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A fierce hidden battle between desires and conscience

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

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

Imam Ash-Shawkaanee, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated:

We often see a man holding a belief that agrees with the truth, but when he speaks to someone who disagrees with him – one who inclines to something of the innovations in religious affairs, not to mention one of the people with leadership and one of those in possession of something of the worldly life, and not to mention one of the kings, he agrees with him, strengthen, supports and aids him against others. The least in such situations is that he would conceal what he believes is the truth, and despises – in presence of a person from whom neither is it possible to receive harm nor benefit from him – what has become clear to him is the right thing; so what about someone from whom harm and benefit is possible?! This – in reality – is from that which is tantamount to giving preference to the worldly things and the present worldly life over the religion and the Hereafter. If he pondered on what has happened to him, he would have known that his inclination to the desires of a man, two men, three or more – amongst those he compliments in that gathering, conceals the truth in order to be in agreement with them and in order to attract their affection, get hold of what they possess and escape from being alienated by them – is a shortcoming in (standing for the) truth and tantamount to exalting falsehood. Were it not that these people are greater in his sight than the Lord, he would not have inclined to their desires and abandon what he knows is that which Allah wants and demands from His servants. [1]

Imam Ash-Shawkaanee [may Allah have mercy upon him] said:

“One of the reasons that leads to the abandonment of fairness and thus distances one from the truth -leads to concealment of truth and not clarifying that which Allah has obligated – is love of high status and wealth. Both these affairs are a greater enemy to a person than two hunting wolves just as Allah’s Messenger described, because indeed that was the reason that led the people of the scripture to distort Allah’s Books and concealed that which came to them of clear proofs and guidance, such as what happened to the Jewish Rabis, and indeed Allah informed us about this in His Mighty Book and the Messenger (also) informed us about it in the authentic narrations”. [2]

Al-Allamah Abdur Rahmaan Bin Yahyah Al-Mu’allimee, may Allah have mercy upon him] stated about giving precedence to the truth:

Ponder on the fact that truth is noble and falsehood is lowly. Ponder on the Greatness of Allah [The Mighty and Majestic]- the fact that Allah is the Lord of the entire universe, Allah loves truth and hates falsehood, and that the one who follows truth is deserving of the Pleasure of the Lord of the universe. Allaah [Glorified be He] will be his protector in the worldly life and the Afterlife by choosing for him everything that is good, better, more beneficial, more perfect, more noble and loftier until Allaah removes his soul whilst being pleased with him. Then Allaah raises him, brings him close and makes him dwell in paradise with honour- in permanent bliss and eternal nobility which no imagination can fully conceive its greatness. He should ponder on the fact that the one who clings to falsehood is deserving of the displeasure, anger and punishment of the Lord of the universe, and if he receives anything of worldly bliss, then indeed that is only a means of humiliating him in order that he is increased in being distanced from Allaah, so that the painful torment of the afterlife is multiplied for him, which no imagination can fully conceive its severity. He should ponder on the bliss of the worldly life [i.e. temporary] as compared to the pleasure of the Lord of the universe and the bliss in the afterlife [i.e. eternal], compare the misery of the worldly life to displeasure of the Lord of the universe and the punishment in the afterlife [i.e. the severest punishment in this life is nowhere equal to punishment in the afterlife]. He should ponder on the statement of Allah [The Mighty and Majestic]:

وَقَالُواْ لَوۡلَا نُزِّلَ هَـٰذَا ٱلۡقُرۡءَانُ عَلَىٰ رَجُلٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡقَرۡيَتَيۡنِ عَظِيمٍ
أَهُمۡ يَقۡسِمُونَ رَحۡمَتَ رَبِّكَ‌ۚ نَحۡنُ قَسَمۡنَا بَيۡنَہُم مَّعِيشَتَہُمۡ فِى ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا‌ۚ وَرَفَعۡنَا بَعۡضَہُمۡ فَوۡقَ بَعۡضٍ۬ دَرَجَـٰتٍ۬ لِّيَتَّخِذَ بَعۡضُہُم بَعۡضً۬ا سُخۡرِيًّ۬ا‌ۗ وَرَحۡمَتُ رَبِّكَ خَيۡرٌ۬ مِّمَّا يَجۡمَعُونَ
وَلَوۡلَآ أَن يَكُونَ ٱلنَّاسُ أُمَّةً۬ وَٲحِدَةً۬ لَّجَعَلۡنَا لِمَن يَكۡفُرُ بِٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ لِبُيُوتِہِمۡ سُقُفً۬ا مِّن فِضَّةٍ۬ وَمَعَارِجَ عَلَيۡہَا يَظۡهَرُونَ
وَلِبُيُوتِہِمۡ أَبۡوَٲبً۬ا وَسُرُرًا عَلَيۡہَا يَتَّكِـُٔونَ
وَزُخۡرُفً۬ا‌ۚ وَإِن ڪُلُّ ذَٲلِكَ لَمَّا مَتَـٰعُ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا‌ۚ وَٱلۡأَخِرَةُ عِندَ رَبِّكَ لِلۡمُتَّقِينَ

