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[The Ant, The Hoopoe, The Queen of Sheba, The Ifreet, The Scholar and Prophet Sulaymaan- [Reflection and Lessons (Part 6)]

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

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

Allaah [The Exalted] said:

وَتَفَقَّدَ ٱلطَّيۡرَ فَقَالَ مَا لِىَ لَآ أَرَى ٱلۡهُدۡهُدَ أَمۡ ڪَانَ مِنَ ٱلۡغَآٮِٕبِينَ (٢٠) لَأُعَذِّبَنَّهُ ۥ عَذَابً۬ا شَدِيدًا أَوۡ لَأَاْذۡبَحَنَّهُ ۥۤ أَوۡ لَيَأۡتِيَنِّى بِسُلۡطَـٰنٍ۬ مُّبِينٍ۬ (٢١) فَمَكَثَ غَيۡرَ بَعِيدٍ۬ فَقَالَ أَحَطتُ بِمَا لَمۡ تُحِطۡ بِهِۦ وَجِئۡتُكَ مِن سَبَإِۭ بِنَبَإٍ۬ يَقِينٍ (٢٢) إِنِّى وَجَدتُّ ٱمۡرَأَةً۬ تَمۡلِڪُهُمۡ وَأُوتِيَتۡ مِن ڪُلِّ شَىۡءٍ۬ وَلَهَا عَرۡشٌ عَظِيمٌ۬ (٢٣) وَجَدتُّهَا وَقَوۡمَهَا يَسۡجُدُونَ لِلشَّمۡسِ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ وَزَيَّنَ لَهُمُ ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنُ أَعۡمَـٰلَهُمۡ فَصَدَّهُمۡ عَنِ ٱلسَّبِيلِ فَهُمۡ لَا يَهۡتَدُونَ (٢٤) أَلَّا يَسۡجُدُواْ لِلَّهِ ٱلَّذِى يُخۡرِجُ ٱلۡخَبۡءَ فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَيَعۡلَمُ مَا تُخۡفُونَ وَمَا تُعۡلِنُونَ (٢٥) ٱللَّهُ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ رَبُّ ٱلۡعَرۡشِ ٱلۡعَظِيمِ

He inspected the birds, and said: “What is the matter that I see not the hoopoe? Or is he among the absentees? I will surely punish him with a severe torment, or slaughter him, unless he brings me a clear reason.” But the hoopoe stayed not long, he (came up and) said: “I have grasped (the knowledge of a thing) which you have not grasped and I have come to you from Saba’ (Sheba) with true news. “I found a woman ruling over them, and she has been given all things that could be possessed by any ruler of the earth, and she has a great throne. I found her and her people worshipping the sun instead of Allah, and Shaitan (Satan) has made their deeds fair-seeming to them, and has barred them from (Allah’s) Way, so they have no guidance, so that they do not worship (prostrate before) Allah, Who brings to light what is hidden in the heavens and the earth, and knows what you conceal and what you reveal. Allah, La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the Lord of the Supreme Throne!” [Surah An-Naml. Verses 20-26]

Concerning the statement of the Hoopoe:

[أَلَّا يَسۡجُدُواْ لِلَّهِ ٱلَّذِى يُخۡرِجُ ٱلۡخَبۡءَ فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَيَعۡلَمُ مَا تُخۡفُونَ وَمَا تُعۡلِنُونَ – so that they do not worship (prostrate before) Allah, Who brings to light what is hidden in the heavens and the earth, and knows what you conceal and what you reveal]: Imaam Muhammad Ameen Ash-Shanqeetee [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: The statement: [أَلَّا يَسۡجُدُواْ – so that they do not worship (prostrate before)] is similar to the statement of Allaah: [لَا تَسۡجُدُواْ لِلشَّمۡسِ وَلَا لِلۡقَمَرِ وَٱسۡجُدُواْ لِلَّهِ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَهُنَّ إِن ڪُنتُمۡ إِيَّاهُ تَعۡبُدُونَ – Prostrate not to the sun nor to the moon, but prostrate to Allah Who created them, if you (really) worship Him]. [Surah Fussilat. Verse 37] It is also similar to the statement of Allaah: [فَٱسۡجُدُواْ لِلَّهِ وَٱعۡبُدُواْ – So fall you down in prostration to Allah, and worship Him (Alone)]. [Surah An-Najm. Verse 62]

And regarding the statement: [ٱلَّذِى يُخۡرِجُ ٱلۡخَبۡءَ – Who brings to light what is hidden]: Imaam Muhammad Ameen Ash-Shanqeetee [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “Some of the scholars said that [الخبأ في السماء – what is hidden in the heavens] means rain and [الخبأ في الأرض- what is hidden in the earth] means vegetation, minerals and treasures, and this meaning fits the statement [يُخۡرِجُ ٱلۡخَبۡءَ – brings to light]. Some other scholars say that الخبأ is what is secret and unseen, meaning that Allaah knows what unseen in the heavens and the earth as is indicated by the statement that comes after it as follows: [وَيَعۡلَمُ مَا تُخۡفُونَ وَمَا تُعۡلِنُونَ – and knows what you conceal and what you reveal], which is similar to another noble verse as follows: [وَمَا مِنۡ غَآٮِٕبَةٍ۬ فِى ٱلسَّمَآءِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ إِلَّا فِى كِتَـٰبٍ۬ مُّبِينٍ – And there is nothing hidden in the heaven and the earth, but is in a Clear Book (i.e. Al-Lauh Al-Mahfuz)]. [Surah An-Naml. Verse 75] And also the statement of Allaah:

[وَمَا يَعۡزُبُ عَن رَّبِّكَ مِن مِّثۡقَالِ ذَرَّةٍ۬ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَلَا فِى ٱلسَّمَآءِ وَلَآ أَصۡغَرَ مِن ذَٲلِكَ وَلَآ أَكۡبَرَ إِلَّا فِى كِتَـٰبٍ۬ مُّبِينٍ – And nothing is hidden from your Lord (so much as) the weight of an atom (or small ant) on the earth or in the heaven. Not what is less than that or what is greater than that but is (written) in a Clear Record]. [Surah Yunus. Verse 61] [Ref 1]

Knowledge of The Unseen – A Brief Rebuttal Against All The Extremist Soofees

Neither Do the Prophets, Messengers and Angels Possess Knowledge of Unseen nor Does Allaah Reveal the Unseen to Anyone Else, Except What He Wishes to Inform the Prophets and Messengers

Allaah (The Most High) said: [وَعِنْدَهُ مَفَاتِحُ الْغَيْبِ لَا يَعْلَمُهَا إِلَّا هُوَ – And with Him are the keys of the Ghaib (all that is hidden), none knows them but He].

In his explanation of the above Ayah, Imaam Ash-Shanqeetee (may Allaah have mercy upon him] brought a number of robust proofs to demonstrate and establish that even the most knowledgeable amongst the creation- Allaah’s Messengers and Angels-do not posses knowledge of the Unseen. The Imaam [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said:

Proof A: Aa’isha (may Allah be pleased with her] was falsely accused and the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] did not know whether she was innocent or not until Allaah informed him, saying:

[ أُولَٰئِكَ مُبَرَّءُونَ مِمَّا يَقُولُونَ- ‘Such (good people) are innocent of (each and every) bad statement which they say].

 

Proof B: Prophet Ibraaheem (peace be upon him) slaughtered a lamb for the angels, whilst not knowing that they were angels until they informed him that they were angels. Allaah said that the angels said to him:

[إِنَّا أُرْسِلْنَا إِلَىٰ قَوْمِ لُوطٍ – We have been sent against the people of Lout (Lot)].

 

Proof C: When the angels came to Prophet Lut (peace be upon him), he did not know that they were angels, and due to that Allaah said: [عَصِيبٌ سِيءَ بِهِمْ وَضَاقَ بِهِمْ ذَرْعًا وَقَالَ هَٰذَا يَوْمٌ – He was grieved on their account and felt himself straitened for them (lest the town people should approach them to commit lewdness with them). He said: This is a distressful day]. And because of this Allaah said that lut said: [لَوْ أَنَّ لِي بِكُمْ قُوَّةً أَوْ آوِي إِلَىٰ رُكْنٍ شَدِيدٍ – Would that I had strength (men) to overpower you, or that I could betake myself to some powerful support (to resist you). (11:80)]. He did not know the news the angels brought until they said to him: [إِنَّا رُسُلُ رَبِّكَ لَنْ يَصِلُوا إِلَيْكَ – Verily, we are the Messengers from your Lord!]

Proof D: Prophet Ya’qoob (peace be upon him) lost his eye sight due to grieving for Yusuf (peace be upon him), whilst he was in Egypt. He did not know anything about Yusuf until Allaah reveal news about him.

Proof E: Prophet Sulaymaan (peace be upon him), even though Allaah gave him authority over the devils and subjugated the wind in his service, did not know about the people Bil Qees until the Hud’hud came with news about them. Allaah said that the Hud’hud said: [أَحَطْتُ بِمَا لَمْ تُحِطْ بِهِ وَجِئْتُكَ مِنْ سَبَإٍ بِنَبَإٍ يَقِينٍ – I have grasped (the knowledge of a thing) which you have not grasped and I have come to you from Saba’ (Sheba) with true news].

Proof F: Prophet Nuh (peace be upon him) did not know that his son – who was drowned- was not from those members of his household who were to be saved, as Allaah said that Nuh said: [رَبِّ إِنَّ ابْنِي مِنْ أَهْلِي وَإِنَّ وَعْدَكَ الْحَقُّ – O my Lord! Verily, my son is of my family! And certainly, Your Promise is true]. He did not know the reality of the affair until Allaah informed him, saying:

[بِهِ عِلْمٌ ۖ إِنِّي أَعِظُكَ أَنْ تَكُونَ مِنَ الْجَاهِلِينَ قَالَ يَا نُوحُ إِنَّهُ لَيْسَ مِنْ أَهْلِكَ ۖ إِنَّهُ عَمَلٌ غَيْرُ صَالِحٍ ۖ فَلَا تَسْأَلْنِ مَا لَيْسَ لَكَ – He said: “O Nuh (Noah)! Surely, he is not of your family; verily, his work is unrighteous, so ask not of Me that of which you have no knowledge! I admonish you, lest you be one of the ignorant].

And indeed Allaah (The Most High) also stated in Surah Hud about Nuh that he said to his people: [وَلَا أَقُولُ لَكُمْ عِنْدِي خَزَائِنُ اللَّهِ وَلَا أَعْلَمُ الْغَيْبَ -And I do not say to you that with me are the Treasures of Allah, “Nor that I know the Ghaib (unseen)].

Proof G: And when Allaah said to the Angels: [هَٰؤُلَاءِ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ صَادِقِينَ أَنْبِئُونِي بِأَسْمَاءِ -Tell Me the names of these if you are truthful]; Allaah said that the angels replied: [قَالُوا سُبْحَانَكَ لَا عِلْمَ لَنَا إِلَّا مَا عَلَّمْتَنَا -They (angels) said: “Glory be to You, we have no knowledge except what you have taught us.

Therefore, it is very clear that the most knowledgeable amongst the creation, the Messengers and the Angels, do not know anything of the unseen except what Allaah makes known to them. Allaah (The Most High) informs His Messengers what He wishes from the knowledge of the Unseen, as Allaah stated:

[وَمَا كَانَ اللَّهُ لِيُطْلِعَكُمْ عَلَى الْغَيْبِ وَلَٰكِنَّ اللَّهَ يَجْتَبِي مِنْ رُسُلِهِ مَنْ يَشَاءُ ۖ- Nor will Allah disclose to you the secrets of the Ghaib (unseen), but Allah chooses of His Messengers whom He pleases].

And Allaah said: [إِلَّا مَنِ ارْتَضَىٰ مِنْ رَسُولٍ عَالِمُ الْغَيْبِ فَلَا يُظْهِرُ عَلَىٰ غَيْبِهِ أَحَد- (He Alone) the All-Knower of the Gha’ib (unseen), and He reveals to none His Gha’ib (unseen).” Except to a Messenger (from mankind)…[Ref 2]

Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] said:

 فَلَمَّا قَضَيۡنَا عَلَيۡهِ ٱلۡمَوۡتَ مَا دَلَّهُمۡ عَلَىٰ مَوۡتِهِۦۤ إِلَّا دَآبَّةُ ٱلۡأَرۡضِ تَأۡڪُلُ مِنسَأَتَهُۖ ۥ فَلَمَّا خَرَّ تَبَيَّنَتِ ٱلۡجِنُّ أَن لَّوۡ كَانُواْ يَعۡلَمُونَ ٱلۡغَيۡبَ مَا لَبِثُواْ فِى ٱلۡعَذَابِ ٱلۡمُهِينِ

Then when We decreed death for him [Sulaiman (Solomon)], nothing informed them (jinns) of his death except a little worm of the earth, which kept (slowly) gnawing away at his stick, so when he fell down, the jinns saw clearly that if they had known the unseen, they would not have stayed in the humiliating torment. [Surah Saba Verse 14]

Therefore, it is established without any doubt that none has knowledge of the unseen besides Allaah, and that Allaah only reveals the unseen to Prophets and Messengers when He wishes. So, if anyone claims that he (or she) knows the future or his (or her) Shaikh knows the future, then remind them of the proofs cited above as well as what is stated in the following authentic hadeeth reported by Imaam Al-Bukhaari on the authority Abu Hurairah (may Allaah be pleased with him) who said, “The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “When Allah has ordained some affair in the Heaven, the angels beat with their wings in obedience to His statement, which sounds like a chain dragged over a rock.” (`Ali and other sub-narrators said, “The sound reaches them.”) “Until when fear is banished from their (angels) hearts, they (angels) say, ‘What was it that your Lord said? They say, ‘The truth; And He is the Most High, the Most Great.’ (34.23) Then those who gain a hearing by stealing (i.e. devils) will hear Allah’s Statement:– ‘Those who gain a hearing by stealing, (stand one over the other like this). (Sufyan, to illustrate this, spread the fingers of his right hand and placed them one over the other horizontally.) A flame may overtake and burn the eavesdropper before conveying the news to the one below him; or it may not overtake him till he has conveyed it to the one below him, who in his turn, conveys it to the one below him, and so on till they convey the news to the earth. (Or probably Sufyan said, “Till the news reaches the earth.”) Then the news is inspired to a sorcerer who would add a hundred lies to it. His prophecy will prove true (as far as the heavenly news is concerned). The people will say. ‘Didn’t he tell us that on such-and-such a day, such-and-such a thing will happen? We have found that is true because of the true news heard from heaven.” The above hadith is also narrated by Abu Huraira, starting: ‘When Allah has ordained some affair…’) In this narration the word foreteller is added to the word wizard. [Saheeh Al-Bukhaari Vol 6’ Hadeeth Number 4701]

[Ref 1: Excerpt from ‘Tafseer Al-Qur’aan Bil-Qur’aan Min Adwaa Al-Bayaan’ pages 1076. Daar Hady An-Nabawiy’ 2nd ed. (1431AH -2010)]

[Ref 2: Excerpt from ‘Tafseer Al-Qur’aan Bil-Qur’aan Min Adwaa Al-Bayaan’ pages 169-170’ Daar Hady An-Nabawiy’ 2nd ed. (1431AH -2010)]

[The Ant, The Hoopoe, The Queen of Sheba, The Ifreet, The Scholar and Prophet Sulaymaan- [Reflection and Lessons (Part 4)]

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

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

When Bilqees arrived, Sulayman said to those who were with him:

[ نَكِّرُواْ لَهَا عَرۡشَہَا نَنظُرۡ أَتَہۡتَدِىٓ أَمۡ تَكُونُ مِنَ ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يَہۡتَدُونَ – Disguise her throne for her that we may see whether she will be guided (to recognise her throne), or she will be one of those not guided]- Meaning, alter her throne by adding something to it and removing something from it, in order to test her intelligence- to see whether she will be guided to what is correct, so that it is established that she possesses intelligence and discernment that makes her worthy of being a queen; [أَمۡ تَكُونُ مِنَ ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يَہۡتَدُونَ – or she will be one of those not guided].

