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Tag: Knowledge

[1] Excerpts From Fadl Ilm As-Salaf Alaa Ilm Al-Khalaf – [Virtue or Excellence of The Knowledge of The Salaf [Pious Predecessors] Over That of Khalaf [Those Who Came After Them]

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

Imaam Ibn Rajab [rahimahullaah] said: All praises and thanks be to Allaah, the Lord of Aalameen [mankind, jinns and all that exists]. And may Allaah exalt and grant Muhammad a lot of peace, his family and Sahaabah. To proceed:

These are brief statements regarding the meaning of knowledge and its categorization into ‘Beneficial knowledge’, ‘Unbeneficial knowledge’, Blameworthy knowledge’ and a notification regarding the virtue of the knowledge of the Salaf [i.e. the pious predecessors] over the knowledge of the khalaf [i.e. those who came after the Salaf]. Therefore, I say- and Allaah’s aid is sought, I place my trust in Him and there is neither strength nor power except with Allaah.

The Meaning of Knowledge and Its Categorisation

Indeed, Allaah mentioned-sometimes- knowledge in His Book with praise and that is [in reference to] ‘Beneficial Knowledge’.  And at other times, He mentioned knowledge with dispraise and that is [in reference to] ‘Unbeneficial knowledge’. As for the first type [i.e. Beneficial Knowledge], then its example is mentioned in the statement of Allaah [The Most High]: [قُلۡ هَلۡ يَسۡتَوِى ٱلَّذِينَ يَعۡلَمُونَ- Are those who know equal to those who know not?] [39:9]

And the statement of Allaah [The Most High]: [شَهِدَ ٱللَّهُ أَنَّهُ ۥ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ وَٱلۡمَلَـٰٓٮِٕكَةُ وَأُوْلُواْ ٱلۡعِلۡمِ   – Allah bears witness that La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), and the angels, and those having knowledge (also give this witness)] [3:18]

And the statement of Allaah [The Most High]: [وَقُل رَّبِّ زِدۡنِى عِلۡمً۬ا   -And say: “My Lord! Increase me in knowledge]. [20:114]

And the statement of Allaah [The Most High]: [إِنَّمَا يَخۡشَى ٱللَّهَ مِنۡ عِبَادِهِ ٱلۡعُلَمَـٰٓؤُاْۗ – It is only those who have knowledge among His slaves that fear Allah]. [35:28]

And what Allaah has stated regarding the story of Aadam- when Aadam was taught the names of those things and were then presented to the Angels, so the Angels – [as Allaah informed us] – said: [سُبۡحَـٰنَكَ لَا عِلۡمَ لَنَآ إِلَّا مَا عَلَّمۡتَنَآ‌ۖ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ ٱلۡعَلِيمُ ٱلۡحَكِيمُ – Glory be to You, we have no knowledge except what you have taught us]. [2:32]

And what Allaah [The Most High] has stated regarding the story of Moosaa [alayhis-salaam] and Khidr- that Moosaa said to him: [هَلۡ أَتَّبِعُكَ عَلَىٰٓ أَن تُعَلِّمَنِ مِمَّا عُلِّمۡتَ رُشۡدً۬ا – “May I follow you so that you teach me something of that knowledge (guidance and true path) which you have been taught (by Allah)?”] [18: 66]

This is beneficial knowledge.

Indeed, [we] have been told about a people who were given knowledge but their knowledge did not benefit them; for even though this [knowledge] is actually ‘Beneficial Knowledge’, however its possessor was not benefited by it. Allaah [The Most High] said: [مَثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ حُمِّلُواْ ٱلتَّوۡرَٮٰةَ ثُمَّ لَمۡ يَحۡمِلُوهَا كَمَثَلِ ٱلۡحِمَارِ يَحۡمِلُ أَسۡفَارَۢا‌ۚ  – The likeness of those who were entrusted with the (obligation of the) Taurat (Torah) (i.e. to obey its commandments and to practise its legal laws), but who subsequently failed in those (obligations), is as the likeness of a donkey who carries huge burdens of books (but understands nothing from them). [Surah Al-Jumu’ah Ayah 5]

