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It Is a Blessing That a Teacher Has Students Who Notify Him of His Mistake – [By Shaikh Abdus Salaam Burgess (rahimahullaah)]

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Shaikh Abdus Salaam Burgess [rahimahullaah] said: Just as it is obligated on a student to recant a mistake, then likewise it is obligated on a teacher [or scholar] to return to the truth when he errs. He is not to be prevented from returning to the truth after reviewing a statement he made and finds that it is in opposition to what is correct, for indeed that is a sign of equity and humbling [oneself] to the truth. Therefore, it is obligated that one follows what is correct, whether it was [conveyed] by a younger or older person. And it is blessing upon a teacher that he has amongst his students one who notifies him of his mistake and leads him to what is correct, so that he does not persist upon that ignorance. This requires that one shows gratitude to Allaah [The Exalted] and then being thankful to the person through whom one was guided [to what is correct], whether it was a student or other than him. [Source: An Excerpt from ‘Awā’iq at-Talab pg. 52 Slightly paraphrased]

A Parable That Cuts Off Polytheism From Its Roots!

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

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

Allaah [The Most High] said:

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

مَا قَدَرُوا اللَّهَ حَقَّ قَدْرِهِ ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَقَوِيٌّ عَزِيزٌ

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

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim (rahimahullaah) said:

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

This Ayah nullifies shirk and shows the ignorance of its people. It is a testimony that Satan plays about with them more than kids play with a ball due to the fact that they assign Godhood to images and statues that are deprived of the ability to create the most insignificant creature of the True God, even if they [i.e. those statues and images] gathered and supported one another to do so, whereas Godhood necessitates having absolute power over all the existence, absolute knowledge of all sources of knowledge, having no need of all the creation, [whilst the creation is completely dependent] upon the Lord for their needs, for relief, [to remove their] distress and anxiety and [respond to their] invocations.  [Source: An Excerpt from ‘Badaa-i At-Tafseer Al-Jaami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imaam Ibnu Qayyim Al-Jawziyyah: 2/221-222. slightly paraphrased]

Death – The Destroyer of All Pleasures of The Dunya!

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.

Allaah (The Most High) said:

أَيْنَمَا تَكُونُوا يُدْرِكْكُمُ الْمَوْتُ وَلَوْ كُنْتُمْ فِي بُرُوجٍ مُشَيَّدَةٍ

‘’Wheresoever you may be, death will overtake you even if you are in fortresses built up strong and high!’ 4:78

Allaah (The Most High) said:

نَحْنُ قَدَّرْنَا بَيْنَكُمُ الْمَوْتَ وَمَا نَحْنُ بِمَسْبُوقِينَ

عَلَىٰ أَنْ نُبَدِّلَ أَمْثَالَكُمْ وَنُنْشِئَكُمْ فِي مَا لَا تَعْلَمُونَ

وَلَقَدْ عَلِمْتُمُ النَّشْأَةَ الْأُولَىٰ فَلَوْلَا تَذَكَّرُونَ

‘We have decreed death to you all, and We are not unable. To transfigure you and create you in (forms) that you know not.   And indeed, you have already known the first form of creation (i.e. the creation of Adam), why then do you not remember or take heed?’56:60-62

Allaah (subhaanah) said:

وَهُوَ الْقَاهِرُ فَوْقَ عِبَادِهِ ۖ وَيُرْسِلُ عَلَيْكُمْ حَفَظَةً حَتَّىٰ إِذَا جَاءَ أَحَدَكُمُ الْمَوْتُ تَوَفَّتْهُ رُسُلُنَا وَهُمْ لَا يُفَرِّطُونَ

‘He is the Irresistible, Supreme over His slaves, and He sends guardians (angels guarding and writing all of one’s good and bad deeds) over you, until when death approaches one of you, Our Messengers (angel of death and his assistants) take his soul, and they never neglect their duty.’ 6:61

Brothers and sisters (may Allaah preserve us upon the Sunnah and grant us a good end…Aameen). Indeed death is a harsh and fearful reality faced by everyone who lives.  No one has the power to avoid it, nor does anyone around the dying person have the ability to prevent it.  It is something which happens every moment and is encountered by the old and the young, the rich and the poor, the strong and the weak.  They are all the same in that they have no plan or means of escaping it, no power, no means of intercession, no way to prevent it, nor to delay it, which shows that indeed it comes from One having tremendous power-so that the human is helpless in this regard and can only submit to it.  People die every day, but when someone close to us dies the shortness of this worldly life becomes a more manifest reality and less attention is given to the worldly aspirations. This is the way it should be whether someone dies or not, in order that we may make more effort in preparing for the meeting with our Lord.  Let our gatherings be that of remembrance of Allaah and the aakhirah, ilm and advice towards that which increases the slaves in taqwah.   The Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said: ‘’Make much remembrance of the destroyer of pleasures, it is death.  And let us not be deceived by this worldly life and its glitter.

