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Author: Abdullah Jallow

Why is Noble Prophet Musa Mentioned More Than Other Prophets

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

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

The Reason Behind This Article

A beloved cousin called Ibrahim residing in America reached out with a thoughtful inquiry regarding the frequency of mentions of Prophet Musa, peace be upon him, compared to that of Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. He noted that while Musa is referenced numerous times due to his esteemed status as a great Prophet, all Prophets, peace be upon them, hold an esteemed status, with Prophet Muhammad being the most distinguished among them. This led him to question why Musa appears more often in the Qur’an than Prophet Muhammad. Upon receiving his message, I was in the company of my colleagues at the primary school- Ustadh Abu Tasnim and our younger brother and friend Ustadh Ahmad Qasim. When I mentioned the issue, my younger brother, friend and colleague Ustadh Ahmad Qasim, may Allah preserve him and increase him knowledge and firmness, kindly directed me to this clarification by Imam Muhammad Ibn Salih al-Uthaymin, may Allah have mercy upon him, and graciously provided me with the relevant pages in Arabic. After acquaintance with the Arabic text, I assured my cousin that I would endevour to convey this valuable insight to him. May Allah reward him for his desire to increase in knowledge. Amin. To proceed:

 

Imam Muhammad Ibn Salih al-Uthaymeen, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated:

The repetition of stories in the Quran is not done without some benefit; rather, there is benefit in it. Some stories, such as the story of Luqman and the Companions of the Cave have not been repeated and some are repeated based on the need for it. Those that are repeated are not presented in a single context in all places (instances); rather, they must vary. For instance, in Surah Al-A’raf (Ayah 109), Allah said: [قَالَ الْمَلَأُ مِن قَوْمِ فِرْعَوْنَ – The chiefs of Pharaoh’s people said”, and in Surah Ash-Shu’ara (Ayah 34), Allah said: [قَالَ لِلْمَلَا حَوْلَهُ – He (Pharaoh) said to the chiefs around him]. In the first story, the statement of Pharaoh’s companions is highlighted, while in the second, Pharaoh’s own statement is mentioned. This is because Pharaoh spoke and those people affirmed his speech, echoing his sentiments, thus making Pharaoh the initial speaker, and then followed by his rank and file.

You observe that these recurring stories vary according to the needs they address. This is particularly evident in the frequent repetition of the story of Musa, peace be upon him, due to the circumstances that necessitated it. This is because the Jews used to be present in Madinah, in proximity to the Quraysh, as well as the Christians in Najran and other regions. Due to this, the stories of Musa and Isa, peace be upon them, are reiterated more than others, reflecting the demands of the situation and the benefits at hand. Despite this, the repetition is not based on one angle, rather, they vary in length, mellowness and intensity, with certain aspects of the story appearing in one context rather than another. It is exceedingly rare for a verse to be identical to another verse that came before, thus, this occurs very little. For instance, we find among the shortest and most impactful stories in Surah Al-Qamar. The stories (in this Surah) are very brief, yet they contain profound warnings, each concluding with the statement [فَهَلْ مِن مُّدَّكِرٍ Is there anyone to take heed?] The one who reads this Surah with reflection is bound to be affected by (its significance) because it is tremendous.

What is the wisdom behind this repetition (of the stories)?

It highlights the importance of the story, as its repetition demonstrates that close attention is to be given to it. It reinforces the story, ensuring it is firmly established in the hearts of the people. It takes into account the time and the condition of the audience; thus, one often finds brevity and intensity in the stories conyed in the Makkan Surahs, in contrast to those in the Madinan Surahs. A clarification of the eloquence of the Qur’an, as these stories appear in various forms, tailored to the circumstances. It demonstrates the truthfulness of the Qur’an, affirming that it is from Allah, as these stories are presented in diverse ways without any contradiction.

If someone were to say: “You have stated that the various stories do not contradict one another; however, we observe that some appear to conflict, such as the story of Musa and Pharaoh. In certain verses, Pharaoh declared [إِنَّ هَٰذَا لَسَٰحِرٌ عَلِيمٌ- Indeed, this is a well versed sorcerer], while in another verse it is stated: [قَالَ ٱلْمَلَأُ مِن قَوْمِ فِرْعَوْنَ إِنَّ هَٰذَا لَسَٰحِرٌ عَلِيمٌ – The chiefs of the people of Fir’aun (Pharaoh) said: “This is indeed a well-versed sorcerer]. [Al-A’raf 109] So, how can these be reconciled? We say, reconciling this is very easy. The attribution of this statement to his people and to him does not present any contradiction. He expressed it first, and then people followed. This is not unusual (or strange).

