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

Written by Masjid Furqan on . Posted in Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

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

[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

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

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

—————————————————————————————————————–

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)]

Manhaj Questions and Answers on the Opposers, Innovators, on Companionship, Tabdee, Hajar and Related Affairs [By Shaykh Muhammad bin Haadee al-Madkhalee]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Brotherhood, Calling To Islam - 'Da'wa', Innovations In Islam (Bidah), Methodology - 'Manhaj', Scholars of Islam, Seeking Knowledge, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Indeed, the noble Salafi teachers – both the younger ones and those over the age of forty- in the Masaajid and Centres are busy teaching the books of Aqeedah and Fiqh, and the elder students- in particular – are busy nurturing the youngsters and the new comers to Salafiyyah; however this does not mean that one becomes oblivious of those other very important affairs of the Manhajus Salafi, knowledge and sound stances that safeguarded many of us by the Tawfeeq of Allaah.

It is very important to bear in mind that many of those elder students at Salafipublications who were guided to the sound Salafi Methodology realised the importance of transmitting some very important clarifications of the scholars regarding the manner in which a Salafi approaches the Mukhaalifoon (the opposers), the Mumayyi’oon (those who seek to dilute the sound Salafi stances against the deviants) and the Hizbiyyoon (the illegal partisans). We are not saying that one merely reads and then goes out to apply these clarifications straight away; rather one reads and asks the students, especially those students who transmitted these clarifications and have numerous tapes in refutation against ahlul bidah (people of innovation).

Indeed, those clarifications compiled years ago are still relevant and we cannot shy away from them. However, it must be emphasised that we always refer back to the students in the Maraakiz, especially the elder ones, to advise us whenever we face certain situations in relation to dealing with the Mukhaalifeen, the Mu’mayyi’oon, the Hizbiyyoon and the people of Bidah, or when giving Dawah to a person who is confused about certain affairs related to the Salafi Manhaj. We ask Allaah for Ikhlaas, Thabaat and Husnul Khaatimah Aameen. So benefit from the likes of the following articles at salafipublications.com

Manhaj Questions and Answers on the Opposers, Innovators, on Companionship, Tabdee`, Hajar and Related Affairs

Author: Shaykh Muhammad bin Haadee al-Madkhalee

http://www.salafipublications.com/sps/downloads/pdf/MNJ150015.pdf

http://www.salafipublications.com/sps/sp.cfm?subsecID=MNJ15&articleID=MNJ150015&articlePages=1

Mentioning the Name of the Deviants When Necessary’ By Shaikh Fawzaan

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Deviated Callers & Individuals, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Scholars of Islam, Seeking Knowledge, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

Shaikh Saaleh Al-Fawzaan (may Allaah preserve him) was asked about some of those students with a weak sense of piety-that when when they hear the sincere advisers among the students or scholars warning against bidah, the people of bidah and the paths towards bidah, and making mention of the reality of what they (i.e. people of bidah) are upon and then refuting them; likewise, (when the sincere advisers) would mention some of the names of (those being refuted), even if they have passed away, due to the trial the people are subjected to through them. And this (warning carried out by the warners) is for the purpose of defending the Religion and to unveil the deception of those who mix truth with falsehood and those who speak ill of (the religion) within the ranks of the Ummah and continue the splitting and differing in the Ummah- they (those with a weak sense of piety) would claim that speaking against the innovators and mentioning some of their names is from the forbidden types of backbiting.

Answer: The principle in this (affair) is about warning against mistakes and deviation, after identifying it as such. If the affair requires making known the name of an individual among the obstinate opponents so that beguilement does not occur through their (affair), especially those individuals with deviated views or deviation in behaviour and methodology, and they are well known among the people and the people have a good opinion of them; then there is no harm in mentioning them by their names and their methodology warned against.

The scholars carry out research in the science of Jarh Wat-Tadeel, then they would mention the narrators and the reproach stated against them. This is not (done) for the purpose of personal (criticism); rather it is (done) for the purpose to giving advice to the Ummah in case they come across affairs from these individuals that are harmful to the Religion or lies against the Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam).

