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The Essential and Urgent Pursuit of Digital Sovereignty By Muslim Authorities

Written by abumuaawiyah on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Refutations.

In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

The Essential and Urgent Pursuit of Digital Sovereignty By Muslim Authorities -Brief Refutation of The Pessimists and Saboteurs

Abu Hurairah [may Allah be pleased with him] narrated that the Prophet peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “Verily, the leader is a shield behind whom they fight and he protects them. If he commands fear of Allah and justice, he will have a reward. If he commands something else, it will be against him”. (1)

“The leader is a shield”, meaning, he is like a shelter because he prevents the enemy from harming the Muslims, preventing people from (harming) each other, and safeguarding the Muslim nation, and the people fear his authority. “Behind whom they fight”, meaning, they fight next to him against the non-believers (i.e. those non-Muslim nations that declare war against Muslim nations), the insurgents, the Kharijites, and all those who commit corruption and injustice. (2)

Undoubtedly, it is common knowledge that the advent of social media has brought forth a plethora of technological marvels, enabling individuals to engage, connect, and disseminate their creations with a diverse array of individuals hailing from various backgrounds. However, this invaluable medium of communication has regrettably fallen victim to the machinations of unscrupulous, malevolent, and cunning individuals, particularly those who orchestrate and wield influence over the discourse on social media platforms to sow discord within Muslim nations. In a matter of mere moments, they disseminate fabricated information far and wide, effortlessly translating it into numerous languages, both within their own circles and beyond, all under the guise of championing the concept of free speech. Henceforth, those who possess sound comprehension of the final infallible divine revelation do not under any circumstances predicate the notion of free speech upon the opinions of men; instead, they harbour a profound apprehension towards the repercussions of one’s words in both the present existence and the hereafter. They do not gauge the boundaries of free speech by the confines set forth by social media platforms; rather, they vigilantly shield themselves against any form of discourse that may precipitate ruin in this life and the next. The Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said: “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should not hurt his neighbour and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should serve his guest generously, and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should utter what is good or keep silent.” (3) He also said, “When the son of Adam wakes up in the morning, all the limbs humble themselves before the tongue and say: “Fear Allah for our sake, (for) we are with you; if you are upright, we will be upright; and if you are crooked, we will become crooked”. [4]

Henceforth, owing to the rampant misuse of the privilege of free speech and freedom of expression through various social media networks and platforms, numerous Muslim authorities have emphasised the imperative of digital sovereignty, irrespective of any opposition they may encounter from tech conglomerates. They firmly believe in their right to restrain the influence of those who endeavour to disrupt the tranquillity of their lands under the guise of freedom, liberty, and free speech. It is abundantly evident to discerning individuals that the internet and social media have revolutionised numerous aspects of our lives, as they wield immense power to shape how people communicate and interact. Furthermore, it is crucial to acknowledge that these platforms can be exploited to manipulate human behaviour and emotions, destabilise nations, and exert an un-Islamic sway over public opinion.

Those who have mastered the art of sophistry, concealment, and misrepresentation dare to proclaim, “Let not the rights of the populace be violated, nor their access to information be curtailed.” Yet, behind this facade of progress, they cunningly exploit their media platforms to cast a repugnant shadow upon sound beliefs and morality that are firmly grounded in the infallible final divine revelation. They employ captivating slogans and deceptive tactics to distort the true essence of sound beliefs, leading unsuspecting readers and listeners astray from the very truth that should awaken them to their fallacy. They bombard them relentlessly with a deluge of ambiguous information, leaving them ensnared in a perplexing state of doubt. These cunning individuals express their disapproval as Muslim leaders strive for digital independence to safeguard their communities – vociferating, disseminating misinformation, and falsely accusing them of digital tyranny, as the Muslim leaders obstruct their channels of influence through which they sow discord, provoke the naive, tarnish the morals of the Muslim youth, and undermine the stability of the Muslim countries. They say that Social Media Platforms serve as a gateway to foster communication and enable individuals to explore beyond their immediate cultural boundaries. Nevertheless, this technological advancement has inadvertently provided a platform for certain cunning ideologues, demagogues, fervent secularists, zealous liberalists, and instigators to effortlessly reach the susceptible populace in Muslim nations. This unrestricted access has, at times, granted them the power to sway public sentiment and lead astray a multitude of individuals. Undoubtedly, the unrestricted availability of information often leads to confusion among individuals, making it difficult for them to accurately differentiate between falsehood and truth, clarity and ambiguity. Similar to how the Khawaarij (ISIS and other terrorist groups) exploit Social Media Platforms to mislead young Muslims, certain ideologues, and their followers also exploit these platforms to corrupt the minds of Muslim youth under the guise of free speech and liberty. Al-Allaamah Saalih Al-Fawzaan [may Allah preserve him] stated, “The social structure of this country will be destabilised if its security is lost, then where would the Islamic world proceed? Due to this, the adversaries of Islam conspire against this country day and night, as you all know, sometimes scheming to sow seeds of doubt regarding its creed and propagate repugnant views among the offspring of the Muslims to instill idleness, extremism, or taking up arms, wield explosives, or to cause destruction; sometimes by corrupting manners, promoting forbidden activities and desires among the Muslim youth to corrupt their manners and strip them of their religious (convictions) under the guise of freedom of expression and other false statements”. (5)

This is how certain ideologues and their counterparts orchestrate and govern the discourse on social media, exerting their dominance over the dissemination of news to further their own agendas. They display a complete disregard for the number of individuals who may be sacrificed, as long as their own safety remains intact and beyond the reach of any Muslim governments seeking justice. Consequently, it is understandable why certain Muslim governments endeavour to establish provisions to protect their “digital sovereignty” and suppress the corrupt influence wielded by these individuals. They possess the rightful authority to regulate and determine what measures will safeguard the prosperity of their nations and establish the necessary guidelines. Muslim leaders are justified in intervening when certain individuals misuse media outlets to sow discord, disrupt peace, and threaten security. They have the authority to restrict access to these platforms, enforce compliance with local laws, and require data to be stored within Muslim territories to prevent any abuse of freedom of speech.

It is truly astonishing to witness the audacity of certain opportunistic ideologues who have the nerve to lament about other nations hacking their networks and destabilising their crucial political institutions, all the while being guilty of the very same offense! It is simply mind-boggling how these individuals dare to complain about other nations expanding their influence, exploiting the divisions among their own citizens, and launching attacks on their social fabric based on race, gender, class, and religion when they are guilty of perpetrating such crimes! The sheer hypocrisy is astounding! Furthermore, it is astonishing how these individuals have the gall to complain about a strategy being employed to destabilise their own country and exacerbate existing divisions when they are guilty of employing the very same strategy! It is a clear case of double standards and hypocrisy. This is one of their objectives on social media platforms, whilst awaiting the emergence of their pawns and internal plotters, who cunningly propagate slogans in the name of so-called liberty and freedom of expression. Subsequently, the naive masses fall prey to their deceitful and embellished catchphrases. Both the Khawaarij and certain ideologues, demagogues, and agitators have exploited social media networks and platforms to incite Muslims to take to the streets, thereby causing the ignorant among us to unwittingly dismantle our homelands. Hence, one must not be swayed by the alluring proclamations of these internal conspirators, regardless of how they adorn their rhetoric. Allah says:

وَمِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ مَن يُعۡجِبُكَ قَوۡلُهُ ۥ فِى ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا وَيُشۡهِدُ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا فِى قَلۡبِهِۦ وَهُوَ أَلَدُّ ٱلۡخِصَامِ
وَإِذَا تَوَلَّىٰ سَعَىٰ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ لِيُفۡسِدَ فِيهَا وَيُهۡلِكَ ٱلۡحَرۡثَ وَٱلنَّسۡلَ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلۡفَسَادَ
وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُ ٱتَّقِ ٱللَّهَ أَخَذَتۡهُ ٱلۡعِزَّةُ بِٱلۡإِثۡمِ‌ۚ فَحَسۡبُهُ ۥ جَهَنَّمُ‌ۚ وَلَبِئۡسَ ٱلۡمِهَادُ

And of mankind there is he whose speech may please you (O Muhammad), in this worldly life, and he calls Allah to witness as to that which is in his heart, yet he is the most quarrelsome of the opponents. And when he turns away, his effort in the land is to make mischief therein and to destroy the crops and the cattle, and Allah likes not mischief. And when it is said to him, “Fear Allah”, he is led by arrogance to (more) crime. So enough for him is Hell, and worst indeed is that place to rest! [Surah Al-Baqarah. Ayaat 204-206]

Despite the elucidations and admonitions provided by the senior Salafi scholars concerning the pernicious nature of the internet, orchestrated by those who exploit it to instigate discord among Muslim nations, certain duplicitous ideologues are expeditious in their condemnation of Muslim governments when they expunge certain prominent video-sharing and microblogging platforms. Imagine the potential harm that could arise when corrupt individuals and troublemakers are given unrestricted access to a Muslim nation with approximately 34 million internet subscribers, 33 million users on various social media platforms, and 12 million individuals on a microblogging platform. It is truly heartening for believers when Muslim authorities take decisive action to shut down any network that promotes discord, violence, and chaos under the guise of peaceful protest and freedom of speech. The protection of the religion, lives, mental well-being, dignity, and resources of the Muslim community should always take precedence over financial gain, opinions that go against Islamic teachings, the supposed right to freedom of expression, and the alleged freedom of peaceful assembly. May Allah bestow more wisdom and firm resolve to the Muslim rulers in the fight against those who manipulate the public through language, gestures, and visuals – overwhelming individuals with content that undermines the morals ordained by Allah and substituting them with ideas that lead to disbelief, polytheism, vain desire, deviance, and corruption under the guise of digital freedom; endorsing wickedness and falsehood through rhetoric, all the while concealing righteousness and truth.

