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[1] Poets and Poetry

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

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

Allah, The Exalted, said:

هَلْ أُنَبِّئُكُمْ عَلَىٰ مَن تَنَزَّلُ ٱلشَّيَٰطِينُ
تَنَزَّلُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ أَفَّاكٍ أَثِيمٍ
يُلْقُونَ ٱلسَّمْعَ وَأَكْثَرُهُمْ كَٰذِبُونَ
وَٱلشُّعَرَآءُ يَتَّبِعُهُمُ ٱلْغَاوُۥنَ
أَلَمْ تَرَ أَنَّهُمْ فِى كُلِّ وَادٍ يَهِيمُونَ
وَأَنَّهُمْ يَقُولُونَ مَا لَا يَفْعَلُونَ
إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَعَمِلُوا۟ ٱلصَّٰلِحَٰتِ وَذَكَرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ كَثِيرًا وَٱنتَصَرُوا۟ مِنۢ بَعْدِ مَا ظُلِمُوا۟ وَسَيَعْلَمُ ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوٓا۟ أَىَّ مُنقَلَبٍ يَنقَلِبُونَ

Shall I inform you (O people!) upon whom the Shayatin (devils) descend? They descend on every lying (one who tells lies), sinful person. Who gives ear (to the devils and they pour what they may have heard of the unseen from the angels), and most of them are liars. As for the poets, the erring follow them; see you not that they speak about every subject (praising others right or wrong) in their poetry? And that they say what they do not do. Except those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah Islamic Monotheism), and do righteous deeds, and remember Allah much, and reply back (in poetry) to the unjust poetry (which the pagan poets utter against the Muslims). And those who do wrong will come to know by what overturning they will be overturned. [Ash-Shu’araa 221-227]

After Allah freed the Prophet that the devils do not descend on him, He also cleared him of any association with poetry, stating: “As for the poets”, Meaning, shall I not also inform you regarding the condition and established traits of the poets, for indeed “the erring follow them” away from the path of guidance, while embracing the path of deviation and destruction. Thus, they themselves are upon error and you will find that their followers are all misguided and corrupt individuals. [1]

Based on the apparent meaning of the verse, most poets behave in this manner; they say what they do not practice. They speak about every subject (praising others right or wrong) in their poetry. You see them speaking here and there without truth, instead imagining things and the speaking about them, or lying due to personal needs or other motivations. [إِلَّا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ – Except those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah Islamic Monotheism), and do righteous deeds].

Allah made them an exception. They are the ones whose poetry is both good and beneficial, such as Hassan Ibn Thabit, the poet of the Messenger, Ka’b Ibn Malik, Abdullah Ibn Rawaha, and other poets of the believers. Then those after them during the era of the Tabi’un and the followers of the Tabi’un to the present day of ours. The poetry of the believers is both beneficial and valuable, as the Prophet stated, “Indeed, there is wisdom in poetry.” The Prophet instructed Hassan to lampoon the Quraysh and the disbelievers, saying: “For it (i.e. lampooning them) is more severe against them than the raining arrow.” He said: “O Allah! Aid him (i.e. Hasan) with the Ruhul Qudus”. (i.e. Jibreel). The poetry from a believer in defense of truth and in condemnation of falsehood is something (commanded or recommended), and its composer is thanked and rewarded. These are the ones referred to in Allah’s statement: “Except those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah Islamic Monotheism), and do righteous deeds]. [2]

Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah preserve him, stated:

Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, once urged the poets among his companions to disparage the Quraish. Aishah narrated that Allah’s Messenger said, “Lampoon the Quraish, for it will hurt them more than arrows”. He sent word to Ibn Rawaahah, saying, “Lampoon them”. So, he lampooned them but it was not good enough. Then he sent word to Kab Bin Malik, then he sent word to Hassaan bin Thaabit. When he entered upon him, Hassan said, “Now you have sent for this lion who wreaks vengeance then waves his tail about”, then he stuck out his tongue and moved it. He said, “By the One Who sent you with the Truth, I shall tear them with my tongue as leather is torn”. Allah’s Messenger said, “Do not be hasty. AbuBakr is most knowledgeable about their lineage, and I share a lineage with them. (Wait) until he summarizes my lineage for you”. Hassan went to him, then he came back and said, “O Allah’s Messenger! He has summarized your lineage for me. By the One Who sent you with the Truth, I shall draw you out from among them as a hair is drawn out of the dough”. Aishah said, “I heard Allaah’s Messenger say to Hassan, “The Ruhul Qudus (i.e. Jibreel) will continue to support you, so long as you are defending Allah and His Messenger”. She said, “I heard Allah’s Messenger say, “Hassan has lampooned them and has satisfied himself and others”. [Sahih Muslim Number 2490]

Al-Baraa’ah Bin Aazib narrated that he heard Allah’s Messenger of Allah saying to Hassan Bin Thaabit, “Lampoon them and Jibril is with you”. [Al-Bukhari 3213]

Thus, when the people of falsehood become overbearing towards the people of truth through evil speech, defamation, lies and praising (other) people of falsehood, the people of truth cannot except to subdue the people of falsehood- clarifying their oppressive (behaviour, views etc), their barefaced lies and unveiling their falsehoods. [3]

[1] Tafsir As-Sadi

[2]https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/14482/%D8%AA%D9%81%D8%B3%D8%B1-%D9%82%D9%88%D9%84%D9%87-%D8%AA%D8%B9%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%89-%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B4%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D9%8A%D8%AA%D8%A8%D8%B9%D9%87%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%BA%D8%A7%D9%88%D9%88%D9%86

[3] An Excerpt from Bayaan Maa Fee Naseehati Ibraaheem Ar-Ruhayli Minal Khalal Wal Ikhlaal. Pages 23-25

An element of self-growth in our social interactions

Written by abumuaawiyah on . Posted in Brotherhood, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah', Zuhd (Abstinence).

