Skip to main content

Tag: Salaf

Israa Wal-Miraaj: [Is The Israa Wal-Miraaj to Be Celebrated And Are There Any Specific Acts of Worship Related to It?!]

Written by abumuaawiyah on . Posted in Bid'ah (Innovation), Contemporary Issues, Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Scholars of Islam, Sin, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

1_Israa_Wal_Miraaj

Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him] stated:

There is no doubt that the Israa Wal Miraaj are from Allaah’s Great Signs, which is shows the truthfulness of His Messenger Muhammad [peace and blessings of Alaah be upon him], the greatness of his status in the Sight of Allaah [The Mighty and Exalted], as well as evidence of Allaah’s Magnificent Power and His Exaltation above His Creation [Mankind, Jinn etc]. Allaah [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections] said:

سُبْحَانَ الَّذِي أَسْرَى بِعَبْدِهِ لَيْلًا مِنَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ إِلَى الْمَسْجِدِ الْأَقْصَى الَّذِي بَارَكْنَا حَوْلَهُ لِنُرِيَهُ مِنْ آيَاتِنَا إِنَّه هُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْبَصِيرُ

Glorified (and Exalted) be He (Allah) [above all that (evil) they associate with Him], Who took His slave (Muhammad ) for a journey by night from Al-Masjid-al-Haram (at Makkah) to the farthest mosque (in Jerusalem), the neighbourhood whereof We have blessed, in order that We might show him (Muhammad) of Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, lessons, signs, etc.). Verily, He is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer. [Surah Al-Israa. Verse 1]

It has been transmitted by way of Tawaatur -[i.e. an authentic narration transmitted by numerous narrators to the extent that such narrators cannot all agree on a lie]- from Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] that he was taken up to the heavens and its gates were opened for him until he went past the Seventh Heaven. Then his Lord [Allaah (Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections)] spoke to him regarding what He willed and obligated the five daily prayers on him. Allaah [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections] obligated fifty daily prayers on him at first, but our Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] did not cease going back to Allaah and asking Him to reduce the obligation, until Allaah made it five – five obligatory prayers but their reward is equal to fifty. That is because (one) good deed carries ten rewards. Therefore, all praise and thanks be to Allaah for all His blessings [i.e. all the blessings bestowed on His servants].

This night -in which the Israa Wal Miraaj took place- has not been transmitted in the authentic narrations that it took place-specifically-in the month of Rajab or other than it. All that has been narrated about the specific (month in which) it took place is not transmitted from the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] with authentic chains of transmission according to the scholars of Hadeeth. And with Allah is Perfect Wisdom [free from all weaknesses, shortcomings, deficiencies, faults] as to why He made the people forget [the specific night the Israa and Miraaj took place].

And even if the specific night it took place was established, then still it would neither be permissible for the Muslims to specify any act of worship in relation to it nor celebrate it. That is because the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] and his companions [may Allaah be pleased with them] neither celebrated it nor did they carry out any specific acts of worship on such a night. Had it been that celebrating it is legislated (in the religion), the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] would have made it known to the Ummah-either by way of speech or action. And if anything was practiced, then it would have been known and widely known and his companions would have transmitted it to us, for indeed, they have transmitted – from our Prophet- everything that is needed by the Ummah. They did not neglect anything in the religion; rather they were foremost in practicing every righteous act. Therefore, if celebrating on this night was legislated (in Islaam), they would have preceded us in such an act. The Prophet is (was) the most sincere adviser to the people [i.e. in both their religious and worldly affairs], conveyed the message perfectly and fulfilled the trust [which Allaah entrusted on him]. If exalting this night and celebrating it was something (legislated) in the religion, then neither would the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] have neglected nor concealed it.

Therefore, when it [is it the case that nothing has been transmitted from the Prophet’s speech or actions, and from his companions] about this, then one knows that celebrating and exalting this night has nothing to do with Islaam, for indeed Allaah has perfected the religion for this Ummah, completed His favour upon them and censured the one who legislates in the religion that which is not part of it. Allaah [Glorified and Exalted be He] said: [الْيَوْمَ أَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِينَكُمْ وَأَتْمَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعْمَتِي وَرَضِيتُ لَكُمُ الْإِسْلامَ دِينًا – This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion. [Surah Al-Maa’idah. Verse 3]

Allaah said:

أَمْ لَهُمْ شُرَكَاءُ شَرَعُوا لَهُمْ مِنَ الدِّينِ مَا لَمْ يَأْذَنْ بِهِ اللَّهُ وَلَوْلا كَلِمَةُ الْفَصْلِ لَقُضِيَ بَيْنَهُمْ وَإِنَّ الظَّالِمِينَ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ

Or have they partners with Allah (false gods), who have instituted for them a religion which Allah has not allowed. And had it not been for a decisive Word (gone forth already), the matter would have been judged between them. And verily, for the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers), there is a painful torment. [Surah Ash-Shura. Verse 21]

And it has been transmitted from Allaah’s Messenger in the authentic narrations that he warned against innovations in religion and stated explicitly that it is deviation in order to warn the Ummah about the great danger of religious innovations and to keep them away from acting on it. It was transmitted from Aa’isha [may Allaah be pleased with her] that the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said: [من أحدث في أمرنا هذا ما ليس منه فهو رد – Whoever innovates something in this affair of ours [i.e. the religion of Islaam], it will be rejected].[Saheeh Al-Bukhaari 2697]

[من عمل عملاً ليس عليه أمرنا فهو رد – Whoever performs (an act of worship) which not in accordance with our affair [i.e. the religion of Islaam], it will be rejected]. [Saheeh Muslim 1718]

The Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said:

أُوصِيكُمْ بِتَقْوَى اللَّهِ وَالسَّمْعِ وَالطَّاعَةِ وَإِنْ عَبْدًا حَبَشِيًّا فَإِنَّهُ مَنْ يَعِشْ مِنْكُمْ بَعْدِي فَسَيَرَى اخْتِلَافًا كَثِيرًا فَعَلَيْكُمْ بِسُنَّتِي وَسُنَّةِ الْخُلَفَاءِ الْمَهْدِيِّينَ الرَّاشِدِينَ تَمَسَّكُوا بِهَا وَعَضُّوا عَلَيْهَا بِالنَّوَاجِذِ وَإِيَّاكُمْ وَمُحْدَثَاتِ الْأُمُورِ فَإِنَّ كُلَّ مُحْدَثَةٍ بِدْعَةٌ وَكُلَّ بِدْعَةٍ ضَلَالَةٌ

I command you to fear Allaah and to listen and obey [the Muslim ruler in what is good] even if a slave is a leader over you. Certainly, the one who will live among you will see lots of differences, so adhere to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the right-guided Khulafaa [i.e. Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthmaan and Ali]. Bite onto that with your molar teeth [i.e. adhere firmly to it] and beware of the newly-invented matters in the religion, because every newly invented affair in the religion is a Bidah [religious innovation] and every bidah is misguidance. [Sunan Abu Dawud 4607]

The narrations that convey the meaning of this affair are many. And it has been transmitted from the companions of Allaah’s Messenger and the pious predecessors [i.e. the first three generations of Islaam] after them that they warned against religious innovations and [gave advice to the people in order to make them fearful of practicing religious innovations]. That is because such practices are additions [i.e. acts that are not legislated by Allaah and His Messenger] and [practicing them] is tantamount to legislating something in the religion, which Allaah has not ordained. It is tantamount to belittling the religion of Islam and accusing it [of imperfection] after it was perfected.

