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What Changed His Mind After Reading Kitaab At-Tawheed?!

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Shaikh Abdur Razzaaq Al-Badr [hafidhahullaah] stated that there was an Indian man who used to have extreme hatred for Imaam Muhammad Ibn Abdil Wahhaab [rahimahullaah] due to the false claims of Ahlul Bidah, so he always reviled the Imaam.  However, one day, a sincere adviser wished to clarify to this person [i.e. the Indian man] that he is mistaken, so he invited him to his house and treated him kindly. He [i.e. the sincere adviser] removed the cover from Kitaab At-Tawheed and placed it where the guest [i.e. the Indian man] would be sitting because he was a scholar and loved reading books. When he [i.e. the sincere adviser] went to get some food for the guest, he [i.e. the guest] saw the book [i.e. Kitaab At-Tawheed but there was no cover on it with the name of Shaikh Muhammad Ibn Abdil Wahhaab] and started reading. He was amazed by the book because it contained nothing else but proofs [i.e. irrefutable and unambiguous proofs regarding Tawheed].

When he [i.e. the sincere adviser] returned [i.e. with the food], the guest [i.e. the Indian man] asked him who the author of the book was and he was told that Shaikh Muhammad Ibn Abdil Wahhaab [rahimahullaah] is the author; so he realised [i.e. acknowledged] that he was one of those who reviled Shaikh Muhammad Ibn Abdil Wahhaab based on false claims.

Then the Shaikh [i.e. Abdur Razzaaq Al-Badr] said, ‘’And among the most evil of these false claims is that Shaikh Muhammad Ibn Abdil Wahhaab hates and reviles Ahlul Bayt [i.e. the Prophet’s family]; but ask these people what the Kunyaa of Shaikh Muhammad Ibn Abdil Wahhaab is! His Kunya is Abu Ali; rather all the names of his children are the same as the names of Ahlul Bayt, except one of his children who is called Abdur Azeez. Therefore, is this a sign of love for Ahlul Bayt or a sign of hatred?! Would a person name his children after people he hates?! Rather, these names [i.e. Ali, Hasan, Husayn, Faatimah etc] are well known even amongst the descendants of Shaikh Muhammad Ibn Abdil Wahhaab.

Then the Shaikh [i.e. Abdur Razzaaq Al-Badr] said that once he met a man in one of the Muslim lands and mentioned the name of Shaikh Muhammad Ibn Abdil Wahhaab [rahimahullaah], so the man said, ‘’Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahhaab reviles Ahlul Bayt in his books’’. He said to the man, ‘’Name a single book in which this revilement is found! If you stand in the presence of Allaah on the Day of Judgement and you are questioned about this, would you have any proof to offer?! Show me a single statement in which Shaikh Muhammad Ibn Abdil Wahhaab reviles Ahlul Bayt; rather I can bring you many of his statements in which he praised Ahlul Bayt’’. Then the Shaikh [Abdur Razzaaq Al-Badr] said, ‘’This shows that many people are affected by the false claims of Ahlul Bidah – the people of desires and misguidance, because none will show hatred towards Kitaab At-Tawheed, except a person of desires.  [Sharh Kitaab At-Tawheed. Lesson 1. By Shaikh Abdur Razaaq Al-Badr (hafidhahullaah)]

Skin Without Flesh and Body Without Soul!

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: [ لَن يَنَالَ اللَّهَ لُحُومُهَا وَلَا دِمَاؤُهَا وَلَٰكِن يَنَالُهُ التَّقْوَىٰ مِنكُمْ ۚ كَذَٰلِكَ سَخَّرَهَا لَكُمْ لِتُكَبِّرُوا اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَاكُمْ ۗ وَبَشِّرِ الْمُحْسِنِينَ – It is neither their meat nor their blood [i.e. the animals we sacrifice] that reaches Allah, but it is piety from you that reaches Him. Thus have We made them subject to you that you may magnify Allah for His Guidance to you. And give glad tidings (O Muhammad) to the Muhsinun (doers of good)]. [Surah Al-Hajj. Ayah 37]

[لَن يَنَالَ اللَّهَ لُحُومُهَا وَلَا دِمَاؤُهَا – It is neither their meat nor their blood] – meaning: The aim [or goal] behind them [i.e. the animals slaughtered as sacrifice] is not just to merely slaughter them, for neither does their meat nor blood reach Allaah because Allaah is [الْغَنِيُّ الْحَمِيدُ -The Independent One Who is Free of all Needs and The One Who is Deservedly Praised]; rather what reaches Allaah is the sincerity [in your hearts in relation to the performance of the deed]; hope for Allaah’s reward and having a righteous intention; [وَلَٰكِن يَنَالُهُ التَّقْوَىٰ مِنكُمْ ۚ – But it is piety from you that reaches Him].

So with regards to this, there is an urge towards sincerity in [the act] of sacrifice and that one’s intention is to seek the Face of Allaah [alone], and not out of boasting, show off and to be heard; nor merely following a custom. Likewise, this is [the goal behind] all acts of worship, for if they are not connected to sincerity and piety, then they are similar to skins that have no flesh and a body that has no soul.

[Source: An Excerpt from Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan’ by Imaam Sadi (rahimahullaah). Slightly paraphrased. Publisher Daar Ibn Hazm 1st ed. 1424 (Year 2003)]

Allaah Says the Truth, And He Guides to the Right Way – [By Imaam As-Sadi (rahimahullaah)]

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allaah (The Most High) said: [وَاللَّهُ يَقُولُ الْحَقَّ وَهُوَ يَهْدِي السَّبِيلَ  – Allaah Says the Truth, And He Guides to the Right Way (33: 4)]

This noble ayah makes it absolutely clear that Allaah speaks the truth -truthfulness and certainty in His narratives; justice and wisdom in that which He has commanded and prohibited. Everything Allaah has stated is truth, absolute credibility and beneficial for the slaves. It is a source of wellbeing in their creed and manners, and in their religious and worldly affairs. Everything Allaah has commanded is an act of righteousness, a quality of perfection, a benefit and a blessing; and everything Allaah has forbidden is evil, harmful and corruption, whether in the affairs of the worldly life or the religion. The entire Islamic legislation is an explanation of this great principle, which Allaah has mentioned in this Ayah and other than it.

Then Allaah says [وَهُوَ يَهْدِي السَّبِيلَ  – And He (Allaah), guides to the right way]; It is the path leading to the truth which Allaah has mentioned, and by way of which Allaah establishes judgements. Allaah suffices (us) and clarifies this truth for (us) through clear perceptible evidences (i.e. sound evidences that agree with the upright innate human fitrah and the uncorrupted intellect) and divine evidences, as Allaah stated in another Ayah:

[سَنُرِيهِمْ آيَاتِنَا فِي الْآفَاقِ وَفِي أَنفُسِهِمْ حَتَّىٰ يَتَبَيَّنَ لَهُمْ أَنَّهُ الْحَقُّ  – We will show them Our Signs in the universe, and in their own selves, until it becomes manifest to them that (this Qur’aan) is the truth (41:53)]

[Source: Ad-Dalaa-il Al-Qur’aaniyyah Fee Annal Uloom Wal-A’maal An-Naafi-a Al-Asriyyah Daakhilatun Fid Deenil Islaamiy’ page 6′ by Imaam As-Sadi (rahimahullaah)]

Why Are The Gatherings Where Allaah Is Remembered Considered to Be The Purest, Noblest, Most Beneficial And Loftiest Gatherings

Written by Abdullah Jallow 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.

