In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Reminders That We Earnestly Assist Ahlus Sunnah At Aston to Complete The Project -[Brief Reminder From An Amazing Parable Regarding Spending In The Path of Allaah] – By Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [may Allaah have mercy upon him]
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, the Bestower of Mercy.
ارحموا ترحموا ، واغفروا يغفر الله لكم ، وويل لأقماع القول ، وويل للمصرين الذين يصرون على ما فعلوا وهم يعلمون
Abdullah Bin Amr Ibn Al-Aas [radiyallaahu-anhumaa] said: “The Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said, ‘Be merciful to others and you will receive mercy. Forgive others and Allah will forgive you. Woe to the vessels that catch speech [i.e. the ears]. Woe to those who persist – those who consciously persist upon what they commit [i.e. sin] whilst they know’”.
Reminder From The Above Hadeeth By Shaikh Zayd Bin Haadi [rahimahullaah]
“Be merciful to others and you will receive mercy”: Meaning be merciful to yourselves and to others. The one who is merciful to himself by performing acts of obedience to Allaah, abandon disobedience to Allaah and restrain himself from [the causes of] Allaah’s punishment, shows mercy to another person in that which contains one’s wellbeing, aids him and fulfil his needs, then indeed Allaah [The Blessed and Exalted] will show him mercy, because recompense is given in accordance with the good deed, and vice versa. That is because the understanding behind this statement, “Be merciful to others and you will receive mercy” comprises of an affair and its answer, which is that the one who does not show mercy to the people will not be shown mercy. In another hadeeth, [the Prophet said], “Those who are merciful will be shown mercy by the Most Merciful [Allah]. Show mercy to those on earth and the One above the heavens will show you mercy”.
“Forgive others and Allah will forgive you”: The intent behind the word Maghfirah in this hadeeth [or context] is to overlook the mistake of the one who commits a mistake. Whoever wrongs you through speech or deed, and then approaches you with an apology and [desires to] free himself from it, then indeed pardon him and do not be harsh towards him, whilst you hope that – behind such pardon- Allaah will pardon you and forgive you your sin- because indeed you did good to one of His servants, pardon him, solve the problem and relinquished your rights, and Allaah is more worthy that you do that for His Sake, so that He pardons you, forgives you your sin, conceal your shortcomings and makes your affair easy.
“Woe to the vessels that catch speech [i.e. the ears]”. This contains a warning [about a person] who hears the truth but is heedless. It enters one of his ears and exits the other and he does not benefit from it.
“Woe to those who persist – those who consciously persist upon what they commit [i.e. sin] whilst they know”. They are those who persist upon a sin whilst knowing that it is a sin. Allaah rebuked them because they persist upon sin and they do not fear, unlike the [true] believers because Allaah described them saying:
وَٱلَّذِينَ إِذَا فَعَلُواْ فَـٰحِشَةً أَوۡ ظَلَمُوٓاْ أَنفُسَہُمۡ ذَكَرُواْ ٱللَّهَ فَٱسۡتَغۡفَرُواْ لِذُنُوبِهِمۡ وَمَن يَغۡفِرُ ٱلذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا ٱللَّهُ وَلَمۡ يُصِرُّواْ عَلَىٰ مَا فَعَلُواْ وَهُمۡ يَعۡلَمُونَ
And those who, when they have committed Fahishah (illegal sexual intercourse etc.) or wronged themselves with evil, remember Allah and ask forgiveness for their sins; – and none can forgive sins but Allah – And do not persist in what (wrong) they have done, while they know. [Surah Aal Imraan. Aayah 135]
[An Excerpt from At-taleeqaat Al-Maleehah Alaa Silsilah Al-Ahaadeeth As-Saheehah. Vol 1 pages 63-64. Slightly paraphrased]
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy
Comprehensive Guidance of The Messenger – By Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah]
Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] said: Muhammad’s [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] Ummah is not in need of anyone after him; rather the only need they have is someone to convey what he came with. Muhammad’s [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] message is comprehensive, universal and preserved. This universality, comprehensiveness and preservation is not limited to [any time and place], rather it is comprehensive for those to whom Muhammad [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] was sent [i.e. the whole world] and likewise with regards to everything that is needed in the fundamental and subsidiary issues of the religion.
Muhammad’s [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] message is sufficient, all embracing and universal- nothing else is needed besides it. It has not isolated any affair of truth needed by his Ummah in their sciences and deeds. The Messenger of Allaah [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] did not leave this world until he acquainted his Ummah with everything. He even taught them the etiquettes of using the toilet; the etiquettes of sexual relations; the etiquettes of sleep and after waking up; the etiquettes of eating, drinking and travel.
He acquainted them with the etiquettes of speech and silence; the etiquettes of keeping company with the people and seclusion. He acquainted them with the affairs of illness, good health, poverty and wealth. He acquainted them with all the affairs of life and death. He described Allaah’s throne, the angels, the jinn, the hell fire and the day of judgement in such a manner as if one has seen them with the naked eye. He [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] informed them about their Lord and His Perfect Names and Attributes, and that Allaah alone is their true object of worship.
He acquainted them with the Prophets of old and their nations – the events that took place between them and their nations – in such a manner as if one was present at that time. He acquainted them with all the means to good and the paths of evil- in general and in detail- which no other prophet informed his nation. He acquainted them with death and what will take place in the grave – either bliss or punishment. He acquainted them with the evidences and proofs of Tawheed [i.e. the oneness of Allaah in His Lordship, Names and Attributes, and that Allaah alone has the right to be worshipped].
