Skip to main content

Tag: manners

International Day of Zero Tolerance For FGM: [A Brief Rebuttal Against Haphazard and Confused Heba Yosry at Alarabiya News]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Deviated Callers & Individuals, Family & Women, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Refutations.

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

FGM

In an article dated February 10th 2021, Heba Yosry stated that UN Women declared February 6th the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), a practice criminalized in several Muslim countries, with Egypt one of them. It recently increased the period of imprisonment for anyone guilty of doing this from 5-7 years, to 5-20 years. Dar al-Ifta the highest Islamic legislative body in Egypt, proclaims that FGM is forbidden under Islamic law because of the physical and mental damage that it causes. The punitive measures in place do little to deter some parents from subjecting their young daughters to this atrocious procedure. Too often we hear about girls who die due to a botched circumcision or from excessive bleeding. Many FGM victims who survive the attack on their genitalia, then endure the physical and emotional scars that can cripple their future mental, reproductive and sexual wellbeing. The detrimental physical and psychological effects of FGM are well documented and well communicated, but the question remains: Why is FGM still practiced? The answer is the female body. FGM is a crude and abhorrent version of a chastity belt, applied with the misguided and malicious intent to keep a girl’s pureness. It guarantees the young woman will not lose her mind in moments of passion and act on her lust, and on this very basis the people who believe this are preposterous. The recent case of a grown married woman coerced by her husband to undergo a FGM procedure because he suffered from sexual dysfunction, and his unfounded suspicion of her infidelity shows his weakness; not hers. This is hardly an isolated incident. Husbands have ordered several wives to endure the humiliating and painful procedure. Iran jailed an academic partly because of his research on FGM. The female body doesn’t just scare people; it terrorizes governments too. Politicizing the female body is hardly new. Yet the underlying assumption is rarely questioned. Instead, the intention is explained away as conforming to an ancient practice. FGM rests within the perception that women are either inferior beings who are unable to control their libido or that they are gullible creatures who need guarded against the faceless seducer who will sully her honor. Both assumptions are founded upon the primordial conception that a girl’s body is an object belonging to another, whether a father or a husband. Girls, naturally, lack the ability to make their own decisions. Eradication of lust from the female body is essential because saving a girl or a woman from her innate desires is a man’s mission. Men are doing the right thing because as soon as a girl starts to show any signs of womanhood pruning her body protects the family honor. Utter nonsense. FGM isn’t merely an ugly practice that some Muslims aim to continuously repudiate in front of the Western world. FGM is a statement articulated on the feminine body, a stigma that she must carry her whole life to attest for her inaptitude as a human being, of her inferior status, of the pain she must endure simply because she was born a girl. FGM is a painful manifestation of gender inequality. As countries take steps to end the practice of FGM, through legislative measures that punish its perpetrators, they must address the foundational preconditions that allow this practice to thrive. Imagine this: A father takes a 12-year-old girl to a makeshift clinic, and assures her on their way that she will be alright, that the procedure won’t hurt as much as she thinks, and that this pain is necessary, and compensated with the congratulatory gifts that she will receive. She will be an adult. The girl continues to walk beside her father aided with the pride that she will now be a grown up, and the faith that her father will never do anything to hurt her. She enters the clinic, lies on the cold steel examining table, the nurse pulls up her dress and ties her legs so that she doesn’t kick to protect herself. Her father holds her arms to prevent her from moving. A man emerges holding a blade. He approaches the girl, spreads her legs. She screams. Let her screams be heard, and end the abomination that is, FGM. [End of quote]

Before presenting the knowledge-based research on this subject matter by Shaikh Abu Iyaad [may Allaah preserve him], we remind Heba Yosry that her above statement is a mixture of truth and falsehood, ignorance, ambiguity and emotion – devoid of detail and distinction. It would have been better for her to refrain from speaking about a subject matter whose complete truth and falsehood is not manifest to her, because indeed as the saying goes, ”Silence beautifies the scholar and conceals the ignorance of the ignorant one”. Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [may Allaah be pleased with him] 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), misguided the intellects and views in every era”. Al-Allaamah Saaleh Al-Fawzaan [may Allaah preserve him] said, ”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”. [Ref 1]

We remind Heba Yosry to refrain from conjecture as Allaah [The Exalted] said: [إِن يَتَّبِعُونَ إِلَّا ٱلظَّنَّ وَمَا تَهۡوَى ٱلۡأَنفُسُ‌ۖ – They follow but a guess and that which they themselves desire].

There is a tremendous benefit derived from this above statement, because the one deprived of sound Eemaan and the sound creed sent down as revelation by Allaah- The Lord of the Aalameen, then his affair is one of two: Corruption in Knowledge or Corruption in his Intent– corruption in knowledge occurs as a result of following conjecture and corruption in one’s intent occurs as a result of following desires, or the person may combine both of them.  Another benefit derived from this is that the rectification or well-being of a person cannot be attained except by way of two affairs: Upright (or sound) Knowledge and Upright (or sound) Intent. This is why Imaam Ibnul Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy upon him) said in Miftaah Daarus Sa’aadah that a person is in need of two things: ‘(Sound) Knowledge by way of which he is (rightly) guided and lofty aspiration by way of which he is urged towards that (sound aspiration)’, because it maybe that a person has beneficial knowledge but not (sound) intent and aspiration. Therefore, one cannot be upright except by way of upright knowledge and intent. Sound knowledge is corrupted through following conjecture and sound intent is corrupted through following the desires of one’s soul.
Allaah [The Exalted] stated about the Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam]: [مَا ضَلَّ صَاحِبُكُمۡ وَمَا غَوَىٰ-Your companion (Muhammad) has neither gone astray nor has erred]. That is because the Daal (misguided person) is one whose knowledge is corrupted and the Ghaawiy (astray one) is the one whose intent is corrupted. Also, the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] described his four khulafaa [Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthmaan and Ali (may Allaah be pleased with them)] with the words ‘Raashideen and Mahdiyyeen’, because the Raashid [i.e. The one who is steadfast upon the right path and is firmly established upon it] is the opposite of the Ghaawiy [The one who strays from the right path or conduct], and the Mahdee [The one guided to the path of truth and yeilds obediently to it] is the opposite of the Daalun [the misguided one, especially in knowledge and creed]. [Ref 2]

Finally, here is a detail discussion on this subject matter – free from falsehood, emotions and exaggeration. http://www.aboutatheism.net/articles/kflqsjb-on-female-genital-mutilation-culture-and-islam-a-refutation-of-ayaan-hirsi-ali.cfm  FGM

May Allaah guide this woman to utter truth, rather than uttering a mixture of truth and falsehood due to ignorance and desiring to please the militant secularists Aameen.

[Ref 1: 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 2: An Excerpt from Sharh Kitaab At-Tawheed. Lesson 4. By Shaikh Abdur Razzaaq Al-Badr. Slightly paraphrased]

Valentine’s Day – [Un-Islamic and Pagan]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Bid'ah (Innovation), Contemporary Issues, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Refutations.

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

Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen [rahimahullaah] said: Celebrating Valentine’s Day is impermissible due to reasons: First: It is an innovated celebration and it has no basis in the Islamic legislation. Second: It is a call to infatuation. Third: It is a means of preoccupying the heart with the likes of these insignificant affairs and it is in opposition to the guidance of the Salafus Saaleh [The Pious Predecessors – the first three pious generations of Muslim (i.e. the Prophet and his companions, then those who followed the companions and those who followed the followers of the companions]. Therefore, it is impermissible to initiate anything on this day related to (celebration), whether it is foodstuffs, drinks, clothing, exchanging gifts or other than that. It is obligated on a Muslim to nobly (adhere to his (or her)] religion and should not be one who goes with the flow- following everyone who calls to something. [Ref 1]

Shaikh Abdul Waahid Abu Khadeejah [may Allaah preserve him] stated: Valentine’s Day, also called St. Valentine’s Day, holiday (February 14) when lovers express their affection with greetings and gifts. The holiday has origins in the Roman festival of Lupercalia, held in mid-February. The festival, which celebrated the coming of spring, included fertility rites and the pairing off of women with men by lottery. At the end of the 5th century, Pope Gelasius I replaced Lupercalia with St. Valentine’s Day. It came to be celebrated as a day of romance from about the 14th century. Although there were several Christian martyrs named Valentine, the day may have taken its name from a priest who was martyred about 270 CE by the emperor Claudius II Gothicus. According to legend, the priest signed a letter “from your Valentine” to his jailer’s daughter, whom he had befriended. (Ref: Encyclopaedia Britannica)[Ref 2]

Listen Here: Valentines Day – A Pagan Practice- By Ustaadh Abu Suhailah Umar Quinn [hafidhahullaah]

Valentines Day – A Pagan Practice | Abu Suhailah Umar Quinn

[Ref 1: An excerpt from (Majmoo Fataawaa 16/199). slightly paraphrased]
[Ref 2: https://www.abukhadeejah.com/ibn-taymiyyah-on-participating-in-the-annual-celebrations-of-the-unbelievers/ ]

 

Believer’s Bahaviour Towards Muslim Rulers – [Supplicates For Them….]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Bid'ah (Innovation), Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Deviated Callers & Individuals, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Refutations.

