Skip to main content

Reflections on some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali [73 of 80]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Bid'ah (Innovation), Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Innovations In Islam (Bidah), 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.

At present, this (phenomenon) is prevalent, particularly within the political movements, as some have witnessed, while others say: “I do not know of a politician who does not lie”. Some say, “Politics is hypocrisy”. Many politicians – within the political groups – exhibit hypocrisy of action. [Footnote a] From the signs of this hypocrisy is allegiance to the proponents of innovation in the religion and the establishment of dangerous methodologies to counter the methodology of Ahlus Sunnah to destroy it,  such as the methodology of Muwaazanaat,  [Footnote b] the methodology of “Broad, inclusive framework” that embraces all the Ummah, [Footnote c] among other principles designed to wage war against Ahlus Sunnah and defend the proponents of Bidah and misguidance. [Footnote d] [1]

————————————————————–

Footnote a:

Minor and Major Hypocrisy, and the Hypocrites by Al-Barbahaaree, Explanation of Al-Fawzaan: https://abukhadeejah.com/minor-and-major-hypocrisy-and-the-hypocrites-by-al-barbahaaree-explanation-of-al-fawzaan/

Footnote b: Clarifications of the Major Scholars Regarding the Bidʿah of al-Muwāzanah:

https://abuiyaad.com/r/muwazanah

Footnote c: Refutation of the Manhaj of Tamyi:

https://abuiyaad.com/r/salaf-harsh-innovators/p/2

Footnote d:

https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2024/12/28/all-in-the-fire-except-one/

[1] Sharh Usul As-Sunnah Lil-Imam Ahmad 70-71

A quick conversation with the young shuttle aficionado

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Contemporary Issues, Mental Health, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allah, The Exalted, said:

وَسَخَّرَ لَكُم مَّا فِى ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَمَا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ جَمِيعًا مِّنْهُ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَءَايَٰتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ

And has subjected to you all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth; it is all as a favour and kindness from Him. Verily, in it are signs for a people who think deeply. [Al-Jathiyah 13]

أَلَمْ تَرَوْا أَنَّ اللَّهَ سَخَّرَ لَكُم مَّا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَأَسْبَغَ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعَمَهُ ظَاهِرَةً وَبَاطِنَةً ۗ وَمِنَ النَّاسِ مَن يُجَادِلُ فِي اللَّهِ بِغَيْرِ عِلْمٍ وَلَا هُدًى وَلَا كِتَابٍ مُّنِيرٍ

See you not (O men) that Allah has subjected for you whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth, and has completed and perfected His Graces upon you, (both) apparent (i.e. Islamic Monotheism, and the lawful pleasures of this world, including health, good looks, etc.) and hidden [i.e. One’s Faith in Allah (of Islamic Monotheism) knowledge, wisdom, guidance for doing righteous deeds, and also the pleasures and delights of the Hereafter in Paradise, etc.]? Yet of mankind is he who disputes about Allah without knowledge or guidance or a Book giving light! [Luqman 20]

أَلَمْ تَرَ أَنَّ اللَّهَ يُولِجُ اللَّيْلَ فِي النَّهَارِ وَيُولِجُ النَّهَارَ فِي اللَّيْلِ وَسَخَّرَ الشَّمْسَ وَالْقَمَرَ كُلٌّ يَجْرِي إِلَىٰ أَجَلٍ مُّسَمًّى وَأَنَّ اللَّهَ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرٌ

See you not (O Muhammad) that Allah merges the night into the day (i.e. the decrease in the hours of the night are added in the hours of the day), and merges the day into the night (i.e. the decrease in the hours of day are added in the hours of night), and has subjected the sun and the moon, each running its course for a term appointed; and that Allah is All-Aware of what you do. [Luqman 29]

يُولِجُ اللَّيْلَ فِي النَّهَارِ وَيُولِجُ النَّهَارَ فِي اللَّيْلِ وَسَخَّرَ الشَّمْسَ وَالْقَمَرَ كُلٌّ يَجْرِي لِأَجَلٍ مُّسَمًّى ۚ ذَٰلِكُمُ اللَّهُ رَبُّكُمْ لَهُ الْمُلْكُ ۚ وَالَّذِينَ تَدْعُونَ مِن دُونِهِ مَا يَمْلِكُونَ مِن قِطْمِيرٍ

He merges the night into the day (i.e. the decrease in the hours of the night are added to the hours of the day), and He merges the day into the night (i.e. the decrease in the hours of the day are added to the hours of the night). And He has subjected the sun and the moon, each runs its course for a term appointed. Such is Allah your Lord; His is the kingdom. And those, whom you invoke or call upon instead of Him, own not even a Qitmir (the thin membrane over the datestone). [Fatir 13]

خَلَقَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ بِالْحَقِّ ۖ يُكَوِّرُ اللَّيْلَ عَلَى النَّهَارِ وَيُكَوِّرُ النَّهَارَ عَلَى اللَّيْلِ ۖ وَسَخَّرَ الشَّمْسَ وَالْقَمَرَ ۖ كُلٌّ يَجْرِي لِأَجَلٍ مُّسَمًّى ۗ أَلَا هُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْغَفَّارُ

He has created the heavens and the earth with truth. He makes the night to go in the day and makes the day to go in the night. And He has subjected the sun and the moon. Each running (on a fixed course) for an appointed term. Verily, He is the All-Mighty, the Oft-Forgiving. [Az-Zumar 5]

Allah, The Mighty and Majestic, said:

أَلَمْ تَرَ أَنَّ اللَّهَ سَخَّرَ لَكُم مَّا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَالْفُلْكَ تَجْرِي فِي الْبَحْرِ بِأَمْرِهِ وَيُمْسِكُ السَّمَاءَ أَن تَقَعَ عَلَى الْأَرْضِ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِهِ ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ بِالنَّاسِ لَرَءُوفٌ رَّحِيمٌ

See you not that Allah has subjected to you (mankind) all that is on the earth, and the ships that sail through the sea by His Command? He withholds the heaven from falling on the earth except by His Leave. Verily, Allah is, for mankind, full of Kindness, Most Merciful. [Al-Hajj 65]

Firstly, my noble teenage Muslim brother! These verses, along with many others, unmistakably illustrate that Allah is the sole creator of all magnificent things, including humanity and the Jinn. Thus, whenever we observe someone’s accomplishments, whether in worldly pursuits or religious endeavors, we must acknowledge that these blessings come from Allah, the One who gave us life and shaped our existence. Recognizing this truth is essential; otherwise, we risk losing sight of the source behind human achievements.

