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A Young Student of Knowledge – Studying In a Muslim Country – Gave Us An Important Reminder

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Seeking Knowledge, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

We had a WhatsApp conversation with one of our beloved young brothers – who is studying abroad at the moment – regarding some Dawah affair. During the conversation we mention the problem of blameworthy competition, so he stated: “This is the poison! I have moved to such and such level in my studies and now I understand where the poison starts. May Allaah protect me. Ego, some people are involved in seeking to gain ascendency and respect, and they want to be the reference point. It’s an easy trap to fall into which we are shielded from by our elders (i.e. the elder Students) in the UK”.

Pay attention to the statement of our beloved younger brother: some people are involved in seeking to gain ascendency and respect, and they want to be the reference point. It’s an easy trap to fall into here which we are shielded from by our elders (i.e. the elder Students) in the UK.

Indeed, the above reminder reminds us of the observations of the scholars of the pious predecessors and our present day scholars. Imaam Al-Fudayl Bin Iyaad [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “There’s none who loves leadership, except that he will envy, transgress, seek after people’s fault (i.e. falsely) and hates that anyone else is mentioned with good”. Reported by Ibn Abdil Barr in Al-Jaami. Number 971

Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi Al-Mad’khali [may Allaah preserve him] stated: “Abdullaah Ibn Mas’ood [may allaah be pleased with him] said that the noble Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, ‘There is no envy except in two cases: a man whom Allah has given Al-Hikmah [i.e. knowledge of the Qur’aan and Sunnah] and he acts according to it; and a man whom Allah has given wealth and he spends it righteously. [Al-Bukhaari. Number 73] These people have Ghibtah [i.e. they desire the blessings bestowed on others but do not have a blameworthy envy]. Envy in this hadeeth means Ghibtah, but (as for blameworthy) envy, it is to wish that the blessings bestowed upon a person, such as wealth, knowledge and other that, should cease to exist – regardless whether you want to have the same or merely wishing that the blessings be taken away from him. This is a disease of the Yahood [i.e. those Yahood who knew the truth brought by the Prophet], but they rejected it out of envy] and we ask Allaah to alleviate (this disease) from the Muslims, for indeed it is destructive disease – and Allaah’s refuge is sought.

So, the envy intended in this hadeeth [i.e. the hadeeth of Abdullaah Ibn Mas’ood] is Al-Ghibtah, which is to wish for the same blessings given to another person (without wishing that he be deprived of it). For example, Allaah gives a person knowledge and the (ability) to perform good deeds, so you wish that Allaah should also give you knowledge and the (ability) to perform good deeds just as it has been bestowed upon that person. This is Ghibtah and it is praiseworthy. It is a (praiseworthy) striving to excel one another in good deeds. Allaah said: [وَفِى ذَٲلِكَ فَلۡيَتَنَافَسِ ٱلۡمُتَنَـٰفِسُونَ – And for this (i.e. paradise) let (all) those strive who want to strive (i.e. hasten earnestly to the obedience of Allah)].

Therefore, it is incumbent upon the students of knowledge to strive in acquiring knowledge and hasten towards all that is good, but without blameworthy envy; rather they should do this based on Ghibtah and hastening earnestly to the obedience of Allaah. As for striving and hastening towards the Dunyah (against one another), it is blameworthy. ‘Do not envy one another and do not hate one another (i.e. blameworthy envy and hatred), do not outbid one another (i.e. do not offer a higher price for a commodity when someone else wants it even though you do not intend to buy it (see footnote a) and do not compete one another in a blameworthy manner’. [Muslim 2563]. All these traits are blameworthy – both in the worldly and religious affairs.

Therefore, in the hadeeth [i.e. hadeeth reported by Abdullaah Ibn Mas’ood], Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] urged the Ummah to [hasten and seek to excel one another] in good deeds, such as in [acquiring] knowledge, [performance of the] Salaah etc. The Prophet said, ‘The best rows are the first rows’ [Muslim 440]. ‘If the people knew (the reward for) pronouncing the Adhaan and for standing in the first row [in the congregational prayer] and found no other way to get it except by drawing lots, they would do so’. [Al-Bukhaari 654] Hastening to get to the first row is a praiseworthy deed. Likewise, (it is praiseworthy to) hasten towards seeking knowledge, seeking to become proficient in it, excel and become talented in it. I ask Allaah to facilitate (ease and the means) for the Mutanaafiseen (i.e. those striving and hastening towards all good), so that there arises from this Ummah the likes of the senior Imaams, such as Al Awzaa’ee, Ath-Thawri, Maalik, Ash-Shaafiee, Ahmad, Ibn Taymiyyah, Muhammad Ibn Abdil Wahhaab and those like them amongst the Imaams of guidance – those by way of whom Allaah raised the guiding light of Islaam and guided the nations, and whose knowledge enlightened the whole world'”. (1)

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [may Allaah have mercy upon him] stated about praiseworthy competition for good deeds and to excel each other: Every competitor competes the other and is happy when joined in it, just as the companions of Allaah’s Messenger [perace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] used to compete in good and they were pleased when others joined them; rather they used to encourage one another whilst competing. This is [an act of] seeking to be foremost in (good deeds). Allaah [The Most High] said: [ فَاسْتَبِقُوا الْخَيْرَاتِ-So hasten towards all that is good].

