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[20] The Character Trait Most Hated By The Messenger

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

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

Aa’ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, narrated:

“There was no trait more hated to Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, than lying. A man would speak based on lies in the presence of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and he would not be content until he knew that he had repented.” [Sahih Tirmidhi 1973]

Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated:

The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Whoever does not give up false statements (i.e. telling lies), and evil deeds, and speaking bad words to others, Allah is not in need of his (fasting) leaving his food and drink.” [al-Bukhari 6057]

Reoccurring Trials and Forgotten Lessons – Verse 126 (Surah at-Tawbah)

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Articles, Fitnah, History of Islam, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Repentance, Scholars of Islam, Sin.

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

Allah, The Most High, said: 

أَوَلَا يَرَوۡنَ أَنَّهُمۡ يُفۡتَنُونَ فِى ڪُلِّ عَامٍ۬ مَّرَّةً أَوۡ مَرَّتَيۡنِ ثُمَّ لَا يَتُوبُونَ وَلَا هُمۡ يَذَّڪَّرُونَ

 See they not that they are tried once or twice every year? Yet, they turn not in repentance, nor do they learn a lesson (from it)]. [9:126]

Meaning: Through calamities, diseases and the divine laws; but they neither turn in repentance nor (abandon) the evil they are upon, nor do they learn a lesson regarding what will benefit, so that they may act upon it; nor regarding what is harmful to them, so that they may abandon it. Allah, The Most High, put them to the test- and this is Allah’s way with all the nations- through poverty, poor health, calamities, and through commands and prohibitions, so that they might turn to Allah, but they neither repent nor learn a lesson.

In this verse is proof that Iman increases and decreases, and that it is obligated to a believer to examine his Iman- pay close attention to it, improve and (act upon the legislated Shariah means to) increase it, so that it rises constantly. 

A slightly paraphrased excerpt from “Tayseer Al-kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer kalaam Al-Mannaan by Imam As-Sadi, may Allah have mercy upon him.

 

 

A Supplication for Well-Being and Comprehensive Protection, Morning and Evening

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Articles, Basics, Featured, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Repentance, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ العافِيَـةَ فـي الدُّنيا والآخِرَةِ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ العَفْوَ والعافِيَـةَ فـي دِيني ودُنْـيايَ وأَهْلِي ومالِي، اللَّهُمَّ اسْتُـرْ عَوْراتِي، وآمِنْ رَوْعاتِي،
اللَّهُمَّ احْفَظْنِـي مِنْ بَـيْنِ يَدَيَّ، ومِنْ خَلْفِي، وعَنْ يَمِيـنِـي، وعَنْ شِمالِي، ومِنْ فَوْقِي، وأَعُوذُ بِعَظَمَـتِكَ أَنْ أُغْتالَ مِنْ تَحْتِـي

O Allah! I ask You for well-being in this Dunya and the Aakhirah. O Allāh, I ask You for pardon and well-being in my religion, my worldly affairs, my family and my wealth. O Allaah! Conceal my [faults, shortcomings etc] and safeguard me against everything that will bring me fear and sorrow. O Allah! Protect me from in front, from behind me, from my right and my left, and from above. And I seek refuge with Your Magnificence from being swallowed up from beneath me.

This great supplication begins with one asking Allaah for [العافِيَـةَ -wellbeing] in the Dunya and Aakhira. Nothing can be equal to wellbeing, for whoever is granted well-being then indeed he has received his complete share of good. Seeking [العَفْوَ -pardon] necessitates that one is forgiven his sins and they are wiped away.

As for [العافِيَـةَ – Well-being], it is safety Allah bestows on a servant of His- protects him against every punishment and trial, by averting evil from him, protecting him against calamities and ailments [sicknesses], evil affairs and sins. So, the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, asked for wellbeing in the Dunyaa and Aakhirah, as well as wellbeing in his religion, worldly affairs, his family and wealth.

Well-being in one’s religion is protection against everything that will bring dishonour (or disgrace) to one’s religion or deprive him of it.

Well-being in the Dunyaa is to seek protection against everything that will harm the person in his worldly affairs, such as calamities or trials, severe poverty and ailments.

Well-being in the Aakhirah is to seek protection against the extreme hardships in the Aakhirah and its various punishments. Well-being in one’s family is that they are protected from trials, calamities and tests; wellbeing in one’s wealth is that it is protected from drowning, burning, theft etc…

[اللَّهُمَّ اسْتُـرْ عَوْراتِي – O Allah! Conceal my faults, shortcomings etc]

[ وآمِنْ رَوْعاتِي – safeguard me against every affair that will frighten me and bring sorrow upon me].

اللَّهُمَّ احْفَظْنِـي مِنْ بَـيْنِ يَدَيَّ، ومِنْ خَلْفِي، وعَنْ يَمِيـنِـي، وعَنْ شِمالِي، ومِنْ فَوْقِي، وأَعُوذُ بِعَظَمَـتِكَ أَنْ أُغْتالَ مِنْ تَحْتِـي

O Allah! Protect me from in front, from behind me, from my right and my left, and from above. And I seek refuge with Your Magnificence from being swallowed up from beneath me] – Meaning: Asking Allaah to protect you against destructive things and evils which a person is exposed to from the six directions, for indeed evil can approach from the front, behind, the right, the left, above or below, and he does not know which direction calamity will suddenly come upon him.

An Excerpt from Fiqh Al-Ad’iyah Wal Af’kar 3/32-33- By Shaikh Abdur Razzaq Al-Badr, may Allah preserve him.

Five Comprehensive Supplications of Guidance and Rectification

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Articles, Basics, Featured, Fitnah, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Repentance, Sahaabah, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors), Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah', Zuhd (Abstinence).

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

Five Comprehensive Supplications of Guidance and Rectification_PDF

Supplication 1 – After Tashahud and Before Tasleem 

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). [1]

 

اللَّهُمَّ بِعِلْمِكَ الْغَيْبَ وَقُدْرَتِكَ عَلَى الْخَلْقِ أَحْيِنِي مَا عَلِمْتَ الْحَيَاةَ خَيْراً لِي وَتَوَفَّنِي إِذَا عَلِمْتَ الْوَفَاةَ خَيْراً لِي

 “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”.

This requires surrendering and submitting all of one’s affairs to the Lord, asking Allah for the best outcome in every situation, and seeking that through His All-Encompassing knowledge because Allah has complete knowledge of both hidden and visible matters, and He has absolute power over everything. No one can change His judgment or prevent His decree. It is well known that a servant of Allah cannot predict the outcome of their affairs or their final destination. They are also unable to achieve good or avoid harm except with the help and ease granted by Allah. Therefore, a servant of Allah is always in need of Allah, regardless of where he may be. This is why one says in this supplication:

 

أَحْيِنِي مَا عَلِمْتَ الْحَيَاةَ خَيْراً لِي وَتَوَفَّنِي إِذَا عَلِمْتَ الْوَفَاةَ خَيْراً لِي

Let me live if life is good for me, and let me die if You know that death is good for me.

This is why the Sunnah forbids wishing for death when faced with hardships, as one does not fully understand the repercussions. The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “Let none of you wish for death. If he is righteous, he might increase his good deeds. If he is sinful, he might repent”. [Al-Bukhari]

 

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ خَشْيَتَكَ فِي الْغَيْبِ وَالشَّهَادَةِ

O Allah! I ask You to grant me (the blessing of having) fear of You in private and public.

Meaning: To fear You in private and public- when I am with the people and when they are absent because while some fear Allah in public and when seen, the true measure of devotion lies in fearing Allah when not seen by the people. Allah praised those who fear Him in the unseen, saying:

 الَّذِينَ يَخْشَوْنَ رَبَّهُمْ بِالْغَيْبِ وَهُمْ مِنْ السَّاعَةِ مُشْفِقُونَ

Those who fear their Lord without seeing Him, while they are afraid of the Hour. [Al-Anbiya. 49]

Allah, The Most High, said: 

 مَنْ خَشِيَ الرَّحْمَنَ بِالْغَيْبِ وَجَاءَ بِقَلْبٍ مُنِيبٍ

 Who feared the Most Beneficent (Allah) in the Ghaib (unseen): (i.e. in this worldly life before seeing and meeting Him), and brought a heart turned in repentance (to Him – and absolutely free from each and every kind of polytheism). [Qaf. 33]

 

وَأَسْأَلُكَ كَلِمَةَ الْحَقِّ فِي الرِّضَا وَالْغَضَبِ

And I ask you (to make me utter) a statement of truth in times of contentment and anger

Meaning: Empower me to speak the truth during moments of contentment and anger. Speaking the truth during moments of anger is a virtuous and powerful act, as anger often leads a person to utter the opposite of truth and other than justice. Indeed, Allah commends those of His servants who forgive when angered and their anger never drives them towards transgression and aggression. 

