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Beneficial Advice by Shaykh Ahmad Az-Zahrānī, may Allah preserve him

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Seeking Knowledge, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

Beneficial Advice By Shaikh Ahmad az-Zahrani – in person – may Allah preserve him, during the recent Umrah trip with Ustadh Abdul Hakim Mitchell and some brothers from Manchester, may Allah preserve them all. Amin

All praise is due to Allāh, the Lord of all Creation. May the peace and blessings of Allāh be upon our Noble Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, His Family, His Companions and all those who follow him correctly until the establishment of the Hour.

Alhamdulillāh, during the course of our ʿUmrah trip, Allah allowed us to visit Shaykh Ahmad Zahrani حفظه الله on Sunday 7th September — after Maghrib — at his masjid, Jāmiʿ Bin ʿUbayd in Makkah.

Shaykh Ahmad حفظه الله تعالى began with praise of Allah سبحانه وتعالى and sending salutations upon the Prophet ﷺ. He then gave specific advice for those in the West as well as general advice to the brothers present. The following is a paraphrased transcription of the advice of the Shaykh, may Allah preserve him:

On Hijrah

“My advice, first for myself and then for you, is that we must hold firmly to the Book of Allah and the authentic Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, upon the understanding of the Salaf as-Salih in every aspect of our lives.

It is a duty upon you to strive to leave the lands of disbelief and migrate to the lands of the Muslims. Remaining in the West brings with it numerous harms: to your religion, your worldly life, your family affairs, your social standing, your finances, and even your mental wellbeing.

The Prophet ﷺ warned against residing in the lands of the disbelievers, except in cases of genuine necessity. And necessity is defined according to its precise limits, not according to our own desires. Do not let Shaytān deceive you into thinking you are in a state of necessity when you are not.

So, beware of Shaytān’s whispers and tricks in this matter, and exhaust every possible means to make Hijrah. Look at those who have already migrated to the Muslim lands: their condition, in truth, is far better than those who stayed behind.

Even if you think they are worse off materially, often their financial situation is in fact no less than yours — and the blessing they have is far greater: the ability to establish the rituals of Islam openly and with ease.

Do not be deceived by the wealth, opportunities and glitter of Europe or elsewhere. Do not say: “I am comfortable here while those who migrated are struggling.” You do not know — perhaps their condition is better than yours in every sense, including financially.

What is certain is that the religious comfort and social ease of being among Muslims, practising your deen without obstruction, is worth far more than wealth or status in the West.

Matters such as trade, study, or official positions of necessity (like an ambassador or minister) can fall under the category of necessities that permit prohibitions. But if it is not a genuine necessity, the ruling does not change. This is the summary of my advice, and Allah knows best.

General Advice

1. First Advice

It is upon us to adhere firmly to the Book of Allah and the authentic Sunnah of the Messenger ﷺ, upon the way of the Salaf in both speech and action.

2. Second Advice

Commit yourselves to seeking knowledge of the Shariah — knowledge of the Qur’an and Sunnah. Take knowledge from the senior scholars who are firmly grounded in this path.

Read the books that provide you with a strong basis and a clear foundation in Islamic knowledge. Begin with the smaller, more essential treatises before moving on to the larger works.

Knowledge must be taken step by step. Among the important works of this time are:

  • The Four Principles
  • The Three Fundamental Principles
  • The Six Fundamental Principles
  • Removal of the Doubts
  • The Ten Nullifiers of Islam
  • The Book of Tawheed

All of these are from the writings of Shaykh al-Islam Muhammad ibn ʿAbdul-Wahhab رحمه الله.

Most of these works have already been translated into English by Maktabah Salafiyyah, so they are accessible. Read them, and consult your mashāyikh at Maktabah Salafiyyah about which books are most appropriate for your level of knowledge.

The Prophet ﷺ said: “The blessing is with your elders.”

These mashāyikh with you are from your elders, inshā’Allāh. With them is goodness. They are students of the senior scholars, known to the senior scholars, praised by them, and their fruits are apparent — all praise belongs to Allah. So ask them what is suitable for your level.

For example, if someone is a university-level student, like Ustādh Abdul Hakeem, it would not be suitable to give him a beginner’s book. He should move to a more advanced text. On the other hand, a beginner should not be given Kitab at-Tawheed straight away. Rather, he should start with something smaller — such as The Four Principles — to establish the foundation of his creed.

Knowledge is taken step by step, level by level. Who determines what suits each person? It is your mashāyikh who are with you.

3. Third Advice

Adorn yourselves with noble character and virtuous manners. This is part of cultivating our own souls and being examples for others — our brothers, our children, our families, and the wider community. Do this sincerely for the sake of Allah, not to seek praise, recognition or reputation.

4. Fourth Advice

Stay away from trials and tribulations. Stay away from them in every form of communication. Instead, busy yourselves with that which truly matters in your day and in your night.

And if something happens to you from the affairs of trials or difficulties, then ask your teachers. You have with you Shaykhs Abu Khadeejah, Abdulilah Lahmami, Uways, and other teachers whom I know. Many of them I know personally.

إن هذا العلم دين فانظروا عن من تأخذون دينكم
“Indeed, this knowledge is religion, so look from whom you take your religion.”

Do not take your religion from just anyone who comes and goes. When you buy a car, you ask questions, you check details, you consult several people until you are confident in what you are buying. If this is the care you take in worldly matters, how much more should you take in the matter of your religion?

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Let each of you look at whom he befriends. A person is upon the religion of his companion. A person will be raised with the one he loves.”

It may happen that someone takes knowledge from a person of innovation, a person of deviation, or one who is known for trials and problems.

Without consulting the senior brothers, you may attach your heart to him, begin to love him, and then defend him against any criticism — even when he is clearly mistaken. This is following desires, and we seek refuge with Allah from that.

Therefore, O servant of Allah, be diligent in taking knowledge from the right people: those known for the Sunnah, firm upon it, consistent, and not known for tribulations or deviations.

