In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] said:
“Whoever has knowledge, then let him guide us to it. Whoever sees deviation, [something] incomplete [deficient] or wrong in our statement, then let him guide us to what is correct; we’ll thank him for his deed, accept what he says, comply, obey and submit”.
[Madaarij As-Saalikeen 3/1798-1799]
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [rahimahullaah] stated that it has been transmitted in some of the narrations by Imaam Muslim [rahimahullaah] that it is the time when the Imaam sits on the Minbar on the Day of Jumu’ah up until the Salaah finishes. This is what has been transmitted in the hadeeth of Abu Moosaa [radiyallaahu-anhu].
It has also been transmitted in the hadeeth of Jaabir Bin Abdillaah and Abdullaah Bin Salaam [radiyallaahu-anhumaa] that it is time period after Asr prayer up until sunset. And it has also been transmitted in some Ahaadeeth that it is the last hour on the day of Jumu’ah.
All these statements are correct and they do not negate one another. And what is more explicit and more likely is that it is between the time when the Imaam sits on the Minbar up until the end of the prayer and the time between after Asr prayer up until sunset. These two time periods are more likely to be the periods during which supplication is accepted. And throughout the day of Jumu’ah, it is hoped that supplications are answered; but the most likely times are the times between when the Imaam sits on the Minbar until the end of the prayer and after Asr prayer until sunset.
Therefore, it is befitting that one increases in making supplication on the day of Jum’ah, but it is befitting that one gives more concern in seeking after those three time periods that have been mentioned because the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] stated that they are the times in which supplication is answered. [An Excerpt from ‘Fataawaa Shaikh Ibn Baaz 12/401-402. Slightly paraphrased]
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Imaam Dhahabi (rahimahullaah) said about Abu Al-Fath (rahimahullaah): ”He was the poet of his era, a man who adhered to the religion and wrote on the subject matter of manners, etiquettes, purification of the soul etc. He died in year 400AH.
[ Siyar Alaam Nubulaa 17/147]
Below is one of his poems Titled: Al-Hikam
Audio:
http://www.ajurry.com/vb/showthread.php?t=28132
Text:
زيـادَةُ المَرء فـي دُنيـاهُ نقصـانُ * * * وربْحُـهُ غَيرَ محض الخَير خُسـرانُ
وكُل وِجـدانِ حَظٍّ لا ثَبـاتَ لَـهُ* * * فإنَّ مَعنـاهُ فـي التَّحقيق فُقْـدانُ
يا عامِـراً لخَـرابِ الدَّهرِ مُجتهِـداً* * * باللهِ هـل لخَـرابِ العمر عُمـرانُ
ويا حَريـصاً على الأموالِ تَجمَعُهـا* * * أُنْسِيـتَ أنَّ سُرورَ المـالِ أحْـزانُ
زَعِ الفـؤادَ عـنِ الدُّنيـا وزينتهـا * * * فصَفْوُها كَدَرٌ والوَصـلُ هِجْـرانُ
