Skip to main content

Tag: ibaadah

[3] Security in the lands is a great blessing

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Calling To Islam - 'Da'wa', Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

Complete security [in the lands] cannot be sound except through two affairs and they are:

[(a) التطبيق لشرع الله تعالى  – Application of Allaah’s (The Most High) Sharee’ah]

[(b) السمع والطاعة لولاة الأمور- Listening to those in charge of the affairs and obeying them (i.e. the rulers)]

Indeed, the Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) clarified this (affair) which a Muslim is in need of in his life. Irbaad Saariyah (radiyallaahu-anhu) said: “The Messenger of Allah (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) gave us an admonition after the morning prayer –an admonition that made our hearts fearful and our eyes tearful. So a man said: Indeed is this a farewell sermon, so what do you advise us?” He said, “I enjoin you to have Taqwa of Allah and that you listen and obey, even if an Abyssinian slave (is made a ruler over you); for indeed he among you who lives long enough will see many differences. So beware of newly invented maters (in the religion) because indeed it is misguidance. And whoever among you witnesses that, then it is obligated on him to adhere to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly guided khulafaa, adhere to it with your molar teeth. [Reported by Ahmad 3/126]

Indeed, this hadeeth determines the foundations of security in Islaam and they are: Firstly: Taqwallaah [Fear of Allaah (The Most High)] based on its complete and comprehensive meaning. Secondly: Listening to those in charge of the affairs and obeying them (i.e. rulers in what is good and not to rebel against them even if they oppress and commit tyranny).

Therefore, through fear of Allaah, a Muslim’s relationship with Allaah becomes upright, likewise his relationship with himself, his neighbours and his relationship with everything around him. And without Allaah’s Sharee’ah, destruction and depravity will occur. Indeed, Allaah (The Mighty and Majestic) warned the one who abandons His Sharee’ah and disobeys His Messenger, saying:

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

And Allah puts forward the example of a township (Makkah), that dwelt secure and well content; its provision coming to it in abundance from every place, but it (its people) denied the Favours of Allah (with ungratefulness). So Allah made it taste the extreme of hunger (famine) and fear, because of that (evil, i.e. denying Prophet Muhammad) which they (its people) used to do. [16:112]

Through listening to the rulers and obeying them, all affairs of the person’s life in his society will be a state of normality. Listening to the rulers and obeying them enters into the subject matter of Taqwa (fear of Allaah).

Al-Hasan Al-Basri  (rahimahullaah ) used to say: Indeed, Al-Hajjaaj is the punishment of Allaah; so do not repel the punishment of Allaah with your own hands. Rather you must submit and show humility because indeed Allaah (The Most High) said:

وَلَقَدْ أَخَذْنَاهُم بِالْعَذَابِ فَمَا اسْتَكَانُوا لِرَبِّهِمْ وَمَا يَتَضَرَّعُونَ

“And indeed We seized them with punishment, but they humbled not themselves to their Lord, nor did they invoke (Allaah) with submission to Him.’’ [23:76]

Talq Bin Habeeb (rahimahullaah) used to say: Guard against fitna through Taqwa; so it was said to him, “Summarize (the meaning) of Taqwa for us.’’ So he said, ‘’It is act in obedience to Allah, with a light from Allah (i.e. Eemaan) and hoping for Allaah’s Mercy. And that you abandon disobedience to Allah with a light from Allah and fearing the punishment of Allah. [Reported by Ibn Abee Shaybah 11/33 and Ibnul Mubaarak in Az-Zuhd 473]

So you find a person to whom the description of security is firmly (established) and he increases in his perception of it due to due to his fear of Allaah The Most High), and he is eager to listen to the rulers and obey them; but if he falls short (in Taqwa), his perception of security becomes deficient.

