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Strive for Knowledge: Shaykh Ibn Baz’s Call to the Seekers of Truth

Advice on Striving in the Pursuit of Islamic Knowledge and Attending Gatherings of Knowledge – Shaykh Ibn Baz

There is no doubt that circles of knowledge hold a tremendous status. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to sit with the companions, teaching them and reminding them at various times. They would gather around him, listening and learning. This was the way of the Companions — and after the passing of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), they too would hold gatherings of knowledge and teach the people. Likewise, in our time, the scholars and students of knowledge continue this noble tradition.

The benefits of these sittings are immense. The student of knowledge attends and listens attentively, while the common person also participates and benefits. The student brings his book to record the benefits, and through this, the benefit is preserved — for had he not written it down, it might have been lost. As for the common attendee, they listen and ask questions about matters that concern or trouble them, seeking guidance. All of this is from what Allah loves.

Imam Ahmad, al-Tirmidhi, and others narrated on the authority of Anas ibn Malik (رضي الله عنه) that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“When you pass by the gardens of Paradise, then feast.”
They asked, “What are the gardens of Paradise?”
He replied, “The circles of remembrance.”

Additionally, in the Sahihayn, it is narrated that one day the Prophet (ﷺ) was in the masjid, and the companions were gathered around him as he was reminding them. During this gathering, three people entered. One of them came forward and joined the gathering. The second sat at the back. The third turned away and left. When the Prophet (ﷺ) had finished speaking, he said:
“Shall I inform you about these three?”
The companions replied, “Of course, O Messenger of Allah.”
He (ﷺ) said:
“As for the first, he sought refuge with Allah, so Allah granted him refuge. The second felt shy, so Allah was shy towards him. As for the third, he turned away, so Allah turned away from him.”

The statement regarding the third person — that Allah turned away from him — is a severe warning. It highlights the danger of arrogantly turning away from or abandoning the gatherings of knowledge and the pursuit of understanding.

It is also reported on the authority of Mu’awiyah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“Whomever Allah intends good for, He grants him understanding of the religion.”
This hadith shows that one of the signs of true happiness is understanding the religion. If Allah grants a person knowledge and comprehension of the religion, it is a sign that He intends good for that individual. In contrast, a sign of a person’s loss and destruction is being deprived of this understanding — that one turns away and remains negligent of the importance of attaining knowledge and its gatherings.

The Prophet (ﷺ) also said:
“Whoever treads a path seeking knowledge, Allah makes easy for him the path to Paradise.”

Thus, seeking knowledge is one of the greatest and most important means of drawing closer to Allah, the Most High.

My sincere advice to every Muslim — male and female — is to be diligent in acquiring an understanding of the religion, to study earnestly, and to pursue knowledge by every possible means.

Summarised and Slightly Paraphrased from Shaykh Ibn Baz’s “Advice on Striving in the Pursuit of Islamic Knowledge and Attending Gatherings of Knowledge.

The Comprehensive Message

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

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Muhammad’s, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, Ummah is not in need of anyone after him; rather the only need they have is someone to convey what he came with.

Muhammad’s message is comprehensive, universal and preserved. This universality, comprehensiveness and preservation is not limited to (any time, place or situation), rather it is comprehensive for those to whom Muhammad was sent [the whole world] and likewise with regards to everything that is needed in the fundamental and subsidiary issues of the religion.

Muhammad’s message is sufficient, all embracing and universal- nothing else is needed besides it. It has not isolated any affair of truth needed by his Ummah in their sciences and deeds. The Messenger of Allah did not leave this world until he acquainted his Ummah with everything. He even taught them the etiquettes of using the toilet; the etiquettes of sexual relations; the etiquettes of sleep and after waking up; the etiquettes of eating, drinking and travel.

He acquainted them with the etiquettes of speech and silence; the etiquettes of keeping company with the people and seclusion. He acquainted them with the affairs of illness, good health, poverty and wealth. He acquainted them with all the affairs of life and death. He described Allah’s throne, the angels, the jinn, the hell fire and the day of judgement in such a manner as if one has seen them with the naked eye. He informed them about their Lord and His Perfect Names and Attributes, and that Allah alone is their true object of worship.

