No Room For Fear-mongering And Deception! Muslim Employs a Robust Principle When Verifying News

Written by Abdulah Jallow on . Posted in Belief - 'Aqeedah', Calling To Islam - 'Da'wa', Methodology - 'Manhaj', Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Refutations, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allaah [The Most High] said:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Imaam As-Sadi [rahimahullaah] said about this Aayah [i.e. An-Nisaa 83]: This is a moral conduct [commanded by Allaah] to His slaves – that they do not do this [i.e. hasten to spread news]. And it is obligated on them that when there comes to them an affair from the important affairs – matters related to a universal benefit for the people, public safety and those affairs on which depends the sorrow or happiness of the believers, or an affair of public fear which may bring about calamity upon them- that they should verify the [news of that affair] and not to be hasty in spreading it; rather they should refer it back to the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] and to those in authority- the people of sound opinions, the people of knowledge; those who can give sound advice, the people of intelligence and those who approach affairs with calmness, and they are those who know what is of overriding benefit and that which is in opposition to it [i.e. the scholars].  So, if they see that disseminating such news will bring about an overriding benefit for the Muslims, strengthen them, bring about happiness and make them vigilant over their enemies, then they would disseminate such news; but if they see that there is no overriding benefit in disseminating such news, or that there is benefit in it, but there is more harm in doing so; then they would not circulate such news.  That is why Allaah stated: [ وَلَوْ رَدُّوهُ إِلَى الرَّسُولِ وَإِلَىٰ أُولِي الْأَمْرِ مِنْهُمْ لَعَلِمَهُ الَّذِينَ يَسْتَنبِطُونَهُ مِنْهُمْ – If only they had referred it to the Messenger or to those charged with authority among them, the proper investigators would have understood it from them (directly)]- Meaning: They would have derived from it [the proper cause of action] through contemplation and through their correct opinions and rightly guided sciences.

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

[وَلَوۡلَا فَضۡلُ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيۡڪُمۡ وَرَحۡمَتُهُ – Had it not been for the Grace and Mercy of Allah upon you]- Meaning: by way granting you the ability to act upon righteousness, instructed you with moral conducts and taught you that which you never knew, then [لَٱتَّبَعۡتُمُ ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنَ إِلَّا قَلِيلاً۬  – you would have followed Shaitan (Satan), save a few of you]. [Ref 1]

Allaah [The Exalted] said: [ يٰأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ آمَنُوۤاْ إِن جَآءَكُمْ فَاسِقٌ بِنَبَإٍ فَتَبَيَّنُوۤاْ أَن تُصِيبُواْ قَوْمًا بِجَهَالَةٍ فَتُصْبِحُواْ عَلَىٰ مَا فَعَلْتُمْ نَادِمِينَ – O you who believe! If a rebellious evil person comes to you with a news, verify it, lest you harm people in ignorance, and afterwards you become regretful to what you have done]. [Surah Al-Hujuraat. Aayah 6]

Imaam As-Sadi [rahimahullaah] said: This is also one of the moral etiquettes that are obligated on the people of [sound] understanding to adorn themselves with and put into practice. And that is if a rebellious sinful person informs them of some news, they should verify his news and not to merely accept it, because indeed there is great danger [in doing so] and [possibility] of falling into sin. That is because if his news is placed at the same level with the news given by truthful reliable person, one might pass a judgement based on that news and what it necessitates, so loss of life and wealth occurs without right due to that news and thus brings about regret; rather, what is obligated with regards to the news given by a rebellious sinful person is that it is verified and clarified. So, if the proofs and clear indications demonstrates his truthfulness, then it [i.e. the news] is acted upon and declared to be true; but if they demonstrate that he is lying, then it is declared to be lies and not acted upon. Therefore, in this [Aayah]  there is a proof that news [given] by a truthful person is accepted, the news [given] by a liar is rejected and the news [given] by a rebellious sinful person is suspended as we have stated. [Ref 2: An Excerpt from ‘Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan’. Slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 1: An Excerpt from ‘Al-Fitnah Wa Mawqiful Muslim Minhaa’ pages 78-83: By Shaikh Muhammad Aqeel [hafidhahullaah]. slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 2: An Excerpt from ‘Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan’. Slightly paraphrased]

[4] Source of Tranquillity And An Increase In Eemaan When Believers Submitted to Allaah’s Judgement And That of His Messenger at Hudaybiyah

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:

هُوَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَنزَلَ ٱلسَّكِينَةَ فِى قُلُوبِ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ لِيَزۡدَادُوٓاْ إِيمَـٰنً۬ا مَّعَ إِيمَـٰنِہِمۡ‌ۗ وَلِلَّهِ جُنُودُ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ‌ۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ عَلِيمًا حَكِيمً۬ا

He it is Who sent down As-Sakinah into the hearts of the believers, that they may grow more in Faith along with their (present) Faith. And to Allah belong the hosts of the heavens and the earth, and Allah is Ever All-Knower, All-Wise. [Surah Al-Fath. Aayaat 4]

Allaah [The Exalted] informs us of His favour upon the believers, that He sent down Sakeenah to their hearts, which is tranquillity, calmness and firmness during those distressing trials and difficult situations that would disorientate the hearts, divert the thoughts and weaken the souls. And from the blessings of Allaah upon His servant – in such a situation – is that He grants the person firmness, strengthens his heart and sends down tranquillity to it, in order that he faces those difficulties with a firm heart and tranquil soul, and so that he is prepared to fulfil the command of Allaah in such a situation, and by way of that his Eemaan increases and his certainty is ascertained.

When that which occurred between Allaah’s Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] and the polytheists with regards to those agreements [during the treaty of Hudaybiyah], which – as it appeared – lowered and diminished the status of the Sahaabah [radiyallaahu-anhum] and was hard for the souls to bear, however their Eemaan increased alongside the Eemaan they already had when they exercised patience and accepted those conditions.  [وَلِلَّهِ جُنُودُ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ‌ۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ عَلِيمًا حَكِيمً۬ا   -And to Allah belong the hosts of the heavens and the earth, and Allah is Ever All-Knower, All-Wise]-  Meaning, all of them are under His dominion and control, therefore the polytheists should never think that Allaah will not aid His Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] and the religion He has ordained; rather Allaah is All-Knowing, All-Wise, and His Perfect Wisdom necessitates that people’s state of affairs will alternate from one state to another, and victory for the believers is delayed till a later date.

[An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi. Slightly paraphrased]

Struggle Between Secularists And Islamists! [Reality Behind This Statement When We Come Across It In The News]

Written by Abdulah Jallow on . Posted in Belief - 'Aqeedah', Calling To Islam - 'Da'wa', Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Innovations In Islam (Bidah), Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Firstly, Al-Allaamah Muhammad Amaan Al-Jaani [rahimahullaah] was asked about those youth who utilise the word secularist against everyone who commits a mistake, so he [rahimahullaah] said, “If you say to a Muslim, ‘You are a secularist’, then this is equal to saying, ‘You are a kaafir’  because secularism is clear disbelief.  Its meaning is the advocacy to abandon all religions, whether Islam, Christianity or Judaism.  Secularism is disbelief and the mother of all evil.  Therefore, one should not be easy going with regards to applying the term to a Muslim who has committed a mistake.  It is a grave error to do so. [Asbaab Al-Ijaabah Cassette 2]

Secondly, it is very important that even if a person who was a Muslim declares himself a secularist, then still we are reminded of the fact that Takfeer has principles and it is the responsibility of the scholars. Visit link: The Principles of Takfeer: http://www.salafipublications.com/sps/downloads/pdf/MNJ090006.pdf

Thirdly, when you hear Islamists, then do not become excited or emotional, saying, “They must be people calling to the truth”, rather remember the statement of Imaam Al-Barbahaaree [rahimahullaah] as follows, “May Allaah have mercy upon you! Carefully examine the speech of everyone you hear from in your time particularly. So do not act in haste and do not enter in anything from it until you ask and see: Did any of the Companions of the Prophet, may Allaah’s praise and salutations be upon him, speak about it, or did any of the scholars? So if you find a narration from them about it, cling to it, do not go beyond it for anything and do not give precedence to anything over it and thus fall into the Fire”. Likewise,  when the term Islamist is used due to political activism, demonstrations or fighting in the Muslim lands, then know that those being referred to are ahlul bidah – Ikhwaanees, Takfeeris and their ilk. See here:

http://www.ikhwanis.com/index.cfm

http://www.takfiris.com/takfir/index.cfm

http://www.shariah.ws/authors/Abu.Iyaad.cfm

Fourthly, just because we are free from these two groups does not mean that we feel safe, become complacent and relaxed, rather the devils amongst mankind and Jinn will never cease in their evil plots. Quote from Dajjaaj.com:

