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Forgive people and Allah will forgive you!

Written by abumuaawiyah on . Posted in Brotherhood, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

The Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Forgive (or pardon people) and you will be forgiven”.

Al-Allamah Zayd Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

This statement of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, “Forgive (or pardon people) and you will be forgiven” is a clarification that reward is given in accordance with the deed performed – that if a person is one with a forgiving character when taking, giving, buying and selling, and when dealing with his family, neighbours and companions; rather when dealing with the society and people -wherever that may be, then indeed reward given in accordance with the deed. He will be forgiven – meaning, Allah will forgive him by making his affairs easy, forgive him by wiping away his sins and facilitate him with people who will deal with him in the same manner he deals with (other) people. 

at-Ta’liqat Al-Malihah Alaa Silsilah Al-Ahadith As-Sahihah. 1/75

Older members of our clans and tribes used to joke, then suddenly stopped or limited it; why?

Written by abumuaawiyah on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Older members of the clans and tribes would often engage in humor, but then suddenly ceased or restricted their joking with certain youth and elders; why?

Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that it was said, “O Allah’s Messenger! Do you joke with us?” Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Verily, I do not say anything but the truth”. [1]

Al-Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him and his father, said: “Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, engaged in joking, thus joking became a Sunnah”. It was said to Imam Sufyan ibn Uyaynah, may Allah have mercy upon him, “Is joking a defect?” He said, “No, it is a Sunnah, but the matter depends on who can do it well and place it in the right place”. [2]

Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “There are six aspects of sense of honour; three when resident and three when travelling. The three when resident are: reciting the Book of Allah, maintaining the mosques of Allah, and forming friendships for the sake of Allah. As for those related to traveling, they are: sharing provisions, exhibiting good character, and engaging in joking without committing sins”. [3]

Khalid Ibn Safwan, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “There is no harm in joking that would lift a man from a state of frowning.” [4]

Saʿīd ibn al-ʿĀṣ, may Allah have mercy upon him, advised his son: “Moderate your joking; for excessive joking diminishes your dignity and emboldens the foolish against you. Conversely, being too reserved in your humour can alienate your companions and create distance with those around you.” [5]

Umar ibn al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, stated: “Whoever engages excessively in something will be recognised for it; whoever jokes too much will be taken lightly; and whoever laughs frequently will lose their dignity.” [6]

Ya’la bin Munyah advised three things in a lengthy discourse: “Beware of joking; for it diminishes dignity, leads to reproach, and undermines honour”. [7]

Saʿīd ibn al-ʿĀṣ, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “O my son! Do not joke with the noble, lest he harbours resentment against you, and do not joke with lowly one, lest he becomes bold towards you”. [8]

al-Khaṭṭābu ibn al-Muʿallā al-Makhzūmiyyū, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “Beware of excessive speech and laughter, as well as joking and trivial joking with friends, for such behaviour diminishes one’s dignity and fosters animosity. Instead, embrace composure, without any arrogance attributed to you, nor any pride that is reported about you” [9]

[1] Sahih Sunan Al-Tirmidhi 1990

[2] al-Laṭāʾif wa-ẓ-Ẓarāʾif page 151 by Abu Mansur Abd al-Malik ibn Muhammad ibn Isma’il al-Naysaburi Ath-Thaʿālibi

[3] al-Tadhkira al-Ḥamdūnīya 831

[4] Muhadarat al-udaba 1/346

[5] Adab al-dunyā wa al-dīn 1/ 346

[6] al-Mūshī page 13 by Abū ʿAlī al-Ḥasan ibn Muḥammad ibn ʿAnbar ibn Shākir al-Baghdādī al-Washshāʾ

[7] al-Murūʾa pages 54-55 by Abū Bakr Muḥammad ibn Khalaf ibn al-Marzubān ibn Bassām al-Muḥawwilī al-Baghdādī al-Ājurrī

[8] al-Samt by Ibn Abi al-Dunya page 211

[9] Rawḍat al-ʿUqalāʾ 198

[2] Never anticipate that capable students of knowledge will forsake evidence and follow anyone without critical scrutiny

Written by abumuaawiyah on . Posted in Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Featured, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Imam Ash-Shaatibi, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated:

Know that Allah has established this Shariah as proof against the creation (humankind and jinn) – the old and young alike, the obedient and the disobedient, the righteous and the wicked. He did not specify the proof against anyone in exclusion of another one. Also, all the other revealed laws were established as proof against all the nations to whom they were revealed. The Shariah is the judge- in general, and specifically; the judge on all those who have reached the age of responsibility. It is the path attached to (what Allah has ordained) and it is the Greatest Guide. Have you not heard the statement of Allah, The Most High:

وَكَذَٲلِكَ أَوۡحَيۡنَآ إِلَيۡكَ رُوحً۬ا مِّنۡ أَمۡرِنَاۚ مَا كُنتَ تَدۡرِى مَا ٱلۡكِتَـٰبُ وَلَا ٱلۡإِيمَـٰنُ وَلَـٰكِن جَعَلۡنَـٰهُ نُورً۬ا نَّہۡدِى بِهِۦ مَن نَّشَآءُ مِنۡ عِبَادِنَاۚ وَإِنَّكَ لَتَہۡدِىٓ إِلَىٰ صِرَٲطٍ۬ مُّسۡتَقِيمٍ۬

And thus We have sent to you (O Muhammad) Ruhan (an Inspiration, and a Mercy) of Our Command. You knew not what is the Book, nor what is Faith? But We have made it (this Qur’an) a light wherewith We guide whosoever of Our slaves We will. And verily, you (O Muhammad) are indeed guiding (mankind) to the Straight Path (i.e. Allah’s religion of Islamic Monotheism). [Ash-Shura 52]

He (the Prophet) – peace and blessings of Allah be upon him- was the first to be guided to the Book and Iman, and then those who followed him. The Book is the Guide and also the Sunnah that was revealed to him explains that guidance (i.e. the Sunnah and the Qur’an explain each other). All the creation (mankind and Jinn) are guided through it. Therefore, when this is the case that the Shariah is worthy of being a decisive proof against them and a beacon by way of which they are guided to the truth, their nobility is determined by the extent to which they embrace its rulings- through acting upon them in speech, belief, and deeds– and not merely due to the level of their intellects or their nobility amongst their people. That is because Allah, The Most High, has determined nobility through Taqwa and no other than it. Allah, The Most High, says: [إِنَّ أَڪۡرَمَكُمۡ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ أَتۡقَٮٰكُمۡۚ- Verily, the most honourable of you with Allah is that (believer) who has At-Taqwa] [49:13]

Al-I’tisam 3/434

To be continued…InShaAllah

[1] Never anticipate that capable students of knowledge will forsake evidence and follow anyone without critical scrutiny

Written by abumuaawiyah on . Posted in Basics, Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Featured, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Imam Abdul Aziz Bin Baz, may Allah have mercy upon him, who said:

If a person is a student of knowledge and adheres to the Hanafi Madhab in certain matters that are clear to him to be correct and his Madhab is stronger than other than it; then follows Ash-Shafi’i, Maliki’s, or Ahmad’s in other matters where it appears that their Madhab in those matters is correct based on the proofs, there is no harm in this because a believer wherever Allāh gives him knowledge, he follows the proof and looks to the proof.

