The Aqeedah and Manhaj of AhlusSunnah wal Jamah

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Dream of the King of Greater Syria and his Trip to Madeenah – Dr. Saleh as Saleh

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Source : Transcribed by Muhammad Shahzad min Hind from the lecture of Dr. Saleh As-Saleh.

You can listen or download mp3 lecture
[audio http://salafiaudio.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/the-dream-of-the-king-of-greater-syria-and-his-trip-to-madeenah-saleh-as-saleh.mp3]

Bismillah hirrahamanirraheem , Alhamdu lillahi Rabbil Aalameen

We begin by relating to you the story of the just king Nooruddin Mahmoud zunki , May Allah’s mercy be upon him, that took place in the year 557 after hijra. He was ruling the Greater Syria area and he saw a magnificent dream, which made him go to the city of Madina. He saw Prophet Muhammad sallahu alaihi wassalam three times in one night and in every time Prophet Muhammad sallahu alaihi wassalam telling him O’ Mahmoud save me from these two individuals while pointing towards to blond individuals in front of him. So the king summoned his minister before dawn and told him about this so the minister said this is a matter which may have taken place in Madina, the Madina of Prophet Muhammad sallahu alaihi wassalam.

So he prepared himself and quickly hastened over 1000 mounts and horses and other than that until he entered in Madina quietly and secretly with his minster and he came to Prophet Muhammad sallahu alaihi wassalam’s masjid not knowing what to do. So the minister said do you recognize these two individuals if you see them ?. He said yes .So he summoned the people to give them charity and distributed to them plenty of gold and silver and he said that no one in Madina should stay except, known in madina should stay but rather should come to receive the charity. Only two people didn’t come to collect the Sadaqa. They remained close by the masjid from Andulisya (currently Spain), in a place which in the direction of the qibla from the side of the apartment of Prophet Muhammad sallahu alaihi wassalam close to the house of Umar Ibn Al Khattab that is where they stayed so they came or he summoned them to come for the sadqa, they refused and they said that “what we have is sufficient. We don’t accept anything”. So he stressed they should come and insisted and so they were brought. When the minister saw them, he said to him are they the same individuals? So he asked them on their condition and what brought them here .they said “we came to be close by the Prophet Muhammad sallahu alaihi wasalam” . He said you should speak the truth and repeated the question several times until they confessed that they were christians and that they were on a mission to remove the body of the Prophet Muhammad sallahu alaihi wassalam in agreement with their teams and he found that they dug a tunnel from the side of the qibla by the wall of the masjid in the direction of the Prophet Muhammad sallahu alaihi wassalam’s apartment and they collected the dust of the soil in a well inside their residence. So he beheaded them outside the masjid and returned to as shams and he commanded that the area around the Prophet Muhammad sallahu alaihi wassalam’s site of burial be dug and he commanded that lead be poured around lest some enemies or to prevent anyone from reaching Prophet Muhammad sallahu alaihi wassalam’s site of burial .

One Sin led to his Repentance – Stories of Repentance

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A righteous man was once asked to tell the story of the pivotal moment of his life, the moment in which he first began to apply the teachings of Islam, and the following was his answer:

When I was a young man, I would not hesitate to perpetrate any sin that was made available to me. Then, one day, I saw a young woman who was perhaps the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. Much tempted by her, I indicated to her that I wanted her to approach me. She seemed nervous, but I thought that she would probably agree to satisfy my sexual desires for money. She approached me with what seemed to be a great deal of trepidation, and when she actually stood before me, she looked extremely terrified.

Feeling sorry for her, I said, ‘Do not fear, for I will not harm you.’

But my words did not lessen her terrible fright in the least; in fact, her situation worsened. She began to tremble like a palm tree leaf trembles with the wind.

I said, ‘Tell me your story.’

She said, ‘By Allah, o my brother, never before this day have I offered my body in this way. Dire need is what has driven me to this, for I have three daughters who have not eaten a single morsel of food for three days now. It was pity for them that brought me to this low point in my life.’

For the first time in my life, I felt pity; her story moved me, and I no longer entertained the intention of taking advantage of her. After she told me where she lived, I took a great deal of money, clothing and food to her house. When I returned to my house, I told my mother what had happened.

My mother knew that I had a book in which I would record all of my evil deeds, and so she said to me, ‘My son, you are a man who has never performed a good deed except for the good deed that you performed today. I know that you have a book in which you record your evil exploits, go now and write in it your good deed.’

I stood up, went to my book, opened it, and found that all of its pages were blank- except for the first page on which was written a single line.

إِنَّ الْحَسَنَاتِ يُذْهِبْنَ السَّيِّئَاتِ

Verily, the good deeds remove the evil deeds (i.e. small sins)

[Hud : 114]

At that very moment, I raised my hands to the sky and said, ‘By your Might and Majesty, never again will I disobey You.’ “

The above is taken from Stories of Repentance published by dar-us-salam.com

al-Khashyah (Dread) and al-Khawf (Fear) – Shaykh Zayd Al-Madkhalee & Shaykh Ubayd al-Jaabiree

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Both of them mean utter debasement in front of Allaah the Mighty and Majestic and total submission to Him, openly and in secret. This comes along with perfect love for Allaah the Blessed and Exalted. Due to this, the Scholars divided between al-khashyah (dread) and al-khawf (fear). They said, “Indeed, al-khashyah is fear accompanied by glorification, whereas al-khawf can be accompanied by glorification and it can occur without glorification as well.” And this is true, since a person can fear an enemy. However, his fear of the enemy does not mean that he glorifies him. And he could fear a predatory animal, but his fear of that animal does not mean that he glorifies it. However, al-khashyah cannot be applied unless it is accompanied by glorification.