Allah, The Most High, said:

  وَإِذَا مَا غَضِبُوا هُمْ يَغْفِرُونَ 

And when they are angry, they forgive. [Ash-Shuraa. 37]

If someone speaks only the truth when they’re angry, it shows that they have a strong faith and are in control of their soul (by the permission of Allah). In a hadith, the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: 

“The strong one (i.e. the one who is more worthy to be described as a strong person) is not the one who (overcomes the people in) wrestling, rather the strong person is the one who restrains himself when angry”.

 

وَأَسْأَلُكَ الْقَصْدَ فِي الْغِنَى وَالْفَقْرِ

 And I ask You for moderation when in a state of wealth and poverty.

 Meaning: Being moderate whether I’m poor or wealthy, following the balanced path set by the Shariah; neither stingy when I’m poor and fear running out of what I have; nor being extravagant and burdening myself with things I can’t handle, as Allah, The Most High, said:

  وَلاَ تَجْعَلْ يَدَكَ مَغْلُولَةً إِلَى عُنُقِكَ وَلاَ تَبْسُطْهَا كُلَّ الْبَسْطِ فَتَقْعُدَ مَلُومًا مَحْسُورًا

 And let not your hand be tied (like a miser) to your neck, nor stretch it forth to its utmost reach (like a spendthrift), so that you become blameworthy and in severe poverty. [Al-Israa. 29]

 And that if one is wealthy, his wealth does not lead him to extravagance, thus, he exceeds the limits. Allah, The Most High, said:

 وَالَّذِينَ إِذَا أَنفَقُوا لَمْ يُسْرِفُوا وَلَمْ يَقْتُرُوا وَكَانَ بَيْنَ ذَلِكَ قَوَامًا

And those, who, when they spend, are neither extravagant nor niggardly, but hold a medium (way) between those (extremes). [Al-Furqan. 67]

 

وَأَسْأَلُكَ نَعِيماً لَا يَنْفَذُ

And I ask you for blessings that never cease.

Meaning: The blessing that never ceases is the blessing of the Hereafter, as Allah, The Most High, said:

 

مَا عِنْدَكُمْ يَنفَدُ وَمَا عِنْدَ اللَّهِ بَاقٍ

 Whatever is with you, will be exhausted, and whatever with Allah will remain. [An-Nahl. 96]

 Allah said:

  إِنَّ هَذَا لَرِزْقُنَا مَا لَهُ مِنْ نَفَادٍ

 (It will be said to them)! Verily, this is Our Provision which will never finish. [Sad. 54]

 

وَأَسْأَلُكَ قُرَّةَ عَيْنٍ لَا تَنْقَطِعُ

 And I ask You for the coolness of my eye that will never end. 

Meaning: Some blessings come to an end, while others do not. The coolness of one’s eyes in worldly things is only temporary and will eventually fade away. Moreover, this is tainted with fear and anxiety due to the hardships and pain we experience. As a result, believers do not find greater pleasure in anything of this world except in their love for Allah, their remembrance of Him, and their obedience to Him, as the Messenger said, “The coolness [pleasure or delight] of my eyes is in prayer”. Therefore, whoever finds the pleasure of his eyes in this (i.e. their love for Allah and obedience to Him), they have something that will never cease to exist in this world, in the grave, and the Hereafter.

 

وَأَسْأَلُكَ الرِّضِا بَعْدَ الْقَضَاءِ 

And I ask You (to make me pleased) after (Your) decree.

 Meaning: Asking Allah to grant you contentment after His decree has been fulfilled, as it would genuinely demonstrate your satisfaction with Allah’s decree.

 

وَأَسْأَلُكَ بَرْدَ الْعَيْشِ بَعْدَ الْمَوْتِ

And I ask You for a life of (ease, comfort, tranquillity etc) after death.

Meaning: This demonstrates that the true essence of a perfect life, filled with goodness and comfort, can only be experienced after death. Life before death is marred by pain and suffering. If the only pain we had to endure in this life was death itself, that would have been enough. But the reality is that life is filled with countless pains, sorrows, illnesses, the frailty of old age, and the heartache of being separated from loved ones.

 

وَأَسْأَلُكَ لَذَّةَ النَّظَرِ إِلَى وَجْهِكَ وَالشَّوْقَ إِلَى لِقَائِكَ فِي غَيْرِ ضَرَّاءَ مُضِرَّةٍ وَلَا فِتْنَةٍ مُضِلَّةٍ

And 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). 

This part of the supplication brings together the best aspects of both this life and the Hereafter – the desire to meet Allah and see His Noble face in the Hereafter [May He be free from any imperfections, equals, similarities, or partners]. And since the fulfilment of this desire depends on being protected from harm in this life and being tested in one’s religious affairs, one expresses the following sentiment: 

فِي غَيْرِ ضَرَّاءَ مُضِرَّةٍ وَلَا فِتْنَةٍ مُضِلَّةٍ 

without any harm and misleading trials (coming upon me).

The meeting between the believer and his lord on the day of judgment has been mentioned in many texts in the Qur’an and Sunnah. Only those who have deviated from the right path would deny it. It is the ultimate happiness for the people of Jannah and brings them the greatest joy. The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said: When the people of Paradise would enter Paradise, Allah, The Blessed and Most High, would ask: 

“Do you want me to give you anything more?” They would say, “Have You not brightened our faces? Have You not made us enter Paradise and saved us from Fire?” He would lift the veil, and of things given to them, nothing would be dearer to them than looking at their Lord”. [Sahih Muslim 181]

 

اللَّهُمَّ زَيِّنَّا بِزِينَةِ الْإِيمَانِ وِاجْعَلْنَا هُدَاةً مُهْتَدِينَ

 O Allah! Adorn us with the adornment of Iman and make us (from those who are) guided and guiding (others).

Meaning: Beautification with Imaan involves adornment of the heart with authentic creed and noble deeds of the heart. It also entails adorning the tongue with remembrance of Allah and recitation of the Qur’an, as well as enjoining good and forbidding evil; adorning the limbs with righteous deeds that bring one closer to Allah.

 

 وَاجْعَلْنَا هُدَاةً مُهْتَدِينَ

And make us (from those who are) guided and guiding (others).

Meaning: To be guided and guide others. This is the greatest status when one is acquainted with the truth, lives by it, and teaches others. We pray to Allah to lead us towards this path and allow us to be among those who are guided and guiding others. [2] 

 

 Supplication 2 – A General Supplication

 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. [Sahih Muslim 2720]

 This is also one of the comprehensive supplications of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him. Indeed, it gathers things which a person asks for the rectification of their religious affairs, worldly affairs and affairs related to the Afterlife. It begins with one’s religious affairs because when one’s religion is rectified, the other affairs will also be rectified.

 

اللَّهُمَّ أَصْلِحْ لِي دِينِي الَّذِي هُوَ عِصْمَةُ أَمْرِي

 O Allah! Rectify my religion for me, which is the safeguard of my affairs.

 

اللَّهُمَّ أَصْلِحْ لِي دِينِي 

O Allah! Rectify my religion for me. 

Meaning:  Asking Allaah for the rectification of one’s religion- to be blessed with the ability and guidance to fulfil its obligations, etiquettes and requirements in a perfect and complete manner; blessed with the guidance and ability to adhere to the Qur’aan and the authentic Sunnah based on the path of the Salafus Saaleh – the Sahaabah, the Taabi’een and the righteous Imaams- in affairs related to sound creed, worship, Dawah [i.e. the sound method of calling to the path of Allaah] and good social behaviour in general.

[الَّذِي هُوَ عِصْمَةُ أَمْرِي– which is the safeguard of my affairs]

Meaning: The affair through which all my affairs will be protected, just as Allah stated: [وَٱعۡتَصِمُواْ بِحَبۡلِ ٱللَّهِ جَمِيعً۬ا وَلَا تَفَرَّقُواْ‌ۚ – And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allah (i.e. this Qur’an), and be not divided among yourselves]. [Aal Imran. 103]

This demonstrates the fact that adherence to the religion based on the sound methodology is a means to safety for the person against the misleading trials, deviation in creed and deeds. And not adhering to the religion is the reason behind ruining one’s affairs, as Allah said:

وَلَا تُطِعۡ مَنۡ أَغۡفَلۡنَا قَلۡبَهُ ۥ عَن ذِكۡرِنَا وَٱتَّبَعَ هَوَٮٰهُ وَكَانَ أَمۡرُهُ ۥ فُرُطً۬ا 

And obey not him whose heart We have made heedless of Our Remembrance, one who follows his own lusts and whose affair (deeds) has been lost. [Al-Kahf. 28] 

 

 وَأَصْلِحْ لِي دُنْيَايَ الَّتِي فِيهَا مَعَاشِي

 And rectify my worldly (affairs), wherein is my livelihood.