Allaah [The Most High] said: [سَابِقُوا إِلَىٰ مَغْفِرَةٍ مِنْ رَبِّكُمْ وَجَنَّةٍ عَرْضُهَا كَعَرْضِ السَّمَاءِ وَالْأَرْضِ – Race one with another in hastening towards Forgiveness from your Lord (Allah), and towards Paradise, the width whereof is as the width of heaven and earth]. [57:21]

Umar Ibnul Khattaab used to hasten towards (good deeds to compete) Abu-Bakr [may Allaah be pleased with them], but he never won. (2)

Umar said: One day Allaah’s Messenger commanded us to give sadaqah. At that time I had some property, so I said: Today I shall surpass Abu-Bakr if I am to surpass him any day. So I brought half of my property. Allaah’s Messenger said: What did you leave for your family? I replied: The same amount. Then Abu-Bakr brought all that he had with him. So Allaah’s Messenger said to him: What did you leave for your family? He replied: I left Allah and His Messenger for them. I [Umar] said: I shall never (excel you) in anything. (3)
Mercy Between Seekers of Knowledge

Al-Allaamah Saaleh Aala Ash-Shaikh [may Allaah preserve him] gave some advice regarding the relationship expected between students of knowledge whilst in pursuit of knowledge: There may be different people in attendance -some of them attend for knowledge, some of them attend as beginners, among them are those who attend to be in a sitting where Allaah is remembered and they listen (especially if it is after dawn or during time periods when supplications are answered), and among them are those who attend for a benefit, and are content with whatever they obtain. And that which is befitting in reality is that the students of knowledge should treat each other well, so the student teaches his brother – who is a beginner – the way to learn and gives him advice. This is why we should show mercy to one another in the lessons, and in all affairs of knowledge, and perhaps the reason scholars begin their texts with the advice to the seeker of knowledge to be merciful. This is why you find in Hadeeth Ijaazaat that the first hadith transmitted is “The merciful will be shown mercy by the Most Merciful. Be merciful to those on the earth and the One in the heavens will have mercy upon you”. [Saheeh Sunan Tirmidhee 1924]

Question: Why do they learn the hadith, “The merciful will be shown mercy by the Most Merciful?” Answer: Know, may Allaah have mercy upon you, that it is one of the qualities of a seeker of knowledge – whom Allaah blesses and shows mercy – that he is merciful towards those around him, guides, teaches and aids them etc. If whilst in pursuit of knowledge you are merciful to the people – to colleagues and friends, and being present in cooperation and goodness, then receive glad tidings of Allaah’s Mercy and His true promise based on the statement of His Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him], “The merciful will be shown mercy by the Most Merciful”. (4)

We ask Allaah to protect us and our young brothers from misguidance, self-amazement, envy and all blameworthy traits. May Allaah protect us and young brothers from every danger encountered in our path towards the Afterlife. Aameen.

Footnote a: For further detail see Al-Minhatur Rabbaaniyyah Fee Sharhil Arba’een An-Nawawiyyah’ page 260

[Ref 1: An Excerpt from ‘Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm’ pages 51-52. slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 2: An Excerpt from Ar-Rooh 431-432]

[Ref 3: Saheeh Sunan Abee Dawud. Number: 1678. kitaab Az-Zakaah]

[Ref 4: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2022/10/23/advice-number-5-one-of-the-ways-to-benefit-from-lessons-and-advice-number-6-mercy-between-learners-by-al-allaamah-saaleh-aala-ash-shaikh/ ]

[2] History Refuses to Be Rewritten! Ongoing Connection of The Teachers With the Upright People of Knowledge

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

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

Allaah [The Most High] said:

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ كُونُواْ قَوَّٲمِينَ بِٱلۡقِسۡطِ شُہَدَآءَ لِلَّهِ وَلَوۡ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِكُمۡ أَوِ ٱلۡوَٲلِدَيۡنِ وَٱلۡأَقۡرَبِينَ‌ۚ إِن يَكُنۡ غَنِيًّا أَوۡ فَقِيرً۬ا فَٱللَّهُ أَوۡلَىٰ بِہِمَا‌ۖ فَلَا تَتَّبِعُواْ ٱلۡهَوَىٰٓ أَن تَعۡدِلُواْ‌ۚ وَإِن تَلۡوُ ۥۤاْ أَوۡ تُعۡرِضُواْ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ خَبِيرً۬ا

O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah; even though it be against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, be he rich or poor, Allah is a Better Protector to both (than you). So follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest you may avoid justice, and if you distort your witness or refuse to give it, verily, Allah is Ever Well-Acquainted with what you do. [Surah An-Nisaa. Ayah 135]

The Elder Students of Knowledge And Their Connection to The People of Knowledge Since The Early 90s

