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A supplication of Abu Ad-Darda

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

Ibn Abee Shaybah, may Allah have mercy upon him, reported in Kitab Al-Iman and also in Al-Musannaf (6/164) that Abu Ad-Darda, may Allah be pleased with him, always use to supplicate, saying:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي  أَسْأَلُكَ إيمَانًا دَائِمًا وَعِلْمًا نَافِعًا وَهَدْيًا قَيِّمًا

“O Allah! I ask you for abiding Iman, beneficial knowledge and upright guidance”.

Mu’aawiyyah Ibn Qurra, may Allah have mercy upon him, transmitted this narration from Abu Darda and then said: “This is because there is Imaan that is not abiding, knowledge that is not beneficial and guidance that is not upright”.


Al-Madkhal Li-diraasaat Al-Aqeedah Al-Islaamiy yah. Lesson 2

The Comprehensive Message

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Allah [The Most High] said:

وَنَزَّلْنَا عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ تِبْيَانًا لِّكُلِّ شَيْءٍ وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةً وَبُشْرَىٰ لِلْمُسْلِمِينَ

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

Allah [The Most High] said:

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

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

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

A parable regarding the Prophet’s generosity, particularly during Ramadan

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

Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him and his father, reported: “The Prophet, p4ace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was the most generous amongst the people, and he used to be more so in the month of Ramadaan when Jibreel visited him, and Jibreel used to meet him on every night of Ramadan till the end of the month. The Prophet used to recite the Noble Qur’an to Jibreel, and when Jibreel met him, he used to be more generous than the gentle breeze [sent by Allah with glad tidings (rain)] in readiness and haste to do charitable deeds”. [Sahih al-Bukhari 1902]

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

The intent behind the comparison between the Prophet’s generosity to the gentle breeze is that the breeze is mercy sent by Allah with rain falling everywhere – both on barren or fertile land. (Similarly), the Prophet’s exemplary behavior and kindness extend to all individuals—be they impoverished, wealthy and the self-sufficient—more than the rain that falls (after the arrival of the) gentle breeze.. [1]

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

The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, exemplified unparalleled generosity in his dealings with wealth and giving to the people, not that he was (only) generous after being asked. In the last year of his life, he met Jibreel on two occasions and completed the recitation of the Qur’an twice. This narration highlights the virtue of engaging in the study and recitation of the Qur’an during the night, particularly in the company of righteous individuals, scholars, and virtuous people. The Prophet engaged in recitation to attain the rewards bestowed by Allah. [2]

Extravagance Is Not Praiseworthy

Allah [The Most High] said:

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

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

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

Shaytaan does not call the person except to every blameworthy habit. He calls him to miserliness and to refrain from spending, but when the person refuses to obey him, he calls him to overspending and extravagance; but Allah calls to what is most just and balance and He praises the person for that, as He, The One free from all imperfections, stated about His faithful slaves:

وَالَّذِينَ إِذَا أَنْفَقُوا لَمْ يُسْرِفُوا وَلَمْ يَقْتُرُوا وَكَانَ بَيْنَ ذَٰلِكَ قَوَامًا

And those, who, when they spend, are neither extravagant nor miserly, but hold a medium (way) between those (extremes).'[Al-Furqaan. 67] [3]

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

“The limit of generosity is between two extremes and when one goes beyond its limits, it leads to extravagance and squander. And when a person is lacking in generosity, it leads to miserliness and tight-fistedness”. [4]

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

Those squanderers who waste meat and food and dispose of it in waste bins should be reminded that there are hungry people hoping for a mouth full and a scrap of bread. They should fear Allah and to fear Him during their gatherings, and that they do not become the cause of Allah’s blessings being stopped. [5]


[1] An Excerpt from Fat-hul Bari Sharh Sahih Al-Bukhari. 4/150. Hadeeth 1902. Publisher- Daarus Salaam 1421 (Year 2000). 1st Edition)

[2] An Excerpt from Al-Hulalul Ibreeziyyah Min Ta’liqaat Al-Baaziyyah Alaa Sahih Al-Bukhaari. 2/121. Footnotes numbers: 1, 2 &3]

[3] An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi]

[4] Al-Fawaa’id page 207- 209]

[5] An Excerpt From “Al-Bayaan Li-Akhtaa’i Ba’dil Kuttaab 2/27

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

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

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

Outcomes_of_Truthfulness_and_Lying

The Importance of Truthfulness – By Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali [Part 8]

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

Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah preserve him, continued…

He [kab, (may Allah be pleased with him)] said: “We remained in that condition for fifty nights when people were prohibited from speaking to us”.