5. Fifth Advice

Lastly, I advise you to take yourselves to account seriously regarding your remaining in the lands of disbelief. Strive to make Hijrah, O brothers. The situation today is not like it was in the past. The situation today is not like it before. Matters have become far more dangerous. The pressures and harms upon Muslims in these lands have only increased.

Now they are even making it obligatory upon children to adopt practices and mannerisms that are completely evil — and you know exactly what is meant by this.

I ask Allah to grant me and you success in all goodness. This will suffice for now. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his companions. Jazakum Allāhu Khayran.

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

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Seeking Knowledge, Shirk, Sin, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah', Zuhd (Abstinence).

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

Advice of Imam Ahmad (rahimahullah) to Have Taqwa and Follow the Sunnah

Written by abuaisha on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Articles, Basics, Monotheism - Tawheed.

Imam Ahmad (rahimahullah):

I strongly advise you and myself with the Taqwa* of Allah, The Magnificent, and to adhere to the Sunnah, for indeed you have learnt what has befell those who opposed it and what has come to those who follow it.

Tabaqaat Al-Hanaabilah v.1 pg.342

*Definition of Taqwa by the Taabi’ee Talq ibn Habeeb (died 100H rahimahullah)

‘’It is to act in obedience to Allah, with a light from Allah (i.e. Eemaan) and hoping for Allaah’s Mercy. And that you abandon disobedience to Allah with a light from Allah and fearing the punishment of Allah. [Reported by Ibn Abee Shaybah 11/33 and Ibnul Mubaarak in Az-Zuhd 473]

Golden Advice of Al-Allaamah Zayd Ibn Haadi (rahimahullah) to One of His Sons

Written by abuaisha on . Posted in Articles, Brotherhood, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Must Read, Pearls of Wisdom, Salaah - Prayer, Scholars of Islam.

AsSalaamu alaykum wa rahmatullaahi wa barakaatuhu,

I hope (and make dua) for your success and steadfastness in this life and after death- success and steadfastness in knowledge and action. This advice is for myself and for you.

  1. That you are from the ghurabaa (strangers) – those who rectify when the people are corrupted. (1)
  2. That you patiently persevere upon the prayer, (specifically) the Friday prayer and (in general) the congregational prayer- giving this affair the upmost care and concern.
  3. That you leave your beard (2) (do not trim or shave) fulfilling the obligation (upon you), reviving the sunnah of the prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wa salam) and opposing the enemies of Islam, whilst recognising that we do not know if we will have a long or short life. That which is important is that we have a good end with righteous deeds.
  4. Being free of western clothing (3) …
  5. That you control your tongue and restrain it (4), except for the remembrance of Allah (5) and that which follows on from that, and that which is a must to be said (of good and sincere advice).(6)
  6. Pay attention to and observe some of the morning and evening supplications, for indeed it builds a fortress against calamities and destruction. A servant (of Allah) is weak, therefore it is imperative that he turns to his All-Mighty All-Powerful Lord, and seeks protection from His protection – The Glorified and Majestic.
  7. Always pay attention to time (7) (i.e. don’t waste it) and uphold good manners (8) (within the limits of the sharee’ah) with teachers and classmates (colleagues). You will attain the good of this life and the hereafter, because good manners brings about all good.
  8. Finally, take into account the recompense that is about to come in the presence of Allaah and put forth that which will bring you to His Pleasure. Allah is the Best of Protectors and Most Merciful of those who show mercy.

Was Salaamu ‘Alaykum wa Rahmatullaahi wa Barakaatuh

Source: Wasiya Li-Ahadi Abnaa’ee 689-690

1. Basis of this is a Hadith which has been collected by Muslim, at-Tirmidhi, Ahmad, and other than them from the scholars of hadeeth, and it has been declared authentic by Al-Albani. In a narration, he (salallāhu ‘alaihi wasallam) said: “Those who rectify themselves [and others] when the people have become corrupt.” Reported by Ahmad and At-Tabarāni.

2. Bukhari 5892, Muslim 260 – both narrations have within it a command to grow the beard long and trim the moustache.

3. “Whoever resembles a people is from them.” Abu Dawood 431 Authenticated by Al-Albani

4. Hadith in Tirmidhi Authenticated by Al-Albaani, wherein the Prophet says to Mu’aadh (Allah be pleased with him), “Restrain this (i.e. the tongue)…”

5. There are many aayaat encouraging with the dhikr of Allah, from them:

[يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ ذِكْرًا كَثِيرًا ۝ وَسَبِّحُوهُ بُكْرَةً وَأَصِيلًا [الأحزاب:41-

O you who have believed, remember Allah with much remembrance And glorify His Praises morning and afternoon. (Al-Ahzab:41)

6. The Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wa salam) said, “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day then let him speak good or remain silent.” Bukhari 6018

7. “There are two blessings that many people are deceived into losing: health and free time.” Sahih al-Bukhari 6412

8. “And behave with people with good manners.” at-Tirmidhi 1987

[4] Sound Creed and Adherence to Sound Islam is The Only Way towards Sound Reformation and Rectification – [By Well known and Highly Respected God-fearing Erudite Saudi Scholar – [Al-Allaamah Abdullaah Bin Muhammad Bin Humayd]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Contemporary Issues, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Al-Allaamah Abdullaah Bin Muhammad Bin Humayd [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: “We do not say that it is prohibited to study the beneficial worldly sciences because the religion of Islaam does not prohibit it, such as the knowledge of medicine, economics, business and its likes. However, these affairs come after rectification of the creed and after (acquaintance with) the knowledge of Tawheed. This is what is specified as an obligation”.

The Shaikh also said, “You say, ‘Indeed, my child graduated from such and such university and he has a master’s degree or what they call a PHD, and he studied in America or in London or in such university’, and you think that with these (qualifications) he has become a mountain amongst the mountains of the earth; however, as long as he is unaware of the rights of his Lord, unaware of your rights and the affairs of his religion, then by Allaah he is a mirage and there is neither goodness in him nor in his knowledge (of the worldly sciences). To be ignorant (of these worldly science) would be better for him because they led him to reject his religion, country and society. The situation of (this person) is that of evil and his manners have been corrupted. Therefore, it is obligatory that you do not become lackadaisical concerning the affairs of your children as long as they are young. Teach them what is beneficial and nurture them upon good”.