So, what is established with proof, it is obligatory to adhere to it, regardless of whether it aligns with the Madhab of Shafi’i, Abu Hanifa, Maliki, Ahmad, or any other scholars. The important thing is that it must agree with the proof – substantiated by a verse or a noble sound hadith from the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him.

However, as for following whims or personal desires, then no. Playing about – sometimes this and other times that (arbitrarily between opinions), this is not permissible. But it is incumbent upon him to seek to know the proof and asking the people of knowledge regarding what is difficult for him. If he knows the proof, acquainted with the proof that this madhab in this issue is more valid while another is more valid in a different matter, there is no harm in this; otherwise, he should consult the scholars, seek their verdicts guidance, and act according to what they guide him to based on knowledge. [1] [Paraphrased] [End of quote]

In the above clarification provided by Imam Abdul Aziz Bin Baz, may Allah have mercy on him, he mentioned that one should avoid following personal desires. Does this imply that a student of knowledge cannot consult more than one scholar?

Question: If I ask a scholar and he gives me a verdict, is it impermissible to ask other than him? Also, the brother says: I present these two questions because I have heard them from some of the Mashayikh who give verdicts to the peopl, since I am not fully convinced by their responses. Firstly, it is said that if you ask a scholar and he gives you a verdict, you should follow what he says and not seek another verdict (a verdict from other than him). Is this correct, or am I able to ask until my heart is assured?

The response: This is incorrect, instead, it is obligated to the questioner to strive to ask until they find peace in their heart. They should seek -among the people of Shariah knowledge – for the [الأعلم فالأعلم – most knowledgeable in levels of knowledge] and [والأورع فالأورع – the ones known to possesses more fear of Allah that makes a person stay away from doubtful matters out of fearing of falling into something forbidden] until his (the questioner’s) heart is at ease that the verdict is correct, appropriate and in accordance with the Shariah, as the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, stated, “Righteousness (birr) is good morality, and wrongdoing is that which wavers in your soul and which you dislike people finding out about.” He , peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Consult your heart. Righteousness is that about which the soul feels tranquil and the heart feels tranquil, and wrongdoing is that which wavers in the soul and moves to and fro in the breast even though people again and again have given you their legal opinion [in its favor].” [I] A believer seeks knowledge and understanding in the religion, and asks the people of knowledge until his heart is at ease that the verdict aligns with the Shariah based on his ability and how far he can strive.

Question: With regards to the student of knowledge, if someone approaches him for a verdict and it is known that the individual has already sought a verdict from someone else, is the student permitted to respond to this request for a verdict.

The Shaikh responded: There is no objection (or hindrance), but the mufti must diligently seek out the Shariah proofs and should not be lackadaisical. He should refer to the Quran and the Sunnah to provide the questioner with what he knows of Allah’s Shariah- the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. He should not be lackadaisical (or approach the matter lightly), instead it is obligated to him to strive and investigate thoroughly so that he only issues rulings based on insight and knowledge. If a questioner asks him a question, while he knows that he has asked someone else, there is no objection (or hindrance). If he is asked, he says: “What did so-and-so say?” This is so that he would be able to either agree or disagree with the previous response. There is no harm in this. The companions used to do this, asking those who asked them (questions): “What did so-and-so say?” He (the questioner) said: “So and so says”, then he (i.e. the one asked the question) either says that he is in agreement with the verdict or he opposes it and says: “The verdict is such and such”.

Question: What if he refrains from giving a ruling, does that constitute concealment of knowledge?

The Shaikh: If he knows that the verdict is false (i.e. refrains from saying what is correct), it is tantamount to concealment of knowledge. However, if it is based on Ijtihad, investigation, and opinion, then there is no issue. [2] [Paraphrased] [II]

Another question: In light of verdicts and giving verdicts, many of our brothers ask about a single topic from more than one student of knowledge, and they may encounter differing opinions. What guidance do you offer to those who ask questions, should they be satisfied with the response of one individual, or can they ask this one and that one until they reach their desire (understanding or goal)?

If the Fatwa does not reassure the questioner’s heart, while he intends good, knowledge, and Al-Wara (i.e. his intention is the fear of Allah that keeps a person from doubtful matters lest they fall into what is forbidden), there is no harm. He asks until his heart is assured with the proof and that this is the Shariah ruling. However, if his intention is driven by personal desire, that is not permissible. If he is seeking what agrees with his desires, this is not permissible; instead, it is incumbent upon him to strive to know the truth based on its proof until his heart is assured and seek for those he believes to be closer to good conduct and knowledge among the scholars of fatwa- seeking a verdict from one regarding whom his heart is at ease with that they are closer to knowledge of the truth.

He searches for the people of knowledge, and when seeking their verdicts – from whom he thinks is most closer to reaching the truth. Thus, he gives importance to assurance and to reach the truth, and not seeking for what agrees with his desire. The one who asks questions to this one and that one so that his heart is at ease and upon tranquility with the verdict based on its proof, there is no harm on him in doing so because this is part of seeking confirmation of the truth. [3] [Paraphrased] [end of quotes]

In saying all this, Taqleed has its precise place. Al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzan, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated on this link that the layperson or the beginner in the path of knowledge has no option but to make Taqleed because they do not have the ability to make Ijtihaad, so they make Taqleed of the people of knowledge, as Allah said:

فَسْـَٔلُوٓا۟ أَهْلَ ٱلذِّكْرِ إِن كُنتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ

Ask Ahl Adh-Dhikr (the people of Shariah knowledge) if you do not know. [4]

[I] https://www.nawawis40hadith.com/nw/hadith/27/righteousness-and-sin
[II] https://abukhadeejah.com/differing-where-there-is-room-for-ijtihad-should-not-damage-our-unity/