 

[وَأَصْلِحْ لِي دُنْيَايَ – And rectify my worldly (affairs)]. 

Meaning: Asking Allaah to rectify one’s worldly affairs- to be granted sufficiency in what one needs and through permissible means, as well as making it a means that aids one to obey Allah. 

 

[الَّتِي فِيهَا مَعَاشِي– wherein is my livelihood].

Meaning: In my livelihood and my life. This shows that people have a specified livelihood and a determined provision, and they will receive all of it before they die.

 

وَأَصْلِحْ لِي آخِرَتِي الَّتِي فِيهَا مَعَادِي

And rectify my Afterlife to which is my return.

[وَأَصْلِحْ لِي آخِرَتِي – And rectify my Afterlife]- Meaning: Asking Allah to make one’s affairs upright in the afterlife – to receive Allah’s Kindness, guidance and ability to obey Him; granted a righteous departure from this life and success through eternal bliss in paradise. 

[الَّتِي فِيهَا مَعَادِي – to which is my return] – Meaning: My place of return and my return to Allah.

Allāh said:

لِيَجۡزِىَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَسَـٰٓـُٔواْ بِمَا عَمِلُواْ وَيَجۡزِىَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَحۡسَنُواْ بِٱلۡحُسۡنَى 

So that He (Allah) may requite those who do evil with that which they have done (i.e. punish them in Hell), and reward those who do good, with what is best (i.e. Paradise). [An-Najm. 31]

 

وَاجْعَلِ الْحَيَاةَ زِيَادَةً لِي فِي كُلِّ خَيْرٍ

And make life for me (as a means of) increase in every good.

 

[وَاجْعَلِ الْحَيَاةَ زِيَادَةً لِي فِي كُلِّ خَيْرٍ– And make life for me (as a means of) increase in every good]. 

Meaning: Make the duration of lifespan an opportunity and a means of attaining good in speech and deeds. This shows that the duration of a person’s lifespan is a motive for increasing in righteous and good deeds.

 

 وَاجْعَلِ الْمَوْتَ رَاحَةً لِي مِنْ كُلِّ شَرٍّ

 And make death for me as a rest from every evil.

Meaning: Make death and my departure from this worldly life a means of rest; and not trials, tests and calamities through sinning and heedlessness.

This shows that the believer is upon complete ease and submission in desiring to meet his Lord, [desiring] to receive Allaah’s great reward and external bliss. We ask Allah for His Bounty. [3]

 

 Supplication 3- General Supplication

Mu’adh bin Jabal, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated: One morning, Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was prevented from coming to us for morning prayer until we were just about to look for the eye of the sun (meaning sunrise). Then he came out quickly and the Iqama was called for him to (lead) the prayer. Allah’s Messenger performed the prayer, and he performed his prayer in a relatively quick manner. When he said the Salam, he called aloud with his voice saying to us: ‘Stay in your rows as you are.’ Then he turned coming near to us, then he said: ‘I am going to narrate to you what kept me from you this morning: I got up during the night, I performed Wudu and prayed as much as I was able to, and I dozed off during my prayer, and fell deep asleep. Then I saw my Lord, Blessed and Most High, in the best of appearances. He said: ‘O Muhammad!’ I said: ‘My Lord here I am my Lord!’ He said: ‘What is it that the most exalted group busy themselves with?’ I said: ‘I do not know Lord.’ And He said it three times.” He said: “So I saw Him place His Palm between my shoulders, and I sensed the coolness of His Fingertips between my breast. Then everything was disclosed to me, and I became aware. So He said: ‘O Muhammad!’ I said: ‘Here I am my Lord!’ He said: ‘What is it that the most exalted group busy themselves with?’ I said: ‘In the acts that atone.’ He said: ‘And what are they?’ I said: ‘The footsteps to the congregation, the gatherings in the Masajid after the prayer, the correct performance of ablution during difficulties.’ He said: ‘Then what else?’ I said: ‘Feeding others, being lenient in speech, and prayer during the night while the people are sleeping.’ He said: ‘Ask.’ I said:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ فِعْلَ الْخَيْرَاتِ وَتَرْكَ الْمُنْكَرَاتِ وَحُبَّ الْمَسَاكِينِ وَأَنْ تَغْفِرَ لِي وَتَرْحَمَنِي وَإِذَا أَرَدْتَ فِتْنَةَ قَوْمٍ فَتَوَفَّنِي غَيْرَ مَفْتُونٍ أَسْأَلُكَ حُبَّكَ وَحُبَّ مَنْ يُحِبُّكَ وَحُبَّ عَمَلٍ يُقَرِّبُ إِلَى حُبِّكَ

O Allah! I ask of you the doing of the good deeds, avoiding the evil deeds, loving the Masakin, and that You forgive me, and have mercy upon me. And when You have willed trial among the people, then cause me to die without being put to trial. And I ask You for Your love, the love of whomever You love, and the love of the deeds that bring one nearer to Your love.'” Allah’s Messenger said: “Indeed it is true, so study it and learn it.” [Sahih at-Tirmidhi 3235]

 

“O Allah! I ask of you the doing of the good deeds, avoiding the evil deeds”.

There is no need for further explanation regarding the performance of good deeds, other than the fact that they are actions that please Allah, and the doer is praised for them, receiving great rewards. Similarly, the reward for abstaining from wrongdoing is also significant, provided that the intention behind refraining is to seek Allah’s pleasure.

“And loving the Masakin”.

 The word Miskin in this sentence “The term refers to the humble individual, neither arrogant nor haughty, someone who is gentle, approachable, and easy to deal with; neither boastful nor evil. [4] 

 “And when You have willed trial among the people, then cause me to die without being put to trial”.

The essence of the supplication is to ensure the person’s safety from worldly trials throughout their life. If Allah decrees a trial for His servants, He may take them before it occurs. This is one of the most significant supplications, as a believer who lives free from trials and is taken by Allah before they arise is saved from all evil. The Prophet instructed his companions to seek refuge in Allah from both apparent and hidden trials. In another narration, he advised them to avoid both manifest and concealed immoralities and trials. Thus, praying for death out of fear of religious trials is permissible, as it has been done by the companions and righteous individuals after them. 

“And I ask You for Your love, the love of whomever You love, and the love of the deeds that bring one nearer to Your love”.

This supplication encompasses all that is good. The chosen actions of Allah’s servants arise from love and intention. If the love of Allah is firmly established in a person’s heart, it will lead to actions of the limbs that align with what Allah loves and approves. Thus, one will cherish all actions and words that Allah loves, resulting in the performance of all good deeds and the avoidance of all wrongdoings, as well as loving those whom Allah loves among His creation. [5] 

 

Supplication 4- During The Night Prayer, After The Takbir And Before Recitation 

 اللّهُـمَّ رَبَّ جِـبْرائيل ، وَميكـائيل ، وَإِسْـرافيل، فاطِـرَ السَّمواتِ وَالأَرْض ، عالـِمَ الغَيْـبِ وَالشَّهـادَةِ أَنْـتَ تَحْـكمُ بَيْـنَ عِبـادِكَ فيـما كانوا فيهِ يَخْتَلِفـون. اهدِنـي لِمـا اخْتُـلِفَ فيـهِ مِنَ الْحَـقِّ بِإِذْنِك ، إِنَّـكَ تَهْـدي مَنْ تَشـاءُ إِلى صِراطٍ مُسْتَقـيم

O Allah! Lord of Jibraa’eel, Meekaa’eel, and Israafeel, Creator of the heavens and the Earth, The Knower of the seen and the unseen. You judge between Your slaves regarding which they differ. Guide me to the truth regarding that in which there is differing, by Your Will. Verily, You guide whomever you will to the straight path. [Sahih Muslim 770]

The scholars say that these creations [i.e. Jibraa’eel, Meekaa’eel, Israafeel, the heavens, and the earth] have been specifically mentioned, even though Allah is the Creator of all the creation, just as has been established in the Qur’an and authentic Sunnah with regards to the specific mention of every created thing that has a great and mighty status as one of Allah’s creation, such as the statement, “Lord of the Heavens and the Earth”, “Lord of the Supreme Throne”, “Lord of the Angels and Jibreel”, “The Lord of the two Easts (places of sunrise during early summer and early winter) and the Lord of the two Wests (places of sunset during early summer and early winter)”, “The Lord of Humankind”, “The King of Humankind”, “The Only True God of Humankind”, “The Lord of all Created Things”, “The Lord of the Prophets”, “The Creator of the Heavens and the Earth”, “The Originator of the Heavens and the Earth” etc.  All these things and what is similar to them show Allah’s Greatness, All-encompassing Power, and absolute Sovereignty. [6] 

In this supplication, one employs the means of seeking Allah’s (love, aid, pleasure, assistance, etc) through belief and affirmation that He is the Lord – in general and specific – of these three Angels, who have been given a means of giving life. Jibra’eel is given the responsibility to convey the revelation (to the Prophets) by way of which the hearts and souls are given that type of life that necessitates the presence of sound belief in the heart that leads to all righteous deeds. Meekaa’eel is given the responsibility to bring the rain by way of which the earth, the vegetation, and animals are given life, and Israafeel is given the responsibility to blow the trumpet by way of which the creation is resurrected after their death. 

