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Some Lofty Qualities of a Successful Believer [Sura Ra’d Aayaat 19-24] [May Allaah Grant Us These Qualities Aameen]

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

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

Allaah [The Most High] said in Surah Ar-Rad Aayaat 19-24:

[أَفَمَن يَعۡلَمُ أَنَّمَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيۡكَ مِن رَّبِّكَ ٱلۡحَقُّ كَمَنۡ هُوَ أَعۡمَىٰٓ‌ۚ إِنَّمَا يَتَذَكَّرُ أُوْلُواْ ٱلۡأَلۡبَـٰبِ – Shall he then who knows that what has been revealed unto you (O Muhammad) from your Lord is the truth be like him who is blind? But it is only the men of understanding that pay heed] – Meaning: Only the people with [uncorrupt] intellect will pay heed and take admonition.

[ٱلَّذِينَ يُوفُونَ بِعَهۡدِ ٱللَّهِ وَلَا يَنقُضُونَ ٱلۡمِيثَـٰقَ –Those who fulfill the Covenant of Allah and break not the Mithaq (bond, treaty, covenant)]- Meaning: Those who fulfil that which they have been commanded.

[وَٱلَّذِينَ يَصِلُونَ مَآ أَمَرَ ٱللَّهُ بِهِۦۤ أَن يُوصَلَ وَيَخۡشَوۡنَ رَبَّہُمۡ وَيَخَافُونَ سُوٓءَ ٱلۡحِسَابِ – Those who join that which Allah has commanded to be joined (i.e. they are good to their relatives and do not sever the bond of kinship), fear their Lord, and dread the terrible reckoning (i.e. abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which Allah has forbidden and perform all kinds of good deeds which Allah has ordained)].

[ وَٱلَّذِينَ صَبَرُواْ ٱبۡتِغَآءَ وَجۡهِ رَبِّہِمۡ وَأَقَامُواْ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَأَنفَقُواْ مِمَّا رَزَقۡنَـٰهُمۡ سِرًّ۬ا وَعَلَانِيَةً۬ وَيَدۡرَءُونَ بِٱلۡحَسَنَةِ ٱلسَّيِّئَةَ أُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ لَهُمۡ عُقۡبَى ٱلدَّارِ  – And those who remain patient, seeking their Lord’s Countenance, perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat), and spend out of that which We have bestowed on them, secretly and openly, and prevent evil with good, for such there is a good end]- Meaning: They exercise patience whilst carrying out what they have been commanded and seeking the pleasure of Allaah; they establish the five daily prayers and pay the Zakat; they prevent evil deeds by performing righteous deeds, forgive others the wrong they have done to them; they are forbearing and they prevent evil through repentance to Allaah.

[جَنَّـٰتُ عَدۡنٍ۬ يَدۡخُلُونَہَا وَمَن صَلَحَ مِنۡ ءَابَآٮِٕہِمۡ وَأَزۡوَٲجِهِمۡ وَذُرِّيَّـٰتِہِمۡ‌ۖ وَٱلۡمَلَـٰٓٮِٕكَةُ يَدۡخُلُونَ عَلَيۡہِم مِّن كُلِّ بَابٍ۬ –Adn (Eden) Paradise (everlasting Gardens), which they shall enter and (also) those who acted righteously from among their fathers, and their wives, and their offspring. And angels shall enter unto them from every gate (saying)];

[ سَلَـٰمٌ عَلَيۡكُم بِمَا صَبَرۡتُمۡ‌ۚ فَنِعۡمَ عُقۡبَى ٱلدَّارِ-Salamun ‘Alaikum (peace be upon you) for that you persevered in patience! Excellent indeed is the final home!”]

[Source: An Excerpt from Zaadul Maseer’ by Imaam Ibnul Jawzi (rahimahullaah). slightly paraphrased]

Three Types of Scholars And Their Knowledge – [Food For Thought For Tullaabul Ilm]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Belief - 'Aqeedah', 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 Shaybah [rahimahullaah] reported in Al-Musannaf and Abu Nu’aym [rahimahullaah] in Al-Hilya [5/12] with an authentic chain from Abu Muslim Al-Khawlaani [rahimahullaah], who said, “The scholars are three types: a man who lives with his knowledge and the people live with it alongside him, and a man who lives with his knowledge and none else lives with it alongside him. As for the third man, the people live with his knowledge and it destroys him”.

Shaikh Abdullaah Al-Bukhaari [hafidhahullaah] said,

“The intent behind this speech: Indeed the first [man] knows, acts and teaches. As for the second, he knows and acts, but does not teach. As for the third, he knows and teaches, but does not act! We ask Allaah for steadfastness and well-being”.

[المقالات الشرعية– pages: 23-24]

Brief Commentary On The Statements of The Talbiyyah’ – By Shaikh Rabee bin Haadi [may Allaah preserve him]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Belief - 'Aqeedah', Calling To Islam - 'Da'wa', Monotheism - Tawheed, 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

[لبيك اللهم لبيك – Here I am O Allaah, here I am!]

(The) meaning of it (i.e. the above statement) is that indeed you have made a (profound) covenant with Allah to establish obedience to Him (Glorified be He, The Most high), fulfil His commandments and stay away from His prohibitions. This is the meaning of [لبيك -Here I am]- obedience to You after obedience, answering to you after answering, in other words I am always answering to You (Allaah) and always fulfilling obedience (to Allah). This is the meaning of [لبيك اللهم لبيك -Here I am O Allah, Here I am!]

[لبيك لا شريك لك لبيك -Here I am, You have no partner, Here I am!]:

(A proclamation of) Allaah’s Oneness- that You (Allaah) have no partner in worship. You (Allaah) have no partner in your kingdom ship. You (Allaah) have no partner in Your Lordship. You neither have a partner in Deity ship nor in Your Names and Attributes. We declare Allah [The Blessed and Most High] free from all similitudes and partners in worship and other than it, and (we declare Him free from all similitudes and partners in His) Attributes.

[إن الحمد و النعمة لك -Verily all praises and blessings are Yours!]

All praises belong to You-you have no partner in (this).- you have no partner in providing and bestowing (blessings) to Your Creation (i.e. Mankind, Jinn etc).  You are the only one worthy of all praise in an absolute sense because you are the one Who bestows bounties and the one Who blesses the slaves (i.e. the creation). You created them so that they may worship You and You created this universe to help them fulfil this worship.

اللَّهُ الَّذِي خَلَقَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ وَأَنزَلَ مِنَ السَّمَاءِ مَاءً فَأَخْرَجَ بِهِ مِنَ الثَّمَرَاتِ رِزْقًا لَّكُمْ ۖ وَسَخَّرَ لَكُمُ الْفُلْكَ لِتَجْرِيَ فِي الْبَحْرِ بِأَمْرِهِ ۖ وَسَخَّرَ لَكُمُ الْأَنْهَارَ

وَسَخَّرَ لَكُمُ الشَّمْسَ وَالْقَمَرَ دَائِبَيْنِ ۖ وَسَخَّرَ لَكُمُ اللَّيْلَ وَالنَّهَارَ

Allah is He Who has created the heavens and the earth and sends down water (rain) from the sky, and thereby brought forth fruits as provision for you; and He has made the ships to be of service to you, that they may sail through the sea by His command; and He has made rivers (also) to be of service to you. And He has made the sun and the moon, both constantly pursuing their courses, to be of service to you; and He has made the night and the day to be of service to you. And He gave you of all that you asked for, and if you try to count the blessings of Allah, never will you be able to count them. Verily, man is indeed an extreme wrongdoer, ungrateful. [Surah Ibrahim Ayaat: 32-33)

These are Allaah’s blessings (bestowed) upon His slaves, which He enumerates to His slaves, for He made the heavens and the earth to be of service to them. He subjected the sun and the moon, both constantly pursuing their courses. Pay attention to the sun and the moon- how night and day constantly alternate by Allaah’s (absolute) control. Had Allaah not subjugated them, the people would have been destroyed. They would not have been able to live on the surface of the earth. This (i.e. subjugation of the sun and the moon) are among Allaah’s Greatest blessings, which He (Glorified and Exalted be He) bestowed upon His slaves.