The purest, noblest, most beneficial and loftiest gatherings are the gatherings  where Allaah is remembered. They are the loftiest in the sight of Allaah. Many texts have been reported regarding the virtues of the gatherings of Dhikr- that they give life to heart [i.e. obedience to Allaah and the Messenger], increase Eemaan, rectification and purification for a person, unlike the gatherings of heedlessness because a person does not retire from them except [being afflicted by] a decrease in Eemaan and weakness in the heart, and that will be a cause of loss and regret [on the day of judgement].

The Salaf [pious predecessors] used to give great importance to the gatherings of Dhikr. Abdullaah Bin Rawaahah [radiyallaahu anhu] used to hold a group of his companions by the hand and say: ‘’Come let us [re-revitalise, strengthen etc] our Eemaan; come let us remember Allaah and increase in Eemaan by obeying Allaah, so that perhaps He will remember us by way of His forgiveness.’’

Umayr Al-Khatamiy [radiyallaahu anhu] used to say, “Eemaan increases and decreases”, so he was asked, ‘’What increases and decreases it?’’ He said, ‘’When we remember Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic], praise and glorify Him, that is [a cause] of its increase; and when we are heedless, negligent and  forgetful, that is [a cause] of its decrease.’’

Indeed, the gatherings of Dhikr are the gardens of paradise in this worldly life. Imaam Ahmad, Imaam Tirmidhee and others have reported from Anas Bin Maalik [radiyallaahu anhu] that Allaah’s Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said, ‘’When you go past the gatherings of Paradise, then graze as you like.” They said, “What are the gardens of Paradise?” He said, “The Circles of Dhikr.”

Ibn Abee Dunyaa, Al-Haakim and others reported the Hadeeth of Jaabir Bin Abdillaah who said, ‘’Allaah’s Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] came to us and said, ‘O people! Graze in the gardens of paradise’; we said, ‘O Allaah’s Messenger! What are the gardens of paradise?’ He said, ‘The gatherings of Dhikr.’’’

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] said, “Whoever wants a to live in the gardens of paradise in this worldly life, then let him stay in the gatherings of Dhikr, for indeed they are gardens of paradise.’’ [Al-Waabilus Sayyib. page 145]

The gatherings of Dhikr are the gatherings of the angels, because they do not have gatherings in the worldly life except gatherings in which Allaah [The Exalted] is mentioned. Abu Hurairah [radiyallaahu anhu] said that Allaah’s Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said:  Allaah’s Messenger said, ‘’Allaah has some angels who look for those who remember (glorify the Praises of) Allaah on the roads and paths. And when they find some people remembering (glorifying the Praises of) Allah, they call each other, saying, ‘Come to the object of your pursuit.’’ He added, ‘’Then the angels encircle them with their wings up to the nearest heaven to us.’’ He added, ‘’[After those people remembered (glorified the Praises of) Allah, and the angels go back to Allah], their Lord asks them (those angels) – though He knows better than them –‘What do My slaves say?’ The angels reply, ‘They say: Subhãn Allah, Allahu-Akbar, and Al-Hamdu-lillãh’. Allah then says, ‘Did they see Me?’ The angels reply, ‘No! By Allaah, they didn’t see You.’ Allah says, ‘How it would have been if they saw me?’ The angels reply, ‘If they saw You, they would worship You more devoutly and remember You (glorify Your Praises) more deeply, and declare Your freedom from any resemblance to anything more often.’ Allah says (to the angels), ‘What do they ask Me for?’ The angels reply, ‘They ask You for Paradise.’ Allah says (to the angels), ‘Did they see it?’ The angels say, ‘No! By Allah, O Lord! They did not see it.’ Allah says, ‘How it would have been if they saw it?’ The angels say, ‘If they saw it, they would have greater yearning for it and would seek it with greater zeal and would have greater desire for it.’ Allah says, ‘From what do they seek refuge?’ The angels reply, ‘They seek refuge from the (Hell) Fire.’ Allah says, ‘Did they see it?’ The angels say, ‘No! By Allah, O Lord! They did not see it.’ Allah says, ‘How it would have been if they saw it?’ The angels say, ‘If they saw it they would flee from it with the extreme fleeing and would have extreme fear from it.’ Then Allah says, ‘I make you witnesses that I have forgiven them.’’’ (Allah’s Messenger ; added:) ‘’One of the angels would say, ‘There was so-and-so amongst them, and he was not one of them, but he had just come for some need.’ Allah would say, ‘These are those people whose companions will not be reduced to misery.’’’ [Bukhaari 6408]

The gatherings of Dhikr are gatherings of the angels and gatherings of heedlessness are gatherings of the devils. The gatherings of Dhikr protect a person from loss and regret on the day of judgement, unlike the gatherings of heedlessness, for ìndeed they will be a cause of loss and regret on the day of judgement. Abu Daawud reported -with a ‘Hasan chain’ of transmission- from Abu Hurairah [radiyallaahu anhu] who said that Allaah’s Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said: ‘’The Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said: If anyone sits at a place where he does not remember Allah, deprivation [i.e. he’ll be deprived of reward] will descend on him from Allah; and if he lies at a place where he does not remember Allah, deprivation will descend on him from Allah.’’ [Abu Daawud. Number 4856]

Abu Sa’id Khudri reported that Mu’awiya went to a circle in the mosque and said: ‘’What makes you sit here? They said: ‘We are sitting here in order to remember Allah.’ He said: ‘I adjure you by Allah (to tell me whether you are sitting here for this very purpose)?’ They said: ‘By Allah, we are sitting here for this very purpose’. Thereupon, he said: ‘I have not demanded you to take an oath, because of any allegation against you and there is none of my rank -in the eyes of Allah’s Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam]- a narrator of so few ahadith as I am. The fact is that Allah’s Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] went out to the circle of his Companions and said: ‘What makes you sit?’ They said: ‘We are sitting here in order to remember Allah and to praise Him for He guided us to the path of Islam and He conferred favours upon us.’ Thereupon he adjured by Allah and asked if that only was the purpose of their sitting there. They said: ‘By Allah, we are not sitting here but for this very purpose’, whereupon he (the Messenger) said: ‘I am not asking you to take an oath because of any allegation against you but for the fact that Gabriel came to me and he informed me that Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, was talking to the angels about your magnificence.”  This is [one of the proofs] regarding the nobility of Dhikr in the sight of Allaah. Allaah loves it and it has status that distinguishes it from other acts of worship.