When this Taqwa is actualised, then he will receive the promise Allaah mentioned [in Surah An-Noor]. Allaah said:

وَعَدَ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مِنكُمْ وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ لَيَسْتَخْلِفَنَّهُمْ فِي الْأَرْضِ كَمَا اسْتَخْلَفَ الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ وَلَيُمَكِّنَنَّ لَهُمْ دِينَهُمُ الَّذِي ارْتَضَىٰ لَهُمْ وَلَيُبَدِّلَنَّهُم مِّن بَعْدِ خَوْفِهِمْ أَمْنًا ۚ يَعْبُدُونَنِي لَا يُشْرِكُونَ بِي شَيْئًا ۚ وَمَن كَفَرَ بَعْدَ ذَٰلِكَ فَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْفَاسِقُونَ

Allah 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 earth, as He granted it to those before them, and that He will grant them the authority to practise their religion, that which He has chosen for them (i.e. Islam). And He will surely give them in exchange a safe security after their fear (provided) they (believers) worship Me and do not associate anything (in worship) with Me. But whoever disbelieved after this, they are the Fasiqun (rebellious, disobedient to Allah). [24:55]

Indeed, it is known by necessity in the religion of Islaam that the religion cannot (be established) without a Jamaa’ah and there cannot be a Jamaa’ah without a leader, and there cannot be a leader except through listening to him and obeying (him in what is good). And lack of obedience to the ruler and putting oneself before him is from the greatest causes of corrupting the land and the people, and (from the causes of) turning away from the path of guidance and uprightness. Al Hasan Al Basri (rahimahullaah) said: By Allaah! The religion cannot be established except by way of rulers even if they commit tyranny and oppression; by Allaah! Due to the many affairs that Allaah rectifies through them more than what they corrupt.’’

Ibn Rajab (rahimahullaah) said: There is good fortune in the worldly life for listening to rulers and obeying them (i.e. in that which is good and not to rebel against them even if they commit oppression and tyranny). And by way of it (i.e. obedience to the rulers), the beneficial affairs in relation to the livelihood of the people are organized, and they used it as an aid by way of which they manifest their religion and obey their Lord.

Disobedience to the rulers and putting oneself before them through fighting or other than it (is an act that is tantamount) to disobeying and opposing Allaah and His Messenger. It is (tantamount) to opposing that which Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa’ah were upon – the pious predecessors.

———————————————————————————————————————–

[Source: Silsilah Ar-Rasaa-il Al-Manhajiyyah Fin Nushi War’irshaad Wat-Taw’iyah’ pages 11-14 ‘ by Shaikh Muhammad Baazmool (may Allaah preserve him); Abridged and slightly paraphrased]

O you who believe! Fulfill (your) obligations

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Calling To Islam - 'Da'wa', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Qur'aan, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَوْفُوا بِالْعُقُودِ

O you who believe! Fulfill (your) obligations

Imaam Sadi (rahimahullaah) stated that this is a command from Allaah (The Most High) to His believing slaves (regarding) what Eemaan necessitates (in relation) to fulfilling obligations  – fulfilling and completing obligations and neither breaking them nor falling short (in fulfilling them).

This (command) covers all obligations between a slave and His Lord, by adhering and fulfilling the (rights) of servitude Allaah and establishing it perfectly, without reducing anything from it.  [Likewise, this command includes one’s obligations] towards the Messenger, by obeying and following him; (one’s obligations) towards parents and relatives, by being dutiful to them and not to sever the ties of kinship; (one’s obligations) towards his companions, by fulfilling the rights of companionship in times of richness and poverty, and in times of ease and hardship; (one’s obligations) towards the creation with regards to agreements in dealings, such as business transactions, rental agreements and what is similar to them….

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

[For further details see Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan]

Shameless Animal Abusers Fear Allaah!

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

Abu Dardaa [radiyallaahu-anhu] used to have a camel called Damoon, and whenever the people hired it from him, he would say, ‘’Do not make it carry such and such, for indeed it is not able to carry more than that.’’ When death came to him, he said, ‘’O Damoon! Do not argue against me to my Lord on the morrow, for indeed I never used to make you carry except what you were able to.’’

————————————————————————————————————-

[Reported by Abul Hasan Al-Ikhmeemiy (rahimahullaah) in his Hadeeth Collection 1/63]

Dirty living conditions in some farms – [O Muslims! Fear Allaah Regarding The Rights of Animals]

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

Wahb Bin Kaysaan said: Ibn Umar saw a shepherd (with his animals) in a repulsive place and he saw (another) place that was (cleaner); so Ibn Umar said: Woe to you O Shepherd! Relocate them, for indeed I heard the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) saying: ”Every shepherd is responsible for its flock.”

