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Tag: purification of the soul

The Most Trustworthy Handhold

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:

وَمَن يُسۡلِمۡ وَجۡهَهُ ۥۤ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ وَهُوَ مُحۡسِنٌ۬ فَقَدِ ٱسۡتَمۡسَكَ بِٱلۡعُرۡوَةِ ٱلۡوُثۡقَىٰ‌ۗ وَإِلَى ٱللَّهِ عَـٰقِبَةُ ٱلۡأُمُورِ

And whosoever submits his face [himself] to Allaah while he is a Muhsin [good doer], then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold [Laa ilaaha ill-Allah (none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah)]. And to Allaah return all matters for decision. [Surah Luqmaan. Aayah 22]

[وَمَن يُسۡلِمۡ وَجۡهَهُ ۥۤ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ  – And whosoever submits his face (himself) to Allah]- Meaning: This is the one who [willingly and sincerely] humbles and submits himself to Allaah [The Most High], sincerely carries out acts of worship and keeps away from what Allaah has forbidden; [وَهُوَ مُحۡسِنٌ۬ – while he is a good-doer]-Meaning: A good doer in the religion of Islaam, who [sincerely] carries out acts of worship that have been legislated by Allaah [The Most High] and in accordance with the authentic Sunnah of the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam]; or that person who [willingly and sincerely] submits to Allaah by carrying out legislated acts of worship in a manner as if he or she is seeing Allaah, even though [that is not possible in this worldly life], but knows that Allaah sees him or her; or that one who [willingly and sincerely] submits to Allaah by fulfilling the rights of Allaah [i.e. worships Allaah alone, fulfil Allaah’s commands and keeps away from what Allaah has forbidden] and fulfils the rights of the people. All the above explanations mean the same thing, because the performers of these [righteous deeds] accept such deeds and perform them perfectly. However, the only difference between them is the [level of striving and sincerity of each person].

Therefore, whoever does this, [i.e. willingly submits] to Allaah, whilst being a good doer in Islam], then such a person has truly submitted to Allaah [The Most High] and is one who has  ‘Grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold [i.e. that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah]’, which will make a person steadfast and lead to safety – safeguards a person from destruction and lead to success through every path of good.

On the other hand, whoever does not submit to Allaah willingly and is not a good doer based on the acts of worship legislated by Allaah and are to be performed in accordance with the authentic Sunnah of the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam], then indeed such a person has not grasped the most trustworthy handhold.

And when it is case that such a person is not among those holding to this most trustworthy handhold, then indeed his or her end cannot be anything else but destruction. [وَإِلَى ٱللَّهِ عَـٰقِبَةُ ٱلۡأُمُورِ – And to Allah return all matters for decision]- Meaning: All matters will return to Allaah, so that He will judge between mankind and jinn, recompense them for their deeds and assign them their destinations [i.e. hell or paradise].

[An Excerpt from ‘Tayseer al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam al-Mannaan’. Slightly paraphrased]

There Is No Deity Worthy of Worship Except Allaah, Alone, Without Partner: [Negation, Affirmation And Emphasis]

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

[لا إلهَ إلاَّ اللَّه وحْدهُ لاَ شَرِيكَ لهُ – There is no deity worthy of worship except Allaah, alone, without partner].

The one who makes this testimony requires knowledge, truthfulness and must act upon what he has testified to. The scholars say that knowledge of this testimony removes a person from the path of the Nasaaraa- those who act but have no knowledge; acting upon it removes a person from the path of the Yahood- those who have knowledge but do not act; and truthfulness removes a person from the path of the hypocrites- those who claim that they believe but have no certainty.

This testimony [لا إلهَ إلاَّ اللَّه وحْدهُ لاَ شَرِيكَ لهُ – There is no deity worthy of worship except Allaah, alone, without partner] has two pillars- Nafi [Negation] and Ithbaat [Affirmation]. A person cannot be from the people of Tawheed [pure Islamic Montheism] until he fulfils these two pillars. [لا إلهَ  – There is no deity worthy of worship (i.e. Negation)] and [إلاَّ اللَّه – Except Alaah (i.e. Affirmation)]. The negation has to be comprehensive and the affirmation has to be specific – comprehensive negation of the worship that is devoted to all other objects of worship, and specific affirmation that only Allaah has the right to be worshipped.

