Violent, Distort Truth and Persist Upon Error at all Costs Prior to Their Wretched End: [An Inheritance From Ancient Criminals]

Written by Abdulah Jallow on . Posted in Deviated Callers & Individuals, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, 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] says in Surah Al-Araf Ayah 127 that Fir’awn’s Chiefs said:

[وَقَالَ ٱلۡمَلَأُ مِن قَوۡمِ فِرۡعَوۡنَ أَتَذَرُ مُوسَىٰ وَقَوۡمَهُ ۥ لِيُفۡسِدُواْ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَيَذَرَكَ وَءَالِهَتَكَ – The chiefs of Fir’aun’s (Pharaoh) people said: “Will you leave Musa (Moses) and his people to spread mischief in the land, and to abandon you and your gods?]; Meaning: ‘’Moosaa and his people will cause corruption in the earth by calling us to adhere to the path of Allaah; so called noble manners and excellent deeds by way of which -as they claim- the affairs in the earth will be rectified, even though in reality they are upon nothing else but corruption. They want you and your gods to be abandoned; to warn against you and stop the people from following you’’.  Then Allaah [The Most High] says that Fir’awn replied to his chiefs, saying: [سَنُقَتِّلُ أَبۡنَآءَهُمۡ وَنَسۡتَحۡىِۦ نِسَآءَهُمۡ وَإِنَّا فَوۡقَهُمۡ قَـٰهِرُونَ – We will kill their sons, and let live their women, and we have indeed irresistible power over them]. Then Allaah [The Most High] informs us of the conversion between Moosaa [alayhis-salaam] said his people, whilst they faced this great trial and threat:

قَالَ مُوسَىٰ لِقَوۡمِهِ ٱسۡتَعِينُواْ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱصۡبِرُوٓاْ‌ۖ إِنَّ ٱلۡأَرۡضَ لِلَّهِ يُورِثُهَا مَن يَشَآءُ مِنۡ عِبَادِهِۦ‌ۖ وَٱلۡعَـٰقِبَةُ لِلۡمُتَّقِينَ

قَالُوٓاْ أُوذِينَا مِن قَبۡلِ أَن تَأۡتِيَنَا وَمِنۢ بَعۡدِ مَا جِئۡتَنَا‌ۚ قَالَ عَسَىٰ رَبُّكُمۡ أَن يُهۡلِكَ عَدُوَّڪُمۡ وَيَسۡتَخۡلِفَڪُمۡ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ فَيَنظُرَ ڪَيۡفَ تَعۡمَلُونَ

Musa (Moses) said to his people: “Seek help in Allah and be patient. Verily, the earth is Allah’s. He gives it as a heritage to whom He will of His slaves, and the (blessed) end is for the Muttaqun (the pious); they said: “We (Children of Israel) had suffered troubles before you came to us, and since you have come to us.” He said: “It may be that your Lord will destroy your enemy and make you successors on the earth, so that He may see how you act?” [7:128-129]

[An Excerpt from ‘Tayseer Al-kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan’ by Imaam As-Sadi (rahimahullaah)]

A Person Does a Lot of Good And Keeps Away From Many Other Haraam Deeds, But Cannot Control The Tongue – [An Admonition For All of Us]

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

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

Shaikh Abdur Razzaaq Al-Badr [hafidhahullaah] quotes from Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] who stated:

Disobedience appears agreeable to a human being, such as Gheebah [backbiting], Nameemah [tale carrying], [blameworthy] argumentation, self-praise – whether uttered blatantly or indirectly, verbally abusing the one you hate, praising the one you love and what is similar to that. An intense urge agrees with [the soul’s desire],  then it becomes easy for the tongue to move and thus one’s patience weakens; so due to this the Messenger [sallal laahu-alayhi wasallam] said to Mu’aadh [radiyallaahu-anhu], “Restrain your tongue”, so Mu’aad said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah! Will we be held accountable for what we say?’ He [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said, ‘May your mother be bereaved of you, O Mu’aadh! Is there anything that topples people on their faces – or he said on their noses into the fire- other than the harvest of their tongues?!’” [Ref 1]

Regarding the statement: ‘’May your mother be bereaved of you, O Mu’aadh!’’ The Arabs used this statement for the purpose of persuasion and exhortation, and they did not intend its apparent meaning, which is ‘’May his mother lose him’’; rather what is intended is persuasion and exhortation. [Ref 2]

This urge occurs, especially when sinning through the tongue is habitual because it entices a person towards impatience. This is why you find that a man performs the night prayer, fasts during the day and refrains from reclining on a pillow made of silk out of fearing that he might enter into a doubtful affair that will affect him in the afterlife, but he backbites, spread tales and violates the honour of the people. [Ref 3]

Backbiting

Abu Hurairah [radiyallaahu-anhu] narrated that the Messenger of Allaah [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said, ‘’Do you know what backbiting is?’’ They (i.e. the sahaabah) replied Allaah and his Messenger know best’’; he said [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said, ‘’It is to mention your brother what he dislikes’’. Someone asked, ‘’What if what I said is true?’’ He [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] replied, ‘’If what you said about him is true you have backbitten him, and if it is not true you have slandered him’’. [Muslim]

When is speaking about someone behind his back not considered backbiting? It is not considered backbiting when a person makes a complaint about an oppressor to a person who has the ability to stop the oppression; when seeking help to stop an evil- by making that known to the person who has the ability to stop the evil; when seeking for a fatwa; when warning the Muslims so that they are not deceived; when mentioning a person who commits his evil openly or one who calls to bidah and when identifying someone with a physical defect, whilst not intending defamation. [Ref 4]

[Ref 1: Quoted by Shaikh Abdur Razzaaq Al-Badr (hafidhahullaah) in Sharh Ar-Risaalah Al-Mughniyah Fis Sukoot Wa Luzoomil Buyoot. Lesson 1]

[Ref 2: ‘Sharh Al-Arba’een An-Nawawiyyah’ by Shaikh Uthaymeen (rahimahullaah). Hadeeth Number 29, page 295. 1st Edition 2003 (1424 AH). Publisher: Daarul Thurayyah]

[Ref 3:  Quoted by Shaikh Abdur Razzaaq Al-Badr (hafidhahullaah) in Sharh Ar-Risaalah Al-Mughniyah Fis Sukoot Wa Luzoomil Buyoot. Lesson 1]

[Ref 4: Subul As-Salaam- Vol 4 page 553-554]

A Similitude Regarding The Three Types of lands And Knowledge of The Sharee’ah

Written by Abdulah Jallow on . Posted in Calling To Islam - 'Da'wa', Islamic Jurisprudence - 'Fiqh', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Seeking Knowledge, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Abu Moosaa [radiyallaahu-anhu] said that Allaah’s Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said: “The example of guidance and knowledge with which Allaah has sent me is like abundant rain falling on the earth, some of which was fertile soil that absorbed the water and brought forth vegetation and grass in abundance. [And] another portion of it was hard and held the water and Allaah benefited the people with it and they utilised it for drinking, making their animals drink from it and for irrigation of the land for cultivation.

