Skip to main content
photo of island and thunder

The danger of selective punishment

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Featured, 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.

Aa’isha, may Allah be pleased with her, reported that the Quraish had been anxious about the Makhzumi woman who had committed theft, and said, “Who will speak to Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, about her?” They said, “Who dare it, but Usamah, the loved one of Allah’s Messenger?” So Usamah spoke to him. Thereupon Allah’s Messenger said, “Do you intercede regarding one of the punishments prescribed by Allah?” He then stood up and addressed (people) saying, “O people! Those who have gone before you were destroyed, because if any one of high status committed theft amongst them, they spared him; and if anyone of low status committed theft, they inflicted the prescribed punishment upon him. By Allah, if Fatima, daughter of Muhammad, were to steal, I would have her hand cut of”. [1]

“Do you intercede regarding one of the punishments prescribed by Allah?” Meaning, it is not permissible to intercede regarding the divine prescribed punishments.

“Those who have gone before you were destroyed because if any one of high status committed theft amongst them, they spared him; and if anyone of low status committed theft, they inflicted the prescribed punishment upon him”.

Meaning, destroyed through punishment due to their sins. They were destroyed due to this matter because they said, “This is a person of high status and it is not possible to cut his hand”. When a person of high status amongst them stole, they let him off, (but) when a person of low status stole, they established the punishment on him, thus the implementation of Allah’s prescribed punishments was carried out based on their desires. In this hadith is proof to show that the nations before us committed theft, and that there was much theft in their midst including the wealthy, the poor, the one of high status and the one of low status.

The Messenger then made an oath – even though he is the righteous and truthful one without making an oath – that “By Allah, if Fatima, daughter of Muhammad, were to steal, I would have her hand cut of”.

O Allah! Send Your Salutations and blessings upon him (i.e. the prophet). This is how justice should be and the manner in which Allah’s rulings are to be applied, and not through desires. He made an oath that if Fatimah – who was of a higher status than that Makhzumi woman, both in nobility and lineage, because she is the leader of the women of paradise, the daughter of Muhammad – stole, he would cut her hand. [2]

Imaam An-Nawawi, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated that Imam Muslim, may Allah have mercy upon him, mentioned narrations in the chapter regarding the forbiddance of interceding in the divine ordained punishments and that this was the cause of the destruction of the Children of Israel. The scholars unanimously agreed that – due to these narrations – interceding in the divine ordained punishments – after the affair has reached the leader – is prohibited. As for before it reaches the leader, most scholars have permitted intercession if the one being interceded for is not an evil person and harmful to the people. As for the sins (or acts of disobedience) for which there are no prescribed punishments, then intercession regarding them is permissible whether the affair has reached the leader or not. Intercession in these affairs is desirable if the one being interceded for is not a harmful person and so on. [3]

[1] Saheeh Muslim. 1688a

[2] An Excerpt from Sharh Riyaadus Saaliheen 6/525-530 By Imam Muhammad Ibn Saalih Al-Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy upon him)

[3] An Excerpt from ‘Sharh Saheeh Muslim’. 11/155

gray clouds

[23] The Character Trait Most Hated to The Messenger

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in 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.

Allah, The Most High, said:

وَإِذۡ أَخَذۡنَا مِنَ ٱلنَّبِيِّـۧنَ مِيثَـٰقَهُمۡ وَمِنكَ وَمِن نُّوحٍ۬ وَإِبۡرَٲهِيمَ وَمُوسَىٰ وَعِيسَى ٱبۡنِ مَرۡيَمَ‌ۖ وَأَخَذۡنَا مِنۡهُم مِّيثَـٰقًا غَلِيظً۬ا
لِّيَسۡـَٔلَ ٱلصَّـٰدِقِينَ عَن صِدۡقِهِمۡ‌ۚ وَأَعَدَّ لِلۡكَـٰفِرِينَ عَذَابًا أَلِيمً۬ا

And (remember) when We took from the Prophets their covenant, and from you (O Muhammad ), and from Nuh (Noah), Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses), and ‘Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary). We took from them a strong covenant. That He may ask the truthful about their truth. [Al-Ahzaab. 7-8]

لِّيَسۡـَٔلَ ٱلصَّـٰدِقِينَ عَن صِدۡقِهِمۡ‌ۚ

That He may ask the truthful about their truth.

