Skip to main content

Tag: manners

Are You Going to Wear a Mask In The Supermarkets?! Yes, Where Government Declared It Mandatory; But Neither Mandatory to Fill Trolley With Unhealthy Food Nor Buy Cigarettes!

Written by Abdullah Jallow 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.

Regardless what a person holds regarding whether a face mask is effective in preventing such and such disease or not, this article is not intended as an opposition to the specific government directive that unless exempt, people should wear face masks in supermarkets, shops, banks, post offices, public transport and hairdressers; rather it is a reminder regarding two affairs about which there is no dispute – unhealthy diet and smoking. Imaam Ibnul Jawzi [rahimahullaah] said: And how many types of food are there that leads to illness due to an unrestrained desire!  [Ref 1]

Imaam As-Sa’di [rahimahullaah] said: Shaytaan does not call the person except to every blameworthy habit.  So he calls him to miserliness and to refrain from spending, but when the person refuses to obey him, he calls him to overspending and extravagance; but Allaah calls to the most just and balance of affairs and He praises the person for that, as He [The One free from all imperfections] stated about His faithful slaves: [وَالَّذِينَ إِذَا أَنْفَقُوا لَمْ يُسْرِفُوا وَلَمْ يَقْتُرُوا وَكَانَ بَيْنَ ذَٰلِكَ قَوَامًا – And those, who, when they spend, are neither extravagant nor miserly, but hold a medium (way) between those (extremes)]. [Surah Furqaan; Ayah: 67] [Ref 2]

The Prophet [alayhis salaatu wassalaam] said: ‘’The best of the people are those living in my generation, then those who will follow the latter and then those who come after them. Then there will come after them people who will be treacherous and will not be trustworthy, they will bear witness without being asked to do so, and they will vow, but will never fulfil their vows, and fatness will appear among them’’.

Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen [rahimahullaah] said: “And regarding the statement, ‘And fatness will appear among them’ – Meaning: These people give importance to the means of fattening themselves – food, drink and over-abundance. So, their only concern is their bodies and fattening themselves. As for being fat without choice, then one cannot be blamed for that, just as a person cannot be blamed for being tall, short, black or white…’” [Ref 3]

Indeed, we hear very little mention regarding healthy eating and employing the means to good health because of uncontrolled desires; therefore, we must refer back to the following articles as a reminder, strive to eat healthily and leave the final outcome to Allaah [The Exalted].

Must Visit The Links Below

https://www.abukhadeejah.com/health-sickness-in-the-light-of-islaam/

https://www.abukhadeejah.com/ibn-al-qayyim-on-good-food-and-good-health-overeating-complex-foods-and-poor-health/

https://www.abukhadeejah.com/audio-short-clip-good-health-nutrition-and-disease-control-by-phillip-day/

https://www.healthymuslim.com/

http://www.healthymuslim.com/tags/immune-system.cfm

 

Smoking

Shaikh Uthaymeen [rahimahullaah] said:

Smoking is forbidden due to the evidences found in the Qur’aan and the Sunnah, and based on sound opinion.  Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] said: [وَلا تَقْتُلُوا أَنْفُسَكُمْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ بِكُمْ رَحِيماً  – And do not kill yourselves (nor kill one another). Surely, Allah is Most Merciful to you] [Soorah Nisaa: Ayah: 29]

It is well-known that smoking causes harm to the body which may appear sooner or later, and this is an affair agreed upon by the doctors of today after the advancement of medicine. Smoking also disfigures the teeth, the lips etc.

Also, Allaah [the Most High] said: [وَلا تُؤْتُوا السُّفَهَاءَ أَمْوَالَكُمُ الَّتِي جَعَلَ اللَّهُ لَكُمْ قِيَاماً – And give not unto the foolish your property which Allah has made a means of support for you]. Therefore, Allaah clarified the wisdom behind wealth and that He made it a means of support through which the Religious and worldly benefits are established. And it is well known that spending wealth on cigarettes neither supports Religious nor worldly benefits, rather it does the opposite.

And from the evidences in the Sunnah concerning the impermissibility of smoking is that the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] forbade the squandering of wealth, and squandering wealth is when it is spent in other than what is beneficial. It is well known that spending wealth on smoking is a spending in which there is no benefit, rather it is spending in that which is harmful.

As for sound opinion, then sound intellect necessitates that a person does not partake in that which harms him and wastes his wealth, whilst he is a believer and that he will be brought to account. Therefore, sound intellect necessitates that a person does what benefits him and leaves what harms him, and from the perfection of [one’s religion and character] is to leave that which is of no benefit.

The affairs are three: Beneficial things, Harmful things and Things in which there is neither harm nor benefit.  The first affair is sought after, the second affair is blameworthy, and regarding the third affair, a person refrains from it out of seeking perfection in his affairs, but there is no blame on him if he does it. [Ref 4]

Shaikh Abdur Razzaaq Al-Badr [hafidhahullaah] said: Every smoker should know that smoking is Haraam. Many scholars have issued verdicts to show that it is Haraam based on many evidences from the Qur’aan and the [authentic] Sunnah. [From them is the statement of Allaah]: ”And do not throw yourselves into destruction.” [Surah Al-Baqarah’ Aayah 195]. And Allaah said: ”He allows them as lawful At-Taiyibat [(i.e. all good and lawful) as regards things, deeds, beliefs, persons, foods, etc.], and prohibits them as unlawful Al-Khaba’ith (i.e. all evil and unlawful as regards things, deeds, beliefs, persons, foods, etc.)” [Surah Al-A’raaf. Aayah 157].  Smoking is khabeeth.

