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Supplication for our children in the Quran

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Basics, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Salaah - Prayer, Scholars of Islam, Shirk, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

The inspiration for this article arose from a captivating tweet by Shaikh Abdulilah, may Allah preserve him. In light of this, we felt compelled to share a short selection of insights from the Mufassiroon, as an additional layer of reflection and benefit alongside the Shaikh’s reminder, for our own benefit and our families.

https://x.com/Abdulilah_UK/status/934006936017821696?t=VY1CKttBfsFUMXB14RV7Eg&s=35

وَوَصَّيْنَا الْإِنسَانَ بِوَالِدَيْهِ إِحْسَانًا ۖ حَمَلَتْهُ أُمُّهُ كُرْهًا وَوَضَعَتْهُ كُرْهًا ۖ وَحَمْلُهُ وَفِصَالُهُ ثَلَاثُونَ شَهْرًا ۚ حَتَّىٰ إِذَا بَلَغَ أَشُدَّهُ وَبَلَغَ أَرْبَعِينَ سَنَةً قَالَ رَبِّ أَوْزِعْنِي أَنْ أَشْكُرَ نِعْمَتَكَ الَّتِي أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيَّ وَعَلَىٰ وَالِدَيَّ وَأَنْ أَعْمَلَ صَالِحًا تَرْضَاهُ وَأَصْلِحْ لِي فِي ذُرِّيَّتِي ۖ إِنِّي تُبْتُ إِلَيْكَ وَإِنِّي مِنَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ

And We have enjoined upon man to be dutiful and kind to his parents. His mother bore him (in her womb) with hardship and gave birth to him with (more) hardship. And his bearing (in the womb) and weaning (period) is thirty months (in total). (Then he continues to grow) until, when he reaches the peak of his youth, and reaches (the age of) 40 years, he says: “O my Lord, grant me the ability to be grateful to you for Your favour (of guidance) which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents, and to work righteousness that pleases You, and make righteous for me my offspring. Indeed, I repent to you and I am of the Muslims (in submission to You alone).” (1)

وَأَصْلِحْ لِي فِي ذُرِّيَّتِي

“And make righteous for me my offspring”.

When he supplicated for his own righteousness, he also supplicated for his offspring that Allah rectifies their affairs. He (Allah) stated that their righteousness would benefit their parents due to His statement:

وَأَصْلِحْ لِي فِي ذُرِّيَّتِي

“And make righteous for me my offspring”. (2)

فَلَمَّا وَضَعَتْهَا قَالَتْ رَبِّ إِنِّى وَضَعْتُهَآ أُنثَىٰ وَٱللَّهُ أَعْلَمُ بِمَا وَضَعَتْ وَلَيْسَ ٱلذَّكَرُ كَٱلْأُنثَىٰ وَإِنِّى سَمَّيْتُهَا مَرْيَمَ وَإِنِّىٓ أُعِيذُهَا بِكَ وَذُرِّيَّتَهَا مِنَ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنِ ٱلرَّجِيمِ

Then when she delivered her [child Maryam (Mary)], she said: “O my Lord! I have delivered a female child,” – and Allah knew better what she delivered, – “And the male is not like the female, and I have named her Maryam (Mary), and I seek refuge with You (Allah) for her and for her offspring from Shaitan (Satan), the outcast.” [3:36]

 وإني أعيذها بك وذريتها من الشيطان الرجيم

And I seek refuge with You (Allah) for her and for her offspring from Shaitan (Satan), the outcast.

She supplicated for her and her offspring, asking Allah to protect them from the accursed devil. (3)

وَٱلَّذِينَ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا هَبْ لَنَا مِنْ أَزْوَٰجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّٰتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعْيُنٍ وَٱجْعَلْنَا لِلْمُتَّقِينَ إِمَامًا

And those who say: “Our Lord! Bestow on us from our wives and our offspring who will be the comfort of our eyes, and make us leaders for the pious”. [25:74]

They ask Allah to grant them the comfort of the eye by making their wives and offspring obedient to Allah, and to grant them happiness intheir hearts due to being followed by the righteous in obedience and servitude to Allaah. That is because a trustworthy leader in the religion co-operates with (others) upon obedience (to Allaah and His Messenger). (4)

رَبِّ ٱجْعَلْنِى مُقِيمَ ٱلصَّلَوٰةِ وَمِن ذُرِّيَّتِى رَبَّنَا وَتَقَبَّلْ دُعَآءِ

O my Lord! Make me one who performs As-Salat, and (also) from my offspring, our Lord! And accept my invocation. [14:40]

Meaning: from those who establish the prayer with its pillars and guard it strictly (or be consistent upon it). Make my descendants among those who establish the prayer. (5)

رَبَّنَا وَاجْعَلْنَا مُسْلِمَيْنِ لَكَ وَمِن ذُرِّيَّتِنَا أُمَّةً مُّسْلِمَةً لَّكَ وَأَرِنَا مَنَاسِكَنَا وَتُبْ عَلَيْنَا ۖ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ التَّوَّابُ الرَّحِيمُ

Our Lord! And make us submissive unto You and of our offspring a nation submissive unto You, and show us our Manasik (all the ceremonies of pilgrimage – Hajj and ‘Umrah, etc.), and accept our repentance. Truly, You are the One Who accepts repentance, the Most Merciful. [2:128]

They supplicated for themselves and their offspring to be granted Islam, whose reality is the submission of the heart and its obedience to its Lord, which necessitates the obedience of the limbs. (6)

هُنَالِكَ دَعَا زَكَرِيَّا رَبَّهُ ۖ قَالَ رَبِّ هَبْ لِي مِن لَّدُنكَ ذُرِّيَّةً طَيِّبَةً ۖ إِنَّكَ سَمِيعُ الدُّعَاءِ

At that time Zakariyyah invoked his Lord, saying: “O my Lord! Grant me from You, a good offspring. You are indeed the All-Hearer of invocation.” [3:38]

Zakariyyah, peace be upon him, sipplicated to his Lord for righteous offspring; meaning, children with pure morals and good manners, to complete the blessings of both religious and worldly life for them, thus his supplication was answered. (7)

وَإِذْ قَالَ إِبْرَاهِيمُ رَبِّ اجْعَلْ هَٰذَا الْبَلَدَ آمِنًا وَاجْنُبْنِي وَبَنِيَّ أَن نَّعْبُدَ الْأَصْنَامَ

And (remember) when Ibrahim (Abraham) said: “O my Lord! Make this city (Makkah) one of peace and security, and keep me and my sons away from worshipping idols. [14:35]

Meaning: Distance me and them from  worshiping the idols. (8) Then he mentioned the reason for his fear for himself and his children due to the many who have been tempted and afflicted by its worship. (9)

(1)https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/search/46_15

(2) An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi

(3) An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi

(4) Ar-Ruh 488 By Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim

(5) Tafseer Al-Baghawi

(6) Tafseer As-Sadi

(7) Tafseer As-Sadi

(8) Tafseer at-Tabari

(9) Tafseer As-Sadi

Atatürk?!

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Deviated Callers & Individuals, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Scholars of Islam, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

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

كما يقال إنه جمعني مجلس مرة مع قسيس من قساوسة النصارى فجرى بحث طويل بيني وبينه ، والقصة فيها طول وفيها فائدة ولكن الوقت ضاق يعني معنا نحو خمس دقائق .ولذلك فأذكر منها ما يتعلق بهذا المقام ، لقد أنكر هذا القسيس على المسلمين أنهم حكموا بكفر الذي كان من قبل يسمى بمصطفى كمال باشا ، ثم سمي بأتاتورك ، أبو الأتراك والذي حاد بالأتراك المسلمين عن كثير من أحكام دينهم كما هو معلوم ، هذا القسيس هاجم المسلمين ونسبهم إلى الغلو في تكفيرهم لأتاتورك هذا بزعمه هو أنه لم يصنع شيئا يذكر ويستحق عليه التكفير سوى أنه فرض على الشعب التركي القبعة ، البرنيطة معروفة هذه البرنيطة عندكم وهي القلنسوة التي لها مظلة ، إما مظلة كاملة أو مظلة أمامية ، فكان ردي عليه من ناحيتين ، الناحية الأولى ولا أطيل فيها أن الرجل لم يخالف الإسلام فقط في هذه الناحية وإنما غير كثيرا من أحكام الشريعة ، منها أن جعل للأنثى في الإرث مثل حظ الذكر ، أما فيما يتعلق بمسألة البرنيطة فهنا خضت معه بحثا طويلا خلاصته أن الإسلام من كماله أنه وضع أحكاما وتشريعات في سبيل أن يحافظ المسلمون بها على شخصيتهم الإسلامية لكي لا ينماعوا مع الزمن في شخصية أمة أخرى ، وذكرت له وهو رجل مع الأسف مثقف بأن علماء الإجماع يقولون بأن أي شعب يريد أن يحافظ على شخصيته فعليه أن يحافظ على تقاليده وعلى تاريخه وعلى لغته ، هذا أمر مسلم لديهم في علم الاجتماع ، فقلت له فكان من فضل الإسلام وكمال تشريعه أنه شرع للمسلمين أن يحافظوا على شخصيتهم المسلمة وأن لا يتشبهوا بالمخالفين لهم بل وأن يتقصدوا مخالفتهم كما شرحت لكم آنفا ، هذا الرجل أتاتورك وهنا الشاهد من هذا المثال لو كان يريد الخير للشعب التركي المسلم ووجد فرضا في القبعة مصلحة لا يجدها في لباس آخر فكان باستطاعته أن يجعل فارقا بين قبعة المسلم التركي وقبعة غير المسلم التركي ، كأن يجعل مثلا شريطا على قبعة المسلم كل من يرى هذا المسلم المتبرنط يقول هذا مسلم ولو أنه لبس لباس الكفار ، لكن الرجل فعل ما فعل عداء لدين الإسلام ولذلك حكم عليه علماء المسلمين بالكفر والردة والخروج عن دين الإسلام ، بحث طويل كان بيني وبينه في هذه القضية حتى ألهمني الله عزوجل فقلت له بعد أن قال هذه قضية أن هذا اللباس صار أمر أممي وليس خاصا بشعب من الشعوب أو بدين من الأديان فجئته من ناحية حساسة ، هذا القسيس لبناني والقساوسة اللبنانيون لهم زي خاص ، أولا لباسهم سواد في سواد وثانيا قلنسوتهم هي كطربوش تعرفونه الطربوش الأحمر ولكنه طويل ضعف الطربوش طولا وأسود
السائل
مثل الهرم يعني ؟

الشيخ : لا ، الهرم يكون رأسه رفيع ، هذا يكون مثل السطل هكذا ، الشاهد قلت له هل أفهم من كلامك أن اللباس ليس له علاقة بالدين أنه مث بالنسبة إليك أنت يجوز أن ترفع هذه القلنسوة وتضع على رأسك الطربوش الأحمر وعليه العمامة البيضاء ؟ فمن نظر إليك ظن فيك أنك شيخ من شيوخ المسلمين ؟ قال : لا ، لا ، لا ، قلت له لماذا فهذا لباس ؟ وليس له علاقة بالدين ؟ قال لا ، نحن علماء النصارى يعني ، نحن رجال الدين ولنا زي خاص من بين النصارى عموما لنا زي خاص ، فألهمني الله عزوجل وقلت له كلمة يعني سقط من بعدها تماما وتبين أنه لا مجال لأحد أن يجادل في الإسلام ، قلت له هذا هو الفرق بيننا نحن معشر المسلمين وبينكم أنتم معشر النصارى ، فنحن لا فرق عندنا بين عالم ومتعلم وغير متعلم مادام أنه يجمعنا الإسلام ، فما لا يجوز لأكبر عالم لا يجوز لأقل مسلم ، هذا عندنا ، أما عندكم فعندكم رجال دين ورجال لا دين ، هكذا قلت له ، بدليل أنك تقول هذا لباس خاص بكم أنتم معشر القسيسين ، أما النصارى الآخرون فيلبسون ما يشاءون ، لا هذا عندنا لا يجوز ، ما يحرم على أكبر إنسان وأتقى إنسان يحرم على أصغر وما لا يجوز أن يلبسه العالم لا يجوز أن يلبسه الأمي ، وهكذا ، فسقط في يده والحقيقة هذه من فضائل الشريعة الإسلامية ولعل في هذا القدر كفاية والحمد لله رب العالمين

During a conversation with a Christian priest, we engaged in a lengthy discussion and analysis. Although the story is extensive and contains numerous benefits, our time is limited to just 5 minutes. Hence, I will only mention what is relevant to this occasion. The priest expressed disapproval towards the Muslims, specifically the scholars, for declaring Mustapha Kamal Pasha, later known as Ataturk, as a disbeliever. Ataturk, who is considered the father of the Turks, implemented policies that restricted Turkish Muslims from adhering to many of the rulings of their religion, as is widely known.