Indeed, it is truly heartening to see telecommunication companies and phone operators in Muslim countries opting for locally developed apps over foreign ones. This move not only ensures the safety of citizens’ data within the country but also helps in prosecuting those who break the law, particularly those who incite social unrest. The Muslim authorities are to be commended for enhancing cybersecurity, safeguarding personal data, and upholding digital sovereignty to prevent malicious external forces from exploiting the data for their agendas. It is truly fascinating to witness the stark contrast in reactions when non-Muslim nations take measures to safeguard their national security, foreign policy, and economy by imposing restrictions on foreign apps and technologies. These nations recognise the imperative need to shield their internet-connected banks, trading systems, oil and water pipelines, dams, hospitals, and other vital infrastructures. Surprisingly, the naysayers and troublemakers remain conspicuously silent during these endeavours. However, their voices suddenly become amplified and filled with outrage when Muslim nations adopt similar measures. It seems that their discontent stems from the fact that they aspire to exploit social media platforms for purposes of cultural crusade. Nevertheless, certain Muslim nations and leaders have chosen to disregard the rhetoric of these detractors, as they comprehend the inherent risks associated with relying solely on foreign technology. Placing absolute reliance on such matters would entail the management of crucial infrastructure and communication systems that are entirely situated within foreign data centers and subject to foreign laws. Hence, it would be preposterous for anyone to criticise Muslim rulers for their pursuit of digital sovereignty, a path – inShaaAllah- that safeguard Muslim nations.

Similarly, it brings immense joy to one’s heart when encountering upright Muslims proficient in the realm of digital technology, expounding upon the imperative nature of possessing cyber and electronic weaponry. That is because these formidable tools, when strategically employed, possess the capability to neutralise the ballistic missiles of adversarial nations during periods of strife, effectively incapacitating their Defence Industry and military command and control networks, thereby rendering the hostile enemy powerless by the Will of Allah. This noble initiative reminds us of the advice of Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baz [may Allah have mercy upon him] regarding the dangerous causes of weakness. These causes include the negative consequences and implications that arise from weakness in the face of the enemy, as well as delays in taking action. It also involves inclining towards forbidden desires, being preoccupied with distractions that hinder us from the path of Allah and guidance, and lacking preparation in terms of industry and weaponry to effectively combat the enemy. The Imam emphasized the importance of industry in Muslim countries, highlighting the need for preparation and strength to deter enemies. Individuals must be self-sufficient and well-prepared so that enemies are aware of their capabilities and are deterred from aggression. It is also important to maintain physical fitness and avoid excessive luxury, to be ready for any potential conflict. Cooperation between the state and the people is essential in obeying Allah and His Messenger, as well as in making necessary preparations for defense, as stated in the Quran: [وَأَعِدُّوا لَهُمْ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُمْ مِنْ قُوَّةٍ – And make ready against them all you can of power]. [Surah Al-Anfaal. Aayah 60]

It is imperative to make physical preparations – to equip ourselves with defensive and military gear, as well as other necessary equipment, to rely solely on what Allah has bestowed upon us and not be dependent on what our adversaries possess. Engaging in combat with the weapons our enemies possess is exceedingly challenging to attain because if the enemy obstructs our access to weaponry, how can we effectively fight in addition to poor insight and insufficient knowledge? (6)

The main duty of carrying out this endeavour rests on the shoulders of Muslim governments and their representatives, not on Hizb at-Tahreer or other extremist factions such as ISIS. The Muslim rulers, may Allah bless them with a firm resolve, have diplomatic relationships with other nations, and we beseech Allah to bless them with triumph in their efforts to protect Islam and the Muslim populace. May Allah pardon our faults and oversights. Ameen.

Must read:

Salafi Shaikh Fawzaan on Jihaad in our times and the guidelines of Jihaad according to Islam
https://www.abukhadeejah.com/salafi-shaikh-fawzaan-on-jihaad-in-our-times-and-the-guidelines-of-jihaad-according-to-islam/

The Islamic Shariah on the Foundation of Muslim Relations With Non-Muslims Who Do Not Show Aggression and Hostility
http://www.shariah.ws/articles/szsumlh-the-foundation-of-muslim-relations-with-non-muslims-who-do-not-show-aggression-and-hostility.cfm

Islam and the Muslims Are Free and Innocent of the Kharijite Extremists and the Islamic Shariah Has Come With a Command to Fight Them
http://www.shariah.ws/articles/nmsdfkp-islam-and-the-muslims-are-free-and-innocent-of-the-kharijite-extremists.cfm

[1] Ṣaḥih Muslim 1841

[2] Sharh Sahih Muslim 12/193. Publisher: Daar Al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah. 1st Edition 1421 AH (2000)]

[3] Al-Bukhaari 6136]

[4] Sahih At-Tirmidhi Number 2407

[5]  http://www.alfawzan.af.org.sa/node/2529. paraphrased

[6] https://binbaz.org.sa/discussions/42/%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%A8-%D8%B6%D8%B9%D9%81-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%B3%D9%84%D9%85%D9%8A%D9%86-%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%85-%D8%B9%D8%AF%D9%88%D9%87%D9%85-%D9%88%D9%88%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%89%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%AC paraphrased

A verse recalled by honest people when handling the subtle and obvious “Common Cause Alliances”

Written by abumuaawiyah on . Posted in Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Allah [The Exalted] says:

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]

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim [may Allah have mercy upon him] stated:

One must stand firmly for justice, whether it be in favour or against oneself, one’s parents, one’s close relatives, or one’s dearest friend among the people. If one’s affection towards oneself, parents, and relatives hinders them from standing up for the truth, particularly if the truth aligns with someone they despise and consider an adversary because of them, then only those whose devotion to Allah and His Messenger surpasses all other affections would uphold justice in such circumstances. Furthermore, an individual must uphold justice when dealing with their adversaries and those who deny them their rights. It is unacceptable for animosity towards one’s enemies to result in unjust actions towards them, just as it is unacceptable for self-love, love for one’s parents, and love for relatives to cause one to abandon the pursuit of justice. Therefore, one’s animosity towards someone should not lead them to falsehood, and their love for oneself and their loved ones should not cause one to compromise on the establishment of truth, as one of the righteous predecessors stated, “A just person is someone whose anger does not lead them astray from the path of truth, and whose contentment does not divert them from it.” [1]

Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allah have mercy upon him] stated:

The objective is not to transgress against anyone – not the adversary or anyone else; not to disregard their rights or label them with specific descriptions which apply to both them and others. Instead, the objective is to speak based on the virtues of sound knowledge, justice, and religion, just as Allah [The Most High] says:

 يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُونُوا قَوَّامِينَ لِلَّهِ شُهَدَاءَ بِالْقِسْطِ ۖ وَلَا يَجْرِمَنَّكُمْ شَنَآنُ قَوْمٍ عَلَىٰ أَلَّا تَعْدِلُوا ۚ اعْدِلُوا هُوَ أَقْرَبُ لِلتَّقْوَىٰ

O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah and be just witnesses and let not the enmity and hatred of others make you avoid justice. Be just: that is nearer to piety. [5:8] [2]

Indeed, many years ago, we came across individuals who displayed no inclination toward pursuing the truth. Instead, they opted to align themselves with a particular individual solely out of disdain for others. Their primary objective was to exploit a given circumstance to address their grievances, all the while failing to comprehend that the situation extended beyond the mere identification of true friendship based on their definition. Nevertheless, it would have been prudent for them to acknowledge that a bond forged on convenience or flattery, stemming from a shared cause or a misguided perception of oppression, does not embody genuine loyalty. The individuals in question failed to acknowledge the fundamental truth that the matter at hand extended far beyond mere companionship during moments of adversity. Instead, it revolved around the invaluable presence of those who offered sincere counsel and illuminate the correct course of action to enhance one’s circumstances. Over time, it became abundantly clear that a connection built upon convenience or a fleeting coalition forged upon groundless allegations against others, devoid of introspection or candour, is nothing but a bond that ultimately exposes its people when confronted with trials and tribulations.

Naive companions relished the smooth ride at first, however, when the path grew slightly challenging, their true nature began to reveal itself. Indeed, some of them, to safeguard their interests, went to the extent of unveiling the plots of their previous accomplices. Likewise, it was customary for certain individuals to incessantly forge alliances against a shared adversary, all in an attempt to veil their transgressions or shift blame onto others. However, this deplorable conduct merely served to amplify their sycophantic tendencies and their relentless pursuit of garnering sympathisers, all in a desperate bid to emerge victorious in any argument, regardless of the consequences. As for our elder teachers at Salafipublications, they are known for establishing justice, all by the Tawfeeq of Allah, in accordance with the robust principles of Salafiyyah. We ask Allah to safeguard us and them from every calamity in our religious and worldly affairs. We ask Allah: [يَا حَيُّ يَا قَيُّومُ بِرَحْمَتِكَ أَسْتَغيثُ أَصْلِحْ لِي شَأْنِيَ كُلَّهُ وَلاَ تَكِلْنِي إِلَى نَفْسِي طَرْفَةَ عَيْنٍ – O Ever Living! O The Self Subsisting, Upon Whom Everything Depends! By Your mercy I seek assistance; rectify for me all of my affairs and do not leave me to myself, even for the blink of an eye]. [Silsilah As-Saheehah Number 227]

[1] An Excerpt from ‘Badaa’i At-Tafseer Al-Jaami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imaam Ibn Al-Qayyim. 1/300-303

[2] An Excerpt from “Ar-Radd Alal Ikhnaa’ee”. page 110

A Concise Educational Dialogue on the Educator and Several Effective Pedagogical Approaches – By Imam Abdul Aziz Bin Baz

Written by abumuaawiyah on . Posted in Basics, Contemporary Issues.

