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Tag: softening the hearts

Verily! We have made that which is on earth as an adornment for it, in order that We may test them (mankind) as to which of them are best in deeds

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

Allaah (The Most High) stated:

إِنَّا جَعَلْنَا مَا عَلَى الْأَرْضِ زِينَةً لَّهَا لِنَبْلُوَهُمْ أَيُّهُمْ أَحْسَنُ عَمَلًا

وَإِنَّا لَجَاعِلُونَ مَا عَلَيْهَا صَعِيدًا جُرُزًا

Verily! We have made that which is on earth as an adornment for it, in order that We may test them (mankind) as to which of them are best in deeds. [i.e.those who do good deeds in the most perfect manner, that means to do them (deeds) totally for Allah’s sake and in accordance to the legal ways of the Prophet]. And verily! We shall make all that is on it (the earth) a bare dry soil (without any vegetation or trees, etc.).

Imaam Sadi (rahimahullaah) stated:

Allaah (The Most High) informed (us) that He has made everything on the face of the earth, such as the delicious foods and drinks, the beautiful houses, the trees, the rivers, the vegetations, the fruits, the beautiful scenes (or beautiful things that captures the attention of the eyes), the pretty gardens, the beautiful images, gold, silver, horses, camels and other than them, as an adornment for it, a trial and test.

[لِنَبْلُوَهُمْ أَيُّهُمْ أَحْسَنُ عَمَلًا -that We may test them (mankind) as to which of them are best in deeds]; that is: The most sincere (i.e. sincerity in worship) and most correct (i.e. carry out deeds in accordance with the authentic Sunnah of the Prophet).

And Allaah will (finally) make all these things disappear and the earth will return to been a bare dry soil- its enjoyment will disappear and come to an end. This is the reality of this worldly life! Indeed Allaah has made this worldly life clearly visible to us and warned us not to be deceived by it. He urged us towards the home of the (afterlife) – whose enjoyment is ever lasting- out of mercy to us. However, the one who merely looks at the outward appearance of this worldly life and not its true reality is deceived by its adornment and beauty; so he goes along with it just like animals and enjoys himself just like cattle that graze around freely. He neither gives concern to the rights of his Lord nor importance to knowing his Lord; rather his concern is only to follow his desires in every way he can and in every situation. When death arrives to the likes of these people, they are restless because of the disappearance of the enjoyment (of the worldly pleasures) and due to what they have sent forth of evil deeds.

As for the one who looks at the true reality of this worldly life and knows the true purpose behind it, he utilises from it that which will aid him to fulfil the reason it was created for him (i.e. he utilises the worldly blessings in obedience to Allaah). He utilises his noble lifespan as an opportunity (to obey Allaah). He makes this worldly life a place of transition and not a place of permanent (joy); a place of travel and not a place of permanent residence. Therefore, he strives to know his lord, fulfil the commands of his Lord (and keeps away from what his Lord has forbidden) and (strives to) perfect his deeds. This person has the highest station in the presence of his Lord and he is deserving- (by the kindness and mercy of his Lord) – of every good treatment, bliss, nobility and happiness (in the hereafter).


[Source: Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan…abridged and slightly paraphrased]

 

Among The Excellent Manners of Our Salaf–a Warning against Pride and Self-Amazement by Ibnul Mubaarak

Abu Wahb Al-Marwazee (rahimahullaah) said that he asked Abdullaah Ibnul Mubaarak (rahimahullaah) about pride”, so he said, ”It is to mock at the people”.  And he asked him about self-amazement, so he said, ”It is to consider yourself as having something not possessed by others”.

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[Tazkiratul Huffaadz: 1/278]

Reminder and Reflection: What Happened to a People Who Belittled The Blessings of Allaah and Transgressed?!