Secondly, all doctors are unanimously agreed on the fact that smoking harms a person’s health and it is one of the greatest causes of cancer.

Thirdly, smoking is a waste of wealth and a means of placing wealth in the hands of the enemies [of Islaam]. So, the cigarettes harm his health and strengthen his enemy. If the smoker was asked, “You have been smoking for forty or fifty years, what benefit have you acquired from it?!” There is not a single benefit; however the harms are great indeed. He will realise the harm on his health, wealth etc [Ref 5]

[Ref 1: Dhammul Hawaa’ pages 36-38]

[Ref 2: Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan]

[Ref 3: Majmoo Al-Fataawaa 10/1056]

[Ref 4: An Excerpt from the link below:

 http://www.ajurry.com/vb/showthread.php?t=8074] http://www.ibnothaimeen.com/all/noor/article_3610.shtml Paraphrased]

[Ref 5: Sharh Usool Ath-Thalaatha’ Audio lesson number 5

[2] A Timely Reminder About The Danger of Lying And Its Evil Outcomes – [Excerpts From a Powerful Lecture By Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee]

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam.

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

Part 1: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2020/06/1-a-timely-reminder-about-the-danger-of-lying-and-its-evil-outcomes-excerpts-from-a-powerful-lecture-by-al-allaamah-rabee-bin-haadee/

Shaikh Rabee [may Allaah protect him] continued…..

Indeed, the opponents of Ahlus Sunnah amongst ahlul ahwaa [the people of desires] receive  pleasure from a share of these characteristics[i.e. lying], and hypocrisy is feared for some of them lest these blameworthy characteristics applies to them as well as that which emanates from it of dispraise and punishment.

And one of the punishments against liars is that which he [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said, “Beware of lying, for indeed lying leads to wickedness and wickedness leads to the fire. And a man does not cease telling lies and endeavour to tell lies until he is written [i.e. judged] by Allaah as a liar”. Rather lying can lead to major hypocrisy, Allaah [The Exalted] said:

وَمِنۡہُم مَّنۡ عَـٰهَدَ ٱللَّهَ لَٮِٕنۡ ءَاتَٮٰنَا مِن فَضۡلِهِۦ لَنَصَّدَّقَنَّ وَلَنَكُونَنَّ مِنَ ٱلصَّـٰلِحِينَ

فَلَمَّآ ءَاتَٮٰهُم مِّن فَضۡلِهِۦ بَخِلُواْ بِهِۦ وَتَوَلَّواْ وَّهُم مُّعۡرِضُونَ

فَأَعۡقَبَہُمۡ نِفَاقً۬ا فِى قُلُوبِہِمۡ إِلَىٰ يَوۡمِ يَلۡقَوۡنَهُ ۥ بِمَآ أَخۡلَفُواْ ٱللَّهَ مَا وَعَدُوهُ وَبِمَا ڪَانُواْ يَكۡذِبُونَ

And of them are some who made a covenant with Allah (saying): “If He bestowed on us of His Bounty, we will verily, give Sadaqah (Zakat and voluntary charity in Allah’s Cause) and will be certainly among those who are righteous.” Then when He gave them of His Bounty, they became niggardly [refused to pay the Sadaqah (Zakat or voluntary charity)], and turned away, averse. So He punished them by putting hypocrisy into their hearts till the Day whereon they shall meet Him, because they broke that (covenant with Allah) which they had promised Him and because they used to tell lies. [Surah At-Tawbah. Aayaat 75-77]

So, lying and breaking covenants plunged them into the sludge of hypocrisy – and Allaah’s Refuge is sought, and the Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] stated that lying is one of the signs of hypocrisy. He said, “The signs of a hypocrite are three: Whenever he speaks, he tells a lie; whenever he promises, he always breaks it (his promise), and when trusted, he proves to be treacherous”.

And from the punishments against lying is that which the noble Messenger- the possessor of the highest moral character – has related  in a long hadeeth when he said, “I saw two men who came to me and said, ‘The one you saw his jaw being torn apart is a liar. He used to tell a lie until it reaches the furthest regions and it was transmitted from him until the Day of Resurrection'”. He [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] saw that man in whose mouth was placed an iron hook and torn off until it reached his ear; then the angel turned to the other jaw and tore it apart util it reached the man’s other ear, and then it returns as it was. And he will carry on with that until the day of Resurrection, just as the Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] related. This is from the recompense for the liars.

Numerous are the liars today against the carriers of the Salafi Dawah and its callers! They are able to spread oppressive rumours until it reaches all the world through various means that have been made available to them in this era. They hinder the people from the path of Allaah by way of these rumours and seek to make it crooked, aid their falsehoods by way of it, their utter nonsense and dangerous religious innovations that destroy the sound belief, the sound Islamic approaches to various subject matters and the virtuous manners.