He said: When I had offered the Fajr prayer on the 50th morning on the roof of one of our houses and while I was sitting in the condition which Allah described (in the Qur’an) i.e. my very soul seemed straitened to me and even the earth seemed narrow to me for all its spaciousness, there I heard the voice of one who had ascended the mountain of Sala’ calling with his loudest voice, ‘O Kab bin Malik! Be happy (by receiving good tidings).’ I fell down in prostration before Allah, realizing that relief has come. Allah’s Apostle had announced the acceptance of our repentance by Allah when he had offered the Fajr prayer. The people then went out to congratulate us. Some bringers of good tidings went out to my two fellows, and a horseman came to me in haste, and a man of Banu Aslam came running and ascended the mountain and his voice was swifter than the horse. When he (i.e. the man) whose voice I had heard, came to me conveying the good tidings, I took off my garments and dressed him with them; and by Allah, I owned no other garments than them on that day. Then I borrowed two garments and wore them and went to Allah’s Messenger. The people started receiving me in batches, congratulating me on Allah’s Acceptance of my repentance, saying, ‘We congratulate you on Allah’s Acceptance of your repentance.’ Kab further said, “When I entered the Masjid, I saw Allah’s Messenger sitting with the people around him. Talha Bin Ubaidullah swiftly came to me, shook hands with me and congratulated me. By Allah, none of the Muhajirin (i.e. Emigrants) got up for me except him (i.e. Talha), and I will never forget this for Talha. Kab added, “When I greeted Allah’s Messenger, his face being bright with joy, said, ‘Be happy with the best day that you have got ever since your mother delivered you’. Kab added, ‘I said to the Prophet ‘Is this forgiveness from you or from Allah?’ He said, ‘No, it is from Allah’ Whenever Allah’s Messenger became happy, his face would shine as if it were a piece of moon, and we all knew that characteristic of him. When I sat before him, I said, ‘O Allah’s Messenger! Because of the acceptance of my repentance I will give up all my wealth as alms for the Sake of Allah and His Messenger. Allah’s Messenger said, ‘Keep some of your wealth, as it will be better for you.’ I said, ‘So I will keep my share from Khaibar with me'”. [end of hadith]

Indeed, he approached Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, not to give false excuses, but to express the truth (reality) openly, as falsehood had been removed from him and the truth established deep within his soul. Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “What stopped you from joining us. Had you not purchased an animal for carrying you?” Kab said: “Yes, O Allah’s Messenger! But by Allah, if I were sitting before any person from among the people of the world other than you, I would have avoided his anger with an excuse. By Allah, I have been bestowed with the power of speaking fluently and eloquently, but by Allah, I knew well that if today I tell you a lie to seek your favour, Allah would surely make you angry with me in the near future, but if I tell you the truth, though you will get angry because of it, I hope for Allah’s Forgiveness. Really, by Allah, there was no excuse for me. By Allah, I had never been stronger or wealthier than I was when I remained behind you”. Then Allah’s Messenger said: “As regards this man, he has surely told the truth. So get up till Allah decides your case”. His brothers, Murarah Ibn Al-Rabi’ and Hilal ibn Umayyah, offered an excuse similar to that of his, and Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said to them what he said to Kab.

Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, commanded the Muslim community to boycott and abandon them. They (i.e. the Muslims) adhered to the command of the Messenger with precision, including their (Kab’s, Murarah’s and Hilal’s) closest relatives. The revelation was delayed, and the boycott persisted, along with the difficult trial and test, for a duration of fifty days, demonstrating their obedience to Allah and His Messenger. News reached the Christian king of Ghassan, who perceived an opportunity to win over Kab and invited him to join him, promising to honour him as he claimed, but Kab’s belief in Allah and His Messenger prevailed, his noble soul refused to respond to this satanic absurdity, and he recognised that this was yet another test, thus, he burnt the letter of that disbeliever, as he stated.

Then joy arrived, – in the morning of the fiftieth night, bestowed upon them by Allah, which Kab stated was the situation mentioned by Allah regarding their souls feeling constricted, and the earth felt narrow despite its vastness- glad tidings and happiness due to the mercy that Allah granted through His Forgiveness and Pleasure. The companions of Muhammad were filled with joy, then the conveyers of glad tidings among them hurried, some walking on foot, eager to reach the summit of Mount Sal’ and raising their voices in a resounding manner, their calls outpacing even those of the mounted horsemen. Along the way, they (Kab and his two companions) were greeted by the companions of Allah’s Messenger, who came to him in waves, congratulating him on Allah’s acceptance of his repentance. Then Kab went to Allah’s Messenger, and found him with a face shining like the moon due to happiness. He said to Kab: “Be happy with the best day that you have got ever since your mother delivered you”. How could this not be the case when indeed Allah did save him – through truthfulness – from a devastating destruction that befell those who resorted to lies, false oaths, and distorting the facts (or realities)? Allah is the Greatest. Indeed, that day was more favourable (or better) for him than his pledge of allegiance to Islam and the support he gave during the pledge of allegiance at Aqabah, a pledge he valued more than participating in the Battle of Badr. [Paraphrased. Refer to Arabic doc: sidq ]

The Importance of Truthfulness – By Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali [Part 7]

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

Al-Allamah Rabee bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah preserve him, continued….

Kab, may Allah be pleased with him, said: When this news reached me that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was on his way back from Tabuk, I was greatly perturbed. I thought of fabricating false stories and asked myself how I would save myself from his anger on the following day. In this connection, I sought the help of every prudent man from amongst the members of my family and when it was said to me that Allah’s Messenger was about to arrive, all the false ideas banished (from my mind) and I came to the conclusion that nothing could save me but the telling of truth, so I decided to speak the truth and it was in the morning that Allah’s Messenger arrived (in Medina). And it was his habit that as he came back from a journey he first went to the mosque and observed two Rak’ahs of nafl prayer and then sat amongst people.

And as he did that, those who had remained behind him began to put forward their excuses and take an oath before him and they were more than eighty persons. Allah’s Messenger accepted their excuses on the very face of them and accepted their allegiance and sought forgiveness for them and left their secret (intentions) to Allah, until I presented myself to him. I greeted him and he smiled and there was a tinge of anger in that. He then said to me: “Come forward”. I went forward until I sat in front of him. He said to me: “What kept you back? Could you not afford to go in for a ride?” I said: “Allah’s Messenger, by Allah, if I were to sit in the presence of anybody else from amongst the people of the world, I would have definitely saved myself from his anger on one pretext (or the other) and I have also the knack to fall into argumentation, but, by Allah, I am fully aware of the fact that if I were to put forward before you a false excuse to please you, Allah would definitely provoke your wrath upon me, and if I speak the truth you may be annoyed with me, but I hope that Allah would make its end well and, by Allah, there is no valid excuse for me. By Allah, I never possessed so good means, and I never had such favourable conditions for me as I had when I stayed behind you (failed to join the expedition)”. Thereupon, Allah’s Messenger said: “This man told the truth, so get up until Allah gives a decision in your case”. I stood up. [end of hadith]

Indeed, they achieved success through the honour, victory, and rewards they received. So, what beneficial lesson comes from their absence from the Battle of Tabuk, even if it can be explained based on its reasons? In this part, he shared his new circumstances upon the Messenger’s return, revealing that he had not participated in the military campaign due to his desire for the shade and the fruits of the trees. No one else shared this lagging behind except for those steeped in hypocrisy, the weak, and those with legitimate excuses. His sincere discerning heart was burdened with the harshness of pain and sorrow, while at the same time, shaytan suggested to him and attempted to fill his soul with various types of lies; however, by Allah’s Grace and care for him, the darknesses of lies and falsehood were lifted from him due to his truthful faith and sincerity to Allah, the Lord of the entire existence, thus, Allah granted him the greatest means of salvation after faith, and that is truthfulness, especially in times of danger and overwhelming events.