Shaikh Abdul Waahid Abu Khadeejah [may Allaah preserve him] stated:

From 1994-96 onwards, it can be said without doubt that the Salafi community in Birmingham particularly developed a stronger connection to shaikhs of Madinah than to others, such as the Jordanians. This was due to a number of factors: Abu Hakeem was studying in Madinah at the time and he developed strong ties with the Madinah scholars, Abu Talhah Dawud Burbank had returned from Madinah University a few years earlier, Amar Bashīr was close to the Madinah scholars after spending time at the Islamic University, Muhammad Ibn Hādī and Shaikh Abdus-Salām Burjiss visited Birmingham several times between 1996 and 2000, the Kuwaiti shaikhs (who were close to the scholars of Madinah and Riyadh at the time) paid numerous visits to Birmingham from 1994 onwards. It is for these reasons that Al-Maktabah As-Salafiyyah (est. 1996 as an entity) though respectful of the Jordanians, maintained even stronger ties with other scholars, including Shaikh Rabee’, Shaikh Muqbil and Shaikh ‘Ubaid – who were older and more grounded in creed, manhaj, hadeeth and fiqh. This connection is proven by the translations of Abu Iyād and Abu Talhah from that time that survive till today, as well as the Q&A audiotapes of Abu Hakeem with the scholars of Madinah from the mid-1990s onwards. (1) [End of quote]

Adherence to the Salafi Manhaj – by the Tawfeeq of Allaah – and firm connection to the scholars is the reason the elder brothers are trusted. Beloved Abu Maryam (Tariq) posted on salafitalk.net in 2010: “On Friday, the 25th of June 2010 (14 Rajab 1431H), the following question was posed to the Shaykh al-‘Allaamah Rabee’ Ibn Haadee al-Madkhalee: “O Shaykh, as you are aware, there are no scholars in Britain, but is there anyone residing there that you advise us with, who can connect us to the people of knowledge?” The Shaykh, may Allaah preserve him, mentioned: Our brother Hasan as-Somali (who was present in the gathering), Abu Khadeejah and his companion (Abu Hakeem). The Shaykh also stressed the importance of them keeping ties with the scholars”. Some of the witnesses to this sitting included: Abu Ishaaq Nadeem (Madinah Graduate), Hasan as-Somaalee Awais Haashimi, Bilaal Hussain (Makkah), Jameel Finch (Makkah), Samir Debbazi (Madinah Graduate), Abdul Mateen (Madinah), Abu Hammaad Yunus and many others.

Listen here what Shaikh ʿAbdulillāh Laḥmāmī [may Allaah preserve him] stated about Shaikh Abu Hakim [may Allaah preserve him]:

https://soundcloud.com/markaz-salafi/qa-only-taking-knowledge-from-people-who-have-qualifications-obtained-from-institutes?ref=clipboard&p=a&c=0&si=703654a1a5ff4c67b89280b711cdcfab&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Listen here: Shaikh ʿAbdulillāh Laḥmāmī [may Allaah preserve him] Introduced Al-Allaamah Ubayd Al-Jābirī [may Allaah preserve him] to Al-Allaamah Muḥammad Al Bannā [may Allaah have mercy upon him]:

In addition to this, none can deny – prior to the lockdowns – the yearly Umrah trips during which Shaikh Abu Khadeejah, Shaikh Abu Hakim and others would take a group of brothers and sisters to meet the likes of Al-Allaamah Ubaid Bin Abdillaah Al-Jaabiri, Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi and others. Watch here regarding some of the fruitful outcomes of this firm connection with the scholars: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JfHq48Dl0k

This connection continues and may Allaah make it continue upon everything that is beloved and pleasing to him. This is why Shaikh Abu Talhah, Shaikh Abu Khadeejah, Shaikh Abdul Ilaah, Shaikh Abu Hakeem, Shaikh Owais at-Taweel, Shaikh Abu Iyaad, Shaikh Abu Idrees, Shaikh Abu Omar Faarooq (may have mercy upon him), Shaikh Abu Fudayl, Ustaadh Bilaal Husain, Ustaadh Abu Tasneem and others travelled to sit with the scholars- some travelled to Dammaaj during the lifetime of Al-Allaamah Muqbil Bin Haadi [may Allaah have mercy upon him], some travelled to Saudi once or twice a year to sit with the likes of Al-Allaamah Rabee, Al-Allaamah Ubaid Bin Abdillaah Al-Jaabiri and some, such as the likes of Shaikh Abdul Ilaah and Shaikh Abu Hakeem, stayed in Saudi for 10 years or more whilst regularly attending the lessons of the scholars. They were not only attendants, but rather they are well-known to the scholars.

There has not been a time period – from when elder brothers were introduced to Salafiyyah, except that a group of brothers did travel to sit with the scholars, learn from them, seek their advice on Dawah affairs as well as invite their upright students to the UK, such as the likes of Shaikh Abdus Salaam Burgess [may Allaah have mercy upon him]. This is a well known affair, therefore, the newcomer should be informed that this affair has always been emphasised and acted upon by the Salafiyyoon. The Salafiyyoon, especially the elder brothers, have never stopped visiting the scholars and learning from them, rather the only reason these travels ceased for some time was due to the lockdowns. There is not a single one amongst the elder brothers who clings to books and abandons sitting with scholars, rather prior to the lockdowns they visited the scholars whilst carrying on with the lessons in the Maraakiz.

