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Tag: ibaadah

Khutba: Ihsaan

Written by Masjid Al Furqan on . Posted in Announcements, Khutbah (Friday Sermons).

Ustaadh Rayaan gives a tremendous Khutba regarding the highest level of Islaam. Ihsaan! Ustaadh touches upon the Hadith of Jibril and talks about this 3rd, highest level of Islaam.

Acquiring the level of Ihsaan requires exerting oneself and remaining patient upon that exertion.

Ihsaan is precision. A quality of being excellent and being proficient in performing the deeds. We should all aim for this level to gain that special closeness to Allaah. That greater reward and love from Allaah.

An Acknowledgement of The Respect Owed To The Upright Scholars And Students of Knowledge

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

In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy
Imaam As-Sadi [rahimahullaah] said: They [i.e. (the upright) scholars and teachers] are the mediators between the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] and his Ummah with regards to propagation of his religion and clarification of his sharee’ah. Had it not been for these ones, the people would have been like cattle. They are the ones who guide the Ummah in the fundamental and subsidiary affairs of their Religion. They return them to the rulings pertaining to the rights and dealings that are incumbent upon a person to fulfil, just as they return them to the affairs related to acts of worship. Through them, the Book and the Sunnah are established; truth is distinguished from falsehood, guidance is distinguished from misguidance, the lawful is distinguished from the unlawful, good is distinguished from evil, and [sound] rectification is distinguished from corruption.  They are of varying ranks, in accordance with what they establish of knowledge, teaching and benefit- great or small. They have great rights [to be fulfilled] by the ummah and are possessors of a lofty status.

Therefore, the people must have love and respect for them. They must recognise their excellence and virtue, and thank them greatly. They are to supplicate for them in private and public, and seek nearness to Allaah by having love for them and praising them. They are to proclaim their excellence; guard the hearts [from harbouring evil against them] and [prevent] the tongues [from] insulting them, for this would tarnish their excellence. [End of quote] [Ref 1]

Shaikh Uthaymeen’s [rahimahullaah] explanation in Sharh Hilyati Taalibil Ilm:
Beware of the disease of the despots: (pride) [1]; for indeed pride, avarice and [blameworthy] envy were the first [sins] Allaah was disobeyed with. [2] So raising yourself above your teacher is pride [3]; and being arrogant towards the one who benefits you from amongst those who are below you [in knowledge] is pride; [4] and your falling short in acting upon knowledge is a sludge of pride and an indication of being deprived of [well-being]. [5]

[1] The Prophet said: Pride is to reject the truth and mock at the people.

[2] This refers to shaytaan’s behaviour when he was commanded to prostrate to Aadam, but pride prevented him from doing so. He refused and was haughty.

[3] Raising oneself can either be by way of the tongue [i.e. speech] and it can also be by way of sentiments [feelings, attitude, behaviour etc]. He [i.e. the student] might be walking with his teacher, whilst swaggering and saying: I did this and I did this.

[4] Likewise, being arrogant towards the one who is below you in knowledge is pride. This also occurs from some of the students. If someone below him in knowledge informs him of something, you find him arrogant and does not accept.

[5] We ask Allaah for wellbeing because from the types of pride is to not act upon the knowledge one knows. [Ref 2]

Ref 1: Source: Noorul Basaa-ir Wal Albaab Fee Ahkaamil Ibaadaat Wal-Mu-aamalaat Wal Huqooq Wal Aadaab, page: 57-58′ by Imaam As-Sadi (rahimahullaah). Abridged and slightly paraphrased]

Ref 2: Source: Sharh Hilyati Taalibil Ilm’ pages 38-40′ by Shaikh Uthaymeen [rahimahullaah]. abridged & slightly paraphrased

Anal Sex is a Major Sin And An Unnatural Act- [Severe Warning And Rebuke By Imaam Ibnul Qayyim (rahimahullaah)]

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

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

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] said: The Quraish and the Ansaar used to approach their women from the back [i.e. sexual intercourse in the vagina whilst the wife is not lying down on her back], so the Yahood rebuked them for that. Then Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] revealed: [نِسَاؤُكُمْ حَرْثٌ لَّكُمْ فَأْتُوا حَرْثَكُمْ أَنَّىٰ شِئْتُمْ  – Your wives are a tilth for you, so go to your tilth (i.e. have sexual relations with your wives in any manner as long as it is in the vagina and not in the anus), when or how you will]. [2:223]