“We are living in a time in which the League of Iblees have a frightening grip and amazing amount of resources and means through which waves and waves of assaults are maintained against faith (eemaan), and against tawhid (monotheism), and against the morality that is based upon revelation (as opposed to the “do what thou wilt” of secular humanism), and against the family unit and its bonds (husband-wife, child-parent). And so it is necessary for the Muslims to beware and take extreme caution against the waves upon waves of such assaults that are being made from all directions, the aim of which is to desecrate the foundations of faith, and to desecrate the Prophets of Allaah, in particular Jesus, the Son of Mary (peace be upon them both) and to replace the foundations of faith with a “new age spirituality” which is nothing “new” at all, but comes from none other than Iblees himself and is but the same deception that Iblees used to make Adam err, which is the promise of immortality and eternity, and this is the core, underlying principle of the “new age spirituality” in all of its flavours and manifestations. Further, the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) warned that there would be many dajjaals (liars) in the later times. Such liars and imposters claim divinity or prophethood, and preach a religion other than that preached by the Prophets and Messengers, such as Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Mohammad (peace be upon all of them). For this reason, given the huge amount of propaganda disseminated through the great many forms of media in the modern age, it is necessary for Muslims to be well-informed about the plots of Iblees his deception and misguiding of the people through their army of devils amongst Jinn and men, all of whom refer to Iblees, spuriously, as “the light bearer”.
The meaning of the word “Dajjaal” linguistically means “a great liar, deceiver”, and signifies great deception and lies. As such, all magicians and soothsayers are also referred to as “dajjaals”, because they lie and deceive. Hence, we will also be discussing magic and its practitioners on this site as they come under the general meaning of “dajal” (deceit, trickery, deception)”.  Read this article: The Role of Television in Social Engineering, Predictive Programming, Culture Creation and Destruction of Children and Society: http://www.dajjaal.com/liar/articles/xsxpr-the-role-of-television-in-social-engineering-predictive-programming-and-destruction-of-children-and-society.cfm

Therefore, parents and Muslim educators have a great responsibility. And know that it would be very naïve of Muslim educators and parents to think that just because their schools have been graded good or outstanding, then everything is safe and sound; rather the goal -first and foremost- is that we strive to safeguard the Aqeedah and behaviour of our children, so that – by the Tawfeeq of Allaah- they neither inclined towards the transgressors against religion nor the transgressors against the sound worldly sciences. Al-Allaamah Abdullah Bin Humaid [rahimahullaah] said: Allaah [Glorified and Exalted be He] said:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا قُوا أَنفُسَكُمْ وَأَهْلِيكُمْ نَارًا وَقُودُهَا النَّاسُ وَالْحِجَارَةُ عَلَيْهَا مَلَائِكَةٌ غِلَاظٌ شِدَادٌ لَّا يَعْصُونَ اللَّهَ مَا أَمَرَهُمْ وَيَفْعَلُونَ مَا يُؤْمَرُونَ

O you who believe! Ward off from yourselves and your families a Fire (Hell) whose fuel is men and stones, over which are (appointed) angels stern (and) severe, who disobey not, (from executing) the Commands they receive from Allah, but do that which they are commanded. [Soorah Tahreem: Ayah: 6]

The meaning of  “O you who believe”: Some of the pious predecessors said that if you hear the statement of Allaah ‘’O you who believe’‘, then listen attentively because it is either something good you are being commanded or something forbidden you are being prohibited from.

We Are Commanded to Teach Our Children The Shahaadatayn And Keep Them Away From Bidah

And regarding the statement ‘’Ward off from yourselves and your families a Fire (Hell)”; This cannot be achieved except by fulfilling the commandments of Allaah and keeping away from what He has forbidden. This is what the statement ‘’Ward off from yourselves’’ means-by fulfilling the rights of Shahaadah ‘None has the right to be worshipped except Allaah’’; by worshipping Allaah [alone], acquainting yourself with Tawheed and free the Shahaadah from all that either negates it or that which negates the obligations it necessitates. [Likewise], free the Shahaadah from innovations in the religion which are a belittlement of it and the sins that diminishes its worth.  Likewise, [the statement Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah’ has rights], and that is to fulfil what the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] commanded and keep away from everything he has forbidden, and that your worship of your Creator is carried out in accordance with what the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wsallam] legislated.

Children Are The Most Important Members of The Family

And also regarding the statement, “Ward off from yourselves and your families a Fire (Hell)’’: It is well known that children are the most important part of the family, therefore you must take up a shield of protection against the fire to protect your children and those under your care. And what is this protection? It is the advice and guidance you give them about that which will benefit them- teaching them what is beneficial and correct by way of which Eemaan is nurtured in the hearts and by way of which they will come to know the rights of their Creator and the rights of their parents.  This is the meaning of ‘’Ward off yourselves and your families a Fire [hell]’’- by advising, guiding, teaching and distancing them from everything that will hold them back [from goodness, uprightness etc.].

Children Must Be Distanced From Evil Companions; They Must Be Taught The Sound Islamic Creed First and Foremost, And Then The Beneficial Worldly Sciences

We said that children are the most important part of the family, so they must be taught what benefits them and are distanced from evil companions. Teaching them necessitates that which the Book and the Sunnah necessitates in their religious affairs, so that they are nurtured upon a sound, beneficial and good nurturing. And we do not say that it is prohibited to study the beneficial worldly sciences because the religion of Islaam does not prohibit it, such as the knowledge of medicine, economics, business and its likes. However, these affairs come after rectification of the creed and after being [acquainted with] the knowledge of Tawheed.  This is what is specified as an obligation.

And protecting the family [necessitates] that you distance your children from evil companions- those who have no goodness in them, such as the atheists or those Bedouins who are distanced from their religion. Therefore, you must warn your children about mixing with them and you must strive to [make sure that] they do not mix with them.  If your child mixes with them, their evil practices will  affect him. Even if your child is sensible, he will adopt some of their manners and deeds due to those evil companions. When a healthy she camel intermingles with a camel afflicted with scabies, it will be afflicted with scabies; or when someone intermingles a lot with a camel afflicted with scabies, he will become afflicted with scabies and his scabies will be transferred to the group and they all become afflicted.

Children Are to Be Nurtured to Preserve The Five Daily Prayers

Teach your children and continue [commanding them] to preserve the five daily prayers, for indeed the prayer is religion and it prevents one from committing obscene and evil deeds.   In most cases, if you see your child always frequenting the mosque, then this is a sign of goodness and uprightness, as the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said: ‘’If you see a person always frequenting the masjid, then bear witness to his Imaan.’’

Admonition to The One Who Rejoices Because of Their Child’s Worldly Achievements Yet Such a Child Is Ignorant About The Rights of Allaah

You say, ‘’Indeed, my child graduated from such and such university and he has a master’s degree or what they call a PHD, and he studied in America or in London or in such university; and you think that with these [qualifications] he has become a mountain amongst the mountains of the earth’’; but  as long as he is unaware of the rights of his Lord, unaware of your rights and the affairs of his religion, then by Allaah he is a mirage and there is neither goodness in him nor in his knowledge [of the worldly sciences]. To be ignorant [of these worldly science] would be better for him because they led him to reject his religion, country and society. The situation of [this person who abandoned his religion] is that of evil and his manners have been corrupted.  Therefore, it is obligatory that you do not become lackadaisical concerning the affairs of your children as long as they are young.  Teach them what is beneficial and nurture them upon good.

