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Reflections from some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali [40 of 80]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Bid'ah (Innovation), History of Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors.

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

The upright jurist of Basra and the most intelligent of them- Salam Bin Abee Mutee, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, “It is more beloved to me that I meet Allah with the scroll of Hajjaj than meet Him with the scroll of Amr Ibn Ubaid”. Amr Ibn Ubaid was a Zaahid (one who abstained from the unnecessary pleasurs of the worldly life) and a worshipper MaaShaa-Allah, but he was an innovator in religion and a misguided, while Al-Hajjaj was an evil doer, a blood shedder and a criminal. He [Salam Bin Abee Mutee] held that if he were to make a choice between meeting Allah with the scroll of Hajjaj and that of Amr Ibn Ubaid, he would choose to meet Allah with the scroll of Hajjaj-the blood shedder and oppressive evil doer. Why is this? (This is) due to his realisation regarding the danger and ugliness of bidah. It is enough for us that the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, described (bidah) in his khutbah as the worst of all affairs, as reported in the Hadith of Jabir, may Allah be pleased with him.

An Excerpt from Al-Mawqif As-Saheeh Min Ahlil Bidah. page 12

Certificates

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

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

Al-Allamah Rabi Bin Hadi al-Madkhalee, may Allah preserve him, said:

Knowledge is not just about studying and obtaining certificates, but the aim is to gain sound and accurate comprehension – sound understanding in matters of Aqidah, worship, good manners, good etiquettes, and everything related to a believer’s life. It is obligated to believers to fulfil everything in their lives based on Allah’s Book and Sunnah of Allah’s Messenger. The believer performs acts of worship sincerely for the sake of Allah because Allah commands him to be sincere.

وَمَآ أُمِرُوٓاْ إِلَّا لِيَعۡبُدُواْ ٱللَّهَ مُخۡلِصِينَ لَهُ ٱلدِّينَ حُنَفَآءَ وَيُقِيمُواْ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَيُؤۡتُواْ ٱلزَّكَوٰةَ‌ۚ وَذَٲلِكَ دِينُ ٱلۡقَيِّمَةِ

And they were commanded not, but that they should worship Allah, and worship none but Him Alone (abstaining from ascribing partners to Him), and perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat) and give Zakat: and that is the right religion. [Al-Bayyinah. 5] [1]

The Shaikh also said: We have been commanded to learn, therefore, it is obligated to us to learn, practice, and invite (others to the path) of Allah based on the path that Allah has prescribed and made clear to us, the path that the Messenger elucidated and followed, and followed by his companions after him. They propagated Islam across the globe – among various nations. This knowledge and virtue were disseminated primarily through (good) manners – through patience, forbearance, steadfastness in fulfilling duties and responsibilities, truthfulness, honourable behaviour, nobility, noble-mindedness, keeping promises, and similar traits. These manners became apparent to the people, so the hearts, ears, and eyes of the nations embraced this guidance, which the companions of Muhammad upheld. [2]

Imam Muhammad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaymeen, may Allah have mercy upon him, said that some of the people say “sincere intention in this present era of ours is difficult or it may be impossible because those who seek knowledge do so with the aim of receiving a certificate”.

The Shaikh replied to this statement saying that one’s intention is considered corrupt if knowledge is sought to receive a certificate or a desire for an elevated worldly status through it. But a person’s intention is regarded to be good and not in opposition to sincerity if he wants an elevated status in order to benefit the people, for he knows that at present it is impossible for a person to achieve a high and beneficial position for the Ummah unless he has a certificate. Because of this, even if you were to find a scholar who is good in various affairs of knowledge but he has no certificate, it will not be possible for him to teach even in high school and this is the reality. And you will find that the one lesser in knowledge than this scholar will be accepted (as a teacher) at a university as long as he has a certificate. Therefore, based on a person’s intention and choices, the certificate is not considered harmful and its obtainment enters into the statement of the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him: “And what comes to you from this wealth without asking for it or having greed for it, take it; and if not given, do not run for it”. [Al-Bukhaari. Number 1473][3]

The Shaikh also stated: We add trustworthiness as an additional characteristic alongside proficiency because proficiency is a strength and it has to be accompanied by trustworthiness. Allah said: [ إِنَّ خَيۡرَ مَنِ ٱسۡتَـٔۡجَرۡتَ ٱلۡقَوِىُّ ٱلۡأَمِينُ – Verily, the best of men for you to hire is the strong, the trustworthy.] [Al-Qasas. 26]

