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“The barber made a mistake” or “The hair on my temples is thinner”

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

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

The Muslim Must Strive to Protect His Sense of Honour

Shaikh Saaleh Aala Ash-Shaikh [may Allaah preserve him] stated: “Al-Khawaarim Al-Muroo’ah (i.e. an act that violates a Muslim’s sense of honour) differs based on the place and era people are living in. For example, you find that some of the Ahlul Hadeeth censured such and such person because he once saw him eating in the market place and then said, ‘’Eating in the market place [يخرم المروءة – i.e. it violates one’s sense of honour or it is something unbefiting]- meaning: he is seen in the street -in the presence of the people- eating; or similar to eating in restaurants nowadays. This -in their view -was tantamount to Al-Khawaarim Al-Muroo’ah. However, nowadays (or in this era) the situation is different, for indeed a person may be in need of these things and it is not considered to be Al-Khawaarim Al-Muroo’ah. Therefore, Al-Khawaarim Al-Muroo’ah differs based on the era and place. So, if this deed (or affair) is not done by those regarded to be possessors of Muroo’ah [sense of honour], then whoever does so is censured and his deed is considered to be [خارما من خوارم المروءة – i.e. one of those deeds that violates one’s sense of honour], and the upright amongst the people are those who avoid the Al-Khawaarim Al-Muroo’ah”. (1)

So, the Shaikh says that what is regarded as sense of honour may change, but what we must bear in mind is that such a change cannot make permissible that which is impermissible, and vice versa; as well as the fact that even if this haircut (Qaza) has become a custom in society, then indeed, we are not allowed to follow forbidden customs. Read here: https://abukhadeejah.com/the-prohibition-of-qaza-hairstyle-disallowed-by-allahs-messenger/

Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “It is obligated on every Muslim that he does not depend on custom; rather he presents it to the pure Islamic legislation [to be judged], so whatever the Islamic legislation affirms is permissible and whatever it does not affirm is impermissible. The customs of the people are not proof to determine the lawfulness of anything. All the customs of the people in their countries or tribes must be presented to the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] for judgement, so whatever Allaah and His Messenger made permissible is permissible, and whatever they forbid, then it is obligatory to abandon it even if it is the custom of the people”. (2)

Sometimes when some of the youth appear with a haircut that shows the skin on the temples, they either say that the barber made a mistake or that their hair on the temples is thinner. We often remind them that they should not be complacent whenever they visit the barbers, because barbers – except a few – either recommend haraam hairstyles or they co-operate with those who desire a haraam hairstyle, rather many of them shave or trim the beards of people. Therefore, make sure that the barber does not cut too much hair from the temples lest it leads to something blameworthy (Qaza). The Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “That which is lawful is clear and that which is unlawful is clear and between the two are ambiguous matters which many people do not know of. So whoever took caution regarding the ambiguous matters has absolved himself regarding his religion and his honour. And whoever fell into the doubtful matters has fallen into the unlawful, just like the shepherd who grazes his flock around the sanctuary (of a king), all but grazing therein. Indeed, every king has a sanctuary (that cannot be violated) and indeed the sanctuary of Allāh is his prohibitions. Indeed, there is a morsel of flesh in the body which if it is sound the whole body is sound and which if itis corrupt the whole body is corrupt. Indeed, it is the heart.” (3)

Therefore, do not allow the barber – whilst cutting your hair – to be like the shepherd that grazes his flock around the sanctuary (of a king) until he trespasses. If your hair is thin on the temples, then made sure that the barber does not take too much hair from it until your skin is shown. You must protect your pristine Muslim identity because that is what gives you honour in reality. Read: Muslim Identity, the Honour that Islam Brings and the Danger of Blindly Following Non-Muslim Cultures that Clash with Islam and the Sunnah: https://abukhadeejah.com/muslim-identity-honour-that-islam-brings-danger-of-following-non-muslim-culture/

Finally, as for the statement that Qaza falls into the subject matter of etiquettes and therefore its initial ruling is not Tahreem (i.e. something forbidden), this has already been addressed on this link:

A Precise Affair Regarding The Statement “Prohibitions Related to Etiquettes Takes The Ruling of Karaahah”

We ask Allaah to overlook our shortcomings and guide us to everything that is praiseworthy Aameen.

Ref 1: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2019/02/11/a-precise-principle-related-to-khawaarim-al-murooah-i-e-behaviour-or-conduct-that-is-tantamount-to-violating-ones-sense-of-honour/

Ref 2: Majmoo Al-Fataawaa 6/510

Ref 3: https://www.nawawis40hadith.com/nw/hadith/6/the-doubtful-matters By Shaikh Abu Iyaad

Some Reasons Behind Increase In Reward On Deeds and The Heavy Weight of Ahlus Sunnah’s Deeds

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Monotheism - Tawheed, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Some Reasons Behind Increase In Reward On Deeds, Why Ahlus Sunnah’s Deeds Become Heavier Even if little and Ahlul Bidah’s Deeds Become Lighter Even If Numerous

Imaam As-Sadi [may Allaah have mercy upon him] was asked: What are the means and deeds by way of which reward is increased?

Answer: As for the increase of reward for a good deed to ten times the like thereof, this occurs in every righteous action, as Allaah [The Most High] said: [مَن جَآءَ بِٱلۡحَسَنَةِ فَلَهُ ۥ عَشۡرُ أَمۡثَالِهَا‌ۖ   – Whoever brings a good deed shall have ten times the like thereof to his credit]. [Surah Al-An’aam. Aayah 160]

As for an increase beyond this, it has its ways (and means). It can either be related to the performer of the deed (himself or herself) or the deed itself, or the time and the place [i.e., a specific time and place mentioned in the authentic Sharee’ah texts that reward for good deeds are increased in that time period or place].

One of the most important means of increasing (reward for good deeds) is when a person fulfils sincerity to Allaah and adheres to the path of the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him].  This (increase is received) when a deed is legislated [i.e., in the Sharee’ah and not innovated] and the person intends to please Allaah and hopes for His Reward- when this intention is firmly established as the drive and goal behind the deed – due to the person’s belief in Allaah, belief in the Messenger, (obedience) to the command of Allaah, seeking Allaah’s Countenance and Pleasure, just as it has been mentioned in a number of Aayaat and Ahaadeeth. Allaah [The Most High]: [إِنَّمَا يَتَقَبَّلُ ٱللَّهُ مِنَ ٱلۡمُتَّقِينَ – Verily, Allah accepts only from those who are Al-Muttaqun] [Surah al-Maa’idah. Ayah 27] Meaning:  Those who fear Allaah whilst performing deeds with sincerity and adhering to the authentic path of the Messenger.

Also, the Messenger said, “Whoever fasts the month of Ramadhaan, his previous (minor) sins will be forgiven”. “And whoever stands (in the night prayer) during Ramadan out of faith and seeking reward (from Allaah), then all of his previous (minor) sins will be forgiven”. (1) and other texts besides these. And because of this, the apparent actions have more virtue over one another in the sight of Allaah due to the faith and sincerity in the hearts.