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

The Manner In Which The Rulers Are to Be Advised

Iyaadh Ibn Ghanam [may Allaah be pleased with him] said that Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him], said, ”Whoever wants to advise the one in authority, then he should not do so openly; rather he should take him by the hand and advise him in private. If he accepts the advice, then that is good. If he does not accept it, then he has fulfilled his obligation. [Ref 1]

Supplication For The Rulers

Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him] was asked about the one who refrains from supplicating for the ruler, so he replied: ”This is from the ignorance and lack of foresight of this person, because indeed supplicating for the ruler is one of the greatest acts of worship and righteous deeds. It is one of the acts of sincerity to the Allaah and sincerely wanting good for Allaah’s servants. When Tufayl Ibn Amr Ad-Dawsi [may Allaah be pleased with him] came to the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] and said to him, ”Daws (a well-known tribe of disbelievers) are doomed, they have disobeyed and been stubborn. Pray to Allah against them”. He said, ”O Allaah! Guide Daws and bring them here”. [Bukhaari and Muslim] So, Allaah guided Daws and they became Muslims. Therefore, a believer supplicates for the people to be blessed with good and the ruler is more entitled to it, because his rectification is a means of rectification for the Muslim nation. Supplicating for him is one of the most important supplications – one of the most important acts of sincerity to Allaah and sincerely wanting good for the Muslims, so one supplicates for him to be guided to the truth and helped upon that path, that Allaah grants him righteous companions, keeps him away from the evils of his soul and the evils of the people he sits with. Therefore, supplicating for him to be guided, blessed with the ability to do good, blessed with a righteous heart, blessed with good deeds and righteous companions, is one of the most important things to ask for and one of the most virtuous acts of worship. It has been reported from Imaam Ahmad [may Allaah have mercy upon him] that he said, ‘If I knew that I have one supplication that would be accepted, I would make it for the ruler’, and he reported this from Al-Fudayl Ibn Iyaadh [may Allaah have mercy upon him]”’. [Ref 2]

Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “If you see something from the ruler that is in opposition to (the Qur’an and Sunnah), then supplicate to Allaah for him because their rectification is a means of rectification for the Muslim nation; but when we say, ‘O Allaah! Rectify the rulers and guide them’, we hear some of the foolish people saying, ‘O Allaah! Do not rectify them’. Glorified be Allaah, The Most Great! If Allaah does not rectify them, then that would be more evil for you, so supplicate for them to be guided and become righteous, and Allaah is able to do everything'”. [Ref 3]

Imaam Al-Bayhaqqi [rahimahullaah] said, “Abu Uthmaan (may Allaah have mercy upon him) said, ‘Advise the ruler and supplicate for him a lot to be upright, guided in speech and action, and in his judgments, because indeed if they are righteous, the people will be righteous due to their righteousness. And beware of supplicating against them to be cursed and they increase in evil, so calamity increases on the Muslims; rather supplicate for them to be granted the ability to repent so that they abandon evil and calamity is removed from the believers'”. [Ref 4]

Imaam Ibn Salaah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “The leaders of the Muslims deserve to be advised, aided upon truth and obeyed in that. They should be notified and reminded with gentle and kind speech, avoid rebelling against them and supplicate for them to be blessed with guidance and good deeds. [Ref 5]

Imaam An-Nawawi [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “The scholars hold a consensus that it is recommended to supplicate for the rulers and leaders of the Muslims during the Jumu’ah khutbah, that Allaah rectifies them, helps them to establish truth and justice, and what is similar to it, as well as supplicate for Muslim armies”. [Ref 6]

Shaikh Abdullaah Abaa Batayn [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “The good supplication for the ruler during the khutbah is that one supplicates that Allaah rectifies and guides him, rectifies the affairs through him, aid him against the kuffaar and the corrupt people, as opposed to what is found in some of the khutbahs of praise and lies; rather the ruler is to be supplicated for and not praised (in this manner), especially when praised with something he does not possess”. [Ref 7]

No Rebellion

Awf Bin Maalik [may Allaah be pleased with him] said, ”Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, ‘The best of your rulers are those whom you love and they love you, who supplicate for you and you supplicate for them. The worst of your rulers are those whom you hate and they hate you, whom you curse and they curse you’. It was said, ‘Shall we confront them with swords?’ He said, ‘No, as long as they establish prayer among you. If you find something hateful from them, you should hate their actions but not withold your hand from obedience”’. [Ref 8]

Umm Salamah [may Allaah be pleased with her] said that Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, ”There will be rulers from whom you will see both goodness and corruption. One who recognizes their evil and hates it will maintain his innocence, but one who is pleased with it and follows them will be sinful. It was said, ‘Shall we not fight them?’ He said, ”No, as long as they pray”’. [Ref 9]

The Evil of Protests

Question to Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi [hafidhahullaah]: Going out to demonstrations, [initiating] revolutions and nurturing the youth upon it; is this from the methodology of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa’ah or not, whether [carried] out within or outside the Muslim countries? Answer: This is the methodology of Marx (i.e. Carl Marx), Lenin (i.e. Vladimir Lenin) and those similar to them. It is not from the Islamic methodology. Revolutions, bloodshed, trials and troubles are Marx’s and Lenin’s school of thought. [Ref 10]

Al-Allaamah Zayd Bin Haadi Al-Madkhali [rahimahullaah] said: Protests [or demonstrations] are newly invented matters in the religion. Every newly invented matter in the religion is a bidah; every bidah is misguidance and every misguidance is in the hell fire [i.e. is a path leading to the hell fire]. Allaah’s legislation is perfect and complete-based on The Book and The Sunnah-and we do not know of anything by way of the evidences in the Book and the Sunnah that makes it permissible for a handful of people to gather for demonstrations, which causes disturbance for the people and time wasting. And greater than this [disturbance and time wasting] is abandonment of the prayers [during protests] and the loss of life [i.e. murder]. If one was to kill a Muslim in a single protest, the one [or those] who called to such protests will carry his sins-be it an individual, a group or those who participate. It has been reported in an authentic hadeeth: The termination of the world means less to Allah than the killing of a Muslim [i.e. without right].[a] These protests are nothing but bidah and acts of misguidance advocated by shaytaan; [enticed] by the urge of the evil soul and desires. And these enemies [i.e. shaytaan, the urge of the evil soul and desires] do not come together in any affair except that the religion and worldly affairs are destroyed, just as it is the case in these demonstrations [or protests].

The end result of protests [or demonstrations]: Carnage, destruction, wastage of wealth and time and terrorising those living in peace. And how many disadvantages are there in [that]! It is enough to be considered something sinister due to the fact that the Noble Messengers and the Great Prophets who were put to trial and harmed by their people did not hold protests [or demonstrations]. Neither did they engage in plotting to cause explosions nor committing suicide; rather Islaam has forbidden all of that.

Those who call to protests [or demonstrations] and hold that there is success in it, they are mistaken and they have missed the correct path. Rectification of the affairs can only be by way of the Book and The Sunnah in accordance with the understanding of those scholars who are firmly grounded in knowledge. So whoever calls the people to this chaos, then indeed he has brought about a means to corrupting the land and the slaves, and what has occurred – in the past and at present- is a witness to that.

Therefore, we warn the students of knowledge that they are not persuaded by the speech of those who allow protests [or demonstrations]. They say that peaceful demonstrations are permissible-as they categorise it into this categorisation- without proofs and concrete evidence from the Book and the Sunnah- neither from the actions of the Messenger and the Noble Sahaabah nor from the Notable Imaams; rather the verdict on protests [or demonstrations] is only what has been stated earlier and as well as what has been written by other than myself [i.e. protests (or demonstrations) are not permissible] [Ref 11]

 

The Importance of Safety And Security In a Country

Security is a great blessing without which a person is not able to live a productive, fruitful and happy life. And due to this, Allaah bestowed [His Blessings] upon Makkah by making it and the Masjid Al-Haraam a safe and sacred place. Allaah [The Most High] said:

وَإِذْ جَعَلْنَا الْبَيْتَ مَثَابَةً لِّلنَّاسِ وَأَمْنًا وَاتَّخِذُوا مِن مَّقَامِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ مُصَلًّى ۖ وَعَهِدْنَا إِلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَإِسْمَاعِيلَ أَن طَهِّرَا بَيْتِيَ لِلطَّائِفِينَ وَالْعَاكِفِينَ وَالرُّكَّعِ السُّجُودِ

And [remember] when We made the House (the Ka’bah at Makkah) a place of resort for mankind and a place of safety. And take you (people) the Maqam (place) of Ibrahim (Abraham) [or the stone on which Ibrahim (Abraham) stood while he was building the Ka’bah] as a place of prayer (for some of your prayers, e.g. two Rak’at after the Tawaf of the Ka’bah at Makkah), and We commanded Ibrahim (Abraham) and Isma’il (Ishmael) that they should purify My House (the Ka’bah at Makkah) for those who are circumambulating it, or staying (I’tikaf), or bowing or prostrating themselves (there, in prayer). [2:125]

