Islamic Awakening and The Upright Path to Rectification Distinguished From Paths of Political Activists and The Khaarijites – May Allaah guide them and protect us from their misguidance Aameen.
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
The following statement was posted by the Turkish Newspaper Daily Sabah [may Allaah direct its Muslim journalists to every good, repel every evil from them and guide them to the authentic Sunnah, and also guide its Non-Muslim journalists to Islaam and the Sunnah] Aameen. Title: Muslims around the world observe holy night of Laylat al-Raghaib:
First, we remind our Turkish Muslim brothers at Daily Sabah about some few principles related to worship in Islaam.
Al-Allaamah Abdul Muhsin Al-Abbaad [may Allaah preserve him] said:
Al-Ibaadah [Worship]: It is a comprehensive term for everything that Allaah loves and is pleased with, including statements and deeds, apparent [i.e. physical actions of the limbs] and unapparent [beliefs concealed in the heart]. This is the best of what has been stated regarding the definition of worship.
Worship has great importance because Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] created the Khalq [Mankind and Jinn], sent the Messengers and revealed the Books in order to command them to worship Him and forbid them from worshipping others besides Him. Allaah [Glorified Be He] said: [وَمَا خَلَقۡتُ ٱلۡجِنَّ وَٱلۡإِنسَ إِلَّا لِيَعۡبُدُونِ – And I (Allah) created not the Jinns and humans except they should worship Me (Alone).” Meaning: Allaah created them in order to command them to worship Him (alone) and forbid them from disobeying Him. Allaah [Glorified be He] said:
[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). [16:36]
Allaah [Glorified Be He] said: [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 ilaaha illaa Ana (none has the right to be worshipped but I (Allah), so worship Me (Alone and none else)]. [21:25]
Two conditions must be fulfilled in order for an act of worship to be accepted; the first of the two conditions is that the act of worship must be done sincerely for Allaah, and secondly the act of worship must be in agreement with the Sunnah of the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him]. The act of worship has to be done sincerely for the sake of Allaah (alone) and none else is to be associated as a partner with Allaah in worship. [Likewise] the act of worship must be done in conformity with what the Messenger came with [i.e. the Qur’aan and the Sunnah].
This is what the Shahaadah (لا إله إلا الله محمدا رسول الله) necessitates; because (لا إله إلا الله) necessitates that acts of worship must be carried out sincerely for the sake of Allaah alone. And (محمدا رسول الله) necessitates that acts of worship must be carried out in conformity with what was revealed to the noble Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam]. Therefore, Allaah is not to be worshipped with bidah, newly invented matters in Religion and evil acts, for which Allaah [The Most High] has sent down no authority; rather acts of worship must be in conformity with the Sunnah of the noble Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam].
If any of these two conditions or both of them are not fulfilled, then indeed the act of worship will be rejected by Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic]. Allaah [The Most High] said:
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] [Soorah Al-Furqaan. Ayah 23]
And the noble Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] 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 [by Allah].”[Saheeh Al-Bukhaari. Number 2697] [Saheeh Muslim. Number 1718]
And in another wording of this hadeeth in Saheeh Muslim the Prophet said:
مَنْ عَمِلَ عَمَلًا لَيْسَ عَلَيْهِ أَمْرُنَا فَهُوَ رَد
He who does an act (of worship) which we have not commanded (i.e. not commanded by the Prophet), will have it rejected.
And he [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] 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]
The Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] clarified – in the hadeeth about the seventy three sects amongst whom seventy-two sects will enter the hell fire and one sect will be saved-that the saved sect are those who adhere to the path him and his noble companions adhered to.
Imaam Maalik [rahimahullaah] said: “The latter part of this Ummah [i.e. those who will come after the Salaf] will not be rectified except by way of that which rectified it’s earlier part [i.e. the Salaf].’’ And he [rahimahullaah) said: ‘’Whoever innovates a bidah in Islaam and considers it to be something good, then indeed he has claimed that Muhammad betrayed the Risaalah (i.e. the message he was entrusted with); because Allaah said: ٱلۡيَوۡمَ أَكۡمَلۡتُ لَكُمۡ دِينَكُمۡ – This day, I have perfected your religion for you]. Therefore, what was not part of the religion at that time [i.e. during the time of the Messenger] cannot be part of the religion today (i.e. after his departure from this world).” [Al-Itisaam of Imaam Shaatibee 1/28]
It is not enough for a person to say: “I am going to do this act of worship even though it was not (performed by) the Prophet because my intention is pure and good.” The evidence (against this statement) is that when it reached the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] that a man amongst his noble companions slaughtered the Eed sacrifice before the Eed Salaah, he [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said to him: شَاتُكَ شَاةُ لَحْمٍ– “Your (slaughtered sheep was just mutton (not a sacrifice).”[Saheeh Bukhaari. Number: 5556]; meaning: It is not considered Eed sacrifice because it was not carried out in conformity with my Sunnah. Therefore, what is in conformity with the Sunnah is that the Eed sacrifice is done after the Eed Salaah; but as for sacrificing before the Salaah, then indeed it is outside its specified time and will not be regarded as (Eed sacrifice).
