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The One Who Stretches His Hand at The Edge of a Deep Well to Get Some Water – [An Excellent Similitude Regarding The One Who Invokes Other Than Allaah]

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, 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

Imaam As-Sadi [rahimahullaah] said: Allaah [The Most High] said:

لَهُ ۥ دَعۡوَةُ ٱلۡحَقِّ‌ۖ وَٱلَّذِينَ يَدۡعُونَ مِن دُونِهِۦ لَا يَسۡتَجِيبُونَ لَهُم بِشَىۡءٍ إِلَّا كَبَـٰسِطِ كَفَّيۡهِ إِلَى ٱلۡمَآءِ لِيَبۡلُغَ فَاهُ وَمَا هُوَ بِبَـٰلِغِهِۦ‌ۚ وَمَا دُعَآءُ ٱلۡكَـٰفِرِينَ إِلَّا فِى ضَلَـٰلٍ۬

For Him (Alone) is the Word of Truth (i.e. none has the right to be worshipped but He). And those whom they (polytheists and disbelievers) invoke cannot respond to them with a thing, no more than one who stretches forth his hand (at the edge of a deep well) for water to reach his mouth, but it reaches him not, and the invocation of the disbelievers is nothing but an error (i.e. of no use). [Surah Ar-Ra’d Ayah 14]

Allaah [The Most High] alone has the right to be worshipped. One’s acts of worship has to carried out sincerely for the sake of Allaah [The Most High] and likewise Allaah [The Most High] alone has the right to be invoked when one seeks after the fulfilment of a specific need. Allaah [The Most High] alone has the right to be loved [i.e. the love that obligates on a person to direct all acts of worship to Allaah alone].

Allaah [The Most High] alone has the right to be worshipped with Al-Kawf [Fear (R1)]; Ar-Rajaa [Hope and longing (R 2)]; Ar-Raghbah [Fervent Desire (R3)]; Ar-Rahbah [Dread (R4)] and Al-Inaabah [turning to Allaah in repentance (R5)]. That is because Allaah alone is the possessor of all the Names and Attributes of perfection – [and free is He from all imperfections, deficiencies, weaknesses, similarities, co-equals, faults, shortcomings etc] – which makes Him the only deity worthy of worship. Any other thing taken as a deity besides Him is false.

[وَٱلَّذِينَ يَدۡعُونَ مِن دُونِهِۦ لَا يَسۡتَجِيبُونَ لَهُم بِشَىۡءٍ  – And those whom they (polytheists and disbelievers) invoke cannot respond to them with a thing]: Meaning: The idols and false deities that are associated as partners with Allaah [The Most High] in worship cannot respond with a thing to those who invoke and worship them- neither can they respond to their requests in this life nor in the afterlife; [إِلَّا كَبَـٰسِطِ كَفَّيۡهِ إِلَى ٱلۡمَآءِ لِيَبۡلُغَ فَاهُ وَمَا هُوَ بِبَـٰلِغِهِۦ‌ – no more than one who stretches forth his hand (at the edge of a deep well) for water to reach his mouth, but it reaches him not].

This is an excellent similitude regarding the invocation of the one who invokes other than Allaah, for he is like one who stretches his hand at the edge of a deep well [to get some] water, even though it is impossible to reach it by doing so. This is the case regarding the one who invokes false deities besides Allaah [The Most High], for he will not reach his goal. Allaah [The Most High] said in another Ayah:

إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُواْ بِـَٔايَـٰتِنَا وَٱسۡتَكۡبَرُواْ عَنۡہَا لَا تُفَتَّحُ لَهُمۡ أَبۡوَٲبُ ٱلسَّمَآءِ وَلَا يَدۡخُلُونَ ٱلۡجَنَّةَ حَتَّىٰ يَلِجَ ٱلۡجَمَلُ فِى سَمِّ ٱلۡخِيَاطِ‌ۚ وَڪَذَٲلِكَ نَجۡزِى ٱلۡمُجۡرِمِينَ

Verily, those who belie Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) and treat them with arrogance, for them the gates of heaven will not be opened, and they will not enter Paradise until the camel goes through the eye of the needle (which is impossible). Thus do We recompense the Mujrimun (criminals, polytheists, sinners, etc.). [7:40]

[وَمَا دُعَآءُ ٱلۡكَـٰفِرِينَ إِلَّا فِى ضَلَـٰلٍ۬ – and the invocation of the disbelievers is nothing but an error (i.e. of no use)]: Meaning: They invoke false deities; therefore their invocation is tantamount to misguidance. As for Allaah, He is the True King of the entire creation and the only deity worthy of worship, therefore, to worship Him alone is the truth and it is what will definitely benefit a person in this life and the next.

