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Tag: softening the hearts

The great reward for those who exercise patience

Written by Jallow Abdullah on . Posted in Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

Question:

The questioner asks: What is the status of patience and what is the reward for those who exercise patience?

Answer:

Patience has a great status in the sight of Allah (The Most High). The Eemaan of a slave (i.e. a male or female Muslim) cannot be perfect without patience.  Patience is from the best of deeds and its reward has no limits. When it is the case that one good deed is written as ten good deeds and can multiply until it reaches seven hundred or more, then indeed the reward for exercising patience has no limits,  for indeed Allaah ( Glorified and Exalted be He) said:

إِنَّمَا يُوَفَّى الصَّابِرُونَ أَجْرَهُم بِغَيْرِ حِسَابٍ

Only those who are patient shall receive their rewards in full, without Hisaab (without limit, calculation and estimation) [a] [39:10]

Patience is of three types:

[1] The first type patience is when a person exercises patience (whilst striving) to obey Allaah: A Muslim is commanded to exercise patience (whilst striving) to obey Allaah (The Most High), especially the when fulfilling obligations. And the first of those obligations is the prayer, for it is obligatory to establish it at its fixed time together with all its conditions and obligatory acts. [b] Therefore, patience is required in seeking to fulfill the five daily prayers. When a sleeping person hears the Adhaan of Fajr, he strives against his soul and wakes up, and then he performs Wudhu and goes to the Masjid. This is patience whilst seeking to obey Allaah. One also exercises patience in striving to treat his (or her) parents kindly, dealing with them in a beautiful manner and patiently bearing whatever occurs from that. Allaah (The Most High):

وَقَضَىٰ رَبُّكَ أَلَّا تَعْبُدُوا إِلَّا إِيَّاهُ وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا ۚ إِمَّا يَبْلُغَنَّ عِندَكَ الْكِبَرَ أَحَدُهُمَا أَوْ كِلَاهُمَا فَلَا تَقُل لَّهُمَا أُفٍّ وَلَا تَنْهَرْهُمَا وَقُل لَّهُمَا قَوْلًا كَرِيمًا

And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And that you be dutiful to your parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them but address them in terms of honour. [17:23]

وَاخْفِضْ لَهُمَا جَنَاحَ الذُّلِّ مِنَ الرَّحْمَةِ وَقُل رَّبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًا

And lower unto them the wing of submission and humility through mercy, and say: “My Lord! Bestow on them Your Mercy as they did bring me up when I was small.”[17:24]

رَّبُّكُمْ أَعْلَمُ بِمَا فِي نُفُوسِكُمْ ۚ إِن تَكُونُوا صَالِحِينَ فَإِنَّهُ كَانَ لِلْأَوَّابِينَ غَفُورًا

Your Lord knows best what is in your inner-selves. If you are righteous, then, verily, He is Ever Most Forgiving to those who turn unto Him again and again in obedience, and in repentance. [17:25]

A person should also exercise patience in seeking to nurture his (or her) children and teaching them good manners and behaviour.

 

[2] The second type of patience is when a person exercises patience in seeking to restrain him (or herself) from disobeying Allaah: A person excises this patience in order to prevent him or (herself) from sins and (evil) desires. And among those sins a person should keep away from is that he refrains from violating the honour of the people.

[3] The third type of patience is when a person exercise patience when encountered with Allaah’s decree, which maybe something painful (i.e. a calamity): That is because that which afflicts a person, such as the death of a son (or daughter) or being afflicted with a sickness on a person’s the body, or his (or her) sanity, or what may afflict a relative of his (or hers), it is obligated on a person to exercise patience when these affairs are encountered and should hope for Allaah’s reward for being patient. He should know that all these affairs are from Allaah.  Allah (the most high) said:

مَا أَصَابَ مِن مُّصِيبَةٍ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ ۗ وَمَن يُؤْمِن بِاللَّهِ يَهْدِ قَلْبَهُ ۚ

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. [64:11]

Alqamah (radiyallaahu-anhu) said: This (ayah) is about a person who is afflicted with a calamity and he knows that it is from Allaah.  So he becomes pleased with what Allaah has decreed and submit to Allaah’s judgement, and he (or she) says: ‘’this is Allaah’s decree. I believe in Allaah and we are pleased with Allaah’s decree.” So Allaah fills his heart with Eemaan and tranquillity, and he (or she) receives a great reward (i.e. due to his patience).