Al-Haafidh said in Fat-hul Baaree (10/17): “Shaikh Abu Muhammad Bin Abu Hamzah said: This hadeeth (establishes the fact that) if an action (i.e. an act of worship) is done with a sincere intention, it is still not (considered) righteous unless it is in conformity with the legislated divine revelation. [An Excerpt from أثر العبادات في حياة المسلم pages: 1-2]
Second, what do the scholars of Islam say about this so-called Laylatul Raghaa’ib?
Imaam An-Nawawi [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “The well-known Salaah (prayer) that is known as Salaatul Raghaa’ib [the Raghaa’ib prayer] – which consists of twelve Rak’ats and is performed between Maghrib and Isha on the night before the first Friday in the month of Rajab and the hundred Rak’ats performed on the night of the 15th of Shabaan – are two religious innovations. They are repugnant and evil [i.e. becauae they are not from the acts of worship legislated in the Islamic legislation] and one should neither be deceived due to their mention in the book Quwwatul Quloob and Ihyaa Uloom Ad-Deen nor due to their mention in narrations, because all of that Iis false. And do not be deceived by some of those people to whom the ruling regarding these prayers is ambiguous (or doubtful), so he judged them to be recommended, because indeed they are mistaken. Shaikhul Islaam Abu Muhammad Abdur Rahmaan Bin Ismaa’eel Al-Maqdisee has written a precious book showing the falsity of these prayers and he did well. [Al-Majmoo 3/548]
Ibn Al-Haaj Al-Maalikee [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “One of the religious innovations that has been initiated in this noble month of Rajab is the prayer of Raghaa’ib on the night before the first day of Jumu’ah in the central mosques and the other mosques, so the people gather in some of the central mosques and the other mosques in the various regions to perform this religious innovation. They openly perform it in congregation and behind an Imaam in the mosques were the five daily prayers are performed as if it is a prayer that has been legislated in Islaam. But this prayer – according to the judgement in Imaam Maalik’s school of jurisprudence- is forbidden, because indeed those who came before us (i.e. the Prophet’s companions) never did so and all good is found in following them [may Allaah be pleased with them]”. [Al-Madkhal 1/294]
Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “Neither Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] performed this prayer nor anyone amongst the Sahaabah (i.e. the companions of Allaah’s Messenger), neither the Taabi’een (i.e. the second generaation who adhered to the path of the Sahaabah) nor the Imaams of the Muslims. Neither did Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] show a desire for it nor did any of the pious predecessors, nor the Imaams of Islaam and nor did they mention specific virtues for this night. The narrations that have been transmitted and attributed to Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] are a lie and fabrication based on the consensus of those who are specialists in this field [of hadeeth science]. This is why the Muhaqqi’qeen scholars [i.e. those scholars who are firmly grounded in a subject matter of the religion, who study the difference of opinion or differing in a subject matter, gather the proofs, examine the proofs in depth and compare them. Then they mention the affair that is established based on sound proof, clarify why those proofs are the strong ones, its different types and why that which opposes is weak or fabricated] have stated that this affair [i.e. these innovated acts during Rajab and Shaban] are forbidden and not recommended”. [Al-Fataawa Al-kubraa 2/262]
Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] also said, “As for establishing prayer – in congregation – with a specific number of Rak’ats and a determined type of recitation in a specific time, such as these prayers that are being enquired about – the Salaatul Raghaa’ib during the night before the first Jumu’ah of Rajab, the Al-Fiyah (1) in the beginning of Rajab and the middle of Shabaan, the 27th night in the month of Rajab and other than them, this is not legislated based on the consensus of the Imaams of Islaam, as it has been established from the Imaams of the religion who are considered to be reliable in religious affairs and are people of sound and precise understanding. The likes of this prayer is not initiated except by an ignoranus – an innovator in religious affairs and opening the door to it necessitates an alteration of the sound and legislated acts of worship and rites, and thus one receives a share of (deeds of those) who legislate that which Allaah has not legislated. [Al-Fataawaa Al-Kubraa 2/239]
NB: The Al-Fiyah: This innovated prayer and what is similar to it is well-known to some of us who were upon the innovated Soofi paths. It is performed by some people on Shabaan 15th. They either perform 100 Rak’ats and in every Rak’ah Surah Al-Ikhaas is recited 10 times or they perform 10 Rak’ats and Surah Al-Ikhlaas is recited a 100 times in every Rak’ah.