He acquainted them with the Prophets of old and their nations – the events that took place between them and their nations – in such a manner as if one was present at that time. He acquainted them with all the means to good and the paths of evil- in general and in detail- which no other prophet informed his nation. He acquainted them with death and what will take place in the grave – either bliss or punishment. He acquainted them with the evidences and proofs of Tawhid [i.e. the oneness of Allah in His Lordship, Names and Attributes, and that Allah alone has the right to be worshipped].

He acquainted them with Prophet hood and the affairs of the Afterlife, and he refuted all the sects of disbelief and misguidance. He acquainted them with war strategies- how to confront the enemy, the way to achieve victory and conquests. If only they knew and understood these affairs in the correct manner [i.e. the manner it should be understood], they would not be overcome by their enemy. He acquainted them with the plots of Iblees and the ways through which he approaches them, and the ways to repel those plots and plans. He acquainted them with the soul- its characteristics and faults- in such a manner that they are not in need of anyone else to tell them about it. He taught them how to live their daily lives and had they acknowledged and acted upon this; their worldly affairs would be firmly established. He brought them all the means of success in this life and the next, and they do not need anyone besides him. So how can it be said that the path of Muhammad is in need of something else outside of it. The reason for such a claim is due to the weak and little understanding of a person. Allah [The Most High] said:

أَوَلَمْ يَكْفِهِمْ أَنَّا أَنزَلْنَا عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ يُتْلَىٰ عَلَيْهِمْ ۚ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَرَحْمَةً وَذِكْرَىٰ لِقَوْمٍ يُؤْمِنُونَ

Is it not sufficient for them that We have sent down to you the Book (the Qur’an) which is recited to them? Verily, herein is mercy and a reminder (or an admonition) for a people who believe.

Allah [The Most High] said:

وَنَزَّلْنَا عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ تِبْيَانًا لِّكُلِّ شَيْءٍ وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةً وَبُشْرَىٰ لِلْمُسْلِمِينَ

And We have sent down to you the Book (the Qur’an) as an exposition of everything, a guidance, a mercy, and glad tidings for those who have submitted themselves (to Allah as Muslims).

Allah [The Most High] said:

يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ قَدْ جَاءَتْكُم مَّوْعِظَةٌ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَشِفَاءٌ لِّمَا فِي الصُّدُورِ وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةٌ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ

O mankind! There has come to you a good advice from your Lord (i.e. the Qur’an, ordering all that is good and forbidding all that is evil), and a healing for that (disease of ignorance, doubt, hypocrisy and differences, etc.) in your breasts, – a guidance and a mercy (explaining lawful and unlawful things, etc.) for the believers.

An Excerpt from I’lam Al-Muwaqqi’een 4/375-377

Wagers allowed only for racing camels, or horses or shooting arrows

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

The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Wagers are allowed only for racing camels, or horses or shooting arrows”. [Sahih Sunan Abi Dawud 2574]

Imam Al-Khattabi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “Wagers and gifts (prizes) are only deserved in the context of horse and camel racing, as well as similar activities, and in archery, which is considered a form of combat preparation. This is because these activities serve as means of readiness in the fight against the enemy, and offering rewards for them encourages and motivates participation in jihad. However, engaging in races that do not pertain to military preparation or do not enhance one’s capability for Jihad is prohibited, and taking a reward for such races is not permissible.” [1]

Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah stated: “If one of the participants or an outsider were to offer a reward, it would fall under the category of prizes. Such practices are prohibited, except in cases that yield benefits, such as competitions and contests, as indicated in the hadith: “Wagers are allowed only for racing camels or horses or shooting arrows”. This is because offering money for purposes that do not serve a beneficial role in either religion or worldly affairs is forbidden, even if it does not constitute gambling. [2]