Teachers And Parents Must Work Closely Together to Nurture  The Children of The Ummah Upon Sound Islaam, And We  Should Take Heed Lest We Neglect This Responsibility And Be From Those Who Betray The Trust That Has Been Entrusted Upon Them

It is obligated on the teachers to implant the true creed in the hearts of the young generation.  They should clarify -for them- the wisdom, beauty and underlying reasons behind the rulings of the Islamic law until their hearts grow in Eemaan and radiated with its light, so that they become upright and benefit their country, governments, Islamic Nation, its people and the Religion.  Therefore, the teacher who teachers your child should be an upright example for his pupils.  They take him as an example in fulfilling the commands of Allaah and in his manners, just as Ut’bah Bin Abee Sufyaan said to his children’s teacher: ‘’Indeed, I have come to you to teach my children; firstly: rectify yourself and adhere to your religion, because their eyes are fixed on you.  They will not see you beautifying or doing something, except that they will blindly follow you.’’ Then he said to the teacher, ‘’Teach them the best of the narrations’’; meaning: The best and most beneficial, and the most beneficial science.  Then he said: ‘’Keep them away from flirting with women and composing love poems about them; rather teach them the hadeeth and the Qur’aan, and [those] poetry and etiquettes of the Arabs that develops bravery in the souls, heroism, nobility and adherence to good customs.’’  This is what Ut’bah said to the teacher of his children; He said: ‘’They [my children] will follow your deeds just as they learn from your sciences, so therefore your actions must be good.’’

Therefore, if the teacher strives together with the households and the fathers, the child will be given a good and upright upbringing.  He will benefit his country and government, and Allaah will benefit Islaam and the Muslims through him.  However, if his teacher is one of the corrupters, the enemies of Allaah, His Messenger, the religion of Islaam and the Muslim lands, [the student] will follow his footsteps because a student treads upon the fundamental principles of the teacher.

Alas, how can we be pleased with sending our young children to a faculty in America or to such and such country, and he [the parent] says: ‘’My child has gone to study’’, [whilst he has gone] to study disbelief, hearsay, deviation, how to turn away from his family, his country and religion!! They will teach him this, just as Zimmer [The Catholic philosopher and theologian] advocated.

This Zimmer was a head of Christian Missionaries and he sent Christian missionaries to the various regions of the Arab-Islamic Countries.  He gathered them before dispersing them and said,  ‘’Inform me of what you will be doing in the Muslim countries?’’  One of them said: ‘’I will convert five to Christianity.’’  Another said: ‘’I will convert two to Christianity, and I will give them the blessings of Christianity and make them thankful.’’  He (Zimmer) said: ‘’You have not understood our desired objective! It is not possible to convert the Muslims to Christianity; it is not possible for the Muslims to reject their religion, except if you teach them. The most important thing is that you teach the Muslim children by sowing doubts in their souls about their religion and rejection in their souls against their countries.  And eventually when one of them sets up a centre in his country, he will give no importance to anything else except his desires.  And when he gathers wealth, he will do so according to his desires.  Therefore, he ends up having no religion and no connection with his Creator.  Therefore, cultivate the lands of Muhammad [i.e. the Muslim lands] upon this.’’

And he (Zimmer) said in another speech of his: ‘’Indeed, Islaam is like a tree, therefore cut off its branches.  Its branches are the children of the Muslims, therefore teach them so that they can aid you to cut off the tree of Islaam in their countries.  You will not be able to cut it off yourselves, rather teach their children to aid you in uprooting it in their countries.’’

This is their statement [O reader]! If this is their statement, then how can a person excuse himself for sending his young child to Germany, France, America, Italy and London, whilst he has not yet been nurtured upon the correct creed.  This is an error. [Your Muslim child] will come to you whilst turning away from his religion, turning away from his parents and looking down upon them.  He will consider them to be [people] who neither possesses understanding nor do they know, whilst in reality he is the one without understanding.  Therefore, it is incumbent upon a person to give serious concern to the children under his care because they are a trust.  And when you neglect them, then indeed you have betrayed the trust.  Allaah [The Most High] said: [يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ لَا تَخُونُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَٱلرَّسُولَ وَتَخُونُوٓاْ أَمَـٰنَـٰتِكُمۡ وَأَنتُمۡ تَعۡلَمُونَ  – O you who believe! Betray not Allah and His Messenger, nor betray knowingly your Amanat [things entrusted to you and all the duties which Allah has ordained for you]. [Soorah Anfaal: Ayah: 27]

Therefore, your children are a trust and when you neglect them, then indeed you have betrayed them.  It is obligated on every one of us to fear Allaah with regards to the [affair] of his children and those under his care. The days go past and the end of a [person’s] lifespan draws closer, and a person does not know when his life span will suddenly come to [an end].  [A person] must strive to teach his children beneficial knowledge, nurtures them upon goodness and obedience to [Allaah and His Messenger].  “All of you are shepherds and each of you is responsible for his flock.  A man is the shepherd of his household and he is responsible for them.  A woman is a shepherdess in her husband’s house and she is responsible for her flock.” And Allaah knows best, and may the peace and blessings of Allaah be upon Muhammad [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam], His family and companions. [Ref 1]

Some Plots of The Militant Secularists Through Education

Shaikh Abdul-Azeez Bin Baaz [rahimahullaah] said: They seek to conquer the intellects of the Muslim children and nurture their hearts upon their views, either by making them feel that their ways are superior in every affair-be it in affairs of creed and religion, or that which they speak with by way of languages, or what they consider to be civilized manners, customs etc.. They seek to nurture a great number of Muslims in the Muslim lands until they are intoxicated with their views and return them to their lands. Then they start praising and promoting them until they become the figureheads in their countries. So they spread their ideas through these people…etc They encourage the Muslims in the Muslim lands to learn their languages at the expense of the Arabic language, which is the language of the Qur’aan- the language by way of which the Muslims perform their acts of worship. They also establish many studies that are intended to cause nuisance and glorify what they call popular literature and national heritage…..etc They prepare a large number of people amongst their people to study Islam and the Arabic language and write books, and take up teaching positions in universities- orientalists….etc They also spread propaganda that Muslim women in the Muslim lands are oppressed in order to take them out of their homes and place them where they want. But Allaah (The Most High) said:

يَا أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ قُلْ لِأَزْوَاجِكَ وَبَنَاتِكَ وَنِسَاءِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ يُدْنِينَ عَلَيْهِنَّ مِنْ جَلابِيبِهِنَّ ذَلِكَ أَدْنَى أَنْ يُعْرَفْنَ فَلا يُؤْذَيْنَ وَكَانَ اللَّهُ غَفُورًا رَحِيمًا

O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies. That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allah is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” They set up radio programmes designed to mislead gullible young Muslims who do not understand Islam and do not have sufficient knowledge, especially in Africa…. However if the Muslims exercise patience these plots will not harm them. Allaah (The Most High) said: [وَإِنْ تَصْبِرُوا وَتَتَّقُوا لا يَضُرُّكُمْ كَيْدُهُمْ شَيْئًا إِنَّ اللَّهَ بِمَا يَعْمَلُونَ مُحِيطٌ – But if you remain patient and become Al-Muttaqun (the pious – see V.2:2), not the least harm will their cunning do to you. Surely, Allah surrounds all that they do]. [Ref 2]

Transgressors Against Religion – Boko Haram And Their Ilk

Just as the militant secularists seek to destroy the sound creed and morals of the Muslims, likewise Boko Haram, Al-Shabab and other extremist devils are misguided fanatics who destroy the religion with their false methodologies. They have no scholars amongst them and are unable to refute the claims and ideas of the corrupters with sound evidences, so they chose the path of the devil in violating the blood and honour of innocent people-Muslims and non-Muslims.

