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Tag: Qur’aan

NEW VIDEO! A Great Opportunity in the Last 10 Nights of Ramadhaan! – Shaykh Khalid Dhufayree

 

O servants of Allah. Indeed Allah has hidden the exact [date] of laylatul Qadr, as a mercy upon His servants and a test [for them]. So that they may increase in action in seeking it, and so the keen hard working person is distinguished from the lazy heedless one.

Watch the full video for the Shaykh's advice!

 

Links 🔗 from Video – salafidawah.uk/Online – Online Quran Lessons Salafischool.co.uk/online – Online Full Day Classes – TuitionClub.org/Online

 

[1] Innocent Child Informs a British Naturalist -(Evolutionist) Mulhid – That Spiders Are His Favorite! [Reflection and Lessons]

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

Allaah [The Exalted] said:

مَثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّخَذُواْ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ أَوۡلِيَآءَ كَمَثَلِ ٱلۡعَنڪَبُوتِ ٱتَّخَذَتۡ بَيۡتً۬ا‌ۖ وَإِنَّ أَوۡهَنَ ٱلۡبُيُوتِ لَبَيۡتُ ٱلۡعَنڪَبُوتِ‌ۖ لَوۡ ڪَانُواْ يَعۡلَمُونَ

The likeness of those who take Auliya’ (protectors and helpers) other than Allaah is as the likeness of a spider, who builds (for itself) a house, but verily, the frailest (weakest) of houses is the spider’s house, if they but knew. [Surah Al-Ankabut. Aayah 41]

Allaah mentioned that they are weak and that those whom they take as protectors and helpers are weaker than them. So with regards to their weakness and their goal behind taking others as protectors and helpers besides Allaah, they are similar to a spider that builds a house and it is the frailest and weakest of houses. Based on this parable, the Mushrikoon become much weaker when they take others as protectors and helpers besides Allaah, and they do not benefit from those they take as protectors and helpers besides Allaah, just as Allaah stated [in another Aayah]:

وَٱتَّخَذُواْ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ ءَالِهَةً۬ لِّيَكُونُواْ لَهُمۡ عِزًّ۬ا
كَلَّا‌ۚ سَيَكۡفُرُونَ بِعِبَادَتِہِمۡ وَيَكُونُونَ عَلَيۡہِمۡ ضِدًّا

And they have taken (for worship) Aaliha (gods) besides Allah, that they might give them honour, power and glory (and also protect them from Allah’s Punishment etc.). Nay, but they (the so-called gods) will deny their worship of them, and become opponents to them (on the Day of Resurrection). [Surah Maryam. Aayaat 81-82]
And Allaah [The Most High] said:

وَٱتَّخَذُواْ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ ءَالِهَةً۬ لَّعَلَّهُمۡ يُنصَرُونَ
لَا يَسۡتَطِيعُونَ نَصۡرَهُمۡ وَهُمۡ لَهُمۡ جُندٌ۬ مُّحۡضَرُونَ

And they have taken besides Allaah Aaliha (gods), hoping that they might be helped (by those so-called gods). They cannot help them, but they will be brought forward as a troop against those who worshipped them (at the time of Reckoning). [Surah Yaa Seen. Aayaat 74-75]

And after mentioning the destruction of the nations of the Mushrikoon, Allaah said:

وَمَا ظَلَمۡنَـٰهُمۡ وَلَـٰكِن ظَلَمُوٓاْ أَنفُسَہُمۡ‌ۖ فَمَآ أَغۡنَتۡ عَنۡہُمۡ ءَالِهَتُہُمُ ٱلَّتِى يَدۡعُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ مِن شَىۡءٍ۬ لَّمَّا جَآءَ أَمۡرُ رَبِّكَ‌ۖ وَمَا زَادُوهُمۡ غَيۡرَ تَتۡبِيبٍ۬

We wronged them not, but they wronged themselves. So their Aaliha (gods), other than Allah, whom they invoked, profited them naught when there came the Command of your Lord, nor did they add aught (to their lot) but destruction. [Surah Hud. Aayah 101]

These four places in the Qur’aan show that the one who takes protectors and helpers besides Allaah- through whom he seeks to strengthen himself, behave arrogantly and prevail- will not achieve except the opposite, and there is a lot more about this affair in the Qur’aan. This is one of the finest parables and the clearest proofs regarding the falsehood of Shirk and the deprivation of the one who commits Shirk, and that he will achieve the opposite of what he seeks. (1)

Allaah gave this similitude regarding those who worship others alongside Him, seeking honour, strength and benefit by way of it; but Allaah says that the affair is the opposite of the goal they seek, because their likeness is that of a spider that builds a house to protect itself from the heat, cold and harm; but the frailest and weakest of houses is the spider’s house.

The spider is one of those weak animals and its house is one of the weakest of houses, and building its house does not increase it in anything except weakness. Likewise, this is the case regarding those who take protectors and helpers besides Allaah; they are in need and incapable in every way when they take protectors and helpers besides Allaah to seek honour and help by way of them; so they increase weakness on their weakness, and feebleness on their feebleness, because indeed they rely on them in many of their affairs related to their well-being and entrust it to them, refrain from achieving it themselves and [hoping] that these [so-called] protectors and helpers will fulfil it; but they forsake them- neither receive anything [useful, beneficial etc] nor the least [gain, benefit etc] from their help. Had they been acquainted with the reality of knowledge- their situation and that of those whom they take as protectors and helpers besides Allaah, they would not have done so; rather they would have freed themselves from them and take Allaah as Protector and Helper- The Lord Who is able to do all things, The One Who Bestows His Special Mercy to the Believers; Who – when a servant takes Him as a Protector and an Ally, He suffices him, looks after both his religious and worldly affairs, increase him in strength upon strength in his heart [i.e. Eemaan], his body [i.e. grant him ability to seek after what is beneficial etc], in all his circumstances and deeds. (2)

Belief In Evolution

Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him] stated regarding the belief that the origin of the human is an ape: This statement is evil, falsehood, an opposition to the Book of Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic], an opposition to the Sunnah of Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] and an opposition to the consensus of the pious predecessors of this Ummah. This statement is well known from Darwin and he is a liar regarding that which he has stated; rather the origin of the human being is his well-known state – neither an ape nor other than it, rather he was created as a rational human being from earth and that is our father Aadam [peace and blessings be upon him], just as Allaah [The Exalted] said: [وَلَقَدْ خَلَقْنَا الإِنسَانَ مِنْ سُلالَةٍ مِنْ طِينٍ – And indeed We created man (Adam) out of an extract of clay (water and earth)]. [Surah al-Muminoon. Aayah 12]
It is obligated on a servant to believe that Aadam was not an ape and that Aadam’s [alayhis salaam] origin is the same as what the human being is at present – neither an ape nor other than it. The statement that his original state was that of an ape is an evil statement and falsehood; rather if it is stated that the one who utters this statement has committed Kufr, then that would be considered a good reason for saying so. What is clearer – and Allaah knows best – is that the one who utters this statement [i.e. that Aadam’s origin is an ape] whilst knowing that which the Sharee’ah has brought regarding this affair, then he is a kaafir, because he has belied Allaah, belied Allaah’s Messenger and belied the Book of Allaah regarding the creation of Aadam. (3) NB: Takfeer [i.e. declaring a Muslim as an unbeliever or removing him from the fold of Islaam] has principles and passing this judgement against specific individuals is the job of the upright scholars. Read articles on this subject matter:

http://www.salafipublications.com/sps/sp.cfm?secID=MNJ&subsecID=MNJ09&loadpage=displaysubsection.cfm
http://www.spubs.com/sps/sp.cfm?subsecID=MNJ09&articleID=MNJ090001&articlePages=1

Imaam Muhammad Bin Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen [may Allaah have mercy upon him] stated that it is tantamount to disbelief in Allaah to believe that the origin of the human being is an ape because it is a denial of the noble Qur’aan and the consensus of the Muslims [i.e. the scholars]. (4)

Al-Allaamah Muqbil Bin Haadee Al-Waadi’ee [may Allaah have mercy upon him) stated about the theory of evolution: “This theory is considered Kufr (that exits a Muslim from Islam if he believes it). Read more on the link below from Shaikh Abu Khadeejah’s [hafidhahullaah] website: https://www.abukhadeejah.com/theory-evolution-the-origin-of-man-is-ape-by-shaikh-muqbil-ibn-hadi/
https://www.abukhadeejah.com/the-creation-of-adam-in-one-instant-without-evolution-and-chance-his-lifespan-his-height-and-his-intelligence/

Darwinism and Atheism – By Dr – Shaikh Abu Iyaadh [hafidhahullaah]
http://www.aqidah.com/creed/categories/xz-darwinism-and-atheism.cfm

The Myth of Darwinian Evolution – By Shaikh Abu Hakeem [hafidhahullaah]

The Myth of Darwinian Evolution (Part 1)

The Myth of Darwinian Evolution (Part 2) – Natural Selection

The Myth of Darwinian Evolution (Part 3) – The Fossil Records refute Darwin!


https://ah-sp.com/2017/03/08/the-myth-of-darwinian-evolution-part-4-hidden-archeology/

Also listen to the lecture By Shaikh Abu Khadeejah [hafidhahullaah]
https://www.salafisounds.com/establishing-ones-belief-through-pseudoscience-philosophy-is-a-path-of-destruction-khutbah-by-abu-khadeejah/

Also read by Shaikh Abu Iyaadh [hafidhahullaah]: Understanding the Two Definitions of ‘Science’ in Operation

http://www.aboutatheism.net/articles/juvtbpd-understanding-the-two-definitions-of-science-and-scientific-enquiry.cfm


[Ref 1: An Exceprt from ‘Badaa’i At-tafseer Al-Jaami Lima Fassarahu Al-Imaam Ibnul Qayyim. Vol 2. Page299-300. Slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 2: An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi. Slightly paraphrased]

Ref 3: https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/7143/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B1%D8%AF-%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%89-%D9%86%D8%B8%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%88%D9%8A%D9%86

Ref 4: https://binothaimeen.net/content/7246 https://video.link/w/r7mqb

[The Ant, The Hoopoe, The Queen of Sheba, The Ifreet, The Scholar and Prophet Sulaymaan- [Reflection and Lessons (Part 2)]

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

The Queen [may Allaah have mercy upon her] Receives Prophet Sulaymaan’s [peace be upon him] Letter

Allaah stated that when she (the Queen) received Sulaymaan’s letter, she said to her people:

[ يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلۡمَلَؤُاْ إِنِّىٓ أُلۡقِىَ إِلَىَّ كِتَـٰبٌ۬ كَرِيمٌ – O chiefs! Verily! Here is delivered to me a noble letter]- Meaning, a letter of great stature from the greatest kings of the earth. Then she made known the content of the letter and said:

إِنَّهُ ۥ مِن سُلَيۡمَـٰنَ وَإِنَّهُ ۥ بِسۡمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
أَلَّا تَعۡلُواْ عَلَىَّ وَأۡتُونِى مُسۡلِمِينَ

Verily! It is from Sulaiman (Solomon), and verily! It (reads): In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful; be you not exalted against me, but come to me as Muslims (true believers who submit to Allah with full submission)- Meaning, do not attempt to make yourself superior to me; but rather bring yourself under my authority, submit to my commands and come to me as Muslims. This is very a precise statement together with a perfect clarification, because indeed it included forbidding them from being haughty towards him and persisting upon that state of theirs, commanded them to submit to his command, come under his authority, come to him and called them to Islam. This shows that it is recommended to begin with the Basmalah “In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, The Bestower of (special Mercy to the believers)” in Books, and writing one’s name in the first line of the letter.

