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Utilised all The Blessings to Sincerely Pursue Praiseworthy Religious And Worldly Goals! [Who Was This Noble King?!]

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

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

Allaah [The Most High] said:

إِنَّا مَكَّنَّا لَهُ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَآتَيْنَاهُ مِن كُلِّ شَيْءٍ سَبَبًا

فَأَتْبَعَ سَبَبًا

Verily, We established him (i.e. Dhul Qar’nayn) in the earth, and We gave him the means of everything. So he followed a way. [18:84-85]

Ali bin Abee Talhah reported from ibn Abbaas who said, ”[it is] knowledge.” Qataadah, Ibn Zaid, Ibn Jurayj and Dahhaak said, “[it is] knowledge which led him to what he wanted.” Ishaaq said, “[it is] knowledge that led him wherever he wanted to [reach or go].” Many of the Mufassiroon said that he [Dhul Qar’nayn] was given knowledge of everything that a person needs to aid himself.  So he followed a path through those means bestowed upon him to reach their [praiseworthy] goals. [Source:  An Excerpt from Badaa’i At-Tafseer Al-Jaami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imaam Ibnul Qayyim Al-Jawziyyah..2/165]

The Extremely Difficult Circumstances That Surrounded Yusuf [alayhis Salaam] When The Wife of The King Sought to Seduce Him!

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Imaam Sadi [rahimahullaah] said: Allaah has placed in man’s nature an inclination towards a woman, just like the inclination of a thirsty person towards water and that of a hungry person towards food.  And even though many people do exercise patience with regards to their [desire] for food and drink, but not with regards to their [desire] for women.  This is not blameworthy if it is in accordance with what is permissible, rather it is something praiseworthy.

Yusuf- at the time- was a young man and the sexual desire of a young man is much stronger. He was a bachelor, a slave of the king’s wife and was bought for a few dirhams.  And a slave has no control over his affairs. He was a stranger in the land and a stranger in a strange land can fulfil his [evil] desires, which he is not able to fulfil in his own land, in the presence of his family and those who know him well [i.e. because he feels ashamed]

The wife of the King was a woman of high status and beauty; so one these two [affairs] would urge a person to agree with her request. The wife of the king was accessible [i.e. she was willing to commit the evil act of zina]. She sought after Yusuf; she desired him and was infatuated with him. Yusuf was living in her house, under her authority and would have feared being harmed for refusing to obey her. Yusuf was safe from being exposed because she sought after him and locked the doors. She also appeared in her best adornment and said to Yusuf, ‘Come on O you!’ She also threatened Yusuf with imprisonment and belittlement. She sought the assistance of the rest of the women and Yusuf sought the assistance of Allaah against them. Despite all these difficult circumstances surrounding Yusuf (alayhis-salaam), he exercised patience and preferred obedience to his Lord.  He preferred the pleasure of Allaah and fear of Him.  His love of Allaah made him choose imprisonment over committing zina.  He said: [قَالَ رَبِّ السِّجْنُ أَحَبُّ إِلَيَّ مِمَّا يَدْعُونَنِي إِلَيْهِ  ] ‘He said: ‘O my Lord! Prison is dearer to me than that to which they invite me.’ [12:33]

So What Was The End Result? Yusuf was granted honour and authority in the land.  He was mentioned with good and beautiful praise.  This was his reward in this worldly life and his reward in the hereafter is Paradise.

[Source: An Excerpt from ‘Al-Asbaab Wal A’maal Allatee Yudaa-afu Bihaa Ath-Thawaab’ by Imaam Sadi (rahimahullaah) pages: 55-58]

Make Room For Others In The Gatherings And Sittings So That They Also Attain Their Goal, And Be a Person Who Benefit Others Through Excellent Manners, Humility, Knowledge etc

