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[2] The major catalysts behind the Ummah’s weakness and deterioration- By Imam Abdul Aziz Bin Baz

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

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

Arabic text: weakness_part2

Imam Abdul Aziz Bin Baz [may Allah have mercy upon him] continued….

(This reformation based on knowledge) also involves the presence of industry in Muslim nations, readiness, and the strength that each person can muster up through all means so that he does not need his enemy and the enemy is aware of their level of readiness and preparation, which will make the enemy fearful and ensure that he treats him fairly, upholds his rights and remain in his rightful place. (Also) to be physically ready and not overindulge in (luxuries) that detract from fighting the enemy and weaken one’s strength and heart, so that one is strengthened for Jihad.

The pursuit of understanding in the religion also offers sufficient information (or knowledge) about the afterlife, paradise, its bliss, palaces, and the immense goodness within it; and about the hell fire, its torment, punishments, and the various types of suffering it entails, thus it instils vigour in hearts to seek the hereafter, detachment from worldly desires, preparation for the enemy, and eagerness for Jihad and martyrdom in Allah’s path. Similarly, the pursuit of understanding in the religion gives complete zeal to society and leaders in everything pleasing and beloved to Allah, while steering clear of anything that may incur His anger. It gives the hearts a strong yearning for unity with other Muslims, collaboration against the enemy, the enforcement of Allah’s command, judging by His law, and abiding by the limits he has ordained. Consequently, arises cooperation upon all that is beloved to Allah and His servants. This is because beneficial knowledge prompts action, solidarity, mutual advice, and collaboration for goodness. It also gives them complete eagerness to fulfil obligations, shun prohibitions, yearn for the Hereafter, and not fear death in the pursuit of truth, in Jihad for the sake of Allah, in combatting the enemy, and receiving one’s rights from him.

With knowledge, souls, and wealth become insignificant in seeking Allah’s pleasure and elevating the word of Allah, liberating Muslims from the clutches of their enemies, delivering them from various types of afflictions, rescuing the oppressed from the hands of their enemies, preserving the existence of the Muslims and their assets, so that their countries and rights do not diminish. However, if ignorance prevails, all these things, the rights, the goodness, information (related to different sciences and subject matters), the sacrifices, and the insignificance given to lives and wealth in the path truth will be lost, as the poet said:

ما يبلغ الأعداء من جـاهل
ما يبلغ الجاهل من نفسه

“What the enemies come to know about the ignorant is not known to the ignorant person about himself”.

Ignorance is a chronic disease that kills the hearts and perceptions, weakens bodies and strength, and make its people resemble animals that only care about the desires of their stomachs, private parts and bellies. Anything beyond that is just a continuation of their desire for houses and clothing. The ignorant person weakens his heart and perceptions, and his insight is diminished. He has no aspirations or desires beyond his immediate desires and needs. It is narrated in a hadith that was reported by Ahmad and others with a good chain from Thawban, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Prophet- peace and blessings of Allah be upon him – said: “The nations are about to gather against you, just as diners gather on a plate”. It was said: “O Allah’s Messenger! Would be because of our small number?” He said: “No, but you are like the foam of the flood. The awe the enemies had for you will be removed from their hearts and Wahn is placed in your hearts.” They said: “O Allah’s Messenger! What is Wahn?” He said: “Love of the worldly life and hatred of death.”

The “Wahn” highlighted in the hadith stems from the ignorance through which they have become like the foam of a flood. They do not possess insight into what is obligated to them because of this ignorance through which they have reached this state. They have been overcome by “Wahn” and it has settled in their hearts, so they are unable to proceed towards higher stations, engage in Jihad for the sake of Allah, and elevate His word. That is because their love for the worldly life and its desires, such as food, drink, clothing, housing, and other things have hindered them from seeking high goals and from Jihad in the path of Allah, fearing that these things will escape them.

Similarly, their stinginess has driven them to only spend wealth on these desires, and this ignorance has deprived them of the righteous and influential leadership that is solely concerned with elevating the word of Allah, participating in Jihad for the sake of Allah, establishing the supremacy of the Muslims, protecting them from their enemies, preparing in every way and by every means to preserve the religion of the Muslims, protect and elevate it, as well as safeguarding the lands of the Muslims, and their lives and offspring from their enemies.

The harms of ignorance are great and its ramifications are catastrophic, as demonstrated by the Prophet’s depiction of the Muslims’ humiliation in front of their enemies as being like the foam of a flood; and that the reason for this is due to the removal of the awe from the hearts of the enemies towards them: meaning that neither do their enemies fear nor value them due to what they know regarding their ignorance, the pursuit of worldly things and attachment to them. The enemy maximizes strength, activity, high ambition, and great sacrifice for the sake of its principle; so when the enemy sees that this potential opponent does not have this ambition, but rather is concerned with his desires and immediate share of worldly things, he gives him some of that until he weakens his strength and distracts him from thinking about fighting him due to preoccupation with the love of the worldly life and indulging in desires.

“Wahn” has afflicted the hearts, except for those whom Allah wills (to be unaffected). It has prevailed over most of them, except for the few whom your Lord has shown mercy upon. They have mostly shown weakness in the face of their enemies, and their enemies no longer fear them. Their enemies no longer consider them important or treat them fairly, as they are aware of their weakness, lack of strength, protective jealousy, and patience for battle. Furthermore, they lack the support and preparation needed for such situations. Consequently, the enemy belittles them, disregards them, and treats them as slaves or subjects. Except for those whom your Lord has shown mercy upon, they are engrossed in the love of worldly life and avoid anything that may lead to death. They are eager to fulfil their desires by any means necessary, cautious of death and seek treatment and medication for every small and big ailment out of fear of death. They are also careful to avoid anything that may cause death or jeopardize their satisfaction with these desires.

Whoever aspires for the hereafter, to elevate the word of Allah and Jihad for the sake of Allah, their state should not be like this. In the events that unfolded during the time of our pious predecessors, under the leadership of our Prophet, peace be upon him, and his companions, and those who followed their path thereafter, in their acts of Jihad, preparations, and endurance of fatigue and harm, they serve as examples and reminders for us with regards to elevating the word of Allah, Jihad for His sake, save our lands and our people from the hands of our enemies, with patience, forbearance, striving, preferring the hereafter, giving wealth and oneself for Jihad for the sake of Allah, training in Jihad and fighting, eagerness for toughness, patience, and forbearance, always keeping the hereafter in mind, giving concern to everything that would aid in Jihad against the enemies, enduring it with patience, cooperating and uniting in order to achieve the goal of elevating the word of Allah and saving the Muslims from the plots of their enemies.

To be continued InShaAllah

Source: Majmoo Fataawaa Wa Maqaalaat Shaikh Ibn Baz 5/101

We welcome your feedback to enhance this translation.

I ask Allah to bless my beloved Salafi brother, bosom buddy, and colleague Ustaadh Abu Tasneem Mushaf Al-Banghali for recommending the translation of this article.

Read article by Shaikh Abu Khadeejah transmitted from Al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzan:
https://abukhadeejah.com/salafi-shaikh-fawzaan-on-jihaad-in-our-times-and-the-guidelines-of-jihaad-according-to-islam/

 

 

[1] Benefits from Al-Allamah Ubaid’s commentary on Book of Tafsir in Sahih Al-Bukhaari

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Qur'aan, Sahaabah, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors), Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Anas Bin Malik [may Allah be pleased with him] narrated that the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him said: “Allah has commanded me recite Qur’an to you”. Ubay [may Allah be pleased with him] asked, “Did Allah mention me by name to you?” The Prophet said, “Allah has mentioned your name to me”. Then Ubay started weeping. (The sub-narrator) Qatada added: I have been informed that the Prophet recited: [لَمۡ يَكُنِ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ مِنۡ أَهۡلِ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبِ – Those who disbelieve from among the people of the Scripture”. [Sahih Al-Bukhaari. Number 4960]

Some Benefits From This Hadeeth

It is possible that Allah might instruct the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] to recite to an individual from his Ummah.

It is desired act in the religion to recite the Qur’an to an individual who is highly skilled in its recitation, individuals who possess knowledge of the Qur’an, and those who are righteous, regardless of whether the reciter is more virtuous than the person being recited to.

The noble station of Ubay due to the Prophet reciting to him, and it is not known that anyone else shares this with him.

Ubay’s remarkable status is further emphasized by the fact that Allah mentioned him to the Prophet and instructed the Prophet to recite to him.

There’s nothing wrong in shedding tears of joy and happiness when one receives good news.

An Excerpt from “Imdaad Al-Qaaree Bi-Sharhi Kitaab At-Tafseer Min Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree”. 4/429-432

Some Instances of Beautiful Interactions Between Our Pious Predecessors and Their Seniors

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in History of Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Sahaabah, Scholars of Islam, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors.

