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Tag: aqeedah

What Changed His Mind After Reading Kitaab At-Tawheed?!

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Shaikh Abdur Razzaaq Al-Badr [hafidhahullaah] stated that there was an Indian man who used to have extreme hatred for Imaam Muhammad Ibn Abdil Wahhaab [rahimahullaah] due to the false claims of Ahlul Bidah, so he always reviled the Imaam.  However, one day, a sincere adviser wished to clarify to this person [i.e. the Indian man] that he is mistaken, so he invited him to his house and treated him kindly. He [i.e. the sincere adviser] removed the cover from Kitaab At-Tawheed and placed it where the guest [i.e. the Indian man] would be sitting because he was a scholar and loved reading books. When he [i.e. the sincere adviser] went to get some food for the guest, he [i.e. the guest] saw the book [i.e. Kitaab At-Tawheed but there was no cover on it with the name of Shaikh Muhammad Ibn Abdil Wahhaab] and started reading. He was amazed by the book because it contained nothing else but proofs [i.e. irrefutable and unambiguous proofs regarding Tawheed].

When he [i.e. the sincere adviser] returned [i.e. with the food], the guest [i.e. the Indian man] asked him who the author of the book was and he was told that Shaikh Muhammad Ibn Abdil Wahhaab [rahimahullaah] is the author; so he realised [i.e. acknowledged] that he was one of those who reviled Shaikh Muhammad Ibn Abdil Wahhaab based on false claims.

Then the Shaikh [i.e. Abdur Razzaaq Al-Badr] said, ‘’And among the most evil of these false claims is that Shaikh Muhammad Ibn Abdil Wahhaab hates and reviles Ahlul Bayt [i.e. the Prophet’s family]; but ask these people what the Kunyaa of Shaikh Muhammad Ibn Abdil Wahhaab is! His Kunya is Abu Ali; rather all the names of his children are the same as the names of Ahlul Bayt, except one of his children who is called Abdur Azeez. Therefore, is this a sign of love for Ahlul Bayt or a sign of hatred?! Would a person name his children after people he hates?! Rather, these names [i.e. Ali, Hasan, Husayn, Faatimah etc] are well known even amongst the descendants of Shaikh Muhammad Ibn Abdil Wahhaab.

Then the Shaikh [i.e. Abdur Razzaaq Al-Badr] said that once he met a man in one of the Muslim lands and mentioned the name of Shaikh Muhammad Ibn Abdil Wahhaab [rahimahullaah], so the man said, ‘’Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahhaab reviles Ahlul Bayt in his books’’. He said to the man, ‘’Name a single book in which this revilement is found! If you stand in the presence of Allaah on the Day of Judgement and you are questioned about this, would you have any proof to offer?! Show me a single statement in which Shaikh Muhammad Ibn Abdil Wahhaab reviles Ahlul Bayt; rather I can bring you many of his statements in which he praised Ahlul Bayt’’. Then the Shaikh [Abdur Razzaaq Al-Badr] said, ‘’This shows that many people are affected by the false claims of Ahlul Bidah – the people of desires and misguidance, because none will show hatred towards Kitaab At-Tawheed, except a person of desires.  [Sharh Kitaab At-Tawheed. Lesson 1. By Shaikh Abdur Razaaq Al-Badr (hafidhahullaah)]

Indeed Allaah is Pure and He does Not Accept, Except That Which is Pure

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

The Messenger of Allaah [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said, “Indeed Allaah is Pure and He does not accept, except that which is pure”.

In this hadith, he [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] described Allaah [جل وعلا] that He [سبحانه] is Pure.  He [سبحانه] is Pure, meaning free from all imperfections and deficiencies.  He is Pure in His Essence, in His Names and Attributes, and in His Commandments and Prohibitions.  He [سبحانه] is Pure in every aspect and imperfection cannot reach Him; and for that reason He does not accept actions, statements and intentions except that which is pure.  He does not accept filthy statements, actions and intentions. He does not accept except the pure, as He [The Exalted] said: [إِلَيۡهِ يَصۡعَدُ ٱلۡكَلِمُ ٱلطَّيِّبُ – ‘To Him ascend (all) the goodly words][Surah Faatir Ayah:10]

He [سبحانه] does not accept, except good speech and good actions; as for filthy speech, then indeed Allaah rejects and hates it, such as lies, backbiting, tale carrying, abuse, false speech and false testimony; and all filthy statements; [such as] shirk and kufr.  All of this is filthy speech and does not ascend to Allaah, and is not accepted.