It may be that a scholar is proficient and vast in knowledge, able to derive and explain subsidiary issues from fundamental principles, as well as categorise, distinguish and place different subject matters in their appropriate place, but he is not trustworthy and might misguide you from where you do not know”. [4]

[1] An Excerpt from Marhaban Yaa Talib Al-Ilm. 72 – 73

[2] An Excerpt from Marhaban Yaa Talib Al-Ilm. 86

[3 & 4] An Excerpt from Sharh Hilya Talib Al-Ilm. p22

Response to a beloved brother who mentioned his grief to us

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Featured, Mental Health, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

الٓمٓ (١) أَحَسِبَ ٱلنَّاسُ أَن يُتۡرَكُوٓاْ أَن يَقُولُوٓاْ ءَامَنَّا وَهُمۡ لَا يُفۡتَنُونَ (٢)وَلَقَدۡ فَتَنَّا ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبۡلِهِمۡ‌ۖ فَلَيَعۡلَمَنَّ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ صَدَقُواْ وَلَيَعۡلَمَنَّ ٱلۡكَـٰذِبِينَ (٣) أَمۡ حَسِبَ ٱلَّذِينَ يَعۡمَلُونَ ٱلسَّيِّـَٔاتِ أَن يَسۡبِقُونَا‌ۚ سَآءَ مَا يَحۡكُمُونَ (٤) مَن كَانَ يَرۡجُواْ لِقَآءَ ٱللَّهِ فَإِنَّ أَجَلَ ٱللَّهِ لَأَتٍ۬‌ۚ وَهُوَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلۡعَلِيمُ (٥) وَمَن جَـٰهَدَ فَإِنَّمَا يُجَـٰهِدُ لِنَفۡسِهِۦۤ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَغَنِىٌّ عَنِ ٱلۡعَـٰلَمِينَ (٦) وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ لَنُكَفِّرَنَّ عَنۡهُمۡ سَيِّـَٔاتِهِمۡ وَلَنَجۡزِيَنَّهُمۡ أَحۡسَنَ ٱلَّذِى كَانُواْ يَعۡمَلُونَ (٧) وَوَصَّيۡنَا ٱلۡإِنسَـٰنَ بِوَٲلِدَيۡهِ حُسۡنً۬ا‌ۖ وَإِن جَـٰهَدَاكَ لِتُشۡرِكَ بِى مَا لَيۡسَ لَكَ بِهِۦ عِلۡمٌ۬ فَلَا تُطِعۡهُمَآ‌ۚ إِلَىَّ مَرۡجِعُكُمۡ فَأُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا كُنتُمۡ تَعۡمَلُونَ (٨) وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ لَنُدۡخِلَنَّهُمۡ فِى ٱلصَّـٰلِحِينَ (٩) وَمِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ مَن يَقُولُ ءَامَنَّا بِٱللَّهِ فَإِذَآ أُوذِىَ فِى ٱللَّهِ جَعَلَ فِتۡنَةَ ٱلنَّاسِ كَعَذَابِ ٱللَّهِ وَلَٮِٕن جَآءَ نَصۡرٌ۬ مِّن رَّبِّكَ لَيَقُولُنَّ إِنَّا ڪُنَّا مَعَكُمۡ‌ۚ أَوَلَيۡسَ ٱللَّهُ بِأَعۡلَمَ بِمَا فِى صُدُورِ ٱلۡعَـٰلَمِينَ (١٠) وَلَيَعۡلَمَنَّ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَلَيَعۡلَمَنَّ ٱلۡمُنَـٰفِقِينَ (١١)

Alif-Lam-Mim. Do people think that they will be left alone because they say: “We believe,” and will not be tested. And We indeed tested those who were before them. And Allah will certainly make (it) known (the truth of) those who are true, and will certainly make (it) known (the falsehood of) those who are liars; Or those who do evil deeds think that they can outstrip Us (i.e. escape Our Punishment)? Evil is that which they judge! Whoever hopes for the Meeting with Allah, then Allah’s Term is surely coming. and He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower. And whosoever strives, he strives only for himself. Verily, Allah is free of all wants from the ‘Alamin (mankind, jinns, and all that exists). Those who believe [in the Oneness of Allah (Monotheism) and in Messenger Muhammad, and do not apostate because of the harm they receive from the polytheists], and do righteous good deeds, surely, We shall remit from them their evil deeds and shall reward them according to the best of that which they used to do. And We have enjoined on man to be good and dutiful to his parents, but if they strive to make you join with Me (in worship) anything (as a partner) of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not. Unto Me is your return, and I shall tell you what you used to do. And for those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah and other items of Faith) and do righteous good deeds, surely, We shall make them enter in (the entrance of) the righteous (i.e. in Paradise). Of mankind are some who say: “We believe in Allah,” but if they are made to suffer for the sake of Allah, they consider the trial of mankind as Allah’s punishment, and if victory comes from your Lord, (the hypocrites) will say: “Verily! We were with you (helping you).” Is not Allah Best Aware of what is in the breast of the ‘Alamin (mankind and jinns). Verily, Allah knows those who believe, and verily, He knows the hypocrites. [Surah Al-Ankaboot’ Aayaat 1-11]