Allaah (The Most High) said:

وَإِذْ قُلْتُمْ يَا مُوسَىٰ لَن نَّصْبِرَ عَلَىٰ طَعَامٍ وَاحِدٍ فَادْعُ لَنَا رَبَّكَ يُخْرِجْ لَنَا مِمَّا تُنبِتُ الْأَرْضُ مِن بَقْلِهَا وَقِثَّائِهَا وَفُومِهَا وَعَدَسِهَا وَبَصَلِهَا ۖ قَالَ أَتَسْتَبْدِلُونَ الَّذِي هُوَ أَدْنَىٰ بِالَّذِي هُوَ خَيْرٌ ۚ اهْبِطُوا مِصْرًا فَإِنَّ لَكُم مَّا سَأَلْتُمْ ۗ وَضُرِبَتْ عَلَيْهِمُ الذِّلَّةُ وَالْمَسْكَنَةُ وَبَاءُوا بِغَضَبٍ مِّنَ اللَّهِ ۗ ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ كَانُوا يَكْفُرُونَ بِآيَاتِ اللَّهِ وَيَقْتُلُونَ النَّبِيِّينَ بِغَيْرِ الْحَقِّ ۗ ذَٰلِكَ بِمَا عَصَوا وَّكَانُوا يَعْتَدُونَ

[وَإِذْ قُلْتُمْ يَا مُوسَىٰ لَن نَّصْبِرَ عَلَىٰ طَعَامٍ وَاحِدٍ فَادْعُ لَنَا رَبَّكَ يُخْرِجْ لَنَا مِمَّا تُنبِتُ الْأَرْضُ مِن بَقْلِهَا وَقِثَّائِهَا وَفُومِهَا وَعَدَسِهَا وَبَصَلِهَا – And (remember) when you said, “O Musa (Moses)! We cannot endure one kind of food. So invoke your Lord for us to bring forth for us of what the earth grows, its herbs, its cucumbers, its Fum (wheat or garlic), its lentils and its onions (2:61)]

They said this [i.e. to be given something else] out of belittling the blessings of Allaah. This (also) shows their lack of patience. [ref 1]

[Allaah said] that Moosa said to them: [أَتَسْتَبْدِلُونَ الَّذِي هُوَ أَدْنَىٰ بِالَّذِي هُوَ خَيْرٌ  – Would you exchange that which is better for that which is lower? (2:61)]

Therefore, they were recompensed for their (evil) deeds. Allaah said: [ref: 2]

[وَضُرِبَتْ عَلَيْهِمُ الذِّلَّةُ وَالْمَسْكَنَةُ وَبَاءُوا بِغَضَبٍ مِّنَ اللَّهِ – And they were covered with humiliation and misery, and they drew on themselves the Wrath of Allah].

[ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ كَانُوا يَكْفُرُونَ بِآيَاتِ اللَّهِ وَيَقْتُلُونَ النَّبِيِّينَ بِغَيْرِ الْحَقِّ ۗ ذَٰلِكَ بِمَا عَصَوا وَّكَانُوا يَعْتَدُونَ -That was because they used to disbelieve the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allah and killed the Prophets wrongfully. That was because they disobeyed and used to transgress the bounds (in their disobedience to Allah, i.e. commit crimes and sins) (2:61)]

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Refs 1 & 2: Paraphrased excerpts from Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam al-Mannaan’ by Imaam As-Sadi (rahimahullaah)

 

Among The Fruits of One’s Certainty That He (or She) Will Return To Allaah

Allaah (The Most High) said:

وَاسْتَعِينُوا بِالصَّبْرِ وَالصَّلَاةِ ۚ وَإِنَّهَا لَكَبِيرَةٌ إِلَّا عَلَى الْخَاشِعِينَ

الَّذِينَ يَظُنُّونَ أَنَّهُم مُّلَاقُو رَبِّهِمْ وَأَنَّهُمْ إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ

And seek help in patience and As-Salat (the prayer) and truly it is extremely heavy and hard except for Al-Khashi’un [i.e. the true believers in Allah – those who obey Allah with full submission, fear much from His Punishment, and believe in His Promise (Paradise, etc.) and in His Warnings (Hell, etc.)]. (They are those) who are certain that they are going to meet their Lord, and that unto Him they are going to return. [2:45-46]

[الَّذِينَ يَظُنُّونَ أَنَّهُم مُّلَاقُو رَبِّهِمْ وَأَنَّهُمْ إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ- (They are those) who are certain that they are going to meet their Lord, and that unto Him they are going to return]: They are certain that they are going to meet their Lord in order to be recompensed for their deeds and that to Him is their return. This is what makes acts of worship easy for them, obligates solace on them during calamities, gives them relief in times of distress and turns them away from evil deeds (i.e. by the Tawfeeq of Allaah).