[And] a portion of it was barren which could neither hold the water nor bring forth vegetation [so that land gave no benefits]. The first is the example of the person who comprehends Allaah’s religion and benefit [from the knowledge] which Allaah has revealed through me, learns and then teaches others. The last example is that of a person who does not care for it and does not take Allaah’s guidance revealed through me. [He is like that barren land]”. [Saheeh Al-Bukhaari. Hadeeth Number 79. Book of Knowledge]

Imaam Muhammad Ibnu Saalih Al-Uthaymeen [rahimahullaah] said:

In this similitude, the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said: “The example of guidance and knowledge with which Allaah has sent me with, is like abundant rain falling on the earth”. The earth [upon which the rain fell] is of three types: The First Type of Earth: It is the earth that absorbed the water and produced abundant grass and vegetation, so the people were benefited through that. The Second Type of Earth is a Plain: It retained the water and the people benefited from it.  They utilised it for drinking and as a source of irrigation [for their crops]. The Third Type of Earth: It absorbed the water but does not produce any benefit.  This is the relationship between the people and the knowledge and guidance with which the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] was sent with.

The First Category of People: Amongst them is one who has understanding of Allaah’s Religion. He learns and teaches- benefits the people and himself. This is similar to the earth that produces grass and vegetation, so that the people and animals eat from it.

The Second Category of People: They are a people who have been entrusted with the guidance, but they do not possess Fiqh [like the first category of people]. They transmit knowledge and Hadeeth amongst themselves, but they do not possess Fiqh [like the first group]. The similitude of these people is that of the earth that retained the water and the people were provided with water. They used it for drinking, their animals drank from it and they used it as a source of irrigation; but the earth does not produce anything.

The Third Category: The one who is not benefited by the knowledge and guidance given to the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam). He turns away and does not incline towards it.  He is neither benefited by that which the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] was sent with nor does he benefit others. His similitude is that of the earth that absorbed the water, but does not produce anything.

Source: Ash-Shar’hul Ma’mool Li-imthaal- Ar-Rasool. pages 7-8

The Importance of Giving Close Attention to People And Nurturing Them Upon Sound knowledge After They Have Accepted Islaam

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

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

Shaikh Saaleh Aala Ash-Shaikh [hafidhahullaah] said:

Abu Waaqid Al-Laythee [radiyallaahu-anhu] said, “We went out with the Messenger of Allaah [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] to the [military] campaign to Hunayn, while we were new converts from disbelief to [Islaam]. The idol worshippers had a lote tree in [whose vicinity] they used to stay and hang their weapons, and it was called Dhaat Anwaat. So when we went pass a tree, we said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah! Set up a Dhat Anwat for us just as they have a Dhaat Anwaat’. So the Messenger of Allaah [sallal-laahu-alahi-wasallam] said, ‘Allaah is the Greatest! This is a path that has proceeded [from the people of the past]. By Allaah in whose Hand my soul is! You have stated just as the children of Israa’eel stated to Moosaa [alayhis-salaam], ‘O Moosaa! Make for us a god as they have’. He (Moosaa) said, ‘Verily, you are a people who know not (the Majesty and Greatness of Allah and what is obligatory upon you, i.e. to worship none but Allah Alone, the One and the Only God of all that exists)’”. [Reported by Ahmad and Tirmidhee and it is a sound hadeeth.]

Those new Muslims wanted to perform that act of worship in that particular place and (also) to seek blessings, so the Messenger of Allaah [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] referred to what they sought after as worship of another deity besides Allaah. The act they sought after is a means to Shirk, but after the Messenger of Allaah [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] clarified the affair for them, they turned in repentance and obedience. [Ref 1]

Shaikh Abdur Razzaaq Al-Badr [hafidhahullaah] said,

“This shows the importance of giving concern to teaching new Muslims the religion because they are more vulnerable to Shubhah [i.e. matters that resemble the truth but are false in reality]”. [Ref 2]

[Ref 1: An Excerpt from ‘Al-Min’dhaar Fee Bayaani Katheer Minal Akhtaa Ash-Shaa’i’ah page: 11’. slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 2: Sharh Fadl Al-Islaam. Lesson 3]

Brief Rebuttal Against Guardian Journalists- (Hannah Ellis-Petersen and Shah Meer Baloch) Regarding Apps Banned By The Pakistani Government And The Islamic Stance On Homosexuality

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

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

Firstly, Obligatory to Obey Muslim Rulers When They Command Good And Forbid Evil

Allaah [The Blessed and Exalted] said:

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ أَطِيعُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُواْ ٱلرَّسُولَ وَأُوْلِى ٱلۡأَمۡرِ مِنكُمۡ‌ۖ

O you who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger (Muhammad), and those of you (Muslims) who are in authority. [Surah An-Nisaa’ Aayah 59]

Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee Al-Mad’khali [may Allaah preserve him] said:

The pious predecessors explained the term Ulul Ilm – those who have been given knowledge- to mean Al-Umaraa -those who are in authority, and some of them explained it to mean Al-Ulamaa – the scholars; but what is correct is that the Aayah includes both the scholars and those in authority [i.e. the rulers].