[فَلَمَّا جَآءَتۡ قِيلَ أَهَـٰكَذَا عَرۡشُكِ‌ۖ قَالَتۡ كَأَنَّهُ ۥ هُوَ‌ۚ وَأُوتِينَا ٱلۡعِلۡمَ مِن قَبۡلِهَا وَكُنَّا مُسۡلِمِينَ – So when she came, it was said (to her): “Is your throne like this?” She said: “(It is) as though it were the very same.” And [Sulaiman (Solomon) said]: “Knowledge was bestowed on us before her, and we were submitted to Allah (as Muslims)]- Meaning, when she came, Sulayman showed her the throne and the last time she saw it was in her country; so it was said to her: [أَهَـٰكَذَا عَرۡشُكِ‌ۖ – she was asked: Is your throne like this?)? Meaning, it is established with us that you have a great throne, so it similar to this throne we have presented to you? She said, replied, [كَأَنَّهُ ۥ هُوَ‌ۚ – “(It is) as though it were the very same]. This shows her intelligence and discernment, for she did not say, “It is”, due to the presence of changes and disguises to it, nor did she reject that it was hers, because she was acquainted with it. Therefore, she made statements that could apply and be in agreement with what is true in both cases. Sulayman manifested his admiration regarding how she was guided to what is correct and her intelligence, and he thanked Allaah for granting him that which is greater than this. He said: [وَأُوتِينَا ٱلۡعِلۡمَ مِن قَبۡلِهَا – Knowledge was bestowed on us before her]- Meaning, guidance, intelligence and determination before this; [وَكُنَّا مُسۡلِمِينَ -and we were submitted to Allah (as Muslims)]. [See Footnote a]

Allaah [The Exalted] said: [وَصَدَّهَا مَا كَانَت تَّعۡبُدُ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۖ إِنَّہَا كَانَتۡ مِن قَوۡمٍ۬ كَـٰفِرِينَ – And that which she used to worship besides Allah has prevented her (from Islam), for she was of a disbelieving people]- Meaning, prevented from Islaam, even though she had the intelligence and discernment by way of which she can distinguish truth from falsehood; however, false creeds takes away the clear-sightedness of the hearts; [إِنَّہَا كَانَتۡ مِن قَوۡمٍ۬ كَـٰفِرِينَ – for she was of a disbelieving people]- Meaning, she remained on their religion due to the fact that in order for an individual to disassociate from the people of a (false) religion (i.e. a religion other than Islam), it occurs when he is able to notice their misguidance and error, and this is very rare. This is why it is not strange that she did carried on in a state of Kufr (disbelief). [Ref 1]

Footnote a: All the Prophets and their true were Muslims:

Allaah [The Exalted] stated about Ibraaheem:

وَمَن يَرۡغَبُ عَن مِّلَّةِ إِبۡرَٲهِـۧمَ إِلَّا مَن سَفِهَ نَفۡسَهُ ۥ‌ۚ وَلَقَدِ ٱصۡطَفَيۡنَـٰهُ فِى ٱلدُّنۡيَا‌ۖ وَإِنَّهُ ۥ فِى ٱلۡأَخِرَةِ لَمِنَ ٱلصَّـٰلِحِينَ
إِذۡ قَالَ لَهُ ۥ رَبُّهُ ۥۤ أَسۡلِمۡ‌ۖ قَالَ أَسۡلَمۡتُ لِرَبِّ ٱلۡعَـٰلَمِينَ
وَوَصَّىٰ بِہَآ إِبۡرَٲهِـۧمُ بَنِيهِ وَيَعۡقُوبُ يَـٰبَنِىَّ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ ٱصۡطَفَىٰ لَكُمُ ٱلدِّينَ فَلَا تَمُوتُنَّ إِلَّا وَأَنتُم مُّسۡلِمُونَ

And who turns away from the religion of Ibrahim (Abraham) (i.e. Islamic Monotheism) except him who befools himself? Truly, We chose him in this world and verily, in the Hereafter he will be among the righteous. When his Lord said to him, “Submit (i.e. be a Muslim)!” He said, “I have submitted myself (as a Muslim) to the Lord of the ‘Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists).” And this (submission to Allah, Islam) was enjoined by Ibrahim (Abraham) upon his sons and by Ya’qub (Jacob), (saying), “O my sons! Allah has chosen for you the (true) religion, then die not except in the Faith of Islam as Muslims – Islamic Monotheism.” [Surah Al-Baqarah. Aayaat 120-132]

And Allaah [The Exalted] stated that Yusuf [peace be upon him] said:

رَبِّ قَدۡ ءَاتَيۡتَنِى مِنَ ٱلۡمُلۡكِ وَعَلَّمۡتَنِى مِن تَأۡوِيلِ ٱلۡأَحَادِيثِ‌ۚ فَاطِرَ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ أَنتَ وَلِىِّۦ فِى ٱلدُّنۡيَا وَٱلۡأَخِرَةِ‌ۖ تَوَفَّنِى مُسۡلِمً۬ا وَأَلۡحِقۡنِى بِٱلصَّـٰلِحِينَ

My Lord! You have indeed bestowed on me of the sovereignty, and taught me the interpretation of dreams; The (only) Creator of the heavens and the earth! You are my Wali (Protector, Helper, Supporter, Guardian, etc.) in this world and in the Hereafter, cause me to die as a Muslim (the one submitting to Your Will and worshipping You alone), and join me with the righteous.” [Surah Yusuf. Aayah 101]

Allaah [The Exalted] stated that Moosaa [peace be upon him] said to his people:

يَـٰقَوۡمِ إِن كُنتُمۡ ءَامَنتُم بِٱللَّهِ فَعَلَيۡهِ تَوَكَّلُوٓاْ إِن كُنتُم مُّسۡلِمِينَ

O my people! If you have believed in Allah, then put your trust in Him if you are Muslims (those who submit to Allah’s Will and worship Him alone). [Surah Yunus. Aayah 84]

Allaah [The Exalted] related that the magicians said to Fir’awn [i.e. after they believed in Moosaa]:

وَمَا تَنقِمُ مِنَّآ إِلَّآ أَنۡ ءَامَنَّا بِـَٔايَـٰتِ رَبِّنَا لَمَّا جَآءَتۡنَا‌ۚ رَبَّنَآ أَفۡرِغۡ عَلَيۡنَا صَبۡرً۬ا وَتَوَفَّنَا مُسۡلِمِينَ

And you take vengeance on us only because we believed in the Ayat (proofs, evidences, lessons, signs, etc.) of our Lord when they reached us! Our Lord! pour out on us patience, and cause us to die as Muslims.” [Surah Al-A’raaf. Aayah 126]

Allaah [The Exalted] stated that Bilqees -the Queen of Yemen- said:

رَبِّ إِنِّى ظَلَمۡتُ نَفۡسِى وَأَسۡلَمۡتُ مَعَ سُلَيۡمَـٰنَ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلۡعَـٰلَمِينَ

My Lord! Verily, I have wronged myself, and I submit (in Islam, together with Sulaiman (Solomon), to Allah, the Lord of the ‘Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists). [Surah An-Naml. Aayah 44]

Allaah [The Exalted] stated regarding Prophets of Banee Israa’eel [alayhimus salaam]:

إِنَّآ أَنزَلۡنَا ٱلتَّوۡرَٮٰةَ فِيہَا هُدً۬ى وَنُورٌ۬‌ۚ يَحۡكُمُ بِہَا ٱلنَّبِيُّونَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَسۡلَمُواْ لِلَّذِينَ هَادُواْ

Verily, We did send down the Taurat (Torah) [to Musa (Moses)], therein was guidance and light, by which the Prophets, who submitted themselves to Allah’s Will, judged the Jews. [Surah Al-Maa’idah. Aayah 44]

Allaah [The Exalted] stated about the Messiah:

فَلَمَّآ أَحَسَّ عِيسَىٰ مِنۡہُمُ ٱلۡكُفۡرَ قَالَ مَنۡ أَنصَارِىٓ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ‌ۖ قَالَ ٱلۡحَوَارِيُّونَ نَحۡنُ أَنصَارُ ٱللَّهِ ءَامَنَّا بِٱللَّهِ وَٱشۡهَدۡ بِأَنَّا مُسۡلِمُونَ
رَبَّنَآ ءَامَنَّا بِمَآ أَنزَلۡتَ وَٱتَّبَعۡنَا ٱلرَّسُولَ فَٱڪۡتُبۡنَا مَعَ ٱلشَّـٰهِدِينَ

Then when ‘Iesa (Jesus) came to know of their disbelief, he said: “Who will be my helpers in Allah’s Cause?” Al-Hawariun (the disciples) said: “We are the helpers of Allah; we believe in Allah, and bear witness that we are Muslims (i.e. we submit to Allah).” Our Lord! We believe in what You have sent down, and we follow the Messenger [‘Iesa (Jesus)]; so write us down among those who bear witness (to the truth i.e. La ilaha ill-Allah – none has the right to be worshipped but Allah). [Surah Aal Imran. 52-53]

And Allaah [The Exlated] said:
وَإِذۡ أَوۡحَيۡتُ إِلَى ٱلۡحَوَارِيِّـۧنَ أَنۡ ءَامِنُواْ بِى وَبِرَسُولِى قَالُوٓاْ ءَامَنَّا وَٱشۡہَدۡ بِأَنَّنَا مُسۡلِمُونَ

And when I (Allah) put in the hearts of Al-Hawarieen (the disciples) [of ‘Iesa (Jesus)] to believe in Me and My Messenger, they said: “We believe. And bear witness that we are Muslims.” [Surah Al-Maa’idah. Aayah 111]

Therefore, this religion of the early and latter generations – the Prophet and their followers – is the religion of Islaam, and it is to single out Allaah in worship and not associate a partner to Him in worship, and worshiping Him alone in every era and place through obedience to His Messengers [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon them]. One cannot be a worshipper of Allaah based on that which is in opposition to what His Messengers brought, such as those about whom Allaah stated: [أَمۡ لَهُمۡ شُرَڪَـٰٓؤُاْ شَرَعُواْ لَهُم مِّنَ ٱلدِّينِ مَا لَمۡ يَأۡذَنۢ بِهِ ٱللَّهُ – Or have they partners with Allah (false gods), who have instituted for them a religion which Allah has not allowed. [Surah Ash-Shooraa. Aayah 21]

One cannot be a believer in Allaah, except by worshipping Him alone through obedience to His Messengers; and one cannot be a worshipper of Allaah, except the one who believes in all His Messengers and follows the Messenger who was sent in his era; so every Messenger was to be followed in his era until another Messenger comes after him and is followed. And whoever obeys the Messenger, then he has obeyed Allaah. Allaah [The Exalted] said: [وَمَآ أَرۡسَلۡنَا مِن رَّسُولٍ إِلَّا لِيُطَاعَ بِإِذۡنِ ٱللَّهِ – We sent no Messenger, but to be obeyed by Allah’s Leave]. [Surah An-Nisaa. Aayah 64]

Whoever seeks to make a differentiation between the Messengers by believing in some and disbelieving in others, then he is an unbeliever, just as Allaah [The Exalted] said:

إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يَكۡفُرُونَ بِٱللَّهِ وَرُسُلِهِۦ وَيُرِيدُونَ أَن يُفَرِّقُواْ بَيۡنَ ٱللَّهِ وَرُسُلِهِۦ وَيَقُولُونَ نُؤۡمِنُ بِبَعۡضٍ۬ وَنَڪۡفُرُ بِبَعۡضٍ۬ وَيُرِيدُونَ أَن يَتَّخِذُواْ بَيۡنَ ذَٲلِكَ سَبِيلاً
أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ هُمُ ٱلۡكَـٰفِرُونَ حَقًّ۬ا‌ۚ وَأَعۡتَدۡنَا لِلۡكَـٰفِرِينَ عَذَابً۬ا مُّهِينً۬ا
وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ بِٱللَّهِ وَرُسُلِهِۦ وَلَمۡ يُفَرِّقُواْ بَيۡنَ أَحَدٍ۬ مِّنۡہُمۡ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ سَوۡفَ يُؤۡتِيهِمۡ أُجُورَهُمۡ‌ۗ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ غَفُورً۬ا رَّحِيمً۬ا

Verily, those who disbelieve in Allah and His Messengers and wish to make distinction between Allah and His Messengers (by believing in Allah and disbelieving in His Messengers) saying, “We believe in some but reject others,” and wish to adopt a way in between. They are in truth disbelievers. And We have prepared for the disbelievers a humiliating torment. And those who believe in Allah and His Messengers and make no distinction between any of them (Messengers), We shall give them their rewards, and Allah is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. [Surah An-Nisaa. Aayaat 150-152]

And when it is the fact that Muhammad [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] is the seal of the Prophets and there will be neither be a Messenger after him nor is there anyone to bring something new from Allaah, then Allaah [Glorified and Exalted be He] has not ceased to revive the religion through the means that will necessitate its superiority, just as Allaah has promised in the Qur’aan. So Allaah manifests the excellence of Eemaan and its praiseworthy characteristics through which the disadvantages of disbelief and its corruption is known.

And one of the greatest means by way of which Eemaan and the religion are manifested, and the clarification of the true reality of that which the Messengers brought, is the appearance of opponents of the Messengers – the people who blatantly utter slander, just as Allaah [The Exalted] said:

وَكَذَٲلِكَ جَعَلۡنَا لِكُلِّ نَبِىٍّ عَدُوًّ۬ا شَيَـٰطِينَ ٱلۡإِنسِ وَٱلۡجِنِّ يُوحِى بَعۡضُهُمۡ إِلَىٰ بَعۡضٍ۬ زُخۡرُفَ ٱلۡقَوۡلِ غُرُورً۬ا‌ۚ وَلَوۡ شَآءَ رَبُّكَ مَا فَعَلُوهُ‌ۖ فَذَرۡهُمۡ وَمَا يَفۡتَرُونَ
وَلِتَصۡغَىٰٓ إِلَيۡهِ أَفۡـِٔدَةُ ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يُؤۡمِنُونَ بِٱلۡأَخِرَةِ وَلِيَرۡضَوۡهُ وَلِيَقۡتَرِفُواْ مَا هُم مُّقۡتَرِفُونَ
أَفَغَيۡرَ ٱللَّهِ أَبۡتَغِى حَكَمً۬ا وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَنزَلَ إِلَيۡڪُمُ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ مُفَصَّلاً۬‌ۚ وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَاتَيۡنَـٰهُمُ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ يَعۡلَمُونَ أَنَّهُ ۥ مُنَزَّلٌ۬ مِّن رَّبِّكَ بِٱلۡحَقِّ‌ۖ فَلَا تَكُونَنَّ مِنَ ٱلۡمُمۡتَرِينَ
وَتَمَّتۡ كَلِمَتُ رَبِّكَ صِدۡقً۬ا وَعَدۡلاً۬‌ۚ لَّا مُبَدِّلَ لِكَلِمَـٰتِهِۦ‌ۚ وَهُوَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلۡعَلِيمُ

And so We have appointed for every Prophet enemies – Shayatin (devils) among mankind and jinns, inspiring one another with adorned speech as a delusion (or by way of deception). If your Lord had so willed, they would not have done it, so leave them alone with their fabrications. (And this is in order) that the hearts of those who disbelieve in the Hereafter may incline to such (deceit), and that they may remain pleased with it, and that they may commit what they are committing (all kinds of sins and evil deeds, etc.). [Say (O Muhammad)] “Shall I seek a judge other than Allah while it is He Who has sent down unto you the Book (The Qur’an), explained in detail.” Those unto whom We gave the Scripture [the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] know that it is revealed from your Lord in truth. So be not you of those who doubt. And the Word of your Lord has been fulfilled in truth and in justice. None can change His Words. And He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower. [Surah Al-An’aam. 112-115]
And Allaah [The Exalted] said:

وَيَوۡمَ يَعَضُّ ٱلظَّالِمُ عَلَىٰ يَدَيۡهِ يَقُولُ يَـٰلَيۡتَنِى ٱتَّخَذۡتُ مَعَ ٱلرَّسُولِ سَبِيلاً۬
يَـٰوَيۡلَتَىٰ لَيۡتَنِى لَمۡ أَتَّخِذۡ فُلَانًا خَلِيلاً۬
لَّقَدۡ أَضَلَّنِى عَنِ ٱلذِّڪۡرِ بَعۡدَ إِذۡ جَآءَنِى‌ۗ وَڪَانَ ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنُ لِلۡإِنسَـٰنِ خَذُولاً۬
وَقَالَ ٱلرَّسُولُ يَـٰرَبِّ إِنَّ قَوۡمِى ٱتَّخَذُواْ هَـٰذَا ٱلۡقُرۡءَانَ مَهۡجُورً۬ا
وَكَذَٲلِكَ جَعَلۡنَا لِكُلِّ نَبِىٍّ عَدُوًّ۬ا مِّنَ ٱلۡمُجۡرِمِينَ‌ۗ وَكَفَىٰ بِرَبِّكَ هَادِيً۬ا وَنَصِيرً۬ا

And (remember) the Day when the Zalim (wrong-doer, oppressor, polytheist, etc.) will bite at his hands, he will say: “Oh! Would that I had taken a path with the Messenger ( Muhammad). “Ah! Woe to me! Would that I had never taken so-and-so as a friend! “He indeed led me astray from the Reminder (this Qur’an) after it had come to me. And Shaitan (Satan) is ever a deserter to man in the hour of need.” And the Messenger (Muhammad) will say: “O my Lord! Verily, my people deserted this Qur’an (neither listened to it, nor acted on its laws and orders). Thus have We made for every Prophet an enemy among the Mujrimun (disbelievers, polytheists, criminals, etc.). But Sufficient is your Lord as a Guide and Helper. [Surah Al-Furqaan. Aayah 27-31]

This is because when the truth is willfully rejected and confronted by those [beliefs, ideas, views, methodologies, principles, slogans etc] that are made to resemble truth but are falsehood in reality, then Allaah establishes clear signs and evidences for real truth through which it is made triumphant and falsehood is nullified. Allaah shows the clear proofs and evidences that establish the truth and the corruption of the eradicated false proofs that are in opposition to it. [An Excerpt from Al-Jawaabus Saheeh Lima Baddala Deenul Maseeh by Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullaah) Vol 1. Pages 18-20]

The Religion of all the Prophets and Messengers [i.e. Tawheed] is One

Allaah [The Most High] said:

شَرَعَ لَكُم مِّنَ الدِّينِ مَا وَصَّىٰ بِهِ نُوحًا وَالَّذِي أَوْحَيْنَا إِلَيْكَ

He (Allah) has ordained for you the same religion (Islam) which He ordained for Nuh (Noah), and that which We have inspired in you (O Muhammad)’’ [42:13]

Allaah mentions the first Messenger who was sent after Aadam, that is Nooh (alayhis-salaam), and the last of them is Muhammad (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam). Then He mentions those who came in between them who were the Messengers of strong will, namely Ibraaheem, Musa and Isa Bin Maryam [وَمَا وَصَّيْنَا بِهِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَمُوسَىٰ وَعِيسَىٰ ۖ أَنْ أَقِيمُوا الدِّينَ وَلَا تَتَفَرَّقُوا فِيهِ ۚ كَبُرَ عَلَى الْمُشْرِكِينَ مَا تَدْعُوهُمْ إِلَيْهِ [and that which We ordained for Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses) and ‘Iesa (Jesus) saying you should establish religion (i.e. to do what it orders you to do practically), and make no divisions in it (religion) (i.e. various sects in religion). Intolerable for the Mushrikun , is that to which you (O Muhammad) call them].