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

Sahl Bin Abu Hathma and Rafi’ Bin Khadij reported that Abdullah Bin Sahl Bin Zaid and Muhayyisa Bin Mas’ud Bin Zaid went out and as they reached Khaibar they were separated. Then Muhayyisa found Abdullah Bin Sahl having been killed. He buried him, and then came to Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him]. They were Huwayyisa Bin Mas’ud and ‘Abdur Rahman Bin Sahl, and he (the latter one) was the youngest of the people (those three who had come to seek an interview with the Prophet) began to talk before his Companions (had spoken). Thereupon Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “The eldest one (eldest in regard to age should speak)”. So, he kept quiet, and his companions (Muhayyisa and Huwayyisa) began to speak, and he (Abdur-Rahmaan) spoke along with them and they narrated to Allah’s Messenger the murder of Abdullah Bin Sahl. Thereupon he said to them, “Are you prepared to take fifty oaths so that you may be entitled (to blood-wit) of your companion (or your man who has murdered)?” They said, “How can we take an oath on a matter which we have not witnessed?” He (the Prophet) said, “Then the Jews will exonerate themselves by fifty oaths”. They said, “How can we accept the oaths of people who are unbelievers?” When Allah’s Messenger saw that, he himself paid his blood-wit. [Sahih Muslim 1669]

After three ahaadeeth were quoted – including the above one regarding the murder of Abdullah Bin Sahl, Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allah have mercy upon him] stated, “These three ahaadeeth are the same as those before them, in clarification of giving precedence to people of virtue, knowledge, and those of old age over those younger than them, giving concern to the affair by placing them in their deserved position in which Allah has placed them, as has preceded in the statement of the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him], “The one who is well grounded in Allah’s Book and is distinguished among them in recitation should act as Imam for the people, and if they are equally versed in reciting it, then the one who has most knowledge regarding Sunnah; if they are equal regarding the Sunnah, then the earliest one to emigrate; If they emigrated at the same time, then the oldest one in age. No man must lead another in prayer in latter’s house or where (the latter) has authority, or sit in his place of honour in his house, except that he gives you permission or with his permission”. (1) [Paraphrased]

Imam Muhammad Ibn Saalih Al-Uthaymeen [may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “The apparent context of the hadith is that the three came to Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] to relate the news, so Muhayyisa wanted to speak because he was the one who had the story and knew about it, and Abdur Rahman Bin Sahl did not speak because he was not present, or because he was the youngest of the people, or because the intent was to mention the case without making a claim; otherwise who would have had more right to speak? It would have been Abdur Rahman Bin Sahl, Abdullah’s brother because he is his heir. Muhayyisa and Huwayyisa are cousins ​​of the murdered, but why did Muhayyisa want to speak even though he was lesser than a brother in relationship? That is because he had the story and knew about it. And why did Abdur Rahmaan not speak? It was either because of his young age or because he was sufficed with the statement of Muhayyisa due to him being the witness of the incident or because the intent was to mention the case and not the claim, otherwise if the intent was the claim, then Abdur Rahmaan Bin Sahl would have been the most entitled to speak, then Huwayyisa and then Muhayyisa”. (2)[Paraphrased]

Idris Bin Abdul Karim said: “Salamah Bin Aasim said to me: “I want to hear Kitaab Al-Adad from khalaf”. I said, “Khalaf?” He said: “Let him come”. When Khalaf entered, he tried to make Salamah sit in the teacher’s place, but he refused, and said: “I will not sit except in front of you”. Then he said, “This is the right of learning”. Khalaf  said to him: “Ahmad Ibn Hanbal came to me to listen to the narrations of Abu Awanah, so I tried make him sit and transmit, but he refused and said: “I will not sit except in front of you. We are commanded to be humble in the presence of the one from whom we learn”. (3)

Al-Marwazi [may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “Abu Abdillah [Imam Ahmad – may Allah have mercy upon him] used to be from those who honoured his fellow Muslim brothers the most and those who were older than him. One time, Abu Hammam [may Allah have mercy upon him] came to him on a donkey, so he held the stirrup of the riding beast for him. I witnessed him doing the same for the eldest Shaikhs”. (4)

Mu’adh Ibn Sa’eed [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: “We were with Ataa Bin Abee Rabah [may Allah have mercy upon him], while a man narrated a hadith, thus another man contradicted his narration. Ataa said: “SubhanAllaah! What type of manners are these? Verily, I hear a narration from a man while I know better than him (regarding it), yet I portray myself to him that I am not better than him in anything”. (5)

Muhammad Ibn Raafi said: I was with Ahmad (Imam Ahmad) and Ishaq in the company of Abdur Razzaaq when the day of Eidul Fitr arrived, so we went out with Abdur Razzaaq to the Musalla and with us were many people. When we returned, Abdur Razzaaq invited us to lunch, then he said to Ahmad and Ishaq, “Today I saw something strange from both of you. You did not say the Takbir”. Ahmad and Ishaq said, “O father of Abu Bakr! We were waiting for you to say the Takbir so that we could say the Takbir, but when we saw that you did not say the Takbir, we refrained”. Abdur Razzaaq said, “I was waiting for both of you to say the Takbir so that I could say the Takbir”. (6)

Ibn Abbas stood up next to Zaid Bin Thabit [may Allah be pleased with both of them] and held the stirrup of his riding beast. Zaid said to him, “Step aside, O cousin of Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him]”. Ibn Abbas said to him, “This is what we do for our scholars and elders”. (7)

Salamah Bin Kuhail [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: “Ash-Shabi and Ibrahim An-Nakha’i [may Allah have mercy upon upon both of them] never sat together except that Ibrahim remained silent, and both of them were Taabi’een”. (8)

Abdullah Bin Ahmad [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: I heard my father [Imam Ahmad – may Allah have mercy upon him] being asked: “Why did you not hear a lot (of hadith) from Ibrahim Bin Sa’d [may Allah have mercy upon him] and indeed he did stay next to you in the house of Amarah?” He said: “We attended his gathering once and he narrated to us. When the second session was held, he saw youth putting themselves forward (or speaking) before the elders, so he became angry and said, ‘By Allah! I will not narrate for a year’. He died and did not narrate (thereafter)”. (9)

[1]:https://binbaz.org.sa/audios/2335/128-%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%AD%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%AB-%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%B7%D9%84%D9%82-%D8%B9%D8%A8%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%84%D9%87-%D8%A8%D9%86-%D8%B3%D9%87%D9%84-%D9%88%D9%85%D8%AD%D9%8A%D8%B5%D8%A9-%D8%A8%D9%86-%D9%85%D8%B3%D8%B9%D9%88%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%89-%D8%AE%D9%8A%D8%A8%D8%B1-%D9%88%D9%87%D9%8A-%D9%8A%D9%88%D9%85%D9%89%D8%B0-%D8%B5%D9%84%D8%AD-%D9%81%D8%AA%D9%81%D8%B1%D9%82%D8%A7 ]

[2]:https://alathar.net/home/esound/index.php?op=codevi&coid=33690 ]

(3) Al-Jaami Li-Akhlaaq Ar-Raawi Wa Aadaab As-Saami 1/198

(4) Al-Aadaab Ash-Shar’iyyah 1/416

(5) Al-Jaami Li-Akhlaaq Ar-Raawi Wa Aadaab As-Saami 1/200

(6) Siyar A’laam An-Nubula a 9/566

(7) Al-Muntadhim Fee Taareekh Al-Muluk Wal Umam 5/215

(8)Taareekh Dimashq 25/367

(9) Siyar A’laam An-Nubula 11/317

The Ruling On Visiting and Exploring Ancient Ruins of The Destroyed Nations

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Sahaabah, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors).

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

Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali [may Allah preserve him] stated:

The focus on artefacts by Archaeologists in this era was not present during the era of the Prophet’s companions and the pious predecessors. Instead, Muslims began to imitate the Europeans and Americans, who aimed to revive pre-Islamic nationalistic traits like Pharaonism, Babylonianism, and Phoenicianism in the Muslim lands. They were largely successful in achieving these objectives, leading to the emergence of pre-Islamic national pride and the glorification of these nationalistic identities in Muslim societies.

Imam Al-Bukhaaree said: “Abdullah Bin Muhammad Al-Ju’fee narrated to us that Abdur Razzaaq narrated to them from Az-Zuhree who narrated from Salim, who narrated from Ibn Umar who said that when the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] passed by Al-Hijr, he said, ‘Do not enter the dwelling places of those people who were unjust to themselves unless you enter in a weeping state lest the same calamity similar to theirs should befall you’. Then he covered his head and increased his speed till he crossed the valley. Yahyah Bin Bukayr narrated to us who said that Malik narrated to us from Abdullah Bin Deenaar who reported from Ibn Umar who said that Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said to his companions who were at Al-Hijr, “Do not enter upon these people who are being punished, except in a weeping state, lest the same calamity similar to theirs should befall you”. [Sahih Al-Bukhaari. Numbers 4419 and 4420]

The two Prophetic reports illustrate the peril of entering into the places of those who have earned Allah’s wrath and were consequently annihilated for their disbelief and rejection of the prophets and their message. The Prophet prohibited entry into such places, except for those who fear Allah and dread His punishment. In cases of dire necessity, he may enter these locations while weeping. It is feared that one who enters the dwellings of those who have been punished may suffer the same punishment. It is legislated for those who approach these dwellings to quickly pass by while covering their faces, following the example of Allah’s Messenger. Do Muslims, including archaeologists and those who encourage them, comprehend what is embodied in this guidance from the Prophet, who speaks not from his own desires? Additionally, Allah’s Messenger advised those passing through the valleys of Muhassar to hasten, as it was the location where Allah destroyed the people of the Elephant.