If a person utters the negation without the affirmation, he is not a person of Tawheed [pure Islamic monotheism]; and if he affirms without uttering the negation, he is not a person of Tawheed [pure Islamic monotheism]. If a person were to negate only by saying [لا إلهَ  – There is no deity worthy of worship], he is an atheist; and if he were to affirm that Allaah has the right to be worshipped without negating that other objects of worship do not have the same right, he is a Mushrik [polytheist]. Therefore, one cannot be a person upon Tawheed [pure Islamic Monotheism] until he testifies that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah.

And due to the mighty affair of this testimony [لا إلهَ إلاَّ اللَّه  – There is no deity worthy of worship except Allaah], it is emphasised through the statement [وحْدهُ لاَ شَرِيكَ لهُ  – alone, without partner]. The affirmation is emphasised through the statement [وحْدهُ – alone]; and the negation is emphasised through the statement [لاَ شَرِيكَ له – without partner].

Source: An Excerpt from Sharh Kitaab At-Tawheed. Lesson 2. Slightly paraphrased

Closing The Doors of The Masjid Due to Benefit And Removing The Fitna Makers From It- Those Who Bring About Trial For The People In Their Religious Affairs

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

Allah [The Most High] said:

وَمَنْ أَظْلَمُ مِمَّن مَّنَعَ مَسَاجِدَ اللَّهِ أَن يُذْكَرَ فِيهَا اسْمُهُ وَسَعَىٰ فِي خَرَابِهَا أُولَٰئِكَ مَا كَانَ لَهُمْ أَن يَدْخُلُوهَا إِلَّا خَائِفِينَ لَهُمْ فِي الدُّنْيَا خِزْيٌ وَلَهُمْ فِي الْآخِرَةِ عَذَابٌ عَظِيمٌ

And who is more unjust than those who forbid that Allâh’s Name be glorified and mentioned much (i.e. prayers and invocations, etc.) in Allâh’s Mosques and strive for their ruin? It was not fitting that such should themselves enter them (Allâh’s Mosques) except in fear. For them there is disgrace in this world, and they will have a great torment in the Hereafter [Surah Al-Baqarah. Aayah 114]

Shaikh Uthaymeen [rahimahullaah] said:

And from the benefits of this verse is that it is permissible to remove a person from the mosque if there is a benefit, due to His statement: “that Allâh’s Name be glorified and mentioned much”;

Preventing someone from entering the mosques of Allah has requirements: sometimes the mosques are prevented [from being entered] so that its carpets, grounds, books or copies of the Qur’an are not degraded. Sometimes the doors are locked for fear of tribulation, such as in the case of a group of men congregating to stoke up trouble or [intending to] cause chaos, so they [i.e. the doors] may be closed to prevent them from congregating. Sometimes, they are closed for restoration or repairs. Sometimes, they may be closed for fear of theft. In all these cases, the closure [of a mosque] is permissible or desirable. [End of quote] [Ref 1]

Also in his explanation of Al-Arba’een An-Nawawiyyah, the Shaikh [rahimahullaah] narrated the incident regarding Imaam Maalik [rahimahullaah] and the man who asked him about the statement of Allaah -the Most High: [الرَّحْمَٰنُ عَلَى الْعَرْشِ اسْتَوَىٰ  – The Most Beneficent (Allah) Istawaa (rose over) the (Mighty) Throne] [20: 5]; then the man said, ‘’How did Allaah rise [over the Throne]?’’ So he [Imaam Maalik] bowed his head [Rahimahullaah] – and began to sweat profusely due to the gravity of what had been put to him [i.e. the question] and the veneration [he had] for his Lord [The Mighty and Majestic]. Then he raised his head and said: “The Istawaa is not unknown”- Meaning: It is known in the Arabic language, [for example] one rose above something, meaning that he ascended over it. Everything that has been transmitted in the Qur’an and Sunnah and from the words of the [ancient] Arabs [indicates] that when [the word] Istawaa is followed by [the word] ‘alaa, it means ascension. And his [i.e. Imaam Maalik] statement: “And the how is not known”- Meaning, that we cannot comprehend how Allah ascended over the [Mighty] Throne with our [deficient] intellects, rather indeed it is only [known] by way of the [authentic] texts of the Sharee’ah. And his [i.e. Imaam Maalik] statement: “And to believe in it [i.e. Istawaa] is obligatory”; meaning that believing in the ascension of Allah over the [Mighty] Throne in a way that befits [His Majesty] is obligatory. “And asking about it is an innovation”, meaning that asking about the howness of the ascension is an innovation, because the companions – may Allah be pleased with them – did not ask the Prophet – [Sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] questions such as this and they are the most eager in knowing [about] Allah. The Prophet if asked knows Allah better than we do, yet the questions never occurred to them. So should not what sufficed them suffice us?