Also employing the means of seeking Allah’s (love, aid, assistance, pleasure, etc) through belief and affirmation that Allah alone is the Originator of the heavens and earth, meaning, He is their Creator and the one who brought them into existence prior to their non-existence, and that He is the knower of the unseen and the seen- meaning, the hidden and apparent, and because He alone is the One Who judges between the servants in that which they differ, so that He guides you to the truth in that which they differ. As for guidance, it is knowledge of the truth together with having the intent to follow the truth and preferring it over other things. The guided person acts upon the truth and desires it, and it is the Greatest blessing of Allah bestowed on the servants. We ask Allah to guide us all to the straight path and grant us every good. [7]

 

Supplication Number 5

Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated: I said to Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, “O Allah’s Messenger! Teach me a supplication to say in my prayers”, he said, say:

 اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي ظَلَمْتُ نَفْسِي ظُلْمًا كَثِيرًا وَلَا يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ فَاغْفِرْ لِي مَغْفِرَةً مِنْ عِنْدِكَ وَارْحَمْنِي إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحِيمُ

 O Allah! I have wronged myself with many wrongs and none forgives except You, so forgive me and have mercy upon me. Verily, you alone are the Forgiving, the Merciful.

 Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: Supplication is three types: 

The first type is to invoke Allah by His Names and Attributes, and this is one of the explanations of Allah’s statement:

   وَلِلَّهِ ٱلۡأَسۡمَآءُ ٱلۡحُسۡنَىٰ فَٱدۡعُوهُ بِہَا

 And (all) the Most Beautiful [perfect] Names belong to Allah, so supplicate to Him by them. [Al-A’raaf. 180]

The second type is that you invoke Allah for your need and due to your poverty, saying: “I am Your poor slave, the needy one, the one to be pitied, the one seeking help and refuge” etc.

The third type is that you ask for your needs while not using the aforementioned two types of invocations. The first invocation is more perfect and the second is more perfect than the third. Therefore, if an invocation gathers all three types, then it will be most perfect and this is what the invocations of the Prophet usually consisted of. 

And in this invocation which Siddeeq Al-Ummah [i.e. AbuBakr] was taught, the three types of invocations are mentioned. In the beginning of the supplication:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي ظَلَمْتُ نَفْسِي ظُلْمًا كَثِيرًا 

O Allah! I have wronged myself with many wrongs.

 This clarifies the situation of the one asking. 

 Then one says: 

وَلَا يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ 

And none forgives except You.

This is about the affair of the one being asked.

 

Then one says: 

فَاغْفِرْ لِي 

So forgive me.

Here one mentions his need, and then ends the innovation with two Names from Allah’s Names that necessitates and fitting what is being requested. [8]

Ibn Battal, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: In this supplication is the fact that it is obligated to a servant of Allah to be mindful of his Lord in all circumstances, even if he is one of those who strives the most in worship, because despite the position of Abu Bakr in the religion, he was not exempted from having the need for seeking the forgiveness of his Lord. [9]

Ibn Daqeeq Al-Eid, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:  This hadith passes judgement with regards to making this supplication in Salah without specifying where it should be performed. However, perhaps the best place where it is most worthy are two- either in Sujud or after Tashahud, because they are the two places we have been commanded to make du’aa.  The Prophet,  peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “And while in prostration, then make effort in supplication”. [Muslim 479] And regarding Tashahud [i.e. after Tashahud and before Tasleem], he said: “Then select the invocation you like best and supplicate with it”. [Al-Bukhari 835] Perhaps the best place would be after Tashahud due to the importance given to the affair. [10]

Ibn Mulqin, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “This hadith establishes proof regarding the fact that it is legislated to seek knowledge from the scholars, especially in relation to the supplications of the prayer”. [11] 

[1] As-Sahihah Number 1301

[2] An “Excerpt from “Fiqh Al-Adiyah Wal Adkaar. 3/165-169 – By Shaikh Abdur Razzaq Al-Badr, may Allah preserve him

[3] An Excerpt from Fiqhul Ad’iyah Wal Ad’kaar. 4/493-494

[4] An Excerpt from “Al-Istidhkar. 8/ 171” by Al-Allamah Ibn Abdul Barr, may Allah have mercy upon him.

[5] An Excerpt from “Ikhtiyar Al-Awwal” 118-125 by Imam Ibn Rajab, may Allah have mercy upon him.

[6] Sharh Saheeh Muslim 5/50

[7] An Excerpt from Fiqh Al-Ad’iyah Wal Ad’kaar 3/139-140

[8] Jalaa Al-Ifhaam. 201

[9] Sharh Sahih Al-Bukhari. By Ibn Battaal 10/93

[10] Ihkam Al-Ahkaam. 1/314-315

[11] Al- I’lam Sharh Umdah Al-Ahkam 3/511

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Roots of All Evil and Three Foundations of All Good

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Articles, Basics, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Featured, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Repentance, Scholars of Islam, Shirk, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah', Zuhd (Abstinence).

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

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

The basis of all sins – major and minor – are three: the heart’s attachment to other than Allaah, going along with the intense strength of one’s anger and the intense urge of one’s desires. These three affairs constitute shirk, injustice and indecency. Shirk and invoking other than Allaah is the ultimate affair related to the heart’s attachment to other than Allaah, murder is the ultimate affair related to going along with one’s intense anger and fornication is the ultimate affair related to going along with the intense urge of one’s desires. And because of this, Allah mentioned the three together in the verse:

وَٱلَّذِينَ لَا يَدۡعُونَ مَعَ ٱللَّهِ إِلَـٰهًا ءَاخَرَ وَلَا يَقۡتُلُونَ ٱلنَّفۡسَ ٱلَّتِى حَرَّمَ ٱللَّهُ إِلَّا بِٱلۡحَقِّ وَلَا يَزۡنُونَ

And those who invoke not any other ilah (god) along with Allah, nor kill such life as Allah has forbidden, except for just cause, nor commit illegal sexual intercourse. [Al-Furqan. 68]

These three invite to one another – Shirk leads to injustice and indecency, just as Tawheed and Ikhlas turns a person away from them. Allah, The Most High, said:

ڪَذَٲلِكَ لِنَصۡرِفَ عَنۡهُ ٱلسُّوٓءَ وَٱلۡفَحۡشَآءَ‌ۚ إِنَّهُ ۥ مِنۡ عِبَادِنَا ٱلۡمُخۡلَصِينَ

Thus it was, that We might turn away from him (Yusuf) evil and indecency. Surely, he was one of Our chosen, guided slaves. [Yusuf. 24]

Meaning: turned him away from infatuation and illegal sexual intercourse.

Similarly, injustice leads to Shirk and indecency, because Shirk is the greatest injustice, just as Tawheed is the greatest justice. Justice is a companion of Tawheed and injustice is a companion of Shirk, and this is why Allah mentioned both together.

