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Verse 76 Surah Yusuf

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

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

فَبَدَأَ بِأَوْعِيَتِهِمْ قَبْلَ وِعَآءِ أَخِيهِ ثُمَّ ٱسْتَخْرَجَهَا مِن وِعَآءِ أَخِيهِ كَذَٰلِكَ كِدْنَا لِيُوسُفَ مَا كَانَ لِيَأْخُذَ أَخَاهُ فِى دِينِ ٱلْمَلِكِ إِلَّآ أَن يَشَآءَ ٱللَّهُ نَرْفَعُ دَرَجَٰتٍ مَّن نَّشَآءُ وَفَوْقَ كُلِّ ذِى عِلْمٍ عَلِيمٌ

So he [Yusuf] began (the search) in their bags before the bag of his brother. Then he brought it out of his brother’s bag. Thus did We plan for Yusuf. He could not take his brother by the law of the king (as a slave), except that Allah willed it. (So Allah made the brothers to bind themselves with their way of “punishment, i.e. enslaving of a thief.”) We raise to degrees whom We please, but over all those endowed with knowledge is the All-Knowing (Allah). [12:76]

[نَرْفَعُ دَرَجَٰتٍ مَّن نَّشَآءُ – We raise to degrees whom We please], as Allah said (i.e. in another Ayah):

يَرْفَعِ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مِنْكُمْ وَالَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْعِلْمَ دَرَجَاتٍ ۚ وَاللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرٌ

Allah will exalt in degree those of you who believe, and those who have been granted knowledge. And Allah is Well-Acquainted with what you do]. [Al-Mujadilah 11]

[وَفَوْقَ كُلِّ ذِى عِلْمٍ عَلِيمٌ – but over all those endowed with knowledge is the All-Knowing (Allah)].

Al-Hasan al-Basri, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

There is not a scholar except that above him is (another) scholar until the all knowledge goes back to Allah, The Mighty and Majestic, (i.e. Allah as the absolute Owner and Bestower of all knowledge).

Abdur Razzaq, may Allah have mercy upon him, reported from Sufyan ath-Thawri, may Allah have mercy upon him, from Abdul A’laa ath-Tha’labi, may Allah have mercy upon him, from Sa’eed Ibn Jubayr, may Allah have mercy upon him, who said:

“We were with Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him and his father, when he delivered an amazing speech. Then a man was amazed and said, ‘All praise and thanks be to Allah, above every possessor of knowledge is One All-Knowing’. Ibn Abbas said: ‘What an evil (or terrible) thing you have uttered! Allah is the All-Knowing, and He is above every knowledgeable one'”. [1]

[نَرْفَعُ دَرَجَاتٍ مَنْ نَشَاءُ – We raise to degrees whom We please].

Meaning, through beneficial knowledge and acquaintance with the paths that lead to their intended goals, just as We raised Yusuf’s, peace be upon him, in ranks.

Basheer al-Hujaymee, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: One day, I heard al-Ḥasan al-Baṣri, may Allah have mercy upon him, recite this verse:

[وَفَوْقَ كُلِّ ذِى عِلْمٍ عَلِيمٌ – but over all those endowed with knowledge is the All-Knowing (Allah)]. Then he paused and said:

“By Allah! There is not a single scholar on the face of the earth who has reached the evening except that above him is one who is more knowledgeable until (all) knowledge goes back to the One who taught it (i.e. Allah)”. [2]

“We raise in degrees whom We will”. Imam as-Sadi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

(Meaning), through beneficial knowledge and acquaintance with the paths that lead to the intended goals, just as We raised the ranks of Yusuf. [وَفَوْقَ كُلِّ ذِي عِلْمٍ عَلِيمٌ – but over all those endowed with knowledge is the All-Knowing (Allah)]- Meaning, for every scholar, there is one above him who is more knowledgeable until (all) knowledge goes back to Allah the Knower of the unseen and the seen. [3]

Imam Muhamad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaymin, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

know that regardless how much knowledge you have attained, indeed, there is always someone more knowledgeable than you. ” but over all those endowed with knowledge is the All-Knowing (Allah)”, until all knowledge goes back to Allah, the Might and Majestic (as the absolute Owner and Bestower of all knowledge). Do not think that you are the most knowledgeable of people, for (even) if you possess abundant knowledge, there is one who is more knowledgeable than you. Contemplate Musa, peace be upon him, when he said: “I do not know anyone among the people of the earth who is more knowledgeable than I”. What happened? He was told that indeed in a such and such place there is one who is more knowledgeable than you, meaning al-Khiḍr, peace be upon him. Then took place that which Allah Allah, The Most High, related to us in Surah al-Kahf. [4]

The scholars of the Permanent Committee for Fatwa said:

“As for the reasons behind the differing of the scholars, they are many. Among them is that each of them does not encompass all knowledge, so something known to one may be hidden from other than him. And he may understand from the texts what another does not understand when when a clear proof is not apparent to the other. [5]

