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Author: Abdullah Jallow

A Personal Reminder to my noble brothers and sisters @ Masjid Furqaan (Stoke-On-Trent)

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Brotherhood.

Assalaamu alaykum warahmatullaah

Pray all the brothers and sisters are well. I remind myself and you all of Allaah’s favours upon us;

Firstly: Allaah (The Most Merciful) guided us to this blessed Manhajus Salafi and this is enough as a blessing. Our manhaj is clear—free from all the people of Bidah, Hizbiyyah and Tamyi.

Secondly: We have a Salafi Masjid that is well known to the students of knowledge in the UK. Our beloved brother Abu Haleemah (Naeem), who preceded all of us in Salafiyyah is well known to the students of knowledge in the UK. He has never compromised the sound Manhaj positions and all praise is due to Allaah. May Allaah protect us and him, and may Allaah reward Ajmal, Qamar and all the other brothers who look after the affairs of the Masjid. Aameen.

Thirdly: The Islamic School is a huge effort and may Allaah reward Naeem, Ajmal, Mahfooz, Imraan and all those who continue to strive to run this school (noble sisters included). Aameen

Fourthly: Even though we do not have a resident student of knowledge, however this cannot be a means by way of which we allow shaytaan to afflict us with laziness; rather much good can be achieved. So besides the occasional visits by Ustaadh Bilaal Davis, Ustaadh Abu Idrees, Ustaadh Taqweem Aslam and Ustaadh Abdul Ilaah (may Allaah reward them), we also have sittings in the Masjid every Monday to share the benefits from the audio translations of Ustaadh Amjad Rafiq. And as soon as any of these students- including Ustaadh Abu Khadeejah- find time for us in their busy schedule, we will grab the opportunity to enjoy their company and benefit from them.

Likewise, on Yawmul Juma’ah, we do our best to convey reminders on basic affairs of Tawheed, the authentic Sunnah, Manhaj, Fiqh, affairs related to rectification of the heart etc

Therefore, there is a lot of good taking place, so let none of us belittle the blessings of Allaah or become disheartened just because we are not moving as fast as the other Maraakiz; rather let us constantly remind ourselves of Ikhlaas, Thabaat and hoping for Allaah’s reward in the Aakhirah:

فَمَن كَانَ يَرۡجُواْ لِقَآءَ رَبِّهِۦ فَلۡيَعۡمَلۡ عَمَلاً۬ صَـٰلِحً۬ا وَلَا يُشۡرِكۡ بِعِبَادَةِ رَبِّهِۦۤ أَحَدَۢا

So whoever hopes for the Meeting with his Lord, let him work righteousness and associate none as a partner in the worship of his Lord.”

Ustaadh Abu Khadeejah (may Allaah preserve him) said to me about 11years ago- whilst I was residing in Manchester and taking an active role in running the affairs of Al-Markazus Salafi- ‘’Abdullah do the little you can and be sincere, Allaah will bring others to carry this Dawah.’’

So I remind my beloved brothers Naeem (my predecessor in Salafiyyah), Ajmal (a brother I have known since he was 14years old), Imran, Qamar, Mahmooz and others, lets us not allow shaytaan to turn our attention away from what we are slowly trying to achieve. The most important thing is consistency, regardless the amount of effort being carried out.  Therefore, we should be grateful to Allaah and hope for more of His blessings, as Allaah (The Most High) said:

وَإِذۡ تَأَذَّنَ رَبُّكُمۡ لَٮِٕن شَڪَرۡتُمۡ لَأَزِيدَنَّكُمۡ‌ۖ وَلَٮِٕن ڪَفَرۡتُمۡ إِنَّ عَذَابِى لَشَدِيدٌ۬

And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, ‘If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.’