Tolerated Differing and Impermissible Differing in Islam: The Great Imāms of Sunnah did not declare those who differed with them in the affairs of permissible ijtihād to be astray and they did not make binding upon others their own opinions- By Shaikh Abu Khadeejah, may Allah preserve him. https://abukhadeejah.com/tolerated-differing-and-impermissible-differing-in-islaam/

To be continued…InShaAllah

[1] https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/8426/%D8%AD%D9%83%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D9%86%D9%82%D9%84-%D8%A8%D9%8A%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%B0%D8%A7%D9%87%D8%A8-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%81%D9%82%D9%87%D9%8A%D8%A9

[2]

هل إذا سألت عالماً وأفتاني فلا يجوز سؤال غيره؟
السؤال: أيضاً يقول الأخ المؤمن: هذان سؤالان أعرضهما لأنني سمعتهما من بعض المشايخ الذين قد يفتون للناس، ونظراً لأنني لم أطمأن إليهما سألت عنهما.
الأول: يقال: إذا سألت عالماً فأفتاك فنفذ ما قاله لك ولا تستفت غيره، فهل هذا صحيح أو أنني أستطيع السؤال حتى يطمئن قلبي؟
الجواب: ليس هذا بصحيح، بل ينبغي للسائل أن يجتهد في السؤال حتى يطمئن قلبه، ويتحرى الأعلم فالأعلم والأورع فالأورع من أهل العلم حتى يطمئن قلبه إلى أن الفتوى صحيحة وأنها مناسبة وموافقة للشرع، كما قال النبي ﷺ: البر حسن الخلق، والإثم ما حاك في نفسك وكرهت أن يطلع عليه الناس ويقول ﷺ: استفت قلبك، البر ما اطمأنت إليه النفس واطمئن إليه القلب والإثم ما حاك في النفس، وتردد في الصدر، وإن أفتاك الناس وأفتوك.
فالمؤمن يطلب العلم ويتفقه في الدين ويسأل أهل العلم حتى يطمئن قلبه إلى أن الفتوى موافقة للشرع، حسب اجتهاده وطاقته.
المقدم: طيب بالنسبة لطالب العلم إذا أتاه شخص ليستفتيه وعلم منه أن قد استفتى شخصاً قبله، هل له أن يجيبه على هذا الاستفتاء؟
الشيخ: لا مانع، لكن على المفتي أن يتحرى الأدلة الشرعية، وألا يتساهل، أن يتحرى الكتاب والسنة فيعطي السائل ما يعلمه من شرع الله؛ كتاب الله وسنة النبي ﷺ ولا يتساهل، بل ينبغي له الاجتهاد والتحري حتى لا يفتي إلا عن بصيرة وعن علم.
وإذا سأله سائل يعلم أنه قد سأل غيره فلا مانع، وإن سأله قال: ماذا قال لك فلان؟ حتى يستطيع بذلك إما أن يوافقه أو يخالفه فلا بأس.
كان الصحابة قد يفعلون هذا، قد يفعلون هذا يسألون من سألهم: ماذا قال لك فلان؟ يقول: قال فلان، فيقول: هو على فتواه، وقد يخالفه فيقول: الفتوى كذا والفتوى كذا. نعم.
المقدم: طيب لو امتنع عن فتواه، هل يعتبر ذلك من كتمان العلم؟
الشيخ: إن كان يعلم أن الفتوى باطلة يكون من كتمان العلم، أما إذا كان بالاجتهاد والتحري والرأي فلا بأس
https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/5402/%D9%87%D9%84-%D8%A7%D8%B0%D8%A7-%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA-%D8%B9%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%A7-%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%81%D8%AA%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%8A-%D9%81%D9%84%D8%A7-%D9%8A%D8%AC%D9%88%D8%B2-%D8%B3%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%84-%D8%BA%D9%8A%D8%B1%D9%87#:~:text=%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AC%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%A8%3A%20%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%B3%20%D9%87%D8%B0%D8%A7%20%D8%A8%D8%B5%D8%AD%D9%8A%D8%AD%D8%8C%20%D8%A8%D9%84,%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A8%D8%B1%20%D9%85%D8%A7%20%D8%A7%D8%B7%D9%85%D8%A3%D9%86%D8%AA%20%D8%A5%D9%84%D9%8A%D9%87%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D9%81%D8%B3

[3]

حكم سؤال أكثر من عالم لاتباع المستفتي هواه
بمناسبة الفتوى والاستفتاء سماحة الشيخ؛ كثير من إخواننا يسأل عن موضوع واحد أكثر من طالب علم، ولربما وجد اختلافًا في القول، فما هو توجيهكم لأولئك الذين يسألون، هل يكتفون بسؤال شخص واحد؟ أم يسألون هذا، وذاك حتى يصلوا إلى مبتغاهم؟
إذا كان السائل لم يطمئن قلبه للفتوى، وهو قصده الخير، وقصده العلم، قصده الورع؛ فلا حرج، يسأل حتى يطمئن قلبه للدليل، وأن هذا هو الحكم الشرعي، أما إذا كان يقصد الهوى هذا لا يجوز، إذا كان يطلب ما يوافق هواه هذا لا يجوز، لكن عليه أن يجتهد في أن يعرف الحق بدليله؛ حتى يطمئن قلبه للفتوى، ويتحرى من يظنهم أقرب إلى الخير، وأقرب إلى العلم من أهل الفتوى يعني: يستفتي من يطمئن قلبه إلى أنه أقرب إلى معرفة الحق، يتحرى في أهل العلم، وفي استفتائهم من يظن، ويغلب على ظنه أنه أقرب إلى إصابة الحق، فهو يهتم بالطمأنينة، وإصابة الحق لا بما يوافق هواه، فالذي يسأل هذا وهذا لينشرح صدره، وليطمئن إلى الفتوى بدليلها؛ نرجو أن لا حرج عليه؛ لأن هذا من باب التثبت في الحق.
المقدم: جزاكم الله خيرًا.
https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/16116/%D8%AD%D9%83%D9%85-%D8%B3%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%83%D8%AB%D8%B1-%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%B9%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85-%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%AA%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%81%D8%AA%D9%8A-%D9%87%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%87

[4] https://www.alfawzan.af.org.sa/ar/node/15726

[2] Transmitted Principles For Nearly Thirty Years By Senior Teachers From Senior Scholars – Concerning Criticisms and Proofs

Written by abumuaawiyah on . Posted in Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Featured, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Imam Ash-Shawkaanee, may Allah have mercy on him, which the young learners do not know. The Imam stated:

Know that when differing arise among Muslims regarding whether this thing (matter) is a Bidah or not a Bidah, (something) disliked or not disliked, prohibited, or not prohibited, or other than that, there is a consensus among Muslims (i.e. their scholars) —both the early generations and those that followed, from the era of the Companions to the present day, which is the thirteenth century since the advent of the Prophethood—that the obligation in any differing – in any issue among the issues of the religion – between Imams of Ijtihad is to refer back to the Book of Allah, the Exalted, and the Sunnah of His Messenger, as stated in Allāh’s Book:

فَإِن تَنَٰزَعْتُمْ فِى شَىْءٍ فَرُدُّوهُ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ وَٱلرَّسُولِ

And if you disagree among yourselves over anything then refer it back to Allāh and the Messenger. [An-Nisa 59]

The meaning of referring back to Allah, the Exalted, is to refer to His Book, and the meaning of referring to His Messenger, peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him, is to refer to his Sunnah after his passing. This is a matter about which there is no differing among the Muslims.

If a Mujtahid among the Mujtahideen says that this (thing) is lawful while another says this (thing) is unlawful, neither is any of the two more entitled to the truth than the other, even if he possesses more knowledge, older, or closer to the (early era of Islam). This is because each of them is a servant of Allāh among the servants of Allāh, (required) to worship (Allāh) based on what is found in the pure Sharia- that which is found in Allāh’s Book and the Sunnah of His Messenger, and what is required of him is required of other than him among Allāh’s servants. His abundant knowledge, the attainment of the level of Ijtihad, or even surpassing it, does not exempt him from any of the religious laws legislated by Allah for His servants, nor do they exclude him from those who have reached the age in which one is held accountable for his actions among the servants (of Allāh). [1] [Paraphrased]

Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

All praise is due to Allah, and may peace and blessings be upon Allah’s Messenger, his family, companions, and those who follow his guidance. To proceed:

I advise myself and you to fear Allah, The Mighty and Majestic, to be sincere to Him in every statement and action, and to truthfully adhere to the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and to be steadfast upon that. And that you learn beneficial knowledge derived from the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of Allah’s Messenger, which will aid us upon this firmness and steadfastness upon Allah’s true religion.

I advise my children and brothers to pursue the truth and search for it in every matter, whether it is a point of agreement or differing. A believer who seeks the face of Allah and the home of the Hereafter does not find peace of mind or relaxation in his conscience (or inner self) until he reaches the truth- reaches the truth, especially in matters of differing and during times of Fitna. He does not make a move on any basis other than truth, knowledge and clear-sightedness.

If two individuals differ, even if it is his father or Shaikh, it is not permissible for him to take his side or against him until he studies the affairs and becomes acquainted with it based on its complete reality. Thereafter, he determines his stance and align himself with the truth that has become clear to him. This is what is obligated to a Muslim, and anything contrary to it is considered one of the behaviours (or traits) of the pre-Islamic era of ignorance and the (traits) of false pre-Islamic alliances. It is not permissible for a Muslim to follow such an evil path.

O our sons and brothers! I advise you to fear Allah, and advise you with what I mention with regards to loving the truth and the pursuit of it in its rightful places until you reach the reality. I advise our sons and brothers to honour the Salafi methodology and be steadfast in it. Honour its scholars, and if they utter truth, it is not permissible to oppose them. When they speak about a matter and present evidence, there is no excuse for anyone to oppose them, nor is it permissible for anyone to hesitate or abstain. This (hesitation or abstaining) is a deed of the people of vain desires, those who endeavour to undermine the Salafi methodology and topple its scholars.

Regarding matters of Al-Jarh Wa-Ta’deel, it is sufficient for a single scholar to issue (a critique), and the recommendation of a single scholar is sufficient. If two truthful scholars – respected and free from vain desires – differ about some individual, it is incumbent upon other than them among the carries of knowledge to seek clarification from the critic and request evidence. If the evidence is provided, it is obligated to them to submit to this evidence and proof. If the one who gives recommendation or any other individual opposes, his position is dropped. This one who (deliberately) rejects the evidence, his trustworthiness is undermined and he cannot be trusted with Allah’s Religion. Even if a single scholar presents proof and evidence, while numerous individuals oppose him through falsehood, lies, and trickery, they are not heeded. These are the established principles of Al-Jarh Wa-Tadeel – in the subject matter of criticism and praise – which we are obligated to adhere with regards to the likes of these Fitan.

A person may be criticised by numerous scholars who present clear evidence regarding his falsehoods and Fitna, yet some people do not listen to them, claiming that the truth has not been made clear. This is not permissible. It is not permissible in Allah’s religion. Then let us approach the books of Al-Jarh Wat-Tadeel, evaluate every biography and say: “By Allah, the truth has not been made clear for me”. Examine every (criticised) belief and say: “By Allah, it is not made clear to me”. (For example) the differing between the Rafidah and the Salafis, or between the Rafidah and the Jahmiyyah, or between the Salafis and the Mu’tazilah, or between the Salafis and the Khawarij, or between the Salafis and the Murji’ah, or between the Salafis and the Sufis (is examined), a person  says: “By Allah, it has not been made clear to me.” This behaviour would not be accepted from this person.

When two individuals among the Salafis differ, and the proof is with one of them, it is obligatory to support the one with the proof. I advise you to fear Allah, I advise you to uphold justice, and fairness, and distance from blind alliance and following desires.

ومن أضل ممن اتبع هواه

“And who is more misguided than one who follows his desires?” Rejecting the truth is a grave offense.

ومن أظلم ممن كذب على الله وكذب بالصدق إذ جاءه

And who is more unjust than one who lies about Allah and denies the truth when it comes to him?

Denial of the truth is a (deed, characteristic, behaviour or trait) of the proponents of misguidance, the disbelievers and the rawafid. Shaikh al-Islam describes the Rawaafid by stating, “No group is as prone to reject the truth and accept falsehood as the Rawaafid.”

At present, it is obligated to the one who adheres to the Salafi methodology to free himself from following these corrupt paths – blind alliance, (traits) of pre-Islamic alliance, and rejecting the truth for the sake of so and so. By Allah, even if he is one of the senior scholars and one of the senior Imams of the Sunnah, and he errs, it is not permissible to reject the truth; then how about the ignorant, and those known for lying and Fitan; how can we be on their side? This is unbecoming of a Muslim, let alone a Salafi. What does the Salafi call signify if you are staunchly allied based on ignorance and vain desires. What is the meaning of this?

