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We Have Made Some of You As a Trial For Others: will You Have Patience? -[Consolation And Encouragement]

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

Allaah [The Most High] said:

وَجَعَلْنَا بَعْضَكُمْ لِبَعْضٍ فِتْنَةً أَتَصْبِرُونَ

And We have made some of you as a trial for others: will you have patience?

[Soorah Al-Furqaan Aayah 20]

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] said: This is universal among all the creation- they are put to trial by way of one another.  Those whom the Messengers are sent to are a trial for the Messengers, when calling to them to the truth, exercising patience in facing their harm and bearing the difficulties faced when conveying Allaah’s Message.  And the Messengers are a trial for those whom they have been sent to, with regards to whether those people will obey and aid the Messengers, testify to the truth of that which the Messengers have been sent with, or whether they will disbelieve, reject and fight the Messengers.

The ignorant people are a trial for the scholars with regards to whether they will teach and advise them, whilst exercising patience in teaching, advising, guiding them and been constant in that.  And the scholars are a trial for the ignorant people with regards to whether they will obey them and follow their example.

The subjects are a trial for the kings and the kings are a trial for the subjects. The poor people are a trial for the rich people and the rich people are a trial for the poor people. The weak people are a trial for the strong people and the strong people are a trial for the weak people. The leaders are put to trial by those who follow them and those who follow are put to trial by way of the leaders. The slave master is put to trial by way of his slaves and the slaves are put to trial by way of the slave master. A man is put to trial by way of his wife and his wife is put to trial by way of him. The men are put to trial by way of women and women are put to trial by way of men. The believers are put to trial by way of the disbelievers and the disbelievers are put to trial by way of the believers. Those who enjoin good and forbid evil are put to trial by way of those whom they command good and forbid from evil, and those commanded with good and forbidden from evil are put to trial by way of those who command them with good and forbid them from evil.

And due to this, the poor and weak Muslims amongst the followers of the Messengers were a trial for the wealthy people and leaders. They [i.e. these wealthy ones and leaders] were prevented from accepting Eemaan after knowing the truthfulness of the Messengers. [Allaah informed us that they said]:

لَوْ كَانَ خَيْرًا مَا سَبَقُونَا إِلَيْهِ

“Had it (i.e. the Message of the Messenger) been a good thing, they (weak and poor) would not have preceded us thereto!” [Soorah Al-Ahqaaf: Ayah: 11]

And (Allaah said that) they (i.e. disbelievers in the time of Nooh) said to Nooh:

أَنُؤْمِنُ لَكَ وَاتَّبَعَكَ الْأَرْذَلُونَ

“Shall we believe in you, when the lowest of the people follow you? (i.e. those without wealth or status in society)”

[Soorah Ash-Shu’araa: Ayah: 111]

 

Allaah (The Most High) said:

وَكَذَٰلِكَ فَتَنَّا بَعْضَهُمْ بِبَعْضٍ لِيَقُولُوا أَهَٰؤُلَاءِ مَنَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِمْ مِنْ بَيْنِنَا

‘’Thus We have tried some of them with others, that they might say: “Is it these (poor believers) that Allah has favoured from amongst us?” [Soorah Al-An’aam: Ayah: 53]

So when a leader of high status saw that a poor person of lowly status had preceded him in belief and in following the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam], he become furious and scornful about accepting Islaam [due to not wanting] to be similar to [that poor person of lowly status].  And he says: I enter into Islaam so that I may be at the same level with this lowly one?

Az-Zujaaj [rahimahullaah] said: Perhaps a person of high status wanted to accept Islaam, but he was prevented from it so that it would not be said: ‘’someone lower than him preceded him (in Islaam);’’ therefore he remained upon disbelief and not [wanting] a Muslim to precede him in virtue.

And the reason behind [the fact that] some people are a trial for others is that the poor person may say, ‘’Why am I not like the rich person?’’ and the weak person may say, ‘’Why am I not like the strong one?’’ and the one afflicted may say, ‘’Why am I not like the one upon well-being.’’

