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Were Animals Created Before Humans – [Beautiful and Precise Response by Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Fatawa-Rulings, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Uncategorized, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him] was asked about the statement that animals were created two million years before humans; so the Imaam answered with the verse of the Qur’aan in which Allaah informed us that the angels said, [سُبْحَانَكَ لَا عِلْمَ لَنَا إِلَّا مَا عَلَّمْتَنَا – Glory be to You (O Allaah), we have no knowledge except what you have taught us]. [Surah Al-Baqarah. Verse 32] (1)

The Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz followed the path of his predecessors, such as the likes of Imaam ash-Shabi [may Allaah have mercy upon him]. Once Imaam Shabi was asked about an affair in religion, so he said, “I don’t know”. Then it was said to him, “Do you not feel shy of your statement, ‘I don’t know’ and you’re the jurist of the people of Basra?” So he said, “But the angels did not feel shy when they said: سُبۡحَـٰنَكَ لَا عِلۡمَ لَنَآ إِلَّا مَا عَلَّمۡتَنَآ‌ۖ- Glory be to You (o Allaah), we have no knowledge except what you have taught us]. (2)

No Speculation Regarding That Which Our Lord Has Not Told Us!

Allaah [The Exalted] said:

مَّآ أَشۡہَدتُّہُمۡ خَلۡقَ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَلَا خَلۡقَ أَنفُسِہِمۡ وَمَا كُنتُ مُتَّخِذَ ٱلۡمُضِلِّينَ عَضُدً۬ا

I (Allah) made them not to witness the creation of the heavens and the earth and not (even) their own creation, nor was I (Allah) to take the misleaders as helpers. [Surah Al-Kahf. Verse 51]

Imaam Ash-Shanqeetee [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “The established meaning of this noble verse is that Allaah did not make you witness when he created Iblees and his hosts. Allaah did not make you witness the creation of the heavens and the earth – neither to seek your help to create them nor to create you, nor did you witness your own creation. I did not make you witness one another’s creation to seek help to do so; but rather I (Allaah) alone created all of that without a helper or supporter! So why do give them the right that belongs to me alone and take them as allies (protectors) besides me, whilst I am the Creator of everything. This verse – which shows that the Creator is the only true object of worship – is clarified in many othee verses, such the statement of Allaah: [أَفَمَن يَخۡلُقُ كَمَن لَّا يَخۡلُقُ‌ۗ أَفَلَا تَذَڪَّرُونَ – Is then He, Who creates as one who creates not? Will you not then remember?] [Surah An-Nahl. Verse 17]

Allaah said:

قُلۡ مَن رَّبُّ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ قُلِ ٱللَّهُ‌ۚ قُلۡ أَفَٱتَّخَذۡتُم مِّن دُونِهِۦۤ أَوۡلِيَآءَ لَا يَمۡلِكُونَ لِأَنفُسِهِمۡ نَفۡعً۬ا وَلَا ضَرًّ۬ا‌ۚ قُلۡ هَلۡ يَسۡتَوِى ٱلۡأَعۡمَىٰ وَٱلۡبَصِيرُ أَمۡ هَلۡ تَسۡتَوِى ٱلظُّلُمَـٰتُ وَٱلنُّورُ‌ۗ أَمۡ جَعَلُواْ لِلَّهِ شُرَكَآءَ خَلَقُواْ كَخَلۡقِهِۦ فَتَشَـٰبَهَ ٱلۡخَلۡقُ عَلَيۡہِمۡ‌ۚ قُلِ ٱللَّهُ خَـٰلِقُ كُلِّ شَىۡءٍ۬ وَهُوَ ٱلۡوَٲحِدُ ٱلۡقَهَّـٰرُ

Say (O Muhammad ): “Who is the Lord of the heavens and the earth?” Say: “(It is) Allah.” Say: “Have you then taken (for worship) Auliya’ (protectors, etc.) other than Him, such as have no power either for benefit or for harm to themselves?” Say: “Is the blind equal to the one who sees? Or darkness equal to light? Or do they assign to Allah partners who created the like of His creation, so that the creation (which they made and His creation) seemed alike to them.” Say: “Allah is the Creator of all things, He is the One, the Irresistible.” [Surah Ar-Rad. Verse 16]

Allaah said:

هَـٰذَا خَلۡقُ ٱللَّهِ فَأَرُونِى مَاذَا خَلَقَ ٱلَّذِينَ مِن دُونِهِۦ‌ۚ بَلِ ٱلظَّـٰلِمُونَ فِى ضَلَـٰلٍ۬ مُّبِينٍ۬

This is the creation of Allah. So show Me that which those (whom you worship), besides Him have created. Nay, the Zalimun (polytheists, wrong-doers and those who do not believe in the Oneness of Allah) are in plain error. [Surah Luqman. Verse 11]

Allaah said:

قُلۡ أَرَءَيۡتُمۡ شُرَكَآءَكُمُ ٱلَّذِينَ تَدۡعُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ أَرُونِى مَاذَا خَلَقُواْ مِنَ ٱلۡأَرۡضِ أَمۡ لَهُمۡ شِرۡكٌ۬ فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ

Say (O Muhammad ): “Tell me or inform me (what) do you think about your (so-called) partner-gods to whom you call upon besides Allah, show me, what they have created of the earth? Or have they any share in the heavens? [Surah Faatir. Verse 40]

I (Allaah) did not make you witness your own creation, but rather I created you upon what I wanted and how I wished. (3)

Robust Clarifications By Our local Mashaayikh

The Myth of Darwinian Evolution – By Shaikh Abu Hakeem [hafidhahullaah]

The Myth of Darwinian Evolution (Part 1)

The Myth of Darwinian Evolution (Part 2) – Natural Selection

The Myth of Darwinian Evolution (Part 3) – The Fossil Records refute Darwin!

The Myth Of Darwinian Evolution (Part 4) – Hidden Archeology

Also listen to the lecture By Shaikh Abu Khadeejah [hafidhahullaah]

Establishing One’s Belief Through Pseudoscience & Philosophy is a Path of Destruction – Khutbah by Abu Khadeejah

All about Atheism – By Shaikh Abu Iyaad [hafidhahullaah]

http://aboutatheism.net/assets/docs/evolution-book-introduction.pdf

http://www.aboutatheism.net/authors/Abu.Iyaad.cfm

[Ref 1: https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/22704/%D9%85%D8%A7-%D8%B5%D8%AD%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AD%D9%8A%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%AE%D9%84%D9%82%D8%AA-%D9%82%D8%A8%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%86

[Ref 2: I’laam Al-Muwaqqi’een 4/167-168]

[Ref 3: [Tafseer Al Qur’aan bil Qur’aan mi Adwaa Al bayaan. Page 572]

Reflection On Some Verses of The Qur’aan Regarding Water!

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Monotheism - Tawheed, Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Uncategorized, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allaah [The Exalted] stated:

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلنَّاسُ ٱعۡبُدُواْ رَبَّكُمُ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَكُمۡ وَٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبۡلِكُمۡ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تَتَّقُونَ
ٱلَّذِى جَعَلَ لَكُمُ ٱلۡأَرۡضَ فِرَٰشً۬ا وَٱلسَّمَآءَ بِنَآءً۬ وَأَنزَلَ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مَآءً۬ فَأَخۡرَجَ بِهِۦ مِنَ ٱلثَّمَرَٲتِ رِزۡقً۬ا لَّكُمۡ‌ۖ فَلَا تَجۡعَلُواْ لِلَّهِ أَندَادً۬ا وَأَنتُمۡ تَعۡلَمُونَ

O mankind! Worship your Lord (Allah), Who created you and those who were before you so that you may become Al-Muttaqun (the pious). Who has made the earth a resting place for you, and the sky as a canopy, and sent down water (rain) from the sky and brought forth therewith fruits as a provision for you. Then do not set up rivals unto Allah (in worship) while you know (that He Alone has the right to be worshipped). [Surah Al-Baqarah. Verses 21-22]

Allaah [The Exalted] stated:

لَهُ ۥ دَعۡوَةُ ٱلۡحَقِّ‌ۖ وَٱلَّذِينَ يَدۡعُونَ مِن دُونِهِۦ لَا يَسۡتَجِيبُونَ لَهُم بِشَىۡءٍ إِلَّا كَبَـٰسِطِ كَفَّيۡهِ إِلَى ٱلۡمَآءِ لِيَبۡلُغَ فَاهُ وَمَا هُوَ بِبَـٰلِغِهِۦ‌ۚ وَمَا دُعَآءُ ٱلۡكَـٰفِرِينَ إِلَّا فِى ضَلَـٰلٍ۬

For Him (Alone) is the Word of Truth (i.e. none has the right to be worshipped but He). And those whom they (polytheists and disbelievers) invoke cannot respond to them with a thing, no more than one who stretches forth his hand (at the edge of a deep well) for water to reach his mouth, but it reaches him not, and the invocation of the disbelievers is nothing but an error (i.e. of no use). [Surah Ar-Rad. Verse 14]

Imaam as-Sadi [may allaah have mercy upon him him] said: This is an excellent similitude regarding the invocation of the one who invokes other than Allaah, for he is like one who stretches his hand at the edge of a deep well [to get some] water, even though it is impossible to reach it by doing so. This is the case regarding the one who invokes false deities besides Allaah [The Most High], for he will not reach his goal. Allaah [The Most High] said in another Ayah:

إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُواْ بِـَٔايَـٰتِنَا وَٱسۡتَكۡبَرُواْ عَنۡہَا لَا تُفَتَّحُ لَهُمۡ أَبۡوَٲبُ ٱلسَّمَآءِ وَلَا يَدۡخُلُونَ ٱلۡجَنَّةَ حَتَّىٰ يَلِجَ ٱلۡجَمَلُ فِى سَمِّ ٱلۡخِيَاطِ‌ۚ وَڪَذَٲلِكَ نَجۡزِى ٱلۡمُجۡرِمِينَ

Verily, those who belie Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) and treat them with arrogance, for them the gates of heaven will not be opened, and they will not enter Paradise until the camel goes through the eye of the needle (which is impossible). Thus do We recompense the Mujrimun (criminals, polytheists, sinners, etc.). [7:40]

[وَمَا دُعَآءُ ٱلۡكَـٰفِرِينَ إِلَّا فِى ضَلَـٰلٍ۬ – and the invocation of the disbelievers is nothing but an error (i.e. of no use)]: Meaning: They invoke false deities; therefore their invocation is tantamount to misguidance. As for Allaah, He is the True King of the entire creation and the only deity worthy of worship, therefore, to worship Him alone is the truth and it is what will definitely benefit a person in this life and the next. [Tayseer al-Kareem Ar-rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam al-Mannaan). slightly paraphrased]

Allaah [The Exalted] stated:

وَٱلَّذِينَ ڪَفَرُوٓاْ أَعۡمَـٰلُهُمۡ كَسَرَابِۭ بِقِيعَةٍ۬ يَحۡسَبُهُ ٱلظَّمۡـَٔانُ مَآءً حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا جَآءَهُ ۥ لَمۡ يَجِدۡهُ شَيۡـًٔ۬ا وَوَجَدَ ٱللَّهَ عِندَهُ ۥ فَوَفَّٮٰهُ حِسَابَهُ ۥ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ سَرِيعُ ٱلۡحِسَابِ
أَوۡ كَظُلُمَـٰتٍ۬ فِى بَحۡرٍ۬ لُّجِّىٍّ۬ يَغۡشَٮٰهُ مَوۡجٌ۬ مِّن فَوۡقِهِۦ مَوۡجٌ۬ مِّن فَوۡقِهِۦ سَحَابٌ۬‌ۚ ظُلُمَـٰتُۢ بَعۡضُہَا فَوۡقَ بَعۡضٍ إِذَآ أَخۡرَجَ يَدَهُ ۥ لَمۡ يَكَدۡ يَرَٮٰهَا‌ۗ وَمَن لَّمۡ يَجۡعَلِ ٱللَّهُ لَهُ ۥ نُورً۬ا فَمَا لَهُ ۥ مِن نُّورٍ

