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A profound and thought-provoking statement by Al-Hasan Al-Basri on Istighfar

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

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

Imam Al-Qurtubi, may Allah have mercy upon him, reported that Bin Subayh, may Allah have mercy upon him, mentioned that  man complained to Imam Al-Hasan Al-Basri, may Allah have mercy upon him, about drought; Al-Hasan said to him, “Seek Allah’s forgiveness”. Another person complained about poverty, to which Al-Hasan similarly responded, “Seek Allah’s forgiveness”. A third person said to him, “Supplicate to Allah to grant me a child”, Al-Hasan again said to him, “Seek Allah’s forgiveness”. Then another complained about the dryness of his garden, Al-Hasan said to him, “Seek Allah’s forgiveness”. Rabee Bin Sibayh said to him, “Men came with different complaints and you commanded all of them to seek Allah’s forgiveness!” He replied: “I did not say anything from myself, rather Allah, The Mighty and Majestic, says in Surah Nuh:

فَقُلْتُ ٱسْتَغْفِرُوا۟ رَبَّكُمْ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ غَفَّارًا
يُرْسِلِ ٱلسَّمَآءَ عَلَيْكُم مِّدْرَارًا
وَيُمْدِدْكُم بِأَمْوَٰلٍ وَبَنِينَ وَيَجْعَل لَّكُمْ جَنَّٰتٍ وَيَجْعَل لَّكُمْ أَنْهَٰرًا

I (Nuh) said (to them): ‘Ask forgiveness from your Lord; Verily, He is Oft-Forgiving; ‘He will send rain to you in abundance; and give you increase in wealth and children, and bestow on you gardens and bestow on you rivers.” [1]

The Wisdom Behind Istighfar at The End of Deeds
https://salafidawahmanchester.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/The_Wisdom_Behind_Istighfaar_at_The_End_of_Deeds.pdf

Repentance

Shaddad Bin Anas, may Allah be pleased with him, said that the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: The best way to seek the forgiveness of Allah is to say:

اللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ رَبِّي لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ خَلَقْتَنِي وَأَنَا عَبْدُكَ وَأَنَا عَلَى عَهْدِكَ وَوَعْدِكَ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُ أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا صَنَعْتُ أَبُوءُ لَكَ بِنِعْمَتِكَ عَلَيَّ وَأَبُوءُ لَكَ بِذَنْبِي فَاغْفِرْ لِي فَإِنَّهُ لَا يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ

O Allah, You are my Lord! There is no one who has the right to be worshipped except you. You created me and I am your slave, and I am [upon obedience and agreement] to my covenant and promise (to You) as much as I am able. I seek refuge with You from the evil I have done. I acknowledge in your presence all the blessings You have granted me, and I confess to You my sins. So forgive me, for indeed none is able to forgive (a slave his) sins, except You]. [Al-Bukhari. Number 6306]

[اللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ رَبِّي – O Allah! You are my Lord].

The suppliant affirms Tawhid Ar-Rububiyyah which necessitates singling out Allah [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections] as the Creator- the only One with All-Encompassing Will [i.e. whatever Allah wills takes place and whatever He does not will cannot take place],  All-Encompassing Authority [and control over everything].

[لا إِلَهَ إِلا أَنْتَ خَلَقْتَنِي وَأَنَا عَبْدُكَ – There is no one who has the right to be worshipped except you. You created me and I am your slave].

The suppliant affirms Tawhid Al-Ilaahiyyah, which necessitates having love for Allah and worshipping Allah alone without any partner; acknowledges his servitude to Allah, which necessitates declaring his absolute poverty and need in the presence of Allah -in all [affairs, situations, circumstances, instances].

Then suppliant says: [وَأَنَا عَلَى عَهْدِكَ وَوَعْدِكَ  – And I am [upon obedience and agreement] to my covenant and promise (to You)].

This necessitates adherence to Allah’s Shariah, His  command and the religion He has ordained, the covenant which He has enjoined on His servants; affirmation and belief in Allah’s Promise, which is His recompense. So, this [part of the supplication conveys] adherence to Allah’s command, affirming and belief in Allah’s Promise which necessitates Iman and hoping for Allah’s Reward. [However], the servants knows that he cannot fulfil this affair in the manner it truly deserves, so he mentioned his limited ability and power alongside it, saying: [مَا اسْتَطَعْتُ  – as much as I am able]- Meaning: I adhere to it based on my limited ability and power. So, he testified to two affairs – [his limited] ability and power. Then he testified to his shortcomings, saying: [أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا صَنَعْتُ  – I seek refuge with You from the evil I have done].

Then he testified that all blessings come from Allah – Allah is its owner, the One worthy of [being its owner, Bestower etc] and the One who brought it into existence prior to its non-existence], saying:

[ أَبُوءُ لَكَ بِنِعْمَتِكَ عَلَيَّ وَأَبُوءُ لَكَ بِذَنْبِي– I acknowledge in your presence all the blessings You have granted me, and I confess to You my sins]- Meaning: You [O Allaah] are The One Who Deserves All Praise and  Thanks- the One Who Deserves be to exolted, all good comes from You and all blessings are from You. You are the Owner of all praise, all exoltation belongs to You and all bounty is Yours; and I am the sinner, the one who commits wrong, acknowledges and accepts his mistake, just as has been stated by one of the Aarifeen [i.e. those who truly know their Lord] that, “The one who truly knows his Lord follows the path [i.e. the upright religion] through acknowledging and bearing witness to Allaah’s blessings as well as being well aware of the faults of his soul and the faults in his deeds”. So, acknowledging and bearing witness to Allaah’s blessings [or favours] necessitates that one loves his Lord [Glorified be He],  praise and extol Him. And being well aware of the faults of one’s soul and deeds necessitates constant Istighfaar [i.e. seeking forgiveness], repentance, humility, obedience and submission.

Then after this is established in the heart of the suppliant and he seeks a means of approach to his Lord through these affairs [i.e. after affirming Allah’s Rububiyyah and Uluhiyyah; affirming his servitude to Allah, affirming that he has limited ability, acknowledges that all blessings belong to Allah, accepting his faults, sin etc], he then says: [فَاغْفِرْ لِي فَإِنَّهُ لَا يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا أَنْت  – So forgive me, for indeed none is able to forgive (a slave his) sins, except You] [2]

Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz, may Allah have mercy upon him, said regarding the Messenger’s statement: “I acknowledge in your presence all the blessings You have granted me, and I confess to you my sins”.  He [the Prophet] combined – in this statement – a testification to (Allah’s) blessings and a notification of the flaws in one’s self and actions. The Shaikh also said: The domain of servitude to Allah is based on two principles and they are its foundation: Complete and perfect love of Allah and complete humility in Allah’s Presence. The origin of these two principles emanates from two other principles and they are: Attesting to (Allah’s) blessings and this brings about love of Allah, and being aware of the flaws in one’s self and actions which brings about one’s complete humility [in Allaah’s presence].  If the slave establishes his path to Allah based on these two principles, his enemy [i.e. shaytaan] will not defeat him through them, except as a result of unawareness and inattentiveness, and how quickly Allaah makes him recover, notifies him and reaches out to him with His Mercy [i.e. when he falls into error or forgets]. [3]

The Three Main Conditions of Repentance, and a Fourth One Related To Rights Owed To the People

The Iman said: Know that Allah’s Mercy is extensive and His Kindness is tremendous, and that He is [الجواد – (The Munificent, Bountiful); الكريم (The Bountiful, The Generous One Abundant in Good)]. He is the Most Merciful of all those who show mercy and the best of all those who forgive [Glorified and Exalted be He]. And know that also to have (the audacity to commit acts of) disobedience is a great evil, a great corruption and a cause of (incurring) the anger of Allah; but when a servant repents to his Lord –a truthful repentance-Allah accepts his repentance. Indeed, the Prophet was asked many times about a man who (committed) a lot of such and such faults, (acts) of disobedience and various types of kufr, and then he repents; so Messenger said: “Repentance wipes away what was (committed) before it (i.e. sins)” and “Islam (i.e. when a person abandons kufr and becomes a Muslim) wipes away what was (committed) before it (i.e. sins)”. Therefore, you should know -with certainty- that by way of truthful sincere repentance, Allah wipes away sins and evil deeds, even kufr. And because of this Allah [Glorified be He] said:

[وَتُوبُوا إِلَى اللَّهِ جَمِيعًا أَيُّهَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ – And all of you beg Allah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful. [24:31] So He (Allaah) connected success to repentance.

