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Repentance with Responsibility

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

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

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

وشروط التوبة ثلاثة: الندم على الماضي مما فعلت ندمًا صادقًا، والإقلاع من الذنوب، ورفضها وتركها مستقبلًا طاعة لله وتعظيمًا له، والعزم الصادق ألا تعود في تلك الذنوب، هذه أمور لا بد منها.
أولا: الندم على الماضي منك والحزن على ما مضى منك.
الثاني: الإقلاع والترك لهذه الذنوب دقيقها وجليلها.
الثالث: العزم الصادق ألا تعود فيها.
فإن كان عندك حقوق للناس، أموال أو دماء أو أعراض فأدها إليهم، هذا أمر رابع من تمام التوبة، عليك أن تؤدي الحقوق التي للناس؛ إن كان قصاصًا تمكن من القصاص إلا أن يسمحوا بالدية، إن كان مالًا ترد إليهم أموالهم إلا أن يسمحوا، إن كان عرضًا كذلك تكلمت في أعراضهم، واغتبتهم تستسمحهم، وإن كان استسماحهم قد يفضي إلى شر فلا مانع من تركه، ولكن تدعو لهم وتستغفر لهم، وتذكرهم بالخير الذي تعلمه منهم في الأماكن التي ذكرتهم فيها بالسوء، ويكون هذا كفارة لهذا.

The conditions of repentance are three: Truthful remorse for past actions, the cessation of sins, and a commitment to avoid them in the future as an act of obedience to Allah and exaltation of Him. There must be a truthful determination not to return to those sins. These three things are essential.

First, one must regret past deeds and be sorrowful for what has transpired. Second, there must be a complete abandonment of big and small sins. Third, a truthful resolve not to revert to those sins. If you owe people their rights, whether in the form of wealth, blood, or honour, you give them back their rights. This is the fourth matter that would constitute complete repentance. You must return the rights owed to others. It should be carried out if it involves retribution unless they agree to accept compensation. If it pertains to financial matters, you are required to return their property unless they forgo it. If it is to do with honour- if you have violated their honour- and backbit them, you should seek their forgiveness. However, if seeking their forgiveness may lead to further harm, there is no obstacle to refraining from doing so. Instead, you should supplicate for them, ask for Allah’s forgiveness for them, and mention them with the good you know about them in the places (or instances, situations) you (previously) spoke ill of them and this would be an atonement for your actions. [1] [End of quote] Paraphrased

The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Whoever has wronged his brother, should ask for his pardon (before his death), as (in the Hereafter) there will be neither a Dinar nor a Dirham. (He should secure pardon in this life) before some of his good deeds are taken and paid to his brother, or, if he has done no good deeds, some of the bad deeds of his brother are taken to be loaded on him (in the Hereafter)”. [Al-Bukhari 6534]

Pride’s Mask

In the clan’s fire, we learned: Refusal to bow, to say forgive me, is no sign of strength— It is weakness in armour’s disguise. Pride that clings to self-image Poisons harmony, Turns apology into a battlefield, And truth into shadow. To shift blame is to weave deceit; To feign remorse is to wound deeper. True honour is humble, Strong enough to bend, Brave enough to repent. Victimhood chains the soul, while arrogance blinds the heart. But apology—sincere, unmasked—Is light, A bridge to mercy, a safeguard for the Hereafter.

Al-Haafidh Ibn Hajr, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “Diverting from the truth and playing tricks to reject it: what is intended is that when one dispute with another person, he employs every way – other than what is legislated in the Shariah – to play tricks until he takes the rights of his opponent, and by way of this he diverts from the straight path”. [Fat-hul Baaree 1/90]

Al-Haafidh Ibn Rajab, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “If a man has the ability when arguing – whether it is a dispute in religion or a worldly affair – to defend falsehood and make it appear to the listener that what he says is truth, seek to weaken the truth and present it in the image of falsehood, then this is one of the ugliest of forbidden deeds and vilest traits of hypocrisy (in one’s deeds)”. [Jami Al-Uloom Wal Hikam 1/432]

We ask Allah:
اللهم كما حَسَّنْت خَلْقِي فَحَسِّنْ خُلُقِي

“O Allah! Just as You made my external form beautiful, make my character beautiful as well”.

[1]https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/20276/%C2%A0%D8%AA%D9%88%D8%AC%D9%8A%D9%87-%D9%86%D8%B5%D9%8A%D8%AD%D8%A9-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D9%88%D8%A8%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%89-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%84%D9%87#:~:text=%D9%88%D8%B4%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%B7%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D9%88%D8%A8%D8%A9%20%D8%AB%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%AB%D8%A9%3A%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%AF%D9%85%20%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%89,%D9%87%D8%B0%D9%87%20%D8%A3%D9%85%D9%88%D8%B1%20%D9%84%D8%A7%20%D8%A8%D8%AF%20%D9%85%D9%86%D9%87%D8%A7

Oppression Is Evil, But Counterfeiting It Is Evil As Well

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

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

Al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzan, may Allah preserve him, said:

Dhulm (injustice or oppression) is three types:

The greatest of them is Shirk and why is Shirk referred as (injustice or oppression)? This is because the basis of injustice is to place something in other than its rightful place. And the meaning of Shirk is to devote acts of worship to other than its rightful place and this is the greatest injustice, because when they devoted acts of worship to other than its rightful place and to those who are not deserving of it, they equated the created (beings) to the Creator and a weak one (i.e. a created being) to Al-Qawiy [The One Perfect in Strength (i.e. Allah)], who is not unable to do anything. Therefore, is there any greater injustice after this?

The second type is committed when a person oppresses himself by committing sins. A sinner oppresses himself because he exposes himself to punishment, even though it is obligated to his to save himself and place himself in an appropriate situation, which is to obey Allah.

The third type is committed when a person oppresses others by taking their wealth (unlawfully), backbiting them, spreading tales about them, stealing their wealth, violating their honour through backbiting, tale carrying, slander, shedding their blood through unlawful murder, beating them, inflicting injuries, or degrading them without right.. [1]

Tawus al-Yamani, may Allah have mercy upon him, entered the presence of Hisham ibn Abd al-Malik, addressing him with a grave warning: “Beware of the Day of the Call”. Hisham, said: “What is the Day of the Call?” Tawus replied, the statement of Allah: [فَأَذَّنَ مُؤَذِّنٌ بَيْنَهُمْ أَنْ لَعْنةُ اللَّهِ عَلَى الظَّالِمِينَ – And a caller will call out among them, ‘The curse of Allah is upon the wrongdoers” [Al-A’raf: 44]

At this, Hisham collapsed due to shock! Tawus then said: “This is the humiliation of mere description; how then will it be when faced with the reality?” [2]

Mubarak Abu Hamad, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “I heard Sufyan Al-Thawri, may Allah have mercy upon him, saying to Ali ibn Al-Hasan Al-Sulami, may Allah have mercy upon him: ‘My brother, do not harbour any feeling of covetousness towards the people of vain desires due to their indulgences, nor the blessings they enjoy; for ahead of them lies a day when feet will slip, bodies will tremble, skin complexions will change, standing will be prolonged, reckoning will intensify, and hearts will flutter until they reach the throats. Oh, what regret they will feel for the pleasures they pursued! And beware of oppression, an ally to the oppressor, accompanying him, sharing a meal with him, smiling in his face, or receiving anything from him; for you would then be his supporter, and support is partnership. Do not oppose the people of piety, nor befriend the sinful, nor associate with the disobedient, and steer clear of all that is forbidden, and be wary of those who engage in it'”. [3]

Sa’id ibn Abd al-Aziz, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “Whoever does good should expect a reward, and whoever does wrong should not be surprised by the consequences. Whoever seeks honour through unjust means will receive humiliation in truth, and whoever accumulates wealth through oppression will be left in poverty without injustice. [4]

Muawiya ibn Abi Sufyan, may Allah be pleased with him and his father, said: “I feel ashamed of oppressing someone who has no supporter against me except Allah.” [5]

Umar ibn Abdul Aziz, may Allah have mercy upon him, once wrote to some of his governors: “If your power over the people tempts you to oppress them, remember the might of Allah over you, the fleeting nature of what you bring to them, and the permanence of what they bring to you”. [6]

These narrations unveil the darkened shadows that oppression and injustice cast upon the earth; and clear it is, to every heart that heeds, so let us lift our hands in trembling plea, beseeching Allah to shield us from such ruinous wickedness, and bow our hearts in humility, seeking pardon from those we have wronged. Yet let this truth resound like thunder: no soul—be they crowned in status or wrapped in fame— may drape themselves in the garments of the oppressed while their own hands strike with deceit and evasion. Sinful are those who twist renown into a veil of false victimhood, who demand beyond their due, who weave ingratitude, manipulation, and selfish hunger into nets that ensnare sympathy. And among their treacherous devices are these:

Avoid False Analogy

Allah, The Most High, said that the brothers of Prophet Yusuf, peace be upon him, said about him and his brother Bin Yamin: [إِن يَسْرِقْ فَقَدْ سَرَقَ أَخٌ لَّهُۥ مِن قَبْلُ َ – “If he steals, there was a brother of his [Yusuf (Joseph)] who did steal before (him)]. [Surah Yusuf. 77]

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated: Allah informs us about Yusuf’s brothers that when they found the bowl in their brother’s (Bin Yamin) bag, they said: “If he steals, there was a brother of his (Yusuf) who did steal before (him)”. Thus, they did not draw a (sound) comparison between the basis of the matter and its shared characteristics based on a (sound) reason nor its evidence; but rather they attached one to the other without comprehensive evidence other than the mere similarity between Bin Yamin and Yusuf (as blood brothers); so, they said, “This is analogy regarding the similarity between him and his brother in many ways, and that this one (Bin Yamin) has committed theft just as that one (Yusuf) committed theft (in the past)”. This (analogy of theirs) is a void comparison between similarities and an analogy based on a mere comparison between (two) images that is devoid of a shared cause (or reason) that would necessitate that the two are the same. It is a corrupt analogy. The similarity due to being blood brothers is not a shared cause (or reason) for being similar with regards to committing theft. There is no evidence of similarity in this, so the comparison is one devoid of a (sound or real) shared reason (or cause) and its evidence. [7]

Burdensome Speech In Seeking to Win An Argument

The Messenger, peace and blessing of Allah be upon him, said: “Indeed, Allah hates the eloquent one among men who moves his tongue round (within his teeth), as cattle do”. Al-Allaamah Abdul Muhsin Al-Abbaad [may Allah preserve him] said: “The person intended in this hadeeth is the one who speaks eloquently while using obscure or ambiguous language, immerses himself in speech and burdens himself. He burdens himself in speech and thus utters something blameworthy. However, if this [eloquence] is not done by way of burdening oneself in speech, such as the one whom Allaah has granted eloquence and he utilises it in his speech to clarify the truth, then this is not blameworthy. Allah hates the person who speaks eloquently and utters that which is blameworthy due to deliberately utilising obscure, ambiguous, and burdensome speech. This person is likened to a cow that moves its tongue round [among its teeth] when eating. It is said that a cow is not like other animals because other animals use their teeth but a cow uses its tongue. This hadeeth forbids the likes of this action [i.e. eloquent burdensome speech] and the one who does so is hated by Allah. [8]

Quarrelsome

The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “The most hated of men in the sight of Allah is the one who is most quarrelsome”.