[Source: An Excerpt from ‘Al Minhatu Ar-Rabbaaniyyah Fee Sharh Arba-een Nawawiyyah’ page:133-134: by Shaikh Saaleh Al-Fawzaan (hafidhahullaah). Slightly paraphrased]

Taking Others As Intercessors Besides Allaah!

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Have they taken others as intercessors besides Allah? Say: “Even if they have power over nothing whatever and have no intelligence?” Say: “To Allah belongs all intercession. His is the Sovereignty of the heavens and the earth, then to Him you shall be brought back.” [Soorah Zumar: Ayah:43-44]

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim (rahimahullaah) said: Allaah informed (us) that intercession belongs to the One who owns the Sovereignty of the heavens and the earth, and that is Allaah (alone)…[for futher details see Ighaathatul Luhfaan 1/220-222]

And the saying of  (The Most High): And warn therewith (the Qur’an) those who fear that they will be gathered before their Lord, when there will be neither a protector nor an intercessor for them besides Him, so that they may fear Allah and keep their duty to Him (by abstaining from committing sins and by doing all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained). [Soorah Al-An’aam: Ayah:51]

Shaikh Saaleh Aala Shaikh (hafidha-hullaah) said: So when it is the case that intercession belongs to Allaah (alone), and that it not for anyone to seek intercession from other than Allaah– from one who has passed away and whose actions have ceased to exist- then it becomes established that seeking intercession and asking the dead people besides Allaah is shirk.  And the happiest people who will receive the intercession of Al-Mustapha [the Chosen One (i.e. the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam)] are the people who single out Allaah in worship and are free from all types of shirk, and they are those who are sincere to their (utterance) of the statement Laa-ilaaha-Ilal-laah (None has the right to be worshipped except Allaah). [Source: al-Mindhaar Fee Bayaani katheer Minal Akhtaa Ash-shaa-i-a by Shaikh Saaleh Aala Shaikh: page:10]

The Believers Are Only Those Who, When Allaah is Mentioned, Feel a Fear In Their Hearts!

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Shaikh Rabee Bin Haadi [hafidhahullaah] said:

[We] must ponder upon the Qur’aan, [approach] it with [sound] discernment, pay close attention to it, being acquainted with what it is about and its [lofty] status.  [We] must know [the greatness] of the one who revealed it – The Lord of the heavens and the earth, The Great Lord [i.e. Allaah] – and the status of the great Messenger to whom the Qur’aan was revealed. Therefore, we must acquaint ourselves with the Qur’aan. We must act upon it after pondering upon it; after approaching it with a [sound] discernment, understanding and paying close attention to it, so that its goals [aims] are fulfilled, especially the subject matter related to Allaah’s Essence, Names and Attributes(ref 1); the right Allaah has to be worshipped alone, exalted, glorified, venerated, feared and loved; complete submission to Him and being shy in His presence, as well as other acts of worship, which we know from the great Qur’aan and the [authentic] Sunnah of the noble Prophet [alayhis salaatu wassalaam]. [Ref 1]

Indeed, the Qur’aan has commended – a lot – the affair of knowledge and the scholars. Allaah [The Blessed and Exalted] said: [إِنَّمَا يَخۡشَى ٱللَّهَ مِنۡ عِبَادِهِ ٱلۡعُلَمَـٰٓؤُاْۗ – It is only those who have knowledge among His slaves that fear Allah]. [Surah Faatir’ Aayah 28]

The scholars who act upon knowledge – those who benefit from the knowledge of [the Sharee’ah]- know Allaah by His [Perfect] Names and Attributes. They know Allaah and exalt Him due to their knowledge of Allaah’s [Perfect] Names and Attributes; therefore, whenever one reads and comes across an Aayah of the Qur’aan that [mentions] some of the [Perfect] Names and Attributes of Allaah, it should increase him [or her] in Eemaan; especially the Aayaat regarding Tawheed, and the [Perfect] Names and Attributes of Allaah. Allaah said:

إِنَّمَا ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنُونَ ٱلَّذِينَ إِذَا ذُكِرَ ٱللَّهُ وَجِلَتۡ قُلُوبُہُمۡ وَإِذَا تُلِيَتۡ عَلَيۡہِمۡ ءَايَـٰتُهُ ۥ زَادَتۡہُمۡ إِيمَـٰنً۬ا وَعَلَىٰ رَبِّهِمۡ يَتَوَكَّلُونَ

ٱلَّذِينَ يُقِيمُونَ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَمِمَّا رَزَقۡنَـٰهُمۡ يُنفِقُونَ

The believers are only those who, when Allaah is mentioned, feel a fear in their hearts and when His Verses [this Qur’an] are recited unto them, they [i.e. the Verses] increase their Faith; and they put their trust in their Lord [Alone]. They perform the prayer and spend out of that We have provided them. [Surah Al-Anfaal’ Aayaat 2-3]

Whenever the Aayaat are recited to those believers – those who achieve this great status which Allaah [mentioned and attributed] to those scholars who truly act upon knowledge; the learned people of sound understanding, who possess a firm and sound understanding of the Qur’aan – they increase in Eemaan until their Eemaan becomes like mountains.

