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Tag: purification of the soul

The Usefulness of Pious, Humble and Sensible People In The Sittings And Gatherings

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

Imaam As-Sadi [rahimahullaah] said:

When you sit with the people, make humility the sign by which you are recognized, fear of Allaah should be your shield and giving advice to the servants of Allaah as your constant habit. Be eager to (make) every gathering in which you sit one of goodness- either research into affairs of knowledge or advice on religious matters; either directing (others) towards a general or a particular beneficial affair, or making a mention of the blessings of Allaah; either making a mention of the superior status of praiseworthy manners and good etiquettes or warning against that which is detrimental to the well-being of one’s religious or worldly (affairs). The least of this [i.e. your companionship and advice to those you sit with] is that the earnings from their occupations should be by way of permissible (means) and not what is forbidden.

Behave well towards the young, the old and your peers. Deal toward everyone in a way they deserve and have respect for the one who deserves to be respected and honoured. Be eager to make your congregation relaxed by way of speech that is appropriate and good, even if that was in relation to the worldly (affairs).

The sensible and determined person achieves abundant goodness in the gatherings of the people and he becomes more beloved to them than all [beloved things]. This is because he approaches the people with what they approve [i.e. good] and statements they desire, and the foundation in this is success in taking over control of all the affairs placed before them.

And these affairs [i.e. good advice and companionship] become more emphasized on a journey, because during a journey sitting together is prolonged and the travellers are in need of having someone who revives their hearts with good statements, the news of events and joke – if all of that is truth and not too much-and to assist them with the essential affairs of travel. And Allaah is the One who grants all success.


[An Excerpt from ‘Noorul Basaa’ir Wal al-baab fee ahkaam al ‘Ibaadaat Wal Mu‘aamalaat Wal Huqooq Wal Aadaab’ pages 64-65. Slightly paraphrased]

Who Are The Close Friends of Allaah?

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

Question: The female questioner asks: Who are the people of Allaah and those closest to Him, and how can a person be from them as occurs in the hadeeth of the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam]?

Answer:

The hadeeth was transmitted from Anas Ibn Maalik [radiyallaahu-anhu] by Imaam Ahmad [rahimahullaah] and Imaam Ibn Maajah [rahimahullaah], and it is an authentic hadeeth. The Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said, ‘’Allaah has His own people [i.e. special people beloved to Allaah] among mankind’’. They said, ‘’O Messenger of Allah!  Who are they?’’ He said, ‘’The people of the Qur’aan, the people of Allaah and those are closest to Him’’. [Sunan Ibn Maajah Hadeeth Number 215 and Musnad Ahmad hadeeth number 11870. And declared Saheeh by Imaam Albaani (rahimahullaah)]

The people of the Qur’aan are those who recite the Book of Allaah [i.e. the Qur’aan]; act upon it and implement it in their lives. They fulfil what Allaah has commanded in it and keep away from what He has forbidden. These are Allaah’s people and His Awliyaa [close friends]. They are the pious believers who fear Allaah, just as Allaah [The Most High] stated:

أَلَا إِنَّ أَوْلِيَاءَ اللَّهِ لَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ

الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَكَانُوا يَتَّقُونَ

No doubt! Verily, the Auliya’ of Allah [i.e. those who believe in the Oneness of Allah and 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)], no fear shall come upon them nor shall they grieve, -Those who believed (in the Oneness of Allah – Islamic Monotheism), and used to fear Allah much (by abstaining from evil deeds and sins and by doing righteous deeds). [10:62-63]

We ask Allaah to include us amongst the people of the Qur’aan and those closest to Him.