[Allaah (The Most High) said] that the disbelievers said:

لَنْ نُؤْمِنَ حَتَّىٰ نُؤْتَىٰ مِثْلَ مَا أُوتِيَ رُسُلُ اللَّهِ

“We shall not believe until we receive the like of that which the Messengers of Allah had received”

[Soorah Al-An’aam: Ayah: 124]

This ayah was revealed concerning the trial encountered by the idol worshippers due to the poor immigrants, such as Bilaal, khabbaab, Suhaib, Abu Dar, Ibn Mas’ood and Ammaar [radiyallaahu-anhum], for they [idol worshippers] used to say: ‘’Look at these ones that follow Muhammad and they are from our lowly ones and those under our service.”

Allaah [The Most High] said:

إِنَّهُ كَانَ فَرِيقٌ مِنْ عِبَادِي يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا آمَنَّا فَاغْفِرْ لَنَا وَارْحَمْنَا وَأَنْتَ خَيْرُ الرَّاحِمِينَ

فَاتَّخَذْتُمُوهُمْ سِخْرِيًّا حَتَّىٰ أَنْسَوْكُمْ ذِكْرِي وَكُنْتُمْ مِنْهُمْ تَضْحَكُونَ

إِنِّي جَزَيْتُهُمُ الْيَوْمَ بِمَا صَبَرُوا أَنَّهُمْ هُمُ الْفَائِزُونَ

‘’Verily! There was a party of My slaves, who used to say: “Our Lord! We believe, so forgive us, and have mercy on us, for You are the Best of all who show mercy!” But you took them for a laughingstock, so much so that they made you forget My Remembrance while you used to laugh at them! Verily! I have rewarded them this Day for their patience, they are indeed the ones that are successful.’’ [Soorah Al-Muminoon: Aayaat: 109-111]

So Allaah informed (us) that He rewarded them for their patience, just as He (The Most High) said:

وَجَعَلْنَا بَعْضَكُمْ لِبَعْضٍ فِتْنَةً أَتَصْبِرُونَ

‘’And We have made some of you as a trial for others: will you have patience?’’

Az-Zujaaj (rahimahullaah) said: This means: Will you not exercise patience when afflicted and indeed you know what the patient ones will receive.  I [Ibnul Qayyim] say:  Allaah [The Glorified One free from all imperfections] bounded affliction with patience in this ayah and also in His saying:  [ثُمَّ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ لِلَّذِينَ هَاجَرُوا مِنْ بَعْدِ مَا فُتِنُوا ثُمَّ جَاهَدُوا وَصَبَرُوا  -Then, verily! Your Lord for those who emigrated after they had been put to trials and thereafter strove hard and fought (for the Cause of Allah) and were patient” [Soorah An-Nahl: Ayah: 110]

There is no remedy like patience for the one put to trial! If he exercises patience, then that trial becomes a (source) of purification and rescue from sins, just as the bellows purifies gold and silver. Trials are the bellows of the hearts and the test for one’s Eemaan, and by way of it the truthful one is distinguished from the liar.  Allaah [The Most High] said:

وَلَقَدْ فَتَنَّا الَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِهِمْ ۖ فَلَيَعْلَمَنَّ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ صَدَقُوا وَلَيَعْلَمَنَّ الْكَاذِبِينَ

‘’And We indeed tested those who were before them. And Allah will certainly make (it) known (the truth of) those who are true, and will certainly make (it) known (the falsehood of) those who are liars, (although Allah knows all that before putting them to test).’’ [Soorah Al-Ankabut: Ayah: 3]

Trials categorise the people into truthful ones and liars, believers and hypocrites, good and wicked.  So whoever exercises patience in facing trials, then this is a mercy for him and a safety from a greater trial due to his patience.  And whoever does not exercise patience in facing a trial will fall into a trial more severe than it.