These scholars – the ones whom Allaah [mentioned with praise] – possess a firm and sound understanding of the Qur’aan and they increase in Eemaan through recitation of its Aayaat. They ponder upon the  Aayaat that [mention] Tawheed, the Aayaat that [mention] the [Perfect] Names and Attributes of Allaah, the Aayaat that [mention] Tawheed Al-Ibaadah, the Aayaat regarding  Allaah’s promise, the Aayaat regarding Allaah’s threat-which are many in the Great Qur’aan-, the description of Paradise and its bliss- its castles, Hoor [fair females with wide, lovely eyes (as wives for the pious)], and its gardens and rivers; and [they ponder upon the description] of the hell fire – its  Agh’laal [iron chains, iron collars], hardship and severe punishment- we seek Allaah’s Refuge from it. So, he [or she] believes in this Jannah and thus increases in desire for it; and believes in the fire and thus increases in fear of it, because he [or she] is a believer- one who knows and acts. [Ref 2]

Read the Names and Attributes of Allaah: http://www.spubs.com/sps/sp.cfm?subsecID=AQD03&articleID=AQD030001&pfriend=

[Ref 1: Majmoo Kutub Wa Ra’saa’il 1/23]

[Ref 2: Source: Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm’ pages 76-78. slightly paraphrased]

Skin Without Flesh and Body Without Soul!

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allaah [The Most High] said: [ لَن يَنَالَ اللَّهَ لُحُومُهَا وَلَا دِمَاؤُهَا وَلَٰكِن يَنَالُهُ التَّقْوَىٰ مِنكُمْ ۚ كَذَٰلِكَ سَخَّرَهَا لَكُمْ لِتُكَبِّرُوا اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَاكُمْ ۗ وَبَشِّرِ الْمُحْسِنِينَ – It is neither their meat nor their blood [i.e. the animals we sacrifice] that reaches Allah, but it is piety from you that reaches Him. Thus have We made them subject to you that you may magnify Allah for His Guidance to you. And give glad tidings (O Muhammad) to the Muhsinun (doers of good)]. [Surah Al-Hajj. Ayah 37]

[لَن يَنَالَ اللَّهَ لُحُومُهَا وَلَا دِمَاؤُهَا – It is neither their meat nor their blood] – meaning: The aim [or goal] behind them [i.e. the animals slaughtered as sacrifice] is not just to merely slaughter them, for neither does their meat nor blood reach Allaah because Allaah is [الْغَنِيُّ الْحَمِيدُ -The Independent One Who is Free of all Needs and The One Who is Deservedly Praised]; rather what reaches Allaah is the sincerity [in your hearts in relation to the performance of the deed]; hope for Allaah’s reward and having a righteous intention; [وَلَٰكِن يَنَالُهُ التَّقْوَىٰ مِنكُمْ ۚ – But it is piety from you that reaches Him].

So with regards to this, there is an urge towards sincerity in [the act] of sacrifice and that one’s intention is to seek the Face of Allaah [alone], and not out of boasting, show off and to be heard; nor merely following a custom. Likewise, this is [the goal behind] all acts of worship, for if they are not connected to sincerity and piety, then they are similar to skins that have no flesh and a body that has no soul.

[Source: An Excerpt from Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan’ by Imaam Sadi (rahimahullaah). Slightly paraphrased. Publisher Daar Ibn Hazm 1st ed. 1424 (Year 2003)]

Allaah Says the Truth, And He Guides to the Right Way – [By Imaam As-Sadi (rahimahullaah)]

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allaah (The Most High) said: [وَاللَّهُ يَقُولُ الْحَقَّ وَهُوَ يَهْدِي السَّبِيلَ  – Allaah Says the Truth, And He Guides to the Right Way (33: 4)]

This noble ayah makes it absolutely clear that Allaah speaks the truth -truthfulness and certainty in His narratives; justice and wisdom in that which He has commanded and prohibited. Everything Allaah has stated is truth, absolute credibility and beneficial for the slaves. It is a source of wellbeing in their creed and manners, and in their religious and worldly affairs. Everything Allaah has commanded is an act of righteousness, a quality of perfection, a benefit and a blessing; and everything Allaah has forbidden is evil, harmful and corruption, whether in the affairs of the worldly life or the religion. The entire Islamic legislation is an explanation of this great principle, which Allaah has mentioned in this Ayah and other than it.