And due to her determination and sound intellect, she gathered the senior people of her nation state and the (important) men of her kingdom, and said: [يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلۡمَلَؤُاْ أَفۡتُونِى فِىٓ أَمۡرِى – O chiefs! Advise me in (this) case of mine]- Meaning, tell me what I should respond with- should we obey him and submit or what else should we do?

[مَا ڪُنتُ قَاطِعَةً أَمۡرًا حَتَّىٰ تَشۡہَدُونِ – I decide no case till you are present with me]- Meaning, I do not a make a final decision on an affair except after consulting you. [مَا ڪُنتُ قَاطِعَةً أَمۡرًا حَتَّىٰ تَشۡہَدُونِ – They said: We have great strength, and great ability for war]- Meaning, if you reject speech and refuse to obey him, then indeed we are strong enough to fight. It appeared that this view is what they were ready to act upon and it would have been the cause of their destruction if finalised; but also they did not make a final decision on that; rather they said: [وَٱلۡأَمۡرُ إِلَيۡكِ – but you (i.e. the Queen) are in command]- Meaning, the final decision is yours; because they knew that she possessed sound intelligence and determination, and one who was sincere to them. [فَٱنظُرِى مَاذَا تَأۡمُرِينَ – so think over what you will command]- Meaning, look into the matter, reflect and then decide. So, she said to them – whilst being satisfied with what they said and clarifying the evil outcomes of fighting -[إِنَّ ٱلۡمُلُوكَ إِذَا دَخَلُواْ قَرۡيَةً أَفۡسَدُوهَا – Verily! Kings, when they enter a town (country), they despoil it]- Meaning, killing, capturing, pillaging and destroying its homes; [وَجَعَلُوٓاْ أَعِزَّةَ أَهۡلِهَآ أَذِلَّةً۬‌ۖ – and make the most honourable amongst its people low]- Meaning, they make the noble leaders among the lowest, therefore the decision to fight is not an upright one; but also I am not going to obey him before learning more about him, send someone who would unveil his affair to me and ponder upon it, so that we would be upon clear-sightedness regarding his affair. Then she said: [وَإِنِّى مُرۡسِلَةٌ إِلَيۡہِم بِهَدِيَّةٍ۬ فَنَاظِرَةُۢ بِمَ يَرۡجِعُ ٱلۡمُرۡسَلُونَ – But verily! I am going to send him a present, and see with what (answer) the messengers return]- Meaning, whether he would continue to hold onto his view or become dazzled due to the present and change his view; (find out) about his state of affairs and that of his armies.

Then she sent a gift to Sulaymaan to be delivered by the intelligent ones and those men of sound opinion among her people; but when they came to Sulyamaan with the present, he said – whilst rejecting this initiative of theirs and manifested his anger due their failure in responding to what he sought after – [أَتُمِدُّونَنِ بِمَالٍ۬ فَمَآ ءَاتَٮٰنِۦَ ٱللَّهُ خَيۡرٌ۬ مِّمَّآ ءَاتَٮٰكُم – Will you help me in wealth? What Allah has given me is better than that which He has given you!] – Meaning, neither is your present of significance to me nor am I happy with it, because Allah has given me what suffices and to be in need of it. [بَلۡ أَنتُم بِہَدِيَّتِكُمۡ تَفۡرَحُونَ – Nay, you rejoice in your gift!]- Meaning, because of your love for this worldly life and the little you have in comparison to what Allah has bestowed on me. Then Sulaymaan advised the messenger of the Queen, but did not do so in writing, because of what he noticed that the messenger was of sound intelligence and would convey his message just as he stated. He said: [ٱرۡجِعۡ إِلَيۡہِمۡ فَلَنَأۡتِيَنَّهُم بِجُنُودٍ۬ لَّا قِبَلَ لَهُم بِہَا وَلَنُخۡرِجَنَّہُم مِّنۡہَآ أَذِلَّةً۬ وَهُمۡ صَـٰغِرُونَ – Go back to them. We verily shall come to them with hosts that they cannot resist, and we shall drive them out from there in disgrace, and they will be abased].

So the messenger of the Queen returned, delivered Sulaymaan’s message and that they get ready to go to Sulayman. Sulayman knew that they would come to him, so he said to the jinn and humans who were in his presence: [قَالَ يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلۡمَلَؤُاْ أَيُّكُمۡ يَأۡتِينِى بِعَرۡشِہَا قَبۡلَ أَن يَأۡتُونِى مُسۡلِمِينَ – He said: “O chiefs! Which of you can bring me her throne before they come to me surrendering themselves in obedience?] – Meaning, so that it will allowed for us to deal with it as we see fit before they become Muslim, because their wealth will not be lawful for me to take after they’ve become Muslims. [See footnote a]

[ قَالَ عِفۡرِيتٌ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ أَنَا۟ ءَاتِيكَ بِهِۦ قَبۡلَ أَن تَقُومَ مِن مَّقَامِكَ‌ۖ وَإِنِّى عَلَيۡهِ لَقَوِىٌّ أَمِينٌ۬ – An Ifrit (strong) from the jinns said: “I will bring it to you before you rise from your place (council). And verily, I am indeed strong, and trustworthy for such work].

[قَالَ عِفۡرِيتٌ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ – An Ifrit (strong) from the jinns said]. An Ifreet is an extremely strong and forceful one (amongst the Jinn). And what is apparent here is that at that Sulayman was in Sham at the time, so the distance between him and Saba was a period of four months journey- two months to go there and two months to return; however regardless of this, the Ifreet said, “I take it upon myself to bring it – regardless of its big size and heftiness, and regardless of its distance- before you can rise from your (council). Customarily, the councils take a long time and they take most of the forenoon- about one third of the day. This is the mostly the time period of councils, but it may take lesser or more than that. So, there was a subject of this great King (Sulaymaan) who was bestowed with the power and ability to do what was greater than the offer of the Ifreet. Allaah said: [قَالَ ٱلَّذِى عِندَهُ ۥ عِلۡمٌ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبِ أَنَا۟ ءَاتِيكَ بِهِۦ قَبۡلَ أَن يَرۡتَدَّ إِلَيۡكَ طَرۡفُكَ‌ۚ – One with whom was knowledge of the Scripture said: “I will bring it to you within the twinkling of an eye!] The Qur’aan commentators stated that he was man – a scholar and righteous in the presence of Sulyamaan, and he was called Aaif Ibn Barkhiyaa. He knew Allaah’s Greatest Name through which Allaah responds and gives when invoked and asked. [See footnote b]

Allaah said that he said: [أَنَا۟ ءَاتِيكَ بِهِۦ قَبۡلَ أَن يَرۡتَدَّ إِلَيۡكَ طَرۡفُكَ‌ۚ – I will bring it to you within the twinkling of an eye!]- Meaning, by invoking Allaah with that Name. And Allaah knows best as to whether this is what is intended or that this person had knowledge of the scripture through which he was able to bring something that was far away and attain what was very difficult to attain (by the will of Allaah). [Ref 1]

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

Footnote b: The view of some of the scholars regarding the greatest Name of Allaah. Imaam As-Sadi [may Allaah have mercy upon him] stated in his explanation of Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 255 (Aayatul Kursi): [ ٱلۡحَىُّ ٱلۡقَيُّومُ‌ۚ – (ٱلۡحَىُّ – the Ever Living), (ٱلۡقَيُّومُ‌ۚ – the One Who sustains and protects all that exists)]: These two Names of Allaah entail all the other Names of Allaah. [Al-Hayy – The Ever Living] is the One Who possesses perfect life, which necessitates all attributes of His Essence, such as hearing, sight, knowledge, power etc (and free from all imperfections, shortcomings, weakness, deficiencies). And [Al-Qayyoom – the One Who sustains and protects all that exists] is the Only One Who sustains everyone and everything, and they cannot exist or survive with Him, but He is not in need of anything or anyone. This necessitates all the actions of the Lord of the entire existence- [The Creator, Provider and One in Control of all affairs]- Who does whatever He wills, such as ascending over the Throne [in a manner than befits His Majesty without any likeness to the creation] (see footnote c), descending [to the lowest heavens during the last third of the night in a manner than befits His Majesty] (see footnote d), speaking, creating, providing, taking away life, giving life and all types of sovereignty. All these affair are included in the Qayyoomiyyah of Al-Baaree [The Creator’s Action of sustaining and protecting everything that exist, whilst He is not in need of anything or anyone]. And due to this reason, some of the Muhaqqiqeen – (i.e. the scholars who have reached the level where they are able to look into every affair of the religion and derive rulings, such as the Ulamaa of Ijtihaad (see footnote e)] – said that these two are the greatest Names of Allaah.