The answer: Of course, so it is obligated on a Muslim that he suffices with what the Salaf as-Saalih [pious predecessors] sufficed with and should not ask [about this].

Then Imam Malik [Rahimahullaah] said, “I do not see you” meaning, I do not think [you are] “except an innovator”, you wish to corrupt the people’s religion, then he ordered that he [i.e. the person who asked this question about the howness of the Istawaa] be removed from the mosque- the Prophets mosque [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam]. And he [i.e. Imaam Maalik] did not say, “By Allah, I cannot remove him, I fear that I may enter into Allaah’s statement: [وَمَنْ أَظْلَمُ مِمَّن مَّنَعَ مَسَاجِدَ اللَّهِ أَن يُذْكَرَ فِيهَا اسْمُهُ  – And who is more unjust than those who forbid that Allâh’s Name be glorified and mentioned much (i.e. prayers and invocations, etc.) in Allâh’s Mosques] because I am preventing him from entering the mosque”. That is because he [i.e. that man] did not enter to glorify the name of Allah, rather he entered to corrupt the servants of Allah, and such a person should be prevented [from entering].

And when it is the case that the one who eats garlic and onions is prevented from entering the mosque, then how about the one who corrupts the religion of the people? Is he not more deserving to be prevented? Certainly, by Allah; but many of the people are heedless. [Ref 2]

[Ref 1: An Excerpt from ‘Tafseer Surah Al-Baqarah. Aayah 114’. slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 2]: [An Excerpt from ‘Sharh Al-Arba’een An-Nawawiyyah pages 37- 38.’ Slightly paraphrased]

 

 

 

 

 

Our Noble Messenger Informed Us That Our Creator Commanded Us to Be Humble

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

Iyaad Bin Himaar [radiyallaahu-anhu] said: The Messenger [sallal-laahi-alayhi-wasallam] stood amongst us one day and addressed (us), so he said: Indeed Allaah has revealed to me that you must be humble, so that no one boasts over another and no one oppresses another. [Saheeh Muslim: Hadeeth Number: 2865]

[Indeed Allaah has revealed to me that you must be humble]- Meaning: Everyone should be humble towards the other and not elevate himself above another [person]; rather he [a person] should place him [i.e. the other person] in the same rank as himself or honours him more. And it was from the customary behaviour of the Salaf [may Allaah have mercy upon them] for one amongst them to treat someone younger than him like his own son and someone older than him like his own father, and someone similar to him like his own brother. So he looks at the one older than him with honour and reverence, the one younger than him with compassion and mercy and the one similar to him with equality-none transgresses against the other. This is from the affairs that are obligatory upon a person to characterise himself with- humble in the presence of Allaah and towards his Muslim brothers.

[An Excerpt from Sharh Riyaadus-Saaliheen- by Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen (rahimahullaah): Number: 602 slightly paraphrased]

A Brief Faa’idah Related to Aayaat 151-153 [Surah Al-An’aam]

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

Allaah [The Most High] said:

