Tag: principles

Acquire Knowledge Directly From Study Circles and Be Careful of Solely Relying On Your Books and Audios!

Written by Abdullah Jallow on August 15, 2021. Posted in Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Seeking Knowledge, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Imaam Muhammad Bin Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said that from that which is obligated on a student of knowledge to comply with is that he acquires knowledge directly from the Shaikhs, for indeed he will reach -by way of that- several benefits as follows:

*The path to acquiring knowledge will be shortened for him instead of moving from one book to another whilst trying to find out the view that carries more weight (in a particular subject matter) and the reason behind it; also trying to find out the weak view in (that particular subject matter) and the reason behind it. Instead of going through all this, the teacher will give him what he seeks after through an easy path, present to him – two, three or more than three – different views of the people of knowledge together with a clarification of the view that carries more weight and the proof. Indeed, there is no doubt that this is beneficial (or advantageous) for the student.

*He will be facilitated with the ability to grasp a subject matter quickly, because when the student of knowledge reads to a scholar, he will grasp the subject matter many times quicker than when he reads books (on his own). That is because when he read books, he may come across difficult and obscure statements (or expressions), so he needs contemplation and repetition, which requires time and effort, and he may understand those statements wrongly and then act upon them.

*Close connection (or attachment) between the students of knowledge and the erudite scholars- junior people of knowledge attached to senior people of knowledge.

These are from the benefits of acquiring knowledge directly from the Shaikhs; but as mentioned earlier, it is obligated on a person to choose a scholar who is reliable, trustworthy and strong – one who has real knowledge and understanding and not superficial knowledge; truthful and firm in fulfilling what is entrusted to him and known for fulfilling acts of worship, for indeed a student follows the footsteps of his teacher. [Sharh Hilyati Taalibil Ilm. pages 105-106. slightly paraphrased].

Question to Al-Allaamah Ubaid Bin Abdillaah Al-Jaabiti [may Allaah preserve him]: Is it permissible for the one who seeks knowledge from some Shaikh – by way of books and audios – to say to him [i.e. the Shaikh], “Our Shaikh” and thus he becomes a Shaikh of his?

Answer: There’s no harm in considering someone as one’s Shaikh, but I bring your attention to the fact that there are two ways of acquiring knowledge. The first path is seeking knowledge in person and sitting to acquire knowledge from the scholar directly- sitting in his presence, learn good manners from him and good Tarbiyah. This is the ideal way and the loftiest. This is the way of the Sahaabah in acquiring knowledge from their Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him]- those who were with him in Madeenah and those who traveled to him. They acquired knowledge directly from the Prophet and taught their people. Likewise, this is how the Taabi’oon acquired knowledge from the Sahaabah- took knowledge (directly) from the Sahaabah, especially the seniors. Likewise, those who followed the Taabi’een did the same up to this era of ours. This is the correct and loftiest path of acquiring knowledge from a Shaikh.

The second path is to acquire knowledge from books and audios. There is no harm in this and it benefits, but it does not contain that which is found in the first method; rather it is for a woman and the one who is unable because of the difficulty in reaching the Shaikh due to distance, for one may not be able to sit in the presence of a scholar even in his own country. Not all women are able-some of them are sometimes able and unable at other times, and some are not able. So, these people benefit [i.e. from the books & tapes], but also they are not advised to enter into challenging (or very difficult) issues related to differences of opinion between the scholars; rather they entrust those affairs to the people of knowledge. And whoever is a teacher – one who gives instructions in knowledge (i.e. nurtures others) or an Imaam of a Masjid in his city district or town, we advise him to be at the service of the people and that he takes those questions of theirs which he is able to answer and respond to them in his city district. And those questions that carry difference of opinion and requires investigation, he offers his services to the people by sending those questions to the people of knowledge and take answers from them. This is a good service with regards to the Muslim helping another Muslim. [paraphrased] Listen to audio here:
https://safeshare.tv/x/aIVf6vxUqh8#

All praise is due to Allaah, many Salafi Masaajid and Centres either have a resident student or a student who travels to them. Do not cling to books and abandon the study circles. Do not be like those youth who frown and are filled with a sense of false independence when told to take knowledge directly from those who are known to the scholars. May Allaah protect us from self-amazement Aameen.

One of The Best Methods of Teaching- [Gift to Fellow Islamic Studies Teachers In Primary Schools]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on August 14, 2021. Posted in Contemporary Issues, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Pearls of Wisdom.