Respect For The Scholars

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”. [6]

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”. [7]

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”. [8]

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”. [9]

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”. [10]

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)”. [11]

Imam As-Sadi, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated about the Mu’allimeen (teachers):

They are the intermediary between the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and his Ummah with regards to propagation of the religion and clarification of the Shariah. Had it not been for these ones, the people would have been like cattle. They nurture the souls and hearts of the slaves upon the beneficial sciences and sound knowledge. They are the ones who guide the Ummah in the fundamental and subsidiary affairs of their religion, and return them to the rulings related to the duties obligated to them and in their dealings, just as they return them to the affairs pertaining to worship. Through them the Book and the Sunnah are established, and through them is made clear truth from falsehood, guidance as opposed to misguidance, Halal as opposed to Haram, good as opposed to evil, and rectification as opposed to corruption. They are of varying ranks, in accordance with what they establish of knowledge, teaching and benefit- great or small. They have great rights (owed to them) by the ummah and are possessors of a lofty status. Therefore, the people must have love and respect for them. They must recognise their excellence and virtue, and thank them greatly. They are to supplicate for them in private and public, and seek nearness to Allah by having love for them and praising them. They are to proclaim their excellence; guard the hearts (from harbouring evil against them) and the tongues (from) insulting them, for this would tarnish their excellence. [12]

Finally, must pursue truth and follow the proofs: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2025/04/16/reflections-on-some-statements-of-al-allamah-rabee-bin-hadi-al-madkhali-77-of-80/

[1] An Excerpt from Tafseer Ibn Kathir

[2] An Excerpt from Mawsu’ah at-Tafseer al-Ma’thur 11/708

[3] An Excerpt from Tafseer as-Sadi

[4] https://alathar.net/home/esound/index.php?op=codevi&coid=39439

[5] Signed by: Shaikh Abdul Aziz ibn Baz, Shaikh Abdur Razzaq ‘Afeefee, Shaikh Abdullah ibn Ghudayyan, Shaykh Abdullah ibn Qu’ud. Fatawa al-Lajnah ad-Da’imah 2/178.

[6] Al-Muntadhim Fee Taareekh Al-Muluk Wal Umam 5/215

[7] Taareekh Dimashq 25/367

[8] Al-Aadaab Ash-Shar’iyyah 1/416

[9] Al-Jaami Li-Akhlaaq Ar-Raawi Wa Aadaab As-Saami 1/198

[10] Siyar A’laam An-Nubula 9/566

[11] Siyar A’laam An-Nubula 11/317

[12] An Excerpt from Nurul Basaa-ir Wal Albaab Fee Ahkaamil Ibaadaat Wal-Mu’aamalaat Wal Huqooq Wal Aadaab, page: 57-58]

Reflection: Surah Al-Jumu’ah Verses 1-2

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Basics, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, History of Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Prophets, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Sahaabah, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

يُسَبِّحُ لِلَّهِ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ الْمَلِكِ الْقُدُّوسِ الْعَزِيزِ الْحَكِيمِ

Whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is on the earth glorifies Allah, Al-Malik (a), Al-Quddoos (b), the Al-Azeez (c), Al-Hakim. (d) [Al- Jumu’ah 1]

Imam As-Sadi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Everything in the heavens and the earth glorify Allah and obey His commands, deify and worship Him, because indeed His dominion is perfect and He owns the world above and below – all are His slaves and under His (absolute) control.

الْقُدُّوسِ

The pure and perfect one- free from all defect and deficiency (or shortcoming).

الْعَزِيزِ

The All Mighty or Invincible – the One (alone) Who has subjected all things (under His control).

الْحَكِيمِ

The All Wise in relation to what He has created and commanded (or decreed).

These great Attributes urges (evokes the creation) to worship Allah alone without associating a partner to Him. [1]

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

Allah, The Most High, informed (us) that everything in the heavens and the earth glorifies Him- all the creation, including the inanimate objects, as Allah said:

تُسَبِّحُ لَهُ السَّمَاوَاتُ السَّبْعُ وَالْأَرْضُ وَمَن فِيهِنَّ ۚ وَإِن مِّن شَيْءٍ إِلَّا يُسَبِّحُ بِحَمْدِهِ وَلَٰكِن لَّا تَفْقَهُونَ تَسْبِيحَهُمْ ۗ إِنَّهُ كَانَ حَلِيمًا غَفُورًا

The seven heavens and the earth and all that is therein, glorify Him and there is not a thing but glorifies His Praise. But you understand not their glorification. [Al-Israa 44] [2]

هُوَ الَّذِي بَعَثَ فِي الْأُمِّيِّينَ رَسُولًا مِّنْهُمْ يَتْلُو عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتِهِ وَيُزَكِّيهِمْ وَيُعَلِّمُهُمُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ وَإِن كَانُوا مِن قَبْلُ لَفِي ضَلَالٍ مُّبِينٍ

He it is Who sent among the unlettered ones a Messenger (Muhammad) from among themselves, reciting to them His Verses, purifying them and teaching them the Book and Al-Hikmah (As-Sunnah)). And verily, they had been before in mainfest error.