Finally, we conclude with a statement of Imaam Maalik and Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allaah have upon them and all the scholars of Islaam] which have already been quoted earlier. Imaam Maalik [rahimahullaah] said: “The latter part of this Ummah [i.e. those who will come after the Salaf] will not be rectified except by way of that which rectified it’s earlier part [i.e. the Salaf].’’ And he [rahimahullaah) said: ‘’Whoever innovates a bidah in Islaam and considers it to be something good, then indeed he has claimed that Muhammad betrayed the Risaalah (i.e. the message he was entrusted with); because Allaah said: ٱلۡيَوۡمَ أَكۡمَلۡتُ لَكُمۡ دِينَكُمۡ – This day, I have perfected your religion for you]. Therefore, what was not part of the religion at that time [i.e. during the time of the Messenger] cannot be part of the religion today (i.e. after his departure from this world).” [Al-Itisaam of Imaam Shaatibee 1/28]
Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah said: The likes of this prayer is not initiated except by an ignoramus – an innovator in religious affairs, and opening the door to it necessitates an alteration of the sound and legislated acts of worship and rites, and thus one receives a share of (the deeds of those) who legislate that which Allaah has not legislated. [Al-Fataawaa Al-Kubraa 2/239]
May Allaah open our hearts to that which is correct, grant us the desire to seek knowledge from its sound sources, even that is little, bless us with sincerity and the ability to act Aameen. And Allaah knows best.
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
It is widespread amongst some people that Istikhaarah and seeking the best outcome in an affair is that one goes to the astrologers and soothsayers. This is in opposition to what is found in the Islamic legislation; rather Istikhaarah and seeking the best outcome in an affair is that one performs two optional Rak’ats and then supplicate with the legislated supplication. Jaabir Bin Abdillaah [may Allaah be pleased with him and his father] said, ”Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] used to teach us the way of doing Istikhaarah (i.e. the means to ask Allah to guide one to the right action concerning any job or a deed) in all matters as he taught us the Suras of the Qur’an. He said, ‘If anyone of you wants to do any task [i.e. wants to decide on a matter], he should offer a two rak`ats other than the compulsory ones and say (after the prayer):
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْتَخِيرُكَ بِعِلْمِكَ وَأَسْتَقْدِرُكَ بِقُدْرَتِكَ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ الْعَظِيمِ، فَإِنَّكَ تَقْدِرُ وَلاَ أَقْدِرُ وَتَعْلَمُ وَلاَ أَعْلَمُ وَأَنْتَ عَلاَّمُ الْغُيُوبِ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الأَمْرَ خَيْرٌ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي ـ أَوْ قَالَ عَاجِلِ أَمْرِي وَآجِلِهِ ـ فَاقْدُرْهُ لِي وَيَسِّرْهُ لِي ثُمَّ بَارِكْ لِي فِيهِ، وَإِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الأَمْرَ شَرٌّ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي ـ أَوْ قَالَ فِي عَاجِلِ أَمْرِي وَآجِلِهِ ـ فَاصْرِفْهُ عَنِّي وَاصْرِفْنِي عَنْهُ، وَاقْدُرْ لِي الْخَيْرَ حَيْثُ كَانَ ثُمَّ أَرْضِنِي بِهِ ـ قَالَ ـ وَيُسَمِّي حَاجَتَهُ
O Allaah! I seek the counsel through Your Knowledge, and I seek Power from Your Might, and I ask for Your great blessings. You are capable and I am not. You know and I do not and You (alone) know the unseen. O Allah! If You know that this task (or affair) is good for my religion and my subsistence and in my Hereafter- (or said, ‘If it is better for my present and later needs), then You ordain it for me and make it easy for me to get, and then bless me in it. And if You know that this task (affair) is harmful to me in my religion and subsistence and in the Hereafter-(or said, ‘If it is worse for my present and later needs’), then keep it away from me and let me be away from it. And ordain for me whatever is good for me, and make me satisfied with it’. The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] added that then the person should mention his (or her) need [i.e. the affair or task]. [Bukhaari: 1162] [Ref 1]
Read here: Charms, Amulets and Talismans― Fortune-Tellers, Soothsayers and Astrologers in Light of the Quran and Sunnah:
https://www.abukhadeejah.com/charms-amulets-talismans-fortune-tellers-soothsayers-astrologers-quran-sunnah/
The Ruling on performing Istikhaarah for another person
Question to Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him]: Our sister asks, “Is it permissible for me to perform Istikhaarah for someone other than myself?”