Similarly, the statement [لَسَاحِرٌ مُّبِينُ – This is indeed an evident sorcerer] and [لَسَٰحِرٌ عَلِيمٌ – a well versed sorcerer] can be that he said “a well versed sorcerer” at one time and “an evident sorcerer” at another time. This is because a well versed sorcerer must also be evident (or prominent), thus it is known that the subject matter (or narrative) is not limited to one statement. Therefore, a perceptive individual can reconcile what appears to be contradictory within a single narrative. [Source: An Excerpt from “Sharh Usul Fee at-Tafsir” pages 347-35]

Visit this beneficial website by Shaikh Abu Iyad, may Allah preserve him:

https://www.islammoses.com/im/

Let’s Learn From the Ruin of the Evil Forefathers and Not Follow Their Path

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Belief - 'Aqeedah', Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

قَدْ خَلَتْ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ سُنَنٌ فَسِيرُوا فِي الْأَرْضِ فَانْظُرُوا كَيْفَ كَانَ عَاقِبَةُ الْمُكَذِّبِينَ

Many similar mishaps [troubles, problems] of life were faced by nations that have passed away before you, so travel through the earth, and see what was the end of those who disbelieved]. [Surah Aal Imran. 137]

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Indeed, there were nations like yourselves before you, so look to their evil end. You have to know that the reason behind their evil end was due to their disbelief in the revelations of Allaah and disbelief in Allaah’s Messengers. They were the forefathers and you are the descendants. The main affair that connects you to each other is your disbelief and the ruling on that disbelief is destruction. [I’laam Al-Muwaqqi-een: 1/181]

Imam Muhammad Bin Salih Al-Uthaymeen, may Allaah have mercy upon him, said:

If it is said, “What is the benefit in narrating to us the stories of the destroyed nations despite the fact that this Ummah will not be completely destroyed in a manner similar to the destruction of the previous nations before it?”

The Answer: Indeed, this has two benefits: The first benefit is a clarification of Allah’s blessings upon us that the occurrence of a complete destruction is removed from us, and that were it not for Allah’s Benevolence we would have been deserving of it. Second, the likeness of the punishment they received may occur in the hereafter for the one who did what they did, if punishment was not received in the worldly life. And this may be understood from the statement of Allah: “Such is the Seizure of your Lord when He seizes the population of towns while they are doing wrong. Verily, His Seizure is painful and severe. Indeed in that (there) is a sure lesson for those who fear the torment of the Hereafter.” So what is apparent from this Aayah is that what is similar to the punishment they received will happen in the Hereafter, and Allah knows best. [Source: Al-Muntaqaa Min Fawaa’idil Fawaa’id 123-124]

The Nations of The Past Had Their Share of Punishment In This Life Due to Sin and Transgression

Allah said:

قُلۡ يَـٰٓأَهۡلَ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبِ هَلۡ تَنقِمُونَ مِنَّآ إِلَّآ أَنۡ ءَامَنَّا بِٱللَّهِ وَمَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيۡنَا وَمَآ أُنزِلَ مِن قَبۡلُ وَأَنَّ أَكۡثَرَكُمۡ فَـٰسِقُونَ
قُلۡ هَلۡ أُنَبِّئُكُم بِشَرٍّ۬ مِّن ذَٲلِكَ مَثُوبَةً عِندَ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ مَن لَّعَنَهُ ٱللَّهُ وَغَضِبَ عَلَيۡهِ وَجَعَلَ مِنۡہُمُ ٱلۡقِرَدَةَ وَٱلۡخَنَازِيرَ وَعَبَدَ ٱلطَّـٰغُوتَ‌ۚ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ شَرٌّ۬ مَّكَانً۬ا وَأَضَلُّ عَن سَوَآءِ ٱلسَّبِيلِ

Say: “O people of the Scripture! Do you criticize us for no other reason than that we believe in Allah, and in (the revelation) which has been sent down to us and in that which has been sent down before (us), and that most of you are Fasiqun [rebellious and disobedient (to Allah)]?” Say (O Muhammad to the people of the Scripture): “Shall I inform you of something worse than that, regarding the recompense from Allah: those (Jews) who incurred the Curse of Allah and His Wrath, those of whom (some) He transformed into monkeys and swines, those who worshipped Taghut (false deities); such are worse in rank (on the Day of Resurrection in the Hell-fire), and far more astray from the Right Path (in the life of this world).” [Al-Maa’idah. 59-60]

Allah said:

وَلَقَدۡ عَلِمۡتُمُ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱعۡتَدَوۡاْ مِنكُمۡ فِى ٱلسَّبۡتِ فَقُلۡنَا لَهُمۡ كُونُواْ قِرَدَةً خَـٰسِـِٔينَ
فَجَعَلۡنَـٰهَا نَكَـٰلاً۬ لِّمَا بَيۡنَ يَدَيۡہَا وَمَا خَلۡفَهَا وَمَوۡعِظَةً۬ لِّلۡمُتَّقِينَ

And indeed you knew those amongst you who transgressed in the matter of the Sabbath (i.e. Saturday). We said to them: “Be you monkeys, despised and rejected.” So We made this punishment an example to their own and to succeeding generations and a lesson to those who are Al-Muttaqun (the pious). [Surah Al-Baqarah. 65-66]

Allah said:

وَسۡـَٔلۡهُمۡ عَنِ ٱلۡقَرۡيَةِ ٱلَّتِى ڪَانَتۡ حَاضِرَةَ ٱلۡبَحۡرِ إِذۡ يَعۡدُونَ فِى ٱلسَّبۡتِ إِذۡ تَأۡتِيهِمۡ حِيتَانُهُمۡ يَوۡمَ سَبۡتِهِمۡ شُرَّعً۬ا وَيَوۡمَ لَا يَسۡبِتُونَ‌ۙ لَا تَأۡتِيهِمۡ‌ۚ ڪَذَٲلِكَ نَبۡلُوهُم بِمَا كَانُواْ يَفۡسُقُونَ
وَإِذۡ قَالَتۡ أُمَّةٌ۬ مِّنۡہُمۡ لِمَ تَعِظُونَ قَوۡمًا‌ۙ ٱللَّهُ مُهۡلِكُهُمۡ أَوۡ مُعَذِّبُہُمۡ عَذَابً۬ا شَدِيدً۬ا‌ۖ قَالُواْ مَعۡذِرَةً إِلَىٰ رَبِّكُمۡ وَلَعَلَّهُمۡ يَتَّقُونَ
فَلَمَّا نَسُواْ مَا ذُڪِّرُواْ بِهِۦۤ أَنجَيۡنَا ٱلَّذِينَ يَنۡہَوۡنَ عَنِ ٱلسُّوٓءِ وَأَخَذۡنَا ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُواْ بِعَذَابِۭ بَـِٔيسِۭ بِمَا كَانُواْ يَفۡسُقُونَ
فَلَمَّا عَتَوۡاْ عَن مَّا نُہُواْ عَنۡهُ قُلۡنَا لَهُمۡ كُونُواْ قِرَدَةً خَـٰسِـِٔينَ

And ask them (O Muhammad ) about the town that was by the sea, when they transgressed in the matter of the Sabbath (i.e. Saturday): when their fish came to them openly on the Sabbath day, and did not come to them on the day they had no Sabbath. Thus We made a trial of them for they used to rebel. And when a community among them said: “Why do you preach to a people whom Allah is about to destroy or to punish with a severe torment?” (The preachers) said: “In order to be free from guilt before your Lord (Allah), and perhaps they may fear Allah.” So when they forgot the reminders that had been given to them, We rescued those who forbade evil, but We seized those who did wrong with a severe torment because they used to rebel (disobey Allah). So when they exceeded the limits of what they were prohibited, We said to them: “Be you monkeys, despised and rejected.” (It is a severe warning to the mankind that they should not disobey what Allah commands them to do, and be far away from what He prohibits them). [Surah Al-A’raaf. Aayaat 163-166]

Narrated Abu ‘Amir or Abu Malik Al-Ash’ari, may Allah be pleased with him, that he heard the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, saying:

From among my followers there will be some people who will consider illegal sexual intercourse, the wearing of silk (i.e. for men), the drinking of alcoholic drinks and the use of musical instruments, as lawful. And there will be some people who will stay near the side of a mountain and in the evening their shepherd will come to them with their sheep and ask them for something, but they will say to him, ‘Return to us tomorrow.’ Allah will destroy them during the night and will let the mountain fall on them, and He will transform the rest of them into monkeys and pigs and they will remain so till the Day of Resurrection”. [Saheeh al-Bukhaari 5590]

Abdullah Ibn Mas’ood [may Allaah be pleased with him] reported that the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “Just before the Hour (i.e. Judgement day) comes there will be transformations (i.e. people turned into animals due to sin), the earth collapsing, and Qadhf (i.e. pelted with stones as a means of punishment – maybe it refers to landslides)”. [Sunan Ibn Maajah 4059]

Ibn ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with him and his father, said: I heard Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, saying:

“In this Ummah there will be collapse of the earth, or a transformation, or stones shall rain upon the people (who deny) Al-Qadr.'” [Sunan Tirmidhee 2152]

Imran Bin Husain, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

“In this Ummah there shall be collapsing of the earth, transformation and Qadhf.” A man among the Muslims said, “O Allaah’s Messenger! When is that?” He said: “When singing slave-girls, music, and drinking intoxicants spread.” [Sunan Tirmidhee 2212]

Ibn Mas’ud, may Allah be pleased with him, said that Umm Habeebah, may Allah be pleased with her, said, “O Allah! Enable me to derive benefit from my husband, Allah’s Messenger, and from my father Abu Sufyan, and from my brother Mu’awiyah”. Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said to her, “Verily, you have asked Allah about the durations of life already set, and the steps which you would take, and the sustenance the share of which is fixed. Nothing would take place earlier than its due time, and nothing would be deferred beyond that when it is due. So, if you were to ask Allah about your safety from the torment of Hell-Fire and from the torment of the grave, it would have been better for you”. A person said, “O Allah’s Messenger! Are the apes and swine from that which were transformed?” So, the Prophet said, “Verily, Allah [The Exalted and Glorious] did not destroy a people or did not torment a people, and let their race carry on. Apes and swine existed even before that (i.e. when those who denied truth were punished and transformed into animals). [Sahih Muslim 2663]

Allah Teaches Us Soul-Shaking Lessons Within The Short Periods of Our Lifespans

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Belief - 'Aqeedah', Calling To Islam - 'Da'wa', Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

وَٱلۡعَصۡرِ
إِنَّ ٱلۡإِنسَـٰنَ لَفِى خُسۡرٍ
إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ وَتَوَاصَوۡاْ بِٱلۡحَقِّ وَتَوَاصَوۡاْ بِٱلصَّبۡرِ