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

When it is the case that the truthful ones will be brought to account regarding their truthfulness, then what would one think about the liars? [Bada’i at-Tafsir Al-Jami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim 2/327]

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

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

Ramadan: Responsibility, Moderation, and Generosity; Recitation and Good Companionship, Preservation of The Sunnah

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Basics, Charity (Sadaqah), Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Fasting, Featured, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Prophets, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Ramadhan, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Responsibility, Moderation, and Generosity

Allah, The Most High, said:

وَآتِ ذَا الْقُرْبَىٰ حَقَّهُ وَالْمِسْكِينَ وَابْنَ السَّبِيلِ وَلَا تُبَذِّرْ تَبْذِيرًا
إِنَّ الْمُبَذِّرِينَ كَانُوا إِخْوَانَ الشَّيَاطِينِ ۖ وَكَانَ الشَّيْطَانُ لِرَبِّهِ كَفُورًا

And give to the kindred his due, and to the Miskin (poor) and to the wayfarer. But spend not wastefully (your wealth) in the manner of a spendthrift. Verily, spendthrifts are brothers of the Shayaateen (devils), and the Shaytan (Devil – Satan) is ever ungrateful to his Lord. [Al-Israa. 26–27]

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

Shaytan does not call a person except to every blameworthy habit. Thus, he calls him to miserliness and to refrain from spending. But when the person refuses to obey him, he calls him to overspending and extravagance. However, Allah calls to the most just and balanced of affairs, and He praises the person for that, as He, The One free from all imperfections, stated about His faithful slaves:

وَالَّذِينَ إِذَا أَنْفَقُوا لَمْ يُسْرِفُوا وَلَمْ يَقْتُرُوا وَكَانَ بَيْنَ ذَٰلِكَ قَوَامًا

And those who, when they spend, are neither extravagant nor miserly, but hold a medium (way) between those (extremes). [Al-Furqan. 67] [1]

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

“The limits of generosity are between two extremes, and when one goes beyond its limits, it leads to extravagance and squandering. When a person is lacking in generosity, it leads to miserliness and tight-fistedness”. [2]

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

“Those squanderers who waste meat and food and dispose of it in waste bins should be reminded that there are hungry people hoping for a mouthful and a scrap of bread. They should fear Allah and fear Him in their gatherings, and ensure that they do not become the cause of Allah’s blessings being stopped.” [3]

 

Generosity, Recitation of The Qur’an, and Good Companionship

Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him and his father, narrated:

“The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was the most generous amongst the people, and he used to be more so in the month of Ramadan when Jibreel visited him. Jibreel used to meet him on every night of Ramadan till the end of the month. The Prophet used to recite the Noble Qur’an to Jibreel, and when Jibreel met him, he used to be more generous than the fair wind [sent by Allah with glad tidings (rain) in readiness and haste to do charitable deeds].” [Al-Bukhari 1902]

Zain Ibn Al-Munir, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“The intent behind the likeness (or comparison) between the Prophet’s, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, generosity and the fair wind is that the wind is one of mercy which Allah, The Most High, sends, and sends down rain that falls everywhere—both on dead land as well as land that is not dead. The Prophet’s good conduct and benevolence benefit everyone—the poor, the wealthy, and the one who has enough—more than the rain that falls (after the arrival of that) fair wind.” [4]

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

“He, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was the most generous amongst the people with regard to wealth and bestowing (things) to the people, and not that he was generous only after being asked. In the final year (of his life), Jibreel met him twice, and he finished the recitation of the (Qur’an) twice. From the benefits of (this hadith) are: It is more virtuous to study and recite the Qur’an at night with the righteous people, the scholars, and the good people. The Prophet recited to receive that which Allah has of reward. Generosity in times (when people are in need) and in Ramadan is something sought after.” [5]

 

Preservation of The Sunnah and Not Opposing It

Abu Dharr, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “My Ummah will continue in goodness so long as they hasten to break their fast and delay the pre-fasting meal.” [Sahih Al-Jami 7224]

Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “The religion will not cease to prevail as long as people hasten to break the fast, because the Jews and the Christians (i.e., those amongst them who deviated from the path of their Prophets) delay it.” [6]

Sahl Ibn Sa’d, may Allah be pleased with him, said that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “The people will not cease to be upon good as long as they hasten to break the fast.” [7]

Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “This is a text regarding the triumph of the religion, attained through hastening to break the fast, and it is for the purpose of opposing the (misguidance of the) Jews and Christians. When opposing them is a reason behind the triumph of the religion, then the purpose of sending the Messengers is so that the religion ordained by Allah prevails over all others. Therefore, being in opposition to (the deviated people) is one of the greatest objectives behind the advent of the Messengers.” [8]

Imam An-Nawawi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“In this is an urge to hasten (to break the fast) after the setting of the sun is ascertained. This means that the Ummah will not cease being consistent and will remain upon good if they preserve this Prophetic tradition. If they delay breaking the fast, this is a sign of corruption. [9]

They will not cease to be upon good if they do this by acting upon the Sunnah and limiting themselves to its prescribed legislated boundaries, and not being over-stringent (through what their) intellects (suggest to them) and changing its principles. The people of the scripture [i.e., those amongst them who deviated] delayed breaking the fast until the stars appeared. [10]

[1] An Excerpt from Tafseer as-Sadi

[2] Al-Fawaa’id page 207- 209

[3] An Excerpt from Al-Bayan Li-Akhta Ba’d Al-Kuttab 2/27

[4] An Excerpt from Fath Al-Bari Sharh Sahih Al-Bukhari. 4/150. Hadith 1902. Publisher- Dar As-Salam 1421 (Year 2000). 1st Edition)

[5] An Excerpt from Al-Hulal Al-Ibreeziyyah Min at-Taliqaat Al-Baaziyyah Alaa Sahih Al-Bukhari. 2/121. Footnotes numbers: 1, 2 &3]

[6] Sahin Abee Dawud 2353. Maktabah Al-Ma’arif. 1st Edition

[7] Iqtidaa As-Siraat Al-Mustaqeem 1/209

[8] Saheeh Muslim 1098

[9] Sharh Saheeh Muslim. 7/180-181. Publisher: Dar Al-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah. 1st Edition 1421AH (2000)

[10] Fath Al-Bari Sharh Sahih Al-Bukhari 4/253. Publisher: Dar As-Salam. 1st Edition 1421AH (2000)

Reflections from some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali – [108]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in 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.

I advise the Salafi youth, regardless of their location and where they go, to study the methodology of the pious predecessors, to acknowledge the station of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jama’ah, and to understand that they are the ones who provide sincere counsel and possess experience. By Allah, the outcomes of adhering to their statement or opposing them are evident. In most cases, the one who opposes them falls into falsehood and evil, while those who benefit from them will find safety and salvation. Nothing can be equal to safety and salvation. [Majmu 4/343]

Examples of the Reverence and Dedication to the Qur’an Among the Pious Predecessors

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

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

Abu Salamah, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “Whenever Abu Musa, may Allah be pleased with him, sat with Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, he may say to him, ‘O Abu Musa! Give reminder’. He recited”. [1]

Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “Whoever is able to learn something from the Qur’an, then let him do so. Indeed, the houses that are deprived of good the most are the ones where there is no recitation of Allah’s Book, because the houses in which there is no recitation is like the demolished houses without inhabitants. Indeed shaytan exits a house in which Surah Al Baqarah is heard”. [2]

He also said: “The hearts are receptacles so busy filling them with the Qur’an and do not busy them with other than it.” [3]

Ibn Abba, may Allah be pleased with him and his father, said: “It would be more beloved to me to recite Surah Al-Baqarah during the night than recite the (entire) Qur’an haphazardly”. [4]

Ubayd Bin Ja’d, may Allah have mercy upon him, reported from a man from who said: I heard the people in the towns saying that Salaman Al-Farisi, may Allah be pleased with him, is in the Masjid, so they approached him until about a thousand people gathered. He stood up and said, “Sit down, sit down”. When they sat down, he started reciting Surah Yusuf, then the people began moving away and departing until about a hundred were left. He became angry and said, “So you wanted adorned speech, but then I recited to you the book of Allah and you left!” [5]

Masruq, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: A man from the people of Makkah said to me: “This is the place where your brother Tameem Ad-Daaree, may Allah be pleased with him, used to stand. Indeed, one night I saw him until in the morning or nearly morning time, while he was crying and reciting:

أَمۡ حَسِبَ ٱلَّذِينَ يَعۡمَلُونَ ٱلسَّيِّـَٔاتِ أَن يَسۡبِقُونَا‌ۚ سَآءَ مَا يَحۡكُمُونَ

