Skip to main content

Tag: advice

Consultation: Consulting The Right People In Our Religious and Worldly Affairs Guides Us to The Best Outcomes By The Will of Allaah

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

Al-Hasan al-Basree [rahimahullaah] said: “By Allaah! Never have a people sought advice except that they were guided to the best of what was available to them.” Then he recited [the statement of Allaah]: [وَأَمۡرُهُمۡ شُورَىٰ بَيۡنَہُمۡ – And (the Believers) who (conduct) their affairs by mutual consultation] [42:38] [Ref 1]

Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] commanded His Messenger Muhammad [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] to consult his companions in some affairs. Allaah [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections] said: [وَشَاوِرۡهُمۡ فِى ٱلۡأَمۡرِ‌ۖ فَإِذَا عَزَمۡتَ فَتَوَكَّلۡ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ – and consult them in the affairs. Then when you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah] [3:159]

He [i.e. the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam)] is the example to be followed by the Ummah, therefore when it is the case that Allaah commanded him [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] to consult his companions, then there is even a greater reason that the Muslims are in need of consultation amongst themselves. When a difficulty that is related to a Muslim’s religious and worldly affairs occurs, then indeed it is fitting that he consults someone whom he considers reliable, wise, truthful and sincere. He examines [the advice] given by that person, then he makes a choice – either to take that advice or decides not to take it based on what he is satisfied with, in relation to his personal affairs.

The hadeeth places emphasis on the fact that consultation guides to the best outcomes, and due to this it is said: ”The one who consults [others] does not regret [thereafter InShaaAllaah] and the one who performs Istikhaarah will not fail [to achieve good]”. Both Istikhaarah and consultation are legislated and a lot of good is achieved by way of them, as opposed to when affairs are pursued in a rigid and haphazard manner, for indeed this might lead to regret and harm. [Ref 2]

Your feedback is welcomed to improve the content of this article BaarakAllaahu Feekum


[Ref 1: Adab Al-Mufrad no.258, declared saheeh by Imaam Albaanee]

[Ref 2: Awnul Ahadis Samad Sharh Al-Adab Al-Mufrad’ 1/285’ (abridged and slightly paraphrased]

Stop Lying, Slandering and Twisting Just to Defend The Indefensible!

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

Allaah (The Most High) said:

وَمَن يَكْسِبْ خَطِيئَةً أَوْ إِثْمًا ثُمَّ يَرْمِ بِهِ بَرِيئًا فَقَدِ احْتَمَلَ بُهْتَانًا وَإِثْمًا مُّبِينًا

And whoever earns a fault or a sin and then throws it on to someone innocent, he has indeed burdened himself with falsehood and a manifest sin.” [4:112]

The Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said: And whoever knowingly argues for falsehood, then he will never be free of Allah’s Anger until he leaves it; and whoever accuses a believer of something that is not true, Allah will make him dwell in flowing pus on the day of judgement. [Saheeh Al-Jaami 6196]

Some of The Perils of Lying Mentioned by Imaam Ibnul Qayyim (rahimahullaah)

The Imaam (rahimahullaah) stated that one should beware of kadhib (lying), for indeed it corrupts one’s ability to illustrate information based on what it should be in reality. It corrupts one’s ability to illustrate information and his ability to teach the people.

The liar portrays what is non-existent as something present and what is present as something non-existent. He portrays truth as something false and falsehood as something true; he portrays good as evil and evil as good, so this corrupts his conception and knowledge, which then becomes a punishment upon him. Then he portrays what is not true to the one deceived by him – the one who is inclined towards him- so he corrupts his conception and knowledge. The soul of the liar turns away from the existing reality -inclined towards what is non-existent and gives preference to falsehood. And when his conception and knowledge is corrupted, which is the basis of every wilful chosen deed, his deeds become corrupt and marked by lies, so those deeds would emanate from him just as lies emanate from the tongue- he neither benefits from his tongue nor his deeds. This is why lying is the basis (or foundation) of immorality, just as the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said, “Indeed lies lead to immorality (or wickedness) and indeed immorality (or wickedness) leads to the fire. [Bukhaari 2606/2607]

