Islamic Awakening and The Upright Path to Rectification Distinguished From Paths of Political Activists and The Khaarijites – May Allaah guide them and protect us from their misguidance Aameen.
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Shaikh Saaleh Aala Ash-Shaikh [may Allaah preserve him] said:
Tawaaf [Circumambulation] around a grave, stroking them (with one’s hands) and seeking blessings from them are acts of shirk. Circumambulation is an act of worship and it has not been legislated in any (other place) besides the Ka’bah and likewise walking between Safaa and Marwa is (only legislated at Safaa and Marwa).
Stroking (graves), seeking blessings from them and hoping to be benefited – in this life and the next – by way of such acts is (tantamount to) deification. It is similar to what the pre-Islamic idolaters used to do with their gods. Whoever hopes (for reward, blessings etc) through (these acts of worship at the) graves, then indeed he has exalted that which Allaah has not legislated to be exalted.
The proof to show that these practices are acts of Shirk is the hadeeth of Abee Waaqid Al-Laythee [may Allaah be pleased with him] who said, ”We went out with the Messenger of Allaah [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] to the (military) campaign to Hunayn, while we were new converts from disbelief to (Islaam). The idol worshippers had a lote tree in (whose vicinity) they used to stay and hang their weapons, and it (i.e. this lote-tree) was called Dhaat Anwaat. So when we went pass a tree, we said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah! Set up a Dhaat Anwat for us just as they have a Dhaat Anwaat’. So the Messenger of Allaah [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, ‘Allaahu Akbar! This is a path that has proceeded (from the people of the past). By Allaah in whose Hand my soul is! You have stated just as the children of Israa’eel stated to Moosaa [peace be upon him], ‘O Moosaa! Make for us Ilaahan (a god) as they have aalihah (gods)’. He (Moosaa) said: ‘Verily, you are a people who know not (the Majesty and Greatness of Allah and what is obligatory upon you, i.e. to worship none but Allah Alone, the One and the Only God of all that exists)’”. [Reported by Ahmad and Tirmidhee and it is a sound hadeeth.]
Those (new Muslims) wanted to perform that act of worship in that particular place and to seek blessings; so the Messenger of Allaah [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] referred to what they sought after as worship of another deity besides Allaah. That (act they sought after) is a means to Shirk, but after the Messenger of Allaah [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] clarified the affair for them, they turned in repentance and obedience to (Allaah and His Messenger). Seeking blessings from graves, circumambulation round them and stroking them are more severe (acts of shirk and sin) than what those (new Muslims) sought after.
[Source: An Excerpt from ‘Al-Min’dhaar Fee Bayaani Katheer Minal Akhtaa Ash-Shaa’i’ah page: 11]
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
The following statement was posted by the Turkish Newspaper Daily Sabah [may Allaah direct its Muslim journalists to every good, repel every evil from them and guide them to the authentic Sunnah, and also guide its Non-Muslim journalists to Islaam and the Sunnah] Aameen. Title: Muslims around the world observe holy night of Laylat al-Raghaib:
First, we remind our Turkish Muslim brothers at Daily Sabah about some few principles related to worship in Islaam.
Al-Allaamah Abdul Muhsin Al-Abbaad [may Allaah preserve him] said:
Al-Ibaadah [Worship]: It is a comprehensive term for everything that Allaah loves and is pleased with, including statements and deeds, apparent [i.e. physical actions of the limbs] and unapparent [beliefs concealed in the heart]. This is the best of what has been stated regarding the definition of worship.
Worship has great importance because Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] created the Khalq [Mankind and Jinn], sent the Messengers and revealed the Books in order to command them to worship Him and forbid them from worshipping others besides Him. Allaah [Glorified Be He] said: [وَمَا خَلَقۡتُ ٱلۡجِنَّ وَٱلۡإِنسَ إِلَّا لِيَعۡبُدُونِ – And I (Allah) created not the Jinns and humans except they should worship Me (Alone).” Meaning: Allaah created them in order to command them to worship Him (alone) and forbid them from disobeying Him. Allaah [Glorified be He] said:
[وَلَقَدۡ بَعَثۡنَا فِى ڪُلِّ أُمَّةٍ۬ رَّسُولاً أَنِ ٱعۡبُدُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَٱجۡتَنِبُواْ ٱلطَّـٰغُوتَۖ – And verily, We have sent among every Ummah (community, nation) a Messenger (proclaiming): “Worship Allah (Alone), and avoid (or keep away from) Taghut (all false deities, etc. i.e. do not worship Taghut besides Allah). [16:36]
Allaah [Glorified Be He] said: [وَمَآ أَرۡسَلۡنَا مِن قَبۡلِكَ مِن رَّسُولٍ إِلَّا نُوحِىٓ إِلَيۡهِ أَنَّهُ ۥ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّآ أَنَا۟ فَٱعۡبُدُونِ – And We did not send any Messenger before you (O Muhammad) but We inspired him (saying): La ilaaha illaa Ana (none has the right to be worshipped but I (Allah), so worship Me (Alone and none else)]. [21:25]
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 [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam]. 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 [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam].
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 [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] 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.
And he [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] 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-Rashideen [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]
The Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] 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.
Imaam Maalik [rahimahullaah] 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 Salaf].’’ And he [rahimahullaah) 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 [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] that a man amongst his noble companions slaughtered the Eed sacrifice before the Eed Salaah, he [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] 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. [An Excerpt from أثر العبادات في حياة المسلم pages: 1-2]
Second, what do the scholars of Islam say about this so-called Laylatul Raghaa’ib?
Imaam An-Nawawi [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “The well-known Salaah (prayer) that is known as Salaatul Raghaa’ib [the Raghaa’ib prayer] – which consists of twelve Rak’ats and is performed between Maghrib and Isha on the night before the first Friday in the month of Rajab and the hundred Rak’ats performed on the night of the 15th of Shabaan – are two religious innovations. They are repugnant and evil [i.e. becauae they are not from the acts of worship legislated in the Islamic legislation] and one should neither be deceived due to their mention in the book Quwwatul Quloob and Ihyaa Uloom Ad-Deen nor due to their mention in narrations, because all of that Iis false. And do not be deceived by some of those people to whom the ruling regarding these prayers is ambiguous (or doubtful), so he judged them to be recommended, because indeed they are mistaken. Shaikhul Islaam Abu Muhammad Abdur Rahmaan Bin Ismaa’eel Al-Maqdisee has written a precious book showing the falsity of these prayers and he did well. [Al-Majmoo 3/548]
Ibn Al-Haaj Al-Maalikee [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “One of the religious innovations that has been initiated in this noble month of Rajab is the prayer of Raghaa’ib on the night before the first day of Jumu’ah in the central mosques and the other mosques, so the people gather in some of the central mosques and the other mosques in the various regions to perform this religious innovation. They openly perform it in congregation and behind an Imaam in the mosques were the five daily prayers are performed as if it is a prayer that has been legislated in Islaam. But this prayer – according to the judgement in Imaam Maalik’s school of jurisprudence- is forbidden, because indeed those who came before us (i.e. the Prophet’s companions) never did so and all good is found in following them [may Allaah be pleased with them]”. [Al-Madkhal 1/294]
Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “Neither Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] performed this prayer nor anyone amongst the Sahaabah (i.e. the companions of Allaah’s Messenger), neither the Taabi’een (i.e. the second generaation who adhered to the path of the Sahaabah) nor the Imaams of the Muslims. Neither did Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] show a desire for it nor did any of the pious predecessors, nor the Imaams of Islaam and nor did they mention specific virtues for this night. The narrations that have been transmitted and attributed to Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] are a lie and fabrication based on the consensus of those who are specialists in this field [of hadeeth science]. This is why the Muhaqqi’qeen scholars [i.e. those scholars who are firmly grounded in a subject matter of the religion, who study the difference of opinion or differing in a subject matter, gather the proofs, examine the proofs in depth and compare them. Then they mention the affair that is established based on sound proof, clarify why those proofs are the strong ones, its different types and why that which opposes is weak or fabricated] have stated that this affair [i.e. these innovated acts during Rajab and Shaban] are forbidden and not recommended”. [Al-Fataawa Al-kubraa 2/262]
Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] also said, “As for establishing prayer – in congregation – with a specific number of Rak’ats and a determined type of recitation in a specific time, such as these prayers that are being enquired about – the Salaatul Raghaa’ib during the night before the first Jumu’ah of Rajab, the Al-Fiyah (1) in the beginning of Rajab and the middle of Shabaan, the 27th night in the month of Rajab and other than them, this is not legislated based on the consensus of the Imaams of Islaam, as it has been established from the Imaams of the religion who are considered to be reliable in religious affairs and are people of sound and precise understanding. The likes of this prayer is not initiated except by an ignoranus – an innovator in religious affairs and opening the door to it necessitates an alteration of the sound and legislated acts of worship and rites, and thus one receives a share of (deeds of those) who legislate that which Allaah has not legislated. [Al-Fataawaa Al-Kubraa 2/239]
NB: The Al-Fiyah: This innovated prayer and what is similar to it is well-known to some of us who were upon the innovated Soofi paths. It is performed by some people on Shabaan 15th. They either perform 100 Rak’ats and in every Rak’ah Surah Al-Ikhaas is recited 10 times or they perform 10 Rak’ats and Surah Al-Ikhlaas is recited a 100 times in every Rak’ah.
Finally, we conclude with a statement of Imaam Maalik and Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allaah have upon them and all the scholars of Islaam] which have already been quoted earlier. Imaam Maalik [rahimahullaah] 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 Salaf].’’ And he [rahimahullaah) 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]
Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah said: The likes of this prayer is not initiated except by an ignoramus – an innovator in religious affairs, and opening the door to it necessitates an alteration of the sound and legislated acts of worship and rites, and thus one receives a share of (the deeds of those) who legislate that which Allaah has not legislated. [Al-Fataawaa Al-Kubraa 2/239]
May Allaah open our hearts to that which is correct, grant us the desire to seek knowledge from its sound sources, even that is little, bless us with sincerity and the ability to act Aameen. And Allaah knows best.
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Imaam Al-Aloosee [May Allaah have mercy upon him] said:
It has been reported in a hadeeth whose authenticity is agreed upon by Al-Bukhaari and Muslim [that the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)] said, “Indeed, you will follow the way of those before you, hand span by hand span, cubit by cubit, to the extent that if they entered into the hole of a lizard, you will enter it too”. [Al-Bukhaari 1397, Muslim 4822]
He [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] informed us that indeed there will be in his Ummah those who will follow the previous nations – the ignorant people amongst the people of the scriptures and other than them – hand span by hand span as has been explained in the hadeeth. There is no doubt that what he [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] informed us has occurred, because indeed he is As-Saadiq Al-Masdooq [the truthful one and the one believed in everything he says] and he does not speak out of his own desires. Certainly those who adhere to his guidance and follow that which has been established in his Sunnah are not the ones intended in this hadeeth due to that which is established (in the other) hadeeth regarding the sects, that these people are the Firqatun Naaji’yah [the saved sect] – those upon [i.e. adhering to] that which the Messenger and his companions adhered to. [End of quote. Ghaayah al-Amaanee Fee Radd Alan Nabahaanee 1/19-20] The Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, ”My Ummah will divide into 73 sects, all of them will be in the fire except one, and that is the Jamaa’ah. It was said, ‘And who are they, O Allaah’s Messenger?’ He said, ‘That which I and my companions are upon today [i.e. at present]”’. [Tirmidhee 2641]
Therefore, it has to be the case that the people who follow the footsteps of the Jews and Christians are those who substitute and change (the religion), innovate in religious affairs and distort, imitate the previous nations in their actions and deeds, such as building tombs and mosques on the graves of their righteous people- invoking them during important events, during times when they face very painful situations and other than that (similar) to what the Jews, Christians and idol worshippers used to do. And amongst the extremists and innovators – the grave worshippers – there are those with the traits of the Jews, the Christians and the idol worshippers which attest to the fact that they follow their way hand span by hand span, cubit by cubit, and we shall mention some of this as a clear example of what we intend to point out.