Allaah the Mighty and Majestic said,

“And they stand in awe for fear of Him.” [Sooratul-Anbiyaa‘ 21:28]

Likewise, Allaah the Mighty and Majestic said about the Scholars who are the best of the creation,

“Indeed, those who fear Allaah the most from amongst His creation are the Scholars.” [Soorah Faatir 35:28]

That is, the Scholars of the Sharee’ah, the Scholars of the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Prophet (’alayhis-salaatu was-salaam) who act upon their knowledge. So whoever observes this khashyah for other than Allaah, then he has committed Shirk. Allaah the Blessed and Exalted warned against that in His statement,

“So do not fear them, but fear Me.” [Sooratul-Baqarah 2:150]

Khasyah (awe) is fear founded upon knowledge of the greatness of the one whom you fear.It is something more particular than khawf. For example, if you fear someone but don’t know whether he is able to catch you or not, then this is khawf. But when you fear someone and know that he is fully able to seize hold of you then this is khashyah.

Taken from the below:

1. The Path To Attaining Clarification Concerning The Three Fundamental Principles – By The Noble Shaykh Zayd Ibn Muhammad Ibn Haadee Al-Madkhalee , Prepared By Fawaaz Ibn ’Alee Al-Madkhalee

2. A Gift For The Intellect In Explanation Of The Three Fundamental Principles Of Islaam : By Sheikh Ubaid Al-Jaabiree (Hafizahullah)

Man is fickle when Ease comes to Him after Difficulty – Tafsir Ibn Kathir

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Surah No.41 :(Fussilat)

(49. Man does not get tired of asking for good; but if an evil touches him, then he gives up all hope and is lost in despair.) (50. And truly, if We give him a taste of mercy from Us, after some adversity has touched him, he is sure to say: “This is due to my (merit); I think not that the Hour will be established. But if I am brought back to my Lord, surely there will be for me the best with Him. “Then, We verily will show to the disbelievers what they have done, and We shall make them taste a severe torment.) (51. And when We show favor to man, he turns away and becomes arrogant; but when evil touches him, then he has recourse to long supplications.)

Allah tells us that man never gets bored of asking his Lord for good things, such as wealth, physical health, etc., but if evil touches him — i.e., trials and difficulties or poverty —

(then he gives up all hope and is lost in despair.), i.e., he thinks that he will never experience anything good again.

(And truly, if We give him a taste of mercy from Us, after some adversity has touched him, he is sure to say: “This is due to my (merit)…”) means, if something good happens to him or some provision comes to him after a period of difficulty, he says, `this is because of me, because I deserve this from my Lord.’

(I think not that the Hour will be established.) means, he does not believe that the Hour will come. So when he is given some blessing, he becomes careless, arrogant and ungrateful, as Allah says:

(Nay! Verily, man does transgress. Because he considers himself self-sufficient.) (96:6)

(But if I am brought back to my Lord, surely there will be for me the best with Him.) means, `if there is a Hereafter after all, then my Lord will be generous and kind to me just as He was in this world.’ So he expects Allah to do him favors in spite of his bad deeds and lack of certain faith. Allah says:

(Then, We verily will show to the disbelievers what they have done, and We shall make them taste a severe torment.) Thus Allah threatens punishment and vengeance to those whose conduct and belief is like that.

(And when We show favor to man, he turns away and becomes arrogant;) means, he turns away from doing acts of obedience and is too proud to obey the commands of Allah. This is like the Ayah:

(But ﴿Fir`awn﴾ turned away along with his hosts) (51:39).

(but when evil touches him,) means, difficulties,

(then he has recourse to long supplications.) means, he asks at length for one thing. Long supplications are those which are long on words and short on meaning. The opposite is concise speech which is brief but full of meaning. And Allah says:

(And when harm touches man, he invokes Us, lying on his side, or sitting or standing. But when We have removed his harm from him, he passes on as if he had never invoked Us for a harm that touched him!) (10:12)

Source : Quran : Tafsir Ibn Kathir :  Surah No.41 :(Fussilat)

Ilm-ul-Kalam (Knowledge Of Theological Rhetoric) – Ibn Baz

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[ A discipline that searches for answers to creedal issues using Logic ]

Ilmul-Kalaam (argumentation based on Greek philosophy) is among such innovations in the religion that created intellectual schisms in the Muslim nation and initiated deviant trends. One of the sects that indulged in Ilmul-Kalaam were the Mu’tazilah. They gave precedence to intellect over the revealed texts of the Qur’aan and the Sunnah – when they perceived the two conflicted. This attitude set an evil precedent for all later groups who sought to make intellect and desire decisive over the Qur’aan and the Sunnah

Ibn Baz Fatwa on this topic:

Q 3: Some people read many intellectual and scientific books and think that they have become a scholar or a Da’y (caller to Islam), although they may have poor knowledge in Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) and have not read any books about Shari’ah (Islamic law). What is Your Eminence’s opinion in this regard?

