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Tag: sins and disobedience

Some Evil Consequences of Pride and False Analogy – By Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah]

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

قَالَ مَا مَنَعَكَ أَلَّا تَسْجُدَ إِذْ أَمَرْتُكَ ۖ قَالَ أَنَا خَيْرٌ مِّنْهُ خَلَقْتَنِي مِن نَّارٍ وَخَلَقْتَهُ مِن طِينٍ

[Allah] said: “What prevented you [O Iblis] that you did not prostrate, when I commanded you?” Iblis said: “I am better than him (Adam), You created me from fire, and him You created from clay.”

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] said: It has been stated that the reason behind Iblees being distanced [from the Mercy of Allaah] is because of false interpretation, for indeed he made an analogy and gave precedence to the analogy over the text. He made a false representation about himself and gave precedence to that rational analogy over the command [that was given to him] to prostrate [to Aadam]. Allaah [informed us that Iblees] said: [أَنَا خَيْرٌ مِّنْهُ  – I am better than him (Adam)]- Meaning: A more virtuous individual cannot humble himself to the one who has been given precedence over him; then Iblees immediately stated [as Allaah informed us that Iblees] said:

[خَلَقْتَنِي مِن نَّارٍ وَخَلَقْتَهُ مِن طِينٍ -You created me from fire, and him You created from clay].  He thought that this rational analogy that resembles the truth- even though it is false- will benefit him in his false interpretation. So that which happened to him happened and he became the leader of everyone- until the day of judgement – who makes a false interpretation of the divine texts. How many a people in this world are followers of this cursed leader! And if you contemplate on the majority of those doubts that are made to resemble the truth by the false interpreters of the texts- whilst seeking to nullify them- you will find that it is similar to the doubts of Iblees which they seek to portray as truth.

So a person says: If the intellect and the text oppose each other, then give precedence to the intellect; this is where this principle [i.e. false analogy] is derived from and he [i.e. this person] utilises it as fundamental principle by way of which he rejects those texts of the revelation which he claims are  in opposition to the intellect, just as his leader Iblees claimed that a [so called] rational evidence opposed the command to make Sujood. This doubt came to him due to pride and it prevented him from submitting to the clear text of the revelation.  Likewise, you find that every false disputer against the texts of the revelation does so due to pride. Allaah [The Most High] said:

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يُجَادِلُونَ فِي آيَاتِ اللَّهِ بِغَيْرِ سُلْطَانٍ أَتَاهُمْ ۙ إِن
فِي صُدُورِهِمْ إِلَّا كِبْرٌ مَّا هُم بِبَالِغِيهِ ۚ فَاسْتَعِذْ بِاللَّهِ ۖ إِنَّهُ هُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْبَصِيرُ

Verily, those who dispute about the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allah, without any authority having come to them, there is nothing else in their breasts except pride [to accept you (Muhammad) as a Messenger of Allah and to obey you]. They will never have it (i.e. Prophethood which Allah has bestowed upon you). So seek refuge in Allah (O Muhammad from the arrogants). Verily, it is He Who is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer. [40:56]


[Source: Badaa’i At-Tafseer al-Jaami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imaam Ibnul Qayyim’ Vol 1. Page 377. Abridged and slightly paraphrased]

The One Who Abandons What is Beneficial For His [Or Her Religion] Will Face Trials- By Imaam As-Sadi

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

This is found in a number of Aayaat, that when the polytheists shunned the worship of Ar-Rahmaan [Allaah], they were put to trial through the worship of idols. And when they behaved haughtily and claimed that the Messengers were [only] humans [i.e. therefore they will not follow the Messengers], they were put to trial through submission to everything that made [their] intellects and Religion unstable.

And when Eemaan was clearly shown to them [i.e. the disbelieving nations] at the first instance and they recognised it, but then they turned away from it, Allaah [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections] averted, afflicted and sealed their hearts. So, they believed not until they saw the painful punishment.

And after the straight path was clarified for them, but they deviated from it by choice and approved the path of deviation in opposition to the path of guidance, Allaah deviated their hearts and caused them to be confounded in their path [of misguidance].

And when they belittled the signs of Allaah and His Messengers, Allaah belittled them with a humiliating punishment.

And when they behaved haughtily, Allaah humiliated them in this life and the next.

And when they forbade that Allaah’s Name be glorified and mentioned in the Mosques of Allaah and strive for their ruin, then it was not fitting after that they should enter it except in fear.