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allaah [The Most High] said: [يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِذَا قِيلَ لَكُمْ تَفَسَّحُوا فِي الْمَجَالِسِ فَافْسَحُوا يَفْسَحِ اللَّهُ لَكُمْ ۖ وَإِذَا قِيلَ انْشُزُوا فَانْشُزُوا يَرْفَعِ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مِنْكُمْ وَالَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْعِلْمَ دَرَجَاتٍ ۚ وَاللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرٌ- O you who believe! When you are told to make room in the assemblies, [spread out and] make room. Allah will give you [ample] room [from His Mercy]. And when you are told to rise up, rise up. Allah will exalt in degree those of you who believe, and those who have been granted knowledge. And Allah is Well-Acquainted with what you do. [58:11]

This is a practical code of behaviour commanded by Allaah to His believing slaves- that when they come together in one of their gatherings, some of them or some of those who have already arrived should make room [for others]; for indeed it is part of good etiquettes to make room for him [i.e. the other person] to reach his goal.  And this is not to harm the one who is [already] in the gathering in anyway; rather he enables his [Muslim] brother to reach his goal without him being harmed, and reward is given in accordance with a deed; for indeed whoever makes room, Allaah makes room for him, and whoever shows generosity to his brother, Allaah will show him generosity.

[وَإِذَا قِيلَ انْشُزُوا – And when you are told to rise up]- Meaning: To rise up and retire from your gathering for an [obligatory or important] need [i.e. prayer etc], then [فَانْشُزُوا – rise up] – Meaning: proceed towards the fulfilment of that beneficial affair, for indeed the fulfilment of the likes of these affairs is connected to knowledge and Eemaan. And Allaah [The Most High] will exalt in degree the people of knowledge and Eemaan in accordance with what He has portioned out for them from knowledge and Eemaan.

[وَاللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِير -And Allah is Well-Acquainted with what you do]- Meaning: Allaah [The Most High] rewards every performer of deeds in accordance with his [or her] deeds-if they are good, there will be good recompense, and if evil deeds, there will be an evil recompense. And in this Ayah [i.e. 58:11] is [a mention] of the virtue of knowledge, whose beautification and benefit is that one disciplines [himself or herself] with its etiquettes and act in accordance with what it necessitates. [An Excerpt from ‘Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan) by Imaam As-Sadi (rahimahullaah). slightly paraphrased]

Imaam Al-Bukhaari [rahimahullaah] said: “Chapter: Whoever sat at the farther end of a gathering. And whoever found a place amongst a gathering and took his seat there.”  Narrated Abu Waaqid Al-Laythi [radiyallaahu-anhu]: While Allaah’s Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] was sitting in the mosque with some people, three men came. Two of them came in front of Allaah’s Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] and the third went away.  The two kept on standing before Allaah’s Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] for a while and then one of them found a place in the circle and sat there while the other sat behind them [the gathering], and the third went away. When Allaah’s Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] finished his gathering, he said, ‘’Shall I tell you about these three persons? One of them betook himself to Allaah, so Allaah took him into His Grace and Mercy and accompanied him, the second felt shy, so Allaah was shy towards him [1]; while the third turned away, so Allaah turned away from him.” [2]

Imaam Abdul-Azeez Bin Baaz [rahimahullaah] said: In this [hadeeth] there are beneficial points: [a] Sometimes he [i.e. the Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam)] used to have sittings-sometimes in the Masjid and sometimes in the house. [b] It is recommended for the one who enters a masjid whilst there is a gathering that he joins it. [c] In this (hadeeth is evidence about) being eager to benefit (in knowledge); so he enters if he finds a space; but if not he (stays) at the back. [d] In this (hadeeth) there is a warning against turning away from knowledge. [3]

Imaam As-Sadi (rahimahullaah) stated:  When you sit with the people, make humility the sign by which you are recognized. Fear of Allaah should be your shield and giving advice to the servants of Allaah as your constant habit. Be eager to (make) every gathering in which you sit one of goodness- either research into affairs of knowledge or advice on religious matters; either directing (others) towards a general or a particular beneficial affair, or making a mention of the blessings of Allaah; either making a mention of the superior status of praiseworthy manners and good etiquettes or warning against that which is detrimental to the well-being of one’s religious or worldly (affairs). The least of this (i.e. your companionship and advice to those you sit with) is that the earnings from their occupations should be by way of permissible (means) and not what is forbidden.

