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The Only Determinant of Nobility-[By Imaam Ash-Shaatibee]

Written by Masjid Al Furqan on . Posted in Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Imaam Ash’Shaatibee [rahimahullaah] said:

Know that Allaah has established this sharee’ah as a proof against the creation [i.e. mankind and jinn] – the old and young alike; the obedient and the disobedient; the righteous and the wicked. Allaah did not specify the proofs against anyone in exclusion of others. Likewise, all the other revealed laws were established as proof against the other nations to whom those laws were revealed.

The Sharee’ah is the judge- restrictedly and unrestrictedly. It is the judge for all those who have reached the age of responsibility. It is the path connected to [what Allaah has ordained] and the Greatest Guide. And have you not seen the statement of Allaah [The Most High]:

وَكَذَٲلِكَ أَوۡحَيۡنَآ إِلَيۡكَ رُوحً۬ا مِّنۡ أَمۡرِنَا‌ۚ مَا كُنتَ تَدۡرِى مَا ٱلۡكِتَـٰبُ وَلَا ٱلۡإِيمَـٰنُ وَلَـٰكِن جَعَلۡنَـٰهُ نُورً۬ا نَّہۡدِى بِهِۦ مَن نَّشَآءُ مِنۡ عِبَادِنَا‌ۚ وَإِنَّكَ لَتَہۡدِىٓ إِلَىٰ صِرَٲطٍ۬ مُّسۡتَقِيمٍ۬

And thus We have sent to you (O Muhammad) Ruhan (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-Shooraa. Ayah: 52]

He [alayhis salaatu wassalaam] was the first to be guided to the Book and Eemaan, and then those who followed him. The Book is the Guide and also the Sunnah which was revealed to him explains that guidance [i.e. the Sunnah and the Qur’aan explain each other]. All the creation [i.e. mankind and Jinn] are guided by it.

So when this is the case, the Sharee’ah is worthy of being a decisive proof against them and a guide by way of which they are guided to the truth. Their nobility is established in accordance with how much they embrace its rulings- through acting upon them in speech, belief and deeds– and not merely due to the level of their intellects or their nobility amongst their people. That is because Allaah [The Most High] determined nobility through Taqwa and not other than it. Allaah [The Most High] said:

[إِنَّ أَڪۡرَمَكُمۡ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ أَتۡقَٮٰكُمۡ‌ۚ- Verily, the most honourable of you with Allah is that (believer) who has At-Taqwa] [49:13]

The one who is the firmest in adherence to the Sharee’ah is more worthy of honour and nobility; therefore, honour is [measured] in accordance with one’s [level of adherence] to the Sharee’ah.

[Source: Al-Itisaam 3/434. Abridged and slightly paraphrased]

 

A Test for all of Us – [If You Really Love Allaah, Then Follow the Messenger’s Sunnah]

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

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

Allaah [The Most High] said in Surah Aali Imraan Ayah 31:

[قُلۡ إِن كُنتُمۡ تُحِبُّونَ ٱللَّهَ فَٱتَّبِعُونِى يُحۡبِبۡكُمُ ٱللَّهُ وَيَغۡفِرۡ لَكُمۡ ذُنُوبَكُمۡ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ غَفُورٌ۬ رَّحِيمٌ۬ – Say (O Muhammad to mankind): “If you (really) love Allah then follow me, Allah will love you and forgive you of your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful];

This Ayah is conveyed to everyone who claims to love Allaah, whilst he [or she] is not one who truly follows Allaah’s Prophet Muhammad [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam]- neither obeys the Prophet’s command nor keeping away from what the Prophet has forbidden. So unless he or she [i.e. the one who claims to love Allaah] truly follows the Messenger, then indeed he [or she] is not truthful in his [or her] claim. [Ref 1]

Allaah [The Most High] also said in Surah Aali Imraan Ayah 32:

