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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

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

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.

Eid Day is a day of enjoyment, eating, drinking and spending time with loved ones, but there should be no extravagance!

Written by abumuaawiyah on . Posted in Basics, Contemporary Issues, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Allah [The Most High] says:

وَآتِ ذَا الْقُرْبَىٰ حَقَّهُ وَالْمِسْكِينَ وَابْنَ السَّبِيلِ وَلَا تُبَذِّرْ تَبْذِيرًا
إِنَّ الْمُبَذِّرِينَ كَانُوا إِخْوَانَ الشَّيَاطِينِ ۖ وَكَانَ الشَّيْطَانُ لِرَبِّهِ كَفُورًا

And give to the kindred his due and to the Miskin (poor) and to the wayfarer. But spend not wastefully (your wealth) in the manner of a spendthrift. Verily, spendthrifts are brothers of the Shayaateen, and the Shaitan (Devil – Satan) is ever ungrateful to his Lord. [17:26-27]

Imaam As-Sa’di [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: Shaytaan does not call the person except to every blameworthy habit. So he calls him to miserliness and to refrain from spending, but when the person refuses to obey him, he calls him to overspending and extravagance; but Allah calls to the most just and balance of affairs and He praises the person for that, as He [The One free from all imperfections] says about His faithful slaves:

وَالَّذِينَ إِذَا أَنْفَقُوا لَمْ يُسْرِفُوا وَلَمْ يَقْتُرُوا وَكَانَ بَيْنَ ذَٰلِكَ قَوَامًا

And those, who, when they spend, are neither extravagant nor miserly, but hold a medium (way) between those (extremes).'[Surah Furqaan; Ayah: 67] [1]

Al-Allaamah Salih Al-Fawzaan [may Allaah preserve him] said: To be moderate in spending and not being extravagant and wasteful is an obligation during marriage ceremonies and other than it. Those squanderers who waste meat and food, and dispose of it in waste bins should be reminded that there are hungry people hoping for a mouth full and a scrap of bread. They should be reminded to fear Allah and to fear Him in their gatherings, and that they do not become the cause of Allah’s blessings being stopped. [2]

[1] Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan

[3] An Excerpt from Al-Bayaan Li-Akhtaa’i Badil Kuttaab 1/27

Seek Provision and Knowledge, But Do Not Entertain The One Who Turns It Into Mutual Rivalry!

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

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

Allaah [The Exalted] says:

أَلۡهَٮٰكُمُ ٱلتَّكَاثُرُ
حَتَّىٰ زُرۡتُمُ ٱلۡمَقَابِرَ
كَلَّا سَوۡفَ تَعۡلَمُونَ
ثُمَّ كَلَّا سَوۡفَ تَعۡلَمُونَ
كَلَّا لَوۡ تَعۡلَمُونَ عِلۡمَ ٱلۡيَقِينِ
لَتَرَوُنَّ ٱلۡجَحِيمَ
ثُمَّ لَتَرَوُنَّہَا عَيۡنَ ٱلۡيَقِينِ
ثُمَّ لَتُسۡـَٔلُنَّ يَوۡمَٮِٕذٍ عَنِ ٱلنَّعِيمِ

The mutual rivalry for piling up of worldly things diverts you, until you visit the graves (i.e. till you die). Nay! You shall come to know! Again, Nay! You shall come to know! Nay! If you knew with a sure knowledge (the end result of piling up, you would not have occupied yourselves in worldly things); verily, You shall see the blazing Fire (Hell)! And again, you shall see it with certainty of sight! Then, on that Day, you shall be asked about the delight (you indulged in, in this world)! [Surah At-Takaathur]

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [may Allaah have mercy upon him] stated: This Surah is specifically based on the mention of promise, punishment and threat, and it is enough as an admonition for the one who understands it.

Regarding the statement of Allaah: [أَلۡهَٮٰكُمُ – You are diverted] – meaning, they are preoccupied in a manner that is not free from blame, for indeed being diverted by something is to be preoccupied with it. So, if this occurs intentionally, then one is held accountable; but if it is not intentional, then one is excused, such as the statement of the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] regarding the Khameesah [square garment], “Indeed, it has distracted my attention from the prayer”. (1) A person is pardoned for this because it is a type of (unintentional) forgetfulness. It is also said, [Lahaa Bish Shay – distracted by something]- meaning, busied with it; and [Lahaa Anhu – distracted from it]- meaning, if he turns away from something. The heart is that which is diverted and the limbs engage in play, and this is why Allaah’s statement [أَلۡهَٮٰكُمُ ٱلتَّكَاثُر- The mutual rivalry for piling up of worldly things diverts you] is a stronger rebuke than the statement “they are preoccupied’, because the doer may preoccupy his limbs with what he is doing, but his heart is not diverted.