Imam Muhammad Ibn Salih al-Uthaymin, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

The Prophet permitted competitions involving rewards in three specific activities, while prohibiting them in others. This exception serves to distinguish these activities from gambling or its close resemblance, as competitions that involve a reward can lead to a situation where one party benefits at the expense of another, which is the essence of gambling. If one were to inquire why these three activities are allowed, the response is that they serve to support the Jihad in the path of Allah. Camels are utilized to carry the belongings and weapons of the fighters, as well as to transport the fighters themselves. The arrows are employed by the combatants to defend themselves and to attack their enemies. Similarly, the horse is used for charging and retreating, making it a valuable asset in warfare and in the pursuit of jihad for the sake of Allah. [3]

NB: Any alternative form of competition that could be viewed as supportive of Jihad [Footnote a] or advantageous in religious or worldly matters should be directed to qualified scholars for a specific Fatwa. This is to prevent individuals from making personal analogies that may lead to the endorsement of what is impermissible or the prohibition of what is permissible. Consequently, it is essential to seek the guidance of scholars in specific situations where one believes there may be a justification for their intended actions.

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


[1] Ma’alim al-Sunan. (2/255)

[2] Majmu Al-Fataawaa 32/223]

[3] https://www.alathar.net/home/esound/index.php?op=codevi&coid=33043 paraphrased

Reflections from some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali [33 of 80]

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

السؤال : ما حكم الجماعة الثانية في المسجد الذي تقام به الجماعة ؟
الجواب : إن كانت الجماعة الثانية تتعمد ألاّ تصلي وراء هذا الإمام، وتنشئ جماعة ثانية إظهارا للفرقة والفتن، فهذا حرام ولا يجوز، حتى لو كان إمام المسجد مبتدعا، تصلي وراءه مع جماعة المسلمين، ولا تنشئ جماعة أخرى
أما إذا كنت حريصا على صلاة الجماعة -وفضلها ،والصلاة في الجماعة تعدل سبعة وعشرين صلاة من صلاة الفذّ – حرصت على هذه الفضيلة لكن فاتتك وفرغ الإمام من هذه الصلاة؛ الظهر أو العصر أو المغرب أو العشاء، وجاء واحد وواحد وواحد فصلوا جماعة ؛إذا كانت فاتتهم بغير قصد منهم ولا بقصد إنشاء جماعة أخرى فليصلوا ولا مانع في ذلك . وراجعوا في هذا الموضوع تحفة الأحوذي
والشيخ الألباني يحكي عن الشافعي رحم الله الجميع أنه لا يرى تعدد الجماعات إلا في مسجد على الطريق بعيد عن المدن والقرى، وأما في المدن والقرى فلا يرى تعدد الجماعات، سواء كانوا معذورين أو غير معذورين ! وناقشت الألباني في هذه المسألة وقلت له:
يعني الرسول صلى الله عليه وسلم قال في واحد من الصحابة تأخر وفاتته الصلاة : (من يتصدق على هذا ) قال الشيخ الألباني رحمه الله : هذا في حقّ المتنفِّل ؛الثاني متنفل والأول مفترض ! على كل حال هذا رأيه، لكن الصواب أنه إذا ما قصد الفتنة ولم يقصد إنشاء جماعة ثانية وهو حريص على الصلاة مع الجماعة، ثم فاتته وفاتت هذا وهذا فصلوا جماعة فلا مانع

Question: What is the ruling regarding a second congregational prayer in a Masjid where (the fixed) congregational prayer has already been established?

Answer: If the second congregational prayer is intentional in order not to pray behind this Imam (i.e. the one appointed for the five prayers at fixed times) and to establish a second congregational prayer to demonstrate division and discord, this is unlawful and not permissible. Even if the Imam of the Masjid is a Mubtadi (Footnote a), one prays behind him with the congregation of the Muslims and should not establish another congregational prayer.

