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Some of the Characteristics of Ahlul Hadith – 1

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

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

Al-Hakim, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, may Allah have mercy upon him, excelled in interpreting this report that Ahlul Hadith ‘the adherents to the hadith in belief, acts of worship and sound methodology’ are the Ta’ifah Al-Mansurah ‘The Victorious Group’ from whom being forsaken (by Allah) is removed until the Day of Judgment. Who could be more deserving of this interpretation (being applied to them) than a people who follow the path of the righteous, adhere to the footsteps of the Salaf ‘first three generations of Pious’ predecessors, subdue Ahlul Bidah ‘the followers or proponents of innovated beliefs, acts of worship or methodologies in the religion’ and opponents of the Sunan of Allah’s  Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him and his family.

Marifah Ulum Al-Hadith page 2

Reflections on some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Madkhali 84

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

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

“Whoever among you sees an evil, let him change it with his hand; if he cannot, then with his tongue; and if he cannot, then with his heart, and that is the weakest of faith” [Reported by Muslim (49)]

Nowadays, for instance, a scholar may not denounce certain things either out of fear or for other reasons; however, he hates it in his heart. Ahlul Ahwa [the followers of vain desires – i.e. misguided people] say about him (i.e. about this scholar): agent, spy, sycophant, flatterer, and other accusations, which, by Allah, they have adopted from none other than the communists. These Asaaleeb (conducts, behaviours, ways) are not from the Asaaleeb of the Muslims. These are Asaaleeb of the communists, revolutionaries, Ba’athists, nationalists, and the misguided parties. How can a Muslim youth accept this?

[videopress PYWwJadB]

حديث آخر (من رأى منكم منكرا فليغيره بيده، فإن لم يستطع فبلسانه، فإن لم يستطع فبقلبه وذلك أضعف الإيمان) (رواه مسلم (49))

الآن العالم مثلًا ما ينكر بعض الأشياء إما خائف أو شيء آخر؛ لكن كره بقلبه، يقول فيه أهل الأهواء: عميل جاسوس مجامل مداهن إلى آخر الاتهامات التي والله ما أخذوها إلا عن الشيوعيين، هذه أساليب ليست أساليب المسلمين، هذه أساليب الشيوعيين والثوريين والبعثيين والقوميين والأحزاب الضالة، كيف يقبل بها الشاب المسلم؟

Sharh Usul As-Sunnah

Strive for Knowledge: Shaykh Ibn Baz’s Call to the Seekers of Truth

Written by Amjad Khan on . Posted in Articles, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Islamic Jurisprudence - 'Fiqh', Methodology - 'Manhaj', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Seeking Knowledge.

Advice on Striving in the Pursuit of Islamic Knowledge and Attending Gatherings of Knowledge – Shaykh Ibn Baz

There is no doubt that circles of knowledge hold a tremendous status. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to sit with the companions, teaching them and reminding them at various times. They would gather around him, listening and learning. This was the way of the Companions — and after the passing of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), they too would hold gatherings of knowledge and teach the people. Likewise, in our time, the scholars and students of knowledge continue this noble tradition.

The benefits of these sittings are immense. The student of knowledge attends and listens attentively, while the common person also participates and benefits. The student brings his book to record the benefits, and through this, the benefit is preserved — for had he not written it down, it might have been lost. As for the common attendee, they listen and ask questions about matters that concern or trouble them, seeking guidance. All of this is from what Allah loves.

Imam Ahmad, al-Tirmidhi, and others narrated on the authority of Anas ibn Malik (رضي الله عنه) that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“When you pass by the gardens of Paradise, then feast.”
They asked, “What are the gardens of Paradise?”
He replied, “The circles of remembrance.”

Additionally, in the Sahihayn, it is narrated that one day the Prophet (ﷺ) was in the masjid, and the companions were gathered around him as he was reminding them. During this gathering, three people entered. One of them came forward and joined the gathering. The second sat at the back. The third turned away and left. When the Prophet (ﷺ) had finished speaking, he said:
“Shall I inform you about these three?”
The companions replied, “Of course, O Messenger of Allah.”
He (ﷺ) said:
“As for the first, he sought refuge with Allah, so Allah granted him refuge. The second felt shy, so Allah was shy towards him. As for the third, he turned away, so Allah turned away from him.”