 وَمِنْهُم مَّنْ عَاهَدَ اللَّـهَ لَئِنْ آتَانَا مِن فَضْلِهِ لَنَصَّدَّقَنَّ وَلَنَكُونَنَّ مِنَ الصَّالِحِينَ

فَلَمَّا آتَاهُم مِّن فَضْلِهِ بَخِلُوا بِهِ وَتَوَلَّوا وَّهُم مُّعْرِ‌ضُونَ

فَأَعْقَبَهُمْ نِفَاقًا فِي قُلُوبِهِمْ إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ يَلْقَوْنَهُ بِمَا أَخْلَفُوا اللَّـهَ مَا وَعَدُوهُ وَبِمَا كَانُوا يَكْذِبُونَ

And of them are some who made a covenant with Allaah (saying): ”If He bestowed on us of His Bounty, we will verily give Sadaqah (Zakat and voluntary charity in Allaah’s cause) and will be certainly among those who are righteous.  ”Then when He gave them of His Bounty, they became niggardly [refused to pay the Sadaqah (Zakat or voluntary charity)], and turned away, averse.  So He punished them by putting hypocrisy into their hearts till the Day whereon they shall meet him, because they broke that (covenant with Allaah) which they had promised to Him and because they used to tell lies”( 9:75-77)

The Aayaat that convey this affair are numerous and they show that the servant was close to being guided and made to follow the straight path, but then he abandoned it after knowing it, or he renounced it after following it, so he is punished and has no right to guidance.  This is a recompense for his actions, as Allaah said about the Yahood [i.e. those who knew the truthfulness of Muhammad’s (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) Messengership, but turned away from it wilfully)]:

وَلَمَّا جَاءَهُمْ رَ‌سُولٌ مِّنْ عِندِ اللَّـهِ مُصَدِّقٌ لِّمَا مَعَهُمْ نَبَذَ فَرِ‌يقٌ مِّنَ الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ كِتَابَ اللَّـهِ وَرَ‌اءَ ظُهُورِ‌هِمْ كَأَنَّهُمْ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ

وَاتَّبَعُوا مَا تَتْلُو الشَّيَاطِينُ عَلَىٰ مُلْكِ سُلَيْمَانَ

And when there came to them a Messenger from Allaah (i.e Muhammad) confirming what was with them, a party of those who were given the Scripture threw away the Book of Allaah behind their backs as if they did not know!  They followed what the (devils) gave out (falsely of the magic) in the lifetime of Sulaymaan.  2:101-102

They abandoned the most sublime, the most beneficial and the truthful Book (i.e. the Qur’aan), so Allaah put them to trial and they followed the most debased, untruthful and harmful path. Those who wage war against Allaah and His Messenger abandon spending their wealth in obedience to Allaah, and (instead) spend it in obedience to shaytaan.


[Source: Al Qawaa-idul Hisaan Li-tafseer Al Qur’aan” by Imaam Abdur Rahmaan As-Sadi (rahimahullaah). Pages: 96-97. Abridged and slightly paraphrased]

 

The Evil Consequences of Our Actions On This Earth- By Imaam Ibnul Qayyim

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

Allaah (The Most High) said:

ظَهَرَ ٱلۡفَسَادُ فِى ٱلۡبَرِّ وَٱلۡبَحۡرِ بِمَا كَسَبَتۡ أَيۡدِى ٱلنَّاسِ لِيُذِيقَهُم بَعۡضَ ٱلَّذِى عَمِلُواْ لَعَلَّهُمۡ يَرۡجِعُونَ

Evil (sins and disobedience of Allah, etc.) has appeared on land and sea because of what the hands of men have earned. [30:41]

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim (rahimahullaah) said:

This ayah was revealed regarding the state of affairs of the world- the relationship between it and the events that occur. You see how the occurrence of those evil actions and defects (of the people) affects the harvest, vegetation and the animals in every era, and the manner in which those evil (affairs) necessitates other evils. And whenever the people initiate oppression and wickedness, their Lord (The Blessed and Most High) brings about- from those evils and defects (of theirs)- deficiencies and harm in their nourishments, fruits, atmospheres, bodies, physical natures, outward appearances and manners, as a justification for their deeds, acts of oppression and wickedness.

Indeed, the grains of wheat and other than them used to be bigger than what they are today, just as the blessing in them was greater. Imaam Ahmad (rahimahullaah) narrated with his chain of transmission that a packet was found in one of the treasury departments of Bani Umayyah in which there was a grain nearly the size of a date. This grain was grown and harvested during an era of justice.