Then Allaah says [وَهُوَ يَهْدِي السَّبِيلَ  – And He (Allaah), guides to the right way]; It is the path leading to the truth which Allaah has mentioned, and by way of which Allaah establishes judgements. Allaah suffices (us) and clarifies this truth for (us) through clear perceptible evidences (i.e. sound evidences that agree with the upright innate human fitrah and the uncorrupted intellect) and divine evidences, as Allaah stated in another Ayah:

[سَنُرِيهِمْ آيَاتِنَا فِي الْآفَاقِ وَفِي أَنفُسِهِمْ حَتَّىٰ يَتَبَيَّنَ لَهُمْ أَنَّهُ الْحَقُّ  – We will show them Our Signs in the universe, and in their own selves, until it becomes manifest to them that (this Qur’aan) is the truth (41:53)]

[Source: Ad-Dalaa-il Al-Qur’aaniyyah Fee Annal Uloom Wal-A’maal An-Naafi-a Al-Asriyyah Daakhilatun Fid Deenil Islaamiy’ page 6′ by Imaam As-Sadi (rahimahullaah)]

Whoever Dies Upon The Sunnah and Not Opposing It, He Is Indeed a Truthful Witness

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Imaam Barbahaaree (rahimahullaah) said that Abul Aaliyah (rahimahullaah) said: “Whoever dies upon the Sunnah and not opposing it, he is indeed a truthful witness. It is said clinging to the Sunnah is salvation”.

Shaikh Saaleh al Fawzaan commented on the above saying: The Siddeeq (the truthful one) is the one given to much truthfulness, and his status is at a level after that of the Prophets; so the station of Truthfulness is a lofty station, and what is intended by it is adherence to Truthfulness in speech and action. The Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) made known who the Truthful One is; so he said: “A man keeps on telling the truth until he becomes a Truthful Person”.

He is truthful himself and is eager for truthfulness with regards to what the people relate to him. He does not go along with everything he hears or whatever is said, rather he verifies and is eager for truthfulness; because he is a truthful person. He neither narrates nor utter except the truth. This is the Siddeeq (The Truthful One).

And concerning the statement: ‘Whoever dies upon the Sunnah:’  Sheikh Saaleh Al-Fawzaan comments saying: That is to cling to Islaam. And what is intended by As-Sunnah is ‘Islaam.  Islaam is the Sunnah, and whoever dies upon it and there appeared nothing from him in opposition to (that), then indeed he dies as a truthful person.

And concerning his statement: ‘Clinging to the Sunnah is Salvation’, that is: clinging to the Sunnah is safety from Fitan and Punishment; and for this reason he (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said: “Whosoever lives amongst you will see lots of differences, so stick to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the Rightly Guided Khulafaa”.

Allaah said: [   وَاعْتَصِمُوا بِحَبْلِ اللَّهِ جَمِيعًا وَلاَ تَفَرَّقُوا – And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allaah, and be not divided among yourselves] [3:103]

And Allaah said: [وَأَنَّ هَذَا صِرَاطِي مُسْتَقِيمًا فَاتَّبِعُوهُ وَلاَ تَتَّبِعُوا السُّبُلَ فَتَفَرَّقَ بِكُمْ عَنْ سَبِيلِهِ – And verily, this is my Straight Path, so follow it, and follow not (other) paths, for they will separate you away from His Path]. [6:153]

This is the advice of Allah and that of His Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam], and that is to stick and cling to sunnah.

Source: An Excerpt from It-haaful Qaaree Bitta’liqaat Alaa Sharhis Sunnah Lil Imaam Barbahaaree (rahimahullaah), Vol:2, page:313-314

Our Lord is of Vast Mercy!

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

إِنَّ رَبَّكَ وَٲسِعُ ٱلۡمَغۡفِرَةِ‌ۚ

Verily, your Lord is of vast forgiveness [53:32]

Had it not been for His forgiveness, the lands and the servants [i.e. its inhabitants] would have been destroyed. Had it not been for His forgiveness, the heavens would have collapsed on the earth and no living creature would have remained on it. [ref 1]

Neither Is The Believer Allowed to Lose Hope In The Mercy of Allaah Nor Be Complacent Regarding The Evil Consequences of Sins

Allaah [The Most High] said:

قُلۡ يَـٰعِبَادِىَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَسۡرَفُواْ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِهِمۡ لَا تَقۡنَطُواْ مِن رَّحۡمَةِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَغۡفِرُ ٱلذُّنُوبَ جَمِيعًا‌ۚ إِنَّهُ ۥ هُوَ ٱلۡغَفُورُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ

وَأَنِيبُوٓاْ إِلَىٰ رَبِّكُمۡ وَأَسۡلِمُواْ لَهُ ۥ مِن قَبۡلِ أَن يَأۡتِيَكُمُ ٱلۡعَذَابُ ثُمَّ لَا تُنصَرُونَ

وَٱتَّبِعُوٓاْ أَحۡسَنَ مَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيۡكُم مِّن رَّبِّڪُم مِّن قَبۡلِ أَن يَأۡتِيَڪُمُ ٱلۡعَذَابُ بَغۡتَةً۬ وَأَنتُمۡ لَا تَشۡعُرُونَ

أَن تَقُولَ نَفۡسٌ۬ يَـٰحَسۡرَتَىٰ عَلَىٰ مَا فَرَّطتُ فِى جَنۢبِ ٱللَّهِ وَإِن كُنتُ لَمِنَ ٱلسَّـٰخِرِينَ

أَوۡ تَقُولَ لَوۡ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ هَدَٮٰنِى لَڪُنتُ مِنَ ٱلۡمُتَّقِينَ

أَوۡ تَقُولَ حِينَ تَرَى ٱلۡعَذَابَ لَوۡ أَنَّ لِى ڪَرَّةً۬ فَأَكُونَ مِنَ ٱلۡمُحۡسِنِينَ

بَلَىٰ قَدۡ جَآءَتۡكَ ءَايَـٰتِى فَكَذَّبۡتَ بِہَا وَٱسۡتَكۡبَرۡتَ وَكُنتَ مِنَ ٱلۡكَـٰفِرِينَ

Say: “O ‘Ibadi (My slaves) who have transgressed against themselves (by committing evil deeds and sins)! Despair not of the Mercy of Allah, verily Allah forgives all sins. Truly, He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. And turn in repentance and in obedience with true Faith (Islamic Monotheism) to your Lord and submit to Him, (in Islam), before the torment comes upon you, then you will not be helped. And follow the best of that which is sent down to you from your Lord (i.e. this Qur’an, do what it orders you to do and keep away from what it forbids), before the torment comes on you suddenly while you perceive not!” Lest a person should say: “Alas, my grief that I was undutiful to Allah (i.e. I have not done what Allah has ordered me to do), and I was indeed among those who mocked [at the truth! i.e. La ilaha ill-Allah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah), the Qur’an, and Muhammad and at the faithful believers, etc.] Or (lest) he should say: “If only Allah had guided me, I should indeed have been among the Muttaqun (pious and righteous persons); Or (lest) he should say when he sees the torment: “If only I had another chance (to return to the world) then I should indeed be among the Muhsinun (good-doers). Yes! Verily, there came to you My Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) and you denied them, and were proud and were among the disbelievers.

Repentance:

https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2019/08/the-obligation-of-repentance-especially-during-calamities-and-afflictions-by-imaam-abdul-azeez-bin-baaz-rahimahullaah/

https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2019/09/brief-commentary-on-a-tremendous-supplication-related-to-repentance-by-imaam-abdul-azeez-bin-baaz-rahimahullaah/

http://www.salaficentre.com/2015/07/allaah-afflicts-mankind-with-different-types-of-afflictions-because-of-their-disobedience-and-wicked-deeds/

[Ref 1: An excerpt from Tayseer al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan). Publisher: Daar Ibn Hazm 1st Ed 1424AH (2003). Translation slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 2: Surah Az-Zumar Aayaat 53-59

Why Are The Gatherings Where Allaah Is Remembered Considered to Be The Purest, Noblest, Most Beneficial And Loftiest Gatherings

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

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

The purest, noblest, most beneficial and loftiest gatherings are the gatherings  where Allaah is remembered. They are the loftiest in the sight of Allaah. Many texts have been reported regarding the virtues of the gatherings of Dhikr- that they give life to heart [i.e. obedience to Allaah and the Messenger], increase Eemaan, rectification and purification for a person, unlike the gatherings of heedlessness because a person does not retire from them except [being afflicted by] a decrease in Eemaan and weakness in the heart, and that will be a cause of loss and regret [on the day of judgement].

The Salaf [pious predecessors] used to give great importance to the gatherings of Dhikr. Abdullaah Bin Rawaahah [radiyallaahu anhu] used to hold a group of his companions by the hand and say: ‘’Come let us [re-revitalise, strengthen etc] our Eemaan; come let us remember Allaah and increase in Eemaan by obeying Allaah, so that perhaps He will remember us by way of His forgiveness.’’