He said, “When I was told that Allah’s Messenger was on his way back, the falsehood was removed from me, and I realised that nothing of it will never save me”. Thus, his truthfulness became more wholesome, as the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, arrived in the morning. He mentioned that Sunnah often overlooked or forgotten by many Muslims, which is to perform two Rak’ats in the Masjid upon a Muslim’s return from travel. He mentioned the situation of those who gave (lame) excuses (for their absence from the military expedition), meaning the hypocrites, who resorted to lies and falsehood, that they reinforced their lies with oaths, thus, the Prophet could only accept what they displayed apparently, and entrusted their true hidden intentions to Allah, the knower of unseen, who is aware of the treachery of the eyes and what the hearts conceal. However, Ka’b, may Allah be pleased with him, with his understanding and sound intellect, he recognised that lying to Allah’s Messenger, even when fortified by solemn oaths, would not spare him from the wrath of Allah and subsequently the anger of His Messenger. He discerned this truth through his keen insight and intellect after Allah had granted him this, thus, he refused any other thing besides openly declaring the clear reality. [Paraphrased. Refer to Arabic here: sidq ]

To be continued…InShaAllah

Some things the Qur’an constantly highlights for us to consider

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

Allah, The Exalted, said:

وَإِنَّهُ لَتَذۡكِرَةٌ۬ لِّلۡمُتَّقِينَ

And verily, this Qur’an is a Reminder for the people who fear Allaah. [Al-Haaqqah. 48]

The Qur’an is a reminder for the people who fear Allah. The person who fears Allah is reminded through the Qur’aan, then enabled to see what is beneficial and harmful to him, thus, he pursues what is beneficial and avoids what is harmful.

The Qur’an reminds him of the Perfect Names, Attributes and Actions of his Lord, so he believes in them.

The Qur’an reminds him of Allah’s reward, punishment, threats, commands and prohibitions, and the amazing events through which Allah’s allies (were supported) and His enemies (destroyed).

The Qur’an reminds the pious person about his soul, the means to its purification, cleanliness and elevation, and what would defile, lower and disgrace it. He remembers, through the Qur’an, the knowledge related to the beginning of creation, the Hereafter, paradise and hell fire, and the knowledge about good and evil.

The Qur’an is a reminder about reality, a proof for humankind and Jinn, a benefit and source of good welfare (in all affairs of their life) and a guidance for those who seek knowledge. [1]

Allah, The Most High, said: [وَنُنَزِّلُ مِنَ ٱلۡقُرۡءَانِ مَا هُوَ شِفَآءٌ۬ وَرَحۡمَةٌ۬ لِّلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ‌ۙ – And We send down from the Qur’an that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe (in Islamic Monotheism and act on it)]. [Al-Israa. 82]

There are three statements (of the scholars) regarding the Qur’an being a healing: It is a healing for misguidance due to what it contains of guidance. It is healing for illnesses due to what it contains of blessings. It is healing due to its explanation and clarification of the obligatory duties and rulings of the religion. [2]

The Qur’an is a healing for the diseases of ignorance, doubt and scepticism. Allah has never revealed a cure that is neither more comprehensive and beneficial; nor greater and quicker in removing diseases than the Qur’an. [3]

The healing that the Qur’an contains deals with all (diseases) of the hearts, such the disease of Shubhah (a matter that is made to resemble truth but is falsehood in reality), ignorance, corrupt views, perversion and evil goals. This is because is founded on the Knowledge that is based on absolute certainty through which every ambiguity and ignorance is removed, and it contains an admonition and a reminder through which every desire that is in opposition to the command of Allaah is removed. It is a healing for the bodies against harmful things and illnesses. As for it being a mercy, it is due to the Asbaab [i.e. sound means] and Wasaa’il [i.e. paths] it guides to, which if the servant of Allah acts upon them, they will be successfully (receive) Mercy and an everlasting happiness- reward in this worldly life and everlasting reward in the Hereafter. [4]