By (the phenomenon of) time (which Allah manifests through His creation of night and day and in which the servants perform their deeds). Indeed, (all of) mankind is in loss. Except those who believe (in Allāh, His Angels, Books, Prophets, the Last Day and the Divine Decree) and work righteous deeds (which are sincere and correct) and mutually advise each other (in calling to and abiding by) the truth and mutually advise each other with patience (in facing the inevitable harms brought by calling to the truth). [1]

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Allah made an oath by “(the phenomenon of) time” because it is the period in which moral lessons and signs occur, and because the alternation of night and day under the Decree of the All-Mighty, the All-Knowing are organised to serve the welfare of the universe based on the most perfect order and organisation – alternating with one another, sometimes not much difference between them and at other times one takes from the hours of the other, the difference between the light, the darkness, the heat, and the cold, and the different periods divided into generations, years, months, days, hours and what is lesser than that! These are all signs (creations) of the Lord, The Most High- a Burhaan [proof that clarifies and distinguishes between truth and falsehood in everything] and proofs regarding Allah’s All-Encompassing Perfect Ability and Wisdom, free is Allah from all imperfections, faults, deficiencies, shortcomings.

Allah made an oath by “(the phenomenon of) time” within which human beings perform deeds for which one either receives punishment or a good recompense. He gave a notification about (the phenomenon of) time, which is the Mab’da [i.e. the beginning] and notified the performers of deeds about the Ma’ad [the return to the Hereafter], and that just as He was not unable to initiate the beginning, likewise He is not unable to establish the Hereafter; and that His Wisdom, which necessitated the creation of (the phenomenon of) time, the performers of deeds and their deeds, and their categorisation into good and bad deeds, (i.e. deeds chosen by the person after being given free will and shown guidance through the Messengers) establishes the fact that the people are not equal, and it cannot be that the good doer will not receive a good recompense and that the evil doer will not be recompensed for his evil, and it cannot be that there will not be two groups- the gainers and the losers; but rather the human being, in essence, is a loser, except the one whom Allah shows mercy, guides, blesses with Iman, the ability to perform righteous deeds and command others. Besides this person is the one who is reduced to the lowest of the low. [2]

[1] https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/sura/103/1 ]

[2] An Excerpt from At-Tibyaan Fee Aqsaam Al-Qur’aan 83-88. slightly paraphrased

 

Upright Reformers Every Hundred Years

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Belief - 'Aqeedah', Calling To Islam - 'Da'wa', Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

Allah will raise for this Ummah at the end of every hundred years the one who will revive its religion for it. [1]

“Allah will raise for this Ummah”– Meaning, the Ummah Al-Ijaabah (the Muslims).

“At the end of every hundred years”– Meaning, at the end of every hundred years when there is little knowledge of the Shariah and the authentic Prophetic Sunnah, while ignorance and innovation in religious matters is rife.

“One who will revive its religion for it”– Meaning, a scholar who is alive and well known. He will clarify the authentic Prophetic Sunnah and distinguish it from Bidah. knowledge will be abundant again and its adherents will be aided, and the proponents of Bidah will be overcome and degraded. This reviver is none else but a scholar who has a sound understanding of the religious sciences that deal with acts of worship, the underlying wisdom of the religion, and the texts that deal with beliefs of the heart. [2]

[1] Sahih Sunan Abee Dawud. Hadith Number 4291.

[2] An Excerpt from Awn Al-Ma’bud Sharh Sunan Abee Daawud. 11/259-260

Examine those verses in the last part of Surah Al-Hashar!

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Belief - 'Aqeedah', Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Al-Allamah Rabee bin Haadee Al-Madkhalee, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Many people humble themselves to one another more than they humble themselves to Allah – The Most High, The Most Great. It is neither permissible for a person to be a slave [i.e. neither worshipping nor submitting to anyone in a manner that only Allah deserves], except to Allah, nor humble himself except to the Greatness of Allah. Allah, Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections, said:

هُوَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِى لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ‌ۖ عَـٰلِمُ ٱلۡغَيۡبِ وَٱلشَّهَـٰدَةِ‌ۖ هُوَ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ
هُوَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِى لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ٱلۡمَلِكُ ٱلۡقُدُّوسُ ٱلسَّلَـٰمُ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنُ ٱلۡمُهَيۡمِنُ ٱلۡعَزِيزُ ٱلۡجَبَّارُ ٱلۡمُتَڪَبِّرُ‌ۚ سُبۡحَـٰنَ ٱللَّهِ عَمَّا يُشۡرِڪُونَ
هُوَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡخَـٰلِقُ ٱلۡبَارِئُ ٱلۡمُصَوِّرُ‌ۖ لَهُ ٱلۡأَسۡمَآءُ ٱلۡحُسۡنَىٰ‌ۚ يُسَبِّحُ لَهُ ۥ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ‌ۖ وَهُوَ ٱلۡعَزِيزُ ٱلۡحَكِيمُ

He is Allah than Whom there is none who has the right to be worshipped but He; the King, the Holy, the One Free from all defects, the Giver of security, the Watcher over His creatures, the All-Mighty, the Compeller, the Supreme. Glory be to Allaah! [High is He] above all that they associate as partners with Him.  He is Allaah, the Creator, the Inventor of all things, the Bestower of forms. To Him belong the Best Names. All that is in the heavens and the earth glorify Him. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.  [Al-Hashar’ 23-24]

Examine those verses in the last part of Surah Al-Hashar! The statement:

[هُوَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِى لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ –  He is Allah than Whom there is none who has the right to be worshipped but He)]: This necessitates Tawheed Al-Uluhiyyah.