The Shaikh also said, “It is obligated on the teachers to implant the true creed in the hearts of the young generation. They should clarify -for them- the wisdom, beauty and underlying reasons behind the rulings of the Islamic law until their hearts grow in faith and radiated with its light, so that they become upright and benefit their country, governments, Islamic Nation, its people and the Religion”.

The Shaikh also said, “Alas, how can we be pleased with sending our young children to a faculty in America or to such and such country, and he (the parent) says, “My child has gone to study”, (whilst he has gone) to study disbelief, hearsay, deviation, how to turn away from his family, his country and religion!” “How can a person excuse himself for sending his young child to Germany, France, America, Italy and London, whilst he has not yet been nurtured upon the correct creed. This is an error. (Your Muslim child) will come to you whilst turning away from his religion, turning away from his parents and looking down upon them. He will consider them to be (people) who neither possesses understanding nor do they know, whilst in reality he is the one without understanding. Therefore, it is incumbent upon a person to give serious concern to the children under his care because they are a trust. And when you neglect them, then indeed you have betrayed the trust. Allaah [The Most High] said: [يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا تَخُونُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَٱلرَّسُولَ وَتَخُونُوٓاْ أَمَـٰنَـٰتِكُمۡ وَأَنتُمۡ تَعۡلَمُونَ – O you who believe! Betray not Allah and His Messenger, nor betray knowingly your Amanat [things entrusted to you and all the duties which Allah has ordained for you]. [Soorah Anfaal: Ayah: 27]

Therefore, your children are a trust and when you neglect them, then indeed you have betrayed them. It is obligated on every one of us to fear Allaah with regards to the (affair) of his children and those under his care. The days go past and the end of a (person’s) lifespan draws closer, and a person does not know when his life span will suddenly come to (an end). (One) must strive to teach his children beneficial knowledge, nurture them upon goodness and obedience to (Allaah and His Messenger). The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, ‘All of you are shepherds and each of you is responsible for his flock. A man is the shepherd of his household and he is responsible for them. A woman is a shepherdess in her husband’s house and she is responsible for her flock'”.

[Source: An Excerpt from ‘Al-Fataawaa Wad-Duroos Fil Masjid Al-Haraam’. pages 938-944. slightly paraphrased]

To be continued…InShaaAllaah

Admonitions From The Salaf [Pious Predecessors]

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

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

Abu Ad-Dardaa [radiyallaahu anhu] said, “What I fear the most is that it is said to me on the day of judgement, ‘Did you know or were you ignorant?’ If I say, ‘I knew’, then no verse of the Qur’aan will remain except that I will be held to account for the obligation related to it- whether I fulfilled the command and kept away from what it forbade. I seek refuge with Allaah against knowledge that does not benefit, a soul that is never satisfied and a supplication that is not answered’”. [Ref 1]

He [radiyallaahu-anhu] also said, “What I fear for myself is that it is said to me in the midst of the people, ‘O you who were commanded! Did you act?’ If I say, ‘Yes’, then it is said to me, ‘What did you do with what you know?’” [Ref 2]

Mu’aadh Bin Jabal [radiyallaahu anhu] said, “Learn what you wish, but Allaah will not reward you until you act”. [Ref 3]

Jundub Al-Bajalee [radiyallaahu anhu] said, “The example of one who admonishes the people but forgets himself is like a lamp that gives light to other and burns itself”. [Ref 4]

Maymoon Bin Mehraan [rahimahullaah] said, “One day Umar Bin Abdil Azeez [rahimahullaah] spoke in the presence of a group of his companions and Allaah granted him the ability to utter sound and fine speech. He looked at a man amongst those who were sitting with him and he was wiping his tears, then he said, ‘O leader of the believers! Carry on with your admonition because indeed I hope that Allaah will bless the one who hears it or the one it reaches’. So, Umar said to him, ‘Take this from me, indeed there is trial in speech and deeds are more worthy for a believer’”. [Ref 5]

Maalik Bin Deenaar [rahimahullaah] said, “Whoever seeks knowledge in order to act upon it, Allaah will bless him. And whoever seeks knowledge foe other than acting upon it, the knowledge will increase him in boasting”. [Ref 6]

Maalik Bin Deenaar [rahimahullaah] said, “You meet a man and he does not make a mistake in a single letter in his speech, but all his deeds are based on error”. [Ref 7]

Ibn Sammaak [rahimahullaah] said, “There are many things that do not harm if they are not beneficial; but as for knowledge, it harms if it does not benefit”. [Ref 8]

Ibraaheem At-Taymee [rahimahullaah] said, “I have never compared my speech to my deeds except fearing that the speech belied my deed”. [Ref 9]

[Ref 1: Sifatus Safwah 1/300]

[Ref 2: Sifatus Safwa. 1/300]

[Ref 3: Hilyatul Awliyaa (Tahdheeb). 1/185]

[Ref 4: Az-Zudh. By Imaam Ahmad. 330]

[Ref 5: Mawsoo’ah. By Ibn Abee Dunyaa. 1/181]

[Ref 6: Hilyatul Awliyaa (Tahdheeb) 1/427]

[Ref 7: Hilyatul Awliyaa. (Tahdheeb) 1/429]

[Ref 8: Siyar A’laam An-Nubulaa 2/761]

[Ref 9: Sifatus Safwa 2/580]

[1] Robust Principles That Protects Sound Creed In The Face of all Ideologies – [Past, Present and Future]!

