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A Supplication Before Bed Time Reminds Us of Allaah’s Blessings

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

English Translation of the supplication

All praise is due to Allah Who fed us, provided us drink, sufficed us and provided us with shelter, for how many people there is none to suffice and none to provide shelter. [Saheeh Muslim Number 2715]

 

Brief Reminder

In this supplication, there is a reminder for the Muslim before he (or she) goes to bed regarding the end of the day and the hours that have elapsed, in which Allaah provided him (or her) with food, drink and shelter, whilst there are a number of people who could not find food as a source of nourishment or drink to quench their thirst, or clothing to clothed themselves, or a dwelling place. So whoever Allaah blessed with food and drink, sufficed him (or her) etc then it is obligated on him (or her) to recognise (or acknowledge) the blessings of Allaah and consider it as something that is great indeed. That is because being grateful for the blessings Allaah has given you is a means to retaining and increasing those blessings. Allaah (The Most High) said:[وَإِذْ تَأَذَّنَ رَبُّكُمْ لَئِنْ شَكَرْتُمْ لَأَزِيدَنَّكُمْ ۖ وَلَئِنْ كَفَرْتُمْ إِنَّ عَذَابِي لَشَدِيدٌ -And (remember) when your Lord proclaimed: “If you give thanks (by accepting Faith and worshipping none but Allah), I will give you more (of My Blessings), but if you are thankless (i.e. disbelievers), verily! My Punishment is indeed severe. (14:7)]

[Paraphrased Excerpt. Source: Fiqhul Ad’iyah Wal-Adkaar’ page 79′ parts 3&4′ by Sh Abdur-Razzaaq Al-Badr (may Allaah preserve him)]

 

If You Concentrate On Your Own Rectification, Whilst Enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil To The Best of Your Ability, You Will Not Be Harmed By Those Who Are Astray

Written by Masjid Al Furqan on . Posted in Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allaah [The Most High] said:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا عَلَيْكُمْ أَنْفُسَكُمْ ۖ لَا يَضُرُّكُمْ مَنْ ضَلَّ إِذَا اهْتَدَيْتُمْ ۚ إِلَى اللَّهِ مَرْجِعُكُمْ جَمِيعًا فَيُنَبِّئُكُمْ بِمَا كُنْتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ

O you who believe! Take care of your own selves. If you follow the right guidance no hurt can come to you from those who are in error. The return of you all is to Allah, then He will inform you about (all) that which you used to do. [5:105]

Allaah [The Most High] said:[  يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا عَلَيْكُمْ أَنْفُسَكُمْ ۖ – O you who believe! Take care of your own selves]-Meaning: Strive to rectify and perfect your own souls, and keep them firm upon the straight path. That is because if you are righteous, you will not be harmed by the one deviated from the straight path; rather he only harms himself [or herself].  [However], this does not indicate that the servant [i.e. a Muslim] is not harmed if he abandons enjoining good and forbidding evil or becomes negligent of it, for indeed his guidance will not be complete except through fulfilling what is obligated on him [or her] with regard to enjoining good and forbidding evil.  If he is [genuinely] unable to stop evil with his hand and his tongue, but rejects it in his heart, then indeed he will not be harmed by the misguidance of others. [Ref A]

[إِلَى اللَّهِ مَرْجِعُكُمْ جَمِيعًا  – The return of you all is to Allah]-Meaning: Your final destination is the day of Judgement and your gathering will be in the presence of Allaah [The Most High]; [فَيُنَبِّئُكُمْ بِمَا كُنْتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ -then He will inform you about (all) that which you used to do]- Meaning: [Your] good and evil [deeds]. [Re 1]

Ref A:

Enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil

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 andso! 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. [Fataawaa Ibn Baaz 8/208. Salafitalk.net]

Ref 1:

[Source: (Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer kalaam Al-Mannaan). Abridged and slightly paraphrased]

 

Hasten Towards The Jumu’ah Prayer For The Remembrance of Allaah!

