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Admonition when Shariah schools began to emerge in Baghdad

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

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

Al-Allamah Siddeeq Hasan Khan, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated:

(You) should know that sound knowledge does not contain any harm. Conversely, ignorance does not hold any benefits. This is because every piece of sound knowledge has a benefit that is connected to matters of the Afterlife, the life (in this world), or human perfection. However, in certain sciences, it may be mistakenly assumed that harm can arise or that the knowledge is not beneficial due to a failure to consider the necessary conditions that must be observed in acquiring knowledge and by the scholars, because every branch of knowledge has its boundaries, and these boundaries should not be exceeded. It is erroneous to believe that knowledge can surpass its intended purpose, just as it is incorrect to assume that mainstream medicine can cure all ailments. In reality, certain diseases cannot be cured through (medical) treatment. [I] Among them (the people) is one who thinks that (some specific) knowledge is above its rank, just as one thinks that jurisprudence is the most honourable of all sciences without exception, but this is not the case, as the knowledge of pure Islamic monotheism is more honourable without exception. [II]

Among them is (one) intending through knowledge other than its purpose, such as the one who learns for the sake of wealth or prestige. The purpose of sciences of the religion in and of themselves is not to earn wealth, but rather acquaintance with facts and refining morals. Therefore, he who pursues knowledge of the religion for the sake of professionalism is not a scholar, but rather he is someone who feigns resemblance to the scholars. [III] The scholars of Transoxiana revealed and stated this when they were informed of the construction of schools in Baghdad; so, they held gatherings of religious knowledge and stated: “The people with lofty aspirations and the pure souls used to preoccupy themselves with it, whose goal behind the pursuit of knowledge was because of its nobility and perfection (attained) through it, thus, they came to the scholars to benefit from them and their knowledge. However, if it becomes a means of earning, the mean (vile) and lazy people will approach it and this will be a reason for its disappearance, thus the sciences of wisdom are abandoned, even though they are noble in and of themselves”. [IV] [1]

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[I]https://abukhadeejah.com/what-are-the-principles-of-medicine-with-the-scholars-of-islam/ https://abukhadeejah.com/why-i-post-health-articles-on-my-site-and-top-12-tips-for-cancer-prevention/

[II]Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Haai Al-Mad’khali, may Allah preserve him, stated: The Muslims have to be acquainted with the knowledge of Tawheed and Shirk. Shirk is the gravest sin that can be committed in disobedience to Allah. The Prophets brought the greatest (aspect) of knowledge, and that is the knowledge of Tawheed, and they warned against the greatest wrong-doing, which is to ascribe partners to Allah. [ إِنَّ ٱلشِّرۡكَ لَظُلۡمٌ عَظِيمٌ۬ – Verily! Associating partners to (Allah in worship) is a great wrong indeed]. [Luqman. 13]

This is an affair that many of the callers to Islam have turned away from at present and do not give importance. The knowledge of Tawheed is the first thing they snub and flee from, (and) Shirk is the first thing they decline (to address) when seeking to guide the Ummah. Neither do they warn the people nor caution them against this greatest danger known to mankind [i.e. Shirk]. Tawheed is the greatest (knowledge) brought by Prophets as glad tidings, but they (i.e. many of the callers) do not convey it; rather the greatest affair to them is modern politics. The knowledge of Tawheed is the affair by way of which this Ummah is distinguished. Neither is there anything more impure (i.e. corrupts the heart, deeds, manners, thoughts, ideas, intentions, goals, aims, etc) nor filthier than shirk, so why do we not purity the Ummah from this impurity and filth? Why do those callers to Islam deliberately feign ignorance of this impurity, in which the people wander blindly and belittle its severity, even though there is nothing equal to its (filthiness and impurity)? It is obligated to the Muslims to free themselves from the filth of shirk and sincerely worship Allah alone so that they become the cleanest people and purest [i.e. in creed, deeds, thoughts, views, intentions, goals, aims, etc]. And through this, they will be distinguished [in every virtuous trait]. If the mosques of the Muslims in the Islamic world are filled with graves- even though the Messenger severely cursed those who turn graves into places of worship- and those callers to Islam have not taken any steps to confront this filthy practice, then there can be no betrayal and deception -against the ummah- greater than this.

إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يَكۡتُمُونَ مَآ أَنزَلۡنَا مِنَ ٱلۡبَيِّنَـٰتِ وَٱلۡهُدَىٰ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ مَا بَيَّنَّـٰهُ لِلنَّاسِ فِى ٱلۡكِتَـٰبِ‌ۙ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ يَلۡعَنُہُمُ ٱللَّهُ وَيَلۡعَنُہُمُ ٱللَّـٰعِنُونَ

Verily, those who conceal the clear proofs, evidences, and the guidance, which We have sent down after We have made it clear for the people in the Book, they are the ones cursed by Allah and cursed by the cursers. [Al-Baqarah. 159]