Allaah [The Most High] said: [ فِيهِ آيَاتٌ بَيِّنَاتٌ مَّقَامُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ ۖ وَمَن دَخَلَهُ كَانَ آمِنًا ۗ وَلِلَّهِ عَلَى النَّاسِ حِجُّ الْبَيْتِ مَنِ اسْتَطَاعَ إِلَيْهِ سَبِيلًا ۚ وَمَن كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ غَنِيٌّ عَنِ الْعَالَمِينَ – In it are manifest signs (for example), the Maqam (place) of Ibrahim (Abraham); whosoever enters it, he attains security. And Hajj(pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Ka’bah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, those who can afford the expenses (for one’s conveyance, provision and residence); and whoever disbelieves [i.e. denies Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah), then he is a disbeliever of Allah], then Allah stands not in need of any of the ‘Alamin (mankind and jinns)]. [3:97]

Allaah [The Most High] said:

وَقَالُوا إِن نَّتَّبِعِ الْهُدَىٰ مَعَكَ نُتَخَطَّفْ مِنْ أَرْضِنَا ۚ أَوَلَمْ نُمَكِّن لَّهُمْ حَرَمًا آمِنًا يُجْبَىٰ إِلَيْهِ ثَمَرَاتُ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ رِّزْقًا مِّن لَّدُنَّا وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَهُمْ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ

And they say: “If we follow the guidance with you, we would be snatched away from our land.” Have We not established for them a secure sanctuary (Makkah), to which are brought fruits of all kinds, a provision from Ourselves, but most of them know not. [28:57]

Allaah [The Most High] said: [ أَوَلَمْ يَرَوْا أَنَّا جَعَلْنَا حَرَمًا آمِنًا وَيُتَخَطَّفُ النَّاسُ مِنْ حَوْلِهِمْ ۚ أَفَبِالْبَاطِلِ يُؤْمِنُونَ وَبِنِعْمَةِ اللَّهِ يَكْفُرُونَ – Have they not seen that We have made (Makkah) a sanctuary secure, and that men are being snatched away from all around them? Then do they believe in Batil (falsehood – polytheism, idols and all deities other than Allah), and deny (become ingrate for) the Graces of Allah?] [29:67]

Allaah [ The Most High] said:

لِإِيلَافِ قُرَيْشٍ

إِيلَافِهِمْ رِحْلَةَ الشِّتَاءِ وَالصَّيْفِ

فَلْيَعْبُدُوا رَبَّ هَٰذَا الْبَيْتِ

الَّذِي أَطْعَمَهُم مِّن جُوعٍ وَآمَنَهُم مِّنْ خَوْفٍ

(It is a great Grace and Protection from Allah), for the taming of the Quraish; (And with all those Allah’s Grace and Protections for their taming, We cause) the (Quraish) caravans to set forth safe in winter (to the south), and in summer (to the north without any fear). So let them worship (Allah) the Lord of this House (the Ka’bah in Makkah). (He) Who has fed them against hunger, and has made them safe from fear. [106:1-4]

Whoever has physical well-being and security in the lands, then [indeed] he has obtained all the [beneficial] worldly endowments. Salamah Bin Ubaidullaah Ibn Mihsan Al-Khatmiy narrated from his father that the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said: “Whoever among you wakes up [in the morning] safe in his property, healthy in his body and has his daily nourishment, it is as if he has been granted the entire world”. [Reported by Tirmidhee in Kitaab Az-Zuhud; Chapter: At-Tawakkul Alal-laah, Hadeeth Number 3346 and declared Hasan by Imaam Albaani in As-Saheehah, number 2318]

When our upright leader Ibraaheem [alayhis salaatu wassalaam] settled some of his offspring at this valley [i.e. Makkah], the first of his supplications was that which Allaah stated: [وَإِذْ قَالَ إِبْرَاهِيمُ رَبِّ اجْعَلْ هَٰذَا بَلَدًا آمِنًا وَارْزُقْ أَهْلَهُ مِنَ الثَّمَرَاتِ مَنْ آمَنَ مِنْهُم بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ ۖ قَالَ وَمَن كَفَرَ فَأُمَتِّعُهُ قَلِيلًا ثُمَّ أَضْطَرُّهُ إِلَىٰ عَذَابِ النَّارِ ۖ وَبِئْسَ الْمَصِيرُ – And (remember) when Ibrahim (Abraham) said, “My Lord, make this city (Makkah) a place of security and provide its people with fruits, such of them as believe in Allah and the Last Day.” He (Allah) answered: “As for him who disbelieves, I shall leave him in contentment for a while, then I shall compel him to the torment of the Fire, and worst indeed is that destination!].[2:126]

Prophet Ibraaheem [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] supplicated to his Lord that this valley [i.e. Makkah] should be a land of safety. Then after this valley became a land that yields – and he had [already] asked Allaah to make it safe- [Allaah said that Ibraaheem] said: [وَإِذْ قَالَ إِبْرَاهِيمُ رَبِّ اجْعَلْ هَٰذَا الْبَلَدَ آمِنًا وَاجْنُبْنِي وَبَنِيَّ أَن نَّعْبُدَ الْأَصْنَامَ – And (remember) when Ibrahim (Abraham) said: “O my Lord! Make this city (Makkah) one of peace and security, and keep me and my sons away from worshipping idols]. [14:35]

This emphasizes [the fact] that safety is an important affair needed by a person, otherwise Prophet Ibraaheem [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] would not have been eager to repeat his request to Allaah to make it a reality in this land. Look at the lands where a system that [guarantees] safety has been lost; you will find that the people are unable to pursue [affairs] of their daily lives- their schools and markets are shut and everyone stays in the houses. Those among them who have the ability would hasten to leave this land to go somewhere else; and if you ask one of them, you will find him saying that he is unable to live with his people and family in that place in which safety has been lost.

Security cannot be [established] properly except by way of two affairs: Implementation of Allaah’s Laws and obedience to the rulers. Indeed, the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] clarified this (affair) which is needed by a Muslim in his life. Irbaad Saariyah [may Allaah be pleased with him] said, “Allaah’s Messenger  [peace abd blessings of Allaah be upon him] gave us an admonition after the morning prayer –an admonition that made our hearts fearful and our eyes tearful. So, a man said, ‘Indeed, is this a farewell sermon, so what do you advise us?’ He said, ‘I enjoin you to fear Allah and that you listen and obey, even if an Abyssinian slave [is made a ruler over you]; for indeed he among you who lives long enough will see many differences. So, beware of newly invented matters [in the religion] because indeed it is misguidance. And whoever among you witnesses that, then it is obligated on him to adhere to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly guided Caliphs [i.e. AbuBakr, Umar, Uthmaan and Ali], adhere to it with your molar teeth’”. [Reported by Ahmad 3/126]

Indeed, this hadeeth establishes the foundations of security in Islaam and they are: Firstly: Taqwallaah [Fear of Allaah (The Most High)] based on its complete and comprehensive meaning. Secondly: Obedience to the rulers [in what is good]. Fear of Allaah rectifies a Muslim’s relationship with Allaah, his neighbours and everything around him; and in the absence of Allaah’s Sharee’ah, destruction and depravity will occur. Indeed, Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] warned the one who abandons His Sharee’ah and is disobedient to His Messenger. [Allaah said]:

وَضَرَبَ اللَّهُ مَثَلًا قَرْيَةً كَانَتْ آمِنَةً مُّطْمَئِنَّةً يَأْتِيهَا رِزْقُهَا رَغَدًا مِّن كُلِّ مَكَانٍ فَكَفَرَتْ بِأَنْعُمِ اللَّهِ فَأَذَاقَهَا اللَّهُ لِبَاسَ الْجُوعِ وَالْخَوْفِ بِمَا كَانُوا يَصْنَعُونَ

And Allah puts forward the example of a township (Makkah), that dwelt secure and well content; its provision coming to it in abundance from every place, but it (its people) denied the Favours of Allah (with ungratefulness). So Allah made it taste the extreme of hunger (famine) and fear, because of that (evil, i.e. denying Prophet Muhammad) which they (its people) used to do. [16:112]

By listening to the rulers and obeying them [in good], all the affairs of the person’s life in his society will be a state of normality. Listening to the rulers and obeying them [in good] is included in the subject matter of Taqwa [fear of Allaah]. Al-Hasan Al-Basri [rahimahullaah] used to say, “Indeed, Al-Hajjaaj is the punishment of Allaah; so do not repel the punishment of Allaah with your own hands. Rather you must submit and show humility because Allaah] The Most High] said: [وَلَقَدْ أَخَذْنَاهُم بِالْعَذَابِ فَمَا اسْتَكَانُوا لِرَبِّهِمْ وَمَا يَتَضَرَّعُونَ – And Indeed We seized them with punishment, but they humbled not themselves to their Lord, nor did they invoke (Allaah) with submission to Him]”. [23:76]

