Skip to main content

Tag: advice

No Room is Given to Ahlul Bidah and Conspiracy Theorists to Speak In The Affairs of Fitan, Rather The Muslim is Commanded to Return to The Authentic Texts And Upright Scholars

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

[1] Among Those Affairs of Guidance Regarding the Fitan

Shaikh Muhammad Baazmool [may Allaah preserve him] said: The Messenger of Allaah [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] and what has been reported from him is the authority to which [one] must return in order to understand this affair [i.e. the subject matter of Fitan].  Therefore, one cannot return to the following affairs: (a)The narrations of the ahlul kitaab; (b) Opinions and dreams; (c) Weak and fabricated ahaadeeth; (d) Qiyaas and (e) Political, Economic or socialist analysis-since the ahaadeeth regarding the Fitan,  the portents of the Hour and what is to take place of strife are from the (affairs) of the Religion, and the Religion is Tawqeefee (i.e. its source can only be established from the divine texts of the Qur’aan and the authentic Sunnah).

Therefore, all that is reported from the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) with sound chains of transmission concerning (affairs) that are to take place, then it is obligated on every Muslim to have Eemaan in it, whether it appeals to his intellect or not.  And this is the reality of one’s testimony that he (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) is the Messenger of Allaah (Glorified Be He).  Allaah (The Most High) said:

وَمَا يَنْطِقُ عَنِ الْهَوَىٰ

إِنْ هُوَ إِلَّا وَحْيٌ يُوحَىٰ

Nor does he (Muhammad) speak of (his own) desire.  It is only an Inspiration that is inspired.” 53:3-4

And Allaah (The Most High) said:

وَمَا آتَاكُمُ الرَّسُولُ فَخُذُوهُ وَمَا نَهَاكُمْ عَنْهُ فَانْتَهُو

And whatsoever the Messenger (Muhammad) gives you, take it, and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it)” 59:7

Umar (radiyallaahu-anhu) reported that: One day while we were sitting with the messenger of Allah there appeared before us a man whose clothes were exceedingly white and whose hair was exceedingly black; no signs of journeying were to be seen on him and none of us knew him. He walked up and sat down by the prophet. Resting his knees against his and placing the palms of his hands on his thighs, he said:”O Muhammad, tell me about Islam”. The messenger of Allah said: “Islam is to testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah, to perform the prayers, to pay the zakat, to fast in Ramadan, and to make the pilgrimage to the House if you are able to do so.” He said: “You have spoken rightly’’ And we were amazed at him asking him and saying that he had spoken rightly. He said: “Then tell me about Iman.”He said:”It is to believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, and the Last Day, and to believe in divine destiny, both the good and the evil thereof.” He said: “You have spoken rightly”. He said: “Then tell me about Ihsan.” He said: “It is to worship Allah as though you are seeing Him, and while you see Him not yet truly He sees you”. He said: “Then tell me about the Hour”. He said: “The one questioned about it knows no better than the questioner.” He said: “Then tell me about its signs.” He said: “That the slave-girl will give birth to her mistress and that you will see the barefooted, naked, destitute herdsman competing in constructing lofty buildings.” Then he took himself off and I stayed for a time. Then he said: “O Umar, do you know who the questioner was?” I said: “Allah and His messenger know best”. He said: “He was Gibreel (Gabriel), who came to you to teach you your religion.” [Reported by Muslim. Kitaab al-Eemaan. Chapter: Imaan, Islaam and Ihsaan. Hadeeth Number: 8]

The testimony in this hadeeth is the statement of the Prophet: “He was Gibreel, who came to you to teach you your religion.”  And the guiding principle in the above hadeeth is that he (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) asked a question about the Hour and its circumstances, and he established that it is something included in the affairs of the Religion.  The affairs of Fitan and its circumstances, and the affairs of strife are all related to the (portents) of the Hour.  Therefore, it is included in the Religion and it is not for anyone to speak about it based on his own (opinions, views, analysis or interpretations etc). [Ref 1: End of Quote]

[2] Referring Back To the Senior Scholars in Times of Fitan and Affairs Related To Universal Public Safety, And Not To Spread News in Haste

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 Aayaah [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].