We ask Allaah to include us and you amongst those who exercise patience.  Pages 11-14

[Source: Fadaa’il Al- A’maal’ pages 11-14’ by Shaikh Muhammad Bin Abdillaah As-Subayyil (rahimahullaah). Abridged and slightly paraphrased]

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others references

[a] Tayseerul Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseeri Kalaam Al-Mannaan’ by Imaam Sadi (rahimahullaah)

[b]Conditions, pillars and obligations of the prayer, see link: http://www.salafitalk.net/st/viewmessages.cfm?Forum=10&Topic=8984

 

How does Sakeenah (tranquillity) descend upon the believers?

Written by Amjad Khan on . Posted in Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

Question:

The questioner asks: What is Sakeenah (tranquillity) and how does it descend upon the believers?

Answer:

Sakeenah (tranquillity) is the calmness, relaxation and happiness a person feels inside his heart, and from the means of (experiencing) this Sakeenah and happiness in the heart is when one is constant in the remembrance of Allaah.  Allaah (Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections) said:

الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَتَطْمَئِنُّ قُلُوبُهُم بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ ۗ أَلَا بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوبُ

Those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah – Islamic Monotheism), and whose hearts find rest in the remembrance of Allah, Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest. [13:28]

Ibnul Jawzi (rahimahullaah) said that two statements have been mentioned regarding the word Dhikr; one of them is that Dhikr means the Qur’aan and the second statement is that it means the remembrance of Allaah in general.

And with regards to the meaning of Tu’maneenah (repose or rest) there are two statements: The first one is that it is love of Allah and being completely at ease in His presence. The second meaning is that it is complete submission to Him without harbouring any doubts as opposed to those whose hearts are filled with disgust when Allaah is mentioned.

In summary: Constant remembrance of Allaah (through recitation of) the Qur’aan; remembering Him by uttering Subhaanallaah, Alhamdulil laah, Allaahu Akbar and thanking Him, sending the salaah and salaam upon His Prophet [Muhammad (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam)], constantly repenting to Allaah and seeking His Forgiveness- all these deeds bring about Sakeenah (tranquility) in the heart of the believer. And Allaah knows best.

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[Source: Fadaa’il Al A’maal’ pages 11-12’ by Shaikh Muhammad Bin Abdillaah As-Subayyil (rahimahullaah). Abridged and slightly paraphrased]

[1] Righteous Actions: Recitation of the Qur’aan after finishing my work

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

Question:

The questioner says: I work as an accountant in one of the companies and I have a lot of free time during which I read the Qur’aan and listen to the Noble Qur’aan Broadcast. However, when my boss arrives I close the Mushaf. So what is the ruling on this action (of mine)? Benefit us with an answer and may Allaah reward you.

Answer:

If it is the case that you have carried out your work perfectly and fulfil everything your boss requires of you without delay, then it is permissible for you to read the Qur’aan and beneficial books, and listen to the Noble Qur’aan Broadcast in your free time. Rather benefitting from this (free) time in such activities is better than wasting it in that which does not benefit.

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[Source: Fadaa’il Al-A’maal page 5. Author Shaikh Muhammad Bin Abdillaah As-Subayyil (rahimahullaah)]

The Wicked Plotters Against The Messengers and Their Followers Were Unsuccesful

Written by Jallow Abdullah on . Posted in Brotherhood, Calling To Islam - 'Da'wa', Deviated Callers & Individuals, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Scholars of Islam.

Allaah (The Most High) said:

وَكَذَٲلِكَ جَعَلۡنَا فِى كُلِّ قَرۡيَةٍ أَڪَـٰبِرَ مُجۡرِمِيهَا لِيَمۡڪُرُواْ فِيهَا‌ۖ وَمَا يَمۡڪُرُونَ إِلَّا بِأَنفُسِہِمۡ وَمَا يَشۡعُرُونَ

”And thus We have set up in every town the greatest of its criminals to plot therein. But they plot not except against their ownselves, and they perceive (it) not.” [Soorah Al-An’aam: Ayah 123]

[وَكَذَٲلِكَ جَعَلۡنَا فِى كُلِّ قَرۡيَةٍ أَڪَـٰبِرَ مُجۡرِمِيهَا] ”And thus We have set up in every town great ones of its wicked people;” That is those figureheads whose crimes were great and whose transgressions were severe.

[لِيَمۡڪُرُواْ فِيهَا‌ۖ] ”to plot therein” with deceit; calling to the path of shaytaan; waging war against the Messengers and their followers through speech and action.  However, their plots and machinations only backfired on them. That is because they plotted and Allah too was planning, and Allah is the Best of the planners.

Likewise Allaah set up great ones amongst the leaders of guidance and the most virtuous of them, who opposed those criminals; refuted their statements and strove against them in the path of Allaah.  They followed the paths leading to the path (of Allaah) and Allaah aided them. Allaah gave them an acute discernment and kept them steadfast.  So the days of victory and defeat alternated between them and their enemies, until the affair came to its final end—victory and triumph (for the believers) and the good final end is for the Muttaqoon (i.e. the pious and righteous persons who fear Allah much (abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which He has forbidden) and love Allah much (perform all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained)].