Al-Allaamah Zayd Bin Haadi al-Mad’khali [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: “A warning against (blameworthy) argumentation, falling into wicked behaviour and its evil, especially if the argumentation is based on falsehood. As for when it is based on truth, there is nothing wrong with that for the one who has a right to do so; but he should be just in his argument so that he does not enter into oppression or error, and Allah knows best. The hadeeth is related to a warning against lying during argumentation, falsehood, and adorned speech within it until one changes falsehood into truth and truth into falsehood; not bothered about making an oath, lying, or giving false witness. All this occurs from an extremely quarrelsome person, who goes into excess in the affair and does not feel shy in the presence of Allah- neither fears punishment in this life nor the next life. When it is the case that the extremely quarrelsome person is blameworthy, then indeed the person who has good conduct – if entitled to something – during an argument and other affairs will not utter except truth, and will not seek after anything except the truth- neither lies nor deceives the Shariah judge. This is one of the characteristics of the people of Imaan – those whom Allah praised in the Qur’an and the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] praised them in the pure Sunnah. [9]

Umm Salamah, may Allah be pleased with her, reported that Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “Indeed, I am only a human being and you people come to me with your disputes. And it may be that one of you can present his case more eloquently than the other and I consider him truthful, and judge in his favour. So if I ever judge and give the right of a brother to his brother, then it is a piece of hellfire and let him not take it”.

Some Benefits Derived From This Hadeeth:

The Ummah [i.e. the scholars and judges] have been commissioned to judge based on what is apparent, but the (mere) judgement of a judge cannot prohibit the lawful and allow the unlawful [i.e. because it cannot be taken if proven erroneous].

This Hadeeth contains a refutation against those who say that the Messengers possess knowledge of the unseen. This hadeeth also shows that speech can be seen to be true based on what is apparent, but it is truly falsehood concerning what is hidden within it.

This hadeeth shows that the one who receives a judgement in his favour is more aware than every other person as to whether he is entitled to it or whether he is a falsifier. So, he takes it if he is entitled to it or leaves it if he is a falsifier because, in reality, a judgement cannot change an affair from what it was in origin [i.e. the original truth in the affair before its distortion or concealment].

This hadeeth shows the sinfulness of the one who argues based on falsehood until he receives what he wants publicly, whilst he is upon falsehood.

In this hadeeth is proof that a scholar can make a mistake and it is a refutation against those who say that every Mujtahid is correct. This hadeeth shows us that the Mujtahid is forgiven (when he makes a mistake).[10]

The Status of a Person or His Qualifications Should Never Be Given Precedence Over Truth

Imam Ash-Shawkani, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

We often see a man who holds a belief that aligns with truth and correctness. However, when he speaks to someone who disagrees with him- one who is inclined towards something of the innovated matters in the religion, and especially if that person holds a position of leadership or worldly wealth, not to mention a king, he agrees with him, strengthens, supports and aids him against others.

The least in such circumstances is that he would hide what he believes is the truth and show contempt – in the presence of a person from whom it is neither possible to receive harm nor benefit – towards what has become clear to him is the right thing, so, what about someone from whom harm and benefit are possible? This behavior is essentially prioritizing worldly things and the life of this world over the religion and the afterlife. If he observed and reflected upon what has happened to him, he would have realised that his inclination toward the (vain) desires of a man, two men, three or more individuals – among those he compliments within that gathering, conceals the truth to be in agreement with them and to gain affection, acquire their possessions, and avoid being isolated by them -is a deficiency in upholding the truth and tantamount to exalting falsehood. If it were not for the fact that these individuals hold a higher position in his eyes than the Lord, he would not have been inclined to their (vain) desires and abandoned what he knows to be what Allah wants and demands from His servants. [11]

Beware of Lying and False Representation

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

Beware of kadhib [lying], for indeed it corrupts one’s ability to illustrate information based on what it should be in reality. It corrupts one’s ability to illustrate information and his ability to teach the people. The liar portrays what is non-existent as something present and what is present as something non-existent. He portrays truth as something false and falsehood as something true; he portrays good as evil and evil as good, so this corrupts his conception and knowledge, which then becomes a punishment upon him. Then he portrays what is not true to the one deceived by him – the one who is inclined towards him- so he corrupts his conception and knowledge. The soul of the liar turns away from the existing reality -inclined towards what is non-existent and gives preference to falsehood.

And when his conception and knowledge is corrupted, which is the basis of every wilful chosen deed, his deeds become corrupt and marked by lies, so those deeds would emanate from him just as lies emanate from the tongue- he neither benefits from his tongue nor his deeds. This is why lying is the basis [or foundation] of immorality, just as the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said, “Indeed lies lead to immorality [or wickedness] and indeed immorality [or wickedness] leads to the fire. [Bukhaari 2606/2607]

Firstly lies emerges from the heart and then on the tongue, so it corrupts it; then it transfers to the limbs and corrupts its actions, just as it corrupts the statements of the tongue. Therefore, lying prevails over his statements, deeds and state of affairs; corruption becomes deeply rooted in him and its disease leads to destruction if Allaah does not grant him cure him with the medication of truthfulness, which uproots its (i.e. lying) from its original source.

This is why the basis [or foundation] of all the deeds of the hearts is based on truthfulness; and the basis of their opposites – such as showing off, self-amazement, pride, being glad [with ungratefulness to Allaah’s Favours], conceitedness, boastfulness, insolence, weakness, laziness, cowardice, disgrace and other than them- is lies. The origin of every righteous deed- whether carried out in private or public- is based on truthfulness. And the origin of every corrupt deed – whether carried out in private or public- is lies.

Allah punishes the liar by preventing him from those affairs that will bring him well-being and benefit, and He rewards the truthful one by granting him the ability to attain the beneficial affairs related to the worldly life and afterlife. There is nothing similar to truthfulness with regards to the manner in which it bring about the affairs of wellbeing in this life and the next, and there is nothing similar to lying with regards to the manner in which it corrupts and harms one’s worldly affairs and the afterlife. [Allaah (The Most High) said]:

[ يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَكُونُوا مَعَ الصَّادِقِينَ – O you who believe! Be afraid of Allah, and be with those who are true (in words and deeds) [9:119] [هَٰذَا يَوْمُ يَنْفَعُ الصَّادِقِينَ صِدْقُهُمْ ۚ- This is a Day on which the truthful will profit from their truth. [5:119]
[ فَإِذَا عَزَمَ الْأَمْرُ فَلَوْ صَدَقُوا اللَّهَ لَكَانَ خَيْرًا لَهُمْ – And when the matter (preparation for Jihad) is resolved on, then if they had been true to Allah, it would have been better for them. [47:21]

وَجَاءَ الْمُعَذِّرُونَ مِنَ الْأَعْرَابِ لِيُؤْذَنَ لَهُمْ وَقَعَدَ الَّذِينَ كَذَبُوا اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ
سَيُصِيبُ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا مِنْهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ

And those who made excuses from the Bedouins came (to you, O Prophet) asking your permission to exempt them (from the battle), and those who had lied to Allah and His Messenger sat at home (without asking the permission for it); a painful torment will seize those of them who disbelieve. [9:90] [12]

Be warned Against Fujur Fil Khusoomah

Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, “Fujur Fil Khusoomah (Iniquity when disputing) is of types: rejecting what is obligated to you and claiming what one is not entitled to”. [13]

We ask Allah: [اللهم كما حَسَّنْت خَلْقِي فَحَسِّنْ خُلُقِي – O Allah! Just as You made my external form beautiful, make my character beautiful as well]. [14]

[1] I’anah Al-Mustafid Bi-Sharhi Kitab at-Tawhid page 55-56 by Al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzan, may Allah preserve him.

[2] al-Zawājir ʿan Iqtirāf al-Kabāʾir 2/124

[3] Ḥilyat al-Awliyāʾ 7/24

[4] Siyar Aʿlām al-Nubalāʾ 8/36

[5] al-ʿIqd al-Farīd 1/30

[6] Siyar Aʿlām al-Nubalāʾ 5/131

[7] I’laam Al-Muwaqqi’een 1/198. paraphrased:
قوله تعالى : إِن يَسْرِقُ فَقَدْ سَرَفَ أَخٌ لَهُ مِن قَبْلُ
[يوسف: ٧٧]
أخبر عن إخوة يوسف أنهم قالوا لما وجدوا الصواع في رحل أخيهم : إن يَسْرِقُ فَقَدْ سَرَفَ أَخٌ لَهُ مِن قَبْلُ . فلم يجمعوا بين الأصل والفرع بعلة ولا دليلها، وإنما ألحقوا أحدهما بالآخر من غير دليل جامع سوى مجرد الشبه الجامع بينه وبين يوسف، فقالوا : هذا مقيس على أخيه، بينهما شبه من وجوه عديدة، وذاك قد سرق فكذلك هذا ، وهذا هو الجمع بالشبه الفارغ، والقياس بالصورة المجردة عن العلة المقتضية للتساوي، وهو قياس فاسد والتساوي في قرابة الأخوة ليس
بعلة للتساوي في السرقة، ولو كانت حقاً، ولا دليل على التساوي فيها، فيكون الجمع لنوع شبه خال عن العلة ودليلها.
إعلام الموقعين (۱۹۸/۱)

[8] Explanation of Sunan Abu Dawud. Audio number 569

[9] An Excerpt from ‘At-taleeqaatul Maleehah Alaa Silsilatil Ahaadeeth As-Saheehah. 1/26

[10] Saheeh Al-Bukhaari -Kitaab Al-Ahkaam (Book of Judgements): Chapter 29: Hadeeth Number: 7181 with Fat’hul Baari]

[11] An Excerpt from Adabud Talab Wa Muntahaa Al-Adab. Pages 93-95. Slightly paraphrased]

[12] Al-Fawa’id. pages 202-203

[13] https://youtu.be/FGtZtOBbif4

[14]https://salafidawah.uk/2021/07/31/o-allah-just-as-you-made-my-external-form-beautiful-make-my-character-beautiful-as-well/

Can I enjoin good, forbid evil, and share admonitions, even though I am weak in Iman?!

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

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

Undoubtedly, the devil seeks to dissuade individuals from fulfilling what Allah has obligated to them with regards to enjoining good and forbidding evil through various forms of doubt and misinterpretation. At times, he may approach them by suggesting that they are lacking and not perfect, questioning how they can command and forbid! At other moments, he may instill fear of being perceived as insincere in their actions. All of this is a cunning ploy of the devil, for it is not a prerequisite for one who commands and forbids to be flawless. Rather, they should enjoin the good they are aware of and forbid the evil, even if they themselves possess shortcomings or some sins.