[Source: (Tayseer al-Kareem Ar-rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam al-Mannaan). slightly paraphrased]

Footnotes:

Ref 1: Al-Kawf [Fear]: Fear is to be frightened and is a result of expecting something which will bring about destruction, harm or injury, and Allaah, the one free of all imperfections and the Most High, forbade having fear of the allies of the Satan, and He commanded fear of Himself alone. Fear is of three types: (i) Natural fear, such as a person’s fear of predatory animals, fire, or drowning. This is something for which a person is not to be blamed. Allaah, the Most High, said about Moosaa, “So he entered in the morning in Pharaoh’s city in a state of fear, awaiting events.” [Soorah al-Qasas (28): 18] However if this fear is, as mentioned by the author, a cause of his leaving an obligation or doing something forbidden, then it is forbidden. Since whatever causes an obligation to be abandoned, or causes something forbidden to be done is itself forbidden (haraam). The evidence here is the Saying of Allaah, the Most High, “So do not fear them, but fear Me and beware of disobeying Me, if you are truly Believers.” [Soorah Aal-‘Imraan (3):175] Furthermore fear of Allaah, the Most High, is sometimes something praiseworthy, and is sometimes something that is not praiseworthy. It is praiseworthy when it prevents you from being disobedient to Allaah, and causes you to fulfil the obligatory duties and to avoid what is forbidden. So if this goal is reached, then the heart settles and is at peace, and is dominated by joy at the blessings of Allaah and hope for His reward. It is something that is not praiseworthy when it causes a person to despair of Allaah’s Mercy and to give up hope altogether. In such a case the person will give up and may continue in sin due to the fact that he totally gives up hope. (ii) Reverential fear, that he fears something and takes that as his religion. This is to be for Allaah, the Most High, alone. Directing such reverential fear to anyone other than Allaah, the Most High, is major shirk. (iii) Secret supernatural fear, such as fearing someone buried in a grave, or a person thought to be pious, who is far away and cannot affect him, yet still he has secret fear for him. This is also mentioned by the scholars as being a case of shirk. The evidence for hope and longing (ar-rajaa) is the Saying of Allaah the Most High: “So whoever hopes to see His Lord and be rewarded by Him, then let him make his worship correct and make it purely and sincerely for Him; and let him not make any share of it for anyone other than Him” [71] [Soorah al-Kahf (18):110]. [Source: English translation of the ‘Three fundamental principles’ by Abu Talhah (may Allaah have mercy upon him and his wife)]

Ref 2: Ar- Rajaa [Hope and longing] is that a person wishes for something that may be attained and is close, and it may be something that is far off but treated as being something close. This earnest hope which comprises humility and submission may not be directed except to Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, and directing it to anyone other than Allaah, the Most High, is shirk. This shirk will either be lesser shirk or major shirk depending upon the state of the heart of the person in this case. The author uses as evidence the Saying of Allaah, the Most High, “So whoever hopes to see His Lord and be rewarded by Him, then let him make his worship correct and make it purely and sincerely for Him; and let him not make any share of it for anyone other than Him.” [Soorah al-Kahf (18):11O] ‘Hope’ which is praiseworthy is only that which is found in a person who acts in obedience to Allaah and hopes for reward from Him, or a person who repents from sin and hopes that his repentance is accepted. As for a person who hopes despite the fact that he does not act, then this is delusion and false hopes, and is something blameworthy. [Source: English translation of the ‘Three fundamental principles’ by Abu Talhah (may Allaah have mercy upon him and his wife)]

Ref 3: Ar-Raghbah [Fervent Desire] and Ref 4: Ar-Rahbah [Dread]: Ar-Raghbah is the love and desire to reach that which is beloved. Ar-Rahbah is fear which causes one to flee away from the cause of fear. So it is a fear that is accompanied by action. Allaah [The Most High] said: [إِنَّهُمۡ ڪَانُواْ يُسَـٰرِعُونَ فِى ٱلۡخَيۡرَٲتِ وَيَدۡعُونَنَا رَغَبً۬ا وَرَهَبً۬ا‌ۖ وَڪَانُواْ لَنَا خَـٰشِعِينَ  – They used to hasten to acts of devotion and obedience to Allaah, and they used to worship Allaah upon love and desire, and upon fear, and were reverent and humble before Allaah] [21:90]

In this noble Aayah, Allaah, the Most High, describes the most loyal and sincere of His servants as worshipping Allaah, the Most High, upon raghbah and rahbah, whist being humble and submissive to Him. The du’aa (invocation) here covers both invoking Allaah through acts of worship, and supplication. So they call upon Allaah out of earnest desire for what is with Him, and hoping for His reward, whilst also fearing His punishment as a result of their sins. So the Believer should hasten to Allaah, the Most High, upon fear and earnest desire; with regard to actions of obedience his hope and earnest desire should predominate, so that he is keen to perform them and hopes that they will be accepted; and with regard to whenever he thinks of committing a sin, then fear should predominate so that he will flee away from doing it and be saved from its consequent punishment. Some scholars say that the aspect of hope should pre-dominate when a person is ill, and the aspect of fear when he is well. They say this since a person who is ill feels subdued and weakened and it may be that his appointed time is near, so that he may die, and he should do so whilst thinking good of Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic. But when healthy he is energetic and has hope of remaining for a long time, and this may lead him to be exuberant and carefree, so fear should predominate in order to be safe from that. It is also said that the earnest hope and fear should be equal so that his hope does not lead him to feel safe from Allaah, and his fear does not cause him to despair of Allaah’s mercy, since both of these are evil and cause a person’s destruction. [Source: English translation of the ‘Three fundamental principles’ by Abu Talhah (may Allaah have mercy upon him and his wife)]