And indeed, Iblees – the cursed one and may Allaah curse him- is the leader of the liars. He is the first of the liars and their leader, the first deceiver and betrayer. Allaah [The Exalted] said:

وَيَـٰٓـَٔادَمُ ٱسۡكُنۡ أَنتَ وَزَوۡجُكَ ٱلۡجَنَّةَ فَكُلَا مِنۡ حَيۡثُ شِئۡتُمَا وَلَا تَقۡرَبَا هَـٰذِهِ ٱلشَّجَرَةَ فَتَكُونَا مِنَ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ

فَوَسۡوَسَ لَهُمَا ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنُ لِيُبۡدِىَ لَهُمَا مَا وُ ۥرِىَ عَنۡہُمَا مِن سَوۡءَٲتِهِمَا وَقَالَ مَا نَہَٮٰكُمَا رَبُّكُمَا عَنۡ هَـٰذِهِ ٱلشَّجَرَةِ إِلَّآ أَن تَكُونَا مَلَكَيۡنِ أَوۡ تَكُونَا مِنَ ٱلۡخَـٰلِدِينَ

وَقَاسَمَهُمَآ إِنِّى لَكُمَا لَمِنَ ٱلنَّـٰصِحِينَ

فَدَلَّٮٰهُمَا بِغُرُورٍ۬‌ۚ فَلَمَّا ذَاقَا ٱلشَّجَرَةَ بَدَتۡ لَهُمَا سَوۡءَٲتُہُمَا وَطَفِقَا يَخۡصِفَانِ عَلَيۡہِمَا مِن وَرَقِ ٱلۡجَنَّةِ‌ۖ وَنَادَٮٰهُمَا رَبُّہُمَآ أَلَمۡ أَنۡہَكُمَا عَن تِلۡكُمَا ٱلشَّجَرَةِ وَأَقُل لَّكُمَآ إِنَّ ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنَ لَكُمَا عَدُوٌّ۬ مُّبِينٌ۬

“And O Adam! Dwell you and your wife in Paradise, and eat thereof as you both wish, but approach not this tree otherwise you both will be of the Zalimun (unjust and wrong-doers).” Then Shaitan (Satan) whispered suggestions to them both in order to uncover that which was hidden from them of their private parts (before); he said: “Your Lord did not forbid you this tree save you should become angels or become of the immortals.” And he [Shaitan (Satan)] swore by Allah to them both (saying): “Verily, I am one of the sincere well-wishers for you both.” So he misled them with deception. Then when they tasted of the tree, that which was hidden from them of their shame (private parts) became manifest to them and they began to stick together the leaves of Paradise over themselves (in order to cover their shame). And their Lord called out to them (saying): “Did I not forbid you that tree and tell you: Verily, Shaitan (Satan) is an open enemy unto you?” [Surah Al-A’raaf. Aayaat 19-22]

Look at the wicked one! He said to them, “Your Lord did not forbid you from this tree save you should become angels – out of fear that you might become angles or immortals”; so he swore by Allaah to them and Aadam did not perceive that anyone would swear by Allaah out of lying, so he believed him and was deceived. So, he misled them.

Allaah [The Exalted] said:

وَإِذۡ قُلۡنَا لِلۡمَلَـٰٓٮِٕڪَةِ ٱسۡجُدُواْ لِأَدَمَ فَسَجَدُوٓاْ إِلَّآ إِبۡلِيسَ أَبَىٰ

فَقُلۡنَا يَـٰٓـٴَـادَمُ إِنَّ هَـٰذَا عَدُوٌّ۬ لَّكَ وَلِزَوۡجِكَ فَلَا يُخۡرِجَنَّكُمَا مِنَ ٱلۡجَنَّةِ فَتَشۡقَىٰٓ

إِنَّ لَكَ أَلَّا تَجُوعَ فِيہَا وَلَا تَعۡرَىٰ

وَأَنَّكَ لَا تَظۡمَؤُاْ فِيہَا وَلَا تَضۡحَىٰ

فَوَسۡوَسَ إِلَيۡهِ ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنُ قَالَ يَـٰٓـَٔادَمُ هَلۡ أَدُلُّكَ عَلَىٰ شَجَرَةِ ٱلۡخُلۡدِ وَمُلۡكٍ۬ لَّا يَبۡلَىٰ

فَأَڪَلَا مِنۡہَا فَبَدَتۡ لَهُمَا سَوۡءَٲتُهُمَا وَطَفِقَا يَخۡصِفَانِ عَلَيۡہِمَا مِن وَرَقِ ٱلۡجَنَّةِ‌ۚ وَعَصَىٰٓ ءَادَمُ رَبَّهُ ۥ فَغَوَىٰ

ثُمَّ ٱجۡتَبَـٰهُ رَبُّهُ ۥ فَتَابَ عَلَيۡهِ وَهَدَىٰ

And (remember) when We said to the angels: “Prostrate yourselves to Adam.” They prostrated (all) except Iblis (Satan), who refused. Then We said: “O Adam! Verily, this is an enemy to you and to your wife. So let him not get you both out of Paradise, so that you be distressed in misery. Verily, you have (a promise from Us) that you will never be hungry therein nor naked. And you (will) suffer not from thirst therein nor from the sun’s heat. Then Shaitan (Satan) whispered to him, saying : “O Adam! Shall I lead you to the Tree of Eternity and to a kingdom that will never waste away?” Then they both ate of the tree, and so their private parts appeared to them, and they began to stick on themselves the leaves from Paradise for their covering. Thus did Adam disobey his Lord, so he went astray. Then his Lord chose him, and turned to him with forgiveness, and gave him guidance. [Surah Taa Haa. Aayaat 166-122]

Look at how he deceived them, fabricated and lied to them, and said to them through the path of the sincere advisers:  [هَلۡ أَدُلُّكَ عَلَىٰ شَجَرَةِ ٱلۡخُلۡدِ وَمُلۡكٍ۬ لَّا يَبۡلَىٰ  – O Adam! Shall I lead you to the Tree of Eternity and to a kingdom that will never waste away?] He deceived them with this, so they ate from the tree and the outcome was that which Allaah related that their private parts became apparent to them. So, out of shyness, [وَطَفِقَا يَخۡصِفَانِ عَلَيۡہِمَا مِن وَرَقِ ٱلۡجَنَّةِ‌ۚ   – they began to stick on themselves the leaves from Paradise for their covering]. Thus did Aadam disobey his Lord, so he went astray. Then his Lord chose him, and turned to him with forgiveness, and gave him guidance. Thus is Allaah’s Mercy for His friends; but Allaah’s wrath, anger and curse has been ascertained against Iblees until the Day of Judgment, and he will be in Hell as the leader of those who will dwell in there forever.

