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Salafiyyah Is Founded On Three Fundamental Principles

Shaikh Muhammad Baazmool (may Allaah preserve him) stated:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Shaikh Fawzaan says: The One Who Praises Innovators Is One of Two People….

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 places 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. Whoever proceeds towards a person of innovation has proceeded towards the destruction of Islaam.”

The innovators must be warned against and kept away from even if they have some truth with them. Indeed, the most astray are not devoid of something of the 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 towards their innovation because in this is spreading of bidah and belittling the Sunnah; and through this the innovator will emerge and become a guide for the Ummah.

As for the consideration that he has something of the truth, this does not justify praising him. This is to a far greater extent against that which is of overriding benefit and it is known with regards to a principle of the religion that averting harm takes precedence over seeking that which is of benefit. And with regards to showing animosity towards the innovator, the harm that is averted from the Ummah is weightier than what he has of benefit. And had we adhered to this concept, no one would have been judged to be misguided and declared an innovator. This is because there is not an innovator except that he has with him some of that which is from the truth and adherence to the Sunnah. The innovator (may) neither be a disbeliever nor is he in opposition to all the Islamic legislation; rather he is either an innovator in some or most of the affairs. However, if the innovation is particularly to do with affairs of Creed and Methodology, then the affair is dangerous indeed- because it will become example (to follow); innovation will spread and the innovators will become active in spreading their innovation.

So, this one- who praises the innovators and makes their affair obscure to the people with what they (innovators) have with them of truth- 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 is one who has an objection and 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]

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

يَخْتَصُّ بِرَحْمَتِهِ مَن يَشَاءُ ۗ وَاللَّهُ ذُو الْفَضْلِ الْعَظِيمِ

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Allaah (The Most High) said:

وَهَلۡ أَتَٮٰكَ نَبَؤُاْ ٱلۡخَصۡمِ إِذۡ تَسَوَّرُواْ ٱلۡمِحۡرَابَ

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

The Student of knowledge Should Avoid The Tubooliyyaat!

Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen (rahimahullaah) said:

[الطبوليات ] are those Masaa’il (affairs related to the religion) by way of which fame is sought. They are called ‘Tubooliyyaat’ because it is similar to a Tabl (drum) which has a sound and an echo. So when an odd affair comes to the people and a (person) becomes famous by way of it, then it becomes as if it is the sound of a drum.

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[Sharh Hilya Taalib al-Ilm, page: 19]

[1] Ahlul Bidah Are More Evil Than the People of Sinful Deeds

Shaikhul Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullaah) said: Indeed Ahlul Bidah are more evil than the people of sinful desires and [this is confirmed by way of] text and Ijmaa (consensus of the scholars); for indeed the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) commanded that the khawaarij are to be fought [i. e. by the Muslim ruler], but he (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) forbade (us) from fighting the oppressive rulers. (Ref 1) And he (sallal laahu alayhi wasallam) said about the man who drank alcohol [i.e. the one who was brought to the Messenger due to drunkenness (Ref 2)]: “Do not curse him, for indeed he loves Allah and His Messenger”; but he (sallal laahu alayhi wasallam) said about Dhul Khuwaysirah: A people will appear from this man, who will recite the Qur’aan but it will not go beyond their throats and they will exit the religion as an arrow passes through a target. You will belittle your prayer compared to your prayer, your fasting compared to their fasting and your recitation of the Qur’aan compared to their recitation. Kill them wherever you find them [i.e. whenever they come out to fight, the Muslim ruler should rally his armies against them (Ref 3)]; for indeed there is a reward on the day of judgement for the one who kills them. [Majmoo 20/103-105]

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[Ref 1] See article here: http://www.abukhadeejah.com/the-tyranny-of-the-rulers-a-reason-for-rebellion/

[Ref 2] Ruling on the one who drinks alcohol: Anas (radiyallaahu-anhu) narrated that the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) flogged the one who drank wine with palm branches stripped of their leaves and with shoes. [Saheeh Muslimm 3281] [i.e. the Muslim ruler is the one who will apply this punishment and none else] 

Question to Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz (Rahimahullaah):

Is enjoining Ma’ruf and forbidding Munkar, namely correcting the wrong by the hand, a right for all Muslims or is it just confined to those in authority and their deputies?