Among their traits [i.e. those Jews and Christians who went astray after the departure of their Prophets, as well as the idol worshippers] is that they used to perform acts of worship whilst associating partners with Allaah- associated the righteous people as partners with Allaah in worship and considered it as a type of exalting the righteous people that is beloved to Allaah. Also their goal was to have their needs fulfilled and to be granted success through seeking the intercession of the righteous people, because they thought that the righteous people loved that they do so.
Indeed, the Qur’aan has informed us of this trait of theirs. Allaah [The Exalted] said:
إِنَّآ أَنزَلۡنَآ إِلَيۡكَ ٱلۡڪِتَـٰبَ بِٱلۡحَقِّ فَٱعۡبُدِ ٱللَّهَ مُخۡلِصً۬ا لَّهُ ٱلدِّينَ
أَلَا لِلَّهِ ٱلدِّينُ ٱلۡخَالِصُۚ وَٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّخَذُواْ مِن دُونِهِۦۤ أَوۡلِيَآءَ مَا نَعۡبُدُهُمۡ إِلَّا لِيُقَرِّبُونَآ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ زُلۡفَىٰٓ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَحۡكُمُ بَيۡنَهُمۡ فِى مَا هُمۡ فِيهِ يَخۡتَلِفُونَۗ
Verily, We have sent down the Book to you (O Muhammad ) in truth: So worship Allah (Alone) by doing religious deeds sincerely for Allah’s sake only, (and not to show-off, and not to set up rivals with Him in worship). Surely, the religion (i.e. the worship and the obedience) is for Allah only. And those who take Auliya’ (protectors and helpers) besides Him (say): “We worship them only that they may bring us near to Allah.” Verily, Allah will judge between them concerning that wherein they differ. [Surah Az-Zumar. 2-3]
The worship devoted by the idol worshippers to them was that they supplicated to them, sought their needs from them, sacrificed animals to them, vowed to them and made oaths to them. Allaah [The Exalted] said: [وَيَعۡبُدُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ مَا لَا يَضُرُّهُمۡ وَلَا يَنفَعُهُمۡ وَيَقُولُونَ هَـٰٓؤُلَآءِ شُفَعَـٰٓؤُنَا عِندَ ٱللَّهِۚ – And they worship besides Allah things that hurt them not, nor profit them, and they say: “These are our intercessors with Allah]. [Surah Yunus. Aayah 18] [End of quote. Ghaayah Al-Amaanee Radd Alan Nabahaanee. 1/19-20]
Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: Some people invoke the inhabitant of a grave and others beseech him for help; some make vows to him and others seek assistance from him just as the Quraish pagans and other than them used to do during Al-Jaahiliyyah [i.e. during the period of pre-Islamic Ignorance], because they used to invoke Al-Uzza, Al-laat, Manaat and other idols, and likewise the polytheists-in every era-invoke their idols and those images they worship besides Allaah. They exalt them, invoke, seek assistance and blessings from them. This practice is a plot of shaytaan because what he eagerly wants to achieve is to distance people from the sound Islamic creed through every means. [End of quote. Awaamil Islaah Al-Mujtama’ah pages 1-27]
Invocation, vows, offering sacrifices etc are acts of worship and can only be carried out for Allaah alone, and not for graves, tombs, shrines and their dead inhabitants.
Ad-Du’aa: Invocation: “Your Lord says: O people, invoke Me and supplicate to Me making your worship sincerely for Me alone, and I will answer you, and pardon you and have mercy upon you. Indeed those who disdain to worship Me alone will enter Hell-Fire in disgrace. [Soorah Ghaafir. 60]
So the noble Aayah proves that invocation/supplication (du’aa) is worship, and if that were not the case it would not be said “those who disdain to worship Me alone….” So whoever called upon anyone besides Allaah[The Mighty and Majestic], requesting something which none but Allaah has power over, then he is a mushrik (one who worships others besides Allaah), an unbeliever (kaafir), whether the one he calls upon is living or dead. Whoever requests a living person for something which he is able to do, such as the saying: ‘O so and so give me food’ or ‘O so and so give me a drink,’ then there is no harm in that. But whoever asks a dead person or someone who is absent for that, then he is a mushrik, since the deceased or the absent cannot possibly do that. So in such a case his supplicating to them shows that he believes that they have some control over the creation, and he is therefore a mushrik. It must be noted that du’aa is of two types: (i) Supplication, when a request is made (du ‘aa-u mas’alah) and, (ii) invocation through worship (du’aa-u Ibaadah). So supplication is to request ones needs and is worship when the servant requests that from his Lord.
This is because it involves showing one’s poverty before Allaah [The Most High], and one’s need to turn to Him, and one’s certain faith that He is the one having full power, the Most Generous, the one who gives bounteously and is Most Merciful. Seeking one’s needs from someone else from the creation is permissible if the one to whom the request is made is able to hear and understand it, and has the power to respond to it, like the saying: ‘O so and so give me food.’ As for invocation through worship, then it is that the person does an act of worship seeking reward and fearing punishment, and this is not correct unless directed to Allaah alone. To direct this to anyone else besides Allaah is major shirk which takes a person out of the Religion, and he falls under the threat in the Saying of Allaah[Te Most High], “Your Lord says: O people, invoke Me and supplicate to Me making your worship sincerely for Me alone, and I will answer you, and pardon you and have mercy upon you. Indeed those who disdain to worship Me alone will enter Hell-Fire in disgrace.” [Soorah Ghaafir. 60]
Al- Isti’aanah-Appealing for aid and assistance: The evidence for this act of worship is the verse of the Qur’aan: “O Allaah You alone we worship, and to You alone we appeal for aid” [Soorah al-Faatihah. 5] and in the hadeeth there occurs: “If you seek help, then seek the help of Allaah.” [Reported by at-Tirmidhee and declared Saheeh by Shaykh al-Albaanee in al-Mishkaat (no.5302)]
Al-isti’aanah is to appeal for assistance, and it is of various types:
(i) Appealing for aid and assistance from Allaah – this is an appeal for aid and assistance that comprises complete humility of the servant before his Lord, and to submit and entrust the affair to Him, and to be certain that He is fully sufficient for him. This is not to be except for Allaah, the Most High, alone, and the evidence is the Saying of Allaah, the Most High, “O Allaah You alone we worship, and to You alone we appeal for aid.” [Soorah al-Faatihah]. The fact that this is to be for Allaah, the Most High, alone is shown by the fact that He mentions the word upon which the verb acts before the verb itself, and according to the principles of grammar of the Arabic language, in which the Qur’aan came down, bringing forward that which usually comes afterwards indicates restriction and particularisation. So directing this type to other than Allaah, the Most High, is shirk which takes a person out of the Religion.
(ii) Seeking the help of a person from the creation, in something which he is capable of helping in. Then this will be in accordance with the action in which help is sought. If it is a good action then it is permissible for the person to seek help upon it, and prescribed for a person to help in that, as Allaah [The Most High] says, “And assist one another upon righteous actions and avoidance of sins.” [Soorah Al-Maa’idah. Aayah 2]
If it is a sinful thing, then it is forbidden for the person doing it and for the one who assists, as Allaah, [The Most High] says, “And do not assist one another in abandoning what Allaah has commanded and upon transgressing the limits laid down in the Religion.” [Soorah al-Maa’idah. Aayah 2]
If it is something permissible, then it is allowed for the person to seek help and to be assisted, and the one who is helping may be rewarded for kind treatment and thus it becomes something prescribed for him as Allaah [The Most High] says, “And do good, indeed Allaah loves those who do good.” [Soorah al-Baqarah. Aayah 195]
(iii) Seeking the help of a person from the creation who is alive and present, except that it is something which he is incapable of, then this is futile and useless. For example that he seeks the help of a weak person in order to carry something very heavy.
(iv) Seeking the aid of any deceased person, or the aid of the living in a matter of the hidden and unseen, which they cannot reach. Then this is shirk since it will only be done by a person who believes that those whose help he seeks have some hidden control over the creation.
(v) Seeking help by performing deeds that are beloved to Allaah, the Most High. This is something that is prescribed due to the Saying of Allaah [The Most High], “And seek assistance through patience and Prayer.” [Soorah al-Baqarah. Aayah 45]
The author uses as evidence for the first type the Saying of Allaah [The Most High], “O Allaah You alone we worship, and to You alone we appeal for aid” [Soorah al-Faatihah Aayah 5], and the saying of the Prophet saying: “If you seek help then seek the help of Allaah”.
The evidence for seeking refuge (al-isti’aadhah) is the Saying of Allaah, the Most High: “Say: I seek refuge with the Lord of the dawn” [Soorah al-Falaq. Aayah 1] and “Say: I seek refuge with the Lord of mankind”.[Soorah an-Naas Aayah 1]
Al-Isti’aadhah-To seek refuge; which is to seek protection against that which one hates and involves seeking refuge and shelter and protection from someone, and is of various types:
(i) Seeking the refuge of Allaah, the Most High, and this involves ones complete need of Him, attachment to Him, and one’s certain faith in His being sufficient and His perfect protection from everything, whether in the present or the future, small or large, human or not, and the proof is the Sayings of Allaah, the Most High, “Say: I seek refuge with the Lord of the dawn, from the evil of that which He created…” [Soorahal-Falaq. l-2] “Say: I seek refuge with the Lord of mankind; the king of mankind; the one who is worshipped rightfully by mankind; from the evil of Satan who whispers into the hearts of mankind and then withdraws when they remember Allaah…” [Soorah an-Naas. 1-4]
(ii) Seeking refuge in one of Allaah’s attributes, such as His Speech, His Greatness, His Might, and so on. The evidence for this are his sayings: The Prophet said, “I seek refuge in the perfect Words of Allaah from the evil of that which He created” [Reported by Muslim (Eng. transl. 4/ 142l/no.654l)]. He said, “I seek refuge in Your Might that I should not be assailed from below” [Reported by Aboo Daawood (Eng. transl. 3/1408/no. 5056) and declared Saheeh by Shaykh al-Albaanee in Saheeh Sunan Abee Dawood (no. 4239)]. Also his saying in the supplication recited when suffering from pain, “I seek refuge in the Might and Power of Allaah from the evil of what I feel and am wary of.” [Reported by Muslim (Eng. transl. 3/1198/no. 5462) and Ibn Maajah (no. 3522)]. The Prophet said, “I seek refuge in Your Pleasure from Your Wrath” [Reported by Muslim (Eng. transl. l/255/no.986)]. His saying, when Allaah, the Most High, sent down His Saying: “Say He is the One fully able to send punishment upon you from above.” [Soorah al-An’aam (6):65] He said: “I seek refuge in Your Face.” [Collected by al-Bukhaaree (Eng. transl. 9/370/503)].
