Skip to main content

[1] Imam Al-Awzaa’ee: Exemplifying Positive Engagement and Effective Communication with the Rulers

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

Imaam Al-Awzaa’ee [may Allah have mercy upon] wrote to Abu Abaydillaah – a governor of the khalifah- as follows: “I ask Allah [The Mighty and Exalted] to neither deprive you of sound intellect nor religion; make the best for you in what you are in- safeguard what you are acquainted with (i.e. upright deeds) and (safeguard you against) what you hate (i.e. the unpraiseworthy affairs) before being afflicted. And that Allah does not make you unaware of Him due to the fitna of covetousness or excessive work, bless you with recalling the little enjoyment in this world, bring to your attention the close approach of separation from it, makes your time within it influential (in a good way) and shows you compassion when it is taken away from you. Indeed, you are a person about whom I love to obligate myself to mention to him what Allah may bring about of good for him. So, I hope to advise you in private, love that your religious affairs are protected and evil is averted from you by the will of Allah. Idrees – the one who wrote to you – asked if you were able – may Allah have mercy upon you – to….” Then the Imam mentioned the request and finally supplicated for the governor”.

An Excerpt from “Muqaddimah Al-Jarh Wat-Tadeel” By Ibn Abee Haatim Ar-Raazee (rahimahullaah) 2/87-88

The Three Exceptional Worldly Blessings – [Must reflect on the adversity being encountered by our Palestinian bothers and sisters]

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

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

Ubaidullaah Ibn Mihsan Al-Khatmiy narrated from his father that the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said: “Whoever among you wakes up [in the morning] safe in his property, healthy in his body and has his daily nourishment, it is as if he has been granted the entire world”’.

Al-Allaamah Zayd Bin Haadi Al-Madkhalee [may Allah have mercy upon him] said:

This hadeeth shows that those blessed with safety in the lands, physical health, houses to dwell in, and daily nourishment have indeed been blessed with a complete (worldly) blessing. Therefore, it is obligated for (them) to thank Allah constantly. This hadeeth shows that what suffices a person’s needs is a bounty and a blessing for which he must thank Allah [The Mighty and Majestic]. A person may strive to gather a lot of wealth, but he was created to worship Allah [The Mighty and Majestic] in the manner (commanded, legislated) by Allah and His Messenger [i.e. based on what is legislated and commanded in the Qur’an and authentic Sunnah). If a person does this, then indeed he will achieve and attain success; but if not, he will fail and incur loss. Therefore, is there one who will receive admonition?!

This hadeeth shows that to be blessed with safety in one’s religion, honour, wealth and blood is (something very) valuable. These are among those matters whose establishment- in a society- will bring about a good life and security, but if security is not present, chaos will unravel in the society, the powerful will overpower the weak and the oppressor will overpower the oppressed, thus there will be an evil state of affairs and maybe evil consequences. Therefore, any society or land that has been bestowed a ruler amongst the Muslims and granted security in a region under his ruler-ship, it is obligatory to obey him (i.e. obey the ruler of the land in what is good and not to rebel against him, even if he has shortcomings) and he should be aided by the other lands as much as one is able. And what is seen as a fact in relation to this (hadeeth) is that whoever is blessed with enough food and drink, a dwelling place, means of transportation, security in his place of residence and good physical health, it is as if he has been given the entire world. Therefore, he should be thankful to Allah [The Mighty and Majestic] for that until he meets Allah- [i.e. until death comes to him].

An Excerpt from “Awnul Ahadis Samad Sharh Al-Adabil Mufrad”. 1/335

[4] Ensuring the preservation of the sound Islamic creed involves addressing Yasir Qadhi’s inclination towards exaggerations whilst commending those who denounce the atrocities committed by Netanyahu’s Zionist Far-right Regime

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Articles, Contemporary Issues, Deviated Callers & Individuals, History of Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Refutations, Sahaabah, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allah [The Exalted] says

يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَكُونُوا۟ مَعَ ٱلصَّٰدِقِينَ

O you who believe! Fear Allah, and be with those who are true (in statements and deeds). [9:119]

Indeed, it is evident that millions of individuals and many nations openly denounce the heinous acts committed by the Zionists, and this commendable stance deserves recognition. Nevertheless, it is crucial to avoid exaggeration and making assertions that contradict the infallible final divine revelation, as exemplified by the recent remarks made by the Bid’ee Yasir Qadhi regarding the followers of modern Judaism. He stated, “They are the real followers of Mosses! They are the ones who make the Children of Israel proud”. [End of quote]

However, it is crucial to maintain the only balanced approach that agrees with the infallible divine text to avoid exaggeration and to give proper recognition to what truly deserves acknowledgment.

Firstly, Shaikh Abu Iyaadh [may Allah preserve him] stated in his discussion regarding the connection between Zionism and Judaism: “However, it is important to note that not all Jews are involved in these intrigues and the Jews as a population have, throughout history, been subject to the whims and desires of their religious and political leaders, and have been made to undergo much persecution as a result. Also, there are many religious Jews who denounce Zionism as heresy in religion and cause of calamities for them and for Palestinians. Just as there are religious Jews who reject liberal and woke ideas used to disintegrate family and society. Hence, it is not correct to brush all Jews with the same brush, just as it is not correct to paint all Muslims with the brush of al-Ikhwān, Ḥizb al-Taḥrīr, al-Qaeda, ISIS and other extremists and terrorists”. [End of quote] https://abuiyaad.com/w/king-faisal-zionism

Secondly, we now present the undeniable truth concerning the people of the Scripture after the advent of of the final Prophet Muhammad [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him].

Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:Abdullah bin Salam heard the news of the arrival of Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) (at Medina) while he was on a farm collecting its fruits. So he came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and said, “I will ask you about three things which nobody knows unless he be a prophet. Firstly, what is the first portent of the Hour? What is the first meal of the people of Paradise? And what makes a baby look like its father or mother?”. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Just now Gabriel has informed me about that.” Abdullah said, “Gabriel?” The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Yes.” Abdullah said, “He, among the angels is the enemy of the Jews.” On that the Prophet (ﷺ) recited this Holy Verse:– “Whoever is an enemy to Gabriel (let him die in his fury!) for he has brought it (i.e. Qur’an) down to your heart by Allah’s permission.” (2.97) Then he added, “As for the first portent of the Hour, it will be a fire that will gather the people from the East to West. And as for the first meal of the people of Paradise, it will be the caudite (i.e. extra) lobe of the fish liver. And if a man’s discharge proceeded that of the woman, then the child resembles the father, and if the woman’s discharge proceeded that of the man, then the child resembles the mother.” On hearing that, Abdullah said, “I testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah, and that you are the Messenger of Allah; O, Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ),  the Jews (i.e. those among them who tamper with the Torah and killed the Prophets) are liars, and if they should come to know that I have submitted to Islam, they would accuse me of being a liar.” In the meantime some Jews came (to the Prophet) and he asked them, “What is Abdullah’s status amongst you?” They replied, “He is the best amongst us, and he is our chief and the son of our chief.” The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “What would you think if `Abdullah bin Salam submitted to Islam?” They replied, “May Allah protect him from this!” Then Abdullah came out and said, “I testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.” The Jews then said, “Abdullah is the worst of us and the son of the worst of us,” and disparaged him. On that Abdullah said, “O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)! This is what I was afraid of!” [Al-Bukhari 4480

Therefore, none can be the true followers of Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) other than those who have submitted to Islam.

To be continued Inshā’Allāh

[1] A Glimpse of Salahuddin Al-Ayyubi

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

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

Jerusalem remained in Muslim hands for five centuries until it fell into the hands of the Christian Crusaders in the year 492AH. So they entered and wreaked havoc on it, killing about seventy thousand of its people, until, as some historians say, the only thing seen was the piles of severed heads, hands, and feet in the roads and squares, plundered, stormed Al-Aqsa Masjid and slaughtered those who took shelter there, until the Masjid’s courtyards were stained with the blood of worshipers and those who were in a state of bowing and prostration.

The leader of the Crusade, Raymond, proceeded to enter the Masjid’s courtyard, seeking his way among the corpses and blood that had reached its courtyard. The Crusader fighters entered with him, where they destroyed the furniture of the Masjid, and looted the lamps, which amounted to more than forty lamps of silver, each lamp whose price in weight was three thousand and six hundred dirhams, and they took more than twenty lamps of gold. The Al-Aqsa Masjid and blessed Jerusalem remained under the occupation of the invading Christians for a period of ninety-one years, until Allah facilitated (the Ummah with) Salahuddin Al-Ayyubi [may Allah have mercy upon him], who had great enthusiasm to guard the sanctities of the Muslims. Then when Sunday, the 15th of Rajab in the year 583 AH arrived, he camped with his army west of Jerusalem, then moved to the northern side and camped there. He restricted the Franks’ paths, and by throwing catapults, he laid siege on Jerusalem which led the Crusaders to hand over the city. This took place on Friday 27th of Rajab in the aforementioned year. [1]

Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saalih Al-Uthaymeen [may Allah have mercy upon him] stated: Establish Islam among yourselves [I], then after that, Allah will aid His religion because Allah will not support so-and-so because he is so-and-so, or support this party because they are Arabs or support that party because they are so-and-so. He aids the one who establishes this religion (of Islam properly). Was Salahuddin Al-Ayyubi [may Allah have mercy upon him] of Arab by descent? He was not Arab, but Allah aided him against the Christians (Crusaders) because he established the religion ordained by Allah. [2]

To be continued…InShaaAllah

[I] This applies to all of us and not only those Muslims who are being oppressed.

[1] Al-Kaamil Fee Al-Tarikh 10/194 and 11/547

[2] An Excerpt from “Tafseer Surah An-Nur” Ayah 55

[1] Kissing, Its Different Types and Rulings

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Definition of kissing: It is to place the mouth on something and kiss it, either out of religious practice, showing mercy, honouring (someone), or due to desire (between husband and wife). Kissing can be categorised into two: Kissing as an action, and it is of six types:

[a] A kiss of affection and love for a child and others.

[b] A kiss of mercy and honour for parents and others on the head etc.

[c] A kiss of compassion for a brother and the like.

[c] A kiss of greeting when greeting believers.

[d] A kiss of enjoyment for the wife and the female slave. [Footnote I]

[e] A kiss out of religious practice and seeking nearness (to Allah’s love, reward, etc) such as kissing the Black Stone.

Second, the ruling on Kissing, and it is of three categories:

[a] The kissing that is legislated in the Shariah, but one is not obliged to do so, however, it is better to do so.

[b] The kissing that is neither legislated in the Shariah nor prohibited, but rather it is permissible.

[c] The kissing that is prohibited. Each type will be detailed, along with its ruling in its appropriate place in this research. [1]

————————————

Footnote I: “European Slavery Vs Slavery in Islam”, and “Islam’s Unapologetic Position On Slavery”- By Shaikh Abu Khadeejah [may Allah preserve him]


[1] An Excerpt from “It’haaf Ahlil Qiblah Bi-Ah’kaam Al-Qublah”. pages 14-15 with the introduction of Al-Allaamah Ubaid Bin Abdillah Al-Jaabiri [may Allah have mercy upon him]

A Robust Admonition by Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi Shared By Abu Maryam [Tariq Al-Kashmeeri] 13 Years Ago

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Basics, Bid'ah (Innovation), Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Deviated Callers & Individuals, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Seeking Knowledge, Shirk, Sin, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Our beloved Salafi brother and friend Abu Maryam [Tariq Al-Kashmiri (may Allah preserve him)] posted – at Salafitalk.net in 2011-an admonition by Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi Al-Madkhali [may Allah preserve him]
An Advice And A Reminder For All Those Who Speak In The Name Of Salafiyyah

Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee Al Madkhali [may Allah preserve him] said:

All praise is for Allah and may the peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah, his family, his companions, and whoever follows his guidance. To proceed:

This is advice and a reminder for all those who speak in the name of as-Salafiyyah, but when the Imtihaan (test) comes and when spears and arrows are directed at its liver by Ahlul-Makr (the people of vile deception), the Ahlul-Fitan (the people of trials and tribulations) and the troublemakers, we do not find them being from its army nor from those who fight for it but rather we find from them oddity and strangeness. Indeed there has appeared from those who claim Salafiyyah – who wait in ambush of it and its people – stances and actions which are in opposition to Salafiyyah, its Manhaj, and its foundational principles which cause the hair upon the head to turn white (with grief).
From those positions and stances:

 

1) – Defence of the People of Major Innovations, such as al-Hulool, Wahdatul-Wujood (the Unity of Existence), Wahdtul-Adyaan (the Unification of Religions), Ukhuwwatul-Adyaan (the Brotherhood of all religions), Masaawatul-Adyaan (the equality of all religions) as well as many forms of Shirk and superstitions. And bearing witness for them that they are indeed from Ahlus-Sunnah, rather the affair has reached such that some of their heads commend the haughty insolent despotic elders of the Raafidah and Soofees, and describe them with statements such as “indeed they are trustworthy scholars” and praise their methodologies (Madhaahib). Moreover, despite all of that his ignorant followers still support him.

 

2) – Waging a wicked and oppressive war upon Ahlus-Sunnah, smearing them and marring their Manhaj and principles.

 

3) Inventing principles that conflict/contradict the principles of Ahlus-Sunnah and their methodology to wage war against Ahlus-Sunnah and in defence of the people of those major innovations. For example [from those innovated principles]:

a) “We correct but we do not disparage”. [Footnote 1]

b) Also: “The vast all-embracing Manhaj which accommodates Ahlus-Sunnah – according to their own technical term – and also accommodates the whole of the Ummah” but rather it encroaches and restricts Ahlus-Sunnah and their Manhaj and principles.

c) The Manhaj of al-Mawaazanaat. [Footnote 2]

d) Taking the Mujmalaat (the general spurious statements) of the people of misguidance upon their Mufassilaat (clear specific/detailed statements), whilst it is clear that these Mufassilaat (detailed statements) were held by them before these Mujmalaat (spurious/general statements). And other such principles that Ahlus-Sunnah have condemned and clarified their falsehood and deviation. [Footnote 3]

 

4- And to evade (at-tamallus) the truth and to be firm upon their falsehood, they have contrived:

a) The [false] principle – (It’s not obligatory upon me).

b) The [false] principle – (It does not Yaqanee (satisfy, convince, persuade) me.

c) And waging war against the foundational principle of al-Jarh al-Mufassar (the detailed disparagement/criticism).

d) And the rejection of the report of trustworthy narrators (At-Thiqaat).

e) And putting the condition of having a consensus [of the scholars] in tabdee (pronouncing a person to be an innovator) of any innovator. Even if/no matter if the proof and evidences have been established which necessitates/obligates their tabdee, and no matter what the status/level of the one who rules with that tabdee and even if they are many; if one person from the people of desires opposes them, then this tabdee is dropped (becomes null and void).

f) They have fabricated/contrived a principle to as-Subb (revile and insult) the companions of Muhammad (sallallaahu alaihi wasallaam) with the vilest of revilements and insults by describing them as al-Guthaa-iyyah (scum). When requested to excuse themselves from that they said: (It is not revilement, it’s not revilement.) And they said: (if this wording emanated from a Sunni then it is not revilement and if it came from a Raafidee then it becomes revilement and insult.) And they have been staunch upon this since 1424H up until this day.

These principles have become the fountains of Fitan (trial and tribulation) like pieces (sudden amassing of clouds) of the dark night. Accompanying all these calamities is arrogance, obstinate opposition, and haughtiness towards those who advise them and clarify their deviation and their mixed-up confusion. Whilst with all these calamities, afflictions, and other than that we still find those who commend them and declare that they indeed are from Ahlus-Sunnah. The following are Prophetic Narrations I gathered together to remind those people so that perhaps they will remember and withdraw from that which they are upon.

1- On the authority of Qais bin Abee Haazim, who said: Aboo Bakr [may Allaah be pleased with him] stood up and praised Allah [The Mighty and Majestic] and extolled Him, and then said: O people, indeed you recite this Ayah (Qur’anic verse): [يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ عَلَيْكُمْ أَنفُسَكُمْ لَا يَضُرُّكُم مَّن ضَلَّ إِذَا ٱهْتَدَيْتُمْ َ – O you who believe! Take care of your ownselves, [do righteous deeds, fear Allah much (abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which He has forbidden) and love Allah much (perform all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained)]. If you follow the right guidance and enjoin what is right (Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do) and forbid what is wrong (polytheism, disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden) no hurt can come to you from those who are in error. [Surah Al-Maa’idah. Ayah 105]; and you put it in its improper place, for indeed I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu alaihi wasallaam) say: “When the people see an evil (al-Munkar) and do not change it, all of them are about to be punished by Allaah altogether.” [I]

2- Also on the authority of Hudhaifah bin al-Yamaan [may Allaah be pleased with him] that the Prophet [SallAllaah alaihi wasallam] said: “By Him in Whose hand is my soul, certainly you will order with the good and forbid the evil, or else a punishment of Allah is about to be sent upon you from Him and then if you were to supplicate to Him He will not respond to you.” [II]