Footnote c: https://www.abukhadeejah.com/chapters-11-and-12-proof-that-allah-is-above-the-sky-and-over-the-throne-abu-ismaaeel-al-harawee-d-481h/

Footnote d: https://www.abukhadeejah.com/the-names-and-attributes-upon-their-apparent-meanings-fingers-descending-ascending-and-image-by-al-barbahaaree-explanation-of-al-fawzaan/
https://salafidawah.uk/2011/08/28/sifatun-nuzool-allaahs-descent-to-the-lowest-heaven-during-the-last-third-of-the-night/

Footnote e: Who can give Fatwa? Imaam Maalik Ibn Anas (rahimahullaah) said, “I did not give fatwa until seventy (upright) scholars testified that I am worthy of it”. [Hilyatul Awliyaa 6/316] https://masjidfurqan.co.uk/2017/09/22/when-is-a-person-worthy-of-giving-fatwa-by-imaam-ashshaafiee-rahimahullaah/


Ref 1: An Excerpt from Tafseer as-Sadi. slightly paraphrased

[The Ant, The Hoopoe, The Queen of Sheba, The Ifreet, The Scholar and Prophet Sulaymaan- [Reflection and Lessons (Part 1)]

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

Allaah [The Exalted] stated:

وَلَقَدۡ ءَاتَيۡنَا دَاوُ ۥدَ وَسُلَيۡمَـٰنَ عِلۡمً۬ا‌ۖ وَقَالَا ٱلۡحَمۡدُ لِلَّهِ ٱلَّذِى فَضَّلَنَا عَلَىٰ كَثِيرٍ۬ مِّنۡ عِبَادِهِ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ
وَوَرِثَ سُلَيۡمَـٰنُ دَاوُ ۥدَ‌ۖ وَقَالَ يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ عُلِّمۡنَا مَنطِقَ ٱلطَّيۡرِ وَأُوتِينَا مِن كُلِّ شَىۡءٍ‌ۖ إِنَّ هَـٰذَا لَهُوَ ٱلۡفَضۡلُ ٱلۡمُبِينُ

And indeed We gave knowledge to Dawud (David) and Sulaiman (Solomon), and they both said: “All the praises and thanks be to Allah, Who has preferred us above many of His believing slaves!” And Sulaiman (Solomon) inherited (the knowledge of) Dawud (David). He said: “O mankind! We have been taught the language of birds, and on us have been bestowed all things. This, verily, is an evident grace (from Allah).” [Surah An-Naml. Aayaat 15-16]

وَحُشِرَ لِسُلَيۡمَـٰنَ جُنُودُهُ ۥ مِنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ وَٱلۡإِنسِ وَٱلطَّيۡرِ فَهُمۡ يُوزَعُونَ
حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَآ أَتَوۡاْ عَلَىٰ وَادِ ٱلنَّمۡلِ قَالَتۡ نَمۡلَةٌ۬ يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّمۡلُ ٱدۡخُلُواْ مَسَـٰكِنَڪُمۡ لَا يَحۡطِمَنَّكُمۡ سُلَيۡمَـٰنُ وَجُنُودُهُ ۥ وَهُمۡ لَا يَشۡعُرُونَ
فَتَبَسَّمَ ضَاحِكً۬ا مِّن قَوۡلِهَا وَقَالَ رَبِّ أَوۡزِعۡنِىٓ أَنۡ أَشۡكُرَ نِعۡمَتَكَ ٱلَّتِىٓ أَنۡعَمۡتَ عَلَىَّ وَعَلَىٰ وَٲلِدَىَّ وَأَنۡ أَعۡمَلَ صَـٰلِحً۬ا تَرۡضَٮٰهُ وَأَدۡخِلۡنِى بِرَحۡمَتِكَ فِى عِبَادِكَ ٱلصَّـٰلِحِينَ

And there were gathered before Sulaiman (Solomon) his hosts of jinns and men, and birds, and they all were set in battle order (marching forwards). Till, when they came to the valley of the ants, one of the ants said: “O ants! Enter your dwellings, lest Sulaiman (Solomon) and his hosts crush you, while they perceive not.” So he [Sulaiman (Solomon)] smiled, amused at her speech and said: “My Lord! Inspire and bestow upon me the power and ability that I may be grateful for Your Favours which You have bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may do righteous good deeds that will please You, and admit me by Your Mercy among Your righteous slaves.” [Surah An-Naml. Aayaat 17-19]

The ant sought an excuse for the army if they would have harmed its colony due to being unaware of their presence and it blamed its colony if they failed to take precaution by not entering their dwelling place. And due to this, Sulaymaan [alayhis salaam] smiled because indeed it is something that should bring about amazement and make someone smile. (1)

The ant knew Sulaymaan’s [alayhis salaam] affair and that of his army, exalted Sulaymaan’s [alayhis salaam] authority and excused them if they crushed its colony because that would have occurred unintentionally.

Sulaymaan [alayhis-salaam] heard the ant’s speech and understood it, so he smiled due to being amazed by the ant’s eloquence, [good] advice and fine expression. This is how the Prophets were – perfect manners and expressing their amazement in the right circumstances. They do not laugh; rather they smile just as the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] mostly used to smile, for indeed a loud burst of laughter is an indication of feeble mindedness and bad manners.

On the other hand, the one who does not become amazed by what should amaze a person, then this is an indication of ill-humour and haughtiness, and the Messengers of Allaah are free from that.

Allaah said: [وَتَفَقَّدَ ٱلطَّيۡرَ -He (i.e. Sulyanmaan) inspected the birds]: This shows his perfect determination and jurisdiction, and the way in which he – himself – administered both the small and big affairs to the extent that he was not inattentive to this affair, which was to inspect the birds and find out whether all of them were present or any of them were not. This is the meaning of the verse. There is proof for those who say that he inspected the birds in order to see where the hoopoe, so that it guides him regarding the farness or closeness of where water could be found, as they claimed about the hoopoe that it could see water under a dense surface of land, because there is no proof for this statement; but rather the sound intellectual and textual proofs demonstrates it falsity.

As for the sound intellectual proof, it is known by way of experience, the norm and what is clearly seen that these animals were all present and none of them had a vision that was beyond what they naturally possessed that made them see water under a dense surface of land. If this was the case, Allaah would have mentioned it, because it would have been one of the greatest signs. As for the textual proof, if this was the meaning intended, the text would have been, “He looked for the hoopoe so that it searched water for him”, but when he could not find him, he would uttred what he did, or, “He looked for the hoopoe” or, “He searched for him” or expressions the like thereof. Rather he inspected the birds to find out which ones were present and which ones were absent, and whether they were in the places he specifically designated for them. Also, neither was Sulayman [peace be upon him] in need of water nor in dire need of water to the extent that he required the expertise of the hoopoe, because he had the devils and extremely strong jinn (who were subjugated to his service) who could have dig out water for him regardless its depth. Allaah subjugated the wind to him, whose morning (stride from sunrise till midnoon) was a month’s (journey), and its afternoon (stride from the midday decline of the sun to sunset) was a month’s (journey i.e. in one day he could travel two months’ journey). Then, why – with all this – would he have been in need of the hoopoe?! [فَقَالَ مَا لِىَ لَآ أَرَى ٱلۡهُدۡهُدَ أَمۡ ڪَانَ مِنَ ٱلۡغَآٮِٕبِينَ – and he said: What is the matter that I see not the hoopoe? Or is he among the absentees?] – Meaning, is that I cannot see him because of me being unaware of his presence due to it being hidden among these numerous different groups, or because – with neither my permission nor command – it is absent?

So, he (Sulaymaan) got angry and issued a threat of punishment, and said: [لَأُعَذِّبَنَّهُ ۥ عَذَابً۬ا شَدِيدًا – I will surely punish him with a severe punishment]- Meaning, but will kill it. [أَوۡ لَأَاْذۡبَحَنَّهُ ۥۤ أَوۡ لَيَأۡتِيَنِّى بِسُلۡطَـٰنٍ۬ مُّبِينٍ۬ – or slaughter it, unless it brings me a clear reason]- Meaning, a clear proof for being absent. This shows Sulaymaan’s perfect Wara [i.e. being fearful of falling into a doubtful matter that would lead to harm in the Hereafter] and equity because he did not merely make an oath to punish or kill the hoopoe, as that can only be done if a sin or wrong doing was committed. It may be that there was a clear excuse for its absence, therefore he made this exception, because o f his Wara and sound perception.

[فَمَكَثَ غَيۡرَ بَعِيدٍ۬ – But the hoopoe stayed not long]. This shows the manner in which his troops venerated him and maintained them his command, to the extent that this hoopoe that was absent due to a valid excuse did not stay away for long time; so it said to Sulyamaan (i.e. after returning): [ أَحَطتُ بِمَا لَمۡ تُحِطۡ بِهِۦ – I have grasped (the knowledge of a thing) which you have not grasped]- Meaning, I have knowledge of something that you do not have, even though you possess vast knowledge and your elevated station in affairs of knowledge. [وَجِئۡتُكَ مِن سَبَإِۭ – and I have come to you from Saba’ (Sheba)]- Meaning, a well-known tribe in Yemen, [بِنَبَإٍ۬ يَقِينٍ – with true news]-Meaning, news based on certainty.

Then the hoopoe explained the news and said: [ إِنِّى وَجَدتُّ ٱمۡرَأَةً۬ تَمۡلِڪُهُمۡ- I found a woman ruling over them]- Meaning, ruling over Saba, and she is a woman: [وَأُوتِيَتۡ مِن ڪُلِّ شَىۡءٍ۬ – and she has been given all things]- Meaning, the things given to kings, such as wealth, weapons, armies, fortresses, citadels etc. [وَلَهَا عَرۡشٌ عَظِيمٌ۬ – and she has a great throne]- Meaning, a throne on which she sits – huge and magnificent throne. The great size of the throne shows greatness of the kingdom, the strength of authority and the numerous men who were consultees.