All praise is due to Allah alone and may peace and blessings be upon the one (Muhammad) after whom there is no Prophet. To proceed:

Knowledge constitutes a fundamental element of human existence

Knowledge is undoubtedly the bedrock upon which the essence of human life is built. Among all forms of knowledge, the most important and deserving of attention is the knowledge of the Islamic Shariah because it allows us to understand the purpose behind which Allah created us and sent the Messengers. Through this knowledge, we gain knowledge and awareness of Allah and worship Him accordingly, as He says:

وَمَا خَلَقْتُ الْجِنَّ وَالْإِنْسَ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُونِ

And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me. [Adh-Dhariyat 56]

Allah -Glorified be He and free is He from all imperfections- says:

وَلَقَدْ بَعَثْنَا فِي كُلِّ أُمَّةٍ رَسُولًا أَنِ اُعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ وَاجْتَنِبُوا الطَّاغُوتَ

Indeed, We have sent a Messenger to every nation, saying, “Worship Allaah alone and keep away from all false deities]. [Al-Nahl 36]

From these two verses, one can understand the wisdom behind the creation of Jinn and humans, as well as the reason for sending Messengers. A nation lacking a sound faith or religion is considered ignorant, no matter how advanced and developed it may be, as Allah says:

أَمْ تَحْسَبُ أَنَّ أَكْثَرَهُمْ يَسْمَعُونَ أَوْ يَعْقِلُونَ إِنْ هُمْ إِلَّا كَالْأَنْعَامِ بَلْ هُمْ أَضَلُّ سَبِيلً

Or do you think that most of them hear or understand? They are only like cattle; nay, they are even farther astray from the Path. (i.e. even worse than cattle). [Al-Furqan 44]

A life of excellence is a life led by people who possess both knowledge and faith in Islam, as Allah says:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اسْتَجِيبُوا لِلَّهِ وَلِلرَّسُولِ إِذَا دَعَاكُمْ لِمَا يُحْيِيكُمْ

O you who believe! Answer Allah (by obeying Him) and (His) Messenger when he calls you to that which will give you life. [Al-Anfaal. 24]

Allah [The Exalted] says:

مَنْ عَمِلَ صَالِحًا مِنْ ذَكَرٍ أَوْ أُنْثَى وَهُوَ مُؤْمِنٌ فَلَنُحْيِيَنَّهُ حَيَاةً طَيِّبَةً وَلَنَجْزِيَنَّهُمْ أَجْرَهُمْ بِأَحْسَنِ مَا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ

Whoever works righteousness, whether male or female, while he (or she) is a true believer (of Islamic Monotheism) verily, to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment, and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do (i.e. Paradise in the Hereafter). [Al-Nahl. 97]

 

The Importance of a skilled and upright teacher

Beneficial knowledge can only be acquired through a teacher, and no one can be a teacher unless they are well-versed in the subject they are teaching, as one cannot give what they do not possess. The scholars are the heirs of the prophets, making the teacher’s task one of the most challenging tasks that require embodying the most perfect Islamic qualities as much as possible, such as beneficial knowledge, noble manners, consistent good deeds, patience, resilience, and the ability to guide students towards righteousness and a pure Islamic upbringing. The success of a teacher in this endeavour hinges on their attainment of impeccable Islamic traits. Our master and leader, Muhammad Bin Abdullah Al-Haashimee – peace and blessings of Allah be upon him – serves as a role model and leader for all. He exemplified the highest virtues and faced numerous challenges while guiding and teaching people. However, he remained patient and resilient, enduring every hardship and difficulty to spread his religion and bring his Ummah out of darkness into light. May Allah reward him with the best and most perfect reward for his efforts. Through him, a righteous generation was nurtured – a generation that is widely regarded as the best throughout human history. This is attributed to his exceptional nurturing and guidance of his companions, as well as his unwavering commitment to the path of truth after Allah granted them success and guided them.

 

Responsibilities of a Teacher and Interaction with Students

One of the most important responsibilities for a teacher, regardless of time or place, is to emulate the path of the first and foremost teacher, Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, strive to understand and implement his teachings in oneself and the students to the best of one’s ability. This requires a great deal of effort. The Ummah is in dire need of righteous teachers who acquire knowledge from the Quran, the Sunnah of the Prophet, and the path of the pious predecessors, instilling in their students values such as honesty, trustworthiness, sincerity, and a deep respect for Allah’s commands and prohibitions, compete in virtuous deeds and to avoid all forms of vice, particularly in the present era, where many voices are promoting moral decay and only a few advocate for true rectification. Based on the preceding information, it is known that being a teacher is not only one of the most challenging tasks but also one of the most honourable professions. It is a job that holds immense benefits and value, especially when the teacher possesses sincerity, and good intentions, and puts in effort. That is because one will be rewarded just like the person who benefits from their knowledge. The Prophet stated, “The best among you is the one who learns and teaches the Qur’an.” He said, “By Allah, that Allah guides a man through you is better for you than red camels”.

There is no doubt that the teacher is the religious nurturer of the student. Therefore, the teacher needs to possess virtuous morals and good character, serving as a positive example for the students to follow. Additionally, the teacher should adhere to the obligations outlined in the Shariah, avoiding what is prohibited, being mindful of time, joking a little, being open-minded (within the confines of the Shariah), friendly, kind-hearted, clemant, pleasant, independent, capable, broad in knowledge, and possess extensive knowledge of the Arabic language to fulfill their duty to the utmost extent.

 

An Overview of Knowledge Acquisition and the Teacher’s Role in the Process

Undoubtedly, individuals who are dedicated to comprehensively studying the human self and exploring the underlying factors that facilitate the acquisition of knowledge will yield fruitful outcomes in uncovering the intricacies of the self that are not readily apparent. This includes delving into the emotions and perceptions intertwined with the self, as well as gauging its receptiveness towards assimilating new information. Through this examination and investigation, valuable insights can be derived, contributing to the fundamental principles upon which the field of education is built. For any educator to impart knowledge to their students, they must possess a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter, a wide range of teaching methodologies, effective communication skills, and the ability to direct students’ focus toward the core concepts of the lesson while avoiding confusion and ensuring comprehension. To facilitate the students’ comprehension of the subjects being taught, the teacher should employ persuasive techniques, various presentation methods, comparisons, and visual aids. Emphasis should be placed on the essential aspects that serve as the fundamental principles for each lesson, while gradually introducing additional details that are relevant to the main topic. It is crucial to recognize that the foundation of any subject is of utmost importance, as all subsidiary matters stem from these fundamental principles. The educator must integrate the topics and make them more relatable to the students, fostering their interest in the lesson, encouraging active listening, and elucidating the significance and objectives of the subject matter. It is essential to consider the individual comprehension levels of each student by using language that resonates with them, as students have diverse learning styles. Furthermore, the teacher should promote open discussions and be patient with the mistakes that may arise during these discussions, as they are a natural part of the learning process. The educator ought to motivate them to conduct thorough research aimed at uncovering the truth, all the while considering the social context, diverse individual traits, customs, and environment, as these factors significantly influence the students’ psyche, subsequently affecting their comprehension, conduct, and performance. It is widely acknowledged that a perceptive and mindful teacher who factors in these elements exerts a more profound influence on students compared to their counterparts. The educator’s role can be likened to that of a medical practitioner, as one of the responsibilities of the educator is to understand the inclinations of the students and their cognitive abilities. With this information in mind, the educator assesses the fundamental standards that stem from this perspective to effectively cater to their diverse learning styles and levels of comprehension. These factors are key contributors to the educator’s effectiveness in fulfilling their duties.

 

Striking a balance between Shariah expertise and practical worldly sciences.