Warning against Boko Haram: The Mufti [Shaikh Abdul Azeez Aala Shaikh [hafidhahullaah] of Saudi Warns against Boko Haram:

Al-Allaamah Abdul Azeez Aala Shaikh (may Allaah preserve him) says: *Boka Haraam is a misguided group and are from the khawaarij. *Their actions are evil and harmful for Islam and the Muslims. *Their actions are destructive. *Abducting girls is from the actions of a misguided group. *If Boka Haraam are claiming a call to jihad, then it is nothing but ignorance and enmity against Islaam and the Muslims. *Boka Haraam are not upon correctness and guidance because Islaam opposes abduction/kidnapping, unlawful killing and transgression. *Marrying off kidnapped/abducted females is haraam and it is not permissible to give them in marriage. An Excerpt -[slightly paraphrased]. See link for further details:  http://www.sahab.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=143763 http://wp.me/p4cUPQ-az

Boko Haram and Al-Shabab Recruits Lack ‘lack Religious Schooling’

http://www.islamagainstextremism.com/articles/dmxyllr-boko-haram-and-al-shabab-recruits-lack-religious-schooling.cfm

Ref 1: Source: An Excerpt from ‘Al-Fataawaa Wad-Duroos Fil Masjid Al-Haraam’- by Al-Allaamah Abdullaah Bin Muhammad Bin Humayd (rahimahullaah): pages: 938-944. slightly paraphrased]. Also read: https://salaficentre.com/2019/02/a-gift-to-muslim-educators-primary-and-secondary-school-governors-headteachers-and-science-teachers-a-must-read/

Ref 2: Source: [ مجلة البحوث الإسلامية العدد 8 ص 286 293 أجراها مع سماحته قسم التحرير – مجموع فتاوى ومقالات متنوعة الجزء الثالث. ]

[3] Source of Tranquillity And Removal of Fear – [Allaah’s Aid For The True Believers When They Need It The Most]

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

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

Allaah [The Most High] said:

إِلَّا تَنصُرُوهُ فَقَدۡ نَصَرَهُ ٱللَّهُ إِذۡ أَخۡرَجَهُ ٱلَّذِينَ ڪَفَرُواْ ثَانِىَ ٱثۡنَيۡنِ إِذۡ هُمَا فِى ٱلۡغَارِ إِذۡ يَقُولُ لِصَـٰحِبِهِۦ لَا تَحۡزَنۡ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ مَعَنَا‌ۖ فَأَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ سَڪِينَتَهُ ۥ عَلَيۡهِ وَأَيَّدَهُ ۥ بِجُنُودٍ۬ لَّمۡ تَرَوۡهَا وَجَعَلَ ڪَلِمَةَ ٱلَّذِينَ ڪَفَرُواْ ٱلسُّفۡلَىٰ‌ۗ وَڪَلِمَةُ ٱللَّهِ هِىَ ٱلۡعُلۡيَا‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ

If you help him (Muhammad) not (it does not matter), for Allah did indeed help him when the disbelievers drove him out, the second of two, when they (the Prophet and Abu Bakr ) were in the cave, and he (the Prophet) said to his companion (Abu Bakr ): “Be not sad (or afraid), surely Allah is with us.” Then Allah sent down His Sakinah (calmness, tranquillity, peace, etc.) upon him, and strengthened him with forces (angels) which you saw not, and made the word of those who disbelieved the lowermost, while it was the Word of Allah that became the uppermost, and Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise. [Surah At-Tawbah. Aayah 40]

Meaning: If you do not aid Allaah’s Messenger, Muhammad [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him], Allaah is not in need of you in anything nor can you harm him in the least, because certainly Allaah aided him when he had the fewest followers and was in a state of severe vulnerability, [as Allaah stated]:  [إِذۡ أَخۡرَجَهُ ٱلَّذِينَ ڪَفَرُواْ  – when the disbelievers drove him out] from Makkah- Meaning, when they desired to kill him, made strenuous efforts and were extremely eager to do so, and thus they forced him to leave Makkah.

[ثَانِىَ ٱثۡنَيۡنِ إِذۡ هُمَا فِى ٱلۡغَارِ إِذۡ يَقُولُ لِصَـٰحِبِهِۦ لَا تَحۡزَنۡ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ مَعَنَا‌ۖ   – the second of two (i.e. Abu Bakr), when they were in the cave, and he (the Prophet) said to his companion (Abu Bakr ): “Be not sad (or afraid), surely Allah is with us] – Meaning, when they fled Makkah, hid in the cave of Thawr and remained there until the search for them died down. During that critical state of affairs when their enemies dispersed – in all directions – and searching to kill them, Allaah sent His help to them, whilst that never entered their minds. The Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said to Abu Bakr, whilst AbuBakr [radiyallaahu-anhu] was sad and very anxious, “Be not sad (or afraid), surely Allah is with us” –Meaning, by way of His Assistance, Help and Support.

[فَأَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ سَڪِينَتَهُ ۥ عَلَيۡهِ وَأَيَّدَهُ ۥ بِجُنُودٍ۬ لَّمۡ تَرَوۡهَا وَجَعَلَ ڪَلِمَةَ ٱلَّذِينَ ڪَفَرُواْ ٱلسُّفۡلَىٰ‌ۗ وَڪَلِمَةُ ٱللَّهِ هِىَ ٱلۡعُلۡيَا‌ۗ  – Then Allah sent down His Sakinah (calmness, tranquillity, peace, etc.) upon him, and strengthened him with forces which you saw not, and made the word of those who disbelieved the lowermost, while it was the Word of Allah that became the uppermost]- Meaning, made them steadfast, granted them comfort and tranquillity, which made their hearts firm. And Allaah made the word of the disbelievers debased and frustrated, because indeed those who disbelieved had a strong intention and thought that they had the ability to kill the Messenger and to capture him, whilst harbouring bitterness against him and thus they did the most they could in that; however Allaah frustrated their plot and they did not fulfil their goal; rather they did not reach anything of it. Allah aided His Messenger by protecting him and this is the support mentioned in this Aayah.

Allaah’s Aid is of two types: Aiding the Muslims when they pursue their enemy, so He aids them in that which they seek and intend, and thus they overcome their enemy and are granted victory against them. The second type of Aid is for those who are oppressed, whose enemy pursues him and has strength, so Allaah protects him, and it maybe that this type of aid is more beneficial – Allaah’s Aid for His Messenger when the disbelievers expelled him.

[وَڪَلِمَةُ ٱللَّهِ هِىَ ٱلۡعُلۡيَا‌ۗ   – while it was the Word of Allah that became the uppermost]- Meaning: His universal decree [i.e. that which He wills has to take place] as well as what He has ordained in religious affairs is uppermost over all others, which also includes the statement: [وَكَانَ حَقًّا عَلَيۡنَا نَصۡرُ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ   – and (as for) the believers it was incumbent upon Us to help (them)]. [Surah Ar-Rum. Aayah 47] [ إِنَّا لَنَنصُرُ رُسُلَنَا وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ فِى ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا وَيَوۡمَ يَقُومُ ٱلۡأَشۡهَـٰدُ – Verily, We will indeed make victorious Our Messengers and those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah Islamic Monotheism) in this world’s life and on the Day when the witnesses will stand forth, (i.e. Day of Resurrection)]. [Surah Ghaafir. Aayah 51] [وَإِنَّ جُندَنَا لَهُمُ ٱلۡغَـٰلِبُونَ  – And that Our hosts, they verily would be the victors] Surah As-Saffaat. Aayah 173]

The religion ordained by Allaah has the upper hand over all other religions- through manifest proof, outstanding evidences and irresistible authority. [وَٱللَّهُ عَزِيزٌ  – and Allah is All-Mighty]- Meaning, neither can anyone overcome Him nor escape Him; [حَكِيمٌ  – All Wise]- Meaning, He places affairs in their rightful place and He may delay His help for His allies until a later date in accordance with His Perfect divine Wisdom.

[An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi. Slightly paraphrased]

May Allaah include us amongst those who firmly believe in Him and the assistance He grants the true believers when they need it the most Aameen.

What Is The Scale By Way of Which You Judge? By Al-Allaamah Muqbil Bin Haadee

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

Al-Allaamah Muqbil Bin Haadee Al-Waadi’ee [rahimahullaah] said:

If numbers is the scale by way of which you judge, then the majority are mostly blameworthy; and if persuasive speech and eloquence is the scale by way of which you judge, then indeed Allaah described the Munaafiqoon that they have tongues that utter beautiful speech. Allaah said:

وَإِن يَقُولُواْ تَسۡمَعۡ لِقَوۡلِهِمۡ

And when they speak, you listen to their words.

[Surah Al-Munaafiqoon. Aayah 4]

Therefore, what is given consideration is that one knows the people of truth by their characteristics – that they call to the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him, his family and companions], and they neither desire reward from the people nor seeking to be thanked.

[قم المعاند  – 2/547]

Part 1: The Reason Behind Earthquakes – By Al-Allaamah Muqbil Bin Haadee [rahimahullaah]

Written by Abdulah Jallow on . Posted in Belief - 'Aqeedah', Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

The People differ (in their views) concerning earthquakes-some say that it is a natural phenomenon and it has nothing to do with religion; others say that it (occurs) by Allaah’s decision and pre-decree and it has nothing to do with the sins (of the people); and others say that it is warning for (the slaves to fear Allaah’s punishment) and it has nothing to do with (their sins); and others say that it (occurs) as a result of the sins (of the people)?