The priest verbally attacked the Muslims and accused them of extremism for excommunicating Ataturk, arguing that his only offense was making the wearing of Western-style hats compulsory for Turkish civil servants. In response, I presented two arguments against the priest. Firstly, it is important to note that Ataturk not only opposed Islam in this particular matter, but he also made significant changes to the Shariah, such as altering the inheritance laws to equate the shares of females and males. (see footnote a)

In terms of the hat’s subject matter, I engaged in an extensive discussion and analysis, the essence of which is summarised as follows: One of the aspects of Islam’s perfection is its establishment of laws and divine regulations to help Muslims maintain their Islamic identity and avoid adopting the (un-Islamic) identities of other groups. I pointed out to him that scholars specialising in the topic of Ijmaa [ religious consensus] assert that any society wishing to preserve its distinctiveness must safeguard its customs, history, and language, considering this an undeniable principle in the field of consensus. Therefore, I explained to him that among the virtues of Islam and the excellence of its laws is the provision for Muslims to uphold their Muslim identity and refrain from emulating those who oppose it; instead, they should be in opposition to the ways of those who contradict their identity.

If Ataturk, as an example, truly desired the welfare of the Turkish Muslim society and believed that making the hat mandatory would bring about such benefits that other forms of clothing could not, then he possessed the capability to differentiate between the Turkish Muslim hat and the non-Muslim Turkish hat. For instance, he could have placed a distinctive band on the Muslim hat, so that anyone who saw a Muslim wearing it would immediately recognize their religious affiliation, even if they were dressed in garments typically associated with unbelievers. However, Ataturk’s actions were in direct contradiction to the principles of the Islamic faith, leading Muslim scholars to declare him an apostate and disbeliever (i.e. not due to this matter regarding the hat, but other affairs that are tantamount to apostasy).

The discussion and examination between him and me regarding this matter was quite extensive until Allah made me mentally stimulated and bestowed on me the ability to utter a timely statement when the priest stated, “This attire is not specific to any particular society or religion, but rather a global matter.” In response, I approached the topic from a sensitive standpoint. This particular priest is Lebanese, and Lebanese priests have a distinct attire. Firstly, they wear all black, and secondly, their hoods resemble a cowl, similar to a red cowl but longer and darker. I questioned him, “Does your statement imply that clothing has no connection to religion? For instance, would it be permissible for you to remove your hood and instead wear a red cowl with a white turban, giving the impression that you are a respected Shaikh among the Muslim community?”

He responded, “No, no, no.” I then questioned him, “If that’s the case, why do you wear this attire and does it not have any connection to religion?” He explained, “We are Christian scholars, meaning we are religious men and we have a specific attire that is common among Christians. We have a distinct dress code.” Then by the will of Allah, I was inspired and I made a profound statement that left him speechless, showing that there was no room for argument against Islam. I pointed out, “This is the distinction between us Muslims and you Christians; we do not differentiate between a scholar, a student, or anyone else, as long as we are united in Islam. What is impermissible for the most knowledgeable scholar is also impermissible for the least knowledgeable Muslim. This is what is between us, but as for yourselves, you have ‘Men of Religion’ and ‘Men who are not Men of Religion”

This is the manner in which I presented the situation to him, citing evidence that you, as a priest, claim that this attire is specific to priests, while others can wear whatever they please. However, this is not acceptable for us – it is not allowed. What is forbidden for the most honorable and devout individual (muslim) is also forbidden for the one with the lowest rank. What is prohibited for a Muslim scholar to wear is also prohibited for an ordinary individual. Consequently, he was filled with remorse and left speechless. This indeed exemplifies the virtues of the Islamic Shariah. [https://youtu.be/iKlyiyjwyRw Paraphrased. Your feedback is welcomed to improve the content of this article Jazaakumullaahu Khayran]

Footnote a:

[PLAYLIST] Ar-Rahbiyah – Principles in the Laws of Inheritance – By Shaikh Abu Hakeem Bilāl Davis – Salafi Sounds

https://www.salafisounds.com/playlist-ar-rahbiyah-principles-in-the-laws-of-inheritance-by-abu-hakeem-bilal-davis/

How the Khawaarij settled in different lands

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Bid'ah (Innovation), Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, History of Islam, Khawaarij, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Refutations, Sin.

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

Four thousand Khawaarij were fought against by Ali, Ameerul Mumineen, may Allah be pleased with him, at Nahrawan and none of them survived except nine. Two men from them departed to Sijistan and through them appeared the Khawarij of Sijstaan; two men from them departed to Yemen and through them appeared the Ibadiyyah of Yemen; two men from them departed to Oman and through them appeared the Khawaarij of Oman; two men from them departed towards other regions of the Arabian Peninsula and through them appeared the Khawaarij of those regions. A man from them departed to Syria. This was one of the reasons behind their settlement in different lands. Thereafter, they became different murderous sects upon divergent creeds.

Al-Firaq Baynal Firaq. page 80

Useless Claim

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Mental Health, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Qur'aan, Refutations, Shirk, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

“Our civilization was great. The Pharaohs were dark-skinned people and we must celebrate their achievements because the Europeans want to portray them as light-skinned people”.

Allah – The Exalted- said:

قَدْ خَلَتْ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ سُنَنٌ فَسِيرُوا فِي الْأَرْضِ فَانْظُرُوا كَيْفَ كَانَ عَاقِبَةُ الْمُكَذِّبِينَ

Many similar mishaps [troubles, problems] of life were faced by nations that have passed away before you, so travel through the earth, and see what was the end of those who disbelieved]. [Aal Imraan. 137]

Imam Ibnul Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: Indeed, there were nations like yourselves before you, so look to their evil end. You have to know that the reason behind their evil end was due to their disbelief in the revelations of Allah and His Messengers. They were the forefathers and you are the descendants. The main affair that connects you to each other is your disbelief and the ruling on that disbelief is destruction. [I’laam Al-Muwaqqi’een 1/181]

Imam Muhammad Bin Salih Al-Uthaymin, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: If it is said, “What is the benefit in narrating to us the stories of the destroyed nations despite the fact that this Ummah will not be completely destroyed in a manner similar to the destruction of the previous nations before it?”

The Answer: Indeed, this has two benefits: The first benefit is a clarification of Allaah’s blessings upon us that the occurrence of a complete destruction is removed from us, and that were it not for Allaah’s Benevolence we would have been deserving of it. Second, the likeness of the punishment they received may occur in the hereafter for the one who did what they did, if punishment was not received in the worldly life. And this may be understood from the statement of Allaah: “Such is the Seizure of your Lord when He seizes the population of towns while they are doing wrong. Verily, His Seizure is painful and severe. Indeed in that (there) is a sure lesson for those who fear the torment of the Hereafter.” So what is apparent from this Ayah is that what is similar to the punishment they received will happen in the Hereafter, and Allaah knows best. [Al-Muntaqaa Min Fawaa-idil Fawaa-id 123-124]

The Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: Indeed, Allah [The Most High] has removed from you the pride of the pre-Islamic period and its boasting about ancestors. One is only a pious believer or a wretched sinner. You are sons of Adam and Adam (was created from) dust. Let the people abandon boasting about their ancestors, for they are merely fuel in Jahannam; or they will become more insignificant in (the sight of) Allah than the beetle which rolls dung with its nose. [Sahih Abu Dawud 5116]

Allah [The Exalted] said:

وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمُ ٱتَّبِعُواْ مَآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ قَالُواْ بَلۡ نَتَّبِعُ مَا وَجَدۡنَا عَلَيۡهِ ءَابَآءَنَآ‌ۚ أَوَلَوۡ ڪَانَ ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنُ يَدۡعُوهُمۡ إِلَىٰ عَذَابِ ٱلسَّعِيرِ

And when it is said to them: “Follow that which Allah has sent down”, they say: “Nay, we shall follow that which we found our fathers (following).” (Would they do so) even if Shaitan (Satan) invites them to the torment of the Fire. [Luqman. 21]

Allah [The Exalted] stated:

وَلِكُلِّ أُمَّةٍ أَجَلٌ۬‌ۖ فَإِذَا جَآءَ أَجَلُهُمۡ لَا يَسۡتَأۡخِرُونَ سَاعَةً۬‌ۖ وَلَا يَسۡتَقۡدِمُونَ
يَـٰبَنِىٓ ءَادَمَ إِمَّا يَأۡتِيَنَّكُمۡ رُسُلٌ۬ مِّنكُمۡ يَقُصُّونَ عَلَيۡكُمۡ ءَايَـٰتِى‌ۙ فَمَنِ ٱتَّقَىٰ وَأَصۡلَحَ فَلَا خَوۡفٌ عَلَيۡہِمۡ وَلَا هُمۡ يَحۡزَنُونَ
وَٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُواْ بِـَٔايَـٰتِنَا وَٱسۡتَكۡبَرُواْ عَنۡہَآ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ أَصۡحَـٰبُ ٱلنَّارِ‌ۖ هُمۡ فِيہَا خَـٰلِدُونَ
فَمَنۡ أَظۡلَمُ مِمَّنِ ٱفۡتَرَىٰ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ كَذِبًا أَوۡ كَذَّبَ بِـَٔايَـٰتِهِۦۤ‌ۚ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ يَنَالُهُمۡ نَصِيبُہُم مِّنَ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبِ‌ۖ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا جَآءَتۡہُمۡ رُسُلُنَا يَتَوَفَّوۡنَہُمۡ قَالُوٓاْ أَيۡنَ مَا كُنتُمۡ تَدۡعُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۖ قَالُواْ ضَلُّواْ عَنَّا وَشَہِدُواْ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِہِمۡ أَنَّہُمۡ كَانُواْ كَـٰفِرِينَ

قَالَ ٱدۡخُلُواْ فِىٓ أُمَمٍ۬ قَدۡ خَلَتۡ مِن قَبۡلِڪُم مِّنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ وَٱلۡإِنسِ فِى ٱلنَّارِ‌ۖ كُلَّمَا دَخَلَتۡ أُمَّةٌ۬ لَّعَنَتۡ أُخۡتَہَا‌ۖ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا ٱدَّارَڪُواْ فِيہَا جَمِيعً۬ا قَالَتۡ أُخۡرَٮٰهُمۡ لِأُولَٮٰهُمۡ رَبَّنَا هَـٰٓؤُلَآءِ أَضَلُّونَا فَـَٔاتِہِمۡ عَذَابً۬ا ضِعۡفً۬ا مِّنَ ٱلنَّارِ‌ۖ قَالَ لِكُلٍّ۬ ضِعۡفٌ۬ وَلَـٰكِن لَّا تَعۡلَمُونَ
وَقَالَتۡ أُولَٮٰهُمۡ لِأُخۡرَٮٰهُمۡ فَمَا كَانَ لَكُمۡ عَلَيۡنَا مِن فَضۡلٍ۬ فَذُوقُواْ ٱلۡعَذَابَ بِمَا كُنتُمۡ تَكۡسِبُونَ