A: Correcting the wrong is a right for all Muslims according to their ability, because the Messenger (peace be upon him) said, “Anyone of you who sees Munkar (that which is unacceptable or disapproved of by Islamic law and Muslims of sound intellect), let them change it with their hand (by taking action); if they cannot, then with their tongue (by speaking out); and if they cannot, then with their heart (by hating it and feeling that it is wrong); and that is the weakest of Iman (faith).”(Muslim, Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi & others)

However, changing by the hand must be based on ability that will not result in greater corruption or evil. Man has the right to rectify matters with his hand (by taking action) in his home, with his children, wife, and servants; and a manager has the authority to make changes with the hand within the organization they are responsible for, in accordance with the instructions that were given to them. Otherwise, people should not change with their hand anything they are not authorized to change.  If they do make changes in matters that they have no authority over, this will result in more evil and great corruption between them and the people and between the people and the state.

In this case they should make the change with their tongue (by speaking out). They may say: “O so-and-so! Fear Allah! That is not permissible,” “This is Haram (prohibited),” or: “That is Wajib (obligatory) on you,” and clarify it with Shar’iy (Islamic legal) evidence. This is what can be done by the tongue. As for changing matters with the hand, this should be done where one has authority, such as one’s home, with those under one’s responsibility, or those authorized by the ruler, such as organizations given permission and authority to enjoin Ma’ruf (that which is judged as good, beneficial, or fitting by Islamic law and Muslims of sound intellect). They should make changes in accordance to the degree of authority that has been given to them, in the way prescribed by the Shari’ah (Islamic law), without exceeding their jurisdiction. The same applies to the governor of a city; he should make changes with his hand, in accordance with the instructions he has. http://www.salafitalk.net/st/viewmessages.cfm?Forum=16&Topic=9751

[Ref 3] See article here: http://salaficentre.com/2014/07/imaam-barbahaaree-speaks-about-the-khawaarij-terrorists/

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

Allaah (The Most High) said:

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

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

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim (rahimahullaah) said:

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

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

 

The Arrival of The Unlettered Prophet with This Great Qur’aan That Reveals What They Used to hide amongst themselves is from the Firm Evidences of His Messengership

Allaah (The Most High) said:

يَـٰٓأَهۡلَ ٱلۡڪِتَـٰبِ قَدۡ جَآءَڪُمۡ رَسُولُنَا يُبَيِّنُ لَكُمۡ ڪَثِيرً۬ا مِّمَّا ڪُنتُمۡ تُخۡفُونَ مِنَ ٱلۡڪِتَـٰبِ وَيَعۡفُواْ عَن ڪَثِيرٍ۬‌ۚ قَدۡ جَآءَڪُم مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ نُورٌ۬ وَڪِتَـٰبٌ۬ مُّبِينٌ۬

يَهۡدِى بِهِ ٱللَّهُ مَنِ ٱتَّبَعَ رِضۡوَٲنَهُ ۥ سُبُلَ ٱلسَّلَـٰمِ وَيُخۡرِجُهُم مِّنَ ٱلظُّلُمَـٰتِ إِلَى ٱلنُّورِ بِإِذۡنِهِۦ وَيَهۡدِيهِمۡ إِلَىٰ صِرَٲطٍ۬ مُّسۡتَقِيمٍ۬

O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians)! Now has come to you Our Messenger (Muhammad) explaining to you much of that which you used to hide from the Scripture and passing over (i.e. leaving out without explaining) much.  Indeed, there has come to you from Allah a light (Prophet Muhammad) and a plain Book (this Qur’an).  Wherewith Allah guides all those who seek His Good Pleasure to ways of peace, and He brings them out of darkness by His Will unto light and guides them to a Straight Way (Islamic Monotheism). [Surah Al-Maa-idah Aayaat 15-16]

After Allaah made a mention of the covenant He took from the people of the scripture-the Jews and Christians- [i.e. in Aayaat 12-14 Surah Maa-idah] and that they violated it except a few amongst them, He then commanded all of them to believe in Muhammad (sallal-laahu – alayhi – wasallam).  He established the proof against them through clear signs that shows the soundness of Muhammad’s (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) Prophethood; and that is: He explained to them much of that which they concealed from mankind, even from the common people who follow their religion.