So, do those who dig up the artefacts of Ad, Thamud, the Ashaab Al-Ukh’dud, the Pharaohs, and the Babylonians, follow the teachings of Allah’s Messenger or blindly follow the enemies of Allah who establish partnerships to explore the artefacts of the destroyed nations to entice them (towards) the pride of the pre-Islamic era of ignorance? I and others have read numerous boasting by Muslims or those who ascribe to Islam, such as the statement of one of them, (as follows), “O Misree (i.e. Egyptian)! Be proud of the builders of your glory when people were sleeping”. He boasts about the Pharaonic artefacts such as the pyramids and other than them.

An Excerpt from “Baraa’ah As-Sahaabah Al-Akhyaar Min At-Tabarruk Bil Amaakin Wal-Aathaar”. Pages 11-14

[14] Usaamah Bin Zayd: Exemplifying Positive Engagement and Effective Communication With The Rulers

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

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

Shaqeeq [may Allah have mercy upon him] reported that it was said to Usamah Bin Zayd [may Allah be pleased with him], “Why don’t you visit Uthman [may Allah be pleased with him] and speak to him?” So, he said, “Do you think that I have not spoken to him except if I make you hear (about it)? By Allah! I have spoken to him (about affairs) concerning me and him, and I did not like to divulge those things about which I had to take the initiative and I do not say to my ruler, ‘You are the best among people’ after I heard Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] saying, ‘A man will be brought on the Day of Resurrection and thrown in Hell-Fire and his intestines will pour forth in Hell and he will go round along with them, as an ass goes round the mill stone. The inhabitants of Hell would gather round him and say, ‘O, so and so! What has happened to you? Were you not enjoining us to do what was good and forbidding us to do what was evil? He will say, ‘Of course, it is so; I used to enjoin (upon people) to do what was good but did not practice that myself. I had been forbidding people to do what was evil, but did it myself”. [1]

Waa’il [may Allah have mercy upon him] reported that it was said to Usamah Bin Zayd [may Allah be pleased with him], “Will you go to so-and-so [i.e. Uthman – may Allah be pleased with him] and speak to him (i.e. advise him regarding rulership of the country)?” He said, “You see that I don’t speak to him. I speak to (advise) him secretly without opening a door because neither do I want to be the first to open it nor will I say to a man who is my ruler that he is the best of all the people after I have heard something from Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said”. They said, “What have you heard him saying?” He said, “I have heard him saying, “A man will be brought on the Day of Resurrection and thrown in the (Hell) Fire, so that his intestines will come out, and he will go around like a donkey goes around a millstone. The people of (Hell) Fire will gather around him and say, ‘O so-and-so! What is wrong with you? Didn’t you use to order us to do good deeds and forbid us to do bad deeds?’ He will reply, ‘Yes, I used to order you to do good deeds, but I did not do them myself, and I used to forbid you to do bad deeds, yet I used to do them myself'” [2] [Footnote a]

Regarding the statement: “I speak to (advise) him secretly without opening a door “. Al-Aynee [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: Meaning, without opening one of the doors of temptation. I speak to him to pursue a Maslahah [aiming to bring about positive outcomes and deter negative or evil ones] and not to incite temptations, as openly disapproving of the rulers can be perceived as a form of rebellion, carrying insults that lead to division and schism within the unified body of Muslims under the authority of the ruler. [3] Al-Qaadhi Iyaadh [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: Meaning, “I do not wish to be the first to open this door”, which is expressing open disapproval and directing it toward the rulers, and its evil consequences, as was the case when they openly disapproved of Uthman [may Allah be pleased with him] which led to the shedding of his blood and the subsequent turmoil that ensued”. [4]

Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee al-Mad’khali [may Allah preserve him] said: Uthman [may Allah be pleased with him] was one of those who restrained the people from bloodshed the most as well as that of the people who violated his honour. Shaikh Al-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “What is well known through successive numerous narrations is that Uthman [may Allah be pleased with him] was one of those who restrained the people from bloodshed the most, exercised patience the most regarding the affair of those who violated his honour and those who made a determined attempt to shed his blood, so they besieged him and endeavoured to kill him, and he knew their desire to kill him. The Muslims came to him from every place to help him and indicated to him to fight the besiegers, but he commanded them to refrain from fighting and commanded those who obeyed him not to fight. He said to his slaves, ‘Whoever restrains his hand is freed’. It was said to him, ‘Will you go to Makkah?’ He said, ‘I will not be amongst those who commit evil in the sacred house’. Then it was said to him, ‘Will you not go to Syria?’ He said, ‘I will not leave my place of Hijrah (i.e. Madeenah)’. Then it was said to him, ‘Fight them’, he said, ‘I will not be the first in the Ummah of Muhammad [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] to unleash the sword after the departure of Muhammad’. Uthmaan’s patience until he was murdered is one of his greatest virtues in the sight of Muslims”. [5]

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim [may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “Upon realising that he would face death based on his observations of the events and signs, Uthman [may Allah be pleased with him] chose not to engage in fighting or self-defence to prevent conflict among the Muslims. He preferred to be killed rather than (initiating) fighting between Muslims”. [6]

Footnote a: “A man will be brought on the Day of Resurrection and thrown in the (Hell) Fire, so that his intestines will come out, and he will go around like a donkey goes around a millstone. The people of (Hell) Fire will gather around him and say, ‘O so-and-so! What is wrong with you? Didn’t you use to order us to do good deeds and forbid us to do bad deeds?’ He will reply, ‘Yes, I used to order you to do good deeds, but I did not do them myself, and I used to forbid you to do bad deeds, yet I used to do them myself'”. [Saheeh Al-Bukhari 3267] Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi al-Mad’khali [may Allah preserve him] said, “Indeed, there may be someone worse than this man because he [i.e. the one worse than the man mentioned in this Hadeeth] enjoins evil and forbids good, so what will be his state of affairs, and Allah’s Refuge is sought?!” [7]

To be continued…InShaaAllah

[1] Saheeh Muslim 2989

[2] Saheeh Al-Bukhari 3267

[3] Umdah Al-Qaaree Sharh Saheeh Al-Bukhaari. 15/166

[4] Ik’maal Al-Mu’allim Bi-Fawaa’id Muslim 8/538]

[5] An Excerpt from Al-Mukhtaaraat Al-Bahiyyah Min Kutub Shaikhil Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah. Page 296. Slightly paraphrased

[6] الطُّرُقُ الْحُكميَّة- page 30

[7] Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm. Pages 270-271

[4] Ensuring the preservation of the sound Islamic creed involves addressing Yasir Qadhi’s inclination towards exaggerations whilst commending those who denounce the atrocities committed by Netanyahu’s Zionist Far-right Regime

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Categories, Contemporary Issues, Deviated Callers & Individuals, History of Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Refutations, Sahaabah, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allah [The Exalted] says

يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَكُونُوا۟ مَعَ ٱلصَّٰدِقِينَ

O you who believe! Fear Allah, and be with those who are true (in statements and deeds). [9:119]

Indeed, it is evident that millions of individuals and many nations openly denounce the heinous acts committed by the Zionists, and this commendable stance deserves recognition. Nevertheless, it is crucial to avoid exaggeration and making assertions that contradict the infallible final divine revelation, as exemplified by the recent remarks made by the Bid’ee Yasir Qadhi regarding the followers of modern Judaism. He stated, “They are the real followers of Mosses! They are the ones who make the Children of Israel proud”. [End of quote]

However, it is crucial to maintain the only balanced approach that agrees with the infallible divine text to avoid exaggeration and to give proper recognition to what truly deserves acknowledgment.

Firstly, Shaikh Abu Iyaadh [may Allah preserve him] stated in his discussion regarding the connection between Zionism and Judaism: “However, it is important to note that not all Jews are involved in these intrigues and the Jews as a population have, throughout history, been subject to the whims and desires of their religious and political leaders, and have been made to undergo much persecution as a result. Also, there are many religious Jews who denounce Zionism as heresy in religion and cause of calamities for them and for Palestinians. Just as there are religious Jews who reject liberal and woke ideas used to disintegrate family and society. Hence, it is not correct to brush all Jews with the same brush, just as it is not correct to paint all Muslims with the brush of al-Ikhwān, Ḥizb al-Taḥrīr, al-Qaeda, ISIS and other extremists and terrorists”. [End of quote] https://abuiyaad.com/w/king-faisal-zionism

Secondly, we now present the undeniable truth concerning the people of the Scripture after the advent of of the final Prophet Muhammad [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him].

Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:Abdullah bin Salam heard the news of the arrival of Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) (at Medina) while he was on a farm collecting its fruits. So he came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and said, “I will ask you about three things which nobody knows unless he be a prophet. Firstly, what is the first portent of the Hour? What is the first meal of the people of Paradise? And what makes a baby look like its father or mother?”. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Just now Gabriel has informed me about that.” Abdullah said, “Gabriel?” The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Yes.” Abdullah said, “He, among the angels is the enemy of the Jews.” On that the Prophet (ﷺ) recited this Holy Verse:– “Whoever is an enemy to Gabriel (let him die in his fury!) for he has brought it (i.e. Qur’an) down to your heart by Allah’s permission.” (2.97) Then he added, “As for the first portent of the Hour, it will be a fire that will gather the people from the East to West. And as for the first meal of the people of Paradise, it will be the caudite (i.e. extra) lobe of the fish liver. And if a man’s discharge proceeded that of the woman, then the child resembles the father, and if the woman’s discharge proceeded that of the man, then the child resembles the mother.” On hearing that, Abdullah said, “I testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah, and that you are the Messenger of Allah; O, Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ),  the Jews (i.e. those among them who tamper with the Torah and killed the Prophets) are liars, and if they should come to know that I have submitted to Islam, they would accuse me of being a liar.” In the meantime some Jews came (to the Prophet) and he asked them, “What is Abdullah’s status amongst you?” They replied, “He is the best amongst us, and he is our chief and the son of our chief.” The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “What would you think if `Abdullah bin Salam submitted to Islam?” They replied, “May Allah protect him from this!” Then Abdullah came out and said, “I testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.” The Jews then said, “Abdullah is the worst of us and the son of the worst of us,” and disparaged him. On that Abdullah said, “O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)! This is what I was afraid of!” [Al-Bukhari 4480

Therefore, none can be the true followers of Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) other than those who have submitted to Islam.

To be continued Inshā’Allāh

The path to relief during severe calamity – [Battle of the Confederates]: By Imaam Ash-Shanqeetee

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

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

Imaam Muhammad Ameen Ash-Shanqeetee [may Allah have mercy upon him] stated regarding the causes of weakness in the Ummah: The Great Qur’an provides guidance on how to resolve this issue through the most suitable and upright path. Allah explained that the solution to this is related to turning to Him truthfully, one’s degree of faith in Him, and reliance upon Him. That is because Allah is All-Strong and All-Mighty, the Overwhelming and Absolute Subduer of everything, Who is never overcome. Consequently, it is impossible to prevail over someone who is truly an ally of Allah. One glaring example of this was during the Battle of the Confederates when the Muslims were under siege by the unbelievers. Allah says:

إِذْ جَآءُوكُم مِّن فَوْقِكُمْ وَمِنْ أَسْفَلَ مِنكُمْ وَإِذْ زَاغَتِ ٱلْأَبْصَٰرُ وَبَلَغَتِ ٱلْقُلُوبُ ٱلْحَنَاجِرَ وَتَظُنُّونَ بِٱللَّهِ ٱلظُّنُونَا۠
هُنَالِكَ ٱبْتُلِىَ ٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ وَزُلْزِلُوا۟ زِلْزَالًا شَدِيدًا

When they came upon you from above you and from below you, and when the eyes grew wild and the hearts reached to the throats, and you were harbouring doubts about Allah. There, the believers were tried and shaken with a mighty shaking. [Surah Al-Ahzaab. Ayaat 10-11]

Aside from the fact that the Muslims were cut off politically and economically at the time by everyone on Earth, consider the severity of this military siege and its effects on them! When you realise this, you should be aware that Allah said in Surah Al-Ahzaab the following as the solution to this enormous affair that ended this great difficulty. Allah says:

وَلَمَّا رَءَا ٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ ٱلْأَحْزَابَ قَالُوا۟ هَٰذَا مَا وَعَدَنَا ٱللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُۥ وَصَدَقَ ٱللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُۥ وَمَا زَادَهُمْ إِلَّآ إِيمَٰنًا وَتَسْلِيمًا

And when the believers saw Al-Ahzaab (the confederates), they said: “This is what Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad) had promised us, and Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad) had spoken the truth, and it only added to their faith and to their submissiveness (to Allah). [Surah Al-Ahzaab. Ayah 22]

That enormous difficulty was ended by this perfect belief in Allah, great submission to Him, and dependence and reliance on Him. And in fact, Allah made clear the benefits of this treatment. Allah mentioned the fruits of this remedy, saying:

وَرَدَّ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ بِغَيْظِهِمْ لَمْ يَنَالُوا۟ خَيْرًا وَكَفَى ٱللَّهُ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ ٱلْقِتَالَ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ قَوِيًّا عَزِيزًا
وَأَنزَلَ ٱلَّذِينَ ظَٰهَرُوهُم مِّنْ أَهْلِ ٱلْكِتَٰبِ مِن صَيَاصِيهِمْ وَقَذَفَ فِى قُلُوبِهِمُ ٱلرُّعْبَ فَرِيقًا تَقْتُلُونَ وَتَأْسِرُونَ فَرِيقًا
وَأَوْرَثَكُمْ أَرْضَهُمْ وَدِيَٰرَهُمْ وَأَمْوَٰلَهُمْ وَأَرْضًا لَّمْ تَطَـُٔوهَا وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ قَدِيرًا

And Allah drove back those who disbelieved in their rage; they gained no advantage (booty, etc.). Allah sufficed for the believers in the fighting (by sending against the disbelievers a severe wind and troops of angels). And Allah is Ever All-Strong, All-Mighty. And those of the people of the Scripture who backed them [the Quraish disbelievers] Allah brought them down from their forts and cast terror into their hearts, (so that) a group (of them) you killed (during the battle), and a group (of them) you made captives. And He caused you to inherit (as war booty) their lands, and their houses, and their riches, and a land which you had not trodden (before). And Allah is Able to do all things. [Surah Al-Ahzaab. Ayaat 25-27]

This is how Allah supported them in their fight against their adversaries. They had no idea nor aware that they were aided by the wind and the angels. Allah says:

يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱذْكُرُوا۟ نِعْمَةَ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيْكُمْ إِذْ جَآءَتْكُمْ جُنُودٌ فَأَرْسَلْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ رِيحًا وَجُنُودًا لَّمْ تَرَوْهَا وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ بَصِيرًا

O you who believe! Remember Allah’s Favour to you, when there came against you hosts, and We sent against them a wind and forces that you saw not [i.e. troops of angels during the battle of Al-Ahzab (the Confederates)]. And Allah is Ever All-Seer of what you do. (1) [End of quote]

Therefore, we can never lose hope because the oppressed believers will receive help one day regardless of the difficulties. However, because it was Iman and complete submission that brought about relief in those trying circumstances during the battle of the confederates, let us strive to increase in Iman and submission, while also doing everything we can within the boundaries of the Sunnah to aid the oppressed.

[1] An Excerpt from ‘Adwaa Al-Bayaan Vol 3. pages 301-302

Supplication of ‘Umar ibnul Khattab which should be Memorised – Shaykh Muhammad Amaan al-Jaami’

Written by Amjad Khan on . Posted in Articles, Basics, Monotheism - Tawheed, Sahaabah.

من دعاء عمر بن الخطاب رضي الله عنه :

‏”اللهم اجعل عملي كله صالحاً ،
‏واجعله لوجهك خالصاً ،
‏ولا تجعل لأحدٍ فيه شيئاً “
‏•┈•••••┈•••••┈•

‏✍🏻 قال الشيخ محمد أمان الجامي رحمه الله :

‏ هذا دعاء عظيم ، ينبغي أن يُحفظ ..

From the supplications of Umar ibnul Khattab (Allah be pleased with him),

“Oh Allah make all of my deeds righteous, make them sincerely for Your Face, and do not make anything of them for anyone else.”

Ash-Shaykh Muhammad Amaan al-Jaami (rahimahullah):

This is a tremendous supplication and it’s befitting that it is memorised.

Sharh al-Aqeedah al-Tadmuriyyah Tape 302

The People of Bidah On The Day of Aa’shooraa (Rawaafid, Nawaasib, and other Ignoramuses)

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Bid'ah (Innovation), Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Deviated Callers & Individuals, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, History of Islam, Innovations In Islam (Bidah), Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Sahaabah, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors), Scholars of Islam, Shi'a, Shirk, Sin, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Hishaam Bin Urwah [may Allah have mercy upon him] used to say, “Do not question the people about what they have innovated (in the religion) today because they have prepared answers for it; rather, question them about the Sunnah because they do not know it.” (1)

Ibn Aqeel [may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “If the truthful ones were to keep silent and the falsifiers speak, then the creation would have relinquished what they have witnessed (of truth) and reject what they have not witnessed. So when the devout ones desire to revive the Sunnah, the people would reject it and think that it is bidah”. (1.1)

Shaikh Al Islam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allah have mercy upon him] was asked if there is any authentic hadeeth from the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] regarding what people do on the day of Aashooraa, such as applying kohl and Hena, shaking hands, taking a bath, preparing food such as barley and other grains, and manifesting happiness; if there are no authentic proofs, is this considered bidah or not? And do the deeds of the other group (i.e. the Raafidah Shiites) have a basis in the religion or not, such as mourning, showing grief, purposefully making oneself thirsty and scarring oneself, sobbing, reciting (poems), fainting as a result of that and slapping the face?