Our elder teachers continue to transmit the books of the scholars as well as encourage us to travel to the scholars when we are able to do so. Evidence here: [Shaikh Abu Khadeejah [may Allaah preserve him]: An excellent opportunity to perform ‘Umrah at the house of Allāh and worship at the Masjid al-Harām followed by visiting the people of knowledge, including the noble Shaikh, Khālid b. Dahwī al-Dhafīrī in Kuwait. Allāh make this initiative successful and bless it: https://twitter.com/AbuKhadeejahSP/status/1574664901662048258?t=M5bn5daz7BSoGCHULoFCjw&s=35

Shaikh Owais at-Taweel [may Allaah preserve him] linking us with some of the students of Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi [may Allaah preserve him]:

Ustaadh Abu Humaid [may Allaah preserve him] transmitting from Shaikh Abdullah Al-Bukhari [may Allaah preserve him] during the one day conference at Masjid Abi Huraira. Lecture was titled: “Causes of Deviation from the Salafi Manhaj by Shaykh Abdullah Al-Bukhari”.

To be continued…InShaaAllaah

[Ref 1: https://abukhadeejah.com/history-ali-hasan-al-halabi-and-salafi-publications-the-cause-behind-the-break-15-years-ago-the-evidence-based-refutations-of-the-scholars/

[1] History Refuses to Be Rewritten! Has There Been a Period During Which Salafiyyoon of The West Solely Relied On Books and Stopped Travelling to Scholars?!

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

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

All The Salafiyyoon, Especially The Elder Students Know The Importance of Travelling to The Scholars 

Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi Al-Mad’khali [may Allaah preserve him] said:

It is obligated on us to nurture ourselves, our children, our students and those whom our statements can reach to honour knowledge and fear Allaah based on what is found in the Qur’aan and the Sunnah of Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him]. Therefore, the goal behind knowledge is to obey Allaah [The Blessed and Exalted] and His Messenger – affirm and believe everything Allaah and His Messenger have stated. Nothing reaches us from the Qur’aan or the authentic Sunnah, except that we must believe in it, give it complete respect, veneration and reverence. This is what the noble companions and the pious predecessors used to do, for indeed they gave the highest regard to this knowledge and the scholars. And due to the fact that they gave the highest regard to knowledge, a man would travel -from the eastern regions of the earth to the western regions, and from the northern regions to the southern regions- to hear the hadeeth of the Messenger and seek understanding of the knowledge found in the Qur’aan; rather during the era of the Messenger, a man would travel from the furthest regions of the Arabian peninsula to Allaah’s Messenger to learn his religion, accompany the scholars and the callers to (the religion of) Allaah [The Blessed and Exalted].

The Taabi’een travelled, rather the Sahaabah travelled. Jaabir [may Allaah be pleased with him] travelled from Madeenah to Shaam for the sake of one hadeeth and Abu Ayyoub Al Ansaari [may Allaah be pleased with him] travelled from Madeenah to Misr for the sake of one hadeeth. Likewise, the Imaams of Hadeeth and Tafseer travelled from the eastern regions of the earth to the western regions to learn. Why was this the case? That is because they knew the status of knowledge, its nobility in the Dunyah and the Aakhirah, and that Allaah raises the status of its possessors. (1)

The Shaikh also stated: In which era do we find the scholars hastening to the houses of the people? Rather, the students of knowledge travelled to the scholars and the Sahaabah [May Allaah be pleased with them] were the first. Jaabir Bin Abdillaah heard that a man amongst the companions of the Messenger in Shaam had a Hadeeth, so he bought a camel and rode on it to shaam. It took him a month to get there and a month to return, for the sake of one hadeeth. A man (i.e. a scholar or a student of knowledge) explains Saheeh Al-Bukhaari, Saheeh Muslim, Sunan Abu Daawud, Sunan At-Tirmidhee, Sunan An-Nasaa’ee or a book of Fiqh or something from it, but you say, “No, he must accompany me and he must come with me!” Who gave you this authority in the Sight of Allaah [i.e. that you make such a demand]? O My brothers! It is obligated on us to recognise the status of knowledge. (2)

The Shaikh also said: O my brothers! Let us behave in a good manner, especially the students of knowledge. O my brothers! At present the connection between a student and his teacher is limited to the classroom. He listens to the lesson and after it finishes he leaves in a hurry. It is as if he does not know anything about the teacher- neither in a house nor in any other place. And they say, “The scholars run away from the students!!” It is obligated on the students to behave well towards the scholars and to come to their houses. Do they want the scholars to run behind the students?! The Salaf did not know this behaviour. (After) being deprived of good manners, we expect the scholars to be our followers. Many people want the scholars to be their followers – giving directions to the scholars like they would give directions to a senile old person. A particular scholar can meet thousands of people and benefit them, but as for going to the house of every person and knocking at his door, this is neither legislated by Allaah nor is it obligated on the scholars. (3) [End of quote]