Answer: I do not know of a proof regarding this; rather the Prophetic tradition has a narration that “If one of you wants to do any task [i.e. wants to decide on a matter], he should offer two rak`ats and then says, ”O Allaah…..[i.e. the supplication mentioned earlier – Bukhari 1162]. Therefore, what (is in conformity with) the Prophetic tradition is that the one who wants an affair and faces difficulty in making a decision is the one who performs the Istikhaarah. As for this person performing Istikhaarah for that person, I do not know of a basis for this (i.e. in the divine legislation); rather both a man and woman perform Istikhaarah individually and supplicate with the supplication. If one does not know the supplication that has been transmitted in the hadeeth, then one asks his Lord saying, [اللهم يسر لي الأصلح، اللهم اشرح صدري للأصلح الأحب إليك، لما فيه نفعي، لما فيه صلاحي – O Allaaah! Make easy for me the affair that is more upright (or carriers more wellbeing). O Allaah! Open my heart to that which is upright (or carries more wellbeing)- that which is more beloved to you, that which contains benefit for me and my wellbeing (uprightness)]. So, the person [i.e. the one who does not know the authentic supplication reported in the Prophetic tradition] supplicates with what is appropriate. [Ref 2]
[Ref 1: Al-Haqeeqatush Shar’iyyah Fee Tafseeril Qur’aanil Adheem Was-Sunnatin Nabawiyyah. Page 95]
[Ref2:https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/10634/%D8%AD%D9%83%D9%85-%D8%B5%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%AE%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%B9%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%BA%D9%8A%D8%B1. abridged and paraphrased]
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy
Allaah [The Most High] said:
وَإِذْ قُلْنَا لِلْمَلَائِكَةِ اسْجُدُوا لِآدَمَ فَسَجَدُوا إِلَّا إِبْلِيسَ كَانَ مِنَ الْجِنِّ فَفَسَقَ عَنْ أَمْرِ رَبِّهِ ۗ أَفَتَتَّخِذُونَهُ وَذُرِّيَّتَهُ أَوْلِيَاءَ مِن دُونِي وَهُمْ لَكُمْ عَدُوٌّ ۚ بِئْسَ لِلظَّالِمِينَ بَدَلًا
And (remember) when We said to the angels; “Prostrate to Adam.” So they prostrated except Iblis (Satan). He was one of the jinns; he disobeyed the Command of his Lord. Will you then take him (Iblis) and his offspring as protectors and helpers rather than Me while they are enemies to you? What an evil is the exchange for the Zalimun. [18:50]
Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] stated: Allaah says to His slaves: I ennobled your father; raised his rank and gave him preference over others. I commanded all the angels to prostrate to him as a (sign) of honour and nobility, and they obeyed Me; but my enemy and yours (i.e. Iblees) refused (to prostrate) and disobeyed my command. He refrained from obeying Me (Allaah), so how can it be fair seeming to you (sons of Aadam) that you take him and his offspring as allies besides Me (Allaah)- obeying him and disobeying Me, allying with him against what pleases Me, whilst they (Iblees and his offspring) are the severest enemies to you. So you ally with My enemy and he commands you with his enmity! Whoever allies with an enemy of a king, then he is the same as the enemy of the king, for indeed love and obedience cannot be complete except by way of having enmity towards the enemy of the one you follow and having allegiance to the friends of the one you follow. As for having allegiance to the enemy of the king and then claiming that you are the ally of the king, this is impossible.
[Source: An Excerpt from Al-Jawaab al-Kaafi. Pages 118-119]
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi Al-Madkhalee [may Allaah preserve him] said: If you are able to exercise patience and seek knowledge, then exercise patience- meaning, study before getting married, just as Umar [radiyallaahu-anhu] said that “Some people might be prevented from [seeking] knowledge due to marriage’’. So, when he gets married, he abandons seeking knowledge and becomes relaxed, and tires himself [i.e. it becomes difficult for him to combine family responsibilities and seeking knowledge at the same time]. But if he has the ability to combine the Maslahatayn [i.e. the benefits of marriage and seeking knowledge], then that is good, [as long as] he does not consider himself as one who will commit wicked deeds and fornicate; [for] if this is the case, then -by Allaah- it becomes more obligatory on him to get married to protect himself and guard his chastity. http://www.rabee.net/ar/questions.php?cat=51&id=623 paraphrased. Your feedback is welcome to improve the content of this article Baarakallaahu Feekum
Why Was Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullaah) Unmarried throughout His Life? Al-Allaamah Saaleh Al-Fawzaan [hafidhahullaah] clarifies
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Reflection On Surah Al-Faatir
Allaah [The Exalted] said:
وَاللَّهُ الَّذِي أَرْسَلَ الرِّيَاحَ فَتُثِيرُ سَحَابًا فَسُقْنَاهُ إِلَىٰ بَلَدٍ مَّيِّتٍ فَأَحْيَيْنَا بِهِ الْأَرْضَ بَعْدَ مَوْتِهَا ۚ كَذَٰلِكَ النُّشُورُ
And it is Allah Who sends the winds, so that they raise up the clouds, and We drive them to a dead land, and revive therewith the earth after its death. As such (will be) the Resurrection! [Surah Al-Faatir. Aayah 9]
Allaah informs us of His perfect power and vast generosity – that He sends the winds, so that they raise up the clouds, drive them to a dead land and revive the dead land therewith; a source of life for the people, the animals are provided with sustenance and enjoy that good. Likewise, the one who revive the earth after its death will resurrect the dead from their graves after they had been dust. He will send rain upon them just as He sends it upon a dead land, so it falls on them, the bodies and souls return back to life from their graves and come to stand in the presence of Allaah to judge between them based on His just ruling. [Ref 1]
Allaah [The Most High] said:
إِن كُلُّ مَن فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ إِلَّا آتِي الرَّحْمَٰنِ عَبْدًا
لَّقَدْ أَحْصَاهُمْ وَعَدَّهُمْ عَدًّا
وَكُلُّهُمْ آتِيهِ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ فَرْدًا
There is none in the heavens and the earth but comes unto the Most Beneficent (Allah) as a slave. Verily, He knows each one of them, and has counted them a full counting. And everyone of them will come to Him alone on the Day of Resurrection. [19:93-95]
[وَكُلُّهُمْ آتِيهِ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ فَرْدًا – And everyone of them will come to Him alone on the Day of Resurrection]- Meaning, without children, wealth and helpers – nothing with him [i.e. the person –male and female] except his (or her) deeds, so Allaah will recompense him (or her) and give him (her) a full account. And if (his or her deeds are) good, they receive good, and if evil, they receive evil, just as Allaah (The Most High) said: [وَلَقَدْ جِئْتُمُونَا فُرَادَىٰ كَمَا خَلَقْنَاكُمْ أَوَّلَ مَرَّةٍ – And truly you have come unto Us alone (without wealth, companions or anything else) as We created you the first time]. [6:94] [Ref 2]
What Are Righteous Deeds
Imaam Shanqeetee [rahimahullaah) said: Indeed, the great Qur’aan has clarified that a righteous deed is that which accomplishes three affairs, and when one of them is not present its performer will not be benefitted on the day of Judgement.
