can only be derived from the revelation [i.e. the Qur’aan and the authentic Sunnah].

The delegation of Abdul Qais: The delegation said, “O Messenger of Allaah, we come to you from a far-off distance and there lives between you and us a tribe- the unbelievers of Mudar, and it is not possible for us to come to you except in the sacred months; so direct us to a clear command regarding which we are to inform others and by way of which we may enter paradise. The Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said, ‘I command you to do four things and forbid you from four things’, and he added, ‘I command you to have Eemaan in Allaah’, and then he [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] asked them, ‘Do you know what Imaan in Allaah is?’ They said, ‘Allaah and His Messenger know best’’. He said, ‘It is the testimony that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah and that Muhammad is the messenger of Allaah….’” [Saheeh Muslim]

These people were Arabs and people of eloquence in their language, however when the Messenger asked them about Eemaan they replied, “Allaah and His Messenger know best”. This shows that the affairs of the creed and Eemaan are only established by way of the revelation. As for the people of bidah and evil desires, some of them derive their creed by way of the intellect, opinions, dreams, fables and beliefs they desire.

Principles We Must Establish In This Affair

The First Principle: The Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] has clarified all the affairs of the religion. He has clarified its fundamentals, subsidiary issues, beliefs and prescribed laws. Allaah [The Most High] said:[الْيَوْمَ أَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِينَكُمْ وَأَتْمَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعْمَتِي وَرَضِيتُ لَكُمُ الْإِسْلَامَ دِينًا – This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion]. [Surah Al-Maa-idah: Ayah 3]

Therefore, when it is the case that the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] even explained- in detail- the etiquettes of using the toilet, then it is not possible that he would not have detailed the affairs of the creed, thus giving an allowance for others to come along and make up beliefs based on their intellects, opinions etc. Indeed, the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] has clarified all the Religion, its creed and laws.

 

The Second Principle: The Qur’aan and the [authentic] Sunnah of the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] are the sources of the religion, and every dispute between the Muslims is to be referred back to them. Allaah [The Most High] said: [فَلَا وَرَبِّكَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ حَتَّى يُحَكِّمُوكَ فِيمَا شَجَرَ بَيْنَهُمْ ثُمَّ لَا يَجِدُوا فِي أَنْفُسِهِمْ حَرَجًا مِمَّا قَضَيْتَ وَيُسَلِّمُوا 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] [Soorah An-Nisaa: ayah:65]

Allaah (The Most High) said:

وَمَا كَانَ لِمُؤْمِنٍ وَلَا مُؤْمِنَةٍ إِذَا قَضَى اللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُ أَمْرًا أَنْ يَكُونَ لَهُمُ الْخِيَرَةُ مِنْ أَمْرِهِمْ وَمَنْ يَعْصِ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ فَقَدْ ضَلَّ ضَلَالًا مُبِينًا

It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allah and His Messenger have decreed a matter that they should have any option in their decision. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, he has indeed strayed in a plain error. [Surah Al-Ahzaab: Ayah:36]

Allaah (The Most High) said:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا أَطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُوا الرَّسُولَ وَأُولِي الْأَمْرِ مِنْكُمْ فَإِنْ تَنَازَعْتُمْ فِي شَيْءٍ فَرُدُّوهُ إِلَى اللَّهِ وَالرَّسُولِ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ تُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآَخِرِ ذَلِكَ خَيْرٌ وَأَحْسَنُ تَأْوِيلًا

O you who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger (Muhammad), and those of you (Muslims) who are in authority. (And) if you differ in anything amongst yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger (), if you believe in Allah and in the Last Day. That is better and more suitable for final determination.’’ [Surah An-Nisaa: Ayah: 59]
And referring back to Allaah is to refer to His Book [i.e. the Qur’aan] and referring to the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-asallam] is to refer to his [authentic] Sunnah. The one who does not do this; then indeed he has deviated from the straight path. Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [rahimahullaah] used to say often:

مَنْ فَارَقَ الدَّلِيل ضَلَّ السَّبِيل وَلَا دَلِيل إِلَّا بِمَا جَاءَ بِهِ الرَّسُول

Whoever opposes the proofs will be led away from the path, and there is no proof, except that which the Messenger came with.