The answer to this is: It may occur as a warning, a decision and pre-decree of Allaah and as a result of the sins (of the people). Earthquakes can occur as a warning for those who witness it and are alive. He (The Most High) said:

وَإِنْ مِنْ قَرْيَةٍ إِلَّا نَحْنُ مُهْلِكُوهَا قَبْلَ يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ أَوْ مُعَذِّبُوهَا عَذَابًا شَدِيدًا ۚ كَانَ ذَٰلِكَ فِي الْكِتَابِ مَسْطُورًا
وَمَا مَنَعَنَا أَنْ نُرْسِلَ بِالْآيَاتِ إِلَّا أَنْ كَذَّبَ بِهَا الْأَوَّلُونَ ۚ وَآتَيْنَا ثَمُودَ النَّاقَةَ مُبْصِرَةً فَظَلَمُوا بِهَا ۚ وَمَا نُرْسِلُ بِالْآيَاتِ إِلَّا تَخْوِيفًا

And there is not a town (population) but We shall destroy it before the Day of Resurrection, or punish it with a severe torment. That is written in the Book (of our Decrees); And nothing stops Us from sending the Ayat (proofs, evidences, signs) but that the people of old denied them. And We sent the she-camel to Thamud as a clear sign, but they did her wrong. And We sent not the signs except to warn, and to make them afraid (of destruction).[Soorah Al-Israa: Aayaat:58-59]

As for it being the decision and pre-decree of Allaah, He (The Most High) said:

مَا أَصَابَ مِنْ مُصِيبَةٍ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا فِي أَنْفُسِكُمْ إِلَّا فِي كِتَابٍ مِنْ قَبْلِ أَنْ نَبْرَأَهَا ۚ إِنَّ ذَٰلِكَ عَلَى اللَّهِ يَسِيرٌ

No calamity befalls on the earth or in yourselves but is inscribed in the Book of Decrees (Al-Lauh Al-Mahfuz), before We bring it into existence. Verily, that is easy for Allah”. [Soorah Al-Hadeed: Ayah:22].

And He (The Most High) also said:

مَا أَصَابَ مِنْ مُصِيبَةٍ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ ۗ وَمَنْ يُؤْمِنْ بِاللَّهِ يَهْدِ قَلْبَهُ ۚ وَاللَّهُ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عَلِيمٌ

No calamity befalls, but with the Leave [i.e. decision and Qadar (Divine Preordainments)] of Allah, and whosoever believes in Allah, He guides his heart [to the true Faith with certainty, i.e. what has befallen him was already written for him by Allah from the Qadar (Divine Pre-ordainments)], and Allah is the All-Knower of everything.” [Soorah At-Taghaabun: Ayah:11]

As for it being a result of the sins (of the people), Allaah (The Mighty and Majestic) said in His Noble Book:

وَمَا أَصَابَكُمْ مِنْ مُصِيبَةٍ فَبِمَا كَسَبَتْ أَيْدِيكُمْ وَيَعْفُو عَنْ كَثِيرٍ

And whatever of misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned. And He pardons much. [Soorah Ash-Shoorah: Ayah:30]

He (The Most High) said:

ذَٰلِكَ أَنْ لَمْ يَكُنْ رَبُّكَ مُهْلِكَ الْقُرَىٰ بِظُلْمٍ وَأَهْلُهَا غَافِلُونَ

This is because your Lord would not destroy the (populations of) towns for their wrong-doing (i.e. associating others in worship along with Allah) while their people were unaware (so the Messengers were sent).” [Soorah An-An’aam: Ayah: 131]

And He (The Most High) said:

وَمَا كَانَ رَبُّكَ لِيُهْلِكَ الْقُرَىٰ بِظُلْمٍ وَأَهْلُهَا مُصْلِحُونَ

And your Lord would never destroy the towns wrongfully, while their people were right-doers.” [Soorah Hud: Ayah: 117]

And He (The Most High) said:

وَكَمْ أَهْلَكْنَا مِنْ قَرْيَةٍ بَطِرَتْ مَعِيشَتَهَا ۖ فَتِلْكَ مَسَاكِنُهُمْ لَمْ تُسْكَنْ مِنْ بَعْدِهِمْ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا ۖ وَكُنَّا نَحْنُ الْوَارِثِينَ
وَمَا كَانَ رَبُّكَ مُهْلِكَ الْقُرَىٰ حَتَّىٰ يَبْعَثَ فِي أُمِّهَا رَسُولًا يَتْلُو عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتِنَا ۚ وَمَا كُنَّا مُهْلِكِي الْقُرَىٰ إِلَّا وَأَهْلُهَا ظَالِمُونَ

And how many a town (population) have We destroyed, which were thankless for its means of livelihood (disobeyed Allah, and His Messengers, by doing evil deeds and crimes) ! And those are their dwellings, which have not been inhabited after them except a little. And verily! We have been the inheritors. And never will your Lord destroy the towns (populations) until He sends to their mother town a Messenger reciting to them Our Verses. And never would We destroy the towns unless the people thereof are Zalimun (polytheists, wrong-doers, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah, oppressors and tyrants). [Soorah Qasas: Ayah:58-59]

He (The Most High) said:

وَضَرَبَ اللَّهُ مَثَلًا قَرْيَةً كَانَتْ آمِنَةً مُطْمَئِنَّةً يَأْتِيهَا رِزْقُهَا رَغَدًا مِنْ كُلِّ مَكَانٍ فَكَفَرَتْ بِأَنْعُمِ اللَّهِ فَأَذَاقَهَا اللَّهُ لِبَاسَ الْجُوعِ وَالْخَوْفِ بِمَا كَانُوا يَصْنَعُونَ

And Allah puts forward the example of a township (Makkah), that dwelt secure and well content; its provision coming to it in abundance from every place, but it (its people) denied the Favours of Allah (with ungratefulness). So Allah made it taste the extreme of hunger (famine) and fear, because of that (evil, i.e. denying Prophet Muhammad ) which they (its people) used to do.” [Soorah An-Nahl: Ayah:112]

He (The Most High) said:

لَقَدْ كَانَ لِسَبَإٍ فِي مَسْكَنِهِمْ آيَةٌ ۖ جَنَّتَانِ عَنْ يَمِينٍ وَشِمَالٍ ۖ كُلُوا مِنْ رِزْقِ رَبِّكُمْ وَاشْكُرُوا لَهُ ۚ بَلْدَةٌ طَيِّبَةٌ وَرَبٌّ غَفُورٌ
فَأَعْرَضُوا فَأَرْسَلْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ سَيْلَ الْعَرِمِ وَبَدَّلْنَاهُمْ بِجَنَّتَيْهِمْ جَنَّتَيْنِ ذَوَاتَيْ أُكُلٍ خَمْطٍ وَأَثْلٍ وَشَيْءٍ مِنْ سِدْرٍ قَلِيلٍ
ذَٰلِكَ جَزَيْنَاهُمْ بِمَا كَفَرُوا ۖ وَهَلْ نُجَازِي إِلَّا الْكَفُورَ

Indeed there was for Saba’ (Sheba) a sign in their dwelling place, – two gardens on the right hand and on the left (and it was said to them) “Eat of the provision of your Lord, and be grateful to Him, a fair land and an Oft-Forgiving Lord. But they turned away (from the obedience of Allah), so We sent against them Sail Al-‘Arim (flood released from the dam), and We converted their two gardens into gardens producing bitter bad fruit, and tamarisks, and some few lote-trees. Like this We requited them because they were ungrateful disbelievers. And never do We requit in such a way except those who are ungrateful, (disbelievers).” [Soorah Saba Aayaat: 15-17]

إِنَّ قَارُونَ كَانَ مِنْ قَوْمِ مُوسَىٰ فَبَغَىٰ عَلَيْهِمْ ۖ وَآتَيْنَاهُ مِنَ الْكُنُوزِ مَا إِنَّ مَفَاتِحَهُ لَتَنُوءُ بِالْعُصْبَةِ أُولِي الْقُوَّةِ إِذْ قَالَ لَهُ قَوْمُهُ لَا تَفْرَحْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ الْفَرِحِينَ

Verily, Qarun (Korah) was of Musa’s (Moses) people, but he behaved arrogantly towards them. And We gave him of the treasures, that of which the keys would have been a burden to a body of strong men. When his people said to him: “Do not be glad (with ungratefulness to Allah’s Favours). Verily! Allah likes not those who are glad (with ungratefulness to Allah’s Favours).