This above Ayah mentions all five (Prophets and Messengers), just as they are also mentioned in the Ayah in Surah Al-Ahzaab, where Allaah says: [وَإِذْ أَخَذْنَا مِنَ النَّبِيِّينَ مِيثَاقَهُمْ وَمِنكَ وَمِن نُّوحٍ وَإِبْرَاهِيمَ وَمُوسَىٰ وَعِيسَى ابْنِ مَرْيَمَ – And (remember) when We took from the Prophets their covenant, and from you (O Muhammad), and from Nuh (Noah), Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses), and ‘Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary)].

The Message which all the Messengers brought was to worship Allaah Alone, with no partner or associate, as Allaah says: [وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَا مِن قَبْلِكَ مِن رَّسُولٍ إِلَّا نُوحِي إِلَيْهِ أَنَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا أَنَا فَاعْبُدُونِ – And We did not send any Messenger before you (O Muhammad) but We inspired him (saying): La ilaha illa Ana [none has the right to be worshipped but I (Allah)], so worship Me (Alone and none else)].

And according to a Hadeeth [the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said]: ‘’We Prophets are brothers and our religion is one’’. [Fat’hul Baari 6:550] In other words, the common bond between them is that Allaah Alone is to be worshipped, with no partner or associate, even though their laws may differ, as Allaah said:

لِكُلٍّ جَعَلْنَا مِنكُمْ شِرْعَةً وَمِنْهَاجًا – ‘’To each among you, We have prescribed a law and a clear way.’’ [5:48] Tafseer Ibn Katheer

Muhammad Is The Final Messenger and The Qur’aan Abrogates all Others Previous Laws

Allaah (The Most High) said: [مَّا كَانَ مُحَمَّدٌ أَبَا أَحَدٍ مِّن رِّجَالِكُمْ وَلَٰكِن رَّسُولَ اللَّهِ وَخَاتَمَ النَّبِيِّينَ ۗ وَكَانَ اللَّهُ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عَلِيمًا – Muhammad is not the father of any man among you, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the last (end) of the Prophets. And Allah is Ever All-Aware of everything].

Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen (rahimahullaah) stated in Sharh Mumti that [the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam)] being the seal of the Prophets necessitates that he is the seal of the Messengers and that is due to the fact that ‘Every Messenger is a Prophet whereas not every Prophet is a Messenger’. [For further details see Sharh Mumti 1/250]

The Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) also said: “By the One in Whose hand is the soul of Muhammad, there is not one of this nation, Jew or Christian, who hears about me and dies without believing in what I have been sent, except that he will be one of the dwellers of Hell fire.” [Reported by Muslim’ Number 153]

The Qur’aan Abrogates All Other Previous Laws

Allaah (The Most High) said:

وَأَنزَلْنَا إِلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ بِالْحَقِّ مُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ مِنَ الْكِتَابِ وَمُهَيْمِنًا عَلَيْهِ ۖ فَاحْكُم بَيْنَهُم بِمَا أَنزَلَ اللَّهُ ۖ وَلَا تَتَّبِعْ أَهْوَاءَهُمْ عَمَّا جَاءَكَ مِنَ الْحَقِّ ۚ لِكُلٍّ جَعَلْنَا مِنكُمْ شِرْعَةً وَمِنْهَاجًا ۚ وَلَوْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ لَجَعَلَكُمْ أُمَّةً وَاحِدَةً وَلَٰكِن لِّيَبْلُوَكُمْ فِي مَا آتَاكُمْ ۖ فَاسْتَبِقُوا الْخَيْرَاتِ ۚ إِلَى اللَّهِ مَرْجِعُكُمْ جَمِيعًا فَيُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا كُنتُمْ فِيهِ تَخْتَلِفُونَ

And We have sent down to you (O Muhammad) the Book (this Qur’an) in truth, confirming the Scripture that came before it and Mohayminan (trustworthy in highness and a witness) over it (old Scriptures). So judge between them by what Allah has revealed, and follow not their vain desires, diverging away from the truth that has come to you. To each among you, We have prescribed a law and a clear way. If Allah willed, He would have made you one nation, but that (He) may test you in what He has given you; so strive as in a race in good deeds. The return of you (all) is to Allah; then He will inform you about that in which you used to differ. [Surah Al-Maa’idah Ayah 48]

Some Reminder By Imaam As-Sadi regarding the above Ayah: The Qur’aan gathers all the (good, excellence) in the previous books (i.e. before they were distorted). The Qur’aan contain an increase in all that will lead to the pleasure of Allaah in this life and the next, and the (most beloved and honourable) manners. The Qur’aan gathers every truth found in the other books, and it commands and urges mankind towards it. The Qur’aan is a book that gives news about the earlier and later generations. It contains (perfect) judgements and (perfect) wisdom. Whatever the Qur’aan declares to be truth in the previous Books is to be accepted, and whatever it rejects has to be rejected because it would be something that has been distorted and substituted by those who received it etc. [Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi]

Ascription In The Ummah of Muhammad

Ascribing oneself to the Muslim Ummah is a fundamental principle established in the Islamic legislation. The Muslims are a just and balanced nation. Allaah said:

وَكَذَٰلِكَ جَعَلْنَاكُمْ أُمَّةً وَسَطًا لِّتَكُونُوا شُهَدَاءَ عَلَى النَّاسِ وَيَكُونَ الرَّسُولُ عَلَيْكُمْ شَهِيدًا ۗ وَمَا جَعَلْنَا الْقِبْلَةَ الَّتِي كُنتَ عَلَيْهَا إِلَّا لِنَعْلَمَ مَن يَتَّبِعُ الرَّسُولَ مِمَّن يَنقَلِبُ عَلَىٰ عَقِبَيْهِ ۚ وَإِن كَانَتْ لَكَبِيرَةً إِلَّا عَلَى الَّذِينَ هَدَى اللَّهُ ۗ وَمَا كَانَ اللَّهُ لِيُضِيعَ إِيمَانَكُمْ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ بِالنَّاسِ لَرَءُوفٌ رَّحِيمٌ

Thus We have made you [true Muslims – real believers of Islamic Monotheism, true followers of Prophet Muhammad and his Sunnah (legal ways)], a Wasat (just) (and the best) nation, that you be witnesses over mankind and the Messenger (Muhammad) be a witness over you. And We made the Qiblah (prayer direction towards Jerusalem) which you used to face, only to test those who followed the Messenger (Muhammad) from those who would turn on their heels (i.e. disobey the Messenger). Indeed it was great (heavy) except for those whom Allah guided. And Allah would never make your faith (prayers) to be lost (i.e. your prayers offered towards Jerusalem). Truly, Allah is full of kindness, the Most Merciful towards mankind. [Surah Al-Baqarah Ayah 143]

They are the best of all nations. Allaah said:

كُنتُمْ خَيْرَ أُمَّةٍ أُخْرِجَتْ لِلنَّاسِ تَأْمُرُونَ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَتَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنكَرِ وَتُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللَّهِ

You [true believers in Islamic Monotheism, and real followers of Prophet Muhammad and his Sunnah (legal ways, etc.)] are the best of peoples ever raised up for mankind; you enjoin Al-Ma’ruf (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam has ordained) and forbid Al-Munkar(polytheism, disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden), and you believe in Allah. [Surah Aal Imran Ayah 110]

They are followers of a single religion agreed upon by all the Prophets. They ascribe themselves to it and unite upon it. Allaah said: [إِنَّ هَٰذِهِ أُمَّتُكُمْ أُمَّةً وَاحِدَةً وَأَنَا رَبُّكُمْ فَاعْبُدُونِ – Truly! This, your Ummah [Sharia or religion (Islamic Monotheism)] is one religion, and I am your Lord, therefore worship Me (Alone)].

Allaah said: [وَإِنَّ هَٰذِهِ أُمَّتُكُمْ أُمَّةً وَاحِدَةً وَأَنَا رَبُّكُمْ فَاتَّقُونِ – And verily! This your religion (of Islamic Monotheism) is one religion, and I am your Lord, so keep your duty to Me].

The believers are brothers in Religion and they give allegiance to one another. Allaah said:

[إِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ إِخْوَةٌ فَأَصْلِحُوا بَيْنَ أَخَوَيْكُمْ ۚ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ – The believers are nothing else than brothers (in Islamic religion). So make reconciliation between your brothers, and fear Allah, that you may receive mercy].

Allaah named us Muslims. Allaah said:

وَجَاهِدُوا فِي اللَّهِ حَقَّ جِهَادِهِ ۚ هُوَ اجْتَبَاكُمْ وَمَا جَعَلَ عَلَيْكُمْ فِي الدِّينِ مِنْ حَرَجٍ ۚ مِّلَّةَ أَبِيكُمْ إِبْرَاهِيمَ ۚ هُوَ سَمَّاكُمُ الْمُسْلِمِينَ مِن قَبْلُ وَفِي هَٰذَا لِيَكُونَ الرَّسُولُ شَهِيدًا عَلَيْكُمْ وَتَكُونُوا شُهَدَاءَ عَلَى النَّاسِ ۚ فَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتُوا الزَّكَاةَ وَاعْتَصِمُوا بِاللَّهِ هُوَ مَوْلَاكُمْ ۖ فَنِعْمَ الْمَوْلَىٰ وَنِعْمَ النَّصِيرُ

And strive hard in Allah’s Cause as you ought to strive (with sincerity and with all your efforts that His Name should be superior). He has chosen you (to convey His Message of Islamic Monotheism to mankind by inviting them to His religion, Islam), and has not laid upon you in religion any hardship, it is the religion of your father Ibrahim (Abraham) (Islamic Monotheism). It is He (Allah) Who has named you Muslims both before and in this (the Qur’an), that the Messenger (Muhammad) may be a witness over you and you be witnesses over mankind! So perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat), give Zakat and hold fast to Allah [i.e. have confidence in Allah, and depend upon Him in all your affairs] He is your Maula (Patron, Lord, etc.), what an Excellent Maula (Patron, Lord, etc.) and what an Excellent Helper! [Surah Al-Hajj Ayah 78]

And from the branches of this ascription is ascription to Salafiyyah [i.e. the way of the pious predecessors], for indeed there is no prohibition from ascribing oneself to that; rather ascription to Salafiyyah is an ascription to Islaam based on what the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] and his companions were upon. Certainly, it is not permissible that ascription to Salafiyyah is made to mean a party [of illegal partisanship] – loving and hating based on other than what the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] and his companions were upon, because indeed this is blameworthy.

Ascription to Islaam is done in order to differentiate oneself from the followers of other religions, ascription to the Sunnah is done in order to differentiate oneself from Bidah and the Shiites and ascription to Salafiyyah is done in order to differentiate oneself from the Innovated Dawah Methodologies, which are followed by the followers of the different (deviant) groups. So the Muslim needs to say about himself that he is a Muslim, Sunni, Salafi. [Source: Silsilah Ar-Rasaa’il Al-Manhajiyyah Fin Nus’hi Wal Irshaad Wat-taw’iyah’ pages 45-46]

[Ref 1: An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi]

[The Ant, The Hoopoe, The Queen of Sheba, The Ifreet, The Scholar and Prophet Sulaymaan- [Reflection and Lessons (Part 2)]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

The Queen [may Allaah have mercy upon her] Receives Prophet Sulaymaan’s [peace be upon him] Letter

Allaah stated that when she (the Queen) received Sulaymaan’s letter, she said to her people:

[ يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلۡمَلَؤُاْ إِنِّىٓ أُلۡقِىَ إِلَىَّ كِتَـٰبٌ۬ كَرِيمٌ – O chiefs! Verily! Here is delivered to me a noble letter]- Meaning, a letter of great stature from the greatest kings of the earth. Then she made known the content of the letter and said:

إِنَّهُ ۥ مِن سُلَيۡمَـٰنَ وَإِنَّهُ ۥ بِسۡمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
أَلَّا تَعۡلُواْ عَلَىَّ وَأۡتُونِى مُسۡلِمِينَ

Verily! It is from Sulaiman (Solomon), and verily! It (reads): In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful; be you not exalted against me, but come to me as Muslims (true believers who submit to Allah with full submission)- Meaning, do not attempt to make yourself superior to me; but rather bring yourself under my authority, submit to my commands and come to me as Muslims. This is very a precise statement together with a perfect clarification, because indeed it included forbidding them from being haughty towards him and persisting upon that state of theirs, commanded them to submit to his command, come under his authority, come to him and called them to Islam. This shows that it is recommended to begin with the Basmalah “In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, The Bestower of (special Mercy to the believers)” in Books, and writing one’s name in the first line of the letter.

And due to her determination and sound intellect, she gathered the senior people of her nation state and the (important) men of her kingdom, and said: [يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلۡمَلَؤُاْ أَفۡتُونِى فِىٓ أَمۡرِى – O chiefs! Advise me in (this) case of mine]- Meaning, tell me what I should respond with- should we obey him and submit or what else should we do?

[مَا ڪُنتُ قَاطِعَةً أَمۡرًا حَتَّىٰ تَشۡہَدُونِ – I decide no case till you are present with me]- Meaning, I do not a make a final decision on an affair except after consulting you. [مَا ڪُنتُ قَاطِعَةً أَمۡرًا حَتَّىٰ تَشۡہَدُونِ – They said: We have great strength, and great ability for war]- Meaning, if you reject speech and refuse to obey him, then indeed we are strong enough to fight. It appeared that this view is what they were ready to act upon and it would have been the cause of their destruction if finalised; but also they did not make a final decision on that; rather they said: [وَٱلۡأَمۡرُ إِلَيۡكِ – but you (i.e. the Queen) are in command]- Meaning, the final decision is yours; because they knew that she possessed sound intelligence and determination, and one who was sincere to them. [فَٱنظُرِى مَاذَا تَأۡمُرِينَ – so think over what you will command]- Meaning, look into the matter, reflect and then decide. So, she said to them – whilst being satisfied with what they said and clarifying the evil outcomes of fighting -[إِنَّ ٱلۡمُلُوكَ إِذَا دَخَلُواْ قَرۡيَةً أَفۡسَدُوهَا – Verily! Kings, when they enter a town (country), they despoil it]- Meaning, killing, capturing, pillaging and destroying its homes; [وَجَعَلُوٓاْ أَعِزَّةَ أَهۡلِهَآ أَذِلَّةً۬‌ۖ – and make the most honourable amongst its people low]- Meaning, they make the noble leaders among the lowest, therefore the decision to fight is not an upright one; but also I am not going to obey him before learning more about him, send someone who would unveil his affair to me and ponder upon it, so that we would be upon clear-sightedness regarding his affair. Then she said: [وَإِنِّى مُرۡسِلَةٌ إِلَيۡہِم بِهَدِيَّةٍ۬ فَنَاظِرَةُۢ بِمَ يَرۡجِعُ ٱلۡمُرۡسَلُونَ – But verily! I am going to send him a present, and see with what (answer) the messengers return]- Meaning, whether he would continue to hold onto his view or become dazzled due to the present and change his view; (find out) about his state of affairs and that of his armies.