(iii) Seeking refuge either with the dead, or with living people who are not present and able to grant refuge, then this is shirk. In this regard Allaah, the Most High, says, “And there were men from mankind who used to seek refuge with men of the jinn, and so that only increased them in transgression.” [Soorah al-Jinn. Aayah 6]
Seeking shelter with some person or in some place, or the like, as long as it is something which can serve the purpose of providing shelter. Then this is permissible and the evidence is his saying, speaking about tribulations, “Whoever exposes himself to them will be destroyed by them, and whoever finds a place of shelter or refuge from them, then let him take shelter in it” [Reported by alBukhaaree (Eng. transl. vol. 9/p. 158/no.203) and Muslim (Eng. transl. 4/1495/no.6893)]. He also explained this place of shelter or refuge in his saying, “So whoever has camels should stick to his camels…“ [Reported by Muslim (Eng. transl. 4/1495-1496/no.6896)]. There also occurs in Saheeh Muslim (Eng. transl. 3/91 I/no.4190) from Jaabir that a woman from the tribe of Banoo Makhzoom stole something, so then she was brought to the Prophet and she sought refuge with Umm Salamah. He also reports in his Saheeh (Eng. transl. 4/ 1494/no.6996) from Umm Salamah, from the Prophet that he said: “A man will seek refuge in the House and an army detachment will be sent against him…” However if it is the case that someone is seeking refuge from the evil of an oppressor, then it is obligatory to shelter him and grant him refuge as far as is possible. But if he seeks refuge in order to help him to commit something forbidden, or to flee away from an obligation, then it is forbidden to shelter him.
Al-istighaathah -To seek rescue and deliverance from severe difficulty and destruction, and is of various types:
(i) Seeking deliverance and rescue from Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, is one of the most excellent and most perfect deeds, and it was the continual practice of the messengers and their followers. The evidence for it is what the Shaykh, rahimahullaah, mentioned, “When you sought aid and deliverance of your Lord and He responded to you that He was sending you a thousand angels in succession to assist you.” [Soorah al-Anfaal. Aayah 9]
This occurred at the battle of Badr when the Prophet saw the polytheists numbering a thousand men, whist his companions were a few more than three hundred and ten. So he entered the palm grove calling earnestly upon his Lord, the Mighty and Majestic, raising up his hands and facing the qiblah, and saying: “O Allaah fulfil that which You have promised me. O Allaah if this small group who are the people of lslaam are destroyed you will not be worshipped upon the earth.” Then he continued calling upon his Lord earnestly, with his hands raised such that his cloak fell from his shoulders. So Aboo Bakr, radiyallaahu ‘anhu, took up his cloak and cast it back upon his shoulders and embraced him from behind and said: “O Prophet of Allaah, your earnest supplication to your Lord will be sufficient for you since he will fulfil what He has promised you,” so this Aayah was sent down. [Reported by Muslim (Eng. transl. 3/960/no.4360)]
(ii) Seeking rescue and deliverance, either from the dead or from those who are living but are not present and able to give aid and rescue, then this is shirk. This is so because it will not be done except by one who believes that those people have some unseen control over the creation, and they have therefore attributed to them a share of the Lordship that is for Allaah, the Most High, alone. Allaah, the Most High, says, “Or is that which you falsely worship along with Allaah better than He Who responds to the one in distress when he calls Him; who removes the harm; and who makes you to succeed those who came before you?! Is there anything that is worshipped besides Allaah that can do these things for you?! Little do you consider the greatness of Allaah and His favours upon you, and the clear proofs He has given you, so you therefore associate others in worship with Him.” [Soorah an-Naml (27):62]
(iii) Seeking aid and rescue from those who are alive, aware of the situation and capable of assistance and rescue. It is permissible to seek aid and rescue from them: Allaah, the Most High, says in the story of Moosaa: “So the man who was upon the same Religion as Moosaa sought the aid of Moosaa against his enemy the copt, so Moosaa struck him forcefully and killed him.” [Soorah al-Qasas. Aayah 15]
(iv) Seeking rescue and aid from a living person who is not capable of assisting him, without believing that he has some hidden power. For example that a drowning person calls for rescue from a person who is paralysed. This is futility and is a mockery of the one whom he seeks rescue from, and is therefore prohibited for this reason. A further reason for its prohibition is that anyone who saw him seeking rescue from the paralysed man may be deceived into thinking that the paralysed man must have some hidden power enabling him to rescue people.
Adh-dhabh- Sacrifice: The evidence is the ayah of the Qur’aan: “Say, O Muhammad, indeed my Prayer, my sacrifice, my living and my dying are all purely and solely for Allaah, Lord of all creation. There is no share of any of that for other than him.” [Soorah al-An’aam. 162-163]. Also the Prophet said: “Allaah has cursed anyone who sacrifices for other than Allaah” [Reported by Muslim (Eng. transl. 3/ 1093- 1094/no.4876)]
Sacrifice is to kill by spilling the blood of the animal in a particular manner, and is done for a number of reasons:
That it is done as an act of worship, such that he intends by it veneration of the one for whom he sacrifices, and intends it as an act of submission to him and a means of nearness to him. So this may not be done except for Allaah, the Most High, and has to be done in the manner which Allaah, the Most High, has prescribed. Directing it to other than Allaah is major shirk and the evidence (as mentioned by the author) is the Saying of Allaah, the Most High, “Say, O Muhammad, indeed my Prayer, my sacrifice, my living and my dying are all purely and solely for Allaah, Lord of all creation. There is no share of any of that for other than Him’ [Soorah al-An’aam (6):162-3]
(ii) That it is done out of hospitality for the guest, or for as wedding feast (waleemah) or the like, then this is something commanded, either as an obligation or a recommendation, as he said “Whoever truly believes in Allaah and the Last Day, then let him treat the guest honourably” [Reported by al-Bukhaaree (Eng. transl. 8/99/no. 156) and Muslim (Eng. transl. 3/935/no. 4286)]. He said to ‘Abdur-Rahmaan ibn ‘Auf, “Give a wedding, feast (waleemah) even if it is only with a single sheep” [Reported by al-Bukhaaree (Eng. transl. 7/72/no.96)]. (iii) That it is done to provide food charitably, or to sell the meat and so on, then this falls under that which is permissible and is in principle according to the Saying of Allaah, the Most High, “Do those mushriks who worship others along with Allaah not see that We have created for them, from what our Hands have created, cattle which they are in charge of, and We have made the cattle subservient to them: so from them are those which they eat the meat of.” [Soorah Yaa Seen. 71-72] Furthermore, it may be something desirable or prohibited depending upon what it leads to.
An-nadhr- Vows: The evidence is the ayah: “They fulfil their vows and they fear a day whose evil is widespread”. [Soorah al-Insaan. 76-:77]
The Aayah is a proof since Allaah praises them for fulfilling their vows, which shows that Allaah loves that and every action that is beloved to Allaah is worship. This is further supported by the Saying of Allaah, the Most High, “…they fear a day whose evil is widespread.” [Soorah al-Insaan. 7]
The fulfilling of vows which Allaah, the Most High, has praised are all acts of worship which Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, has obligated. This is because when a person starts any of the obligatory acts of worship, then he has become duty bound to fulfil and complete them. The proof for this is the Saying of Allaah, the Most High, “Then let them complete the duties of their hajj, and fulfil their vows (e.g. the sacrifice), and let them perform the tawaaf of ifaadah around the ancient House.” [Soorah al-Hajj 29]
Vows by which a person makes a pledge and thus obligates himself to do something or other, or makes some act of obedience to Allaah, that is not obligatory, binding upon himself, then this is disliked, and some of the scholars declared it to be forbidden. This is because the Prophet forbade making vows and said, “It does not bring good, it merely causes the miserly person to spend” [Reported by al-Bukhaaree (Eng. transl. 8/448/no.684) and Muslim (Eng. transl. 3/871/no.4019)]. Yet even so, if a person does go ahead and vow that he will do some act of obedience to Allaah, then it becomes obligatory upon him to perform it as the Prophet said, “Whoever vows to act in obedience to Allaah, then let him obey Him” [Reported by al-Bukhaaree (Eng. transl. 8/449/no.687)].
So in summary vows (an-nadhr) applies to the obligatory acts of worship in general, and to making vows in specific, which is that a person obliges himself to do something for the sake of Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic. The scholars divide the vow into various categories and these are laid out in the books of fiqh (details of Islamic law and regulations). [End of quote- Source: Explanation of the Three fundamental principles. (Translated by Shaikh Abu Talhah Dawud Burbank (may Allaah have mercy upon him and his wife. Aameen)]
NB: Whoever directs the above acts of worship to others besides Allaah, then indeed he or she has committed major shirk [major polytheism] which expels a person from the fold of Islam but this is a general ruling. However, in order to declare a specific Muslim individual as one who has left the fold of Islaam due to him or her committing acts of major polytheism, this ruling cannot be given, except by a scholar. Regarding this affair, see the following links:
http://www.manhaj.com/manhaj/articles/wwqny-takfir-and-the-excuse-of-ignorance-shaykh-muhammad-bin-abd-al-wahhaab.cfm
http://www.manhaj.com/manhaj/articles/wvnjp-takfir-and-the-excuse-of-ignorance-shaykh-abd-al-aziz-bin-baz.cfm
http://www.manhaj.com/manhaj/articles/obkwf-takfir-and-the-excuse-of-ignorance-shaykh-saalih-al-fawzaan.cfm
http://www.manhaj.com/manhaj/articles/dkhtd-takfir-and-the-excuse-of-ignorance-shaykh-saalih-al-fawzaan-2.cfm
http://www.manhaj.com/manhaj/articles/gzrsz-takfir-and-the-excuse-of-ignorance-shaykh-saalih-al-fawzaan-3—takfir-of-the-raafidah.cfm
http://www.manhaj.com/manhaj/articles/illhh-takfir-and-the-excuse-of-ignorance-shaykh-saalih-al-fawzaan-4—takfir-of-the-raafidah.cfm
http://www.manhaj.com/manhaj/articles/uufmf-takfir-and-the-excuse-of-ignorance-shaykh-saalih-al-fawzaan-5.cfm
http://www.manhaj.com/manhaj/articles/uncnb-takfir-and-the-excuse-of-ignorance-shaykh-abd-al-muhsin-al-abbaad.cfm
http://www.manhaj.com/manhaj/articles/ecksy-takfir-and-the-excuse-of-ignorance-shaykh-rabee-bin-haadee.cfm
This is the greatest affair regarding which the Messenger opposed them [i.e. the idol worshippers], then he propagated sincerity [i.e. that all these acts of worship must be carried out for Allaah alone], informed them that this is the religion ordained by Allaah, that Allaah does not accept other than this from anyone and that the one who does what he deems to be good (i.e. carries out acts of worship by seeking the intercession of the righteous people through vows, invocation etc), then Allaah will forbid him from paradise and his final abode will be hellfire. This affair [i.e. sincerity – by directing all acts of worship to Allaah alone] is the religion in its entirety and due to it the people split into Muslims and disbelievers and enmity occured, and due to it Jihaad was legislated. Allaah [The Exalted] said: [وَقَـٰتِلُوهُمۡ حَتَّىٰ لَا تَكُونَ فِتۡنَةٌ۬ وَيَڪُونَ ٱلدِّينُ ڪُلُّهُ – And fight them until there is no more Fitnah (disbelief and polytheism: i.e. worshipping others besides Allah) and the religion (worship) will all be for Allah Alone]. [Surah Al-Anfaal. Aayah 39] [End of quote from Ghaayah Al-Amaanee Fee Radd Alan-Nabahaanee 1/19-20]
Jihaad: Read here:
Removing Misconceptions About Jihad in Islam (Part 1): Ibn Al-Qayyim on the Prophet Muhammad’s Call, Jihad and Compulsion in the Religion
http://www.shariah.ws/articles/fhahbmu-removing-misconceptions-about-jihad-in-islam-part-1.cfm
The Islamic Shariah on the Foundation of Muslim Relations With Non-Muslims Who Do Not Show Aggression and Hostility
http://www.shariah.ws/articles/szsumlh-the-foundation-of-muslim-relations-with-non-muslims-who-do-not-show-aggression-and-hostility.cfm
Shaykh Salih Al-Fawzan: The Islamic Shariah Provides Security for Muslims and Non-Muslims and Those Who Violate It Are Kharijites Who Are to Be Fought and Severely Punished