Allah (Glorified be He) said: [يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا تُوبُوا إِلَى اللَّهِ تَوْبَةً نَّصُوحًا عَسَى رَبُّكُمْ أَن يُكَفِّرَ عَنكُمْ سَيِّئَاتِكُمْ وَيُدْخِلَكُمْ جَنَّاتٍ تَجْرِي مِن تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ – O you who believe! Turn to Allah 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]

Therefore, O brother! Truthful repentance is (incumbent) upon you- cling to it; be firm upon it and be sincere to Allah in that. And (receive) glad tidings that it wipes away your sins, even if they are like a mountain.

The conditions (to be fulfilled in order for repentance to be accepted are) three: [a] To be regretful and remorseful regarding the past (acts of disobedience you committed); [b] To renounce and abandon the sins – the big and small (of them); [c] To have a firm resolve (or determination) not to return to it (i.e. not to commit them again). If you owe the people their rights- wealth or (you committed offences related to blood-shed, murder or causing injury etc) or violating their honour, then their rights must be given back to them. This is a fourth affair related to a complete repentance. It is incumbent upon you to give the people the rights they are owed. If the affair is related to retribution, then retribution is established (i.e. by the state), unless they (i.e. the people) permit that you give blood money; if related to wealth, you give them back their wealth, unless they forgive; if related to their honour and you did backbite them, you should seek their forgiveness; but if seeking their forgiveness will lead to evil, then there is no hindrance in refraining from (informing them that you did backbite them and that you seek their forgiveness); rather you should supplicate for them and seek Allah’s forgiveness for them, and mention the good you know about them in the same place you did mention them with evil. This will be expiation for (that sin of backbiting). And it is incumbent upon you to proceed –without delay- towards repentance before death, and then exercise patience and be truthful. Allah (Glorified and Exalted Be He) said: [وَالَّذِينَ إِذَا فَعَلُواْ فَاحِشَةً أَوْ ظَلَمُواْ أَنْفُسَهُمْ ذَكَرُواْ اللّهَ فَاسْتَغْفَرُواْ لِذُنُوبِهِمْ وَمَن يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلاَّ اللّهُ وَلَمْ يُصِرُّواْ عَلَى مَا فَعَلُواْ وَهُمْ يَعْلَمُونَ – And those who, when they have committed Fahishah (illegal sexual intercourse etc.) or wronged themselves with evil, remember Allah and ask forgiveness for their sins; – and none can forgive sins but Allah – And do not persist in what (wrong) they have done, while they know. [3:135]

(So) understand the meaning of the (statement): وَلَمْ يُصِرُّواْ  – And do not persist in what (wrong)]- this means that they do not persist in sin, rather they repent, show regret and abandon the (sin) they committed; and they know [i.e. that persistence in sin is harmful, or that Allah forgives the one who repents.

Then Allah [Glorified be He] stated thereafter: [أُوْلَئِكَ جَزَآؤُهُم مَّغْفِرَةٌ مِّن رَّبِّهِمْ وَجَنَّاتٌ تَجْرِي مِن تَحْتِهَا الأَنْهَارُ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا وَنِعْمَ أَجْرُ الْعَامِلِينَ – For such, the reward is Forgiveness from their Lord, and Gardens with rivers flowing underneath (Paradise), wherein they shall abide forever. How excellent is this reward for the doers (who do righteous deeds according to Allah’s Orders). [3:136].  This is the reward for those who repent and do not persist in (sin)- for them the reward is paradise. [An Excerpt from this link: http://www.binbaz.org.sa/fatawa/4251 slightly paraphrased]

[1] Tafsir Al-Qurtubi 18/301-303

[2] An Excerpt from Tareeq al-Hijratayn pages 210-211

[3] An Excerpt from ‘Sharh Al-Wabil As-Sayyib page 8

Disease of the despots

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

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

Beware of the disease of the despots because pride [I], avarice, and envy were the first (sins through which) Allah was disobeyed. Raising yourself above your teacher is pride, [II] being arrogant towards the one who benefits you from amongst those who are below you is pride, [III] and falling short in acting upon knowledge is a sludge of pride and an indication of being deprived.

Imam Muhammad Bin Salih Al-Uthaymin, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

[I]The Prophet said, “Pride is to reject the truth and mock the people”. This refers to Shaytan’s behaviour when he was commanded to prostrate to Adam, but pride prevented him from doing so. He refused and was haughty.

[II] Raising oneself can either be by way of the tongue and it can also be by way of sentiments (feelings, attitude, etc). He (the student) may be walking with his teacher, while swaggering and saying, “I did this, and I did this”.

[III] Likewise, being arrogant towards the one who is below you in knowledge is pride. This also occurs with some of the students, and if someone below him in knowledge informs him of something, you find him arrogant and does not accept. We ask Allah for well-being because this type of pride is a lack of acting upon the knowledge one knows.

An Excerpt from ‘Sharh Hilyati Taalibil Ilm. 38-40. (1st Edition Rabi ul Awwal 1443AH)

Among the remarkable qualities that radiate from the strong believers

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Brotherhood, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Uncategorized.

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

They Pay Heed and Take Admonition

Allah [The Most High] said:

أَفَمَن يَعۡلَمُ أَنَّمَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيۡكَ مِن رَّبِّكَ ٱلۡحَقُّ كَمَنۡ هُوَ أَعۡمَىٰٓ‌ۚ إِنَّمَا يَتَذَكَّرُ أُوْلُواْ ٱلۡأَلۡبَـٰبِ

Shall he then who knows that what has been revealed unto you (O Muhammad) from your Lord is the truth be like him who is blind? But it is only the men of understanding that pay heed] –Meaning: Only the people with (sound) intellect will pay heed and take admonition.

They Fulfil Covenants

[ٱلَّذِينَ يُوفُونَ بِعَهۡدِ ٱللَّهِ وَلَا يَنقُضُونَ ٱلۡمِيثَـٰقَ –Those who fulfill the Covenant of Allah and break not the Mithaq (bond, treaty, covenant)]- Meaning: Those who fulfil that which they have been commanded.

They Maintain The Ties of Kinship, Fear Their Lord and The Hereafter

وَٱلَّذِينَ يَصِلُونَ مَآ أَمَرَ ٱللَّهُ بِهِۦۤ أَن يُوصَلَ وَيَخۡشَوۡنَ رَبَّہُمۡ وَيَخَافُونَ سُوٓءَ ٱلۡحِسَابِ  

Those who join that which Allah has commanded to be joined (i.e. they are good to their relatives and do not sever the bond of kinship), fear their Lord, and dread the terrible reckoning (i.e. abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which Allah has forbidden and perform all kinds of good deeds which Allah has ordained)].

They Exercise Patience, Establish The Salah, Spend  In The Path of Allah and Repel Evil With Good

 وَٱلَّذِينَ صَبَرُواْ ٱبۡتِغَآءَ وَجۡهِ رَبِّہِمۡ وَأَقَامُواْ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَأَنفَقُواْ مِمَّا رَزَقۡنَـٰهُمۡ سِرًّ۬ا وَعَلَانِيَةً۬ وَيَدۡرَءُونَ بِٱلۡحَسَنَةِ ٱلسَّيِّئَةَ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ لَهُمۡ عُقۡبَى ٱلدَّارِ 

“And those who remain patient, seeking their Lord’s Countenance, perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat), and spend out of that which We have bestowed on them, secretly and openly, and prevent evil with good, for such there is a good end”.