Indeed, the above is well-known to the Salafiyyoon of the West, especially our elder teachers. This is why Shaikh Abu Talhah, Shaikh Abu Khadeejah, Shaikh Abdul Ilaah, Shaikh Abu Hakeem, Shaikh Owais at-Taweel, Shaikh Abu Iyaad, Shaikh Abu Idrees, Shaikh Abu Omar Faarooq (may have mercy upon him), Shaikh Abu Fudayl, Ustaadh Bilaal Husain, Ustaadh Yusuf Bowers, Ustaadh Abu Haaroon, Ustaadh Abu Tasneem and others travelled to sit with the scholars- some travelled to Dammaaj during the lifetime of Al-Allaamah Muqbil Bin Haadi [may Allaah have mercy upon him], some travelled to Saudi once or twice a year to sit with the likes of Al-Allaamah Rabee, Al-Allaamah Ubaid Bin Abdillaah Al-Jaabiri and some, such as the likes of Shaikh Abdul Ilaah and Shaikh Abu Hakeem, stayed in Saudi for 10 years or more whilst regularly attending the lessons of the scholars. They were not only attendants, but rather they are well-known to the scholars.

There has not been a time period – from when elder brothers were introduced to Salafiyyah, except that a group of brothers did travel to sit with the scholars, learn from them, seek their advice on Dawah affairs as well as invite their upright students to the UK, such as the likes of Shaikh Abdus Salaam Burgess [may Allaah have mercy upon him]. This is a well known affair, therefore, the newcomer should be informed that this affair has always been emphasised and acted upon by the Salafiyyoon. The Salafiyyoon, especially the elder brothers, have never stopped visiting the scholars and learning from them, rather the only reason these travels ceased for some time was due to the lockdowns. There is not a single one amongst the elder brothers who clings to books and abandons sitting with scholars, rather prior to the lockdowns they visited the scholars whilst carrying on with the lessons in the Maraakiz. 

As for the path of seeking knowledge, read here: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2022/07/20/valuable-experiences-some-scholars-and-students-speaking-about-the-path-to-acquiring-knowledge-and-solidifying-ones-salafiyyah-from-day-one/

As for those of us who have not travelled to sit with the scholars, then indeed, and all praise and thanks be to Allaah, we continue to sit in the study circles of the elder students and the humble younger teachers. Likewise, our youth are advised to seek knowledge and worldly provision, so that they become self-sufficient. Read: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2022/06/10/seek-knowledge-a-worldly-profession-and-provision-an-affair-our-youth-must-be-reminded/

Finally, with regards to the credentials of the elder teachers, then indeed either a fame seeker or an envious person would seek to belittle or warn against their efforts. This affair has already been clarified by Shaikh Abu Idrees [may Allaah preserve him]: Warning Against those who belittle elder Students of Knowledge who are not Graduates: https://soundcloud.com/learnaboutislam/warning-against-those-who-belittle-elder-students-of-knowledge-who-are-not-graduates-abu-idrees

Therefore, it it incumbent upon us to make this known and bear witness to the truth. And we ask Allaah to include us amongst those who fulfil the command in the following Aayah:

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ كُونُواْ قَوَّٲمِينَ بِٱلۡقِسۡطِ شُہَدَآءَ لِلَّهِ وَلَوۡ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِكُمۡ أَوِ ٱلۡوَٲلِدَيۡنِ وَٱلۡأَقۡرَبِينَ‌ۚ إِن يَكُنۡ غَنِيًّا أَوۡ فَقِيرً۬ا فَٱللَّهُ أَوۡلَىٰ بِہِمَا‌ۖ فَلَا تَتَّبِعُواْ ٱلۡهَوَىٰٓ أَن تَعۡدِلُواْ‌ۚ وَإِن تَلۡوُ ۥۤاْ أَوۡ تُعۡرِضُواْ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ خَبِيرً۬ا

O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah; even though it be against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, be he rich or poor, Allah is a Better Protector to both (than you). So follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest you may avoid justice, and if you distort your witness or refuse to give it, verily, Allah is Ever Well-Acquainted with what you do. [Surah An-Nisaa. Ayah 135]

To be continued…InShaaAllaah

[Ref 1: An Excerpt from Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm’ pages 73-74. slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 2: An Excerpt from Sharh Hilyati Taalibil Ilm 126-127]

[Ref 3: An Excerpt from Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm’ pages 123-124]

Advice Number 5 – (One of The Ways to Benefit From Lessons) and Advice Number 6 – (Mercy Between Learners): By Al-Allaamah Saaleh Aala Ash-Shaikh

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Seeking Knowledge, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Al-Allaamah Saaleh Aala Ash-Shaikh [may Allaah preserve him] gave some advice regarding the manner in which a person can benefit from lessons.