May Allah bless you. Abandon this, for it is foul. Search for the truth, adhere to it, and bear witness to it, even if it is against yourselves, your parents, or your relatives. Allah, the Blessed and Exalted, said:

يا أيها الذين ءامنوا كونوا قوامين بالقسط شهداء لله ولو على أنفسكم أوالوالدين والأقربين

O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives.

O brother! When scholars approach you, whether it be one, two, or three, presenting the truth, you must not hesitate to accept it. If they come to you with truth supported by evidence and proofs, it is (obligatory to accept it). If they merely present claims without substantiation, you should not accept it. However, if they approach you with truth backed by evidence and proofs, then your rejection of him is tantamount to rejecting truth, denial of truthfulness and truth. There is no one more unjust or ignorant than someone whose condition is as such.

I ask Allah to grant us all the success to follow the truth, distance the trials from us, and unite our hearts upon truth. I ask Allah to make this a reality, for indeed, our Lord is All-Hearing of supplications. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his companions. [paraphrased] [2]

To be continued….InShaAllah

[1] Sharh As-Sudoor Bi-Tahreem Raf Al-Quboor pages 1-2

فاعلم أنه إذا وقع الخلاف بين المسلمين في أن هذا الشيء بدعة او غير بدعة ، أو مكروه او غير مكروه ، او محرم او غير محرم ، او غير ذلك ، فقد اتفق المسلمون : سلفهم وخلفهم ، من عصر الصحابة الى عصرنا هذا – وهو القرن الثالث عشر منذ البعثة المحمدية – أن الواجب الاختلاف في أي أمر من أمور الدين بين الأئمة المجتهدين : هو الرد الى كتاب الله سبحانه ، وسنة رسوله الناطق بذلك
الكتاب العزيز ( ٤ : ٥٩ فإن تنازعتم في شيء فردوه إلى الله والرسول ( ومعنى الرد الى الله سبحانه : الرد الى كتابه
ومعنى الرد إلى رسوله ال : الرد الى سنته بعد وفاته وهذا مما لا خلاف فيه بين جميع المسلمين . فإذا قال مجتهد من المجتهدين
هذا حلال . وقال الآخر : هذا حرام : فليس
أحدهما أولى بالحق من الآخر وإن كان اكثر منه علماً ، أو اكبر منه سنا ، او اقدم منه عصراً لأن كل واحد منهما فرد من أفراد عباد الله ، ومتعبد بما في الشريعة المطهرة، مما في كتاب الله وسنة رسوله ، ومطلوب منه ما طلب الله من غيره من العباد . وكثرة علمه وبلوغه درجة الاجتهاد او مجاوزته لها لا يسقط عنه شيئاً من الشرائع التي شرعها الله لعباده ، ولا يخرجه من جملة المكلفين من العباد

[2]

[1] Principles Transmitted to Us for Almost Thirty Years by Senior Teachers from Senior Scholars Regarding Criticisms and Proofs

Written by abumuaawiyah on . Posted in Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Featured, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Madkhali, may Allah have mercy upon him, in his refutation against Dr Ibrahim Ar-Ruhayli, may Allah rectify his affair, discussed something regarding refutation and who is worthy of carrying it out against a person who opposes the truth, as Dr Ibraaheem Ar-Ruhayli laid down conditions whose fulfilment would be impossible in many Muslim lands. Dr Ar-Ruhayli stated that refutation is to be carried out by a scholar who is firmly grounded in knowledge- the scholar who knows the subject matter of the refutation in detail, its legislated evidences, the statements of the scholars regarding it, the extent of a disputant’s opposition against the truth, the origin (or basis) of the disputant’s doubts, the refutations of the scholars against the doubt and benefiting from the statements of the scholars in that regard. Also, it is obligatory that the refuter clearly distinguishes (or makes the affair distinct) through strong proofs in order to establish the truth in order to remove the doubt – utilising precise expressions so that nothing appears to the refuter or he understands something which the disputant does not intend. If this is not the case (i.e. if these conditions are not fulfilled according to Dr Ibraaheem Ar-Ruhayli), then great harm will occur through the one who embarks upon refuting, but did not fulfil these conditions.

Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi, may Allah have mercy upon him, responded to Dr Ibraaheem as follows:

“Well done to Dr Ibraaheem Ar-Ruhayli for stating that refutation should be carried out by a scholar who is firmly grounded in knowledge, but the fulfilment of all those characteristics is neither found in every refuter nor in every refutation; therefore, if we were to make it a condition for every refuter and every refutation, corruption will appear and all the Ummah will be overcome except an odd number of people”.

Then, the Shaikh, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“It is ascertained that the fulfilment of these conditions cannot be achieved (i.e. in every refuter and refutation) because you cannot find Salafi scholars who are firmly grounded in knowledge in the majority of the Muslim lands, but there are students of knowledge. However, despite this, Allah has benefitted (the people and the lands) through these students with regards to the spread of Tawhid, refutations against the Shirkiyyaat, bidah and superstitions”.

Then, the Shaikh, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“And I ask Dr Ibrahim, if there is a land or lands where there is widespread bidah and evil deeds, the bidah of at-Ta’teel (negation of Allah’s Attributes), the Bidah of the Qadariyyah, the bidah of Irjaa, the bidah of Shirk related to the graves (i.e. seeking intercession from the dead in the graves or calling upon them), consumption of alcohol and violating women’s honour, however, there is no Salafi scholar or scholars (in those lands) who are firmly grounded in knowledge and do not fulfil those conditions (i.e. the conditions stated by Dr Ibraaheem), but there are students of knowledge who have read Usool Ath-Thalatha, Kashf Shubuhaat and Kitaab At-Tawheed of Imam Muhammad Bin Abdil-Wahhab, Al-Aqeedah Al-Waasitiyyah and Al-Hamawiyyah of Shaikh Al- Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, Umdah Al-Ahkaam of Imam Abdul-Ghaniy Al-Maqdisiy or Bulugh Al-Maram of Al-Hafidh Ibn Hajr, then would it not be obligatory that they reject these evils in accordance with the knowledge they possess, or is it obligated to them to keep quiet due to the fact that they are not firmly grounded in knowledge etc…..? I believe that indeed Dr Ibraaheem will answer that it is obligated to them to reject these evils and put a stop to them in accordance with the knowledge and ability they possess, in fulfilment of Allah’s (command):

وَلْتَكُن مِّنكُمْ أُمَّةٌ يَدْعُونَ إِلَى الْخَيْرِ وَيَأْمُرُونَ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَيَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنكَرِ ۚ وَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُونَ

Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good (Islam), enjoining Al-Ma’ruf (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do) and forbidding Al-Munkar (polytheism and disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden). And it is they who are the successful ones. [Aal Imraan. 104]

And in fulfilment of the Messenger’s (command), “Whosoever of you sees an evil deed, then let him (stop) it with his hand. If he is unable to do so, then let him (stop it) with his tongue. If he is unable to do so, then with his heart (i.e. hate it, consider it to be wrong and keep away from it) and this is the weakest of Iman”.

