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

Written by Jallow Abdullah 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]

A Brief Reminder to All Trustees and Admins of Masaajid of Salafiyyah Regarding Preoccupation With Admin Issues At The Expense of Increasing In Knowledge And Sound Understanding

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

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

We have witnessed – in the past – when some Trustees of Masaajid and Centres strayed from the right path – either became engrossed in Admin Issues and their Dunya Affairs at the expense of Ilm and sound understanding, emotionally captured by the mention of their Early Achievements, or they stagnated and became obstacles for some time whilst The Upright Scholars and Students dealt with a new category of people who attempted to defile the Salafi Manhaj with Ghuluww, such as the likes of Al-Hajooree, and the proponents of Tamyee, such as the likes of Al-Maribi.

If Maintainers of Maraakiz are not from The Asaateedh – Those Who Prepare and Deliver Lessons, then what excuse can we give for being constantly absent from those lessons we arrange for our communities?! Rather, we should be the first to attend those lessons and being consistent. Likewise, the recognised Tullaabul Ilm have a great responsibility to teach the people, because when there is a prolonged absence of Ilm and fitna suddenly occurs, many people fall into error; but when the local Tullaabul Ilm are active in nurturing the community upon sound Aqeedah and Manhaj, connecting with the other Maraakiz and elder teachers, then indeed – after the Tawfeeq of Allaah, we find the people being well-informed and alert, ready to listen and understand the Tawjeehaat of the scholars and the elder students. Let not any Taalibul Ilm be complacent regarding the respect he receives from the people, because we have witnessed – many times – that when people carry shubuhaat and are convinced by the deviants, then indeed that respect they have for you disappears, and thus you find yourself in greater difficulty whilst seeking to give clarifications; therefore nurture the people regularly by way of constant duroos and sittings, so that they are well informed and alert. Let us not be complacent as Shaikh Rabee [may Allaah preserve him] stated, “It is obligated on the people of truth to exercise patience and increase in adhering to this religion of truth. Whenever the desires become abundant, it becomes necessary to increase in acquainting (oneself) with the truth and adhering to it, as the Messenger (alayhis salaatu was-salaam) said: ‘The one who lives long amongst you will see a lot of differences, so upon you is that you follow my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly guided khulafaa. Bite onto it with your molar teeth (i.e. hold onto it firmly) and beware of newly invented matters (in the religion), for every newly invented matter (in the religion) is a bidah and every bidah is misguidance'”.

[Majmoo 14/294 (3rd paragraph)]

Likewise, we are well aware of the statement of Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] regarding the virtue of those who know the religion in detail. Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [reahimahullaah] said:

Allaah [The Most High] said:[ وَكَذَٲلِكَ نُفَصِّلُ ٱلۡأَيَـٰتِ وَلِتَسۡتَبِينَ سَبِيلُ ٱلۡمُجۡرِمِينَ – And thus do We explain the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) in detail, so that the way of the Mujrimun (criminals, polytheists, sinners) become manifest. [Surah Al-An’aam. Aayah 55]

Those who know Allaah, His Book and His Religion are acquainted with the path of the believers and that of the criminals in detail- the two paths are clearly visible to them, just as a path leading to its destination and the path leading to destruction are made clearly visible. They are the most knowledgeable amongst the creation- the ones who benefit [the people] the most, the ones with the most useful advice and they are an evidence of right guidance. This is why the Sahaabah have excelled all those to come after them until the Day of Judgment, for indeed they were brought up upon the path of misguidance, shirk and paths leading to destruction, and they knew them in detail; then the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] came to them and took them out from darkness [an entered them] into complete light- from shirk into Tawheed; from ignorance into knowledge; from misguidance into guidance; from injustice into justice; from confusion and blindness into guidance and clear-sightedness. They knew the worth of that which they received and were triumphant by way of it.  [They knew the worth] of that which was contained in what they [received], since what is in opposition to the [truth and right guidance] reveals the goodness of what it opposes, because [upright] affairs are made clear by way of their opposites. So they increased in desire and love of that which they embraced, disliked and hated that which they had turned away from. And of all the people, they had the most love for Tawheed, Imaan and Islaam, and had the most hatred for that which was in opposition to it.  They were the most knowledgeable of the path in detail.

As for those who came after the Sahaabah, amongst them is that one who was brought up in Islaam but knows not what is in opposition to it. Therefore, some of the details of the path of the believers and that of the criminals became confusing to him, for indeed confusion occurs due to the weakness of one’s knowledge regarding both paths or one of them, as Umar Ibnul Khattaab [radiyallaahu-anhu] said: “The bonds of Islaam will be undone one after the other when a people who grew up in Islaam know not what Jaahiliyyah [Pre-Islamic Ignorance] is.’’ This [statement shows an aspect of] Umar’s perfect knowledge [of Islaam].

And there is that one who is neither acquainted with the path of the criminals nor has it been made clear to him, or he has doubts and thus thinks that some of their ways are from the ways of the believers. This has occurred in this Ummah in many affairs of Aqeedah, Knowledge and Action regarding the path of the criminals, the disbelievers and the enemies of the Messengers, [which] was brought into the path of the believers by the one who does not know the [detailed distinction between] the path of believers and the path of the criminals, so he called to [this path], excommunicate the one in opposition and declares lawful that which Allaah and His Messenger made unlawful, just as what has occurred with many of the people of bidah, such as the Jahmiyyah, the Qadariyyah, the Khawaarij, the Rawaafid and their ilk- among those who initiated an innovation, called to it and excommunicated those who opposed it.

The people are four categories in this subject matter [i.e. the obligation of having knowledge of the path of the believers and that of the criminals in detail].

The First Group: They are those who know the path of the believers and that of the criminals in detail-in both knowledge and action. They are the most knowledgeable amongst the creation.

The Second Group: They are those who are blind to both paths- those resembling animals. The path of the criminals comes [to them] and they follow it.