Umayr Al-Khatamiy [radiyallaahu anhu] used to say, “Eemaan increases and decreases”, so he was asked, ‘’What increases and decreases it?’’ He said, ‘’When we remember Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic], praise and glorify Him, that is [a cause] of its increase; and when we are heedless, negligent and  forgetful, that is [a cause] of its decrease.’’

Indeed, the gatherings of Dhikr are the gardens of paradise in this worldly life. Imaam Ahmad, Imaam Tirmidhee and others have reported from Anas Bin Maalik [radiyallaahu anhu] that Allaah’s Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said, ‘’When you go past the gatherings of Paradise, then graze as you like.” They said, “What are the gardens of Paradise?” He said, “The Circles of Dhikr.”

Ibn Abee Dunyaa, Al-Haakim and others reported the Hadeeth of Jaabir Bin Abdillaah who said, ‘’Allaah’s Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] came to us and said, ‘O people! Graze in the gardens of paradise’; we said, ‘O Allaah’s Messenger! What are the gardens of paradise?’ He said, ‘The gatherings of Dhikr.’’’

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] said, “Whoever wants a to live in the gardens of paradise in this worldly life, then let him stay in the gatherings of Dhikr, for indeed they are gardens of paradise.’’ [Al-Waabilus Sayyib. page 145]

The gatherings of Dhikr are the gatherings of the angels, because they do not have gatherings in the worldly life except gatherings in which Allaah [The Exalted] is mentioned. Abu Hurairah [radiyallaahu anhu] said that Allaah’s Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said:  Allaah’s Messenger said, ‘’Allaah has some angels who look for those who remember (glorify the Praises of) Allaah on the roads and paths. And when they find some people remembering (glorifying the Praises of) Allah, they call each other, saying, ‘Come to the object of your pursuit.’’ He added, ‘’Then the angels encircle them with their wings up to the nearest heaven to us.’’ He added, ‘’[After those people remembered (glorified the Praises of) Allah, and the angels go back to Allah], their Lord asks them (those angels) – though He knows better than them –‘What do My slaves say?’ The angels reply, ‘They say: Subhãn Allah, Allahu-Akbar, and Al-Hamdu-lillãh’. Allah then says, ‘Did they see Me?’ The angels reply, ‘No! By Allaah, they didn’t see You.’ Allah says, ‘How it would have been if they saw me?’ The angels reply, ‘If they saw You, they would worship You more devoutly and remember You (glorify Your Praises) more deeply, and declare Your freedom from any resemblance to anything more often.’ Allah says (to the angels), ‘What do they ask Me for?’ The angels reply, ‘They ask You for Paradise.’ Allah says (to the angels), ‘Did they see it?’ The angels say, ‘No! By Allah, O Lord! They did not see it.’ Allah says, ‘How it would have been if they saw it?’ The angels say, ‘If they saw it, they would have greater yearning for it and would seek it with greater zeal and would have greater desire for it.’ Allah says, ‘From what do they seek refuge?’ The angels reply, ‘They seek refuge from the (Hell) Fire.’ Allah says, ‘Did they see it?’ The angels say, ‘No! By Allah, O Lord! They did not see it.’ Allah says, ‘How it would have been if they saw it?’ The angels say, ‘If they saw it they would flee from it with the extreme fleeing and would have extreme fear from it.’ Then Allah says, ‘I make you witnesses that I have forgiven them.’’’ (Allah’s Messenger ; added:) ‘’One of the angels would say, ‘There was so-and-so amongst them, and he was not one of them, but he had just come for some need.’ Allah would say, ‘These are those people whose companions will not be reduced to misery.’’’ [Bukhaari 6408]

The gatherings of Dhikr are gatherings of the angels and gatherings of heedlessness are gatherings of the devils. The gatherings of Dhikr protect a person from loss and regret on the day of judgement, unlike the gatherings of heedlessness, for ìndeed they will be a cause of loss and regret on the day of judgement. Abu Daawud reported -with a ‘Hasan chain’ of transmission- from Abu Hurairah [radiyallaahu anhu] who said that Allaah’s Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said: ‘’The Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said: If anyone sits at a place where he does not remember Allah, deprivation [i.e. he’ll be deprived of reward] will descend on him from Allah; and if he lies at a place where he does not remember Allah, deprivation will descend on him from Allah.’’ [Abu Daawud. Number 4856]