Behave well towards the young, the old and your peers. Deal with each of them in a way they deserve and have respect for the one who deserves to be respected and honoured. Be eager to make your congregation relaxed by way of speech that is appropriate and good, even if that was in relation to the worldly (affairs).

The sensible and determined person achieves abundant goodness through the gatherings of the people and he becomes more beloved to them than all (beloved things). This is because he approaches the people with what they approve (i.e. good) and statements they desire, and the foundation in this is success in taking over control of all the affairs placed before them.

And these affairs (i.e. good advice and companionship) become more emphasized on a journey, because during a journey sitting together is prolonged and the travellers are in need of having someone who revives their hearts with good statements, the news of events and joke–if all of that is truth and not too much–and to assist them with the essential affairs of travel. And Allaah is the One Who grants all success. [Ref 4]

[1] Allaah (The Most High) was shy towards him in a way that befits Allaah’s Majesty. Imaam Muhammad ibn Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen (rahimahullaah) said: Allaah’s shyness is not similar to the shyness of the creation. (see Tafseer Soorah Al-Baqarah Ayah 26 by Shaikh Uthaymeen (rahimahullaah); [2] [Saheeh al-Bukhaari Vol 1. Hadeeth Number 66]; [3]Al-Hulalul Ibreeziyyah Min At-Ta’liqaat Al-Baaziyyah Alaa Saheeh Al-Bukhaari Vol 1: page 34. Footnote 2; [Ref 4: Noorul Basaa’ir Wal al-baab fee ahkaam al ‘Ibaadaat Wal Mu‘aamalaat Wal Huqooq Wal Aadaab’ pages 64-65]

The Prayer is Definitely a Barrier Against Evil Deeds, So What Goes Wrong When It Does Not Have That Effect On Us?! By Shaikh Uthaymeen [rahimahullaah]

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Shaikh Uthaymeen [rahimahullaah] said: If someone says, ‘’We perform the five daily prayers, and the optional prayers as much as Allaah wills for us, yet we do not find in our hearts that which forbids us from wicked and evil deeds, and Allaah did say: [إِنَّ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ تَنۡهَىٰ عَنِ ٱلۡفَحۡشَآءِ وَٱلۡمُنكَرِ‌ۗ – Verily, As-Salat (the prayer) prevents from Al-Fahsha’ (i.e. great sins of every kind) and Munkar (every kind of evil wicked deed, etc.)] [Surah Al-Ankabut. Aayah 45]. This is an established statement, therefore what is the answer to the question?

The answer: Indeed, the intent behind the prayer – the perfect prayer- is the one that is [performed in the manner] commanded by Allaah and His Messenger- far removed from [the thoughts, deeds etc] forbidden by Allaah and His Messenger [whilst in the prayer].

The most important affair is Khushoo and that one’s heart is attentive, which is the substance and essence of the prayer. If a person has Khushoo and his heart is attentive, this will have an effect after the prayer. His heart will be upright and will return to its previous state [i.e. the attentiveness one had in the presence of Allaah] – whilst he was praying- due to love of Allaah, hoping for Allaah’s Mercy and Fearing Allaah’s Punishment; (as opposed to) when we begin the prayer – and we ask Allaah to forgive us – and straight away one is obstructed by whispers [i.e. shaytaan’s whispers and thoughts that diverts one from the prayer] and when he attempts to repel it, the whispers are flung into his heart- just as a stone is thrown into water – and completely occupies his mind; then a second whisper follows and obstructs his heart, and then  another one! Therefore, I exhort myself and every Muslim to [strive] to attain Khushoo and an attentive heart [in the prayer], for indeed that will aid a person to achieve the [good] outcomes of the prayer; rather we’ll attain the praiseworthy and beautiful [outcomes] of the prayer.