Therefore, first and foremost, this principle is about warning against mistakes. However, the one who committed such mistake (s) is not to be mentioned if that would either lead to greater harm or if there is no benefit in mentioning him. However, if the affair requires that his name be made known for the purpose of warning the people against his methodology, then this is from sincerity to Allaah, His Book, His Messenger, to the leaders of the Muslims and their common folk, especially if he (i.e. the one warned against) is active within the people and they have a good opinion of him, and acquire his books and tapes. Then there has to be clarification and the people must be warned, because (employing) silence will be harmful to the people. His affair has to be unveiled, but not for the purpose of defamation or following one’s desires (in that); rather it has to be (done) for the purpose of sincerity to Allaah, His Book, His Messenger, the leaders of the Muslims and their common people.

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[Source: Ajwibah Al Mufeedah; page 162 Question number: 66 Slightly paraphrased]

 

A Reminder to Those Who Shy Away From Warning Against Ahlul Bidah and Those Who Sit With Them After Being Aware of Their Danger

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Innovations In Islam (Bidah), Methodology - 'Manhaj', Scholars of Islam, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

Imaam Ibn Rajab (rahimahullaah) said:

[  أما أهل البدع والضلالة ومن تشبه بالعلماء وليس منهم فيجوز بيان جهلهم وإظهار عيوبهم تحذيرا من الاقتداء بهم ]

As for ahlul bidah wad-dalaalah (the people of innovation and misguidance) and those who imitate the scholars, but are not from them, then it is permissible to clarify their ignorance and manifest their faults (i.e. i.e. their innovations and falsehoods), so as to warn (others) from following them.

[الفرق بين النصيحة والتعبير : page 36]

 

قيل للإمام الأوزاعي إن رجلاً يقول:أنا أجالس أهل السنة وأجالس أهل البدع

فقال الأوزاعي:هذا رجل يريد أن يساوي بين الحق والباطل

الإبانة-2/456

It was said to Imaam Al-Awzaa’ee (rahimahullaah): Indeed a man says, ‘I sit with Ahlus Sunnah and I sit with ahlul bidah.’

So Al-Awzaa’ee said: This man wants to equate truth with falsehood.

[Al-Ibaanah 2/456]

Abu Faatimah (Abdullah Al-Gambi)

A Command to Hold onto the Sunnah and to Shun Innovations In Religion’ -by Shaikh Abdul Muhsin al-Abbaad

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Calling To Islam - 'Da'wa', Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

Shaikh Abdul Muhsin Al-Abbaad (may Allaah preserve him) said:

The Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said:

مَنْ أَحْدَثَ فِي أَمْرِنَا هَذَا مَا لَيْسَ مِنْهُ فَهُوَ رَدٌ

He who innovates something in this matter of ours [i.e., Islam] that is not from it will have it rejected [by Allah].” [Saheeh Al-Bukhaari. Number 2697] [Saheeh Muslim. Number 1718]

And in another wording of this hadeeth in Saheeh Muslim the Prophet said:

[مَنْ عَمِلَ عَمَلًا لَيْسَ عَلَيْهِ أَمْرُنَا فَهُوَ رَد ]

”He who does an act (of worship) which we have not commanded (i.e. not commanded by the Prophet), will have it rejected.”

And he (alayhis salaatu was-salaam) said:

 فَإِنَّهُ مَنْ يَعِشْ مِنْكُمْ فَسَيَرَى اخْتِلَافًا كَثِيرًا، فَعَلَيْكُمْ بِسُنَّتِي وَسُنَّةِ الْخُلَفَاءِ الرَّاشِدِينَ الْمَهْدِيينَ، عَضُّوا عَلَيْهَا بِالنَّوَاجِذِ، وَإِيَّاكُمْ وَمُحْدَثَاتِ الْأُمُورِ؛ فَإِنَّ كُلَّ بِدْعَةٍ ضَلَالَةٌ

Verily he lives long among you will see a lot of differing, so you must keep to my Sunnah and to the Sunnah of the Khulafaa ar-Rashideen (the rightly guided caliphs). Adhere to it with your molar teeth (i.e. adhere to it firmly). And beware of newly invented matters [in the religion], for every newly invented matter [in the religion] is a bidah (innovation in the religion), and every bidah is misguidance.” [Abu Dawood. Number 4607] [Tirmidhee. Number 2676]

(Also) the Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) has clarified in the hadeeth about the seventy three sects amongst whom seventy-two sects will enter the hell fire and one sect will be saved.  He clarified that this saved sect are those who adhere to the path him and his noble companions adhered to. 