He should be eager fulfill what Allah has commanded and abandon what Allah has forbidden, but this does not prevent him from that (i.e. from enjoining good and forbidding evil), rather, he should strive and fear Allah by enjoining good and forbidding evil based on clear sightedness. He does not enjoin except based on clear sightedness and knowledge, as Allah said:

قُلْ هَذِهِ سَبِيلِي أَدْعُو إِلَى اللَّهِ عَلَى بَصِيرَةٍ

Say, this is my path; I invite to Allah with insight. [Yusuf: 108]

If he observes within his household or among his brothers someone being negligent regarding the prayers, this is a clear matter that does not require extensive knowledge; prayer is well-known to all. Therefore, it is incumbent upon him to enjoin good, saying: “O my brother, fear Allah, join the Muslims in prayer, and safeguard it,” employing a good manner and making the person fearful of Allah’s punishment and the sickness of their heart.

Therefore, O brother, you must enjoin good and forbid evil, even if you have some shortcomings.  [1]

Imām al-Nawawī, may Allah have mercy on him, said: “The scholars said: It is not a condition for the one who enjoins good and forbids evil that he himself be perfect in his state, fully practicing what he commands, and completely avoiding what he forbids. Rather, he is still obliged to enjoin good even if he himself falls short in what he commands, and he must forbid evil even if he himself is involved in what he forbids. For he is required to do two things: to command and forbid himself, and to command and forbid others. So if he fails in one of them, how could that make it permissible for him to neglect the other?” [2]

Al-Qāḍī Abū Yaʿlā, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “It more befitting (or obligatory) that the one who enjoins good and forbids evil is wrong be from among those known for modesty, integrity, uprightness, and one accepted among the people; because when he is of such a description, the one being admonished will hold him in awe, and may respond to him and return to what he says… And because a person of this quality—his words have a stronger impact on the hearts and are closer to being accepted.” [3]

In expressing all of this, it is essential to recognize that despite our imperfections and transgressions, we are still obligated to promote virtue and discourage vice. Nevertheless, we must not be complacent regarding the serious repercussions of failing to adhere to the principles we advocate for others or neglecting to abstain from the actions we advise others to avoid. “A man will be brought on the Day of Resurrection and thrown in the (Hell) Fire, so that his intestines will come out, and he will go around like a donkey goes around a millstone. The people of (Hell) Fire will gather around him and say: “O so-and-so! What is wrong with you? Didn’t you use to order us to do good deeds and forbid us to do bad deeds?” He will reply: “Yes, I used to order you to do good deeds, but I did not do them myself, and I used to forbid you to do bad deeds, yet I used to do them myself.” [Sahih al-Bukhari 3267]

[1]Parapgrasedhttps://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/3357/%D8%AD%D9%83%D9%85-%D9%85%D9%86-%D9%8A%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%B1-%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%B9%D8%B1%D9%88%D9%81-%D9%88%D9%8A%D9%86%D9%87%D9%89-%D8%B9%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%86%D9%83%D8%B1-%D9%88%D8%B9%D9%86%D8%AF%D9%87-%D8%AA%D9%82%D8%B5%D9%8A%D8%B1

[2] Sharḥ Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2/23)

[3] Risālat al-Amr bil-Maʿrūf p.47

We must all enjoin good and forbid evil, while never forgetting our sins

Written by abumuaawiyah on . Posted in Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Sin, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

An Example of a Pious and Humble Advisor

Allah, The Exalted, said in Surah Hud verse 88 that Prophet Shu’aib, peace be upon him, said to his people:

[يَا قَوْمِ أَرَأَيْتُمْ إِن كُنتُ عَلَىٰ بَيِّنَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّي – O my people! Tell me, if I have a clear evidence from my Lord]- Meaning: I am upon certainty and tranquility regarding the correctness of (the Message) I have brought. [وَرَزَقَنِي مِنْهُ رِزْقًا حَسَنًا – and He (Allah) has given me a good sustenance from Himself]- Meaning: Allah has given me various types of wealth.

[وَمَا أُرِيدُ أَنْ أُخَالِفَكُمْ إِلَىٰ مَا أَنْهَاكُمْ عَنْهُ – I wish not, in contradiction to you, to do that which I forbid you]- Meaning: I do not wish to forbid you, yet I myself do the same and eventually you will charge me for doing so, instead I will not forbid you from a matter except that I will be the first person to hasten to abandon it. [إِنْ أُرِيدُ إِلَّا الْإِصْلَاحَ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُ – I only desire reform so far as I am able, to the best of my power]- Meaning: I do not have any other intentions other than to rectify your circumstances and the things that are of benefit to you. Because this statement of Prophet Shu’aib, peace be upon him, contains something that may indicate attributing piety to himself, he repels it with the statement: [وَمَا تَوْفِيقِي إِلَّا بِاللَّهِ – And my guidance cannot come except from Allah]-Meaning: The ability I have to do good and to refrain from evil is a bestowal from Allah [The Most High] and it is neither due to my strength nor power.

[عَلَيْهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَإِلَيْهِ أُنِيبُ – in Him I trust and unto Him I repent]- Meaning: I rely on Allah in all my affairs and suffice myself with Him. I turn to Allah in all types of worship (through which) He has commanded me to draw close to Him by performing good deeds. Through these two matters- seeking aid and assistance from Allah, turning to Him in repentance, complete submission and obedience- a person’s circumstances become upright, as Allah [The Most High] said in another verse: [فَاعْبُدْهُ وَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَيْهِ– So worship Him (O Muhammad) and put your trust in Him]. [1]

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

Undoubtedly, the devil seeks to dissuade individuals from fulfilling what Allah has obligated to them with regards to enjoining good and forbidding evil through various forms of doubt and misinterpretation. At times, he may approach them by suggesting that they are lacking and not perfect, questioning how they can command and forbid! At other moments, he may instill fear of being perceived as insincere in their actions. All of this is a cunning ploy of the devil, for it is not a prerequisite for one who commands and forbids to be flawless. Rather, they should enjoin the good they are aware of and forbid the evil, even if they themselves possess shortcomings or some sins.

He should be eager fulfill what Allah has commanded and abandon what Allah has forbidden, but this does not prevent him from that (i.e. from enjoining good and forbidding evil), rather he he should strive and fear Allah by enjoining good and forbidding evil based on clear sightedness. He does not enjoin except based on clear sightedness and knowledge, as Allah said:

قُلْ هَذِهِ سَبِيلِي أَدْعُو إِلَى اللَّهِ عَلَى بَصِيرَةٍ

Say, this is my path; I invite to Allah with insight. [Yusuf: 108]

If he observes within his household or among his brothers someone being negligent regarding the prayers, this is a clear matter that does not require extensive knowledge; prayer is well-known to all. Therefore, it is incumbent upon him to enjoin good, saying: “O my brother, fear Allah, join the Muslims in prayer, and safeguard it,” employing a good manner and making the person fearful of Allah’s punishment and the sickness of their heart.

Therefore, O brother, you must enjoin good and forbid evil, even if you have some shortcomings.  [2]

Imām al-Nawawī, may Allah have mercy on him, said: “The scholars said: It is not a condition for the one who enjoins good and forbids evil that he himself be perfect in his state, fully practicing what he commands, and completely avoiding what he forbids. Rather, he is still obliged to enjoin good even if he himself falls short in what he commands, and he must forbid evil even if he himself is involved in what he forbids. For he is required to do two things: to command and forbid himself, and to command and forbid others. So if he fails in one of them, how could that make it permissible for him to neglect the other?” [3]

Al-Qāḍī Abū Yaʿlā, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “It more befitting (or obligatory) that the one who enjoins good and forbids evil is from among those known for modesty, integrity, uprightness, and one accepted among the people; because when he is of such a description, the one being admonished will hold him in awe, and may respond to him and return to what he says… And because a person of this quality—his words have a stronger impact on the hearts and are closer to being accepted.” [4]

In expressing all of this, it is essential to recognize that despite our imperfections and transgressions, we are still obligated to promote virtue and discourage vice. Nevertheless, we must not be complacent regarding the serious repercussions of failing to adhere to the principles we advocate for others or neglecting to abstain from the actions we advise others to avoid. “A man will be brought on the Day of Resurrection and thrown in the (Hell) Fire, so that his intestines will come out, and he will go around like a donkey goes around a millstone. The people of (Hell) Fire will gather around him and say: “O so-and-so! What is wrong with you? Didn’t you use to order us to do good deeds and forbid us to do bad deeds?” He will reply: “Yes, I used to order you to do good deeds, but I did not do them myself, and I used to forbid you to do bad deeds, yet I used to do them myself.” [Sahih al-Bukhari 3267]

Click to access Self-scrutiny-and-Contemplation.pdf

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

There are two strengths within the soul: the strength of abstinence and the strength of courage. The reality of patience is that one makes the strength of courageousness a means of action in what benefits him and the strength of abstinence a means of action in refraining from what is harmful to him. Among the people, there is one whose patience in carrying out what benefits him and being firm upon it is stronger than his patience in refraining from what is harmful to him; so he exercises patience in facing difficulty whilst carrying out acts of obedience, but he does not exercise patience in refraining from urges towards what he is forbidden. And among them, there is one whose patience in refraining from things that are in opposition to the religion is stronger than his patience in carrying out acts of obedience, and among them there is one who does not exercise patience in both affairs. The best of people are those who fulfil both affairs. Many people patiently bear the hardship of praying Tahajjud during hot and cold nights, and the difficulty in fasting; but they do not exercise patience in refraining from looking at forbidden things. Many people exercise patience in refraining from looking at the forbidden things and inclination towards [forbidden] images, but they do not exercise patience in commanding good and forbidding evil. [5]

Umar Bin Abdil Azeez, may Allah have mercy upon him, said to Khalid Bin Safwan, may Allah have mercy upon him, “Admonish me”. Khalid said, “O leader of the believers! There are a people who have been deluded by Allah’s concealment of (their sins, flaws, etc.), and the good praise (received) has put them to trial; thus, do not allow the ignorance of others (about your reality) to override what you know about yourself. May Allah protect us and you from being misled by Allah’s concealment of (our sins, flaws, etc), and from being pleased with the praise (received), falling short and neglecting that which Allah has obligated to us, and inclining towards (vain) desires.” He (Umar) wept and stated, “May Allah protect us and you from following (vain) desires”. [6]

A profound and thought-provoking statement by Al-Hasan Al-Basri on Istighfar

The basis of all sins in human societies

https://salafidawah.uk/2020/03/30/the-man-who-came-to-imaam-ibraaheem-bin-adham-to-seek-advice-regarding-how-to-abandon-sin/

The silent battle for self-honesty

The Jihad of a Lifetime Against Four Things!

“Guide us to the straight path” – An overarching need of a lifetime

[1] An excerpt from Tafsir As-Sadi

[2]Parapgrasedhttps://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/3357/%D8%AD%D9%83%D9%85-%D9%85%D9%86-%D9%8A%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%B1-%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%B9%D8%B1%D9%88%D9%81-%D9%88%D9%8A%D9%86%D9%87%D9%89-%D8%B9%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D9%86%D9%83%D8%B1-%D9%88%D8%B9%D9%86%D8%AF%D9%87-%D8%AA%D9%82%D8%B5%D9%8A%D8%B1

[3] Sharḥ Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2/23)

[4] Risālat al-Amr bil-Maʿrūf p.47

[5] An Excerpt from Uddah As-Saabireen. page 37

[6] Tahdheeb Al-Hilyah 2/485

Alarmists and Earth Worshippers who tell children: “Earth will cease to exist unless we take action!”