In the Saheehayn [Bukhaari and Muslim] it has been reported from Jaabir [radiyallaahu-anhu] who said: The Yahood used to say: If one has sexual intercourse with his wife from the back, she will deliver a squint-eyed child. So Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] revealed: [نِسَاؤُكُمْ حَرْثٌ لَّكُمْ فَأْتُوا حَرْثَكُمْ أَنَّىٰ شِئْتُمْ  – Your wives are a tilth for you, so go to your tilth (i.e. have sexual relations with your wives in any manner as long as it is in the vagina and not in the anus), when or how you will]. [1]

The vagina is the place of seeking after children. As for the anus, it has not been uttered on the tongue of a single Prophet among the Prophets that it is permissible [to have sexual intercourse in the anus]. Imaam Abu Daawud [rahimahullaah] reported in his Sunan from Abu Hurairah [radiyallaahu-anhu] that the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said: Cursed is the one who has sexual intercourse with his wife in the anus. [2]

If it is the case that Allaah has prohibited sexual intercourse through the vagina due to an apparent harm [i.e. at the time of menstruation or post natal bleeding], then what about the area [i.e. the anus] which is a place for the removal of harmful things [i.e. faeces] permanently.

The woman has a right to be fulfilled by the husband during sexual relations; therefore, to perform sexual intercourse with her through the anus is violation of this right. Anal intercourse neither fulfils her sexual desires nor does it reach its objective. Also, neither is the anus naturally prepared for this act nor was it created for that purpose; rather the vagina is the natural place prepared for sexual relations.

Sexual intercourse through the anus is harmful for the man; likewise it is greatly harmful for the woman because it is something very strange and far removed from innate natural human disposition.

It is from the greatest causes of punishment and blessings being taken away because it brings about Allaah’s Anger and Curse. It also deprives the person of shyness because shyness gives life to the heart [i.e. makes it hate and stay away from evil (and) repugnant acts]. However, if the heart is deprived of this shyness, it starts beautifying repugnant acts and declaring good acts repugnant, and thus corruption becomes strengthened and dominant.

[Source: بدائع التفسير الجامع لما فسَّره الإمام ابن القيم الجوزية Abridged and slightly paraphrased. Vol 1. Page: 176-177]

[1] Bukhaari. Number: 4528

[2] Hadeeth declared Hasan by Imaam Albaani (rahimahullaah) in his checking of Sunan Abu Dawud. Hadeeth Number: 2162. Page: 327. Publisher: Maktabah Al-Ma-aarif

Our Lord Forbade Us from Pleading On Behalf of Those Known for Treachery In Religious Or Worldly Affairs

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

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

Allaah [The Most High] said:

إِنَّآ أَنزَلۡنَآ إِلَيۡكَ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ بِٱلۡحَقِّ لِتَحۡكُمَ بَيۡنَ ٱلنَّاسِ بِمَآ أَرَٮٰكَ ٱللَّهُ‌ۚ وَلَا تَكُن لِّلۡخَآٮِٕنِينَ خَصِيمً۬ا

Surely, We have sent down to you [O Muhammad] the Book in truth that you might judge between people by that which Allah has shown you, so be not a pleader for the treacherous. [Soorah An-Nisaa Aayah 105]

Meaning: Do not argue for the one whose treachery is known, such as the one who pursues what does not belong to him or rejects a right he must fulfil, whether he is aware of it or not.  In this is proof to [establish] that it is forbidden to argue based on falsehood and to plead [on behalf] of one who makes a false claim –in religious or worldly disputes. On the other hand, it is permissible to plead on behalf of someone -in a dispute- who is not known for treachery [or deception].

[Source: Tayseer al-Kareem ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam al-Mannaan. abridged & paraphrased]

 

[4] Excerpts from The Dispraise of [Unrestrained] Desires – By Imaam Ibnul Jawzi [Seven Contemplations Regarding Its Evil Outcomes]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

[1] A person should ponder upon the fact that a human being was not created so that he can fulfil desires; rather he was facilitated [with sound knowledge based on the divine revelation and uncorrupted perception] to reflect on the consequences of his actions and perform righteous deeds for the Afterlife. An animal receives pleasure through eating, drinking and sex much more than a human being, whilst living a life devoid of reflection and concern. Therefore, it is drawn towards its desires due to being ignorant of the outcomes of its actions [i.e. it does not possess the knowledge given to humans through sound reasoning and reflection guided by the divine revelation].