The greatest clear proof is Tawheed and it is the guidance that will remove the people from shirk. Therefore, O callers to Islam! Fear Allah, safeguard the Muslims from this greatest danger, and raise them to the highest station in this worldly life – the station of Tawheed because there is no station loftier than the station of Tawheed. Tawheed is the greatest station in the entire universe and Shirk is the lowest. [2]

[III] https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2025/01/04/certificates/

[IV] Imam Ibn Al-Jawzi, may Allah have mercy upon him,  said: I saw that solely being preoccupied with studying Fiqh and listening to hadeeth is not enough to rectify the heart, except combined with (the authentic narrations concerning the) softening of the hearts, and looking into the biographies of the pious predecessors. As for knowing Halal and Haram only, it does not have a great strength in softening the heart; rather the softening of the heart is (attained) by mentioning the Ahadith on the subject matter and the stories of the pious predecessors. That is because they (i.e. the pious predecessors) grasped the intent behind narrating, demonstrated the tangible obligated actions by way of them, practical encounter with their meanings, and the goals behind them. And there is nothing that will make you experience this, except after cultivation and experience. That is because I find that the ambition of the majority of the Muhadditheen and the students of hadeeth is (focused on acquiring hadeeth that has the closest chain of transmission from the Prophet and gathering numerous authentic Ahadith on a particular subject matter in the religion. And the majority of the jurists (focus on) the science of debate and that which gives one the upper hand, so how can the heart be softened through these affairs? Indeed, a group of pious predecessors aspired to see that a righteous slave should look to his character and upright guidance and not (merely) the knowledge he has acquired. That is (because) his character and upright guidance are the fruits of his knowledge. So understand this! The students of Hadeeth and Fiqh should combine (seeking after hadeeth and fiqh) with studying the lives of the pious predecessors and the Zuhhaad so that it can be a means to soften the heart. Indeed, books have been compiled regarding the affairs and manners of each one of those well-known outstanding men (of piety). A book has been compiled regarding the affairs of Al-Hasan [Al-Basri], Sufyaan Ath-Thawri, Ibraaheem Bin Ad-ham, Bishr Al-Haafiy, Ahmad Bin Hanbal, Ma’roof and other than them amongst the scholars and the Zuhhaad. [6]

It is necessary that the seekers of Hadeeth should have the most perfect (behaviour, manners, etiquette, etc) amongst the people, be the most humble amongst the people, the greatest in their impartiality and adherence to the religion, the least in (deviating from good conduct) and (being overcome with) anger because they constantly listen to the narrations that gather the excellent manners and etiquettes of Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him], the lives of the virtuous pious predecessors, the path of the scholars of Hadeeth and the virtues of the (pious ones and scholars) who have passed away; so they adhere to the purest and excellent (aspects of those traits, etiquettes, manners, etc) and turn away from the most despised and lowly (traits, behaviour, manners, etiquettes, etc). [7]

[1] An Excerpt from “Abjad Al-Ulum” 1/77-78. slightly paraphrased

[2] An Excerpt from “Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm”. pages 104-106. slightly paraphrased

[3] Sharh Hilya Taalib Al-Ilm..page:22. slightly paraphrased

[4] An Excerpt from ‘Saydul khaatir’ Page 171. Daar Ibn Rajab. 1st edition 2003

[5] Source: An Excerpt from ‘Jaami Bayaan Al-Ilm 1/78. By Al-Khateeb Al-Baghdaadi

Destructive Self-sufficiency

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

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

Allah, The Exalted, said:

كَلَّآ إِنَّ ٱلۡإِنسَـٰنَ لَيَطۡغَىٰٓ
أَن رَّءَاهُ ٱسۡتَغۡنَىٰٓ

Nay! Verily, man does transgress all bounds, because he considers himself self-sufficient.

[كَلَّآ إِنَّ ٱلۡإِنسَـٰنَ لَيَطۡغَىٰٓ – Nay! Verily, man does transgress all bounds]- Meaning, Abu Jahl, who used to be insolent and boastful about his clothing, riding beast and food when he earned more wealth. [1]

[أَن رَّءَاهُ ٱسۡتَغۡنَىٰٓ – because he considers himself self-sufficient]- Meaning, due to the human being’s ignorance and wrongdoing when he considers himself self-sufficient, he transgresses, rebels, haughtily turns away from guidance, forgets that he will be returned to his Lord and does not not fear the recompense; rather, he might reach such a state that he abandons guidance and calls others to abandon it and tell others not to perform the prayer which is the most virtuous deed of Iman. [2]

Allah did not (solely) state that he (this human being) became self-sufficient; rather, He indicated that tyranny arises from the perception of his self-sufficiency. But He did not mentioned this perfection in Surah Al-Layl; instead, He stated:

وَأَمَّا مَنۢ بَخِلَ وَٱسْتَغْنَىٰ

وَكَذَّبَ بِٱلْحُسْنَىٰ

فَسَنُيَسِّرُهُۥ لِلْعُسْرَىٰ

But as for he—( Umayyah bin Khalaf)—who is miserly (with respect to his wealth and Allāh’s right upon him) and considers himself self-sufficient (from his Lord). And rejects al-Ḥusnā (the statement of monotheism) (or: the obligations of prayer, fasting and charity) (or: the promise of Allāh) (or: Paradise and its reward). Then We will make easy for him (the path to) evil (or: Hellfire). https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/verse/92/8

This, and Allah knows best, is due to the cause of his arrogance, which stems from his perception of his own self-sufficiency.