3- And on the authority of Ibn Mas’ood -[radiyallaahu anhu]- that the Messenger of Allaah [sallallaahu alaihi wasallaam] said: “There is not a Prophet that Allaah sent to a nation before me except that he had Hawariyyoon (helpers) and companions who would betake with his Sunnah and follow his command. Then after them came people who would say (speak with) that which they do not do, and they do that which they are not ordered with; so whoever fights them with his hand then he is a believer, and whoever fights them with his tongue then he is a believer and he who fights them with his heart then he is a believer, and there is not even a mustard seeds amount of faith (Eemaan) left after that”. [III]

In these Ahadeeth is the clarification from the Messenger of Allaah -[sallallaahu alaihi wasallam] – regarding the danger of al-Munkaraat (the evils) of innovations and sins. Its danger and evil punishment is not just confined to those who perpetrate it, but rather it includes whoever Yudaahin (flatters and compromises) with its people and is amicable with them, and also it encompasses and includes more so whoever defends them (innovations) and its people. The affair becomes even more severe if he wages war against whoever forbids it (innovations) from the people of the truth, those well established within the boundaries set by Allaah, those who war against the people of Misguidance and Fitan (turmoil and trials).

4- On the authority of Nu’man bin Basheer -[radiyallaahu anhumaa]- the Prophet -[sallallaahu alaihi wasallam] – said: “The example of al-Mud-hin (the compromiser) Allaah’s Hudood (orders and limits) and (in comparison to) the one who violates them (Allaah’s limits and orders) is like example of people who drew lots for (seats on) a ship. Some of them were on its lower part and others were on its upper part. So those that were on its lower part would pass by those in the upper one with the water which troubled them (the people in the upper part). Then one of them (the people in the lower part) took an axe and started making a hole in the bottom of the vessel. The people of the upper part came and said: ‘What is wrong with you?’ He replied, “You have been troubled much by me and I have to get water.” Now if they prevent him from doing that they will save him and themselves, but if they leave him (to do what he wants), they will destroy him and themselves”. [IV]

Al-Mud-hin (the Compromiser): He is the flatterer who sees and hears al-Munkaraat (the evil) from the innovations and other than it and does not forbid it. Rather he flatters and compromises with those who fall into it, perpetrate it, and defend it. So how about if he goes beyond that to defend them, beautify their image (present them in favourable light) and bear witness for them that they are from Ahlus-Sunnah?! So how will he be, if he transgresses beyond all that by forsaking those who forbid it, making the people think that they (Ahlus-Sunnah) are not upon the truth and are opposers to the correct Manhaj?!

These stances encourage the perpetrators of these evils to remain upon their misguidance; it compels people with weak personalities to have a good suspicion of them and to plunge them into their outstretched arms, and to aid and defend them. [These are] the affairs which lead many people to turn away from the Manhaj of the Salaf as-Saalih in many different countries. It is incumbent upon this type [of people] to fear Allaah. They should look again at and revise their stances with seriousness and sincerity. They should comprehend the dangerous effect resulting from their stances; which they will asked about in front of Allaah The Mighty and Majestic ý on the day when no soul will be able to benefit another whatsoever. Furthermore, it is incumbent upon them to look again to their Bitaanah (close friends and companions) with seriousness for indeed the matter is dangerous. And I remind you of the statement of Allah [The Most High]: [ٱلْأَخِلَّآءُ يَوْمَئِذٍۭ بَعْضُهُمْ لِبَعْضٍ عَدُوٌّ إِلَّا ٱلْمُتَّقِينَ – Friends on that Day will be foes one to another except Al-Muttaqun (pious)]. [Surah Az-Zukhruf. (43)]

يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ كُونُوا۟ قَوَّٰمِينَ بِٱلْقِسْطِ شُهَدَآءَ لِلَّهِ وَلَوْ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِكُمْ أَوِ ٱلْوَٰلِدَيْنِ وَٱلْأَقْرَبِينَ

O you Who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allaah even against yourselves, your parents, or your kin. [Surah an-Nisa: 135]

And [I also remind you] with the statement of the Messenger of Allaah [Salla Allaahu alaihi wasallam] The Deen (Religion) is an-Naseehah (sincerity and sincere advising), the Deen (Religion) is an-Naseehah (sincerity and sincere advising)”; he said it three times. They said: “To whom or the Messenger of Allaah?” He said: “To Allaah, to His book, to His Messenger, to leaders of the Muslims and their common people.”

I remind you with the Hadeeth of the virtuous Companion Jareer bin Abdullah al-Bajalee [radiyAllaahu anhu] on the authority of Ziyaad bin ‘ilaaqah who said: I heard Jareer bin Abdullah stand and deliver a khutbah on the day al-Mugheerah bin Sh’ubah died saying: “Upon you is the taqwa (fear) of Allaah the Mighty and Majestic, sobriety and tranquility until the (new) Ameer comes for indeed he will come now”. Then he said: “Seek forgiveness for your Ameer for indeed he used to love pardoning (others)”. And he said: “To proceed: then indeed I came to the Messenger of Allaah -[Salla Allaahu alaihi wasallam] – and I said to him: “I want to pledge allegiance to you upon Islaam. So he put a condition upon me that I should (sincerely) advise every Muslim. So I gave him the pledge of allegiance upon that and by the Lord of this Masjid indeed I am to all of you a (sincere) advisor.” Then he sought Allah’s forgiveness and descended (from the pulpit). [V]

I remind them of that which is in these Aayaat and Ahadeeth regarding the obligation of establishing sincerity to Allah [i.e. by worshipping Allah in truth etc], sincerity to His Book [i.e. by believing in it and that it is the speech of Allah sent down, and it is not created, etc], sincerity to His Messenger [i.e. by testifying in truth and based on the absolute certainty that he is Allah’s Messenger, etc], sincerity to the rulers of the Muslims [i.e. by believing in their right to rulership, obeying and listening to them in that which is good, advising them in private, etc] and sincerity to the common people [i.e. by dealing with them, calling them to the path of Allah, etc]. [Footnote 4] And with that which they contain from the obligation of forbidding the evil and the severe threat for those who do not establish these obligations and do not forbid the evil. And I say to them as Jareer said: “By the Lord of this Masjid, indeed I am to all of you a sincere advisor.” But rather I say, “By the Lord of the Heavens and the Earth, indeed I am to them a (sincere) advisor”.

