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A Preposterous Assertion

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Scholars of Islam, Seeking Knowledge, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Brief response to a preposterous assertion of a Journalist: “Saudi Arabia, The Birth Place of Islam and Site of Its Two Holiest Shrines!!!”

The Kabah is Not a Shrine

Why is it called Kabah? Imam Muhammad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaymin, may Allah have mercy upon him, said that it is called Kabah because of its squared shape. Every building that is squared in shape and has four pillars is called kabah. [1] It is called Baytul Ateeq because it is very ancient, the best Masjid without exception. Freed from being captured by tyrants [2], (i.e. except during the end of time when it will be demolished by Dhul Suwayqatayn). It is called Masjid Al-Haraam [i.e. the sacred Masjid (3)] and a Masjid is where none is to be invoked or prayed to besides Allah. [4]

The late Mufti of Saudi Arabia Imam Abdul Aziz Bin Baz, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: Shrines are graves and the Prophetic tradition regarding this affair is that graves are to be raised a hand span from the ground, so that they are recognised as graves and not degraded. This is why in the hadith of Sa’d Bin Abee Waqqas, may Allah be pleased with him, it is reported that the grave of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was raised a hand span and Sa’d also gave orders that the same should be done to his grave. As for building over them, taking them as Masaajid (mosques, places of worship) and building domes, this is not permissible. According to the people of knowledge, this is evil, innovation in religion and one of the means to Shirk. Due to this the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, stated in an authentic hadith: “The curse of Allah is upon the Jews and Christians [i.e. those Jews who deviated from the message of Prophet Musa and those Christians who deviated from the message of the Messiah and disbelieved in Muhammad], for they took the graves of their Prophets as places of worship”. In a hadith in Sahih Muslim, the Prophet forbade that graves should be plastered (made into permanent structures), used as sitting places and building over them. Therefore, it is not permissible to build over graves – neither mosques nor domes, nor other than them, and also they are not to be plastered because this is one of the means to Shirk – one of the means because it becomes exalted, invoked besides Allah and help sought from it, thus shirk occurs. Building over graves- placing domes, mosques and lamps over them are from the means to Shirk, and this is why the Prophet warned against it and cursed those who do so. [5]

Where Was The Grave of The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him,?

Aa’isha, may Allah be pleaded with her, said: Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “May Allah curse the Jews and Christians, for they took the graves of their Prophets as places of worship”. Then Aa’isha said, “Had that not been the case, his grave would be in an open place, but he feared that it would be taken as a place of worship”.[Al-Bukhari 1330]

After quoting this hadith, Imam Muhammad Naasiruddeen Al-Albaanee, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated in [تحذير الساجد من اتخاذ القبور مساجد – pages 14-15]: “The statement of Aa’isha, may Allah be pleased with her, clearly shows the reason why the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was buried in his bedroom and that was to prevent the one who would build a Masjid over him. It not permissible to use this as evidence to bury others in a house and what supports this is that it is in opposition to the foundational Islamic practice because the Sunnah (legislates) that the deceased are buried in the graveyards. This is why Ibn Urwah, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated in Al-Kawaakib Ad-Daraaree, “To be buried in the graveyards of the Muslims was more pleasing to Abu Abdillaah – meaning Al-Imam Ahmad – than being buried in the houses because it poses lesser harm to those who are alive with regards to worshiping images [i.e. keep people away from worshipping the deceased], more resemblant to a place of the afterlife, (urges) for more supplication for the person and seeking forgiveness for him. The companions, the Tabi’in and those after them did not cease burying the deceased in the desert”. If it is said, “The Prophet’s grave is in his house as well as the graves of his two companions (i.e. Abu Bakr and Umar)”, we say, “Aaisha said, ‘Indeed, the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, asked to be buried in his house so that his grave is not taken as a place of worship because he used to bury his companions at Al-Baqee and his practice is more worthy to be followed than that of others. His companions knew that he- in particular – was to be buried in his house because he said, ‘The Prophets are to be buried where they die'”. This protects (the place they are buried from too much noise) and distinguish them from other people.

On page 78 – [تحذير الساجد من اتخاذ القبور مساجد] – Imam Al-Albani stated: As for the second doubt that the grave of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is located within his mosque, as is seen at present, and that if this were indeed prohibited, he would not have been buried in it! The response to this is that, while this is seen at present, it was not the case during the time of the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them because when he passed away, they buried him in his bedroom adjacent to his Masjid, separated by a wall that included a door leading to the Masjid. This is a well-established fact among scholars, with no disagreement on the matter. The Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, buried him in the house and they did so that no one after them would be able to take his grave as a masjid as previously clarified in the narration of Aisha and others (page 14-15). However, after them, something they would have never anticipated occurred! In the year 88AH, Al-Walid ibn Abd al-Malik ordered the demolition of the Prophet’s Masjid and the incorporation of the bedrooms of the Messenger’s wives into it, thus including the bedroom of Prophet – Aisha’s bedroom. As a result, the grave was was entered in the Masjid. At that time, there were no companions present in Madina, contrary to what some may assume. [End of quote]

Shaikh Abu Khadeejah, may Allah preserve him, quoted Al-Allamah Ahmad Bin Yahyah An-Najmi, may Allah have mercy upon him, who stated: The grave of the Prophet (salallāhu ‘alaihi wasallam) was initially outside of his Mosque in Madeenah – the fact is that his house was next door to the Mosque and that is where he was buried after his death. Later, in the time of the rule of Waleed Ibn Abdul-Malik he commanded that Mosque be expanded, and thus the house of the Prophet (salallāhu ‘alaihi wasallam) was included into the Mosque as it was extended. This occurred at the displeasure of the Scholars – and they hated it – from them, Sa’eed Ibn Al-Musayyib (died 94H).