Imam As-Sadi, may Allaah have mercy upon him, said:

The intent behind Al-Ummiyyeen  [Unlettered ones] are those who neither had a book [i.e. a revealed book from Allah] nor a fragment of (remaining) divine revelation, (such as) the Arabs and other than them, who are not from the people of the Scriptures (Jews and Christians).

So, Allah, The Most High, bestowed a great favour on them – greater than His favour on others- because (prior to this), they had no knowledge, goodness (that which would lead them to righteousness in this life and success in the afterlife), and were upon clear misguidance.

They worshipped trees, idols and stones, and behaved like wild beasts -the strong amongst them devoured the weak. They were upon extreme ignorance in (with regards to guidance of the) Prophets.

Thereafter, Allah sent a Prophet from among themselves – they knew his lineage, beautiful characteristics and truthfulness. (Allah) revealed His Book (i.e. the Qur’an) to him;

يَتْلُو عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتِهِ

reciting to them His Verses;

Meaning: Allah’s clear verses that necessitate Iman and certainty.

[وَيُزَكِّيهِمْ – purifying them] by commanding them virtuous manners, explaining in detail and forbidding them from evil manners.

وَيُعَلِّمُهُمُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ

And teaching them the Book (this Qur’an) and Al-Hikmah.

Meaning, teaching them the Qur’an and the Sunnah, which combines the knowledge of earlier and later generations.

So, after this education and purification, they become the most knowledgeable among the creation (after the prophets and messengers), rather, they became the leaders of the people of knowledge and religion – the most perfect in their manners among the creation, and the ones with the best guidance and character.

They became guided and others became guided through them, thus. they became the leaders of guidance and guides for the believers. Therefore, the sending of this Messenger to them is the most perfect favour and loftiest honour for them. [3]

——————————————

Footnotes:

Al-Malik: The King. The sole, absolute and true sovereign King. Complete and Perfect in His Kingship. The One Who there is no kingship above His Kingship, nor anywhere near it. Everything being incomparable to Him, and beneath Him. The sovereign Owner of everything, Who does whatever He wills with regards to the creation, with nothing to prevent or hinder Him, Whose commands are completely effective within His dominion. The King of all kings.

Al-Quddoos: The Pure and Perfect. The Pure and Exalted One. High above every impurity. The One Whom the noble angels venerate. The One free of any opposites, rivals, consorts, and children. Having Perfection as His attribute. The One declared free of all deficiencies and imperfections. And free of having anyone with the like of His Perfection, or anyone close to it.

Al-Azeez: The Almighty. The Invincible. The Almighty One Whom nothing can overcome. The One Mighty in vengeance when He punishes His enemies. The All-Powerful One Who overcomes all, and before Whose Might all submit, and Who has no need of anyone.

Al-Hakeem: The All-Wise. The One completely Wise in everything He decrees, and completely Wise in His Sayings, and in His Actions. There is no deficiency in anything He decrees, says or does. [4]

[1] An Excerpt from Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan. Daar Ibn Hazm’ 1st edition 1424/2003’ Slightly paraphrased

[2] Zaad Al-Maseer Fee Ilm at-Tafseer. 1st edition 1423AH/2002. Dar Ibn Hazm. Slightly paraphrased

[3] An Excerpt from Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan. Daar Ibn Hazm’ 1st edition 1424/2003’ Slightly paraphrased

[4] Source: The Names and Attributes of Allah – By Shaikh Abu Talhah (Dawud Burbank), may Allah have mercy upon him and his wife.

Verses 7-8 Surah Al-Qasas

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

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

وَأَوۡحَيۡنَآ إِلَىٰٓ أُمِّ مُوسَىٰٓ أَنۡ أَرۡضِعِيهِ‌ۖ فَإِذَا خِفۡتِ عَلَيۡهِ فَأَلۡقِيهِ فِى ٱلۡيَمِّ وَلَا تَخَافِى وَلَا تَحۡزَنِىٓ‌ۖ إِنَّا رَآدُّوهُ إِلَيۡكِ وَجَاعِلُوهُ مِنَ ٱلۡمُرۡسَلِينَ

فَٱلۡتَقَطَهُ ۥۤ ءَالُ فِرۡعَوۡنَ لِيَڪُونَ لَهُمۡ عَدُوًّ۬ا وَحَزَنًا‌ۗ إِنَّ فِرۡعَوۡنَ وَهَـٰمَـٰنَ وَجُنُودَهُمَا ڪَانُواْ خَـٰطِـِٔينَ