Or does those who do evil deeds think that they can outstrip Us (i.e. escape Our Punishment)? Evil is that which they judge! [Al-Ankabut. 4] [6]

Muqatil Bin Hayyan, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “I once prayed behind Umar Bin Abdil Azeez, may Allah have mercy upon him, so he read [وَقِفُوهُمۡ‌ۖ إِنَّہُم مَّسۡـُٔولُونَ- But stop them (i.e. when the wrong doers will be held to account on the day of judgement), verily they are to be questioned] [As-Saffat. 24]. He kept on repeating it and was not able to go past it (i.e. due to the severity of what the verse meant). [7]

Maymun Bin Mihran, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “Once Umar Bin Abdul Azeez, may Allah have mercy upon him, cried after reciting the verse: [أَلۡهَٮٰكُمُ ٱلتَّكَاثُرُ-The mutual rivalry for piling up of worldly things diverts you]. Then he recited [حَتَّىٰ زُرۡتُمُ ٱلۡمَقَابِرَ  – until you visit the graves (i.e. till you die)]. Then he said, ‘I will not see the graves except as a visitor and the one who visits them must either be returned to paradise or hell'”. [8]

Aamir Bin Abdi Qays, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, “I don’t care what escapes me from the worldly things after knowing this verse:

وَمَا مِن دَآبَّةٍ۬ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ إِلَّا عَلَى ٱللَّهِ رِزۡقُهَا وَيَعۡلَمُ مُسۡتَقَرَّهَا وَمُسۡتَوۡدَعَهَا‌ۚ كُلٌّ۬ فِى ڪِتَـٰبٍ۬ مُّبِينٍ۬

And no (moving) living creature is there on earth but its provision is due from Allah.  And He knows its dwelling place and its deposit (in the uterous, grave, etc.). all is in a Clear Book (Al-Lauh Al-Mahfuz – the Book of Decrees with Allah). [Surah Hud. Aayah 6]

And the statement of Allah:

مَّا يَفۡتَحِ ٱللَّهُ لِلنَّاسِ مِن رَّحۡمَةٍ۬ فَلَا مُمۡسِكَ لَهَاۖ وَمَا يُمۡسِكۡ فَلَا مُرۡسِلَ لَهُ ۥ مِنۢ بَعۡدِهِۚ

Whatever of mercy (i.e.of good), Allah may grant to mankind, none can withhold it, and whatever He may withhold, none can grant it thereafter. [Fatir. 2] [9]

Malik Bin Deenaar, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “When the Qur’an is recited to the truthful people, their hearts become enraptured by the Afterlife”. [10]

Ibn Wahb, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:  “It was said to the sister of Malik Bin Deenaar: ‘What did Malik use to busy himself with in the house?’ She replied, ‘With the Mushaf and recitation'”. [11]

[1] Siyar A’lam An-Nubulaa 1/280

[2] Hilyah Al-Awliyaa (Tahdhib). 1/119

[3] Az-Zuhd 298. By Imam Ahmad

[4] Sifah As-Safwah Safwa 1/372

[5] Hilyah Al-Awliyaa (Tahdhib) 1/163

[6] Mawsu’ah 1/256-257 by Ibn Abee Dunya

[7] Mawsu’ah 3/255

[8] Mawsu’ah 3/255

[9] Mawsu’ah 1/279

[10] Sifah As-Safwah. 3/204

[11] Siyar A’lam An-Nubulaa 2/736

 

gray clouds

[22] The Character Trait Most Hated By The Messenger

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Basics, Contemporary Issues, Fitnah, 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.

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

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

Al-Allamah Rabee bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Through him [Muhammad – peace and blessings of Allah be upon him], Allah removed us from the darkness of Shirk, indecency, Bidah, evil deeds and bad manners – lying, deceit, quackery, trickery, etc. And He (purified us) with pure (Islamic) monotheism and strong, sincere Iman. He nurtured us upon truthfulness, took the oath of allegiance from us that we speak the truth wherever we may be, and warned us against lies and evil deeds.