Firstly lies emerges from the heart and then on the tongue, so it corrupts it; then it transfers to the limbs and corrupts its actions, just as it corrupts the statements of the tongue. Therefore, lying prevails over his statements, deeds and state of affairs; corruption becomes deeply rooted in him and its disease leads to destruction if Allaah does not grant him cure him with the medication of truthfulness, which uproots its (i.e. lying) from its original source. This is why the basis (or foundation) of all the deeds of the hearts is based on truthfulness; and the basis of their opposites – such as showing off, self-amazement, pride, being glad (with ungratefulness to Allaah’s Favours), conceitedness, boastfulness, insolence, weakness, laziness, cowardice,  disgrace and other than them- is lies. The origin of every righteous deed- whether carried out in private or public- is based on truthfulness. And the origin of every corrupt deed – whether carried out in private or public- is lies.

Allaah punishes the liar by preventing him from those affairs that will bring him well-being and benefit, and He rewards the truthful one by granting him the ability to attain the beneficial affairs related to the worldly life and afterlife. There is nothing similar to truthfulness with regards to the manner in which it bring about the affairs of wellbeing in this life and the next, and there is nothing similar to lying with regards to the manner in which it corrupts and harms one’s worldly affairs and the afterlife.

[Allaah (The Most High) said]:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَكُونُوا مَعَ الصَّادِقِينَ

O you who believe! Be afraid of Allah, and be with those who are true (in words and deeds) [9:119]

هَٰذَا يَوْمُ يَنْفَعُ الصَّادِقِينَ صِدْقُهُمْ ۚ

This is a Day on which the truthful will profit from their truth. [5:119]

فَإِذَا عَزَمَ الْأَمْرُ فَلَوْ صَدَقُوا اللَّهَ لَكَانَ خَيْرًا لَهُمْ

And when the matter (preparation for Jihad) is resolved on, then if they had been true to Allah, it would have been better for them. [47:21]

وَجَاءَ الْمُعَذِّرُونَ مِنَ الْأَعْرَابِ لِيُؤْذَنَ لَهُمْ وَقَعَدَ الَّذِينَ كَذَبُوا اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ

سَيُصِيبُ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا مِنْهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ

And those who made excuses from the bedouins came (to you, O Prophet) asking your permission to exempt them (from the battle), and those who had lied to Allah and His Messenger sat at home (without asking the permission for it); a painful torment will seize those of them who disbelieve. [9:90]  [End of quote from Al-Fawaa-id (Ref 1)]


[Ref 1: Paraphrased. Source: Al-Fawaa’id’ pages 202-203]

 

Beware of Allaah’s Severe Punishment if You Are Utilising Wealth to Cause Corruption In The Earth and Oppressing Mankind

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

Allaah (The Most high) said:

إِنَّ قَـٰرُونَ ڪَانَ مِن قَوۡمِ مُوسَىٰ فَبَغَىٰ عَلَيۡهِمۡ‌ۖ وَءَاتَيۡنَـٰهُ مِنَ ٱلۡكُنُوزِ مَآ إِنَّ مَفَاتِحَهُ ۥ لَتَنُوٓأُ بِٱلۡعُصۡبَةِ أُوْلِى ٱلۡقُوَّةِ إِذۡ قَالَ لَهُ ۥ قَوۡمُهُ ۥ لَا تَفۡرَحۡ‌ۖ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلۡفَرِحِينَ (٧٦) وَٱبۡتَغِ فِيمَآ ءَاتَٮٰكَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلدَّارَ ٱلۡأَخِرَةَ‌ۖ وَلَا تَنسَ نَصِيبَكَ مِنَ ٱلدُّنۡيَا‌ۖ وَأَحۡسِن ڪَمَآ أَحۡسَنَ ٱللَّهُ إِلَيۡكَ‌ۖ وَلَا تَبۡغِ ٱلۡفَسَادَ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ‌ۖ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلۡمُفۡسِدِينَ (٧٧) قَالَ إِنَّمَآ أُوتِيتُهُ ۥ عَلَىٰ عِلۡمٍ عِندِىٓ‌ۚ أَوَلَمۡ يَعۡلَمۡ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ قَدۡ أَهۡلَكَ مِن قَبۡلِهِۦ مِنَ ٱلۡقُرُونِ مَنۡ هُوَ أَشَدُّ مِنۡهُ قُوَّةً۬ وَأَڪۡثَرُ جَمۡعً۬ا‌ۚ وَلَا يُسۡـَٔلُ عَن ذُنُوبِهِمُ ٱلۡمُجۡرِمُونَ (٧٨) فَخَرَجَ عَلَىٰ قَوۡمِهِۦ فِى زِينَتِهِۦ‌ۖ قَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ يُرِيدُونَ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةَ ٱلدُّنۡيَا يَـٰلَيۡتَ لَنَا مِثۡلَ مَآ أُوتِىَ قَـٰرُونُ إِنَّهُ ۥ لَذُو حَظٍّ عَظِيمٍ۬ (٧٩) وَقَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُواْ ٱلۡعِلۡمَ وَيۡلَڪُمۡ ثَوَابُ ٱللَّهِ خَيۡرٌ۬ لِّمَنۡ ءَامَنَ وَعَمِلَ صَـٰلِحً۬ا وَلَا يُلَقَّٮٰهَآ إِلَّا ٱلصَّـٰبِرُونَ (٨٠) فَخَسَفۡنَا بِهِۦ وَبِدَارِهِ ٱلۡأَرۡضَ فَمَا ڪَانَ لَهُ ۥ مِن فِئَةٍ۬ يَنصُرُونَهُ ۥ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ وَمَا كَانَ مِنَ ٱلۡمُنتَصِرِينَ (٨١)وَأَصۡبَحَ ٱلَّذِينَ تَمَنَّوۡاْ مَكَانَهُ ۥ بِٱلۡأَمۡسِ يَقُولُونَ وَيۡكَأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَبۡسُطُ ٱلرِّزۡقَ لِمَن يَشَآءُ مِنۡ عِبَادِهِۦ وَيَقۡدِرُ‌ۖ لَوۡلَآ أَن مَّنَّ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيۡنَا لَخَسَفَ بِنَا‌ۖ وَيۡكَأَنَّهُ ۥ لَا يُفۡلِحُ ٱلۡكَـٰفِرُونَ (٨٢) تِلۡكَ ٱلدَّارُ ٱلۡأَخِرَةُ نَجۡعَلُهَا لِلَّذِينَ لَا يُرِيدُونَ عُلُوًّ۬ا فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَلَا فَسَادً۬ا‌ۚ وَٱلۡعَـٰقِبَةُ لِلۡمُتَّقِينَ

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

But seek, with that (wealth) which Allah has bestowed on you, the home of the Hereafter, and forget not your portion of legal enjoyment in this world, and do good as Allah has been good to you, [وَلَا تَبۡغِ ٱلۡفَسَادَ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ‌ۖ and seek not mischief in the land]– Meaning: through pride, disobedience (to Allaah), preoccupying yourself with the blessings (bestowed upon you by Allaah) at the expense of (obedience to Allaah, being thankful etc) [Ref 1];

[إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلۡمُفۡسِدِينَ -. Verily, Allah likes not the Mufsidun (those who commit great crimes and sins, oppressors, tyrants, mischief-makers, corrupts).

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

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

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

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

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

That home of the Hereafter (i.e. Paradise), We shall assign to those who rebel not against the truth with pride and oppression in the land nor do mischief by committing crimes. And the good end is for the Muttaqun [28:76-83]


[Ref 1: Tayseer al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan’ by Imaam As-Sadi (rahimahullaah). Abridged & slightly paraphrased]

How Can The Human Being Turn Away From Allaah?! [O Allaah! Include Us Amongst Those Who Constantly Remember You]

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

Allaah [The Most High] said:

يَا أَيُّهَا الْإِنسَانُ مَا غَرَّكَ بِرَبِّكَ الْكَرِيمِ

ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَكَ فَسَوَّٮٰكَ فَعَدَلَكَ

فِي أَيِّ صُورَةٍ مَّا شَاءَ رَكَّبَكَ

O man! What has made you careless concerning your Lord, the Most Generous? Who created you, fashioned you perfectly, and gave you due proportion; in whatever form He willed, He put you together. [82:6-8]

Few Reminders from The Above Aayah:

Have you [i.e. the human] become negligent regarding the rights of Allaah; or do make a mockery of the punishment He has promised [the evil doers]; or do you disbelieve in His Recompense?! Is He is not the One Who created you, fashioned you perfectly in the best of forms and gave you due proportion? Is it befitting that you disbelieve in the blessings of your Lord or wilfully deny the kindness of the one who showed you kindness? Indeed, this behaviour of yours is out of nothing else, except due to your ignorance, unjust behaviour, obstinacy and thoughtlessness. So, praise Allaah for not making your image similar to that of a dog, a donkey or what is similar to them. And because of this, Allaah said: [فِي أَيِّ صُورَةٍ مَّا شَاءَ رَكَّبَكَ -In whatever form He will, He put you together].

