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Tag: purification of the soul

Hadeeth: [O Allah, Bless My People In Their Early Mornings]

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

The Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said: “O Allah, bless my people in their early mornings.” When he sent out a detachment or an army, he sent them at the beginning of the day. Sakhr was a merchant, and he would send off his merchandise at the beginning of the day; and he became rich and had much wealth. [Sunan Abu Dawud Hadith Number 2606. Declared authentic by Imaam Albaani (rahimahullaah) in his checking of Sunan abu Dawud]

Few Points of Benefit Related to the Above Hadeeth

This shows the importance of this time period. the greatness of the blessings and goodness with it.  The Salaf used to dislike sleeping during this time, in order not to waste it in laziness and weakness. Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] said that the Salaf disliked sleeping between after Fajr prayer and Sunrise because it is a time in which great benefit is obtained. And even when they stayed up late at night [i.e. in worship], they still stayed up until after sunrise, for indeed it is the early part of the day and its beginning time- the time in which provision descends, the time in which one receives his portion of provision and the time in which blessings are obtained. An Excerpt from Fiqhul Ad’iyah wal-Adkaar’ pages 48-50′ parts 3&4

Why Are The Gatherings Where Allaah Is Remembered Considered to Be The Purest, Noblest, Most Beneficial And Loftiest Gatherings

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

The purest, noblest, most beneficial and loftiest gatherings are the gatherings  where Allaah is remembered. They are the loftiest in the sight of Allaah. Many texts have been reported regarding the virtues of the gatherings of Dhikr- that they give life to heart [i.e. obedience to Allaah and the Messenger], increase Eemaan, rectification and purification for a person, unlike the gatherings of heedlessness because a person does not retire from them except [being afflicted by] a decrease in Eemaan and weakness in the heart, and that will be a cause of loss and regret [on the day of judgement].

The Salaf [pious predecessors] used to give great importance to the gatherings of Dhikr. Abdullaah Bin Rawaahah [radiyallaahu anhu] used to hold a group of his companions by the hand and say: ‘’Come let us [re-revitalise, strengthen etc] our Eemaan; come let us remember Allaah and increase in Eemaan by obeying Allaah, so that perhaps He will remember us by way of His forgiveness.’’

Umayr Al-Khatamiy [radiyallaahu anhu] used to say, “Eemaan increases and decreases”, so he was asked, ‘’What increases and decreases it?’’ He said, ‘’When we remember Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic], praise and glorify Him, that is [a cause] of its increase; and when we are heedless, negligent and  forgetful, that is [a cause] of its decrease.’’

Indeed, the gatherings of Dhikr are the gardens of paradise in this worldly life. Imaam Ahmad, Imaam Tirmidhee and others have reported from Anas Bin Maalik [radiyallaahu anhu] that Allaah’s Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said, ‘’When you go past the gatherings of Paradise, then graze as you like.” They said, “What are the gardens of Paradise?” He said, “The Circles of Dhikr.”

Ibn Abee Dunyaa, Al-Haakim and others reported the Hadeeth of Jaabir Bin Abdillaah who said, ‘’Allaah’s Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] came to us and said, ‘O people! Graze in the gardens of paradise’; we said, ‘O Allaah’s Messenger! What are the gardens of paradise?’ He said, ‘The gatherings of Dhikr.’’’

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] said, “Whoever wants a to live in the gardens of paradise in this worldly life, then let him stay in the gatherings of Dhikr, for indeed they are gardens of paradise.’’ [Al-Waabilus Sayyib. page 145]

The gatherings of Dhikr are the gatherings of the angels, because they do not have gatherings in the worldly life except gatherings in which Allaah [The Exalted] is mentioned. Abu Hurairah [radiyallaahu anhu] said that Allaah’s Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said:  Allaah’s Messenger said, ‘’Allaah has some angels who look for those who remember (glorify the Praises of) Allaah on the roads and paths. And when they find some people remembering (glorifying the Praises of) Allah, they call each other, saying, ‘Come to the object of your pursuit.’’ He added, ‘’Then the angels encircle them with their wings up to the nearest heaven to us.’’ He added, ‘’[After those people remembered (glorified the Praises of) Allah, and the angels go back to Allah], their Lord asks them (those angels) – though He knows better than them –‘What do My slaves say?’ The angels reply, ‘They say: Subhãn Allah, Allahu-Akbar, and Al-Hamdu-lillãh’. Allah then says, ‘Did they see Me?’ The angels reply, ‘No! By Allaah, they didn’t see You.’ Allah says, ‘How it would have been if they saw me?’ The angels reply, ‘If they saw You, they would worship You more devoutly and remember You (glorify Your Praises) more deeply, and declare Your freedom from any resemblance to anything more often.’ Allah says (to the angels), ‘What do they ask Me for?’ The angels reply, ‘They ask You for Paradise.’ Allah says (to the angels), ‘Did they see it?’ The angels say, ‘No! By Allah, O Lord! They did not see it.’ Allah says, ‘How it would have been if they saw it?’ The angels say, ‘If they saw it, they would have greater yearning for it and would seek it with greater zeal and would have greater desire for it.’ Allah says, ‘From what do they seek refuge?’ The angels reply, ‘They seek refuge from the (Hell) Fire.’ Allah says, ‘Did they see it?’ The angels say, ‘No! By Allah, O Lord! They did not see it.’ Allah says, ‘How it would have been if they saw it?’ The angels say, ‘If they saw it they would flee from it with the extreme fleeing and would have extreme fear from it.’ Then Allah says, ‘I make you witnesses that I have forgiven them.’’’ (Allah’s Messenger ; added:) ‘’One of the angels would say, ‘There was so-and-so amongst them, and he was not one of them, but he had just come for some need.’ Allah would say, ‘These are those people whose companions will not be reduced to misery.’’’ [Bukhaari 6408]