The Qur’an combines between healing for the diseases of the heart, such as doubt, hypocrisy and other than that. It is a healing for the bodies when utilised for Ruqya, such as what took place in the story of the man who performed ruqya with Surah Al-Fatihah on a man who was stung and it is an authentic and well known story. [5]

Attention Given To The Qur’an By The Pious Predecessors

Abu Salamah, may Allah be pleased with him, said: Whenever Abu Musa, may Allah be pleased with him, sat with Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, he may say to him, “O Abu Musa! Remind”. So he recited. [6]

Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud, may Allah be pleased with him, said: Whoever is able to learn something from the Qur’an, let him do so. Indeed, the houses that are deprived of good the most are the ones where there is no recitation of Allah’s Book. This is because the houses where there is no recitation is like the demolished houses that have no inhabitants. Indeed shaytaan exits a house in which Surah Al Baqarah is heard. [7]

He also said: The hearts are receptacles so busy filling them with the Qur’aan and do not busy them with other than it. [8]

Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him and his father, said: It would be more beloved to me to recite Surah Al-Baqarah during the night than recite the Qur’an haphazardly. [9]

Ubayd Bin Ja’d, may Allah have mercy upon him, reported from a man from who said, “I heard the people in the towns saying that Salman Al-Farisi, may Allah be pleased with him, is in the Masjid, so they approached him until about a thousand people gathered. He stood up and said, “Sit down, sit down”. When they sat down, he started reciting Surah Yusuf, then the people began moving away and departing until about a hundred were left. He became angry and said, “So you wanted adorned speech, but then I recited to you the book of Allah and you left!” [10]

Masruq, may Allah have mery upon him, said: A man from the people of Makkah said to me, “This is the place where your brother Tameem Ad-Daaree, may Allah be pleased with him, used to stand. Indeed, one night I saw him until in the morning or nearly morning time, while he was crying and reciting: [أَمۡ حَسِبَ ٱلَّذِينَ يَعۡمَلُونَ ٱلسَّيِّـَٔاتِ أَن يَسۡبِقُونَا‌ۚ سَآءَ مَا يَحۡكُمُونَ – Or does those who do evil deeds think that they can outstrip Us (i.e. escape Our Punishment)? Evil is that which they judge! [Surah Al-Ankabut. Verse 4]” [11]

Muqatil Bin Hayyan, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: I once prayed behind Umar Bin Abdil Azeez, may Allah have mercy upon him; he read [وَقِفُوهُمۡ‌ۖ إِنَّہُم مَّسۡـُٔولُونَ- But stop them (i.e. when the wrong doers will be held to account on the day of judgement), verily they are to be questioned] [As-Saffaat. 24]. He kept on repeating it and was not able to go past it (i.e. due to the severity of what the verse meant). [12]

Maymun Bin Mihran, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: Once Umar Bin Abdul Azeez, may Allah have mercy upon him, cried after reciting the verse [أَلۡهَٮٰكُمُ ٱلتَّكَاثُرُ-The mutual rivalry for piling up of worldly things diverts you]. Then he recited [حَتَّىٰ زُرۡتُمُ ٱلۡمَقَابِرَ – until you visit the graves (i.e. till you die)]. Then he said, “I will not see the graves except as a visitor and the one who visits them must either be returned to paradise or hell”. [13]

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

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

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

And Allah’s statement: [مَّا يَفۡتَحِ ٱللَّهُ لِلنَّاسِ مِن رَّحۡمَةٍ۬ فَلَا مُمۡسِكَ لَهَاۖ وَمَا يُمۡسِكۡ فَلَا مُرۡسِلَ لَهُ ۥ مِنۢ بَعۡدِهِۚ – Whatever of mercy (i.e. of good), Allah may grant to mankind, none can withhold it, and whatever He may withhold, none can grant it thereafter]. [Fatir. 2] [14]