As for those who disbelieve, their deeds are like a mirage in a desert. The thirsty one thinks it to be water, until he comes up to it, he finds it to be nothing, but he finds Allah with him, Who will pay him his due (Hell). And Allah is Swift in taking account. Or [the state of a disbeliever] is like the darkness in a vast deep sea, overwhelmed with a great wave topped by a great wave, topped by dark clouds, darkness, one above another, if a man stretches out his hand, he can hardly see it! And he for whom Allah has not appointed light, for him there is no light. [Surah An-Noor. Verses 39-40]

Allaah [The Exalted] stated:

إِنَّ فِى خَلۡقِ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَٱخۡتِلَـٰفِ ٱلَّيۡلِ وَٱلنَّهَارِ وَٱلۡفُلۡكِ ٱلَّتِى تَجۡرِى فِى ٱلۡبَحۡرِ بِمَا يَنفَعُ ٱلنَّاسَ وَمَآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مِن مَّآءٍ۬ فَأَحۡيَا بِهِ ٱلۡأَرۡضَ بَعۡدَ مَوۡتِہَا وَبَثَّ فِيہَا مِن ڪُلِّ دَآبَّةٍ۬ وَتَصۡرِيفِ ٱلرِّيَـٰحِ وَٱلسَّحَابِ ٱلۡمُسَخَّرِ بَيۡنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ لَأَيَـٰتٍ۬ لِّقَوۡمٍ۬ يَعۡقِلُونَ

Verily! In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of night and day, and the ships which sail through the sea with that which is of use to mankind, and the water (rain) which Allah sends down from the sky and makes the earth alive therewith after its death, and the moving (living) creatures of all kinds that He has scattered therein, and in the veering of winds and clouds which are held between the sky and the earth, are indeed Ayat (proofs, evidences, signs, etc.) for people of understanding. [Surah Al-Baqarah. Verse 164]

Allaah [The Exalted] stated:

وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَنزَلَ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مَآءً۬ فَأَخۡرَجۡنَا بِهِۦ نَبَاتَ كُلِّ شَىۡءٍ۬ فَأَخۡرَجۡنَا مِنۡهُ خَضِرً۬ا نُّخۡرِجُ مِنۡهُ حَبًّ۬ا مُّتَرَاڪِبً۬ا وَمِنَ ٱلنَّخۡلِ مِن طَلۡعِهَا قِنۡوَانٌ۬ دَانِيَةٌ۬ وَجَنَّـٰتٍ۬ مِّنۡ أَعۡنَابٍ۬ وَٱلزَّيۡتُونَ وَٱلرُّمَّانَ مُشۡتَبِهً۬ا وَغَيۡرَ مُتَشَـٰبِهٍ‌ۗ ٱنظُرُوٓاْ إِلَىٰ ثَمَرِهِۦۤ إِذَآ أَثۡمَرَ وَيَنۡعِهِۦۤ‌ۚ إِنَّ فِى ذَٲلِكُمۡ لَأَيَـٰتٍ۬ لِّقَوۡمٍ۬ يُؤۡمِنُونَ

It is He Who sends down water (rain) from the sky, and with it We bring forth vegetation of all kinds, and out of it We bring forth green stalks, from which We bring forth thick clustered grain. And out of the date-palm and its spathe come forth clusters of dates hanging low and near, and gardens of grapes, olives and pomegranates, each similar (in kind) yet different (in variety and taste). Look at their fruits when they begin to bear, and the ripeness thereof. Verily! In these things there are signs for people who believe. [Surah Al-An’aam. Verse 99]

Allaah [The Exalted] stated:

أَنزَلَ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مَآءً۬ فَسَالَتۡ أَوۡدِيَةُۢ بِقَدَرِهَا فَٱحۡتَمَلَ ٱلسَّيۡلُ زَبَدً۬ا رَّابِيً۬ا‌ۚ وَمِمَّا يُوقِدُونَ عَلَيۡهِ فِى ٱلنَّارِ ٱبۡتِغَآءَ حِلۡيَةٍ أَوۡ مَتَـٰعٍ۬ زَبَدٌ۬ مِّثۡلُهُ ۥ‌ۚ كَذَٲلِكَ يَضۡرِبُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡحَقَّ وَٱلۡبَـٰطِلَ‌ۚ فَأَمَّا ٱلزَّبَدُ فَيَذۡهَبُ جُفَآءً۬‌ۖ وَأَمَّا مَا يَنفَعُ ٱلنَّاسَ فَيَمۡكُثُ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ‌ۚ كَذَٲلِكَ يَضۡرِبُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡأَمۡثَالَ

He sends down water (rain) from the sky, and the valleys flow according to their measure, but the flood bears away the foam that mounts up to the surface, and (also) from that (ore) which they heat in the fire in order to make ornaments or utensils, rises a foam like unto it, thus does Allah (by parables) show forth truth and falsehood . Then, as for the foam it passes away as scum upon the banks, while that which is for the good of mankind remains in the earth. Thus Allah sets forth parables (for the truth and falsehood, i.e. Belief and disbelief). [Surah Ar-Rad. Verse 17]

Allaah [The Exalted] stated:

وَأَرۡسَلۡنَا ٱلرِّيَـٰحَ لَوَٲقِحَ فَأَنزَلۡنَا مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مَآءً۬ فَأَسۡقَيۡنَـٰكُمُوهُ وَمَآ أَنتُمۡ لَهُ ۥ بِخَـٰزِنِينَ

And We send the winds fertilizing (to fill heavily the clouds with water), then caused the water (rain) to descend from the sky, and We gave it to you to drink, and it is not you who are the owners of its stores [i.e. to give water to whom you like or to withhold it from whom you like]. [Surah Al-Hijr. Verse 22]

Allaah [The Exalted] stated:

هُوَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَنزَلَ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مَآءً۬‌ۖ لَّكُم مِّنۡهُ شَرَابٌ۬ وَمِنۡهُ شَجَرٌ۬ فِيهِ تُسِيمُونَ
يُنۢبِتُ لَكُم بِهِ ٱلزَّرۡعَ وَٱلزَّيۡتُونَ وَٱلنَّخِيلَ وَٱلۡأَعۡنَـٰبَ وَمِن ڪُلِّ ٱلثَّمَرَٲتِ‌ۗ إِنَّ فِى ذَٲلِكَ لَأَيَةً۬ لِّقَوۡمٍ۬ يَتَفَڪَّرُونَ

He it is Who sends down water (rain) from the sky; from it you drink and from it (grows) the vegetation on which you send your cattle to pasture; with it He causes to grow for you the crops, the olives, the date-palms, the grapes, and every kind of fruit. Verily! In this is indeed an evident proof and a manifest sign for people who give thought. [Surah An-Nahl. Verses 10-11]

Allaah [The Exalted] stated:

أَلَمۡ تَرَ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ أَنزَلَ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مَآءً۬ فَتُصۡبِحُ ٱلۡأَرۡضُ مُخۡضَرَّةً‌ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَطِيفٌ خَبِيرٌ۬

See you not that Allah sends down water (rain) from the sky, and then the earth becomes green? Verily, Allah is the Most Kind and Courteous, Well-Acquainted with all things. [Surah Al-Hajj. Verse 63]

Allaah [The Exalted] stated:

وَأَنزَلۡنَا مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مَآءَۢ بِقَدَرٍ۬ فَأَسۡكَنَّـٰهُ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ‌ۖ وَإِنَّا عَلَىٰ ذَهَابِۭ بِهِۦ لَقَـٰدِرُونَ
فَأَنشَأۡنَا لَكُم بِهِۦ جَنَّـٰتٍ۬ مِّن نَّخِيلٍ۬ وَأَعۡنَـٰبٍ۬ لَّكُمۡ فِيہَا فَوَٲكِهُ كَثِيرَةٌ۬ وَمِنۡہَا تَأۡكُلُونَ
وَشَجَرَةً۬ تَخۡرُجُ مِن طُورِ سَيۡنَآءَ تَنۢبُتُ بِٱلدُّهۡنِ وَصِبۡغٍ۬ لِّلۡأَڪِلِينَ

And We sent down from the sky water (rain) in (due) measure, and We gave it lodging in the earth, and verily, We are Able to take it away. Then We brought forth for you therewith gardens of date-palms and grapes, wherein is much fruit for you, and whereof you eat. And a tree (olive) that springs forth from Mount Sinai, that grows oil, and (it is a) relish for the eaters. [Surah Al-Muminoon. Verses 18-20]

Allaah [The Exalted] stated:

وَلَٮِٕن سَأَلۡتَهُم مَّن نَّزَّلَ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مَآءً۬ فَأَحۡيَا بِهِ ٱلۡأَرۡضَ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ مَوۡتِهَا لَيَقُولُنَّ ٱللَّهُ‌ۚ قُلِ ٱلۡحَمۡدُ لِلَّهِ‌ۚ بَلۡ أَڪۡثَرُهُمۡ لَا يَعۡقِلُونَ

If you were to ask them: “Who sends down water (rain) from the sky, and gives life therewith to the earth after its death?” They will surely reply: “Allah.” Say: “All the praises and thanks be to Allah!” Nay! Most of them have no sense. [Surah Al-Ankabut. Verse 63]

Allaah [The Exalted] stated:

أَلَمۡ تَرَ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ أَنزَلَ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مَآءً۬ فَأَخۡرَجۡنَا بِهِۦ ثَمَرَٲتٍ۬ مُّخۡتَلِفًا أَلۡوَٲنُہَاۚ وَمِنَ ٱلۡجِبَالِ جُدَدُۢ بِيضٌ۬ وَحُمۡرٌ۬ مُّخۡتَلِفٌ أَلۡوَٲنُہَا وَغَرَابِيبُ سُودٌ۬

See you not that Allah sends down water (rain) from the sky, and We produce therewith fruits of varying colours, and among the mountains are streaks white and red, of varying colours and (others) very black. [Surah Al-Faatir. Verse 27]

Allaah [The Exalted] stated:

مِّن وَرَآٮِٕهِۦ جَهَنَّمُ وَيُسۡقَىٰ مِن مَّآءٍ۬ صَدِيدٍ۬
يَتَجَرَّعُهُ ۥ وَلَا يَڪَادُ يُسِيغُهُ ۥ وَيَأۡتِيهِ ٱلۡمَوۡتُ مِن ڪُلِّ مَكَانٍ۬ وَمَا هُوَ بِمَيِّتٍ۬‌ۖ وَمِن وَرَآٮِٕهِۦ عَذَابٌ غَلِيظٌ۬

In front of him (every obstinate, arrogant dictator) is Hell, and he will be made to drink boiling, festering water. He will sip it unwillingly, and he will find a great difficulty to swallow it down his throat, and death will come to him from every side, yet he will not die and in front of him, will be a great torment. [Surah Ibraaheem. Verses 16-17]

Allaah [The Exalted] stated:

ٱلَّذِى جَعَلَ لَكُمُ ٱلۡأَرۡضَ مَهۡدً۬ا وَسَلَكَ لَكُمۡ فِيہَا سُبُلاً۬ وَأَنزَلَ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مَآءً۬ فَأَخۡرَجۡنَا بِهِۦۤ أَزۡوَٲجً۬ا مِّن نَّبَاتٍ۬ شَتَّىٰ
كُلُواْ وَٱرۡعَوۡاْ أَنۡعَـٰمَكُمۡ‌ۗ إِنَّ فِى ذَٲلِكَ لَأَيَـٰتٍ۬ لِّأُوْلِى ٱلنُّهَىٰ
مِنۡہَا خَلَقۡنَـٰكُمۡ وَفِيہَا نُعِيدُكُمۡ وَمِنۡہَا نُخۡرِجُكُمۡ تَارَةً أُخۡرَىٰ

Who has made earth for you like a bed (spread out); and has opened roads (ways and paths etc.) for you therein; and has sent down water (rain) from the sky. And We have brought forth with it various kinds of vegetation. Eat and pasture your cattle, (therein); verily, in this are proofs and signs for men of understanding. Thereof (the earth) We created you, and into it We shall return you, and from it We shall bring you out once again. [Surah Taha. Verses 53-55]