Talq Bin Habeeb (rahimahullaah) used to say: Guard against fitna through Taqwa; so, it was said to him, “Summarize (the meaning) of Taqwa for us.’’ He said, ‘’It is act in obedience to Allah, with a light from Allah (i.e. Eemaan) and hoping for Allaah’s Mercy. And that you abandon disobedience to Allah with a light from Allah and fearing the punishment of Allah. [Reported by Ibn Abee Shaybah 11/33 and Ibnul Mubaarak in Az-Zuhd 473]

So, you find a person who knows what security is and his understanding regarding it increases due to fear of Allaah, and he is eager to obey the rulers [in good]; but when he falls short [in Taqwa], his perception of security becomes deficient. When Taqwa is actualised, he will receive the promise Allaah has mentioned [in Surah An-Noor]. Allaah said:

وَعَدَ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مِنكُمْ وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ لَيَسْتَخْلِفَنَّهُمْ فِي الْأَرْضِ كَمَا اسْتَخْلَفَ الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ وَلَيُمَكِّنَنَّ لَهُمْ دِينَهُمُ الَّذِي ارْتَضَىٰ لَهُمْ وَلَيُبَدِّلَنَّهُم مِّن بَعْدِ خَوْفِهِمْ أَمْنًا ۚ يَعْبُدُونَنِي لَا يُشْرِكُونَ بِي شَيْئًا ۚ وَمَن كَفَرَ بَعْدَ ذَٰلِكَ فَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْفَاسِقُونَ

Allah has promised those among you who believe, and do righteous good deeds, that He will certainly grant them succession to (the present rulers) in the earth, as He granted it to those before them, and that He will grant them the authority to practice their religion, that which He has chosen for them (i.e. Islam). And He will surely give them in exchange a safe security after their fear (provided) they (believers) worship Me and do not associate anything (in worship) with Me. But whoever disbelieved after this, they are the Fasiqun (rebellious, disobedient to Allah). [24:55]

Indeed, it is known that the religion cannot [be established] without a main body of Muslims and there cannot be a main body of Muslims without a leader, and there cannot be a leader except through listening to him and obeying [him in what is good]. An absence of obedience to the ruler and putting oneself before him is one of the greatest causes of corrupting the land and the people, and turning away from the path of guidance and uprightness. Al Hasan Al Basri [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: By Allaah! The religion cannot be established except by way of rulers even if they commit tyranny and oppression- due to the many affairs that Allaah rectifies through them more than what they corrupt.’’ http://www.abukhadeejah.com/the-tyranny-of-the-rulers-a-reason-for-rebellion/

Ibn Rajab [rahimahullaah] said: ‘’There is [good and great advantage] in the worldly life when rulers are obeyed. And by way of it [i.e. obedience to the rulers], the beneficial affairs related to the livelihood of the people are established and they utilise them as an aid through which they manifest their religion and obey their Lord.’’ http://www.abukhadeejah.com/the-tyranny-of-the-rulers-a-reason-for-rebellion/

Disobedience to the rulers and putting oneself before them through fighting or other than that [is tantamount] to disobeying Allaah and His Messenger, and an opposition to that which Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa’ah were upon – the pious predecessors. Preservation of security [in the land] leads to brotherhood and mutual alliance between the Muslims. Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] said: [إِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ إِخْوَةٌ فَأَصْلِحُوا بَيْنَ أَخَوَيْكُمْ ۚ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ – The believers are nothing else than brothers (in Islamic religion). So, make reconciliation between your brothers, and fear Allah, that you may receive mercy]. [49:10]

Allaah [The Most High] said:

وَالْمُؤْمِنُونَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتُ بَعْضُهُمْ أَوْلِيَاءُ بَعْضٍ ۚ يَأْمُرُونَ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَيَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنكَرِ وَيُقِيمُونَ الصَّلَاةَ وَيُؤْتُونَ الزَّكَاةَ وَيُطِيعُونَ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ ۚ أُولَٰئِكَ سَيَرْحَمُهُمُ اللَّهُ ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ

The believers, men and women, are Auliya’ (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another, they enjoin (on the people) Al-Ma’ruf, and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar; they perform As-Salat and give the Zakat, and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah will have His Mercy on them. Surely Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise. [9:71]

Eemaan is neither wishful thinking nor mere claims, rather it is what settles in the heart and actions testify to it. A person cannot be a true believer until he loves for his Muslim brother what he loves for himself and until he deals with the people in a manner he loves to be dealt with! It is well known that security is something sought after by everyone; therefore it is the responsibility of a Muslim that he is eager for the security of others in order that he can receive security and safety for himself.

[Also, preserving security in the land] necessitates the fulfilment of trusts, whereas bringing about a state of insecurity is tantamount to treachery. Allaah [The Most High] said:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تَخُونُوا اللَّهَ وَالرَّسُولَ وَتَخُونُوا أَمَانَاتِكُمْ وَأَنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ

وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّمَا أَمْوَالُكُمْ وَأَوْلَادُكُمْ فِتْنَةٌ وَأَنَّ اللَّهَ عِندَهُ أَجْرٌ عَظِيمٌ

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِن تَتَّقُوا اللَّهَ يَجْعَل لَّكُمْ فُرْقَانًا وَيُكَفِّرْ عَنكُمْ سَيِّئَاتِكُمْ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ۗ وَاللَّهُ ذُو الْفَضْلِ الْعَظِيمِ

O you who believe! Betray not Allah and His Messenger, nor betray knowingly your Amaanaat (things entrusted to you, and all the duties which Allah has ordained for you). And know that your possessions and your children are but a trial and that surely with Allah is a mighty reward. O you who believe! If you obey and fear Allah, He will grant you Furqan a criterion [(to judge between right and wrong), or (Makhraj, i.e. making a way for you to get out from every difficulty)], and will expiate for you your sins, and forgive you, and Allah is the Owner of the Great Bounty. [8: 27-29] [Ref 12]

[Ref 1: Musnad Aḥmad 14909]
[Ref 2: Majmoo Fataawaa 8/209]
[Ref 3: At-Ta’leeq Alaa As-Siyaasah Ash-Shar’iyyah page 452]
[Ref 4: Shu’ab Al-Eemaan 6/26]
[Ref 5: Siyaanatu Saheeh Muslim 244]
[Ref 6: Al-Majmoo 4/391]
[Ref 7: Durar As-Saniyyah 5/41]
[Ref 8: Muslim 1855]
[Ref 9: Muslim 1854]
[Ref 10: An excerpt from كشف الستار Page: 18]
[Ref 11: الأفنان وتوحيد ابن خزيمة وحديث عن المظاهرات4-4-1432هـ.]
[Ref 12: An Excerpt from ‘Silsilah Ar-Rasaa’il Al-Manhajiyyah Fin-Nus’hi Wal-Irshaad Wat-Taw’iyah’. Pages 7 – 27. slightly paraphrased]

Marriage First or Seeking Knowledge First? [Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee’s Advice]

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Family & Women, Fatawa-Rulings, Marriage (Nikkah), Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Seeking Knowledge, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi Al-Madkhalee [may Allaah preserve him] said: If you are able to exercise patience and seek knowledge, then exercise patience- meaning, study before getting married, just as Umar [radiyallaahu-anhu] said that “Some people might be prevented from [seeking] knowledge due to marriage’’. So, when he gets married, he abandons seeking knowledge and becomes relaxed, and tires himself [i.e. it becomes difficult for him to combine  family responsibilities and seeking knowledge at the same time]. But if he has the ability to combine the Maslahatayn [i.e. the benefits of marriage and seeking knowledge], then that is good, [as long as] he does not consider himself as one who will commit wicked deeds and fornicate; [for] if this is the case, then -by Allaah- it becomes more obligatory on him to get married to protect himself and guard his chastity. http://www.rabee.net/ar/questions.php?cat=51&id=623 paraphrased. Your feedback is welcome to improve the content of this article Baarakallaahu Feekum

Why Was Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullaah) Unmarried throughout His Life? Al-Allaamah Saaleh Al-Fawzaan [hafidhahullaah] clarifies

Why Was Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullaah) Unmarried throughout His Life? Shaikh Saaleh Al-Fawzaan clarifies – salafidawahmanchester.com/

 

You Turn Away Instead of Submitting to The One Who Created And Provided For You!

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Reflection On Surah Al-Faatir

Allaah [The Exalted] said:

يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ اذْكُرُوا نِعْمَتَ اللَّهِ عَلَيْكُمْ ۚ هَلْ مِنْ خَالِقٍ غَيْرُ اللَّهِ يَرْزُقُكُم مِّنَ السَّمَاءِ وَالْأَرْضِ ۚ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ۖ فَأَنَّىٰ تُؤْفَكُونَ

وَإِن يُكَذِّبُوكَ فَقَدْ كُذِّبَتْ رُسُلٌ مِّن قَبْلِكَ ۚ وَإِلَى اللَّهِ تُرْجَعُ الْأُمُورُ

O mankind! Remember the Grace of Allah upon you! Is there any creator other than Allah who provides for you from the sky (rain) and the earth? La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He). How then are you turning away (from Him)? And if they belie you (O Muhammad), so were Messengers belied before you. And to Allah return all matters (for decision). [Surah Al-Faatir. 3-4]

Allaah [The Exalted] commanded all mankind remember His blessings bestowed on them by acknowledging that in their hearts, praising Him for these blessings with their tongues and submitting themselves to Him [by doing what He has commanded and keeping away from what He has forbidden]. That is because remembering the blessings of Allaah leads one to be grateful to Him.