Written by abumuaawiyah on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Basics, Contemporary Issues, Mental Health, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Refutations, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

A reminder to alarmists and earth worshippers

Allah stated that Prophet, Ibrahim, peace be upon him, said to his people:

وَڪَيۡفَ أَخَافُ مَآ أَشۡرَڪۡتُمۡ وَلَا تَخَافُونَ أَنَّكُمۡ أَشۡرَكۡتُم بِٱللَّهِ مَا لَمۡ يُنَزِّلۡ بِهِۦ عَلَيۡڪُمۡ سُلۡطَـٰنً۬ا‌ۚ فَأَىُّ ٱلۡفَرِيقَيۡنِ أَحَقُّ بِٱلۡأَمۡنِ‌ۖ إِن كُنتُمۡ تَعۡلَمُونَ

And how should I fear those whom you associate in worship with Allah (though they can neither benefit nor harm), while you fear not that you have joined in worship with Allah things for which He has not sent down to you any authority. (So) which of the two parties has more right to be in security? If you but know.” It is those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah and worship none but Him Alone) and confuse not their belief with Zulm (wrong i.e. by worshipping others besides Allah), for them (only) there is security and they are the guided. [Al-An’aam. 81-82]

[وَڪَيۡفَ أَخَافُ مَآ أَشۡرَڪۡتُمۡ – Why should I fear that which you ascribe as partners to [Allah]? – Meaning, when its state is that of inability and cannot benefit.

[وَلَا تَخَافُونَ أَنَّكُمۡ أَشۡرَكۡتُم بِٱللَّهِ مَا لَمۡ يُنَزِّلۡ بِهِۦ عَلَيۡڪُمۡ سُلۡطَـٰنً۬ا‌ۚ – whilst you do not fear ascribing partners to Allah for which He has not sent down to you any authority], meaning, you do so solely due to following desires! [فَأَىُّ ٱلۡفَرِيقَيۡنِ أَحَقُّ بِٱلۡأَمۡنِ‌ۖ إِن كُنتُمۡ تَعۡلَمُونَ – (So) which of the two parties has more right to be in security? If you but know?] Then differentiated the two parties and stated: [ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَلَمۡ يَلۡبِسُوٓاْ إِيمَـٰنَهُم بِظُلۡمٍ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ لَهُمُ ٱلۡأَمۡنُ وَهُم مُّهۡتَدُونَ – It is those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah and worship none but Him Alone) and confuse not their belief with Zulm (wrong i.e. by worshipping others besides Allah), for them (only) there is security and they are the guided] -Meaning, safe from fear, punishment and misery, and they will be guided to the straight path. [1]

Allah [The Exalted] said: [سَنُلۡقِى فِى قُلُوبِ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ ٱلرُّعۡبَ بِمَآ أَشۡرَڪُواْ بِٱللَّهِ مَا لَمۡ يُنَزِّلۡ بِهِۦ سُلۡطَـٰنً۬ا‌ۖ – We shall cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve, because they ascribe partners to Allah, for which He had sent no authority]. [Aal Imran. 151]

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

The level of Shirk determines the level of fear, and the one who ascribes a partner with Allah has the greatest fear and terror. Those who believe and do not mix their belief with Shirk have safety, guidance and success and the one who ascribes a partner to Allah has fear, misguidance and wretchedness”. [2]

The Earth Will Not Perish Until All The Signs of The Hour Occur

Whimsical statements about the end of the world and its signs

 

The Earth Is Our Place of Residence Until Our Lord Decides to Destroy It

Allah, The Exalted, said:

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلنَّاسُ ٱعۡبُدُواْ رَبَّكُمُ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَكُمۡ وَٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبۡلِكُمۡ لَعَلَّكُمۡ تَتَّقُونَ
ٱلَّذِى جَعَلَ لَكُمُ ٱلۡأَرۡضَ فِرَٰشً۬ا وَٱلسَّمَآءَ بِنَآءً۬ وَأَنزَلَ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مَآءً۬ فَأَخۡرَجَ بِهِۦ مِنَ ٱلثَّمَرَٲتِ رِزۡقً۬ا لَّكُمۡ‌ۖ فَلَا تَجۡعَلُواْ لِلَّهِ أَندَادً۬ا وَأَنتُمۡ تَعۡلَمُونَ

O mankind! Worship your Lord (Allah), Who created you and those who were before you so that you may become pious; who has made the earth a resting place for you, and the sky as a canopy, and sent down water (rain) from the sky and brought forth therewith fruits as a provision for you. Then do not set up rivals unto Allah (in worship) while you know (that He Alone has the right to be worshipped). [Surah Al-Baqarah. 21-22]

Allah, The Exalted, said:

وَإِذۡ قُلۡنَا لِلۡمَلَـٰٓٮِٕكَةِ ٱسۡجُدُواْ لِأَدَمَ فَسَجَدُوٓاْ إِلَّآ إِبۡلِيسَ أَبَىٰ وَٱسۡتَكۡبَرَ وَكَانَ مِنَ ٱلۡكَـٰفِرِينَ (٣٤) وَقُلۡنَا يَـٰٓـَٔادَمُ ٱسۡكُنۡ أَنتَ وَزَوۡجُكَ ٱلۡجَنَّةَ وَكُلَا مِنۡهَا رَغَدًا حَيۡثُ شِئۡتُمَا وَلَا تَقۡرَبَا هَـٰذِهِ ٱلشَّجَرَةَ فَتَكُونَا مِنَ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ (٣٥) فَأَزَلَّهُمَا ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنُ عَنۡہَا فَأَخۡرَجَهُمَا مِمَّا كَانَا فِيهِ‌ۖ وَقُلۡنَا ٱهۡبِطُواْ بَعۡضُكُمۡ لِبَعۡضٍ عَدُوٌّ۬‌ۖ وَلَكُمۡ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ مُسۡتَقَرٌّ۬ وَمَتَـٰعٌ إِلَىٰ حِينٍ۬ (٣٦) فَتَلَقَّىٰٓ ءَادَمُ مِن رَّبِّهِۦ كَلِمَـٰتٍ۬ فَتَابَ عَلَيۡهِ‌ۚ إِنَّهُ ۥ هُوَ ٱلتَّوَّابُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ (٣٧) قُلۡنَا ٱهۡبِطُواْ مِنۡہَا جَمِيعً۬ا‌ۖ فَإِمَّا يَأۡتِيَنَّكُم مِّنِّى هُدً۬ى فَمَن تَبِعَ هُدَاىَ فَلَا خَوۡفٌ عَلَيۡہِمۡ وَلَا هُمۡ يَحۡزَنُونَ (٣٨) وَٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ وَكَذَّبُواْ بِـَٔايَـٰتِنَآ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ أَصۡحَـٰبُ ٱلنَّارِ‌ۖ هُمۡ فِيہَا خَـٰلِدُونَ (٣٩)

And (remember) when We said to the angels: “Prostrate yourselves before Adam.”. And they prostrated except Iblis (Satan), he refused and was proud and was one of the disbelievers (disobedient to Allah). And We said: “O Adam! Dwell you and your wife in the Paradise and eat both of you freely with pleasure and delight of things therein as wherever you will, but come not near this tree or you both will be of the Zalimun (wrong-doers).” Then the Shaitan (Satan) made them slip therefrom (the Paradise), and got them out from that in which they were. We said: “Get you down, all, with enmity between yourselves. On earth will be a dwelling place for you and an enjoyment for a time.” Then Adam received from his Lord Words . And his Lord pardoned him (accepted his repentance). Verily, He is the One Who forgives (accepts repentance), the Most Merciful. We said: “Get down all of you from this place (the Paradise), then whenever there comes to you Guidance from Me, and whoever follows My Guidance, there shall be no fear on them, nor shall they grieve. But those who disbelieve and belie Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) such are the dwellers of the Fire, they shall abide therein forever. [Al-Baqarah. 34-39]

Allah, The Exalted, said:

هُوَ ٱلَّذِى جَعَلَكُمۡ خَلَـٰٓٮِٕفَ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِۚ فَمَن كَفَرَ فَعَلَيۡهِ كُفۡرُهُۖ ۥ وَلَا يَزِيدُ ٱلۡكَـٰفِرِينَ كُفۡرُهُمۡ عِندَ رَبِّہِمۡ إِلَّا مَقۡتً۬اۖ وَلَا يَزِيدُ ٱلۡكَـٰفِرِينَ كُفۡرُهُمۡ إِلَّا خَسَارً۬ا

He it is Who has made you successors generations after generations in the earth, so whosoever disbelieves (in Islamic Monotheism) on him will be his disbelief. And the disbelief of the disbelievers adds nothing but hatred with their Lord. And the disbelief of the disbelievers adds nothing but loss. [Fatir. 39]

The purveyors of unfounded fears and climate hysteria distract from the profound truths articulated in the preceding verses, which illuminate the essence of existence. They amplify concerns regarding the earth physical condition, oblivious to the reality that one must ready themselves for the inevitable conclusion of this ephemeral life. There is no return to this life; rather, the final destination after departure will either be the eternal Paradise or Hellfire. As

Allah, The Exalted, said:

إِنَّ لَدَيۡنَآ أَنكَالاً۬ وَجَحِيمً۬ا
وَطَعَامً۬ا ذَا غُصَّةٍ۬ وَعَذَابًا أَلِيمً۬ا
يَوۡمَ تَرۡجُفُ ٱلۡأَرۡضُ وَٱلۡجِبَالُ وَكَانَتِ ٱلۡجِبَالُ كَثِيبً۬ا مَّهِيلاً

Verily, with Us are fetters (to bind them), and a raging Fire. And a food that chokes, and a painful torment. On the Day when the earth and the mountains will be in violent shake, and the mountains will be a heap of sand poured out and flowing down. [Al-Muzzammil. 12-14]

Allah, The Exalted, said:

كَلَّآ إِذَا دُكَّتِ ٱلۡأَرۡضُ دَكًّ۬ا دَكًّ۬ا (٢١) وَجَآءَ رَبُّكَ وَٱلۡمَلَكُ صَفًّ۬ا صَفًّ۬ا (٢٢) وَجِاْىٓءَ يَوۡمَٮِٕذِۭ بِجَهَنَّمَ‌ۚ يَوۡمَٮِٕذٍ۬ يَتَذَڪَّرُ ٱلۡإِنسَـٰنُ وَأَنَّىٰ لَهُ ٱلذِّكۡرَىٰ (٢٣) يَقُولُ يَـٰلَيۡتَنِى قَدَّمۡتُ لِحَيَاتِى (٢٤) فَيَوۡمَٮِٕذٍ۬ لَّا يُعَذِّبُ عَذَابَهُ ۥۤ أَحَدٌ۬ (٢٥) وَلَا يُوثِقُ وَثَاقَهُ ۥۤ أَحَدٌ۬ (٢٦) يَـٰٓأَيَّتُہَا ٱلنَّفۡسُ ٱلۡمُطۡمَٮِٕنَّةُ (٢٧) ٱرۡجِعِىٓ إِلَىٰ رَبِّكِ رَاضِيَةً۬ مَّرۡضِيَّةً۬ (٢٨) فَٱدۡخُلِى فِى عِبَـٰدِى (٢٩) وَٱدۡخُلِى جَنَّتِى (٣٠)