قُلۡ تَعَالَوۡاْ أَتۡلُ مَا حَرَّمَ رَبُّڪُمۡ عَلَيۡڪُمۡ‌ۖ أَلَّا تُشۡرِكُواْ بِهِۦ شَيۡـًٔ۬ا‌ۖ وَبِٱلۡوَٲلِدَيۡنِ إِحۡسَـٰنً۬ا‌ۖ وَلَا تَقۡتُلُوٓاْ أَوۡلَـٰدَڪُم مِّنۡ إِمۡلَـٰقٍ۬‌ۖ نَّحۡنُ نَرۡزُقُڪُمۡ وَإِيَّاهُمۡ‌ۖ وَلَا تَقۡرَبُواْ ٱلۡفَوَٲحِشَ مَا ظَهَرَ مِنۡهَا وَمَا بَطَنَ‌ۖ وَلَا تَقۡتُلُواْ ٱلنَّفۡسَ ٱلَّتِى حَرَّمَ ٱللَّهُ إِلَّا بِٱلۡحَقِّ‌ۚ ذَٲلِكُمۡ وَصَّٮٰكُم بِهِۦ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تَعۡقِلُونَ

Say (O Muhammad): “Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited you from: Join not anything in worship with Him; be good and dutiful to your parents; kill not your children because of poverty – We provide sustenance for you and for them; come not near to Al-Fawahish (shameful sins, illegal sexual intercourse, etc.) whether committed openly or secretly, and kill not anyone whom Allah has forbidden, except for a just cause (according to Islamic law). This He has commanded you that you may understand”. [Surah Al-An’aam. Aayah 151]

وَلَا تَقۡرَبُواْ مَالَ ٱلۡيَتِيمِ إِلَّا بِٱلَّتِى هِىَ أَحۡسَنُ حَتَّىٰ يَبۡلُغَ أَشُدَّهُ ۥ‌ۖ وَأَوۡفُواْ ٱلۡڪَيۡلَ وَٱلۡمِيزَانَ بِٱلۡقِسۡطِ‌ۖ لَا نُكَلِّفُ نَفۡسًا إِلَّا وُسۡعَهَا‌ۖ وَإِذَا قُلۡتُمۡ فَٱعۡدِلُواْ وَلَوۡ ڪَانَ ذَا قُرۡبَىٰ‌ۖ وَبِعَهۡدِ ٱللَّهِ أَوۡفُواْ‌ۚ ذَٲلِڪُمۡ وَصَّٮٰكُم بِهِۦ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تَذَكَّرُونَ

“And come not near to the orphan’s property, except to improve it, until he (or she) attains the age of full strength; and give full measure and full weight with justice. We burden not any person, but that which he can bear. And whenever you give your word (i.e. judge between men or give evidence, etc.), say the truth even if a near relative is concerned, and fulfill the Covenant of Allah, this He commands you, that you may remember”. [Surah Al-An’aam. Aayah 152]

وَأَنَّ هَـٰذَا صِرَٲطِى مُسۡتَقِيمً۬ا فَٱتَّبِعُوهُ‌ۖ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُواْ ٱلسُّبُلَ فَتَفَرَّقَ بِكُمۡ عَن سَبِيلِهِۦ‌ۚ ذَٲلِكُمۡ وَصَّٮٰكُم بِهِۦ لَعَلَّڪُمۡ تَتَّقُونَ

“And verily, this [i.e. Allah’s Commandments mentioned in the above two Verses 151 and 152] is my Straight Path, so follow it, and follow not [other] paths, for they will separate you away from His Path. This He has ordained for you that you may become Al-Muttaqoon [the pious]”. [Surah Al-An’aam. Aayah 153]

Shaikh Abdur Razzaaq Al-Badr [hafidhahullaah] said: All these Aayaat end with the command [ذَٲلِكُمۡ وَصَّٮٰكُم بِهِ – This He (i.e. Allaah) has commanded (or ordained) for you]. At the end of the first Aayah [.e. Al-An’aam Aayah 151] Allaah said: [ذَٲلِكُمۡ وَصَّٮٰكُم بِهِۦ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تَعۡقِلُون- This He has commanded you that you may understand]; at the end of the second Aayah [i.e. Al-An’aamin Aayah 152] Allaah said: [ذَٲلِڪُمۡ وَصَّٮٰكُم بِهِۦ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تَذَكَّرُون- This He commands you, that you may remember]; and at the end of the third Aayah [i.e. Al-An’aam Aayah 153] Allaah said: [ذَٲلِكُمۡ وَصَّٮٰكُم بِهِۦ لَعَلَّڪُمۡ تَتَّقُونَ – This He has ordained for you that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious)]. Some of the scholars say that because the first thing is that one should understand what is intended by the command; secondly is that he remembers and finally he fears Allaah [by doing what he has been commanded] and keep away from what will anger Allaah.