The first affair: The (deed) has to be accordance with what the Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi wasallam) was sent with. That is because Allaah (The Most High) stated: [ وَمَا آتَاكُمُ الرَّسُولُ فَخُذُوهُ وَمَا نَهَاكُمْ عَنْهُ فَانتَهُوا – And whatsoever the Messenger (Muhammad) gives you, take it, and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it)]. [Soorah Al-Hashar: Ayah: 7]
Allaah (The Most High) said: [مَّن يُطِعِ الرَّسُولَ فَقَدْ أَطَاعَ اللَّهَ – He who obeys the Messenger (Muhammad), has indeed obeyed Allah]. [Nisaa: Ayah: 80]
Allaah (The Most High) said: [ قُلْ إِن كُنتُمْ تُحِبُّونَ اللَّهَ فَاتَّبِعُونِي – Say (O Muhammad to mankind): ‘If you (really) love Allah then follow me].’[Aal Imraan: Ayah: 31]
Allaah (The Most High) said: [أَمْ لَهُمْ شُرَكَاءُ شَرَعُوا لَهُم مِّنَ الدِّينِ مَا لَمْ يَأْذَن بِهِ اللَّهُ – Or have they partners with Allah (false gods), who have instituted for them a religion which Allah has not allowed. [Soorah Ash-Shooraa: Ayah: 21]
The second affair: The (deed) is to be carried out sincerely for the sake of Allaah. That is because Allaah (The Most high) stated: [وَمَا أُمِرُوا إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ مُخْلِصِينَ لَهُ الدِّينَ – And they were commanded not, but that they should worship Allah, and worship none but Him Alone (abstaining from ascribing partners to Him)]. [Soorah Al-Bayyinah: Ayah: 5]
Allaah (The Most High) said:
[قُلْ إِنِّي أُمِرْتُ أَنْ أَعْبُدَ اللَّهَ مُخْلِصًا لَّهُ الدِّينَ
وَأُمِرْتُ لِأَنْ أَكُونَ أَوَّلَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ
قُلْ إِنِّي أَخَافُ إِنْ عَصَيْتُ رَبِّي عَذَابَ يَوْمٍ عَظِيمٍ
قُلِ اللَّهَ أَعْبُدُ مُخْلِصًا لَّهُ دِينِي
Say (O Muhammad): ‘Verily, I am commanded to worship Allah (Alone) by obeying Him and doing religious deeds sincerely for Allah’s sake only and not to show off, and not to set up rivals with Him in worship; “And I am commanded (this) in order that I may be the first of those who submit themselves to Allah (in Islam) as Muslims.” Say (O Muhammad): “Verily, if I disobey my Lord, I am afraid of the torment of a great Day.” Say (O Muhammad) “Allah Alone I worship by doing religious deeds sincerely for His sake only and not to show-off, and not to set up rivals with Him in worship.” [Soorah Az-Zumar: Ayah: 11-14]
The third affair: The (deed) has to be founded upon a sound creed. Allaah (The Most High) said: [وَمَن يَعْمَلْ مِنَ الصَّالِحَاتِ وَهُوَ مُؤْمِنٌ – And he who works deeds of righteousness, while he is a believer (in Islamic Monotheism)]. Therefore, Allaah, (tied) the (deed of the doer and the condition of its acceptance), saying: ‘’While he (i.e. performer) is a believer’’.[Soorah Taahaa: Ayah: 112]
And (The Most High) stated regarding the deeds of those who (do not believe I Allaah and His final Messenger (sallal-lal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam)]:
وَقَدِمْنَا إِلَىٰ مَا عَمِلُوا مِنْ عَمَلٍ فَجَعَلْنَاهُ هَبَاءً مَّنثُورًا
And We shall turn to whatever deeds they (disbelievers, polytheists, sinners, etc.) did, and We shall make such deeds as scattered floating particles of dust.’’ [Soorah Al-Furqaan: Ayah: 23]
And Allaah (The Most High) said: [أُولَٰئِكَ الَّذِينَ لَيْسَ لَهُمْ فِي الْآخِرَةِ إِلَّا النَّارُ ۖ وَحَبِطَ مَا صَنَعُوا فِيهَا وَبَاطِلٌ مَّا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ – They are those for whom there is nothing in the Hereafter but Fire; and vain are the deeds they did therein. And of no effect is that which they used to do. [Soorah HUD: Ayah: 16]. And other than it from the Aayaat (of the Qur’aan) [Ref 3]
[Ref 1: An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi. Slightly paraphrased]
[Ref 2: An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi. Slightly paraphrased]
[Ref 3: An Excerpt from Al-Ismaamu Deenu Kaamilu page: 7. slightly paraphrased]
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Reflection On Surah Al-Faatir