Allaah [The Most High] said: [وَٱتۡلُ عَلَيۡهِمۡ نَبَأَ ٱلَّذِىٓ ءَاتَيۡنَـٰهُ ءَايَـٰتِنَا فَٱنسَلَخَ مِنۡهَا فَأَتۡبَعَهُ ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنُ فَكَانَ مِنَ ٱلۡغَاوِينَ  – And recite (O Muhammad ) to them the story of him to whom We gave Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), but he threw them away, so Shaitan (Satan) followed him up, and he became of those who went astray….up to the statement of Allaah: [وَٱتَّبَعَ هَوَٮٰهُ‌ۚ   – and followed his own vain desire] [Surah Al-A’raaf Aayaat 175-176]

And Allaah [The Most High] said: [فَخَلَفَ مِنۢ بَعۡدِهِمۡ خَلۡفٌ۬ وَرِثُواْ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ يَأۡخُذُونَ عَرَضَ هَـٰذَا ٱلۡأَدۡنَىٰ  – Then after them succeeded an (evil) generation, which inherited the Book, but they chose (for themselves) the goods of this low life (evil pleasures of this world)…[up to the statement of Allaah]: وَدَرَسُواْ مَا فِيهِ‌ۗ And they have studied what is in it (the Book). [Surah Al-Araaf Aayaat 169-170]

As for the knowledge which Allaah [The Most High] mentioned by way of dispraise, it is that which He [The Most High] mentioned regarding magic:

وَيَتَعَلَّمُونَ مَا يَضُرُّهُمۡ وَلَا يَنفَعُهُمۡ‌ۚ وَلَقَدۡ عَلِمُواْ لَمَنِ ٱشۡتَرَٮٰهُ مَا لَهُ ۥ فِى ٱلۡأَخِرَةِ مِنۡ خَلَـٰقٍ۬‌ۚ

And they learn that which harms them and profits them not. And indeed they knew that the buyers of it (magic) would have no share in the Hereafter. [2:102]

And the statement of Allaah [The Most High]:

فَلَمَّا جَآءَتۡهُمۡ رُسُلُهُم بِٱلۡبَيِّنَـٰتِ فَرِحُواْ بِمَا عِندَهُم مِّنَ ٱلۡعِلۡمِ وَحَاقَ بِهِم مَّا كَانُواْ بِهِۦ يَسۡتَہۡزِءُونَ

Then when their Messengers came to them with clear proofs, they were glad (and proud) with that which they had of the knowledge (of worldly things): And that at which they used to mock, surrounded them (i.e. the punishment). [40:83]

And the statement of Allaah [The Most High] said:

يَعۡلَمُونَ ظَـٰهِرً۬ا مِّنَ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا وَهُمۡ عَنِ ٱلۡأَخِرَةِ هُمۡ غَـٰفِلُونَ

They know only the outside appearance of the life of the world (i.e. the matters of their livelihood, like irrigating or sowing or reaping, etc.), and they are heedless of the Hereafter. [30:7]

Likewise, the Sunnah categorises knowledge into ‘Beneficial Knowledge ‘ and ‘Unbeneficial Knowledge’, and that [one should] seek refuge with Allaah from ‘Unbeneficial knowledge’ and to ask Allaah for ‘Beneficial Knowledge’. Imaam Muslim [rahimahullaah] reports from Zaid Ibn Arqam [radiyallaahu-anhu] that the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] used to say:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عِلْمٍ لَا يَنْفَعُ وَمِنْ قَلْبٍ لَا يَخْشَعُ وَمِنْ نَفْسٍ ‏لَا تَشْبَعُ ‏ ‏وَمِنْ دَعْوَةٍ لَا يُسْتَجَابُ لَهَا

O Allaah! I seek refuge with You from knowledge that does not benefit; from a heart that fears not; from a soul that does not become satisfied and a supplication that is not answered. [Muslim 2722]


[Fadl Ilm As-Salaf Alaa Ilm Al-Khalaf’ pages 42-45. Slightly paraphrased]

How Did The True Believers Amongst Bani Israa’eel Obtain Upright Leadership?!

