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Author: Abdullah Jallow

No Room is Given to Ahlul Bidah and Conspiracy Theorists to Speak In The Affairs of Fitan, Rather The Muslim is Commanded to Return to The Authentic Texts And Upright Scholars

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Belief - 'Aqeedah', Calling To Islam - 'Da'wa', Deviated Callers & Individuals, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

[1] Among Those Affairs of Guidance Regarding the Fitan

Shaikh Muhammad Baazmool [may Allaah preserve him] said: The Messenger of Allaah [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] and what has been reported from him is the authority to which [one] must return in order to understand this affair [i.e. the subject matter of Fitan].  Therefore, one cannot return to the following affairs: (a)The narrations of the ahlul kitaab; (b) Opinions and dreams; (c) Weak and fabricated ahaadeeth; (d) Qiyaas and (e) Political, Economic or socialist analysis-since the ahaadeeth regarding the Fitan,  the portents of the Hour and what is to take place of strife are from the (affairs) of the Religion, and the Religion is Tawqeefee (i.e. its source can only be established from the divine texts of the Qur’aan and the authentic Sunnah).

Therefore, all that is reported from the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) with sound chains of transmission concerning (affairs) that are to take place, then it is obligated on every Muslim to have Eemaan in it, whether it appeals to his intellect or not.  And this is the reality of one’s testimony that he (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) is the Messenger of Allaah (Glorified Be He).  Allaah (The Most High) said:

وَمَا يَنْطِقُ عَنِ الْهَوَىٰ

إِنْ هُوَ إِلَّا وَحْيٌ يُوحَىٰ

Nor does he (Muhammad) speak of (his own) desire.  It is only an Inspiration that is inspired.” 53:3-4

And Allaah (The Most High) said:

وَمَا آتَاكُمُ الرَّسُولُ فَخُذُوهُ وَمَا نَهَاكُمْ عَنْهُ فَانْتَهُو

And whatsoever the Messenger (Muhammad) gives you, take it, and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it)” 59:7

Umar (radiyallaahu-anhu) reported that: One day while we were sitting with the messenger of Allah there appeared before us a man whose clothes were exceedingly white and whose hair was exceedingly black; no signs of journeying were to be seen on him and none of us knew him. He walked up and sat down by the prophet. Resting his knees against his and placing the palms of his hands on his thighs, he said:”O Muhammad, tell me about Islam”. The messenger of Allah said: “Islam is to testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah, to perform the prayers, to pay the zakat, to fast in Ramadan, and to make the pilgrimage to the House if you are able to do so.” He said: “You have spoken rightly’’ And we were amazed at him asking him and saying that he had spoken rightly. He said: “Then tell me about Iman.”He said:”It is to believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, and the Last Day, and to believe in divine destiny, both the good and the evil thereof.” He said: “You have spoken rightly”. He said: “Then tell me about Ihsan.” He said: “It is to worship Allah as though you are seeing Him, and while you see Him not yet truly He sees you”. He said: “Then tell me about the Hour”. He said: “The one questioned about it knows no better than the questioner.” He said: “Then tell me about its signs.” He said: “That the slave-girl will give birth to her mistress and that you will see the barefooted, naked, destitute herdsman competing in constructing lofty buildings.” Then he took himself off and I stayed for a time. Then he said: “O Umar, do you know who the questioner was?” I said: “Allah and His messenger know best”. He said: “He was Gibreel (Gabriel), who came to you to teach you your religion.” [Reported by Muslim. Kitaab al-Eemaan. Chapter: Imaan, Islaam and Ihsaan. Hadeeth Number: 8]

The testimony in this hadeeth is the statement of the Prophet: “He was Gibreel, who came to you to teach you your religion.”  And the guiding principle in the above hadeeth is that he (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) asked a question about the Hour and its circumstances, and he established that it is something included in the affairs of the Religion.  The affairs of Fitan and its circumstances, and the affairs of strife are all related to the (portents) of the Hour.  Therefore, it is included in the Religion and it is not for anyone to speak about it based on his own (opinions, views, analysis or interpretations etc). [Ref 1: End of Quote]

[2] Referring Back To the Senior Scholars in Times of Fitan and Affairs Related To Universal Public Safety, And Not To Spread News in Haste

Allaah (The Most High) said:

وَإِذَا جَاءَهُمْ أَمْرٌ مِّنَ الْأَمْنِ أَوِ الْخَوْفِ أَذَاعُوا بِهِ ۖ وَلَوْ رَدُّوهُ إِلَى الرَّسُولِ وَإِلَىٰ أُولِي الْأَمْرِ مِنْهُمْ لَعَلِمَهُ الَّذِينَ يَسْتَنبِطُونَهُ مِنْهُمْ ۗ وَلَوْلَا فَضْلُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَتُهُ لَاتَّبَعْتُمُ الشَّيْطَانَ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا

When there comes to them some matter touching (public) safety or fear, they make it known (among the people), if only they had referred it to the Messenger or to those charged with authority among them, the proper investigators would have understood it from them (directly). Had it not been for the Grace and Mercy of Allaah upon you, you would have followed Shaitaan (Satan), save a few of you.'[4:83]

Imaam Ibn Katheer (rahimahullaah) said: ”In this ayah (there) is a rebuke against the one who rushes towards affairs and then gives news about it before verifying it – circulates and spreads it -and perhaps there is no credibility in it.”

Therefore, this ayah obligates verification and clarification when (news) is heard, as Ibn katheer (rahimahullaah) mentioned. It rebukes the one who hastens in transmitting and spreading (news) before verifying its credibility.

This ayah (also) guides to another affair and that is (important news touching public safety and fear) is to be relayed to those in authority from amongst the Scholars and the Rulers and not to the common people, for there is no benefit in transmitting it to the common people; rather what is of benefit is that it is transmitted to the people in authority because they are those with a sound understanding of the affairs and the benefits that are extracted from them. They are the ones with the ability to avert the harmful affairs.

Ibn Katheer then mentioned a number of narrations about being careful about hastiness and lack of verifying news- and from them is a narration by Abu Hurairah (radiyallaahu-anhu) that the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said: ‘’It is enough for a man to prove himself a liar when he goes on narrating whatever he hears’’.

And Mugheerah bin Shubah (radiyallaahu-anhu) said, ‘’The Messenger of Allaah (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) forbade Qeel Wal Qaal (i.e. so and so said)’’.  Ibn Katheer (rahimahullaah) said, ‘’It is the one who narrates a great deal of that which the people say without verification, contemplation and clarification’’.

Then Ibn Katheer (rahimahullaah) stated:

The hadith of Umar (radiyallaahu-anhu) collected by Bukhaari and Muslim should be mentioned here; when Umar was told that the Messenger of Allaah (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) divorced his wives, he left his house and entered the mosque, where he found the people talking about it; so he could not endure waiting and ask for the permission of the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) to speak to him; then Umar asked the Prophet, saying, ‘‘Have you divorced your women?’’ The Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said, ‘No’.  So Umar said, I said ‘Allaahu Akbar……’

And in the narration collected by Imaam Muslim, Umar said, I asked, ‘Have you divorced them?’ The Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said, ‘No’.  So I stood by the door of the mosque and shouted with a loud voice, saying, ‘The Messenger of Allaah did not divorce his wives’.  Then the ayah (i.e. Ayah 83, Surah Nisaa) was revealed.  Umar said, ‘I investigated this affair properly’ (i.e. whether the Prophet did divorce his wives).

Imaam As-Sadi [rahimahullaah] said about this Aayaah [i.e. An-Nisaa 83]: This is a moral conduct [commanded by Allaah] to His slaves – that they do not do this [i.e. hasten to spread news]. And it is obligated on them that when there comes to them an affair from the important affairs – matters related to a universal benefit for the people, public safety and those affairs on which depends the sorrow or happiness of the believers, or an affair of public fear which may bring about calamity upon them- that they should verify the [news of that affair] and not to be hasty in spreading it; rather they should refer it back to the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] and to those in authority- the people of sound opinions, the people of knowledge; those who can give sound advice, the people of intelligence and those who approach affairs with calmness, and they are those who know what is of overriding benefit and that which is in opposition to it [i.e. the scholars].  So, if they see that disseminating such news will bring about an overriding benefit for the Muslims, strengthen them, bring about happiness and make them vigilant over their enemies, then they would disseminate such news; but if they see that there is no overriding benefit in disseminating such news, or that there is benefit in it, but there is more harm in doing so; then they would not circulate such news.  That is why Allaah stated:

وَلَوْ رَدُّوهُ إِلَى الرَّسُولِ وَإِلَىٰ أُولِي الْأَمْرِ مِنْهُمْ لَعَلِمَهُ الَّذِينَ يَسْتَنبِطُونَهُ مِنْهُمْ

‘’If only they had referred it to the Messenger or to those charged with authority among them, the proper investigators would have understood it from them (directly)’’- Meaning: They would have derived from it [the proper cause of action] through contemplation and through their correct opinions and rightly guided sciences.