Our beloved Salafi brother, close friend and confidant said to us today: “May Allah bless you all. Not by way of compliant  – as I leave my affair to Allah, but by way of information. I’m finding it a bit more difficult today- Qadar Allah. May Allah make it an expiation for me, grant me patience, strength and determination needed during Fitna”. [end of quote] [Footnote a]

We remind ourselves and him, first and foremost that the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “If one of you is afflicted with a calamity, then let him reflect upon his calamity through me (i.e. my death), for indeed it is the greatest of calamities”. [1]

Imam Al-Qurtubi, may Allah have mercy upon him, reported in his Tafsir that Imam Ibn Abdil Barr, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“Indeed, he (the Messenger) spoke the truth because the calamity that results from his death is greater than every calamity that will afflict a Muslim after him until the day of judgement. The revelation stopped and Prophethood ceased (forever)”. [2] There is nothing more severe upon the Muslims than the death of Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, because indeed he was the most trustworthy and perfect guide for the Ummah. [3]

Reflect Upon The Harm Received By The Messengers

Al-Allamah Abdur Rahman Bin Yahyah Al-Mu’allimee, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Allah tested Prophet Ayyoub, peace be upon him, and Prophet Yaqub, peace be upon him, during the time he lost his two sons, (Yusuf and Binyamin), peace be upon them, along with the profound sorrow that afflicted his heart. Allah says:

وَتَوَلَّىٰ عَنۡہُمۡ وَقَالَ يَـٰٓأَسَفَىٰ عَلَىٰ يُوسُفَ وَٱبۡيَضَّتۡ عَيۡنَاهُ مِنَ ٱلۡحُزۡنِ فَهُوَ كَظِيمٌ۬

And he turned away from them and said: “Alas, my grief for Yusuf (Joseph)!” And he lost his sight because of the sorrow that he was suppressing]. [Yusuf. 84]

Allah tested Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, during the initial years of his prophethood, commanding him to call his people to renounce the Shirk and the erroneous beliefs inherited from their ancestors. He communicated this message both privately and publicly, tirelessly day and night. He engaged with them in their social settings, assemblies, and communities, persistently advocating for nearly 13 years, despite enduring significant persecution, a stark contrast to the 40 years of his life before this period during which he faced no harm.

He hailed from a distinguished and esteemed tribe, belonging to a household that was both noble and revered. He grew up with refined manners, earning him the admiration and respect of the people, however, he remained remarkably humble despite his elevated status. The individual possessing these attributes endured significant suffering and encountered profound difficulties. This suffering was exacerbated by ridicule; this one spat in his face, another tried to place his feet on his neck while he was in prostration to his Lord, and yet another placed camel intestines on his back when he prostrated to his Lord. Another seized the collar of his garment in an attempt to strangle him. His uncle, Abu Lahab, relentlessly pursued him, cautioning others by declaring, “He is a liar” and “He is insane.”

The ignorant were stirred up against him, and they hurled stones at him until blood streamed from his feet. Others chose to ostracize him and his close relatives for an extended period, hoping they would perish from starvation. Some individuals subjected his followers to various forms of torment, including forcing them to lie on the scorching sand during the peak heat of the day without access to water. One follower was burned with fire, and the only thing that could extinguish the flames was the fat from his back. A woman among them faced severe torture, but when it became evident that she would not abandon her faith in Islam, she was stabbed in her private area and ultimately killed.

The suffering they endured stemmed solely from the Messenger’s efforts to lead them away from the darkness of Shirk and into the light of Islam. He intended to remove them from corruption and guide them towards righteous behaviour, to steer them away from the wrath of Allah and direct them towards the means of achieving His Pleasure. He sought to divert them from the path of eternal punishment and guide them towards everlasting happiness. Despite the clarity of these truths, they remained oblivious, fixated instead on the fact that he was urging them toward something contrary to their desires.