Second, your exploration of the factors that could jeopardise rockets, satellites, or shuttles particularly the impact of winds and storms, is truly captivating. Some people have delved into numerous aspects of this topic, examining how various elements of our universe contribute to these risks, especially in relation to extreme weather conditions. Amidst this intriguing dialogue, some among your generation is facinated by the sight of rockets and other things launching into the sky. Whether they can successfully reach space or the moon is debated, but we understand that your fascination with such events ignites curiosity and a yearning to understand some of the activities of humans.

Thirdly, it is essential to recognize that while scientists frequently investigate the causes of failures in various shuttle missions, they always neglect to acknowledge the One (Allah) Who provided the resources and means necessary for the construction of these objects and the atmosphere in which they function. When discussing the factors contributing to their successes or failures, they attribute the outcomes solely to these environmental influences. Numerous individuals discuss the wind and its impacts, yet they overlook the One that controls and determines what it does. They highlight the terrifying challenges it poses for airplane pilots and shuttles when its speed and direction suddenly changes, and then quickly resort to invoking the phrase “Mother Nature” when their efforts fall short. Their conversations about success, failure, accidents, or disasters focus solely on the methods used and the assessment of risks, neglecting the fundamental truth that everything ultimately lies in the hands of the Creator. All means and outcomes are subject to His absolute Will. While they may reluctantly accept that a disaster was unavoidable due to potential wind shear and clear air turbulence in specific directions at certain times, whose measurements were not possible, nor could they predict the strength or effects of these conditions in advance, no mention of the Creator’s Will and Decree is heard from their tongues.

They recognise their limitations and the constraints of their knowledge, understanding that none can determine weather conditions with certainty. Despite this, there is no acknowledgment of a higher power; instead, they turn away, while constantly remaining uncertain about the specific circumstances that will suddenly determine outcomes, as they cannot accurately ascertain the strength or weakness of the wind, or other events in the universe. None can ascertain what will occur in the next moment, except the All-Knower, The All-Mighty and All-Wise Creator. Before we reference Imam As-Sadi, may Allah have mercy on him, regarding the dangers of knowledge that lacks belief in Al-Qadaa Wal Qadr and the importance of reliance upon Allah while utilising the means available to us, let’s share some verses on this link that highlight the incredible power of the winds.

Some verses of the Qur’an regarding wind

Thereafter, consider how Allah bestowed remarkable blessins upon His grateful servants. Among them is Sulayman, peace be upon him, to whom He granted a kingdom unmatched throughout history, enduring until the Day of Judgment. Allah said:

وَدَاوُودَ وَسُلَيْمَانَ إِذْ يَحْكُمَانِ فِي الْحَرْثِ إِذْ نَفَشَتْ فِيهِ غَنَمُ الْقَوْمِ وَكُنَّا لِحُكْمِهِمْ شَاهِدِينَ * فَفَهَّمْنَاهَا سُلَيْمَانَ وَكُلًّا آتَيْنَا حُكْمًا وَعِلْمًا وَسَخَّرْنَا مَعَ دَاوُودَ الْجِبَالَ يُسَبِّحْنَ وَالطَّيْرَ وَكُنَّا فَاعِلِينَ * وَعَلَّمْنَاهُ صَنْعَةَ لَبُوسٍ لَكُمْ لِتُحْصِنَكُمْ مِنْ بَأْسِكُمْ فَهَلْ أَنْتُمْ شَاكِرُونَ * وَلِسُلَيْمَانَ الرِّيحَ عَاصِفَةً تَجْرِي بِأَمْرِهِ إِلَى الْأَرْضِ الَّتِي بَارَكْنَا فِيهَا وَكُنَّا بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عَالِمِينَ * وَمِنَ الشَّيَاطِينِ مَنْ يَغُوصُونَ لَهُ وَيَعْمَلُونَ عَمَلًا دُونَ ذَلِكَ وَكُنَّا لَهُمْ حَافِظِينَ

And (remember) Dawud (David) and Sulaiman (Solomon), when they gave judgement in the case of the field in which the sheep of certain people had pastured at night and We were witness to their judgement. And We made Sulaiman (Solomon) to understand (the case), and to each of them We gave Hukman (right judgement of the affairs and Prophethood) and knowledge. And We subjected the mountains and the birds to glorify Our Praises along with Dawud (David), And it was We Who were the doers (of all these things). And We taught him the making of metal coats of mail (for battles), to protect you in your fighting. Are you then grateful? And to Sulaiman (Solomon) (We subjected) the wind strongly raging, running by his command towards the land which We had blessed. And of everything We are the All-Knower. And of the Shayatin (devils) (from the jinns) were some who dived for him, and did other work besides that; and it was We Who guarded them. [Al-Anbiya 78-82]

وَلِسُلَيْمَانَ الرِّيحَ غُدُوُّهَا شَهْرٌ وَرَوَاحُهَا شَهْرٌ وَأَسَلْنَا لَهُ عَيْنَ الْقِطْرِ وَمِنَ الْجِنِّ مَنْ يَعْمَلُ بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِ وَمَنْ يَزِغْ مِنْهُمْ عَنْ أَمْرِنَا نُذِقْهُ مِنْ عَذَابِ السَّعِيرِ * يَعْمَلُونَ لَهُ مَا يَشَاءُ مِنْ مَحَارِيبَ وَتَمَاثِيلَ وَجِفَانٍ كَالْجَوَابِ وَقُدُورٍ رَاسِيَاتٍ اعْمَلُوا آلَ دَاوُودَ شُكْرًا وَقَلِيلٌ مِنْ عِبَادِيَ الشَّكُورُ * فَلَمَّا قَضَيْنَا عَلَيْهِ الْمَوْتَ مَا دَلَّهُمْ عَلَى مَوْتِهِ إِلَّا دَابَّةُ الْأَرْضِ تَأْكُلُ مِنْسَأَتَهُ فَلَمَّا خَرَّ تَبَيَّنَتِ الْجِنُّ أَنْ لَوْ كَانُوا يَعْلَمُونَ الْغَيْبَ مَا لَبِثُوا فِي الْعَذَابِ الْمُهِينِ

And to Solomon (We subjected) the wind, its morning (stride from sunrise till midnoon) was a month’s (journey), and its afternoon (stride from the midday decline of the sun to sunset) was a month’s (journey i.e. in one day he could travel two months’ journey). And We caused a fount of (molten) brass to flow for him, and there were jinns that worked in front of him, by the Leave of his Lord, and whosoever of them turned aside from Our Command, We shall cause him to taste of the torment of the blazing Fire. They worked for him what he desired, (making) high rooms, images, basins as large as reservoirs, and (cooking) cauldrons fixed (in their places). “Work you, O family of Dawud (David), with thanks!” But few of My slaves are grateful. [Saba 12-13]

Look at how grateful Sulayman was after being granted success in his pursuit. Allah informed us:

[قَالَ يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلۡمَلَؤُاْ أَيُّكُمۡ يَأۡتِينِى بِعَرۡشِہَا قَبۡلَ أَن يَأۡتُونِى مُسۡلِمِينَ – He said: “O chiefs! Which of you can bring me her throne before they come to me surrendering themselves in obedience?]

