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7- The most authentic books on “Aqidah
Q: Please guide me to the most authentic book on true Islamic Aqidah (creed)! May Allah grant you success!
A: The most authentic, noblest and greatest book dealing with the subject of Aqidah and other subjects is the Glorious Qur’an. It contains the most truthful speech. No falsehood can approach it from before or behind it. It is a revelation from Allah, the All-Wise, the Praiseworthy. I advise the inquirer and all Muslims to hold fast to the Qur’an and to give it due attention by reciting it often, reflecting on its meanings and trying hard to memorize as many chapters of it as possible. It is the Greatest Book which Allah has sent down to His servants so that they may memorize it, follow its teachings and act upon it. It contains plain truths and clear guidance.
Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) states, «Verily, this Qur’an guides to that which is most just and right»
He (Glorified be He) also says,« it is an honourable well-fortified respected Book (because it is Allah’s Speech, and He has protected it from corruption)» «Falsehood cannot come to it from before it or behind it: (it is) sent down by the All-Wise, Worthy of all praise (Allah azza wa jal)». and: «And We have sent down to you the Book (the Qur’an) as an exposition of everything, a guidance, a mercy, and glad tidings for those who have submitted themselves (to Allah as Muslims).»
I thus advise the inquirer to care for this Great Book, recite it frequently, ponder over its meanings, study it together with colleaques and fellows, and refer to reliable books of Tafsir (exegesis of the meanings of the Qur’an), such as the book entitled “Adwa’ Al-Bayan” for Al-Baghawy, Tafsir Ibn Kathir (may Allah be merciful to them all), and the like. They may also refer to commentaries of other Mufassirs (exegetes of the Qur’an) who clarified the meanings of the Ayahs of the Qur’an, citing related Hadiths of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him).
I advise you my fellow brother to study the Book of Allah and to pay due concern to the Sunnah (whatever reported from the Prophet) of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), which contains guidance and light. You may refer to such books as Sahih Al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim and the remaining four collections of Hadith (Abu Dawud, Al-Tirmidhi, Al-Nasa’i, and Ibn Majah).
There are also many other books which explain the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him), including the Muwatta’ of Imam Malik (may Allah be merciful to him), the Sunan of Al-Darimi (may Allah be merciful to him), the Sahih of Ibn Khuzaymah, the Sahih of Ibn Hibban, Al-Hakim and other books which are very beneficial.
If you have some knowledge of Hadith, you will be able to differentiate between authentic and false Hadiths cited in the books referred to above. The Two Sahih (authentic) Books of Hadith (i.e. Al-Bukhari and Muslim) are an exception to this. The Muslim Ummah (community) has unanimously agreed on the authenticity of all the Hadiths compiled in them.
You are also advised to follow in the footsteps of the righteous scholars of Hadith. The Two Sahih Books of Hadith have gained the credibility of AhI-ul- Sunnah wal-Jama ‘ah (adherents to the Sunnah and the Muslim mainstream). The Muslim Ummah has also acknowledged them as authentic. Therefore, you must adhere to them tenaciously. You must also hold fast to the Book of Allah, the remaining four books of Sunan and the books we just mentioned. Scholars of Hadith have pointed out weak Hadiths and have given reasons for their weakness.
As for books on the topic of “Aqidah, they are many. One of the best books in this regard is the “Kitab Al-Tawhid” by Ibn Khuzaymah, “Kitab Al-Sunnah” by *Abdullah Ibn Ahmad Ibn Hanbal, “Minhaj Al-Sunnah”, by Shaykh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, which refutes the claims of the Mutazilites, and “Zad Al-Ma‘ad” by Ibn Al-Qayyim, knowing that the latter is very good reference in the field of “Aqidah and rulings of Shariah (Islamic Law). Other books include “Ijtima Al-Juyush Al-Islamiyyah” by Ibn Al-Qayyim which refutes the claims of innovators in religious matters, “Al-Sawa ‘iq Al-Mursalah” by Ibn Al-Qayyim, which also involves refutation of the claims of innovators in religious matters, and “Al- Aqidah Al-Wasitiyyah” by Shaykh-ul-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah. This is a concise book which involves great benefit to Muslims. It is in line with the guidance of Ahl-ul-Sunnah wal-Jama ‘ah, and Shaykh- ul-Islam advised all Muslims, particularly seekers of knowledge, to memorize it, as it contains clear illustration of the doctrine of Ahl-ul-Sunnah wal-Jama ‘ah. Shaykh-ul-Islam also authored a book entitled “Al-Risalah Al-Hamawiyyah” which answers questions posed by the people of Hamah concerning proper understanding of Allah’s Names and Attributes, and other questions related to Aqidah. Upon visiting the people of Tadmur, he also wrote an epistle which he entiteled “Al-Risalah Al-Tadmuriyyah”. It is a great piece which clarifies sound Aqidah. There is also a book entitled “Al- Aqidah Al-Tahawiyyah” by Imam Al- Izz. It is wonderfully written. There is also another book called “Kitab Al-Tawhid” written by Shaykh-ul-Islam Muhammad Ibn Abdul-Wahhab (may Allah be merciful to him), which is a valuable book. He also wrote “At-Thatlathat Al-Usul”. He also wrote a short treatise on Aqidah. Another book called “Fat-h Al-Majid Sharh Kitab Al-Tawhid” was written by his grandson Shaykh ‘Abdul-Rahman Ibn Hasan Ibn Al-Shaykh Muhammad Ibn Abdul-Wahhab. It is a great and useful book. The book was annotated by Shaykh Sulayman Ibn ‘Abdullah Ibn Muhammad Ibn ‘Abdul-Wahhab. He titled it “Taysir Al- Aziz Al-Hamid li-Sharh Kitab Al-Tawhid“. It is also a great and useful book.
I advise all Muslims to refer to and benefit from these and other beneficial books on the subject of Aqidah. I again stress the fact that the Qur’an is the greatest, noblest and most truthful of all books. It is the greatest remedy for those who seek healing for their souls. The Salaf (righteous predecessors) did not have any other book except the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). The Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet) and the Tabi‘un (Followers, the generation after the Companions of the Prophet) had only the Glorious Qur’an and the Hadiths of the Prophet (peace be upon him), and they were sufficient for them. They contain every type of guidance. However, there is nothing wrong in referring to the books of well known and reliable scholars as has been mentioned.
There is no harm in making use of their writings, benefiting from them or calling other people to benefit from them. Some people may not trust their own understanding of the Qur’an and Sunnah, and when they refer to books written by reliable scholars and such references happen to be in conformity with their understanding, their knowledge is further enhanced and their hearts are set at ease. Allah alone grants success.
(Part No. 1; Page No. 26- 29)
Source: English Translations of Collection of “Noor ala Al-Darb” Programs, Volume 1. By: Sheikh `Abdul `Aziz Bin `Abdullah ibn `AbdulRahman ibn Bazz (May Allah forgive and reward al-Firdouse to him and his parents). He was The Mufti of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Chairman of the Council of Senior Scholars, and Chairman of Department of Scholarly Research and Ifta’.
This English Translations are collected from alifta.com , Portal of the General Presidency
Books Recommended by Scholars
Say: “If the sea were ink for the Words of my Lord, surely, the sea would be exhausted before the Words of my Lord would be finished, even if We brought like it for its aid.” [Surah Kahf 18:109]
[Tafseer Ibn Kathir]
Allah says: `Say, O Muhammad, if the water of the sea were ink for a pen to write down the words, wisdom and signs of Allah, the sea would run dry before it all could be written down.
(even if We brought like it) means, another sea, then another, and so on, additional seas to be used for writing. The Words of Allah would still never run out. As Allah says:
(And if all the trees on the earth were pens and the sea (were ink), with seven seas behind it to increase it, yet the Words of Allah would not be exhausted. Verily, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise.) (31:27)
Ar-Rabi` bin Anas said, “The parable of the knowledge of all of mankind, in comparison to the knowledge of Allah, is that of a drop of water in comparison to all of the oceans.”
Allah revealed that:
(Say: “If the sea were ink for the Words of my Lord, surely, the sea would be exhausted before the Words of my Lord would be finished,)
Allah says that even if those oceans were ink for the Words of Allah, and all the trees were pens, the pens would be broken and the water of the sea would run dry, and the Words of Allah would remain, for nothing can outlast them. For no one can comprehend the greatness of Allah or praise Him as He deserves to be praised, except the One Who praises Himself. Our Lord is as He says He is and He is beyond what we can say. The blessings of this world, the beginning and end of it, in comparison to the blessings of the Hereafter, are like a mustard seed compared to the entire world.