وأَرعِ سَمعَـكَ أمثـالاً أُفَـصِّـلُها * * * كمـا يُفَصَّـلُ يَاقـوتٌ ومَرْجـانُ
أحسِنْ إلـى النّـاسِ تَستَعبِدْ قُلوبَهُمُ * * * فطالَمـا استعبدَ الإنسـانَ إحسانُ
يا خادمَ الجسم كم تشقـى بِخدمته * * * أتطلب الربح فيمـا فيـه خسران
أقبل على النفس واستكمل فضائلها * * * فأنـت بالنفس لا بالجسم إنسـان
وإنْ أسـاءَ مُسـيءٌ فلْيَكنْ لكَ في * * * عُـروضِ زَلَّتِهِ صَفْـحٌ وغُفـرانُ
وكُنْ علـى الدَّهر مِعواناً لـذي أمَلٍ * * * يَرجـو نَداكَ فإنَّ الحُـرَّ مِعْـوانُ
واشدُدْ يَدْيـكَ بحَبـلِ الله مُعتَصِمـاً * * * فإنَّـهُ الرُّكْنُ إنْ خانَتْـكَ أركـانُ
مَـنْ يَتَّقِ الله يُحْمَـدُ فـي عَواقِبِـه * * * وَيكفِهِ شَرَّ مَـنْ عزُّوا ومَـنْ هانُوا
مَـنِ استعـانَ بغَيرِ اللهِ فـي طَلَـبٍ * * * فـإنَّ ناصِـرَهُ عَجـزٌ وخِـذْلانُ
مـن كان للخير منّاعـا فليس لـه * * * علـى الحقيقة إخـوان وأَخـدانُ
مـَنْ جادَ بالمـالِ مالَ النَّاسُ قاطِبَـة * * * إلَيـهِ والمـالُ للإنسـان فَتّـانُ
مَنْ سالَمَ النّاسَ يسلَمْ مـن غوائِلِهمْ * * * وعـاشَ وَهْوَ قَريرُ العَينِ جَـذْلانُ
مَنْ كانَ للعَقلِ سُلطـانٌ عَلَيهِ غَـدا * * * وما علـى نَفسِهِ للحِرْصِ سُلطـانُ
مَنْ مّدَّ طَرْفاً لفَرطِ الجَهلِ نحـو هَوى * * * أغضـى على الحَقِّ يَوماً وهْوَ خَزْيانُ
مَنْ عاشَرَ النّاسَ لاقـى مِنهُمُ نَصبَـاَ * * * لأنَّ سوسَـهُـمُ بَغْـيٌ وعُـدْوانُ
ومَنْ يُفَتِّشْ عـنِ الإخـوانِ يقلِهِـمُ * * * فَجُلُّ إخْـوانِ هَذا العَصرِ خَـوّانُ
منِ استشارَ صُروفَ الدَّهرِ قـامَ لـهُ * * * علـى حقيقةِ طَبعِ الدهـر بُرهـانُ
مَنْ يَزْرَعِ الشَّـرَّ يَحصُدْ في عواقبِـهِ * * * نَـدامَـةً ولِحَصـدِ الزَّرْعِ إبّـانُ
مَنِ استَنـامَ إلى الأشـرار نامَ وفـي * * * قَميصِـهِ مِنهُـمُ صِـلٌّ وثُعْبـانُ
كُنْ رَيَّـقَ البِشْـرِ إنْ الحُـرَّ هِمَّتُـهُ * * * صَحيفَةٌ وعَلَيهـا البِشْـرُ عُنْـوانُ
ورافِـقِ الرِّفْقَ في كُلِّ الأمورِ فلَـمْ * * * يندّمْ رَفيـقٌ ولـم يذمُمْهُ إنسـانُ
ولا يَغُرَّنْـكَ حَـظٌّ جَـرَّهْ خـرَقٌ * * * فالخَرْقُ هَـدمٌ ورِفـقُ المَرءِ بُنْيـانُ
أحسِنْ إذا كـانَ إمكانٌ ومَقـدِرةٌ فلن * * * يَـدومَ على الإحسـانِ إمكانُ
فالرَّوضُ يَـزدانُ بالأنْـوَارِ فاغِمـةً * * * والحُرُّ بالعـدلْ والإحسـانِ يَـزْدانُ
صُنْ حُرَّ وَجهِـكَ لا تهتِكْ غِـلامتهُ * * * فكُـل حُـرٍّ لِحُـرِّ الوَجـهِ صَـوّانُ
فإنْ لَقِيـتَ عـدُوّاً فَالْقَـهُ أبَـداً * * * والوَجـهُ بالبِشْرِ والإشـراقِ غَضّـانُ
دَعِ التكاسُلَ في الخَـيراتِ تطلُبُـها * * * فليـسَ يسعَدُ بالخَــيراتِ كَسْـلانُ
لا ظِلَّ للمَرءِ يعرى من تُقىً ونُهـىَ * * * وإن أظلَّتْـهُ أوراقٌ وأغصـانُ
والنّاسُ أعـوانُ مَنْ وَالتْـهُ دولَتُـهُ * * * وهُمْ علَيـهِ إذا عـادَتْـهُ أعـوانُ
سَحْبـانُ من غَيرِ مالٍ باقِلٌ حَصـرٌ * * * وبـاقِلٌ فـي ثَراءِ المـالِ سَحْبـانُ
لا تُودِعِ السِـرَّ وَشَّـاءً يبـوحُ بهِ * * * فما رعـى غَنَماً فـي البدَّوِّ سِرْحـانُ
لا تَحسَبِ النَّاسَ طَبْعاً واحِداً فَلهُمْ * * * غـرائـزٌ لسْتَ تُحصِيـهن ألـوانُ
ما كُـلُّ مـاءٍ كصَـدّاءٍ لـوارِدِه* * * نَعَمْ ولا كُـلُّ نَبْتٍ فهـو سَعْـدانُ
لا تَخدِشَـنَّ بِمَطْلٍٍ وَجْـهَ عارِفَـةٍ * * * فـالبِـرُّ يَخدِشُـهُ مَطْـلٌ ولَيّـانُ
لا تَستشِـرْ غيرَ نَدْبٍ حتازِمٍ يَقِـظٍ * * * قـدِ اسْتَـوى فيـه إسْرارٌ وإعْـلانُ