[3] Scholars and Those Whom They Recommend For The Task Are The Ones Obligated With the Task Of Unveiling The Plots and Plans of The Enemies and Not The Conspiracy Theorists, Rationalists etc

Shaikh Rabee Bin Haadee Al-Madkhalee (may Allaah preserve him) says:

So it is not permissible for the Ulamaa to remain heedless of their plans (i.e. the enemies of Islaam), their actions, their publications, their missionary activities and their various calls (to the Muslims). And also the various poisons they are infusing – which are in opposition to the Qur’aan and the Messenger (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) and his Sunnah. And nor of what plans they have for (the destruction of) the beliefs and methodologies of Islaam. It is not permissible either, to remain heedless of their concentrated efforts to Christianize or secularize the Muslim youth. And along with that, the Muslim youth and the students are not able to oppose this plan and strategy. Rather it is necessary that the distinguished Ulamaa – those who are experienced and shrewd – it is for such people, in all the places to undertake this duty. So it is obligatory for some of the intelligent and ingenious people from the field of ‘Aqeedah to be mobilised for opposing these plans. And likewise it is a must that the intelligent and distinguished from amongst the specialists in the Sunnah – that they be mobilised for the refutation of these –and similarly the eminent and distinguished from amongst those in the fields of Orientalism for the refutation of the plans of the Orientalists.” (Ahl ul-Hadeeth, p.102)

He also says:

“I myself believe that it is a benefit – rather it is of necessity – that we know what the enemies are planning for us, and that it is necessary for us to prepare (ourselves in strength) to destroy their plans. However, I do not exaggerate in this matter, rather my view is the view of our Ulamaa’ and they have all agreed upon this – that amongst the obligatory matters there are some that are Fard ‘Ain and others that are Fard Kifaayah – and even if knowing the state of the enemies is harmful – it is still necessary for us to know it – but it is treated as Fard Kifaayah. When some attend to it, then the harm is removed from the rest” up until he said: “So I consider that there is no criticism for the Ulamaa and the students of knowledge who take great concern for preserving the Sharee’ah of Allaah – in terms of the Book, the Sunnah and its understanding – for this is one of the duties of the Kifaayah actions. And I believe that these people are more superior, noble, truthful and of more benefit to Islaam than those who are weak in their knowledge of the religion of Allaah or those who have no share in acquainting themselves with it.” [Ref 3. End of quote]


[Ref 1: Source: Mawqiful Muslim Minal Fitan. Page15-18’ by Shaikh Muhammad Baazmool. Abridged and slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 2: Al-Fitnah Wa Mawqiful Muslim Minhaa’ 78-83 by Shaikh Muhammad Aqeel. Abridged and slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 3. An excerpt from an article at www.salafipublications.com titled: The Salafis and Looking into the Affairs of the Ummah]

Great Numbers of People Upon a Particular Way of Life Is Not Proof That They Are Rightly Guided

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

Allaah [The Most High] said:

وَإِن تُطِعۡ أَڪۡثَرَ مَن فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ يُضِلُّوكَ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ إِن يَتَّبِعُونَ إِلَّا ٱلظَّنَّ وَإِنۡ هُمۡ إِلَّا يَخۡرُصُونَ

إِنَّ رَبَّكَ هُوَ أَعۡلَمُ مَن يَضِلُّ عَن سَبِيلِهِۦ‌ۖ وَهُوَ أَعۡلَمُ بِٱلۡمُهۡتَدِينَ

And if you obey most of those on earth, they will mislead you far away from Allah’s Path. They follow nothing but conjectures, and they do nothing but lie. Verily, your Lord! It is He Who knows best who strays from His Way, and He knows best the rightly guided ones. [6:116-117]