The gatherings of Dhikr are gatherings of the angels and gatherings of heedlessness are gatherings of the devils. The gatherings of Dhikr protect a person from loss and regret on the day of judgement, unlike the gatherings of heedlessness, for ìndeed they will be a cause of loss and regret on the day of judgement. Abu Daawud reported -with a ‘Hasan chain’ of transmission- from Abu Hurairah [radiyallaahu anhu] who said that Allaah’s Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said: ‘’The Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said: If anyone sits at a place where he does not remember Allah, deprivation [i.e. he’ll be deprived of reward] will descend on him from Allah; and if he lies at a place where he does not remember Allah, deprivation will descend on him from Allah.’’ [Abu Daawud. Number 4856]

Abu Sa’id Khudri reported that Mu’awiya went to a circle in the mosque and said: ‘’What makes you sit here? They said: ‘We are sitting here in order to remember Allah.’ He said: ‘I adjure you by Allah (to tell me whether you are sitting here for this very purpose)?’ They said: ‘By Allah, we are sitting here for this very purpose’. Thereupon, he said: ‘I have not demanded you to take an oath, because of any allegation against you and there is none of my rank -in the eyes of Allah’s Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam]- a narrator of so few ahadith as I am. The fact is that Allah’s Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] went out to the circle of his Companions and said: ‘What makes you sit?’ They said: ‘We are sitting here in order to remember Allah and to praise Him for He guided us to the path of Islam and He conferred favours upon us.’ Thereupon he adjured by Allah and asked if that only was the purpose of their sitting there. They said: ‘By Allah, we are not sitting here but for this very purpose’, whereupon he (the Messenger) said: ‘I am not asking you to take an oath because of any allegation against you but for the fact that Gabriel came to me and he informed me that Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, was talking to the angels about your magnificence.”  This is [one of the proofs] regarding the nobility of Dhikr in the sight of Allaah. Allaah loves it and it has status that distinguishes it from other acts of worship.

The gatherings of Dhikr bring about tranquillity, mercy and the angel encircle with their wings around those who remember Allaah. Agharr Abi Muslim reported: ‘’I bear witness to the fact that both Abu Huraira and Abu Sa’id Khudri were present when Allah’s Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said: ‘The people do not sit but they are surrounded by angels and covered by Mercy, and there descends upon them tranquillity as they remember Allah, and Allah makes a mention of them to those who are near Him.’’’ [Muslim Number: 2700]

The gatherings of Dhikr are a great means of restraining one’s tongue,  protecting it from backbiting, tale carrying, lies, lewd speech and falsehood, for indeed it is inevitable that a person will speak, so if he does not speak through remembrance of Allaah- by mentioning Allaah’s commandments and about something good and beneficial, then it is inevitable that he will speak about forbidden things or some of them. Therefore, whoever makes it a habit for his tongue to remember Allaah, he will protect his tongue from falsehood and idle speech. And whoever deprive his tongue of remembrance of Allaah, he will utter falsehood, idle speech and lewdness. [Source: Excerpt from ‘Fiqhul Ad-iyah Wal-Ad-kaar.’ Pages 27-31. Slightly paraphrased]

One Who Remembers Allaah a Lot Is Declared to Be Truthful By Allaah And Whoever Alllaah Declares to Be Truthful Will Not Be Resurrected With The Liars

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Articles, Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

