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The Religion is Not Based Upon Ideas, Opinions, False Analogy & Interpretation – Sharh as-Sunnah | Dawud Burbank [Audio|En]

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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).]

[Souncloud Audio Link] 

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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

Knowledge is not in merely narrating a great deal and books – Sharh as-Sunnah | Dawud Burbank [Audio|En]

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Sharh as-Sunnah : Lesson 61: Point 104
Shaykh Fawzan | Dawud Burbank [Audio|English]

Imaam Barbahaaree rahimahullaah said:

Know may Allah have mercy upon you! that knowledge is not in merely narrating a great deal and (having many) books. The scholar is the one who follows the Book and the Sunnah, even if his knowledge is limited [1] and (even if) he only has a few books. Whoever opposes the Book and the Sunnah is an innovator, even if he narrates much and has many books.

NOTES

[1] Ash-Shaafi’ee (rahimahullaah) said, “Knowledge is not what is memorized, but what benefits.” Reported in Hilyatul-Awliyaa’ of Abu Nu’aym (9/123).

[Souncloud Audio Link] 

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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

There has never been any Heresy (Zandaqah) except from the ignorant ones – Sharh as-Sunnah | Dawud Burbank [Audio|En]

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Sharh as-Sunnah : Lesson 59: Point 102 
Shaykh Fawzan | Dawud Burbank [Audio|English]

Imaam Barbahaaree rahimahullaah said:

Know that there has never been any heresy except from the ignorant rabble who follow anyone who calls out wildly. They bend with every wind that blows, so anyone who is like that has no religion. Allah, the Blessed and Most High, says:

فَمَا اخْتَلَفُوا إِلَّا مِن بَعْدِ مَا جَاءَهُمُ الْعِلْمُ بَغْيًا بَيْنَهُمْ

They did not differ until after the knowledge came to them, through envy amongst themselves.[Soorah al-Jaathiyah (45): 17]

مَا اخْتَلَفَ فِيهِ إِلَّا الَّذِينَ أُوتُوهُ مِن بَعْدِ مَا جَاءَتْهُمُ الْبَيِّنَاتُ بَغْيًا بَيْنَهُمْ ۖ فَهَدَى اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لِمَا اخْتَلَفُوا فِيهِ مِنَ الْحَقِّ بِإِذْنِهِ

Those to whom (the Scripture) was given only differed concerning it after clear proofs had come to them through hatred to one another [Soorah al-Baqarah (2): 213]

They are the evil scholars, those greedy (for this world) and who are the innovators.

[Souncloud Audio Link] 

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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

Examine the speech of everyone you hear from, in your time in particular – Dawud Burbank [Audio|En]

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Sharhu Sunnah : Lesson 10 : Point 06B
Shaykh Fawzan | Dawud Burbank [Audio|English]

The author Imam Barbahaaree rahimahullaah said,

So examine, may Allaah have mercy upon you, the speech of everyone you hear from, in your time in particular; so do not act in haste. And do not enter into anything from it, until you ask and see: Did any of the Companions of the Prophet sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam speak about it or anyone from the scholars? So if you find a narration about it from them, then cling onto it and do not go beyond it for anything and do not give preference to anything over it, and thus fall into the Fire.

[Souncloud Audio Link] 

The Explanation (Transcription of above Audio):

Do not be hasty regarding that which you hear from the people, particularly in later times, and the large number of people who speak and give rulings and who stand to give knowledge and speak. And particularly, with the new development in information media, that it is now the case that everyone talks foolishly and speaks in the name of knowledge and in the name of the Religion, even the people of misguidance and the deviated and the misguided sects. They now speak in the name of the Religion on satellite channels. So the danger is very great.