Allaah [The Most High] said to His Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] whilst warning him against obeying the majority of the people: [وَإِن تُطِعۡ أَڪۡثَرَ مَن فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ يُضِلُّوكَ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ   – And if you obey most of those on earth, they will mislead you far away from Allah’s Path]; Meaning: The majority of the people have deviated from their religion [i.e. the sound religion of Tawheed revealed to all the Prophets and Messengers], (upright) deeds and knowledge. Their religious practices are corrupted and their deeds are based on their desires [i.e. not based on the final revelation revealed by Allaah to mankind and Jinn]. Likewise, their knowledge is neither based on certainty nor does it guide towards the path of righteousness; rather their aim is to follow conjecture, which can be of no avail against the truth. They lie and speak about Allaah without knowledge, therefore it is inevitable that Allaah warns His servants [i.e. mankind] regarding the likes of these people and describe their state of affairs. And even though this ayah was an address to the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam], however the Ummah is to follow him in all the rulings which have not been specified to him [i.e. unless something is proven by text to show that a ruling is only applicable to the Prophet, otherwise such a ruling is also applicable to the Ummah].

Then Allaah [The Most High] said: [إِنَّ رَبَّكَ هُوَ أَعۡلَمُ مَن يَضِلُّ عَن سَبِيلِهِۦ‌ۖ وَهُوَ أَعۡلَمُ بِٱلۡمُهۡتَدِينَ- Verily, your Lord! It is He Who knows best who strays from His Way, and He knows best the rightly guided ones]; Meaning: Allaah knows who follows the straight path and directs others to it. Therefore, it is obligated on the believers to follow Allaah’s advice; obey Allaah’s commands and keep away from what Allaah has forbidden because Allaah knows what is best for them and Allaah is more Merciful to them than they are to themselves.

This ayah shows that the mere fact that the majority of people (are followers of a particular path) is neither a proof that they are upon truth nor that a small number of people (upon a particular way) is proof that they are upon falsehood; rather the fact is that the people of truth are smaller in number, but they are exalted in the sight of Allaah and will receive great reward. Therefore, it is obligated (on a person) to judge truth and falsehood based on what Allaah has revealed as the only means to judging what is true or false.


[Source: Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam al-Mannaan’ by Imaam Sadi (rahimahullaah). Abridged & slightly paraphrased]

I [i.e. all of us] Know My People, Culture, Language And Lineage, But That Should Not Lead to Arrogance, Suspicion or Antagonism Towards Others Just Because They Are Different

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

Shaikh Muhammad Baazmool [may Allaah preserve him] said: Ascription to a tribe is an affair confirmed (or established) by the (Islamic) legislation. [Allaah (The Most High) said]:

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلنَّاسُ إِنَّا خَلَقۡنَـٰكُم مِّن ذَكَرٍ۬ وَأُنثَىٰ وَجَعَلۡنَـٰكُمۡ شُعُوبً۬ا وَقَبَآٮِٕلَ لِتَعَارَفُوٓاْ‌ۚ إِنَّ أَڪۡرَمَكُمۡ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ أَتۡقَٮٰكُمۡ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ خَبِيرٌ۬

O mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honourable of you with Allah is that (believer) who has the most Taqwah. Verily, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware. [49:13]

Some Benefits derived from the above Ayah:

[لِتَعَارَفُوا  – that you may know one another]; so that you may know one another and how close you all are to one another in lineage, but not out of boastfulness. Then Allaah informed us that the most elevated amongst them (i.e the children of Aadam) are those who fear Allaah the most.

The Prophet (salla-laahu-alayhi-wasalam) said: “Learn your lineages so that you can maintain ties of kinship…..’’ [Reported by Imaam Tirmidhee (rahimahullaah) Number 1979 & declared authentic by Imaam Albani (rahimahullaah) in Sahih Sunan At-Tirmidhee]

Therefore, ascription to a tribe and a nation is affirmed in Islaam. The companions of the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] used to ascribe themselves to their tribes and their people in the presence of the Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam), and he never disapproved of that. [Ref A]

The Messenger [sallal-laahu-aalayhi-wasallam] said, ”Whoever is held back by his deeds, his (nobility) of lineage will not push him forward.” [Ref 1]