And every nation has its appointed term; when their term is reached, neither can they delay it nor can they advance it an hour (or a moment). O Children of Adam! If there come to you Messengers from amongst you, reciting to you, My Verses, then whosoever becomes pious and righteous, on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. But those who reject Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) and treat them with arrogance, they are the dwellers of the (Hell) Fire, they will abide therein forever. Who is more unjust than one who invents a lie against Allah or rejects His Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.)? For such their appointed portion (good things of this worldly life and their period of stay therein) will reach them from the Book (of Decrees) until, when Our Messengers (the angel of death and his assistants) come to them to take their souls, they (the angels) will say: “Where are those whom you used to invoke and worship besides Allah,” they will reply, “They have vanished and deserted us.” And they will bear witness against themselves, that they were disbelievers. (Allah) will say: “Enter you in the company of nations who passed away before you, of men and jinns, into the Fire.” Every time a new nation enters, it curses its sister nation (that went before), until they will be gathered all together in the Fire. The last of them will say to the first of them: “Our Lord! These misled us, so give them a double torment of the Fire.” He will say: “For each one there is double (torment), but you know not.” The first of them will say to the last of them: “You were not better than us, so taste the torment for what you used to earn.” [Surah Al-A’raaf. Verses 34-39]

Allah [The Exalted] said:

مَّثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ بِرَبِّهِمۡ‌ۖ أَعۡمَـٰلُهُمۡ كَرَمَادٍ ٱشۡتَدَّتۡ بِهِ ٱلرِّيحُ فِى يَوۡمٍ عَاصِفٍ۬‌ۖ لَّا يَقۡدِرُونَ مِمَّا ڪَسَبُواْ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ۬‌ۚ ذَٲلِكَ هُوَ ٱلضَّلَـٰلُ ٱلۡبَعِيدُ (١٨) أَلَمۡ تَرَ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ خَلَقَ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضَ بِٱلۡحَقِّ‌ۚ إِن يَشَأۡ يُذۡهِبۡكُمۡ وَيَأۡتِ بِخَلۡقٍ۬ جَدِيدٍ۬ (١٩) وَمَا ذَٲلِكَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ بِعَزِيزٍ۬ (٢٠) وَبَرَزُواْ لِلَّهِ جَمِيعً۬ا فَقَالَ ٱلضُّعَفَـٰٓؤُاْ لِلَّذِينَ ٱسۡتَكۡبَرُوٓاْ إِنَّا ڪُنَّا لَكُمۡ تَبَعً۬ا فَهَلۡ أَنتُم مُّغۡنُونَ عَنَّا مِنۡ عَذَابِ ٱللَّهِ مِن شَىۡءٍ۬‌ۚ قَالُواْ لَوۡ هَدَٮٰنَا ٱللَّهُ لَهَدَيۡنَـٰڪُمۡ‌ۖ سَوَآءٌ عَلَيۡنَآ أَجَزِعۡنَآ أَمۡ صَبَرۡنَا مَا لَنَا مِن مَّحِيصٍ۬ (٢١) وَقَالَ ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنُ لَمَّا قُضِىَ ٱلۡأَمۡرُ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ وَعَدَڪُمۡ وَعۡدَ ٱلۡحَقِّ وَوَعَدتُّكُمۡ فَأَخۡلَفۡتُڪُمۡ‌ۖ وَمَا كَانَ لِىَ عَلَيۡكُم مِّن سُلۡطَـٰنٍ إِلَّآ أَن دَعَوۡتُكُمۡ فَٱسۡتَجَبۡتُمۡ لِى‌ۖ فَلَا تَلُومُونِى وَلُومُوٓاْ أَنفُسَڪُم‌ۖ مَّآ أَنَا۟ بِمُصۡرِخِڪُمۡ وَمَآ أَنتُم بِمُصۡرِخِىَّ‌ۖ إِنِّى ڪَفَرۡتُ بِمَآ أَشۡرَڪۡتُمُونِ مِن قَبۡلُ‌ۗ إِنَّ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ لَهُمۡ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ۬ (٢٢) وَأُدۡخِلَ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ جَنَّـٰتٍ۬ تَجۡرِى مِن تَحۡتِہَا ٱلۡأَنۡہَـٰرُ خَـٰلِدِينَ فِيہَا بِإِذۡنِ رَبِّهِمۡ‌ۖ تَحِيَّتُہُمۡ فِيہَا سَلَـٰمٌ (٢٣) أَلَمۡ تَرَ كَيۡفَ ضَرَبَ ٱللَّهُ مَثَلاً۬ كَلِمَةً۬ طَيِّبَةً۬ كَشَجَرَةٍ۬ طَيِّبَةٍ أَصۡلُهَا ثَابِتٌ۬ وَفَرۡعُهَا فِى ٱلسَّمَآءِ (٢٤) تُؤۡتِىٓ أُڪُلَهَا كُلَّ حِينِۭ بِإِذۡنِ رَبِّهَا‌ۗ وَيَضۡرِبُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡأَمۡثَالَ لِلنَّاسِ لَعَلَّهُمۡ يَتَذَڪَّرُونَ (٢٥) وَمَثَلُ كَلِمَةٍ خَبِيثَةٍ۬ كَشَجَرَةٍ خَبِيثَةٍ ٱجۡتُثَّتۡ مِن فَوۡقِ ٱلۡأَرۡضِ مَا لَهَا مِن قَرَارٍ۬ (٢٦) يُثَبِّتُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ بِٱلۡقَوۡلِ ٱلثَّابِتِ فِى ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا وَفِى ٱلۡأَخِرَةِ‌ۖ وَيُضِلُّ ٱللَّهُ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ‌ۚ وَيَفۡعَلُ ٱللَّهُ مَا
يَشَآءُ (٢٧)

The parable of those who disbelieve in their Lord is that their works are as ashes, on which the wind blows furiously on a stormy day, they shall not be able to get aught of what they have earned. That is the straying, far away (from the Right Path). Do you not see that Allah has created the heavens and the earth with truth? If He will, He can remove you and bring (in your place) a new creation! And for Allah that is not hard or difficult (i.e. very easy for Allah). And they all shall appear before Allah (on the Day of Resurrection) then the weak will say to those who were arrogant (chiefs): “Verily, we were following you; can you avail us anything from Allah’s Torment?” They will say: “Had Allah guided us, we would have guided you. It makes no difference to us (now) whether we rage, or bear (these torments) with patience, there is no place of refuge for us.” And Shaitan (Satan) will say when the matter has been decided: “Verily, Allah promised you a promise of truth. And I too promised you, but I betrayed you. I had no authority over you except that I called you, so you responded to me. So blame me not, but blame yourselves. I cannot help you, nor can you help me. I deny your former act in associating me (Satan) as a partner with Allah (by obeying me in the life of the world). Verily, there is a painful torment for the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers, etc.).” And those who believed (in the Oneness of Allah and His Messengers and whatever they brought) and did righteous deeds, will be made to enter Gardens under which rivers flow, – to dwell therein forever (i.e.in Paradise), with the permission of their Lord. Their greeting therein will be: Salam (peace!) . See you not how Allah sets forth a parable? – A goodly word as a goodly tree, whose root is firmly fixed, and its branches (reach) to the sky (i.e. very high). Giving its fruit at all times, by the Leave of its Lord and Allah sets forth parables for mankind in order that they may remember. And the parable of an evil word is that of an evil tree uprooted from the surface of earth having no stability. Allah will keep firm those who believe, with the word that stands firm in this world (i.e. they will keep on worshipping Allah Alone and none else), and in the Hereafter. And Allah will cause to go astray those who are Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers, etc.), and Allah does what He wills. [Ibrahim 18-27]

Thus, regardless of whether the Pharoahs were dark skinned or not, or the greatness of their worldly achievements, they are fuel for the fire.

Reflections from some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi al-Mad’khali [17 of 80]

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

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

One of the obstacles to knowledge and the disappearance of knowledge is when you do not act upon what you have learnt. Therefore, O students of knowledge! It is incumbent upon us to act upon what we have learnt. Sound knowledge is that which purifies the souls. How would you purify the soul if you do not act?! How would you be cleansed from the impure hidden traits and the evil traits that are visible, such as bad manners, arrogance, envy, covetousness and showoff?! All these deeds occur as a result of not applying knowledge. You possess knowledge of any matter, knowledge urges you towards sincerity. Your Lord, The Blessed and Exalted, said:

وَمَا أُمِرُوا إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ مُخْلِصِينَ لَهُ الدِّينَ حُنَفَاءوَيُقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَيُؤْتُوا الزَّكَاةَ ۚ وَذَٰلِكَ دِينُ الْقَيِّمَةِ

And they were commanded not, but that they should worship Allah, and worship none but Him Alone, and perform the prayer and give Zakat; and that is the right religion. [Surah Al-Bayyinah. 5]

How many times has Allah censured the Yahud and Nasaaraa because they do not act?! You have heard a similitude that was given about a scholar amongst the scholars of Bani Israa’eel.

Allah said:

مَثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ حُمِّلُوا۟ ٱلتَّوْرَىٰةَ ثُمَّ لَمْ يَحْمِلُوهَا كَمَثَلِ ٱلْحِمَارِ يَحْمِلُ أَسْفَارًۢا بِئْسَ مَثَلُ ٱلْقَوْمِ ٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا۟ بِـَٔايَٰتِ ٱللَّهِ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يَهْدِى ٱلْقَوْمَ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ

The likeness of those who were entrusted with the (obligation of the) Taurat, but who subsequently failed in those (obligations), is as the likeness of a donkey who carries huge burdens of books [but understands nothing from them]. How bad is the example (or the likeness) of people who deny the Ayaat (proofs, evidences, verses, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allah. And Allah guides not the people who are wrong-doers. [Al-Jumu’ah’ 5]

They acquired knowledge of the Tawrat but did not act upon it, thus that led them to disbelief in Allah. Had they acted upon what is in the Tawrat that was revealed to Musa, peace be upon him, they would have believed in Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, but neither did they act upon what was in the Tawrat nor what was in the Injeel, nor what Muhammad brought; they belied him.

An Excerpt from “Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm”. page 226

Neither brand nor hit the face

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

Jabir, may Allah be pleased with him, said: (Someone) went past the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, with a donkey that was branded on its face, so he said, “Has it not reached you that I indeed cursed one who brands animals on their faces or hits them on their faces?!” So, he forbade that.

Al-Allamah Zaid Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated:

The hadith demonstrates the proof that it is obligatory to be gentle to animals. In it is a prohibition against branding on the face because the face is honoured. It is not permissible for anyone to brand an animal’s or a man’s face, and also it is forbidden to hit on the face.

at-Taleeqaat Al-Maleehah Alaa Silsilah al-Ahadith As-Sahihah 1/325

The Impact of Worship In The Life of a Muslim

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Bid'ah (Innovation), Mental Health, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Repentance, Sahaabah, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors), Scholars of Islam, Shirk, Sin, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors.

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

Impact_of_Worship_In_The_Life_of_a_Muslim

Al-Allamah Abdul Muhsin Al-Abbad [may Allah preserve him] stated:

Al-Ibadah – worship – is a comprehensive term encompassing everything beloved and pleasing to Allah, both actions and statements, whether visible or hidden. This is the best (definition) of worship. Worship is a great matter because Allah created the creation, sent Messengers, and revealed the Books to instruct them to worship Him alone and prohibit them from worshipping others besides Him. Allah says:

وَمَا خَلَقۡتُ ٱلۡجِنَّ وَٱلۡإِنسَ إِلَّا لِيَعۡبُدُونِ

And I (Allah) created not the Jinns and humans except they should worship Me (Alone).