Then Allaah notified them of the foundation of these blessings which is the fact that He created and provided. Allaah said: [هَلْ مِنْ خَالِقٍ غَيْرُ اللَّهِ يَرْزُقُكُم مِّنَ السَّمَاءِ وَالْأَرْضِ  – Is there any creator other than Allah who provides for you from the sky (rain) and the earth?] – Meaning, when it is well-known that there is none who created and provided besides Allaah, then this proof regarding the fact that He alone is the one with perfect names and attributes which makes Him the only one who has the right to be worshipped and everyone (everything) is a slave of His, and this why He said:

[ ۚ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ۖ فَأَنَّىٰ تُؤْفَكُونَ- Laa ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), how then are you turning away (from Him)?] – Meaning, do you turn away from worshipping the Creator, The All-Provider, and instead worship the created things that are provided for?!

[وَإِن يُكَذِّبُوكَ- If they belie you] – Meaning, O Messenger! If they belie you, then this is an example of that which happened to the Messengers before you. [ فَقَدْ كُذِّبَتْ رُسُلٌ مِّن قَبْلِكَ- so were Messengers belied before you]; so Allaah destroyed those who belied and saved the Messengers and their followers. [وَإِلَى اللَّهِ تُرْجَعُ الْأُمُورُ – And to Allah return all matters (for decision)].

An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi. Slightly paraphrased

 

Part 1: Bias Writer Disapproves of Men Who Are Married to More Than One Woman, But Suggests Illegal Sexual Intercourse to Muslim Men! [A Brief Gentle Response Before a Possible Stern Rebuttal]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Family & Women, Marriage (Nikkah), Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Refutations, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] said:

إِنَّ هَـٰذَا ٱلۡقُرۡءَانَ يَہۡدِى لِلَّتِى هِىَ أَقۡوَمُ

Verily, this Qur’an guides to that which is most just and right. [Surah Al-Israa. Aayah 9]

Imaam Muhammad Al-Ameen Bin Muhammad Al-Mukhtaar Ash-Shanqeeti [rahimahullaah] said:

And from the guidance of the Qur’aan to that which is most just and right is that it allows [a man to marry] four wives; but if the man fears that he cannot be just between them, then he is to restrict himself to one or those whom his right hand possesses, as Allaah (The Most High) stated:

وَإِنۡ خِفۡتُمۡ أَلَّا تُقۡسِطُواْ فِى ٱلۡيَتَـٰمَىٰ فَٱنكِحُواْ مَا طَابَ لَكُم مِّنَ ٱلنِّسَآءِ مَثۡنَىٰ وَثُلَـٰثَ وَرُبَـٰعَ‌ۖ فَإِنۡ خِفۡتُمۡ أَلَّا تَعۡدِلُواْ فَوَٲحِدَةً أَوۡ مَا مَلَكَتۡ أَيۡمَـٰنُكُمۡ‌ۚ ذَٲلِكَ أَدۡنَىٰٓ أَلَّا تَعُولُواْ

And if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly with the orphan- girls, then marry (other) women of your choice, two or three, or four but if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly (with them), then only one or (the captives and the slaves) that your right hands possess. [Surah An-Nisaa. Ayah:3]

No doubt the path that is the most just and right of paths is that which legitimizes for a man to have more than one wife due to the tangible affairs known to every sensible person. And from those affairs is that an individual woman menstruates, falls ill and contends with other hindrances that prevent her from fulfilling the more specific duties of marriage, whereas a man is readily prepared as a means to increasing the Ummah.

And from those affairs is that Allaah made it a common phenomenon that men are fewer in number than women in the various regions of the world and are more often exposed to the causes of death in all walks of life.  If a man were restricted to one wife, there would remain a great number of women deprived of marriage, so they [both men and women] will be strongly urged towards illegal sexual intercourse. Therefore, turning away from the guidance of the Qur’aan in this affair is one of the greatest causes of moral deprivation. It is (one of the greatest causes) of being lowered to the level of animals due to a lack of safeguarding chastity, preservation of nobility, good moral conduct and manners. So Glorified and Exalted is (Allaah) above all that evil they associate with Him, The All-Wise, Well-Acquainted with all things.  Allaah said:

الٓر‌ۚ كِتَـٰبٌ أُحۡكِمَتۡ ءَايَـٰتُهُ ۥ ثُمَّ فُصِّلَتۡ مِن لَّدُنۡ حَكِيمٍ خَبِيرٍ

‘(This is) a Book, the verses whereof are perfected (in every sphere of knowledge), and then explained in detail from One (Allaah), Who is All-Wise, Well-Acquainted (with all things)’ [Surah Hood. Ayah 1]

And from those affairs is that women are all readily prepared for marriage, whereas many men do not have the ability to fulfil the requirements of marriage due to poverty.  Those prepared for marriage amongst men are fewer than those amongst women. A woman is not hindered whereas a man is hindered by poverty and the ability to fulfil the requirements of marriage. If a man were restricted to one woman, many women prepared for marriage would have missed the opportunity for marriage. This would become a cause for loss of virtue, (a means to) depravation and moral decadence, and the opportunity to preserve the human race would be lost.

So if a man fears that he will not be able to deal justly between the wives, then it is incumbent upon him to restrict himself to one or to those whom his right hand possesses; because Allaah has stated:

إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَأۡمُرُ بِٱلۡعَدۡلِ وَٱلۡإِحۡسَـٰنِ

Verily, Allaah enjoins justice and kind treatment. [Surah Nahl. Aayah 90]

It is not permissible to incline towards giving preferential (treatment) with regards to the rights given by the divine law to each of the wives due to the saying of Allaah:

وَلَن تَسۡتَطِيعُوٓاْ أَن تَعۡدِلُواْ بَيۡنَ ٱلنِّسَآءِ وَلَوۡ حَرَصۡتُمۡ‌ۖ فَلَا تَمِيلُواْ ڪُلَّ ٱلۡمَيۡلِ فَتَذَرُوهَا كَٱلۡمُعَلَّقَةِ

You will never be able to do perfect justice between wives [regarding what is hidden in your heart as to who amongst them you love the most] even if it is your ardent desire, so do not incline too much to one of them [by giving her more of your time and provision] so as to leave the other hanging [i.e. neither divorced nor being given the rights due to her]. [Surah An-Nisaa. Aayah: 129]

As for the natural inclination towards loving some of them more than others, the human being is not able to prevent this because it is an emotional (affair) and the soul’s desire, but it is not something that is acted upon [i.e. leads to injustice]. This is what is intended by Allaah’s statement:

وَلَن تَسۡتَطِيعُوٓاْ أَن تَعۡدِلُواْ بَيۡنَ ٱلنِّسَآءِ

You will never be able to do perfect justice between wives. [Surah Nisaa; Ayah: 129]

The claim of some of the disbelievers amongst the enemies of Islaam is that to have more than one wife necessitates constant argumentation and disagreement which ends up in a life of misery, because whenever one of the wives is pleased the other is angered, so the two (wives) are always in displeasure and this is not wisdom.

This (above statement of some of the disbelievers) is a worthless statement whose worthlessness is clear to every sensible person. That is because argument and disagreement between individual members of a family does not cease, because it takes place between a man and his mother, father, children and his only wife. It is a common affair of no great concern alongside the overriding tremendous benefits of marrying more than one woman, such as safeguarding women, facilitating marriage for them and increasing the number of the Ummah so that they can stand firm against the enemies of Islaam in every affair; and an overriding tremendous benefit takes precedence over prevention of a small harm. [Ref 1]

Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [rahimahullaah] said:

If a person marries (several women) in order to protect himself from (Zina) and to increase in numbers of children, then there is no problem in this. However, it should not be for the (purpose) of playing around. [Ref 2]

Finally: Who are those whom your right hand possess?