Source: Taken from Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Darussalam English Publication
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The People Of The Book Turned Away From Their Covenant With Allaah [1]
[[Meaning: And remember when Allaah took a covenant from those who were given the Scripture to make it clear to the people, and not hide it; but they cast it behind their backs, and they purchased thereby some paltry gain. So evil is that which they purchased.]] [Soorah Aali `Imraan (3): 187]
Shaikh `Abdur-Rahmaan ibn Naasir as-Sa’dee- rahimahullaah-said in his Tafseer of the Aayah:
“The Covenant (al-Meethaaq) is the weighty, emphatic covenant; and Allaah-the Most High-took this Covenant from everyone to whom He gave the Book, and whom He taught knowledge to; that they should clarify to the people whatever they are in need of from that which Allaah taught him, and that they should not hide that, nor be miserly with them regarding it – particularly if they ask him about it, or when something occurs which necessitates that. So in such a situation it is obligatory upon everyone who possesses knowledge that he clearly explains it to the people, and clarifies the truth from falsehood. So as for those guided to correctness by Allaah, then they carry this out in the most complete manner, and they teach the people that which Allaah has taught them, seeking the Pleasure of their Lord, and out of compassion for the creation, and from fear of the sin of hiding the truth.
As for those who were given the Scripture, from the Jews and the Christians and their like, then they cast this agreement and this covenant behind their backs. They took no notice of it. So they hid the truth and they put forth falsehood. They boldly violated the prohibitions laid down by Allaah; and they neglected the rights of Allaah and the rights of the creation. Through concealing the truth they purchased a paltry gain- which is what they acquire, if they acquire anything, from positions of authority and trivial wealth; from their lowly ones- from those who follow their desires, and who give precedence to their desires over the truth.
[[Meaning: So evil is that which they bought]]:
since it is the most wretched exchange. They turned away from clarifying the truth, which is something which brings about eternal bliss, and religious and worldly benefits – the most tremendous and exalted goals. So they only chose that which is lowly and despicable over that which is lofty and precious because of their wretchedness and degradation, and because they are not fitting for anything other than that which they were created for.”
[1] Taken from “Tayseerul-Kareemir-Rahmaan fee tafseer Kalaamil-Mannaan” of Shaikh AbdurRahmaan ibn Naasir as-Sa’dee.
[Translated by Aboo Talhah Daawood ibn Ronald Burbank -rahimahullaah]
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Sharh-ul-Usool-ith-Thalaathah : Lesson 15 Part B
Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzan | Dawud Burbank [Audio|English]
The Fourth Treatise: The Three Fundamental Principles Which it is Obligatory to Have Knowledge of.
The First Fundamental Principle: Knowledge and Awareness of Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic
Imaam Muhammad ibn ‘Abdil-Wahhaab (rahimahullaah) said:
So if it is said to you, “What are the three fundamental principles which must be known?”, then say, “The servant’s knowledge of his Lord, and his Religion, and his Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam. 1
[1]: Shaykh Fawzan’s Explanation:
His saying, “al-Usool (fundamental principles)”, this is the plural of asl which is that which something else is built upon. And the word far’ (branch or detail) is that which is built upon something else. Therefore these (matters) are called usool because other matters from the religion are built upon them. Therefore they are called usool because the matter of the religion is built upon them. And the whole of the religion pivots upon these three fundamentals.
His saying, معرِفةُ العبدِ رَبَّهُ “The servant’s knowledge of his Lord”: Rabbahu (his Lord) is in the accusative case because it is the object of ma’rifah (knowledge) because the verbal noun ma’rifah (knowledge) is attached to the active particle ‘abd (servant). And the verbal noun, if attached to something, acts in the manner of its verb according to the scholars of the Arabic grammar. So the verbal noun here is attached and acts in the manner of the verb.
His saying, “And his Religion and his Prophet”: This is joined – meaning: to the mansoob (accusative). These are the fundamentals of the religion in general, and their details will follow in the speech of the Shaykh rahimahullaah if Allaah wishes.
Why are these three fundamental principles specifically mentioned? Because they are the foundations of the religion of Islaam and because they are the matters about which the servant will be asked when he is placed in his grave. (This is) because the servant when he is placed in his grave and earth has been laid over him and the people have departed from him returning to their families, then two angels will come to him in the grave and his soul will be returned to his body and he will be given the life of the barzakh (transitional period between this life and the Hereafter); it is not a life like the life of this world. It is a life which Allaah knows best about. So they will make him sit up in his grave and they will say to him, “Who is your Lord and what is your religion and who is your prophet?”
So the believer will say, “My Lord is Allaah and my religion is Islaam and Muhammad sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam is my prophet.” So it will be said to him, “How did you know that?” So he will say, “I read the Book of Allaah so I understood it and I knew.” So then a caller will call out, “My servant has spoken the Truth.” So they will lay out for him a bed from Paradise and there will open for him a door to Paradise and his grave will be extended for him as far as the eye can see and the fragrance of Paradise and its gentle breeze will come upon him. So he will look to his living place in Paradise and he will say, “O my Lord, establish the Hour so that I can return to my family and my wealth.”
As for the doubter who lived upon misgivings and doubt and lack of certainty even if he claimed to be upon Islaam, if he had doubts and misgivings about the Religion of Allaah like the munaafiq (hypocrite) he will stutter. So when they say to him, “Who is your Lord?” He will say, “I don’t know.” And when they say, “What is your Religion?” He will say, “I don’t know.” And when it is said: “Who is your Prophet?” He will say, “I don’t know. Haah, haah, I don’t know, I heard the people saying something so I said it.[1]
[1] Reported by al Bukhaaree in abridged from the hadeeth of Anas (1338) and Muslim (2870).
Meaning: that in the dunyaa (world) he would just say whatever the people said, without having eemaan – and Allaah’s refuge is sought. This hypocrite who outwardly displayed Islaam, whilst he did not believe it in his heart; rather he outwardly showed it to gain worldly benefits, so he said in the world, “My Lord is Allaah”, but he did not truly believe it; his heart denied it, and Allaah’s refuge is sought. He used to say, “My religion is Islaam”, but he did not have eemaan in Islaam; his heart denied it! He used to say, “My prophet is Muhammad sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam”, but he did not truly believe in the messengership of Muhammad in his heart! Rather he said it upon his tongue only – this is the munaafiq (hypocrite). So it will be said to him: “You did not know and you did not read!” So he will be struck with an iron sledgehammer which will cause him to scream in such a manner that if men and jinn were to hear it, they would drop down dead. It will be heard by everything except for mankind; if he were to hear it he would drop down dead – meaning, he would die from terror. He will be crushed in his grave until his ribs cross over and a gate to the Fire will be opened for him and its fierce and poisonous wind will come upon him and its heat. And he will say, “O my Lord, do not establish the Hour!” This will be his life and his condition in the grave – and Allaah’s refuge is sought – because he did not give the correct answer.
And therefore a caller will call out, “My servant has lied”. So they will lay out for him a bed from the Fire and they will open for him a door to the Fire – and Allaah’s refuge is sought. So since these matters are this important it is obligatory upon us to learn them and to hold them as our creed and belief. And it is not sufficient just to learn them alone; rather we learn them and we hold them as our creed, and we have eemaan in them and we act upon them for as long as we live, hoping that Allaah makes us firm at the questioning in the grave. Allaah, the Most High, says:
Allaah makes firm those who truly believe with the firm saying in the life of this world and in the Hereafter. And Allaah misguides the disbelieving wrongdoers. And Allaah does whatever He wishes. [14:27]
So these three fundamental principles have tremendous importance, and therefore the Shaykh focused upon them in this treatise and he clarified them so that we should study them and carefully examine them and so that we should hold them as our creed and belief and act upon them hoping that Allaah should make us and you firm with the firm saying in the life of this world and in the Hereafter.