[Sharh Kitaab At-Tawheed. Lesson 1]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Four Qualities

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Purification of The Soul.

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

وعن عبد الله بن عمرو رضي الله عنه أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال

أربع إذا كن فيك فلا عليك ما فاتك من الدنيا حفظ أمانة وصدق حديث وحسن خليقة وعفة في طعمة

Abdullah Bin Amr [radiyallaahu-anhu] narrated that the Messenger of Allaah [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said, “[There] are four [i.e. four qualities] if you possess them, you will not be [bothered] about what you miss in the Dunyah: fulfilling trusts, truthful speech, good manners [or character] and modesty with food [i.e. not to be wasteful, extravagant etc] [As-Saheehah: 733]

Invoke Your Lord With Humility And In Secret – [A Command to Strive For Sincerity When Supplicating And Limiting Oneself to Legislated Acts of Worship]

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester 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.

Allaah [The Most High] said:

ادْعُوا رَبَّكُمْ تَضَرُّعًا وَخُفْيَةً ۚ إِنَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ الْمُعْتَدِينَ

Invoke your Lord with humility and in secret. He likes not the aggressors. [Soorah al-A’raaf Ayah 55]

Imaam As’Sadi (rahimahullaah) said: Ad-Du’aa [Invocation or Supplication] includes Du’aa Al-Mas’alah and Du’aa Al-Ibaadah. [Ref 1]

Du’aa Al-Mas’alah [Supplication, when a request is made]: So supplication is to request one’s needs, and is worship when the servant requests that from his Lord. This is because it involves showing one’s poverty before Allaah, the Most High, and ones need to turn to Him, and one’s certain faith that He is the one having full power, the Most Generous, the one who gives bounteously and is Most Merciful. Seeking ones need from someone else from the creation is permissible if the one to whom the request is made is able to hear and understand it, and has the power to respond to it, like saying, ‘O so and so give me food.’

Du’aa Al-Ibaadah [Invocation through worship]: As for invocation through worship, then it is that the person does an act of worship seeking reward and fearing punishment, and this is not correct unless directed to Allaah alone. To direct this to anyone else besides Allaah is major shirk which takes a person out of the Religion [Ref A], and he falls under the threat in the saying of Allaah, the Most High:

وَقَالَ رَبُّكُمُ ادْعُونِي أَسْتَجِبْ لَكُمْ ۚ إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَسْتَكْبِرُونَ عَنْ عِبَادَتِي سَيَدْخُلُونَ جَهَنَّمَ دَاخِرِينَ

And your Lord said: “Invoke Me, [i.e. believe in My Oneness (Islamic Monotheism)] (and ask Me for anything) I will respond to your (invocation). Verily! Those who scorn My worship [i.e. do not invoke Me, and do not believe in My Oneness, (Islamic Monotheism)] they will surely enter Hell in humiliation!” [40:60] [Ref 2]

Therefore, Allaah commanded (us) to supplicate to Him with humility- being earnest in [our supplication of] request and devotedly in worship. [خُفْيَةً – secretly]- neither loudly nor overtly due to out of fear of [falling] into Riyaa [show off]; rather [it should be done] secretly [i.e. in a low tone] and out of sincerity to Allaah [The Most High].

[إِنَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ الْمُعْتَدِينَ – He likes not the aggressors]: Meaning: Those who transgress the limits in every affair. And from transgression is when the servant requests from Allaah [things that are not a source of well-being or righteousness] for him, or he goes into extremes whilst asking [Ref 3] [i.e. going beyond what the sharee’ah legislates in acts of worship, either adding acts or words to the act which are not allowed in the Sharee’ah etc [Ref 4], or he raises his voice [i.e. raises his voice where it is not legislated to raise ones voice – for example in the Qunoot it is allowed to raise ones voice but not in other instances unless there is evidence to do so [Ref 5]. All this is considered to be transgression. [Ref 6]

[Ref 1: An Excerpt from ‘Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan’. Publisher. Daar Ibn Hazm. 1st Ed 1424AH (Year 2003). slightly paraphrased]