As for Tawheed and justice, Allah said:

شَهِدَ ٱللَّهُ أَنَّهُ ۥ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ وَٱلۡمَلَـٰٓٮِٕكَةُ وَأُوْلُواْ ٱلۡعِلۡمِ قَآٮِٕمَۢا بِٱلۡقِسۡطِ

Allah bears witness that Laa ilaaha illaa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), and the angels, and those having knowledge (also give this witness); (He is always) maintaining His creation in Justice]. [Aal Imran. 18]

As for injustice and Shirk, Allah said:

إِنَّ ٱلشِّرۡكَ لَظُلۡمٌ عَظِيمٌ۬

Verily, Shirk is great injustice. [Luqmaan. 13]

Indecency leads to shirk and injustice, especially when there is a strong desire which cannot be reached except through some type of injustice, such as seeking help through magic and shaytan. And indeed Allah mentioned both fornication and Shirk together in the verse:

ٱلزَّانِى لَا يَنكِحُ إِلَّا زَانِيَةً أَوۡ مُشۡرِكَةً۬ وَٱلزَّانِيَةُ لَا يَنكِحُهَآ إِلَّا زَانٍ أَوۡ مُشۡرِكٌ۬‌ۚ وَحُرِّمَ ذَٲلِكَ عَلَى ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ

The adulterer marries not but an adulteress, or a female polytheist and the adulteress none marries her except an adulterer or a male polytheist [and that means that the man who agrees to marry (have a sexual relation with) a female polytheist, pagan or idolatress) or a prostitute, then surely he is either an adulterer, or a polytheist)]. And the woman who agrees to marry (have a sexual relation with) a male polytheist or an adulterer, then she is either a prostitute or a female polytheist)]. Such a thing is forbidden to the believers [of Islamic Monotheism]. [An-Noor. 3]

These three [Shirk, indecency and injustice] can either be the cause of one another or lead to one another. And this is why whenever Tawheed in the heart is weaker and the Shirk in it is greater, it commits more indecency, becomes stronger in its attachment to images and infatuated with them. And what is similar to this is the statement of Allah:

فَمَآ أُوتِيتُم مِّن شَىۡءٍ۬ فَمَتَـٰعُ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا‌ۖ وَمَا عِندَ ٱللَّهِ خَيۡرٌ۬ وَأَبۡقَىٰ لِلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَلَىٰ رَبِّہِمۡ يَتَوَكَّلُونَ

وَٱلَّذِينَ يَجۡتَنِبُونَ كَبَـٰٓٮِٕرَ ٱلۡإِثۡمِ وَٱلۡفَوَٲحِشَ وَإِذَا مَا غَضِبُواْ هُمۡ يَغۡفِرُونَ

So whatever you have been given is but a passing enjoyment for this worldly life, but that which is with Allah (Paradise) is better and more lasting for those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah Islamic Monotheism) and put their trust in their Lord (concerning all of their affairs). And those who avoid the greater sins and indecency, and when they are angry, they forgive. [Ash-Shuraa. 36-37]

Allah informed us that what He has with Him is better for the one who believes in Him and relies upon him, and that is Tawheed. Then Allah said:

وَٱلَّذِينَ يَجۡتَنِبُونَ كَبَـٰٓٮِٕرَ ٱلۡإِثۡمِ وَٱلۡفَوَٲحِشَ

And those who avoid the greater sins and indecency.

Meaning, avoid the intense urge towards lowly desires. Then Allah said:

وَإِذَا مَا غَضِبُواْ هُمۡ يَغۡفِرُونَ

And when they are angry, they pardon.

This opposes the intense strength of anger.

Therefore, Allah mentioned Tawheed, pardon and justice together, and they are that which gathers every good.

An Excerpt from Al-Fawaa’id 131-132

[6] The Self-Evident and Irresistible Nature of Pure Islamic Monotheism

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Articles, Basics, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Repentance, Scholars of Islam, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allah, The Most High, said:
حمٓ
تَنزِيلُ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبِ مِنَ ٱللَّهِ ٱلۡعَزِيزِ ٱلۡعَلِيمِ
غَافِرِ ٱلذَّنۢبِ وَقَابِلِ ٱلتَّوۡبِ شَدِيدِ ٱلۡعِقَابِ ذِى ٱلطَّوۡلِۖ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَۖ إِلَيۡهِ ٱلۡمَصِيرُ

Haa-Meem. The revelation of the Book (this Qur’an) is from Allah the All-Mighty, the All-Knower. The Forgiver of sin, the Acceptor of repentance, the Severe in punishment, the Bestower (of favours), Laa ilaaha illaa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), to Him is the final return. [Surah Ghaafir 1-3]

Allah, The Most High, informs (us) about His Great Book – the Qur’an – that it was from Him and sent down by Him; and that He alone has the right to be deified and worshipped due to the fact that He alone is the Perfect One and the One singled out in His Actions.

[ٱلۡعَزِيزِ – The All-Mighty One], Who has absolute control over everything and He is never overcome].

[ٱلۡعَلِيمِ – The All-Knower]

[غَافِرِ ٱلذَّنۢبِ – The Forgiver of sin]

[وَقَابِلِ ٱلتَّوۡبِ – the Acceptor of repentance]

[شَدِيدِ ٱلۡعِقَابِ- the Severe in punishment] on those who are unrepentant]

[ذِى ٱلطَّوۡلِۖ – the Bestower (of favours)]

After Allah, The Most High, established the fact that He alone is perfect, this absolutely necessitates that He alone has the right to be deified and that all acts of worship are to be sincerely devoted to Him.

لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَۖ إِلَيۡهِ ٱلۡمَصِيرُ

None has the right to be worshipped but He), to Him is the final return.

The appropriateness of mentioning – in these verses – that the Qur’an was revealed by Allah is because the Qur’an comprises of all these (things) mentioned in these verses. The Qur’an either informs (us) of the Perfect Names and Attributes of Allah and His Actions, or about the unseen events of the past, and what will take place in future – a lesson from Allah, The All-Knower.

It either informs (us) of Allah’s tremendous blessings and great favours bestowed on mankind, and this why Allah said: [ذِى ٱلطَّوۡلِۖ – the Bestower (of favours)]; about His severe punishment on those who commit sins, and this is why Allah said:[شَدِيدِ ٱلۡعِقَابِ- the Severe in punishment], or it informs (us) about the sinners being urged to repent, and this is why Allah said:

غَافِرِ ٱلذَّنۢبِ وَقَابِلِ ٱلتَّوۡبِ شَدِيدِ ٱلۡعِقَابِ

The Forgiver of sin, the Acceptor of repentance, the Severe in punishment.

It informs (us) about the fact that Allah alone has the right to be deified and worshipped, while citing the clear rational and divine proofs to establish this; commanding (mankind and jinn) to worship Allah alone and forbid them from worshipping others besides Him, while citing clear proofs to show the falsity of worshipping others besides Him, and warning them about the (destructive consequences of polytheism in this life and the next), and this is why Allah said: [لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَۖ – none has the right to be worshipped but He (Allah)].

It also informs us of Allah’s just recompense – the reward that will be granted to doers of good and the punishment that will be inflicted on the sinners, and this is why Allah said: [ إِلَيۡهِ ٱلۡمَصِيرُ- to Him is the final return].

An Excerpt from Tafsir As-Sadi

The Grave Danger of Impenitence, and the Amazing Outcomes of Penitence and Submitting to Truth

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

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

The Danger of Persisting Upon Sins

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

Sins breed similar sins, and they give rise to one another, making it difficult for a person to abandon them, as some of the pious predecessors said, “Indeed, one of the punishments for an evil deed is to commit another one after it, and one of the rewards for good deeds is doing a good deed after it. When a servant of Allah does a good deed, another good deed says, “Let me be like that one”. The third one does the same, and so on, leading to an increase in rewards and a multiplication of good deeds, and the same applies to evil deeds, until good deeds and sins becoming essential traits and established habits.

If a person who does good neglects obedience, they will feel constricted and uneasy, much like a fish out of water until it returns to its natural environment to find peace. If a sinner turns away from wrongdoing and embraces righteousness, they may feel a sense of inner turmoil, leading them to revert to their old ways. Many wrongdoers engage in sinful acts not out of pleasure or desire, but rather due to the discomfort they experience when trying to abandon those actions. [1]

 

The Weight of Humility, Regret and Sincere Repentance, and The Destructive Outcomes of Self-amazement

One of the pious predecessors said:

Indeed a servant commits a sin due to which he enters Jannah, and he performs a good deed due to which he enters the Fire”. It was said: “How?” He said, “He commits the sin and does not cease thinking about it, fearing (the evil consequences), very unhappy about it, apprehensive, weeps due to it, regretful, feeling ashamed in the presence of his Lord, The Exalted, his head lowered (in submission and humility) in the presence of (his Lord) and sorrowful. Then, this sin becomes a cause of his happiness and success (i.e. due to repentance), and until it becomes more beneficial for him than performing numerous acts of obedience due to the (good) things that results from it that leads to happiness and success; and until the sin (i.e. due to regret and repentance that takes place thereafter) becomes a cause for his entry into Jannah; or he performs a good deed and does not cease to regard it as a favour to his Lord, becomes proud due to it, (afflicted with) self-regard and self-amazement due to it, presumptuous, and saying, “I did such and such”, so this leads him to self-amazement, pride, boasting and presumptuousness which becomes a cause of his destruction.

When a person hears this, he is amazed by it, for indeed it is sin that enters a person into the fire and good deeds enter a person into Jannah, so how can a sin be the cause of entry into Jannah and how can a good deed be the cause of entry into the fire?! So, he clarified it. A servant of (Allāh) sins due to being overcome by shaytan, but then he hastens towards his Lord (in repentance), for he knows that he has a Lord who forgives and accepts repentance, thus, he does not stop weeping and turning to Allah, increases in the performance of good deeds which he hopes will be a cause of wiping away his sin and this becomes a reason for his entry into paradise. On the other hand, a good deed may lead a person to the fire – not due to the good deed itself – due to the [behaviour] of the person after the performance of that good deed, such as being self-amazed and regarding that deed as a favour to his Lord.