One of the benefits of Dhikr is that it is a reason behind one being declared truthful by Allaah, because indeed the one who remembers Allaah [is in reality] speaking about Allaah’s Perfect Attributes and Exalted Characteristics. So, when a person speaks about [Allaah’s Perfect Attributes and Exalted Characteristics], Allaah declares that what he [i.e. the person] says is true, and whoever is declared truthful by Allaah will not be resurrected with the liars; rather it is hoped that he will be resurrected with the truthful ones. Abee Ishaaq narrated from Al-A’ghar Bin Muslim who bore witness that Abu Hurairah and Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudree [radiyallaahu-anhumaa] bore witness that Allaah’s Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said:

“When the servant says, ‘Laa ilaaha illal-laah Wa Allahu Akbar [None has the right to be worshipped except Allaah and Allaah is the Most Great],’ Allaah says, ‘My servant has spoken the truth; none has the right to be worshipped except I, and I am the Most Great.’ When he says, ‘Laa ilaaha Illal laahu Wahdahu [None has the right to be worshipped except Allaah alone]’, Allaah says, ‘My servant has spoken the truth; none has the right to be worshipped except I, alone.’ When he says, Laa ilaha Ilal laah, laa Shareekalahu [None has the right to be worshipped except Allaah, He has no partner or (associate)],’ Allah says, ‘My servant has spoken the truth; none has the right to be worshipped except I, and I have no partner (or associate).’ When he says, ‘Laa ilaaha illal laah, lahul Mulku Wa lahul Hamdu [None has the right to be worshipped except Allaah, all dominion is His and all praise is to Him],’ Allaah says, ‘My servant has spoken the truth; none has the right to be worshipped except I, all dominion is Mine and all praise is due to Me.’ When he says: ‘ Laa ilaaha illal laa, laa hawla wa la quwwata illaa billah [None has the right to be worshipped except Allaah and there is no power and nor strength (given to anything to move or alternate from one state to another except by the will of) Allaah],’ Allah says, ‘My servant has spoken the truth; none has the right to be worshipped except I, and there is no power and nor strength (given to anything to move or alternate from one state to another except by My Will)].’ One of the narrators Abu Ishaq said: “Then A’gharr said something that I did not understand. I said to Abu Jafar: ‘What did he say?’ He said: ‘Whoever is blessed with [the ability to say] them [i.e. these words] at the time of death, the Fire will not touch him.'” [Sunan Ibn Maajah. Number 3794. Sunan Tirmidhee 3430. Silsilah Al-Hadeeth As-Saheehah. Number 1390]

From the benefits of Dhikr is that profuse remembrance of Allaah is a safeguard against hypocrisy, for indeed the hypocrites remember Allaah very little. Allaah said about the hypocrites: [وَلَا يَذۡكُرُونَ ٱللَّهَ إِلَّا قَلِيلاً۬  – And they do not remember Allah but little]. [Surah An-Nisaa Aayah 142]

Ka’b said: “Whoever remembers Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] a lot, he will be free from hypocrisy.’’ And perhaps this is why Allaah ended Surah Al-Munaafiqoon with the statement: [ يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا تُلۡهِكُمۡ أَمۡوَٲلُكُمۡ وَلَآ أَوۡلَـٰدُڪُمۡ عَن ذِڪۡرِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ وَمَن يَفۡعَلۡ ذَٲلِكَ فَأُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ هُمُ ٱلۡخَـٰسِرُونَ – O you who believe! Let not your properties or your children divert you from the remembrance of Allah. And whosoever does that, then they are the losers]. [Surah Al-Munaafiqoon. Aayah 9]

This is because [the Aayah] contains a warning against the Fitna of the hypocrites, who are heedless of Allaah’s remembrance and thus fall into hypocrisy. Little remembrance of Allaah is one of the signs of hypocrisy, therefore profuse remembrance of Allaah is a safeguard against hypocrisy.

From the benefits of Dhikr is that it is a healing for the hearts and a remedy for its diseases. Mak’hool Bin Abdillaah [rahimahullaah] said, “Mentioning Allaah [i.e. Dhikr] is a remedy [i.e. it purifies the heart] and mentioning the people [i.e. by way of impermissible speech] is a disease.’’ Also Dhikr removes hardness of the heart, for there is a hardness in the heart that cannot go away except by way of Dhikr. A man came to Hasan Al-Basri [rahimahullaah] and said, “O Abaa Sa’eed! I complain to you about the hardness of my heart”, he said, “Expel it through remembrance of Allaah.”