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Sharh-ul-Usool-ith-Thalaathah. Explanation of the Three Fundamental Principles of Imaam Muhammad ibn ‘Abdil-Wahhaab by Shaykh Saalih ibn Fowzaan al-Fowzaan hafizahullaah. Translated by Daawood Burbank, rahimahullaah
Posted with kind permission from Dawud Burbank rahimahullaah
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Listen to the Full Audio Series:
Sharh Usool-ith-Thalaathah – Shaykh Fawzan | Dawud Burbank
Book Study Resources – Three Fundamental Principles
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Sharh-ul-Usool-ith-Thalaathah : Lesson 06 – Part A
Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzan | Dawud Burbank [Audio|English]
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Imaam Muhammad ibn ‘Abdil-Wahhaab (rahimahullaah) said:
And al-Bukhaaree rahimahullaahuta‘aalaa said: “Chapter: Knowledge comes before speech and action; and the proof is:
Then know that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah and seek forgiveness for your sin and for the believers. [47:19]
So He began with knowledge”, before speech and action.13
[13]: Shaykh Salih Al-Fawzan’s Explanation:
Al-Bukhaaree: he was the Imaam Muhammad ibn Ismaa‘eel ibn Ibraaheem al-Bukhaaree. Al-Bukhaaree is an ascription to Bukhaaraa, a town in the East. He was the Imaam of the people of Hadeeth, and a mountain of memorization, may Allaah have mercy upon him, he was the compiler of the Saheeh, which is the most authentic of books after the Book of Allaah.
His saying, “Knowledge comes before speech and action”: because action will not benefit unless it is built upon knowledge. As for action which is built upon ignorance, then it will not benefit the person rather it will be an affliction and misguidance for him on the Day of Resurrection, so precedence must be given to learning knowledge before action.
His saying, “And the proof”: meaning for this heading is His saying, He the Most High:
Then know that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah and seek forgiveness for your sin [47:19]
Since He began with knowledge, and His saying, He the Most High:
And seek forgiveness … [47:19]
This is action. So He the Perfect began with knowledge before action, because action if it is built upon ignorance then it will not benefit the person, so a person should begin with knowledge first and then act upon what he has learnt, this is the foundation.
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Sharh-ul-Usool-ith-Thalaathah. Explanation of the Three Fundamental Principles of Imaam Muhammad ibn ‘Abdil-Wahhaab by Shaykh Saalih ibn Fowzaan al-Fowzaan hafizahullaah. Translated by Daawood Burbank, rahimahullaah
Posted with kind permission from Dawud Burbank rahimahullaah
—
Listen to the Full Audio Series:
Sharh Usool-ith-Thalaathah – Shaykh Fawzan | Dawud Burbank
Book Study Resources – Three Fundamental Principles
Related Links:
Sharh-ul-Usool-ith-Thalaathah : Lesson 04 – Part B & Lesson 05
Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzan | Dawud Burbank [Audio|English]
—
Imaam Muhammad ibn ‘Abdil-Wahhaab (rahimahullaah) said:
And the Proof is He the Most High’s saying:
By Time. Mankind is certainly in loss. Except for those who have eemaan (those who truly believe) and perform righteous deeds, and enjoin one another with the truth and enjoin one another with patience. [103:1-3]11
[11]:
It is obligatory that you learn these four matters in detail – is there any proof for what the Shaikh has said? That it is obligatory upon us to learn these four matters, and he has promised us that he will not say anything except with a proof, so where is the proof? The proof upon that is His saying, He the Most High,
Bismillaahirrahmaanirraheem
By Time. Mankind is certainly in loss. Except for those who have eemaan (those who truly believe) and perform righteous deeds, and enjoin one another with the truth and enjoin one another with patience. [103:1-3]
“Except for those who have eemaan”, this is the first matter: knowledge, because eemaan cannot be except through knowledge, which is awareness of Allaah the Mighty and Majestic, awareness of His Prophet and awareness of the religion of Islaam with the proofs.
The second matter: “And they perform the righteous deeds”, this is action upon the knowledge.
The third matter: “And they enjoin each other with the truth”, this is calling to the knowledge and action.
The fourth matter: “And they enjoin each other with patience”, upon harm in the path of calling to knowledge and action.
So His saying, He the One free of all imperfections:
By Time. [103:1]
The, “Waw”, is the waw-ul-qasm (the ‘waw’ of an oath). And Al-‘Asr is a noun upon which an oath is sworn and it is majroor, and the sign that it is majroor is that it has a kasrah upon it. And what is meant is Time and a time period.
Allaah, the Most High, swears by a time period and by Time, and it is something created. And Allaah, the Majestic and Most High, swears by whatever He wishes from the creation, but the creation may not swear an oath except by Allaah. And Allaah does not swear an oath except by something which has importance, and which contains a Sign from His Signs, He the Perfect and Most High. So this Time, contains a lesson and has importance, and therefore Allaah swore an oath by Time, and He swore by the night when it covers, and He swore an oath by the daytime brightness.
But as for the creation, then he may not swear an oath except by Allaah. And it is not permissible for us to swear an oath by other than Allaah. He sallallaahu’ alaihi wa sallam said:
“Whoever swears an oath by other than Allaah, then he has committed unbelief or he has committed shirk.”[1]
And he said:
“Whoever is going to swear an oath, then let him swear by Allaah or let him keep silent.”[2]
So Allaah swears by whatever he wishes and he does not swear except by something which has importance and which contains a lesson, so what is the lesson here in this Time? The lessons are tremendous, the succession of the night and the day, and how they interchange and take from each other, this one taking from that one, and that one taking from this one, and they succeed each other in this amazing ordered manner which does not vary or alter.
This is a proof for the Ability of Allaah the Perfect and Most High. And then, whatever occurs within this Time from events and catastrophies and calamities and from favours and blessings and good things, and whatever occurs within this Time, this is from the lessons. And likewise because night and day are an arena for righteous action to be performed in. He the Most High said:
And He (Allaah) is the One who made the night and the day to follow each other in succession …
Meaning they follow each other in succession, this one follows on from this one.
… for whoever wants to be reminded of Allaah or whoever wants to give thanks for Allaah’s favours. [25:62]
And in some of the recitations of this aayah, it occurs:
… for the one who wants to remember Allaah … [25:62]
So the night and the day are a tremendous bounty to be earned for a person who utilizes them in obedience to Allaah the Mighty and Majestic, and the arena for action is the night and the day, you have nothing else besides the night and the day, they are the arena for action and for good and pure earning for this world and the hereafter. So in the night and the day there are lessons and there are benefits, so therefore Allaah swore an oath by Time.
What is this oath sworn upon? It is His saying:
Mankind is certainly in loss. [103:2]
It (Mankind) means all of the descendants of Aadam, He did not exclude anyone, neither the kings nor the leaders, nor the rich people nor the poor people, nor the free people nor the slaves, nor the males nor the females. So, “Al-”, in, “Al-Insaan”, is for istighraaq – to make the word all-inclusive. All of the descendants of Aadam are in loss, meaning they will be in loss and destruction if they waste this precious Time, and they utilize it in disobedience to Allaah and in doing that which will harm them.
And this Time which is very cheap with many people, time seems prolonged for them, they become weary and bored, and they say, “We want to kill some time”. So they bring amusements, or they travel abroad to spend a holiday and just to spend some time somewhere, or they laugh and joke to use up time. So those people, they use it up and waste it – then it will be loss and regret upon them on the Day of Resurrection. And it could be the source of their true happiness, if only they took care of it.
So all of the descendants of Aadam are in loss and destruction, except for those who have the four qualities which are: knowledge and action and calling to Allaah and having patience upon any harm which the person meets. So whoever has these four qualities will be saved from this loss.
And having eemaan in Allaah is not possible except through having knowledge, which is knowledge and awareness of Allaah.
And they perform the righteous and correct deeds [103:3]
Meaning they perform the righteous deeds from the obligatory duties and the recommended duties. So they utilize their time in performing the righteous deeds in that which will benefit them in their religion and in their worldly life, for even worldly action contains good and can contain reward if it is done with the intention of using it as an aid upon obedience. So how about action for the hereafter. So what is important is that you do not waste the time, rather you use it in something which will be to your advantage and benefit you.
And they enjoin each other with the truth [103:3]
They command the good and they forbid the evil and they call to Allaah the Mighty and Majestic and they teach beneficial knowledge and they propagate knowledge and good amongst the people. They become callers to Allaah the Mighty and Majestic.