Allaah [The Exalted] said:
يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ اذْكُرُوا نِعْمَتَ اللَّهِ عَلَيْكُمْ ۚ هَلْ مِنْ خَالِقٍ غَيْرُ اللَّهِ يَرْزُقُكُم مِّنَ السَّمَاءِ وَالْأَرْضِ ۚ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ۖ فَأَنَّىٰ تُؤْفَكُونَ
وَإِن يُكَذِّبُوكَ فَقَدْ كُذِّبَتْ رُسُلٌ مِّن قَبْلِكَ ۚ وَإِلَى اللَّهِ تُرْجَعُ الْأُمُورُ
O mankind! Remember the Grace of Allah upon you! Is there any creator other than Allah who provides for you from the sky (rain) and the earth? La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He). How then are you turning away (from Him)? And if they belie you (O Muhammad), so were Messengers belied before you. And to Allah return all matters (for decision). [Surah Al-Faatir. 3-4]
Allaah [The Exalted] commanded all mankind remember His blessings bestowed on them by acknowledging that in their hearts, praising Him for these blessings with their tongues and submitting themselves to Him [by doing what He has commanded and keeping away from what He has forbidden]. That is because remembering the blessings of Allaah leads one to be grateful to Him.
Then Allaah notified them of the foundation of these blessings which is the fact that He created and provided. Allaah said: [هَلْ مِنْ خَالِقٍ غَيْرُ اللَّهِ يَرْزُقُكُم مِّنَ السَّمَاءِ وَالْأَرْضِ – Is there any creator other than Allah who provides for you from the sky (rain) and the earth?] – Meaning, when it is well-known that there is none who created and provided besides Allaah, then this proof regarding the fact that He alone is the one with perfect names and attributes which makes Him the only one who has the right to be worshipped and everyone (everything) is a slave of His, and this why He said:
[ ۚ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ۖ فَأَنَّىٰ تُؤْفَكُونَ- Laa ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), how then are you turning away (from Him)?] – Meaning, do you turn away from worshipping the Creator, The All-Provider, and instead worship the created things that are provided for?!
[وَإِن يُكَذِّبُوكَ- If they belie you] – Meaning, O Messenger! If they belie you, then this is an example of that which happened to the Messengers before you. [ فَقَدْ كُذِّبَتْ رُسُلٌ مِّن قَبْلِكَ- so were Messengers belied before you]; so Allaah destroyed those who belied and saved the Messengers and their followers. [وَإِلَى اللَّهِ تُرْجَعُ الْأُمُورُ – And to Allah return all matters (for decision)].
An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi. Slightly paraphrased
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Reflection On Surah Al-Faatir
Allaah [The Exalted] said:
الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ فَاطِرِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ جَاعِلِ الْمَلَائِكَةِ رُسُلًا أُولِي أَجْنِحَةٍ مَّثْنَىٰ وَثُلَاثَ وَرُبَاعَ ۚ يَزِيدُ فِي الْخَلْقِ مَا يَشَاءُ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
مَّا يَفْتَحِ اللَّهُ لِلنَّاسِ مِن رَّحْمَةٍ فَلَا مُمْسِكَ لَهَا ۖ وَمَا يُمْسِكْ فَلَا مُرْسِلَ لَهُ مِن بَعْدِهِ ۚ وَهُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ
All the praises and thanks be to Allah, the (only) Originator [or the (only) Creator] of the heavens and the earth, Who made the angels messengers with wings, – two or three or four. He increases in creation what He wills. Verily, Allah is Able to do all things. Whatever of mercy Allah may grant to mankind, none can withhold it, and whatever He may withhold, none can grant it thereafter. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise. [Surah Al-Faatir. 1-2]
[الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ فَاطِرِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ – All the praises and thanks be to Allah, the (only) Originator of the heavens and the earth]: Meaning, the One who created and brought them into existence prior to their non-existence.