[قُلۡ أَطِيعُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَٱلرَّسُولَ‌ۖ فَإِن تَوَلَّوۡاْ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلۡكَـٰفِرِينَ – Say (O Muhammad): “Obey Allah and the Messenger (Muhammad).” But if they turn away, then Allah does not like the disbelievers]; Meaning: Say O Messenger [to the people]: Obey Allaah by following His Book [i.e. the Qur’aan], and obey the Messenger by following his Sunnah -whether you were present during his lifetime or present after he has passed away. [Ref 2]

Allaah [The Most High] also said in Surah Al-Hujuraat Aayaat 1 & 2:

[يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تُقَدِّمُوا بَيْنَ يَدَيِ اللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ ۖ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ – O you who believe! Do not put (yourselves) forward before Allah and His Messenger, and fear Allah. Verily! Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.

[يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تَرْفَعُوا أَصْوَاتَكُمْ فَوْقَ صَوْتِ النَّبِيِّ  – O you who believe! Raise not your voices above the voice of the Prophet…]

When it is the case that Allaah forbade [them] from giving precedence to [themselves] over the Messenger, then which type of giving precedence to oneself over the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] can be more severe than giving precedence to one’s intellect over the revelation he was sent with? Many of the Salaf have stated [that this ayah means]: ‘’Neither say anything [about the religion] until the messenger speaks nor act until he commands you.’’

The most disobedient person amongst the people and the most severe with regards to giving precedence to himself [or herself] over the Messenger is that one who gives precedence to his [or her] intellect or the intellect of another person over the revelation the Messenger was sent with. And when it is the case that Allaah has indeed forbidden them from raising their voices above the voice of the Messenger, then how about raising their intellects above the statements of the Messenger and the revelation he came with? [Ref 3]

[Ref 1: (Tafseer Al-Muyassar). Abridged & slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 2: (Tafseer Al-Muyassar). Abridged & slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 3: (Al-Waabil as-Sayyib’ by Imaam Ibnul Qayyim’ page: 21). Abridged & slightly paraphrased]

 

The Fundamental Principles of The Deen Revolve Around Three Ahaadeeth

Written by Masjid Al Furqan on . Posted in Scholars of Islam, Seeking Knowledge, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Imaam as-Sa’di [rahimahullaah] said that Imaam Ahmad [rahimahullaah] said: ”The Usool [Fundamental Principles of Islaam] revolves around three ahaadeeth:

1.”The lawful is clear and the unlawful is clear…”
2. ”Indeed, actions are judged by intentions…”
3. ”Whoever performs an action that is not from our affair [i.e. the Qur’aan and the authentic Sunnah] will have it rejected…”

Deeds either fall under commandments or prohibitions.  The first hadeeth- [The lawful is clear and the unlawful is clear] – is about unlawful actions. As for the second hadeeth– [Indeed, actions are judged by intention] – then commandments are either related to one’s intention and the aspiration of the heart, or the apparent physical actions, and thirdly these actions [i.e. acts of worship] are legislated in conformity with the Sunnah.

[Source: Tareequl Wusool Ilal Ilmul Mamool Bi-Marifatil Qawaa-id Wad-dawaabit Wal-Usool’ Page 23. Slightly paraphrased]

Noble Manners and Etiquettes Revolve Around Four Ahaadeeth

Written by Masjid Al Furqan 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

Ibn Abee Zayd Al-Qayrawaani [rahimahullaah] said: All noble manners and etiquettes revolve around four ahaadeeth.

The First Hadeeth: “Whoever believes in Allaah and the last day then let him speak good or keep silent”.

This Hadeeth teaches us about restraining the tongue from (evil, false, doubtful speech etc); for whoever is unable to restrain his tongue from (these blameworthy affairs) is not considered to be from the people of good manners.

The Second Hadeeth: “Part of the perfection of a person’s Islam is to leave that which does not concern him.”

This Hadeeth teaches us to refrain from engaging in excess and that which does not concern us. The person who concerns himself with those affairs of the people that do not concern him – either by listening, looking or speaking -is not considered to be from the people of good manners.

The Third Hadeeth: A man said to the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasalam) “Advise me.” He said, “Do not become angry.” The man repeated his request several times, and each time the Prophet said to him, “Do not become angry.”

