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[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]

 

[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]

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]

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]

Cannot give one another false hopes nor engage in wishful thinking and flattery when frank advice is needed

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

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

Umar Ibn Abdul Azeez [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: Whoever advises his brother to rectify affairs related to his religion and gives him insight into a worldly affair of his, then indeed he has perfected their relationship and fulfilled his obligation towards him. [Taareekh At-Tabari 6/572]

Imaam Al-Barbahaaree [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: It is not permissible to hide sincere advice from any of the Muslims, whether pious or impious, in matters of religion. Whoever hides that has acted deceitfully towards the Muslims. Whoever acts deceitfully towards the Muslims has done so towards the religion. Whoever acts deceitfully towards the religion has behaved treacherously towards Allah, His Messenger, and the Believers.

Al-Allaamah Ahmad Bin Yahyah An-Najmi [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: I say: The meaning of An-Naseehah is ‘Purity’ and ‘Clearness.’ It is said: [  نصح اللبن – the milk is pure] when it is clear. This is the linguistic meaning of An-Naseehah. In the Shariah, (it means) to inform a Muslim regarding what is obligated on him in relation to the (rights of Allah or his relationship with Allah) and His creation without slyness and false courtesy. An-Naseehah is obligatory, even though its obligation varies, and its opposite is Al-Ghish [deception].

Indeed, the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said in the authentic Hadeeth, “The religion is Naseehah, the religion is Naseehah, the religion is Naseehah; so, the Sahaabah said, ‘O Messenger of Allah! To who?’ He said, ‘To Allah, His Book, His Messenger, to the leaders of the Muslims and their common folk.’”

Abu Hurairah [may Allah be pleased with him] narrated that the Messenger of Allah [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] passed by a pile of foodstuff, he put his hand in it and found that it was wet. He said, ”What is this, O seller of the foodstuff?” He said, ”It became wet due to the rain O Messenger of Allah!” He said, ”Why do you not put it on top of the food so that people can see it? Whoever deceives [people] is not from me.” [Muslim 102]

Deception in trade is when one hides a defect [found in the commodity]. And with regards to consultation, it is when one recommends something to a person that is harmful to his religious or worldly affairs.

As for Naseehah Lil-Laah – [sincerity to Allah]: It is to believe in Allah [The Most High], single Him out in [His Lordship, Names and Attributes and to single Him out in worship], give precedence to obeying Him over obedience to the creation, fearing the standing in His presence [on the Day of judgement] and to be mindful of Him in private and public.

As for An-Naseehah Li-kitaabihee-[Sincerity to His Book]: It is to recite it, ponder upon its meanings, act upon it and believe in the information it contains. As for Naseehah Li-Rasoolihee – [Sincerity to His Messenger]: It is to testify to that which he has informed [us], fulfil what he  commanded, keep away from what he has forbidden, exalt and honour him [salawaatu wasalaamuhu alayhi].

An-Naseehah Li-A’immatil Muslimeen- [Sincerity to the leaders of the Muslims]: It is to obey them in that which does not necessitate disobedience to Allah, to refrain from betraying them, send them advice through those who are able to advise them in private, because that is the manner that will be more suitable for advice to be accepted. An-Naseehah Li-Aammatil Muslimeen- [sincerity to the common Muslims]: It is to call them to the path of Allah, teach them what is beneficial and warn them against that which will harm them.

Ir’shaad As-Saariy Fee Sharhis Sunnati Lil-Barbahaaree. Pages 157-158

[12] These people are either unaware of or concealing some realities regarding the legacy of Erudite Salafi Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz

Written by abumuaawiyah on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Contemporary Issues, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Scholars of Islam.

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

The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said: “Indeed, the scholars are the inheritors of the prophets, for the prophets do not leave behind a dinar or a dirham for inheritance, but rather, they leave behind knowledge. So whoever takes hold of it, has acquired a large share (i.e. of inheritance)”. [(1)]