Furthermore, Allah tested the Prophet peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, through the loss of his parents during his early childhood, followed by the passing of his grandfather, the demise of his uncle who provided him with protection, and the death of his wife who offered him solace. The calamities continued unabated, despite his status as the leader of the children of Adam and his position as the most beloved individual to Allah.

Contemplate these matters to understand, through genuine knowledge, that the competitive strife in which we participate, driven by our desire to attain the pleasures of this world, pales in comparison to the pursuit of Allah’s Pleasure and the everlasting joy of paradise. In contrast, the suffering and challenges of worldly existence that we seek to avoid are insignificant when weighed against Allah’s discontent, His wrath, and the eternal torment of hellfire. Anas Bin Malik, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “A person amongst the inhabitants of Hell – who lived the most enjoyable life amongst the people of the world – would be dipped in fire only once on the Day of Resurrection and then it would be said to him, ‘O son of Adam! Did you find any comfort, did you happen to get any material blessing?’ He would say, ‘By Allah! No, my Lord’. Then a person amongst the people of the world would be brought – who lived the most miserable life (in the world) – from amongst the inhabitants of Paradise and he would be dipped once in Paradise, and it would be said to him, ‘O son of Adam! Did you face any hardship? Or had any distress fallen to your lot?’ He would say, ‘By Allah! No, O my Lord, never did I face any hardship or experience any distress’”. [Sahih Muslim. 2807] [4]

Shuraih Al-Qaadhiy, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Indeed, when afflicted by a calamity, I praise Allah four times: I praise Allah for not making the calamity greater than what it is. I praise Allah for granting me patience. I praise Allah for the reward I hope for in that calamity and I praise Allah for not placing that calamity in the affairs of my religion. [5]

We ask Allah:

اللَّهُمَّ بِعِلْمِكَ الْغَيْبَ وَقُدْرَتِكَ عَلَى الْخَلْقِ أَحْيِنِي مَا عَلِمْتَ الْحَيَاةَ خَيْراً لِي وَتَوَفَّنِي إِذَا عَلِمْتَ الْوَفَاةَ خَيْراً لِي، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ خَشْيَتَكَ فِي الْغَيْبِ وَالشَّهَادَةِ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ كَلِمَةَ الْحَقِّ فِي الرِّضَا وَالْغَضَبِ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ الْقَصْدَ فِي الْغِنَى وَالْفَقْرِ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ نَعِيماً لَا يَنْفَذُ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ قُرَّةَ عَيْنٍ لَا تَنْقَطِعُ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ الرِّضِا بَعْدَ الْقَضَاءِ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ بَرْدَ الْعَيْشِ بَعْدَ الْمَوْتِ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ لَذَّةَ النَّظَرِ إِلَى وَجْهِكَ وَالشَّوْقَ إِلَى لِقَائِكَ فِي غَيْرِ ضَرَّاءَ مُضِرَّةٍ وَلَا فِتْنَةٍ مُضِلَّةٍ، اللَّهُمَّ زَيِّنَّا بِزِينَةِ الْإِيمَانِ
وَاجْعَلْنَا هُدَاةً مُهْتَدِينَ

O Allah! By Your Knowledge of the unseen and by Your Power over creation, let me live if life is good for me, and let me die if death is good for me; O Allah! I ask You to grant me (the blessing of having) fear of You in private and public, and I ask You (to make me utter) a statement of truth in times of contentment and anger, and I ask You for moderation when in a state of wealth and poverty, and I ask you for blessings that never ceases, and I ask You for the coolness of my eye that never ends, and I ask You (to make me pleased) after (Your) decree; and I ask You for a life of (ease, comfort, tranquillity, etc) after death; I ask You for the delight of looking at Your Face (i.e. in the Hereafter) and yearning to meet You without any harm and misleading trials (coming upon me). O Allah! Adorn us with the adornment of Iman, and make us (from those who are) guided and guiding (others). [6]

اللَّهُمَّ أَصْلِحْ لِي دِينِي الَّذِي هُوَ عِصْمَةُ أَمْرِي

وَأَصْلِحْ لِي دُنْيَايَ الَّتِي فِيهَا مَعَاشِي

وَأَصْلِحْ لِي آخِرَتِي الَّتِي فِيهَا مَعَادِي

وَاجْعَلِ الْحَيَاةَ زِيَادَةً لِي فِي كُلِّ خَيْرٍ

وَاجْعَلِ الْمَوْتَ رَاحَةً لِي مِنْ كُلِّ شَرٍّ

O Allah! Rectify my religion for me, which is the safeguard of my affairs; rectify my worldly [affairs], wherein is my livelihood; and rectify my Afterlife to which is my return; and make life for me [as a means of] increase in every good and make death for me as a rest from every evil. [Saheeh Muslim Number: 2720] [7]