This Hadeeth teaches us self-restraint when we are angry. That is because anger is the basis of every evil in speech and action. Whoever cannot restrain himself (or herself) from (evil) when he is angry cannot be considered to be from the people of good manners.

The Fourth Hadeeth: None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.

This Hadeeth is a means of rectifying the heart and soul, so that a person’s heart is free from harbouring malice, hatred, envy towards his Muslim brothers and sisters.

Conclusion:

If a person acquires a precise understanding of these four ahaadeeth and acts upon them, they have indeed acted on all the affairs related to good manners and etiquettes. These four Hadeeth comprise of four affairs:

Restraining the tongue from (evil, false, doubtful speech etc)

Restraining oneself from excess – be it by way of speech, looking, listening etc

Restraining oneself from evil desires and wishes during anger.

To have a heart free from unjustified hatred; blameworthy envy (i.e. wishing that blessings bestowed on others should cease) and malice etc

[Lesson15. Explanation of the forty Hadeeth of Imaam An-Nawawi’ (rahimahullaah) by Shaikh Abdur-Razzaaq Al-Badr (may Allaah preserve him). Paraphrased]

 

Knowledge Should Keep You Away From Foolishness!

Written by Masjid Al Furqan on . Posted in Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors.

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

Imaam Sufyan Ibn Uyaynah (rahimahullaah) said: If my morning is like that of the foolish and my night like that of the ignorant, then what will I do with the knowledge I have written?’’ [Source: Akhlaaq Al-Ulamaa’ page 44’ by Imaam Al-Aajurree (rahimahullaah)]

Reminder:

Repentance:

https://www.salaficentre.com/2012/03/abridged-the-best-way-to-seek-allaahs-forgiveness-with-comments-from-imaam-bin-baaz-rahimahullaah/

Salah At-Tawbah

http://www.salaficentre.com/2016/08/salaah-tawbah-prayer-repentance/

They say, ‘’Busying Oneself with Refutations Is Not Correct!’’ – Shaikh Rabee Responds To This Claim

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

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

They say, ‘’Busying Oneself with Refutations Is Not Correct!’’

Shaikh Rabee [may Allaah preserve him] responded to the above as follows:

The people used to read -a lot- the books of deviated views and the libraries were rotting and filled with the books of misguidance and bidah, but they [i.e. those who object when one looks into the books of refutations] did not speak in this manner. However, when the people began to [truly follow] the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah based upon the methodology of the Pious Predecessors and found those books that warned them against Bidah and misguidance, they [i.e. those who object when one looks into the books of refutation] said, “Do not busy yourselves with these affairs; do not abandon knowledge”.

These refutations are from affairs of knowledge. To be acquainted with guidance and [distinguishing it] from misguidance; to be acquainted with good and [distinguishing it] from evil -by Allaah – is from knowledge that will protect [a person], just as Hudhaifah [radiyallaahu-anhu] said, “The people used to ask the Messenger of Allaah about the good, but I used to ask him about the evil out of fear of falling into it”. The books of the people of bidah and misguidance must be known by way of the books that refute them. So unless this happens, then [one should know that] many of the youth were not ruined except when they were deprived of the likes of these books that protect them. There is a means of protection for the youth in these books [i.e. the books written by the scholars to refute errors, misguidance and ahlul bidah etc].

[Abridged & slightly paraphrased. Source: Juhoodul Allaamah Rabee Al-Madkhali Fee Naqdi Shubuhaatil Hizbiyyeen’ page 80-81]

 

The One Who Praises An Innovator Is One of Two People- By Shaikh Saaleh Al-Fawzaan

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Calling To Islam - 'Da'wa', Innovations In Islam (Bidah), Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Shaikh Saaleh Al-Fawzaan [may Allaah preserve him] said:

It is not permissible to exalt and praise the innovators even if they have some truth with them. That is because raising and praising them will spread their bidah and place them amongst the sincere ones-those who are taken as examples amongst distinguished men of this Ummah. The Salaf warned against having trust for the innovators, [warned against] praising them and their gatherings. In this regard, Asad Ibn Musa [rahimahullaah] wrote: ‘’Beware of being a brother of the innovator [by association] or a companion of his, or one whom you sit with; for indeed it has been narrated that ‘Whoever sits with a person of innovation has left the protection of Allaah and is entrusted to himself’.