فللِتـدابيـرِ فُرْسـانٌ إذا ركِبـُوا * * * فيهـا أبَـرُّوا كمـا للِحَربِ فُرْسـانُ
ولـلأمـور مَواقيـتٌ مُـقَـدَّرَةٌ * * * وكُـلُّ أمـرٍ لـهُ حَـدُّ ومِـيـزانُ
فلا تكُـنْ عَجِـلاً بـالأمرِ تطلُبُـهُ * * * فليـسَ يُحمَدُ قبـل النُّضْجِ بُحْـرانُ
كفى مِنَ العيـشِ ما قدْ سَدَّ من عَوَزٍ * * * ففيـهِ للـحُـرِّ إن حققـت غُنيـانُ
وذو القَنـاعَةِ راضٍ مـن مَعيشَتِـهِ * * * وصاحبُ الحِرْصِ إن أثـرى فَغَضبْـانُ
حَسْبُ الفـتى عقلُـهُ خِـلاًّ يُعاشِرُهُ * * * إذا تـحـامـاهُ إخـوانٌ وخُـلاّنُ
هُما رضيـعا لِبـانٍ حِكَمةٌ وتُقـىً * * * وساكِـنـا وَطَـنٍ مـالٌ وطُغْيـانُ
إذا نَبـا بـكريـمٍ موطِـنٌ فلَـهُ * * * وراءهُ فـي بسيـط الأرض أوطـانُ
يا ظالمـا فرحـا بالعـزِّ ساعَـدَه * * * إن كنت فـي صلـة فالظهر يقظـانُ
ما استَمْرأ الظُّلْمَ لو أنصْتَ آكِلُـهُ * * * وهلْ يلَـذُّ مَـذاقَ المـرء خُـطْبـانُ
يا أيُّـها العَالِـمُ المَرضِـيُّ سيرَتُـهُ * * * أبشِـرْ فـأنـتَ بغَـيرِ المـاءِ رَيـانُ
ويا أخَا الجَهلِ لو أصبَحْتَ في لُجَجٍ * * * فأنـتَ ما بينَـهـا لاشَـكَّ ضمـآنُ
لا تحسَبَـنَّ سُروراً دائمـاً أبَـداً * * * مَـنْ سَـرَّهُ زمَـنٌ ساءتْـهُ أزمـانُ
إذا جفـاك خليـلٌ كنت تألفـه * * * فـاطلب سـواه فكـل الناس إخوانُ
وإن نبَتْ فيك أوطان نشأت بهـا * * * فـارحـل فكـل بـلاد الله أوطـانُ
يا رافِلاً في الشَّبابِ الرحب مُنتشِياً * * * مِـنْ كأسِهِ هلْ أصابَ الرُّشْدَ نَشْـوانُ
لا تَغتَـرِرْ بشَبـابٍ رائـقٍ نظِـر ٍ * * * فـكَـم تَقـدَّمَ قَبـَل الشّيْبِ شُبّـانُ
ويا أخَا الشَّيبِ لو ناصَحتَ نفسَكَ * * * لم يكُـنْ لمثِـلكَ فـي اللَّـذاتِ إنعـامُ
هبِ الشَّبيبَةَ تُبْذي عُذرَ صاحبـها * * * ما عُـذْرُ أشَيـبَ يَستهويـهِ شَيْطـانُ
كُـلُّ الذُّنـوبِ فإنَّ الله يغفِرهـا * * * إن شَيَّـعَ المَـرءَ إخـلاصٌ وإيـمـانُ
وكُـلُّ كَسْـرٍ فإنَّ الديـن يَجبُرُهُ * * * ومـا لِكَسـرِ قَنـاةِ الدِّيـنِ جُبْـرانُ
خذهـا سوائـر أمثـالٍ مهذَّبـةً * * * فيهـا لمـن يبتغـي التِّبيـانَ تِبيـانُ
ما ضرَّ حسَّـانَها والطبع صائِغُهـا * * * إنْ يقُلْهـا قَـريـعُ الشِّـعرِ حَسّـانُ
Explanation:
http://al-badr.net/sub/282
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
The lecture on this link https://safeshare.tv/x/ss5e3f326c968ae# is regarding how to read the Books of Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [rahimahullaah] delivered by Shaikh Saaleh Aala Ash-Shaikh [hafidhahullaah]. This lecture was first suggested to us by our companion and beloved friend [Ustaadh Abu Tasneem (Mushaf) – hafidhahullaah], and indeed it is a very beneficial lecture. We ask Allaah to benefit all of us from the scholars – whether we are present in person at their lessons – and that is the Asl of seeking knowledge, but also benefiting from their recorded lessons alongside attending lessons – in person – in the Salafi Masaajid. May Allaah grant us Tawfeeq to learn as much as possible to remove Jahl from ourselves, grant us Ikhlaas, thabaat, righteous deeds and husnul khaatimah Aameen
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Merciful.