From the benefits of Dhikr is that Allaah will be a close ally of the one who remembers Him. Allaah will love, support and grant him Tawfeeq [i.e. guide him and enable him to act upon that guidance], just as Allaah said:[ [إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ مَعَ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّقَواْ وَّٱلَّذِينَ هُم مُّحۡسِنُونَ  – Truly, Allah is with those who fear Him (i.e. He grants them aid and assistance (ref1), and those who are Muhsinoon (good-doers)]. [Surah An-Nahl. Aayah 128]

Allaah said: [وَٱللَّهُ مَعَ ٱلصَّـٰبِرِينَ   – And Allah is with the patient ones (i.e. He grants them aid and assistance (Ref2)] [Surah Al-Baqarah. Aayah 249]

Allaah said: [وَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَمَعَ ٱلۡمُحۡسِنِينَ – And verily, Allah is with the good doers (i.e. He grants them aid and assistance (Ref 3)]. [Surah Al-Ankabut. Aayah 69]

The one who remembers Allaah has a great share of this, just as it has been reported in a Hadeeth Qudsee: “Allaah says: ‘I am with My slave  when he remembers Me and his lips move whilst mentioning Me. [i.e. I grant him aid, assistance, help and Tawfeeq [guide him and grant him the ability to act upon that guidance(Ref 4)] ’’ [Ibn Maajah 3792]

From the benefits of Dhikr is that it brings about blessings [or bounties] and repels vengeance. There’s nothing that earns a person blessing and repels vengeance [from him] in a manner [more effective] than remembrance of Allaah. Allaah said: [إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُدَٲفِعُ عَنِ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ‌ۗ   – Truly, Allah defends those who believe]. [Surah Hajj. Aayah 38]

Allaah’s defence for a person is based on the strength of the person’s Eemaan and its perfection, and the essence of Eemaan and its strength is remembrance of Allaah. So whoever’s Eemaan is more perfect and his remembrance is more [than that of others], then his share will be greater [i.e. he’ll receive more protection from Allaah]. [Source: Fiqhul Ad-iyah Wal Ad-kaar. Pages 22-24. Sections 1 & 2. Slightly paraphrased]

Refs 1, 2 & 3: Zaadul Maseer Fee Ilmit Tafseer; Ref 4: Shurooh Sunan Ibn Maajah [As-Suyootee, Al-Hindee, Ad-Dehlawiy…Page1376. Kitab Al-Adab]

Some of The Tremendous Benefits of Dhikr

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

The importance of Dhikr [remembrance of Allaah] and it’s tremendous benefit is not hidden from any Muslim, because it is one of the loftiest goals and most beneficial deed [through which one becomes mindful of Allaah, obedient to Allaah, keeps away from prohibitions, earns Allaah’s love, help, protection etc]. Indeed, in many places – in the noble the Qur’aan – Allaah commanded [us to remember Him], urged [us to do so], praised the people who remember Him and commended them with the most excellent and the finest commendation. Allaah [The Exalted] said:

[ يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ ذِكْرًا كَثِيرًا – O you who believe! Remember Allah with much remembrance]. [Surah Al-Ahzaab. Aayah 41]

Allaah [The Exalted] said: [فَإِذَا قَضَيْتُم مَّنَاسِكَكُمْ فَاذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ كَذِكْرِكُمْ آبَاءَكُمْ أَوْ أَشَدَّ ذِكْرًا – So when you have accomplished your Manasik [(i.e. Ihram, Tawaf of the Ka’bah and As-Safa and Al-Marwah), stay at ‘Arafat, Muzdalifah and Mina, Ramy of Jamarat, (stoning of the specified pillars in Mina) slaughtering of Hady (animal, etc.)]. Remember Allah as you remember your forefathers or with a far more remembrance. [Surah Al-Baqarah. Aayah 200]

Allaah [The Exalted] said: [الَّذِينَ يَذْكُرُونَ اللَّهَ قِيَامًا وَقُعُودًا وَعَلَىٰ جُنُوبِهِمْ – Those who remember Allah (always, and in prayers) standing, sitting, and lying down on their sides. [Surah Aal Imraan. Aayah 191]

Allaah [The Exalted] said: [وَالذَّاكِرِينَ اللَّهَ كَثِيرًا وَالذَّاكِرَاتِ أَعَدَّ اللَّهُ لَهُم مَّغْفِرَةً وَأَجْرًا عَظِيمًا – And the men and the women who remember Allah much with their hearts and tongues (while sitting, standing, lying, etc. for more than 300 times extra over the remembrance of Allah during the five compulsory congregational prayers) or praying extra additional Nawafil prayers of night in the last part of night, etc.) Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward (i.e. Paradise)]. [Surah Al-Ahzaab. Aayah 35]

In these Aayaat, Allaah commanded us to remember Him a lot due to the fact that a person is greatly in need of it -greatly in need of Allaah and cannot do without Him in the twinkling of an eye. Every moment in which a person is devoid of remembrance of Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic], it will be against him and not for [his benefit]. The loss [incurred as a result of the absence of Dhikr] is much greater than what he earns whilst being heedless of Allaah, and he will greatly regret that when he meets Allaah on the Day of Judgement. Aa’isha [radiyallaahu-anhaa] said that the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said, “There is not an hour that elapses in which the son of Aadam did not remember Allaah [The Exalted], except that it will be a source of regret for him on the day of judgement.’’ [Ref 1]