To be continued InShaaAllaa


[Source: (Tayseer al-kareem Ar-Rahmaaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan). Abridged and paraphrased]

Eedul Adhaa Khutbah at The Park 01/09/17-Masjid Al-Furqaan [Stoke On Trent] Based On ‘Some of The Means to Safety For The Ummah’- By Shaikh Saaleh Al-Fawzaan [may Allaah preserve him]

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

Some of The Means to Safety For The Ummah

Imaam Maalik [rahimahullaah] said:

لنْ َيصْلُحَ  آخِرُ هَذِهِ الْأمة الَّا مَا أَصْلَحَ  أَوَّلَهَا

The latter part of this Ummah [i.e. those who will come after the Salaf] will not be rectified except by way of that which rectified its earlier part [i.e. the Salaf].’’

Therefore, there can be no return to safety, security and strength unless we return to that which rectified the early generations of Islaam. Shaikh Saaleh Al-Fawzaan said, ‘’And from those first and foremost means to safety and security in this life and the next is means to safety in this life and the next, is that the Ummah has to be upon a sound Aqeedah – singling out Allaah in worship and abandoning everything that is worshipped besides Allaah – not invoking tombs, graves, shrines and other false objects of worship, rather worshipping Allaah alone without any partner is the greatest and first and foremost means to safety in this life and next. Allaah [The Most High] said:

 [ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَلَمۡ يَلۡبِسُوٓاْ إِيمَـٰنَهُم بِظُلۡمٍ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ لَهُمُ ٱلۡأَمۡنُ وَهُم مُّهۡتَدُونَ – It is those who believe and confuse not their belief with Zulm (wrong), for them (only) there is security and they are the guided. [‘6:82]

The meaning of [ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ  -Those who believe]: Belief is Tawheed [pure Islamic Monotheism] – to worship Allaah [Alone] and keep away from worshipping others besides Him.

And regarding the statement of Allaah [  وَلَمۡ يَلۡبِسُوٓاْ إِيمَـٰنَهُم بِظُلۡمٍ- And confuse not their belief with zulm]- Meaning: They do not mix their belief in Tawheed with Zulm [i.e. Shirk], because Tawheed is corrupted when mixed with shirk.  Hence, Tawheed can never be actualised with the presence of shirk, because two opposites cannot come together. [Ref 1]

Therefore, Zulm is Shirk, just as the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] explained when this ayah caused some unease for the sahaabah. They [i.e. the sahaabah] said: ”O Messenger of Allaah! Which of us has not committed Zulm [i.e. wrong] against himself?” He [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said: It is not as you think, for indeed Zulm means shirk.  Haven’t you heard the saying of the righteous slave [i.e. Luqmaan]?

[ يَـٰبُنَىَّ لَا تُشۡرِكۡ بِٱللَّهِ‌ۖ إِنَّ ٱلشِّرۡكَ لَظُلۡمٌ عَظِيمٌ۬ – O my son! Join not in worship others with Allaah.  Verily! Joining others in worship with Allaah is a great Zulm (wrong) indeed. [31:13]

Therefore, the intent behind Zulm in this ayah is Shirk. The one safe from shirk will have   safety in this life and the next.  He will receive guidance for being upon the truth.

And Allaah [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections] said:

وَعَدَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ مِنكُمۡ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ لَيَسۡتَخۡلِفَنَّهُمۡ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ ڪَمَا ٱسۡتَخۡلَفَ ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبۡلِهِمۡ وَلَيُمَكِّنَنَّ لَهُمۡ دِينَہُمُ ٱلَّذِى ٱرۡتَضَىٰ لَهُمۡ وَلَيُبَدِّلَنَّہُم مِّنۢ بَعۡدِ خَوۡفِهِمۡ أَمۡنً۬ا‌ۚ يَعۡبُدُونَنِى لَا يُشۡرِكُونَ بِى شَيۡـًٔ۬ا‌ۚ

Allaah has promised those among you who believe and do righteous good deeds, that He will certainly grant them succession to (the present rulers) in the land, as He granted it to those before them, and that He will grant them the authority to practice their religion which He has chosen for them (i.e. Islaam).  And He will surely give them in exchange a safe security after their fear (provided) that they (believers) worship Me and do not associate anything (in worship) with Me. [24:55]

These great promises [mentioned in the above ayah] cannot be accomplished except by way of this condition that is [يَعۡبُدُونَنِى لَا يُشۡرِكُونَ بِى شَيۡـًٔ۬ا (provided) they (i.e. the believers) worship Me (Allaah) and do not associate anything (in worship) with Me.