Then she sent a gift to Sulaymaan to be delivered by the intelligent ones and those men of sound opinion among her people; but when they came to Sulyamaan with the present, he said – whilst rejecting this initiative of theirs and manifested his anger due their failure in responding to what he sought after – [أَتُمِدُّونَنِ بِمَالٍ۬ فَمَآ ءَاتَٮٰنِۦَ ٱللَّهُ خَيۡرٌ۬ مِّمَّآ ءَاتَٮٰكُم – Will you help me in wealth? What Allah has given me is better than that which He has given you!] – Meaning, neither is your present of significance to me nor am I happy with it, because Allah has given me what suffices and to be in need of it. [بَلۡ أَنتُم بِہَدِيَّتِكُمۡ تَفۡرَحُونَ – Nay, you rejoice in your gift!]- Meaning, because of your love for this worldly life and the little you have in comparison to what Allah has bestowed on me. Then Sulaymaan advised the messenger of the Queen, but did not do so in writing, because of what he noticed that the messenger was of sound intelligence and would convey his message just as he stated. He said: [ٱرۡجِعۡ إِلَيۡہِمۡ فَلَنَأۡتِيَنَّهُم بِجُنُودٍ۬ لَّا قِبَلَ لَهُم بِہَا وَلَنُخۡرِجَنَّہُم مِّنۡہَآ أَذِلَّةً۬ وَهُمۡ صَـٰغِرُونَ – Go back to them. We verily shall come to them with hosts that they cannot resist, and we shall drive them out from there in disgrace, and they will be abased].

So the messenger of the Queen returned, delivered Sulaymaan’s message and that they get ready to go to Sulayman. Sulayman knew that they would come to him, so he said to the jinn and humans who were in his presence: [قَالَ يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلۡمَلَؤُاْ أَيُّكُمۡ يَأۡتِينِى بِعَرۡشِہَا قَبۡلَ أَن يَأۡتُونِى مُسۡلِمِينَ – He said: “O chiefs! Which of you can bring me her throne before they come to me surrendering themselves in obedience?] – Meaning, so that it will allowed for us to deal with it as we see fit before they become Muslim, because their wealth will not be lawful for me to take after they’ve become Muslims. [See footnote a]

[ قَالَ عِفۡرِيتٌ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ أَنَا۟ ءَاتِيكَ بِهِۦ قَبۡلَ أَن تَقُومَ مِن مَّقَامِكَ‌ۖ وَإِنِّى عَلَيۡهِ لَقَوِىٌّ أَمِينٌ۬ – An Ifrit (strong) from the jinns said: “I will bring it to you before you rise from your place (council). And verily, I am indeed strong, and trustworthy for such work].

[قَالَ عِفۡرِيتٌ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ – An Ifrit (strong) from the jinns said]. An Ifreet is an extremely strong and forceful one (amongst the Jinn). And what is apparent here is that at that Sulayman was in Sham at the time, so the distance between him and Saba was a period of four months journey- two months to go there and two months to return; however regardless of this, the Ifreet said, “I take it upon myself to bring it – regardless of its big size and heftiness, and regardless of its distance- before you can rise from your (council). Customarily, the councils take a long time and they take most of the forenoon- about one third of the day. This is the mostly the time period of councils, but it may take lesser or more than that. So, there was a subject of this great King (Sulaymaan) who was bestowed with the power and ability to do what was greater than the offer of the Ifreet. Allaah said: [قَالَ ٱلَّذِى عِندَهُ ۥ عِلۡمٌ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبِ أَنَا۟ ءَاتِيكَ بِهِۦ قَبۡلَ أَن يَرۡتَدَّ إِلَيۡكَ طَرۡفُكَ‌ۚ – One with whom was knowledge of the Scripture said: “I will bring it to you within the twinkling of an eye!] The Qur’aan commentators stated that he was man – a scholar and righteous in the presence of Sulyamaan, and he was called Aaif Ibn Barkhiyaa. He knew Allaah’s Greatest Name through which Allaah responds and gives when invoked and asked. [See footnote b]

Allaah said that he said: [أَنَا۟ ءَاتِيكَ بِهِۦ قَبۡلَ أَن يَرۡتَدَّ إِلَيۡكَ طَرۡفُكَ‌ۚ – I will bring it to you within the twinkling of an eye!]- Meaning, by invoking Allaah with that Name. And Allaah knows best as to whether this is what is intended or that this person had knowledge of the scripture through which he was able to bring something that was far away and attain what was very difficult to attain (by the will of Allaah). [Ref 1]

Footnote a: Must read: https://www.abukhadeejah.com/salafi-shaikh-fawzaan-on-jihaad-in-our-times-and-the-guidelines-of-jihaad-according-to-islam/

Footnote b: The view of some of the scholars regarding the greatest Name of Allaah. Imaam As-Sadi [may Allaah have mercy upon him] stated in his explanation of Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 255 (Aayatul Kursi): [ ٱلۡحَىُّ ٱلۡقَيُّومُ‌ۚ – (ٱلۡحَىُّ – the Ever Living), (ٱلۡقَيُّومُ‌ۚ – the One Who sustains and protects all that exists)]: These two Names of Allaah entail all the other Names of Allaah. [Al-Hayy – The Ever Living] is the One Who possesses perfect life, which necessitates all attributes of His Essence, such as hearing, sight, knowledge, power etc (and free from all imperfections, shortcomings, weakness, deficiencies). And [Al-Qayyoom – the One Who sustains and protects all that exists] is the Only One Who sustains everyone and everything, and they cannot exist or survive with Him, but He is not in need of anything or anyone. This necessitates all the actions of the Lord of the entire existence- [The Creator, Provider and One in Control of all affairs]- Who does whatever He wills, such as ascending over the Throne [in a manner than befits His Majesty without any likeness to the creation] (see footnote c), descending [to the lowest heavens during the last third of the night in a manner than befits His Majesty] (see footnote d), speaking, creating, providing, taking away life, giving life and all types of sovereignty. All these affair are included in the Qayyoomiyyah of Al-Baaree [The Creator’s Action of sustaining and protecting everything that exist, whilst He is not in need of anything or anyone]. And due to this reason, some of the Muhaqqiqeen – (i.e. the scholars who have reached the level where they are able to look into every affair of the religion and derive rulings, such as the Ulamaa of Ijtihaad (see footnote e)] – said that these two are the greatest Names of Allaah.

Footnote c: https://www.abukhadeejah.com/chapters-11-and-12-proof-that-allah-is-above-the-sky-and-over-the-throne-abu-ismaaeel-al-harawee-d-481h/

Footnote d: https://www.abukhadeejah.com/the-names-and-attributes-upon-their-apparent-meanings-fingers-descending-ascending-and-image-by-al-barbahaaree-explanation-of-al-fawzaan/
https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2011/08/28/sifatun-nuzool-allaahs-descent-to-the-lowest-heaven-during-the-last-third-of-the-night/

Footnote e: Who can give Fatwa? Imaam Maalik Ibn Anas (rahimahullaah) said, “I did not give fatwa until seventy (upright) scholars testified that I am worthy of it”. [Hilyatul Awliyaa 6/316] https://masjidfurqan.co.uk/2017/09/22/when-is-a-person-worthy-of-giving-fatwa-by-imaam-ashshaafiee-rahimahullaah/

Ref 1: An Excerpt from Tafseer as-Sadi. slightly paraphrased

Archaeologists Find Magnesia’s Zeus Temple Gate in Turkey: “Oh, What a Tremendous Thing!

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

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

Speaking to Anadolu Agency (AA), Kökdemir said Magnesia was a prominent city in ancient times with its religious festivals held in temples and sanctuaries. “We think that the temple we found in this area is as important in the history of architecture as the fourth largest Temple of Artemis in Anatolia. It is a temple dedicated to Zeus,” he said. He said the ancient area was previously excavated by Germans who took some pieces of the Zeus Temple to Germany, which are still on display at the Berlin Pergamon Museum. “Next year, we will reveal the origin of the structure, which is exhibited in the museum in Berlin. This is a tremendous thing. It is very important both for archaeological literature and tourism. So, we are very excited,” he said.

https://www.dailysabah.com/life/history/archaeologists-find-magnesias-zeus-temple-gate-in-turkey

Who was Zeus? “Zeus, in ancient Greek religion, chief deity of the pantheon, a sky and weather god who was identical with the Roman god Jupiter. His name may be related to that of the sky god Dyaus of the ancient Hindu Rigveda. Zeus was regarded as the sender of thunder and lightning, rain, and winds, and his traditional weapon was the thunderbolt. He was called the father (i.e., the ruler and protector) of both gods and men”.

Therefore, Zeus was one of the Tawaagheet (false deities) of the Greeks! Professor Kökdemir says that finding a temple dedicated to the Zeus – a Taaghoot – “is a tremendous thing”. Indeed, no Muslim would consider this a tremedous thing because the Tawaagheet and those who worship/worshipped them are dwellers of the eternal fire. Allaah [The Exalted] said:

وَٱقۡتَرَبَ ٱلۡوَعۡدُ ٱلۡحَقُّ فَإِذَا هِىَ شَـٰخِصَةٌ أَبۡصَـٰرُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ يَـٰوَيۡلَنَا قَدۡ ڪُنَّا فِى غَفۡلَةٍ۬ مِّنۡ هَـٰذَا بَلۡ ڪُنَّا ظَـٰلِمِينَ
إِنَّڪُمۡ وَمَا تَعۡبُدُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ حَصَبُ جَهَنَّمَ أَنتُمۡ لَهَا وَٲرِدُونَ
لَوۡ كَانَ هَـٰٓؤُلَآءِ ءَالِهَةً۬ مَّا وَرَدُوهَا‌ۖ وَڪُلٌّ۬ فِيہَا خَـٰلِدُونَ
لَهُمۡ فِيهَا زَفِيرٌ۬ وَهُمۡ فِيهَا لَا يَسۡمَعُونَ

And the true promise (Day of Resurrection) shall draw near (of fulfillment). Then (when mankind is resurrected from their graves), you shall see the eyes of the disbelievers fixedly stare in horror. (They will say): “Woe to us! We were indeed heedless of this; nay, but we were Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers, etc.).” Certainly! You (disbelievers) and that which you are worshipping now besides Allah, are (but) fuel for Hell! (Surely), you will enter it. Had these (idols, etc.) been aliha (gods), they would not have entered there (Hell), and all of them will abide therein. Therein breathing out with deep sighs and roaring will be their portion, and therein they will hear not. [Surah Al-Anbiyaa. Verses 97-100]

This is the reality O reader! As for the belief that Zeus is one of the sky gods, Allaah [The Exalted] said:

أَمْ اتَّخَذُوا آلِهَةً مِنْ الأَرْضِ هُمْ يُنشِرُونَ
لَوْ كَانَ فِيهِمَا آلِهَةٌ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ لَفَسَدَتَا فَسُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَرْشِ عَمَّا يَصِفُونَ
لاَ يُسْأَلُ عَمَّا يَفْعَلُ وَهُمْ يُسْأَلُونَ
أَمْ اتَّخَذُوا مِنْ دُونِهِ آلِهَةً قُلْ هَاتُوا بُرْهَانَكُمْ هَذَا ذِكْرُ مَنْ مَعِيَ وَذِكْرُ مَنْ قَبْلِي بَلْ أَكْثَرُهُمْ لاَ يَعْلَمُونَ الْحَقَّ فَهُمْ مُعْرِضُونَ
وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَا مِنْ قَبْلِكَ مِنْ رَسُول ٍإِلاَّ نُوحِي إِلَيْهِ أَنَّهُ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ أَنَا فَاعْبُدُونِ

Or have they taken (for worship) aliha (gods) from the earth who raise the dead? Had there been therein (in the heavens and the earth) gods besides Allah, then verily both would have been ruined. Glorified be Allah, the Lord of the Throne, (High is He) above what they attribute to Him! He cannot be questioned as to what He does, while they will be questioned. Or have they taken for worship (other) aliha (gods) besides Him? Say: “Bring your proof:” This (the Qur’an) is the Reminder for those with me and the Reminder for those before me. But most of them know not the Truth, so they are averse. And We did not send any Messenger before you (O Muhammad) but We inspired him (saying): La ilaha illa Ana [none has the right to be worshipped but I (Allah)], so worship Me (Alone and no one else).” [Surah Al-Anbiyaa. Verses 21-25]

Allaah [The Exalted] stated His disapproval of the polytheists [idolaters] – those who [worship things which they have taken as] gods in the earth, even though these [so called] gods are absolutely incapacitated and powerless. Neither are they are able to bring them back to life nor resurrect them, and this is further explained by the statement of Allaah:

وَاتَّخَذُوا مِنْ دُونِهِ آلِهَةً لاَ يَخْلُقُونَ شَيْئًا وَهُمْ يُخْلَقُونَ وَلاَ يَمْلِكُونَ ِلأَنفُسِهِمْ ضَرًّا وَلاَ نَفْعًا وَلاَ يَمْلِكُونَ مَوْتًا وَلاَ حَيَاةً وَلاَ نُشُورًا

Yet they have taken besides Him other aliha (gods) that created nothing but are themselves created, and possess neither hurt nor benefit for themselves, and possess no power (of causing) death, nor (of giving) life, nor of raising the dead. [Surah Al-Furqaan. Verse 3]

And Allaah [The Exalted] said:

وَاتَّخَذُوا مِنْ دُونِ اللَّهِ آلِهَةً لَعَلَّهُمْ يُنصَرُونَ
لاَ يَسْتَطِيعُونَ نَصْرَهُمْ وَهُمْ لَهُمْ جُندٌ مُحْضَرُونَ

And they have taken besides Allah aliha (gods), hoping that they might be helped (by those so-called gods). They cannot help them, but they will be brought forward as a troop against those who worshipped them (at the time of Reckoning). [Surah Yaaseen. Aayaat 74-75]

A polytheist [or idolater] worships a created thing that can neither benefit nor harm, and he abandons sincere worship to Allaah – The One Who is Perfect [i.e. the only possessor of Perfect Names and Attributes; free from all weaknesses, shortcomings and imperfections], and in His Hand is the absolute control over all benefit and harm. This shows that a polytheist [or idolater] is not blessed [with guidance], his ignorance is clearly established as well as the severity of his unjust behaviour towards Allaah; for indeed it is only befitting that there is only one [true] deity, just as there cannot be except one [true] Lord. And because of this, Allaah [The Exalted] said:

لَوْ كَانَ فِيهِمَا آلِهَةٌ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ لَفَسَدَتَا فَسُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَرْشِ عَمَّا يَصِفُونَ

Had there been therein (in the heavens and the earth) gods besides Allaah, then verily both [i.e. the heavens and the earth] would have been ruined. Glorified be Allah, the Lord of the Throne, (High is He) above what they attribute to Him! [Surah Al-anbiyaa. Aayah 22]- Meaning: Both the heavens and the earth would have been ruined as well the creation in them.