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

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

The creeds are two types – the creed revealed by Allaah and the creed initiated by the people. However, the sound and correct creed can only be from Allaah’s Wahi [the revelation sent down by Allaah in the Qur’aan and the authentic Sunnah]. Allaah [The Most High] informed us about Yusuf [peace be upon him] that he said to his companions in the prison:

يَا صَاحِبَيِ السِّجْنِ أَأَرْبَابٌ مُتَفَرِّقُونَ خَيْرٌ أَمِ اللَّهُ الْوَاحِدُ الْقَهَّارُ; مَا تَعْبُدُونَ مِنْ دُونِهِ إِلَّا أَسْمَاءً سَمَّيْتُمُوهَا أَنْتُمْ وَآَبَاؤُكُمْ مَا أَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ بِهَا مِنْ سُلْطَانٍ إِنِ الْحُكْمُ إِلَّا لِلَّهِ أَمَرَ أَلَّا تَعْبُدُوا إِلَّا إِيَّاهُ ذَلِكَ الدِّينُ الْقَيِّمُ وَلَكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ

O two companions of the prison! Are many different lords (gods) better or Allah, the One, the Irresistible? You do not worship besides Him but only names which you have named (forged), you and your fathers, for which Allah has sent down no authority. The command (or the judgement) is for none but Allah. He has commanded that you worship none but Him (i.e. His Monotheism), that is the (true) straight religion, but most men know not. [Surah Yusuf Aayaat 39-40]

Allaah (The Most High) said:

أَفَرَأَيْتُمُ اللَّاتَ وَالْعُزَّى
وَمَنَاةَ الثَّالِثَةَ الْأُخْرَى
أَلَكُمُ الذَّكَرُ وَلَهُ الْأُنْثَى
تِلْكَ إِذًا قِسْمَةٌ ضِيزَى
إِنْ هِيَ إِلَّا أَسْمَاءٌ سَمَّيْتُمُوهَا أَنْتُمْ وَآَبَاؤُكُمْ مَا أَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ بِهَا مِنْ سُلْطَانٍ إِنْ يَتَّبِعُونَ إِلَّا الظَّنَّ وَمَا تَهْوَى الْأَنْفُسُ وَلَقَدْ جَاءَهُمْ مِنْ رَبِّهِمُ الْهُدَى

Have you then considered Al-Lat, and Al-‘Uzza (two idols of the pagan Arabs) And Manat (another idol of the pagan Arabs), the other third? Is it for you the males and for Him the females? That indeed is a division most unfair! They are but names which you have named, you and your fathers, for which Allah has sent down no authority. [Soorah Najm:19-23]

Allaah (The Most High) said:

أَمْ لَهُمْ شُرَكَاءُ شَرَعُوا لَهُمْ مِنَ الدِّينِ مَا لَمْ يَأْذَنْ بِهِ اللَّهُ

Or have they partners with Allah (false gods), who have instituted for them a religion which Allah has not allowed. [Surah Ash-Shoorah: Ayah:21]

Allaah (The Most High) said:

وَكَذَلِكَ أَوْحَيْنَا إِلَيْكَ رُوحًا مِنْ أَمْرِنَا مَا كُنْتَ تَدْرِي مَا الْكِتَابُ وَلَا الْإِيمَانُ وَلَكِنْ جَعَلْنَاهُ نُورًا نَهْدِي بِهِ مَنْ نَشَاءُ مِنْ عِبَادِنَا وَإِنَّكَ لَتَهْدِي إِلَى صِرَاطٍ مُسْتَقِيمٍ
صِرَاطِ اللَّهِ الَّذِي لَهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ أَلَا إِلَى اللَّهِ تَصِيرُ الْأُمُورُ

And thus We have sent to you (O Muhammad) Ruhan (an Inspiration, and a Mercy) of Our Command. You knew not what is the Book, nor what is Faith? But We have made it (this Qur’an) a light wherewith We guide whosoever of Our slaves We will. And verily, you (O Muhammad) are indeed guiding (mankind) to the Straight Path (i.e. Allah’s religion of Islamic Monotheism). [Surah Ash-Shoorah: Aayaat 52-53]

All these verses of the Qur’aan demonstrate the fact that the sound Islamic creed can only be derived from the revelation [i.e. the Qur’aan and the authentic Sunnah].

The delegation of Abdul Qais: The delegation said, “O Messenger of Allaah, we come to you from a far-off distance and there lives between you and us a tribe- the unbelievers of Mudar, and it is not possible for us to come to you except in the sacred months; so direct us to a clear command regarding which we are to inform others and by way of which we may enter paradise. The Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said, ‘I command you to do four things and forbid you from four things’, and he added, ‘I command you to have Eemaan in Allaah’, and then he [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] asked them, ‘Do you know what Imaan in Allaah is?’ They said, ‘Allaah and His Messenger know best’’. He said, ‘It is the testimony that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah and that Muhammad is the messenger of Allaah….’” [Saheeh Muslim]

These people were Arabs and people of eloquence in their language, however when the Messenger asked them about Eemaan they replied, “Allaah and His Messenger know best”. This shows that the affairs of the creed and Eemaan are only established by way of the revelation. As for the people of bidah and evil desires, some of them derive their creed by way of the intellect, opinions, dreams, fables and beliefs they desire.

Principles We Must Establish In This Affair

The First Principle: The Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] has clarified all the affairs of the religion. He has clarified its fundamentals, subsidiary issues, beliefs and prescribed laws. Allaah [The Most High] said:[الْيَوْمَ أَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِينَكُمْ وَأَتْمَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعْمَتِي وَرَضِيتُ لَكُمُ الْإِسْلَامَ دِينًا – This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion]. [Surah Al-Maa-idah: Ayah 3]

Therefore, when it is the case that the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] even explained- in detail- the etiquettes of using the toilet, then it is not possible that he would not have detailed the affairs of the creed, thus giving an allowance for others to come along and make up beliefs based on their intellects, opinions etc. Indeed, the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] has clarified all the Religion, its creed and laws.