The utmost crucial obligation, without any exemptions, is to focus on the authentic Islamic creed derived from the Qur’an, the Sunnah, and the guidance of the pious predecessors. Subsequently, emphasis should be placed on other aspects of Shariah, followed by indispensable sciences that humanity cannot do without. However, it is imperative that these sciences do not distract from the knowledge for which they were created, and that they are utilised for the betterment of society without hindering beneficial knowledge (i.e. the Shariah). Allah, in His infinite grace and profound wisdom, has bestowed guidance upon those who have been guided to acquire beneficial knowledge. They have not only learned this knowledge but also imparted it to others, benefiting both the people and the nation. As a result, they have achieved success and are highly regarded by the people, earning a good reputation, increased rewards, and a good end. On the other hand, those who deviated from the right path were deprived of success. Consequently, their knowledge became a calamity for them and their students. They lost their way in the mazes of disbelief, atheism, and heresy, leading others astray. Consequently, they incurred the same sins as those they misguided. This is a manifestation of Allah’s flawless Justice and Wisdom, as well as His punishment for those who veered off the path of truth and succumbed to their wicked desires. They shall be humiliated and forsaken, deviating further from the truth, as Allah says:

فَلَمَّا زَاغُوا أَزَاغَ اللَّهُ قُلُوبَهُمْ

So, when they deviated (by choice), Allaah deviated their hearts. [Al-Saff. 5]

Allah says:
وَنُقَلِّبُ أَفْئِدَتَهُمْ وَأَبْصَارَهُمْ كَمَا لَمْ يُؤْمِنُوا بِهِ أَوَّلَ مَرَّةٍ وَنَذَرُهُمْ فِي طُغْيَانِهِمْ يَعْمَهُونَ

And We shall turn their hearts and their eyes away (from guidance), as they refused to believe therein for the first time, and We shall leave them in their trespass to wander blindly]. [Al-An’aam. 110]

Numerous verses express the same message as the aforementioned verses. We beseech Allah to bestow His blessings upon us and all Muslims, granting us beneficial knowledge and righteous actions. May He shower us with kindness, provide us with a deep understanding of the religion, and help us remain steadfast upon it. May He rectify the rulers and leaders of the Muslim Ummah, and may the truth prevail through them. Indeed, Allah is capable of all things. May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon His servant and Messenger Muhammad, as well as the companions of the Messenger and those who follow their guidance until the Day of Judgment. [1]

 

The appropriate methodology for imparting the sciences and the advantages derived from it

It is important to note that the effective teaching of sciences to students is achieved through a gradual and incremental approach. Initially, the teacher imparts knowledge to the student by introducing the basic principles in each chapter. The learner is then familiarised with these fundamental principles through a general explanation, allowing the teacher to assess the student’s intellectual capacity and readiness to grasp the upcoming material. This process enables the student to establish a foundation for further learning, even if it is initially incomplete or weak. Ultimately, this method facilitates the student’s understanding and familiarity with the subject matter and its complexities. The teacher subsequently revisits the topic with the student for a second time, delivering instruction at a more advanced level compared to the initial instruction. This entails providing the learner with a comprehensive explanation and clarification that differs from the initial general explanation and clarification. The teacher also enlightens the learner about varying viewpoints and perspectives within the subject matter, extending this discussion until the conclusion of the topic. As a result, the learner becomes aware of their potential and capabilities in the field of study. Finally, the teacher brings back the learner once they have built a strong foundation – and at this point, they clarify all the aspects that are vague, crucial, or intricate and unlock all the secrets in the subject for the learner to establish a firm grasp on it. This exemplifies the approach of beneficial teaching, and it is demonstrated through repetition – three times. Undoubtedly, some learners may reach their maximum potential in fewer than these three stages depending on their natural aptitude and what is facilitated for them.

 

Common Errors Made by Teachers

Many teachers in our current era lack knowledge of effective teaching methods. As a result, they introduce topics at the beginning of the learning process that hinder the learner’s understanding and motivation. This approach forces the learner to focus on unraveling these obstacles instead of grasping the core concepts. These teachers mistakenly believe that this is the correct way to teach and impose the requirement for learners to comprehend and familiarise themselves with these complex issues. However, this approach only confuses the learner by presenting advanced concepts at the beginning, which should be introduced in the later stages of learning. In reality, the ability to acquire knowledge and develop understanding should be nurtured gradually over time. Initially, the learner is only able to grasp a few specific details, as their understanding gradually improves through the use of general concepts and specific examples. As they encounter more challenging aspects of the subject matter, these concepts are reinforced and repeated, allowing the learner to progress gradually. This transition from a slower learning process to a higher level of understanding is crucial. However, if the learner is presented with complex details right from the start, it hinders their comprehension and prevents them from adequately preparing for the subject matter. Consequently, the learner may feel overwhelmed, perceive knowledge acquisition as difficult, become unmotivated, and ultimately give up on learning. This negative outcome can be attributed to ineffective teaching methods. Hence, it is inappropriate for the teacher to surpass the comprehension presented in the book being examined by the student, irrespective of whether they are just starting or nearing the end of the topic. The teacher must refrain from blending the content of the book with unrelated matters until the students have familiarised themselves with its introductory and concluding aspects; comprehend the objective of the book and have absorbed its content, which they can then utilise when delving into other books to be explored under the guidance of the teacher. This is because once an individual comprehends a specific topic, they are equipped to comprehend other aspects within the same subject, actively seek to enhance their knowledge and understanding, and aspire to progress until they reach the most advanced level of knowledge. However, if the matters are presented in a perplexing manner, the learner will struggle to comprehend and consequently become disengaged, cease critical thinking, lose motivation to acquire knowledge, and ultimately forsake the pursuit of knowledge and learning. And Allah guides those whom He wishes to guide.

Also, the teacher needs to avoid keeping the learner focused on a single subject for an extended period with breaks in between, as this can lead to forgetfulness and disrupt the continuity between different topics within the subject. This can make it challenging for the learner to fully understand the subject due to the lack of connection. When the learner consistently reviews and repeats the material, ensuring that both the initial and final details are retained in their memory, forgetfulness is minimised, making it easier to comprehend the subject matter. Regular practice and repetition are key to acquiring knowledge and achieving proficiency. Another effective method of teaching is to avoid presenting the learner with a combination of two subject matters simultaneously. This is because dividing one’s attention between two subjects can hinder the learner’s ability to gain proficiency in either of them. Consequently, the learner may find both subjects unclear and challenging, leading to a failure in comprehending and mastering both. However, if the learner’s mind is focused solely on studying one subject matter without any distractions, it may increase their chances of accomplishing it. Ultimately, it is Allah who guides individuals towards the correct path. [2]

[1] Majmoo Fataawaa Wa Maqaalaat Ash-Shaikh Ibn Baaz 2/316-317
[2] Muqaddimah Ibn Khaldoon, page 604-605. Publisher: Maktabah Al-Qur’an 2006

[2] Accurate Identification of the embodiment of Contemporary Beneficial Sciences and Activities within the Islamic Religion

Written by abumuaawiyah on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Contemporary Issues, Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Qur'aan, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Imam As-Sadi [may Allah have mercy upon him] stated:

Everything Allāh says is truth. Allāh says:

وَٱللَّهُ يَقُولُ ٱلْحَقَّ وَهُوَ يَهْدِى ٱلسَّبِيلَ

Allah says the truth, and He guides to the (Right) Way. [Surah Al-Ahzaab. Ayah 4]

This noble verse makes it explicitly clear that Allah – The Exalted – speaks the truth, with truthfulness and certainty in His statements, perfect justice, and wisdom in His commands and prohibitions. Everything He has stated is undeniably true and facts that align with reality, and beneficial for His servants to rectify their beliefs, manners, religious and worldly affairs. Everything He has commanded is righteousness, goodness, generosity, perfect welfare, and a blessing, and everything He has prohibited is (definitely) evil, harmful, and corrupt, both in religious and worldly matters. The entirety of Islamic law serves to elaborate on and reinforce this foundational principle, as articulated in this verse and others like it.

Then Allāh says: [وَهُوَ يَهْدِى ٱلسَّبِيلَ – And He (Allāh) guides to the (Right) Way]- meaning, the path that guides to the truth, by which Allah makes His judgments. Therefore, Allah has undertaken to elucidate and make clear this complete truth through evident intellectual and textual evidence, as stated in another verse as follows:

سَنُرِيهِمْ ءَايَٰتِنَا فِى ٱلْءَافَاقِ وَفِىٓ أَنفُسِهِمْ حَتَّىٰ يَتَبَيَّنَ لَهُمْ أَنَّهُ ٱلْحَقُّ

We will show them Our Signs in the universe, and in their ownselves, until it becomes manifest to them that this (the Quran) is the truth. [Surah Fussilat. Ayah 53]

When Allah [The Exalted] informed us about His Oneness and His unparalleled perfection, commanded us to worship Him alone, without any partners, and to devote ourselves sincerely to Him, made it clear that His speech, promises, threats, messenger, and book are all true, He then states that He must show us signs within ourselves and in the vast universe to serve as undeniable proof that He is The Truth and that anything worshipped besides Him is false. The signs within us and around us all bear witness to these mighty principles through which it is known that Allah is The Truth, and that His Speech, His Book, and the religion He has ordained are all absolute truth.

Allah says:

إِنَّ فِى خَلْقِ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ وَٱخْتِلَٰفِ ٱلَّيْلِ وَٱلنَّهَارِ لَءَايَٰتٍ لِّأُو۟لِى ٱلْأَلْبَٰبِ

Verily! In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of night and day, there are indeed signs for men of understanding. [Surah Al-Imran. Ayah 190]

Allah says:

إِنَّ فِى خَلْقِ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ وَٱخْتِلَٰفِ ٱلَّيْلِ وَٱلنَّهَارِ وَٱلْفُلْكِ ٱلَّتِى تَجْرِى فِى ٱلْبَحْرِ بِمَا يَنفَعُ ٱلنَّاسَ وَمَآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مِن مَّآءٍ فَأَحْيَا بِهِ ٱلْأَرْضَ بَعْدَ مَوْتِهَا وَبَثَّ فِيهَا مِن كُلِّ دَآبَّةٍ وَتَصْرِيفِ ٱلرِّيَٰحِ وَٱلسَّحَابِ ٱلْمُسَخَّرِ بَيْنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ لَءَايَٰتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يَعْقِلُونَ

Verily! In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of night and day, and the ships which sail through the sea with that which is of use to mankind, and the water (rain) which Allah sends down from the sky and makes the earth alive therewith after its death, and the moving (living) creatures of all kinds that He has scattered therein, and in the veering of winds and clouds which are held between the sky and the earth, are indeed Ayat (proofs, evidences, signs, etc.) for people of understanding. [Surah Al-Baqarah. Ayah 164]