Abu Sa’id Khudri reported that Mu’awiya went to a circle in the mosque and said: ‘’What makes you sit here? They said: ‘We are sitting here in order to remember Allah.’ He said: ‘I adjure you by Allah (to tell me whether you are sitting here for this very purpose)?’ They said: ‘By Allah, we are sitting here for this very purpose’. Thereupon, he said: ‘I have not demanded you to take an oath, because of any allegation against you and there is none of my rank -in the eyes of Allah’s Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam]- a narrator of so few ahadith as I am. The fact is that Allah’s Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] went out to the circle of his Companions and said: ‘What makes you sit?’ They said: ‘We are sitting here in order to remember Allah and to praise Him for He guided us to the path of Islam and He conferred favours upon us.’ Thereupon he adjured by Allah and asked if that only was the purpose of their sitting there. They said: ‘By Allah, we are not sitting here but for this very purpose’, whereupon he (the Messenger) said: ‘I am not asking you to take an oath because of any allegation against you but for the fact that Gabriel came to me and he informed me that Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, was talking to the angels about your magnificence.”  This is [one of the proofs] regarding the nobility of Dhikr in the sight of Allaah. Allaah loves it and it has status that distinguishes it from other acts of worship.

The gatherings of Dhikr bring about tranquillity, mercy and the angel encircle with their wings around those who remember Allaah. Agharr Abi Muslim reported: ‘’I bear witness to the fact that both Abu Huraira and Abu Sa’id Khudri were present when Allah’s Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said: ‘The people do not sit but they are surrounded by angels and covered by Mercy, and there descends upon them tranquillity as they remember Allah, and Allah makes a mention of them to those who are near Him.’’’ [Muslim Number: 2700]

The gatherings of Dhikr are a great means of restraining one’s tongue,  protecting it from backbiting, tale carrying, lies, lewd speech and falsehood, for indeed it is inevitable that a person will speak, so if he does not speak through remembrance of Allaah- by mentioning Allaah’s commandments and about something good and beneficial, then it is inevitable that he will speak about forbidden things or some of them. Therefore, whoever makes it a habit for his tongue to remember Allaah, he will protect his tongue from falsehood and idle speech. And whoever deprive his tongue of remembrance of Allaah, he will utter falsehood, idle speech and lewdness. [Source: Excerpt from ‘Fiqhul Ad-iyah Wal-Ad-kaar.’ Pages 27-31. Slightly paraphrased]

One Who Remembers Allaah a Lot Is Declared to Be Truthful By Allaah And Whoever Alllaah Declares to Be Truthful Will Not Be Resurrected With The Liars

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Articles, Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

One of the benefits of Dhikr is that it is a reason behind one being declared truthful by Allaah, because indeed the one who remembers Allaah [is in reality] speaking about Allaah’s Perfect Attributes and Exalted Characteristics. So, when a person speaks about [Allaah’s Perfect Attributes and Exalted Characteristics], Allaah declares that what he [i.e. the person] says is true, and whoever is declared truthful by Allaah will not be resurrected with the liars; rather it is hoped that he will be resurrected with the truthful ones. Abee Ishaaq narrated from Al-A’ghar Bin Muslim who bore witness that Abu Hurairah and Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudree [radiyallaahu-anhumaa] bore witness that Allaah’s Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said:

“When the servant says, ‘Laa ilaaha illal-laah Wa Allahu Akbar [None has the right to be worshipped except Allaah and Allaah is the Most Great],’ Allaah says, ‘My servant has spoken the truth; none has the right to be worshipped except I, and I am the Most Great.’ When he says, ‘Laa ilaaha Illal laahu Wahdahu [None has the right to be worshipped except Allaah alone]’, Allaah says, ‘My servant has spoken the truth; none has the right to be worshipped except I, alone.’ When he says, Laa ilaha Ilal laah, laa Shareekalahu [None has the right to be worshipped except Allaah, He has no partner or (associate)],’ Allah says, ‘My servant has spoken the truth; none has the right to be worshipped except I, and I have no partner (or associate).’ When he says, ‘Laa ilaaha illal laah, lahul Mulku Wa lahul Hamdu [None has the right to be worshipped except Allaah, all dominion is His and all praise is to Him],’ Allaah says, ‘My servant has spoken the truth; none has the right to be worshipped except I, all dominion is Mine and all praise is due to Me.’ When he says: ‘ Laa ilaaha illal laa, laa hawla wa la quwwata illaa billah [None has the right to be worshipped except Allaah and there is no power and nor strength (given to anything to move or alternate from one state to another except by the will of) Allaah],’ Allah says, ‘My servant has spoken the truth; none has the right to be worshipped except I, and there is no power and nor strength (given to anything to move or alternate from one state to another except by My Will)].’ One of the narrators Abu Ishaq said: “Then A’gharr said something that I did not understand. I said to Abu Jafar: ‘What did he say?’ He said: ‘Whoever is blessed with [the ability to say] them [i.e. these words] at the time of death, the Fire will not touch him.'” [Sunan Ibn Maajah. Number 3794. Sunan Tirmidhee 3430. Silsilah Al-Hadeeth As-Saheehah. Number 1390]