[ قَالَ عِفۡرِيتٌ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ أَنَا۟ ءَاتِيكَ بِهِۦ قَبۡلَ أَن تَقُومَ مِن مَّقَامِكَ‌ۖ وَإِنِّى عَلَيۡهِ لَقَوِىٌّ أَمِينٌ۬ – An Ifrit (strong) from the jinns said: “I will bring it to you before you rise from your place (council). And verily, I am indeed strong, and trustworthy for such work].

[قَالَ عِفۡرِيتٌ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ – An Ifrit (strong) from the jinns said]. An Ifreet is an extremely strong and forceful one (amongst the Jinn). And what is apparent here is that at that Sulayman was in Sham at the time, so the distance between him and Saba was a period of four months journey- two months to go there and two months to return; however regardless of this, the Ifreet said, “I take it upon myself to bring it – regardless of its big size and heftiness, and regardless of its distance- before you can rise from your (council). Customarily, the councils take a long time and they take most of the forenoon- about one third of the day. This is the mostly the time period of councils, but it may take lesser or more than that. So, there was a subject of this great King (Sulaymaan) who was bestowed with the power and ability to do what was greater than the offer of the Ifreet. Allah said:

[قَالَ ٱلَّذِى عِندَهُ ۥ عِلۡمٌ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبِ أَنَا۟ ءَاتِيكَ بِهِۦ قَبۡلَ أَن يَرۡتَدَّ إِلَيۡكَ طَرۡفُكَ‌ۚ – One with whom was knowledge of the Scripture said: “I will bring it to you within the twinkling of an eye!] The Qur’aan commentators stated that he was man – a scholar and righteous in the presence of Sulyamaan, and he was called Aaif Ibn Barkhiyaa. He knew Allaah’s Greatest Name through which Allaah responds and gives when invoked and asked.

Allah said that he said: [أَنَا۟ ءَاتِيكَ بِهِۦ قَبۡلَ أَن يَرۡتَدَّ إِلَيۡكَ طَرۡفُكَ‌ۚ – I will bring it to you within the twinkling of an eye!]- Meaning, by invoking Allah with that Name. And Allah knows best as to whether this is what is intended or that this person had knowledge of the scripture through which he was able to bring something that was far away and attain what was very difficult to attain (by the will of Allah).

Sulyamaan’s Reaction When He Saw The Throne of Bilqees In His Presence

Allah [The Exalted] said:

فَلَمَّا رَءَاهُ مُسۡتَقِرًّا عِندَهُ ۥ قَالَ هَـٰذَا مِن فَضۡلِ رَبِّى لِيَبۡلُوَنِىٓ ءَأَشۡكُرُ أَمۡ أَكۡفُرُ‌ۖ وَمَن شَكَرَ فَإِنَّمَا يَشۡكُرُ لِنَفۡسِهِۦ‌ۖ وَمَن كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ رَبِّى غَنِىٌّ۬ كَرِيمٌ۬

Then when he (Sulayman) saw it (Bilqees’s Throne) placed before him, he said: “This is by the Grace of my Lord to test me whether I am grateful or ungrateful! And whoever is grateful, truly, his gratitude is for (the good of) his ownself, and whoever is ungrateful, (he is ungrateful only for the loss of his ownself). Certainly! My Lord is Rich (Free of all wants), Bountiful]. [فَلَمَّا رَءَاهُ مُسۡتَقِرًّا عِندَهُ – Then when he (Sulayman) saw it (Bilqees’s Throne) placed before him], he praised Allaah [The Exalted] for ability placed at his disposal, his kingdom and the affairs facilitated for him. Then he said: [هَـٰذَا مِن فَضۡلِ رَبِّى لِيَبۡلُوَنِىٓ ءَأَشۡكُرُ أَمۡ أَكۡفُرُ‌ۖ – This is by the Grace of my Lord to test me whether I am grateful or ungrateful!]- Meaning, to test me by way of of it. He was not beguiled kingdom, authority and power as is the habit of the ignorant kings (See footnote f); rather he knew that this was a test from his Lord, so he was scared of not being thankful for these blessings.

Then he clarified that being grateful to Allah does not benefit Allah; rather its benefits returns to the grateful one; so he said: [وَمَن شَكَرَ فَإِنَّمَا يَشۡكُرُ لِنَفۡسِهِۦ‌ۖ وَمَن كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ رَبِّى غَنِىٌّ۬ كَرِيمٌ۬- and whoever is ungrateful, (he is ungrateful only for the loss of his ownself). Certainly! My Lord is Rich (Free of all wants), Bountiful]- Meaning, Allah is not in need of a person’s deeds, and He is generous, bestows abundant good that to both a grateful person and an ungrateful person, except that being grateful for the blessings He bestows leads to more blessings and being ungrateful leads to its decrease. [1]

No one will ever possess a kingdom like that of Prophet Sulayman, yet have you noticed how he credited all his achievements to Allah? This stands in sharp contrast to those who rely solely on cause and effect for their successes and failures, often overlooking Allah’s Divine Will and Decree in every situation. Imam As-Sadi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