Imaam Maalik [rahimahullaah] said: “The latter part of this Ummah (i.e. those who will come after the Salaf) will not be rectified except by way of that which rectified it’s earlier part (i.e. the Salaf).’’ And he [rahimahullaah) said: ‘’Whoever innovates a bidah in Islaam and considers it to be something good, then indeed he has claimed that Muhammad betrayed the Risaalah (i.e. the message he was entrusted with); because Allaah said: ٱلۡيَوۡمَ أَكۡمَلۡتُ لَكُمۡ دِينَكُمۡ -”This day, I have perfected your religion for you.” Therefore, what was not part of the religion at that time (i.e. during the time of the Messenger) cannot be part of the religion today (i.e. after his departure from this world).” [Al-Itisaam of Imaam Shaatibee 1/28]

It is not enough for a person to say: “I am going to do this act of worship even though it was not (performed by) the Prophet because my intention is pure and good.” The evidence (against this statement) is that when it reached the Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) that a man amongst his noble companions slaughtered the Eed sacrifice before the Eed Salaah, he (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said to him: شَاتُكَ شَاةُ لَحْمٍ– “Your (slaughtered sheep was just mutton (not a sacrifice).” [Saheeh Bukhaari. Number: 5556]; meaning: It is not considered Eed sacrifice because it was not carried out in conformity with my Sunnah. Therefore, what is in conformity with the Sunnah is that the Eed sacrifice is done after the Eed Salaah; but as for sacrificing before the Salaah, then indeed it is outside its specified time and will not be regarded as (Eed sacrifice).

Al-Haafidh said in Fat-hul Baaree (10/17): “Shaikh Abu Muhammad Bin Abu Hamzah said: In this hadeeth is (established the fact that) if an action (i.e. an act of worship) is done with a sincere intention, it is still not (considered) righteous unless it is in conformity with the legislated divine revelation.

Also that which will shed more light on this affair is when Abdullaah Ibn Mas’ood came to a people who had gathered in the Masjid, and each of them had a number of stones/pebbles; and there was one man amongst them saying: ‘Say ‘Subhaanallaah’ a hundred times; say ‘Laa-ilaaha Ilal laah’ a hundred times; say ‘Allaahu Akbar’ a hundred times. So they repeated.

Then Abdullaah Ibn Mas’ood approached them and said: “What is this that you are doing?” They said: “O Abu Abdurrahman! These are pebbles to count the number of times we say Allahu Akbar, Laa ilaaha Illal laah and Subhaanallaah.” He said: “Count your sins and I assure you that you are not going to lose anything of your hasanaat. O Ummah of Muhammad, how quick is your destruction! These are the Companions of your Prophet present in great numbers; these are his clothes not worn out yet, and his pots are not broken yet. I swear by the One (i.e. Allaah) in Whose Hands my soul is, either you are following a religion that is better than the Religion of Muhammad or you are opening a door of misguidance.” They said: “O Abu Abdurrahman! We swear by Allaaah that we intend nothing other than good.’’ He said: How many people want good but never reach it! [Sunan Ad-Daarimee 1/68-69] [Also recorded by Imaam Albaanee in As-silsilah As-Saheehah. Number 2005][

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[Source: أثر العبادات في حياة المسلم- page:4-11. Abridged and slightly paraphrased]

A Few Reminders to Our Beloved Youth about Preserving One’s Time during I’tikaaf

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

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

Firstly: We bring this general remind for all of us. Allaah [The Most High]:

قُلْ أَمَرَ رَبِّي بِالْقِسْطِ ۖ وَأَقِيمُوا وُجُوهَكُمْ عِندَ كُلِّ مَسْجِدٍ وَادْعُوهُ مُخْلِصِينَ لَهُ الدِّينَ ۚ كَمَا بَدَأَكُمْ تَعُودُونَ

Say (O Muhammad): My Lord has commanded justice and (said) that you should face Him only in each and every place of worship, and invoke Him only making your religion sincere to Him. As He brought you (into being) in the beginning, so shall you be brought into being (on the Day of Resurrection). [7:29]

[قُلْ أَمَرَ رَبِّي بِالْقِسْطِ  – Say (O Muhammad): My Lord has commanded justice]; that is uprightness in worship and justice in dealings- neither oppression nor tyranny.

[وَأَقِيمُوا وُجُوهَكُمْ عِندَ كُلِّ مَسْجِدٍ  – And you should face Him only in each and every place of worship]; that is you should face Allaah only (i.e. worship none but Allaah); strive to accomplish the acts of worship, especially the Salaah, and perform it outwardly (i.e. performed properly with its pillars, conditions and obligation) and inwardly (i.e. with sincerity, khushoo etc) and purify it from every deficiency and corruption.