———————————————————————–

[Ahmad 5869]

Salafiyyah Is Founded On Three Fundamental Principles

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Calling To Islam - 'Da'wa', Methodology - 'Manhaj', Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

Shaikh Muhammad Baazmool (may Allaah preserve him) stated:

”Salafiyyah is founded upon three fundamental principles; The First Fundamental Principle: (To carry out) acts of worship sincerely for the sake of Allaah (Glorified Be He). The Second Fundamental Principle: Adhering to the Jamaa’ah; listening to the (Muslim Rulers) and obeying (them in that which is good). The Third Fundamental Principle: Caution against Bidah and the Innovators. These three fundamental principles have are established by way of evidence in narration of Irbaad Ibn Saariyah (radiyallaahu-anhu) who said:

”The Messenger of Allaah (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wsallam) gave us an admonition that made our hearts fearful and our eyes tearful. We said, “O Messenger of Allaah, it is as if this were a farewell sermon, so advise us.”He said, “I enjoin you to have Taqwa of Allaah and that you listen and obey, even if an Abyssinian slave is place in charge over your affairs; for indeed he who lives long among you will see many differences. Beware of newly invented matters (in the religion), for indeed it is misguidance. So whoever among you reaches that then upon him is (to follow) my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly guided khulafaa and bite on to it with your molar teeth.” [1]

Suhail Ibn Abee Saalih narrated from his father, who narrated from Abu Hurairah (radiyallaahu-anhu) that the Messenger of Allaah (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam said: Verily Allaah loves three things for you and he hates three things for you. He loves that you worship Him alone and that you do not join anyone else in your worship of him and that you do not worship other than him; He loves that you hold tight altogether to the rope of Allaah and that you do not be divided; and that you advice the one placed in charge over your affairs. And Allaah hates for you Qeel Wa Qaal (he said and she said spreading rumours); He hates for you the wasting of wealth and He hates for you excessive questioning (i.e. questioning devoid of benefit). [2]

These three affairs (i.e. Tawheed; obedience to the rulers and caution against bidah and the innovators) combine that which establishes the religious and worldly affairs of the people. Shaikhul Islaam Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahhaab (rahimahullaah said: Defects have not occurred in the religion of the people and their worldly affairs, except as result of defects in these three affairs or in some of them. [3]

—————————————————————————————————————

[1] [Hasan hadeeth. Reported by Imaam Ahmad 4/126, 127 and declared authentic by Imaam Albaani in Irwaa Al-Ghaleel 8/107. Number 2455]

[2] [Recorded by Imaam Maalik in Muwatta 1863. Muslim 1715]

[3] [Al-Manhajus Salafi pages 8-10…abridged and slightly paraphrased]

 

Steadfastness upon the Sunnah’ by Shaikh Rabee (may Allaah preserve him)

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

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

Allaamah Rabee Ibn Haadee Al-Madkhalee (may Allaah preserve him) stated:

Indeed steadfastness upon the Sunnah means steadfastness upon Islaam in its entirety; it’s Usool (Foundations), its Furoo’ (Branches), it’s Aqaa’id (affairs of creed, belief); it’s Manaahij (Methodologies).  We (must) remain steadfast upon it and we (must) hold tightly onto it, up until we meet Allaah (The Blessed and Most High).

And indeed the Aayaat concerning the religious obligations of ittibaa’ (following), iltizaam (adhering), i’tisaam (clinging) and istiqaamah (steadfastness) are many. And Ahaadeeth likewise, all of which point towards one goal or aim and this is the steadfastness of the Muslimeen upon Islaam.

And if one were to speak about steadfastness upon the Sunnah, it is not that which is understood by the majority of the people with regards to the word Sunnah, rather its intent here is Aqeedah and Manhaj, meaning Islaam, meaning steadfastness upon Islaam.