[Source: Fadaa’il Al-A’maal’ page 11…by Shaikh Muhammad Bin Abdillaah As-Subayyil (rahimahullaah)]

Imaam Fudayl Ibn Iyaad [rahimahullaah] Overcome With Tears Due To Pondering Upon Two Blessings of Allaah

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

Imaam Fudayl Ibn Iyaad (rahimahullaah) once cried when he read the statement of Allaah [The Most High]: [أَلَمۡ نَجۡعَل لَّهُ ۥ عَيۡنَيۡنِ-Have We not made for him (i.e. the human) a pair of eyes?][ وَلِسَانً۬ا وَشَفَتَيۡنِ -And a tongue and a pair of lips?] [Ref 1]; then he was asked the reason he cried, so he said, ”Have you spent a night really thanking Allaah (for giving) you  two eyes by way of which you can see and a tongue by way of which you speak?’’  [Ref 2]


[Ref 1: Soorah Al-Balad: Aayaat:8-9]

[Ref 2: Jaami-ul Uloom wal-Hikam. Page 259. slightly paraphrased]

Verily! We Have Made That Which Is On Earth As An Adornment For It, In Order That We May Test Them As to Which of Them Are Best In Deeds

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

Allaah (The Most High) stated:

إِنَّا جَعَلْنَا مَا عَلَى الْأَرْضِ زِينَةً لَّهَا لِنَبْلُوَهُمْ أَيُّهُمْ أَحْسَنُ عَمَلًا

وَإِنَّا لَجَاعِلُونَ مَا عَلَيْهَا صَعِيدًا جُرُزًا

Verily! We have made that which is on earth as an adornment for it, in order that We may test them (mankind) as to which of them are best in deeds. [i.e.those who do good deeds in the most perfect manner, that means to do them (deeds) totally for Allah’s sake and in accordance to the legal ways of the Prophet]. And verily! We shall make all that is on it (the earth) a bare dry soil (without any vegetation or trees, etc.).

Imaam Sadi (rahimahullaah) stated: Allaah (The Most High) informed (us) that He has made everything on the face of the earth- such as the delicious foods and drinks, the beautiful houses, the trees, the rivers, the vegetations, the fruits, the beautiful scenes (or beautiful things that captures the attention of the eyes), the pretty gardens, the beautiful images, gold, silver, horses, camels and other than them- as an adornment for it, a trial and test.  [لِنَبْلُوَهُمْ أَيُّهُمْ أَحْسَنُ عَمَلًا -that We may test them (mankind) as to which of them are best in deeds]; that is: The most sincere (i.e. sincerity in worship) and most correct (i.e. carry out deeds in accordance with the authentic Sunnah of the Prophet).

And besides this, Allaah will (finally) make all these things disappear and the earth will return to been a bare dry soil- its enjoyment will disappear and come to an end. This is the reality of this worldly life! Indeed Allaah has made this worldly life clearly visible to us and warned us not to be deceived by it. He urged us towards the home of the (afterlife) – whose enjoyment is ever lasting- out of mercy to us. However, the one who merely looks at the outward appearance of this worldly life and not its true reality is deceived by its adornment and beauty; so he goes along with it like animals do and enjoy himself like cattle that graze around freely. He neither gives concern to the rights of his Lord nor gives importance to knowing his Lord; rather his concern is only to follow his desires in every way he can and in every situation. When death arrives to the likes of these people, they are restless because of the disappearance of the enjoyment (of the worldly pleasures) and due to what they have sent forth of evil deeds.

As for the one who looks at the true reality of this worldly life and knows the true purpose behind it and from it, he utilises from it that which will aid him to fulfil the reason it was created for him (i.e. he utilises the worldly blessings in obedience to Allaah). He utilises his noble lifespan as an opportunity (to obey Allaah). He makes this worldly life a place of transition and not a place of permanent (joy); a place of travel and not a place of permanent residence. Therefore, he strives to know his lord, fulfil the commands of his Lord (and keep away from what his Lord has forbidden) and (strives to) perfect his deeds. This person has the highest station in the presence of his Lord and he is deserving- (by the kindness and mercy of his Lord) – of every good treatment, bliss, nobility and happiness (in the hereafter).