A: Knowledge of Shari’ah is derived from what Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him) have said, and not from someone else’s words. The first source of Islamic knowledge is the Word of Allah and His Messenger, then the views of Muslim scholars who explain and interpret them for people. These scholars are Allah’s successors on earth after the messengers.

Allah (may He be Glorified and Exalted) says:(Surah Al-`Imran, 3: 18) Allýh bears witness that Lý ilýha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), and the angels, and those having knowledge (also give this witness). Here, knowledge refers to knowing Allah and His Religion. Allah (may He be Exalted) says:(Surah Fatir, 35: 28) It is only those who have knowledge among His slaves that fear Allýh. They are the messengers and their insightful followers, who follow this truthful religion and abide by the Qur’an and Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet). Muslim scholars are the heirs of Messengers, since they explain the religion and guide others to Allah.

Moreover, a true knowledge seeker studies and reflects on the Qur’an and Sunnah and learns from Muslim scholars. This is the way of acquiring knowledge of Shari`ah which involves doing acts of obedience, meditating and benefiting from others. A knowledge seeker should read a lot, with the aim of attaining as much knowledge as possible. They should reflect on knowledge and look for answers to unclear matters in trustworthy books of Tafsir (exegesis of the meanings of the Qur’an) such as Tafsir by Ibn Kathir, Al-Baghawy and others, in addition to paying great attention to books of Hadith. Furthermore, knowledge of Shari`ah should be taken from knowledgeable scholars among Ahl-ul-Sunnah wal-Jama’ah (those adhering to the Sunnah and the Muslim main body) and not scholars of ‘Ilm-ul-Kalam (a discipline that searches for answers to creedal issues using logic), innovators in religion or ignorant people.

Anything that is not included in the Qur’an and Sunnah cannot be considered Islamic knowledge, even if it is useful in worldly affairs. Here, we are concerned about knowledge that is useful in the Hereafter, which eliminates ignorance, clarifies the religion and shows people what Allah has made lawful and unlawful to them. Indeed, this is the true knowledge of Shari`ah.

Ibn Baz fatwas

Ar-Rajaa (hope and longing) – Shaykh Ubayd al-Jaabiree

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The evidence for hope and longing (ar-rajaa) is the saying of Allaah, the Most High:

“So whoever hopes to see His Lord and be rewarded by Him, then let him perform righteous deeds and make it purely and sincerely for Him; and let him not make any share of it to anyone other than his Lord.” [Al-Kahf 18:110]

“The evidence for hope and longing (ar-rajaa)” –

  • Hope and longing is one of the pillars that worship is built upon;
  • this means that a person is optimistic about obtaining the Mercy and Pardon of Allaah.
  • It is obligatory upon the servant that they combine both hope and fear because hope causes a person to long for the Mercy of Allaah and fear prevents them from perpetrating an act that earns the anger of Allaah.
  • Some of the people of knowledge have said that fear and hope are like the ‘two wings of the servant’.
  • Ar-rajaa is that a person wishes for something that may be attained and is close or it may be something far off but is treated as being close.
  • This earnest hope which comprises humility and submission may only be directed to Allaah and directing it to other than this is shirk; whether minor or major depends on state of the heart of the person in this case.

“is the saying of Allaah, the Most High: “So whoever hopes to see His Lord and be rewarded by Him, then let him perform righteous deeds and make it purely and sincerely for Him;” – Meaning,

  • whoever desires and longs to meet their Lord, then sheer desire is not enough but he should also perform righteous deeds.
  • This verse is a proof that it is obligatory to perform righteous deeds.
  • A righteous deed is everything that brings the servant closer to Allaah, whether it is an obligation or a recommended act.
  • A person who hopes but does not act is delusional and has false hopes; this is blameworthy.

“and let him not make any share of it to anyone other than his Lord.”” – Meaning,

  • he should not commit major shirk that expels him from the religion or minor shirk that negates the completeness of tawheed.

Source: A Gift For The Intellect In Explanation Of The Three Fundamental Principles Of Islaam – By Sheikh Ubaid Al-Jaabiree (Hafizahullah) With some notes from the sharh by Sheikh Salih al Uthaymeen (Rahimahullah)

Two Categories of Du’a – Shaykh Zayd Al-Madkhalee

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Two Categories of Du’a

Ad-Du’aa‘: And ad-du’aa‘ is divided into two categories:

[i] the du’aa‘ of worship and
[ii] the du’aa‘ of asking.

And both of them fall into the essence of worship.

[1]: So the du’aa‘ of worship is to direct every act of worship, whether it is related to one’s wealth or body or both of them together, to Allaah the Blessed and Exalted. This is to be done in a manner that is in agreement with the purified Sharee’ah of Allaah and His upright commands. And at the beginning of this type of worship is the Tawheed of Allaah the Blessed and Exalted as is proven by the truthful statement, “And I have not created the Jinn, nor the mankind, except to worship Me.” [Sooratudh-Dhaariyaat 51:56]

That is, so that they single Me out with knowledge that the Tawheed of a servant cannot be completed, except by freeing oneself from Shirk which is the opposite of Tawheed. This is because when we have to know Tawheed with its Sharee’ah meaning, we say, ‘It is to single out Allaah with worship and to exonerate Him from Shirk, to be free from it and its people, whether it is committed in a small amount or in abundance and whether it is major or minor.’ So Tawheed cannot be completed, except after attaining complete freedom from Shirk and its people and all of its forms and manifestations. Due to this, the Scholars have stated, “There is no walaa‘ (allegiance), except with baraa‘ (enmity).”104