There are numerous verses in which Allah informs us about how the universe works, and that they serve as signs and evidence of His Oneness, His truthfulness, and the truthfulness of His Messengers. Hence, the One who brought forth these magnificent creations, endowed with astonishing characteristics, and established an extraordinary system, completing the creation with utmost perfection and beauty, is the One who is uniquely distinguished in His Lordship and the only Deity deserving of worship, the Possessor of vast, all-encompassing mercy and wisdom, and encompassing all things within His knowledge. Therefore, the One whose affairs are as such rightfully deserves to be worshipped alone, without any partners, and to be acknowledged and remembered for His all-encompassing perfect benevolence and the blessings He has bestowed upon us. The magnificent creations in the universe demonstrate the flawlessness of His capability and the grandeur of His authority. The remarkable and exquisite organisation within it, the creation that is impeccably perfected in every aspect, reveals His unparalleled, all-encompassing perfect wisdom, and affirms that He alone deserves all praise. Moreover, the diverse elements of a specific nature found within it exemplify the enforcement of His all-encompassing perfect will and intention. Furthermore, the countless benefits and welfare for His servants, which are beyond enumeration and comprehension due to their vast variety and distinct characteristics, serve as evidence of His immense mercy, grace, kindness, generosity, and benevolence. All of these manifestations unequivocally establish the obligation to worship Him exclusively and to perform deeds with utmost sincerity for His sake. Additionally, the fact that He has brought forth these mighty creations into existence attests to His ability to resurrect the deceased and His capability to accomplish all things. [1]

Read the article by Shaikh Abu Iyaadh [may Allah preserve him]
Understanding the Two Definitions of ‘Science’ in Operation
http://www.aboutatheism.net/articles/juvtbpd-understanding-the-two-definitions-of-science-and-scientific-enquiry.cfm

[1] Al-Dalaa’il Al-Qur’aniyyah Fee Anna Al-Uloom Wal A’maal An-Naafi’ah Al-Asriyyah Daakhilatun Fee Ad-Deen Al-Islamiy pages 2-3 [The Qur’an evidences demonstrates that modern beneficial sciences and activities are incorporated into the Islamic religion]

 

As time passes, actions will validate the claims of everyone who transmits the teachings of Al-Allamah Rabee about unity

Written by abumuaawiyah on . Posted in Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Allah [The Exalted] says:

وَمِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ مَن يُعۡجِبُكَ قَوۡلُهُ ۥ فِى ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا وَيُشۡهِدُ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا فِى قَلۡبِهِۦ وَهُوَ أَلَدُّ ٱلۡخِصَامِ
وَإِذَا تَوَلَّىٰ سَعَىٰ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ لِيُفۡسِدَ فِيهَا وَيُهۡلِكَ ٱلۡحَرۡثَ وَٱلنَّسۡلَ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلۡفَسَادَ

وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُ ٱتَّقِ ٱللَّهَ أَخَذَتۡهُ ٱلۡعِزَّةُ بِٱلۡإِثۡمِ‌ۚ

And of mankind there is he whose speech may please you (O Muhammad), in this worldly life, and he calls Allah to witness as to that which is in his heart, yet he is the most quarrelsome of the opponents. And when he turns away, his effort in the land is to make mischief therein and to destroy the crops and the cattle, and Allah likes not mischief. And when it is said to him, “Fear Allah”, he is led by arrogance to (more) crime.

[وَمِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ مَن يُعۡجِبُكَ قَوۡلُهُ ۥ فِى ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا – And of mankind there is he whose speech may please you in this worldly life]: Meaning, the one who hears his speech is pleased when he speaks and he thinks that he has uttered beneficial speech.

He emphasises what he says [وَيُشۡهِدُ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا فِى قَلۡبِهِ – and he calls Allah to witness as to that which is in his heart]: Meaning, he states that Allah knows that what is in his heart agrees with what he says, even though he is lying regarding what he says because his speech contradicts his deeds. His speech would have agreed with his deeds had he been truthful, because this is the case regarding the believers- those who are not hypocrites. And due to this Allah said: [وَهُوَ أَلَدُّ ٱلۡخِصَامِ – yet he is the most quarrelsome of the opponents] (1)- Meaning, extremely quarrelsome based on falsehood. (2) When you disagree with him, you’ll find him to be the most quarrelsome, bigoted, and difficult person to deal with, as well as the ugly characteristics that result from this behaviour, which are the opposite of the manners of the believers- those who make ease their way, submit to the truth and pardon people. (3)

[وَإِذَا تَوَلَّىٰ سَعَىٰ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ لِيُفۡسِدَ فِيهَا وَيُهۡلِكَ ٱلۡحَرۡثَ وَٱلنَّسۡلَ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلۡفَسَادَ – And when he turns away, his effort in the land is to make mischief therein and to destroy the crops and the cattle, and Allah likes not mischief]: Ibn Abbas said, “When he becomes angry”, Al-Hasan said, “When he turns away from the statement he made” (4) or when he gains the upper hand and possesses authority (5), [سَعَىٰ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ لِيُفۡسِدَ فِيهَا – his effort in the land is to make mischief therein]- Meaning, by way of disbelief and oppression. (6) When this person – the one whose speech amazes you – is not in your presence, he strives to commit sins which is tantamount to corruption in the earth, so cattle and crops are destroyed as a result of that corruption. The blessings in the vegetation, fruits, and livestock decrease and become little due to evil deeds. (7)

[وَٱللَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلۡفَسَادَ – and Allah likes not mischief]: Meaning, when it is the case that Allah does not like corruption, then He has an intense hatred for the person who sows corruption in the earth, even if such a person utters a good speech merely on the tongue (i.e. says one thing and does something else).

This Ayah contains proof regarding the fact that the statements uttered by individuals are not proof regarding their truthfulness or whether they are upon falsehood, neither that they are righteous nor wicked until deeds ascertain them. And it is obligatory to examine the condition of those who bear witness, the one who is in the right and the falsifier amongst the people based on the righteousness of their deeds – examine the clear indications and their behaviour, and not to be deceived by how they portray themselves and the praise they give themselves. Then Allah mentioned that when this person – the one who causes corruption in the earth through acts of disobedience to Allah – is commanded to fear Allah, he becomes arrogant and haughty: [ أَخَذَتۡهُ ٱلۡعِزَّةُ بِٱلۡإِثۡمِ‌ۚ -he is led by arrogance to (more) crime]. So, he combines disobedience to Allah and arrogance towards the sincere advisers. (8)

Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud [may Allah be pleased with him] said: “Indeed, the people deliver their speeches effectively and suitably, however, the one whose words align with their actions is the one who has truly attained their share of goodness, while the one whose speech contradicts their actions has only rebuked himself”. (9)

Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab [may Allaah be pleased with him] said: “People were (sometimes) judged by the revealing of a Divine revelation during the lifetime of Allah’s Messenger but now there is no longer any more (new revelation). Now we judge you by the deeds you practice publicly, so we will trust and favour the one who does good deeds in front of us, and we will not call him to account about what he is really doing in secret, because Allah will judge him for that; but we will not trust or believe the one who presents to us an evil deed even if he claims that his intentions were good”. (10)

Imam Abdul-Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: “Whoever manifests good, it will be accepted from him and a good suspicion is held about him. And if he manifests evil, it will be held against him and an evil suspicion is held about him”. (11)

We ask Allah:

اللَّهُمَّ أَصْلِحْ لِي دِينِي الَّذِي هُوَ عِصْمَةُ أَمْرِي

وَأَصْلِحْ لِي دُنْيَايَ الَّتِي فِيهَا مَعَاشِي

وَأَصْلِحْ لِي آخِرَتِي الَّتِي فِيهَا مَعَادِي

وَاجْعَلِ الْحَيَاةَ زِيَادَةً لِي فِي كُلِّ خَيْرٍ

وَاجْعَلِ الْمَوْتَ رَاحَةً لِي مِنْ كُلِّ شَرٍّ

O Allah! Rectify my religion for me, which is the safeguard of my affairs; rectify my worldly [affairs], wherein is my livelihood; and rectify my Afterlife to which is my return; and make life for me [as a means of] increase in every good and make death for me as a rest from every evil. [Saheeh Muslim Number: 2720]

[1] Tafseer As-Sadi

[2] Roohul Ma’aanee by Imaam Al-Aloosee

[3] Tafseer As-Sadi

[4] Zaadul Maseer

[5] Roohul Maaanee

[6] Zaadul Maseer

[7] Tafseer As-Sadi

[8] Tafseer As-Sadi

[9] Al-Fawaa-id by Imaam Ibnul Qayyim page 218

[10] Saheeh Bukhaari; Vol 3; Hadith Number:2641]

[11] An Excerpt from Al-Hulalul Ibreeziyyah Min At-Taleeqaat Al-Baaziyyah Alaa Saheeh Al-Bukhaariy page:397 Vol 2 footnote 1]

[1] Accurate Identification of the embodiment of Contemporary Beneficial Sciences and Activities within the Islamic Religion

Written by abumuaawiyah on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Qur'aan, Scholars of Islam.

Imam As-Sadi [may Allah have mercy upon him] stated:

All praise and thanks are due to Allāh. We praise Him, ask for His assistance and forgiveness, and turn to Him in repentance. We seek protection with Allāh from the harm caused by ourselves and our actions. Whomever Allāh guides, no one can lead astray, and whomever Allāh allows to stray (due to a perversion in their heart), then no one can guide. I testify that there is no god worthy of worship besides Allāh, alone, without any partners, and I testify that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.