Ibn Abil Izz Al-Hanafi [rahimahullaah] said:

كَيْفَ يُرَام الْوُصُول إِلَى عِلْمِ الْأُصُولِ بِغيْرِ مَا جَاءَ بِهِ الرَّسُول

How can one aim at reaching knowledge of the fundamental principles of the (religion) with other than what the Messenger brought?!

 

The Third Principle: A Muslim is not to put himself forward before Allaah and His Messenger. He is not to speak about the Religion without knowledge from Allaah and His Messenger, because that is one of the greatest sins and crimes. Allaah [The Most High] said: [يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا 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, and fear Allah. Verily! Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing]. [Surah Al-Hujuraat: Ayah:1]

This means: Neither speak [about the religion] until Allaah and His Messenger have spoken, nor act in the name of the religion until you are commanded- whether in affairs related to creed, acts of worship or affairs related to knowledge of the religion.

Allaah (The Most High) said:

وَلَا تَقْفُ مَا لَيْسَ لَكَ بِهِ عِلْمٌ إِنَّ السَّمْعَ وَالْبَصَرَ وَالْفُؤَادَ كُلُّ أُولَئِكَ كَانَ عَنْهُ مَسْئُولًا

And follow not (O man i.e., say not, or do not or witness not, etc.) that of which you have no knowledge (e.g. one’s saying: “I have seen,” while in fact he has not seen, or “I have heard,” while he has not heard). Verily! The hearing, and the sight, and the heart, of each of those you will be questioned (by Allah). [Soorah Al-Israa: Ayah:36]

 

The Fourth Principle: Our understanding of the Qur’aan and the [authentic] Sunnah of the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] has to be agree in agreement with the understanding of the Salaf [i.e. the pious predecessors]. They possessed the most pious of hearts and purest souls; they were the ones who received the religion directly from the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam], transmitted it to the Ummah as they heard it and fulfilled its requirements. Indeed, Allaah selected them to be the companions of the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] and carriers of His religion, Allaah was pleased with them and they were pleased with Allaah, Allaah sent down tranquility upon them and granted them piety. Therefore, it is obligated on us to understand the religion in the manner in which they understood it, and t not permissible for anyone to come along and say, “They [i.e. the companions of Muhammad] were men and we are men [i.e. intending to abandon their way]”. If someone says this, then indeed he is a person of misguidance, and because of this reason, Allaah [The Most High] said: [وَمَنْ يُشَاقِقِ الرَّسُولَ مِنْ بَعْدِ مَا تَبَيَّنَ لَهُ الْهُدَى وَيَتَّبِعْ غَيْرَ سَبِيلِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ نُوَلِّهِ مَا تَوَلَّى وَنُصْلِهِ جَهَنَّمَ وَسَاءَتْ مَصِيرًا – And whoever contradicts and opposes the Messenger (Muhammad ) after the right path has been shown clearly to him and follows other than the believers’ way. We shall keep him in the path he has chosen and burn him in Hell – what an evil destination]. [Surah An-Nisaa: Ayah:115]

And Allaah [The Most High] said:

وَالسَّابِقُونَ الْأَوَّلُونَ مِنَ الْمُهَاجِرِينَ وَالْأَنْصَارِ وَالَّذِينَ اتَّبَعُوهُمْ بِإِحْسَانٍ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ وَرَضُوا عَنْهُ وَأَعَدَّ لَهُمْ جَنَّاتٍ تَجْرِي تَحْتَهَا الْأَنْهَارُ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا أَبَدًا ذَلِكَ الْفَوْزُ الْعَظِيمُ

And the first to embrace Islam of the Muhajirun (those who migrated from Makkah to Al-Madinah) and the Ansar (the citizens of Al-Madinah who helped and gave aid to the Muhajirun) and also those who followed them exactly (in Faith). Allah is well-pleased with them as they are well-pleased with Him. He has prepared for them Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise), to dwell therein forever. That is the supreme success. [Soorah At-Tawbah: Ayah: 100]

This is the aim: We follow them exactly (in faith) and we follow their path. The closer a person is in following them, then the closer is he to guidance. In an authentic hadeeth, the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said: ”The best of people are those living in my generation, then those who come after them, and those after them….’’