[Source: An Excerpt from ‘Ighaathatul Lahfaan: 2/170-172.’ slightly paraphrased]

[6] Some Terms Whose True Reality Is Concealed By Callers to False Unity In Their Desperate Attempts to Legitimise The Deviations of The Deviant Sects

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

When the Salafiyyoon refute all the people of Bidah and refuse to co-operate with them, the callers to false unity accuse them of causing disunity and sectarianism in their desperate attempts to conceal the true reality of this term when applied in its right context. Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] said:  ‘’When a proof that supports the truth is manifested and the one who wants to repel it finds no way of doing so, he refrains from mentioning it and thus becomes a silent devil, and sometimes he distorts it. Distortion is of two types: Distorting words and distorting meanings. Distorting words is when one utters a word in a context in which it does not establish the truth – either adding to the word or omitting something from it, or substituting it with something else- to the extent that the listener is made to believe something, whilst something else is intended by it, just as the Yahood  [i.e. those Yahood who disbelieved in the Prophet & hated him] used to distort words when giving Salaam to the Prophet [i.e. saying As-Saamu Alayka (death be upon you), instead of saying Assalaamu alaykum)]. This is one type of distortion.

The second type of distortion is related to meanings – distorting the wording; giving it an interpretation that is not intended by the one who uttered it and pretending not to know its unintended meaning; or dropping other meanings intended by it etc. Allaah [The Most High] said: [وَإِن تَلۡوُ ۥۤاْ أَوۡ تُعۡرِضُواْ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ خَبِيرً۬ا – and if you distort your witness or refuse to give it, verily, Allah is Ever Well-Acquainted with what you do].

And when it is the case that a witness is required to bear witness based on what the affair should be [i.e. the complete truth], therefore neither should he hide nor change it. Turning away from the testimony is tantamount to concealment, and distortion is tantamount to alteration and substitution. Therefore, contemplate on this ayah and the treasures of knowledge it contains. The Eemaan of a person cannot be complete, except by way of accepting the texts of the sharee’ah and calling the people to them – neither turning away from them at times nor distorting them at other times. [Source: An Excerpt from ‘Badaa’i At-Tafseer Al-Jaami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imaam Ibnul Qayyim (rahimahullaah). Vol 1. Page 300-303. slightly paraphrased]

The Root Cause of Sectarianism and Splitting

Shaikh Saaleh Al-Fawzaan (may Allaah preserve him) stated:

The cause of the differing that take place between the callers is the differing in methodologies.  And had the callers (may Allaah guide them and grant them success) followed a singular methodology- the methodology of the Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam; that which the Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-sallam) and his companions were upon- then these differences would not have occurred.

Therefore, it is obligatory upon all the callers to make their methodology one–upon the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allaah (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam); and that their call is (carried out) for the sake of Allaah and to make the word of Allaah uppermost.  Their call should not be for the sake of desires, raising individuals or parties; rather their call should be sincerely for Allaah’s Face-making Allaah’s word uppermost; following the Messenger of Allaah (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) and to aid His Religion.  (So) by way of this the differing will cease. [Source: Al-Ijaabaatul Muhimmah Fil Mashaakil Al-Mulimmah (page:221-222)]

Shaikh Zaid Ibn Hadee al Madkhalee (rahimahullaah) said:

The Mubtadi [i.e. the one who innovates that which is not from the religion and thus is labelled with the term ‘innovator in religion’ after the proofs have been established against him] is the cause for the splitting [in the Ummah]. That is because splitting is connected to innovation and unity (upon the sound creed and methodology of the Salaf) is connected to the Sunnah.  The obligation of refuting the Mukhaalif (the opposer of the truth) is not lifted from the scholar due to anticipation of harm, unless it is harm he is not able to bear.  Then (in this case), Allah does not burden a soul beyond what it can bear.  The earth is not devoid of people of knowledge who will carry out refutation against the Mubtadi and the Mukhaalif. [Source: Al Ajwibah Al Mukhtasar Alaa As-ila Al-Ashrati(Page43-44)]