As for the green dome that was erected high over the grave of the Prophet (salallāhu ‘alaihi wasallam), then it was built at the end of the 6th century – it was built by one of the kings of Egypt. So whoever uses the grave of the Prophet (salallāhu ‘alaihi wasallam) in the Mosque as a proof, or the presence of the green dome then, in reality, he has no proof at all. That is because these constructions and affairs were initiated by people ignorant and devoid of knowledge. They had authority and the people were not able to prevent them. So they did what they did due to their claim that they were expressing their love of the Prophet (salallāhu ‘alaihi wasallam) and respect for him”. (6)

The Origin of Grave Worship In The Ummah

Shaikh Shamsuddeen Al-Afghaanee, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Allah, The Most High, guided mankind through Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and through what he brought of clear manifest evidences and guidance – a guidance that could not be described by those who were proficient in giving descriptions and surpassed the knowledge of those with great perception. So, through this guidance, Allaah [The Most High] opened the eyes of the blind ones, the ears of the deaf ones and the hearts of the heedless ones. Allaah [The Most High] united them upon one religion- the religion of pure Islamic monotheism; Prophet Ibraaheem’s [peace be upon him] religion of pure monotheism – after they had been in a state of complete disunity, enmity towards one another, destructive and corrupt creeds. Allaah united their hearts and they became true brothers in Islam by way of this great blessing. And thereafter everything that was worshiped besides Allaah- such as graves, trees, stones, graven images, idols etc- ceased to exist and all worship was carried out for Allaah (alone).

The people followed the true Religion of Islamic monotheism, worshipped Allah alone and established worship sincerely for Allaah, except those whom Allaah willed that they were to remain as people of polytheism, hypocrisy and followers of the altered and distorted previous scriptures. The darkness of shirk (polytheism) was dispelled and the banner of Tawheed (pure Islamic Monotheism) was raised in the lands amongst the Arabs and non-Arabs. The Messenger of Allah returned to his Lord, whilst Islam was established and in authority-superseding all other ways of life and creeds. Then the rightly guided khulafaa of the Messenger [AbuBakr, Umar, Uthmaan and Ali] continued upon this path until the two powerful and great nations at the time- Rome and Persia- ended up in humiliation, degradation and in a state of fear after they had been in a state of security, and thus Caesar was restricted and besieged, and khosrau was subdued and destroyed.

So when the enemies of Islam saw that they were unable to do away with this religion, they implanted their disbelieving agents within Islam, who pretended to be Muslims in order to foment confusion, trials and tribulations, and spread Shirk (polytheism) by exaggerating the status of the pious people – exalting their graves through (beliefs and practices) that were not ordained by Allaah. So, this Ummah was put to trial through the plots of the [atheist, heretic and hypocrite] Abdullaah Bin Saba, who claimed Uloohiyyah for Ali Ibn Abee Taalib [i.e. that Ali has the right to be worship]. Abdullaah Bin As-Sabah’s followers were known as the Saaba’iyyah, and later on they were known as the rawaafid (shiites), the ismaaliyyah (shittes), the nusayriyah (shiites) and other than them amongst the Baatiniyyah. They used to worship the graves and the dead, and built places of worship and domed (shaped) shrines upon these graves. So, by way of this they revived the practices of the Jews, the Christians and idol worshippers, and thus the practices of the worshippers of graves in this Muslim Ummah manifested itself in deeds of the rawaafid (shiites).

Secondly: The books of Greek philosophy that contained the ideas of grave and idol worship were translated into Arabic, so many of those who attributed themselves to Islam busied themselves with these books, such as the likes of Al- Faraabee, Ibn Sinaa Al-Hanafi, Naseer At- Toosee the advocator of disbelief and polytheism and other than them amongst those who played tricks with Islaam, just as Paul played tricks with Christianity. They were influenced by the ideas of the Greek Philosophers- the creed of grave worship, so they became callers to grave worship through Greek Philosophy.

Thirdly: A people appeared among the Muslims manifesting asceticism. These people were more dangerous to the masses and more severe in misguidance. They were a people who appeared in the garb of the righteous, with tearful eyes smeared with kohl, long flowing beards, elevated turbans, carrying rosary beads and pretending to be calling to the sunnah of the leader of Humankind [Muhammad], whilst secretly practicing the disgraceful acts inherited from the false and vanished religions. And from their plots was that they used to mix manifest lies with the authentic explanations of the Qur’aan and the authentic narrations in order to corrupt the clear proofs of the Qur’aan and the Sunnah. These deviant heretics were known as the holooliyyah, ittihaadiyyah Grave worshippers (I), such as the likes of al-hallaaj (309ah), ibnul faarid (632ah), ibn arabi (638ah), ibn sina (669ah) etc (7)

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Footnote (I): Hulooliyyah and ittihaadiyyah]: Hulool- Lit. “Entering” – Divine indwelling. The belief that Allaah dwells within a particular human. i.e. That Allaah dwells in a particular Soofi shaykh, a pious person, a Prophet – This belief is shared by Christians, certain Soofies, certain Shiites, Sikhs and others. Wahdaatul Wujood – Lit – Unity of Existence. The belief that all existence is a single existence and everything we see are only aspects of the Essence of Allah. This belief is also held by certain Soofies, Hindus and others.

Those who believe in hulool say that Allaah dwells and is incarnate in human beings, High is Allaah above and far removed from that. This was openly called to by some of the extreme Sufis, such as al-Husayn ibn Mansoor al-Hallaaj who was declared to be an unbeliever by the scholars. They ordered that he be executed and he was crucified in the year 309H. The following saying is attributed to him: “Glory to Him who manifested His human nature, Hiding the piercing brightness of His divinity: Till His creation saw Him openly, In the form of one eating and drinking” Attributed by al-Wakeel to the book at Tawaaseen of al Hallaaj (p. 130).