 

The Second Principle: The Qur’aan and the [authentic] Sunnah of the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] are the sources of the religion, and every dispute between the Muslims is to be referred back to them. Allaah [The Most High] said: [فَلَا وَرَبِّكَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ حَتَّى يُحَكِّمُوكَ فِيمَا شَجَرَ بَيْنَهُمْ ثُمَّ لَا يَجِدُوا فِي أَنْفُسِهِمْ حَرَجًا مِمَّا قَضَيْتَ وَيُسَلِّمُوا تَسْلِيمًا – But no, by your Lord, they can have no Faith, until they make you (O Muhammad ) judge in all disputes between them, and find in themselves no resistance against your decisions, and accept (them) with full submission] [Soorah An-Nisaa: ayah:65]

Allaah (The Most High) said:

وَمَا كَانَ لِمُؤْمِنٍ وَلَا مُؤْمِنَةٍ إِذَا قَضَى اللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُ أَمْرًا أَنْ يَكُونَ لَهُمُ الْخِيَرَةُ مِنْ أَمْرِهِمْ وَمَنْ يَعْصِ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ فَقَدْ ضَلَّ ضَلَالًا مُبِينًا

It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allah and His Messenger have decreed a matter that they should have any option in their decision. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, he has indeed strayed in a plain error. [Surah Al-Ahzaab: Ayah:36]

Allaah (The Most High) said:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا أَطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُوا الرَّسُولَ وَأُولِي الْأَمْرِ مِنْكُمْ فَإِنْ تَنَازَعْتُمْ فِي شَيْءٍ فَرُدُّوهُ إِلَى اللَّهِ وَالرَّسُولِ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ تُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآَخِرِ ذَلِكَ خَيْرٌ وَأَحْسَنُ تَأْوِيلًا

O you who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger (Muhammad), and those of you (Muslims) who are in authority. (And) if you differ in anything amongst yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger (), if you believe in Allah and in the Last Day. That is better and more suitable for final determination.’’ [Surah An-Nisaa: Ayah: 59]
And referring back to Allaah is to refer to His Book [i.e. the Qur’aan] and referring to the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-asallam] is to refer to his [authentic] Sunnah. The one who does not do this; then indeed he has deviated from the straight path. Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [rahimahullaah] used to say often:

مَنْ فَارَقَ الدَّلِيل ضَلَّ السَّبِيل وَلَا دَلِيل إِلَّا بِمَا جَاءَ بِهِ الرَّسُول

Whoever opposes the proofs will be led away from the path, and there is no proof, except that which the Messenger came with.

Ibn Abil Izz Al-Hanafi [rahimahullaah] said:

كَيْفَ يُرَام الْوُصُول إِلَى عِلْمِ الْأُصُولِ بِغيْرِ مَا جَاءَ بِهِ الرَّسُول

How can one aim at reaching knowledge of the fundamental principles of the (religion) with other than what the Messenger brought?!

 

The Third Principle: A Muslim is not to put himself forward before Allaah and His Messenger. He is not to speak about the Religion without knowledge from Allaah and His Messenger, because that is one of the greatest sins and crimes. Allaah [The Most High] said: [يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا لَا تُقَدِّمُوا بَيْنَ يَدَيِ اللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ – O you who believe! Do not put (yourselves) forward before Allah and His Messenger, and fear Allah. Verily! Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing]. [Surah Al-Hujuraat: Ayah:1]

This means: Neither speak [about the religion] until Allaah and His Messenger have spoken, nor act in the name of the religion until you are commanded- whether in affairs related to creed, acts of worship or affairs related to knowledge of the religion.

Allaah (The Most High) said:

وَلَا تَقْفُ مَا لَيْسَ لَكَ بِهِ عِلْمٌ إِنَّ السَّمْعَ وَالْبَصَرَ وَالْفُؤَادَ كُلُّ أُولَئِكَ كَانَ عَنْهُ مَسْئُولًا

And follow not (O man i.e., say not, or do not or witness not, etc.) that of which you have no knowledge (e.g. one’s saying: “I have seen,” while in fact he has not seen, or “I have heard,” while he has not heard). Verily! The hearing, and the sight, and the heart, of each of those you will be questioned (by Allah). [Soorah Al-Israa: Ayah:36]

 

The Fourth Principle: Our understanding of the Qur’aan and the [authentic] Sunnah of the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] has to be agree in agreement with the understanding of the Salaf [i.e. the pious predecessors]. They possessed the most pious of hearts and purest souls; they were the ones who received the religion directly from the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam], transmitted it to the Ummah as they heard it and fulfilled its requirements. Indeed, Allaah selected them to be the companions of the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] and carriers of His religion, Allaah was pleased with them and they were pleased with Allaah, Allaah sent down tranquility upon them and granted them piety. Therefore, it is obligated on us to understand the religion in the manner in which they understood it, and t not permissible for anyone to come along and say, “They [i.e. the companions of Muhammad] were men and we are men [i.e. intending to abandon their way]”. If someone says this, then indeed he is a person of misguidance, and because of this reason, Allaah [The Most High] said: [وَمَنْ يُشَاقِقِ الرَّسُولَ مِنْ بَعْدِ مَا تَبَيَّنَ لَهُ الْهُدَى وَيَتَّبِعْ غَيْرَ سَبِيلِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ نُوَلِّهِ مَا تَوَلَّى وَنُصْلِهِ جَهَنَّمَ وَسَاءَتْ مَصِيرًا – And whoever contradicts and opposes the Messenger (Muhammad ) after the right path has been shown clearly to him and follows other than the believers’ way. We shall keep him in the path he has chosen and burn him in Hell – what an evil destination]. [Surah An-Nisaa: Ayah:115]

And Allaah [The Most High] said:

وَالسَّابِقُونَ الْأَوَّلُونَ مِنَ الْمُهَاجِرِينَ وَالْأَنْصَارِ وَالَّذِينَ اتَّبَعُوهُمْ بِإِحْسَانٍ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ وَرَضُوا عَنْهُ وَأَعَدَّ لَهُمْ جَنَّاتٍ تَجْرِي تَحْتَهَا الْأَنْهَارُ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا أَبَدًا ذَلِكَ الْفَوْزُ الْعَظِيمُ

And the first to embrace Islam of the Muhajirun (those who migrated from Makkah to Al-Madinah) and the Ansar (the citizens of Al-Madinah who helped and gave aid to the Muhajirun) and also those who followed them exactly (in Faith). Allah is well-pleased with them as they are well-pleased with Him. He has prepared for them Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise), to dwell therein forever. That is the supreme success. [Soorah At-Tawbah: Ayah: 100]

This is the aim: We follow them exactly (in faith) and we follow their path. The closer a person is in following them, then the closer is he to guidance. In an authentic hadeeth, the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said: ”The best of people are those living in my generation, then those who come after them, and those after them….’’