 

Must Read: The Splitting and Differing in the Ummah is Due to the Innovations and Innovators: http://www.salafipublications.com/sps/sp.cfm?subsecID=GSC01&articleID=GSC010003&articlePages=1

 

 

[4] Some Terms That Might Innocently Be Utilised For Truth, But Can Also Be Utilised For Falsehood By Ahlul Bidah-[Misguided Modernists and Philosophers Disguised As Muslim Intellectuals and Islamic Thinkers]

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

Islaam is not a set of ideas [or thoughts], rather it is a divine revelation sent down – by the Lord of universe – in the Magnificent Qur’aan and the [authentic] Sunnah of the noble Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] – the Messenger who never speaks based on his desires, rather [إِنۡ هُوَ إِلَّا وَحۡىٌ۬ يُوحَىٰ  – It [i.e. the Qur’aan and the authentic Sunnah conveyed by the Messenger (sallal laahu alayhi wasallam) is nothing else but a revelation that is inspired]. As for an idea [or thought], it can be [rejected, disapproved etc] and debated [or presented for discussion], and it may be correct or incorrect. Therefore, it is not permissible to associate Islam with the term ‘Idea [or thought] because it [idea or thought] is something specifically attributed to the creation [i.e. humankind and Jinn], because an idea [or a thought] can either be correct or  wrong. As for the Sharee’ah [i.e. the sound divine law, creed, acts of worship conveyed by the final Messenger (sallal laahu alayhi wasallam) from the Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah], it is infallible. Likewise, it is not to be said, “Islamic idea [or thought], because the scholar who has reached the level of Ijtihaad is restricted by the pure Sharee’ah, so he is not allowed to contemplate [outside the confines of the sound divine revelation] and then legislate; rather he searches and follows the legislated Islamic path of [sound] Ijtihaad in order to derive rulings. Yes, in this era of ours the term ‘Islamic thinker’ is used and what is intended by it is a person who is able to derive [sound rulings] and spread the virtues of Islaam, therefore in this case one is excused for utilising such a term; however it is better to avoid it. [An Excerpt from ‘Mu’jam Al-Manaahiy Lil-Laf’dhiyyah’. pages 430-431. Slightly paraphrased. Publisher: Daarul Aasimah. 3rd Edition 1417 AH (1996)]

The Messenger [Sallal-laahu-Alayhi-Wasallam] Informed Us About The False Witness That Will Occur After The Pious Generations- [PDF 2 Pages]

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

[pdf-embedder url="https://salafidawahmanchester.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/rabble12pdf.pdf%22]

The Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said: ‘’The best of the people are those living in my generation, then those who will follow the latter and then those who come after them. Then there will come after them people who will be treacherous and will not be trustworthy, they will bear witness without being asked to do so [Ref 1], and they will vow, but will never fulfil their vows, and fatness will appear among them.’’ [Ref 2].

Shaikh Rabee [hafidhahullaah] said: They [i.e. the people mentioned in this hadeeth] give false testimony, act treacherously and deceitfully. They behave in a very sinful manner and follow evil desires, except those whom Allaah safeguards amongst the Taa’ifatul Mansoorah [i.e. the aided group of Muslims upon the straight path] – those whom Allaah’s Messenger [alayhis salaatu wassalaam] praised. Therefore, it is obligated on us to acquire knowledge for the sake of Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] and act upon it. Ignorance is a deadly disease and knowledge is a weapon that will destroy you if you do not act upon it, and Allaah’s refuge is sought. [Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm pages 268-270]

[Ref 1]: Regarding the statement, ‘’They will bear witness without being asked to do so.’’ This can mean that they bear witness before being asked, or they bear witness based on falsehood, or they give witness without being from those who are worthy of it. [For further details see Sharh Saheeh Muslim 12/17)]. However, there is another Hadeeth in which the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] stated: ‘’Should I not inform you about the best of witnesses, they are those who bear witness before being asked.’’ The scholars say that what is intended by this hadeeth is for example: someone has a witness to give on behalf of another person based on truth, but the person does not know about it, so he [i.e. the one who should give the witness] informs the person about it; or for example, a person has already passed away and another person knows what the deceased person has left behind as inheritance, so he bears witness to that and makes it known. [For further details see Fat-hul Baari 5/260]