He acquainted them with Prophet hood and the affairs of the Afterlife, and he refuted all the sects of disbelief and misguidance. He acquainted them with war strategies- how to confront the enemy, the way to achieve victory and conquests. If only they knew and understood these affairs in the correct manner [i.e. the manner it should be understood], they would not be overcome by their enemy. He acquainted them with the plots of Iblees and the ways through which he approaches them, and the ways to repel those plots and plans. He acquainted them with the soul- its characteristics and faults- in such a manner that they are not in need of anyone else to tell them about it. He taught them how to live their daily lives and had they acknowledged and acted upon this; their worldly affairs would be firmly established. He brought them all the means of success in this life and the next, and they do not need anyone besides him. So how can it be said that the path of Muhammad [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] is in need of something else outside of it. The reason for such a claim is due to the weak and little understanding of a person. Allaah [The Most High] said:
أَوَلَمْ يَكْفِهِمْ أَنَّا أَنزَلْنَا عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ يُتْلَىٰ عَلَيْهِمْ ۚ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَرَحْمَةً وَذِكْرَىٰ لِقَوْمٍ يُؤْمِنُونَ
Is it not sufficient for them that We have sent down to you the Book (the Qur’an) which is recited to them? Verily, herein is mercy and a reminder (or an admonition) for a people who believe. [29:51]
Allaah [The Most High] said:
وَنَزَّلْنَا عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ تِبْيَانًا لِّكُلِّ شَيْءٍ وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةً وَبُشْرَىٰ لِلْمُسْلِمِينَ
And We have sent down to you the Book (the Qur’an) as an exposition of everything, a guidance, a mercy, and glad tidings for those who have submitted themselves (to Allah as Muslims). [16:89]
Allaah [The Most High] said:
يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ قَدْ جَاءَتْكُم مَّوْعِظَةٌ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَشِفَاءٌ لِّمَا فِي الصُّدُورِ وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةٌ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ
O mankind! There has come to you a good advice from your Lord [i.e. the Qur’an, ordering all that is good and forbidding all that is evil], and a healing for that [disease of ignorance, doubt, hypocrisy and differences, etc.] in your breasts, – a guidance and a mercy [explaining lawful and unlawful things, etc.] for the believers. [10:57] [Ref 1]
One of The Noblest Aspects of Knowledge Is to Pay Attention to The Characteristics of The Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] – By Shaikh Abdur Razzaaq Al-Badr [hafidhahullaah]
Shaikh Abdur Razzaaq Al-Badr [hafidhahullaah] said: Indeed, one of the greatest bestowals on a believing slave of Allaah – which leads to guidance and righteous deeds -is that Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] facilitates for him the path to seeking knowledge, grants him an ardent zeal and eagerness for knowledge. Seeking knowledge is something one never feels that he has acquired enough, rather whenever a path to knowledge is made available, he pursues it.
Allaah protects the student of knowledge, guides and aids him, therefore it is obligated on a student of knowledge to exalt the affair of turning to Allaah [in submission, obedience etc] and that what he learns should be a proof for him and not against him; and that Allaah increases him in knowledge, facilitates him with the path to good and guidance. “Whoever follows a path in search of knowledge Allaah will make easy for a him a path to paradise”.
One of the noblest aspects of knowledge – an affair that occupies a mighty station- is to pay close attention to the characteristics of the Prophet, his specific qualities and deeds by way of which Allaah distinguished him from everyone amongst mankind, his manners, etiquettes and biography. That is because he is the greatest Imaam [leader] and the perfect example. Indeed, Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] commanded us to follow his example, made him an Imaam [leader] and example for us. Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] said:
لَّقَدۡ كَانَ لَكُمۡ فِى رَسُولِ ٱللَّهِ أُسۡوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ۬ لِّمَن كَانَ يَرۡجُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَٱلۡيَوۡمَ ٱلۡأَخِرَ وَذَكَرَ ٱللَّهَ كَثِيرً۬ا
Indeed in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad) you have a good example to follow for him who hopes in (the Meeting with) Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah much. [Surah Al-Ahzaab. Aayah 21]
This noble Aayah – as the people of knowledge have stated – is a basis to established the fact that the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] is to be emulated; [but] emulating him cannot be actualized except by way of acquainting oneself with his characteristics, his qualities in general, his specific qualities and deeds by way of which Allaah distinguished him from everyone amongst humankind, his manners and etiquettes. The one who is unacquainted with the Prophet’s [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] characteristics and manners will not be able to emulate him, and that is why the scholars [of Islaam] have written beneficial books regarding his characteristics and qualities.
The manners and qualities of the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] are a means of inviting [mankind] to this mighty religion [of Islaam]. Indeed, many people- during his era and thereafter – have been guided through their acquaintance with his manners and qualities. One used to come to him whilst harbouring the severest hatred towards him, but after meeting him and [observing] his great [unmatched noble] etiquettes, noble manners, lofty dealings and benevolence, the person would depart whilst loving him more than everyone else on the face of the earth. Therefore, his characteristics are a means to calling to this religion- a weapon for the one inviting the people in the path of Allaah.
Speaking about his qualities, emulating him and calling others to emulate him strengthens the religion of Islaam, because he was the one whom Allaah appointed to convey and explain the religion to humankind. Allaah chose him and he is the best of all the slaves of Allaah- the greatest in his servitude to Allaah. Calling the people to emulate his qualities is a means to calling people to believe in the religion ordained by Allaah and a means to strengthening the belief of the one who has already believed in his Messenger-ship. This is why turning away from his Seerah has been the cause of people’s inclination towards the path of losers amongst men and women [i.e. those upon a path other than the path of Allaah]. As for the biographies of the Imaams of Guidance- the greatest of them being the Messenger, they are a means of rectifying the person and a means to safety from corruption and evil. On the other hand, the biography of the losers is a path that will lead to evil, ruin and corruption. Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] said:
قَدۡ كَانَتۡ ءَايَـٰتِى تُتۡلَىٰ عَلَيۡكُمۡ فَكُنتُمۡ عَلَىٰٓ أَعۡقَـٰبِكُمۡ تَنكِصُونَ
مُسۡتَكۡبِرِينَ بِهِۦ سَـٰمِرً۬ا تَهۡجُرُونَ
أَفَلَمْ يَدَّبَّرُوا الْقَوْلَ أَمْ جَاءَهُم مَّا لَمْ يَأْتِ آبَاءَهُمُ الْأَوَّلِينَ
أَمْ لَمْ يَعْرِفُوا رَسُولَهُمْ فَهُمْ لَهُ مُنكِرُونَ
