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The Comprehensive, All-Encompassing and Universal Message

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

The Ummah of Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, does not require anyone after him; their sole necessity is for someone to convey his teachings. The message of Muhammad is all-encompassing, universal, and (perfectly) preserved. This universality, comprehensiveness, and preservation are not confined to any (specific time, place, or circumstance); instead, they extend to all those to whom Muhammad was sent, as well as addressing all the fundamental and subsidiary matters of the religion.

Muhammad’s message is sufficient, all-encompassing, and universal—there is no requirement for anything beyond it. It has addressed every aspect of truth necessary for his Ummah in their knowledge and actions. Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, did not depart from this world without imparting to his Ummah all that they needed to know. He taught them the etiquettes of using the toilet, sexual relations, the etiquettes of sleep and waking, eating, drinking, and traveling. He acquainted them with the etiquettes of speech and silence; the etiquettes of keeping company with the people and seclusion. He acquainted them with matters regarding illness, good health, poverty and wealth, and all matters regarding life and death.

He described Allah’s throne, the angels, the jinn, the fire of hell, and the Day of Judgment in a way that made them feel as though they were witnessing these realities with the naked eye. He conveyed knowledge about their Lord, His Perfect Names and Attributes, emphasising that Allah is the only One who deserves their worship. He acquainted them with the ancient Prophets and their respective nations- the events that transpired between them as if one were witnessing those moments firsthand. He informed them of all the avenues leading to righteousness and the various paths of wrongdoing, both broadly and specifically, in a manner that no other prophet had conveyed to his people. He acquiainted them with death and will take place in the grave, whether they be of joy or torment. Additionally, he presented the evidences and proofs of Tawhid (pure Islamic Monotheism). He acquainted them with Prophethood and the matters concerning the Afterlife, while also countering all factions of disbelief and misguidance. He acquainted them with war strategies- how to confront the enemy, the way to achieve victory and conquests. If they were aware of and comprehended these matters appropriately, they would not be defeated by their adversary.

He acquainted them with the schemes of Iblees, the methods by which he seeks to influence them, and the strategies to counteract those schemes and plans. He acquainted them with the soul- its characteristics and faults- in such a manner that they are not in need of anyone else to tell them about it.

He instructed them on how to navigate their everyday existence, and had they recognized and implemented his teachings, their worldly matters would have been securely established. He provided them with all the means necessary for success in both this life and the hereafter, rendering them independent of any other guidance. Therefore, it is unfounded to assert that the path of Muhammad requires any external support. Such claims stem from a limited and insufficient understanding on the part of the individual. Allah said:

أَوَلَمْ يَكْفِهِمْ أَنَّا أَنزَلْنَا عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ يُتْلَىٰ عَلَيْهِمْ ۚ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَرَحْمَةً وَذِكْرَىٰ لِقَوْمٍ يُؤْمِنُونَ

Is it not sufficient for them that We have sent down to you the Book (the Qur’an) which is recited to them? Verily, herein is mercy and a reminder (or an admonition) for a people who believe. [29:51]

Allah [The Most High] said:
وَنَزَّلْنَا عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ تِبْيَانًا لِّكُلِّ شَيْءٍ وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةً وَبُشْرَىٰ لِلْمُسْلِمِينَ

And We have sent down to you the Book (the Qur’an) as an exposition of everything, a guidance, a mercy, and glad tidings for those who have submitted themselves (to Allah as Muslims)]. [16:89]

Allah [The Most High] said:
يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ قَدْ جَاءَتْكُم مَّوْعِظَةٌ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَشِفَاءٌ لِّمَا فِي الصُّدُورِ وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةٌ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ

O mankind! There has come to you a good advice from your Lord [i.e. the Qur’an, ordering all that is good and forbidding all that is evil], and a healing for that [disease of ignorance, doubt, hypocrisy and differences, etc.] in your breasts, – a guidance and a mercy [explaining lawful and unlawful things, etc.] for the believers. [10:57]

An Excerpt from “i’lam al-muwaqqi’in 4/375-377

Sinning Without Repentance Breeds Similar Sins!

