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The Obligation of Repentance – Imam Abdul Aziz Ibn Baz

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Articles, Basics, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Mental Health, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Repentance, Salaah - Prayer, Scholars of Islam, Shirk, Sin, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah', Zuhd (Abstinence).

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

Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baz, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated:

Whoever exercises patience during times of affliction, thankful during times of ease, submissive to Allah, Glorified be He, when calamities occur, expresses disappointment about himself to Allah due to his sins and shortcomings, and seeks Allah’s Mercy and Forgiveness, then indeed he will succeed with all success and with a praiseworthy end.

Allah, The Most High, said:

الٓمٓ

أَحَسِبَ النَّاسُ أَن يُتْرَكُوا أَن يَقُولُوا آمَنَّا وَهُمْ لَا يُفْتَنُونَ

وَلَقَدْ فَتَنَّا الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ ۖ فَلَيَعْلَمَنَّ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ صَدَقُوا وَلَيَعْلَمَنَّ الْكَاذِبِينَ

Alif Lâm Mîm. Do people think that they will be left alone because they say: “We believe,” and will not be tested.  And We indeed tested those who were before them. And Allâh will certainly make (it) known (the truth of) those who are true, and will certainly make (it) known (the falsehood of) those who are liars, (although Allâh knows all that before putting them to test). 29:1-3

The intent behind [the word] Fitnah in this Ayah is trial and test, so that the truthful one, the patient one and the thankful one is distinguished from the liar, as Allah, The Most High, said:

وَجَعَلْنَا بَعْضَكُمْ لِبَعْضٍ فِتْنَةً أَتَصْبِرُونَ ۗ وَكَانَ رَبُّكَ بَصِيرًا

And We have made some of you as a trial for others: will you have patience? And your Lord is Ever All-Seer (of everything).  25:20

And He, The Most High, said:

وَنَبْلُوكُم بِالشَّرِّ وَالْخَيْرِ فِتْنَةً ۖ وَإِلَيْنَا تُرْجَعُونَ

And We shall make a trial of you with evil and with good, and to Us you will be returned.21:35

Allah, Glorified be He, free from all imperfections, said:

وَبَلَوْنَاهُمْ بِالْحَسَنَاتِ وَالسَّيِّئَاتِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْجِعُونَ

And We tried them with good (blessings) and evil (calamities) in order that they might turn (to Allâh’s Obedience). 7:165

Al-Hasanaat in this ayah are the blessings of abundant provision, ease, good health and honour, as well as victory and support against the enemy etc. And As-Sayyi’aat in this ayah are the calamities, such as illnesses, overpowered by the enemy, earthquakes, winds, hurricanes, destructive torrential floods etc

Allah, The Most High, said:

ظَهَرَ الْفَسَادُ فِي الْبَرِّ وَالْبَحْرِ بِمَا كَسَبَتْ أَيْدِي النَّاسِ لِيُذِيقَهُم بَعْضَ الَّذِي عَمِلُوا لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْجِعُونَ

Evil (sins and disobedience of Allâh, etc.) has appeared on land and sea because of what the hands of men have earned (by oppression and evil deeds, etc.), that Allâh may make them taste a part of that which they have done, in order that they may return (by repenting to Allâh, and begging His Pardon). 30:41

And what this means is that Allah decreed the Hasanaat and Sayyi’aat in order that the people may return to the truth, hasten to repent from what Allah has made forbidden for them and rush towards obedience to Allah and His Messenger. That is because disbelief and sins are the cause of every affliction and evil in this life and the next.

Disbelief and sins are the cause of every affliction and evil in this life and the next. As for Tawheed, belief in Allah and His Messengers, obedience to Allah and His Messengers, holding fast to Allah’s Shariah and calling to it, and rejecting what is in opposition to it, this is the cause of every good in this life and the hereafter.  And adhering firmly to it, enjoining it and co-operating upon it is the [real] source of honour in this life and the hereafter, safety from every hated thing and protection from every Fitnah, as Allah, The Most High, said:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِن تَنصُرُوا اللَّهَ يَنصُرْكُمْ وَيُثَبِّتْ أَقْدَامَكُمْ

O you who believe! If you help (in the cause of) Allah, He will help you, and make your foothold firm. 47:7

Allah, The Most High, said:

وَلَيَنصُرَنَّ اللَّهُ مَن يَنصُرُهُ ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَقَوِيٌّ عَزِيزٌ

الَّذِينَ إِن مَّكَّنَّاهُمْ فِي الْأَرْضِ أَقَامُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتَوُا الزَّكَاةَ وَأَمَرُوا بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَنَهَوْا عَنِ الْمُنكَرِ ۗ وَلِلَّهِ عَاقِبَةُ الْأُمُورِ