Therefore, in this there is proof regarding a principle related to a moral conduct, that when an [important affair] from the [important affairs] suddenly appears, it is obligatory to refer it to those who are competent in the affair and one should not put himself forward before them, for that is closer to correctness and [safer] in preventing mistakes. And in this, there is a prohibition against being hasty in circulating news [that is related important affairs of public safety or fear] and a command to contemplate before speaking- to look into the affair, as to whether it is an affair of overriding benefit to be dealt with, or whether it should be avoided if it does not carry an [overriding benefit].

[وَلَوۡلَا فَضۡلُ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيۡڪُمۡ وَرَحۡمَتُهُ – Had it not been for the Grace and Mercy of Allah upon you]- Meaning: by way granting you the ability to act upon righteousness, instructed you with moral conducts and taught you that which you never knew, then [لَٱتَّبَعۡتُمُ ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنَ إِلَّا قَلِيلاً۬  – you would have followed Shaitan (Satan), save a few of you].

[3] Scholars and Those Whom They Recommend For The Task Are The Ones Obligated With the Task Of Unveiling The Plots and Plans of The Enemies and Not The Conspiracy Theorists, Rationalists etc

Shaikh Rabee Bin Haadee Al-Madkhalee (may Allaah preserve him) says:

So it is not permissible for the Ulamaa to remain heedless of their plans (i.e. the enemies of Islaam), their actions, their publications, their missionary activities and their various calls (to the Muslims). And also the various poisons they are infusing – which are in opposition to the Qur’aan and the Messenger (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) and his Sunnah. And nor of what plans they have for (the destruction of) the beliefs and methodologies of Islaam. It is not permissible either, to remain heedless of their concentrated efforts to Christianize or secularize the Muslim youth. And along with that, the Muslim youth and the students are not able to oppose this plan and strategy. Rather it is necessary that the distinguished Ulamaa – those who are experienced and shrewd – it is for such people, in all the places to undertake this duty. So it is obligatory for some of the intelligent and ingenious people from the field of ‘Aqeedah to be mobilised for opposing these plans. And likewise it is a must that the intelligent and distinguished from amongst the specialists in the Sunnah – that they be mobilised for the refutation of these –and similarly the eminent and distinguished from amongst those in the fields of Orientalism for the refutation of the plans of the Orientalists.” (Ahl ul-Hadeeth, p.102)

He also says:

“I myself believe that it is a benefit – rather it is of necessity – that we know what the enemies are planning for us, and that it is necessary for us to prepare (ourselves in strength) to destroy their plans. However, I do not exaggerate in this matter, rather my view is the view of our Ulamaa’ and they have all agreed upon this – that amongst the obligatory matters there are some that are Fard ‘Ain and others that are Fard Kifaayah – and even if knowing the state of the enemies is harmful – it is still necessary for us to know it – but it is treated as Fard Kifaayah. When some attend to it, then the harm is removed from the rest” up until he said: “So I consider that there is no criticism for the Ulamaa and the students of knowledge who take great concern for preserving the Sharee’ah of Allaah – in terms of the Book, the Sunnah and its understanding – for this is one of the duties of the Kifaayah actions. And I believe that these people are more superior, noble, truthful and of more benefit to Islaam than those who are weak in their knowledge of the religion of Allaah or those who have no share in acquainting themselves with it.” [Ref 3. End of quote]

[Ref 1: Source: Mawqiful Muslim Minal Fitan. Page15-18’ by Shaikh Muhammad Baazmool. Abridged and slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 2: Al-Fitnah Wa Mawqiful Muslim Minhaa’ 78-83 by Shaikh Muhammad Aqeel. Abridged and slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 3. An excerpt from an article at www.salafipublications.com titled: The Salafis and Looking into the Affairs of the Ummah]

Great Numbers of People Upon a Particular Way of Life Is Not Proof That They Are Rightly Guided

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan.

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

Allaah [The Most High] said:

وَإِن تُطِعۡ أَڪۡثَرَ مَن فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ يُضِلُّوكَ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ إِن يَتَّبِعُونَ إِلَّا ٱلظَّنَّ وَإِنۡ هُمۡ إِلَّا يَخۡرُصُونَ

إِنَّ رَبَّكَ هُوَ أَعۡلَمُ مَن يَضِلُّ عَن سَبِيلِهِۦ‌ۖ وَهُوَ أَعۡلَمُ بِٱلۡمُهۡتَدِينَ

And if you obey most of those on earth, they will mislead you far away from Allah’s Path. They follow nothing but conjectures, and they do nothing but lie. Verily, your Lord! It is He Who knows best who strays from His Way, and He knows best the rightly guided ones. [6:116-117]