And when it is the case that Allah has obligated on Muslims to give advice to another and explain what He has legislated for them in the Religion, and forbade one from concealing knowledge, I saw that I should notify (or warn) my Muslim brothers about this religious innovation, which has spread to many regions, to the extent that some people think that it is something related to the religion. [A paraphrased excerpt: see here: http://www.binbaz.org.sa/article/24]

Muslims Around The World Observe Holy Night of Laylat Al-Raghaib – [A Brief Reminder to Muslim Journalists at Daily Sabah (Turkish Newspaper)]

Written by abumuaawiyah on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Bid'ah (Innovation), Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Innovations In Islam (Bidah), Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Sahaabah, Salaah - Prayer, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors), Scholars of Islam, Seeking Knowledge, Sin, Sufis, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

The following statement was posted by the Turkish Newspaper Daily Sabah [may Allaah direct its Muslim journalists to every good, repel every evil from them and guide them to the authentic Sunnah, and also guide its Non-Muslim journalists to Islaam and the Sunnah] Aameen. Title: Muslims around the world observe holy night of Laylat al-Raghaib:

 

First, we remind our Turkish Muslim brothers at Daily Sabah about some few principles related to worship in Islaam.

Al-Allaamah Abdul Muhsin Al-Abbaad [may Allaah preserve him] said:

Al-Ibaadah [Worship]: It is a comprehensive term for everything that Allaah loves and is pleased with, including statements and deeds, apparent [i.e. physical actions of the limbs] and unapparent [beliefs concealed in the heart]. This is the best of what has been stated regarding the definition of worship.

Worship has great importance because Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] created the Khalq [Mankind and Jinn], sent the Messengers and revealed the Books in order to command them to worship Him and forbid them from worshipping others besides Him. Allaah [Glorified Be He] said: [وَمَا خَلَقۡتُ ٱلۡجِنَّ وَٱلۡإِنسَ إِلَّا لِيَعۡبُدُونِ – And I (Allah) created not the Jinns and humans except they should worship Me (Alone).” Meaning: Allaah created them in order to command them to worship Him (alone) and forbid them from disobeying Him. Allaah [Glorified be He] said:

[وَلَقَدۡ بَعَثۡنَا فِى ڪُلِّ أُمَّةٍ۬ رَّسُولاً أَنِ ٱعۡبُدُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَٱجۡتَنِبُواْ ٱلطَّـٰغُوتَ‌ۖ – And verily, We have sent among every Ummah (community, nation) a Messenger (proclaiming): “Worship Allah (Alone), and avoid (or keep away from) Taghut (all false deities, etc. i.e. do not worship Taghut besides Allah). [16:36]

Allaah [Glorified Be He] said: [وَمَآ أَرۡسَلۡنَا مِن قَبۡلِكَ مِن رَّسُولٍ إِلَّا نُوحِىٓ إِلَيۡهِ أَنَّهُ ۥ لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّآ أَنَا۟ فَٱعۡبُدُونِ – And We did not send any Messenger before you (O Muhammad) but We inspired him (saying): La ilaaha illaa Ana (none has the right to be worshipped but I (Allah), so worship Me (Alone and none else)]. [21:25]

Two conditions must be fulfilled in order for an act of worship to be accepted; the first of the two conditions is that the act of worship must be done sincerely for Allaah, and secondly the act of worship must be in agreement with the Sunnah of the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him]. The act of worship has to be done sincerely for the sake of Allaah (alone) and none else is to be associated as a partner with Allaah in worship. [Likewise] the act of worship must be done in conformity with what the Messenger came with [i.e. the Qur’aan and the Sunnah].

This is what the Shahaadah (لا إله إلا الله محمدا رسول الله) necessitates; because (لا إله إلا الله) necessitates that acts of worship must be carried out sincerely for the sake of Allaah alone. And (محمدا رسول الله) necessitates that acts of worship must be carried out in conformity with what was revealed to the noble Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam]. Therefore, Allaah is not to be worshipped with bidah, newly invented matters in Religion and evil acts, for which Allaah [The Most High] has sent down no authority; rather acts of worship must be in conformity with the Sunnah of the noble Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam].

If any of these two conditions or both of them are not fulfilled, then indeed the act of worship will be rejected by Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic]. Allaah [The Most High] said:

وَقَدِمۡنَآ إِلَىٰ مَا عَمِلُواْ مِنۡ عَمَلٍ۬ فَجَعَلۡنَـٰهُ هَبَآءً۬ مَّنثُورً

And We shall turn to whatever deeds they disbelievers, polytheists] did, and We shall make such deeds as scattered floating particles of dust] [Soorah Al-Furqaan. Ayah 23]

And the noble Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said:

مَنْ أَحْدَثَ فِي أَمْرِنَا هَذَا مَا لَيْسَ مِنْهُ فَهُوَ رَدٌ

He who innovates something in this matter of ours [i.e., Islam] that is not of it will have it rejected [by Allah].”[Saheeh Al-Bukhaari. Number 2697] [Saheeh Muslim. Number 1718]

And in another wording of this hadeeth in Saheeh Muslim the Prophet said:

مَنْ عَمِلَ عَمَلًا لَيْسَ عَلَيْهِ أَمْرُنَا فَهُوَ رَد

He who does an act (of worship) which we have not commanded (i.e. not commanded by the Prophet), will have it rejected.

And he [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said:

فَإِنَّهُ مَنْ يَعِشْ مِنْكُمْ فَسَيَرَى اخْتِلَافًا كَثِيرًا، فَعَلَيْكُمْ بِسُنَّتِي وَسُنَّةِ الْخُلَفَاءِ الرَّاشِدِينَ الْمَهْدِيينَ، عَضُّوا عَلَيْهَا بِالنَّوَاجِذِ، وَإِيَّاكُمْ وَمُحْدَثَاتِ الْأُمُورِ؛ فَإِنَّ كُلَّ بِدْعَةٍ ضَلَالَةٌ

Verily he lives long among you will see a lot of differing, so you must keep to my Sunnah and to the Sunnah of the Khulafaa ar-Rashideen [the rightly guided caliphs]. Adhere to it with your molar teeth (i.e. adhere to it firmly). And beware of newly invented matters [in the religion], for every newly invented matter [in the religion] is a bidah [innovation in the religion], and every bidah is misguidance. [Abu Dawood. Number 4607] [Tirmidhee. Number 2676]

The Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] clarified – in the hadeeth about the seventy three sects amongst whom seventy-two sects will enter the hell fire and one sect will be saved-that the saved sect are those who adhere to the path him and his noble companions adhered to.