Verily, Allâh will help those who help His (Cause). Truly, Allâh is All-Strong, All-Mighty.  Those (Muslim rulers) who, if We give them power in the land, (they) order for Iqamat-as-Salât. [i.e. to perform the five compulsory congregational Salât (prayers) (the males in mosques)], to pay the Zakât and they enjoin Al-Ma’rûf (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism and all that Islâm orders one to do), and forbid Al-Munkar (i.e. disbelief, polytheism and all that Islâm has forbidden) [i.e. they make the Qur’ân as the law of their country in all the spheres of life]. And with Allâh rests the end of (all) matters (of creatures). 22:40-41

Allah, Glorified be He, free from all imperfections, said:

وَعَدَ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مِنكُمْ وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ لَيَسْتَخْلِفَنَّهُمْ فِي الْأَرْضِ كَمَا اسْتَخْلَفَ الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ وَلَيُمَكِّنَنَّ لَهُمْ دِينَهُمُ الَّذِي ارْتَضَىٰ لَهُمْ وَلَيُبَدِّلَنَّهُم مِّن بَعْدِ خَوْفِهِمْ أَمْنًا ۚ يَعْبُدُونَنِي لَا يُشْرِكُونَ بِي شَيْئًا ۚ وَمَن كَفَرَ بَعْدَ ذَٰلِكَ فَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْفَاسِقُونَ

Allâh has promised those among you who believe, and do righteous good deeds, that He will certainly grant them succession to (the present rulers) in the earth, as He granted it to those before them, and that He will grant them the authority to practice their religion, that which He has chosen for them (i.e. Islâm). And He will surely give them in exchange a safe security after their fear (provided) they (believers) worship Me and do not associate anything (in worship) with Me. But whoever disbelieved after this, they are the Fâsiqûn (rebellious, disobedient to Allâh). 24:55

Allah, Glorified be He, free from all imperfections, said:

وَلَوْ أَنَّ أَهْلَ الْقُرَىٰ آمَنُوا وَاتَّقَوْا لَفَتَحْنَا عَلَيْهِم بَرَكَاتٍ مِّنَ السَّمَاءِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَلَٰكِن كَذَّبُوا فَأَخَذْنَاهُم بِمَا كَانُوا يَكْسِبُونَ

And if the people of the towns had believed and had the Taqwâ (piety), certainly, We should have opened for them blessings from the heaven and the earth, but they belied (the Messengers). So We took them (with punishment) for what they used to earn (polytheism and crimes, etc.). 7:96

Allah, Glorified be He, free from all imperfections, has made known in many verses of the Qur’an that indeed the punishments that befell the previous nations, such as severe punishment by way of floods, winds, and by way of the Saihah (torment), drowning, swallowed by the earth and other than that- all of that was due to their unbelief and sins, as He, The Mighty and Majestic, said:

فَكُلًّا أَخَذْنَا بِذَنبِهِ ۖ فَمِنْهُم مَّنْ أَرْسَلْنَا عَلَيْهِ حَاصِبًا وَمِنْهُم مَّنْ أَخَذَتْهُ الصَّيْحَةُ وَمِنْهُم مَّنْ خَسَفْنَا بِهِ الْأَرْضَ وَمِنْهُم مَّنْ أَغْرَقْنَا ۚ وَمَا كَانَ اللَّهُ لِيَظْلِمَهُمْ وَلَٰكِن كَانُوا أَنفُسَهُمْ يَظْلِمُونَ

So We punished each (of them) for his sins, of them were some on whom We sent Hâsiban (a violent wind with shower of stones) [as the people of Lout (Lot)], and of them were some who were overtaken by As-Saihah [torment  awful cry, etc. (as Thamûd or Shu’aib’s people)], and of them were some whom We caused the earth to swallow [as Qârûn (Korah)], and of them were some whom We drowned [as the people of Nûh (Noah), or Fir’aun (Pharaoh) and his people]. It was not Allâh Who wronged them, but they wronged themselves. 29:40

Allah, The Most High, said:

وَمَا أَصَابَكُم مِّن مُّصِيبَةٍ فَبِمَا كَسَبَتْ أَيْدِيكُمْ وَيَعْفُو عَن كَثِيرٍ

And whatever of misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned. And He pardons much. 42:30

And Allah, Glorified be He, free from all imperfections, commanded His slaves to repent to Him and humble themselves to Him when calamities occur. He said:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا تُوبُوا إِلَى اللَّهِ تَوْبَةً نَّصُوحًا عَسَىٰ رَبُّكُمْ أَن يُكَفِّرَ عَنكُمْ سَيِّئَاتِكُمْ وَيُدْخِلَكُمْ جَنَّاتٍ تَجْرِي مِن تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ

O you who believe! Turn to Allâh with sincere repentance! It may be that your Lord will remit from you your sins, and admit you into Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise) 66:8

Allah, Glorified be He, free from all imperfections, said:

وَتُوبُوا إِلَى اللَّهِ جَمِيعًا أَيُّهَ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ

And all of you beg Allâh to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful. 24:31

Allah, Glorified be He, free from all imperfections, said:

وَلَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا إِلَىٰ أُمَمٍ مِّن قَبْلِكَ فَأَخَذْنَاهُم بِالْبَأْسَاءِ وَالضَّرَّاءِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَضَرَّعُونَ

فَلَوْلَا إِذْ جَاءَهُم بَأْسُنَا تَضَرَّعُوا وَلَٰكِن قَسَتْ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَزَيَّنَ لَهُمُ الشَّيْطَانُ مَا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ

Verily, We sent (Messengers) to many nations before you (O Muhammad) And We seized them with extreme poverty (or loss in wealth) and loss in health with calamities so that they might believe with humility.  When Our Torment reached them, why then did they not believe with humility? But their hearts became hardened, and Shaitân (Satan) made fair-seeming to them that which they used to do. 6:42-43

In this noble verse, Allah urges His slaves to have the desire to humble themselves to Him and show their need of Him.  And that they should ask Him for succour when visited with calamities such as illnesses, injuries, killing, earthquakes, hurricanes and other calamities.  This is the meaning of the ayah: [فَلَوْلَا إِذْ جَاءَهُم بَأْسُنَا تَضَرَّعُوا -When Our Torment reached them, why then did they not believe with humility], meaning: why did they not humble themselves when our torment came to them.

Then Allah made known about the hardening of their hearts and shaytan making fair-seeming to them their evil actions, and that all of this prevented them from repentance and humility, and from seeking Allah’s forgiveness.   He [The Most High] said:

وَلَٰكِن قَسَتْ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَزَيَّنَ لَهُمُ الشَّيْطَانُ مَا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُون

But their hearts became hardened, and Shaitân (Satan) made fair seeming to them that which they used to do. 6:42-43]

It has been reported about the Rightly Guided Khaleefah [The Chief of the Believers] Umar Bin Abdul Azeez, may Allah have mercy upon him, that when an earthquake occurred during his time, he wrote to his governors and commanded them to command the Muslims to repent to Allah, humble themselves before Allah and seek forgiveness for their sins.

O Muslims! You are aware of the various trials and calamities that have occurred in this era of ours- from them are the earthquakes in Yemen and in many other lands, the destructive floods, the hurricanes that destroyed a lot of wealth, trees, sea transportation, the various snow falls that brought about innumerable harm, and the starvation and drought in many lands. All this and the various punishments and calamities similar to them are as a result of disbelief, sins, deviation from obedience to Allah, [sinful] engagement with the Dunyah and its fleeting lusts, turning away from the hereafter and not being prepared for it, except for the one upon whom Allah bestows His Mercy amongst His slaves.

No doubt these calamities and other than them should make the slaves rush towards repentance to Allah [Glorified be He] from all that Allah has forbidden, and they should hasten towards obedience to Allah and judge by His Shariah. They should co-operate upon righteous and piety, and enjoin one another upon the truth whilst exercising patience upon that.

If the slaves (of Allah) repent to their Lord and humble themselves before Him, and hasten towards what pleases Him, co-operate upon righteousness and piety, enjoin good and forbid evil, Allah will rectify their affairs and suffice them against the evil of their enemies.  He will establish them upon the earth (i.e. give them authority) and assist them against their enemies. Allah said:[وَكَانَ حَقًّا عَلَيْنَا نَصْرُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ  -And (as for) the believers it was incumbent upon Us to help (them) 30:47]

Allah, The Most High, said:

ادْعُوا رَبَّكُمْ تَضَرُّعًا وَخُفْيَةً ۚ إِنَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ الْمُعْتَدِينَ

وَلَا تُفْسِدُوا فِي الْأَرْضِ بَعْدَ إِصْلَاحِهَا وَادْعُوهُ خَوْفًا وَطَمَعًا ۚ إِنَّ رَحْمَتَ اللَّهِ قَرِيبٌ مِّنَ الْمُحْسِنِينَ

Invoke your Lord with humility and in secret. He likes not the aggressors.  And do not do mischief on the earth, after it has been set in order, and invoke Him with fear and hope; Surely, Allâh’s Mercy is (ever) near unto the good doers.7:55-56

Allah, The Most High, said:

وَأَنِ اسْتَغْفِرُوا رَبَّكُمْ ثُمَّ تُوبُوا إِلَيْهِ يُمَتِّعْكُم مَّتَاعًا حَسَنًا إِلَىٰ أَجَلٍ مُّسَمًّى وَيُؤْتِ كُلَّ ذِي فَضْلٍ فَضْلَهُ ۖ وَإِن تَوَلَّوْا فَإِنِّي أَخَافُ عَلَيْكُمْ عَذَابَ يَوْمٍ كَبِيرٍ

And (commanding you): “Seek the forgiveness of your Lord, and turn to Him in repentance, that He may grant you good enjoyment, for a term appointed, and bestow His abounding Grace to every owner of grace (i.e. the one who helps and serves needy and deserving, physically and with his wealth, and even with good words). But if you turn away, then I fear for you the torment of a Great Day (i.e. the Day of Resurrection) 11:3

Allah, The Most High, said:

وَعَدَ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مِنكُمْ وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ لَيَسْتَخْلِفَنَّهُمْ فِي الْأَرْضِ كَمَا اسْتَخْلَفَ الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ وَلَيُمَكِّنَنَّ لَهُمْ دِينَهُمُ الَّذِي ارْتَضَىٰ لَهُمْ وَلَيُبَدِّلَنَّهُم مِّن بَعْدِ خَوْفِهِمْ أَمْنًا ۚ يَعْبُدُونَنِي لَا يُشْرِكُونَ بِي شَيْئًا ۚ وَمَن كَفَرَ بَعْدَ ذَٰلِكَ فَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْفَاسِقُونَ

Allâh has promised those among you who believe, and do righteous good deeds, that He will certainly grant them succession to (the present rulers) in the earth, as He granted it to those before them, and that He will grant them the authority to practice their religion, that which He has chosen for them (i.e. Islâm). And He will surely give them in exchange a safe security after their fear.24:55

Allah, The Most High, said:

وَالْمُؤْمِنُونَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتُ بَعْضُهُمْ أَوْلِيَاءُ بَعْضٍ ۚ يَأْمُرُونَ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَيَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنكَرِ وَيُقِيمُونَ الصَّلَاةَ وَيُؤْتُونَ الزَّكَاةَ وَيُطِيعُونَ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ ۚ أُولَٰئِكَ سَيَرْحَمُهُمُ اللَّهُ ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ

The believers, men and women, are Auliya (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another, they enjoin (on the people) Al-Ma’rûf (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism and all that Islâm orders one to do), and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (i.e. polytheism and disbelief of all kinds, and all that Islâm has forbidden); they perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât) and give the Zakât, and obey Allâh and His Messenger. Allâh will have His Mercy on them. Surely Allâh is All-Mighty, All-Wise. 9:71

Therefore, Allah, The Mighty and Majestic, makes it clear in these verses that indeed His Mercy, the Goodness (He bestows), the Safety (that He bestows) and all the other types of His blessings are for the one who fears Him, believes in Him, obeys His Messengers, adheres steadfastly to His Shariah and repents to Him.  As for the one who turns away from obedience to Allah and refrains from fulfilling Allah’s Rights due to pride, persists in disbelief and is disobedience to Allah [The Most High], then Allah has promised him various types of punishments in this life and the next.  And by way of what Allah’s perfect wisdom necessitates, Allah hastens that for him, so that he becomes a lesson and an admonition for other than him, as Allah, The Most High, said:

فَلَمَّا نَسُوا مَا ذُكِّرُوا بِهِ فَتَحْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ أَبْوَابَ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ حَتَّىٰ إِذَا فَرِحُوا بِمَا أُوتُوا أَخَذْنَاهُم بَغْتَةً فَإِذَا هُم مُّبْلِسُونَ

فَقُطِعَ دَابِرُ الْقَوْمِ الَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا ۚ وَالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ

So, when they forgot (the warning) with which they had been reminded, We opened to them the gates of every (pleasant) thing, until in the midst of their enjoyment in that which they were given, all of a sudden, We took them to punishment, and lo! They were plunged into destruction with deep regrets and sorrows.  So the roots of the people who did wrong were cut off. And all the praises and thanks be to Allâh, the Lord of the ‘Alamîn (mankind, jinns, and all that exists). 6:44-45

O Muslim Ummah! Call yourselves to account, repent to your Lord, ask for His Forgiveness, rush towards obedience to Him and guard yourselves against disobedience to Him.   Co-operate upon righteousness and piety, and do good, truly Allah loves the good-doers.  Be just, truly Allah loves those who are just. Perform numerous righteous deeds before death approaches.