And they say: “Why is not this Qur’an sent down to some great man of the two towns (Makkah and Ta’if)?” Is it they who would portion out the Mercy of your Lord? It is We Who portion out between them their livelihood in this world, and We raised some of them above others in ranks, so that some may employ others in their work. But the Mercy (Paradise) of your Lord (O Muhammad) is better than the (wealth of this world) which they amass. And were it not that all mankind would have become of one community (all disbelievers, desiring worldly life only), We would have provided for those who disbelieve in the Most Beneficent (Allah), silver roofs for their houses, and elevators (and stair-ways, etc. of silver) whereby they ascend, and for their houses, doors (of silver), and thrones (of silver) on which they could recline, and adornments of gold. Yet all this (i.e. the roofs, doors, stairs, elevators, thrones etc. of their houses) would have been nothing but an enjoyment of this world. And the Hereafter with your Lord is only for the pious”. [Surah Az-Zuhkruf. Verses 31-35] [3]

[1] An Excerpt from Adab at-Talab Wa Muntahaa Al-Adab. Page 93. Slightly paraphrased]

[2] An Excerpt from Adab At-talab Wa Muntahaa al-Adaab. pages 94-95. slightly paraphrased]

[3] An Excerpt from Aathaar Ash-Shaikh Al-Allamah Abdur Rahman Bin Yahyah Al-Mu’allimee 11/309. Topic: at-Tankeel]

Reflections from some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali [35 of 80]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Basics, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

When Allah enables a person to be steadfast upon the true religion, the true methodology ordained by Allah, and the sound creed, this is a blessing from Allah, thus a person should not be deceived by himself, become boastful, or arrogant; rather, he should humble himself before Allah – the Lord of all worlds- and thank Him for this; humble himself to Allah, that Allah – Glorified be He – safeguards his (adherence) to his religion, keep him away from pitfalls and deviation, and not to slacken.

فَلَا يَأْمَنُ مَكْرَ اللَّهِ إِلَّا الْقَوْمُ الْخَسِرُون

None feels secure from the Plan of Allah except the people who are the losers. [Al-A’raf 99]

Therefore, we should beseech Him all the time that He makes our hearts steadfast.

Ath-Thabat Alaa As-Sunnah 6

The Victorious Group

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Basics, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, 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.

The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “There will not cease to be a group amongst my Ummah upon the truth; neither will they be harmed by those who betray them nor those who oppose them until the command of Allah arrives [i.e. the day of judgement]”. [Al-Bukhari]

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

This group will not cease to exist in the Ummah. The Ummah will not be deprived of this Sunni Group. This Taa’ifah (Group) can be one group. If it adheres to the Qur’an and the Sunnah, it is the Taa’ifah Al-Mansoorah (The Victorious Group), even if it is only one. The Ummah will not lose this Sunni Group, this good group, and all praise be to Allah, until the command of Allaah comes to pass (i.e. the Day of Judgment]. “They will not be harmed by those who forsake them”. Amongst the people are those who forsake them and those who oppose them, but they will not be harmed. This is from Allah’s Grace upon His servants and that He will establish the truth for the one who aids the truth and call to it, even if evil is rife. There will be those who adhere to good, call to it and spread it amongst the people. Not all the Ummah will be misguided, rather, some will remain upon truth, but they might be strangers, as the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “Islam began as a strange thing and it will return as a strange thing, and glad tidings to the strangers”. They asked, “Who are the strangers O Messenger of Allah?” He said, “They are those who will be upright when the people become corrupt”.. and in another version of this hadith “Those who rectify what the people have corrupted”. These are the strangers because the majority of the people oppose them, belittle, forsake and keep away from what they are upon, but this will not harm them. “They will never be harmed by those who forsake them nor by those who oppose them”. Allah will make them remain so that His Proofs remain amongst the creation until the end of time.

This group maybe in the East, the West, or the North etc…They are not in a specific place, but they are present. Whoever wants will find it. It is present and all praise is due to Allah. Alhamdulil laah, we – at present – are upon a correct methodology, upon a sound methodology; our methodology is that which the Qur’an and sunnah necessitate, our learning is based upon the Qur’an and the Sunnah. We study Tafsir, hadith and its explanation, the Aqeedah of the pious predecessors and that which they were upon. Alhamadulil laah at present we are upon a correct path, a sound methodology and straight path. We ask Allah to keep us firm upon it until we meet him, neither substituting nor changing it.