َابْتَغِ فِيمَا آتَاكَ اللَّهُ الدَّارَ الْآخِرَةَ ۖ وَلَا تَنْسَ نَصِيبَكَ مِنَ الدُّنْيَا ۖ وَأَحْسِنْ كَمَا أَحْسَنَ اللَّهُ إِلَيْكَ ۖ وَلَا تَبْغِ الْفَسَادَ فِي الْأَرْضِ ۖ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ الْمُفْسِدِينَ

But seek, with that (wealth) which Allah has bestowed on you, the home of the Hereafter, and forget not your portion of legal enjoyment in this world, and do good as Allah has been good to you, and seek not mischief in the land. Verily, Allah likes not the Mufsidun (those who commit great crimes and sins, oppressors, tyrants, mischief-makers, corrupts).

قَالَ إِنَّمَا أُوتِيتُهُ عَلَىٰ عِلْمٍ عِنْدِي ۚ أَوَلَمْ يَعْلَمْ أَنَّ اللَّهَ قَدْ أَهْلَكَ مِنْ قَبْلِهِ مِنَ الْقُرُونِ مَنْ هُوَ أَشَدُّ مِنْهُ قُوَّةً وَأَكْثَرُ جَمْعًا ۚ وَلَا يُسْأَلُ عَنْ ذُنُوبِهِمُ الْمُجْرِمُونَ

He said: “This has been given to me only because of knowledge I possess.” Did he not know that Allah had destroyed before him generations, men who were stronger than him in might and greater in the amount (of riches) they had collected. But the Mujrimun (criminals, disbelievers, polytheists, sinners, etc.) will not be questioned of their sins (because Allah knows them well, so they will be punished without account).

فَخَرَجَ عَلَىٰ قَوْمِهِ فِي زِينَتِهِ ۖ قَالَ الَّذِينَ يُرِيدُونَ الْحَيَاةَ الدُّنْيَا يَا لَيْتَ لَنَا مِثْلَ مَا أُوتِيَ قَارُونُ إِنَّهُ لَذُو حَظٍّ عَظِيمٍ

So he went forth before his people in his pomp. Those who were desirous of the life of the world, said: “Ah, would that we had the like of what Qarun (Korah) has been given? Verily! He is the owner of a great fortune.

وَقَالَ الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْعِلْمَ وَيْلَكُمْ ثَوَابُ اللَّهِ خَيْرٌ لِمَنْ آمَنَ وَعَمِلَ صَالِحًا وَلَا يُلَقَّاهَا إِلَّا الصَّابِرُونَ

But those who had been given (religious) knowledge said: “Woe to you! The Reward of Allah (in the Hereafter) is better for those who believe and do righteous good deeds, and this none shall attain except those who are patient (in following the truth).”

فَخَسَفْنَا بِهِ وَبِدَارِهِ الْأَرْضَ فَمَا كَانَ لَهُ مِنْ فِئَةٍ يَنْصُرُونَهُ مِنْ دُونِ اللَّهِ وَمَا كَانَ مِنَ الْمُنْتَصِرِينَ

So We caused the earth to swallow him and his dwelling place. Then he had no group or party to help him against Allah, nor was he one of those who could save themselves.

َأَصْبَحَ الَّذِينَ تَمَنَّوْا مَكَانَهُ بِالْأَمْسِ يَقُولُونَ وَيْكَأَنَّ اللَّهَ يَبْسُطُ الرِّزْقَ لِمَنْ يَشَاءُ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ وَيَقْدِرُ ۖ لَوْلَا أَنْ مَنَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْنَا لَخَسَفَ بِنَا ۖ وَيْكَأَنَّهُ لَا يُفْلِحُ الْكَافِرُونَ

And those who had desired (for a position like) his position the day before, began to say: “Know you not that it is Allah Who enlarges the provision or restricts it to whomsoever He pleases of His slaves. Had it not been that Allah was Gracious to us, He could have caused the earth to swallow us up (also)! Know you not that the disbelievers will never be successful. [Soorah Qasas: Aayaat: 76-82]

And He (The Most High) said:

فَكُلًّا أَخَذْنَا بِذَنْبِهِ ۖ فَمِنْهُمْ مَنْ أَرْسَلْنَا عَلَيْهِ حَاصِبًا وَمِنْهُمْ مَنْ أَخَذَتْهُ الصَّيْحَةُ وَمِنْهُمْ مَنْ خَسَفْنَا بِهِ الْأَرْضَ وَمِنْهُمْ مَنْ أَغْرَقْنَا ۚ وَمَا كَانَ اللَّهُ لِيَظْلِمَهُمْ وَلَٰكِنْ كَانُوا أَنْفُسَهُمْ يَظْلِمُونَ

So We punished each (of them) for his sins, of them were some on whom We sent Hasiban (a violent wind with shower of stones) [as the people of Lout (Lot)], and of them were some who were overtaken by As-Saihah [torment – awful cry, etc. (as Thamud or Shu’aib’s people)], and of them were some whom We caused the earth to swallow [as Qarun (Korah)], and of them were some whom We drowned [as the people of Nuh (Noah), or Fir’aun (Pharaoh) and his people]. It was not Allah Who wronged them, but they wronged themselves. [Soorah Al-Ankaboot: Ayah: 40]

[Source: An Excerpt from ‘Al-Makhraj Minal Fitan’. page:161]

[2] Source of Tranquillity And Removal of Fear- [Neither a Loss In One’s Good Deeds Nor An Increase In Punishment]

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

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

Allaah [The Exalted] informed us that the Jinn said:

وَأَنَّا لَمَّا سَمِعۡنَا ٱلۡهُدَىٰٓ ءَامَنَّا بِهِۦ‌ۖ فَمَن يُؤۡمِنۢ بِرَبِّهِۦ فَلَا يَخَافُ بَخۡسً۬ا وَلَا رَهَقً۬ا

And indeed when we heard the Guidance, we believed therein (Islamic Monotheism), and whosoever believes in his Lord shall have no fear, either of a decrease in the reward of his good deeds or an increase in punishment for his sins. [Surah Al-Jinn. Aayah 13]

[وَأَنَّا لَمَّا سَمِعۡنَا ٱلۡهُدَىٰٓ   – And indeed when we heard the Guidance]- meaning, the noble Qur’aan, the guide to the straight path. We knew its Hidaayah [ guidance to sound knowledge and steadfastness upon it], its Irshaad [guidance towards upright deeds and steadfastness upon that] and it had an effect on our hearts, so we believed in it. [Ref 1] We affirmed that the Qur’aan is from Allaah and did not deny it like the disbelievers amongst the human beings [Ref 2]. We believed in it without hesitation or doubt [Ref 3]. Then they stated that which a believer desires: [فَمَن يُؤۡمِنۢ بِرَبِّهِۦ – And whosoever believes in his Lord] – meaning, truthfully; [فَلَا يَخَافُ بَخۡسً۬ا وَلَا رَهَقً۬ا – shall have no fear, either of a decrease in the reward of his good deeds or an increase in punishment for his sins].

Ref 1: Tafseer As-Sadi by Imaam As-Sa’dee (rahimahullaah)]

[Ref 2: Fat-hul Qadeer by Imaam ash-Shawkaanee. 5/406]

[Ref 3: Roohul Ma’aanee by Imaam Al-Aloosee (rahimahullaah) 16/153

[1] Source of Tranquillity and Victory After Fear And Weakness – By Imaam Ash-Shanqeetee And Al-Allaamah Saaleh Al-Fawzaan

Written by Abdulah Jallow on . Posted in Belief - 'Aqeedah', Calling To Islam - 'Da'wa', Qur'aan, Scholars of Islam, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Imaam Shanqeetee [rahimahullaah] stated:

The Great Qur’aan has given guidance to put a stop to this problem through the most appropriate and upright path. Allaah clarified that the remedy for this is linked to turning to Him truthfully, the level of one’s belief in Him and reliance on Him. That is because Allaah is All-Strong and All-Mighty, the Overwhelming and Absolute Subduer of everything, Who is never overcome; therefore, whoever is truly an ally of Allaah, it is not possible to gain the upper hand over such a person.