Allaah (The Most High) said:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تُلْهِكُمْ أَمْوَالُكُمْ وَلَا أَوْلَادُكُمْ عَنْ ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ ۚ وَمَنْ يَفْعَلْ ذَٰلِكَ فَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْخَاسِرُونَ

وَأَنْفِقُوا مِنْ مَا رَزَقْنَاكُمْ مِنْ قَبْلِ أَنْ يَأْتِيَ أَحَدَكُمُ الْمَوْتُ فَيَقُولَ رَبِّ لَوْلَا أَخَّرْتَنِي إِلَىٰ أَجَلٍ قَرِيبٍ فَأَصَّدَّقَ وَأَكُنْ مِنَ الصَّالِحِينَ

وَلَنْ يُؤَخِّرَ اللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِذَا جَاءَ أَجَلُهَا ۚ وَاللَّهُ خَبِيرٌ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ

”O you who believe! Let not your properties or your children divert you from the remembrance of Allaah.  And whosoever does that, then they are the losers.   And spend (in charity) of that with which We have provided you, before death comes to one of you and he says: “My Lord! If only You would give me respite for a little while (i.e. return to the worldly life), then I should give Sadaqah (i.e. Zakaat) of my wealth, and be among the righteous [i.e. perform Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah)].  And Allaah grants respite to none when his appointed time (death) comes. And Allaah is All-Aware of what you do.” [63:9-11]

Allaah (The Most High) said:

أَلْهَاكُمُ التَّكَاثُرُ

حَتَّىٰ زُرْتُمُ الْمَقَابِرَ

كَلَّا سَوْفَ تَعْلَمُونَ

ثُمَّ كَلَّا سَوْفَ تَعْلَمُونَ

كَلَّا لَوْ تَعْلَمُونَ عِلْمَ الْيَقِينِ

لَتَرَوُنَّ الْجَحِيمَ

ثُمَّ لَتَرَوُنَّهَا عَيْنَ الْيَقِينِ

ثُمَّ لَتُسْأَلُنَّ يَوْمَئِذٍ عَنِ النَّعِيمِ

 ‘The mutual rivalry for piling up of worldly things diverts you, until you visit the graves (i.e. till you die).  Nay! You shall come to know!  Again, Nay! You shall come to know!  Nay! If you knew with a sure knowledge (the end result of piling up, you would not have occupied yourselves in worldly things)  Verily, You shall see the blazing Fire (Hell)!  And again, you shall see it with certainty of sight!  Then, on that Day, you shall be asked about the delight (you indulged in, in this world)!’ 102:1-8

Brothers and sisters! There is no cure for death. A cure for cancer exists, a cure for AIDS exists and a cure for every other disease exists, except death. The Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said: ‘Allaah has not created a disease except that He has created a cure for it, except for a single disease… old age’

O brothers and sisters- let us do those actions which will be the cause of love and affection to develop between us.  Many people do not truly understand the Religion of Islaam.  Indeed many people think that the Religion of Islaam includes certain bad traits even though Islaam in reality objects to them because some Muslims portray a false image of Islaam.

Death is that harsh reality which is faced by every human who lives. It is the one thing which we will all experience – be we men, women, Muslims, Christians, Blacks, Whites or any other type of person on this earth. It is something which does not discriminate. It is that long journeys end by which the righteous will benefit from, and the unrighteous will suffer from. It is the return to the One who has created this phenomenon so that He, may judge us all for what we have done, as He says in His book:

الَّذِي خَلَقَ الْمَوْتَ وَالْحَيَاةَ لِيَبْلُوَكُمْ أَيُّكُمْ أَحْسَنُ عَمَلًا ۚ وَهُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْغَفُورُ

‘It is He who has created life and death, so that He may test which of you is best indeed’ (Surah Al- Mulk 67:2).

However, death is no longer remembered amongst mankind, unless a relative or a loved one passes away. And even then, tears are shed for a brief time before we forget again about this reality. How many people has this state of forgetfulness caught unaware? Some of us believe that we will die according to the life expectancy of our nation, which the statisticians give us. We believe that it is something which will only hit us when we are old and frail. We see it as something far off in the horizon, which will not touch us for a long time to come. But whilst we enjoy the pleasures and comforts of life, death comes ever nearer to the soul. It creeps up on us like a shadow in the night, when we least expect it.

It is something which is in the hands of Allaah.  Ever since the advent of time, people have sought to ‘cheat death’. However, this unachievable feat was something which was first inspired by Iblis, the Devil. In the Qur’an we find the story of the father and mother of humanity, Adam and Hawwa (Eve). Allaah informs us how He placed these two beings in the gardens of Paradise when they were created. In these gardens Allaah let them taste of any tree they wished to, except for one tree which He specifically forbade them from. Iblis then came to them and was the first of creation to initiate this quest for immortality:

فَوَسْوَسَ لَهُمَا الشَّيْطَانُ لِيُبْدِيَ لَهُمَا مَا وُورِيَ عَنْهُمَا مِنْ سَوْآتِهِمَا وَقَالَ مَا نَهَاكُمَا رَبُّكُمَا عَنْ هَٰذِهِ الشَّجَرَةِ إِلَّا أَنْ تَكُونَا مَلَكَيْنِ أَوْ تَكُونَا مِنَ الْخَالِدِينَ

‘Then shaytan (devil) whispered suggestions to them both … he said; ‘Your Lord only forbade you this tree so that you don’t become Angels or of those who live forever”‘ (Surah Al- A’raaf 7:20)

We can thus see how this quest to cheat the command of Allaah, is truly a devilish deception which has confused humanity. Even after this event which occurred at the dawn of time, many people still believed that they could achieve eternal life on this earth.