Allaah [The Most High] said to His Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] whilst warning him against obeying the majority of the people: [وَإِن تُطِعۡ أَڪۡثَرَ مَن فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ يُضِلُّوكَ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ   – And if you obey most of those on earth, they will mislead you far away from Allah’s Path]; Meaning: The majority of the people have deviated from their religion [i.e. the sound religion of Tawheed revealed to all the Prophets and Messengers], (upright) deeds and knowledge. Their religious practices are corrupted and their deeds are based on their desires [i.e. not based on the final revelation revealed by Allaah to mankind and Jinn]. Likewise, their knowledge is neither based on certainty nor does it guide towards the path of righteousness; rather their aim is to follow conjecture, which can be of no avail against the truth. They lie and speak about Allaah without knowledge, therefore it is inevitable that Allaah warns His servants [i.e. mankind] regarding the likes of these people and describe their state of affairs. And even though this ayah was an address to the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam], however the Ummah is to follow him in all the rulings which have not been specified to him [i.e. unless something is proven by text to show that a ruling is only applicable to the Prophet, otherwise such a ruling is also applicable to the Ummah].

Then Allaah [The Most High] said: [إِنَّ رَبَّكَ هُوَ أَعۡلَمُ مَن يَضِلُّ عَن سَبِيلِهِۦ‌ۖ وَهُوَ أَعۡلَمُ بِٱلۡمُهۡتَدِينَ- Verily, your Lord! It is He Who knows best who strays from His Way, and He knows best the rightly guided ones]; Meaning: Allaah knows who follows the straight path and directs others to it. Therefore, it is obligated on the believers to follow Allaah’s advice; obey Allaah’s commands and keep away from what Allaah has forbidden because Allaah knows what is best for them and Allaah is more Merciful to them than they are to themselves.

This ayah shows that the mere fact that the majority of people (are followers of a particular path) is neither a proof that they are upon truth nor that a small number of people (upon a particular way) is proof that they are upon falsehood; rather the fact is that the people of truth are smaller in number, but they are exalted in the sight of Allaah and will receive great reward. Therefore, it is obligated (on a person) to judge truth and falsehood based on what Allaah has revealed as the only means to judging what is true or false.

[Source: Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam al-Mannaan’ by Imaam Sadi (rahimahullaah). Abridged & slightly paraphrased]

End of The Nine Mischief Makers Amongst The People of Prophet Saaleh [alayhis salaam]-A Warning to All Plotters In Our Era!

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Deviated Callers & Individuals, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan.

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

Allaah (The Most High) stated concerning those who disbelieved in His Messenger Saaleh (alayhis-salaam):

وَكَانَ فِى ٱلۡمَدِينَةِ تِسۡعَةُ رَهۡطٍ۬ يُفۡسِدُونَ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَلَا يُصۡلِحُونَ

قَالُواْ تَقَاسَمُواْ بِٱللَّهِ لَنُبَيِّتَنَّهُ ۥ وَأَهۡلَهُ ۥ ثُمَّ لَنَقُولَنَّ لِوَلِيِّهِۦ مَا شَہِدۡنَا مَهۡلِكَ أَهۡلِهِۦ وَإِنَّا لَصَـٰدِقُونَ

وَمَكَرُواْ مَڪۡرً۬ا وَمَكَرۡنَا مَڪۡرً۬ا وَهُمۡ لَا يَشۡعُرُونَ

فَٱنظُرۡ كَيۡفَ ڪَانَ عَـٰقِبَةُ مَكۡرِهِمۡ أَنَّا دَمَّرۡنَـٰهُمۡ وَقَوۡمَهُمۡ أَجۡمَعِينَ

فَتِلۡكَ بُيُوتُهُمۡ خَاوِيَةَۢ بِمَا ظَلَمُوٓاْ‌ۗ إِنَّ فِى ذَٲلِكَ لَأَيَةً۬ لِّقَوۡمٍ۬ يَعۡلَمُونَ

وَأَنجَيۡنَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَڪَانُواْ يَتَّقُونَ

And there were in the city nine men (from the sons of their chiefs), who made mischief in the land, and would not reform. They said: “Swear one to another by Allah that we shall make a secret night attack on him and his household, and afterwards we will surely say to his near relatives: ‘We witnessed not the destruction of his household, and verily! We are telling the truth. So they plotted a plot, and We planned a plan, while they perceived not.  Then see how was the end of their plot! Verily! We destroyed them and their nation, all together. These are their houses in utter ruin, for they did wrong. Verily, in this is indeed an Ayah (a lesson or a sign) for people who know. And We saved those who believed, and used to fear Allah, and keep their duty to Him. [27:48-53]