[وَجَدتُّهَا وَقَوۡمَهَا يَسۡجُدُونَ لِلشَّمۡسِ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ – I found her and her people worshipping the sun instead of Allah] – Meaning, they were polytheists who worshipped the sun. [وَزَيَّنَ لَهُمُ ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنُ أَعۡمَـٰلَهُمۡ – and Shaitan (Satan) has made their deeds fair-seeming to them]- Meaning, so they thought that what they were upon is truth. [فَصَدَّهُمۡ عَنِ ٱلسَّبِيلِ فَهُمۡ لَا يَهۡتَدُونَ – and has barred them from (Allah’s) Way, so they have no guidance]- Meaning, because the one who thinks that what he is upon is truth, then there is not expectation that he will be guided until he changes his creed. Then it said: [أَلَّا يَسۡجُدُواْ لِلَّهِ ٱلَّذِى يُخۡرِجُ ٱلۡخَبۡءَ فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ – For what reason would they not prostrate before (i.e. worship) Who brings to light what is hidden in the heavens and the earth]- Meaning, Allaah knows what is hidden and concealed in all regions of the heavens and o f the earth – the smallest creatures, the seeds and all that is hidden in the hearts. He brings to light what is hidden on earth and in heaven by sending rain and make plants to grow, and He will bring to light what is hidden in the earth when (He commands the angel to blow) the trumpet and the dead exit from the earth, so that they are recompensed for their deeds. [وَيَعۡلَمُ مَا تُخۡفُونَ وَمَا تُعۡلِنُونَ – and knows what you conceal and what you reveal]. [ٱللَّهُ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ – Allah, none has the right to be worshipped but He]- Meaning, worship, turning repentantly, humility and love (as an act of worship) is not to be devoted to anyone besides Allaah – the one and only true object of worship, because He alone possesses perfect attributes [free from all weakness, deficiencies, co-equals, shortcoming] and because He grants all blessings which necessitates that He alone is to be worshipped. [رَبُّ ٱلۡعَرۡشِ ٱلۡعَظِيمِ – the Lord of the Supreme Throne!] – Meaning, which is the roof of above all the creation and encompasses the earth and heavens. The King, who possesses this mighty authority and might [without any co-equal, weakness, likeness, shortcoming, deficiencies] is the one to whom (humankind and jinn) must humble themselves, prostrate and bow in His presence. So, the hoopoe was saved from punishment when he related this great news, and Sulayman was amazed regarding why this was hidden from him. So, due to his sound intelligence and judiciousness, he stated – whilst seeking to ascertain the news:

سَنَنظُرُ أَصَدَقۡتَ أَمۡ كُنتَ مِنَ ٱلۡكَـٰذِبِينَ
ٱذۡهَب بِّكِتَـٰبِى هَـٰذَا فَأَلۡقِهۡ إِلَيۡہِمۡ ثُمَّ تَوَلَّ عَنۡہُمۡ فَٱنظُرۡ مَاذَا يَرۡجِعُونَ

We shall see whether you speak the truth or you are (one) of the liars. Go you with this letter of mine, and deliver it to them, then draw back from them, and see what (answer) they return.

It (the hoopoe) departed with the letter and delivered it. (2)

To be continued…InShaaAllaah


[Ref 1: An Excerpt from ‘Badaa’i At-Tafseer Al-Jaami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imaam Ibnul Qayyim Al-Jawziyyah’ Vol 2′ pages 279-282). Slightly paraphrased]. [Ref 2: An Excerpt from ‘Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam al-Mannaan’. Slightly paraphrased]

The Oppressive and Unjust Ones Amongst Banee Israa’eel Are Well Known For Evicting People From Their Homes [Surah Al-Baqarah Verses 84- 85]

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

The unjust and oppressive ones amongst Banee Israa’eel are well known for evicting people from their homes; rather even used to commit this crime against a group amongst their own people, so what does one expect that they will do to Muslims?! Allaah [The Exalted] informed us of what the oppressive and unjust ones amongst them did to others:

وَإِذۡ أَخَذۡنَا مِيثَـٰقَكُمۡ لَا تَسۡفِكُونَ دِمَآءَكُمۡ وَلَا تُخۡرِجُونَ أَنفُسَكُم مِّن دِيَـٰرِكُمۡ ثُمَّ أَقۡرَرۡتُمۡ وَأَنتُمۡ تَشۡہَدُونَ
ثُمَّ أَنتُمۡ هَـٰٓؤُلَآءِ تَقۡتُلُونَ أَنفُسَكُمۡ وَتُخۡرِجُونَ فَرِيقً۬ا مِّنكُم مِّن دِيَـٰرِهِمۡ تَظَـٰهَرُونَ عَلَيۡهِم بِٱلۡإِثۡمِ وَٱلۡعُدۡوَٲنِ وَإِن يَأۡتُوكُمۡ أُسَـٰرَىٰ تُفَـٰدُوهُمۡ وَهُوَ مُحَرَّمٌ عَلَيۡڪُمۡ إِخۡرَاجُهُمۡ‌ۚ أَفَتُؤۡمِنُونَ بِبَعۡضِ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبِ وَتَكۡفُرُونَ بِبَعۡضٍ۬‌ۚ فَمَا جَزَآءُ مَن يَفۡعَلُ ذَٲلِكَ مِنڪُمۡ إِلَّا خِزۡىٌ۬ فِى ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا‌ۖ وَيَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ يُرَدُّونَ إِلَىٰٓ أَشَدِّ ٱلۡعَذَابِ‌ۗ وَمَا ٱللَّهُ بِغَـٰفِلٍ عَمَّا تَعۡمَلُونَ
أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱشۡتَرَوُاْ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةَ ٱلدُّنۡيَا بِٱلۡأَخِرَةِ‌ۖ فَلَا يُخَفَّفُ عَنۡہُمُ ٱلۡعَذَابُ وَلَا هُمۡ يُنصَرُونَ

And (remember) when We took your covenant (saying): Shed not the blood of your people, nor turn out your own people from their dwellings. Then, (this) you ratified and (to this) you bear witness. After this, it is you who kill one another and drive out a party of you from their homes, assist (their enemies) against them, in sin and transgression. And if they come to you as captives, you ransom them, although their expulsion was forbidden to you. Then do you believe in a part of the Scripture and reject the rest? Then what is the recompense of those who do so among you, except disgrace in the life of this world, and on the Day of Resurrection they shall be consigned to the most grievous torment. And Allah is not unaware of what you do. Those are they who have bought the life of this world at the price of the Hereafter. Their torment shall not be lightened nor shall they be helped. [Surah Al-Baqarah. Verses 84-86]

Muslim Authorities Oppose The Oppressive Ones Amongst Banee Israa’eel And Ask Them to Refrain From Oppressing and Evicting Muslims From Their Homes

[1] Positives and Negatives of Banee Israa’eel: [What Led Unjust Ones Amongst Them to Steal Wealth of The Arabs and What Gave Upright Leadership to True Believers Amongst Them?!]

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

Positives and Negatives of Banee Israa’eel: [What Led Unjust Ones Amongst Them to Steal Wealth of The Arabs and What Gave Upright Leadership to The True Believers Amongst Them?!]: 1_positives_and_negatives

Grave Worshippers of Today Have a Fair Share of The Shirk of Their Predecessors In The Previous Nations [i.e. The Grave Worshippers Amongst The Jews and Christians Who Went Astray After The Departure of Their Prophets] – By Imaam al-Aloosee

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

Imaam Al-Aloosee [May Allaah have mercy upon him] said:

It has been reported in a hadeeth whose authenticity is agreed upon by Al-Bukhaari and Muslim [that the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)] said, “Indeed, you will follow the way of those before you, hand span by hand span, cubit by cubit, to the extent that if they entered into the hole of a lizard, you will enter it too”. [Al-Bukhaari 1397, Muslim 4822]

He [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] informed us that indeed there will be in his Ummah those who will follow the previous nations – the ignorant people amongst the people of the scriptures and other than them – hand span by hand span as has been explained in the hadeeth. There is no doubt that what he [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] informed us has occurred, because indeed he is As-Saadiq Al-Masdooq [the truthful one and the one believed in everything he says] and he does not speak out of his own desires. Certainly those who adhere to his guidance and follow that which has been established in his Sunnah are not the ones intended in this hadeeth due to that which is established (in the other) hadeeth regarding the sects, that these people are the Firqatun Naaji’yah [the saved sect] – those upon [i.e. adhering to] that which the Messenger and his companions adhered to. [End of quote. Ghaayah al-Amaanee Fee Radd Alan Nabahaanee 1/19-20] The Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, ”My Ummah will divide into 73 sects, all of them will be in the fire except one, and that is the Jamaa’ah. It was said, ‘And who are they, O Allaah’s Messenger?’ He said, ‘That which I and my companions are upon today [i.e. at present]”’. [Tirmidhee 2641]

Therefore, it has to be the case that the people who follow the footsteps of the Jews and Christians are those who substitute and change (the religion), innovate in religious affairs and distort, imitate the previous nations in their actions and deeds, such as building tombs and mosques on the graves of their righteous people- invoking them during important events, during times when they face very painful situations and other than that (similar) to what the Jews, Christians and idol worshippers used to do. And amongst the extremists and innovators – the grave worshippers – there are those with the traits of the Jews, the Christians and the idol worshippers which attest to the fact that they follow their way hand span by hand span, cubit by cubit, and we shall mention some of this as a clear example of what we intend to point out.

Among their traits [i.e. those Jews and Christians who went astray after the departure of their Prophets, as well as the idol worshippers] is that they used to perform acts of worship whilst associating partners with Allaah- associated the righteous people as partners with Allaah in worship and considered it as a type of exalting the righteous people that is beloved to Allaah. Also their goal was to have their needs fulfilled and to be granted success through seeking the intercession of the righteous people, because they thought that the righteous people loved that they do so.