Meaning: They exercise patience whilst carrying out what they have been commanded and seeking the pleasure of Allah; they establish the five daily prayers and pay the Zakat, prevent evil deeds by performing righteous deeds, forgive others the wrong they have done to them, forbearing and prevent evil through repentance to Allah.

The Reward Kept For Them In The Hereafter

جَنَّـٰتُ عَدۡنٍ۬ يَدۡخُلُونَہَا وَمَن صَلَحَ مِنۡ ءَابَآٮِٕہِمۡ وَأَزۡوَٲجِهِمۡ وَذُرِّيَّـٰتِہِمۡ‌ۖ وَٱلۡمَلَـٰٓٮِٕكَةُ يَدۡخُلُونَ عَلَيۡہِم مِّن كُلِّ بَابٍ۬

Adn (Eden) Paradise (everlasting Gardens), which they shall enter and (also) those who acted righteously from among their fathers, and their wives, and their offspring. And angels shall enter unto them from every gate (saying)]: Salamun ‘Alaikum (peace be upon you) for that you persevered in patience! Excellent indeed is the final home!] [An Excerpt from Zad Al-Masir Fee Ilm at-Tafsir By Imam Ibn Al-Jawzi]

We ask Allah: [اللهم كما حَسَّنْت خَلْقِي فَحَسِّنْ خُلُقِي – O Allah! Just as You made my external form beautiful, make my character beautiful as well].

Reflections on some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali [69 of 80]

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

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

O my sons! I swear by Allah that indeed I am a sincere adviser to you. Indeed I love (good) for you and I am not pleased that anyone follows (the path that will lead) to the anger of Allah for a single moment. My brothers, I am not pleased that anyone commits an error. “None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself”. By Allah, I would love that all of you (adhere) to the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of the Messenger; the methodology of the Messenger, Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthmaan, Ali, Malik, Al- Awzaa’ee, Ath Thawree, The Hammaadayn [i.e. Hammaad Ibn Zayd and Hammaad Ibn Salamah], Ahmad, Ash-Shaafi’ee and the Imaams of Islam – upon a sound creed, methodology and Walaa Wal Baraa.

[Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm. page 26]

Satirizing the suffering of others – A brief dialogue with the Jerusalem Post.

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

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

Allah said: [وَإِذْ قَالَ مُوسَىٰ لِقَوْمِهِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَأْمُرُكُمْ أَن تَذْبَحُوا بَقَرَةً – And (remember) when Musa (Moses) said to his people: “Verily, Allah commands you that you slaughter a cow]. [قَالُوا أَتَتَّخِذُنَا هُزُوًا – They said: Do you make fun of us?]

[قَالَ أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ أَنْ أَكُونَ مِنَ الْجَاهِلِينَ – He said: I take Allah’s Refuge from being among Al-Jahilun (the ignorant ones or the foolish)].

This is because the ignorant individual is one who engages in speech devoid of benefit and mocks others. In contrast, the sensible person recognises that one of the greatest flaws, both in terms of religion and intellect, is to ridicule another human being. Even if they may be favoured (with something) over him (i,.e. the one being mocked), such favour should inspire gratitude towards the Creator and compassion towards fellow beings. Thus when Musa, peace and blessings of Allah be upon hi, said to them:

[أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ أَنْ أَكُونَ مِنَ الْجَاهِلِينَ – I take Allah’s Refuge from being among the ignorant ones and the foolish ], they knew that (what he commanded them) was truth, thus, 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!]. [Tafsir As-Sadi. Al-Baqarah 67-68]

Excerpts from Jerusalem Post

In the aforementioned article from the Jerusalem Post, it is articulated that certain anti-Zionists engage in mockery directed at Jews. Should the assertions made be verified and confirmed without resorting to exaggeration or sensationalism, and provided that the claims of antisemitism are grounded in fact rather than unfounded allegations, it follows that, once the evidence is laid bare and the statements of those accused are accurately represented, there can be no doubt that such derision must be unequivocally condemned. The perpetrators must be informed that their actions are intolerable, and any individual possessing a modicum of decency should unequivocally distance themselves from such behavior, irrespective of any perceived advantages associated with the agenda of the mockers. Nonetheless, it is imperative to ensure that they are indeed culpable of such reprehensible conduct.

Jerusalem Post also quoted the accused who said:

It is essential to remind the Jerusalem Post that it is truly disheartening to witness individuals who find a twisted pleasure in mocking others, especially considering the recent atrocities perpetrated by Zionists in Gaza. This behavior stems from a profound ignorance and a deep-seated insecurity. Those who partake in such malevolence exhibit a lack of maturity and an inability to resolve conflicts within the framework of divine principles. Over the past year, as the world has borne witness to the harrowing genocide in Gaza, certain pro-Zionist factions have callously mocked the immense suffering endured by the Palestinians, who were besieged and deprived of essential resources such as water, electricity, and adequate food supplies. As the brutality escalated, some of these individuals resorted to a particularly vile form of mockery on social media, utilizing a song from a 2005 comedy to trivialize the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. Disturbingly, some Zionist soldiers even appeared on camera, donning face paint and traditional Palestinian attire in a grotesque attempt to deride the Gazan populace. Others joined in this disgraceful display, sharing images of devastation with laughter, and some even involved their innocent children in this abhorrent act, dressing them in headscarves and encouraging them to dance mockingly. This behaviour is an inheritance from the disbelievers of old. Allah said:

زُيِّنَ لِلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ ٱلْحَيَوٰةُ ٱلدُّنْيَا وَيَسْخَرُونَ مِنَ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّقَوْا۟ فَوْقَهُمْ يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَٰمَةِ وَٱللَّهُ يَرْزُقُ مَن يَشَآءُ بِغَيْرِ حِسَابٍ

Beautified is the life of this world for those who disbelieve, and they mock at those who believe. But those who obey Allah’s Orders and keep away from what He has forbidden, will be above them on the Day of Resurrection. And Allah gives (of His Bounty, Blessings, Favours, Honours, etc. on the Day of Resurrection) to whom He wills without limit. [Al-Baqarah 121]

We emphasise once again that the anti-Zionist Jew mentioned by the Jerusalem Post is not to be considered guilty without clear evidence. If proven otherwise, an apology would be necessary. On the other hand, the actions of certain pro-Zionist groups on social media, which involve mocking the suffering of Palestinians, are undeniably evident. We have decided to refrain from including those videos in this post out of respect for the Palestinians who were being ridiculed. May Allah relieve their suffering and reward them immensely for their patience Amin. Finally, we strongly denounce anyone who inflicts harm on non-combatants, as clearly expressed by Prince Turki Al-Faisal, may Allah preserve him, in this video.

Reflection whenever Iblees emboldens the Bid’ee (Haqiqatjou)

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Bid'ah (Innovation), Contemporary Issues, Deviated Callers & Individuals, Featured, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Refutations, Uncategorized.