 

The Fifth Principle: It is obligated on a person who has been granted this favour [i.e. adherence to the Qur’aan, the authentic Sunnah and the path of the companions] that he remains steadfast upon it- steadfast upon it by way of knowledge, creed and action until Allaah takes his soul. Allaah said: [ فَٱسۡتَقِمۡ كَمَآ أُمِرۡتَ – So stand (ask Allah to make) you (Muhammad) firm and straight (on the religion of Islamic Monotheism) as you are commanded]. [Surah Hud. Ayah 112]

Steadfastness can only fulfilled through that which Allaah has revealed. Allaah [The Most High] said:[إِنَّ الَّذِينَ قَالُوا رَبُّنَا اللَّهُ ثُمَّ اسْتَقَامُوا فَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ – Verily, those who say: “Our Lord is (only) Allah,” and thereafter Istaqamu (i.e. stood firm and straight on the Islamic Faith of Monotheism by abstaining from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which Allah has forbidden and by performing all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained), on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve]. [Soorah Al-ahqaah: Ayah:13]

Allaah [The Most High] said: [إِنَّ الَّذِينَ قَالُوا رَبُّنَا اللَّهُ ثُمَّ اسْتَقَامُوا تَتَنَزَّلُ عَلَيْهِمُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ أَلَّا تَخَافُوا وَلَا تَحْزَنُوا وَأَبْشِرُوا بِالْجَنَّةِ الَّتِي كُنْتُمْ تُوعَدُونَ – Verily, those who say: “Our Lord is Allah (Alone),” and then they Istaqamu , on them the angels will descend (at the time of their death) (saying): “Fear not, nor grieve! But receive the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised!].[Soorah Fussilat: Ayah:30]

This steadfastness is sought from a slave of Allaah- steadfastness upon the [sound] creed, righteous action and deeds that draws him close to Allaah until Allaah takes away his soul. Allaah (The Most High) said: [وَاعْبُدْ رَبَّكَ حَتَّى يَأْتِيَكَ الْيَقِينُ – And worship your Lord until there comes unto you the certainty (i.e. death)]. [Soorah al-Hijr: Ayah:99]
And Allaah [The Most High] said: [يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ حَقَّ تُقَاتِهِ وَلَا تَمُوتُنَّ إِلَّا وَأَنْتُمْ مُسْلِمُونَ – O you who believe! Fear Allah (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islam (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allah]. [Soorah Aala Imraan: Ayah: 102]

And one of the tremendous supplications is that which has been reported by Ibn Abee Shaybah that Abu Dardaa [radiyallaahu-anhu] used to supplicate:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ إيمَانًا دَائِمًا وَعِلْمًا نَافِعًا وَهَدْيًا قَيِّمًا

O Allaah! I ask you for abiding Eemaan, beneficial knowledge and upright guidance.

Mu’aawiyyah Ibn Qurra [rahimahullaah] transmitted this narration from Abu Dardaa [radiyallaahu-anhu] and then said: ”Because there is Eemaan that is not abiding, knowledge that is not beneficial and guidance that is not upright.” Therefore, a Muslim must ask Allaah for these (things) and he should employ the means to attaining them, as the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said: “Be eager for what is of benefit to you and place your reliance upon Allaah”.