The statement: [هُوَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِى لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ‌ۖ عَـٰلِمُ ٱلۡغَيۡبِ وَٱلشَّهَـٰدَةِ‌ۖ هُوَ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ- He is Allah, than Whom there is none who has the right to be worshipped but He, the All-Knower of the unseen and the seen (open). He is the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful]: This necessitates Tawheed Al-Asmaa Was Sifaat.

And the statement: [هُوَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡخَـٰلِقُ ٱلۡبَارِئُ ٱلۡمُصَوِّرُ‌ۖ –  He is Allaah, the Creator, the Inventor of all things, the Bestower of forms” necessitates Tawheed Ar-Rububiyyah].

These few vreses in the last part of Surah Al-Hashr necessitate all the categories of Tawheed.

Majmu 1/22

The Worldly Life Is A Prison For The Believer

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

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

Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

“The worldly life is a prison for the believer and a paradise for the disbeliever”. (1)

Imam An-Nawawi, may Allah have mercy be upon him, said:

Every believer is imprisoned and prevented – in the worldly life – from evil and repugnant desires and obligated to perform demanding acts of obedience. But after death, he relaxes and receives what Allah, The  Most High, promised – permanent bliss and perfect relaxation. As for the disbeliever (in Allah and His Messenger), he gets what he receives in the worldly life together with the fact that it is very little and disrupted by distress. And after he dies, he finds himself in permanent punishment and eternal wretchedness. (2)

Imam Muhammad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaymin, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Regardless how great the affair of the worldly life is – its good days and its dwelling places (surrounded by beautiful trees, plants, scenery etc), then indeed it is like a prison for the believer, because a believer looks forward to a bliss that is better, more perfect and loftier. As for the disbeliever (in Allah and the Messenger), the worldly life is his paradise because he enjoys himself in it [i.e. outside the boundaries of halal and haram] and forgets the afterlife, thus becomes like those about whom Allah, The Most High, said:

وَٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ يَتَمَتَّعُونَ وَيَأۡكُلُونَ كَمَا تَأۡكُلُ ٱلۡأَنۡعَـٰمُ وَٱلنَّارُ مَثۡوً۬ى لَّهُمۡ

Those who disbelieve enjoy themselves and eat as cattle eat, and the Fire will be their abode. [Muhammad 12]

Therefore, when the disbeliever dies, he does not find anything in front of him except the fire and Allah’s punishment, and woe to the people of the fire. So that which is found in the worldly life of distress, grief, sadness and sorrow is like a paradise in relation to the state of affairs of the disbeliever (in Allah and His Messenger), because he will leave this world to receive Allah’s punishment.

It has been mentioned about Ibn Hajar Al Asqalaani – the author of Fath Al-Baari – that he used to be the chief of the judges in Egypt in his era, and he used go past the market with an entourage. One day a Yahudi stopped him and said, “Your Prophet said, ‘The worldly life is a prison of the believer and paradise of the disbeliever’, and how can this be the case while you are in a state of luxury and joy, and I am in a state of extreme poverty and low status?” Ibn Hajr said to him, “If in your view I am in state of joy and that people are at my service, this state is a prison in comparison to what a believer will receive from bliss in Paradise. As for yourself, even though you are in state of extreme poverty and low status, it is like paradise in comparison to what a disbeliever will receive in the fire”. The Yahudi was amazed by this statement and then testified that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. (3)

[1] Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2956]

[2] Sharh Sahih Muslim 18/74. Daar Al-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah. 1st Edition 1421AH (2000)

[3] https://binothaimeen.net/content/8835

Must distinguish

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

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

The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

I command you fear Allah and to listen to and obey your (leaders) even if a maimed (or disabled) Abyssinian slave is put in charge over you. Whoever lives among you will see a lot of differences, so it is obligated to you to adhere to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly guided Khulafaa- bite onto it with your molar teeth [i.e. adhere firmly to it]. And beware of newly invented matters (in the religion), for every newly invented matter (in the religion) is Bidah innovation and every bidah is misguidance. [1]

Imam Abu Hatim (Ibn Hibban- may Allah have mercy upon him), said:

This is a sound evidence that the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, commanded his Ummah to (distinguish) the weak narrators from the reliable narrators. This is because it is impossible for a person to adhere to the Sunnah if it is mixed with lies and falsehood, except when one can distinguish the weak narrators from the reliable narrators. [2]

[1] Jaami As-Saheeh Al-Musnad Mimmaa Laysah Fee As-Saheehayn’ 5/26-27’ Number 3249

[2] Muqaddimah Kitaab Al-Majrooheen Minal Mihadditheen page 66

“Has the story reached you, of the honoured guests of Ibrahim”