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

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

Sins breed similar sins, and they give rise to one another, making it difficult for a person to abandon them, as some of the pious predecessors said, “Indeed, one of the punishments for an evil deed is to commit another one after it, and one of the rewards for good deeds is doing a good deed after it. When a servant of Allah does a good deed, another good deed says, “Let me be like that one.” The third one does the same, and so on, leading to an increase in rewards and a multiplication of good deeds, and the same applies to evil deeds, until good deeds and sins becoming essential traits and established habits. If a person who does good neglects obedience, they will feel constricted and uneasy, much like a fish out of water until it returns to its natural environment to find peace. If a sinner turns away from wrongdoing and embraces righteousness, they may feel a sense of inner turmoil, leading them to revert to their old ways. Many wrongdoers engage in sinful acts not out of pleasure or desire, but rather due to the discomfort they experience when trying to abandon those actions. (1)

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

There are two (types) of strengths within the soul: The strength of abstinence and the strength of courage. The reality of patience is that one makes the strength of courageousness a means of action in what benefits him and the strength of abstinence a means of action in refraining from what is harmful to him. Among the people, there is one whose patience in carrying out what benefits him and being firm upon it is stronger than his patience in refraining from what is harmful to him; thus, he exercises patience in facing difficulty whilst carrying out acts of obedience, but he does not exercise patience in refraining from urges towards what he is forbidden. Among them, there is one whose patience in refraining from things that are in opposition to the religion is stronger than his patience in carrying out acts of obedience, and among them there is one who does not exercise patience in both affairs. The best of people are those who fulfil both affairs. Many people patiently bear the hardship of praying Tahajjud during hot and cold nights, and the difficulty in fasting; but they do not exercise patience in refraining from looking at forbidden things. Many people exercise patience in refraining from looking at the forbidden things and inclination towards (forbidden) images, but they do not exercise patience in commanding good and forbidding evil. (2)

Reflection to Assist Us to Give Precedence to Obedience and Truth

Al-Allamah Abdur Rahman Bin Yahyah Al-Mu’allimee, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated:

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

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

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


(1) Ad-Da’u Wad Dawa 60-61. Publisher: Dar Al-Hadith Al-Qahira 1430H (2009)

(2) An Excerpt from Uddatus Saabireen. page 37

(3) An Aathaar Ash-, Shaikh Al-Allamah Abdur Rahmaan Bin Yahyah Al-Mu’allimee 11/309

Those who give that which they give with their hearts full of fear

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

Allah [The Most High] says:
إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ هُم مِّنۡ خَشۡيَةِ رَبِّہِم مُّشۡفِقُونَ
وَٱلَّذِينَ هُم بِـَٔايَـٰتِ رَبِّہِمۡ يُؤۡمِنُونَ
وَٱلَّذِينَ هُم بِرَبِّہِمۡ لَا يُشۡرِكُونَ
وَٱلَّذِينَ يُؤۡتُونَ مَآ ءَاتَواْ وَّقُلُوبُہُمۡ وَجِلَةٌ أَنَّہُمۡ إِلَىٰ رَبِّہِمۡ رَٲجِعُونَ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ يُسَـٰرِعُونَ فِى ٱلۡخَيۡرَٲتِ وَهُمۡ لَهَا سَـٰبِقُونَ
وَلَا نُكَلِّفُ نَفۡسًا إِلَّا وُسۡعَهَا‌ۖ وَلَدَيۡنَا كِتَـٰبٌ۬ يَنطِقُ بِٱلۡحَقِّ‌ۚ وَهُمۡ لَا يُظۡلَمُونَ

Verily! Those who live in awe for fear of their Lord; and those who believe in the Ayat (proofs, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of their Lord; And those who join not anyone (in worship) as partners with their Lord; and those who give that (their charity) which they give (and also do other good deeds) with their hearts full of fear because they are sure to return to their Lord (for reckoning). It is these who race for the good deeds, and they are foremost in them [e.g. offering the compulsory Salat (prayers) in their (early) stated, fixed times and so on]. And We tax not any person except according to his capacity, and with Us is a Record which speaks the truth, and they will not be wronged. [Surah Al-Muminoon Ayaat 57-62]

Aa’isha [may Allah be pleased with her] said: I ask the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] about this Ayah: [وَالَّذِينَ يُؤْتُونَ مَا آتَوْا وَقُلُوبُهُمْ وَجِلَةٌ – And those who give that which they give (and also do other good deeds) with their hearts full of fear]; are they those who drink alcohol and commit theft? He said, “O daughter of Siddeeq! Rather they are those who observe fasting, perform prayer, and give charity, whilst fearing that their deeds will not be accepted from them”. [Reported by Imam Tirmidee Number: 3175]