The Ancient Egyptians and Chinese are two classical examples of this. Both of these cultures had been blessed by Allaah with many favours, yet they still chose to try and avert His command. The Egyptians, who had their kings and queens wrapped up, believed that this was the way that they could preserve their bodies and one day come back to life.

Whilst it is true that the wrapping up of these people has preserved their bodies, who can say that their souls have also been preserved after Allaah had taken them out? And how did these people eventually turn out? After their ‘sacred’ tombs had been raided from the 19th century onwards, they are now stuck in different museums all over the world, being viewed by thousands of people each day as common entertainment on a day out.

With the ancient Chinese, they too had themselves, their riches and hundreds of clay soldiers buried with them so that they could return once again to rule the Earth. When the Forbidden City in Beijing, China, was unearthed and opened, such dreams of immortality went flying out of the window.

Such ancient dreams of living forever have been continued into the modern age. People believe that modern technology can find for them a cure for death. Death is ridiculed as being a mere fantasy, with the character of the grim reaper being something used only to scare the children with.

Thus millions are spent on preserving people’s bodies after they die (by freezing them) and they hope that a cure will one day be found which will bring them back to life. The famous cartoonist Walt Disney is one such example of this. Others like the singer Michael Jackson have been known to do ridiculous things such as sleep in an oxygen chamber (with his pet chimp Bubbles!) so that he can enhance his life and live forever. Such dreams are spurned by the wealth which these people have amassed. But it is as Allaah (The Most High) said:

يَحْسَبُ أَنَّ مَالَهُ أَخْلَدَهُ

كَلَّا ۖ لَيُنْبَذَنَّ فِي الْحُطَمَةِ

‘He thinks that his wealth will make him immortal. No! But indeed he will be thrown into the crushing Fire'(Surah Al-Humaza 104:3-4).

This is the reality of what will happen to all those who think that they can buy their way out of death.    Allaah (The Most High) said:

قُلْ إِنَّ الْمَوْتَ الَّذِي تَفِرُّونَ مِنْهُ فَإِنَّهُ مُلَاقِيكُمْ ۖ ثُمَّ تُرَدُّونَ إِلَىٰ عَالِمِ الْغَيْبِ وَالشَّهَادَةِ فَيُنَبِّئُكُمْ بِمَا كُنْتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ

‘Say (O’ Muhammed); ‘Indeed the death from which you flee will surely meet you. Then you will be sent back to (Allaah), the All-knower of the unseen and the seen, and He will tell you what you used to do’ (Surah Al-Jum’ah 62:8)

This life and all its desires and pleasures will indeed be cut off by death.  And which desire can be greater, than the false desire which all these people have of living forever on this earth.   So how does Islam view this reality? As Muslims we have been told by our Messenger (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) that this world is a transitionary period. The Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said: ”Live in this world as if you are a stranger or a traveller”.’ This life is not meant to be an abode of settlement by which we gather all the pleasures possible and make plans for a permanent residence. Rather, it should be like a long journey on which we gather all that we need to get to our destination. This destination being the Hereafter and death the journeys end.

Allaah (The Most High) said:

وَمَا هَٰذِهِ الْحَيَاةُ الدُّنْيَا إِلَّا لَهْوٌ وَلَعِبٌ ۚ وَإِنَّ الدَّارَ الْآخِرَةَ لَهِيَ الْحَيَوَانُ ۚ لَوْ كَانُوا يَعْلَمُونَ

‘But truly the home of the hereafter is the actual life, if only they knew'(Surah Al-Ankabut [29:64] [Ref 1]

A Tremendous Supplication in which we ask Allaah for life as long as it is good for us, as well as many other affairs of wellbeing in this Dunyaa and Aakhirah