Surah Al-Layl elucidates the factors contributing to his downfall and the lack of ease in his affairs, stemming from their belief that they do not need their Lord by abandoning obedience and servitude. Had they genuinely relied on Allah, they would have endeavored to draw nearer to Him through the prescribed acts of worship, akin to a servant who cannot do without his Lord even for a moment and adhering to His orders. For this reason, this is linked to his miserliness, which reflects his failure to fulfill his obligations in speech, actions, and wealth, as well as his rejection of Al-Husna [Footnote a] which is promised those who perform good deeds, as stated by Allah: [لِلَّذِينَ أَحْسَنُوا الْحُسْنَى وَزِيَادَةٌ – For those who have done good is the best (reward, i.e. Paradise) and Ziyadah]. [Footnote b]

The purpose of this discussion is that the perfection of not needing Allah is the cause of the downfall of a servant of Allah and is the root of all difficulties. His perfection of not being in need of his Lord is the cause of his transgression and downfall, both of which stand in stark contrast to the dependence on Allah and servitude (to Him). [3]

The creation find themselves within two types of neediness. The first type of neediness is inevitable. It is a type of neediness which every everyone (cannot do without) – the righteous and the wicked. It neither necessitates praise nor dispraise, and neither reward nor punishment; rather it is solely due to the fact that the creation are created beings [i.e. absolutely in need and completely dependent on their Creator in every way].

The second type of neediness is one based on choice from which emanates two noble aspects of knowledge. The first one is the servant’s knowledge and awareness of his Lord and the second is knowledge and awareness of oneself in reality. As soon as one acquires these two types of knowledge, it brings about a type of neediness that becomes a person’s distinguished and most precious source of wealth, and the means to success and happiness in (this life and the next). The people’s different stations in this type of neediness depends on their different stations in these two affairs of knowledge.

The one who knows that his Lord (Allaah) is the Self-Sufficient One [absolutely free from all wants and to Whom everyone and everything depends, and none can do without Him in the twinkling of an eye], then he will know that he is completely in need.

The one knows that his Lord (Allaah) is alone the Possessor of Perfect Ability [possessor of All-Encompassing Ability and able to do all things], he will know that he is completely unable [cannot do anything in the twinkling of an eye without the help of] his Lord.

The one who knows that his Lord (Allaah) is The All-Mighty, he will know that he is one completely in a state of [complete poverty, weakness and want unless his Lord provides for him etc]. The one who knows that his Lord (Allaah) is the possessor of All- Encompassing knowledge and Wisdom, he will know that he is ignorant.

Allah brought the person out of his mother’s womb while he knew nothing- not able to do anything and owned nothing; neither able to give nor take, and neither able to harm nor benefit. This state of neediness – until he reached a more perfect state – is something witnessed and tangible for everyone (to see), and it is well known that this is the very essence of the human being and he remains upon that state. He does not move from this state and enters into a state of Lordship – a state in which he becomes absolutely self-sufficient and not need of anyone and anything; rather he does not cease being a slave, a needy one to his Rabb [Allah the Creator, All-Provider and the Only One Who Controls and Sustains Everything] and His Fatir [Allah, The Originator and Creator of Everything].

However, after the human being was granted blessings, shown mercy, granted the means to reach a more perfect state, and Allah -out of His Perfect Kindness and Generosity- granted him apparent blessings [i.e. to recognize the Messengers who were sent with Islamic Monotheism, granted him the lawful pleasures of this world, including health, good looks, etc.] and the hidden blessings [i.e. granted him the innate disposition to recognize his Lord when the Messenger calls him to Iman, and granted him knowledge, wisdom, guidance for doing righteous deeds, and also the pleasures and delights of the Hereafter in Paradise, etc.], granted him hearing, sight and a heart, and taught him [i.e. gave him the means to knowledge], granted him ability, subjugated things to him, granted him [the desire and enthusiasm to pursue what is beneficial, and take action], enabled him to receive the service of those of his kind [i.e. gave him authority over other humans], subjugated to him horses and camels, gave him the ability to capture the animals in the sea, drop birds from the sky, subjugate wild animals, dig wells [irrigate water etc.], plant trees, dig the earth, learn how to build, acquire the things that are of benefit to him, guard against and protect himself from that which is harmful to him; then the Miskin [i.e. this absolutely poor, dependent human being] thinks that he has a share of authority and claims – for himself – a kingship [or authority] similar to that of Allah [Glorified be Allah and free is Allah from all imperfections, partners, coequals, similarities etc.], and begins to see himself in a manner other than what he was at first, forgets his (prior) state of non-existence, poverty and neediness, until he becomes as if he was not that poor and needy thing. [4]