I remind them of the statement of Anas [radiyallaahu anhu] “Indeed, you do actions which in your eyes are considered finer than the hair, whilst we used to consider them during the lifetime of the Messenger of Allah [salla Allaahu alaihi wasallam] to be from al-moobiqaat (the destructive/deadly sins).” [VI]

And from my advice to them is that they should study the Manhaj of the Salaf as-Saalih from its sources and adhere to it and implement it upon themselves and others. I ask Allaah that He grants them insight into that which they are ignorant of and thus erred in or did with deliberate intent. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon our prophet Muhammad, his family, and his companions.

Written by:
Rabee’ Bin Haadee ‘Umayr al-Madkhalee
9/2/1432H

———————————————-

Footnote 1: https://www.salafipublications.com/sps/downloads/pdf/NDV180008.pdf

Footnote 2: https://abuiyaad.com/r/muwazanah

Footnote 3: Shaykh Rabee’ On Mujmal and Mufassal : The Deceptions of al-Ma’ribee: https://www.salafipublications.com/sps/sp.cfm/sad/…/nbq/frm/images/nbq/downloads/pdf/sad/sp.cfm?subsecID=NDV18&articleID=NDV180006&articlePages=1

Footnote 4: See explanation of the forty hadith of An-Nawawi by Al-Allaamah Saalih Al-Fawzaan [may Allah preserve him] titled: Al-Minhatur Rabbaaniyyah Fee Sharhi Al-Arba’een An-Nawawiyyah. pages 112-121. 1st Edition 1429AH (2008)

[I] This Hadeeth is Saheeh (Sound Authentic). It is reported by Imaam Ahmad in his Musnad (1/5), Aboo Dawood in his Sunan Hadeeth (4338, Ibn Maajah in his Sunan, [Chapter] Regarding the Fitan, Hadeeth (4005) and is also reported by other Imaams].

[II] This Hadeeth is reported by at-Tirmidhee in al-Fitan, Hadeeth (2169) and he said: This Hadeeth is Hasan (Good). But there is a weakness in its chain of narration. It is also reported by Imaam Ahmad in his Musnad (5/388). And at-Tirmidhee declared the hadeeth Hasan due to it having two witnessing (supporting) narrations with a similar meaning which have a weakness in their Isnaad (chain of narration). One of them [witnessing narrations] is the Hadeeth of Aishah – radiyallaahu anha – reported by Imaam Ahmad in his Musnad (6/159), the second of the two is the hadeeth of Aboo Hurairah – radiyallaahu anhu – reported by al-Bazzaar in his Musnad (8508) and al-Khateeb in his at-Taareekh (13/92). Based upon the various routes (chains) the grading of this hadeeth is raised to the level of Hasan li-gayrihi. Al-Allaamah al-Albaanee has declared it to be Hasan in Saheeh al-Jaami (6947).

[III] Reported by Muslim in [the Book of] al-Eemaan Hadeeth (50), Aboo Awaanah (1/35, 36) and Ibn Mandah in al-Eemaan (page 183, 184).

[IV] Reported by al-Bukhaaree in his Saheeh, [the Book of] Shahaadaat (Witnesses), Hadeeth (2686), Imaam Ahmad in his Musnad (4/268,269), at-Tirmdihee in al-Fitan (2173), Ibn Hibbaan as in al-Ihsaan (297, 298). The wording of this Hadeeth with Imaam Ahmad and at-Tirmidhee is: The example of the one who abides by Allaah’s orders and limits in comparison to al-Mud-hin (the compromiser) of Allaah’s Hudood (orders and limits) is like the example of people who drew lots for (seats on) a ship at sea. So some of them attained the upper part of it and the others got the lower part. Then those on the lower part climb up/ascend to draw water to drink and they pour it upon the people on the upper part. The people on the upper part said: “We will not let you ascend and harm us.” So those on the lower part said: “Then indeed we will have to bore into the bottom of the ship to get water to drink.” If they prevent them and forbid them from doing that they will all be saved and if they leave them they will all drown.

[V] Reported by al-Bukhaaree in his Saheeh, [the Book of] Faith (al-Imaan), Chapter: the statement of the Prophet [Salla Allaahu alaihi wasallam] -: “The Deen is sincerity to Allaah, His Prophet, the leaders of the Muslims and their common people” and the statement of Allaah the Most High: [ إِذَا نَصَحُوا۟ لِلَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِۦ – if they are sincere and true (in duty) to Allah and His Messenger], Hadeeth (58). And Imaam Ahmad (4/357). And also reported by al-Bukhaaree in [the Book of] Faith (al-Imaan), Hadeeth (57), and Muslim in [the Book of] Faith (al-Imaan), Hadeeth (56) both of them reported it in summarized form].

[VI] Reported by al-Bukhaaree in [the Book of] Heart-Softening narrations (ar-Riqaaq), Hadeeth (6492), Ahmad in his ‘Musnad’ (3/157) and Aboo Y’alaa in his ‘Musnad’ Hadeeth (4207) and (4314).

Allah’s aid is sought! Indeed, many changes have taken place by way of deviation and other painful affairs, and afflicted many. We ask Allah to keep us safe and guide everyone who has fallen into those calamities and has not yet returned to what is correct and praiseworthy. We ask Allah:

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. [Saheeh Muslim Number: 2720]

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 Eemaan, and make us (from those who are) guided and guiding (others). [Sunan An-Nasaa’ee’ Number 1305 & declared Saheeh by Imaam Albaani (rahimahullaah) in As-Saheehah Number 1301]

[1] Excuses provided by an individual to another person, irrespective of their status or influence, to express remorse, retract Manhaj errors, or any other transgressions, should be accompanied by apparent actions of genuine repentance.