The gatherings of Dhikr bring about tranquillity, mercy and the angel encircle with their wings around those who remember Allaah. Agharr Abi Muslim reported: ‘’I bear witness to the fact that both Abu Huraira and Abu Sa’id Khudri were present when Allah’s Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said: ‘The people do not sit but they are surrounded by angels and covered by Mercy, and there descends upon them tranquillity as they remember Allah, and Allah makes a mention of them to those who are near Him.’’’ [Muslim Number: 2700]

The gatherings of Dhikr are a great means of restraining one’s tongue,  protecting it from backbiting, tale carrying, lies, lewd speech and falsehood, for indeed it is inevitable that a person will speak, so if he does not speak through remembrance of Allaah- by mentioning Allaah’s commandments and about something good and beneficial, then it is inevitable that he will speak about forbidden things or some of them. Therefore, whoever makes it a habit for his tongue to remember Allaah, he will protect his tongue from falsehood and idle speech. And whoever deprive his tongue of remembrance of Allaah, he will utter falsehood, idle speech and lewdness. [Source: Excerpt from ‘Fiqhul Ad-iyah Wal-Ad-kaar.’ Pages 27-31. Slightly paraphrased]

One Who Remembers Allaah a Lot Is Declared to Be Truthful By Allaah And Whoever Alllaah Declares to Be Truthful Will Not Be Resurrected With The Liars

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

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

One of the benefits of Dhikr is that it is a reason behind one being declared truthful by Allaah, because indeed the one who remembers Allaah [is in reality] speaking about Allaah’s Perfect Attributes and Exalted Characteristics. So, when a person speaks about [Allaah’s Perfect Attributes and Exalted Characteristics], Allaah declares that what he [i.e. the person] says is true, and whoever is declared truthful by Allaah will not be resurrected with the liars; rather it is hoped that he will be resurrected with the truthful ones. Abee Ishaaq narrated from Al-A’ghar Bin Muslim who bore witness that Abu Hurairah and Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudree [radiyallaahu-anhumaa] bore witness that Allaah’s Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said:

“When the servant says, ‘Laa ilaaha illal-laah Wa Allahu Akbar [None has the right to be worshipped except Allaah and Allaah is the Most Great],’ Allaah says, ‘My servant has spoken the truth; none has the right to be worshipped except I, and I am the Most Great.’ When he says, ‘Laa ilaaha Illal laahu Wahdahu [None has the right to be worshipped except Allaah alone]’, Allaah says, ‘My servant has spoken the truth; none has the right to be worshipped except I, alone.’ When he says, Laa ilaha Ilal laah, laa Shareekalahu [None has the right to be worshipped except Allaah, He has no partner or (associate)],’ Allah says, ‘My servant has spoken the truth; none has the right to be worshipped except I, and I have no partner (or associate).’ When he says, ‘Laa ilaaha illal laah, lahul Mulku Wa lahul Hamdu [None has the right to be worshipped except Allaah, all dominion is His and all praise is to Him],’ Allaah says, ‘My servant has spoken the truth; none has the right to be worshipped except I, all dominion is Mine and all praise is due to Me.’ When he says: ‘ Laa ilaaha illal laa, laa hawla wa la quwwata illaa billah [None has the right to be worshipped except Allaah and there is no power and nor strength (given to anything to move or alternate from one state to another except by the will of) Allaah],’ Allah says, ‘My servant has spoken the truth; none has the right to be worshipped except I, and there is no power and nor strength (given to anything to move or alternate from one state to another except by My Will)].’ One of the narrators Abu Ishaq said: “Then A’gharr said something that I did not understand. I said to Abu Jafar: ‘What did he say?’ He said: ‘Whoever is blessed with [the ability to say] them [i.e. these words] at the time of death, the Fire will not touch him.'” [Sunan Ibn Maajah. Number 3794. Sunan Tirmidhee 3430. Silsilah Al-Hadeeth As-Saheehah. Number 1390]

From the benefits of Dhikr is that profuse remembrance of Allaah is a safeguard against hypocrisy, for indeed the hypocrites remember Allaah very little. Allaah said about the hypocrites: [وَلَا يَذۡكُرُونَ ٱللَّهَ إِلَّا قَلِيلاً۬  – And they do not remember Allah but little]. [Surah An-Nisaa Aayah 142]

Ka’b said: “Whoever remembers Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] a lot, he will be free from hypocrisy.’’ And perhaps this is why Allaah ended Surah Al-Munaafiqoon with the statement: [ يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا تُلۡهِكُمۡ أَمۡوَٲلُكُمۡ وَلَآ أَوۡلَـٰدُڪُمۡ عَن ذِڪۡرِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ وَمَن يَفۡعَلۡ ذَٲلِكَ فَأُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ هُمُ ٱلۡخَـٰسِرُونَ – O you who believe! Let not your properties or your children divert you from the remembrance of Allah. And whosoever does that, then they are the losers]. [Surah Al-Munaafiqoon. Aayah 9]

This is because [the Aayah] contains a warning against the Fitna of the hypocrites, who are heedless of Allaah’s remembrance and thus fall into hypocrisy. Little remembrance of Allaah is one of the signs of hypocrisy, therefore profuse remembrance of Allaah is a safeguard against hypocrisy.

From the benefits of Dhikr is that it is a healing for the hearts and a remedy for its diseases. Mak’hool Bin Abdillaah [rahimahullaah] said, “Mentioning Allaah [i.e. Dhikr] is a remedy [i.e. it purifies the heart] and mentioning the people [i.e. by way of impermissible speech] is a disease.’’ Also Dhikr removes hardness of the heart, for there is a hardness in the heart that cannot go away except by way of Dhikr. A man came to Hasan Al-Basri [rahimahullaah] and said, “O Abaa Sa’eed! I complain to you about the hardness of my heart”, he said, “Expel it through remembrance of Allaah.”

From the benefits of Dhikr is that Allaah will be a close ally of the one who remembers Him. Allaah will love, support and grant him Tawfeeq [i.e. guide him and enable him to act upon that guidance], just as Allaah said:[ [إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ مَعَ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّقَواْ وَّٱلَّذِينَ هُم مُّحۡسِنُونَ  – Truly, Allah is with those who fear Him (i.e. He grants them aid and assistance (ref1), and those who are Muhsinoon (good-doers)]. [Surah An-Nahl. Aayah 128]

Allaah said: [وَٱللَّهُ مَعَ ٱلصَّـٰبِرِينَ   – And Allah is with the patient ones (i.e. He grants them aid and assistance (Ref2)] [Surah Al-Baqarah. Aayah 249]

Allaah said: [وَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَمَعَ ٱلۡمُحۡسِنِينَ – And verily, Allah is with the good doers (i.e. He grants them aid and assistance (Ref 3)]. [Surah Al-Ankabut. Aayah 69]

The one who remembers Allaah has a great share of this, just as it has been reported in a Hadeeth Qudsee: “Allaah says: ‘I am with My slave  when he remembers Me and his lips move whilst mentioning Me. [i.e. I grant him aid, assistance, help and Tawfeeq [guide him and grant him the ability to act upon that guidance(Ref 4)] ’’ [Ibn Maajah 3792]