Response: All the praises and thanks be to Allah, Lord of the entire existence. There is no authentic hadeeth from the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] or his companions in this regard, and none of the Imams, including the four Imams (Abu Hanifah, Malik, Ahmad, and Shaafi’ee), have recommended it.  Neither the scholars who authored and collated the texts that are relied on for their authenticity nor the companions and their students reported anything authentic or weak regarding this from the Prophet, neither in the authentic books of hadith nor in the Sunan. The virtuous first three generations of Islam knew nothing about these reports; however, some of those who came after the first three virtuous generations of Islam have transmitted reports to this effect, such as “Whoever applies kohl on the day of Aashooraa will not be sore-eyed in that year.” “Whoever bathes on Aashooraa will not get sick that year.” They also transmitted reports that Adam’s repentance took place on the day of Aashooraa, the virtue of prayer on this day, and that it was the day Nuh’s ark landed on Mount Judi, the day Ya’qub was reunited with Yusuf, and the day Ibraaheem was saved from the fire, etc. They also transmitted fabricated reports and lies attributed to the Prophet saying, “Whoever gives to his family on the day of Aashooraa, Allah will give him throughout the year.” All of these reports are lies attributed to the Prophet. (2)

Then an ignorant and transgressive group arose, consisting of either disbelieving hypocrites or misguided individuals. They declared (so-called) allegiance to the Prophet’s household and observed Aashooraa as a day of mourning, misery, and wailing. They practice pre-Islamic ignorance-related deeds such as slapping the face, tearing their clothes, and calling to pre-Islamic ignorance-related slogans and disbelief. However, Allah and His Messenger instructed that when new disasters occur, (one) exercises patience, hopes for Allah’s reward, recalls one’s misdeeds, and repents, as Allah (The Most High) said:

وَبَشِّرِ الصَّابِرِينَ
الَّذِينَ إِذَا أَصَابَتْهُم مُّصِيبَةٌ قَالُوا إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ
أُولَٰئِكَ عَلَيْهِمْ صَلَوَاتٌ مِّن رَّبِّهِمْ وَرَحْمَةٌ ۖ وَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْمُهْتَدُونَ

But give glad tidings to As-Saabireen (the patient ones, etc.). Who, when afflicted with calamity, say: “Truly! To Allah, we belong and truly, to Him, we shall return.” They are those on whom are the Salaam (i.e. blessings, etc.) (i.e. who are blessed and will be forgiven) from their Lord, and (they are those who) receive His Mercy, and it is they who are the guided ones. [Soori Al-Baqarah: Ayaat 55-57]

And it has been reported in the Saheehayn (Bukhaari and Muslim) from the Prophet that he said, “He is not from us, he who slaps his cheeks, tears his clothes and calls to the slogans of the pre-Islamic period of ignorance” (3)

They also recite mournful poems and relate reports that are full of lies. And the truth in them merely renews their (exaggerated and mistaken way of grieving), bigoted allegiance, incitement to hatred and conflict, initiating trials between the people of Islam as a result of that, and reviling those who were first to enter Islam. Even an eloquent person cannot explain the evil of these people (i.e. the Raafidah) and their harm to the people of Islam. [Visit http://www.shia.bs/index.cfm ]

However, they (i.e. Raafidah) are opposed by another group of people who are either Nawaasib (footnote a) or ignoramuses, thus they confront corruption with corruption, lying with lies, evil with evil, and bidah with bidah. On the day of Aashooraa, they write poems conveying joy and happiness, apply kohl, dye their garments a different colour, spend extra on their families, and cook the food they do not normally cook. These people regard the day of Aashooraa as an occasion comparable to the days of celebration and happiness [i.e. the two Eids]. The Raafidah, on the other hand, observe it as a day of mourning, grief, and suffering [i.e. inflicting injuries on oneself]. In this matter, both groups are mistaken and have exited the authentic Prophetic path. Allah’s Messenger, the rightly guided Khulafaa, or any of the Muslims’ Imams, such as Maalik, Ath-Thawree, Al-Layth Bin Sa’d, Abu Haneefah, Al-Awzaa’ee, Ash-Shaafi’ee, Ahmad Bin Hanbal, and Ishaaq Bin Raahawayh, never legislated these deeds. (4)

Footnote a: Imam Muhammad Ibn Saalih Al-Uthaymeen [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: The Nawaasib are the ones who propagate hostility towards the Prophet’s family, slander and revile them, so they are the opposite of the Rawaafid (i.e. those who exaggerate the status of the Prophet’s family until they worship them). (5)

Ref 1: Quoted by Imaam Aloosee (may Allah have mercy upon him) in “Ghaayatul Amaanee Fee Ar-Radd Alaa An-Nabahaanee”. 1/367

Ref 1.1: Shifaa As-Sudoor Fee Ziyaaratil Mashaahid Wal-Quboor. Page 148

Ref 2: Majmoo al-Fataawaa 25/299-312

Ref 3: Al-Fataawaa Al-Kubraa page 1/200

Ref 4: Majmoo al-Fataawaa 25/299-312

Ref 5: Sharh Al-Aqeedah Al-Waasitiyyah 2/283

Let’s Recall Two Qualities From The Lofty Qualities of AbuBakr and Umar When Speaking About Them!

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

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

Let’s Recall Two Qualities From The Lofty Qualities of AbuBakr and Umar When Speaking About Them and Strive to Emulate!

Quote from Al-Allaamah Zayd Bin Haadi regarding a worldly dispute between Abu Bakr and Rabeea’ah Al-Aslami: “This story also shows that the companions of the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] were not infallible. Mistakes did occur from them unintentionally, but they were a people whom Allaah favoured with the companionship of the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam], and they did not persist upon mistakes as it is seen in this story. Indeed, disagreement did occur between them (see footnote a), but they humbled themselves to the truth- neither repelled the truth with falsehood nor indulged in oppression; rather they hastened to Allaah’s Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] to resolve the [disagreements] that occurred between them. The Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] resolved those issues and all of them were pleased with the judgement and submitted with full submission”.

Quote regarding Umar’s character: The Messenger of Allaah [peace and blessings be upon him] said to Umar [may Allaah be pleased with him], “By Him in Whose Hands my soul is, whenever Satan sees you taking a path, he follows a path other than yours.” Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “Shaytaan (misguides) a person through  desires, but Umar [may Allaah be pleased with him] subdued his desires”.

Rabee’ah Al-Aslami [radiyallaahu-anhu] narrated, “I used to serve the Messenger of Allaah [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam], so he gave me a piece of land and gave Abu Bakr a piece of land. Then, the worldly life came and we argued over a bunch of palm trees, so Abu Bakr said, ‘It is in my piece of land!’ and I said, ‘It is in my piece of land!’ Then there was an exchange of words between Abu Bakr and myself, so Abu Bakr said something to me that I disliked, and he regretted that. So, he said to me, ‘O Rabee’ah! Say in return to me what I said to you so that it becomes a retribution’. I said, ‘I will not do so!’ Abu Bakr said, ‘Say it, or I will call the Messenger of Allaah on you!’ I said, ‘I will not do so’. So Abu Bakr abandoned the piece of land and went to the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] and I followed him. The people from [the tribe of] Aslam came and said, ‘May Allaah have mercy on Abu Bakr! Why would he call the Messenger of Allaah on you when he has said to you what he has said?’ So I said, ‘Do you know who that is? That is Abu Bakr -the Truthful [as-Siddeeq]! He is the one who was in the Cave with the Prophet [sallal laahu-alayhi wasallam], and he is the elder of the Muslims! So beware that he turns around and see you helping me against him and it makes him angry, then the Messenger of Allaah [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] comes along and become angry because of Abu Bakr’s anger, and then Allaah becomes angry due to their anger, and thus Rabee’ah is destroyed!’ So, they said, ‘So what do you want us to do?’ I said, ‘Go back to where you came from.’ So Abu Bakr went to the Messenger of Allah and I followed him by myself and continued until he got to the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] and informed him of our conversation as it happened. So he [the Prophet] raised his head to me and said, ‘O Rabee’ah! What is going on between you and as-Siddeeq?’ So I said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah! This happened and that happened, so he said something to me that I disliked, and he told me to say the same thing back to him so that it be would be a retribution’. So the Messenger of Allaah said, ‘Do not return his comment to him, rather say ‘May Allaah forgive you O Abu Bakr! May Allaah forgive you O Abu Bakr!’ So Abu Bakr turned his face and began to cry’”.

