A Sheep was slaughtered for Abdullaah Ibn Umar [radiyallaahu-anhumaa], so he said to his slave: Have you given to our Jewish neighbour? Have you given to our Jewish neighbours? I heard the Messenger of Allaah [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] saying: Jibreel did not cease advising me [about the rights of] a neighbour until I thought that he [a neighbour] would inherit from me.
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy
Beware of the disease of the despots: (pride) [1]; for indeed pride, avarice and [blameworthy] envy were the first [sins] Allaah was disobeyed with. [2] So raising yourself above your teacher is pride [3]; and being arrogant towards the one who benefits you from amongst those who are below you [in knowledge] is pride; [4] and your falling short in acting upon knowledge is a sludge of pride and an indication of being deprived of [well-being]. [5]
[1] The Prophet said: Pride is to reject the truth and mock at the people.
[2] This refers to shaytaan’s behaviour when he was commanded to prostrate to Aadam, but pride prevented him from doing so. He refused and was haughty.
[3] Raising oneself can either be by way of the tongue [i.e. speech] and it can also be by way of sentiments [feelings, attitude, behaviour etc]. He [i.e. the student] might be walking with his teacher, whilst swaggering and saying: I did this and I did this.
[4] Likewise, being arrogant towards the one who is below you in knowledge is pride. This also occurs from some of the students. If someone below him in knowledge informs him of something, you find him arrogant and does not accept.
[5] We ask Allaah for wellbeing because from the types of pride is to not act upon the knowledge one knows.
Your feedback is welcomed to improve the content of this article Jazaakumullaahu Khayran
Source: Sharh Hilyati Taalibil Ilm’ pages 38-40′
By Shaikh Uthaymeen [rahimahullaah]. abridged & slightly paraphrased
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy
Abdullaah Ibn Umar [radiyallaahu-anhumaa] said, ”Allaah’s Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] took hold of my shoulder and said: ‘Be in this world as if you were a stranger or a traveller.” Ibn Umar used to say: ”If you survive till the evening, do not expect to be alive in the morning, and if you survive till the morning, do not expect to be alive in the evening, and take from your health for your sickness, and (take) from your life for your death.[1]
Imaam Abdul-Azeez Bin Baaz (rahimahullaah) said: This is a tremendous affair because the stranger (in a land) has no concern (for anything else) except with the affairs of travel, therefore let those in the worldly life prepare (themselves). This is what is befitting the believer–he (or she) should be a stranger because the stranger (in a land) prepares for travel. Likewise, this is how the sensible person should be in a (state of) preparedness and cautiousness. [2]
References
[1] Book of Ar-Riqaaq. Saheeh Bukhaari Vol 8. Hadeeth No: 6416. Pages: 234-235. Daarus Salaam
[2] Al-Hulalul Ibreeziyyah Min At-taliqaat Al-Baaziyyah Alaa Saheeh Al-Bukhaariy. Page: 223; Vol: 4. abridged & slightly paraphrased]
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy
Allaah (The Most High) said:
وَقَالَ مُوسَىٰ يَـٰقَوۡمِ إِن كُنتُمۡ ءَامَنتُم بِٱللَّهِ فَعَلَيۡهِ تَوَكَّلُوٓاْ إِن كُنتُم مُّسۡلِمِينَ
قَالُواْ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ تَوَكَّلۡنَا رَبَّنَا لَا تَجۡعَلۡنَا فِتۡنَةً۬ لِّلۡقَوۡمِ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ
وَنَجِّنَا بِرَحۡمَتِكَ مِنَ ٱلۡقَوۡمِ ٱلۡكَـٰفِرِينَ
And Musa (Moses) said: “O my people! If you have believed in Allah, then put your trust in Him if you are Muslims (those who submit to Allah’s Will).” They said: “In Allah we put our trust. Our Lord! Make us not a trial for the folk who are Zalimun [ Wrong-doers] (i.e. do not make them overpower us). And save us by Your Mercy from the disbelieving folk.” [10:84-86]
Brief Reminder from the above Aayaat
They asked their Lord not to put them to trial-neither by way of being placed under the authority of a people who would then put them to trial, nor to be defeated and then they fall into trial, saying: Had we been upon the truth we would not have been defeated.