The Third Group: It is that one who concerns himself with (seeking) knowledge of the path of the believers and not its opposite. He only knows (the path of the criminals) by way of its opposition to the (path of the believers) and in a general way, and [holds] that all that is in opposition to the path of the believers is falsehood, even though that is not illustrated to him in detail.  Rather, when he hears some of that which contradicts the path of the believers, he turns away and does not preoccupy himself in understanding and knowing its falsity.  This person is in a state (similar) to one who is safeguarded from following desires- whose heart is neither put at risk nor is he called to (such desires), as opposed to those who are aware of (such desires) and their souls are inclined towards them, but they strive against it for the Sake of Allaah. A letter was written to Umar Ibnul Khattaab (radiyallaahu-anhu) and he was asked about this affair, as to which of the two men is the better- a man who is not put at risk by way of desires and does not go through its difficulties, or a man who is pushed towards it but abandons it for the Sake of Allaah?  Umar (radiyallaahu-anhu) wrote back saying: The one who is desirous of sin but abandons it for the Sake of Allaah is from ‘those whose hearts Allaah has tested for piety. For them there is forgiveness and a great reward.’ [Surah Hujuraat. Ayah: 3]

The Fourth Group: This group knows the path of evil, bidah and kufr in detail and the path of the believers in general. This is the situation of many of those who concern themselves with the beliefs of the previous nations and that of the people of bidah. They are acquainted with (these affairs) in detail, but not with what the Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) came with; rather they are acquainted with it in general even though they may know some of its affairs in detail. Whoever examines their books will see that. Likewise, those who know the paths of evil, oppression and corruption in detail and are followers of it; if they repent, abandon these (affairs) and return to the path of the pious believers, then their knowledge of it will only be general.  They will not be acquainted with it in that detailed manner known to those who spend their lives (studying) its regulations and ways.

The Objective: Indeed, Allaah (Glorified be He) loves that one should know the path of His enemies in order to avoid and hate it, just as the path of the His awliyaa (close friends) is known and followed. [An Excerpt from ‘Al-Fawaa’d pages 167-180’. slightly paraphrased]

Finally, we ask Allaah to make us sincere and upright, act upon what we learn and overlook our shortcomings Aameen. And we remind the local Tullaabul Ilm regarding the following admonition by Shaikh Saaleh Aala Ash-Shaikh [hafidhahullaah]. [This Is Not An Era of Relaxation, Sleep And Amusement!

https://salaficentre.com/2020/08/01/this-is-not-an-era-of-relaxation-sleep-and-amusement-a-brief-and-powerful-reminder-to-students-of-knowledge-by-shaikh-saaleh-aala-ash-shaikh/

They Hate Detail, Clarification And Clear Distinction And Call It Controversy, Whilst It Is Nothing Else But Sound Walaa Wal Baraa

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

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

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

O my brothers! Should we [not] love and hate for the sake of Allaah [in our relationship with] ahlul bidah?! Should we [not] love and hate for the sake of Allaah [in our relationship with] them, and is that not the strongest handhold of Eemaan?! Each of you knows what the Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] stated, “The strongest handhold of Eemaan is love for the sake of Allaah and hate for the sake of Allaah’’. Have we established what this hadeeth necessitates in the correct manner?! By Allaah, I see that love – in most cases – is given to ahlul bidah and in most cases many people show enmity to Ahlus Sunnah! This is something that occurs a lot, so you -O brothers – give excuses to those who fall into the snares of those misguided people to such an extent that there are no more excuses; however, after clarification then the proofs have been established against them.

[Source: Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm. pages 26-27]

The Importance of Reading The Biography of The Salaf And Its Effects On Our Behaviour – By Imaam Ibnul Jawzi

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

Imaam Ibnul Jawzi [rahimahullaah] said:

I saw that solely being preoccupied with studying Fiqh and listening to [transmission] of hadeeth is not enough to rectify the heart, except [when] combined with [the authentic narrations that softens] the hearts and looking into the biographies of the pious predecessors. As for having knowledge of Halaal and Haraam only, it does not have a great strength in softening the heart; rather the softening of the heart is [attained] by  mentioning the Ahaadeeth on the subject matter and the stories of the pious predecessors. This is because they [i.e. the pious predecessors] grasped the intent behind narrating [ahaadeeth], demonstrated the tangible obligated actions by way of them, practical encounter with their meanings and the goals behind them. And there is nothing that will make you experience this, except after cultivation and experience. I find [i.e. in his era] that the ambition of the majority of the scholars and students of hadeeth is [focused on acquiring hadeeth that has the closest chain of transmission from the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) and gathering numerous authentic Ahaadeeth on a particular subject matter in the religion etc], and the majority of the jurists [focus on] the science of debate and that which gives one the upper hand, so how can the heart be softened solely through these affairs? Indeed, a group of the pious predecessors aspired to see that a righteous slave should look to his character and upright guidance and not [solely] the knowledge he has acquired, because his character and upright guidance are the fruits of his knowledge. So understand this! The student of Hadeeth and Fiqh should combine [seeking after hadeeth and fiqh] with studying the lives of the pious predecessors and the Zuhhaad, so that it can be a means to softening the heart. Indeed, books have been compiled regarding the affairs and manners of each one of those well-known outstanding men – the affairs of Al-Hasan [Al-Basri], Sufyaan Ath-Thawri, Ibraaheem Bin Ad-ham, Bishr Al-Haafiy, Ahmad Bin Hanbal, Ma’roof and other than them amongst the scholars and the Zuhhaad. [Ref 1] [End of quote]

He [rahimahullaah] also said:

“I have met Mashaayikh, their circumstances varied, they were of various levels in knowledge and the most beneficial of them to me in companionship was the one who acted upon his knowledge, even though others were more knowledgeable than him”. [Ref 2] [End of quote]

It is necessary [or imperative] that the seekers of Hadeeth should possess the most perfect [behaviour, manners, etiquettes etc] amongst the people; be the most humble amongst the people, the greatest in their impartiality and adherence to the religion, the least in [deviating from good conduct] and [being overcome with] anger, because they constantly listen to the narrations that  gather the excellent manners and etiquettes of Allaah’s Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam], the lives of the virtuous pious predecessors, the path of the scholars of Hadeeth and the virtues of the [pious ones and scholars] who have passed away; so they adhere to the purest and excellent [aspects of those traits, etiquettes, manners etc] and turn away from the most despised and lowly [traits, behaviour, manners, etiquettes etc]. [Ref 3] [End of quote]

O Allaah! Overlook my numerous faults and bad behaviour – that which I know and that which I do not know, have mercy upon my parents and forgive all the believers Aameen.