اللَّهُمَّ بِعِلْمِكَ الْغَيْبَ وَقُدْرَتِكَ عَلَى الْخَلْقِ أَحْيِنِي مَا عَلِمْتَ الْحَيَاةَ خَيْراً لِي وَتَوَفَّنِي إِذَا عَلِمْتَ الْوَفَاةَ خَيْراً لِي، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ خَشْيَتَكَ فِي الْغَيْبِ وَالشَّهَادَةِ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ كَلِمَةَ الْحَقِّ فِي الرِّضَا وَالْغَضَبِ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ الْقَصْدَ فِي الْغِنَى وَالْفَقْرِ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ نَعِيماً لَا يَنْفَذُ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ قُرَّةَ عَيْنٍ لَا تَنْقَطِعُ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ الرِّضِا بَعْدَ الْقَضَاءِ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ بَرْدَ الْعَيْشِ بَعْدَ الْمَوْتِ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ لَذَّةَ النَّظَرِ إِلَى وَجْهِكَ وَالشَّوْقَ إِلَى لِقَائِكَ فِي غَيْرِ ضَرَّاءَ مُضِرَّةٍ وَلَا فِتْنَةٍ مُضِلَّةٍ، اللَّهُمَّ زَيِّنَّا بِزِينَةِ الْإِيمَانِ واجْعَلْنَا هُدَاةً مُهْتَدِينَ

O Allah! By Your Knowledge of the unseen and by Your Power over creation, let me live if You know that life is good for me, and let me die if You know that death is good for me. O Allah! I ask You to grant me (the blessing of having) fear of You in private and public; and I ask you (to make me utter) a statement of truth in times of contentment and anger; and I ask You for moderation (i.e. neither miserly nor extravagant) when in a state of wealth and poverty; and I ask you for blessings that never ceases; and I ask You for the coolness of my eye (i.e. finding pleasure in obedience to You, love of You etc) that never ends. I ask You (to make me pleased) after (Your) decree and I ask You for a life of (ease, comfort, tranquillity etc) after death. I ask You for the delight of looking at Your Face (i.e. in the Hereafter) and the joy of meeting You without any harm and misleading trials (coming upon me). O Allah! Adorn us with the adornment of Eemaan, and make us (from those who are) guided and guiding (others). [Ref 2] https://salafidawahmanchester.com/2020/01/beneficial-reminders-from-a-supplication-ask-allaah-to-let-you-live-or-depart-from-this-world-as-long-as-that-is-good-for-you/

[Ref 1]: [An Excerpt from an article in the following

link:  http://www.salafitalk.net/st/viewmessages.cfm?Forum=6&Topic=6557

[Ref 2]:[Sunan An-Nasaa’ee’ Number 1305 & declared Saheeh by Imaam Albaani (rahimahullaah) in As-Saheehah Number 1301]

 

O Two Companions of The Prison! Are Many Different Lords Better or Allah, The One, The Irresistible?

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

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

 Allaah (The Most High) informed us that Yusuf (alayhis-salaam) said to his companions in the prison:

يَـٰصَٮٰحِبَىِ ٱلسِّجۡنِ ءَأَرۡبَابٌ۬ مُّتَفَرِّقُونَ خَيۡرٌ أَمِ ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡوَٲحِدُ ٱلۡقَهَّارُ

مَا تَعۡبُدُونَ مِن دُونِهِۦۤ إِلَّآ أَسۡمَآءً۬ سَمَّيۡتُمُوهَآ أَنتُمۡ وَءَابَآؤُڪُم مَّآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ بِہَا مِن سُلۡطَـٰنٍ‌ۚ إِنِ ٱلۡحُكۡمُ إِلَّا لِلَّهِ‌ۚ أَمَرَ أَلَّا تَعۡبُدُوٓاْ إِلَّآ إِيَّاهُ‌ۚ ذَٲلِكَ ٱلدِّينُ ٱلۡقَيِّمُ وَلَـٰكِنَّ أَڪۡثَرَ ٱلنَّاسِ لَا يَعۡلَمُونَ

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. [12:39-40]

[يَـٰصَٮٰحِبَىِ ٱلسِّجۡنِ ءَأَرۡبَابٌ۬ مُّتَفَرِّقُونَ خَيۡرٌ أَمِ ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡوَٲحِدُ ٱلۡقَهَّار- O two companions of the prison! Are many different lords (gods) better or Allah, the One, the Irresistible?] Meaning: Lords that are deprived of the ability to act and are weak-neither able to benefit nor harm; neither able to give nor withhold. And they are various types, (such as) trees, stones, angels, dead people and other than them from those various objects of worship that are taken as objects of worship by the polytheists. Are those objects of worship better or Allaah? [Allaah]–The only One Who has Attributes of absolute perfection; ٱلۡوَٲحِدُ The one singled out in His Essence, His Attributes and Actions, and He  has no partner in any of that.

[ٱلۡقَهَّارُ] The Irresistible- the one to whom everything has submitted due to His absolute subjugation of everything and His absolute dominion over everything–whatever He wills takes place and whatever He does not will cannot take place; (and)  مَّا مِن دَآبَّةٍ إِلَّا هُوَ ءَاخِذُۢ بِنَاصِيَتِہَآ‌ۚ– There is not a moving (living) creature but He has grasp of its forelock.