Paraphrased: https://youtu.be/5T4j_gPQMVc?si=3PI_CCDm7Twe_cKf

Islamic Awakening

Written by Amjad Khan on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Basics, Bid'ah (Innovation), Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, History of Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', 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 Salih Al-Fawzan, may Allah preserve him, said:

All the praises and thanks be to Allah- the Lord of the worlds- and may peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and companions. To proceed: The Islamic Awakening did not originate in recent times; rather, it traces back to the moment Allah sent His Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, with the message of Islam, and people entered it in crowds and groups. All praise be to Allah, good has persisted within the Ummah, as the Prophet stated, “There will always be a group among my Ummah that (remains) steadfast in the truth. They will not be harmed by those who abandon them or oppose them until Allah’s command uis established (i.e. the Day of Judgement). Despite the ongoing struggle between truth and falsehood, there have consistently been advocates for the truth and their supporters, adhering to the correct methodology. Throughout history, the Ummah has never been entirely dormant or misled to the extent that a faction could claim a distinct identity, such as “Islamic Awakening,” because this would imply that the entire Islamic World was misguided prior to their emergence. This contradicts the Prophet’s statement that “There will always be a group among my Ummah that remains manifest in the truth,” as well as his statement “My Ummah will never unite upon misguidance.”

Indeed, this (revival) is praiseworthy and safe from criticism when it is based on the methodology of the righteous callers and the pious predecessors, grounded in the Book of Allah, the Sunnah, and the path of the pious predecessors of this Ummah – free from associations that contradict the methodology of the pious predecessors. The primary objective should be to gain knowledge of the truth in order to act upon it and promote it, as well as to recognize falsehood to avoid it and caution others against it. This endeavor should not be motivated by a desire for leadership, dominance, insurrection against the main body of Muslims united behind a ruler, or disobedience to Muslim rulers. Such an approach does not align with the correct methodology of Dawah or that of the pious predecessors; instead, it is the methodology of the Khawaarij and the Mutazilah, groups that have strayed from the teachings of the Qur’an, the Sunnah, and the path of the early Muslims. These groups have been a source of shame in Islamic history and a detriment to the Ummah. We beseech Allah to guide the misguided Muslims towards the right path. [An Excerpt from “Al-Bayaan Li-akhtaa’i Badil Kuttaab pages: 29-30. Slightly paraphrased]

Visit:

https://www.kharijites.com/kj/

http://www.mutazilah.com/authors/Abu.Iyaad.cfm

Reflections from some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali [34 of 80]

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

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

Good manners have profound outcomes, which is why Allah and His Messenger have commanded us to embody good manners. The Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, used to demonstrated these good manners in his interactions with others—with his family at home, his companions, or his adversaries. Even when a Jewish man greeted Allah’s Messenger (with the words), “As-Saamu Alaykum – death be upon you,” he responded, “Wa Alaykum – And upon you.” Aa’isha, may Allah be pleased with her, said (to the Jewish man), “Wa Alaykumus Saam Wal lanah – Death be upon you and the curse of Allah.” The Messenger said, “O Aa’isha! Indeed, Allah is kind and gentle, and He loves kindness and gentleness.”Look (at how) the Jewish man was treated with kindness and gentleness?! If he sees this kindness and gentleness, it may urge him towards Islam, or at the very least these lofty manners could mitigate much of the evil of this person, thereby making you upright and your invitation to the Religion of Allah.

An Excerpt from Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm page 88

A basic principle regarding worship

Written by Amjad Khan on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Basics, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Seeking Knowledge, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Shaikh Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Indeed, there has been much confusion in this subject matter, just as it is the case in the subject matter of halal and haram. A group of people make permissible some of the things that Allah has declared impermissible and others declare impermissible some of those things that Allah has made permissible. Likewise, some people innovate acts of worship that are not legislated by Allah, rather Allah, The Most High, prohibited them. The foundation of the religion of Islam is that the permissible things are those that Allah and His Messenger have made permissible, and the impermissible things are those that Allah and His Messenger have made impermissible. It is not allowed for anyone to leave the straight path that Allah sent His Messenger with.  Allah, The Most High, said:

وَأَنَّ هَـٰذَا صِرَٲطِى مُسۡتَقِيمً۬ا فَٱتَّبِعُوهُ‌ۖ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُواْ ٱلسُّبُلَ فَتَفَرَّقَ بِكُمۡ عَن سَبِيلِهِۦ‌ۚ ذَٲلِكُمۡ وَصَّٮٰكُم بِهِۦ لَعَلَّڪُمۡ تَتَّقُونَ

And verily, this is my Straight Path, so follow it, and follow not (other) paths, for they will separate you away from His Path. This He has ordained for you that you may become pious]. [Al-An’am 153]

Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud, may Allah be pleased with him, reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, drew a line for us and said: “This is Allah’s Straight Path”. Then he drew lines to its right and left and then said: “These are other paths. Upon every one of them there is a devil calling towards it”. Then he recited: 