Also abandoning the forbidden desires of the soul is included amongst those righteous actions that have virtue over one another due to the different levels of sincerity, if a (person) sincerely abandons them from the bottom of his heart and not out of other than sincerity. The story of the companions of the cave [i.e. in Surah Al-Kahf] is bears witness to this. (2)

Therefore, the means to increasing (reward) is the basis and foundation we have already mentioned, such as sound creed, a strong belief in Allaah and in His Attributes, a strong desire (to worship Allaah) and a fervent desire for goodness. That is because Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa’ah -in truth – and those people of knowledge, who possess knowledge of the perfect and details of the Names and Attributes of Allaah and have a strong desire to meet Allaah (in the Afterlife), the reward for their deeds are greatly increased in a manner in which others who share the same religion can neither reach nor approach in the least. And this is why the pious predecessors used to say, “When Ahlus Sunnah are held back by their deeds [i.e. not having numerous deeds], they are supported by their sound creed”. (3)

Imaam Ibn Rajab [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: The increase of reward (on a deed) is estimated in accordance with the perfection of a person’s Islaam and strength of sincerity in that action”. [4]

[1] Minor sins forgiven when one fasts the month of Ramadhaan, see article on this link: http://salafitalk.net/st/viewmessages.cfm?Forum=11&Topic=6255

[2] An Excerpt from ‘Al-Fataawaa As-Sadiyyah. Page: 43. Slightly paraphrased]

[3] An Excerpt from ‘Al-Fatawaa As-Sadiyyah page 44 & Sharh Al-Asbaab Wal-A’maal Allatee Yudaa-afu Bihaa Ath-Thawaab page 59-65]

[4] Jaami Al-Uloom Wal-Hikam 2/316]

Behaviour Expected – In The Masjid and Elsewhere – When Interacting With Our Contemporaries In Any Affair of Knowledge

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Seeking Knowledge, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Do I Have a Low Opinion of My Contemporary Just Because He Has Not Benefitted More Than Me In Affairs of Knowledge?!

The questioner [may Allaah bless him] asks Shaikh Saaleh Aala Ash-Shaikh [may Allaah preserve him]: “I have been seeking knowledge for a number of years, but despite this, neither have I consolidated the knowledge-based information (sought after) nor am I aware of the benefit (acquired from that). What do you advise me? May Allaah reward you”.

Answer: Do not say that you are not aware of a benefit because a student of knowledge is (considered to be engaged) in worship. The aim behind seeking knowledge is that the person receives Allaah’s [The Mighty and Majestic] Pleasure.

You all know about the man who went away to repent, so the angel of death came to him (i.e. took his soul); then the angels of mercy and the angels of punishment disputed about his affair- angels of mercy said, “He came along being repentant and remorseful in his heart in the presence of Allaah” but the angels of punishment said, “He has done no good at all”. Then another angel came in the form of a human being in order to decide between them and said, “Measure between the two lands” (i.e. to find out which of them he was closer to). They measured it and found him nearer to the land where he intended to go (i.e. the land of the pious people), so the angels of mercy took him. This repentant man was forgiven because his steps (towards repentance) were recorded for him; therefore the steps of a student of knowledge towards knowledge are an act of worship similar to the steps of the repentant migrator towards the land of goodness. Seeking knowledge is better for you than supererogatory prayer or some of the supererogatory acts of worship; therefore there has to be a truthful intention (behind it). Then the benefit will (be acquired) bit by bit. And the aim is not to become a scholar or a student of knowledge initially; rather the aim behind your seeking knowledge is to remove ignorance from yourself-worshiping Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] with correct acts of worship and that your Aqeedah is sound, become submissive to Allaah, safeguarded from doubtful affairs that are made to resemble the truth and from seeking fame. Allaah (The Most High) said:

يَوۡمَ لَا يَنفَعُ مَالٌ۬ وَلَا بَنُونَ
إِلَّا مَنۡ أَتَى ٱللَّهَ بِقَلۡبٍ۬ سَلِيمٍ۬

The Day whereon neither wealth nor sons will avail; except him who brings to Allah a clean heart [clean from Shirk (polytheism) and Nifaq (hypocrisy)].

Allaah (The Mighty and Exalted) said: [إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ إِنَّا لَا نُضِيعُ أَجۡرَ مَنۡ أَحۡسَنَ عَمَلاً – Verily! As for those who believe and do righteous deeds, certainly! We shall not suffer to be lost the reward of anyone who does his (righteous) deeds in the most perfect manner].

If you never benefited except yourself and your family, then there is great good in this. (1)

 

Neither Belittle Nor Mock at Others Below You in Knowledge

Allaah [The Most High] said:
وَإِذْ قَالَ مُوسَىٰ لِقَوْمِهِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَأْمُرُكُمْ أَن تَذْبَحُوا بَقَرَةً ۖ قَالُوا أَتَتَّخِذُنَا هُزُوًا ۖ قَالَ أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ أَنْ أَكُونَ مِنَ الْجَاهِلِينَ

And (remember) when Musa (Moses) said to his people: “Verily, Allah commands you that you slaughter a cow.” They said, “Do you make fun of us?” He said, “I take Allah’s Refuge from being among Al-Jahilun (the ignorants or the foolish). [2:67]

A Jaahil [ignorant one] is that one who speaks with a speech that contains no benefit and he mocks at the people. As for a sensible person, he sees that one of the most blameworthy traits -which is abhorred by [sound] religion and intellect- is to mock at someone who is a human being like himself. And if he has been favoured over another person, then this favour necessitates that he thanks Allaah and shows mercy to Allaah’s servants. Therefore, when Musa [alayhis-salaam] said this to them [i.e. I take Allaah’s Refuge from being among the ignorant], they knew that it [i.e. what he commanded them] was truth, so they said: [ادْعُ لَنَا رَبَّكَ يُبَيِّن لَّنَا مَا هِيَ -call upon your Lord for us that He may make plain to us what it is!(2:68)] (2)

Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee [may Allaah preserve him] said, “Abdullaah Ibn Al-Mubaarak [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, ‘Whoever belittles the scholars will ruin his religion; whoever belittles the rulers will ruin his worldly affairs and whoever belittles his brothers will ruin his sense of honour’. O my brothers! Therefore, let us behave in a good manner, especially the students of knowledge”. (2.1)

The Shaikh also said: This knowledge (of the Sharee’ah) was spread mostly through (praiseworthy) manners – through patience, forbearance, firm fulfilment of obligations and responsibilities, truthfulness, honourable behaviour, nobility, noble mindedness, fulfilling promises and what is similar to that. These manners became manifest to the people, so the hearts, ears and eyes of the nations accepted this guidance, which the companions of Muhammad carried”. (2.2)

The Shaikh also said: “Good manners is a necessity in the path of seeking knowledge, and (when dealing with) scholars and elders. It was said to king Abdul Azeez [may have mercy upon him], ‘How do you view the people?’ He said, ‘The people in my view are three types: a man who is older than me, so he is placed in my father’s position; a man who is in my age group, so he is placed in my brother’s position, and a man who is younger than me, so he is like my son’. Therefore, a Muslim behaves towards his brothers in this manner- he places the people in these different categories. The student of knowledge should respect the elders, honour his contemporaries and show mercy to those below his age. The one who is old in age is like his father, the one in his age group is like his brother and the one below him in age is like his son. (2.3)

 

Al-Allaamah Saaleh Aala Ash-Shaikh [may Allaah preserve him] gave some advice regarding the relationship expected between students of knowledge whilst in pursuit of knowledge

He said: There may be different people in attendance -some of them attend for knowledge, some of them attend as beginners, among them are those who attend to be in a sitting where Allaah is remembered and they listen (especially if it is after dawn or during time periods when supplications are answered), and among them are those who attend for a benefit, and are content with whatever they obtain. And that which is befitting in reality is that the students of knowledge should treat each other well, so the student teaches his brother – who is a beginner – the way to learn and gives him advice. This is why we should show mercy to one another in the lessons, and in all affairs of knowledge, and perhaps the reason scholars begin their texts with the advice to the seeker of knowledge to be merciful. This is why you find in Hadeeth Ijaazaat that the first hadith transmitted is “The merciful will be shown mercy by the Most Merciful. Be merciful to those on the earth and the One in the heavens will have mercy upon you”. [Saheeh Sunan Tirmidhee 1924]