The anonymous writers at Wikipedia stated: “In 1966, when Ibn Baz was vice-president of the Islamic University of Medina, he wrote an article denouncing Riyadh University for teaching the “falsehood” that the earth rotates and orbits the sun. In his article, Ibn Baz claimed that the sun orbited the earth, and that “the earth is fixed and stable, spread out by God for mankind and made a bed and cradle for them, fixed down by mountains lest it shakes”. As a result of the publication of his first article, Ibn Baz was ridiculed by Egyptian journalists as an example of Saudi primitiveness, and King Faisal was reportedly so angered by the first article that he ordered the destruction of every unsold copy of the two papers that had published it. In 1982 Ibn Baz published a book, Al-adilla al-naqliyya wa al-ḥissiyya ʿala imkān al-ṣuʾūd ila al-kawākib wa ʾala jarayān al-shams wa al-qamar wa sukūn al-arḍ (“Treatise on the textual and rational proofs of the rotation of the sun and the motionlessness of the earth and the possibility of ascension to other planets”). In it, he republished the 1966 article, together with a second article on the same subject written later in 1966, and repeated his belief that the sun orbited the earth. In 1985, he changed his mind concerning the rotation of the earth (and, according to Lacey, ceased to assert its flatness), when Prince Sultan bin Salman returned home after a week aboard the space shuttle Discovery to tell him that he had seen the earth rotate”. [End of quote]

Response:

First of all, if the Imam did reprimand someone at Riyadh University for claiming that the earth rotates, then that was undoubtedly a justifiable rebuke against those who oppose what has been established based on divine texts.

Second, the Imam’s position that the sun rotates is a fact rather than a claim since everything stated in the divine revelation—the Qur’an and Sunnah—is an unquestionable fact and reality, not a statement of opinion. Read on the links:

https://abuiyaad.com/a/bin-baz-motion-sun-around-earth

http://www.aqidah.com/creed/articles/auazc-disbelief-of-the-one-who-denies-suns-motion-around-the-earth.cfm

https://abukhadeejah.com/the-motion-of-the-sun-around-the-earth-and-the-islamic-belief/

https://abuiyaad.com/a/motion-of-the-sun-timelapse

Third, if it is true that Egyptian media made fun of the Imam, then it is not at all unusual for learned Salafi scholars to face scorn from ignorant people when they present real evidence. Imam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: “All praise is due to Allah, who in every age and interval between the Prophets, raises up a group from the people of knowledge, who call the misguided to guidance, patiently bear ill-treatment and harm. With the Book of Allah they give life to the dead and with the Light of Allah they give sight to the blind. How many a person killed by Iblees (the Devil) they have revived, how beautiful their effect has been upon the people, and how vile the people have been towards them! They remove from Allah’s Book the alterations of those going beyond bounds, the false claims of the liars, and the false interpretations of the ignoramus- those who uphold the banner of innovation and let loose the trials and discords, who oppose the Book and agree upon opposing the Book. They speak about Allah and his Book without knowledge, argue about what is ambiguous in the Book, and deceive the ignorant ones with such ambiguities. We seek refuge in Allah from the trials of the misguided ones”. [(2)]

Fourthly, if the cretins at Wikipedia are correct in their claim that King Faisal [may Allah have mercy upon him and enter him into Jannatul Firdaws] was angered by the Imam’s position, then indeed the upright Scholars are an example of how the rulers are treated in that they are not obeyed in anything that is contrary to the Shariah, but rather they are advised in private and have supplications made for them. No one is to be obeyed in disobedience to Allah, as Imam Al-Barbahaaree [may Allah have mercy upon him] stated, “From the Sunnah is that you do not help anyone in disobedience to Allah, whether they be parents or any of the creation. There is no obedience to a human in disobedience to Allah and no one is to be loved for that; rather all of that is to be hated for [the sake of Allah], the Blessed and Most High”. Al-Allaamah Saalih Al-Fawzaan [may Allah preserve him] stated: This is a fundamental principle from the fundamental principles of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa’ah that has been derived from the statement of the (Prophet) that, “There is no obedience to the creation in disobedience to the Creator”. And he [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “Obedience is only in that which is good”. So, whoever commands disobedience to Allah is not to be obeyed. He is not to be obeyed in disobedience, whether your father, mother, or from the closest of the people to you, or a Ruler or a King. He is not to be followed in disobedience. [(3)]

Regarding the statement that the Imam reaffirmed his position in 1982 that the sun rotates and the earth is stationary, it is true that the upright Scholars do not forsake any evidence in order to appease others or follow the crowd. As for the claim by the unknown writers and cretins at Wikipedia that “In 1985 the Imam changed his mind concerning the rotation of the earth (and, according to Lacey, ceased to assert its flatness) when Prince Sultan bin Salman returned home after a week aboard the space shuttle Discovery to tell him that he had seen the earth rotate”, then indeed, the burden of proof is on the claimant, and the cretins at Wikipedia must present a statement from the Imam for what they attribute to him because the only position known from the Imam till his death was that the earth does not move and that it is the sun and moon that rotate.