They regard as favour upon you [O Muhammad] that they have embraced Islam. Say: “Count not your Islam as a favour upon me. Nay, but Allah has conferred a favour upon you, that He has guided you to the Faith, if you indeed are true. [Al-Hujurat. 17]

And had it not been for the Grace of Allah and His Mercy on you, not one of you would ever have been pure from sins]. [Al-Nur. 21]

Therefore, neither think that you have done a favour nor be afflicted with self-regard- neither become self-amazed nor presumptuous. This behaviour is from that which will nullify deeds, such as self-amazement, presumptuousness and show off. This behaviour might occur after the performance of a good deed, for example, it may be an act of obedience which Allah has enabled you to perform or an matter related to knowledge bestowed on you, or memorisation, so the person becomes presumptuous, shows off and becomes self-amazed, which becomes a cause of entry into the fire – and Allah’s Refuge is sought.

There is a beneficial reminder in this matter and that is when a person commits a sin, he should hasten towards repentance, turn to Allah in repentance- with complete submission, obedience and humility, and he should know that he has a Lord Who forgives. He should be eager to meet Allah on the Day of Judgement without the burden of his sins. If he is favoured with (the ability to perform) an act of obedience or favoured with some knowledge, he should acknowledge Allah’s Favour as well as acknowledge that he has great shortcomings, because when a person is attentive to these things, it will repel self-amazement. If a blessing is bestowed on a person, firstly he should know that it is from Allah; then he busies himself with gratitude to Allah, and then knows that he has many shortcomings, because this will repel self-amazement from him. [2]

 

Tremendous Outcomes of Submitting to Truth 

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

Contemplate the fact that truth is noble and falsehood is lowly. Contemplate the Greatness of Allah, The Mighty and Majestic- the fact that Allah is the Lord of the entire universe, Allah loves truth and hates falsehood, and that the one who follows truth is deserving of the Pleasure of the Lord of the universe. Allah, Glorified be He, will be his protector in the worldly life and the Afterlife by choosing for him everything that is good, better, more beneficial, more perfect, more noble and loftier until Allah removes his soul whilst being pleased with him. Then Allah raises him, brings him close and makes him dwell in paradise with honour- in permanent bliss and eternal nobility which no imagination can fully conceive its greatness. He should contemplate the fact that the one who clings to falsehood is deserving of the displeasure, anger and punishment of the Lord of the universe, and if he receives anything of worldly bliss, then that is only a means of humiliating him in order that he is increased in being distanced from Allah, so that the painful torment of the afterlife is multiplied for him, which no imagination can fully conceive its severity.

He should contemplate the bliss of the worldly life [i.e. temporary] as compared to the pleasure of the Lord of the universe and the bliss in the afterlife [i.e. eternal], compare the misery of the worldly life to displeasure of the Lord of the universe and the punishment in the afterlife [i.e. the severest punishment in this life is nowhere equal to punishment in the afterlife]. He should contemplate the statement of Allah, The Mighty and Majestic:

وَقَالُواْ لَوۡلَا نُزِّلَ هَـٰذَا ٱلۡقُرۡءَانُ عَلَىٰ رَجُلٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡقَرۡيَتَيۡنِ عَظِيمٍ
أَهُمۡ يَقۡسِمُونَ رَحۡمَتَ رَبِّكَ‌ۚ نَحۡنُ قَسَمۡنَا بَيۡنَہُم مَّعِيشَتَہُمۡ فِى ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا‌ۚ وَرَفَعۡنَا بَعۡضَہُمۡ فَوۡقَ بَعۡضٍ۬ دَرَجَـٰتٍ۬ لِّيَتَّخِذَ بَعۡضُہُم بَعۡضً۬ا سُخۡرِيًّ۬ا‌ۗ وَرَحۡمَتُ رَبِّكَ خَيۡرٌ۬ مِّمَّا يَجۡمَعُونَ
وَلَوۡلَآ أَن يَكُونَ ٱلنَّاسُ أُمَّةً۬ وَٲحِدَةً۬ لَّجَعَلۡنَا لِمَن يَكۡفُرُ بِٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ لِبُيُوتِہِمۡ سُقُفً۬ا مِّن فِضَّةٍ۬ وَمَعَارِجَ عَلَيۡہَا يَظۡهَرُونَ
وَلِبُيُوتِہِمۡ أَبۡوَٲبً۬ا وَسُرُرًا عَلَيۡہَا يَتَّكِـُٔونَ
وَزُخۡرُفً۬ا‌ۚ وَإِن ڪُلُّ ذَٲلِكَ لَمَّا مَتَـٰعُ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا‌ۚ وَٱلۡأَخِرَةُ عِندَ رَبِّكَ لِلۡمُتَّقِينَ

And they say: “Why is not this Qur’an sent down to some great man of the two towns (Makkah and Ta’if)?” Is it they who would portion out the Mercy of your Lord? It is We Who portion out between them their livelihood in this world, and We raised some of them above others in ranks, so that some may employ others in their work. But the Mercy (Paradise) of your Lord (O Muhammad) is better than the (wealth of this world) which they amass. And were it not that all mankind would have become of one community (all disbelievers, desiring worldly life only), We would have provided for those who disbelieve in the Most Beneficent (Allah), silver roofs for their houses, and elevators (and stair-ways, etc. of silver) whereby they ascend, and for their houses, doors (of silver), and thrones (of silver) on which they could recline, and adornments of gold. Yet all this (i.e. the roofs, doors, stairs, elevators, thrones etc. of their houses) would have been nothing but an enjoyment of this world. And the Hereafter with your Lord is only for the Muttaqun”. [Az-Zuhkruf. 31-35] [3]

We ask Allah:

اللهم آتِ نفسي تقواها أنت خيرُ مَن زكَّاها أنت وليُّها ومولاها أعوذُ بك من قلبٍ لا يخشعُ وعلمٍ لا ينفعُ ودعوةٍ لا يُستجابُ لها

O Allah! Grant my soul its piety, because You are the Best to purify it. You are its Protector and Guardian. I seek refuge in You from a heart that does not fear (You), the knowledge which does not benefit, and the supplication that is not responded to.” [4]

[1] Ad-Da’u Wad Dawa 60-61. Publisher: Dar Al-Hadith Al-Qahira 1430H (2009)]. May Allah bless my younger brother and colleague – Ahmad Qasim – who provided the Arabic text of this English translation.

[2] An Excerpt from Sharh Al-Wabil As-Sayyib. Lesson 1. By Shaikh Abdur Razzaaq Al-Badr (may Allāh preserve him) https://al-badr.net/sub/371. Slightly paraphrased

[3] An Aathaar Ash-, Shaikh Al-Allamah Abdur Rahmaan Bin Yahyah Al-Mu’allimee 11/309

[4] Sahih Muslim 2722

[6] Humility of The Scholars

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Articles, Brotherhood, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, History of Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Repentance, Scholars of Islam, Seeking Knowledge, Worship - 'Ibaadah', Zuhd (Abstinence).

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

Imam Abu Bakr Ibn Al-Arabi Al-Maliki, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: Muhammad Bin Qasim Al-Uthmani, may Allah have mercy upon him, told me more than once:

“I arrived in Fustat one day, then I went to the gathering of Shaikh Abi Al-Fadl Al-Jawhari, may Allah have mercy upon him, and there I witnessed a statement that he uttered to the people. And that which he stated – in the first gathering when I sat with him – was that ‘The Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, طلق – i.e. he did divorce, ظاهر – i.e. he did utter the statement to a wife, ‘You are like my mother’s back’, and آلى – i.e. he made an oath to abandon his wives for a month”.

When he (i.e. Shaikh Abi Al-Fadl Al-Jawhari) left, I followed him until I reached his house with a group of people; then he sat with us in the vestibule and acquainted them with my affair because he saw a stranger [i.e. I (Muhammad Bin Qasim)] and did not know the person among those who came to him before. When most of them departed from him, he said to me, “I see that you are a stranger; do you have anything to say?” I said, “Yes”. He said to his companions, “Excuse him from having to speak in your presence”, so, they got up and I stayed alone with him. I said to him, “I attended your gathering today so that Allah may bless me (with some of the knowledge you possess), and I heard you say, ‘Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] آلى – i.e. he once made an oath to abandon his wives for a month and what you said was true; طلق – i.e. he did divorce women, and what you said was true, and you said that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, ظاهر i.e. he did utter the statement to a wife, ‘You are like my mother’s back’, but this never happened and can never be correct to say that it happened because Az-Zihaar [i.e. to say to one’s wife, ‘You are like my mother’s back’ (i.e. unlawful for me to approach)] is an evil statement and false speech, and this can never be uttered by the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him”. He hugged and kissed my forehead, and said, “I repent from this statement. May Allah reward you on my behalf as a good teacher”.

