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Tag: Knowledge

Does The Order of the Prophets in the Heavens indicate Levels of Virtue -Shaikh Rabee ibn Haadi

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Articles, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Fatawa-Rulings, Jannah (Paradise).

Question:

Our Shaykh may Allah preserve you- is it understood that the order of the prophets in the heavens (as in Hadith of the isra – see Sahih bukhari) is in accordance to their virtue over (another) ?

Answer:

No. No, this is not understood (from the Hadith).  As for Ibraaheem and Moosaa this is indicated; but as for other than them, then no. For indeed Eesaa is from the ulul azam and he was in the second (heaven), whilst Idris and Yoosuf are lesser than him in virtue.  This (Hadith) does not indicate a precise order.

Source: Fataawa Fil Aqeedah Wal-Manhaj pg. 10 Dar Al-Minhaaj

 

The Importance of Detail Explanation, Clarification And Distinction In Every Subject Matter

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Methodology - 'Manhaj', Pearls of Wisdom, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Beware of Ambiguities And General Statements

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] said: The basis of Banee Aadam’s misguidance is as a result of ‘General Terms’ and ‘Ambiguous Meanings’ [i.e. terms & meanings which can either be utilised for truth or falsehood when not explained in detail and distinguished], especially if they come in contact with a confused mind, then how about when [evil] desires and misguided enthusiasm is added to that? Therefore, ask the One Who keeps the hearts steadfast [i.e. Allaah] to keep your heart firm upon His Religion and not allow you to fall into this darkness. [Ref 1]

The basis of a person’s Islaam is to testify that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allaah and that Muhammad [sallal-laahu-alayhi- wasallam] is the Messenger of Allaah, to believe in Allaah, declare that Allaah is One without partner, obey Allaah’s commands, keep away from what Allaah has forbidden and single out Allaah in worship. And safeguarding this path [necessitates] the prohibition of every expression [term or word] that contains Shirk Billaah [i.e. ascribing partners to Allaah] or Kufr, or will lead to one of the two. [Ref 2]  In the Qur’aan, there are many words that are utilised to rebut the words [or terms] that are in opposition to the call of the Messengers, the revelation that was revealed to them and the truth they brought. [Ref 3]

One of the general fundamental principles [in Islaam] is to know that words [or terms] are two types: Words that are mentioned in the Qur’aan and [authentic] Sunnah, therefore, it is obligated on every believer to affirm them – affirm what Allaah and His Messenger have affirmed, and negate what Allaah and His Messenger have negated. The words [or terms] affirmed by Allaah is truth and the ones Allaah negated are [negated] in truth, for indeed Allaah speaks the truth and guides to the straight path. The words [or terms] of the Sharee’ah are sanctified, and it is from perfection in knowledge that one seeks after the [sound meanings] which the Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasalam] intended by them, in order to affirm what he affirmed and negate the meanings he negated; for indeed it is obligated on us to believe and bear witness to everything he has stated and follow him in everything he has commanded.

As for the words [or terms] that are neither found in the Qur’am and [authentic] Sunnah, nor did the Salaf hold a consensus regarding whether they are negated or affirmed, then it is not incumbent on anyone to agree with the one who negates them or affirms them until its intended meaning is explained. So, if its intended meaning agrees with the [revelation, commands, prohibitions etc] conveyed by the Messenger, it is affirmed; but if its intended meaning is in opposition to the [revelation, commands, prohibitions etc] conveyed by the Messenger, it is rejected. [Ref 4]

Value Those Who Give Detail When It Is Necessary And Bear In Mind That Not Every Student of Knowledge Is Able To Give Detail In Every Subject Matter

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] said: “It is obligated on you to give detail and make a distinction, because unrestricted and general [statements] without clarification has indeed corrupted this existence [i.e. the world], and misguided the intellects and views [of the people] in every era”.

There has to be detail explanation. The one who is not proficient in giving detail should keep quiet, because benefit is not acquired from his speech. And every time error occurs, its cause is due to an absence of detail explanation regarding truth and falsehood. There has to be detail explanation and distinction and not to mix up [affairs]. Indeed, it may be that there is something of truth and falsehood in an opponent’s statement, so all of it is neither deemed to be false nor truth; rather there has to be a distinction between its truth and falsehood. All of it is neither rejected nor accepted; rather a distinction is made regarding the truth and what is correct and the falsehood and error in it. And if you are not proficient in giving detail, then you should not enter into this field. [5]

Shaikh Abdur Razzaaq Al-Badr [hafidhahullaah] spoke about generosity in the affairs of knowledge in one of his lessons and then stated that Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] reported about Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah’s [rahimahullaah] amazing generosity in this affair. Then Shaikh Abdur Razzaaq [hafidhahullaah] referred the listeners to Madaarij As-Saalikeen regarding this affair. Here is a brief Faa-idah about the affair.