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْهَمِّ وَالْحَزَنِ، وَالْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ، وَالْبُخْلِ وَالْجُبْنِ ، وَضَلَعِ الدَّيْنِ، وَغَلَبَةِ الرِّجَالِ

O Allaah! I seek refuge with You against distress and grief, helplessness and laziness, miserliness and cowardice, being heavily in debt and being overcome by men. [Saheeh Al-Bukhaari. Number 2893] [8]

Footnote a: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2024/09/30/souls-cannot-be-purified-until-they-are-put-to-the-test-by-imam-ibn-al-qayyim-qayyim/

Also read: It may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you

It may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you- [A number of insightful guidelines in this Ayah]

[1] Sahih Al-Jaami As-Sagheer. Number 347

[2] Al-Jami Li-Ahkam Al-Qur’an. Tafsir Surah Al-Baqarah Aayaat 155-157

[3] Shuruh Sunan Ibn Maajah pages 633- 634

[4]An Excerpt from “Aathaar Ash-Shaikh Al-Allamah Abdur Rahman Bin Yahyah Al-Mu’allimee”. 11/311-313

[5] Shu’ab Al-Eemaan 9507

[6] https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2021/01/01/o-allaah-let-me-live-if-life-is-good-for-me-and-let-me-die-if-death-is-good-for-me/

[7] https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2019/03/12/shuraih-al-qaadhiys-thankfulness-when-afflicted-with-a-calamity/

[8] https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2020/03/24/grief-distress-helplessness-laziness-miserliness-cowardice-being-heavily-in-debt-and-being-overcome-by-men-the-prophet-used-to-seek-allaahs-refuge-from-these-eight-affairs/

Reflections from some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali [39 of 80]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam.

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

إذا أديت النصيحة لا تكثر من الكلام، ولا تكثر من القيل والقال؛ لأن هذا الفعل أفسد الأخلاق، ويُفسد النفوس، فالكلام بقدر الحاجة، وبقدر ما تحقق من المصلحة والخير للناس، وبقدر ما تدفع عنهم الشر، والشيء إذا زاد عن حده انقلب إلى ضده

When offering advice, neither speak too much nor too much Al-Qeel Wal Qaal as this action corrupts manners and corrupts the souls. Thus, speech ought to be measured based on what is necessary, what actualises benefit and goodness for the people, and what wards off evil from them. When something surpasses its appropriate boundaries, it alternates to its opposite. [paraphrased]

Sharh Kitaab Al-Fitan Min Sahih Al-Bukhari. p65

Reminded about the origin of one’s love for Iman

Written by Amjad Khan on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّ فِيكُمْ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ لَوْ يُطِيعُكُمْ فِي كَثِيرٍ مِنَ الْأَمْرِ لَعَنِتُّمْ وَلَكِنَّ اللَّهَ حَبَّبَ إِلَيْكُمُ الْأِيمَانَ وَزَيَّنَهُ فِي قُلُوبِكُمْ وَكَرَّهَ إِلَيْكُمُ الْكُفْرَ وَالْفُسُوقَ وَالْعِصْيَانَ أُولَئِكَ هُمُ الرَّاشِدُونَ فَضْلاً مِنَ اللَّهِ وَنِعْمَةً وَاللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ

And know that, among you there is the Messenger of Allah. If he were to obey you (i.e. follow your opinions and desires) in much of the matter, you would surely be in trouble, but Allah has endeared the Faith to you and has beautified it in your hearts, and has made disbelief, wickedness and disobedience (to Allah and His Messenger) hateful to you. These! They are the rightly guided ones, (This is) a Grace from Allah and His Favour. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. [Al-Hujurat. 7-8]

Your love for Iman, desire for it and its beautification in your hearts is not from yourselves; rather it is Allah who placed it in your hearts. He is the one who made it preferable and pleasing to you, thus, do not put yourself before Allah’s Messenger. Neither speak until he speaks nor act until he commands you. The one [Allah] who made you love Iman is the most knowledgeable concerning what is of benefit for His slaves than yourselves. And had it not been the Tawfeeq of Allah upon you, your souls would not have yielded to Iman. Iman would not have been (acquired) through your consultation and bestowed from yourselves, nor would you have given it precedence because your souls are unable, weak and cannot reach it.