 

The Fifth Principle: It is obligated on a person who has been granted this favour [i.e. adherence to the Qur’aan, the authentic Sunnah and the path of the companions] that he remains steadfast upon it- steadfast upon it by way of knowledge, creed and action until Allaah takes his soul. Allaah said: [ فَٱسۡتَقِمۡ كَمَآ أُمِرۡتَ – So stand (ask Allah to make) you (Muhammad) firm and straight (on the religion of Islamic Monotheism) as you are commanded]. [Surah Hud. Ayah 112]

Steadfastness can only fulfilled through that which Allaah has revealed. Allaah [The Most High] said:[إِنَّ الَّذِينَ قَالُوا رَبُّنَا اللَّهُ ثُمَّ اسْتَقَامُوا فَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ – Verily, those who say: “Our Lord is (only) Allah,” and thereafter Istaqamu (i.e. stood firm and straight on the Islamic Faith of Monotheism by abstaining from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which Allah has forbidden and by performing all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained), on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve]. [Soorah Al-ahqaah: Ayah:13]

Allaah [The Most High] said: [إِنَّ الَّذِينَ قَالُوا رَبُّنَا اللَّهُ ثُمَّ اسْتَقَامُوا تَتَنَزَّلُ عَلَيْهِمُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ أَلَّا تَخَافُوا وَلَا تَحْزَنُوا وَأَبْشِرُوا بِالْجَنَّةِ الَّتِي كُنْتُمْ تُوعَدُونَ – Verily, those who say: “Our Lord is Allah (Alone),” and then they Istaqamu , on them the angels will descend (at the time of their death) (saying): “Fear not, nor grieve! But receive the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised!].[Soorah Fussilat: Ayah:30]

This steadfastness is sought from a slave of Allaah- steadfastness upon the [sound] creed, righteous action and deeds that draws him close to Allaah until Allaah takes away his soul. Allaah (The Most High) said: [وَاعْبُدْ رَبَّكَ حَتَّى يَأْتِيَكَ الْيَقِينُ – And worship your Lord until there comes unto you the certainty (i.e. death)]. [Soorah al-Hijr: Ayah:99]
And Allaah [The Most High] said: [يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ حَقَّ تُقَاتِهِ وَلَا تَمُوتُنَّ إِلَّا وَأَنْتُمْ مُسْلِمُونَ – O you who believe! Fear Allah (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islam (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allah]. [Soorah Aala Imraan: Ayah: 102]

And one of the tremendous supplications is that which has been reported by Ibn Abee Shaybah that Abu Dardaa [radiyallaahu-anhu] used to supplicate:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ إيمَانًا دَائِمًا وَعِلْمًا نَافِعًا وَهَدْيًا قَيِّمًا

O Allaah! I ask you for abiding Eemaan, beneficial knowledge and upright guidance.

Mu’aawiyyah Ibn Qurra [rahimahullaah] transmitted this narration from Abu Dardaa [radiyallaahu-anhu] and then said: ”Because there is Eemaan that is not abiding, knowledge that is not beneficial and guidance that is not upright.” Therefore, a Muslim must ask Allaah for these (things) and he should employ the means to attaining them, as the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said: “Be eager for what is of benefit to you and place your reliance upon Allaah”.

The Sixth Principle: And after being steadfastness upon the [sound creed, the Qur’aan, the Sunnah and the way of the pious predecessors], one must call to it. Allaah [The Most High] said:

وَالْعَصْرِ
إِنَّ الْإِنْسَانَ لَفِي خُسْرٍ
إِلَّا الَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالْحَقِّ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالصَّبْرِ

By Al-‘Asr (the time). Verily! Man is in loss, Except those who believe (in Islamic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, and recommend one another to the truth (i.e. order one another to perform all kinds of good deeds (Al-Ma’ruf) which Allah has ordained, and abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds (Al-Munkar) which Allah has forbidden), and recommend one another to patience (for the sufferings, harms, and injuries which one may encounter in Allah’s Cause during preaching His religion of Islamic Monotheism or Jihad, etc.). [Soorah al-Asr]

One has to propagate the sound path and the religion based on what Allaah makes easy for him to propagate. The Messenger [sallal-laahu-alahi-wasallam] said to Ali [radiyallaahu-anhu], “By Allaah, for Allah to guide one man by you is better for you than red camels.” The Messenger also said: “Whoever calls to guidance, he will be rewarded, and (also) receive reward equal to those who follow him, without their rewards being reduced in the least.” The Messenger also said: ”The one who guides to good is like the doer of that deed itself”.

To be continued….InShaaAllaah

[Source: Madkhal Li-Diraasati Aqeedah Al-Islaamiyyah. Lesson 2- By Shaikh Abdur Razzaaq Al-Badr (may Allaah preserve him)]

Abandon Paranoia and Do Not Be Overbearing In Gatherings and Sittings By Demanding That People Must Wear Face Masks, Even Where It is Not Mandated!

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Mental Health, Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Anas Ibn Malik [may Allaah be pleased with him] said that the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “Make things easy (i.e. within the boundaries of halaal and haraam) and do not make things difficult. Give glad tidings and do not frighten them (i.e. the people) away”. [Saheeh Al-Bukhaari. Hadeeth Number 69]

Firstly, everyone agrees with the fact that unless exempt, everyone must obey the law and wear a mask in places where it has been mandated, even if one disagrees with the science.

Secondly, as for demanding that people must wear masks in other than places mandated by the government, then indeed you should expect that some of us people will critically question your stance with a rebuttal.