The majority of the illnesses and the general evil affairs are remnants of the punishment afflicted upon the people of the previous nations; then there remained from that what remains, as a surprise punishment against those who remain upon the (evil) deeds of those previous nations. This is a just judgement and just decree.  And indeed the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) has indicated to this in his statement concerning plagues, that it is a remnant of an affliction or punishment that was sent by Allaah to the Children of Israa’eel.


[Source:Badaa’i-ul At-Tafseer Al-Jaami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imaam Ibnu Qayyim Al-Jawziyyah: page: 313: Vol:2..abridged and slightly paraphrased]

 

[Fir’awn]- An Oppressive Disbeliever Who Gave No Importance to the Affairs of a Particular Group of People in His Society

Allaah (The Most High) said:

إِنَّ فِرْعَوْنَ عَلَا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَجَعَلَ أَهْلَهَا شِيَعًا يَسْتَضْعِفُ طَائِفَةً مِّنْهُمْ يُذَبِّحُ أَبْنَاءَهُمْ وَيَسْتَحْيِي نِسَاءَهُمْ ۚ إِنَّهُ كَانَ مِنَ الْمُفْسِدِينَ

Verily, Fir’aun (Pharaoh) exalted himself in the land and made its people sects, weakening (oppressing) a group (i.e. Children of Israel) among them, killing their sons, and letting their females live. Verily, he was of the Mufsidun (i.e. those who commit great sins and crimes, oppressors, tyrants, etc.). [Soorah Al-Qasas Ayah 4]

[إِنَّ فِرْعَوْنَ عَلَا فِي الْأَرْضِ  – Verily, Fir’aun (Pharaoh) exalted himself in the land]; (exalted himself)] in his kingdom, authority, army and might.

[وَجَعَلَ أَهْلَهَا شِيَعًا – and made its people sects]; – (divided them into) different groups, behaved towards them in a way that suited his desires and executed his dominance and strength amongst them based on what he wished.

[يَسْتَضْعِفُ طَائِفَةً مِّنْهُمْ – weakening (oppressing) a group among them]; that group was Bani Israa’eel whom Allaah preferred above mankind during their era – who were worthy of being honoured and elevated, however he oppressed them. He neither cared about them nor gave importance to their affairs, to the extent that he [يُذَبِّحُ أَبْنَاءَهُمْ وَيَسْتَحْيِي نِسَاءَهُمْ  – killing their sons, and letting their females live]- out of fearing that they will become many, plentiful in his land and have kingship.

[إِنَّهُ كَانَ مِنَ الْمُفْسِدِينَ – Verily, he was of the Mufsidun]- those who neither intend rectification in the affairs of the religion nor in the worldly affairs, and this was his corruption in the earth.

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[Abridged & slightly paraphrased.. source: Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan’ by Imaam Sadi (rahimahullaah). Publisher: Daar Ibn Hazm 1st Ed 1424AH (Year 2003)]

[3] Few Reminders From Imaam Ibnul Qayyim about The Diseased Heart

The diseases of the heart revolve around four things: corruption, weakness (i.e. unable to restrain oneself), forgetfulness (i.e. due to being heedless) and oppression.

Doubt, ignorance, confusion, misguidance, love of deviation and wicked lowly desires (found) in heart returns back to these four affairs (i.e. corruption, weakness, forgetfulness and oppression); so a slave (i.e. a person) pursues the causes of the heart’s sickness until he becomes sick (i.e. his heart becomes sick), then Allaah punishes him by increasing this disease due to him giving preference to the causes of this disease and pursuing them.

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[Source: Badaa’i At-Tafseer Al-Jaami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imaam Ibnu Qayyim’ Vol 1. Pages 96-97]

[1] The Khawaarij and Takfeer- ISIS and others

Shaikh Muhammad Baazmool (may Allaah preserve him) said in his book titled ‘Al-Muhkam Wal Mutashaabih Fit Takfeer Wal Jihaad’ page 47:

It is Haraam to make takfeer of a Muslim without a Mukaffirah [i.e. a deed of major disbelief he (or she) has committed] or without establishing the proofs. [1]

Full information here: http://salaficentre.com/2015/06/unravelling-doubts-of-the-takfeeris-rebuttal-of-the-aqeedah-of-isis-and-their-supporters-1/

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[1] See here: The Principles of Takfeer

http://www.salafipublications.com/sps/sp.cfm?secID=MNJ&subsecID=MNJ09&loadpage=displaysubsection.cfm

Types of Envy’ by Imaam Ibnul Qayyim (rahimahullaah)

The First Type: This type is very little and does not lead the (envier) to harm (others)-either by way of (hatred in) his heart, (speech of the) tongue or (deeds of the) hand; rather the person has some envy in his heart but he only deals with his Muslim brother through what Allaah loves.