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

Allah, The Exalted, said:

وَٱلَّذِینَ إِذَا ذُكِّرُوا۟ بِـَٔایَـٰتِ رَبِّهِمۡ لَمۡ یَخِرُّوا۟ عَلَیۡهَا صُمࣰّا وَعُمۡیَانࣰا

And those who, when they are reminded of the Signs of their Lord, fall not deaf and blind thereat]. [Al-Furqan. 73]

Imam Muhammad ibn Saalih Al-Uthaymeen, may Allah have mercy upon him, commented on this Ayah:

The identity of the reminder giver remains undisclosed, encompassing all individuals who provide reminders. This serves to demonstrate that the acceptance of the reminder is not contingent upon the particular person delivering it, as some only accept the truth when it is presented by a specific individual. If the reminder comes from someone else, it is not acknowledged, similar to how the people of the Scripture treated the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, as well as others who only accept the truth from a particular group or person. Allah said:

وَلَئِنْ أَتَيْتَ الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ بِكُلِّ آيَةٍ مَا تَبِعُوا قِبْلَتَكَ

And even if you were to bring to the people of the Scripture all the Signs, they would not follow your Qiblah (prayer direction)]. [Al-Baqarah. 145]

So here, Allah says: [إِذَا ذُكِّرُوا – And those who, when they are reminded]. The individual providing the reminder remains unknown (in this Ayah), indicating their acceptance of the truth based on its validity and not due to who says it. The acceptance or rejection of the reminder is not contingent upon the person delivering it, but rather on the content of the reminder itself. This underscores the benefit of not disclosing the doer of the action (i.e. the reminder giver). [1]

NB: There is an exception in this matter and that is a Sunni, Athari – adherent to the Sunnah – does not lend an ear to Ahlul Bidah. Shu’aib, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: I said to Ibn Seereen: “What is your view concerning listening to the people of desires (i.e. ahlul bidah)?” He said: “We neither listen to them nor honour them”. [2]

[1] An Excerpt from “Tafseer Surah Al-Furqan. Ayah 2. Shared by our Salafi brother and colleague Abdul Malik (Abu Zakariyyah Al-Congoli (may Allah preserve him)

[2] Siyar A’laam An-Nubulaa. 4/611

The Judiciousness, Patience and Sovereignty that won’t be rivaled until the end of time

Written by abumuaawiyah on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), History of Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

The Most Judacious of All Time

Allah, The Exalted, said:

وَوَهَبْنَا لَهُ إِسْحَاقَ وَيَعْقُوبَ ۚ كُلًّا هَدَيْنَا ۚ وَنُوحًا هَدَيْنَا مِن قَبْلُ ۖ وَمِن ذُرِّيَّتِهِ دَاوُودَ وَسُلَيْمَانَ وَأَيُّوبَ وَيُوسُفَ وَمُوسَىٰ وَهَارُونَ ۚ وَكَذَٰلِكَ نَجْزِي الْمُحْسِنِينَ
وَزَكَرِيَّا وَيَحْيَىٰ وَعِيسَىٰ وَإِلْيَاسَ ۖ كُلٌّ مِّنَ الصَّالِحِينَ
وَإِسْمَاعِيلَ وَالْيَسَعَ وَيُونُسَ وَلُوطًا ۚ وَكُلًّا فَضَّلْنَا عَلَى الْعَالَمِينَ
وَمِنْ آبَائِهِمْ وَذُرِّيَّاتِهِمْ وَإِخْوَانِهِمْ ۖ وَاجْتَبَيْنَاهُمْ وَهَدَيْنَاهُمْ إِلَىٰ صِرَاطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ
ذَٰلِكَ هُدَى اللَّهِ يَهْدِي بِهِ مَن يَشَاءُ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ ۚ وَلَوْ أَشْرَكُوا لَحَبِطَ عَنْهُم مَّا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ
أُولَٰئِكَ الَّذِينَ آتَيْنَاهُمُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْحُكْمَ وَالنُّبُوَّةَ ۚ فَإِن يَكْفُرْ بِهَا هَٰؤُلَاءِ فَقَدْ وَكَّلْنَا بِهَا قَوْمًا لَّيْسُوا بِهَا بِكَافِرِينَ
أُولَٰئِكَ الَّذِينَ هَدَى اللَّهُ ۖ فَبِهُدَاهُمُ اقْتَدِهْ ۗ قُل لَّا أَسْأَلُكُمْ عَلَيْهِ أَجْرًا ۖ إِنْ هُوَ إِلَّا ذِكْرَىٰ لِلْعَالَمِينَ

And We bestowed upon him (i.e. Prophet Ibrahim) Ishaque (Isaac) and Ya’qub (Jacob), each of them We guided, and before him, We guided Nuh (Noah), and among his progeny Dawud (David), Sulaiman (Solomon), Ayub (Job), Yusuf (Joseph), Musa (Moses), and Harun (Aaron). Thus do We reward the good-doers. And Zakariya (Zachariya), and Yahya (John) and ‘Iesa (Jesus) and Iliyas (Elias), each one of them was of the righteous. And Isma’il (Ishmael) and Al-Yas’a (Elisha), and Yunus (Jonah) and Lout (Lot), and each one of them We preferred above the ‘Alamin (mankind and jinns) (of their times). And also some of their fathers and their progeny and their brethren, We chose them, and We guided them to a Straight Path. This is the Guidance of Allah with which He guides whomsoever He will of His slaves. But if they had joined in worship others with Allah, all that they used to do would have been of no benefit to them. They are those whom We gave the Book, Al-Hukm (understanding of the religious laws), and Prophethood. But if these disbelieve therein (the Book, Al-Hukm and Prophethood), then, indeed We have entrusted it to a people (such as the Companions of Prophet Muhammad) who are not disbelievers therein. They are those whom Allah had guided. So follow their guidance. Say: “No reward I ask of you for this (the Qur’an). It is only a reminder for the ‘Alamin (mankind and jinns).” [Al-An’aam. 83-90]

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

The Messengers are the most judicious among all of creation without exception, and their followers constitute the next most judicious group. Among the adherents of the scriptures and the great legislated laws, those who follow the Messengers are deemed the most judicious, with Muslims ranking highest among them. Among Muslims, the companions of Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, are regarded as the most judicious, followed closely by those who emulate their faith precisely. Furthermore, the people who steadfastly adhere to the authentic Sunnah of the Prophet and the sound reports passed down from him are considered the most judicious within the Muslim Ummah after the companions and those who have followed their example.