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Charity (Sadaqah), Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Repentance, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors.

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

Al-Hasan Al-Basri [may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “Sincere repentance is that the slave shows regret for what has elapsed (of his sins) and is determined not to return to them”. Al-Kalbee [may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “It is to seek Allah’s forgiveness with the tongue, being regretful in the heart and restrain the limbs (from committing the sins again)“. [1]

Shaqeeq Al-Balkhiy [may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “The signs of repentance are weeping due to what has preceded (of sins), fear of falling into sin again, keeping away from evil companions and accompanying the good people“. [2]

Some of these signs of repentance are only known to Allah, such as weeping, showing remorse, etc. Then what remains is that a person will be judged by his apparent deeds and companionship. Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab [may Allah be pleased with him] said: “People were (sometimes) judged by the revealing of a Divine revelation during the lifetime of Allah’s Messenger but now there is no longer any more (new revelation). Now we judge you by the deeds you practice publicly, so we will trust and favour the one who does good deeds in front of us, and we will not call him to account about what he is really doing in secret, because Allah will judge him for that; but we will not trust or believe the one who presents to us an evil deed even if he claims that his intentions were good”. [3]

Imaam Abdul-Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: “Whoever manifests good, it will be accepted from him and a good suspicion is held about him. And if he manifests evil, it will be held against him and an evil suspicion is held about him”. [4]

 

[1] Madaarij As-Saalikeen 1/309-310

[2] Nazhatul Fudalaa Tah’dheeb Siyar A’laam An-Nubulaa. 711

[3] Saheeh Bukhaari; Vol 3; Hadith Number:2641]

[4] An Excerpt from Al-Hulalul Ibreeziyyah Min At-Taleeqaat Al-Baaziyyah Alaa Saheeh Al-Bukhaariy page:397 Vol 2 footnote 1]

[1] Flee to Allah

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

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

إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ

It is You alone (O Allāh) that we worship and it is You alone that we ask for help (in Your obedience and in all of our affairs). [1]

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: One of the stations of (the statement) “It is You alone (O Allah) that we worship and it is You alone that we ask for help (in Your obedience and in all of our affairs” is the station of “fleeing to Allah”. Allah [The Exalted] says: [فَفِرُّوٓا۟ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ – So flee to Allah]. [Surah Adh-Dhaariyaat. Ayah 50]
The reality of fleeing is to get away from one thing and to another thing, and it is two types: the escape of the blessed and the escape of the wretched. The escape of the blessed is to flee to Allah [The Mighty and Majestic] and the escape of the wretched is to flee from Allah and not to Him. As for fleeing to Allah, this is the fleeing of his allies (friends). Ibn Abbas [may Allah be pleased with him and his father] said regarding this Ayah [فَفِرُّوٓا۟ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ – So flee to Allah] – Meaning, flee from (Allah’s punishment) and flee to Him (for protection) through obedience. Sahl Bin Abdullah [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: “Flee from other than Allah to Allah”. Others (i.e. the other scholars) said, “Flee from Allah’s punishment (i.e. by keeping away from disobedience) to His reward through (sound) faith and obedience. [2]

[1] https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/sura/1/1

[2] An Excerpt from “Madaarij As-Saalikeen”. 1/383. Publisher: Daar Mannaar 1st Edition. (1424AH- 2003)

 

[2] New Year’s Day celebration -January 1st – is Tantamount to Honouring a Roman Pagan God!

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Bid'ah (Innovation), Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Refutations, Scholars of Islam, Shirk, Sin, Uncategorized, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allah [The Most High] says:

يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ ضُرِبَ مَثَلٌ فَاسْتَمِعُوا لَهُ ۚ إِنَّ الَّذِينَ تَدْعُونَ مِن دُونِ اللَّهِ لَن يَخْلُقُوا ذُبَابًا وَلَوِ اجْتَمَعُوا لَهُ ۖ وَإِن يَسْلُبْهُمُ الذُّبَابُ شَيْئًا لَّا يَسْتَنقِذُوهُ مِنْهُ ۚ ضَعُفَ الطَّالِبُ وَالْمَطْلُوبُ
مَا قَدَرُوا اللَّهَ حَقَّ قَدْرِهِ ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَقَوِيٌّ عَزِيزٌ

O mankind! A similitude has been coined, so listen to it (carefully): Verily! Those on whom you call besides Allah, cannot create (even) a fly, even though they combine together for the purpose. And if the fly snatched away a thing from them, they would have no power to release it from the fly. So weak are (both) the seeker and the sought. They have not estimated Allah His Rightful Estimate; Verily, Allah is All-Strong, All-Mighty. [Surah Al-Hajj. Ayaat 73-74]
It is obligated to a servant (of Allah) to pay attention to this parable with his heart and ponder upon it properly because it cuts off the desire for Shirk. The gods worshipped by the idolaters cannot create even a fly, even if they all come to together to create it, then how about what is greater than it?! They are neither able to create a fly which is one of the weakest animals, nor are they able to gain the upper hand against it to recover what it took away from them. There is nothing more disabled and feebler than them, so how can a sensible person deem it good to worship idols (or the other things worshipped by the idolaters).