This Steadfastness is from the Tawfeeq of Allaah. Tawfeeq is in His Hands and guidance is in His Hands, and misguidance is in His Hands. He guides whomsoever He wishes; misguides whomsoever He wishes; keeps steadfast (the hearts) of whom He wishes and deviates the hearts of whomsoever He wishes. And due to this, Allaah (The Blessed and Most High) informed us to supplicate to Him so that He may not deviate our hearts; [ رَبَّنَا لَا تُزِغْ قُلُوبَنَا بَعْدَ إِذْ هَدَيْتَنَا وَهَبْ لَنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ رَحْمَةً ۚ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ الْوَهَّابُ  -(They say): “Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate (from the truth) after You have guided us, and grant us mercy from You. Truly, You are the Bestower. (3:8)]

And the Sahaabah, radhiyallaahu-Anhum said:  “By Allaah! If it were not for Him, we would not have been guided, We would not have given(in charity), nor would we have prayed”.[1] Meaning, they (the companions) knew and understood that Guidance from Allaah (The Most High) was a blessing and a virtue from Him, and a mercy from Him to whomsoever He selects from His Servants.

يَخْتَصُّ بِرَحْمَتِهِ مَن يَشَاءُ ۗ وَاللَّهُ ذُو الْفَضْلِ الْعَظِيمِ

“He selects for His Mercy (Islam and the Quran with Prophethood) whom He wills and Allah is the Owner of Great Bounty”. [3:74]

He (Glorified and Exalted Be He) blesses whom He wishes and gives virtue to whomsoever He wishes with His Guidance. He gives them Good and He grants them Tawfeeq and blesses them with His protection from deviation and misguidance.

The statement ‘He Misguides whom he Wills’: The misguidance here refers to complete misguidance, such as kufr and (one’s) exiting from (the fold of) Islaam – We seek Refuge with Allaah (The Most High) from that. And as for the Partial misguidance: This refers to the misguidance of one who enters into Islaam and he then deviates in his Aqeedah (beliefs) and in his Manhaj (Methodology) – We seek refuge with Allaah from that. [End Of Shaykh Rabee’s Speech.This particular extract is from the risaala, Ath-Thibaat Ala As-Sunnah (Steadfastness upon the Sunnah)].

————————————————————————————————————————-

May Allaah Preserve and reward Al-Allaamah Rabee’ Ibn Hadee ‘Umayr Al Madkhalee for this important reminder. We Ask Allaah to keep us firm upon this blessed Salafi Path and that He does not deviate our Hearts due to our own deeds. Aameen

[1] Narrated As such by Ahmad (4/46, 47 and 50) and Bukhari, with the number 4169 and 4196 and Muslim, number 1802. It is from the hadeeth of Salamah Ibn Al-Akoo’ radhiyallaahu ‘Anhum.

————————————————————————————————————————-

This extract was translated and shared by one of our Salafi Shabaab from Birmingham. May Allaah preserve him and make him a source of khayr for the Ummah and his parents. Aameen

Weak Eemaan Leads a person to Cheating And Demanding What he (or she) Is Not Entitled To!

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Brotherhood, Calling To Islam - 'Da'wa', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

 Allaah (The Most High) said:

وَهَلۡ أَتَٮٰكَ نَبَؤُاْ ٱلۡخَصۡمِ إِذۡ تَسَوَّرُواْ ٱلۡمِحۡرَابَ

إِذۡ دَخَلُواْ عَلَىٰ دَاوُ ۥدَ فَفَزِعَ مِنۡہُمۡ‌ۖ قَالُواْ لَا تَخَفۡ‌ۖ خَصۡمَانِ بَغَىٰ بَعۡضُنَا عَلَىٰ بَعۡضٍ۬ فَٱحۡكُم بَيۡنَنَا بِٱلۡحَقِّ وَلَا تُشۡطِطۡ وَٱهۡدِنَآ إِلَىٰ سَوَآءِ ٱلصِّرَٲطِ

إِنَّ هَـٰذَآ أَخِى لَهُ ۥ تِسۡعٌ۬ وَتِسۡعُونَ نَعۡجَةً۬ وَلِىَ نَعۡجَةٌ۬ وَٲحِدَةٌ۬ فَقَالَ أَكۡفِلۡنِيہَا وَعَزَّنِى فِى ٱلۡخِطَابِ