The fifth advice was about writing down lessons – that one writes the Fawaa’id from the teacher and the student should not rely on what was recorded in the previous lessons. The student must not say, “There is no need to write, and the recording is available”. This is a big mistake that some students make. The student’s writing with the Shaikh has an effect on his preparedness in affairs of knowledge and in his behavior as it should be, because there has to be hardship, toil and struggle in attaining knowledge. Writing develops one’s ability to summarize knowledge, because one cannot write word for word what the teacher says, and for this reason, a distinction must be made between what the student transmits based on what was dictated to him and what he heard. So what is meant by writing? What is meant is that the student is trained on the ability to summarize, so he listens and then summarizes. At first it is noticed that the Shaikh speeds up and the student is unable to write. The second time, the student can write, but he misses things. Then there comes a time for him to write comprehensively and he can abbreviate the most wonderful examples, and this can only happen through practice.

Sixth Advice: Mercy between students: There may be different people in attendance: Some of them attend for knowledge, some of them attend as beginners, among them are those who attend to be in a sitting where Allaah is remembered and they listen (especially if it is after dawn or during time periods when supplications are answered), and among them are those who attend for a benefit, and are content with whatever they obtain. And that which is befitting in reality is that the students of knowledge should treat each other well, so the student teaches his brother – who is a beginner – the way to learn and gives him advice. This is why we should show mercy to one another in the lessons, and in all affairs of knowledge, and perhaps the reason scholars begin their texts with the advice to the seeker of knowledge to be merciful. This is why you find in Hadeeth Ijaazaat that the first hadith transmitted is “The merciful will be shown mercy by the Most Merciful. Be merciful to those on the earth and the One in the heavens will have mercy upon you”. [Saheeh Sunan Tirmidhee 1924]

Question: Why do they learn the hadith, “The merciful will be shown mercy by the Most Merciful?”

Answer: Know, may Allaah have mercy upon you, that it is one of the qualities of a seeker of knowledge – whom Allaah blesses and shows mercy – that he is merciful towards those around him, guides, teaches and aids them etc. If whilst in pursuit of knowledge you are merciful to the people – to colleagues and friends, and being present in cooperation and goodness, then receive glad tidings of Allaah’s Mercy and His true promise based on the statement of His Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him], “The merciful will be shown mercy by the Most Merciful”. [An Excerpt From (الوصايا الجلية للاستفادة من الدروس العلمية – pages 30-32. paraphrased] [Refer to Arabic Text Below]

PDF Here: Wasaayaa_PDF

النصيحة الخامسة : كتابةُ الفوائدِ من المُعلِّمِ
ولا يتَّكِلُ الطالبُ على ما سُجِّلَ في الدورات السابقة
وعلى الطالب أن لا يقولَ: لا داعي إلى الكتابة، والتسجيلُ موجود
وهذا غَلَطٌ كبير يقع فيه بعضُ الطلاب، وكتابةُ الطالب مع الشيخِ مؤثرةٌ في استعداداته العلمية، وفي سلوكه العلمي كما ينبغي، فلا بدَّ للعلم من مشقةٍ ومكابدةٍ ومجاهدةٍ
وفي الكتابةِ تتكون ملكةٌ في تلخيصِ العلمِ؛ لأنه لا يستطيع أن يكتب حرفيًا ما يقوله المُعلِّمُ، ولهذا ينبغي التفريقُ بين ما نَقَلَهُ الطالبُ إملاءً وبين ما سَمِعَهُ. فقد يكون في كتابة تلخيصِ ما سَمِعَهُ نقصٌ كبيرٌ عما قاله المُعلِّم
إذًا ما المقصود من الكتابة؟
المقصود أن يتدربَ الطالبُ على ملكة التلخيص، فيسمع ثم يلخص، يُلاحظُ في أول الأمر أن الشيخَ يسرعُ ولم يستطع الطالبُ أن يكتبَ. وفي المرة الثانية يستطيع الطالبُ أن يكتبَ، ولكن فاتَتْهُ أشياءُ، وهكذا يأتيه وقتٌ يكتبُ باستيعابٍ ويستطيعُ الاختصارَ على أروع مثالٍ؛ لأن الملكةَ ترتبت عنده. وهذا ما يكون إلا بِدُرْبَةٍ
وكيف تكون الدُّرْبةُ؟
تكون الدُّربةُ بالإضافة إلى ما ذُكِرَ بأنْ لا يعتمدَ على التسجيل
*النصيحة السادسة : الرحمةُ بين الطلاب
قد يكون في هذه الدوراتِ العلميةِ طبقاتٌ مختلفةٌ من الحاضرين:
فمنهم من يَحْضُرُ للعلم
ومنهم من يَحْضُرُ مبتدئًا
ومنهم من يَحْضُرُ لمجلس الذكر ويستمع (وبخاصة إن كان بعد الفجر أو في أوقات الإجابة)
ومنهم من يَحْضُرُ لفائدةٍ ما، ويكتفي بأيِّ شيءٍ يُحَصِّلُهُ
والذي ينبغي في الحقيقة أن يتعاهدَ طلابُ العلم بعضَهم بعضًا، فيعلِّمَ الطالبُ أخاه المبتدئَ الطريقةَ، ويُسْدي إليه النصيحةَ
ولهذا ينبغـي أن يرحمَ بعضُنا بعـضًا في الدروس العلمية، وفي العلم جميعًا
وربما ابتدأ العلماء متونَهم بالوصية لطالب العلم بالرحمة
ولهذا تجد في إجازات الحديث أولَ ما ينقلون حديثَ: {الراحمونَ يرحمُهم الرحمنُ، ارحموا من في الارض يَرْحَمْكُمْ مَنْ في السماء} هذا الحديث هو المعروف عند العلماء بالمسلسل بالأوَّلِيَّةِ؛ لأن كلَّ شيخٍ يقول عن شيخه: حدثنا شيخُنا فلانٌ، وهو أولُ حديث سمعته منه
قال: حدثني شيخي فلانٌ، وهو أولُ حديثٍ سمعته منه
إلى أن يصل إلى طبقة أتباعِ التابعين كلها أول
سؤال: لماذا يتعلمون حديث {الراحمون يرحمهم الرحمن…}
الجواب: اعلم – رحمك الله – أن من خصال طالب العلم التي يبارك اللهُ U بها ويرحمُهُ اللهُ – جلَّ وعلا – أن يكون رحيمًا بمَنْ حولَه يرشدهم، ويعلمهم، ويعينهم.. الخ
فإذا كنت في طلبك للعلم رحيمًا بالخَلْقِ وبزملائك وبأصدقائك وبالحضور في التعاون والخير فأبشرْ برحمةِ اللهِ – جلَّ وعلا – لك بوعده الصادق بقولِ نبيه – عليه الصلاة والسلام -: {الراحمونَ يرحمهم الرحمنُ..}