The greatest evils of knowledge and its inconsistencies occurs as a result of acquainting oneself with the creation without its Creator, acquaintance with effects without the One who created those effects, acquaintance with causes without the one who created those causes and acquaintance with the paths without its sound goals. The deficiency in this type of acquaintance is numerous and its harm is great, because indeed many atheists and those deceived by them are skilled in the natural sciences, but they confine themselves to it and are blind regarding its association with its Creator and Causer. And with regards to that which is placed in these natural sciences of wonders and secrets, they see themselves as those who know the wonders of the natural sciences – which none knows besides them – and the secrets which Allāh has placed in nature, so it gives them higher status over others and thus they become afflicted with vanity and self-deception. They confine themselves to it, consider it as the final outcome, the purpose and the goal, and thus occurs great deviation, deficiency in knowledge and intellect. If they knew and affirmed belief in the true Creator and the One Who Controls all the affairs of the Universe- the One who attached the means and causes to His Qadaa Wal Qadr [Footnote a], know that the means and causes are an abode of His Perfect Wisdom – for indeed Allāh [The Most High] is All-Wise, He placed things in their rightful places, gave the subtle affairs and big affairs an amazing orderly system and a firm association; gave everything that is sought after and the goals a means or cause, and a path that will lead to it, and due to this results and outcomes are based on the strength or weakness of the means or causes, and the strength or weakness of the performer of the deed- and then they bound these means, paths and outcomes to Allāh’s Qadaa Wal Qadr, their knowledge would have been perfected and they would have acquired of certainty that which cannot be acquired by those who have not reached their level; but they are glad (and proud) with that which they know of those paths whose tangible worldly outcomes they know and became haughty by way of them, so the statement of Allāh [The Most High] apply to them:

فلما جاءتهم رسلهم بالبينات فرحوا بما عندهم من العلم وحاق بهم ما كانوا به يستهزئون

Then when their Messengers came to them with clear proofs, they were glad (and proud) with that which they had of the knowledge (of worldly things): And that at which they used to mock, surrounded them (i.e. the punishment)]. [Surah Ghaafir. Aayah 83]

Allāh said:
وجعلنا لهم سمعا وأبصارا وأفئدة فما أغنى عنهم سمعهم ولا أبصارهم ولا أفئدتهم من شيء إذ كانوا يجحدون بآيات الله وحاق بهم ما كانوا به يستهزئون

And indeed We had firmly established them with that wherewith We have not established you! And We had assigned them the (faculties of) hearing (ears), seeing (eyes), and hearts, but their hearing (ears), seeing (eyes), and their hearts availed them nothing since they used to deny the Ayat (Allah’s Prophets and their Prophethood, proofs, evidences, verses, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allah, and they were completely encircled by that which they used to mock at! [Surah Al-Ahqaaf. Aayah 26]

This is the greatest evil consequence of self-amazement and arrogance without exception, and the most perilous path through which many people become beguiled and deceived; therefore we ask Allāh to blessed us with sound knowledge that is supported by sound intellect, divine text and sound natural disposition – the beneficial knowledge which the servant knows in all its aspects, and the knowledge which links the subsidiary affairs to its (sound) fundamental principles, and its means, causes, effects and outcomes are ascribed to the One Who originated and created them. It is the knowledge whose possessor does not disassociate the creation from its Creator- neither disassociates its effects from the One Who made them effective, nor disassociates the wisdom, the secrets and the amazing orderly systems in the creation from the One Who Created and Perfected them, organised them in perfect order and brought them into existence prior to their non-existence. This is the knowledge that bears the fruits of certainty and through which tranquility is obtained, and through which happiness and success is attained. It bears the fruits of beautiful manners and righteous deeds, beneficial to the religious and worldly affairs. [2]

Footnote a: Listen to lecture by Shaikh Abu Iyaad, may Allah preserve him, on Al-Qadaa Wal Qadr: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKgIjOKSNQQ

Also read: Understanding the Two Definitions of ‘Science’ in Operation:

http://www.aboutatheism.net/articles/juvtbpd-understanding-the-two-definitions-of-science-and-scientific-enquiry.cfm

We ask Allah:
اللهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عِلْمٍ لَا يَنْفَعُ، وَمِنْ قَلْبٍ لَا يَخْشَعُ، وَمِنْ نَفْسٍ لَا تَشْبَعُ، وَمِنْ دَعْوَةٍ لَا يُسْتَجَابُ لَهَا

“O Allah! I seek refuge with You from knowledge which does not benefit, from the heart that is not fearful (of You), the soul that does not feel contented and the supplication that is not answered”. [3]

[1] Tafsir As-Sadi

[2] An Excerpt from Ad-Dalaa’il Al-Qur’aaniyyah Fee Annal Ulum Wal-A’mal An-Naafi’ah Al-Asriyyah Dakhilatun Fid Din Al-Islaamiy.37-40

[3] Sahih Al-Jami 1297

Reflections on some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Madkhali [72 of 80]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, History of Islam, Mental Health, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Repentance, Sahaabah, Salaah - Prayer, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

The purification of the companions and their upbringing through this Quran is what changed all the corruptions of the pre-Islamic era of ignorance within them, and purifying their souls with a lofty purification. It is what led to the most profound religious and social transformation in history. All this was achieved through profuse recitation of the Quran during prayers and outside of them, and reflecting on it.

Majmu 4/136

The Basis of Modern Decadence, Transgression, and Unwarranted Wars

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Contemporary Issues, Fitnah, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Scholars of Islam, Shirk, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

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

Whoever contemplates the state of the world will recognise that every instance of rectification stems from Tawhid, singling out Allah in worship and obedience to His Messenger, Muhammad. Conversely, every form of evil, trial, hardship, scarcity in sustenance, and subjugation by adversaries, among other issues, arises from opposing the Messenger and the pursuit of paths other than those prescribed by Allah and His Messenger. Whoever truly  contemplates this matter and examines the world’s conditions from its inception until the time Allah ends it, he will realise this about himself and others, both in general and in specific situations. Indeed, there is no might or power except with Allah – The Most High, The Most Great. [1]

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

Industrialization and modern inventions; everyone has participated in it – the righteous, the wicked, the believer and the disbeliever. As for religion and manners in this era, it has greatly declined. When this industrial advancement is devoid of (sound) religion and faith, it became a great harm from two angles: firstly, it beguiled many people, who – due of their ignorance – think that worldly advancement is proof to show that its people are more worthy of achieving every good than others. They are clearly misguided because a person maybe from the most skillful in matters related to the material world, whilst he is one of the most ignorant people in matters related to the (sound) religion, virtuous manners and the (other) beneficial affairs in this life and the next. Secondly, when these inventions are devoid of (sound) religion, its mercy and wisdom, it becomes a great disaster for humankind due to the wars that resulted from them- killing, destruction and other matters related to it. Its overseers and scholars are unable to laydown – for humankind -a stable, just and good life; rather they have not ceased moving from one miserable state to another. This is inevitable and the continuous state of affairs shows this. Therefore, all good is found in the sound religion and all evil is found in rejecting and willfully denying (Allah, His Messengers, His Laws, Guidance, Commands, Prohibitions etc). Indeed, it is impossible to rectify the souls and acquire virtue solely through the worldly sciences. Experience and clearly witnessed circumstances are the greatest proofs regarding this affair, because despite its advancement and vastness it has been unable to nurture and rectify the souls, which is the determinant of (sound) rectification and success.

