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Tag: purification of the soul

An Affair That Should Make Us Shy In The Presence of Allaah When The Nafs Inclines Towards Sin

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

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

Allaah [The Most High] said:

وَلَقَدۡ خَلَقۡنَا ٱلۡإِنسَـٰنَ وَنَعۡلَمُ مَا تُوَسۡوِسُ بِهِۦ نَفۡسُهُ ۥ‌ۖ وَنَحۡنُ أَقۡرَبُ إِلَيۡهِ مِنۡ حَبۡلِ ٱلۡوَرِيدِ

إِذۡ يَتَلَقَّى ٱلۡمُتَلَقِّيَانِ عَنِ ٱلۡيَمِينِ وَعَنِ ٱلشِّمَالِ قَعِيدٌ۬

مَّا يَلۡفِظُ مِن قَوۡلٍ إِلَّا لَدَيۡهِ رَقِيبٌ عَتِيدٌ۬

And indeed We have created man, and We know what his ownself whispers to him. And We are nearer to him than his jugular vein (by Our Knowledge). (Remember!) that the two receivers (recording angels) receive (each human being after he or she has attained the age of puberty), one sitting on the right and one on the left (to note his or her actions). Not a word does he (or she) utter, but there is a watcher by him ready (to record it). [50:16-18]

Few Reminders from the above Aayaat:

Allaah [The Most High] informed us that He alone created human beings-males and females- and He knows all their state of affairs. He knows everything that is hidden about them and what their own souls whisper to them. Allaah [The Most High] is nearer to them than their jugular veins by His knowledge, even though the jugular vein is the closest thing to the human. Therefore, this should make the human being mindful of Allaah -the One Who knows all the hidden affairs in the soul and heart of the human being in all circumstances. This should also make the human being shy in the presence of Allaah -that he [or she] is not seen committing what Allaah has forbidden or abandoning what Allaah has commanded. [An Excerpt from ‘Tayseer Al-kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan’. Slightly paraphrased]

None Can Stop Allaah’s Favours and Blessings from Reaching Others!

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

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

Allaah [The Most High] said:

مَّا يَفۡتَحِ ٱللَّهُ لِلنَّاسِ مِن رَّحۡمَةٍ۬ فَلَا مُمۡسِكَ لَهَاۖ وَمَا يُمۡسِكۡ فَلَا مُرۡسِلَ لَهُ ۥ مِنۢ بَعۡدِهِۚۦ وَهُوَ ٱلۡعَزِيزُ ٱلۡحَكِيمُ

Whatever of mercy Allaah may grant to mankind, none can withhold it, and whatever He may withhold, none can grant it thereafter. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise. [Soorah Al-Faatir’ Ayah 2]

[مَّا يَفۡتَحِ ٱللَّهُ لِلنَّاسِ مِن رَّحۡمَةٍ۬ – Whatever of mercy Allaah may grant to mankind]- Meaning: the good things of this worldly life and provision; [فَلَا مُمۡسِكَ لَهَاۖ- none can withhold it]. This Aayah notifies us of the fact that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah, because there is neither anyone who can withhold what Allaah wants to grant [mankind] nor is there anyone who can grant what Allaah wants to withhold from [mankind].

[An Excerpt from ‘Zaadul Maseer Fee Ilmit Tafseer’ by Imaam Ibnul Jawzi (rahimahullaah). slightly paraphrased]

The Greatest Criterion Amongst Mankind And Jinn

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.

Sufyaan Ibn Uyaynah [rahimahullaah] used to say: Indeed, the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] 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.

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

The Noblest Subject Matter In The Qur’aan [By Imaam As- Sa’di (rahimahullaah)]

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.

The knowledge of Sound Creed

This is the noblest of all affairs of knowledge without exception; the most virtuous and perfect. By way of it, hearts firmly cling to  sound creed, [noble] manners are purified and made to flourish, and deeds are perfected. The subject matter is based on the following:

To study that which is obligatory to affirm for Allaah regarding His perfect Attributes and Lofty Characteristics, and that which makes it impossible for Him to be described with deficient and blameworthy attributes, or likening Him to others.

Study that which establishes the fact that Allaah [alone] originated all creation and that He does whatever He wills-whatever He wishes will take place and whatever He does not wish cannot take place.

Likewise, study what is obligatory regarding belief in the Messengers- their qualities and the rights due to them, and that which is forbidden with regards to violation of such rights.

Belief in the Books revealed to the Messengers and in that which Allaah has stated about Himself, and that which His Messengers stated regarding the events of the past and the future.

Belief in the last day, recompense, reward and punishment, the paradise and hell fire, and that which has been stated [in the Qur’aan and authentic Sunnah] related to these affairs.

These are the general affairs of this lofty affair of knowledge. Indeed the Qur’aan has explained these affairs with a profound explanation and clarified it in a manner that is not equal to [its explanation and clarification in] the other revealed books.