And indeed, the followers of shaytaan are the enemies of the truth in every era and place, and the enemies of the Messengers [peace and blessings be upon them]. Lying and slander is one of their greatest means [utilised] in their opposition to the Messengers and the great truth of that which they brought together with mighty and amazing signs. This is the path of every innovator in religious affairs and a falsifier- he opposes the truth and its adherents through lies and slander; slandering the people of truth together with beautification of falsehood and adorning it for his followers who nullify their intellects and personalities. This adorned speech by way of falsehood is taken from their leader Iblees – the cursed one, and from the followers of Fir’awn and the senior followers of Iblees, such as Fir’awn- the cursed one and may Allaah deprived him of every good. He has many peers in this affair [i.e. lying and slander]. Allaah [The Exalted] made known the lying and wickedness of this cursed one:

هَلۡ أَتَٮٰكَ حَدِيثُ مُوسَىٰٓ

إِذۡ نَادَٮٰهُ رَبُّهُ ۥ بِٱلۡوَادِ ٱلۡمُقَدَّسِ طُوًى

ٱذۡهَبۡ إِلَىٰ فِرۡعَوۡنَ إِنَّهُ ۥ طَغَىٰ

فَقُلۡ هَل لَّكَ إِلَىٰٓ أَن تَزَكَّىٰ

وَأَهۡدِيَكَ إِلَىٰ رَبِّكَ فَتَخۡشَىٰ

فَأَرَٮٰهُ ٱلۡأَيَةَ ٱلۡكُبۡرَىٰ

فَكَذَّبَ وَعَصَىٰ

ثُمَّ أَدۡبَرَ يَسۡعَىٰ

فَحَشَرَ فَنَادَىٰ

فَقَالَ أَنَا۟ رَبُّكُمُ ٱلۡأَعۡلَىٰ

فَأَخَذَهُ ٱللَّهُ نَكَالَ ٱلۡأَخِرَةِ وَٱلۡأُولَىٰٓ

إِنَّ فِى ذَٲلِكَ لَعِبۡرَةً۬ لِّمَن يَخۡشَىٰٓ

Has there come to you the story of Moosaa? When his Lord called him in the sacred valley of Tuwa; go to Fir’aun (Pharaoh), verily, he has transgressed all bounds (in crimes, sins, polytheism, disbelief, etc.). And say to him: “Would you purify yourself (from the sin of disbelief by becoming a believer)”; and that I guide you to your Lord, so you should fear Him? Then [Moosaa] showed him the great sign (miracles). But [Fir’aun (Pharaoh)] belied and disobeyed. Then he turned his back, striving hard (against Allah). Then he gathered his people and cried aloud, saying: “I am your lord, most high”, So Allah, seized him with punishment for his last [i.e. his saying: “I am your lord, most high”)] and first [(i.e. his saying, “O chiefs! I know not that you have a god other than I” (see Verse 28:38)] transgression. Verily, in this is an instructive admonition for whosoever fears Allah.

The enemy of Allaah lied and said, “I am your Lord, most high”. Which lied can be more ugly than this wicked lie?! So Allaah seized him for his lie, denial and disbelief, and made that an instructive admonition for those who fear Allaah – those who give thought.

And from his lies was his statement to the magicians – when they believed after being defeated and subjugated through Allaah’s amazing signs- :

قَالَ ءَامَنتُمۡ لَهُ ۥ قَبۡلَ أَنۡ ءَاذَنَ لَكُمۡ‌ۖ إِنَّهُ ۥ لَكَبِيرُكُمُ ٱلَّذِى عَلَّمَكُمُ ٱلسِّحۡرَ‌ۖ فَلَأُقَطِّعَنَّ أَيۡدِيَكُمۡ وَأَرۡجُلَكُم مِّنۡ خِلَـٰفٍ۬ وَلَأُصَلِّبَنَّكُمۡ فِى جُذُوعِ ٱلنَّخۡلِ وَلَتَعۡلَمُنَّ أَيُّنَآ أَشَدُّ عَذَابً۬ا وَأَبۡقَىٰ

قَالُواْ لَن نُّؤۡثِرَكَ عَلَىٰ مَا جَآءَنَا مِنَ ٱلۡبَيِّنَـٰتِ وَٱلَّذِى فَطَرَنَا‌ۖ فَٱقۡضِ مَآ أَنتَ قَاضٍ‌ۖ إِنَّمَا تَقۡضِى هَـٰذِهِ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةَ ٱلدُّنۡيَآ