Be merciful to your weak ones and be charitable to your poor ones.  Increase in the Remembrance of Allah and in seeking His Forgiveness.  Enjoin good and forbid evil in order that you may be shown mercy. Take a lesson from the calamities that have afflicted others due to sins and disobedience. Indeed, Allaah accepts the repentance of those who repent and shows Mercy to the good-doers.  Allaah [Glorified be He] will grant the good outcomes to the pious ones, as He, Glorified be He, free from all imperfections, said:

فَاصْبِرْ ۖ إِنَّ الْعَاقِبَةَ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ

So be patient. Surely, the (good) end is for the Muttaqûn. 11:49

Allah, The Most High, said:

إِنَّ اللَّهَ مَعَ الَّذِينَ اتَّقَوا وَّالَّذِينَ هُم مُّحْسِنُونَ

Truly, Allâh is with those who fear Him (keep their duty unto Him), and those who are Muhsinûn (good-doers) 16:128

May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, his companions and those who follow them in goodness till the Day of Judgement.

[1] An Excerpt from a small Treatise of the Imam titled “Obligation of repenting to Allah’ Pages 1-8]

Strive For The Asr Prayer: A Path to Allah’s Pleasure and Protection from Great Loss

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Articles, Basics, Featured, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Prophets, Purification of The Soul, Salaah - Prayer, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Alah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

“Whoever misses the Asr prayer [i.e. intentionally] until its time elapses, it is as if he has lost his family and his wealth”. [1]

Why is the Asr prayer specifically mentioned and not the other prayers? The scholars say that perhaps the wisdom behind this is because the time of Asr is when the people are very busy in trade and roaming about in the markets. At present the time of Asr prayer is the hardest time for those engaged in work and professional occupations, because they return and relax in their houses and do not wake up until the time of Asr prayer elapses. Thus, they are lackadaisical in this affair. The Asr Prayer is great in the Sight of Allah.  Allah, The Blessed and Most High, said:

حَافِظُوا عَلَى الصَّلَوَاتِ وَالصَّلَاةِ الْوُسْطَىٰ وَقُومُوا لِلَّهِ قَانِتِينَ

Guard strictly (five obligatory) As-Salawat (the prayers) especially the Salaatul Wustaa (middle Salaah – the best prayer). And stand before Allah with obedience. [2]

The scholars say that the meaning of Salah Al-Wustaa is the Asr prayer. It has been reported from the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, that on the day of Al Ahzab – the battle of Al Khandaq when the Arab tribes gathered to fight the Muslims – he said:

”O Allah! Fill their [i.e. the unbelievers] houses and graves with fire, as they busied us so much that we did not perform the middle Salat [(prayer)- i.e. Asr prayer] till the sun had set”. [3]

The Asr prayer also has other specific virtues. The scholars say that it is the time when the angels of the night and the angels of the day get together- the angels who accompany or guard the children of Adam. There are two time periods when the angels gather – the angels of the day time get together at the time of Fajr and accompany the children of Adam from Fajr to Asr. And at Asr time, the angels of the night take over and accompany the children of Adam from Maghrib to Ishaa, and at Fajr they change shifts. The proof is the hadith reported by Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

“Angels come to you in succession by night and day, and all of them get together at the time of Fajr and Asr prayers. Those who have passed the night with you [or stayed with you] ascend [to the heaven] and Allaah asks them, though He knows everything about you, ‘’In what state did you leave my slaves?’’ The angels reply: ‘’When we left them, they were offering Salat (prayer) and when we reached them, they were offering Salat”. [4]

Allah, Glorified Be He and free is He from all imperfections, said about the Fajr prayer:

وَقُرْآنَ الْفَجْرِ ۖ إِنَّ قُرْآنَ الْفَجْرِ كَانَ مَشْهُودًا

And recite the Qur’an in the early dawn (i.e. the morning prayer). Verily, the recitation of the Qur’an in the early dawn is ever witnessed (attended by the angels in charge of mankind of the day and the night). [5]

The scholars say that the reason behind this is because it (i.e. Fajr time) is the time when the angels of the night and the angels of the daytime get together and likewise at the time of Asr prayer, for they are two time periods when the angels change shifts in order to accompany the children of Adam. Therefore, a Muslim should be eager to perform the Asr prayer at its correct time and if he is preoccupied (i.e. without a valid Shariah excuse) until its time elapses, it it is as if he has lost all his family and wealth.

An Excerpt from “Sharh Kitab Wuqut As-Salah Min Muwatta Al-Imam Malik Bin Anas. pages 93-95. Publisher: Dar Al-Istiqamah 1st Edition 1429AH (Year 2008)

1: Al-Bukhari 552

2: Al-Baqarah 238

3: Al-Bukhari 2931

4: Al-Bukhari 555

5: Al-Israa 78

[1] Some Issues Regarding The Salah

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

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

When Should The People Stand Up For The Prayer In The Masjid- By Al Allamah Abdul Muhsin Al-Abbad, may Allah preserve him

Al-Allamah Abdul Muhsin Al-Abbad, may Allah preserve him, stated:

Should they stand up at the beginning of the Iqama, at the end or when (they hear) Qad-qaamah as-salah [i.e. the prayer is about to begin]? Al-Hafidh Ibn Hajar, may Allah have mercy upon him, transmitted three statements in Al-Fath 2/120, however what is more evident is that the performers of the prayer should stand up when they hear the beginning of the Iqaamah in order to get ready and straighten the rows for the prayer.