[Ref 1: An Excerpt from ‘Saydul khaatir’ Page 171. Daar Ibn Rajab. 1st edition 2003. Slightly paraphrased]

Ref 2: An Excerpt from Saydul Khaatir. page 138. Daar Ibn Rajab. 1st edition 2003. slightly para[hrased]

[Ref 3: An Excerpt from ‘Jaami Bayaan Al-Ilm 1/78. By Al-Khateeb Al-Baghdaadi (rahimahullaah). Slightly paraphrased]

Day And Night: [Neither Are They Gods Nor Does One Conquer The Other, Rather They Are Two Mighty Creations of The All-Wise Creator!] – A Brief Reminder to Worshippers of The So-called Sun God

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

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

Allaah [The Most High] said:

ٱلۡحَمۡدُ لِلَّهِ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضَ وَجَعَلَ ٱلظُّلُمَـٰتِ وَٱلنُّورَ‌ۖ ثُمَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ بِرَبِّہِمۡ يَعۡدِلُونَ

All praises and thanks be to Allah, Who (Alone) created the heavens and the earth, and originated the darkness and the light, yet those who disbelieve hold others as equal with their Lord. [Surah Al-An’aam. Aayah 1]

Allaah (The Most High) said:

وَٱلضُّحَىٰ (١) وَٱلَّيۡلِ إِذَا سَجَىٰ (٢) مَا وَدَّعَكَ رَبُّكَ وَمَا قَلَىٰ (٣) وَلَلۡأَخِرَةُ خَيۡرٌ۬ لَّكَ مِنَ ٱلۡأُولَىٰ (٤)

وَلَسَوۡفَ يُعۡطِيكَ رَبُّكَ فَتَرۡضَىٰٓ (٥) أَلَمۡ يَجِدۡكَ يَتِيمً۬ا فَـَٔاوَىٰ (٦) وَوَجَدَكَ ضَآلاًّ۬ فَهَدَىٰ (٧) وَوَجَدَكَ

عَآٮِٕلاً۬ فَأَغۡنَىٰ (٨) فَأَمَّا ٱلۡيَتِيمَ فَلَا تَقۡهَرۡ (٩) وَأَمَّا ٱلسَّآٮِٕلَ فَلَا تَنۡہَرۡ (١٠) وَأَمَّا بِنِعۡمَةِ رَبِّكَ فَحَدِّثۡ

By the forenoon (after sunrise); and by the night when it is still (or darkens); Your Lord (O Muhammad) has neither forsaken you nor hated you. And indeed the Hereafter is better for you than the present (life of this world). And verily, your Lord will give you (all i.e. good) so that you shall be well-pleased. Did He not find you (O Muhammad) an orphan and gave you a refuge? And He found you unaware (of the Qur’an, its legal laws, and Prophet hood, etc.) and guided you? And He found you poor, and made you rich (self-sufficient with self-contentment, etc.)? Therefore, treat not the orphan with oppression, and repulse not the beggar; and proclaim the Grace of your Lord (i.e. the Prophet -hood and all other Graces). [Surah Ad-Duhaa]

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahulaah] said: Allaah (Glorified Be He and Free is He From all Imperfections) swore by two of His great creations – the Night and the Day- both of which are an indication of His Perfect and Absolute Lordship, Perfect Wisdom and Perfect Mercy. Allaah is the one (alone) Who dispels the night by way of the Daylight and likewise He is the one Who dispels the darkness of ignorance and Shirk by way of the revelation and Prophet-hood.

Likewise due to His Mercy, it necessitates that His slaves are not left in the darkness of night permanently, rather He guides them towards the beneficial affairs of the worldly life and their livelihoods by way of the Daylight, therefore it does not befit His (Majesty) that He leaves them in the darkness of ignorance and deviation; rather He guides them by way of the light of revelation and Prophet-hood in order that they may attain well-being in this life and the next. [Ref 1]

Allaah [The Most High] said:

وَهُوَ الَّذِي جَعَلَ اللَّيْلَ وَالنَّهَارَ خِلْفَةً لِّمَنْ أَرَادَ أَن يَذَّكَّرَ أَوْ أَرَادَ شُكُورًا

And He it is Who has put the night and the day in succession, for such who desires to remember or desires to show his gratitude. [25:62]

The night and the day differ- this one is white and that one is black. So one takes an admonition [from them], contemplates on the difference between them and thanks Allaah for them. [Ref 2] Whoever misses the remembrance of Allaah in the morning, then he [or she] can do so in the evening and vice versa. [Ref 3]

Ref 1: Source: An Excerpt from Badaa’i At-Tafseer Al-Jaami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imaam Ibnul Qayyim Al-Jawziyyah’ Vol 3’ page 327. Slightly paraphrased

Ref 2: Source: An Excerpt from Zaadul Maseer- by Imaam Ibn Al-Jawzi (rahimahullaah). Publisher: Daar Ibn Hazm 1st edition 1423AH (Year 2002)

Ref 3: Source: An Excerpt from Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan’ by Imaam Sadi (rahimahullaah). Publisher: Daar ibn Hazm 1st ed 1424AH (Year 2003). Slightly paraphrased

Truth Is Not Known Due to Men, Rather Men are Known Due to Truth!

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

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

A man said to Maymoon Ibn Mehraan [rahimahullaah]: “The people will not cease to be upon good as long as Allaah keeps you [alive] for them.” So he [Maymoon]  said: “The people will not cease to be upon good as long as they fear their Lord.” [Siyar 5/75]

Shaikh Rabee [hafidhahullaah] said: “And [with regards to] the person with the proofs, it is obligatory to take his speech [on the grounds] of following Allaah’s Legislation and Proofs, and not [due to] the personality of that person. [Source: (See Majmoo 9/40) 3rd paragraph]

Shaikh Rabee [hafidhahullaah] also said: The seeker of truth is not diverted from the truth, fairness and justice due to admiration of the big personalities and being amazed by them, for indeed the truth is more worthy to be followed. It is not permissible to drop  the proofs for the sake of this or that great man. The principle [rule] of the Muslim – the unbiased one, the seeker of truth – is always: [قُلْ هَاتُوا بُرْهَانَكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ صَادِقِينَ -Say, “Bring forth your proofs if you are truthful”]. [Surah An-Nahl. Aayah 64] [Source: Al-Mulakh-khasul Jameel Fee Bayaani Manhaji Ash-Shaikh Rabee Fid-Da’wati Wal-Jarhi Wat-Ta’deel. Page 87]

Shaikh Uthaymeen [rahimahullaah] interrupted a person who was reciting a poem and mentioned him in it! He objected & told him not to attach truth to personalities, rather he should say that as long as the Qur’aan and the Sunnah are present, the haqq will remain. [Listen to audio in the link: https://safeshare.tv/x/5MCyl5iX03k

Question to Shaikh Saaleh al-Fawzaan [hafidhahullaah]: What is the meaning of the principle: The truth is not known by way of men, rather men are known by way of the truth?