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

One of The Best Methods of Teaching: [Gradual Instruction- (1st Stage: General Acquaintance With Fundamental Principles; 2nd Stage: Full Explanation; 3rd Stage: Ambiguities Clarified, Do Not Overburden Learner – In The Beginning- With Issues One Should Know At The End; Avoid Prolonged Sittings And Intervals Between Lessons]

Shaikh Abdullaah Al-Bukhaari [may Allaah preserve him]- in the introduction of his explanation of Umdatul Ahkaam [Lesson 1]- shared some very important points regarding one of the best methods of imparting knowledge as follows:

The First Stage: Know that teaching the sciences to the students only becomes beneficial when carried out gradually and bit by bit. In the beginning the teacher transmits knowledge to the learner and begins with the fundamental principles in each chapter- familiarise the learner with those fundamental principles by explaining them in a general manner, examines the strength of the learner’s intellectual ability and their readiness to comprehend what one is about to come across up to the end of the subject. The learner is then enabled to settle in what is to be pursued, even though it may be partial and weak. And the most this does is that it enables one to comprehend and become acquainted with the subject matter and its issues.

The Second Stage: The teacher then returns the learner to the subject matter a second time and teaches at a level higher than the first level – gives the learner a full explanation and clarification that is different from the general explanation and clarification employed in the beginning. He informs the learner about the differences of opinion and the different angles of their arguments up to the end of the subject, so the learner realises his potential in what he is studying.

The Third Stage: Thereafter, the teacher returns the learner again – after he has acquired a solid foundation- and this time he clarifies all the affairs that are obscure, important or complicated- opens up all the locks in the subject for the learner to be well established upon it. This is the approach of beneficial teaching, and as it can be seen, it is actualised by repetition – three times. And indeed, some learners can reach their potential in lesser than these three stages based on one’s natural ability and what is made easy for them.

Indeed, we have seen that many teachers in this era of ours are ignorant of the effective methods of teaching, so they present to the learner – in the beginning – affairs that prove to be an obstruction to the learner’s understanding and motivation, and compels one to concentrate on untangling them. They [i.e. these teachers] think that this is the correct method of teaching and make it mandatory for the learner to understand and become acquainted with these issues. They confuse the learner by presenting -in the beginning- that which one should know in the final stages and before being able to understand them; for indeed the ability to acquire knowledge and being made prepared to understand has to be carried our gradually.

In general, the learner- at first – is unable to understand except some few details through a process in which understanding is improved slowly – through generalities and fine examples [or parables]. Then the learner is prepared to progress gradually little by little- whilst encountering the difficult affairs of the subject matter and they are repeated to him; and then the learner moves from that slower process through which one’s understanding was being improved at a slow pace to a higher level. But if presented with the final details of the subject matter in the beginning, the learner will be prevented from understanding and will be far from being prepared for the subject matter; and thus the learner feels burdened, thinks that the acquisition of knowledge is difficult, becomes lazy, turns away from learning and persists in abandoning it. This is nothing else but the result of bad teaching.

Therefore, it is not befitting that the teacher goes above the understanding found in the book being studied by the learner, regardless whether one is at the beginning or the end of the subject matter. The teacher should not mix the details of the book with other issues until the learner is acquainted with its first and final details; knows the purpose of the book and has grasped it details, which the learner then applies whilst acquiring knowledge from other books to be studied under the teacher.

That is because when one grasps a particular subject matter, they are prepared to acquire the other issues in the same subject- becomes active in increasing in knowledge and understanding and desires to move higher until one reaches the highest level of knowledge. But if the affairs are made confusing, the learner will be unable to understand and thus becomes lazy, stops thinking, gives up hope in acquiring knowledge, and abandons knowledge and learning. And Allaah guides whomsoever He wishes to guide.

Likewise, it is befitting that the teacher does not make the learner remain on a single subject matter for a long period through different sittings and prolonged breaks between them, because it leads to forgetfulness and interrupts the connection between the different topics of the subject matter, and thus it becomes difficult for the learner to grasp the subject matter due to that disconnection. When the first and final details of knowledge are present in the thoughts [or mind] of the learner, and thus forgetfulness is prevented, then grasping the subject matter is made easy, firmly established in the mind and the learner is more likely to attain proficiency. That is because the subject matter is acquired through regular activity and repetition.