The clear proof to demonstrate that the Messengers are the most judicious among the entire creation is that the beneficial knowledge they conveyed, the righteous deeds, and beneficial guidance for both this life and the hereafter, have not been conveyed by others or even something close to it.  There is nothing – from any perspective – that emerged from other judicious people that can be compared to what the Messengers conveyed concerning beneficial knowledge,  righteous deeds and actions, and the beneficial matters of true well-being in both the present world and the afterlife. Whoever reflects on their life stories, both specific and general, their patience and perseverance, their abstention from the fleeting pleasures of this material world, their fervent desire to seek Allah’s pleasure and the eternal rewards promised in the hereafter, their pure manners, their unparalleled truthfulness among all beings, possessors of the purest hearts and souls, custodians of the greatest trust (namely, divine revelation and prophethood), the most honourable companions one could have, the purest in their inner-most conscience and their private matters, would not doubt that they are the most judicious among Allah’s creation without exception. It is undeniable that those who closely follow their example will inherit a greater share of judiciousness than others. [1]

Patience

Al-Allamah Abdur Rahmaan Bin Yahyah Al-Mu’allimee, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated:

Allah tested Prophet Ayyoub, peace be upon him, and Prophet Ya’qub, peace be upon him, when he lost his two sons [Yusuf and Binyameen- peace be upon them] as well as the effects of the severe grief in his heart. Allah said:

وَتَوَلَّىٰ عَنۡہُمۡ وَقَالَ يَـٰٓأَسَفَىٰ عَلَىٰ يُوسُفَ وَٱبۡيَضَّتۡ عَيۡنَاهُ مِنَ ٱلۡحُزۡنِ فَهُوَ كَظِيمٌ۬

And he turned away from them and said: “Alas, my grief for Yusuf (Joseph)!” And he lost his sight because of the sorrow that he was suppressing]. [Yusuf 84]

Allah tested Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, during the early years of his (Prophethood) and obligated to him to call his people to abandon the Shirk and the misguidance they were nurtured upon by their forefathers. He made that clear to them in private and public- day and night. He approached them in their hangouts, gatherings, and towns, and carried on doing so for nearly 13 years whilst they inflicted severe harm on him, even though before this he lived for 40 years or more without being harmed. He was from a noble, honoured, and respected tribe – a noble, honoured, and respected household. He grew up with noble manners due to which he was honoured and respected by the people, but despite this, he was very modest.

The one with these qualities received severe harm and faced extreme hardship. This harm intensified with mockery- this one spat in his face and that one attempted to place his feet on his neck while he prostrated to his Lord (in prayer), and another person placed the intestines of a camel on his back while he prostrated, and such and such person grabbed the collar of his garment to strangle him. His uncle (Abu Lahab) followed him wherever he went and warned against him, saying, “He (i.e. Muhammad) is a liar. He is insane”. The foolish were incited against him and they pelted him with stones until blood flowed from his two feet. Others boycotted him and his close relatives – for a long time – so that they died out of hunger. Some people tortured his followers with various types of torture, and amongst them were those who were forced to lie down on the sand during the hottest time of the day and were denied water. One of them was burnt with fire until the only thing that extinguished the fire was the fat on his back. A woman amongst them was tortured, but when they realised that she would not renounce Islaam, they stabbed her in her private area and murdered her. All this torture was not due to anything else other than the fact that the Messenger was calling them to remove them from the darkness of Shirk and enter them into the light of Islaam- to remove them from corruption and enter them into upright conduct, distance them from the anger of Allah and guide them to the means of attaining Allah’s Pleasure, and remove them from the path of eternal punishment and guide them towards the path of permanent bliss. However, they did not pay attention to this although its proofs were very clear; rather the only thing that concerned them was that he was calling them to other than what they desired.

Also, Allah tested the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, through the death of his parents when he was very young, then the death of his grandfather, the death of his uncle who used to protect him, and the death of his wife who used to console him. The calamities did not cease, even though he is the leader of the children of Adam and the most beloved person to Allah.

Therefore, ponder on all of this to know – based on true knowledge – that the mutual rivalry – in which we engage and greedily exert ourselves to acquire the enjoyment of the worldly life – is nothing compared to attaining Allah’s Pleasure and eternal bliss in paradise. As for the misery and hardships of the worldly life which we flee from, they are nothing compared to Allah’s displeasure, His anger, and eternal punishment in the hell fire. Anas Bin Malik, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “A person amongst the inhabitants of Hell – who lived the most enjoyable life amongst the people of the world – would be dipped in fire only once on the Day of Resurrection and then it would be said to him, ‘O son of Adam! Did you find any comfort, did you happen to get any material blessing?’ He would say, ‘By Allah! No, my Lord’. Then a person amongst the people of the world would be brought – who lived the most miserable life (in the world) – from amongst the inhabitants of Paradise and he would be dipped once in Paradise, and it would be said to him, ‘O son of Adam! Did you face any hardship? Or had any distress fallen to your lot?’ He would say, ‘By Allah! No, O my Lord, never did I face any hardship or experience any distress’”. [Sahih Muslim. 2807] [2]

Sovereignty

The Greatest King of all Time Prophet Sulayman, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his father and all the Prophets

The Greatest King of all Time (Prophet Sulayman), The Ant, The Hoopoe, The Upright Scholar, The If’reet and The Intelligent Queen!