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

Allaah [The Most High] said:

وَجَعَلْنَا مِنْهُمْ أَئِمَّةً يَهْدُونَ بِأَمْرِنَا لَمَّا صَبَرُوا ۖ وَكَانُوا بِآيَاتِنَا يُوقِنُونَ

And We made from among them (Children of Israel), leaders, giving guidance under Our Command, when they were patient and used to believe with certainty in Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.).” [Sajdah: Ayah:24]

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim (rahimahullaah) said: Allaah informed us that upright leadership in the religion is obtained through patience and certainty. Patience repels lowly desires and corrupt wishes, and certainty repels doubts and those [views, beliefs, desires, opinions etc] that resemble the truth but are falsehood in reality. [An Excerpt from Badaa’i At-Tafseer Al-Jaami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imaam Ibnu Qayyim Al-Jawziyyah: page:323 Vol:2. slightly paraphrased]

A Statement From Majmoo Al-Fataawaa – [Quoted And Elaborated Upon By Ustaadh Uwais At-Taweel (hafidhahullaah)]

Ustaadh Uwais At-Taweel [hafidhahullaah] – whilst discussing the affair of Adaalah [trustworthiness] at the Salafi conference – he quoted a statement of Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [rahimahullaah] and elaborated on it.  Here is the statement of Shaikhul Islaam, so refer to Ustaadh Uwais’s elaboration on this statement in his second lecture delivered on Sunday. May Allaah benefit us from the works of the scholars and the upright students Aameen.

 

Etiquettes and Guidelines when Asking Questions – Shaykh Uthaymeen

If there is a need to ask a question, then the student of knowledge should ask it well (clearly, concisely and with good etiquette). But if there is no need, then he shouldn’t ask, because it is not befitting for a person to ask questions, except if he had a need, or thought that someone else needed the question. 

For example, someone could be in a lesson and understood the content, however there may be some difficult issues/concepts which need further clarification for the rest of the students, so he asks for the benefit of others, and the questioner in this situation is like the teacher, because the Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) when Jibreel (alayhis salaam) came to him and asked him about Eemaan, Ihsaan and Islaam, and the Hour and it’s signs; he (peace and blessings upon him) said, “This is Jibreel who has come to teach you your religion.” 

In conclusion, if a person asks a question for his benefit or for someone else’s benefit then this is noble and good. However if he asks just so the people say the likes of, “Maa Shaa Allah, so and so has zeal towards knowledge and many questions”, then this is wrong. And the opposite to this, where someone does not ask out of shyness, then the first individual is excessive, and the second is neglectful and the best of affairs is the middle course.  


Sharh Kitab al-Ilm pg 241-242  Slightly Paraphrased

Do You Want to Benefit from your Religion; or be Bankrupted? (1) – Shaykh Zayd (rahimahullah)

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

In reality there is no life for mankind, except by having understanding (fiqh) of the religion.

The people are in two situations; those who benefit from this religion and those who are bankrupt and deprived of benefit. Those who turn away from having understanding in the religion are much more than those who apply themselves in gaining understanding in the religion.