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

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

Allah (The Most High) says:

هَلْ أَتَاكَ حَدِيثُ ضَيْفِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ الْمُكْرَمِينَ

إِذْ دَخَلُوا عَلَيْهِ فَقَالُوا سَلَامًا ۖ قَالَ سَلَامٌ قَوْمٌ مُّنكَرُونَ

فَرَاغَ إِلَىٰ أَهْلِهِ فَجَاءَ بِعِجْلٍ سَمِينٍ

فَقَرَّبَهُ إِلَيْهِمْ قَالَ أَلَا تَأْكُلُونَ

فَأَوْجَسَ مِنْهُمْ خِيفَةً ۖ قَالُوا لَا تَخَفْ ۖ وَبَشَّرُوهُ بِغُلَامٍ عَلِيمٍ

فَأَقْبَلَتِ امْرَأَتُهُ فِي صَرَّةٍ فَصَكَّتْ وَجْهَهَا وَقَالَتْ عَجُوزٌ عَقِيمٌ

Has the story reached you, of the honoured guests [three angels; Jibrael (Gabriel) along with another two] of Ibrahim (Abraham)? When they came in to him, and said, “Salam, (peace be upon you)!” He answered; “Salam,(peace be upon you),” and said: “You are a people unknown to me. Then he turned to his household, so brought out a roasted calf [as the property of Ibrahim (Abraham) was mainly cows]. And placed it before them, (saying): “Will you not eat? Then he conceived a fear of them (when they ate not). They said: “Fear not.” And they gave him glad tidings of an intelligent son, having knowledge (about Allah and His religion of True Monotheism). Then his wife came forward with a loud voice, she smote her face, and said: “A barren old woman!” [51:24-29]

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allāh have mercy upon him, said:

Allah described Ibrahim’s, peace be upon him, guests as being honourable. They were either honourable in the sight of Ibrahim or honourable in the sight of Allah. The verse carries both meanings. 

Allah says: [ إِذْ دَخَلُوا عَلَيْهِ- When they came in to him].

So, there is not a mention about them seeking permission to visit him and this is proof that he was known for being generous to guests. His house was open to guests and frequented by the one who could find it without the need for asking permission. This is the highest level of generosity.

[فَرَاغَ إِلَىٰ أَهْلِهِ -Then he turned to his household]:

He went to his family in secret without the knowledge of the guests. This is an act of nobility – the leader of the house goes away secretly in such a manner that the guest is unaware, lest (the guest) becomes uneasy and shy, thus he is made unaware until (the host) comes along with the food, as opposed to the one who says to his guest or those who are present: ‘’Wait, so that I bring you food’’ or a similar statement, that makes the guest feel shy and embarrassed.

[فَجَاءَ بِعِجْلٍ سَمِينٍ – so (he) brought out a fat roasted calf]:

This is an indication of his hospitality to his guests. Allah did not say that Ibrahim ordered for them, rather he went and came back with the (roasted calf) himself. He did not send his servant to bring it and this is the highest degree of hospitality to guests. He came with a full roasted calf and not half of it- perfect hospitality. The calf was fat and not skinny, and it is well known that this was among the best of their wealth. The likes of it is given particular attention and nurturing, and Ibrahim, peace be upon him, chose it for his guests.

He himself brought the food close to them and did not command his servant to do so.  He brought the food close to them and did not make them come close to the food. This is the highest level of generosity- bringing the food close, carrying it to the guest and not placing it at a distance and then asking the guest to come close.

He said to them [أَلَا تَأْكُلُونَ- Will you not eat?] 

This is a generous and soft speech, and it is better than saying ‘eat’ or ‘extend your hands’ and what is similar to it. He spoke to them with this generous and soft speech when he saw that they were not eating because his guests are never in need of his permission; rather they eat when he presents food to them. Thus, when these guests did not eat, he said to them: ‘’Will you not eat?’’ He felt fear of them but did not reveal it. 

An Excerpt from “Bada’i at-Tafsir al-Jami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim 3/45-46

This Fa’idah was brought to my attention by my habeeb Ustadh Abu Tasneem – Mushaf Al-Banghali – may Allah bless him and his family. May Allah protect us and him from all the Fitan – apparent and hidden Amin.

Piety, Patience and Good Manners – The Path of The Prophets

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Scholars of Islam.

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

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, gathered between fear of Allah and good manners because fear of Allah rectifies the [relationship] between a slave and his Lord, and good manners rectifies the [relationship] between a person and Allah’s creation. Fear of Allah makes a person deserving of Allah’s love and good manners brings about the love of the people for him. [1]

Allah, The Most High, informed us about Yusuf, peace be upon him, 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 Yusuf, thus, they said: [ أَإِنَّكَ لَأَنْتَ يُوسُف – Are you indeed Yusuf?] He said:

[أَنَا يُوسُفُ وَهَٰذَا أَخِي ۖ قَدْ مَنَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْنَا – I am Yusuf, and this is my brother (Benjamin). Allah has indeed been gracious to us]- Meaning: Allah granted us Iman, 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: One who keeps away from what Allah has forbidden, exercises patience when facing pain and calamities, and when carrying out the commandments, [فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُضِيعُ أَجْرَ الْمُحْسِنِين – then surely, Allah makes not the reward of the good-doers to be lost], because that is from Ihsan [perfection in worship] and Allah makes not the reward of the one who perfects his deeds to be lost. [2]