[2]: ad-du’aa‘ul-mas‘alah (supplication of request):

And du’aa‘ul-mas‘alah is to request something from Allaah the Blessed and Exalted in order to bring about a worldly or religious benefit and to remove a harm the like thereof. So the request in this way is a form of worship. It is not permissible to direct this towards anyone other than Allaah the Blessed and Exalted. Indeed, the Scholars have divided du’aa‘ul-mas‘alah into various categories. From them is that which it is not permissible to seek except from Allaah the Blessed and Exalted alone. So whoever directs anything from it to other than Allaah the Mighty and Majestic, then he has committed major Shirk with Allaah. And that is like the one who calls upon other than Allaah with regards to that which no one is capable of granting besides Allaah the Blessed and Exalted, from bringing about benefit or removing harm. As for seeking something from the creation that they are capable of granting, then there is no prohibition with regards to that.

Source:

The Path to Attaining Clarification Concerning the Three Fundamental Principles 
By The Noble Shaykh Zayd Ibn Muhammad Ibn Haadee al-Madkhalee
An Explanation of Shaykhul-Islaam Muhammad Ibn ‘Abdul-Wahhaab’s ‘Thalaathatul-‘Usool’

Jihad Against the Self – Imam Ibn al Qayyim

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“Jihâd (striving) against the soul has four stages:

Firstly: To strive in learning guidance and the religion of truth, without which there will be no success. Indeed, there can be no true happiness, nor any delight in this world and in the Herefater, except through it.

Secondly: Striving to act upon what has been learnt, since knowledge without action will not benefit, rather it will cause harm.

Thirdly: Striving to invite others towards it and to teach those who do not know, otherwise he may be considered from those who hide what Allâh has revealed of guidance and clear explanation. Such knowledge will neither benefit, nor save a person from the punishment of Allâh.

Fourthly: Striving to be patient and persevering against those who oppose this da’wah (call) to Allâh and those who seek to cause harm – patiently bearing all these hardships for the sake of Allâh.

When these four stages are completed then such a person is considered to be amongst the Rabbâniyyûn. The Salaf were agreed that a Scholar does not deserve the title of Rabbânî until he recognises and knows the truth, acts upon it, and teaches it to others. So whosoever has knowledge, acts upon it, and teaches this knowledge to others, is considered from the Rabbâniyyûn.” [Zâdul-Ma’âd fi Hadî Khayril-’Ibâd (pp.9-11)]

Source : Purification of the Souls: Fawaa’id – Points of Benefit , By the Imâm – the Shaykh of Islâm – Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyyah, Al-Ibaanah Magazine , Issue No.3 – Dhul-Qa’dah 1416H / April 1996

Dead Hearts and Empty Supplications – Sayings of the Salaf

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It is reported that Ibrâhîm b. Adham (d162H) – Allâh have mercy on him – once passed through the market of Basrah. People gathered around him and asked:

O Abû Ishâq, Allâh the Exalted says in his Book. ‘Call on me, I will answer your prayers’, but we have been calling on Him for a long time and He does not answer our prayers. [Ibrâhîm] replied, “O people of Basrah, your hearts have died in respect to ten things:

  • First, you know Allâh but you do not give Him His rights;
  • Second, you have read Allâh’s Book but you do not act by it;
  • Third, you claim to love Allâh’s Messenger – Allâh’s peace and blessings be upon him – yet you abandon his Sunnah;
  • Fourth, you claim to be enemies to Shaytân but you conform to [his ways];
  • Fifth, you say you love Paradise yet you do not work for it;
  • Sixth, you say you fear The Fire yet you put yourselves closer to it [by sinning];
  • Seventh, you say death is true but you do not prepare for it;
  • Eighth, you busy yourselves with the faults of others and disregard your own;
  • Ninth, you consume the favors of your Lord but are not grateful for them; and
  • Tenth, you bury your dead but take no lesson from them.”

Abû Nu’aym, Hilyah Al-Awliyâ’ 8: 15, 16.

Taken from http://www.sayingsofthesalaf.net

The Expulsion of a Liar’s corpse by the Earth – Sahih Bukhari

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Sahih Bukhari , Volume 4, Book 56, Number 814:

Narrated Anas:

There was a Christian who embraced Islam and read Surat-al-Baqara and Al-Imran, and he used to write (the revelations) for the Prophet. Later on he returned to Christianity again and he used to say: “Muhammad knows nothing but what I have written for him.” Then Allah caused him to die, and the people buried him, but in the morning they saw that the earth had thrown his body out. They said, “This is the act of Muhammad and his companions. They dug the grave of our companion and took his body out of it because he had run away from them.” They again dug the grave deeply for him, but in the morning they again saw that the earth had thrown his body out. They said, “This is an act of Muhammad and his companions. They dug the grave of our companion and threw his body outside it, for he had run away from them.” They dug the grave for him as deep as they could, but in the morning they again saw that the earth had thrown his body out. So they believed that what had befallen him was not done by human beings and had to leave him thrown (on the ground).