Allah created them to command them to worship Him alone and to forbid them from disobeying Him. Allah [Glorified be He] says:

وَلَقَدۡ بَعَثۡنَا فِى ڪُلِّ أُمَّةٍ۬ رَّسُولاً أَنِ ٱعۡبُدُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَٱجۡتَنِبُواْ ٱلطَّـٰغُوتَ‌ۖ

And verily, We have sent among every Ummah (community, nation) a Messenger (proclaiming): “Worship   Allah (Alone), and avoid (or keep away from) Taghut (all false deities, etc. i.e. do not worship Taghut besides Allah). [An-Nahl. 36]

Allah says:

وَمَآ أَرۡسَلۡنَا مِن قَبۡلِكَ مِن رَّسُولٍ إِلَّا نُوحِىٓ إِلَيۡهِ أَنَّهُ ۥ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّآ أَنَا۟ فَٱعۡبُدُونِ

And We did not send any Messenger before you (O Muhammad) but We inspired him (saying): La ilaha illa Ana (none has the right to be worshipped but I (Allah), so worship Me (Alone and none else)]. [Al-Anbiya. 25]

There are numerous types of acts of worship, including Al-Khawf (fear), Ar-Rajaa (hope), At-Tawakkul (trust and reliance), Ar-Raghbah (fervent desire), Ar-Rahbah (dread), Al-Inabah (turning repentantly to Allah), Al-Isti’anah (appealing for aid and assistance), Al-Istighatha (seeking deliverance and rescue), Adh-Dhabh (sacrificing), An-Nadr (vow), and other forms of worship. Among the acts of worship are the five pillars of Islam, which have all been mentioned in the renowned hadith of Jibreel when Jibreel inquired about Islam from the Prophet, who then responded: “It is to testify that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is Allah’s Messenger, and that you perform the prayer, pay the Zakah, fast during Ramadan, and perform Hajj (pilgrimage) to the House (i.e. the Ka’bah at Makkah) if you can find a way to it”. [Sahih Muslim. Kitab Al-Iman. Number 8]

It has also been transmitted in the hadith narrated by Abdullah Ibn Umar that the Messenger said: “Islam has been built on five (pillars): to testify that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is Allah’s Messenger, establish the prayer, pay the zakat (obligatory charity), perform the hajj (pilgrimage) to the House, and fasting in Ramadhan”. [Sahih al-Bukhari. Kitaab Al-Iman. Hadith 8] [Sahih Muslim Hadith 19]

Moreover, for an act of worship to be accepted, it is essential to meet two requirements. Firstly, the act of worship must be performed with utmost sincerity solely for the sake of Allah. Secondly, it must align with the Messenger’s Sunnah. It is crucial to worship Allah sincerely, without associating any partners with Him, and to adhere to the guidance brought by the Messenger. This is what the Shahadah (لا إله إلا الله محمدا رسول الله) demands. That is because (لا إله إلا الله) demands that acts of worship must be done sincerely for the sake of Allah alone; (محمدا رسول الله) demands that acts of worship be in accordance with what was revealed to the noble Messenger. Therefore, Allah should not be worshipped with bidah, newly invented matters in Religion, or evil acts; rather, worship must be based on the Sunnah of the noble Messenger. If either of these two conditions, or both, are not met, then the act of worship will be rejected by Allah. Allah says:

وَقَدِمۡنَآ إِلَىٰ مَا عَمِلُواْ مِنۡ عَمَلٍ۬ فَجَعَلۡنَـٰهُ هَبَآءً۬ مَّنثُورً

And We shall turn to whatever deeds they disbelievers, polytheists] did, and We shall make such deeds as scattered floating particles of dust. [Al-Furqan. 23]

The noble Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said:
مَنْ أَحْدَثَ فِي أَمْرِنَا هَذَا مَا لَيْسَ مِنْهُ فَهُوَ رَدٌ

He who innovates something in this matter of ours [i.e., Islam] that is not of it will have it rejected. [Sahih Al-Bukhaari. Number 2697] [Sahih Muslim. Number 1718]

In another wording of this hadith, the Prophet said:
مَنْ عَمِلَ عَمَلًا لَيْسَ عَلَيْهِ أَمْرُنَا فَهُوَ رَد

He who does an act (of worship) that we have not commanded (i.e. not commanded by the Prophet), will have it rejected.

He said:

فَإِنَّهُ مَنْ يَعِشْ مِنْكُمْ فَسَيَرَى اخْتِلَافًا كَثِيرًا، فَعَلَيْكُمْ بِسُنَّتِي وَسُنَّةِ الْخُلَفَاءِ الرَّاشِدِينَ الْمَهْدِيينَ، عَضُّوا عَلَيْهَا بِالنَّوَاجِذِ، وَإِيَّاكُمْ وَمُحْدَثَاتِ الْأُمُورِ؛ فَإِنَّ كُلَّ بِدْعَةٍ ضَلَالَةٌ

Verily he lives long among you will see a lot of differing, so you must keep to my Sunnah and to the Sunnah of the Khulafaa ar-Rashideen [the rightly guided caliphs]. Adhere to it with your molar teeth (i.e. adhere to it firmly). And beware of newly invented matters [in the religion], for every newly invented matter [in the religion] is a bidah [innovation in the religion], and every bidah is misguidance. [Abu Dawood. Number 4607] [Tirmidhee. Number 2676]

In the hadith about the seventy-three sects, (a) the Messenger explained that out of the seventy-three sects, seventy-two will go to hell and only one will be saved. The saved sect is the one that follows the path of the Messenger and his noble companions. Imaam Malik said: “The latter part of this Ummah will not be rectified except by way of that which rectified its earlier part”. He said: “Whoever initiates a bidah in Islam and considers it to be something good, indeed he has claimed that Muhammad betrayed the Risaalah (i.e. the message he was entrusted with). That is because Allah says: ٱلۡيَوۡمَ أَكۡمَلۡتُ لَكُمۡ دِينَكُمۡ – This day, I have perfected your religion for you]. Therefore, what was not part of the religion at that time cannot be part of the religion today”. [Al-Itisaam of Imaam Shaatibee 1/28]

It is insufficient for someone to say, “I will perform this act of worship even though the Prophet did not do it because my intention is pure and good.” The proof against this statement is when the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] learned that one of his noble companions had slaughtered the Eid sacrifice before the Eid prayer, he told him, “Your slaughtered sheep is just mutton, not a specific act of sacrifice on the day of Eid.” This means that it is not considered an Eid sacrifice because it was not done in accordance with my Sunnah. Therefore, what is in accordance with the Sunnah is that the Eid sacrifice is done after the Eid prayer. Sacrificing before the prayer is outside the specified time and will not be recognised as an Eid sacrifice. Al-Hafidh said in Fat-hul Baaree (10/17): Shaikh Abu Muhammad Bin Abu Hamzah stated: “This narration affirms that even if an act of worship is performed with a sincere intention, it will not be deemed righteous unless it aligns with the prescribed divine revelation”.

What will provide further insight into this matter is when Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud arrived at a gathering in the Masjid, where each individual had a collection of stones/pebbles. Amongst them, there was a man who was saying: “Say Subhaanallaah a hundred times; say Laa-ilaaha Il-lal laah a hundred times; say Allaahu Akbar a hundred times”. So they repeated.  Then Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud approached them and said: “What is this that you are doing?” They said: “O Abu Abdurrahman! These are pebbles to count the number of times we say Allahu Akbar, Laa ilaaha Illal laah and Subhaanallaah”. He said: “Count your sins and I assure you that you are not going to lose anything of your good deeds. O Ummah of Muhammad! How quick is your destruction! These are the companions of your Prophet present in great numbers; these are his clothes not worn out yet, and his pots are not broken yet. I swear by the One (i.e. Allah) in Whose Hands my soul is, either you are following a religion that is better than the Religion of Muhammad or you are opening a door of misguidance”. They said: “O Abu Abdurrahman! We swear by Allah that we intend nothing other than good”. He said: “How many people want good but never reach it!” [Sunan Ad-Daarimee 1/68-69. Also recorded by Imam Al-Albani in As-Silsilah As-Saheehah. Number 2005]

Regarding the positive results of worship, they include a relaxed heart, a peaceful state of mind, an increase in one’s provision, a state of overall well-being, serenity, and tranquillity. The Qur’an contains numerous verses and the Sunnah includes several narrations that emphasise these positive outcomes, and that fear of Allah and righteous deeds lead to happiness in both this life and the hereafter. Allah (The Mighty and Majestic) states:

وَلَوۡ أَنَّ أَهۡلَ ٱلۡقُرَىٰٓ ءَامَنُواْ وَٱتَّقَوۡاْ لَفَتَحۡنَا عَلَيۡہِم بَرَكَـٰتٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ

And if the people of the towns had believed and had the Taqwa (piety), certainly, We should have opened for them blessings from the heaven and the earth. [Al-A’raf. 96]

The noble verse highlights the connection between worship and the positive outcomes in a Muslim’s life. Those who fear Allah and have faith in Him will be rewarded and provided for by Allah in this world. Blessings from the heavens and the earth, such as rain, vegetation, and treasures, will be bestowed upon them. Allah (The Mighty and Majestic) states about the people of the Scripture:

وَلَوۡ أَنَّہُمۡ أَقَامُواْ ٱلتَّوۡرَٮٰةَ وَٱلۡإِنجِيلَ وَمَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيۡہِم مِّن رَّبِّہِمۡ لَأَڪَلُواْ مِن فَوۡقِهِمۡ وَمِن تَحۡتِ أَرۡجُلِهِم‌ۚ

And if only they had acted according to the Taurat (Torah), the Injeel (Gospel), and what has (now) been sent down to them from their Lord (the Qur’an), they would surely have gotten provision from above them, and from underneath their feet. [Al-Ma’idah 66]

The content of these two verses regarding the inhabitants of the towns and the followers of the scripture pertains to the worldly reward for those who have faith in Allah and are mindful of Him. As for the reward in the Hereafter for the believers and the God-fearing, Allah says:

وَلَوۡ أَنَّ أَهۡلَ ٱلۡڪِتَـٰبِ ءَامَنُواْ وَٱتَّقَوۡاْ لَڪَفَّرۡنَا عَنۡہُمۡ سَيِّـَٔاتِہِمۡ وَلَأَدۡخَلۡنَـٰهُمۡ جَنَّـٰتِ ٱلنَّعِيمِ

And if only the people of the Scripture had believed (in Muhammad) and warded off evil (sin, ascribing partners to Allah) and had become Al-Muttaqun (pious), We would indeed have blotted out their sins and admitted them to Gardens of pleasure (in Paradise). [Al-Ma’idah 65]

Allah [The Mighty and Majestic] says:
يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ ٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَقُولُواْ قَوۡلاً۬ سَدِيدً۬ا

O you who believe! Keep your duty to Allah and fear Him, and speak (always) the truth).

This verse signifies an act of devotion, and Allah subsequently highlights its positive outcomes, stating:

يُصۡلِحۡ لَكُمۡ أَعۡمَـٰلَكُمۡ وَيَغۡفِرۡ لَكُمۡ ذُنُوبَكُمۡۗ وَمَن يُطِعِ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ ۥ فَقَدۡ فَازَ فَوۡزًا عَظِيمًا

“He will direct you to do righteous good deeds and will forgive you your sins. And whosoever obeys Allah and His Messenger) he has indeed achieved a great achievement”.