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

A Means to Protecting One’s Heart – [An Admonition By Imaam Sufyaan Ath-Thawri]

In The Name of Allaah, The Most Mercififul, The Bestower of Mercy

Abdul-Azeez Al-Qurashee [rahimahullaah] said:

I heard Sufyaan [rahimahullaah] saying: It is incumbent upon you that you do not attach your heart to the worldly life [i.e. a blameworthy attachment as opposed to seeking one’s needs] and you are not eager for its attainment [i.e. the eagerness that leads to sin, transgression, greed etc], and Allaah will make you see the concealed affairs of the worldly life [i.e. its corruption, true reality, worries etc when we are attached to it in a blameworthy manner]. It is incumbent upon you to fear Allaah in a manner that will keep you away from those affairs that are doubtful and thus may affect you in the afterlife and Allaah will make your giving account on [the day of judgement] less burdensome. Leave what makes you doubt for that which is not doubtful; leave those affairs that resemble the truth but are falsehood in reality and your religion will be safeguarded. [Hilyatul Awliyaa 7/20]

Four Obstacles In The Servant’s Path to Well-being And Safety

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

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] said:

Disobedience is the cause of being in shaytaan’s captivity and a prisoner of lowly desires. A disobedient person is always in the captivity of his devil, the prison of his lusts and leadership of his desires. He is a captive and a shackled prisoner. There is neither a captive whose state of affairs is more evil than that of a captive whose captor is his worst enemy, nor is there a prison more restricted than the prison of desires, and shackles that are more restrictive than the shackles of lust; so how can a heart that is a captive and a shackled prisoner follow the path to Allaah and the home of the afterlife? How can he follow a single path when the heart is shackled and stricken with harm from every angle as a result of the [severity] of its shackles? The likeness of the heart is that of a bird; it distances from harm whenever it flies high and surrounded by harm whenever it lands. It is reported in a hadeeth: ‘’Shaytaan is a wolf to a human being.’’ And just as an unprotected sheep in the midst of wolves is quickly destroyed, likewise if there is no protection from Allaah for the slave, it is inevitable that his wolf will prey on him.

He is protected by Allaah through Taqwaah. Taqwaah is a shield and shelter from Allaah between the person and his wolf; just as it is a shield against punishment in this life and the afterlife. Whenever the sheep is closer to its shepherd, it is safer from the wolf and whenever it is distanced from the shepherd, it comes closer to being destroyed. So the sheep is more protected when it is closer to the shepherd, for the wolf only takes away the [sheep, cattle]  that are distanced and far away from the shepherd.

The basis of this affair is that whenever the heart is distanced from Allaah, then harm upon it is quicker, and whenever it is comes closer to Allaah, it is distanced from harm. Being distanced from Allaah is of various levels and some are more severe than others. Being distanced from [Allaah] through disobedience is greater than being distanced from [Allaah] through thoughtlessness; being distanced from [Allaah] through bidah is greater than being distanced from [Allaah] through disobedience, and being distanced from [Allaah] through hypocrisy and shirk is greater than all of that. [Source: An Excerpt from ‘Ad-Daa’u Wad-Dawaa’u’ page 119-120. slightly paraphrased]

Repentance:

https://www.salaficentre.com/2012/03/abridged-the-best-way-to-seek-allaahs-forgiveness-with-comments-from-imaam-bin-baaz-rahimahullaah/

https://www.salaficentre.com/2016/08/salaah-tawbah-prayer-repentance/

We Have Made Some of You As a Trial For Others: will You Have Patience? -[Consolation And Encouragement]

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

Allaah [The Most High] said:

وَجَعَلْنَا بَعْضَكُمْ لِبَعْضٍ فِتْنَةً أَتَصْبِرُونَ

And We have made some of you as a trial for others: will you have patience?

[Soorah Al-Furqaan Aayah 20]

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] said: This is universal among all the creation- they are put to trial by way of one another.  Those whom the Messengers are sent to are a trial for the Messengers, when calling to them to the truth, exercising patience in facing their harm and bearing the difficulties faced when conveying Allaah’s Message.  And the Messengers are a trial for those whom they have been sent to, with regards to whether those people will obey and aid the Messengers, testify to the truth of that which the Messengers have been sent with, or whether they will disbelieve, reject and fight the Messengers.

The ignorant people are a trial for the scholars with regards to whether they will teach and advise them, whilst exercising patience in teaching, advising, guiding them and been constant in that.  And the scholars are a trial for the ignorant people with regards to whether they will obey them and follow their example.