The scholars propagate the Sharee’ah of Allaah, teach the people, give rulings to the people and the rulers; and the rulers implement the rulings – they implement the knowledge [of the sharee’ah] which the scholars possess and propagate. So, the Aayah includes both the scholars and rulers. And due to this, Ibnul Qayyim said that it is obligatory to obey the scholars when they say, “Allaah said and Allaah’s Messenger said’’ in issues related to sound creed, acts of worship or deeds. [Likewise] in affairs related to halaal and haram, if they say, “Allaah said and the Messenger of Allaah said’’ and then they give verdicts and judge based on what the Qur’aan and Sunnah necessitates, it becomes obligated on the people to obey them. If the rulers command [the people] to obey Allaah -in accordance with what agrees with Allaah’s divine legislation, it becomes obligated on the people to obey them. [Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm. Pages 58-60]

Imaam Muhammad Bin Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen [rahimahullaah] said:

The Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said, “Any man whom Allaah has given authority to look after the affairs of a people and he dies whilst not looking after them [in the manner obligated by Allaah and His Messenger], he will not smell the scent of paradise”. [Saheeh Al-Bukhaari’ Number 7150]

Regarding the statement of the Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam]: “Any man whom Allaah has given authority to look after the affairs of a people”; Shaikh Uthaymeen [rahimahullaah] said: This does not only mean the Muslim ruler, his assistant or a minister, or the elders of a people; rather it applies even to a man in his house. If he dies and did not look after his family (in the manner obligated by Allaah and His Messenger), then indeed Allaah will prevent him from smelling the scent of paradise. And those who give their families games (or means of amusement) that corrupt manners and destroy sound creed, then there is no doubt that they have not looked after their families (i.e. in the manner obligated by Allaah and His Messenger in this affair), and if they die whilst being upon this state, it is feared that Allaah will prevent them from smelling the scent of paradise. We ask Allaah for well-being and safety. [At-taleeq Alas Siyaasatish Shar’iyyah.  page 35. Slightly paraphrased]

Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [rahimahullaah] said:

The sinners [i.e. those who die whilst committing grave sins lesser than major shirk or disbelief] are under the will of Allaah- if Allaah wishes, He will either punish them or forgive them straight away, or He enters them into hell for some time and paradise thereafter, just as Allaah said: [إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَغۡفِرُ أَن يُشۡرَكَ بِهِۦ وَيَغۡفِرُ مَا دُونَ ذَٲلِكَ لِمَن يَشَآءُ‌-Verily, Allah forgives not that partners should be set up with him in worship, but He forgives except that (anything else) to whom He pleases]. [Surah An-Nisaa’ Aayah 48]

https://www.binbaz.org.sa/noor/2527

إن أهل المعاصي تحت مشيئة الله، إن شاء الله غفر لهم وأدخلهم الجنة من أول وهلة، وإن شاء عذبهم في النار على قدر معاصيهم مدة من الزمن، ثم بعد التطهير والتمحيص يخرجهم الله من النار إلى الجنة، كما قال الله -سبحانه-: إِنَّ اللَّهَ لا يَغْفِرُ أَنْ يُشْرَكَ بِهِ وَيَغْفِرُ مَا دُونَ ذَلِكَ لِمَنْ يَشَاءُ

Secondly, the Rulers Are Commended When They Implement Allaah’s Command, But They Are Not Rebelled Against Or Vilified In Public When They Err, Rather We Follow The Path of Our Pious Predecessors In The Manner They Dealt With The Rulers

We remind Hannah Ellis-Petersen and Shah Meer Baloch that when our rulers implement the commands of Allaah and His Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam], we are pleased; and if they oppose the command of Allaah and His Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam], we do not obey them, but we still supplicate for them, as Imaam Fudayl Ibn Iyaadh [rahimahullaah] said, “If I had one supplication to be answered, I would make it for no one but the ruler. If the ruler is righteous, it will lead to the righteousness of the country and the people”. [Siyar A’laam An-Nubulaa 8/434]

 And we neither rebel against them nor publicize their faults; rather we follow the path that was followed by the pious predecessors in dealing with the rulers.

Read: How to deal with the rulers

http://www.salafipublications.com/sps/sp.cfm?subsecID=MNJ16&articleID=MNJ160002&pfriend

http://www.abukhadeejah.com/the-tyranny-of-the-rulers-a-reason-for-rebellion/

http://www.salafipublications.com/sps/sp.cfm?secID=MNJ&subsecID=MNJ16&loadpage=displaysubsection.cfm

Finally, the intoxicated sinners and stooges of the leftists in the Muslim lands always raise objections when the Muslim authorities block dating apps and immoral online content to protect society from sin and transgression. Indeed, Allaah and His Messengers forbid homosexuality, therefore the Muslim rulers are to be commended when they protect our societies. Therefore, we remind the stooges of the leftists as follows:

Islam and Homosexuality: What happened in Sodom and Gomorrah? The Prophet Lot (Loot) and his Daughters: In the Bible and the Qur’an.

https://www.abukhadeejah.com/homosexuality-transgender-quran-bible-sodom-lot/

Why Homosexuality is Prohibited in Islam. Must read for Muslim parents wanting to raise their children upon traditional family values with clear, firm identities built upon immutable biological realities. http://www.islamhomosexuality.com/hs/

The LGBTQ Movement: Homosexuality and Islam: Understanding Muslim Attitudes To Homosexuality (Islam 5.7)

https://www.abukhadeejah.com/lgbtq-homosexuality-gay-muslims-and-islam/

We ask Allaah to protect us and our families from every path that will lead to  transgression against the commands and prohibitions of our Lord Aameen.

The Most Stupid Person!

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

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

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] said:

The most stupid of the people is the one who strays at the end of his journey [i.e. end of his life] even though the destination is close [i.e. his departure from this world]. The intellects that are aided with Tawfeeq -[i.e. aided with the means to sound guidance together with righteous deeds] regard the revelation- which the Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] was sent with- as the truth that is in harmony with [sound] intellect and wisdom. The intellects that are forsaken [i.e. in misguidance] see a contradiction between Aql [sound] intellect and Naql [i.e. the affairs related to the sound creed, acts of worship, commands and prohibitions that have been transmitted in the Qur’aan and authentic Sunnah], and between [sound] wisdom and the divine ordainments.