The Story of Two Israelites – Tafseer Ibn Katheer

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Surah As-Saffaat  – (50. Then they will turn to one another, mutually questioning.) (51. A speaker of them will say: “Verily, I had a companion (in the world),”) (52. “Who used to say: `Are you among those who believe.) (53. (That) when we die and become dust and bones, shall we indeed be indebted (Madinun)”’) (54. (The speaker) said: “Will you look down”) (55. So he looked down and saw him in the midst of the Fire.) (56. He said: “By Allah! You have nearly ruined me.”) (57. “Had it not been for the grace of my Lord, I would certainly have been among those brought forth (to Hell).”) (58. “Are we then not to die (any more)”) (59. “Except our first death, and we shall not be punished”) (60. Truly, this is the supreme success!) (61. For the like of this let the workers work.)

They mentioned the story of two men among the Children of Israel who were partners and who are included in the meaning of this Ayah.

Abu Ja`far bin Jarir recorded that Furat bin Tha`labah Al-Bahrani said concerning the Ayah,

(Verily, I had a companion) [ 37. As-Saffaat verse 51]

“There were two men who were partners and had collected eight thousand Dinars. One of them had a craft and the other did not. The one who had a craft said to the other, `You do not have a craft, so I think I will divide the money with you and leave you.’ So he left him.

Then the first man bought a house, belonging to a king who had died, for the price of one thousand Dinars. He called his companion and showed him the house, saying, `What do you think of this house I bought it for one thousand Dinars.’ He said, `How beautiful it is.’ When he went out he said, `O Allah, this companion of mine has bought this house for one thousand Dinars; I ask You for one of the houses of Paradise – and he gave one thousand Dinars in charity.’ Then as much time passed as Allah willed should pass.

The first man married a woman with a dowry of one thousand Dinars, and invited his companion and made food for him. When he came, he said, `I have married this woman with a dowry of one thousand Dinars.’ He replied; `How beautiful this is.’ And when he left, he said, `O Lord, my companion has married a woman with a dowry of one thousand Dinars; I ask you for a wife from among Al-Hur Al-`Iyn’ — and he gave one thousand Dinars in charity. Then as much time passed as Allah willed should pass.

Then the first man bought two gardens for two thousand Dinars, then he called his companion and showed them to him. He said, `I have bought these two gardens for two thousand Dinars.’ He replied, `How beautiful this is.’ When he came out, he said, `O Lord, my companion has bought two gardens for two thousand Dinars; I ask you for two gardens in Paradise’ — and he gave two thousand Dinars in charity.

Then the angel came to them and took their souls in death. He took the one who had given his money in charity and put him in a house that he liked. There, there was a woman who was so beautiful that the ground shinned under her, then he (the angel) took him to two gardens and gave him other things which are known only to Allah. The man said, `This is like a man who has such and such.’ The angel said, `That is exactly what it is; this house, these gardens and this wife are all for you.’ The man said, `I had a companion who used to say: Are you among those who believe’ It was said to him, `He is in Hell.’ He said, `Will you look down’ So he looked down and saw him in the midst of Hell. At this, he said:

(By Allah! You have nearly ruined me. Had it not been for the grace of my Lord, I would certainly have been among those brought forth (to Hell).)”

Source :Tafseer Ibn Katheer

You fast and pray more than the Companions of Muhammad (sal’Allahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) but they were better than you.’ – Ibn Rajab

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Ibn Mas’ud said to his companions, ‘You fast and pray more than the Companions of Muhammad (sal’Allahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) but they were better than you.’ They asked, ‘How so?’ He replied, ‘They were more abstinent of this world and desirous of the Hereafter.’ Hence he indicated that the superiority of the Companions lay in the attachment of their hearts to the Hereafter, their desire for it, their turning away from this world, and their thinking little of it even if it be readily available to them. Their hearts were empty of the world and filled with the Hereafter. This is what they inherited from their Prophet (sal’Allahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). He (sal’Allahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was one whose heart was most devoid of the world and most attached to Allah and the Abode of the Hereafter, this despite his outwardly interacting with the creation, fulfilling the duties of Prophethood, and implementing the politics of religion and world.

This was the state of the Khulafa who came after him and those who followed them in goodness such as al-Hasan and ‘Umar ibn ‘Abdul-‘Aziz. There were, in their times, those who fasted more than them and prayed more than them, but their hearts had not attained the levels of theirs in terms of leaving the world and turning to the Hereafter, and settling there.

Posted from the Book “The Journey to Allah” Ibn Rajab Al-Hanbali
Dar us Sunnah Publishers

Sleeping during the day best and worst times – Al-Adab Al-Mufrad

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Khawât b. Jubayr – Alläh be pleased with him – said:

Sleeping in the first part of the day is ignorance, and in the middle of the day [good] character, and in the last part of the day stupidity.

Al-Bukhârî, Al-Adab Al-Mufrad. Shaykh Al-Albânî graded its chain of transmission sahîh. See Sahîh Al-Adab Al-Mufrad hadith #947.

How to deal with the Teenage Phase ? – Permanent Committee

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Q: How did the Prophet (peace be upon him) deal with the teenage phase of Muslim youth, in order to help them go through this stage?

A: The Prophet (peace be upon him) paid great attention to Muslim youth, and gave them and their parents special guidance and directives.