The [authentic] Sunnah is filled with narrations that shows the virtue of Dhikr, its high status, lofty station and its numerous good outcomes and benefits for those men and women who remember Allaah a lot. Abu Ad-Dardaa [radiyallaahu-anhu] said that Allaah’s Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said, “Shall I not inform you of the best of your deeds, the purest in the sight of your Owner [i.e. Allaah] – that which raises you to your highest status, better for you than spending gold and silver, better than meeting your enemy so that you strike at their necks and they strike at yours?’’ [Ref a] They replied: ‘’Certainly O Messenger of Allaah! He said, “Remembrance of Allaah.” [Ref 2]

Abu Hurairah [radiyallaahu-anhu] said that the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said, “The Mufarridoon have preceded [others]”, so they [i.e. the people] said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah! Who are the Mufarridoon? He said, ‘Those men and women who remember Allaah a lot.’’’ [Ref 3]

Abu Moosaa Al-Ash’ari [radiyallaahu anhu] said that the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said, “The likeness of the one who remembers Allaah compared to the one who does not remember Allaah, is like the one who is alive compared to the one who is dead.” [Ref 4]

The Ahaadeeth related to this subject matter are numerous, and perhaps it is appropriate at this point that I specifically mention that which the people of knowledge [i.e. the upright scholars] have stated regarding the benefits of Dhikr, which those who remember Allaah will obtain in this worldly life and on the day of judgement. The best amongst those who spoke about this subject matter was Al-Allaamah Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] in his book titled ‘Al-Waabilus Sayyib.’ I will therefore mention to you one benefit stated by Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] from the benefits of Dhikr; he said, “From benefits of Dhikr is that it repels shaytaan, restrains and crushes him. Allaah [The Exalted] said: [وَمَن يَعْشُ عَن ذِكْرِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ نُقَيِّضْ لَهُ شَيْطَانًا فَهُوَ لَهُ قَرِينٌ – And whosoever turns away (blinds himself) from the remembrance of the Most Beneficent (Allah) (i.e. this Qur’an and worship of Allah), We appoint for him Shaitan (Satan – devil) to be a Qarin (an intimate companion) to him]. [Surah Az-Zukhruf. Aayah 36]

Allaah [The Exalted] said: [إِنَّ الَّذِينَ اتَّقَوْا إِذَا مَسَّهُمْ طَائِفٌ مِّنَ الشَّيْطَانِ تَذَكَّرُوا فَإِذَا هُم مُّبْصِرُونَ -Verily, those who are Al-Muttaqun (the pious – see V.2:2), when an evil thought comes to them from Shaitan (Satan), they remember (Allah), and (indeed) they then see (aright)]. [Surah Al-A’raaf. Aayah 201]

Al-Haarith Al-Ash’ari [radiyallaahu anhu] said that the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said: ‘’Allaah commanded Yahya bin Zakariyyah to implement five commands and to command the Children of Israel to implement them, but Yahya was slow in carrying out these commands. Eesaa said to Yahya, ‘You were commanded to implement five commands and to command the Children of Israel to implement them. So, either command, or I will do it.’ Yahya said, ‘My brother! I fear that if you do it before me, I will be punished or the earth will be shaken under my feet.’ So, Yahya bin Zakariyyah called the Children of Israel to Bayt Al-Maqdis (Jerusalem), until they filled the Masjid. He sat o­n the balcony and said, ‘Allaah commanded me to implement five commandments and that I should command you to adhere to them….’ then Yahyah commanded them implement Tawheed, perform Salaah, observe Siyaam and give Sadaqah; then he mentioned the fifth affair and said, ‘I command you to remember Allaah, for indeed the example of this deed is that of a man who the enemy is tirelessly pursuing and thus he takes refuge in a fortified fortress. Likewise, the servant cannot fortify himself against shaytaan except through remembrance of Allaah….to the end of the hadeeth’’’ [Ref 5]

Al-Allaamah Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] stated that this hadeeth contains a great affair and that it is befitting for every Muslim to memorise, understand [and act upon it]. [Ref 6]