As for If you are keen on congregational prayers and its virtue—the prayer in congregation being twenty-seven times more virtuous, but you missed this opportunity, such as (when) the Imam completes the prayer (be it Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, or Isha), thus others arrive to form a congregation. If they miss the (fixed) congregational prayer unintentionally, nor intending to established another congregational prayer (i.e. prior to their arrival), they can pray and there is no objection in that. For further details on this matter, refer to “Tuhfat al-Ahwadhi.”

Shaikh Al-Albani reports from Imam Ash-Shafi’i, may Allah have mercy on all, that he did not endorse more than one congregational prayer, except in a Masjid (located) on a road far from cities and towns. As for in cities and towns, he did not endorse the establishment of multiple congregational prayers, regardless of whether people have valid excuses or not. I engaged Al-Albani in a discussion regarding this matter and expressed my thoughts to him, saying:

Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, mentioned regarding one of the companions who missed a prayer: “Who will give charity to this one?” Shaikh Al-Albani, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “This applies to the one performing voluntary prayers; the second person is performing a voluntary prayer while the first is performing an obligatory paryer”. In any case, this was his opinion, but the correct view is that if one neither intends discord nor to establish a send congregational prayer, and he is keen on congregational prayer, but then he misses the prayer and another person also misses it, they may pray together and there is no objection. [1] Paraphrased

————————————————————————

Footnote a:

https://abukhadeejah.com/what-is-innovation-bidah-its-categories-prayer-behind-an-innovator-ibn-baz/


[1]https://rabee.net/%D9%81%D8%AA%D8%A7%D9%88%D9%89-%D9%81%D9%82%D9%87%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D9%85%D9%86%D9%88%D8%B9%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AD%D9%84%D9%82%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AB%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%8A%D8%A9/

The Comprehensive, All-Encompassing and Universal Message

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

The Ummah of Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, does not require anyone after him; their sole necessity is for someone to convey his teachings. The message of Muhammad is all-encompassing, universal, and (perfectly) preserved. This universality, comprehensiveness, and preservation are not confined to any (specific time, place, or circumstance); instead, they extend to all those to whom Muhammad was sent, as well as addressing all the fundamental and subsidiary matters of the religion.

Muhammad’s message is sufficient, all-encompassing, and universal—there is no requirement for anything beyond it. It has addressed every aspect of truth necessary for his Ummah in their knowledge and actions. Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, did not depart from this world without imparting to his Ummah all that they needed to know. He taught them the etiquettes of using the toilet, sexual relations, the etiquettes of sleep and waking, eating, drinking, and traveling. He acquainted them with the etiquettes of speech and silence; the etiquettes of keeping company with the people and seclusion. He acquainted them with matters regarding illness, good health, poverty and wealth, and all matters regarding life and death.

He described Allah’s throne, the angels, the jinn, the fire of hell, and the Day of Judgment in a way that made them feel as though they were witnessing these realities with the naked eye. He conveyed knowledge about their Lord, His Perfect Names and Attributes, emphasising that Allah is the only One who deserves their worship. He acquainted them with the ancient Prophets and their respective nations- the events that transpired between them as if one were witnessing those moments firsthand. He informed them of all the avenues leading to righteousness and the various paths of wrongdoing, both broadly and specifically, in a manner that no other prophet had conveyed to his people. He acquiainted them with death and will take place in the grave, whether they be of joy or torment. Additionally, he presented the evidences and proofs of Tawhid (pure Islamic Monotheism). He acquainted them with Prophethood and the matters concerning the Afterlife, while also countering all factions of disbelief and misguidance. He acquainted them with war strategies- how to confront the enemy, the way to achieve victory and conquests. If they were aware of and comprehended these matters appropriately, they would not be defeated by their adversary.

He acquainted them with the schemes of Iblees, the methods by which he seeks to influence them, and the strategies to counteract those schemes and plans. He acquainted them with the soul- its characteristics and faults- in such a manner that they are not in need of anyone else to tell them about it.