So it is upon you O Muslim, and O Student of Knowledge in particular, to verify and that you are not hasty in taking everything that you hear. It is upon you to verify and to be aware, who is the one who said this thing? And where did this idea come from? And then what is its basis, and its proofs from the Book and the Sunnah? Then where did this person study and who did he take knowledge from? So these matters require verification, particularly in this time. So we do not accept every saying that anyone is saying, even if he speaks well, and speaks eloquently, and speaks abundantly and attracts people’s hearing, do not be taken in by it until you look and see the extent of their knowledge and understanding of the Religion that he has.

Or it may be the case that a person’s speech may be little, but he is a person of understanding of the Religion. And it might also be the case that a person’s speech may be plentiful, but he is an ignorant one who has nothing from knowledge and understanding of the Religion. Rather he just has magical/enchanting speech so that he fools the people, and gives the false impression that he is a scholar and that he is a person of understanding and that he is a thinker and the likes of that, so that the people are taken in and he takes them away from the Truth. So what is counted is not the amount of speech and being able to ramble on, rather what is counted is what it contains with regard to knowledge and what it contains with regard to being based upon correct principles. And it may be the case with speech that is little but it is correctly based upon correct principles. This will be far more beneficial than abundant speech which is just lengthy, and from which no benefit can be taken except a little. And this is the situation in our time, where speech is abundant and knowledge is scarce; the recitors are many, and the people of knowledge and understanding (fuqahaa·) are few in number. And fiqh (knowledge and understanding of the Religion) does not come about by being able to speak a great deal, or to recite a great deal, or being able to speak well or being able to word things well.

The Poet said:

Embellished (falsely adorned) speech may make its falsehood seem attractive,
Whereas the Truth, may suffer as a result of being badly expressed.
So you may say, “This is the spittle of the bees” if you want to praise it;
but if you wanted you could say, “It is the vomit of flying insects which sting.”

If you wish to praise honey, you can say, “This is something put out from the mouth of the bee,” but if you want to speak against it, then you can say, “This is vomit,” instead of saying it is ‘spittle’ (something put out from the mouth); and instead of ‘a bee’ you can say ‘a hornet’ (a stinging insect that flies). So the eloquent person, he can turn the Truth into falsehood and falsehood look like the Truth by means of his eloquence, so beware of this. And therefore the Prophet sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam he warned against the person who is very eloquent in speech, the person who moves his tongue around just as the cows move the tongue around.1 He (sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam) warned against this one and he said,

“Some speech is like magic.” [02]

Meaning it enchants the people’s hearing (acts like magic upon the hearing of the people). His saying, “So look and examine, may Allaah have mercy upon you, at the speech of everyone whom you hear from in your time in particular. Do not be hasty and do not enter into anything from it.” This was at the time of the author [03] and the author was almost at the same time as Imaam Ahmad, because he is one of the students of his students. He says: Do not be hasty in accepting the speech of the people in your time, until you verify it. So where is this in comparison to this time of ours now, the time of desires and the time of ignorance and the time when the different parts of the world are all mixed together? To the extent that trials and tribulations and evils and ideas arise and surge like waves and the enemy now wants to turn the Religion upon its head. He wants us to follow him and to impose his ideas upon us and to impose his politics upon us. Therefore it is upon us to check this affair carefully and to withhold from many affairs and to turn attention to seeking to understand the Speech of Allaah and the speech of His Messenger, and to acquire knowledge and understanding of the Religion of Allaah the Mighty and Majestic.

So al-fiqh (knowledge and understanding of the Religion) contains a protection from trials and tribulations. And al-fiqh means al-fahm (understanding of the Religion). And a person may have memorized a great deal, but he does not have understanding, so therefore he and the common person are just the same. Indeed the common person may be better than him because he withholds himself and he recognizes his own ignorance, while this one does not realise that he is actually an ignorant person. Therefore the matter is not just memorizing a great amount or speaking a great deal. The matter is a matter of fiqh (understanding) and therefore he sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam said, “Perhaps one who has something conveyed to him will be better comprehending than the one who heard it (originally).” [04]

So a person may memorize something, and transmit and narrate, and yet there may be someone there who understands it better than he does. (Allaah’s Messenger sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam said)

“There may be a person who conveys knowledge of the Religion but he is not one who comprehends it.” [05]

He is a carrier of the knowledge and a transmitter of it, however he is not one who has understanding of it. So fiqh (knowledge and understanding of the Religion) is a gift from Allaah which Allaah gives to whomever He wishes from His servants. However, if he utilizes it properly and advances it/causes it to grow then he will benefit from it. But if he neglects it, it will be lost.