Question: I have with me a copy of the Noble Qur’aan and its pages are ripped, so what shall I do with it? Shall I bury it?
Answer: It is permissible for you to bury it under the grounds of a Masjid of any of the Masaajid; and it is also permissible for you to burn it in imitation of what ‘Uthmaan (radiyallaahu-anahu) did. And to Allaah belongs all success, and may peace and blessings be upon our prophet Muhammad (salla Allaahu alaihi wa sallam), his family and his companions. [Al-Lajnaa ad-daa-imah – Al fataawaa al Hassaan fee ahkaam wa aadaab wa fadaa-il al Qur’aan p.115]
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful The Bestower of Mercy.
A man said to Abdullaah Bin Mas’ood [may Allah be pleased with him], “I do not want to be amongst the companions of the right, I want to be amongst those foremost in faith; so, Abdullaah Bin Mas’ood said to him, ‘But there is a man right here [meaning himself] who wishes that he is not resurrected after he dies [i.e. due to fear of the hereafter]’”.
One day, he [Abdullaah] came out and the people followed him, so he said to them, “Do you have a need?” They said, “No, but we want to walk along with you.” He said, “Go back, for indeed it is humiliation for the one following and a trial for the one followed”.
He said, “Had you known what I know about myself, you would have hurried to cover my head with dust”.
[Source: Az-Zuhd of Imaam Ahmad: page: 195, 198, 265]
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
The importance of Dhikr [remembrance of Allaah] and it’s tremendous benefit is not hidden from any Muslim, because it is one of the loftiest goals and most beneficial deed [through which one becomes mindful of Allaah, obedient to Allaah, keeps away from prohibitions, earns Allaah’s love, help, protection etc]. Indeed, in many places – in the noble the Qur’aan – Allaah commanded [us to remember Him], urged [us to do so], praised the people who remember Him and commended them with the most excellent and the finest commendation. Allaah [The Exalted] said:
[ يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ ذِكْرًا كَثِيرًا – O you who believe! Remember Allah with much remembrance]. [Surah Al-Ahzaab. Aayah 41]
Allaah [The Exalted] said: [فَإِذَا قَضَيْتُم مَّنَاسِكَكُمْ فَاذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ كَذِكْرِكُمْ آبَاءَكُمْ أَوْ أَشَدَّ ذِكْرًا – So when you have accomplished your Manasik [(i.e. Ihram, Tawaf of the Ka’bah and As-Safa and Al-Marwah), stay at ‘Arafat, Muzdalifah and Mina, Ramy of Jamarat, (stoning of the specified pillars in Mina) slaughtering of Hady (animal, etc.)]. Remember Allah as you remember your forefathers or with a far more remembrance. [Surah Al-Baqarah. Aayah 200]
Allaah [The Exalted] said: [الَّذِينَ يَذْكُرُونَ اللَّهَ قِيَامًا وَقُعُودًا وَعَلَىٰ جُنُوبِهِمْ – Those who remember Allah (always, and in prayers) standing, sitting, and lying down on their sides. [Surah Aal Imraan. Aayah 191]
Allaah [The Exalted] said: [وَالذَّاكِرِينَ اللَّهَ كَثِيرًا وَالذَّاكِرَاتِ أَعَدَّ اللَّهُ لَهُم مَّغْفِرَةً وَأَجْرًا عَظِيمًا – And the men and the women who remember Allah much with their hearts and tongues (while sitting, standing, lying, etc. for more than 300 times extra over the remembrance of Allah during the five compulsory congregational prayers) or praying extra additional Nawafil prayers of night in the last part of night, etc.) Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward (i.e. Paradise)]. [Surah Al-Ahzaab. Aayah 35]
In these Aayaat, Allaah commanded us to remember Him a lot due to the fact that a person is greatly in need of it -greatly in need of Allaah and cannot do without Him in the twinkling of an eye. Every moment in which a person is devoid of remembrance of Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic], it will be against him and not for [his benefit]. The loss [incurred as a result of the absence of Dhikr] is much greater than what he earns whilst being heedless of Allaah, and he will greatly regret that when he meets Allaah on the Day of Judgement. Aa’isha [radiyallaahu-anhaa] said that the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said, “There is not an hour that elapses in which the son of Aadam did not remember Allaah [The Exalted], except that it will be a source of regret for him on the day of judgement.’’ [Ref 1]
The [authentic] Sunnah is filled with narrations that shows the virtue of Dhikr, its high status, lofty station and its numerous good outcomes and benefits for those men and women who remember Allaah a lot. Abu Ad-Dardaa [radiyallaahu-anhu] said that Allaah’s Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said, “Shall I not inform you of the best of your deeds, the purest in the sight of your Owner [i.e. Allaah] – that which raises you to your highest status, better for you than spending gold and silver, better than meeting your enemy so that you strike at their necks and they strike at yours?’’ [Ref a] They replied: ‘’Certainly O Messenger of Allaah! He said, “Remembrance of Allaah.” [Ref 2]