And in general, the people of evil and misguidance are more abundant than the people of good and righteousness (those upon the obedience of Allah) throughout the various nations, and the plentitude of their evil is because of ignorance and disinclination (towards knowledge), as has come in the hadith,

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:

“On the day of resurrection, Allah, The Most High will say, ‘O Adam!’ and Adam will reply, ‘’I respond to your call and I am obedient to Your Orders,’ Then there will be a loud call (saying), Allah orders you to take out from amongst your offspring the group for the Hellfire.’ Adam will say, ‘Who are the group for the Hellfire?’ Allah will say, ‘Out of every thousand, take out nine hundred and ninety nine.’ (2)

Shaykh Zayd (Allah have mercy upon him) continues, “and one is in paradise, and that is a proof that the people of good are few in all times, however the people of good are more in this nation, as the Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) said,

“The people of jannah on the day of resurrection are 120 rows and you (ummah of Muhammad) are 80 rows of them.” (3)

These are tremendous glad tidings, those who are guided are increased in this nation in guidance and enthusiasm (for good deeds), because they utilise the means (to attain reward) and compete in the performance of righteous actions; because Allah commanded with this,

وَسَارِعُوا إِلَىٰ مَغْفِرَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَجَنَّةٍ عَرْضُهَا السَّمَاوَاتُ وَالْأَرْضُ أُعِدَّتْ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ

And march forth in the way (which leads to) forgiveness from your Lord, and for Paradise as wide as are the heavens and the earth, prepared for Al-Muttaqun (4)

So, rush, rush to gaining understanding of the religion, and encourage whoever you find at any time and any place to gain understanding of the religion, so they can gain the Pleasure of the Lord of all that exists, and so they are saved from a disgracing torment.


(1) Slightly Abridged from Sharh Kitab al-Ilm pgs 38-39 by Shaykh Zayd ibn Haadi al Madkhali
(2) Sahih al-Bukhari 4372 translation of Muhsin Khan
(3) Imam Ahmad 4100, Authenticate by Shaykh Al Albaani Al-Mishkaat 5640
(4) Surah Aali Imran: 133 – translation by Muhsin Khan and Taqi ud deen Al-Hilaali

The Three Types of Dhulm -[Oppression or Injustice]

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

What is Dhulm -injustice or oppression? Dzulm [injustice (or oppression)] is of three types according to the people of knowledge (i.e. the scholars):

Firstly: The greatest of them is shirk and why is shirk referred as Dzulm [injustice]? That is because the basis of injustice is to place something in other than its rightful place. And the meaning of shirk is to direct acts of worship to other than its rightful place and this is the greatest injustice – because when they (i.e. the people of shirk) directed acts of worship to other than its rightful place and to those who are not deserving of it, they equated the created (beings) to the Creator and a weak one (i.e. a created being) to Al-Qawiy [The One Perfect in Strength (i.e. Allaah)], who is not unable to do anything. Therefore, is there any greater injustice after this?

The second type of Dzulm [injustice] is committed when a person oppresses himself by committing sins. A sinner oppresses himself because he exposes himself to punishment, even though it is obligated on his to save himself and place himself in an appropriate situation and that is to obey Allaah etc

The third type of Dzulm [injustice] is committed when a person oppresses others (or commits injustice against them) by taking their wealth (unlawfully), or backbiting them, or spreading tales about them, or stealing their wealth, or violating their honour through backbiting, tale carrying, slander, or shedding their blood by way of unlawful murder, or beating them, inflicting injuries, degrading them without right etc [Paraphrased. Source: I’aanah Al-Mustafeed Bi-Sharhi Kitaab At-Tawheed’ page 55-56 by Shaykh Saaleh Al-Fawzaan  (may Allaah preserve him)]

An Ignoramus is Better than a Person who has Knowledge But Does not Act – Shaykh Uthaymeen

Shaykh Uthaymeen said:

Verily, we all know that the intent of knowledge is action. Because knowledge is a means and action is the fruits. And if a person does not benefit with his knowledge, then an ignoramus is better than him. And many knowledge based issues are understood by most students, however they do not carry them out, whether it was in (issues of) worship, or dealings with the creation. And this there is no doubt is a deficiency; a deficiency, and a reason for deficiency, meaning deficiency in knowledge. For if a person was to act by his knowledge he benefits and his knowledge increases. So, whoever acts by that which he has learnt, then Allāh will forgive him for that which he did not know.