Hence, blessings (come) from Allah alone (Glorified and Exalted be He) and He alone is worthy of praise (Glorified and Exalted be He). All praise belongs to Him (as He said): [الحمد لله رب العالمين- All praise belongs to Allah the Lord of the universe” (Fatiha Ayah 2)]

All praises are for Him (Glorified be He, The Most High). The one who does not praise Allah and thank the people will not thank Allah (The Mighty and Majestic). The people are thanked for all good (they do), but praise belongs absolutely to Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He)- blessings comes from Him entirely and He is worthy of all praise in all affairs (big and small), Glorified be He, The Most High.

[لا شريك لك إن الحمد و النعمة لك و الملك – Verily all praise and blessings are Yours, and all sovereignty]

Sovereignty belongs to Him (Glorified be He, The Most High)- The Owner of the heavens and the earth. All the creation are His slaves- the Angels, the Prophets, the Messengers, the pious and the Kings are His slaves and their forelocks are Bi Yadihee (in His hand). He gives life to whom he wills and gives death to whom He wills. He honours whom He wills and humiliates whom He wills. He acts in His kingdom ship with His (absolute and perfect) Greatness, Loftiness, Overwhelming Subjugation of all things and His Exalted and All-Mighty Irresistible Power, glorified be He, The Most High. All the creation are subjugated (to Him) and all things glorify Him with praise, glorified be He, The Most High. From this, we understand the Greatness of Allah (Glorified be He, The Most High) and His Magnificence. We free Him from all imperfections, affirm His perfection, praise Him, worship Him and thank Him (Glorified be He, The Most High).

This is how it is obligated on the believer to fill his (or her) heart with the love of Allaah and His Greatness- thanking Allaah; paying gratitude to Allaah; testifying to the truthfulness of Allaah’s Akhbaar (i.e. everything He has told us); testifying to the truthfulness of His (revealed) books; belief in what Allah has obligated on us to believe; obey Allaah and fulfil His commandments. All this results from exalting Allaah, proclaiming Allaah’s Greatness and thanking Him (Glorified be He, The Most High) due to the blessings He has provided and bestowed upon us.

This is how it is obligated on a believer to fill his heart with Allaah’s symbols (i.e. the acts of worship Allaah has ordained)- proclaiming Allaah’s Greatness, Exalting Him, Exalting His commandments (i.e. by fulfilling them), Exalting His Prohibitions (i.e. by keeping away from them), loving Him, relying upon Him and depending on Him in every situation. A human being cannot survive at any moment without Allaah’s Mercy (Glorified be He, The Most High). Allaah (Glorified be He, The Most High) protects him (or her), otherwise he (or her) will not be able to accomplish anything, and due to this we say: [إياك نعبد و إياك نستعين- You (Alone) we worship, and You (Alone) we ask for help (for each and everything)]. We are neither able to fulfil acts of worship nor any work in this worldly life, except by way of Allaah’s (Glorified be He, The Most High) Aid.

This is the meaning of the Talbiyah or some of its meaning, which a Muslim must call to attention when he (or she) utters it. That is because many people utter this statement (i.e. the Talbiyah) without understanding its meaning, nor adhering to what it necessitates. So understand the meaning of these symbols of Tawheed which are repeated (i.e. by way of speech) by many (people). Adhere to its meanings and act upon what they necessitate. May Allaah bless you. [Source: http://www.sahab.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=105178 Abridged and slightly paraphrased]

Shared by our brother Risaalaat (may Allaah preserve him).

Benefits of Remembering Allaah and Being Grateful; Danger of Sinning Whilst Receiving More Blessings

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Belief - 'Aqeedah', Monotheism - Tawheed, 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 Qayyim [rahimahullaah] said:

Allaah  [The Most High] said:

فَٱذۡكُرُونِىٓ أَذۡكُرۡكُمۡ وَٱشۡڪُرُواْ لِى وَلَا تَكۡفُرُونِ

Therefore, remember Me (by praying, glorifying, etc.). I will remember you, and be grateful to Me (for My countless Favours on you) and never be ungrateful to Me. [2:152]

The intent behind Dhikr is not merely to remember [Allaah] with one’s tongue, rather it is remembrance with the heart and the tongue. Remembrance of Allaah includes remembering Him by His Names and Attributes, His commandments, His prohibitions and His speech. This necessitates that a person should have knowledge and awareness of Allaah [Ref 1], belief in Allaah, belief in Allaah’s Perfect and Lofty Attributes, as well as [constantly] praising Allaah with various types of praise [i.e. based on what Allaah has legislated in the authentic texts of the Sharee’ah and not by way of bidah]. And this cannot be accomplished except through Tawheed [i.e. singling Allaah out in His Lordship, Names and Attributes, and devote all acts of worship to Allaah alone]. True Remembrance of Allaah necessitates all of this, as well as remembering the blessings and favours, which Allaah has bestowed upon His creatures and His kindness towards them.

As for Shukr [i.e. to be grateful or thankful to Allaah], it is to act in obedience to Allaah and seeking to draw close to Him through those apparent [actions of the limbs] and [deeds of the heart] that are beloved to Him. The religion is based on these two – remembrance of Allaah, which necessitates having knowledge and awareness of Allaah, and being grateful to Him, which necessitates obedience to Him through acts of worship and [refraining from disobedience]. This is the purpose behind the creation of the Jinn, mankind, the heavens and the earth. It is the reason for which reward and punishment are determined; [the reason for which] Allaah revealed the Books and sent the Messengers. It is the truth for which the heavens, the earth and what is between them were created, and what is in opposition to it is falsehood, such as the assumption held by the enemies of Allaah that there is no purpose behind the creation [free is Allaah from what they attribute to Him]. Allaah  [The Most High] said:

وَمَا خَلَقۡنَا ٱلسَّمَآءَ وَٱلۡأَرۡضَ وَمَا بَيۡنَہُمَا بَـٰطِلاً۬‌ۚ ذَٲلِكَ ظَنُّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ‌ۚ

And We created not the heaven and the earth and all that is between them without purpose! That is the assumption of those who disbelieve! [38:27]

Allaah [The Most High] said:

وَمَا خَلَقۡنَا ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضَ وَمَا بَيۡنَہُمَا لَـٰعِبِينَ

مَا خَلَقۡنَـٰهُمَآ إِلَّا بِٱلۡحَقِّ

And We created not the heavens and the earth, and all that is between them, for mere play; We created them not except with truth (i.e. to examine and test those who are obedient and those who are disobedient and then reward the obedient ones and punish the disobedient ones)…[44:38-39]

Allaah [The Most High] said:

وَمَا خَلَقۡنَا ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضَ وَمَا بَيۡنَہُمَآ إِلَّا بِٱلۡحَقِّ‌ۗ وَإِنَّ ٱلسَّاعَةَ لَأَتِيَةٌ۬‌ۖ

And We created not the heavens and the earth and all that is between them except with truth, and the Hour is surely coming…[15:85]

Allaah [The Most High] said:

مَا خَلَقَ ٱللَّهُ ذَٲلِكَ إِلَّا بِٱلۡحَقِّ‌ۚ

Allah did not create this but in truth. [10:5]

Allaah [The Most High] said:

أَيَحۡسَبُ ٱلۡإِنسَـٰنُ أَن يُتۡرَكَ سُدًى

Does man think that he will be left Suda [neglected without being punished or rewarded for the obligatory duties enjoined by his Lord (Allah) on him]? [75:36]