Beneficial Reminders From This Hadeeth By Shaikh Zayd Bin Haadi [rahimahullaah]

This hadeeth contains an amazing story from which we can take an exhortation and a lesson. Firstly, it is a proof regarding the purity of the hearts of the Sahaabah towards one another, and that when disagreement occurred between them regarding a worldly affair, they did not boycott one another – neither harboured resentment nor hatred; rather one gave sincere advice to the other.

This story shows that the Sahaabah were people of fair play and justice, and they feared falling into disobedience and evil deeds. And if punishment was legislated for an evil deed, they wished that such punishment is received in this worldly life and not the afterlife.

This story shows the virtue of AbuBakr [radiyallaahu-anhu] – his status in the eyes of the Sahaabah, in the eyes of the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] and also in the sight of Allaah, for indeed the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] use to hold him in high esteem and raised him to his rightful status, just as Allaah stated in the Qur’aan: [إِذۡ هُمَا فِى ٱلۡغَارِ إِذۡ يَقُولُ لِصَـٰحِبِهِۦ لَا تَحۡزَنۡ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ مَعَنَا‌ۖ – The second of two, when they were in the cave, and he [Muhammad (sallal laahu alayhi wasallam)] said to his companion [Abu Bakr (radiyallaahu-anhu)], “Be not sad [or afraid], surely Allaah is with us”. [Surah At-tawbah. Aayah 40]

AbuBakr [radiyallaahu-anhu] was the Prophet’s [sallal-laahu-alayhi- wasallam] companion in the cave. He is the most virtuous person in the Ummah after the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] based on the consensus of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa’ah – past and present. Indeed, the Prophet [sallal laahu- alayhi wasallam] said to some of his companions regarding AbuBakr’s [radiyallaahu-anhu] affair, “Would you not leave my companion for me” – meaning AbuBakr [i.e. refrain from annoying or harming AbuBakr (radiyallaahu-anhu)] [Bukhari 3661]

This story shows the virtue of being forgiving and pardoning the one who wrongs you when you are able to do so and based on [a lawful and overriding] benefit, for indeed being forgiving and pardoning others will not increase you in anything except honour and a higher status in the sight of Allaah.

This story also shows that the companions of the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] were not infallible. Mistakes did occur from them unintentionally, but they were a people whom Allaah favoured with the companionship of the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam], and they did not persist upon mistakes as it is seen in this story. Indeed, disagreement did occur between them, but they humbled themselves to the truth- neither repelled the truth with falsehood nor indulged in oppression; rather they hastened to Allaah’s Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] to resolve the [disagreements] that occurred between them. The Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] resolved those issues and all of them were pleased with the judgement and submitted with full submission.

This story shows the virtue of supplicating for others, especially for the one who wronged you. So, you supplicate for him that [Allaah] rectifies his affairs and forgives him, for indeed you have an angel who says, “Aameen and may Allaah grant you the same”. Therefore, one should be eager for this!

This story shows that to fulfil the rights of the people in this worldly life is better than leaving the affair until the day of judgement when none will pardon another person, even if such person is the closest relative to him.

This story shows the virtue of Rabee’ah Al-Aslami [radiyallaahu-anhu] who advised his companions that neither should they be his supporters nor argue on his behalf against AbuBakr [radiyallaahu-anhu], because he knew the status of AbuBakr [radiyallaahu-anhu] in the sight of Allaah and the Messenger.

What do we derive as benefit from this story: We should pardon and maintain love for one another when disagreement occurs between us regarding an affair of the Dunyaa. A person should be eager to give people their rights and also seek the forgiveness of the one he disputed with. [An Excerpt from ‘At-taleeqaat Al-maleehah Alaa Silsilah Al-Ahaadeeth as-Saheehah. Pages 42-44]

 

Umar Ibnul Khattaab

Hadeeth 1: Umar [may Allaah be pleased with him] asked the people, “Who remembers the narration of the Prophet [peace and blessings be upon him] about the affliction?” Hudhaifa said, “I heard the Prophet [peace and blessings be upon him] saying, ‘The affliction of a person in his property, family and neighbours is expiated by his prayers, fasting, and giving in charity.” `Umar said, “I do not ask about that, but I ask about those afflictions which will spread like the waves of the sea.” Hudhaifa replied, “There is a closed gate in front of those afflictions.” `Umar asked, “Will that gate be opened or broken?” He replied, “It will be broken.” `Umar said, “Then the gate will not be closed again till the Day of Resurrection.” We said to Masruq, “Would you ask Hudhaifa whether `Umar knew what that gate symbolized?” He asked him and he replied “He (`Umar) knew it as one knows that there will be night before tomorrow, morning. [Ref 1]

Brief Comment On The Above Hadeeth

a: Regarding the statement: “The affliction of a person in his property, family and neighbours is expiated by his prayers, fasting, and giving in charity”, Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him] stated that the unrestricted narrations in which a mention is made regarding the expiation of sins are restricted by the texts regarding the abandonment of major sins – either restricted by the statement of Allaah: [إِنْ تَجْتَنِبُوا كَبَائِرَ مَا تُنْهَوْنَ عَنْهُ نُكَفِّرْ عَنْكُمْ سَيِّئَاتِكُمْ – If you avoid the great sins which you are forbidden to do, We shall remit from you your (small) sins. (Surah An-Nisaa. Aayah 31)]; or by the statement of the Messenger [peace and blessings be upon him], “The five prayers, Friday to Friday, and Ramadan to Ramadan will expiate the sins committed between them, as long as major sins are avoided”. [Ref 1.1]

b: Regarding the statement: Hudhaifa replied, “There is a closed gate in front of those afflictions.” `Umar asked, “Will that gate be opened or broken?” He replied, “It will be broken.” `Umar said, “Then the gate will not be closed again till the Day of Resurrection”, Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: The gate is Umar and his murder is when the door is broken. So, after he was murdered, the gate of the afflictions was opened. [Ref 2]

Hadeeth 2: The Messenger of Allaah [peace and blessings be upon him] said to Umar [may Allaah be pleased with him], “By Him in Whose Hands my soul is, whenever Satan sees you taking a path, he follows a path other than yours.” [Ref 3]

Brief Comment On The Above Hadeeth: Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “Shaytaan (misguides) a person through desires, but Umar [may Allaah be pleased with him] subdued his desires”. [Ref 4]

Hadeeth 3: Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings be upon him] said, “While I was sleeping, I saw myself drinking (i.e. milk), and I was so contented that I saw the milk flowing through my nails. Then I gave (the milk) to `Umar.” They (i.e. the companions of the Prophet) asked, “What do you interpret it?” He said, “Knowledge.” [Ref 5]

Brief Comment On The Above Hadeeth: Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: This is a great virtue of Umar [may Allaah be pleased with him] and that which Allaah granted him of knowledge, and the proofs in this regard are clear. [Ref 6]

Hadeeth 4: Ibn Abbaas [may Allaah be pleased with him and his father] said: When (the dead body of) `Umar was placed on his deathbed, the people gathered around him and invoked (Allah) and prayed for him before the body was taken away, and I was amongst them. Suddenly I felt somebody taking hold of my shoulder and found out that he was `Ali bin Abi Talib. `Ali invoked Allah’s Mercy for `Umar and said, “O `Umar! You have not left behind you a person whose deeds I like to imitate and meet Allah with more than I like your deeds. By Allah! I always thought that Allah would keep you with your two companions, for very often I used to hear the Prophet (ﷺ) saying, ‘I, Abu Bakr and `Umar went (somewhere); I, Abu Bakr and `Umar entered (somewhere); and I, Abu Bakr and `Umar went out.”‘ [Ref 7]

Brief Comment On The Above Hadeeth: Imaam Abdul Azeez bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “May Allaah be pleased with the companions. In this hadeeth is the fact that the noble and righteous people are afflicted with trials like the Prophets, and this is what happened to Umar [may Allaah be pleased with him] – the best person in the Ummah after the Prophet and As-Siddeeq [i.e. Abu Bakr]. [Ref 8]

Hadeeth 5: Abu Sa`eed Al-Khudri [may Allaah be pleased with him] said: I heard Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings be upon him] saying, “While I was sleeping, the people were presented to me (in a dream). They were wearing shirts, some of which were merely covering their (chests). and some were a bit longer. `Umar was presented before me and his shirt was so long that he was dragging it.” They asked, “How have you interpreted it, O Allah’s Messenger?” He said, “Religion.” [Ref 9]

Brief Comment On The Above Hadeeth: Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: This a great blessing for Umar [may Allaah be pleased with him]. Allaah bestowed knowledge and religion on him. [Ref 10]