Ref 5: Al-Inaabah [turning to Allaah in repentance]: Allaah [The Most High] said: [وَأَنِيبُوٓاْ إِلَىٰ رَبِّكُمۡ وَأَسۡلِمُواْ لَهُ – So turn, O you people, repentantly and obediently to your Lord, and submit obediently to Him] [39:54]

Al-Inaabah is to turn to Allaah, the Most High, in obedience, and avoiding disobedience to Him, and its meaning is close to that of repentance (tawbah), except that it is more subtle in meaning, and conveys the sense of dependence upon Allaah and fleeing for refuge to Him, and it cannot be except for Allaah. What is meant by the Saying of Allaah, the Most High, “…submit obediently to Him” is: Islaam as prescribed and required of us in the Sharee’ah and that is to submit to the laws and commandments of Allaah. This is because submission to Allaah, the Most High, is of two types: (i) Submission of all the creation, which is to submit to whatever He has decreed should exist and occur in the creation about which the creation has no choice. So this is general and covers everyone in the heavens and the earth, the Believers and the unbelievers, the righteous and the wicked. No one can possibly disdain and depart from this. The evidence for it is the Saying of Allaah, the Most High, “And to Him everyone in the heavens and the earth submit, willingly or unwillingly, and to Him you will all be returned.” [Soorah Aal-‘Imraan (3):83] (ii) Submission to the laws and prescriptions of Islaam, and this is to submit in obedience. This is particular to those who are obedient to Allaah, the Messengers and those who follow them upon good. The evidences for this in the Qur’aan are many, and from them is the Aayah mentioned by the author [Soorah az-Zumar (39): 5] [Source: English translation of the ‘Three fundamental principles’ by Abu Talhah (may Allaah have mercy upon him and his wife)]

Only Those Who Are Patient Shall Receive Their Rewards In Full, Without Hisaab [Without Limit, Calculation and Estimation]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Da'wah - Calling To Islam, 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.

Question: The questioner asks: What is the status of patience and what is the reward for those who exercise patience?

Answer: Patience has a great status in the sight of Allah (The Most High). The Eemaan of a slave (i.e. a male or female Muslim) cannot be perfect without patience.  Patience is from the best of deeds and its reward has no limits. When it is the case that one good deed is written as ten good deeds and can multiply until it reaches seven hundred or more, then indeed the reward for exercising patience has no limits,  for indeed Allaah ( Glorified and Exalted be He) said:

إِنَّمَا يُوَفَّى الصَّابِرُونَ أَجْرَهُم بِغَيْرِ حِسَابٍ

Only those who are patient shall receive their rewards in full, without Hisaab (without limit, calculation and estimation) [a] [39:10]

Patience is of three types:

[1] The first type patience is when a person exercises patience (whilst striving) to obey Allaah: A Muslim is commanded to exercise patience (whilst striving) to obey Allaah (The Most High), especially the when fulfilling obligations. And the first of those obligations is the prayer, for it is obligatory to establish it at its fixed time together with all its conditions and obligatory acts. [b] Therefore, patience is required in seeking to fulfill the five daily prayers. When a sleeping person hears the Adhaan of Fajr, he strives against his soul and wakes up, and then he performs Wudhu and goes to the Masjid. This is patience whilst seeking to obey Allaah. One also exercises patience in striving to treat his (or her) parents kindly, dealing with them in a beautiful manner and patiently bearing whatever occurs from that. Allaah (The Most High):

وَقَضَىٰ رَبُّكَ أَلَّا تَعْبُدُوا إِلَّا إِيَّاهُ وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا ۚ إِمَّا يَبْلُغَنَّ عِندَكَ الْكِبَرَ أَحَدُهُمَا أَوْ كِلَاهُمَا فَلَا تَقُل لَّهُمَا أُفٍّ وَلَا تَنْهَرْهُمَا وَقُل لَّهُمَا قَوْلًا كَرِيمًا

And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And that you be dutiful to your parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them but address them in terms of honour. [17:23]

وَاخْفِضْ لَهُمَا جَنَاحَ الذُّلِّ مِنَ الرَّحْمَةِ وَقُل رَّبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًا

And lower unto them the wing of submission and humility through mercy, and say: “My Lord! Bestow on them Your Mercy as they did bring me up when I was small.”[17:24]

رَّبُّكُمْ أَعْلَمُ بِمَا فِي نُفُوسِكُمْ ۚ إِن تَكُونُوا صَالِحِينَ فَإِنَّهُ كَانَ لِلْأَوَّابِينَ غَفُورًا

Your Lord knows best what is in your inner-selves. If you are righteous, then, verily, He is Ever Most Forgiving to those who turn unto Him again and again in obedience, and in repentance. [17:25]

A person should also exercise patience in seeking to nurture his (or her) children and teaching them good manners and behaviour.

[2] The second type of patience is when a person exercises patience in seeking to restrain him (or herself) from disobeying Allaah: A person excises this patience in order to prevent him or (herself) from sins and (evil) desires. And among those sins a person should keep away from is that he refrains from violating the honour of the people.