The statement regarding the third person — that Allah turned away from him — is a severe warning. It highlights the danger of arrogantly turning away from or abandoning the gatherings of knowledge and the pursuit of understanding.

It is also reported on the authority of Mu’awiyah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“Whomever Allah intends good for, He grants him understanding of the religion.”
This hadith shows that one of the signs of true happiness is understanding the religion. If Allah grants a person knowledge and comprehension of the religion, it is a sign that He intends good for that individual. In contrast, a sign of a person’s loss and destruction is being deprived of this understanding — that one turns away and remains negligent of the importance of attaining knowledge and its gatherings.

The Prophet (ﷺ) also said:
“Whoever treads a path seeking knowledge, Allah makes easy for him the path to Paradise.”

Thus, seeking knowledge is one of the greatest and most important means of drawing closer to Allah, the Most High.

My sincere advice to every Muslim — male and female — is to be diligent in acquiring an understanding of the religion, to study earnestly, and to pursue knowledge by every possible means.
–
Summarised and Slightly Paraphrased from Shaykh Ibn Baz’s “Advice on Striving in the Pursuit of Islamic Knowledge and Attending Gatherings of Knowledge.

Reflections on some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Madkhali 83

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

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

Imam Ahmad, may Allah have mercy on him, said: “It is not permissible to fight against the ruler, nor rebelled against by anyone. Whoever does so is an innovator, upon other than the Sunnah and the (correct) path.”

Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi, may Allah preserve him, commented as follows:

This is because rebelling against him contradicts the established texts from the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and opposes a mighty principle from the principles of Ahl As-Sunnah Wal Jama’ah. Even if he (the ruler) is a disbeliever, he should not be rebelled against unless there is ability to do so, and there is a preponderent benefit, without a preponderent corruption. In such a case, if it is possible to remove him, that is acceptable; otherwise, the basis of the matter is to exercise patience. As for if he (the ruler) is a Muslim, as long as he remains within the fold of Islam and prays, it is not permissible to rebel against him unless clear disbelief is witnessed, thus, he exits (Islam) under the conditions mentioned. (Footnote a)

Sharh Usual As-Sunnah Lil-Imam Ahmad. Page 59

[videopress d13YKRgz]

Footnote a:

https://www.spubs.com/sps/sp.cfm?subsecID=MSC05&articleID=MSC050004&articlePages=1

https://abuiyaad.com/a/fawzan-tabdil-shariah

https://abuiyaad.com/a/uthaymin-secular-laws

Principles Regarding The Rulers – By Abu ‘Iyād Amjad Rafiq

Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamā’ah believe that rebellion against the rulers is forbidden

Is the Tyranny of the Rulers a Reason for Rebellion? The Duty of a Muslim Towards the Muslim Leaders in Light of the Qur’ān, Sunnah and the Scholars of the Salaf.

Reflections on some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali 82

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

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

The Advice of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah preserve him, on the first days of Eid al-Adha in the year 1441 AH

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

All praise is due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah, as well as upon his family and companions. To proceed:

I advise (or enjoin upon) myself and all of you with fearing Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, to be sincere to Allah in every statement and action, and to be diligent in the pursuit of knowledge- being diligent in spreading Dawah Salafiyyah with utmost striving, strength, and strong determination; striving to spread this great Dawah, (which is) the Dawah of the prophets – peace and blessings be upon them. Let us illuminate through the paths of the prophets, peace and blessings be upon them, by giving concern to this Dawah and spreading it to every place where this Dawah can reach. I ask Allah for Tawfeeq for everyone in what is beloved and pleasing to Him, and for steadfastness in adhering to the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of Allah’s messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. May Allah grant everyone what is beloved and pleasing to Him.

والسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته

From the Shaikh Telegram Channel

A principle to recall when comparing one’s circumstances to that of others

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

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

Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “Look at those who are below you and do not look at those above you, for it is more suitable lest you look down on Allah’s blessings”. [Sahih Muslim. 2963]

Al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzan, may Allah preserve him, commented as follows:

A person should neither be covetous nor anxious due to what afflicts him, instead he should exercise patience and be hopeful, whether he is poor, sick or other than that. The worldly life is a place of trial and test, thus, one should not become anxious due to calamities and trials. And what makes this matter easier for a person is the guidance given by the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, in this hadith, “Look at those who are below you and do not look at those above you, for it is more suitable lest you look down on Allah’s blessings”.

A poor person should look at the one who is poorer and should not look at a wealthier (person) because if Allah willed, He would have placed you in the same situation as that poor person who has nothing. You have something – your daily nourishment, while that one poorer than you has nothing, not even his daily nourishment. You are in a better situation, therefore, praise Allah for this and do not look at the wealthier people because that will lead you to harbour anger against Allah and displeased with His divine Will, thus saying, “Why can I not be like so and so; why am not like the wealthy people?” This is the meaning of looking down on the blessing you have. But if you look at the person below you, it will make you thankful because your situation is better than that of many people. Therefore, the one in good health should look at the sick person and then praise Allah for granting him good health. The one who is sick should look at the one who is sicker than him and then praise Allah for being less sick than the person who is sicker than him. This [hadith embodies] a great principle, therefore, “look to the one below you” in wealth, health and in other matters.

However, this should not be the case in matters related to acts of worship. In matters related to acts of worship, you should not look at the one below you. You should not look at the lazy people and those who neglect their religious duties, instead you should look at the righteous and God fearing people so that you can join them in performing good deeds and be similar to them. Therefore, with regards to matters related to the religion, you should not look at the one below you, instead you should look at the one above you in the religion. Why do not want to be like him; why do you not want to be like the righteous people; why do not want to emulate the God fearing scholars? If you are a student of knowledge, you should not be satisfied with the sciences of the religion you have acquired; instead you should seek to increase in knowledge as long as you are alive.

An Excerpt from ‘Tasheel Al- il’haam Bi-Fiqh Al-Ahadith Min Bulugh Al-Maram’ Hadeeth Number 1438’ 6/168-169. Publisher: Daar Al-Imaam Ahmad’ 1st Edition 1430AH – Year 2009

Clapping and Whistling

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

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

Imam Muhammad Ibn Abdil-Wahhab, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “They (i.e. the pre-Islamic people of ignorance) carried out worship by whistling and clapping their hands”.

Al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzan, may Allah preserve him, said:

From the affairs (i.e. practices) of the pre-Islamic era of ignorance which Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, opposed was that they carried out worship – seeking closeness to Allah- through whistling and clapping. Allah, The Most High said:

وَمَا كَانَ صَلاَتُهُمْ عِندَ الْبَيْتِ إِلاَّ مُكَاء وَتَصْدِيَةً َ

And their prayer at the House (Ka’bah) was nothing but whistling and clapping of hands [Al-Anfal 35]

Meaning, the polytheists did not seek closeness to Allah at the noble kabah, except through whistling and clapping. Al-Mukaa means whistling and Tasdeeyah means clapping with the two hands and palms. They used to do this at the House of Allah and called it prayer- seeking nearness to Allah, Glorified and Exalted be He, by through it. This is from the [matters] that the devils among mankind and jinn made fair seeming to them. This is because worship cannot be (carried out) except through that which Allah has legislated; it is Tawqeefiyyah (i.e. established based on the texts of the Shariah). A person should not initiate anything (i.e. acts of worship) or take it from someone else, while it is not legislated by Allah to be established as worship, nor does it have any origin in the Islamic legislation. And from this, the prohibition of these two traits -whistling and clapping- can be established, even if a person does not intend to perform worship through them, because there is resemblance to the polytheists in that.