Abu Hurairah [radiyallaahu-anhu] said that the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said, “The Mufarridoon have preceded [others]”, so they [i.e. the people] said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah! Who are the Mufarridoon? He said, ‘Those men and women who remember Allaah a lot.’’’ [Ref 3]
Abu Moosaa Al-Ash’ari [radiyallaahu anhu] said that the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said, “The likeness of the one who remembers Allaah compared to the one who does not remember Allaah, is like the one who is alive compared to the one who is dead.” [Ref 4]
The Ahaadeeth related to this subject matter are numerous, and perhaps it is appropriate at this point that I specifically mention that which the people of knowledge [i.e. the upright scholars] have stated regarding the benefits of Dhikr, which those who remember Allaah will obtain in this worldly life and on the day of judgement. The best amongst those who spoke about this subject matter was Al-Allaamah Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] in his book titled ‘Al-Waabilus Sayyib.’ I will therefore mention to you one benefit stated by Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] from the benefits of Dhikr; he said, “From benefits of Dhikr is that it repels shaytaan, restrains and crushes him. Allaah [The Exalted] said: [وَمَن يَعْشُ عَن ذِكْرِ الرَّحْمَٰنِ نُقَيِّضْ لَهُ شَيْطَانًا فَهُوَ لَهُ قَرِينٌ – And whosoever turns away (blinds himself) from the remembrance of the Most Beneficent (Allah) (i.e. this Qur’an and worship of Allah), We appoint for him Shaitan (Satan – devil) to be a Qarin (an intimate companion) to him]. [Surah Az-Zukhruf. Aayah 36]
Allaah [The Exalted] said: [إِنَّ الَّذِينَ اتَّقَوْا إِذَا مَسَّهُمْ طَائِفٌ مِّنَ الشَّيْطَانِ تَذَكَّرُوا فَإِذَا هُم مُّبْصِرُونَ -Verily, those who are Al-Muttaqun (the pious – see V.2:2), when an evil thought comes to them from Shaitan (Satan), they remember (Allah), and (indeed) they then see (aright)]. [Surah Al-A’raaf. Aayah 201]
Al-Haarith Al-Ash’ari [radiyallaahu anhu] said that the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said: ‘’Allaah commanded Yahya bin Zakariyyah to implement five commands and to command the Children of Israel to implement them, but Yahya was slow in carrying out these commands. Eesaa said to Yahya, ‘You were commanded to implement five commands and to command the Children of Israel to implement them. So, either command, or I will do it.’ Yahya said, ‘My brother! I fear that if you do it before me, I will be punished or the earth will be shaken under my feet.’ So, Yahya bin Zakariyyah called the Children of Israel to Bayt Al-Maqdis (Jerusalem), until they filled the Masjid. He sat on the balcony and said, ‘Allaah commanded me to implement five commandments and that I should command you to adhere to them….’ then Yahyah commanded them implement Tawheed, perform Salaah, observe Siyaam and give Sadaqah; then he mentioned the fifth affair and said, ‘I command you to remember Allaah, for indeed the example of this deed is that of a man who the enemy is tirelessly pursuing and thus he takes refuge in a fortified fortress. Likewise, the servant cannot fortify himself against shaytaan except through remembrance of Allaah….to the end of the hadeeth’’’ [Ref 5]
Al-Allaamah Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] stated that this hadeeth contains a great affair and that it is befitting for every Muslim to memorise, understand [and act upon it]. [Ref 6]
This hadeeth gathers great virtues related to Dhikr – that Dhikr repels shaytaan and safeguards a person against him, and that it is like a fortified fortress and a robust shield, which is the only means a person can [utilise to] protect himself from this fierce enemy. There is no doubt that this is a tremendous virtue of Dhikr, and because of this Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] said, ‘’If there was no other virtue related to Dhikr except this quality, then it would be true [or justified to say that] a person should not isolate his tongue from the remembrance of Allaah [The Exalted] and should never stop seeking refuge with Allaah through remembrance of Him; for indeed he cannot protect himself from his enemy [shaytaan] except through Dhikr. His enemy does not interfere [or approach him] except when he is in a state of heedlessness, so the enemy keeps an eye on him and when he is heedless, he pounces and preys on him. But when he remembers Allaah [The Exalted], his enemy withdraws, becomes small and is restrained until he appears like a wren and a fly. And due to this he is called Al-Waswaasul Khannaas – meaning: The one who whispers in the hearts, but when a person remembers Allaah [The Exalted], he withdraws-meaning: He stops and refrains. Ibn Abbaas [radiyallaahu-anhumaa] said, ‘Shaytaan lie in wait near the son of Aadam’s heart, so when the son of Aadam forgets and becomes heedless, he whispers; but if the son of Aadam remembers Allaah, he withdraws.’’’ [Ref 7]
We ask Alaah [The Exalted] to protect us the evil of shaytaan and his [enticement towards] polytheism, his madness, arrogance and poetry.