[An Excerpt from ‘At-Ta’leeq Alaa As-Siyaasah Ash-Shar’iyyah’. Page 69. Slightly paraphrased]

From The Sunnah Is That You Do Not Help Anyone In Disobedience to Allaah – [By Imaam Al-Barbahaaree (rahimahullaah)]

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam.

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

Imaam Al-Barbahaaree [rahimahullaah] stated: “From the Sunnah is that you do not help anyone in disobedience to Allah, whether they be parents or any of the creation.  There is no obedience to a human in disobedience to Allah and no one is to be loved for that; rather all of that is to be hated for [the sake of Allah], the Blessed and Most High”.

Regarding the statement of Imaam Al-Barbahaaree: ‘From the Sunnah is that you do not help anyone in disobedience to Allah’;  Shaikh Saaleh Al-Fawzaan [hafidhahullaah] commented saying: This is a fundamental principle from the fundamental principles of Ahlus Sunnah  Wal Jamaa’ah that has been derived from the statement of the [Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam)] that, “There is no obedience to the creation in disobedience to the Creator”. And he [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said, “Obedience is only in that which is good”.

So whoever commands disobedience to Allah is not to be obeyed.  He is not to be obeyed in disobedience, whether your father, mother, or from the closest of the people to you, or a Ruler or a King.  He is not to be followed in disobedience.  Allaah [The Exalted] stated about the Yahood and Nasaaraa when they followed [their Rabis and Monks] in disobedience: [ٱتَّخَذُوٓاْ أَحۡبَارَهُمۡ وَرُهۡبَـٰنَهُمۡ أَرۡبَابً۬ا مِّن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ – They (Jews and Christians) took their rabbis and their monks to be their lords besides Allaah (by obeying them in things which they made lawful or unlawful according to their own desires without being ordered by Allaah)]. [Surah At-tawbah, Aayah 31]

And concerning the statement of Imaam Barbahaaree, ‘Whether they be parents or any of the creation’; Allaah [The Exalted] said about parents:

وَوَصَّيۡنَا ٱلۡإِنسَـٰنَ بِوَٲلِدَيۡهِ حَمَلَتۡهُ أُمُّهُ ۥ وَهۡنًا عَلَىٰ وَهۡنٍ۬ وَفِصَـٰلُهُ ۥ فِى عَامَيۡنِ أَنِ ٱشۡڪُرۡ لِى وَلِوَٲلِدَيۡكَ إِلَىَّ ٱلۡمَصِيرُ

وَإِن جَـٰهَدَاكَ عَلَىٰٓ أَن تُشۡرِكَ بِى مَا لَيۡسَ لَكَ بِهِۦ عِلۡمٌ۬ فَلَا تُطِعۡهُمَا‌ۖ وَصَاحِبۡهُمَا فِى ٱلدُّنۡيَا مَعۡرُوفً۬ا‌ۖ وَٱتَّبِعۡ سَبِيلَ مَنۡ أَنَابَ إِلَىَّ‌ۚ َ

And We have enjoined on man (to be dutiful and good) to his parents. His mother bore him in weakness and hardship upon weakness and hardship, and his weaning is in two years give thanks to Me and to your parents, unto Me is the final destination.  But if they (both) strive with you to make you join in worship with Me others that of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not, but behave with them in the world kindly, and follow the path of him who turns to Me in repentance'[31:14-15]

Allah [The Exalted] said: [وَوَصَّيۡنَا ٱلۡإِنسَـٰنَ بِوَٲلِدَيۡهِ حُسۡنً۬ا‌ۖ وَإِن جَـٰهَدَاكَ لِتُشۡرِكَ بِى مَا لَيۡسَ لَكَ بِهِۦ عِلۡمٌ۬ فَلَا تُطِعۡهُمَآ‌ۚ إِلَىَّ مَرۡجِعُكُمۡ فَأُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا كُنتُمۡ تَعۡمَلُونَ – And We have enjoined on man to be good and dutiful to his parents, but if they strive to make you join with Me (in worship) anything (as a partner) of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not. Unto Me is your return, and I shall tell you what you used to do]. [Surah Al-Ankabut. Aayah 8] There is no obedience to the creation in disobedience to the Creator, regardless who that may be, even if he is the closest of the people to you, such as the two parents; then what about other than them!