Indeed My Verses used to be recited to you, but you used to turn back on your heels [denying them, and with hatred to listen to them]. In pride [they Quraish pagans and polytheists of Makkah used to feel proud that they are the dwellers of Makkah sanctuary Haram], talking evil about it [the Qur’an] by night. Have they not pondered over the Word [of Allaah, i.e. what is sent down to the Prophet], or has there come to them what had not come to their fathers of old? Or is it that they did not recognize their Messenger [Muhammad] so they deny him? [i.e. this is a rebuke against them because all of them – young and old – knew his lineage, truthfulness and trustworthiness, yet they turned away from his message]. [Surah Al-Muminoon. Aayaat 66-69]
This shows that contemplating on the Qur’aan and acquainting oneself with the Messenger’s guidance and biography is a path leading to safety, and a safeguard against turning back on one’s heels [i.e. a safeguard against turning away from the guidance he was sent with]. On the other hand, abandoning the Seerah of the Prophet and inclining towards the Seerah of the losers [i.e. those men and women upon other than the guidance of the Messenger] will lead to ruin. The people became corrupted – in this era – after being put to trial through movies and films; but had they turned to the biographies of the Prophets and the noble companions of the Prophet Muhammad, they would have found guidance and a path leading to steadfastness. [2]
Reading The Biography of The Messenger Increases The Believer In Certainty – By Shaikh Saaleh Aala Ash-Shaikh [hafidhahullaah]
Shaikh Saaleh Aala Ash-Shaikh [hafidhahullaah] said:
Studying the prophet’s biography (sallallāhu alaihi wa salam) and reading it, makes the certainty of the believer to become stronger, makes his steadfastness and perseverance upon the religion of Allah stronger, makes the believer’s heart to be honourable due to Islam, ennobled by [his adherence to sound] Islamic monotheism, ennobled due to what his heart contains of knowledge and awareness of Allah, ennobled due to his belief in Muhammad (sallallāhu alaihi wa salam) and ennobled by that which Allāh sent down upon his Messengers. Allaah said: [وَلِلَّهِ الْعِزَّةُ وَلِرَسُولِهِ وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ – But honour, power and glory belong to Allah, His Messenger (Muhammad sallallāhu alaihi wa salam), and to the believers]. [Al-Munāfiqūn 8] These are from the many benefits that every believer benefit from by studying the biography of The Chosen One (المصطفى) (sallallāhu alaihi wa salam). [3]
The Sound Religion Is What Will Rectify The Souls And Not The Modern Sciences- By Imaam As-Sadi [rahimahullaah]
Imaam Sadi [rahmahullaah] said:
Indeed, it is impossible to rectify the souls and acquire virtue solely through the worldly sciences. Experience and clearly witnessed circumstances are the greatest proofs regarding this affair, because despite its advancement and vastness it has been unable to nurture and rectify the souls [i.e. upon excellent traits, manners, dealings, characteristics, sound creed etc] which are the determinants of [sound] rectification and success. What the Religion of Islaam propagates is that which is entrusted with this rectification; it is what will guide the thoughts towards the truthful and authentic sources of knowledge, guide the actions of the people towards good and prevent them from evil. Islam is The Rectifier of the Creeds and Manners- the thing that cultivates the thoughts [upon righteousness], urges towards virtuousness and prevents from depravity.
The essence of that which the religion calls to – regarding belief in the Unseen, which includes belief in Allaah and that which He possesses of Names, Attributes and Actions of perfection; belief in Angels, belief in recompense for one’s good and bad deeds in this life and the next, which cannot be known except through the Messengers, is what acquaints a person with the fact that rectification – in reality – is not possible through other than sound belief and the religion of Islaam.
Therefore, even if the worldly sciences rectify [some] affairs based upon that which [some] people know in detail, it will still not be equal [in perfection, excellence etc] to the knowledge of the Messengers [in the least]. It will neither reach that which is reached through the knowledge of the Messengers nor can it influence the souls in the manner in which the knowledge of the Messengers has done; for indeed the souls do not voluntarily submit except through belief in Allaah, belief in His Angels, belief in His Books, belief in His Messengers and belief in the hereafter. And without this, voluntary submission is impossible, as is well known regarding human nature. [Ref 4]
Progress In The Worldly Affairs Is Sought After, But We Must Return to Our Deen- By Saudi King Abdul Azeez [rahimahullaah]
Saudi King Abdul Azeez [rahimahullaah] said: Indeed, the progress and advancement of the Muslims is among those affairs we [pursue]–we call to it by the will of Allaah. [However] there cannot be advancement for the Muslims without a return to their religion, adherence to their sound creed and holding onto the Rope of Allaah [i.e. the Qur’aan and the Sunnah]. The path towards this is clear and facilitated for the one who wants to follow it, and that is to single out Allaah in worship – to be free from shirk and bidah- and act on that which the religion has commanded us, for indeed there is no benefit in speech if not [accompanied] by action. [Ref 5]
The Evil Consequences That Will Accompany Worldly Knowledge When Devoid of Sound Religion- By Imaam As-Sadi [rahimahullaah]
Imaam As-Sadi [rahimahullaah] said: Industrialization And Modern Inventions: Everyone has participated in it – the righteous, the wicked, the believer and the disbeliever. As for religion and [virtuous] manners, then indeed -in this era-, it has greatly declined. So, when this industrial advancement is devoid of Deen and Eemaan, it became a great harm from two angles:
Firstly: It beguiled many people, who – due of their ignorance – think that worldly advancement is proof to show that its people are more worthy of achieving every good than others. They are clearly misguided, for indeed a person might be from the most skillful in affairs related to the material world, whilst he is one of the most ignorant people in affairs related to the deen, virtuous manners and the [other] beneficial affairs in this life and the next.
Secondly: When these inventions are devoid of Deen, its mercy and wisdom, it becomes a great disaster for humankind due to the wars that resulted from them, killing, destruction and other affairs related to it. Its regulators [or overseers] and scholars are unable to laydown – for humankind -a stable, just and good life, rather they have not ceased moving from one misrable state to another. This is inevitable and the continuous state of affairs shows that [to be the case]. Therefore all good is found in the sound religion and all evil is found in rejecting and willfully denying [Allaah, His Messengers, His Laws, Guidance, Commands, Prohibitions etc] [Ref 6]
The Correct Manner In Which to Approach The Contemporary Sciences – By Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [rahimahullaah], Imaam Muhammad Bin Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen [rahimahullaah] and Shaikh Saaleh Aala Ash-Shaikh [hafidhahullaah]
Shaikh Saaleh Aala Ash-Shaikh [hafidhahullaah] said:
The Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said: Verily, the creation of each of you is brought together in his mother’s womb for forty days as a drop [of water, semen], then he is a clot for a similar period, then a morsel for a similar period…. [An-Nawawi’s Forty Hadeeth. Hadeeth 4]