The closest path to [attaining the Pleasure of] Allaah are: Adherence to the [authentic] Sunnah and to restrict oneself  to it- internally [i.e. in one’s heart, mind etc], externally [i.e. by way of deeds]; to be in a state of constant need of Allaah and desiring His Countenance alone through speech [of the tongue] and deeds [of the limbs]. No one has ever attained Allaah’s [Pleasure, Guidance etc] except through these three affairs, and no one has been prevented from [attainting Allaah’s Pleasure, Guidance etc], except due to being separated from these three affairs or one of them.

The basis upon the happiness [success, well-being etc] of a person [in this worldly life and Afterlife] are three, but each of them has its opposite; so whoever is deprived of one of them, he will encounter its opposite: Tawheed [Islamic Monotheism] and its opposite is Shirk [associating partners in worship with Allaah]; the [authentic] Sunnah and its opposite Bidah [i.e. innovation in religious affairs], obedience [to Allaah and His Messenger] and its opposite is disobedience. These three affairs [i.e. Tawheed, the authentic Sunnah and obedience (to Allaah and His Messenger)] are opposed by one thing and that is: The heart being deprived of Ar-Raghbah Fillaah Wa Feemaa Indahu, Wa Minar Rahbah Minhu Wa Mimmaa Indahu [i.e. the heart deprived of the fervent desire to seek Allaah’s Pleasure through acts of obedience and hoping for Allaah’s reward, and deprived of fear of Allaah and the reward Allaah has kept for those who feared Him].

[Al-Fawaa-id page 167]

We ask Allaah to preserve our Islaam and protect us from everything that will tale it away from us Aameen.

Woe to Those Who Give Preference to This Short Worldly Life Over The Afterlife And Seek to Hinder Mankind From The Path of Allaah!

Written by Abdulah Jallow on . Posted in Deviated Callers & Individuals, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, 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) said:

الٓر‌ۚ ڪِتَـٰبٌ أَنزَلۡنَـٰهُ إِلَيۡكَ لِتُخۡرِجَ ٱلنَّاسَ مِنَ ٱلظُّلُمَـٰتِ إِلَى ٱلنُّورِ بِإِذۡنِ رَبِّهِمۡ إِلَىٰ صِرَٲطِ ٱلۡعَزِيزِ ٱلۡحَمِيدِ

ٱللَّهِ ٱلَّذِى لَهُ ۥ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَمَا فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ‌ۗ وَوَيۡلٌ۬ لِّلۡكَـٰفِرِينَ مِنۡ عَذَابٍ۬ شَدِيدٍ

ٱلَّذِينَ يَسۡتَحِبُّونَ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةَ ٱلدُّنۡيَا عَلَى ٱلۡأَخِرَةِ وَيَصُدُّونَ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ وَيَبۡغُونَہَا عِوَجًا‌ۚ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ فِى ضَلَـٰلِۭ بَعِيدٍ۬

Alif-Lam-Ra. [These letters are one of the miracles of the Qur’an, and none but Allah (Alone) knows their meanings]. (This is) a Book which We have revealed unto you (O Muhammad ) in order that you might lead mankind out of darkness by their Lord’s Leave to the Path of the All-Mighty, the Owner of all Praise.  Allah to Whom belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth!  And woe unto the disbelievers from a severe torment.  Those who prefer the life of this world instead of the Hereafter, and hinder (men) from the Path of Allah (i.e. Islam) and seek crookedness therein – They are far astray. [14:1-3]

[الٓر‌ۚ ڪِتَـٰبٌ أَنزَلۡنَـٰهُ إِلَيۡكَ لِتُخۡرِجَ ٱلنَّاسَ مِنَ ٱلظُّلُمَـٰتِ إِلَى ٱلنُّورِ بِإِذۡنِ رَبِّهِم]

Alif-Lam-Ra.  (This is) a Book which We have revealed unto you (O Muhammad) in order that you might lead mankind out of darkness by their Lord’s Leave”

Imaam Shanqeetee (rahimahullaah) said:

Allaah (The Most High) clarified in this noble ayah that He sent down this great Book unto His Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) in order that he may remove mankind from the darkness of disbelief and misguidance and (enter them) into the light of Imaan and guidance. The meaning of this ayah has been made clear in other Aayaat, such as the saying of Allaah:

[هُوَ ٱلَّذِى يُنَزِّلُ عَلَىٰ عَبۡدِهِۦۤ ءَايَـٰتِۭ بَيِّنَـٰتٍ۬ لِّيُخۡرِجَكُم مِّنَ ٱلظُّلُمَـٰتِ إِلَى ٱلنُّورِ‌ۚ]

It is He Who sends down manifest Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) to His slave (Muhammad) that He may bring you out from darkness into light.

[Soorah Hadeed. Ayah: 9]

Indeed, Allaah (The Most High) clarified in this ayah (i.e. 14:1) that none can be removed from darkness and (entered) into light except by His Leave, as He stated: [بِإِذۡنِ رَبِّهِم – By their Lord’s Leave]. This has been made clear in other Aayaat, such as the saying of Allaah: [وَمَآ أَرۡسَلۡنَا مِن رَّسُولٍ إِلَّا لِيُطَاعَ بِإِذۡنِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ – We sent no Messenger, but to be obeyed by Allah’s Leave]

[Nisaa. Ayah 64]

Also the saying of Allaah:  [وَمَا كَانَ لِنَفۡسٍ أَن تُؤۡمِنَ إِلَّا بِإِذۡنِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ –It is not for any person to believe, except by the Leave of Allaah] [Yoonus. Ayah 100] [1]

Imaam Sadi (rahimahullaah) said:

Allaah (The Most High) informed (us) that He revealed His Book unto His Messenger Muhammad (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) for the benefit of the creation (i.e. Mankind and Jinn); so that they might be removed from the darkness of ignorance, disbelief, evil manners and all types of disobedience, (and entered into) the light of knowledge, Imaan and good manners.

And concerning the statement of Allaah: [بِإِذۡنِ رَبِّهِم – By their Lord’s Leave];  that is they cannot reach the goal of that which is pleasing to Allaah, except by Allaah’s Will and Help. So in this there is an exhortation for the slaves to seek help from their Lord.