Why Is It That Not Every Haafidh of The Qur’aan Is Given Light From The Qur’aan? [Short Faa’idah By Shaikh Saaleh Aala Ash-Shaikh From Sharh Muqaddimah Usool At-Tafseer]

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

And thus We have sent to you (O Muhammad) Ruhan (an Inspiration, and a Mercy) of Our Command. You knew not what is the Book, nor what is Faith? But We have made it (this Qur’an) a light wherewith We guide whosoever of Our slaves We will. And verily, you (O Muhammad) are indeed guiding (mankind) to the Straight Path (i.e. Allah’s religion of Islamic Monotheism). The Path of Allah, to Whom belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. Verily, all the matters at the end go to Allah (for decision). [Surah Ash-Shooraa’ Aayaat 52-53]

Shaikh Saaleh Aala Ash-Shaikh [may Allaah preserve him] said: Not every Haafidh of the Qur’aan has this light, rather the one who understands the Qur’aan and is guided by it – the one who adheres to its ordainments, declares lawful what the Qur’aan declares lawful and declares unlawful what the Qur’aan declares unlawful – has light in his heart and clear-sightedness based on how much light he has.


[An Excerpt from ‘Sharh Muqaddimah Usool At-Tafseel Li-Shaikh Al-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah’ pages 13-14. By Shaikh Saaleh Aala Ash-Shaikh. slightly paraphrased]

The Spreading of Knowledge and The Spread of Islam – Shaykh Saaleh al Fawzaan

The Questioner asks:

“How do we combine between the spread of knowledge and the spread of Islam everywhere and the saying of the prophet, peace be upon him, that every time will be worse than the one preceding it.”

The Answer in the video by Shaykh Fawzaan

“Knowledge will spread in all ages and reach the East and the West. Today, you see that knowledge used to spread through Jihad in the path of Allah and the call to Allah. Now, we have the media, so the Qur’an is recited with loud and clear. It is recited in the loudest voice in the East and West. The Athaan (call to prayer) is heard in the East and West. This is from the mercy of Allah and from the establishment of proof against the servants so they can not say, Islam did not reach us or nothing reached us.”

How The Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] Dealt With The Young Man Who Sought His Permission to Commit Zinaa – [An Admonition By Shaikh Abdur-Razzaaq Al-Badr]

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

Listen carefully to this affair! By Allaah! Sometimes it is very easy for those who have not experienced the difficulties of guiding teenagers to offer haphazard solutions without much contemplation. One must take into consideration – as the Shaikh stated in this short audio- that the youth of today face greater trials, so they are in need of advice and rifq. And most important of all, they are in need of supplication. May Allaah guide our children and make them the coolness of our eyes in this Dunyaa and Aakhirah Aameen.

Abu Umaamah [radiyallaahu-anhu] said: A young man came to the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] and said, “O Messenger of Allaah, give me permission to commit fornication’’. The people turned to him to rebuke him, saying, “Shh, shh.” [The Prophet (sallal laahu alayhi wasallam)] said, “Come here’’, so he came close to him and he told him to sit down. He said, “Would you like that for your mother?” He said, “No, by Allaah, may I be sacrificed for you’’. He said, “Nor do people like it for their mothers’’. He said, “Would you like it for your daughter?” He said, “No, by Allaah, may I be sacrificed for you’’. He said, “Nor do people like it for their daughters’’. He said, “Would you like it for your sister?” He said, “No, by Allaah, may I be sacrificed for you’’. He said, “Nor do people like it for their sisters’’. He said, “Would you like it for your paternal aunt?” He said, “No, by Allaah, may I be sacrificed for you’’. He said, “Nor do people like it for their paternal aunts.” He said, “Would you like it for your maternal aunt?” He said, “No, by Allaah, may I be sacrificed for you.” He said, “Nor do people like it for their maternal aunts’’. Then he placed his hand on him and said, “O Allaah, forgive him his sin, purify his heart, and guard his chastity.” And after that, this young man never did anything.  [Reported by Ahmad 21708]

Shaikh Abdur-Razzaaq Al-Badr [hafidhahullaah] said:

The trustworthy adviser, the one sent as a mercy to the Aalameen – may Allaah mention him with praise and sends salutations of peace upon him- placed his hand on the chest of that young man and said, ‘’O Allaah! Forgive him his sin, purify his heart and guard his chastity’’.