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Footnote a: al-Ḥusnā (the statement of monotheism) (or: the obligations of prayer, fasting and charity) (or: the promise of Allāh) (or: Paradise and its reward). Then We will make easy for him (the path to) evil (or: Hellfire). https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/verse/92/8

Footnote b:

“‏زيادة‏”‏ وهي النظر إلى وجه الله الكريم، وسماع كلامه، والفوز برضاه والبهجة بقربه، فبهذا حصل لهم أعلى ما يتمناه المتمنون، ويسأله السائلون

The word Ziyadah in this verse means to see Allah’s face, hear His Speech, attain His pleasure etc, (on the Day of Judgement). [Tafsir Sadi]

[1] An Excerpt from Zaadul Maseer Fee Ilm at-Tafseer. By Imam Ibnul Jawzi [may Allaah have mercy upon him]
[2] An Excerpt from Tafsir As-Sadi
[3] An Excerpt from Tariq Al-Hijratayn 13 By Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him.
[4] An Excerpt from Tariq Al-Hijratayn. pages 9-10

Self-destruction

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Bid'ah (Innovation), Innovations In Islam (Bidah), 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.

Imam Ibn Battah, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Know, O my brothers! I have pondered over the reason that expelled a people from the Sunnah and the Jama’ah, compelled them to bidah and ignominy, opened up a door of trial to their hearts and prevented them from the light of truth that enables a person to make good judgements; thus, I found that (coming) from two angles: (Unnecessary) research and debate, asking too much concerning that which is of no benefit- (matters that are) neither harmful to an ignoramus nor beneficial to the believer’s understanding. The other (reason) is sitting with (a person) whose Fitnah one is not safe from and (is a cause of) corrupting the heart of the one who accompanies him.

Al-Ibanah Al-Kubra 1/390

Ruling on the statement of a person: “Yaa Rasulal lah”

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Basics, Bid'ah (Innovation), Featured, Innovations In Islam (Bidah), Monotheism - Tawheed, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Shirk, Sin, Sufis, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Question: A Muslim testifies that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah and that Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him,  is the Messenger of Allah, but when standing up or sitting down, he says, “Yaa Rasulal lah -O Messenger of Allah!” or “Yaa Abal Qasim – O Abu Qasim!” or “Yaa Abdal Qaadir- O Abdul Qadir!” or what similar to these statements related to Al-Isti’anah [i.e. seeking aid and assistance]. What is the ruling on this?

Answer: A person calling [i.e. invoking] the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, or other than him, such as Abdul Qadir Al-Jaylaani or Ahmad at-Tijaani,  when standing up or sitting down, and seeking assistance in that [action], or what is similar to this, in order to receive a benefit or repel harm- is a type of Shirk Akbar that was widespread during the pre-Islamic era of ignorance. Allah sent His Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, to put an end to it, save the people from it, guide the people to single out Allah in worship and supplication. This is because Al-Isti’aanah [seeking aid and assistance] is an act of worship and whoever performs it for other than Allah is a Mushrik. [Footnote a]

Allah directed and taught His slaves to say:

إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ

You (Alone) we worship, and You (Alone) we ask for help (for each and everything). [1:5]

Allah said:
وَأَنَّ الْمَسَاجِدَ لِلَّهِ فَلَا تَدْعُوا مَعَ اللَّهِ أَحَدًا

And the mosques are for Allah (Alone), so invoke not anyone along with Allah]. [72:18]

Allah clarified that He (alone) controls harm and benefit; He alone removes harm and bestows blessings; He alone is the one who bestows good upon His slaves and preserves it for them. None can withold what Allaah gives and none can bestow that which Allah withholds. None can prevent what He has decreed and He is able to do all things. Allah said:

وَلَا تَدْعُ مِن دُونِ اللَّهِ مَا لَا يَنفَعُكَ وَلَا يَضُرُّكَ ۖ فَإِن فَعَلْتَ فَإِنَّكَ إِذًا مِّنَ الظَّالِمِينَ
وَإِن يَمْسَسْكَ اللَّهُ بِضُرٍّ فَلَا كَاشِفَ لَهُ إِلَّا هُوَ ۖ وَإِن يُرِدْكَ بِخَيْرٍ فَلَا رَادَّ لِفَضْلِهِ ۚ يُصِيبُ بِهِ مَن يَشَاءُ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ ۚ وَهُوَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحِيمُ

And invoke not besides Allah, any that will neither profit you, nor hurt you, but if (in case) you did so, you shall certainly be one of the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers). ” And if Allah touches you with hurt, there is none who can remove it but He; and if He intends any good for you, there is none who can repel His Favour which He causes it to reach whomsoever of His slaves He will. And He is the Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. [10:106-107]

Allah said:

يُولِجُ اللَّيْلَ فِي النَّهَارِ وَيُولِجُ النَّهَارَ فِي اللَّيْلِ وَسَخَّرَ الشَّمْسَ وَالْقَمَرَ كُلٌّ يَجْرِي لِأَجَلٍ مُّسَمًّى ۚ ذَٰلِكُمُ اللَّهُ رَبُّكُمْ لَهُ الْمُلْكُ ۚ وَالَّذِينَ تَدْعُونَ مِن دُونِهِ مَا يَمْلِكُونَ مِن قِطْمِيرٍ
إِن تَدْعُوهُمْ لَا يَسْمَعُوا دُعَاءَكُمْ وَلَوْ سَمِعُوا مَا اسْتَجَابُوا لَكُمْ ۖ وَيَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ يَكْفُرُونَ بِشِرْكِكُمْ ۚ وَلَا يُنَبِّئُكَ مِثْلُ خَبِيرٍ

He merges the night into the day (i.e. the decrease in the hours of the night are added to the hours of the day), and He merges the day into the night (i.e. the decrease in the hours of the day are added to the hours of the night). And He has subjected the sun and the moon, each runs its course for a term appointed. Such is Allah your Lord; His is the kingdom. And those, whom you invoke or call upon instead of Him, own not even a Qitmir (the thin membrane over the date-stone). If you invoke (or call upon) them, they hear not your call, and if (in case) they were to hear, they could not grant it (your request) to you. And on the Day of Resurrection, they will disown your worshipping them.  And none can inform you (O Muhammad) like Him Who is the All-Knower (of each and everything). [35:13-14]

Allah said:
وَمَنْ أَضَلُّ مِمَّن يَدْعُو مِن دُونِ اللَّهِ مَن لَّا يَسْتَجِيبُ لَهُ إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ وَهُمْ عَن دُعَائِهِمْ غَافِلُونَ
وَإِذَا حُشِرَ النَّاسُ كَانُوا لَهُمْ أَعْدَاءً وَكَانُوا بِعِبَادَتِهِمْ كَافِرِينَ

And who is more astray than one who calls (invokes) besides Allah, such as will not answer him till the Day of Resurrection, and who are (even) unaware of their calls (invocations) to them? And when mankind are gathered (on the Day of Resurrection), they (false deities) will become enemies for them and will deny their worshipping. [46:5-6]

Allah said:

وَمَن يَدْعُ مَعَ اللَّهِ إِلَٰهًا آخَرَ لَا بُرْهَانَ لَهُ بِهِ فَإِنَّمَا حِسَابُهُ عِندَ رَبِّهِ ۚ إِنَّهُ لَا يُفْلِحُ الْكَافِرُونَ

And whoever invokes (or worships), besides Allah, any other ilah (god), of whom he has no proof, then his reckoning is only with his Lord. Surely! Al-Kafirun (the disbelievers in Allah and in the Oneness of Allah, polytheists, pagans, idolaters, etc.) will not be successful. [23:117]

In these verses, Allah stated that it is disbelief and polytheism to invoke others besides Him. He informed (us) that there is none more astray than the one who invokes others besides Him.
The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said to Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him and his father:

وإذا سألت فاسأل الله، وإذا استعنت فاستعن بالله

If you ask (i.e. supplicate), then ask Allah. And if you seek help, seek help from Allaah. [Sahih Al-Jami 7957]

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

الدعاء هو العبادة

Supplication is the core of worship. [Sahih Al-Jami 3407]

Fatawa Al-Lajnah Ad-Da’imah 1/163
—————-

Footnote a:

Ibn Taymiyyah on Shirk and the Excuse of Ignorance | AbuIyaad.Com
https://abuiyaad.com/a/ibn-taymiyyah-shirk-excuse-of-ignorance

Manhaj.Com | excuse of ignorance
https://www.manhaj.com/manhaj/tags/excuse-of-ignorance.cfm

http://www.manhaj.com/manhaj/articles/xwouo-takfir-and-the-excuse-of-ignorance-shaykh-ibn-uthaymeen.cfm

http://www.spubs.com/sps/sp.cfm?secID=MNJ&subsecID=MNJ09&loadpage=displaysubsection.cfm

Indespensible

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

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

The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “It is enough sin for a person to speak of everything that he hears”. [1]

Abu Hatim (Imam Ibn Hibban) – may Allah have mercy upon him him – said:

This narration contains a rebuke that a person should not speak about everything he hears until he knows whether it is authentic or not, then he speaks about it. He should not speak about that which is not authentic. [2]

The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “I command you fear Allah and to listen to and obey your (leaders) even if a maimed (or disabled) Abyssinian slave is put in charge over you. Whoever lives among you will see a lot of differences, so it is obligated to you to adhere to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly guided Khulafaa- bite onto it with your molar teeth [i.e. adhere firmly to it]. And beware of newly invented matters (in the religion), for every newly invented matter (in the religion) is Bidah innovation and every bidah is misguidance. [3]

Imam Abu Hatim said:

This is a sound evidence that the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, commanded his Ummah to (distinguish) the weak narrators from the reliable narrators. This is because it is impossible for a person to adhere to the Sunnah if it is mixed with lies and falsehood, except when one can distinguish the weak narrators from the reliable narrators. [4]

(1) Muqaddimah Saheeh Muslim 1/10; Sharh Muqaddimah Saheeh Muslim’ by Imaam An-Nawawi 1/74.