Then Allaah explained (the meaning of the) light to which this Book guides to, saying:

[إِلَىٰ صِرَٲطِ ٱلۡعَزِيزِ ٱلۡحَمِيد – To the Path of the All-Mighty, the Owner of all Praise]; that is the path that leads to (obedience to Allaah and His Messenger, success in this life and the next etc) and the abode of honour (i.e. paradise), which (is achieved by way) of having knowledge of the truth and acting upon it.  And with regards to the statement: [ٱلۡعَزِيزِ ٱلۡحَمِيدِ  – The All-Mighty, the Owner of all Praise] after the mention of the path leading to Him, in this is an indication that the one who follows the straight path is given might by Allaah and he is a strong person, even if there are no helpers for him except Allaah. He is praiseworthy in his affairs and will achieve a good end.

This also indicates that Allaah’s path is the greatest proof that He (The Most High) possesses Perfect Attributes and Lofty Descriptions, and that what He has appointed for His slaves is mighty authority. He is praised in His Statements, Actions and Rulings (i.e. because He is the Bestower of all things and He is free from all imperfections). He alone is described with all the perfect Names and Attributes; He is the only one worthy of worship through those acts of worship (He has prescribed), which are the dignified signposts of the straight path.  And just as He is the owner of the kingdom of the heavens and the earth-The Creator, The Sustainer, The Controller of the affairs of the universe- likewise, He has religious rulings for His slaves because He is their Owner (i.e. the Owner of mankind and jinn), and it does not befit His (Wisdom, Majesty, Glory etc) that He leaves them Suda [neglected without being punished or rewarded for the obligatory duties enjoined by Him]

After Allaah clarified the evidences and proofs, He then made a promise to the one who does not pay attention to (such proofs and evidences), saying: [وَوَيۡلٌ۬ لِّلۡكَـٰفِرِينَ مِنۡ عَذَابٍ۬ شَدِيد – And woe unto the disbelievers from a severe torment].

Then Allaah described them, saying: [ٱلَّذِينَ يَسۡتَحِبُّونَ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةَ ٱلدُّنۡيَا عَلَى ٱلۡأَخِرَةِ – Those who prefer the life of this world instead of the Hereafter]. They make it a duty and are satisfied with it, whilst being heedless of the afterlife.  [وَيَصُدُّونَ  – And they hinder] mankind [ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ– From the Path of Allaah] which Allaah has appointed for His slaves, clarified in His Books and conveyed through the speech of His Messengers.  So, these people have indeed turned away from their Protector through enmity and waging war against Him. [وَيَبۡغُونَہَا عِوَجًا‌ۚ  – And seek crookedness therein (i.e. in Allaah’s Religion)]; that is: They are eager to ridicule and make it look repugnant, in order to make people flee from it; however Allaah will not allow that to happen, rather He made His religion uppermost even though the disbelievers may hate it. [2] They desire that Allaah’s path should become crooked, swaying towards (corruption) and deviated from the right course, even though it is self-evident and neither can it be harmed by the one who opposes it nor by the one who forsakes it. [3]  So with this desire of theirs, they are in ignorance and straying far away from the truth and rectification. [4]

[أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ فِى ضَلَـٰلِۭ بَعِيدٍ  – They are far astray] because they are misguided and misguiding others. They oppose Allaah and His Messenger, and wage war against them; so what type of misguidance can be farther than this?  As for the people of Imaan, they are the opposite of these ones–they believe in Allaah and His Aayaat; they prefer the afterlife over the worldly life and call to the path of Allaah.  They perfect their actions to the best of their ability and manifest their steadfastness. [5]

[1] Abridged: See Tafseerul Qur’aan Bil-Qur’aan Min Adwaa Al-Bayaan.

[2 & 5] Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan’ of Imaam Sadi (rahimahullaah)]

[3] Qurratul Ainayn Alaa Tafseer Al-Jalaalayn

[4] Al-Misbaah Al-Muneer Fee Tahdheeb Tafseer Ibn Katheer

 

 

And We Have Made Some of You as a Trial for Others; Will You Have Patience?

Written by Abdulah Jallow on . Posted in Belief - 'Aqeedah', 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

Allaah [The Most High] said:

وَجَعَلْنَا بَعْضَكُمْ لِبَعْضٍ فِتْنَةً أَتَصْبِرُونَ

And We have made some of you as a trial for others; will you have patience?

[Soorah Al-Furqaan Aayah 20]

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] said:

This is universal among all the creation- they are put to trial by way of one another.  Those whom the Messengers are sent to are a trial for the Messengers when calling to them to the truth, exercising patience in facing their harm and bearing the difficulties faced when conveying Allaah’s Message.  And the Messengers are a trial for those whom they have been sent to, with regards to whether those people will obey and aid the Messengers, testify to the truth of that which the Messengers have been sent with, or whether they will disbelieve, reject and fight the Messengers.

The ignorant people are a trial for the scholars with regards to whether they will teach and advise them, whilst exercising patience in teaching, advising, guiding them and been constant in that.  And the scholars are a trial for the ignorant people with regards to whether they will obey them and follow their example.

The subjects are a trial for the kings and the kings are a trial for the subjects. The poor people are a trial for the rich people and the rich people are a trial for the poor people. The weak people are a trial for the strong people and the strong people are a trial for the weak people. The leaders are put to trial by those who follow them and those who follow are put to trial by way of the leaders. The slave master is put to trial by way of his slaves and the slaves are put to trial by way of the slave master. A man is put to trial by way of his wife and his wife is put to trial by way of him. The men are put to trial by way of women and women are put to trial by way of men. The believers are put to trial by way of the disbelievers and the disbelievers are put to trial by way of the believers. Those who enjoin good and forbid evil are put to trial by way of those whom they command good and forbid from evil, and those commanded with good and forbidden from evil are put to trial by way of those who command them with good and forbid them from evil.