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

Reflection whenever Iblees emboldens the Bid’ee Haqiqatjou to utter falsehood against Ahlus Sunnah or mocks them, or praises misguidance and its proponents among the Rafidah and others

Allah, The Most High, says:

لَا تَحْسَبَنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يَفْرَحُونَ بِمَآ أَتَوا۟ وَّيُحِبُّونَ أَن يُحْمَدُوا۟ بِمَا لَمْ يَفْعَلُوا۟ فَلَا تَحْسَبَنَّهُم بِمَفَازَةٍ مِّنَ ٱلْعَذَابِ وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ

Think not that those who rejoice in what they have done (or brought about), and love to be praised for what they have not done,- think not you that they are rescued from the torment, and for them is a painful torment. [Al-Imran. 188]

Imaam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: They rejoice in what they have brought about of bidah and misguidance, and love to be praised for following the Sunnah and sincerity. [i.e. they want to be praised for what they do not deserve about adherence to the sunnah] [1]

The Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “Verily, Allah blocks the repentance of every adherent to bidah until he abandons his bidah”. [2]

Imam Al-Albani, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “This does not constitute a Shariah ruling (i.e. does not mean that the Shariah prevents the person from repentance as a rule), but the meaning of the hadith is that an individual following the path of Bidah and it is made fair-seeming to him that it is good, this one does not repent from it. This is the barrier that hinders and prevents the adherent of Bidah from seeking repentance. (i.e. to abandon the Bidah) In this subject matter here, the scholars said that Bidah in the religion is more perilous than sin, as I explained to you”. [3]

The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, “Whoever starts a good thing [i.e. something other than bidah and sin] and is followed by others, he will have his own reward and a reward equal to that of those who follow him, without it detracting from their reward in any way. Whoever starts a bad thing [i.e. a bidah, sin or something that opposes Islaam] and is followed by others, will bear the burden of his own sin and a burden equal to that of those who follow him, without it detracting from their burden in any way”. [4]

Imam As-Sadi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, “This subject matter makes clear to you the lofty station of calling to the path of Allah, guidance to His path through every means and path that leads to it; and the lowly status of the caller to evil and a leader in it, and that he is the most degraded human being”. [5]

The Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him,  said:

إن الله يبغض البليغ من الرجال الذي يتخلل بلسانه تخلل الباقرة بلسانها

Indeed, Allah hates the eloquent one among men who moves his tongue round [within his teeth], as cattle do. [5.1]

Al-Allaamah Abdul Muhsin Al-Abbad, may Allaah preserve him, said: The person intended in this hadith is the one who speaks eloquently, while using obscure or ambiguous language, immerses himself in speech and burdens himself. He burdens himself in speech and utters something blameworthy. However, if this (eloquence) is not done by way of burdening oneself in speech, such as the one whom Allah has granted eloquence and he utilises it in his speech to clarify the truth, then this is not blameworthy. Allah hates the person who speaks eloquently and utters that which is blameworthy due to deliberately utilising obscure, ambiguous and burdensome speech. This person is likened to a cow that moves its tongue round when eating. It is said that a cow is not like other animals because other animals use their teeth but a cow uses its tongue. This hadith forbids the likes of this action [i.e. eloquent, burdensome speech] and the one who does so is hated by Allah. [5.2]

Imam Ibn Asakir, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“know, my brother – may Allah ordain for us to be from those who fear Him based on perfect knowledge regarding His perfect Greatness and Sovereignty, and fear Him as He should be feared – that the flesh of the scholars – may Allah the Exalted have mercy on them – is poison, and Allah’s usual way of tearing open the screens of their detractors is well known because speaking ill of them for what they are innocent of is a great matter, and treating their honour with falsehood and slander is a dangerous breeding ground, and it is a reprehensible behaviour to fabricate things about those among them whom Allah choose to revive knowledge”. [6]

Al-Allamah Muqbil Bin Hadi Al-Wadi’i, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, “Among the hallmarks of the proponents of illegal partisanship is that they mock the (upright) scholars and refuse to sit in the gatherings of the scholars. This is what brings joy to the enemies of Islam, rather it is what brings joy to the devils, and Allah’s Aid is sought”. [7]

The Shaikh also said: Those who speak ill of the scholars, their call will cease and the call of the scholars will remain. Look – may Allah protect you – at the figureheads of the Mu’tazila, and they were extremely intelligent. When they spoke of ill Ahlus Sunnah, the call of the Mu’tazila ceased, the mention of Abu Al-Hudhayl ​​ceased, the mention of Ibrahim Al-Nadhaam ceased, the mention of Wasil Bin Ataa ceased, the mention of Ibrahim Bin Ashras ceased, the mention of Amr Bin Ubaid ceased, while the honourable mention of the scholars remained, Saeed Bin Al-Musayyab, Humayd Bin Abdur Rahman Bin Awf, Abu Salamah, and after them Abdullah Bin Al-Mubarak and Imam Malik. Their honourable mention remains until our time. We ask Allah to bestow mercy on Al-Bukhari and Muslim, on Sa’eed Bin Al-Musayyab, Ibn Al-Mubarak, Abu Salamah Bin Abdur-Rahman Bin Awf, Humayd Bin Abdur Rahman Bin Awf, and those similar to them among the Imams of guidance, such as Imam Ahmad, Abu Hatim, and Abu Zur’ah. We ask Allah to have mercy on them, whereas those others passed away and their books died. In this time, these people who attack the (upright) possessors of Shariah knowledge will die and their call will die, but the upright possessors of Shariah knowledge have died while their honourable mention is alive. The honourable mention of the people of knowledge remains and we ask Allah to have mercy on them, and we benefit from their knowledge, all praise be to Allah, and Allah will grant them an honourable mention in later generations. [8]

Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz, may Allah have mercy upon him, was asked: Some individuals consistently violate the honour (of others), particularly (the honour of) scholars, and they are keen to distance themselves from them and refuse to acknowledge or listen to them. Could this behaviour be considered a violation of Allah’s Shariah because when a person hates a scholar and does not learn, they die ignorant or turn away (from guidance). Allah says: [فَاسْأَلُوا أَهْلَ الذِّكْرِ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ – So, ask the people of knowledge if you do not know]. May Allah reward you; what is your advice?

Response: This has detailed clarification. The one who abuses the scholars of the Sunnah and cautions others against them is inclined towards being a hypocrite, possessor of a wicked heart and creed. It is imperative to be cautious of such an individual, to restrain them, and to notify people about him until he is halted and appropriately punished. This is because warning against people of knowledge and making others flee from them, thus they are not benefited from and Allah’s Shariah is not acquired from them, this can only stem from hypocrisy, disbelief in Allah, obstinacy towards the truth, and hatred towards Islam. As for the warning against evil scholars and the scholars of Bidah so that a student is not deceived by them, this person is to be thanked for his deed and striving after he acquired insight and certainty (regarding the affair)- based on clarity regarding what he says and the one warned against is well-known for bidah and corruption…[9]

Al-Allaamah Muqbil Bin Haadi Al-Waadi’ee (may Allah have mercy upon him) was asked: “What is the verdict of Shariah regarding one who mocks the scholars of the Sunnah, such as Ibn Baz, Ibn Uthaymeen, Shaikh Al-Albani, and others, claiming that they are callers to Fitna?”

Response: This is a plot of the enemies of Islam to separate the scholars from the common people. This plot has been embraced by the Sufis, the Shiites, and the advocates of illegal partisanship who harbour bias against scholars, along with the Sururis, who defame the scholars and accusing them that their call is that of Fitna. Therefore, it is said to them: O Miskeen! What have you done for Islam?! Where are your books? Where is your pursuit of knowledge? Where is your call to Islam? Perhaps you are in an evil state, the beard shaved as we have seen the Sufis in Hadhramaut. The beard is shaved, the creed is ruined, and you are upon extreme ignorance. However, what is important to know is that they are callers to ignorance and misguidance.