And one of the beautiful paths and inescapable methods of teaching is that the learner is not presented with a combination of two subject matters at the same time, for indeed it is unlikely that one will gain proficiency in one of them due to having to split one’s attention and being diverted from one of them in order to comprehend the other; so the learner finds both subject matters unclear and difficult, and thus fails to accomplish both. However, if the mind of the learner is unhampered whilst studying the subject matter and confined to it, then perhaps that will make it more suitable for him or her to accomplish it. And Allaah is the One Who guides to what is correct.

[Quoted by Shaikh Abdullaah Al-Bukhaari. You can find this quote in Muqaddimah Ibn Khaldoon, page 604-605 (under the title: في وجه الصواب في تعليم العلوم وطريق إفادة)-Publisher: Maktabah Al-Qur’aan 2006. Slightly paraphrased]

The Qur’aan Begins and Ends With Tawheed – By Shaikh Hammaad Al-Ansaaree

Written by Abdullah Jallow on August 8, 2021. Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Quote: The Qur’aan begins and ends with Tawheed. Tawheed in the beginning of Surah Al-Faatihah and in the beginning of Surah An-Naas. [ٱلۡحَمۡدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلۡعَـٰلَمِينَ – All the praises and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of the Aalameen (mankind, jinns and all that exists)] – [قُلۡ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ ٱلنَّاسِ – Say: “I seek refuge with (Allah) the Lord of mankind]. So, the Lord of the Aalameen is the Lord of Humankind. It is one and the same thing.

[ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ -The Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful]-[مَلِكِ النَّاسِ -The King of mankind]. This is Allaah’s Oneness in His Names and Attributes. [إِيَّاكَ نَعۡبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسۡتَعِينُ – You (Alone) we worship, and You (Alone) we ask for help (for each and everything)]- [ إِلَـٰهِ ٱلنَّاسِ – The Ilah (Only True Deity) of humankind].

PDF Below:

The Qur’aan Begins and Ends With Tawheed

Were Animals Created Before Humans – [Beautiful and Precise Response by Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on August 1, 2021. Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Fatawa-Rulings, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Uncategorized, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him] was asked about the statement that animals were created two million years before humans; so the Imaam answered with the verse of the Qur’aan in which Allaah informed us that the angels said, [سُبْحَانَكَ لَا عِلْمَ لَنَا إِلَّا مَا عَلَّمْتَنَا – Glory be to You (O Allaah), we have no knowledge except what you have taught us]. [Surah Al-Baqarah. Verse 32] (1)

The Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz followed the path of his predecessors, such as the likes of Imaam ash-Shabi [may Allaah have mercy upon him]. Once Imaam Shabi was asked about an affair in religion, so he said, “I don’t know”. Then it was said to him, “Do you not feel shy of your statement, ‘I don’t know’ and you’re the jurist of the people of Basra?” So he said, “But the angels did not feel shy when they said: سُبۡحَـٰنَكَ لَا عِلۡمَ لَنَآ إِلَّا مَا عَلَّمۡتَنَآ‌ۖ- Glory be to You (o Allaah), we have no knowledge except what you have taught us]. (2)

No Speculation Regarding That Which Our Lord Has Not Told Us!

Allaah [The Exalted] said:

مَّآ أَشۡہَدتُّہُمۡ خَلۡقَ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَلَا خَلۡقَ أَنفُسِہِمۡ وَمَا كُنتُ مُتَّخِذَ ٱلۡمُضِلِّينَ عَضُدً۬ا

I (Allah) made them not to witness the creation of the heavens and the earth and not (even) their own creation, nor was I (Allah) to take the misleaders as helpers. [Surah Al-Kahf. Verse 51]

Imaam Ash-Shanqeetee [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “The established meaning of this noble verse is that Allaah did not make you witness when he created Iblees and his hosts. Allaah did not make you witness the creation of the heavens and the earth – neither to seek your help to create them nor to create you, nor did you witness your own creation. I did not make you witness one another’s creation to seek help to do so; but rather I (Allaah) alone created all of that without a helper or supporter! So why do give them the right that belongs to me alone and take them as allies (protectors) besides me, whilst I am the Creator of everything. This verse – which shows that the Creator is the only true object of worship – is clarified in many othee verses, such the statement of Allaah: [أَفَمَن يَخۡلُقُ كَمَن لَّا يَخۡلُقُ‌ۗ أَفَلَا تَذَڪَّرُونَ – Is then He, Who creates as one who creates not? Will you not then remember?] [Surah An-Nahl. Verse 17]