Hadeeth 6: Narrated Abu Musa: While I was with the Prophet (ﷺ) in one of the gardens of Medina, a man came and asked me to open the gate. The Prophet (ﷺ) said to me, “Open the gate for him and give him the glad tidings that he will enter Paradise.” I opened (the gate) for him, and behold! It was Abu Bakr. I informed him of the glad tidings the Prophet (ﷺ) had said, and he praised Allah. Then another man came and asked me to open the gate. The Prophet (ﷺ) said to me “Open (the gate) and give him the glad tidings of entering Paradise.” I opened (the gate) for him, and behold! It was `Umar. I informed him of what the Prophet (ﷺ) had said, and he praised Allah. Then another man came and asked me to open the gate. The Prophet (ﷺ) said to me. “Open (the gate) for him and inform him of the glad tidings, of entering Paradise with a calamity which will befall him. ” Behold ! It was `Uthman, I informed him of what Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) had said. He praised Allah and said, “I seek Allah’s Aid.” [Ref 11]

Brief Comment On The Above Hadeeth: Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said after quoting this hadeeth: “Allaahu Akbar! Allaahul Mus’ta’aan, Allaahul Musta’aan [Allaah’s Aid is sought, Allaah’s Aid is sought]. [Ref 12]

Hadeeth 7: Narrated Al-Miswar bin Makhrama: When `Umar was stabbed, he showed signs of agony. Ibn `Abbas, as if intending to encourage `Umar, said to him, “O Chief of the believers! Never mind what has happened to you, for you have been in the company of Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) and you kept good relations with him and you parted with him while he was pleased with you. Then you were in the company of Abu Bakr and kept good relations with him and you parted with him (i.e. he died) while he was pleased with you. Then you were in the company of the Muslims, and you kept good relations with them, and if you leave them, you will leave them while they are pleased with you.” `Umar said, (to Ibn “Abbas), “As for what you have said about the company of Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) and his being pleased with me, it is a favour Allah did to me; and as for what you have said about the company of Abu Bakr and his being pleased with me, it is a favour Allah did to me; and concerning my impatience which you see, is because of you and your companions. By Allah! If (at all) I had gold equal to the earth, I would have ransomed myself with it from the Punishment of Allah before I meet Him.” [Ref 13]

Brief Comment On The Above Hadeeth: Regarding the statement of Umar: “As for what you have said about the company of Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) and his being pleased with me, it is a favour Allah did to me; and as for what you have said about the company of Abu Bakr and his being pleased with me, it is a favour Allah did to me; and concerning my impatience which you see, is because of you and your companions. By Allah! If (at all) I had gold equal to the earth, I would have ransomed myself with it from the Punishment of Allah before I meet Him”, Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: O Allaah! Be pleased with him [i.e. Umar]. The one who has more knowledge about Allaah will fear Him more. [Ref 14]

Hadeeth 8: Narrated Anas bin Maalik [radiyallaahu-anhu] that he heard ‘Umar [radiyallaahu-anhu] speaking, while standing on the pulpit of the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] in the morning [following the death of the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam)], when the people had given the Bai’ah [pledge] to Abu Bakr. He [praised Allaah, testified that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah, and sent salutations upon the Prophet] before Abu Bakr, and said, ‘’To proceed; Allaah has chosen for His Messenger what is with Him [i.e. Paradise] rather than what is with you [i.e. the world]. This is that Book [the Qur’an] with which Allah guided your Messenger, so stick to it, for then you will be guided on the Right Path as Allaah guided His Messenger with it.” [Bukhari]

Benefits and Lessons Derived From The Above Hadeeth: Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee Al-Madkhalee [may Allaah preserve him] said: The Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam], Abu Bakr [radiyallaahu-anhu] and all the companions [radiyallaahu-anhum] considered Umar [radiyallaahu-anhu] as one with great status, and because of this, he took [praiseworthy] stances during times of serious events in order to offer [sound] suggestions, such as during the Riddah [i.e. when some tribes left Islaam after the death of the Messenger]. And from them [i.e. those serious events] is that Umar [radiyallaahu-anhu] was the first one who gave the oath of allegiance to Abu Bakr [radiyallaahu’anhu]- he settled the affair as reported in the [following] hadeeth: ”When the Messenger of Allah [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] passed away, the Ansar said: ‘Let there be an Amir from among us and an Amir from among you.’ Then Umar came to them and said: ‘O Ansar! Do you not know that the Messenger of Allah [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] commanded Abu Bakr [radiyallaahu-anhu] to lead the people in prayer? Who among you could accept to put himself ahead of Abu Bakr?’ They said: ‘We seek refuge with Allah from putting ourselves ahead of Abu Bakr.’’ [Reported by Imaam Ahmad 3649]

On the second day, after the oath of allegiance was given to AbuBakr [radiyallaahu-anhu], he [Umar (radiyallaahu-anhu)] ascended the pulpit and delivered this great sermon, (saying): ”Amma Ba ‘du [to proceed]: Allah has chosen for His Messenger what is with Him (i.e. Paradise) rather than what is with you [i.e. the world]. This is that Book [i.e. the Qur’an] with which Allah guided your Messenger, so stick to it, for then you will be guided on the Right Path as Allaah guided His Messenger with it.”

This [statement of Umar] is Allaah’s command and the command of His Messenger other than (this) hadeeth, such as his [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] statement: ‘’I have left amongst you that which if you hold fast to it, you will never go astray after me: the book of Allah and my Sunnah.”

And likewise his [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] statement: ‘’The best speech is the Book of Allaah and the best guidance is the guidance of Muhammad. And the worst of all affairs are the newly invented matters (in the religion) and every innovation is misguidance.’’ [Muslim]

In the majority of his [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] sermons, he uttered this statement, in order to urge [mankind] towards adherence to the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam]. Therefore, Umar [radiyallaahu-anhu] followed this path in order to guide the people to adhere to the Book of Allaah, for indeed in it is guidance and light. Indeed Allaah guided his Messenger through it-[Allaah (The Most High)] said:

وَكَذَٰلِكَ أَوْحَيْنَا إِلَيْكَ رُوحًا مِّنْ أَمْرِنَا مَا كُنتَ تَدْرِي مَا الْكِتَابُ وَلَا الْإِيمَانُ وَلَٰكِن جَعَلْنَاهُ نُورًا نَّهْدِي بِهِ مَن نَّشَاءُ مِنْ عِبَادِنَا وَإِنَّكَ لَتَهْدِي إِلَىٰ صِرَاطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ
صِرَاطِ اللَّهِ الَّذِي لَهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ ۗ أَلَا إِلَى اللَّهِ تَصِيرُ الْأُمُورُ

”And thus We have sent to you [O Muhammad] Ruhan [an Inspiration, and a Mercy] of Our Command. You knew not what is the Book, nor what is Faith? But We have made it [this Qur’an] a light wherewith We guide whosoever of Our slaves We will. And verily, you [O Muhammad] are indeed guiding [mankind] to the Straight Path [i.e. Allah’s religion of Islamic Monotheism]. The Path of Allah, to Whom belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. Verily, all the matters at the end go to Allah (for decision). [42:52-53]

The Book of Allaah [mentioned in this ayah] is the Qur’aan. Allaah [Glorified Be He and Free is He from all imperfections] did not guide him [i.e. the Messenger] except by way of His Mercy and by way of this Qur’aan. He [Allaah (The Most High)] said: [قُلْ إِن ضَلَلْتُ فَإِنَّمَا أَضِلُّ عَلَىٰ نَفْسِي ۖ وَإِنِ اهْتَدَيْتُ فَبِمَا يُوحِي إِلَيَّ رَبِّي ۚ إِنَّهُ سَمِيعٌ قَرِيبٌ – Say: “If [even] I go astray, I shall stray only to my own loss. But if I remain guided, it is because of the Inspiration of my Lord to me. Truly, He is All-Hearer, Ever Near (to all things).”] [34:50]

And He [Allaah (The Most High)] said:

اتَّبِعْ مَا أُوحِيَ إِلَيْكَ مِن رَّبِّكَ

‘’Follow what has been inspired to you (O Muhammad) from your Lord. [6:106]

And He [Allaah (The Most High)] said:

وَلَئِنِ اتَّبَعْتَ أَهْوَاءَهُم بَعْدَ الَّذِي جَاءَكَ مِنَ الْعِلْمِ ۙ مَا لَكَ مِنَ اللَّهِ مِن وَلِيٍّ وَلَا نَصِيرٍ

‘’And if you [O Muhammad] were to follow their desires after what you have received of Knowledge [i.e. the Qur’an], then you would have against Allah neither any Wali [protector or guardian] nor any helper.’’ [2:120]

The Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] followed the revelation and its texts just as Allaah commanded him; and the Ummah are obligated with this [i.e. to follow as well], just as Allaah commanded them. He [Allaah (The Most High)] said: [اتَّبِعُوا مَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْكُم مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا مِن دُونِهِ أَوْلِيَاءَ ۗ قَلِيلًا مَّا تَذَكَّرُونَ – Say [O Muhammad] to these idolaters [pagan Arabs] of your folk:] Follow what has been sent down unto you from your Lord [the Qur’an and Prophet Muhammad’s Sunnah], and follow not any Auliya’ [protectors and helpers, etc. who order you to associate partners in worship with Allah], besides Him [Allah]. Little do you remember!] [7:3]