Allaah [The Exalted] stated:

وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَرۡسَلَ ٱلرِّيَـٰحَ بُشۡرَۢا بَيۡنَ يَدَىۡ رَحۡمَتِهِۦ‌ۚ وَأَنزَلۡنَا مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مَآءً۬ طَهُورً۬ا
لِّنُحۡـِۧىَ بِهِۦ بَلۡدَةً۬ مَّيۡتً۬ا وَنُسۡقِيَهُ ۥ مِمَّا خَلَقۡنَآ أَنۡعَـٰمً۬ا وَأَنَاسِىَّ ڪَثِيرً۬ا
وَلَقَدۡ صَرَّفۡنَـٰهُ بَيۡنَہُمۡ لِيَذَّكَّرُواْ فَأَبَىٰٓ أَڪۡثَرُ ٱلنَّاسِ إِلَّا ڪُفُورً۬ا

And it is He Who sends the winds as heralds of glad tidings, going before His Mercy (rain), and We send down pure water from the sky, that We may give life thereby to a dead land, and We give to drink thereof many of the cattle and men that We had created. And indeed We have distributed it (rain or water) amongst them in order that they may remember the Grace of Allah, but most men refuse (or deny the Truth or Faith) and accept nothing but disbelief or ingratitude. [Surah Al-Furqan. Verses 48-50]

Allaah [The Exalted] stated:

وَمِنۡ ءَايَـٰتِهِۦ يُرِيڪُمُ ٱلۡبَرۡقَ خَوۡفً۬ا وَطَمَعً۬ا وَيُنَزِّلُ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مَآءً۬ فَيُحۡىِۦ بِهِ ٱلۡأَرۡضَ بَعۡدَ مَوۡتِهَآ‌ۚ إِنَّ فِى ذَٲلِكَ لَأَيَـٰتٍ۬ لِّقَوۡمٍ۬ يَعۡقِلُونَ

And among His Signs is that He shows you the lightning, by way of fear and hope, and He sends down water (rain) from the sky, and therewith revives the earth after its death. Verily, in that are indeed signs for a people who understand. [Surah Ar-Rum. Verse 24]

Allaah [The Exalted] stated:

خَلَقَ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ بِغَيۡرِ عَمَدٍ۬ تَرَوۡنَہَا‌ۖ وَأَلۡقَىٰ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ رَوَٲسِىَ أَن تَمِيدَ بِكُمۡ وَبَثَّ فِيہَا مِن كُلِّ دَآبَّةٍ۬‌ۚ وَأَنزَلۡنَا مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مَآءً۬ فَأَنۢبَتۡنَا فِيہَا مِن ڪُلِّ زَوۡجٍ۬ كَرِيمٍ

He has created the heavens without any pillars, that you see and has set on the earth firm mountains, lest it should shake with you. And He has scattered therein moving (living) creatures of all kinds. And We send down water (rain) from the sky, and We cause (plants) of every goodly kind to grow therein. [Surah Luqmaan. Verse 10]

Allaah [The Exalted] stated:

ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضَ وَمَا بَيۡنَهُمَا فِى سِتَّةِ أَيَّامٍ۬ ثُمَّ ٱسۡتَوَىٰ عَلَى ٱلۡعَرۡشِ‌ۖ مَا لَكُم مِّن دُونِهِۦ مِن وَلِىٍّ۬ وَلَا شَفِيعٍ‌ۚ أَفَلَا تَتَذَكَّرُونَ
يُدَبِّرُ ٱلۡأَمۡرَ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ إِلَى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ ثُمَّ يَعۡرُجُ إِلَيۡهِ فِى يَوۡمٍ۬ كَانَ مِقۡدَارُهُ ۥۤ أَلۡفَ سَنَةٍ۬ مِّمَّا تَعُدُّونَ
ذَٲلِكَ عَـٰلِمُ ٱلۡغَيۡبِ وَٱلشَّهَـٰدَةِ ٱلۡعَزِيزُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ
ٱلَّذِىٓ أَحۡسَنَ كُلَّ شَىۡءٍ خَلَقَهُ ۥ‌ۖ وَبَدَأَ خَلۡقَ ٱلۡإِنسَـٰنِ مِن طِينٍ۬
ثُمَّ جَعَلَ نَسۡلَهُ ۥ مِن سُلَـٰلَةٍ۬ مِّن مَّآءٍ۬ مَّهِينٍ۬
ثُمَّ سَوَّٮٰهُ وَنَفَخَ فِيهِ مِن رُّوحِهِۦ‌ۖ وَجَعَلَ لَكُمُ ٱلسَّمۡعَ وَٱلۡأَبۡصَـٰرَ وَٱلۡأَفۡـِٔدَةَ‌ۚ قَلِيلاً۬ مَّا تَشۡڪُرُونَ

Allah it is He Who has created the heavens and the earth, and all that is between them in six Days. Then He Istawa (rose over) the Throne (in a manner that suits His Majesty). You (mankind) have none, besides Him, as a Wali (protector or helper etc.) or an intercessor. Will you not then remember (or be admonished)? He arranges (every) affair from the heavens to the earth, then it (affair) will go up to Him, in one Day, the space whereof is a thousand years of your reckoning (i.e. reckoning of our present world’s time). That is He, the All-Knower of the unseen and the seen, the All-Mighty, the Most Merciful. Who made everything He has created good, and He began the creation of man from clay. Then He made his offspring from semen of worthless water (male and female sexual discharge). Then He fashioned him in due proportion, and breathed into him the soul (created by Allah for that person), and He gave you hearing (ears), sight (eyes) and hearts. Little is the thanks you give! [Surah As-Sajdah. Verses 4-9]

Allaah [The Exalted] stated:

أَفَرَءَيۡتُم مَّا تُمۡنُونَ
ءَأَنتُمۡ تَخۡلُقُونَهُ ۥۤ أَمۡ نَحۡنُ ٱلۡخَـٰلِقُونَ

Then tell Me (about) the human semen that you emit. Is it you who create it (i.e. make this semen into a perfect human being), or are We the Creator? [Surah Al-Waaqi’ah. Verses 58-59]

Allaah [The Exalted] stated:

أَفَرَءَيۡتُمُ ٱلۡمَآءَ ٱلَّذِى تَشۡرَبُونَ
ءَأَنتُمۡ أَنزَلۡتُمُوهُ مِنَ ٱلۡمُزۡنِ أَمۡ نَحۡنُ ٱلۡمُنزِلُونَ
لَوۡ نَشَآءُ جَعَلۡنَـٰهُ أُجَاجً۬ا فَلَوۡلَا تَشۡكُرُونَ

Tell Me! The water that you drink. Is it you who cause it from the rainclouds to come down, or are We the Causer of it to come down? If We willed, We verily could make it salt (and undrinkable), why then do you not give thanks (to Allah)? [Surah Al-Waaqi’ah. Verses 68-70]

Allaah [The Exalted] stated:

وَمَا يَسۡتَوِى ٱلۡبَحۡرَانِ هَـٰذَا عَذۡبٌ۬ فُرَاتٌ۬ سَآٮِٕغٌ۬ شَرَابُهُ ۥ وَهَـٰذَا مِلۡحٌ أُجَاجٌ۬ۖ وَمِن كُلٍّ۬ تَأۡڪُلُونَ لَحۡمً۬ا طَرِيًّ۬ا وَتَسۡتَخۡرِجُونَ حِلۡيَةً۬ تَلۡبَسُونَهَاۖ وَتَرَى ٱلۡفُلۡكَ فِيهِ مَوَاخِرَ لِتَبۡتَغُواْ مِن فَضۡلِهِۦ وَلَعَلَّكُمۡ تَشۡڪُرُونَ

And the two seas (kinds of water) are not alike, this fresh and pleasant to drink, and that saltish and bitter. And from them both you eat fresh tender meat, and derive the ornaments that you wear. And you see the ships cleaving, that you may seek of His Bounty, and that you may give thanks. [Surah Al-Faatir. Verse 12]

Imaam As-Sadi [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: This is news regarding Allaah’s Might, Wisdom and Mercy, that indeed He made the two seas as a source of welfare for all the creatures of the earth, but did not make them the same because the welfare related to them necessitates that the rivers should be fresh and pleasant to drink, so that those who drink from it and those who sow and grow crops would benefit. And sea should be salty and bitter, so that the air (or atmosphere) is not defiled by the stench of the animals that die in it, as well as the fact that it does not move in a manner similar to a river, and its saltiness stops it from changing so that its animals are in a better state and more tasty. This is why Allah said: [وَمِن كُلٍّ۬ – And from them both]- Meaning, from the salty sea and fresh river water, [تَأۡڪُلُونَ لَحۡمً۬ا طَرِيًّ۬ا – you eat fresh tender meat]- Meaning, fish which is easy to catch. [وَتَسۡتَخۡرِجُونَ حِلۡيَةً۬ تَلۡبَسُونَهَاۖ – and derive the ornaments that you wear]- Meaning, such as pearls, coral and other than them found in the sea. These are great sources of welfare for the people.

Also among these sources of welfare and useful things in the sea is that Allaah has subjugated it to the people to carry the vessels, such as ships and other means of marine transportation, so you see them traversing the sea and cleaving – travelling from one region to another region, from one place to another place, whilst carrying passengers, their belongings and merchandise, so that by way of this they receive a lot from Allaah’s bounty and kindness. This is why Allaah stated: [لِتَبۡتَغُواْ مِن فَضۡلِهِۦ وَلَعَلَّكُمۡ تَشۡڪُرُونَ – that you may seek of His Bounty, and that you may give thanks].

يُولِجُ ٱلَّيۡلَ فِى ٱلنَّهَارِ وَيُولِجُ ٱلنَّهَارَ فِى ٱلَّيۡلِ وَسَخَّرَ ٱلشَّمۡسَ وَٱلۡقَمَرَ ڪُلٌّ۬ يَجۡرِى لِأَجَلٍ۬ مُّسَمًّ۬ىۚ ذَٲلِڪُمُ ٱللَّهُ رَبُّكُمۡ لَهُ ٱلۡمُلۡكُۚ وَٱلَّذِينَ تَدۡعُونَ مِن دُونِهِۦ مَا يَمۡلِكُونَ مِن قِطۡمِيرٍ

He merges the night into the day (i.e. the decrease in the hours of the night are added to the hours of the day), and He merges the day into the night (i.e. the decrease in the hours of the day are added to the hours of the night). And He has subjected the sun and the moon, each runs its course for a term appointed. Such is Allah your Lord; His is the kingdom. And those, whom you invoke or call upon instead of Him, own not even a Qitmir (the thin membrane over the date-stone). [Surah al-Faatir. Verse 13]

And amongst these bounties is that Allaah merges the night into the day and the day into the night- one enters the other and whenever one arrives the other disappears; one increases and the other decreases, then they become equal. So, by way of this, people attain welfare for their bodies, animals, trees and vegetations.

Also, Allaah subjugated the sun and the moon, the sun a shinning thing with heat, the moon a light, their movements and disappearance, and thus the people may disperse to seek His bounty [i.e. livelihood], as well as what they [i.e. the sun and moon] facilitate to make the fruits ripe (and plants, crops ready for harvest) and others become dry due to the sun’s heat, and other necessities whose absence would have brought harm to the people.
And the statement of Allaah [ڪُلٌّ۬ يَجۡرِى لِأَجَلٍ۬ مُّسَمًّ۬ىۚ – each (i.e. the sun and moon) runs its course for a term appointed]- Meaning, the sun and the moon run their course for a period by the will of Allaah, but they will cease when the end of the world arrives, the ability given to them to do what they do will stop, the moon will eclipse, the sun will wound round and lost its light and is overthrown and the stars will fall.