The Remedy: What the Religion of Islam propagates is that which is entrusted with this rectification; it is what will guide the thoughts towards the truthful and authentic sources of knowledge, guide the actions of the people towards good and prevent them from evil. Islam is The Rectifier of the Creeds and Manners- the thing that cultivates the thoughts, urges towards virtuousness and prevents from depravity.

The essence of that which the religion calls to – regarding belief in the Unseen, which includes belief in Allah and that which He possesses of Names, Attributes and Actions of perfection; belief in Angels, belief in recompense for one’s good and bad deeds in this life and the next, which cannot be known except through the Messengers, is what acquaints a person with the fact that rectification – in reality – is not possible through other than sound belief and the religion of Islam. Thus, even if the worldly sciences rectify (some) matters based upon that which people know in detail, it will still not be equal to the knowledge of the Messengers- neither will it reach that which is reached through the knowledge of the Messengers nor can it influence the souls in the manner in which the knowledge of the Messengers has done, because indeed the souls do not voluntarily submit except through belief in Allah, belief in His Angels, belief in His Books, belief in His Messengers and belief in the hereafter. And without this, voluntary submission is impossible, as is well known regarding human nature. [2]

We ask Allah:

اللَّهُمَّ بِعِلْمِكَ الْغَيْبَ وَقُدْرَتِكَ عَلَى الْخَلْقِ أَحْيِنِي مَا عَلِمْتَ الْحَيَاةَ خَيْراً لِي وَتَوَفَّنِي إِذَا عَلِمْتَ الْوَفَاةَ خَيْراً لِي، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ خَشْيَتَكَ فِي الْغَيْبِ وَالشَّهَادَةِ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ كَلِمَةَ الْحَقِّ فِي الرِّضَا وَالْغَضَبِ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ الْقَصْدَ فِي الْغِنَى وَالْفَقْرِ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ نَعِيماً لَا يَنْفَذُ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ قُرَّةَ عَيْنٍ لَا تَنْقَطِعُ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ الرِّضِا بَعْدَ الْقَضَاءِ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ بَرْدَ الْعَيْشِ بَعْدَ الْمَوْتِ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ لَذَّةَ النَّظَرِ إِلَى وَجْهِكَ وَالشَّوْقَ إِلَى لِقَائِكَ فِي غَيْرِ ضَرَّاءَ مُضِرَّةٍ وَلَا فِتْنَةٍ مُضِلَّةٍ، اللَّهُمَّ زَيِّنَّا بِزِينَةِ الْإِيمَانِ
وَاجْعَلْنَا هُدَاةً مُهْتَدِينَ

O Allah! By Your Knowledge of the unseen and by Your Power over creation, let me live if life is good for me, and let me die if death is good for me; O Allah! I ask You to grant me (the blessing of having) fear of You in private and public, and I ask You (to make me utter) a statement of truth in times of contentment and anger, and I ask You for moderation when in a state of wealth and poverty, and I ask you for blessings that never ceases, and I ask You for the coolness of my eye that never ends, and I ask You (to make me pleased) after (Your) decree; and I ask You for a life of (ease, comfort, tranquility, etc) after death; I ask You for the delight of looking at Your Face (i.e. in the Hereafter) and yearning to meet You without any harm and misleading trials (coming upon me). O Allah! Adorn us with the adornment of Iman, and make us (from those who are) guided and guiding (others). [3]

اللَّهُمَّ أَصْلِحْ لِي دِينِي الَّذِي هُوَ عِصْمَةُ أَمْرِي
وَأَصْلِحْ لِي دُنْيَايَ الَّتِي فِيهَا مَعَاشِي
وَأَصْلِحْ لِي آخِرَتِي الَّتِي فِيهَا مَعَادِي
وَاجْعَلِ الْحَيَاةَ زِيَادَةً لِي فِي كُلِّ خَيْرٍ
وَاجْعَلِ الْمَوْتَ رَاحَةً لِي مِنْ كُلِّ شَرٍّ

O Allah! Rectify my religion for me, which is the safeguard of my affairs; rectify my worldly [affairs], wherein is my livelihood; and rectify my Afterlife to which is my return; and make life for me [as a means of] increase in every good and make death for me as a rest from every evil. [Sahih Muslim Number: 2720] [4]

[1]An Excerpt from Bada’i Al-Fawa’id 3/525-526

[2]An Excerpt from “Al-Adilladul Qawaati Wal Baraaheen Fee Ibtaalil Usoolil Mulhideen”. Pages 45-50

[3] As-Saheehah Number 1301

[4] [Saheeh Muslim Number: 2720

The Importance of Truthfulness – By Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali [Part 9]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), History of Islam, Jahannam (Hell Fire), Jannah (Paradise), Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Sahaabah, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors), Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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…

Due to his profound happiness at this repentance and his deep appreciation for this blessing, he emphasised that through the behaviour of one who is grateful for Allah’s blessings upon him, thus he 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”. The enticing wealth that was one of the reasons behind him not participating in Jihad serves as further evidence of the sincerity of his repentance and his diligence in that. Then Allah’s Messenger- the compassionate and merciful, advised him to retain a portion of his wealth. So, what did he do? He relinquished his wealth at Madinah, which withheld him from participating in military expedition in the path of Allah, while he retained the better part of that distant wealth (acquired at Khaybar), which perhaps had no connection to withholding him from Jihad. He expressed a strong reason for his salvation, which – in his view- was solely one reason that saved him from utter destruction. He stated, “O Messenger of Allah, indeed Allah saved me for telling the truth; so it is a part of my repentance not to tell but the truth as long as I am alive”. By Allah Grace in fulfilling what he promised to the Messenger, peace be upon him, and in what kab saw as essential to his repentance to this day, it is the best of what he has stated: “By Allah, I do not know anyone of the Muslims whom Allah has helped to speak the truth more than me. Since I have mentioned that truth to Allah’s Messenger till today, I have never intended to tell a lie”.