وَأَنَّ هَـٰذَا صِرَٲطِى مُسۡتَقِيمً۬ا فَٱتَّبِعُوهُ‌ۖ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُواْ ٱلسُّبُلَ فَتَفَرَّقَ بِكُمۡ عَن سَبِيلِهِۦ‌

Indeed, this is My Straight Path, so follow it. And do not follow other paths; they will separate you from His Path. [Al-Musnad 4437]

Indeed, Allah mentioned – in Surah Al-An’aam, Surah Al-A’raaf and other them – those deeds due to which the idol worshipers were rebuked when they declared impermissible the things that Allah did not declare impermissible, such as the Baahirah [i.e. a she-camel whose milk was spared for the idols and nobody was allowed to milk it] and the Sa’ibah [i.e. a she-camel let loose for free pasture for their false gods, e.g. idols, etc., and nothing was allowed to be carried on it]. They declared permissible those things that Allah declared impermissible, such as the killing of their children, and they instituted a religion that Allah did not allow. Allah, The Most High, said:

أَمۡ لَهُمۡ شُرَڪَـٰٓؤُاْ شَرَعُواْ لَهُم مِّنَ ٱلدِّينِ مَا لَمۡ يَأۡذَنۢ بِهِ ٱللَّهُ‌ۚ

Or have they partners with Allah (false gods), who have instituted for them a religion which Allah has not allowed.” [42:21]

There were impermissible deeds they established as acts of worship, such as shirk, and lewd behaviour, such as Tawaf around the Kabah, whilst naked.

The acts of worship through which a person seeks to get close to Allah are those that are beloved and pleasing to Allah and His Messenger- whether obligatory or recommended – as reported in Sahih [Al-Bukhari] that Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: Allah, The Blessed and Exalted, said: “The most beloved things which My slave comes nearer to Me, is what I have enjoined upon him; and My slave keeps on coming closer to Me through performing Nawaafil (praying or doing extra deeds besides what is obligatory) till I love him, then I become his sense of hearing with which he hears, and his sense of sight with which he sees, and his hand with which he grips, and his leg with which he walks; and if he asks Me, I will give him, and if he asks My Protection (Refuge), I will protect him”.[a]

It is well known regarding the prayer that it can either be obligatory, such as the five daily prayers, or optional such as the Qiyaamul Layl [i.e. Tahajjud prayer].

Also regarding fasting, it can either be obligatory, such as fasting in the month of Ramadan, or it can be optional such as fasting three days every month. Also travelling to the Masjid Al-Haram [i.e. The kabah] is obligatory and travelling to the other two Masajid- Masjid of the Prophet and Masjid Al-Aqsaa- is recommended. Also, charity can be an obligation, or a recommendation such as the surplus beyond (what is) needed, as Allah [The Most High] said:

وَيَسْأَلُونَكَ مَاذَا يُنفِقُونَ قُلِ الْعَفْوَ

And they ask you what they ought to spend. Say: That which is beyond (what they need).

It has been reported in an authentic Hadih that the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “O son of Adam! It is better for you if you spend (your) surplus (wealth), but if you withhold it, it is evil for you. And there is no blame (on you) if you withhold the surplus in accordance with a need, in order to spend on yourself and poor relatives. The upper hand (i.e. the one who spends) is better than the lower hand (i.e. the one who asks without a need as opposed to the self-sufficient one); and begin (charity) with your dependents”. [b]

Source: An Excerpt from ‘Al-Ibaadaat Ash-Shar’iyyah Wal-Farqu Baynahaa Wa Baynal Bid’ah page: 7-9

[a]: Regarding the statement: “And My slave keeps on coming closer to Me through performing Nawaafil (praying or doing extra deeds besides what is obligatory) till I love him, then I become his sense of hearing with which he hears, and his sense of sight with which he sees, and his hand with which he grips, and his leg with which he walks…”

This statement is understood to mean that when a person becomes a Wali (close friend) of Allah, The Mighty and Majestic, when the command of Allah is mentioned with regards to what Allah loves or hates, he protects his hearing from what Allah hates and lends an ear to what Allah loves. He does the same with regards to what he looks at, what he grips with his hand and where he walks to; or Allah guides him, thus he only looks at what Allah loves, listens to what Allah loves and walks towards what Allah loves. [Sharh Arba’een by Imaam Muhammad Bin Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen.. Pages 376-381 and Sharh Arba’een by Shaikh Salih Aala Shaikh pages 256-258] [Also see, Jaami’ul Ulum Wal-Hikam by Imaam Ibn Rajab pages 619-641 Daar Ibn Rajab 2002].