And just as Allaah commanded His Messenger to follow the revelation and to be guided by it, He [Allaah] also commanded the Ummah to follow the revelation and to be guided by it. Therefore, O Muslims! It is [obligated] on us to [take the] Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] as a [source of] guidance with truthfulness, sincerity, diligence and determination, and not with wishful thinking; rather we should be truthful to Allaah [The Blessed and Most High] with regards to holding fast to this Book [i.e. the Qur’aan] and the Sunnah, just as Allaah [Glorified and Exalted Be He] said to His slave Yahyah [alayhis-salaam]: [يَا يَحْيَىٰ خُذِ الْكِتَابَ بِقُوَّةٍ ۖ – O Yahya (John)! Hold fast the Scripture [the Taurat (Torah)].” [19:12]

Therefore, it is obligated on us to hold onto [the Qur’an] with diligence- neither with a slack nor lackadaisical [attitude] and nor through blameworthy blind following; rather it is obligated on us to ponder upon this Qur’aan just as He [Allaah (The Most High)] stated: [كِتَابٌ أَنزَلْنَاهُ إِلَيْكَ مُبَارَكٌ لِّيَدَّبَّرُوا آيَاتِهِ وَلِيَتَذَكَّرَ أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ – ‘’(This is) a Book (the Qur’an) which We have sent down to you, full of blessings that they may ponder over its Verses, and that men of understanding may remember’’] [38: 29]

This Qur’aan was sent down to be pondered upon and to acquire (sound) understanding from it. And the one whom Allaah wishes good for, He gives him (or her) understanding in the religion.

It is incumbent upon you [to adhere] to this Book [i.e. the Qur’aan] and the Sunnah-give importance to them (by way of) memorization and acquiring understanding; utilise them as an aid in [seeking] a sincere and pure understanding based on the Messenger’s [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] statements and the understanding of the pious predecessors [may Allaah be pleased with all of them]. However, some of the pious predecessors may have some mistakes, so we seek Allaah’s Forgiveness for them and find excuses for them, however we do not follow them [in their mistakes], for everyone can have his statement accepted or rejected, except the Messenger of Allaah [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam].

(So) Umar (radiyallaahu-anahu) said: “Amma Ba‘du (to proceed): Allah has chosen for His Messenger what is with Him (Paradise) rather than what is with you (the world)….etc’’ and shortly before his death the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) delivered a sermon, as reported in the hadeeth of Abu Sa’eed (radiyallaahu-anhu) – and said: ‘’Indeed Allaah gave a slave of His a choice between the Dunya and between what is with Him, so he (the slave) chose that which is with Allaah.’ So Abu Bakr (radiyallaahu-anhu) cried and said: ‘We sacrifice our fathers and mothers for your sake.’ We wondered why Abu Bakr (said such a thing). The people said: ‘Look at this old man! The Messenger of Allah says about a slave who was given the choice between the glitter of the worldly life and what He [Allaah] has with Him (of reward in the Hereafter); but he (i.e. Abu Bakr) says: We sacrifice our fathers and mothers for your sake!’ The Messenger of Allah (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) was the slave who was to make the choice and (we acknowledged) that Abu Bakr was the most learned among us about the Messenger (i.e. because he knew the reason behind the Messenger’s statement).’’

Umar-and Allaah knows best-was referring to this (above) hadeeth. There is no Prophet at the time of death except that he is given a choice between the (bliss of) this life and what is with Allaah has (i.e. Allaah good pleasure and reward in the afterlife), and the Prophets chose what is with Allaah. Abu Hurairah (radiyallaahu-anhu) said: ‘The Angel of Death was sent to Moosaa (alayhis-salaam); so when he came to Moosa, he (Moosaa) struck him in his eye. He (i.e. the Angel) returned to his Lord and said: You sent me to a slave who does not want to die.’ So Allah gave him back his eye and said: ‘Return to him and tell him to put his hand on the back of an ox and for every hair that will come under it, he will be granted one year of life.’ Moosaa (alayhis-salaam) said: ‘0 Lord! What will happen after that?’ Allah replied: ‘Then death.’ Moosaa said: ‘Let it come now!’ Moosaa then requested Allah to let him die close to the Holy Land so that he would be at a distance of a stone’s throw from it.” [Bukhari and Muslim] So he (alayhis-salaam) chose death.

The Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) was given a choice, just as he stated and just as Aa’isha (radiyallaahu-anhaa) said, ‘’The Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) used to say whilst he was healthy: Never a prophet dies in a state that he is not made to see his abode in Paradise, and then given a choice.’’ ‘A’isha said that when Allaah’s Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) was about to leave the world, his head was over her thigh and he had fallen into swoon three times. When he felt relief his eyes were fixed at the ceiling. He then said: O Allaah, along with the high companions (i.e. along with the Prophets who live in the most elevated place of the Paradise). (On hearing these words), I then said (to myself) He is not going to opt us and I remembered a hadith which he had narrated to us as he was healthy and in which he said: No prophet dies until he sees his abode in Paradise, he is then given a choice. ‘A’isha said: These were the last words which Allaah’s Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) spoke: O Allaah, with companions on High. [Bukhaari]

So he (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) chose the (company) of the high companions and departed from this worldly life. This affair that Umar (radiyallaahu-anhu) referred to is in harmony with what the Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) stated about the Prophets and himself. He (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) chose that which is with Allaah (The Mighty and Majestic). He chose the afterlife over the worldly life after completing his message perfectly. Allaah perfected this religion (of Islaam) and then gave him a choice (between this world and the hereafter), so he chose that which is with Allaah (i.e. the afterlife).

And likewise Anas (radiyallaahu-anhu) narrated: “Abu Bakr (radiyallaahu-anhu) said to ‘Umar (radiyallaahu-anhu), after the death of the Messenger of Allah (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam), “Let us go and visit Umm Ayman [i.e. the wet nurse the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) during his childhood], as the Messenger of Allah (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) used to visit her.” When they finished visiting her (and were about to leave) she began to cry. So they asked her: “What is it that makes you cry? Is not that which is with Allah better for the Messenger of Allah (saw)?” So she replied, “I am not crying because I am unaware that that which is with Allah is better for the Messenger of Allah (saw) but I am crying because the revelation from the heavens has stopped.” This moved them to tears, so they both began to weep with her.” [Muslim]

So this is what Umar (radiyallaahu-anhu) referred to- the Prophet’s (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) choice regarding that which is with Allaah (in the afterlife).

We ask Allaah to grant us and you (success, wellbeing etc) in His Religion. And that He grants us (the blessing, ability) to adhere to His Book (i.e. the Qur’aan) and to follow the guidance of His noble Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam). Indeed, our Lord hears the supplication (of His slaves). [Ref 15]

Footnote a: https://safeshare.tv/x/ss5d4fde1296604

Ref 1: Bukhaari 1895

Ref1.1:https://binbaz.org.sa/audios/45/1–%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%AD%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%AB-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D9%85%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%89-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D9%85%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D9%83%D9%81%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D9%84%D9%85%D8%A7-%D8%A8%D9%8A%D9%86%D9%87%D9%85%D8%A7

Ref 2: Al-Hululul Ibreeziyyah Min at-Ta’leeqaat al-Baaziyyah Alaa Saheeh Al-Bukhaari. Vol 2. Page 118

Ref 3: Bukhaari 3294

Ref 4: Minhaaj As-Sunnah 6/55

Ref 5: Bukhaari 3681

Ref 6: Al-Hulalul Ibreeziyyah Min at-Ta’leeqaat Al-Baaziyyah Alaa Saheeh al-Bukhaari. Vol 3. Page 146

Ref 7: Bukhaari 3685

Ref 8: Al-Hululul Ibreeziyyah Min at-Ta’leeqaat Al-Baariziyyah Alaa Saheeh Al-Bukhaari. Vol 3. page 151

Ref 9: Bukhaari 3691

Ref 10: Al-Hululul Ibreeziyyah Min at-Ta’leeqaat Al-Baariziyyah Alaa Saheeh Al-Bukhaari.Vol 3. Page 153

Ref 11: Saheeh Al-Bukhaari 3693

Ref 12: Al-Hululul Ibreeziyyah Min at-Ta’leeqaat Al-Baariziyyah Alaa Saheeh Al-Bukhaari.Vol 3. Pages 153-154

Ref 13: Bukhaari 3692

Ref 14: Al-Hululul Ibreeziyyah Min at-Ta’leeqaat Al-Baariziyyah Alaa Saheeh Al-Bukhaari.Vol 3. Page 153

Ref 15: An Excerpt from ‘Bahjatul Qaariy Bi-Fawaa’id Manhajiyyah Wa Duroos Tarbawiyyah Min Kitaab Al-I’tisaam Bil-Kitaab Was-Sunnah Min Saheeh Al-Bukhaari. Pages: 11-17. By Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi Al-Mad’khali]