And from the clear proofs regarding this [affair] was when the unbelievers laid that great siege against the Muslims during the battle of the Confederates about which Allaah stated:

إِذۡ جَآءُوكُم مِّن فَوۡقِكُمۡ وَمِنۡ أَسۡفَلَ مِنكُمۡ وَإِذۡ زَاغَتِ ٱلۡأَبۡصَـٰرُ وَبَلَغَتِ ٱلۡقُلُوبُ ٱلۡحَنَاجِرَ وَتَظُنُّونَ بِٱللَّهِ ٱلظُّنُونَا۟

هُنَالِكَ ٱبۡتُلِىَ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنُونَ وَزُلۡزِلُواْ زِلۡزَالاً۬ شَدِيدً۬ا

When they came upon you from above you and from below you, and when the eyes grew wild and the hearts reached to the throats, and you were harbouring doubts about Allah. There, the believers were tried and shaken with a mighty shaking.

Therefore, the remedy for this is what we have already mentioned [i.e. Imaan, turning to Allaah and reliance on Him]. Look at the severity of this military siege and its severe effects on the Muslims, in addition to the fact that they were politically and economically cut off by all the people of the earth at that time! So, when you are aware of this, you should know that the remedy for this great affair that put an end to this great difficulty is what Allaah stated in Soorah Al-Ahzaab, as follows: [وَلَمَّا رَءَا ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنُو نَ ٱلۡأَحۡزَابَ قَالُواْ هَـٰذَا مَا وَعَدَنَا ٱللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُ ۥ وَصَدَقَ ٱللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُ ۥ‌ۚ وَمَا زَادَهُمۡ إِلَّآ إِيمَـٰنً۬ا وَتَسۡلِيمً۬ا – And when the believers saw Al-Ahzab (the Confederates), they said: “This is what Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad) had promised us, and Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad) had spoken the truth, and it only added to their faith and to their submissiveness (to Allah).

This perfect Imaan in Allaah; [this] Great Submission to Him; [this] dependence and reliance on Him was the reason that put an end to that great difficulty. And indeed Allaah clarified the fruits of this remedy, saying:

[وَرَدَّ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ بِغَيۡظِهِمۡ لَمۡ يَنَالُواْ خَيۡرً۬ا‌ۚ وَكَفَى ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ ٱلۡقِتَالَ‌ۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ قَوِيًّا عَزِيزً۬ا ]

[وَأَنزَلَ ٱلَّذِينَ ظَـٰهَرُوهُم مِّنۡ أَهۡلِ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبِ مِن صَيَاصِيهِمۡ وَقَذَفَ فِى قُلُوبِهِمُ ٱلرُّعۡبَ فَرِيقً۬ا تَقۡتُلُونَ وَتَأۡسِرُونَ فَرِيقً۬ا ]

[وَأَوۡرَثَكُمۡ أَرۡضَہُمۡ وَدِيَـٰرَهُمۡ وَأَمۡوَٲلَهُمۡ وَأَرۡضً۬ا لَّمۡ تَطَـُٔوهَا‌ۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ ڪُلِّ شَىۡءٍ۬ قَدِيرً۬ا ]

And Allah drove back those who disbelieved in their rage; they gained no advantage (booty, etc.). Allah sufficed for the believers in the fighting (by sending against the disbelievers a severe wind and troops of angels). And Allah is Ever All-Strong, All-Mighty. And those of the people of the Scripture who backed them [the disbelievers] Allah brought them down from their forts and cast terror into their hearts, (so that) a group (of them) you killed, and a group (of them) you made captives. And He caused you to inherit their lands, and their houses, and their riches, and a land which you had not trodden (before). And Allah is Able to do all things.

This is what Allaah aided them with against their enemies. They had no idea nor were they aware that they were aided with the angels and the wind. Allaah [The Most High] said:

[يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ ٱذۡكُرُواْ نِعۡمَةَ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيۡكُمۡ إِذۡ جَآءَتۡكُمۡ جُنُودٌ۬ فَأَرۡسَلۡنَا عَلَيۡہِمۡ رِيحً۬ا وَجُنُودً۬ا لَّمۡ تَرَوۡهَا‌ۚ وَڪَانَ ٱللَّهُ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ بَصِيرًا ]

O you who believe! Remember Allah’s Favour to you, when there came against you hosts, and We sent against them a wind and forces that you saw not [i.e. troops of angels during the battle of Al-Ahzab (the Confederates)]. And Allah is Ever All-Seer of what you do. [End of Quote: Ref 1]

King Abdul Azeez (rahimahullaah) stated:

Indeed, we do not seek after the revival (or reformation) that will deprive us of our (sound) religion and creed; rather we seek after the pleasure of Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic]. Whoever acts to seek the pleasure of Allaah, then indeed Allaah will suffice him and will be his Helper.

The Muslims are not in need due to lack of reformation, rather they are in need of returning to that which the Salafus Saaleh [pious predecessors] were upon. Indeed, they distanced (themselves) from acting on that which has been revealed in the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of Allaah’s Messenger, then they became immersed in evil and sins; so Allaah forsook them and thus they got to this situation – humiliation and degradation. Had they adhered to the book of Allaah and the Sunnah of Allaah’s Messenger, they would not have been afflicted with what has afflicted them – trials and sins- and they would not have lost their honour and (days of) glory. [End of Quote, Ref 2]

NB: We remind ourselves of the fact that king Abdul Azeez (rahimahullaah) is pointing out the reason behind the weakness of the Ummah, but his observations neither calls for pessimism nor hopelessness and despair, rather it is a clarification of the main reason that led us to this state of affairs. However, guidance will remain until the hour is established, as Shaikh Saaleh

Al-Fawzaan [may Allaah preserve him] said:

[A person] should not lose hope when trials and evil increases. Indeed, he has to remain upon tranquillity and should make others tranquil when trials occur, and he should say: ‘’All Praise is due to Allaah, we are upon guidance and a clear Religion. Solace is close by and evil will cease to exist by the permission of Allaah’’ This is what is incumbent upon THE PEOPLE OF GOOD AND THE SCHOLARS–that they have tranquility and make the people tranquil; because this (EVIL) is something that will cease to exist by the permission of Allaah and solace will come after it.

It is not permissible for a person to say: ‘’the people are destroyed.’’ This is not permissible; rather (a person) should make the people tranquil, firm upon goodness, whilst expecting assistance, for indeed the good end is for the people of piety. Therefore, no matter how great the evil and trial is, it will cease to exist. He (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said: ‘’A group of my followers will remain manifest upon the truth. They will neither be harmed by those who forsake them nor by those who oppose them till Allaah’s command arrives.” [i.e. the day of judgement] [Bukhari and Muslim]

Therefore, Islaam will not cease to continue and all praise be to Allaah. The Religion and the Qur’aan will not cease to exist until that appointed time which the prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) has informed us of – that at the end of time the Qur’aan will be taken away from the hearts of men and from the masaahif (i.e. the copies of the Qur’aan); but this will be at the time of the destruction of the world.  (However) good will continue to exist whilst the Qur’an, the Sunnah and the Qiblah are present, even though there is one who is led away from it and becomes misguided; and even though there is one who deviates from it and becomes deviated, as the saying goes: ‘’Fitnah has its victims’’. It takes away the one who goes with it; but the people of Eemaan will remain even if they are small in number. Even if there is one who goes along with the Fitnah, and the one who goes astray and the one who comes along with it, (still) the truth and its people will remain and all praise be to Allaah. The truth is present, as Allaah (The Exalted and Most High) said:[إِنَّا نَحْنُ نَزَّلْنَا الذِّكْرَ وَإِنَّا لَهُ لَحَافِظُونَ  – Verily We: It is We Who have sent down the Dhikr (i.e. the Qur’an) and surely, We will guard it (from corruption) 15:9]

A person should not lose hope nor should he despair. He should not make the people lose hope of a return to goodness. He should not make the people lose hope regarding (the fact) that truth will prevail and falsehood will be repelled because Allaah (Glorified and Exalted Be He) has made that promise and He does not fail to fulfill His promise. Imaam Ibnul Qayyim (rahimahullaah) said: ‘’The Religion is aided when put to the test; therefore do not be amazed for this is the way of Ar-Rahmaan (The Most Merciful). [Ref 3]