His saying, “So do not be hasty and do not enter into anything from it until you ask and look: Did anyone from the Companions of the Prophet sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam speak with it?” This is a tremendous piece of advice if some speech pleases you regarding the Religion. As for speech about the affairs of this world, then that is not the topic under discussion here. Rather if some speech with regard to the Religion seems pleasing to you then don’t be hasty until you examine it: Is it founded upon something true and upon proof or is it just from the person’s own head and his own thinking? For if it is, then it is just scum, like the scum which is carried on the top of flood water. Leave it (in that case). But otherwise if it is founded and based upon the Book and the Sunnah, then it is true. So therefore to do not be hasty in taking speech without restraint, even if it seems pleasing to you in its fine manner of speaking and it is eloquence and its forcefulness and in the style of address, do not be hasty about it until you examine and you test it against the Book and the Sunnah, and examine and see who said it. Is he a person of knowledge and understanding (a faqeeh) or not a person of knowledge and understanding? Until you ask the people of knowledge about it (this matter) and you look and see, did anyone from the Salaf (Predecessors) say it or did they not say it? And this is something I have warned against many times, that I say: Do not introduce personal deductions and opinions and sayings and wording which have not been preceded upon. Take as your example the Salaf and the speech of the Salaf, and if you bring something which you have no one who precedes you upon it, then it will be something odd and strange, and its danger will be far more than its benefit.

So the speech of the Companions is the balance because they were the students of the Messenger sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam. Their sayings are looked to with regard to an aayah; how did they explain it? And with regard to a hadeeth, how did they explain it? So you take from their sayings and from their explanation because they will be closer to the Truth than anyone who came after them; because they were students of the Messenger sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam and they heard the interpretation and the explanation from the Messenger sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam and they took knowledge directly from him, so they will be the people who are closest to the Truth. And no weight is to be given, to the saying of those people who say, “The Companions are not to be counted, they were men and they had their own opinions, and we are men and we have our thoughts. Times change.”

So the Religion remains and will remain until the Hour is established. And it does not change with the changing time; it covers every time and place. What changes is only human deductions, which may sometimes be wrong and sometimes correct. As for the Religion itself, it does not change because it is suitable for every time and every place because it was sent down from One who is all wise, deserving of all praise. And therefore they used to advise and say, “Adhere to the Book and the Sunnah with the understanding of the Pious Predecessors. Do not introduce an understanding from yourself or from the later people.”

His saying, “or anyone from the People of Knowledge (scholars)” Meaning, did anyone from the scholars who are counted say it, from the Imaams who proceeded upon the way of the Companions of the Messenger sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam? Because they were the ones who narrated from the Companions, and the Companions were the ones who narrated from the Messenger sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam.

His saying, “So if you find a narration from them about it, then cling onto it.” If you find it being in agreement with their saying then cling onto it.

His saying, “And do not go beyond it for anything.” And do not go beyond the speech of the Salaf for the opinion of so and so, and so and so from those who came after them. His saying, “And do not prefer anything over and above it and thus fall into the Fire.” And do not prefer over what came from the Salaf anything, from that which the later people brought such that you fall into the Fire. Because you have gone against the path leading to Paradise, and the path of Paradise is what (they) were upon, those who…

“Those whom Allah has bestowed favor upon, from the Prophets, and the true and truthful followers of the Prophet, and the martyrs, and the righteous people and what a fine companionship they are.” (Sooratun-Nisaa· (4), aayah 69)

This is the path to Paradise, and whatever conflicts with it is a path leading to the Fire. And Allaah the Mighty and Majestic says,

“And this is My Straight Path so follow it, and do not follow the multiple paths, for they will cause you to split away from His path” (Sooratul-An`aam (6), aayah 153)

Allaah’s path is one but as for other than it, then it is many paths. Every devil has a path and he has a path; on each path there will be devils from mankind and from the jinn. So they are many different paths which will throw the person who follows them into confusion. But as for the Straight Path, then it is one. It does not contain any disagreement and you will never become lost if you follow it.