Question: Why do they learn the hadith, “The merciful will be shown mercy by the Most Merciful?” Answer: Know, may Allaah have mercy upon you, that it is one of the qualities of a seeker of knowledge – whom Allaah blesses and shows mercy – that he is merciful towards those around him, guides, teaches and aids them etc. If whilst in pursuit of knowledge you are merciful to the people – to colleagues and friends, and being present in cooperation and goodness, then receive glad tidings of Allaah’s Mercy and His true promise based on the statement of His Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him], “The merciful will be shown mercy by the Most Merciful”. (3)

Finally, Al-Allaamah Muqbil Bin Haadi Al-Waadi’ee [may Allaah have mercy upon him] stated, “If a person fears being amazed with himself, then let him not compare himself with contemporaries, (rather) look at Haafidh Ibn Hajr or Al-Haafidh Ibn katheer, Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah and other than them amongst the Huffaaz”. (4)

Imaam Ash-Shaafi’ee [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “If self-amazement is concealed within your deeds, then recall the one whose pleasure you are seeking, which blessings you desire and which outcome you fear. The one who ponders upon this, his actions will become small in his presence”. (5)

Imaam Sufyaan Ath’Thawree [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “Beware of what corrupts your deeds, for indeed Riyaa is what corrupts your deeds. And if it is not Riyaa, then it may be you being amazed with yourself until it makes you think that you are more virtuous than your brother. It may be that you have not achieved deeds the likes of which he has achieved, and it may be that he has more ورع [apprehensive fear (see footnote a)] and righteous deeds than you. And if it is not self-amazement, then beware of loving the praise of the people-loving their praise so that they may honour you due to your deeds and see you as someone of nobility and high status in their hearts. Remembering death a lot is enough to make you have less concern for the things of the worldly life and make you have a fervent desire for the afterlife. A prolonged hope (for the things of this worldly life) is enough as a (means) to having little fear of (Allaah) and committing acts of disobedience, and the distress and regret on the Day of Judgment is enough for the one who knows but does not act”. (6)

Footnote a: ورع Wara (apprehensive fear): The translation of this tern as ‘Apprehensive fear’ was taken from one of Shaikh Amjad Rafiq’s articles.

[Ref 1: Source: الوصايا الجليّة للاستفادة من الدروس العلميّة للشيخ العلامة صالح آل الشيخ- Question 3. Page 24. slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 2: An Excerpt from Tayseer al-Kareem ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam al-Mannaan]

[Ref 2.1: Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm’ pages 123-124]

[Ref 2.2: An Excerpt from Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm. page 86]

[Ref 2.3: An Excerpt from Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm’ page 123]

[Ref 3: An Excerpt From (الوصايا الجلية للاستفادة من الدروس العلمية – pages 30-32. paraphrased]
https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2022/10/29/a-young-student-of-knowledge-studying-in-a-muslim-country-gave-us-an-important-reminder/

[Ref 4: Al-Bashaa-ir Fis-Samaa-i Al-Mubaashir’ page 14. with introduction by Shaikh Muhammad Bin Abdul-Wahhaab Al-Wassaabee (rahimahullaah)]

[Ref 5: Siyar A’laam Nubulaa: 10/42]

[Ref 6: Hilyatul Awliyaa 6/391]

The Obligation of Hijrah (Migration) to Daarul Islaam (A Muslim Country)

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

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

The Obligation of Hijrah to Daarul Islaam – by Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz and Al-Allaamah Ubaid al-Jaabiri

Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him] was asked: What is your advice to brothers and sisters who live in England and do not work, and receive financial aid from the government? Sometimes they get a job, but they do not inform the government. Is this work of theirs a right thing?

Answer: It is obligated on all Muslims residing in Daarul Kufr (1) to migrate to Bilaad Al-Islaamiyyah (2) – if they are able to do so – in which duties of Islam are established. If not able to do that, then (they migrate) to the countries that are lesser in evil, just as a group of the companions migrated – when commanded by the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] – from Makkah to Abyssinia, because the land of Abyssinia at that time was lesser evil than the evil that befell the Muslims in Makkah before the conquest of Makkah. But, if they cannot, then they must fear Allaah in their place (of residence), beware of what Allah has forbidden them and fulfil what Allaah has enjoined upon them. And there is no sin on them in accepting help and assistance from the non-Muslim state if this does not result in abandoning an obligation or committing a prohibited act, (but) they are not entitled to take assistance except officially as decided by the state, and they are not allowed to lie to obtain it. And it is obligated on all of them to fear Allaah in everything, beware of what Allaah forbids, seek understanding in the Qur’an and Sunnah among themselves and ask the people of knowledge (i.e. the scholars) about what is difficult for them to understand (or regarding a difficult situation that requires a verdict) , even if by correspondence or by phone. May Allaah rectify the circumstances of all Muslims, preserve their religion for them, grant them understanding in it, and protect them from the evil of themselves and the evil of their enemies, for indeed He is magnanimous and generous. [Majmoo Fataawaa Wa Maqaalaat Ash-Shaikh Ibn Baaz 28/238]

Al-Allaamah Ubaid Bin Abdillaah Al-Jaabir [may Allaah have mercy upon him] stated: In the name Allaah and all praise is due to Allaah. May Allaah send His salaah and salaam upon our Prophet Muhammad and his family and all his companions. I say: The establishment of this affair is not excluded from that which the Book of our Lord and the Sunnah of our Prophet demonstrated; and [that which] the Imaams of Knowledge and the Religion [past and present follow(ed), pertaining to migration from the lands of kufr to the lands of Islaam, or from a kaafir land or to another kaafir land in which the Muslim’s Religion and honour is safe. In summary, the one who sits and accompanies me knows that of me. I say, and with Allaah is facilitation of Tawfeeq (i.e. guidance and the ability to act upon it):

Firstly: This Hijrah is from the legislated ordinances of Allaah and He has not abrogated it. He [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said: “Hijrah will not cease to continue until repentance ceases to continue, and repentance will not cease to continue until the sun rises from the west”. So, it [hijrah] remains.

Secondly: What is apparent to me concerning Hijrah at present is of two examples [affairs]; [a] Obligation [b] Sunnah. The Obligatory Hijrah: If a person is in a kaafir land (being) put to trial in his religion and honour, and he is unable to establish that which Allaah has enjoined upon him pertaining to his Religion and worship of his Lord, then Hijrah is obligatory upon him on the basis of what has already been clarified; if he is able to make Hijrah, yes, then he migrates to a Muslim land and this is the Asl, or to a Kaafir land in which his Religion and honour is safe, just as the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] commanded the Muslims to migrate to Habasha [Ethiopia] when the Quraish harmed them; and (he) mentioned that there was a king [in Habasha] who oppresses no one under his protection, or as he said: “(oppresses no one) next to him.” This is what I affirm and adhere to as [religion] to Allaah.

As for the recommended prescribed Hijrah: It is the Hijrah from the land of the disbelievers to the lands of Islaam in order to strengthen his religion, or to gain knowledge, or to earn lawful earnings in the land of Islaam. So when this is established- and if I did say on a day from the days about making hijrah to Birmingham unrestrictedly- then this is a slip [mistake] and I seek Allaah’s forgiveness from this if it was an upright transmission of the trustworthy people of Sunnah. This is the third point or affair.