Indeed, the Qur’aan has informed us of this trait of theirs. Allaah [The Exalted] said:

إِنَّآ أَنزَلۡنَآ إِلَيۡكَ ٱلۡڪِتَـٰبَ بِٱلۡحَقِّ فَٱعۡبُدِ ٱللَّهَ مُخۡلِصً۬ا لَّهُ ٱلدِّينَ
أَلَا لِلَّهِ ٱلدِّينُ ٱلۡخَالِصُ‌ۚ وَٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّخَذُواْ مِن دُونِهِۦۤ أَوۡلِيَآءَ مَا نَعۡبُدُهُمۡ إِلَّا لِيُقَرِّبُونَآ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ زُلۡفَىٰٓ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَحۡكُمُ بَيۡنَهُمۡ فِى مَا هُمۡ فِيهِ يَخۡتَلِفُونَ‌ۗ

Verily, We have sent down the Book to you (O Muhammad ) in truth: So worship Allah (Alone) by doing religious deeds sincerely for Allah’s sake only, (and not to show-off, and not to set up rivals with Him in worship). Surely, the religion (i.e. the worship and the obedience) is for Allah only. And those who take Auliya’ (protectors and helpers) besides Him (say): “We worship them only that they may bring us near to Allah.” Verily, Allah will judge between them concerning that wherein they differ. [Surah Az-Zumar. 2-3]

The worship devoted by the idol worshippers to them was that they supplicated to them, sought their needs from them, sacrificed animals to them, vowed to them and made oaths to them. Allaah [The Exalted] said: [وَيَعۡبُدُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ مَا لَا يَضُرُّهُمۡ وَلَا يَنفَعُهُمۡ وَيَقُولُونَ هَـٰٓؤُلَآءِ شُفَعَـٰٓؤُنَا عِندَ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ – And they worship besides Allah things that hurt them not, nor profit them, and they say: “These are our intercessors with Allah]. [Surah Yunus. Aayah 18] [End of quote. Ghaayah Al-Amaanee Radd Alan Nabahaanee. 1/19-20]

Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: Some people invoke the inhabitant of a grave and others beseech him for help; some make vows to him and others seek assistance from him just as the Quraish pagans and other than them used to do during Al-Jaahiliyyah [i.e. during the period of pre-Islamic Ignorance], because they used to invoke Al-Uzza, Al-laat, Manaat and other idols, and likewise the polytheists-in every era-invoke their idols and those images they worship besides Allaah. They exalt them, invoke, seek assistance and blessings from them. This practice is a plot of shaytaan because what he eagerly wants to achieve is to distance people from the sound Islamic creed through every means. [End of quote. Awaamil Islaah Al-Mujtama’ah pages 1-27]

Invocation, vows, offering sacrifices etc are acts of worship and can only be carried out for Allaah alone, and not for graves, tombs, shrines and their dead inhabitants.

Ad-Du’aa: Invocation: “Your Lord says: O people, invoke Me and supplicate to Me making your worship sincerely for Me alone, and I will answer you, and pardon you and have mercy upon you. Indeed those who disdain to worship Me alone will enter Hell-Fire in disgrace. [Soorah Ghaafir. 60]

So the noble Aayah proves that invocation/supplication (du’aa) is worship, and if that were not the case it would not be said “those who disdain to worship Me alone….” So whoever called upon anyone besides Allaah[The Mighty and Majestic], requesting something which none but Allaah has power over, then he is a mushrik (one who worships others besides Allaah), an unbeliever (kaafir), whether the one he calls upon is living or dead. Whoever requests a living person for something which he is able to do, such as the saying: ‘O so and so give me food’ or ‘O so and so give me a drink,’ then there is no harm in that. But whoever asks a dead person or someone who is absent for that, then he is a mushrik, since the deceased or the absent cannot possibly do that. So in such a case his supplicating to them shows that he believes that they have some control over the creation, and he is therefore a mushrik. It must be noted that du’aa is of two types: (i) Supplication, when a request is made (du ‘aa-u mas’alah) and, (ii) invocation through worship (du’aa-u Ibaadah). So supplication is to request ones needs and is worship when the servant requests that from his Lord.

This is because it involves showing one’s poverty before Allaah [The Most High], and one’s need to turn to Him, and one’s certain faith that He is the one having full power, the Most Generous, the one who gives bounteously and is Most Merciful. Seeking one’s needs from someone else from the creation is permissible if the one to whom the request is made is able to hear and understand it, and has the power to respond to it, like the saying: ‘O so and so give me food.’ As for invocation through worship, then it is that the person does an act of worship seeking reward and fearing punishment, and this is not correct unless directed to Allaah alone. To direct this to anyone else besides Allaah is major shirk which takes a person out of the Religion, and he falls under the threat in the Saying of Allaah[Te Most High], “Your Lord says: O people, invoke Me and supplicate to Me making your worship sincerely for Me alone, and I will answer you, and pardon you and have mercy upon you. Indeed those who disdain to worship Me alone will enter Hell-Fire in disgrace.” [Soorah Ghaafir. 60]

Al- Isti’aanah-Appealing for aid and assistance: The evidence for this act of worship is the verse of the Qur’aan: “O Allaah You alone we worship, and to You alone we appeal for aid” [Soorah al-Faatihah. 5] and in the hadeeth there occurs: “If you seek help, then seek the help of Allaah.” [Reported by at-Tirmidhee and declared Saheeh by Shaykh al-Albaanee in al-Mishkaat (no.5302)]
Al-isti’aanah is to appeal for assistance, and it is of various types:

(i) Appealing for aid and assistance from Allaah – this is an appeal for aid and assistance that comprises complete humility of the servant before his Lord, and to submit and entrust the affair to Him, and to be certain that He is fully sufficient for him. This is not to be except for Allaah, the Most High, alone, and the evidence is the Saying of Allaah, the Most High, “O Allaah You alone we worship, and to You alone we appeal for aid.” [Soorah al-Faatihah]. The fact that this is to be for Allaah, the Most High, alone is shown by the fact that He mentions the word upon which the verb acts before the verb itself, and according to the principles of grammar of the Arabic language, in which the Qur’aan came down, bringing forward that which usually comes afterwards indicates restriction and particularisation. So directing this type to other than Allaah, the Most High, is shirk which takes a person out of the Religion.

(ii) Seeking the help of a person from the creation, in something which he is capable of helping in. Then this will be in accordance with the action in which help is sought. If it is a good action then it is permissible for the person to seek help upon it, and prescribed for a person to help in that, as Allaah [The Most High] says, “And assist one another upon righteous actions and avoidance of sins.” [Soorah Al-Maa’idah. Aayah 2]

If it is a sinful thing, then it is forbidden for the person doing it and for the one who assists, as Allaah, [The Most High] says, “And do not assist one another in abandoning what Allaah has commanded and upon transgressing the limits laid down in the Religion.” [Soorah al-Maa’idah. Aayah 2]

If it is something permissible, then it is allowed for the person to seek help and to be assisted, and the one who is helping may be rewarded for kind treatment and thus it becomes something prescribed for him as Allaah [The Most High] says, “And do good, indeed Allaah loves those who do good.” [Soorah al-Baqarah. Aayah 195]

(iii) Seeking the help of a person from the creation who is alive and present, except that it is something which he is incapable of, then this is futile and useless. For example that he seeks the help of a weak person in order to carry something very heavy.

(iv) Seeking the aid of any deceased person, or the aid of the living in a matter of the hidden and unseen, which they cannot reach. Then this is shirk since it will only be done by a person who believes that those whose help he seeks have some hidden control over the creation.

(v) Seeking help by performing deeds that are beloved to Allaah, the Most High. This is something that is prescribed due to the Saying of Allaah [The Most High], “And seek assistance through patience and Prayer.” [Soorah al-Baqarah. Aayah 45]

The author uses as evidence for the first type the Saying of Allaah [The Most High], “O Allaah You alone we worship, and to You alone we appeal for aid” [Soorah al-Faatihah Aayah 5], and the saying of the Prophet saying: “If you seek help then seek the help of Allaah”.

The evidence for seeking refuge (al-isti’aadhah) is the Saying of Allaah, the Most High: “Say: I seek refuge with the Lord of the dawn” [Soorah al-Falaq. Aayah 1] and “Say: I seek refuge with the Lord of mankind”.[Soorah an-Naas Aayah 1]

Al-Isti’aadhah-To seek refuge; which is to seek protection against that which one hates and involves seeking refuge and shelter and protection from someone, and is of various types:

(i) Seeking the refuge of Allaah, the Most High, and this involves ones complete need of Him, attachment to Him, and one’s certain faith in His being sufficient and His perfect protection from everything, whether in the present or the future, small or large, human or not, and the proof is the Sayings of Allaah, the Most High, “Say: I seek refuge with the Lord of the dawn, from the evil of that which He created…” [Soorahal-Falaq. l-2] “Say: I seek refuge with the Lord of mankind; the king of mankind; the one who is worshipped rightfully by mankind; from the evil of Satan who whispers into the hearts of mankind and then withdraws when they remember Allaah…” [Soorah an-Naas. 1-4]

(ii) Seeking refuge in one of Allaah’s attributes, such as His Speech, His Greatness, His Might, and so on. The evidence for this are his sayings: The Prophet said, “I seek refuge in the perfect Words of Allaah from the evil of that which He created” [Reported by Muslim (Eng. transl. 4/ 142l/no.654l)]. He said, “I seek refuge in Your Might that I should not be assailed from below” [Reported by Aboo Daawood (Eng. transl. 3/1408/no. 5056) and declared Saheeh by Shaykh al-Albaanee in Saheeh Sunan Abee Dawood (no. 4239)]. Also his saying in the supplication recited when suffering from pain, “I seek refuge in the Might and Power of Allaah from the evil of what I feel and am wary of.” [Reported by Muslim (Eng. transl. 3/1198/no. 5462) and Ibn Maajah (no. 3522)]. The Prophet said, “I seek refuge in Your Pleasure from Your Wrath” [Reported by Muslim (Eng. transl. l/255/no.986)]. His saying, when Allaah, the Most High, sent down His Saying: “Say He is the One fully able to send punishment upon you from above.” [Soorah al-An’aam (6):65] He said: “I seek refuge in Your Face.” [Collected by al-Bukhaaree (Eng. transl. 9/370/503)].