If this condition is fulfilled, then these noble promises of Allaah will be attained. Certainly, the believers will be granted succession to [the present rulers] in the land. Allaah will grant them authority to practice their religion, which He has chosen for them (i.e. Islaam) and will surely give them in exchange a safe security after their fear. These great aims [or goals] cannot be achieved except by way of Tawheed, and that is to worship Allaah (alone), and abandon worship of other than Him.

[Ref 1] Major Shirk and Minor Shirk: The Shaikh, Saaleh Al-Fawzaan [may Allaah preserve him] stated in his book titled ‘Duroos Minal Qur’aan’ that minor shirk does not expel a person from the Milla (i.e. the religion). Minor shirk is related words uttered by a person, such as one who says, ‘‘Had it not been for Allaah and you’’ or ‘’what Allaah and you will’’. This is minor shirk on condition that the person does not hold it as belief in his heart. The Shaikh also spoke of other types of apparent minor Shirk, such as swearing by other than Allaah, and Hidden Minor Shirk such as Riyaa [showing off in worship]. [See Duroos Minal Qur’aan for further details. Page: 172]. The reader must read the article in this link [http://www.abukhadeejah.com/ahmad-an-najmees-kitaab-at-tawheed-chapter-3-fear-of-falling-into-shirk/] because the subject matter is discussed in more detail, and by the permission of Allaah the reader will be facilitated with a precise understanding.

Adhering to Taqwaa

Towards the end of his life, the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] admonished the people, as occurs in the hadeeth of Irbaad Ibn Saariyah [radiyallaahu anhu], who said:

The Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-sallam] led us in prayer one day, then turned his face towards us, and delivered a powerful admonition that made our hearts fearful and our eyes tearful.  So, a man said: ”O Messenger of Allaah, it is as if it were a farewell admonition, so what do you enjoin upon us”?  He said: ”I advise you to fear Allaah and to listen and obey even if a slave is a leader over you.  Verily, the one who lives among you after me will see a lot of differences.  So, stick to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly guided khulafaa.  Bite onto that with your molar teeth.  And avoid the newly invented matters.  Verily, every newly invented matter is an innovation and every innovation is misguidance.” 

In this command, the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] advised us –[by way of command]- to have Taqwah. It [Taqwah] is a comprehensive word that gathers all good qualities [or characteristics] in it. And the meaning of Taqwah is:  a shield placed as a means of protection between yourself and what you fear will harm you. It is what shields you from danger, such as a shield placed as a means of protection between your foot and the excessive heat on the ground, or a shield placed as a means of protection between you and an injurious thing, or a shield placed as means of protection between you and a weapon, or a placed as a means of protection between you and the cold or the heat.  This is related to physical [or tangible] things.

On the hand, [Taqwah in the Sharee’ah means] to protect yourself from the Anger of Allaah, His punishment and the fire of hell-   by carrying out what He has commanded and avoiding what He has forbidden. You cannot be protected from the punishment of Allaah, His Anger, and the Fire of Hell by fortresses, armies and garments; rather you can only be protected through Fear of Allaah [Glorified and Exalted be He] by carrying out what He has commanded and avoiding what He has forbidden.

Obedience to the Rulers

Irbaad Ibn Saariyah [radiyallaahu anhu] said: The Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-sallam] led us in prayer one day, then turned his face towards us, and delivered a powerful admonition that made our hearts fearful and our eyes tearful.  So, a man said: ”O Messenger of Allaah, it is as if it were a farewell admonition, so what do you enjoin upon us”?  He said: ”I advise you to fear Allaah and to listen and obey even if a slave is a leader over you.  Verily, the one who lives among you after me will see a lot of differences.  So, stick to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly guided khulafaa.  Bite onto that with your molar teeth.  And avoid the newly invented matters.  Verily, every newly invented matter is an innovation and every innovation is misguidance.”