[1] An Excerpt from As-Sawaa’iq Al-Mursalah 4/1514]

[2] An Excerpt from ‘Aathaar Ash-Shaikh Al-Allamah Abdur Rahman Bin Yahyah Al-Mu’allimee. 11/311-313

[5] Shaytan

Written by faizkara on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Mental Health, Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Shirk, Sin, Uncategorized.

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

Allah [The Exalted] informed us in Soorah An-Nisaa Ayah 119 that shaytaan said:

[وَلَأُضِلَّنَّهُ “Verily, I will mislead them]- Meaning, from the truth. [وَلَأُمَنِّيَنَّهُم – And surely, I will arouse in them false desires]; Ibn Abbas said, “Iblees desires to hinder them from repentance and that they delay it”. (1)

[وَلَآمُرَنَّهُمْ فَلَيُبَتِّكُنَّ آذَانَ الْأَنْعَامِ – I will order them to slit the ears of cattle]- Meaning, cut off the ears of the cattle.

[وَلَآمُرَنَّهُمْ فَلَيُغَيِّرُنَّ خَلْقَ اللَّهِ – And indeed I will order them to change the nature created by Allah]; Ibn Abbas said, “Iblees intends by this the religion of Allah. And the meaning is that Allah created his slaves upon an upright fitrah (i.e. an upright natural disposition that enables them to recognize Allah, accept the call of the messengers when it reaches them and worship Allah alone), as He (the most high) said:

فَأَقِمْ وَجْهَكَ لِلدِّينِ حَنِيفًا ۚ فِطْرَتَ اللَّهِ الَّتِي فَطَرَ النَّاسَ عَلَيْهَا ۚ لَا تَبْدِيلَ لِخَلْقِ اللَّهِ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ الدِّينُ الْقَيِّمُ وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ

So set you (O Muhammad) your face towards the religion of true Monotheism- Hanifa (worship none but Allah Alone)- Allah’s Islamic Monotheism with which He has created mankind. No change let there be in the Religion of Allah’s Islamic Monotheism, that is the straight religion, but most of men know not. [مُنِيبِينَ إِلَيْهِ وَاتَّقُوهُ – (Always) Turning in repentance to Him (only), and be afraid and dutiful to Him]. [Ar-Rum. 30-31]

And that is why the Prophet said, “Every child is born on a Fitrah [a natural disposition to recognize Allah, accept the call of the messengers when it reaches them and worship Allaah alone], but his/her parents convert them him/her to Judaism, Christianity or Magianism, as an animal gives birth to a perfect baby animal. Do you find it mutilated?” Then after (narrating this hadeeth) Abu Hurairah recited: [فِطْرَتَ اللَّهِ الَّتِي فَطَرَ النَّاسَ عَلَيْهَا- Allah’s Islamic Monotheism, with which He has created mankind].

Therefore, the Prophet mentioned two affairs: alteration of the sound natural disposition through Judaism and Christianity and the alteration of the original natural physical appearance of the creation through mutilation. They are two affairs which iblees said that he must change-alteration of the natural disposition (through) incitement towards disbelief and alteration of the original natural physical appearance through mutilation. So he changes the sound innate natural disposition through incitement to Shirk and alteration of the original natural appearance through cutting and mutilation. This one is alteration of the sound innate natural disposition of the soul and that one is alteration of the original natural appearance of the creation. [2]

And Allah [The Exalted] stated about Iblees:
قَالَ فَبِمَآ أَغۡوَيۡتَنِى لَأَقۡعُدَنَّ لَهُمۡ صِرَٲطَكَ ٱلۡمُسۡتَقِيمَ –
ثُمَّ لَآتِيَنَّهُمْ مِنْ بَيْنِ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمِنْ خَلْفِهِمْ وَعَنْ أَيْمَانِهِمْ وَعَنْ شَمَائِلِهِمْ وَلاَ تَجِدُ أَكْثَرَهُمْ شَاكِرِينَ

(Iblis) said: “Because You have sent me astray, surely I will sit in wait against them (human beings) on Your Straight Path. Then I will come to them from before them and behind them, from their right and from their left, and You will not find most of them as thankful ones (i.e. they will not be dutiful to You).” 7-16-17]

[ثُمَّ لَآتِيَنَّهُم مِّن بَيْنِ أَيْدِيهِمْ – Then I will come to them from before them and behind them], meaning, “I will bring doubts to them about the Hereafter”. [وَمِنْ خَلْفِهِمْ – and behind them], meaning, “I will make them covetous for the worldly things”. [وَعَنْ أَيْمَانِهِمْ – and from their right], meaning, “I will make their religion obscure (by making them hold onto doubtful matters which they would consider to be the truth)”. [وَعَن شَمَائِلِهِمْ – and from their left], meaning, “I will command them to commit evil deeds, urge them toward it and beautify it in their eyes”.

It has also been reported from Ibn Abbas who said that Iblees did not say, “And from above them” because he knows that Allah is above them. Qatadah said, “O son of Adam! Shaytaan comes to you from every direction but not from above because he is not able to come between you and the Mercy of Allah”. (3)

[1] A’laam Al-Muwaqqi’een 1-67-69
[2 & 3]: Ighaathatul Lahfaan 1/105-107

Moon sighting in different countries – 2

Written by abumuaawiyah on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Pearls of Wisdom, Qur'aan, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

إِنَّ عِدَّةَ ٱلشُّہُورِ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ ٱثۡنَا عَشَرَ شَہۡرً۬ا فِى ڪِتَـٰبِ ٱللَّهِ يَوۡمَ خَلَقَ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضَ

Verily, the number of months with Allah is twelve months (in a year), so was it ordained by Allah on the Day when He created the heavens and the earth. [at-Tawbah. 36]