The Sixth Principle: And after being steadfastness upon the [sound creed, the Qur’aan, the Sunnah and the way of the pious predecessors], one must call to it. Allaah [The Most High] said:

وَالْعَصْرِ
إِنَّ الْإِنْسَانَ لَفِي خُسْرٍ
إِلَّا الَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالْحَقِّ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالصَّبْرِ

By Al-‘Asr (the time). Verily! Man is in loss, Except those who believe (in Islamic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, and recommend one another to the truth (i.e. order one another to perform all kinds of good deeds (Al-Ma’ruf) which Allah has ordained, and abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds (Al-Munkar) which Allah has forbidden), and recommend one another to patience (for the sufferings, harms, and injuries which one may encounter in Allah’s Cause during preaching His religion of Islamic Monotheism or Jihad, etc.). [Soorah al-Asr]

One has to propagate the sound path and the religion based on what Allaah makes easy for him to propagate. The Messenger [sallal-laahu-alahi-wasallam] said to Ali [radiyallaahu-anhu], “By Allaah, for Allah to guide one man by you is better for you than red camels.” The Messenger also said: “Whoever calls to guidance, he will be rewarded, and (also) receive reward equal to those who follow him, without their rewards being reduced in the least.” The Messenger also said: ”The one who guides to good is like the doer of that deed itself”.

To be continued….InShaaAllaah

[Source: Madkhal Li-Diraasati Aqeedah Al-Islaamiyyah. Lesson 2- By Shaikh Abdur Razzaaq Al-Badr (may Allaah preserve him)]

Rulers, Government Officials, Elders of a People, Parents etc

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

The Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “Any man whom Allaah has given authority to look after the affairs of a people and he dies whilst not looking after them [in the manner obligated by Allaah and His Messenger], he will not smell the scent of paradise”. [Saheeh Al-Bukhaari’ Number 7150]

Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “This does not (only) refer to the Muslim ruler, his assistant or a minister, or the elders of a people; rather it applies even to a man in his house. If he dies and did not look after his family (in the manner obligated by Allaah and His Messenger), then indeed Allaah will prevent him from smelling the scent of paradise. And those who give their families games (or means of amusement) that corrupt manners and destroy (sound) belief, then there is no doubt that they have not looked after their families (in the manner obligated by Allaah and His Messenger in this affair). And if they die whilst being upon this state, it is feared that Allaah will prevent them from smelling the scent of paradise. (1)

Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “The sinners [i.e. those who die whilst committing sins lesser than shirk] are under the will of Allaah- if Allaah wishes, He will either punish them or forgive them straight away, or He enters them into hell for some time and paradise thereafter, just as Allaah said: [إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَغۡفِرُ أَن يُشۡرَكَ بِهِۦ وَيَغۡفِرُ مَا دُونَ ذَٲلِكَ لِمَن يَشَآءُ‌-Verily, Allah forgives not that partners should be set up with him in worship, but He forgives except that (anything else) to whom He pleases. [Surah An-Nisaa’ Aayah 48] (2)

Believer’s Bahaviour Towards Muslim Rulers:

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


https://abukhadeejah.com/the-tyranny-of-the-rulers-a-reason-for-rebellion/

Twelve Steps In Cultivating Our Children and Establishing a Pious Home
https://abukhadeejah.com/twelve-steps-in-cultivating-our-children/

[Ref 1: At-taleeq Alas Siyaasatish Shar’iyyah. page 35]

[Ref 2: https://www.binbaz.org.sa/noor/2527]
إن أهل المعاصي تحت مشيئة الله، إن شاء الله غفر لهم وأدخلهم الجنة من أول وهلة، وإن شاء عذبهم في النار على قدر معاصيهم مدة من الزمن، ثم بعد التطهير والتمحيص يخرجهم الله من النار إلى الجنة، كما قال الله -سبحانه-: إِنَّ اللَّهَ لا يَغْفِرُ أَنْ يُشْرَكَ بِهِ وَيَغْفِرُ مَا دُونَ ذَلِكَ لِمَنْ يَشَاءُ

[1] Kufr (Disbelief) and Its Destructive Consequences!