[Ref A: See article for further clarification regarding shirk and excuse of ignorance: http://www.manhaj.com/manhaj/articles/uncnb-takfir-and-the-excuse-of-ignorance-shaykh-abd-al-muhsin-al-abbaad.cfm

[Ref 2: English Translation of Usool Ath-Thalaatha page 96’ by Abu Talhah Daawud Burbank (may Allaah have mercy on him and his wife]

[Ref 3: An Excerpt from ‘Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan’. Publisher. Daar Ibn Hazm. 1st Ed 1424AH (Year 2003). slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 4: For further details regarding this affair- those who are over-stringent or go beyond bounds in acts of worship-, refer to the statements of the scholars in Sharh Saheeh Muslim 16/220 by Imaam An-Nawawi (rahimahullaah); Sharh Riyaadus Saaliheen 1/416-418’ by Shaikh Uthaymeen (rahimahullaah) and Majmoo Al-Fataawaa 10/620 by Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullaah) regarding the innovations of the monks and the innovators]

[Ref 5: Shaikh Bin Baaz (rahimahullaah sheds light on this affair, see link: http://www.binbaz.org.sa/noor/635 ]

[Ref 6: An Excerpt from ‘Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan’. Publisher. Daar Ibn Hazm. 1st Ed 1424AH (Year 2003). slightly paraphrased]

Opponents Had Nothing to Offer Besides Spreading Doubt in Public But Their Evil Plots Backfired

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul.

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

[وَقَالَ فِرۡعَوۡنُ ٱئۡتُونِى بِكُلِّ سَـٰحِرٍ عَلِيمٍ۬ -And Fir’aun (Pharaoh) said: “Bring to me every well-versed sorcerer]; meaning: ”Everyone who is proficient in magic; magicians who can perform different types of magic and are at different levels of proficiency in their field”.  So when the magicians arrived to defeat Moosaa and Haaroon, Allaah says that Moosaa said to them: [أَلۡقُواْ مَآ أَنتُم مُّلۡقُونَ-Cast down what you want to cast!]; Moosaa said this to them because he did not care about what they were going to do first, for he was certain that he will defeat them and nullify their falsehood (by the aid of Allaah).  So after they threw their ropes, which appeared as serpents in the eyes of the people, Allaah says that Moosaa said to them:

مَا جِئۡتُم بِهِ ٱلسِّحۡرُ‌ۖ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ سَيُبۡطِلُهُ ۥۤ‌ۖ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُصۡلِحُ عَمَلَ ٱلۡمُفۡسِدِينَ

“What you have brought is sorcery, Allah will surely make it of no effect. Verily, Allah does not set right the work of Al-Mufsidun (the evil-doers, corrupts, etc.); meaning: Indeed, you want to aid falsehood against truth and Allaah will nullify your actions.

This will also be the case with every corrupter- the one who uses tricks, devices plots and evil plans- for indeed his deeds will be of no effect. And even if he has weapons to aid him pursue his goal at a particular time period, however the end result will be nothing for him and Allaah will make the truth apparent. As for those who do righteous deeds for the sake of Allaah -deeds that are based on the beneficial ways and are based on what Allaah has commanded- then indeed Allaah will bless their deeds, make them bear righteous end results and make them remain  (as a source of good for themselves & an example for others to follow).

So when Moosaa threw his staff, it became a real serpent and swallowed all the ropes that were thrown by the magicians and made to look like serpents in the eyes of the people, and thus their magic was nullified and their falsehood obliterated.

Allaah [The Most High] says: [وَيُحِقُّ ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡحَقَّ بِكَلِمَـٰتِهِۦ وَلَوۡ ڪَرِهَ ٱلۡمُجۡرِمُونَ – And Allah will establish and make apparent the truth by His Words, however much the Mujrimun (criminals, disbelievers, polytheists, sinners, etc.) may hate it].