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[Abridged and slightly paraphrased. Source: Tayseer al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan’ by Imaam Sadi (rahimahullaah). Publisher: Daar Ibn Hazm 1st Edition. 1424AH (Year 2003)]

Three Prophetic Admonitions- First One About Our Salaah; Second One About Our Tongues and Third One About Our Behaviour Towards People

A man came to the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) and said: ‘’Admonish me and be brief’’; so the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said to him:

إِذَا قُمْتَ فِي صَلَاتِكَ فَصَلِّ صَلَاةَ مُوَدِّعٍ

‘’When you stand for your prayer, then pray a farewell prayer (i.e. as if it is your last Salah before death).”

وَلَا تَكَلَّمْ بِكَلَامٍ تَعْتَذِرُ مِنْهُ غَدًا

”Do not speak with a statement for which you may have to apologize tomorrow.”

وَأَجْمِعِ اليَأسَ مِمَّا فِي يَدَيِ النَّاسِ

  ”And forgo what is in the hands of the people (i.e. do not be desperate for the worldly possessions of the people).”

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[Reported by Imaam Ahmad (rahimahullaah) Number: 23498); Imaam Ibn Maajah (rahimahulllaah) Number: 4171 & Recorded by Imaam Albaani (rahimahullaah) in As-Saheehah. Number:401]

 

Tremendous Reward For Those Who Love One Another For The Sake of Allaah; Meet Each Other and Depart From Each Other For the Sake of Allaah

Abu Hurairah (radiyallaahu-anhu) narrated that the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said:

“There are seven whom Allaah will shade with His shade on the day when there will be no shade except His: a just ruler; a young man who grows up in the worship of Allaah; a man whose heart is attached to the masjid; two men who love one another for the sake of Allaah and meet and depart based on that; a man who is called by a woman of status and beauty, so he says, ‘’I fear Allaah’’; a man who gives in charity and hides it to the extent that his left hand does not know what his right hand gives; and a man who remembers Allaah when he is alone, and his eyes fill up (with tears).” [Ref 1]

Imaam An-Nawawi (rahimahullaah) stated regarding the statement of the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam): ‘’Two men who love one another for the sake of Allaah and meet and depart based on that’’; its meaning is that they meet based on love of Allaah and depart based on love of Allaah. The reason for their meeting was based on love of Allaah and continued upon that until they departed. They are truthful in their love for one another for the sake of Allaah (The Most High), whilst meeting together and departing (from one another). This hadeeth urges one towards loving for the sake of Allaah and a clarification of its great virtue because loving and hating for the sake of Allaah is from Eemaan. [Ref 2]

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[Source: Ref 1 (Sahih Muslim Hadeeth Number 1031) & Ref 2: Saheeh Muslim Bi-Sharh An-Nawawi- Abridged & slightly paraphrased-; Page 107; Kitaab Az-Zakaat (Book of Zakat); Vol 7-8; Publisher: Daarul Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah 1st Edition 1421AH (Year 200)]

Two Calamities Upon a Servant at The Time of Death Related to His (Her) Wealth

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

Yahyaa Ibn Mu’aadh (rahimahullaah) said:

”The creation have not heard (something) similar to two calamities upon a slave with regards to his wealth at the time of death; so it was said, ‘’what are they?’’ He said, ‘’All of it is taken away from him and he is questioned about all of it (on yaumul qiyaamah).’’

[End of Qoute] [Mukhtasar Minhaaj Al-Qaasideen page: 208]


What Is The Solution Before We Are Questioned?