Their hearts are filled with fear because of the reverence they hold for their Lord. They are concerned that the justice of their Lord will be enforced upon them, leaving them with no righteous deeds. They worry about having a (false) good opinion about themselves that they have fulfilled their Lord’s rights and fear their Iman will cease. This is all because they know their Lord and the exaltation He deserves. This fear of theirs necessitates that they avoid actions that lead to the evil consequences of sins and falling short regarding that which one has been commanded. They fulfill what they have been commanded, such as the prayer, zakat, and hajj, while fearing for themselves when their deeds will be presented before their Lord (on the Day of Judgment), fearing that their deeds may not be enough to save them from Allah’s punishment because of the knowledge they have regarding their Lord and what He truly deserves of obedience through different forms of worship. [1]

Imam Ibraaheem At-Taymi [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: “I do not compare my speech with my deeds except fearing that my (speech) belies (my deeds)”. Ibn Abee Mulayka [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: “I met thirty companions of the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] and each of them feared hypocrisy for himself and none of them said that he was as strong in belief as the angel Jibreel or Meekaa’eel”. Al-Hasan Al-Basri [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: “It is only true believers who fear hypocrisy and only a hypocrite considers himself safe” . [2]

Kab Al-Ahbaar [may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “Beware of self-amazement because infeed it is slaughter and destruction (of the heart)”. [3]

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim [may Allah have mercy upon him] stated about the state of one who is afflicted with self-amazement: “He lacks knowledge about the true nature of his soul, its attributes, its pitfalls, and the flaws in his actions; he is ignorant about his Lord, the rights of his Lord, and the proper conduct in His presence. This leads to self-amazement, arrogance, and grave consequences that surpass the obvious major sins like adultery, drinking alcohol, deserting the battlefield, and the like”. [a] [4]

Al-Allamah Ibn Hazm [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: “Should anyone find themselves put to trial through self-amazement, let him contemplate his faults. If he is amazed by his virtues, let him carefully examine his despicable manners. If his faults are absolutely concealed from him, he must understand that his calamity will be everlasting, making them the most flawed among individuals, possessing the greatest faults, and the weakest in discernment. First, he is feeble-minded and ignorant and there is not a defect more severe than these two since a wise individual recognises his faults, and strives to overcome and restrain them. On the other hand, an idiot remains oblivious to the flaws within their soul. Thus, those whose faults are hidden from them are in a detrimental state, exposed to a state of ridicule, lowliness, evil, and shame, weak in discernment and common sense, and an absence of understanding. Consequently, no form of evil will be isolated from them, and they will stoop to the lowest levels of depravity. [5]

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: “Glorified be Allah and free is He from all imperfections! How many hearts are turned upside down without the person even realising it?! How many individuals are tested by the praise received from others, fooled by Allah’s veiling of their flaws, and slowly guided towards ruin by the blessings bestowed upon them, all while they remain oblivious? All of these are forms of punishment and disgrace, yet the ignorant person perceives them as signs of nobility”. [6]

[a]: Salafi Shaikh Fawzan on Jihad in our times and the guidelines of Jihad according to Islam: https://abukhadeejah.com/salafi-shaikh-fawzaan-on-jihaad-in-our-times-and-the-guidelines-of-jihaad-according-to-islam/


[1] An Excerpt from “Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan”.

[2] Saheeh Al-Bukhaari Vol 1. Chapter 36. What is said regarding) the fear of a believer that his good deeds may be annulled without his knowledge

[3] Hilyah al-Awliyaa 5/376

[4] Madaarij As-Saalikeen 1/192

[5] Al-Akhlaaq Was-Siyar. page 29

[6] Al-Jawaab Al-Kaafee. 277

Subtle, disguised emotions

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

Battle With The Soul When Urged Towards Evil

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim [may Allah have mercy upon him] stated:

A servant of Allah does not embark upon what he has been forbidden except through two ways: Firstly, (either) harbouring evil thoughts about his Lord that if he were to obey Allaah and preferred Him, He (Glorified be He) will not grant him that which is better from the lawful (things), or his acknowledgement (i.e. that Allaah will grant him something better than the forbidden thing he pursues) and that whoever leaves something for Allah’s sake, He (Glorified be He) will replace it with something better; but lusts overcomes his patience and desires his intellect. The first affair is due to weakness in knowledge and the second a weakness in intellect and insight”. [Al-Fawaa’id. Page 78]