He instructed them on how to navigate their everyday existence, and had they recognized and implemented his teachings, their worldly matters would have been securely established. He provided them with all the means necessary for success in both this life and the hereafter, rendering them independent of any other guidance. Therefore, it is unfounded to assert that the path of Muhammad requires any external support. Such claims stem from a limited and insufficient understanding on the part of the individual. Allah said:

أَوَلَمْ يَكْفِهِمْ أَنَّا أَنزَلْنَا عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ يُتْلَىٰ عَلَيْهِمْ ۚ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَرَحْمَةً وَذِكْرَىٰ لِقَوْمٍ يُؤْمِنُونَ

Is it not sufficient for them that We have sent down to you the Book (the Qur’an) which is recited to them? Verily, herein is mercy and a reminder (or an admonition) for a people who believe. [29:51]

Allah [The Most High] said:
وَنَزَّلْنَا عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ تِبْيَانًا لِّكُلِّ شَيْءٍ وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةً وَبُشْرَىٰ لِلْمُسْلِمِينَ

And We have sent down to you the Book (the Qur’an) as an exposition of everything, a guidance, a mercy, and glad tidings for those who have submitted themselves (to Allah as Muslims)]. [16:89]

Allah [The Most High] said:
يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ قَدْ جَاءَتْكُم مَّوْعِظَةٌ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَشِفَاءٌ لِّمَا فِي الصُّدُورِ وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةٌ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ

O mankind! There has come to you a good advice from your Lord [i.e. the Qur’an, ordering all that is good and forbidding all that is evil], and a healing for that [disease of ignorance, doubt, hypocrisy and differences, etc.] in your breasts, – a guidance and a mercy [explaining lawful and unlawful things, etc.] for the believers. [10:57]

An Excerpt from “i’lam al-muwaqqi’in 4/375-377

Book of Purification Umdatul Ahkam | Abdul Hakeem Mitchell | Manchester

The new book that Ustadh Abdul Hakeem has started which is ‘Umdatul Ahkam.’ It is different to the book that is covered on Mondays which Umdatul Fiqh.
This book starts with the chapter of ‘Book of Purification’:

Notes

[widgetkit id=”15″ name=”Notes Umdatul Ahkaam Purification”]

[1] Close Gaps In The Rows During Prayer and Do Not Raise Your Voice too Loud In Recitation

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

Strengthening The Rows and Closing The Gaps Between Performers of The Prayer – By Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him]

What is common here in the Kingdom – in prayer – is the absence of closing the gaps between the performers of the prayer in their rows, in addition to the loud voices in the Masjid when reciting the Qur’an. And what is the meaning of the statement of the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him], “Let not one of you (raise his voice) with his recitation over the recitation of his brother”? (Please) explain these two affairs, and Allah reward you with good.

Response: Not closing the gaps is tantamount to ignorance. It is obligated on the one who witnesses this to advise his brothers. Always close the gaps. The Imams say, “Straighten up, close the gaps, come close together”, but this requires hearts that listen and ears that hear. Closing the gaps is obligatatory and the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] commanded it. He said: “Set the rows in order, stand shoulder to shoulder, close the gaps”. (see footnote a) This is how he [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] commanded, so it is obligatory that the gaps in the rows are closed and (people) come close together.

As for reciting aloud, this should not be done. It is obligatory for the believer to recite in a low voice so that he does not harm (i.e. disturb or distract) those around him, and does not disturb those worshipers and reciters around him. If he is reading in the row, he reads in a low tone, so as not to disturb the people around him; unless there are people around him who are not reading and they love to hear his voice, so he raises it to the level they can hear. As for raising (the voice) and harming (i.e. disturbing or distracting) those around him who are praying or reciting, and disturbing them, (then) no. The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] came to a people in the Masjid and heard them reciting the Qur’an in a loud voice. He removed the curtain and said, “Verily, every one of you is calling his Lord. Let not some of you raise your voice over that of others…” (see footnote b) (1)