Allah said in His Noble Book:

يَرْفَعِ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مِنكُمْ وَالَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْعِلْمَ دَرَجَاتٍ‏

Allah will exalt in degree those of you who believe, and those who have been granted knowledge. And Allah is Well-Acquainted with what you do. [Al-Mujaadilah. 11]

Allah mentioned them (I.e. the upright scholars) specifically after mentioning the believers in general, saying:

إِنَّمَا يَخْشَى اللَّهَ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ الْعُلَمَاءُ

It is only those who have knowledge among His slaves that fear Allah. (Surah Fatir. Ayah 28)

Allah also said:

هَلْ يَسْتَوِي الَّذِينَ يَعْلَمُونَ وَالَّذِينَ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ إِنَّمَا يَتَذَكَّرُ أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ

Say: “Are those who know equal to those who know not?” It is only men of understanding who will remember (i.e. get a lesson from Allah’s Signs and Verses). (Surah Az-Zumar. Ayah 9)

This is proof that those who speak ill of the scholars do not possess sound intellect. [10]

Ibn Asakir, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: Al-Abdariy was the Shaikh with the most memorisation I have ever met and he was a jurist. It was reported that he entered Damascus during the lifetime of Abul-Qasim Bin Abee Al-Ala, and I heard him when Imam Malik was mentioned, he said “He is coarse and rough!” He stated when he came across a statement of Abu Ubaid, “He was nothing but an absent-minded donkey who did not know jurisprudence!” I was told about him that he said about Ibrahim Al-Nakha’ee: “He is one-eyed, evil!” So we gathered one day with Ibn As-Samarqandi to read the book Al-Kamil, and it was stated in it “As-Sadi said such and such” , so he said, “Ibn Adi is lying, rather this is a statement of Ibrahim Al-Jawzajani”. So, I said to him, “He is Al-Sadi. How much bad manners can we tolerate from you when you say such-and-such about Ibrahim, and say about Malik “Coarse” and speak about Abu Ubaid?!” He became angry and trembling, and said, “Ibn Al-Khatibah, Al-Bardani and others were afraid of me, so the matter came to you and you say this about me?!” So, Ibn As-Samarqandi said to him: “This is for that (behaviour of yours)”. I (Ibn Asaakir) said to him, “We’ll only honour you as long as you honour the Imams”. [11]

Imam Al-Awzaa’ee, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “O Muslims! Fear Allah, accept the advice of the sincere advisers and the admonition of the admonishers. know that this knowledge is religion, so beware of what you do, from whom you take your religion, the one you follow, and the one with whom your religion is safe because indeed all the proponents of religious innovation are falsifiers, liars, and sinners. They are not cautious – neither do they pay attention nor do they fear, and together with that they are not to be trusted that they would not distort what you hear. They say what they do not know with regards to what they disapprove of and when proclaiming their lies; but Allah (knows, hears, and sees) what they do. Therefore, be cautious of them, trust them not, reject them, and avoid them because this is what your earlier scholars did and commanded, and likewise the righteous ones who came thereafter. Be careful of opposing Allah and being the means to destroying the religion He has ordained – breaking its commands and prohibitions, nullifying and weakening it by respecting the innovators in religious affairs and those who initiate that which is not from the religion because you know what has been transmitted (i.e. the prohibitions) about respecting or exalting them. What can be greater respect and exaltation than acquiring your religion from them- following and believing them, drawing close to them, and assisting them in enticing the ones they entice and wooing to their views and the religion (i.e. religious innovations) they follow? This is sufficient to be regarded as associates of theirs in what they do”. [12]

Imam Abu Haatim Ar-Raazee, may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “A (clear) sign of Ahlul Bidah (the proponents of innovation in religious matters) is that they speak ill of Ahlul Athar (those who adhere to the authentic narrations of Prophet and his companions in creed, manners, and methodology)”. [13]

Malik Bin Deenaar, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, “It is enough evil for a man that he is not righteous yet he speaks ill of the righteous”. [14]

Imaam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

All praise is due to Allah, who in every age and interval between the Prophets, raises up a group from the people of knowledge, who call the misguided to guidance, patiently bear ill-treatment and harm. With the Book of Allaah they give life to the dead and with the Light of Allaah they give sight to the blind. How many a person killed by Iblees (the Devil) they have revived, how beautiful their effect has been upon the people, and how vile the people have been towards them! They remove from Allaah’s Book the alterations of those going beyond bounds, the false claims of the liars and the false interpretations of the ignoramus- those who uphold the banner of innovation and let loose the trials and discords, who oppose the Book and agree upon opposing the Book. They speak about Allaah and his Book without knowledge, argue about what is ambiguous in the Book and deceive the ignorant ones with such ambiguities. We seek refuge in Allaah from the trials of the misguided ones. [15]

We say to Haqiqatjou and his ilk when they belittle Imam Muhammad Ibn Abdil Wahhab or any scholar of Ahlus Sunnah:

يُخاطِبُني السَفيهُ بِكُلِّ قُبحٍ
فَأَكرَهُ أَن أَكونَ لَهُ مُجيبا
يَزيدُ سَفاهَةً فَأَزيدُ حِلماً
كَعودٍ زادَهُ الإِحراقُ طيبا

The fool addresses me with every repugnant (expression etc), but I hate to be a respondent, so he increases in foolishness and I increase in forbearance, just as Oud increases in good smell when burnt.

[1] Madaarij as-Saalikeen 1/84

[2] Silsilah As-Saheehah 1620

[3]https://www.alathar.net/home/esound/index.php?op=codevi&coid=156231

[4] Reported by al-Tirmidhi, no. 2675]

[5] An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi. Daar Ibn Hazm. 1st Edition 1424AH (2003). Tafseer Surah Yasin. Ayah 12

[5.1] Sahih Abi Dawud 5005

[5.2] Explanation of Sunan Abu Dawud. Audio number 569.

[6] Tabyeen Ka’dhib Al-Muftari. pages 27-29

[7] Gharah Al-Ash’ritah 1/355

[8] A paraphrased excerpt from this link: https://youtu.be/0aC2EK69G5E?si=7cxsexkUgXk2v3Xn

[9]https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/20908/%D8%AD%D9%83%D9%85-%D9%85%D9%86-%D9%8A%D9%82%D8%B9-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%B6-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%B3%D9%84%D9%85%D9%8A%D9%86-%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%A1#:~:text=%D9%81%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B0%D9%8A%20%D9%8A%D8%AA%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%B6%20%D9%84%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%A1%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B3%D9%86%D8%A9%20%D9%88%D9%8A%D9%8F%D8%AD%D8%B0%D9%90%D9%91%D8%B1,%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D9%81%D8%A7%D9%82%20%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%83%D9%81%D8%B1%20%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%84%D9%87%D8%8C%20%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%AF%20%D9%84%D9%84%D8%AD%D9%82%D8%8C

[10] من شريط : ( أسئلة شباب القاهرة بعدن ) – From the audio tape: (Questions of the youth of Cairo in Aden)

[11] Taareekh Dimashq 53/60

[12] Taareekh Dimashq 6/361

[13] Aqeedah As-Salaf 105

[14] Shu’ab Al-Iman 9/121]

[15] Ar-Radd Alal Jahmiyyah Waz-Zanaadiqah. p. 2

What must I give someone I genuinely love?

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

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

A Conversation Between Imam Al-Albani, may Allah have mercy upon him, and others

The Arabic text of this article was shared by our close companion and friend, Ustadh Abu Tasneem (Mushaf Al-Banghali), who suggested that I share it in the English language. May Allah bless him and his family Ameen.