It is well known that during that era, the Sahaabah did not know these stages [of development of the human being in the womb] through experimental knowledge, vision [i.e. by way of the naked eye] or other than that; rather it was simply [a statememt of the Prophet] which they [believed and affirmed]. They were scholars by way of the revelation sent down to the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] and not by way of experimentation [examination]. [Ref 7]
Imaam Muhammad Bin Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen [rahimahullaah] said:
We do not say: “We do not give consideration to anything stated by the people in the subject matter regarding medicine, astronomy and the celestial bodies”; however, we do not accept everything they say. If what they say opposes the Book and the [authentic] Sunnah, then indeed we do not accept their statements; [rather] we take [i.e. believe and affirm without any doubt] that which is conveyed in the Book and the [authentic] Sunnah, and we say, ‘An era will come in which the people will bear witness to the falsity of those statements of theirs – at present – that are in opposition to the Book and [authentic] Sunnah and [bear witness] to the soundness of that which has been conveyed in the Book and the [authentic] Sunnah. [Ref 8]
Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [rahimahullaah] said:
Indeed, that which is stated by the astronomers about the celestial bodies, their sizes and the distance between them, and that which is said about the earth [i.e. by the geologists etc] is categorized into three affairs: [a] That which is backed by the sound knowledge-based proofs [i.e. the Sharee’ah], therefore it is accepted. [b] That which the knowledge-based proofs [i.e. the sharee’ah] declares to be false, therefore it is rejected. [c] That which there is no proof to either accept or reject it, therefore it is unproven until a person from the people of knowledge [i.e. upright scholars of Ahlus Sunnah] examines it [i.e. examines what it indicates based on the Book and Sunnah] to show whether it should be accepted or rejected. As for accepting it without [sound] investigation and observation, but merely accepting it by blindly following them [i.e. the astronomers, geologists etc], then this is impermissible because of the numerous mistakes that occur as a result of that, and speaking -without knowledge – about Allaah and that which He has created [i.e. the entire universe and all that is within it]. [Ref 9]
[Ref 1: An Excerpt from I’laam Al-Muwaqqi’een 4/375-377- slightly paraphrased]
[Ref 2: Source: An Excerpt from: [شرح المختصر في صفات النبي ﷺ وأخلاقه] Lesson 1. slightly paraphrased]
[Ref 3: Silsilatu al-Muhādarāt al-‘ilmiyyah Vol.4 Pgs. 506-507]
[Ref 4: Al-Adillah Al-Qawaati Wal-Baraaheen Fee Ibtaalil Usoolil Mulhideen 49-50]
[Ref 5: Haqeeqah Manhaj Al-Mamlakah Al-Arabiyyah As-Su’oodiyyah page 33]
[Ref 6: Al-Adilladul Qawaati 45-46]
[Ref 7: Sharh Al-Arba’een. Hadeeth 4]
[Ref 8: An excerpt from the ‘Explanation of Bulooghul Maraam’ Vol 1. page 130]
[Ref 9: An Excerpts from ‘Al-Adillah An-Naqliyyah Wal-Hissiyyah Alaa Imkaanis Su’ood Ilal Kawaakib Wa Alaa Jarayaan Ash-Shams Wal-Qamar Wa Sukoon Al-Ard’ page 74. slightly paraphrased]
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [rahimahullaah] said:
The greatest pleasure in the Afterlife is the pleasure of seeing Allaah [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections], just as it has been reported in the authentic hadeeth, “They [i.e. the people of paradise] will not be granted anything that is more beloved to them than seeing Him [i.e. Allaah]’’ and this is the fruitful outcome of knowing Him and worshipping Him in this worldly life. The best thing in this worldly life is to have knowledge and awareness of Him and the best thing in the Afterlife is to see Him. [Ref 1]
Shaikh Abdullah Bin Humaid [rahimahullaah] said:
We said that children are the most important part of the family, so they must be taught what benefits them and are distanced from evil companions. Teaching them necessitates that which the Book and the Sunnah necessitates in their religious affairs, so that they are nurtured upon a sound, beneficial and good nurturing. And we do not say that it is prohibited to study the beneficial worldly sciences because the religion of Islaam does not prohibit it, such as the knowledge of medicine, economics, business and its likes. However, these affairs come after rectification of the creed and after being [acquainted with] the knowledge of Tawheed. This is what is specified as an obligation.
And protecting the family [necessitates] that you distance your children from evil companions- those who have no goodness in them, such as the atheists or those Bedouins who are distanced from their religion. Therefore, you must warn your children about mixing with them and you must strive to [make sure that] they do not mix with them. If your child mixes with them, their evil practices will affect him. Even if your child is sensible, he will adopt some of their manners and deeds due to those evil companions. [Ref 2]
Shaikh Rabee Bin Haadi [hafidhahullaah] saiud:
Many people humble themselves to one another more than they humble themselves to Allaah – The Most High, The Most Great. It is neither permissible for a person to be a slave [i.e. by worshipping anyone] except to Allaah, nor humble himself except to the Greatness of Allaah. Allaah [Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections] said:
هُوَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِى لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَۖ عَـٰلِمُ ٱلۡغَيۡبِ وَٱلشَّهَـٰدَةِۖ هُوَ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ
هُوَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِى لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ٱلۡمَلِكُ ٱلۡقُدُّوسُ ٱلسَّلَـٰمُ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنُ ٱلۡمُهَيۡمِنُ ٱلۡعَزِيزُ ٱلۡجَبَّارُ ٱلۡمُتَڪَبِّرُۚ سُبۡحَـٰنَ ٱللَّهِ عَمَّا يُشۡرِڪُونَ
هُوَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡخَـٰلِقُ ٱلۡبَارِئُ ٱلۡمُصَوِّرُۖ لَهُ ٱلۡأَسۡمَآءُ ٱلۡحُسۡنَىٰۚ يُسَبِّحُ لَهُ ۥ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِۖ وَهُوَ ٱلۡعَزِيزُ ٱلۡحَكِيمُ
He is Allaah than Whom there is none who has the right to be worshipped but He; the King, the Holy, the One Free from all defects, the Giver of security, the Watcher over His creatures, the All-Mighty, the Compeller, the Supreme. Glory be to Allaah! [High is He] above all that they associate as partners with Him. He is Allaah, the Creator, the Inventor of all things, the Bestower of forms. To Him belong the Best Names. All that is in the heavens and the earth glorify Him. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise. [Surah Al-Hashar’ Aayaat 23-24]
Examine those Aayaat in the last part of Surah Al-Hashar! The statement: [هُوَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِى لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ – He is Allah than Whom there is none who has the right to be worshipped but He)]: This necessitates Tawheed Al-Uloohiyyah.
The statement: [هُوَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِى لَآ إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَۖ عَـٰلِمُ ٱلۡغَيۡبِ وَٱلشَّهَـٰدَةِۖ هُوَ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ- He is Allaah, than Whom there is none who has the right to be worshipped but He, the All-Knower of the unseen and the seen (open). He is the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful]: This necessitates Tawheed Al-Asmaa Was Sifaat.
And the statement: [هُوَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلۡخَـٰلِقُ ٱلۡبَارِئُ ٱلۡمُصَوِّرُۖ – He is Allaah, the Creator, the Inventor of all things, the Bestower of forms” necessitates Tawheed Ar-Roboobiyyah].