Perhaps the following statement of Imaam Al-Albaanee [may Allaah have mercy upon him] transmitted by Shaikh Abu Khadeejah [may Allaah preserve him] is enough to deal with what you harbour in your heart. Al-Imām Al-Albāni (rahimahullāh) said: “I know many doctors who do not shake hands with people fearing that there might be an infectious microbe in the hand of the person. For this reason, they do not shake hands with people–and this is a waswasah, a whispering… the whisper [is normally] restricted to some of the worshippers, but it has passed on to other than the worshippers, to the doctors and their likes…

So the meaning is that this is a whispering which destroys personal ties and human relations which are established between people. The foundation is that every person’s left-overs and interaction with them is that he is upon fiṭrah (original disposition) and upon health and wellbeing.

Thus, when it is established that so-and-so, for example, Allāh forbid, has the disease of tuberculosis and drinks from a vessel, then you can keep away from this, but you should have certain knowledge [beforehand] that he is afflicted with the disease of tuberculosis.

As for a whisper, “maybe he has it, maybe he has it”, then this is not permissible, because this is having an evil opinion about your Muslim brother and secondly, it comprises cutting off ties of brotherhood between you and your Muslim brother.

But when it is verifiably established that he is afflicted [with the disease], then you can take precautions and avoid drinking [from the same vessel] and shaking his hand. This is not from the whisperings and nor is it absence of reliance upon Allāh as is claimed by some people.” [End of quote]:

https://www.abukhadeejah.com/how-to-gather-between-the-prophets-negation-of-contagious-diseases-and-mixing-with-afflicted-people/

https://www.abukhadeejah.com/there-is-no-contagious-disease-and-flee-from-the-leper-as-you-would-from-the-lion-ibn-baz-albani/

Therefore, do not be overbearing in the gatherings.

Path of The Successful Teachers of Religious and Worldly Sciences- By Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz

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

Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said:

All praise belongs to Allaah alone, and may peace and blessings be upon the one [i.e. Muhammad] after whom there is no Prophet. To proceed:

There is no doubt that knowledge is the mainstay on which the foundations of human life are based. And the knowledge that is most worthy to be given importance and concern is the knowledge of the Islamic Sharee’ah, because through it is known the wisdom (or purpose) for which Allaah [The Exalted] created us and sent the Messengers. And by way of this knowledge, we acquire knowledge and awareness regarding Allaah and worship Him based on that, as Allaah stated: [وَمَا خَلَقْتُ الْجِنَّ وَالْإِنْسَ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُونِ – I (Allaah) did not create the Jinn and humankind except to worship me alone]. [Surah Adh-Dhaariyaat. Aayah 56]

Allaah [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections] stated:

[وَلَقَدْ بَعَثْنَا فِي كُلِّ أُمَّةٍ رَسُولًا أَنِ اُعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ وَاجْتَنِبُوا الطَّاغُوتَ – Indeed, We have sent a Messenger to every nation, saying, “Worship Allaah alone and keep away from all false deities]. [Surah An-Nahl. Aayah 36]

Based on these two Aayaat, one knows the wisdom behind the creation of Jinn and humankind, and the wisdom behind the advent of the Messengers. Any nation without sound belief or sound religion is an ignorant nation regardless how advanced and developed it is, as Allaah [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections] stated: [أَمْ تَحْسَبُ أَنَّ أَكْثَرَهُمْ يَسْمَعُونَ أَوْ يَعْقِلُونَ إِنْ هُمْ إِلَّا كَالْأَنْعَامِ بَلْ هُمْ أَضَلُّ سَبِيلً – 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-Furqan. Aayah 44] (see appendix a) A good life is the life of the people of (Islamic) knowledge and faith, as Allaah [The Exalted] said: [يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اسْتَجِيبُوا لِلَّهِ وَلِلرَّسُولِ إِذَا دَعَاكُمْ لِمَا يُحْيِيكُمْ – O you who believe! Answer Allah (by obeying Him) and (His) Messenger when he calls you to that which will give you life]. [Surah Al-Anfaal. Aayah 24] (see appendix b)

Allaah [The Exalted] said:

[مَنْ عَمِلَ صَالِحًا مِنْ ذَكَرٍ أَوْ أُنْثَى وَهُوَ مُؤْمِنٌ فَلَنُحْيِيَنَّهُ حَيَاةً طَيِّبَةً وَلَنَجْزِيَنَّهُمْ أَجْرَهُمْ بِأَحْسَنِ مَا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ – Whoever works righteousness, whether male or female, while he (or she) is a true believer (of Islamic Monotheism) verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do (i.e. Paradise in the Hereafter)]. [Surah An-Nahl. Aayah 97]

Beneficial knowledge can only be obtained through a teacher, and no person can be a teacher unless he is knowledgeable about the subject he (or she) teaches others, because the one who is deprived of something is not able to give it to others. The scholars are the inheritors of the prophets, therefore the teacher’s task is one of the most difficult tasks because it requires that one acquires the most perfect Islamic characteristics as much as possible, such as beneficial knowledge, noble manners, continuous righteous deeds, patience, perseverance, being able to bear hardship whilst nurturing the student (pupil, learner) upon uprightness and upon a pure Islamic nurturing. The teacher’s success in this mission depends on the extent to which he (or she) acquires perfect Islamic qualities.

The role model and leader for everyone is our master and leader Muhammad Bin Abdullah Al-Haashimee [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him]. He was the most perfect of people in all noble qualities, and he faced many difficulties and great hardships whilst guiding people and teaching them, but he was patient, endured every hardship and difficulty in order to spread his religion and bring his Ummah out of darkness into light. May Allaah reward him for that with the best and most perfect reward. Indeed, a righteous generation was nurtured through him- a generation that is considered to be the best of generations known to humankind throughout history. It is well known that this stems from the good nurturing and guidance which he gave his companions, and his patience upon that path after Allaah granted them success and directed them to the truth.