[جَاعِلِ الْمَلَائِكَةِ رُسُلًا أُولِي أَجْنِحَةٍ مَّثْنَىٰ وَثُلَاثَ وَرُبَاعَ – Who made the angels messengers with wings, – two or three or four]: Meaning, Allaah sends them to the Prophets and for other affairs as He wills. They have wings – some two wings, some three and some four. [ يَزِيدُ فِي الْخَلْقِ مَا يَشَاءُ- He increases in creation what He wills]: Muqaatil [rahimahullaah] said, “Allaah increased the wings of the angels as He wills]. [Ref 1]
He gave some of His creation more than others in relation to their physical characteristics, strength, beauty, additional limbs (or faculties) and beautiful voices. [ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِير-Verily, Allah is Able to do all things]: Meaning, by His Power He does whatever He wills and nothing can escape Him, and in relation to this is that He gave some of His creation more than others. [Ref2]
[مَّا يَفْتَحِ اللَّهُ لِلنَّاسِ مِن رَّحْمَةٍ فَلَا مُمْسِكَ لَهَا ۖ وَمَا يُمْسِكْ فَلَا مُرْسِلَ لَهُ مِن بَعْدِهِ – Whatever of mercy Allah may grant to mankind, none can withhold it, and whatever He may withhold, none can grant it thereafter]: Meaning, the good things and provisions. This shows that Allaah alone is the true deity because none is able to withhold what He has granted nor give what He withholds. [Ref 3]
[وَهُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ – And He is the Almighty, The All-wise]:
[وَهُوَ الْعَزِيزُ – And He is the Almighty]: Meaning, He has subdued all things.
[الْحَكِيمُ – The All-Wise]: Meaning, He places all things in their appropriate places. [Ref 4]
[Ref 1: An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi. Slightly paraphrased]
[Ref 2: An Excerpt from Zaadul Maseer Fee Ilmit Tafseer’ By Imaam Ibnul Jawzi. Slightly paraphrased]
[Ref 3: An Excerpt from Zaadul Maseer Fee Ilmit Tafseer’ By Imaam Ibnul Jawzi. Slightly paraphrased]
[Ref 4: An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi. Slightly paraphrased]
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Allaah [The Most High] stated that Isa [alayhis-salaam] said:
وَجَعَلَنِي مُبَارَكًا أَيْنَ مَا كُنتُ
“And He [i.e. Allaah] has made me [i.e. Isa] blessed wheresoever I be…”
[Soorah Maryam Ayah: 31]
A person cannot be blessed wheresoever he is, except when he is righteous and rectifying affairs in all his gatherings, and neither evil nor corruption is (present) in that. Good words, good speech, fine admonition and beneficial affairs are heard from him in every gathering of his. Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] said, “A person cannot be blessed wheresoever he is, except when he is of benefit to the people in every sitting of his with the people. This also applies to the person being blessed in his wealth, his provisions, his actions, his household, his state of affairs and happiness”.
Source: An Excerpt from Sharh Qawaa’id Al-Arba’a- Lesson 1. By Shaikh Abdur Razzaaq al-Badr (hafidhahullaah)
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] said:
إِنَّ هَـٰذَا ٱلۡقُرۡءَانَ يَہۡدِى لِلَّتِى هِىَ أَقۡوَمُ
Verily, this Qur’an guides to that which is most just and right. [Surah Al-Israa. Aayah 9]
Imaam Muhammad Al-Ameen Bin Muhammad Al-Mukhtaar Ash-Shanqeeti [rahimahullaah] said:
And from the guidance of the Qur’aan to that which is most just and right is that it allows [a man to marry] four wives; but if the man fears that he cannot be just between them, then he is to restrict himself to one or those whom his right hand possesses, as Allaah (The Most High) stated:
وَإِنۡ خِفۡتُمۡ أَلَّا تُقۡسِطُواْ فِى ٱلۡيَتَـٰمَىٰ فَٱنكِحُواْ مَا طَابَ لَكُم مِّنَ ٱلنِّسَآءِ مَثۡنَىٰ وَثُلَـٰثَ وَرُبَـٰعَۖ فَإِنۡ خِفۡتُمۡ أَلَّا تَعۡدِلُواْ فَوَٲحِدَةً أَوۡ مَا مَلَكَتۡ أَيۡمَـٰنُكُمۡۚ ذَٲلِكَ أَدۡنَىٰٓ أَلَّا تَعُولُواْ
And if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly with the orphan- girls, then marry (other) women of your choice, two or three, or four but if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one or (the captives and the slaves) that your right hands possess. [Surah An-Nisaa. Ayah:3]
No doubt the path that is the most just and right of paths is that which legitimizes for a man to have more than one wife due to the tangible affairs known to every sensible person. And from those affairs is that an individual woman menstruates, falls ill and contends with other hindrances that prevent her from fulfilling the more specific duties of marriage, whereas a man is readily prepared as a means to increasing the Ummah.