———————————————–

Footnote a:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: Set the rows in order, stand shoulder to shoulder, close the gaps, be pliant in the hands of your brethren, and do not leave openings for the devil. If anyone joins up a row, Allah will join him up, but if anyone breaks a row, Allah will cut him off. [Saheeh Abu Dawud 666]

Narrated Anas bin Malik [may Allaah be pleased with him]: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Straighten your rows for I see you from behind my back.” Anas added, “Everyone of us used to put his shoulder with the shoulder of his companion and his foot with the foot of his companion.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari 725]

An-Nu’man Bin Bashir [may Allaah be pleased with him] said: Allaah’s Messenger (ﷺ) faced the people and said three times; straighten your rows (in prayer); by Allah, you must straighten your rows, or Allah will certainly put your faces in contrary directions. I then saw that every person stood in prayer keeping his shoulder close to that of the other, and his knee close to that of the other, and his ankle close to that of the other. [Sahih Abu dawud 662]

Footnote b:
Narrated Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri [may Allaah be pleased with him]: Allaah’s Messenger (ﷺ) came to the Masjid and heard them (the people) reciting the Qur’an in a loud voice. He removed the curtain and said: “Verily, every one of you is calling his Lord. Let not some of you raise your voice over that of others in recitation or in prayer”. [Sahih Abu Dawud 1332]

To be continued InShaaAllaah

Read this article by Shaikh Abu Khadeejah [may Allaah preserve him]: https://abukhadeejah.com/guarding-preserving-the-prayer-how-to-pray-in-congregation/


Ref1:https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/3011/%D8%AD%D9%83%D9%85-%D8%B3%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%81%D8%B1%D8%AC-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B5%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%A9-%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%81%D8%B9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B5%D9%88%D8%AA-%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%82%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%A1%D8%A9-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%B3%D8%AC%D8%AF#:~:text=%D8%B9%D8%AF%D9%85%20%D8%B3%D8%AF%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%81%D8%B1%D8%AC%20%D9%87%D8%B0%D8%A7%20%D9%85%D9%86,%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B5%D9%81%D9%88%D9%81%20%D8%A3%D9%86%20%D9%8A%D8%B3%D8%AF%D9%88%D8%A7%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%81%D8%B1%D8%AC%D8%8C%20%D9%88%D9%8A%D8%AA%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%B5%D9%88%D8%A7 paraphrased

[1] Who Ascertained and Declared That You Have Reached The Level of Mufti?!

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

Who Ascertained and Declared You Have Reached The Level of Mufti- The Well-Known Scholars of Sunnah, Ahlul Bidah or The Common People?!

Abdur-Rahmaan Bin Abee Layla [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: I have met a hundred and twenty companions of the Messenger [peace and blessinsg of Allaah be upon him] in this Masjid and not a single one of them would be asked about a hadeeth, except he wished that his brother would suffice him in (answering). Then the affair was assigned to a people who claimed knowledge at present. They give answers in affairs which if presented to Umar Ibnul Khattaab [radiyallaahu-anhu], he would have gathered the (Sahaabah of) Badr to consult them. (1)

Abu Khaythama narrated to us, (saying): Fadl Ibn Dukayn related to us, (saying): Sufyaan informed us from yahyah Ibn Saeed who said: ‘’I heard Al-Qaasim Ibn Muhammad say: ‘’A person lives his (whole) life being ignorant is better for him than giving fataawaa without knowledge. (2)