Allaah [The Most High] said:

أَفَحَسِبۡتُمۡ أَنَّمَا خَلَقۡنَـٰكُمۡ عَبَثً۬ا وَأَنَّكُمۡ إِلَيۡنَا لَا تُرۡجَعُونَ

“Did you think that We had created you in play (without any purpose), and that you would not be brought back to Us?”[23:115]

Allaah [The Most High] said:

وَمَا خَلَقۡتُ ٱلۡجِنَّ وَٱلۡإِنسَ إِلَّا لِيَعۡبُدُونِ

And I (Allah) created not the jinns and humans except they should worship Me (Alone). [51:56]

Allaah [The Most High] said:

ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ سَبۡعَ سَمَـٰوَٲتٍ۬ وَمِنَ ٱلۡأَرۡضِ مِثۡلَهُنَّ يَتَنَزَّلُ ٱلۡأَمۡرُ بَيۡنَہُنَّ لِتَعۡلَمُوٓاْ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىۡءٍ۬ قَدِيرٌ۬ وَأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ قَدۡ أَحَاطَ بِكُلِّ شَىۡءٍ عِلۡمَۢا

It is Allah Who has created seven heavens and of the earth the like thereof (i.e. seven). His Command descends between them (heavens and earth), that you may know that Allah has power over all things, and that Allah surrounds (comprehends) all things in (His) Knowledge. [65:12]

Allaah [The Most High] said:

جَعَلَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡكَعۡبَةَ ٱلۡبَيۡتَ ٱلۡحَرَامَ قِيَـٰمً۬ا لِّلنَّاسِ وَٱلشَّہۡرَ ٱلۡحَرَامَ وَٱلۡهَدۡىَ وَٱلۡقَلَـٰٓٮِٕدَ‌ۚ ذَٲلِكَ لِتَعۡلَمُوٓاْ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَعۡلَمُ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَمَا فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ بِكُلِّ شَىۡءٍ عَلِيمٌ

Allah has made the Ka’bah, the Sacred House, an asylum of security and Hajj and ‘Umrah (pilgrimage) for mankind, and also the Sacred Month and the animals of offerings and the garlanded (people or animals, etc. marked with the garlands on their necks made from the outer part of the stem of the Makkah trees for their security), that you may know that Allah has knowledge of all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth, and that Allah is the All-Knower of each and everything. [5:97]

Therefore, based on what has [already] been mentioned it has been established that the purpose behind the creation and command is so that Allaah is remembered and thanked. Allaah is to be remembered and not forgotten, and He should be thanked and one should not be ungrateful to Him. Allaah  [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections] remembers the one who remembers Him, and He is Ready to appreciate good deeds and to recompense the one who is grateful to Him. Remembrance of Allaah is the reason Allaah remembers the one who does so. [Ref 2] And being grateful to Allaah is the reason behind which a person is given an increase in blessings and favours. [Ref 3]

Remembrance of Allaah is to be carried out with the heart and tongue; gratefulness is to be carried out with one’s heart- out of love for Allaah and constantly turning to Him in repentance and obedience with true faith [Islamic Monotheism]. Extolling and praising Him is to be carried out with one’s tongue and being obedient to Him [by performing acts of obedience]. [An Excerpt from ‘Al-Fawaa’id’ page 192-194. slightly paraphrased]

Ref 1: Knowledge and Awareness of Allaah: Shaikh Uthaymeen [rahimahullaah] said, ‘’ Marifatullaah” – Knowledge and awareness of Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, with the heart, with such knowledge and awareness that it makes the person accept whatever He has prescribed and laid down, and causes him to submit to that, and to judge by the Prescribed Laws (Sharee’ah) which His Messenger Muhammad came with. The servant increases in knowledge and awareness of His Lord by considering the clear signs pertaining to the deen found in the book of Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, and in the Sunnah of His Messenger, and also by considering the signs which Allaah has provided for us in the creation. So whenever a person examines and considers these signs he will increase in his knowledge and awareness of His creator and His God, who alone has the right to all his worship. Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, says “And on the earth there are signs for those with certain belief, and also in your own selves. Will you not then consider?” [Soorah adh Dhaariyaat: 20-21] [Translated by Ustaadh Abu Talhah Dawud Burbank (may Allaah grant him and his wife abundant mercy…Aameen)]

[Ref 2]: [فَٱذۡكُرُونِىٓ أَذۡكُرۡكُمۡ وَٱشۡڪُرُواْ لِى وَلَا تَكۡفُرُونِ  – Therefore, remember Me (by praying, glorifying, etc.). I will remember you, and be grateful to Me (for My countless Favours on you) and never be ungrateful to Me]: Ibn Abbaas and Ibn Jubayr said that this Aayah means, ”Remember Me by obeying Me and I [Allaah] will remember you by granting you My Maghfirah [Ref: A]

Al-Maghfirah: It necessitates that Allaah will protect you from the evil consequences of your sins, accept [your deeds, repentance etc], grant you His pleasure and favours, show you kindness and generosity etc. [Ref: B]

[And be grateful to Me (for My countless Favours on you) and never be ungrateful to Me]: Imaam Ibnul Qayyim said, ”And being grateful to Allaah is the reason behind which a person is given an increase in blessings and favours.” [Ref C]

Question: What are some of the evil consequences if a person persists upon disobedience, whilst he or she receives more blessings and favours from Allaah?

Answer:

Allaah [The Most High] said:

وَالَّذِينَ كَذَّبُوا بِآيَاتِنَا سَنَسْتَدْرِجُهُم مِّنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ

وَأُمْلِي لَهُمْ ۚ إِنَّ كَيْدِي مَتِينٌ

Those who reject Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), We shall gradually seize them with punishment in ways they perceive not.  And I respite them; certainly My Plan is strong. [7:182-183]

[سَنَسْتَدْرِجُهُم  – We shall gradually seize them with punishment] – by granting them plentiful provision and respite until they think that they will neither be taken to task for their disobedience nor punished, so they increase in disbelief and transgression, and evil upon evil. And through this their punishment is increased and multiplied, so they harm themselves in ways they perceive not. This is why Allaah said: [إِنَّ كَيْدِي مَتِينٌ -certainly My Plan is strong] [End of Quote] [Ref D]

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

[Ref A: Zaadul Maseer Fee Ilmit-Tafseer’by Imaam Ibnul Jawzi. Publisher: Daar Ibn Hazm. 1st Edition 1424AH (2002)]

[Ref B: Majmoo Al-Fataawaa 14/140]

[Ref C: Al-Fawaa’id’ page 192-194]

[Ref D: An Excerpt from Tayseer al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer kalaam al-Mannaan’ by Imaam Sadi [rahimahullaah]. slightly paraphrased]

No Room For Fear-mongering And Deception! Muslim Employs a Robust Principle When Verifying News

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

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

Allaah [The Most High] said:

وَإِذَا جَاءَهُمْ أَمْرٌ مِّنَ الْأَمْنِ أَوِ الْخَوْفِ أَذَاعُوا بِهِ ۖ وَلَوْ رَدُّوهُ إِلَى الرَّسُولِ وَإِلَىٰ أُولِي الْأَمْرِ مِنْهُمْ لَعَلِمَهُ الَّذِينَ يَسْتَنبِطُونَهُ مِنْهُمْ ۗ وَلَوْلَا فَضْلُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَتُهُ لَاتَّبَعْتُمُ الشَّيْطَانَ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا

When there comes to them some matter touching (public) safety or fear, they make it known (among the people), if only they had referred it to the Messenger or to those charged with authority among them, the proper investigators would have understood it from them (directly). Had it not been for the Grace and Mercy of Allaah upon you, you would have followed Shaitaan (Satan), save a few of you.'[4:83]

Imaam Ibn Katheer (rahimahullaah) said: ”In this ayah (there) is a rebuke against the one who rushes towards affairs and then gives news about it before verifying it – circulates and spreads it -and perhaps there is no credibility in it.”