Imaam Nawawi [rahimahullaah] said, ”Its meaning is that the one whose deeds are deficient and he does not catch up with the performers of (good) deeds, then it is obligatory upon him not to crown himself with nobility of lineage and the virtues of his forefathers, whilst he is lagging behind in (performing good) deeds.” [Ref 2]

Ubay bin ka’b [radiyallaahu-anhu] said: Two men [mentioned their] lineages during the lifetime of Allaah’s Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam]; one of them said [to the other]: ‘’I am Fulaan the son of Fulaan [i.e. mentioning his name and that of his parents, grandparents etc.], so who are you [with] no mother? [i.e. rebuking him]. So Allaah’s Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said: “Two men [mentioned their] lineages during the lifetime of Moosaa [alayhis-salaam]; one of them said [to the other]: “I am Fulaan son of Fulaan, until he counted nine [people from his lineage], so who are you [with] no mother” [i.e. rebuking the other]. He [the other person] said: “I am Fulaan the son of Fulaan, the son of Islaam.” So Allaah revealed to Moosaa [alayhis-salaam]: ‘’Indeed those two who [mentioned their] lineages, as for you ascribed or attributed to nine, [they] are in the hell fire and you are the tenth amongst them. And as for you ascribed or attributed to two, [they] are in paradise and you are the third of them.” [3]

Customs

Imaam Ash-Shaatibee [rahimahullaah] stated in Al-Muwaafaqaat that Customs are many different types- some are sound and others are corrupt. The sound customs are those that neither oppose the Sharee’ah texts nor lead to losing an affair deem to be beneficial by the Sharee’ah, nor lead to an affair which the Sharee’ah deems to be corrupt.

As for the corrupt customs, they are those that oppose the evidences in the Sharee’ah or some of the principles of the Sharee’ah, such as some of the customary dealings in usury, and those deeds deemed to be evil by the Sharee’ah which the people engage in during occasions of happiness (or rejoicing etc) [Ref 4]

NB: Whenever we are unsure whether a certain custom of our nation, tribe or clam is permissible or not, we should seek clarification from the people of knowledge.


[Ref A]Source: Silsilah Ar-Rasaa’il Al-Manhajiyyah Fin-Nus’hi Wal Irshaad Wat-Taw’iyah’ pages 47-49 Abridged and slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 1] [Saheeh Muslim…part of hadeeth in ‘’The Book Pertaining to the Remembrance of Allah, Supplication, Repentance and Seeking Forgiveness]

[Ref 2] [Sharh Saheeh Muslim:  Hadeeth Number 2699; Vol 17, page 18]

[Ref 3] [Reported by Imaam Ahmad 5/128 and declared authentic by Imaam Al Albaani in As-Saheehah 1270]

[Ref 4]: Al-Muwaafaqaat 2/283. Paraphrased & abridged]

 

 

Hasten towards good deeds; for there will be trials which would be like a part of a dark night- [Shaikh Rabee Gives Us An Important Reminder]

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

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

Abu Hurairah (radiyallaahu-anhu) narrated that the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said: “Hasten towards (performance of) good deeds; (for) there will be trials which would be like a part of a dark night, wherein (i.e. during these trials) a man wakes up as a believer and becomes a disbeliever by night; or he begins the night as a believer and wakes up as a disbeliever, and a man would sell his religion for a (portion) of the worldly life (i.e. the worldly goods).”  [Saheeh Muslim Kitaab Al-Imaan number: 118]

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

The author [i.e. Imaam Al-Aajurree] pointed out that a lot of fitan [trials] have occurred–a people were humiliated during it and also [others] were destroyed, such as the likes of Abu Muslim Al-Khurasaanee and [during] the fitna of Ibnul Raawandee.

 Many fitan have occurred and from them, the fitna of the khawaarij, the Rawaafid and killing. Deviation and misguidance have occured –either fighting and trials [related] to politics or trials [related] to creed, methodology and what is similar to it.  Many people who were to be destroyed were destroyed  and the one whom Allaah protected was saved and made to adhere to the true methodology.