[Ref 1: Shu’ab Al-Eemaan’ Number 508. Al-Hilya 5/362. Hadeeth was graded ‘Hasan’ By Imaam Albaani (rahimahullaah) in Saheeh Al-Jaami. Number 5720]; [Ref a: https://www.abukhadeejah.com/salafi-shaikh-fawzaan-on-jihaad-in-our-times-and-the-guidelines-of-jihaad-according-to-islam/ ]; [Ref2: Saheeh Al-Jaami 2676]; [Ref 3: Saheeh Muslim. Number 2676]; [Ref 4: Saheeh Al-Bukhaari. Number 6407]; [Ref 5: Musnad Imaam Ahmad 4/202; Sunan Tirmidhee. Number 2863. Hadeeth was graded Saheeh by Shaikh Albaani in Saheeh Al-Jaami. Number 1724]; [Ref 6: Al-Waabilus Sayyib. Page 31]; [Ref 7: Al-Waabilus Sayyib. Page 72]
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Abu Moosaa [radiyallaahu-anhu] said that Allaah’s Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said: “The example of guidance and knowledge with which Allaah has sent me is like abundant rain falling on the earth, some of which was fertile soil that absorbed the water and brought forth vegetation and grass in abundance. [And] another portion of it was hard and held the water and Allaah benefited the people with it and they utilised it for drinking, making their animals drink from it and for irrigation of the land for cultivation. [And] a portion of it was barren which could neither hold the water nor bring forth vegetation [so that land gave no benefits]. The first is the example of the person who comprehends Allaah’s religion and benefit [from the knowledge] which Allaah has revealed through me, learns and then teaches others. The last example is that of a person who does not care for it and does not take Allaah’s guidance revealed through me. [He is like that barren land]”. [Ref 1]
Imaam Muhammad Ibnu Saalih Al-Uthaymeen [rahimahullaah] said: In this similitude, the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said: “The example of guidance and knowledge with which Allaah has sent me with, is like abundant rain falling on the earth”. The earth [upon which the rain fell] is of three types: The First Type of Earth: It is the earth that absorbed the water and produced abundant grass and vegetation, so the people were benefited through that. The Second Type of Earth is a Plain: It retained the water and the people benefited from it. They utilised it for drinking and as a source of irrigation [for their crops]. The Third Type of Earth: It absorbed the water but does not produce any benefit. This is the relationship between the people and the knowledge and guidance with which the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] was sent with.
The First Category of People: Amongst them is one who has understanding of Allaah’s Religion. He learns and teaches- benefits the people and himself. This is similar to the earth that produces grass and vegetation, so that the people and animals eat from it.
The Second Category of People: They are a people who have been entrusted with the guidance, but they do not possess Fiqh [like the first category of people]. They transmit knowledge and Hadeeth amongst themselves, but they do not possess Fiqh [like the first group]. The similitude of these people is that of the earth that retained the water and the people were provided with water. They used it for drinking, their animals drank from it and they used it as a source of irrigation; but the earth does not produce anything.
The Third Category: The one who is not benefited by the knowledge and guidance given to the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam). He turns away and does not incline towards it. He is neither benefited by that which the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] was sent with nor does he benefit others. His similitude is that of the earth that absorbed the water, but does not produce anything. [Ref 2]
[Ref 1]: Saheeh Al-Bukhaari. Hadeeth Number 79. Book of Knowledge; [Ref 2]: Source: Ash-Shar’hul Ma’mool Li-imthaali- Ar-Rasool. pages 7-8
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Shaikh Abdur-Razzaaq Al-Badr [may Allaah preserve him] stated as well as quoted a statement of Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [rahimahullaah] regarding why the Salaf [pious predecessors] and those who followed their path wrote summarised books on Aqeedah- that they did so in order to briefly present the foundation of what distinguishes the Aqeedah of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa’ah from the Aqeedah of the unbelievers, and the Mubtadi’ah, such as the Jahmiyyah, the Mutazilah, the Qadariyyah, the khawaarij, the Mur’ji’ah, the Raafidah etc.