The heavens and the earth – as one can see – are in a perfect state, intact and in perfect order. Neither is there any defect in them and obstacles [to its perfect order] nor conflict in its organisation. Therefore, this shows that the One who controls and regulates its affairs is One- its Lord is one and the deity [under whose control they are maintained] is One. If it were the case that the heavens and the earth has two [deities] that control and regulate its affairs- two lords or more, then its perfect order would have been ruined and its foundations would have been undermined. That is because they would have been obstacles and opponents to one another; so if one of them wishes to plan and administer something and the other one wishes that it should not take place, then it would be impossible for both their wishes to be fulfilled. [On the other hand], the fulfilment of the wishes of one of them would have shown that the other one is weak and unable do whatever he wants; and it is impossible that both of them will agree on everything. Therefore, the wish of The Irresistible [i.e. Allaah- the only True Lord and besides Him every other deity is false]- is what will be fulfilled without anyone being able to prevent or repel it. And this is why Allaah [The Exalted] said:

مَا اتَّخَذَ اللَّهُ مِنْ وَلَدٍ وَمَا كَانَ مَعَهُ مِنْ إِلَهٍ إِذًا لَذَهَبَ كُلُّ إِلَهٍ بِمَا خَلَقَ وَلَعَلاَ بَعْضُهُمْ عَلَى بَعْضٍ سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ عَمَّا يَصِفُونَ

No son (or offspring or children) did Allah beget, nor is there any ilah (god) along with Him; (if there had been many gods), behold, each god would have taken away what he had created, and some would have tried to overcome others! Glorified be Allah above all that they attribute to Him! [Surah Al-Muminoon. Verse 91] (1)

Allaah [The Most High] said:

يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ ضُرِبَ مَثَلٌ فَاسْتَمِعُوا لَهُ ۚ إِنَّ الَّذِينَ تَدْعُونَ مِن دُونِ اللَّهِ لَن يَخْلُقُوا ذُبَابًا وَلَوِ اجْتَمَعُوا لَهُ ۖ وَإِن يَسْلُبْهُمُ الذُّبَابُ شَيْئًا لَّا يَسْتَنقِذُوهُ مِنْهُ ۚ ضَعُفَ الطَّالِبُ وَالْمَطْلُوبُ
مَا قَدَرُوا اللَّهَ حَقَّ قَدْرِهِ ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَقَوِيٌّ عَزِيزٌ

O mankind! A similitude has been coined, so listen to it (carefully): Verily! Those on whom you call besides Allah, cannot create (even) a fly, even though they combine together for the purpose. And if the fly snatched away a thing from them, they would have no power to release it from the fly. So weak are (both) the seeker and the sought. They have not estimated Allah His Rightful Estimate; Verily, Allah is All-Strong, All-Mighty. [Surah Al-Hajj. Verses 73-74]

It is obligated on a servant [of Allaah] to pay attention-to this parable – with his heart and ponder upon it as it properly because it cuts off the desire of shirk. The gods worshipped by the idolaters cannot create even a fly, even if they all come to together to create it, then how about what is greater than it? They are neither able to create a fly which is one of the weakest animals, nor are they able to gain the upper hand against it to recover what it took away from them. There is nothing more disabled and feebler than them, so how can a sensible person deem it good to worship idols [or the things worshipped by the idolaters].

This verse nullifies shirk and shows the ignorance of its people. It is a testimony that Satan plays about with them more than kids play with a ball due to the fact that they assign Godhood to images and statues that are deprived of the ability to create the most insignificant creature of the True God, even if they [i.e. those statues and images] gathered and supported one another to do so, whereas Godhood necessitates having absolute power over all the existence, absolute knowledge of all sources of knowledge, having no need of all the creation, [whilst the creation is completely dependent] upon the Lord for their needs, for relief, [to remove their] distress and anxiety and [respond to their] invocations. (2)

Allaah [The Exalted] said:

مَثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّخَذُواْ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ أَوۡلِيَآءَ كَمَثَلِ ٱلۡعَنڪَبُوتِ ٱتَّخَذَتۡ بَيۡتً۬ا‌ۖ وَإِنَّ أَوۡهَنَ ٱلۡبُيُوتِ لَبَيۡتُ ٱلۡعَنڪَبُوتِ‌ۖ لَوۡ ڪَانُواْ يَعۡلَمُونَ

The likeness of those who take Auliya’ (protectors and helpers) other than Allaah is as the likeness of a spider, who builds (for itself) a house, but verily, the frailest (weakest) of houses is the spider’s house, if they but knew. [Surah Al-Ankabut. Verse 41]

Allaah mentioned that they are weak and that those whom they take as protectors and helpers are weaker than them. So with regards to their weakness and their goal behind taking others as protectors and helpers besides Allaah, they are similar to a spider that builds a house and it is the frailest and weakest of houses. Based on this parable, the Mushrikoon become much weaker when they take others as protectors and helpers besides Allaah, and they do not benefit from those they take as protectors and helpers besides Allaah, just as Allaah stated [in another verse]:

وَٱتَّخَذُواْ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ ءَالِهَةً۬ لِّيَكُونُواْ لَهُمۡ عِزًّ۬ا
كَلَّا‌ۚ سَيَكۡفُرُونَ بِعِبَادَتِہِمۡ وَيَكُونُونَ عَلَيۡہِمۡ ضِدًّا

And they have taken (for worship) Aaliha (gods) besides Allah, that they might give them honour, power and glory (and also protect them from Allah’s Punishment etc.). Nay, but they (the so-called gods) will deny their worship of them, and become opponents to them (on the Day of Resurrection). [Surah Maryam. Verses 82-82]
And Allaah [The Most High] said:

وَٱتَّخَذُواْ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ ءَالِهَةً۬ لَّعَلَّهُمۡ يُنصَرُونَ
لَا يَسۡتَطِيعُونَ نَصۡرَهُمۡ وَهُمۡ لَهُمۡ جُندٌ۬ مُّحۡضَرُونَ

And they have taken besides Allaah Aaliha (gods), hoping that they might be helped (by those so-called gods). They cannot help them, but they will be brought forward as a troop against those who worshipped them (at the time of Reckoning). [Surah Yaa Seen. Verses 74-75]

And after mentioning the destruction of the nations of the Mushrikoon, Allaah said:

وَمَا ظَلَمۡنَـٰهُمۡ وَلَـٰكِن ظَلَمُوٓاْ أَنفُسَہُمۡ‌ۖ فَمَآ أَغۡنَتۡ عَنۡہُمۡ ءَالِهَتُہُمُ ٱلَّتِى يَدۡعُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ مِن شَىۡءٍ۬ لَّمَّا جَآءَ أَمۡرُ رَبِّكَ‌ۖ وَمَا زَادُوهُمۡ غَيۡرَ تَتۡبِيبٍ۬

We wronged them not, but they wronged themselves. So their Aaliha (gods), other than Allah, whom they invoked, profited them naught when there came the Command of your Lord, nor did they add aught (to their lot) but destruction. [Surah Hud. Verse 101]

These four places in the Qur’aan show that the one who takes protectors and helpers besides Allaah- through whom he seeks to strengthen himself, behave arrogantly and prevail- will not achieve except the opposite, and there is a lot more about this affair in the Qur’aan. This is one of the finest parables and the clearest proofs regarding the falsehood of Shirk and the deprivation of the one who commits Shirk, and that he will achieve the opposite of what he seeks. (3)

Allaah gave this similitude regarding those who worship others alongside Him, seeking honour, strength and benefit by way of it; but Allaah says that the affair is the opposite of the goal they seek, because their likeness is that of a spider that builds a house to protect itself from the heat, cold and harm; but the frailest and weakest of houses is the spider’s house.

The spider is one of those weak animals and its house is one of the weakest of houses, and building its house does not increase it in anything except weakness. Likewise, this is the case regarding those who take protectors and helpers besides Allaah; they are in need and incapable in every way when they take protectors and helpers besides Allaah to seek honour and help by way of them; so they increase weakness on their weakness, and feebleness on their feebleness, because indeed they rely on them in many of their affairs related to their well-being and entrust it to them, refrain from achieving it themselves and [hoping] that these [so-called] protectors and helpers will fulfil it; but they forsake them- neither receive anything [useful, beneficial etc] nor the least [gain, benefit etc] from their help. Had they been acquainted with the reality of knowledge- their situation and that of those whom they take as protectors and helpers besides Allaah, they would not have done so; rather they would have freed themselves from them and take Allaah as Protector and Helper- The Lord Who is able to do all things, The One Who Bestows His Special Mercy to the Believers; Who – when a servant takes Him as a Protector and an Ally, He suffices him, looks after both his religious and worldly affairs, increase him in strength upon strength in his heart [i.e. Eemaan], his body [i.e. grant him ability to seek after what is beneficial etc], in all his circumstances and deeds. (4)

Finally: One of The Corrupt Goals Behind The Attention Given to Artefacts- By Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee [may Allaah preserve him]: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2021/04/22/one-of-the-corrupt-goals-behind-the-attention-given-to-artifacts-by-al-allaamah-rabee-bin-haadee/

What is Taaghoot? By Shaikh Abu Khadeejah [may Allaah preserve him]: https://www.abukhadeejah.com/the-meaning-of-taghut-according-to-the-early-scholars/

We ask Allaah to include us amongst the people of Tawheed and Sunnah Aameen.

[Ref 1: An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi. Slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 2: An Excerpt from ‘Badaa-i At-Tafseer Al-Jaami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imaam Ibnu Qayyim Al-Jawziyyah: 2/221-222. slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 3: An Exceprt from ‘Badaa’i At-tafseer Al-Jaami Lima Fassarahu Al-Imaam Ibnul Qayyim. Vol 2. Page299-300. Slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 4: An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi. Slightly paraphrased]

Exalting Artefacts and Relics of Shirk With The Word Sacred!

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Contemporary Issues, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Refutations, Shirk, Sin.

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

Jennifer Bell [may Allaah guide her] stated, “The ancient coffin of Priest Psamtik, buried thousands of years ago and unearthed by archeologists in an Egyptian necropolis, has arrived in the United Arab Emirates to be displayed at the Egypt Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. The coffin of priest Psamtik, “the son of Pediosir,” is one of the colored wooden coffins that were recently discovered in a well in the sacred area of Saqqara, south of the capital of Cairo, by the archaeological mission of the Supreme Council of Antiquities”.

https://english.alarabiya.net/News/gulf/2021/09/23/Dubai-Expo-2020-Ancient-pharaonic-coffin-arrives-at-Egypt-Pavilion

First, in the above statement is an exaltation of the people of Kufr and Shirk; rather she even referred to a so called sacred area called Saqqara! So, what is the meaning of the word sacred in the English language? Sacred means ‘considered to be holy and deserving respect, especially because of a connection with a god- connected with God or a god or dedicated to a religious purpose and so deserving veneration’. Holy means ‘related to a religion or god- dedicated or consecrated to God or a religious purpose’. We can clearly see that both the words ‘Sacred’ and ‘Holy’ are connected to God or a god, and this includes beliefs, acts of worship, rites, relics, books, symbols etc . Therefore, what is the first thing Muslims should recall when these words are used by people of different creeds and beliefs? The first thing we should recall is the origin of Shirk [ascribing partners with Allaah] and Bidah [innovation in religious affairs]! Allaah [The Exalted] said:

كَانَ ٱلنَّاسُ أُمَّةً۬ وَٲحِدَةً۬ فَبَعَثَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلنَّبِيِّـۧنَ مُبَشِّرِينَ وَمُنذِرِينَ وَأَنزَلَ مَعَهُمُ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ بِٱلۡحَقِّ لِيَحۡكُمَ بَيۡنَ ٱلنَّاسِ فِيمَا ٱخۡتَلَفُواْ فِيهِ‌ۚ وَمَا ٱخۡتَلَفَ فِيهِ إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُوهُ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ مَا جَآءَتۡهُمُ ٱلۡبَيِّنَـٰتُ بَغۡيَۢا بَيۡنَهُمۡ‌ۖ فَهَدَى ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لِمَا ٱخۡتَلَفُواْ فِيهِ مِنَ ٱلۡحَقِّ بِإِذۡنِهِۦ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ يَهۡدِى مَن يَشَآءُ إِلَىٰ صِرَٲطٍ۬ مُّسۡتَقِيمٍ

Mankind were one community and Allah sent Prophets with glad tidings and warnings, and with them He sent the Scripture in truth to judge between people in matters wherein they differed. And only those to whom (the Scripture) was given differed concerning it after clear proofs had come unto them through hatred, one to another. Then Allah by His Leave guided those who believed to the truth of that wherein they differed. And Allah guides whom He wills to a Straight Path. [Surah Al-Baqarah. Verse 213]

Allaah [The Exalted] said:

وَمَا كَانَ ٱلنَّاسُ إِلَّآ أُمَّةً۬ وَٲحِدَةً۬ فَٱخۡتَلَفُواْ‌ۚ وَلَوۡلَا ڪَلِمَةٌ۬ سَبَقَتۡ مِن رَّبِّكَ لَقُضِىَ بَيۡنَهُمۡ فِيمَا فِيهِ يَخۡتَلِفُونَ

Mankind were but one community (i.e. on one religion – Islamic Monotheism), then they differed (later), and had not it been for a Word that went forth before from your Lord, it would have been settled between them regarding what they differed]. [Surah Yunus. Verse 19]

Ibn Abbaas [may Allaah be pleased with him and his father] said, “There were ten generations between Nooh and Aadam, and all of them used to be upon the true path [i.e. upon Islaam – worshipping Allaah alone], then they differed and started worshipping idols- false deities and images, so Allaah sent Messengers with clear proofs and evidences”. (1)

Therefore, the above clearly demonstrates the fact that whatever is innovated in religious practice, even if considered holy and sacred by its adherents, is not valid in the sight of Allaah [The Exalted]. The creeds are two types – the creed revealed by Allaah and the creed initiated by the people who deviate/deviated from the path of Allaah. Allaah informed us about Prophet Yusuf [peace be upon him and his father] that he said to his companions in the prison:

يَا صَاحِبَيِ السِّجْنِ أَأَرْبَابٌ مُتَفَرِّقُونَ خَيْرٌ أَمِ اللَّهُ الْوَاحِدُ الْقَهَّارُ; مَا تَعْبُدُونَ مِنْ دُونِهِ إِلَّا أَسْمَاءً سَمَّيْتُمُوهَا أَنْتُمْ وَآَبَاؤُكُمْ مَا أَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ بِهَا مِنْ سُلْطَانٍ إِنِ الْحُكْمُ إِلَّا لِلَّهِ أَمَرَ أَلَّا تَعْبُدُوا إِلَّا إِيَّاهُ ذَلِكَ الدِّينُ الْقَيِّمُ وَلَكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ

O two companions of the prison! Are many different lords (gods) better or Allah, the One, the Irresistible? You do not worship besides Him but only names which you have named (forged), you and your fathers, for which Allah has sent down no authority. The command (or the judgement) is for none but Allah. He has commanded that you worship none but Him (i.e. His Monotheism), that is the (true) straight religion, but most men know not. [Soorah Yoosuf: Verses 39-40]

Allaah [The Most High] said:

أَفَرَأَيْتُمُ اللَّاتَ وَالْعُزَّى
وَمَنَاةَ الثَّالِثَةَ الْأُخْرَى
أَلَكُمُ الذَّكَرُ وَلَهُ الْأُنْثَى
تِلْكَ إِذًا قِسْمَةٌ ضِيزَى
إِنْ هِيَ إِلَّا أَسْمَاءٌ سَمَّيْتُمُوهَا أَنْتُمْ وَآَبَاؤُكُمْ مَا أَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ بِهَا مِنْ سُلْطَانٍ إِنْ يَتَّبِعُونَ إِلَّا الظَّنَّ وَمَا تَهْوَى الْأَنْفُسُ وَلَقَدْ جَاءَهُمْ مِنْ رَبِّهِمُ الْهُدَى

Have you then considered Al-Lat, and Al-‘Uzza (two idols of the pagan Arabs) And Manat (another idol of the pagan Arabs), the other third? Is it for you the males and for Him the females? That indeed is a division most unfair! They are but names which you have named, you and your fathers, for which Allah has sent down no authority. [Soorah An-Najm. Verses 19-23]

Allaah (The Most High) said: [أَمْ لَهُمْ شُرَكَاءُ شَرَعُوا لَهُمْ مِنَ الدِّينِ مَا لَمْ يَأْذَنْ بِهِ اللَّهُ – Or have they partners with Allah (false gods), who have instituted for them a religion which Allah has not allowed]. [Soorah Ash-Shoorah: Verse 21]
All these verses clearly show that the sound Islamic creed can only be derived from the revelation [i.e. the Qur’aan and the authentic Sunnah]. (2)

Therefore, it is very clear – as stated above – that whatever is concocted as belief or religious rites is not sacred or holy in the sight of Allaah, just as Allaah [The Exalted] stated that Prophet Yusuf [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said to his companions in the prison: [مَا تَعْبُدُونَ مِنْ دُونِهِ إِلَّا أَسْمَاءً سَمَّيْتُمُوهَا أَنْتُمْ وَآَبَاؤُكُمْ مَا أَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ بِهَا مِنْ سُلْطَانٍ – You do not worship besides Him but only names which you have named (forged), you and your fathers, for which Allah has sent down no authority].

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

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

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

It is feared for the one who enters the dwellings of those who were punished that he would be afflicted with the punishment that afflicted them. It is legislated for the one who approaches those dwellings to go past quickly whilst covering his face to follow the example of Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him]. Do the Muslim possess understanding – and amongst them the Archeologists and those who encourage them – of what is in this Prophetic guidance that came from one who does not speak out of his own desires [I.e. Muhammad -peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him]? Also, Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] legislated for the one who goes past the valleys of Muhassar to hurry because Allaah destroyed the people of the Elephant over there [i.e. the story of the people of the Elephant – Surah Al-Feel].
So, those who excavate the artefacts (relics) of the people of Aad, Thamood, the Ashaab Al-Ukhdood, the pharoanic and Babylonian artieacts (or relics), do they act based on the guidance of Allaah’s Messenger or do they blindly follow the enemies of Allaah who set up partnership of exploration for them from the artefacts (or relics) of the destroyed nations in order to entice (them) to the pride of pre Islamic ignorance. Indeed, I and other than myself have read the numerous boasting of Muslims or those who ascribe to Islam, such as the statement of some of them, “O Misree (i.e. Egyptian)! Be proud of the builders of your glory when people were sleeping”. He boasts about the Pharoanic artefacts (relics) such as the pyramids and other than them. (3)

Why Ponder Upon The Story of The Nations of Old?