So let us acknowledge the blessings of Allaah; praise Him for bestowing such blessings upon us and utilize them in obedience to Allaah. The life of this world is short and let us constantly be reminded of the fact that nothing else will benefit a person in the grave except righteous actions (deeds carried out upon Ikhlaas and Mutaa-ba’ah). I ask Allaah to grant us and all the Salafis, Ikhlaas, Thabaat and Husnul Khaatimah. Aameen.

 

Your Salafi brother

Abu Mu-aawiyyah (Abdullaah Al-Gambi)

 

 

A statement of Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi that brings tears to the eyes!

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Brotherhood, Calling To Islam - 'Da'wa', Scholars of Islam.

Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi (may Allaah preserve him) stated:

As you all know, we do not take the course of war; rather we take the course to advise you and the Muslims. Allaah alone knows the intentions. At present my two feet are at the doorstep of the grave. Neither do I want anything of the Dunyah nor a (lofty) position. [ولله الحمد]—Indeed I rejected all these affairs in the prime of my youth. And by Allaah, I am a seeker of knowledge and I used to say to myself: ”If I were to be given the highest ministerial position, by Allaah I would not give it precedence over seeking knowledge.”  This is my natural disposition. My natural disposition—by Allaah—is to give sincere advise to the Muslims; eager for them to be guided and eager for the guidance of the youth. And I clarified Sayyid Qutb’s affairs of misguidance and other than him (in order) to enlighten the youth about Allaah’s true Religion; enlightening them about the misguided stances, so that they may save themselves from them and avoid them. And so that they may follow Allaah’s Straight Path along with those upon whom Allaah has bestowed His grace from amongst the Prophets, the truthful ones, the martyrs and the righteous, and how excellent these companions are! And I ask Allaah [The Blessed and Most High] to establish this aspiration in the Ummah very soon and quickly. Verily! Our Lord is indeed the All-Hearer of invocations.

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[Source: Kashf As-Sitaar page: 104]

Translator: Abu Mu-aawiyyah (Abdullah Al-Gambi)

 

Admonish me and be brief–Umar Ibn Abdul Azeez (rahimahullaah) seeks advice!

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Calling To Islam - 'Da'wa', Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors.

Ibraaheem Ibn Adham (rahimahullaah) said: It has reached me that Umar Ibn Abdul Azeez (rahimahullaah) said to  Khaalid Ibn Safwaan (rahimahullaah): ”Admonish me and be brief”; so Khaalid said: ”O Leader of the believers! Indeed there are a people who have been deceived by Allaah’s concealment of (their sins, blameworthy affairs,  shortcomings etc) and are put to trial by the good praise (received from the people), so let not the ignorance of others about your (real state of affairs) prevail over what you know about yourself.  May Allaah protect us and you  from becoming deceived by Allaah’s concealment of (our real state of affairs), delayed and negligent in that which  Allaah has obligated and inclining towards desires.”  Ibraaheem said: So he (Umar) wept and then said: ”May Allaah protect us and you from following desires.”

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[Hilyatul Awliyaa 8/18]

[2] Signs of the Sound Heart—Imaam Ibnul Qayyim (rahimahullaah)

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Calling To Islam - 'Da'wa', Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam.

”When it misses an act of obedience (or devotion to Allaah), it finds the pain greater than the pain of the covetous one who misses his wealth and is deprived of it.”

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[Slightly paraphrased. Source: Ighaatha Al-Lahfaan page: 68]

The difference between (mere) love of leadership and loving to be (an upright leader) for sake of calling to the path of Allaah-[Imaam Ibnul Qayyim]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Calling To Islam - 'Da'wa', 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

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim (rahimahullaah) said:

It is the difference between [exalting the command of Allaah and sincerity to Him] and [love of exalting oneself and hastening towards fulfilling pleasures]. Indeed the one who is sincere to Allaah and exalts Him loves that his Lord is obeyed and not disobeyed; (loves that) His Word should be uppermost; (loves that) all affairs of the religion should be established sincerely for His sake; and (loves that) the slaves should obey His commands and keep away from what He has forbidden. He is sincere in his servitude to Allaah and sincere to Allaah’s creation in calling them to the path of Allaah.