Imaam Maalik [rahimahullaah] said: “The latter part of this Ummah [i.e. those who will come after the Salaf] will not be rectified except by way of that which rectified it’s earlier part [i.e. the Salaf].’’ And he [rahimahullaah) said: ‘’Whoever innovates a bidah in Islaam and considers it to be something good, then indeed he has claimed that Muhammad betrayed the Risaalah (i.e. the message he was entrusted with); because Allaah said: ٱلۡيَوۡمَ أَكۡمَلۡتُ لَكُمۡ دِينَكُمۡ – This day, I have perfected your religion for you]. Therefore, what was not part of the religion at that time [i.e. during the time of the Messenger] cannot be part of the religion today (i.e. after his departure from this world).” [Al-Itisaam of Imaam Shaatibee 1/28]

It is not enough for a person to say: “I am going to do this act of worship even though it was not (performed by) the Prophet because my intention is pure and good.” The evidence (against this statement) is that when it reached the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] that a man amongst his noble companions slaughtered the Eed sacrifice before the Eed Salaah, he [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said to him: شَاتُكَ شَاةُ لَحْمٍ– “Your (slaughtered sheep was just mutton (not a sacrifice).”[Saheeh Bukhaari. Number: 5556]; meaning: It is not considered Eed sacrifice because it was not carried out in conformity with my Sunnah. Therefore, what is in conformity with the Sunnah is that the Eed sacrifice is done after the Eed Salaah; but as for sacrificing before the Salaah, then indeed it is outside its specified time and will not be regarded as (Eed sacrifice).

Al-Haafidh said in Fat-hul Baaree (10/17): “Shaikh Abu Muhammad Bin Abu Hamzah said: This hadeeth (establishes the fact that) if an action (i.e. an act of worship) is done with a sincere intention, it is still not (considered) righteous unless it is in conformity with the legislated divine revelation. [An Excerpt from أثر العبادات في حياة المسلم pages: 1-2]

Second, what do the scholars of Islam say about this so-called Laylatul Raghaa’ib?

Imaam An-Nawawi [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “The well-known Salaah (prayer) that is known as Salaatul Raghaa’ib [the Raghaa’ib prayer] – which consists of twelve Rak’ats and is performed between Maghrib and Isha on the night before the first Friday in the month of Rajab and the hundred Rak’ats performed on the night of the 15th of Shabaan – are two religious innovations. They are repugnant and evil [i.e. becauae they are not from the acts of worship legislated in the Islamic legislation] and one should neither be deceived due to their mention in the book Quwwatul Quloob and Ihyaa Uloom Ad-Deen nor due to their mention in narrations, because all of that Iis false. And do not be deceived by some of those people to whom the ruling regarding these prayers is ambiguous (or doubtful), so he judged them to be recommended, because indeed they are mistaken. Shaikhul Islaam Abu Muhammad Abdur Rahmaan Bin Ismaa’eel Al-Maqdisee has written a precious book showing the falsity of these prayers and he did well. [Al-Majmoo 3/548]

Ibn Al-Haaj Al-Maalikee [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “One of the religious innovations that has been initiated in this noble month of Rajab is the prayer of Raghaa’ib on the night before the first day of Jumu’ah in the central mosques and the other mosques, so the people gather in some of the central mosques and the other mosques in the various regions to perform this religious innovation. They openly perform it in congregation and behind an Imaam in the mosques were the five daily prayers are performed as if it is a prayer that has been legislated in Islaam. But this prayer – according to the judgement in Imaam Maalik’s school of jurisprudence- is forbidden, because indeed those who came before us (i.e. the Prophet’s companions) never did so and all good is found in following them [may Allaah be pleased with them]”. [Al-Madkhal 1/294]

Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “Neither Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] performed this prayer nor anyone amongst the Sahaabah (i.e. the companions of Allaah’s Messenger), neither the Taabi’een (i.e. the second generaation who adhered to the path of the Sahaabah) nor the Imaams of the Muslims. Neither did Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] show a desire for it nor did any of the pious predecessors, nor the Imaams of Islaam and nor did they mention specific virtues for this night. The narrations that have been transmitted and attributed to Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] are a lie and fabrication based on the consensus of those who are specialists in this field [of hadeeth science]. This is why the Muhaqqi’qeen scholars [i.e. those scholars who are firmly grounded in a subject matter of the religion, who study the difference of opinion or differing in a subject matter, gather the proofs, examine the proofs in depth and compare them. Then they mention the affair that is established based on sound proof, clarify why those proofs are the strong ones, its different types and why that which opposes is weak or fabricated] have stated that this affair [i.e. these innovated acts during Rajab and Shaban] are forbidden and not recommended”. [Al-Fataawa Al-kubraa 2/262]

Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] also said, “As for establishing prayer – in congregation – with a specific number of Rak’ats and a determined type of recitation in a specific time, such as these prayers that are being enquired about – the Salaatul Raghaa’ib during the night before the first Jumu’ah of Rajab, the Al-Fiyah (1) in the beginning of Rajab and the middle of Shabaan, the 27th night in the month of Rajab and other than them, this is not legislated based on the consensus of the Imaams of Islaam, as it has been established from the Imaams of the religion who are considered to be reliable in religious affairs and are people of sound and precise understanding. The likes of this prayer is not initiated except by an ignoranus – an innovator in religious affairs and opening the door to it necessitates an alteration of the sound and legislated acts of worship and rites, and thus one receives a share of (deeds of those) who legislate that which Allaah has not legislated. [Al-Fataawaa Al-Kubraa 2/239]

NB: The Al-Fiyah: This innovated prayer and what is similar to it is well-known to some of us who were upon the innovated Soofi paths. It is performed by some people on Shabaan 15th. They either perform 100 Rak’ats and in every Rak’ah Surah Al-Ikhaas is recited 10 times or they perform 10 Rak’ats and Surah Al-Ikhlaas is recited a 100 times in every Rak’ah.