What (an exemplary example regarding) fear of Allah (associated) with truthfulness and the nobility of the truthful ones that is stand in stark contrast to the (behaviour) of the liars, and a decisive (proof) against the liars in every era and place. How can not be the case when it (lying) is one of the greatest call to disbelief and hypocrisy, and its least (harmful) circumstance is that it is one of the stations of hypocrisy, may Allah protect us from it and from all that displeases Him. Then he spoke about this blessing which Allah bestowed upon: “”By Allah, I do not know anyone of the Muslims whom Allah has helped to speak the truth more than me. Since I have mentioned that truth to Allah’s Messenger till today, I have never intended to tell a lie. I hope that Allah will also save me (from telling lies) the rest of my life”. Then Allah revealed to His Messenger:

وَعَلَى الثَّلَاثَةِ الَّذِينَ خُلِّفُوا حَتَّىٰ إِذَا ضَاقَتْ عَلَيْهِمُ الْأَرْضُ بِمَا رَحُبَتْ وَضَاقَتْ عَلَيْهِمْ أَنفُسُهُمْ وَظَنُّوا أَن لَّا مَلْجَأَ مِنَ اللَّهِ إِلَّا إِلَيْهِ ثُمَّ تَابَ عَلَيْهِمْ لِيَتُوبُوا ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ هُوَ التَّوَّابُ الرَّحِيمُ
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَكُونُوا مَعَ الصَّادِقِينَ

And (He did forgive also) the three [who did not join the Tabuk expedition (whom the Prophet SAW)] left (i.e. he did not give his judgement in their case, and their case was suspended for Allah’s Decision) till for them the earth, vast as it is, was straitened and their ownselves were straitened to them, and they perceived that there is no fleeing from Allah, and no refuge but with Him. Then, He accepted their repentance, that they might repent (unto Him). Verily, Allah is the One Who accepts repentance, Most Merciful. O you who believe! Be afraid of Allah, and be with those who are true (in words and deeds). [Al-Tawbah 118-119]

Kab said: By Allah, Allah has never bestowed upon me, apart from His guiding me to Islam, a Greater blessing than the fact that I did not tell a lie to Allah’s Messenger which would have caused me to perish as those who have told a lie perished, for Allah described those who told lies with the worst description He ever attributed to anybody else. Allah said:

سَيَحْلِفُونَ بِاللَّهِ لَكُمْ إِذَا انقَلَبْتُمْ إِلَيْهِمْ لِتُعْرِضُوا عَنْهُمْ ۖ فَأَعْرِضُوا عَنْهُمْ ۖ إِنَّهُمْ رِجْسٌ ۖ وَمَأْوَاهُمْ جَهَنَّمُ جَزَاءً بِمَا كَانُوا يَكْسِبُونَ
يَحْلِفُونَ لَكُمْ لِتَرْضَوْا عَنْهُمْ ۖ فَإِن تَرْضَوْا عَنْهُمْ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يَرْضَىٰ عَنِ الْقَوْمِ الْفَاسِقِينَ

They will swear by Allah to you (Muslims) when you return to them, that you may turn away from them. So turn away from them. Surely, they are Rijsun [i.e. Najasun (impure) because of their evil deeds], and Hell is their dwelling place, – a recompense for that which they used to earn. They (the hypocrites) swear to you (Muslims) that you may be pleased with them, but if you are pleased with them, certainly Allah is not pleased with the people who are Al-Fasiqun (rebellious, disobedient to Allah). [al-Tawbah 95-96]

This is the outcome for the liars, even if their lie was flattery and excuses. The forgiveness sought by the Messenger for them did not benefit them in anything in their lives nor after their deaths. Allah said:

اسْتَغْفِرْ لَهُمْ أَوْ لَا تَسْتَغْفِرْ لَهُمْ إِن تَسْتَغْفِرْ لَهُمْ سَبْعِينَ مَرَّةً فَلَن يَغْفِرَ اللَّهُ لَهُمْ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ كَفَرُوا بِاللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ

Whether you (O Muhammad) ask forgiveness for them (hypocrites) or ask not forgiveness for them, (and even) if you ask seventy times for their forgiveness, Allah will not forgive them. [al-Tawbah 80]

[فَمَا تَنفَعُهُمْ شَفَاعَةُ الشَّافِعِينَ – So no intercession of intercessors will be of any use to them. [Al-Mud-dath-thir 48]

There is a mighty moral lesson here for those who do not purify themselves through monotheism, Iman, truthfulness, and good deeds. Among those deceitful liars, some may have believed that their lies and trickery will lead to the Prophet’s forgiveness and mercy, saving them from Allah wrath and humiliation in this life and the hereafter. However, Allah has shattered their hopes and humiliated them in this worldly life and the Hereafter. The Prophet’s intercession did not benefited them at all. The Qur’an made this reality clear in in Surah al-Tawbah and other than it, and the Prophet emphasised through his statement to the Quraysh, addressing each clan and individual: “Redeem yourselves from Allah; I cannot protect you from Him in any way.”

Liars should be cautious at all times and in all places with regards to their Iman, beliefs, statements, and testimonies, as this lying may lead them to the abyss of destruction that has engulfed those liars before them.

And there is a lesson and good news for those who are truthful in their Iman, Islam, good deeds, statements, and testimonies, regarding salvation from destruction, as Kab and his companions, may Allah be pleased with them, attained salvation through truthfulness in a situation that tempted those with weak Iman and souls to lie. Allah said:

هذا يَوْمَ يَنْفَعُ الصَّادِقِينَ صِدْقُهُمْ لَهُمْ جنات الخري من تحتها الأنهار خالدين فيها أبدا رضي الله عنهمْ وَرَضُوا عَنْهُ ذَلِكَ الْفَوْزُ الْعَظِيمُ .