Answer: Its meaning is that we do not merely blindly follow anyone, for it may be that one is blindly followed based on error; it may be that the Mujtahid is mistaken and the one who makes [a statement or holds an opinion] is mistaken, so we do not take [his statement,  opinion etc] and say, “This is the statement of such as such; this is truth, because such and such is good, he is a scholar; such and such is Taqiy [i.e. one who fears Allaah]”. We do not say this because he is not infallible and he can make a mistake; so we know men by way of the truth – those who know; those who take [or adhere to] the proofs and indeed they are known to be scholars. As for those who do not give concern [or importance] to the proofs, they are not scholars; they are not people of [sound] understanding and they are not people of knowledge, so their statement is never taken straight away. It is imperative that the proof is presented, so if the proof is established as witness to [what he says or holds etc], then it is the truth; but if he opposes the proof, then indeed [his statement or opinion] is rejected; however if he is a Mujtahid and he is mistaken, he is rewarded [once] due to his Ijtihaad; but if he deliberately holds on to error, he has sinned. [Paraphrased. Refer to video here: https://safeshare.tv/x/tyVyzaoU0tw# ]

Also read:

https://salaficentre.com/2012/06/the-permissible-and-prohibited-forms-of-taqleed-salafipublications-com-article-id-mnj060005/

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

Written by Jallow Abdullah 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]

Belief, Attitude And Behaviour Whether There’s a Lock down or Not? [Do Not Allow Shaytaan, Media Hype and Scare-mongering About Illness to Turn You Into a Paranoid Wreck]!

Written by Jallow Abdullah on . Posted in Belief - 'Aqeedah', Calling To Islam - 'Da'wa', Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Family & Women, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Shaikh Abdur Razzaaq al-Badr [may Allaah protect him] says:

Belief In Qadr – Allaah’s Divine Decree

A servant [i.e. a Mulsim] is not afflicted by a calamity except that which Allaah has written and decreed. Allaah said: [قُل لَّن يُصِيبَنَآ إِلَّا مَا ڪَتَبَ ٱللَّهُ لَنَا هُوَ مَوۡلَٮٰنَا‌ۚ وَعَلَى ٱللَّهِ فَلۡيَتَوَڪَّلِ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنُونَ  – Say: “Nothing shall ever happen to us except what Allah has ordained for us. He is our Maula (Lord, Helper and Protector).” And in Allah let the believers put their trust]. [Surah At-tawbah. Aayah 51]

Nothing afflicts the servant except that which Allaah has written for him and this is why the servant is greatly in need – in this particular affair and every other affair – to renew his belief in Allaah’s Divine Will and Decree.

Firm Belief That Only Allaah Can Remove Harm

The believer should know that removal of harm is only in the hand of Allaah. Harm cannot be removed except by Allaah, and none can repel calamity except him. Allaah [The Most High] said: [أَمَّن يُجِيبُ ٱلۡمُضۡطَرَّ إِذَا دَعَاهُ وَيَكۡشِفُ ٱلسُّوٓءَ وَيَجۡعَلُڪُمۡ خُلَفَآءَ ٱلۡأَرۡضِ‌ۗ أَءِلَـٰهٌ۬ مَّعَ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ – Is not He (better than your gods) Who responds to the distressed one, when he calls Him, and Who removes the evil, and makes you inheritors of the earth, generations after generations. Is there any true (god) besides Allah? [Surah An-Naml. Aayah 62]

Allaah [The Most High] said: [قُلِ ٱدۡعُواْ ٱلَّذِينَ زَعَمۡتُم مِّن دُونِهِۦ فَلَا يَمۡلِكُونَ كَشۡفَ ٱلضُّرِّ عَنكُمۡ وَلَا تَحۡوِيلاً – Say (O Muhammad): “Call unto those besides Him whom you pretend [to be gods like angels, Iesa (Jesus), ‘Uzair (Ezra), etc.]. They have neither the power to remove the adversity from you nor even to shift it from you to another person.”] [Surah Al-Israa. Aayah 56]

Allaah [The Most High] said: [ قُلۡ أَفَرَءَيۡتُم مَّا تَدۡعُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ إِنۡ أَرَادَنِىَ ٱللَّهُ بِضُرٍّ هَلۡ هُنَّ كَـٰشِفَـٰتُ ضُرِّهِۦۤ أَوۡ أَرَادَنِى بِرَحۡمَةٍ هَلۡ هُنَّ مُمۡسِكَـٰتُ رَحۡمَتِهِ – Say: “Tell me then, the things that you invoke besides Allah, if Allah intended some harm for me, could they remove His harm, or if He (Allah) intended some mercy for me, could they withhold His Mercy?] [Surah Az-Zumar. Aayah 38]

Allaah [The Most High] said: [وَإِن يَمۡسَسۡكَ ٱللَّهُ بِضُرٍّ۬ فَلَا ڪَاشِفَ لَهُ ۥۤ إِلَّا هُوَ‌ۖ وَإِن يَمۡسَسۡكَ بِخَيۡرٍ۬ فَهُوَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىۡءٍ۬ قَدِيرٌ۬ – And if Allah touches you with harm, none can remove it but He, and if He touches you with good, then He is Able to do all things]. [Surah Al-An’aam. Aayah 17]

Allaah [The Most High] said: [وَإِنْ يَمْسَسْكَ اللَّهُ بِضُرٍّ فَلَا كَاشِفَ لَهُ إِلَّا هُوَ وَإِنْ يُرِدْكَ بِخَيْرٍ فَلَا رَادَّ لِفَضْلِهِ يُصِيبُ بِهِ مَنْ يَشَاءُ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ وَهُوَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحِيمُ – And if Allah touches you with hurt, there is none who can remove it but He; and if He intends any good for you, there is none who can repel His Favour which He causes it to reach whomsoever of His slaves He will. And He is the Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful]. [Surah Yunus. Aayah 107]

Allaah is the one who will remove harm and calamity, hardship etc

 Reliance upon Allaah

Reliance upon Allaah, surrendering one’s affairs to Him- and truthfully turning to Him, because whoever relies on Allaah, Allaah will suffice him. Allaah said: [أَلَيۡسَ ٱللَّهُ بِكَافٍ عَبۡدَهُ – Is not Allah Sufficient for His slave?] [Surah Az-Zumar. Aayah 36]

Allaah said [The Most High] said: [وَمَن يَتَوَكَّلۡ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ فَهُوَ حَسۡبُهُ ۥۤ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ بَـٰلِغُ أَمۡرِهِۦ‌ۚ قَدۡ جَعَلَ ٱللَّهُ لِكُلِّ شَىۡءٍ۬ قَدۡرً۬ا – And whosoever puts his trust in Allah, then He will suffice him. Verily, Allah will accomplish his purpose. Indeed Allah has set a measure for all things]. [Surah At-talaaq. Aayah 3]

Allaah appointed a term for everything- a specific time; therefore, O you who relies upon Allaah! Neither be slow to act nor be hasty [i.e. rely upon Allaah now, hope for relief and do not be frustrated due to being hasty].