Finally, we conclude with a statement of Imaam Maalik and Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allaah have upon them and all the scholars of Islaam] which have already been quoted earlier. Imaam Maalik [rahimahullaah] said: “The latter part of this Ummah [i.e. those who will come after the Salaf] will not be rectified except by way of that which rectified it’s earlier part [i.e. the Salaf].’’ And he [rahimahullaah) said: ‘’Whoever innovates a bidah in Islaam and considers it to be something good, then indeed he has claimed that Muhammad betrayed the Risaalah (i.e. the message he was entrusted with); because Allaah said: ٱلۡيَوۡمَ أَكۡمَلۡتُ لَكُمۡ دِينَكُمۡ – This day, I have perfected your religion for you]. Therefore, what was not part of the religion at that time [i.e. during the time of the Messenger] cannot be part of the religion today (i.e. after his departure from this world).” [Al-Itisaam of Imaam Shaatibee 1/28]

Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah said: The likes of this prayer is not initiated except by an ignoramus – an innovator in religious affairs, and opening the door to it necessitates an alteration of the sound and legislated acts of worship and rites, and thus one receives a share of (the deeds of those) who legislate that which Allaah has not legislated. [Al-Fataawaa Al-Kubraa 2/239]

May Allaah open our hearts to that which is correct, grant us the desire to seek knowledge from its sound sources, even that is little, bless us with sincerity and the ability to act Aameen. And Allaah knows best.

[12] Excerpts From Al-Bidaayah Wan-Nihaayah: [Ahmad Bin Aasim Al-Antaakee: (Devoted Worshipper And Pious Admonisher)]

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in History of Islam, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors), The Salaf - Pious Predecessors.

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

Ahmad Bin Aasim Al-Antaakee – Abu Ali [rahimahullaa] was well known for his fine admonitions to the people. He was a man who kept away from the extra permissible things of the worldly life and was a devout worshipper. He has some good speech regarding abstinence and how to deal with the (feelings, desires and urges) of one’s heart. He narrated hadeeth from Abu Mu’aawiyah Ad-Dareer [rahimahullaah] and those at his level.

He said, “If you want to achieve rectification for your heart, then seek the aid of Allaah to protect your limbs”.

He said, “One of the bounties is that to rectify affairs during what is left in your lifespan so that you are forgiven what has already elapsed”.

He said, “Whoever knows Allaah more [i.e. truly knows Allaah’s Lordship and His Names and Attributes], then he will fear Allaah more than others”.

He said, “The best companion in your worldly life is the one who cut you off from the worldly life (excessive or sinful) engagement with the worldly life and connects you to the affairs of the Afterlife”. [Ref 1]

An Excerpt from Al-Bidaayah Wan-Nihaayah. Vol 10. Pages 318-319

 

[11] Excerpts From Al-Bidaayah Wan-Nihaayah: [Bishr Ibn Al-Haarith (Known As Bishr Al-Haafee Az-Zaahid) and His Sisters]

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in History of Islam, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors), The Salaf - Pious Predecessors.

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

Bishr Ibn Al-Haarith Bin Abdir Rahmaan Bin Ataa Bin Hilaal Bin Maahaan Bin Abdillaah Al-Marwazee. He was well known as one who abstained from the extra permissible things of the worldly life. His grandfather Abdullaah accepted Islaam through Ali Bin Abee Taalib [radiyallaahu anhu].

Learning:

Bishr [rahimahullaah] learnt a lot from Imaam Hammaad Bin Zayd [rahimahullaah], Imaam Abdullaah Ibnul Mubaarak [rahimahullaah], Imaam Ibn Mahdee [rahimahullaah], Imaam Maalik [rahimahullaah], Imaam AbuBakr Bin Ayyaash [rahimahullaah] and others. Thereafter, he busied himself with worship, isolated himself from the people and stopped narrating.

The Imaams Who Praised Him:

Many of the Imaams of the Sunnah praised him due to his devotion in worship, abstinence from the extra permissible things of the worldly life and fear of Allaah. Imaam Ahmad [rahimahullaah] said when Bishr’s death reached him, “None was like Bishr [rahimahullaah], except Aamir Bin Abdi Qays [rahimahullaah]. His affair would have been perfected if he got married”.

Ibraaheem ar-Harbee [rahimahullaah] said, “There was none in Badhdaad who was more sensible and restrained his tongue more than Bishr Al-Haafee”.

Reflection:

When he came home one night, he placed one of his feet inside his house and the other outside, then he remained in this state until morning. Then he was asked, “How much have you reflected during the night?” He said, “I reflected upon the Christian Bishr, the Jewish Bishr and the Zoroastrian Bishr, and I am also called Bishr; then I said to myself, ‘What is it that gave me precedence for Allaah’s favour and thus He gave me Islaam? I reflected upon Allaah’s favour and His mercy because He guided me to Islam, included me amongst those He specified for it [i.e. because there are other people called Bishr but they are not Muslims] and clothed me with the clothes of His beloved servants’”.

One day he knocked at the door of someone, so a young female servant said, “Who is it?” He said, “Bishr Al-Haafee (i.e. Bishr the barefooted)”. The girl said, “If only you bought shoes for a Durham, the word Haafee would have disappear from us”.

Al-Khateeb Al-Bagdaadi [rahimahullaah] stated that Bishr had three sisters and all of them were devout worshippers like him and even more god fearing.

An Excerpt from Al-Bidaayah Wan-Nihaayah. Vol 10. Pages 297-299

[9] Excerpts From Al-Bidaayah Wan-Nihaayah: [Imaam Abu Yusuf Al-Qaadee – (Knowledge, Character, Adherence to The Religion, Stance Against Philosophers, Humble And Just]

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in History of Islam, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors), Scholars of Islam, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors.

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

His Status Amongst The Imaams

Imaam Abu Yoosuf [rahimahullaah] was one of the senior companions of Imaam Abu Haneefah [rahimahullaah]. He narrated hadeeth from Al-A’mash, Hammaam Bin Urwah, Muhammad Bin Ishaaq, Yahyah Bin Sa’eed and other than them [rahimahumullaah]. And those who narrated from him include Imaam Muhammad Ibn Al-Hasan Ash-Shaybaanee, Imaam Ahmad Bin Hanbal and Imaam Yahyah Bin Ma’een [rahimahumullaah].

Imam Abu Haneefah [rahimahullaah] said, “Abu Yusuf is the most knowleagible amongst my companions”.

Al-Muzanee [rahimahullaah] said, “Abu Yusuf used to seek knowledge of hadeeth more than us”.

 

His Character and Adherence to The Religion

Ibn Al-Madeenee [rahimahullaah] said, “Abu Yusuf was a very truthful person (in character and religious affairs)”.

Ibn Ma’een [rahimahullaah] said, “He was trustworthy (in religious affairs and character)”.

His Aqeedah And Stance Against Philosophers

Abu Zur’ah [rahimahullaah] said, “Abu Yusuf was free from the beliefs of the Jahmiyyah”.

Bash’shaar Al-Khaffaaf [rahimahullaah] said, “Abu Yusuf used to say, ‘Unlawful is the speech of the one who says that the Qur’aan is created. It is obligatory to oppose him and it is neither permissible to give him salaams nor reply to his salaam”.

He also said, “Whoever seeks knowledge through theological rhetoric will become a heretic”.