As for the statement of the Imam regarding the flatness of the earth, he himself stated as follows: “According to the scholars, the Earth is spherical. Ibn Hazm and a group of other (scholars) have transmitted that the scholars hold a consensus that it is spherical. Meaning: Some of it is joined together with some and rolled up like a ball. However, Allah spread out the top of it for us and placed on it firm mountains, animals, and seas out of mercy for us. This is why Allah says: [وَإِلَى الأَرْضِ كَيْفَ سُطِحَتْ – And at the earth, how it has been spread out (to facilitate habitation and travel)?] It is flat and visible to us (i.e. the top) so that people can live on it and be calm (without worry). The fact that it is spherical does not exclude that its surface is not flat because if a large, great thing is flat, it will have a wide back”. [(4)]

May Allah enter the Imam into Jannatul Firdaws! His remark is quite obvious for everyone to see. Them read Shaikh Abu Iyaad’s (may Allah preserve him) article on the link for more information about the statements of other Scholars regarding the shape of the earth. “Ibn Taymiyyah on the Shape of the Heaven and Earth and the Concept of Time and Related Issues:

https://salafitalk.net/st/printthread.cfm?Forum=6&Topic=1859

If after reading Shaikh Abu Iyaad’s post in the aforementioned link you believe that the explanation offered by the other scholars is more persuasive or that the Imam’s position is incorrect, then you should know that every upright Mujtahid is rewarded for striving to reach the correct position, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “If a Mujtahid gives a verdict according to the best of his knowledge and his verdict is correct, he will receive a double reward, and if he gives a verdict according to the best of his knowledge and his verdict is wrong, even then he will get a reward”. [Bukhari Number 7352]

Finally, as for the debate that people have been able to reach the moon, listen here:

To be continued…InShaaAllah

[(1)]: Sunan At-Tirmidhee 2682

[(2)]: Ar-Radd Alal Jahmiyyah Waz-Zanaadiqah. page 2

[(3)]: An Excerpt from It-haaful Qaaree Bitta’liqaat Alaa Sharhis Sunnah Lil Imaam Barbahaaree. 2/297-299

[(4)]:

https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/5966/%D9%83%D8%B1%D9%88%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%B6#:~:text=%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AC%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%A8%3A%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3%D8%B1%D8%B6%20%D9%83%D8%B1%D9%88%D9%8A%D8%A9%20%D8%B9%D9%86%D8%AF%20%D8%A3%D9%87%D9%84,%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B8%D8%A7%D9%87%D8%B1%20%D9%84%D9%86%D8%A7%20%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%B9%D9%8A%D8%B4%20%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%8A%D9%87%D8%A7%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%B3

[10] These people are either unaware of or concealing some realities regarding the legacy of Erudite Salafi Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz

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

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

The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said: “Indeed, the scholars are the inheritors of the prophets, for the prophets do not leave behind a dinar or a dirham for inheritance, but rather, they leave behind knowledge. So whoever takes hold of it, has acquired a large share (i.e. of inheritance)”. [(1)]

The anonymous writers at Wikipedia stated, “Ibn Bāz was among the Muslim scholars who opposed regime change using violence. He called for obedience to the people in power unless they ordered something that went against God. During his career as the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, he attempted to both legitimise the rule of the ruling family and to support calls for the reform of Islam in line with Salafi ideals. Many criticised him for supporting the Saudi government when, after the Persian Gulf War, it muzzled or imprisoned those regarded as too critical of the government, such as Safar al-Hawali and Salman al-Ouda. His influence on the Salafi movement was large, and most of the current prominent judges and religious scholars in Saudi Arabia are his former students”. [End of quote]

First, the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] forbade rebellion against Muslim rulers, whether they be pious or sinful, so Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz’s [may Allah have mercy upon him] position on regime change is based on the sound Prophetic narrations. Therefore, there is no discussion of whether their rule is valid or not; rather, Muslims are instructed to consider all Muslim rule as legitimate, regardless of how such a Muslim ruler behaves, and rebellion is prohibited. Read articles by Shaikh Abu Iyaad and Shaikh abu Khadeejah [may Allah preserve him].

https://www.kharijites.com/kj/

https://abukhadeejah.com/ahlus-sunnah-wal-jamaah-believe-that-rebellion-against-the-rulers-is-forbidden/

https://abukhadeejah.com/the-tyranny-of-the-rulers-a-reason-for-rebellion/

https://abukhadeejah.com/revolt-of-the-early-scholars-against-the-tyranny-of-rulers-in-light-of-the-sunnah-and-salaf/

Believer’s Bahaviour Towards Muslim Rulers – [Supplicates For Them….]