In the city where Saaleh (lived) amongst his people, there were nine men whom Allaah described as mischief makers in the land. They neither had any (good) intention nor deeds of righteousness; rather they were prepared to manifest enmity towards Saaleh (alayhis-salaam) – spoke ill of his religion (of Tawheed and uprightness) and called their people to this enmity of theirs. [Ref 1] They used to shed blood, commit theft and violate the honour of women. They were also the ones who hamstrung the she-camel. [Ref 2]

Allaah (The Most High) informed us that Saaleh (alayhis-salaam) advised his people, saying:

فَٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُونِ

وَلَا تُطِيعُوٓاْ أَمۡرَ ٱلۡمُسۡرِفِينَ

ٱلَّذِينَ يُفۡسِدُونَ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَلَا يُصۡلِحُونَ

So fear Allah, keep your duty to Him, and obey me. And follow not the command of Al-Musrifun [i.e. their chiefs, leaders who were polytheists, criminals and sinners]; Who make mischief in the land, and reform not. [26:150-152]

However, they did not cease to be upon this evil state of affairs until their enmity towards Saaleh (alayhis-salaam) led them to make an oath to one another that they will approach him and his family at night and murder them.  They also agreed that when they are confronted by Saaleh’s (alayhis-salaam) near relatives with the claim that they killed him, they will reject the claim and make an oath that they were truthful. So they plotted to murder Allaah’s Prophet Saaleh (alayhis-salaam) and Allaah also planned, but Allaah saved Saaleh (alayhis-salaam) and destroyed his disbelieving people.  Indeed, they never fulfilled their goal and plot.

This is the reality of the end result; so ponder upon the way in which Allaah (The Most High) deals with His Friends and His enemies! The end result of oppression will always be devastation and destruction, and the end result of Eemaan and justice will always be safety and success.

Allaah saved those who believed in Him, His Angels, His Books, His Messengers, the last Day and in His pre-decree (its good and it bad)—and they were also those who refrained from shirk and disobedience, and they obeyed Allaah and His Messengers. [Ref 3]

[Refs 1 & 3: Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Ramaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan of Imaam Sadi (rahimahullaah)… Abridged and paraphrased]

[Ref 2: Zaadul Maseer’ by Ibnul Jawzi]

Look at Those Who Are Below You And Do Not Look at Those Above You – [Beneficial Reminders By Shaikh Saaleh Al-Fawzaan (may Allaah preserve him)]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Abu Hurairah [radiyallaahu-anhu] narrated that the Messenger of Allaah [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said, ‘’Look at those who are below you and do not look at those above you, for it is more suitable lest you look down on Allaah’s blessings [bestowed upon] you.”

[Saheeh Muslim’ Hadeeth Number 2963]

A person should neither be covetous of this worldly life nor anxious due to what afflicts him [or her], rather he (or she) should exercise patience and hope for [Allaah’s reward due to exercising patience] – whether he [or she] is poor, sick or other than that. The worldly life is a place of trial and test, so one should not become anxious due to calamities and trials. And what makes this affair easier for a person is the guidance given by the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] in this hadeeth [as follows]:” Look at those who are below you and do not look at those above you, for it is more suitable lest you look down on Allaah’s blessings [bestowed upon] you”.

A poor person should look at the one who is poorer and should not look at a wealthier [person], for if Allaah willed He would have placed you in the same situation as that poor person who has nothing. You have something – you have your daily nourishment; but that one poorer than you has nothing – he does not even have his daily nourishment. You are in a better situation, so praise Allaah for this and do not look at the wealthier people because that will lead you to harbour anger against Allaah and being displeased with His divine Will, and then you [will or might] say, ‘’Why can I not be like such and such person; why am not like the wealthy people?’’ This is the meaning of looking down on the blessing you have. However, if you look at the person below you, it will make you thankful because your situation is better than that of many people. Therefore, the one in good health should look at the sick person and then praises Allaah for granting him [or her] good health. The one who is sick should look at the one who is sicker than him (or her) and then praises Allaah for being less sick than the person who is sicker than him [or her]. This (hadeeth embodies) a great principle. Therefore, ‘look to the one below you’ in (relation) to wealth, health and in other affairs.

However, this should not be the case in affairs related to acts of worship – in affairs related to acts of worship, you should not look at the one below you. You should not look at the lazy people and those who neglect their religious duties, rather you should look at the righteous and God-fearing people so that you can join them in performing good deeds and be like them. Therefore, with regards to affairs related to the religion, you should not look at the one below you, rather you should look at the one above you in the religion, for why do not want to be like him (or her); why do you not want to be like the righteous people; why do not want to emulate the God-fearing scholars? [i.e. those scholars whose creed is sound; those free from shirk, religious innovations, superstitions, fictitious beliefs and practices- who practice Islaam based on the Qur’aan, the authentic Sunnah and the understanding of the Sahaabah]. If you are a student of knowledge, you should not be satisfied with the sciences of the religion you have acquired; rather you should seek to increase in knowledge as long as you are alive.