This is a Day on which the truthful will profit from their truth: theirs are Gardens under which rivers flow (in Paradise) – they shall abide therein forever. Allah is pleased with them and they with Him. That is the great success (Paradise). [Al-Ma’idah 119]

Narrated Talha bin Ubaidullah, may Allah be pleased with him: A man from Najd with unkempt hair came to Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and we heard his loud voice but could not understand what he was saying, till he came near and then we came to know that he was asking about Islam. Allah’s Messenger said, “You have to offer prayers perfectly five times in a day and night (24 hours).” The man asked, “Is there any more (prayers)?” Allah’s Messenger replied, “No, but if you want to offer the Nawafil prayers (you can).” Allah’s Messenger further said to him: “You have to observe fasts during the month of Ramadan.” The man asked, “Is there any more fasting?” Allah’s Messenger replied, “No, but if you want to observe the Nawafil fasts (you can.)” Then Allah’s Messenger further said to him, “You have to pay the Zakat (obligatory charity).” The man asked, “Is there any thing other than the Zakat for me to pay?” Allah’s Messenger replied, “No, unless you want to give alms of your own.” And then that man retreated saying, “By Allah! I will neither do less nor more than this.” Allah’s Messenger said, “If what he said is true, then he will be successful (i.e. he will be granted Paradise).” [Al-Bukhari 46]

It is reported in Sahih Muslim on the authority of Anas Ibn Malik, may Allah be pleased with him, who said: We were forbidden that we should ask anything (without the genuine need) from the Holy Prophet. It, therefore, pleased us that an intelligent person from the dwellers of the desert should come and asked him (the Prophet) and we should listen to it. A man from the dwellers of the desert came and said: “Muhammad, your messenger came to us and told us your assertion that verily Allah had sent you (as a prophet)”. He (the Prophet) said: “He told the truth”. He (the bedouin) said: “Who created the heaven?” He (the Prophet) replied: “Allah”. He (the bedouin again) said: “Who created the earth?” He (the Prophet) replied: “Allah”. He (the bedouin again) said: “Who raised these mountains and who created in them whatever is created there?” He (the Prophet) replied: “Allah”. Upon this he (the bedouin) remarked: “By Him Who created the heaven and created the earth and raised mountains thereupon, has Allah (in fact) sent you?” He (the Prophet) said: “Yes”. He (the bedouin) said: “Your messenger also told us that five prayers (had been made) obligatory for us during the day and the night”. He (the Prophet) remarked: “He told you the truth”. He (the bedouin) said: “By Him Who sent you, is it Allah Who ordered you about this (i. e. prayers)?” He (the Prophet) said: “Yes”. He (the bedouin) said: “Your messenger told us that Zakat had been made obligatory in our riches”. He (the Prophet) said. “He has told the truth”. He (the bedouin) said: “By Him Who sent you (as a prophet), is it Allah Who ordered you about it (Zakat)?” He (the Prophet) said: “Yes”. He (the bedouin) said: “Your messenger told us that it had been made obligatory for us to fast every year during the month of Ramadan”. He (the Prophet) said: “He has told the truth”. He (the bedouin) said: “By Him Who sent you (as a prophet), is it Allah Who ordered you about it (the fasts of Ramadan)?” He (the Prophet) said: “Yes”. He (the bedouin) said: “Your messenger also told us that pilgrimage (Hajj) to the House (of Ka’bah) had been made obligatory for him who is able to undertake the journey to it”. He (the Prophet) said: “Yes”. The narrator said that he (the bedouin) set off (at the conclusion of this answer, but at the time of his departure) remarked: “By Him Who sent you with the Truth, I would neither make any addition to them nor would I diminish anything out of them”. Upon this the Prophet remarked: “If he were true (to what he said) he must enter Paradise”. [Sahih Muslim 12]

These two intelligent questioners have been blessed by Allah with the gift of sound intellect, insight, and the ability to ask good questions, especially the latter of the two. It is said that he is Dhaman ibn Thalabah al-Hudhali. The first one asked Allah’s Messenger about the tenets of Islam, and the Prophet responded with what Allah has commanded His servants regarding the pillars of this religion after the two testimonies of faith, as the questioner appeared to be a Muslim. Thus, he was informed that Islam consists of these obligations.

The questioner acknowledged this and committed to it because he wanted to know if there is anything additional he must do beyond what he has mentioned regarding these pillars. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, told him that there is nothing more required unless he chooses to perform voluntary acts. When the Prophet distinguished between obligatory acts and voluntary ones, the individual swore by Allah that he would neither add to nor subtract from those obligations. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, responded by giving him and the Ummah glad tidings of great rewards for those who fulfill these obligations properly: “He will succeed if he is truthful,” meaning that his actions must align with his words. His success is contingent upon his honesty in both speech and action, and he is blessed for that..

The second questioner had a deeper and broader question than the first. Muhammad Ibn Ismail al-Asfahani al-Salafi, the author of “at-Tareer” said: “This is from fine manner of asking questions by this man’s and the elegance of its structure. He first sought confirmation of the truthfulness of the messenger sent by the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, to invite them to Islam, asking if he was indeed sent by Allah. The Prophet affirmed this. Then, he asked about the Creator of the heavens and the earth and who established the mountains, as he, like other Arabs, believed in the oneness of Allah’s Lordship.

The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, responded by saying: “Allah, Allah, Allah” in all of that. He then confirmed everything that the messenger of Allah’s Messenger conveyed to them regarding the religious acts of Islam, including prayer, almsgiving, and fasting, while the Messenger affirmed: “He (i.e. the one I sent to convey the message) spoke the truth, spoke the truth”, and so on. When the Messenger of Allah finished answering the man’s questions, the man said: “By the One who sent you with the truth, I will neither add to them nor take away from them.” The Messenger of Allah said: “If he is truthful, he will enter Paradise.”

Verily the fruits of truthfulness are great for the truthful person; the one trutrhful in belief, speech, and the application of the righteous actions based on what Allah and His Messenger have ordained. These are some of the fruits of truthfulness that guide – in this life – towards righteousness, which encompasses all good qualities, and enables one to attain high stations from Allah, residing eternally in gardens with rivers flowing beneath them, having achieved the greatest goal. And above these stations is Allah’s Pleasure whose fruits are guidance towards righteousness and ultimately to paradise. Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Verily, truthfulness leads to righteousness and righteousness leads to Paradise. A man continues to be truthful and encourages honesty until he is recorded with Allah as truthful”.