Allaah (The Most High) said:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تُلْهِكُمْ أَمْوَالُكُمْ وَلَا أَوْلَادُكُمْ عَن ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ ۚ وَمَن يَفْعَلْ ذَٰلِكَ فَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْخَاسِرُونَ

O you who believe! Let not your properties or your children divert you from the remembrance of Allah. And whosoever does that, then they are the losers. [63:9]

 

وَأَنفِقُوا مِن مَّا رَزَقْنَاكُم مِّن قَبْلِ أَن يَأْتِيَ أَحَدَكُمُ الْمَوْتُ فَيَقُولَ رَبِّ لَوْلَا أَخَّرْتَنِي إِلَىٰ أَجَلٍ قَرِيبٍ فَأَصَّدَّقَ وَأَكُن مِّنَ الصَّالِحِينَ

And spend (in charity) of that with which We have provided you, before death comes to one of you and he says: “My Lord! If only You would give me respite for a little while (i.e. return to the worldly life), then I should give Sadaqah (i.e. Zakat) of my wealth , and be among the righteous [i.e. perform Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah)]. [63:10]

وَلَن يُؤَخِّرَ اللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِذَا جَاءَ أَجَلُهَا ۚ وَاللَّهُ خَبِيرٌ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ

And Allah grants respite to none when his appointed time (death) comes. And Allah is All-Aware of what you do. [63:11]

What  was Qaaroon Advised To Do With His Wealth and What Was His End When He Transgressed?

Allaah (The Most High) said:

 إِنَّ قَارُونَ كَانَ مِن 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). [28:76]

وَابْتَغِ فِيمَا آتَاكَ اللَّهُ الدَّارَ الْآخِرَةَ ۖ وَلَا تَنسَ نَصِيبَكَ مِنَ الدُّنْيَا ۖ وَأَحْسِن 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). [28:77]

قَالَ إِنَّمَا أُوتِيتُهُ عَلَىٰ عِلْمٍ عِندِي ۚ أَوَلَمْ يَعْلَمْ أَنَّ اللَّهَ قَدْ أَهْلَكَ مِن قَبْلِهِ مِنَ الْقُرُونِ مَنْ هُوَ أَشَدُّ مِنْهُ قُوَّةً وَأَكْثَرُ جَمْعًا ۚ وَلَا يُسْأَلُ عَن 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). [28:78]

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.”[28:79]

وَقَالَ الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْعِلْمَ وَيْلَكُمْ ثَوَابُ اللَّهِ خَيْرٌ لِّمَنْ 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).” [28:80]

 

فَخَسَفْنَا بِهِ وَبِدَارِهِ الْأَرْضَ فَمَا كَانَ لَهُ مِن فِئَةٍ يَنصُرُونَهُ مِن دُونِ اللَّهِ وَمَا كَانَ مِنَ الْمُنتَصِرِينَ

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. [28:81]

وَأَصْبَحَ الَّذِينَ تَمَنَّوْا مَكَانَهُ بِالْأَمْسِ يَقُولُونَ وَيْكَأَنَّ اللَّهَ يَبْسُطُ الرِّزْقَ لِمَن يَشَاءُ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ وَيَقْدِرُ ۖ لَوْلَا أَن مَّنَّ 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. [28:82]

Repentance and giving back what one has taken from the people unlawfully

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


 

[2] Among Those Aayaat That Reminds Us of the Importance of Constantly Striving To Purify Our Hearts

[2] Among Those Aayaat That Reminds Us of the Importance of Constantly Striving To Purify Our Hearts

Allaah (The Most High) said:

وَأُزْلِفَتِ الْجَنَّةُ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ غَيْرَ بَعِيدٍ

هَٰذَا مَا تُوعَدُونَ لِكُلِّ أَوَّابٍ حَفِيظٍ

مَّنْ خَشِيَ الرَّحْمَٰنَ بِالْغَيْبِ وَجَاءَ بِقَلْبٍ مُّنِيبٍ

And Paradise will be brought near to the Muttaqun (pious) not far off.  (It will be said): “This is what you were promised, – (it is) for those oft-returning (to Allah) in sincere repentance, and those who preserve their covenant with Allah (by obeying Him in all what He has ordered, and worship none but Allah Alone, i.e. follow Allah’s Religion, Islamic Monotheism). “Who feared the Most Beneficent (Allah) in the Ghaib (unseen): and brought a heart turned in repentance…[Soorah Qaaf. Aayaat 31-33]