Malik Bin Deenaar, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: When the Qur’an is recited to the truthful people, their hearts become enraptured by the Hereafter. [15]

Ibn Wahb, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: It was said to the sister of Malik Bin Deenaar, “What did Malik use to busy himself with in the house?” She replied, “With the Mushaf and recitation”. [16]

Imam Fudayl Ibn Iyaad, may Allah have mercy upon him, once cried after reading Allah’s statement: [أَلَمۡ نَجۡعَل لَّهُ ۥ عَيۡنَيۡنِ-Have We not made for him (i.e. the human) a pair of eyes?][ وَلِسَانً۬ا وَشَفَتَيۡنِ -And a tongue and a pair of lips?]. He was asked why he cried, he said, “Have you spent a night really thanking Allah (for giving) you  two eyes through which you can see and a tongue through which you speak?”  [17]

[1] at-Tibyaan Fee Aqsaamil Qur’an. 193-194

[2] Zaad Al-Masir Fee Ilm at-Tafsir By Imam Ibn Al-Jawzi—Tafseer Surah al-Israa

[3] Al-Jawaab Al-Kaafee page 4

[4] Tafsir As-Sadi

[5] Adwaa Al-Bayaan–Tafseer Surah Al-Israa Ayah 82

[6] Siyar Alam An-Nubulaa 1/280

[7] Hilyah Al-Awliyaa (Tahdheeb). 1/119

[8] Az-Zuhd 298. By Imam Ahmad

[9] Sifatus Safwa 1/372

[10] Hilyah Al-Awliyaa (Tahdheeb) 1/163

[11] Mawsu’ah 1/256-257 by Ibn Abee Dunyaa

[12] Mawsu’ah 3/255.

[13] Mawsu’ah 255.

[14] Mawsu’ah 1/279.

[15] Sifatus Safwa. 3/204

[16] Siyar A’laam An-Nubulaa 2/736

[17] Jami Al-Ulum Wal-Hikam. page 259

The Importance of Truthfulness – By Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali [Part 6]

Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah preserve him, continued…

Kab Bin Malik, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated:

I never remained behind Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, from any expedition which he undertook except the Battle of Tabuk and that of the Battle of Badr. So far as the Battle of Badr is concerned, nobody was blamed for remaining behind as Allah’s Messenger and the Muslims (did not set out for attack but for waylaying) the caravan of the Quraish, but it was Allah Who made them confront their enemies without their intention (to do so). I had the honour to be with Allah’s Messenger on the night of ‘Aqaba when we pledged our allegiance to Islam and it was more dear to me than my participation in the Battle of Badr, although Badr was more popular amongst people as compared with that (Tabuk). And this is my story of remaining back from Allah’s Messenger on the occasion of the Battle of Tabuk. Never did I possess enough means and (my circumstances) more favourable than at the occasion of this expedition. And, by Allah, I had never before this expedition simultaneously in my possession two rides. Allah’s Messenger set out for this expedition in extremely hot season; the journey was long and the land (which he and his army had to cover) was waterless and he had to confront a large army, so he informed the Muslims about the actual situation (they had to face), so that they should adequately equip themselves for this expedition, and he also told them the destination where he intended to go. And the Muslims who accompanied Allah’s Messenger at that time were large in numbers but there was no proper record of them. Ka’b (further) said: Few were the persons who wanted to absent themselves, and were under the impression that they could easily conceal themselves (and thus remain undetected) until revelations from Allah, the Exalted and Glorious (descended in connection with them). And Allah’s Messenger set out on an expedition when the fruits were ripe and their shadows had been lengthened. I had weakness for them and it was during this season that Allah’s Messenger made preparations and the Muslims too along with them. I also set out in the morning so that I should make preparations along with them but I came back and did nothing and said to myself: I have enough (to make preparations) as soon as I like. And I went on doing this (postponing my preparations) until people were about to depart and it was in the morning that Allah’s Messenger set out and the Muslims too along with him, but I made no preparations. I went early in the morning and came back, but I made no decision. I continued to do so until they (the Muslims) hastened and covered a good deal of distance. I also made up my mind to march on and to meet them. Would that I would have done that but perhaps it was not destined for me. After the departure of Allah’s Messenger as I went out amongst people, I was shocked to find that I did not find anyone like me but people who were labelled as hypocrites or the people whom Allah granted exemption because of their incapacity.