Points discussed by Shaykh Saalih al-Fowzaan hafizahullaah:

  • Concerning matters of the Religion, Muslims should verify:
    1. Who has said this thing?
    2. Where did it come from?
    3. What is its basis in the Qur’aan and the Sunnah?
    4. Did any of the Salaf say it?
  • If it is just from a person’s own head and own thinking then leave it
  • Concerning the person who spoke about this matter, Muslims should verify:
    1. Where did he study?
    2. Whom did he take knowledge from?
    3. The extent of his knowledge and understanding
  • It may be that a person speaks little, yet he is a person of understanding of the Religion
  • It may be that a person speaks plentifully yet he has no knowledge and understanding of the Religion
  • In our time:
    1. Speech is abundant and knowledge is scarce;
    2. The recitors are many and the people of knowledge and understanding are few
  • The eloquent one can make the Truth look like falsehood and make falsehood like look the Truth
  • Allaah hates those men who are eloquent, the one who moves his tongue around, just as the cow moves its tongue around. (hadeeth)
  • He (sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam) warned against this one saying, “Some speech is like magic.”
  • It is upon us to:
    1. Check affairs carefully,
    2. Withhold from many affairs
    3. Turn to seeking to understand the Qur·aan and the speech of the Messenger sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam
    4. Acquire knowledge and understanding of the Religion of Allaah
  • Knowledge and understanding of the Religion contains a protection from trials and tribulations
  • A common person may be better than one who has memorized a lot because he recognizes his own ignorance
  • “There may be a person who conveys knowledge of the Religion but he is not one who comprehends it.” (hadeeth)
  • Fiqh, knowledge and understanding of the Religion, is a gift from Allaah
    1. If a person utilizes this gift properly and advances it he will benefit from it
    2. If he neglects it, it will be lost
  • Do not introduce personal deductions, opinions, sayings and wording which have not been preceded upon
  • The danger of bringing something which has not been preceded upon is more than its benefit.
  • Take as your example the Salaf and the speech of the Salaf
  • The Companions took knowledge directly from the Messenger sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam, so they will be the people who are closest to the Truth
  • The Straight Path is one and you will never become lost if you follow it

Footnotes:

[01] This narration is reported by Imaam Ahmad in his Musnad and by Ibn Abee Shaybah and by Aboo Daawood and at-Tirmithee and others besides as a hadeeth of `Abdullaah ibn `Amr that Allaah’s Messenger sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam said,

“Allaah hates those men who are eloquent, the one who moves his tongue around, just as the cow moves its tongue around.”

At-Tirmithee said about this narration that it is hasan ghareeb (singular chain of narration that is hasan) and it was declared authentic by Aboo Haatim in al-`Ilal.

Translator’s side point: Shaykh al-Albaanee, in as-Saheehah no.880, declared this hadeeth saheeh (authentic).

[02] This hadeeth is reported by al-Bukhaaree in his Saheeh (no. 5146 and no. 5767) as a hadeeth of `Abdullaah ibn `Umar; also reported by Muslim as a hadeeth of `Ammaar ibn Yaasir radiyAllaahu `anhumaa.

[03] Translator’s side point: Imaam al-Barbahaaree who lived over 1000 years ago.

[04] This hadeeth is reported by al-Bukhaaree in his Saheeh (no.67 and no.7447) and reported by Muslim (no.1679) as a hadeeth of Aboo Bakraa radiyAllaahu `anhu and the wording is that of al-Bukhaaree.