Humility

He used to sit in the gatherings of the scholars despite their different levels in knowledge, because he even used to attend the gatherings of Imam Ahmad,  who was a youth at the time, engaging in discussion and research.

He Loved Justice

He said, “I was appointed as judge and I hope that Allaah will not ask me about oppressing anyone or favouring anyone, except that one day a man came to me and said that he has an orchard that was in the possession of Ameerul Mumineen [i.e. the Muslim ruler]. So, I went to Ameerul Mumineen and made that known to him, but he said, ‘The orchard is mine and Al-Mahdee bought it for me’. I said, ‘Would the Ameerul Mumineen allow that I bring the person so that you hear his claim?’. I brought the man and he claimed that the orchard belongs to him. So, I said to Ameerul Mumineen, ‘What does the Ameerul Mumineen say?’ He said, ‘It is my orchard’. I said to the man, ‘Indeed, you have heard what his response is’. The man said, ‘Let him swear by Allaah’. I said, ‘O Ameerul Mumineen! Will you swear by Allaah?’ He said, ‘No’. I said, ‘I will ask you three times to swear by Allaah, otherwise I will pass judgement on you O Ameerul Mumineen’. So, I asked him three times to swear by Allaah, but he refused, so I judged that the orchard is for the claimant. At the end or close to the end of dispute Imaam Abu Yusuf was not able to sit together with the man and the Khaleefah, so he decided that the orchard is submitted to the man”.

An Excerpt from Al-Bidaayah Wan-Nihaayah. Vol 10. Pages 180-181

[8] Excerpts From Al-Bidaayah Wan-Nihaayah: [Status of Imaam Ash-Shaafi’ee (rahimahullaah) In The Eyes of Senior Imaams, Adherence to The Sunnah, Stance Against Ahlul Bidah, Humility]

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in History of Islam, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors), Scholars of Islam, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors.

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

His lineage

Muhammad Bin Idrees Ibn Al-Abbaas Bin Uthmaan Bin Shaafi Ibn As-Saa’ib Bin Ubaid Bin Abd Yazeed Bin Haashim Ibnul Muttalib Bin Abdi Manaaf Bin Qusay Bin Kilaab Bin Murrah Bin Ka’b Bin Lu’ay Bin Ghaalib Al-Qurashee. Saa’ib Bin Ubaid [radiyallaahu-anhu] accepted Islam on the day of Badr and his son Shaafi Ibn As-Saa’ib [radiyallaahu-anhu] is one of the junior companions of the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him].

Brief Acquaintance With His Path In Seeking Knowledge

Imaam Ash-Shaafi’ee was very young when his father passed away, so at the age of two his mother took him to Makkah in order that his lineage is not lost. He grew up there, completed memorisation of the Qur’aan at the age of seven and memorized the Muwatta of Imaam Maalik at the age of ten. He acquired Fiqh from Muslim Bin Khaalid, who acquired Fiqh from Ibn Jurayh, who acquired Fiqh from Ataa, who acquired Fiqh from Ibn Abbaas, Ibn Az-Zubayr and other than them amongst a group of the companions, such as Amr Bin Ali, Ibn Mas’ood, Zayd Bin Thaabit and others [radiyallaahu-anhum]. Ash-Shaafi’ee also studied under Imaam Maalik [rahimahullaah]

His Status In The Eyes of The Senior Imaams

Many of the Senior Imaams have praised him, such as Abdur Rahmaan Bin Mahdee [rahimahullaah] who asked him to write for him a book in the subject matter of Usool, so Ash-shaafi’ee wrote it. Ibn Mahdee always used to supplicate for him in prayer and said that Ash-Shaafi’ee was similar to his teachers, such as Imaam Maalik Bin Anas and Qutaybah Bin Sa’eed [rahimahumallaah]. Ibn Maahdee also said, “Ash-Shaafiee is an Imaam”.

Abu Ubayd [rahimahullaah] said, “I have not seen one who is more eloquent, intelligent and god fearing than Ash-Shaafi’ee”. He has also been praised by numerous scholars, such as Yahyah Bin Aktham Al-Qaadee, Ishaaq Bin Raahawayh, Muhammad Bin Al-Hasan and others [rahimahumullaah].

 

His Status In The Eyes of Imaam Ahmad Bin Habnal [rahimahullaah]

The Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said:

إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَبْعَثُ لِهَذِهِ الأُمَّةِ عَلَى رَأْسِ كُلِّ مِائَةِ سَنَةٍ مَنْ يُجَدِّدُ لَهَا دِينَهَا

Allaah will raise for this Ummah at the end of every hundred years the one who will revive its religion for it.

Imaam Ahmad [rahimahullaah] used to say, “Umar Bin Abdil Azeez [rahimahullaah] was one of the revivers at the end of the first hundred years and Ash-Shaafiee [rahimahullaah] was one of the revivers at the end of the second hundred years”. He used to supplicate for Ash-Shaafi’ee in prayer for nearly 40years.

More Faa’idah On This Hadeeth

إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَبْعَثُ لِهَذِهِ الأُمَّةِ عَلَى رَأْسِ كُلِّ مِائَةِ سَنَةٍ مَنْ يُجَدِّدُ لَهَا دِينَهَا

Allaah will raise for this Ummah at the end of every hundred years the one who will revive its religion for it.

[إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَبْعَثُ لِهَذِهِ الأُمَّةِ  – Allaah will raise for this Ummah]- meaning the Ummatul Ijaabah [i.e. the Muslims]. [عَلَى رَأْسِ كُلِّ مِائَةِ سَنَةٍ – At the end of every hundred years]- meaning at the end of every hundred years when there is little knowledge of the Islamic legislation and the authentic Prophetic Tradition, whilst ignorance and religious innovation is rife.

[مَنْ يُجَدِّدُ لَهَا دِينَهَا   – One who will revive its religion for it]- meaning a scholar who is alive and well known. He will clarify the authentic Prophetic Tradition and distinguish it from the religious innovations. knowledge will be abundant again and its adherents will be aided, and the proponents of religious will be overcome and degraded.

This reviver is non else but a scholar who has sound understanding of the religious sciences that deal with acts of worship, the underlying wisdoms of the religion and the texts that deal with beliefs of the heart. [Ref 1]

An Excerpt from Awnul Ma’bood Sharh Sunan Abee Daawud. Vol 11. Pages 259-260. Publisher: Daar Al-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah. 1st Edition 1419AH (Year 1998). Slightly paraphrased]

Falsely Accused And Arrested

Imaam Ash-Shaafi’ee [rahimahullaah] was once appointed as judge in Najraan (Yemen), then the people stringently began to follow his rulings and gave them precedence, so the affair was distorted to Haaroon Ar-Rasheed [rahimahullaah] that As-Shaafi’ee was seeking after the Khilaafah. He was then taken to Baghdad in chains on a mule and he was 30 years old at the time. He was brought in the presence of Haaroon Ar-Rasheed [rahimahullaah] and a discussion took place between him and Muhammad Bin Hasan Ash-Shaybaanee [rahimahullaah] in the presence of Haaroon. Muhammad Bin Hasan spoke highly of Ash-Shaafi’ee and thus it became clear to Haaroon Ar-Rasheed that Ash-Shaafi’ee was innocent of what they attributed to him.