Indeed, all praises and thanks be to Allaah, many [people] were saved due to the clarity and establishment of this methodology [of the Salaf], just as the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallaam] promised that “There will not cease to be a group from my Ummah manifest and upon the truth –neither being harmed by those who forsake them nor by those who oppose them until the hour is established.”

So Allaah’s proof has been established against the people from the time the Muhammad [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallaam] was sent until the establishment of the hour.

A time will not come except that His [i.e. Allaah’s] proofs are established.  [These proofs will be] established by the inheritors of the prophets [i.e. the scholars of Ahlus Sunnah], the people of sound knowledge, the ‘Taa-ifatul Mansoorah [i.e. victorious group] that adheres to the truth and will not depart from it until the establishment of the hour. Allaah’s proof has been established against [the people] and through them [i.e. the inheritors of the prophets, the people of sound knowledge, the victorious group] Allaah saves many people, and all the praises and thanks be to Allaah.

So during every trial, they [i.e. the scholars of Ahlus Sunnah] must openly proclaim the truth and clarify this truth for the people. They should distinguish for them [the difference] between guidance and misguidance; between truth and falsehood; the manner in which the people will be safeguarded from these trials; the path through which they will be saved from entering into fitan and other affairs [by way of which] Allaah [The Blessed and Most High] guides this [victorious] group when [they] face every fitna.

And indeed the author reiterated this hadeeth: ‘’A man will wake up in the morning as a Muslim and by evening he becomes a disbeliever.” He [i.e. the author] said that a people will be humiliated; Yes! A man may be upon truth, and then you do not see him thereafter except that he has become a disbeliever! Or a misguided innovator! This is nothing else but humiliation! He used to claim that he was upon good, a possessor of knowledge and upon the truth, but then he falls into disbelief–either Kufr Akbar or kufr Asghar. This is ignominy and Allaah’s Protection is sought.

How many people have been humiliated and exposed by a trial! [Suddenly] you come to know of them and their false claims are unveiled, and their reality is clarified for you.


Source: الذريعة إلى بيان مقاصد كتاب الشريعة للإمام المحدث أبي بكر محمد بن الحسين الآجري

1/200-202. Abridged and slightly paraphrased

Ponder Upon These Words of Shaikh Uthaymeen Before You Place That Cigarette In Your Mouth or Harm Yourself With Drugs

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

Smoking is forbidden due to the evidences found in the Qur’aan and the Sunnah, and based on sound opinion.  Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] said:

[وَلا تَقْتُلُوا أَنْفُسَكُمْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ بِكُمْ رَحِيماً  – And do not kill yourselves (nor kill one another). Surely, Allah is Most Merciful to you] [Soorah Nisaa: Ayah: 29]

It is well-known that smoking causes harm to the body which may appear sooner or later, and this is an affair agreed upon by the doctors of today after the advancement of medicine. Smoking also disfigures the teeth, the lips etc.

Also, Allaah [the Most High] said: [وَلا تُؤْتُوا السُّفَهَاءَ أَمْوَالَكُمُ الَّتِي جَعَلَ اللَّهُ لَكُمْ قِيَاماً – And give not unto the foolish your property which Allah has made a means of support for you]. Therefore, Allaah clarified the wisdom behind wealth and that He made it a means of support through which the Religious and worldly benefits are established. And it is well known that spending wealth on cigarettes neither supports Religious nor worldly benefits, rather it does the opposite.

And from the evidences in the Sunnah concerning the impermissibility of smoking is that the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] forbade the squandering of wealth, and squandering wealth is when it is spent in other than what is beneficial. It is well known that spending wealth on smoking is a spending in which there is no benefit, rather it is spending in that which is harmful.

As for sound opinion, then sound intellect necessitates that a person does not partake in that which harms him and wastes his wealth, whilst he is a believer and that he will be brought to account. Therefore, sound intellect necessitates that a person does what benefits him and leaves what harms him, and from the perfection of [one’s religion and character] is to leave that which is of no benefit.