The subjects are a trial for the kings and the kings are a trial for the subjects. The poor people are a trial for the rich people and the rich people are a trial for the poor people. The weak people are a trial for the strong people and the strong people are a trial for the weak people. The leaders are put to trial by those who follow them and those who follow are put to trial by way of the leaders. The slave master is put to trial by way of his slaves and the slaves are put to trial by way of the slave master. A man is put to trial by way of his wife and his wife is put to trial by way of him. The men are put to trial by way of women and women are put to trial by way of men. The believers are put to trial by way of the disbelievers and the disbelievers are put to trial by way of the believers. Those who enjoin good and forbid evil are put to trial by way of those whom they command good and forbid from evil, and those commanded with good and forbidden from evil are put to trial by way of those who command them with good and forbid them from evil.

And due to this, the poor and weak Muslims amongst the followers of the Messengers were a trial for the wealthy people and leaders. They [i.e. these wealthy ones and leaders] were prevented from accepting Eemaan after knowing the truthfulness of the Messengers. [Allaah informed us that they said]:

لَوْ كَانَ خَيْرًا مَا سَبَقُونَا إِلَيْهِ

“Had it (i.e. the Message of the Messenger) been a good thing, they (weak and poor) would not have preceded us thereto!” [Soorah Al-Ahqaaf: Ayah: 11]

And (Allaah said that) they (i.e. disbelievers in the time of Nooh) said to Nooh:

أَنُؤْمِنُ لَكَ وَاتَّبَعَكَ الْأَرْذَلُونَ

“Shall we believe in you, when the lowest of the people follow you? (i.e. those without wealth or status in society)”

[Soorah Ash-Shu’araa: Ayah: 111]

 

Allaah (The Most High) said:

وَكَذَٰلِكَ فَتَنَّا بَعْضَهُمْ بِبَعْضٍ لِيَقُولُوا أَهَٰؤُلَاءِ مَنَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِمْ مِنْ بَيْنِنَا

‘’Thus We have tried some of them with others, that they might say: “Is it these (poor believers) that Allah has favoured from amongst us?” [Soorah Al-An’aam: Ayah: 53]

So when a leader of high status saw that a poor person of lowly status had preceded him in belief and in following the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam], he become furious and scornful about accepting Islaam [due to not wanting] to be similar to [that poor person of lowly status].  And he says: I enter into Islaam so that I may be at the same level with this lowly one?

Az-Zujaaj [rahimahullaah] said: Perhaps a person of high status wanted to accept Islaam, but he was prevented from it so that it would not be said: ‘’someone lower than him preceded him (in Islaam);’’ therefore he remained upon disbelief and not [wanting] a Muslim to precede him in virtue.

And the reason behind [the fact that] some people are a trial for others is that the poor person may say, ‘’Why am I not like the rich person?’’ and the weak person may say, ‘’Why am I not like the strong one?’’ and the one afflicted may say, ‘’Why am I not like the one upon well-being.’’

[Allaah (The Most High) said] that the disbelievers said:

لَنْ نُؤْمِنَ حَتَّىٰ نُؤْتَىٰ مِثْلَ مَا أُوتِيَ رُسُلُ اللَّهِ

“We shall not believe until we receive the like of that which the Messengers of Allah had received”

[Soorah Al-An’aam: Ayah: 124]

This ayah was revealed concerning the trial encountered by the idol worshippers due to the poor immigrants, such as Bilaal, khabbaab, Suhaib, Abu Dar, Ibn Mas’ood and Ammaar [radiyallaahu-anhum], for they [idol worshippers] used to say: ‘’Look at these ones that follow Muhammad and they are from our lowly ones and those under our service.”