‘And We inspired the mother of Musa (Moses), (saying): “Suckle him [Musa (Moses)], but when you fear for him, then cast him into the river and fear not, nor grieve. Verily! We shall bring him back to you, and shall make him one of (Our) Messengers. Then the household of Fir’aun (Pharaoh) picked him up, that he might become for them an enemy and a (cause of) grief. Verily! Fir’aun (Pharaoh), Haman and their hosts were sinners.” [Al-Qasas 7-8]

Meaning: The end result and final outcome after they adopted Musa, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is that he will be an enemy of theirs and a cause of grief (for) them. This is because what they feared [i.e. that they were to be destroyed at the hands of a man from Bani Israa’eel] did not benefit them, for Allah already decreed it. And the one they feared amongst Bani Israa’eel had been destined to be a leader of theirs, who was to be nurtured by them, under their eyes and guardianship.

إِنَّ فِرۡعَوۡنَ وَهَـٰمَـٰنَ وَجُنُودَهُمَا ڪَانُواْ خَـٰطِـِٔين

Verily! Fir’aun (Pharaoh), Haman and their hosts were sinners.

Thus, Allah wished to punish them for their sins- planned for them a recompense for their plots and plans.

An Excerpt from  Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam al-Mannaan. Slightly paraphrased.

road between green grass field near mountains under blue and brown sky at golden hour

Verse 4 Surah Al-Qasas

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Fitnah, History of Islam, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Qur'aan, Scholars of Islam, Shirk, Sin.

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

إِنَّ فِرۡعَوۡنَ عَلَا فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَجَعَلَ أَهۡلَهَا شِيَعً۬ا يَسۡتَضۡعِفُ طَآٮِٕفَةً۬ مِّنۡہُمۡ يُذَبِّحُ أَبۡنَآءَهُمۡ وَيَسۡتَحۡىِۦ نِسَآءَهُمۡ‌ۚ إِنَّهُ ۥ كَانَ مِنَ ٱلۡمُفۡسِدِينَ

Verily, Pharaoh exalted himself in the land and made its people (into different) groups, weakening (oppressing) a group among them, killing their sons, and letting their females live. Verily, he was of the Mufsidoon. [Al-Qasas. 4]

وَجَعَلَ أَهۡلَهَا شِيَعً۬ا

And made its people (into different) groups.

Meaning, different groups that were organised and distinguished, and he utilised each group in that which he desired in his kingdom. [1]

He made them into different distinct groups, dealt with them based on his evil desires, and subjugated them as he wanted through his power and authority. [2]

He divided them into different sects and they went along with him in everything he desired of evil and corruption, or he used some as a means to get others to obey him; or he made them into different distinct groups under his service and used every group in some type of work, such as construction, tillage, earthwork and other burdensome work. Whoever did not work was beaten, thus they served him. Or he made them into sects and incited hatred and enmity between them, so that they do not agree (among themselves). [3]

 إِنَّهُ ۥ كَانَ مِنَ ٱلۡمُفۡسِدِينَ

Verily, he was of the Mufsidoon

Meaning, those whose intention is neither to rectify the religious nor worldly affairs, [4] committing unlawful killing and being disobedient to Allah. [5]

[1] An Excerpt from ‘Al-Misbaah Al-Muneer Fee Tahdheeb Tafseer Ibn Katheer’

[2] An Excerpt from ‘Tafseer Sadi’.

[3] An Excerpt from Ruh Al-Ma’aanee 11/64-65 By Allamah Al-Alusi.

[4] An Excerpt from ‘Tafseer Sadi’.

[5] An Excerpt from ‘Zaadul Maseer Fee Ilm at-Tafseer by Imam Ibn Al-Jawzi

 

Contemplation – From the Takbir to Al-Fatihah

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

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

الله اكبر

Allah is the Greatest:

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

When one says this, they have testified to Allah’s Majesty.

سُبْحَانَكَ اللَّهُمَّ وَبِحَمْدِكَ. تَبَارَكَ اسْمُكَ وَتَعَالَى جَدُّكَ. وَلاَ إِلهَ غَيْرُكَ

I declare You free from all imperfections O Allāh, and all praise is for You. Blessed is Your Name, great and exalted is Your kingdom. And there is none worthy of worship besides You [1]

When one says this, they have testified with the heart that the Lord is free from every fault, removed from every shortcoming and worthy of praise with every perfect praise. This necessitates that Allah is described with every Attribute of perfection and free from every deficiency – blessed be His Name. Neither is His Name mentioned in a small matter except that it becomes big nor in something good except that it increases and becomes blessed; neither mentioned in a state of affliction except that it ceases nor mentioned against a Shaytan except that the Shaytan is repelled, turned away and defeated. The perfection of a name is from the perfection of the one named with it; therefore when it is the fact that nothing can cause harm in the heavens or the earth with (a mention) of His Name, then the affair of the owner of the name is loftier and more exalted.

وَتَعَالَى جَدُّكَ

Great and exalted is Your kingdom.