[An Excerpt from ‘Fat-hul Raheem Al-Malikil Allaam Fee Ilmil Aqaa-id Wat-Tawheed Wal-Akhlaaq Wal-Ahkaam’. Page: 7. slightly paraphrased]

All Affairs Are In The Control of Allaah – [An Admonition From The Battle of Uhud]

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.

Allaah (The Most High) said:

لَيۡسَ لَكَ مِنَ ٱلۡأَمۡرِ شَىۡءٌ أَوۡ يَتُوبَ عَلَيۡہِمۡ أَوۡ يُعَذِّبَهُمۡ فَإِنَّهُمۡ ظَـٰلِمُونَ

”Not for you (O Muhammad), but for Allah) is the decision; whether He turns in mercy to (pardons) them or punishes them; verily, they are the Zalimun (polytheists, disobedients, and wrong-doers, etc.) [3:128]

Narrated Sahl (radiyallaahu-anhu) that he was asked about the wound of the Prophet on the day (of the battle) of Uhud. He said, “The face of the Prophet was wounded and one of his front teeth was broken and the helmet over his head was smashed. Fatima washed off the blood while all held water. When she saw that bleeding was increasing, she burnt a mat (of date-palm leaves) till it turned into ashes and she filled the wound with those ashes and thus the bleeding ceased”. [Saahih Bukhaari. Vol 4. Number: 2911]

It is reported in the Saheeh that one of the Prophet’s teeth was broken and his head was injured (during the battle of Uhud), so he began to wipe the blood away from it, saying: How can a people be successful who cut the face of their Prophet and break his teeth, whilst supplicating to Allaah. So Allaah (The Mighty and Majestic) revealed the Ayah:

[لَيۡسَ لَكَ مِنَ ٱلۡأَمۡرِ شَىۡءٌ-Not for you (O Muhammad), but for Allah) is the decision] [Source: Zaad Al-Ma-aad 3/205-206]

The Heart Does Get Sick Just As The Body Gets Sick!

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

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

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] said:

The heart does get sick just as the body gets sick and its cure is found in repentance and bring keen [to obey Allaah and the Messenger etc]. The heart does become rusty just as a mirror becomes rusty, and remembrance of Allaah polishes it. The heart does become unadorned just as the body, and fear of Allaah beautifies it. The heart does suffer from discomfort just as the body suffers from discomfort due to hunger, and its food and drink are knowledge and awareness of Allaah, love of Allaah, reliance upon Allaah, turning sincerely to Allaah in repentance and obedience with Tawheed, and carrying out acts of obedience to Allaah. [An Excerpt from ‘Al-Fawaa’id 143’]

The Effect of Admonition On Our Hearts and Actions

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

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

Imaam Ibnul Jawzee (rahimahullaah) said:

Indeed the listener is awaken at the time of hearing admonitions, but when he leaves a gathering (in which) Allaah was remembered he returns to a (state) of impenitence and heedlessness. So, I pondered and came to know of its causes and saw that the people were in different (circumstances) in that regard. The general state of affairs is that the heart does not remain upon a distinct state of wakefulness after one hears an admonition, and this is due to two reasons:

Firstly: An admonition is like a whip and a whip does not cause harm after its use ceases.  Its pain is (felt) at the time it is used.

Secondly: Whilst listening to Admonitions, a person may be turned away from [worldly distractions]- his body and thoughts are isolated from the influences of the worldly life and he pays attention with his heart; however when he returns to the [worldly] preoccupations, he is captivated by its hassles.

There are those who are firm and do not go back and forth: They carry on in a state of [wakefulness and righteous action] without turning away.

There are those whose natural inclinations make them incline towards heedlessness at times, but at other times they are called back through admonitions to perform [righteous] actions.  They are similar to a grain of (corn) that is blown back and forth by the breeze.

And there are those who are not affected by [admonitions] except in accordance with the degree of what they heard- similar to water rolling on a smooth rock.  [Source: An Excerpt from ‘Saydul Khaatir’ page: 14. slightly paraphrased]

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

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

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

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

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

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

Deeds Most Beloved to Allaah – [By Shaikh Zayd Bin Haadi (rahimahullaah)]

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

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

Chapter: And We have enjoined on man to be dutiful and kind to his parents

Abu Amr Ash-Shaybani said: “The owner of this house-and he pointed at the house of ‘Abdullah-said: “I asked the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam]: ‘’Which deed is most beloved to Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic]?; He said: ‘Prayer at its prescribed time. I said: Then what? He said: kindness to parents. I said: Then what?’ He said: Jihad in the path of Allaah.  He [Abdullaah] said: He told me about these things and had I asked him to tell me more, he would have told me more.

Al-Allaamah Zayd Bin Haadi Al-Madkhali [rahimahullaah] stated: The intent behind ‘Abdullaah’ is Abdullaah Ibn Mas’ood [radiyallaahu-anhu]. These three deeds [mentioned] in this hadeeth are from the deeds of piety and whoever fulfils them whilst being from the people of Tawheed and sound creed, then indeed he has acquired good in its entirety.