Therefore, this ayah obligates verification and clarification when (news) is heard, as Ibn katheer (rahimahullaah) mentioned. It rebukes the one who hastens in transmitting and spreading (news) before verifying its credibility.

This ayah (also) guides to another affair and that is (important news touching public safety and fear) is to be relayed to those in authority from amongst the Scholars and the Rulers and not to the common people, for there is no benefit in transmitting it to the common people; rather what is of benefit is that it is transmitted to the people in authority because they are those with a sound understanding of the affairs and the benefits that are extracted from them. They are the ones with the ability to avert the harmful affairs.

Ibn Katheer then mentioned a number of narrations about being careful about hastiness and lack of verifying news- and from them is a narration by Abu Hurairah (radiyallaahu-anhu) that the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said: ‘’It is enough for a man to prove himself a liar when he goes on narrating whatever he hears’’.

And Mugheerah bin Shubah (radiyallaahu-anhu) said, ‘’The Messenger of Allaah (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) forbade Qeel Wal Qaal (i.e. so and so said)’’.  Ibn Katheer (rahimahullaah) said, ‘’It is the one who narrates a great deal of that which the people say without verification, contemplation and clarification’’.

Then Ibn Katheer (rahimahullaah) stated: The hadith of Umar (radiyallaahu-anhu) collected by Bukhaari and Muslim should be mentioned here; when Umar was told that the Messenger of Allaah (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) divorced his wives, he left his house and entered the mosque, where he found the people talking about it; so he could not endure waiting and ask for the permission of the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) to speak to him; then Umar asked the Prophet, saying, ‘‘Have you divorced your women?’’ The Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said, ‘No’.  So Umar said, I said ‘Allaahu Akbar……’

And in the narration collected by Imaam Muslim, Umar said, I asked, ‘Have you divorced them?’ The Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said, ‘No’.  So I stood by the door of the mosque and shouted with a loud voice, saying, ‘The Messenger of Allaah did not divorce his wives’.  Then the ayah (i.e. Ayah 83, Surah Nisaa) was revealed.  Umar said, ‘I investigated this affair properly’ (i.e. whether the Prophet did divorce his wives).

Imaam As-Sadi [rahimahullaah] said about this Aayah [i.e. An-Nisaa 83]: This is a moral conduct [commanded by Allaah] to His slaves – that they do not do this [i.e. hasten to spread news]. And it is obligated on them that when there comes to them an affair from the important affairs – matters related to a universal benefit for the people, public safety and those affairs on which depends the sorrow or happiness of the believers, or an affair of public fear which may bring about calamity upon them- that they should verify the [news of that affair] and not to be hasty in spreading it; rather they should refer it back to the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] and to those in authority- the people of sound opinions, the people of knowledge; those who can give sound advice, the people of intelligence and those who approach affairs with calmness, and they are those who know what is of overriding benefit and that which is in opposition to it [i.e. the scholars].  So, if they see that disseminating such news will bring about an overriding benefit for the Muslims, strengthen them, bring about happiness and make them vigilant over their enemies, then they would disseminate such news; but if they see that there is no overriding benefit in disseminating such news, or that there is benefit in it, but there is more harm in doing so; then they would not circulate such news.  That is why Allaah stated: [ وَلَوْ رَدُّوهُ إِلَى الرَّسُولِ وَإِلَىٰ أُولِي الْأَمْرِ مِنْهُمْ لَعَلِمَهُ الَّذِينَ يَسْتَنبِطُونَهُ مِنْهُمْ – If only they had referred it to the Messenger or to those charged with authority among them, the proper investigators would have understood it from them (directly)]- Meaning: They would have derived from it [the proper cause of action] through contemplation and through their correct opinions and rightly guided sciences.

Therefore, in this there is proof regarding a principle related to a moral conduct, that when an [important affair] from the [important affairs] suddenly appears, it is obligatory to refer it to those who are competent in the affair and one should not put himself forward before them, for that is closer to correctness and [safer] in preventing mistakes. And in this, there is a prohibition against being hasty in circulating news [that is related important affairs of public safety or fear] and a command to contemplate before speaking- to look into the affair, as to whether it is an affair of overriding benefit to be dealt with, or whether it should be avoided if it does not carry an [overriding benefit].

[وَلَوۡلَا فَضۡلُ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيۡڪُمۡ وَرَحۡمَتُهُ – Had it not been for the Grace and Mercy of Allah upon you]- Meaning: by way granting you the ability to act upon righteousness, instructed you with moral conducts and taught you that which you never knew, then [لَٱتَّبَعۡتُمُ ٱلشَّيۡطَـٰنَ إِلَّا قَلِيلاً۬  – you would have followed Shaitan (Satan), save a few of you]. [Ref 1]

Allaah [The Exalted] said: [ يٰأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ آمَنُوۤاْ إِن جَآءَكُمْ فَاسِقٌ بِنَبَإٍ فَتَبَيَّنُوۤاْ أَن تُصِيبُواْ قَوْمًا بِجَهَالَةٍ فَتُصْبِحُواْ عَلَىٰ مَا فَعَلْتُمْ نَادِمِينَ – O you who believe! If a rebellious evil person comes to you with a news, verify it, lest you harm people in ignorance, and afterwards you become regretful to what you have done]. [Surah Al-Hujuraat. Aayah 6]

Imaam As-Sadi [rahimahullaah] said: This is also one of the moral etiquettes that are obligated on the people of [sound] understanding to adorn themselves with and put into practice. And that is if a rebellious sinful person informs them of some news, they should verify his news and not to merely accept it, because indeed there is great danger [in doing so] and [possibility] of falling into sin. That is because if his news is placed at the same level with the news given by truthful reliable person, one might pass a judgement based on that news and what it necessitates, so loss of life and wealth occurs without right due to that news and thus brings about regret; rather, what is obligated with regards to the news given by a rebellious sinful person is that it is verified and clarified. So, if the proofs and clear indications demonstrates his truthfulness, then it [i.e. the news] is acted upon and declared to be true; but if they demonstrate that he is lying, then it is declared to be lies and not acted upon. Therefore, in this [Aayah]  there is a proof that news [given] by a truthful person is accepted, the news [given] by a liar is rejected and the news [given] by a rebellious sinful person is suspended as we have stated. [Ref 2: An Excerpt from ‘Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan’. Slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 1: An Excerpt from ‘Al-Fitnah Wa Mawqiful Muslim Minhaa’ pages 78-83: By Shaikh Muhammad Aqeel [hafidhahullaah]. slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 2: An Excerpt from ‘Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan’. Slightly paraphrased]

[3] Source of Tranquillity And Removal of Fear – [Allaah’s Aid For The True Believers When They Need It The Most]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Belief - 'Aqeedah', Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allaah [The Most High] said:

إِلَّا تَنصُرُوهُ فَقَدۡ نَصَرَهُ ٱللَّهُ إِذۡ أَخۡرَجَهُ ٱلَّذِينَ ڪَفَرُواْ ثَانِىَ ٱثۡنَيۡنِ إِذۡ هُمَا فِى ٱلۡغَارِ إِذۡ يَقُولُ لِصَـٰحِبِهِۦ لَا تَحۡزَنۡ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ مَعَنَا‌ۖ فَأَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ سَڪِينَتَهُ ۥ عَلَيۡهِ وَأَيَّدَهُ ۥ بِجُنُودٍ۬ لَّمۡ تَرَوۡهَا وَجَعَلَ ڪَلِمَةَ ٱلَّذِينَ ڪَفَرُواْ ٱلسُّفۡلَىٰ‌ۗ وَڪَلِمَةُ ٱللَّهِ هِىَ ٱلۡعُلۡيَا‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ

If you help him (Muhammad) not (it does not matter), for Allah did indeed help him when the disbelievers drove him out, the second of two, when they (the Prophet and Abu Bakr ) were in the cave, and he (the Prophet) said to his companion (Abu Bakr ): “Be not sad (or afraid), surely Allah is with us.” Then Allah sent down His Sakinah (calmness, tranquillity, peace, etc.) upon him, and strengthened him with forces (angels) which you saw not, and made the word of those who disbelieved the lowermost, while it was the Word of Allah that became the uppermost, and Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise. [Surah At-Tawbah. Aayah 40]

Meaning: If you do not aid Allaah’s Messenger, Muhammad [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him], Allaah is not in need of you in anything nor can you harm him in the least, because certainly Allaah aided him when he had the fewest followers and was in a state of severe vulnerability, [as Allaah stated]:  [إِذۡ أَخۡرَجَهُ ٱلَّذِينَ ڪَفَرُواْ  – when the disbelievers drove him out] from Makkah- Meaning, when they desired to kill him, made strenuous efforts and were extremely eager to do so, and thus they forced him to leave Makkah.

[ثَانِىَ ٱثۡنَيۡنِ إِذۡ هُمَا فِى ٱلۡغَارِ إِذۡ يَقُولُ لِصَـٰحِبِهِۦ لَا تَحۡزَنۡ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ مَعَنَا‌ۖ   – the second of two (i.e. Abu Bakr), when they were in the cave, and he (the Prophet) said to his companion (Abu Bakr ): “Be not sad (or afraid), surely Allah is with us] – Meaning, when they fled Makkah, hid in the cave of Thawr and remained there until the search for them died down. During that critical state of affairs when their enemies dispersed – in all directions – and searching to kill them, Allaah sent His help to them, whilst that never entered their minds. The Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said to Abu Bakr, whilst AbuBakr [radiyallaahu-anhu] was sad and very anxious, “Be not sad (or afraid), surely Allah is with us” –Meaning, by way of His Assistance, Help and Support.

[فَأَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ سَڪِينَتَهُ ۥ عَلَيۡهِ وَأَيَّدَهُ ۥ بِجُنُودٍ۬ لَّمۡ تَرَوۡهَا وَجَعَلَ ڪَلِمَةَ ٱلَّذِينَ ڪَفَرُواْ ٱلسُّفۡلَىٰ‌ۗ وَڪَلِمَةُ ٱللَّهِ هِىَ ٱلۡعُلۡيَا‌ۗ  – Then Allah sent down His Sakinah (calmness, tranquillity, peace, etc.) upon him, and strengthened him with forces which you saw not, and made the word of those who disbelieved the lowermost, while it was the Word of Allah that became the uppermost]- Meaning, made them steadfast, granted them comfort and tranquillity, which made their hearts firm. And Allaah made the word of the disbelievers debased and frustrated, because indeed those who disbelieved had a strong intention and thought that they had the ability to kill the Messenger and to capture him, whilst harbouring bitterness against him and thus they did the most they could in that; however Allaah frustrated their plot and they did not fulfil their goal; rather they did not reach anything of it. Allah aided His Messenger by protecting him and this is the support mentioned in this Aayah.

Allaah’s Aid is of two types: Aiding the Muslims when they pursue their enemy, so He aids them in that which they seek and intend, and thus they overcome their enemy and are granted victory against them. The second type of Aid is for those who are oppressed, whose enemy pursues him and has strength, so Allaah protects him, and it maybe that this type of aid is more beneficial – Allaah’s Aid for His Messenger when the disbelievers expelled him.

[وَڪَلِمَةُ ٱللَّهِ هِىَ ٱلۡعُلۡيَا‌ۗ   – while it was the Word of Allah that became the uppermost]- Meaning: His universal decree [i.e. that which He wills has to take place] as well as what He has ordained in religious affairs is uppermost over all others, which also includes the statement: [وَكَانَ حَقًّا عَلَيۡنَا نَصۡرُ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ   – and (as for) the believers it was incumbent upon Us to help (them)]. [Surah Ar-Rum. Aayah 47] [ إِنَّا لَنَنصُرُ رُسُلَنَا وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ فِى ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا وَيَوۡمَ يَقُومُ ٱلۡأَشۡهَـٰدُ – Verily, We will indeed make victorious Our Messengers and those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah Islamic Monotheism) in this world’s life and on the Day when the witnesses will stand forth, (i.e. Day of Resurrection)]. [Surah Ghaafir. Aayah 51] [وَإِنَّ جُندَنَا لَهُمُ ٱلۡغَـٰلِبُونَ  – And that Our hosts, they verily would be the victors] Surah As-Saffaat. Aayah 173]

The religion ordained by Allaah has the upper hand over all other religions- through manifest proof, outstanding evidences and irresistible authority. [وَٱللَّهُ عَزِيزٌ  – and Allah is All-Mighty]- Meaning, neither can anyone overcome Him nor escape Him; [حَكِيمٌ  – All Wise]- Meaning, He places affairs in their rightful place and He may delay His help for His allies until a later date in accordance with His Perfect divine Wisdom.

[An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi. Slightly paraphrased]

May Allaah include us amongst those who firmly believe in Him and the assistance He grants the true believers when they need it the most Aameen.

What Is The Scale By Way of Which You Judge? By Al-Allaamah Muqbil Bin Haadee

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Belief - 'Aqeedah', Calling To Islam - 'Da'wa', 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.

Al-Allaamah Muqbil Bin Haadee Al-Waadi’ee [rahimahullaah] said:

If numbers is the scale by way of which you judge, then the majority are mostly blameworthy; and if persuasive speech and eloquence is the scale by way of which you judge, then indeed Allaah described the Munaafiqoon that they have tongues that utter beautiful speech. Allaah said:

وَإِن يَقُولُواْ تَسۡمَعۡ لِقَوۡلِهِمۡ

And when they speak, you listen to their words.

[Surah Al-Munaafiqoon. Aayah 4]

Therefore, what is given consideration is that one knows the people of truth by their characteristics – that they call to the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him, his family and companions], and they neither desire reward from the people nor seeking to be thanked.

[قم المعاند  – 2/547]

Part 1: The Reason Behind Earthquakes – By Al-Allaamah Muqbil Bin Haadee [rahimahullaah]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Belief - 'Aqeedah', Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

The People differ (in their views) concerning earthquakes-some say that it is a natural phenomenon and it has nothing to do with religion; others say that it (occurs) by Allaah’s decision and pre-decree and it has nothing to do with the sins (of the people); and others say that it is warning for (the slaves to fear Allaah’s punishment) and it has nothing to do with (their sins); and others say that it (occurs) as a result of the sins (of the people)?