At-Takaathur means to compete one another in piling up something by way of mutual rivalry, but Allaah did not mention the thing that is piled up, therefore the meaning is general. Everything a person competes in – other than obedience to Allaah, obedience to the Messenger and that which benefits a person’s Afterlife – by way of mutual rivalry is included in this affair. It enters into every affair, such as wealth, status, leadership, women and speaking; or knowledge, especially when it is not utilised as proof; also collecting books, writing books, engaging in the discussion of numerous topics of the religion, categorising and initiating it. At-Takaathur occurs when a person seeks to amass more than others and this is blameworthy, except in that which earns a person Allaah’s love, Pleasure and Reward, because seeking more than others in this affair is competition in good and to excel one another.

In a hadith in Saheeh Muslim, Abdullaah Ibn Ash-Shikkheer [may Allaah be pleased with him] went to the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] whilst he was reciting [أَلۡهَٮٰكُمُ ٱلتَّكَاثُرُ]; then the Prophet said: The son of Adam claims: My wealth, my wealth! O son of Adam! Is there anything as your belonging except that which you consumed, which you utilised, or which you wore and then it was worn out or you gave as charity and sent it forward?” [An Excerpt from Al-Fawaa’id. Pages 58-59]

The basis of being diverted is due to heedlessness, then it affects every pursuit of the person. Rivalry in amassing abundant worldly things and boasting about it, such as two groups of people saying to one another, “We have more”. (2) Busied through turning away from obedience to Allaah and worship; gathering wealth and children by way of mutual rivalry, boasting about your tribes and families, busy with livelihoods and trade by way of mutual rivalry. (3)

You have become preoccupied until you are diverted from what is more important such as remembrance of Allaah and fulfilling acts of obedience to Him. This is an address to all the Ummah except those whose preoccupation with the affairs of the afterlife diverts them from the affairs of the worldly life and they are few. (4)

Allaah [The Exalted] reprimanded His servants due to them busying themselves by tuning away from the purpose for which they were created, which is to worship Him alone without ascribing partners to Him, to know Him (by way of the signs He has created in the universe and the revelation given to the Messenger), turning to Him sincerely in obedience and repentance and giving precedence to loving Him over everything else; but you are diverted from this by mutual rivalry in pilling up worldly things. And Allaah did not mention the thing that causes the mutual rivalry in pilling up worldly things so this Aayah includes all things, such as wealth, children, supporters, armies, servants, status and other than that through which a competitor intends to compete another competitor and the intent is not sincerity to Allaah [The Exalted]. (5)

[حَتَّىٰ زُرۡتُمُ ٱلۡمَقَابِرَ- until you visit the graves]- Meaning, until death comes to you whilst you are upon this state of affairs; then you are placed in the graves as visitors and finally returned to your permanent abodes [on the day of resurrection]- either Jannah or Jahannam, just as a visitor returns to his permanent dwelling place. (6)

The human being reaches old age and still hopes for things- to the extent that a man reaches ninety years of age and you find him hoping and having prolonged hope for worldly things more than a fifteen year old youth. This is the meaning of the noble Aayah- that you are diverted by mutual rivalry in amassing worldly things until you die. Umar Bin Abdil Azeez [rahimahullaah] used this Aayah as proof that a visitor has to return to his permanent place and that the grave is not a permanent place of residence. Likewise, it has been mentioned regarding a Bedouin that he heard a reciter reciting, “The mutual rivalry for piling up of worldly things diverts you, until you visit the graves”, so he said, “By Allaah! You will be resurrected”. (7)

Ref 1: Al-Bukhaari. Number 373]

[Ref 2 An Excerpt from Roohul Ma’aanee 16/401. By Imaam Al-Aloosee (rahimahullaah). Slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 3 Zaadul Maseer Fee Ilmit Tafseer by Imaam Ibn Jawzi (rahimahullaah). Slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 4 Tafseer Juz Ammah by Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen (rahimahullaah). Slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 5 An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi. Slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 6 An Excerpt from Zaadul Maseer Fee Ilmit Tafseer By Imaam Ibnul Jawzi (rahimahullaah)]