Nay! When the earth is ground to powder, and your Lord comes with the angels in rows, and Hell will be brought near that Day. On that Day will man remember, but how will that remembrance (then) avail him? He will say: “Alas! Would that I had sent forth (good deeds) for (this) my life!” So on that Day, none will punish as He will punish. And none will bind as He will bind. (It will be said to the pious): “O (you) the one in (complete) rest and satisfaction! “Come back to your Lord, Well-pleased (yourself) and well-pleasing unto Him! “Enter you, then, among My honoured slaves, and enter you My Paradise!” [Al-Fajr. 21-30]

Allah, The Exalted, said:

وَٱسۡتَمِعۡ يَوۡمَ يُنَادِ ٱلۡمُنَادِ مِن مَّكَانٍ۬ قَرِيبٍ۬ (٤١) يَوۡمَ يَسۡمَعُونَ ٱلصَّيۡحَةَ بِٱلۡحَقِّ‌ۚ ذَٲلِكَ يَوۡمُ ٱلۡخُرُوجِ (٤٢) إِنَّا نَحۡنُ نُحۡىِۦ وَنُمِيتُ وَإِلَيۡنَا ٱلۡمَصِيرُ (٤٣) يَوۡمَ تَشَقَّقُ ٱلۡأَرۡضُ عَنۡہُمۡ سِرَاعً۬ا‌ۚ ذَٲلِكَ حَشۡرٌ عَلَيۡنَا يَسِيرٌ۬ (٤٤) نَّحۡنُ أَعۡلَمُ بِمَا يَقُولُونَ‌ۖ وَمَآ أَنتَ عَلَيۡہِم بِجَبَّارٍ۬‌ۖ فَذَكِّرۡ بِٱلۡقُرۡءَانِ مَن يَخَافُ وَعِيدِ (٤٥)

And listen on the Day when the caller will call from a near place; The Day when they will hear As-Saihah (shout, etc.) in truth, that will be the Day of coming out (from the graves i.e. the Day of Resurrection). Verily, We it is Who give life and cause death; and to Us is the final return; on the Day when the earth shall be cleft, from off them, (they will come out) hastening forth. That will be a gathering, quite easy for Us. We know of best what they say; and you (O Muhammad ) are not a tyrant over them (to force them to Belief). But warn by the Qur’an, him who fears My Threat. [Qaf. 41-45]

Allah, The Exalted, said:

إِذَا وَقَعَتِ ٱلۡوَاقِعَةُ (١) لَيۡسَ لِوَقۡعَتِہَا كَاذِبَةٌ (٢) خَافِضَةٌ۬ رَّافِعَةٌ (٣) إِذَا رُجَّتِ ٱلۡأَرۡضُ رَجًّ۬ا (٤) وَبُسَّتِ ٱلۡجِبَالُ بَسًّ۬ا (٥) فَكَانَتۡ هَبَآءً۬ مُّنۢبَثًّ۬ا (٦) وَكُنتُمۡ أَزۡوَٲجً۬ا ثَلَـٰثَةً۬ (٧) فَأَصۡحَـٰبُ ٱلۡمَيۡمَنَةِ مَآ أَصۡحَـٰبُ ٱلۡمَيۡمَنَةِ (٨) وَأَصۡحَـٰبُ ٱلۡمَشۡـَٔمَةِ مَآ أَصۡحَـٰبُ ٱلۡمَشۡـَٔمَةِ (٩) وَٱلسَّـٰبِقُونَ ٱلسَّـٰبِقُونَ (١٠) أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ ٱلۡمُقَرَّبُونَ (١١) فِى جَنَّـٰتِ ٱلنَّعِيمِ (١٢)

When the Event (i.e. the Day of Resurrection) befalls. And there can be no denying of its befalling. It will bring low (some); (and others) it will exalt; when the earth will be shaken with a terrible shake. And the mountains will be powdered to dust. So that they will become floating dust particles. And you (all) will be in three kinds (i.e. separate groups). So those on the Right Hand (i.e. those who will be given their Records in their right hands), Who will be those on the Right Hand? (As a respect for them, because they will enter Paradise). And those on the Left Hand (i.e. those who will be given their Record in their left hands), Who will be those on the Left Hand? (As a disgrace for them, because they will enter Hell). And those foremost [(in Islamic Faith of Monotheism and in performing righteous deeds) in the life of this world on the very first call for to embrace Islam,] will be foremost (in Paradise). These will be those nearest to Allah. In the Gardens of delight (Paradise). [Al-Waqi’ah. 1-12]

Allah, The Exalted, said:

وَيَوۡمَ يُنفَخُ فِى ٱلصُّورِ فَفَزِعَ مَن فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَمَن فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ إِلَّا مَن شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ‌ۚ وَكُلٌّ أَتَوۡهُ دَٲخِرِينَ (٨٧) وَتَرَى ٱلۡجِبَالَ تَحۡسَبُہَا جَامِدَةً۬ وَهِىَ تَمُرُّ مَرَّ ٱلسَّحَابِ‌ۚ صُنۡعَ ٱللَّهِ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَتۡقَنَ كُلَّ شَىۡءٍ‌ۚ إِنَّهُ ۥ خَبِيرُۢ بِمَا تَفۡعَلُونَ (٨٨) مَن جَآءَ بِٱلۡحَسَنَةِ فَلَهُ ۥ خَيۡرٌ۬ مِّنۡہَا وَهُم مِّن فَزَعٍ۬ يَوۡمَٮِٕذٍ ءَامِنُونَ (٨٩) وَمَن جَآءَ بِٱلسَّيِّئَةِ فَكُبَّتۡ وُجُوهُهُمۡ فِى ٱلنَّارِ هَلۡ تُجۡزَوۡنَ إِلَّا مَا كُنتُمۡ تَعۡمَلُونَ (٩٠)

And (remember) the Day on which the Trumpet will be blown and all who are in the heavens and all who are on the earth, will be terrified except him whom Allah will (exempt). And all shall come to Him humbled. And you will see the mountains and think them solid, but they shall pass away as the passing away of the clouds. The Work of Allah, Who perfected all things, verily! He is Well-Acquainted with what you do. Whoever brings a good deed (i.e. Belief in the Oneness of Allah along with every deed of righteousness), will have better than its worth, and they will be safe from the terror on that Day. And whoever brings an evil (deed) (i.e. Shirk polytheism, disbelief in the Oneness of Allah and every evil sinful deed), they will be cast down (prone) on their faces in the Fire. (And it will be said to them) “Are you being recompensed anything except what you used to do?” [An-Naml. 87-90]

Allah, The Exalted, said:

وَنُفِخَ فِى ٱلصُّورِ فَصَعِقَ مَن فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَمَن فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ إِلَّا مَن شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ‌ۖ ثُمَّ نُفِخَ فِيهِ أُخۡرَىٰ فَإِذَا هُمۡ قِيَامٌ۬ يَنظُرُونَ (٦٨) وَأَشۡرَقَتِ ٱلۡأَرۡضُ بِنُورِ رَبِّہَا وَوُضِعَ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبُ وَجِاْىٓءَ بِٱلنَّبِيِّـۧنَ وَٱلشُّہَدَآءِ وَقُضِىَ بَيۡنَہُم بِٱلۡحَقِّ وَهُمۡ لَا يُظۡلَمُونَ (٦٩) وَوُفِّيَتۡ كُلُّ نَفۡسٍ۬ مَّا عَمِلَتۡ وَهُوَ أَعۡلَمُ بِمَا يَفۡعَلُونَ (٧٠)

And the Trumpet will be blown, and all who are in the heavens and all who are on the earth will swoon away, except him whom Allah will. Then it will blown a second time and behold, they will be standing, looking on (waiting). And the earth will shine with the light of its Lord (Allah, when He will come to judge among men) and the Book will be placed (open) and the Prophets and the witnesses will be brought forward, and it will be judged between them with truth, and they will not be wronged. And each person will be paid in full of what he did; and He is Best Aware of what they do. [Az-Zumar. 68-70]

Allah, The Exalted, said:

فَلَا تَحۡسَبَنَّ ٱللَّهَ مُخۡلِفَ وَعۡدِهِۦ رُسُلَهُ ۥۤ‌ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَزِيزٌ۬ ذُو ٱنتِقَامٍ۬ (٤٧) يَوۡمَ تُبَدَّلُ ٱلۡأَرۡضُ غَيۡرَ ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتُ‌ۖ وَبَرَزُواْ لِلَّهِ ٱلۡوَٲحِدِ ٱلۡقَهَّارِ (٤٨) وَتَرَى ٱلۡمُجۡرِمِينَ يَوۡمَٮِٕذٍ۬ مُّقَرَّنِينَ فِى ٱلۡأَصۡفَادِ (٤٩) سَرَابِيلُهُم مِّن قَطِرَانٍ۬ وَتَغۡشَىٰ وُجُوهَهُمُ ٱلنَّارُ (٥٠) لِيَجۡزِىَ ٱللَّهُ كُلَّ نَفۡسٍ۬ مَّا كَسَبَتۡ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ سَرِيعُ ٱلۡحِسَابِ (٥١) هَـٰذَا بَلَـٰغٌ۬ لِّلنَّاسِ وَلِيُنذَرُواْ بِهِۦ وَلِيَعۡلَمُوٓاْ أَنَّمَا هُوَ إِلَـٰهٌ۬ وَٲحِدٌ۬ وَلِيَذَّكَّرَ أُوْلُواْ ٱلۡأَلۡبَـٰبِ (٥٢)

So think not that Allah will fail to keep His Promise to His Messengers. Certainly, Allah is All-Mighty, – All-Able of Retribution. On the Day when the earth will be changed to another earth and so will be the heavens, and they (all creatures) will appear before Allah, the One, the Irresistible. And you will see the Mujrimun (criminals, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah Islamic Monotheism, polytheists, disobedient to Allah, etc.) that Day bound together in fetters; [Muqarranun in fetters; mean:- with their hands and feet tied to their necks with chains.] Their garments will be of pitch, and fire will cover their faces. That Allah may requite each person according to what he has earned. Truly, Allah is Swift at reckoning. This (Qur’an) is a Message for mankind (and a clear proof against them), in order that they may be warned thereby, and that they may know that He is the only One Ilah (God – Allah) – (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah), and that men of understanding may take heed. [Ibrahim. Verses 47-52]

Allah, The Exalted, said:

فَإِذَا نُفِخَ فِى ٱلصُّورِ نَفۡخَةٌ۬ وَٲحِدَةٌ۬ (١٣) وَحُمِلَتِ ٱلۡأَرۡضُ وَٱلۡجِبَالُ فَدُكَّتَا دَكَّةً۬ وَٲحِدَةً۬ (١٤) فَيَوۡمَٮِٕذٍ۬ وَقَعَتِ ٱلۡوَاقِعَةُ (١٥) وَٱنشَقَّتِ ٱلسَّمَآءُ فَهِىَ يَوۡمَٮِٕذٍ۬ وَاهِيَةٌ۬ (١٦) وَٱلۡمَلَكُ عَلَىٰٓ أَرۡجَآٮِٕهَا‌ۚ وَيَحۡمِلُ عَرۡشَ رَبِّكَ فَوۡقَهُمۡ يَوۡمَٮِٕذٍ۬ ثَمَـٰنِيَةٌ۬ (١٧) يَوۡمَٮِٕذٍ۬ تُعۡرَضُونَ لَا تَخۡفَىٰ مِنكُمۡ خَافِيَةٌ۬ (١٨)