These few Aayaat in the last part of Surah Al-Hashr necessitate all the categories of Tawheed. [Ref 3]
[Ref 1: Majmoo Al-Fataawaa. 14/163. Quoted by Shaikh Abdur Razzaaq Al-Badr [hafidhahullaah]. http://al-badr.net/muqolat/5454. Slightly paraphrased]
[Ref 2: Al-Fataawaa Wad-Duroos Fil Masjid Al-Haraam’-pages: 938]
[Ref 3: Majmoo’ah Wa Rasaail Wa Fataawa 1/22]
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Shaikh Rabee Bin Haadi [may Allaah preserve him] quoted Imaam As-Saabooni [rahimahullaah] who stated:
And they [i.e. Ahlul Hadeeth] hated Ahlul-Bid’ah – those who initiated into the religion what is not from it. They neither loved them nor keep company with them. They neither listened to their speech nor sit with them. They neither argued with them about the religion nor debated with them’’. Then Shaikh Rabee said: How is this [the case]? Is this [view introduced] from themselves or guidance from Allaah and His Messenger, and that which the Salafus Saaleh were upon? Allaah [Glorified and Exalted be He] warned against Ahlul Bidah and clarified for us that they are people of desires, and that they follow Mutashaabihaat [i.e. texts that are not entirely clear in what they indicate, so they are referred back to other texts to be explained] and they abandon the Muhkamaat [i.e. texts that are very clear]. Aa’isha [radiyallaahu-anhaa] said: The Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] recited this ayah:
هُوَ الَّذِي أَنزَلَ عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ مِنْهُ آيَاتٌ مُّحْكَمَاتٌ هُنَّ أُمُّ الْكِتَابِ وَأُخَرُ مُتَشَابِهَاتٌ ۖ فَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ فِي قُلُوبِهِمْ زَيْغٌ فَيَتَّبِعُونَ مَا تَشَابَهَ مِنْهُ ابْتِغَاءَ الْفِتْنَةِ وَابْتِغَاءَ تَأْوِيلِهِ ۗ وَمَا يَعْلَمُ تَأْوِيلَهُ إِلَّا اللَّهُ ۗ وَالرَّاسِخُونَ فِي الْعِلْمِ يَقُولُونَ آمَنَّا بِهِ كُلٌّ مِّنْ عِندِ رَبِّنَا ۗ وَمَا يَذَّكَّرُ إِلَّا أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ
It is He Who has sent down to you [Muhammad] the Book [this Qur’an]. In it are Verses that are (entirely clear, they are the foundations of the Book [and those are the Verses of Al-Ahkaam (commandments, etc.), Al-Faraa’id (obligatory duties) and Al-Hudood (legal laws for the punishment of thieves, adulterers, etc.)]; and others are Mutashaabihaat (i.e. not entirely clear in what they indicate, so they are to be referred back to the Muhkamaat to be explained]. So, as for those in whose hearts there is a deviation (from the truth) they follow that which is not entirely clear thereof, seeking Al-Fitnah (polytheism and trials, etc.), and seeking for its hidden meanings, but none knows its hidden meanings except Allaah. And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge say: ‘’We believe in it; the whole of it (clear and unclear Verses) are from our Lord.” And none receive admonition except men of understanding.’’ [Surah Aal Imraan. Aayah 7] [Then] she [i.e. Aa’isha] said: The Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said, ‘’If you see those who follow thereof that is not entirely clear, then they are those whom Allah has named [as having deviation (from the truth)] so beware of them’’. [Bukhaari Number 4547]
Allaah clarified that they [i.e. ahlul bidah] have desires [i.e. evil desires] and deviation with them, and that they intend to misguide themselves and other people! They desire trials and intend to misguide the people, and that is why the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] mentioned them and described their condition to us. He [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said, ‘’And indeed there will appear a people out of my Ummah in whom desires will run through them just as rabies runs through a dog.’’
Ahlul Sunnah – no doubt – hate Ahlul bidah and Imaam [As Saabooni] mentioned a number of them [i.e. senior scholars of ahlul hadeeth] that they are all agreed upon hating [Ahlul bidah]. However, amongst them [i.e Ahlul bidah] there are du’aat [callers to their bidah]- they are neither to be sat with nor debated with, except in cases of necessity and for a Maslahah [i.e. a carefully assessed benefit identified by rightly guided scholars amongst the scholars]; [otherwise], it is not permissible to enter into debate with them. It is not permissible to enter into a specific debate with the rawaafid if you are weak [i.e. in knowledge and character], except if one is a man who is firmly grounded in knowledge and religion, [very proficient in] establishing evidences, clever and a possessor of [that force and strength that enables him to easily excel in debate with the clear proofs without being affected by doubts]; so if he sees a benefit in debating them, he debates them. [Allaah (The Most High) said]:
[وَجَادِلْهُم بِالَّتِي هِيَ أَحْسَنُ – and argue with them in a way that is better]. This is the legislated debate. Allaah did not close the door of debate completely, so if we have a way of establishing the proofs and to guide the people to good, we follow it. The one who is debated with may not benefit but others may benefit.
As for the weak one, then no [i.e. he does not engage in debate]. Even amongst the scholars there is one who is weak and one who is led to be mistaken by Shub’hah [i.e. a statement or affair that resembles the truth but is falsehood in reality]. He may be a scholar but his character is weak, so he becomes weak in the presence of Ahlul bidah, even if they are younger than him and lesser in knowledge! Indeed, it has happened to many of those who ascribe to the Sunnah and Hadeeth [ i.e. fell into some deviation or error] due to their weakness and opposition to the methodology of the Salaf. For example: Al Bayhaqqi was from the seniors of Ahlul hadeeth and their scholars, and was deceived by some of the Ashaa’irah such as Ibn Fawrak and his ilk, so he fell into Ash’ariyyah! How many among the youth- in this era – have been ruined at the hands of Ahlul bidah?! How many youth, middle age men and graduates from universities have been deceived by Ahlul bidah, and thus they fall into their arms?! They are deceived by the parties [of illegal partisanship] and thus fall into their arms! Why is this? Because they did not act upon the statement of the Messenger: “If you see those who follow thereof that is not entirely clear, then they are those whom Allah has named [as having deviation (from the truth)] so beware of them”. The strong one calls Ahlul bidah; he calls the Christians. There has to be dawah in the path of Allaah and there has to be strong scholars who disseminate the religion of Allaah; and when necessary, they debate so that the proofs are established and benefit one who is to benefit.