So, after clarifying what He (Allaah) clarified regarding these mighty things, which He created, and the lessons within them, which shows His perfection and kindness, He then stated: [ذَٲلِڪُمُ ٱللَّهُ رَبُّكُمۡ لَهُ ٱلۡمُلۡكُۚ – Such is Allah your Lord; His is the kingdom]- Meaning, He alone is the One Who created these things that have been mentioned and subjugated them for service to humankind. He is the true deity, who alone has the right to be worshiped and to Him belongs absolute dominion. [وَٱلَّذِينَ تَدۡعُونَ مِن دُونِهِۦ مَا يَمۡلِكُونَ مِن قِطۡمِيرٍ – And those, whom you invoke or call upon instead of Him, own not even a Qitmir (the thin membrane over the date-stone)]- Meaning, the deified images and the idols do not own anything- neither a little nor a lot, and not even the thin membrane over a date stone which is a thing of the lowest value (or importance). This statement is related to the specific mention of something by way of which all other things are included, so how can you invoke these deified images and idols when it is the fact that they do not own anything found in the heavens and the earth?

إِن تَدۡعُوهُمۡ لَا يَسۡمَعُواْ دُعَآءَكُمۡ وَلَوۡ سَمِعُواْ مَا ٱسۡتَجَابُواْ لَكُمۡۖ وَيَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ يَكۡفُرُونَ بِشِرۡڪِكُمۡۚ وَلَا يُنَبِّئُكَ مِثۡلُ خَبِيرٍ۬

If you invoke (or call upon) them, they hear not your call, and if (in case) they were to hear, they could not grant it (your request) to you. And on the Day of Resurrection, they will disown your worshipping them. And none can inform you (O Muhammad) like Him Who is the All-Knower (of each and everything)]. [Surah Al-Faatir. Verse 14]

[إِن تَدۡعُوهُمۡ – If you invoke (or call upon) them]- Meaning, on top of that if you invoke them, they cannot hear your call because indeed they are either inanimate objects, dead things or angels that are busy in obedience to their Lord (Allaah). [وَلَوۡ سَمِعُواْ – and if (in case) they were to hear you]- Meaning, even if we were to say that this impossibility is possible (i.e. that they can hear you), [مَا ٱسۡتَجَابُواْ لَكُمۡۖ – they could not grant it (your request) to you]- Meaning, because they do not own anything. [وَيَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ يَكۡفُرُونَ بِشِرۡڪِكُمۡۚ – And on the Day of Resurrection, they will disown your worshipping them]- Meaning, they will free themselves from you and say: [سُبۡحَـٰنَكَ أَنتَ وَلِيُّنَا مِن دُونِهِمۖ- Glorified be You (Allaah)! You are our Wali (Lord) instead of them (Surah Sabah. Verse 41)]. [Tayseer al-Kareem Ar-rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam al-Mannaan). slightly paraphrased]

[وَلَا يُنَبِّئُكَ مِثۡلُ خَبِيرٍ – And none can inform you (O Muhammad) like Him Who is the All-Knower (of each and everything)]- Meaning, the knower of everything by Himself. [Zaadul Maseer Fee Ilmit Tafseer By Imaam Ibnul Jawzi (rahimahullaah)]

Allaah [The Exalted] stated:

 وَاللَّهُ الَّذِي أَرْسَلَ الرِّيَاحَ فَتُثِيرُ سَحَابًا فَسُقْنَاهُ إِلَىٰ بَلَدٍ مَّيِّتٍ فَأَحْيَيْنَا بِهِ الْأَرْضَ بَعْدَ مَوْتِهَا ۚ كَذَٰلِكَ النُّشُورُ

And it is Allah Who sends the winds, so that they raise up the clouds, and We drive them to a dead land, and revive therewith the earth after its death. As such (will be) the Resurrection! [Surah Al-Faatir. Aayah 9]

Imaam As-Sadi [may Allaah informs us of His perfect power and vast generosity – that He sends the winds, so that they raise up the clouds, drive them to a dead land and revive the dead land therewith; a source of life for the people, the animals are provided with sustenance and enjoy that good. Likewise, the one who revive the earth after its death will resurrect the dead from their graves after they had been dust. He will send rain upon them just as He sends it upon a dead land, so it falls on them, the bodies and souls return back to life from their graves and come to stand in the presence of Allaah to judge between them based on His just ruling. [Tayseer al-Kareem Ar-rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam al-Mannaan). slightly paraphrased]

 

Basis of Truth is Not Attached to The Character or Personality We Love, Choose or Prefer!

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors), Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Abu Hurairah [may Allaah be pleased with him] said, “The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “Love your beloved one modestly, for it may be that he will become hated to you someday. And hate the one whom you hate modestly, for it may be that he will become your beloved one someday”. [Saheeh Sunan Tirmidhee 1997]

Imaam Ibnul Atheer [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “This means that you should love your beloved one with moderation and do not go beyond bounds (i.e. outside the boundaries of the what Allaah has legislated). Do not go into extremes in your love and hate, for it may be that one day you’ll hate the one you used to love and love the one you used to hate. Therefore, neither exaggerate in your love and become regretful, nor exaggerate in your hatred and thus become shy in the presence of the one you used to hate after you stop hating him”. [An-Nihaayah 5/284]

A man said to Imaam Maymoon Ibn Mehraan [may Allaah have mercy upon him], “The people will not cease to be upon good as long as Allaah keeps you (alive) for them”. He replied, “The people will not cease to be upon good as long as they fear their Lord”. (1)

Imaam Sufyaan Ibn Uyaynah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] used to say, “Indeed, the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] is the greatest criterion [i.e. amongst mankind and Jinn] and all affairs are presented to him [i.e. for judgement and judged] based on his manners, path and guidance; so whatever is in agreement with this is truth, and whatever is in opposition is falsehood”. (1.1)

Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi Al-Mad’khali may Allaah preserve him] said, “And (with regards to) the person with the proofs, it is obligatory to take his speech (on the grounds) of following Allaah’s Legislation and Proofs, and not (due to) the personality of that person”. (2)

Al-Allaamah Rabee also said, “The seeker of truth is not diverted from the truth, fairness and justice due to admiration of the big personalities and being amazed by them, for indeed the truth is more worthy to be followed. It is not permissible to drop the proofs for the sake of this or that great man. The principle [rule] of the Muslim – the unbiased one, the seeker of truth – is always: [قُلْ هَاتُوا بُرْهَانَكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ صَادِقِينَ -Say, bring forth your proofs if you are truthful]. [Surah An-Nahl. Verse 64] (3)

Imaam Muhammad Bin Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen [may Allaah have mercy upon him] interrupted a person who was reciting a poem and mentioned him in it! He objected and told him not to attach truth to personalities; rather he should say that as long as the Qur’aan and the Sunnah are present, the truth will remain. [Listen to audio in the link: https://safeshare.tv/x/5MCyl5iX03k

Question to Al-Allaamah Saaleh al-Fawzaan [may Allaah preserve him], “What is the meaning of the principle, ‘The truth is not known by way of men, rather men are known by way of the truth?'”

Answer: Its meaning is that we do not merely blindly follow anyone, for it may be that one is blindly followed based on error; it may be that the Mujtahid is mistaken and the one who makes [a statement or holds an opinion] is mistaken, so we do not take [his statement, opinion etc] and say, “This is the statement of such as such; this is truth, because such and such is good, he is a scholar; such and such is Taqiy [i.e. one who fears Allaah]”. We do not say this because he is not infallible and he can make a mistake; so we know men by way of the truth – those who know; those who take [or adhere to] the proofs and indeed they are known to be scholars. As for those who do not give concern [or importance] to the proofs, they are not scholars; they are not people of [sound] understanding and they are not people of knowledge, so their statement is never taken straight away. It is imperative that the proof is presented, so if the proof is established as witness to [what he says or holds etc], then it is the truth; but if he opposes the proof, then indeed [his statement or opinion] is rejected; however if he is a Mujtahid and he is mistaken, he is rewarded [once] due to his Ijtihaad; but if he deliberately holds on to error, he has sinned. [Paraphrased. Refer to video here: https://video.link/w/9famb ]

NB: The Permissible and Prohibited Forms of Taqleed

https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2012/06/the-permissible-and-prohibited-forms-of-taqleed-salafipublications-com-article-id-mnj060005/

[Ref 1: Siyar A’laam An-Nubulaa. 5/75]

[Ref 1.1: Al-Jaami Li-Akhlaaq Ar-Raawi Wa Aadaab As-Saami’  page 8]

[Ref 2: Majmoo 9/40) 3rd paragraph]
[Ref 3: All-Mulakh-khasul Jameel Fee Bayaani Manhaji Ash-Shaikh Rabee Fid-Da’wati Wal-Jarhi Wat-Ta’deel. Page 87]

O Allah! Just as You Made My External Form Beautiful, Make My Character Beautiful as Well

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Sahaabah, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors), Scholars of Islam, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Abdullah Ibn Mas’ood [may Allah be pleased with him] reported that the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said: [اللهم كما حَسَّنْت خَلْقِي فَحَسِّنْ خُلُقِي – O Allah! Just as You made my external form beautiful, make my character beautiful as well].

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Admonitions of The Scholars Regarding Good Manners

Admonitions of The Scholars Regarding Good Manners

 

Wealth, Poverty, Zuhd, Gratitude, Struggle For Worldly Status!

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said:

Many of the latter people [i.e. those who came after the Salaf] associated Zuhd with poverty, but Zuhd can be present alongside wealth and poverty. Amongst the Prophets and those who were foremost in embracing Eemaan [i.e. the Sahaabah] there were those who were wealthy and Zaahid (i.e. one who abstained from extra permissible things of the worldly life]. [Majmoo 11/28]

Imaam Ibraaheem Bin Ad’ham [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said:

Abstinence from the worldly life is of three types: obligatory abstinence, the abstinence that is of a superior virtue and the abstinence that is safety. As for obligatory abstinence, it is to abstinence from the unlawful; the abstinence that is of superior virtue is to abstain from the what is lawful wordly things that are unnecessary, and the abstinence that is safety is to abstain from the doubtful matters. [Jaami-ul Uloom Wal-Hikam: page: 310]

Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen [rahimahullaah] said: Indeed, whenever the people increase in opulence and it is made accessible to them, evil gains access to them. When a person fixes his sight on opulence and becomes engrossed in bodily pleasures, he becomes heedless of softening his heart [i.e. with remembrance of Allaah, remembrance of death, performance of good deeds, repentance, remembrance of the Aakhirah etc] and his greatest concern becomes [engaging] this body in opulence, whose final state will be worms and rot.

The Worldly Life Is For Types of People

Narrated Abu Kabshah Al-An’maariy (radiyallaahu-anhu) that Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said: “I swear by Allah regarding three (affairs) which I am going to tell, so remember them. The wealth of a man does not decrease due to (giving) charity; a slave does not exercise patience when oppressed, except that Allah increases his honour; a slave does not open the door of begging, except that Allaah opens for him the door of poverty (or he stated a statement similar to it).” I am going to tell you (something), so remember it: The worldly life is for four types of people. A slave whom Allaah has given wealth and knowledge, so he fears his Lord by way of it. He preserves the ties of kinship and acknowledges Allaah’s Rights regarding it. This (type of person) is on the most virtuous position. A slave whom Allaah has given knowledge but not wealth. He is truthful in his intention and says: `If I had wealth, I would have done the deed of such and such (person).’’ So because of this intention of his, his reward is the same (i.e. the righteous one who has been given wealth and knowledge). A slave whom Allaah has given wealth but not knowledge. He wastes his wealth out of ignorance. He neither fears Allaah nor does he keep the ties of kinship, nor does he acknowledge Allaah’s rights. This (type of person) is at the evilest position. A slave whom Allaah has neither given wealth nor knowledge and he says: `If I had wealth, I would have done the deed of such and such (person).’’ So by way of his intention, they are similar (i.e. similar to the evil person who wastes his wealth). [Reported by Tirmidhee 2325; Ahmad 18031; Al-Baghawiy 4097]

Al-Allaamah Ubaid Bin Abdillaah al-Jaabiri (may Allaah preserve him) stated: The first is a wealthy person who is thankful (to Allaah); so Allaah will raise him to the most virtuous position due to his deed. The second is a poor person who exercises patience. He is truthful in his intention with regards to spending from that which Allaah has bestowed on him. So Allaah makes him reach the most virtuous position due to his truthful intention. The third is a boastful wealthy person. He is covetous and stingy; so his deed takes him to the most evil position. The fourth is a boastful poor person and his intention is evil. So together with his poverty, his intention takes him to the most evil position. So based on this, we know that by way of truthful intentions Allaah raises the person. And an evil intention debases a person until he finds him/herself in the most evil position. [An Excerpt from: البيان المرصع شرح القواعد الأربع- pages 8-9. Slightly paraphrased]