Imam As-Sadi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Meaning, well-known months decreed by Allah; [يَوۡمَ خَلَقَ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضَ – on the Day when He created the heavens and the earth]- Meaning, He established the alternation of its nights and days, decreed their time periods and divided them into these twelve months. (1)

Allah, The Exalted, said: [يَسْأَلونَكَ عَنِ الْأَهِلَّةِ قُلْ هِيَ مَوَاقِيتُ لِلنَّاسِ وَالْحَجِّ – They ask you (O Muhammad) about the new moons. Say: These are signs to determine fixed time periods for humankind and for the time of the Hajj]. [Al-Baqarah. 189]

Imam As-Sadi, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated:

Allah – by His Mercy and kindness – placed it in this manner where it alternates. The crescent appears weak at the beginning of the month, gradually increases by the middle of the month and then it decreases until the end of the month. This is how it is in order that people would know the time periods of their acts of worship, such as fasting, the times for the payment of Zakat, and the time of Hajj. And when it is the case that Hajj takes place during specific months that are well known and takes a long time, Allah stated: [وَالْحَجِّ – and for time of Hajj].

Furthermore, based on the the phases of the moon people become acquainted with the times for the payment of unpaid debts, rental time periods, the time period of Iddah (i.e. the time period a woman has to wait before remarrying after divorce or after the death of a husband), the time period of pregnancy and other matters that are related to people’s needs. Therefore, Allah has made it a means determining time periods that is known to everyone-young and old, knowledgeable and ignorant. If time periods were determined by way of the solar calendar, none would be acquainted with it except a very few amongst the people. (2)

Ibn Umar, Allah be pleased with him and his father] reported Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, stated, “The month is thus and thus and thus (i. e. pointing with his fingers thrice), and he held back his thumb at the third time (in order to show that it can also consist of twenty-nine days)”. [Sahih Muslim 1080]

Imam Muhammad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaymeen, may Allah have mercy upon him, was asked:

Some people say: “We do not use the Gregorian date before the Hijri date due to having loyalty (to other than Islam) and to aid (another religion), but rather the Gregorian date is more accurate than the Hijri calendar in terms of what they see”, and that “Most countries use this calendar.”

Response: Be patient, my brother! The crescent moon is the basis (for determining the monthly time periods) for all human beings. Read the statement of Allah, The Exalted: [ يَسْأَلونَكَ عَنِ الْأَهِلَّةِ قُلْ هِيَ مَوَاقِيتُ لِلنَّاسِ وَالْحَجِّ – They ask you (O Muhammad) about the new moons. Say: These are signs to determine fixed time periods for humankind and for the time of the Hajj]- Meaning, for all people.

And read the statement of Allah, The Exalted:
إِنَّ عِدَّةَ الشُّهُورِ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ اثْنَا عَشَرَ شَهْراً فِي كِتَابِ اللَّهِ يَوْمَ خَلَقَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ مِنْهَا أَرْبَعَةٌ حُرُمٌ

Verily, the number of months with Allah is twelve months (in a year),  so was it ordained by Allah on the Day when He created the heavens and the earth; of them four are Sacred…] [at-Tawbah. 36]

Therefore, it was ordained by Allah on the Day when He created the heavens and the earth; of them four are Sacred, (i.e. the 1st, the 7th, the 11th and the 12th months of the Islamic calendar). The months are determined by the crescent moon and this is why the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, explained that the four (sacred ones among the 12) are Rajab Dhul Qidah, Dhul Hijjah and Muharram, and this is the basis of the matter. The months used by the people at present – months determined based on conjecture- are not established on a (sound) basis. If they were based on the sighting of the Buruj (a great number of distant big stars), their basis would have been based on the Buruj which is clear in the sky, well known and their times are known, however, they (i.e. the non-Islamic months)are based on conjecture and do not have a basis at all due to the fact that some are twenty-eight days and some of them thirty-one.

However, if we find ourselves in difficult circumstances and it becomes necessary to mention the Gregorian date, why do we have to alternate from the Arabic Hijri date – the one based on the Shariah – to this date that is based on conjecture and has no foundation?! We are very able to use the Arabic date and then say, “Corresponding to such and such date (i.e. in the Gregorian date)” given that when many Islamic countries were colonised by the unbelievers, they changed the date to their own- enslaving and humiliating the society. You understand, so we say, if we find ourselves in difficult circumstances and it becomes necessary to mention the Gregorian date, let it be first that the Arabic Hijri date – the one based on the Shariah – is mentioned, then we say, “Corresponding to such and such”. (3)

[1] An Excerpt from “Tafseer As-Sadi]

[2] An Excerpt from “Tafseer as-Sadi]

[3] https://www.alathar.net/home/esound/index.php?op=codevi&coid=64945. paraphrased]

[4] Shaytan

Written by faizkara on . Posted in Charity (Sadaqah), Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Scholars of Islam, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allah [The Exalted] said:

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ أَنفِقُواْ مِن طَيِّبَـٰتِ مَا ڪَسَبۡتُمۡ وَمِمَّآ أَخۡرَجۡنَا لَكُم مِّنَ ٱلۡأَرۡضِ‌ۖ وَلَا تَيَمَّمُواْ ٱلۡخَبِيثَ مِنۡهُ تُنفِقُونَ وَلَسۡتُم بِـَٔاخِذِيهِ إِلَّآ أَن تُغۡمِضُواْ فِيهِ‌ۚ وَٱعۡلَمُوٓاْ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَنِىٌّ حَمِيدٌ
ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنُ يَعِدُكُمُ ٱلۡفَقۡرَ وَيَأۡمُرُڪُم بِٱلۡفَحۡشَآءِ‌ۖ وَٱللَّهُ يَعِدُكُم مَّغۡفِرَةً۬ مِّنۡهُ وَفَضۡلاً۬‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ وَٲسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ۬

O you who believe! Spend of the good things which you have (legally) earned, and of that which We have produced from the earth for you, and do not aim at that which is bad to spend from it, (though) you would not accept it save if you close your eyes and tolerate therein. And know that Allah is Rich (Free of all wants), and Worthy of all praise. Shaitan (Satan) threatens you with poverty and orders you to commit Fahsha (evil deeds, illegal sexual intercourse, sins etc.); whereas Allah promises you Forgiveness from Himself and Bounty, and Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures’ needs, All-Knower. [Al-Baqarah. 267-268]

Imam As-Sadi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: 

Allah commands His believing servants to spend from the good things which He has facilitated for them and from that which He has provided for them from the earth. Just as Allah bestowed on you by making it easy for you to acquire these things, you should spend from it as an act of gratitude to Allah, fulfilling some of the rights owed to your brethren in faith and as a means of purifying your wealth. The goal behind this spending is that you give the good things which you love for yourselves, and not the bad which you neither want, nor accept except with closed eyes (reluctance).