Supplication

Supplication is the key to every good, relief from every distress, safety from every fear, the weapon of the believer and benefits in repelling calamity- a mighty benefit; rather supplication is the enemy of calamity. It is obligated on the servant to seek shelter [or shield himself] through supplication, have great hope and continuously asking [Allaah]. Allaah [The Most High] said: [وَقَالَ رَبُّڪُمُ ٱدۡعُونِىٓ أَسۡتَجِبۡ لَكُمۡۚ إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يَسۡتَكۡبِرُونَ عَنۡ عِبَادَتِى سَيَدۡخُلُونَ جَهَنَّمَ دَاخِرِينَ – And your Lord said: “Invoke Me, [i.e. believe in My Oneness (Islamic Monotheism)] (and ask Me for anything) I will respond to your (invocation). Verily! Those who scorn My worship [i.e. do not invoke Me, and do not believe in My Oneness, (Islamic Monotheism)] they will surely enter Hell in humiliation!”] [Surah Ghaafir. Aayah 60]

Allaah [The Most High] said: [ وَإِذَا سَأَلَكَ عِبَادِى عَنِّى فَإِنِّى قَرِيبٌ‌ۖ أُجِيبُ دَعۡوَةَ ٱلدَّاعِ إِذَا دَعَانِ‌ۖ فَلۡيَسۡتَجِيبُواْ لِى وَلۡيُؤۡمِنُواْ بِى لَعَلَّهُمۡ يَرۡشُدُونَ – And when My slaves ask you (O Muhammad) concerning Me, then (answer them), I am indeed near (to them by My Knowledge). I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on Me (without any mediator or intercessor). So let them obey Me and believe in Me, so that they may be led aright]. [Surah Al-Baqarah. Aayah 186]

Allaah [The Most High] said:

ٱدۡعُواْ رَبَّكُمۡ تَضَرُّعً۬ا وَخُفۡيَةً‌ۚ إِنَّهُ ۥ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلۡمُعۡتَدِينَ

وَلَا تُفۡسِدُواْ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ بَعۡدَ إِصۡلَـٰحِهَا وَٱدۡعُوهُ خَوۡفً۬ا وَطَمَعًا‌ۚ إِنَّ رَحۡمَتَ ٱللَّهِ قَرِيبٌ۬ مِّنَ ٱلۡمُحۡسِنِينَ

Invoke your Lord with humility and in secret. He likes not the aggressors. And do not do mischief on the earth, after it has been set in order, and invoke Him with fear and hope; Surely, Allah’s Mercy is (ever) near unto the good doers. [Surah Al-A’raaf. Aayaat 55-56]

The Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said, “Supplicate to Allaah whilst having certainty that you’ll be responded to”. The Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said: “Supplication benefits in that which has occurred and in that which has not occurred, so upon you is to supplicate”- Meaning: Supplication removes it [i.e. when the calamity occurs] and repels it [i.e. if it has not occurred yet].

And one of those beneficial supplication in this subject matter is that which has been reported in Abu Dawud from Anas [radiyallaahu-anhu] who said that the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] used to supplicate saying: [ اللَّهمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوُذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْبرَصِ، وَالجُنُونِ، والجُذَامِ، وسّيءِ الأَسْقامِ – O Allah! I seek refuge in You from leucoderma , insanity, leprosy and evil diseases]

The Worldly Life Is a Place of Trial and Test

To know with certainty – in this subject matter of ours- that this Dunyaa is a place of trial and test. Allaah [The Most High] said:[ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ ٱلۡمَوۡتَ وَٱلۡحَيَوٰةَ لِيَبۡلُوَكُمۡ أَيُّكُمۡ أَحۡسَنُ عَمَلاً۬‌ۚ وَهُوَ ٱلۡعَزِيزُ ٱلۡغَفُورُ  – He is the One] Who has created death and life, that He may test you which of you is best in deed. And He is the All-Mighty, the Oft-Forgiving [Surah Al-Mulk. Aayah 2]

Allaah [The Most High] said: [وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِى جَعَلَڪُمۡ خَلَـٰٓٮِٕفَ ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَرَفَعَ بَعۡضَكُمۡ فَوۡقَ بَعۡضٍ۬ دَرَجَـٰتٍ۬ لِّيَبۡلُوَكُمۡ فِى مَآ ءَاتَٮٰكُمۡ‌ۗ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ سَرِيعُ ٱلۡعِقَابِ وَإِنَّهُ ۥ لَغَفُورٌ۬ رَّحِيمُۢ – And it is He Who has made you generations coming after generations, replacing each other on the earth. And He has raised you in ranks, some above others that He may try you in that which He has bestowed on you. Surely your Lord is Swift in retribution, and certainly He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful]. [Surah Al-An’aam. Aayah 165]

Allaah [The Most High] said: [وَهُوَ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضَ فِى سِتَّةِ أَيَّامٍ۬ وَڪَانَ عَرۡشُهُ ۥ عَلَى ٱلۡمَآءِ لِيَبۡلُوَڪُمۡ أَيُّكُمۡ أَحۡسَنُ عَمَلاً۬‌ۗ – And He it is Who has created the heavens and the earth in six Days and His Throne was on the water, that He might try you, which of you is the best in deeds]. [Surah Hud. Aayah 7]

Allaah [The Most High] said:

وَنَبۡلُوكُم بِٱلشَّرِّ وَٱلۡخَيۡرِ فِتۡنَةً۬‌ۖ وَإِلَيۡنَا تُرۡجَعُونَ

And We shall make a trial of you with evil and with good, and to Us you will be returned. [Surah Al-Anbiyaa. Aayah 35]

Therefore, it is obligated on us to know that the pleasures of this world are mixed with pain; its happiness is mixed with distress; its good health is mixed with sickness, and its richness is mixed with poverty. The slave will be afflicted- and that is inevitable in this worldly life; but his affair and its final outcomes is good and uplifting [or a means of raising his status], as the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said, “Amazing is the affair of the believer, verily all of his affair is good and this is not for no one except the believer. If something of good/happiness befalls him he is grateful and that is good for him. If something of harm befalls him he is patient and that is good for him” [Saheeh Muslim 2999]

I ask Allaah by His Beautiful [Perfect] Names and Lofty [Perfect] Attributes – and due to the fact that none has the right to be worshipped except He- to remove from us and the Muslims – wherever they maybe – every harm and calamity, remove from us the severe hardship and protect us all through that which He protects his righteous servants. [Ref 1]

The Shaikh also says:

All praise and thanks belongs to Allaah- the One Who responds to the supplication of the distressed one when he supplicates; gives help to the sorrowful one when he invokes Him; removes evil and grants a way out from agonies. The hearts cannot be alive [i.e. with Eemaan, guidance etc] except by way of remembering Him; no affair occurs except by His Permission; there is no escape from discomfort except by way of His Mercy; nothing can be protected [or preserved] except by His Protection. What is desired cannot be obtained except by His facilitation, and happiness [in this Dunya and the Aakhirah] cannot be attained except by way of obedience to Him. I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah alone and He has no partner- the Lord of the Aalameen, the [only true] God of the early and latter generations; the One Who maintains and controls the heavens and the earths. And I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger – the one sent with the clear book [i.e. the Qur’aan] and the straight path. May peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him, his family and all his companions.