إِنَّآ ءَامَنَّا بِرَبِّنَا لِيَغۡفِرَ لَنَا خَطَـٰيَـٰنَا وَمَآ أَكۡرَهۡتَنَا عَلَيۡهِ مِنَ ٱلسِّحۡرِ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ خَيۡرٌ۬ وَأَبۡقَىٰٓ

[Fir’aun (Pharaoh)] said: “Believe you in him [Musa (Moses)] before I give you permission? Verily! He is your chief who taught you magic. So I will surely cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides, and I will surely crucify you on the trunks of date-palms, and you shall surely know which of us [I (Fir’aun – Pharaoh) or the Lord of Musa (Moses) (Allah)] can give the severe and more lasting torment.” They said: “We prefer you not over the clear signs that have come to us, and to Him (Allah) Who created us. So decree whatever you desire to decree, for you can only decree (regarding) this life of the world. “Verily! We have believed in our Lord, that He may forgive us our faults, and the magic to which you did compel us. And Allah is better as regards reward in comparison to your [Fir’aun’s (Pharaoh)] reward, and more lasting (as regards punishment in comparison to your punishment).” [Surah Taa Haa. Aayaat 71-73]

Look at this wicked slanderer! He said to them when they believed and submitted: [ءَامَنتُمۡ لَهُ ۥ قَبۡلَ أَنۡ ءَاذَنَ لَكُمۡ -Believe you in him [Musa (Moses)] before I give you permission?]; then he invented this mighty slander:  [إِنَّهُ ۥ لَكَبِيرُكُمُ ٱلَّذِى عَلَّمَكُمُ ٱلسِّحۡرَ‌ۖ  – Verily! He is your chief who taught you magic]- meaning, Moosaa [alayhis-salaam] when he came with those amazing signs. [Source: https://safeyoutube.net/w/4xWL . Slightly paraphrased]

The Perfect Example, The Most Devout And Generous Person at All Times- During Ramadhaan and Other Than It

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.

Narrated Ibn Abbaas [radiyallaahu-anhumaa], “The Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] was the most generous amongst the people, and he used to be more so in the month of Ramadaan when Jibreel visited him, and Jibreel used to meet him on every night of Ramadaan till the end of the month. The Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] used to recite the Noble Qur’aan to Jibreel, and when Jibreel met him, he used to be more generous than the fair wind [sent by Allaah with glad tidings (rain) in readiness and haste to do charitable deeds]”. [Saheeh al-Bukhaari 1902]

Few Reminders From This Hadeeth

Zain Ibnul Muneer [rahimahullaah] said, “The intent behind the likeness [or comparison] between the Prophet’s [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] generosity and the fair wind, is that the wind is one of mercy which Allaah [The Exalted] sends and sends down rain that falls everywhere- both on a dead land [i.e. falls on a dry land and revives it] as well as the land that is not dead; [likewise] the Prophet’s [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] good conduct and benevolence benefits everyone – the poor, the wealthy and the one who has enough – more than the rain that falls [after the arrival of that] fair wind”. [An Excerpt from Fat-hul Baari Sharh Saheeh Al-Bukhaari. Vol 4. Page 150. Hadeeth 1902. Publisher- Daarus Salaam 1421 (Year 2000). 1st Edition). Slightly paraphrased]

Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [rahimahullaah] said:

He [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] was the most generous amongst the people with regards to wealth and giving to the people, and not that he was (only) generous after being asked.  And in the final year [of his life], Jibreel met him twice and he finished the recitation of the [Qur’aan] twice. And from the benefits of [this hadeeth] is that it is more virtuous to study and recite the Qur’aan at night- studying it with the righteous people, the scholars and the good people. The Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] recited [the Qur’aan to Jibreel] to receive Allaah reward. [An Excerpt from Al-Hulalul Ibreeziyyah Min Ta’liqaat Al-Baaziyyah Alaa Saheeh Al-Bukhaariy. 2/121. Footnotes numbers: 1, 2 &3]

 

 

Arhaamukum! Arhaamukum ! [Your Relatives of The Womb! Your Relatives of The Womb!] – One of The Final Advice [or Commands] of The Messenger

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Da'wah - Calling To Islam, 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.

Ana’s Bin Maalik [radiyallaahu anhu] reported that the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said – during his illness [i.e. the illness through which he passed away], “Your Arhaam! Your Arhaam!”. [i.e. relatives of the womb]

Shaikh Zayd Bin Haadi [rahimahullaah] said:

This hadeeth contains a precious advice [or command] from the noble Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] whose Lord described him in His statement: [لَقَدۡ جَآءَڪُمۡ رَسُولٌ۬ مِّنۡ أَنفُسِڪُمۡ عَزِيزٌ عَلَيۡهِ مَا عَنِتُّمۡ حَرِيصٌ عَلَيۡڪُم بِٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ رَءُوفٌ۬ رَّحِيمٌ۬ – Verily, there has come unto you a Messenger (Muhammad) from amongst yourselves (i.e. whom you know well). It grieves him that you should receive any injury or difficulty. He (Muhammad) is anxious over you (to be rightly guided, to repent to Allah, and beg Him to pardon and forgive your sins, in order that you may enter Paradise and be saved from the punishment of the Hell-fire), for the believers (he is) full of pity, kind, and merciful]. [Surah At-tawbah. Aayah 128]

It is an advice [or a command] about maintaining the ties of kinship, and indeed the command regarding it has been stated in the noble Qur’aan and in the [authentic] Prophetic Sunnah. As for in the Qur’aan, then indeed Allaah [The Blessed and Exalted] said:

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلنَّاسُ ٱتَّقُواْ رَبَّكُمُ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَكُم مِّن نَّفۡسٍ۬ وَٲحِدَةٍ۬ وَخَلَقَ مِنۡہَا زَوۡجَهَا وَبَثَّ مِنۡہُمَا رِجَالاً۬ كَثِيرً۬ا وَنِسَآءً۬‌ۚ وَٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ ٱلَّذِى تَسَآءَلُونَ بِهِۦ وَٱلۡأَرۡحَامَ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ عَلَيۡكُمۡ رَقِيبً۬ا

O mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single person (Adam), and from him (Adam) He created his wife [Hawwa (Eve)], and from them both He created many men and women and fear Allah through Whom you demand your mutual (rights), and (do not cut the relations of) the wombs (kinship) . Surely, Allah is Ever an All-Watcher over you. [Surah An-Nisaa. Aayah 1]

The Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] advised [or commanded one] to maintain the ties of kinship and promised reward – in this life and the next – for it. These are upright exhortations [or commands].

The intent behind the word Ar-Rahim – [relation of the womb] – are one’s relatives on the father’s and mother’s side, and they are of different levels [or categories]. Maintaining ties with them aids a person in his worldly affairs to fulfil his needs and makes his affairs easy by the permission of Allaah. And with regards to [deeds related to the] afterlife, it is one of the best deeds through which a servant seeks to get close to Allaah [i.e. to receive the love of Allaah and reward, and repel punishment].

An Excerpt from At-taleeqaat al-maleehah Alaa silsilah al-ahaadeeth As-Saheehah vol 1. Page 62. Slightly paraphrased.

 

Those Who Do Not Take Admonition When Afflicted And Are Boastful When Granted Relief, And Those Who Are Oblivious of The Reasons Behind Afflictions

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

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

Imaam As-Sadi [rahimahullaah] stated in his Tafseer: Allaah said:

[وَلَقَدۡ أَخَذۡنَآ ءَالَ فِرۡعَوۡنَ بِٱلسِّنِينَ  – And indeed We punished the people of Fir’aun (Pharaoh) with years of famine]; Meaning: Afflictions and drought for a long time; [وَنَقۡصٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱلثَّمَرَٲتِ لَعَلَّهُمۡ يَذَّڪَّرُونَ – and shortness of fruits (crops, etc.), that they might remember (take heed)]; Meaning: They were afflicted in order for them to realise that what befell them was a punishment from Allaah and so that they might abandon their disbelief. However, neither was this admonition useful to them nor did it benefit them, rather they persisted in transgression and corruption.

Then Allaah [The Most High] says: [فَإِذَا جَآءَتۡهُمُ ٱلۡحَسَنَةُ قَالُواْ لَنَا هَـٰذِهِۦ‌ۖ  -But whenever good came to them, they said: “Ours is this]; Meaning: When the land became fertile and provision was in abundance, they said, “We deserve this” and they did not thank Allaah.

Then Allaah [The Most High] says: [  وَإِن تُصِبۡہُمۡ سَيِّئَةٌ۬ يَطَّيَّرُواْ بِمُوسَىٰ وَمَن مَّعَهُ – And if evil afflicted them, they ascribed it to evil omens connected with Musa (Moses) and those with him]; Meaning: When the afflictions and drought reappeared, they said, “This came to us due to the presence of Moosaa and those who follow him”.

Then Allaah  [The Most High] says: [أَلَآ إِنَّمَا طَـٰٓٮِٕرُهُمۡ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ وَلَـٰكِنَّ أَڪۡثَرَهُمۡ لَا يَعۡلَمُونَ – Be informed! Verily, their evil omens are with Allah but most of them know not]; Meaning: The afflictions reappeared by the divine will and decree of Allaah and not what you think; rather your sins and disbelief is the reason that brought about these afflictions. [Ref 1]

Ibnul Jawzee [rahimahullaah] said:

A thought came to my mind about the calamities, hardships and great afflictions that takes place in the world; so I said: Glorified is Allaah and free is He from all imperfections! Indeed, Allaah is The Most Generous of all those who show generosity, and generosity necessitates forbearance and forgiveness. So how do we look at those punishments? I contemplated and saw that the presence of many people is as if they do not exist. They neither study the evidences about the Oneness of Allaah (in His Lordship, Names and Attributes and that He alone has the right to be worshipped), nor do they abide by the commandments and prohibitions of (Allaah); rather they carry on in their habits like cattle. And unless the Islamic legislation agrees with what they want, otherwise they cling to selfish interests. And after obtaining the Deenaar (money), they do not care whether it was (earned) through lawful or unlawful (means). They pray when it is easy for them, otherwise they abandon the prayer. Amongst them are those who openly commit great sins, whilst being aware of its prohibition. And it may be that there is a scholar with robust understanding, but his sins are grave indeed. So, I came to know that even when the punishments are great, they are lesser (in severity) than their crimes. And when punishments occur to wipe away sins, those (responsible for such sins) say: ‘’Which sin is this for?’’ and they forget what has proceeded (i.e. their sins). An old man becomes so insignificant to the extent that the hearts become sympathetic, whilst he is unaware of the fact that this is due to not giving importance to the commandments of Allaah in his youth. [Ref 2]