[1] Al-Fawa’id. page 89-90

[2] An Excerpt from “Tayseer Al-kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam al-Mannaan”

 

Justice Thoroughly Scrutinises the Self: Truthful Testimony Beyond Connection

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Brotherhood, Calling To Islam - 'Da'wa', Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Scholars of Islam, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allah, The Most High, said:

أَلَمْ تَرَ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَعْلَمُ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَمَا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ مَا يَكُونُ مِن نَّجْوَىٰ ثَلَٰثَةٍ إِلَّا هُوَ رَابِعُهُمْ وَلَا خَمْسَةٍ إِلَّا هُوَ سَادِسُهُمْ وَلَآ أَدْنَىٰ مِن ذَٰلِكَ وَلَآ أَكْثَرَ إِلَّا هُوَ مَعَهُمْ أَيْنَ مَا كَانُوا۟ ثُمَّ يُنَبِّئُهُم بِمَا عَمِلُوا۟ يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَٰمَةِ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ بِكُلِّ شَىْءٍ عَلِيمٌ

Have you not considered that Allāh knows what is in the heavens and what is in the earth (and that nothing remains hidden from Him)? There is no secret counsel of three except that He is their fourth, nor of five except that is their sixth, and nor less than that or greater except that He is with them (through His all-encompassing hearing, seeing and knowledge) wherever they may be. Then He will inform them (the hypocrites and their allies) of what they did on the Day of Resurrection. Indeed, Allāh is all-knowing of everything. [https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/search/58_7]

Before quoting Ayah 135 Surah An-Nisaa with its commentary by Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, an insightful adviser cautioned us about time periods when narratives, counter-narratives and calls for support are rife. He emphasised that one should strive to battle against egocentric bias and an inflated sense of moral superiority.

He stated that just because someone is used to receiving support for valid reasons, they should never internalise the mindset that they are entitled to defense, nor should they become oblivious of the fact that defending another person does not mean that they are not been given the love, support and attention they deserve.

He also emphasised to us that when dealing with this issue of testimony, we should not presume that our own methods, ideas, and choices are unquestionable, or the most effective, nor should we think that our approach completely embodies intelligence, skill, or moral integrity. Thus, if someone does not share our approach on this matter, we should not project incompetence onto them.

This issue – as he stated – is a serious command grounded in Taqwah and profound honesty, so, we should not let our opinions, and habits tied to our personal identity create an ambiguous sense of security, and as a result, we dismiss – straight away – someone else’s approach, instead of reflecting on our own. It is very easy to dismiss others than objectively analyse and comprehend their approach first.

In saying all of this, one must sincerely ask Allah for Tawfiq to help him carefully scrutinise his nafs and thoughts during times of competing narratives and the quest for support.

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Allah, The Most High, said:

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ كُونُواْ قَوَّٲمِينَ بِٱلۡقِسۡطِ شُہَدَآءَ لِلَّهِ وَلَوۡ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِكُمۡ أَوِ ٱلۡوَٲلِدَيۡنِ وَٱلۡأَقۡرَبِينَ‌ۚ إِن يَكُنۡ غَنِيًّا أَوۡ فَقِيرً۬ا فَٱللَّهُ أَوۡلَىٰ بِہِمَا‌ۖ فَلَا تَتَّبِعُواْ ٱلۡهَوَىٰٓ أَن تَعۡدِلُواْ‌ۚ وَإِن تَلۡوُ ۥۤاْ أَوۡ تُعۡرِضُواْ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ خَبِيرً۬ا

O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah; even though it be against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, be he rich or poor, Allah is a Better Protector to both (than you). So follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest you may avoid justice, and if you distort your witness or refuse to give it, verily, Allah is Ever Well-Acquainted with what you do. [An-Nisaa. 135]

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Allah, Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections, commanded His servants to stand out firmly for justice on behalf of everyone – be it an enemy or an ally, and the matter that is most worthy of being established with justice are the statements and methodology related to the commands of Allah as well as everything that Allah has (revealed in the Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah). Therefore, to establish these affairs based on desires and disobedience is contrary to Allah’s command and a negation (i.e. either intentionally or unintentionally) of that which Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was sent with.

The establishment of justice is the responsibility of those entrusted with the task of conveying Islam after the death of the Messenger, and this task cannot become a reality unless one establishes it based on pure justice and sincerity to Allah- (sincerity) based on Allah’s Book, to Allah’s Messenger (by adhering to his guidance), and sincere dealings and advice when dealing with Allah’s servants. These people are the true inheritors (i.e. inheritors of the knowledge left behind by the Prophets), but not that one who merely makes his companions, sect, and path the determinant of truth and the distinction between (truth and falsehood) by showing enmity to the one who opposes him and allies with the one who agrees with him, merely based on being opposed or agreed with [i.e. without sound proofs based on the Book and the authentic Sunnah], because where is that command to stand out firmly for justice on behalf of everyone, even though standing out firmly for justice is the greatest command and obligation!