[Source: (Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer kalaam al-Mannaan). Abridged and paraphrased]
Shaikh Rabee Bin Haadi
[may Allaah preserve him] said:
Bigoted partisanship for a particular idea that opposes the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of the Messenger, and [establishing] allegiance and enmity based upon it, this is Tahazzub [illegal partisanship]. This is Tahazzub even if it is not [done under an] organisation. To formulate deviated ideas and gather the people on it, this is a hizb, regardless whether it is [done under an] organisation or not.
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy
It is forbidden for a person to just come and sit with a person who is talking to another person because it may be that they are engaged in a private conversation. The Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said, “Whoever listens to the talk of some people who do not like him (to listen) or they run away from him, then molten lead will be poured into his ears on the Day of Resurrection. [Sahih Al-Bukhaari Number 7042]. This is a severe threat, so one should not listen to the speech of the people if they do not want anyone to know what they are talking about. [Ref 1]
It may be that two or more people gather to speak about a particular affair that concerns them, and they do not want anyone else to know about it; but then a person or more than one person becomes an obstacle by listening to their speech and (wanting) to know what they are talking about, whilst they are not pleased with that. This is an act of transgression and foolishness – that a person involves himself into something that does not concern him. And from the perfection of a person’s Islaam is to leave that which does not concern him. However, there is an exception to this prohibition such as when a person listens into the speech of those who are focused or (involved) in seeking to breach the state of safety and security of the Muslims. [Ref 2]
[Re 1]:Abridged & paraphrased…source: It’haaf At-Tullaab Bi-Sharhi Mandhoomah Al-Aadaab’ page 149′ by Shaikh Fawzaan (may Allaah preserve him). See Arabic text here:
Ref 2: Abridged and paraphrased…source: Awnul Ahadis Samad Sharh Al-Adabil Mufrad’ Vol 3 page 281′ by Shaikh Zayd Bin Haadi al-Madkhali (rahimahullaah). See Arabic text here:
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful The Bestower of Mercy
Imaam Sufyaan Ath-Thawri [rahimahullaah] said:
Whoever lends an ear to a person of innovation, has left the protection of Allaah and is entrusted to it (i.e. to the innovation).
Sheikh Saaleh Al-Fawzaan [may Allaah preserve him] said: Whoever lends an ear to a person of innovation, has left the protection of Allaah:’ The hadith about fleeing from ahlul bidah and not to sit with them, nor to accompany them has proceeded; so, whoever accompanies them and listens to their statements and does not reject them, will be destroyed alongside them. It is not permissible for you to lend an ear to them whilst saying: ‘’I am a believer with strong Eemaan and I am well acquainted with the Aqeedah, and they [i.e. the innovators] cannot have an effect on me.’ This is self -deception [and] trial for the people; for being distant from (the innovators) and not listening to their false statements is Safety. As for lending your ear to them, then you will become worthy of being put to trail alongside them.
And concerning the statement of Sufyaan: ‘And is entrusted to it (i.e. to the innovation)’: Sheikh Saaleh Al Fawzaan commented: Because Allaah safeguards the one who seeks safety with Him but the one who listens to innovation is worthy of being put to trial by it. He is entrusted to it and is removed from the Protection of Allaah (Glorified and Exalted be He].