The affairs are three: [1] Beneficial things [2] Harmful things [3] Things in which there is neither harm nor benefit.  The first affair is sought after, the second affair is blameworthy, and regarding the third affair, a person refrains from it out of seeking perfection in his affairs, but there is no blame on him if he does it.


[Paraphrased and abridged: Source:  links http://www.ajurry.com/vb/showthread.php?t=8074http://www.ibnothaimeen.com/all/noor/article_3610.shtml

 

An Encouragement: Remember That Ant and Al-Kisaa’ee Whenever We Find Something Difficult During Arabic Lessons

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

Imaam Muhammad ibn Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen [rahimahullaah] said: Indeed, our Shaikh -The Diligent One- Abdur Rahmaan As’Sadi [rahimahullaah] related to me that it has been stated about Al-Kisaa’ee -an Imaam of the people of koofa- that he sought after the knowledge of Arabic grammar but could not [grasp it or was unable to progress]. One day, he found an ant carrying its food whilst ascending a wall. Whenever it ascended, it fell off; but it persevered until it overcame this obstacle and ascended the wall. Al-Kisaa’ee said, ‘’This ant persevered until it reached its goal.’’ So, he persevered until he became an Imaam in Arabic grammar. [ref 1]

Reminder:

A Brief Acquaintance with the Affair of Those Who Deviated Due To Their Erroneous Understanding of the Arabic Language and the Sharee’ah Terms

An Admonition and Reminder For all Malicious Falsifiers and Concealers

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

Allaah [The Most High] said:

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

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

[Surah An-Nisaa’ Ayah 135]

Few Reminders From Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah]

Allaah [Glorified be He and Free is He From all Imperfections] command His [servants] to stand out firmly for justice on behalf of everyone – whether an enemy or an ally.  And the affair that is most worthy of being established with justice -by a person- are the [sound and upright] statements, views and methodology related to the commands of Allaah and everything else Allaah has informed [His slaves in the Qur’aan and the Sunnah]. Therefore, to establish these affairs based on desires and disobedience is something contrary to the command of Allaah and a negation [i.e. either intentionally or unintentionally] of what Allaah’s Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] was sent with [i.e. the Qur’aan and the Sunnah].

The establishment of justice [based on what Allaah and His Messenger have commanded] is the responsibility of those entrusted with the task to convey Islaam after the death of the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam], and this task cannot become a reality unless when one establishes it based on pure justice and sincerity to Allaah; [sincerity] to Allaah’s Book; [sincerity] to Allaah’s Messenger and out of sincere advice to Allaah’s servants. These [people] are the true inheritors [of the knowledge left behind by the Prophets].

[A true inheritor of the Prophet [i.e. a righteous scholar or teacher] is not that one who merely makes his companions, sect and school of thought the determinants of truth and the distinction between [truth and falsehood] -by showing enmity towards the one who opposes him and allies with the one who agrees with him, merely based on being opposed or agreed with, [without sound proofs based on the Book and the Sunnah]- for where is that [application of the]  command to stand out firmly for justice on behalf of everyone [in the actions of that person who merely opposes or agrees with others based on other than the sound proofs found in the Qu’aan and the authentic Sunnah], even though standing out firmly for justice [based on the sound proofs in the Qur’aan and the authentic Sunnah] is the greatest command and obligation?!

Then Allaah (The Most High) says: [شُہَدَآءَ لِلَّهِ – As witnesses to Allah]: A witness is that one who presents information about something; therefore if he presents credible information, he is [considered to be] a just witness and his [statement] is accepted; but if he gives false information, he is [considered] a false witness. Allaah [The Most High] command [us] to stand out firmly as just witnesses for His sake, therefore it has to be carried out for the Sake of Allaah and not for other than Allaah.

And in [Surah Al-Maa’idah Ayah 8, Allaah (The Most High) said]: [كُونُواْ قَوَّٲمِينَ لِلَّهِ شُہَدَآءَ بِٱلۡقِسۡطِ‌ۖ – Stand out firmly for Allah and be just witnesses]: This Aayah establishes four affairs: [1] One should stand out firmly for justice and [2] does so for the sake of Allaah; [3]Witness to justice and [4] does so for the Sake of Allaah.