And his saying: “I am the one who loves and the One who is loved is me, We are two spirits who dwell in a single body. So when you see me you see Him, and when you see Him you see us both.”So al-Hallaaj was a believer in hulool and believed in the duality of the divine nature and that the Deity had both a divine and a human nature. Thus the divine becomes incarnate within the human so that the human spirit is the divine nature of the Deity and the body is its human form. Despite the fact that he was killed for his evil apostasy and although some of the Sufis declare themselves free of him, yet others count him as a Sufi, hold that his beliefs were correct, and write down his words. From them is Abdul-‘Abbaas ibn ‘Ataa al-Baghdaadee, Muhammad ibn Khaleef ash? Sheeraazee and Ibraheem an-Nasraabaadhee, as is reported by al-Khateeb al-Baghdaadee.

Wahdatul-Wujood, i.e. that all in existence is a single reality, and that everything we see is only aspects of the Essence of Allaah. The chief claimant of this belief was Ibn ‘Arabee al-Haatimee at-Taa’ee, who was buried in Damascus having died in the year 638H. He himself says about this belief in his book al-Fatoohaat-ul-Makkiyyah: “The slave is the Lord and the Lord is a slave, I wish that I knew which was the one required to carry out the required duties. If I were to say the servant then that is true, or if I were to say the Lord, then how can that be required for Him.” Al-Fatoohaat-ul-Makkiyyah as it is attributed by Dr. Taqiyyuddeen al-Hilaalee in his book al-Hadiyyatul-Haadiyah (p.43).

He also says in al-Fatoohaat: “Those who worshipped the calf worshipped nothing except Allaah.” Quoted as Ibn ‘Arabee’s saying by Ibn Tayrniyyah in al-Fataawaa (vol.11), who attributes it to the book al-Fatoohaat. Ibn ‘Arabee is called ‘al-‘Aarif billaah’ (The one having great knowledge of Allaah) by the Sufis, and also ‘al-Qutubul Akbar’ (The great pivot), ‘al-Miskul-Adhfar’ (the sweetest smelling musk), “al-Kibreetul-Ahmar’ (the reddest brimstone), despite his belief in wahdatul-wujood and other calamitous sayings. Indeed he praised Fir’awn (Pharaoh) and declared that he died upon eemaan! Furthermore he speaks against Haroon for his criticism of his peoples worship of the calf, thus directly opposing the text of the Qur’aan. He also held that the Christians were Unbelievers only because they made divinity particular to ‘Eesaa, whereas if they had made it general to all then they would not have been unbelievers. [Despite all the gross deviation of Ibn ‘Arabee and the fact that the scholars declared him to be an Unbeliever, yet he is revered by the Sufis and others who do not distinguish between the truth and falsehood, and those who turn away from accepting the truth even when it is as clear as the sun. But his books, which are filled with clear apostasy, such as al-Fatoohaatul-Makkiyyah and Fusoosul-Hikam are still circulated. He even has a tafseer, which he called at-Tafseerul-Baatin since he holds that there is an apparent and a hidden meaning for every Aayah, so the outer meaning is for the people of Ta’weel. From this group came Ibn Basheesh who said: “O Allaah rescue me from the mire of Tawheed, and drown me in the centre of the sea of unity, and mix me into the state of unity and oneness until I do not see, nor hear, nor sense except through it.” [8]

May Allah bestow His blessings upon the rulers of Saudi Arabia, for they not only uphold a state of peace and security in that blessed land, by the grace of Allah, but they are also adherents of Tawhid who hold a deep respect for scholars and the followers of Tawhid. They do not tolerate the practice of grave worship. Furthermore, may Allah empower all Sunni Muslim leaders, making them pillars of stability for the Ummah, and safeguard the Muslim Ummah from the Khawaarij, Rawaafid, and all those who pursue chaos and instability. Ameen.

[1] https://binothaimeen.net/content/10706

[2] Tafseer As-Sadi. Surah Al-Hajj. Aayah 29 – the meaning of Baytul Ateeq

[3] Surah Al-Baqarah Aayah 144

[4] Tafseer As-Sadi. Surah Al-Jinn. Aayah 18

[5]https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/16337/%D8%AD%D9%83%D9%85-%D8%A8%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%B6%D8%B1%D8%AD%D8%A9-%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%89-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%82%D8%A8%D9%88%D8%B1 paraphrased

[6]https://abukhadeejah.com/decisive-proofs-against-the-sufis-who-take-graves-as-places-of-worship-the-condemnation-of-the-one-who-worships-allah-at-the-grave-of-a-righteous-man-so-how-much-worse-is-the-one-who-actually-worsh/

[7] Excerpt from Juhoodu Ulamaa Al-Hanafiyyah Fee Ibtaal Aqaa’id Al-Qubooriyyeen. 1/19-25

[8] http://www.salafitalk.net/st/viewmessages.cfm?Forum=8&Topic=3528

Reflections from some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali [3 of 80]

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

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

Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah preserve him, said:

It is reported in a hadith that the first to be thrown into the hell fire are three (types) of people. The first person: A man who died as a martyr, thus he will be brought forward and Allah will remind him of the favours bestowed upon him and he will acknowledge them. Then Allah will ask him, “What did you do with that?” The man will say, “I fought for Your Cause till I was martyred”. Allah will say, “You have lied. You fought so that people might call you courageous and it has been said”. Then the command will be given about him and he will be dragged on his face and thrown into Hell.

