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

Written by abuaisha 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-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

Reflections from some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali [81]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Bid'ah (Innovation), Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Seeking Knowledge, Shirk, Sin.

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

Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allah have mercy upon him] said that the outcome for those who engage in theological rhetoric is a state of uncertainty and perplexity, while the outcome for the followers of the Sofee paths is characterised by erratic and irrational behaviour along with false claims. The innovators in religious matters among the proponents of theological rhetoric have something of a resemblance to the Jews and those who innovate acts of worship in religious matters have something of a resemblance to the Christians [i.e. those Jews and Christians who deviated after the departure of their Prophets]. This is because the (proponents of theological rhetoric) deny the truth and are led to doubt, and those (who innovate acts of worship) believe in falsehood and are led to irrational behaviour. These are like the darkness in a vast deep sea, overwhelmed by a great wave topped by another great wave, topped by dark clouds, darkness, one above another; and those are like a mirage in a desert, the thirsty one thinking it’s water until he comes up to it and discovers it’s nothing. [1]

Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allah have mercy upon him] said that the people in their pursuit of knowledge and religion have two innovated paths and a path legislated in the Shari’ah. The path of Islamic legislation involves examining the teachings of the Messenger, utilising them as evidence, and implementing the necessary actions. Therefore, it is imperative to possess knowledge based on the teachings of the Messenger and to act upon them, and merely possessing one of these two is insufficient. As for the two innovated paths, one of them is the path of people who engage in innovated theological discourse and this path is fraught with falsehood. Many of its adherents neglect the obligations prescribed by Allah and His Messenger, leading them to remain in a state of corruption in knowledge and action. Consequently, these individuals deviate towards false Judaism. The second path is taken by people who adopt methods to enhance their spiritual well-being, namely the followers of the Sufi paths, who introduce new forms of worship. These individuals tend to deviate towards false Christianity as they claim that by purifying one’s soul according to their prescribed methods, one will effortlessly acquire extensive knowledge of religious sciences without learning. The worship practices of many of these people are innovated, rather, they contradict the teachings of the Messenger. As a result, they continue to engage in corrupt actions and corruption due to their lack of understanding of the Messenger’s teachings because they do not know what the Messenger conveyed. Neither Allah’s Messenger nor his companions followed the path of those who introduced innovations in religion, such as the proponents of theological rhetoric, nor the path of the proponents of innovated worship and Sufiyyah. Instead, he adhered to what Allah had sent him with, which is based on the Qur’an and Sunnah. [2]

The Shaikh was asked: May Allah reward you with good. This is also a question from the brothers who are present, saying: Assalaamu Alaykum Warahmatullaahi Wabarakaatuhu. Virtuous Shaikh, is it permissible for me to learn (or study) theological rhetoric? Benefit me [i.e. with a response] and may Allah [The Exalted] reward you with good.

Answer: The knowledge of theological rhetoric is a corrupt knowledge and the pious predecessors – by way of consensus- declared that it is forbidden to study it due to the misguidance and evil consequences in it. Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah said, “Neither does a dull-witted person benefit from it nor is an intelligent person in need of it”. An intelligent person does not need it because he is sensible in himself, in natural disposition and intellect; and a dull-witted person does not benefit from it. Even if he studied all the books of theological rhetoric, he would not benefit from it. Shaikh Al-Albani used to debate the scholars of theological rhetoric and they used to be like children in his presence, yet he never studied theological rhetoric, rather Allah granted him (sound) speech and knowledge, and there is no proof stronger than the proofs of the Kitaab [i.e. the Qur’an] and the Sunnah. The people of theological rhetoric are always defeated. By Allah, regardless of how much they (utilise) theological rhetoric and how strong they are in theological rhetoric, they are defeated in the presence of the methodology of the pious predecessors (which) is founded on the Book and the Sunnah. [3]

[1] An Excerpt from “Al-Mukhtaaraat Al-Bahiyyah Min Kutub Shaikhil Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah”. Page 281.

[2] Al-Mukhtaaraat Al-Bahiyyah Min Kutub Shaikhil Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah. 290-291

[3] An Excerpt from Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm page 347

Chapters from The Life of Shaikh Rabee- Excerpts From a Forthcoming Publication

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Scholars of Islam, Seeking Knowledge.