And (with regards) to clapping, the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him,  specifically permitted it for the women when there is a need, such as informing the Imam (i.e. by clapping) if he makes a mistake in the prayer. And that is because of the Fitna – if men are present- that may take place from her voice. It is neither permissible for a man to imitate the unbelievers nor a women by way of clapping. If it the case that clapping is not permissible for men out of necessity with regards to informing the Imam when he makes a mistake in the prayer, rather he informs the Imam by way of Tasbeeh [i.e. saying سبحان الله], then it not being allowed when there is no necessity is even a stronger reason. In this there is rebuttal against those men who whistle in the gatherings in resemblance to the disbelievers.

Source: An Excerpt from Sharh Masaa’il Al-Jaahiliyyah. Page:104-105. Slightly paraphrased

Argument of a querrelsome despot uprooted

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Scholars of Islam, Shirk, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allah [The Exalted] said:

أَلَمْ تَرَ إِلَى الَّذِي حَاجَّ إِبْرَاهِيمَ فِي رَبِّهِ أَنْ آتَاهُ اللَّهُ الْمُلْكَ إِذْ قَالَ إِبْرَاهِيمُ رَبِّيَ الَّذِي يُحْيِي وَيُمِيتُ قَالَ أَنَا أُحْيِي وَأُمِيتُ ۖ قَالَ إِبْرَاهِيمُ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ يَأْتِي بِالشَّمْسِ مِنَ الْمَشْرِقِ فَأْتِ بِهَا مِنَ الْمَغْرِبِ فَبُهِتَ الَّذِي كَفَرَ ۗ وَاللَّهُ لَا يَهْدِي الْقَوْمَ الظَّالِمِينَ

Have you not seen (contemplated with your heart) him who disputed with Ibrahim (Abraham) about his Lord (Allah), because Allah had given him the kingdom? When Ibrahim (Abraham) said (to him): “My Lord (Allah) is He Who gives life and causes death.” He said, “I give life and cause death.” Ibrahim (Abraham) said, “Verily! Allah causes the sun to rise from the east; then cause it you to rise from the west.” So the disbeliever was utterly defeated. And Allah guides not the people, who are Zalimun (wrong-doers, etc.). [Al-Baqarah. 258]

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

There is a difference of opinon among (the Mufassiroon) regarding the timing of this debate. Muqatil, may Allah have mercy on him, stated that after Ibrahim, peace be upon him, broke the idols, Namrud imprisoned him and later brought him out to be burned. Namrud asked, “Who is the Lord you urge us to worship?” Ibrahim, peace be upon him, replied, “My Lord is the one who gives life and causes death.” Others say that this (occurred) after Ibrahim was thrown into the fire, during a time of drought when people sought food from Namrud. If someone approached him for food, he would inquire, “Who is your Lord?” If the person responded, “You are my Lord,” he would then offer to sell them food. [1]

أَلَمۡ تَرَ إِلَى ٱلَّذِى حَآجَّ إِبۡرَٲهِـۧمَ فِى رَبِّهِۦۤ

“Have you seen (contemplated with your heart and eyes) him who disputed with Ibrahim (Abraham) about his Lord (Allah)”……Meaning, his insolence, ignorant attitude and obstinacy, and arguing about that which there is no doubt! Nothing led him to this behaviour except because” Allah had given him the kingdom”, thus, he transgressed and rebelled, and considered himself as one in control of those under his authority, which led him to argue with Prophet Ibrahim about Allah’s Lordship and claimed that he can do the same thing as Allah does.

Prophet Ibrahim said to him, “My Lord is He Who gives life and death” – Meaning, “Allah alone is in absolute control of everything”. Then Ibrahim mentioned two specific things – life and death. This is because they the greatest things in Allah’s absolute control. Life is the beginning of the worldly life and death is the beginning of what is to occur in the afterlife.

Then the one (the king) who sought to ague against Ibrahim said, “I give life and cause death”, but he never said, “I am the One Who gives life and death, because could not claim that he is not in need of anyone to interfere in the matter; instead, he only claimed that he could do what Allah does by killing someone and sparing someone’s life. Prophet Ibrahim saw the fallacy in his argument and utterence of speech that is not even worthy of being a Shubhah (i.e. an ambiguity portrayed as wholesome truth) let alone a proof, so he said to him, “Verily! Allah causes the sun to rise from the east”.