Shaikh Uways At-Taweel [may Allah preserve him] states:

This verse nullifies shirk and shows the ignorance of its people. It is a testimony that Satan plays about with them more than kids playing with a ball because they assign Godhood to images and statues that are deprived of the ability to create the most insignificant creature of the True God, even if they [i.e. those statues and images] gathered and supported one another to do so, whereas Godhood necessitates having absolute power over all the existence, absolute knowledge of all sources of knowledge, having no need of all the creation, (whilst the creation is completely dependent) upon the Lord for their needs, relief, (to remove their) distress and anxiety and (respond to their) invocations. [1]

Allah [The Exalted] says:

مَثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّخَذُواْ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ أَوۡلِيَآءَ كَمَثَلِ ٱلۡعَنڪَبُوتِ ٱتَّخَذَتۡ بَيۡتً۬ا‌ۖ وَإِنَّ أَوۡهَنَ ٱلۡبُيُوتِ لَبَيۡتُ ٱلۡعَنڪَبُوتِ‌ۖ لَوۡ ڪَانُواْ يَعۡلَمُونَ

The likeness of those who take Auliya’ (protectors and helpers) other than Allah is as the likeness of a spider, who builds (for itself) a house, but verily, the frailest (weakest) of houses is the spider’s house, if they but knew. [Surah Al-Ankabut. Ayah 41]

Allah mentioned that they are weak and that those whom they take as protectors and helpers are weaker than them. So concerning their weakness and their goal behind taking others as protectors and helpers besides Allaah, they are similar to a spider that builds a house and it is the frailest of houses. Based on this parable, the idolators become much weaker when they take others as protectors and helpers besides Allah, and they do not benefit from those they take as protectors and helpers besides Allah, just as Allaah stated [in another Ayah]:

وَٱتَّخَذُواْ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ ءَالِهَةً۬ لِّيَكُونُواْ لَهُمۡ عِزًّ۬ا
كَلَّا‌ۚ سَيَكۡفُرُونَ بِعِبَادَتِہِمۡ وَيَكُونُونَ عَلَيۡہِمۡ ضِدًّا

And they have taken (for worship) Aaliha (gods) besides Allah, that they might give them honour, power and glory (and also protect them from Allah’s Punishment etc.). Nay, but they (the so-called gods) will deny their worship of them, and become opponents to them (on the Day of Resurrection). [Surah Maryam. Ayaat 82-83]

Allah [The Most High] says:
وَٱتَّخَذُواْ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ ءَالِهَةً۬ لَّعَلَّهُمۡ يُنصَرُونَ
لَا يَسۡتَطِيعُونَ نَصۡرَهُمۡ وَهُمۡ لَهُمۡ جُندٌ۬ مُّحۡضَرُونَ

And they have taken besides Allaah Aaliha (gods), hoping that they might be helped (by those so-called gods). They cannot help them, but they will be brought forward as a troop against those who worshipped them (at the time of Reckoning). [Surah Yaa Seen. Ayaat 74-75]

After mentioning the destruction of the nations of the idolaters, Allah said:

وَمَا ظَلَمۡنَـٰهُمۡ وَلَـٰكِن ظَلَمُوٓاْ أَنفُسَہُمۡ‌ۖ فَمَآ أَغۡنَتۡ عَنۡہُمۡ ءَالِهَتُہُمُ ٱلَّتِى يَدۡعُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ مِن شَىۡءٍ۬ لَّمَّا جَآءَ أَمۡرُ رَبِّكَ‌ۖ وَمَا زَادُوهُمۡ غَيۡرَ تَتۡبِيبٍ۬

We wronged them not, but they wronged themselves. So their Aaliha (gods), other than Allah, whom they invoked, profited them naught when there came the Command of your Lord, nor did they add aught (to their lot) but destruction. [Surah Hud. Verse 101]

These four places in the Qur’an show that the one who takes protectors and helpers besides Allah- through whom he seeks to strengthen himself, behave arrogantly and prevail- will not achieve except the opposite, and there is a lot more about this affair in the Qur’an. This is one of the finest parables and the clearest proofs regarding the falsehood of Shirk and the deprivation of the one who commits it, and that he will achieve the opposite of what he seeks. [2]

Allah gave this similitude regarding those who worship others alongside Him, seeking honour, strength, and benefit by way of it, but Allah says that the affair is the opposite of the goal they seek because their likeness is that of a spider that builds a house to protect itself from the heat, cold and harm; but the frailest and weakest of houses is the spider’s house. The spider is one of those weak animals and its house is one of the weakest of houses, and building its house does not increase it in anything except weakness. Likewise, this is the case regarding those who take protectors and helpers besides Allah; they are in need and incapable in every way when they take protectors and helpers besides Allah to seek honour and help by way of them; so they increase weakness on their weakness, and feebleness on their feebleness because they rely on them in many of their affairs for well-being and entrust it to them, refrain from achieving it themselves and (hoping) that these [so-called] protectors and helpers will fulfill it; but they forsake them- neither receive anything (useful, beneficial, etc) nor the least (gain, benefit, etc) from their help. Had they been acquainted with the reality of knowledge, their situation, and that of those whom they take as protectors and helpers besides Allah, they would not have done so; rather they would have freed themselves from them and taken Allah as Protector and Helper- The Lord Who is able to do all things, The One Who Bestows His Special Mercy to the Believers; Who – when a servant takes Him as a Protector and an Ally, He suffices him, looks after both his religious and worldly affairs, increase him in strength upon strength in his heart [i.e. sound faith], his body [i.e. grant him the ability to seek after what is beneficial, etc], in all his circumstances and deeds. [3]

[1] An Excerpt from ‘Badaa-i At-Tafseer Al-Jaami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imaam Ibnu Qayyim Al-Jawziyyah: 2/221-222. slightly paraphrased]

[2] An Exceprt from ‘Badaa’i At-tafseer Al-Jaami Lima Fassarahu Al-Imaam Ibnul Qayyim. Vol 2. Page299-300. Slightly paraphrased]

[3] An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi. Slightly paraphrased]

[1] New Year’s Day celebration -January 1st – is Tantamount to Honouring a Roman Pagan God!