And from those affairs is that Allaah made it a common phenomenon that men are fewer in number than women in the various regions of the world and are more often exposed to the causes of death in all walks of life. If a man were restricted to one wife, there would remain a great number of women deprived of marriage, so they [both men and women] will be strongly urged towards illegal sexual intercourse. Therefore, turning away from the guidance of the Qur’aan in this affair is one of the greatest causes of moral deprivation. It is (one of the greatest causes) of being lowered to the level of animals due to a lack of safeguarding chastity, preservation of nobility, good moral conduct and manners. So Glorified and Exalted is (Allaah) above all that evil they associate with Him, The All-Wise, Well-Acquainted with all things. Allaah said:
الٓرۚ كِتَـٰبٌ أُحۡكِمَتۡ ءَايَـٰتُهُ ۥ ثُمَّ فُصِّلَتۡ مِن لَّدُنۡ حَكِيمٍ خَبِيرٍ
‘(This is) a Book, the verses whereof are perfected (in every sphere of knowledge), and then explained in detail from One (Allaah), Who is All-Wise, Well-Acquainted (with all things)’ [Surah Hood. Ayah 1]
And from those affairs is that women are all readily prepared for marriage, whereas many men do not have the ability to fulfil the requirements of marriage due to poverty. Those prepared for marriage amongst men are fewer than those amongst women. A woman is not hindered whereas a man is hindered by poverty and the ability to fulfil the requirements of marriage. If a man were restricted to one woman, many women prepared for marriage would have missed the opportunity for marriage. This would become a cause for loss of virtue, (a means to) depravation and moral decadence, and the opportunity to preserve the human race would be lost.
So if a man fears that he will not be able to deal justly between the wives, then it is incumbent upon him to restrict himself to one or to those whom his right hand possesses; because Allaah has stated:
إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَأۡمُرُ بِٱلۡعَدۡلِ وَٱلۡإِحۡسَـٰنِ
Verily, Allaah enjoins justice and kind treatment. [Surah Nahl. Aayah 90]
It is not permissible to incline towards giving preferential (treatment) with regards to the rights given by the divine law to each of the wives due to the saying of Allaah:
وَلَن تَسۡتَطِيعُوٓاْ أَن تَعۡدِلُواْ بَيۡنَ ٱلنِّسَآءِ وَلَوۡ حَرَصۡتُمۡۖ فَلَا تَمِيلُواْ ڪُلَّ ٱلۡمَيۡلِ فَتَذَرُوهَا كَٱلۡمُعَلَّقَةِ
You will never be able to do perfect justice between wives [regarding what is hidden in your heart as to who amongst them you love the most] even if it is your ardent desire, so do not incline too much to one of them [by giving her more of your time and provision] so as to leave the other hanging [i.e. neither divorced nor being given the rights due to her]. [Surah An-Nisaa. Aayah: 129]
As for the natural inclination towards loving some of them more than others, the human being is not able to prevent this because it is an emotional (affair) and the soul’s desire, but it is not something that is acted upon [i.e. leads to injustice]. This is what is intended by Allaah’s statement:
وَلَن تَسۡتَطِيعُوٓاْ أَن تَعۡدِلُواْ بَيۡنَ ٱلنِّسَآءِ
You will never be able to do perfect justice between wives. [Surah Nisaa; Ayah: 129]
The claim of some of the disbelievers amongst the enemies of Islaam is that to have more than one wife necessitates constant argumentation and disagreement which ends up in a life of misery, because whenever one of the wives is pleased the other is angered, so the two (wives) are always in displeasure and this is not wisdom.
This (above statement of some of the disbelievers) is a worthless statement whose worthlessness is clear to every sensible person. That is because argument and disagreement between individual members of a family does not cease, because it takes place between a man and his mother, father, children and his only wife. It is a common affair of no great concern alongside the overriding tremendous benefits of marrying more than one woman, such as safeguarding women, facilitating marriage for them and increasing the number of the Ummah so that they can stand firm against the enemies of Islaam in every affair; and an overriding tremendous benefit takes precedence over prevention of a small harm. [Ref 1]
Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [rahimahullaah] said:
If a person marries (several women) in order to protect himself from (Zina) and to increase in numbers of children, then there is no problem in this. However, it should not be for the (purpose) of playing around. [Ref 2]
Finally: Who are those whom your right hand possess?
Listen to audio here by Shaikh Abdul Waahid Abu Khadeejah [hafidhahullaah]:
https://video.link/w/Qbaub
https://video.link/w/lUZtb
[Ref 1. An Excerpt from Tafseerul Qur’aan Bil Qur’aan Min Adwaa Al-Bayaan. Pages 428-429. Slightly paraphrased]
[Ref 2: Al-Hulalul Ibreeziyyah Min At-Taleeqaat Al-baaziyyah Alaa Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree Volume 4; Hadith Number:5069. Footnote Number 3]