[Ref 7 An Excerpt from Tafseer Juz Ammah by Imaam Muhammad Bin Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen (rahimahullaah). Pages 300-301. Slightly paraphrased]

Inequality in punishment! An affair that contributed to the destruction of nations of the past

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

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

Aa’isha [may Allah be pleased with her] reported that the Quraish had been anxious about the Makhzumi woman who had committed theft, and said, “Who will speak to Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] about her?” They said, “Who dare it, but Usamah, the loved one of Allah’s Messenger?” So Usamah spoke to him. Thereupon Allah’s Messenger said, “Do you intercede regarding one of the punishments prescribed by Allah?” He then stood up and addressed (people) saying, “O people! Those who have gone before you were destroyed, because if any one of high status committed theft amongst them, they spared him; and if anyone of low status committed theft, they inflicted the prescribed punishment upon him. By Allah, if Fatima, daughter of Muhammad, were to steal, I would have her hand cut of”. (5)

“Do you intercede regarding one of the punishments prescribed by Allah?” Meaning, it is not permissible to intercede regarding the divine prescribed punishments.

“Those who have gone before you were destroyed because if any one of high status committed theft amongst them, they spared him; and if anyone of low status committed theft, they inflicted the prescribed punishment upon him”– Meaning, destroyed by way of punishment due to their sins. They were destroyed due to this affair because they said, “This is a person of high status and it is not possible to cut his hand”. When a person of high status amongst them stole, they let him off, (but) when a person of low status stole, they established the punishment on him, so the implementation of Allaah’s prescribed punishments was carried out based on their desires. In this hadeeth is proof to show that the nations before us committed theft, and that there was much theft in their midst including the wealthy, the poor, the one of high status and the one of low status.

Then the Messenger made an oath – even though he is the righteous and truthful one without making an oath – that “By Allah, if Fatima, daughter of Muhammad, were to steal, I would have her hand cut of”.

O Allah! Send Your Salutations and blessings upon him (i.e. the prophet). This is how justice should be and the manner in which Allaah’s rulings are to be applied, and not through desires. He (i.e. The Prophet) made an oath that if Fatimah – who was of a higher status than that Makhzumi woman, both in nobility and lineage, because she is the leader of the women of paradise- the daughter of Muhammad stole, he would cut her hand. (6)

Imaam An-Nawawi [may Allaah have mercy upon him] stated that (Imaam) Muslim [may Allaah have mercy upon him] mentioned narrations in the chapter regarding the forbiddance of interceding in the divine ordained punishments and that this was the cause of the destruction of the Children of Israel. The scholars unanimously agreed that – due to these narrations – interceding in the divine ordained punishments – after the affair has reached the leader – is prohibited. As for before it reaches the leader, most scholars have permitted intercession if the one being interceded for is not an evil person and harmful to the people. As for the sins (or acts of disobedience) for which there are no prescribed punishments and what is obligated regarding them is to reinforce authority, then intercession regarding them is permissible whether the affair has reached the leader or not. Intercession in these affairs is desirable if the one being interceded for is not a harmful person and so on. (7)

[1] Saheeh Muslim. 1688a

[2] An Excerpt from Sharh Riyaadus Saaliheen Vol 6. Pages 525-530. slightly paraphrased

[3] An Excerpt from ‘Sharh Saheeh Muslim’. 11/155

Sound Creed, Methodology, and Upright Conduct Derived From Few Authentic Narrations About Fasting In Ramadhaan

Written by abumuaawiyah on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Ramadhan, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Abu Dharr [may Allah be pleased with him] reported that Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “My Ummah will continue in goodness so long as they hasten to break their fast and delay the pre-fasting meal”. [1]

Abu Hurayrah [may Allah be pleased with him] reported that the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “The religion will not cease to prevail as long as people hasten to break the fast, because the Jews and the Christians (i.e. those amongst them who deviated from the path of their Prophets) delay it”. [2]

“The religion will not cease to prevail”- Meaning, triumphant and lofty or manifest and clear, “as long as the people hasten to break the fast”- Meaning, they earnestly hasten to break the fast, “because the Jews and the Christians delay it” [i.e. those amongst them who deviated from the path of their Prophets]. At-Teebiy [may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “In this is proof that upright establishment of the religion of pure Islamic monotheism is by opposing the enemies amongst the people of the scripture, and agreeing with them ruins the religion”. [i.e. what they have innovated in the religion of the Prophets] [3]

Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “This is a text regarding (the fact that) triumph of the religion is attained through hastening to break the fast, and it is to oppose the Jews and Christians [i.e. those amongst them who deviated, innovated in religion and opposed their prophets]. And when it is the case that opposing them is a reason behind the triumph of the religion, then the purpose of sending the Messengers is so that the religion ordained by Allah prevails over all others. Therefore, being in opposition to (the deviated people) is one of the greatest goals behind the advent of the Messengers”. [4]

Sahl Ibn Sad [may Allaah be pleased with him] said that Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “The people will not cease to be upon good as long as they hasten to break the fast”. [5]

Imaam An-Nawawi [may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “In this is an urge to hasten (to break the fast) after the setting of the sun is ascertained. What this means is that the affair of the Ummah will not cease being consistent and that they will (remain) good if they preserve this Prophetic tradition. If they delay breaking the fast, then this is a sign of corruption”. [6]

They will not cease to be upon good if they do this by acting upon the Sunnah and limiting themselves to its prescribed legislated boundaries, not being over-stringent (through what their) intellects (suggest to them), and changing its principles. The people of the scripture [i.e. those amongst them who deviated] delayed breaking the fast until the stars appeared. [7]

Is The One Who Provides Suhoor For Needy People The Same As The One Who Provides Iftaar?

Imam Muhammad Ibn Saalih Al-Uthaymeen [may Allah have mercy upon him] was asked: In Ramadhaan, one notices the concern people give to providing Iftaar for those needy people who observe the fast – whether it is in the Masaajid or the houses – in order to receive reward just as the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “Whoever provides Iftaar for a fasting person, he has reward similar to his” [i.e. reward similar to that of the fasting person]. However, we find big tables [i.e. with food and drink] at the time of Iftaar -in the Masaajid- but few people sit to eat, whereas it is very rare to find one who provides Suhoor for a needy fasting person. Therefore, is the reward received by the one who provides Suhoor for the people similar to the one who provides Iftaar?

Answer: I do not know of a (specific) exhortation -as an act of Sunnah- to provide Suhoor for the fasting people, and it is not possible to compare it to providing Iftaar. That is because the fasting person’s need for eating and drinking during Iftaar is much greater than his need for eating and drinking during Suhoor; therefore, we do not go beyond what has been reported in the Sunnah. However, whoever knows someone- from the poor people around him- who needs food for Suhoor, then the door is open in this affair [i.e. he can provide that person with food for Suhoor]. [8]

Al-Allaamah Abdullaah Bin Humaid [may Allah have mercy upon him] was asked: Is attendance at the Haram (in Makkah) and breaking the fast over there something desired in the Sunnah or not, for some people obligate that on themselves?

Answer: It is not Sunnah; rather some people break their fast at the Masjid Al-Haraam to be present for Maghrib Salaah. That is because they will miss the Maghrib Salaah if they were to break their fast at home. And it is not the case that breaking the fast at a Masjid has a distinguished virtue; rather it is to attend the congregational prayer. So they (i.e. the people) break their fast over there to attend the congregational prayer and not miss it. As for merely breaking the fast, it contains the same reward whether the person does so in his house or at another place. They (i.e. the people) only choose it (i.e. the Masjid) because the Salaah is established over there so that they can perform it at the Kabah and together with the Muslims as a group. This is the aim. [9]

[1] Saheeh Al-Jaami 7224]

[2] Abu Dawud Number 2353. Hadeeth graded ‘Hasan’ by Imaam Al- Albaanee in Saheeh Abu Dawud. Publisher: Maktabah Al-M’aarif. 1st Edition]

[3] Awnul Ma’bood Sharh Sunan Abee Daawud. Vol 3. Pages 343-344. slightly paraphrased. Publisher: Daarul Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah. 1st Edition 1419AH (1998)]

[4] Iqtidaa As-Siraat Al-Mustaqeem 1/209. slightly paraphrased]

[5] Saheeh Muslim 1098]

[6] Sharh Saheeh Muslim. Slightly paraphrased. Vol 7 pages 180-181. Publisher: Daar Al-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah. 1st Edition 1421AH (2000)].

[7] Fat’hul Baaree Sharh Saheeh Al-Bukhaari Vol 4/ 253. Publisher: Daarus Salaam. 1st Edition 1421AH (2000)]

[8] Fataawaa Alaa At-tareeq Fee Masaa’il Mutanawwi’ah. Fatwa Number 871]

[9] Al-Fataawaa Wad-Duroos Fil Masjidil Haraam. pages 528-529]