 

Adherence to The Sunnah, His Stance Against Blameworthy Blind Following And The People of Bidah

He said, “If a hadeeth is reported with an authentic chain from the Messenger of Allaah [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him], then establish your speech on it and abandon my speech, because it is what I would have held, even if you do not hear it from me”. He also said, “Do not blindly follow me”. “I do not have speech in the presence of the Messenger’s speech”.

He said, “It is better for a man to be put to trial with everything that Allaah has forbidden except Shirk than looking into theological rhetoric. Indeed I have come across affairs from the proponents of theological rhetoric that which I never thought I would come across”.

Humility

He said, “I wish that the people acquired this knowledge of the Sharee’ah and nothing of it is attributed to me”.

An Except From Al-Bidaayah Wan-Nihaayah. Vol10. Pages 251-254

 

[7] Excerpts From Al-Bidaayah Wan-Nihaayah: [Ameerul Mumineen Haaroon Ar–Rasheed (Generosity, Attentive to Admonition and Deterrent Against Ahlul Bidah)]

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in History of Islam, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors), The Salaf - Pious Predecessors.

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

His lineage:

Haaroon Ar-Rasheed Ibn Mahdee Muhammad Ibn Mansoor (Abu Jafar) Abdullah Ibn Mohammad Ibn Ali Ibn Abdullah Ibn Abbaas Ibn Abdil Muttalib Al-Qurashee Al-Haashimee. He went to several military expeditions during his father’s era and declared a truce between the Muslims and the Romans. He was given the oath of allegiance as the Khaleefah after the death of his brother Moosaa Haadee. He was of white complexion, tall, handsome and with a bulky physique.

Generosity:

He used to give a 1000 Dirhams in charity every day. He used take a hundred scholars and their children whenever he went for Hajj, And if he was not performing Hajj, he paid for three hundred people to go. He used to pray a hundred Rak’aat of optional prayer everyday unless something stopped him from doing so.

A Heart Attentive to Admonition:

One day Ibn Sammaak [rahimahullaah] came when Haaroon [rahimahullaah] asked for water. After a cup of cold water was brought, he said to Ibn Sammaak, “Admonish me”. So Ibn Sammaak said to him, “O leader of the believers! How much would you pay for this drink if you were deprived of it?” He replied, “Half of my reign”. Ibn Sammaak said to him, “Drink, may it be blessed”. After he drank, Ibn Sammaak said to him  “If this water was prevented from exiting your body, then much would you pay for it (to be removed), he said, “The other half of my reign”. Ibn Sammaak said to him, “Indeed, half of the reign is the value of little drink of water and the value of the other half is that of urine. It is befitting that you do not strive and compete against others regarding it”. Haaroon wept.

Also Ibn Sammaak once said to him, “Indeed, you will die one day, enter the grave on your own and will be resurrected (on the day of judgement), so beware of your standing in the presence of Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] and in the presence of paradise and hellfire when one will be restricted and the feet will not move. There will be regret, but no repentance will be accepted – neither will a statement be uttered with ambiguity nor will wealth be accepted as ransom”. Haaroon began to weep until his voice could be heard;  then Yahyah Bin Khaalid said, “O Ibn As-Sammaak! Indeed, tonight you have brought difficulty on the leader of the believers”. Haaroon got up and left whilst weeping.

Shu’aib Bin Harb said: I saw Haaroon Ar-Rasheed on a road in Makkah, so I said to myself that indeed it has become obligated on me to enjoin good and forbid evil. The thought scared me and I said that it is inevitable that now he will strike my neck, so I called out him and said, “O Haaroon! You have exhausted the Ummah and the animals”. He said, “Grab him”. So, I was taken to him and he was moving some metal pebbles within his hand whilst sitting on a chair. He said to me, “Who are you?” I said, “I am a man amongst the Muslims”. He said, “May your mother be bereaved of you! Who are you?” I said, “From Al-Anbaar [i.e. a medieval town in central Iraq]”. He said, “What made you call me by my name?” I thought about something which never came to my mind before, then I said to him, “I call Allaah by His Name Allaah, so should I not call you by your name? Allaah called the most beloved people to Him by their names, such as “O Aadam”, “O Nooh”, “O Hud”, “O Saaleh”, “O Ibraaheem”, “O Moosaa” and “O Eesaa”. And the most hated person to Him, He stated: [تَبَّتۡ يَدَآ أَبِى لَهَبٍ۬    –  Perish the two hands of Abu Lahab]. Haaroon said, “Release him. Release him”.

 

Advise to a man who wanted to speak to him harshly:

Once Haaroon was performing Tawaaf around the kabah, so a man approached him and said, “O leader of the believers! I want to speak to you harshly”. Haaroon replied, “No, indeed Allaah sent one who was better than you [i.e. Prophet Moosaa] to one who was more evil than me [i.e. Firawn], but Allaah commanded him [Moosaa] to speak to him [Fir’awn] gently”.

A Robust Deterrent Against Ahlul Bidah

Imaam Fudayl Ibn Iyaad [rahimahullaah], “The death of none [i.e. in their era] will not be more difficult on us than the death of Haaroon Ar-Rasheed [rahimahullaah] due to what we fear regarding the events after him. Indeed, I invoke Allaah to increase his lifespan more than mine”. They [i.e. Ahlus Sunnah] said, “When Haaroon Ar-Rasheed died, those trials, events and differing occurred, and the innovated statement that the Qur’aan is created appeared. So we saw what Fudayl feared”.

An Excerpt from Al-Bidaayah Wan-Nihaayah. Pages Vol 10. Pages 213-217

[6] Excerpts From Al-Bidaayah Wan-Nihaayah: [Ibraaheem Bin Ad’ham (rahimahullaah) – Those People of Sunnah Who Preferred to Abstain From The Extra Permissible Things of The Worldly Life]

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors).

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

He was Ibraaheem Bin Ad’ham Ibn Mansoor Ibn Yazeed Ibn Aamir Ibn Ishaaq At-Tameemee, and it was said Al-Ajlee. He was originally from Balkh, then he resided in Syria and entered Damascus. He narrated hadeeth from his father, from Al-A’mash and Muhammad Bin Ziyaad – Abu Hurairah’s companion, and from Abu Ishaaq As-Sabee’ee.  Imaam An-Nasaa’ee said,  “Ibraaheem Bin Ad’ham is a trustworthy narrator, reliable and he from those who abstain from the unnecessary pleasures of the worldly life”. He was one of the devout worshippers.