Allaah said:

قُلۡ مَن رَّبُّ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ قُلِ ٱللَّهُ‌ۚ قُلۡ أَفَٱتَّخَذۡتُم مِّن دُونِهِۦۤ أَوۡلِيَآءَ لَا يَمۡلِكُونَ لِأَنفُسِهِمۡ نَفۡعً۬ا وَلَا ضَرًّ۬ا‌ۚ قُلۡ هَلۡ يَسۡتَوِى ٱلۡأَعۡمَىٰ وَٱلۡبَصِيرُ أَمۡ هَلۡ تَسۡتَوِى ٱلظُّلُمَـٰتُ وَٱلنُّورُ‌ۗ أَمۡ جَعَلُواْ لِلَّهِ شُرَكَآءَ خَلَقُواْ كَخَلۡقِهِۦ فَتَشَـٰبَهَ ٱلۡخَلۡقُ عَلَيۡہِمۡ‌ۚ قُلِ ٱللَّهُ خَـٰلِقُ كُلِّ شَىۡءٍ۬ وَهُوَ ٱلۡوَٲحِدُ ٱلۡقَهَّـٰرُ

Say (O Muhammad ): “Who is the Lord of the heavens and the earth?” Say: “(It is) Allah.” Say: “Have you then taken (for worship) Auliya’ (protectors, etc.) other than Him, such as have no power either for benefit or for harm to themselves?” Say: “Is the blind equal to the one who sees? Or darkness equal to light? Or do they assign to Allah partners who created the like of His creation, so that the creation (which they made and His creation) seemed alike to them.” Say: “Allah is the Creator of all things, He is the One, the Irresistible.” [Surah Ar-Rad. Verse 16]

Allaah said:

هَـٰذَا خَلۡقُ ٱللَّهِ فَأَرُونِى مَاذَا خَلَقَ ٱلَّذِينَ مِن دُونِهِۦ‌ۚ بَلِ ٱلظَّـٰلِمُونَ فِى ضَلَـٰلٍ۬ مُّبِينٍ۬

This is the creation of Allah. So show Me that which those (whom you worship), besides Him have created. Nay, the Zalimun (polytheists, wrong-doers and those who do not believe in the Oneness of Allah) are in plain error. [Surah Luqman. Verse 11]

Allaah said:

قُلۡ أَرَءَيۡتُمۡ شُرَكَآءَكُمُ ٱلَّذِينَ تَدۡعُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ أَرُونِى مَاذَا خَلَقُواْ مِنَ ٱلۡأَرۡضِ أَمۡ لَهُمۡ شِرۡكٌ۬ فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ

Say (O Muhammad ): “Tell me or inform me (what) do you think about your (so-called) partner-gods to whom you call upon besides Allah, show me, what they have created of the earth? Or have they any share in the heavens? [Surah Faatir. Verse 40]

I (Allaah) did not make you witness your own creation, but rather I created you upon what I wanted and how I wished. (3)

Robust Clarifications By Our local Mashaayikh

The Myth of Darwinian Evolution – By Shaikh Abu Hakeem [hafidhahullaah]

The Myth of Darwinian Evolution (Part 1)

The Myth of Darwinian Evolution (Part 2) – Natural Selection

The Myth of Darwinian Evolution (Part 3) – The Fossil Records refute Darwin!

The Myth Of Darwinian Evolution (Part 4) – Hidden Archeology

Also listen to the lecture By Shaikh Abu Khadeejah [hafidhahullaah]

Establishing One’s Belief Through Pseudoscience & Philosophy is a Path of Destruction – Khutbah by Abu Khadeejah

All about Atheism – By Shaikh Abu Iyaad [hafidhahullaah]

http://aboutatheism.net/assets/docs/evolution-book-introduction.pdf

http://www.aboutatheism.net/authors/Abu.Iyaad.cfm

[Ref 1: https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/22704/%D9%85%D8%A7-%D8%B5%D8%AD%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AD%D9%8A%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%AE%D9%84%D9%82%D8%AA-%D9%82%D8%A8%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%86

[Ref 2: I’laam Al-Muwaqqi’een 4/167-168]

[Ref 3: [Tafseer Al Qur’aan bil Qur’aan mi Adwaa Al bayaan. Page 572]

Basis of Truth is Not Attached to The Character or Personality We Love, Choose or Prefer!