[وَٱعۡلَمُوٓاْ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَنِىٌّ حَمِيدٌ – And know that Allah is Rich (Free of all wants), and Worthy of all praise]- Meaning, Allah is absolutely not in need of you. The benefit of your charity and deeds returns (only) to you. Alongside the fact that Allah is the only one worthy of all praise, He praises you for fulfilling the praiseworthy deeds and upright characteristics which He has commanded you, therefore it is obligated to you to fulfil His commands because it is means of strengthening your hearts- a means of piety and delight for the souls.

And beware of following your enemy the Shaytan, who commands you to refrain from spending your wealth and frightens you with poverty and neediness when you are required to spend. This is not sincere advice, but rather it is deception at the highest level. [إِنَّمَا يَدۡعُواْ حِزۡبَهُ ۥ لِيَكُونُواْ مِنۡ أَصۡحَـٰبِ ٱلسَّعِيرِ – He only invites his Hizb (followers) that they may become the dwellers of the blazing Fire].

[An Excerpt from Tafseer as-Sadi]

A deeply concealed truth about truthful submission

Written by abumuaawiyah on . Posted in Aqeedah, Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Featured, Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Scholars of Islam, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

A deeply concealed truth about truthful submission and the dangers of its contrary

Allah [The Most High] said:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اسْتَجِيبُوا لِلَّهِ وَلِلرَّسُولِ إِذَا دَعَاكُمْ لِمَا يُحْيِيكُمْ ۖ وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ يَحُولُ بَيْنَ الْمَرْءِ وَقَلْبِهِ وَأَنَّهُ إِلَيْهِ تُحْشَرُونَ

O you who believe! Answer Allah and (His) Messenger when he calls you to that which will give you life, and know that Allah comes in between a person and his heart. And verily to Him you shall (all) be gathered. [8:24]

وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ يَحُولُ بَيْنَ الْمَرْءِ وَقَلْبِهِ وَأَنَّهُ إِلَيْهِ تُحْشَرُونَ

And know that Allah comes in between a person and his heart. And verily to Him you shall (all) be gathered.

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

The first explanation of this verse is that Allah is the one who intervenes between a believer and disbelief, between the non-believer and belief, between those who obey and the act of disobedience, and between those who disobey and act of obedience. This statement is attributed to Ibn Abbas and the majority of the Mufassiroon.

The second explanation is that Allah is close to the heart of the person (by His  All-Encompassing Perfect knowledge) and nothing is hidden from Him. This was transmitted by Al-Wahidi from Qatadah. It seems that the statement (attributed to Qatadah) aligns better with the context as the foundation of this response is through the heart.

A physical response holds no value if the heart does not respond, as Allah intervenes between an individual and their heart, aware of whether the person has responded or hides the opposite. In relation to the first statement (Ibn Abbas’s statement and that of the majority of the Mufassiroon), it is indeed true that if someone turns away, they will not be secure lest Allah intervenes between them and their hearts as a form of punishment for neglecting this response after the truth had been elucidated and made evident. Thus, they will resemble what has been mentioned in Allah’s statement:

وَنُقَلِّبُ أَفْئِدَتَهُمْ وَأَبْصَارَهُمْ كَمَا لَمْ يُؤْمِنُوا بِهِ أَوَّلَ مَرَّةٍ

And We shall turn their hearts and their eyes away (from guidance), as they refused to believe therein for the first time.

فَلَمَّا زَاغُوا أَزَاغَ اللَّهُ قُلُوبَهُمْ

So when they turned away (from the Path of Allah), Allah turned their hearts away (from the Right Path).

فَمَا كَانُوا لِيُؤْمِنُوا بِمَا كَذَّبُوا مِنْ قَبْلُ

But they were not such as to believe in that which they had rejected before.

This verse serves as a cautionary reminder about the importance of responding with sincerity from the heart, regardless of any outward physical actions that may have been taken. (1)

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

Sins breed similar sins, and they give rise to one another, making it difficult for a person to abandon them, as some of the pious predecessors said, “Indeed, one of the punishments for an evil deed is to commit another one after it, and one of the rewards for good deeds is doing a good deed after it. When a servant of Allah does a good deed, another good deed says, “Let me be like that one.” The third one does the same, and so on, leading to an increase in rewards and a multiplication of good deeds, and the same applies to evil deeds, until good deeds and sins becoming essential traits and established habits. If a person who does good neglects obedience, they will feel constricted and uneasy, much like a fish out of water until it returns to its natural environment to find peace. If a sinner turns away from wrongdoing and embraces righteousness, they may feel a sense of inner turmoil, leading them to revert to their old ways. Many wrongdoers engage in sinful acts not out of pleasure or desire, but rather due to the discomfort they experience when trying to abandon those actions. (2)

We ask Allah:

اللَّهُمَّ آتِ نَفْسِي تَقْوَاهَا، وَزَكِّهَا أَنْتَ خَيْرُ مَن زَكَّاهَا، أَنْتَ وَلِيُّهَا وَمَوْلَاهَا، اللَّهُمَّ إنِّي أَعُوذُ بكَ مِن عِلْمٍ لا يَنْفَعُ، وَمِنْ قَلْبٍ لا يَخْشَعُ، وَمِنْ نَفْسٍ لا تَشْبَعُ، وَمِنْ دَعْوَةٍ لا يُسْتَجَابُ لَهَا

O Allah! Grant my soul its piety, and purify it, for You are the best of those who purify it. You are its Guardian and Protector. O Allah! I seek refuge in You from knowledge that does not benefit, from a heart that does not fear, from a soul that is never satisfied, and from a supplication that is not answered. [Sahih Muslim 2722]

(1) An Excerpt “Al-Fawaa’id” pages 140-144

(2) Ad-Da’u Wad Dawa 60-61. Publisher: Dar Al-Hadith Al-Qahira 1430H (2009)

[3] Shaytan

Written by faizkara on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Mental Health, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Repentance, Scholars of Islam, Shirk, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allah [The Exalted] said:

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ إِنَّمَا ٱلۡخَمۡرُ وَٱلۡمَيۡسِرُ وَٱلۡأَنصَابُ وَٱلۡأَزۡلَـٰمُ رِجۡسٌ۬ مِّنۡ عَمَلِ ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنِ فَٱجۡتَنِبُوهُ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تُفۡلِحُونَ
إِنَّمَا يُرِيدُ ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنُ أَن يُوقِعَ بَيۡنَكُمُ ٱلۡعَدَٲوَةَ وَٱلۡبَغۡضَآءَ فِى ٱلۡخَمۡرِ وَٱلۡمَيۡسِرِ وَيَصُدَّكُمۡ عَن ذِكۡرِ ٱللَّهِ وَعَنِ ٱلصَّلَوٰةِ‌ۖ فَهَلۡ أَنتُم مُّنتَہُونَ
وَأَطِيعُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُواْ ٱلرَّسُولَ وَٱحۡذَرُواْ‌ۚ فَإِن تَوَلَّيۡتُمۡ فَٱعۡلَمُوٓاْ أَنَّمَا عَلَىٰ رَسُولِنَا ٱلۡبَلَـٰغُ ٱلۡمُبِينُ

O you who believe! Intoxicants (all kinds of alcoholic drinks), gambling, Al-Ansab , and Al-Azlam (arrows for seeking luck or decision) are an abomination of Shaitan‘s (Satan) handiwork. So avoid (strictly all) that (abomination) in order that you may be successful . Shaitan (Satan) wants only to excite enmity and hatred between you with intoxicants (alcoholic drinks) and gambling, and hinder you from the remembrance of Allah and from As-Salat (the prayer). So, will you not then abstain? And obey Allah and the Messenger (Muhammad ), and beware (of even coming near to drinking or gambling or Al-Ansab, or Al-Azlam, etc.) and fear Allah. Then if you turn away, you should know that it is Our Messenger’s duty to convey (the Message) in the clearest way. [Al-Maa’idah. 90-92]

Abdullah Ibn Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, said that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “Allah has cursed alcohol, the one who drinks it, the one who pours it, the one who sells it, the one who buys it, the one who squeezes (the grapes etc), the one for whom it is squeezed, the one who carries it and the one to whom it is carried.” [Sahih Abi Dawud 3674]

Anas Bin Malik, may Allah be pleased with him, said: Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “Allaah cursed ten with regard to alcohol: the one who squeezes (i.e. the thing used to make it], the one for whom it is squeezed, the one who drinks it, the one who carries it, the one to whom it is carried, the one who pours it, the one who sells it and consumes its price, the one who buys it and the one for whom it is bought”. [Tirmidhi 1295]

The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Indeed, a people from my Ummah will drink alcohol, [and] give it other than its [real] name”.

Al-Allamah Zaid Bin Hadi al-Mad’khali, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “This hadith contains a Prophetic miracle in relation to the information given by the Prophet about a matter of the unseen and that this will definitely occur. What the Prophet stated that alcohol will be given a name other than its real name will definitely occur. Indeed – in our era – alcohol has been given another name to deceive the people and urge them towards it, such as the name Mashrub Ruhi [i.e. (The sprightly drink or the drink that makes you lively), instead of giving its real name Khamr (i.e. alcohol) as it is said, Al-Khamru Takh’murul Aql – Alcohol veils (or obscures) the intellect]. And they have given it other names as well but it does not isolate it from the fact that it is khamr [alcohol] and it is forbidden”. [1]

Ibn Umar said: The Messenger forbade [two matters related to eating and drinking]: sitting at a table where alcohol is consumed and a man who eats whilst lying on his stomach.

Allamah Zaid Bin Hadi al-Mad’khali, may Allah have mercu upon him, said:

In this hadith, there is guidance regarding the manners of eating food, because these two deeds are not from good manners. Firstly, sitting at a table where alcohol is consumed: It is not permissible for a Muslim to sit at a table where alcohol is consumed, because alcohol is the mother of all evil and a person is not safe [in such a situation]. The least sin regarding this affair is that one has shown approval to the one who consumes alcohol at a table. Secondly, regarding the [deed of] a man who eats whilst lying down on his stomach, it has been reported in a narration that the Messenger said about lying on one’s stomach whilst sleeping, “Indeed, it is a way of lying down that Allah hates”. [Sahih Al-Jami 2271]

It is not permissible for a man to lie on his stomach, rather he should lie down on his back, or on his right side and that is noblest manner of lying down, or on his left side and there is no harm in that. [2]

Read articles on the links: Huge Global Study in the Lancet: There Is No Safe Limit in the Consumption of Alcohol (And the Prohibition of Alcohol in the Qur’an):

http://www.shariah.ws/articles/suokooj-there-is-no-safe-limit-in-the-consumption-of-alcohol-and-the-prohibition-of-alcohol-in-the-quran.cfm