Imaam Shaafi’ee [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: It is not permissible for anyone to give fatwa in Allaah’s Religion except a man who is knowledgeable about the Book of Allaah – [knowledgeable] about its Naasikh and Mansookh [i.e. the science of abrogating and abrogated related to verses of the Qur’aan]; its Muhkam [i.e. the clear verses which the scholars who are firmly grounded in knowledge point out be to those that do not require explanation by other verses] and its Mutashaabih [i.e. the verses which the scholars who are firmly grounded in knowledge point out be ones that require elaboration and explanation through other verses]; its [sound] interpretation; [knowledge about when an Ayah or Surah] was revealed- whether it is Makkiy or a Madaniy [i.e. the subject matter regarding how to determine that an Aayah or Surah was revealed in Makkah or Medeenah]; what is intended by a verse and for which circumstances [or purpose] it was revealed. Thereafter, he should have sure knowledge about the hadeeth of the Messenger of Allaah [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] in relation to its Naasikh and Mansookh [i.e. the subject matter regarding the abrogating and abrogated ahaadeeth discussed by the scholars who are firmly grounded in knowledge], and he should know the affairs of the hadeeth in the manner in which he knows the Qur’aan. He should have sure knowledge about the Arabic language and Arabic poetry, and what is needed of it. Then he applies this [knowledge] alongside being a just person and one whose speech is little. He should be one who has the ability to adjudicate [or make sound judgements] on the differences of opinions held by the scholars of the different eras and he should be talented. If he is like this [i.e. if the upright scholars upon sound Islamic creed and methodology- those firmly grounded in knowledge-testify that he is qualified in all these fields], then he can speak and issue fatwa in affairs of halaal and haraam. But if he is not, then it is not for him to give fatwa. (3)

Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee [may Allaah preserve him] said: We do not say that there are people of ijtihaad amongst ahlul bidah because they are followers of desires, and Allaah and His Messenger have testified to this. The misguided innovator stirs up discord and errs, and then says to you, ‘This is ijtihaad’. When Hikmatiyaar and the misguided parties (in Afghanistan) murdered Shaikh Jameel Ur-Rahmaan, they said: ‘This is ijtihaad.’ They [ahlul bidah] do not fall into an affair of misguidance or a calamity except that they say, “This is ijtihaad.” This is [tantamount] to diluting Islaam, falsehood, misguidance, bidah and confounding truth with falsehood, when the mistakes of the [true and qualified scholars of ijtihaad]- for which they are rewarded- are placed at the same level with innovation, about which the Messenger declared to be destined for the hell fire. (4)


[Ref 1: Sharhus Sunnah of Imaam Al-Baghawee: 1/305]

[Ref 2: Kitaabul Ilm of Abu Khaythama with the checking of Shaikh Al Albaani: Narration number 90. page 23]

[Ref 3: Source: An Excerpt from I’laam Al-Muwaqqi’een 2/87. Publisher: Daar Ibn Al-Jawziyyah’ 1st ed 1423AH.slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 4: An Excerpt from ‘Ajwibatul Allaamatush Shaikh Rabee Bin Haadee Al Madkhalee Alaa As-ilah Abee Rawaaha Al-Manhajiyyah page: 20]

O Allah’s Messenger! Prices Have Gone Up, So Fix Prices For Us

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

Allah [The Exalted] says:

وَلَنَبْلُوَنَّكُمْ بِشَيْءٍ مِنَ الْخَوْفِ وَالْجُوعِ وَنَقْصٍ مِنَ الأَمْوَالِ وَالأَنْفُسِ وَالثَّمَرَاتِ وَبَشِّرِالصَّابِرِينَ
ٱلَّذِينَ إِذَآ أَصَـٰبَتۡهُم مُّصِيبَةٌ۬ قَالُوٓاْ إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّآ إِلَيۡهِ رَٲجِعُونَ
أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ عَلَيۡہِمۡ صَلَوَٲتٌ۬ مِّن رَّبِّهِمۡ وَرَحۡمَةٌ۬‌ۖ وَأُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ هُمُ ٱلۡمُهۡتَدُونَ

And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to As-Sabirin (the patient ones, etc.). Who, when afflicted with calamity, say: “Truly! To Allah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return.” They are those on whom are the Salawat (i.e. blessings, etc.) (i.e. who are blessed and will be forgiven) from their Lord, and (they are those who) receive His Mercy, and it is they who are the guided-ones. [Surah Al-Baqarah. Verses 155-157]