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

We praise and thank Allah for guiding us to this blessed Salafi Methodology and acquainting us with its scholars in the Muslim lands and their students in the East and the West. To proceed:

When our brother Amjad Khan, may Allah preserve him, visited Kuwait before, he received permission from Shaikh Khalid, may Allah preserve him, to translate this amazing biography of Al-Allamah Rabee Ibn Hadi Al-Mad’khali – may Allah preserve him. Upon receiving this news, we informed Ustadh Abu Tasneem Mushaf Al-Banghali, may Allah preserve him, and some of our elder teachers. By the Tawfeeq of Allah, there are chapters filled with gems that have already been translated and waiting to be edited, then excerpts will be shared online while the book form is prepared. As soon as all the material is ready for formatting, it will be presented to both Shaikh Khalid and our local Mashaayikh, may Allah preserve them, to offer advice and guidance, then Salafipublications will be requested to publish it after being satisfied with it. May Allah bless all our younger teachers and Salafi brothers, especially those who have come forward to help with the editing and proofreading of the translation and preparation due to their love of cooperation upon Bir and Taqwah.

Fusool_Shaikh_Rabee_Chapter_12_Excerpt

Reflections on some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali [74 of 80]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Bid'ah (Innovation), Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Refutations, Scholars of Islam, Seeking Knowledge, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

On the contents page of the Shaikh’s book “Hujjiyyah Khabar al-Aahaad Fil Aqaa’id Wal-Ahkaam,” specifically on pages 162-163, a translation of the Shaikh’s summary in Arabic was provided by an individual as follows:

In this research, I endeavored to clarify the following:

The condition of the people at the time of the commissioning of the Prophet and the ignorance and misguidance that they were in at that time.

The Messenger’s conveying everything that was revealed to him, the Companions also conveying and applying this Message, upholding it in the best way, and how numerous nations were guided at their hands.

I mentioned how the rancorous amongst the Jews, Christians and atheists confronted this Message and its adherents with plots, including lying against Allah’s Messenger and discrediting the Guidance and Knowledge which he came with. I further mentioned how the Imams of Hadeeth and others countered these plots and exposed their proponents as well as how some sects deviated and how the paragons of the Sunnah rebutted these deviations.

I explained in this research paper the status of the Sunnah of Allah’s Messenger as laid out in the Qur’an and the Sunnah, and the status it held with the noble Companions and those who trod their path, from the best of the Muslim Ummah.

I clarified the misguidance and doubts of the People of Desires and the doubts of the otheists surrounding the Sunnah in the past and in the present, along with the proofs and evidences that refute them.

I mentioned the doubts of some groups surrounding non-concurrent (Aahaad) narrations constituting knowledge and their claim that these narrations, including the reports contained within the two Saheehs (Al-Bukhari and Muslim), amount only to speculation (dhann).

All this I mentioned with full clarification and detail in five sections.

I ask Allah to benefit me and all the Muslims with this humble effort, indeed my Lord answers the prayers.

The Path to Maximizing the Benefits of Our Supplications

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

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

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

The one whose goal in their supplication is to draw closer to Allah while also seeking to fulfill their requests has perfected many things, unlike the one who focuses solely on his request, which is the case for most people. Indeed, this  is a shortcoming and a missed opportunity in a significant virtue. And for this (virtue) then let those who compete, compete with each other (by hastening to piety and righteousness). This reflects the benefits of valuable knowledge, as ignorance hinders many individuals from achieving lofty aspirations and the (following the) beautiful paths (to success in this life and the next). (1)

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

Supplication is three types: The first type is to invoke Allah by His Names and Attributes, and this is one of the explanations of Allah’s statement:

  وَلِلَّهِ ٱلۡأَسۡمَآءُ ٱلۡحُسۡنَىٰ فَٱدۡعُوهُ بِہَا

And (all) the Most Beautiful [perfect] Names belong to Allah , so supplicate to Him by them]. [Al-A’raaf. 180]

The second type is that you invoke Allah for your need and due to your poverty, saying: “I am Your poor slave, the needy one, the one to be pitied, the one seeking help and refuge etc”.

The third type is that you ask for your need whilst not using the aforementioned two types of invocations.

The first invocation is more perfect and the second is more perfect than the third.  If an invocation gathers all three types, it will be most perfect and this is what the invocations of the Prophet usually comprised. (2)

(1) Al-Fatawa As-Sadiyyah page 43

(2) Jalaa Al-Ifhaam. 201

The Comprehensive Message

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Basics, Bid'ah (Innovation), Brotherhood, Charity (Sadaqah), Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Death, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Eid, Family & Women, Fasting, Hajj, Dhul Hijjah, Eid al Adha, Hijrah (Migration), History of Islam, Innovations In Islam (Bidah), Islamic Jurisprudence - 'Fiqh', Jahannam (Hell Fire), Jannah (Paradise), Literature, Marriage (Nikkah), Mental Health, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Muharram and Ashoorah, Pearls of Wisdom, Prophets, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Ramadhan, Refutations, Repentance, Sahaabah, Salaah - Prayer, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors), Salafi Mosques & Centres, Scholars of Islam, Seeking Knowledge, Shirk, Sin, Tamyee', Taraweeh, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah', Zakaat, Zuhd (Abstinence).