[Source: An Excerpt from ‘Sharh Aqeedah As-Salaf Ashaab Al-Hadeeth’ pages 301-304′. slightly paraphrased]
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Anas Bin Maalik [radiyallaahu-anhu] said that the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said: ‘’There are not two people who love each other for the sake of Allaah, and then they split from each other, except that it is due to a sin of one of them’’. [Ref 1]
Reminders From the Above Hadeeth – By Al-Allaamah Zayd Bin Haadee [rahimahullaah]
This Hadeeth shows that to love one another – the religious and worldly benefits it contains – is legislated in the Sharee’ah. And regarding the religious benefits of this love, (it brings about) co-operation upon righteousness and piety; and as for its worldly benefits, it (results in attaining those) necessities of life that are sought after.
Those who love one another are attached to each other and remain upon that until one of them commits a sin that leads to the destruction of this legislated love- the love that was established for the sake of Allaah and for the sake of Islamic brotherhood. Therefore, it is a good thing that the person abandons the sin he committed, which was the cause of separation between them, so that brotherhood for the sake of Allaah is restored as it was before; and so that both the religious and worldly benefits of that brotherly love can continue. The basis of the sin committed by one of them may have occurred without any external influence [i.e. it was solely the person’s fault], or it may have occurred due to tale-carrying and instigated by some of the devils amongst mankind- those who hasten to caused corruption in the earth.
Loving one another for the sake of Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] carries reward that has been mentioned in the Sharee’ah texts. Abu Hurairah [radiyallaahu-anhu] reported that the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said, “Allaah will give shade to seven on the day when there will be no shade but His [i.e. Shade from His Throne (Ref 2)]’’…and amongst those people are “Two people who love each other only for the sake of Allaah and they meet and part in Allaah’s cause only”. [Ref 3]
Anas [radiyallaahu-anhu] reported that the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said: “Whoever possesses the following three qualities will have the (delight) of faith: The one whom Allaah and His Messenger become dearer to him than anything else; the one who loves a person and he loves him only for the sake of Allaah, and the one who hates to revert to disbelief as he hates to be thrown into the fire”. [Ref 4]
Therefore, O Muslim! After you have understood this, then take a severe warning regarding the causes – both statements and deeds- that will ruin the love that has been legislated for the Muslims to have for one another. Hasten towards the virtue of brotherhood and love for one another for the sake of Allaah due to its great and numerous rewards. Abu Hurairah [radiyallaahu-anhu] reported that the Messenger of Allaah [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said, “Allaah will say on the Day of Judgement, ‘Where are those who love each other for the sake of My Glory? Today, I will shelter them in my shade on a day when there is no shade but mine [i.e. the shade from Allaah’s Throne (Ref 5)]’”. [Ref 6]
[Source: Awnul Ahadis Samad Sharhu Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 1/445-446’ by Shaikh Zaid Bin Haadi (rahimahullaah). paraphrased]
Read here: The Mubtadi’ah [Innovators] and Their Followers
Are the Ones Who Split the Ummah
http://www.salafipublications.com/sps/sp.cfm?subsecID=GSC01&articleID=GSC010003&articlePages=2
http://www.aqidah.com/creed/articles/vqlrf-the-splitting-of-the-muslim-ummah-part-2.cfm
http://www.aqidah.com/creed/articles/hxnhe-the-splitting-of-the-muslim-ummah-part-3.cfm
http://www.aqidah.com/creed/articles/flqoi-the-splitting-of-the-muslim-ummah-part-4.cfm
[Ref 1]: Reported by Imaam al-Bukhaari (rahimahullaah) in Al-Adabul Mufrad (401) and authenticated by Imaam Albaani (rahimahullaah) in As-Saheehah (637)]
Ref 2: Fat-hul Baaree 4/63] [Also Shaikh Rabee (hafidhahullaah) has a Risaalah on this topic. Visit link: http://www.rabee.net/ar/articles.php?cat=8&id=149
[Ref 3: Bukhaari 660]
[Ref 4: Bukhaari Number 16]
[Ref 5: Fat-hul Baaree 4/63] [Also Shaikh Rabee (hafidhahullaah) has a Risaalah on this topic. Visit link: http://www.rabee.net/ar/articles.php?cat=8&id=149 ]
[Ref 6: Saheeh Muslim 2566]
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Quote:
Shaikh Abdur Razzaaq Al-Badr [hafidhahullaah] said:
It has been reported in Shu’ab Al-Imaan by Bayhaqi [rahimahullaah] from Abee Mas’ood Al-Ansaari [radiyallaahu-anhu] who said, “A time will not reach you except that the time after it will be worse than it”; so they [i.e. the people] said, “Indeed, a time has reached us in which we had (things, harvest etc) in abundance and a time in which we did not have (things, harvest etc) in abundance”; so, he said, “By Allaah! Indeed, I neither mean your (era of abundant produce) nor your (era of scarcity or drought); rather I mean the disappearance of knowledge or the scholars. Indeed, before you there was Umar [radiyallaahu-anhu], so show me a time like his?!”
Shaikh Abdur Razzaaq Al-Badr [hafidhahullaah] then said,
“Perhaps it can be said [in relation to this statement of Abee Mas’ood (radiyallaahu-anhu)] regarding this era of ours, “(Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz) was here (i.e. alive amongst us not long ago), so show us someone like him (or an era like his)?!” However, good is still present. Even though the likes of these statements are transmitted, but also the texts regarding tranquillity, the people of virtue and that good will remain should be mentioned, such as the statement of the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam], “There will not cease to be a group of my Ummah who will be upon the truth, neither will they be harmed by those who oppose them nor by those who betray them until the establishment of the hour [i.e. the day of judgement]”.
Aasim Ibn Humaid [rahimahullaah] said,
“I heard Mu’aadh Ibn Jabal [radiyallaahu-anh] saying, ‘Indeed, you will not see in this Dunyaa except affliction and trial; the affair will not increase, except in severity and you will not see from the rulers except harshness [Ref 1]. You will not see an affair that is terrifying and causes you hardship, except that it will be lesser in severity than what will occur thereafter’. Imaam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal [rahimahullaah] said [i.e. after hearing this statement], ‘O Allaah! Make us pleased (with You)! O Allaah! Make us pleased (with You)’’’.
Shaikh Abdur Razzaaq Al-Badr [hafidhahullaah] said:
The author [rahimahullaah] transmitted this narration in which Mu’aadh [radiyallaahu-anhu] said, “Indeed, you will not see in this Dunyaa, except affliction and trial” – Meaning: This Dunyaa is a place of affliction, trial and test. Allaah [Glorified and Exalted be He] said: [وَنَبۡلُوكُم بِٱلشَّرِّ وَٱلۡخَيۡرِ فِتۡنَةً۬ۖ وَإِلَيۡنَا تُرۡجَعُونَ – And We shall make a trial of you with evil and with good, and to Us you will be returned. (Surah Al-Anbiyaa. Aayah 35)]
This Dunyaa is a place of affliction and trial, and therefore Mu’aadh [radiyallaahu-anhu] said, ‘’Indeed, you will not see in this Dunyaa except affliction and trial’’. Then Mu’aadh [radiyallaahu-anhu] said, “And the affair will not increase except in severity”- Meaning: The affair of the believers alternates between perfection and deficiency, and an era will not come to the people, except that the era thereafter will be lesser in (virtue).