An Excerpt from Madarij As-Salikin 1/414-415

Interactions Comparable to Nourishment, Medication, Ailments, and Ingesting Poison

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Basics, Bid'ah (Innovation), Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Featured, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Sin.

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

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

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

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

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

The fourth group is those whose companionship is utterly destructive, and associating with them is akin to consuming poison. Common indeed is this among the people! May Allah not increase their numbers, and they are the advocates of misguidance and innovation in religious matters. They obstruct others from following the path of the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and instead call to that which is in opposition to it. They divert people from the path of Allah and strive to distort it, presenting innovation in religious matters as if they were part of the Sunnah, and misrepresenting virtues as vices and vices as virtues. Whenever you establish pure Islamic monotheism among them, they say, “You have degraded the Awliyaa [friends of Allah]”. [Footnote a] And when you adhere strictly to the path of the Messenger, they say, “You have invalidated the adherence to the path of the Imams”. [Footnote b] Furthermore, when you enjoin what Allah and His Messenger have commanded and forbid what they have forbidden, they say, “You are subjecting people to trials”. [Footnote c] [1]

—————————————-

Footnote a:

Al-Allamah Muqbil Bin Hadi Al-Wadi’i, may Allah have mercy upon him,stated: Allah, Glorified and Exalted be He, said:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And if you say, “Indeed others have joined them (i.e. the Mushrikoon) in this (affair”, so I say, “Whoever joins them in this (affair of shirk) is similar to them”. Read https://www.manhaj.com/manhaj/articles/xyjjc-takfir-and-the-excuse-of-ignorance-shaykh-saalih-al-fawzaan-5—on-those-who-worship-the-righteous.cfm

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

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

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

Footnote b:

https://abukhadeejah.com/taqleed-blind-following-four-imams-salafis/

https://www.salafisounds.com/cling-to-the-sunnah-and-avoid-taqleed-tele-link-with-abu-khadeejah-abdul-wahid/

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

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

[2]An Excerpt from “Ilhaadul Khomeini Fee Ardil Haramayn”. Pages 206-207

Protection

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Basics, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Imam Ibn Rajab, may Allah have mercy upon him, reported that Imam Al-Hasan Al-Basri, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“Whoever adheres to four matters, Allah will protect him from shaytan and safeguard him from the fire of hell: the one who controls himself when desirous of something, when in a state of fear, when inclined towards lowly desires and when angry”.

These four matters mentioned by Al-Hasan are the beginning of every evil. Being desirous of something is the heart’s inclination towards it. The one who has a desire for something may be led to seek after it through every path, but it may be that most of what is connected to this thing is unlawful and maybe the thing itself is unlawful.

Fear: When a person fears something, he looks for every means to repel it; but it maybe most of that is unlawful.

Lowly desires: It is the soul’s inclination towards what gives it enjoyment and may incline towards the unlawful, such as fornication, theft and alcohol consumption; rather may incline towards disbelief, magic, hypocrisy and bidah.

Anger: It is a rush of blood to the heart out of seeking to repel harm when one fears that it will befall him or out of seeking revenge against the one who harmed you. Many unlawful deeds results from this, such as murder, hitting people and various types of oppression and transgression, as well as many unlawful statements, such as slander, insult and lewd speech.

Jaami’ul Uloom Wal-Hikam 193-194]

 

A Fabricated Narration About Our Noble Father, Prophet Adam

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Bid'ah (Innovation), Contemporary Issues, Innovations In Islam (Bidah), Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allah ennobled and favoured Adam, peace be upon him, with great specific qualities mentioned in the Qur’an and the Sunnah. Allah created him with His two Noble Hands, as He said:

قَالَ يَـٰٓإِبۡلِيسُ مَا مَنَعَكَ أَن تَسۡجُدَ لِمَا خَلَقۡتُ بِيَدَىَّ

(Allah) said: “O Iblis (Satan)! What prevents you from prostrating yourself to one whom I have created with Both My Hands”. [Sad. 75]

The angels prostrated to him [Footnote a] after he was created. Allah said:

فَإِذَا سَوَّيۡتُهُ ۥ وَنَفَخۡتُ فِيهِ مِن رُّوحِى فَقَعُواْ لَهُ ۥ سَـٰجِدِينَ
فَسَجَدَ ٱلۡمَلَـٰٓٮِٕكَةُ ڪُلُّهُمۡ أَجۡمَعُونَ
إِلَّآ إِبۡلِيسَ ٱسۡتَكۡبَرَ وَكَانَ مِنَ ٱلۡكَـٰفِرِينَ