The Worldly Things Are Not a Purpose

Imaam Muhammad Ib Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen [rahimahullaah] said:

This is the calamity and it is what harms people these days. You do not find anyone [i.e. many people] except that they say, “What have we missed [i.e. of the worldly things]?” “What is our car?” [i.e. what car do you have?] “And what is our furniture?” [i.e. what furniture do you have?] -to the extent that some of those who seek knowledge [of the religion] only do so for the purpose of reaching a [particular] level or grade in order to attain the enjoyment of the worldly things. It is as if the human being is not created for a great purpose. The enjoyable things of the worldly life are only a means [i.e. a means to fulfilling ones needs and not the purpose of this life]. Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [rahimahullaah] said: “It is befitting that a person utilises wealth in the manner he utilises his donkey for riding, and in the manner he utilises the toilet for defecation”. [i.e. only when he needs it]

Do not make wealth your greatest concern; rather you should be the one in control of wealth. That is because if you are not the one in controlled, it will control you and the worldly life will become your [main] concern. So for this reason, we say: Whenever the worldly things are opened up to the people and they start looking at it [i.e. with much concern], then indeed they lose the afterlife in accordance with their interest in the worldly life. The Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said, “By Allaah! It is not poverty that I fear for you; rather what I fear is that the worldly things will be made accessible to you, so that you compete one another for it, just as those before you competed one another for it, and it destroys you, just as it destroyed them”. The Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] spoke the truth because what has destroyed the people at present is competition for the worldly things as if they were created for that purpose, and as if it was created for them for that purpose. [Source: An Excerpt from ‘Sharh Riyaadus Saaliheen Cassette number 17’. slightly paraphrased]

Gratitude

Abu Hurairah [radiyallaahu-anhu] narrated that the Messenger of Allaah [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said, ‘’Look at those who are below you and do not look at those above you, for it is more suitable lest you look down on Allaah’s blessings [bestowed upon] you.” [Saheeh Muslim’ Hadeeth Number 2963]

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

A person should neither be covetous of this worldly life nor anxious due to what afflicts him [or her], rather he (or she) should exercise patience and hope for [Allaah’s reward due to exercising patience] – whether he [or she] is poor, sick or other than that. The worldly life is a place of trial and test, so one should not become anxious due to calamities and trials. And what makes this affair easier for a person is the guidance given by the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] in this hadeeth [as follows]:” Look at those who are below you and do not look at those above you, for it is more suitable lest you look down on Allaah’s blessings [bestowed upon] you”.

A poor person should look at the one who is poorer and should not look at a wealthier [person], for if Allaah willed He would have placed you in the same situation as that poor person who has nothing. You have something – you have your daily nourishment; but that one poorer than you has nothing – he does not even have his daily nourishment. You are in a better situation, so praise Allaah for this and do not look at the wealthier people because that will lead you to harbour anger against Allaah and being displeased with His divine Will, and then you [will or might] say, ‘’Why can I not be like such and such person; why am not like the wealthy people?’’ This is the meaning of looking down on the blessing you have. However, if you look at the person below you, it will make you thankful because your situation is better than that of many people. Therefore, the one in good health should look at the sick person and then praises Allaah for granting him [or her] good health. The one who is sick should look at the one who is sicker than him (or her) and then praises Allaah for being less sick than the person who is sicker than him [or her]. This (hadeeth embodies) a great principle. Therefore, ‘look to the one below you’ in (relation) to wealth, health and in other affairs.

However, this should not be the case in affairs related to acts of worship – in affairs related to acts of worship, you should not look at the one below you. You should not look at the lazy people and those who neglect their religious duties, rather you should look at the righteous and God-fearing people so that you can join them in performing good deeds and be like them. Therefore, with regards to affairs related to the religion, you should not look at the one below you, rather you should look at the one above you in the religion, for why do not want to be like him (or her); why do you not want to be like the righteous people; why do not want to emulate the God-fearing scholars? [i.e. those scholars whose creed is sound; those free from shirk, religious innovations, superstitions, fictitious beliefs and practices- who practice Islaam based on the Qur’aan, the authentic Sunnah and the understanding of the Sahaabah]. If you are a student of knowledge, you should not be satisfied with the sciences of the religion you have acquired; rather you should seek to increase in knowledge as long as you are alive. [Tasheelul il’haami Bi-Fiqhil Ahaadeethi Min Bulooghil Maraam’ Hadeeth Number 1438’ Vol 6′ pages 168-169. slightly paraphrased]

Ubaidullaah Ibn Mihsan Al-Khatmiy narrated from his father that the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said: ‘’Whoever among you wakes up [in the morning] safe in his property, healthy in his body and has his daily nourishment, it is as if he has been granted the entire world’’.

Al-Allaamah Zayd Bin Haadi Al-Mad’khali [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said:

This hadeeth shows that those blessed with safety in the lands, physical health, houses to live in and daily nourishment have indeed been blessed with a complete [worldly] blessing. Therefore, it is obligated [on them] to thank Allaah constantly.

This hadeeth shows that what suffice a person’s needs are a bounty and a blessing for which he must thank Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic]. A person may strive to gather a lot of wealth; however he was created to worship of Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] in the manner [commanded, legislated etc] by Allaah and His Messenger [i.e. based on what is legislated and commanded in the Qur’aan and authentic Sunnah]. If a person does this, then indeed he will achieve and attain success; but if not, he will fail and incur loss. Therefore, is there one who will receive admonition?!

This hadeeth shows that to be blessed with safety in one’s religion, honour, wealth and blood is [something very] valuable. These are among those affairs whose establishment- in a society- will bring about a good life and security. But if security is not present, chaos will unravel in the society – the powerful people will overpower the weak and the oppressor will overpower the oppressed, and thus there will be an evil state of affairs and maybe evil consequences. Therefore, any society or land that has been bestowed a ruler amongst the Muslims and granted security in a region under his ruler-ship, then it is obligatory to obey him [i.e. obey the ruler of the land in what is good and not to rebel against him, even if he has shortcomings] and he should be aided by the other lands as much as one is able.

And what is seen as a fact in relation to this [hadeeth] is that whoever is blessed with enough food and drink, a dwelling place, means of transportation, security in his place of residence and good physical health, then it is as if he has been given the entire world. Therefore, he should be thankful to Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] for that until he meets Allaah- [i.e. until death comes to him]. [Source: An Excerpt from ‘Awnul Ahadis Samad Sharh Al-Adabil Mufrad’ Vol 1. page 335]

Narrated Abu Hurairah [radiyallaahu-anhu]: The Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said, “let the slave of the Deenaar and Dirham, and Qateefah and khameesah [i.e. money and luxurious clothes] perish, for he is pleased if these things are given to him, and if not, he is displeased”. [Bukhaari. Number 2886]

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

This hadeeth is about the one who only seeks after the Dunyah [worldly possessions] and does not desire the Hereafter; rather his only desire is Dunyah. He does not give concern to his religion, rather his only concern is the Dunyah; so if he is given something from the Dunyah he becomes pleased with Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] and the people; but if he is not given from it, he becomes displeased with Allaah and the people.

[تعس ]- meaning ‘destroyed’. [التعس] means ‘destruction’ and unsuccessful. [Allaah (The Most High) said]: [وَٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ فَتَعۡسً۬ا لَّهُمۡ – But those who disbelieve (in the Oneness of Allah), for them is destruction. (47:8)]

Why is he called a slave [of the Deenaar and dirham]? That is because he attaches his heart to it [i.e. wealth], so the worldly life becomes as if it is his lord. He attaches his heart to it and becomes enslaved by it. The poet says:

*I obeyed my desires and thus they enslaved me
*And had I indeed been satisfied [with what I have] I would have been free

Therefore, this man’s concern is [only] the Dunyah- if given from it he becomes pleased, praises and extols; but if not given, indeed he is displeased and angry, just as Allaah [Glorified be He and free is He from all Imperfections] stated about the hypocrites:

وَمِنۡہُم مَّن يَلۡمِزُكَ فِى ٱلصَّدَقَـٰتِ فَإِنۡ أُعۡطُواْ مِنۡہَا رَضُواْ وَإِن لَّمۡ يُعۡطَوۡاْ مِنۡہَآ إِذَا هُمۡ يَسۡخَطُونَ

And of them are some who accuse you (O Muhammad) in the matter of (the distribution of) the alms. If they are given part thereof, they are pleased, but if they are not given thereof, behold! They are enraged! [9:58]

Their pleasure and displeasure is attached to wealth. The one who (becomes) pleased and displeased (solely) for the sake of wealth is a hypocrite, a slave of the Deenaar and the Dirham. Allaah [The Most High] said:

[ وَلَوۡ أَنَّهُمۡ رَضُواْ مَآ ءَاتَٮٰهُمُ ٱللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُ ۥ وَقَالُواْ حَسۡبُنَا ٱللَّهُ سَيُؤۡتِينَا ٱللَّهُ مِن فَضۡلِهِۦ وَرَسُولُهُ ۥۤ إِنَّآ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ رَٲغِبُونَ – Would that they were contented with what Allah and His Messenger () gave them and had said: “Allah is Sufficient for us. Allah will give us of His Bounty, and (also) His Messenger (from alms, etc.). We implore Allah (to enrich us)]. [9:59]

This (hadeeth) conveys a rebuke against covetousness and that a person should not solely be pleased or displeased due to the Dunyah, rather his anger and pleasure should be for the sake of his religion and for the sake of Allaah. As for the Dunyah, if he is given something of it he takes it; but if not given anything from it, then indeed he should say: “Allaah suffices me and He will give me give from His bounty”.

When the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] used to distribute wealth, he used to give those whose Eemaan was weak and the hypocrites – gave them more; but he did not give anything to the best of the Sahaabah; rather he entrusted them to their religion, for indeed due to their [strong] Eemaan they would not become angry if not given. As for the people of weak Eemaan, the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] feared that they will be enraged, so he gave them and brought their hearts closer [the religion].

So this [hadeeth also conveys the affair of] piety and that it is obligated on a person not to attach his heart to the Dunyah [i.e. in the blameworthy manner mentioned in this hadeeth] – solely getting angry and pleased due to it; rather he should attach his heart to Allaah. As for the Dunyah, if he is given something lawful from it- which he did not ask for- then indeed he takes it and utilises it as a means of obedience to Allaah; but if he is not given anything, then indeed his religion suffices him and he places his trust and reliance in Allaah. This is the difference between the people of the Dunyah [i.e. those who solely strive for it at the expense of the Aakhirah] and the people of the Deen [i.e. those who seek after lawful provision in the worldly life and make the afterlife their main goal]. [An Excerpt from Tasheelul Il’haam Bi-Fiqhil Ahaadeeth Min Bulooghil Maraam’ Vol 6’ page 217-218]

The Struggle For Worldly Status and Recognition

Imaam Al-Bukhaari [rahimahullaah] said, ‘’Chapter: If somebody does not seek authority of ruling, then Allaah will surely help him [if he is given such authority].’’