Meaning: Exalted is His Greatness and above everything that is considered great. His affair is exalted above every affair and every authority (kingdom) is completely under His absolute authority, and exalted is He above having a partner in His kingdom, Lordship, deity ship, His actions and Attributes, just as (He informed us) that the believers amongst the Jinn said:

وَأَنَّهُ ۥ تَعَـٰلَىٰ جَدُّ رَبِّنَا مَا ٱتَّخَذَ صَـٰحِبَةً۬ وَلَا وَلَدً۬ا

And exalted be the Majesty of our Lord, He has taken neither a wife, nor a son (or offspring or children)]. [Al-Jinn. 3]

أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ

I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed devil.

When the person says this, they have turned to Allah’s all encompassing power against the enemy (shaytaan) who wants to sever, and separate them from the Lord and distance them from earning the love, pleasure and assistance of the Lord, and leave them in the worst situation.

When he says:

 الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ

“All the praises and thanks be to Allah Lord of the entire existence”, he pauses a little to wait for the response of his Lord with the statement “My servant has praised Me”.

When he says:

الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ

“The Most Merciful, The Bestower of (special) to the believers”, he waits for the response “My servant has exalted Me”.

When he says:

مَالِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ

“The Only Owner (and the Only Ruling Judge) of the Day of Recompense (i.e. the Day of Resurrection)”, he waits for the response, “My servant has glorified Me”.

What a pleasure for his heart, pleasure of his eyes and happiness of his soul due to the statement of his Lord, “My servant” three times. By Allah, had there not been the smudge of desires on the hearts and the murkiness of the souls, they would have sparkle with joy and happiness due to the statement of their Lord, their Originator and object of worship (when He says):

“My servant has praised Me”, “My servant has exalted Me” and “My servant has glorified Me”.

Then his heart would have had room to draw close attention to these three Names, namely “Allah”, “Ar-Rabb” and “Ar-Rahman”, which are the basis of all the beautiful (and perfect Names). [2]

The complete hadith mentioned above is as follows:

Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

“Allah [Almighty] said, “I have divided prayer between Myself and My servant into two halves, and My servant shall have what he has asked for. When the servant says, ‘All praises and thanks be to Allaah, Lord of the entire existence’, Allah says, ‘My servant has praised Me. When he says, ‘The Most Merciful, The Bestower of (special) Mercy to the believers’, Allah says, ‘ My servant has exalted Me’. When he says, ‘The Only Owner (and the Only Ruling Judge) of the Day of Recompense (i.e. the Day of Resurrection)’, Allah says, ‘My servant has glorified’. When he says, ‘You alone we worship, You alone we ask for help’, Allah says, ‘This is between Me and My servant, and My servant will have what he has asked for’. When he says, ‘Guide us to the straight path, the path of those whom you have favored, neither the path of who earned Your anger nor those who went astray”, Allah says, ‘This is for My servant, and My servant will have what he has asked for'”. [3]

Regarding the statement: “I have divided prayer between Myself and My servant into two halves”, its meaning is: three and half verses in Surah Al-Fatihah are for the Lord and they are the first part of the Surah. And three and half verses are for the servant and they are the last verses. The first part is about praising Allah and the last part are supplications for the servant”.[4]

[1] Supplication translated by Shaikh Abu Khadeejah [may Allaah preserve him]. See here: https://www.abukhadeejah.com/prophets-prayer-beginners-illustrations/

[2] An Excerpt from Kitaab As-Salaah. Page 345-346.

[3] Ṣaḥeeh Muslim 395

[4] Sharh Ad-Durus Al-Muhimmah. page 16-17. By Shaikh Abdur Razzaaq Al-Badr – may Allah preserve him.

An Advice of Imam Abdul Aziz bin Baz to the Entire Ummah on the Approach of Ramadan

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

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

My advice to all Muslims is to fear Allah, the Exalted, and to welcome their blessed month with sincere repentance, pursue understanding in their religion and learn the rulings of fasting and their prayers. This is because the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him stated, “Whomever Allah wishes good for, He grants them understanding in religion.”

The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

“When Ramadan arrives, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained”.

The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

On the first night of Ramadan, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained. A caller says: “O seeker of good, come forth; and O seeker of evil, refrain.” And Allah has those whom He frees from the Fire, and this occurs every night.

The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

“Whoever fasts during Ramadan with Iman and seeking reward will have their previous (minor) sins forgiven. Whoever engage in prayer during Ramadan with Iman and seeking reward will have their previous (minor) sins forgiven. Whoever stands in prayer on the Night of Decree (Laylatul Qadr) with Iman and seeking reward will have their previous (minor) sins forgiven”.

The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said that Allah, The Exalted, said:

“Every deed of the child of Adam is for them, with a good deed rewarded tenfold up to seven hundred times, except for fasting, which is for Me, and I will reward it. The person abandons their desires, food, and drink for My sake. The fasting person experiences two joys: one at the time of breaking the fast and another when meeting their Lord. The scent of a fasting person’s mouth is more pleasant to Allah than the scent of musk.”