[05] This hadeeth is reported by Ahmad in his Musnad and Aboo Daawood and at-Tirmithee and ad-Daarimee and Ibn Hibbaan as a hadeeth of Zayd ibn Thaabit radiyAllaahu `anhu. At-Tirmithee said the hadeeth is hasan and al-Busayree said it is saheeh (authentic).

Shaykh al-Albaanee declared this hadeeth saheeh (authentic) likewise, in his checking of Aboo Daawood.

Transcribed by Umm `Abbaas Zaynab `Abdullah. Download PDF of Lesson 10

Ithaaful-Qaaree bit-Ta`leeqaat `alaa Sharhis-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 Sharhu Sunnah
Sharh-us-Sunnah – Shaykh Saalih Fawzaan – Dawood Burbank [Audio|En]

Visit : Book Study of Sharhu Sunnah of Imaam Barbahaaree

Related Link : https://abdurrahman.org/innovation/

Do not follow anything based upon your desires and depart from the Religion and leave Islaam – Dawud Burbank [Audio|En]

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Sharhu Sunnah : Lesson 07 : Point 04B
Shaykh Fawzan | Dawud Burbank [Audio|English]

Continuation of Point 04 : The author Imam Barbahaaree rahimahullaah said,

“And know, may Allaah have mercy upon you, that the Religion is only what came from Allaah, the Exalted and Most High. It was not left to the intellects of men and to their opinions; and knowledge of it is what comes from Allaah and from His Messenger.

So do not follow anything based upon your desires and therefore depart from the Religion and leave Islaam. There will be no excuse for you, since the Messenger sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam explained the Sunnah to his nation, and he made it clear to his Companions and they are the Jamaa`ah, and they are the Main Body. And the Main Body is the Truth and its people. So whoever contradicts the Companions of Allaah’s Messenger sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam in anything of the affairs of the Religion he has disbelieved.”

[ Note: In this audio, explanation of the only second paragraph from the above is covered. For the First Part Click Here]

[Souncloud Audio Link] 

The Explanation (Transcription of above Audio):

His saying, “So do not follow anything based upon your desires” – do not follow anything based upon your desires and your personal wishes, but rather your desires and wishes should follow whatever comes from Allaah and His Messenger sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam. So that you do not desire except what came from Allaah and His Messenger and you do not wish for, except that which came from Allaah and his Messenger, this is the path of salvation. If you were to follow your desires, you would become one of those who follow their desires and who do not follow the Revelation which has been sent down. He, the Most High, said:

So if they (the people of shirk) do not respond to you [01] then know that they are merely following their desires. And who is more astray than one who follows his desires without guidance from Allaah. Allaah does not guide a people who are disobedient wrong-doers. (Sooratul-Qasas (28), aayah 50)

And He, the Most High, said:

So pass judgement between them with that which Allaah sent down; and do not abandon acting upon that in favour of their desires, so that they lead you astray from the Truth that has come to you. (Sooratul-Maa·idah (5), aayah 48)

And He, the Most High, said:

Then, after the previous Prophets, We have placed you upon a clear Way with regard to the Religion so follow it and do not follow the desires of those ignorant ones who do not know. They could be of no avail to you against Allaah at all. And the wrong-doers are just allies of each other; and Allaah is the Guardian Lord of those who are dutiful to Him. (Sooratul-Jaathiyah (45), ayaahs 18-19)

So therefore you are between two affairs, either you will follow the correct Religion or otherwise you will be following desires. There is no third case.