The Second Type: The envier desires that the blessing (bestowed on the one he envies) should cease. He hates that Allaah should give blessings to His slaves; rather he (desires) that the envied person should remain in that state (of deprivation)…

The Third Type is Al-Ghibtahl: It is when a person wishes to be like another person without desiring that the blessing possessed by that person should cease. The person who has this type of envy is not blamed; rather this is very similar to praiseworthy competition to excel another in good deeds.

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[Source: Badaa’i al-Fawaa-id’ 2/237’ by Imaam Ibnul Qayyim (rahimahullaah); slightly paraphrased and abridged]

[6] Allaah’s Various Types of Punishments and Their Causes—Shaikh Abdullaah Ibn Salfeeq Adh-Dhufayree (may Allaah preserve him)

The All-Encompassing Wisdom of Allaah Regarding What He Has Decreed of Punishments

Indeed Allaah (The Most High) is All-Wise and All-Knowing regarding what He has decreed and what He causes to occur from what He has decreed; just as He is All-knowing with regards to what He legislated and commanded. He created what He willed of the [Universal Signs and Events] and He decreed various types of punishments in order to make His slaves fear (destruction) and as a reminder of what is obligated on them regarding the fulfilment of His Rights; as a warning against associating partners with Him; (a warning against being in) opposition to His commandments and (a warning against) committing what He has prohibited by way of opposing the Sunnah [of the Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam)] and the guidance of those who were foremost to embrace Islaam (i.e. the Salaf). Allaah (Glorified and Exalted Be He) said: [وَمَا نُرۡسِلُ بِٱلۡأَيَـٰتِ إِلَّا تَخۡوِيفً۬ا] ”And We sent not the signs except to warn, and to make them afraid (of destruction).” [17:59]

Allaah (The Most High) said: [سَنُرِيهِمۡ ءَايَـٰتِنَا فِى ٱلۡأَفَاقِ وَفِىٓ أَنفُسِہِمۡ حَتَّىٰ يَتَبَيَّنَ لَهُمۡ أَنَّهُ ٱلۡحَقُّ‌ۗ أَوَلَمۡ يَكۡفِ بِرَبِّكَ أَنَّهُ ۥ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىۡءٍ۬ شَہِيدٌ ] ”We will show them Our Signs in the universe, and in their ownselves, until it becomes manifest to them that this (the Qur’an) is the truth. Is it not sufficient in regard to your Lord that He is a Witness over all things? [41:53]

Allaah (The Most High) said: [قُلۡ هُوَ ٱلۡقَادِرُ عَلَىٰٓ أَن يَبۡعَثَ عَلَيۡكُمۡ عَذَابً۬ا مِّن فَوۡقِكُمۡ أَوۡ مِن تَحۡتِ أَرۡجُلِكُمۡ أَوۡ يَلۡبِسَكُمۡ شِيَعً۬ا وَيُذِيقَ بَعۡضَكُم بَأۡسَ بَعۡضٍ‌ۗ] ”Say: “He has power to send torment on you from above or from under your feet, or to cover you with confusion in party strife, and make you to taste the violence of one another.” [6:65]

Abus Shaikh Al-Asfahaaniy (rahimahullaah) reported from  Mujaahid (rahimahullaah) that he said about this ayah:

[قُلۡ هُوَ ٱلۡقَادِرُ عَلَىٰٓ أَن يَبۡعَثَ عَلَيۡكُمۡ عَذَابً۬ا مِّن فَوۡقِكُمۡ-Say: “He has power to send torment on you from above]; meaning: destructive thunderbolts, stones and winds. [أَوۡ مِن تَحۡتِ أَرۡجُلِكُمۡ- or from under your feet]; meaning: earthquake and to make the earth swallow you.