In Madaarij As-Saalikeen Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] spoke about generosity and its different levels, then he said that to be generous with one’s knowledge is from those loftiest levels of generosity. *To be generous with knowledge is more virtuous than generosity with wealth, because knowledge is more noble than wealth. *To be generous with knowledge necessitates that when a questioner asks a question related to the religion, you give him [or her] a detail and sufficient answer and not an answer that is only sufficient to address the needs of the questioner. *Indeed I [i.e. Ibnul Qayyim] have witnessed something amazing about Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [rahimahullaah] in relation to this affair. When he [Ibn Taymiyyah] used to be asked about an affair that requires a ruling, he would mention in his response-if he was able to do so- the Madhab of the four Imaams, the reason behind the difference of opinion and the position that carries more weight. He would also mention the other issues related to the subject matter which might even be more beneficial for the questioner than the issue he [or she] asked about. *The Sahaabah [radiyallaahu-anhum] asked the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] about performing ablution with sea water, so he [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said, ‘’Its water is purifying [i.e. can be used for ablution] and its dead [animals] are lawful [to eat].’’ [Bulooghul Maraam’ Hadeeth 1. Book of Purification]. So, the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] answered their [main] question and then generously gave them [an extra response] regarding what they would be more in need of -at certain times- than the initial affair they asked about. [Ref 6]

Verify And Seek Explanation From The One You Can Reach If You Cannot Understand His Statement

Shaikh Uthaymeen [rahimahullaah] said:

Verification is one of the most important affairs, if not the most important. Verifying what is transmitted from others is an important affair, because sometimes the transmitters harbour evil intentions, so they transmit – intentionally and deliberately – that which will tarnish the reputation of the one they transmit from. And sometimes they do not harbour an evil intention, but they understand something in a manner that is opposite to what is intended by it. Therefore, it is obligatory to verify. So, when the proof [sound source] of the transmission is established, then the one from whom the statement was transmitted is engaged in a discussion [or his statement is examined] before a judgement is passed as to whether it is a mistake or not. That is because it may become clear to you – by way of discussion [or observation] – that the one from whom the statement was transmitted is correct. And if not, then what is known is that if a person were to immediately pass a judgement merely based on what he hears, he will transmit things [i.e. statements, views, opinions etc] from some of the scholars – those considered to be the beacons of [Sharee’ah] knowledge – that which the souls will dislike; but when one verifies, contemplates and establishes contact with this Shaikh, the affair will become clarified [or clear to him]. [7]

[Ref 1: An Excerpt from ‘As-Sawaa’iq Al-Mursalah Alal Jahmiyyah Wal Mu’attilah’ – Vol 3. page 927. slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 2: Excerpt from ‘Mu’jam Al-Manaahee Lil Laf’dhiyyah’ page 34. slightly paraphrased. Publisher: Daar Al-Aasimah. 3rd edition 1996]

[Ref 3: Excerpt from Mu’jam Al-Manaahee Lil Lafdhiyyah’ page 10. slightly paraphrased. Publisher: Daar Al-Aasimah. 3rd edition 1996]

[Ref 4: Excerpt from ‘Al-Haqeeqatus Shar’iyyah Fee Tafseeril Qur’aan Al-A’dheem Was-Sunnatin Nabawiyyah’ page 17. slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 5: Source: An Excerpt from At-Ta-leeqaat Al-Mukhtasar Alaa Al-Qaseedah an-Nooniyyah: Vol: 1 page: 216. By Shaikh Saaleh Al-Fawzaan (hafidhahullaah). Slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 6: An Excerpt from Madaarij As-Saalikeen 2/43-44. فصل : مراتب الجود – Slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 7: Excerpt from Sharh Hilyatil Taalibil Ilm Pages 75-76. By Shaikh Uthaymeen (rahimahullaah). Paraphrased]

Reminder Regarding The Great Value of The Upright Students of The Scholars, Especially During This Lock down

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Methodology - 'Manhaj'.