After the magicians witnessed the truth, they prostrated (in repentance to Allaah); so Fir’awn threatened them – that he will crucify them, and cut their hands and legs, but they gave no concern to Fir’awn’s threats; rather they remained steadfast upon their Eemaan. As for Fir’awn and his chiefs, then not a single one of them believed, rather they persisted upon transgression, and this is why Allaah [The Most High] says:

فَمَآ ءَامَنَ لِمُوسَىٰٓ إِلَّا ذُرِّيَّةٌ۬ مِّن قَوۡمِهِۦ عَلَىٰ خَوۡفٍ۬ مِّن فِرۡعَوۡنَ وَمَلَإِيْهِمۡ أَن يَفۡتِنَهُمۡ‌ۚ وَإِنَّ فِرۡعَوۡنَ لَعَالٍ۬ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَإِنَّهُ ۥ لَمِنَ ٱلۡمُسۡرِفِينَ

But none believed in Musa (Moses) except the offspring of his people, because of the fear of Fir’aun (Pharaoh) and his chiefs, lest they should persecute them; and verily, Fir’aun (Pharaoh) was arrogant tyrant on the earth, he was indeed one of the Musrifun (polytheists, sinners and transgressors, those who give up the truth and follow the evil, and commit all kinds of great sins).

[فَمَآ ءَامَنَ لِمُوسَىٰٓ إِلَّا ذُرِّيَّةٌ۬ – But none believed in Musa (Moses) except the offspring of his people]; Meaning: The youth amongst Bani Israa’eel, who exercised patience due to the Eemaan that was firmly established in their hearts, whilst being in a state of fear because Fir’awn had complete authority and power in the land, so it is expected that he will seek to punish them, for he was an extreme transgressor.

And the wisdom -and Allaah knows best- behind the fact that only the offspring of Moosaa’s people believed in Moosaa, is because the offspring- the youth- are more likely to accept the truth and quicker to submit to it, as opposed to the old people and those similar to them – those who were brought up in a religion of disbelief, for indeed due to the corrupt creed that is established in their hearts, they are the ones most likely not to accept the truth.

[Source: An Excerpt from ‘Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan’ by Imaam As-Sadi (rahimahullaah)]

The Evil End of a People Who Disbelieved And Misused The Amazing Physical Strength Bestowed Upon Them

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties.

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

Allaah [The Most High) informed us that Hud (alayhis-salaam) said to his people:

وَإِذَا بَطَشْتُمْ بَطَشْتُمْ جَبَّارِينَ

And when you seize you seize as tyrants.

Imaam Ibnul Jawzi (rahimahullaah) said: ‘’And when you seize you seize as tyrants’’- Meaning: When you hit with a whip, you hit like tyrants. And when you punish people, you kill.  Hud (alayhis-salaam) disapproved of that because it was done out of oppression; for had they hit with a sword or a whip based on what is right, they would not have been blamed. [Ref 1]

Imaam as-Saa’di (rahimahullaah) said: And when you seize’’ the creation (i.e. your opponents), you seize as tyrants’’ in killing, hitting and seizing wealth.  Indeed, Allaah granted them great strength and it was incumbent upon them to utilize their strength in obedience to Allaah; however they were boastful and arrogant.  And they said: ‘’Who is mightier than us in strength?’’ and they utilized their strength in disobedience to Allaah, and in futility and foolishness.  Therefore, their Prophet (Hud) forbade them from that. [Ref 2]

Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [rahimahullaah] stated about the statement of Allaah: [وَإِذَا بَطَشْتُمْ بَطَشْتُمْ جَبَّارِينَ – And when you seize, you seize as tyrants?]. This is a rebuke against Aad-the people of Hud [alayhis-salaam]. Allaah rebuked them and that they are oppressors who strike people without right. They oppress people by way of striking, killing and seizing wealth by force. This is a rebuke against them and a blameworthy trait of theirs. This [behaviour of theirs] is not permissible. This [i.e. this statement of Allaah] is a rebuke against Aad and a blameworthy affair for which Allaah sent a devastating barren wind against them. They used to oppress the people and transgressed against them. [Ref 3]

[1]Zaadul Maseer

[2]Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam al-Mannaan

[3] Source: see link: http://www.binbaz.org.sa/mat/9111 Slightly Paraphrased

And We Made Their Hearts Firm and Strong, When They Stood Up and Said: “Our Lord is the Lord of the Heavens and The Earth

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:

نَّحۡنُ نَقُصُّ عَلَيۡكَ نَبَأَهُم بِٱلۡحَقِّ‌ۚ إِنَّہُمۡ فِتۡيَةٌ ءَامَنُواْ بِرَبِّهِمۡ وَزِدۡنَـٰهُمۡ هُدً۬ى