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

[Ref 1: Source: An Excerpt from ‘Adwaa Al-Bayaan Vol 3. pages 301-302’. slightly paraphrased]. NB: The above victory given to the Sahaabah was not acquired through the methodologies of the khawaarij (ISIS, Nusrah Front, Al-Qaa-idah) These people as you all know are murderers upon a deviant creed and methodology.  The upright scholars in the Muslim lands and the Salafi students of knowledge in the West have clarified the innovated methodologies of these khawaarij Renegades: http://www.abukhadeejah.com/salafi-shaikh-fawzaan-on-jihaad-in-our-times-and-the-guidelines-of-jihaad-according-to-islam/

http://www.takfiris.com/takfir/articles/avcwd-shaykh-abdul-muhsin-those-who-have-given-bayah-to-al-baghdadi-isis.cfm

[Ref 2: An Excerpt from ‘Haqeeqah Manhaj Al-Mamlakah Al-Arabiyyah As-Su’oodiyyah’ page 33. slightly paraphrased]

[Ref3: An Excerpt from Explanation of The hadeeth of Hudhaifah Bin Al-Yamaan. Page 6]

Truly a Philanthropist?! Then Ponder Upon Where You Started As a Human being, Abandon Cheap Slogan of Population Control, Refrain From Fear-mongering About Disease And Do Not Transgress Against People’s Health Due to a Desire For Control!

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

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

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] said:

Allaah brought the servant out of his mother’s womb whilst he knew nothing, not able to do anything and owned nothing; neither able to give nor take; neither able to harm nor benefit. This state of neediness until he reached a more perfect state is something witnessed and tangible for everyone [to see], and i is well known that this is the very essence of the human being and he remains upon that state. He does not move from this state and enters into a state of Lordship – a state in which he becomes absolutely self-sufficient and not need of anyone and anything; rather he does not cease being a slave, a needy one to his Rabb [Allaah the Creator, All-Provider and the Only One Who Controls and Sustains Everything] and His Faatir [Allaah, The Originator and Creator of Everything].

However, after the human being was granted blessings, shown mercy, granted the means to reach a more perfect state, and Allaah -out of His Perfect Kindness and Generosity- granted him  apparent blessings [i.e. to recognise the Messengers who were sent with Islamic Monotheism, granted him the lawful pleasures of this world, including health, good looks, etc.] and the hidden blessings [i.e. granted him the  innate disposition to recognise his Lord when the Messenger calls him to Eemaan, and granted him knowledge, wisdom, guidance for doing righteous deeds, and also the pleasures and delights of the Hereafter in Paradise, etc.], granted  him hearing, sight and a heart, and taught him [i.e. gave him the means to knowledge], granted him ability, subjugated things to him, granted him [the desire and enthusiasm to pursue what is beneficial, and take action], enabled him to receive the service of those of his kind [i.e. gave him authority over other humans], subjugated to him horses and camels, gave him the ability to capture the animals in the sea, drop birds from the sky, subjugate wild animals, dig wells [irrigate water etc], plant trees, dig the earth, learn how to build, acquire the things that are of benefit to him, guard against and protect himself from that which is harmful to him; then the Miskeen [i.e. this absolutely poor, dependent human being] thinks that he has a share of authority and claims – for himself – a kingship [or authority] similar to that of Allaah [Glorified be Allaah and free is Allaah from all imperfections, partners, coequals, similarities etc], and begins to see himself in a manner other than what he was at first, forgets his [prior] state of non-existence, poverty and neediness, until he becomes as if he was not that poor and needy thing. [An Excerpt from Tareequl Hijratayn- By Imaam Ibnul Qayyim (rahimahulaah). Pages 9-10. Slightly paraphrased]

Population Growth

Shaikh Abu Khadeejah [hafidhahullaah] stated:

According to scientists, another cause of poverty is population growth in countries that cannot afford to feed the extra mouths. Most rich countries have a stable population with roughly as much babies born as people dying. However, in poor countries, the populations seem to be increasing. Muslims, as rule, are not allowed to use contraception due to fear of not being able to provide for their children – they learn from the Quran that Allah will enrich them from Himself from ways and means that He provides. Population control measures are not from the Islamically legislated means to remove poverty – this is proven by the fact that there is sufficient food and resources in the world to feed the poor many times over daily! Added to that is the reality that large populations are a tremendous resource for a nation. Countries with large populations are quite often the wealthiest, and have the fastest growing economies. Note: In certain situations contraception is permitted and I have discussed that elsewhere. https://www.abukhadeejah.com/birth-control-using-contraception-gaps-between-children/

Islam teaches that poor people must be helped with education, skills, charity, better infrastructure and better health care. In this way the poor are not neglected and the wealth of the rich is purified in the sight of Allāh through the giving of charity. People have large families because the family unit helps each other and they care for their elders. Death of young children is much higher in poorer countries due to sicknesses and disease. So the Muslims have a duty to help the poor, even if they are non-Muslims. The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Give charity to people of other Religions.” (Shaikh Al-Albānī said it was an authentic Hadīth, in As-Saheehah).

The figures that relate to the rate of death in children is called the infant mortality rate. In Somalia, 192 children die out of a 1000 that are born. In Mali, 199 children die out of a 1000 that are born. In Britain, 6 children die out of a 1000 that are born. Aid is to help or assist people in need – a very important aspect of Islam. People usually do this by donating directly to poor people, or through Zakat to Muslim governments or to recognised charities.

Economic Reasons:

The way that countries buy and sell with each other does not always help people in poor countries. Producers of crops like wheat and rice will usually sell to the country that will pay them the most for it, so poor countries cannot compete and therefore cannot buy crops to feed their people. So these poor people have to grow their own crops to feed themselves. In many poor countries the rich farmers grow cash crops such as fruit and flowers that they sell to rich countries and their profit often does not help the poor people. So the Muslim is always encouraged to give aid to those less fortunate, so that no one in the land remains hungry, unclothed or unsheltered. Islam has no problem with people becoming wealthy so long as the poor not are neglected; they must be taken care of, helped, educated and empowered to look after themselves. Wealthier Muslims are obligated to give in charity (zakāt) every year, and each Ramadān (zakāt al-fitr). Read full article here: https://www.abukhadeejah.com/the-causes-of-poverty-in-light-of-climate-change-population-growth-and-other-factors-part-ii-ethics-2-4/

Amazing Patience! An Affair That Should Bring Tears to The Eyes And Increase Love For This Noble Companion-  [Ameerul Mumineen Uthmaan Bin Affaan (radiyallaahu-anhu)]

Written by Abdulah Jallow on . Posted in Belief - 'Aqeedah', Calling To Islam - 'Da'wa', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Shaikh Rabee Bin Haadee [hafidhahullaah] said, “Uthmaan [radiyallaahu anhu] was one those who restrained the people from bloodshed the most and [restrained himself regarding the affair] of those who violated his honour. Shakhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [rahimahullaah] said, ‘And what is well known through successive numerous narrations is that indeed Uthmaan [radiyallaahu anhu] was one of those who restrained the people from bloodshed the most, exercised patience the most regarding the affair of those who violated his honour and those who made a determined attempt to shed his blood; so they besieged him and endeavoured to kill him, and he knew their desire to kill him. Indeed, the Muslims came to him from every place to help him and indicated to him to fight the beseigers, but he commanded them to refrain from fighting and commanded those who obeyed him not to fight. It has been reported that he said to his slaves, ‘Whoever restrains his hand is freed’. It was said to him, ‘Will you go to Makkah?’ He said, ‘I will not be amongst those who commit evil in the sacred precinct’. Then it was said to him, ‘Will you not go to Syria?’ He said, ‘I will not leave my place of Hijrah [i.e. Madeenah]’. Then it was said to him, ‘Fight them’, so he said, ‘I will not be the first in the Ummah of Muhammad [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] to unleash  the sword after the departure of Muhammad’. Uthmaan’s [radiyallaahu-anhu] patience until he was murdered is one of his greatest virtues in the sight of the Muslims’”.

[An Excerpt from Al-Mukhtaaraat Al-Bahiyyah Min Kutub Shaikhil Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah. Page 296. Slightly paraphrased]