From its fruits is to attain the success of receiving Allah’s Pleasure, then success in attaining paradise, where rivers flow beneath. This benefit becomes evident and manifest, Allah said:

هَٰذَا يَوْمُ يَنفَعُ ٱلصَّٰدِقِينَ صِدْقُهُمْ لَهُمْ جَنَّٰتٌ تَجْرِى مِن تَحْتِهَا ٱلْأَنْهَٰرُ خَٰلِدِينَ فِيهَآ أَبَدًا رَّضِىَ ٱللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ وَرَضُوا۟ عَنْهُ ذَٰلِكَ ٱلْفَوْزُ ٱلْعَظِيمُ

Allah will say: “This is a Day on which the truthful will profit from their truth: theirs are Gardens under which rivers flow (in Paradise) – they shall abide therein forever. Allah is pleased with them and they with Him. That is the great success (Paradise). [Al Maidah 119]

It is reported in Al-Bukhari and Muslim from Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri who said that the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said that Allah will say to the people of paradise: “O the people of Paradise!” They will say, ‘Labbaik, O our Lord, and Sa`daik, and all the good is in Your Hands!’ Allah will say, “Are you satisfied?’ They will say, ‘Why shouldn’t we be satisfied, O our Lord as You have given us what You have not given to any of Your created beings?’ He will say, ‘Shall I not give you something better than that?’ They will say, ‘O our Lord! What else could be better than that?’ He will say, ‘I bestow My Pleasure on you and will never be angry with you after that”. [Al-Bukhari 7518]

Congratulations to the truthful for this great success, eternal bliss, everlasting Pleasure of Allah, and eternal life. May Allah make us among them through His grace, favour, and mercy. Indeed, He is compassionate, merciful, generous, and kind. May peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his companions.

Written by the one in need of Allah’s pardon and forgiveness.

Rabee’ Nin Hadi Umayr Al-Madkhali.

Arabic Text: sidq

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

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Brotherhood, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, History of Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Repentance, Sahaabah, Scholars of Islam, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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 ]

Reflections on some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee bin hadi Al-Mad’khali [71 of 80]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Verily, Allah does not take away knowledge by snatching it from the people, but He takes it away by taking away (the lives of) the religious scholars till none of the scholars remains live. Then the people will take ignorant ones as their leaders, who, when asked to deliver religious verdicts, will issue them without knowledge, the result being that they will go astray and will lead others astray. [Bukhaari Number 100]

This Hadith demonstrates the virtue of knowledge and its status, and the virtue of the carriers of knowledge – the upright scholars through whom Allah raises this Ummah and their status in paradise. “Allah will exalt in degree those of you who believe, and those who have been granted knowledge”. [Al-Mujaadilah. 11]

The scholars have a high status in the sight of Allah because they guide to the truth and establish justice through it. The pious scholars – those who act upon truth – are the ones praised in the Book of Allah and in the Sunnah of Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. “It is only those who have knowledge among His slaves that fear Allah”. [Surah Fatir. 29]   Fear of Allah has a high status and Allah has prepared a high status for its people in paradise.

[Marhaban Yaa Talib al-Ilm. 195-196]

Reflections on some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi al-Mad’khali [70 of 80]

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

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

It is not permissible to call them scholars because the scholars in the Islamic legislation are those who possess (sound) understanding of Allah’s religion. “If Allah wishes good for a person, He grants them understanding in the religion.” Allah grants him (sound) understanding in matters of Aqeedah, worahip, dealings, Siyaasah and other affairs that are important to Islam and for the Muslims in their religious and worldly affairs, beneficial to their religious and worldly affairs and preserve their honour and nobility. As for the ignoramuses, they lead the people to Bidah and misguidance – towards that which distances the people from the (path, pleasure) of Allah and lead them to the fire of hell. The Messenger of Allah drew a straight line and said, “This is Allah’s straight path”, then he drew lines to the right and left of that line and said, “These are the other paths, on each path there is a devil who calls to it”, then he recited the statement of Allah: “And verily, this is my Straight Path, so follow it, and follow not (other) paths, for they will separate you away from His Path”. [Al-An’aam. 153]

The Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “And what I fear for my Ummah is the leaders of misguidance”. [Sahih Al-Jami 1773]

They are the ones whom Allah’s Messenger (warned against) when he warned the Ummah about the Fitna of the Anti-Christ [i.e. Dajjaal]! He said that the Dajjaal will stay on the earth for forty days- a day like a year, a day like a month, a day like a week and the rest of the days like the normal days of the world. He will command the sky to rain and it will rain. He will command the earth to grow vegetation and it will grow, thus, the ignorant people will consider him a deity and believe that he is their lord. Then the Messenger said (i.e. after warning against the Fitna of the antichrist), “It is other than Dajjaal that I fear more for you”. [Sahih Muslim 2937] [1]

This is because the word ‘Kafir’ will be written on the Dajjaal’s forehead and everyone – both the literate and illiterate believer- will be able to read it. It will be a clear sign that he is a Kafir, as opposed to that one who deceitfully uses the name of Islam and carries Islamic slogans [i.e. whilst calling to deviation]. This one is more harmful. [2]

Dajjaal will live in this Ummah for forty days – a day like a year, a day like a month, a day like a week and his remaining days will be like the normal days of the world; but as for the (misguided figurehead) – since the departure of the first three righteous generations of Muslims, they have swayed many people in the Ummah and lead them to (practices, views, beliefs, methodologies etc) that are tantamount to ignorance and misguidance. The deviated sects that have been threatened with entry into the hell fire emerged at the hands of these liars and ignorant (figurehead), whose danger and evil the Messenger feared for his ummah. He warned against their evil just as he warned against Dajjaal, as he said: “It is other than Dajjaal I fear more for you”.

These liars bring destruction to the Ummah and place them in a state of ignominy in this worldly life and next life. Thus, this shows the danger of ignorance and the ignoramuses, and the station of knowledge and the (upright) scholars. [3]

[1] & 3: Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm pages 197-200

[2] Sharh Usul As-Sunnah 39-40

Reflections on some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali [69 of 80]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Brotherhood, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Uncategorized, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

O my sons! I swear by Allah that indeed I am a sincere adviser to you. Indeed I love (good) for you and I am not pleased that anyone follows (the path that will lead) to the anger of Allah for a single moment. My brothers, I am not pleased that anyone commits an error. “None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself”. By Allah, I would love that all of you (adhere) to the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of the Messenger; the methodology of the Messenger, Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthmaan, Ali, Malik, Al- Awzaa’ee, Ath Thawree, The Hammaadayn [i.e. Hammaad Ibn Zayd and Hammaad Ibn Salamah], Ahmad, Ash-Shaafi’ee and the Imaams of Islam – upon a sound creed, methodology and Walaa Wal Baraa.

[Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm. page 26]

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

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Da'wah - Calling To Islam, History of Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Sahaabah, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors), Scholars of Islam, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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