وَرَبَطۡنَا عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِهِمۡ إِذۡ قَامُواْ فَقَالُواْ رَبُّنَا رَبُّ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ لَن نَّدۡعُوَاْ مِن دُونِهِۦۤ إِلَـٰهً۬ا‌ۖ لَّقَدۡ قُلۡنَآ إِذً۬ا شَطَطًا

We narrate unto you (O Muhammad) their story with truth: Truly! They were young men who believed in their Lord (Allah), and We increased them in guidance. And We made their hearts firm and strong, when they stood up and said: “Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth, never shall we call upon any ilah (god) other than Him; if we did, we should indeed have uttered an enormity in disbelief.

Allaah said: [إِنَّہُمۡ فِتۡيَةٌ ءَامَنُواْ بِرَبِّهِمۡ – They were young men who believed in their Lord (Allaah)]- Meaning: They believed in the oneness of Allaah and associated none as a partner to Him, so Allaah appreciated and rewarded them for their Eemaan and increased them in guidance. Due to the basis of this guidance to Eemaan, Allaah increased them in guidance, and that necessitates beneficial knowledge and [guided to the performance of] righteous deeds, just as Allaah said [in another Aayah in the Qur’aan]: [وَيَزِيدُ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ اهْتَدَوْا هُدًى – And Allah increases in guidance those who walk aright [true believers in the Oneness of Allah who 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)19:76].

Then Allaah said: [وَرَبَطۡنَا عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِهِمۡ – And We made their hearts firm and strong]- Meaning: We made them patient and steadfast, and bestowed them with tranquillity in their hearts when they were in that state of inconvenience [or unrest]. This is from Alaah’s kindness and generosity, for He granted them Eemaan, guidance, patience, steadfastness and tranquillity. [Ref 1]

[Allaah] fortified their hearts with patience and firmness; strengthened and supported [their hearts] with the light of Eemaan, so they were able to leave the land of their people, separated themselves from the comfort they were in and fled to the cave [for the safety] of their religion. [Ref 2]

Then Allaah said: [إِذۡ قَامُواْ فَقَالُواْ رَبُّنَا رَبُّ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ – when they stood up and said: “Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth]- Meaning: Allaah is the One Who created us, provided us with all blessings and provisions, the Who One controls all our affairs and nurtured us [by facilitating us with the ability and means to be guided in our religious and worldly affairs]. Allaah is the creator of the heavens and the earth – He alone created these great things. The images and idols [worshipped besides Him] can neither create nor provide anything; neither can they hurt nor benefit themselves [and others]; neither do they possess power [of causing] death nor [of giving] life, nor of raising the dead.” So, they [i.e. these youth] cited Tawheed Ar-Ruboobiyyah as evidence to establish Tawheed al-Ilaahiyyah, and for this reason Allaah said that they said: [لَن نَّدۡعُوَاْ مِن دُونِهِۦۤ إِلَـٰهً۬ا‌ۖ – never shall we call upon any ilah (god) other than Him [Allaah]- Meaning: We will not invoke anyone or anything amongst the creation; [لَّقَدۡ قُلۡنَآ إِذً۬ا شَطَطًا – if we did, we should indeed have uttered an enormity in disbelief]-Meaning: If we invoke others whilst also invoking Allaah- after knowing that Allaah alone is the true Lord and the only one who has the right to be worshipped- then indeed that would be tantamount to great misguidance from the truth and a path that is far removed from what is correct. So, they affirmed both Tawheed Ar-Ruboobiyyah and Tawheed Al-Ilaahiyyah; adhered to it, clarified that it is the truth and that what is in opposition to it is falsehood. This shows the perfection of their knowledge and awareness of their Lord and the increased guidance given to them. [Ref 3]

Ref 1: An Excerpt from ‘Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam al-Mannaan’. slightly paraphrased]

Ref 2: An Excerpt from ‘Badaa’i At-Tafseer al-Jaami Limaa Fassarahu al-Imaam Ibnul Qayyim. 2/157’. slightly paraphrased]

Ref 3: An Excerpt from ‘Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam al-Mannaan’. slightly paraphrased]