And if they [i.e. the Jews and Christians] were the ones with knowledge and none else possessed knowledge during that era except them, then an eager seeker of knowledge would not have had any access to it, except through them. So the Messenger’s arrival with this Great Qur’aan that clarifies for them that which they used to hide amongst themselves–whilst he was unlettered and could neither read nor write–is from the surest of evidences concerning the unequivocal establishment of his Messenger ship, and likewise his qualities mentioned in their books, the presence of the prophecies about him in their books, the verses concerning the divine legislated laws against adultery and what is similar to it.

[وَيَعۡفُواْ عَن ڪَثِيرٍ] ”And passing over (i.e. leaving out without explaining) much;” That is: He abstained from explaining that which is not in agreement with the perfect and infallible wisdom contained in the divine laws.

[قَدۡ جَآءَڪُم مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ نُورٌ۬ وَڪِتَـٰبٌ۬ مُّبِينٌ۬] ”Indeed, there has come to you from Allah a light (Prophet Muhammad) and a plain Book (this Qur’an).”   It is the Qur’aan that gives light in the midst of the darkness of ignorance and the foolishness of misguidance.

[وَڪِتَـٰبٌ۬ مُّبِينٌ۬] ”And a plain Book (this Qur’an)” for everything needed by creation (i.e. Mankind and Jinn) in their worldly and religious affairs–such as knowledge and awareness of Allaah; His Names, Attributes and Actions; knowledge of the rulings of the divine Islamic legislation and His Rulings on recompense.

Then He (The Most High ) mentioned those who are guided by this Qur’aan and the reason behind the slave being guided, so He (The Most High ) said : [يَهۡدِى بِهِ ٱللَّهُ مَنِ ٱتَّبَعَ رِضۡوَٲنَهُ ۥ سُبُلَ ٱلسَّلَـٰمِ] “Wherewith Allah guides all those who seek His Good Pleasure to ways of peace;’’ That is: It guides the one who strives and is eager to seek Allaah’s Good pleasure with a good aim; (to the) [سُبُلَ ٱلسَّلَـٰمِ ] ”Ways of peace” that safeguards a person from punishment when he follows them and leads him to the abode of peace (i.e. paradise), and that is to possess knowledge of the truth and to act upon it- in its general and specific affairs.

[وَيُخۡرِجُهُم مِّنَ] ”And He brings them out” from the darkness of disbelief,  bidah, disobedience, ignorance and heedlessness, and enters them into the light of Imaan, the Sunnah, obedience, knowledge and remembrance of Allaah.  All these affairs of guidance are reached by the permission of Allaah– The One that whatever He wills has to take place and whatever He does not will cannot take place.

[وَيَهۡدِيهِمۡ إِلَىٰ صِرَٲطٍ۬ مُّسۡتَقِيمٍ ] ”And guides them to a Straight Way (Islamic Monotheism).”

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[Slightly paraphrased..for further details see Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan’ by Imaam Sa’di (rahimahullaah)]

 

Nobility is Obstained In Accordance With One’s Taqwaa and Adherence to The Sharee’ah In Speech, Belief and Deeds

Imaam Ash’Shaatibee (rahimahullaah) stated:

Know that Allaah has established this sharee’ah as a proof against the creation (mankind and jinn) – the old and young alike; the obedient and the disobedient; the righteous and the wicked. He did not specify the proof against anyone in exclusion of another one. Also all the other revealed laws were established as a proof against all the other nations to whom those laws were revealed.

The Sharee’ah is the judge- restrictedly and unrestrictedly. It is (the means of judgement) and the judge on 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 sent down upon 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 beacon by way of which they are guided to the truth. Their nobility is established in accordance with how far 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) has 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, but it is not possible for the one below this (i.e. the one whose adherence to the Sharee’ah is below that of the one who is firmest in adhering to it) to reach the highest level of honour based on his adherence to the Sharee’ah. Therefore, honour is (measured) in accordance with one’s (level of adherence) to the Sharee’ah.

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[Source: Al-Itisaam 3/434..few paraphrased phrases]