This [i.e. obedience to the rulers] is a means to safety. Indeed, the Ummah listens to its leaders and obeys him, so that they can be a united body, a powerful force and a shield of protection against its enemies.  Allaah [The Most High] said: [وَٱعۡتَصِمُواْ بِحَبۡلِ ٱللَّهِ جَمِيعً۬ا وَلَا تَفَرَّقُواْ‌ۚ – ‘And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allaah (i.e. the Qur’aan), and be not divided among yourselves]. [3:103]

This united body cannot be accomplished except by way of Leadership and an Imaam [i.e. a Ruler].  Leadership cannot be accomplished except by way of Sam’i Wat Taa’ah [i.e. to listen to the Ruler and being obedient to him] even if he is an Abyssinian slave and if he does not command a person to disobey Allaah. Therefore, the Leader of the Muslims is to be obeyed because there is an overriding benefit for the Muslims in doing so – in order bring about unity. However, the exception in this [affair] is what the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] stated that ‘There is no obedience to the creation in disobedience to the Creator [Allaah]. Therefore, the is not obeyed in disobedience to Allaah, but he is obeyed in that which is in opposition to sin. However, this does not mean that we come out and rebel if he commands disobedience; rather we do not obey him in sin, but we obey him in those affairs that do not involve sin. [See link: http://www.abukhadeejah.com/the-tyranny-of-the-rulers-a-reason-for-rebellion/].

Holding Onto The Authentic Sunnah of The Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] and the Sunnah of the Khulafaa Ar-Raashideen When Differing Occurs

The Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said: ‘’Verily, the one who live among you after me will see a lot of differing, so stick to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly guided khulafaa.’’

This is another means to safety – adherence to the Sunnah of the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] and the Sunnah of the Rightly Guided Khulafah: Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthmaan and Ali [radiyallaahu anhum].  They are the successors of Allaah’s Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] whose path is to be followed together with the Sunnah of Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam.

And he [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said: ”Ikhtilaafan Kathiirah” [i.e. a lot of differing will occur] and not ”Ikhtilaafan Yaseerah [little or minor differing]; rather it is a lot. The Ummah cannot find safety from this [blameworthy] differing, except by holding fast to the Sunnah of the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi- wasallam] and to that which his Rightly Guided Khulafaah, the Muhaajiroon and the Ansaar were upon.  Allaah [The Most High] said: [ٱلسَّـٰبِقُونَ ٱلۡأَوَّلُونَ مِنَ ٱلۡمُهَـٰجِرِينَ وَٱلۡأَنصَارِ وَٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّبَعُوهُم بِـإِحۡسَـٰنٍ۬ رَّضِىَ ٱللَّهُ عَنۡہُمۡ وَرَضُواْ عَنۡهُ وَأَعَدَّ لَهُمۡ جَنَّـٰتٍ۬ تَجۡرِى تَحۡتَهَا ٱلۡأَنۡهَـٰرُ -And the foremost to embrace Islaam of the Muhaajiroon (those who migrated from Makkah to Al Madeena) and the Ansaar (the citizens of Al Madeenah who helped and gave aid to the Muhaajiroon) and also those who followed them exactly (in faith).  Allaah is well pleased with them as they are well-pleased with Him.  He has prepared for them Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise) [9:100]

When the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] informed of us of the differing and splitting that will occur, he said: ”The Jews split into 71 sects, and the Christians split into 72 sects.  And my Ummah will split into 73 sects, all of them in the fire except one.  We said: ”Which one is it O Messenger of Allaah”?  He said: Those who are upon that which I and my companions are upon”

So, there is no safeguard against the Fitnah of [blameworthy] differing in every era, especially during the end of time, except by way of holding fast to the Sunnah of the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] and path of his companions.  This is what will protect us from the fire and this why Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa’ah are called ‘The Saved Sect”– the sect that is safeguarded against the fire on the Day of Judgment. And those in opposition will not be saved, due their opposition and splitting away from the saved sect, except those who are firm upon [the Sunnah of the Messenger and the path of the Sahaabah]. And firmness upon the truth, the Sunnah of the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] and the way of the companions cannot be accomplished except by way of beneficial knowledge. How can one be firm upon something, yet he [or she] is ignorant of it?  We must learn the Sunnah of the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] and path his companions were upon, until we become firm upon it and hold fast to it.