From the benefits of Dhikr is that it brings about blessings [or bounties] and repels vengeance. There’s nothing that earns a person blessing and repels vengeance [from him] in a manner [more effective] than remembrance of Allaah. Allaah said: [إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُدَٲفِعُ عَنِ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ‌ۗ   – Truly, Allah defends those who believe]. [Surah Hajj. Aayah 38]

Allaah’s defence for a person is based on the strength of the person’s Eemaan and its perfection, and the essence of Eemaan and its strength is remembrance of Allaah. So whoever’s Eemaan is more perfect and his remembrance is more [than that of others], then his share will be greater [i.e. he’ll receive more protection from Allaah]. [Source: Fiqhul Ad-iyah Wal Ad-kaar. Pages 22-24. Sections 1 & 2. Slightly paraphrased]

Refs 1, 2 & 3: Zaadul Maseer Fee Ilmit Tafseer; Ref 4: Shurooh Sunan Ibn Maajah [As-Suyootee, Al-Hindee, Ad-Dehlawiy…Page1376. Kitab Al-Adab]

Some of The Tremendous Benefits of Dhikr

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.

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]

What Deviated Many Amongst Humankind From Their Sound Natural Disposition?!

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Purification of The Soul.

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

The Messenger [sallal-laahu-alahi-wasallam] said that Allaah said:

إِنِّي خَلَقْتُ عِبَادِي حُنَفَاءَ كُلَّهُمْ ، وَإِنَّهُمْ أَتَتْهُمُ الشَّيَاطِينُ فَاجْتَالَتْهُمْ عَنْ دِينِهِمْ ، وَحَرَّمَتْ عَلَيْهِمْ مَا أَحْلَلْتُ لَهُمْ ، وَأَمَرَتْهُمْ أَنْ يُشْرِكُوا بِي مَا لَمْ أُنْزِلْ بِهِ سُلْطَانًا

I have created all My slaves Hunafâ’ (with the inclination to worship Allah alone), but the devils come to them and turn them away from their religion (true path). They forbid to them that which I have permitted to them, and they tell them to associate others with Me for which I have not sent down any authority. [Reported by Imaam Muslim (rahimahullaah); Saheeh Muslim Chapter 16. Hadeeth Number: 2865]

Some of The Fruits of Ikhlaas And Tawheed In This Dunyaa and Aakhirah

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.

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] said:

Ikhlaas and Tawheed are a tree in the heart; its branches are the [good] deeds and its fruits is the good life in this world and everlasting bliss in the afterlife. And just as the fruits of Jannah are neither cut off [by change of season] nor are they out of reach, likewise this is the case with the fruits of Tawheed and Ikhlaas. Shirk, lies and Riyaa are a tree in the heart; its fruits – in the worldly life- are fear and anxiety, grief and distress in the soul and oppression against the heart. Its fruits in the afterlife are the tree of Zaqqoom and an everlasting punishment. And Allaah has  mentioned these two trees in Surah Ibraaheem:

 أَلَمۡ تَرَ كَيۡفَ ضَرَبَ ٱللَّهُ مَثَلاً۬ كَلِمَةً۬ طَيِّبَةً۬ كَشَجَرَةٍ۬ طَيِّبَةٍ أَصۡلُهَا ثَابِتٌ۬ وَفَرۡعُهَا فِى ٱلسَّمَآءِ

تُؤۡتِىٓ أُڪُلَهَا كُلَّ حِينِۭ بِإِذۡنِ رَبِّهَا‌ۗ وَيَضۡرِبُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡأَمۡثَالَ لِلنَّاسِ لَعَلَّهُمۡ يَتَذَڪَّرُونَ

وَمَثَلُ كَلِمَةٍ خَبِيثَةٍ۬ كَشَجَرَةٍ خَبِيثَةٍ ٱجۡتُثَّتۡ مِن فَوۡقِ ٱلۡأَرۡضِ مَا لَهَا مِن قَرَارٍ۬

See you not how Allaah sets forth a parable? A goodly word as a goodly tree, whose root is firmly fixed, and its branches (reach) to the sky (i.e. very high). Giving its fruits at all times, by the Leave of its Lord, and Allaah sets forth parables for mankind in order that they may remember. And the parable of an evil word is that of an evil tree uprooted from the surface of earth, having no stability. [Surah Ibraaheem. Aayaat 24-26]

[Source: Al-Fawaa’id. Pages 239-240]

 

One of The Many Admonitions Given By The Messenger During The Farewell Hajj – With Short Commentary By Shaikh Zaid Bin Haadi [rahimahullaah]

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Abu Qutaylah narrated that Allaah’s Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] stood before the people during the farewell hajj and said, “Neither is there a prophet after me nor an Ummah after you, so worship Allaah your Lord; establish your five daily [prayers], pay your zakaat, fast your month of [Ramadhaan], obey those who have been placed in charge over your affairs and you’ll enter paradise”.

Shaikh Zaid Bin Haadi [rahimahullaah] said, This hadeeth gathers a number of beneficial Prophetic commandments, and the first and foremost affair is to worship Allaah, which is a general command that includes all types of worship- statements and deeds, apparent [actions of the limbs] and deeds concealed [in the heart]. Then the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] specified some of the types of worship and the most important of them being the obligatory prayers, payment of Zakaat, fasting during the month of Ramadhaan out of Eemaan and hoping for Allaah’s reward, and obedience to the ruler of the Muslims in that which is good. The fulfilment of these affairs are a great means of entry into paradise which Allaah has prepared for His believing servants. [At-taleeqaat Al-Maleehah Alaa Silsilah Al-Ahaadeeth As-Saheehah. Vol 1 page 309. Slightly paraphrased]

Important Guidance For The Youth of The Ummah –By Shaikh Saaleh Al-Fawzaan [hafidhahullaah]

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Seeking Knowledge, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

The youth of a nation are the foundation upon which the nation is made to stand firm and they are the successive generation that will shoulder the responsibilities after their fathers. They possess physical strength and they possess new skills which is not possessed by the elders. The elders possess wisdom and experience and the youth possess strength and vigour. Therefore, if the youth and the elders co-operate for the advancement of the nation, a lot of good will result from that.