Written by Masjid Al Furqan on . Posted in Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allaah [The Most High] said:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِذَا نُودِيَ لِلصَّلَاةِ مِنْ يَوْمِ الْجُمُعَةِ فَاسْعَوْا إِلَىٰ ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ وَذَرُوا الْبَيْعَ ۚ ذَٰلِكُمْ خَيْرٌ لَكُمْ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ

فَإِذَا قُضِيَتِ الصَّلَاةُ فَانْتَشِرُوا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَابْتَغُوا مِنْ فَضْلِ اللَّهِ وَاذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ كَثِيرًا لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ

O you who believe (Muslims)! When the call is proclaimed for the Salat (prayer) on the day of Friday (Jumu’ah prayer), come to the remembrance of Allah [Jumu’ah religious talk (Khutbah) and Salat (prayer)] and leave off business (and every other thing), that is better for you if you did but know! Then when the (Jumu’ah) Salat (prayer) is finished, you may disperse through the land, and seek the Bounty of Allah (by working, etc.), and remember Allah much, that you may be successful. [Soorah Al-Jum’ah. Aayaat 9-10]

Few Reminders from the above Aayaat

Allaah [The Most High] commands His believing slaves to attend the Jumu’ah prayer and that they hasten towards it when the call for it is proclaimed. And ‘hastening’ towards it means to come to it- giving it importance and making it the most important [affair].

[وَذَرُوا الْبَيْعَ -Leave off business]-Meaning: Leave off business when the call for the prayer is proclaimed and perform it, for indeed [ذَٰلِكُمْ خَيْرٌ لَكُمْ – that is better for you] than preoccupying yourself with business and missing the obligatory prayer, which is from the most emphasised of obligations; [إِنْ كُنْتُمْ تَعْلَمُون – if you did but know!] that what Allaah has with Him [of reward] is better and more everlasting, and that the one who prefers the worldly life over the religious [commandments and prohibitions], then indeed he has [incurred] a real loss, whilst thinking that he has profited.  This command to leave off business is during the time of the prayer.

[فَإِذَا قُضِيَتِ الصَّلَاةُ فَانْتَشِرُوا فِي الْأَرْضِ – Then when the (Jumu’ah) Salat (prayer) is finished, you may disperse through the land] to seek earnings and business (transactions)].

And when it is the case that preoccupation with business is most likely to make a [person] heedless of the remembrance of Allaah, Allaah commanded that He be remembered much, saying:

[وَاذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ كَثِيرًا – and remember Allah much]- Meaning: Whilst you’re standing, sitting and reclining;

[لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ – that you may be successful]; for indeed an increase in remembrance of Allaah is the greatest means to success.

Source: (Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan). Abridged and slightly paraphrased

Make Room For Your Brothers In The Gatherings And Allaah Will Give You Ample Room From His Mercy

Written by Masjid Al Furqan on . Posted in Brotherhood, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan.

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

Allaah [The Most High] said:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِذَا قِيلَ لَكُمْ تَفَسَّحُوا فِي الْمَجَالِسِ فَافْسَحُوا يَفْسَحِ اللَّهُ لَكُمْ ۖ وَإِذَا قِيلَ انْشُزُوا فَانْشُزُوا يَرْفَعِ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مِنْكُمْ وَالَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْعِلْمَ دَرَجَاتٍ ۚ وَاللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرٌ

O you who believe! When you are told to make room in the assemblies, (spread out and) make room. Allah will give you (ample) room (from His Mercy). And when you are told to rise up, rise up. Allah will exalt in degree those of you who believe, and those who have been granted knowledge. And Allah is Well-Acquainted with what you do. [58:11]

This is a practical code of behaviour commanded by Allaah to His believing slaves- that when they come together in one of their gatherings, some of them or some of those who have already arrived should make room (for others); for indeed it is from (good) etiquettes to make room for him (i.e. the other person) to reach his goal.  And this is not to harm the one who is (already) in the gathering in anyway, rather he enables his (Muslim) brother to reach his goal without him being harmed, and reward is given in accordance with a deed; for indeed whoever makes room, Allaah makes room for him, and whoever shows generosity to his brother, Allaah will show him generosity.

[وَإِذَا قِيلَ انْشُزُوا – And when you are told to rise up]- Meaning: To rise up and retire from your gathering for an (obligatory or important) need (i.e. prayer etc), then [فَانْشُزُوا – rise up] – Meaning: proceed towards the fulfilment of that beneficial affair, for indeed the fulfilment of the likes of these affairs is connected to knowledge and Eemaan. And Allaah [The Most High] will exalt in degree the people of knowledge and Eemaan in accordance with what He has portioned out for them from knowledge and Eemaan.

[وَاللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِير -And Allah is Well-Acquainted with what you do]- Meaning: Allaah [The Most High] rewards every performer of deeds in accordance with his [or her] deeds-if they are good, there will be good recompense, and if evil deeds, there will be an evil recompense. And in this Ayah [i.e. 58:11] is [a mention] of the virtue of knowledge, whose beautification and benefit is that one disciplines [himself or herself] with its etiquettes and act in accordance with what it necessitates.

[Source 🙁 Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan). Abridged and slightly paraphrased]

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Some Fruits of Taqwah and Sabr In The Story of Yusuf [alayhis-salaam]

Written by Masjid Al Furqan on . Posted in Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allaah [The Most High] said in Surah Yusuf Aayah 90 that Yusuf’s [alayhis-salaam] brothers said:

قَالُوا أَإِنَّكَ لَأَنْتَ يُوسُفُ ۖ قَالَ أَنَا يُوسُفُ وَهَٰذَا أَخِي ۖ قَدْ مَنَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْنَا ۖ إِنَّهُ مَنْ يَتَّقِ وَيَصْبِرْ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُضِيعُ أَجْرَ الْمُحْسِنِينَ

They said: “Are you indeed Yusuf (Joseph)? “He said: I am Yusuf (Joseph), and this is my brother (Benjamin). Allah has indeed been gracious to us. Verily, he who fears Allah and is patient, then surely, Allah makes not the reward of the good-doers to be lost.

Few Reminders from the Above Aayah

They knew that the one who addressed them was Yoosuf, so they said: [ أَإِنَّكَ لَأَنْتَ يُوسُف -Are you indeed Yusuf (Joseph)]? Yoosuf said: [أَنَا يُوسُفُ وَهَٰذَا أَخِي ۖ قَدْ مَنَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْنَا  – I am Yusuf (Joseph), and this is my brother (Benjamin). Allah has indeed been gracious to us]-Meaning: By [granting] us Eemaan, piety and authority in the worldly life, and that is due to patience and piety. [ۖ إِنَّهُ مَنْ يَتَّقِ وَيَصْبِرْ -Verily, he who fears Allah and is patient]- Meaning: keeps away from what Allaah has forbidden, exercises patience in facing pain and calamities, and [exercises patience] in carrying out the commandments [of Allaah];

[فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُضِيعُ أَجْرَ الْمُحْسِنِين -then surely, Allah makes not the reward of the good-doers to be lost]- Meaning: Because this is from perfection in worship and Allaah does not allow the reward of the one who perfects his deeds to be lost.

[For further details, see Tayseer Al-kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam al-Mannaan]

 

 

O Mukallafoon! Our Deeds Differ Greatly, So Let Us Strive To Excel Each Other

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

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

Allaah [The Most High] said in Surah Al-Layl Aayah 4:

[إِنَّ سَعۡيَكُمۡ لَشَتَّىٰ- Certainly, your efforts and deeds are diverse (different in aims and purposes)]- Meaning: O Mukallafoon [i.e. those who have reached the age of accountability]! Your deeds differ greatly based on the type of deed [being performed], its value and the enthusiasm of [its performer]; and based on the aim and intention [of the performer] ….

[Source: (Tayseer al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer kalaam Al-Mannaan). Abridged and paraphrased]

Reminder: The Khutbah at Masjid Al-Furqan Today [Stoke-On-Trent] Was Based On This Article- [Standing Out Firmly For Justice As Witnesses For The Sake of Allaah, Even Against Oneself, Parents, Close Relatives and Friends]

Written by Masjid Al Furqan on . Posted in Brotherhood, Calling To Islam - 'Da'wa', Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

Khutbah 24/02/2017

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

Allaah (The Most High) said:

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ كُونُواْ قَوَّٲمِينَ بِٱلۡقِسۡطِ شُہَدَآءَ لِلَّهِ وَلَوۡ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِكُمۡ أَوِ ٱلۡوَٲلِدَيۡنِ وَٱلۡأَقۡرَبِينَ‌ۚ إِن يَكُنۡ غَنِيًّا أَوۡ فَقِيرً۬ا فَٱللَّهُ أَوۡلَىٰ بِہِمَا‌ۖ فَلَا تَتَّبِعُواْ ٱلۡهَوَىٰٓ أَن تَعۡدِلُواْ‌ۚ وَإِن تَلۡوُ ۥۤاْ أَوۡ تُعۡرِضُواْ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ خَبِيرً۬ا