And from the recompense for a liar is that which has been reported from the noble Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him- the person of high moral character – who said: “I saw (in a dream) – two men came to me.” Then the Prophet said, “They said, ‘The person whose cheek you saw being torn away (from the mouth to the ear) was a liar and used to tell lies, and the people would report those lies on his authority till they spread (that lie) all over the world. So, he will be punished like that till the Day of Resurrection.'” [Al-Bukhari 6096]

How numerous are those who tell lies today against the carriers of Salafiyyah and its callers! They hinder men from the path of Allah through these lies to aid falsehood, spurious (beliefs, stances, ideas, views, etc.), bidah, (things) that are destructive to the sound creed, methodology and virtuous manners. [An Excerpt from ‘Al-Awaasim Mimmaa Fee Kutub Sayyid Qutb Minal-Qawaasim: page 45]

The truth remains the truth even if the one who utters it is lowly (insignificant)

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

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

Imam Ash-Shanqeetee, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

And know that from the Sunnah’s vast (sciences and sources of knowledge), all of it is embodied within a single verse, namely (Allah’s) statement:

 وَمَآ ءَاتَىٰكُمُ ٱلرَّسُولُ فَخُذُوهُ وَمَا نَهَىٰكُمْ عَنْهُ فَٱنتَهُوا۟

And whatever the Messenger gives you, take it; and whatever he forbids you from, abstain from it. [Al-Hashr: 7]

Among the most important objectives in this regard is this blessed book which is an explanation of it. And know that among the most important objectives behind its authorship are two matters:

One of them is the explanation of the Qur’an by the Qur’an due to the consensus of the scholars that the noblest and loftiest types of Tafseer is the explanation of Allah’s Book by Allah’s Book (i.e. explanation of a verse of the Qur’an by another verse of the Qur’an), since no one is more knowledgeable about the meaning of Allah’s speech than Allah (Himself). And indeed, we have committed ourselves not to explain the Qur’an except through the seven types of Qur’an recitation, regardless of whether there is another type of recitation in the clear verse itself, or another verse other than it. We do not rely on explanation based on the “Shadh recitations” (a), though we may mention a “Shadh recitation” as supporting evidence to clarify the seven types of recitations. The recitations of Abu Jafar, Yaqub, and Khalaf are not considered Shadh in our view nor by the Muhaqqiqeen (b) among the people who possess knowledge of the (different) types of recitations.

With regards to the second objective, the Imam stated that he will clarify the Fiqh rulings from the verses, their evidences from the Sunnah, and the statements of the scholars therein. Then he stated: We will establish as stronger proof that which appears to us to be the stronger proof based on the evidence, without partisanship toward any particular school of jurisprudence or (based) on the statement of any specific person (scholar). Indeed, we will examine the statement itself and not the one who made it, for every person’s statement may be accepted or rejected, except the speech of the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. And it is well known that the truth (remains) truth even if the one who utters it is lowly (insignificant etc). Have you not seen that despite the fact that the Queen of Sabah and her people were prostrating to the sun instead of prostrating to Allah, however, when she uttered a statement of truth, Allah affirmed that she has spoken the truth. Her disbelief did not prevent it from being affirmed for her as the truth, which is her statement, as Allah stated that she said:

إِنَّ ٱلْمُلُوكَ إِذَا دَخَلُوا۟ قَرْيَةً أَفْسَدُوهَا وَجَعَلُوٓا۟ أَعِزَّةَ أَهْلِهَآ أَذِلَّةً

Verily! Kings, when they enter a town (country), they despoil it, and make the most honourable amongst its people low.

Then Allah stated in confirmation of the truth of the truth she stated, saying:

وَكَذَٰلِكَ يَفْعَلُونَ

And thus they do. [1]

Footnote a: Ibn al-Jazari, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated regarding the determinant of an authentic (valid) Qur’anic recitation: Every recitation that conforms to Arabic grammar, even in one possible aspect; conforms to one of the Uthmani manuscripts, and has an authentic chain of transmission, is considered one of the authentic recitations. It is not permissible to reject nor lawfully deny it, rather, its is one of the seven aḥruf in which the Qur’an was revealed. It is incumbent upon the people to accept it, whether it is transmitted from the seven Imams, the ten, or from other than them among the Imams who are recognised. When one of these three pillars is absent, the recitation is described as weak, shādh, or false, whether it is reported from the Seven or from someone greater than them. This is the correct position according to the Imams – among the pious predecessors and thiose who came after them- who are recognised as the ones with the precise knowledge and expertise in this field. [2]

Footnote b: The Muhaqqiqeen are those scholars who are firmly grounded in knowledge and blessed with the ability to precisely and thoroughly investigate issues to reach the correct position.