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Monotheism - Tawheed, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Refutations, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allaah [The Exalted] said:

وَإِذۡ قَالَ إِبۡرَٲهِـۧمُ رَبِّ ٱجۡعَلۡ هَـٰذَا بَلَدًا ءَامِنً۬ا وَٱرۡزُقۡ أَهۡلَهُ ۥ مِنَ ٱلثَّمَرَٲتِ مَنۡ ءَامَنَ مِنۡہُم بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلۡيَوۡمِ ٱلۡأَخِرِ‌ۖ قَالَ وَمَن كَفَرَ فَأُمَتِّعُهُ ۥ قَلِيلاً۬ ثُمَّ أَضۡطَرُّهُ ۥۤ إِلَىٰ عَذَابِ ٱلنَّارِ‌ۖ وَبِئۡسَ ٱلۡمَصِيرُ

And (remember) when Ibrahim (Abraham) said, “My Lord, make this city (Makkah) a place of security and provide its people with fruits, such of them as believe in Allah and the Last Day.” He (Allah) answered: “As for him who disbelieves, I shall leave him in contentment for a while, then I shall compel him to the torment of the Fire, and worst indeed is that destination!” [Surah Al-Baqarah. Aayah 126]

Meaning, when Ibraaheem supplicated for this house (i.e. the Ka’bah) and its surrounding areas that Allah make it a city of security and provide its inhabitants with various types of fruits; he then restricted his supplication to the believers out of showing good manners in the presence of Allaah, because the first part of his supplication was unrestricted (when he ask for all his children) and thus the response came as a restriction. So, he restricted his supplication for provision to the believers, even though Allaah’s Provision reaches both believers and disbelievers, the disobedient person and the obedient person. Allaah said: [وَمَن كَفَرَ – As for him who disbelieves]- Meaning, I will bestow on all of them- both Muslims and disbelievers. The Muslim utilises this provision to worship Allaah and then proceed towards the bliss of paradise, but as for the disbeliever, he enjoys himself for a short period (in the life of this world), [ثُمَّ أَضۡطَرُّهُ ۥۤ إِلَىٰ عَذَابِ ٱلنَّارِ‌ۖ وَبِئۡسَ ٱلۡمَصِيرُ – then I shall compel him to the torment of the Fire, and worst indeed is that destination!] (1)

Read: On Imaan (Faith) and Kufr (disbelief):

http://www.salafipublications.com/sps/sp.cfm?secID=AQD&subsecID=AQD13&loadpage=displaysubsection.cfm

[Ref 1: Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi. Slightly paraphrased]

Threat of Punishment From Lord of The Universe Against Brutal Police and Their Ilk! [Those Who Beat People Without a Justified Reason]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Sin.

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

Abu Hurairah [may Allaah be pleased with him] reported that Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “Two are the types of the inhabitants of Hell whom I did not see: men having flogs like the tails of the ox with them and they would be beating people, and the women who would be dressed but appear to be naked, who would be inclined (to evil) and making others inclined towards evil. Their heads would be like the humps of the bukht camel inclined to one side. They will not enter Paradise and they would not smell its scent whereas its scent would be smelt from such and such distance”. (1)

Imaam an-Nawawi [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “This hadeeth is from the miracles of Prophethood. Certainly these two types of people have appeared and they are present”. (2)

Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “Firstly, ‘men having flogs like the tails of the ox with them and they would be beating people’, such as the police and other than police who beat people unjustly. These people are from the people of Hell. This is a threat that calls for caution. A soldier and non-soldier must not hit people except based on a justified reason (i.e. a justified Sharee’ah reason)”. (3)  Anyone who takes on the responsibility to beat people unjustly is included in this hadith, whether it is by the order of the state or without the order of the state, because indeed the state is to be obeyed only in good. The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “Indeed, obedience is only in that which is good. There is no obedience to the creation in disobedience to the Creator”. (3.1)