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

Imaam As-Sadi [rahimahullaah] said: They [i.e. the Mu’allimoon] are the mediators between the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] and his Ummah with regards to propagation of his religion and clarification of his Sharee’ah. Had it not been for these ones, the people would have been like cattle. They are the ones who guide the Ummah in the fundamental and subsidiary affairs of their Religion. They return them to the rulings pertaining to the rights and dealings that are incumbent upon a person to fulfil, just as they return them to the affairs related to acts of worship.

Through them, the Book and the Sunnah are established; truth is distinguished from falsehood, guidance is distinguished from misguidance, the lawful is distinguished from the unlawful, good is distinguished from evil, and [sound] rectification is distinguished from corruption.

They are of varying ranks, in accordance with what they establish of knowledge, teaching and benefit- great or small. They have great rights [to be fulfilled] by the ummah and are possessors of a lofty status. Therefore, the people must have love and respect for them. They must recognise their excellence and virtue, and thank them greatly. They are to supplicate for them in private and public, and seek nearness to Allaah by having love for them and praising them. They are to proclaim their excellence; guard the hearts [from harbouring evil against them] and [prevent] the tongues [from] insulting them, for this would tarnish their excellence. [Source: An Excerpt From ‘Noorul Basaa-ir Wal Albaab Fee Ahkaamil Ibaadaat Wal-Mu-aamalaat Wal Huqooq Wal Aadaab, page: 57-58′. Slightly paraphrased]

Character And Its Appropriate Limits or Boundaries– By Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in 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.

Imaaam Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] said:

Akhlaaq [i.e. moral character] have limits. Transgression occurs when one goes beyond its limits and deficiency and humiliation occurs when one falls short.

The limits of Anger are: Praiseworthy bravery and having a dislike for despicable and deficient [behaviour etc.]. This is its perfection; but when one goes beyond its limits, the person transgresses and oppresses; and if his anger is deficient, he’ll behave in a cowardly manner and will not detest despicable [behaviour etc.].

The limits of Eagerness are: To obtain what suffices one’s [needs] in the worldly affairs and employ the [means] to reach them. Humiliation and a waste of [valuable time or opportunity] occurs when a person lacks eagerness; but when he goes beyond its limits, it leads to vehement greed and unpraiseworthy desire.

The limits of Envy are: [Praiseworthy] competition in seeking after perfection and not wanting the other competitor to excel you; [but] if a person goes beyond its limits, it leads to jealous animosity and oppression by way of which a person wishes that the one he envies is deprived of blessings and is eager to harm him. And if a person lacks [what is required of it], it leads to disesteem and a weakness in one’s ambition. The Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said: “There should be no envy except in two [people]: a person whom Allah has given wealth and he spends it in the right way, and a person whom Allah has given wisdom [i.e. religious knowledge] and he judges by way of it and teaches it to the others.”  This type of envy [necessitates praiseworthy] competition between one another and the Haasid [i.e. the one who is envious of his or her competitor] seeks -by way of it- to be similar to the one he envies, whilst not [harbouring that] despised envy which [necessitates that he] wishes that the blessings bestowed upon the envied one should cease to exist.

The limits of Desires are: [Desires are a means] of relaxation for the heart and intellect after exerting oneself in acts of obedience and seeking to accomplish virtuous deeds. However, when a person goes beyond its limits, it leads to a strong and barely uncontrollable emotion and lewdness, and thus the person descends to the level of animals. However, when a person is lacking in desire and does not [utilised it as a means] of seeking after perfection and virtue, it leads to weakness, impotence and humiliation.

The limits of Relaxation are: It gives renewed strength to the self and strengthens one’s mental ability, in order to facilitate [him with the ability] to carry out acts of obedience and accomplish virtuous deeds, and so that one is not weakened by toil and tiredness. However, when a person goes beyond its limits, it leads to unenthusiasm, laziness, waste [of time and opportunity] and many beneficial affairs of a person are missed due to that. And when a person lacks sufficient relaxation, it harms his strength and may even become enfeebled [by way of it].

The limits of Generosity are between two extremes; when one goes beyond its limits, it leads to extravagance and squander. And when a person is lacking in generosity, it leads to miserliness and tight-fistedness.

The limits of Bravery: When a person goes beyond its limits, it leads to recklessness; and when a person lacks bravery, it leads to cowardice and weakness. Its limit is to take action during occasions in which such action is required and to refrain when not required.