He gave the parents these instructions:

Command your children to pray when they become seven years old, and beat them for (neglecting) it when they become ten years old; and arrange their beds (to sleep) separately. Reported by Ahmad and Abu Dawud.

He (peace be upon him) addressed the youth by saying: ‘O young people! Whoever among you is able to marry, should marry, for marriage helps him lower his gaze and keep his virtuousness, and whoever is not able to marry, is recommended to observe Sawm (fast), for Sawm diminishes his sexual desire. (Agreed upon by Imams Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

May Allah grant us success! May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet, his family and Companions!

Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’
Fatwas of the Permanent Committee>Group 1>Volume 26: Miscellaneous Fatwas 3>Avoiding the means of temptation>Adolescence

Deviation is in Leaving the Sunnah – Sayings of the Salaf

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Abû Bakr Al-Siddîq – Allâh be pleased with him – said:

I will not leave anything Allâh’s Messenger – Allâh’s peace and blessings be upon him – did, except that I will also do it; for I fear that if I were to leave any of his commands and ways I would deviate.

Al-Bukhârî, Al-Sahîh 2:386 hadîth no. 3093; Ibn Battah, Al-Ibânah article 77, and others.

Notes

After recording this narration, Ibn Battah states:

This, my brothers, is the greatest Siddîq (true believer i.e. Abû Bakr), fearing that he would fall into deviation if he were to leave any of the commandments of his Prophet – Allâh’s peace and blessings be upon him. What then is to happen in a time in which people deride their Prophet and his commandments, and compete with each other and show off in contradicting him and mock his Sunnah? We ask Allâh to protect us from slipping and to save us from evil deeds.

Posted from : http://www.sayingsofthesalaf.net/deviation-is-in-leaving-the-sunnah

This world is more insignificant in the eye of Allah as dead lamb – Sahih Muslim

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Sahih Muslim :Book 042, Number 705

Jabir b. Abdullah reported that Allah’s Apostle (Sallalaahu Alaihi wa Sallam) happened to walk through the bazar coming from the side of ‘Aliya and the people were on both his sides.

There he found a dead lamb with very short ears. He took hold of his ear and said:

Who amongst you would like to have this for a dirham?

They said: We do not like to have it even for less than that as it is of no use to us.

He said: Do you wish to have it (free of any cost)?

They said: By Allah, even if it were alive (we would not have liked to possess that), for there is detect in it as its ear is very short; now it is dead also.

Thereupon Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: By Allah, this world is more insignificant in the eye of Allah as it (this dead lamb) is in your eye.

Source: Sahih Muslim —The Book Pertaining to Piety and Softening of Hearts (Kitab Al-Zuhd wa Al-Raqa’iq)

Do not Run Away from Qur’aan – Shaik Ibn Baaz

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Source : Everyday Issues , Al-Istiqaamah Issue No.7 – Rabî’ ul-Awwal 1418H / July 1997

Fatwa from Shaik Ibn Baaz

[Q]: What is your advice – O Shaykh – for those who go without reading the Qur’aan for a month, or even many months, and who have no excuse for such behaviors? However, you will find some of them reading those magazines that contain no benefit for them, and following them up closely!

[A]: “It is recommended for every Believing man and woman to recite the Book of Allaah often, with due contemplation and understanding. This may be done by using a copy of the Qur’aan or from one’s memory. Allaah – the Most High – said: “This is a Book which We have sent down to you, full of blessings, that you may ponder over its Verses, and that men of understanding may remember.” [Soorah Saad 38:29].And: “Indeed those who recite the Book of Allaah and offer the Prayer perfectly and spend in charity out of what We have provided for them – secretly and openly – hope for a sure trade-gain that will never perish. That He may pay them their wages in full and give them even more out of His Grace. Indeed, He is Oft-Forgiving, ready to appreciate good deeds.” [Soorah Faatir 35:29-30].

The aforementioned recitation of the Qur’aan includes both reciting and acting upon it. The recitation is to be done with contemplation and understanding of it. Sincerity to Allaah is a means of complying with and acting upon the Qur’aan, and its recitation contains a great reward – as the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Recite the Qur’aan. For on the Day of Resurrection, it shall come as an intercessor for its companion.” This was recorded by Muslim in his Saheeh (no.804). The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam also said: “The best of you is he who learns the Qur’aan and teaches it.” This was Recorded by al-Bukhaaree in his Saheeh (3/66). Another narration states: “Whosoever reads one harf (letter) of the Qur’aan shall receive a good deed and ten good deeds similar to it. I do not say that Alif Laam Meem is a harf but Alif is a harf and Laam is a harf and Meem is a harf.”12 The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said to ‘Abdullaah ibn “Amr ibn al-‘Aas: “Complete the recitation of the Qur’aan once a month.” He said: I am able to do more than that. So he said: “Then complete its recital once in seven days.”13 The Companions used to complete the entire Qur’aan once every seven days.