The innovators must be warned against and shunned even if they have some truth with them. Indeed, the most astray are not devoid of some truth, but as long as they have with them innovation, opposition and sinful views, it is not permissible to praise and exalt them. It is impermissible to not have an objection against their innovation because this spreads bidah, belittles the Sunnah and by way of this the innovator will emerge and become a guide for the Ummah.

As for giving consideration [to the fact] that the innovator has some truth, this does not justify praising him. This is -to a far greater extent- against what is of overriding benefit and it is known- in relation to a principle in the religion- that preventing harm takes precedence over seeking that which is of benefit. And with regards to having hatred for the innovator, the harm that is prevented from the Ummah is weightier than the benefit possessed by the innovator. And had we adhered to this concept [i.e. praising an innovator because he has some truth with him], then no one would have been judged to be misguided and declared an innovator. That is because there is not an innovator except that he has some truth and adherence to the Sunnah. The innovator [may] neither be a disbeliever nor be in opposition to all the Islamic legislation; rather he is either an innovator in some or most of the affairs. [Ref 1] However, if the innovation is particularly related to affairs of Creed and Methodology, then the affair is dangerous indeed because it will become an example [to be followed], innovation will spread and the innovators will become active in spreading their innovation.

So, this person who praises innovators and makes their affair obscure to the people -due to some truth they have – is one of two [people]: He is either one ignorant of the methodology of the pious predecessors and their stance against the innovators, and it is neither permissible for this ignorant one to speak nor is it permissible for the Muslims to listen to him; or he is one who has an objection to the truth because he knows the danger of innovation and the innovators, but he wishes to spread innovations. Nevertheless, this is a dangerous affair and it is not permissible to be lackadaisical with regards to innovation and its people, whatever that may be.

[Source: At-Tabdee Wat-Tafseeq Wat Takfeer. Page: 72-76. Abridged and slightly paraphrased]

Ref 1: Bidah Al-Mukaffirah and Bidah Al-Mufassiqah:

Bidah Al-Mukaffirah: It is the Bidah that is tantamount to disbelief. Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi Al-Madkhali (may Allaah preserve him) was asked whether there is a difference between Bidah Al-Mukaffirah and Bidah Al-Mufassiqah; so Shaikh said that there is Bidah Mukaffirah, such as rejecting the Ruyah (i.e. denying that the believers will see Allaah in the afterlife); rejecting Allaah’s Uluww [i.e. denying that Allaah is above his creation –Allaah ascended over the Throne in a way that benefits his majesty)]; invoking other than Allaah; offering slaughtered sacrifice (i.e. animals) to other than Allaah etc. These are affairs of Bidah Al-Mukaffirah (the bidah that is tantamount to disbelief).

But we do not make Takfeer of the people who commit this type of Bidah until we establish the proofs against them. That is because some of them (i.e. the people who fall into these affairs) carry doubts and are far away from the era of Prophethood and its light (i.e. guidance). So they fall into the likes these innovations.

Rejecting the Ruyah is disbelief; rejecting Allaah’s Uluww is disbelief; the saying that the Qur’aan is created is disbelief-major disbelief. But this person, -[who testifies that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah and that Muhammad is the messenger of Allaah, and he prays,  observes fasting, wants paradise and believes in that] -received the doubts of the people of falsehood, so he falls into the likes of these affairs (i.e. these innovations that are tantamount to disbelief). So we say to him: You have fallen into disbelief and the evidence is this and this, and we clarify for him.  So if Allaah grants him Tawfeeq and he returns to the truth, then all praise is due to Allaah. But if not, we declare him a disbeliever after establishing the proofs against him.