Your feedback is welcomed if you have any suggestions to improve this paraphrase. May Allah bless you all.

[1] An Excerpt from Adwa al-Bayan 1/6-7. paraphrased
[2]An-Nashr 1/9

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

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Articles, Basics, Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To 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.

“Don’t patronise him, Akhi! He was Salafi before you. He has been around for some time. He knows better than you. He is a clever person. He has a recommendation from so and so, praised by so and so, very close to this or that important personality. His tweets are retweeted by this or that influential personality. Do you know better than them? He has many lessons, makes a lot of effort etc”.

We gently say to all of this, “No one is infallible; and everyone — regardless of their knowledge, status, or personal achievements — can become forgetful, lackadaisical, or overwhelmed by Fitan. Thus, reminders must be presented to all of us.”

Allah, The Most High, said:

أَلَمْ يَأْنِ لِلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَن تَخْشَعَ قُلُوبُهُمْ لِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ وَمَا نَزَلَ مِنَ الْحَقِّ وَلَا يَكُونُوا كَالَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ مِن قَبْلُ فَطَالَ عَلَيْهِمُ الْأَمَدُ فَقَسَتْ قُلُوبُهُمْ ۖ وَكَثِيرٌ مِّنْهُمْ فَاسِقُونَ

Has not the time come for the hearts of those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah – Islamic Monotheism) to be affected by Allah’s Reminder (this Qur’an), and that which has been revealed of the truth, lest they become as those who received the Scripture [the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] before (i.e. Jews and Christians), and the term was prolonged for them and so their hearts were hardened? And many of them were Fasiqun (rebellious, disobedient to Allah). [Al-Hadid.16]

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

When it is the case that Iman necessitates and demands humility, they were called from the station of Iman to the station of Ihsan, which means, “Has the time not come for them to reach Ihsan through Iman and actualise that through submission to Allah’s Reminder, which Allah sent down to them?

Ibn Mas’ud, may Allah be pleased with him, said:

There were only four years between (the period when we accepted) Islam and (the revelation of this) admonition to us”. (1)

وَلَا يَكُونُوا كَالَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ مِن قَبْلُ فَطَالَ عَلَيْهِمُ الْأَمَدُ فَقَسَتْ قُلُوبُهُمْ ۖ وَكَثِيرٌ مِّنْهُمْ فَاسِقُونَ

Lest they become as those who received the Scripture [the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] before (i.e. Jews and Christians), and the term was prolonged for them and so their hearts were hardened.

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

Meaning, do not be like those to whom Allah revealed the book, which obligates on the hearts humility and complete submission, but they neither preserved (the scripture) nor (maintained) firmness upon it; rather, the term was prolonged for them while they continued on heedlessness, thus, their Iman dwindled and their certainty ceased.

Therefore, the hearts require constant reminders of what Allah has revealed and discourse about its wisdom. It is not permitted to become heedless of this, as it is a cause of hardening the hearts.

Then Allah said in verse 17:

اعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ يُحْيِي الْأَرْضَ بَعْدَ مَوْتِهَا ۚ قَدْ بَيَّنَّا لَكُمُ الْآيَاتِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَعْقِلُونَ

Know that Allah gives life to the earth after its death! Indeed We have made clear the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) to you, so that may understand.

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

فإن الآيات تدل العقول على العلم بالمطالب الإلهية، والذي أحيا الأرض بعد موتها قادر على أن يحيي الأموات بعد موتهم، فيجازيهم بأعمالهم، والذي أحيا الأرض بعد موتها بماء المطر قادر على أن يحيي القلوب الميتة بما أنزله من الحق على رسوله، وهذه الآية تدل على أنه لا عقل لمن لم يهتد بآيات الله و[لم] ينقد لشرائع الله

For indeed, the Ayat direct the (sound) intellects to الطالب الالهية (the knowledge regarding Tawhid, Prophethood, the Hereafter and other matters related to sound creed). And the One who revives the earth after its death is able to resurrect the dead after their death, so as to reward them for their deeds. And the One who revives the earth through rainwater is able to revive the dead hearts through the truth He has revealed to His Messenger. This verse demonstrates that there is no (sound) intellect for the one who is neither guided through Allah’s Ayat nor submits to the divine ordainments. (2)

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

Indeed, every deed has enthusiasm, and every enthusiasm has a time limit (or period of inactivity). Whoever’s time of enthusiasm is for my Sunnah has been guided and he is ruined if upon other than that.(3)

In another narration, the Prophet said, “So, if the doer behaves in an upright manner and is moderate, then have hope for him (i.e. success)”. (4)

“If its doer behaves in an upright manner and is moderate”.