[3] The third type of patience is when a person exercise patience when encountered with Allaah’s decree, which maybe something painful (i.e. a calamity): That is because that which afflicts a person, such as the death of a son (or daughter) or being afflicted with a sickness on a person’s the body, or his (or her) sanity, or what may afflict a relative of his (or hers), it is obligated on a person to exercise patience when these affairs are encountered and should hope for Allaah’s reward for being patient. He should know that all these affairs are from Allaah.  Allah (the most high) said:

مَا أَصَابَ مِن مُّصِيبَةٍ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ ۗ وَمَن يُؤْمِن بِاللَّهِ يَهْدِ قَلْبَهُ ۚ

No calamity befalls, but with the Leave [i.e. decision and Qadar (Divine Preordainments)] of Allah, and whosoever believes in Allah, He guides his heart. [64:11]

Alqamah (radiyallaahu-anhu) said: This (ayah) is about a person who is afflicted with a calamity and he knows that it is from Allaah.  So he becomes pleased with what Allaah has decreed and submit to Allaah’s judgement, and he (or she) says: ‘’this is Allaah’s decree. I believe in Allaah and we are pleased with Allaah’s decree.” So Allaah fills his heart with Eemaan and tranquillity, and he (or she) receives a great reward (i.e. due to his patience).

We ask Allaah to include us and you amongst those who exercise patience.

[Source: Fadaa’il Al- A’maal’ pages 11-14’ by Shaikh Muhammad Bin Abdillaah As-Subayyil (rahimahullaah). Abridged and slightly paraphrased]

[a] Tayseerul Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseeri Kalaam Al-Mannaan’ by Imaam Sadi (rahimahullaah)

[b]Conditions, pillars and obligations of the prayer, see  link:

http://www.salafitalk.net/st/viewmessages.cfm?Forum=10&Topic=8984

Grief, Distress, Helplessness, Laziness, Miserliness, Cowardice, Being Heavily In Debt And Being Overcome By Men – [The Prophet Used to Seek Allaah’s Refuge From These Eight Affairs]

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

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

The Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] used to supplicate saying:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْهَمِّ وَالْحَزَنِ، وَالْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ، وَالْبُخْلِ وَالْجُبْنِ ، وَضَلَعِ الدَّيْنِ، وَغَلَبَةِ الرِّجَالِ

O Allaah! I seek refuge with You against distress and grief, helplessness and laziness, miserliness and cowardice, being heavily in debt and being overcome by men. [Saheeh Al-Bukhaari. Number 2893]

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] said: So, the Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] sought Allaah’s Refuge against eight affairs and each of  them is connected to another thing.

Distress and Grief: Distress and grief are connected to each other and they are pains in the heart. If it is in relation to an affair that has elapsed, then it is grief; and if related to an affair in the future, then it is distress. So, if the basis of the pain is related to something missed in the past, it is grief; and if its basis is related to fear of what is to come in future, it is distress.

Helplessness And Laziness: Helplessness and Laziness are connected to each other. When one is delayed from what is beneficial and its perfect [accomplishment], it is considered to be helplessness. And if the affair is related to lack of intent, it is considered to be laziness.

Cowardice And Miserliness: Cowardice and miserliness are connected to each other, because indeed Ihsaan [i.e. to do good for others, generosity, etc] brings happiness to the heart and comfort to the inner self, overcomes distress and repels rancour. And abandoning it [i.e. Ihsaan] would cause the heart to be constricted and prevents it from reaching blessings by way of it. Cowardice is to abandon Insaan by way of physical actions and miserliness is the abandonment of Insaan through wealth.

Being Heavily In Debt And Being Overcome By Men: Being heavily in debt and being overcome by men are connected to each other, because being subdued and overcome can occur from the person himself or from others- either based on truth or falsehood. The cause of being heavily in debt emanates from the person himself and no wrong is committed against him, and being overcome by men is tantamount to falsehood [committed against him] and not from himself.

The intent in this discussion is that the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] [showed and clarified] that grief is something a person should seek refuge against, because indeed it weakens the heart, weakens one’s determination and changes one’s intent. And there is nothing more beloved to shaytaan than bringing sadness to the believers. Allaah [The Exalted] said: [  إِنَّمَا ٱلنَّجۡوَىٰ مِنَ ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنِ لِيَحۡزُنَ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا – Secret counsels (conspiracies) are only from Shaitan (Satan), in order that he may cause grief to the believers] [Surah Al-Mujaadilah. Aayah 10]

Grief is one of the ailments of the heart which prevents it from arising, embarking upon and striving [to pursue what is beneficial] – preventing it from attaining reward due to the calamities that afflicts a person outside his own choice, such as sickness, pain and what is similar. [Ref 1]

A Perfect Example to Learn From Ya’qoob [alayhis salaam] That One Turns to Allaah In Times of Grief And Not to Despair

Allaah [The Exalted] said:

وَتَوَلَّىٰ عَنۡہُمۡ وَقَالَ يَـٰٓأَسَفَىٰ عَلَىٰ يُوسُفَ وَٱبۡيَضَّتۡ عَيۡنَاهُ مِنَ ٱلۡحُزۡنِ فَهُوَ كَظِيمٌ۬

قَالُواْ تَٱللَّهِ تَفۡتَؤُاْ تَذۡڪُرُ يُوسُفَ حَتَّىٰ تَكُونَ حَرَضًا أَوۡ تَكُونَ مِنَ ٱلۡهَـٰلِكِينَ

قَالَ إِنَّمَآ أَشۡكُواْ بَثِّى وَحُزۡنِىٓ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ وَأَعۡلَمُ مِنَ ٱللَّهِ مَا لَا تَعۡلَمُونَ

And he turned away from them and said: “Alas, my grief for Yusuf (Joseph)!” And he lost his sight because of the sorrow that he was suppressing. They said: “By Allah! You will never cease remembering Yusuf (Joseph) until you become weak with old age, or until you be of the dead.” He said: “I only complain of my grief and sorrow to Allah, and I know from Allah that which you know not.