Indeed, being guided towards righteous and correct actions and having one’s sins forgiven in the afterlife are positive results of worship. This noble verse highlights the positive outcomes of acts of worship in both this worldly life and the afterlife. In this life, Allah will guide individuals towards righteousness and goodness, enabling them to make sound decisions and follow the path of Allah with clarity. In the afterlife, Allah will grant forgiveness for sins and erase all evil deeds. Allah (The Mighty and Majestic) also says:

وَمَن يَتَّقِ ٱللَّهَ يَجۡعَل لَّهُ ۥ مَخۡرَجً۬ا
وَيَرۡزُقۡهُ مِنۡ حَيۡثُ لَا يَحۡتَسِبُ‌ۚ

“And whosoever fears Allah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty). And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine”.

This noble verse affirms that fear of Allah and worshipping Him alone, along with adhering to His commandments and abstaining from what He has prohibited, will rescue an individual from challenging and arduous circumstances. Furthermore, Allah bestows sustenance upon those who obey and revere Him from unexpected sources beyond their imagination. Allah says:

وَمَن يَتَّقِ ٱللَّهَ يَجۡعَل لَّهُ ۥ مِنۡ أَمۡرِهِۦ يُسۡرً۬ا

“And whosoever fears Allah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make his matter easy for him”.

Indeed, as a result of fearing Allah, one can experience the ease of their affairs. Allah will simplify their journey toward righteousness and unveil paths that bring joy and contentment in both this world and the hereafter. Allah says:

وَمَن يَتَّقِ ٱللَّهَ يُكَفِّرۡ عَنۡهُ سَيِّـَٔاتِهِۦ وَيُعۡظِمۡ لَهُ ۥۤ أَجۡرًا

“And whosoever fears Allah and keeps his duty to Him, He will remit his sins from him, and will enlarge his reward”. This pertains to the rewards in the afterlife that are attained through one’s fear of Allah.

Allah (The Mighty and Majestic) says:
يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ إِن تَتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ يَجۡعَل لَّكُمۡ فُرۡقَانً۬ا وَيُكَفِّرۡ عَنڪُمۡ سَيِّـَٔاتِكُمۡ وَيَغۡفِرۡ لَكُمۡ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ ذُو ٱلۡفَضۡلِ ٱلۡعَظِيمِ

“O you who believe! If you obey and fear Allah, He will grant you Furqan a criterion [(to judge between right and wrong), or (Makhraj, i.e. making a way for you to get out from every difficulty)], and will expiate for you your sins, and forgive you, and Allah is the Owner of the Great Bounty”.

The verse shows that those who fear Allah and obey Him and His Messenger will be given the ability to differentiate between right and wrong. They will follow Allah’s path with clarity and guidance in this life. In the next life, Allah will erase their sins and forgive them.

Also, in the latter portion of the verse addressing the proper conduct when it comes to loans and debts, Allah (The Most High) says: [وَٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ‌ۖ وَيُعَلِّمُڪُمُ ٱللَّهُ‌ۗ-So be afraid of Allah, and Allah teaches you].

Allah states in the story of Nuh [peace be upon him] and his people:

فَقُلۡتُ ٱسۡتَغۡفِرُواْ رَبَّكُمۡ إِنَّهُ ۥ كَانَ غَفَّارً۬ا
يُرۡسِلِ ٱلسَّمَآءَ عَلَيۡكُم مِّدۡرَارً۬ا
وَيُمۡدِدۡكُم بِأَمۡوَٲلٍ۬ وَبَنِينَ وَيَجۡعَل لَّكُمۡ جَنَّـٰتٍ۬ وَيَجۡعَل لَّكُمۡ أَنۡہَـٰرً۬ا

“I (Nooh) said (to them): Ask forgiveness from your Lord; Verily, He is Oft-Forgiving; He will send rain to you in abundance; And give you increase in wealth and children, and bestow on you gardens and bestow on you rivers”.
The mentioned matters in the previous verses are positive results of worship. The worship mentioned here is seeking forgiveness, and its positive result is that Allah will bless them with abundant rain, increase their wealth and children, and grant them gardens and rivers.

Furthermore, akin to the aforementioned verse, Allah also referred to Hud [peace be upon him] and his nation:

وَيَـٰقَوۡمِ ٱسۡتَغۡفِرُواْ رَبَّكُمۡ ثُمَّ تُوبُوٓاْ إِلَيۡهِ يُرۡسِلِ ٱلسَّمَآءَ عَلَيۡڪُم مِّدۡرَارً۬ا وَيَزِدۡڪُمۡ قُوَّةً إِلَىٰ قُوَّتِكُمۡ

“And O my people! Ask forgiveness of your Lord and then repent to Him, He will send you (from the sky) abundant rain, and add strength to your strength”.

Likewise, Allah mentions about His Prophet Muhammad and the people:

وَأَنِ ٱسۡتَغۡفِرُواْ رَبَّكُمۡ ثُمَّ تُوبُوٓاْ إِلَيۡهِ يُمَتِّعۡكُم مَّتَـٰعًا حَسَنًا إِلَىٰٓ أَجَلٍ۬ مُّسَمًّ۬ى وَيُؤۡتِ كُلَّ ذِى فَضۡلٍ۬ فَضۡلَهُ ۥ‌ۖ

“Seek the forgiveness of your Lord, and turn to Him in repentance, that He may grant you good enjoyment, for a term appointed, and bestow His abounding Grace to every owner of grace (i.e. the one who helps and serves needy and deserving, physically and with his wealth, and even with good words)”.

Allah (The Most High) says:

مَنۡ عَمِلَ صَـٰلِحً۬ا مِّن ذَڪَرٍ أَوۡ أُنثَىٰ وَهُوَ مُؤۡمِنٌ۬ فَلَنُحۡيِيَنَّهُ ۥ حَيَوٰةً۬ طَيِّبَةً۬‌ۖ وَلَنَجۡزِيَنَّهُمۡ أَجۡرَهُم بِأَحۡسَنِ مَا ڪَانُواْ يَعۡمَلُونَ

“Whoever works righteousness, whether male or female, while he (or she) is a true believer (of Islamic Monotheism) verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment, and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do (i.e. Paradise in the Hereafter)”.

This noble verse affirms that faith and good deeds result in a good and happy life- a life filled with fear of Allah, obedience to Him and His Messenger, and a great reward in the Hereafter.

As for the narrations in the Sunnah regarding the positive results of the acts of worship in a Muslim’s life, there exists a valuable piece of advice from the noble Prophet to Ibn Abbas: “Be mindful of Allah and He will protect you. Be mindful of Allah and you will find Him before you”. This hadeeth was reported by Imam Tirmidhee (number 2516) and he graded it Hasan Sahih. In another wording of this hadeeth reported by Imam Ahmad (Number 2803), the Prophet said to Ibn Abbas: “Be Mindful of Allah, and you will find Him in front of you. Acknowledge Allah in times of ease and prosperity, and He will acknowledge you in times of hardship”.

Ibn Rajab provided precious commentary on this hadith in Jami Al-Uloom Wal Hikam. He explained that Allah’s protection for His servant manifests in two ways: safeguarding the individual’s body, wealth, children, and family, as well as protecting his religion by shielding him from doubts that may lead to misguidance and unlawful desires. As a result, the person can maintain righteousness and steadfastness in both his religious and worldly matters. This divine protection is granted to those who are conscious of Allah, those who adhere to His commandments and refrain from what He has prohibited. Allah rewards such individuals based on their mindfulness of Him, and recompense is given in accordance with one’s deeds. The Prophet’s statement “He (Allah) will protect you” serves as a reward for the positive outcomes that stem from righteous actions, with the reward being commensurate with one’s actions. As for the statement of the Prophet “Be mindful of Allah and you will find Him before you”, this means that you will find Allah in front of you- Allah will guard and protect you, and He will protect you from every evil. The statement of the Prophet “Acknowledge Allah in times of ease and prosperity, and He will acknowledge you in times of hardship” means that if you remain in obedience to Allah and His Messenger in times of ease and well-being, Allah will reward you by protecting you during times of severe hardship and critical situations. What will shed more light on this is the tale of three individuals who were strolling when the rain started to pour, forcing them to seek shelter in a mountain cave. A large rock blocked the entrance, trapping them inside as if they were in a grave while alive. They then recalled and reminded each other of the righteous deeds they had done for the sake of Allah during times of ease, using them as a means of seeking intercession. One mentioned his kindness towards his parents, another his abstention from fornication for the sake of Allah, and the third his fulfilment of a worker’s rights even after the worker had left without collecting his wages. By invoking Allah with these righteous actions, the rock miraculously moved, allowing them to escape from the cave. [1]

Also, prayer, zakat, fasting, and hajj are acts of worship and each of them brings positive outcomes in the life of a Muslim. Prayer is a fundamental pillar of the Religion and serves as a deterrent against immoral and wicked actions. It establishes a strong connection between a person and Allah, and by strictly observing the five daily prayers in congregation with fellow Muslims, one can strengthen their bond with Allah, remaining constantly attached to Him day and night. By performing the obligatory five daily prayers for the sake of Allah, as well as the voluntary prayers, a person will be rewarded by Allah for their devotion. Moreover, prayer helps to distance oneself from immoral and wicked deeds. Whenever the urge to disobey Allah and engage in evil actions arises, the individual is reminded of the purpose behind performing prayer and the importance of being consistent in its practice. This motivation stems from the desire to receive rewards from Allah and the fear of His punishment. Ultimately, prayer acts as a shield against immoral and wicked acts, thus one is distanced from evil. Allah (The Mighty and Majestic) says:

إِنَّ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ تَنۡهَىٰ عَنِ ٱلۡفَحۡشَآءِ وَٱلۡمُنكَرِ‌ۗ

“Verily, As-Salat (the prayer) prevents from Al-Fahsha’ (i.e. great sins of every kind, unlawful sexual intercourse, etc.) and Al-Munkar (i.e. disbelief, polytheism, and every kind of evil wicked deed, etc.)” [al-Ankabut 45]

Also, the positive impacts of Zakat are truly immense. It serves as a means of cleansing the soul from stinginess and avarice. It acts as a way to purify one’s wealth, allowing it to flourish and multiply. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in achieving the goal of what is known as ‘Social Security’ in today’s society. When the wealthy give Zakat to the poor and needy, their needs are met and they also receive nourishment. This obligation of Zakat Payment, obligated by Allah, is taken from the wealth of the wealthy. It has been transmitted in a hadith reported by Mu’adh Ibn Jabal that the Prophet stated: “And if they offer their Salah (five daily prayers), tell them that Allah has enjoined on them Zakat of their properties and it is to be taken from the rich among them and given to the poor among them”. (2)

Zakat payment brings significant benefits to the wealthy as it cleanses their souls, increases their wealth, and earns them rewards from Allah for helping their less fortunate Muslim brothers and sisters in need. Through this act of charity, the needy have their needs met and their poverty alleviated. Allah has commanded that Zakat should be collected from the wealth of wealthy individuals in a way that will assist the impoverished and the needy while ensuring that the wealthy are not adversely affected. Zakat is a small sum obtained from ample wealth, which Allah has bestowed upon people. Allah has mandated the contribution of this small portion, which does not burden the wealthy when they give it, but rather aids the poor and needy – those who lack resources and possess no wealth.