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [may Allaah have mercy upon him] stated: Allaah [The Most High] said:

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

Indeed, there were nations like yourselves before you, so look to their evil end. You have to know that the reason behind their evil end was due to their disbelief in the revelations of Allaah and disbelief in Allaah’s Messengers. They were the forefathers and you are the descendants. The main affair that connects you to each other is your disbelief and the ruling on that disbelief is destruction. (4)

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

The Answer: Indeed, this has two benefits: The first benefit is a clarification of Allaah’s blessings upon us that the occurrence of a complete destruction is removed from us, and that were it not for Allaah’s Benevolence we would have been deserving of it. Second, the likeness of the punishment they received may occur in the hereafter for the one who did what they did, if punishment was not received in the worldly life. And this may be understood from the statement of Allaah: “Such is the Seizure of your Lord when He seizes the population of towns while they are doing wrong. Verily, His Seizure is painful and severe. Indeed in that (there) is a sure lesson for those who fear the torment of the Hereafter.” So what is apparent from this Aayah is that what is similar to the punishment they received will happen in the Hereafter, and Allaah knows best. (5)

Finally, we should be very careful when these terms ‘Sacred’, ‘Holy’ are used. Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “The basis of Banee Aadam’s misguidance is due to ‘General Terms’ and ‘Ambiguous Meanings’ [i.e. terms and meanings that can either be utilized for truth or falsehood when not explained in detail and distinguished], especially if they come in contact with a confused mind. Then how about when desires and misguided enthusiasm is added to that?! Therefore, ask the One Who keeps the hearts steadfast [i.e. Allaah] to keep your heart firm upon His Religion and not allow you to fall into this darkness. (6)

The basis of a person’s Islaam is to testify that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allaah and that Muhammad [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] is the Messenger of Allaah, to believe in Allaah, declare that Allaah is One without partner, obey Allaah’s commands, keep away from what Allaah has forbidden and single out Allaah in worship. And safeguarding this path (necessitates) the prohibition of every expression (word or term) that contains Shirk Billaah [i.e. ascribing partners to Allaah], Kufr [disbelief] or will lead to one of the two. (7) In the Qur’aan, there are many words that are utilised to rebut the words oppose the call of the Messengers, the revelation that was revealed to them and the truth they brought. (8)

One of the general fundamental principles (in Islaam) is to know that words are two types- words that are mentioned in the Qur’aan and (authentic) Sunnah, therefore it is obligated on every believer to affirm them, affirm what Allaah and His Messenger have affirmed, and negate what Allaah and His Messenger have negated. The words affirmed by Allaah is truth and the ones Allaah negated are (negated) in truth, because indeed Allaah speaks the truth and guides to the straight path. The words of the divine Islamic legislation are sanctified and it is part of perfection in knowledge that one seeks after the (sound meanings) which the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] intended by them, in order to affirm what he affirmed and negate the meanings he negated, because indeed it is obligated on us to believe and bear witness to everything he has stated and follow him in everything he has commanded. As for the words that are neither found in the Qur’an and (authentic) Sunnah nor did the Salaf (pious predecessors) hold a consensus regarding whether they are negated or affirmed, then it is not incumbent on anyone to agree with the one who negates or affirms them until its intended meaning is explained. So, if its intended meaning agrees with the (creed, revelation, commands, prohibitions etc) conveyed by the Messenger, it is affirmed; but if its intended meaning is in opposition, it is rejected. (9)

[Ref 1: Misbaah Al-Muneer Fee Ta’dheeb Tafseer Ibn Katheer]
[Ref 2: Madkhal Li-Diraasati Aqeedah Al-Islaamiyyah. lesson 2 By Shaikh Abdur Razzaaq Al-Badr (may Allaah preserve him)]
[Ref 3: Baraa’atus Sahaabah Al-Akhyaar Min At-Tabarruk Bil Amaakin Wal-Aalathaar. Pages 11-14. Slightly paraphrased]
[Ref 4: Source: I’laam Al-Muwaqqi-een: 1/181]
[Ref 5: Source: Al-Muntaqaa Min Fawaa-idil Fawaa-id 123-124]
[Ref 6: An Excerpt from ‘As-Sawaa’iq Al-Mursalah Alal Jahmiyyah Wal Mu’attilah’ – Vol 3. page 927. slightly paraphrased]
[Ref 7: Excerpt from ‘Mu’jam Al-Manaahee Lil Laf’dhiyyah’ page 34. slightly paraphrased. Publisher: Daar Al-Aasimah. 3rd edition 1996]
[Ref 8: Excerpt from Mu’jam Al-Manaahee Lil Lafdhiyyah’ page 10. slightly paraphrased. Publisher: Daar Al-Aasimah. 3rd edition 1996]
[Ref 9: Excerpt from ‘Al-Haqeeqatus Shar’iyyah Fee Tafseeril Qur’aan Al-A’dheem Was-Sunnatin Nabawiyyah’ page 17. slightly paraphrased]

–

Meat is Murder!!!

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Contemporary Issues, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Mental Health, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Shirk, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Declaring Things Halaal or Halaal

Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: The foundation of the religion of Islaam is that the permissible affairs are those that Allaah and His Messenger have made permissible, and the impermissible affairs are those that Allaah and His Messenger have made impermissible. It is not allowed for anyone to leave the straight path which Allaah sent His Messenger with. Allaah [The Most High] said:

[وَأَنَّ هَـٰذَا صِرَٲطِى مُسۡتَقِيمً۬ا فَٱتَّبِعُوهُ‌ۖ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُواْ ٱلسُّبُلَ فَتَفَرَّقَ بِكُمۡ عَن سَبِيلِهِۦ‌ۚ ذَٲلِكُمۡ وَصَّٮٰكُم بِهِۦ لَعَلَّڪُمۡ تَتَّقُونَ – And verily, this is my Straight Path, so follow it, and follow not [other] paths, for they will separate you away from His Path. This He has ordained for you that you may become pious].

Abdullaah Ibn Mas’ud [may Allaah be pleased with him] reported that the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] drew a line for us and said, “This is Allaah’s Straight Path”. Then he drew lines to its right and left and then said, “These are other paths. Upon every one of them there is a devil calling towards it”. Then he recited: “وَأَنَّ هَـٰذَا صِرَٲطِى مُسۡتَقِيمً۬ا فَٱتَّبِعُوهُ‌ۖ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُواْ ٱلسُّبُلَ فَتَفَرَّقَ بِكُمۡ عَن سَبِيلِهِۦ‌ – Indeed this is My Straight Path, so follow it. And do not follow other paths; they will separate you from His Path”. [Hadeeth reported by Imaam Ahmad in Al-Musnad 4437]

Indeed, Allaah mentioned – in Surah Al-An’aam, Soorah Al-A’raaf and other them – those deeds the idol worshipers were rebuked for, when they declared impermissible the things which Allaah [The Most High] did not declare impermissible, such as the Baahirah [i.e. a she-camel whose milk was spared for the idols and nobody was allowed to milk it] and the Saa’ibah [i.e. a she-camel let loose for free pasture for their false gods, e.g. idols, etc., and nothing was allowed to be carried on it]. They [also] declared permissible those [deeds] which Allaah declared impermissible, such as the killing of their children and they instituted a religion which Allaah did not allow. Allaah [The Most High] said: [أَمۡ لَهُمۡ شُرَڪَـٰٓؤُاْ شَرَعُواْ لَهُم مِّنَ ٱلدِّينِ مَا لَمۡ يَأۡذَنۢ بِهِ ٱللَّهُ‌ۚ – Or have they partners with Allah (false gods), who have instituted for them a religion which Allah has not allowed]. (1)

Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee Al-Mad’khalee [may Allaah preserve him] stated about lies and liars: All these people carry mighty lies – which cannot be enumerated here – related to affairs of legislation and in declaring what is lawful and unlawful, such as what Allaah has stated regarding the pagan Arabs, who made judgements about the Bahirah [a she-camel whose milk was spared for the idols and that nobody was allowed to milk it] or a Sa’ibah [a she-camel let loose for free pasture for their false gods and that nothing was allowed to be carried on it], or a Wasilah [a she-camel set free for idols because it has given birth to a she-camel at its first delivery and then again gives birth to a she-camel at its second delivery]. Allaah [تعالى ] stated in declaring this a lie:

[مَا جَعَلَ ٱللَّهُ مِنۢ بَحِيرَةٍ۬ وَلَا سَآٮِٕبَةٍ۬ وَلَا وَصِيلَةٍ۬ وَلَا حَامٍ۬‌ۙ وَلَـٰكِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ يَفۡتَرُونَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ٱلۡكَذِبَ‌ۖ وَأَكۡثَرُهُمۡ لَا يَعۡقِلُونَ – Allah has not instituted things like Bahirah (a she-camel whose milk was spared for the idols and nobody was allowed to milk it) or a Sa’ibah (a she-camel let loose for free pasture for their false gods, e.g. idols, etc., and nothing was allowed to be carried on it), or a Wasilah (a she-camel set free for idols because it has given birth to a she-camel at its first delivery and then again gives birth to a she-camel at its second delivery) or a Ham (a stallion-camel freed from work for their idols, after it had finished a number of copulations assigned for it, all these animals were liberated in honour of idols as practised by pagan Arabs in the pre-Islamic period). But those who disbelieve invent lies against Allah, and most of them have no understanding]. [Surah Al-Maa’idah. Aayah 103]

By Allaah, they are liars and they are foolish people deprived of sound intellect. Allaah said:

فَكُلُواْ مِمَّا رَزَقَڪُمُ ٱللَّهُ حَلَـٰلاً۬ طَيِّبً۬ا وَٱشۡڪُرُواْ نِعۡمَتَ ٱللَّهِ إِن كُنتُمۡ إِيَّاهُ تَعۡبُدُونَ
إِنَّمَا حَرَّمَ عَلَيۡڪُمُ ٱلۡمَيۡتَةَ وَٱلدَّمَ وَلَحۡمَ ٱلۡخِنزِيرِ وَمَآ أُهِلَّ لِغَيۡرِ ٱللَّهِ بِهِۦ‌ۖ فَمَنِ ٱضۡطُرَّ غَيۡرَ بَاغٍ۬ وَلَا عَادٍ۬ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَفُورٌ۬ رَّحِيمٌ۬
وَلَا تَقُولُواْ لِمَا تَصِفُ أَلۡسِنَتُڪُمُ ٱلۡكَذِبَ هَـٰذَا حَلَـٰلٌ۬ وَهَـٰذَا حَرَامٌ۬ لِّتَفۡتَرُواْ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ٱلۡكَذِبَ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يَفۡتَرُونَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ٱلۡكَذِبَ لَا يُفۡلِحُونَ
مَتَـٰعٌ۬ قَلِيلٌ۬ وَلَهُمۡ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ۬

So eat of the lawful and good food which Allah has provided for you. And be grateful for the Graces of Allah, if it is He Whom you worship. He has forbidden you only Al-Maytatah (meat of a dead animal), blood, the flesh of swine, and any animal which is slaughtered as a sacrifice for others than Allah (or has been slaughtered for idols etc. or on which Allah’s Name has not been mentioned while slaughtering). But if one is forced by necessity, without wilful disobedience, and not transgressing, then, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. And say not concerning that which your tongues put forth falsely: “This is lawful and this is forbidden,” so as to invent lies against Allah. Verily, those who invent lies against Allah will never prosper. A passing brief enjoyment (will be theirs), but they will have a painful torment. [Surah An-Nahl. Verses 114-117]

This was an address to the Arabs who instituted things like Bahirah or a Sa’ibah, and due to this Allaah declared this affair of theirs a lie, determined the unlawful things in relation to that which they stated, made it known that what they declared unlawful or lawful is tantamount to lies invented against Allaah, that the liars will not be successful, their enjoyment through lies and slanders is a brief enjoyment and an eternal punishment awaits them – a painful punishment. (2)

Indeed, the above suffices as rebuke against the one who declares that ‘Meat is Murder’ whilst intending by way of such statement that meat should be banned or that it is inhumane to slaughter those animals – for food -which Allaah has permitted. The enemies of the Prophets are well-known for portraying evil as good and good as evil.

Allaah [The Exalted] said:

وَكَذَٲلِكَ جَعَلۡنَا لِكُلِّ نَبِىٍّ عَدُوًّ۬ا شَيَـٰطِينَ ٱلۡإِنسِ وَٱلۡجِنِّ يُوحِى بَعۡضُهُمۡ إِلَىٰ بَعۡضٍ۬ زُخۡرُفَ ٱلۡقَوۡلِ غُرُورً۬ا‌ۚ وَلَوۡ شَآءَ رَبُّكَ مَا فَعَلُوهُ‌ۖ فَذَرۡهُمۡ وَمَا يَفۡتَرُونَ

And so We have appointed for every Prophet enemies – Shayaateen (devils) among mankind and jinns, inspiring one another with adorned speech as a delusion (or by way of deception). If your Lord had so willed, they would not have done it, so leave them alone with their fabrications.” [Surah Al-An’aam: Ayah 112]

Allaah [Glorified be He] stated that they aid one another in opposing the command of the Prophets with what some of them inspire others of adorned speech, so that the gullible and feeble minded people are misled by it. He [The Most High] stated the reason behind a perpetrator’s [adorned speech] and the reason why it is accepted by the people; then He [The Most High] mentioned [in ayah 113 Al-An’aam] the effects it has on those ignorant souls. When those souls incline towards such adorned speech and become pleased with it, they carry out what it calls them to do -in speech and action. Therefore, ponder upon these verses and the sublime meanings they convey, for they clarify the roots of false principles and alert a person against them. And if you ponder upon the statements of the people of falsehood, you will indeed find them clothed with expressions and presented in a good light with sophisticated terms, which are quickly accepted by those deprived of sound discernment-to the extent that the wicked sinners would give [good] names to the greatest types of wicked deeds. (3)

Benefit from this clarification by Shaikh Abu Khadeejah [may Allaah preserve him]:  https://www.abukhadeejah.com/does-islam-permit-a-muslim-to-be-a-vegan-or-vegetarian/

Finally, instead of forbidding that which Allaah has made lawful, they should disapprove of that which Allaah has also disapprove, such as the vices mentioned in the following links:

Belief In Darwin’s Theory of Evolution is Kufr That Will Remove a Person From The Fold of Islaam After The Proofs Are Established Against Him By The Upright Scholars

https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2021/06/02/true-shyness-and-some-deeds-in-opposition-to-it-shirk-pride-unlawful-earnings-turned-away-from-the-hereafter-unlawful-and-harmful-sexual-activity-private-parts-exposed-women-portrayed-as-sex/

https://www.abukhadeejah.com/the-evil-effects-of-pornography-fornication-adultery-on-the-family-unit-and-society/

https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2021/01/29/the-most-comprehensive-work-on-the-subject-of-homosexuality-in-islam-the-ruling-on-anal-sex-in-islam-the-homophobe-and-violence-against-homosexuals/

https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2020/09/19/do-not-approach-women-i-e-wives-in-their-back-passages-an-unmatched-effect-of-imaan-on-sound-natural-disposition-sexual-etiquette-and-behaviour/

https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2021/03/01/alcohol-consumption-smoking-unhealthy-food-production-carb-infested-processed-food-etc-lockdown-and-social-distancing-urgently-needed/

Three Ahaadeeth Regarding Women at The End of Time and Some Plots Against Methodology of The Prophets Through Women Issues!