Therefore, whoever among them (i.e. those students of knowledge) has Sultaan (i.e. authority, knowledge or allowed within the law of the land ), it is obligated to him to stop these evils with his hand and tongue. The one who does not have Sultaan, it is obligated to him to stop these evils with his tongue, his pen (i.e. through writing) or his stature (amongst the people). I do not think that either a scholar or a student of knowledge would be in opposition to this. I believe that if those students of knowledge whom I have described (i.e. the ones who find themselves in those lands in which such evils are present) remain silent about stopping those evils, they would be included in the statement of Allah:

لُعِنَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا مِن بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ عَلَىٰ لِسَانِ دَاوُودَ وَعِيسَى ابْنِ مَرْيَمَ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ بِمَا عَصَوا وَّكَانُوا يَعْتَدُونَ
كَانُوا لَا يَتَنَاهَوْنَ عَن مُّنكَرٍ فَعَلُوهُ ۚ لَبِئْسَ مَا كَانُوا يَفْعَلُونَ

Those among the Children of Israel who disbelieved were cursed by the tongue of Dawud (David) and ‘Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary). That was because they disobeyed (Allah and the Messengers) and were ever transgressing beyond bounds. They used not to forbid one another from the Munkar (wrong, evil-doing, sins, polytheism, disbelief, etc.) which they committed. Vile indeed was what they used to do. [Al-Maa’idah. 78-79] [1]

Criticism Must Be Based On Proof

The Shaikh, may Allah preserve him, said: “The Salafiyyoon do not accept statements, except when they are based on evidence and proof”. [2]

Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi Al-Mad’khali may Allaah preserve him] said, “And (with regards to) the person with the proofs, it is obligatory to take his speech (on the grounds) of following Allaah’s Legislation and Proofs, and not (due to) the personality of that person”. [3]

Al-Allaamah Rabee also said, “The seeker of truth is not diverted from the truth, fairness and justice due to admiration of the big personalities and being amazed by them, for indeed the truth is more worthy to be followed. It is not permissible to drop the proofs for the sake of this or that great man. The principle [rule] of the Muslim – the unbiased one, the seeker of truth – is always: [قُلْ هَاتُوا بُرْهَانَكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ صَادِقِينَ -Say, bring forth your proofs if you are truthful]. [Surah An-Nahl. Verse 64] [4]

The Shaikh, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

When you speak about a Muslim, whether an individual who is a Mubtadi or a Sunni, firstly, examine yourself. What do you want through this speech? “Whoever believes in Allah and the last day should either speak good or remain silent”. If in this speech of yours there is good for the Muslims by warning them about this man, and your intention is to seek Allah’s Face, you intend to sincerely advice the ummah, then speak while being cautious of entering into personal desires and personal goals for revenge against this or that person. If the speech stem from an intention for revenge, this would be detrimental to the person (i.e the speaker) and would exceed the permissible allowance in this matter, whose initial basis is fundamentally prohibited. This is because Allah has forbidden backbiting and tale carrying, as these matters corrupt the lives of Muslims. A Muslim should resort to (such speech) only in cases of dire necessity. He does not unleash his tongue to speak freely. Instead, he only speaks out of necessity and when he knows completely that this matter is incumbent upon him and the people will benefit from it. May Allah bless you, be conscious (mindful) regarding this subject matter. [5]

The Shaikh, may Allah have mercy upon him, also said:

The Shaikh, may Allah have mercy upon him, also stated: Criticism must be accompanied with sound Aqeedah as pointed out by Khateeb al-Baghdaadee. There has to be knowledge of the reasons behind the criticism – the reasons must be known and there has to be – in the criticism – Wara (the piety that makes a person avoid doubtful matters lest one falls into what is forbidden and brings harm to himself in the Afterlife) and Taqwa [Fear of Allah]. So if the person who carries out the criticism has knowledge regarding the subject matter “Criticism and Praise”, and he has Wara and Taqwa, then he can carry out criticism. And if the affair of the Majruh is clear and known to specific individuals and the general people-(for example), it is well known that this (person) steals, this one commits adultery, this one is a deceiver, this one is a rafidi shiite, this one is a Sufi who makes Tawaf around the graves and celebrates the birthday of the Prophet etc these are clear matters known to both a scholar and the one who is not a scholar, and it is not a condition that one has to go to someone who knows the misguidance of those people, (such as) a scholar to criticize them, because their affair is clear to the scholar and other than him. It is obligated to every Muslim to make known the affair of such (deviants, sinners, deceivers), warn against them and reject their acts of misguidance.

The Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “Whoever sees an evil deed, then let him stop it with his hand…etc” (see footnote a) “The religion is sincerity of purpose.” We said, “To whom?” He said, “To Allāh, His Book, His Messenger, the leaders of the Muslims and their general folk.” (see footnote b)

At present if you see a rafidi intermingling with a Muslim who is a commoner and calling him to rafd (i.e. the beliefs of the rafidah), do you go to a scholar to refute that shiite! A Sufi grave worshipper intermingles with a commoner who is upon a sound natural disposition and directs him to his bidah, whilst I know that he is a grave worshipper, then no one can make it obligated to me to go to a scholar to clarify the affair of that grave worshipper and to warn against him. [6] [end of quotes]

———————————

Footnote a: Imam Abdul Aziz Bin Baz, may Allāh have mercy upon him, was asked: Is enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil by the hand an obligation on all Muslims, or is it limited to those in authority and their deputies?
Stopping wrong is obligated on all Muslims according to their ability, because the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him, “Anyone of you who sees evil, let them stop it with their hand; if he is unable, then with their tongue; and if unable, then with their heart, and that is the weakest of Iman’’. [Muslim, Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi & others]

However, stopping evil with the hand must be based on ability and should not result in greater corruption or evil. A man has the right to rectify matters with his hand in his home [i.e. based on what the law of the land allows him]; a manager has the authority to make changes with the hand within the organization they are responsible for, in accordance with the instructions that were given to them [i.e. the authority given to them by the state authorities]; otherwise, people should not change with their hand anything they are not authorised to change. If they do make changes in matters that they have no authority over, this will result in more evil and great corruption between them and the people and between the people and the state.