لشيخ : ما هو ثمن الحب في الله؟ ما تقول؟ ارفع اصبعك بس هالي عندو جواب يعطينا هذا الجواب على هذا السؤال، تفضل
السائل : يقول عليه الصلاة والسلام ( سبعة يظلهم الله في ظله يوم لا ظل إلا ظله رجلان تحابا في الله اجتمعا على ذلك و … )
الشيخ : إيه هذا جواب، كلام صحيح في نفسه ولكن ليس جوابا للسؤال
السائل : هذا جزاء
الشيخ : أيوه، هذا تعريف للحب في الله تقريبا وليس تعريف كامل، أنا سؤالي ما هو الثمن الذي ينبغي أن يدفعه المتحابان في الله أحدهما للآخر ولا أعني الأجر الأخروي وبعبارة أخرى أنه هذا السؤال حاديث وطارئ بيجوز يكون يعني سؤالي قاصر فقد … أعدد أعدد حتى أشوف حالي أنا أحسنت السؤال، أريد أنا من السؤال أن أقول ما هو الدليل العملي على الحب في الله بين اثنين متحابّين فقد يكون رجلان متحابين لكن تحاببهم شكلي ما هو حقيقي فما الدليل على الحب الحقيقي
سائل آخر : أن أحب إليك ما أحبه لنفسي
الشيخ : هذا صفة الحب أو بعض صفات الحب
السائل : الخلاصة
الشيخ : تفضل
السائل : قال الله تعالى (( إن كنتم تحبون الله فاتبعوني يحببكم الله ))
الشيخ : هذا جواب لسؤال آخر، جواب صحيح لسؤال آخر، تفضل
سائل أخر : الجواب قد يكون الحديث الصحيح
الشيخ : ابعد عن القدقدة لأنه ما بيكون جواب
السائل : الحديث الصحيح ( ثلاث من كن فيه وجد حلاوة الإيمان )
الشيخ : وجد
السائل : نعم، من ضمنه الذي يتحابّا في الله
الشيخ : أحب الرجل فلا يحبه إلا في الله، هذا ليس جوابا، هذا أثر المحبة في الله، ما هو؟ حلاوة يجدها في قلبه وليس كان السؤال ما أثر الحب في الله، تفضل
سائل أخر : كأنك تريد قوله تعالى
الشيخ : ما لك وما أريد، جاوب على السؤال
السائل : (( والعصر إن الإنسان لفي خسر إلا الذين آمنوا وعملوا الصالحات وتواصوا بالحق وتواصوا بالصبر ))
الشيخ : هذا هو الجواب أحسنت، هذا هو الجواب، شرح هذا إذا كنت أنا أحبك في الله فعلا تابعتك بالنصيحة كذلك أنت تقابلني بالمثل ولذلك فهذه المتاعبة بالنصيحة قليلة جدا بين المدعين الحب في الله عز وجل، الحب هذا قد يكون فيه شيء من الإخلاص ولكن ما هو كامل وذلك لأن كل واحد منا بيراعي الثاني، إيه بنخاف ليزعل، بنخاف ليشرد، إيه خليه معنا يعيش معنا … بـ بـ إلخ.
مو هذا هو، الحب في الله ثمنه أن يخلص كل واحد منا للآخر وذلك بمناصحته، يأمره بالمعروف وينهاه عن المنكر دائما وأبدا فهو له في نصحه أتبع له من ظله والصورة التي ذكرها الأخ في الواقع هو من أحسن … يمكن أن يكون عن ذلك السؤال ولذلك صحّ أنه كان من أدب الصّحابة حينما يتفرقان أن يقرأ أحدهما على الآخر
والعصر إن الإنسان لفي خسر إلا الذين أمنوا وعملوا الصالحات وتواصوا بالحق وتواصوا بالصبر

The Shaikh: What is the worth (value) of love for the sake of Allah? What do you say (i.e. your opinion)? Please raise your finger if you have an answer to this question; go ahead.

The questioner: The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Allah will shade seven individuals on the Day when there is no shade except His shade: two men who love each other for the sake of Allah and come together for that purpose, and…” (a)

The Shaikh: This answer is a correct statement in its essence, but it is not the (intended) answer to the question.

The questioner: This is a (good) recompense.

The Shaikh: This is a closer definition of love for the sake of Allah, but it is not a complete definition. My question is about the value that two individuals who love each other for Allah’s sake must give (bestow) to one another. I do not mean the rewards in the Hereafter. I would like to know what practical evidence exists to demonstrate love for the sake of Allah between two individuals. It is possible for two men to love each other, but it is superficial and not real. What is the proof of love (for the sake of Allah) in reality?

Another questioner: To wish for you what I wish for myself.

The Shaikh: This is a characteristic of love or some characteristics of love.

The questioner: The summary.

The Shaikh: Please proceed.

The questioner: Allah, The Exalted, says: [إن كنتم تحبون الله فاتبعوني يحببكم الله – Say (Muhammad the people)! If you truly love Allah, then follow me, Allah will love you]. (b)

The Shaikh: This is an answer to a different question. It is a correct answer to another question; please proceed.

Another questioner: The answer may be an authentic hadith.

The Shaikh: Distance from (avoid) Qadqadah (speech built on may be, may not), as it may not yield any (meaningful) answers.

The questioner: The authentic hadith: “There are three qualities for which anyone who is characterised by them will find the sweetness of faith…” (c)

The Shaikh: (Will) find (the sweetness of faith)…

The questioner: Yes, a condition (or something that must be present) for those who love one another for the sake of Allah.

The Shaikh: “To love a man only for the sake of Allah”, this is not the (real) answer. This (hadith) is a sign (or an effect) of love for the sake of Allah. What is this sign (or effect)? It is a sweetness experienced in his heart. The question was not about the effects of love for the sake of Allah. Please continue.

Another questioner: It seems you are referring to (or you intend) the statement of Allah…

The Shaikh: What do you have and what do I want? Answer the question.

The questioner:

والعصر إن الإنسان لفي خسر إلا الذين آمنوا وعملوا الصالحات وتواصوا بالحق وتواصوا بالصبر

By (the phenomenon of) time (which Allah manifests through His creation of night and day and in which the servants perform their deeds). Indeed, (all of) mankind is in loss. Except those who believe (in Allāh, His Angels, Books, Prophets, the Last Day and the Divine Decree) and work righteous deeds (which are sincere and correct) and mutually advise each other (in calling to and abiding by) the truth and mutually advise each other with patience (in facing the inevitable harms brought by calling to the truth). (d)

The Shaikh: This is the answer, well done. This is the answer. The explanation of this is that if I (truly) love you for the sake of Allah, I will offer you sincere advice, and you should reciprocate in kind. For this reason, this mutual advice is quite rare among those who claim to love one another for the sake of Allah, The Mighty and Majestic. While this love may contain some degree of sincerity, it is not complete, as each of us tends to consider the feelings of the other (i.e. at the expense of sincere advice). We fear annoying (one another), making (one another) startled (creating distance). Let him live with us (i.e. we prefer to keep each other at the expense of sincere advice).

The price (or value) of love for the sake of Allah is to be sincere to one another through sincere advice, enjoining good, and forbidding evil- always and forever. The bond formed through such advice is more profound than mere companionship. The example provided by the brother is indeed commendable and relevant to the inquiry at hand. It has been established with authenticity from the etiquettes of the Prophet’s companions that when (they met and before) departing, one of them would recite to the other:

والعصر إن الإنسان لفي خسر إلا الذين أمنوا وعملوا الصالحات وتواصوا بالحق وتواصوا بالصبر

By (the phenomenon of) time (which Allah manifests through His creation of night and day and in which the servants perform their deeds). Indeed, (all of) mankind is in loss. Except those who believe (in Allāh, His Angels, Books, Prophets, the Last Day and the Divine Decree) and work righteous deeds (which are sincere and correct) and mutually advise each other (in calling to and abiding by) the truth and mutually advise each other with patience (in facing the inevitable harms brought by calling to the truth). [Paraphrased excerpt. Your feedback welcome to improve this paraphrase] https://alathar.net/home/esound/index.php?op=codevi&coid=158162

[a] Abu Huraira reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “There are seven whom Allah will shade on a day when there is no shade but His. They are a just ruler, a youth who grew up in the worship of Allah, one whose heart is attached to the mosques, two who love each other, meet each other, and depart from each other for the sake of Allah, a man who a beautiful woman of high status tempts but he rejects her, saying, ‘I fear Allah,’ and one who spends in charity and hides it such that his right-hand does not know what his left hand has given, and one who remembered Allah in private and he wept.” [Al-Bukhari 660 and Muslim 1031]

[b] Surah Aal Imran. Ayah 31

[c] “There are three qualities for which anyone who is characterised by them will find the sweetness of faith: he to whom Allah and His Messenger are dearer than all else; he who loves a man for Allah’s sake alone; and he who has as great an abhorrence of returning to unbelief after Allah has rescued him from it as he has of being cast into Hell”. [Sahih Muslim 43]