[Ref 1: An Excerpt from ‘Al-Ibaadaat Ash-Shar-iyyah Wal-Farqu Baynahaa Wa Baynal Bid’ah page: 7-9]
[Ref 2: https://youtu.be/c0BMdgvMDBI ]
[Ref 3: An Excerpt from As-Sawaa-iq al-Mursalah of Imaam Ibnul Qayyim: 2/438). Slightly paraphrased]

The Heart Commits More Indecency When The Shirk In it is Greater Than The Tawheed In It! [By Imaam Ibnul Qayyim]

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

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

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

The basis of all sins – major and minor – are three: the heart’s attachment to other than Allaah, going along with the intense strength of one’s anger and the intense urge of one’s desires. These three affairs constitute shirk, injustice and indecency. Shirk and invoking other than Allaah is the ultimate affair related to the heart’s attachment to other than Allaah, murder is the ultimate affair related to going along with one’s intense anger and fornication is the ultimate affair related to going along with the intense urge of one’s desires. And because this Allaah mentioned the three together in the [following] Aayah:

وَٱلَّذِينَ لَا يَدۡعُونَ مَعَ ٱللَّهِ إِلَـٰهًا ءَاخَرَ وَلَا يَقۡتُلُونَ ٱلنَّفۡسَ ٱلَّتِى حَرَّمَ ٱللَّهُ إِلَّا بِٱلۡحَقِّ وَلَا يَزۡنُونَ

And those who invoke not any other ilah (god) along with Allah, nor kill such life as Allah has forbidden, except for just cause, nor commit illegal sexual intercourse. [Surah Al-Furqaan. Aayah 68]

These three affairs invite to one another – Shirk inevitably leads to injustice and indecency, just as Tawheed [sound Islamic Monotheism] and Ikhlaas [sincerity] turns a person away from them. Allaah [The Exalted] stated [about Prophet Yusuf (alayhis salaam)]: [ڪَذَٲلِكَ لِنَصۡرِفَ عَنۡهُ ٱلسُّوٓءَ وَٱلۡفَحۡشَآءَ‌ۚ إِنَّهُ ۥ مِنۡ عِبَادِنَا ٱلۡمُخۡلَصِينَ – Thus it was, that We might turn away from him evil and indecency. Surely, he was one of Our chosen, guided slaves. [Surah Yusuf. Aayah 24] – Meaning, turned him away from infatuation and illegal sexual intercourse.

Likewise, injustice inevitably leads to Shirk and indecency, because Shirk is the greatest injustice, just as Tawheed is the greatest justice. Justice is a companion of Tawheed and injustice is a companion of Shirk, and this is why Allaah mentioned both together.

As for Tawheed and justice, Allaah said: [شَهِدَ ٱللَّهُ أَنَّهُ ۥ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ وَٱلۡمَلَـٰٓٮِٕكَةُ وَأُوْلُواْ ٱلۡعِلۡمِ قَآٮِٕمَۢا بِٱلۡقِسۡطِ – Allah bears witness that Laa ilaaha illaa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), and the angels, and those having knowledge (also give this witness); (He is always) maintaining His creation in Justice]. [Surah Aal Imraan. Aayah 18]
As for injustice and Shirk, Allaah said: [إِنَّ ٱلشِّرۡكَ لَظُلۡمٌ عَظِيمٌ۬ – Verily, Shirk is great injustice]. [Surah Luqmaan. Aayah 13]

Indecency leads to Shirk and Injustice, especially when there is a strong desire which cannot be reached except through some type of injustice, such as seeking help through magic and shaytaan. And indeed Allaah mentioned both fornication and Shirk together in the Aayah:

ٱلزَّانِى لَا يَنكِحُ إِلَّا زَانِيَةً أَوۡ مُشۡرِكَةً۬ وَٱلزَّانِيَةُ لَا يَنكِحُهَآ إِلَّا زَانٍ أَوۡ مُشۡرِكٌ۬‌ۚ وَحُرِّمَ ذَٲلِكَ عَلَى ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ

The adulterer marries not but an adulteress, or a female polytheist and the adulteress none marries her except an adulterer or a male polytheist [and that means that the man who agrees to marry (have a sexual relation with) a female polytheist, pagan or idolatress) or a prostitute, then surely he is either an adulterer, or a polytheist)]. And the woman who agrees to marry (have a sexual relation with) a male polytheist or an adulterer, then she is either a prostitute or a female polytheist)]. Such a thing is forbidden to the believers [of Islamic Monotheism]. [Surah An-Noor. Aayah 3]

These three affairs [i.e. Shirk, Indecency and Injustice] can either be the cause of one another or inevitably lead to one another. And this is why whenever Tawheed in the heart is weaker and the Shirk in it is greater, it commits more indecency, becomes stronger in its attachment to images and infatuated with them. And what is similar to this is the statement of Allaah:

فَمَآ أُوتِيتُم مِّن شَىۡءٍ۬ فَمَتَـٰعُ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا‌ۖ وَمَا عِندَ ٱللَّهِ خَيۡرٌ۬ وَأَبۡقَىٰ لِلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَلَىٰ رَبِّہِمۡ يَتَوَكَّلُونَ
وَٱلَّذِينَ يَجۡتَنِبُونَ كَبَـٰٓٮِٕرَ ٱلۡإِثۡمِ وَٱلۡفَوَٲحِشَ وَإِذَا مَا غَضِبُواْ هُمۡ يَغۡفِرُونَ

So whatever you have been given is but a passing enjoyment for this worldly life, but that which is with Allah (Paradise) is better and more lasting for those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah Islamic Monotheism) and put their trust in their Lord (concerning all of their affairs). And those who avoid the greater sins and indecency, and when they are angry, they forgive. [Surah Ash-Shooraa. Aayaat 36-37]

Allaah informed us that what He has with Him is better for the one who believes in Him and relies upon him, and that is Tawheed. Then Allaah said: [وَٱلَّذِينَ يَجۡتَنِبُونَ كَبَـٰٓٮِٕرَ ٱلۡإِثۡمِ وَٱلۡفَوَٲحِشَ – And those who avoid the greater sins and indecency – Meaning, avoid the intense urge towards lowly desires]. Then Allaah said: [وَإِذَا مَا غَضِبُواْ هُمۡ يَغۡفِرُونَ – And when they are angry, they pardon]. This opposes the intense strength of anger; so Allaah mentioned Tawheed, pardon and justice together, and they are that which gathers every good.

An Excerpt from Al-Fawaa’id 131-132. Slightly paraphrased]

The Two Conditions of Worship, Deviated Sects, Two Types of Bidah…

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Bid'ah (Innovation), Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Innovations In Islam (Bidah), Khawaarij, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors), Sufis, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

The Two Conditions of Worship

Al-Allaamah Abdul Muhsin Al-Abbaad [may Allaah preserve him] said: Two conditions must be fulfilled in order for an act of worship to be accepted; the first of the two conditions is that the act of worship must be done sincerely for Allaah, and secondly the act of worship must be in agreement with the Sunnah of the Messenger [peace and blessings of allaah be upon him]. The act of worship has to be done sincerely for the sake of Allaah (alone) and none else is to be associated as a partner with Allaah in worship. [Likewise] the act of worship must be done in conformity with what the Messenger came with [i.e. the Qur’aan and the Sunnah].

This is what the Shahaadah (لا إله إلا الله محمدا رسول الله) necessitates; because (لا إله إلا الله) necessitates that acts of worship must be carried out sincerely for the sake of Allaah alone. And (محمدا رسول الله) necessitates that acts of worship must be carried out in conformity with what was revealed to the noble Messenger. Therefore, Allaah is not to be worshipped with bidah, newly invented matters in Religion and evil acts, for which Allaah [The Most High] has sent down no authority; rather acts of worship must be in conformity with the Sunnah of the noble Messenger.

If any of these two conditions or both of them are not fulfilled, then indeed the act of worship will be rejected by Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic]. Allaah [The Most High] said: [وَقَدِمۡنَآ إِلَىٰ مَا عَمِلُواْ مِنۡ عَمَلٍ۬ فَجَعَلۡنَـٰهُ هَبَآءً۬ مَّنثُورً – And We shall turn to whatever deeds they disbelievers, polytheists] did, and We shall make such deeds as scattered floating particles of dust] [Soorah Al-Furqaan. Ayah 23]

And the noble Messenger said: [مَنْ أَحْدَثَ فِي أَمْرِنَا هَذَا مَا لَيْسَ مِنْهُ فَهُوَ رَدٌ- He who innovates something in this matter of ours [i.e., Islam] that is not of it will have it rejected [by Allah].”[Saheeh Al-Bukhaari. Number 2697] [Saheeh Muslim. Number 1718]

And in another wording of this hadeeth in Saheeh Muslim the Prophet said: [مَنْ عَمِلَ عَمَلًا لَيْسَ عَلَيْهِ أَمْرُنَا فَهُوَ رَد – He who does an act (of worship) which we have not commanded (i.e. not commanded by the Prophet), will have it rejected].

The Prophet said:

فَإِنَّهُ مَنْ يَعِشْ مِنْكُمْ فَسَيَرَى اخْتِلَافًا كَثِيرًا، فَعَلَيْكُمْ بِسُنَّتِي وَسُنَّةِ الْخُلَفَاءِ الرَّاشِدِينَ الْمَهْدِيينَ، عَضُّوا عَلَيْهَا بِالنَّوَاجِذِ، وَإِيَّاكُمْ وَمُحْدَثَاتِ الْأُمُورِ؛ فَإِنَّ كُلَّ بِدْعَةٍ ضَلَالَةٌ

Verily he lives long among you will see a lot of differing, so you must keep to my Sunnah and to the Sunnah of the Khulafaa Ar-Raashidoon [the rightly guided caliphs]. Adhere to it with your molar teeth (i.e. adhere to it firmly). And beware of newly invented matters [in the religion], for every newly invented matter [in the religion] is a bidah [innovation in the religion], and every bidah is misguidance. [Abu Dawood. Number 4607] [Tirmidhee. Number 2676] (0.1)

Khulafaa Ar-Raashidoon: The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] described his four khulafaa [Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthmaan and Ali (may Allaah be pleased with them)] with the words ‘Raashidoon and Mahdiyyoon, because the Raashid [i.e. The one who is steadfast upon the right path and is firmly established upon it] is the opposite of the Ghaawiy [The one who strays from the right path or conduct], and the Mahdee [The one guided to the path of truth and submits obediently to it] is the opposite of the Daalun [the misguided one, especially in knowledge and creed]. (0.2)

The Messenger has clarified -in the hadeeth about the seventy-three sects amongst whom seventy-two sects will enter the hell fire and one sect will be saved-that the saved sect are those who adhere to the path him and his noble companions adhered to. (1)

Deviated Sects: Hafs Bin Humaid [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “I said to Abdullaah Ibnul Mubaarak [may Allaah have mercy upon him, ‘How many sects has this Ummah spilt into?’ He said, ‘The foundation of the sects are four: the shia, the harooriyyah (i.e. khawaarij), the qadariyyah and the murji’ah. The shia (further) split into twenty-two sects; the harooriyyah (further) split into twenty-one sects; the qadariyyah (further) split into sixteen sects and the murji’ah (further) split into thirteen sects. (1.1)

Question to Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him]: What is the intent behind the Messenger’s ﷺ statement when he spoke about the Ummah in the hadith: “All of them (the sects) are in the fire except one” and what is that one?. Also, will all the other 72 (deviant) sects be in the fire for eternity? Benefit us.

The answer: The prophet ﷺ said, “The Jews split into 71 sects, meaning all of them are astray and their affair ruined, except one. The Christians split into 72 sects, meaning all of them are astray and their affair ruined, except one. And this Ummah will split into 73 sects- all of them in the fire, except one. This one group is Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa’a [those who firmly adhere to the authentic Prophetic Sunnah and are united upon that] – the companions of the Prophet and those who follow them exactly in faith, the adherents to pure Islamic monotheism and sound faith.

As for the other 72 sects that have been threatened with the fire, among them is one who is a disbeliever (a), among them is one who is a sinner and among them is one about whom it is established with clear evidence that he is an innovator in religious affairs. So, the one – among them – that dies in a state of disbelief (b) will be in the fire for eternity, the one that dies in a state of adherence to religious innovation that is lesser than major disbelief (c) or sins is under the will of Allah, while still threatened with the fire. So, based on this it is known that not all of them are disbelievers, but rather among them is a disbeliever and other than him among the sinners and the innovators in religious affairs. (2)

Footnote: a and b: Takfeer – declaring that a Muslim left the fold of Islaam is a judgement that can only be given by the upright scholars and none else. https://www.manhaj.com/manhaj/articles/obkwf-takfir-and-the-excuse-of-ignorance-shaykh-saalih-al-fawzaan.cfm

Footnote c: The Types of Bidah: All religious innovations are evil, but there are those that will exit a person from the fold of Islaam (Bida’atul Mukaffirah) and those that do not exit a person from the fold of Islaam (Bida’atul Mufassiqah). Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee Al-Madkhalee [may Allaah preserve him] was asked whether there is a difference between Bidah Al-Mukaffirah and Bidah Al-Mufassiqah; so he replied that there is Bidah Mukaffirah, such as rejecting the Ruyah (i.e. denying that the believers will see Allaah in the afterlife); rejecting Allaah’s Uluww [i.e. denying that Allaah is above his creation –Allaah ascended over the Throne in a way that benefits his majesty)]; invoking other than Allaah; offering slaughtered sacrifice (i.e. animals) to other than Allaah etc. These are affairs of Bidah Al-Mukaffirah (the bidah that is tantamount to disbelief). But we do not make Takfeer of the people who commit this type of Bidah until we establish the proofs against them. That is because some of them (i.e. the people who fall into these affairs) carry doubts and are far away from the era of Prophethood and its light (i.e. guidance). So they fall into the likes these innovations. Rejecting the Ruyah is disbelief; rejecting Allaah’s Uluww is disbelief; the saying that the Qur’aan is created is disbelief-major disbelief. But this person, -[who testifies that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah and that Muhammad is the messenger of Allaah, and he prays, observes fasting, wants paradise and believes in that] -received the doubts of the people of falsehood, so he falls into the likes of these affairs (i.e. these innovations that are tantamount to disbelief). So we say to him: You have fallen into disbelief and the evidence is this and this, and we clarify for him. So if Allaah grants him Tawfeeq and he returns to the truth, then all praise is due to Allaah. But if not, we declare him a disbeliever after establishing the proofs against him. As for Bidah Al-Mufassiqah it is other than this (i.e. it is not at the level of that which is tantamount to disbelief)… [http://www.rabee.net/ar/questions.php?cat=26&id=484 paraphrased]

The Only Means to Rectification: Imaam Maalik [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “The latter part of this Ummah [i.e. those who will come after the Salaf] will not be rectified except by way of that which rectified it’s earlier part [i.e. the pious predecessors]”.’ And he said, “Whoever innovates a bidah in Islaam and considers it to be something good, then indeed he has claimed that Muhammad betrayed the Risaalah (i.e. the message he was entrusted with); because Allaah said: ٱلۡيَوۡمَ أَكۡمَلۡتُ لَكُمۡ دِينَكُمۡ – This day, I have perfected your religion for you]. Therefore, what was not part of the religion at that time [i.e. during the time of the Messenger] cannot be part of the religion today (i.e. after his departure from this world)”. [Al-Itisaam of Imaam Shaatibee 1/28]

It is not enough for a person to say: “I am going to do this act of worship even though it was not (performed by) the Prophet because my intention is pure and good.” The evidence (against this statement) is that when it reached the Messenger that a man amongst his noble companions slaughtered the Eed sacrifice before the Eed Salaah, the Prophet said to him: شَاتُكَ شَاةُ لَحْمٍ– “Your (slaughtered sheep was just mutton (not a sacrifice).”[Saheeh Bukhaari. Number: 5556]; meaning: It is not considered Eed sacrifice because it was not carried out in conformity with my Sunnah. Therefore, what is in conformity with the Sunnah is that the Eed sacrifice is done after the Eed Salaah; but as for sacrificing before the Salaah, then indeed it is outside its specified time and will not be regarded as (Eed sacrifice).

Al-Haafidh said in Fat-hul Baaree (10/17): “Shaikh Abu Muhammad Bin Abu Hamzah said: This hadeeth (establishes the fact that) if an action (i.e. an act of worship) is done with a sincere intention, it is still not (considered) righteous unless it is in conformity with the legislated divine revelation.

Also that which will shed more light on this affair is when Abdullaah Ibn Mas’ood came to a people who had gathered in the Masjid, and each of them had a number of stones/pebbles; and there was one man amongst them saying: ‘Say ‘Subhaanallaah’ a hundred times; say ‘Laa-ilaaha Il-lal laah’ a hundred times; say ‘Allaahu Akbar’ a hundred times. So they repeated. Then Abdullaah Ibn Mas’ood approached them and said: “What is this that you are doing?” They said: “O Abu Abdurrahman! These are pebbles to count the number of times we say Allahu Akbar, Laa ilaaha Illal laah and Subhaanallaah.” He said: “Count your sins and I assure you that you are not going to lose anything of your hasanaat. O Ummah of Muhammad, how quick is your destruction! These are the Companions of your Prophet present in great numbers; these are his clothes not worn out yet, and his pots are not broken yet. I swear by the One (i.e. Allaah) in Whose Hands my soul is, either you are following a religion that is better than the Religion of Muhammad or you are opening a door of misguidance.” They said: “O Abu Abdurrahman! We swear by Allaaah that we intend nothing other than good.’’ He said: How many people want good but never reach it! [Sunan Ad-Daarimee 1/68-69] [Also recorded by Imaam Albaanee in As-silsilah As-Saheehah. Number 2005] (3)

Ataa [may Allaah have mercy upon him] narrated, “A woman said in the presence of Aa’isha [may Allaah be pleased with her], ‘If the wife of such and such gives birth, we’ll slaughter a camel’. So, Aa’isha said, ‘But the Sunnah is that two sheep are to be slaughter for the birth of a boy and one sheep for the birth of a girl’”.