قَالَ لَقَدۡ ظَلَمَكَ بِسُؤَالِ نَعۡجَتِكَ إِلَىٰ نِعَاجِهِۦ‌ۖ وَإِنَّ كَثِيرً۬ا مِّنَ ٱلۡخُلَطَآءِ لَيَبۡغِى بَعۡضُہُمۡ عَلَىٰ بَعۡضٍ إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ وَقَلِيلٌ۬ مَّا هُمۡ‌ۗ وَظَنَّ دَاوُ ۥدُ أَنَّمَا فَتَنَّـٰهُ فَٱسۡتَغۡفَرَ رَبَّهُ ۥ وَخَرَّ رَاكِعً۬ا وَأَنَابَ

”And has the news of the litigants reached you? When they climbed over the wall into (his) Mihrab (a praying place or a private room). When they entered in upon Dawud (David), he was terrified of them, they said: “Fear not! (We are) two litigants, one of whom has wronged the other, therefore judge between us with truth, and treat us not with injustice, and guide us to the Right Way. Verily, this my brother (in religion) has ninety nine ewes, while I have (only) one ewe, and he says: “Hand it over to me, and he overpowered me in speech. [Dawud (David)] said (immediately without listening to the opponent): “He has wronged you in demanding your ewe in addition to his ewes.  And, verily, many partners oppress one another, except those who believe and do righteous good deeds, and they are few.” And Dawud (David) guessed that We have tried him and he sought Forgiveness of his Lord, and he fell down prostrate and turned (to Allah) in repentance. [38:21-24]

[ۖ وَإِنَّ كَثِيرً۬ا مِّنَ ٱلۡخُلَطَآءِ لَيَبۡغِى بَعۡضُہُمۡ عَلَىٰ بَعۡض-And, verily, many partners oppress one another] because oppression is from (those) characteristics of the (human) soul; [إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ – except those who believe and do righteous good deeds] because Eemaan and righteous actions prevents them from (committing) oppression.  [وَقَلِيلٌ۬ مَّا هُمۡ‌ – And they are few]; just as Allaah (The Most High) said (in another ayah): [وَقَلِيلٌ۬ مِّنۡ عِبَادِىَ ٱلشَّكُورُ – But few of My slaves are grateful] [34:13]

———————————————————————————————-

[See Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer kalaam Al-Mannaan’ of Imaam Sadi (rahimahullaah)]

 

Ponder upon This Overwhelming Proof Based on This Short and Clear Statement’ by Imaam Ibnul Qayyim

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

Allaah (The Most High) said:

مَا اتَّخَذَ اللَّهُ مِن وَلَدٍ وَمَا كَانَ مَعَهُ مِنْ إِلَٰهٍ ۚ إِذًا لَّذَهَبَ كُلُّ إِلَٰهٍ بِمَا خَلَقَ وَلَعَلَا بَعْضُهُمْ عَلَىٰ بَعْضٍ ۚ سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ عَمَّا يَصِفُونَ

‘’No son (or offspring or children) did Allah beget, nor is there any ilah (god) along with Him; (if there had been many gods), behold, each god would have taken away what he had created, and some would have tried to overcome others! Glorified be Allah above all that they attribute to Him!’’ [Quran, 23:91]

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim (rahimahullaah) said:

Ponder upon this overwhelming proof based on this short and clear statement; for indeed a true god has to be a Creator and a performer of actions-benefitting the slaves and averting evil from them. Had it been that there was another god alongside [Allaah (The One Free from All Imperfections)], then that god would have had his own creation and actions, but [Allaah (The One Free from All Imperfections)] is not pleased that another god is associated as a partner of His. That is because (if such a god was existent) and able to overcome Allaah, he would have done so. And if (such a god) was unable to overcome Allaah, he would have taken away what he created and depart, just as the kings of this world isolate themselves from one another when they are unable to overcome and gain authority over others. Therefore, there has to be one of the (following) three affairs: Either that each god departs with what he has created and with his authority; or that some of them gain authority over others, or that all of them are placed under the authority of one god, who controls the affairs and they do not control His affairs, and they are restricted by His judgements, but they cannot restrict Him. So Allaah He (alone) is the true God and they are His nurtured and subjugated slaves.