On the other hand if the youth disassociate from their fathers and elders, the devils amongst mankind and jinn will come in between them and their affairs; so the youth will naturally drift away and the end result will be detrimental to the nation. Hence, for this reason the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) placed importance in giving commands to the youth. He (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said to his uncle’s son Abdullaah Ibn Abbaas (radiyallaahu-anhu), whilst he was a young man: ‘’O young man, I shall teach you some words (of advice). Be mindful of Allaah, and Allaah will protect you. Be mindful of Allaah, and you will find Him in front of you. If you ask, ask Allaah (Alone). If you seek help, seek help from Allaah (alone). Know that if the nation were to gather together to benefit you with something, they would not benefit with anything except that which Allaah has already recorded for you. If they gather to harm you by something, they would not be able to harm you by anything except what Allaah has already recorded against you. The pens have been lifted and the pages have dried’’. (Recorded by Tirmidhee who said it is a Hasan saheeh hadith)

These (above) words are a path for the youth to follow because an advice given to one of (them) is advice for all of them. This advice comprises of guidance for the youth in their creed, behaviour, manners, reliance upon Allaah and belief in pre-decree. It is a tremendous and comprehensive advice. Anas (radiyallaahu anhu) narrated: Once Mu-adh was riding behind Allaah’s Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) as a companion rider. Allaah’s Messenger said, ‘’O Mu’adh!’’. Mu’adh replied, ‘’Labbaik and Sa’daik O Allaah’s Messenger!’’ Again the Prophet said, ‘’O Mu’adh!’’ Mu’aadh said thrice, ‘’Labaik and Sadaik O Messenger of Allaah!’’ Allaah’s Messenger said, ‘’There is none who testifies sincerely from his heart, that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah, and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah, except that Allaah will forbid that he is punished in the fire.’’ Mu’aadh said, ‘’O Messenger of Allaah! Should I not inform the people about it so that they may have glad tidings?’’ He replied, ‘’Then, they will solely depend on it.’’ Then Mu’aadh narrated the above mentioned Hadith just before his death, being afraid of committing a sin (by concealing the knowledge) (reported by Bukhaari No: 128 and Muslim No: 32)

This is guidance for the youth, as the Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) clarifies what is obligated on the creation of Allaah (i.e. Mankind and Jinn) and that is to worship Allaah (alone) without associating a partner to Him. This is the purpose for which Allaah created them. Allaah (The Most High) said: [ وَمَا خَلَقْتُ الْجِنَّ وَالْإِنسَ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُونِ –And I have not created Jinn and Mankind except that they should worship Me alone]. [51: 56]

 The Rights of Allaah upon His Slaves: They are obligatory upon the slaves and not that they have a choice to carry it out or not, rather they are obligatory.  The Rights of The Slaves upon Allaah: This is Allaah’s grace bestowed upon some more than others. It is not that anything is due from Allaah to anyone; rather He bestows this grace, and real grace belongs to Him (The One free from all imperfection). Except that Allaah will forbid that he is punished in the fire:Indeed, this shows that Tawheed is a safeguard against destruction. It is either an absolute safeguard, (i.e. the person upon Tawheed will not be punished) or a safeguard against eternal punishment if he is punished for his sins; rather he will be removed from the fire and entered into paradise, as long as he is from the people of Tawheed and did not associated anything with Allaah. This shows that whoever associates anything with Allaah (The Most High) will be punished eternally. He will never have any happiness. Allaah (The Most High) said:

 ‘إِنَّهُ مَن يُشْرِكْ بِاللَّهِ فَقَدْ حَرَّمَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ الْجَنَّةَ وَمَأْوَاهُ النَّارُ ۖ وَمَا لِلظَّالِمِينَ مِنْ أَنصَارٍ

Verily whosoever sets up partners (in worship) with Allaah, then Allaah has forbidden Paradise to him, and the fire will be his abode. And for the (polytheists and wrong-doers) there are no helpers. [5:72]

And Allaah (The One free from all imperfections) said:

إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يَغْفِرُ أَن يُشْرَكَ بِهِ وَيَغْفِرُ مَا دُونَ ذَٰلِكَ لِمَن يَشَاءُ ۚ

Verily, Allaah forgives not that partners should be set up with Him (in worship), but He forgives other than that to whomsoever He wills. [4:48]

And regarding the statement of the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam): That He (The Most High) is not to punish him who worships none besides Him; Meaning: Everything that is set up as a partner with Allaah (in worship), such as a tree, a stone, a dead or living person, a jinn or a human, or idols, or Angels, or Messengers, or Prophets, or the awliyaa,…anyone who sets up anything as a partner with Allaah (in worship), then indeed Allaah will not pardon him, except if he repents. But if he dies upon shirk, he will abide in the fire forever.

One day, the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said to Umar Bin Abee Salama,– whilst he was a boy under the guardianship of the prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam), because the prophet married his mother after the death of Abee Salama and this boy was under his guardianship–when food was presented: ‘’O boy! Mention the Name of Allaah, eat with your right hand and eat of the dish what is nearer to you’’. This was guidance from the prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) to this boy.

And he (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said in general to all the young men: ‘’O young people! Whoever among you is able to marry, should marry, because it helps him lower his gaze and guard his modesty, and whoever is not able to marry, should fast, fasting will diminish his sexual strength’’.

So, the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) commanded the young men to guard their modesty, either through marriage if they are able or through adopting measures that would weaken and diminish their desires, fearing that they will be put to trial and out of concern for his ummah. This is an advice of the prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) to the young men until the establishment of the hour and it is obligated on them to adhere to it. 

And he (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said: ‘’Among the seven (people) whom Allaah will protect with His Shade on the day when there would be no shade but His Shade, is a young man who grew up in the worship of Allaah’’. Therefore, if he (i.e. the young man) grew up in the worship of Allaah and was not overtaken by youthful excitement, and the whims that lead the youth towards sin, rather he overcame that through obedience to Allaah, he will receive this honour on the day of judgement. Allaah will provide him with shade on that day of severe heat when the sun will be brought close. (On the) day when the people are drenched in sweat, Allaah will provide a group of people amongst mankind with Shade and included amongst them will be young men who grew up in the worship of Allaah.

Examine the statement of the Prophet sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) to Ibn Abbaas (radiyallaahu anhu): ‘’Acknowledge Allaah in times of ease and He will acknowledge you in times of hardship’’. So, if you worship Allaah and seek to get close to Him in times of ease, Allaah will rescue you when you find yourself in hardship and difficulty. Therefore, it is obligated on the fathers to nurture their sons, for indeed the young men will not be rectified except by way of certain means, and from the greatest of these means are:  

[1]Righteous-Upbringing:

It is obligated on the fathers to nurture their sons upon obedience to Allaah. They are to nurture them until they grow up upon righteousness. However, if they are neglected, they will be nurtured upon heedlessness and youthful whims, and thus become lost in society. This is why the Prophets (alayhimus salaam) used to supplicate for their sons and offspring.

Allaah (The Most High) said that Ibraaheem (Alayhis Salaam) said:

رَبِّ اجْعَلْنِي مُقِيمَ الصَّلَاةِ وَمِن ذُرِّيَّتِي ۚ رَبَّنَا وَتَقَبَّلْ دُعَاءِ

O my Lord! Make me one who performs As-Salaat, and also from my offspring…..[14:40]

Allaah (The Most High) said that Zakariyyah (alayhis Salaam) said:

قَالَ رَبِّ هَبْ لِي مِن لَّدُنكَ ذُرِّيَّةً طَيِّبَةً ۖ إِنَّكَ سَمِيعُ الدُّعَاءِ

O my Lord! Grant me from You, a good offspring. You are indeed the All-Hearer of invocation. [3:38]

He (Zakariyya) did not merely say: ”Grant me from You offspring” and then stopped at that, rather he said, ‘Tayyibah’- good (i.e. a good offspring) because good offspring are offspring in reality.

The messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said: ‘’When the son of Aadam dies-all his deeds are terminated except three: an on-going charity, knowledge from which others benefit and a righteous child who supplicates for him. [Reported by Muslim] This takes place after a person’s death, but when he is a state of infirmity and old age, he is treated with goodness. The son he brought up upon good attends to him and supplicates for him. Allaah (The Most High) said:

وَقَضَىٰ رَبُّكَ أَلَّا تَعْبُدُوا إِلَّا إِيَّاهُ وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا ۚ إِمَّا يَبْلُغَنَّ عِندَكَ الْكِبَرَ أَحَدُهُمَا أَوْ كِلَاهُمَا فَلَا تَقُل لَّهُمَا أُفٍّ وَلَا تَنْهَرْهُمَا وَقُل لَّهُمَا قَوْلًا كَرِيمًا

وَاخْفِضْ لَهُمَا جَنَاحَ الذُّلِّ مِنَ الرَّحْمَةِ وَقُل رَّبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًا

And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And that you be dutiful to your parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them but address them in terms of honour. And lower unto them the wing of submission and humility through mercy, and say: ‘’My Lord! Bestow on them Your Mercy as they did bring me up when I was young. [17:23-24]

The child supplicates for them as a result of the righteous upbringing he was nurtured upon and through which he attained happiness-so he repays their goodness with goodness. (Therefore) with regards to this (arises) the obligation to protect children. Indeed, when a man wants to get married, he should choose a righteous woman, and from the usefulness of this woman is that she is able to bring up children upon good. She is a place where the seed is sown and where children are begotten, therefore the man should choose a righteous woman. The prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said: ‘’A woman is married for four; her wealth, family status, beauty and religion. So you should marry the one with religion, otherwise you will be a loser.”

Neither look at her beauty alone nor her wealth; neither her noble origin nor her status amongst the people; rather you look at her Religion because the religion combines all that is good. As for (looking at) other than her religion, then the woman will carry what will not bring about a praiseworthy end result. So by way of her beauty, she will seduce you and with regards to her wealth she will exceed the limits in spending. And with regards to her noble origin, she will exalt herself with it above the man. As for the woman with religion, then nothing comes from her except good. If you are bestowed with righteous offspring from her, she will bring them up upon good.

Choosing a Good Name for the Child:

Also, the father is commanded to select a good name for the child. He should name him with a good name and not a repugnant name. That is because a name has an effect on the one it is named after, as it is said: ”Everyone has a share from his name.” The Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said, ‘’the best of names are Abdullaah and Abdur Rahmaan.’’ This is because they are names of servitude to Allaah, such as Abdul Azeez, Abdur Rahmaan, Abdullaah or Abdul Kareem……and so on; Or name him Muhammad, Ali, Saalih and other than that amongst the good names. Do not name him with a name that makes those who hear it have a dislike of it. That is because a name has an effect upon the one who hears it and the one named after it. And due to this, when Suhail ibnu Amrin came to seek peace with the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) at the time of the Treaty of Hudaybiyah, the prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said, ‘’Now the matter has become easy’’ when suhail approached- this being in agreement with the name suhail because without a doubt a good name has an impression upon the one who hears it and upon the one named after it.

The Aqeeqah:

Also, from the rights of the child upon his father is that he should slaughter a sacrifice for him. He should slaughter for the Aqeeqah on his behalf as an act worship and thanks-giving to Allaah (The Most High). There is seeking nearness to Allaah and being thankful to Him in this (sacrifice) and there is good in it for the newly born because goodness is found in acts of worship. Therefore, he slaughters two sheep for the boy and one for the girl. This is an established Sunnah and there is goodness in it for the newly born. He (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said: ‘’Every newly born is in pledge for his/her aqeeqah’’ (Reported by Abu Daawood. No:2831) The sacrificial slaughter, shaving of the head and naming the child are to be done on the seventh day, and these are from the means of bringing about goodness for the new born. The expense for this is to be undertaken by the father.

Elaboration: Concerning the statement of the prophet: ‘’Every newly born is in pledge for his/her aqeeqah’’

There are a number of views about its meaning:

(a) That the aqeeqah is binding just like the pledge.  (b) That the child’s correct growth and upbringing and his being a source of benefit is tied to the aqeeqah just as article held in pledge for a debt cannot be utilized until the debt is paid. (c) That the child is prevented from interceding for its parents when it dies if aqeeqah was not performed for it. This saying is attributed to Ahmad (rahimahullaah) who declared a weak saying by Ibnul Qayyim. (d)That naming and shaving the head are dependent upon the aqeeqah. (e) It is a means of rescuing the child of being caught and ensnared by shaytaan – and this was the view preferred by Ibnul Qayyim in ‘At-Tuhfah’ (page: 49) [Source: ‘’Manners of Welcoming The New Born Child In Islaam’’ (page:53) translated by Aboo Talhah Dawood Ibn Ronald Burbank (rahimahullaah)]

 Commanding the Children with the Salaah at Age of Seven

Also it is obligated on the parents to implement the command of the prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam): ‘’Command your children to pray when they are seven years old, beat them for it when they are ten and arrange their beds (to sleep) separately.’’

The father is a shepherd and is responsible for his flock (i.e. the family) and likewise the mother is a shepherdess. Therefore, it is obligated on them to command (the children) to pray when they reach the age of seven. Even though the prayer is not an obligation (at that age), but it will have a good effect upon them and so that they get used to it. Similarly, they are to be supervised with regards to sleep and not left close to one another, lest desires should arise between them, thus bringing about corruption. They are to be distanced from one another in bed and not to be left to sleep in the same bed. This is a preventative measure and as it is said, ‘’prevention is better than cure.’’

When the companions of the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) implemented these affairs of guidance on their children, there emerged amongst them young men who directed and led the ummah towards knowledge, jihaad, learning and the call to Allaah (The Most High). (Young men), such as the likes of Ibn Abbaas, Ibn Umar, Abdullaah bin Amr bin al Aas, Mu-aadh Ibn Jabal and Zaid Ibn Thaabit……….. Young men amongst the companions, who are distinctly mentioned in Islamic history because they were brought up upon the guidance of the Messenger of Allaah (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) and upon the good nurturing of their fathers, which brought about good for them.