So he loves to be (an upright) leader in the religion; rather he asks his Lord to make him from the leaders of the righteous people who are followed, just as he is a follower of the righteous.  Therefore, if this slave (i.e. this person) who calls to Allaah loves that he is considered dignified in the eyes (of the people), revered and beloved in their hearts and one followed amongst them, so that he is trusted by them and they follow the example of the Messenger through him, then this (desire of his) does not harm him; rather he is praised for it. That is because the caller to Allaah loves that Allaah is obeyed and singled out in worship. He loves to be a means of aiding (the people) towards (obedience and singling Allaah out in worship). And because of this (when) Allaah mentioned those chosen slaves of His- whom He praised in His revelation and will grant the best of reward on the day they meet Him- He mentioned them with the best of their deeds and characteristics, and then stated (about them):

 وَٱلَّذِينَ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا هَبۡ لَنَا مِنۡ أَزۡوَٲجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّـٰتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعۡيُنٍ۬ وَٱجۡعَلۡنَا لِلۡمُتَّقِينَ إِمَامًا

”And those who say: “Our Lord! Bestow on us from our wives and our offspring who will be the comfort of our eyes, and make us leaders for the Muttaqun” (pious) 25:74

So they ask Allaah to grant them the comfort of the eye by making their wives and offspring obedient to Allaah, and to grant them happiness in their hearts by way of being followed by the righteous upon obedience to Allaah and servitude to Him. That is because a trustworthy leader in the religion co-operates with (others) upon obedience (to Allaah), and that is to call them to (sound) leadership in the religion, whose foundation is patience and certainty, as Allaah (The Most High) said:

وَجَعَلۡنَا مِنۡہُمۡ أَٮِٕمَّةً۬ يَہۡدُونَ بِأَمۡرِنَا لَمَّا صَبَرُواْ‌ۖ وَڪَانُواْ بِـَٔايَـٰتِنَا يُوقِنُونَ

”And We made from among them (Children of Israel), leaders, giving guidance under Our Command, when they were patient and used to believe with certainty in Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.).” [32:24]

So their supplication (Soorah Furqaan Ayah 74) to Allaah that He makes them leaders of the righteous people, is a supplication that Allaah guides them; grants them success; bless them with beneficial sciences and righteous actions–outwardly and inwardly–without which (sound) leadership in the religion cannot be achieved.

This is different from (merely) seeking leadership, for indeed its seekers hasten to obtain it in order to achieve their goals, (such as) exaltedness in the earth; servitude of the hearts to them; inclination towards them; aiding them in all their goals, whilst they are exalted above them and conquered.  This pursuit of leadership brings about corruption-which none can enumerate except Allaah- such as rebellion, envy, transgression,  enmity, oppression, trials, being ardent in defending oneself at the expense of violating the rights of Allaah, exalting those despised by Allaah and belittling those honoured by Allaah…..

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[Abridged and slightly paraphrased. For further details, see Ar-Rooh page: 487-489]

 

 

 

[1] Signs of the Sound Heart—Imaam Ibnul Qayyim (rahimahullaah)

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

Neither does it become lax in the remembrance of its Lord nor does it get tired of serving Him (i.e. carrying out acts of obedience and keeping away from disobedience). It does not become habituated with other than Him, except the one who directs it to its Lord; mentions Him to it and reminds it of this affair.

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[Slightly paraphrased. Source: Ighaatha Al-Lahfaan page: 68]

[1] Those Who Call Unsuspecting Muslims to Shirk- All affairs are in Allaah’s Control!