Al-Allamah Abdur-Rahman Ibn Yahyah Al-Mu’allimee [may Allah have mercy upon him] stated:

The human being does not hate truth as a result of considering it to be falsehood, but he loves truth by way of his Fitra (natural inclination) and loves falsehood due to his desires and lusts. The shift towards success or loss defends on what he gives preference to. Allaah (The Blessed and Exalted) said:

فَأَمَّا مَن طَغَىٰ
وَءَاثَرَ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةَ ٱلدُّنۡيَا
فَإِنَّ ٱلۡجَحِيمَ هِىَ ٱلۡمَأۡوَىٰ
وَأَمَّا مَنۡ خَافَ مَقَامَ رَبِّهِۦ وَنَهَى ٱلنَّفۡسَ عَنِ ٱلۡهَوَىٰ
فَإِنَّ ٱلۡجَنَّةَ هِىَ ٱلۡمَأۡوَىٰ

Then, for him who Tagha (transgressed) and preferred the life of this world (by following his evil desires and lusts), Verily, his abode will be Hell-fire; But as for him who feared standing before his Lord, and restrained himself from impure evil desires, and lusts. Verily, Paradise will be his abode. [Surah An-Naazi’aat. Aayaat 37-41]

And you can say: Allah (The Blessed and Exalted) is on one side and (a person’s evil) desires are on another side (in opposition to what Allaah has commanded and prohibited). Allaah (The Most High) said:

أَرَءَيۡتَ مَنِ ٱتَّخَذَ إِلَـٰهَهُ ۥ هَوَٮٰهُ أَفَأَنتَ تَكُونُ عَلَيۡهِ وَڪِيلاً
أَمۡ تَحۡسَبُ أَنَّ أَڪۡثَرَهُمۡ يَسۡمَعُونَ أَوۡ يَعۡقِلُونَ‌ۚ إِنۡ هُمۡ إِلَّا كَٱلۡأَنۡعَـٰمِ‌ۖ بَلۡ هُمۡ أَضَلُّ سَبِيلاً

Have you (O Muhammad) seen him who has taken as his ilah (god) his own desire? Would you then be a Wakil (a disposer of his affairs or a watcher) over him? Or do you think that most of them hear or understand? They are only like cattle; nay, they are even farther astray from the Path. (i.e. even worst than cattle).” [Surah Al-Furqaan. Aayaat 43-44]

And Allah (The Most High) said:

أَفَرَءَيۡتَ مَنِ ٱتَّخَذَ إِلَـٰهَهُ ۥ هَوَٮٰهُ وَأَضَلَّهُ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ عِلۡمٍ۬ وَخَتَمَ عَلَىٰ سَمۡعِهِۦ وَقَلۡبِهِۦ وَجَعَلَ عَلَىٰ بَصَرِهِۦ غِشَـٰوَةً۬ فَمَن يَہۡدِيهِ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ أَفَلَا تَذَكَّرُونَ

Have you seen him who takes his own lust (vain desires) as his ilah (god), and Allah knowing (him as such), left him astray, and sealed his hearing and his heart, and put a cover on his sight. Who then will guide him after Allah? Will you not then remember?” [Soorah Al-Jaathiyah. Ayah 23] [لتَّنْكِيل بِماَ فِي تَأْنِيبِ ٱلْكَوْثَري مِنَ الأباَطِيل – with the checking of Imaam Albaanee (rahimahullaah). 2/179]

Subtle Desire For Position, Fame etc

Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allah have mercy upon him] said:

There are many cases where the (desires) of the souls are mixed with Ash-Shahawaat Al-Khafiyyah [i.e. desires that are concealed, subtle etc] that corrupts its fulfilment of (perfect) love of Allaah, servitude to Him and establishment of the religion sincerely for the sake of Allaah, just as Shaddaad Ibn Aws [may Allaah be pleased with him] said, “O Arabs! Indeed, the affair I fear for you the most is Riyaa and Shahwa Al-Khafiyyah”. It was said to Abu Daawud As-Sijistaani, “What is Ash-Shahwa Al-Khafiyyah?” He said, “Love of leadership”. [Majmoo Al-Fataawaa 10 /214-215]