The people used to praise him and said, “He is a Mujahid, a hero, a brave person etc…” They gave him these titles, but did it benefit him! By Allah, he brought destruction upon himself due to his desire for these praises that can neither bring (him anything good) nor avail against anything. By Allah, if all the people of the Dunya praised you for being brave and fearless, whilst you did not desire Allah’s Face, neither will it benefit you in anything nor protect you from Allah’s anger, nor His painful punishment. What is the reason behind this? He performed Jihad, risked his life and spent his wealth till he was killed, however this was his destination. What led him to this destruction? He was not sincere to Allah, The Blessed and Exalted. Allah says: [وَمَآ أُمِرُوٓاْ إِلَّا لِيَعۡبُدُواْ ٱللَّهَ مُخۡلِصِينَ لَهُ ٱلدِّينَ -And they were commanded not, but that they should worship Allah, and worship none but Him Alone (abstaining from ascribing partners to Him]. [Al-Bayyinah. 5]

The second person: He acquired knowledge and taught, so he will be brought forward and Allah will remind him of the favours bestowed upon him and he will acknowledge them. Then Allah will ask him, “What did you do with that?” He will say, “I acquired knowledge and taught it, and I read the Qur’an for Your sake”. Allah will say to him, “You have lied; rather you recited the Qur’an so that it is said, ‘He is a reciter’ and you acquired knowledge so that it is said, ‘He is a scholar’. Take him to the hell fire”. Then he will be dragged on his face and thrown into Hell.”

Allah’s refuge is sought! What destroyed him? It was Riyaa and lack of sincerity to Allah – The Lord of the entire existence. O youth! Be mindful of shaytaan who is next to you. Seek Allah’s protection against his (shaytaan’s) destructive evil whispers.

وَإِمَّا يَنزَغَنَّكَ مِنَ ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنِ نَزۡغٌ۬ فَٱسۡتَعِذۡ بِٱللَّهِ‌ۖ إِنَّهُ ۥ هُوَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلۡعَلِيمُ

And if an evil whisper from Shaitan (Satan) tries to turn you away (O Muhammad) (from doing good, etc.), then seek refuge in Allah. Verily, He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower. [Fussilat.36]

If you sense that your soul is inclined towards showing off to the people and bragging about knowledge, turn to Allah, lower and humble yourself in His presence, ask Him to grant you sincerity and to save you from shaytan – to save you from his whispers and plots. One of the scholars said, “Indeed, it is extremely difficult (for one) whose enemy can see him, but he cannot see him.” He (i.e. this scholar) said this when he explained the statement of Allah, The Blessed and Exalted, about shaytan and his armies: [إِنَّهُ ۥ يَرَٮٰكُمۡ هُوَ وَقَبِيلُهُ ۥ مِنۡ حَيۡثُ لَا تَرَوۡنَہُمۡ‌ۗ – Verily, he and (his soldiers from the jinns or his tribe) see you from where you cannot see them]. [Al-A’raf. 27]

He (this scholar) said, “By Allah! Indeed, it’s a bitter feud and extreme difficulty (for the one) whose enemy can see him, but he cannot see him, except for the one whom Allah safeguards”, meaning: this enemy is more dangerous than the army you can see that has troops and strength. This hidden enemy – whom you cannot see – is extreme difficulty and will destroy you whilst you are unaware and unable to see him. We ask Allah for well-being.

The third person: A generous person who spent his wealth openly in good, so, he will be brought forward and Allah will remind him of the favours bestowed upon him and he will acknowledge them. Allah will ask him, “What did you with that?” He will say, “I did not neglect any of the paths You liked wealth to be spent, except that I spent in that path”. Allah will say to him, “You have lied; rather you did so that people might call you generous and it has been said”. Then the command will be given, and he will be dragged and thrown into Hell.

If you spent an amount of gold that fills the Dunyah – spent openly in the paths of Jihad [I], building mosques, and in this and that, but you did not desire Allah’s Face, indeed Allah knows the hidden evil of it. This wealth you have spent will never benefit you nor will it avail you against anything; rather it will be a source of evil upon you, and Allah’s refuge is sought.

I emphasise this affair because it is a dangerous affair. Therefore, evoke the greatness of Allah. O Miskeen! know that- by Allah – if you gathered the knowledge of the early and later generations, your knowledge will not be equal to a driblet compared to Allah’s knowledge. Therefore, lower yourself in the presence of Allah’s Greatness, humble yourself to Allah and know that over all those endowed with knowledge is the All-Knowing (Allah). [An Excerpt from “Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm”. pages 55-57]

We ask Allah:

اللهمَّ إني أعوذُ بك أنْ أُشرِكَ بك و أنا أعلمُ ، و أستغفرُك لما لا أعلمُ

O Allah, I seek refuge in You from associating partners with You while I am aware, and I ask for Your forgiveness for that which I do not know. [Sahih Al-Jami 3731]

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

[4] Sound Creed and Adherence to Sound Islam is The Only Way towards Sound Reformation and Rectification – [By Well known and Highly Respected God-fearing Erudite Saudi Scholar – [Al-Allaamah Abdullaah Bin Muhammad Bin Humayd]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Contemporary Issues, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Al-Allaamah Abdullaah Bin Muhammad Bin Humayd [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: “We do not say that it is prohibited to study the beneficial worldly sciences because the religion of Islaam does not prohibit it, such as the knowledge of medicine, economics, business and its likes. However, these affairs come after rectification of the creed and after (acquaintance with) the knowledge of Tawheed. This is what is specified as an obligation”.

The Shaikh also said, “You say, ‘Indeed, my child graduated from such and such university and he has a master’s degree or what they call a PHD, and he studied in America or in London or in such university’, and you think that with these (qualifications) he has become a mountain amongst the mountains of the earth; however, as long as he is unaware of the rights of his Lord, unaware of your rights and the affairs of his religion, then by Allaah he is a mirage and there is neither goodness in him nor in his knowledge (of the worldly sciences). To be ignorant (of these worldly science) would be better for him because they led him to reject his religion, country and society. The situation of (this person) is that of evil and his manners have been corrupted. Therefore, it is obligatory that you do not become lackadaisical concerning the affairs of your children as long as they are young. Teach them what is beneficial and nurture them upon good”.