[Source: An Excerpt from It-haaful Qaaree Bitta’liqaat Alaa Sharhis Sunnah Lil Imaam Barbahaaree. 2/297-299]

Some Rulings Related to Women When Going to The Masjid

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

It is legislated for the woman to perform her prayers in her house, for this is from the prescribed Islamic duties (connected to the affairs of) the household. The prayer of the woman in her house is better than her prayer in the mosque of her people, and her prayer in the mosque of her people is better than her prayer in the mosque of the Messenger of Allah (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) as has been established in the hadeeth.  And for that reason the obligation of the Juma’ah prayer is lifted from her. She is allowed to go to the mosque (whilst observing) the following rulings: She is safe from being a trial and that she is not put to trial herself. Her presence does not result in the violation of an Islamic ruling. She is neither crowded with men in the road nor in the Mosque. She goes out with a neutral smell and not perfumed. She goes out with the hijaab and not displaying her beautification. There should be a specific door for the women in the mosque, through which they enter and exit the mosque, as established in the hadith in sunan abee daawood and other than it. The rows of the women are behind that of the men. The best rows for the women are the back rows as opposed to that of the men. And if the Imaam (adds something in the salaah that is not to be part of it or leaves something that should be part of it unintentionally), then the men are to say subhaanallaah and the woman is to clap. The women are to exit the mosque before the men. And it is required of the men to wait until the women are dispersed, as (reported) in the hadeeth of Umm Salamah (radiyallaahu-anhaa) in Saheeh Al Bukhaaree. [Source: Hiraasatul Fadheelah: page:85-86]

Our Lord is of Vast Mercy!

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

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

إِنَّ رَبَّكَ وَٲسِعُ ٱلۡمَغۡفِرَةِ‌ۚ

Verily, your Lord is of vast forgiveness [53:32]

Had it not been for His forgiveness, the lands and the servants [i.e. its inhabitants] would have been destroyed. Had it not been for His forgiveness, the heavens would have collapsed on the earth and no living creature would have remained on it. [ref 1]

Neither Is The Believer Allowed to Lose Hope In The Mercy of Allaah Nor Be Complacent Regarding The Evil Consequences of Sins

Allaah [The Most High] said:

قُلۡ يَـٰعِبَادِىَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَسۡرَفُواْ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِهِمۡ لَا تَقۡنَطُواْ مِن رَّحۡمَةِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَغۡفِرُ ٱلذُّنُوبَ جَمِيعًا‌ۚ إِنَّهُ ۥ هُوَ ٱلۡغَفُورُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ

وَأَنِيبُوٓاْ إِلَىٰ رَبِّكُمۡ وَأَسۡلِمُواْ لَهُ ۥ مِن قَبۡلِ أَن يَأۡتِيَكُمُ ٱلۡعَذَابُ ثُمَّ لَا تُنصَرُونَ

وَٱتَّبِعُوٓاْ أَحۡسَنَ مَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيۡكُم مِّن رَّبِّڪُم مِّن قَبۡلِ أَن يَأۡتِيَڪُمُ ٱلۡعَذَابُ بَغۡتَةً۬ وَأَنتُمۡ لَا تَشۡعُرُونَ

أَن تَقُولَ نَفۡسٌ۬ يَـٰحَسۡرَتَىٰ عَلَىٰ مَا فَرَّطتُ فِى جَنۢبِ ٱللَّهِ وَإِن كُنتُ لَمِنَ ٱلسَّـٰخِرِينَ

أَوۡ تَقُولَ لَوۡ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ هَدَٮٰنِى لَڪُنتُ مِنَ ٱلۡمُتَّقِينَ

أَوۡ تَقُولَ حِينَ تَرَى ٱلۡعَذَابَ لَوۡ أَنَّ لِى ڪَرَّةً۬ فَأَكُونَ مِنَ ٱلۡمُحۡسِنِينَ