And they enjoin each other with having patience. [103:3]
They have patience upon whatever strikes them. As–Sabr in the language means restraining, and what is meant by it here is restraining oneself upon obedience to Allaah. And it is of three types:
So the first: patience upon obedience to Allaah, because the person’s soul desires laziness and desires relaxation, so therefore a person must force it to have patience upon obedience and upon the prayer and upon fasting and upon jihaad in Allaah’s cause even though it may dislike these matters, he should cause it to have patience and he should restrain it on obedience to Allaah.
And the second: patience in keeping away from those things Allaah has made forbidden. The soul desires forbidden things and desires. It inclines towards them and is attracted to them, so therefore the person must bind it and restrain it away from the forbidden things, and this requires patience, and it is not easy to prevent the soul from desires and forbidden things. Whoever does not have patience, then his soul will overcome him and incline towards forbidden things.
The third is: having patience with the painful things which Allaah has decreed, the calamities which strike a person, from the death of a close relative or loss of wealth or illness which befalls a person, he must have patience upon the pre-ordainment and pre-decree of Allaah and he should not become vexed and he should not become angry, rather he should restrain the tongue from wailing and forbidden lamenting and from displaying anger and he should withhold himself from vexation and he should withhold his limbs from striking the cheeks and from tearing the front-opening of the garments. This is patience upon calamities.
As for faults, then he should not have patience upon them, rather he should repent to Allaah and flee away from them. However, with regard to calamities which are not something which you yourself have done, rather they are from Allaah the Mighty and Majestic, He has decreed that they will occur to you as a test and a trial or as a punishment for you for sins which you have committed just as there occurs in His saying the Most High:
And whatever calamity strikes you then it is on account of the sins which your hands have committed and Allaah pardons and does not punish, a great deal. [42:30]
So if a calamity strikes the Muslim in his self or in his wealth or in his children or his close relative or one of his brothers from the Muslims, then it is upon him to have patience and to await reward. He, the Most High, said:
Those who, when a calamity strikes them they say, “Indeed we belong to Allaah and we will certainly be returning to Him”. Those people, upon them is praise from their Lord and mercy, and they are the ones who are guided. [2:156-157]
This is patience, and from that is having patience upon harm which comes in calling to Allaah the Mighty and Majestic, for that is from the calamities. So it is upon you to have patience upon whatever you meet from harm upon the path of good. And do not turn away from doing good, because some people wish to do good, however, if something which he dislikes faces him he then says, “It is not obligatory upon me to enter myself into these matters”. Then he abandons teaching if he is a teacher, he abandons calling to Allaah, he abandons giving the khutbah if he is a khateeb (one who gives the khutbah in a mosque), he abandons leading the prayer in the mosque, he abandons commanding the good and forbidding the evil – this person has not had patience upon the harm which came to him.
And if you are upon error, then it is upon you to turn back to the truth and to correctness, but if you are upon something true and you have not erred, then it is upon you to have patience and to await and expect reward and to be aware and to feel that this is in the cause of Allaah the Mighty and Majestic and that you will receive reward for it, and that you remember the harm which occurred to the Prophets ‘alaihimussalaatu wassalaam and how they had patience and how they strove and fought in Allaah’s cause, until Allaah the Mighty and Majestic gave them victory.
Imaam Muhammad ibn ‘Abdil-Wahhaab (rahimahullaah) said:
Ash-Shaafi‘ee rahimahullaah said: “If Allaah had not sent down any proof upon his creation except this soorah, then that would have sufficed for them.”12
[12]:
His saying, “Ash-Shaafi‘ee”: He is the Imaam Muhammad ibn Idrees Ash-Shaafi‘ee and Ash-Shaafi‘ee is an ascription to his great great grandfather who was called Shaafi‘, and he was from Quraish from Banul-Muttalib. He died in the year 204 H, and he was one of the four Imaams. And he said this saying, because Allaah has made clear in this soorah the reasons for wretchedness and the means for true happiness and success.
So the means for true happiness and success is that the person has these four characteristics: knowledge, and action, and calling, and having patience upon harm in the cause of Allaah the Most High. So Allaah’s proof is established upon His creation through this soorah. Allaah the Perfect says to them – I have made clear to you the means for true happiness in this short and brief soorah.
And the Qur’aan, all of it, and the Sunnah are details for these four matters. However, this soorah has made clear the means to true happiness and success in general terms, through it the proof has been established upon the creation, and the texts of the Qur’aan and the Sunnah give the details and clarify these four matters. And the speech of Ash-Shaafi‘ee does not mean that this soorah is sufficient for mankind, even if Allaah had not sent down anything else. But rather it has established the proof upon them, because Allaah has made clear in it the means to true happiness and the reasons for total wretchedness, so on the Day of Resurrection no-one can say, “I did not know the means to true happiness and I did not know the reasons leading to total wretchedness”, when he has read this brief and short soorah.
Footnotes
[1] Reported by Aboo Daawood and At-Tirmidhee from a hadeeth of Ibn ‘Umar radiyallaahu ‘anhumaa [Al-Albaanee – saheeh].
[2] Reported by al Bukhaaree as hadeeth 6108 and by Muslim as hadeeth 1646/3 as a hadeeth also of Ibn ‘Umar radiyallaahu ‘anhumaa.
—
Sharh-ul-Usool-ith-Thalaathah. Explanation of the Three Fundamental Principles of Imaam Muhammad ibn ‘Abdil-Wahhaab by Shaykh Saalih ibn Fowzaan al-Fowzaan hafizahullaah. Translated by Daawood Burbank, rahimahullaah
Posted with kind permission from Dawud Burbank rahimahullaah
—
Listen to the Full Audio Series:
Sharh Usool-ith-Thalaathah – Shaykh Fawzan | Dawud Burbank
Book Study Resources – Three Fundamental Principles
Related Links:
Sharh-ul-Usool-ith-Thalaathah : Lesson 04 – Part A
Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzan | Dawud Burbank [Audio|English]
—
Imaam Muhammad ibn ‘Abdil-Wahhaab (rahimahullaah) said:
The third is calling to it.9
[9]:
His saying, “Calling to it”: meaning, it is not sufficient that a person learns knowledge and acts himself and does not call to Allaah the Mighty and Majestic. Rather he must call and invite others so that he benefits himself and benefits others, and because this knowledge is something he is entrusted with, it is not your personal property which you can hoard away and withhold from the people, when the people are in need of it. So what is obligatory upon you is to convey it and to explain it and to call the people to good. This knowledge, which Allaah has given you the task of carrying, is not an endowment for your benefit alone, rather it is for you and for others besides you, so do not keep it to yourself and prevent the people from benefiting from it. Rather it is essential that you convey it and you must clarify it to the people. He the Most High said:
And when Allaah took the solemn agreement from those who were given the scripture, you must make it clear to the people and not conceal it [3:187]
This is a solemn agreement which Allaah took from the ‘ulemaa (people of knowledge) that they would make clear to the people that which Allaah has taught them, in order that the good should spread, and to bring the people out from the depths of darkness into light, and this was the work of the Messengers and of those who followed them. He the Most High said:
Say: “This is my way, I call to Allaah upon clear knowledge, I and those who follow me, and Perfect is Allaah and I am not from the people of shirk (those who associate others with Allaah).” [12:108]
This is the way of Messenger sallallaahu’alaihiwasallam and the way of his followers: knowledge, and action and calling to Allaah the Mighty and Majestic. So whoever does not call, and he has the ability to call, and he has knowledge and he conceals it, then he will be given a bridle of fire on the Day of Resurrection as occurs in the hadeeth.[1]
[1] Reported by Aboo Daawood and At-Tirmidhee and Ibn Maajah from a hadeeth of Aboo Hurayrah who said: Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu’alaihiwasallam said,
“Whoever is asked about knowledge and he conceals it, then Allaah will give him a bridle of fire on the Day of Resurrection”.
[Al-Albaanee declared this hadeeth hasan saheeh].
And Ibn Maajah reports a longer wording from Aboo Sa‘eed Al-Khudree … [declared very weak by Al-Albaanee].
The fourth is having patience upon any harm encountered whilst carrying it out.10
[10]:
His saying, “Having patience upon any harm encountered whilst carrying it out”: it is known that whoever calls the people, and commands the good and forbids the evil, then he will be exposed to harm from the evil-doers, because many of the people do not want good, rather they want desires and forbidden things and false whims, so when someone comes who calls them to Allaah and who deters them away from their desires, then there will certainly be a reaction from them either in speech or in action. So what is obligatory upon whoever calls to Allaah and desires the Face of Allaah is that he should have patience upon the harm, and he should persist in calling to Allaah, and his example in that regard will be the Messengers ‘alaihimussalaatu wassalaam, and the best of them and their seal is Muhammad sallallaahu ’alaihi wasallam.