The organization of the affairs of the world- above and below- the connection between them and their establishment upon a well-planned and perfect organization neither clashes nor becomes ruin. This is the most confirmed evidence that the controller of its affairs is one (i.e. Allaah) and that there is not another god besides Him; just as evidence makes it impossible for its creator to be more than one and that there is not another creator for it. And just as it is impossible for the universe to have another Lord and creator, likewise it is not possible for it to have another god that has the right to be worshipped (except Allaah). [Source: Badaa-i’ul At-Tafseer Al-Jaami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imaam Ibnu Qayyim Al-Jawziyyah: page: 376: Vol: 1…slightly paraphrased and abridged]

 

Some Virtues of the Sound Islamic Creed

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

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

The Religion cannot be established except by way of sound creed. The (sound) creed in the Religion is like the roots of a tree and the foundation of a building. And just as a tree cannot stand (firm) except by way of its roots, and just as a building cannot stand (firm) except by way of its foundation; likewise the Religion cannot be established except by way of (sound) Eemaan and Sound Creed. A person without sound creed is similar to a body without a soul. Allaah (The Most High) said:

أَوَمَنْ كَانَ مَيْتًا فَأَحْيَيْنَاهُ وَجَعَلْنَا لَهُ نُورًا يَمْشِي بِهِ فِي النَّاسِ كَمَنْ مَثَلُهُ فِي الظُّلُمَاتِ لَيْسَ بِخَارِجٍ مِنْهَا كَذَلِكَ زُيِّنَ لِلْكَافِرِينَ مَا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ

”Is he who was dead (without Faith by ignorance and disbelief) and We gave him life (by knowledge and Faith) and set for him a light (of Belief) whereby he can walk amongst men, like him who is in the darkness (of disbelief, polytheism and hypocrisy) from which he can never come out? Thus it is made fair-seeming to the disbelievers that which they used to do.”[Soorah Al-An-aam: Ayah: 122]

Allaah (The Most High) said:

 يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا اسْتَجِيبُوا لِلَّهِ وَلِلرَّسُولِ إِذَا دَعَاكُمْ لِمَا يُحْيِيكُم

 ”O you who believe! Answer Allah (by obeying Him) and (His) Messenger when he (Muhammad) calls you to that which will give you life” [Soorah Al-Anfaal: Ayah: 24]

This is why Allaah called the revelation ‘Rooh’.  Allaah said:

 وَكَذَلِكَ أَوْحَيْنَا إِلَيْكَ رُوحًا مِنْ أَمْرِنَا مَا كُنْتَ تَدْرِي مَا الْكِتَابُ وَلَا الْإِيمَانُ وَلَكِنْ جَعَلْنَاهُ نُورًا نَهْدِي بِهِ مَنْ نَشَاءُ مِنْ عِبَادِنَا وَإِنَّكَ لَتَهْدِي إِلَى صِرَاطٍ مُسْتَقِيمٍ صِرَاطِ اللَّهِ الَّذِي لَهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ أَلَا إِلَى اللَّهِ تَصِيرُ الْأُمُورُ

”And thus We have sent to you (O Muhammad) Roohan (an Inspiration, and a Mercy) of Our Command. You knew not what is the Book, nor what is Faith? But We have made it (this Qur’an) a light wherewith We guide whosoever of Our slaves We will. And verily, you (O Muhammad) are indeed guiding (mankind) to the Straight Path (i.e. Allah’s religion of Islamic Monotheism).” [Soorah Ash-Shoorah: Ayah: 52-53]

And why did Allaah (The Most High) call it Rooh? It is because the real life of the hearts cannot exist, except by way of the revelation, and the sound creed is the greatest affair in the revelation.  Allaah (The Most High) said:

أَتَى أَمْرُ اللَّهِ فَلَا تَسْتَعْجِلُوهُ سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى عَمَّا يُشْرِكُونَ (1) يُنَزِّلُ الْمَلَائِكَةَ بِالرُّوحِ مِنْ أَمْرِهِ عَلَى مَنْ يَشَاءُ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ أَنْ أَنْذِرُوا أَنَّهُ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنَا فَاتَّقُونِ

”The Event (the Hour or the punishment of disbelievers and polytheists or the Islamic laws or commandments), ordained by Allah will come to pass, so seek not to hasten it. Glorified and Exalted be He above all that they associate as partners with Him. He sends down the angels with inspiration of His Command to whom of His slaves He pleases (saying): “Warn mankind that La ilaha illa Ana (none has the right to be worshipped but I), so fear Me (by abstaining from sins and evil deeds).” [Soorah Nahl:Aayaat: 1-2] 

This (i.e. the sound creed, Tawheed, sincerity in worship) are the greatest affair in the revelation.