From the benefits of Dhikr is that profuse remembrance of Allaah is a safeguard against hypocrisy, for indeed the hypocrites remember Allaah very little. Allaah said about the hypocrites: [وَلَا يَذۡكُرُونَ ٱللَّهَ إِلَّا قَلِيلاً۬  – And they do not remember Allah but little]. [Surah An-Nisaa Aayah 142]

Ka’b said: “Whoever remembers Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] a lot, he will be free from hypocrisy.’’ And perhaps this is why Allaah ended Surah Al-Munaafiqoon with the statement: [ يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا تُلۡهِكُمۡ أَمۡوَٲلُكُمۡ وَلَآ أَوۡلَـٰدُڪُمۡ عَن ذِڪۡرِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ وَمَن يَفۡعَلۡ ذَٲلِكَ فَأُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ هُمُ ٱلۡخَـٰسِرُونَ – O you who believe! Let not your properties or your children divert you from the remembrance of Allah. And whosoever does that, then they are the losers]. [Surah Al-Munaafiqoon. Aayah 9]

This is because [the Aayah] contains a warning against the Fitna of the hypocrites, who are heedless of Allaah’s remembrance and thus fall into hypocrisy. Little remembrance of Allaah is one of the signs of hypocrisy, therefore profuse remembrance of Allaah is a safeguard against hypocrisy.

From the benefits of Dhikr is that it is a healing for the hearts and a remedy for its diseases. Mak’hool Bin Abdillaah [rahimahullaah] said, “Mentioning Allaah [i.e. Dhikr] is a remedy [i.e. it purifies the heart] and mentioning the people [i.e. by way of impermissible speech] is a disease.’’ Also Dhikr removes hardness of the heart, for there is a hardness in the heart that cannot go away except by way of Dhikr. A man came to Hasan Al-Basri [rahimahullaah] and said, “O Abaa Sa’eed! I complain to you about the hardness of my heart”, he said, “Expel it through remembrance of Allaah.”

From the benefits of Dhikr is that Allaah will be a close ally of the one who remembers Him. Allaah will love, support and grant him Tawfeeq [i.e. guide him and enable him to act upon that guidance], just as Allaah said:[ [إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ مَعَ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّقَواْ وَّٱلَّذِينَ هُم مُّحۡسِنُونَ  – Truly, Allah is with those who fear Him (i.e. He grants them aid and assistance (ref1), and those who are Muhsinoon (good-doers)]. [Surah An-Nahl. Aayah 128]

Allaah said: [وَٱللَّهُ مَعَ ٱلصَّـٰبِرِينَ   – And Allah is with the patient ones (i.e. He grants them aid and assistance (Ref2)] [Surah Al-Baqarah. Aayah 249]

Allaah said: [وَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَمَعَ ٱلۡمُحۡسِنِينَ – And verily, Allah is with the good doers (i.e. He grants them aid and assistance (Ref 3)]. [Surah Al-Ankabut. Aayah 69]

The one who remembers Allaah has a great share of this, just as it has been reported in a Hadeeth Qudsee: “Allaah says: ‘I am with My slave  when he remembers Me and his lips move whilst mentioning Me. [i.e. I grant him aid, assistance, help and Tawfeeq [guide him and grant him the ability to act upon that guidance(Ref 4)] ’’ [Ibn Maajah 3792]

From the benefits of Dhikr is that it brings about blessings [or bounties] and repels vengeance. There’s nothing that earns a person blessing and repels vengeance [from him] in a manner [more effective] than remembrance of Allaah. Allaah said: [إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُدَٲفِعُ عَنِ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ‌ۗ   – Truly, Allah defends those who believe]. [Surah Hajj. Aayah 38]

Allaah’s defence for a person is based on the strength of the person’s Eemaan and its perfection, and the essence of Eemaan and its strength is remembrance of Allaah. So whoever’s Eemaan is more perfect and his remembrance is more [than that of others], then his share will be greater [i.e. he’ll receive more protection from Allaah]. [Source: Fiqhul Ad-iyah Wal Ad-kaar. Pages 22-24. Sections 1 & 2. Slightly paraphrased]

Refs 1, 2 & 3: Zaadul Maseer Fee Ilmit Tafseer; Ref 4: Shurooh Sunan Ibn Maajah [As-Suyootee, Al-Hindee, Ad-Dehlawiy…Page1376. Kitab Al-Adab]