Second, regarding Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz’s revival efforts, his call was for the Ummah to return to Tawheed and that which the pious ancestors were on. During his lifetime, he was also supported in this endeavour by Imaam Al-Albaani, Imaam Muhammad ibn Saalih al-Uthaymeen, and other scholars. Read below.

Rectification of Modern Societies – By Saudi Scholar Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz

As for those who criticised the Imaam for supporting the Saudi government to restrain the Qutubies, such as Safar al-Hawali and Salman al-Ouda, these critics are either ignorant of the destructive methodology of these two callers to bidah or they are upon the same methodology as them. Read below.

http://www.ikhwanis.com/articles/plbqrxl-extremist-qutbi-safar-al-hawali-outed-as-a-liar-by-musa-abd-al-azeez-in-interview.cfm

http://www.ikhwanis.com/articles/upypzld-ikhwani-muhammad-al-areefee-exposed-lying-upon-the-messenger-and-lying-upon-imaam-al-nawawi.cfm

As for the statement that “His (Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz) influence on the Salafi movement was large, and most of the current prominent judges and religious scholars in Saudi Arabia are his former students”, then indeed we remind these ignorant people that Salafiyyah is not a movement, rather, it is the methodology of the Salafus Saalih [the pious predecessors]. Read below.

 http://www.salafis.com/authors/Abu.Iyaad.cfm

Finally, there is no doubt that Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz alongside Imaam Al-Albaani and Imaam Muhammad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaymeen [may Allah have mercy upon them] had a great impact on the Ummah during their lifetime due to their piety and knowledge. Indeed, the positive outcomes of their knowledge and piety in the Ummah is well-known.

To be continued InShaaAllah

[(1)]: Sunan At-Tirmidhee 2682

So and So Identifies as a Dog or a Cat! [What is the basis of this absurd behaviour?]

Written by abumuaawiyah on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Deviated Groups, Sects and Parties, Fitnah, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Refutations, Scholars of Islam, Sin.

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

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

The statement of many materialists (atheists) and those who blindly follow them is that “There should be freedom of thought, everyone should be free to hold the opinion he sees fit and the proposal he makes”. This has also manifested its great harm. Indeed, freedom of thought – giving everyone his freedom (i.e. based on desires) – has shown to be the very reason behind anarchy; rather that is its basis. Animals become better than them (i.e. humankind and Jinn) when they are given freedom in that which corrupts their morals and (sound) beliefs, thus their deeds become chaotic. This is the reality in every country where freedom has been let loose and not restricted by the divine legislated restrictions that conform with (sound) intellect because the souls command evil, incline towards arrogance and insolence, and approach every desire whether it harms individuals and groups or not. Just as giving one the freedom to do as he pleases unrestrictedly cannot remain because if everyone was left with his freedom that he can murder, injure or hit, or take the wealth of the people or violate their honour, the state of affairs would have been corrupted, the world would be in anarchy, chaos, disturbance and great harm will occur; likewise, the freedom of thought has brought evil, and from its filthy fruits is dispensing with religion and the Messengers [peace and blessings of Allah be upon them], rejecting what they brought and that which sound intellect indicates, such as the obligation of restraining and guarding oneself against the harmful affairs related to creed, morals and deeds. Among the outcomes of freedom of thought are the statements heard from the atheistic and vile newspapers that shake the hearts of the people of sound intellect, and indeed they have done great harm to the beliefs and morals; rather it has harmed governments, groups and individuals. As for the Islamic legislation, then indeed it – and praise be to Allāh – came to alert the intellects and urge towards (sound) reflection on those affairs that are useful for one to reflect on, such as the signs Allah has created in the creation and the signs conveyed in the divine revelation; pursues the sound paths of reflection and examining them, and thus it affirms the beneficial sciences and truthful understandings- urges towards every beautiful character, warns against every evil character and places a sound restriction on ideas, which if encroached will result in destructive things and various types of misguidance. If ideas are not restricted by sound intellects and religion – which Allāh has provided for the servants in which is the rectification of their affairs and perfection of their circumstances, then indeed they give birth to chaos and error, misguidance, misery, folly and insanity.