(2) Muqaddimah Kitaab Al-Majrooheen Minal Muhadditheen’ page 60-64.

(3) Jaami As-Saheeh Al-Musnad Mimmaa Laysah Fee As-Saheehayn’ 5/26-27’ Number 3249.

(4) Muqaddimah Kitaab Al-Majrooheen Minal Mihadditheen page 66

Reflections on some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Madkhali [45 of 80]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, 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.

Many people humble themselves to one another more than they humble themselves to Allah – The Most High, The Most Great. It is neither permissible for a person to be a slave except to Allah, (i.e. not to be subservient to anyone in a manner that only Allah deserves) nor humble himself except to the Greatness of Allah. Allah [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections] said:

هُوَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِى لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ‌ۖ عَـٰلِمُ ٱلۡغَيۡبِ وَٱلشَّهَـٰدَةِ‌ۖ هُوَ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ
هُوَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِى لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ٱلۡمَلِكُ ٱلۡقُدُّوسُ ٱلسَّلَـٰمُ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنُ ٱلۡمُهَيۡمِنُ ٱلۡعَزِيزُ ٱلۡجَبَّارُ ٱلۡمُتَڪَبِّرُ‌ۚ سُبۡحَـٰنَ ٱللَّهِ عَمَّا يُشۡرِڪُونَ
هُوَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡخَـٰلِقُ ٱلۡبَارِئُ ٱلۡمُصَوِّرُ‌ۖ لَهُ ٱلۡأَسۡمَآءُ ٱلۡحُسۡنَىٰ‌ۚ يُسَبِّحُ لَهُ ۥ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ‌ۖ وَهُوَ ٱلۡعَزِيزُ ٱلۡحَكِيمُ

He is Allah besides Whom none has the right to be worshipped but He; the King, the Holy, the One Free from all defects, the Giver of security, the Watcher over His creatures, the All-Mighty, the Compeller, the Supreme. Glory be to Allaah! [High is He] above all that they associate as partners with Him. He is Allaah, the Creator, the Inventor of all things, the Bestower of forms. To Him belong the Best Names. All that is in the heavens and the earth glorify Him. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise. [Surah Al-Hashar’ Ayaat 23-24]

Examine those Ayaat in the last part of Surah Al-Hashar! The statement:

هُوَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِى لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ

He is Allah besides Whom none has the right to be worshipped but He)]: This necessitates Tawheed Al-Uluhiyyah [The Oneness as the only one Who has the right to be worshipped].

The statement:
هُوَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِى لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ‌ۖ عَـٰلِمُ ٱلۡغَيۡبِ وَٱلشَّهَـٰدَةِ‌ۖ هُوَ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ

He is Allah, besides Whom none has the right to be worshipped but He, the All-Knower of the unseen and the seen (open). He is the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful]: This necessitates Tawheed Al-Asmaa Was Sifaat [The Oneness of Allah in His Names and Attributes.

The statement:
هُوَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡخَـٰلِقُ ٱلۡبَارِئُ ٱلۡمُصَوِّرُ‌ۖ

He is Allah, the Creator, the Inventor of all things, the Bestower of forms]. This necessitates Tawheed Ar-Roboobiyyah [The Oneness of Allah in His Lordship].
These few Ayaat in the last part of Surah Al-Hashr necessitate all the categories of Tawheed [Pure Islamic Monotheism]. [1]

Imam Ash-Shawkaanee [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said:

The love for high status and wealth often leads to the abandonment of fairness, which in turn distances individuals from the truth. This abandonment further results in the concealment of truth and the failure to clarify what Allah has obligated. The two aforementioned matters are a greater enemy to an individual than a pair of hunting wolves, [Footnote a] as stated by Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] because it was the reason that led the people of the scripture to distort Allah’s Books and hide the clear evidences and guidance that were revealed to them, such as what happened to the Jewish Rabbis (i.e. those who deviated after the advents of their Prophets). Allah, in His Mighty Book, and the Messenger, through authentic narrations, have both informed us about this.

The Imam also stated:

We often see a man who holds a belief that aligns with truth and correctness. However, when he speaks to someone who disagrees with him- one who is inclined towards something of the innovated matters in the religion, and especially if that person holds a position of leadership or worldly wealth, not to mention a king, he agrees with him, strengthens, supports and aids him against others.