Illegal Partisanship

Al-Allamah Abdur Rahmaan Bin Yahyah Al-Mu’allimee [may Allah have mercy upon him] said:

A person is nurtured upon a religion, creed, school of thought or views acquired from his nurturer and teacher, which he considers to be the truth and followed it for a long time; then when it becomes clear to him that (such religion, creed, view or school of thought) is false, it becomes difficult for him to acknowledge, just as when his forefathers, ancestors or the one he follows are upon a (particular) way and then its falsity is clarified for him. This is because he sees that their deficiencies necessitate his own deficiencies and acknowledgement of their misguidance or errors necessitates his own deficiencies. In this era of ours, you even see a woman who comes across an affair related to the religion – in which there is a difference of opinion between the mother of the believers Aa’isha and others amongst the companions [may Allaah be pleased with all of them], so she defends Aa’isha’s position solely due to the fact that she is a woman like her. So, when she presumes and then claims that Aa’Isha is correct and those men who oppose her position are mistaken, then in this is an affirmation of Aa’Isha’s virtue over those men, which then becomes a virtue for women unrestrictedly and she receives some of that. And through this appears – to you – the underlying reasons behind the illegal partisanship of an Arab to an Arab, a Persian to a Persian, a Turk to a Turk and other than that. [An Excerpt From Aathaar Ash-Shaikh Al-Allaamah Abdur Rahmaan Bin Yahyah Al-Mu’allimee. Vol 11. Page 294]

Conversation between Abu Jahl and His Nephew Al-Musawwar Bin Makhzamah

Al-Musawwar Bin Makhzamah: ‘’O my uncle! Did you use to accuse Muhammad of lying before he started saying what he says now [i.e. his call to Tawheed]?

Abu Jahl: “By Allah, indeed Muhammad was a trustworthy young man amongst us and we have never experienced lying from him.

Al-Musawwar Bin Makhzamah: “O my uncle! So why is it that you do not follow him?”

Abu Jahl: “O son of my sister! We competed with Banu Hashim in nobility [i.e. which clan is more noble], so they used to feed [the pilgrims] and we used to feed the [pilgrims]; they used to provide water for [the pilgrims] and we used to provide water for [the pilgrims]; they used to give protection [to the destitute] and we used to give protection [to the destitute] until we were equal [i.e. in competing one another for nobility]. Then they said, “There is a Prophet from us”, so when are we going to get something similar to this!!

Conversation between Abu Jahl and Akhnas Bin Shuraiq

Akhnas Bin Shuraiq said to Abu Jahl on the day of Badr [i.e. the battle of Badr]: “O Abul Hakam! Inform me about Muhammad, as to whether he is a truthful person or a liar, for indeed there is no one here from Quraish who will hear our speech?

Abu Jahl replied to Akhnas: “Woe to you! By Allaah, indeed Muhammad is a truthful person and Muhammad has never lied, but if Banu Qusay take the leadership, the position of gatekeepers of the Kabah, providers of water for the pilgrims and Prophet hood [i.e. the Prophet Muhammad is from their clan], then what will the rest of Quraish have?! [Hidaayatul Hayaaraa Fee Ajwibatil Yahood Wan-Nasaaraa’ pages 18-19]

Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allah have mercy upon him] said:

إنّ الإنسانَ قد يَعرفُ أنّ الحقَّ مع غيره،ومع هذا يَجحدُ ذلك؛لحسدهِ إيّاه أو لطلبِ عُلُّوهِ عليه أو لهوى النّفسِ،ويَحملُه ذلك الهَوى على أنْ يعتديَ عليه ويَرُدَّ ما يقولُ بكلِّ طريقٍ،وهو في قلبهِ يَعلمُ أنّ الحقَّ معهُ”
(الإيمان)(ص١٥٢)

“Indeed, a person may know that the truth is with other than him, (but) despite this, he wilfully denies it due to his envy towards (the one with the truth) or due to seeking to be superior over him or due to desire; and this desire makes him trangress against him and rejects what he says in every way, whilst knowing – in his heart – that the truth is with him (i.e. the one he opposes).