(iii) Seeking refuge either with the dead, or with living people who are not present and able to grant refuge, then this is shirk. In this regard Allaah, the Most High, says, “And there were men from mankind who used to seek refuge with men of the jinn, and so that only increased them in transgression.” [Soorah al-Jinn. Aayah 6]

Seeking shelter with some person or in some place, or the like, as long as it is something which can serve the purpose of providing shelter. Then this is permissible and the evidence is his saying, speaking about tribulations, “Whoever exposes himself to them will be destroyed by them, and whoever finds a place of shelter or refuge from them, then let him take shelter in it” [Reported by alBukhaaree (Eng. transl. vol. 9/p. 158/no.203) and Muslim (Eng. transl. 4/1495/no.6893)]. He also explained this place of shelter or refuge in his saying, “So whoever has camels should stick to his camels…“ [Reported by Muslim (Eng. transl. 4/1495-1496/no.6896)]. There also occurs in Saheeh Muslim (Eng. transl. 3/91 I/no.4190) from Jaabir that a woman from the tribe of Banoo Makhzoom stole something, so then she was brought to the Prophet and she sought refuge with Umm Salamah. He also reports in his Saheeh (Eng. transl. 4/ 1494/no.6996) from Umm Salamah, from the Prophet that he said: “A man will seek refuge in the House and an army detachment will be sent against him…” However if it is the case that someone is seeking refuge from the evil of an oppressor, then it is obligatory to shelter him and grant him refuge as far as is possible. But if he seeks refuge in order to help him to commit something forbidden, or to flee away from an obligation, then it is forbidden to shelter him.

Al-istighaathah -To seek rescue and deliverance from severe difficulty and destruction, and is of various types:

(i) Seeking deliverance and rescue from Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, is one of the most excellent and most perfect deeds, and it was the continual practice of the messengers and their followers. The evidence for it is what the Shaykh, rahimahullaah, mentioned, “When you sought aid and deliverance of your Lord and He responded to you that He was sending you a thousand angels in succession to assist you.” [Soorah al-Anfaal. Aayah 9]

This occurred at the battle of Badr when the Prophet saw the polytheists numbering a thousand men, whist his companions were a few more than three hundred and ten. So he entered the palm grove calling earnestly upon his Lord, the Mighty and Majestic, raising up his hands and facing the qiblah, and saying: “O Allaah fulfil that which You have promised me. O Allaah if this small group who are the people of lslaam are destroyed you will not be worshipped upon the earth.” Then he continued calling upon his Lord earnestly, with his hands raised such that his cloak fell from his shoulders. So Aboo Bakr, radiyallaahu ‘anhu, took up his cloak and cast it back upon his shoulders and embraced him from behind and said: “O Prophet of Allaah, your earnest supplication to your Lord will be sufficient for you since he will fulfil what He has promised you,” so this Aayah was sent down. [Reported by Muslim (Eng. transl. 3/960/no.4360)]

(ii) Seeking rescue and deliverance, either from the dead or from those who are living but are not present and able to give aid and rescue, then this is shirk. This is so because it will not be done except by one who believes that those people have some unseen control over the creation, and they have therefore attributed to them a share of the Lordship that is for Allaah, the Most High, alone. Allaah, the Most High, says, “Or is that which you falsely worship along with Allaah better than He Who responds to the one in distress when he calls Him; who removes the harm; and who makes you to succeed those who came before you?! Is there anything that is worshipped besides Allaah that can do these things for you?! Little do you consider the greatness of Allaah and His favours upon you, and the clear proofs He has given you, so you therefore associate others in worship with Him.” [Soorah an-Naml (27):62]

(iii) Seeking aid and rescue from those who are alive, aware of the situation and capable of assistance and rescue. It is permissible to seek aid and rescue from them: Allaah, the Most High, says in the story of Moosaa: “So the man who was upon the same Religion as Moosaa sought the aid of Moosaa against his enemy the copt, so Moosaa struck him forcefully and killed him.” [Soorah al-Qasas. Aayah 15]

(iv) Seeking rescue and aid from a living person who is not capable of assisting him, without believing that he has some hidden power. For example that a drowning person calls for rescue from a person who is paralysed. This is futility and is a mockery of the one whom he seeks rescue from, and is therefore prohibited for this reason. A further reason for its prohibition is that anyone who saw him seeking rescue from the paralysed man may be deceived into thinking that the paralysed man must have some hidden power enabling him to rescue people.

Adh-dhabh- Sacrifice: The evidence is the ayah of the Qur’aan: “Say, O Muhammad, indeed my Prayer, my sacrifice, my living and my dying are all purely and solely for Allaah, Lord of all creation. There is no share of any of that for other than him.” [Soorah al-An’aam. 162-163]. Also the Prophet said: “Allaah has cursed anyone who sacrifices for other than Allaah” [Reported by Muslim (Eng. transl. 3/ 1093- 1094/no.4876)]

Sacrifice is to kill by spilling the blood of the animal in a particular manner, and is done for a number of reasons:

That it is done as an act of worship, such that he intends by it veneration of the one for whom he sacrifices, and intends it as an act of submission to him and a means of nearness to him. So this may not be done except for Allaah, the Most High, and has to be done in the manner which Allaah, the Most High, has prescribed. Directing it to other than Allaah is major shirk and the evidence (as mentioned by the author) is the Saying of Allaah, the Most High, “Say, O Muhammad, indeed my Prayer, my sacrifice, my living and my dying are all purely and solely for Allaah, Lord of all creation. There is no share of any of that for other than Him’ [Soorah al-An’aam (6):162-3]

(ii) That it is done out of hospitality for the guest, or for as wedding feast (waleemah) or the like, then this is something commanded, either as an obligation or a recommendation, as he said “Whoever truly believes in Allaah and the Last Day, then let him treat the guest honourably” [Reported by al-Bukhaaree (Eng. transl. 8/99/no. 156) and Muslim (Eng. transl. 3/935/no. 4286)]. He said to ‘Abdur-Rahmaan ibn ‘Auf, “Give a wedding, feast (waleemah) even if it is only with a single sheep” [Reported by al-Bukhaaree (Eng. transl. 7/72/no.96)]. (iii) That it is done to provide food charitably, or to sell the meat and so on, then this falls under that which is permissible and is in principle according to the Saying of Allaah, the Most High, “Do those mushriks who worship others along with Allaah not see that We have created for them, from what our Hands have created, cattle which they are in charge of, and We have made the cattle subservient to them: so from them are those which they eat the meat of.” [Soorah Yaa Seen. 71-72] Furthermore, it may be something desirable or prohibited depending upon what it leads to.

An-nadhr- Vows: The evidence is the ayah: “They fulfil their vows and they fear a day whose evil is widespread”. [Soorah al-Insaan. 76-:77]

The Aayah is a proof since Allaah praises them for fulfilling their vows, which shows that Allaah loves that and every action that is beloved to Allaah is worship. This is further supported by the Saying of Allaah, the Most High, “…they fear a day whose evil is widespread.” [Soorah al-Insaan. 7]
The fulfilling of vows which Allaah, the Most High, has praised are all acts of worship which Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, has obligated. This is because when a person starts any of the obligatory acts of worship, then he has become duty bound to fulfil and complete them. The proof for this is the Saying of Allaah, the Most High, “Then let them complete the duties of their hajj, and fulfil their vows (e.g. the sacrifice), and let them perform the tawaaf of ifaadah around the ancient House.” [Soorah al-Hajj 29]

Vows by which a person makes a pledge and thus obligates himself to do something or other, or makes some act of obedience to Allaah, that is not obligatory, binding upon himself, then this is disliked, and some of the scholars declared it to be forbidden. This is because the Prophet forbade making vows and said, “It does not bring good, it merely causes the miserly person to spend” [Reported by al-Bukhaaree (Eng. transl. 8/448/no.684) and Muslim (Eng. transl. 3/871/no.4019)]. Yet even so, if a person does go ahead and vow that he will do some act of obedience to Allaah, then it becomes obligatory upon him to perform it as the Prophet said, “Whoever vows to act in obedience to Allaah, then let him obey Him” [Reported by al-Bukhaaree (Eng. transl. 8/449/no.687)].

So in summary vows (an-nadhr) applies to the obligatory acts of worship in general, and to making vows in specific, which is that a person obliges himself to do something for the sake of Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic. The scholars divide the vow into various categories and these are laid out in the books of fiqh (details of Islamic law and regulations). [End of quote- Source: Explanation of the Three fundamental principles. (Translated by Shaikh Abu Talhah Dawud Burbank (may Allaah have mercy upon him and his wife. Aameen)]

NB: Whoever directs the above acts of worship to others besides Allaah, then indeed he or she has committed major shirk [major polytheism] which expels a person from the fold of Islam but this is a general ruling. However, in order to declare a specific Muslim individual as one who has left the fold of Islaam due to him or her committing acts of major polytheism, this ruling cannot be given, except by a scholar. Regarding this affair, see the following links:

http://www.manhaj.com/manhaj/articles/wwqny-takfir-and-the-excuse-of-ignorance-shaykh-muhammad-bin-abd-al-wahhaab.cfm
http://www.manhaj.com/manhaj/articles/wvnjp-takfir-and-the-excuse-of-ignorance-shaykh-abd-al-aziz-bin-baz.cfm
http://www.manhaj.com/manhaj/articles/obkwf-takfir-and-the-excuse-of-ignorance-shaykh-saalih-al-fawzaan.cfm
http://www.manhaj.com/manhaj/articles/dkhtd-takfir-and-the-excuse-of-ignorance-shaykh-saalih-al-fawzaan-2.cfm
http://www.manhaj.com/manhaj/articles/gzrsz-takfir-and-the-excuse-of-ignorance-shaykh-saalih-al-fawzaan-3—takfir-of-the-raafidah.cfm
http://www.manhaj.com/manhaj/articles/illhh-takfir-and-the-excuse-of-ignorance-shaykh-saalih-al-fawzaan-4—takfir-of-the-raafidah.cfm
http://www.manhaj.com/manhaj/articles/uufmf-takfir-and-the-excuse-of-ignorance-shaykh-saalih-al-fawzaan-5.cfm
http://www.manhaj.com/manhaj/articles/uncnb-takfir-and-the-excuse-of-ignorance-shaykh-abd-al-muhsin-al-abbaad.cfm
http://www.manhaj.com/manhaj/articles/ecksy-takfir-and-the-excuse-of-ignorance-shaykh-rabee-bin-haadee.cfm