[d] https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/sura/103/1
https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2023/12/15/the-pinnacle-of-human-perfection-is-attained-through-four-qualities/

Sharing a principle with well wishers who innocently share “Jumu’ah Mubarak”

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Basics, Bid'ah (Innovation), Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Innovations In Islam (Bidah), Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Uncategorized, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

A Principle to Share With Well Wishes Who Innocently Share Unauthentic Supplications or Congratulate With “Jumu’ah Mubarak”

Acts of Worship Must Fulfil Two Conditions

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

Al-Allamah Abdul Muhsin Al-Abbad, may Allah preserve him, said: “The initial ruling regarding acts of worship is that neither are they permissible nor legislated, except when there is proof to show that they are legislated by Allah and His Messenger; otherwise they are included in the statement of Allah: [أَمۡ لَهُمۡ شُرَڪَـٰٓؤُاْ شَرَعُواْ لَهُم مِّنَ ٱلدِّينِ مَا لَمۡ يَأۡذَنۢ بِهِ ٱللَّهُ‌ۚ – Or have they partners with Allah (false gods), who have instituted for them a religion which Allah has not allowed?!]” 

Two conditions must be fulfilled for an act of worship to be accepted; the first of the two conditions is that the act of worship must be done sincerely for Allah, and secondly the act of worship must be in agreement with the Sunnah of the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. The act of worship has to be done sincerely for the sake of Allah (alone) and no one is to be associated as a partner with Allah in worship. The act of worship must be done in conformity with what the Messenger conveyed (the Qur’an and the Sunnah). This is what the Shahadah (لا إله إلا الله محمدا رسول الله) necessitates. (لا إله إلا الله) necessitates that acts of worship must be carried out sincerely for the sake of Allah alone; and (محمدا رسول الله) necessitates that acts of worship must be carried out in conformity with what was revealed to the noble Messenger. Therefore, Allah is not to be worshipped with bidah, newly invented matters in Religion, and evil acts, for which Allah [The Most High] has sent down no authority; rather acts of worship must conform with the Sunnah of the noble Messenger. If any of these two conditions or both of them are not fulfilled, the act of worship will be rejected by Allah [The Mighty and Majestic] says: [وَقَدِمۡنَآ إِلَىٰ مَا عَمِلُواْ مِنۡ عَمَلٍ۬ فَجَعَلۡنَـٰهُ هَبَآءً۬ مَّنثُورً – And We shall turn to whatever deeds they disbelievers, polytheists] did, and We shall make such deeds as scattered floating particles of dust] [Soorah Al-Furqaan. Ayah 23]

The noble Messenger said: [مَنْ أَحْدَثَ فِي أَمْرِنَا هَذَا مَا لَيْسَ مِنْهُ فَهُوَ رَدٌ- He who innovates something in this matter of ours [i.e., Islam] that is not of it will have it rejected [by Allah].”[Sahih Al-Bukhari. Number 2697] [Sahih Muslim. Number 1718] 

And in another wording of this hadeeth in Saheeh Muslim the Prophet said: [مَنْ عَمِلَ عَمَلًا لَيْسَ عَلَيْهِ أَمْرُنَا فَهُوَ رَد – He who does an act (of worship) which we have not commanded (i.e. not commanded by the Prophet), will have it rejected].


The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

فَإِنَّهُ مَنْ يَعِشْ مِنْكُمْ فَسَيَرَى اخْتِلَافًا كَثِيرًا، فَعَلَيْكُمْ بِسُنَّتِي وَسُنَّةِ الْخُلَفَاءِ الرَّاشِدِينَ الْمَهْدِيينَ، عَضُّوا عَلَيْهَا بِالنَّوَاجِذِ، وَإِيَّاكُمْ وَمُحْدَثَاتِ الْأُمُورِ؛ فَإِنَّ كُلَّ بِدْعَةٍ ضَلَالَةٌ

Verily he lives long among you will see a lot of differing, so you must keep to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the Khulafa Ar-Rashidun [the rightly guided caliphs]. Adhere to it with your molar teeth (i.e. adhere to it firmly). And beware of newly invented matters [in the religion], for every newly invented matter [in the religion] is a bidah [innovation in the religion], and every bidah is misguidance. [Abu Dawood. Number 4607] [Tirmidhee. Number 2676] [1]

The Danger of Bidah (Innovating beliefs and acts of worship) in Islam 

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

The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him, said: [وشر الأمور محدثاتها – The worst of all affairs are the newly invented matters in the religion]. The Prophet said this when there was no Mubtadi (innovator in the religion) present. He warned against it because Allah informed him that many from this Ummah will be misguided, split (into deviant sects) and follow the (misguided) paths of those who came before them (the misguided Jews and Christians). Allah informed the Prophet and he conveyed these realities to the Ummah. Thus due to the Prophet’s enmity against innovation in religious matters, his hatred for it and due to fearing for his Ummah regarding it, he warned them against it in every or most of his khutbahs. He described it as the worst of all affairs (in the religion) وشر الأمور محدثاتها -The worst of all affairs are the newly invented matters (in the religion). [2]

Supplication is a great act of devotion to Allah and a lofty act of worship (performed) by a Muslim within the confines of the noble Messenger’s guidance and adherence to his Sunnah. This is because the best and perfect guidance is the guidance of Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him. Indeed, the Prophet used to say – on every Jumu’ah- whilst addressing the people, “To proceed; indeed the most truthful speech is the Book of Allah and the best of guidance is the guidance of Muhammad . The worst of all affairs are the newly invented matters (in the religion), for every newly invented matter (in the religion) is Bidah, every Bidah is misguidance and every (act of misguidance will lead to the) fire”. Therefore, it is obligated to a Muslim that he is very careful of the newly invented matters in the religion, and that he adheres to the guidance of the leader of the Prophets and Messengers  (Muhammad – peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him).

The guidance of the Messenger in matters related to supplications is a perfect guidance and there’s no deficiency in them. The Prophet did not leave any good and benefit related to supplications; rather he (clarified and explained) the affair perfectly and fulfilled its obligation, just as he did in all aspects of the religion. He did not die until Allah revealed: [ٱلۡيَوۡمَ أَكۡمَلۡتُ لَكُمۡ دِينَكُمۡ وَأَتۡمَمۡتُ عَلَيۡكُمۡ نِعۡمَتِى وَرَضِيتُ لَكُمُ ٱلۡإِسۡلَـٰمَ دِينً۬ا‌ۚ – This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion]. [Al-Ma’idah. 3]

Whoever contemplates the guidance of the Prophet in matters related to supplications will find that they are perfect guidance- sufficient and perfect, and there is no deficiency in it. He clarified and made known – to the Ummah- supplications that are to be performed at specific times, specific places and in specific circumstances. He made very clear the distinction between those supplications that can be performed – in general – without any restriction to a specific time, place or situation, and those that are restricted to specific times, places and situations.

The established and authentic supplications of the Prophet deals with all the circumstances of the people – in times of happiness, sorrow, physical wellbeing, illness, bliss, calamity, when one is traveling or not traveling, and other than that. He guided his Ummah – in this affair- to all good and to that which they should say in all circumstances. He did not abandon any supplication that would get a person close to Allah – that which will lead a person to happiness in this life and the next; rather, he clarified and made it known to his Ummah – completely and perfectly. How can this not be the case when it is the fact that he said, “Allah did not send a Prophet except that it was obligated to him to guide his followers to what he knew was good for them and warn them against what he knew was bad for them”.