Allaah [The Most High] said:

إِنَّهُ كَانَ فَرِيقٌ مِنْ عِبَادِي يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا آمَنَّا فَاغْفِرْ لَنَا وَارْحَمْنَا وَأَنْتَ خَيْرُ الرَّاحِمِينَ

فَاتَّخَذْتُمُوهُمْ سِخْرِيًّا حَتَّىٰ أَنْسَوْكُمْ ذِكْرِي وَكُنْتُمْ مِنْهُمْ تَضْحَكُونَ

إِنِّي جَزَيْتُهُمُ الْيَوْمَ بِمَا صَبَرُوا أَنَّهُمْ هُمُ الْفَائِزُونَ

‘’Verily! There was a party of My slaves, who used to say: “Our Lord! We believe, so forgive us, and have mercy on us, for You are the Best of all who show mercy!” But you took them for a laughingstock, so much so that they made you forget My Remembrance while you used to laugh at them! Verily! I have rewarded them this Day for their patience, they are indeed the ones that are successful.’’ [Soorah Al-Muminoon: Aayaat: 109-111]

So Allaah informed (us) that He rewarded them for their patience, just as He (The Most High) said:

وَجَعَلْنَا بَعْضَكُمْ لِبَعْضٍ فِتْنَةً أَتَصْبِرُونَ

‘’And We have made some of you as a trial for others: will you have patience?’’

Az-Zujaaj (rahimahullaah) said: This means: Will you not exercise patience when afflicted and indeed you know what the patient ones will receive.  I [Ibnul Qayyim] say:  Allaah [The Glorified One free from all imperfections] bounded affliction with patience in this ayah and also in His saying:  [ثُمَّ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ لِلَّذِينَ هَاجَرُوا مِنْ بَعْدِ مَا فُتِنُوا ثُمَّ جَاهَدُوا وَصَبَرُوا  -Then, verily! Your Lord for those who emigrated after they had been put to trials and thereafter strove hard and fought (for the Cause of Allah) and were patient” [Soorah An-Nahl: Ayah: 110]

There is no remedy like patience for the one put to trial! If he exercises patience, then that trial becomes a (source) of purification and rescue from sins, just as the bellows purifies gold and silver. Trials are the bellows of the hearts and the test for one’s Eemaan, and by way of it the truthful one is distinguished from the liar.  Allaah [The Most High] said:

وَلَقَدْ فَتَنَّا الَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِهِمْ ۖ فَلَيَعْلَمَنَّ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ صَدَقُوا وَلَيَعْلَمَنَّ الْكَاذِبِينَ

‘’And We indeed tested those who were before them. And Allah will certainly make (it) known (the truth of) those who are true, and will certainly make (it) known (the falsehood of) those who are liars, (although Allah knows all that before putting them to test).’’ [Soorah Al-Ankabut: Ayah: 3]

Trials categorise the people into truthful ones and liars, believers and hypocrites, good and wicked.  So whoever exercises patience in facing trials, then this is a mercy for him and a safety from a greater trial due to his patience.  And whoever does not exercise patience in facing a trial will fall into a trial more severe than it.


[Source: An Excerpt from ‘Ighaathatul Lahfaan: 2/170-172.’ slightly paraphrased]

The Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] Advised Mu’aadh [radiyallaahu anhu] to Make This Supplication Regularly at The End of The Prayer

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

It was reported from Abu ‘Abdur-Rahmaan Al-Hubli, from As-SunãbihI, from Mu’aadh bin Jabal, that the Messenger of Allah [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] held his hand and said: “O Mu’aadh! I swear by Allah, I love you. I swear by Allah, I love you. I advise you, O Mu’aadh, that you never leave saying after every prayer:

[اللَّهُمَّ أَعِنِّي عَلَى ذِكْرِكَ وَشُكْرِكَ وَحُسْنِ عِبَادَتِكَ – O Allah! Help me in remembering You, thanking You, and perfecting my worship of You].” And Mu’aadh advised As-Sunaabihi with that, and As-Sunaabihi advised Abu ‘Abdur-Rahmaan with that. [Ref 1]

Imaam Abdul-Azeez Bin Baaz [rahimahullaah] says that it is better to supplicate with this supplication after the Tasha’hud and before the Tasleem, but there is no harm in doing so after the Tasleem. For further details, refer to this link to find out why the Shaikh (rahimahullaah) says so.  http://www.binbaz.org.sa/node/949