It-haaful Qaaree pages 316-317 Vol: 2. abridged and slightly paraphrased
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy
Allaah (The Most high) said:
إِنَّ قَـٰرُونَ ڪَانَ مِن قَوۡمِ مُوسَىٰ فَبَغَىٰ عَلَيۡهِمۡۖ وَءَاتَيۡنَـٰهُ مِنَ ٱلۡكُنُوزِ مَآ إِنَّ مَفَاتِحَهُ ۥ لَتَنُوٓأُ بِٱلۡعُصۡبَةِ أُوْلِى ٱلۡقُوَّةِ إِذۡ قَالَ لَهُ ۥ قَوۡمُهُ ۥ لَا تَفۡرَحۡۖ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلۡفَرِحِينَ (٧٦) وَٱبۡتَغِ فِيمَآ ءَاتَٮٰكَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلدَّارَ ٱلۡأَخِرَةَۖ وَلَا تَنسَ نَصِيبَكَ مِنَ ٱلدُّنۡيَاۖ وَأَحۡسِن ڪَمَآ أَحۡسَنَ ٱللَّهُ إِلَيۡكَۖ وَلَا تَبۡغِ ٱلۡفَسَادَ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِۖ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلۡمُفۡسِدِينَ (٧٧) قَالَ إِنَّمَآ أُوتِيتُهُ ۥ عَلَىٰ عِلۡمٍ عِندِىٓۚ أَوَلَمۡ يَعۡلَمۡ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ قَدۡ أَهۡلَكَ مِن قَبۡلِهِۦ مِنَ ٱلۡقُرُونِ مَنۡ هُوَ أَشَدُّ مِنۡهُ قُوَّةً۬ وَأَڪۡثَرُ جَمۡعً۬اۚ وَلَا يُسۡـَٔلُ عَن ذُنُوبِهِمُ ٱلۡمُجۡرِمُونَ (٧٨) فَخَرَجَ عَلَىٰ قَوۡمِهِۦ فِى زِينَتِهِۦۖ قَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ يُرِيدُونَ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةَ ٱلدُّنۡيَا يَـٰلَيۡتَ لَنَا مِثۡلَ مَآ أُوتِىَ قَـٰرُونُ إِنَّهُ ۥ لَذُو حَظٍّ عَظِيمٍ۬ (٧٩) وَقَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُواْ ٱلۡعِلۡمَ وَيۡلَڪُمۡ ثَوَابُ ٱللَّهِ خَيۡرٌ۬ لِّمَنۡ ءَامَنَ وَعَمِلَ صَـٰلِحً۬ا وَلَا يُلَقَّٮٰهَآ إِلَّا ٱلصَّـٰبِرُونَ (٨٠) فَخَسَفۡنَا بِهِۦ وَبِدَارِهِ ٱلۡأَرۡضَ فَمَا ڪَانَ لَهُ ۥ مِن فِئَةٍ۬ يَنصُرُونَهُ ۥ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ وَمَا كَانَ مِنَ ٱلۡمُنتَصِرِينَ (٨١)وَأَصۡبَحَ ٱلَّذِينَ تَمَنَّوۡاْ مَكَانَهُ ۥ بِٱلۡأَمۡسِ يَقُولُونَ وَيۡكَأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَبۡسُطُ ٱلرِّزۡقَ لِمَن يَشَآءُ مِنۡ عِبَادِهِۦ وَيَقۡدِرُۖ لَوۡلَآ أَن مَّنَّ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيۡنَا لَخَسَفَ بِنَاۖ وَيۡكَأَنَّهُ ۥ لَا يُفۡلِحُ ٱلۡكَـٰفِرُونَ (٨٢) تِلۡكَ ٱلدَّارُ ٱلۡأَخِرَةُ نَجۡعَلُهَا لِلَّذِينَ لَا يُرِيدُونَ عُلُوًّ۬ا فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَلَا فَسَادً۬اۚ وَٱلۡعَـٰقِبَةُ لِلۡمُتَّقِينَ
Verily, Qarun (Korah) was of Musa’s (Moses) people, but he behaved arrogantly towards them. And We gave him of the treasures, that of which the keys would have been a burden to a body of strong men. When his people said to him: “Do not be glad (with ungratefulness to Allah’s Favours). Verily! Allah likes not those who are glad (with ungratefulness to Allah’s Favours).
But seek, with that (wealth) which Allah has bestowed on you, the home of the Hereafter, and forget not your portion of legal enjoyment in this world, and do good as Allah has been good to you, [وَلَا تَبۡغِ ٱلۡفَسَادَ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِۖ – and seek not mischief in the land]- meaning: through pride, disobedience (to Allaah), preoccupying yourself with the blessings (bestowed upon you by Allaah) at the expense of (obedience to Allaah, being thankful etc) [Ref 1]; [إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلۡمُفۡسِدِينَ -. Verily, Allah likes not the Mufsidun (those who commit great crimes and sins, oppressors, tyrants, mischief-makers, corrupts).