It is known that the one whose affair and description is as such is superior to (those) different gods, which are mere names–neither do they possess perfection nor actions [I.e. they have not created anything nor are they in control of anything]. So because of this [Allaah (The Most High) said that Yusuf (alayhis-salaam) said to them]:

[مَا تَعۡبُدُونَ مِن دُونِهِۦۤ إِلَّآ أَسۡمَآءً۬ سَمَّيۡتُمُوهَآ أَنتُمۡ وَءَابَآؤُڪُم— You do not worship besides Him but only names which you have named (forged), you and your fathers]; Meaning: You gave them names and called them gods, whilst they are nothing. They have no attribute of Uloohiyyah (i.e. attributes of absolute perfection-free from all deficiencies, weakness etc) and [مَّآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ بِہَا مِن سُلۡطَـٰنٍ‌] – for which Allah has sent down no authority; rather Allaah has sent down clear proofs to prohibit them and clarified its falsity.

And if Allaah did not send down any authority for it, then neither can it be a (sound) path nor a means (of worship), nor does it have any proof. That is because to Allaah (alone) belongs the judgement and He is the one who gives commands and prohibitions. And He (alone) is the One Who legislate the divine laws and rulings, and He is the one that commanded you أَلَّا تَعۡبُدُوٓاْ إِلَّآ إِيَّاهُ‌ۚ ذَٲلِكَ ٱلدِّينُ ٱلۡقَيِّمُ– That you worship none but Him (i.e. His Monotheism), that is the (true) straight religion]; Meaning: The straight religion that leads to every good and the other religions besides it are not upright; rather they are crooked and will lead to every evil.

[وَلَـٰكِنَّ أَڪۡثَرَ ٱلنَّاسِ لَا يَعۡلَمُونَ –But most men know not] – Meaning: They do not know the reality of affairs, even though the distinction between worshipping Allaah alone and associating partners with Him in worship is a clear and manifest affair (i.e. there is no doubt about the falsity of worshipping others and the absolute proof that Allaah alone has the right to be worship). However due to many people not possessing knowledge of this affair, they fall into shirk.

[An Excerpt from Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan. slightly parapherased]

An Aayah of The Qur’aan That Will Make a Person- InShaaAllaah-  Love Knowledge And Strive to Follow The Prophet In His Dawah and Conduct

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

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

Shaikh Zayd Bin Haadi Al-Madkhali [rahimahullaah] said: ‘When a believer reads this Ayah [i.e. يَرْفَعِ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مِنْكُمْ وَالَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْعِلْمَ دَرَجَاتٍ ۚ وَاللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرٌ -Allaah will exalt in degree those of you who believe, and those who have been granted knowledge.  And Allaah is well-Acquainted with what you do] and (the other Aayaat) similar to it, he will love knowledge; seek after it and keep in contact with its people; act upon it, call the people to it and make them have a desire for it. So he benefits himself and Allaah benefits others by way of it.  Thus he follows the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-sallam] in his Dawah and conduct. [Source: ‘Nuzhatul Qaaree Fee Sharh Kitaab Al-Ilm Min Saheeh Al-Bukhaari’ page: 15]

Specific Time Periods -On The Day of Jumu’ah- In Which Supplications Are Accepted

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [rahimahullaah] stated that it has been transmitted in some of the narrations by Imaam Muslim [rahimahullaah] that it is the time when the Imaam sits on the Minbar on the Day of Jumu’ah up until the Salaah finishes. This is what has been transmitted in the hadeeth of Abu Moosaa [radiyallaahu-anhu].

It has also been transmitted in the hadeeth of Jaabir Bin Abdillaah and Abdullaah Bin Salaam [radiyallaahu-anhumaa] that it is time period after Asr prayer up until sunset. And it has also been transmitted in some Ahaadeeth that it is the last hour on the day of Jumu’ah.

All these statements are correct and they do not negate one another. And what is more explicit and more likely is that it is between the time when the Imaam sits on the Minbar up until the end of the prayer and the time between after Asr prayer up until sunset. These two time periods are more likely to be the periods during which supplication is accepted. And throughout the day of Jumu’ah, it is hoped that supplications are answered; but the most likely times are the times between when the Imaam sits on the Minbar until the end of the prayer and after Asr prayer until sunset.

Therefore, it is befitting that one increases in making supplication on the day of Jum’ah, but it is befitting that one gives more concern in seeking after those three time periods that have been mentioned because the Messenger  [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] stated that they are the times in which supplication is answered. [An Excerpt from ‘Fataawaa Shaikh Ibn Baaz 12/401-402. Slightly paraphrased]

How Should We Behave When Others Are Given Precedence Over Us?! [A Restraint For The Nafs]

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’s Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said, “Indeed, you will see Atharatan after me and affairs you’ll disapprove; they [i.e. the people] said, ‘What do you command us O Allaah’s Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasaallam]?’ He said, ‘Fulfil their rights [i.e. the rulers] and ask Allaah for your rights'”.

Atharatan: meaning- [some people will give precedence to themselves (i.e. spend wealth on themselves and engage in worldly enjoyment, but will not give others their rightful share)].