This treatise presents conclusive evidence that the Islamic religion encompasses all that is good, compassionate, righteous, rightly guided, and corrective in its teachings, practices, functions, and instructions. It addresses all situations and incorporates the beneficial modern sciences and professions within its framework. The religion does not dismiss these sciences as some ignorant individuals claim, nor (agrees with) those who feign ignorance and believe that these sciences offer nothing new. Rather, whatever is beneficial from these fields for both religious and worldly matters, for communities and individuals, falls under the umbrella of the religion. The religion has clearly pointed out and directed people towards these beneficial affairs and every useful thing until the Day of Judgement; and a clarification that if modern professions are not aligned with the principles and values of religion, their negative impact will outweigh their positive contributions. Nonetheless, this principle necessitates two important considerations:

First, it is essential to know the teachings of the Qur’an and the Sunnah, both in general and in detail. Additionally, one must be aware of the existing affairs and recognised realities that are acknowledged by fair-minded individuals. By being well-informed about these two aspects, it becomes evident that Islamic disciplines, functions, and specific subject matters do not exclude anything that promotes goodness and righteousness. The person who thoroughly understands this uses these two elements as evidence and understands that a lack of either one or both can lead to deficiencies. By grasping the overarching fundamental principles related to the topic, they can connect specific issues back to these fundamental principles. However, if someone speaks on these specific issues without first understanding the general fundamental principles, serious mistakes will be made, leading to confusion only for the ignorant or the stubborn opponents. [1]

Read the article by Shaikh Abu Iyaadh [may Allah preserve him]

Understanding the Two Definitions of ‘Science’ in Operation

http://www.aboutatheism.net/articles/juvtbpd-understanding-the-two-definitions-of-science-and-scientific-enquiry.cfm

[1] Al-Dalaa’il Al-Qur’aniyyah Fee Anna Al-Uloom Wal A’maal An-Naafi’ah Al-Asriyyah Daakhilatun Fee Ad-Deen Al-Islamiy pages 1-2 [The Qur’an evidences demonstrates that modern beneficial sciences and activities are incorporated into the Islamic religion]

An Illustration of The Excellent Conduct of The Sahaabah During Disputes and Their Sincere Efforts to Maintain Harmony Without Hiding the Truth or Downplaying Mistakes

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

In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Rabee’ah Al-Aslami [may Allah be pleased with him] narrated: I used to serve Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him], so he gave me a piece of land and gave Abu Bakr [may Allah be pleased with him] a piece of land. Then, the worldly life came and we argued over a bunch of palm trees, so Abu Bakr said, ‘It is in my piece of land’ and I said, ‘It is in my piece of land’. There was an exchange of words between Abu Bakr and myself, so Abu Bakr said something to me that I disliked, and he regretted that. He said to me, ‘O Rabee’ah! Say in return to me what I said to you so that it becomes retribution’. I said, ‘I will not do so!’ Abu Bakr said, ‘Say it, or I will call Allah’s Messenger on you!’ I said, ‘I will not do so’. So Abu Bakr abandoned the piece of land and went to the Prophet and I followed him. The people from (the tribe of) Aslam came and said, ‘May Allah have mercy on Abu Bakr! Why would he call Allah’s Messenger on you when he has said to you what he has said?’ I said, ‘Do you know who that is? That is Abu Bakr -the Truthful (as-Siddeeq). He is the one who was in the Cave with the Prophet, and he is the elder of the Muslims! So beware that he turns around and sees you helping me against him and it makes him angry, then Allah’s Messenger comes along and becomes angry because of Abu Bakr’s anger, and then Allah becomes angry due to their anger, and thus Rabee’ah is destroyed!’ So, they said, ‘So what do you want us to do?’ I said, ‘Go back to where you came from’. Abu Bakr went to Allah’s Messenger and I followed him by myself and continued until he reached and informed him of our conversation as it happened. So he (the Prophet) raised his head to me and said, ‘O Rabee’ah! What is going on between you and as-Siddeeq?’ I said, ‘O Allah’s Messenger! This happened and that happened, so he said something to me that I disliked, and he told me to say the same thing back to him so that it would be a retribution’. Allah’s Messenger said, ‘Do not return his comment to him, rather say, may Allah forgive you O Abu Bakr! May Allah forgive you O Abu Bakr!’ Then Abu Bakr turned his face and began to cry”.

Al-Allamah Zayd Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali [may Allah have mercy upon him] commented below: The hadith contains a remarkable story that provides us with an exhortation and a lesson. It demonstrates the pure hearts of the companions towards each other, showing that even in times of disagreement over worldly matters, they did not boycott one another, nor harboured grudges or hatred, instead, they offered sincere advice. This narrative highlights that the Sahaabah were people of fair play and justice, and they feared falling into disobedience and evil deeds. And if punishment was legislated for an evil deed, they preferred that it is received in this life rather than in the hereafter. This story illustrates the excellence of AbuBakr, his esteemed position among the Sahaabah, in the view of the Prophet, and also in the sight of Allah, as the Prophet held him in great regard and elevated him to his deserved status, just as Allah says in the Qur’an:

إِذۡ هُمَا فِى ٱلۡغَارِ إِذۡ يَقُولُ لِصَـٰحِبِهِۦ لَا تَحۡزَنۡ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ مَعَنَا‌ۖ

The second of two, when they were in the cave, he [Muhammad] said to his companion [Abu Bakr], “Be not sad (or afraid), surely Allah is with us”. [Surah At-Tawbah. Ayah 40]

Abu Bakr was the Prophet’s fellow in the cave. He holds the highest level of virtue among the Ummah after the Prophet, as agreed upon by Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa’ah past and present. Indeed, the Prophet said to some of his other companions regarding Abu Bakr: “Would you not leave my companion for me” – meaning AbuBakr [i.e. don’t bother him, etc][Bukhari 3661]

This narrative highlights the importance of forgiveness and pardoning those who have wronged you, when you can do so and due to a (lawful or overriding) benefit because being forgiving and pardoning others will only bring you honour and a loftier status in the sight of Allah.

This narrative also demonstrates that the companions of the Prophet were not infallible. They made unintentional mistakes, but they were people whom Allah favoured with the privilege of being in the company of the Prophet. They did not persist in their mistakes, as can be seen in this story. Disagreements did arise among them, but they humbled themselves to the truth. They did not reject the truth with falsehood or engage in oppression. Instead, they promptly sought the guidance of Allah’s Messenger to resolve (the disagreements). The Messenger resolved those issues, and all of them were content with the judgment and submitted wholeheartedly.

This narrative highlights the importance of making supplications for others, especially those who have wronged you. Therefore, you supplicate for them that (Allah) rectifies their affairs and forgives them because you have an angel who responds, saying, “Ameen, and may Allah grant you the same”. One should be eager about this practice! The story shows that fulfilling the rights of others in this life is better than delaying it until the Day of Judgment, where no one will forgive another, even if they are close relatives. Additionally, it showcases the wisdom of Rabee’ah Al-Aslami, who advised his companions not to support or argue against Abu Bakr, recognising his esteemed status in the sight of Allah and the Messenger.

What do we derive as a benefit from this story: We must forgive and maintain love for each other when we have disagreements about worldly matters. A person should be eager to give others their rights and also seek forgiveness from those they have argued with. [1] [End of quote]

 

Do Not Conceal Facts During a Dispute

Allah [The Exalted] says:

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.

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: Allah [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 issued a threat: 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 -distorting words and meanings. Distorting words occur when one utters a word in a context in which it does not establish the truth – either adding to the word, omitting something from it, or substituting it with something else to the extent that the listener is made to believe something, while something else is intended, just as the Yahood [i.e. those Yahood in Madinah who disbelieved in the Prophet and hated] 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 its unintended meaning; or dropping other meanings intended by it. Allah [The Exalted] says: [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].

When it is the case that a witness is required to bear witness based on what the affair should be [i.e. the wholesome 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. [2]

 

Do Not Seek to Establish Something Based On a False Analogy

Allah [The Most High] says that the brothers of Prophet Yusuf [peace be upon him] said about him and his brother Bin Yameen: [إِن يَسْرِقْ فَقَدْ سَرَقَ أَخٌ لَّهُۥ مِن قَبْلُ َ – “If he steals, there was a brother of his [Yusuf (Joseph)] who did steal before (him)]. [Surah Yusuf. Ayah 77]

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim [may Allah have mercy upon him] stated: Allah informs us about Yusuf’s brothers that when they found the (golden) bowl in their brother’s (Bin Yamin) bag, they said: “If he steals, there was a brother of his (Yusuf) who did steal before (him).” Therefore, they did not draw a (sound) comparison (regarding this affair) between the basis of the affair and its shared characteristics based on a (sound) reason nor its evidence; rather they attached one to the other without comprehensive evidence other than the mere similarity between Bin Yamin and Yusuf (as blood brothers); so, they said, “This is analogy regarding the similarity between him and his brother in many ways, and that this one (Bin Yamin) has committed theft just as that one (Yusuf) committed theft (in the past). This (analogy of theirs) is a void comparison between similarities (in the reality of this specific affair) and an analogy based on a mere comparison between (two) images that is devoid of a shared cause (or reason) that would necessitate that the two are the same. It is a corrupt analogy. The similarity due to being blood brothers is not a shared cause (or reason) for being similar with regards to committing theft. There is no evidence of similarity in this, so the comparison is one devoid of a (sound or real) shared reason (or cause) and its evidence. [3]