One of the positive results of showing charity and kindness to the poor and needy is exemplified in a narration by Abu Hurairah, where the Prophet stated: While a person was in the wilderness he heard a voice from the cloud (commanding it thus): Irrigate the garden of so and so. (After that the clouds slunk aside and poured water on a stony ground. It filled a channel amongst the channels of that land and that person followed that water and he found a person standing in the garden busy in changing the course of water with the help of a hatchet. He said to him: Servant of Allah, what is your name? he said: So and so. And it was that very name which he had heard from the clouds. And he said to him: Servant of Allah, why do you ask me my name? He said: I heard a voice from the clouds of which It is the downpour, saying: Water the garden of so and so, (with a mention) of your name. What do you do (for the favour) shown to you by Allah in this matter? He said: Now as you state so; I look what yield I get from it, then I give one-third as charity out of it and I and my family eat one-third of it and one-third I return to it as investment.’’ And in another narration of this same hadeeth, he said: I earmark one-third for the poor, the needy, and the wayfarer. (3)

As for fasting, it has tremendous benefits as it serves as a form of protection. The Prophet said, “Fasting is a shield.” (4)  It serves as a shield against the hellfire in the hereafter and shields against disobedience. Fasting diminishes a person’s desires, thus curbing their impulsive actions and serving as a safeguard against engaging in harmful and forbidden deeds driven by indulgence. Indulging excessively can lead the soul towards unfavorable outcomes both in this life and the hereafter. Because of this, the Prophet said: “Paradise is surrounded by hardships and the hellfire is surrounded by all kinds of desires and passions”. (4)

The journey to paradise necessitates the practice of patience in refraining from disobedience, while the path to hellfire is encompassed by all forbidden desires. By distancing oneself from these forbidden desires, safety is ensured. However, engaging in such desires leads to falling into what Allah has prohibited. Although this forbidden pleasure may provide temporary satisfaction, its consequences bring sorrow, remorse, and humiliation in both this life and the hereafter. It has been reported in a hadith on the authority of Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud that the prophet stated: “O young people! Whoever among you can marry, should marry, and whoever is not able to marry, is recommended to observe Sawm (fast) as fasting will diminish his sexual power”. (6)

Henceforth, the Prophet explicitly stated that if an individual is capable of entering into marriage, they should promptly pursue it to maintain their chastity and enable another person (i.e. the wife) to do the same. However, if one is unable to get married, one should dedicate oneself to the Prophetic solution advised by the noble Messenger, which is fasting. This practice serves as a shield and safeguard against succumbing to acts of disobedience. To summarise, this is valuable guidance bestowed by the noble Messenger to the younger generation, emphasising that they should marry if possible, and if not, they should control their desires through fasting. Regarding the fasting of wealthy individuals, it serves as a reminder of hunger pangs. Consequently, they contemplate the blessings bestowed upon them by Allah, as they have Muslim brethren who experience hunger pangs even without fasting. This realisation stems from their inability to alleviate extreme hunger. As a result, this introspection motivates them to exhibit kindness towards the impoverished and contribute to the support of the destitute and needy.

Regarding the hajj, it is a great act of worship. Allah has obligated it to His servants at least once in their lifetime. Hajj encompasses various acts of worship that involve both financial contributions and physical actions. It has praiseworthy outcomes in an individual’s life. The noble Prophet stated: “(The performance of) Umrah is expiation for the sins committed between it and the previous one. And the reward of Al-Hajj Al-Mabroor (the one accepted by Allaah) is nothing but Paradise”. (7) Abu Hurairah said that Allah’s Messenger was asked about the best of deeds, so he replied, “To believe in Allah and His Messenger”. The questioner then asked, “What is the next (in goodness)?” He replied, “To participate in Jihaad”. The questioner again asked, “What is the next (in goodness)?” He replied, “To perform Hajj Mabroor (which is accepted by Allaah…)”. (8) Abu Hurairah also narrated that Allah’s Messenger said: “Whoever performs Hajj for Allah’s sake only and does not have sexual relations with his wife and does not do evil or sins; then he will return (after hajj, free from sins) as if he was born anew”. (9)

A ‘Hajj Mabroor’ is a pilgrimage that is performed in accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet, and a clear indication of a ‘Hajj Mabroor’ is the positive transformation that occurs within the individual after completing the pilgrimage. If a person’s negative circumstances improve or if their already good state becomes even better, then it is evident that their Hajj is Mabroor (InShaallah).

Hajj and Umrah encompass various acts of worship, one of which is Tawaaf. This particular act of worship is exclusive to its designated location, namely around the Kabah. Tawaaf is a form of worship that has been specifically ordained by Allah to be performed around the Baitul Ateeq (the Ancient House) within the Haram. Upon reaching Makkah, individuals engage in Tawaaf around the Baitul Ateeq as a means to draw closer to Allah (The Mighty and Majestic). This act of worship, Tawaaf, holds a unique significance that can only be fulfilled within the confines of Makkah. It is important to note that Tawaaf is exclusively performed around the Noble Kabah and cannot be carried out in any other location on Earth. This serves as a reminder and raises awareness that performing Tawaaf in any other place or around any tomb is not sanctioned by Allah (The Mighty and Majestic). Hence, it is impermissible to engage in Tawaaf around any tomb or any other location on Earth apart from the Noble Kabah. Furthermore, the same principle applies to kissing and gesturing towards the Black Stone and the Yemeni Corner. It is important to note that Allah (The Mighty and Majestic) has not prescribed for Muslims to seek closeness to Him by kissing any other stone or gesturing towards it, except in these two specific locations. This is exemplified by the actions of Umar Ibnul Khattaab who approached the Black Stone, kissed it, and then said: “No doubt, I know that you are a stone and can neither harm (anyone) nor benefit anyone. Had I not seen Allaah’s Messenger kissing you, I would not have kissed you”. (10)

Another benefit of Hajj and Umrah is the act of changing into Ihram attire, a simple garment worn by all pilgrims regardless of their social status. This act serves as a reminder of the white shroud that will eventually cover the deceased, prompting the pilgrim to focus on performing good deeds and preparing for the afterlife which is the most valuable provision for the hereafter, as Allah says:

وَتَزَوَّدُواْ فَإِنَّ خَيۡرَ ٱلزَّادِ ٱلتَّقۡوَىٰ‌ۚ

“And take a provision (with you) for the journey, but the best provision is At-Taqwa (piety, righteousness, etc.)”.

Another positive result of Hajj is the congregation of pilgrims at Arafah, symbolising the gathering of people on the Day of Judgement. Therefore, standing at Arafah serves as an inspiration for individuals to ready themselves for the Day of Judgement through the practice of virtuous actions. Furthermore, during the Hajj, Muslims from both the Eastern and Western regions of the world have the opportunity to come together and cooperate. They get to gain insight into each other’s circumstances, fostering a bond of shared happiness and joy. Similarly, they empathise with each other’s hardships, offering guidance and assistance in fulfilling their religious obligations. In this way, they collaborate in promoting righteousness and piety, as commanded by Allah. These significant acts of worship prescribed by Allah (The Mighty and Majestic), upon which His Religion of Islamic Monotheism is established, yield positive results for a Muslim in both this life and the Hereafter. [An Excerpt from  أثر العبادات في حياة المسلم pages 4-31]

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[a] All The Sects In The Fire Except One – [A Precise Clarification By Imaam Abdul Azeez In Baaz] – salafidawahmanchester.com/
https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2021/03/06/all-the-sects-in-the-fire-except-one-a-precise-clarification-by-imaam-abdul-azeez-in-baaz/

[1]: Narrated Ibn ‘Umar: The Prophet said, “While three persons were walking, rain began to fall and they had to enter a cave in a mountain. A big rock rolled over and blocked the mouth of the cave. They said to each other, ‘Invoke Allah with the best deed you have performed (so Allah might remove the rock)’. One of them said, ‘O Allah! My parents were old and I used to go out to graze (my animals). On my return, I would milk (the animals) and take the milk in a vessel for my parents to drink. After they had drunk from it, I would give it to my children, family, and wife. One day I was delayed and on my return I found my parents sleeping, and I disliked waking them up. The children were crying at my feet (because of hunger). That state of affairs continued till it was dawn. O Allah! If You regard that I did it for Your sake, then remove this rock so that we may see the sky.’ So, the rock was moved a bit. The second said, ‘O Allah! You know that I was in love with a cousin of mine, like the deepest love a man may have for a woman, and she told me that I would not get my desire fulfilled unless I paid her one hundred Dinars (gold pieces). So, I struggled for it till I gathered the desired amount, and when I sat in between her legs, she told me to be afraid of Allah and asked me not to deflower her except rightfully (by marriage). So, I got up and left her. O Allah! If You regard that I did it for Your sake, kindly remove this rock.’ So, two-thirds of the rock was removed. Then the third man said, ‘O Allah! No doubt You know that once I employed a worker for one Faraq (three Sa’s) of millet, and when I wanted to pay him, he refused to take it, so I sowed it, and from its yield I bought cows and a shepherd. After a time that man came and demanded his money. I said to him: Go to those cows and the shepherd and take them for they are for you. He asked me whether I was joking with him. I told him that I was not joking with him, and all that belonged to him. O Allah! If You regard that I did it sincerely for Your sake, then please remove the rock.’ So, the rock was removed completely from the mouth of the cave.” [See Saheeh Bukhaari. (Number: 2215)] and Saheeh Muslim (Number 2743)]

[2] Narrated Ibn Abbas: When the Prophet sent Mu’aadh to Yemen, he said to him, ‘’You are going to a nation from the people of the Scripture, so let the first thing to which you will invite them is they should testify to the Tawheed of Allah [i.e. Laa ilaaha Il-lal lah (None has the right to be worshipped except Allah)]. If they accept that, tell them that Allah has enjoined on them, five obligatory congregational Salah (prayers) to be offered in one day and one night. And if they offer their Salaat (five daily prayers), tell them that Allah has enjoined on them Zakat of their properties and it is to be taken from the rich among them and given to the poor among them. And if they agree to that, then take from them Zakat, but avoid the best property of the people”. [Sahih al-Bukhari (The Book of Tawheed). Hadeeth Number: 7372]

[3] [Sahih Muslim: Kitaab Az-Zudh War-Riqaaq. Hadeeth Number 2984. Chapter: Charity to the Masaakeen]

[4] Bukhaari No1894 and Muslim No: 1151.

[5]Muslim No: 2822 and Bukhaari No: 6487]

[6] Bukhaari No: 5065

[7] Bukhaari. Number 1773 and Muslim. Number 1349

[8]Bukhaari Number: 26 and Muslim Number 83

[9]Bukhaari Number: 1521 and Muslim 1350

[10] Bukhaari. 1597 and Muslim 1270

Reflections from some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi al-Mad’khali [10 of 80]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Deviated Callers & Individuals, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Scholars of Islam, Shirk, Sin, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Madkhali, may Allah preserve him, said:

Indeed, Allah severely censured the one who does not act. Allah said:

وَاتْلُ عَلَيْهِمْ نَبَأَ الَّذِي آتَيْنَاهُ آيَاتِنَا فَانسَلَخَ مِنْهَا فَأَتْبَعَهُ الشَّيْطَانُ فَكَانَ مِنَ الْغَاوِينَ
وَلَوْ شِئْنَا لَرَفَعْنَاهُ بِهَا وَلَٰكِنَّهُ أَخْلَدَ إِلَى الْأَرْضِ وَاتَّبَعَ هَوَاهُ ۚ فَمَثَلُهُ كَمَثَلِ الْكَلْبِ إِن تَحْمِلْ عَلَيْهِ يَلْهَثْ أَوْ تَتْرُكْهُ يَلْهَث ۚ

And recite [O Muhammad] to them the story of him to whom We gave Our Aayaat [proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.], but he threw them away, so Shaitan [satan] followed him up, and he became of those who went astray. And had We willed, We would surely have elevated him therewith but he clung to the earth and followed his own vain desire. So his description is the description of a dog: if you drive him away, he lolls his tongue out, or if you leave him alone, he [still] lolls his tongue out. [Al-A’raaf’ 175-176]

This person fell into disbelief due to not acting and honouring the divine revelation. An absence of honouring and applying this knowledge which you have gained and mastered will lead you to Bidah. It may lead you to sinful (behaviour) and may lead you to kufr. This person (mentioned in Surah Al-A’raf 175-176] was a prominent scholar, but he threw away the knowledge that Allah entrusted on him due to not acting upon it. Many people do not act, so he (i.e. such individual) is led towards sinful deeds because he does not act. Allah said:

كَبُرَ مَقْتًا عِندَ اللَّهِ أَن تَقُولُوا مَا لَا تَفْعَلُونَ

Most hateful it is with Allah that you say that which you do not do.[As-Saff. 3]

Allah’s Aid is sought, may lead him to fall into Bidah and misguidance, and maybe that the Bidah he falls into is kufriyyah [I], or he may fall into kufr straight away – and Allah’s Aid is sought. [1]

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

وَٱتۡلُ عَلَيۡهِمۡ نَبَأَ ٱلَّذِىٓ ءَاتَيۡنَـٰهُ ءَايَـٰتِنَا فَٱنسَلَخَ مِنۡهَا فَأَتۡبَعَهُ ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنُ فَكَانَ مِنَ ٱلۡغَاوِينَ

 وَلَوۡ شِئۡنَا لَرَفَعۡنَـٰهُ بِہَا وَلَـٰكِنَّهُ ۥۤ أَخۡلَدَ إِلَى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَٱتَّبَعَ هَوَٮٰهُ‌ۚ فَمَثَلُهُ ۥ كَمَثَلِ ٱلۡڪَلۡبِ إِن تَحۡمِلۡ عَلَيۡهِ يَلۡهَثۡ أَوۡ تَتۡرُڪۡهُ يَلۡهَث‌ۚ ذَّٲلِكَ مَثَلُ ٱلۡقَوۡمِ ٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُواْ بِـَٔايَـٰتِنَا‌ۚ فَٱقۡصُصِ ٱلۡقَصَصَ لَعَلَّهُمۡ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ

And recite [O Muhammad] to them the story of him to whom We gave Our Ayat [proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.], but he threw them away, so Shaitan [Satan] followed him up, and he became of those who went astray. And had We willed, We would surely have elevated him therewith but he clung to the earth and followed his own vain desire. So, his description is the description of a dog: if you drive him away, he lolls his tongue out, or if you leave him alone, he [still] lolls his tongue out. Such is the description of the people who reject Our Ayat [proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.]. So, relate the stories, perhaps they may reflect. Allah [Al-A’raf 175-176]

Allah likened him to a dog because he was given knowledge of the Book and taught what was not given to others, but he abandoned it, followed his desires and preferred the Anger of Allah over the Pleasure of Allah, preferred the worldly life over the afterlife and preferred the created beings over the Creator. A dog is considered to be among the meanest animals, the greediest and most eager [for food]. And due to this eagerness, it does not roam about except that its nose is placed on the ground, whilst sniffing greedily and eagerly. When it takes possession of a dead animal enough for a hundred dogs, it would not allow another dog to eat anything from it, except whilst growling and seeking to gain the upper hand due to eagerness, greed and covetousness.

This person -the one who abandoned the verses of Allah and followed his desires- did so out of severe eagerness for the worldly life and due to his heart being disconnected from Allah and the afterlife. He is extremely eager for the worldly things and his eagerness is similar to the constant eagerness of a dog whether it is troubled or left alone.

Ibn Jurayj, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: A dog is among those animals with the least patience when it is thirsty. It lolls its tongue out the most, whether it is standing, sitting, moving or not moving. Its intense desire [i.e. greed] necessitates that it will always loll its tongue. Likewise, this is the affair of that person likened to the dog because the extreme eagerness and burning desire in his heart necessitates that he will always exert himself [for the worldly goods at the expense of the afterlife. He still exerts himself whether he is admonished or not.

Mujahid, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: This is similar to the one given knowledge of the Book, but he does not act upon it. Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him and his father, said: If you direct him towards wisdom, he does not follow it, and if you leave him alone he is not guided towards good, just like the dog that lolls its tongue out whether it is taking a rest or driven away.

Al-Hasan, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: It is the Munafiq. He does not remain firm upon the truth whether he is called or left alone, whether he is admonished or not admonished, just like the dog that lolls its tongue out whether driven away or left alone.

So Allah, The Most High, gave an example of the one who abandoned His Aayaat [proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc], saying: He is misguided, whether he is admonished or left alone, just like the dog that lolls its tongue out, whether driven away or left alone. This Ayah [i.e. Al-A’raf 176] is similar to the saying of Allah, The Most High]: [وَإِن تَدۡعُوهُمۡ إِلَى ٱلۡهُدَىٰ لَا يَتَّبِعُوڪُمۡ‌ۚ سَوَآءٌ عَلَيۡكُمۡ أَدَعَوۡتُمُوهُمۡ أَمۡ أَنتُمۡ صَـٰمِتُونَ  – And if you call them to guidance, they follow you not. It is the same for you whether you call them, or you keep silent] [7:193]

Contemplate on the [statements] of wisdom and [significant] meanings found in this parable!

*Allah [The Most High] said: [ءَاتَيۡنَـٰهُ ءَايَـٰتِنَا- To whom We gave Our Aayaat]; Allah informed us that He was the One Who gave this person knowledge of His Aayaat, for indeed it is a blessing and Allah is the One Who conferred it upon him. Allah attributed the source of this blessing to Himself. Then Allah said: [فَٱنسَلَخَ مِنۡهَا- But he threw them away]-Meaning: He left it in a manner similar to the manner in which a snake leaves its skin. And Allah did not say, ”We threw him away from it” because this person was the one who left it due to following his desires. Then Allaah said: [فَأَتۡبَعَهُ ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنُ- So shaytaan (satan) followed him up]- Meaning: shaytaan approached and pursued him, just as Allah stated about Pharaoh’s people: [فَأَتۡبَعُوهُم مُّشۡرِقِينَ- So they pursued them (i.e. Fir’awn and his hosts pursued Bani Israa’eel) at sunrise] [26: 60)].

*He [i.e. this person to whom Allah gave knowledge of the Book] used to be protected and guarded against shaytan through the Aayaat of Allah, but when he turned away from them, shaytan overwhelmed him just as a lion overwhelms its prey; [فَكَانَ مِنَ ٱلۡغَاوِينَ- And he became of those who went astray]-Meaning: Those who act in opposition to the knowledge they possess and those who know the truth but act in opposition to it, just like the evil scholars.

*Then Allah said: [وَلَوۡ شِئۡنَا لَرَفَعۡنَـٰهُ بِہَا- And had We willed, We would surely have elevated him therewith]; Allah informed us that being elevated in His presence is not merely acquired through knowledge, for indeed this person was from the scholars; rather elevation is acquired through adherence to the truth, giving precedence to it and aiming to please Allah. Indeed, this person was among the most knowledgeable during his era, but he was neither elevated through his knowledge nor did he benefit from it. We seek Allaah’s protection from knowledge that does not benefit. Therefore, Allaah informs us that He is the One Who will raise a servant-if He wills-with the knowledge He bestows on them, otherwise the servant will be degraded. The Rabb [i.e. Allaah- The Creator, The All- Provider and in Whose Hand is the Dominion of everything] is the One alone Who degrades and raises [His servants], and indeed He degraded this person and did not raise him. [وَلَوۡ شِئۡنَا لَرَفَعۡنَـٰهُ بِہَا- And had We willed, We would surely have elevated him therewith]- Meaning: Had we willed, We would have given him preference [over others], ennobled him, and raised his status and rank by way of the Aayaat we gave him. Ibn Abbas said: Had Allah willed, He would have raised this person through the knowledge he (i.e. this person) possessed.

*[ وَلَـٰكِنَّهُ ۥۤ أَخۡلَدَ إِلَى ٱلۡأَر-But he clung to the earth]; Muqatil said: ‘’He became pleased with the Dunya. [وَٱتَّبَعَ هَوَٮٰهُ‌ۚ- And followed his own vain desire]; Al-Kalbee said: He pursued the lowly affairs and abandoned the lofty affairs. Abu Rawqa said: He chose the worldly life over the afterlife. Ataa said: He wanted the worldly things and obeyed his shaytaan.  Ibn Zayd said: He followed his desires by joining those who fought Prophet Musa [peace be upon him] and his people.

*This is a description of an evil scholar who acts in opposition to the knowledge he possesses.

*He went astray after having knowledge. He intentionally chose disbelief over Imaan and not out of ignorance.

*He left Iman in a manner that did not allow him to ever return to it again, for indeed he threw away the Aayaat of Allah completely just as a snake exits its skin. Had he been left with anything [of Iman], he would not have been [considered] as one who exited from it completely.

*Shaytaan overwhelmed him and caught him as his prey.

*He [غوى-strayed] after being upon a state of [الرشد-the right course- well guided in affairs of the religion]. The word [الغي] means to be misguided in knowledge and intention, and it is more specified to corruption in knowledge and action, just as the word [الضلال] is more specified to corruption in knowledge and creed. When one of the two words is mentioned on its own, it includes the meaning of the other; but if mentioned together, then each of them takes its more specific meaning as mentioned above.

*Allah did not wish to raise him by way of knowledge and that was the cause of his destruction. And because he was not raised by way of knowledge [i.e. due to his own fault], it became a source of anxiety for him. It would have been better for him not to be a scholar and would have lessened the punishment he will receive.

*Allah informed us of this person’s wicked goal, for he gave preference to the most despicable [path] over the noblest [path].

*His choice [i.e. preferring evil] was not due to thoughts that crossed his mind and ideas he was unconscious of; rather it was due to [إخلاد إلى الأرض   clinging to the earth- following his desires constantly]. Az-Zujaj said: The root of the words [خلد and أخلد] is [خلود], and it means to be constant in something and to remain upon something.

*He turned away from guidance and followed his vain desires. He made his vain desires a guide for himself and followed it. [2]

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Footnote I: Bidah Al-Mukaffirah and Bidah al-Mufassiqah

Bidah Al-Mukaffirah: It is the Bidah that is tantamount to disbelief. Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi Al-Madkhali (may Allaah preserve him) was asked whether there is a difference between Bidah Al-Mukaffirah and Bidah Al-Mufassiqah; so Shaikh said that there is Bidah Mukaffirah, such as rejecting the Ruyah (i.e. denying that the believers will see Allaah in the afterlife); rejecting Allaah’s Uluww [i.e. denying that Allaah is above his creation –Allaah ascended over the Throne in a way that benefits his majesty)]; invoking other than Allaah; offering slaughtered sacrifice (i.e. animals) to other than Allaah etc. These are affairs of Bidah Al-Mukaffirah (the bidah that is tantamount to disbelief).

But we do not make Takfeer of the people who commit this type of Bidah until we establish the proofs against them. That is because some of them (i.e. the people who fall into these affairs) carry doubts and are far away from the era of Prophethood and its light (i.e. guidance). So they fall into the likes these innovations.

Rejecting the Ruyah is disbelief; rejecting Allaah’s Uluww is disbelief; the saying that the Qur’aan is created is disbelief-major disbelief. But this person, -[who testifies that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah and that Muhammad is the messenger of Allaah, and he prays, observes fasting, wants paradise and believes in that] -received the doubts of the people of falsehood, so he falls into the likes of these affairs (i.e. these innovations that are tantamount to disbelief). So we say to him: You have fallen into disbelief and the evidence is this and this, and we clarify for him. So if Allaah grants him Tawfeeq and he returns to the truth, then all praise is due to Allaah. But if not, we declare him a disbeliever after establishing the proofs against him.

As for Bidah Al-Mufassiqah it is other than this (i.e. it is not at the level of that which is tantamount to disbelief)…. [abridged and paraphrased. visist: www.rabee.net/ar/questions.php?cat=26&id=484 ]

On the other hand, who are those qualified to make Takfeer? By Al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzan – may Allah preserve him.