This excerpt highlights the significance of the Pledge of Aqabah and its position in his heart, as it embodied profound meanings that represents the robust foundation upon which is established the migration to Madinah by the companions of Allah’s Messenger, the support given by the Ansar, the establishment the Islamic state, and served as the foundation for Jihad and the strength of Islam and the Muslims. From this foundation emerged the various expeditions and campaigns, leading to the defeat of apostasy and the expansion of Islamic armies across the world, illuminating hearts with the light of Iman and guiding them out from darkness into light. It was from this understanding that this noble companion recognised the status of the Pledge of Aqabah, expressing that he would not be pleased with any substitute for it, as he stated: “It was more beloved to me than participation in the battle of badr”.

He spoke about the circumstances surrounding his absence from the Battle of Tabuk with the courage of the truthful, in a clear and illuminated manner, overflowing with truthfulness from a heart exemplifying Iman, and a soul filled with integrity and truthfulness whose similarity is not witness in that type of dreadful situation where the cowardly the hypocrites would resort to lying and false pretenses by fabricating excuses that were swiftly exposed by Allah, leading to their disgrace and ultimately consigning them to the abode of destruction (hell fire).

He clearly stated that his absence was not due to poverty or hardship, nor was it a result of incapacity or weakness, as he had previously participated in the Battle while in a condition less favourable than that of this particular expedition. He said: “Never did I possess enough means and (my circumstances) more favourable than at the occasion of this expedition. And, by Allah, I had never before this expedition simultaneously in my possession two rides”.

He clearly stated the reasons that undermined his resolve in participating in Jihad (Battle of Tabuk, which included the intense heat, the long journey, the perilous vast terrains between Madinah and Tabuk, and the numerous forces of the Romans and Arabs allied with them. He mentioned that the Messenger of Allah informed the people of their duty to prepare themselves for their expedition.

He clearly stated what may be one of the most significant reasons for staying behind (.e. not going for the Tabuk expedition), which is the ripe fruits and good shade. He then clearly expressed it despite the possibility of (being able) to conceal it, but his truthful soul did not allow him except to reveal it, (saying) “I had a weakness for them”, in other words, “My soul inclined towards them”. This represents a profound level of truthfulness that very few individuals attain. He mentioned his internal struggle and hesitation regarding joining the Messenger of Allah.

He mentioned the pain of regret and sorrow that accompanied his state of being left behind, as he found no example of his condition except for a man deeply entrenched in hypocrisy or a person whom Allah has excused due to weakness. This reflects the vitality of his heart and being truthful in his Iman. [Paraphrased. Refer to the Arabic text here sidq ]

The Salafi is not afraid of criticism if his mistake truly exist

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

The Salafi is not afraid of criticism or correcting his mistakes if they exist in reality, but he does not accept criticism devoid of proof

Khalid Bin Hayyaan narrated from Jafar Bin Burqaan, may Allah have mercy upon them, who said: Maymoon Bin Mihran, may Allah have mercy upon him said to me, “O Jafar! Say what I detest (i.e. the bitter truth) in my face since a man will not have (fulfilled) advice to his brother until he says in his face what he detests”. (1)

Umar Ibn Abdul Azeez, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: Whoever advises his brother to rectify affairs related to his religion and gives him insight into a worldly affair has perfected their relationship and fulfilled his obligation of (brotherhood) to him”. (2)

Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “Speech about the people has to be with knowledge and justice, and not based on ignorance and oppression”. (3)

“The just among men is the one who informs of an affair the way it is; he neither adds to it and becomes a liar nor does he subtract from it and becomes a concealer”. (4)