 

Beware of Burdensome Speech

The Messenger [peace and blessing of Allah be upon him] said: “Indeed, Allah hates the eloquent one among men who moves his tongue round (within his teeth), as cattle do”. Al-Allaamah Abdul Muhsin Al-Abbaad [may Allah preserve him] said: “The person intended in this hadeeth is the one who speaks eloquently while using obscure or ambiguous language, immerses himself in speech, and burdens himself. He burdens himself in speech and thus utters something blameworthy. However, if this [eloquence] is not done by way of burdening oneself in speech, such as the one Allah has granted eloquence and he utilises it in his speech to clarify the truth, then this is not blameworthy. Allaah hates the person who speaks eloquently and utters that which is blameworthy due to deliberately utilising obscure, ambiguous, and burdensome speech. This person is likened to a cow that moves its tongue round [among its teeth] when eating. It is said that a cow is not like other animals because other animals use their teeth but a cow uses its tongue. This hadeeth forbids the likes of this action [i.e. eloquent burdensome speech] and the one who does so is hated by Allah. [4]

 

Do Not Be Quarrelsome

The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “The most hated of men in the sight of Allah is the one who is most quarrelsome”. Al-Allaamah Zayd Bin Haadi al-Mad’khali [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: “A warning against (blameworthy) argumentation, falling into wicked behaviour and its evil, especially if the argumentation is based on falsehood. As for when it is based on truth, there is nothing wrong with that for the one who has a right to do so; but he should be just in his argument so that he does not enter into oppression or error, and Allah knows best. The hadeeth is related to a warning against lying during argumentation, falsehood, and adorned speech within it until one changes falsehood into truth and truth into falsehood; not bothered about making an oath, lying, or giving false witness. All this occurs from an extremely quarrelsome person, who goes into excess in the affair and does not feel shy in the presence of Allah- neither fears punishment in this life nor the next life. When it is the case that the extremely quarrelsome person is blameworthy, then indeed the person who has good conduct – if entitled to something – during an argument and other affairs will not utter except truth, and will not seek after anything except the truth- neither lies nor deceives the Shariah judge. This is one of the characteristics of the people of Imaan – those whom Allah praised in the Qur’an and the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] praised them in the pure Sunnah. [5]

 

Do Not Misuse Eloquence

Imam Al-Bukhari [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: Chapter: Chapter: [Whoever is given the right of his brother through a judicial decision]: Umm Salamah [may Allah be pleased with her] reported that Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “Indeed, I am only a human being and you people (i.e. disputants) come to me with your disputes. And it may be that one of you can present his case more eloquently than the other and I consider him truthful, and judge in his favour. So if I ever judge and give the right of a brother to his brother, then it is a piece of hellfire and let him not take it”.

Some Benefits Derived From This Hadeeth: The Ummah (i.e. the Shariah Judges) judge based on what is apparent; however, the judgment of a judge cannot prohibit the lawful and allow the unlawful (i.e. when proven erroneous). This Hadeeth contains a refutation against those who say that the Messengers possess knowledge of the unseen. This hadeeth also shows that speech can be seen to be true based on what is apparent, but it is truly falsehood concerning what is hidden within it. This hadeeth shows that the one who receives a judgment in his favour is more aware than every other person as to whether he is entitled to it or whether he is a falsifier. So, he takes it if entitled or leaves it if he is a falsifier because, in reality, a judgment cannot change an affair from what it was in origin (i.e. the original truth in the affair before its distortion or concealment]. This hadeeth shows the sinfulness of the one who argues based on falsehood until he receives what he wants publicly, whilst he is upon falsehood. This hadeeth is proof to show that a scholar can make a mistake and it is a refutation against those who say that every Mujtahid is correct. This hadeeth shows that the Mujtahid is forgiven (when he makes a mistake). [6] [End of quote]

We ask Allah to bless us with fear of Him, good behaviour, and truthfulness during disagreements. It is crucial to be cautious of downplaying bad behaviour out of a desire to be not seen as mistaken. By minimising the seriousness of bad behaviour, one aims to manipulate others into believing their distorted version of events. This behaviour is not only driven by a guilty conscience but rather by a desire to deceive and control the observers. Avoid adopting the strategies employed by those who attempt to convince others that their actions are not as dreadful or detrimental as they may appear. Similarly, be cautious of tactical manipulators who may confess to a fraction of their wrongdoing, just enough to create the illusion of accepting responsibility. However, it is important to note that admitting to a few minor points does not equate to fully acknowledging their actions. These tactics are merely a part of the game of managing impressions. Changing their ways becomes exceedingly challenging for these individuals as they downplay the gravity of their actions. It has been observed many times that individuals who consistently downplay the significance of matters are unlikely to tackle the problems they need to fix and take responsibility for. Trivializing is just one of the tactics they use to hinder the progress of sincere discussions and rectification. Therefore, it is important not to be influenced by excuses and attempts to minimise the importance of an individual’s obligation to fulfil on behalf of others, regardless of any appeals for unity or exaggerated statements.

Since 1995, we have met two categories of individuals. The First Group: Individuals who have consistently upheld integrity, provided valuable advice, stood firmly against Ahlul Bidah, promoted unity, avoided causes of disunity, and earned the trust of the people through their unwavering commitment by the Tawfeeq of Allah. This is Salafipublications and others known to us. The Second Group: People who slowly disclosed their aspirations for leadership, placed their importance above all else, and later proclaimed themselves as advocates for unity, but it became evident to anyone with even a small amount of common sense that every person seeking leadership immediately undermines themselves by downplaying significant matters while claiming to promote unity. This is because the desire for leadership itself is one of the main causes of division, and trivializing important issues during this pursuit has always been a tactic used to divert attention from one’s misdeeds. And Allah is the one whose Aid is sought!

We ask Allah: [اللهم كما حَسَّنْت خَلْقِي فَحَسِّنْ خُلُقِي – O Allah! Just as You made my external form beautiful, make my character beautiful as well].

[1] An Excerpt from “At-taleeqaat Al-maleehah Alaa Silsilah Al-Ahaadeeth As-Saheehah”. Pages 1/42-44

[2] An Excerpt from ‘Badaa’i At-Tafseer Al-Jaami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imaam Ibn Al-Qayyim. Vol 1. Page 300-303

[3] I’laam Al-Muwaqqi’een 1/198. paraphrased:
قوله تعالى : إِن يَسْرِقُ فَقَدْ سَرَفَ أَخٌ لَهُ مِن قَبْلُ
[يوسف: ٧٧]
أخبر عن إخوة يوسف أنهم قالوا لما وجدوا الصواع في رحل أخيهم : إن يَسْرِقُ فَقَدْ سَرَفَ أَخٌ لَهُ مِن قَبْلُ . فلم يجمعوا بين الأصل والفرع بعلة ولا دليلها، وإنما ألحقوا أحدهما بالآخر من غير دليل جامع سوى مجرد الشبه الجامع بينه وبين يوسف، فقالوا : هذا مقيس على أخيه، بينهما شبه من وجوه عديدة، وذاك قد سرق فكذلك هذا ، وهذا هو الجمع بالشبه الفارغ، والقياس بالصورة المجردة عن العلة المقتضية للتساوي، وهو قياس فاسد والتساوي في قرابة الأخوة ليس
بعلة للتساوي في السرقة، ولو كانت حقاً، ولا دليل على التساوي فيها، فيكون الجمع لنوع شبه خال عن العلة ودليلها.
إعلام الموقعين (۱۹۸/۱)

[4] Explanation of Sunan Abu Dawud. Audio number 569

[5] An Excerpt from ‘At-taleeqaatul Maleehah Alaa Silsilatil Ahaadeeth As-Saheehah. 1/26

[6] Sahih Al-Bukhaari. Kitaab Al-Ahkaam (Book of Judgements): Chapter 29. Hadeeth Number 7181 with Fathul Baari]

The Ruling On Visiting and Exploring Ancient Ruins of The Destroyed Nations

Written by abumuaawiyah on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Sahaabah, Salaf As Saalih (Pious Predecessors).

In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali [may Allah preserve him] stated:

The focus on artefacts by Archaeologists in this era was not present during the era of the Prophet’s companions and the pious predecessors. Instead, Muslims began to imitate the Europeans and Americans, who aimed to revive pre-Islamic nationalistic traits like Pharaonism, Babylonianism, and Phoenicianism in the Muslim lands. They were largely successful in achieving these objectives, leading to the emergence of pre-Islamic national pride and the glorification of these nationalistic identities in Muslim societies.

Imam Al-Bukhaaree said: “Abdullah Bin Muhammad Al-Ju’fee narrated to us that Abdur Razzaaq narrated to them from Az-Zuhree who narrated from Salim, who narrated from Ibn Umar who said that when the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] passed by Al-Hijr, he said, ‘Do not enter the dwelling places of those people who were unjust to themselves unless you enter in a weeping state lest the same calamity similar to theirs should befall you’. Then he covered his head and increased his speed till he crossed the valley. Yahyah Bin Bukayr narrated to us who said that Malik narrated to us from Abdullah Bin Deenaar who reported from Ibn Umar who said that Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said to his companions who were at Al-Hijr, “Do not enter upon these people who are being punished, except in a weeping state, lest the same calamity similar to theirs should befall you”. [Sahih Al-Bukhaari. Numbers 4419 and 4420]

The two Prophetic reports illustrate the peril of entering into the places of those who have earned Allah’s wrath and were consequently annihilated for their disbelief and rejection of the prophets and their message. The Prophet prohibited entry into such places, except for those who fear Allah and dread His punishment. In cases of dire necessity, he may enter these locations while weeping. It is feared that one who enters the dwellings of those who have been punished may suffer the same punishment. It is legislated for those who approach these dwellings to quickly pass by while covering their faces, following the example of Allah’s Messenger. Do Muslims, including archaeologists and those who encourage them, comprehend what is embodied in this guidance from the Prophet, who speaks not from his own desires? Additionally, Allah’s Messenger advised those passing through the valleys of Muhassar to hasten, as it was the location where Allah destroyed the people of the Elephant.