Narrated Abdur-Rahmaan Bin Samura: The Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said, ‘’O Abdur-Rahmaan! Do not seek to be a ruler, for if you are given authority on your demand, then you will be held responsible for it, but if you are given it without asking [for it], then you will be helped [by Allaah] in it. If you ever take an oath to do something and later on you find that something else is better, then you should expiate your oath and do what is better.’’ [Saheeh Al-Bukhaari, Number 7146]

Few Reminders From Fat-hul Baari:

The one who seeks authority and receives it will not be helped. It is well known that to be in authority is accompanied by difficulties, so the one who does not receive help from Allaah will be trapped within it and thus loses both his Dunyah and Aakhirah. Therefore, the sensible person does not ask for authority, but if he is suitable and it is given to him without him asking for it, then indeed the truthful and trustworthy one [i.e. The Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wsallam)] has promised him that Allaah will help him. [An Excerpt: Chapter: (باب من لم يسأل الإمارة أعانه الله عليها  )in ‘kitaab al Ahkaam’ Saheeh Al-Bukhaari with Fat-hul Baari]

Imaam Ibn Rajab [rahimahullaah] said: Eagerness for high status is of two types: The first type is seeking high status through leadership, authority and wealth. This is very dangerous and in most cases it prevents [a person] from [acquiring] the good of the afterlife, its nobility, honour and elevated station. Allaah [The Most High] said: [تِلْكَ الدَّارُ الْآخِرَةُ نَجْعَلُهَا لِلَّذِينَ لَا يُرِيدُونَ عُلُوًّا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا فَسَادًا ۚ وَالْعَاقِبَةُ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ – That home of the Hereafter [i.e. Paradise], We shall assign to those who rebel not against the truth with pride and oppression in the land nor do mischief by committing crimes. And the good end is for the Muttaqoon]. [Al-Qasas. Ayah 83]

The second type is seeking high status and to be raised in status above the people through the religious affairs, such as knowledge, deeds and Zuhd. This is more abominable than the first type and greater in danger and corruption, because knowledge, deeds and Zuhd are [affairs] by way of which one seeks what Allaah [has prepared for His slaves] of high station and everlasting bliss [in the afterlife]- a means to drawing close to Him [i.e. by way of sincere and righteous deeds] and to receive His favours [in the worldly life and afterlife]. Imaam Sufyaan Ath-thawree [rahimahullaah] said: “Knowledge has more virtue because it is for the [purpose] of attaining fear of Allaah; and if not, it is just like all other things.’’ [Excerpts from the book (Two hungry wolves let loose amongst a flock of sheep) pages: 29, 47 & 53]

Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [rahimahullaah] said: Therefore, he [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] clarified that the corruption [caused] through craving for wealth and high status in the religion cannot be lesser than the corruption [caused] by two hungry wolves let loose among a livestock, and that is [something] manifest; for indeed there is [nothing] of this [type] of craving in the sound religion. That is because when the heart tastes the sweetness of servitude to Allaah and love of Him, nothing else becomes more beloved to it than that. And through this, evil and immorality are averted from the people who are sincere to Allaah. [An Excerpt from (Majmoo Al-Fataawaa) 10/215]

Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [rahimahullaah] also said: The seeker of leadership- even through falsehood- becomes pleased with a statement that contains an exaltation of him, even if it is falsehood; and becomes angered by a statement that contains a rebuke against him, even if it is truth.  [As for] the believer [i.e. the one with strong Eemaan and fear of Allaah], he is pleased with a statement of truth whether it is for or against him; and he is angered by a statement of falsehood whether it is for or against him. That is because Allaah [The Most High] loves truth, truthfulness and justice, and He hates lies and oppression. [Majmoo Al-Fataawaa: 10/600]

 

Prophets Ibraaheem, Moosaa and Sulaymaan – [Reflection On Some of Their Qualities]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Prophets, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allaah [The Exalted] said:

وَلَقَدۡ بَعَثۡنَا فِى ڪُلِّ أُمَّةٍ۬ رَّسُولاً أَنِ ٱعۡبُدُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَٱجۡتَنِبُواْ ٱلطَّـٰغُوتَ‌ۖ فَمِنۡهُم مَّنۡ هَدَى ٱللَّهُ وَمِنۡهُم مَّنۡ حَقَّتۡ عَلَيۡهِ ٱلضَّلَـٰلَةُ‌ۚ فَسِيرُواْ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ فَٱنظُرُواْ كَيۡفَ كَانَ عَـٰقِبَةُ ٱلۡمُكَذِّبِينَ

And verily, We have sent among every Ummah (community, nation) a Messenger (proclaiming): “Worship Allah (Alone), and avoid (or keep away from) Taghut (all false deities, etc. i.e. do not worship Taghut besides Allah).” Then of them were some whom Allah guided and of them were some upon whom the straying was justified. So travel through the land and see what was the end of those who denied (the truth). [Surah An-Nahl. Aayah 36]

Ibraaheem [alayhis salaam]- Upright Imaam, Obedient and Haneefah (Worshipped Allaah alone)

Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] said:
إِنَّ إِبْرَاهِيمَ كَانَ أُمَّةً قَانِتًا لِّلَّهِ حَنِيفًا وَلَمْ يَكُ مِنَ الْمُشْرِكِينَ

Verily, Ibraaheem was an Ummah [leader], Qaanitan [obedient], Haneefan [one who worshipped Allaah alone], and he was not one of the Mushrikeen [polytheists, idolaters, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah, and those who associate partners with Allah]. [Surah An-Nahl. Verse 120]

Three Qualities: Imaam – a leader of guidance and an upright guide for the people; Qaanitan – constant in worship and obedient to Allaah; Haneefan – turning away from Shirk [i.e. beliefs, acts, ideas and views that are tantamount to associating partners with Allaah]; [وَلَمْ يَكُ مِنَ الْمُشْرِكِينَ – and he was not one of the Mushrikeen – the polytheists, idolaters, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allaah, and those who associate partners with Allaah].

Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] stated in another Aayah:
قَدۡ كَانَتۡ لَكُمۡ أُسۡوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ۬ فِىٓ إِبۡرَٲهِيمَ وَٱلَّذِينَ مَعَهُ ۥۤ إِذۡ قَالُواْ لِقَوۡمِہِمۡ إِنَّا بُرَءَٲٓؤُاْ مِنكُمۡ وَمِمَّا تَعۡبُدُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ

Indeed there has been an excellent example for you in Ibraaheem (Abraham) and those with him, when they said to their people: “Verily, we are free from you and whatever you worship besides Allaah…” [Surah Al-Mumtahinah. Verse 4]

These qualities of Prophet Ibraaheem [alayhis salaam] are that of a person who actualises Tawheed [pure Islamic monotheism] and an encouragement for others to emulate them, just as Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] stated: [قَدۡ كَانَتۡ لَكُمۡ أُسۡوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ۬ فِىٓ إِبۡرَٲهِيمَ – Indeed there has been an excellent example for you in Ibraaheem]. (1)
Gentleness

Look at Ibraaheem’s [alayhis-salaam] gentleness “O My father! Why do worship that which hears not, sees not and cannot avail you in anything, O my father! Verily! There has come to me of knowledge that which came not unto you.” He did not say,‘’O father you’re Jaahil’, but he [kindly] said that he has received knowledge which his father has not received. (2)

Hospitality

Allaah (The Most High) stated:
هَلْ أَتَاكَ حَدِيثُ ضَيْفِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ الْمُكْرَمِينَ
إِذْ دَخَلُوا عَلَيْهِ فَقَالُوا سَلَامًا ۖ قَالَ سَلَامٌ قَوْمٌ مُّنكَرُونَ
فَرَاغَ إِلَىٰ أَهْلِهِ فَجَاءَ بِعِجْلٍ سَمِينٍ
فَقَرَّبَهُ إِلَيْهِمْ قَالَ أَلَا تَأْكُلُونَ
فَأَوْجَسَ مِنْهُمْ خِيفَةً ۖ قَالُوا لَا تَخَفْ ۖ وَبَشَّرُوهُ بِغُلَامٍ عَلِيمٍ
فَأَقْبَلَتِ امْرَأَتُهُ فِي صَرَّةٍ فَصَكَّتْ وَجْهَهَا وَقَالَتْ عَجُوزٌ عَقِيمٌ

Has the story reached you, of the honoured guests [three angels; Jibrael (Gabriel) along with another two] of Ibrahim (Abraham)? When they came in to him, and said, “Salam, (peace be upon you)!” He answered; “Salam,(peace be upon you),” and said: “You are a people unknown to me. Then he turned to his household, so brought out a roasted calf [as the property of Ibrahim (Abraham) was mainly cows]. And placed it before them, (saying): “Will you not eat? Then he conceived a fear of them (when they ate not). They said: “Fear not.” And they gave him glad tidings of an intelligent son, having knowledge (about Allah and His religion of True Monotheism). Then his wife came forward with a loud voice, she smote her face, and said: “A barren old woman!” [51:24-29]

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim (rahimahullaah) said:

Firstly: Allaah described his guests as being honoured. They were either honourable in the sight of Ibraaheem or honourable in the sight of Allaah. The verse carries both meanings.

Secondly: Allaah [The Most High] said: [ إِذْ دَخَلُوا عَلَيْهِ- When they came in to him.] So there is not a mention about them seeking permission to enter and in this is proof that he was known for being generous to guests. His house was open to guests and frequented by the one who could find it without the need for asking permission. This is a highest level of generosity.

[فَرَاغَ إِلَىٰ أَهْلِهِ -Then he turned to his household]: He went to his family in secret without the knowledge of the guests. This is an act of nobility – the leader of the house goes away secretly [to bring something for the guest] in such a manner that the guest is unaware, lest [the guest] becomes uneasy and shy; so he is made unaware until [the host] comes along with the food, as opposed to the one who says to his guest or those who are present: ‘’Wait, so that I bring you food’’ or a similar statement, which makes the guest feel shy and embarrassed.

[فَجَاءَ بِعِجْلٍ سَمِينٍ – so (he) brought out a fat roasted calf]: This is an indication of his hospitality to his guests. Allaah (The Most High) did not say that Ibraaheem ordered for them, rather Ibraaheem went away and came back with the (roasted calf) himself. He did not send his servant to bring it and this is the highest degree of hospitality to guests.

He came with a full roasted calf and not half of it. This is perfect hospitality. The calf was fat and not skinny, and it is well known that this was among the best of their wealth. The likes of it is given particular attention and nurturing, and Ibraaheem (alayhis-salaam) chose it for his guests.

He himself brought the food close to them and did not command his servant to (do) so. He brought the food close to them and did not make them come close to the food. This is the highest level of generosity- bringing the food close, carrying it to the guest and not placing it at a distance and then asking the guest to come close.

He said to them [أَلَا تَأْكُلُونَ- Will you not eat?]: This is generous and soft speech, and it is better than saying ‘eat’ or ‘extend your hands’ and what is similar to it. He spoke to them with this generous and soft speech when he saw that they were not eating, because his guests are never in need of his permission; rather they eat when he presents food to them. So, when these guests did not eat, he said to them: ‘’Will you not eat?’’ He felt fear of them but did not reveal it. (3)

Moosaa [alayhis saalm]

After Allaah [The Most High] inspired Moosaa [alayhis-salaam], appointed him a Prophet and showed him magnificent signs, he was then sent to Fir’awn – the king of Misr [Egypt]. Allaah [The Most High] said to Moosaa [alayhis-salaam]: [ٱذۡهَبۡ إِلَىٰ فِرۡعَوۡنَ إِنَّهُ ۥ طَغَىٰ- Go to Fir’aun (Pharaoh)! Verily, he has transgressed all bounds] – Meaning: Fir’awn has rebelled and transgressed all the limits in disbelief and corruption. He has become haughty in the earth, overpowered the weak, claimed Ar-Ruboobiyyah [i.e. Lordship] and al-Uloohiyyah [i.e. that he deserves to be worshipped].

This transgression of his was the cause of his destruction, but due to Allaah’s Perfect Mercy, Wisdom and Justice, He does not punish anyone until after establishing the proofs by sending Messengers. Moosaa [alayhis-salaam] knew that he was going to carry a great responsibility because he was going to be sent to an obstinate and arrogant dictator, who had no opponent in Misr [Egypt] -amongst the people- to oppose him.

Moosaa [alayhis-salaam] was by himself after he accidentally killed someone [i.e. when he accidentally killed one of Fir’awn’s people, whilst defending a man from Bani Israaeel, so Fir’awn and his chiefs were determined to kill him]; however after Allaah [The Most High] commanded him to go to Fir’awn, he obeyed Allaah’s [The Most High] command, accepted it wholeheartedly, asked Allaah [The Most High] for assistance and to facilitate him with the ability to [fulfil the task].