[Ref 2: And regarding the statement, ‘’And fatness will appear among them.’’ – Meaning: These people give importance to the means of fattening themselves – food, drink and over-abundance. So, their only concern is their bodies and fattening themselves. As for being fat without choice, then one cannot be blamed for that, just as a person cannot be blamed for being tall, short, black or white…[For further details, see Majmoo Al-Fataawaa 10/1056 -By Shaikh Uthaymeen (rahimahullaah)]


Video: Advice in these times of Trials and Tribulations – Shaykh Fawzaan

From the Questioner: “Noble Scholar, what do you advise us with in these times, where trials and tribulations have become many; the people of innovation have spread (increased in numbers), and the scholars are dying?”

Qu'ran Classes: salafidawahmanchester.com/womensarabic

Arabic Classes: salafidawahmanchester.com/womensquran

A Warning Against the Statement: The Shaikh Is Influenced by The Youth Surrounding Him–[By Shaikh Muhammad Baazmool (may Allaah preserve him)]

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

Excerpt:

O my brothers! Be warned against this statement, for indeed it is a statement of the people of Bidah and Ignorance. I use to hear it being uttered regarding Shaikh Bin Baaz [rahimahullaah], Shaikh Al-Albaani [rahimahullaah] and other Mashaayikh. It is a false statement when examined from several perspectives.

Firstly: Indeed, this statement is an insult against the Shaikh, that he is not one who determines affairs precisely and that he accepts information merely based on what his students transmit. However, what is known about the Shaikh- the basis of his affair-is that he is trustworthy and one who determines affairs precisely. Therefore, this [i.e. insult] is contrary to the basis of what is known about the Shaikh, so either proof is produced to substantiate it or otherwise it is rejected.

Secondly: Allaah made it unlawful to utter this type of statement about the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] and the scholars are the inheritors of the Prophets. [Allaah (The Most High) said]:

وَمِنۡہُمُ ٱلَّذِينَ يُؤۡذُونَ ٱلنَّبِىَّ وَيَقُولُونَ هُوَ أُذُنٌ۬‌ۚ قُلۡ أُذُنُ خَيۡرٍ۬ لَّڪُمۡ يُؤۡمِنُ بِٱللَّهِ وَيُؤۡمِنُ لِلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ وَرَحۡمَةٌ۬ لِّلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ مِنكُمۡ‌ۚ وَٱلَّذِينَ يُؤۡذُونَ رَسُولَ ٱللَّهِ لَهُمۡ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ۬

And among them are men who hurt the Prophet [Muhammad] and say: “He is (lending his) ear [to every news].” Say: “He listens to what is best for you; he believes in Allah; has faith in the believers; and is a mercy to those of you who believe.” But those who hurt Allah’s Messenger [Muhammad] will have a painful torment. [Surah At-Tawbah’ Aayah 61]

Imaam At-Tabari [rahimahullaah] stated about this Aayah: Allaah [The Most High] stated that amongst those hypocrites there is a group that seeks to hurt the Messenger of Allaah [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] and declare him deficient [in judgement or character], saying that he is one who listens to every news- listens to everyone [or too willing to listen], accepts and believes what that person says. This statement was made by the people of hypocrisy as an insult against the Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam]; but at present it is uttered by the people of Bidah and the ignoramuses as an insult against the scholars- a  means of repudiating their statements [i.e. verdicts of the scholars] and to hinder people from their knowledge. Therefore, they [i.e. those who utter this insult against the scholars] resemble – in relation to this deed of theirs- the people of Nifaaq.