As for the statement: “women who would be dressed but appear to be naked”, Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “This has been explained to mean that they will wear short clothing that does not cover the parts of the body one is obligated to cover [i.e. the entire body of a woman is to be covered besides the face and hands]. It has been explained to mean that they will wear revealing clothing that does not prevent one from seeing the woman’s skin. And it has been explained to mean that they will wear tight clothing which covers the body, but reveals that which leads to trial through a woman. (4)

NB: Regarding the statement “They will not enter Paradise, nor smell its fragrance, even though it can be found from a distance of five hundred years of travel”. Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “The sinners [i.e. those who die whilst committing sins lesser than Shirk] are under the will of Allaah- if Allaah wishes, He will either punish or forgive them straight away, or He enters them into hell for some time and paradise thereafter, just as Allaah said: [إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَغۡفِرُ أَن يُشۡرَكَ بِهِۦ وَيَغۡفِرُ مَا دُونَ ذَٲلِكَ لِمَن يَشَآءُ‌ۚ – Verily, Allah forgives not that partners should be set up with him in worship, but He forgives except that (anything else) to whom He pleases]. [Surah An-Nisaa. Verse 48] (5)

Finally: Is the Tyranny of the Rulers a Reason for Rebellion? The Duty of a Muslim Towards the Muslim Leaders in Light of the Qur’ān, Sunnah and the Scholars of the Salaf- By Shaikh Abu Khadeejah [may Allaah preserve him]: https://abukhadeejah.com/the-tyranny-of-the-rulers-a-reason-for-rebellion/

Believers relations with the rulers: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2021/02/10/believers-bahaviour-towards-muslim-rulers-advise-given-in-private-supplicate-for-them-and-refrain-from-rebellion-so-beware-of-spiteful-foreign-instigators-and-some-dangerous-social-media-networ/

[Ref 1: Saheeh Muslim. Number 2128]

[Ref 2: Sharh Saheeh Muslim 14/92]

[Ref3:https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/10311/%D9%85%D8%A7-%D9%85%D8%B9%D9%86%D9%89-%D9%82%D9%88%D9%84%D9%87-%D8%B5%D9%86%D9%81%D8%A7%D9%86-%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%87%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D9%84%D9%85-%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%87%D9%85%D8%A7

[Ref3.1:https://binbaz.org.sa/index.php/fatwas/6333/%D9%85%D8%B9%D9%86%D9%89-%D8%AD%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%AB-%D8%B5%D9%86%D9%81%D8%A7%D9%86-%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%87%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D9%84%D9%85-%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%87%D9%85%D8%A7 ]

[Ref 4: Fataawaa Shaikh Muhammad Bin Utrhaymeen. 2/825]

[Ref 5: https://www.binbaz.org.sa/noor/2527%5D

 

Why Critically Examine Claims of Those Who Rush to Apply The Term “Conspiracy Theorist”

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Sin.

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

An Inheritance of Those Who Set Up Modern Communication Networks to Conceal Truth and Hinder Honest Discussion 

Abu Saaleh [may Allaah have mercy upon him] narrated from Ibn Abbaas [may Allaah be pleased with him and his father] who said that the Quraish polytheists sent sixteen men to the main mountain roads during the days of hajj and dispersed four men on each road to hinder people from believing in Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him], saying, “Whoever comes to you asking about Muhammad, then some of you should say, he is a poet, and some of you should say, he is a Soothsayer, and some of you should say, he is a mad man, so it is better that neither you see him nor he sees you. And when the people come to us, we will agree with what you said to them on the roads”.