[وَادْعُوهُ مُخْلِصِينَ لَهُ الدِّينَ – And invoke Him only making your religion sincere to Him]; that is intend only Allaah by way of it (i.e. your worship) without associating any partner to Him. [Ref 1]

Secondly: We bring this general reminder for our beloved youth as a source of encouragement, regarding those steadfast young men mentioned in Surah Al-Kahf.  Allaah (The Most High) said:

وَرَبَطۡنَا عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِهِمۡ إِذۡ قَامُواْ فَقَالُواْ رَبُّنَا رَبُّ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ لَن نَّدۡعُوَاْ مِن دُونِهِۦۤ إِلَـٰهً۬ا‌ۖ لَّقَدۡ قُلۡنَآ إِذً۬ا شَطَطًا

And We made their hearts firm and strong when they stood up and said: “Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth, never shall we call upon any ilah (god) other than Him; if we did, we should indeed have uttered an enormity in disbelief.’’ [18:14]

Made their hearts firm and strong: It necessitates fortification of their hearts with patience and firmness; strengthening and supporting (their hearts) with the light of Imaan, so that they were able to leave the land of their people and separated themselves from the comfort they were in, and fled to the cave (for the safety) of their religion. [Ref 2]

Likewise, remember the tremendous reward awaiting those young men who grew up in the worship of Allaah (The Most High). The Messenger of Allaah (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said: There are seven (people) whom Allaah will shade on a Day when there is no shade but His. They are a just ruler, a young person who grew up in the worship of Allah, a person whose heart is attached to the mosques, two persons who love each other who meet and depart from each other for the sake of Allah, a man whom a beautiful woman of high status seduces but he rejects her by saying I fear Allah, a person who spends in charity and conceals it such that his right hand does not know what his left hand has given, and a person who remembered Allah in private and wept.” [Bukhaari & Muslim]

Thirdly: Let us remind you of preserving your time whilst you are in I’tikaaf! Spend your time wisely and do not engage in too much chatting and thus waste a lot of valuable time. Imaam Ibnul Qayyim (rahimahullaah) said:”Time wasting is more serious than death because time wasting cuts you off from Allaah and the home of the afterlife, whereas death cuts you off from the worldly life and its people.’’ [Ref 3]

He (rahimahullaah) also said: The greatest profit in the worldly life is that you preoccupy yourself- every time- with what is more worthy (or obligatory), and with what is more beneficial for (you) in the hereafter”. [Ref 4]

We ask Allaah [The Most High] to grant you abundant good and make you a coolness of the eyes of your parents. This is a supplication every parent would desire to be answered. Saeed Ibn Mansoor said: Hazm reported to us, saying: I heard katheer Ibn Ziyaad asking Al-Hasan about the statement of Allaah (The Most High): [ رَبَّنَا هَبۡ لَنَا مِنۡ أَزۡوَٲجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّـٰتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعۡيُنٍ  – Our Lord! Bestow on us from our wives and our offspring who will be the comfort of our eyes (Ref 5)]; saying: O Abu Saeed! What is this comfort of the eyes- is it in this worldly life or the afterlife? He (Al-Hasan) said: No, rather, by Allaah, it is in this world. He (katheer) said: What is it? He (Al-Hasan) said: By Allaah it is (when) Allaah causes a slave to see (deeds) of obedience to Allaah from his wife, brother and close friend. By Allaah there is nothing more beloved to a Muslim than seeing his/her child, or father or a close friend being obedient to Allaah (The Mighty and Majestic). [Ref 6]

Finally: A few reminders about I’tikaaf: http://www.salaficentre.com/2016/06/prophetic-guidance-itikaaf-reminders-imaam-ibnul-qayyim-imaam-albaani-rahimahullaah/

Abu Faatimah (Abdullah Al-Gambi)

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[Ref 1: Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan’ Publisher’ Daar Ibn Hazm (1 Volume) pages 263-264. Slightly paraphrased and abridged]

[Ref2: Madaarij As-Saalikeen: 3/67-68]

[Ref3: Source: Al-Fawaaid. page 59]

[Ref 4: Al-Fawaa’id..page 60]

[Ref 5: Surah Al-Furqaan Ayah 74]

[Ref 6: Fathul Baari 8/491. At-Tabari 19/318]

Commanding Ourselves With Three Affairs When We Speak, Remain Silent or Perform a Deed- By Haatim al-Asam

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

Haatim Al-Asam (rahimahullaah) said:

Command yourself with three affairs:

When you perform an act, remember Allaah’s Sight over you;

when you speak, remember Allaah’s Hearing over you and when you keep silent, remember Allaah’s knowledge about you. 