This hadeeth gathers great virtues related to Dhikr – that Dhikr repels shaytaan and safeguards a person against him, and that it is like a fortified fortress and a robust shield, which is the only means a person can [utilise to] protect himself from this fierce enemy. There is no doubt that this is a tremendous virtue of Dhikr, and because of this Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] said, ‘’If there was no other virtue related to Dhikr except this quality, then it would be true [or justified to say that] a person should not isolate his tongue from the remembrance of Allaah [The Exalted] and should never stop seeking refuge with Allaah through remembrance of Him; for indeed he cannot protect himself from his enemy [shaytaan] except through Dhikr. His enemy does not interfere [or approach him] except when he is in a state of heedlessness, so the enemy keeps an eye on him and when he is heedless, he pounces and preys on him. But when he remembers Allaah [The Exalted], his enemy withdraws, becomes small and is restrained until he appears like a wren and a fly. And due to this he is called Al-Waswaasul Khannaas – meaning: The one who whispers in the hearts, but when a person remembers Allaah [The Exalted], he withdraws-meaning: He stops and refrains. Ibn Abbaas [radiyallaahu-anhumaa] said, ‘Shaytaan lie in wait near the son of Aadam’s heart, so when the son of Aadam forgets and becomes heedless, he whispers; but if the son of Aadam remembers Allaah, he withdraws.’’’ [Ref 7]

We ask Alaah [The Exalted] to protect us the evil of shaytaan and his [enticement towards] polytheism, his madness, arrogance and poetry.

[Ref 1: Shu’ab Al-Eemaan’ Number 508. Al-Hilya 5/362. Hadeeth was graded ‘Hasan’ By Imaam Albaani (rahimahullaah) in Saheeh Al-Jaami. Number 5720]; [Ref a: https://www.abukhadeejah.com/salafi-shaikh-fawzaan-on-jihaad-in-our-times-and-the-guidelines-of-jihaad-according-to-islam/ ]; [Ref2: Saheeh Al-Jaami 2676]; [Ref 3: Saheeh Muslim. Number 2676]; [Ref 4: Saheeh Al-Bukhaari. Number 6407]; [Ref 5: Musnad Imaam Ahmad 4/202; Sunan Tirmidhee. Number 2863. Hadeeth was graded Saheeh by Shaikh Albaani in Saheeh Al-Jaami. Number 1724]; [Ref 6: Al-Waabilus Sayyib. Page 31]; [Ref 7: Al-Waabilus Sayyib. Page 72]

Contemplation: How Did Ustaadh Abu Hakeem As-Salafi [Bilaal Davis (hafidhahullaah)] Accept Islaam?!

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Pearls of Wisdom.

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

Some children asked us – just few minutes ago- to help them with their homework on the topic: “How People Converted to Islaam In The Past and In Our Era”. The first two people who came to our mind were Ustaadh Abu Talhah [rahimahullaah] and Ustaadh Abu Hakeem [hafidhahullaah]. We searched and found this article for the children, but also thought that it can be a reminder for all of us. May Allaah keep us all upon Salafiyyah Aameen.

Question one: When did you become Muslim? Answer: I entered Islam in the summer of 1991.

Question two: How did your family react to it?

I was born into a Jamaican family, and it is well known that most Jamaicans are quite staunch Christians. Though my parents were not strong practising Christians our family was raised on Christian ethics. My father was of a seventh day Adventist background and they are known to be a Puritan Christian denomination. Since I was heavily involved in gang culture anything that could take me away from that was welcomed by my family. I think though, that they initially thought it was a phase I was going through and I would leave gun culture due to it and then probably eventually leave it.

Question three: Has anyone in your family become Muslim since your reversion? If yes then how did you feel?

Yes. My father embraced Islam while I was still a student in the Islamic University of Medina. He suffered from diabetes and became very ill and was admitted into hospital while I was in the second year of my study in the faculty of Hadeeth. I was given leave to return to England so I returned with the mission of giving my father da’wah. I knew that my father was receptive to the da’wah before I even went away to study. That was because when I used to speak to the family about Islam he would be in the room and would silently listen. What I know of him is that if you would disapprove of something then he would let his disapproval be known. Also due to his seventh day Adventist background, I knew that he would be more appreciative of the pure monotheistic message of Islam and the Qur’an. So I returned and began to give him da’wah and call him to Islam, it didn’t take long for him to accept the message though he found difficulty speaking. And so he embraced two weeks before he passed away Al hamdullillah and may Allaah have mercy upon him. When I informed Shaikh Ubaid of the good news he was extremely happy and named him Ahmad. Though it greatly affected that year of study in the faculty (as I had to stay in England much longer than the time that was given to me) this is a drop in the ocean compared to the great good that was achieved because of it. I also have three brothers and two sisters who are all older than me. My brothers have said that after them hearing the da’wah, if they were ever to become religious than they would embrace Islam so I make du’a that Allaah guides them all.

Question four: What made you want to leave the life you once led?