The least in such circumstances is that he would hide what he believes is the truth and show contempt – in the presence of a person from whom it is neither possible to receive harm nor benefit – towards what has become clear to him is the right thing, so, what about someone from whom harm and benefit are possible? This behavior is essentially prioritizing worldly things and the life of this world over the religion and the afterlife. If he observed and reflected upon what has happened to him, he would have realised that his inclination toward the (vain) desires of a man, two men, three or more individuals – among those he compliments within that gathering, conceals the truth to be in agreement with them and to gain affection, acquire their possessions, and avoid being isolated by them -is a deficiency in upholding the truth and tantamount to exalting falsehood. If it were not for the fact that these individuals hold a higher position in his eyes than the Lord, he would not have been inclined to their (vain) desires and abandoned what he knows to be what Allah wants and demands from His servants. [2]

Footnote a: Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “Two hungry wolves let loose among sheep are not more harmful than a person’s craving after wealth and status is to his Religion”. [3]

Imam Muhamad Ibn Saalih Al-Uthaymeen [may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “Two hungry wolves let loose on a flock -then what will remain from the flock?! Even when a single wolf stops eating because its stomach is full, it still kills the rest of the flock; then what about two hungry wolves let loose on a flock!! Not a single will remain. Likewise, a person who craves wealth or status will corrupt the religion and because of this, it is obligated to a person that his intention is far removed from this- far removed from craving wealth and status in the religion. We ask Allah to aid us to accomplish this”. [4]

We ask Allah:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ حُبَّكَ وَحُبَّ مَنْ يُحِبُّكَ وَالْعَمَلَ الَّذِي يُبَلِّغُنِي حُبَّكَ

O Allah, I ask you for your love and the love of those who love you and the deeds that will bring me your love.

[1] An Excerpt from Majmu Wa Rasaail Wa Fataawa 1/22

[2] An Excerpt from Adabud Talab Wa Muntahaa Al-Adab. Pages 93-95. Slightly paraphrased]

[3] Reported by Tirmidhee no.2376. Declared Authentic by Imaam Albaani (rahimahullaah) Saheeh Sunan At-Tirmidhee Vol 2 page 553

[4] At-taleeq Alaa Siyaasah Shar’iyyah. pages 454-455

[5] Reflection on some statements of Al-Allamah Ubaid Al-Jabiri

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Bid'ah (Innovation), Contemporary Issues, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Scholars of Islam.

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

The Shaikh was asked: We hear a statement from some of the Mashayihk of Ahlus Sunnah: “This man is from Ahlul Bidah”. Is it understood that he is a Mubtadi or not?”

Answer: What I have knowledge of is that this statement has two applications according to Ahlus Sunnah. The first of them and it is what is meant in most cases is that he is a Mubtadi. He knows the truth, but he is an obstinate person. He refuses (to accept truth), but (accepts) deviation. He knows the Sunnah, but refuses to follow it and (follows) Bidah. He acts upon Bidah while knowing that it is Bidah. The other meaning is that this man is a person upon Bidah-meaning: He acts upon Bidah even though he is not a Mubtadi because what we know regarding the methodology of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jama’ah is that they do not declare any specific person a Muibtadi until the proofs are established against him. [Al-Haddul Fasil Bayna Mu’aamalah Ahl As-Sunnah Wa Ahl Al-Batil 60]

The danger of mocking the scholars of Islam

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Fatawa-Rulings, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Scholars of Islam, Sin.

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

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

والمستهزئ بالعلماء، أو بطلبة العلم، أو بطالبات العلم، إذا كان مقصوده الاستهزاء بالدِّين؛ كفر.
أما إن كان يستهزئ بطالب العلم من أجل رثاثة ثيابه، أو من أجل عِلَّة فيه: من مرضٍ، أو شبه ذلك، أو عرجٍ، فهذا الاستهزاء منكر، وليس بكفرٍ، هذا منكر ومعصية.
أما إذا استهزأ به لدينه ولتقواه فهذا استهزاء بالدين -نعوذ بالله- يكون من الردّة عن الإسلام؛ لأنه استهزأ بالدِّين، إذا كان يتنقّص بالدين، ويرى أن الدين ناقص، ويرى أن الذين ينتسبون إليه ناقصون، وأن المنتسبين إلى غيره أوْلى منهم وأزكى؛ فهذا هو التنقص في الدين، وهذا هو الذي فيه الاستهزاء بالله وبآياته ورسوله

The one who mocks the scholars, students of knowledge, or female students of knowledge; if his intention is  to mock the religion, it constitutes disbelief. However, if one mocks a student of knowledge due to the tattered state of their clothing or a physical ailment, such as an illness or a disability, this mockery is an evil deed and not disbelief. It is an evil deed and a sin. As for if he mocks at an individual because of their religion (Islam) and because of their piety, this is mockery of religion—we seek refuge in Allah, and it becomes Riddah (apostasy from Islam) because he has mocked the religion. [Footnote a]

If he  belittles the religion, perceives it as deficient, and views its adherents as inferior, while considering those who ascribe to other than it as superior and more virtuous, this is tantamount to belittling the religion (or diminishing its worth). This is what carries mockery of Allah, His signs and Messenger. [1] [end of quote]