Abdullaah Ibnul Mubaarak [rahimahullaah] said,

“Ibraaheem was a virtuous man and he conducted himself in the worship of his Lord in a way that was hidden from others. Neither have I ever seen him openly remembering Allaah nor performing extra acts of worship [i.e. he performed extra acts of worship in seclusion]. None ever ate food with him, except that he was the last to raise his hand to eat”.

Ibraaheem Bin Bash’shaar [rahimahullaah] said to Ibraahem “Why have you stopped narrating hadeeth?” He replied, “I replaced it with three affairs:  (1) striving to be grateful to Allaah for the blessings He has bestowed on me- by acknowledging the blessing, proclaiming that it is from Allaah and utilising it in what is pemissible. (2) Striving to seek Allaah’s forgiveness due to sins. (3) Striving to prepare for the Afterlife”.

Ibraaheem Bin Ad’ham said, “Grief is of two types: the grief that is in your advantage and the grief that is against you. Your grief regarding the hardships in the afterlife is in your advantage [i.e. it makes you prepare for that which saves a person in the afterlife]. And your grief regarding the worldly life [i.e. due to greed, mutual rivalry, covetousness etc] is against you”.

Ibraaheem Bin Ad’ham said, “Abstinence is three types: Obligatory, recommended and the abstinence that is based on safety. The obligatory abstinence is that one abstains from what is unlawful, the recommended abstinence is that one abstains from the unnecessary lawful desires and the abstinence that is based on safety is that one abstains from doubtful (or ambiguous) matters”.

Ibraaheem Bin Ad’ham said, “Having less eagerness and desire for the extra and unnecessary things of worldly life leads a person to truthfulness and makes him avoid doubtful matters out of fearing that he will fall into what is unlawful and thus puts himself in trouble in the afterlife. Having a lot of eagerness and desire for the excess and unnecessary things of the worldly life leads to grief and anxiety”.

He used to supplicate, saying “O Allaah! Turn me away from the humiliation that results from disobeying You and grant me the honour that is associated with obedience to You”.

A man said to Ibraaheem Bin Ad’ham, “I would love that you take this Jubbah [i.e. a long outer garment that resembles an open coat, having long sleeves] as a gift from me”. He said to the man, “If you are a wealthy person I will accept  it, otherwise I will not”. The man said, “I am wealthy”. He said to him, “How much do you have?” The man said, “I have two thousand”. He said to the man, “Do you wish that this two thousand increases to four thousand?” The man said, “Yes”. He said to the man, “You are poor and I do not accept this Jubbah from you”.

Al-Awzaa’ee [rahimahullaah] once him as his guest, but  he limited what he ate, so Al-Awzaa’ee said to him, “Why did you limit what you ate”, he replied, “Because you also limited what you ate”. Then Ibraaheem prepared food and invited Al-Awzaa’ee, so he said to Ibraaheem, “Do you not fear that this is tantamount to extravagance?” Ibraaheem replied, “No, rather extravagance is that which is spent in disobedience to Allaah, but as for what a man spends on his brothers, it is part of the religion”. [Ref 1]

A Man came to Ibraaheem Bin Ad’ham and said, “O Abu Ishaaq! Indeed, I have transgressed against myself [through severe sinning], so tell me that which will stop me from sinning and rescue my heart from it”. Ibraaheem said to him, “If you accept five things then you can fulfil them, you will not be harmed and the satisfaction one feels in the heart as a result of obedience to Allaah will not ceased to be with you”. The man said, “O Abu Ishaaq! Give them to me”.  Ibraaheem said, “As for the first affair, when you want to disobey Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] do not eat the provision [He has created]!” The man said, “Where would I eat from when it is the fact that everything in the earth is from the provision [Allaah has created]?!” Ibraaheem said to him, “O you! Is it befitting that you eat the provision [provided by Allaah] and disobey Him?” The man said, “No, tell me the second affair”. Ibraaheem said, “When you want to disobey Allaah, do not dwell on the land [Allaah has created]”. The man said, “This is even greater than the first, because when it is the case that the eastern and western regions of the earth, and what is between them belongs to Allaah, then where would I dwell?” So, Ibraaheem said to him, “O you! Is it befitting that you eat the provision and dwell on the land [Allaah has created], but you disobey Him?”. The man said, “No, tell me the third affair”.

Ibraaheem said, “When you want to disobey Allaah whilst being provided with the provision and dwelling on the land [Allaah has created], then be at a place where Allaah cannot see you”. The man said, “How can that be when it is the fact that Allaah knows everything that is hidden”. So, Ibraaheem said to him, “O you! Is it befitting that you eat from the provision and dwell on the land [Allaah has created], but you disobey Him whilst He sees you and what you do?” The man said, “No, tell me the fourth affair”. Ibraaheem said, “When the angel of death comes to remove your soul, then tell him, ‘Delay my departure from this world so that I may perform sincere repentance and righteous deeds for the sake of Allaah”. The man said, “He [i.e. the angel of death] will not accept [this request]”. Ibraaheem said, “O you! When it is the fact that you cannot stop death so that you can repent nor can you delay it, then how can you be freed from this [situation]?!” The man said, “Tell me the fifth affair”. Ibraaheem said, “When Az-Zabaaniyah [i.e. the guards of hell] come on the day of judgement to take you to the fire, then do not go”. The man said, “Neither will they leave me nor agree to [leave me]”. Ibraaheem said, “Then how can you hope for safety?!” The man said, “O Ibraaheem! This admonition is enough for me! This admonition is enough for me! This admonition is enough for me. I seek Allaah’s Forgiveness and I repent to Him”.

Ref 1: An Excerpt From Al-Bidaayah Wan-Nihaayah. Vol 10. Pages 135-139

Ref 2: Ta’leeq Alaa Bawaa’ithil Khilaas Min Adh-Dhunoob’ by Shaikh Abdur Razzaaq Al-Badr (hafidhahullaah). Lesson 1]

[5] Excerpts From Al-Bidaayah Wan-Nihaayah: [Imaam Al-Awzaa’ee]

Written by abumuaawiyah on . Posted in Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors), Scholars of Islam, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors.

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

Imaam Maalik [rahimahullaah] said,

“Al-Awzaa’ee [rahimahullaah] was an Imaam who was taken as an example to be followed”.

 

Sufyaan Bin Uyaynah [rahimahullaah] said,

“Al-Awzaa’ee [rahimahullaah] was an Imaam of his era. He performed Hajj several times and entered Makkah, so Sufyaan Ath-Thawree [rahimahullaah] grabbed the rope of his camel, Maalik Bin Anas [rahimahullaah] followed behind him and Ath-Thawree said, ‘Give the Shaikh a place to sit’ until he got him to sit at the Kabah and both of them took knowledge from him”.