And due to this, the poor and weak Muslims amongst the followers of the Messengers were a trial for the wealthy people and leaders. They [i.e. these wealthy ones and leaders] were prevented from accepting Eemaan after knowing the truthfulness of the Messengers. [Allaah informed us that they said]:

لَوْ كَانَ خَيْرًا مَا سَبَقُونَا إِلَيْهِ

“Had it (i.e. the Message of the Messenger) been a good thing, they (weak and poor) would not have preceded us thereto!” [Soorah Al-Ahqaaf: Ayah: 11]

And (Allaah said that) they (i.e. disbelievers in the time of Nooh) said to Nooh:

أَنُؤْمِنُ لَكَ وَاتَّبَعَكَ الْأَرْذَلُونَ

“Shall we believe in you, when the lowest of the people follow you? (i.e. those without wealth or status in society)”

[Soorah Ash-Shu’araa: Ayah: 111]

Allaah (The Most High) said:

وَكَذَٰلِكَ فَتَنَّا بَعْضَهُمْ بِبَعْضٍ لِيَقُولُوا أَهَٰؤُلَاءِ مَنَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِمْ مِنْ بَيْنِنَا

‘’Thus We have tried some of them with others, that they might say: “Is it these (poor believers) that Allah has favoured from amongst us?” [Soorah Al-An’aam: Ayah: 53]

So when a leader of high status saw that a poor person of lowly status had preceded him in belief and in following the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam], he become furious and scornful about accepting Islaam [due to not wanting] to be similar to [that poor person of lowly status].  And he says: I enter into Islaam so that I may be at the same level with this lowly one?

Az-Zujaaj [rahimahullaah] said: Perhaps a person of high status wanted to accept Islaam, but he was prevented from it so that it would not be said: ‘’someone lower than him preceded him (in Islaam);’’ therefore he remained upon disbelief and not [wanting] a Muslim to precede him in virtue.

And the reason behind [the fact that] some people are a trial for others is that the poor person may say, ‘’Why am I not like the rich person?” And the weak person may say, ‘’Why am I not like the strong one?’’ And the one afflicted may say, ‘’Why am I not like the one upon well-being.’’

[Allaah (The Most High) said] that the disbelievers said:

لَنْ نُؤْمِنَ حَتَّىٰ نُؤْتَىٰ مِثْلَ مَا أُوتِيَ رُسُلُ اللَّهِ

“We shall not believe until we receive the like of that which the Messengers of Allah had received”

[Soorah Al-An’aam: Ayah: 124]

This ayah was revealed concerning the trial encountered by the idol worshippers due to the poor immigrants, such as Bilaal, khabbaab, Suhaib, Abu Dar, Ibn Mas’ood and Ammaar [radiyallaahu-anhum], for they [idol worshippers] used to say: ‘’Look at these ones that follow Muhammad and they are from our lowly ones and those under our service.”

Allaah [The Most High] said:

إِنَّهُ كَانَ فَرِيقٌ مِنْ عِبَادِي يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا آمَنَّا فَاغْفِرْ لَنَا وَارْحَمْنَا وَأَنْتَ خَيْرُ الرَّاحِمِينَ

فَاتَّخَذْتُمُوهُمْ سِخْرِيًّا حَتَّىٰ أَنْسَوْكُمْ ذِكْرِي وَكُنْتُمْ مِنْهُمْ تَضْحَكُونَ

إِنِّي جَزَيْتُهُمُ الْيَوْمَ بِمَا صَبَرُوا أَنَّهُمْ هُمُ الْفَائِزُونَ

‘’Verily! There was a party of My slaves, who used to say: “Our Lord! We believe, so forgive us, and have mercy on us, for You are the Best of all who show mercy!” But you took them for a laughingstock, so much so that they made you forget My Remembrance while you used to laugh at them! Verily! I have rewarded them this Day for their patience, they are indeed the ones that are successful.’’ [Soorah Al-Muminoon: Aayaat: 109-111]

So Allaah informed (us) that He rewarded them for their patience, just as He (The Most High) said:

وَجَعَلْنَا بَعْضَكُمْ لِبَعْضٍ فِتْنَةً أَتَصْبِرُونَ

‘’And We have made some of you as a trial for others: will you have patience?’’

Az-Zujaaj (rahimahullaah) said: This means: Will you not exercise patience when afflicted and indeed you know what the patient ones will receive?!  I [Ibnul Qayyim] say:  Allaah [The Glorified One free from all imperfections] bounded affliction with patience in this ayah and also in His saying:  [ثُمَّ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ لِلَّذِينَ هَاجَرُوا مِنْ بَعْدِ مَا فُتِنُوا ثُمَّ جَاهَدُوا وَصَبَرُوا  -Then, verily! Your Lord for those who emigrated after they had been put to trials and thereafter strove hard and fought (for the Cause of Allah) and were patient” [Soorah An-Nahl: Ayah: 110]

There is no remedy like patience for the one put to trial! If he exercises patience, then that trial becomes a (source) of purification and rescue from sins, just as the bellows purifies gold and silver. Trials are the bellows of the hearts and the test for one’s Eemaan, and by way of it the truthful one is distinguished from the liar.  Allaah [The Most High] said:

وَلَقَدْ فَتَنَّا الَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِهِمْ ۖ فَلَيَعْلَمَنَّ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ صَدَقُوا وَلَيَعْلَمَنَّ الْكَاذِبِينَ

‘’And We indeed tested those who were before them. And Allah will certainly make (it) known (the truth of) those who are true, and will certainly make (it) known (the falsehood of) those who are liars, (although Allah knows all that before putting them to test).’’ [Soorah Al-Ankabut: Ayah: 3]

Trials categorise the people into truthful ones and liars, believers and hypocrites, good and wicked.  So whoever exercises patience in facing trials, then this is a mercy for him and a safety from a greater trial due to his patience.  And whoever does not exercise patience in facing a trial will fall into a trial more severe than it.

[Source: An Excerpt from ‘Ighaathatul Lahfaan: 2/170-172.’ slightly paraphrased]

Patience and Certainty Repels The Thoughts of Fear-mongers, Pessimists And Discouragers!  