http://www.shariah.ws/articles/duviqgl-shaykh-salih-al-fawzan-the-islamic-shariah-provides-security–for-muslims-and-non-muslims-and-those-who-violate-it-are-kh257rijites-who-are-to-be-fought-and-severely-punished.cfm
Salafi Hadith Scholar Ahmad Shakir’s Thunderous Lightning Bolts Upon the Kharijite Terrorists Al-Ikhwan, Al-Qaidah and ISIS
http://www.shariah.ws/articles/xpsxcjq-salafi-hadith-scholar-ahmad-shakirs-thunderous-lightning-bolts-upon-al-ikhwan.cfm
It is well known that the extremists (amongst the grave worshippers) have a fair share from the traits of their predecessors [i.e. the grave worshippers amongst the jews, the Christians and the idol worshippers] and it is something witnessed. [Ghaayah Al-Amaanee Fee Radd Alan Nabahaanee 1/19-20]
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
It is widespread amongst some people that Istikhaarah and seeking the best outcome in an affair is that one goes to the astrologers and soothsayers. This is in opposition to what is found in the Islamic legislation; rather Istikhaarah and seeking the best outcome in an affair is that one performs two optional Rak’ats and then supplicate with the legislated supplication. Jaabir Bin Abdillaah [may Allaah be pleased with him and his father] said, ”Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] used to teach us the way of doing Istikhaarah (i.e. the means to ask Allah to guide one to the right action concerning any job or a deed) in all matters as he taught us the Suras of the Qur’an. He said, ‘If anyone of you wants to do any task [i.e. wants to decide on a matter], he should offer a two rak`ats other than the compulsory ones and say (after the prayer):
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْتَخِيرُكَ بِعِلْمِكَ وَأَسْتَقْدِرُكَ بِقُدْرَتِكَ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ الْعَظِيمِ، فَإِنَّكَ تَقْدِرُ وَلاَ أَقْدِرُ وَتَعْلَمُ وَلاَ أَعْلَمُ وَأَنْتَ عَلاَّمُ الْغُيُوبِ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الأَمْرَ خَيْرٌ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي ـ أَوْ قَالَ عَاجِلِ أَمْرِي وَآجِلِهِ ـ فَاقْدُرْهُ لِي وَيَسِّرْهُ لِي ثُمَّ بَارِكْ لِي فِيهِ، وَإِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الأَمْرَ شَرٌّ لِي فِي دِينِي وَمَعَاشِي وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِي ـ أَوْ قَالَ فِي عَاجِلِ أَمْرِي وَآجِلِهِ ـ فَاصْرِفْهُ عَنِّي وَاصْرِفْنِي عَنْهُ، وَاقْدُرْ لِي الْخَيْرَ حَيْثُ كَانَ ثُمَّ أَرْضِنِي بِهِ ـ قَالَ ـ وَيُسَمِّي حَاجَتَهُ
O Allaah! I seek the counsel through Your Knowledge, and I seek Power from Your Might, and I ask for Your great blessings. You are capable and I am not. You know and I do not and You (alone) know the unseen. O Allah! If You know that this task (or affair) is good for my religion and my subsistence and in my Hereafter- (or said, ‘If it is better for my present and later needs), then You ordain it for me and make it easy for me to get, and then bless me in it. And if You know that this task (affair) is harmful to me in my religion and subsistence and in the Hereafter-(or said, ‘If it is worse for my present and later needs’), then keep it away from me and let me be away from it. And ordain for me whatever is good for me, and make me satisfied with it’. The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] added that then the person should mention his (or her) need [i.e. the affair or task]. [Bukhaari: 1162] [Ref 1]
Read here: Charms, Amulets and Talismans― Fortune-Tellers, Soothsayers and Astrologers in Light of the Quran and Sunnah:
https://www.abukhadeejah.com/charms-amulets-talismans-fortune-tellers-soothsayers-astrologers-quran-sunnah/
The Ruling on performing Istikhaarah for another person
Question to Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him]: Our sister asks, “Is it permissible for me to perform Istikhaarah for someone other than myself?”
Answer: I do not know of a proof regarding this; rather the Prophetic tradition has a narration that “If one of you wants to do any task [i.e. wants to decide on a matter], he should offer two rak`ats and then says, ”O Allaah…..[i.e. the supplication mentioned earlier – Bukhari 1162]. Therefore, what (is in conformity with) the Prophetic tradition is that the one who wants an affair and faces difficulty in making a decision is the one who performs the Istikhaarah. As for this person performing Istikhaarah for that person, I do not know of a basis for this (i.e. in the divine legislation); rather both a man and woman perform Istikhaarah individually and supplicate with the supplication. If one does not know the supplication that has been transmitted in the hadeeth, then one asks his Lord saying, [اللهم يسر لي الأصلح، اللهم اشرح صدري للأصلح الأحب إليك، لما فيه نفعي، لما فيه صلاحي – O Allaaah! Make easy for me the affair that is more upright (or carriers more wellbeing). O Allaah! Open my heart to that which is upright (or carries more wellbeing)- that which is more beloved to you, that which contains benefit for me and my wellbeing (uprightness)]. So, the person [i.e. the one who does not know the authentic supplication reported in the Prophetic tradition] supplicates with what is appropriate. [Ref 2]
[Ref 1: Al-Haqeeqatush Shar’iyyah Fee Tafseeril Qur’aanil Adheem Was-Sunnatin Nabawiyyah. Page 95]
[Ref2:https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/10634/%D8%AD%D9%83%D9%85-%D8%B5%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%AE%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%B9%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%BA%D9%8A%D8%B1. abridged and paraphrased]
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
In an article dated February 10th 2021, Heba Yosry stated that UN Women declared February 6th the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), a practice criminalized in several Muslim countries, with Egypt one of them. It recently increased the period of imprisonment for anyone guilty of doing this from 5-7 years, to 5-20 years. Dar al-Ifta the highest Islamic legislative body in Egypt, proclaims that FGM is forbidden under Islamic law because of the physical and mental damage that it causes. The punitive measures in place do little to deter some parents from subjecting their young daughters to this atrocious procedure. Too often we hear about girls who die due to a botched circumcision or from excessive bleeding. Many FGM victims who survive the attack on their genitalia, then endure the physical and emotional scars that can cripple their future mental, reproductive and sexual wellbeing. The detrimental physical and psychological effects of FGM are well documented and well communicated, but the question remains: Why is FGM still practiced? The answer is the female body. FGM is a crude and abhorrent version of a chastity belt, applied with the misguided and malicious intent to keep a girl’s pureness. It guarantees the young woman will not lose her mind in moments of passion and act on her lust, and on this very basis the people who believe this are preposterous. The recent case of a grown married woman coerced by her husband to undergo a FGM procedure because he suffered from sexual dysfunction, and his unfounded suspicion of her infidelity shows his weakness; not hers. This is hardly an isolated incident. Husbands have ordered several wives to endure the humiliating and painful procedure. Iran jailed an academic partly because of his research on FGM. The female body doesn’t just scare people; it terrorizes governments too. Politicizing the female body is hardly new. Yet the underlying assumption is rarely questioned. Instead, the intention is explained away as conforming to an ancient practice. FGM rests within the perception that women are either inferior beings who are unable to control their libido or that they are gullible creatures who need guarded against the faceless seducer who will sully her honor. Both assumptions are founded upon the primordial conception that a girl’s body is an object belonging to another, whether a father or a husband. Girls, naturally, lack the ability to make their own decisions. Eradication of lust from the female body is essential because saving a girl or a woman from her innate desires is a man’s mission. Men are doing the right thing because as soon as a girl starts to show any signs of womanhood pruning her body protects the family honor. Utter nonsense. FGM isn’t merely an ugly practice that some Muslims aim to continuously repudiate in front of the Western world. FGM is a statement articulated on the feminine body, a stigma that she must carry her whole life to attest for her inaptitude as a human being, of her inferior status, of the pain she must endure simply because she was born a girl. FGM is a painful manifestation of gender inequality. As countries take steps to end the practice of FGM, through legislative measures that punish its perpetrators, they must address the foundational preconditions that allow this practice to thrive. Imagine this: A father takes a 12-year-old girl to a makeshift clinic, and assures her on their way that she will be alright, that the procedure won’t hurt as much as she thinks, and that this pain is necessary, and compensated with the congratulatory gifts that she will receive. She will be an adult. The girl continues to walk beside her father aided with the pride that she will now be a grown up, and the faith that her father will never do anything to hurt her. She enters the clinic, lies on the cold steel examining table, the nurse pulls up her dress and ties her legs so that she doesn’t kick to protect herself. Her father holds her arms to prevent her from moving. A man emerges holding a blade. He approaches the girl, spreads her legs. She screams. Let her screams be heard, and end the abomination that is, FGM. [End of quote]
Before presenting the knowledge-based research on this subject matter by Shaikh Abu Iyaad [may Allaah preserve him], we remind Heba Yosry that her above statement is a mixture of truth and falsehood, ignorance, ambiguity and emotion – devoid of detail and distinction. It would have been better for her to refrain from speaking about a subject matter whose complete truth and falsehood is not manifest to her, because indeed as the saying goes, ”Silence beautifies the scholar and conceals the ignorance of the ignorant one”. Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [may Allaah be pleased with him] said: ”It is obligated on you to give detail and make a distinction, because unrestricted and general (statements) without clarification has indeed corrupted this existence (i.e. the world), misguided the intellects and views in every era”. Al-Allaamah Saaleh Al-Fawzaan [may Allaah preserve him] said, ”There has to be detail explanation. The one who is not proficient in giving detail should keep quiet, because benefit is not acquired from his speech. And every time error occurs, its cause is due to an absence of detail explanation regarding truth and falsehood. There has to be detail explanation and distinction and not to mix up [affairs]. Indeed, it may be that there is something of truth and falsehood in an opponent’s statement, so all of it is neither deemed to be false nor truth; rather there has to be a distinction between its truth and falsehood. All of it is neither rejected nor accepted; rather a distinction is made regarding the truth and what is correct and the falsehood and error in it. And if you are not proficient in giving detail, then you should not enter into this field”. [Ref 1]
We remind Heba Yosry to refrain from conjecture as Allaah [The Exalted] said: [إِن يَتَّبِعُونَ إِلَّا ٱلظَّنَّ وَمَا تَهۡوَى ٱلۡأَنفُسُۖ – They follow but a guess and that which they themselves desire].
There is a tremendous benefit derived from this above statement, because the one deprived of sound Eemaan and the sound creed sent down as revelation by Allaah- The Lord of the Aalameen, then his affair is one of two: Corruption in Knowledge or Corruption in his Intent– corruption in knowledge occurs as a result of following conjecture and corruption in one’s intent occurs as a result of following desires, or the person may combine both of them. Another benefit derived from this is that the rectification or well-being of a person cannot be attained except by way of two affairs: Upright (or sound) Knowledge and Upright (or sound) Intent. This is why Imaam Ibnul Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy upon him) said in Miftaah Daarus Sa’aadah that a person is in need of two things: ‘(Sound) Knowledge by way of which he is (rightly) guided and lofty aspiration by way of which he is urged towards that (sound aspiration)’, because it maybe that a person has beneficial knowledge but not (sound) intent and aspiration. Therefore, one cannot be upright except by way of upright knowledge and intent. Sound knowledge is corrupted through following conjecture and sound intent is corrupted through following the desires of one’s soul.