Al-Allaamah Zayd Bin Haadi [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “In this hadeeth there’s evidence that Ghuluww [going beyond what the Shar’ee’ah has legislated- neither commanded nor recommended] is forbidden, and that adherence to the Sunnah is the truth. If a newly born child is a boy, then his guardian [i.e. father] should slaughter two sheep; and if the child is a girl, one sheep is slaughtered for her. One should not obligate on himself to slaughter a camel, for indeed he has not been commanded to do that. Limiting oneself to the Sunnah is the good thing to do instead of encroaching its legislated boundaries. (4)

Distinguishing Signs of The People of Sunnah – By Shaikh Abdul Waahid Abu Khadeejah [may Allaah preserve him]: https://soundcloud.com/learnaboutislam/01-distinguishing-signs-of-the-people-of-sunnah-abu-khadeejah-manchester   https://learnaboutislam.co.uk/2011/04/distinguishing-signs-people-sunnah-part-2-abu-khadeejah/

[Refs 0.1 An Excerpt from أثر العبادات في حياة المسلم pages 4-31]

[Ref 0.2: An Excerpt from Sharh Kitaab At-Tawheed. Lesson 4. By Shaikh Abdur Razzaaq Al-Badr]

[Ref 1: An Excerpt from أثر العبادات في حياة المسلم pages 4-31]

[Ref 1.1: Al-Ibaanah of Ibn Battah 1/379-380]

[Ref: 2: https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/17308/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%AF-%D8%A8%D9%82%D9%88%D9%84%D9%87-%EF%B7%BA-%D9%83%D9%84%D9%87%D9%85-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7-%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%AD%D8%AF%D8%A9 paraphrased ]

[Ref 3: An Excerpt from أثر العبادات في حياة المسلم pages 4-31]

[Ref 4: At-taleeqaat Al-Maleehah Alaa Silsilah al-Ahaadeeth As-Saheeh. Vol 1. Page 416]

Ten Means to Earning Allaah’s Love – By Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [may Allaah have mercy upon him]

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

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

Recitation of the Qur’aan, reflecting upon it, seeking to understand its meaning and what is required from that. (a)

Seeking to get close to Allaah through the supererogatory acts of worship after fulfilling the obligations. (b)

Constant remembrance of Allaah in all situations. (c)

Giving precedence to what Allaah loves over what you love when you find yourself in a state in which evil desires are about to gain the upper hand. (d)

The heart paying attention to the Names and Attributes of Allaah and seeking the knowledge related to them. (e)

Recalling Allaah’s benignity and kindness. (f)

The heart’s feeling of complete submission, humility, servitude and need in the presence of Allaah. (g)

Worship during the last third of the night when Allaah descends. (h)

Sitting with the truthful people. (i)

Distance from every reason that will come between your heart and Allaah. (j)

[Source: An Madaarij As-Saalikeen 2/218-219. Publisher: Daar Al-Manaar. 1st Edition 1424AH. 2003. paraphrased]

Footnotes:

Footnote a: listen to “Seeking Cure with the Quraan – by Shaikh Abdulilah Lahmami [may Allaah preserve him]: https://learnaboutislam.co.uk/2011/01/seeking-cure-with-the-quraan/

Footnote b: From Abū Hurayrah (raḍiyallāhu ʿanhu) who said: The Prophet (ṣallallāhu ʿalayhi wasallam) said: Allāh, the Exalted, says, “Whoever shows enmity to a friend of Mine, I shall be at war with him. My servant does not draw near to Me with anything more loved by Me than the religious duties I have obligated upon him, and My servant continues to draw near to Me with supererogatory deeds until I love him. When I love him I am his hearing with which he hears, his seeing with which he sees, his hand with which he strikes, and his foot with which he walks. Were he to ask [something] of Me, I would surely give it to him and were he to ask Me for refuge, I would surely grant him it.” https://www.nawawis40hadith.com/nw/hadith/38/the-awliy%C4%81%CA%BE-of-all%C4%81h

Footnote c: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2021/08/10/the-intent-behind-dhikr-by-imaam-ibnul-qayyim/
https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2019/11/16/seven-tremendous-benefits-of-dhikr-by-shaikh-abdur-razzaaq-al-badr-hafidhahullaah/

Footnote d: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2020/10/13/purification-of-the-heart-can-only-be-attained-through-giving-precedence-to-allaah-over-desires/

Footnote e: https://www.salafisounds.com/the-names-attributes-of-allaah-by-abu-talhah-dawood-burbank/ – by Shaikh Abu Talhah [may Allaah have mercy upon him and his wife]

Footnote f: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Fed-up-or-Bored-With-a-Blessing.pdf

Footnote g: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2021/08/26/destructive-self-sufficiency-and-the-two-types-of-neediness/

Footnote h: Shaikh Abu Iyaad [may Allaah preserve him] stated that Shaykh ul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] gives a lengthy explanation of this – which is another of the doubts of the Jahmiyyah – in his book “Sharh Hadeeth in-Nuzool”, towards the end of it (p.320 onwards), and the essence of it is is that this question only arises when it is presumed that the kaifiyyah of Allaah’s Descent is like the descent of created beings, for when you presume that, then this doubt arises. So as Imaam Malik said, as mentioned by Br. Moosaa, regarding Istiwaa and as Abu Ja’far at-Tirmidhi (the faqih of Bagdhad, d. 295H) said,as mentioned by ad-Dhahabi in al-Uluww (p. 231), regarding the nuzool: quote: the Nuzool is ma’qool (understood), and the kayf is majhool (unknown), to have faith in it is obligatory and asking about it is an innovation. And in summary, we hold that:

– Allaah descends without Him leaving the Throne, He remains above the Throne

– Allaah descends without coming under or beneath the heaven – and as the Salaf said to the Jahmiyyah who raised such doubts in relation to the nuzool, “We believe in a Lord who does whatever He wills”

– To all people in all parts of the earth, alongside the variation in the night and day, Allaah’s descent is for them during the last third of their night – and we are not able to understand the kaifiyyah of that – just like we are not able to understand the kaifiyyah of how Allaah will do the hisaab (accounting) of all the people at the same time.

Ibn Taymiyyah says, “As for the nuzool that is not of the type of the nuzool of the (created) bodies of the servants, then it is not impossible that it occurs at the same time for a great number of the creation … and this is like His reckoning of His servants on the Day of Judgement, He will reckon all of them within a single hour, and all of them will be alone with Him, just like a man is alone with the moon on a clear night, and He will make him affirm his sins, and that one being reckoned will not see that He is reckoning others besides him” (p.334)

And then Ibn Taymiyyah brings ahaadeeth in this regard, and he also mentions the hadeeth of Allaah responding ot the servant when he recites al-Faatihah in the prayer, so Allaah says, “My servant praised me” and so on, and this is to every one who prays, at the same time, and likewise Allaah sees everyone all at the same time, and he provides for everyone all at the same time, so likewise, the nuzool – if we remove that presumption of “kayf” that is prohibited which is that the nuzool is like that of the created bodies – then we are not subject to this doubt, and then we are able to affirm it for Allaah without tashbeeh and tamtheel and without any caution in that.

And in all of this there is sufficiency for the believer who affirms what Allaah affirmed for Himself without takyeef and without ta’teel and without tamtheel. [salafitalk.net]

https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2011/08/28/sifatun-nuzool-allaahs-descent-to-the-lowest-heaven-during-the-last-third-of-the-night/

Footnote i: Abu Huraira reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “A man is upon the religion of his best friend, so let one of you look at whom he befriends.” [Tirmidhee 2378] Muhammad Ibn Munkadir used to say, ”A righteous companion is better than loneliness & loneliness is better than an evil companion.” [Bahjatul Majaalis 1/48′ by Ibn Abdul Barr]

Footnote j: https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2020/03/28/o-you-who-believe-answer-allaah-and-the-messenger-when-he-calls-you-to-that-which-will-give-you-life/

Two Stories – One About Al-Aqeedah Al-Waasitiyyah and The Other About Kitaab At-Tawheed

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Monotheism - Tawheed, Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah’s [may Allaah have mercy upon him] book Al-Aqeedah Al-Waasitiyyah is a precious book in its subject matter; rather it is one of the best and one of the most precious summaries put together on the Aqeedah of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa’ah. Indeed, he gave this work precise attention- precisely established the topics, presented the evidences, preserved -in his work – the words of the Qur’aan and the Sunnah, adhered to precision and clarified the Aqeedah of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa’ah- a sufficient clarification with its testimonies and evidences from Allaah’s statements and the statements of Allaah’s Messenger. The authorship of this book was based on a request that was put to him by one of the virtuous people; rather this person insisted and urged Shaikhul Islam to write a summary on the subject matter of Aqeedah that would be memorized, studied and understood precisely. Shaikhul Islaam [may Allaah have mercy upon him] excused himself from doing so due to the presence of many books of Aqeedah written by the Imaams amongst the scholars and the scholars of the pious predecessors; therefore, he told the requester to obtain one of those books; but this person insisted and urged Shaikhul Islaam to write a book on Aqeedah and thus his request was accepted.

The man who made this request was from a place called Waasit- situated between Basra and Kufa. It was called Waasit because it was situated between these two places, and the requester was called Radiyyuddeen Al-Waasitee [may Allaah have mercy upon him] – one of the Judges of Waasit. Whilst on his way to Hajj, he met Shaikhul Islam in Damascus and urged him to write a treatise on creed. Shaikhul Islaam stated regarding why he wrote Al-Waasitiyyah, “The reason for writing this book was that one of the judges of Waasit came to me a Shaikh called Radiyyuddeen Al-Waasitee from the followers of the Shaafi’ee Madhab. He came whilst on his journey and was one of the good people and an adherent to the religion. He complained about the overwhelming ignorance and wrongdoing in his land – under the rulership of the Tartars – and asked me to write for him an Aqeedah that would be a fundamental support for him and his household; but I asked him to excuse me from this request. I said to him, ‘The scholars have written various books of Aqeedah, so take from the books written by the Imaams of the Sunnah”, but he insisted and carried on urging me, and said, ‘I do not want except a book of Aqeedah written by yourself’. So I wrote this Aqeedah for him whilst I was sitting after Asr'”. So, in that one sitting after asr prayer, Shaikhul Islaam wrote – accurately – this Aqeedah and fulfilled what the requester desired. Shaikhul Islaam said, “Many copies of this book spread in Egypt, Iraq and other places”. This is the reason why Shaikhul Islaam wrote the book.

Some Beneficial Reminders From This Affair:

[1]: When Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah – and other illustrious Imaams of knowledge and virtue – wrote books, they did not do so just for the sake of writing or out of a desire to have many books and write a lot; rather their writings- whether few or many – was due to a pressing and an urgent need in their era. And one of the amazing affairs regarding Shaikhul Islaam in this matter, which he himself mentioned, is that he said, “I have not written a book except due to being asked”. Therefore, questions came to him from this and that place, because they knew his knowledge, virtue and station, and they insisted in their requests for a response and mentioned the need for it, so he responded. You find him saying in other places, “It has never occurred from me (i.e. writing), except by way of responding to subject matters of the religion and giving a fatwa to a person who seeks it” – Meaning, he never embarked upon writing himself. This is why many of his books were known by the names of the places where those questions came from- seeking from him to write or respond to questions. For example Al-Waasitiyyah is given this name because the one who requested from Shaikhul Islaam that he writes a book was a man from Waasit; likewise, was the book Al-Hamawiyyah, At-Tadmuriyyah, Al-Muraakishiyyah, Al-Isfahaaniyyah and many others. During his era, the people were satisfied with his knowledge, his adherence to the religion, his precision and what he compiled and presented.

The need to clarify the Aqeedah – making it clear to the people and attaching them to their Creator and Lord, their Master and Protector, through the sound Aqeedah and upright Eemaan- is the affair by way of which the degeneration and deviation in society would be be cured. That is because the greatest cause of degeneration in society is due to lack of (truly) knowing Allaah, His Greatness, Exaltedness and Perfection, and what the hearts should have in them about Allaah by way of exaltation. And it has been said, “The one who knows Allaah more will fear Him more”; but when a person’s knowledge about Allaah is weak, then various deviations and corruptions appear amongst the people. Therefore, the Aqeedah is the cure and medication that will bring about safety. If the Aqeedah is sound, the deeds will be upright, behaviour will become good and the souls will be satisfied. Contemplate on this in relation to the affair of this righteous judge and the state of his land, such as his mention of the spread of ignorance, rife wrong doing and corruption; so he went to find a solution to these problems by asking Shaikhul Islaam to write a book on creed. When you look at the state of affairs in our time, you’ll see this widespread and the painful state of affairs in many societies; therefore, people are greatly in need of concentrating on Aqeedah, learning Aqeedah, nurtured upon Aqeedah, and spread Tawheed, Eemaan and affairs that will bring about strong attachment to Allaah. This judge saw that Aqeedah is the solution and cure, and he acknowledged Shaikhul Islaam’s leadership in knowledge, religion, piety and great station, so he sought from him and insisted until Shaikhul Islaam agreed to write this book.

[2]: The importance of sincere and upright intention. Indeed, the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “Verily actions are judged by intention and for every person is what he intended”. A sincere intention is a blessing for a person- a very great blessing. Contemplate on this blessing in the request of this person and we have a good suspicion that he made this request based on a righteous intention and being truthful to Allaah in seeking to rectify the people, so he requested and insisted, then Shaikhul Islaam wrote this book in a sitting after Asr and then the blessing prevailed and spread- not only after the era of Shaikhul Islaam, but rather during his era as well. This is why Shaikhul Islaam said, “Numerous copies of this book was spread in Egypt, Iraq and other places”. In that era, there were no printing services; rather the book spread through writing. The students copied it with their hands and spread it, so the book became wide spread during his time. We benefit from this affair that it is obligated on a student of knowledge to purify his intention even when asking the scholars questions (or when requesting something related to knowledge from them), because just as there is blessing in a response, there is also blessing in a question. If a question is from a sincere and truthful person- a person in whose heart is a desire and he is ardent to bring about rectification for the people, Allaah will bless his question and bring benefit during his lifetime and after his death (InShaaAllaah). So, due to this question (or request made by Radiyuudeen al-Waasitee), then how many times has he been mentioned in this era of ours and before it, and people asking Allaah to have mercy upon him and mentioning him with good?! He is not known through books and writings; rather he is known by was of this request he made.

[3]: The manner in which Shaikhul Islaam held the Imaams of the pious predecessors in a high station, his acknowledgement of their station and their great status, because when the request was made to him, he did not write a book (straightaway); rather he said to the requester, “Take some of the books of Aqeedah of the Imams of the Sunnah”- Meaning, they are sufficient. However, when the person urged him and insisted, he responded due to that.

[4]: The student of knowledge should not rush to write unless he sees a situation that requires that and an affair that justifies the need. Despite Shaikhul Islaam’s virtuous status and leadership in the religion, he excused himself when the request was made to him.

[5]: The great blessing Allaah placed in the life of Shaikhul Islaam! There are many great books of his which when one examines and reads, he’ll think that the book was written within a prolonged period – maybe many months; but then he becomes amazed after finding out that it was written in one sitting. This book Al-Aqeedah Al-Waasitiyyah was written in one sitting- after Asr prayer.

Encounter With His Opponents

Seven years after he wrote Al-Aqeedah Al-Waasitiyyah, they started having a discussion with him regarding the issues in it; so he challenged them to bring a single letter from it that is not from the statements of the pious predecessors. They said to him, “What do you believe?” But he did not utter anything in that gathering. He said, “If I utter a statement that I believe such and such, some of them may say he has hidden something of his beliefs; so let us look for an Aqeedah that I have written seven years ago and read”. This was from his wisdom and experience. He said, “I give you three years to read this book and bring out from it a single letter that is not from the speech of the pious predecessors”. He said, “I have reiterated that I give three years to everyone who opposes me in anything in Aqeedah Waasitiyyah, and if one brings a single letter from anyone amongst the first three generations, I will recant”. So during one sitting, the book was read completely and he responded when they questioned him regarding some of the words in the book. Imaam Adh-Dhahabi [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “Then there was an agreement – after the gathering – that Al-Aqeedah Al-Waasitiyyah is a book of Salafi Creed and a good book”. Al-Haafidh Ibn Rajab [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “There was agreement that the book is a Sunni Salafi Aqeedah book”. [https://al-badr.net/detail/IjSpTAs2hO] [paraphrased]

Kitaabut Tawheed

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 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.

And one of the most evil 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.

Once I 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’’. I 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’’. 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] [paraphrased]