Thirdly: Indeed, those who make this statement utilise it as a veil to reject the statements [i.e. verdicts] of the people of knowledge against certain individuals or affairs, and this is the evilest and falsest state this affair can be, because the statement of a scholar is not rejected except based on a Sharee’ah proof. So, is this statement of theirs [i.e. that such and such scholar is influenced by the youth around him] among those Sharee’ah proofs?

Fourthly: Indeed, this statement contains many perils and among them is that it firmly establishes a lack of trust of the Shaikh’s statements and rulings. And if the Shaikh’s reliability is lost, then the reliability of his Uloom [i.e. his explanations of the Sharee’ah texts in different subject matters, clarifications, verdicts etc] will be lost.

Fifthly: This statement will lower [or drop] the dignity and esteem of the Shaikh in the hearts of the students.

Ibaaraat Moohimah’ pages 51-52. Abridged and paraphrased

Your feedback is welcomed to improve the content of this article Jazaakumullaahu khayran


 

A Brief Mention Regarding Those Malicious Women Who Plotted Against The Prophets And Their Upright Followers, And Those Women Who Followed The Right Path

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

Allaah [The Most High] said:

ضَرَبَ ٱللَّهُ مَثَلاً۬ لِّلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ ٱمۡرَأَتَ نُوحٍ۬ وَٱمۡرَأَتَ لُوطٍ۬‌ۖ ڪَانَتَا تَحۡتَ عَبۡدَيۡنِ مِنۡ عِبَادِنَا صَـٰلِحَيۡنِ فَخَانَتَاهُمَا فَلَمۡ يُغۡنِيَا عَنۡہُمَا مِنَ ٱللَّهِ شَيۡـًٔ۬ا وَقِيلَ ٱدۡخُلَا ٱلنَّارَ مَعَ ٱلدَّٲخِلِينَ

Allah sets forth an example for those who disbelieve, the wife of Nuh (Noah) and the wife of Lout (Lot). They were under two of our righteous slaves, but they both betrayed their (husbands by rejecting their doctrine) so they [Nuh (Noah) and Lout (Lot)] benefited them (their respective wives) not, against Allah, and it was said: “Enter the Fire along with those who enter!”

وَضَرَبَ ٱللَّهُ مَثَلاً۬ لِّلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ ٱمۡرَأَتَ فِرۡعَوۡنَ إِذۡ قَالَتۡ رَبِّ ٱبۡنِ لِى عِندَكَ بَيۡتً۬ا فِى ٱلۡجَنَّةِ وَنَجِّنِى مِن فِرۡعَوۡنَ وَعَمَلِهِۦ وَنَجِّنِى مِنَ ٱلۡقَوۡمِ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ

And Allah has set forth an example for those who believe, the wife of Fir’aun (Pharaoh), when she said: “My Lord! Build for me a home with You in Paradise, and save me from Fir’aun (Pharaoh) and his work, and save me from the people who are Zalimun (polytheists, wrong-doers and disbelievers in Allah).

وَمَرۡيَمَ ٱبۡنَتَ عِمۡرَٲنَ ٱلَّتِىٓ أَحۡصَنَتۡ فَرۡجَهَا فَنَفَخۡنَا فِيهِ مِن رُّوحِنَا وَصَدَّقَتۡ بِكَلِمَـٰتِ رَبِّہَا وَكُتُبِهِۦ وَكَانَتۡ مِنَ ٱلۡقَـٰنِتِينَ

And Maryam (Mary), the daughter of ‘Imran who guarded her chastity; and We breathed into (the sleeve of her shirt or her garment) through Our Ruh [i.e. Jibrael (Gabriel)], and she testified to the truth of the Words of her Lord [i.e. believed in the Words of Allah: “Be!” and he was; that is ‘Iesa (Jesus) – son of Maryam (Mary); as a Messenger of Allah], and (also believed in) His Scriptures, and she was of the Qanitin (i.e. obedient to Allah).


Surah At-Tahreem’ Aayaat 10-12