The limits of Jealousy: When one goes beyond its limits, it leads to false accusation and [unjustified] evil suspicion against one who is free from blame. And when one lacks jealousy, it leads to heedlessness and a lack of giving importance to one’s honour.

The limits of Humility: When one goes beyond its limits, it leads to indignity and humiliation. And when one lacks humility, it leads to pride and boasting.

Honour has limits. When a person goes beyond its limits, it leads to pride. And when a person lacks honour, it leads to humiliation and indignity.

What gives an upright balance to all these affairs? Justice provides a precise and upright balance for [all the above-mentioned qualities] and this necessitates that a person adheres to the balanced path ordained by the Islamic legislation-the path that is free from exaggeration and negligence. All beneficial affairs of the worldly life and the afterlife are based on this; rather physical well-being cannot be achieved except by way of it, because when some of the elements of the human body are distanced from its appropriate balance -either due to exceeding its limits or falls short – it loses its well-being and strength in accordance with the degree of [this imbalance]. Likewise, when those natural acts, such as sleep, staying up late at night, eating, drinking, sexual intercourse, movement, recreation, seclusion, keeping company with the people and other than that are performed with moderation – neither being excessive nor lacking in what is required – it is regarded to be [upright, appropriate, balanced]; but when a person deviates to one of the two extremes, it is regarded to be a deficiency and will have deficient end results.

And one of the most noble and beneficial sciences is the knowledge regarding the hudood [the appropriate limits], especially the divine limits-the commands and prohibitions [ordained by Allaah (The Most High) and His Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam)]. The most knowledgeable people are those who have the most knowledge regarding those divine limits, hence they neither include- within those limits- that which is not from them nor remove that which is included in them. Allaah [The Most High] said: [ٱلۡأَعۡرَابُ أَشَدُّ ڪُفۡرً۬ا وَنِفَاقً۬ا وَأَجۡدَرُ أَلَّا يَعۡلَمُواْ حُدُودَ مَآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ رَسُولِهِ – The bedouins are the worst in disbelief and hypocrisy, and more likely to be in ignorance of the limits (Allah’s Commandments and His Legal Laws, etc.) which Allah has revealed to His Messenger]. [Soorah At-Tawbah’ Aayah 97]

Therefore, the most just, balanced and upright people are those who stay within the limits of the Akhlaaq, actions and the deeds legislated in the Islamic legislation- in knowledge and practice. [Source: An Excerpt from ‘Al-Fawaa’id page 207- 209]

[2] Sayyid Al-Istighfaar – [With Brief Commentary By Imaam Ibnul Qayyim]

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.

Shaddaad Bin Anas [radiyallaahu-anhu] said that the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said: The best way to seek the forgiveness of Allaah is to say: [اللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ رَبِّي لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ خَلَقْتَنِي وَأَنَا عَبْدُكَ وَأَنَا عَلَى عَهْدِكَ وَوَعْدِكَ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُ أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا صَنَعْتُ أَبُوءُ لَكَ بِنِعْمَتِكَ عَلَيَّ وَأَبُوءُ لَكَ بِذَنْبِي فَاغْفِرْ لِي فَإِنَّهُ لَا يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ – O Allaah! You are my Lord. There is no one who has the right to be worshipped except you. You created me and I am your slave, and I am [upon obedience and agreement] to my covenant and promise [to You] as much as I am able. I seek refuge with You from the evil I have done. I acknowledge in your presence all the blessings You have granted me, and I confess to You my sins. So forgive me, for indeed none is able to forgive [a slave his] sins, except You].  [Bukhaari Hadeeth Number 6306]

Reminders From This Supplication By Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

An Excerpt from Tareequl Hijratayn pages 210-211. 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)]

An Aayah of The Qur’aan That Will Make a Person- InShaaAllaah-  Love Knowledge And Strive to Follow The Prophet In His Dawah and Conduct

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 Zayd Bin Haadi Al-Madkhali [rahimahullaah] said: ‘When a believer reads this Ayah [i.e. يَرْفَعِ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مِنْكُمْ وَالَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْعِلْمَ دَرَجَاتٍ ۚ وَاللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرٌ -Allaah will exalt in degree those of you who believe, and those who have been granted knowledge.  And Allaah is well-Acquainted with what you do] and (the other Aayaat) similar to it, he will love knowledge; seek after it and keep in contact with its people; act upon it, call the people to it and make them have a desire for it. So he benefits himself and Allaah benefits others by way of it.  Thus he follows the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-sallam] in his Dawah and conduct. [Source: ‘Nuzhatul Qaaree Fee Sharh Kitaab Al-Ilm Min Saheeh Al-Bukhaari’ page: 15]

A Beautiful Story On Discipline, Consistency and Hard work- Ustadh Abu Abdillah Salaam Ad-Dhufayri

Written by abuaisha on . Posted in Articles, Pearls of Wisdom, Seeking Knowledge.