The Shaikh also said, “It is obligated on the teachers to implant the true creed in the hearts of the young generation. They should clarify -for them- the wisdom, beauty and underlying reasons behind the rulings of the Islamic law until their hearts grow in faith and radiated with its light, so that they become upright and benefit their country, governments, Islamic Nation, its people and the Religion”.

The Shaikh also said, “Alas, how can we be pleased with sending our young children to a faculty in America or to such and such country, and he (the parent) says, “My child has gone to study”, (whilst he has gone) to study disbelief, hearsay, deviation, how to turn away from his family, his country and religion!” “How can a person excuse himself for sending his young child to Germany, France, America, Italy and London, whilst he has not yet been nurtured upon the correct creed. This is an error. (Your Muslim child) will come to you whilst turning away from his religion, turning away from his parents and looking down upon them. He will consider them to be (people) who neither possesses understanding nor do they know, whilst in reality he is the one without understanding. Therefore, it is incumbent upon a person to give serious concern to the children under his care because they are a trust. And when you neglect them, then indeed you have betrayed the trust. Allaah [The Most High] said: [يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا تَخُونُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَٱلرَّسُولَ وَتَخُونُوٓاْ أَمَـٰنَـٰتِكُمۡ وَأَنتُمۡ تَعۡلَمُونَ – O you who believe! Betray not Allah and His Messenger, nor betray knowingly your Amanat [things entrusted to you and all the duties which Allah has ordained for you]. [Soorah Anfaal: Ayah: 27]

Therefore, your children are a trust and when you neglect them, then indeed you have betrayed them. It is obligated on every one of us to fear Allaah with regards to the (affair) of his children and those under his care. The days go past and the end of a (person’s) lifespan draws closer, and a person does not know when his life span will suddenly come to (an end). (One) must strive to teach his children beneficial knowledge, nurture them upon goodness and obedience to (Allaah and His Messenger). The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, ‘All of you are shepherds and each of you is responsible for his flock. A man is the shepherd of his household and he is responsible for them. A woman is a shepherdess in her husband’s house and she is responsible for her flock'”.

[Source: An Excerpt from ‘Al-Fataawaa Wad-Duroos Fil Masjid Al-Haraam’. pages 938-944. slightly paraphrased]

To be continued…InShaaAllaah

[3] Sound Creed and Adherence to Sound Islam is The Only Way towards Sound Reformation and Rectification – [By Well known and Highly Respected God-fearing Erudite Saudi Scholar – (Imaam As-Sadi)]

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

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

Imaam Sadi [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said:

Indeed, it is impossible to rectify the souls and acquire virtue solely through the worldly sciences. Experience and clearly witnessed circumstances are the greatest proofs regarding this affair, because despite its advancement and vastness it has been unable to nurture and rectify the souls [i.e. upon excellent traits, manners, dealings, characteristics, sound creed etc] which are the determinants of [sound] rectification and success. What the Religion of Islaam propagates is that which is entrusted with this rectification; it is what will guide the thoughts towards the truthful and authentic sources of knowledge, guide the actions of the people towards good and prevent them from evil. Islam is The Rectifier of the Creeds and Manners- the thing that cultivates the thoughts [upon righteousness], urges towards virtuousness and prevents from depravity.

The essence of that which the religion calls to – regarding belief in the Unseen, which includes belief in Allaah and that which He possesses of Names, Attributes and Actions of perfection; belief in Angels, belief in recompense for one’s good and bad deeds in this life and the next, which cannot be known except through the Messengers, is what acquaints a person with the fact that rectification – in reality – is not possible through other than sound belief and the religion of Islaam.

Therefore, even if the worldly sciences rectify [some] affairs based upon that which [some] people know in detail, it will still not be equal [in perfection, excellence etc] to the knowledge of the Messengers [in the least]. It will neither reach that which is reached through the knowledge of the Messengers nor can it influence the souls in the manner in which the knowledge of the Messengers has done; for indeed the souls do not voluntarily submit except through belief in Allaah, belief in His Angels, belief in His Books, belief in His Messengers and belief in the hereafter. And without this, voluntary submission is impossible, as is well known regarding human nature.

The Imaam also said: Industrialization And Modern Inventions: Everyone has participated in it – the righteous, the wicked, the believer and the disbeliever. As for religion and [virtuous] manners, then indeed -in this era-, it has greatly declined. So, when this industrial advancement is devoid of sound religion and faith, it became a great harm from two angles:

Firstly: It beguiled many people, who – due of their ignorance – think that worldly advancement is proof to show that its people are more worthy of achieving every good than others. They are clearly misguided, for indeed a person might be from the most skillful in affairs related to the material world, whilst he is one of the most ignorant people in affairs related to the religion, virtuous manners and the [other] beneficial affairs in this life and the next.

Secondly: When these inventions are devoid of sound religion, its mercy and wisdom, it becomes a great disaster for humankind due to the wars that resulted from them, killing, destruction and other affairs related to it. Its regulators [or overseers] and scholars are unable to laydown – for humankind -a stable, just and good life, rather they have not ceased moving from one miserable state to another. This is inevitable and the continuous state of affairs shows that [to be the case]. Therefore all good is found in the sound religion and all evil is found in rejecting and willfully denying [Allaah, His Messengers, His Laws, Guidance, Commands, Prohibitions etc.

[An Excerpt from Al-Adillah Al-Qawaati Wal-Baraaheen Fee Ibtaalil Usoolil Mulhideen. pages 45-50]

To be continued…InShaaAllaah.