The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

“If someone insults you or wants to fight you, respond by saying, “I am a person who is fasting.”

He, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

“Whoever does not refrain from false speech and acting upon it, and ignorant behaviour, Allah has no need for him to abandon his food and drink.”

The advice for all Muslims is that they fear Allah, safeguard their fasts, and protect it from all types of sin. It is legislated for them to strive for goodness and to compete in acts of obedience, such as giving charity, increase in Qur’an recitation, the utterance of Subhaanallaah, Laa Ilaha illal lah, Allahu Akbar, and seeking forgiveness, as this is the month of the Quran.

Allah said:

شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِيَ أُنزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ

The month of Ramadan (is the month in which) the Qur’an was revealed. [Al-Baqarah 185]

It is legislated for the believers to diligently engage in the recitation of the Quran. It is recommended for both men and women to increase their reading of the Quran both day and night. Each letter recited earns a reward, with each good deed multiplied tenfold, as reported from the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. Also, being cautious of sins and acts of disobedience, while enjoining truth on one another, offering mutual advice, enjoining what is good and forbidding evil.

It is a great month during which good deeds are multiplied, but also sins are considered greater within it than other months. It is obligated to a believer to strive diligently to fulfil what Allah has commanded and be cautious of what Allah has prohibited. One’s focus during Ramadan should increase and become greater, as well as the fact that it is legislated for the believer to engage earnestly in good deeds, such of charity, visiting the sick, attending funerals, maintaining family ties, and increasing the recitation of the Quran, remembrance of Allah, the utterance of Subhaanallaah, Laa Ilaha illal lah, seeking forgiveness, making du’a and other good actions, while hoping for Allah’s reward and fearing His punishment.

We ask Allah to grant success to Muslims in all that pleases Him. We ask Allah to enable us and all Muslims to observe fasting and engage in prayer with Iman and hoping for reward. We ask Allah to grant us, and all Muslims everywhere, understanding of the religion and to adhere to it steadfastly, as well as safeguarded from the causes of His anger and punishment.

I ask Him to grant success to all leaders of the Muslims and all Muslim rulers, guide them, improve their circumstances, and enable them to judge by Allah’s Sharia in all their affairs, in their worship, actions, and all matters concerning them. We ask Allah to grant them this success, in accordance with His statement:

وَأَنِ احْكُم بَيْنَهُم بِمَآ أَنزَلَ اللّهُ

And judge between them by what Allah has revealed. [Al-Ma’idah 49]

Allah said:
فَلاَ وَرَبِّكَ لاَ يُؤْمِنُونَ حَتَّىَ يُحَكِّمُوكَ فِيمَا شَجَرَ بَيْنَهُمْ ثُمَّ لاَ يَجِدُواْ فِي أَنفُسِهِمْ حَرَجًا مِّمَّا قَضَيْتَ وَيُسَلِّمُواْ تَسْلِيمًا

But no, by your Lord, they can have no Faith, until they make you (O Muhammad) judge in all disputes between them, and find in themselves no resistance against your decisions, and accept (them) with full submission. [An-Nisa 65]

Allah said:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ أَطِيعُواْ اللّهَ وَأَطِيعُواْ الرَّسُولَ وَأُوْلِي الأَمْرِ مِنكُمْ فَإِن تَنَازَعْتُمْ فِي شَيْءٍ فَرُدُّوهُ إِلَى اللّهِ وَالرَّسُولِ إِن كُنتُمْ تُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الآخِرِ ذَلِكَ خَيْرٌ وَأَحْسَنُ تَأْوِيلًا

O you who have believed, obey Allāh and obey the Messenger and those in authority over you. And if you disagree among yourselves over anything then refer it back to Allāh and the Messenger if you truly believe in Allāh and the Last Day. That is better (conduct) and (leads to) the most excellent outcome. [An-Nisa 59]

Allah said:

قُلْ أَطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُوا الرَّسُولَ

Say: “Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger”. [An-Nur 54]

Allah said:

وَمَا آتَاكُمُ الرَّسُولُ فَخُذُوهُ وَمَا نَهَاكُمْ عَنْهُ فَانتَهُوا

Whatever the Messenger gives you, take it; and whatever he prohibits you, keep away from it. [Al-Hashr 7]

This is what is obligated to all Muslims and their leaders. It is obligated to the leaders of the Muslims, their scholars, and the general populace, to fear Allah, adhere obediently to Allah’s Shariah, and judge by Allah’s Shariah among themselves. This is because the Shariah is the thing through which upright rectification, guidance, and a praiseworthy outcome (will be attained), as well as Allah’s Pleasure; through it is attained the truth that Allah has ordained and caution against injustice. [Footnote a]

We ask Allah to grant success, guidance, upright intention and action to everyone. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, as well as his family and companions. [Majmu Fatawa 15/50]

——————————–

Footnote a:

Imam Al-Barbahaaree on the Manhaj of Dealing With the Rulers

https://www.salafipublications.com/sps/sp.cfm?subsecID=MNJ16&articleID=MNJ160002&pfriend=

The Obligation of Hearing and Obeying the Muslim Rulers

[Lesson 44] – Chapter: The Obligation of Hearing and Obeying the Muslim Rulers. – The ‘Aqīdah of Imām Muhammad ibn ‘Abdil-Wahhāb – By Abu Khadeejah – Masjid Bin Bāz – London.