In this case they should stop evil with their tongue (by speaking out). They may say: ‘’O so and so! Fear Allah! This is not permissible; this is Haram, or this is obligated to you,’’ and clarify it with evidence from Shariah. [NB: In the UK, objecting to certain behaviour can be viewed as harassment or verbal abuse, therefore a Muslim should be aware of what the law allows him before he says or does anything whilst living in the West].

As for changing matters with the hand, this should be done where one has authority, such as one’s home [i.e. within what the law allows], with those under one’s responsibility, or those authorised by the ruler, such as organisations given permission and authority to enjoin good. They should make changes in accordance with the authority they have been given- in the way prescribed by the Shariah, without exceeding their jurisdiction. The same applies to the governor of a city; he should make changes with his hand, in accordance with the instructions he has. [7]

Footnote b: Translation of this hadith by Shaikh Abu Iyaad on this link:
https://www.nawawis40hadith.com/nw/hadith/7/sincerity-of-purpose

[1] An Excerpt from “Bayan Maa Fee Nasihati Ibrahim Ar-Ruhayli Minal Khalal Al-Ikhlaal’ pages 48-50. slightly paraphrased

[2] Umdah Al-Abiy 417]

[3] Majmu 9/40) 3rd paragraph

[4] All-Mulakh-khasul Jameel Fee Bayaani Manhaji Ash-Shaikh Rabee Fid-Da’wati Wal-Jarhi Wat-Ta’deel. Page 87]

[5] Fadl Al-Hajj Wat Talbiyah 43

[6] Majmu 14/262-263

[7] An Excerpt from Fataawa Ibn Baaz 8/208]

When dealing with our Muslim brothers – regardless of whether they are close friends or not

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

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

The Importance of Upright Friendship

Allah said:
الْأَخِلَّاءُ يَوْمَئِذٍ بَعْضُهُمْ لِبَعْضٍ عَدُوٌّ إِلَّا الْمُتَّقِينَ

Bosom friends on that Day will be foes one to another except for the pious. [Al-Zukhruf 67]

Meaning on the Day of Judgment, those who established close friendships upon disbelief, disobedience to Allah and rejection (i.e. belied guidance), “Will be foes one to another” because their close friendships and love in the worldly life were for other than Allah, thus, they will turn into enmity on the Day of Judgment.

“Except for the pious”, who avoided Shirk and disobedience, for indeed their love for one another will endure and remain.

وَقَالَ إِنَّمَا ٱتَّخَذۡتُم مِّن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ أَوۡثَـٰنً۬ا مَّوَدَّةَ بَيۡنِكُمۡ فِى ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا‌ۖ ثُمَّ يَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ يَكۡفُرُ بَعۡضُڪُم بِبَعۡضٍ۬ وَيَلۡعَنُ بَعۡضُڪُم بَعۡضً۬ا وَمَأۡوَٮٰكُمُ ٱلنَّارُ وَمَا لَڪُم مِّن نَّـٰصِرِينَ

And (Ibrahim) said: “You have taken (for worship) idols instead of Allah, and the love between you is only in the life of this world, but on the Day of Resurrection, you shall disown each other, and curse each other, and your abode will be the Fire, and you shall have no helper.” [Al-Ankabut 25]

How can they attach themselves to someone who is aware that he will free himself from those who worshipped him and curse them?! [Tafsir As-Sadi]

Love and Hate Moderately

Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Love your beloved one modestly, for it may be that he will become hated to you someday. And hate the one whom you hate modestly, for it may be that he will become your beloved one someday”.

Al-Allaamah Ibn Al-Atheer, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated: “This means that you should love your beloved one with moderation and do not go beyond bounds. Do not go into extremes in your love and hate, for it may be that one day you’ll hate the one you used to love and love the one you used to hate. Therefore, neither exaggerate in your love and become regretful (in future), nor exaggerate in your hatred and thus become shy in the presence of the one you used to hate after you stop hating him”. [An-Nihaayah 5/284]

Treat Others Fairly

Abdullah Bin Amr, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “Whoever would love to be delivered from Hellfire and admitted into Paradise, let him meet his end whilst believing in Allah and the Last Day, and let him treat people as he would love to be treated”. [Ṣaḥih Muslim 1844]

Imam An-Nawawi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: This is from the Jawami al-Kalim of the Prophet [i.e. precise speech with a comprehensive meaning] and his amazing wisdom. It is obligatory to pay close attention to this important principle and that a person must not deal with the people except in a way he loves to be dealt with. [Sharh Sahih Muslim 12/196]

Al-Allamah Zaid Bin hadi al-Mad’khali, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

A Muslim is to give consideration to his Muslim brothers in the same way he would give consideration to himself- wishing for them the good he wishes for himself and hates that evil should touch them just as he hates that for himself. The one who loves that the people should approach him with good related to the worldly matters and the Afterlife, it is obligated to him to do the same for them, so that the statement of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, “You cannot (truly) believe until you wish for your brother what you wish for yourself” becomes a reality in his personality; and also the statement of the Prophet: “The believer in relation to another believer is like a structure, each part strengthening the other”, and also the statement of the Prophet, “The Muslim is the brother of another Muslim”. Whoever is able to have these characteristics, then indeed he has established Iman (in this matter), good manners and dealings. [at-Ta’liqat Al-Malihah Alaa Silsila Al-Ahadith As-Sahihah 2/29-33]

Sincere Advice

Sincere advice, especially when urgently needed, cannot be concealed even for the sake of close or real friendship

The silent battle for self-honesty

Written by abumuaawiyah on . Posted in Basics, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Anas Ibn Malik, may Allah be pleased with him, stated: I accompanied Umar Ibn al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, until he entered a garden. I heard him speaking while there was a wall between us, and he was inside the garden saying: “O Umar Ibn al-Khattab! The Commander of the Faithful, take heed! By Allah, you must fear Allah, or He will indeed punish you.” [1]

Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud, may Allah be pleased with him: “Indeed, the people make their speech very good and appropriate; the one whose speech conforms with his actions is that one who has achieved his portion of (good). And the one whose speech opposes his actions, then he is that one who has rebuked himself’’. [2]