[Source: Tasheelul il’haami Bi-Fiqhil Ahaadeethi Min Bulooghil Maraam’ Hadeeth Number 1438’ Vol 6′ pages 168-169’ by Shaikh Saaleh Al-Fawzaan (may Allaah preserve him). Publisher: Daar Al-Imaam Ahmad’ 1st Edition 1430AH – Year 2009. Abridged & slightly paraphrased]

 

I [i.e. all of us] Know My People, Culture, Language And Lineage, But That Should Not Lead to Arrogance, Suspicion or Antagonism Towards Others Just Because They Are Different

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Calling To Islam - 'Da'wa', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Shaikh Muhammad Baazmool [may Allaah preserve him] said: Ascription to a tribe is an affair confirmed (or established) by the (Islamic) legislation. [Allaah (The Most High) said]:

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلنَّاسُ إِنَّا خَلَقۡنَـٰكُم مِّن ذَكَرٍ۬ وَأُنثَىٰ وَجَعَلۡنَـٰكُمۡ شُعُوبً۬ا وَقَبَآٮِٕلَ لِتَعَارَفُوٓاْ‌ۚ إِنَّ أَڪۡرَمَكُمۡ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ أَتۡقَٮٰكُمۡ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ خَبِيرٌ۬

O mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honourable of you with Allah is that (believer) who has the most Taqwah. Verily, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware. [49:13]

Some Benefits derived from the above Ayah:

[لِتَعَارَفُوا  – that you may know one another]; so that you may know one another and how close you all are to one another in lineage, but not out of boastfulness. Then Allaah informed us that the most elevated amongst them (i.e the children of Aadam) are those who fear Allaah the most.

The Prophet (salla-laahu-alayhi-wasalam) said: “Learn your lineages so that you can maintain ties of kinship…..’’ [Reported by Imaam Tirmidhee (rahimahullaah) Number 1979 & declared authentic by Imaam Albani (rahimahullaah) in Sahih Sunan At-Tirmidhee]

Therefore, ascription to a tribe and a nation is affirmed in Islaam. The companions of the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] used to ascribe themselves to their tribes and their people in the presence of the Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam), and he never disapproved of that. [Ref A]

The Messenger [sallal-laahu-aalayhi-wasallam] said, ”Whoever is held back by his deeds, his (nobility) of lineage will not push him forward.” [Ref 1]

Imaam Nawawi [rahimahullaah] said, ”Its meaning is that the one whose deeds are deficient and he does not catch up with the performers of (good) deeds, then it is obligatory upon him not to crown himself with nobility of lineage and the virtues of his forefathers, whilst he is lagging behind in (performing good) deeds.” [Ref 2]

Ubay bin ka’b [radiyallaahu-anhu] said: Two men [mentioned their] lineages during the lifetime of Allaah’s Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam]; one of them said [to the other]: ‘’I am Fulaan the son of Fulaan [i.e. mentioning his name and that of his parents, grandparents etc.], so who are you [with] no mother? [i.e. rebuking him]. So Allaah’s Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said: “Two men [mentioned their] lineages during the lifetime of Moosaa [alayhis-salaam]; one of them said [to the other]: “I am Fulaan son of Fulaan, until he counted nine [people from his lineage], so who are you [with] no mother” [i.e. rebuking the other]. He [the other person] said: “I am Fulaan the son of Fulaan, the son of Islaam.” So Allaah revealed to Moosaa [alayhis-salaam]: ‘’Indeed those two who [mentioned their] lineages, as for you ascribed or attributed to nine, [they] are in the hell fire and you are the tenth amongst them. And as for you ascribed or attributed to two, [they] are in paradise and you are the third of them.” [3]

Customs

Imaam Ash-Shaatibee [rahimahullaah] stated in Al-Muwaafaqaat that Customs are many different types- some are sound and others are corrupt. The sound customs are those that neither oppose the Sharee’ah texts nor lead to losing an affair deem to be beneficial by the Sharee’ah, nor lead to an affair which the Sharee’ah deems to be corrupt.

As for the corrupt customs, they are those that oppose the evidences in the Sharee’ah or some of the principles of the Sharee’ah, such as some of the customary dealings in usury, and those deeds deemed to be evil by the Sharee’ah which the people engage in during occasions of happiness (or rejoicing etc) [Ref 4]

NB: Whenever we are unsure whether a certain custom of our nation, tribe or clam is permissible or not, we should seek clarification from the people of knowledge.