Closing the Door of Rebellion Against the Ruler

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

A Treatise on Ruling by Other than What Allaah has Revealed – By Shaikh `Abdus-Salam al-Burjis – may Allah have mercy upon him

https://www.salafipublications.com/sps/sp.cfm?subsecID=MNJ05&articleID=MNJ050003&articlePages=6

Verse 1 Surah Al-Hujurat

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

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

 يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تُقَدِّمُوا بَيْنَ يَدَيِ اللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ ۖ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ

O you who believe! Do not put (yourselves) forward before Allah and His Messenger. [Al-Hujurat 1]

Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baz, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

In this great Surah, there are lofty benefits and rulings. The Muslims are greatly in need of understanding (it), to be conscious of it and take benefit from it.

In the first part, there is a warning against putting oneself forward before Allah and His Messenger. And that which is obligated to the People of Iman is that they be followers and not innovators (in the religion), and that they do not put themselves forward before Allah and His Messenger.

The people of knowledge say (that this Ayah means): “Do not speak until you are commanded by Allah and His Messenger, and do not act until the Messenger acts and legislates; do not put (yourselves) forward before him through either speech or action, (but) be you followers of that which has been prescribed for you and made clear in the Shariah. This is the way the people of Iman are to be. They do not innovate acts of worship and rulings in Allah’s Shariah.

وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيم

And fear Allah. Verily! Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing

Allah hears their statements -nothing is hidden from Him regarding circumstances – knows the truth you utter and other than it. Meaning: Be mindful of Him and be warned because nothing is hidden from Him. He hears and He knows your different circumstances. Therefore, it is incumbent upon you to be followers and not innovators in Allah’s Shariah.

Al-Fawa’id al-Ilmiyyah Min Ad-Durar Al-Baaziyyah. 4/391-392; Vol: 4. Publisher: Daar Ar-Risaalah 1st ed 1430AH (Year 2009).

Verses 151-153 Surah Al-An’am

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

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

قُلۡ تَعَالَوۡاْ أَتۡلُ مَا حَرَّمَ رَبُّڪُمۡ عَلَيۡڪُمۡ‌ۖ أَلَّا تُشۡرِكُواْ بِهِۦ شَيۡـًٔ۬ا‌ۖ وَبِٱلۡوَٲلِدَيۡنِ إِحۡسَـٰنً۬ا‌ۖ وَلَا تَقۡتُلُوٓاْ أَوۡلَـٰدَڪُم مِّنۡ إِمۡلَـٰقٍ۬‌ۖ نَّحۡنُ نَرۡزُقُڪُمۡ وَإِيَّاهُمۡ‌ۖ وَلَا تَقۡرَبُواْ ٱلۡفَوَٲحِشَ مَا ظَهَرَ مِنۡهَا وَمَا بَطَنَ‌ۖ وَلَا تَقۡتُلُواْ ٱلنَّفۡسَ ٱلَّتِى حَرَّمَ ٱللَّهُ إِلَّا بِٱلۡحَقِّ‌ۚ ذَٲلِكُمۡ وَصَّٮٰكُم بِهِۦ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تَعۡقِلُونَ

Say (O Muhammad): “Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited you from: Join not anything in worship with Him; be good and dutiful to your parents; kill not your children because of poverty – We provide sustenance for you and for them; come not near to Al-Fawahish (shameful sins, illegal sexual intercourse, etc.) whether committed openly or secretly, and kill not anyone whom Allah has forbidden, except for a just cause (according to Islamic law). This He has commanded you that you may understand. [Al-An’am. 151]

وَلَا تَقۡرَبُواْ مَالَ ٱلۡيَتِيمِ إِلَّا بِٱلَّتِى هِىَ أَحۡسَنُ حَتَّىٰ يَبۡلُغَ أَشُدَّهُ ۥ‌ۖ وَأَوۡفُواْ ٱلۡڪَيۡلَ وَٱلۡمِيزَانَ بِٱلۡقِسۡطِ‌ۖ لَا نُكَلِّفُ نَفۡسًا إِلَّا وُسۡعَهَا‌ۖ وَإِذَا قُلۡتُمۡ فَٱعۡدِلُواْ وَلَوۡ ڪَانَ ذَا قُرۡبَىٰ‌ۖ وَبِعَهۡدِ ٱللَّهِ أَوۡفُواْ‌ۚ ذَٲلِڪُمۡ وَصَّٮٰكُم بِهِۦ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تَذَكَّرُونَ