Allaah [The Exalted] stated about the Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam]: [مَا ضَلَّ صَاحِبُكُمۡ وَمَا غَوَىٰ-Your companion (Muhammad) has neither gone astray nor has erred]. That is because the Daal (misguided person) is one whose knowledge is corrupted and the Ghaawiy (astray one) is the one whose intent is corrupted. Also, 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 ‘Raashideen and Mahdiyyeen’, 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 yeilds obediently to it] is the opposite of the Daalun [the misguided one, especially in knowledge and creed]. [Ref 2]
Finally, here is a detail discussion on this subject matter – free from falsehood, emotions and exaggeration. http://www.aboutatheism.net/articles/kflqsjb-on-female-genital-mutilation-culture-and-islam-a-refutation-of-ayaan-hirsi-ali.cfm FGM
May Allaah guide this woman to utter truth, rather than uttering a mixture of truth and falsehood due to ignorance and desiring to please the militant secularists Aameen.
[Ref 1: An Excerpt from At-Ta-leeqaat Al-Mukhtasar Alaa Al-Qaseedah an-Nooniyyah: Vol: 1 page: 216. By Shaikh Saaleh Al-Fawzaan (hafidhahullaah). Slightly paraphrased]
[Ref 2: An Excerpt from Sharh Kitaab At-Tawheed. Lesson 4. By Shaikh Abdur Razzaaq Al-Badr. Slightly paraphrased]
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 Banee Aadam’s misguidance is as a result of ‘General Terms’ and ‘Ambiguous Meanings’ [i.e. terms & 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 (evil) 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. [Ref 1]
One of the general fundamental principles (in Islaam) is to know that words (or terms) 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 (or terms) affirmed by Allaah is truth and the ones Allaah negated are (negated) in truth, for indeed Allaah speaks the truth and guides to the straight path. The words (or terms) of the Sharee’ah are sanctified and it is from perfection in knowledge that one seeks after the (sound meanings) which the Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasalam] intended by them, in order to affirm what he affirmed and negate the meanings he negated; for 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 (or terms) that are neither found in the Qur’an and (authentic) Sunnah, nor did the 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 them or affirms them until its intended meaning is explained. So, if its intended meaning agrees with the [revelation, commands, prohibitions etc] conveyed by the Messenger, it is affirmed; but if its intended meaning is in opposition to the [revelation, commands, prohibitions etc] conveyed by the Messenger, it is rejected. [Ref 2]
The Kabah is Neither a Shrine Nor a Teemple
The Kabah is neither a shrine nor a temple, rather Allaah called it Kabah, Baytul Ateeq and a Masjid. Why is it called Kabah? Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen [rahimahullaah] said that it is called Kabah because of its squared shape. Every building that is squared in shape and has four pillars is called kabah. [Ref 3] It is called Baytul Ateeq because it is very ancient, the best Masjid without exception. Freed from being captured by tyrants [Ref 4], [except during the end of time when it will be demolished by Dhul Suwayqatayn]. It is called Masjid Al-Haraam [i.e. the sacred Masjid (Ref 5)] and a Masjid is where none is to be invoked or prayed to besides Allaah. [Ref 6]
As for a temple, it is a religious building meant for worshipping or praying to a deity or deities [i.e. things people have initiated as deities besides Allaah- that have no power to harm or benefit, neither created anything nor can they raise the dead], such as Hindu temples are typically devoted to one specific god [i.e. amongst their numerous gods]. So, temples are places of worship for the followers of other religions – religions and creeds which Allaah has declared to be concocted, distorted or abrogated.
The sources of the Sound Islamic Creed can only be established through the Qur’aan and the (authentic) Sunnah. The creeds are two types – The creed revealed by Allaah and the creed initiated by the people. However, the sound and correct creed can only be from Allaah’s Wahi [the revelation sent down by Allaah in the Qur’aan and the authentic Sunnah]. Allaah [The Most High] informed us about Yoosuf [alayhis-salaam] 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: Ayah: 39-40]
Allaah (The Most High) said:
أَفَرَأَيْتُمُ اللَّاتَ وَالْعُزَّى (19) وَمَنَاةَ الثَّالِثَةَ الْأُخْرَى (20) أَلَكُمُ الذَّكَرُ وَلَهُ الْأُنْثَى (21) تِلْكَ إِذًا قِسْمَةٌ ضِيزَى (22) 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 (23)
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 Najm: 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: Ayah:21] [Ref 6.1]
Allaah [The Most High] said: [وَمَن يَبۡتَغِ غَيۡرَ ٱلۡإِسۡلَـٰمِ دِينً۬ا فَلَن يُقۡبَلَ مِنۡهُ وَهُوَ فِى ٱلۡأَخِرَةِ مِنَ ٱلۡخَـٰسِرِينَ – And whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers]. [Surah Aal Imraan. Aayah 85]
The Kabah is not a shrine
The late Mufti of Saudi Arabia Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: Shrines are graves and the Prophetic tradition regarding this affair is that graves are to be raised a hand span from the ground, so that they are recognize as graves and not degraded. This is why in the hadeeth of Sa’d Bin Abee Waqqaas [radiyallaahu-anhu] it is reported that the grave of the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] was raised a hand span and Sa’d also gave orders that the same should be done to his grave. As for building over them, taking them as Masaajid (mosques, places of worship) and building domes, this is not permissible. According to the people of knowledge, this is evil, innovation in religion and one of the means to Shirk. And due to this the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] stated in an authentic hadeeth: “The curse of Allaah is upon the Jews and Christians [i.e. those Jews who deviated from the pure message of Moosaa and those Christians who deviated from the pure message of the Messiah], because they took the graves of their Prophets as places of worship”. And in a hadeeth in Saheeh Muslim, the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] forbade that graves should be plastered (made into permanent structures), used as sitting places and building over them. Therefore, it is not permissible to build over graves – neither mosques nor domes, nor other than them, and also they are not to be plastered, because indeed this is one of the means to Shirk – one of the means, because it becomes exalted, invoked besides Allaah and help sought from it, and thus shirk occurs. Building over graves- placing domes, mosques and lamps over them are from the means to Shirk, and this is why the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] warned against it and cursed those who do so. It is obligated on the Muslims to be warned against this and that they do not build over a grave – neither a Masjid nor other than it, neither a dome nor plastered, neither place lamps on them nor shrouded. All this is not permissible, rather it is from the means to Shirk…. [Ref 7]
Where Was The Grave of The Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] Initially?
Shaikh Abdul Waahid Abu Khadeejah [hafidhahullaah] stated as follows:
https://www.abukhadeejah.com/decisive-proofs-against-the-sufis-who-take-graves-as-places-of-worship-the-condemnation-of-the-one-who-worships-allah-at-the-grave-of-a-righteous-man-so-how-much-worse-is-the-one-who-actually-worsh/
Ref 1: An Excerpt from ‘As-Sawaa’iq Al-Mursalah Alal Jahmiyyah Wal Mu’attilah’ – Vol 3. page 927. slightly paraphrased]
Ref 2: Mujam Al-Manaahee Lil-lafdhiyyah pages 10-17
Ref 3: https://binothaimeen.net/content/10706
Ref 4: See Tafseer As-Sadi. Surah Al-Hajj. Aayah 29 – the meaning of Baytul Ateeq
Ref 5: Surah Al-Baqarah Aayah 144
Ref 6: Tafseer As-Sadi. Surah Al-Jinn. Aayah 18
Ref 6.1: Madkhal Li-Diraasati Aqeedah Al-Islaamiyyah: lesson:2′ by Shaikh Abdur Razzaaq Al-Badr (may Allaah preserve him)]
Ref7: https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/16337/%D8%AD%D9%83%D9%85-%D8%A8%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%B6%D8%B1%D8%AD%D8%A9-%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%89-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%82%D8%A8%D9%88%D8%B1 paraphrased
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
The Manner In Which The Rulers Are to Be Advised
Iyaadh Ibn Ghanam [may Allaah be pleased with him] said that Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him], said, ”Whoever wants to advise the one in authority, then he should not do so openly; rather he should take him by the hand and advise him in private. If he accepts the advice, then that is good. If he does not accept it, then he has fulfilled his obligation. [Ref 1]
Supplication For The Rulers
Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him] was asked about the one who refrains from supplicating for the ruler, so he replied: ”This is from the ignorance and lack of foresight of this person, because indeed supplicating for the ruler is one of the greatest acts of worship and righteous deeds. It is one of the acts of sincerity to the Allaah and sincerely wanting good for Allaah’s servants. When Tufayl Ibn Amr Ad-Dawsi [may Allaah be pleased with him] came to the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] and said to him, ”Daws (a well-known tribe of disbelievers) are doomed, they have disobeyed and been stubborn. Pray to Allah against them”. He said, ”O Allaah! Guide Daws and bring them here”. [Bukhaari and Muslim] So, Allaah guided Daws and they became Muslims. Therefore, a believer supplicates for the people to be blessed with good and the ruler is more entitled to it, because his rectification is a means of rectification for the Muslim nation. Supplicating for him is one of the most important supplications – one of the most important acts of sincerity to Allaah and sincerely wanting good for the Muslims, so one supplicates for him to be guided to the truth and helped upon that path, that Allaah grants him righteous companions, keeps him away from the evils of his soul and the evils of the people he sits with. Therefore, supplicating for him to be guided, blessed with the ability to do good, blessed with a righteous heart, blessed with good deeds and righteous companions, is one of the most important things to ask for and one of the most virtuous acts of worship. It has been reported from Imaam Ahmad [may Allaah have mercy upon him] that he said, ‘If I knew that I have one supplication that would be accepted, I would make it for the ruler’, and he reported this from Al-Fudayl Ibn Iyaadh [may Allaah have mercy upon him]”’. [Ref 2]
Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “If you see something from the ruler that is in opposition to (the Qur’an and Sunnah), then supplicate to Allaah for him because their rectification is a means of rectification for the Muslim nation; but when we say, ‘O Allaah! Rectify the rulers and guide them’, we hear some of the foolish people saying, ‘O Allaah! Do not rectify them’. Glorified be Allaah, The Most Great! If Allaah does not rectify them, then that would be more evil for you, so supplicate for them to be guided and become righteous, and Allaah is able to do everything'”. [Ref 3]
Imaam Al-Bayhaqqi [rahimahullaah] said, “Abu Uthmaan (may Allaah have mercy upon him) said, ‘Advise the ruler and supplicate for him a lot to be upright, guided in speech and action, and in his judgments, because indeed if they are righteous, the people will be righteous due to their righteousness. And beware of supplicating against them to be cursed and they increase in evil, so calamity increases on the Muslims; rather supplicate for them to be granted the ability to repent so that they abandon evil and calamity is removed from the believers'”. [Ref 4]
Imaam Ibn Salaah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “The leaders of the Muslims deserve to be advised, aided upon truth and obeyed in that. They should be notified and reminded with gentle and kind speech, avoid rebelling against them and supplicate for them to be blessed with guidance and good deeds. [Ref 5]
Imaam An-Nawawi [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “The scholars hold a consensus that it is recommended to supplicate for the rulers and leaders of the Muslims during the Jumu’ah khutbah, that Allaah rectifies them, helps them to establish truth and justice, and what is similar to it, as well as supplicate for Muslim armies”. [Ref 6]
Shaikh Abdullaah Abaa Batayn [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “The good supplication for the ruler during the khutbah is that one supplicates that Allaah rectifies and guides him, rectifies the affairs through him, aid him against the kuffaar and the corrupt people, as opposed to what is found in some of the khutbahs of praise and lies; rather the ruler is to be supplicated for and not praised (in this manner), especially when praised with something he does not possess”. [Ref 7]
No Rebellion
Awf Bin Maalik [may Allaah be pleased with him] said, ”Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, ‘The best of your rulers are those whom you love and they love you, who supplicate for you and you supplicate for them. The worst of your rulers are those whom you hate and they hate you, whom you curse and they curse you’. It was said, ‘Shall we confront them with swords?’ He said, ‘No, as long as they establish prayer among you. If you find something hateful from them, you should hate their actions but not withold your hand from obedience”’. [Ref 8]
Umm Salamah [may Allaah be pleased with her] said that Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, ”There will be rulers from whom you will see both goodness and corruption. One who recognizes their evil and hates it will maintain his innocence, but one who is pleased with it and follows them will be sinful. It was said, ‘Shall we not fight them?’ He said, ”No, as long as they pray”’. [Ref 9]
The Evil of Protests
Question to Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi [hafidhahullaah]: Going out to demonstrations, [initiating] revolutions and nurturing the youth upon it; is this from the methodology of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa’ah or not, whether [carried] out within or outside the Muslim countries? Answer: This is the methodology of Marx (i.e. Carl Marx), Lenin (i.e. Vladimir Lenin) and those similar to them. It is not from the Islamic methodology. Revolutions, bloodshed, trials and troubles are Marx’s and Lenin’s school of thought. [Ref 10]
Al-Allaamah Zayd Bin Haadi Al-Madkhali [rahimahullaah] said: Protests [or demonstrations] are newly invented matters in the religion. Every newly invented matter in the religion is a bidah; every bidah is misguidance and every misguidance is in the hell fire [i.e. is a path leading to the hell fire]. Allaah’s legislation is perfect and complete-based on The Book and The Sunnah-and we do not know of anything by way of the evidences in the Book and the Sunnah that makes it permissible for a handful of people to gather for demonstrations, which causes disturbance for the people and time wasting. And greater than this [disturbance and time wasting] is abandonment of the prayers [during protests] and the loss of life [i.e. murder]. If one was to kill a Muslim in a single protest, the one [or those] who called to such protests will carry his sins-be it an individual, a group or those who participate. It has been reported in an authentic hadeeth: The termination of the world means less to Allah than the killing of a Muslim [i.e. without right].[a] These protests are nothing but bidah and acts of misguidance advocated by shaytaan; [enticed] by the urge of the evil soul and desires. And these enemies [i.e. shaytaan, the urge of the evil soul and desires] do not come together in any affair except that the religion and worldly affairs are destroyed, just as it is the case in these demonstrations [or protests].