So I advise all the readers of the Qur’aan to increase in their reading of it, with contemplation and understanding it, along with sincerity to Allaah in this – with the purpose of learning and benefiting from the Qur’aan. They should read the entire Qur’aan once a month. If, however, they are able to do more than this without any difficulty, then they should complete it in less than this time. However, it is best not to complete it in less than three days, since this is the least amount of time that the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam mentioned to ‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Amr ibn al-‘Aas. This is because if it is read in less than three days, the person becomes hasty and lacks thought and concentration …”14

12. Saheeh: Recorded by at-Tirmidhee (no.2912), who authenticated it, from the hadeeth of ‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’ood radiallaahu ‘anhu.
13. Recorded by al-Bukhaaree (no.5054).
14. Fataawaa al-Mar’ah (no.294)

Mahr (Dowry) should be a small amount and that people should not compete – Imaam Ibn Baaz

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[Q]: I and many others have observed that many people are very excessive when it comes to the matter of the mahr (wedding dowry that is paid to the bride), and that they seek great amounts of mahr when it comes to the marriage of their daughters, and they stipulate as a condition the giving of other gifts to them, along with the mahr. This wealth that people demand in such cases, is it halaal (lawful) or haraam (unlawful)?

[A]: What is prescribed in the Sharee’ah is that the mahr should be a small amount and that people should not compete with each other in this regard, acting in accordance with the many ahaadeeth which are related about this. They should also help facilitate marriages and be keen in preserving the modesty and decency of the young Muslim men and women. And it is not permissible for the awliyaa (guardians of the brides-to-be) to demand and stipulate gifts for themselves, since they have no right at all in this matter. Rather the right belongs to the woman, and in some particular cases to the father. He may stipulate a condition as long as it does not harm the daughter, nor lead to the delaying of the marriage. However, if the father forgoes such a right then this is better and more preferable. Allaah – the One free from all defects – says: “And marry those amongst you who are single and also marry the pious of your male and female slaves. If they be poor, Allaah will enrich them out of His Bounty.” [Soorah an-Noor 24:32].

In the hadeeth of ‘Uqbah ibn ‘Aamir radiallaahu ‘anhu, the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “The best dowry is that which is easy.” This was narrated by Abu Daawood and al-Haakim who authenticated it. And once a woman offered herself to the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam for marriage. However, one of his Companions desired to marry her, so the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said [regarding the mahr]: “Bring something, even if it be an iron ring.” So when he could not find even this, the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam married them for the dowry that the man would teach whatever of the Qur’aan he knew to her. 2

And the dowry of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam’s wives was five-hundred dirhams, which is equivalent to one-hundred and thirty riyaals today. And his daughters were married for the mahr of four-hundred dinaars, which is equivalent to one-hundred riyaals today. Allaah – the Most High – said: “Indeed in the Messenger of Allaah you have a most beautiful example to follow.” [Soorah al-Ahzaab 33:21].

So whenever the difficulties relating to marriage are lightened, then preserving the modesty and decency of young men and women becomes easier, shameful and evil deeds decrease, and the Ummah – as a result – will increase in number. However if this matter is made difficult, and people continue competing with each other with regards to the mahr (dowry), then the number of marriages will decrease, fornication will become more widespread and more young men and women will remain unmarried – except those whom Allaah saves.

So my sincere advice to all the Muslims, wherever they may be, is to facilitate the marriage process and to cooperate in this and make it easy. They should turn away from demanding excessive mahr and avoid unnecessary hardships and difficulties in the waleemah (wedding-feast). Rather, they should content themselves with a waleemah that is according to the Sharee’ah, in which the burdens and difficulties for the husband and wife are minimal. May Allaah improve and rectify all the affairs of the Muslims and may He give them the guidance and ability to cling to the Sunnah (Prophetic guidance) in all matters. 3

2. Related by Abu Daawood in his Sunan.
3. Al-Fataawa (1/168-169).

Source : Concerning Everyday Issues published Al-Istiqaamah

Is clinging to the religion a cause of affliction? – Imam Ibn Baaz

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Source : Al-Istiqaamah Issue No.7 – Rabî’ ul-Awwal 1418H / July 1997 – Everyday Issues

[Q]: There was a person in our city who was very firm in practicing the Religion, and was later afflicted with an illness. Some of the people started saying to him that the cause of him being afflicted with this illness is because of his adhering to the Religion. Being affected with this type of talk, the person then shaved off his beard and he neglected his Prayers. So is it permissible to say that the cause of his affliction was due to him clinging to the commandments of the Religion? And the one who says such a thing, is he considered a kaafir (disbeliever) because of such a saying?

[A]: ”Clinging on to the Religion is not a cause for his illness. Rather, it is a cause for every good, both in this life and in the Hereafter. And it is not permissible for any Muslim, that when some foolish and ignorant people utter words such as this, to give them any weight. Nor is it permissible to shave one’s beard or shorten it, or to neglect guarding the five obligatory Prayers in congregation. Rather, it is obligatory for such a person to remain steadfast upon the truth, and to keep away from all that Allaah has prohibited, and to beware of all that which angers Allaah and incurs His punishment – by obeying Allaah and His Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, Allaah – the One free from all defects said: “Whosoever obeys Allaah and His Messenger will be admitted into Gardens of Paradise, beneath which rivers flow, to dwell therein forever. That will be the greatest achievement. But whosoever disobeys Allaah and His Messenger and oversteps His limits, Allaah will cast him in the Fire, to abide therein; and he shall have a humiliating punishment.” [Soorah an-Nisaa 4:13-14]. And Allaah – the Mighty and Majestic – said: “Whosoever has taqwaa (piety, fear and obedience) of Allaah, He will make a way out for him. And He will provide for him from places he could never imagine.” [Soorah at-Talaaq 65:2-3]. And He – the Most Perfect – said: “Whosoever has taqwaa of Allaah, He will make his affair easy for him,” [Soorah at-Talaaq 65:4]. And the verses with this meaning are plentiful.