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[Siyar 11/484]

Abu Faatimah (Abdullah Al-Gambi)

The Study of Tawheed – Shaikh Abdur-Razzaaq Al-Badr (may Allaah preserve him)

Written by Masjid Furqan on . Posted in Announcements, Articles, Belief - 'Aqeedah', Monotheism - Tawheed, Qur'aan, Scholars of Islam, Seeking Knowledge, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

 

 

The Study of Tawheed

Shaikh Abdur-Razzaaq Al-Badr (may Allaah preserve him)

The study of Tawheed is based on seeking knowledge about the Oneness of Allaah in His Lordship, Names and Attributes and His sole right to be worshipped without partners. This is the most virtuous of all knowledge. And among the virtues of Tawheed is that it is what makes acts of worship sound and accepted by Allaah (The Mighty and Majestic). All acts of worship-be they few or numerous-are not accepted unless when established upon Tawheed. And for this reason, Allaah (The Most High) said:

فَمَنْ كَانَ يَرْجُوا لِقَاءَ رَبِّهِ فَلْيَعْمَلْ عَمَلًا صَالِحًا وَلَا يُشْرِكْ بِعِبَادَةِ رَبِّهِ أَحَدًا

”So whoever hopes for the Meeting with his Lord, let him work righteousness and associate none as a partner in the worship of his Lord.” That is: (righteous actions) sincerely perform for Allaah (alone).” [Soorah Al-Kahf: Ayah:110]

And in another ayah, Allaah (The Mighty and Majestic) said:

وَمَنْ أَرَادَ الْآَخِرَةَ وَسَعَى لَهَا سَعْيَهَا وَهُوَ مُؤْمِنٌ فَأُولَئِكَ كَانَ سَعْيُهُمْ مَشْكُورًا

”And whoever desires the Hereafter and strives for it, with the necessary effort due for it (i.e. do righteous deeds of Allaah’s Obedience) while he is a believer (in the Oneness of Allah Islamic Monotheism), then such are the ones whose striving shall be appreciated, thanked and rewarded (by Allah).”[Soorah Al-Israa: Ayah: 19]

Therefore acts of worship will not be accepted, except when accompanied by Tawheed. And if Tawheed is absent, then acts of worship will not be accepted. Allaah (The Most High) said:

وَمَا مَنَعَهُمْ أَنْ تُقْبَلَ مِنْهُمْ نَفَقَاتُهُمْ إِلَّا أَنَّهُمْ كَفَرُوا بِاللَّهِ وَبِرَسُولِهِ

”And nothing prevents their contributions from being accepted from them except that they disbelieved in Allah and in His Messenger (Muhammad)….”[Soorah At-Tawbah: Ayah: 54]

And Allaah (The Most High) said:

وَلَقَدْ أُوحِيَ إِلَيْكَ وَإِلَى الَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِكَ لَئِنْ أَشْرَكْتَ لَيَحْبَطَنَّ عَمَلُكَ وَلَتَكُونَنَّ مِنَ الْخَاسِرِينَ (65) بَلِ اللَّهَ فَاعْبُدْ وَكُنْ مِنَ الشَّاكِرِينَ

”And indeed it has been revealed to you (O Muhammad), as it was to those (Allah’s Messengers) before you: “If you join others in worship with Allah, (then) surely (all) your deeds will be in vain, and you will certainly be among the losers.” Nay! But worship Allah (Alone and none else), and be among the grateful.” [Soorah Az-Zumar: Ayah: 65-66]

And Allaah (The Most High) said:

وَمَنْ يَكْفُرْ بِالْإِيمَانِ فَقَدْ حَبِطَ عَمَلُهُ

”And whosoever disbelieves in the Oneness of Allah and in (one or all the other Articles of Faith [i.e. His (Allah’s), Angels, His Holy Books, His Messengers, the Day of Resurrection and Al-Qadar (divine Preordainments)], then fruitless is his work’’[Soorah Al-Maa-idah:Ayah:5]

Therefore, actions (i.e. acts of worship, righteous actions) cannot be sound and they are not accepted by Allaah, unless when founded upon Tawheed, and sincerely carried out for the sake of Allaah.

[Source: Arabic Audio ‘Introduction to the study of Tawheed’ Lesson 4]