Then Mu’aadh [radiyallaahu-anhu] said, “And you will not see from the rulers except harshness”- Meaning: The way you are will determine who will rule over you. Whenever deficiency occurs in the religious affairs of the people – deficiency related to their truthfulness to Allaah and in turning to Allaah [in obedience, submission etc], this will also be the state of the one who rules over them. https://www.abukhadeejah.com/the-tyranny-of-the-rulers-a-reason-for-rebellion/
Then Mu’aadh [radiyallaahu-anhu] said, “And you will not see an affair that is terrifying and causes you hardship, except that it will be lesser in severity than what will occur thereafter”- Meaning: It may be that a person witnesses an affair which he considers to be terrifying and difficult, but then another era comes thereafter and he considers it more severe than the one that occurred during his youth.
Mu’aadh [radiyallaahu-anhu] made these statements to notify the believer about the state he should be in when afflictions occur, so that he strives against his soul, remains steadfast upon the truth, turns truthfully to Allaah, pleased with Allaah, neither deviate nor be like those who are destroyed and seeks Allaah’s Protection against the trials – that which is apparent and that which is hidden. And this is the reason why Imaam Ahmad [rahimahullaah] said twice [i.e. after hearing Mu’aadh’s speech], “O Allaah! Make us pleased (with You)! O Allaah! Make us pleased (with You)”.
This shows what a Muslim should be upon during trials – that he should be pleased with Allaah in two ways: [رضىا بالله and رضا عن الله]. The meaning of Ridaa Billaah can be found in a hadeeth of Allaah’s Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi wasallam] as follows:
ذَاقَ طَعْمَ الإيمَانِ مَنْ رَضِيَ بِالله رَبّا وَ باْلإِسْلاَمِ دِيناً و بِمُحَمّدٍ رسولا
The one who pleased that Allah is his lord and Islam is his religion and Muhammad is his messenger shall taste the sweetness of Eemaan’’.
As for Ridaa Anil laah, it can be found in the statement of Allaah: [رضي الله عنهم ورضوا عنه] and it is related to being pleased with Allaah’s reward and good recompense.
Therefore, with regards to the trials, it is obligated on a Muslim to turn to Allaah. Whenever the trial becomes more severe, he increases in turning to Allaah in [submission, obedience, reliance, humility etc]. Indeed, the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi wasallam] said, “Worship during Al-Harj [i.e. during chaos, confusion, disorder, fighting, killing etc] is like emigrating to me”. [More detail on affair, refer to the following link:https://masjidfurqan.co.uk/2018/07/29/the-great-virtue-of-busying-oneself-in-worship-during-times-of-fitan-and-returning-to-the-upright-scholars-of-the-ummah/
This shows that during trials, a Muslim should turn to Allaah – turn to worship, remembrance of Allaah, submit and humble himself to Allaah; but as for many other people, trials bussies (and diverts) them from remembrance of Allaah; rather many people are preoccupied with the trial (and are diverted) from obedience to Allaah. How many people are preoccupied with trials (and diverted) from establishing the prayer at its fixed time! How many people fall into evil due to Fitan! Fitan is destructive and no one is saved from it, except the one whom Allaah saves.
And in relation to Mu’aadh’s [radiyallaahu-anhu] statement, it has been reported in Shu’ab Al-Imaan by Bayhaqi [rahimahullaah] from Abee Mas’ood Al-Ansaari [radiyallaahu-anhu] who said, “A time will not reach you except that the time after it will be worse than it”; so they [i.e. the people] said, “Indeed, a time has reached us in which we had (things, harvest etc) in abundance and a time in which we did not have (things, harvest etc) in abundance”; so, he said, “By Allaah! Indeed, I neither mean your (era of abundant produce) nor your (era of scarcity or drought); rather I mean the disappearance of knowledge or the scholars. Indeed, before you there was Umar [radiyallaahu-anhu], so show me a time like his?!”
Shaikh Abdur Razzaaq Al-Badr [hafidhahullaah] then said, “Perhaps it can be said [in relation to this statement of Abee Mas’ood (radiyallaahu-anhu)] regarding this era of ours, “(Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz) was here (i.e. alive amongst us not long ago), so show us someone like him (or an era like his)?!” However, good is still present. Even though the likes of these statements are transmitted, but also the texts regarding tranquillity, the people of virtue and that good will remain should be mentioned, such as the statement of the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam], “There will not cease to be a group of my Ummah who will be upon the truth, neither will they be harmed by those who oppose them nor by those who betray them until the establishment of the hour [i.e. the day of judgement]”.
This proves that good will remain and the likes of these narrations [i.e. the narrations by Abee Mas’ood and Mu’aadh (radiyallaahu-anhumaa)] are not aimed at leaving a person in a state of hopelessness and despair; rather it is aimed at making him turn to Allaah [in obedience, submission, reliance, humility etc] and to be from the people of virtue, even if they are few.
[Source: An Excerpt From ‘Sharh Risaalah Al-Mughniyah Fis Sukoot Wa Luzoomil Buyoot. Lessons 2 – By Shaikh Abdur Razzaaq Al-Badr (hafidhahullaah)]
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, he Bestower of Mercy.