The first deed: Prayer at its fixed time: Indeed, there is no doubt that prayer at its prescribed time is from the most virtuous of deeds.  And the intent behind prayer is ‘the correct prayer’ whose pillars, conditions and obligations are fulfilled in accordance with the manner of the Prophet’s [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] prayer. He [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said: ‘’Pray as you have seen me pray.’’  It is from the most virtuous deeds as it has been reported in another hadeeth: ‘’The most beloved deed to Allaah is prayer [performed] at its prescribed time.’’ And in another narration: ‘’At its earliest time.’’

The second deed: Kindness to parents: Kindness to parents is from the commands and obligations. It is obligated on a person to fulfil [it] – be  he male or female-based on one’s ability. One should fulfil the orders given by parents in what is good, obey them and refrain from disobeying them, which will lead to behaving badly towards them.  Allaah [The Most High] said:

وَاعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ وَلَا تُشْرِكُوا بِهِ شَيْئًا ۖ وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا

‘’Worship Allah and join none with Him in worship.’’ [Soorah An-Nisaa: Ayah 36]

And Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] said:

وَوَصَّيْنَا الْإِنْسَانَ بِوَالِدَيْهِ إِحْسَانًا ۖ حَمَلَتْهُ أُمُّهُ كُرْهًا وَوَضَعَتْهُ كُرْهًا

‘’And We have enjoined on man to be dutiful and kind to his parents. His mother bears him with hardship and she brings him forth with hardship’’ [Soorah Al-Ahqaaf: Ayah 15]

And Allaah [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections] said:

وَوَصَّيْنَا الْإِنْسَانَ بِوَالِدَيْهِ حَمَلَتْهُ أُمُّهُ وَهْنًا عَلَىٰ وَهْنٍ

‘’And We have enjoined on man (to be dutiful and good) to his parents. His mother bore him in weakness and hardship upon weakness and hardship.’’ [Soorah Luqmaan: Ayah 14]

The Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] commanded [us] to treat parents with kindness and he greatly [emphasised] the affair. He gave precedence to fulfilment of parents’ rights over fighting Jihaad in the battle field. Indeed, it has been established [in a hadeeth] that a man came to the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] and said to him: ‘’I want to fight alongside you?’’  He [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said: ‘Are your two parents alive?’ He said: ‘yes’. He [salla-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said: ‘Then exert yourself in their service”. [Bukhaari: Number: 3004]

So the prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] gave precedence to obedience and kind treatment to parents over fighting jihaad in the path of Allaah due to the greatness of the affair and the obligation of fulfilling it in the best way- in the most perfect manner through actions and statements- in seeking Allaah’s Pleasure.

The Third deed: Jihaad in the path of Allaah [Ref 1]: Jihaad [striving] begins with one’s soul in order to fulfil the commandments of Allaah and keep away from the things He has forbidden; seeking understanding of Allaah’s Religion, acting upon it and calling to it. Then Jihaad in the battle field when the call is made for it under the banner of the Muslim ruler-fighting to make the word of Allaah [i.e. none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah] the uppermost, and repelling oppression and transgression from the male and female Muslims. [ An Excerpt from عَوْنُ الْأحَدِ الصَّمَدِ شَرْحُ الْأَدَبُ الْمُفْرَدِ pages 1/8 9. slightly paraphrased] [Your feedback is welcome to improve the content of this article. BaarakAllaahu Feekum]

Ref1: http://www.abukhadeejah.com/salafi-shaikh-fawzaan-on-jihaad-in-our-times-and-the-guidelines-of-jihaad-according-to-islam/

 

The Importance of Giving Utmost Importance to The Heart – [A Brief Admonition By Imaam Ibn Rajab (rahimahullaah)]

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

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

Imaam Ibn Rajab [rahimahullaah] said: When it is the case that the original (place) of Taqwah is in the heart, then none can determine its reality except Allaah (The Mighty and Majestic), as he (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said: ‘’Indeed Allaah neither looks at your images nor your wealth, but He looks at your hearts and your actions.’’ And in another narration, [he (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam)] said: Indeed, Allaah neither looks at your bodies nor your images’’ [1]

Indeed, there may be many a person with a good-looking image, or wealth, or prestige, or leadership in the worldly life, whilst his heart is deprived of Taqwah. And it may be that there is one with nothing (of the worldly life) but his heart is filled with Taqwah, so he becomes nobler in the Sight of Allaah (The Mighty and Majestic); rather this is mostly what happens. [2]

[1] Reported by Imam Muslim (rahimahullaah) on the authority of Abu Hurairah (radiyallaahu-anhu. Number: 2564.

[2]Source: Jaami-ul Uloom Wal-Hikam of Imaam Ibn Rajab. Hadeeth Number 35]