 [مَّنْ خَشِيَ الرَّحْمَٰنَ بِالْغَيْبِ – Who feared the Most Beneficent (Allah) in the Ghaib (unseen)];That is: He fears Allaah due to his knowledge and aware of Allaah, hoping for Allaah’s Mercy and being constant in fearing Allaah when he is alone and not with the people. This is fear of Allaah in reality. (Ref 1) or fears Allaah in this worldly life before seeing and meeting Allaah in the afterlife. (Ref 2)

[وَجَاءَ بِقَلْبٍ مُّنِيبٍ  – And brought a heart turned in repentance]- turned in repentance to Allaah with complete submission. It may be that a person repents, abandons his sin and does not commit it again, but his submission to Allaah is weak. As for Inaabah [i.e. turned in repentance], it is complete submission to Allaah. [Ref 3]

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

[Ref 2: English Translation of the Noble Qur’aan’ by Dr Muhsin Khan & Shaikh Taqiyuddeen Al-Hilaali (rahimahullaah). Abridged & slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 3: Abridged & slightly paraphrased. Source: Sharh Al-Usool Ath-Thalaatha’ page 111’ by Shaikh Saaleh Al-Fawzaan (may Allaah preserve him). Publisher: Daar Al-Imaam Ahmad’ 1st ed. 1427AH (Year 2006)]

[1] Among Those Aayaat That Reminds Us of the Importance of Constantly Striving To Purify Our Hearts

Allaah (The Most High) said:

يَوْمَ لَا يَنْفَعُ مَالٌ وَلَا بَنُونَ

إِلَّا مَنْ أَتَى اللهَ بِقَلْبٍ سَلِيمٍ

The Day whereon neither wealth nor sons will avail; Except him who brings to Allah a clean heart. [Soorah Ash-Shu’araa..Aayaat 88-89]

This (i.e. clean heart) is what will benefit you, save you from punishment and make you worthy of abundant reward (i.e. in the afterlife).

Some Characteristics of the Clean Heart

It is free from Shirk, doubt (i.e. about the religion) and love of evil.

It does not persist upon Bidah and Sins (i.e. it returns to repentance).

It is characterised with sincerity, certainty (i.e. about the religion) and love of good.

What it loves and desires agrees with what Allaah loves and what Allaah has revealed (i.e. the Qur’aan and the Sunnah).

To be continued. InShaaAllaah

Abu Eesa Faizal Kara

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Source: Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan of Imaam Sadi  (rahimahullaah). Abridged & slightly paraphrased

Publisher: Daar Ibn Hazm. 1st Ed 1424AH (Year 2003)]

Wealthy Prophets and Sahaabah –[The Mere Presence of Poverty Does Not Necessitate The Presence of Zuhd Nor Does The Presence of Wealth Necessitate The Absence of Zuhd]

 

Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullaah) said:

Many of the latter people (i.e. those who came after the Salaf) associated Zuhd with poverty, but Zuhd can be (present) alongside wealth and poverty. Amongst the Prophets and those who were foremost in embracing Eemaan (i.e. the Sahaabah), there were those who were wealthy and Zaahid (i.e. a person of abstinence). [Majmoo 11/28]

 

Ibraaheem Bin Ad’ham (rahimahullaah) said:

Abstinence from the worldly life is of three types: (a) Obligatory abstinence, (b) the abstinence that is of a superior virtue and (c) the abstinence that is safety. As for obligatory abstinence, it is to abstinence from the unlawful; and the abstinence that is of superior virtue is to abstain from what is lawful (but unnecessary); and the abstinence that is safety is to abstain from the doubtful matters.

[Jaami-ul Uloom Wal-Hikam: page: 310]