Meaning: Ya’qoob [alayhis salaam] turned away from his sons after they informed him of this news [i.e. their claim that Benjamin was caught stealing and is detained in Egypt], and he [Ya’qoob- alayhis salaam] became extremely grieved and saddened. His eyes became white because of the grief in his heart and the sadness that made him weep a lot; so his eyes became white. [فَهُوَ كَظِيمٌ۬ – because of the sorrow that he was suppressing]. [وَقَالَ يَـٰٓأَسَفَىٰ عَلَىٰ يُوسُفَ – He said, “Alas, my grief for Yusuf (Joseph)!”]- Meaning: He manifested his old grief and constant longing, which was concealed, but this recent calamity has now reminded him of the previous calamity, which was greater than this second one.

So, his sons said to him whilst being amazed with his state: [تَٱللَّهِ تَفۡتَؤُاْ تَذۡڪُرُ يُوسُفَ حَتَّىٰ تَكُونَ حَرَضًا أَوۡ تَكُونَ مِنَ ٱلۡهَـٰلِكِينَ – By Allah! You will never cease remembering Yusuf (Joseph) until you become weak with old age, or until you be of the dead]- Meaning: You will not stop remembering Yoosuf in all circumstances until you lose all power and become unable to move or speak or you die. He said: [  قَالَ إِنَّمَآ أَشۡكُواْ بَثِّى وَحُزۡنِىٓ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ وَأَعۡلَمُ مِنَ ٱللَّهِ مَا لَا تَعۡلَمُونَ – I only complain of my grief and sorrow to Allah, and I know from Allah that which you know not]- Meaning: I have not disseminated my speech, rather I only complain of my grief – which in my heart – to Allaah alone; neither to you nor others. Therefore, say whatever you want, [because (I know from Allaah what you do not know]- Meaning: Allaah will return them to me and gladden my eyes due to being reunited with them. [Ref 2]

[Ref 1: An Excerpt from Tareeq Al-Hijratayn. Pages 606-607. Slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 2: An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi. Slightly paraphrased]

Daily Goal and Pursuit of The Sensible One

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

The sensible person is in a position to have the Baaqiyaat As-Saalihaat as provision [i.e. the good righteous deeds that last and are better in the sight of Allah for reward and better in respect of hope in the Hereafter] together with his share from the worldly life with ease- by seeking aid in going out in the morning, midday and something of the night time. This is the foundation upon which he places his worldly affairs and the means to (accomplishing them). Even when such (affairs) come to him late at night, he would pray and seek aid from his Lord and ask for that which brings about good in his religious and Worldly affairs.

He begins his day with good – recitation of the Qur’aan and acts of worship to which one devotes himself in the morning; performs the five daily prayers in their earliest times and that which Allah makes easy for him to perform of good deeds, such as (optional) prayer, recitation of the Qur’aan, remembrance of Allah, seeking knowledge and other than that. He engages his tongue in the Remembrance of Allah and seeking forgiveness.

He pursues the means by way of which one seeks his livelihood, such as trade, production of goods, farming and what is similar to them, whilst seeking the aid of his Lord in that. He suffices himself with the permissible means and turns away from that which Allaah has made unlawful. The intent behind this is to fulfil the individual obligations, to be (upon) self-sufficiency and having little or no need of the creation. If he does this or something closer to it, the result will be goodness and he will gain abundant reward (for the afterlife). Also he does not forget his (lawful) share in the worldly life and it may be that Allah will bless him with contentment, which is true richness by way of which a good life is attained.

[Source: An Excerpt from Noorul Basaa-ir Wal Albaab Fee Ahkaam Al Ibaadaat, Wal Mu-aamalaat, Wal Huqooq, Wal Aadaab of Imam Abdur Rahmaan As-Sadi. Page: 65. slightly paraphrased]

It Is a Blessing That a Teacher Has Students Who Notify Him of His Mistake – [By Shaikh Abdus Salaam Burgess (rahimahullaah)]

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', 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.

Shaikh Abdus Salaam Burgess [rahimahullaah] said: Just as it is obligated on a student to recant a mistake, then likewise it is obligated on a teacher [or scholar] to return to the truth when he errs. He is not to be prevented from returning to the truth after reviewing a statement he made and finds that it is in opposition to what is correct, for indeed that is a sign of equity and humbling [oneself] to the truth. Therefore, it is obligated that one follows what is correct, whether it was [conveyed] by a younger or older person. And it is blessing upon a teacher that he has amongst his students one who notifies him of his mistake and leads him to what is correct, so that he does not persist upon that ignorance. This requires that one shows gratitude to Allaah [The Exalted] and then being thankful to the person through whom one was guided [to what is correct], whether it was a student or other than him. [Source: An Excerpt from ‘Awā’iq at-Talab pg. 52 Slightly paraphrased]

Reminder And Warning For Us Regarding The Fate of Those Forefathers of Ours Who Wilfully Turned Away From Guidance!