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

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

Muhammad’s, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, Ummah is not in need of anyone after him; rather the only need they have is someone to convey what he came with.

Muhammad’s message is comprehensive, universal and preserved. This universality, comprehensiveness and preservation is not limited to (any time, place or situation), rather it is comprehensive for those to whom Muhammad was sent [the whole world] and likewise with regards to everything that is needed in the fundamental and subsidiary issues of the religion.

Muhammad’s message is sufficient, all embracing and universal- nothing else is needed besides it. It has not isolated any affair of truth needed by his Ummah in their sciences and deeds. The Messenger of Allah did not leave this world until he acquainted his Ummah with everything. He even taught them the etiquettes of using the toilet; the etiquettes of sexual relations; the etiquettes of sleep and after waking up; the etiquettes of eating, drinking and travel.

He acquainted them with the etiquettes of speech and silence; the etiquettes of keeping company with the people and seclusion. He acquainted them with the affairs of illness, good health, poverty and wealth. He acquainted them with all the affairs of life and death. He described Allah’s throne, the angels, the jinn, the hell fire and the day of judgement in such a manner as if one has seen them with the naked eye. He informed them about their Lord and His Perfect Names and Attributes, and that Allah alone is their true object of worship.

He acquainted them with the Prophets of old and their nations – the events that took place between them and their nations – in such a manner as if one was present at that time. He acquainted them with all the means to good and the paths of evil- in general and in detail- which no other prophet informed his nation. He acquainted them with death and what will take place in the grave – either bliss or punishment. He acquainted them with the evidences and proofs of Tawhid [i.e. the oneness of Allah in His Lordship, Names and Attributes, and that Allah alone has the right to be worshipped].

He acquainted them with Prophet hood and the affairs of the Afterlife, and he refuted all the sects of disbelief and misguidance. He acquainted them with war strategies- how to confront the enemy, the way to achieve victory and conquests. If only they knew and understood these affairs in the correct manner [i.e. the manner it should be understood], they would not be overcome by their enemy. He acquainted them with the plots of Iblees and the ways through which he approaches them, and the ways to repel those plots and plans. He acquainted them with the soul- its characteristics and faults- in such a manner that they are not in need of anyone else to tell them about it. He taught them how to live their daily lives and had they acknowledged and acted upon this; their worldly affairs would be firmly established. He brought them all the means of success in this life and the next, and they do not need anyone besides him. So how can it be said that the path of Muhammad is in need of something else outside of it. The reason for such a claim is due to the weak and little understanding of a person. Allah [The Most High] said:

أَوَلَمْ يَكْفِهِمْ أَنَّا أَنزَلْنَا عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ يُتْلَىٰ عَلَيْهِمْ ۚ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَرَحْمَةً وَذِكْرَىٰ لِقَوْمٍ يُؤْمِنُونَ

Is it not sufficient for them that We have sent down to you the Book (the Qur’an) which is recited to them? Verily, herein is mercy and a reminder (or an admonition) for a people who believe.

Allah [The Most High] said:

وَنَزَّلْنَا عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ تِبْيَانًا لِّكُلِّ شَيْءٍ وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةً وَبُشْرَىٰ لِلْمُسْلِمِينَ

And We have sent down to you the Book (the Qur’an) as an exposition of everything, a guidance, a mercy, and glad tidings for those who have submitted themselves (to Allah as Muslims).

Allah [The Most High] said:

يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ قَدْ جَاءَتْكُم مَّوْعِظَةٌ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَشِفَاءٌ لِّمَا فِي الصُّدُورِ وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةٌ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ

O mankind! There has come to you a good advice from your Lord (i.e. the Qur’an, ordering all that is good and forbidding all that is evil), and a healing for that (disease of ignorance, doubt, hypocrisy and differences, etc.) in your breasts, – a guidance and a mercy (explaining lawful and unlawful things, etc.) for the believers.

An Excerpt from I’lam Al-Muwaqqi’een 4/375-377

Two Compelling Admonitions – “Outcomes of Truthfulness and Lying” By Al-Allamah Rabee

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Basics, Bid'ah (Innovation), Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Deviated Callers & Individuals, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Featured, History of Islam, Innovations In Islam (Bidah), Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Prophets, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Refutations, Repentance, Sahaabah, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors), Scholars of Islam, Seeking Knowledge, Shirk, Sin, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors.

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

Two Compelling Admonitions [By Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Madf’khali, may Allah preserve him], On The Tremendous and Fruitful Outcomes of Truthfulness and The Detrimental Outcomes of Lying

Outcomes_of_Truthfulness_and_Lying