[b] Sahih Muslim Hadeeth No 1036 as well as ‘Sharh Saheeh Muslim Vol 7-8 pages 111-113]

[1] The virtue of saving a life – [Reminder to those denying Zionist War Crimes]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Basics, Contemporary Issues, Methodology - 'Manhaj', 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:

وَالَّذِينَ لَا يَدْعُونَ مَعَ اللَّهِ إِلَهًا آخَرَ وَلَا يَقْتُلُونَ النَّفْسَ الَّتِي حَرَّمَ اللَّهُ إِلَّا بِالْحَقِّ وَلَا يَزْنُونَ وَمَنْ يَفْعَلْ ذَلِكَ يَلْقَ أَثَامًا * يُضَاعَفْ لَهُ الْعَذَابُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ وَيَخْلُدْ فِيهِ مُهَانًا * إِلَّا مَنْ تَابَ وَآمَنَ وَعَمِلَ عَمَلًا صَالِحًا فَأُولَئِكَ يُبَدِّلُ اللَّهُ سَيِّئَاتِهِمْ حَسَنَاتٍ وَكَانَ اللَّهُ غَفُورًا رَحِيمًا

And those who invoke not any other ilah (god) along with Allah, nor kill such life as Allah has forbidden, except for just cause, nor commit illegal sexual intercourse and whoever does this shall receive the punishment. The torment will be doubled to him on the Day of Resurrection, and he will abide therein in disgrace; Except those who repent and believe (in Islamic Monotheism), and do righteous deeds, for those, Allah will change their sins into good deeds, and Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. [Al-Furqan. 68-70]

In the above article from the Jerusalem Post, the author/s convey their strong disagreement with what they perceive as an exaggerated death toll of Palestinians and raise concerns about the transparency of Gaza’s health authorities in differentiating between combatants and non-combatants. Nevertheless, even if the statistics provided by various international organizations and Gaza officials contain mistakes, it does not lessen the tragedy of a single innocent life lost. Moreover, it does not change the fact that for more than 70 years, Palestinians have endured violence and oppression at the hands of Zionists, culminating in recent experiences of displacement, starvation, and death. Therefore, while it is crucial to report accurate information—especially in an age rife with misinformation, ideological conflicts, and propaganda—the primary concern for anyone with a sense of justice should be the urgent need to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.

Taking the life of an innocent person or engaging in excessive retaliation is not condoned by any of the teachings of the Prophets. Such actions have profoundly harmful and destructive impacts on society and carry severe repercussions in the afterlife. This principle applies universally to anyone who takes the life of an innocent individual, regardless of their faith. The loss of any innocent life is a heartbreaking tragedy, whether the person is Muslim or non-Muslim. However, it is crucial to recognise that, in the last seventy years, no group has caused more suffering to the Palestinians than the Zionists. The insights shared by Prince Turki Al-Faisal, may Allah preserve him, are worthy of great respect, as he expresses this issue with exceptional clarity. [Refer to Footnote a]

Allah said:

مَنْ قَتَلَ نَفْسًا بِغَيْرِ نَفْسٍ أَوْ فَسَادٍ فِي الْأَرْضِ فَكَأَنَّمَا قَتَلَ النَّاسَ جَمِيعًا وَمَنْ أَحْيَاهَا فَكَأَنَّمَا أَحْيَا النَّاسَ جَمِيعًا

If anyone killed a person not in retaliation of murder, or (and) to spread mischief in the land – it would be as if he killed all mankind, and if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of all mankind. [Al-Ma’idah. 32]

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

If a person is bold enough to kill someone who does not deserve to be killed, this implies that he does make a distinction between the one he killed and other than him; rather he would commit this act whenever his evil calls him to that. Therefore, his bold attitude that led him to kill is as if he has killed all humankind. On the other hand, if a person saves a life and does not kill – whilst his soul calls him to do so – due to fear of Allah, this is as if he has saved the lives of all humankind because the fear of Allah he possesses stops him killing one who does not deserve to be killed. [1]

Abdullah Bin Mas’ud, may Allah be pleased with him, said that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “The first (thing) that will be decided among people on the Day of Judgment will pertain to bloodshed”. [2]

Imam An-Nawawi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

This hadith shows the severity of bloodshed and that it will be the first thing that will be judged between people on the Day of Resurrection because of its greatness and extreme danger. This hadith does not contradict the well-known hadith in the Sunan that the first thing a person will be questioned about is the prayer because this hadith is about a matter between Allah and the person, whereas the first hadith (i.e. judgement in matters related to bloodshed) is an affair between the people. [3]

The Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: The termination of the world means less to Allah than the killing of a Muslim (i.e. without right). [4]

Amr Ibn Al-Hamiq, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: Whenever a man promises safety for another man’s life and then kills him, I disavow myself from him even if the victim was an unbeliever.[5]

Abdullah Bin Amr, may Allah be pleased with him, said that the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: Whoever killed a Mu’ahid (a non-Muslim granted the pledge of protection by the Muslim ruler) shall not smell the fragrance of Paradise though its fragrance can be smelt at a distance of forty years (of traveling). [6]