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Footnote a: It is imperative to emphasise unequivocally that the sole individuals authorised to render a judgment of apostasy against a Muslim are the upright scholars of Islam, and no others. For further information, please refer to this link. Who Ought To Pronounce Takfir and Establish the Hadd Punishment:

https://salafipublications.com/sps/sp.cfm?subsecID=MNJ09&articleID=MNJ090004&articlePages=1

[1]https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/21134/%D9%85%D8%A7-%D8%AD%D9%83%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%87%D8%B2%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%8A%D9%86-%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%AA%D9%85%D8%B3%D9%83%D9%8A%D9%86-%D8%A8%D9%87 paraphrased

[4] Reflection on some statements of Al-Allamah Ubaid Al-Jabiri

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

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

Narrated Abu Kabshah Al-An’maariy, may Allah be pleased with him, that Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “I swear by Allah regarding three (matters) which I am going to tell, so remember them. The wealth of a man does not decrease due to (giving) charity. A servant (of Allah) does not exercise patience when oppressed, except that Allah increases his honour. A servant (of Allah) does not open the door of begging, except that Allah opens for him the door of poverty (or he stated a statement similar to it). I am going to tell you (something), so remember it: the worldly life is for four types of people. A servant (of Allah) whom Allah has given wealth and knowledge, so he fears his Lord through it. He preserves the ties of kinship and acknowledges Allah’s Rights regarding it. This (person) is on the most virtuous position. A servant (of Allah) whom Allah has given knowledge but not wealth. He is truthful in his intention and says: ‘If I had wealth, I would have done the deed of such and such (person)’. Because of this intention of his, his reward is the same (i.e. the same as the righteous one who has been given wealth and knowledge). A servant (of Allah) whom Allah has given wealth but not knowledge. He wastes his wealth out of ignorance. He neither fears Allah nor does he keep the ties of kinship, nor does he acknowledge Allah’s rights. This (type of person) is at the evilest position. A servant (of Allah) whom Allah has neither given wealth nor knowledge and he says: ‘If I had wealth, I would have done the deed of such and such (person)’. So through his intention, they are similar (i.e. similar to the evil person who wastes his wealth). [1]

Al-Allamah Ubaid Al-Jabiri, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated:

The first is a wealthy person who is thankful (to Allah), thus, Allah will raise him to the most virtuous position due to his deed. The second is a poor person who exercises patience. He is truthful in his intention with regards to spending from that which Allah has bestowed on him. So Allah makes him reach the most virtuous position due to his truthful intention. The third is a boastful wealthy person. He is covetous and stingy, thus, his deed takes him to the most evil position. The fourth is a boastful poor person and his intention is evil. So together with his poverty, his intention takes him to the most evil position. So, due to this, we know that by way of truthful intentions, Allah raises the person. And an evil intention debases a person until he finds himself in the most evil position. [2]

[1]Reported by Tirmidhee 2325. Ahmad 18031. Al-Baghawiy 4097

[2] An Excerpt from:  البيان المرصع شرح القواعد الأربع- pages 8-9. Slightly paraphrased

[3] Reflections on some statements of Al-Allamah Ubaid al-Jabiri

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Bid'ah (Innovation), Contemporary Issues, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Innovations In Islam (Bidah), Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Shirk, Sin, Sufis, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

The Shaikh, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated about Imam Muhammad Ibn Abdil Wahhab, may Allah have mercy upon him:

He, may Allah have mercy upon him, was very clever, strong in discernment, hardworking in knowledge and sought after it, brave in (adhering to) truth and defended it. He manifested this clearly in his Jihad against ahlul bidah, even in a western land at Basrah he announced his rejection of bidah, thus, he was harmed and removed from there. Among his praiseworthy qualities and noble traits is that he had earnest concern for Allah’s religion and ordainments, and thus he used to repel bidah. He was not able to keep quiet like others and this is from defending the statement of truth, even if it opposed the desires of the people.

He was an Imam in Tafsir and this is clearly manifested in his derivation of evidences from the verses of the Qur’an. He was a scholar of Hadith, thus, you find how he (utilised them) as evidence in their places. He was a scholar of Fiqh without blindly following and it is enough that he was an Imam in the fundamentals of the religion and knowledge of creed – Thaabit Fee Aqeedatihi As-Sunniyyah – Firm upon his Sunni creed and Shubuhat [i.e. doubts that are made to resemble the truth, but are falsehood in reality] did not shake him, rather he used to refute them.

And among the most important qualities of the Shaikh is that he gave importance to the citizens and acknowledged everyone’s status, and he did not neglect his dependents. He knew the status of the leader and the scholar. He knew the status of his students and gave them their (rightful) levels. He gave attention to his children despite being preoccupied with Dawah, writing and teaching. This concern for his children was so much that after him, his children were from the senior scholars, rather among them were some who used to teach the Ulum [i.e. the different subject areas or sciences of the religion] during his lifetime. How can this not be the case, for back in the old days it used to be said, “This cub is from that lion”.

An Excerpt from Tanbeeh Dhawil Uqool As-Saleemah Ilaa Fawaa’id Mustanbatu Minas Sittatil Usoolil Adheemah’ page 11-12