Written by Abdulah Jallow on . Posted in Belief - 'Aqeedah', Calling To Islam - 'Da'wa', 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 Exalted] said:

وَلَقَدۡ ضَرَبۡنَا لِلنَّاسِ فِى هَـٰذَا ٱلۡقُرۡءَانِ مِن كُلِّ مَثَلٍ۬‌ۚ وَلَٮِٕن جِئۡتَهُم بِـَٔايَةٍ۬ لَّيَقُولَنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ ڪَفَرُوٓاْ إِنۡ أَنتُمۡ إِلَّا مُبۡطِلُونَ

كَذَٲلِكَ يَطۡبَعُ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِ ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يَعۡلَمُونَ

فَٱصۡبِرۡ إِنَّ وَعۡدَ ٱللَّهِ حَقٌّ۬‌ۖ وَلَا يَسۡتَخِفَّنَّكَ ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يُوقِنُونَ

And indeed We have set forth for mankind, in this Qur’an every kind of parable. But if you (O Muhammad) bring to them any sign or proof, (as an evidence for the truth of your Prophethood), the disbelievers are sure to say (to the believers): “You follow nothing but falsehood, and magic.” Thus does Allah seal up the hearts of those who know not [the proofs and evidence of the Oneness of Allah i.e. those who try not to understand true facts that which you (Muhammad) have brought to them]. So be patient (O Muhammad). Verily, the Promise of Allah is true, and let not those who have no certainty of faith, discourage you. [Surah Ar-Rum. Aayaat 58-60]

[فَٱصۡبِرۡ  – So be patient]- Meaning, be patience in that which you have been commanded and in your call to the path of Allaah. Even if you see them wilfully turning away, let that not hinder you. [إِنَّ وَعۡدَ ٱللَّهِ حَقٌّ۬ – Verily the promise of Allaah is true]- Meaning, there is no doubt regarding it, and this is from that which aids a person to exercise patience, because indeed when a servant knows that his effort will not go to waste, but rather he will find its complete reward, then that which he faces of hardship will become trivial and every difficulty will become much easier for him to face. [وَلَا يَسۡتَخِفَّنَّكَ ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يُوقِنُونَ  – And let not those who have no certainty of faith discourage you] – Meaning, indeed their Eemaan is weak and they have little certainty, and thus their forbearance is weak. Therefore, unless you refrain from giving their affair any importance and being careful, they will discourage and lead you to lack of steadfastness in holding onto the commands and prohibitions, and one’s soul does collaborate in such an affair – seeking to be similar to them and to be agreement with them. [Ref 1]

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahulaah] said: “The person who has no certainty does not remain firm, rather he acts carelessly, whereas certainty is the firm Eemaan in the heart based on [sound] knowledge and action. And it maybe that a person has sound knowledge, but he does not exercise patience during calamities; rather he is swayed by emotion.  Al-Hasan Al-Basri [rahimahullaah] said, ‘If you wish to see someone with insight but has no patience, you will see him; and if you wish to see someone who has patience but not insight, you will see him; but if you see a person who had insight as well as patience, then he is the one mentioned by Allaah in the Aayah:

[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.)]’”. [Surah As-Sajdah’ Aayah 24] [Ref 2]

[Ref 1: An Excerpt from Tafseer as-Sadi. Slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 2: An Excerpt from Al-Fawaa’id’ pages 293-300. slightly paraphrased]

Intrusion, Private Conversations, Etiquettes In Gatherings, Spying – [Distinction Between Reality, Ambiguity, Permissibility and Impermissibility]

Written by Abdulah Jallow on . Posted in Brotherhood, 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: The basis of Banee Aadam’s misguidance is as a result of ‘General Terms’ and ‘Ambiguous Meanings’ [i.e. terms & meanings which can either be utilised for truth or falsehood when not explained in detail and distinguished], especially if they come in contact with a confused mind, then how about when [evil] desires and misguided enthusiasm is added to that? Therefore, ask the One Who keeps the hearts steadfast [i.e. Allaah] to keep your heart firm upon His Religion and not allow you to fall into this darkness. [Ref 1]

The basis of a person’s Islaam is to testify that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allaah and that Muhammad [sallal-laahu-alayhi- wasallam] is the Messenger of Allaah, to believe in Allaah, declare that Allaah is One without partner, obey Allaah’s commands, keep away from what Allaah has forbidden and single out Allaah in worship. And safeguarding this path [necessitates] the prohibition of every expression [term or word] that contains Shirk Billaah [i.e. ascribing partners to Allaah] or Kufr, or will lead to one of the two. [Ref 2]  In the Qur’aan, there are many words that are utilised to rebut the words [or terms] that are in opposition to the call of the Messengers, the revelation that was revealed to them and the truth they brought. [Ref 3]

One of the general fundamental principles [in Islaam] is to know that words [or terms] are two types: Words that are mentioned in the Qur’aan and [authentic] Sunnah, therefore, it is obligated on every believer to affirm them – affirm what Allaah and His Messenger have affirmed, and negate what Allaah and His Messenger have negated. The words [or terms] affirmed by Allaah is truth and the ones Allaah negated are [negated] in truth, for indeed Allaah speaks the truth and guides to the straight path. The words [or terms] of the Sharee’ah are sanctified, and it is from perfection in knowledge that one seeks after the [sound meanings] which the Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasalam] intended by them, in order to affirm what he affirmed and negate the meanings he negated; for indeed it is obligated on us to believe and bear witness to everything he has stated and follow him in everything he has commanded.

As for the words [or terms] that are neither found in the Qur’am and [authentic] Sunnah, nor did the Salaf hold a consensus regarding whether they are negated or affirmed, then it is not incumbent on anyone to agree with the one who negates them or affirms them until its intended meaning is explained. So, if its intended meaning agrees with the [revelation, commands, prohibitions etc] conveyed by the Messenger, it is affirmed; but if its intended meaning is in opposition to the [revelation, commands, prohibitions etc] conveyed by the Messenger, it is rejected. [Ref 4]

 

Intrusion

Intrusion means affecting someone in a way that annoys them and makes them feel uncomfortable …causing disruption or annoyance through being unwelcomed or uninvited….interrupting a peaceful situation etc

Question To Imaam Muhammad Bin Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen (rahimahullaah):

When a Muslim shows disapprove of evil (committed by) another person, he (i.e. the doer of the evil) replies to him saying, “You are intrusive” or ‘’Do not interfere in that which does not concern you’’. Is this speech correct in such an instance and what should be the reply to (this person)?