The Severe Consequences of Opposing The Messenger’s Commands

Narrated Abu Musa (radiyallaahu-anhu): The Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said, ‘’My example, and the example of what I have been sent with is that of a man who came to some people and said, O people! I have seen the enemy’s army with my own eyes and I am a plain warner; so protect yourselves!’ Then a group of his people obeyed him and fled at night proceeding stealthily till they were safe, while another group of them disbelieved him and stayed at their places till morning when the army came upon them and killed and ruined them completely. So this is the example of that person who obeys me and follows that truth which I have brought (the Qur’aan and the Sunnah), and the example of the one who disobeys me and disbelieves the Truth I have brought.

[Saheeh Al-Bukhaari. Vol 9. Number: 7283]

Also, others issues were mentioned such as:

Fulfilling our covenants whilst living in the West see link:

[1]Shaikh Uthaymeen [rahimahullaah] stated during a tele-link, on the 28th July 2000:

Likewise I invite you to have respect for those people who have the right that they should be respected, from those between you and whom there is an agreement (of protection) [i.e. Non-Muslims]. For the land which you are living is such that there is an agreement between you and them. If this were not the case they would have killed you or expelled you. So preserve this agreement, and do not prove treacherous to it, since treachery is a sign of the hypocrites, and it is not from the way of the Believers.

And know that it is authentically reported from the Prophet that he said : “Whoever kills one who is under an agreement of protection will not smell the fragrance of Paradise.”

Do not be fooled by those sayings of the foolish people: those who say: ‘Those people are Non-Muslims, so their wealth is lawful for us [i.e. to misappropriate or take by way of murder and killing].’ For by Allaah – this is a lie. A lie about Allaah’s Religion, and a lie in Islamic societies.

O my brothers. O youth. O Muslims. Be truthful in your buying and selling, and renting, and leasing, and in all mutual transactions. Because truthfulness is from the characteristics of the Believers, and Allaah – the Most High – has commanded truthfulness – in the saying of Allaah – the Most High – “O you who believe – fear and keep you duty to Allaah and be with the truthful.”

And the Prophet encouraged truthfulness and said : “Adhere to truthfulness, because truthfulness leads to goodness, and goodness leads to Paradise; and a person will continue to be truthful, and strive to be truthful until he will be written down with Allaah as a truthful person“.

And he warned against falsehood, and said : “Beware of falsehood, because falsehood leads to wickedness, and wickedness leads to the Fire. And a person will continue lying, and striving to lie until he is written down with Allaah as a great liar.”

O my brother Muslims. O youth. Be true in your sayings with your brothers, and with those Non-Muslims whom you live along with – so that you will be inviters to the Religion of Islaam, by your actions and in reality. So how many people there are who first entered into Islaam because of the behaviour and manners of the Muslims, and their truthfulness, and their being true in their dealings. [end of quote][Telelink 28th July 2000]

[2] The Perils of Rebellion

This topic was also discussed in brief during the khutbah, listen to Shaikh Fawzaan here:

Security or Sustenance, Which Of The Two Was Asked For First? | Shaikh Salih al-Fawzaan

[3] Brothers and sisters were reminded about being dutiful to parents; brothers were reminded about kind treatment towards wives and sisters were reminded about obedience to husbands in what is good.


Arabic Booklet here:

http://www.albaidha.net/vb/showthread.php?t=58811

The Means to Safety for The Ummah

Seek The Company of Righteous And Distance Yourself From Those Deceived By The Dunyaa

And keep yourself (O Muhammad) patiently with those who call on their Lord (i.e. your companions who remember their Lord with glorification, praising in prayers, etc., and other righteous deeds, etc.) morning and afternoon, seeking His Face, and let not your eyes overlook them, desiring the pomp and glitter of the life of the world; and obey not him whose heart We have made heedless of Our Remembrance, one who follows his own lusts and whose affair (deeds) has been lost.