I departed from his presence, and the next day I went early to his gathering, but he was in the Central Masjid before me and was sitting on the pulpit. When I entered the Masjid and thus he saw me, he called out at the top of his voice (saying), “Welcome, my teacher. Make room for my teacher”. So, the people turned towards me and their eyes stared at me! O Abu Bakr! And you know me – meaning, he (i.e. Muhammad Bin Qasim Al-Uthmani) was indicating to Ibn Al-Arabi about his extremely shy character because when someone greeted him by surprise, he would feel shy – due to his extreme shyness – and turned red as if his face was painted with Gulnaar (pomegranate blossom). He (i.e. Muhammad Bin Qasim) continued, “People hastened towards me, raising their hands towards me (i.e. acknowledging me) and nudging me until I reached the pulpit, and I did not know in which part of the earth I was due to my extreme shyness (i.e. shocked), whilst the Masjid was overcrowded with people and I sweated due to shyness. Then the Shaikh turned towards the people and said to them, ‘I am your teacher and this is my teacher! Yesterday, I told you that Allah’s Messenger آلى – i.e. he once made an oath to abandon his wives for a month; طلق – i.e. he did divorce women, and ظاهر i.e. he once uttered the statement to a wife, ‘You are like my mother’s back’, and neither did a single one of you give me the correct understanding nor respond to me, but he (i.e. Muhammad Bin Qaasim) followed me to my house and said such and such to me. I repeat (i.e. right now) what took place between him and I, repent from yesterday’s statement, and return to the truth. Whoever hears it from those who were present, let him not rely on what he says, and let the one who is present convey this affair to the absent one. May Allaah reward him with good’”. Then he (i.e. Shaikh Abee Al-Fadl) started supplicating a lot and the people responded with Aameen.

Ibn Al-Arabi stated – after narrating this incident- “So look – may Allah have mercy upon you – at this firm adherence to the religion and an acknowledgment of the people of knowledge given by this man – whose leadership was manifest and whose worth was well known- to a stranger whom he neither knew nor where he came from! Follow his example and you’ll be led aright”. [Ahkam Al-Qur’an 1/248-249]

———————————

Zihaar: Allah [The Exalted] says:

ٱلَّذِينَ يُظَـٰهِرُونَ مِنكُم مِّن نِّسَآٮِٕهِم مَّا هُنَّ أُمَّهَـٰتِهِمۡ‌ۖ إِنۡ أُمَّهَـٰتُهُمۡ إِلَّا ٱلَّـٰٓـِٔى وَلَدۡنَهُمۡ‌ۚ وَإِنَّہُمۡ لَيَقُولُونَ مُنڪَرً۬ا مِّنَ ٱلۡقَوۡلِ وَزُورً۬ا‌ۚ وَإِنَّ

Those among you who make their wives unlawful (Az-Zihar) to them by saying to them “You are like my mother’s back.” They cannot be their mothers. None can be their mothers except those who gave them birth. And verily, they utter an evil statement and a lie. [Surah Al-Mujaadilah. Ayah 2]

The Essence of a Good and Beneficial Life

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Articles, Basics, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Repentance, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Before beginning this article, we remind the reader that the verses regarding Jihad and the statements of the scholars are not cited in isolation, rather, they must be understanding in the context of its rules, conditions, and etiquettes. To assist with this, clear details have been provided in a this link from an article by Shaikh Abu Khadeejah, may Allah preserve him, based on the clarifications of the noble Mufti, Al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzan, may Allah preserve him. It is therefore imperative that readers consult this link, so that the statements on Jihad are not misconstrued or misunderstood out of context in our era.

Salafi Shaikh Fawzaan on Jihad in our times and the guidelines of Jihad according to Islam

To proceed:

Alla,  The Most High, said:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اسْتَجِيبُوا لِلَّهِ وَلِلرَّسُولِ إِذَا دَعَاكُمْ لِمَا يُحْيِيكُمْ ۖ وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ يَحُولُ بَيْنَ الْمَرْءِ وَقَلْبِهِ وَأَنَّهُ إِلَيْهِ تُحْشَرُونَ

O you who believe! Answer Allah and (His) Messenger when he calls you to that which will give you life, and know that Allah comes in between a person and his heart. And verily to Him you shall (all) be gathered. [Al-Anfaal 24]

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

This Ayah comprises some matters and one of them is that a beneficial life is only attained through obedience to Allah and His Messenger, thus, whoever does not submit to this call (of Allah and His Messenger) will have no life (upright guidance), even though he has a life similar to that of the most despicable animals (i.e. eats, drinks and fulfils desires while devoid of the sound faith that enables a person to distinguish between guidance and misguidance).

A real and good life is the life of that one who answers the call of Allah and His Messenger- outwardly and inwardly. They are those who are alive (with sound faith in this life), even if they have passed away (i.e. their righteous example remains). As for others besides them, they are dead (with hearts devoid of sound faith), even if their bodies are alive. This is why the one with the most perfect life amongst the people is the one with the most perfect response to the call of the Messenger because there is life (upright guidance) in everything he calls to. Therefore, whoever missed a portion of it will miss a portion of life and there is life in accordance with his response to his call.

[لِمَا يُحْيِيكُمْ -To that which will give you life].

Mujahid, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: Meaning, the truth”.

Qatadah, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Meaning, this Qur’an in which (there) is life (upright guidance), safety and protection in the life of this world and the hereafter”.

As-Sa’dee, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Meaning, Islam. They were given life (upright guidance) through it after being dead (completely misguided) through disbelief.

Ibn Ishaq, may Allah have mercy upon him, said that Urwa Bin Zubayr, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Meaning, through Jihad, Allah gave you might after being subdued, powerful after being weak and protected against your enemy after being overpowered by them.

All these interpretations are of a singular reality, and that is to fulfil what the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, conveyed – outwardly (deeds) and inwardly (sound belief in the heart).

Al-Farraa’i, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“If you are called to that which gives life” means when you are commanded to perform Jihad against your enemy.

He intends that the believers become strong through Jihad, and if they were to abandon Jihad their authority would become weak and their enemy would gain an advantage over them. Jihad is one of the greatest (acts of worship) through which they are given life in the worldly life (enabled to establish and follow the upright religion), in the Barsakh (life of bliss in the grave) and in the Hereafter (a life of bliss in paradise). As for the worldly life, their power and domination over their enemy is by way of Jihad. [Footnote a: Must refer to the link at the end about Jihad in our era for proper understanding]

Regarding the Barsakh, Allah said:

وَلاَ تَحْسَبَنَّ الَّذِينَ قُتِلُوا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ أَمْوَاتًا بَلْ أَحْيَاءٌ عِنْدَ رَبِّهِمْ يُرْزَقُونَ

Think not of those who are killed in the Way of Allah as dead. Nay, they are alive, with their Lord, and they have provision]. [Al-Imran. 169]

As for in the Hereafter, indeed the share of the Mujahidin and Shuhadaa with regards to life and bliss would be greater than that of others. For that reason, Ibn Qutaybah, may Allah have mercy upon him, said regarding Allah’s statement: [لِمَا يُحْيِيكُمْ -To that which will give you life] means martyrdom. Some of the Mufassirun said that it means Paradise because it is the abode of the eternal good life.

The Ayah includes all these (things) because Iman, Islam, the Qur’an and Jihad give the hearts a good life (upright guidance) and perfect life in Paradise, and the Messenger is a caller to Iman and Paradise, therefore, he is a caller to life in the life of this world and the Hereafter.

The life of the body enables a person to be conscious of what benefits and harms, so he chooses that which benefits over what harms him. When deprived of this, he is affected by pain and weakness. Due to this, the life of the sick person, the grief-stricken, the one afflicted with anxiety, distress, fear, poverty and humiliation is inferior to the life of the one protected from that.

The life of one’s heart and soul enables a person to distinguish between truth and falsehood, misguidance and guidance, so, the person chooses the truth and not its opposite. This life benefits him with the strength to distinguish between benefit and harm in issues of knowledge, intent and action; benefits him with the strength of Iman, intent, love for the truth and the strength to abhor falsehood. Therefore, self-consciousness, discernment, love and aversion are (judged in accordance with) what one possesses of this life (of the heart and soul), just as the body that is alive is (judged in accordance with) its self-consciousness and perception of what is of benefit and what brings about pain.