Allaah [The Most High] said that Moosaa [alayhis salaam] said: [رَبِّ ٱشۡرَحۡ لِى صَدۡرِى – O my Lord! My expand my heart]- Meaning: Grant me self-confidence and courage so that I can bear both verbal and physical harm, and so that I neither grieve nor become fed up due such harm; for indeed a person with an aggrieved heart is not fit to guide and invite the people to [Allaah’s guidance].

[وَيَسِّرۡ لِىٓ أَمۡرِى – And ease my task for me]- Meaning: Grant me ease in every affair I pursue and every path I intend to follow, whilst calling to your guidance; and lighten the difficulties in front of me.

The caller is granted ease when he approaches all affairs in the appropriate manner; addresses every person based on what they should be addressed with, and calls them through a path that is easier for them to understand, which will enable them to accept his speech.

[وَٱحۡلُلۡ عُقۡدَةً۬ مِّن لِّسَانِى – And make loose the knot (the defect) from my tongue, (i.e. remove the incorrectness from my speech) [That occurred as a result of a brand of fire which Musa (Moses) put in his mouth when he was an infant]; [يَفۡقَهُواْ قَوۡلِى – That they understand my speech].

Moosaa [alayhis-salaam] used to suffer from a speech impediment and it was difficult to understand his speech as the Mufassiroon have stated, just as Allaah [The Most High] said in another Aayah that Moosaa [alayhis-salaam] said: [وَأَخِى هَـٰرُونُ هُوَ أَفۡصَحُ مِنِّى لِسَانً۬ا– And my brother Haaroon (Aaron) he is more eloquent in speech than me]. Therefore, Moosaa [alayhis-salaam] asked Allaah [The Most High] to remove the speech impediment in order that what he says can be understood and the people he speaks to can clearly grasp what is intended by his speech.
[وَٱجۡعَل لِّى وَزِيرً۬ا مِّنۡ أَهۡلِى – And appoint for me a helper from my family];[ هَـٰرُونَ أَخِى- Haaroon (Aaron), my brother]; [ٱشۡدُدۡ بِهِۦۤ أَزۡرِى Increase my strength with him]-Meaning: To be my helper and my assistant in delivering the message to those whom you have sent me to deliver your message, just as Allaah [The Most High] said in another Aayah: [سَنَشُدُّ عَضُدَكَ بِأَخِيكَ وَنَجۡعَلُ لَكُمَا سُلۡطَـٰنً۬ا – We will strengthen your arm through your brother, and give you both power]. [وَأَشۡرِكۡهُ فِىٓ أَمۡرِى – And let him share my task]- Meaning: Grant him prophet-hood and make him a Messenger, just as you have made me a Prophet and a Messenger.

Then Allaah [The Most High] informed us of the benefit Moosaa [alayhis-salaam] was seeking by asking for such favours, which is: [كَىۡ نُسَبِّحَكَ كَثِيرً۬ا – That we may glorify You much]; [وَنَذۡكُرَكَ كَثِيرًا – And remember You much].

Moosaa [alayhis-salaam] knew that acts of worship and the religion revolves around remembrance of Allaah, so he asked Allaah to make his brother a partner in that – aiding and helping one another in righteousness and piety; remembering Allaah [The Most High] profusely by way of Tasbeeh [i.e. Subhaanallaah], Tahleel [i.e. laa ilaaha illal laah] and other type types of worship.

[إِنَّكَ كُنتَ بِنَا بَصِيرً۬ا- Verily! You are of us Ever a Well-Seer] – Meaning: You know our situation and weaknesses; what we can and cannot do, and our complete need of You in every affair. You see our affair more than us [i.e. you see everything and nothing escapes your sight] and you are more Merciful to us than we have for ourselves; therefore bestow upon us what we have asked You and respond to our supplication.

After Moosaa [alayhis-salaam] made these supplications and requests, Allaah [The Most High] said to him: [قَدۡ أُوتِيتَ سُؤۡلَكَ يَـٰمُوسَىٰ -You are granted your request, O Musa (Moses)]- Meaning: I will grant you everything you’ve asked. I will grant you courage, make your task easy and remove the speech impediment from your tongue, so that your speech is understood; and I will make your brother -Haaroon- your helper. Allaah [The Most High] said in another Aayah:

[وَنَجۡعَلُ لَكُمَا سُلۡطَـٰنً۬ا فَلَا يَصِلُونَ إِلَيۡكُمَا‌ۚ بِـَٔايَـٰتِنَآ أَنتُمَا وَمَنِ ٱتَّبَعَكُمَا ٱلۡغَـٰلِبُونَ- And give you both power, so they shall not be able to harm you, with Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), you two as well as those who follow you will be the victors].

These requests made by Moosaa [alayhis-salaam] shows his perfect knowledge and awareness of Allaah [The Most High], his perfect discernment, perfect knowledge about affairs and perfect sincerity. That is because the caller to the path of Allaah- the one who guides the people, especially if the one being invited to the path of Allaah is from the obstinate and haughty ones, and transgressors- is need of a courageous heart and complete forbearance, in order to bear the harm he might come across. He is in need of clear speech, in order to be able to express himself to the one he intends and wishes to address. Rather, a person in such a situation [i.e. the caller] is need of clear eloquent speech in order to present the truth in a proficient manner, beautify it as much as he is able and make it appealing to the people. On the other hand, he shows the ugliness of falsehood, so as to repel people from it.

Besides this, the caller is in need of being granted ease in his task by approaching affairs in the proper manner – calling to the path of Allaah with wisdom, fine admonition and arguing in the best way. He should deal with every person whilst taking into consideration the situation of each person he addresses.

This affair becomes more accomplished when the caller has helpers and assistants, who will help him to reach this goal- because when many people speak, it will have an effect and that is why Moosaa [alayhis-salaam] made those requests. And if you examine the situation of the prophets – those sent to the people- you will discover this affair, especially the seal and most virtuous amongst them, Muhammad [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam]; for indeed he [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] was at the highest peak in every perfect and good human characteristic. He had a courageous heart and was facilitated with the means of calling to Allaah. His speech was eloquent – with fine expression and explanation- and he had companions who aided him to convey the truth, and [besides the Prophets and Messengers] none can ever excel those companions of Muhammad [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] after their departure from this world. (4)

Praiseworthy Shyness

Moosaa [alayhis salaam] was a very shy man and used to cover his body completely. No part of his skin was seen due to shyness. So, he was hurt by those amongst the children of Israel who said, “He covers his body in this way only because of some defect in his skin- either leprosy or scrotal hernia, or he has some other defect”. Allaah wished to free Moosaa [alayhis salaam] from that which they said about him; so one day whilst he was in seclusion, he took off his clothes and put them on a stone and started taking a bath. When he finished the bath, he moved towards his clothes to take them, but the stone fled with his clothes. Moosaa [alayhis salaam] picked up his stick and ran after the stone saying, ‘O stone! My clothes’ until he reached a group of the children of Israel who saw him without [clothes], and found him the best of that which Allaah had created, and Allaah freed him from what they had accused him of. They said, “By Allaah! Nothing is wrong with Moosaa”. The stone stopped there, so Moosaa [alayhi salaam] took his and put on them, and thereafter started hitting the stone with his stick. By Allaah, the stone still has some traces of the hitting- three, four or five marks. This was what Allah referred to in His statement:

[ يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا تَكُونُواْ كَٱلَّذِينَ ءَاذَوۡاْ مُوسَىٰ فَبَرَّأَهُ ٱللَّهُ مِمَّا قَالُواْۚ وَكَانَ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ وَجِيہً۬ا- O you who believe! Be not like those who annoyed Musa (Moses), but Allah cleared him of that which they alleged, and he was honourable in the sight of Allaah].[Surah Al-Ahzaab. Verse 69]

Al-Allaamah Zayd Bin Haadi [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: This hadeeth [contains] one of the most amazing stories – a story through which Allaah raised the status of Moosaa [alayhis salaam]. In this hadeeth, there is a clarification regarding the fact that the Messengers and the Prophets were put to trial at the hands of the evil ones in their nations; so they exercised patience whilst facing harm, received abundant reward from Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] and carried on propagating Allaah’s message. Indeed, the Messenger [Sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] informed us that Moosaa [alayhis salaam] was harmed by Bani Israa’eel but he exercised patience. In this hadeeth, there is proof to show that the miracles of the Messengers and Prophets are affirmed. And with regards to this particular miracle, the stone- an inanimate object – moved and fled with the thobe; then Moosaa [alayhis salaam] was finally able to catch up with it. He hit it several times and left a mark on it. This is the great miracle that has been mentioned in this hadeeth. (5)

Sulaymaan [alayhis salaam]

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.”

Few Reminders From The Above Verses

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. (6)

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; but 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. (7)

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] said:

The Messengers are the most judicious amongst the creation without exception, and after them their followers are the most judicious group. The people of the scriptures and the great legislated laws are the most judicious amongst the followers of the Messengers and the Muslims are the most judicious amongst them [i.e. amongst all those who received divine scriptures and great legislated laws].

The companions of Muhammad [peace and blessings be upon him] are the most judicious amongst the Muslims and then those who followed them exactly in faith. The people who adhere steadfastly to the authentic tradition of the Prophet and the authentic narrations transmitted from him are the most judicious amongst the Muslim nation without exception after companions and those who adhered to their path.

The clear evidence showing that the Messengers are the most judicious amongst the entire creation is that the beneficial knowledge they have brought- the righteous actions and the beneficial affairs related to true wellbeing in this worldly life and the afterlife- has not emerged from others or something even close it. There is nothing- from any perspective- that emerged from other judicious people that can be compared to what the Messengers brought with regards to beneficial knowledge, righteous action and the beneficial affairs of true wellbeing in this worldly life and the afterlife.

Whoever ponders upon their personal life stories – in specific and in general, their patience and perseverance, their abstinence from those unnecessary lawful pleasures of the worldly life, their fervent desire for Allaah’s pleasure  and the reward Allaah has kept in the afterlife, their purified manners, the fact that they are the most truthful amongst the creation, (possessors) of the most righteous hearts and the most purified souls, trustees of the greatest trust (i.e. revelation and Messenger ship), the noblest of those whom a person can accompany, the purest in their innermost conscience, the purest with regards to their private affairs- will not doubt the fact that they are the most judicious amongst Allaah’s creation without exception. There is no doubt that whoever is closer to them [i.e. follows them properly], then his (or her) share of judiciousness will be more than (that of others). (8)

Comprehensive Guidance of The Messenger Muhammad [sallal laahu alayhi sallam]

[Seal of The Prophets]

Muhammad’s [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] Ummah is not in need of anyone after him; rather the only need they have is someone to convey what he came with. Muhammad’s [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] message is comprehensive, universal and preserved. This universality, comprehensiveness and preservation is not limited to [any time and place], rather it is comprehensive for those to whom Muhammad [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] was sent [i.e. the whole world] and likewise with regards to everything that is needed in the fundamental and subsidiary issues of the religion.

Muhammad’s [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] message is sufficient, all embracing and universal- nothing else is needed besides it. It has not isolated any affair of truth needed by his Ummah in their sciences and deeds. The Messenger of Allaah [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] did not leave this world until he acquainted his Ummah with everything. He even taught them the etiquettes of using the toilet; the etiquettes of sexual relations; the etiquettes of sleep and after waking up; the etiquettes of eating, drinking and travel.

He acquainted them with the etiquettes of speech and silence; the etiquettes of keeping company with the people and seclusion. He acquainted them with the affairs of illness, good health, poverty and wealth. He acquainted them with all the affairs of life and death. He described Allaah’s throne, the angels, the jinn, the hell fire and the day of judgement in such a manner as if one has seen them with the naked eye. He [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] informed them about their Lord and His Perfect Names and Attributes, and that Allaah alone is their true object of worship.

He acquainted them with the Prophets of old and their nations – the events that took place between them and their nations – in such a manner as if one was present at that time. He acquainted them with all the means to good and the paths of evil- in general and in detail- which no other prophet informed his nation. He acquainted them with death and what will take place in the grave – either bliss or punishment. He acquainted them with the evidences and proofs of Tawheed [i.e. the oneness of Allaah in His Lordship, Names and Attributes, and that Allaah alone has the right to be worshipped].