Shaikh Abdur Razzaaq Al-Badr [hafidhahullaah] quotes from Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [rahimahullaah] who stated:
Disobedience appears agreeable to a human being, such as Gheebah [backbiting], Nameemah [tale carrying], [blameworthy] argumentation, self-praise – whether uttered blatantly or indirectly, verbally abusing the one you hate, praising the one you love and what is similar to that. An intense urge agrees with [the soul’s desire], then it becomes easy for the tongue to move and thus one’s patience weakens; so due to this the Messenger [sallal laahu-alayhi wasallam] said to Mu’aadh [radiyallaahu-anhu], “Restrain your tongue”, so Mu’aad said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah! Will we be held accountable for what we say?’ He [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said, ‘May your mother be bereaved of you, O Mu’aadh! Is there anything that topples people on their faces – or he said on their noses into the fire- other than the harvest of their tongues?!’” [Ref 1]
Regarding the statement: ‘’May your mother be bereaved of you, O Mu’aadh!’’ The Arabs used this statement for the purpose of persuasion and exhortation, and they did not intend its apparent meaning, which is ‘’May his mother lose him’’; rather what is intended is persuasion and exhortation. [Ref 2]
This urge occurs, especially when sinning through the tongue is habitual because it entices a person towards impatience. This is why you find that a man performs the night prayer, fasts during the day and refrains from reclining on a pillow made of silk out of fearing that he might enter into a doubtful affair that will affect him in the afterlife, but he backbites, spread tales and violates the honour of the people. [Ref 3]
Backbiting
Abu Hurairah [radiyallaahu-anhu] narrated that the Messenger of Allaah [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said, ‘’Do you know what backbiting is?’’ They (i.e. the sahaabah) replied Allaah and his Messenger know best’’; he said [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said, ‘’It is to mention your brother what he dislikes’’. Someone asked, ‘’What if what I said is true?’’ He [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] replied, ‘’If what you said about him is true you have backbitten him, and if it is not true you have slandered him’’. [Muslim]
When is speaking about someone behind his back not considered backbiting? It is not considered backbiting when a person makes a complaint about an oppressor to a person who has the ability to stop the oppression; when seeking help to stop an evil- by making that known to the person who has the ability to stop the evil; when seeking for a fatwa; when warning the Muslims so that they are not deceived; when mentioning a person who commits his evil openly or one who calls to bidah and when identifying someone with a physical defect, whilst not intending defamation. [Ref 4]
[Ref 1: Quoted by Shaikh Abdur Razzaaq Al-Badr (hafidhahullaah) in Sharh Ar-Risaalah Al-Mughniyah Fis Sukoot Wa Luzoomil Buyoot. Lesson 1]
[Ref 2: ‘Sharh Al-Arba’een An-Nawawiyyah’ by Shaikh Uthaymeen (rahimahullaah). Hadeeth Number 29, page 295. 1st Edition 2003 (1424 AH). Publisher: Daarul Thurayyah]
[Ref 3: Quoted by Shaikh Abdur Razzaaq Al-Badr (hafidhahullaah) in Sharh Ar-Risaalah Al-Mughniyah Fis Sukoot Wa Luzoomil Buyoot. Lesson 1]
[Ref 4: Subul As-Salaam- Vol 4 page 553-554]
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Abu Moosaa [radiyallaahu-anhu] said that Allaah’s Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said: “The example of guidance and knowledge with which Allaah has sent me is like abundant rain falling on the earth, some of which was fertile soil that absorbed the water and brought forth vegetation and grass in abundance. [And] another portion of it was hard and held the water and Allaah benefited the people with it and they utilised it for drinking, making their animals drink from it and for irrigation of the land for cultivation.
[And] a portion of it was barren which could neither hold the water nor bring forth vegetation [so that land gave no benefits]. The first is the example of the person who comprehends Allaah’s religion and benefit [from the knowledge] which Allaah has revealed through me, learns and then teaches others. The last example is that of a person who does not care for it and does not take Allaah’s guidance revealed through me. [He is like that barren land]”. [Saheeh Al-Bukhaari. Hadeeth Number 79. Book of Knowledge]
Imaam Muhammad Ibnu Saalih Al-Uthaymeen [rahimahullaah] said:
In this similitude, the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said: “The example of guidance and knowledge with which Allaah has sent me with, is like abundant rain falling on the earth”. The earth [upon which the rain fell] is of three types: The First Type of Earth: It is the earth that absorbed the water and produced abundant grass and vegetation, so the people were benefited through that. The Second Type of Earth is a Plain: It retained the water and the people benefited from it. They utilised it for drinking and as a source of irrigation [for their crops]. The Third Type of Earth: It absorbed the water but does not produce any benefit. This is the relationship between the people and the knowledge and guidance with which the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] was sent with.
The First Category of People: Amongst them is one who has understanding of Allaah’s Religion. He learns and teaches- benefits the people and himself. This is similar to the earth that produces grass and vegetation, so that the people and animals eat from it.
The Second Category of People: They are a people who have been entrusted with the guidance, but they do not possess Fiqh [like the first category of people]. They transmit knowledge and Hadeeth amongst themselves, but they do not possess Fiqh [like the first group]. The similitude of these people is that of the earth that retained the water and the people were provided with water. They used it for drinking, their animals drank from it and they used it as a source of irrigation; but the earth does not produce anything.
The Third Category: The one who is not benefited by the knowledge and guidance given to the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam). He turns away and does not incline towards it. He is neither benefited by that which the Prophet [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] was sent with nor does he benefit others. His similitude is that of the earth that absorbed the water, but does not produce anything.
Source: Ash-Shar’hul Ma’mool Li-imthaal- Ar-Rasool. pages 7-8
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy
Shaikh Saaleh Aala Ash-Shaikh [hafidhahullaah] said:
Abu Waaqid Al-Laythee [radiyallaahu-anhu] said, “We went out with the Messenger of Allaah [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] to the [military] campaign to Hunayn, while we were new converts from disbelief to [Islaam]. The idol worshippers had a lote tree in [whose vicinity] they used to stay and hang their weapons, and it was called Dhaat Anwaat. So when we went pass a tree, we said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah! Set up a Dhat Anwat for us just as they have a Dhaat Anwaat’. So the Messenger of Allaah [sallal-laahu-alahi-wasallam] said, ‘Allaah is the Greatest! This is a path that has proceeded [from the people of the past]. By Allaah in whose Hand my soul is! You have stated just as the children of Israa’eel stated to Moosaa [alayhis-salaam], ‘O Moosaa! Make for us a god as they have’. He (Moosaa) said, ‘Verily, you are a people who know not (the Majesty and Greatness of Allah and what is obligatory upon you, i.e. to worship none but Allah Alone, the One and the Only God of all that exists)’”. [Reported by Ahmad and Tirmidhee and it is a sound hadeeth.]
Those new Muslims wanted to perform that act of worship in that particular place and (also) to seek blessings, so the Messenger of Allaah [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] referred to what they sought after as worship of another deity besides Allaah. The act they sought after is a means to Shirk, but after the Messenger of Allaah [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] clarified the affair for them, they turned in repentance and obedience. [Ref 1]
Shaikh Abdur Razzaaq Al-Badr [hafidhahullaah] said,
“This shows the importance of giving concern to teaching new Muslims the religion because they are more vulnerable to Shubhah [i.e. matters that resemble the truth but are false in reality]”. [Ref 2]
[Ref 1: An Excerpt from ‘Al-Min’dhaar Fee Bayaani Katheer Minal Akhtaa Ash-Shaa’i’ah page: 11’. slightly paraphrased]
[Ref 2: Sharh Fadl Al-Islaam. Lesson 3]