Listen to audio here by Shaikh Abdul Waahid Abu Khadeejah [hafidhahullaah]:

https://video.link/w/Qbaub

https://video.link/w/lUZtb

 

[Ref 1. An Excerpt from Tafseerul Qur’aan Bil Qur’aan Min Adwaa Al-Bayaan. Pages 428-429. Slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 2: Al-Hulalul Ibreeziyyah Min At-Taleeqaat Al-baaziyyah Alaa Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree Volume 4; Hadith Number:5069.  Footnote Number 3]

Al-Khabeeth Can Never Be Equal to At-Tayyib – [Surah Al-Maa’idah Aayah 100]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Bid'ah (Innovation), Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Monotheism - Tawheed, 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:

قُل لَّا يَسْتَوِي الْخَبِيثُ وَالطَّيِّبُ وَلَوْ أَعْجَبَكَ كَثْرَةُ الْخَبِيثِ ۚ فَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ يَا أُولِي الْأَلْبَابِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ

Say: “Not equal are Al-Khabith (all that is evil and bad as regards things, deeds, beliefs, persons, foods, etc.) and At-Taiyib (all that is good as regards things, deeds, beliefs, persons, foods, etc.), even though the abundance of Al-Khabith (evil) may please you.” So fear Allah much [(abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which He has forbidden) and love Allah much (perform all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained)], O men of understanding in order that you may be successful. [Surah Al-Maa’idah Ayah 100]

[قُل -say (O Muhammad)] to mankind, (out of) warning against evil and desiring good:

[لَّا يَسْتَوِي الْخَبِيثُ وَالطَّيِّبُ  – Not equal are (all that is evil and bad) and At-Taiyib (all that is good) in affair] – Meaning, Imaan is not equal to kufr; obedience to (Allaah and His Messenger) is not equal to disobedience to (Allaah and His Messenger), the people of paradise are not equal to the people of hellfire, filthy deeds are not equal to good deeds, and unlawful wealth is not equal to lawful wealth.  [وَلَوْ أَعْجَبَكَ كَثْرَةُ الْخَبِيث  – even though the abundance of Al-Khabeeth (evil) may please you (people)]- Meaning, because indeed it will not benefit the person in anything, rather it will harm his religious and worldly affairs.

[فَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ يَا أُولِي الْأَلْبَابِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ – So fear Allah much [(abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which He has forbidden) and love Allah much (perform all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained)], O men of understanding in order that you may be successful]

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

Wise Seeker of Perfect and Eternal Success

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Sahaabah, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors).

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

Abu Muntafiq [radiyallaahu-anhu] said, “I went to Makkah and enquired about Allaah’s Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam], so they [i.e. the people] said that he was at Arafah. I approached him and drew close to him, but I was stopped; then he said, ‘Leave him’, so I drew close to him until the neck of his riding beast was next to the neck of my riding beast, then I said to him, ‘O Messenger of Allaah [sallal laahu-alayhi wasallam]! Inform me of that which will distance me from Allaah’s punishment and enter me into Paradise’. He [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said, ‘Worship Allaah alone and do not associate anything with Him; establish the prayers; pay the Zakaat, fast the month of Ramadhaan; perform hajj and Umrah; look at how you love to be treated by the people, then treat them that way; and how you hate to be treated, then do not treat them that way’”.

Shaikh Zayd Bin Haadi Al-Mad’khali [rahimahullaah] said: The subject matter of the [above] hadeeth is that it is obligated on a person who is ignorant [of something] to ask a scholar.

The Lofty Benefits Derived From This Hadeeth:

Firstly: It is legislated to travel in pursuit of knowledge. Secondly: It is obligatory to seek understanding of the religion, so it is obligated on the one who does not possess understanding in his religion to ask someone who has understanding in his religion to teach him- regardless how hard that might be for him- because Allaah created the Jinn and humankind to established the religion. The Muslim must establish his religion on clear-sightedness – meaning, based on [sound] knowledge. Asking about affairs related to knowledge is the path of righteous, the men of sound understanding and the wise ones. Indeed, many questions were asked [by the people] in the noble Qur’aan, so Allaah [The Blessed and Exalted] gave an answer as revelation to His Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam]; and from those examples is the statement of Allaah [The Exalted]: [يَسۡـَٔلُونَكَ عَنِ ٱلۡأَهِلَّةِ‌ – They ask you (O Muhammad ) about the new moons. (Surah Al-Baqarah. Aayah 189)]; [يَسۡـَٔلُونَكَ عَنِ ٱلۡخَمۡرِ وَٱلۡمَيۡسِرِ  -They ask you (O Muhammad) concerning alcoholic drink and gambling. (Surah Al-Baqarah. Aayah 219]; [يَسۡـَٔلُونَكَ عَنِ ٱلۡأَنفَالِ‌ۖ – They ask you (O Muhammad) about the spoils of war. (Surah Al-Anfaal. Aayah 1], and other questions that were presented  to the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam], so Allaah [The Blessed and Exalted] responded to them by way of the divine revelation.

When a teacher is asked, it is obligated on him to explain clearly to the people, [so that in doing so] he follows the example of the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] who was commanded by his Lord to clarify for the people what was revealed to him, just as Allaah said: [وَأَنزَلۡنَآ إِلَيۡكَ ٱلذِّڪۡرَ لِتُبَيِّنَ لِلنَّاسِ مَا نُزِّلَ إِلَيۡہِمۡ وَلَعَلَّهُمۡ يَتَفَكَّرُون  – And We have also sent down unto you (O Muhammad) the reminder and the advice (the Qur’an), that you may explain clearly to men what is sent down to them, and that they may give thought. (Surah An-Nahl. Aayah 44)]

And the statement of Allaah [The Blessed and Exalted]: [    يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلرَّسُولُ بَلِّغۡ مَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيۡكَ مِن رَّبِّكَ‌ۖ – O Messenger (Muhammad)! Proclaim (the Message) which has been sent down to you from your Lord. [Surah Al-Maa’idah. Aayah 67]

And indeed, the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] has fulfilled the command of his Lord by clearly explaining to the people what they need from that which has been revealed in the Qur’aan, the pure and sound Sunnah. He [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said: [تركتكم على البيضاء ليلها كنهارها لا يزيغ عنها بعدي إلا هالك -I am leaving you upon (الْبَيْضَاءِ -Al-Baydaa), its night is like its day and none deviates from it except that he is destroyed].[Ref1]

The Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] blamed the one who gave religious verdict without knowledge whilst it was possible for him to ask before giving a verdict, as narrated in the story of the man who suffered a head injury, so he slept and had a wet dream; then he asked his companions [i.e. after waking up] whether he had an excuse to perform Tayammum because he feared that using water would harm him; so they told him that he does not have an excuse to perform Tayammum whilst he is able to use water. So, he perform Ghuls and that led to his death! This [news] reached the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam], so he said, “They kill him, so may Allaah kill them! Why did they not ask?! Indeed, the cure for ignorance is to ask”.  [Abu Daawud. Number 336]

This text shows that it is obligated on a Muslim to ask the scholars- those who have sound answers; for if he does not find the answer from a particular individual, he will find it with another one. This is how it should be so that he acquires understanding of the sound religion ordained by Allaah based on a sound path.

Thirdly: A benefit is derived from this hadeeth about giving concern to the fundamental principles of the religion, and its fundamentals are the five pillars of Islaam that have been mentioned in this narration and [also] in the narration transmitted by Abdullaah Ibn Umar [radiyallaahu anhumaa] who said: I heard the Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] saying: [بني الإسلام على خمس : شهادة أن لا إله إلا الله ، وأن محمدا رسول الله ، وإقام الصلاة ، وإيتاء الزكاة ، وحج البيت ، وصوم رمضان – Islaam is built on five [pillars]: The testimony that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah; establish the prayer, pay the Zakaat, perform the hajj and fast [during the month of] Ramadhaan. [Bukhaari-Number 8 and Muslim-Number 16]

This man [i.e. Abu Muntafiq (radiyallaahu anhu)] intended to [meet] the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] to ask him about the deed that will enter him into paradise and distance him from the hellfire, so he [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] mentioned – to him – the pillars of Islaam, and the first affair is to worship Allaah [The Blessed and Exalted] alone, without partner. Al-Ibaadah [worship] is a comprehensive term for everything which Allaah loves and is pleased with from among the sayings and inward and outward actions.  And the first affair included in [Al-ibaadah (worship)] is Tawheed – to single Allaah in His Lordship, single Allaah out in worship and single Allaah out in His Names and Attributes. The Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] commanded the man to establish Tawheed- to perform all acts of worship for Allaah alone- and forbade him from Shirk. Tawheed is the greatest command and Shirk is the greatest thing Allaah has prohibited, therefore the teacher and guide began by giving clarification regarding this great fundamental which is to worship Allaah alone and turn away from worshipping others besides Allaah. This is what is demanded due to the statement of Allaah [The Blessed and Exalted]: [فَمَن يَكۡفُرۡ بِٱلطَّـٰغُوتِ وَيُؤۡمِنۢ بِٱللَّهِ فَقَدِ ٱسۡتَمۡسَكَ بِٱلۡعُرۡوَةِ ٱلۡوُثۡقَىٰ – Whoever disbelieves in Taghut (i.e. disbelieves in everything that is worshipped besides Allaah) and believes in Allah, then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break]. [Surah Al-Baqarah. Aayah 256]

Also, among the great obligatory deeds is Iqaamah As Salaah – to establish the prayer with its Shuroot [conditions], Arkaan [pillars] and Waajibaat [obligatory acts]; avoid its Mubtilaat [nullifiers] and Makroohaat [i.e. the acts that are detested in the Salaah], and to [increase] its perfection with the Sunan [i.e. those legislated acts that will increase the reward in the Salaah] in the manner that Allaah [The Blessed and Exalted] and His Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wsallam] want it to be performed, as the Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said, “Pray in (the manner) you have seen me pray”. [Bukhaari 631]