Then Allaah [The Most High) said: [وَلَوۡ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِكُمۡ أَوِ ٱلۡوَٲلِدَيۡنِ وَٱلۡأَقۡرَبِينَ‌ۚ – Even though it be against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin];

Allaah [Glorified Be He and Free is He from all imperfections] commands [us] to stand out firmly for justice and testify [for or against] everyone, even if it were [against] someone who is the most beloved to person to [us]. A person should stand out firmly for justice [whether it is for or against] himself, his two parents, his other close relatives and his best friend amongst the people. If the person’s love for himself, his parents and his relatives prevents him from standing out firmly for the truth against them, especially if the truth is with someone he hates and regards as an enemy due to them, then indeed none will stand out firmly for justice in such circumstances except one whose love for Allaah and His Messenger is more than their love for everyone else.

On the other hand, a person has to establish justice when dealing with his enemies and [even when dealing with] that one who deprives him of his rights; for indeed it not permissible that hatred for his enemies leads him to be unjust towards them, just as it is not permissible [to allow] love of himself, his parents and relatives to make him abandon standing firmly for justice against them. Therefore, hatred harboured against someone should not lead him to falsehood and love [of himself, parents and relatives] should not make him fall short in establishing truth, just as some of the Salaf said: ‘’The just person is that one who when angry, his anger does not lead him to falsehood, and when he is pleased, it does not remove him from truth.” The two verses of the Qur’aan [i.e. 4:135 & 5:8] convey two rulings and they are: Standing out firmly for justice and making a truthful testimony to it- on behalf of one’s allies and enemies.

Then Allaah [The Most High] said: [إِن يَكُنۡ غَنِيًّا أَوۡ فَقِيرً۬ا فَٱللَّهُ أَوۡلَىٰ بِہِمَا‌ۖ – Be he rich or poor, Allah is a Better Protector to both (than you)]- Meaning: Allaah is the Lord of both of them and Allaah is their Protector, and they are both His slaves. It may be that you become fearful of standing firmly for justice by testifying against a rich person or a poor person – either fearing that the rich person might lose his wealth or because the poor person has nothing, so your hearts become lackadaisical towards standing out firmly for the truth. Therefore, it should be said to them [i.e. the people]: Allah is a Better Protector to both the rich and poor person [than you]. Allaah knows the affair of the rich person more than you and He is more Merciful to the poor than you, so do not refrain from standing out firmly for the truth and from giving testimony [for or against] the rich or the poor.

Then Allaah said: [فَلَا تَتَّبِعُواْ ٱلۡهَوَىٰٓ أَن تَعۡدِلُواْ‌ۚ – So follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest you may avoid justice]-Meaning: Allaah forbids [His slaves] from following desires, which will lead them to abandon justice. Then Allaah [The Most High] said:

[وَإِن تَلۡوُ ۥۤاْ أَوۡ تُعۡرِضُواْ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ خَبِيرً۬ا – and if you distort your witness or refuse to give it, verily, Allah is Ever Well-Acquainted with what you do]- Meaning: Allaah [Glorified Be He and Free is He from all imperfections] mentions two reasons that will inevitably lead to concealment of truth, then He warned against them and threatened [the one who perpetrates this sin]. The first of them is distortion and the second is to turn away from giving truthful witness. That is because when a proof that supports the truth is manifested and the one who wants to repel it finds no way of doing so, he refrains from mentioning it and thus becomes a silent devil, and sometimes he distorts it. Distortion is of two types: Distorting words and distorting meanings. Distorting words is when one utters a word in a context in which it does not establish the truth – either adding to the word or omitting something from it, or substituting it with something else- to the extent that the listener is made to believe something, whilst something else is intended by it, just as the Yahood  [i.e. those Yahood who disbelieved in the Prophet & hated him] used to distort words when giving Salaam to the Prophet [i.e. saying As-Saamu Alayka (death be upon you), instead of saying Assalaamu alaykum). This is one type of distortion.