Then when the Trumpet will be blown with one blowing (the first one), and the earth and the mountains shall be removed from their places, and crushed with a single crushing; then on that Day shall the (Great) Event befall; and the heaven will split asunder, for that Day it (the heaven will be frail (weak), and torn up, and the angels will be on its sides, and eight angels will, that Day, bear the Throne of your Lord above them. That Day shall you be brought to Judgement, not a secret of you will be hidden. [Al-Haqqah. 13-18]

Allah, The Exalted, said:

إِذَا ٱلسَّمَآءُ ٱنشَقَّتۡ (١) وَأَذِنَتۡ لِرَبِّہَا وَحُقَّتۡ (٢) وَإِذَا ٱلۡأَرۡضُ مُدَّتۡ (٣) وَأَلۡقَتۡ مَا فِيہَا وَتَخَلَّتۡ (٤) وَأَذِنَتۡ لِرَبِّہَا وَحُقَّتۡ (٥) يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلۡإِنسَـٰنُ إِنَّكَ كَادِحٌ إِلَىٰ رَبِّكَ كَدۡحً۬ا فَمُلَـٰقِيهِ (٦) فَأَمَّا مَنۡ أُوتِىَ كِتَـٰبَهُ ۥ بِيَمِينِهِۦ (٧) فَسَوۡفَ يُحَاسَبُ حِسَابً۬ا يَسِيرً۬ا (٨) وَيَنقَلِبُ إِلَىٰٓ أَهۡلِهِۦ مَسۡرُورً۬ا (٩) وَأَمَّا مَنۡ أُوتِىَ كِتَـٰبَهُ ۥ وَرَآءَ ظَهۡرِهِۦ (١٠) فَسَوۡفَ يَدۡعُواْ ثُبُورً۬ا (١١) وَيَصۡلَىٰ سَعِيرًا (١٢) إِنَّهُ ۥ كَانَ فِىٓ أَهۡلِهِۦ مَسۡرُورًا (١٣) إِنَّهُ ۥ ظَنَّ أَن لَّن يَحُورَ (١٤) بَلَىٰٓ إِنَّ رَبَّهُ ۥ كَانَ بِهِۦ بَصِيرً۬ا (١٥)

When the heaven is split asunder, and listens and obeys its Lord, and it must do so; and when the earth is stretched forth; and has cast out all that was in it and became empty; and listens and obeys its Lord, and it must do so; O man! Verily, you are returning towards your Lord with your deeds and actions (good or bad), a sure returning, so you will meet (i.e. the results of your deeds which you did). Then, as for him who will be given his Record in his right hand, he surely will receive an easy reckoning, and will return to his family in joy! But whosoever is given his Record behind his back, he will invoke (his) destruction, and shall enter a blazing Fire, and made to taste its burning. Verily, he was among his people in joy! Verily, he thought that he would never come back (to Us)! Yes! Verily, his Lord has been ever beholding him! [Al-Inshiqaq. 1-15]

Allah, The Exalted, said:

إِذَا زُلۡزِلَتِ ٱلۡأَرۡضُ زِلۡزَالَهَا (١) وَأَخۡرَجَتِ ٱلۡأَرۡضُ أَثۡقَالَهَا (٢) وَقَالَ ٱلۡإِنسَـٰنُ مَا لَهَا (٣) يَوۡمَٮِٕذٍ۬ تُحَدِّثُ أَخۡبَارَهَا (٤) بِأَنَّ رَبَّكَ أَوۡحَىٰ لَهَا (٥) يَوۡمَٮِٕذٍ۬ يَصۡدُرُ ٱلنَّاسُ أَشۡتَاتً۬ا لِّيُرَوۡاْ أَعۡمَـٰلَهُمۡ (٦) فَمَن يَعۡمَلۡ مِثۡقَالَ ذَرَّةٍ خَيۡرً۬ا يَرَهُ ۥ (٧) وَمَن يَعۡمَلۡ مِثۡقَالَ ذَرَّةٍ۬ شَرًّ۬ا يَرَهُ ۥ (٨)

When the earth is shaken with its (final) earthquake. And when the earth throws out its burdens, and man will say: “What is the matter with it?” That Day it will declare its information (about all what happened over it of good or evil). Because your Lord has inspired it. That Day mankind will proceed in scattered groups that they may be shown their deeds. So whosoever does good equal to the weight of an atom (or a small ant), shall see it. And whosoever does evil equal to the weight of an atom (or a small ant), shall see it. [Surah Az-Zalzalah]

It is essential to prioritise constructive dialogue over fear-based narratives regarding the preservation of the earth. We must not instill in our children the notion that immediate action is the only path to prevent the earth from becoming irreparably damaged or uninhabitable due to purported climate change influences. While it is undeniable that the release of toxic substances from industries into our waters and the environment poses significant health risks and ecological harm, such actions will not lead to the annihilation of the earth or render it uninhabitable. The only true determinants of our climate are those outlined in this lecture [Footnote a] and the earth’s destruction will take place only when all signs of the day of Judgement manifest, as mentioned by the seal of the Prophets, Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. [Footnote b]

——————————–

Footnote a:  

https://sau.posthaven.com/climate-change-abu-iyaad-amjad-rafiq

Footnote b:

Whimsical statements about the end of the world and its signs

https://salafidawah.uk/2025/01/13/some-factors-that-contributes-to-the-greatest-evils-associated-with-knowledge/

https://salafidawah.uk/2022/07/22/american-fearmonger-caught-the-plan-to-instill-fear-through-climate-change/

[1 An Excerpt From Tafseer As-Sadi
[2 An Excerpt from Iddat As-Saabireen 166-167

Ruling on Private Speech and Conversations

Written by abumuaawiyah on . Posted in 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.

Narrated `Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, said: Once Fatima, may Allah be pleased with her, came walking and her gait resembled the gait of the Prophet (ﷺ) . The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Welcome, O my daughter!” Then he made her sit on his right or on his left side, and then he told her a secret (or private matter) and she started weeping. I asked her, “Why are you weeping?” He again told her a secret and she started laughing. I said, “I never saw happiness so near to sadness as I saw today.” I asked her what the Prophet (ﷺ) had told her. She said, “I would never disclose the secret of Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ).” When the Prophet (ﷺ) died, I asked her about it. She replied. “The Prophet (ﷺ) said: ‘Every year Jibreel used to revise the Qur’an with me once only, but this year he has done so twice. I think this portends my death, and you will be the first of my family to follow me.’ So I started weeping. Then he said. ‘Don’t you like to be the chief of all the ladies of Paradise or the chief of the believing women? So I laughed for that.” [Sahih al-Bukhari 3623, 3624]

Paraphrased excerpts from a clarification by Imam Muhammad Ibn Salih al-Uthaymin, may Allah have mercy upon him

It is not allowed to reveal secrets (or private matters) due to Fatima’s statement: “I would not reveal the secret of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him”.

If the harm of sharing that secret (or private matter) is removed, it is allowed to disclose it. This is because Fatima, may Allah be pleased with her, shared what the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, had entrusted to her after his death.

Contrary to the statement made by the author, may Allah have mercy on him, who said: “Whoever does not inform about his companion’s secret, if he dies, should disclose it,” this is not correct. It is not necessary to reveal the secret upon death without conditions. Instead, we believe that one can only disclose the secret after death if it serves a useful purpose; otherwise, it should remain hidden. This is because it might involve a secret that only the deceased knew, which he would not want others to learn. So, should we claim that it is acceptable to reveal the secret upon death? No, we do not agree with this claim.

What we observe, therefore, is that it is not acceptable for an individual to reveal a secret (or private matter) that was entrusted to him by another person who has since passed away, unless the justification for maintaining the secrecy has come to an end. For instance: if an individual shared a secret due to the fear that its revelation could result in his death or injury, then once that individual has died, it would be permissible to disclose the secret, as the threat he feared has disappeared. Conversely, if the secret pertains to something personal such that its disclosure after his death would damage his reputation or diminish his standing, then it is not permissible to reveal it.

Fātimah, may Allah be pleased with her, disclosed the secret that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, entrusted to her, because the reason for keeping it secret had ended. He had confided in her regarding his death. This necessity ended with his passing, for if she had revealed it during his lifetime, people would have known that his death was near. And if he did not wish for people — especially his wives — to know of his imminent death, then that is why he kept it secret. But once he passed away, that reason no longer existed. [1]

Etiquettes In Gatherings and During Conversations- [Reminder to Myself and Beloved Younger Brothers]

Concerning terrorists, they must be reported to the authorities if one is aware of any plans they may have. For further information, please refer to this link: https://masjidbinbaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Leaflet-Jihad-In-The-Path-Of-Satan.pdf

[1] https://alathar.net/home/esound/index.php?op=codevi&coid=48901

It’s Your Choice Who to Ask Among The Upright, Reliable and Well known People of Knowledge

Written by abumuaawiyah on . Posted in Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Seeking Knowledge, 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, Malik’s, or Ahmad’s in other matters where it appears that their Madhab in those matters are 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, Malik, 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 Allah’s Messenger, 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, and act according to what they guide him to based on knowledge. [1]

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 people, 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 – those  more knowledgeable in levels of knowledge] and [والأورع فالأورع – those known to possess more Wara (fear of Allah that makes a person stay away from doubtful matters out of fearing of falling into something forbidden)] until his 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, 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 Ijtihad, 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. [5] [Paraphrased]

———————————————————

[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.