Love of Leadership, Pride and Self-Amazement Leads to Persistence Upon Falsehood

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

Returning to the truth is better than persistence upon falsehood; because persistence upon falsehood is proof of being forsaken, as Imaam Ibnul Qayyim (rahimahullaah) stated in Al-Fawaa’id: ”To be forsaken is that Allaah leaves you to yourself.”  The reasons behind persisting in  falsehood- after it has been made manifest -are many. From them:

[1]The First Affair:

Love of authority and Leadership:

Imaam Shaatibee (rahimahullaah) said in Al-Itisaam: ‘’The last thing that lands upon the hearts of the righteous people is love of authority and  leadership.’’

Ibraaheem Bin Adham (rahimahullaah) said: ‘’The person who loves fame will not be sincere to Allaah.’’

Al-Haafidh Adh-Dhahabee (rahimahullaah) added a commentary (on the above statement), saying: ‘’The signs of the sincere one who loves fame and is unaware of it, is that when he is scolded about it he neither becomes furious nor does he free himself from it; rather he acknowledges and says: May Allaah have mercy upon the one who shows me my faults.  He does not  become amazed with himself–being unaware of those faults, rather being unaware that he is unaware; for this  is a chronic illness.’’

Abu Nu’aym (rahimahullaah) said: ‘’By Allaah, the one destroyed is not destroyed except through love of leadership.’’

[2] The Second Affair:

Pride and refusing to accept the truth:

Imaam Sufyaan Bin Uyaynah (rahimahullaah) said: ‘’The sensible person is not the one who knows good and bad, rather the sensible person is the one who follows the truth when he sees it and keeps away from evil when he sees it.’’

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim (rahimahullaah) said in Al-Fawaa’id: And from the signs of well-being and success is that whenever the slave is increased in his knowledge, he increases in humility and mercy.  And whenever he is increased in action, he increases in his fear and caution; and whenever his age is increased, he decreases in eagerness (for worldly things); and whenever he is increased in wealth, he increases in his generosity and spending; and whenever his status and honor is increased, he increases in coming close to the people, in fulfilling their needs and being humble in (their presence).

And the signs of wretchedness are: Whenever he is increased in knowledge, he increases in pride and haughtiness; and whenever he is increased in actions, he increases in his boasting, mockery of the people and having a good opinion of himself; and whenever he is increased in his status and honor, he increases in pride and haughtiness. These affairs of (wellbeing and wretchedness) are a trial and a test from Allaah by which He puts His slaves to the test.  He brings about wellbeing and wretchedness to a people by way of these affairs.

Abu Ad-Dardaa (radiyallaahu-anhu) said: ‘’The signs of ignorance are three: Self-amazement, excessive speech in that which does not concern (a person) and that you do forbid something you do.’’

It is reported from Ali Bin Abee Taalib (radiyallaahu-anhu) that he said: ‘’Self-amazement is the plague of the Al Al-baab (i.e. the heart, mind, intellect etc).’’ And others besides him said: ‘’You do not see a person amazed with himself, except that he is a seeker of leadership.’’

A person must fully know that Allaah is absolutely acquainted with his (affairs), and that He knows the treachery of the eyes and what the hearts conceal. And that the hearts are between two fingers from the fingers of Allaah, and He turns them how He pleases. Ibn Abee Haatim reported in Az-Zuhd from Al-Hasan who said: ‘’Indeed, the hearts are more severe in losing control than feathers are on a stormy day.’’ [End of quote]


Abridged  and slightly paraphrased

Source: http://www.sahab.net/home/?p=739]

Preserve Your Salaah, Tongue and Heart!

A man came to the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) and said: ”Admonish me and be brief’”; so the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said to him:

إِذَا قُمْتَ فِي صَلَاتِكَ فَصَلِّ صَلَاةَ مُوَدِّعٍ

”When you stand for your prayer, then pray a farewell prayer (i.e. as if it is your last Salah before death).”

وَلَا تَكَلَّمْ بِكَلَامٍ تَعْتَذِرُ مِنْهُ غَدًا

”Do not speak with a statement for which you may have to apologize tomorrow.”

وَأَجْمِعِ اليَأسَ مِمَّا فِي يَدَيِ النَّاسِ

  ”And forgo what is in the hands of the people (i.e. do not be desperate for the worldly possessions of the people9).”


Reported by:

[Imaam Ahmad (rahimahullaah) Number: 23498)]

[Imaam Ibn Maajah (rahimahulllaah) Number: 4171]

[Imaam Albaani (rahimahullaah) in As-Saheehah. Number:401]