All the calamities that take place, the trials and other than them by way of which the slaves receive harm and different types of injuries, then all of that is due to Shirk and acts of disobedience. Allaah (The Mighty and Majestic) said:

[وَمَآ أَصَـٰبَڪُم مِّن مُّصِيبَةٍ۬ فَبِمَا كَسَبَتۡ أَيۡدِيكُمۡ وَيَعۡفُواْ عَن كَثِيرٍ۬- ”And whatever of misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned. And He pardons much.” [42:30]

 Allaah (The Most High) said: [مَّآ أَصَابَكَ مِنۡ حَسَنَةٍ۬ فَمِنَ ٱللَّهِ‌ۖ وَمَآ أَصَابَكَ مِن سَيِّئَةٍ۬ فَمِن نَّفۡسِكَ‌ۚ –Whatever of good reaches you, is from Allah, but whatever of evil befalls you, is from yourself]. 4:79

And Allaah (The Most High) said about the nations of the past:

[فَكُلاًّ أَخَذۡنَا بِذَنۢبِهِۦ‌ۖ فَمِنۡهُم مَّنۡ أَرۡسَلۡنَا عَلَيۡهِ حَاصِبً۬ا وَمِنۡهُم مَّنۡ أَخَذَتۡهُ ٱلصَّيۡحَةُ وَمِنۡهُم مَّنۡ خَسَفۡنَا بِهِ ٱلۡأَرۡضَ وَمِنۡهُم مَّنۡ أَغۡرَقۡنَا‌ۚ وَمَا ڪَانَ ٱللَّهُ لِيَظۡلِمَهُمۡ وَلَـٰكِن ڪَانُوٓاْ أَنفُسَهُمۡ يَظۡلِمُونَ ]

”So We punished each (of them) for his sins, of them were some on whom We sent Hasiban (a violent wind with shower of stones) [as the people of Lout (Lot)], and of them were some who were overtaken by As-Saihah [torment – awful cry, etc. (as Thamud or Shu’aib’s people)], and of them were some whom We caused the earth to swallow [as Qarun (Korah)], and of them were some whom We drowned [as the people of Nuh (Noah), or Fir’aun (Pharaoh) and his people]. It was not Allah Who wronged them, but they wronged themselves.” [29:40]

[Abridged and slightly paraphrased. Source: عقوبات الله المتنوعة وأسبابُهاpages: 22-24]

To be continued In-Shaa-Allaah

[4] Allaah’s Various Types of Punishments and Their Causes—Shaikh Abdullaah Ibn Salfeeq Adh-Dhufayree (may Allaah preserve him)

It is obligatory to ponder upon the punishments that were afflicted on the previous nations

Allaah (The Most High) promise to punish the Faasiqeen [rebellious, disobedient people] just as it happened to those before them–(punishments) by way of [خَسف—swallowed by the earth]; [ نَسف– wind blast]; [ريح—wind] and destruction, and punished for inattentiveness (to Allaah’s commandments and prohibitions) and heedlessness. [1] Allaah (The Most High):

أَفَأَمِنَ ٱلَّذِينَ مَكَرُواْ ٱلسَّيِّـَٔاتِ أَن يَخۡسِفَ ٱللَّهُ بِہِمُ ٱلۡأَرۡضَ أَوۡ يَأۡتِيَهُمُ ٱلۡعَذَابُ مِنۡ حَيۡثُ لَا يَشۡعُرُونَ

أَوۡ يَأۡخُذَهُمۡ فِى تَقَلُّبِهِمۡ فَمَا هُم بِمُعۡجِزِينَ

أَوۡ يَأۡخُذَهُمۡ عَلَىٰ تَخَوُّفٍ۬ فَإِنَّ رَبَّكُمۡ لَرَءُوفٌ۬ رَّحِيمٌ

”Do then those who devise evil plots feel secure that Allah will not sink them into the earth, or that the torment will not seize them from directions they perceive not? Or that He may catch them in the midst of their going to and fro (in their jobs), so that there be no escape for them (from Allah’s Punishment)? Or that He may catch them with gradual wasting (of their wealth and health). Truly! Your Lord is indeed full of Kindness, Most Merciful?” [16:45-47]

Allaah (The Most High) said:

أَفَأَمِنَ أَهۡلُ ٱلۡقُرَىٰٓ أَن يَأۡتِيَہُم بَأۡسُنَا بَيَـٰتً۬ا وَهُمۡ نَآٮِٕمُونَ

أَوَأَمِنَ أَهۡلُ ٱلۡقُرَىٰٓ أَن يَأۡتِيَهُم بَأۡسُنَا ضُحً۬ى وَهُمۡ يَلۡعَبُونَ

أَفَأَمِنُواْ مَڪۡرَ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ فَلَا يَأۡمَنُ مَڪۡرَ ٱللَّهِ إِلَّا ٱلۡقَوۡمُ ٱلۡخَـٰسِرُونَ