[A] What is to be said before a trial occurs:

Uthmaan [radiyallaahu-anhu] said: I heard Allaah’s Messenger [sallal laaju alayhi wasallam] saying: Whoever says:

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الذي لا يَـضُرُّ مع اسْمِهِ شَيءٌ في الأرضِ ولا في السَّماءِ وهُوَ السَّميعُ العَليمُ

In the Name of Allaah, with Whose Name nothing can be harmed- neither on earth nor in the heaven, and He is the All-Seeing, the All-Hearing”- 3 times. He will not be afflicted with affliction [or a trial] until the morning. And whoever says it three times when he wakes up, he will not be inflicted with an affliction [or trial] until the evening. [Reported by Imaam Abu Daawud and others] [Ref 2]

[بِسْمِ اللَّهِ]- Meaning: In the Name of Allaah I seek refuge. [الذي لا يَـضُرُّ مع اسْمِهِ شَيءٌ في الأرضِ  – with Whose Name nothing can be harmed- neither on earth nor in the heaven]- Meaning: The one who seeks refuge in Allaah’s Name, then indeed he will not be harmed by a calamity that occurs in the earth nor that which comes from the heaven. [وهُوَ السَّميعُ العَليمُ – and He is the All-Seeing the All-Hearing]- Meaning: He [Allaah] hears all the statements of His slaves, The One who knows all their actions and nothing is hidden from Him on the earth nor in the heaven. [Ref 3]

[B] Repeating – a lot – the statement:

[لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِنِّي كُنْتُ مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ  – None has the right to be worshipped except You (O Allaah); Glorified (and Exalted) are You (above all that evil) they associate with You]. Truly, I have been of the wrong doers].

Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] said:

وَذَا النُّونِ إِذْ ذَهَبَ مُغَاضِبًا فَظَنَّ أَنْ لَنْ نَقْدِرَ عَلَيْهِ فَنَادَى فِي الظُّلُمَاتِ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِنِّي كُنْتُ مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ

فَاسْتَجَبْنَا لَهُ وَنَجَّيْنَاهُ مِنَ الْغَمِّ وَكَذَلِكَ نُنْجِي الْمُؤْمِنِينَ

And (remember) Dhan-Nun (Jonah), when he went off in anger, and imagined that We shall not punish him (i.e. the calamites which had befallen him)! But he cried through the darkness (saying): La ilaha illa Anta [none has the right to be worshipped but You (O Allah)], Glorified (and Exalted) are You [above all that (evil) they associate with You]. Truly, I have been of the wrong-doers.” So We answered his call, and delivered him from the distress. And thus We do deliver the believers (who believe in the Oneness of Allah, abstain from evil and work righteousness). [Surah Al-Anbiyaa. Aayaat 87-88]

Al-Haafidh Ibn Katheer [rahimahullaah] stated in his Tafseer regarding statement of [Allaah- The Exalted]: [كَذَلِكَ نُنْجِي الْمُؤْمِنِينَ – And thus do We deliver the believers]- Meaning: If they are in hardships and invoke Us, and (always) turning in repentance to Us (only), especially if they supplicate with this invocation when in a state of affliction [or trial].

Al-Allaamah Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah][ stated in Al-Fawaa’id: There is nothing similar to the likes of Tawheed in repels hardships of the worldly life; so due to this, the invocation of distress is [based] on Tawheed. The one in a state of distress does not invoke [Allaah] with the invocation of Dhun-Noon, except that Allah will grant him relief from his distress due to Tawheed. Therefore, one does not fall into great distress except because of Shirk, and there is no safety from it except through Tawheed. It [i.e. Tawheed] is the sanctuary of the creation, its refuge, its fortress and means of relief. And the means of all success [i.e. in this Dunyaa and Aakhirah] is facilitated by Allaah. [Ref 4]

Sa’d Bin Abee Waqqaas [radiyallaahu-anhu] narrated that the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said: “The invocation of my brother Dhun-Noon:[لا إِلَهَ إِلا أَنتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِنِّي كُنتُ مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ – none has the right to be worshipped but You (O Allah), Glorified (and Exalted) are You (above all that evil) they associate with You. Truly, I have been of the wrong doers]; there is no one who faces hardship and supplicates with it, except that Allaah will relief him of his hardship”. [Saheeh Al-Jaami 3383]

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

This supplication comprises of four affairs:

-[Tawheed: (لا إِلَهَ إِلا أَنتَ)-None has the right to be worshipped except You (O Allaah)]. This is singling out Allaah in worship. -[ سُبْحَانَكَ – Glorified (and Exalted) are You (above all that evil) they associate with You]; Meaning: I declare that You (O Allaah) are free from everything that does not befit Your Majesty. I declare that You (O Allaah) are free from all deficiencies and defects, and I declare that You (O Allaah) are free from all that which the enemies of the Messengers attribute to You. Allaah [The Most High] said: [سُبۡحَـٰنَ رَبِّكَ رَبِّ ٱلۡعِزَّةِ عَمَّا يَصِفُونَ – Glorified be your Lord, the Lord of Honour and Power! (He is free) from what they attribute unto Him! (37:180)]

-[إِنِّي كُنتُ مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ – Truly, I have been of the wrong-doers]. This is an acknowledgement of one’s wrongdoing and shortcomings. -[Servitude to Allaah]: An acknowledgement that you are a slave of Allaah and that you cannot do without Allaah in the twinkling of an eye. Therefore, a person should turn to Allaah in all circumstances – when faced with pain, hardship, calamity etc. [Ref 5]

[C] Seeking Refuge With Allaah Against The Severe Afflictions [Trials or Calamities]:

عن أبِي هُرَيرَةَ رضي الله عنه

كان رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَـتَـعَـوَّذُ مِنْ جَهْدِ البلاءِ، ودَرَكِ الشَّقاءِ، وَسُوءِ القضاءِ، وشَماتَةِ الأَعدَاءِ

وعن أبي هُرَيرَةَ رضي الله عنه، عن النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ

تَعَوَّذُوا بِاللَّهِ مِنْ جَهْدِ الـبَـلاءِ، ودَرَكِ الشَّقَاءِ، وَسُوءِ القَضَاءِ، وشَماتَـةِ الأعداءِ

Abu Hurairah [radiyallaahu-anhu] said: “Allaah’s Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] used to seek refuge against the severe afflictions [trials or calamities], a state of wretchedness, the evil of that which has been decreed and the rejoicing of the enemies”. Abu Hurairah [radiyallaahu-anhu] said that Allaah’s Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said, “Seek refuge with Allaah against the severe afflictions [trials or calamities], a state of wretchedness, the evil of that which has been decreed and the rejoicing of the enemies”. [Ref 6]