Imaam Ibnul Jawzee [rahimahullaah] said: Indeed, I have witnessed [the affair] of many people- those who are unaware of the [real] meaning of life. Amongst them is one who has no need of seeking after a livelihood due to his abundant wealth, but he sits in the market most of the day staring at the people, and how many offensive [things] and evil deeds go past him! Amongst them is one devoted to playing chess, others pass time by talking about the rulers and others talk about the high and low prices of [goods and services]. So I knew that Allaah [The Most High] has not given everyone the blessing to realise the nobility of [one’s] life span and acquaintance with the value of [one’s] period of well-being, except to the one whom it is bestowed and blessed with the zeal to profit from that. [Ref 3]

[Ref 1: An Excerpt from ‘Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer kalaam Al-Mannaan’ of Imaam Sadi (rahimahullaah). Surah Al-Araaf Aayaat 130-131]. [Ref 2: An Excerpt from Saydul Khaatir: page: 18-19. slightly paraphrased]. [Ref 3: An Excerpt from Saydul Khaatir: page:241. 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]

Hadeeth: Fear Allaah and Maintain Your Ties of Kinship

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.

Fear Allaah and maintain your ties of kinship.

Shaikh Zayd Bin Haadi [rahimahullaah] said

The hadeeth is very clear in commanding two virtuous acts of worship: A right Allaah is owed and a right owed to the people. As for the right Allaah is owed, it is that one fears Him. Indeed, Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] commanded -in many places in the Qur’aan- that He should be feared, and from them is His statement:

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ ٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ حَقَّ تُقَاتِهِۦ وَلَا تَمُوتُنَّ إِلَّا وَأَنتُم مُّسۡلِمُونَ

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]

Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] said: [يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلنَّاسُ ٱتَّقُواْ رَبَّكُمُ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَكُم مِّن نَّفۡسٍ۬ وَٲحِدَةٍ۬ – O mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single person (Adam) [Surah An-Nisaa. Aayah 1]

Allaah [Glorified be He said]:

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ ٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَقُولُواْ قَوۡلاً۬ سَدِيدً۬ا

يُصۡلِحۡ لَكُمۡ أَعۡمَـٰلَكُمۡ وَيَغۡفِرۡ لَكُمۡ ذُنُوبَكُمۡۗ وَمَن يُطِعِ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ ۥ فَقَدۡ فَازَ فَوۡزًا عَظِيمًا

O you who believe! Keep your duty to Allah and fear Him, and speak (always) the truth. He will direct you to do righteous good deeds and will forgive you your sins. And whosoever obeys Allah and His Messenger, he has indeed achieved a great achievement (i.e. he will be saved from the Hellfire and made to enter Paradise). [Surah Al-Ahzaab. Aayaat 7071]

Allaah connected the good in this life and the next to Taqwa [Fear of Him], just is found in His statement:

وَمَن يَتَّقِ ٱللَّهَ يَجۡعَل لَّهُ ۥ مَخۡرَجً۬ا

وَيَرۡزُقۡهُ مِنۡ حَيۡثُ لَا يَحۡتَسِبُ‌ۚ

And whosoever fears Allah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty). And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine. [Surah At-Talaaq. Aayaat 2-3]; then Allaah said in Aayah 5: [ وَمَن يَتَّقِ ٱللَّهَ يُكَفِّرۡ عَنۡهُ سَيِّـَٔاتِهِۦ وَيُعۡظِمۡ لَهُ ۥۤ أَجۡرًا – And whosoever fears Allah and keeps his duty to Him, He will remit his sins from him, and will enlarge his reward].

These are from the [divine] texts in which Allaah commanded [us] to fear Him. And the reality of Taqwah [Fear of Allaah], as some of the Salaf stated: “It is to act in obedience to Allaah with a light from Allaah [i.e. guided to know and enabled to perform the act sincerely], hoping for Allaah’s reward, abandon disobedience to Allaah with a light from Allaah [i.e. guided to know what is wrong and being enabled to keep away from it sincerely] and out of fearing Allaah’s punishment”.

The statement of the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] in this  hadeeth: “Fear Allaah”, means, perform acts of obedience to Allaah, abandon disobedience to Allaah, fulfil Allaah’s command, keep away from Allaah’s prohibitions, hasten towards good deeds, and distance yourself from evil manners and repugnant deeds.

As for the right owed to the people, this is referred to in the Prophet’s [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] statement: “Maintain your ties of kinship”. The intent behind this is those related to you through lineage- on the mother’s and father’s side. It is obligated on a person to maintain the ties of kinship with these people as much as one is able- by going to visit them, sending them beneficial advice and through wealth. All these are righteous deeds and a right of relatives. And the aim [or goal] is that one enquires about their circumstances as much as one is able. And if corruption or something harmful enters into a tie of kinship, then one should make an effort to rectify the situation and not cut ties; rather one should make an effort to rectify the evil or mistake, so that Allaah rewards him for  keeping the ties of kinship, and for enjoining good and forbidding evil.

And if a person has a relative who has many female relatives, whilst he is not married and fears for him [i.e.  lest he falls into what is forbidden through direct contact], then keeping the ties of kinship [with this male relative who has many female relatives suffices]. It is not a condition that one speaks [in person] to the one who is not from his Mahaarim (1) in order to keep the ties of kinship; rather if he greats her, it should be behind a Hijaab [something prevents them from seeing one another].

[An Excerpt from ‘At-taleeqaat al-Maleehah Alaa Silsilah Al-Ahaadeeth As-Saheehah. Vol 1. Pages 36-37. Slightly paraphrased]

 

Ref 1: Mahaarim: Mind map illustration showing the mahrams (male chaperones) of a woman for travel and sittings:

https://www.abukhadeejah.com/mind-map-illustration-showing-the-mahrams-male-chaperones-of-a-woman-for-travel-and-sittings/

Those Who Desire Neither Haughtiness Nor Corruption In The Earth!