A Subtle Affair Related to Inclinations

Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee Al-Mad’khalee [may Allah preserve him] also stated:

فيجب على كل مسلم أن يفتش نفسه فقد يميل إنسان إلى صاحب الحق لهوى ، فقبل أن يتبين له الحق يتمنى أن يكون فلان هو المنتصر بالحجة أو غيرها فتميل نفسه لأنه فلان ، ولو كان على الحق لا يجوز أن يوجد هذا الميل، فيقول: إذا وجد هذا الميل ولو مع صاحب الحق يكون من حكم الجاهلية ، وهذا أمر لا يخطر بالبال عند كثير من الناس .
فيجب على المسلم أن يراقب الله في القضايا المختلف فيها ، وأن يكون قصده فقط معرفة الحق سواء مع هذا أو مع ذاك .
ومن هنا يقول الشافعي : “إذا دخلت في مناظرة لا أبالي إذا كان الحق مع صاحبي أو معي” فلا يبالي ولا يتمنى أن يكون الحق معه بل يتمنى أن يكون مع صاحبه وأن تكون النصرة له ، هذا هو الخلق العالي وهذا هو الدين المستقيم

It is obligated to every Muslim to examine himself, for indeed a person might incline towards (another) person who is upon truth based on his desires; then even before the truth is clear to him, he wishes that such and such person should be the one aided with the proofs or something else, so, his soul inclines (towards that person) because he (i.e. that person) is such and such (personality). Therefore, even if that person is upon the truth, it is not permissible for this type of inclination to be present. If this type of inclination is present, even with the person upon truth, it is considered to be a trait of pre-Islamic ignorance. This is an affair that does not cross the minds of many people. Therefore, it is obligated on a Muslim – in relation to affairs wherein people differ- that he is attentive to the fact that Allaah knows, sees and hears everything, and his intention (goal or aim) should only be that he (wants) to know the truth whether it is with this or that person. And in relation to this, Imam Ash-Shafi’ee said, “When I enter into a discussion, I am not bothered whether the truth is with me or with the other person”. So, he is not bothered nor does he wish that the truth is with him; rather he wishes that it is either with the other person or with him. This is the lofty moral conduct and the upright religion. [http://www.rabee.net/ar/articles.php?cat=8&id=172. slightly paraphrased ]

A Subtle Affair Regarding Patience

Sa’eed Bin Jubayr [may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “Patience is the person’s acknowledgment that what has afflicted him is from Allah, seeking for reward from Allah and hoping for Allah’s good recompense. Indeed, a man maybe in a state of distress whilst he is being whipped, but you see nothing from him except patience”. [As-Sabr Wath-Thawaab Alayhi. By Ibn Abee Dunya page 113]

Regarding the statement “Patience is the person’s acknowledgement that what has afflicted him is from Allah”, Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim said, “It is as if this statement is an explanation of the statement “Innaa lil laah – to Allah we belong”. So, the person acknowledges that he belongs to Allah and his owner does whatever He wants with him.

Regarding the statement “Seeking for reward from Allah”, Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim Qayyim said, “It is as if this statement is an explanation of the statement “Wa Innaa Ilayhi Raaji’oon – and to Him (i.e. Allah) we shall return”, meaning we shall return to You, so that you reward us due to our patience and the reward for being patient during calamity will not be lost”.

Regarding the statement “Indeed, a man maybe in a state of distress whilst he is being whipped, but you do not see from him except patience”, Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim Qayyim said, “Patience is not that one bears the whip, rather it is to restrain the heart from getting angry with Allah’s decree and to restrain the tongue from complaining about Allah. Whoever is whipped and his heart is displeased with Allaah, then he is not one who is patient”. [Iddat As-Saabireen pages 183-184]

We ask Allaah:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ وَالْجُبْنِ وَالْبُخْلِ وَالْهَرَمِ وَعَذَابِ الْقَبْرِ اللَّهُمَّ آتِ نَفْسِي تَقْوَاهَا وَزَكِّهَا أَنْتَ خَيْرُ مَنْ زَكَّاهَا أَنْتَ وَلِيُّهَا وَمَوْلاَهَا اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عِلْمٍ لاَ يَنْفَعُ وَمِنْ قَلْبٍ لاَ يَخْشَعُ وَمِنْ نَفْسٍ لاَ تَشْبَعُ وَمِنْ دَعْوَةٍ لاَ يُسْتَجَابُ لَهَا