The end result of protests [or demonstrations]: Carnage, destruction, wastage of wealth and time and terrorising those living in peace. And how many disadvantages are there in [that]! It is enough to be considered something sinister due to the fact that the Noble Messengers and the Great Prophets who were put to trial and harmed by their people did not hold protests [or demonstrations]. Neither did they engage in plotting to cause explosions nor committing suicide; rather Islaam has forbidden all of that.
Those who call to protests [or demonstrations] and hold that there is success in it, they are mistaken and they have missed the correct path. Rectification of the affairs can only be by way of the Book and The Sunnah in accordance with the understanding of those scholars who are firmly grounded in knowledge. So whoever calls the people to this chaos, then indeed he has brought about a means to corrupting the land and the slaves, and what has occurred – in the past and at present- is a witness to that.
Therefore, we warn the students of knowledge that they are not persuaded by the speech of those who allow protests [or demonstrations]. They say that peaceful demonstrations are permissible-as they categorise it into this categorisation- without proofs and concrete evidence from the Book and the Sunnah- neither from the actions of the Messenger and the Noble Sahaabah nor from the Notable Imaams; rather the verdict on protests [or demonstrations] is only what has been stated earlier and as well as what has been written by other than myself [i.e. protests (or demonstrations) are not permissible] [Ref 11]
The Importance of Safety And Security In a Country
Security is a great blessing without which a person is not able to live a productive, fruitful and happy life. And due to this, Allaah bestowed [His Blessings] upon Makkah by making it and the Masjid Al-Haraam a safe and sacred place. Allaah [The Most High] said:
وَإِذْ جَعَلْنَا الْبَيْتَ مَثَابَةً لِّلنَّاسِ وَأَمْنًا وَاتَّخِذُوا مِن مَّقَامِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ مُصَلًّى ۖ وَعَهِدْنَا إِلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَإِسْمَاعِيلَ أَن طَهِّرَا بَيْتِيَ لِلطَّائِفِينَ وَالْعَاكِفِينَ وَالرُّكَّعِ السُّجُودِ
And [remember] when We made the House (the Ka’bah at Makkah) a place of resort for mankind and a place of safety. And take you (people) the Maqam (place) of Ibrahim (Abraham) [or the stone on which Ibrahim (Abraham) stood while he was building the Ka’bah] as a place of prayer (for some of your prayers, e.g. two Rak’at after the Tawaf of the Ka’bah at Makkah), and We commanded Ibrahim (Abraham) and Isma’il (Ishmael) that they should purify My House (the Ka’bah at Makkah) for those who are circumambulating it, or staying (I’tikaf), or bowing or prostrating themselves (there, in prayer). [2:125]
Allaah [The Most High] said: [ فِيهِ آيَاتٌ بَيِّنَاتٌ مَّقَامُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ ۖ وَمَن دَخَلَهُ كَانَ آمِنًا ۗ وَلِلَّهِ عَلَى النَّاسِ حِجُّ الْبَيْتِ مَنِ اسْتَطَاعَ إِلَيْهِ سَبِيلًا ۚ وَمَن كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ غَنِيٌّ عَنِ الْعَالَمِينَ – In it are manifest signs (for example), the Maqam (place) of Ibrahim (Abraham); whosoever enters it, he attains security. And Hajj(pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Ka’bah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, those who can afford the expenses (for one’s conveyance, provision and residence); and whoever disbelieves [i.e. denies Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah), then he is a disbeliever of Allah], then Allah stands not in need of any of the ‘Alamin (mankind and jinns)]. [3:97]
Allaah [The Most High] said:
وَقَالُوا إِن نَّتَّبِعِ الْهُدَىٰ مَعَكَ نُتَخَطَّفْ مِنْ أَرْضِنَا ۚ أَوَلَمْ نُمَكِّن لَّهُمْ حَرَمًا آمِنًا يُجْبَىٰ إِلَيْهِ ثَمَرَاتُ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ رِّزْقًا مِّن لَّدُنَّا وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَهُمْ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ
And they say: “If we follow the guidance with you, we would be snatched away from our land.” Have We not established for them a secure sanctuary (Makkah), to which are brought fruits of all kinds, a provision from Ourselves, but most of them know not. [28:57]
Allaah [The Most High] said: [ أَوَلَمْ يَرَوْا أَنَّا جَعَلْنَا حَرَمًا آمِنًا وَيُتَخَطَّفُ النَّاسُ مِنْ حَوْلِهِمْ ۚ أَفَبِالْبَاطِلِ يُؤْمِنُونَ وَبِنِعْمَةِ اللَّهِ يَكْفُرُونَ – Have they not seen that We have made (Makkah) a sanctuary secure, and that men are being snatched away from all around them? Then do they believe in Batil (falsehood – polytheism, idols and all deities other than Allah), and deny (become ingrate for) the Graces of Allah?] [29:67]
Allaah [ The Most High] said:
لِإِيلَافِ قُرَيْشٍ
إِيلَافِهِمْ رِحْلَةَ الشِّتَاءِ وَالصَّيْفِ
فَلْيَعْبُدُوا رَبَّ هَٰذَا الْبَيْتِ
الَّذِي أَطْعَمَهُم مِّن جُوعٍ وَآمَنَهُم مِّنْ خَوْفٍ
(It is a great Grace and Protection from Allah), for the taming of the Quraish; (And with all those Allah’s Grace and Protections for their taming, We cause) the (Quraish) caravans to set forth safe in winter (to the south), and in summer (to the north without any fear). So let them worship (Allah) the Lord of this House (the Ka’bah in Makkah). (He) Who has fed them against hunger, and has made them safe from fear. [106:1-4]
Whoever has physical well-being and security in the lands, then [indeed] he has obtained all the [beneficial] worldly endowments. Salamah Bin Ubaidullaah Ibn Mihsan Al-Khatmiy narrated from his father that the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said: “Whoever among you wakes up [in the morning] safe in his property, healthy in his body and has his daily nourishment, it is as if he has been granted the entire world”. [Reported by Tirmidhee in Kitaab Az-Zuhud; Chapter: At-Tawakkul Alal-laah, Hadeeth Number 3346 and declared Hasan by Imaam Albaani in As-Saheehah, number 2318]
When our upright leader Ibraaheem [alayhis salaatu wassalaam] settled some of his offspring at this valley [i.e. Makkah], the first of his supplications was that which Allaah stated: [وَإِذْ قَالَ إِبْرَاهِيمُ رَبِّ اجْعَلْ هَٰذَا بَلَدًا آمِنًا وَارْزُقْ أَهْلَهُ مِنَ الثَّمَرَاتِ مَنْ آمَنَ مِنْهُم بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ ۖ قَالَ وَمَن كَفَرَ فَأُمَتِّعُهُ قَلِيلًا ثُمَّ أَضْطَرُّهُ إِلَىٰ عَذَابِ النَّارِ ۖ وَبِئْسَ الْمَصِيرُ – And (remember) when Ibrahim (Abraham) said, “My Lord, make this city (Makkah) a place of security and provide its people with fruits, such of them as believe in Allah and the Last Day.” He (Allah) answered: “As for him who disbelieves, I shall leave him in contentment for a while, then I shall compel him to the torment of the Fire, and worst indeed is that destination!].[2:126]
Prophet Ibraaheem [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] supplicated to his Lord that this valley [i.e. Makkah] should be a land of safety. Then after this valley became a land that yields – and he had [already] asked Allaah to make it safe- [Allaah said that Ibraaheem] said: [وَإِذْ قَالَ إِبْرَاهِيمُ رَبِّ اجْعَلْ هَٰذَا الْبَلَدَ آمِنًا وَاجْنُبْنِي وَبَنِيَّ أَن نَّعْبُدَ الْأَصْنَامَ – And (remember) when Ibrahim (Abraham) said: “O my Lord! Make this city (Makkah) one of peace and security, and keep me and my sons away from worshipping idols]. [14:35]
This emphasizes [the fact] that safety is an important affair needed by a person, otherwise Prophet Ibraaheem [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] would not have been eager to repeat his request to Allaah to make it a reality in this land. Look at the lands where a system that [guarantees] safety has been lost; you will find that the people are unable to pursue [affairs] of their daily lives- their schools and markets are shut and everyone stays in the houses. Those among them who have the ability would hasten to leave this land to go somewhere else; and if you ask one of them, you will find him saying that he is unable to live with his people and family in that place in which safety has been lost.