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

 

The seerah teacher teaching at Markaz Ibnul Qayyim under the supervision of Shaykh Khalid, graduated from Faculty of Hadeeth Madeenah University 20 years ago, gave a really good advice regarding revising, reviewing notes and memorising.

He said once we attended a dawrah of shaykh Ubayd it lasted for one month and the schedule would be as follows

After Fajr – homework to be done by dhuhr

After Dhuhr – homework to be done by asr

After Asr – homework to be done by maghrib

After Maghrib – homework to be done by isha

After Isha – homework to be done for fajr

He said by end of the last lesson we went straight to bed due to tiredness.  

But he said in this month we felt we took more benefit than the whole year at the jaamiah.

Why?

Because of the reviewing, revising, and the repetition.

There is huge benefit in repetition and revision for the student in solidifying his knowledge.

Kuwait – 19th February 2019 – 25 Jumada Al-Aakhira 1441

May Allaah Bless Everyone – Those Who Have Travelled to Shaikh Khaalid Adh-Dhufairi And Those Who Continue to Benefit From The Certified Students In The Various Maraakiz

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

All praise is due to Allaah and may Allaah bless all of us with the ability to act sincerely even if what we know is very little, for indeed the purpose behind knowledge is to act. Indeed, may Allaah bless all the brothers – those who have travelled to benefit from Shaikh Khaalid Dhufairi [hafidhahullaah] and those who are still benefiting from the study circles of the teachers in the various UK Maraakiz, America, Canada etc

There are brothers at Al-Markazus Salafi who travel to study circles elsewhere solely based on their own personal preference [Ref A], but the majority stay in their city. There are brothers whose busy schedule in the Salafi institutions – Bookstores, Secondary and Primary Schools as well as family commitments – prevents them from attending study circles every single day, even in a place like Birmingham where there are Duroos throughout the week. [Ref B]

And there are brothers who are able to travel to more than one city – on different days – to benefit. So, we ask Allaah to bless all of us with sincerity and righteous deeds, grant us Barakah in our time schedules so that we can attend more duroos – in the gatherings of Ahlus Sunnah.

And if Allaah blesses any of us with the finances and right circumstances, then indeed we should not hesitate to travel to Shaikh Khaalid Adh-Dhufairi [hafidhahullaah] and encourage others to join us. Shaikh Rabee Bin Haadi [hafidhahullaah] said: Allaah [The Most High] said: [فَلَوْلَا نَفَرَ مِن كُلِّ فِرْقَةٍ مِّنْهُمْ طَائِفَةٌ لِّيَتَفَقَّهُوا فِي الدِّينِ وَلِيُنذِرُوا قَوْمَهُمْ إِذَا رَجَعُوا إِلَيْهِمْ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَحْذَرُونَ – Of every troop of them, a party only should go forth, that they (who are left behind) may get instructions in (Islamic) religion, and that they may warn their people when they return to them, so that they may beware (of evil)]. [Surah at-Tawbah’ Aayah 122]

This Aayah has been explained in two ways, the first meaning is that not all the people should go forth [i.e. travel] to seek knowledge, otherwise everyone will abandon the beneficial [necessities] of the worldly life. Therefore, a group is to preoccupy themselves with the beneficial [necessities] of the worldly life and another group goes forth [i.e. travel] to seek knowledge, then they return to their people to teach them what they have learnt from the religion of Allaah- knowledge of the divine revelation which Muhammad [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] was sent with.

It has been transmitted in a hadeeth reported by Maalik Ibn Huwayrith that a group amongst his people went to the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] and stayed with him for twenty days and nights…hadeeth as follows: Narrated Maalik [radiyallaahu-anhu]: we came to the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] and stayed with him for twenty days and nights. We were all young and of about the same age.

The Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] was very kind and merciful. When he realised our longing for our families, he asked about our homes and the people there, and we told him. Then he asked us to go back to our families and stay with them and teach them [the religion and to order them to do good things…. [Saheeh al-Bukhaari’ Number 631] [Ref 1] [End of quote]

At present, brothers from different places are with Shaikh Khaalid Adh-Dhufairi [hafidhahullaah], and indeed a brother from Manchester in particular informed us of the excellent manners and humility of the Shaikh alongside his beneficial gatherings. So may Allaah return these brothers to Kuwait many more times and grant us all the Tawfeeq to join them Aameen.  Finally, we ask Allaah to grant us Tawfeeq to continue benefiting from the study circles of the students in the various UK Maraakiz, just as Shaikh Rabee [hafidhahullaah] said, “The entire life of a person is to be spent in seeking knowledge – from the cradle to the grave.  He does not feel proud to acquire truth from a young or older person, and he never rejects truth – whether it is stated by a Muslim or Unbeliever. His soul seeks after the truth, so if he finds a text from the Book of Allaah and the [authentic] Sunnah of the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam], then all praises and thanks be to Allaah; but if he does not have it and finds it with someone else, he accepts it”. [Ref 2] [End of quote]

Ref A: Elaboration:

Shaikh Uthaymeen [rahimahullaah] stated above that one should firmly cling to the book he is reading or revising, and should firmly cling to the Shuyookh he learns from in person. Do not be a Dhawwaaq [i.e. one who quickly acquires a taste of this or that and moves on to another thing without accomplishing anything properly]- alternating to a new Shaikh every week and every month; rather determine -first and foremost- who to take knowledge from in person, then firmly cling to him after you have decided. However, you can have different Shaikhs from whom you acquire different subject matters, for example you have a Shaikh who teaches you Fiqh and you carry on being consistent in your studies; another Shaikh who teaches you Arabic Grammar and you carry on being consistent in your studies; a Shaikh in Aqeedah and you carry on being consistent in studying Aqeedah and Tawheed. The most important thing is consistency and that you refrain from quickly acquiring a taste of this or that topic without accomplishing anything properly- like that man who is a serial divorcee, for whenever he gets married and stays with the wife for seven days, he divorces her and then moves on to another woman. So, he remains for a prolonged period in his life whilst neither enjoying [a fruitful, close, intimate relationship etc] with a wife nor having children in most cases. [Paraphrased. Sharh Hilyati Taalibil Ilm’ page 75]

Elaboration On Ref B

Umar Ibnul Khattaab [radiyallaahu-anhu] said: “Acquire knowledge early before you become [leaders, old in age etc]”.

This does not mean that an old person abandons learning, rather what is intended is that one should learn when he is young before old age, because old age can be an obstacle to learning due to one being shy of sitting in the gatherings of knowledge. [Abu Abdillaah] said: “The Companions of the Prophet [radiyallaahu-anhum] studied despite the fact that they were old in age”. [Saheeh Al-Bukhaari. Chapter 15: (Wish to be like the one who has knowledge and Wisdom] and more details in Fat-hul Baari]

Therefore, we should all strive to sit with the youth in the study circles and may Allaah grant us more time Aameen.

Allaahul Musta’aan! We used to have a lot of time and attended at least 3 Duroos a week, but at present commitments in the Salafi primary and secondly schools occupy most of our time and we can only attend one Dars a week – Ustaadh Abu Khadeejah’s Dars on Thursdays. Anyone who is a teacher knows the time needed for planning lessons, marking, assessing, preparing resources etc.. One might ask, “How do you find time to spend on this website but not attend more Duroos?” The answer is: All articles are prepared during weekends and scheduled for posting during the week. As for during the week all our time is focused on teaching, assessing, marking and planning – from 12pm to 7pm. And obviously one has to give time to wife and children during weekends. This is the case with many teachers in primary and secondary schools, and Salafi tuition centres. We ask Allaah to grant us more time Aameen.

[Ref 1: An Excerpt from ‘Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm’ pages 128-129. slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 2:An Excerpt from  Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm. Pages 245-247. Slightly paraphrased]

Knowledge Wages War Against An Arrogant Youth!

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

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

Knowledge [wages] war against the arrogant youth just as flood battles against an elevated place.

Shaikh Uthaymeen [rahimahullaah] said: An arrogant youth is not able to acquire knowledge because knowledge [wages] war against him, ‘Just as flood battles against an elevated place’. This is true because an elevated place is approached by the flood – from right and left – to rise above it, but is unable to settle on it.

[Sharh Hilyati Taalibil Ilm’ page 40]