O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah; even though it be against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, be he rich or poor, Allah is a Better Protector to both (than you). So follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest you may avoid justice, and if you distort your witness or refuse to give it, verily, Allah is Ever Well-Acquainted with what you do. [Surah An-Nisaa’ Ayah 135]

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] said:

Allaah [Glorified be He and Free is He From all Imperfections] command His [servants] to stand out firmly for justice on behalf of everyone – whether an enemy or an ally.  And the affair that is most worthy of being established with justice -by a person- are the [sound and upright] statements, views and methodology related to the commands of Allaah and everything else Allaah has informed [His slaves in the Qur’aan and the Sunnah]. Therefore, to establish these affairs based on desires and disobedience is something contrary to the command of Allaah and a negation of what Allaah’s Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] was sent with [i.e. the Qur’aan and the Sunnah].

The establishment of justice [based on what Allaah and His Messenger have commanded] is the responsibility of those entrusted with the task to convey Islaam after the death of the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam], and this task cannot become a reality unless when one establishes it based on pure justice and sincerity to Allaah; [sincerity] to Allaah’s Book; [sincerity] to Allaah’s Messenger and out of sincere advice to Allaah’s servants. These [people] are the true inheritors [of the knowledge left behind by the Prophets].  [A true inheritor of the Prophet [i.e. a righteous scholar] is not that one who merely makes his companions, sect and school of thought the determinants of truth and the distinction between [truth and falsehood] -by showing enmity towards the one who opposes him and allies with the one who agrees with him, merely based on being opposed or agreed with, [without sound proofs based on the Book and the Sunnah]- for where is that [application of the]  command to stand out firmly for justice on behalf of everyone [in the actions of that person who merely opposes or agrees with others based on other than the sound proofs found in the Qu’aan and the authentic Sunnah], even though standing out firmly for justice [based on the sound proofs in the Qur’aan and the authentic Sunnah] is the greatest command and obligation?!

Then Allaah (The Most High) says: [شُہَدَآءَ لِلَّهِ – As witnesses to Allah]: A witness is that one who presents information about something; therefore if he presents credible information, he is [considered to be] a just witness and his [statement] is accepted; but if he gives false information, he is [considered] a false witness. Allaah [The Most High] command [us] to stand out firmly as just witnesses for His sake, therefore it has to be carried out for the Sake of Allaah and not for other than Allaah.

And in [Surah Al-Maa’idah Ayah 8, Allaah (The Most High) said]: [كُونُواْ قَوَّٲمِينَ لِلَّهِ شُہَدَآءَ بِٱلۡقِسۡطِ‌ۖ – Stand out firmly for Allah and be just witnesses]: This Aayah establishes four affairs: [1] One should stand out firmly for justice and [2] does so for the sake of Allaah; [3]Witness to justice and [4] does so for the Sake of Allaah.

Then Allaah [The Most High) said: [وَلَوۡ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِكُمۡ أَوِ ٱلۡوَٲلِدَيۡنِ وَٱلۡأَقۡرَبِينَ‌ۚ – Even though it be against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin];

Allaah [Glorified Be He and Free is He from all imperfections] commands [us] to stand out firmly for justice and testify [for or against] everyone, even if it were [against] someone who is the most beloved to person to [us]. A person should stand out firmly for justice [whether it is for or against] himself, his two parents, his other close relatives and his best friend amongst the people. If the person’s love for himself, his parents and his relatives prevents him from standing out firmly for the truth against them, especially if the truth is with someone he hates and regards as an enemy due to them, then indeed none will stand out firmly for justice in such circumstances except one whose love for Allaah and His Messenger is more than their love for everyone else. This is a test of one’s Eemaan, so that he becomes acquainted with the level of Eemaan [in relation to this affair] and [its importance] in his heart.