Uqbah Ibn Aamir, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said: Whoever meets Allah whilst neither associating anything with Him nor spilling sacred blood will enter Paradise. [7]

The people said to Jundub, may Allah be pleased with him, “Advise us”. He said, “The first thing of the human body to putrefy is the abdomen, so he who can eat nothing but good food [halaal and earned lawfully] should do so, and he who does as much as he can that nothing intervenes between him and paradise by not shedding even a handful of blood [i.e. unlawful killing], should do so”. [8]

A man wrote to Ibn Umar, may Allah be pleased with him and his father, and asked him to write down all knowledge for him; he replied to him, saying, “Indeed, knowledge is plentiful, but if you are able to meet Allaah whilst not shedding people’s blood, not taking their wealth (unlawfully) and violating their honour, then do so”. [9]

The situation is clear, no matter what anyone says, including Zionists and their scholars. We judge based on what we observe daily. Just saying you are humane and fair is not enough; it must be backed by actions, not just endless discussions. Allah said:

وَمِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ مَن يُعۡجِبُكَ قَوۡلُهُ ۥ فِى ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا وَيُشۡهِدُ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا فِى قَلۡبِهِۦ وَهُوَ أَلَدُّ ٱلۡخِصَامِ
وَإِذَا تَوَلَّىٰ سَعَىٰ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ لِيُفۡسِدَ فِيهَا وَيُهۡلِكَ ٱلۡحَرۡثَ وَٱلنَّسۡلَ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلۡفَسَادَ
وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُ ٱتَّقِ ٱللَّهَ أَخَذَتۡهُ ٱلۡعِزَّةُ بِٱلۡإِثۡمِ‌ۚ فَحَسۡبُهُ ۥ جَهَنَّمُ‌ۚ وَلَبِئۡسَ ٱلۡمِهَادُ

And of mankind there is he whose speech may please you (O Muhammad), in this worldly life, and he calls Allah to witness as to that which is in his heart, yet he is the most quarrelsome of the opponents. And when he turns away, his effort in the land is to make mischief therein and to destroy the crops and the cattle, and Allah likes not mischief. And when it is said to him, “Fear Allah”, he is led by arrogance to (more) crime. So enough for him is Hell, and worst indeed is that place to rest! [Al-Baqarah. 204-206]

[وَمِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ مَن يُعۡجِبُكَ قَوۡلُهُ ۥ فِى ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا – And of mankind there is he whose speech may please you in this worldly life]: Meaning, the one who hears his speech is pleased when he speaks and he thinks that he has uttered beneficial speech.

He emphasises what he says [وَيُشۡهِدُ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا فِى قَلۡبِهِ – and he calls Allah to witness as to that which is in his heart]: Meaning, he states that Allaah knows that what is in his heart agrees with what he says, even though he is lying regarding what he says because his speech contradicts his deeds. His speech would have agreed with his deeds had he being truthful, because this the case regarding the believers- those who are not hypocrites. And due to this Allaah said: [وَهُوَ أَلَدُّ ٱلۡخِصَامِ – yet he is the most quarrelsome of the opponents]: Meaning, when you disagree with him, you’ll find him to be the most quarrelsome, bigoted and difficult person to deal with, as well as the ugly characteristics that results from this behaviour, which are the opposite of the manners of the believers- those who make ease their way, submit to the truth and pardon people.

[وَإِذَا تَوَلَّىٰ سَعَىٰ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ لِيُفۡسِدَ فِيهَا وَيُهۡلِكَ ٱلۡحَرۡثَ وَٱلنَّسۡلَ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلۡفَسَادَ – And when he turns away, his effort in the land is to make mischief therein and to destroy the crops and the cattle, and Allah likes not mischief]- Meaning, when this person – the one whose speech amazes you – is not in your presence, he strives to commit sins which is tantamount to corruption in the earth, so cattle and crops are destroyed as a result of that corruption. The blessings in the vegetations, fruits and livestock decrease and become little due to evil deeds.

[وَٱللَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلۡفَسَادَ – and Allah likes not mischief]: Meaning, when it is the case that Allaah does not like corruption, then He has an intense hatred for the person who sows corruption in the earth, even if such a person utters a good speech merely on the tongue (i.e. says one thing and does something else).