O Allah! I seek refuge in You from helplessles incapacity, from laziness, cowardice, miserliness and sinility, and from punishment of the grave. O Allah! Grant to my soul righteousness and purify it, for You are the Best Purifier of it; You are its Protector and Guardian. O Allah! I seek refuge in You from the knowledge which does not benefit, a heart that does not fear (You), a the soul that does not become contented and a supplication that is not responded to. [Saheeh Muslim2722]

Reflections from some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali [2 of 80]

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

Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah preserve him, said:

O brothers! I warn you against harbouring intentions of seeking after the Dunyah, its status and authority in the affair of learning and seeking knowledge, for indeed (knowledge of the religion) is worship – one of the best types of worship; rather the religion, acts of worship, Jihad [I] and a (successful) life cannot be established except through this knowledge. However, it is obligated to us to purify our intentions in this worship. “Whoever seeks knowledge by which the pleasure of Allah is sought, but he only acquires it for worldly gain, he will not smell the fragrance of Paradise”. [II]

This is a very important point and a great affair that the students of knowledge must be notified, for indeed many of them are heedless of it. It may be that a person seeks knowledge for the sake of worldly gain or other goals that are not beloved to Allah -neither legislated nor permitted by Allah, thus they fall into destruction. This affair enters into the rebuke directed at the Yahud.

مَثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ حُمِّلُواْ ٱلتَّوۡرَٮٰةَ ثُمَّ لَمۡ يَحۡمِلُوهَا كَمَثَلِ ٱلۡحِمَارِ يَحۡمِلُ أَسۡفَارَۢا‌ۚ بِئۡسَ مَثَلُ ٱلۡقَوۡمِ ٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُواْ بِـَٔايَـٰتِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يَہۡدِى ٱلۡقَوۡمَ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ

The likeness of those who were entrusted with the (obligation of the) Taurat (Torah) (i.e. to obey its commandments and to practise its legal laws), but who subsequently failed in those (obligations), is as the likeness of a donkey who carries huge burdens of books (but understands nothing from them). How bad is the example (or the likeness) of people who deny the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allah. And Allah guides not the people who are Zalimun (polytheists, wrong-doers, disbelievers, etc.). [Al-Jumu’ah 5]

I seek refuge with (Allah) for myself and you from these blameworthy traits. A person possesses knowledge and does not act upon it, so he is either included (in this) verse or some of it applies to him. May Allah protect us and you, for indeed the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him informed us about the destination of those who perform acts of worship only to be seen, whether it is a student of knowledge, a scholar, a Mujahid or one who spends his wealth. O my brothers! Sincerity is a great affair. It is incumbent upon a Muslim to guard it and take himself to account at every moment of his life. One of the pious predecessors said: “I used to hold that the hadith requires an intention (sincere intention for seeking knowledge of hadith), but then I realised that every hadith requires a (sincere) intention. Therefore, when you narrate or speak, do you desire praise from the people or do you desire the Face of Allah, The Blessed and Exalted? Do you desire that it is said, “He is a scholar, he is intelligent, he is a learned person of sound, precise and robust understanding” or do you desire the Face of Allah and to fulfil the responsibility you carry?! [An Excerpt from “Marhaban Yaa Talibal Ilm” pages 53-55]

———————————————–

[I] Read article written by Shaikh Abu Khadeejah, may Allah preserve him, from the works of Al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzan, may Allah preserve him: https://abukhadeejah.com/salafi-shaikh-fawzaan-on-jihaad-in-our-times-and-the-guidelines-of-jihaad-according-to-islam/

[II] Sahih Targhib 105

My intention is not to resemble them in my clothing or hairstyle!

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

Brief Commentary – By Imam Muhammad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaymin – On The Hadith: “Whoever resembles a people is from them”.

The Shaikh: Among the (extracted) benefits from the narration of Ibn Umar is encouragement to resemble the righteous based on the statement of the Messenger: “Whoever resembles a people is from them.” This benefit extends to encouragement to follow the pious predecessors in worship, belief, methodology, and all aspects of life, so that an individual may be from what?

The student: From them.

The Shaikh: Is a person (considered to) resemble them in actions that are not performed as acts of worship, such as the manner of walking or dressing, or if it is stated that resembling them in attire means that an individual may wear what is customary worn by the people of his country, provided it is not prohibited?The answer is the second (statement), and due to this, we say: following custom in the manner of dress is Sunnah, provided it (such type of dress) is not prohibited.