These summarised books of Aqeedah are a beginning for the student and paves the way for him to study the books of Aqeedah that are more detailed. Therefore, after knowing this, it not befitting [or appropriate] for a person to say that such and such scholar fell short in mentioning such and such in this or that summarised book. Those who utter this statement do not know the aim of the Salaf behind these summarised books of Aqeedah. That is because these summarised books of Aqeedah were written to make a brief distinction between the Aqeedah of Ahlus Sunnah and the Aqeedah of Ahlul bidah – accompanied by few examples in the subject matter. For example, when writing about the Attributes of Allaah in these summarised books of Aqeedah, they [i.e. Salaf and the scholars who followed their path] only mentioned some of the Attributes of Allaah, quoted their evidences and the principles regarding how to approach this subject matter, because the same principle applies to the rest of the Sifaat [i.e. the Attributes of Allaah]. Therefore, these summarised books of Aqeedah are very beneficial for the student of knowledge regarding the Aqeedah of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa’ah based on the Qur’aan and Sunnah as opposed to what ahlul bidah wal ahwaa are upon.
[Source: An Excerpt from Sharh Al-Aqeedah At-Tahaawiyyah. Lesson 1]
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Imaam Ibn Rajab [rahimahullaah] said: All praises and thanks be to Allaah, the Lord of Aalameen [mankind, jinns and all that exists]. And may Allaah exalt and grant Muhammad a lot of peace, his family and Sahaabah. To proceed:
These are brief statements regarding the meaning of knowledge and its categorization into ‘Beneficial knowledge’, ‘Unbeneficial knowledge’, Blameworthy knowledge’ and a notification regarding the virtue of the knowledge of the Salaf [i.e. the pious predecessors] over the knowledge of the khalaf [i.e. those who came after the Salaf]. Therefore, I say- and Allaah’s aid is sought, I place my trust in Him and there is neither strength nor power except with Allaah.
The Meaning of Knowledge and Its Categorisation
Indeed, Allaah mentioned-sometimes- knowledge in His Book with praise and that is [in reference to] ‘Beneficial Knowledge’. And at other times, He mentioned knowledge with dispraise and that is [in reference to] ‘Unbeneficial knowledge’. As for the first type [i.e. Beneficial Knowledge], then its example is mentioned in the statement of Allaah [The Most High]: [قُلۡ هَلۡ يَسۡتَوِى ٱلَّذِينَ يَعۡلَمُونَ- Are those who know equal to those who know not?] [39:9]
And the statement of Allaah [The Most High]: [شَهِدَ ٱللَّهُ أَنَّهُ ۥ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ وَٱلۡمَلَـٰٓٮِٕكَةُ وَأُوْلُواْ ٱلۡعِلۡمِ – Allah bears witness that La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), and the angels, and those having knowledge (also give this witness)] [3:18]
And the statement of Allaah [The Most High]: [وَقُل رَّبِّ زِدۡنِى عِلۡمً۬ا -And say: “My Lord! Increase me in knowledge]. [20:114]
And the statement of Allaah [The Most High]: [إِنَّمَا يَخۡشَى ٱللَّهَ مِنۡ عِبَادِهِ ٱلۡعُلَمَـٰٓؤُاْۗ – It is only those who have knowledge among His slaves that fear Allah]. [35:28]
And what Allaah has stated regarding the story of Aadam- when Aadam was taught the names of those things and were then presented to the Angels, so the Angels – [as Allaah informed us] – said: [سُبۡحَـٰنَكَ لَا عِلۡمَ لَنَآ إِلَّا مَا عَلَّمۡتَنَآۖ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ ٱلۡعَلِيمُ ٱلۡحَكِيمُ – Glory be to You, we have no knowledge except what you have taught us]. [2:32]
And what Allaah [The Most High] has stated regarding the story of Moosaa [alayhis-salaam] and Khidr- that Moosaa said to him: [هَلۡ أَتَّبِعُكَ عَلَىٰٓ أَن تُعَلِّمَنِ مِمَّا عُلِّمۡتَ رُشۡدً۬ا – “May I follow you so that you teach me something of that knowledge (guidance and true path) which you have been taught (by Allah)?”] [18: 66]
This is beneficial knowledge.