Question: O Respected Shaykh, who is the murtadd (apostate)? We hope for you to define it in a clear manner, for sometimes the judgement of apostasy can be made upon a person while there is some doubt that he had.

Response: The judgement of apostasy and expelling someone from the religion is only appropriate for the people of knowledge who are firmly grounded in knowledge, and they are the judges in the various Sharee’ah law courts, and those who are able of giving legal verdicts. And this is just like the other matters, and it is not the right of every person, or from the right of those who are learning, or those who ascribe themselves to knowledge, but who have deficiency in understanding. It is not appropriate for them to make judgements of apostasy (upon others). Since, mischief will arise from this, and sometimes a Muslim might be judged as an apostate but he is not actually so. And the takfir of a Muslim who has not committed one of the nullifications of Islaam contains great danger. Whoever says to his brother O Kaafir or O Faasiq, and he is not like that, then the words will fall back upon the one who said them. Hence, the ones who actually judge with apostasy are the legislative judges and those who are able and fit for giving legal verdicts. And as for those who enforce the judgements they are the leaders of the Muslims (wullaat al-amr). As for whatever is other than this, then it is mere confusion.

Question: Some of the students of knowledge are a bit lax towards applying the word of apostasy (riddah) to a Muslim, and this person might sometimes be asked by the Muslims to carry out the hadd punishment for apostasy when the Sultaan does not carry it out upon the one they consider deserves it, the one who has been judged with apostasy.

Shaykh Salih al-Fawzaan: Meting out the punishments is only appropriate for the leader of the Muslims and it is not for every person to establish the punishment, since confusion, and corruption necessarily follows from this, and also the cutting off of the society, tribulations and provocations occur. Establishing the punishments is appropriate (i.e. befits only) to the Muslim leader. The Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) said, Pardon each other for the punishments that are between you, but when the execution of the punishment reaches the [authority of the] Sultaan, then Allaah curses both the one who seeks intercession and the one who grants the intercession [i.e. to revoke the punishment].

And from the responsibilities of the Sultaan in Islaam, and from those matters that befit him is the establishment of the punishments after they have been established legislatively, via the Sharee’ah law courts, upon the one who fell into the crime for which the legislator has designated a specific punishment, such as for stealing. So what has been said is that establishing the punishments (i.e. meting them out) is from the rights of the Sultaan, and when the Muslims do not have a Sultaan amongst them, then they should just suffice with commanding the good and forbidding the evil, and calling to Allaah, the Might and Majestic, with wisdom, good admonition and arguing with that which is best. And it is not permissible for individuals (in the society) to establish the hudood, since that, as we have mentioned, will bring about chaos, and also provocations, and tribulations will arise, and this contains greater corruption than it contains rectification. And from amongst the Sharee’ah principles that are submitted to is, Repelling the harmful things takes precedence over bringing about the beneficial things.
http://www.spubs.com/sps/sp.cfm?subsecID=MNJ09&articleID=MNJ090004&articlePages=1

[1] Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm’ page 225]

[2] An Excerpt from Bada’i at-Tafsir Al-Jami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Iman Ibn Al-Qayyim 1/426-431

Reflections from some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi al-Mad’khali [7 of 80]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Bid'ah (Innovation), Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Innovations In Islam (Bidah), Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors), Scholars of Islam, Shi'a, Sin, Sufis, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Imam Sufyan Ath-Thawri, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, “Whoever lends an ear to a person of Bidah has left the protection of Allah and is entrusted to it (i.e. the bidah)”.

Al-Allamah Rabee bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah preserve him, stated:

Sufyan Ath-Thawri is one of the Imams of the Sunnah and personalities of guidance. He may have derived this speech from the Messenger’s warning against sitting with evil people who would inevitably cause harm and lead to dangerous consequences. Whoever opposes the Messenger’s warning has exposed himself to evil and is entrusted to himself. It is said to the one who lends an ear to ahlul bidah, “Do not do this because indeed the Messenger forbade and warned you, the pious predecessors forbade and warned you against sitting with ahlul bidah and acquiring (knowledge) from them”.

Once you say, “By Allah! I read, I listen, take the truth and abandon falsehood”, akin to the well-known principle at present by which many of the youth – who were following the path of the pious predecessors- have been made into a laughing stock; they came to them with this vile, corrupt principle, saying, “Read from the books of Ikhwan (1), the books of Tabligh (2), the books of ahlul bidah, Sufism (3) and the Rawafid (4), accept the truth and abandon the falsehood. He (i.e. the one who reads) is a Miskeen (poor in his knowledge of these affairs)- neither acquainted with truth nor can distinguish between it and falsehood, thus he approaches falsehood, considers it to be truth, and accepts it; approaches truth, considers it to be falsehood and rejects it, thus he strays. Allah entrusts this person to himself because had he adhered firmly to the Sunnah, and listened to the Messenger’s guidance, the stance of the Messenger’s companions and the pious predecessors, preserves the good he has – meaning the Sunnah, he would have been saved; but he became deceived, then Allah entrusts him to himself due to this self-deception and self-importance that some people embark upon; depend on himself and considers himself a leader in knowledge, whilst he is an ignoramus; so, he falls into the traps of people of misguidance- quickly deviates and become one of the people of misguidance because Allah forsakes and entrust him to himself.

Due to this, we say: the one who is not safe from falling into the traps of the people of misguidance, it is obligated to him to avoid the books of the people of bidah – (avoid) sitting with them because indeed the Messenger warned against sitting with them and the pious predecessors warned against sitting with them; rather, they held a consensus to boycott and ostracise them – not to expose oneself to them and their call, except the one who is well established in knowledge, the one with ability to establish the proof against them whilst being cautious, warning against sitting with them and not to incline towards them. As for the weak – the Miskeen – who is shaken by the light wind and it makes him fall (i.e. the one who cannot repel the doubts of ahlul bidah), it is obligated to him to preserve the good that Allah has bestowed on him because nothing can be equal to safety.

The one who has the ability and experience – able to call to the path of Allah with wisdom and persuade the people of falsehood, he embarks upon calling them (to the truth), whilst not being in agreement with them, not sitting with them and flattering them; but rather he should be a Mujahid, a caller to the path of Allah, a sincere adviser, enjoining good and forbidding evil. This is the one who embarks upon calling the people of falsehood (to truth) and clarifies the truth to them; then the one who is guided, alhamdulil laah; but if not, he has established the proofs that Allah has obligated to the inheritors of the Prophets (i.e. the scholars) to establish. The Prophets were callers to the path of Allah, they invited the unbelievers to (the truth) and called the sinners (to the truth), and you are one of the inheritors of the Prophets, therefore, call these (people to the truth) and establish the proofs against them, but we do not say that this task is for everyone – that every Tom, Dick, and Harry intermingles with ahlul bidah and advise them; rather we say that this is for the people of knowledge, those well established in knowledge, the strong ones. As for those other than them – the ignoramuses and the ones with weak personalities, we warn and tell them to be on guard against the outcomes that descend on the one who is deceived by himself, so he becomes one from ahlul bidah and misguidance. By Allah we know people from different Arab and Islamic countries who used to be upon good, then they were captured by this trick- meaning, read, read, take the truth and reject falsehood, but he was not seen thereafter except that he was from the villains of ahlul bidah, waging war against Ahlus sunnah, defending the people of falsehood. We ask Allah for wellbeing. [End of quote] [An Excerpt from “Awnul Baaree Bi-Bayaan Maa Tadammanahu Sharhus Sunnah Lil-Imam Al-Barbahaaree”. 2/970-972. slightly paraphrased]

May Allah bless our younger brother and friend Ahmad (Abu Abdir Rahmaan Al-Yamaanee) for sharing these insightful statements of Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi Al-Mad’khali Aameen.

[1]: http://www.ikhwanis.com/authors/Abu.Iyaad.cfm
[2] https://abukhadeejah.com/mistakes-tablighi-jamaat/complete-6-0-jamat-tabligh-deviations-booklet/
[3] http://www.ibntaymiyyah.com/articles/dgfil-the-origin-of-the-sufis-is-from-basrah-iraq.cfm
[4] http://www.shia.bs/authors/Abu.Iyaad.cfm

More hidden than the creeping of an ant!

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

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

Abu Bakr As-Siddiq, may Allāh be pleased with him, reported that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him, said, “By the One in whose hand my soul is, Shirk is more hidden than the creeping of an ant. Shall I not guide you something that, if you were to do it, would remove it from you – get both minor and major? Say: 

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ أَنْ أُشْرِكَ بِكَ وَأَنَا أَعْلَمُ وَأَسْتَغْفِرُكَ لِمَا لا أَعْلَمُ 

O Allah! I seek refuge in You lest I associate partners with You while I know, and I seek Your forgiveness for what I do not know.” [1]

There  is also another hadith reported by Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari, may Allāh be pleased with him, that testifies to the text of this hadith. He said, “One day, Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him, gave us a sermon and said, ‘O people! Beware of this Shirk, for indeed it is more hidden than a creeping ant’. Then the one whom Allah wished to speak said to him, ‘O Messenger of Allah! How can we beware of it whilst it is more hidden than a creeping ant?’ He said, ‘Say:

 اللَّهُمَّ

إِنَّا نَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ أَنْ نُشْرِكَ بِكَ شَيْئًا نَعْلَمُهُ ، وَنَسْتَغْفِرُكَ لِمَا لَا نَعْلَمُ  

O Allah! We seek refuge in You lest we associate partners with You through something we know and we seek Your forgiveness for what we do not know]. [2]

This hadith highlights the greatest evil for which an individual seeks protection from Allah, as Shirk is the greatest wrong and the gravest sin.

Allah [The Exalted] says:

وَإِذۡ قَالَ لُقۡمَـٰنُ لِٱبۡنِهِۦ وَهُوَ يَعِظُهُ ۥ يَـٰبُنَىَّ لَا تُشۡرِكۡ بِٱللَّهِ‌ۖ إِنَّ ٱلشِّرۡكَ لَظُلۡمٌ عَظِيمٌ۬

And (remember) when Luqman said to his son when he was advising him: “O my son! Join not in worship others with Allah. Verily! Joining others in worship with Allah is a great Zulm (wrong) indeed. [Luqmaan. 13]

Allah [The Exalted] says:

إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَغۡفِرُ أَن يُشۡرَكَ بِهِۦ وَيَغۡفِرُ مَا دُونَ ذَٲلِكَ لِمَن يَشَآءُ‌ۚ وَمَن يُشۡرِكۡ بِٱللَّهِ فَقَدِ ٱفۡتَرَىٰٓ إِثۡمًا عَظِيمًا

Verily, Allah forgives not that partners should be set up with him in worship, but He forgives except that (anything else) to whom He pleases, and whoever sets up partners with Allah in worship, he has indeed invented a tremendous sin. [An-Nisaa. 48]

Allah [The Exalted] says:

وَمَن يُشۡرِكۡ بِٱللَّهِ فَقَدۡ ضَلَّ ضَلَـٰلاَۢ بَعِيدًا

Whoever sets up partners in worship with Allah, has indeed strayed far away. [An-Nisaa. 116]

The verses of the Qur’an regarding the danger of Shirk and the greatness of its crime are numerous. In the hadith, there is a clarification regarding the fact that Shirk can be hidden in a manner similar to the hidden crawling ant. It may be so hidden that a person commits it and enters into it discreetly without knowing. This shows the great caution one should have regarding it and the obligation of knowing it, so that one is cautious of it and keeps away from it, whilst adhering to the path of Allah path, asking Allah to protect you from all the types of Shirk, from its evil and its disastrous consequences. [An Excerpt from ‘Fiqhul-Ad’iyah Wal Ad’kaar’ 4/501-502]

[1] Sahih Adab Al-Mufrad 554

[2] Sahih at-Targhib Wat-Tarhib 36