The second type of distortion is related to meanings – distorting the wording; giving it an interpretation that is not intended by the one who uttered it and pretending not to know what is not its intended meaning, or dropping other meanings intended by it etc. Allaah [The Most High] said:

[وَإِن تَلۡوُ ۥۤاْ أَوۡ تُعۡرِضُواْ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ خَبِيرً۬ا – and if you distort your witness or refuse to give it, verily, Allah is Ever Well-Acquainted with what you do].

And when it is the case that a witness is required to bear witness based on what the affair should be [i.e. the complete truth], therefore neither should he hide nor change it. Turning away from the testimony is tantamount to concealment and distortion is tantamount to alteration and substitution. Therefore, contemplate on this ayah and the treasures of knowledge it contains. The Eemaan of a person cannot be complete, except by way of accepting the texts of the sharee’ah and calling the people to them – neither turning away from them at times nor distorting them at other times.

[Source: Badaa’i At-Tafseer Al-Jaami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imaam Ibnul Qayyim (rahimahullaah). Vol 1. Page 300-303. Abridged & slightly paraphrased]

Please you must listen to Ustaadh Abu Hakeem’s [may Allaah preserve him] Doubt Around The Dawah’ Part 10. He – by the Tawfeeq of Allaah- unveils the distortions, ignorance, transgression, falsehood and lies of those who have desperately sought to label

Be An Admoniser of Your Heart and Soul When You Sit With The People

Abu Hafs  [rahimahullaah] said to Abu Uthmaan Al-Naysaabooriy  [rahimahullaah]:

When you sit with the people, then be an admonisher of your heart and soul, and do not be deceived by their gathering around you, for they [are only] aware of what they can see apparently, whilst Allaah is all aware of your inner self [i.e. your heart, soul]


A Warning to Those Who Deliberately Give False Recommendations and Those Who Give It Without Insight

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

Imaam Barbahaaree [rahimahullaah] said: ‘It is not permitted for a man to say, ‘So and so is a person of the sunnah’ until he knows that he combines the characteristics of the Sunnah, so it is not said of him, ‘a person of the Sunnah’ until he combines all the Sunnah.'[1]

Shaikh Saaleh Al-Fawzaan [may Allaah preserve him] commented on the above statement of Imaam Barbahaaree saying:

Do not give recommended to a person and a praise of him, except based on knowledge, lest the people become deceived by your praise of him, whilst he is not what [you have stated about him].  So when his real affair and path is clear to you, his knowledge and steadfastness; then you can give him recommendation. As for giving out praise and recommendation whilst not knowing of anything about him, then this is a dangerous recommendation through which the people will be deceived by this person.

Had only those who give commendations to the people stopped at that [i.e. put it in its proper place], then they would not give recommendation, except for one who fulfils the conditions of (receiving) recommendation because recommendation is a ‘Witness’; so, if the recommendation is not correct it will be a false witness.

And concerning the statement of Imaam Barbahaaree: ‘until he knows that he combines the characteristics of the Sunnah’ Shaikh Saaleh Al-Fawzaan commented on the above statement saying: The characteristics of the Sunnah are to be in Aqeedah, Knowledge and adherence to the Salafus Saaleh.  But if there is not in him except a single characteristic of the (sunnah), then he is not judged to be from Ahlus Sunnah on the basis of a single characteristic or one thing, so what about the one who does not have anything from that? [End of quote][Ref 1]

The Correct stance towards the differing of the scholars concerning

Jarh and Tadeel-by Shaikh Ubaid [may Allaah preserve him]

http://salaficentre.com/2013/08/1-an-eye-opener-for-the-seeker-of-truth-al-allaamah-ubaid-bin-abdillaah-al-jaabiri-answers/

http://salaficentre.com/2013/08/2-an-eye-opener-for-the-seeker-of-truth-alallaamah-ubaid-bin-abdillaah-al-jaabiri-answers/


Ref 1: It-haaful Qaaree Bitta’liqaat Alaa Sharhis Sunnah Lil Imaam Barbahaaree

Vol: 2, page:275-276