Four Narrations Related to Behaviour of Salafus Saaleh (The Pious Predecessors) Towards Parents

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Abdullaah Ibn Deenaar [may Allaah have mercy upon him] reported that a desert Arab met Abdullah Ibn Umar [may Allah be pleased with him and his father] on way to Makkah. Abdullah greeted him, mounted him on the donkey on which that he was riding and gave him a turban that he had been wearing on his head. Ibn Dinar said, “We said to him, ‘May Allah do good to you, these are desert Arabs and they would be content with little’. Abdullah said, ‘The father of this man was a friend of Umar Ibn Al-Khattab (i.e my father) and I heard the Messenger of Allah [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] say, ‘The best act of kindness is for the son to uphold ties (of friendship) with those who were his father’s friends'”. (1)

Ameerul Mumineen Umar Ibnul Khattaab [may Allaah be pleased with him] said, “I heard Allah’s Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم (saying, ‘Indeed, the best of the Taabi’een [i.e. followers of the Sahaabah] would be a person who would be a man called Uways. He would have his mother (living with him) and he would have (a small) sign of leprosy [on his skin]. If you meet him, ask him to seek Allaah’s forgiveness for you'”.

Usair Bin Jabir reported that whenever the people from Yemen came to help (the Muslim army at the time of jihad), Umar [may Allaah be pleased with him] would ask: Is Uways ibn ‘Aamir among you? When he found Uways he said: Are you Uways ibn ‘Aamir? He said: Yes. He said: Are you from Muraad then from Qaran? He said: Yes. He said: Did you have leprosy, then you recovered from it except for a spot the size of a dirham? He said: Yes. He said: Do you have a mother? He said: Yes. He said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) say: “There will come to you Uways ibn ‘Aamir with the reinforcements from Yemen, from Muraad then from Qaran. He had leprosy but he recovered from it except for a spot the size of a dirham. He has a mother and he honours her. If he were to swear in the name of Allah that something should happen, Allah would cause it to happen. If you can ask him to pray for forgiveness for you then do so.” Pray for forgiveness for me. And he prayed for forgiveness for him. ‘Umar said to him: Where are you headed? He said: Kufa. He said: Shall I write to the governor for you? He said: Being among the common folk is dearer to me. The following year, a man from among their nobles performed Hajj and he met ‘Umar, who asked him about Uways. He said: I left him in a shabby house with meagre provisions. He said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) say: “There will come to you Uways ibn ‘Aamir with the reinforcements from Yemen, from Muraad then from Qaran. He had leprosy but he recovered from it except for a spot the size of a dirham. He has a mother and he honours her. If he were to swear in the name of Allah that something should happen, Allah would cause it to happen. If you can ask him to pray for forgiveness for you then do so.” So he went to Uways and said: Pray for forgiveness for me. He said: You have just come from a sacred journey, so pray for forgiveness for me. He said: Pray for forgiveness for me. He said: You have just come from a sacred journey, so pray for forgiveness for me. He said: Did you meet ‘Umar? He said: Yes. So he prayed for forgiveness for him, and the people came to know of his piety, so he left. Usayr said: His garment (allocated annually by the state) was a cloak (burdah) and every time anyone saw him he would say: From where did Uways get this cloak? (2)

Imaam An-Nawawi [may Allaah have mercy upon him]: This story of Oways is a clear miracle of Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him]. The Messenger’s statement “If you meet him, ask him to seek Allaah’s forgiveness for you” is a manifest virtue of Oways, and this hadeeth shows that it is desired for one to ask for the supplication of the righteous people, even if the one who is asking is more virtuous than the one who is asked to supplicate. The statement of the Messenger “The best of the Taabi’een [i.e. followers of the Sahaabah] is a man called Oways” is very clear regarding the fact that he is the best of the Taabi’een. But if it is said, “Indeed, Ahmad Bin Hanbal did say that the best of the Taabi’een is Sa’eed Ibnul Musayyib”, so the response to this is that what they intended is that Sa’eed Ibnul Musayyib is the best in the Sharee’ah sciences, such Tafseer, hadeeth and other than it, but not the best with regards to being virtuous in the sight of Allaah [The Exalted].

When Umar Ibnul Khattaab [may Allaah be pleased with] met Oways [may Allaah have mercy upon him], he said him, “Where are you headed?” Oways said, “Kufa”. Umar said, “Shall I write to the governor for you?” He said, “Being among the common folk is dearer to me”. This is preferring to be unknown and hiding one’s state of affairs. (3)

Muhammad Ibn Munkadir [may Allaah have mercy upon him] used to put his cheek on the ground and then say to his mother [may Allah have mercy on her], “Get up and put your foot on my cheek”. (4)

Abu Bakr Ibn Iyyaash [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “I was sitting with Mansur Ibn Al-Mutamir [may Allaah have mercy upon him] in his house, so his mother shouted at him and was harsh towards him, saying, ‘O Mansur! Ibn Hubayrah wants you to take up the position of judge, but you refuse?’ Mansur’s beard was touching his chest due to lowering his head and he did not even take a little peep at her (i.e. due to being humble in the presence of his mother)”. (5)

[Ref 1: Saheeh Muslim 2552]
[Ref 2: Saheeh Muslim 2542]
[Ref 3: An Excerpt from Sharh Saheeh Muslim by Imaam An-Nawawi. Vol 15. Pages 76-78]
[Ref 4: Siyar A’laam An-Nubulaa 5/354]
[Ref 5: Siyar A’laam An-Nubulaa 5/402]

O Allah’s Messenger! Prices Have Gone Up, So Fix Prices For Us

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Islamic Jurisprudence - 'Fiqh', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Sin.