So when I have fashioned him and breathed into him (his) soul created by Me, then you fall down prostrate to him.” So the angels prostrated themselves, all of them: Except Iblis (Satan) he was proud and was one of the disbelievers. [Sad. 72-74]

Allah entered him and his wife into paradise, as Allah said:

وَقُلۡنَا يَـٰٓـَٔادَمُ ٱسۡكُنۡ أَنتَ وَزَوۡجُكَ ٱلۡجَنَّةَ وَكُلَا مِنۡهَا رَغَدًا حَيۡثُ شِئۡتُمَا

And We said: “O Adam! Dwell you and your wife in the Paradise and eat both of you freely with pleasure and delight of things therein as wherever you will”. [Al-Baqarah. 35]

These specific qualities have been gathered in the long hadith regarding the intercession reported by Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him. [Al-Bukhari 3340]

The physical traits of Prophet Adam, peace be upon him

He was tall – 60 cubits, very good looking. Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: Allah created Adam, making him 60 cubits tall. When He created him, He said to him, “Go and greet that group of angels, and listen to their reply, for it will be your greeting (salutation) and the greeting (salutations of your offspring”. So, Adam said (to the angels), As-Salamu Alayum (i.e. Peace be upon you). The angels said, “As-Salamu Alayka wa Rahmatullah”(i.e. Peace and Allah’s Mercy be upon you)”. Thus the angels added to Adam’s salutation the expression Wa Rahmatullah. Any person who will enter Paradise will resemble Adam (in appearance and figure). People have been decreasing in stature since Adam’s creation. [Al-Bukhari. 3326]

The Claim That Adam Perform Tawassul [Footnote b] By The Virtue And Status of The Prophet [i.e. that he sought Allah’s forgiveness by virtue and status of Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him

The followers of vain desires and proponents of innovation in religious matters claim that when Adam, peace be upon him, ate from the forbidden tree, he performed Tawassul through the Prophet’s status as means of getting what he desired whilst supplicating, thus Allah accepted his repentance.

They used as proof that Umar Ibn Al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, said: When Adam committed his mistake he said, “O my Lord! I am asking you to forgive me for the sake of Muhammad”. Allah said, “O Adam! And how do you know about Muhammad whom I have not yet created?” Adam replied, “O my Lord! After You created me with Your hand and breathed into me the soul you created, I raised my head and saw written on the heights of the Throne: Laa Ilaaha Illal laah Muhammadun Rasoolul laah, so I knew that You would not place next to Your Name but the most beloved one of Your creation”. Allah said, “O Adam! You have spoken the truth, indeed he is the most beloved of the creation to Me, so indeed I have forgiven you, and were it not for Muhammad I would not have created you”.

Falsity of this above narration from a number of angles:

The narration is a fabrication and a lie. It has not been reported with an established (authentic chain of narration) from the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. In the chain of this hadith, there are narrators who were found guilty of lying and fabricating narrations. Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, “It has no basis and it is from the fabricated reports that are narrated by some of the common people- neither any of the Imams of Islam used it as proof nor depended on it.

Indeed Adam, peace be upon him, received words from his Lord and his Lord forgave him. It is not established that he performed Tawassul by the status and virtue of the Prophet or his honour. Had this been established, the explainers of the Qur’an would not have refrained from reporting it from the pious predecessors while explaining these words which Adam received.

Repentance from the sin was established through acknowledgement of the sin and seeking forgiveness, and this was based on the statement:

قَالَا رَبَّنَا ظَلَمۡنَآ أَنفُسَنَا وَإِن لَّمۡ تَغۡفِرۡ لَنَا وَتَرۡحَمۡنَا لَنَكُونَنَّ مِنَ ٱلۡخَـٰسِرِينَ

They said: “Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves. If You forgive us not, and bestow not upon us Your Mercy, we shall certainly be of the losers.” [Surah Al-A’raaf. Aayah 23]. If forgiveness is received due to repentance, the goal has been achieved and there is no need for anything other than it.

If Adam did say this [i.e. made Tawassul by way of the Prophet’s virtue and status] and fulfilled repentance through it, the Ummah of Muhammad would be more worthy of it than him and the Prophet would have commanded them to supplication with this supplication and legislate it for them; however he did not command them to do so, nor legislated it, nor has this been transmitted from any of the companions, nor from any of the righteous scholars. Thus, this shows the falsity of this affair.