[An Excerpt from “Ad-Dalaa’il Al-Qur’aaniyyah”. page 22]

[9] These people are either unaware of or concealing some realities regarding the legacy of Erudite Salafi Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz

Written by abumuaawiyah on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Refutations, Scholars of Islam.

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

The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “Indeed, the scholars are the inheritors of the prophets, for the prophets do not leave behind a dinar or a dirham for inheritance, but rather, they leave behind knowledge. So whoever takes hold of it, has acquired a large share (i.e. of inheritance)”. [(1)]

The anonymous writers at Wikipedia stated, “In 1927 when he was sixteen, he started losing his eyesight after a serious infection in his eyes. By the time he was twenty, he had totally lost his sight and had become blind. At that time, Saudi Arabia lacked a modern university system. Ibn Baz received a traditional education in Islamic literature with Islamic scholars”. [End of quote]

First of all, the Salafus Saalih (pious predecessors), the best generations of this Ummah, did not receive their Islamic education from contemporary educational systems, despite the fact that they and their successors were the ones who established solid foundations of Islamic knowledge in numerous regions of the world before contemporary universities were established in the Ummah. The Masjid of the Messenger in Madeenah and many other Masaajid in the Islamic Ummah produced scholars far greater than Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz even though there were no modern universities in the Ummah at the time. Likewise, the Imaam himself – an Imam of knowledge and piety – is a manifest proof of the blessed traditional system of Shariah knowledge.

As a result, the lack of contemporary universities had no detrimental effects on the results of knowledge and scholarship; rather, the traditional system produced the greatest Erudite Scholars, whose knowledge has never been equalled. Imam Ibn Rajab Al-Hanbali [may Allah have mercy upon him] stated, “There is not to be found in the statements of those who came after the Salaf (any) truth, except that it is found in their statements with a more concise wording and a shorter expression. There is not to be found in the statements of those who came after them (any) falsehood, except that there is in their statements that which clarifies its falsity, for the one who understands and contemplates [i.e. the one who understands the statements of the Salaf]. There are wonderful meanings found in their statements and precise observations, which those who came after them were neither guided to nor knew about. The one who does not take knowledge from their statements will miss all that goodness, alongside the numerous (affairs) of falsehood he will fall into due to following those who came after them [i.e. those who came after the Salaf]”. [(2)]

Likewise, it was the traditional systems that produced the likes of the great Mujaddideen, such as Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, Imaam Ibn Al-Qayyim, Imaam Muhammad Ibn Abdil Wahhaab, and others [may Allah have mercy upon them].

Second, when institutions of Shariah knowledge other than Masaajid were initially formed, the upright Scholars reminded seekers of knowledge that the purpose of learning is the purification of the soul, not simply the establishment of institutions, as Al-Allaamah Siddeeq Hasan Khan [may Allah have mercy upon him] stated, “The scholars unveiled what the drive behind this was and they spoke about it when the building of schools reached them at Baghdad, so they held gatherings of knowledge and said, ‘The possessors of lofty ambitions and the pure souls used to pre-occupy themselves with it (i.e. knowledge) – those whose intention behind knowledge was due to its nobility and the perfection (reached by way of it), therefore, they came to the scholars to benefit from them and their knowledge'”. [(3)]

Third, there is no doubt that modern university systems are beneficial and in some cases, they make learning easier for those who are blind or affected by severe visual impairment. All the beneficial methods that facilitate learning for the disabled enters into the Masaalih Mursalah. Read here: https://abukhadeejah.com/issues-which-arise-after-the-time-of-revelation-for-which-there-is-no-specific-text-al-masalih-al-mursalah-and-how-islam-is-applicable-in-every-age/

Finally, it should also be noted that University Shariah Certificates do not inevitably imply that a person has outperformed other students of knowledge who have sat in the company of scholars for many years. Click this link:

Sincerity, Certificates of Knowledge and The Purpose Behind Knowledge- By Shaikh Uthaymeen [rahimahullaah]

To be continued InShaaAllah

[(1)]: Sunan At-Tirmidhee 2682

[(2)]: An Excerpt from “Fadl Ilm As-Salaf Alaa Ilm Al-Khalaf’ page 61.

[(3)]: An Excerpt from (أبجد العلوم – Vol 1. pages 77-78. slightly paraphrased