Indeed, [we] have been told about a people who were given knowledge but their knowledge did not benefit them; for even though this [knowledge] is actually ‘Beneficial Knowledge’, however its possessor was not benefited by it. Allaah [The Most High] said: [مَثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ حُمِّلُواْ ٱلتَّوۡرَٮٰةَ ثُمَّ لَمۡ يَحۡمِلُوهَا كَمَثَلِ ٱلۡحِمَارِ يَحۡمِلُ أَسۡفَارَۢاۚ – The likeness of those who were entrusted with the (obligation of the) Taurat (Torah) (i.e. to obey its commandments and to practise its legal laws), but who subsequently failed in those (obligations), is as the likeness of a donkey who carries huge burdens of books (but understands nothing from them). [Surah Al-Jumu’ah Ayah 5]
Allaah [The Most High] said: [وَٱتۡلُ عَلَيۡهِمۡ نَبَأَ ٱلَّذِىٓ ءَاتَيۡنَـٰهُ ءَايَـٰتِنَا فَٱنسَلَخَ مِنۡهَا فَأَتۡبَعَهُ ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنُ فَكَانَ مِنَ ٱلۡغَاوِينَ – And recite (O Muhammad ) to them the story of him to whom We gave Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), but he threw them away, so Shaitan (Satan) followed him up, and he became of those who went astray….up to the statement of Allaah: [وَٱتَّبَعَ هَوَٮٰهُۚ – and followed his own vain desire] [Surah Al-A’raaf Aayaat 175-176]
And Allaah [The Most High] said: [فَخَلَفَ مِنۢ بَعۡدِهِمۡ خَلۡفٌ۬ وَرِثُواْ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ يَأۡخُذُونَ عَرَضَ هَـٰذَا ٱلۡأَدۡنَىٰ – Then after them succeeded an (evil) generation, which inherited the Book, but they chose (for themselves) the goods of this low life (evil pleasures of this world)…[up to the statement of Allaah]: وَدَرَسُواْ مَا فِيهِۗ And they have studied what is in it (the Book). [Surah Al-Araaf Aayaat 169-170]
As for the knowledge which Allaah [The Most High] mentioned by way of dispraise, it is that which He [The Most High] mentioned regarding magic:
وَيَتَعَلَّمُونَ مَا يَضُرُّهُمۡ وَلَا يَنفَعُهُمۡۚ وَلَقَدۡ عَلِمُواْ لَمَنِ ٱشۡتَرَٮٰهُ مَا لَهُ ۥ فِى ٱلۡأَخِرَةِ مِنۡ خَلَـٰقٍ۬ۚ
And they learn that which harms them and profits them not. And indeed they knew that the buyers of it (magic) would have no share in the Hereafter. [2:102]
And the statement of Allaah [The Most High]:
فَلَمَّا جَآءَتۡهُمۡ رُسُلُهُم بِٱلۡبَيِّنَـٰتِ فَرِحُواْ بِمَا عِندَهُم مِّنَ ٱلۡعِلۡمِ وَحَاقَ بِهِم مَّا كَانُواْ بِهِۦ يَسۡتَہۡزِءُونَ
Then when their Messengers came to them with clear proofs, they were glad (and proud) with that which they had of the knowledge (of worldly things): And that at which they used to mock, surrounded them (i.e. the punishment). [40:83]
And the statement of Allaah [The Most High] said:
يَعۡلَمُونَ ظَـٰهِرً۬ا مِّنَ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا وَهُمۡ عَنِ ٱلۡأَخِرَةِ هُمۡ غَـٰفِلُونَ
They know only the outside appearance of the life of the world (i.e. the matters of their livelihood, like irrigating or sowing or reaping, etc.), and they are heedless of the Hereafter. [30:7]
Likewise, the Sunnah categorises knowledge into ‘Beneficial Knowledge ‘ and ‘Unbeneficial Knowledge’, and that [one should] seek refuge with Allaah from ‘Unbeneficial knowledge’ and to ask Allaah for ‘Beneficial Knowledge’. Imaam Muslim [rahimahullaah] reports from Zaid Ibn Arqam [radiyallaahu-anhu] that the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] used to say:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عِلْمٍ لَا يَنْفَعُ وَمِنْ قَلْبٍ لَا يَخْشَعُ وَمِنْ نَفْسٍ لَا تَشْبَعُ وَمِنْ دَعْوَةٍ لَا يُسْتَجَابُ لَهَا
O Allaah! I seek refuge with You from knowledge that does not benefit; from a heart that fears not; from a soul that does not become satisfied and a supplication that is not answered. [Muslim 2722]
[Fadl Ilm As-Salaf Alaa Ilm Al-Khalaf’ pages 42-45. Slightly paraphrased]