NEW VIDEO! Can a Wage Be Taken for Teaching the Qur’an? – Shaykh Fawzaan

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Qur'aan, Seeking Knowledge, Video, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

 

Question: O Shaykh [What is the ruling on] teaching Qur'an and taking a wage for that?

Watch the full video for the Shaykh's answer!

 

Links 🔗 from Video – salafidawahmanchester.com/Online – Online Quran Lessons Salafischool.co.uk/online – Online Full Day Classes – TuitionClub.org/Online

 

Advice to a 15 Year Old Who Wanted to Seek Knowledge – By Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Seeking Knowledge, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

The questioner mentions that he is a fifteen-year-old young man and wants to seek Islamic knowledge, so what is your advice? What are the things that he must do and fulil? He says: Bearing in mind that our city has few callers to Islam and students of knowledge.

Response: We advise him to seek knowledge in the schools -intermediate and secondary- opened by the government, or the institutes of knowledge. He strives to reach them (or enrol). And if they have gatherings of knowledge by the judges or others, he attends the gatherings of knowledge if it is available at night or during the day- combining this and this. He enrolls in regular schools and makes effort. He reads to the scholars in his township if they have gatherings of knowledge at night or during the day- attend the gatherings, benefit and strive hard to memorize the Noble Qur’an and memorize beneficial books, such as Kitaab at-Tawheed, Kishf Ash-Shubuhaat, Thalaathah Al-Usool and Qawaa’id Al-Arba’ah by Shaikhul Islaam Muhammad Bin Abdil Wahhaab [may Allaah have mercy upon him], and also Al-Aqeedah Al-Waasitiyyah by Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allaah have mercy upon him]. These are good books that are important to memorize. And books like An-Nawawi’s forty hadeeth and its completion by Ibn Rajab’s Khamseen Hadeeth Min Jawaami Al-Kalim. He memorises these great and beneficial hadiths. In any case, the advice for this young man is that he strive to seek knowledge in regular schools, and from the Shaikhs if he has someone from the Shaikhs to read to in the gatherinsg of knowledge. (end of quote)

abridged and paraphrased

سماحة الشيخ! من حوطة بني تميم السائل الذي رمز لاسمه بـ (ف. ش. ك) يذكر بأنه شاب يبلغ من العمر الخامسة عشرة، ويرغب في طلب العلم الشرعي، فما هي نصيحتكم سماحة الشيخ لمثل هذا؟ وما هي الأمور التي لابد أن يعملها، ويتمثل بها؟ يقول: علمًا بأن مدينتنا قليلة من الدعاة، وطلبة العلم، جزاكم الله خيرًا
نوصيه بطلب العلم في المدارس التي فتحتها الحكومة المتوسطة، والثانوي، أو المعاهد العلمية … يجتهد حتى يلحق بها، وإذا كان عندهم حلقات علم لأهل العلم من القضاة، أو غيرهم يحضر حلقات العلم إذا تيسر في الليل، أو في النهار يجمع بين هذا وهذا، يلتحق بالمدارس النظامية، ويجتهد، ويقرأ على العلماء في بلده إذا كان عندهم حلقات علم في الليل، أو في النهار، يحضر الحلقات، ويستفيد، ويجتهد في حفظ القرآن الكريم، وحفظ الكتب النافعة، مثل كتاب التوحيد، كشف الشبهات، ثلاثة الأصول، والقواعد الأربع للشيخ محمد -رحمه الله- محمد بن عبد الوهاب، وكذلك العقيدة الواسطية لشيخ الإسلام ابن تيمية، هذه كتب جيدة مهمة يحفظها، ومثل الأربعين النووية، وتكملتها لابن رجب خمسين حديثًا من جوامع الكلم، يحفظ هذه الأحاديث العظيمة، والنافعة
على كل حال، فالوصية لهذا الشاب أن يجتهد في طلب العلم في المدارس النظامية، وعلى المشايخ إذا كان عنده من يقرأ عليه من المشايخ في حلقات العلم، نعم