It is reported in Sahih Muslim from Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, who said: “The Iqaamah for the prayer would be called for Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and the people would form rows before the Prophet stood up.” [Sahih Muslim 1369]

However, if the Imam is in the Masjid, the performers of the prayer should stand up when the Iqamah for the prayer is made and they see him enter the Masjid because of the Prophet’s  statement: “When the Iqamah is called for the prayer, do not stand up until you see me”. [Sahih Al-Bukhari 637 & Sahih Muslim 1365]

In another wording (of this hadith) in Sahih Muslim “Until you see that I have come out”. [Sahih Muslim 1366] [1]

 

Strengthening The Rows and Closing The Gaps Between Performers of The Prayer – By Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz, may Allah have mercy upon him

He was asked: What is common here in the Kingdom – in prayer – is the absence of closing the gaps between the performers of the prayer in their rows, in addition to the loud voices in the Masjid when reciting the Qur’an. And what is the meaning of the statement of the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him], “Let not one of you (raise his voice) with his recitation over the recitation of his brother”? (Please) explain these two affairs, and Allah reward you with good.

Response: Not closing the gaps is tantamount to ignorance. It is obligated on the one who witnesses this to advise his brothers. Always close the gaps. The Imams say, “Straighten up, close the gaps, come close together”, but this requires hearts that listen and ears that hear. Closing the gaps is obligataory and the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] commanded it. He said: “Set the rows in order, stand shoulder to shoulder, close the gaps”. This is how he [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] commanded, so it is obligatory that the gaps in the rows are closed and (people) come close together.

As for reciting aloud, this should not be done. It is obligatory for the believer to recite in a low voice so that he does not harm (i.e. disturb or distract) those around him, and does not disturb those worshipers and reciters around him. If he is reading in the row, he reads in a low tone, so as not to disturb the people around him; unless there are people around him who are not reading and they love to hear his voice, so he raises it to the level they can hear. As for raising (the voice) and harming (i.e. disturbing or distracting) those around him who are praying or reciting, and disturbing them, (then) no. The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] came to a people in the Masjid and heard them reciting the Qur’an in a loud voice. He removed the curtain and said, “Verily, every one of you is calling his Lord. Let not some of you raise your voice over that of others…” (2) [end of quote]

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: Set the rows in order, stand shoulder to shoulder, close the gaps, be pliant in the hands of your brethren, and do not leave openings for the devil. If anyone joins up a row, Allah will join him up, but if anyone breaks a row, Allah will cut him off. [Sahih Abu Dawud 666]

Narrated Anas bin Malik, may Allah be pleased with him: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Straighten your rows for I see you from behind my back.” Anas added, “Everyone of us used to put his shoulder with the shoulder of his companion and his foot with the foot of his companion.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari 725]

An-Nu’man Bin Bashir, may Allah be pleased with him, said: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) faced the people and said three times; straighten your rows (in prayer); by Allah, you must straighten your rows, or Allah will certainly put your faces in contrary directions. I then saw that every person stood in prayer keeping his shoulder close to that of the other, and his knee close to that of the other, and his ankle close to that of the other. [Sahih Abu Dawud 662]

Abu Mas’ud, may Allah be pleased with him, reported: “Allāh’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, used to touch our shoulders before the prayer and say: ‘Keep straight, don’t differ, lest your hearts differ'”. (Sahih Muslim 432)

Imam Ibn Al-Jawzi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: Meaning: Indeed, if you differ outwardly, you’ll be punished through differing of the hearts. It may also mean: let not your outward appearances differ, for indeed, their outward differing is a proof of the differing of your hearts. [3]

[1] Kutub Wa Rasaa’il Abdul Muhsin Bin Hamad Al-Abbaad Al-Badr 5/127

[2]https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/3011/%D8%AD%D9%83%D9%85-%D8%B3%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%81%D8%B1%D8%AC-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B5%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%A9-%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%81%D8%B9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B5%D9%88%D8%AA-%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%82%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%A1%D8%A9-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%B3%D8%AC%D8%AF#:~:text=%D8%B9%D8%AF%D9%85%20%D8%B3%D8%AF%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%81%D8%B1%D8%AC%20%D9%87%D8%B0%D8%A7%20%D9%85%D9%86,%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B5%D9%81%D9%88%D9%81%20%D8%A3%D9%86%20%D9%8A%D8%B3%D8%AF%D9%88%D8%A7%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%81%D8%B1%D8%AC%D8%8C%20%D9%88%D9%8A%D8%AA%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%B5%D9%88%D8%A7 paraphrased