What did he encounter from the people, how much harm did he suffer in sayings and actions? They said he was a sorcerer and a liar, and they said he was a madman. They said those sayings about him which Allaah the Mighty and Majestic has mentioned in the Qur’aan. And they harmed him with physical harm, they threw stones at him until his heels ran with blood sallallaahu ’alaihi wasallam when he called them to Allaah the Mighty and Majestic. And they threw the after-birth of camels on his back whilst he was making prostration by the Ka‘bah, and they threatened to kill him and they tried to intimidate him, and in the battle of Uhud, there occurred to him and to his Companions that which occurred ‘alaihissalaatu wassalaam – they broke his lateral incisor tooth and they wounded his head sallallaahu ’alaihi wasallam and he fell into a ditch, and he was the Prophet of Allaah – all of this was harm in calling to Allaah the Mighty and Majestic. However he had patience and he bore it and he was the most excellent one of the creation ‘alaihissalaatu wassalaam. So therefore whoever carries out this call will certainly face harm in accordance with the level of his eemaan and his call, however it is upon him to have patience as long as he is upon the truth, then he should have patience and bear it, for he is in Allaah’s cause, and whatever harm befalls him then it will be reward from Allaah the Perfect and Most High, upon the scale of his good deeds.
—
Sharh-ul-Usool-ith-Thalaathah. Explanation of the Three Fundamental Principles of Imaam Muhammad ibn ‘Abdil-Wahhaab by Shaykh Saalih ibn Fowzaan al-Fowzaan hafizahullaah. Translated by Daawood Burbank, rahimahullaah
Posted with kind permission from Dawud Burbank rahimahullaah
—
Listen to the Full Audio Series:
Sharh Usool-ith-Thalaathah – Shaykh Fawzan | Dawud Burbank
Book Study Resources – Three Fundamental Principles
Related Links:
Sharh-ul-Usool-ith-Thalaathah : Lesson 03 – Part B
Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzan | Dawud Burbank [Audio|English]
—
Imaam Muhammad ibn ‘Abdil-Wahhaab (rahimahullaah) said:
The second: Action upon it.8
[8]:
His saying, “Action upon it”: meaning upon the knowledge, since it is not sufficient that a person teaches and learns, rather he must act upon his knowledge. So knowledge without action is just a proof against the person, so knowledge will not be beneficial except with action. As for the person who has knowledge, and he does not act upon it, then he is one upon whom is Anger, because he knows the truth, but he abandons it upon knowledge and insight.
And the poet says:
The scholar who does not act upon his knowledge,
Will be punished before the worshippers of idols
And this is mentioned in the noble hadeeth:
“That from the first of those for whom the Fire will be made to blaze on the Day of Resurrection will be a scholar who does not act upon his knowledge”.[1]
Knowledge is joined to action, and action is the fruit of knowledge, so knowledge without action is like a tree without fruit, there is no benefit in it, and knowledge was sent down to bring about action.
Just as action without knowledge will be an affliction and misguidance for its person. If a person acts without knowledge, then his action will be affliction and a burden upon the person. He sallallaahu ’alaihi wasallam said:
“Whoever does an action which our affair is not in accordance with, then it will be rejected”.[2]
And therefore we read in Al-Faatihah in every rak’ah:
Guide us upon the straight path, the path of those whom You have favoured, not those upon whom is Your Anger, nor those who are astray. [1:6-7]
So Allaah called those people who act without knowledge those who are astray; and those people who have knowledge, but do not act upon it as being those upon whom is Anger. So let us be attentive to that, because it is very important.
Footnotes:
[1] A similar hadeeth is reported by At-Tirmidhee, and it is part of a long hadeeth, and it contains the wording, “Those three people will be the first of the creation for whom Allaah will make the Fire blaze on the Day of Resurrection”, from a hadeeth of Aboo Hurayrah radiyallaahu ‘anhu.
[However the wording of the hadeeth mentions three men, who will be the first for whom the Fire will blaze – “So the first of these men will be a person who gathered the Qur’aan…”. Al-Albaanee declares this hadeeth saheeh]
[2] Reported by al-Bukhaaree in disconnected form as hadeeth 7350, and reported by Muslim as hadeeth 1718/18 from a hadeeth of ‘Aa’ishah radiyallaahu ‘anhaa. And also reported by al-Bukhaaree in connected form as hadeeth 2697 and Muslim as hadeeth 1718/17 from ‘Aa’ishah radiyallaahu ‘anhaa, that she said, Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ’alaihi wasallam said, “Whoever introduces into this affair of ours that which is not from it will have it rejected”.
—
Sharh-ul-Usool-ith-Thalaathah. Explanation of the Three Fundamental Principles of Imaam Muhammad ibn ‘Abdil-Wahhaab by Shaykh Saalih ibn Fowzaan al-Fowzaan hafizahullaah. Translated by Daawood Burbank, rahimahullaah
Posted with kind permission from Dawud Burbank rahimahullaah
—
Listen to the Full Audio Series:
Sharh Usool-ith-Thalaathah – Shaykh Fawzan | Dawud Burbank
Book Study Resources – Three Fundamental Principles
Related Links:
Sharh-ul-Usool-ith-Thalaathah : Lesson 03 – Part A
Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzan | Dawud Burbank [Audio|English]
—
Imaam Muhammad ibn ‘Abdil-Wahhaab (rahimahullaah) said:
And it is knowledge and awareness of Allaah and knowledge of His Prophet5
[5]:
His saying, “And it is knowledge and awareness of Allaah”: How does the servant come to have knowledge and awareness of his Lord? He knows of Him through His Signs and His created things, so from His Signs are the night and the day, and from those things which He has created are the sun and the moon, as will be explained later on inshaa’ Allaah.
He knows of Allaah by means of His Aayaat-ul-Kawneeyah (Signs within the creation) and His Aayaat-ul-Qur’aaneeyah (The aayahs of His Qur’aan). If he recites the Qur’aan, then He knows that Allaah the Perfect and Most High – He is the One who created the heavens and the earth and that He is the One who made subservient whatever is within the heavens and the earth, and that He is the One who gives life and gives death, and that He has full Ability over everything, and that He is Ar-Rahmaan the Extremely Merciful One, and Ar-Raheem the One Who bestows mercy. So the Qur’aan provides knowledge and awareness of Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, and that He is the One Who bestowed all favours upon us, and that He is the One who created us and gives us provision, so if you recite the Qur’aan, then you will know your Lord, the Perfect and Most High, by way of His Names and His Attributes and His Actions.
And if you look into the creation, then you will know and be aware of your Lord, the Perfect and Most High – that He is the One Who created this creation, and who made this creation subservient, and Who caused it to proceed by His Wisdom and His Knowledge – He the Perfect and Most High; this is knowledge of Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic.
His saying, “And knowledge of His Prophet”: he is Muhammad sallallaahu ’alaihi wa sallam, because he was the one who conveyed the message from Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, he is the intermediary between us and Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, with regard to conveying the message, so therefore it is essential that you know him, you know who he is, and you know his lineage, and you know his city, and you know that which he sallallaahu ’alaihi wa sallam came with. That you know how the revelation first came to him, and how he established the call to Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, in Makkah and in Al-Madeenah. That you know the life history of the Messenger sallallaahu ’alaihi wa sallam even if it is in abridged form.
The Messenger sallallaahu ’alaihi wa sallam, he is Muhammad the son of ‘Abdullaah, the son of ‘Abdul-Muttalib, the son of Haashim, the son of ‘Abd-Manaaf, all the way to the end of the noble Prophetic lineage, which goes all the way back to Ibraaheem ‘alaihissalaatu wassalaam. And you know how he lived before he was raised as a Prophet, and how the revelation came to him from Allaah the Mighty and Majestic, and what did he ‘alaihissalaatu wassalaam do after his being raised as a Prophet – you know that through study of his seerah (of his life), and it is not befitting for the Muslim that he should be ignorant of the Messenger sallallaahu ’alaihi wasallam. For how can you follow a person when you do not have knowledge of him? This cannot be comprehended.