This is the greatest affair regarding which the Messenger opposed them [i.e. the idol worshippers], then he propagated sincerity [i.e. that all these acts of worship must be carried out for Allaah alone], informed them that this is the religion ordained by Allaah, that Allaah does not accept other than this from anyone and that the one who does what he deems to be good (i.e. carries out acts of worship by seeking the intercession of the righteous people through vows, invocation etc), then Allaah will forbid him from paradise and his final abode will be hellfire. This affair [i.e. sincerity – by directing all acts of worship to Allaah alone] is the religion in its entirety and due to it the people split into Muslims and disbelievers and enmity occured, and due to it Jihaad was legislated. Allaah [The Exalted] said: [وَقَـٰتِلُوهُمۡ حَتَّىٰ لَا تَكُونَ فِتۡنَةٌ۬ وَيَڪُونَ ٱلدِّينُ ڪُلُّهُ – And fight them until there is no more Fitnah (disbelief and polytheism: i.e. worshipping others besides Allah) and the religion (worship) will all be for Allah Alone]. [Surah Al-Anfaal. Aayah 39] [End of quote from Ghaayah Al-Amaanee Fee Radd Alan-Nabahaanee 1/19-20]

Jihaad: Read here:
Removing Misconceptions About Jihad in Islam (Part 1): Ibn Al-Qayyim on the Prophet Muhammad’s Call, Jihad and Compulsion in the Religion
http://www.shariah.ws/articles/fhahbmu-removing-misconceptions-about-jihad-in-islam-part-1.cfm
The Islamic Shariah on the Foundation of Muslim Relations With Non-Muslims Who Do Not Show Aggression and Hostility
http://www.shariah.ws/articles/szsumlh-the-foundation-of-muslim-relations-with-non-muslims-who-do-not-show-aggression-and-hostility.cfm
Shaykh Salih Al-Fawzan: The Islamic Shariah Provides Security for Muslims and Non-Muslims and Those Who Violate It Are Kharijites Who Are to Be Fought and Severely Punished
http://www.shariah.ws/articles/duviqgl-shaykh-salih-al-fawzan-the-islamic-shariah-provides-security–for-muslims-and-non-muslims-and-those-who-violate-it-are-kh257rijites-who-are-to-be-fought-and-severely-punished.cfm
Salafi Hadith Scholar Ahmad Shakir’s Thunderous Lightning Bolts Upon the Kharijite Terrorists Al-Ikhwan, Al-Qaidah and ISIS
http://www.shariah.ws/articles/xpsxcjq-salafi-hadith-scholar-ahmad-shakirs-thunderous-lightning-bolts-upon-al-ikhwan.cfm

It is well known that the extremists (amongst the grave worshippers) have a fair share from the traits of their predecessors [i.e. the grave worshippers amongst the jews, the Christians and the idol worshippers] and it is something witnessed. [Ghaayah Al-Amaanee Fee Radd Alan Nabahaanee 1/19-20]

[1] Some Aayaat of The Qur’aan About Fear – [Prophet Ibraaheem Questioned The Disbelievers About Safety and Prophet Hud’s People Sought to Scare Him With Their False Deities]

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

Ibraaheem [alayhis salaam] and His People

Allaah [The Exalted] said that Prophet Ibraaheem [alayhis salaam] 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. [Surah Al-An’aam. Aayaat 81-82]

Meaning: How can this be justified by way of sound intellect or to the one with sound understanding that one fears what you ascribe as partners to Allaah, even though neither can it benefit nor harm, but you do not fear that you have ascribed things as partners to Allaah for which Allaah has neither sent down any proof nor legislated it?!

The person who sets up a deity that has not created anything as a partner to Allaah, [(The Lord and owner of everything, the owner of all the means and causes of harm and benefit); rather such a deity is created, neither can it benefit nor harm itself and those who worship it, neither can it give life nor death, nor raise the dead], prostates to it, humbles himself to it and devoted to it, then this person is more worthy of fearing (evil consequences and destruction) than the one who has not ascribed another deity as a partner to Allaah, but rather he declares that Allaah is one – the only true deity, the one with absolute Lordship, the only one who possesses perfect greatness and authority, the only deity that deserves to be loved, feared and direct one’s hope to. [Ref 1]

[وَڪَيۡفَ أَخَافُ مَآ أَشۡرَڪۡتُمۡ  – Why should I fear that which you ascribe as partners to [Allaah]? – 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. [Ref 2]

People of Hud [alayhis salaam] Trying to Scare Him With Their Idols

Allaah [The Most High] said:

وَإِلَىٰ عَادٍ أَخَاهُمۡ هُودً۬ا‌ۚ قَالَ يَـٰقَوۡمِ ٱعۡبُدُواْ ٱللَّهَ مَا لَڪُم مِّنۡ إِلَـٰهٍ غَيۡرُهُ ۥۤ‌ۖ إِنۡ أَنتُمۡ إِلَّا مُفۡتَرُونَ (٥٠) يَـٰقَوۡمِ لَآ أَسۡـَٔلُكُمۡ عَلَيۡهِ أَجۡرًا‌ۖ إِنۡ أَجۡرِىَ إِلَّا عَلَى ٱلَّذِى فَطَرَنِىٓ‌ۚ أَفَلَا تَعۡقِلُونَ (٥١) وَيَـٰقَوۡمِ ٱسۡتَغۡفِرُواْ رَبَّكُمۡ ثُمَّ تُوبُوٓاْ إِلَيۡهِ يُرۡسِلِ ٱلسَّمَآءَ عَلَيۡڪُم مِّدۡرَارً۬ا وَيَزِدۡڪُمۡ قُوَّةً إِلَىٰ قُوَّتِكُمۡ وَلَا تَتَوَلَّوۡاْ مُجۡرِمِينَ (٥٢) قَالُواْ يَـٰهُودُ مَا جِئۡتَنَا بِبَيِّنَةٍ۬ وَمَا نَحۡنُ بِتَارِكِىٓ ءَالِهَتِنَا عَن قَوۡلِكَ وَمَا نَحۡنُ لَكَ بِمُؤۡمِنِينَ (٥٣) إِن نَّقُولُ إِلَّا ٱعۡتَرَٮٰكَ بَعۡضُ ءَالِهَتِنَا بِسُوٓءٍ۬‌ۗ قَالَ إِنِّىٓ أُشۡہِدُ ٱللَّهَ وَٱشۡہَدُوٓاْ أَنِّى بَرِىٓءٌ۬ مِّمَّا تُشۡرِكُونَ (٥٤) مِن دُونِهِۦ‌ۖ فَكِيدُونِى جَمِيعً۬ا ثُمَّ لَا تُنظِرُونِ (٥٥) إِنِّى تَوَكَّلۡتُ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ رَبِّى وَرَبِّكُم‌ۚ مَّا مِن دَآبَّةٍ إِلَّا هُوَ ءَاخِذُۢ بِنَاصِيَتِہَآ‌ۚ إِنَّ رَبِّى عَلَىٰ صِرَٲطٍ۬ مُّسۡتَقِيمٍ۬ (٥٦) فَإِن تَوَلَّوۡاْ فَقَدۡ أَبۡلَغۡتُكُم مَّآ أُرۡسِلۡتُ بِهِۦۤ إِلَيۡكُمۡ‌ۚ وَيَسۡتَخۡلِفُ رَبِّى قَوۡمًا غَيۡرَكُمۡ وَلَا تَضُرُّونَهُ ۥ شَيۡـًٔا‌ۚ إِنَّ رَبِّى عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىۡءٍ حَفِيظٌ۬ (٥٧) وَلَمَّا جَآءَ أَمۡرُنَا نَجَّيۡنَا هُودً۬ا وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ مَعَهُ ۥ بِرَحۡمَةٍ۬ مِّنَّا وَنَجَّيۡنَـٰهُم مِّنۡ عَذَابٍ غَلِيظٍ۬ (٥٨) وَتِلۡكَ عَادٌ۬‌ۖ جَحَدُواْ بِـَٔايَـٰتِ رَبِّہِمۡ وَعَصَوۡاْ رُسُلَهُ ۥ وَٱتَّبَعُوٓاْ أَمۡرَ كُلِّ جَبَّارٍ عَنِيدٍ۬ (٥٩) وَأُتۡبِعُواْ فِى هَـٰذِهِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا لَعۡنَةً۬ وَيَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ‌ۗ أَلَآ إِنَّ عَادً۬ا كَفَرُواْ رَبَّہُمۡ‌ۗ أَلَا بُعۡدً۬ا لِّعَادٍ۬ قَوۡمِ هُودٍ۬ (٦٠)

And to ‘Ad (people We sent) their brother Hud. He said, “O my people! Worship Allah! You have no other Ilah (God) but Him. Certainly, you do nothing but invent (lies)! “O my people I ask of you no reward for it (the Message). My reward is only from Him, Who created me. Will you not then understand? “And O my people! Ask forgiveness of your Lord and then repent to Him, He will send you (from the sky) abundant rain, and add strength to your strength, so do not turn away as criminals”.  They said: “O Hud! No evidence have you brought us, and we shall not leave our gods for your (mere) saying! And we are not believers in you. “All that we say is that some of our gods (false deities) have seized you with evil (madness).” He said: “I call Allah to witness and bear you witness that I am free from that which you ascribe as partners in worship – with Him (Allah). So plot against me, all of you, and give me no respite. “I put my trust in Allah, my Lord and your Lord! There is not a moving (living) creature but He has grasp of its forelock. Verily, my Lord is on the Straight Path (the truth). “So if you turn away, still I have conveyed the Message with which I was sent to you. My Lord will make another people succeed you, and you will not harm Him in the least. Surely, my Lord is Guardian over all things.” And when Our Commandment came, We saved Hud and those who believed with him by a Mercy from Us, and We saved them from a severe torment. Such were ‘Ad (people). They rejected the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of their Lord and disobeyed His Messengers, and followed the command of every proud obstinate (oppressor of the truth, from their leaders). And they were pursued by a curse in this world and (so they will be) on the Day of Resurrection. No doubt! Verily, ‘Ad disbelieved in their Lord. So away with ‘Ad, the people of Hud. [Surah Hud. Aayaat 50-60]