Therefore, we cannot seek uprightness for the children, whilst we neglect them; rather we have to carry out the means that will lead them to uprightness. As for seeking uprightness for them without carrying out the means, then this would be a loss. ‘’Whoever sought an elevated station without hard work, then he would have already wasted a life span in seeking the impossible.’’ The means must be carried out if you want your young men to be nurtured upon goodness and uprightness. Show concern for them and exercise patience in facing exhaustion that may come your way regarding their affairs, for indeed this (effort) is carried in the path of Allaah.  Allaah (The Most High) said:

وَأْمُرْ أَهْلَكَ بِالصَّلَاةِ وَاصْطَبِرْ عَلَيْهَا

And enjoin (the prayer) on your family and be patient in offering them (i.e. the prayers)’’ (20:132)

Patience must be exercised! It would be far-fetched to desire that one’s son should become upright when one is complacent. One must exercise patience, hope for Allaah’s reward and have a righteous intention. If you carry out the upright means, then indeed Allaah does not cause to go lost the reward of the doer of good. Allaah (The Most High) said:

وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَاتَّبَعَتْهُمْ ذُرِّيَّتُهُم بِإِيمَانٍ أَلْحَقْنَا بِهِمْ ذُرِّيَّتَهُمْ وَمَا أَلَتْنَاهُم مِّنْ عَمَلِهِم مِّن شَيْءٍ ۚ كُلُّ امْرِئٍ بِمَا كَسَبَ رَهِينٌ

And those who believe and whose offspring follow them in Eemaan: to them shall We join their offspring, and We shall not decrease the reward of their deeds in anything. Every person is a pledge for that which he has earned. (52:21)

Allaah will unite the children with their fathers in Paradise because their fathers brought them up upon Eemaan, obedience (to Allaah), worship (of Allaah) and goodness; so they followed their (fathers’) path. And on the Day of Judgement when they and their fathers enter Paradise, so the children take their places in Paradise and their fathers take a higher place, Allaah will bestow His grace upon the fathers by raising their children (to that higher station). And if the fathers are in a (particular) station and the children in a higher one, Allaah will bestow His grace upon the fathers and unite them with their children in Paradise as a source of happiness for them.

Specific Advice to the Young Men:

As for you O young men! It is obligated on you to preoccupy yourselves. First and foremost, seek beneficial knowledge with the support of the scholars-be it in the schools, the institutes, the academies or in the mosques. Attend the lessons of the scholars-those known for knowledge, steadfastness and fear of Allaah, and are free from bizarre views and strange statements. It is obligatory upon you to hold onto the upright scholars- those who direct (the Muslims) to what is correct. So take the creed (i.e. study) from them, and manners, (good) etiquettes and the correct methodology, which you are to implement in yourselves and in your dealings with others, for indeed the scholars are the inheritors of the prophets. And just as the young companions of the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) used to seek knowledge from the Messenger of Allaah (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) and from the scholars amongst them, likewise, you should seek knowledge from the inheritors of the Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) and they are the scholars. Be acquainted with knowledge through its people-be it in the schools or by attending seminars, lectures and religious admonitions or by reading the beneficial books.

Advice on the Right Methodology in Seeking Knowledge:

There are two paths of deviation at present with regards to learning:

[1] Learning from books without referring to the scholars! This is a path of deviation and many have deviated as a result of it. He (i.e. the person) will either misunderstand what is in the books or understands in a way other than what is intended because it has not been explained and made clear to him. [2] The author (of the book) may be deviated in his views or knowledge and fills it (i.e. the book) with mistakes in affairs of knowledge. Then this ignorant youth reads and adopts it. Therefore, the books are not to be solely depended upon. And even if the books are sound, you will not be able to understand by merely seeking after it (i.e. reading). The khawaarij were not misguided and misguiding others with their intellects and fear of Allaah, except that they disassociated themselves from the scholars and depended on their own understanding and that of those similar to them. They took instructions from one another, and thus they caused harm to themselves and to the Ummah. This is the result for disassociating from the scholars.

I advise you to busy yourselves with beneficial knowledge with the support of the scholars, and that you avoid being absorbed and speaking about the people- (such as) backbiting, tale carrying, (false) disparagement and slander. Indeed, this is evil that disperses, divides the youth of the Ummah and causes them to become factions and parties. There are those who have no other concern except, ‘’this one says and that one says that.’’ So seek knowledge until you become acquainted with the truth, but as for seeking after the mistakes of the people before you are acquainted with knowledge, and saying, ‘’this person says and that one says, and be mindful of this one person and that one’’……….this is not a sound methodology. Allaah (The Most High) said: [يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِن جَاءَكُمْ فَاسِقٌ بِنَبَإٍ فَتَبَيَّنُوا  – O you who believe! If a Faasiq (liar-evil person) comes to you with any news, verify it, lest you should harm people in ignorance, and afterwards you become regretful for what you have done. [49:6]

A Warning against the Callers to Misguidance:

O young men! Be warned against the callers to misguidance because they are many today. The prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) warned against them. He (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said: ‘’What I fear most for my nation, is those leaders who will lead astray’’ -and they are those who lead them to misguidance.’’

And he (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said: ‘’What I fear most for my ummah is every hypocrite with an eloquent tongue.’’ This is the one who possesses eloquent impressive speech and he is able to promote his dubious views, whilst falsifying the reality and delivering it to the people. Then the ignorant one thinks that it is knowledge and proof, whilst it is illusion and deceit. So it is obligatory upon you to direct your attention to knowledge and acquire it from those who are well known to be well versed in it. Do not restrict yourself to reading books and listening to audiotapes, for indeed some of the people have taken these audiotapes for learning. And amongst them is one who reads a book or listens to an audiotape and then says: ”I took from the book of such and such or from his audiotape.” This is a grave mistake (because) knowledge is acquired from the scholars. As for these books, they are designated to the scholars and questions are to be asked regarding them, and explanation and clarification given- clarification with regards to the truth and mistakes found in them.

For example, if you want to study medicine, will you read the books on medicine and then implement and give treatment to people based on what you have read? Perhaps this methodology would lead you to kill many people, because you are not a doctor, rather you are a (fake) doctor. And there is threat of a punishment upon the one who practices medicine but is not qualified to do so. Therefore, if this is the case with medicine, then what about the religion, whilst you have not obtained knowledge through a correct methodology; rather you learnt either by way of what you have heard from audio tapes and books you have read or what has been said to you….etc. This is not a path to knowledge. However, we say: There is benefit in the books and tapes together with your sitting with the people of knowledge, and that you ask the teacher questions about what is unclear regarding what you have read or heard.  Allaah (The Most High) said: [ فَاسْأَلُوا أَهْلَ الذِّكْرِ إِن كُنتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ – And ask the people of the reminder if you do not know]. [16:43]

The People of the Reminder are the scholars, so do not depend on your understanding or that of others similar to you, or those beneath you (in rank or value); rather it is obligated on you to ask the people of knowledge. Allaah did not say: ‘’Ask one another’’; rather He said: ‘’Ask the people of the reminder’’ in particular. This is my advice to all the youth that they focus their attention towards beneficial knowledge and to acquire this knowledge from the scholars who are trusted with their knowledge. Some of the salaf said: ‘’Indeed this knowledge is Religion, so look to the one you take your religion from’’. Will you take your religion from an ignorant one or one who misguides others? This is not correct. Will you take your religion from a book? This is not correct! You do not take your religion except from a scholar who is fears Allaah. Allaah (The Most High) said:[إِنَّمَا يَخْشَى اللَّهَ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ الْعُلَمَاءُ – It is only those who have knowledge among His slaves that fear Allaah]. [35:28]