And knowledge of the religion of Islaam6
[6]:
His saying, “Knowledge of the religion of Islaam”: which is the religion of this Messenger sallallaahu ’alaihi wasallam. Indeed, it is the religion of Allaah the Mighty and Majestic, which He commanded His servants with, and which He commanded you to follow, and you are required to follow it, so you must have knowledge and awareness of this religion. And Islaam is the religion of all of the Messengers. All of the Messengers, their religion was Islaam, with the general meaning. So everyone who followed a Messenger from the Messengers, then he is a Muslim, one who submits in Islaam to Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, one who submitted to Him and one who singled Him out with all worship – this is Islaam with the general meaning, that it is the religion of all the Messengers. So Islaam is:
“To submit to Allaah with tawheed, and to comply to Him with obedience, and remaining free of shirk and its people”
As for Islaam with the specific meaning, then it is that which Allaah sent His Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu’alaihiwasallam with, since after the sending of the Messenger sallallaahu’alaihiwasallam then there is no religion except for his religion ‘alaihissalaatuwassalaam. And Islaam is confined to following him sallallaahu’alaihiwasallam, so it is not possible for a Jew to now say, “I am a Muslim”, or a Christian to say, “I am a Muslim”, after the sending of the Prophet sallallaahu’alaihiwasallam, if he does not follow him. So Islaam, after the sending of the Prophet, is following him sallallaahu’alaihiwasallam. He the Most High said:
Say: If you people truly love Allaah, then follow Me, then Allaah will love you [3:31]
This is Islaam with its general meaning and with its specific meaning.
With the proofs.7
[7]:
His saying, “With the proofs”: not due to taqleed (blind following), but rather with the proofs from the Qur’aan and from the Sunnah – this is knowledge.
Ibn ul-Qayyim said in Al-Kaafiyat-ush-Shaafiyah:
Knowledge is Allaah said, His Prophet said,
The Companions said – they are the possessors of knowledge and awareness
Knowledge is not that you foolishly raise up a disagreement
Between the Messenger and the opinion of so-and-so.
This is what is knowledge, knowledge is the knowledge contained in the Book and the Sunnah. As for the sayings of the ’ulemaa (the scholars), then they only explain and clarify the speech of Allaah and the speech of the Messenger sallallaahu’alaihiwasallam, and some of them may contain a mistake, and the proofs are not the speech of the ’ulemaa, rather the proofs are the aayahs of the Qur’aan and the Prophetic ahadeeth. As for the speech of scholars, then it explains and clarifies that, except it is not a proof in itself.
This is the first matter, and it is the foundation, the Shaikh rahimahullaah began with it because it is the foundation, and one should begin with ‘aqeedah (creed and belief), and with the foundation in learning, and in teaching, and in calling to Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic. ‘Aqeedah should be begun with, because it is the fundamental basis, and it is the foundation.
—
Sharh-ul-Usool-ith-Thalaathah. Explanation of the Three Fundamental Principles of Imaam Muhammad ibn ‘Abdil-Wahhaab by Shaykh Saalih ibn Fowzaan al-Fowzaan hafizahullaah. Translated by Daawood Burbank, rahimahullaah
Posted with kind permission from Dawud Burbank rahimahullaah
—
Listen to the Full Audio Series:
Sharh Usool-ith-Thalaathah – Shaykh Fawzan | Dawud Burbank
Book Study Resources – Three Fundamental Principles
Related Links:
Sharh-ul-Usool-ith-Thalaathah : Lesson 02 : Part A
Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzan | Dawud Burbank [Audio|English]
—
Imaam Muhammad ibn ‘Abdil-Wahhaab (rahimahullaah) said:
That it is obligatory upon us to learn four matters
The first is knowledge4
Shaykh Fawzan Explanation:
[4]:
His saying, “knowledge”: what is meant by knowledge here, is al-‘ilm ash-shar‘ee the legislated (islaamic) knowledge, because that is what it is obligatory to learn, and these matters are obligatory to learn upon every Muslim, male or female, free or slave, rich or poor, a king or a pauper, every Muslim, it is obligatory upon him that he should learn these four matters.
And this is what the scholars call al-waajib al-‘aynee, and it is what is obligatory upon every individual from the Muslims. So the five obligatory prayers which are upon the men and the women, and the congregational prayer in the mosques, which is upon the men, this is obligatory upon every individual from the Muslims, that he learns about them. Therefore he said, “it is obligatory upon us”, and he did not say, “it is obligatory upon some of us”, rather he said, “it is obligatory upon us”, meaning upon us the Muslims. So it is from the knowledge which it is obligatory to learn upon all individuals, because knowledge is of two categories:
The first of them: that which it is obligatory upon all individuals to learn, such that there is no excuse for anyone to be ignorant of it, and it is that which is such that the religion cannot be correctly established except with it, such as the five pillars of Islaam which are the Two Testifications, and the establishment of the Prayer, and the giving of the Zakaat, and the fast of Ramadaan, and Hajj to the sacred House of Allaah. It is not permissible for the Muslim to be ignorant of that, rather he must learn it.
Since learning the meaning of the Two Testifications, is to learn the ‘aqeedah (creed and belief), so the Muslim learns the creed and belief in order to act upon it, and he learns whatever opposes it in order to keep away from it – this is what is contained in the Two Testifications.
Likewise he learns the pillars of the Prayer, and the conditions of the Prayer, and the obligations of the Prayer, and the sunnahs of the Prayer; he must learn these matters in detail. It is not just the case that he can pray when he does not know the rulings of the prayer. How can a person do an action when he does not have knowledge of the action which he is performing? How can he perform the Prayer when is ignorant of its rulings? So it is essential that he learns the rulings of the Prayer, and those things which nullify the Prayer, he must learn this.
Likewise he should learn the rulings of the Zakaat, and he should learn the rulings of the Fasting, and he should learn the rulings of the Hajj, so when he wants to perform Hajj, it becomes obligatory upon him to learn the rulings of the Hajj and the rulings of the ‘Umrah in order to perform these acts of worship in the prescribed and legislated manner.
And this category, no-one is excused for being ignorant of it, and it is what is called al-waajib al-‘aynee that which is obligatory upon every individual Muslim.
The second category from the categories of knowledge, is that which is additional to that, from the legislated rulings which the Ummah (Islaamic Nation) together has need of, and it may be the case that not every individual has a need of it, such as the rulings of trading, and the rulings of dealing and transactions, and the rulings of religious endowments, and laws of inheritance and bequests and the rulings of marriages, and the rulings relating to crimes. These are essential for the Ummah. However it is not obligatory upon every individual from the Ummah that he has to learn it. Rather, if these things are learnt by sufficient number of scholars, such that what is required is attained, then that will suffice so that they can fulfill the need of the Muslims for legal judgments and for religious verdicts and for teaching and other than this. This is called waajib al-kifaayah (the communal obligation), such that if a sufficient number of people carry it out, then sin falls away from the rest, and if all of them leave it, then they will all be sinful.
So the Ummah must have people who learn this category since they are in need of it. However, it is not said to every individual, “it is obligatory upon you to acquire knowledge of these matters”, because this may not be possible for every individual. Rather this is specific to the people of ability and the people of capability from the Ummah. And if this is learnt by some of the Ummah, then the obligation has been established, contrary to the first category, for there, every individual is accountable for it himself, because it is not possible for him to perform these actions except with knowledge. And therefore the Shaikh said, “it is obligatory upon us”, and he did not say, “it is obligatory upon the Muslims”, or, “it is obligatory upon some of the Muslims”. Rather he said, “it is obligatory upon us”, meaning upon everyone from us as an individual obligation.
And we should know, before entering into the matters, that what is meant by knowledge, which it is obligatory upon the Ummah – whether it be that which is obligatory upon every individual, or whether it be that which is obligatory upon some, then it is al-‘ilm ash-shar‘ee the legislated (islaamic) knowledge, that which the Messenger sallallaahu‘alaihiwasallam came with.
As for worldly knowledge, such as the knowledge of industries, and professions, and arithmetic, and mathematics, and engineering, then this knowledge is permissible – it is permissible to learn it and it can be obligatory if the Ummah has need of it, then it will be obligatory on those who are capable. However, it is not the knowledge which is intended in the Qur’aan and the Sunnah, that which Allaah the Most High has praised and commended its people, and that which the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said about it:
“The ‘ulemaa, (the scholars, or the people of knowledge) are the inheritors of the Prophets.”[1]
What is meant is al-‘ilm ash-shar‘ee the legislated (islaamic) knowledge.