The Fourth Point: Many amongst the people in Europe or in the Asian States in India or other than it ask; they are put to trial in their Religion by some of the innovators from the brelviyyah- the extremist soofees from the people of Wahdatul Wujood and other than them. So I say them [i.e. those put to trial]: Make Hijrah to Birmingham because Maktabatus Salafiyyah is there. Therefore, my answer to them is not that Birmingham is a land of Hijrah unrestrictedly, for Birmingham is from the cities of Britain and Britain is a Kaafir Land. I urge them to make Hijrah to where they will find the Maktabah, where they will affiliate with Maktabatus Salafiyyah over there [in Britain], and to participate in lessons and muhaadaraat within which are scholars of excellence, from them: Ash-Shaikh Abdullaah Bin Abdur Rahmaan Al-Ghudiyaan from the Committee of Major Scholars and Fatwah Committee of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He delivered lessons to them and has died [rahimahullaah]. So the likes of this Maktbah is worthy of being affiliated to [for] the one who cannot find a place to seek shelter; especially if he has a desire to attain knowledge of the Sharee-ah, particularly in the affair of Aqeedah, the Sunnah and waging war against innovation and its people. This is what I mentioned and I affirm it. And I repeat: if I did establish [affirm] the opposite of that, then it is one of two affairs: [a] It is either a slip [mistake] from me or [b] a distortion [misrepresentation] of (my speech). And that which is from me, then indeed I seek the forgiveness of Allaah from it; and that which is a distortion [misrepresentation] of my speech and a forged saying on me, then I ask Allaah to set it aside between me and my adversaries on yaumul qiyaamah. [End of quote] http://www.salafitalk.net/st/viewmessages.cfm?Forum=9&Topic=12027

Footnotes 1 and 2: Daarul Islaam (or Bilaad Al-Islaamiyyah) is a country whose people are predominantly Muslims, even if the ruler is either a polytheist or does not ascribe to any religion. This land is a Muslim land and it is considered Daarul Islam. As for Daarul Kufr, it is a country whose people are predominantly disbelievers [in Allaah, or disbelievers in both Allaah and His final Messenger Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)]. For further details listen here:

 

Let’s Not Be Preoccupied With Excess Food and Drink to The Extent That Maghrib Prayer Is Delayed Without a Need!

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

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

Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him] was asked: The female questioner says in the last question: “Is it Sunnah when breaking the fast, or breaking of the fast by the fasting person, to eat dates, drink water; then get up to pray Maghrib, then after that eat whatever food and drink he wants?”

Response: Yes; because this is the (deed) in which the two beneficial affairs can be combined together (i.e. break the fast as well as pray Maghrib without unnecessary delay); so he hasten to break the fast with what Allaah has made easy such as wet or dry dates, or water (see footnote a), then he goes to pray with the congregation so that he does not miss the congregational prayer; then he comes back and has dinner. There is no harm in this. However, if – for example – they are a group on a journey, they may eat and have dinner, then pray. If they delay the dinner and offer the prayer after they break their fast, there is no harm in that; but in cities and villages, a person eats what Allaah makes easy for one to break the fast with, then he goes to prayer so that he does not miss the congregational prayer. (1)

Footnote a: Abu Dharr [may Allaah be pleased with him] reported that Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “My Ummah will continue in goodness so long as they hasten to break their fast and delay the pre-fasting meal”. [Saheeh Al-Jaami 7224]

Abu Hurayrah [may Allaah be pleased with him] reported that the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “The religion will not cease to prevail as long as people hasten to break the fast, because the Jews and the Christians (i.e. those amongst them who deviated from the path of their Prophets) delay it”. (2)

“The religion will not cease to prevail”– Meaning, triumphant and lofty or manifest and clear; “as long as the people hasten to break the fast”– Meaning, they earnestly hasten to break the fast; “because the Jews and the Christians delay it” [i.e. those amongst them who deviated from the path of their Prophets]. At-Teebiy [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “In this is proof that upright establishment of the religion of pure Islamic monotheism is by way of opposing the enemies amongst the people of the scripture, and being in agreement with them ruins the religion”. [i.e. what they have innovated in the religion of the Prophets] (3)

Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “This is a text regarding (the fact that) triumph of the religion is attained through hastening to break the fast, and it is for the purpose of opposing the Jews and Christians [i.e. those amongst them who deviated, innovated in religion and opposed their prophets]. And when it is the case that opposing them is a reason behind the triumph of the religion, then the purpose of sending the Messengers is so that the religion ordained by Allaah prevails over all others. Therefore, being in opposition to (the deviated people) is one of the greatest goals behind the advent of the Messengers”. (4)

Sahl Ibn Sad [may Allaah be pleased with him] said that Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “The people will not cease to be upon good as long as they hasten to break the fast”. (5)

Imaam An-Nawawi [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “In this is an urge to hasten (to break the fast) after the setting of the sun is ascertained. And what this means is that the affair of the Ummah will not ceased being consistent and that they will (remain upon) good if they preserve this Prophetic tradition. If they delay breaking the fast, then this is a sign of corruption”. (6)

They will not cease to be upon good if they do this by acting upon the Sunnah and limit themselves to its prescribed legislated boundaries, and not being over-stringent (through what their) intellects (suggest to them) and changing its principles. The people of the scripture [i.e. those amongst them who deviated] delayed breaking the fast until the stars appeared. (7)

Breaking the fast in the Masjid: Al-Allaamah Abdullaah Bin Humaid [may Allaah have mercy upon him] was asked: Is attendance at the Haram (in Makkah) and breaking the fast over there something desired in the Sunnah or not, for some people obligate that on themselves?

Answer: It is not Sunnah; rather some people break their fast at the Haram in order to be present for Maghrib Salaah. That is because they will miss the Maghrib Salaah if they were to break their fast at home. And it is not the case that breaking the fast at a Masjid has a distinguished virtue; rather it is for the purpose of attending the congregational prayer. So they (i.e. the people) break their fast over there in order to attend the congregational prayer and not miss it. As for merely breaking the fast, it contains the same reward whether the person does so in his house or at another place. They (i.e. the people) only choose it (i.e. the Masjid) because the Salaah is established over there, so that they can perform it at the Kabah and together with the Muslims as a group. This is the aim. (8)

Finally, let us pay attention to this advice of Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz so that we do not preoccupy ourselves with food and drink to the extent that the Maghrib prayer is delayed without a need, because indeed there is enough time to eat after the Maghrib prayer.

[Ref1:paraphrased https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/12020/%D9%83%D9%8A%D9%81%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AC%D9%85%D8%B9-%D8%A8%D9%8A%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%81%D8%B7%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D9%88%D8%B5%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%BA%D8%B1%D8%A8 ]

[Ref 2: Abu Dawud Number 2353. Hadeeth graded ‘Hasan’ by Imaam Al- Albaanee in Saheeh Abu Dawud. Publisher: Maktabah Al-M’aarif. 1st Edition]

[Ref 3: Awnul Ma’bood Sharh Sunan Abee Daawud. Vol 3. Pages 343-344. slightly paraphrased. Publisher: Daarul Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah. 1st Edition 1419AH (1998)]

[Ref 4: Iqtidaa As-Siraat Al-Mustaqeem 1/209. slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 5: Saheeh Muslim 1098]

[Ref 6: Sharh Saheeh Muslim. Slightly paraphrased. Vol 7 pages 180-181. Publisher: Daar Al-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah. 1st Edition 1421AH (2000)].