This verse contains proof regarding the fact that the statements uttered by individuals is not a proof regarding their truthfulness or whether they are upon falsehood, neither that they are righteous nor wicked until deeds ascertain them. And it is obligatory to examine the condition of those who bear witness, the one who is in the right and the falsifier amongst the people based on the righteousness of their deeds – examine the clear indications and their behaviour, and not to be deceived by how they portray themselves and the praise they give themselves. Then Allah mentioned that when this person – the one who causes corruption in the earth through acts of disobedience to Allaah – is commanded to fear Allaah, he becomes arrogant and haughty, [ أَخَذَتۡهُ ٱلۡعِزَّةُ بِٱلۡإِثۡمِ‌ۚ -he is led by arrogance to (more) crime]. Thus, he combines between disobedience to Allah and being arrogant towards the sincere advisers. [10]

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Footnote a: No heroes in Hamas-Israel conflict, only victims: Former Saudi intelligence chief:

https://www.abuiyaad.com/w/hamas-israeli-right

https://abuiyaad.com/a/amalekite-genocide-doctrine-gaza

https://abuiyaad.com/a/slaughtering-children-holy-war/print

https://www.abuiyaad.com/a/pharoah-slaughtering-babies

(1) Tafsir As-Sadi
(2) Sahih Muslim 1678
(3) Sharh Sahih Muslim 11/139
(4) Sahih Al-Jami 9208
(5) Sahih Al-Jami 6103
(6) Al-Bukhari 6914
(7) Silsilah As-Sahih ah 2923
(8) Al-Bukhari 7152
(9) Siyar A’lam An-Nubulaa 3/222
(10) Tafsir As-Sadi

Reflections from some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali [33 of 80]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Basics, Islamic Jurisprudence - 'Fiqh', Salaah - Prayer, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

السؤال : ما حكم الجماعة الثانية في المسجد الذي تقام به الجماعة ؟
الجواب : إن كانت الجماعة الثانية تتعمد ألاّ تصلي وراء هذا الإمام، وتنشئ جماعة ثانية إظهارا للفرقة والفتن، فهذا حرام ولا يجوز، حتى لو كان إمام المسجد مبتدعا، تصلي وراءه مع جماعة المسلمين، ولا تنشئ جماعة أخرى
أما إذا كنت حريصا على صلاة الجماعة -وفضلها ،والصلاة في الجماعة تعدل سبعة وعشرين صلاة من صلاة الفذّ – حرصت على هذه الفضيلة لكن فاتتك وفرغ الإمام من هذه الصلاة؛ الظهر أو العصر أو المغرب أو العشاء، وجاء واحد وواحد وواحد فصلوا جماعة ؛إذا كانت فاتتهم بغير قصد منهم ولا بقصد إنشاء جماعة أخرى فليصلوا ولا مانع في ذلك . وراجعوا في هذا الموضوع تحفة الأحوذي
والشيخ الألباني يحكي عن الشافعي رحم الله الجميع أنه لا يرى تعدد الجماعات إلا في مسجد على الطريق بعيد عن المدن والقرى، وأما في المدن والقرى فلا يرى تعدد الجماعات، سواء كانوا معذورين أو غير معذورين ! وناقشت الألباني في هذه المسألة وقلت له:
يعني الرسول صلى الله عليه وسلم قال في واحد من الصحابة تأخر وفاتته الصلاة : (من يتصدق على هذا ) قال الشيخ الألباني رحمه الله : هذا في حقّ المتنفِّل ؛الثاني متنفل والأول مفترض ! على كل حال هذا رأيه، لكن الصواب أنه إذا ما قصد الفتنة ولم يقصد إنشاء جماعة ثانية وهو حريص على الصلاة مع الجماعة، ثم فاتته وفاتت هذا وهذا فصلوا جماعة فلا مانع

Question: What is the ruling regarding a second congregational prayer in a Masjid where (the fixed) congregational prayer has already been established?

Answer: If the second congregational prayer is intentional in order not to pray behind this Imam (i.e. the one appointed for the five prayers at fixed times) and to establish a second congregational prayer to demonstrate division and discord, this is unlawful and not permissible. Even if the Imam of the Masjid is a Mubtadi (Footnote a), one prays behind him with the congregation of the Muslims and should not establish another congregational prayer.

As for If you are keen on congregational prayers and its virtue—the prayer in congregation being twenty-seven times more virtuous, but you missed this opportunity, such as (when) the Imam completes the prayer (be it Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, or Isha), thus others arrive to form a congregation. If they miss the (fixed) congregational prayer unintentionally, nor intending to established another congregational prayer (i.e. prior to their arrival), they can pray and there is no objection in that. For further details on this matter, refer to “Tuhfat al-Ahwadhi.”

Shaikh Al-Albani reports from Imam Ash-Shafi’i, may Allah have mercy on all, that he did not endorse more than one congregational prayer, except in a Masjid (located) on a road far from cities and towns. As for in cities and towns, he did not endorse the establishment of multiple congregational prayers, regardless of whether people have valid excuses or not. I engaged Al-Albani in a discussion regarding this matter and expressed my thoughts to him, saying:

Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, mentioned regarding one of the companions who missed a prayer: “Who will give charity to this one?” Shaikh Al-Albani, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “This applies to the one performing voluntary prayers; the second person is performing a voluntary prayer while the first is performing an obligatory paryer”. In any case, this was his opinion, but the correct view is that if one neither intends discord nor to establish a send congregational prayer, and he is keen on congregational prayer, but then he misses the prayer and another person also misses it, they may pray together and there is no objection. [1] Paraphrased

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Footnote a:

https://abukhadeejah.com/what-is-innovation-bidah-its-categories-prayer-behind-an-innovator-ibn-baz/

[1]https://rabee.net/%D9%81%D8%AA%D8%A7%D9%88%D9%89-%D9%81%D9%82%D9%87%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D9%85%D9%86%D9%88%D8%B9%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AD%D9%84%D9%82%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AB%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%8A%D8%A9/

The beautiful outcome

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Basics, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah', Zuhd (Abstinence).