Some Virtues of the Sound Creed

[1] (The sound creed) is the basis upon which the Religion of Allaah is built. This is manifested in the parable in the  Ayah:

أَلَمْ تَرَ كَيْفَ ضَرَبَ اللَّهُ مَثَلًا كَلِمَةً طَيِّبَةً كَشَجَرَةٍ طَيِّبَةٍ أَصْلُهَا ثَابِتٌ وَفَرْعُهَا فِي السَّمَاءِ تُؤْتِي

أُكُلَهَا كُلَّ حِينٍ بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهَا وَيَضْرِبُ اللَّهُ الْأَمْثَالَ لِلنَّاسِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَذَكَّرُونَ

”See you not how Allah sets forth a parable? – A goodly word as a goodly tree, whose root is firmly fixed, and its branches (reach) to the sky (i.e. very high). Giving its fruit at all times, by the Leave of its Lord and Allah sets forth parables for mankind in order that they may remember.” [Soorah Ibraaheem: Aayaat: 24-25]

”Whose (i.e. this tree) roots are firmly fixed, and its branches (reach) to the sky (i.e. very high)”

The firmness of these roots are [the (sound) Creed, (sound) Eemaan, and Sincerity in worshipping Allaah alone]. Then the branches are made strong and the fruits are produced. Its roots are firmly fixed, and what is well known is that a tree cannot be of benefit when its roots are not firmly fixed. If the roots are firm, the branches will be strong and the fruits are produced. This is a parable in explanation of the Religion of Islaam and the status of the sound creed in the Religion.

And if you wish to know the status of the sound creed in the Religion of Allaah, then look at the date palm tree because the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said that the goodly tree which has been compared to the believer is the date palm tree. Ibn Umar (radiyallaahu-anhumaa) narrated: While we were with the Messenger of Allaah (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam), he said: ‘’Inform me of a tree which resembles a Muslim man. Its leaves do not fall and it does not, and does not, and does not; and it gives its fruits every now and then.’’ It came to my mind that such a tree must be the date palm, but seeing Abu Bakr and Umar saying nothing, I disliked to speak. So when they did not say anything, the Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said: ‘’It is the date-palm tree’’………[Al-Bukhaari: Vol 6: Number: 4698]

This (hadeeth) shows the nobility of this tree amongst the trees, because Allaah specified it and compared it to the believer. The date-palm tree has roots which are firmly fixed and deeply rooted, and it seeks after water by way of which it is given life. And whenever there is water, its roots seek after it; likewise the heart of the believer seeks after Allaah’s revelation by way of which it is given life. Allaah (The Most High) said:

 أَلَمْ يَأْنِ لِلَّذِينَ آَمَنُوا أَنْ تَخْشَعَ قُلُوبُهُمْ لِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ وَمَا نَزَلَ مِنَ الْحَقِّ وَلَا يَكُونُوا كَالَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ مِنْ قَبْلُ فَطَالَ عَلَيْهِمُ الْأَمَدُ فَقَسَتْ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَكَثِيرٌ مِنْهُمْ فَاسِقُونَ  اعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ يُحْيِي الْأَرْضَ بَعْدَ مَوْتِهَا قَدْ بَيَّنَّا لَكُمُ الْآَيَاتِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَعْقِلُونَ

”Has not the time come for the hearts of those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah – Islamic Monotheism) to be affected by Allah’s Reminder (this Qur’an), and that which has been revealed of the truth, lest they become as those who received the Scripture [the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] before (i.e. Jews and Christians), and the term was prolonged for them and so their hearts were hardened? And many of them were Fasiqun (rebellious, disobedient to Allah). Know that Allah gives life to the earth after its death! Indeed We have made clear the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) to you, if you but understand.” [Soorah Al-Hadeed: Ayah:16]

Allaah revives the dead earth by way of water; so just as a tree is given life by way of water and dies when deprived of water; likewise, the hearts cannot be alive, except by way of the revelation. And if (the hearts) are deprived of the revelation, they become dead. And that is why whenever a person is distanced from the revelation, he comes closer to death (i.e. his heart comes closer to corruption), and whenever he comes closer to the revelation, his heart is given life (i.e. obedience to Allaah, worshipping Allaah alone, distanced from sin etc) in accordance with his closeness to the revelation.