[Ref 7: Fat’hul Baaree Sharh Saheeh Al-Bukhaari Vol 4/ 253. Publisher: Daarus Salaam. 1st Edition 1421AH (2000)]

[Ref 8: Al-Fataawaa Wad-Duroos Fil Masjidil Haraam. pages 528-529]

Generosity In Ramadhaan Does Not Necessitate That We Become Wasteful

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Charity (Sadaqah), Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Fasting, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Ramadhan, Worship - 'Ibaadah', Zakaat.

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

Allaah [The Most High] said:

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

And give to the kindred his due and to the Miskin (poor) and to the wayfarer. But spend not wastefully (your wealth) in the manner of a spendthrift. Verily, spendthrifts are brothers of the Shayaateen (devils), and the Shaitan (Devil – Satan) is ever ungrateful to his Lord. [Surah Al-Israa. Aayaat 26-27]

Imaam As-Sa’di [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “Shaytaan does not call the person except to every blameworthy habit. So he calls him to miserliness and to refrain from spending, but when the person refuses to obey him, he calls him to overspending and extravagance; but Allaah calls to the most just and balance of affairs and He praises the person for that, as He [The One free from all imperfections] stated about His faithful slaves: [وَالَّذِينَ إِذَا أَنْفَقُوا لَمْ يُسْرِفُوا وَلَمْ يَقْتُرُوا وَكَانَ بَيْنَ ذَٰلِكَ قَوَامًا – And those, who, when they spend, are neither extravagant nor miserly, but hold a medium (way) between those (extremes)]”. [Surah Furqaan. Verse 67] (1)

Ibn Abbaas [may Allaah be pleased with him and his father] narrated: “The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] was the most generous amongst the people, and he used to be more so in the month of Ramadaan when Jibreel visited him, and Jibreel used to meet him on every night of Ramadaan till the end of the month. The Prophet used to recite the Noble Qur’aan to Jibreel, and when Jibreel met him, he used to be more generous than the fair wind [sent by Allaah with glad tidings (rain) in readiness and haste to do charitable deeds]”. [Saheeh al-Bukhaari 1902]

Zain Ibnul Muneer [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “The intent behind the likeness (or comparison) between the Prophet’s [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] generosity and the fair wind, is that the wind is one of mercy which Allaah [The Exalted] sends and sends down rain that falls everywhere- both on a dead land [i.e. falls on a dry land and revives it] as well as the land that is not dead; (likewise) the Prophet’s good conduct and benevolence benefits everyone – the poor, the wealthy and the one who has enough – more than the rain that falls [after the arrival of that] fair wind”. (2)

Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “He [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] was the most generous amongst the people with regards to wealth and bestowing (things) to the people, and not that he was (only) generous after being asked. And in the final year (of his life), Jibreel met him twice and he finished the recitation of the (Qur’aan) twice. And from the benefits of (this hadeeth) is that: (a) it is more virtuous to study and recite the Qur’aan at night with the righteous people, the scholars and the good people. The Prophet recited (the Qur’aan to Jibreel) to receive that which Allaah has of reward [i.e. reward in the afterlife]. (b) Generosity in times (when people are in need) and in Ramadaan is something sought after [in the religion of Islaam]. (3)

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “The limits of Generosity are between two extremes; when one goes beyond its limits, it leads to extravagance and squander. And when a person is lacking in generosity, it leads to miserliness and tight-fistedness”. (4)

Al-Allaamah Saaleh Al-Fawzaan [may Allaah preserve him] said, “These squanderers who waste meat and food and dispose of it in waste bins should be reminded that there are hungry people hoping for a mouth full of (food) and a scrap of bread. (Should) fear Allaah and to fear Him in their gatherings, and that they do not become the cause of Allaah’s blessings being stop”. (5)

An Important Affair Regarding Charity

Allaah [The Exalted] said: [قَوۡلٌ۬ مَّعۡرُوفٌ۬ وَمَغۡفِرَةٌ خَيۡرٌ۬ مِّن صَدَقَةٍ۬ يَتۡبَعُهَآ أَذً۬ى‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ غَنِىٌّ حَلِيمٌ۬ – Kind words and forgiving of faults are better than Sadaqah (charity) followed by injury. And Allah is Rich (Free of all wants) and He is Most-Forbearing]. [Surah Al-Baqarah. Aayah 263]

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [may Allaah have mercy upon him] stated: Allaah informed (us) that kind speech- which all hearts recognize and do not reject; and forgiveness, which is to pardon the one who treated you badly-, are better than charity that is followed by harm. Kind speech is good treatment and charity through speech; and forgiveness is good treatment by way of refraining from retaliation and holding someone responsible. These are two types of good treatments. As for charity followed by harm, it is a good deed that is followed by its nullifier, and there is no doubt that two good deeds are better than a good dead that is nullified. This also includes the forgiveness shown by the person when he encounters some harm and harsh behaviour from the one who he could not fulfil his request; therefore, showing forgiveness to him would be better than giving him charity and then harming him. Speaking kindly to him, refraining [from retaliation] and forgiving him is better for you than giving him charity and then harming him. Then Allaah [The Most High] ended this Aayah with the mention of two of His Attributes which are suitable for mention in this affair, saying: [وَٱللَّهُ غَنِىٌّ حَلِيمٌ۬- and He is Most-Forbearing]. Indeed, Allaah is not in need of you and nothing [from the benefits of] your charity reaches him, rather all the abundant good in this charity and its benefits returns to you and not to Allaah [Glorified and Exalted be He]. Therefore, how can one flaunt by way of his spending and causes harm whilst Allaah is completely not in need of it and everything else besides it. In addition to this, Allaah is forbearing because He does not hasten punishment against the one who flaunts. Allaah is completely free from need in every way and He is the One described as One with forbearance, the one who overlooks and forgives, alongside the fact that He bestows His vast [limitless] favours and ample [limitless] gifts; then how can one of you harm another person by flaunting and offending, even though what you give is little, and you are weak and poor [in the sight of Allaah]. Then Allaah said:

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا تُبۡطِلُواْ صَدَقَـٰتِكُم بِٱلۡمَنِّ وَٱلۡأَذَىٰ كَٱلَّذِى يُنفِقُ مَالَهُ ۥ رِئَآءَ ٱلنَّاسِ وَلَا يُؤۡمِنُ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلۡيَوۡمِ ٱلۡأَخِرِ‌ۖ فَمَثَلُهُ ۥ كَمَثَلِ صَفۡوَانٍ عَلَيۡهِ تُرَابٌ۬ فَأَصَابَهُ ۥ وَابِلٌ۬ فَتَرَڪَهُ ۥ صَلۡدً۬ا‌ۖ لَّا يَقۡدِرُونَ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ۬ مِّمَّا ڪَسَبُواْ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يَهۡدِى ٱلۡقَوۡمَ ٱلۡكَـٰفِرِينَ

O you who believe! Do not render in vain your Sadaqah (charity) by reminders of your generosity or by injury, like him who spends his wealth to be seen of men, and he does not believe in Allah, nor in the Last Day. His likeness is the likeness of a smooth rock on which is a little dust; on it falls heavy rain which leaves it bare. They are not able to do anything with what they have earned. And Allah does not guide the disbelieving people. [Al-Baqarah 264].