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

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

When Allah and His Messenger are on one side beware of being on the other side because that would lead you to be in opposition. Even if all the people are on the other side, be on the side of Allah and His Messenger because (only) this would lead to the praiseworthy and virtuous outcome. There is nothing more beneficial for a servant of Allah than this. The majority of the creation (Jinn and humankind) are on the other side, especially when they harbour a strong desire and fear, thus in such case, you may not find anyone on the side of Allah and His Messenger, rather they would consider it to be deficiency in intelligence, a bad choice and may even consider it to be insanity. This is something inherited from the enemies of the Messengers because they attributed insanity to them for being on one side, while the people were on the other side.

(The one) determined to be on the side of Allah and His Messenger is in need of firmly knowledge based on (the guidance) conveyed by the Messenger, thus it becomes a source of certainty for him, while harbouring no doubt. He (requires) great patience while facing the enmity of the one who shows him enmity and the blame of the one who blames him. This cannot be accomplished except through strong fervent desire for Allah and the home of the afterlife. The home of the afterlife become more beloved to him than the worldly life – gives precedence to the afterlife over the worldly life, and Allah and His Messenger become more beloved to him than everything else.

There is nothing more difficult for a person than the beginning of this affair since his soul, desires, nature, the shaytan that accompanies him and his kinsfolk invite him to the fleeting pleasures of this worldly life, thus, they fight him when he opposes them. However, if he exercises patience and remains steadfast, Allah will aid him so that the difficulty alternates into ease and the pain into pleasure. This is because the Lord is Most Ready to appreciate good deeds. Allah will make him taste the pleasure (experienced by) the one who is on the side of Allah and His Messenger and show him kindness, thus this happiness and contentedness increases. Those who fought him will either be in awe of him or in a state of peace with him- either a supporter of his or will leave him. His allies will become strong and his enemies will be weak. Therefore, do not consider being in opposition to the people and to be on the side of Allah and His Messenger as (something) difficult, even if you are alone because Allah will protect and aid you. You are under His watchful eyes and Guardianship, but He only tests your certainty and patience. The greatest help – after Allah’s Help – for you in this affair is that you are free from covetousness and anxiety, since being freed from them makes it easy to be on the side of Allah and His Messenger. Therefore, always be on the side of Allah and His Messenger so this when covetousness and anxiety approaches, you neither become covetous nor does your soul whisper to you.

If you say, “Through what can I be freed from covetousness and anxiety?” Through Tawheed, reliance and trust in Allah, and to know the fact that no Hasanaat (i.e. good deeds and its rewards etc) can come to you except from Allah, and no Sayyi’aat (i.e. evil deeds, sins and its consequences etc) can be removed except by Allah. All affairs are under Allah’s (absolute command, judgement, control, Will) and none else.

An Excerpt from “Al-Fawaa’id” 175-176

Some matters that ought to fully occupy the minds

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, 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:

The most mindless individual is one who deviate from their path just as they approach their destination. Those whose intellects are aided perceive the divine revelation brought by the Messenger as a truth that aligns with (sound) reason and wisdom. Conversely, those whose intellects are forsaken perceive a conflict between sound intellect and the divine revelation, as well as between true wisdom and divine commandments.

The closest path to achieving the Pleasure of Allah are: adherence to the Sunnah and restricting oneself to it both internally and externally, maintaining a continual reliance on Allah while seeking His Countenance alone through words and actions. No one has ever reached Allah’s (Pleasure or Guidance) without adhering to these three things, and none have been hindered from attaining (Allah’s Pleasure or Guidance) except by distancing themselves from one or more of these things.

The foundation of an individual’s happiness consists of three things, each of which has a corresponding opposite. Consequently, the absence of any one of these things leads to the experience of its contrary: Tawheed, whose opposite is Shirk, the Sunnah, whose opposite is Bidah, and obedience is contrasted with disobedience. These three things are undermined by a singular condition: the heart’s lack of Ar-Raghbah Fillaah Wa Feemaa Indahu, Wa Minar Rahbah Minhu Wa Mimmaa Indahu [the heart’s deprivation of the sincere desire to attain Allah’s pleasure through acts of obedience, the hope for Allah’s rewards, and the fear of Allah along with the rewards He has prepared for those who are mindful of Him].

Al-Fawaa’d page 167