And come not near to the orphan’s property, except to improve it, until he (or she) attains the age of full strength; and give full measure and full weight with justice. We burden not any person, but that which he can bear. And whenever you give your word (i.e. judge between men or give evidence, etc.), say the truth even if a near relative is concerned, and fulfill the Covenant of Allah, this He commands you, that you may remember. [Al-An’am. 152]

وَأَنَّ هَـٰذَا صِرَٲطِى مُسۡتَقِيمً۬ا فَٱتَّبِعُوهُ‌ۖ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُواْ ٱلسُّبُلَ فَتَفَرَّقَ بِكُمۡ عَن سَبِيلِهِۦ‌ۚ ذَٲلِكُمۡ وَصَّٮٰكُم بِهِۦ لَعَلَّڪُمۡ تَتَّقُونَ

And verily, this [i.e. Allah’s Commandments mentioned in the above two Verses 151 and 152] is my Straight Path, so follow it, and follow not [other] paths, for they will separate you away from His Path. This He has ordained for you that you may become the pious. [Surah Al-An’aam. Aayah 153]

Shaikh Abdur Razzaq Al-Badr, may Allah preserve him, said;

All these Aayaat end with the command:

ذَٲلِكُمۡ وَصَّٮٰكُم بِهِ

This He (i.e. Allah) has commanded (or ordained) for you.

At the end of the first Ayah, Allah said:

ذَٲلِكُمۡ وَصَّٮٰكُم بِهِۦ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تَعۡقِلُون

This He has commanded you that you may understand].

At the end of the second Ayah, Allah said:

ذَٲلِڪُمۡ وَصَّٮٰكُم بِهِۦ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تَذَكَّرُون

This He commands you, that you may remember.

And at the end of the third Ayah, Allah said:

ذَٲلِكُمۡ وَصَّٮٰكُم بِهِۦ لَعَلَّڪُمۡ تَتَّقُونَ

This He has ordained for you that you may become pious.

Some of the scholars say this is because the first thing is that one should understand what is intended by the command. Secondly is that he remembers and finally he fears Allah (by doing what he has been commanded) and keep away from what will anger Allah.

Sharh Kitab At-Tawheed. Audio Lesson 1

Ayah 100 Shurah Al-Ma’idah

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

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

قُل لَّا يَسْتَوِي الْخَبِيثُ وَالطَّيِّبُ وَلَوْ أَعْجَبَكَ كَثْرَةُ الْخَبِيثِ ۚ فَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ يَا أُولِي الْأَلْبَابِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ

Say: “Not equal are Al-Khabith (all that is evil and bad as regards things, deeds, beliefs, persons, foods, etc.) and At-Taiyib (all that is good as regards things, deeds, beliefs, persons, foods, etc.), even though the abundance of Al-Khabith (evil) may please you.” So fear Allah much [(abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which He has forbidden) and love Allah much (perform all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained)], O men of understanding in order that you may be successful. [Al-Ma’idah Ayah 100]

[قُل -say (O Muhammad)] to mankind- (by) warning against evil and desiring good:

[لَّا يَسْتَوِي الْخَبِيثُ وَالطَّيِّبُ  – Not equal are (all that is evil and bad) and At-Taiyib (all that is good) in affair]

Meaning: Iman is not equal to kufr, obedience to (Allah and His Messenger) is not equal to disobedience to (Allah and His Messenger), the people of paradise are not equal to the people of hellfire, filthy deeds are not equal to good deeds, and unlawful wealth is not equal to lawful wealth.

[وَلَوْ أَعْجَبَكَ كَثْرَةُ الْخَبِيث  – even though the abundance of Al-Khabeeth (evil) may please you (people)]

Meaning, because indeed it will not benefit the person in anything, rather it will harm his religious and worldly affairs.

[فَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ يَا أُولِي الْأَلْبَابِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ – So fear Allah much [(abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which He has forbidden) and love Allah much (perform all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained)], O men of understanding in order that you may be successful].

An Excerpt from Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan’ by Imaam As-Sadi  (rahimahullaah). Publisher: Daar Ibn Hazm’ 1st Edition 1424AH (Year 2003).

[8] Be Vigilant Against Subtle Repackaged Shubuhaat In Some WhatsApp Groups

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

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

Gentle reminder to the one who says: Akhi, the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “The one who remains quiet is safe”. [1]

Al-Allamah Ibn Abd Al-Barr Al-Maliki, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

To utter good, such as the remembrance of Allah, recitation of the Qur’an, righteous deeds, and also stating the truth, bringing about reconciliation between people and what is similar, are better than silence. Rather praiseworthy silence is to refrain from uttering falsehood. [2]

[1] Sahih Al-Jami 6367

[2] at-Tamheed 20/22