He acquainted them with Prophet hood and the affairs of the Afterlife, and he refuted all the sects of disbelief and misguidance. He acquainted them with war strategies- how to confront the enemy, the way to achieve victory and conquests. If only they knew and understood these affairs in the correct manner [i.e. the manner it should be understood], they would not be overcome by their enemy. He acquainted them with the plots of Iblees and the ways through which he approaches them, and the ways to repel those plots and plans. He acquainted them with the soul- its characteristics and faults- in such a manner that they are not in need of anyone else to tell them about it. He taught them how to live their daily lives and had they acknowledged and acted upon this, then their worldly affairs would be firmly established. He brought them all the means of success in this life and the next, and they do not need anyone besides him. So how can it be said that the path of Muhammad [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] is in need of something else outside of it. The reason for such a claim is due to the weak and little understanding of a person. Allaah [The Most High] said:

أَوَلَمْ يَكْفِهِمْ أَنَّا أَنزَلْنَا عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ يُتْلَىٰ عَلَيْهِمْ ۚ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَرَحْمَةً وَذِكْرَىٰ لِقَوْمٍ يُؤْمِنُونَ

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. [29:51]

Allaah [The Most High] said:

وَنَزَّلْنَا عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ تِبْيَانًا لِّكُلِّ شَيْءٍ وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةً وَبُشْرَىٰ لِلْمُسْلِمِينَ

And We have sent down to you the Book (the Qur’an) as an exposition of everything, a guidance, a mercy, and glad tidings for those who have submitted themselves (to Allah as Muslims). [16:89]

Allaah [The Most High] said:

يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ قَدْ جَاءَتْكُم مَّوْعِظَةٌ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَشِفَاءٌ لِّمَا فِي الصُّدُورِ وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةٌ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ

O mankind! There has come to you a good advice from your Lord [i.e. the Qur’an, ordering all that is good and forbidding all that is evil], and a healing for that [disease of ignorance, doubt, hypocrisy and differences, etc.] in your breasts, – a guidance and a mercy [explaining lawful and unlawful things, etc.] for the believers. [10:57] (9)

[Ref 1: An Excerpt from ‘Sharh Kitaab At-Tawheed- Lesson 2. By Shaikh Abdur Razzaaq al-Badr (hafidhahullaah)]
[Ref 2: Qisas Al-Anbiyaa by Imam Sadi p45
[Ref 3: An Excerpt from بدائع التفسير الجامع لما فسره الإمام ابن القيم -(Vol 3. Pages 45- 46). slightly paraphrased]
[Ref 4: An Excerpt from ‘Tayseer al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer kalaam al-Mannaan’. explanation of Aayaat 24-36 Surah Taahaa). Slightly paraphrased]
[Ref 5: At-taleeqaat Al-Maleehah Alaa Silsilah Al-Ahaadeeth As-Saheehah. Vol 1. page 135. Slightly paraphrased]
[Ref 6: 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 7: An Excerpt from ‘Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam al-Mannaan’. Slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 8: An Excerpt from As-Sawaa’iq Al-Mursalah 4/1514. slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 9: An Excerpt from I’laam Al-Muwaqqi’een 4/375-377- slightly paraphrased]

O Muslims! Fear Allaah; Accept Advice of Sincere Advisers and Admonition of Admonishers! By Imaam Al-Awzaa’ee

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Bid'ah (Innovation), Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Hadaadis, Innovations In Islam (Bidah), Khawaarij, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Scholars of Islam, Seeking Knowledge, Shi'a, Sufis, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors.

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

Imaam Al-Awzaa’ee [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “O Muslims! Fear Allaah, accept the advice of the sincere advisers and the admonition of the admonishers. know that this knowledge is religion, so beware of what you do, from whom you take your religion, the one you follow and the one with whom your religion is safe, because indeed all the proponents of religious innovation are all falsifiers, liars and sinners. They are not cautious – neither do they pay attention nor do they fear, and together with that they are not to be trusted that they would not distort what you hear.

They say what they do not know with regards to what they disapprove and when proclaiming their lies; but Allaah (knows, hears and sees) what they do. Therefore, be cautious of them, trust them not, reject them and avoid them, because indeed this is what your earlier scholars did and commanded, and likewise the righteous ones who came thereafter.

Be careful of opposing Allaah and being the means to destroying the religion He has ordained – breaking its commands and prohibitions, nullifying and weaking it by respecting the innovators in religious affairs and those who initiate that which is not from the religion, because you know what has been transmitted (i.e. the prohibitions) about respecting or exalting them. And what can be greater respect and exaltation than acquiring your religion from them- following and believing them, drawing close to them and assisting them in enticing the ones they entice and woo to their views and the religion (i.e. religious innovations) they follow. This is sufficient to be regarded as associates of theirs in what they do. (1)

Mubtadi and His Followers

Question to Al-Allaamah Zayd Bin Haadi [may Allaah have mercy upon him]: Is there a difference between the verdict against a person that he is from the people of religious innovation and the verdict that he is a Mubtadi [innovator]? And does the verdict against a person that he is not a Salafi or that he is a Hizbi necessitate that he is a Mubtadi [innovator]? Can you please shed light on this affair?

Answer: Firstly, you should know that indeed Ahlus Sunnah are people who fear of Allaah. They neither make Takfeer [i.e. declare a person a disbeliever], Tafseeq [i.e. declare a person a sinner] and Tabdee [declare a person an innovator] except against the one who deserves it based on the evidences in the Book and the Sunnah, and the understanding of the pious predecessors of this Ummah.

Secondly, you should know that the people of desires and misguidance are [categorized into] those who are followed and those who follow. Indeed, those who are followed are the ones who set up the various principles of Bidah and call to their innovation and misguidance, and they will carry their burden of sins and the burden of the sins of those whom they misguided without knowledge, as it is clearly stated in the Qur’aan and the Sunnah.

As for the followers of a leader from amongst the people of desires, then in most cases they are of two categories:
The First Category: Those who possess knowledge, but they harbour evil intentions, so they yield to Satan, desires and the urge of the evil soul. They follow the people of misguidance and oppose the callers to guidance [in that which] Allaah sent His Messenger Muhammad [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] with.

The Second Category: Their share of knowledge is little, so the people of desires take advantage of them and they become [part] of their group. They convince them that what they call them to is the manifest truth and that what their opponents are upon is falsehood. And they convey to them a huge [number] of affairs that resemble the truth but are falsehood in reality, in order to deceive them and submerge them into misguidance.

As for those who are followed-those who set up principles of bidah and call the people to their bidah and misguidance-then indeed they are marked with the bidah they innovated and call the people to, and for them there is no honour.

As for the followers of the people of desires, it is as I have stated that they are of two categories in most cases. They are to be called to the Sunnah and to cling to it, and that they reject the bidah they have been deceived by and have yielded to. And if they respond to the call of truth through knowledge and action, and reject that which the people of desires and innovation call them to, then this is what is desired and it is a praiseworthy aim. If they reject the advice of the advisers and bargain with falsehood at the expense of truth, and give preference to innovation over the Sunnah, then they deserve to be assigned the term Mubtadi [innovator]. There is no honour for them after the truth has been established with its evidences and the falsity of that which is in opposition to it of newly invented affairs in the Religion has been clarified, which the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] referred to as misguidance. (2)

Question to Al-Allaamah Ubayd Bin Abdillaah Al-Jaabiree [may Allaah preserve him]: The questioner says: Assalaamu alaykum warahmatullaahi wabarakaatuhu. We hear a statement from some of the Mashaayihk of Ahlus Sunnah: ‘’This man is from the people of Bidah’’; is it understood that he is a Mubtadi [an innovator] or not?

Answer: What I have knowledge of is that this statement has two applications according to Ahlus Sunnah. The first of them and it is what is meant in most cases is that he is a Mubtadi [an innovator]. He knows the truth but he is an obstinate person. He refuses [truth], but not deviation; he knows the Sunnah, but refuses to follow it and [follows] Bidah. He commits Bidah whilst knowing that it is bidah.

The other meaning is that this man is a person upon innovation-meaning: He commits bidah even though he is not an innovator, because what we know regarding the methodology of Ahlus Sunnah Wal-Jamaaa’ah is that they do not declare any specific person an innovator until the proofs are established against him. (3)

Whoever Does Not Make Tabdee of a Mubtadi Is Also A Mubtadi – [Clarification of This Statement By Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi]

Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi [may Allaah preserve him] stated: It is not correct to apply this principle unrestrictedly because it maybe that he is unaware of the Bidah committed by that person, therefore he refrains from declaring him a Mubtadi [an innovator] due to [ورع – i.e. fear of falling into a doubtful matter that might lead him to something forbidden and affect him in the afterlife]. Why should you declare him an innovator? [i.e. why should you declare him an innovator when it is the case that he is unaware of the bidah of that Mubtadi or refrains from making Tabdee out of ورع ]. However, if he knows the innovator [i.e. knows that such a person is upon bidah due to which the evidence was established against him], loves him and allies with him, then he is a Mubtadi. This is the distinction in this affair. He knows that that person is a Mubtadi but he aids him and wages war against Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa’ah, then he is a Mubtadi without a doubt. As for a person who does not know that such and such person is a Mubtadi, he is not to be declared an innovator.

You [i.e. the scholar, or student of knowledge who is qualified to make Tabdee] – the one who studied the affair of [that person] and you know that he allies with a Mubtadi, places him in a favourable position, wages war against Ahlus Sunnah for the sake of that Mubtadi and for the sake of this falsehood, then this person is a Mubtadi, misguided. As for the person who does not know that indeed such and such person is a Mubtadi, then advise him and clarify for him [i.e. with clear unambiguous proofs until he understands] that such person is a Mubtadi. So, unless he ceases [i.e. refrains from defending this Mubtadi after understanding the evidences], then put him [in the same place] with his companion – the Mubtadi. (4)

Listen here By Shaikh Abu Hakeem [may Allaah preserve him]:

Rebuttal of The Claim “You Salafis Are Too Harsh”

The False Claim ‘’You Salafis Are Too Harsh’’ – By Ustaadh Abu Hakeem

[Ref1: Taareekh Dimashq 6/361]

[Ref2: An Excerpt from Al-Ajwibah Al-Athariyyah Anil Masaa-il Al-Manhajiyyah, Khamsoona Su’aalan Wa-Jawaaban: page: 18-19]

[Ref3: Al-Haddul Faasil Bayna Mu-aamalah Ahl As-Sunnah Wa Ahl Al-Baatil 60. slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 4:An Excerpt from ‘Awnul Baari 2/891’. slightly paraphrased]

Some Famous Salafus Saaleh [Righteous Predecessors] and Some Figureheads of Salafus Taalih [Unrighteous Predecessors]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Bid'ah (Innovation), Brotherhood, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Deviated Callers & Individuals, History of Islam, Innovations In Islam (Bidah), Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors), Shirk, Sin, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Some Famous Salafus Saaleh [Righteous Predecessors]: Imaam Umar Ibn Abdil Azeez, Imaam Al-Awzaa’ee, Imaam Ibraaheem Ibn Ad’ham, Haaroon Ar-Rasheed- Ameerul Mumineen (Chief of The Believers), Bahlool- The Intelligent One Afflicted With Mental Illness, Imaam Ash-Shaafi’ee, Imaam Abu Yusuf, Ahmad Bin Aasim Al-Antaakee, Bishr Ibn Al-Haarith.

Some Figureheads of Salafus Taalih – The Unrighteous(Corrupt) Predecessors: Al-Ja’d Bin Dirham, Bishr Al-Mareesee, Al-Husayn Ibn Mansoor -Al-Hallaaj.

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Salafus_Saaleh_Salafus_Taalih

 

 

The Dangerous Unattainable Goal – [Seeking After Pleasure of People at The Expense of Allaah’s Displeasure]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Sin, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

The Dangerous Unattainable Goal – [Seeking After Pleasure of People at The Expense of Allaah’s Displeasure]

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The Dangerous Unattainable Goal