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:

تِلْكَ الدَّارُ الْآخِرَةُ نَجْعَلُهَا لِلَّذِينَ لَا يُرِيدُونَ عُلُوًّا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا فَسَادًا ۚ وَالْعَاقِبَةُ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ

That home of the Hereafter We assign to those who do not desire exaltedness in the earth or corruption. And the good end is for the Muttaqoon (pious ones) [28:83]

[تِلْكَ الدَّارُ الْآخِرَةُ- That home of the hereafter]: Meaning Paradise. [ نَجْعَلُهَا لِلَّذِينَ لَا يُرِيدُونَ عُلُوًّا فِي الْأَرْضِ –We shall assign to those who do not desire exaltedness upon the earth]. Saeed Ibn Jubair said, “It is [those who do not desire] transgression.’’ Ad-Dahhaak said, “It is [those who do not desire] oppression”. Yahyah Ibn Sallaam said, “It is [those who do not desire] shirk” and Muqaatil said, “It is [those who do not desire to be] haughty by rejecting Eemaan”. [وَلَا فَسَادًا – or corruption]: Ikrimah said, “It is [those who do not desire] disobedience [to Allaah and His Messenger]”. Ibn Saa’ib said, “It is [those who do not] call to the worship of other than Allaah”. [وَالْعَاقِبَةُ لِلْمُتَّقِين-And the good end is for the Muttaqoon (pious ones)]- Meaning: They will have a praiseworthy end.

[Source: An Excerpt from Zaadul Maseer ‘ by Ibnul Jawzi (rahimahullaah)’ abridged and slightly paraphrased. Page 1074. Publisher: Daar Ibn Hazm’ 1st Edition 1423AH (2002)]

Arrogance, Boastful About One’s Personality and Significance, And Boastful In Speech! – [A Good Time For Self-scrutiny And Reflection]

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

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

Allaah [The Most High] said in Soorah Luqmaan Ayah 18:

 وَلَا تُصَعِّرْ خَدَّكَ لِلنَّاسِ وَلَا تَمْشِ فِي الْأَرْضِ مَرَحًا إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ كُلَّ مُخْتَالٍ فَخُورٍ

[وَلَا تُصَعِّرْ خَدَّكَ لِلنَّاسِ  –And turn not your face away from men with pride] – Meaning: Do not turn away and frowning at the people with your face, being arrogant towards them and exalting (yourself). [ وَلَا تَمْشِ فِي الْأَرْضِ مَرَحًا ۖ –Nor walk in insolence through the earth] -Meaning: Out of vanity, boasting about blessings, forgetful of the one who bestowed it upon you (i.e. Allaah) and being amazed with yourself. [إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ كُلَّ مُخْتَالٍ فَخُورٍ- Verily, Allah likes not each arrogant boaster]- Meaning: Boastful about himself, his personality and significance, and in his speech.

[Source: An Excerpt from ‘Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan’. Slightly paraphrased]

The Messenger Used to Ask Allaah For These Four Things- [Guidance, Piety, Modesty and Self-sufficiency (or Contentment)]

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.

Abdullah Bin Mas’ood [radiyallaahu anhu] said that the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] used to supplicate, saying: [اللَّهُمَّ إِنِي أَسْأَلُكَ الهُدَى، وَالتُّقَى، وَالعفَافَ، والغنَى – O Allaah! I ask You for guidance, piety, modesty and self-sufficiency].

This is a comprehensive supplication that gathers four great affairs that are to be sought after and they are: Guidance, Piety, Modesty and Self-sufficiency [or contentment]. At-Teebiy [rahimahullaah] said, “Guidance and Piety brings about everything that will [rightly] guide a person to the worldly affairs, affairs of the afterlife and noble manners, and keeps a person away from everything that is obligated on him to refrain from, such as Shirk, disobedience and evil manners…”

Imaam An-Nawawi [rahimahullaah] said, “As for modesty, it is to be free from what is not permissible and to refrain from it. And self-sufficiency in this statement means contentment of the soul – to suffice oneself and not covet what the people possess.”

Shaikh Abdur Rahmaan Bin Sadi [rahimahullaah] said, “This supplication is one of the most comprehensive and beneficial, and it necessitates asking for the good of this world and the afterlife; for indeed guidance necessitates beneficial knowledge, piety necessitates righteous deeds and to abandon that which Allaah and His Messenger have forbidden, and by way of this one’s religion will become upright; for indeed the religion is based on beneficial sciences and sound knowledge based issues, and that necessitates guidance; and piety necessitates obedience to Allaah and His Messenger. Modesty and self-sufficiency necessitate not being in need of the people [i.e. being covetous] and attaching one’s heart to them, sufficing oneself with Allaah and His provision, being contented and seeking after that which brings tranquillity to the heart through self-sufficiency; and by way of this, complete happiness in the worldly life and a relaxed heart is attained. This is what a good life is. Therefore, whoever is bestowed with guidance, piety, modesty and self-sufficiency, then he will obtain the two types of happiness, achieved everything that is sought after and has been saved from every fear”.

[An Excerpt from Fiqhul Ad’iyah Wal-Adkaar. Vol 1. Pages 479-480. Slightly paraphrased]