”Did the people of the towns then feel secure against the coming of Our Punishment by night while they are asleep? Or, did the people of the towns then feel secure against the coming of Our Punishment in the forenoon while they play? Did they then feel secure against the Plan of Allah. None feels secure from the Plan of Allah except the people who are the losers. [7:97-99]

Allaah (The Most High) said:

مِّمَّا خَطِيٓـَٔـٰتِہِمۡ أُغۡرِقُواْ فَأُدۡخِلُواْ نَارً۬ا

‘’Because of their sins they were drowned.’’ [71:25]

 

And Allaah (The Most High) said:

فَلَمَّآ ءَاسَفُونَا ٱنتَقَمۡنَا مِنۡهُمۡ فَأَغۡرَقۡنَـٰهُمۡ أَجۡمَعِينَ

”So when they angered Us, We punished them, and drowned them all.’’ [43:55]

 

O Slaves of Allaah! Indeed Allaah is [الْجَبَّار –The Exalted and All Mighty Compeller]; [الْقَوِيُّ -The One Perfect In Strength]; [الْوَاحِدُ –The One and Only (Who has no partner in His Names, Attributes and Actions and Allaah alone deserves to be worshipped) etc] and Allaah is [الْقَهَّار -The Overwhelming Subduer Who is Never Overcome]. Allaah shows the slaves signs and punishments by way of which they can reflect and contemplate; so that they may return to obedience and not remain in their misguidance and heedlessness.

How much wisdom is there regarding the afflictions with which Allaah afflicts some of the slaves and not others!? And from that wisdom–and Allaah knows best–is so that they serve as a lesson for those who are present concerning (the affair of those who) have preceded; and so that they may take heed concerning what has already gone by and prepare themselves for what is to come.

Allaah’s admonitions and reprimands are of various types: sometimes it is by way of drowning, just as the people of Nooh were destroyed through drowning; sometimes it is by way of winds, just as Allaah destroyed the people of Ad by way of that; sometimes it is by way of (severe torment- destructive loud thunder bolts), just as Allaah destroyed Thamood by way of that (i.e. thunderbolts followed by an earthquake); sometimes is it by way of turning their houses upside down just as Allaah destroyed the people of Lut by way of that; sometimes is it by way of a violent wind with shower of stones just as Allaah destroy shu’aib’s people by way of that. [2] And sometimes it is by way of enemies who are given the upper hand, just as Allaah gave a people who had extreme strength in war fare the upper hand over Bani Israa’eel. [3]

Allaah (Glorified and Exalted Be He) commanded us to reflect upon, saying:

قُلِ ٱنظُرُواْ مَاذَا فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ‌ۚ وَمَا تُغۡنِى ٱلۡأَيَـٰتُ وَٱلنُّذُرُ عَن قَوۡمٍ۬ لَّا يُؤۡمِنُونَ

فَهَلۡ يَنتَظِرُونَ إِلَّا مِثۡلَ أَيَّامِ ٱلَّذِينَ خَلَوۡاْ مِن قَبۡلِهِمۡ‌ۚ قُلۡ فَٱنتَظِرُوٓاْ إِنِّى مَعَكُم مِّنَ ٱلۡمُنتَظِرِينَ

ثُمَّ نُنَجِّى رُسُلَنَا وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ‌ۚ كَذَٲلِكَ حَقًّا عَلَيۡنَا نُنجِ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ

Say: “Behold all that is in the heavens and the earth,” but neither Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) nor warners benefit those who believe not. Then do they wait for (anything) save for (destruction) like the days of the men who passed away before them? Say: “Wait then, I am (too) with you among those who wait.” Then (in the end) We save Our Messengers and those who believe! Thus it is incumbent upon Us to save the believers. [10:101-103]

O slaves of Allaah! However with great sorrow, these calamities, miseries, admonitions and wars that we see here and there and hear about, are in reality a chastisement from Allaah upon His slaves, so that they may return (to Allaah in repentance and obedience) and seek rescue and delieverance from Allaah. Allaah (The Most High) said: [فَلَوۡلَآ إِذۡ جَآءَهُم بَأۡسُنَا تَضَرَّعُواْ ] ‘’When Our Torment reached them, why then did they not believe with humility?’’ Meaning: Did they humble themselves when our Torment reached them? [وَلَـٰكِن قَسَتۡ قُلُوبُہُمۡ وَزَيَّنَ لَهُمُ ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنُ مَا ڪَانُواْ يَعۡمَلُونَ ] ‘’But their hearts became hardened, and Shaitan (Satan) made fair-seeming to them that which they used to do.’’ [6:43]

Therefore O slaves of Allaah! Indeed it is a calamity that these afflictions have reached many people but they still remain upon what they are upon. They have neither turned away from their sins nor repent to Allaah (Glorified and Exalted Be He). The one who stays away from the congregational prayer has not ceased doing so; the who does not pay attention to his children and their upbringing has not ceased doing so and has not woken up; the one who eats usury and engages in forbidden dealings is still not paying attention and turning away (from his sin). This is the case with regards to all other acts of disobedience and major sins. The people remain upon their misguidance and increase in it-neither being reminded nor learning lessons.