Also, the wealthy Muslim is required to pay Zakat from his wealth – from cash, livestock, agricultural produce and merchandise. Then the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] mentioned – to the man- fasting in the month of Ramadhaan. Many [authentic texts] have be reported regarding the virtue of fasting in Ramadhaan, just as the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said, “Whoever fasts the Month of Ramadhaan out of Eemaan and hoping for the reward [of Allaah], he will be forgiven his previous [minor sins]”. Ramadhaan is a month that has been given virtue over all the other months  because within it is Laylatul Qadr, which is not found in other months. The virtue of this night is well known and Allaah has made that known in the Qur’aan; Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] said:

وَمَآ أَدۡرَٮٰكَ مَا لَيۡلَةُ ٱلۡقَدۡرِ

لَيۡلَةُ ٱلۡقَدۡرِ خَيۡرٌ۬ مِّنۡ أَلۡفِ شَہۡرٍ۬

And what will make you know what the night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is? The night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months (i.e. worshipping Allah in that night is better than worshipping Him a thousand months, i.e. 83 years and 4 months). [Surah Al-Qadr. Aayat 3-4]

Then the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said, “Perform Hajj and Umrah” – meaning: Perform Hajj at least once in a lifetime in accordance with the manner in which it has been legislated – with its Shuroot, Arkaan, Waaibaat and Sunan – if you have the means to perform it. Also perform Umrah once in a lifetime, for this Hadeeth [in particular] establishes that Umrah is obligatory, because it [i.e. Umrah] has been mentioned together with these great obligations.

The performance of Umrah at least once in a lifetime is an obligatory duty according to the most correct opinion of the scholars; but whoever performs it more than once, the good and reward in that will increase and become greater due to the statement of the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] “[The performance of] Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed between it and the previous one. And the reward of Al-Hajj Al-Mabroor [the one accepted by Allaah] is nothing but Paradise”. [Ref 2]  This is what is obligatory [i.e. Umrah and Haj once in a lifetime(Ref 3)], but any extra [Hajj and Umrah] is considered to be a recommendation and a virtuous deed by way of which Allaah multiplies a person’s reward, expiates his sins and raises his status.

And regarding the statement of the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam], “Look at how you love to be treated by the people, then treat them that way; and how you hate to be treated, then do not treat them that way”: This is the main point of emphasis [and discussion] in this hadeeth – that a Muslim is to give consideration to his Muslim brothers in the same way he would give consideration to himself; wishing for them the good he wishes for himself and hates that evil should touch them just as he hates that for himself. The one who loves that the people should approach him with good related to the worldly affairs and affairs related to the Afterlife, then it is obligated on him to do the same for them, so that the statement of the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam], “You cannot [truly] believe until you wish for your brother what you wish for yourself” becomes a reality in his personality; and also the statement of the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam], “The believer in relation to another believer is like a structure, each part strengthening the other”; and also the statement of the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam], “The Muslim is the brother of another Muslim”. Whoever is able to have these characteristics, then indeed he has established Eemaan [in this affair], good manners and good dealings.    [Source: At-ta’leeqaat Al-Maleehah Alaa Silsilati Al-Ahaadeeth As-Saheehah. 2/29-33. slightly paraphrased]

Footnotes: 

[Ref 1]: Reported by Imaam Ibn Maajah [rahimahullaah], Number 43 and authentic by Imaam albaani [rahimahullaah] in As-Saheehah, Number 937. Regarding the statement of the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam], “I am leaving you upon [الْبَيْضَاءِ -Al-Baydaa]; As-Sindee [rahimahullaah] said, “Al-Baydaa – meaning: A clear religion and proof which does not accept [or entertain] Shubhah in and of itself [i.e. it does not accept (or entertain) doubtful or ambiguous matters that are made to resemble the truth]; therefore it remains in the same state [i.e. purity] when doubts are presented in it, just as [it remains] in the [same state of purity] when doubts are removed from it and repelled. This is what the statement [ليلها كنهارها  – its night is like its day] refers to’”. [Sunan Ibn aajah Bi-Sharhis Sindee Wa Masaabeeh Az-Zujaajah Fee Zawaa’id Ibn Maajah. 1/32. Slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 2]: The Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said, “[The performance of] Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed between it and the previous one. And the reward of Al-Hajj Al-Mabroor [the one accepted by Allaah] is nothing but Paradise”. Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [rahimahullaah] said, “Meaning: When the major sins are avoided”. A principle: The unrestricted ahaadeeth regarding the expiation of sins are restricted by the texts regarding the abandonment of major sins; either restricted by the statement of Allaah: [إِنْ تَجْتَنِبُوا كَبَائِرَ مَا تُنْهَوْنَ عَنْهُ نُكَفِّرْ عَنْكُمْ سَيِّئَاتِكُمْ – If you avoid the great sins which you are forbidden to do, We shall remit from you your (small) sins. (Surah An-Nisaa. Aayah 31)]; or by the statement of the Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam], “The five prayers, Friday to Friday, and Ramadan to Ramadan will expiate the sins committed between them, as long as major sins are avoided”.

ال النبيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم: «العمرةُ إلى العمرة كفَّارةٌ لما بينهما، والحجُّ المبرور ليس له جزاء إلا الجنة»، هذا يُبين فضل الحج والعمرة، وأن العمرة كفَّارة لما بينهما، يعني: عند اجتناب الكبائر.

قاعدة: الأحاديث المطلقة في تكفير الذنوب مُقيَّدة بترك الكبائر، إما بقوله سبحانه: {إِنْ تَجْتَنِبُوا كَبَائِرَ مَا تُنْهَوْنَ عَنْهُ نُكَفِّرْ عَنْكُمْ سَيِّئَاتِكُمْ} [النساء:31]، وفي قوله صلى الله عليه وسلم: «الصَّلوات الخمس، والجمعة إلى الجمعة، ورمضان إلى رمضان كفَّارات لما بينهنَّ إذا اجتنب الكبائر»، وفي اللفظ الآخر: «ما لم تُغْشَ الكبائر»، فالعمرة إلى العمرة كفَّارة لما بينهما عند اجتناب الكبائر.

«والحج المبرور ليس له جزاء إلا الجنة» يعني: عند اجتناب الكبائر، كما قال صلى الله عليه وسلم: «مَن حجَّ فلم يرفث ولم يفسق رجع كيوم ولدته أمه»، فالحج المبرور هو الذي ليس فيه رفثٌ ولا فسوقٌ، هذا الحج المبرور، ليس فيه ما يُبطله، وليس فيه ما ينقصه من المعاصي، هذا هو الحج المبرور الذي يُوجب الجنة

https://binbaz.org.sa/audios/45/1–%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%AD%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%AB-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D9%85%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%89-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D9%85%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D9%83%D9%81%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D9%84%D9%85%D8%A7-%D8%A8%D9%8A%D9%86%D9%87%D9%85%D8%A7

[Ref 3]: Regarding Umrah, Shaikh Zayd [rahimahullaah] said that the most correct opinion of the scholars is that it is Waajib at least once in a lifetime. Shaikh Saaleh Al-Fawzaan [hafidhahullaah] briefly discussed the affair in Bulooghul Maraam [Vol 3/281-282 Kitaab Al-Hajj] and then finally stated that after looking at the proofs, -and Allaah knows best – they present a greater strength that Umrah is Waajib at least once in a lifetime.

Few Affairs One Should Ponder On When Struggling to Give Precedence to Truth Over Falsehood – [By Al-Allaamah Abdur Rahmaan Bin Yahyah Al-Mu’allimee (rahimahullaah)]

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester 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.

It is obligatory (or befitting) that a person ponders on these affairs:

Ponder on the fact that truth is noble and falsehood is lowly. Ponder on the Greatness of Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic]- the fact that Allaah is the Lord of the entire universe, Allaah loves truth and hates falsehood. And that the one who follows truth is deserving of the Pleasure of the Lord of the universe – Allaah [Glorified be He] will be his protector in the worldly life and the Afterlife by choosing for him everything that is good, better, more beneficial, more perfect, more noble and loftier until Allaah removes his soul whilst being pleased with him. Then Allaah raises him, brings him close and makes him dwell in paradise with honour-  in permanent bliss and eternal nobility which no imagination can fully conceive its greatness. He should ponder on the fact that the one who clings to falsehood is deserving of the displeasure, anger and punishment of the Lord of the universe, and if he receives anything of worldly bliss, then indeed that is only a means of humiliating him in order that he is increased in being distanced from Allaah, so that the painful torment of the afterlife is multiplied for him, which no imagination can fully conceive its severity.