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allaah [The Most High] says in Surah Al-A’raaf Ayah 100-102:

[  أَوَلَمۡ يَهۡدِ لِلَّذِينَ يَرِثُونَ ٱلۡأَرۡضَ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ أَهۡلِهَآ أَن لَّوۡ نَشَآءُ أَصَبۡنَـٰهُم بِذُنُوبِهِمۡ‌ۚ وَنَطۡبَعُ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِہِمۡ فَهُمۡ لَا يَسۡمَعُونَ- Is it not clear to those who inherit the earth in succession from its (previous) possessors, that had We willed, We would have punished them for their sins. And We seal up their hearts so that they hear not?]- Meaning: Allaah [The Most High] informs those who inherit the earth in succession from those who preceded them, that He [The Most High] destroyed their forefathers due to their sins, yet they commit the same sins that were committed by their forefathers! Do they not take heed that had Allaah willed He would punish them due to their sins, for this is the manner in which Allaah deals with mankind – both the previous nations and those who inherited the earth after them. Allaah [The Most High] warned those who inherited the earth from the previous nations, but they did not take heed; sent them reminders but they did not reflect; showed them guidance through signs, but they did not follow guidance, so Allaah punished them by sealing their hearts – neither did truth enter their hearts nor did good reach their hearts; nor did they give an attentive ear [to the truth]; rather they only heard that which established the proofs against them.

Then Allaah [The Most High] said:[تِلۡكَ ٱلۡقُرَىٰ نَقُصُّ عَلَيۡكَ مِنۡ أَنۢبَآٮِٕهَا‌ۚ وَلَقَدۡ جَآءَتۡہُمۡ رُسُلُهُم بِٱلۡبَيِّنَـٰتِ فَمَا ڪَانُواْ لِيُؤۡمِنُواْ بِمَا ڪَذَّبُواْ مِن قَبۡلُ‌ۚ كَذَٲلِكَ يَطۡبَعُ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِ ٱلۡڪَـٰفِرِينَ – Those were the towns whose story We relate unto you (O Muhammad). And there came indeed to them their Messengers with clear proofs, but they were not such as to believe in that which they had rejected before. Thus Allah does seal up the hearts of the disbelievers (from each and every kind of religious guidance)]-Meaning: Messengers came and called them to that which will lead to happiness [in the life and the next]. Those Messengers were given manifest signs and clear evidences to clarify the truth, but the people did not listen and thus were not benefited. And because they belied those manifest signs and clear proofs after being well aware of them, Allaah [The Most High] prevented them from accepting the sound and infallible creed ordained by Allaah. This was punishment on them because they rejected the truth, just as Allaah [The Most High] said in Surah Al-An’aam Ayah 110:

[وَنُقَلِّبُ أَفۡـِٔدَتَہُمۡ وَأَبۡصَـٰرَهُمۡ كَمَا لَمۡ يُؤۡمِنُواْ بِهِۦۤ أَوَّلَ مَرَّةٍ۬ وَنَذَرُهُمۡ فِى طُغۡيَـٰنِهِمۡ يَعۡمَهُونَ – 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].

Then Allaah [The Most High] says in Ayah 102 Surah Al-A’raaf: [وَمَا وَجَدۡنَا لِأَڪۡثَرِهِم مِّنۡ عَهۡدٍ۬‌ۖ وَإِن وَجَدۡنَآ أَڪۡثَرَهُمۡ لَفَـٰسِقِينَ  –  And most of them We found not (true) to their covenant, but most of them We found indeed Fasiqun (rebellious, disobedient to Allah)]-Meaning: The majority of the nations -to whom Allaah [The Most High] sent Messengers – were not true to their covenant. Neither were they steadfast nor did they adhere to the commands of Allaah, nor did they submit obediently to the commands of Allaah which the Messengers ordered them to obey; rather they followed their desires, except a very few of them. The majority of them turned away from guidance out of arrogance, so Allaah sent them various types of punishment.

[Source: An Excerpt from Tayseer Al-kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam al-Mannaan’ by Imaam As-Sadi (rahimahullaah). Slightly paraphrased]

A Trial That Will Occur When The Upright Scholars Pass Away – [A Brief Admonition By Shaikh Abdullaah Al-Bukhaari]

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

The Messenger of Allaah [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said: “Verily, Allah does not take away knowledge by snatching it from the people, but He takes it away by taking away death of the religious scholars till none of the scholars remains alive. Then the people will take ignorant ones as their leaders, who, when asked to deliver religious verdicts, will issue them without knowledge, the result being that they will go astray and will lead others astray.” [Bukhari and Muslim]

Al-Haafidh Al-Qurtubiy (rahimahullaah) stated in Al-Mufhim: ‘’This text (proves) that indeed the disappearance of knowledge will not be by way of its removal from the hearts (of the people); but (its disappearance) will be through the death of the scholars, (then) the ignorant people will remain- those who will occupy the place of the scholars in the (field) of giving verdicts and teaching.  They will teach and give verdicts based on ignorance, so ignorance will spread and become manifest.’’ [End of quote]