As for Bidah Al-Mufassiqah it is other than this (i.e. it is not at the level of that which is tantamount to disbelief)…. [Abridged and paraphrased, see www.rabee.net/ar/questions.php?cat=26&id=484 ]

 

Istighfaar at all Times, Especially When One Reaches the Beginning of the End of His [Or Her] Life

Written by Masjid Al Furqan on . Posted in Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allaah (The Most High) said:

إِذَا جَاءَ نَصْرُ اللَّهِ وَالْفَتْحُ وَرَأَيْتَ النَّاسَ يَدْخُلُونَ فِي دِينِ اللَّهِ أَفْوَاجًا فَسَبِّحْ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّكَ وَاسْتَغْفِرْهُ إِنَّهُ كَانَ تَوَّابًا

When comes the Help of Allah (to you, O Muhammad against your enemies) and the conquest (of Makkah); and you see that the people enter Allah’s religion (Islam) in crowds; so glorify the Praises of your Lord, and ask for His Forgiveness. Verily, He is the One Who accepts the repentance and forgives. [Soorah An-Nasr]

Few Beneficial Reminders from Imaam Ibnul Qayyim (rahimahullaah):

This shows that Allaah has legislated Tawbah and Istighfaar at the end of deeds, such as at the end of Hajj and  the night prayer. Whenever the Prophet (sallal laahu alayhi wasallam) finished the prayer (i.e. compulsory prayer), he would say Astaghfirullaah three times. It is also legislated for the one who performs Wudhu- after completing his (or her) Wudhoo- to say: [اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْنِي مِنْ التَّوَّابِينَ ، وَاجْعَلْنِي مِنْ الْمُتَطَهِّرِينَ – O Allah! Make me one of those who repent and make me one of those who purify themselves (Ref A)]. Allaah made it known that Tawbah is legislated at the end of righteous deeds, so Allaah commanded His Messenger to make Istighfaar after fulfilling the propagation of the Message of Islaam and Jihaad in the path of Allaah, after the people entered the religion in crowds. Propagating Islaam is an act of worship and he (Messenger) did it perfectly and fulfilled it, so Istighfaar was legislated for him at the end. [Ref 1]

Few Beneficial Reminder from Imaam Sadi (rahimahullaa):

This shows that the lifespan of Allaah’s Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) was coming close to its end and that virtuous deeds, such as prayer, hajj and other deeds are concluded with Istighfaar. Therefore, Allaah commanded his Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) with glorification and Istighfaar in this situation (i.e. after the conquest of Makkah and after people entered into the religion in crowds) as an indication that his life span was coming to an end, so that he prepares himself to meet his Lord and seal his lifespan with best of deeds… [Ref 2]

Few Benefits from Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saaleh al-Uthaymeen (rahimahullaah):

When one contemplates on the wisdom behind this, it means that after the Help of Allaah came to pass and the conquest of Makkah, then indeed the end of your lifespan [i.e. the Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam)] is close and there is nothing left for you except glorifying the praises of your Lord and Istighfaar…[Ref 3] [End of quotes]

We ask Allaah (The Most Merciful) to forgive us our shortcomings and show us mercy, for indeed we can never fulfil what He has commanded in the manner it truly deserves to be fulfilled. We ask Allaah to grant us thabaat, sidq, ikhlaas and husnul khaatimah…Aameen

[Ref A: Hadeeth reported by Imaam at-tirmidhee (rahimahullaah). Number 55 & declared authentic by Imaam Albaani (rahimahullaah) in Saheeh At-tirmidhee number 48]

[Ref 1: Badaa’i At-Tafseer Al-Jaami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imaam Ibnul Qayyim’ Vol 3 page 381-382. Publisher: Daar Ibn Al-Jawziyyah 2nd  Ed. Year 1431AH. Abridged and slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 2: Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan’ Publisher: Daar Ibn Hazm 1st Ed. 1424AH (Year 2003). Abridged & slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 3: Tafseer Juz Amma’ pages 336- 337. Publisher: Daar Al-Baseerah. ISBN: 2003/11937]