On the other hand a person has to establish justice when dealing with his enemies and [even] that one who deprives him of his rights; for indeed it not permissible that hatred for his enemies leads him to be unjust towards them, just as it is not permissible [to allow] love of himself, his parents and relatives to make him abandon standing firmly for justice against them. Therefore, hatred harboured against someone should not lead him to falsehood and love [of himself, parents and relatives] should not make him fall short in establishing truth, just as some of the Salaf said: ‘’The just person is that one who when angry, his anger does not lead him to falsehood, and when he is pleased, it does not remove him from truth.” The two verses of the Qur’aan [i.e. 4:135 & 5:8] convey two rulings and they are: Standing out firmly for justice and making a truthful testimony to it- on behalf of one’s allies and enemies.

Then Allaah [The Most High] said: [إِن يَكُنۡ غَنِيًّا أَوۡ فَقِيرً۬ا فَٱللَّهُ أَوۡلَىٰ بِہِمَا‌ۖ – Be he rich or poor, Allah is a Better Protector to both (than you)]- Meaning: Allaah is the Lord of both of them and Allaah is their Protector, and they are both His slaves. It may be that you become fearful of standing firmly for justice by testifying against a rich person or a poor person – either fearing that the rich person might lose his wealth or because the poor person has nothing, so your hearts become lackadaisical towards standing out firmly for the truth. Therefore, it should be said to them [i.e. the people]: Allah is a Better Protector to both the rich and poor person [than you]. Allaah knows the affair of the rich person more than you and He is more Merciful to the poor than you, so do not refrain from standing out firmly for the truth and from giving testimony [for or against] the rich or the poor.

Then Allaah said: [فَلَا تَتَّبِعُواْ ٱلۡهَوَىٰٓ أَن تَعۡدِلُواْ‌ۚ – So follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest you may avoid justice]-Meaning: Allaah forbids [His slaves] from following desires, which will lead them to abandon justice. Then Allaah [The Most High] said:

[وَإِن تَلۡوُ ۥۤاْ أَوۡ تُعۡرِضُواْ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ خَبِيرً۬ا – and if you distort your witness or refuse to give it, verily, Allah is Ever Well-Acquainted with what you do]- Meaning: Allaah [Glorified Be He and Free is He from all imperfections] mentions two reasons that will inevitably lead to concealment of truth, then He warned against them and threatened [the one who perpetrates this sin]. The first of them is distortion and the second is to turn away from giving truthful witness. That is because when a proof that supports the truth is manifested and the one who wants to repel it finds no way of doing so, he refrains from mentioning it and thus becomes a silent devil, and sometimes he distorts it. Distortion is of two types: Distortion in wording and distortion in meanings. Distortion in wording is when one utters a word in a context in which it does not establish the truth – either adding to the word or omitting something from it, or substituting it with something else- to the extent that the listener is made to believe something, whilst something else is intended by it, just as the Yahood  [i.e. those Yahood who disbelieved in the Prophet & hated him] used to distort words when giving Salaam to the Prophet [i.e. saying As-Saamu Alayka (death be upon you), instead of saying Assalaamu alaykum). This is one type of distortion.

The second type of distortion is related to meanings – distorting the wording; giving it an interpretation that is not intended by the one who uttered it and pretending not to know what is not its intended meaning, or dropping other meanings intended by it etc. Allaah [The Most High] said:

[وَإِن تَلۡوُ ۥۤاْ أَوۡ تُعۡرِضُواْ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ خَبِيرً۬ا – and if you distort your witness or refuse to give it, verily, Allah is Ever Well-Acquainted with what you do].

And when it is the case that a witness is required to bear witness based on what the affair should be [i.e. the complete truth], therefore neither should he hide nor change it. Turning away from the testimony is tantamount to concealment and distortion is tantamount to alteration and substitution. Therefore, contemplate on this ayah and the treasures of knowledge it contains. The Eemaan of a person cannot be complete, except by way of accepting the texts of the sharee’ah and calling the people to them – neither turning away from them at times nor distorting them at other times.

[Source: Badaa’i At-Tafseer Al-Jaami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imaam Ibnul Qayyim (rahimahullaah). Vol 1. Page 300-303. Abridged & slightly paraphrased]

 

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

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

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

Allaah (The Most High) said:

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

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

Few Beneficial Reminders from Imaam Ibnul Qayyim (rahimahullaah):

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

Few Beneficial Reminder from Imaam Sadi (rahimahullaa):

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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