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Belief - 'Aqeedah', Calling To Islam - 'Da'wa', Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Monotheism - Tawheed, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Seeking Knowledge, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

Allaah (The Most High) said:

لَيۡسَ لَكَ مِنَ ٱلۡأَمۡرِ شَىۡءٌ أَوۡ يَتُوبَ عَلَيۡہِمۡ أَوۡ يُعَذِّبَهُمۡ فَإِنَّهُمۡ ظَـٰلِمُونَ

”Not for you (O Muhammad), but for Allah) is the decision; whether He turns in mercy to (pardons) them or punishes them; verily, they are the Zalimun (polytheists, disobedients, and wrong-doers, etc.) [3:128]

Narrated Sahl (radiyallaahu-anhu) that he was asked about the wound of the Prophet on the day (of the battle) of Ubud. He said, “The face of the Prophet was wounded and one of his front teeth was broken and the helmet over his head was smashed. Fatima washed off the blood while ‘All held water. When she saw that bleeding was increasing, she burnt a mat (of date-palm leaves) till it turned into ashes and she filled the wound with those ashes and thus the bleeding ceased. [Saahih Bukhaari. Vol 4. Number: 2911]

It is reported in the Saheeh that one of the Prophet’s teeth was broken and his head was injured (during the battle of Uhud), so he began to wipe the blood away from it, saying: How can a people be successful who cut the face of their Prophet and break his teeth, whilst supplicating to Allaah. So Allaah (The Mighty and Majestic) revealed the Ayah: [لَيۡسَ لَكَ مِنَ ٱلۡأَمۡرِ شَىۡءٌ-Not for you (O Muhammad), but for Allah) is the decision] [Source: Zaad Al-Ma-aad 3/205-206]

A Hadeeth of the Messenger and two statements from Two Imaams of the Sunnah- Enough to Busy the Hearts with Sincerity and Not Love of Leadership

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

Abu Hurairah (radiyallaahu-anhu) said: I heard the Messenger of Allaah (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) saying: Indeed, the first of the people who will be judged on the Day of Judgment will be a man who died a martyr (in battle). He will be brought forth and (Allaah) will make known to him His Favours and he will acknowledge them. (Allah) will say: And what did you do with them? He will say: I fought for your (sake) until I died a martyr. He will say: You have lied; rather you fought so that it might be said (about you): He is brave and it has been said. Then it will be commanded that he dragged on his face until he is cast into Hell-Fire. (The second person) will be a man who studied (religious) knowledge and taught it, and he used to recite the Qur’an. He will be brought forth and (Allaah) will make known to him His Favours and he will acknowledge them. (Allah) will say: And what did you do with (such favours)? He will say: I studied (religious) knowledge and taught it and I recited the Qur’an for Your sake. He will say: You have lied; rather you studied (religious) knowledge so that it might be said (about you): He is learned; and you recited the Qur’an so that it might be said (about you): He is a reciter. And it has been said. Then it will be commanded that he be dragged on his face until he is cast into Hell-fire. (The third person) will be man whom Allah enriched and to whom He gave all kinds of wealth. He will be brought forth and Allah will make known to him His Favours and he will acknowledge them. (Allah) will say: And what did you do with them? He will say: I left no way in which You like that (wealth) should be spent, except that I spent for Your sake. He will say: You have lied; rather you did so that it might be said (about you): He is generous, and it has been said. Then it will be commanded that he be dragged on his face until he is cast into Hell-Fire.” [1]

Imaam Fudayl Ibn Iyaad (rahimahullaah) said, ”There is none who loves leadership, except that he will envy (others), transgress and seek after the faults of the people, and hates that anyone should be mentioned with good.” [2]

Al-Khateeb (rahimahullaah) said: It used to be said, ”Whoever seeks leadership will fall into humiliation.”[3] ——————————————

[1] Muslim. Number 1905]

[2] [Jaami Bayaan Al-Ilm 2/571]

[3] [Al-Jaami 1/321]


 

[2] Reminder for all those looking after Salafi Masaajid, Maraakiz and other Salafi Institutions

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

Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullaah) stated:

So when a person wishes to associate with a Believer, or a Believer wishes to associate with anyone, and fujoor (wickedness) is mentioned about him, and it has been said that he has repented from it, or that that (the claim of him having wickedness) was stated about him, regardless of whether that saying was true or false, then he can test him (fa innahu yamtahinahu) by what he displays,  his goodness (bir) or his evil (fujoor), his truthfulness or his lying. And likewise, when he desires to give someone a position of authority, he tests him (imtahanahu), just as Umar bin Abdul Azeez commanded his servant to test Ibn Abee Moosaa (yamtahinahu) when his mannerism amazed him (somewhat), so he said to him, “You know my position with the Ameer ul-Mu’mineen, so how much will you give me if I indicate (the appropriateness) of your (being given) authority to him?’’ So he gave him a great amount of wealth. And from this Umar knew that he was not fit for authority.[End of quote: Source: www.salafipublications.com Article ID : BDH050015]

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We ask Allaah for Insight. Aameen. Therefore, we should not be oblivious of these affairs because not everyone is suited for a particular role despite the fact that people may possess other praiseworthy traits suitable for other roles. As for the one who blatantly announces his desire for leadership; rather he grieves when prevented from it, then indeed we ask Allaah to grant him Tawfeeq to overcome this weakness. Aameen. To be continued In-Shaa-Allaah

Abu Mu-aawiyyah (Abdullaah Al-Gambi)

 

[1] Reminders for all those looking after Salafi Masaajid, Maraakiz and other Salafi Institutions

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

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

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim (rahimahullaah) said:

The one seeking the (pleasure) of Allaah and the home of the afterlife cannot be steadfast in his path except by way of two restraints:

[1] To restrict his heart to seeking after (Allaah’s Pleasure and the home of the afterlife) and restraining it from turning to anything else besides that. Restraining his tongue from what is of no benefit; restricting it to the remembrance of Allaah and that which will increase his Imaan and knowledge. [2] Restraining his limbs from disobedience and lowly desires; and restricting them in the performance of obligatory and recommended duties. He should not depart from these two restraints until he meets his Lord; so that He (i.e. Allaah) frees him from those two restraints to (enter) into the widest and best of places.

And when he does not exercise patience in these two restraints (i.e. restricting the heart to seeking only Allaah’s pleasure and refraining from disobedience) and flees from them to (enter) into the wilderness of lowly desires, he is punished with that horrible imprisonment (of lowly desires) at the time of departure from this dunyah. Therefore, everyone departing from this dunyah is either freed from imprisonment (to the lowly desires in the world) or is going to be imprisoned (in the afterlife). And Allaah is the one who grants success. [End of Quote. Source: Al-Fawaa-id. page: 88]

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Indeed, it is a great blessing that many Masaajid and Maraakiz of Salafiyyah are opening in the West and America. Indeed, we pray that many people in these Masaajid and Maraakiz will travel to seek knowledge; attend the regular lessons, lectures and conferences; strive to improve their understanding of the Arabic language; serve the communities or look after various projects; and more Salafi schools will open In-shaa-Allaah. We ask Allaah for all this khayr. Aameen.

However, we should be on guard against shaytaan; we should be on guard against love of leadership; we should be on guard against self-amazement; love of praise and recognition.  Despite all the khayr we have seen already and the Ta-aawun, one should not be oblivious of the fact that only the Mukhlisoon will be successful in the Aakhirah.

فَمَن كَانَ يَرۡجُواْ لِقَآءَ رَبِّهِۦ فَلۡيَعۡمَلۡ عَمَلاً۬ صَـٰلِحً۬ا وَلَا يُشۡرِكۡ بِعِبَادَةِ رَبِّهِۦۤ أَحَدَۢا

So whoever hopes for the Meeting with his Lord, let him work righteousness and associate none as a partner in the worship of his Lord. [18:110]

We ask Allaah for Ikhlaas, Thabaat and Husnul Khaatimah

Abu Mu-aawiyyah Abdullaah Al-Gambi