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[Source: Tayseer Al-kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer kalaam Al-Mannaan of Imaam Sadi (rahimahullaah)] Slightly paraphrased and abridged]

 

Types of Envy’ by Imaam Ibnul Qayyim (rahimahullaah)

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

The First Type: This type is very little and does not lead the (envier) to harm (others)-either by way of (hatred in) his heart, (speech of the) tongue or (deeds of the) hand; rather the person has some envy in his heart but he only deals with his Muslim brother through what Allaah loves.

The Second Type: The envier desires that the blessing (bestowed on the one he envies) should cease. He hates that Allaah should give blessings to His slaves; rather he (desires) that the envied person should remain in that state (of deprivation)…

The Third Type is Al-Ghibtahl: It is when a person wishes to be like another person without desiring that the blessing possessed by that person should cease. The person who has this type of envy is not blamed; rather this is very similar to praiseworthy competition to excel another in good deeds.

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[Source: Badaa’i al-Fawaa-id’ 2/237’ by Imaam Ibnul Qayyim (rahimahullaah); slightly paraphrased and abridged]

This is the most disobedient person to the Messenger!

Written by Jallow Abdullah on . Posted in Belief - 'Aqeedah', Calling To Islam - 'Da'wa', Deviated Callers & Individuals, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Innovations In Islam (Bidah), Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Scholars of Islam, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

Allaah (The Most High) said:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تُقَدِّمُوا بَيْنَ يَدَيِ اللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ ۖ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ

O you who believe! Do not put (yourselves) forward before Allah and His Messenger, and fear Allah. Verily! Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. [49:1]

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تَرْفَعُوا أَصْوَاتَكُمْ فَوْقَ صَوْتِ النَّبِيِّ

O you who believe! Raise not your voices above the voice of the Prophet…[49:2]

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim (rahimahullaah) said:

When it is the case that Allaah forbade (them) from giving precedence to (themselves) over the Messenger, then which type of giving precedence to oneself over the Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) can be more severe than giving precedence to one’s intellect over the revelation he was sent with?

Many of the Salaf have stated (that this ayah means): ‘’Do not say anything (about the religion) until the messenger speaks and do not act until he commands you.’’

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

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[Source: Al-Waabil as-Sayyib’ page: 21. Abridged and slightly paraphrased]

Envy may lead to some of these destructive diseases

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

Imaam Ibn Hibbaan (rahimahullaah) said:

It is incumbent on a sensible person to avoid envy in all circumstances, for indeed the most despicable trait of envy is harbouring displeased against Allaah’s decree and wishing to oppose what Allaah (The Exalted) has decided for His slaves. Then the inner self of person is wrapped up in the (desire) to see a Muslim being deprived of a blessing. The soul of the envious person is never at ease nor does his body relax except when he sees his brother being deprived of a blessing.

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[Source: Rawdatul Uqalaa’ page 133]

An Envious person oppresses him (or herself)

Written by Amjad Khan on . Posted in Brotherhood, Calling To Islam - 'Da'wa', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul.

Al-Hasan al-Basri (rahimahullaah) said:

I have not seen an oppressor who oppresses himself similar to an envious person! He (or she) is always frustrated; permanently sad and upon a distress that never comes to an end.

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[Source: Al-Aqd Al-Fareed’ of Ibn Abdi Rabbihi Al-Andaloosi (rahimahullaah)’ 2/170]

Be mindful of envy because it leads to evil consequences!

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

Allaah (The Most High) stated:

قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ الْفَلَقِ

Say: “I seek refuge with (Allah) the Lord of the daybreak,

مِن شَرِّ مَا خَلَقَ

“From the evil of what He has created;

وَمِن شَرِّ غَاسِقٍ إِذَا وَقَبَ

And from the evil of the darkening (night) as it comes with its darkness; (or the moon as it sets or goes away).

وَمِن شَرِّ النَّفَّاثَاتِ فِي الْعُقَدِ

“And from the evil of the witchcrafts when they blow in the knots,

وَمِن شَرِّ حَاسِدٍ إِذَا حَسَدَ

“And from the evil of the envier when he envies.

Envy is the most despicable trait. The first deed of disobedience through which Allaah was disobeyed in the heavens was Iblees’s envy towards Aadam and the (first deed of disobedience through which Allaah was disobeyed) in the earth was Qaabil’s envy toward Haabil. [1]

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[1] [Source: Zaadul Maseer’ by Ibn Jawzi (rahimahullaah)]