The answer to this is: It may occur as a warning, a decision and pre-decree of Allaah and as a result of the sins (of the people). Earthquakes can occur as a warning for those who witness it and are alive. He (The Most High) said:

وَإِنْ مِنْ قَرْيَةٍ إِلَّا نَحْنُ مُهْلِكُوهَا قَبْلَ يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ أَوْ مُعَذِّبُوهَا عَذَابًا شَدِيدًا ۚ كَانَ ذَٰلِكَ فِي الْكِتَابِ مَسْطُورًا
وَمَا مَنَعَنَا أَنْ نُرْسِلَ بِالْآيَاتِ إِلَّا أَنْ كَذَّبَ بِهَا الْأَوَّلُونَ ۚ وَآتَيْنَا ثَمُودَ النَّاقَةَ مُبْصِرَةً فَظَلَمُوا بِهَا ۚ وَمَا نُرْسِلُ بِالْآيَاتِ إِلَّا تَخْوِيفًا

And there is not a town (population) but We shall destroy it before the Day of Resurrection, or punish it with a severe torment. That is written in the Book (of our Decrees); And nothing stops Us from sending the Ayat (proofs, evidences, signs) but that the people of old denied them. And We sent the she-camel to Thamud as a clear sign, but they did her wrong. And We sent not the signs except to warn, and to make them afraid (of destruction).[Soorah Al-Israa: Aayaat:58-59]

As for it being the decision and pre-decree of Allaah, He (The Most High) said:

مَا أَصَابَ مِنْ مُصِيبَةٍ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا فِي أَنْفُسِكُمْ إِلَّا فِي كِتَابٍ مِنْ قَبْلِ أَنْ نَبْرَأَهَا ۚ إِنَّ ذَٰلِكَ عَلَى اللَّهِ يَسِيرٌ

No calamity befalls on the earth or in yourselves but is inscribed in the Book of Decrees (Al-Lauh Al-Mahfuz), before We bring it into existence. Verily, that is easy for Allah”. [Soorah Al-Hadeed: Ayah:22].

And He (The Most High) also said:

مَا أَصَابَ مِنْ مُصِيبَةٍ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ ۗ وَمَنْ يُؤْمِنْ بِاللَّهِ يَهْدِ قَلْبَهُ ۚ وَاللَّهُ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عَلِيمٌ

No calamity befalls, but with the Leave [i.e. decision and Qadar (Divine Preordainments)] of Allah, and whosoever believes in Allah, He guides his heart [to the true Faith with certainty, i.e. what has befallen him was already written for him by Allah from the Qadar (Divine Pre-ordainments)], and Allah is the All-Knower of everything.” [Soorah At-Taghaabun: Ayah:11]

As for it being a result of the sins (of the people), Allaah (The Mighty and Majestic) said in His Noble Book:

وَمَا أَصَابَكُمْ مِنْ مُصِيبَةٍ فَبِمَا كَسَبَتْ أَيْدِيكُمْ وَيَعْفُو عَنْ كَثِيرٍ

And whatever of misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned. And He pardons much. [Soorah Ash-Shoorah: Ayah:30]

He (The Most High) said:

ذَٰلِكَ أَنْ لَمْ يَكُنْ رَبُّكَ مُهْلِكَ الْقُرَىٰ بِظُلْمٍ وَأَهْلُهَا غَافِلُونَ

This is because your Lord would not destroy the (populations of) towns for their wrong-doing (i.e. associating others in worship along with Allah) while their people were unaware (so the Messengers were sent).” [Soorah An-An’aam: Ayah: 131]

And He (The Most High) said:

وَمَا كَانَ رَبُّكَ لِيُهْلِكَ الْقُرَىٰ بِظُلْمٍ وَأَهْلُهَا مُصْلِحُونَ

And your Lord would never destroy the towns wrongfully, while their people were right-doers.” [Soorah Hud: Ayah: 117]

And He (The Most High) said:

وَكَمْ أَهْلَكْنَا مِنْ قَرْيَةٍ بَطِرَتْ مَعِيشَتَهَا ۖ فَتِلْكَ مَسَاكِنُهُمْ لَمْ تُسْكَنْ مِنْ بَعْدِهِمْ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا ۖ وَكُنَّا نَحْنُ الْوَارِثِينَ
وَمَا كَانَ رَبُّكَ مُهْلِكَ الْقُرَىٰ حَتَّىٰ يَبْعَثَ فِي أُمِّهَا رَسُولًا يَتْلُو عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتِنَا ۚ وَمَا كُنَّا مُهْلِكِي الْقُرَىٰ إِلَّا وَأَهْلُهَا ظَالِمُونَ

And how many a town (population) have We destroyed, which were thankless for its means of livelihood (disobeyed Allah, and His Messengers, by doing evil deeds and crimes) ! And those are their dwellings, which have not been inhabited after them except a little. And verily! We have been the inheritors. And never will your Lord destroy the towns (populations) until He sends to their mother town a Messenger reciting to them Our Verses. And never would We destroy the towns unless the people thereof are Zalimun (polytheists, wrong-doers, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah, oppressors and tyrants). [Soorah Qasas: Ayah:58-59]

He (The Most High) said:

وَضَرَبَ اللَّهُ مَثَلًا قَرْيَةً كَانَتْ آمِنَةً مُطْمَئِنَّةً يَأْتِيهَا رِزْقُهَا رَغَدًا مِنْ 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.” [Soorah An-Nahl: Ayah:112]

He (The Most High) said:

لَقَدْ كَانَ لِسَبَإٍ فِي مَسْكَنِهِمْ آيَةٌ ۖ جَنَّتَانِ عَنْ يَمِينٍ وَشِمَالٍ ۖ كُلُوا مِنْ رِزْقِ رَبِّكُمْ وَاشْكُرُوا لَهُ ۚ بَلْدَةٌ طَيِّبَةٌ وَرَبٌّ غَفُورٌ
فَأَعْرَضُوا فَأَرْسَلْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ سَيْلَ الْعَرِمِ وَبَدَّلْنَاهُمْ بِجَنَّتَيْهِمْ جَنَّتَيْنِ ذَوَاتَيْ أُكُلٍ خَمْطٍ وَأَثْلٍ وَشَيْءٍ مِنْ سِدْرٍ قَلِيلٍ
ذَٰلِكَ جَزَيْنَاهُمْ بِمَا كَفَرُوا ۖ وَهَلْ نُجَازِي إِلَّا الْكَفُورَ

Indeed there was for Saba’ (Sheba) a sign in their dwelling place, – two gardens on the right hand and on the left (and it was said to them) “Eat of the provision of your Lord, and be grateful to Him, a fair land and an Oft-Forgiving Lord. But they turned away (from the obedience of Allah), so We sent against them Sail Al-‘Arim (flood released from the dam), and We converted their two gardens into gardens producing bitter bad fruit, and tamarisks, and some few lote-trees. Like this We requited them because they were ungrateful disbelievers. And never do We requit in such a way except those who are ungrateful, (disbelievers).” [Soorah Saba Aayaat: 15-17]

إِنَّ قَارُونَ كَانَ مِنْ قَوْمِ مُوسَىٰ فَبَغَىٰ عَلَيْهِمْ ۖ وَآتَيْنَاهُ مِنَ الْكُنُوزِ مَا إِنَّ مَفَاتِحَهُ لَتَنُوءُ بِالْعُصْبَةِ أُولِي الْقُوَّةِ إِذْ قَالَ لَهُ قَوْمُهُ لَا تَفْرَحْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ الْفَرِحِينَ

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).

َابْتَغِ فِيمَا آتَاكَ اللَّهُ الدَّارَ الْآخِرَةَ ۖ وَلَا تَنْسَ نَصِيبَكَ مِنَ الدُّنْيَا ۖ وَأَحْسِنْ كَمَا أَحْسَنَ اللَّهُ إِلَيْكَ ۖ وَلَا تَبْغِ الْفَسَادَ فِي الْأَرْضِ ۖ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ الْمُفْسِدِينَ

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, and seek not mischief in the land. Verily, Allah likes not the Mufsidun (those who commit great crimes and sins, oppressors, tyrants, mischief-makers, corrupts).

قَالَ إِنَّمَا أُوتِيتُهُ عَلَىٰ عِلْمٍ عِنْدِي ۚ أَوَلَمْ يَعْلَمْ أَنَّ اللَّهَ قَدْ أَهْلَكَ مِنْ قَبْلِهِ مِنَ الْقُرُونِ مَنْ هُوَ أَشَدُّ مِنْهُ قُوَّةً وَأَكْثَرُ جَمْعًا ۚ وَلَا يُسْأَلُ عَنْ ذُنُوبِهِمُ الْمُجْرِمُونَ

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 (criminals, disbelievers, polytheists, sinners, etc.) will not be questioned of their sins (because Allah knows them well, so they will be punished without account).