Shaikh Zaid Bin Haadi Al-Madkhali [rahumahullaah] said: This authentic hadeeth is related to the affair of the rulers- during the end of time – when they will give precedence to themselves through enjoyment of the worldly things and those under their authority will face harm, something of oppression and tyranny; so the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] guided and directed the people to fulfil the rights of the rulers; obey and listen to them in that which is good- whether it is during a time in which one is enthusiastic [to listen and obey them in what is good] or feeling laxadaisical- perform Jihaad behind their banner against the enemies of the religion, establish the prayer and behave in a manner obligated by the Islamic legislation. They should not rebel against the ruler just because he is a sinner or an oppressor, nor refrain from giving him the rights obligated on them to give him; rather they should fulfil his rights just as the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] commanded them, saying, “Fulfil their rights”.

Therefore, the ruler has rights that should be fulfilled by his subjects and the subjects also have rights to be fulfilled by the ruler. It is obligated on the ruler to fulfil their rights and it is obligated on them to fulfil his rights. However, if he [i.e. the ruler] falls short in something related to their rights, it is not permissible for them to [deliberately] fall short in fulfilling his rights. And due to the great importance of rulership and the rulers, indeed the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] commanded them to fulfil the obligation of As-sam’i Wat-taa’ah [i.e. to listen and obey the ruler in good], refrain from disobedience[when commanded to do something good], supplicate to Allaah to make their affairs easy and change their state of affairs to that which is good, aid them to fulfil their needs and those affairs they cannot do without.

This hadeeth contains a miracle of the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] and that is the fact that he clearly stated that during the end of time, the rulers will give precedence to themselves with something of wealth and worldly enjoyment, and others will be deprived of it. Also, there will be affairs which the people of sound judgement will reject. [So], when this era comes, it is obligated on them – those under the rulership of a Muslim ruler – to listen and obey in that which is good, fulfil the rights that have been obligated on them to fulfil and seek their rights from Allaah – meaning: they supplicate to Allaah to aid them in fulfilling their needs and facilitate them with ease in their affairs. And Allaah knows best.

[At-taleeqaatul Maleehah Alaa Silsilah Al-Ahaadeeth As-Saheehah. Vol 1. Page 142. slightly paraphrased]

May Allaah Bless Everyone – Those Who Have Travelled to Shaikh Khaalid Adh-Dhufairi And Those Who Continue to Benefit From The Certified Students In The Various Maraakiz

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

All praise is due to Allaah and may Allaah bless all of us with the ability to act sincerely even if what we know is very little, for indeed the purpose behind knowledge is to act. Indeed, may Allaah bless all the brothers – those who have travelled to benefit from Shaikh Khaalid Dhufairi [hafidhahullaah] and those who are still benefiting from the study circles of the teachers in the various UK Maraakiz, America, Canada etc

There are brothers at Al-Markazus Salafi who travel to study circles elsewhere solely based on their own personal preference [Ref A], but the majority stay in their city. There are brothers whose busy schedule in the Salafi institutions – Bookstores, Secondary and Primary Schools as well as family commitments – prevents them from attending study circles every single day, even in a place like Birmingham where there are Duroos throughout the week. [Ref B]

And there are brothers who are able to travel to more than one city – on different days – to benefit. So, we ask Allaah to bless all of us with sincerity and righteous deeds, grant us Barakah in our time schedules so that we can attend more duroos – in the gatherings of Ahlus Sunnah.

And if Allaah blesses any of us with the finances and right circumstances, then indeed we should not hesitate to travel to Shaikh Khaalid Adh-Dhufairi [hafidhahullaah] and encourage others to join us. Shaikh Rabee Bin Haadi [hafidhahullaah] said: Allaah [The Most High] said: [فَلَوْلَا نَفَرَ مِن كُلِّ فِرْقَةٍ مِّنْهُمْ طَائِفَةٌ لِّيَتَفَقَّهُوا فِي الدِّينِ وَلِيُنذِرُوا قَوْمَهُمْ إِذَا رَجَعُوا إِلَيْهِمْ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَحْذَرُونَ – Of every troop of them, a party only should go forth, that they (who are left behind) may get instructions in (Islamic) religion, and that they may warn their people when they return to them, so that they may beware (of evil)]. [Surah at-Tawbah’ Aayah 122]

This Aayah has been explained in two ways, the first meaning is that not all the people should go forth [i.e. travel] to seek knowledge, otherwise everyone will abandon the beneficial [necessities] of the worldly life. Therefore, a group is to preoccupy themselves with the beneficial [necessities] of the worldly life and another group goes forth [i.e. travel] to seek knowledge, then they return to their people to teach them what they have learnt from the religion of Allaah- knowledge of the divine revelation which Muhammad [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] was sent with.

It has been transmitted in a hadeeth reported by Maalik Ibn Huwayrith that a group amongst his people went to the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] and stayed with him for twenty days and nights…hadeeth as follows: Narrated Maalik [radiyallaahu-anhu]: we came to the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] and stayed with him for twenty days and nights. We were all young and of about the same age.

The Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] was very kind and merciful. When he realised our longing for our families, he asked about our homes and the people there, and we told him. Then he asked us to go back to our families and stay with them and teach them [the religion and to order them to do good things…. [Saheeh al-Bukhaari’ Number 631] [Ref 1] [End of quote]

At present, brothers from different places are with Shaikh Khaalid Adh-Dhufairi [hafidhahullaah], and indeed a brother from Manchester in particular informed us of the excellent manners and humility of the Shaikh alongside his beneficial gatherings. So may Allaah return these brothers to Kuwait many more times and grant us all the Tawfeeq to join them Aameen.  Finally, we ask Allaah to grant us Tawfeeq to continue benefiting from the study circles of the students in the various UK Maraakiz, just as Shaikh Rabee [hafidhahullaah] said, “The entire life of a person is to be spent in seeking knowledge – from the cradle to the grave.  He does not feel proud to acquire truth from a young or older person, and he never rejects truth – whether it is stated by a Muslim or Unbeliever. His soul seeks after the truth, so if he finds a text from the Book of Allaah and the [authentic] Sunnah of the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam], then all praises and thanks be to Allaah; but if he does not have it and finds it with someone else, he accepts it”. [Ref 2] [End of quote]

Ref A: Elaboration:

Shaikh Uthaymeen [rahimahullaah] stated above that one should firmly cling to the book he is reading or revising, and should firmly cling to the Shuyookh he learns from in person. Do not be a Dhawwaaq [i.e. one who quickly acquires a taste of this or that and moves on to another thing without accomplishing anything properly]- alternating to a new Shaikh every week and every month; rather determine -first and foremost- who to take knowledge from in person, then firmly cling to him after you have decided. However, you can have different Shaikhs from whom you acquire different subject matters, for example you have a Shaikh who teaches you Fiqh and you carry on being consistent in your studies; another Shaikh who teaches you Arabic Grammar and you carry on being consistent in your studies; a Shaikh in Aqeedah and you carry on being consistent in studying Aqeedah and Tawheed. The most important thing is consistency and that you refrain from quickly acquiring a taste of this or that topic without accomplishing anything properly- like that man who is a serial divorcee, for whenever he gets married and stays with the wife for seven days, he divorces her and then moves on to another woman. So, he remains for a prolonged period in his life whilst neither enjoying [a fruitful, close, intimate relationship etc] with a wife nor having children in most cases. [Paraphrased. Sharh Hilyati Taalibil Ilm’ page 75]

Elaboration On Ref B

Umar Ibnul Khattaab [radiyallaahu-anhu] said: “Acquire knowledge early before you become [leaders, old in age etc]”.

This does not mean that an old person abandons learning, rather what is intended is that one should learn when he is young before old age, because old age can be an obstacle to learning due to one being shy of sitting in the gatherings of knowledge. [Abu Abdillaah] said: “The Companions of the Prophet [radiyallaahu-anhum] studied despite the fact that they were old in age”. [Saheeh Al-Bukhaari. Chapter 15: (Wish to be like the one who has knowledge and Wisdom] and more details in Fat-hul Baari]

Therefore, we should all strive to sit with the youth in the study circles and may Allaah grant us more time Aameen.

Allaahul Musta’aan! We used to have a lot of time and attended at least 3 Duroos a week, but at present commitments in the Salafi primary and secondly schools occupy most of our time and we can only attend one Dars a week – Ustaadh Abu Khadeejah’s Dars on Thursdays. Anyone who is a teacher knows the time needed for planning lessons, marking, assessing, preparing resources etc.. One might ask, “How do you find time to spend on this website but not attend more Duroos?” The answer is: All articles are prepared during weekends and scheduled for posting during the week. As for during the week all our time is focused on teaching, assessing, marking and planning – from 12pm to 7pm. And obviously one has to give time to wife and children during weekends. This is the case with many teachers in primary and secondary schools, and Salafi tuition centres. We ask Allaah to grant us more time Aameen.

[Ref 1: An Excerpt from ‘Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm’ pages 128-129. slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 2:An Excerpt from  Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm. Pages 245-247. Slightly paraphrased]

Manners of Entry In Houses: [Knock Three Times, Mention Your Name When Asked “Who is It?” And Do Not Sneak In]

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.

Knock Three Times

Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri reported: ‘’While I was in one the gatherings of the Ansar, Abu Musa came as if he was scared, and said, ‘I asked permission to enter upon ‘Umar three times and he did not give me permission, so I returned. (When Umar came to know about it) he said to Abu Musa, ‘’Why did you not enter?” Abu Musa said, ‘’I asked permission to enter three times and was not given permission, so I went back, for the Messenger of Allah (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said, ‘’When one of you asks for permission to enter three times and is not given it, he should go back.” He (Umar) said, ‘’By Allah, you will bring witnesses for it.” (Abu Musa went to a gathering of the Ansaar) and said: ‘’Is there any of you who heard it from the Prophet, (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam)?” Ubayy ibn Ka’b said, ‘’By Allah, only the youngest of the people will go with you.’’ I was the youngest of the people and I went with him and informed Umar that the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) had said that. [Bukhaari 8/6245]

Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [rahimahullaah] said: This [i.e. Umar asking for a witness] was for the purpose of verification because it is [related] to Ibaadaat [acts of worship]. [Ref 1]

Mention Your Name When Asked, “Who is It?”