بَلَىٰ قَدۡ جَآءَتۡكَ ءَايَـٰتِى فَكَذَّبۡتَ بِہَا وَٱسۡتَكۡبَرۡتَ وَكُنتَ مِنَ ٱلۡكَـٰفِرِينَ

Say: “O ‘Ibadi (My slaves) who have transgressed against themselves (by committing evil deeds and sins)! Despair not of the Mercy of Allah, verily Allah forgives all sins. Truly, He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. And turn in repentance and in obedience with true Faith (Islamic Monotheism) to your Lord and submit to Him, (in Islam), before the torment comes upon you, then you will not be helped. And follow the best of that which is sent down to you from your Lord (i.e. this Qur’an, do what it orders you to do and keep away from what it forbids), before the torment comes on you suddenly while you perceive not!” Lest a person should say: “Alas, my grief that I was undutiful to Allah (i.e. I have not done what Allah has ordered me to do), and I was indeed among those who mocked [at the truth! i.e. La ilaha ill-Allah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah), the Qur’an, and Muhammad and at the faithful believers, etc.] Or (lest) he should say: “If only Allah had guided me, I should indeed have been among the Muttaqun (pious and righteous persons); Or (lest) he should say when he sees the torment: “If only I had another chance (to return to the world) then I should indeed be among the Muhsinun (good-doers). Yes! Verily, there came to you My Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) and you denied them, and were proud and were among the disbelievers.

Repentance:

https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2019/08/the-obligation-of-repentance-especially-during-calamities-and-afflictions-by-imaam-abdul-azeez-bin-baaz-rahimahullaah/

https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2019/09/brief-commentary-on-a-tremendous-supplication-related-to-repentance-by-imaam-abdul-azeez-bin-baaz-rahimahullaah/

http://www.salaficentre.com/2015/07/allaah-afflicts-mankind-with-different-types-of-afflictions-because-of-their-disobedience-and-wicked-deeds/

[Ref 1: An excerpt from Tayseer al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan). Publisher: Daar Ibn Hazm 1st Ed 1424AH (2003). Translation slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 2: Surah Az-Zumar Aayaat 53-59

The [Pious, Upright] People Used to Advise One Another With Three Affairs

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Abu Awn [rahimahullah] said: When the people of Khayr [i.e. the pious, upright] used to meet, they would advise one another with three [affairs] and when they were absent [from each other], some of them used to write to others, [saying], “Whoever acts for the sake of the afterlife, Allaah will suffice him with his worldly affairs”. “Whoever rectifies what is between him and Allaah [i.e. obedience to Allaah and fear of Him etc], Allaah will suffice him with the people [i.e. Allaah will protect him]”. “And whoever rectifies his secret affairs, Allaah will rectify his outward affairs”. [Al-Musannaf 7/165]

Hadeeth: [O Allah, Bless My People In Their Early Mornings]

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

The Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said: “O Allah, bless my people in their early mornings.” When he sent out a detachment or an army, he sent them at the beginning of the day. Sakhr was a merchant, and he would send off his merchandise at the beginning of the day; and he became rich and had much wealth. [Sunan Abu Dawud Hadith Number 2606. Declared authentic by Imaam Albaani (rahimahullaah) in his checking of Sunan abu Dawud]

Few Points of Benefit Related to the Above Hadeeth

This shows the importance of this time period. the greatness of the blessings and goodness with it.  The Salaf used to dislike sleeping during this time, in order not to waste it in laziness and weakness. Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] said that the Salaf disliked sleeping between after Fajr prayer and Sunrise because it is a time in which great benefit is obtained. And even when they stayed up late at night [i.e. in worship], they still stayed up until after sunrise, for indeed it is the early part of the day and its beginning time- the time in which provision descends, the time in which one receives his portion of provision and the time in which blessings are obtained. An Excerpt from Fiqhul Ad’iyah wal-Adkaar’ pages 48-50′ parts 3&4

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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