[Ref 1] Declared Saheeh [authentic] by Imaam Albaani (rahimahullaah) in his checking of Sunan Abee Dawud Hadeeth number: 1522

A Precise Principle Related to ‘Khawaarim Al-Muroo’ah’ [i.e. Behaviour or Conduct That Is Tantamount to Violating One’s Sense of Honour]

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

Shaikh Saaleh Aala Ash-Shaikh [hafidhahullaah] said:

فخوارم المروءة هي المسائل التي من تعاطاها أو قامت به صار مقدوحا فيه عند أهل الايمان أو عند المستوين أهل الإستواء و القصد والإعتدال من أهل الإيمان لهذا تختلف باختلاف الأزمنه والأمكنه فمثلا تجد أن أهل الحديث ماذا قالوا بعض أهل الحديث قدح في فلان لأنه رآه مرة يأكل في السوق وقال الأكل في السوق يخرم المروءة يعني رأى أمام الناس في الشارع يأكل أو مثل الان يأكل في مطعم عندهم سابقا هذا من خوارم المروءة لكن الان اختلف اختلف الحال فقد يحتاج المرء إلى مثل هذه الاشياء ولا يُعد خارما لمروئته فخوارم المروءة هذه تختلف باختلاف الأزمنه والأمكنه فإذا كان هذا الشي لا يفعله أهل المروءة ومن فعله قُدح فيه فهذا يُعد خارما من خوارم المروءة والعدل من الناس هو الذي يجتنب خوارم المروءة

Excerpt:

Khawaarim Al-Muraa’ah differs based on the place and era people are living in; for example, you find that some of the Ahlul Hadeeth censured such and such person because he once saw him eating in the market place and then said, ‘’Eating in the market place [يخرم المروءة  – i.e. it violates one’s sense of honour or it is something unbefiting]- meaning: he is seen in the street -in the presence of the people- eating; or similar to eating in restaurants nowadays. This -in their view-was tantamount to Khawaarim Al-Muroo’ah. However, nowadays [or in this era] the situation is different, for indeed a person may be in need of these things and it is not considered to be Khawaarim Al-Muroo’ah. Therefore, Khawaarim Al-Muroo’ah differs based on the era and place. So, if this deed [or affair] is not done by those regarded to be possessors of Muroo’ah [sense of honour], then whoever does so is censured and his deed is considered to be [خارما من خوارم المروءة  – i.e. one of those deeds that violates one’s sense of honour], and the upright amongst the people are those who avoid the Khawaarim Al-Muroo’ah.  [Paraphrased]

 

 

How The Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] Dealt With The Young Man Who Sought His Permission to Commit Zinaa – [An Admonition By Shaikh Abdur-Razzaaq Al-Badr]

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

Listen carefully to this affair! By Allaah! Sometimes it is very easy for those who have not experienced the difficulties of guiding teenagers to offer haphazard solutions without much contemplation. One must take into consideration – as the Shaikh stated in this short audio- that the youth of today face greater trials, so they are in need of advice and rifq. And most important of all, they are in need of supplication. May Allaah guide our children and make them the coolness of our eyes in this Dunyaa and Aakhirah Aameen.

Abu Umaamah [radiyallaahu-anhu] said: A young man came to the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] and said, “O Messenger of Allaah, give me permission to commit fornication’’. The people turned to him to rebuke him, saying, “Shh, shh.” [The Prophet (sallal laahu alayhi wasallam)] said, “Come here’’, so he came close to him and he told him to sit down. He said, “Would you like that for your mother?” He said, “No, by Allaah, may I be sacrificed for you’’. He said, “Nor do people like it for their mothers’’. He said, “Would you like it for your daughter?” He said, “No, by Allaah, may I be sacrificed for you’’. He said, “Nor do people like it for their daughters’’. He said, “Would you like it for your sister?” He said, “No, by Allaah, may I be sacrificed for you’’. He said, “Nor do people like it for their sisters’’. He said, “Would you like it for your paternal aunt?” He said, “No, by Allaah, may I be sacrificed for you’’. He said, “Nor do people like it for their paternal aunts.” He said, “Would you like it for your maternal aunt?” He said, “No, by Allaah, may I be sacrificed for you.” He said, “Nor do people like it for their maternal aunts’’. Then he placed his hand on him and said, “O Allaah, forgive him his sin, purify his heart, and guard his chastity.” And after that, this young man never did anything.  [Reported by Ahmad 21708]