Since the age of 12, I was involved with the largest most notorious gang in Birmingham at the time known as the inch-I crew. Inch-I (who went on to become the now well-known Johnson Crew) controlled the North West corridor of Birmingham, but its members were feared citywide. After years of gang affiliation I was eventually imprisoned due to gang related offenses. Looking back I consider this to be the beginnings of my step towards being guided. Although I didn’t get da’wah in prison, I did get long periods of reflection. I also did a lot of reading and studying in general and thus my frame of mind was altered. After release I decided to look for a close companion of mine who I was imprisoned with, who was also Inch-I and who was one of the few inmates in that prison, who like me, came from Birmingham. Rumour had it that he had gone mad after his release so I took it upon myself to try and find him. When I eventually came across him, I found him wearing a Pakistani salwar khamees and a koofi and then realised why people were saying that he had gone mad. Knowing that he wasn’t un-intelligent, I decided that I would look into exactly what had come over him. I invited him to my home and he brought a number of books with him among them a Qur’an. He began to speak about the ‘truths’ that he had discovered, the errors in the Bible, various prophecies, the call of the prophets and the realities of death. He clarified biblical misconceptions that I had always queried, and established concepts that I had always thought to be correct. Then he left the Qur’an with me and other books which I began to read. From the first things that I did was that I stopped drinking intoxicants. With a clearer head I was able to fully grasp the concepts that were present in Qur’an. I was struck by how powerful the book was, its message and wording, and I used to wash before reading it which increased the feeling of awe that I had for it. It was not long until I began to debate with people as though I was Muslim but I had not yet embraced Islam.

Source: An Excerpt from As-Sunnah Newsletter 2010. salafitalk.net

Hadeeth: [Allaah Freed Prophet Moosaa (alayhis alaam) From The False Accusations of The People]- With short Commentary By Shaikh Zaid Bin Haadi [rahimahullaah]

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul.

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

[The Prophet] Moosaa [Moses] was a very shy man and used to cover his body completely. No part of his skin was seen due to shyness. So, he was hurt by those amongst the children of Israel who said, “He covers his body in this way only because of some defect in his skin- either leprosy or scrotal hernia, or he has some other defect”. Allaah wished to free Moosaa [alayhis salaam] from that which they said about him; so one day whilst he was in seclusion, he took off his clothes and put them on a stone and started taking a bath. When he finished the bath, he moved towards his clothes to take them, but the stone fled with his clothes. Moosaa [alayhis salaam] picked up his stick and ran after the stone saying, ‘O stone! My clothes’ until he reached a group of the children of Israel who saw him without [clothes], and found him the best of that which Allaah had created, and Allaah freed him from what they had accused him of. They said, “By Allaah! Nothing is wrong with Moosaa”. The stone stopped there, so Moosaa [alayhi salaam] took his and put on them, and thereafter started hitting the stone with his stick. By Allaah, the stone still has some traces of the hitting- three, four or five marks. This was what Allah referred to in His statement:

[ يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا تَكُونُواْ كَٱلَّذِينَ ءَاذَوۡاْ مُوسَىٰ فَبَرَّأَهُ ٱللَّهُ مِمَّا قَالُواْۚ وَكَانَ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ وَجِيہً۬ا- O you who believe! Be not like those who annoyed Musa (Moses), but Allah cleared him of that which they alleged, and he was honourable in the sight of Allaah].[Surah Al-Ahzaab. Aayah 69]

This hadeeth [contains] one of the most amazing stories – a story through which Allaah raised the status of Moosaa [alayhis salaam]. In this hadeeth, there is a clarification regarding the fact that the Messengers and the Prophets were put to trial at the hands of the evil ones in  their nations; so they exercised patience whilst facing harm, received abundant reward from Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] and carried on propagating Allaah’s message. Indeed, the Messenger [Sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] informed us that Moosaa [alayhis salaam] was harmed by Bani Israa’eel but he exercised patience. In this hadeeth, there is proof to show that the miracles of the Messengers and Prophets are affirmed. And with regards to this particular miracle, the stone- an inanimate object – moved and fled with the thobe; then Moosaa [alayhis salaam] was finally able to catch up with it. He hit it several times and left a mark on it. This is the great miracle that has been mentioned in this hadeeth. [At-taleeqaat Al-Maleehah Alaa Silsilah Al-Ahaadeeth As-Saheehah. Vol 1. page 135. Slightly paraphrased]

Hadeeth: Neglects Hungry Neighbour Whilst His Stomach Is Full-[With Short Commentary By Shaikh Zaid Bin Haadi]

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

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

The Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said: He is not a (true) believer whose stomach is full while his neighbour is hungry”. [Ref 1]

This Hadeeth [clearly shows] that the one whose stomach is full while his neighbour is hungry is not a believer of complete Eemaan. A person of complete Eemaan is the one who checks on his neighbour if the neighbour is in need of him. It is not possible for a neighbour to be enjoying himself with foods and drinks while his [other] neighbour cannot find anything and he does not give him anything. This [behaviour] does not reflect the manners of a believer with complete Eemaan. And because of this-in this hadeeth- the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] negated the completeness [of the Eemaan of the one who behaves in such a manner]; rather a believer of complete Eemaan is the one who is generous to his neighbour as much as he is able, especially when in need of a necessity such as food and drink. [Ref 2]