The (first) is about the life of the body and the (other one) is about the life of the heart. And just as the human being cannot have life (physically) until the Angel blows the soul into him – because prior to this, he was lifeless; also, is the life of his soul and heart until the Messenger conveys to him the revelation. Allah said:

يُنَزِّلُ الْمَلاَئِكَةَ بِالرُّوحِ مِنْ أَمْرِهِ عَلَى مَنْ يَشَاءُ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ

He [Allah] sends down the angels with [Rooh (i.e. revelation)] of His Command to whom of His slaves He pleases (i.e. the chosen Messengers)]. [16:2]

Allah said:

وَكَذَلِكَ أَوْحَيْنَا إِلَيْكَ رُوحًا مِنْ أَمْرِنَا مَا كُنْتَ تَدْرِي مَا الْكِتَابُ وَلاَ الإِيمَانُ وَلَكِنْ جَعَلْنَاهُ نُورًا نَهْدِي بِهِ مَنْ نَشَاءُ مِنْ عِبَادِنَا

And thus We have sent to you (O Muhammad) Roohan (an Inspiration, and a Mercy) of Our Command. You knew not what is the Book, nor what is Faith? But We have made it (this Qur’an) a light wherewith We guide whosoever of Our slaves We will. [42:52]

[Life of the body begins] through the angel sent by Allah to blow the soul into a person and the life of [upright guidance for the heart through] the advent of the human Messenger. So, whoever receives the Ruh [i.e. the soul] brought by the Angel Messenger and the Ruh [i.e. revelation conveyed by the human Messenger] will receive two types of life. The one who receives the Ruh [soul], but not the [other Ruh (the revelation conveyed by the human Messenger)] will receive one type of life and miss the other. Allah said:

أَوَمَنْ كَانَ مَيْتًا فَأَحْيَيْنَاهُ وَجَعَلْنَا لَهُ نُورًا يَمْشِي بِهِ فِي النَّاسِ كَمَنْ مَثَلُهُ فِي الظُّلُمَاتِ لَيْسَ بِخَارِجٍ مِنْهَا

Is he who was dead and We gave him life and set for him a light whereby he can walk amongst men, like him who is in the darkness from which he can never come out? [6:122]

Therefore, he is given both light and life, just as the one who turns away from the (Qur’an and Sunnah) receives both death (a misguided heart) and darkness (misguidance). Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him and his father, and all the Mufassirun said that such a one [i.e. the one who is guided] used to be an unbeliever, then Allah guided him.

And regarding Allah’s statement:

وَجَعَلْنَا لَهُ نُورًا يَمْشِي بِهِ فِي النَّاسِ

And set for him a light whereby he can walk amongst men.

This includes a number of (things) and one of them is that he walks amongst the people with light, while the people are in darkness, thus, his example and theirs is like that of a people who got lost during nightfall and could not find their way, while he had light whereby he could walk in the road, and could see as well as see what he is to be cautious of. The second is that he walks amongst them with his light, so they borrow from it due to their need for it. The third is that he walks with his light on the day of judgement on the bridge of as-Siraat, while the people of Shirk and Nifaaq remain in the darkness of their Shirk and Nifaq.

And regarding Allah’s statement:

وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ يَحُولُ بَيْنَ الْمَرْءِ وَقَلْبِهِ وَأَنَّهُ إِلَيْهِ تُحْشَرُونَ

And know that Allah comes in between a person and his heart. And verily to Him you shall (all) be gathered.

The first explanation of this statement is: it is well known that Allah is the one who intervenes between the believer and disbelief, between the disbeliever and Iman, between the people of obedience and their disobedience to Him, and between the people of disobedience and their obedience to Him. This is the saying of Ibn Abbas and the majority of the Mufassiroon.

The second explanation is: Allah is close to the heart of the human (by His All-Encompassing Perfect knowledge) and no secret is hidden from Him. This was mentioned by Al-Waahidiy from Qatadah. It appears that this statement (reported from Qatadah) is more in conformity with the context because the basis of this Istijabah [i.e. responding to the call of Allaah and His Messenger] is through the heart. A bodily response is of no benefit without the response of the heart because Allah comes between a person and his heart and knows whether the person has responded to Him with his heart or hides the opposite of that.

With regards to the first statement (i.e. the statement of Ibn Abbas and the majority of the Mufassirun), it is the fact that if one turns away (i.e. refuses to respond to the call of Allah and His Messenger), he will not be safe, thus Allah comes between him and his hearts as a punishment because he abandoned (this response) after the truth had been explained and made clear. So, he will be like what (has been mentioned) in the statement of Allah:

وَنُقَلِّبُ أَفْئِدَتَهُمْ وَأَبْصَارَهُمْ كَمَا لَمْ يُؤْمِنُوا بِهِ أَوَّلَ مَرَّةٍ

And We shall turn their hearts and their eyes away (from guidance), as they refused to believe therein for the first time. [6:110]

فَلَمَّا زَاغُوا أَزَاغَ اللَّهُ قُلُوبَهُمْ

So when they turned away (from the Path of Allah), Allah turned their hearts away (from the Right Path).

فَمَا كَانُوا لِيُؤْمِنُوا بِمَا كَذَّبُوا مِنْ قَبْلُ

But they were not such as to believe in that which they had rejected before. [62:5]

This Ayah (Al-Anfaal 24) is a warning against (failing to respond) with the heart even if a response had been through the limbs. [(1)]

[Footnote a]: https://www.abukhadeejah.com/salafi-shaikh-fawzaan-on-jihaad-in-our-times-and-the-guidelines-of-jihaad-according-to-islam/

[(1)]: Al-Fawaa’id. pages 140-144

Teach me a supplication to say in my prayers

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Articles, History of Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Repentance, Sahaabah, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors), Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated:

I said to Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, “O Allah’s Messenger! Teach me a supplication to say in my prayers”, he said, Say:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي ظَلَمْتُ نَفْسِي ظُلْمًا كَثِيرًا وَلَا يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ فَاغْفِرْ لِي مَغْفِرَةً مِنْ عِنْدِكَ وَارْحَمْنِي إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحِيمُ

O Allah! I have wronged myself with many wrongs and none forgives except You, so forgive me and have mercy upon me. Verily, you alone are the Forgiving, the Merciful’”

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

Supplication is three types:

The first type is to invoke Allah by His Names and Attributes, and this is one of the explanations of Allah’s statement:

  وَلِلَّهِ ٱلۡأَسۡمَآءُ ٱلۡحُسۡنَىٰ فَٱدۡعُوهُ بِہَا

And (all) the Most Beautiful [perfect] Names belong to Allaah, so supplicate to Him by them]. [Al-A’raaf. 180]

The second type is that you invoke Allah for your need and due to your poverty, saying:

I am Your poor slave, the needy one, the one to be pitied, the one seeking help and refuge etc.

The third type is that you ask for your need while not using the aforementioned two types of invocations. The first invocation is more perfect and the second is more perfect than the third.

Therefore, if an invocation gathers all three types, then it will be most perfect and this is what the invocations of the Prophet usually comprised of.

And in this invocation which Siddeeq Al-Ummah [i.e. AbuBakr] was taught, the three types of invocations are mentioned. In the beginning of the supplication:

[اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي ظَلَمْتُ نَفْسِي ظُلْمًا كَثِيرًا – O Allah! I have wronged myself with many wrong]:

This clarifies the situation of the one asking.

Then one says: [وَلَا يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ – and none forgives except You]: This is about the affair of the one being asked.

Then one says: [فَاغْفِرْ لِي – So forgive me]: Here one mentions his need, and then ends the innovation with two Names from Allah’s Names that necessitates and fitting what is being requested. [1]

Ibn Battal, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

In this supplication is the fact that it is obligated to a servant of Allah to be mindful of his Lord in all circumstances, even if he is one of those who strives the most in worship, because despite the position of Abu Bakr in the religion, he was not exempted from having the need for seeking the forgiveness of his Lord. [2]

Ibn Daqeeq Al-Eid, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

This hadith passes judgement with regards to making this supplication in Salah without specifying where it should be performed. However, perhaps the best place where it is most worthy are two- either in Sujud or after Tashahud, because they are the two places we have been commanded to make du’aa.  The Prophet,  peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said,

“And while in prostration, then make effort in supplication”. [Muslim 479].

And regarding Tashahud [i.e. after Tashahud and before Tasleem], he said:

“Then select the invocation you like best and recite it”. [Bukhaari 835].

Perhaps the best place would be after Tashahud due to the importance given to the affair. [3]

Ibn Mulqin, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“This hadith establishes proof regarding the fact that it is legislated to seek knowledge from the scholars, especially in relation to the supplications of the prayer”. [4]

[1] Jalaa Al-Ifhaam. 201

[2] Sharh Sahih Al-Bukhari. By Ibn Battaal 10/93

[3] Ihkam Al-Ahkaam. 1/314-315

[4] Al- I’lam Sharh Umdah Al-Ahkam 3/511