Written by Abdullah Jallow on July 31, 2021. Posted in Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors), Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Abu Hurairah [may Allaah be pleased with him] said, “The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “Love your beloved one modestly, for it may be that he will become hated to you someday. And hate the one whom you hate modestly, for it may be that he will become your beloved one someday”. [Saheeh Sunan Tirmidhee 1997]

Imaam Ibnul Atheer [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “This means that you should love your beloved one with moderation and do not go beyond bounds (i.e. outside the boundaries of the what Allaah has legislated). Do not go into extremes in your love and hate, for it may be that one day you’ll hate the one you used to love and love the one you used to hate. Therefore, neither exaggerate in your love and become regretful, nor exaggerate in your hatred and thus become shy in the presence of the one you used to hate after you stop hating him”. [An-Nihaayah 5/284]

A man said to Imaam Maymoon Ibn Mehraan [may Allaah have mercy upon him], “The people will not cease to be upon good as long as Allaah keeps you (alive) for them”. He replied, “The people will not cease to be upon good as long as they fear their Lord”. (1)

Imaam Sufyaan Ibn Uyaynah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] used to say, “Indeed, the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] is the greatest criterion [i.e. amongst mankind and Jinn] and all affairs are presented to him [i.e. for judgement and judged] based on his manners, path and guidance; so whatever is in agreement with this is truth, and whatever is in opposition is falsehood”. (1.1)

Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi Al-Mad’khali may Allaah preserve him] said, “And (with regards to) the person with the proofs, it is obligatory to take his speech (on the grounds) of following Allaah’s Legislation and Proofs, and not (due to) the personality of that person”. (2)

Al-Allaamah Rabee also said, “The seeker of truth is not diverted from the truth, fairness and justice due to admiration of the big personalities and being amazed by them, for indeed the truth is more worthy to be followed. It is not permissible to drop the proofs for the sake of this or that great man. The principle [rule] of the Muslim – the unbiased one, the seeker of truth – is always: [قُلْ هَاتُوا بُرْهَانَكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ صَادِقِينَ -Say, bring forth your proofs if you are truthful]. [Surah An-Nahl. Verse 64] (3)

Imaam Muhammad Bin Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen [may Allaah have mercy upon him] interrupted a person who was reciting a poem and mentioned him in it! He objected and told him not to attach truth to personalities; rather he should say that as long as the Qur’aan and the Sunnah are present, the truth will remain. [Listen to audio in the link: https://safeshare.tv/x/5MCyl5iX03k

Question to Al-Allaamah Saaleh al-Fawzaan [may Allaah preserve him], “What is the meaning of the principle, ‘The truth is not known by way of men, rather men are known by way of the truth?'”

Answer: Its meaning is that we do not merely blindly follow anyone, for it may be that one is blindly followed based on error; it may be that the Mujtahid is mistaken and the one who makes [a statement or holds an opinion] is mistaken, so we do not take [his statement, opinion etc] and say, “This is the statement of such as such; this is truth, because such and such is good, he is a scholar; such and such is Taqiy [i.e. one who fears Allaah]”. We do not say this because he is not infallible and he can make a mistake; so we know men by way of the truth – those who know; those who take [or adhere to] the proofs and indeed they are known to be scholars. As for those who do not give concern [or importance] to the proofs, they are not scholars; they are not people of [sound] understanding and they are not people of knowledge, so their statement is never taken straight away. It is imperative that the proof is presented, so if the proof is established as witness to [what he says or holds etc], then it is the truth; but if he opposes the proof, then indeed [his statement or opinion] is rejected; however if he is a Mujtahid and he is mistaken, he is rewarded [once] due to his Ijtihaad; but if he deliberately holds on to error, he has sinned. [Paraphrased. Refer to video here: https://video.link/w/9famb ]

NB: The Permissible and Prohibited Forms of Taqleed

https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2012/06/the-permissible-and-prohibited-forms-of-taqleed-salafipublications-com-article-id-mnj060005/

[Ref 1: Siyar A’laam An-Nubulaa. 5/75]

[Ref 1.1: Al-Jaami Li-Akhlaaq Ar-Raawi Wa Aadaab As-Saami’ page 8]

[Ref 2: Majmoo 9/40) 3rd paragraph]
[Ref 3: All-Mulakh-khasul Jameel Fee Bayaani Manhaji Ash-Shaikh Rabee Fid-Da’wati Wal-Jarhi Wat-Ta’deel. Page 87]