[Ref1: Reported by Imaam Al-Bukhaari (rahimahullaah) in Adabul Mufrad Number 112 & declared authentic by Imaam Albaani (rahimahullaah) in his checking of Adabul Mufrad page 50. Publisher Daar As-Siddeeq 2nd ed [1421 AH/ Year 2000]; [Ref 2: An Excerpt from Awnul Ahadis Samad Sharhul Adabul Mufrad’ page137, Vol 1- by Shaikh Zayd Bin Haadi Al-Madkhali (rahimahullaah). Slightly paraphrased]

Some of The Fruits of Ikhlaas And Tawheed In This Dunyaa and Aakhirah

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] said:

Ikhlaas and Tawheed are a tree in the heart; its branches are the [good] deeds and its fruits is the good life in this world and everlasting bliss in the afterlife. And just as the fruits of Jannah are neither cut off [by change of season] nor are they out of reach, likewise this is the case with the fruits of Tawheed and Ikhlaas. Shirk, lies and Riyaa are a tree in the heart; its fruits – in the worldly life- are fear and anxiety, grief and distress in the soul and oppression against the heart. Its fruits in the afterlife are the tree of Zaqqoom and an everlasting punishment. And Allaah has  mentioned these two trees in Surah Ibraaheem:

 أَلَمۡ تَرَ كَيۡفَ ضَرَبَ ٱللَّهُ مَثَلاً۬ كَلِمَةً۬ طَيِّبَةً۬ كَشَجَرَةٍ۬ طَيِّبَةٍ أَصۡلُهَا ثَابِتٌ۬ وَفَرۡعُهَا فِى ٱلسَّمَآءِ

تُؤۡتِىٓ أُڪُلَهَا كُلَّ حِينِۭ بِإِذۡنِ رَبِّهَا‌ۗ وَيَضۡرِبُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡأَمۡثَالَ لِلنَّاسِ لَعَلَّهُمۡ يَتَذَڪَّرُونَ

وَمَثَلُ كَلِمَةٍ خَبِيثَةٍ۬ كَشَجَرَةٍ خَبِيثَةٍ ٱجۡتُثَّتۡ مِن فَوۡقِ ٱلۡأَرۡضِ مَا لَهَا مِن قَرَارٍ۬

See you not how Allaah sets forth a parable? A goodly word as a goodly tree, whose root is firmly fixed, and its branches (reach) to the sky (i.e. very high). Giving its fruits at all times, by the Leave of its Lord, and Allaah sets forth parables for mankind in order that they may remember. And the parable of an evil word is that of an evil tree uprooted from the surface of earth, having no stability. [Surah Ibraaheem. Aayaat 24-26]

[Source: Al-Fawaa’id. Pages 239-240]

 

Why Did Abdullah Bin Salaam [radiyallaahu-anhu] Carry Firewood In The Market Place, Even Though He Was Wealthy?!

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

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

Abdullaah Bin Salaam [radiyallaahu-anhu] walked in the marketplace whilst carrying a bundle of firewood; so it was said to him, “Has Allaah not given you enough wealth [to prevent you from] this? He said, ‘Certainly; but I want to repel pride. I heard Allaah’s Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] saying, ‘The one with the weight of a grain of mustard seed of pride will not enter paradise”.

This hadeeth is clear proof regarding the fact that pride is forbidden and that is one of the major sins. And because of this, a person is forbidden to characterise himself with pride-mocking at the people and rejecting the truth. Indeed, the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] described pride in his statement, [saying]: “Pride is to reject the truth and belittle the people”- meaning: rejects the truth and does not accept it; mocks at the people and does not consider them to be nothing by looking down on them and raising himself above them- either due to his abundant wealth, high [social] status, lineage or due to other reasons.

In this hadeeth, there is proof to show that a Muslim servant of Allaah- the sensible and smart one – guards himself, places himself in a situation that is pleasing to Allaah and disciplines himself with the Islamic manners. And when it is the case that the soul is weak and can be misguided, therefore Abdullah Bin Salaam [radiyallaahu-anhu] desired to discipline his soul by carrying a bundle of firewood on his back or his head, even though he was able to hire someone else to carry it on his behalf; but he desired something that was very important and that was to repel pride from his soul, and place himself in a situation of humility, which Allaah loves to see from His slaves. [An Excerpt from At-taleeqaat Al-Maleehah Alaa Silsilah Al-Ahaadeeth As-Saheehah. Vol 1. Page 269. Slightly paraphrased]