As for worldly knowledge, then whoever is ignorant of it, then there is no sin upon him, and whoever learns it, then it is permissible for him, and if he utilises it to benefit the Ummah, then he is rewarded for it. And if a person died, and he was ignorant of this knowledge, then he would not be taken to account for it on the Day of Resurrection.
However, whoever died and he was ignorant of al-‘ilm ash-shar‘ee the legislated (islaamic) knowledge, particularly essential knowledge, then he will be asked about it on the Day of Resurrection, “Why didn’t you learn? Why didn’t you ask?”. The one who says when he is placed in his grave, “My Lord is Allaah, and Islaam is my religion, and my Prophet is Muhammad sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam”, this person will be saved. It will be said to him, “Where did you acquire this from?”. So he will say, “I read the Book of Allaah and I learnt it”.
As for the person who turns away from that, then when he is questioned in his grave, then he will say, “Haa, haa, I don’t know, I heard the people saying something so I said it”. Then this person, his grave will be made to blaze with fire upon him – and Allaah’s refuge is sought – and it will be crushed upon him, to such an extent that his ribs will cross over, and he will come to be in a pit from the pits of the hell-fire, because he did not have knowledge and he did not read. So it will be said to him:
“You did not know and you did not read (or you did not follow)”.[2]
So he did not learn and he did not follow the example of the people of knowledge, rather he was wasted and lost in his life, so this is the person who ends up in wretchedness, and Allaah’s refuge is sought.
So his saying, “Knowledge”, this is the legislated knowledge that is required from us as a body and as individuals, and it is knowledge and awareness of Allaah through His Names and His Attributes, and knowledge of His right upon us, which is to worship Him alone ascribing no partner to Him, so the first thing that is obligatory upon the servant is knowledge and awareness of his Lord the Mighty and Majestic, and how to worship Him.
Footnotes:
[1] This is reported by al-Bukhaaree in disconnected form in the Book of Knowledge, Chapter, “Knowledge comes before speech and action”, it follows on from hadeeth 67; and is reported by Aboo Daawood, and ibn Maajah and at-Tirmidhee from a hadeeth of Aboo Ad-Dardaa radiyallaahu‘anhu. [Al-Albaanee declared the hadeeth of Aboo Daawood saheeh].
[2] Reported by Al-Bukhaaree in abridged form as a hadeeth of Anas 1338, and also reported by Muslim in abridged form also as a hadeeth of Anas 2870, and reported by Aboo Daawood as a hadeeth of al-Baraa’ ibn ‘Aazib in a long hadeeth 4753. [Al-Albaanee declared the hadeeth of Aboo Daawood saheeh].
Posted with kind permission from Dawud Burbank rahimahullaah
—
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Sharh-ul-Usool-ith-Thalaathah : Lesson 01 : Part C
Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzan | Dawud Burbank [Audio|English]
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Imaam Muhammad ibn ‘Abdil-Wahhaab (rahimahullaah) said:
Know! May Allaah have Mercy upon you2
Shaykh Fawzan Explanation:
[2]:
His saying, “Know!”, it is a word which indicates giving importance to the topic, so when he said, “Know!”, then its meaning is that the matter which he is going to put before you is a matter which is important. So this word, “Know!”, indicates the importance of the topic which he is beginning it with.
And the meaning of, “Know!”, Is that it is a command from, ‘knowledge’, meaning, ‘learn!’. And knowledge means: to comprehend something as it actually is, or, to perceive something in accordance with how it actually is.
To comprehend something in a manner which is contrary to how it actually is in reality, or to perceive something contrary to the reality of it, this is ignorance, and it is the opposite of knowledge.
His saying, “May Allaah have Mercy upon you”, this is a supplication for the seeker of knowledge, so the shaikh makes supplication for the student of knowledge, that Allaah has Mercy upon him, and that He the Perfect and Most High should place Mercy upon them. So this shows the kindness of the teacher towards the student, and that he should begin with good and fine speech, and with righteous supplication, so that this has an effect upon him and so that he turns attentively to his teacher.
As for if the teacher begins with stern words, and with speech which is not appropriate, then this will alienate (i.e. will cause the student to flee). So what is obligatory upon the teacher and upon whoever calls to Allaah and whoever commands the good and forbids the evil is to be kind and gentle with those he addresses with making supplication for him and complimenting him and speaking with mild speech, because this is more likely to bring about acceptance.
As for the obstinate opponent and the person who proudly refuses to accept, then there is a different way of addressing this person. Allaah the Perfect said:
And do not debate with the People of the Book except in a manner which is best, except those of them who transgress. And say we truly believe in what was sent down to us, and what was sent down to you, and our Lord whom we worship and your Lord is One, and we are Muslims in submission to Him. [29:46]
So those who transgressed from the People of the Book and knowingly and obstinately refused the truth, and rejected the truth with pride, those people are not addressed in the manner which is finest, rather they are addressed with that which will deter them. He the Most High said:
O Prophet, strive hard against the unbelievers and the hypocrites and be stern with them. And their final abode is the Hell-fire, and what an evil destination. [9:73]
The hypocrites, they are not fought against with weapons, rather jihaad is waged against them with proof and speech and by refuting them with sternness as a deterrent for them, and in order to deter the rest of the people away from them. And He the Most High said with regard to them:
And admonish them with a saying which will have an effect upon them. [4:63]
There is a specific manner of addressing those people, because they are people who deliberately and obstinately reject, and reject from pride, and they do not want the truth, rather they want to misguide the people, so those people are addressed with that which befits them.
As for the student who seeks guidance, then he should be spoken to with gentleness and mercy, and kindness, because he desires the truth, and he desires knowledge and he desires benefit.
His saying, “Know! May Allaah have Mercy upon you”, is a supplication for you for mercy, for if Allaah truly has Mercy upon you, then through that you will be blissful in this life and in the hereafter, if you enter within the Mercy of Allaah – and this is a supplication from a great scholar and a righteous man, so it is to be hoped that it will be accepted, if Allaah wishes.
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Sharh-ul-Usool-ith-Thalaathah. Explanation of the Three Fundamental Principles of Imaam Muhammad ibn ‘Abdil-Wahhaab by Shaykh Saalih ibn Fowzaan al-Fowzaan hafizahullaah. Translated by Daawood Burbank, rahimahullaah
Posted with kind permission from Dawud Burbank rahimahullaah
—
Listen to the Full Audio Series:
Sharh Usool-ith-Thalaathah – Shaykh Fawzan | Dawud Burbank
Book Study Resources – Three Fundamental Principles
Related Links:
Sharh-ul-Usool-ith-Thalaathah : Lesson 01 : Part A
Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzan | Dawud Burbank [Audio|English]
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The Introduction to the Explanation (Sharh-ul-Usool-ith-Thalaathah)
In the Name of Allaah the Extremely Merciful, the Bestower of Mercy.
All Praise is for Allaah the Lord of the whole of creation and may Allaah extol and grant peace and security to our prophet Muhammad and to his true followers and to his companions, all of them.
And to Proceed:
So before us is this treatise – the treatise “The Three Fundamental Principles” – and it is a tremendous treatise which is brief, supported by evidences from the Book of Allaah and the sunnah of his Messenger sallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam.
And this small treatise is about a tremendous fundamental matter from the fundamentals of Islaam and it is al-‘aqeedah – creed and belief. And the scholars give importance to these brief works, authoring them and exerting themselves to shorten them and refine them, then they would encourage their students to memorize them so that they should remain fundamental assets for them and a store of provision for them which they can derive benefit from, and bring benefit to others by means of them.
And beginning with these shorter works is the foundation for the students of knowledge, so the student of knowledge should begin by learning little by little, taking from the initial points of knowledge and its fundamentals and then proceed in stages through it.
So these brief works are the path leading on to the longer works. So it is not possible for the longer works to be understood except after the brief works have been understood and then the person has proceeded on from them in stages. And therefore they said about the meaning of His saying, He the Most High:
But rather be rabbaaniyyoon (wise scholars who cultivate the people) by your teaching them the Book and your studying it [3:79]
The word rabbaaniyoon – they are those who begin with the small matters of knowledge before the greater ones. They cultivate themselves and their students beginning with the smaller matters and moving on to the larger matters, and this is something natural, because all things begin from their roots and their foundations and then they grow bigger and larger after that.