———————————————————————————————————————–

[Source: Al-Madkhal Lidiraasat Aqeedah Al-Islaamiyyah’ by Shaikh Abdur-Razzaaq Al-Badr ‘ lesson 3..Abridged and Extracted benefits]

 

From the Miracles of the Messengers- Hud [alayhis-salaam]

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

Imaam Sadi (rahimahullaah) said:

And had it been that there was nothing else from the miracles of the Messengers other than the religion they were sent with, then this would have (sufficed) as the greatest evidence that the religion is from Allaah because of its (perfect) rulings and regulations, which (perfectly) measures all beneficial affairs and the truthfulness of its information in every era; its command towards every good and prohibition of every evil.  Every Messenger (spoke) about the truthfulness of the (other) Messenger who came before him or was to come after him and bore witness for him.

And from the special miracles of Prophet Hud (alayhis-salaam) was that he was alone in carrying out his call; (alone) in discrediting their superstitions; declaring them misguided and rebuking their idols.  They were a people of violence, strength and tyranny, and indeed they did threaten him with their idols that he will be afflicted with madness or evil if he did not stop (calling them to Tawheed); so (Allaah informed us that Hud) challenged them in public and said to them openly:

قَالَ إِنِّىٓ أُشۡہِدُ ٱللَّهَ وَٱشۡہَدُوٓاْ أَنِّى بَرِىٓءٌ۬ مِّمَّا تُشۡرِكُونَ

مِن دُونِهِۦ‌ۖ فَكِيدُونِى جَمِيعً۬ا ثُمَّ لَا تُنظِرُونِ

إِنِّى تَوَكَّلۡتُ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ رَبِّى وَرَبِّكُم‌ۚ مَّا مِن دَآبَّةٍ إِلَّا هُوَ ءَاخِذُۢ بِنَاصِيَتِہَآ‌ۚ إِنَّ رَبِّى عَلَىٰ صِرَٲطٍ۬ مُّسۡتَقِيمٍ۬

”I call Allah to witness and bear you witness that I am free from that which you ascribe as partners in worship; With Him (Allah). So plot against me, all of you, and give me no respite. I put my trust in Allah, my Lord and your Lord! There is not a moving (living) creature but He has grasp of its forelock. Verily, my Lord is on the Straight Path (the truth).’’ [Hood; Ayaat: 54-56]

They were not able to harm him, so what miracle can be greater than this challenge to those enemies- those who were eager to destroy his call through every means! And when their transgression was to come to an end, he turned away from them and warned them of the arrival of a punishment.  The punishment came upon at a time in which they were greatly in need of rain.  So when they rejoiced, as (Allaah) said:

[فَلَمَّا رَأَوۡهُ عَارِضً۬ا مُّسۡتَقۡبِلَ أَوۡدِيَتِہِمۡ قَالُواْ هَـٰذَا عَارِضٌ۬ مُّمۡطِرُنَا‌ۚ- ”Then, when they saw it as a dense cloud coming towards their valleys, they said: “This is a cloud bringing us rain!” but Allaah said: [بَلۡ هُوَ مَا ٱسۡتَعۡجَلۡتُم بِهِ- ”Nay, but it is that (torment) which you were asking to be hastened!” due to your saying to Hud: [فَأۡتِنَا بِمَا تَعِدُنَآ إِن كُنتَ مِنَ ٱلصَّـٰدِقِينَ -”Then bring us that with which you threaten us, if you are one of the truthful!] And Allaah said (about the punishment that finally came upon them): [رِيحٌ۬ فِيہَا عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ۬] ”A wind wherein is a painful torment!” [تُدَمِّرُ كُلَّ شَىۡءِۭ بِأَمۡرِ رَبِّہَا- ”Destroying everything by the Command of its Lord]’ [Ahqaaf: Ayaat: 22-25]

 ——————————————————–

[Source: Qisasul Anbiyaa: page: 70-71]