Jubair Ibn Nufair, may Allah have mercy on him, said: A delegation said to Umar Ibn Al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him: “By Allah! We have never seen a man who is more just, speaks the truth more boldly, or is tougher on hypocrites than you, O Commander of the Faithful. You are the best of people after Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him”. In response, Awf Ibn Malik, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “You have lied (or said something contrary to reality)! Certainly, we have seen someone better than him after Allah’s Messenger”. When asked who that was, Awf replied, “Abu Bakr.” Umar said: “Awf has spoken the truth and you have lied (or said something contrary to reality). By Allah! Indeed, Abu Bakr was more fragrant than musk, while I am more lost than a stray camel!” [3]

Abu Ubaydah Ibn Al-Jarrah, may Allah be pleased with him, once led a group in prayer. After he finished, he remarked, “Shaytan has not left me alone until he made me feel more virtuous than those behind me. I will never lead again.” [4]

Abu Hafs, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated: “Whoever does not blame his soul at all times, does not oppose it in all circumstances, and does not compel it at all times to do (the good) it hates to do, he is truly deceived. Anyone who views any aspect of their soul favourably has ruined himself”. The soul calls for destruction, aiding adversaries, yearning for all that is vile, and following every evil. It inclines towards opposing (what is right). The greatest blessing is to escape its grasp, as it serves as the most significant barrier between a person and Allah . Those who are most aware of this are often the harshest critics of their own souls, holding them in contempt. To despise the self for the sake of Allah is a trait of the righteous, and through this disdain, a person can draw closer to Allah in an instant, far more than through actions. [5]

Imam Al-Aajurree – may Allah have mercy upon him- said: I will provide you with a similitude that is clear to you. Know that the soul can be compared to a young horse, and the beholder is amazed when he looks at its good appearance and beauty. The people who possess knowledge regarding it say, “It will not yield any benefit until it undergoes proper training and discipline, at which point it will prove to be advantageous – capable of performing well and being of service, leading its rider to commend the results of its training and discipline. However, without discipline, its attractive appearance and beauty will be futile, and its rider will not praise its performance when needed”.

If the young horse’s owner heeds the advice of knowledgeable individuals regarding its situation, he will recognize the validity of their counsel and subsequently entrust the horse to a trainer. A horse trainer is only deemed deserving of the title if they are skilled in the training process and possess patience.

If the trainer is well-versed in horse training and understands the most effective approach, the owner will benefit; however, if the trainer lacks expertise in horse training and discipline, he will harm the young horse, expend unnecessary effort, and the rider will be dissatisfied with the outcome.

Should he possess expertise in horse training and disciplinary techniques, yet lack the fortitude to withstand the challenges inherent in the process, seek comfort over perseverance, and exhibit negligence towards the appropriate actions to be taken, he will ultimately ruin and mistreat the young horse, rendering it unsuitable for duty and incapable of running, resulting in a discrepancy between its outward appearance and its actual capabilities.

If the owner of the young horse was also its trainer, he would feel remorse when regret becomes futile due to his neglect. So, when a task is required, he looks at another horse whose assistance is requested and given and moves swiftly when necessary. However, when he asks his horse for help and requests it to move swiftly, he receives no answer and the horse refuses to comply. All of this is a result of his negligence in training the horse and his impatience after acknowledging it. Consequently, he starts to blame himself, saying: “Why was I negligent and why did I fall short? Truly, my impatience has caused everything I detest”. And Allah’s Aid is sought! Consider and comprehend this similitude, may Allah have mercy on you, so that you may be successful and saved. [6]

Jundub Al-Bajalee, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “The example of one who admonishes the people but forgets himself is like a lamp that gives light to others and burns itself”. [7]

[1] Al-Muwatta 2860

[2] Al-Fawaa’id by Imaam Ibnul Qayyim. page 213

[3] At-Tarikh Al-Kabir 4/266

[4] Musannaf Ibn Abee Shaybah 1/358

[5] Ighatha Al-Lahfan 94

[6] An Excerpt from Adab An-Nufus. Page 5

[7] Az-Zudh. By Imam Ahmad. 330

A close friend reminded me of these verses half an hour ago

Written by abumuaawiyah on . Posted in Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Close friend reminded me of these verses half an hour ago while addressing rancour between the children Bani Adam and the pure hearts in the Hereafter!

Allah, The Most High, said in Surah Al-Hijr, verses 15-18:

إِنَّ ٱلْمُتَّقِينَ فِى جَنَّٰتٍ وَعُيُونٍ

Truly! The Muttaqun (pious) will be amidst Gardens and water-springs (Paradise). “(It will be said to them): ‘Enter therein (Paradise), in peace and security.

ٱدْخُلُوهَا بِسَلَٰمٍ ءَامِنِينَ

(It will be said to them): “Enter therein (Paradise), in peace and security.”

وَنَزَعْنَا مَا فِى صُدُورِهِم مِّنْ غِلٍّ إِخْوَٰنًا عَلَىٰ سُرُرٍ مُّتَقَٰبِلِينَ

And We shall remove from their breasts any sense of injury (that they may have), (So they will be like) brothers facing each other on thrones – Meaning, their hearts would remain safe from every [دغل – blemish, everything that would corrupt the heart] and (blameworthy) envy, pure and loving one another. [1]

لَا يَمَسُّهُمْ فِيهَا نَصَبٌ وَمَا هُم مِّنْهَا بِمُخْرَجِينَ

No sense of fatigue shall touch them, nor shall they (ever) be asked to leave it.”

[1] Tafsir As-Sadi

Reflections from some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali – 93

Written by abumuaawiyah on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

He, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

It is incumbent upon the Ta’ifah Al-Mansurah (the victorious group)- which Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, stated would remain and triumph, neither harmed by those who betray them nor by those who oppose them until the promise of Allah, The Blessed and Most High, is fulfilled (i.e. the day of Judgement); it is incumbent upon this blessed and good group to establish brotherhood for the sake of Allah, collaborate on righteousness and piety, and diligently strive to maintain the great status of being manifest on the truth- neither harmed by those who betray them nor by those who oppose them. This truth cannot be recognised (or acknowledged) about them except through (their adherence) to the knowledge inherited from Allah’s Prophets and His Messengers, and from the Seal of the Prophets – peace and blessings be upon them. The scholars are the heirs of the Prophets in conveying Allah’s message and delivering His commandments with regards to enjoining good and forbidding evil. There is a great deal of goodness for the Ummah in calling to the path of Allah, enjoining good and forbidding evil. Enjoining good and forbidding evil requires abundant knowledge (with regards to what the person is enjoining or forbidding).

[An Excerpt from “Marhaban Yaa Talibal Ilm”.page 200]