It is known by necessity that other people besides Adam, such as the disbelievers and the wicked sinners, do not do so in the (name, honour, status etc) of anyone when they repent to Allah, therefore how can Adam be in need of this in his repentance that which is not needed by anyone amongst the sinners, neither a Muslim nor a disbeliever! [An Excerpt from Mawsu’ah Al-Aqeedah 1st edition 1439H 2018. 1/9- 12]

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Footnote a: Imam Abdul Aziz Ibn Baz, may Allah have mercy upon him, said about the Sujud that used to perform out of respect in the time of some of the Prophets before Muhammad:

At that time, the act of Sujud was permissible as a form of respect and greeting, rather than as an act of worship. Just as the angels prostrated to Adam out of honor and reverence, this prostration is not intended for worship but rather for greeting and respect. It was allowed in the religious practices of previous nations, however, in the Shariah brought by Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, such an act is prohibited. It is reported that he stated, “If I were to command anyone to prostrate to another, I would command a woman to prostrate to her husband due to the significant rights he holds over her.”

https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/18299/%D9%85%D8%A7-%D8%AA%D9%82%D9%8A%D9%8A%D9%85-%D9%83%D8%AA%D8%A7%D8%A8-%D8%A8%D8%AF%D8%A7%D9%89%D8%B9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B2%D9%87%D9%88%D8%B1-%D9%88%D8%AD%D9%83%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B3%D8%AC%D9%88%D8%AF-%D9%84%D8%BA%D9%8A%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%84%D9%87-%D9%84%D9%84%D8%AA%D8%AD%D9%8A%D8%A9

Footnote b:

Reflections from some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali [38 of 80]

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

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

Indeed diverting from the methodology of the prophets in Dawah is (tantamount) to deviation towards misguidance and destruction. This is because Allah, The Blessed and Most High, laid down and ordained this methodology for all the Prophets.

If the people have Shi’aaraat (i.e. distinguishing principles, doctrines, calls, slogans), we do not have except the Shi’aar (distinguishing principle, doctrine, call) of the Prophets.

If the people have methodologies, we do not have except the methodology of the Prophets, peace and blessings of Allah be upon them.

The Qur’an is the greatest testimony and Allah has often repeated these testimonies and reiterated them in many of the verses.

وَلَقَدْ بَعَثْنَا فِى كُلِّ أُمَّةٍ رَّسُولًا أَنِ ٱعْبُدُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَٱجْتَنِبُوا۟ ٱلطَّٰغُوتَ

And verily, We have sent among every Ummah (community, nation) a Messenger (saying): “Worship Allah (Alone), and avoid (or keep away from) Taghut (all false deities, etc. i.e. do not worship Taghut besides Allah).” [An-Nahl: 36]

Every Messenger said this to his nation and appeared to his people with this call – the call to Tawheed–and to turn away from Taghut.

Al-Mulakh-khasul Jameel Fee Bayaani Manhaji Ash-Shaikh Rabee Fid-Da’wati Wal-Jarhi Wat-Tadeel. 1/67

Companionship

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Basics, Brotherhood, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, said: The Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “A man is upon the religion of his bosom friend, so let one of you look to who he befriends”.

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

This hadith contains a Prophetic wisdom and a tremendous advice to the Muslims – that they accompany the best people and be distant from the evil people, for indeed the one who accompanies the best people will be [benefited] through good statements and deeds that are pleasing to Allah [The Blessed and Exalted], and one’s status raised in the sight of Allah. On the contrary, the one who accompanies evil people and his soul inclines towards them, he’ll earn abundant evil and turn away from good, and thus he’ll be a loser in this world, in the grave and in the afterlife.

Indeed, the Prophet gave an example regarding a good companion and an evil companion, saying: “The example of a good companion and a bad companion is like that of the seller of musk and the one who blows the blacksmith’s bellows. So, as for the seller of musk, then either he will grant you some, or you buy some from him, or at least you find a pleasant smell from him. As for the one who blows the blacksmith’s bellows, then either he will burn your clothes or you will get an offensive smell from him”.

This hadith contains proof that a person is upon the religion of his close friend – the one he loves, upon the path of the one he loves, the one he sits with and speaks to. Therefore, choose the most virtuous and the best of friends – the one who reminds you [i.e. about Allah, your obligations etc] when you forget and encourage you.

An Excerpt from At-ta’leeqaat Al-Maleehah Alaa Silsilah Al-Ahaadeeth As-Saheehah. 1/17