Then Allah [The Exalted] says: [شُہَدَآءَ لِلَّهِ – As witnesses to Allah]:

A witness presents information about something; so if he presents credible information, he is a just witness and his (statement) is accepted; but if he gives false information, he is a false witness. Allah, The Most High, commands us to stand out firmly as just witnesses for His sake, therefore it has to be carried out for the Sake of Allah and not for other than Allah. In [Surah Al-Ma’idah Ayah 8, Allah said]: [كُونُواْ قَوَّٲمِينَ لِلَّهِ شُہَدَآءَ بِٱلۡقِسۡطِ‌ۖ – Stand out firmly for Allah and be just witnesses].

This Ayah establishes four affairs: stand out firmly for justice and do so for the sake of Allah; witness to justice and do so for the Sake of Allah.

Then Allah said:

وَلَوۡ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِكُمۡ أَوِ ٱلۡوَٲلِدَيۡنِ وَٱلۡأَقۡرَبِينَ‌ۚ

Even though it be against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin.

Allah, Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections, commands us to stand out firmly for justice and testify, even if it were someone who is the most beloved person to us. A person should stand out firmly for justice (for or against) himself, his two parents, his close relatives, and his best friend among the people. If a person’s love for himself, his parents, and his relatives prevents him from standing out firmly for the truth against them, especially if the truth is with someone he hates and regards as an enemy due to them, then none would stand out firmly for justice in such circumstances except one whose love for Allah and His Messenger is more than their love for everyone else. Also, a person has to establish justice when dealing with his enemies and that one who deprives him of his rights because it is not permissible that hatred for his enemies leads him to be unjust towards them, just as it is not permissible that love of himself, his parents and relatives makes him abandon standing firmly for justice against them. Therefore, hatred harboured against someone should not lead him to falsehood, and love (of himself, parents, and relatives) should not make him fall short in establishing truth, just as one of the pious predecessors said, “The just person is that one who when angry, his anger does not lead him to falsehood, and when he is pleased it does not remove him from the truth”. The two Ayaat of the Qur’an [i.e. Surah An-Nisaa 135 and Surah Al-Maa’idah 8] convey two rulings and they are: standing out firmly for justice and making a truthful testimony on behalf of one’s allies and enemies.

Then Allah said:

إِن يَكُنۡ غَنِيًّا أَوۡ فَقِيرً۬ا فَٱللَّهُ أَوۡلَىٰ بِہِمَا‌ۖ

Be he rich or poor, Allah is a Better Protector to both (than you).

Meaning, Allah is the Lord of both of them and their Protector, and they are both His servants. It may be that you become fearful of standing firmly for justice by testifying against a rich person or a poor person – either fearing that the rich person might lose his wealth or because the poor person has nothing, so your heart becomes lackadaisical about standing out firmly for the truth. Therefore, it should be said to them, “Allah is a better Protector of both the rich and poor person. Allah knows the affair of the rich person more than you and He is more Merciful to the poor than you, therefore, do not refrain from standing out firmly for the truth and from giving testimony (for or against) the rich or the poor.

Then Allah said:

فَلَا تَتَّبِعُواْ ٱلۡهَوَىٰٓ أَن تَعۡدِلُواْ‌ۚ
So follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest you may avoid justice.

Meaning, Allah forbids (His slaves) from following desires, which will lead them to abandon justice.

Then Allah said:

وَإِن تَلۡوُ ۥۤاْ أَوۡ تُعۡرِضُواْ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ خَبِيرً۬ا

And if you distort your witness or refuse to give it, verily, Allah is Ever Well-Acquainted with what you do.

Meaning, Allah, Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections, mentions two reasons that will inevitably lead to concealment of truth then He warned against them and issued a threat: the first of them is distortion and the second is to turn away from giving truthful witness. That is because when a proof that supports the truth is manifested and the one who wants to repel it finds no way of doing so, he refrains from mentioning it and thus becomes a silent devil, and sometimes he distorts it. Distortion is of two types -distorting words and meanings. Distorting words occur when one utters a word in a context in which it does not establish the truth – either adding to the word, omitting something from it, or substituting it with something else to the extent that the listener is made to believe something, whilst something else is intended, just as the Yahud [i.e. those Yahud who disbelieved in the Prophet and hated him in Madinah] used to distort words when giving Salam to the Prophet [i.e. saying As-Saamu Alayka (death be upon you), instead of saying Assalaamu alaykum)]. This is one type of distortion. The second type of distortion is related to meanings – distorting the wording, giving it an interpretation that is not intended by the one who uttered it and pretending not to know its unintended meaning; or dropping other meanings intended by it.

When it is the case that a witness is required to bear witness based on what the matter should be [i.e. the complete truth], therefore neither should he hide nor change it. Turning away from the testimony is tantamount to concealment and distortion is tantamount to alteration and substitution. Therefore, contemplate this Ayah and the treasures of knowledge it contains. The faith of a person cannot be complete, except through accepting the texts of the Shariah and calling the people to them – neither turning away from them at times nor distorting them at other times.

An Excerpt from ‘Badaa’i At-Tafseer Al-Jaami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imaam Ibn Al-Qayyim. 1/300-303