[3] Kashf Al-Mushkil Min Hadith As-Saheehayn 2/205

Remember the Reward – Shaykh Al-Uthaymin

Written by Amjad Khan on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Articles, Basics, Charity (Sadaqah), Hajj, Dhul Hijjah, Eid al Adha, Ramadhan, Salaah - Prayer, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

It is essential that during worship, a person remains conscious that they are performing the act in pursuit of reward. When one is mindful of this, they are more likely to carry out the action in the best possible manner. Intellect naturally guides a person to understand that the reward corresponds to the quality of the deed—if it is performed well, the reward will be greater; if it is lacking, the reward will be less. I believe this is an issue many people overlook, as they fail to pay proper attention to this important aspect.

Tafsir Surah Az-Zumar pg.27

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

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

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

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

Majmu 4/136

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

————————————————————————

Footnote a:

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

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

Supplication for our children in the Quran

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah, Basics, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Salaah - Prayer, Scholars of Islam, Shirk, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

The inspiration for this article arose from a captivating tweet by Shaikh Abdulilah, may Allah preserve him. In light of this, we felt compelled to share a short selection of insights from the Mufassiroon, as an additional layer of reflection and benefit alongside the Shaikh’s reminder, for our own benefit and our families.

https://x.com/Abdulilah_UK/status/934006936017821696?t=VY1CKttBfsFUMXB14RV7Eg&s=35

وَوَصَّيْنَا الْإِنسَانَ بِوَالِدَيْهِ إِحْسَانًا ۖ حَمَلَتْهُ أُمُّهُ كُرْهًا وَوَضَعَتْهُ كُرْهًا ۖ وَحَمْلُهُ وَفِصَالُهُ ثَلَاثُونَ شَهْرًا ۚ حَتَّىٰ إِذَا بَلَغَ أَشُدَّهُ وَبَلَغَ أَرْبَعِينَ سَنَةً قَالَ رَبِّ أَوْزِعْنِي أَنْ أَشْكُرَ نِعْمَتَكَ الَّتِي أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيَّ وَعَلَىٰ وَالِدَيَّ وَأَنْ أَعْمَلَ صَالِحًا تَرْضَاهُ وَأَصْلِحْ لِي فِي ذُرِّيَّتِي ۖ إِنِّي تُبْتُ إِلَيْكَ وَإِنِّي مِنَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ

And We have enjoined upon man to be dutiful and kind to his parents. His mother bore him (in her womb) with hardship and gave birth to him with (more) hardship. And his bearing (in the womb) and weaning (period) is thirty months (in total). (Then he continues to grow) until, when he reaches the peak of his youth, and reaches (the age of) 40 years, he says: “O my Lord, grant me the ability to be grateful to you for Your favour (of guidance) which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents, and to work righteousness that pleases You, and make righteous for me my offspring. Indeed, I repent to you and I am of the Muslims (in submission to You alone).” (1)

وَأَصْلِحْ لِي فِي ذُرِّيَّتِي

“And make righteous for me my offspring”.

When he supplicated for his own righteousness, he also supplicated for his offspring that Allah rectifies their affairs. He (Allah) stated that their righteousness would benefit their parents due to His statement:

وَأَصْلِحْ لِي فِي ذُرِّيَّتِي

“And make righteous for me my offspring”. (2)

فَلَمَّا وَضَعَتْهَا قَالَتْ رَبِّ إِنِّى وَضَعْتُهَآ أُنثَىٰ وَٱللَّهُ أَعْلَمُ بِمَا وَضَعَتْ وَلَيْسَ ٱلذَّكَرُ كَٱلْأُنثَىٰ وَإِنِّى سَمَّيْتُهَا مَرْيَمَ وَإِنِّىٓ أُعِيذُهَا بِكَ وَذُرِّيَّتَهَا مِنَ ٱلشَّيْطَٰنِ ٱلرَّجِيمِ

Then when she delivered her [child Maryam (Mary)], she said: “O my Lord! I have delivered a female child,” – and Allah knew better what she delivered, – “And the male is not like the female, and I have named her Maryam (Mary), and I seek refuge with You (Allah) for her and for her offspring from Shaitan (Satan), the outcast.” [3:36]

 وإني أعيذها بك وذريتها من الشيطان الرجيم

And I seek refuge with You (Allah) for her and for her offspring from Shaitan (Satan), the outcast.