[Abridged and slightly paraphrased: Source: عقوبات الله المتنوعة وأسبابُهاpages 16-20]

To be continued..In-Shaa-Alaah

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Footnotes in booklet:

[1] Imaam Ibnul Qayyim (rahimahullaah) said, ‘’From the punishments for sins are (the following): Indeed it causes blessings to cease and brings about punishment. A blessing does not cease from a slave and punishment does not befall a slave except due to sin; just as Ali Ibn Abee Taalib (radiyallaahu-anhu) said: A calamity does not descend except due to sin and a calamity is not removed except due to repentance. And indeed Allaah (Glorified and Exalted Be He said:

[وَمَآ أَصَـٰبَڪُم مِّن مُّصِيبَةٍ۬ فَبِمَا كَسَبَتۡ أَيۡدِيكُمۡ وَيَعۡفُواْ عَن كَثِيرٍ۬] And whatever of misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned. And He pardons much.’’ [42:30]

And Allaah (The Most High) said: [ذَٲلِكَ بِأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَمۡ يَكُ مُغَيِّرً۬ا نِّعۡمَةً أَنۡعَمَهَا عَلَىٰ قَوۡمٍ حَتَّىٰ يُغَيِّرُواْ مَا بِأَنفُسِہِمۡ‌ۙ] ‘’ That is so because Allah will never change a grace which He has bestowed on a people until they change what is in their ownselves.‘’ [8:53]

So Allaah (The Most High) informed (us) that He does not replace the blessing He bestows on any individual unless the person changes his/her own state of affairs-by replacing obedience to Allaah with disobedience; replacing gratefulness to Allaah with ungratefulness; replacing the means to Allaah’s Pleasure with the means leading to Allaah’s Displeasure. When a person changes, Allaah changes his state of affairs as an exact recompense (according to his evil crimes). [وَمَا رَبُّكَ بِظَلَّـٰمٍ۬ لِّلۡعَبِيدِ] ‘’And your Lord is not at all unjust to (His) slaves.’’ [41:46] If he (the person) replaces obedience with disobedience, Allaah replaces his state of wellbeing with punishment and his state of honour with humiliation.

[2]Allaah (Glorified and Exalted Be He) said:

فَكُلاًّ أَخَذۡنَا بِذَنۢبِهِۦ‌ۖ فَمِنۡهُم مَّنۡ أَرۡسَلۡنَا عَلَيۡهِ حَاصِبً۬ا وَمِنۡهُم مَّنۡ أَخَذَتۡهُ ٱلصَّيۡحَةُ وَمِنۡهُم مَّنۡ خَسَفۡنَا بِهِ ٱلۡأَرۡضَ وَمِنۡهُم مَّنۡ أَغۡرَقۡنَا‌ۚ وَمَا ڪَانَ ٱللَّهُ لِيَظۡلِمَهُمۡ وَلَـٰكِن ڪَانُوٓاْ أَنفُسَهُمۡ يَظۡلِمُونَ

‘’So We punished each (of them) for his sins, of them were some on whom We sent Hasiban (a violent wind with shower of stones) [as the people of Lout (Lot)], and of them were some who were overtaken by As-Saihah [torment – awful cry, etc. (as Thamud or Shu’aib’s people)], and of them were some whom We caused the earth to swallow [as Qarun (Korah)], and of them were some whom We drowned [as the people of Nuh (Noah), or Fir’aun (Pharaoh) and his people]. It was not Allah Who wronged them, but they wronged themselves.’’ [29:40]

 

[3]Allaah (Glorified and Exalted Be He) said: [فَإِذَا جَآءَ وَعۡدُ أُولَٮٰهُمَا بَعَثۡنَا عَلَيۡڪُمۡ عِبَادً۬ا لَّنَآ أُوْلِى بَأۡسٍ۬ شَدِيدٍ۬ فَجَاسُواْ خِلَـٰلَ ٱلدِّيَارِ‌ۚ وَكَانَ وَعۡدً۬ا مَّفۡعُولاً۬  ]