[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

Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder, But Marriage Thrives Through Affection…

Written by abumuaawiyah on . Posted in Marriage (Nikkah), 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

Beauty in the Eye of the Beholder, But Marriage Thrives Through Affection, and Compassion Within The Boundaries of Obedience to Allah—Not Lust

Looking at The One Proposed For Marriage

Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him] said, “I was with the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, when a man came and told him that he had married a woman of the Ansar. Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said to him, ‘Have you seen her?’ He said, ‘No’. He said, ‘Go and look at her, because there is something in the eyes of the Ansar’”. [Sahih Muslim. Number 1424]

Regarding the statement, “Because there is something in the eyes of the Ansar”, Imam An-Nawawi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, “It is said that the intent behind this is Small-eyed and it is said that it is Bleary-eyed”. (1)

Mughirah Bin Shubah, may Allah be pleased with him] said, “I came to the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and told him of a woman to whom I had to propose marriage. He said, ‘Go and look at her, because that is more likely to create love between you.’ So, I went to a woman among the Ansar and proposed marriage through her parents. I told them what the Prophet had said, and it was as if they did not like that. Then I heard that woman behind her curtain, saying, ‘If the Messenger of Allah has told you to do that, then do it, otherwise I adjure you by Allah (not to do so)’. And it was as if she regarded that as a serious matter. So I looked at her and married her.” And he (Mugheerah) mentioned how well he got along with her. (2)

After seeing the one you want to marry and decide to go ahead because she is beautiful in your eyes as beauty is in the eye of the beholder, then ask Allah sincerely to place genuine love, compassion, mercy and respect between you, as Allah, The Most High, said:

وَمِنْ آيَاتِهِ أَنْ خَلَقَ لَكُم مِّنْ أَنفُسِكُمْ أَزْوَاجًا لِّتَسْكُنُوا إلَيْهَا وَجَعَلَ بَيْنَكُم مَّوَدَّةً وَرَحْمَةً إنَّ فِي ذَلِكَ لآيَاتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ

And among His Signs is this, that He created for you wives from among yourselves, that you may find repose in them, and He has put between you affection and mercy. Verily, in that are indeed signs for a people who reflect. [Ar-Rum. 21]

Allah, The Exalted, said: [وَٱلَّذِينَ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا هَبۡ لَنَا مِنۡ أَزۡوَٲجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّـٰتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعۡيُنٍ۬ وَٱجۡعَلۡنَا لِلۡمُتَّقِينَ إِمَامًا – And those who say: Our Lord! Bestow on us from our wives and our offspring who will be the comfort of our eyes, and make us leaders for the pious]. [Al-Furqaan. 74]

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: They ask Allah to grant them the comfort of the eye by making their wives and offspring obedient to Allah, and to grant them happiness in their hearts due to being followed by the righteous in obedience and servitude to Allah. That is because a trustworthy leader in the religion co-operates upon obedience (to Allah and His Messenger), and that is to call to (sound) leadership in the religion, whose foundation is patience and certainty, as Allah [The Most High] said:

[ وَجَعَلۡنَا مِنۡہُمۡ أَٮِٕمَّةً۬ يَہۡدُونَ بِأَمۡرِنَا لَمَّا صَبَرُواْ‌ۖ وَڪَانُواْ بِـَٔايَـٰتِنَا يُوقِنُونَ – And We made from among them (Children of Israel), leaders, giving guidance under Our Command, when they were patient and used to believe with certainty in Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.). Therefore, in their supplication -[in Surah Al-Furqan Ayah 74]- to Allah that He makes them leaders of the righteous people, is that Allah guides them, grants them success, bless them with beneficial knowledge and righteous actions- outwardly and inwardly – without which (sound) leadership in the religion cannot be achieved”. (3)

Marriage is not lust and the woman is not just pleasure and enjoyment – By Al-Allamah Abdul Azeez Aala Shaikh- may Allah have mercy upon him.

The noble Sheikh, the Mufti of the committee of major scholars in Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Abdul Aziz ibn Abdullah Aali Shaikh declared that marriage is not just about lust and fulfilling the desires rather it is security and living together and stability.

And the noble Sheikh said: Some of the Muslims have an incorrect understanding about marriage, understanding it in a way other than its reality. Some of them have an understanding that marriage is simply about fulfilling their desires, so although they might implement the legislated marriage contract, their intention with this marriage is not stability nor commitment rather he marries and in himself he is planning to divorce her, meaning he knows in himself that he will marry her for a specific time period even if he does not mention this or disclose this.

So he marries her due to his desire for her not to have serenity and peace of mind with her, but he only counts her as just a simple pleasure; so he’s always on the verge of divorcing her and bringing in someone other than her. So he is a husband and at the same time he mixes this with the intention of divorce. And he does not want from the woman anything other than pleasure.

This is deception to the woman and dishonesty and misleading her; and if a man came to his daughter or his sister and he knew that he did not want her except for this purpose he would not allow him to marry her, but when it comes to other peoples daughters he does whatever he wants.

And all of this is from deception and dishonesty and fraud and betrayal. And for this reason Islam has prohibited temporary marriage; and this is to marry for an estimated number of days for an agreed upon specific duration. Therefore this was made impermissible due to the harms that it contains.

And the Sheikh said: So what the person does not like for his daughters then he should not like it for the daughters of the Muslims.

And the Sheikh said: And some of the people might travel to places in order to find marriage for a specific number of days or months and he thinks this is a marriage contract and all of this is trivial to him, so he falls into sin.

And there are some who marry a number of women before (the other women he divorced) finish their waiting period. So he will merge the marriage to more than ten women in one month without any concern for the Islamic legislated contract.

And the Mufti said: The Muslim must have good judgment and he should not let his goal be to fulfill his desire in a way that is not in accordance with the Islamic legislation. And he must adorn himself with the manners of Islam, and he must look at other peoples daughters just like he looks at his own daughters and his own sisters, and he should put people in the position that he likes to be in.

Therefore if the person believes it allowable to do evil to the daughters of others and to not comply with the Islamic standard and then he does not want this same evil for his daughters; then why this discrepancy? Where is the balance, where is the justice?

Unfortunately, there are some Muslims who make permissible that which Allah has made impermissible so in a matter of days they marry a number of women, all with the intention of divorce, seeking by this to gain some benefit (from the wife) in the summer or the winter or other than this, and Islam prohibits this. Therefore Islam wants for us to be well-balanced in our contracts and to put others in the position of our daughters and our sisters and to be truthful in our dealings.

And the Sheikh said: And some of them go and travel and get married against the normal system and then they fall into sin or serious situations and perhaps they might abandon their wives or leave them and not return to them after they have become pregnant or given birth to his child, so this exposes the Muslim descendants to danger. And some of them don’t care about their wives or their children so major problems occur as a result of this treacherous marriage. (4)

The Perils of Unrestrained Desires

Imam Ibn Al-Jawzi, may Allah have mercy upon him] said: know that (unrestrained or forbidden) desires urges a person towards immediate pleasures without him pondering upon its evil consequences- urges him towards short-lived pleasures, even though it is a cause of pain and harm in this life and a barrier to pleasure in the afterlife. As for a sensible person, he keeps away from pleasures whose result will be pain and those desires whose end result will be regret. This is enough as praise regarding what sound intellect necessitates and a rebuke against uncontrolled desires.

A sensible person should know that those who are addicted to lowly desires reach a state in which they no longer enjoy themselves, but at the same time they are unable to abandon those desires, because it becomes as if it is a necessity of life. And due to this, you’ll find that alcoholics and sex addicts do not even enjoy a tenth of those desires, but they put themselves in a perilous situation that compels them to keep on returning to the act. However, if- based on clear-sightedness- the (false) beautification of those lowly desires cease, a person realise that he has exposed himself to some ruin that is contrary to wellbeing, a situation of grief instead of happiness, whilst seeking after pleasure; so, he resembles an animal that was led to a trap- neither reached the thing that was utilised to lure it into the trap nor is it able to escape. A person should ponder upon the fact that a human being was not created to fulfil desires; rather he was facilitated (with sound knowledge based on the divine revelation and uncorrupted perception) to reflect on the consequences of his actions and perform righteous deeds for the Afterlife. An animal receives pleasure through eating, drinking and sex much more than a human being, whilst living a life devoid of reflection and concern. Therefore, it is drawn towards its desires due to being ignorant of the outcomes of its actions (i.e. it does not possess the knowledge given to humans through sound reasoning and reflection guided by the divine revelation). (5)

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him] said: Whoever is given strength and facilitated (with the means) to something, his pleasure will be found in utilising that strength. Whoever is granted the strength to have sexual relations, he will find pleasure in utilising his strength in it. Whoever is given strength to become angry and overcome (others), he will utilise the strength of his anger to (obtain what he desires). Whoever is given the strength to eat and drink, his pleasure will be found in utilising his strength in (eating and drinking). Whoever is given the strength to (pursue) knowledge and understanding, his pleasure will be found in utilising his strength and directing it towards knowledge. Whoever is given strength in (having) love for Allah, turning to Allah in repentance, submission and obedience, being devoted to Allah (sincerely with one’s) heart, having an ardent desire (to please, obey and meet Allah) and (desiring to come close to Allah, be recognised and loved by Allah etc), he will find his pleasure and bliss in utilising this strength in that. All these pleasures will dwindle and disappear, except this one (i.e. love of Allah etc). (6)

[Ref 1: Sharh Saheeh Muslim. Vol 9. page 179. Publisher. Dar Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah. 1st Edition 1421AH (Year 2000)]

[Ref 2: Saheeh Ibn Maajah 1866]

[Ref 3: An Excerpt from ‘Ar-Rooh’ pages 487-489. slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 4: http://www.salafitalk.net/st/viewmessages.cfm?Forum=29&Topic=6408

[Ref 5: An Excerpt from Dhammul Hawaa’ pages 36-38. Slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 6: Al-Fawaa’id 121-122. Slightly paraphrased]

Two Erudite Imams Precisely Outlined Main Determinants of Victory and Rectification

Written by abumuaawiyah on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Basics, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors), Scholars of Islam, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Imam Muhammad Ameen Ash-Shanqeetee, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated regarding the causes of weakness in the Ummah:

The great Qur’an has given guidance to put a stop to this problem through the most appropriate and upright path. Allah clarified that the remedy for this is linked to turning to Him truthfully, the level of one’s belief in Him and reliance on Him. This is because Allah is All-Strong and All-Mighty, the Overwhelming and Absolute Subduer of everything, Who is never overcome; therefore, whoever is truly an ally of Allah, it is not possible to gain the upper hand over such a person. One of the clear proofs regarding this was when the disbelievers laid that great siege against the Muslims during the battle of the Confederates about which Allah said:

إِذۡ جَآءُوكُم مِّن فَوۡقِكُمۡ وَمِنۡ أَسۡفَلَ مِنكُمۡ وَإِذۡ زَاغَتِ ٱلۡأَبۡصَـٰرُ وَبَلَغَتِ ٱلۡقُلُوبُ ٱلۡحَنَاجِرَ وَتَظُنُّونَ بِٱللَّهِ ٱلظُّنُونَا۟
هُنَالِكَ ٱبۡتُلِىَ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنُونَ وَزُلۡزِلُواْ زِلۡزَالاً۬ شَدِيدً۬ا

When they came upon you from above you and from below you, and when the eyes grew wild and the hearts reached to the throats, and you were harbouring doubts about Allah. There, the believers were tried and shaken with a mighty shaking. [Al-Ahzaab. 10-11]

Therefore, the remedy for this is what we have already mentioned [i.e. Imaan, turning to Allah and reliance on Him]. Look at the severity of this military siege and its severe effects on the Muslims, in addition to the fact that they were politically and economically cut off by all the people of the earth at that time! So, when you are aware of this, you should know that the remedy for this great affair that put an end to this great difficulty is what Allah stated in Surah Al-Ahzab, as follows: “And when the believers saw Al-Ahzaab (The Confederates), they said: ‘This is what Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad) had promised us, and Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad) had spoken the truth’, and it only added to their faith and to their submissiveness (to Allah). [Al-Ahzaab. 22]