She supplicated for her and her offspring, asking Allah to protect them from the accursed devil. (3)

وَٱلَّذِينَ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا هَبْ لَنَا مِنْ أَزْوَٰجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّٰتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعْيُنٍ وَٱجْعَلْنَا لِلْمُتَّقِينَ إِمَامًا

And those who say: “Our Lord! Bestow on us from our wives and our offspring who will be the comfort of our eyes, and make us leaders for the pious”. [25:74]

They ask Allah to grant them the comfort of the eye by making their wives and offspring obedient to Allah, and to grant them happiness intheir hearts due to being followed by the righteous in obedience and servitude to Allaah. That is because a trustworthy leader in the religion co-operates with (others) upon obedience (to Allaah and His Messenger). (4)

رَبِّ ٱجْعَلْنِى مُقِيمَ ٱلصَّلَوٰةِ وَمِن ذُرِّيَّتِى رَبَّنَا وَتَقَبَّلْ دُعَآءِ

O my Lord! Make me one who performs As-Salat, and (also) from my offspring, our Lord! And accept my invocation. [14:40]

Meaning: from those who establish the prayer with its pillars and guard it strictly (or be consistent upon it). Make my descendants among those who establish the prayer. (5)

رَبَّنَا وَاجْعَلْنَا مُسْلِمَيْنِ لَكَ وَمِن ذُرِّيَّتِنَا أُمَّةً مُّسْلِمَةً لَّكَ وَأَرِنَا مَنَاسِكَنَا وَتُبْ عَلَيْنَا ۖ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ التَّوَّابُ الرَّحِيمُ

Our Lord! And make us submissive unto You and of our offspring a nation submissive unto You, and show us our Manasik (all the ceremonies of pilgrimage – Hajj and ‘Umrah, etc.), and accept our repentance. Truly, You are the One Who accepts repentance, the Most Merciful. [2:128]

They supplicated for themselves and their offspring to be granted Islam, whose reality is the submission of the heart and its obedience to its Lord, which necessitates the obedience of the limbs. (6)

هُنَالِكَ دَعَا زَكَرِيَّا رَبَّهُ ۖ قَالَ رَبِّ هَبْ لِي مِن لَّدُنكَ ذُرِّيَّةً طَيِّبَةً ۖ إِنَّكَ سَمِيعُ الدُّعَاءِ

At that time Zakariyyah invoked his Lord, saying: “O my Lord! Grant me from You, a good offspring. You are indeed the All-Hearer of invocation.” [3:38]

Zakariyyah, peace be upon him, sipplicated to his Lord for righteous offspring; meaning, children with pure morals and good manners, to complete the blessings of both religious and worldly life for them, thus his supplication was answered. (7)

وَإِذْ قَالَ إِبْرَاهِيمُ رَبِّ اجْعَلْ هَٰذَا الْبَلَدَ آمِنًا وَاجْنُبْنِي وَبَنِيَّ أَن نَّعْبُدَ الْأَصْنَامَ

And (remember) when Ibrahim (Abraham) said: “O my Lord! Make this city (Makkah) one of peace and security, and keep me and my sons away from worshipping idols. [14:35]

Meaning: Distance me and them from  worshiping the idols. (8) Then he mentioned the reason for his fear for himself and his children due to the many who have been tempted and afflicted by its worship. (9)

(1)https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/search/46_15

(2) An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi

(3) An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi

(4) Ar-Ruh 488 By Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim

(5) Tafseer Al-Baghawi

(6) Tafseer As-Sadi

(7) Tafseer As-Sadi

(8) Tafseer at-Tabari

(9) Tafseer As-Sadi

Make Intention of I’tikaaf when Entering Masjid even if it is a Short Sitting.

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Ramadhan, Salaah - Prayer, Taraweeh, Video, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

If you enter the masjid, and want to sit down after praying in order to read the Qur’an.. then make sure you have the intention of itikaaf. It doesn’t matter how long that is for.

Watch video for more information.

Masjid Appeal 2024 👍

Please take the opportunity in the month of Ramadhaan to give charity and gain reward from Allah 💬 “Whoever builds a masjid for the sake of Allah, Allah will build for him a house in jannah”. Donate to the masjid – the house of Allah – and let’s all continue making the masjid the best it can be! May Allah bless and reward you all with much goodness.

💸 Donate today – salafidawahmanchester.com/appeal2024

Book of Purification Umdatul Ahkam | Abdul Hakeem Mitchell | Manchester

Written by faizkara on . Posted in Audio, Islamic Jurisprudence - 'Fiqh', Literature, Salaah - Prayer, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

The new book that Ustadh Abdul Hakeem has started which is ‘Umdatul Ahkam.’ It is different to the book that is covered on Mondays which Umdatul Fiqh.
This book starts with the chapter of ‘Book of Purification’:

Notes

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