Answer:

This speech of his is incorrect. To say to a person who disapproves of his evil that “You are intrusive” or “This is not your concern”’ is not correct because Allaah (The Most High) commanded us forbid evil and enjoin good. It is obligated on us to enjoin good and forbid evil according to our ability, whether the one who is commanded or prohibited likes it or not. And he [i.e. the one who rejects the evil] should reply to him (saying), “Indeed, this concerns me because Allaah has commanded me to enjoin good and forbid evil, and that is because the believer to another believer is like a solid building- one part supporting the other. So that which concerns a Muslim [in this instance] is a concern of his brother”. [Ref 5]

 

Private Conversations

Shaikh Saaleh Al-Fawzaan [may Allaah preserve him] says:

And one of those etiquettes [to be observed in a] social gathering [or when sitting together] is that two [people] should not have a private conversation in isolation of a third person [i.e. a third person who is also present in the same gathering or sitting], because that will offend him. He may harbour an evil suspicion towards them – that they are either conspiring against him or reviling him, or backbiting him, or may think that they are looking down on him. The Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said, ‘’When three persons are together, then no two of them should hold secret counsel excluding the third person’’.

The Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said, ‘’When you are three persons sitting together, then no two of you should hold a secret counsel excluding the third person until you are with some other people too, for that would grieve him’’. [End of quote. Ref 6]

This hadeeth is [about the] etiquettes that should be observed when sitting together. If there are three people [together], it is forbidden for two of them to speak in private; because if they speak in private without the third person, he will harbour some doubts – fearing that they are talking about him. Also if they speak in secret without him, he will feel that they are looking down on him and that they do not give him any value, and that is why they hide their affair from him and speak in private without him, because they do not trust him. This will enter his heart and that is why the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said, ‘’For that would grieve him’’- Meaning: It will bring about sadness in his heart, so he says [to himself], ‘’They are either speaking about me or looking down on me’’, so he becomes sad. Therefore, from the etiquettes of sitting together is that one speaks openly, and speaking should not be between two people in isolation of a third person. As for when there are many people in a sitting – more than three – there is no harm if two people speak in private because the other people are many and they will not harbour anything in their hearts.

This is from the etiquettes of sitting together. The hadeeth forbids two people from speaking to each other in private, whilst isolating a third [person who is also present in the same sitting]. It shows that if there are more than three people, then there is no harm if two people speak in private due to the statement of the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam], ‘’Until you are with some other people too.’’ So if the reason behind the caution is non-existent [i.e. if there are many other people in the same sitting], then there is no harm [if two people speak in private]. [End of quote. Ref 7]

Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [rahimahullaah] said:

And also if there are four people, they [i.e. three people] should not speak privately in isolation of the fourth person. The intent behind this is that there should be more than one person remaining if the rest are having a private conversation. If a group speaks privately in isolation of another group, then there is no harm in doing so as has preceded in the hadeeth reported by Aa’isha that the Prophet spoke to Faatimah in private [about something] in the house, but not to his wives. [End of quote. Ref 8] Here is the Hadeeth: Imaam Bukhaari Said, ‘’Chapter: Whoever has a confidential talk with somebody in front of the people and the latter does not disclose his companion’s secret, but when his companion dies, he discloses it. http://www.salaficentre.com/2016/10/heart-warming-incident-prophet-sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam-beloved-daughter-faatimah-radiyallaahu-anhaa/ [Ref 9]

 

It Is Not Allowed to Listen to The Conversations of The People If They Are Not Pleased With That

Shaikh Saaleh Al-Fawzaan [hafidhahullaah] said:

It is forbidden for a person to just come and sit with a person who is talking to another person because it may be that they are engaged in a private conversation. The Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said, “Whoever listens to the talk of some people who do not like him [to listen] or they run away from him, then molten lead will be poured into his ears on the Day of Resurrection. [Sahih Al-Bukhaari Number 7042]. This is a severe threat, so one should not listen to the speech of the people if they do not want anyone to know what they are talking about. [End of quote. Ref 10]

Shaikh Zayd Bin Haadi [rahimahullaah] said:

It may be that two or more people gather to speak about a particular affair that concerns them, and they do not want anyone else to know about it; but then a person or more than one person becomes an obstacle by listening to their speech and [wants] to know what they are talking about, whilst they are not pleased with that. This is an act of transgression and foolishness – that a person involves himself into something that does not concern him. And from the perfection of a person’s Islaam is to leave that which does not concern him. However, there is an exception to this prohibition such as when a person listens into the speech of those who are focused or [involved] in seeking to breach the state of safety and security of the Muslims. [Ref 11]

[Ref 1: An Excerpt from ‘As-Sawaa’iq Al-Mursalah Alal Jahmiyyah Wal Mu’attilah’ – Vol 3. page 927. slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 2: Excerpt from ‘Mu’jam Al-Manaahee Lil Laf’dhiyyah’ page 34. slightly paraphrased. Publisher: Daar Al-Aasimah. 3rd edition 1996]

[Ref 3: Excerpt from Mu’jam Al-Manaahee Lil Lafdhiyyah’ page 10. slightly paraphrased. Publisher: Daar Al-Aasimah. 3rd edition 1996]

[Ref 4: Excerpt from ‘Al-Haqeeqatus Shar’iyyah Fee Tafseeril Qur’aan Al-A’dheem Was-Sunnatin Nabawiyyah’ page 17. slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 5: Source: Al-Manaahiy Al-Laf-Dhiyyah’ Page 144]

[Ref 6: An Excerpt from ‘It’haaf At-tullaab Bi-Sharh Mandhoomah Al-Aadaab’ page 149. paraphrased]

[Ref 7: An Excerpt from ‘Tasheelul Ilhaami Bi-Fiqhil Ahaadeethi Min Bulooghil Maraam’ 6/172 paraphrased]

[Ref 8: An Excerpt from ‘Al-Hulalul Ibreeziyyah Min At-taleeqaat Al-Baaziyyah Alaa Saheeh Al-Bukhaari’ Vol 4′ page 192′ footnote number 2′. paraphrased]

[Ref 9: Al-Hulalul Ibreeziyyah Min At-taleeqaat Al-Baaziyyah Alaa Saheeh al-Bukhaari Vol 4′ page 191]

[Ref 10:  An Excerpt from ‘It’haaf At-Tullaab Bi-Sharhi Mandhoomah Al-Aadaab’ page 149′ paraphrased]

[Ref 11: An Excerpt from ‘Awnul Ahadis Samad Sharh Al-Adabil Mufrad’ Vol 3 page 281′. paraphrased]