Al-Allamah Al-Mubaarakrufee, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Meaning, the doer becomes moderate (i.e. within the boundaries of the Shariah) and avoids the two extremes- excess at the time of enthusiasm and negligence at the time of inactivity. (5)

Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud, may Allah be pleased with him, said:

Whoever wants to follow a path, let him follow the path of one who has passed away, for indeed the living are not safe from trial, and those (who have passed away) are the Companions of Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. They were the most virtuous of this Ummah, the purest in heart, the most profound in knowledge and the least the sophisticated. Allah chose them to accompany His Prophet and to establish His religion, so recognise their status and follow in their footsteps and adhere as much as you can to their manners and conduct, for they were upon upright guidance”.(6)

Imam Ahmad, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Whoever becomes acquainted with the path of truth, it has been made easy for him to follow. And there is no proof for adhering to the path of Allah except through emulating the Messenger, peace be upon him, in his conduct, statements, and deeds.” (7)

We ask Allah:

اللهمَّ إني أعوذُ بكَ من العجزِ والكسلِ والجُبنِ والبُخلِ والهمِّ وعذابِ القبرِ وفتنةِ الدجَّالِ اللهم آتِ نفسي تقواها أنت خيرُ مَن زكَّاها أنت وليُّها ومولاها أعوذُ بك من قلبٍ لا يخشعُ وعلمٍ لا ينفعُ ودعوةٍ لا يُستجابُ لها

O Allah! I seek refuge in You from incapacity, laziness, cowardice, miserliness, stress, the punishment of the grave, and the fitna of Dajjal. O Allah! Grant my soul its piety, because You are the Best to purify it. You are its Protector and Guardian. I seek refuge in You from a heart that does not fear (You), the knowledge which does not benefit, and the supplication that is not responded to.” (8)

[1]: An Excerpt from “Badaa’i at-Tafseer Al-Jaami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imaam Ibn Al-Qayyim’ 3/129. Publisher: Dar Ibn Al-Jawziyyah 2nd ed 1431AH.

[2] An Excerpt from ‘Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan fee Tafseer Kalaam al-Mannaan’.

[3] Sahih Al-Jami 2152

[4] Sahih At-Targheem 57

[5] Tuhfah Al-Ahwadahi 7/126

[6] Jaami Bayaan Al-Ilm Wa Fadlihi 2/947 Madarij As-Salikin 2/486

[8] Sahih Muslim 2722

Recognising The Greater Good in One’s Wife and Understanding Her Feelings

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Featured, Marriage (Nikkah), Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Qur'aan, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

فَإِن كَرِهۡتُمُوهُنَّ فَعَسَىٰٓ أَن تَكۡرَهُواْ شَيۡـًٔ۬ا وَيَجۡعَلَ ٱللَّهُ فِيهِ خَيۡرً۬ا ڪَثِيرً۬ا

If you dislike them (i.e. your wives due to something you see in them), it may be that you dislike a thing and Allah brings through it a great deal of good. [An-Nisaa 19]

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

A person (man) may dislike a woman due to a trait of hers, while there is a great deal of goodness in keeping her and he does not know it. He may love a woman due to a trait of her traits, while in keeping her there is much evil and he does not know it. The human being is as he has been described by his Creator: “Verily, he (man) was unjust (to himself) and ignorant (of its results).” [Al-Ahzab 72]

Therefore, it is not befitting that he places his inclination, love, aversion, and hatred as a measure for that which harms or benefits him. Rather, the measure is that which Allah has selected for him of commandments and prohibitions. The most beneficial things for him — without exception — are obedience to his Lord outwardly and inwardly, and the most harmful — without exception — is disobedience to his Lord outwardly and inwardly. If he embarks upon sincere obedience and servitude to Him, all that he encounters from that which he hates is better for him. And if he withdraws from obedience and servitude to Allah, all that is in what he loves is bad for him.