[Ref A]Source: Silsilah Ar-Rasaa’il Al-Manhajiyyah Fin-Nus’hi Wal Irshaad Wat-Taw’iyah’ pages 47-49 Abridged and slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 1] [Saheeh Muslim…part of hadeeth in ‘’The Book Pertaining to the Remembrance of Allah, Supplication, Repentance and Seeking Forgiveness]

[Ref 2] [Sharh Saheeh Muslim:  Hadeeth Number 2699; Vol 17, page 18]

[Ref 3] [Reported by Imaam Ahmad 5/128 and declared authentic by Imaam Al Albaani in As-Saheehah 1270]

[Ref 4]: Al-Muwaafaqaat 2/283. Paraphrased & abridged]

 

 

The End Result of Taqwah and Sabr

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allaah [The Most High] informed us of the conversation between Prophet Yusuf [alayhis-salaam] and his brothers:

قَالُوا أَإِنَّكَ لَأَنْتَ يُوسُفُ ۖ قَالَ أَنَا يُوسُفُ وَهَٰذَا أَخِي ۖ قَدْ مَنَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْنَا ۖ إِنَّهُ مَنْ يَتَّقِ وَيَصْبِرْ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُضِيعُ أَجْرَ الْمُحْسِنِينَ

They said: “Are you indeed Yusuf (Joseph)? “He said: I am Yusuf (Joseph), and this is my brother (Benjamin). Allah has indeed been gracious to us. Verily, he who fears Allah and is patient, then surely, Allah makes not the reward of the good-doers to be lost.”

They knew that the one who addressed them was Yoosuf, so they said: [ أَإِنَّكَ لَأَنْتَ يُوسُف -Are you indeed Yusuf (Joseph)]?” He said: [أَنَا يُوسُفُ وَهَٰذَا أَخِي ۖ قَدْ مَنَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْنَا – I am Yusuf (Joseph), and this is my brother (Benjamin). Allah has indeed been gracious to us]” [by granting] us Imaan, piety and authority in the worldly life, and that is due to patience and piety.

[ۖ إِنَّهُ مَنْ يَتَّقِ وَيَصْبِرْ -Verily, he who fears Allah and is patient]- Meaning: [He/She] keeps away from what Allaah has forbidden, exercises patience in facing pain and calamities, and [exercises patience] in carrying out the commandments [of Allaah], [فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُضِيعُ أَجْرَ الْمُحْسِنِين – then surely, Allah makes not the reward of the good-doers to be lost]”; because this is from Ihsaan and Allaah makes not the reward of the one who perfects his deeds to be lost.

[For further details, see Tayseer Al-kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam al-Mannaan]

Four Beneficial Reminders Derived From The Supplication of Dhun-Noon: [None has the right to be worshipped but You (O Allah), Glorified (and Exalted) are You (above all that evil) they associate with You. Truly, I have been of the wrong-doers]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Belief - 'Aqeedah', Duroos (Lessons), Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Sad Bin Abee Waqqaas narrated that the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said: ‘’The invocation of my brother Dhun-Noon:[لا إِلَهَ إِلا أَنتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِنِّي كُنتُ مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ – none has the right to be worshipped but You (O Allah), Glorified (and Exalted) are You (above all that evil) they associate with You. Truly, I have been of the wrong-doers]; there is no one who faces hardship and supplicates with it, except that Allaah will relief him of his hardship.’’

[Saheeh Al-Jaami 3383]

Few Reminders from the Above Hadeeth

Look at the great distress which befell Yoonus [alayhis-salaam]?! The whale swallowed him and went to the bottom of the sea. He was in the belly of the whale and at the bottom of the sea – a great distress indeed. Therefore, there was nothing else for him to do at the time except to keep on repeating that supplication, whilst he was engulfed in darkness – the darkness in the whale’s belly, the darkness in the sea and the darkness of the night, and trapped at the bottom of the sea. He repeated this supplication, so Allaah commanded the whale to take him out. Yoonus [alayhis-salaamn] made this supplication whilst having a strong reliance upon Allaah and knew that deliverance from such a distress is in Allaah’s hand.

This supplication comprises of four affairs:

1: [Tawheed: (لا إِلَهَ إِلا أَنتَ)-None has the right to be worshipped except You (O Allaah)]. This is singling out Allaah in worship.