His saying, “and therefore depart from the Religion and exit from Islaam.” Whoever follows his desires, then he departs from the Religion, even if it be something that occurs in the distant future. To begin with he is lax about disobedience and about desires. Then the following of desires grows in seriousness until he exits from the Religion, so that his religion comes to be just whatever he desires. Just as He, the Majestic and Most High, said:

Do you see the one who takes whatever he desires as his object of worship, and Allaah misguides him knowing that he will not be guided, and He seals his hearing and his heart and He places upon his sight a covering. (Sooratul-Jaathiyah (45), aayah 23)

So al-hawaa, desires, this is another object of worship (ilaah), and shirk is not restricted to just the worship of an idol or an object that is worshipped. Rather there is something else, which is al-hawaa, desires. So a person may perhaps not worship the idols, and trees and rocks and not worship graves, however he follows his desires. So he is a slave and worshipper of his desires, so it is upon the person to beware and not to follow except that which conforms to the Book and the Sunnah.

His saying, “Because then there will be no excuse for you, since the Messenger of Allaah sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam explained the Sunnah to his nation, and he clarified it to his Companions.” There will be no excuse/plea/argument for the one who opposes and instead follows his desires, because he went astray after the affair has been made clear and after having knowledge.

Do you see the one who takes whatever he desires as his object of worship and Allaah misguides him, knowing that if guidance were to come to him he would not follow it. (Sooratul-Jaathiyah (45), aayah 23)

He is not an ignorant person, rather he knows and he is aware of the Book and the Sunnah, and he knows and he is aware of the sayings of the People of Knowledge; however they do not agree with his desires, so therefore he abandons them and instead he takes on whatever actually agrees with his desires. This is misguidance, and Allaah’s refuge is sought. So following desires is very dangerous, so therefore it is upon a person that he should beware of the following of desires. Allaah the Majestic and Most High said to his Prophet Daawood `alayhis-salaatu was-salaam:

And do not follow your desires so that they lead you astray from the path of Allaah. Those who stray from the path of Allaah will have a severe punishment on the Day of Resurrection, because of their abandoning Allaah’s commands. (Soorah Saad (38), aayah 26)

And Ibnul-Jawzee rahimahullah has a book in a large volume which is entitled ThammulHawaa (The Blameworthiness of Desires) and in it he brought evidences and sayings of the People of Knowledge and wise sayings which warn against the following of desires. So what is obligatory upon the person is that he takes caution against his desires because he may be saved from the worship of idols and rocks and trees and graves and he may know towheed and know the Sunnah; however he may not be secure from the following of desires, and this is a tremendous calamity. So it is upon the Muslim that he should beware of the following of desires, and rather his desires should follow on from that which came from the Messenger sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam, just as occurs in the hadeeth that he sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam said, “None of you truly believes until his desires follow on from that which I came with.”

It was declared saheeh (authentic) by an-Nawawi in al-Arba`een (the 40 hadeeth) and he said, “We have it narrated to us in the book al-Hujjah with an authentic chain of narration.” [02]

And the Messenger sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam did not leave anything except that he clearly explained it to his nation, to the extent that one of the Companions said, “Allaah’s Messenger sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam did not pass away and there was a bird flapping its wings in the air, except that he had mentioned to us some knowledge concerning it.” [03] He did not leave anything from that which mankind have a need of, from that which will draw them closer to Allaah and distance them from disbelief and misguidance except that he made is clear. And he sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam said,

“I am leaving amongst you that which if you hold onto it, you will never go astray after me; the Book of Allaah and my Sunnah” [04]

He left his nation upon clear white evidence; its night is just like its day. And when Allaah had completed through him the Religion, and perfected the favour by means of him, then he moved on to his Lord after he had conveyed the clear Message, and clearly explained the Sunnah to his Companions. And he said in the address of the Farewell Hajj, “Have I conveyed the Message?” So they said, “We bear witness that you have indeed conveyed the Message and have acted sincerely. He said, “O Allaah bear witness.” [05] (Sooratun-Ni0saa· (4) aayah 65)

His saying, “And they are the Jamaa`ah and they are the Main Body.” His Companions sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam they are the Jamaa`ah, meaning they are the foundation of the Jamaa`ah, then those who followed them, then those who followed them. Just as he sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam said,