Security cannot be [established] properly except by way of two affairs: Implementation of Allaah’s Laws and obedience to the rulers. Indeed, the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] clarified this (affair) which is needed by a Muslim in his life. Irbaad Saariyah [may Allaah be pleased with him] said, “Allaah’s Messenger [peace abd blessings of Allaah be upon him] gave us an admonition after the morning prayer –an admonition that made our hearts fearful and our eyes tearful. So, a man said, ‘Indeed, is this a farewell sermon, so what do you advise us?’ He said, ‘I enjoin you to fear Allah and that you listen and obey, even if an Abyssinian slave [is made a ruler over you]; for indeed he among you who lives long enough will see many differences. So, beware of newly invented matters [in the religion] because indeed it is misguidance. And whoever among you witnesses that, then it is obligated on him to adhere to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly guided Caliphs [i.e. AbuBakr, Umar, Uthmaan and Ali], adhere to it with your molar teeth’”. [Reported by Ahmad 3/126]
Indeed, this hadeeth establishes the foundations of security in Islaam and they are: Firstly: Taqwallaah [Fear of Allaah (The Most High)] based on its complete and comprehensive meaning. Secondly: Obedience to the rulers [in what is good]. Fear of Allaah rectifies a Muslim’s relationship with Allaah, his neighbours and everything around him; and in the absence of Allaah’s Sharee’ah, destruction and depravity will occur. Indeed, Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] warned the one who abandons His Sharee’ah and is disobedient to His Messenger. [Allaah said]:
وَضَرَبَ اللَّهُ مَثَلًا قَرْيَةً كَانَتْ آمِنَةً مُّطْمَئِنَّةً يَأْتِيهَا رِزْقُهَا رَغَدًا مِّن كُلِّ مَكَانٍ فَكَفَرَتْ بِأَنْعُمِ اللَّهِ فَأَذَاقَهَا اللَّهُ لِبَاسَ الْجُوعِ وَالْخَوْفِ بِمَا كَانُوا يَصْنَعُونَ
And Allah puts forward the example of a township (Makkah), that dwelt secure and well content; its provision coming to it in abundance from every place, but it (its people) denied the Favours of Allah (with ungratefulness). So Allah made it taste the extreme of hunger (famine) and fear, because of that (evil, i.e. denying Prophet Muhammad) which they (its people) used to do. [16:112]
By listening to the rulers and obeying them [in good], all the affairs of the person’s life in his society will be a state of normality. Listening to the rulers and obeying them [in good] is included in the subject matter of Taqwa [fear of Allaah]. Al-Hasan Al-Basri [rahimahullaah] used to say, “Indeed, Al-Hajjaaj is the punishment of Allaah; so do not repel the punishment of Allaah with your own hands. Rather you must submit and show humility because Allaah] The Most High] said: [وَلَقَدْ أَخَذْنَاهُم بِالْعَذَابِ فَمَا اسْتَكَانُوا لِرَبِّهِمْ وَمَا يَتَضَرَّعُونَ – And Indeed We seized them with punishment, but they humbled not themselves to their Lord, nor did they invoke (Allaah) with submission to Him]”. [23:76]
Talq Bin Habeeb (rahimahullaah) used to say: Guard against fitna through Taqwa; so, it was said to him, “Summarize (the meaning) of Taqwa for us.’’ He said, ‘’It is act in obedience to Allah, with a light from Allah (i.e. Eemaan) and hoping for Allaah’s Mercy. And that you abandon disobedience to Allah with a light from Allah and fearing the punishment of Allah. [Reported by Ibn Abee Shaybah 11/33 and Ibnul Mubaarak in Az-Zuhd 473]
So, you find a person who knows what security is and his understanding regarding it increases due to fear of Allaah, and he is eager to obey the rulers [in good]; but when he falls short [in Taqwa], his perception of security becomes deficient. When Taqwa is actualised, he will receive the promise Allaah has mentioned [in Surah An-Noor]. Allaah said:
وَعَدَ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مِنكُمْ وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ لَيَسْتَخْلِفَنَّهُمْ فِي الْأَرْضِ كَمَا اسْتَخْلَفَ الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ وَلَيُمَكِّنَنَّ لَهُمْ دِينَهُمُ الَّذِي ارْتَضَىٰ لَهُمْ وَلَيُبَدِّلَنَّهُم مِّن بَعْدِ خَوْفِهِمْ أَمْنًا ۚ يَعْبُدُونَنِي لَا يُشْرِكُونَ بِي شَيْئًا ۚ وَمَن كَفَرَ بَعْدَ ذَٰلِكَ فَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْفَاسِقُونَ
Allah has promised those among you who believe, and do righteous good deeds, that He will certainly grant them succession to (the present rulers) in the earth, as He granted it to those before them, and that He will grant them the authority to practice their religion, that which He has chosen for them (i.e. Islam). And He will surely give them in exchange a safe security after their fear (provided) they (believers) worship Me and do not associate anything (in worship) with Me. But whoever disbelieved after this, they are the Fasiqun (rebellious, disobedient to Allah). [24:55]
Indeed, it is known that the religion cannot [be established] without a main body of Muslims and there cannot be a main body of Muslims without a leader, and there cannot be a leader except through listening to him and obeying [him in what is good]. An absence of obedience to the ruler and putting oneself before him is one of the greatest causes of corrupting the land and the people, and turning away from the path of guidance and uprightness. Al Hasan Al Basri [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: By Allaah! The religion cannot be established except by way of rulers even if they commit tyranny and oppression- due to the many affairs that Allaah rectifies through them more than what they corrupt.’’ http://www.abukhadeejah.com/the-tyranny-of-the-rulers-a-reason-for-rebellion/
Ibn Rajab [rahimahullaah] said: ‘’There is [good and great advantage] in the worldly life when rulers are obeyed. And by way of it [i.e. obedience to the rulers], the beneficial affairs related to the livelihood of the people are established and they utilise them as an aid through which they manifest their religion and obey their Lord.’’ http://www.abukhadeejah.com/the-tyranny-of-the-rulers-a-reason-for-rebellion/
Disobedience to the rulers and putting oneself before them through fighting or other than that [is tantamount] to disobeying Allaah and His Messenger, and an opposition to that which Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa’ah were upon – the pious predecessors. Preservation of security [in the land] leads to brotherhood and mutual alliance between the Muslims. Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] 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]. [49:10]
Allaah [The Most High] said:
وَالْمُؤْمِنُونَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتُ بَعْضُهُمْ أَوْلِيَاءُ بَعْضٍ ۚ يَأْمُرُونَ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَيَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنكَرِ وَيُقِيمُونَ الصَّلَاةَ وَيُؤْتُونَ الزَّكَاةَ وَيُطِيعُونَ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ ۚ أُولَٰئِكَ سَيَرْحَمُهُمُ اللَّهُ ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ
The believers, men and women, are Auliya’ (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another, they enjoin (on the people) Al-Ma’ruf, and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar; they perform As-Salat and give the Zakat, and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah will have His Mercy on them. Surely Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise. [9:71]
Eemaan is neither wishful thinking nor mere claims, rather it is what settles in the heart and actions testify to it. A person cannot be a true believer until he loves for his Muslim brother what he loves for himself and until he deals with the people in a manner he loves to be dealt with! It is well known that security is something sought after by everyone; therefore it is the responsibility of a Muslim that he is eager for the security of others in order that he can receive security and safety for himself.
[Also, preserving security in the land] necessitates the fulfilment of trusts, whereas bringing about a state of insecurity is tantamount to treachery. Allaah [The Most High] said:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تَخُونُوا اللَّهَ وَالرَّسُولَ وَتَخُونُوا أَمَانَاتِكُمْ وَأَنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ
وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّمَا أَمْوَالُكُمْ وَأَوْلَادُكُمْ فِتْنَةٌ وَأَنَّ اللَّهَ عِندَهُ أَجْرٌ عَظِيمٌ
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِن تَتَّقُوا اللَّهَ يَجْعَل لَّكُمْ فُرْقَانًا وَيُكَفِّرْ عَنكُمْ سَيِّئَاتِكُمْ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ۗ وَاللَّهُ ذُو الْفَضْلِ الْعَظِيمِ
O you who believe! Betray not Allah and His Messenger, nor betray knowingly your Amaanaat (things entrusted to you, and all the duties which Allah has ordained for you). And know that your possessions and your children are but a trial and that surely with Allah is a mighty reward. O you who believe! If you obey and fear Allah, He will grant you Furqan a criterion [(to judge between right and wrong), or (Makhraj, i.e. making a way for you to get out from every difficulty)], and will expiate for you your sins, and forgive you, and Allah is the Owner of the Great Bounty. [8: 27-29] [Ref 12]
[Ref 1: Musnad Aḥmad 14909]
[Ref 2: Majmoo Fataawaa 8/209]
[Ref 3: At-Ta’leeq Alaa As-Siyaasah Ash-Shar’iyyah page 452]
[Ref 4: Shu’ab Al-Eemaan 6/26]
[Ref 5: Siyaanatu Saheeh Muslim 244]
[Ref 6: Al-Majmoo 4/391]
[Ref 7: Durar As-Saniyyah 5/41]
[Ref 8: Muslim 1855]
[Ref 9: Muslim 1854]
[Ref 10: An excerpt from كشف الستار Page: 18]
[Ref 11: الأفنان وتوحيد ابن خزيمة وحديث عن المظاهرات4-4-1432هـ.]
[Ref 12: An Excerpt from ‘Silsilah Ar-Rasaa’il Al-Manhajiyyah Fin-Nus’hi Wal-Irshaad Wat-Taw’iyah’. Pages 7 – 27. slightly paraphrased]
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi Al-Madkhalee [may Allaah preserve him] said: If you are able to exercise patience and seek knowledge, then exercise patience- meaning, study before getting married, just as Umar [radiyallaahu-anhu] said that “Some people might be prevented from [seeking] knowledge due to marriage’’. So, when he gets married, he abandons seeking knowledge and becomes relaxed, and tires himself [i.e. it becomes difficult for him to combine family responsibilities and seeking knowledge at the same time]. But if he has the ability to combine the Maslahatayn [i.e. the benefits of marriage and seeking knowledge], then that is good, [as long as] he does not consider himself as one who will commit wicked deeds and fornicate; [for] if this is the case, then -by Allaah- it becomes more obligatory on him to get married to protect himself and guard his chastity. http://www.rabee.net/ar/questions.php?cat=51&id=623 paraphrased. Your feedback is welcome to improve the content of this article Baarakallaahu Feekum
Why Was Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullaah) Unmarried throughout His Life? Al-Allaamah Saaleh Al-Fawzaan [hafidhahullaah] clarifies
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Ibraaheem [alayhis salaam] and His People
Allaah [The Exalted] said that Prophet Ibraaheem [alayhis salaam] said to his people:
وَڪَيۡفَ أَخَافُ مَآ أَشۡرَڪۡتُمۡ وَلَا تَخَافُونَ أَنَّكُمۡ أَشۡرَكۡتُم بِٱللَّهِ مَا لَمۡ يُنَزِّلۡ بِهِۦ عَلَيۡڪُمۡ سُلۡطَـٰنً۬اۚ فَأَىُّ ٱلۡفَرِيقَيۡنِ أَحَقُّ بِٱلۡأَمۡنِۖ إِن كُنتُمۡ تَعۡلَمُونَ
And how should I fear those whom you associate in worship with Allah (though they can neither benefit nor harm), while you fear not that you have joined in worship with Allah things for which He has not sent down to you any authority. (So) which of the two parties has more right to be in security? If you but know.” It is those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah and worship none but Him Alone) and confuse not their belief with Zulm (wrong i.e. by worshipping others besides Allah), for them (only) there is security and they are the guided. [Surah Al-An’aam. Aayaat 81-82]
Meaning: How can this be justified by way of sound intellect or to the one with sound understanding that one fears what you ascribe as partners to Allaah, even though neither can it benefit nor harm, but you do not fear that you have ascribed things as partners to Allaah for which Allaah has neither sent down any proof nor legislated it?!