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

Allah [The Exalted] says:

وَلَنَبْلُوَنَّكُمْ بِشَيْءٍ مِنَ الْخَوْفِ وَالْجُوعِ وَنَقْصٍ مِنَ الأَمْوَالِ وَالأَنْفُسِ وَالثَّمَرَاتِ وَبَشِّرِالصَّابِرِينَ
ٱلَّذِينَ إِذَآ أَصَـٰبَتۡهُم مُّصِيبَةٌ۬ قَالُوٓاْ إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّآ إِلَيۡهِ رَٲجِعُونَ
أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ عَلَيۡہِمۡ صَلَوَٲتٌ۬ مِّن رَّبِّهِمۡ وَرَحۡمَةٌ۬‌ۖ وَأُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ هُمُ ٱلۡمُهۡتَدُونَ

And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to As-Sabirin (the patient ones, etc.). Who, when afflicted with calamity, say: “Truly! To Allah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return.” They are those on whom are the Salawat (i.e. blessings, etc.) (i.e. who are blessed and will be forgiven) from their Lord, and (they are those who) receive His Mercy, and it is they who are the guided-ones. [Surah Al-Baqarah. Verses 155-157]

Anas Bin Malik [may Allah be pleased with him] reported that the people said, “O Allah’s Messenger! Prices have gone up, so fix prices for us”. So, Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “Allah is the one Who fixes prices, Who withholds, gives lavishly and provides, and I hope that when I meet Allah, none of you will have any claim on me for an injustice regarding blood or property”. [Sahih Sunan Abee Dawud. Number 3450]

Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: High increases in prices and their decreases are among those events that none brings about except Allah alone and nothing can occur from it except by Allah’s Will, but He [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections] has made some of the actions of His slaves the cause of some incidents, just as He made the deed of killing by a killer a cause of the death of the victim, and the increase in prices may be due to the injustice of the people, and the decrease may be due to the benevolence of some people. (1)

Pay attention to the statement of Shaikh Al-Islaam as follows, “….the increase in prices may be due to the injustice of the people, and the decrease may be due to the benevolence of some people”. Indeed, it is common knowledge in our era that farmers – in some wealthy nations – are sometimes ordered to dump good produce. This is due to a number of reasons: firstly, sometimes capitalists do not have in place a system that would allow farmers to grow only what is enough, therefore they are left with no choice but to dump some of their produce. However, despite this overproduction, many people are still unable to afford good quality food. One of the ways this can be avoided is if governments help charities to repackage and redistribute excess food to those in need of it. Secondly, sometimes the greedy capitalists solely desire to make profit regardless of the consequences. For example, there has been incidents – in some wealthy nations – when farmers were ordered to depopulate their livestock to inflate prices, whilst many people were unable to put meat on their tables. This is nothing but an act of conspiring with farmers to create scarcity and thus unveils one of the negative outcomes of a capitalist economy.

The Hoarders: Muammar Bin Abdillah [may Allah be pleased with him] who said that the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “None hoards except a sinner”. [Sahih Muslim. Number 1605]

Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baz [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: They are the ones who buy commodities, such as food and the like that people need in times of hardship and store it, so that when the price is high he sells it for more. This is not permissible, it is an evil deed and the one who does this is a sinner. If there is one in charge of authority in the country, it is obligated to him to implement the affairs related to the Shariah, prevent him from doing so and compel him to sell food at the same price – at the current price that is in the markets; and he cannot hoard it if it is during the time of hardship. As for the one who buys food or other than food that people need in a time of prosperity and abundance in the markets, and not to harm anyone, then when trade begins, he sells it with the people without delaying it until when a state of extreme need occurs, rather, he sells when the trading begins and there is benefit, there is no objection to this action of his. This is the work of merchants in ancient and modern times. (2)

Imam Muhammad Ibn Saalih Al-Uthaymeen [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: It is forbidden to monopolise (or hoard) what people are in need of. The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “None hoards except a sinner”. This is a person who deliberately commits a sin; but monopolising (or hoarding) is only in relation to what is not found with anyone else other than this monopolist (or hoarder). As for what him and someone else possess and he wants to keep the commodity until its season comes, there is nothing wrong with this and it is not considered monopoly (or hoarding). For instance, if a person buys rice and says, “I will save it until the time of its season, whilst the people have rice and they sell as they want”, this is not considered monopoly (or hoarding); but if it is not found except with him and he is saves it until the time of high prices comes, then indeed this is monopolising (or hoarding). The scholars say that the one in charge of authority is obliged to force the monopolist to sell what he has monopolised (or hoarded) just as people sell at the time they need to sell because this is in the public interest. (3)

[Ref1:Majmoo Al-Fataawaa 8/520]

[Ref2:https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/6025/%D8%AD%D9%83%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%AD%D8%AA%D9%83%D8%A7%D8%B1 ]

[Ref 3: https://binothaimeen.net/content/11952. paraphrased]

O Allah! Just as You Made My External Form Beautiful, Make My Character Beautiful as Well

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

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

Abdullah Ibn Mas’ood [may Allah be pleased with him] reported that the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said: [اللهم كما حَسَّنْت خَلْقِي فَحَسِّنْ خُلُقِي – O Allah! Just as You made my external form beautiful, make my character beautiful as well].

PDF Below

Admonitions of The Scholars Regarding Good Manners

Admonitions of The Scholars Regarding Good Manners

 

Part 3: One Who Refrains From Detailing Manhaj When Needed: [Ponder Upon Some Statements of Imaam Ibnul Qayyim, Imaam Abu Haatim, Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee and Al-Allaamah Saaleh Al-Fawzaan]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

One Who Refrains From Detailing Manhaj When Needed: [Ponder Upon Some Statements of Imaam Ibnul Qayyim, Imaam Abu Haatim, Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee and Al-Allaamah Saaleh Al-Fawzaan]

Part3_One Who Refrains From Detailing Manhaj When Needed

Part 2: One Who Refrains From Detailing Manhaj When Needed: [Ponder Upon Some Statements of The Scholars- Ibn Aqeel, Al-Allaamah Rabee, Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz, Shaikh Shamsuddeen Al-Afghaanee, Shaikh Abdullah Al-Bukhaaree]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Part 2: One Who Refrains From Detailing Manhaj When Needed: [Ponder Upon Some Statements of The Scholars- Ibn Aqeel, Al-Allaamah Rabee, Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz, Shaikh Shamsuddeen Al-Afghaanee, Shaikh Abdullah Al-Bukhaaree]

The_Manhaj_Must_Be_Detailed_When_Needed_Part2

 

One of The Corrupt Goals Behind The Attention Given to Artefacts- By Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Sin.