فَخَرَجَ عَلَىٰ قَوْمِهِ فِي زِينَتِهِ ۖ قَالَ الَّذِينَ يُرِيدُونَ الْحَيَاةَ الدُّنْيَا يَا لَيْتَ لَنَا مِثْلَ مَا أُوتِيَ قَارُونُ إِنَّهُ لَذُو حَظٍّ عَظِيمٍ

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.

وَقَالَ الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْعِلْمَ وَيْلَكُمْ ثَوَابُ اللَّهِ خَيْرٌ لِمَنْ آمَنَ وَعَمِلَ صَالِحًا وَلَا يُلَقَّاهَا إِلَّا الصَّابِرُونَ

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).”

فَخَسَفْنَا بِهِ وَبِدَارِهِ الْأَرْضَ فَمَا كَانَ لَهُ مِنْ فِئَةٍ يَنْصُرُونَهُ مِنْ دُونِ اللَّهِ وَمَا كَانَ مِنَ الْمُنْتَصِرِينَ

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.

َأَصْبَحَ الَّذِينَ تَمَنَّوْا مَكَانَهُ بِالْأَمْسِ يَقُولُونَ وَيْكَأَنَّ اللَّهَ يَبْسُطُ الرِّزْقَ لِمَنْ يَشَاءُ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ وَيَقْدِرُ ۖ لَوْلَا أَنْ مَنَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْنَا لَخَسَفَ بِنَا ۖ وَيْكَأَنَّهُ لَا يُفْلِحُ الْكَافِرُونَ

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. [Soorah Qasas: Aayaat: 76-82]

And He (The Most High) said:

فَكُلًّا أَخَذْنَا بِذَنْبِهِ ۖ فَمِنْهُمْ مَنْ أَرْسَلْنَا عَلَيْهِ حَاصِبًا وَمِنْهُمْ مَنْ أَخَذَتْهُ الصَّيْحَةُ وَمِنْهُمْ مَنْ خَسَفْنَا بِهِ الْأَرْضَ وَمِنْهُمْ مَنْ أَغْرَقْنَا ۚ وَمَا كَانَ اللَّهُ لِيَظْلِمَهُمْ وَلَٰكِنْ كَانُوا أَنْفُسَهُمْ يَظْلِمُونَ

So We punished each (of them) for his sins, of them were some on whom We sent Hasiban (a violent wind with shower of stones) [as the people of Lout (Lot)], and of them were some who were overtaken by As-Saihah [torment – awful cry, etc. (as Thamud or Shu’aib’s people)], and of them were some whom We caused the earth to swallow [as Qarun (Korah)], and of them were some whom We drowned [as the people of Nuh (Noah), or Fir’aun (Pharaoh) and his people]. It was not Allah Who wronged them, but they wronged themselves. [Soorah Al-Ankaboot: Ayah: 40]

[Source: An Excerpt from ‘Al-Makhraj Minal Fitan’. page:161]

[1] Source of Tranquillity and Victory After Fear And Weakness – By Imaam Ash-Shanqeetee And Al-Allaamah Saaleh Al-Fawzaan

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

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

Imaam Shanqeetee [rahimahullaah] stated:

The Great Qur’aan has given guidance to put a stop to this problem through the most appropriate and upright path. Allaah clarified that the remedy for this is linked to turning to Him truthfully, the level of one’s belief in Him and reliance on Him. That is because Allaah is All-Strong and All-Mighty, the Overwhelming and Absolute Subduer of everything, Who is never overcome; therefore, whoever is truly an ally of Allaah, it is not possible to gain the upper hand over such a person.

And from the clear proofs regarding this [affair] was when the unbelievers laid that great siege against the Muslims during the battle of the Confederates about which Allaah stated:

إِذۡ جَآءُوكُم مِّن فَوۡقِكُمۡ وَمِنۡ أَسۡفَلَ مِنكُمۡ وَإِذۡ زَاغَتِ ٱلۡأَبۡصَـٰرُ وَبَلَغَتِ ٱلۡقُلُوبُ ٱلۡحَنَاجِرَ وَتَظُنُّونَ بِٱللَّهِ ٱلظُّنُونَا۟

هُنَالِكَ ٱبۡتُلِىَ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنُونَ وَزُلۡزِلُواْ زِلۡزَالاً۬ شَدِيدً۬ا

When they came upon you from above you and from below you, and when the eyes grew wild and the hearts reached to the throats, and you were harbouring doubts about Allah. There, the believers were tried and shaken with a mighty shaking.

Therefore, the remedy for this is what we have already mentioned [i.e. Imaan, turning to Allaah and reliance on Him]. Look at the severity of this military siege and its severe effects on the Muslims, in addition to the fact that they were politically and economically cut off by all the people of the earth at that time! So, when you are aware of this, you should know that the remedy for this great affair that put an end to this great difficulty is what Allaah stated in Soorah Al-Ahzaab, as follows: [وَلَمَّا رَءَا ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنُو نَ ٱلۡأَحۡزَابَ قَالُواْ هَـٰذَا مَا وَعَدَنَا ٱللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُ ۥ وَصَدَقَ ٱللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُ ۥ‌ۚ وَمَا زَادَهُمۡ إِلَّآ إِيمَـٰنً۬ا وَتَسۡلِيمً۬ا – And when the believers saw Al-Ahzab (the Confederates), they said: “This is what Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad) had promised us, and Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad) had spoken the truth, and it only added to their faith and to their submissiveness (to Allah).

This perfect Imaan in Allaah; [this] Great Submission to Him; [this] dependence and reliance on Him was the reason that put an end to that great difficulty. And indeed Allaah clarified the fruits of this remedy, saying:

[وَرَدَّ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ بِغَيۡظِهِمۡ لَمۡ يَنَالُواْ خَيۡرً۬ا‌ۚ وَكَفَى ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِينَ ٱلۡقِتَالَ‌ۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ قَوِيًّا عَزِيزً۬ا ]

[وَأَنزَلَ ٱلَّذِينَ ظَـٰهَرُوهُم مِّنۡ أَهۡلِ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبِ مِن صَيَاصِيهِمۡ وَقَذَفَ فِى قُلُوبِهِمُ ٱلرُّعۡبَ فَرِيقً۬ا تَقۡتُلُونَ وَتَأۡسِرُونَ فَرِيقً۬ا ]

[وَأَوۡرَثَكُمۡ أَرۡضَہُمۡ وَدِيَـٰرَهُمۡ وَأَمۡوَٲلَهُمۡ وَأَرۡضً۬ا لَّمۡ تَطَـُٔوهَا‌ۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ ڪُلِّ شَىۡءٍ۬ قَدِيرً۬ا ]

And Allah drove back those who disbelieved in their rage; they gained no advantage (booty, etc.). Allah sufficed for the believers in the fighting (by sending against the disbelievers a severe wind and troops of angels). And Allah is Ever All-Strong, All-Mighty. And those of the people of the Scripture who backed them [the disbelievers] Allah brought them down from their forts and cast terror into their hearts, (so that) a group (of them) you killed, and a group (of them) you made captives. And He caused you to inherit their lands, and their houses, and their riches, and a land which you had not trodden (before). And Allah is Able to do all things.