2: [ سُبْحَانَكَ – Glorified (and Exalted) are You (above all that evil) they associate with You]; meaning: I declare that You (O Allaah) are free from everything that does not befit Your Majesty. I declare that You (O Allaah) are free from all deficiencies and defects, and I declare that You (O Allaah) are free from all that which the enemies of the Messengers attribute to You. Allaah [The Most High] said:

[سُبۡحَـٰنَ رَبِّكَ رَبِّ ٱلۡعِزَّةِ عَمَّا يَصِفُونَ – Glorified be your Lord, the Lord of Honour and Power! (He is free) from what they attribute unto Him! (37:180)]

3: [إِنِّي كُنتُ مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ – Truly, I have been of the wrong-doers]. This is an acknowledgement of one’s wrongdoing and shortcomings.

4: [Servitude to Allaah]: An acknowledgement that you are a slave of Allaah and that you cannot do without Allaah in the twinkling of an eye.

Therefore, a person should turn to Allaah in all circumstances – when faced with pain, hardship, calamity etc.

To be continued InshaaAllaah

[Source: Atharul Adkaar Ash-Shar’iyyah Fee Tardil Hammi Wal-Gham’ pages 21- 23’ by Shaikh Abdur-Razzaaq Al-Badr  (may Allaah preserve him) abridged & slightly paraphrased]

Hasten towards good deeds; for there will be trials which would be like a part of a dark night- [Shaikh Rabee Gives Us An Important Reminder]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Shaikh Rabee Bin Haadi [may Allaah preserve him] said:

Abu Hurairah (radiyallaahu-anhu) narrated that the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said: “Hasten towards (performance of) good deeds; (for) there will be trials which would be like a part of a dark night, wherein (i.e. during these trials) a man wakes up as a believer and becomes a disbeliever by night; or he begins the night as a believer and wakes up as a disbeliever, and a man would sell his religion for a (portion) of the worldly life (i.e. the worldly goods).”  [Saheeh Muslim Kitaab Al-Imaan number: 118]

Shaikh Rabee Bin Haadi [may Allaah preserve him] said:

The author [i.e. Imaam Al-Aajurree] pointed out that a lot of fitan [trials] have occurred–a people were humiliated during it and also [others] were destroyed, such as the likes of Abu Muslim Al-Khurasaanee and [during] the fitna of Ibnul Raawandee.

 Many fitan have occurred and from them, the fitna of the khawaarij, the Rawaafid and killing. Deviation and misguidance have occured –either fighting and trials [related] to politics or trials [related] to creed, methodology and what is similar to it.  Many people who were to be destroyed were destroyed  and the one whom Allaah protected was saved and made to adhere to the true methodology.

Indeed, all praises and thanks be to Allaah, many [people] were saved due to the clarity and establishment of this methodology [of the Salaf], just as the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallaam] promised that “There will not cease to be a group from my Ummah manifest and upon the truth –neither being harmed by those who forsake them nor by those who oppose them until the hour is established.”

So Allaah’s proof has been established against the people from the time the Muhammad [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallaam] was sent until the establishment of the hour.

A time will not come except that His [i.e. Allaah’s] proofs are established.  [These proofs will be] established by the inheritors of the prophets [i.e. the scholars of Ahlus Sunnah], the people of sound knowledge, the ‘Taa-ifatul Mansoorah [i.e. victorious group] that adheres to the truth and will not depart from it until the establishment of the hour. Allaah’s proof has been established against [the people] and through them [i.e. the inheritors of the prophets, the people of sound knowledge, the victorious group] Allaah saves many people, and all the praises and thanks be to Allaah.

So during every trial, they [i.e. the scholars of Ahlus Sunnah] must openly proclaim the truth and clarify this truth for the people. They should distinguish for them [the difference] between guidance and misguidance; between truth and falsehood; the manner in which the people will be safeguarded from these trials; the path through which they will be saved from entering into fitan and other affairs [by way of which] Allaah [The Blessed and Most High] guides this [victorious] group when [they] face every fitna.

And indeed the author reiterated this hadeeth: ‘’A man will wake up in the morning as a Muslim and by evening he becomes a disbeliever.” He [i.e. the author] said that a people will be humiliated; Yes! A man may be upon truth, and then you do not see him thereafter except that he has become a disbeliever! Or a misguided innovator! This is nothing else but humiliation! He used to claim that he was upon good, a possessor of knowledge and upon the truth, but then he falls into disbelief–either Kufr Akbar or kufr Asghar. This is ignominy and Allaah’s Protection is sought.

How many people have been humiliated and exposed by a trial! [Suddenly] you come to know of them and their false claims are unveiled, and their reality is clarified for you.

Source: الذريعة إلى بيان مقاصد كتاب الشريعة للإمام المحدث أبي بكر محمد بن الحسين الآجري

1/200-202. Abridged and slightly paraphrased