This verse necessitates that flaunting and harm nullifies the reward in charity, and it is also proof that good deeds can be nullified by evil deeds”. (6)

Allaah [The Exalted] said:

وَمَثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمۡوَٲلَهُمُ ٱبۡتِغَآءَ مَرۡضَاتِ ٱللَّهِ وَتَثۡبِيتً۬ا مِّنۡ أَنفُسِهِمۡ كَمَثَلِ جَنَّةِۭ بِرَبۡوَةٍ أَصَابَهَا وَابِلٌ۬ فَـَٔاتَتۡ أُڪُلَهَا ضِعۡفَيۡنِ فَإِن لَّمۡ يُصِبۡہَا وَابِلٌ۬ فَطَلٌّ۬‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ بَصِيرٌ

And the likeness of those who spend their wealth seeking Allah’s Pleasure while they in their ownselves are sure and certain that Allah will reward them (for their spending in His Cause), is the likeness of a garden on a height; heavy rain falls on it and it doubles its yield of harvest. And if it does not receive heavy rain, light rain suffices it. And Allah is All-Seer of (knows well) what you do.

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: This parable is the basis of the spending that is based on sincerity and truthfulness, for indeed seeking the Pleasure of Allaah is sincerity itself, and being certain in oneself is truthfulness. Indeed, the spender is faced with two [corrupt] affairs and if he is saved from them, he will be similar to what has been mentioned in this Aayah. Firstly is seeking praise or commendation, or [spending due] to one of his worldly ambitions, and this is the state of affairs of most those who spend. The second affair is the weakness, swaying and doubt in his soul as to whether he should [spend] or not. So, [the first corrupt affair] prevents one from seeking the Pleasure of Allaah and the second prevents him from being certain about spending, because indeed being certain is that the soul is given the courage, strengthened and pushed to spend, and this is its truthfulness. As for seeking the Pleasure of Allaah, this is sincerity. When it is the case that the basis of spending to seek the Pleasure of Allaah and being certain about it is likened to a garden- the garden with numerous trees and is situated on an elevated place, then indeed it is the garden that is more perfect than the garden that is situated at a very low place. That is because when a garden is elevated, [exposed] to the air, exposed to the sun when it is rising and after it has risen, as well as at the time of its setting, then its fruits become more mature, wholesome, better and more numerous, because fruits increase in their good quality and good health [when more exposed] to the air and sun, as opposed to fruits that are grown under the shade. When it is the case that nothing is feared for a garden that is situated in an elevated place, except insufficient water, therefore Allaah said, [أَصَابَهَا وَابِلٌ۬ – heavy rain falls on it], and thus its fruits are brought forth and it produces the blessings [decreed by Allaah]. So, it brings forth its fruit twice as much as that of others, or twice as much due to the heavy rain. This is similar to the situation of those who are foremost in spending.

Then Allaah said: [فَإِن لَّمۡ يُصِبۡہَا وَابِلٌ۬ فَطَلٌّ۬ – And if it does not receive heavy rain, light rain suffices it]. This is inferior to that of the heavy rain; but it is enough for the garden because of the [suitability and fertility] of its hotbed and the good manner in which it was planted, therefore it is enough to bring forth its benefit by way of the light rain. This is similar to the case of the pious people- those upon the second level of spending and they are of different stations in the sight of Allaah.

The people [whose spending is likened to the garden that received the heavy rain] are of a higher station – those who spend their wealth day and night, in secret and openly, and they give precedence to others over themselves, even though they are in need themselves. As for the people whose [spending is likened to the garden that received] the light rain, they are those upon a level in the middle. The likeness of these two groups and their deeds is that of a garden upon an elevated place, and their spending – a lot- is likened to a heavy rain and light rain. And just as one of the two types of rains necessitates that it will make the fruits of the garden [good and healthy] etc…likewise is their spending- whether a lot or small, after it is was based on seeking the Pleasure of Allaah and being certain in oneself regarding that. It [i.e. their spending] is pure in the sight of Allaah – increases and doubles. (7)

[Ref 1: An Excerpt from Tafseer as-Sadi]

[Ref 2: An Excerpt from Fat-hul Baari Sharh Saheeh Al-Bukhaari. Vol 4. Page 150. Hadeeth 1902. Publisher- Daarus Salaam 1421 (Year 2000). 1st Edition). Slightly paraphrased]

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

[Ref 4: Al-Fawaa’id page 207- 209]

[Ref 5: Source: An Excerpt From (Al-Bayaan Li-Akhtaa’i Ba’dil Kuttaab) Vol 2. page 27]

[Ref 6: An Excerpt from ‘Tareequl Hijratayn pages 452-453. Slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 7: An Excerpt from Tareequl Hijratayn. by Imaam Ibnul Qayyim (rahmahullaah). Pages 454-455. Slightly paraphrased]

The Mu’adh-dhin In Ramadhaan Is Trusted, But He Should Not Be Over-stringent

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Ramadhan, Salafi Mosques & Centres, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

The Mu’adh-dhin Is Relied Upon

Al-Allaamah Abdullah Bin Muhammad Bin Humaid [may Allaah nhave mercy upon him] was asked: “When does the one stops eating and drinking; is it whilst the Adhaan (of Fajr) is being called or after the Adhaan has been called?”

Answer: The Islamic legislation commands cessation of (eating and drinking) when fajr arrives (i.e. when a person is certain that Fajr has entered), whether before the Adhaan or after the Adhaan (i.e. whether he hears the Adhaan being called after he is already certain that fajr has entered or whether he heard it thereafter after already being certain that it has entered). That is because Allaah said: “And eat and drink until the white thread (light) of dawn appears to you distinct from the black thread (darkness of night), then complete your Saum (fast) till the nightfall.” [Surah Al-Baqara: Ayah: 187]

However, the common practice is that the Mu’adh-dhin does not call the Adhaan except when fajr arrives. So when it is the case that it has being legislated to (cease eating and drinking) when the Adhaan is called, then it is incumbent to stop and not eat. Therefore, stop eating when the Adhaan begins, because in the majority of cases the Mu’adh-dhin does not call the Adhaan except when fajr arrives, especially the Mu’adh-dhin of Masjid Al-haraam (i.e. the Kabah). (see footnote a) (1)

Calling The Adhaan Four or Five Minutes Before Fajr As a Precaution

Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saalih Al-Uthaymeen [may Allaah have mercy upon him] stated: This precaution is not legislated and indeed the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “The over-stringent ones are destroyed”. (see footnote b) It is incorrect because if they take this precaution in relation to the fasting, they will commit a mistake or a misdeed. That is because many people get up and pray Fajr when they hear the Mu’adh-dhin. Therefore, the one who hears the A’dhaan of the Mu’adh-dhin before Fajr and starts praying might have prayed before the right time and prayer before its right time is incorrect. So in this regard, the Musalloon [performers of the prayer] have been wronged. Likewise, the Saa’imoon [i.e. those who intend to perform the fast on that day] are wronged because he [Mu’adh-dhin] prevents them from eating and drinking despite the fact that it is permissible [i.e. eating and drinking until the correct time of Fajr].  He commits an offence against the Saa’imoon because he prevents them from that which Allaah has made permissible for them, and he commits an offence against the performers of the prayer when they pray before the right time of Fajr and this is a nullifier of the prayer. Therefore, it is obligated on the Mu’adh-dhin to fear Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] and follows- whilst aspiring to establish what is correct- that which the Book and Sunnah guides to. (2)

Footnote a: NB: Abu Huraira [may Allaah be pleased with him] reported that Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “When one of you hears the call to prayer while eating the pre-fasting meal and his vessel is in his hand, let him not put it down until he fulfills his needs from it”. [Sunan Abee Daawud 2350]

Footnote b: The Messenger said, ‘’The over-stringent ones are destroyed’’: Imaam Nawawi (rahimahullaah) said: ”The over-stringent ones are those who look too deeply (into affairs) and are excessive- those who exceed the Hudood [prescribed legislated sharia boundaries] in their statements and actions.” [Source: Saheeh Muslim Hadeeth Number 2670 & Saheeh Muslim Bi-Sharh An-Nawawi Vol 16, Page 180 & page 220. Publisher Dar Al-Kotob Al-Ilmiyyah 1st ed 1421AH (Year 200)]

Also, we witness the extremism of those whose Ramadhaan time tables – in the name of precaution – compels the people to stop eating at the wrong time and thus deprive them of the opportunity to eat and drink to their satisfaction before the beginning of the fast. Therefore, follow the time tables of the Masaajid of Sunnah.