Narrated Jabir Bin Abdillaah [radiyallaahu-anhuma]: I came to the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] in order to consult him regarding my father’s debt. When I knocked at the door, he asked, “Who is that?” I replied, “I”. He said, “I, I?”. He repeated it as if he disliked it. [2]

Do Not Sneak In Houses

Shaikh Saaleh Al-Fawzaan [hafidhahullaah] said: One of the etiquettes of entry into a house, even your own house in which your family lives, is that you walk whilst making some noise in order to notify them of your presence or entry. You should not enter in secret or unnoticed because that is tantamount to behaving badly towards them. [Ref 3]

[Ref 1: Source: Al-Hulalul Ibreeziyyah Min At-Ta’liqaat Al-Baaziyyah Alaa saheeh Al-Bukhaari 4/185]

[Ref 2: Summarized Sahih Al-Bukhaari (Publisher: Darussalaam) Hadeeth Number 2063; page: 968-969]

[Ref 3: Source: It’haaf At-tullaab Bi-Sharh Mandhoomah Al-Aadaab’ page 145]

Many Partners In Business Oppress One Another, Except Those Who Believe And Do Righteous Deeds, And They Are Few!

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in 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:

وَهَلۡ أَتَٮٰكَ نَبَؤُاْ ٱلۡخَصۡمِ إِذۡ تَسَوَّرُواْ ٱلۡمِحۡرَابَ

إِذۡ دَخَلُواْ عَلَىٰ دَاوُ ۥدَ فَفَزِعَ مِنۡہُمۡ‌ۖ قَالُواْ لَا تَخَفۡ‌ۖ خَصۡمَانِ بَغَىٰ بَعۡضُنَا عَلَىٰ بَعۡضٍ۬ فَٱحۡكُم بَيۡنَنَا بِٱلۡحَقِّ وَلَا تُشۡطِطۡ وَٱهۡدِنَآ إِلَىٰ سَوَآءِ ٱلصِّرَٲطِ

إِنَّ هَـٰذَآ أَخِى لَهُ ۥ تِسۡعٌ۬ وَتِسۡعُونَ نَعۡجَةً۬ وَلِىَ نَعۡجَةٌ۬ وَٲحِدَةٌ۬ فَقَالَ أَكۡفِلۡنِيہَا وَعَزَّنِى فِى ٱلۡخِطَابِ

قَالَ لَقَدۡ ظَلَمَكَ بِسُؤَالِ نَعۡجَتِكَ إِلَىٰ نِعَاجِهِۦ‌ۖ وَإِنَّ كَثِيرً۬ا مِّنَ ٱلۡخُلَطَآءِ لَيَبۡغِى بَعۡضُہُمۡ عَلَىٰ بَعۡضٍ إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ وَقَلِيلٌ۬ مَّا هُمۡ‌ۗ وَظَنَّ دَاوُ ۥدُ أَنَّمَا فَتَنَّـٰهُ فَٱسۡتَغۡفَرَ رَبَّهُ ۥ وَخَرَّ رَاكِعً۬ا وَأَنَابَ

And has the news of the litigants reached you? When they climbed over the wall into (his) Mihrab (a praying place or a private room). When they entered in upon Dawud (David), he was terrified of them, they said: “Fear not! (We are) two litigants, one of whom has wronged the other, therefore judge between us with truth, and treat us not with injustice, and guide us to the Right Way. Verily, this my brother (in religion) has ninety nine ewes, while I have (only) one ewe, and he says: “Hand it over to me, and he overpowered me in speech. [Dawud (David)] said (immediately without listening to the opponent): “He has wronged you in demanding your ewe in addition to his ewes.  And, verily, many partners oppress one another, except those who believe and do righteous deeds, and they are few.” And Dawud (David) guessed that We have tried him and he sought Forgiveness of his Lord, and he fell down prostrate and turned (to Allah) in repentance. [38:21-24]

[وَإِنَّ كَثِيرً۬ا مِّنَ ٱلۡخُلَطَآءِ لَيَبۡغِى بَعۡضُہُمۡ عَلَىٰ بَعۡض- And, verily, many partners oppress one another] because oppression is from (those) characteristics of the (human) soul; [إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ – except those who believe and do righteous good deeds] because Eemaan and righteous actions prevents them from (committing) oppression.  [وَقَلِيلٌ۬ مَّا هُمۡ‌ – And they are few]; just as Allaah (The Most High) said (in another ayah): [وَقَلِيلٌ۬ مِّنۡ عِبَادِىَ ٱلشَّكُورُ – But few of My slaves are grateful] [34:13]

[An Excerpt from Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer kalaam Al-Mannaan]