So, do those who dig up the artefacts of Ad, Thamud, the Ashaab Al-Ukh’dud, the Pharaohs, and the Babylonians, follow the teachings of Allah’s Messenger or blindly follow the enemies of Allah who establish partnerships to explore the artefacts of the destroyed nations to entice them (towards) the pride of the pre-Islamic era of ignorance? I and others have read numerous boasting by Muslims or those who ascribe to Islam, such as the statement of one of them, (as follows), “O Misree (i.e. Egyptian)! Be proud of the builders of your glory when people were sleeping”. He boasts about the Pharaonic artefacts such as the pyramids and other than them.

An Excerpt from “Baraa’ah As-Sahaabah Al-Akhyaar Min At-Tabarruk Bil Amaakin Wal-Aathaar”. Pages 11-14

Zionist Utilisation of Psychological Projection Against a Muslim Ruler

Written by abumuaawiyah on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Deviated Callers & Individuals, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Fitnah, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Refutations, Sin.

In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Allah [The Exalted] says:

وَيْلٌ لِّلْمُطَفِّفِينَ
الَّذِينَ إِذَا اكْتَالُوا عَلَى النَّاسِ يَسْتَوْفُونَ
وَإِذَا كَالُوهُمْ أَو وَّزَنُوهُمْ يُخْسِرُونَ

Woe to Al-Mutaffifin [those who give less in measure and weight (decrease the rights of others)], those who, when they have to receive by measure from men, demand full measure, and when they have to give by measure or weight to men, give less than due. [al-Mutaffifeen Ayaat 1-3]

Imam As-Sadi said: This noble verse demonstrates that it is not only the right of a person to receive what they are entitled to from others, but they also have to give others what they are entitled to. This includes matters related to wealth and mutual dealings; rather, proofs and statements are included in the generality of this verse, as it is common for individuals engaged in argumentation and discussion to strive to establish their proofs. Therefore, it is incumbent upon a person to acknowledge and examine the evidence presented by others, just as they would scrutinize their proof. In this regard, a person’s justice is evident as opposed to bigotry, humility in contrast to arrogance, and their display of common sense rather than foolish behaviour. [And Excerpt from Tafsir As-Sadi]

Hence, if an individual alleges to be a victim of injustice and publicly declares it, whether directly or indirectly, it is imperative to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter. This is crucial since certain individuals in contemporary times, particularly the Zionists led by Netanyahu, often resort to portraying themselves as victims and appealing to emotions, despite their well-documented mistreatment of Palestinians and refusal to heed the calls of Muslim nations to halt their atrocities. Most recently, the Zionist Foreign Minister, Mr. Katz, accused President Recep Tayyip of behaving like a “dictator”. This situation brings to mind the proverbial saying:

ضربني وبكى
سبقني واشتكى

“He hit me and cried….and complained before me”.

Therefore, what led Mr. Katz to accuse President Recep Tayyip of dictatorship? The underlying cause for this accusation stems from Turkey’s recent decision to halt all trade with the Zionists. Consequently, Mr. Zionist Katz expressed his viewpoint on the matter, saying:

Firstly, read here about boycotting:

https://abuiyaad.com/a/albani-boycotting-goods-oppressors
https://abuiyaad.com/a/luhaydan-boycott-mockery-prophet
https://abuiyaad.com/a/trade-relations-peace-war

Secondly, the Zionists persist in spreading falsehoods to suppress dissent, sometimes resorting to blatantly false claims, while other times opting for more subtle tactics like trying to conflate anti-Zionism with antisemitism. Those who expose their wrongdoing are labelled as Nazis or brainwashed anti-semites, all while claiming to act in the name of Jewish security. This narrative is reinforced by the fear-mongering of certain political and community figures, even though Netanyahu and his associates offer no protection to Palestinians whatsoever.

Since the onset of the genocide, a staggering number of 34,200 have been murdered, among them 14,500 children and 10,000 women. The devastating aftermath persists, with over 10,000 individuals remaining buried beneath the ruins. Furthermore, the discovery of mass graves at hospitals in both the northern and southern regions of Gaza has added to the already harrowing situation. The unparalleled cruelty exhibited by Netanyahu and his accomplices, the Zionists, is truly unfathomable. The destruction is extensive, with two-thirds of residential properties, as well as vital infrastructure such as roads, hospitals, schools, universities, factories, shops, graveyards, libraries, and masjids, reduced to ruins. In her report for the UN Human Rights Council, UN special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories Francesca Albanese wrote: “[There are] reasonable grounds to believe that the threshold indicating the commission of the following acts of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza has been met: killing members of the group; causing serious bodily or mental harm to groups’ members; and deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part”. [End of quote]

Hence, the question arises: who truly merits the title of dictator? It is widely acknowledged that Mr. Katz and his counterpart Netanyahu are the ruthless dictators. However, we condemn the killing of every non-combatant whether they are Muslim or non-Muslim. Read below:

https://abuiyaad.com/a/amalekite-genocide-doctrine-gaza

Question: “Why this blatant contradiction?!” Answer: “No comment”.

Written by abumuaawiyah on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Fitnah, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Sin.

In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Allah [The Most High] says:

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]

 

Recent statement:

Mr. Starmer stated: Let me be clear about what I was saying and what I wasn’t saying; I was saying Israel has the right to self-defense, and when I said that right, it was the right to self-defense; I was not saying that Israel had the right to cut off water, fuel, food supplies or medicine.

 

Previous Statement:

The Interviewer said to Mr Starmer: I think you would understand, I have to start with events that we are seeing, the Israel and Hamas conflict. Overnight Leo Varadkar, the Irish Prime minister had said that Israel has to be careful because if they are not proportionate, they will risk losing global support. So, what is the proportionate response in your view?

Mr Starmer responded: I think I have to say that the responsibility lies with Hamas. This is cold-blooded murder of men, women, even children. It is terrorism and Israel has the right to defend herself, and there is an ongoing situation with hostages, and Israel has the right to do everything that it can to get those hostages back, safe and sound. Therefore, I am very clear, Israel does have that right to defend herself and Hamas bears responsibility.

The Interviewer said: A siege is appropriate? Cutting off power, cutting off water?

Mr Starmer responded: I think Israel does have that right, it is an ongoing situation. Obviously, everything must be done within international law, but I don’t want to step away from the core principles that Israel has the right to defend herself and Hamas has responsibility for these terrorist acts….. [End of quote]

So, you can judge for yourselves whether the recent and previous statements are a contradiction or whether they can be reconciled.

 

Finally, examine the consistency of this Muslim ruler – Saudi Prince Turki Al-Faisal who stated – on October 18, 2023 – about the present Israel Government and the Hamas:

All militarily occupied people have a right to resist their occupation, even militarily. I do not support the military option in Palestine. I prefer the other option: civil insurrection and disobedience. It brought down the British Empire in India and the Soviet Empire in Eastern Europe. Israel has overwhelming military superiority and we see in front of our eyes, the devastation and oblivion it is bringing to the people of Gaza.

I categorically condemn Hamas’ targeting of civilian targets of any age or gender, as it is accused of. Such targeting belies Hamas’s claims to an Islamic identity. There is an Islamic injunction against the killing of innocent children, women, and elders. The injunction is also against the desecration of places of worship.

I also condemn Hamas’ gifting the higher moral ground to an Israeli government that is universally shunned, even by half of the Israeli public as fascist, miscreant, and abhorrent. I condemn Hamas for giving this awful government the excuse to ethnically cleanse Gaza of its citizens and bombing them to oblivion.

I condemn Hamas further undermining the Palestinian Authority as Israel has been doing. I condemn Hamas for sabotaging the attempt of Saudi Arabia to reach a peaceful resolution to the plight of the Palestinian people.

But equally, I condemn Israel’s indiscriminate bombing of Palestinian civilians in Gaza and the attempt to forcibly drive them into Sinai. I condemn Israeli targeted killing and the indiscriminate Arrest of Palestinian children, women, and men in the West Bank. Two wrongs don’t make a right.

I’ve been hearing a repeated phrase in American media: unprovoked attack. What more provocation is required to make it provoked than what Israel has done to the Palestinian people for three-quarters of a century? I refer you to the article in the Middle East Monitor of February 17 2014 under the title: Israeli army veterans admit role in massacre of Palestinians in 1948. Read it and weep as I did. Just this year, from May to July, over 450 Palestinians were killed, including 67 children. This bloodletting must stop. I condemn Israel’s stealing of Palestinian lands. I condemn Israeli colonists for rampaging through houses of worship in the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. I condemn Israel for destroying Palestinian homes and olive orchids. I condemn Israel for incarcerating Palestinian women, children, and men in concentration camps without reason to due process. I condemn Israel’s targeted killings and assassinations of Palestinians.

I condemn Western politicians for shedding tears when Israelis are killed by Palestinians but refuse to even express sorrow when Israelis kill Palestinians. There are no heroes in this complicit. Only victims.