The person who sets up a deity that has not created anything as a partner to Allaah, [(The Lord and owner of everything, the owner of all the means and causes of harm and benefit); rather such a deity is created, neither can it benefit nor harm itself and those who worship it, neither can it give life nor death, nor raise the dead], prostates to it, humbles himself to it and devoted to it, then this person is more worthy of fearing (evil consequences and destruction) than the one who has not ascribed another deity as a partner to Allaah, but rather he declares that Allaah is one – the only true deity, the one with absolute Lordship, the only one who possesses perfect greatness and authority, the only deity that deserves to be loved, feared and direct one’s hope to. [Ref 1]
[وَڪَيۡفَ أَخَافُ مَآ أَشۡرَڪۡتُمۡ – Why should I fear that which you ascribe as partners to [Allaah]? – Meaning, when its state is that of inability and cannot benefit;[وَلَا تَخَافُونَ أَنَّكُمۡ أَشۡرَكۡتُم بِٱللَّهِ مَا لَمۡ يُنَزِّلۡ بِهِۦ عَلَيۡڪُمۡ سُلۡطَـٰنً۬اۚ – whilst you do not fear ascribing partners to Allah for which He has not sent down to you any authority], meaning, you do so solely due to following desires! [فَأَىُّ ٱلۡفَرِيقَيۡنِ أَحَقُّ بِٱلۡأَمۡنِۖ إِن كُنتُمۡ تَعۡلَمُونَ – (So) which of the two parties has more right to be in security? If you but know?]
Then differentiated the two parties and stated: [ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَلَمۡ يَلۡبِسُوٓاْ إِيمَـٰنَهُم بِظُلۡمٍ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ لَهُمُ ٱلۡأَمۡنُ وَهُم مُّهۡتَدُونَ – It is those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah and worship none but Him Alone) and confuse not their belief with Zulm (wrong i.e. by worshipping others besides Allah), for them (only) there is security and they are the guided] -Meaning, safe from fear, punishment and misery, and they will be guided to the straight path. [Ref 2]
People of Hud [alayhis salaam] Trying to Scare Him With Their Idols
Allaah [The Most High] said:
وَإِلَىٰ عَادٍ أَخَاهُمۡ هُودً۬اۚ قَالَ يَـٰقَوۡمِ ٱعۡبُدُواْ ٱللَّهَ مَا لَڪُم مِّنۡ إِلَـٰهٍ غَيۡرُهُ ۥۤۖ إِنۡ أَنتُمۡ إِلَّا مُفۡتَرُونَ (٥٠) يَـٰقَوۡمِ لَآ أَسۡـَٔلُكُمۡ عَلَيۡهِ أَجۡرًاۖ إِنۡ أَجۡرِىَ إِلَّا عَلَى ٱلَّذِى فَطَرَنِىٓۚ أَفَلَا تَعۡقِلُونَ (٥١) وَيَـٰقَوۡمِ ٱسۡتَغۡفِرُواْ رَبَّكُمۡ ثُمَّ تُوبُوٓاْ إِلَيۡهِ يُرۡسِلِ ٱلسَّمَآءَ عَلَيۡڪُم مِّدۡرَارً۬ا وَيَزِدۡڪُمۡ قُوَّةً إِلَىٰ قُوَّتِكُمۡ وَلَا تَتَوَلَّوۡاْ مُجۡرِمِينَ (٥٢) قَالُواْ يَـٰهُودُ مَا جِئۡتَنَا بِبَيِّنَةٍ۬ وَمَا نَحۡنُ بِتَارِكِىٓ ءَالِهَتِنَا عَن قَوۡلِكَ وَمَا نَحۡنُ لَكَ بِمُؤۡمِنِينَ (٥٣) إِن نَّقُولُ إِلَّا ٱعۡتَرَٮٰكَ بَعۡضُ ءَالِهَتِنَا بِسُوٓءٍ۬ۗ قَالَ إِنِّىٓ أُشۡہِدُ ٱللَّهَ وَٱشۡہَدُوٓاْ أَنِّى بَرِىٓءٌ۬ مِّمَّا تُشۡرِكُونَ (٥٤) مِن دُونِهِۦۖ فَكِيدُونِى جَمِيعً۬ا ثُمَّ لَا تُنظِرُونِ (٥٥) إِنِّى تَوَكَّلۡتُ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ رَبِّى وَرَبِّكُمۚ مَّا مِن دَآبَّةٍ إِلَّا هُوَ ءَاخِذُۢ بِنَاصِيَتِہَآۚ إِنَّ رَبِّى عَلَىٰ صِرَٲطٍ۬ مُّسۡتَقِيمٍ۬ (٥٦) فَإِن تَوَلَّوۡاْ فَقَدۡ أَبۡلَغۡتُكُم مَّآ أُرۡسِلۡتُ بِهِۦۤ إِلَيۡكُمۡۚ وَيَسۡتَخۡلِفُ رَبِّى قَوۡمًا غَيۡرَكُمۡ وَلَا تَضُرُّونَهُ ۥ شَيۡـًٔاۚ إِنَّ رَبِّى عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىۡءٍ حَفِيظٌ۬ (٥٧) وَلَمَّا جَآءَ أَمۡرُنَا نَجَّيۡنَا هُودً۬ا وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ مَعَهُ ۥ بِرَحۡمَةٍ۬ مِّنَّا وَنَجَّيۡنَـٰهُم مِّنۡ عَذَابٍ غَلِيظٍ۬ (٥٨) وَتِلۡكَ عَادٌ۬ۖ جَحَدُواْ بِـَٔايَـٰتِ رَبِّہِمۡ وَعَصَوۡاْ رُسُلَهُ ۥ وَٱتَّبَعُوٓاْ أَمۡرَ كُلِّ جَبَّارٍ عَنِيدٍ۬ (٥٩) وَأُتۡبِعُواْ فِى هَـٰذِهِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا لَعۡنَةً۬ وَيَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِۗ أَلَآ إِنَّ عَادً۬ا كَفَرُواْ رَبَّہُمۡۗ أَلَا بُعۡدً۬ا لِّعَادٍ۬ قَوۡمِ هُودٍ۬ (٦٠)
And to ‘Ad (people We sent) their brother Hud. He said, “O my people! Worship Allah! You have no other Ilah (God) but Him. Certainly, you do nothing but invent (lies)! “O my people I ask of you no reward for it (the Message). My reward is only from Him, Who created me. Will you not then understand? “And O my people! Ask forgiveness of your Lord and then repent to Him, He will send you (from the sky) abundant rain, and add strength to your strength, so do not turn away as criminals”. They said: “O Hud! No evidence have you brought us, and we shall not leave our gods for your (mere) saying! And we are not believers in you. “All that we say is that some of our gods (false deities) have seized you with evil (madness).” He said: “I call Allah to witness and bear you witness that I am free from that which you ascribe as partners in worship – with Him (Allah). So plot against me, all of you, and give me no respite. “I put my trust in Allah, my Lord and your Lord! There is not a moving (living) creature but He has grasp of its forelock. Verily, my Lord is on the Straight Path (the truth). “So if you turn away, still I have conveyed the Message with which I was sent to you. My Lord will make another people succeed you, and you will not harm Him in the least. Surely, my Lord is Guardian over all things.” And when Our Commandment came, We saved Hud and those who believed with him by a Mercy from Us, and We saved them from a severe torment. Such were ‘Ad (people). They rejected the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of their Lord and disobeyed His Messengers, and followed the command of every proud obstinate (oppressor of the truth, from their leaders). And they were pursued by a curse in this world and (so they will be) on the Day of Resurrection. No doubt! Verily, ‘Ad disbelieved in their Lord. So away with ‘Ad, the people of Hud. [Surah Hud. Aayaat 50-60]
Allaah [The Exalted] said that they said to Hud [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him]: [إِن نَّقُولُ إِلَّا ٱعۡتَرَٮٰكَ بَعۡضُ ءَالِهَتِنَا بِسُوٓءٍ۬ – All that we say is that some of our gods (false deities) have seized you with evil (madness)]- Meaning, “Our gods have afflicted you with dementia and insanity, therefore you have started mumbling that which cannot be understood”. Glorified be Allaah Who placed a covering on the hearts of the wrongdoers! How could they consider the most truthful one amongst the people who brought the most truthful of truthful affairs to be at this level, which a sensible person would have been ashamed to narrate from them had it not been that Allaah informed us of it. This is why Hud [alayhis salaam] made it very clear to them that he was absolutely certain that neither can they nor their idols harm him, as Allaah stated that Hud [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said:
قَالَ إِنِّىٓ أُشۡہِدُ ٱللَّهَ وَٱشۡہَدُوٓاْ أَنِّى بَرِىٓءٌ۬ مِّمَّا تُشۡرِكُونَ
مِن دُونِهِۦۖ فَكِيدُونِى جَمِيعً۬ا ثُمَّ لَا تُنظِرُونِ
إِنِّى تَوَكَّلۡتُ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ رَبِّى وَرَبِّكُمۚ مَّا مِن دَآبَّةٍ إِلَّا هُوَ ءَاخِذُۢ بِنَاصِيَتِہَآۚ إِنَّ رَبِّى عَلَىٰ صِرَٲطٍ۬ مُّسۡتَقِيمٍ۬
“I call Allah to witness and bear you witness that I am free from that which you ascribe as partners in worship – with Him (Allah). So plot against me, all of you, and give me no respite. “I put my trust in Allah, my Lord and your Lord! There is not a moving (living) creature but He has grasp of its forelock. Verily, my Lord is on the Straight Path (the truth).
فَإِن تَوَلَّوۡاْ فَقَدۡ أَبۡلَغۡتُكُم مَّآ أُرۡسِلۡتُ بِهِۦۤ إِلَيۡكُمۡۚ وَيَسۡتَخۡلِفُ رَبِّى قَوۡمًا غَيۡرَكُمۡ وَلَا تَضُرُّونَهُ ۥ شَيۡـًٔاۚ إِنَّ رَبِّى عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىۡءٍ حَفِيظٌ۬
وَلَمَّا جَآءَ أَمۡرُنَا نَجَّيۡنَا هُودً۬ا وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ مَعَهُ ۥ بِرَحۡمَةٍ۬ مِّنَّا وَنَجَّيۡنَـٰهُم مِّنۡ عَذَابٍ غَلِيظٍ۬
وَتِلۡكَ عَادٌ۬ۖ جَحَدُواْ بِـَٔايَـٰتِ رَبِّہِمۡ وَعَصَوۡاْ رُسُلَهُ ۥ وَٱتَّبَعُوٓاْ أَمۡرَ كُلِّ جَبَّارٍ عَنِيدٍ۬
وَأُتۡبِعُواْ فِى هَـٰذِهِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا لَعۡنَةً۬ وَيَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِۗ أَلَآ إِنَّ عَادً۬ا كَفَرُواْ رَبَّہُمۡۗ أَلَا بُعۡدً۬ا لِّعَادٍ۬ قَوۡمِ هُودٍ۬
“So if you turn away, still I have conveyed the Message with which I was sent to you. My Lord will make another people succeed you, and you will not harm Him in the least. Surely, my Lord is Guardian over all things.” And when Our Commandment came, We saved Hud and those who believed with him by a Mercy from Us, and We saved them from a severe torment. Such were ‘Ad (people). They rejected the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of their Lord and disobeyed His Messengers, and followed the command of every proud obstinate (oppressor of the truth, from their leaders). And they were pursued by a curse in this world and (so they will be) on the Day of Resurrection. No doubt! Verily, ‘Ad disbelieved in their Lord. So away with ‘Ad, the people of Hud. [Ref 3]
[Ref 1: An Excerpt From Badaa’I at-Tafseer Al-Jaami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imaam Ibnul Qayyim. 1/352. Slightly paraphrased
[Ref 42 An Excerpt From Tafseer As-Sadi. Slightly paraphrased]
[Ref 53 An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi. Slightly paraphrased]