Then Shaikh Abdullaah Al-Bukhaari (may Allaah preserve him) said after the above quote: ‘’So if the ‘Sound Sunni knowledge’ is taken away, then acting upon it will be taken away-is that not the case? When ignorance manifests, acting upon it will become manifest; so both knowledge and acting upon (Knowledge) will disappear. Ignorance will manifest and acting upon (ignorance) will become widespread just as Al-Haafidh Al-Qurtubiy (rahimahullaah) clarified in Al-Mufhim.” [Source: Al-Hajr Fee Daw-il Kitaab Was-Sunnah Wa Fahm Salafil Ummah’ Page: 15-16 by Shaikh Abdullaah Al-Bukhaari (may Allaah preserve him)]

Specific Time Periods -On The Day of Jumu’ah- In Which Supplications Are Accepted

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [rahimahullaah] stated that it has been transmitted in some of the narrations by Imaam Muslim [rahimahullaah] that it is the time when the Imaam sits on the Minbar on the Day of Jumu’ah up until the Salaah finishes. This is what has been transmitted in the hadeeth of Abu Moosaa [radiyallaahu-anhu].

It has also been transmitted in the hadeeth of Jaabir Bin Abdillaah and Abdullaah Bin Salaam [radiyallaahu-anhumaa] that it is time period after Asr prayer up until sunset. And it has also been transmitted in some Ahaadeeth that it is the last hour on the day of Jumu’ah.

All these statements are correct and they do not negate one another. And what is more explicit and more likely is that it is between the time when the Imaam sits on the Minbar up until the end of the prayer and the time between after Asr prayer up until sunset. These two time periods are more likely to be the periods during which supplication is accepted. And throughout the day of Jumu’ah, it is hoped that supplications are answered; but the most likely times are the times between when the Imaam sits on the Minbar until the end of the prayer and after Asr prayer until sunset.

Therefore, it is befitting that one increases in making supplication on the day of Jum’ah, but it is befitting that one gives more concern in seeking after those three time periods that have been mentioned because the Messenger  [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] stated that they are the times in which supplication is answered. [An Excerpt from ‘Fataawaa Shaikh Ibn Baaz 12/401-402. Slightly paraphrased]

Femicide: [Islam Eradicated This Pre-Islamic Practice Through Piety And Virtue]

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allaah [The Most High] said in Surah An-Nahl Aayaat 58-59:

وَإِذَا بُشِّرَ أَحَدُهُم بِٱلۡأُنثَىٰ ظَلَّ وَجۡهُهُ ۥ مُسۡوَدًّ۬ا وَهُوَ كَظِيمٌ۬

يَتَوَٲرَىٰ مِنَ ٱلۡقَوۡمِ مِن سُوٓءِ مَا بُشِّرَ بِهِۦۤ‌ۚ أَيُمۡسِكُهُ ۥ عَلَىٰ هُونٍ أَمۡ يَدُسُّهُ ۥ فِى ٱلتُّرَابِ‌ۗ أَلَا سَآءَ مَا يَحۡكُمُونَ

And when the news of (the birth of) a female (child) is brought to any of them, his face becomes dark, and he is filled with inward grief! He hides himself from the people because of the evil of that whereof he has been informed. Shall he keep her with dishonour or bury her in the earth? Certainly, evil is their decision.

[وَإِذَا بُشِّرَ أَحَدُهُم بِٱلۡأُنثَىٰ ظَلَّ وَجۡهُهُ ۥ مُسۡوَدًّ۬ا – And when the news of (the birth of) a female (child) is brought to any of them, his face becomes dark]- Meaning: Due to the grief that afflicts him! [  وَهُوَ كَظِيمٌ- And he is filled with inward grief]- Meaning: Filled with anger out of grief and regret due to being brought the news of the birth of a female child.  He becomes ashamed amongst the people of his clan (or tribe) and hides himself from the people because of the evil of that whereof he has been informed [i.e. that his wife gave birth to a baby girl].  Then he thinks about the situation based on his corrupt thoughts, as to what he has to do with that girl, [أَيُمۡسِكُهُ ۥ عَلَىٰ هُونٍ -Shall he keep her with dishonour] – Meaning: Should he spare her life, whilst he lives in dishonour and humiliation; [أَمۡ يَدُسُّهُ ۥ فِى ٱلتُّرَابِ‌ۗ -Or bury her in the earth] whilst she is alive; [أَلَا سَآءَ مَا يَحۡكُمُونَ- Certainly, evil is their decision].

 Allaah [The Most High] also said in Surah At-Takweer Aayaat 8-9:

وَإِذَا ٱلۡمَوۡءُ ۥدَةُ سُٮِٕلَتۡ

بِأَىِّ ذَنۢبٍ۬ قُتِلَتۡ

And when the female (infant) buried alive (as the pagan Arabs used to do) shall be questioned. For what sin she was killed?

This refers to the practice of the ignorant people of the pre-Islamic era, for they used to bury their daughters alive for no other reason, except due to fear of poverty. Therefore, the female (infant) will be asked: [بِأَىِّ ذَنۢبٍ۬ قُتِلَتۡ- For what sin she was killed]? That is because it is well-known that she is sinless and this Aayah conveys a [severe] reproach and warning against her killers. [Source: (Tayseer al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan)]

The Virtue of Looking After Female Relatives – By Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [rahimahullaah]

The Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said: “Whoever has two daughters under his care [guardianship] and is good to them [o treats them kindly, looks after them very well etc], they will be a protection for him against the Fire.”