He said: “This has been given to me only because of knowledge I possess.” Did he not know that Allah had destroyed before him generations, men who were stronger than him in might and greater in the amount (of riches) they had collected. But the Mujrimun (criminals, disbelievers, polytheists, sinners, etc.) will not be questioned of their sins (because Allah knows them well, so they will be punished without account).
So he went forth before his people in his pomp. Those who were desirous of the life of the world, said: “Ah, would that we had the like of what Qarun (Korah) has been given? Verily! He is the owner of a great fortune.”
But those who had been given (religious) knowledge said: “Woe to you! The Reward of Allah (in the Hereafter) is better for those who believe and do righteous good deeds, and this none shall attain except those who are patient (in following the truth).”
So We caused the earth to swallow him and his dwelling place. Then he had no group or party to help him against Allah, nor was he one of those who could save themselves.
And those who had desired (for a position like) his position the day before, began to say: “Know you not that it is Allah Who enlarges the provision or restricts it to whomsoever He pleases of His slaves. Had it not been that Allah was Gracious to us, He could have caused the earth to swallow us up (also)! Know you not that the disbelievers will never be successful.
That home of the Hereafter (i.e. Paradise), We shall assign to those who rebel not against the truth with pride and oppression in the land nor do mischief by committing crimes. And the good end is for the Muttaqun [28:76-83]
[Ref 1: Tayseer al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan’ by Imaam As-Sadi (rahimahullaah). Abridged & slightly paraphrased]
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy
Imaam Al-Barbahaaree [rahimahullaah] said: ‘It is not allowed for a man to say, ‘Such and such [person] is a person of the sunnah’ until he [i.e. the person making such a statement] knows that he [i.e. the person he is giving a recommendation] combines the characteristics of the Sunnah. Therefore, it is not said about him, ‘a person of the Sunnah’ until he combines all the Sunnah.'[1]
Shaikh Saaleh Al-Fawzaan [may Allaah preserve him] said:
Do not give recommended to a person and a praise of him, except based on knowledge, lest the people become deceived by your praise of him, whilst he is not what (you have stated about him). So, when his real affair and path is clear to you, his knowledge and steadfastness; then you can give him recommendation. As for giving out praise and recommendation whilst not knowing of anything about him, then this is a dangerous recommendation through which the people will be deceived by this person.
Had only those who give commendations to the people stopped at that (i.e. put it in its proper place), then they would not give recommendation, except for one who fulfils the conditions of (receiving) recommendation because recommendation is a ‘Witness’; so, if the recommendation is not correct it will be a false witness.
And concerning the statement of Imaam Barbahaaree: ‘until he knows that he combines the characteristics of the Sunnah’ Shaikh Saaleh Al-Fawzaan commented on the above statement saying: The characteristics of the Sunnah are to be in Aqeedah, Knowledge and adherence to the Salafus Saaleh. But if there is not in him except a single characteristic of the (sunnah), then he is not judged to be from Ahlus Sunnah based on a single characteristic or one thing, so what about the one who does not have anything from that?
It-haaful Qaaree Bit-taleeqaat Alaa Sharhis Sunnah Vol: 2 pages 275-276
Abdul-Azeez Al-Qurashee
[rahimahullaah]
said:
I heard Sufyaan [rahimahullaah] saying:
It is incumbent upon you that you do not attach your heart to the worldly life [i.e. a blameworthy attachment as opposed to seeking one’s needs] and you are not eager for its attainment [i.e. the eagerness that leads to sin, transgression, covetousness etc], and Allaah will make you see the concealed affairs of the worldly life [i.e. its corruption and true reality when sought after in a blameworthy manner].
It is incumbent upon you to have الورع apprehensive fear – that type of fear that will keep you away from those affairs that are doubtful and thus may affect you in the afterlife – and Allaah will make your giving account on [the day of judgement] less burdensome.
Leave what makes you doubt for that which is not doubtful; leave those affairs that resemble the truth but are falsehood in reality and your religion will be safeguarded.
[Hilyatul Awliyaa 7/20]