Imaam Abdul Azeez bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy on him] said that this means: So that one is not put to trial with something that harms him; fall into state of wretchedness – in sin and Shirk; and we ask Allaah for wellbeing. A person should strive to take the means to safety and seek Allaah’s Protection against the severe afflictions [or trials]; a state that is tantamount to wretchedness, the rejoicing of the enemies and the evil of that which is decreed. This what a believer should strive for and asks his Lord for wellbeing, for indeed the enemies rejoice when he falls into that which harms him, but he strives to attain wellbeing and [seeks protection] against the severe affliction [trials], or that which will bring about evil upon him – those afflictions and trials that descend on the people. He seeks refuge against wretchedness lest something happens to him that leaves him in a wretched state and makes him fall into sin, evil affairs or fall in Major Shirk. We ask Allaah for wellbeing. He seeks refuge against the evil of that which is decreed lest he falls into sin and is put to trial through that which Allaah has forbidden. He seeks refuge against the rejoicing of the enemies, which is similar to what has preceded above lest he falls into something that makes the enemies rejoice…[Ref 7]

[D] Being Consistent Upon The Supplication That Is Said When Leaving The House:

Anas Bin Maalik [radiyallaahu-anhu] said that the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said: If a man exits his house and says:

بِسْمِ اللهِ ، تَوَكَّلْتُ عَلَى اللهِ وَلَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللهِ

“In The Name of Allaah, I rely on Allaah, and there is neither Power nor Might except with Allaah”. It will be said there and then, ‘You have been guided, sufficed and protected’. The devils will be far away from him [or get out of his way] and another devil will say, ‘ How can you reach a man who has been guided, sufficed and protected’”. [Ref 8]

Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [rahimahullaah] said that this means, “No power or strength is given to anything or anyone [in the entire universe] to move from one action to another, except by strength and power granted by Allaah alone. [Ref 9]

[E] Asking Allaah For Wellbeing In The Morning and Evening

Abdullah Bin Umar [radiyallaahu-anhumaa] said: Allaah’s Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] never abandoned these supplications in the morning and evening:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ العافِيَـةَ فـي الدُّنيا والآخِرَةِ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ العَفْوَ والعافِيَـةَ فـي دِيني ودُنْـيايَ وأَهْلِي ومالِي، اللَّهُمَّ اسْتُـرْ عَوْراتِي، وآمِنْ رَوْعاتِي، اللَّهُمَّ احْفَظْنِـي مِنْ بَـيْنِ يَدَيَّ، ومِنْ خَلْفِي، وعَنْ يَمِيـنِـي، وعَنْ شِمالِي، ومِنْ فَوْقِي، وأَعُوذُ بِعَظَمَـتِكَ أَنْ أُغْتالَ مِنْ تَحْتِـي

“O Allaah! I ask You for well-being in this Dunyaa and the Aaakhirah. O Allāh, I ask You for pardon and well-being in my religion, my worldly affairs, my family and my wealth. O Allaah! Conceal my [faults, shortcomings etc] and safeguard me against everything that will bring me fear and sorrow. O Allaah! Protect me from in front, from behind me, from my right and my left, and from above. And I seek refuge with Your Magnificence from being swallowed up from beneath me”. [Ref 10]

This great supplication begins with one asking Allaah for [العافِيَـةَ -wellbeing] in the Dunyaa and Aakhirah. Nothing can be equal to wellbeing, and whoever is granted wellbeing then indeed he has received his complete share of good. Seeking [العَفْوَ -person] necessitates that one is forgiven his sins and they are wiped away. As for [العافِيَـةَ – Wellbeing], it is safety Allaah bestows to a servant of His- protects him against every punishment and trial, by averting evil from him, protecting him against calamities and ailments [sicknesses], evil affairs and sins.

So, the Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] asked for wellbeing in the Dunyaa and Aakhirah, as well as wellbeing in his religion, worldly affairs, his family and wealth. Wellbeing in one’s religion is protection against everything that will bring dishonour [or disgrace] to one’s religion or deprive him of it. Wellbeing in the Dunyaa is to seek protection against everything that will harm the person in his worldly affairs, such as calamities or trials, severe poverty and ailments. Wellbeing in the Aakhirah is to seek protection against the extreme hardships in the Aakhirah and its various punishments. Wellbeing in one’s family is that they are protected from trials, calamities and tests; wellbeing in one’s wealth is that it is protected from drowning, burning, theft etc…

[اللَّهُمَّ اسْتُـرْ عَوْراتِي  – O Allaah! Conceal my faults, shortcomings etc [ وآمِنْ رَوْعاتِي – safeguard me against every affair that will frighten me and bring sorrow upon me]. [اللَّهُمَّ احْفَظْنِـي مِنْ بَـيْنِ يَدَيَّ، ومِنْ خَلْفِي، وعَنْ يَمِيـنِـي، وعَنْ شِمالِي، ومِنْ فَوْقِي، وأَعُوذُ بِعَظَمَـتِكَ أَنْ أُغْتالَ مِنْ تَحْتِـي – O Allaah! Protect me from in front, from behind me, from my right and my left, and from above. And I seek refuge with Your Magnificence from being swallowed up from beneath me] – Meaning: Asking Allaah to protect you against destructive things and evils which a person is exposed to from the six directions, for indeed evil can approach from the front, behind, the right, the left,  above or below, and he does not know which direction calamity will suddenly come upon him….[Ref 11]

[F] To Supplicate a Lot:

Ibn Umar [radiyallaahu-anhumaa] said, “Allaah’s Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said: “Whoever has the door of supplication opened for him, then the door of mercy has been opened for him. And Allaah is not asked for anything – meaning, something more beloved to Him – than asking for well-being”.  And Allaah’s Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said: “Indeed, supplication brings benefit to the afflicted person and the one who has not been afflicted; therefore O slaves of Allaah! It is obligated on you to supplicate”. [Ref 12]

[G] Subject Matter Regarding Physical Contract And Infectious Disease

Abdullaah Bin Aamir [radiyallaahu-anhu] said, “Umar [radiyallaahu-anhu] travelled to Syria; so when reached Sargh, it reached him that the pestilence has reached Shaam. So Abdur Rahmaan bin Awf [radiyalllaahu-anhu] informed him that Allaah’s Messenger [sallal laahu-alayhi wasallam] said: ‘If you hear that it [i.e. the pestilence] is in particular land [or country], then do not go there; and if it occurs in a land where you are in, then do exit it – fleeing from it’”. Abu Hurairah [radiyallaahu-anhu] said that Allaah’s Messenger [sallal laahu alahi wasallam] said, “Do not mix [or expose] the sick person to the healthy”. [Ref 13] [Must Refer to the following links for clarification by Shaikh Abu Iyaad’s (hafidhahullaah) regarding diseases and infections, the Difference Between the Plague (al-Ṭaʿūn) and Common Death / Disease (al-Wabāʾ):https://safeshare.tv/x/ss5e621b8d3e3c4#    http://abuiyaad.s3.amazonaws.com/islam/plague-and-disease.pdf https://twitter.com/AbuIyaadSP/status/1249740047512997891 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LEWIPk_NtpRSxy5fkkF0XdFDQXZbGLZ3/view

 [H] Do Good Deeds and Be Good to Others

Anas [radiyallaahu-anhu] said, “Allaah’s Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said: ‘Being good to the people protects a person from evil, ills, destructive affairs; and the people of good in this Dunyaa are the people of good in the Aakhirah’”.

Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] said: One of the greatest ways of seeking cure for illness are: Doing good deeds and being  good to others, remembrance of Allaah, supplicating, humility [accompanied with firm belief],  invoking Allaah fervently and repentance. These deeds have an effect on repelling ailments and receiving cure, even greater [or more effective] than natural medication; however this depends on the readiness of the soul is, its acceptance [and submission upon such a path], its belief in that and its benefit. [Ref 14]

[I] The Night Prayer [or At-Tahajjud]

Bilaal [radiyallaagu-anhu] said that Allaah’s Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said, “It is upon you to perform the night prayer, for indeed it is the [continuous] practice of the righteous who came before you. Indeed, the night prayer is a means of getting close to Allaah; a means of preventing one from evil deeds, a means of expiating  evil deeds and it is a means of expelling sickness from the body”. [Reported by Imaam at-Tirmidhi and others] [Ref 15]

NB: translator’s note: Imaam Albaani [rahimahullaah] transmitted this hadeeth in Irwaa Al-Ghaleel as follows: “It is upon you to perform the night prayer, for indeed it is the [continuous] practice of the righteous who came before you. It is a means of getting close to your Lord; a means of preventing one from evil deeds and a means of expiating evil deeds”.  Then Imaam [i.e. Albaani (rahimahullaah)] declared this Hadeeth ‘Hasan’ without the addition “And it is a means of expelling sickness from the body”. [For further details, see Irwaa Al-Ghaleel. Publisher Al-Maktabah Al-Islaamiy- 2nd edition 1405AH (1985).  Vol 2, Pages 199-202. Hadeeth number 452]

[J] Cover The Vessels and Tie Up the Water Skins:

Jaabir Bin Abdillaah [radiyallaahu-anhu] said, “I heard Allaah’s Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] saying, “Cover the vessels and tie up the water skins; for verily there is a night during the year when pestilence descends, and it does not pass an uncovered vessel or an untied water-skin but some of that pestilence descends into it. [Reported by Imaam Muslim] Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] said: This is one of those affairs which the sciences of doctors and their knowledge cannot reach [i.e. it cannot explain, discover].

To conclude, indeed it is obligated on every Muslim  to surrender all his affairs to Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] – hoping for His bounty, desiring to receive  it and placing his trust and reliance upon Him, because all affairs are in His Hands, under his absolute disposal and subjugation. And that one strives in fulfilling the affair through which a way out of calamities is achieved – patience and hoping for Allaah’s reward; for indeed Allaah has promised to give an abundant reward to the one who exercises patience and hopes for His Reward. [إِنَّمَا يُوَفَّى ٱلصَّـٰبِرُونَ أَجۡرَهُم بِغَيۡرِ حِسَابٍ۬ – Only those who are patient shall receive their rewards in full, without reckoning].

Finally: What You Can And Can’t Do During Lock down According to the law of the land

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do

[Ref 1]: An Excerpt from this link: https://al-badr.net/detail/AbCXLPxgHWcm slightly paraphrased]

Ref 2 : https://al-badr.net/detail/Ox1b6tLIBZ7c

Ref 3: Fiqhul Ad’iyah Wal-Ad’kaar. Vol 3. Pages 13-14

Ref 4: https://al-badr.net/detail/Ox1b6tLIBZ7c

Ref 5: An Excerpt from Atharul Adkaar Ash-Shar’iyyah Fee Tardil Hammi Wal-Gham’ pages 21- 23’ by Shaikh Abdur-Razzaaq Al-Badr  (may Allaah preserve him). Slightly Paraphrased

[Ref 6: https://al-badr.net/detail/Ox1b6tLIBZ7c

[Ref:https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/11586/%D9%85%D8%B9%D9%86%D9%89-%D8%AD%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%AB-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%B9%D9%8A%D8%B0%D9%88%D8%A7-%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%84%D9%87-%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%AC%D9%87%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A8%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%A1

[Ref 8: https://al-badr.net/detail/Ox1b6tLIBZ7c

[Ref 9: Majmoo al-Fataawaa 5/574-575]

[Ref 10: https://al-badr.net/detail/Ox1b6tLIBZ7c

[Ref 11: An Excerpt from Fiqh Al-Ad’iyah Wal Afkaar 3/32-33. Slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 12: https://al-badr.net/detail/Ox1b6tLIBZ7c

[Ref 13: https://al-badr.net/detail/Ox1b6tLIBZ7c

[Ref 14: https://al-badr.net/detail/Ox1b6tLIBZ7c

[Ref 15: https://al-badr.net/detail/Ox1b6tLIBZ7c

Abundant or Enough Wealth, Being Good Looking, Given High Status and Prestige Are Bounties From Allaah In This Dunyaa, But Taqwaa Is The Main Goal And The Only Means of Raising a Person In The Sight of Allaah- A Brief Reminder From Imaam Ibn Rajab

Written by Jallow Abdullah on . Posted in Articles.

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

Imaam Ibn Rajab [rahimahullaah] said:

When it is the case that the original [place] of Taqwah is in the heart, then none can determine its reality except Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic], as he [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said: ‘’Indeed Allaah neither looks at your images nor your wealth, but He looks at your hearts and your actions.’’ And in another narration, [he (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam)] said: “Indeed, Allaah neither looks at your bodies nor your images’’
[Saheeh Muslim. Number 2564]

Indeed, it may be that a person has a good looking image, [abundant or enough] wealth, prestige or leadership in the worldly life, whilst his heart is deprived of Taqwah. And it may be that there is one with nothing, but his heart is filled with Taqwah, so he becomes nobler in the Sight of Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic]; rather this is mostly what happens.

___________________________________________

Source: An Excerpt from ‘Jaami-ul Uloom Wal-Hikam’. Commentary on hadeeth 35. slightly paraphrased