This is what Allaah aided them with against their enemies. They had no idea nor were they aware that they were aided with the angels and the wind. Allaah [The Most High] said:

[يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ ٱذۡكُرُواْ نِعۡمَةَ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيۡكُمۡ إِذۡ جَآءَتۡكُمۡ جُنُودٌ۬ فَأَرۡسَلۡنَا عَلَيۡہِمۡ رِيحً۬ا وَجُنُودً۬ا لَّمۡ تَرَوۡهَا‌ۚ وَڪَانَ ٱللَّهُ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ بَصِيرًا ]

O you who believe! Remember Allah’s Favour to you, when there came against you hosts, and We sent against them a wind and forces that you saw not [i.e. troops of angels during the battle of Al-Ahzab (the Confederates)]. And Allah is Ever All-Seer of what you do. [End of Quote: Ref 1]

King Abdul Azeez (rahimahullaah) stated:

Indeed, we do not seek after the revival (or reformation) that will deprive us of our (sound) religion and creed; rather we seek after the pleasure of Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic]. Whoever acts to seek the pleasure of Allaah, then indeed Allaah will suffice him and will be his Helper.

The Muslims are not in need due to lack of reformation, rather they are in need of returning to that which the Salafus Saaleh [pious predecessors] were upon. Indeed, they distanced (themselves) from acting on that which has been revealed in the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of Allaah’s Messenger, then they became immersed in evil and sins; so Allaah forsook them and thus they got to this situation – humiliation and degradation. Had they adhered to the book of Allaah and the Sunnah of Allaah’s Messenger, they would not have been afflicted with what has afflicted them – trials and sins- and they would not have lost their honour and (days of) glory. [End of Quote, Ref 2]

NB: We remind ourselves of the fact that king Abdul Azeez (rahimahullaah) is pointing out the reason behind the weakness of the Ummah, but his observations neither calls for pessimism nor hopelessness and despair, rather it is a clarification of the main reason that led us to this state of affairs. However, guidance will remain until the hour is established, as Shaikh Saaleh

Al-Fawzaan [may Allaah preserve him] said:

[A person] should not lose hope when trials and evil increases. Indeed, he has to remain upon tranquillity and should make others tranquil when trials occur, and he should say: ‘’All Praise is due to Allaah, we are upon guidance and a clear Religion. Solace is close by and evil will cease to exist by the permission of Allaah’’ This is what is incumbent upon THE PEOPLE OF GOOD AND THE SCHOLARS–that they have tranquility and make the people tranquil; because this (EVIL) is something that will cease to exist by the permission of Allaah and solace will come after it.

It is not permissible for a person to say: ‘’the people are destroyed.’’ This is not permissible; rather (a person) should make the people tranquil, firm upon goodness, whilst expecting assistance, for indeed the good end is for the people of piety. Therefore, no matter how great the evil and trial is, it will cease to exist. He (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said: ‘’A group of my followers will remain manifest upon the truth. They will neither be harmed by those who forsake them nor by those who oppose them till Allaah’s command arrives.” [i.e. the day of judgement] [Bukhari and Muslim]

Therefore, Islaam will not cease to continue and all praise be to Allaah. The Religion and the Qur’aan will not cease to exist until that appointed time which the prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) has informed us of – that at the end of time the Qur’aan will be taken away from the hearts of men and from the masaahif (i.e. the copies of the Qur’aan); but this will be at the time of the destruction of the world.  (However) good will continue to exist whilst the Qur’an, the Sunnah and the Qiblah are present, even though there is one who is led away from it and becomes misguided; and even though there is one who deviates from it and becomes deviated, as the saying goes: ‘’Fitnah has its victims’’. It takes away the one who goes with it; but the people of Eemaan will remain even if they are small in number. Even if there is one who goes along with the Fitnah, and the one who goes astray and the one who comes along with it, (still) the truth and its people will remain and all praise be to Allaah. The truth is present, as Allaah (The Exalted and Most High) said:[إِنَّا نَحْنُ نَزَّلْنَا الذِّكْرَ وَإِنَّا لَهُ لَحَافِظُونَ  – Verily We: It is We Who have sent down the Dhikr (i.e. the Qur’an) and surely, We will guard it (from corruption) 15:9]

A person should not lose hope nor should he despair. He should not make the people lose hope of a return to goodness. He should not make the people lose hope regarding (the fact) that truth will prevail and falsehood will be repelled because Allaah (Glorified and Exalted Be He) has made that promise and He does not fail to fulfill His promise. Imaam Ibnul Qayyim (rahimahullaah) said: ‘’The Religion is aided when put to the test; therefore do not be amazed for this is the way of Ar-Rahmaan (The Most Merciful). [Ref 3]

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[Ref 1: Source: An Excerpt from ‘Adwaa Al-Bayaan Vol 3. pages 301-302’. slightly paraphrased]. NB: The above victory given to the Sahaabah was not acquired through the methodologies of the khawaarij (ISIS, Nusrah Front, Al-Qaa-idah) These people as you all know are murderers upon a deviant creed and methodology.  The upright scholars in the Muslim lands and the Salafi students of knowledge in the West have clarified the innovated methodologies of these khawaarij Renegades: http://www.abukhadeejah.com/salafi-shaikh-fawzaan-on-jihaad-in-our-times-and-the-guidelines-of-jihaad-according-to-islam/

http://www.takfiris.com/takfir/articles/avcwd-shaykh-abdul-muhsin-those-who-have-given-bayah-to-al-baghdadi-isis.cfm

[Ref 2: An Excerpt from ‘Haqeeqah Manhaj Al-Mamlakah Al-Arabiyyah As-Su’oodiyyah’ page 33. slightly paraphrased]

[Ref3: An Excerpt from Explanation of The hadeeth of Hudhaifah Bin Al-Yamaan. Page 6]

A Timely Reminder As We Witness The Divergent Ideologies, The Trials and Tribulations, Bloodshed and Severe Differing In Our Era

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

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

Security cannot be [established] properly except by way of two affairs: Implementation of Allaah’s Laws and obedience to the rulers. Indeed, the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] clarified this [affair] which is needed by a Muslim in his [or her] 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 on you to have Taqwa of Allaah and that you listen and obey, even if an Abyssinian slave [becomes your ruler]; for indeed he among you who lives long enough will see many differences. So, beware of newly invented matters [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 establishes 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: Obedience to the rulers [in what is good]. Fear of Allaah rectifies a Muslim’s relationship with Allaah, his neighbours and everything around him. And in the absence of 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:

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]

By listening to the rulers and obeying them [in good], all the affairs of the person’s life in his society will be a state of normality. Listening to the rulers and obeying them [in good] is included in 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 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.’’ He said, ‘’It is to 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 who knows what security is and his understanding regarding it increases due to fear of Allaah, and he is eager to obey the rulers [in good]; but when he falls short [in Taqwa], his perception of security becomes deficient. When Taqwa is actualised, he will receive the promise Allaah has 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 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]. An absence of obedience to the ruler and putting oneself before him is one of the greatest causes of corrupting the land and the people, and 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, due to the many affairs that Allaah rectifies through them more than what they corrupt.’’

Ibn Rajab [rahimahullaah] said: ‘’There is [good and great advantage] in the worldly life when rulers are obeyed. And by way of it [i.e. obedience to the rulers], the beneficial affairs related to the livelihood of the people are established and they utilise them as an aid through which they manifest their religion and obey their Lord.’’

Disobedience to the rulers and putting oneself before them through fighting or other than that [is tantamount] to disobeying Allaah and His Messenger, and an opposition to that which Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa’ah were upon – the pious predecessors. [Read more on this link: http://www.abukhadeejah.com/the-tyranny-of-the-rulers-a-reason-for-rebellion/ ]

Source: An Excerpt from ‘Silsilah Ar-Rasaa-il Al-Manhajiyyah Fin Nushi War’irshaad Wat-Taw’iyah’ pages 11-14: By Shaikh Muhammad Baazmool [hafidhahullaah]. slightly paraphrased