“The best of you is my generation, then those who followed them, then those who followed them.” [06]

The Companions and Taabi`oon and the Atbaa`ut-Taabi`een, and they are the most excellent generations, they are the Jamaa’ah. And whoever comes after them, then he follows on from them. They follow on from the foundation which the Companions of Allaah’s Messenger sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam were upon. He, the Most High, said:

And the first and foremost ones from the Muhaajireen and the Ansaar and those who follow them upon goodness. (Sooratut-Towbah (9), aayah 100)

They are the Jamaa’ah whom Allaah has commanded us to be with, and whom the Prophet sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam commanded us that we should be with, and whom he forbade us from separating from. And they are as-Sawaadul-A`zam, the Main Body, who are upon the Truth and upon guidance. So those people who declare that the Salaf were ignorant or unaware and who belittle their status, and those who say, “They were men and we are men,” and who say, “There is nothing to prevent us from introducing new things, and we are not bound to follow the Salaf and the sayings of the Salaf,” – this is misguidance, and Allaah’s refuge is sought. This is to separate the later part of this ummah (nation) from its first part. And if its later part indeed becomes separate from its first part it will be destroyed; and they want that the nation should be destroyed, so they bring this trick, and it is the separation of the later people from the first part of the nation. There are to be found now, people who warn against the way of the Salaf and who warn against turning back to their sayings, and who say, “That was a time that has gone by.” So they warn against what the Salaf were upon, and encourage originating new things in the Religion.

The Religion is a matter depending upon texts, and it is ittibaa`, it is to follow, it is not to innovate or originate new things. Originating new things can only be in the field of manufacturing and of worldly benefits. But as for the Religion, then nothing may be newly introduced in it after the passing away of the Messenger sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam; because laying down Legislation came to an end with the passing away of the Messenger sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam. So there is nothing upon us except al-ittibaa`, to follow, and that we do not introduce anything new from our selves and say, “This is what is fitting for this time.”

Imaam Maalik rahimahullah said, “Nothing will rectify the latter part of this nation, except that which rectified its first part.” [07] That which rectified its first part was the Book and the Sunnah. So nothing will rectify the last part of this nation except for the Book and the Sunnah and following the guidance of the Salafus-Saalih (Pious Predecessors).

And his saying, “And the Main Body is the Truth and its people.” – As-Sawaad, the Main Body, they are the people of the Truth, and its people, those who cling onto it. And the meaning of as- Sawaadul-A`zam, the Main Body, it does not mean merely the majority of the people/a large number of people. The meaning of as-Sawaadul-A`zam, the Main Body, is those who are upon the Truth, even if they are few in number yet still they are as-Sawaadul-A`zam, the Main Body, even if they be a single man [08]. Whoever is upon the Truth he is the Main Body. We do not look to see where the majority of the people is (what they are upon), rather we look at what they are upon. So majority/a large number may be upon misguidance.

He, the Most High, said:

And if you were to obey most of those people who are upon the earth, they will lead you away from the Path of Allaah. (Sooratul-An`aam (6) aayah 116)

And He, the Most High, said:

And most of the people, no matter how eager you are, will not be Believers.  Soorah Yoosuf (12) aayah 103)

And He, the Most High, said:

And we did not find most of them to be true to their covenant, of worshipping Allaah alone and obeying him, rather we found most of them to be disobedient sinners. (Sooratul-A’raaf (7) aayah 102)

And He, the Most High, said:

And many of the people are disobedient ones. (Sooratul-Maa·idah (5) aayah 49)

So do not be fooled by a large number of people/the majority of people, and it is not to be followed unless it is upon the Truth. Whoever is upon the Truth then he/it is the Jamaa`ah whether they are few or many. So the discerning factor is: what they are upon; is it Truth or falsehood. So if it is the Truth, then they are the Jamaa’ah, even if there is only a single person upon it; and if it is falsehood (that they are upon) then it is misguidance, even if the majority or most of the people are upon it.