Three supplications; write them down, memorise them and give them importance: ‘’O Allaah! Forgive him his sin, purify his heart and guard his chastity’’.

I say: Write them down and memorise them, for indeed the youth at present are in an era of Fitan [trials and tribulations]. I don’t think that youth who was [present] during the era of the Prophet [sallal laahu-alayhi wasallam] encountered Fitan [i.e. trials and tribulations] similar to that which is encountered by the youth at present in this era; therefore -in this era- the youth [i.e. male and female] is in need-  [Shaikh pauses and cries]- of being shown mercy by the people of virtue, compassionate towards him, show him love and supplicate for him sincerely from the [bottom] of their hearts. The supplication of a father for his child is answered and the supplication of a mother for her child is answered.

A father should not say about his son, ‘’May Allaah humiliate him’’ or ‘’May Allaah prevent him from receiving good or despised him’’ or ‘’May Allaah curse him’’. He [i.e. the father] should not be a helper of shaytaan against him [i.e. the child]. The  youth are in need of mercy- the father’s mercy, the mother’s mercy, the mercy of relatives, the mercy of colleagues [and] friends. The youth are in need of these sincere supplications from the truthful [or sincere] hearts- out of hoping for Allaah’s [Glorified and Exalted be He] reward.

Due to the effect of this sincere advice, mercy and supplication of the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam], this youth who was present in that era of the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam]  departed from the presence of the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] and nothing [i.e. that sin] remained in his heart; the desire left his heart. He got up, whilst the slightest desire for this affair [i.e. fornication] – which the hearts are inclined towards and are greatly put to trial by way of it – did not remain in his heart. He got up, whilst there was nothing in his heart. Three affairs [i.e. regarding the manner in which the Prophet (sallal laahu alayhi wasallam) dealt with him]: Mercy, fine advice [or admonition] and truthful [or sincere] supplication, and the effect [or fruitful outcome] is great indeed; the effect [or fruitful outcome] is great indeed.

By Allaah! The youth nowadays are in need of those who show them gentleness; those who truthfully [or sincerely] supplicate for them; those who give fine advice [or admonition] and clarification to them, and those who are not helpers of shaytaan against them.

In relation to the likes of this advice, the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi- wasallam] said: ‘’Do not be helpers to shaytaan against your brother’’ when they – [i.e. some of the companions said about a man who was brought to the Prophet several times due to consumption of alcohol] – said: ‘’May Allaah humiliate him’’, ‘’May Allaah curse him’’, (so) the Prophet said, ‘’Do not be a helper to Shaytaan against your brother’’, so he guided one towards saying, ‘’May Allaah forgive you’’, supplicate for him [i.e. the sinner].

In a nutshell,  the [intended meanings of these admonitions] –  which the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] detailed – awakens the hearts when they have a heartfelt effect; it awakens the heart; ‘’Do you love that for your mother; do you love that for your daughter; do you love that for your sister etc….’’ This awakens the heart – a great and blessed awakening; so he leaves with this detailed and fine advice [or admonition], truthful [or sincere] supplication to Allaah [Glorified and Exalted be He]; it brings about a tremendous and blessed outcome, for indeed Tawfeeq [i.e. being granted guidance and the ability to act upon it], rectification of the hearts and purity of the souls is in the hands of Allaah, who guides whomsoever He pleases to the straight path. [Paraphrased. Listen to audio]