As for the person who pounces upon knowledge from its top, then this person will just tire himself out and will not attain anything. Whereas the one who begins with the fundamentals and proceeds in stages, this is the person, who by the permission of Allaah will be proceeding in the correct way and with sound direction.
He, the Most High, said:
They ask you about the crescent moons. Say: they are signs to mark periods of time for mankind and for the hajj. And righteousness in not that you enter the houses from their backs, but rather righteousness is the quality of the person who has taqwaa (who fears and is dutiful to Allaah). And enter houses through their proper doors. [2:189]
Those people asked a question about the crescent moons: why does the crescent moon begin as something small and then grow larger until it becomes full, then it grows smaller until it is again a crescent? So Allaah rebukes them, and directed them towards asking about that which will benefit them, and that they should come to the houses of knowledge from their correct doors.
As for asking about the crescent moon and it conditions and its smallness and its largeness, then this has no benefit in it for them, rather benefit is that they ask about what they are in need of and that is awareness of the benefits of the crescent moon, and therefore He said:
Say: they are signs to mark periods of time for mankind [2:189]
So He explained their benefits and that is that Allaah makes them signs marking periods of time for mankind by means of which they can become aware of acts of worship and dealings and time spans and other than that.
So He directed them to the benefits of the crescent moons and He did not respond to their question about the reality of the crescent moons, because there was no benefit for them in that, and so that He should direct them towards what is befitting for them to ask about and it is the doors to knowledge, not the back-doors of knowledge and the superfluous unnecessary matters which they have no need of. And if they do have some need of them, then it is only a slight need.
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Sharh-ul-Usool-ith-Thalaathah. Explanation of the Three Fundamental Principles of Imaam Muhammad ibn ‘Abdil-Wahhaab by Shaykh Saalih ibn Fowzaan al-Fowzaan hafizahullaah. Translated by Daawood Burbank, rahimahullaah
Posted with kind permission from Dawud Burbank rahimahullaah
Listen to the Full Audio Series:
Sharh Usool-ith-Thalaathah – Shaykh Fawzan | Dawud Burbank
Book Study Resources – Three Fundamental Principles
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Sharh as-Sunnah : Lesson 77 : Points 132
Shaykh Fawzan | Dawud Burbank [Audio|English]
Imaam Barbahaaree rahimahullaah said:
Every Knowledge which worshippers claim to be from hidden inner knowledge (‘Ilmul-Baatin) which is not found in the Book and the Sunnah, then it is innovation and misguidance. It is not to be acted upon by anyone nor called to [1].
NOTES
[1] This is what the extreme innovators, amongst them the Baatinees and extreme Soofees, call to. They explain things away by claiming that they have an outer aspect and an inner aspect. They twist the Book of Allah and His Sharee’ah to suit their own desires. Their claim of receiving hidden religious knowledge, outside of the Book and the Sunnah, is disbelief.
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Ithaaful-Qaaree bit-Ta`leeqaat `alaa Sharhis-Sunnah
(A Gift To The Reader In Annotation Of Sharh As-Sunnah)
by Shaykh Saalih ibn Fowzaan al-Fowzaan hafizahullaah
Translated by Aboo Talhah Daawood Burbank, rahimahullaah
Posted with kind permission from Dawud Burbank rahimahullaah
Listen to the full Audio Series of Sharhus Sunnah
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Related Links:
Sharh as-Sunnah : Lesson 70 : Point 119
Shaykh Fawzan | Dawud Burbank [Audio|English]
Imaam Barbahaaree rahimahullaah said:
Beware of sitting with those who call to infatuation (passion) and love and who seclude themselves along with women and who follow certain Tareeqa (path or way), for all of them upon misguidance [1].
NOTES
[1] Like many of the sects of the misguided Soofees.
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Ithaaful-Qaaree bit-Ta`leeqaat `alaa Sharhis-Sunnah
(A Gift To The Reader In Annotation Of Sharh As-Sunnah)
by Shaykh Saalih ibn Fowzaan al-Fowzaan hafizahullaah
Translated by Aboo Talhah Daawood Burbank, rahimahullaah
Posted with kind permission from Dawud Burbank rahimahullaah
Listen to the full Audio Series of Sharhus Sunnah
Sharh-us-Sunnah – Shaykh Saalih Fawzaan – Dawood Burbank [Audio|En]
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Related Link:
Sufism / Soofiyyah (صُوفِيَّة)
https://abdurrahman.org/innovated-groups-sects/sufism-soofiyyah
Sharh as-Sunnah : Lesson 66 : Point 113 (Part B)
Shaykh Fawzan | Dawud Burbank [Audio|English]
Imaam Barbahaaree rahimahullaah said:
.. So fear and be dutiful to Allah, O servant of Allah! And upon you is to affirm, to submit, to surrender to and to be pleased with what is contained in this book. Do not hide this book from any one from the people of the Qiblah. Perhaps, by means of it, Allah may bring a confused person back from his state of confusion, or a person of innovation back from his innovation, or one astray back from his misguidance so that he is saved through it.
So fear and be dutiful to Allah and adhere to the original old affair. And it is what I have described to you in this book. May Allah have mercy upon a servant, and may be mercy on his parents who reads this book, distributes it, acts upon it, calls to it and uses it as a proof for it is the religion of Allah [1] and the religion of Allah’s Messenger (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam).
NOTES
[1] The Religion of Allah, as is well known, is the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger (sallallaahu alihi wa sallam) as understood by the Pious Predecessors. As for the speech of people, everyone is correct in some things and incorrect in others, except for the Prophet (sallallaahu alihi wa sallam).
—
Ithaaful-Qaaree bit-Ta`leeqaat `alaa Sharhis-Sunnah
(A Gift To The Reader In Annotation Of Sharh As-Sunnah)
by Shaykh Saalih ibn Fowzaan al-Fowzaan hafizahullaah
Translated by Aboo Talhah Daawood Burbank, rahimahullaah
Posted with kind permission from Dawud Burbank rahimahullaah
Listen to the full Audio Series of Sharhus Sunnah
Sharh-us-Sunnah – Shaykh Saalih Fawzaan – Dawood Burbank [Audio|En]
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Related Link: https://abdurrahman.org/innovation
Sharh as-Sunnah : Lesson 61: Point 105
Shaykh Fawzan | Dawud Burbank [Audio|English]
Imaam Barbahaaree rahimahullaah said:
Know may Allah have mercy upon you! that whoever speaks about the religion of Allah from his opinion, analogy and interpretation, without proof from the Sunnah and the Jamaa’ah , then he has spoken about Allah that which he does not know [1]. Whoever says about Allah what he does not know is one who has overstepped the bounds (Mutakallifeen) [2].
NOTES:
[1] In the Book of Allah, speaking about Allah without knowledge is shown to be a form of Shirk. He, the One free from all defects, says:
Say: The things that my Lord has forbidden are: shameful deeds, whether open or secret, sins (of all kinds), assigning of partners to Allah for which He has given no authority and saying things about Allah of which you have no knowledge. [Soorah al-A’raaf (7): 33]
[2] Masrooq (rahimahullaah) said: We entered upon Abdullah ibn Mas’ood and he said, “O people! Whoever knows something then let him speak according to it. Whoever does not know, let him say, ‘Allah knows best,’ since this, too, is from knowledge, that you say concerning that which you do not know: ‘Allah knows best.’ Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, said to His Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam):
Say: No reward do I ask of you for this (Qur’an), nor am I a pretender. [Soorah Saad (38): 86]
[Reported by al-Bukhaaree (Eng. trans. 6/314/no.333).]
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Ithaaful-Qaaree bit-Ta`leeqaat `alaa Sharhis-Sunnah
(A Gift To The Reader In Annotation Of Sharh As-Sunnah)
by Shaykh Saalih ibn Fowzaan al-Fowzaan hafizahullaah
Translated by Aboo Talhah Daawood Burbank, rahimahullaah
Posted with kind permission from Dawud Burbank rahimahullaah
Listen to the full Audio Series of Sharhus Sunnah
Sharh-us-Sunnah – Shaykh Saalih Fawzaan – Dawood Burbank [Audio|En]
Visit : Book Study of Sharh as-Sunnah of Imaam Barbahaaree
Related Link: https://abdurrahman.org/knowledge
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