[Ref 1: Al-Fataawaa Wad-Duroos Fil-Masjid Al-Haraam. Pages 473-474]
[Ref 2: An Excerpt from ‘Majmoo Fataawaa. 19/295]

Sound Creed and Methodology, and Distancing from Path of Ahlul Bidah In Relation to Suhoor and Iftaar

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Bid'ah (Innovation), Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Abu Dharr [may Allaah be pleased with him] reported that Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “My Ummah will continue in goodness so long as they hasten to break their fast and delay the pre-fasting meal”. [Saheeh Al-Jaami 7224]

Abu Hurayrah [may Allaah be pleased with him] reported that the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “The religion will not cease to prevail as long as people hasten to break the fast, because the Jews and the Christians (i.e. those amongst them who deviated from the path of their Prophets) delay it”. (1)

“The religion will not cease to prevail”– Meaning, triumphant and lofty or manifest and clear; “as long as the people hasten to break the fast”– Meaning, they earnestly hasten to break the fast; “because the Jews and the Christians delay it” [i.e. those amongst them who deviated from the path of their Prophets]. At-Teebiy [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “In this is proof that upright establishment of the religion of pure Islamic monotheism is by way of opposing the enemies amongst the people of the scripture, and being in agreement with them ruins the religion”. [i.e. what they have innovated in the religion of the Prophets] (2)

Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “This is a text regarding (the fact that) triumph of the religion is attained through hastening to break the fast, and it is for the purpose of opposing the Jews and Christians [i.e. those amongst them who deviated, innovated in religion and opposed their prophets]. And when it is the case that opposing them is a reason behind the triumph of the religion, then the purpose of sending the Messengers is so that the religion ordained by Allaah prevails over all others. Therefore, being in opposition to (the deviated people) is one of the greatest goals behind the advent of the Messengers”. (3)

Sahl Ibn Sad [may Allaah be pleased with him] said that Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “The people will not cease to be upon good as long as they hasten to break the fast”. (4)

Imaam An-Nawawi [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “In this is an urge to hasten (to break the fast) after the setting of the sun is ascertained. And what this means is that the affair of the Ummah will not ceased being consistent and that they will (remain upon) good if they preserve this Prophetic tradition. If they delay breaking the fast, then this is a sign of corruption”. (5)

They will not cease to be upon good if they do this by acting upon the Sunnah and limit themselves to its prescribed legislated boundaries, and not being over-stringent (through what their) intellects (suggest to them) and changing its principles. The people of the scripture [i.e. those amongst them who deviated] delayed breaking the fast until the stars appeared. (6)

Is The One Who Provides Suhoor For Needy People The Same As The One Who Provides Iftaar?

Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saalih Al-Uthaymeen [may Allaah have mercy upon him] was asked: In Ramadhaan, one notices the concern people give to providing Iftaar for those needy people who observe the fast – whether it is in the Masaajid or the houses – in order to receive reward just as the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “Whoever provides Iftaar for a fasting person, he has reward similar to his” [i.e. reward similar to that of the fasting person]. However, we find big tables [i.e. with food and drink] at the time of Iftaar -in the Masaajid- but few people sit to eat, whereas it is very rare to find one who provides Suhoor for a needy fasting person. Therefore, is the reward received by the one who provides Suhoor for the people similar to the one who provides Iftaar?

Answer: I do not know of a (specific) exhortation -as an act of Sunnah- to provide Suhoor for the fasting people, and it is not possible to compare it to providing Iftaar. That is because the fasting person’s need for eating and drinking during Iftaar is much greater than his need for eating and drinking during Suhoor; therefore, we do not go beyond what has been reported in the Sunnah. However, whoever knows someone- from the poor people around him- who is in need of food for Suhoor, then the door is open in this affair [i.e. he can provide that person with food for Suhoor]. (7)

Al-Allaamah Abdullaah Bin Humaid [may Allaah have mercy upon him] was asked: Is attendance at the Haram (in Makkah) and breaking the fast over there something desired in the Sunnah or not, for some people obligate that on themselves?

Answer: It is not Sunnah; rather some people break their fast at the Haram in order to be present for Maghrib Salaah. That is because they will miss the Maghrib Salaah if they were to break their fast at home. And it is not the case that breaking the fast at a Masjid has a distinguished virtue; rather it is for the purpose of attending the congregational prayer. So they (i.e. the people) break their fast over there in order to attend the congregational prayer and not miss it. As for merely breaking the fast, it contains the same reward whether the person does so in his house or at another place. They (i.e. the people) only choose it (i.e. the Masjid) because the Salaah is established over there, so that they can perform it at the Kabah and together with the Muslims as a group. This is the aim. (8)

[Ref 1: Abu Dawud Number 2353. Hadeeth graded ‘Hasan’ by Imaam Al- Albaanee in Saheeh Abu Dawud. Publisher: Maktabah Al-M’aarif. 1st Edition]

[Ref 2: Awnul Ma’bood Sharh Sunan Abee Daawud. Vol 3. Pages 343-344. slightly paraphrased. Publisher: Daarul Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah. 1st Edition 1419AH (1998)]

[Ref 3: Iqtidaa As-Siraat Al-Mustaqeem 1/209. slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 4: Saheeh Muslim 1098]

[Ref 5: Sharh Saheeh Muslim. Slightly paraphrased. Vol 7 pages 180-181. Publisher: Daar Al-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah. 1st Edition 1421AH (2000)].

[Ref 6: Fat’hul Baaree Sharh Saheeh Al-Bukhaari Vol 4/ 253. Publisher: Daarus Salaam. 1st Edition 1421AH (2000)]

[Ref 7: Fataawaa Alaa At-tareeq Fee Masaa’il Mutanawwi’ah. Fatwa Number 871]

[Ref 8: Al-Fataawaa Wad-Duroos Fil Masjidil Haraam. pages 528-529]

Reminder to Our Sons Regarding Our Precious and Noble Daughters-In-Law

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Family & Women, Marriage (Nikkah), Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allaah [The Exalted] said: [وَهُوَ الَّذِي خَلَقَ مِنَ الْمَاءِ بَشَرًا فَجَعَلَهُ نَسَبًا وَصِهْرًا وَكَانَ رَبُّكَ قَدِيرًا – And it is He Who has created man from water, and has appointed for him kindred by blood, and kindred by marriage. And your Lord is Ever All-Powerful to do what He will]. [Surah Al-Furqan. Aayah 54]

The Love Between Husband and Wife

Allaah (The Most High) said:

وَمِنْ آيَاتِهِ أَنْ خَلَقَ لَكُم مِّنْ أَنفُسِكُمْ أَزْوَاجًا لِّتَسْكُنُوا إِلَيْهَا وَجَعَلَ بَيْنَكُم مَّوَدَّةً وَرَحْمَةً ۚ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَآيَاتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ

And among His Signs is this, that He created for you wives from among yourselves, that you may find repose in them, and He has put between you affection and mercy. Verily, in that are indeed signs for a people who reflect. [Surah Ar-Rum. Aayah 21]

Imaam As-Sadi [may Allaah have mercy upon him] stated: “In most cases, you will not find love in anyone similar to the love and mercy between a husband and wife”. [Tafseer As-Sadi]

The Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “There is nothing like marriage for two who love one another” – Meaning, there is no bond like that bond between two people in marriage who love one another, for if they are married and love is present between them, it will increase in strength every day. (1)

Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saalih Al-Uthaymeen [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: If a person says: “What will make a man love his wife and vice versa?” We say: Allaah has clarified this in His statement: [وَعَاشِرُوهُنَّ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ – And live with them honourably]. [Surah An-Nisaa. Aayah 19] If every person lives with his wife honourably and vice versa, then love, a strong bond and a happy married life will be established. (2)

The Blessing of Gentleness In The Households

Jareer Ibn Abdullah [may Allaah be pleased with him] reported that the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “Verily, Allah [The Mighty and Majestic] rewards for gentleness that which He does not give insolence. If Allah loves a servant, He grants him the quality of gentleness. No household is deprived of kindness, except that they have been truly deprived”. (3)

Aa’Isha [may Allaah be pleased with her] narrated that Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said to her, “O Aa’Isha! Be gentle, for indeed when Allaah wishes good for a household, He guides them to gentleness”. Al-Allaamah Zaid Bin Haadi Al-Mad’khali [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “This hadeeth contains proof regarding the fact that it is obligatory to give sincere advice and the first people one should give sincere advice is the members of the household- the wives, sons, daughters and others. Also this hadeeth contains proof regarding the virtue of gentleness in all affairs, for indeed gentleness is not found in any affair except that it beautifies it, and it is not removed from anything except that it damages it. On the other hand, the opposite of gentleness is warn against and it is the harshness that is applied in other than its rightful place, because its end result will be alienation and disharmony”. (4)

A Man’s Knowledge Regarding The Feelings of His Wife In different Situations, Whilst Sincere Love And Respect Is Maintained Between Them: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2020/09/13/a-mans-knowledge-regarding-the-feelings-of-his-wife-in-different-situations-whilst-sincere-love-and-respect-is-maintained-between-them/

 

Satan hates the good relationship between husband and wife

Jaabir [may Allaah be pleased with him] narrated that Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him]said: Iblis places his throne upon water; he then sends detachments [for creating dissension]; the nearer to him in rank are those who are most notorious in creating dissension. One of them comes and says: I did so and so. And he says: You have done nothing. Then one amongst them comes and says: I did not spare so and so until I sowed the seed of discord between a husband and a wife. The Satan goes near him and says: ‘You have done well. A’mash said: He then embraces him. [Saheeh Muslim. Number:2813]

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [may Allaah have mercy upon him] stated: “And because of the fact that this bond (between husband and wife) is from the most beloved affairs to Allaah and His Messenger, it is from the most hated affairs to the enemy of Allaah [i.e. shaytaan]. Therefore he hastens to split two people who love another for the sake of Allaah”. (5)

Welcome O Noble daughters-in-law! Daughters of noble generous fathers and forbearing mothers who gave you in marriage to our sons. You’ve left beloved fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters to be in the company of our sons, therefore, it is incumbent upon us to welcome you with open arms and preserve you like precious pearls. May Allaah bless you for being another source of increased happiness and joy in our lives. We ask Allaah by His Greatest Name to grant you and our sons happiness, steadfastness, love and compassion Aameen.

And we say to our sons: your fathers are not infallible, therefore, never copy their mistakes in the name of manliness; rather, know that the Sunnah is the only source of happiness, success and upright conduct. Imaam Sufyaan Ibn Uyaynah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] used to say, “Indeed, the Messenger [peace and blessings of allaah be upon him] is the greatest criterion (i.e. amongst mankind and Jinn) and all affairs are presented to him (i.e. for judgement and judged) based on his manners, path and guidance; so whatever is in agreement with this is truth, and whatever is in opposition is falsehood”. (6)

Never copy our mistakes in the name of “My father used to do such and such” because success is not found in following fathers and forefathers upon error. May Allaah make you and your wives Mubaarak wherever you maybe Aameen.

[Ref 1: Reported by Imaam Ibn Maajah 2/153. Hadeeth Number: 1847. Declared Authentic by Imaam Albaanee in As-Saheehah 2/196. Sharh Sunan Ibn Maajah by As-Sindee (rahimahullaah)… Hadeeth Number 1847’ Book of Marriage- Chapter: The Excellence of Marriage]

[Ref 2: Fataawaa Noor Alad-Darb 6/29]

[Ref 3: Saheeh At-Targheeb. Number 2666]

[Ref 4: At-ta’leeqaat Al-Maleehah Alaa Silsilah Al-Ahaadeeth As-Saheehah. Vol 1 page 277. Slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 5: Rawdatul Muhibbeen. Page 188]

[Ref 6: Al-Jaami Li-Akhlaaq Ar-Raawi Wa Aadaab As-Saami’  page 8]

 

What Has Al-Allaamah Rabee Advised The Taa’ifatul Mansoorah and What Has Al-Alaamah Saaleh Al-Fawzaan Stated About Them?

Written by Amjad Khan on . Posted in Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee [may Allaah preserve him] stated: It is obligated on the Taa’ifatul Mansoorah [i.e. the aided group] – those whom Allaah’s Messenger gave glad tidings that they will remain (upon truth) and will be aided; neither harmed by those who betray them nor by those who oppose them till the end of time – to establish brotherhood for the sake of Allaah, co-operate upon righteousness and piety, roll up their sleeves and get to work, so that this great status is maintained, which is that they will be manifest upon the truth, neither harmed by those who forsake them nor by those who oppose them. And acquaintance with the truth cannot be except by way of the knowledge inherited from the Prophets and Messengers [peace be upon them], and from the seal of the Prophets [i.e. the Messenger Muhammad]. The scholars are the inheritors of the (knowledge left behind by) the Prophets in calling to the path of Allaah, (in propagating) Allaah’s Message and in enjoining good and forbidding evil. (1)

The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah 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 Allaah arrives [i.e. the day of judgement]”. [Bukhaari]

Al-Allaamah Saaleh Al-Fawzaan [may Allaah 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 can be one group. If it adheres to the Qur’aan 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 Allaah – 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 Allaah’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 disseminate it amongst the people. Not all the Ummah will be misguided, but some will remain upon truth, but they might be strangers [i.e. their affair will be strange to the people], just as the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said, “Islam began as a strange thing and it will return as a strange thing, and glad tidings to the strangers”, so they said, ‘Who are the strangers O Messenger of Allaah? He said, ‘They are those who will be upright when the people become corrupt’.. and in another version of this hadeeth, “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’. Allaah will make them remain so that His Proofs remain amongst the creation until the end of time. This group might be 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 Allaah. Alhamdulil laah, we – at present – are upon a correct methodology, upon a sound methodology; our methodology is that which the Qur’aan and sunnah necessitate, our learning is based upon the Qur’aan and the Sunnah. We study Tafseer, hadeeth 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 Allaah to keep us firm upon it until we meet him, neither substituting nor changing it. [Paraphrased Excerpt: Listen to audio here: https://safeyoutube.net/w/TlUI

[Ref 1: An Excerpt from Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm’ page 200. slightly paraphrased]