 

Imaam Maalik and Imaam Al-Awzaa’ee [rahimahumallaah] engaged in discussion several times at Madeenah from Dhur prayer until Asr prayer; then from Asr prayer to Maghrib prayer. Al-Awzaa’ee overwhelmed him in the subject matter regarding military expeditions and Maalik overwhelmed him in Fiqh or some affairs of Fiqh.

 

Al-Awzaa’ee [rahimahullaah] said,

“Follow the footsteps of the pious predecessors even if the people reject you, and beware of the speech of men even if they beautify and make it look good, because the affair is very clear and you are upon the straight path”.

He also said, “Exercise patience upon the Sunnah, stop were the pious predecessors stopped, say what they say, refrain from what they refrained from, and be sufficed with what sufficed them”.

He said, “Knowledge is that which has  been transmitted from the companions of Muhammad [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] and what did not come from them is not knowledge”.

Al-Waleed Bin Muslim said,

“After performing the morning prayer, Al-Awzaa’ee sat and engaged in remembrance of Allaah unt sunrise, and he used to attribute this deed to the pious predecessors”.

He engaged in much worship, performed the prayer in an excellent manner, refrained from doubtful matters due to fear of Allaah, devoted himself to piety and used to keep quiet for a long time. He used to say, “Whoever prolongs the night prayer, Allaah will make easy for him the standing on the day of judgement”, and he based this speech of his on Allaah’s statement:

وَمِنَ ٱلَّيۡلِ فَٱسۡجُدۡ لَهُ ۥ وَسَبِّحۡهُ لَيۡلاً۬ طَوِيلاً

إِنَّ هَـٰٓؤُلَآءِ يُحِبُّونَ ٱلۡعَاجِلَةَ وَيَذَرُونَ وَرَآءَهُمۡ يَوۡمً۬ا ثَقِيلاً۬

And during night, prostrate yourself to Him (i.e. the offering of Maghrib and ‘Isha’ prayers), and glorify Him a long night through (i.e. Tahajjud prayer). Verily! These (disbelievers) love the present life of this world, and put behind them a heavy Day (that will be hard). [Surah Al-Insaan. Aayaat 26-27]

Al-Waleed Bin Muslim said,

“I have not seen anyone who exerts himself in worship more than Al-Awzaa’ee”.

Many people have stated that once he performed hajj and did not sleep during his journey, rather he was engaged in prayer. And when he felt sleepy, he reclined on a saddle.

 

A woman once came his wife and saw that Al-Awzaa’ee prayer mat was soaked and asked, “Perhaps a toddler urinated on it?”. His wife replied, “This is the effect of the Shaikh’s tears due to weeping in Sujood and this what he does every day”.

He used to say, “The love for Ali and Uthmaan [may Allaah be pleased with them] is not combined in a heart except that of a believer”.

An Excerpt From Al-Bidaayah Wan-Nihaayah. Vol 10. Pages 116-117

[3] Excerpts From Al-Bidaayah Wan-Nihaayah: [Umar Bin Abdul Azeez Established Perfect Justice Because He Called to The Sunnah, Acted Upon It And Feared Allaah]

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors), Scholars of Islam, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors.

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

  • He said to the people after becoming the Khaleefah, “I command you to fear Allaah, because fear of Allaah precedes everything and nothing precedes it. Remember death a lot, because indeed it is the destroyer of pleasures and  prepare for it properly before it arrives. Indeed, the Ummah does not differ that Allaah is their Lord, the Qur’aan is their Book and that Muhammad is their Prophet, but they differ in matters of the worldly life and wealth. By Allaah! Neither will I give anyone based on falsehood nor deprive anyone of his rights”. Then he raised his voice and said, “O people! It is obligatory to obey whoever obeys Allaah and whoever disobeys Allaah is not to be obeyed. Obey me as long as I obey Allaah, but do not obey me if I disobey Allaah”. [End of quote]
  • [NB: Although rulers are not obeyed in disobedience to Allaah, but neither are they rebelled against nor is rebellion incited against them. read here: https://www.abukhadeejah.com/the-tyranny-of-the-rulers-a-reason-for-rebellion/]
  • He once wrote to one of his officials and said, “Indeed, I command you to fear Allaah, adhere to the Sunnah of Allaah’s Messenger, limit yourself to the Messenger’s command, abandon that which the people have newly initiated in the religion after him – those who wage war against the Sunnah –  and have stopped acting on his true religion. Know that an innovation in religious affairs has never occurred, except that there is evidence to show its falsity, therefore it is obligated on you to adhere to the Sunnah, for indeed it is the tradition of those [i.e. the Sahaabah] who know the deviation, error and  foolishness that is in that which is in opposition to it. They were more able to explain the affairs and more robust in the performance of deeds. Their deeds were performed properly, therefore if that which you do is virtuous, they would have been foremost in doing so, because they preceded everyone in every good. And if you say, “Good has also occurred after them”, then know that it was initiated by one who followed other than the path of the believers- deviated from their path and turned himself away from it. Indeed, they [i.e. Sahaabah] have spoken about the [religious innovations] based on that which suffices and described it with that which solves the problem, so those who do not act based on what they followed have fallen short and those who go beyond what they followed are not good doers. Indeed, a people diminished their religion and became mixed up and others wanted to go above them and became extremists.
  • He said, “Allaah’s Messenger and his Khulafaa after him established Sunan, adhering to it is obedience to Allaah and a testification that the Book of Allaah is truth. It is not allowed for anyone to change or substitute it and no consideration is given to anyone who opposes it. Whoever adheres to that which has preceded will be guided and the one who uses it as a source of foresight will be able to see clearly. As for the one who opposes it and follows other than the path of the believers, Allaah will leave him in the path he has chosen and burn him in hell, and what an evil destination!”.
  • One day, he spoke in the presence of a group of his companions and Allaah granted him the ability to convey a fine admonition, then he saw a man in the gathering whose eyes were filled with tears, so he immediately stopped talking. The man said to him, “O Ameerul Mumineen! Carry on with your admonition because indeed I hope that Allaah will bless the one who hears or the one it reaches”. He said to the man, “O Abu Ayyoub! Take this from me, for indeed there is trial whose evil the speaker may not escape when speaking to the people. Acting is more appropriate for the believer than speaking”.
  • Rajaa said, “When Umar Bin Abdul Azeez was about to depart from this world, he kept on saying, “O Allaah! Make me pleased with your divine will and bless me in your divine decree, so that I do not hasten what you have delayed and not delay what you have hastened”.

Excerpt from Al-Bidaayah Wan Nihaayah. Vol 9. pages 213–217. Slightly paraphrased. Publisher: Maktabah Al-Ma’aarif and Daar ibn Hazm. 9th Edition. 1414 AH (1994)