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

Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee al-Madkhalee [may Allaah preserve him] stated:

The attention given to artefacts (or relics) – in this era – in the manner pursued by the Archaeologists was not known during the era of the Prophet’s companions [may Allaah be pleased with them] and the pious predecessors [may Allaah have mercy upon them]; but rather the Muslims blindly followed the Europeans and Americans whose greatest goal in studying artefacts (or relics) in the land of the Muslims is to revive (the traits of) pre-Islamic nationalism, such as Pharaonism, (Pan) Babylonianism, Phoenicianism etc. And they succeeded to a great extent in actualizing many of these goals and thus arose – in the Muslim lands – the (traits) of pre-Islamic national pride and taking pride in these nationalisms.

Indeed, I am amazed with the example of yours [i.e. the person the Rabee is refuting] regarding the towns of (Prophet) Saaleh and Ukhdood [ie. the people who tortured the believers mentioned in Surah Al-Burooj], which are places (that earned) Allaah’s anger!! Imaam Al-Bukhaaree [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “Abdullah Bin Muhammad Al-Jufee narrated to us that Abdur Razzaaq narrated to them from Az-Zuhree who narrated from Saalim, who narrated from Ibn Umar [may Allaah be pleased with him and his father], who said, ‘When the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] passed by Al-Hijr, he said, ‘Do not enter the dwelling places of those people who were unjust to themselves unless you enter in a weeping state lest the same calamity as of theirs should befall you’. Then he covered his head and made his speed fast till he crossed the valley”. Yahyah Bin Bukayr narrated to us who said that Maalik narrated to us from Abdullaah Bin Deenaar who reported from Ibn Umar [may Allaah be pleased with him and his father], who said, “Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said to his companions who were at Al-Hijr, ‘Do not enter upon these people who are being punished, except in a weeping state, lest the same calamity as of theirs should befall you'”. [Saheeh Al-Bukhaari. Numbers 4419 and 4420]

The two Prophetic reports show the danger of entering the places of those who incurred Allaah’s anger and He destroyed them due to their disbelief, denial of the prophets and what their message. The Prophet did not permit entry into them [i.e. those places] except for one who fears Allaah and fears His punishment, so he enters them when in need whilst he is in a weeping state.

It is feared for the one who enters the dwellings of those who were punished that he would be afflicted with the punishment that afflicted them. It is legislated for the one who approaches those dwellings to go past quickly whilst covering his face to follow the example of Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him]. Do the Muslim possess understanding – and amongst them the Archeologists and those who encourage them – of what is in this Prophetic guidance that came from one who does not speak out of his own desires [I.e. Muhammad -peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him]? Also, Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] legislated for the one who goes past the valleys of Muhassar to hurry because Allaah destroyed the people of the Elephant over there [i.e. the story of the people of the Elephant – Surah Al-Feel].

So, those who excavate the artefacts (relics) of the people of Aad, Thamood, the Ashaab Al-Ukhdood, the pharoanic and Babylonian artieacts (or relics), do they act based on the guidance of Allaah’s Messenger or do they blindly follow the enemies of Allaah who set up partnership of exploration for them from the artefacts (or relics) of the destroyed nations in order to entice (them) to the pride of pre Islamic ignorance. Indeed, I and other than myself have read the numerous boasting of Muslims or those who ascribe to Islam, such as the statement of some of them, “O Misree (i.e. Egyptian)! Be proud of the builders of your glory when people were sleeping”. He boasts about the Pharoanic artefacts (relics) such as the pyramids and other than them. (1)

Why Ponder Upon The Story of The Nations of Old?

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [may Allaah have mercy upon him] stated:

Allaah [The Most High] said: [قَدْ خَلَتْ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ سُنَنٌ فَسِيرُوا فِي الْأَرْضِ فَانْظُرُوا كَيْفَ كَانَ عَاقِبَةُ الْمُكَذِّبِينَ – Many similar mishaps [troubles, problems] of life were faced by nations that have passed away before you, so travel through the earth, and see what was the end of those who disbelieved]. [Surah Aal Imraan. Verse 137]

Indeed, there were nations like yourselves before you, so look to their evil end. You have to know that the reason behind their evil end was due to their disbelief in the revelations of Allaah and disbelief in Allaah’s Messengers. They were the forefathers and you are the descendants. The main affair that connects you to each other is your disbelief and the ruling on that disbelief is destruction. (2)

Imaam Muhammad Bin Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “If it is said, ‘What is the benefit in narrating to us the stories of the destroyed nations despite the fact that this Ummah will not be completely destroyed in a manner similar to the destruction of the previous nations before it?'”.

The Answer: Indeed, this has two benefits: The first benefit is a clarification of Allaah’s blessings upon us that the occurrence of a complete destruction is removed from us, and that were it not for Allaah’s Benevolence we would have been deserving of it. Second, the likeness of the punishment they received may occur in the hereafter for the one who did what they did, if punishment was not received in the worldly life. And this may be understood from the statement of Allaah: “Such is the Seizure of your Lord when He seizes the population of towns while they are doing wrong. Verily, His Seizure is painful and severe. Indeed in that (there) is a sure lesson for those who fear the torment of the Hereafter.” So what is apparent from this Aayah is that what is similar to the punishment they received will happen in the Hereafter, and Allaah knows best. (3)

[Ref 1: Baraa’atus Sahaabah Al-Akhyaar Min At-Tabarruk Bil Amaakin Wal-Aalathaar. Pages 11-14. Slightly paraphrased]
[Ref 2: Source: I’laam Al-Muwaqqi-een: 1/181]
[Ref 3: Source: Al-Muntaqaa Min Fawaa-idil Fawaa-id 123-124]