[2] A person should ponder upon the consequences of [unrestrained] desires, because many people are deprived of virtue and find themselves in a state of depravity due to it. And how many types of [unhealthy] food are there that leads to illness due to an unrestrained desire [for them]! And how many mistakes violates the honour of a person, leads to an evil mention of him as well as the guilt of sinning due to unrestrained desires, yet he still does not give thought to anything else except his desires! The best description regarding him is that of one who finds himself in a tannery, for he does not really notice its smell properly until he exits it and then realises where he was.

[3] A sensible person should imagine the dishonour that will come to him due to his [unrestrained] desires and the harm that results from those [unrestrained] pleasures, for indeed he will see that- in most cases- they occur as result of those desires and pleasures.

[4] A person should think about how [the consequences of unrestrained desires and pleasures do affect] others, then he should ponder and get a hint of its [unpraiseworthy] end results, for indeed he will see the blameworthiness of that which is known regarding them if he were to be guilty of it.

[5] A person should reflect upon those [unrestrained] pleasures, because [sound] intellect [or sound perception guided by the pure divine revelation] will make him realise that they are nothing more than [lowly] desires and a state of blindness.

[6] A person should contemplate on the honour a person receives due to been given the upper hand and the humiliation found in subjugation, for indeed there is none who overcomes his [lowly] desires except that his honour is strengthened; and there is none who is subjugated by his desires except that he will find humiliation and subjugation in his soul.

[7] A person should contemplate on the benefits of opposing one’s [lowly] desires, such as the commendation attached to it in this worldly life, safety of the soul and safeguard of one’s honour, as well as reward in the afterlife.

Source: Dhammul Hawaa’ pages 37-38. Abridged and slightly paraphrased

 

[1] Excerpts From ‘The Dispraise of [Unrestrained] Desires’ – By Imaam Ibul Jawzi [rahimahullaah]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Imaam Ibnul Jawzi [rahimahullaah] said:

know that uncontrolled desires [i.e. the desires that violate the commands, prohibitions and pure Islamic principles] urges a person towards [engagement] in immediate pleasures without him pondering upon its evil consequences; and urges him towards short-lived pleasures, even though it is a cause of pain and harm in this life and a barrier to pleasure in the afterlife. As for a sensible person, he keeps away from pleasures whose result will be pain and desires whose result is regret. This is enough as praise regarding what sound intellect necessitates and a rebuke against uncontrolled desires.

Dhammul Hawaa page 36. Slightly paraphrased]

 

Speaking Too Much Without Remembrance of Allaah Hardens The Heart – [By Shaikh Fawzaan]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

The Hardening of a young man’s heart due to (excessive speech): Shaikh Fawzaan (may Allaah preserve him) says that this is among those first corrupt affairs related to excessive speech. If a person’s speech is too much without remembrance of Allaah, then indeed it hardens his heart. That is because he will be heedless of the remembrance of Allaah, and if he is heedless of the remembrance of Allaah, his heart will become hard. And the heart that is most distanced from Allaah is the hardened heart, which is not softened through the remembrance of Allaah.  [Glorified and Exalted Be He]. [Allaah said]:

أَلَمْ يَأْنِ لِلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَن تَخْشَعَ قُلُوبُهُمْ لِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ وَمَا نَزَلَ مِنَ الْحَقِّ

وَلَا يَكُونُوا كَالَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ مِن قَبْلُ فَطَالَ عَلَيْهِمُ الْأَمَدُ فَقَسَتْ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَكَثِيرٌ مِّنْهُمْ فَاسِقُونَ

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).

[Allaah said]: [ثُمَّ قَسَتْ قُلُوبُكُم مِّن بَعْدِ ذَلِكَ فَهِيَ كَالْحِجَارَةِ أَوْ أَشَدُّ قَسْوَةً -Then, after that, your hearts were hardened and became as stones or even worse in hardness] [Surah Al-Baqarah Ayah 74]

The heart hardens, even though it is a soft (piece) of meat; however it can harden or even worse until it becomes harder than stones. This has been stated by way of Qur’aanic text: [ثُمَّ قَسَتْ قُلُوبُكُم مِّن بَعْدِ ذَلِكَ – Then, after that, your hearts were hardened]- that was after the children of Israel witnessed the great lesson (or sign); – regarding the murdered person who was brought back to life, which should have softened the hearts but they did not benefit from it. [Allaah said]:

ثُمَّ قَسَتْ قُلُوبُكُم مِّن بَعْدِ ذَلِكَ فَهِيَ كَالْحِجَارَةِ أَوْ أَشَدُّ قَسْوَةً وَإِنَّ مِنَ الْحِجَارَةِ لَمَا يَتَفَجَّرُ مِنْهُ الأَنْهَارُ وَإِنَّ مِنْهَا لَمَا يَشَّقَّقُ فَيَخْرُجُ مِنْهُ الْمَاء وَإِنَّ مِنْهَا لَمَا يَهْبِطُ مِنْ خَشْيَةِ اللّهِ

Then, after that, your hearts were hardened and became as stones or even worse in hardness. And indeed, there are stones out of which rivers gush forth, and indeed, there are of them (stones) which split asunder so that water flows from them, and indeed, there are of them (stones) which fall down for fear of Allah] [Surah Al-Baqarah Ayah 74]

Therefore, if you want to soften your heart, then abandon excessive speech and busy yourself with the remembrance of Allaah, for indeed that will soften your heart.

[Abridged and paraphrased. Source: It’haaf At-Tullaab Bi-Sharh Mandhoomah Al-Aadaab’ page 86]

Our Salaf – Abdullaah Ibn Umar [radiyallaahu-anhumaa] and His Jewish Neighbour

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

A Sheep was slaughtered for Abdullaah Ibn Umar [radiyallaahu-anhumaa], so he said to his slave: Have you given to our Jewish neighbour? Have you given to our Jewish neighbours? I heard the Messenger of Allaah [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] saying: Jibreel did not cease advising me [about the rights of] a neighbour until I thought that he [a neighbour] would inherit from me.

 

Beware of Pride-Disease of The Despots! [A Warning to The Seekers of Knowledge- By Shaikh Uthaymeen (rahimahullaah)]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Seeking Knowledge, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Beware of the disease of the despots: (pride) [1]; for indeed pride, avarice and [blameworthy] envy were the first [sins] Allaah was disobeyed with. [2] So raising yourself above your teacher is pride [3]; and being arrogant towards the one who benefits you from amongst those who are below you [in knowledge] is pride; [4] and your falling short in acting upon knowledge is a sludge of pride and an indication of being deprived of [well-being]. [5]

[1] The Prophet said: Pride is to reject the truth and mock at the people.

[2] This refers to shaytaan’s behaviour when he was commanded to prostrate to Aadam, but pride prevented him from doing so. He refused and was haughty.

[3] Raising oneself can either be by way of the tongue [i.e. speech] and it can also be by way of sentiments [feelings, attitude, behaviour etc]. He [i.e. the student] might be walking with his teacher, whilst swaggering and saying: I did this and I did this.

[4] Likewise, being arrogant towards the one who is below you in knowledge is pride. This also occurs from some of the students. If someone below him in knowledge informs him of something, you find him arrogant and does not accept.

[5] We ask Allaah for wellbeing because from the types of pride is to not act upon the knowledge one knows.

Your feedback is welcomed to improve the content of this article Jazaakumullaahu Khayran

Source: Sharh Hilyati Taalibil Ilm’ pages 38-40′

By Shaikh Uthaymeen [rahimahullaah]. abridged & slightly paraphrased

Khutba: Remember Allaah

Written by Masjid Al Furqan on . Posted in Announcements, Khutbah (Friday Sermons).

In this Khutbah Ustaadh Rayaan gives an amazing reminder of the benefits of being in constant remembrance of Allaah.

We should fear Allaah as He should be feared, and the best way to fear Allaah is to remember Him constantly. We are in need of remembering Him, for He is The One we will stand before on The Day of Judgement. We are obligated to remember Allaah for it is something that gives life to our hearts.

“Therefore remember Me (by praying, glorifying, etc.). I will remember you.” – Surah Al-Baqarah [2:152] – Al-Qur’an

Our lips should be moist with the remembrance of Allaah, for remembering Allaah makes the hearts tremble with fear. This is a beneficial fear that increases our Eemaan, and Allaah has promised forgiveness & a great reward for those that remember Him.

“He it is Who sent down As-Sakinah (calmness and tranquillity) into the hearts of the believers” – Surah Al-Fath [48:4] – Al-Qur’an

For the one who does not remember Allaah, their hearts gradually harden until reaching a state of death, even though it beats physically and the person is still alive.

Ustaadh Rayaan ends the khutba describing the best ways in which we can remember Allaah in accordance with the Sunnah of His Messenger (Sallallaahu ‘alahi wa salam)