Anas Bin Malik [may Allah be pleased with him] reported that the people said, “O Allah’s Messenger! Prices have gone up, so fix prices for us”. So, Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “Allah is the one Who fixes prices, Who withholds, gives lavishly and provides, and I hope that when I meet Allah, none of you will have any claim on me for an injustice regarding blood or property”. [Sahih Sunan Abee Dawud. Number 3450]

Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: High increases in prices and their decreases are among those events that none brings about except Allah alone and nothing can occur from it except by Allah’s Will, but He [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections] has made some of the actions of His slaves the cause of some incidents, just as He made the deed of killing by a killer a cause of the death of the victim, and the increase in prices may be due to the injustice of the people, and the decrease may be due to the benevolence of some people. (1)

Pay attention to the statement of Shaikh Al-Islaam as follows, “….the increase in prices may be due to the injustice of the people, and the decrease may be due to the benevolence of some people”. Indeed, it is common knowledge in our era that farmers – in some wealthy nations – are sometimes ordered to dump good produce. This is due to a number of reasons: firstly, sometimes capitalists do not have in place a system that would allow farmers to grow only what is enough, therefore they are left with no choice but to dump some of their produce. However, despite this overproduction, many people are still unable to afford good quality food. One of the ways this can be avoided is if governments help charities to repackage and redistribute excess food to those in need of it. Secondly, sometimes the greedy capitalists solely desire to make profit regardless of the consequences. For example, there has been incidents – in some wealthy nations – when farmers were ordered to depopulate their livestock to inflate prices, whilst many people were unable to put meat on their tables. This is nothing but an act of conspiring with farmers to create scarcity and thus unveils one of the negative outcomes of a capitalist economy.

The Hoarders: Muammar Bin Abdillah [may Allah be pleased with him] who said that the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “None hoards except a sinner”. [Sahih Muslim. Number 1605]

Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baz [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: They are the ones who buy commodities, such as food and the like that people need in times of hardship and store it, so that when the price is high he sells it for more. This is not permissible, it is an evil deed and the one who does this is a sinner. If there is one in charge of authority in the country, it is obligated to him to implement the affairs related to the Shariah, prevent him from doing so and compel him to sell food at the same price – at the current price that is in the markets; and he cannot hoard it if it is during the time of hardship. As for the one who buys food or other than food that people need in a time of prosperity and abundance in the markets, and not to harm anyone, then when trade begins, he sells it with the people without delaying it until when a state of extreme need occurs, rather, he sells when the trading begins and there is benefit, there is no objection to this action of his. This is the work of merchants in ancient and modern times. (2)

Imam Muhammad Ibn Saalih Al-Uthaymeen [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: It is forbidden to monopolise (or hoard) what people are in need of. The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “None hoards except a sinner”. This is a person who deliberately commits a sin; but monopolising (or hoarding) is only in relation to what is not found with anyone else other than this monopolist (or hoarder). As for what him and someone else possess and he wants to keep the commodity until its season comes, there is nothing wrong with this and it is not considered monopoly (or hoarding). For instance, if a person buys rice and says, “I will save it until the time of its season, whilst the people have rice and they sell as they want”, this is not considered monopoly (or hoarding); but if it is not found except with him and he is saves it until the time of high prices comes, then indeed this is monopolising (or hoarding). The scholars say that the one in charge of authority is obliged to force the monopolist to sell what he has monopolised (or hoarded) just as people sell at the time they need to sell because this is in the public interest. (3)


[Ref1:Majmoo Al-Fataawaa 8/520]

[Ref2:https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/6025/%D8%AD%D9%83%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%AD%D8%AA%D9%83%D8%A7%D8%B1 ]

[Ref 3: https://binothaimeen.net/content/11952. paraphrased]

Aqeedah, Knowledge, Manners, Mutual Dealings – [Forty Quotes From Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee][ Part 2]

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

Aqeedah, Knowledge, Manners, Mutual Dealings – [Forty Quotes From Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee][ Part 2]

Aqeedah, Knowledge, Manners, Mutual Dealings_Forty Quotes From Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee_Part 2