He should ponder on the bliss of the worldly life [i.e. temporary] as compared to the pleasure of the Lord of the universe and the bliss in the afterlife [i.e. eternal], compare the misery of the worldly life to displeasure of the Lord of the universe and the punishment in the afterlife [i.e. the severest punishment in this life is nowhere equal to punishment in the afterlife]. He should ponder on the statement of Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic]:

وَقَالُواْ لَوۡلَا نُزِّلَ هَـٰذَا ٱلۡقُرۡءَانُ عَلَىٰ رَجُلٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡقَرۡيَتَيۡنِ عَظِيمٍ

أَهُمۡ يَقۡسِمُونَ رَحۡمَتَ رَبِّكَ‌ۚ نَحۡنُ قَسَمۡنَا بَيۡنَہُم مَّعِيشَتَہُمۡ فِى ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا‌ۚ وَرَفَعۡنَا بَعۡضَہُمۡ فَوۡقَ بَعۡضٍ۬ دَرَجَـٰتٍ۬ لِّيَتَّخِذَ بَعۡضُہُم بَعۡضً۬ا سُخۡرِيًّ۬ا‌ۗ وَرَحۡمَتُ رَبِّكَ خَيۡرٌ۬ مِّمَّا يَجۡمَعُونَ

وَلَوۡلَآ أَن يَكُونَ ٱلنَّاسُ أُمَّةً۬ وَٲحِدَةً۬ لَّجَعَلۡنَا لِمَن يَكۡفُرُ بِٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ لِبُيُوتِہِمۡ سُقُفً۬ا مِّن فِضَّةٍ۬ وَمَعَارِجَ عَلَيۡہَا يَظۡهَرُونَ

وَلِبُيُوتِہِمۡ أَبۡوَٲبً۬ا وَسُرُرًا عَلَيۡہَا يَتَّكِـُٔونَ

وَزُخۡرُفً۬ا‌ۚ وَإِن ڪُلُّ ذَٲلِكَ لَمَّا مَتَـٰعُ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا‌ۚ وَٱلۡأَخِرَةُ عِندَ رَبِّكَ لِلۡمُتَّقِينَ

And they say: “Why is not this Qur’an sent down to some great man of the two towns (Makkah and Ta’if)?” Is it they who would portion out the Mercy of your Lord? It is We Who portion out between them their livelihood in this world, and We raised some of them above others in ranks, so that some may employ others in their work. But the Mercy (Paradise) of your Lord (O Muhammad) is better than the (wealth of this world) which they amass.

And were it not that all mankind would have become of one community (all disbelievers, desiring worldly life only), We would have provided for those who disbelieve in the Most Beneficent (Allah), silver roofs for their houses, and elevators (and stair-ways, etc. of silver) whereby they ascend, and for their houses, doors (of silver), and thrones (of silver) on which they could recline, and adornments of gold. Yet all this (i.e. the roofs, doors, stairs, elevators, thrones etc. of their houses) would have been nothing but an enjoyment of this world. And the Hereafter with your Lord is only for the Muttaqun. [Surah Az-Zuhkruf. Aayaat 31-35

[An Excerpt from At-Tankeel. Vol 11. Page 309. Slightly paraphrased]

[1] Excerpts From Al-Bidaayah Wan Nihaayah – [Some Amazing Qualities of Umar Bin Abdil Azeez (rahimahullaah)]

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in History of Islam, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors.

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

  • He once wept when he was a child, so when that reached his mother, she sent for him and asked, “What made you weep?” He said, “I remembered death”, so his mother also wept.

 

  • Az-Zubayr Bin Bakkaar said, “The first affair that manifested from Umar’s uprightness was his fervent desire for knowledge and good manners. He was very young when his father was appointed as the governor of Egypt, so his father wanted to travel with him from Syria to Egypt, but he said to his father, ‘O father! Perhaps something else might be more beneficial for me and you!’ His father said, ‘What’s that?’ He said, ‘Take me to Madeenah to sit with the Fuqahaa and learn from their manners’. So, his father sent him to Madeenah together with a servant. He sat with the Mashaayikh of Quraish and avoided their youth, and he did not cease doing so until he became well known”.

 

  • Anas Ibn Maalik [may Allaah be pleased with him] said, “I have not prayed behind an Imaam whose prayer resembles that of Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] more than this young man [Umar Bin Abdil Azeez]”.

 

  • Ismaa’eel Bin Ayyaash said that Amr Bin Muhaajir said, “When Umar Bin Abdil Azeez  became the Khaleefah, he stood in front of the people, praised Allaah and then said, ‘O people! Verily, there is no Book after the Qur’aan and no Prophet after Muhammad [peace be upon him]. Indeed, I am not a judge, rather I am one upon whom it is obligated to comply with commands and prohibitions. Indeed, I am not an innovator in religious affairs, but rather I am one who adheres to the Sunnah. Verily a man who flees from an oppressive leader cannot be a wrong doer, but that oppressive leader is the disobedient one. Indeed, there is no obedience to the creation in disobedience to the Creator [The Mighty and Majestic]’”.

 

  • Az-Zubayr Bin Bakkaar said, “Muhammad Bin Sallaam informed me that Sallaam Bin Saleem said, ‘When Umar Bin Abdil Azeez became the Khaleefah, he climbed the Minbar – and that was the first Khutbah he delivered, then he praised and exalted Allaah, and said, ‘O people! Whoever accompanies us, then let him accompany us with five affairs otherwise let him disassociate from us: Let him inform us of the needs of those who are not able to inform us, help us to do good by his guidance, direct us to good by way of that which he guides himself, refrain from backbiting anyone in our presence and not engage in that which does not concern him’. After this speech of his, the poets and sermonisers disassociated from him, but those who abstained from the unnecessary worldly pleasures and the jurists kept close company with him and said, ‘We cannot disassociate from this man until he opposes what he has stated’”.

 

  • Sufyaan  Ibn Uyaynah said, “When Umar Bin Abdil Azeez became the Khaleefah, he contacted Muhammad Bin Kab, Rajaa Bin Haywah and Saalim Bin Abdillaah and said to them, ‘You have seen that which I have been put to trial and indeed it has fallen upon me, so what advice do you have?’ Muhammad Bin kab said, ‘Consider the old man a father, the young person a brother and the little one as your child, so be good to your father, keep ties with your brother and be kind to your child’. Rajaa said to him, ‘Wish for the people what you wish for yourself, hate for them what you hate for yourself and do not approach them except in manner you would like them to approach you’. Saalim said, ‘Concentrate on one affair by degrading the lusts of the worldly life and let your innate disposition be directed towards reflecting upon death’. Umar said, ‘Laa Hawla Walaa Quwwata illaa Billaah’”.

 

  • Whenever he faced a difficult matter, he would gather the jurists of Madeenah, particularly ten of them and would not firmly decide on an affair without them or some of them, and they were Urwah, Ubaydullaah Bin Abdillaah Ibn Utbah, AbuBakr Bin Abdir Rahmaan Ibn Al-Haarith Ibn Hishaam, AbuBakr Bin Sulaymaan Ibn Khaythama, Salaymaan Bin Yasaar, Al-Qaasim Bin Muhammad Ibn Hazm, Saalim Bin Abdillaah, Abdullaah Bin Aamir Ibn Rabee’ah and Khaarijah Bin Zayd Ibn Thaabit. He never used to hold a view that was different from that of Sa’eed Ibnul Musayyib, and Sa’eed did not use to visit any of the caliphs besides Umar Ibn Abdil Azeez in Madeenah.

 

  • Maymoon Bin Mehraan said, “The scholars were students in the presence of Umar Bin Abdil Azeez”.

 

  • One day he was sitting in his place of prayer with his hand on his cheek and his tears flowing, so his wife – Faatimah- entered and said, “What is the matter with you?” He replied, “Woe to you O Faatimah! I have taken the responsibility of looking after the affairs of this Ummah, so I pondered upon the affair of the poor and hungry person, the sick and miserable person, the one without appropriate clothing and is making strenuous efforts, the helpless orphan, the lonely widow, the subjugated oppressed person, the stranger, the war captive, the old man, the one who has numerous dependants and little wealth and those similar to them in the various regions of the earth and the different countries, so I knew that my Lord [The Mighty and Majestic] will question me about them on the day of judgement, the one who will argue on their behalf against me will be Muhammad [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] and I feared that I will not have strong proof in the presence of his arguments, so I felt sorry for myself and wept”.

 

  • Every day, he used to announce, “Where are those in debt? Where are the married people and where are the orphans so that I can  give them sufficient provision”.

 

  • He said, “It is obligated on you to fear Allaah, because indeed fear of Allaah does not accept anything else to interfere with it. None shows mercy except the people who fear Allaah and no reward is given except for it. Those who admonish people about it are many, but those who act upon it are few”.

 

  • He said, “The one who knows that his speech is part of his deeds, his speech will not be related to anything except that which concerns and benefits him”.

 

  • He said, “The one who does not consider his speech to be part of his deeds, then his mistakes will be many and whoever worships Allaah without Knowledge will corrupt more than he rectifies”.

 

  • Maalik Bin Deenaar said, “The people say that Maalik is a one who abstains from unnecessary worldly pleasures”, but what type of abstentious person am I; rather Umar Bin Abdil Azeez is the one who truly abstains from the unnecessary worldly pleasure, because the worldly wealth came to him and he abandoned all of it”.

An Excerpt from Al-Bidaayah Wan-Nihaayah. Vol 9. Pages 193-202. Publisher: Maktabah Al-Ma’aarif and Daar ibn Hazm. 9th Edition. 1414 AH (1994)