Shaikh Abdur-Razzaaq Al-Badr [hafidhahullaah] said:

The trustworthy adviser, the one sent as a mercy to the Aalameen – may Allaah mention him with praise and sends salutations of peace upon him- placed his hand on the chest of that young man and said, ‘’O Allaah! Forgive him his sin, purify his heart and guard his chastity’’.

Three supplications; write them down, memorise them and give them importance: ‘’O Allaah! Forgive him his sin, purify his heart and guard his chastity’’.

I say: Write them down and memorise them, for indeed the youth at present are in an era of Fitan [trials and tribulations]. I don’t think that youth who was [present] during the era of the Prophet [sallal laahu-alayhi wasallam] encountered Fitan [i.e. trials and tribulations] similar to that which is encountered by the youth at present in this era; therefore -in this era- the youth [i.e. male and female] is in need-  [Shaikh pauses and cries]- of being shown mercy by the people of virtue, compassionate towards him, show him love and supplicate for him sincerely from the [bottom] of their hearts. The supplication of a father for his child is answered and the supplication of a mother for her child is answered.

A father should not say about his son, ‘’May Allaah humiliate him’’ or ‘’May Allaah prevent him from receiving good or despised him’’ or ‘’May Allaah curse him’’. He [i.e. the father] should not be a helper of shaytaan against him [i.e. the child]. The  youth are in need of mercy- the father’s mercy, the mother’s mercy, the mercy of relatives, the mercy of colleagues [and] friends. The youth are in need of these sincere supplications from the truthful [or sincere] hearts- out of hoping for Allaah’s [Glorified and Exalted be He] reward.

Due to the effect of this sincere advice, mercy and supplication of the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam], this youth who was present in that era of the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam]  departed from the presence of the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] and nothing [i.e. that sin] remained in his heart; the desire left his heart. He got up, whilst the slightest desire for this affair [i.e. fornication] – which the hearts are inclined towards and are greatly put to trial by way of it – did not remain in his heart. He got up, whilst there was nothing in his heart. Three affairs [i.e. regarding the manner in which the Prophet (sallal laahu alayhi wasallam) dealt with him]: Mercy, fine advice [or admonition] and truthful [or sincere] supplication, and the effect [or fruitful outcome] is great indeed; the effect [or fruitful outcome] is great indeed.

By Allaah! The youth nowadays are in need of those who show them gentleness; those who truthfully [or sincerely] supplicate for them; those who give fine advice [or admonition] and clarification to them, and those who are not helpers of shaytaan against them.

In relation to the likes of this advice, the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi- wasallam] said: ‘’Do not be helpers to shaytaan against your brother’’ when they – [i.e. some of the companions said about a man who was brought to the Prophet several times due to consumption of alcohol] – said: ‘’May Allaah humiliate him’’, ‘’May Allaah curse him’’, (so) the Prophet said, ‘’Do not be a helper to Shaytaan against your brother’’, so he guided one towards saying, ‘’May Allaah forgive you’’, supplicate for him [i.e. the sinner].

In a nutshell,  the [intended meanings of these admonitions] –  which the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] detailed – awakens the hearts when they have a heartfelt effect; it awakens the heart; ‘’Do you love that for your mother; do you love that for your daughter; do you love that for your sister etc….’’ This awakens the heart – a great and blessed awakening; so he leaves with this detailed and fine advice [or admonition], truthful [or sincere] supplication to Allaah [Glorified and Exalted be He]; it brings about a tremendous and blessed outcome, for indeed Tawfeeq [i.e. being granted guidance and the ability to act upon it], rectification of the hearts and purity of the souls is in the hands of Allaah, who guides whomsoever He pleases to the straight path. [Paraphrased. Listen to audio]