The one who follows the path of justice will exalt the one worthy of being exalted and he will love and ally with him; he will give the truth its due right, exalt the truth and show mercy to the creation.(5)

Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah preserve him, said: “The Salafiyyoon do not accept statements, except when they are based on evidence and proof”. (6)

The Shaikh also said:

When you speak about a Muslim, whether an individual who is a Mubtadi or a Sunni, firstly, examine yourself. What do you want through this speech? “Whoever believes in Allah and the last day should either speak good or remain silent”. If in this speech of yours there is good for the Muslims by warning them about this man, and your intention is to seek Allah’s Face, you intend to sincerely advice the ummah, then speak while being cautious of entering into personal desires and personal goals for revenge against this or that person. If the speech stem from an intention for revenge, this would be detrimental to the person (i.e the speaker) and would exceed the permissible allowance in this matter, whose initial basis is fundamentally prohibited. This is because Allah has forbidden backbiting and tale carrying, as these matters corrupt the lives of Muslims. A Muslim should resort to (such speech) only in cases of dire necessity. He does not unleash his tongue to speak freely. Instead, he only speaks out of necessity and when he knows completely that this matter is incumbent upon him and the people will benefit from it. May Allah bless you, be conscious (mindful) regarding this subject matter. (7)


(1) Siyar A’lam An-Nubulaa. 5/75

(2) Tarikh at-Tabari 6/572

(3) Minhaj As-Sunnah: 4/337

(4) Majmu 20/84

(5) Minhaj As-Sunnah 4/544

(6) Umdah Al-Abiy 417

(7) Fadl Al-Hajj Wat Talbiyah 43

The Importance of Truthfulness – By Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali [Part 5]

Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah preserve him, continued…

Indeed, Allah has praised the companions of Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and has commended them a lot in His book; and His Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, has praised them in many Prophetic reports. One of the most prominent and evident characteristics attributed to them is truthfulness, without which neither the religion nor the worldly affairs will be established (in an upright manner). These truthful people, along with their successors, have – with absolute truthfulness and integrity- transmitted to us the text of the Quran (based on its successive, numerous unbroken and authentic chains of transmission from every generation), the authentic Sunnah of the Messenger, including both the reports (based on their successive, numerous unbroken and authentic chains of transmission from every generation) and the ones (based on their authentic chain from a single trustworthy narrator), in which are established – with authenticity – the biography of Allah’s Messenger, his Jihad and military expeditions. [Footnote a]

The authentic books, the Musannafaat, the Jawami, the Ma’aajim, the books of creed and and other than them are replete with these transmissions. The Imams of Al-Jarh Wat-Tadeel, have distinguished – in them – the sound narrations from the weak ones, ensuring that the Ummah remains on a straight path, an upright methodology, a conscious and rightly guided life. They transmitted the biography of the noble companions, their different statuses and virtues, which distinguished them among all the nations of the prophets, and through this they are indeed the best nation brought forth for humanity. The books on the virtues of the companions and their statuses, along with all the compilations of the Sunnah, are replete with such (lofty characteristics).

Allah’s general praise for them regarding their lofty characteristics and truthfulness being one of them has already been stated in this speech. However, this speech of mine cannot accommodate the mention of (all) authentic accounts of their truthfulness, instead I will provide an example involving three individuals who experienced a specific single incident. The Most prominent among these three is that noble companion, Ka’b ibn Malik – that man whom Allah saved from the hell fire, hypocrisy, the wrath of Allah and His Messenger through his truthfulness. His story is well-known, and although it is lengthy and cannot be fully recounted here, I will select excerpts that illustrate the status of this companion and his peers in this event, from which a Muslim can draw lessons and inspiration from these truthful individuals. [Paraphrased. Arabic text here: sidq ]

To be continued…InShaAllah.

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Footnote a:

https://abukhadeejah.com/salafi-shaikh-fawzaan-on-jihaad-in-our-times-and-the-guidelines-of-jihaad-according-to-islam/

https://abukhadeejah.com/the-life-of-the-muhammad-in-madinah-treaties-conquests-and-his-death/