This perfect belief in Allah, Great Submission to Him, dependence and reliance on Him was the reason that put an end to that great difficulty. Indeed Allah clarified the fruits of this remedy, saying: “And Allah drove back those who disbelieved in their rage; they gained no advantage (booty, etc.). Allah sufficed for the believers in the fighting (by sending against the disbelievers a severe wind and troops of angels). And Allah is Ever All-Strong, All-Mighty. And those of the people of the Scripture who backed them [the disbelievers] Allah brought them down from their forts and cast terror into their hearts, (so that) a group (of them) you killed, and a group (of them) you made captives. And He caused you to inherit their lands, and their houses, and their riches, and a land which you had not trodden (before). And Allah is Able to do all things. [Al-Ahzaab. 25-27]

This is what Allah aided them with against their enemies. They had no idea nor were they aware that they were aided with the angels and the wind. “O you who believe! Remember Allah’s Favour to you, when there came against you hosts, and We sent against them a wind and forces that you saw not [i.e. troops of angels during the battle of Al-Ahzab (the Confederates)]. And Allah is Ever All-Seer of what you do. [1]

Imam Abdul Azeez bin Baaz, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“The latter part of this Muslim nation will not be rectified except through that which rectified its early part” just as the people of knowledge and Iman have stated. This is a statement of Imam Malik, may Allah have mercy upon him – the well-known scholar of sound understanding and piety. Many other people of knowledge reported this statement during and after his era and they all agreed with it that the latter part of this Muslim nation will not be rectified except by way of that which rectified its earlier part. This means that the path followed by its earlier generations -the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His noble Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is what will rectify its future generations until the Day of Judgement. The one who wishes to rectify an Islamic society, or any other society in this worldly life through other than the path and practical steps that rectified those who have preceded [i.e. the companions], then such a person is mistaken and has spoken untruth. There is no path other than this path. The only path of rectification and uprightness is the one that was followed by our Prophet and his noble companions, and then those who follow them exactly in righteousness till this era of ours. [2]

[1] An Excerpt from ‘Adwaa Al-Bayaan 3/301-302

[2] Awamil Islah Al-Mujtama’ah page 3

Neither Testify to Falsehood nor Abandon Fairness for Any Big Personality

Written by abumuaawiyah on . Posted in 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.

Neither Testify to Falsehood nor Abandon Fairness for Any Personality; Stand Firm, Even if Alone, and Utter the Bitter Truth”

Allah, The Mighty and Majestic, said:

وَٱلَّذِينَ لَا يَشۡهَدُونَ ٱلزُّورَ وَإِذَا مَرُّواْ بِٱللَّغۡوِ مَرُّواْ ڪِرَامً۬ا

And those who do not witness Az-zoor [falsehood], and if they pass by some evil play or evil talk, they pass by it with dignity. [Al-Furqaan. 72]

وَٱلَّذِينَ لَا يَشۡهَدُونَ ٱلزُّورَ
And those who do not witness Az-zoor (falsehood)

Imam Ash-Shawkaanee, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: They do not give witness to false testimony or attend gatherings of falsehood. Az-Zoor means lies and falsehood, and they do not bear witness to it. The second meaning held by the majority of the Mufassirun is that Az-zoor in this verse means shirk and there is no lie greater than shirk. [1]

Imaam Ibn Al-Jawzi, may Allah have mercy upon him, quoted several meanings of the term Az-zoor that it means: The idols of the idolaters, music, shirk, the past time or jest that used to take place during the era of pre-Islamic ignorance, lies, false testimony, the festivals of the polytheists and vulgar speech. [2]

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

We often see a man holding a belief that agrees with the truth, but when he speaks to someone who disagrees with him – one who inclines to something of the innovations in religious affairs, not to mention one of the people with leadership and one of those in possession of something of the worldly life, and not to mention one of the kings, he agrees with him, strengthen, supports and aids him against others. The least in such situations is that he would conceal what he believes is the truth, and despises – in presence of a person from whom neither is it possible to receive harm nor benefit from him – what has become clear to him is the right thing; so what about someone from whom harm and benefit is possible?! This – in reality – is from that which is tantamount to giving preference to the worldly things and the present worldly life over the religion and the Hereafter. If he pondered on what has happened to him, he would have known that his inclination to the desires of a man, two men, three or more – amongst those he compliments in that gathering, conceals the truth in order to be in agreement with them and in order to attract their affection, get hold of what they possess and escape from being alienated by them – is a shortcoming in (standing for the) truth and tantamount to exalting falsehood. Were it not that these people are greater in his sight than the Lord, he would not have inclined to their desires and abandon what he knows is that which Allah wants and demands from His servants. [3]

Imam Ash-Shawkaanee [may Allah have mercy upon him] said:

“One of the reasons that leads to the abandonment of fairness and thus distances one from the truth -leads to concealment of truth and not clarifying that which Allah has obligated – is love of high status and wealth. Both these affairs are a greater enemy to a person than two hunting wolves just as Allah’s Messenger described, because indeed that was the reason that led the people of the scripture to distort Allah’s Books and concealed that which came to them of clear proofs and guidance, such as what happened to the Jewish Rabis, and indeed Allah informed us about this in His Mighty Book and the Messenger (also) informed us about it in the authentic narrations”. [4]

Al-Allamah Abdur Rahmaan Bin Yahyah Al-Mu’allimee, may Allah have mercy upon him] stated about giving precedence to the truth:

Ponder on the fact that truth is noble and falsehood is lowly. Ponder on the Greatness of Allah [The Mighty and Majestic]- the fact that Allah is the Lord of the entire universe, Allah loves truth and hates falsehood, and that the one who follows truth is deserving of the Pleasure of the Lord of the universe. Allaah [Glorified be He] will be his protector in the worldly life and the Afterlife by choosing for him everything that is good, better, more beneficial, more perfect, more noble and loftier until Allaah removes his soul whilst being pleased with him. Then Allaah raises him, brings him close and makes him dwell in paradise with honour- in permanent bliss and eternal nobility which no imagination can fully conceive its greatness. He should ponder on the fact that the one who clings to falsehood is deserving of the displeasure, anger and punishment of the Lord of the universe, and if he receives anything of worldly bliss, then indeed that is only a means of humiliating him in order that he is increased in being distanced from Allaah, so that the painful torment of the afterlife is multiplied for him, which no imagination can fully conceive its severity. He should ponder on the bliss of the worldly life [i.e. temporary] as compared to the pleasure of the Lord of the universe and the bliss in the afterlife [i.e. eternal], compare the misery of the worldly life to displeasure of the Lord of the universe and the punishment in the afterlife [i.e. the severest punishment in this life is nowhere equal to punishment in the afterlife]. He should ponder on the statement of Allah [The Mighty and Majestic]:

وَقَالُواْ لَوۡلَا نُزِّلَ هَـٰذَا ٱلۡقُرۡءَانُ عَلَىٰ رَجُلٍ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡقَرۡيَتَيۡنِ عَظِيمٍ
أَهُمۡ يَقۡسِمُونَ رَحۡمَتَ رَبِّكَ‌ۚ نَحۡنُ قَسَمۡنَا بَيۡنَہُم مَّعِيشَتَہُمۡ فِى ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا‌ۚ وَرَفَعۡنَا بَعۡضَہُمۡ فَوۡقَ بَعۡضٍ۬ دَرَجَـٰتٍ۬ لِّيَتَّخِذَ بَعۡضُہُم بَعۡضً۬ا سُخۡرِيًّ۬ا‌ۗ وَرَحۡمَتُ رَبِّكَ خَيۡرٌ۬ مِّمَّا يَجۡمَعُونَ
وَلَوۡلَآ أَن يَكُونَ ٱلنَّاسُ أُمَّةً۬ وَٲحِدَةً۬ لَّجَعَلۡنَا لِمَن يَكۡفُرُ بِٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ لِبُيُوتِہِمۡ سُقُفً۬ا مِّن فِضَّةٍ۬ وَمَعَارِجَ عَلَيۡہَا يَظۡهَرُونَ
وَلِبُيُوتِہِمۡ أَبۡوَٲبً۬ا وَسُرُرًا عَلَيۡہَا يَتَّكِـُٔونَ
وَزُخۡرُفً۬ا‌ۚ وَإِن ڪُلُّ ذَٲلِكَ لَمَّا مَتَـٰعُ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا‌ۚ وَٱلۡأَخِرَةُ عِندَ رَبِّكَ لِلۡمُتَّقِينَ

And they say: “Why is not this Qur’an sent down to some great man of the two towns (Makkah and Ta’if)?” Is it they who would portion out the Mercy of your Lord? It is We Who portion out between them their livelihood in this world, and We raised some of them above others in ranks, so that some may employ others in their work. But the Mercy (Paradise) of your Lord (O Muhammad) is better than the (wealth of this world) which they amass. And were it not that all mankind would have become of one community (all disbelievers, desiring worldly life only), We would have provided for those who disbelieve in the Most Beneficent (Allah), silver roofs for their houses, and elevators (and stair-ways, etc. of silver) whereby they ascend, and for their houses, doors (of silver), and thrones (of silver) on which they could recline, and adornments of gold. Yet all this (i.e. the roofs, doors, stairs, elevators, thrones etc. of their houses) would have been nothing but an enjoyment of this world. And the Hereafter with your Lord is only for the pious”. [Surah Az-Zuhkruf. Verses 31-35] [5]

Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah have mercy upon him, 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 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] [6]

Imam Muhammad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaymin, may Allah have mercy upon him, discussed the six distinct signs of beneficial knowledge, and then stated that one of these signs is the increase in humility as knowledge grows, and that one should not become arrogant. The Imam then added that if there is a conflict between humbling oneself to the truth and humbling oneself to people, precedence is given to humbling oneself to the truth. For instance, if there is a person who reviles the truth and rejoices due to his enmity towards those who follow it, in this case, one should not humble themselves in the presence of this person. Instead, one should remain humble to the truth and engage in debate with this person. Even if they belittle or speak against you, do not be concerned about what they say because the truth must be upheld. [7]

We ask Allah:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الثَّبَاتَ فِي الْأَمْرِ، وَالْعَزِيمَةَ عَلَى الرُّشْدِ

O Allah! Indeed, I ask You for steadfastness in this affair (regarding sound adherence to the religion) and firm resolve to adhere to the path of guidance. [8]

A measure of genuine fear of Allah connected to establishing justice

The bitter truth uttered by a brave person!

May Allah bless Shaikh Abu Iyaad and all those who exercise patience while facing that which is painful to hear Amin.

[1] Fatth Al-Qadeer. 4/19. Daarul Wafaa. 1st Edition 1435AH [2014]

[2] Zad Al-Maseer Fee Ilm at-Tafseer

[3] An Excerpt from Adab at-Talab Wa Muntahaa Al-Adab. Page 93. Slightly paraphrased

[4] An Excerpt from Adab a-Talab Wa Muntahaa al-Adab. pages 94-95. slightly paraphrased

[5] An Excerpt from Aathaar Ash-Shaikh Al-Allamah Abdur Rahman Bin Yahyah Al-Mu’allimee 11/309

[6] Al-Mulakh’khas Al-Jameel Fee Bayaan Manhaji Ash-Shaikh Rabee Fid-Da’wati Wal-Jarhi Wat-Ta’deel. Page 87

[7] Sharh Hilyati Taalibil Ilm pages 253-254

[8] Irwaa al-Ghaleel 1/115