Therefore, whoever has sound knowledge regarding his Lord and an understanding of His Names and Attributes knows with certainty that there are great benefits and useful things in those hated things that afflict him and trials that befall him, which he cannot enumerate through his knowledge and contemplation. Rather, the great benefits for a slave (of Allah) are greater in that which he hates than in what he loves. In general, the beneficial things for the souls are found in what they hate, just as the harmful things for the souls and the causes for their destruction are in what they love. [1]

The Importance of Knowing One’s Wife

Aa’isha narrated that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said to her: “I know when you are pleased with me or angry with me”. I said, “When do you know that?” He said, “When you are pleased with me, you say, ‘No, by the Lord of Muhammad’, but when you are angry with me, then you say, ‘No, by the Lord of Ibrahim’. Thereupon I said, ‘Yes, (certainly, you are right); but by Allah, O Allah’s Messenger, I do not leave anything else besides your name'”.

Benefits From This Hadeeth:

A man’s thorough observation regarding the state of a woman due to her action, speech, inclination or lack of inclination towards him based on indications, because the Prophet firmly determined Aa’iSha’s happiness or anger merely when she mentioned or refrain from mentioning his name; therefore, he judged the two situations based on the mention or the absence of a mention of his name as an indication of happiness or anger. It can also be definitely the case that there is something more explicit regarding this affair, but he did not say it.

And regarding the statement of Aa’Isha’s “Yes (certainly, you are right); but by Allah, O Allah’s Messenger, I do not leave anything else besides your name”. At-Teebee said, “This is a very subtle way of making an exception, because she related that when she is in a state of anger – a state in which a sane person loses his senses by choice, her affirmed love for the Messenger does not change.

Ibn Al-Muneer said, “What Aa’isha intended is that she left out the wording of the Prophet’s name but her heart’s pure love and affection towards the noble person of the Prophet does not leave her”.

And with regards to the choice Aa’Isha, may Allah be pleased with her, made to use Ibrahim’s, peace be upon him, name instead of the other Prophet’s, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, this is proof regarding her intelligence, because the Prophet is the one with the best claim to Ibrahim just as Allah stated in the Qur’an. Therefore, when she had no other way of leaving a noble name, she replaced it with the name of someone who is from the one whose name she left out, so that her heart does not exit the boundaries of that attachment.  [2]

[1] An Excerpt from “Al-Fawaa’d pages 145-148. slightly paraphrased

[2] An Excerpt from Fath Al-Bari Sharh Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadeeth 5228. Vol 9. pages 404- 405. Darus Salam Print.

Beautiful moonlit sky with wispy clouds, captured in Pepin, Wisconsin.

Verse 75 Surah Aal Imran

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Fitnah, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Qur'aan, Scholars of Islam, Sin.

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

وَمِنۡ أَهۡلِ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبِ مَنۡ إِن تَأۡمَنۡهُ بِقِنطَارٍ۬ يُؤَدِّهِۦۤ إِلَيۡكَ وَمِنۡهُم مَّنۡ إِن تَأۡمَنۡهُ بِدِينَارٍ۬ لَّا يُؤَدِّهِۦۤ إِلَيۡكَ إِلَّا مَا دُمۡتَ عَلَيۡهِ قَآٮِٕمً۬ا‌ۗ ذَٲلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمۡ قَالُواْ لَيۡسَ عَلَيۡنَا فِى ٱلۡأُمِّيِّـۧنَ سَبِيلٌ۬ وَيَقُولُونَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ٱلۡكَذِبَ وَهُمۡ يَعۡلَمُونَ

Among the people of the Scripture is he who, if entrusted with a Cantar [a great amount of wealth, etc.], will readily pay it back; and among them there is he who, if entrusted with a single silver coin, will not repay it unless you constantly stand demanding, because they say: ‘’There is no blame on us to betray and take the properties of the illiterates (Arabs).” But they tell a lie against Allah while they know it. [Aal Imran. 75]

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

They made corrupt claims and held repulsive views, considered themselves to be possessors of great status and that the illiterate Arabs were extremely degraded; therefore, the rights of the illiterate Arabs could be violated.

So, through these corrupt claims and repulsive views, they ate haram and considered it lawful by way of creed. Likewise, they lied against Allah because the scholar who declares things lawful or unlawful is considered- by the people- as one transmitting Allah’s Judgement and not from himself. Allah said:

وَيَقُولُونَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ٱلۡكَذِبَ وَهُمۡ يَعۡلَمُون

But they tell a lie against Allah while they know it]. This is one of the greatest sins-speaking about Allaah without knowledge.

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