One of the most important tasks for a teacher – in every place and era- is to follow the path of the first and foremost teacher, Muhammad [peace be upon him] and that one strives to know this path, so that it is implemented on oneself and the students as much as possible, and that one makes a lot of effort. The Ummah is greatly in need of the righteous teacher- the teacher who receives knowledge and what the students are educated with from the Book of Allaah, the Sunnah of His Messenger and the path of the Salafus Saaleh [pious predecessors], nurturing them upon honesty, trustworthiness, sincerity, veneration of Allaah’s commands and prohibitions, competition for every virtue and caution against every vice, (especially) in this era in which the callers to destruction are many (i.e. those who violate sound belief and morals) and few are those who call to sound rectification. (see appendix c)

So, based on what has preceded (above), it is known that the teacher’s task- alongside the fact that it is one of the most difficult tasks- is one of the most honorable jobs, the greatest in benefit and the most valuable if the teacher is blessed with sincerity, good intention and effort, because one will be rewarded in the same manner as the one who benefits from his (or her) knowledge. (see appendix d) The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “The best of you is the one who learns and teaches the Qur’an”. And he said, “By Allah, that Allah guides a man through you is better for you than a herd of expensive red camels”.

There is no doubt that the teacher is the religious nurturer of the student, therefore he (or she) should have virtuous morals and a good character, so that students may follow this example. He (or she) should also be one who fulfils that which is obligated in the Sharee’ah, far removed from what is prohibited, one who preserves time, jokes a little, broad-minded (within what is allowed in the Sharee’ah), friendly, good-natured, clement, pleasant, independent, able, broad in knowledge and has a lot of knowledge in the Arabic language to be able to perform the duty to the fullest.

There is no doubt that whoever is concerned with studying the human self in all respects and searches for the reasons that lead to knowing the methods by which sciences can be instilled in it easily and with ease, he (or she) will get good results in revealing those affairs of the self that are not immediately obvious, the feelings and perceptions associated with it and the extent of its acceptance of the information to be implanted in it. And one will extract information – from this study and research – that is in fact one of the general rules on which the edifice of education is based. These rules can be summed up in the fact that if any teacher wants to instill information in the minds of the students, he (or she) must first of all have complete knowledge of the lesson, extensive knowledge of teaching methods, effective delivery, able to direct the attention of the students – in a distinct and clear way – to the foundations of the lesson and restrict it to the main topic lest students become confused in their ideas and miss benefits. And in seeking to make them understand the sciences delivered to them, the teacher should use persuasion, methods of presentation, comparison and representation, focus attention on the essential matters that are the basic rules for each of the lessons, instill in them the general fundamental principles associated with things and then – little by little- touch on the other details that are connected to the main subject matter. (see appendix e) The important thing in every matter is its foundation and the subsidiary affairs branch off from the fundamental principles.

The teacher should consolidate the subjects and bring them closer to the minds of the students, make them like the lesson, desire to listen, and teach them its benefit and purpose, whilst taking into account each student’s understanding of what is suitable through the language (words, expressions) they understand, because not all students are the same. The teacher should allow discussion with them and tolerate their errors that occur from the discussions because they are the result of the search for facts. The teacher should encourage them to carry out every research that leads to finding out the truth, whilst taking into account the social circumstances, the different characteristics of people, the customs and the atmosphere, because indeed these matters have a great impact on the psyche of the students, which is reflected in their understanding, behaviour and work. This is why it is a known fact that the intelligent, attentive teacher who takes these matters into (consideration) has a greater impact on students than other teachers.

The teacher’s task is similar to doctor’s task, and from the teacher’s obligations is to know the tendencies of the students and the level of their intelligence. On the basis of this knowledge, the teacher evaluates the basic criteria that follows on from this approach in engaging their different minds and levels of understanding. These are among the most important reasons for the teacher’s success in his (or her) task.

The most important obligatory subject matter -without exception – is that attention is given to the rectification of the sound Islamic creed based on the Qur’an, the Sunnah and the guidance of the righteous predecessors. Thereafter, attention is given to the other subject matters of the Sharee’ah, and then the other sciences which humankind cannot do without, provided that the outcomes of these (worldly) sciences do not divert one from the knowledge [i.e. sound Islamic monotheism] for which the creation [i.e. humankind and jinn] was created, and that these (worldly) sciences are harnessed for the public welfare without standing in the way of beneficial knowledge (i.e. the Sharee’ah).

Indeed, Allaah -by His grace and great wisdom- guided those who have been guided to learn beneficial knowledge and teaching it, benefited the people and the country through them, and they attained success with a good mention of them by the people, a good reputation, increased reward and a good end. And others were deprived of success because of their straying from the right path, so their sciences became a disaster for them and their students. They became misguided in the labyrinths of unbelief, atheism and heresy, and misled others; so they brought upon themselves the same sins committed by those whom they misguided. This is based on Allaah’s perfect Justice and Wisdom, and His recompense for those who deviated from the truth, turned away from the right path and pursued (evil) desires- that they are to be humiliated by being forsaken and through deviation from the truth, as Allaah said: [فَلَمَّا زَاغُوا أَزَاغَ اللَّهُ قُلُوبَهُمْ – So, when they deviated (by choice), Allaah deviated their hearts]. [Surah As-Saff. Aayah 5]

Allaah said: [وَنُقَلِّبُ أَفْئِدَتَهُمْ وَأَبْصَارَهُمْ كَمَا لَمْ يُؤْمِنُوا بِهِ أَوَّلَ مَرَّةٍ وَنَذَرُهُمْ فِي طُغْيَانِهِمْ يَعْمَهُونَ – And We shall turn their hearts and their eyes away (from guidance), as they refused to believe therein for the first time, and We shall leave them in their trespass to wander blindly]. [Surah Al-An’aam. Aayah 110]

The verses that convey the same meaning of these above verses are many. We ask Allaah to bless us and all the Muslims with beneficial knowledge and righteous deeds, show us kindness, grant us sound understanding in the religion and steadfastness on it, rectify the rulers of the Muslims and their leaders, and support the truth through them, and indeed Allaah is able to do everything. May Allaah’s peace and blessings be upon His servant and Messenger Muhammad, the companions of the Messenger and those who follow their guidance until the day of judgement. [Majmoo Fataawaa Wa Maqaalaat Ash-Shaikh Ibn Baaz. Vol 2. page 316. Slightly paraphrased]

Appendixes: Pdf here: appendixes_1