‘’So, when the promise came for the first of the two, We sent against you slaves of Ours given to terrible warfare. They entered the very innermost parts of your homes. And it was a promise (completely) fulfilled.’’ [17:5]

 

 

[2] Allaah’s Various Types of Punishments and Their Causes—Shaikh Abdullaah Ibn Salfeeq Adh-Dhufayree (may Allaah preserve him)

The punishments for sins and disobedience do vary depending on the level of the offences. Sometimes the punishment occurs in one’s religion and it is the greatest of punishments. It is (when) the act of disobedience comes between a person and Imaan (1) and between him and Husnul khaatimah. (2)

If every single one of us scrutinizes himself attentively, he will find that whenever he commits a sin and did not repent from it by way of (changing his state); indeed he will find that he did commit a greater sin than it previously. And the attestation to this is His (i.e. Allaah’s) statement: [فَلَمَّا زَاغُوٓاْ أَزَاغَ ٱللَّهُ قُلُوبَهُمۡ‌ۚ] ”So when they turned away (from the Path of Allah), Allah turned their hearts away (from the Right Path).” [ 61:5]

Allaah (The Most High) said: [وَنُقَلِّبُ أَفۡـِٔدَتَہُمۡ وَأَبۡصَـٰرَهُمۡ كَمَا لَمۡ يُؤۡمِنُواْ بِهِۦۤ أَوَّلَ مَرَّةٍ۬ وَنَذَرُهُمۡ فِى طُغۡيَـٰنِهِمۡ يَعۡمَهُونَ] ”And We shall turn their hearts and their eyes away (from guidance), as they refused to believe therein for the first time, and We shall leave them in their trespass to wander blindly.” [6:110]

 And Allaah (The Most High) said: [فَأَعۡقَبَہُمۡ نِفَاقً۬ا فِى قُلُوبِہِمۡ إِلَىٰ يَوۡمِ يَلۡقَوۡنَهُ ۥ بِمَآ أَخۡلَفُواْ ٱللَّهَ مَا وَعَدُوهُ وَبِمَا ڪَانُواْ يَكۡذِبُونَ] ”So He punished them by putting hypocrisy into their hearts till the Day whereon they shall meet Him, because they broke that (covenant with Allah) which they had promised Him and because they used to tell lies.” [9:77]

[Source: [Abridged: Source: عقوبات الله المتنوعة وأسبابُهاpages 13-14]

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 Translator’s Notes:

[1] An act of disobedience comes between a person and Imaan: Imaam Sadi (rahimahullaah) stated about the Ayah:

[وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ يَحُولُ بَيْنَ الْمَرْءِ وَقَلْبِهِ ] ‘’And know that Allah comes in between a person and his heart.”  Therefore, beware of rejecting the command of Allaah when it comes to you at first, lest He comes between you and it [i.e. Allaah (The Most High) prevents you from guidance as a just recompense) when you turn away from it and your hearts (turn) in opposition– for indeed Allaah intervenes between a person and his heart—Allaah causes it (i.e. the heart of the person) to change and turns it in any direction as He wills (i.e. as a just recompense for the one who rejects or turns away from the truth). Therefore, a slave (i.e. the Muslim) should increase in (uttering) the statement (i.e. the Du’aa): ”O turner of the hearts, keep my heart firm upon your Religion; O turner of the hearts, turn my heart towards obedience to You.” [For further details, see [For further details, see Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan] [Also see Tafseer of this ayah in Al-Fawaa-id of Imaam Ibnul Qayyim (rahimahullaah) pages 140-144. Publishers: Maktabah Ar-Rushd. 3rd edition 2005]

[2]Husnul Khaatimah: (i.e. A Muslim leaves this world in obedience to Allaah and in obedience to Allaah’s Messenger; or leaves this world in a state confirmed to be a good end by textual proof. Imaam Albaani (rahimahullaah) stated some of these good signs in Ahkaam Al-Janaa-iz and from them: [a] The one who dies whilst uttering the Shahaadah; [b] The one who dies during the day or night on Friday; [c] Death by way of a plague, drowning etc; [d] The woman who dies during the period of post natal bleeding as a result of giving birth; [e] death by fire; death through defending one’s wealth against a robber etc [See Ahkaam Al-Janaa-iz pages 21-24 –Shaikh Albaani (rahimahullaah) quotes the authentic ahaadeeth to establish these affairs and others]