Therefore, take (knowledge) from the scholars with two conditions: The person is a scholar and he is one who fears Allaah. If he is a scholar but does not fear Allaah, you do not take from him. If he is one who fears Allaah, but does not possess knowledge, you do not take from him. It has been reported from the prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) that he said:

Amongst the men of Bani Israel there was a man who had murdered ninety-nine people. Then he set out asking (whether his repentance could be accepted or not). He came upon a monk and asked him if his repentance could be accepted. The monk replied in the negative and so the man killed him. He kept on asking till a man advised to go to such and such village. (So he left for it) but death overtook him on the way. While dying, he turned his chest towards that village (where he had hoped his repentance would be accepted), and so the angels of mercy and the angels of punishment quarrelled amongst themselves regarding him. Allah ordered the village (towards which he was going) to come closer to him, and ordered the village (whence he had come), to go far away, and then He ordered the angels to measure the distances between his body and the two villages. So he was found to be one span closer to the village (he was going to). So he was forgiven. [Reported by Bukhari]

All this good reached him as a result of submitting his questions to the scholar. As for the ignorant worshipper, then what comes from him is known! This (incident shows) the difference between the answer of an ignorant person and that of a scholar. And for this reason, he (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said: The superiority of the scholar over the worshipper is like the superiority of the moon over all the stars” (reported by Abu Daawood No: 3641)

So What Is The Difference Between The Moon And A Star? The moon illuminates the world for the people, as for the star its illumination is limited to itself. The worship (carried out by) the worshipper is only for himself and the people do not benefit from it. As for the scholar, the benefit he has with him is extended to the people, just as the light of the moon is extended to the people. So do not forsake the scholars, rather it is obligated on you to receive them with acceptance. Take from them and submit your questions to them as long as they are alive amongst you. And neither depend on your understanding, nor that of the ignorant ones and the fake scholars-those who have not studied under the people of knowledge. Rather they are either self-taught or taught by those similar to them. The path of these ones and that of those who take from them is error, because they approached knowledge through other than its correct place. Allaah said: [ وَلَيْسَ الْبِرُّ بِأَن تَأْتُوا الْبُيُوتَ مِن ظُهُورِهَا وَلَٰكِنَّ الْبِرَّ مَنِ اتَّقَىٰ ۗ وَأْتُوا الْبُيُوتَ مِنْ أَبْوَابِهَا ۚ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ –It is not (piety, righteousness) that you enter the houses from the back, but (piety, righteousness) is (the quality of the one) who fears Allaah. So enter houses through their (proper) doors, and fear Allaah, that you may be successful]. [3:189]

Therefore, knowledge is to be approached through its doors and not at its highest level; rather there (has to be) gradual progression from the easy issues of the religion to the difficult ones. As for those who take knowledge in one swoop and approach it through its highest point, these ones will not reach anything except ignorance and beguilement. And if only their ignorance and beguilement was limited to themselves; but trouble is that they direct others, issue verdicts and speak about Allaah and His Messenger without knowledge! This is a sinful path-a path to seeking knowledge that is in the increase at present.

Hold on to the Scholars:

Many of the youth have forsaken the scholars and do not take from them. The great trial and tribulation that arose from this has been seen, when someone appeared making claims of jihaad and knowledge, so ruin, terror and killing occurred in the land. This is the result of disassociating from the scholars because those (people) kept away from the scholars and went to those like them amongst the callers to misguidance and the people of deviated views. So they brainwashed and informed them of these views. This is the result of disassociating from the scholars, the society, the jamaa-ah of the Muslims and their leader.

And when the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) informed Hudhaifah Bin Al Yamaan (radiyallaahu-anhu) about the trials, he said: ‘’O Messenger of Allaah, what do you command me if I come across that? He (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said: ‘’Stick to the Jamaa-ah of the Muslims and their Imaam’’ (i.e. the Muslim Ruler) [reported by Bukhari No: 7084]

This is a safeguard from trials, but if you abandon the Jamaa-ah of the Muslims and their Ruler, then indeed you will be destroyed in the trials, just like what took place with those ones and their likes. He (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said: There are three matters, which the heart of the believer does not have an aversion towards: (That is), performing actions sincerely for Allaah, giving sincere advice to the rulers of the Muslims, and sticking to the Jamaa-ah of the Muslims. For indeed, their supplication encompasses them.

And Allaah (The Most High) said:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَكُونُوا مَعَ الصَّادِقِينَ

‘’O you who believe! Have fear of Allaah, and be with those who are true (in words and deeds)’’ [9:119]

That is to be with the Jamaa-ah of the Muslims, the sincere scholars and the Muslim rulers, so that you may be safe from trials and confusing views.

Upon you O youths! Is that you preserve your time for that which is beneficial to you in your religious and worldly affairs- in seeking provision and knowledge, doing good to parents, fulfilling the obligatory affairs and keeping away from the forbidden. This is what you should be upon, for indeed it is the path to safety. Be warned against wasting your time with worthless things, the Internet or with the newspapers that bring about evil and are associated with deviated views.

Be warned against the callers to misguidance-those who prey on the youth, cut them off from their families and society, and inform them of confused views, and thus you find a young man disassociating himself from the state and his family. Then he distances himself from the mosques, the Friday and the five daily prayers. Then his whereabouts become unknown, until the reporters make an announcement about him being arrested or killed. This is the result of heedlessness and the actions of those youth who do not accept advice.

They do not adhere to the statement of the Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) regarding adhering to the Jamaa-ah of the Muslims and their Ruler, obedience and service to parents, observance of the Friday and the five daily prayers. They fell into the hands of their enemies when they neglected these affairs, and thus they were snatched and informed of these confused views, which put an end to their lives. It is difficult to rehabilitate even those who have remained amongst them because it is hard to give treatment to the brainwashed person and the person with corrupt views, just like the sick person afflicted with a disease that has no cure. Rather corrupt views are worse than chronic illness, because chronic illness afflicts the body and as a result death is inevitable. However, the trouble with sick views and a sick mind is that it afflicts the religion and the creed, and there is no happiness after that, except if Allaah grants His favour to the one afflicted by it, and then he repents to Allaah.

Indeed, Allaah has power over all things. However, it is difficult for the likes of these ones to repent, because their intellects have been shackled with confused views. Allaah said: [ فَلَمَّا زَاغُوا أَزَاغَ اللَّهُ قُلُوبَهُمْ ۚ وَاللَّهُ لَا يَهْدِي الْقَوْمَ الْفَاسِقِينَ – So when they turned away (from the path of Allaah), Allaah turned their hearts away (from the right path). And Allaah guides not the people who are Faasiqoon (the rebellious, the disobedient to Allah)]. [61:5]

This is a punishment for them! Allaah is able to guide them, but He (The One Free from All Imperfections) punishes them and prevents them from guidance. Why is this case? This is because they rebel against the Commands of Allaah (The Most High), so Allaah punishes them. And the reality about them is that they neither repent nor return. This is a punishment from Allaah (The Most High). [Taken From a Booklet Titled: Tawjeehaat Muhimmah Li-Shabaabil Ummah]