Indeed, it is amazing that some of the common people abandon the authentic supplications that are gathered in many of the books – the well-known authentic books – and then accept the supplications that are newly invented, innovated (in the religion) and  initiated by some of the Mutakallifeen (i.e. those figureheads who pretend and fabricate things) and written by some of the Mutakharriseen (i.e. those figureheads who lie, engage in falsehood through which they seek to obliterate the truth and speak about Allah without knowledge). They do not rely on the Qur’an and the Sunnah, and do not  give consideration to the guidance of the best person in this Ummah (Muhammad). Thus, they preoccupy the people with this, turn them away from the Sunan (authentic practices of the Prophet) and plunge them into Bidah. Regarding this affair, some of the pious predecessors said, “A people do not innovate a newly invented matter in their religion, except that Allah removes something similar to it from their Sunnah, and then it does not return to them until the day of judgment”.

How can it be permissible for a  Muslim who knows the virtue of the Messenger, his status and sincere advice to the Ummah, but then he abandons the Messenger’s guidance and his great and blessed supplications, and then accepts the supplications and the books of these Mutakharriseen and Mutakallifeen. Allāh, The Most High, says:

[ادْعُوا رَبَّكُمْ تَضَرُّعًا وَخُفْيَةً ۚ إِنَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ الْمُعْتَدِينَ – Invoke your Lord with humility and in secret. He likes not the aggressors]. [Al-A’raf 55]

Regarding the statement of Allah: [إِنَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ الْمُعْتَدِينَ – He likes not the aggressors], Imam Al-Qurtubi, may Allāh have mercy upon him, – in his Tafsir – mentioned a number of different types of aggression in this subject matter, and one of them is when one supplicates through that which is not found in the Qur’an and the Sunnah – words that are deficient and are in the form of rhymes, and found in pamphlets, which neither have any origin (in the Qur’an and authentic Sunnah) nor based (on the Qur’an and Sunnah). Then he (i.e. the initiator or innovator of these supplications) adopts them as his slogan and abandons that which the Messenger used as supplications. 

The most dangerous this affair can be is that some of these supplications are mixed with wordings that are tantamount to disbelief and polytheism. Indeed, what is obligated to every Muslim is that he is extremely careful of the likes of these supplications that have been invented by some of the misguided Shaikhs and the leaders of misguidance, thus they hinder people – by way of them – from the guidance of the Prophet and turn them away from his Sunnah. So, they go astray and deviate many people, and deviate from the right path. Indeed, the smart Muslim should pose a question in this affair regarding that which led these people to innovate these supplications and fabricated these acts which they devote themselves to permanently, despite the fact that they contain misguidance and falsehood. One will not find an answer, except that what these people want is to eat the wealth of the people unlawfully, increase their followers and devotees. Mu’aadh Bin Jabal, may Allāh be pleased with him,  said: “In the times after you, there would be trials in which wealth would be abundant and the Qur’an would be easy so much so that every believer, hypocrite, man, woman, young, grown up, slave and free man will learn it. Then a man might say, ‘What happened to the people that they do not follow me while I read the Quran? They are not going to follow me until I innovate for them other than it’. So, beware of that which is innovated (in religion), for whatever is innovated is misguidance’’’.  [Abu Dawud. 4611]

Therefore, it is obligated to a Muslim to be extremely cautious of these people, adhere to the Sunnah and follow the path of its followers, for in that there is safety and success. [3]

Jumu’ah Mubarak On a Friday

Al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzan, may Allāh preserve him, was asked: What is the ruling on the statement of a Muslim to another Muslim “Jumu’ah Mubarak through text messages or in forums every Friday? 

The Shaikh responded: This practice has no basis (in the Qur’an and the Sunnah) and is considered an innovation in the religion. It is not permissible to offer congratulations on Friday, as there is no evidence supporting this practice, nor is it part of the actions of the Salaf (i.e. pious predecessors -the Sahabah and their well known followers). It is an innovation in religion, and those who engage in such practices are currently utilising mobile phones and the internet to promote innovations – in religion -in this manner.

 

[1] An Excerpt from أثر العبادات في حياة المسلم pages 3-31
[1] Adh-Dhari’ah ilaa Bayan Maqasid Kitab ash-Shariah 1/219
[2] An Excerpt from Fiqh Al-Ad’iyah Wal Adkaar. 3/363-366

Emotional Challenges

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

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

Some emotional challenges mentioned by Al-Allamah Abdur Rahman Bin Yahyah Al-Mu’allimee that may have prevented al-Kawtharee from embracing the truth

To oppose desires – by way of action – for the sake of the truth is a manifest thing due to the obligation and difficulty it involves, and this can be viewed from different angles as follows:

A person sees that by acknowledging the truth, it would necessitate that he has acknowledged that he was upon falsehood. (This is) because a person is nurtured upon a religion, creed, school of thought or views, which he acquired from his nurturer and teacher, considers it to be the truth and followed it for a long time. Then when it becomes clear to him that (the religion, creed, view, or school of thought) is false, it becomes difficult for him to acknowledge, just like when his forefathers, ancestors or the one he follows are upon  a path and its falsity is clarified for him, for he sees that their deficiencies necessitate his own deficiencies, and an acknowledgement of their misguidance or errors necessitates his own.

It may be that clinging to falsehood gives him prestige, fame and a livelihood, thus, it becomes difficult for him to acknowledge this falsehood and thus all those benefits (i.e. the fame, prestige, livelihood etc) would disappear.

It may be that a person is upon ignorance or falsehood, then another person comes along and clarifies the proofs for him, thus, he sees that by acknowledging such proofs, it would necessitate that he is lacking (in understanding) and that it was that person who guided him. Due to this, we find that it is not difficult for some of those attributed to knowledge to acknowledge their mistakes when it becomes manifests to them in their researches and studies, but it becomes difficult for them if it was others who clarified such mistakes.

When another person clarifies the truth for him, he sees that by acknowledging such truth it would necessitate an acknowledgement of the clarifier’s virtue, knowledge and correctness due to that clarification, thus, that becomes great in the eyes of the people and many people follow him [i.e. the person who clarified the truth]. So you will find some of those attributed to knowledge being eager to prove the mistakes of other scholars even if that is done by way of falsehood due to envy and seeking to diminish their status amongst the people.

An excerpt from ‘At-Tankil Bima Fee Tanid Al-Kawthariy Minal Batil’ 2/180-181 with the checking of Imam Albaanee, may Allah have mercy upon him.

Utbah Bin Ghazwan

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in History of Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Sahaabah, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors), Uncategorized, Zuhd (Abstinence).

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

Umayr  al-Adawi, may Allah have mercy upon him, reported:

Utba Bin Ghazwan, may Allah be pleased with him delivered us a sermon, praised Allah and exalted Him, and then said: To proceed: Verily the world has been given the news of its end, and that too quite early. Nothing would be left out of it but only water left in the utensil which its owner leaves. You are going to shift to an abode which knows no end, and you should shift with the good before you, for we have been told that a stone would be thrown at one side of the Hell and it would go down even for seventy years but would not be able to reach its bottom. By Allah, it would be fully packed. Do you find it something strange? It has been mentioned that there yawns a distance which one would be able to cover in forty years from one end to another of Paradise, and a day would come when it would be fully packed and you must be knowing that I was the seventh amongst seven who had been with Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and we had nothing to eat but the leaves of the tree until the corners of the mouth were injured. We found a sheet which we tore in two and divided between myself and Sa’d Bin Malik, may Allah be pleased with him. I made the lower garment with half of it and so did Sa’d make the lower garment with half of it and today there is none amongst us who has not become the governor of a city from amongst the cities (of the Islamic State). I seek refuge with Allah that I should consider myself great whereas I am insignificant in the Sight of Allah. Prophethood does not remain for ever and its impact fades with the result that it changes eventually into kingship, and you would soon come to know and experience those rulers who would come after us and see. [Sahih Muslim 2967]

https://abukhadeejah.com/the-tyranny-of-the-rulers-a-reason-for-rebellion/

Believer’s Bahaviour Towards Muslim Rulers – [Supplicates For Them….]