One of the benefits of this hadith is the caution against resembling disbelievers or a warning against resembling the disbelievers due to the statement of the Messenger: “He is from them.”

Is this (resemblance deemed) hated or forbidden? What is correct is that it is forbidden, and that it is forbidden for a person to resemble the disbelievers. One of the benefits of this hadith is that whenever resemblance takes place, the ruling is established (forbidden), regardless of whether it (the act) is intentional or unintentional.

If someone were to say that he wears the clothing of the disbelievers (i.e. what is not allowed Islamically) but he does not intend to resemble them. We would say: but resemblance has indeed occurred. The place of one’s intention is the heart; we disapprove of him based on what he has manifested of resemblance. As for his relationship with his Creator, this is not for us to judge. This is because at present when some person is prohibited, he says: “I dont intend resemblance”. For instance, you find him styling his hair in a partucular manner that is known to be from (the unlawful) adornment of the disbelievers, so if you tell him about it and he said: “I don’t intend resemblance”, what do we say to him? We say: Resemblance has occurred; resemblance has taken place while intention remains a hidden matter that cannot be known (i.e. it’s hidden in your heart). The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, stated, “Whoever resembles a people is from them,” thus linking the ruling to the act of resembling.

Also, caution must be exercised with regards to following Ahlul Bidah because if you follow them, then indeed you’ve resembled them and are from them. The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “Every innovation (in religion) is a misguidance, and every misguidance leads to the Fire”.

https://www.alathar.net/home/esound/index.php?op=codevi&coid=32008 (paraphrased)

The Diseases of the Heart and Their Cure – Shaykh Saaleh al-Fawzaan

I am a man who is afflicted with many diseases of the heart, they include: bad thoughts of people, arrogance, and love of being heard and seen (showing off). I know that all of this is from the Shaytaan and I try to distance myself from this. However, Shaytaan lures me each time. What is your advice, O Shaykh Saaleh (Al-Fawzaan) towards this?

Answer

Allah, the Most High, has directed us with his statement:

“And if an evil whisper from Shaitan tries to turn you away (from doing good, etc.), then seek refuge in Allah. Verily, He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower. [41:36]

So seek refuge in Allah from that.


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[7] Salaf aspired to see that one closely examines his character

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

Imam Ibn Al-Jawzi [may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “I find that the majority of Muhadditheen and students of hadeeth focus on acquiring hadeeth with the closest chain of transmission from the Prophet and gathering authentic Ahaadeeth on a specific subject in religion. On the other hand, most jurists concentrate on the science of debate and gaining an advantage. How can the heart be softened only through these pursuits?! Indeed, the pious predecessors aspired to see that a righteous individual should examine his character and guidance and not only give consideration to knowledge he has acquired, as his character and upright guidance are the fruits of his knowledge. Therefore, in order to soften their hearts, the students of Hadeeth and Fiqh should also study the lives of the pious predecessors and those pious ones who sufficed with the necessities of this life and abandoned those things which one can do without. Books have been compiled on the lives of well-known figures such as Al-Hasan Al-Basri, Sufyaan Ath-Thawri, Ibraaheem Bin Ad’ham, Bishr Al-Haafiy, Ahmad Bin Hanbal, Ma’roof, and others among the scholars.

An Excerpt from ‘Saydul khaatir’ Page 171. Daar Ibn Rajab. 1st edition 2003

The Story of the Revelation – Day 6 Ramadhaan Reminder – Shaykh Fawzaan

Being in seclusion was made beloved to the Prophet prior to his prophet-hood, this was known as laying the foundations as the early signs of prophet-hood. The Prophet would go to his wife Khadeejah (May Allah be pleased with her) and she would give him provisions enough to last for a long time for when he went to Cave Hira at the top of Mount Nur. He would sit there being in devout worship, and he would remember his Lord in this Cave at the top of Mount Nur which faced in the direction of the Ka’ba…

 

How to Be Patient in These Difficult Times – Shaykh Fawzaan

“The station of patience is tremendous and because of this it has been mentioned in the Quran in more than 70 places.”

REF 1: The Ma’iyyah of Allah explained: http://www.salafitalk.net/st/printthread.cfm?Forum=8&Topic=3712


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