So, when this reached Allaah’s Messenger, he also sent four believers on each main road – and amongst them were Abdullaah Ibn Mas’ood [radiyallaahu anhu] – and commanded them to belie what the Quraish were saying, so when the people would go past the polytheists, they said what they said about the Messenger, but the Muslims would say, “You have lied, rather he calls to the truth, commands good and forbids evil”. (1)

Not Every Suspicion is Blameworthy

Allaah [The Most High] said: [يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اجْتَنِبُوا كَثِيرًا مِنْ الظَّنِّ إِنَّ بَعْضَ الظَّنِّ إِثْمٌ – O you who believe! Avoid much suspicions, indeed some suspicions are sins. [Surah Al-Hujuraat. Aayah 12]

Imaam As-Sa’di [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “Allaah [The Most High] forbids much evil suspicion towards the believers, because some suspicions are tantamount to sin, such as the suspicion that is devoid of reality and indications that point to the validity of something, and the suspicion that is accompanied by much forbidden speech and deeds, because indeed the settlement of evil suspicion in the heart does not usually stop at that; rather it does not cease until the person utters and does that which is not permissible”. (2)

Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “Not every suspicion is a sin and there is no harm regarding the suspicion that is based on clear indications regarding the validity of an affair. As for mere assumption, it is not permissible. For example, if a man – who is known to be upright – is seen with a woman by another man, then it not permissible to accuse him that the woman he is seen with is a stranger [who he should not be with], because this is the type of suspicion that is tantamount to sin. But if this suspicion is based on a reason found in the Islamic legislation, then there is no harm to harbour such suspicion. (3)

Critically Examine and Beware of Scoundrels of The Highest Order In The West – Those Whose Contradictions Are Manifest, Whilst They Utilize The Media to Fearmonger and label Opponents As Conspiracists

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: The fact that a statement regarding something is lies and falsehood is sometimes known based on the statement in and of itself, its contradictions, perplexity and the manifestation of those clear indications which shows that it is lies. Lies may manifest due to what it is in reality, what is apparent and what is being concealed. It is sometimes known due to the situation of the utterer of the lie, for indeed the one who is known for lying, wickedness and deception, his statements do not show anything else except a state of conformity with his deeds. He does not utter a statement or perform an action similar to that of a pious and truthful person – the one innocent of every evil, deception, lie and wicked behaviour; rather the heart, intention, statements and deeds of the truthful one have the same image; and the heart, statements, deeds and intentions of the liar have the same image. (4)

Ameerul Mu’mineen Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab [may Allaah be pleased with him] said: People were (sometimes) judged by the revealing of a Divine Inspiration during the lifetime of Allah’s Apostle but now there is no longer any more (new revelation). Now we judge you by the deeds you practice publicly, so we will trust and favour the one who does good deeds in front of us, and we will not call him to account about what he is really doing in secret, for Allah will judge him for that; but we will not trust or believe the one who presents to us with an evil deed even if he claims that his intentions were good. (5)

Imaam Abdul-Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: Whoever manifests good, it will be accepted from him and a good suspicion is held about him. And if he manifests evil, it will held against him and an evil suspicion is held about him. (6)

Beware of The Destructive Good Suspicion That Has Blinded Many People

Al-Allaamah Rabee Rabee Bin Haadee Al-Madkhalee [may Allaah preserve him] said, “Destructive good suspicion is to have a good suspicion of the people of falsehood whether are they disbelievers, innovators or evil (open) sinners. And that which led the disbelievers to belie the Messengers, (harbouring) a severe disbelief in them and their message was due to their evil suspicion towards the people of truth (i.e. the Prophets and their true followers), and having a good suspicion of their forefathers and their religions of falsehood and disbelief”. (7)

[Ref 1: Excerpt from Zaadul Maseer Fee Ilmit Tafseer’ Tafseer Surah An-Nahl. Aayaat Aayaat 30-32: By Imaam Ibnul Jawzi]. Slightly paraphrased
[Ref 2: Tafseer As-Sadi]
[Ref 3: Fataawaa Islaamiyyah 4/537]
[Ref 4: An Excerpt from As-Sawaa’iq Al-Mursalah 2/469-470. Slightly paraphrased]
[Ref 5: Saheeh Bukhaari; Vol 3; Hadith Number:2641]
[Ref 6: An Excerpt from Al-Hulalul Ibreeziyyah Min At-Taleeqaat Al-Baaziyyah Alaa Saheeh Al-Bukhaariy page:397 Vol 2 footnote 1]
[Ref 7: Majmoo 13/363-364]