Ibrahim mentioned something that can be clearly seen and affirmed by everyone including this disbeliever. “Then cause it you to rise from the West”. This compelled him to bring proof if he is truthful in his claim.

When Ibrahim uttered this to him, about which he neither had the ability to present an ambiguity to make Ibrahim’s proof look confusing nor could he find something to disparage it, he was utterly defeated – lost for an answer, his proof cut off and his ambiguous statement toppled. (2)

He Who brings life and death (Allah) has absolute control over the existence and creates everything in it, including absolute control of its celestial bodies and their movements. The sun rises everyday from the east, thus, if you were god, as you claim, who gives life and cause death, make the sun rise from the west. (3)

This is the situation of an obstinate falsifier who wants to confront truth and overcome it, because he will be defeated and subdued. This is why Allah said:

وَٱللَّهُ لَا يَہۡدِى ٱلۡقَوۡمَ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ

And Allah guides not the people, who are Zalimun (wrong-doers, etc.)]; instead He abandons them to their disbelief and misguidance. (4)

[1] An Excerpt from Tafsir Al-Baghawi

[2 ] An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi.

[3] Tafseer Ibn Katheer

[4] An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi

A common hidden affliction

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

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

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

One common hidden afflictions occurs when a person receives a blessing from Allah but grows weary of it. Instead of appreciating the gift, they seek to discard it, and due to ignorance, turns towards something else he claims is better for them. Out of mercy, his Lord (Allah) does not immediately take away this blessing, excuses him for his ignorance and poor choices, until he becomes fed up with the blessing, angered and dissatisfied, and being fed up becomes firmly rooted (in his heart, behaviour), thus, Allah takes away the blessing. Once he pursues what he thought would be better and realises the stark contrast between his former state and current situation, feelings of anxiety and regret surge, prompting him to yearn for the return of the previous blessing. When Allah wants goodness and guidance for His servant, He makes him witness the fact that that the blessings are from Him and enables the person be grateful for it. If their soul suggests distancing from the blessing, he turn to his Lord for guidance through Istikharah, [Footnote a] acknowledging his lack of knowledge about what is best for him, and entrust the matter to Allah, asking Him to make a good choice for him.

There is nothing more detrimental to a person than becoming weary of Allah’s blessings, for neither does he recognise the blessing nor express gratitude, and does not rejoice in it; instead, he is angered by it. He complains and view the blessing as a calamity, despite being among the greatest blessings from Allah. The majority of people act as adversaries to Allah’s blessings, unaware of the blessings available to them, and they often work to reject and push them away due to ignorance and wrongdoing. Countless blessings are bestowed upon them, yet they strive to resist them. They receive much, even while attempting to deny and eliminate these blessings because of their own injustice and ignorance.

Allah [The Exalted] said:

ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَمْ يَكُ مُغَيِّرًا نِّعْمَةً أَنْعَمَهَا عَلَىٰ قَوْمٍ حَتَّىٰ يُغَيِّرُوا۟ مَا بِأَنفُسِهِمْ

That is so because Allah will never change a grace which He has bestowed on a people until they change what is in their ownselves. [Al-Anfal. 53]

Allah, The Exalted, said:

إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُغَيِّرُ مَا بِقَوْمٍ حَتَّىٰ يُغَيِّرُوا۟ مَا بِأَنفُسِهِمْ

Verily! Allah will not change the good condition of a people as long as they do not change their state of goodness themselves (by committing sins and by being ungrateful and disobedient to Allah)]. [Ar-Rad. 11]

There is not a greater enemy against a blessing than the soul that (whispers evil) because he  overcomes himself through his enemy. His enemy throws fire on his blessings while he fan the flames. Then, he calls for help to avoid being burnt when the fire intensifies, all the while blaming Qadr. (Footnote b)[Al- Fawaa’id 259-260]

—————————————————————————

Footnote a: https://www.troid.org/salat-al-istikharah-explained/

Footnote b:

[1] Why do we need to be more cautious of the soul than an avowed enemy

[2] Why do we need to be more cautious of the soul than an avowed enemy

[3] Why do we need to be more cautious of the soul than an avowed enemy

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