As for the person who says that the cause for such affliction is due to being firm and steadfast upon the Religion – then such a person is ignorant. It is obligatory to censure such a person and to know that clinging to the Religion does not bring about anything except good. As for what occurs to a Muslim by way of a calamity that he dislikes, then this is a form of expiating his evil actions and a forgiveness for his sins. As regards to the issue of takfeer (declaring a Muslim to be a kaafir, a disbeliever) upon this person, then this requires detail, and is known from the chapters concerning the judgement upon a murtad (apostate) – which can be found in the books of Islaamic jurisprudence and understanding. And with Allaah is the power and ability.”1

1. Al-Fataawaa (1/32-33).

Important principle of Permissibility & Prohibition

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The Principle of Permissibility

Source : Islamic Principles #1: The Principle of Permissibility , Al-Istiqaamah Issue No.5 – Ramadân 1417H / January 1997

“The principle regarding acts of worship is one of prohibition, except if the Sharee’ah (Divinely Prescribed Law) relates a prescription for it. And the principle regarding customary behaviour is permissibility, except when the Sharee’ah relates a prohibition for it.” (Al-aslu fil-‘ibaadat al-hadhru illaa ma waradah ‘anish-shar’ee tashree’ahu. Wal-aslu fil-‘aadaat al-ibaahah illaa ma waradah ‘anish-shar’ee tahreemahu).1

The above principle is an important principle that Islaam teaches. Thus, with regards to matters of ‘aadaat (day-to-day actions), such as eating, drinking and wearing clothes, then everything is allowed in this regard, except if there is a clear and authentic evidence restricting or prohibiting its allowance. However, when it comes to ‘ibaadaat (acts of worship), then the opposite is the true. Here, nothing can be established as an act of worship, except if there is a clear and authentic text to allow it. So the basic principle for ‘aadaat is ibaahah (permissibility), whereas the basic principle for ‘ibaadaat is tahreem (prohibition).

Shaykhul-lslaam Ibn Taymiyyah (d.728H)- rahimahullaah – said:

“Peoples’ sayings and actions are of two kinds: ‘ibaadaat (acts of worship) by which their Religion is established, and ‘aadaat (customary practices) which are required for day-to-day living. From the principles of the Sharee’ah (Divinely Prescribed Islaamic Law) we know that acts of worship are those acts which have been prescribed by Allaah or approved by Him; nothing is to be affirmed here, except through the Sharee’ah. However, as far as worldly activities of people are concerned, they are necessary for everyday life. Here the principle is freedom of action; nothing may be restricted in this regard except what Allaah – the Mort Perfect – has restricted. This is the case because commanding and prohibiting are both in Allaah’s Hands. As far as worship is concerned, there has to be a command from Him concerning it. Thus, when it requires a command from Allaah to establish something, how can we say that something is restricted without His command? This is why Ahmad bin Hanbal (d.241H) and other jurists who base their judgements upon ahaadeeth (Prophetic narrations) say: In relation to acts of worship, then the principle is tawqeef (limitation); that is to lay, nothing can be legislated in this regard except what Allaah legislates. To do otherwise is to incur the risk of being included in the meaning of the Aayah (verse):

“Do they have partners with Allaah who prescribe for them in the Religion that for which Allaah has not given any permission.” [Soorah ash-Shooraa 42:21].

However, as far as living habits are concerned, the principle here is freedom, because nothing can be restricted in this regard except what Allaah has prohibited. To do otherwise is to be included in the meaning of His saying:

“Say: Do you see what Allaah has sent down to you for sustenance? Yet you have made some part of it halaal (lawful) and some part haraam (prohibited).” [Soorah Yoonus 10:59].

This is a great and beneficial principle, on the basis of which we can say that buying, selling, leasing, giving gifts, and other such matters are necessary activities for people, as are eating, drinking and the wearing of clothes. Thus, if the Sharee’ah (Divinely Prescribed Islaamic Law) says something about these day-to-day matters, it is in order to teach good behaviour. Accordingly, it has prohibited whatever leads to corruption, has made obligatory that which is essential, has disapproved of that which is superfluous, and has approved of that which is beneficial. All this has been done with due consideration of the magnitude and properties of the various types of activities involved. Since this is the position of the Sharee’ah, people are free to buy, sell and to lease just as they wish, just as they are free to eat and drink what they like – as long as it is not haraam (unlawful). Even though some of these things may be disapproved, they are still free in this regard, since the Sharee’ah does not go to the extent of prohibiting them – and thus the original principle (of permissibility) remains.”2

1. Minhaajul-Qaasideen Mukhtasar fee Usoolil-Fiqh (p.27) of Shaykh ‘Abdur-Rahmaan as-Sa’dee.
2. Al-Qawaa’idun-Nooraaniyyah al-Fiqhiyyah (p.112-113)

1. Minhaajul-Qaasideen Mukhtasar fee Usoolil-Fiqh (p.27) of Shaykh ‘Abdur-Rahmaan as-Sa’dee.
2. Al-Qawaa’idun-Nooraaniyyah al-Fiqhiyyah (p.112-113)

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