Allaah [The Exalted] said that they said to Hud [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him]: [إِن نَّقُولُ إِلَّا ٱعۡتَرَٮٰكَ بَعۡضُ ءَالِهَتِنَا بِسُوٓءٍ۬‌ – All that we say is that some of our gods (false deities) have seized you with evil (madness)]- Meaning, “Our gods have afflicted you with dementia and insanity, therefore you have started mumbling that which cannot be understood”. Glorified be Allaah Who placed a covering on the hearts of the wrongdoers! How could they consider the most truthful one amongst the people who brought the most truthful of truthful affairs to be at this level, which a sensible person would have been ashamed to narrate from them had it not been that Allaah informed us of it. This is why Hud [alayhis salaam] made it very clear to them that he was absolutely certain that neither can they nor their idols harm him, as Allaah stated that Hud [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said:

قَالَ إِنِّىٓ أُشۡہِدُ ٱللَّهَ وَٱشۡہَدُوٓاْ أَنِّى بَرِىٓءٌ۬ مِّمَّا تُشۡرِكُونَ

مِن دُونِهِۦ‌ۖ فَكِيدُونِى جَمِيعً۬ا ثُمَّ لَا تُنظِرُونِ

إِنِّى تَوَكَّلۡتُ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ رَبِّى وَرَبِّكُم‌ۚ مَّا مِن دَآبَّةٍ إِلَّا هُوَ ءَاخِذُۢ بِنَاصِيَتِہَآ‌ۚ إِنَّ رَبِّى عَلَىٰ صِرَٲطٍ۬ مُّسۡتَقِيمٍ۬

“I call Allah to witness and bear you witness that I am free from that which you ascribe as partners in worship – with Him (Allah). So plot against me, all of you, and give me no respite. “I put my trust in Allah, my Lord and your Lord! There is not a moving (living) creature but He has grasp of its forelock. Verily, my Lord is on the Straight Path (the truth).

فَإِن تَوَلَّوۡاْ فَقَدۡ أَبۡلَغۡتُكُم مَّآ أُرۡسِلۡتُ بِهِۦۤ إِلَيۡكُمۡ‌ۚ وَيَسۡتَخۡلِفُ رَبِّى قَوۡمًا غَيۡرَكُمۡ وَلَا تَضُرُّونَهُ ۥ شَيۡـًٔا‌ۚ إِنَّ رَبِّى عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىۡءٍ حَفِيظٌ۬

وَلَمَّا جَآءَ أَمۡرُنَا نَجَّيۡنَا هُودً۬ا وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ مَعَهُ ۥ بِرَحۡمَةٍ۬ مِّنَّا وَنَجَّيۡنَـٰهُم مِّنۡ عَذَابٍ غَلِيظٍ۬

وَتِلۡكَ عَادٌ۬‌ۖ جَحَدُواْ بِـَٔايَـٰتِ رَبِّہِمۡ وَعَصَوۡاْ رُسُلَهُ ۥ وَٱتَّبَعُوٓاْ أَمۡرَ كُلِّ جَبَّارٍ عَنِيدٍ۬

وَأُتۡبِعُواْ فِى هَـٰذِهِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا لَعۡنَةً۬ وَيَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ‌ۗ أَلَآ إِنَّ عَادً۬ا كَفَرُواْ رَبَّہُمۡ‌ۗ أَلَا بُعۡدً۬ا لِّعَادٍ۬ قَوۡمِ هُودٍ۬

“So if you turn away, still I have conveyed the Message with which I was sent to you. My Lord will make another people succeed you, and you will not harm Him in the least. Surely, my Lord is Guardian over all things.” And when Our Commandment came, We saved Hud and those who believed with him by a Mercy from Us, and We saved them from a severe torment. Such were ‘Ad (people). They rejected the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of their Lord and disobeyed His Messengers, and followed the command of every proud obstinate (oppressor of the truth, from their leaders). And they were pursued by a curse in this world and (so they will be) on the Day of Resurrection. No doubt! Verily, ‘Ad disbelieved in their Lord. So away with ‘Ad, the people of Hud. [Ref 3]


[Ref 1: An Excerpt From Badaa’I at-Tafseer Al-Jaami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imaam Ibnul Qayyim. 1/352. Slightly paraphrased

[Ref 42 An Excerpt From Tafseer As-Sadi. Slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 53 An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi. Slightly paraphrased]

 

 

You Turn Away Instead of Submitting to The One Who Created And Provided For You!

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

Reflection On Surah Al-Faatir

Allaah [The Exalted] said:

يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ اذْكُرُوا نِعْمَتَ اللَّهِ عَلَيْكُمْ ۚ هَلْ مِنْ خَالِقٍ غَيْرُ اللَّهِ يَرْزُقُكُم مِّنَ السَّمَاءِ وَالْأَرْضِ ۚ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ۖ فَأَنَّىٰ تُؤْفَكُونَ

وَإِن يُكَذِّبُوكَ فَقَدْ كُذِّبَتْ رُسُلٌ مِّن قَبْلِكَ ۚ وَإِلَى اللَّهِ تُرْجَعُ الْأُمُورُ

O mankind! Remember the Grace of Allah upon you! Is there any creator other than Allah who provides for you from the sky (rain) and the earth? La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He). How then are you turning away (from Him)? And if they belie you (O Muhammad), so were Messengers belied before you. And to Allah return all matters (for decision). [Surah Al-Faatir. 3-4]

Allaah [The Exalted] commanded all mankind remember His blessings bestowed on them by acknowledging that in their hearts, praising Him for these blessings with their tongues and submitting themselves to Him [by doing what He has commanded and keeping away from what He has forbidden]. That is because remembering the blessings of Allaah leads one to be grateful to Him.

Then Allaah notified them of the foundation of these blessings which is the fact that He created and provided. Allaah said: [هَلْ مِنْ خَالِقٍ غَيْرُ اللَّهِ يَرْزُقُكُم مِّنَ السَّمَاءِ وَالْأَرْضِ  – Is there any creator other than Allah who provides for you from the sky (rain) and the earth?] – Meaning, when it is well-known that there is none who created and provided besides Allaah, then this proof regarding the fact that He alone is the one with perfect names and attributes which makes Him the only one who has the right to be worshipped and everyone (everything) is a slave of His, and this why He said:

[ ۚ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ۖ فَأَنَّىٰ تُؤْفَكُونَ- Laa ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), how then are you turning away (from Him)?] – Meaning, do you turn away from worshipping the Creator, The All-Provider, and instead worship the created things that are provided for?!

[وَإِن يُكَذِّبُوكَ- If they belie you] – Meaning, O Messenger! If they belie you, then this is an example of that which happened to the Messengers before you. [ فَقَدْ كُذِّبَتْ رُسُلٌ مِّن قَبْلِكَ- so were Messengers belied before you]; so Allaah destroyed those who belied and saved the Messengers and their followers. [وَإِلَى اللَّهِ تُرْجَعُ الْأُمُورُ – And to Allah return all matters (for decision)].


An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi. Slightly paraphrased

 

The Originator of The Heavens and The Earth, Creator of Everything With Their Different Characteristics, None Can Withhold What He Gives Nor Give What He Withholds

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

Reflection On Surah Al-Faatir

Allaah [The Exalted] said:

الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ فَاطِرِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ جَاعِلِ الْمَلَائِكَةِ رُسُلًا أُولِي أَجْنِحَةٍ مَّثْنَىٰ وَثُلَاثَ وَرُبَاعَ ۚ يَزِيدُ فِي الْخَلْقِ مَا يَشَاءُ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ

مَّا يَفْتَحِ اللَّهُ لِلنَّاسِ مِن رَّحْمَةٍ فَلَا مُمْسِكَ لَهَا ۖ وَمَا يُمْسِكْ فَلَا مُرْسِلَ لَهُ مِن بَعْدِهِ ۚ وَهُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ

All the praises and thanks be to Allah, the (only) Originator [or the (only) Creator] of the heavens and the earth, Who made the angels messengers with wings, – two or three or four. He increases in creation what He wills. Verily, Allah is Able to do all things. Whatever of mercy Allah may grant to mankind, none can withhold it, and whatever He may withhold, none can grant it thereafter. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise. [Surah Al-Faatir. 1-2]

[الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ فَاطِرِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ  – All the praises and thanks be to Allah, the (only) Originator of the heavens and the earth]: Meaning, the One who created and brought them into existence prior to their non-existence.

[جَاعِلِ الْمَلَائِكَةِ رُسُلًا أُولِي أَجْنِحَةٍ مَّثْنَىٰ وَثُلَاثَ وَرُبَاعَ – Who made the angels messengers with wings, – two or three or four]: Meaning, Allaah sends them to the Prophets and for other affairs as He wills. They have wings – some two wings, some three and some four. [ يَزِيدُ فِي الْخَلْقِ مَا يَشَاءُ- He increases in creation what He wills]: Muqaatil [rahimahullaah] said, “Allaah increased the wings of the angels as He wills]. [Ref 1]

He gave some of His creation more than others in relation to their physical characteristics, strength, beauty, additional limbs (or faculties) and beautiful voices. [ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِير-Verily, Allah is Able to do all things]: Meaning, by His Power He does whatever He wills and nothing can escape Him, and in relation to this is that He gave some of His creation more than others. [Ref2]

[مَّا يَفْتَحِ اللَّهُ لِلنَّاسِ مِن رَّحْمَةٍ فَلَا مُمْسِكَ لَهَا ۖ وَمَا يُمْسِكْ فَلَا مُرْسِلَ لَهُ مِن بَعْدِهِ – Whatever of mercy Allah may grant to mankind, none can withhold it, and whatever He may withhold, none can grant it thereafter]: Meaning, the good things and provisions. This shows that Allaah alone is the true deity because none is able to withhold what He has granted nor give what He withholds. [Ref 3]

[وَهُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ   – And He is the Almighty, The All-wise]:

[وَهُوَ الْعَزِيزُ  – And He is the Almighty]: Meaning, He has subdued all things.

[الْحَكِيمُ – The All-Wise]: Meaning, He places all things in their appropriate places. [Ref 4]


[Ref 1: An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi. Slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 2: An Excerpt from Zaadul Maseer Fee Ilmit Tafseer’ By Imaam Ibnul Jawzi. Slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 3: An Excerpt from Zaadul Maseer Fee Ilmit Tafseer’ By Imaam Ibnul Jawzi. Slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 4: An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi. Slightly paraphrased]