Muslim Attitudes to Alcohol and Intoxicants: The effect upon societies and individuals:
https://www.abukhadeejah.com/muslim-attitudes-to-alcohol-and-other-intoxicants-and-their-apparent-effects-upon-societies-islam-4-4/

The Dangerous Effects of Drugs & Alcohol in Society in Light of the Quran & Sunnah:
https://www.abukhadeejah.com/the-evil-effects-of-drugs-alcohol-in-society-in-light-of-the-quraan-sunnah/

WHY DO MUSLIMS NOT DRINK ALCOHOL? A brief explanation of the wisdoms behind Islam’s prohibition of alcohol and its benefit to society:

 

https://twitter.com/AbuIyaadSP/status/869850059277467648?s=09/embed

https://twitter.com/AbuIyaadSP/status/869850059277467648?s=09/embed

[1] at-Taleeqaat Al-Maleehah Alaa Silsilah Al-Ahaadeeth As-Saheehah. 1/338
[2] at-Taleeqaat Al-Maleehah Alaa Silsilah Al-Ahaadeeth As-Saheehah. 1/408

The loftiest thing granted to a person in all their circumstances

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

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

Allah, The Exalted, said:

وَقُل رَّبِّ أَدْخِلْنِى مُدْخَلَ صِدْقٍ وَأَخْرِجْنِى مُخْرَجَ صِدْقٍ وَٱجْعَل لِّى مِن لَّدُنكَ سُلْطَٰنًا نَّصِيرًا

And say (O Muhammad): My Lord! Let my entry (to the city of Al-Madinah) be good, and likewise my exit (from the city of Makkah) be good. And grant me from You an authority to help me (or a firm sign or a proof). (Al-Israa 80)

Meaning:

Make all my entrances and exits in obedience to You and aligned with Your Pleasure, which comprises sincerity and compliance with Your commands. And grant me clear argument and a definitive proof for everything I present and everything I abandon. This is the loftiest state that Allah bestows upon a servant (of His): to have all of their circumstances good and draw them closer to their Lord. And in every circumstance from his circumstances, he has clear proof, which embodies beneficial knowledge and righteous actions, knowledge of the issues and the proofs related to them.

An Excerpt from “Tafsir As-Sadi”

[2] Shaytan

Written by faizkara on . Posted in Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Sin.

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

Allāh, The Exalted, said:

يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ إِنَّ وَعْدَ اللَّهِ حَقٌّ ۖ فَلَا تَغُرَّنَّكُمُ الْحَيَاةُ الدُّنْيَا ۖ وَلَا يَغُرَّنَّكُم بِاللَّهِ الْغَرُورُ
إِنَّ الشَّيْطَانَ لَكُمْ عَدُوٌّ فَاتَّخِذُوهُ عَدُوًّا ۚ إِنَّمَا يَدْعُو حِزْبَهُ لِيَكُونُوا مِنْ أَصْحَابِ السَّعِيرِ

O mankind! Verily, the Promise of Allah is true. So let not this present life deceive you, and let not the chief deceiver (Satan) deceive you about Allah. Surely, Shaitan (Satan) is an enemy to you, so take (treat) him as an enemy. He only invites his Hizb (followers) that they may become the dwellers of the blazing Fire. [Al-Fatir. 5-6]

[يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ إِنَّ وَعْدَ اللَّهِ حَقٌّ-O mankind! Verily, the Promise of Allah is true]-Meaning, Allah’s promise regarding the resurrection and recompense for one’s deeds is true. There is no doubt, uncertainty and confusion about it because it has been established by the divine and intellectual proofs. Therefore, when it is the case that this is true, then prepare for it, hasten by utilising your precious time to perform righteous deeds and do not be hindered from it by any hindrance.

[فَلَا تَغُرَّنَّكُمُ الْحَيَاةُ الدُّنْيَا- So let not this present life deceive you] – Meaning, its enjoyment, desires and the pursuits of one’s soul (heart), and thus you are diverted from the purpose behind which you were created. [وَلَا يَغُرَّنَّكُم بِاللَّهِ الْغَرُورُ – And let not the chief deceiver deceive you about Allah] -Meaning, shaytan is an enemy of yours in reality, so [فَاتَّخِذُوهُ عَدُوًّا ۚ- so take (treat) him as an enemy]- Meaning, take him as an enemy every time and do not be negligent in waging war against him every time, because indeed he sees you whilst you cannot see him and he is always watching you.

[إِنَّمَا يَدْعُو حِزْبَهُ لِيَكُونُوا مِنْ أَصْحَابِ السَّعِيرِ- He only invites his Hizb (followers) that they may become the dwellers of the blazing Fire]- Meaning, this is his goal and intent. so that the one who follows him is severely humiliated through severe punishment. (1)

Allah [The Most High] said: [وَٱعۡتَصِمُواْ بِٱللَّهِ هُوَ مَوۡلَٮٰكُمۡ‌ۖ فَنِعۡمَ ٱلۡمَوۡلَىٰ وَنِعۡمَ ٱلنَّصِيرُ -And hold fast to Allah; He is your Maula (Patron, Lord, etc.), what an Excellent Maula (Patron, Lord, etc.) and what an Excellent Helper!]’ [Al-Hajj. 78]

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “When you hold fast to Allah, He will protect you. Allah will help you against shaytan and (the evil urges) of your souls – the two enemies that never isolate themselves from a person. Their enmity is more harmful than an apparent enemy. Therefore, being given help against them is the most important thing and a person’s need of this help is more than (his need for other things). And the completeness of this help is (granted) based on the level of one’s attachment to Allah”. (2)

Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “Indeed shaytan said, ‘By Your Might O my Lord! I will not cease to misguide your slaves as long as their souls are in their bodies’. The Lord (Allah) said, ‘By My Might and Majesty! I will not cease forgiving them as long as they keep seeking My Forgiveness'”. [As-Sahihah 104]

[1] An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi.
[2]: Jalaa Al-Af’haam. Page 154]