Indeed, our youth are in UK have easy access to the knowledge that is obligated on every individual to seek. Some have travelled to study Alhamdu lil laah and others have direct access to teachers in the Maraakiz, especially our local Mashaayikh in Birmingham where different subject matters – Aqeedah, Manhaj, Fiqh, Tafseer, Seerah, Hadeeth – are taught from Monday to Saturday. Likewise, there are lessons in various Masaajid and Centres in other Masaajid and Centres. Indeed, this is a great blessing that was not available to many of us 25 years ago. May Allaah bless all the teachers – the elders and youth amongst them, keep them firm, increase them in beneficial knowledge, righteous deeds and pure provision Aameen.

Islam’s Unapologetic Position On Apostasy – [Unveiling Another Path of The Criminals and Opponents of The Messengers]

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

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

Listen to Shaikh Abu Iyaad’s clarification here:

ges=1

[Ref 1: Translation by Shaikh Abu Iyaad: https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/search/6_55]
[Ref 2: Tafseer ibn Katheer]
[Ref 3: Tafseer at-Tabari]

Responsibilities That Make You Upright & Spread the Daw’ah – Shaykh Rabee (Allah preserve him).

Written by Amjad Khan on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Articles, Basics, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Innovations In Islam (Bidah), Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Seeking Knowledge, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors.

The salafi bears a responsibility; upon him is to study (beneficial) knowledge, to study the books of the salaf, the belief of the salaf, their exegesis of the Quran and their explanations of the messenger’s hadeeth (alayhis salaatu was salaam), so that he is grounded in (beneficial) knowledge, whilst he truthfully calls to Allah with knowledge and insight.

He (The Most High) said,

قُلْ هَٰذِهِۦ سَبِيلِىٓ أَدْعُوٓاْ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ ۚ عَلَىٰ بَصِيرَةٍ أَنَا۠ وَمَنِ ٱتَّبَعَنِى ۖ وَسُبْحَٰنَ ٱللَّهِ وَمَآ أَنَا۠ مِنَ ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ

Say, “This is my way; I invite to Allah with insight, I and those who follow me. And exalted is Allah; and I am not of those who associate others with Him.” (12:108)

Meaning, I (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) and my true followers, call to Allah with sure sighted insight; ie upon knowledge.

The caller to ignorance (misguidance, evil, innovations), such as the callers of misguidance and innovation – they are ignoramuses, ignorant of the path of truth and the (correct) call to Allah; they call to falsehood.

The people of innovation and misguidance call to falsehood, even if they are characterised as having knowledge, and even if they have certificates, then they are (still) ignoramuses, just as some of the salaf said, ‘a scholar has never brought about an innovation, rather innovations are only brought about by the ignorant ones, even if they call themselves scholars, then they are (still) ignorant.’

So learn and study the Book of Allah, and the Sunnah of the Messenger (sallallaahu alaihi wa salam), study the Oneness of Allah (The Blessed & Most High).

May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon our, Prophet Muhammad, his family and his companions.

Nafahaat al-Huda wal-Eemaan min Majaalis al-Qur’aan of Shaykh Rabee (Hafidahullah) Pg 69

NEW VIDEO! Is There Reward for Sharing Islamic Reminders via Messaging Apps? – Shaykh Fawzaan

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Fatawa-Rulings, Seeking Knowledge, Video, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

Question: Does sending religious messages on WhatsApp with the intention of teaching the people, enter into the hadith of the Prophet ﷺ 'Convey from me, even if it is a verse'? And are we rewarded for it?

Watch the full video for the Shaykh's answer!

 

Links 🔗 from Video – salafidawahmanchester.com/Online – Online Quran Lessons Salafischool.co.uk/online – Online Full Day Classes – TuitionClub.org/Online

 

NEW VIDEO! Advice to the Student of Islamic Knowledge – Shaykh Fawzaan

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Fatawa-Rulings, Seeking Knowledge, Video, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

Question: What is your advice, Shaykh Salih (Al-Fawzaan), for the student of Islamic knowledge? And is it upon him to firstly begin with memorising the whole of the Noble Quran?

Watch the full video for the Shaykh's answer!

 

Links 🔗 from Video – salafidawahmanchester.com/Online – Online Quran Lessons Salafischool.co.uk/online – Online Full Day Classes – TuitionClub.org/Online