This is general and also applies to care given to sisters, paternal aunts, maternal aunts. It applies whether those cared for are two daughters, two sisters, two paternal aunts or more than two, such as three or four, rather the one who looks after three or four is even more worthy of this reward. If person looks after them well, he deserves this tremendous reward – protection from the fire. This is for the Muslims and it is deeds of a Muslim. The Muslim who does this good deed is promised this safety – safety from the fire and entry into paradise. There are many means of entry into Paradise; therefore it is obligated on a believer to carry out these means in abundance.  Islam itself is the single means and basis of entry into paradise and means of safety from the fire.  Also the one who loses a beloved one [i.e. a child, a father, a mother, a wife etc] and exercises patience, then indeed he is promised Jannah.

Taking care of them includes giving them a sound Islamic upbringing, teaching them, guiding them to good, being eager to protect their chastity or keep them away from that which is forbidden such as Tabarruj [i.e. un-Islamic dress code]; also nurturing sisters or male children- nurturing them up in a good manner until all of them are nurtured upon obedience to Allaah and his Messenger, distanced from haraam and fulfil the rights of Allaah…  Paraphrased excerpts from this link below:

https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/7129/%D9%81%D8%B6%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A8%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B5%D8%A8%D8%B1-%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%89-%D8%AA%D8%B1%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%AA%D9%87%D9%86

 

Excerpts From An Advice of Shaikh Abdullaah Al-Bukhaari Regarding Fear of Allaah, Good Manners And Good Dealings]

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', 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.

Shaikh Andullaah Al-Bukhaari [hafidhahullaah] was asked to give advice to those who are returning to their countries – especially non-Muslim countries – during summer vocations, so the Shaikh stated:

Firstly, everyone should fear Allaah and fulfil servitude to Allaah, whether one is living in the Muslim land or not. Wherever one is, he should be a slave of Allaah. Allaah said: [يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ حَقَّ تُقَاتِهِ وَلاَ تَمُوتُنَّ إِلاَّ 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]. [Surah Aal Imraan. Aayah 102]

Fulfil that which Allaah has commanded and keep away from that which Allaah has forbidden…. Be a good example for others – those in your house, city district etc. Do not just speak, rather be what you say in reality. Be upon the Sunnah and manners of the Messenger…. Be a man who is Saaleh [righteous] and Muslih [a person who follows the paths of sound rectification] – in yourself and for others; adhere to knowledge and call to it with your manners and deeds…look at when rain falls down, it benefits and thus brings forth every kind of lovely growth (plants).

Be a student of knowledge- benefiting others, being Mubaarak wherever you may be, meaning benefitting others, teaching people good. This is what a student should be whether he returns to his land during summer or other than that; whether in his land or other than it; must be a student upon lofty manners – well-mannered in his relationship with Allaah- whether in private or public, and good mannered with the people; exalting the Sunnah and following it; teaching the people good…this is what we advise you and advise ourselves…

A person should not be the reason behind people’s rejection of the truth, either due to bad manners or an evil he commits openly, so be careful! Some people may come with an affair which one cannot declare Haraam or Makrooh, however it is deemed ugly or repugnant by people who possess upright souls and sound natural disposition.

My sons, Allaah bore witness for the Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam], saying:

وَإِنَّكَ لَعَلى خُلُقٍ عَظِيمٍ

And verily, you (O Muhammad) are on an exalted standard of character.

Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to have good manners. Ibn Seereen [rahimahullaah] said, “We used to learn upright guidance [or good etiquettes, manners] just as we used to seek knowledge”.

Read the biographies of the scholars, the virtuous people and the khulafaa, for they used to go to the possessors of good etiquettes [or manners] to teach them good etiquettes etc. And due to the greatness and importance of this subject matter, the Imaams of Islaam authored books on this subject matter.

My sons, do not be a reason behind the people’s rejection of the truth, for this is something that occurs. Your seeking knowledge should get you closer to the people and not distance you from them; and none humbles himself to Allaah except that Allaah raises him as the Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] stated.. Be careful, humility is a great affair related to manners.

Complaints have been made regarding some students – that they look down on the common people. Why this behaviour?! Why this lack of humility?! A student of knowledge should have noble manners by way of his actions before his statements. Why are you not humble? You contradict the guidance of the Messenger [in this affair of good manners]: [لَقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِي رَسُولِ اللَّهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ – Indeed in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad) you have a good example to follow]. [surah Al-Ahzaab. Aayah 21]

It is incumbent upon you to know the meaning of Ittibaa – adherence to the Sunnah of the Messenger, the Prophet’s statements and deeds in all his affairs. The most comprehensive definition of the Sunnah is that which has been narrated with authentic chains of transmission regarding his statements, deeds, tacit approvals and characteristics etc Why do you not be like this?!

Also know that there might be infiltrators within the ranks of Taa’ifatul Mansoorah [the victorious group] and Firqatun Naaji’yah [The Saved Sect] in general, and I don’t mean specific individuals…therefore be upon  clarity and do not accompany everyone…

Paraphrased: Listen full audio here: http://elbukhari.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/fawaid_sawtiyah_sh_albukhary_182.mp3