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Bid'ah (Innovation), Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Qur'aan, Refutations, Shirk, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allah [The Exalted] said:

أَمْ اتَّخَذُوا آلِهَةً مِنْ الأَرْضِ هُمْ يُنشِرُونَ

لَوْ كَانَ فِيهِمَا آلِهَةٌ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ لَفَسَدَتَا فَسُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَرْشِ عَمَّا يَصِفُونَ

لاَ يُسْأَلُ عَمَّا يَفْعَلُ وَهُمْ يُسْأَلُونَ

أَمْ اتَّخَذُوا مِنْ دُونِهِ آلِهَةً قُلْ هَاتُوا بُرْهَانَكُمْ هَذَا ذِكْرُ مَنْ مَعِيَ وَذِكْرُ مَنْ قَبْلِي بَلْ أَكْثَرُهُمْ لاَ يَعْلَمُونَ الْحَقَّ فَهُمْ مُعْرِضُونَ

وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَا مِنْ قَبْلِكَ مِنْ رَسُول ٍإِلاَّ نُوحِي إِلَيْهِ أَنَّهُ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ أَنَا فَاعْبُدُونِ

Or have they taken (for worship) aliha (gods) from the earth who raise the dead? Had there been therein (in the heavens and the earth) gods besides Allah, then verily both would have been ruined. Glorified be Allah, the Lord of the Throne, (High is He) above what they attribute to Him! He cannot be questioned as to what He does, while they will be questioned. Or have they taken for worship (other) aliha (gods) besides Him? Say: “Bring your proof:” This (the Qur’an) is the Reminder for those with me and the Reminder for those before me. But most of them know not the Truth, so they are averse.  And We did not send any Messenger before you (O Muhammad) but We inspired him (saying): La ilaha illa Ana [none has the right to be worshipped but I (Allah)], so worship Me (Alone and no one else).” [Surah Al-Anbiyaa. Aayaat 21-25]

Shaikh Uways At-Taweel [may Allah preserve him] states:

Allah [The Exalted] stated His disapproval of the polytheists – those who [worship the things they have taken as] gods in the earth, even though these (so called) gods are absolutely incapacitated and powerless; neither able to bring them back to life nor resurrect them, and this is further explained by the statement of Allah:

 وَاتَّخَذُوا مِنْ دُونِهِ آلِهَةً لاَ يَخْلُقُونَ شَيْئًا وَهُمْ يُخْلَقُونَ وَلاَ يَمْلِكُونَ ِلأَنفُسِهِمْ ضَرًّا وَلاَ نَفْعًا وَلاَ يَمْلِكُونَ مَوْتًا وَلاَ حَيَاةً وَلاَ نُشُورًا

Yet they have taken besides Him other aliha (gods) that created nothing but are themselves created, and possess neither hurt nor benefit for themselves, and possess no power (of causing) death, nor (of giving) life, nor of raising the dead. [Surah Al-Furqaan. Ayah 3]

Allah [The Exalted] said:

وَاتَّخَذُوا مِنْ دُونِ اللَّهِ آلِهَةً لَعَلَّهُمْ يُنصَرُونَ

لاَ يَسْتَطِيعُونَ نَصْرَهُمْ وَهُمْ لَهُمْ جُندٌ مُحْضَرُونَ

And they have taken besides Allah aliha (gods), hoping that they might be helped (by those so-called gods). They cannot help them, but they will be brought forward as a troop against those who worshipped them (at the time of Reckoning). [Surah Yaaseen. Aayaat 74-75]

A polytheist worships a created thing that can neither benefit nor harm, and he abandons sincere worship to Allah – The One Who is Perfect [i.e. the only possessor of Perfect Names and Attributes; free from all weaknesses, shortcomings and imperfections], and in His Hand is the absolute control over all benefit and harm. This shows that a polytheist [or idolater] is not blessed [with guidance], his ignorance is clearly established as well as the extremity of his unjust behaviour towards Allah because it is only befitting that there is only one [true] deity, just as there cannot be except one [true] Lord. Due to this, Allah [The Exalted] said:

لَوْ كَانَ فِيهِمَا آلِهَةٌ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ لَفَسَدَتَا فَسُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَرْشِ عَمَّا يَصِفُونَ

Had there been therein (in the heavens and the earth) gods besides Allah, then verily both [i.e. the heavens and the earth] would have been ruined. Glorified be Allah, the Lord of the Throne, (High is He) above what they attribute to Him! [Surah Al-Anbiyaa. Ayah 22]

Meaning: Both the heavens and the earth would have been ruined as well the creation in them. The heavens and the earth – as one can see – are in a perfect state, intact and in perfect order. Neither is there any defect in them and obstacles [to its perfect order] nor conflict in its organisation. Therefore, this shows that the One who controls and regulates its affairs is One- its Lord is one and the deity [under whose control they are maintained] is One. If it were the case that the heavens and the earth has two [deities] that control and regulate its affairs- two lords or more, then its perfect order would have been ruined and its foundations would have been undermined. That is because they would have been obstacles and opponents to one another; so if one of them wishes to plan and administer something and the other one wishes that it should not take place, then it would be impossible for both their wishes to be fulfilled. [On the other hand], the fulfilment of the wishes of one of them would have shown that the other one is weak and unable do whatever he wants; and it is impossible that both of them will agree on everything.  Therefore, the wish of The Irresistible [i.e. Allah- the only True Lord and besides Him every other deity is false]- is what will be fulfilled without anyone being able to prevent or repel it. And this is why Allah [The Exalted] said:

مَا اتَّخَذَ اللَّهُ مِنْ وَلَدٍ وَمَا كَانَ مَعَهُ مِنْ إِلَهٍ إِذًا لَذَهَبَ كُلُّ إِلَهٍ بِمَا خَلَقَ وَلَعَلاَ بَعْضُهُمْ عَلَى بَعْضٍ سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ عَمَّا يَصِفُونَ

No son (or offspring or children) did Allah beget, nor is there any ilah (god) along with Him; (if there had been many gods), behold, each god would have taken away what he had created, and some would have tried to overcome others! Glorified be Allah above all that they attribute to Him! [Surah Al-Muminoon. Ayah 91]

[An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi. Slightly paraphrased]