His saying, “And whoever opposes the Companions of Allaah’s Messenger sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam in anything from the affair of the Religion then he has disbelieved.” – he has committed disbelief; this carries a possibility of referring to major disbelief, al-kufrul-akbar, (disbelief that he has left Islam); and it carries a possibility of referring to lesser disbelief al- kufrul-asghar (that which is called disbelief but it does not take a person outside the fold of Islam); in accordance with the level of his opposition. So his saying that he has committed disbelief, it doesn’t mean that he has committed kufr and left the Religion altogether always. This maybe the case, however it maybe lesser disbelief. What is important is that conflicting with the Salaf is kufr, disbelief. It may be major disbelief; it may be lesser disbelief in accordance with the level of the opposition to them.

Or that what is meant is that if he opposes them at the beginning of his affair with something slight, then in gradual stages he becomes worse until he departs from the Religion altogether. So his affair leads him to disbelief, if his opposition continues, his affair leads to major disbelief, so that then he exits from the Religion altogether. (So that) Satan leads him gradually, and desires, and his soul that is prompted by evil, until he departs from the Religion altogether. [09]

Points discussed by Shaykh Saalih al-Fowzaan hafizahullaah:

  • A person who follows his desires:
    1. departs from the religion
    2. is a slave of his desires and commits shirk
    3. has knowledge of the Book, the Sunnah and the sayings of the scholars but abandons them, so has no excuse
  • Allaah’s Messenger sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam clearly conveyed the Message
  • The meanings of the Jamaa`ah and as-Sawaadul-A`zam
  • Those who belittle the Salaf
  • The Religion is to follow; it is not to innovate
  • Laying down Legislation ended with the death of the Messenger sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam
  • “Nothing will rectify the latter part of this nation, except that which rectified its first part.”
  • The majority of people is not to be followed unless it is upon the Truth
  • Conflicting with the Salaf is kufr which may be major disbelief or lesser disbelief
  • Opposing the Salaf can gradually lead to major disbelief

Footnotes:

[01] Translator’s Note: addressed to the Prophet sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam

[02] Reported by Ibn Abee `Aasim in as-Sunnah, al-Hasan ibn Sufyaan in al-Arba`een and al-Bayhaqee in alMadkhal ilaa Sunanil-Kubraa and others.

Translator’s side point: As for Shaykh al-Albaanee rahimahullaah then he said with regard to this hadeeth in his checking of as-Sunnah of Ibn Abee `Aasim and likewise in his checking of al-Mishkaat (no. 167), the chain of narration is da`eef . It contains Nu`aym ibn Hammaad and he was weak. And al-Haafiz ibn Rajab quoted other weaknesses for it disagreeing with an-Nawawee for his declaring it saheeh so refer to his book Jaami`ul-`Uloom wal-Hikam. Then some of them such as the grandson of Muhammad ibn `Abdil-Wahhab rahimahullaah, Sulaymaan ibn `Abdillaah, he said in regards to this narration, “This chain of narration is authentic as anNawawee said, however Ibn Rajab said declaring it saheeh is something far-fetched from many aspects which he mentioned, and some people criticised that.” He said (Sulaymaan ibn `Abdillaah), “I say that its meaning is authentic/correct for certain, even if its chain of narration is not authentic. And the origin of it occurs in the Qur·aan in many places. Then he quoted a number of aayahs in that regard, such as His saying, He, the Most High:

“So no by your Lord they will not believe until they make you (Muhammad sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam) judge in whatever disputes occur between them.”

[03] Wakee` reported this narration in az-Zuhd, Imaam Ahmad in the Musnad and Ibn Sa’d in Tabaqaat… (and others) from a narration of Aboo Tharr radiyAllaahu `anhu. Shaykh Sulaymaan ibn `Abdillaah said in TayseerulAzeezil-Hameed, “Its chain of narration is good.”

Translator’s side point: Shaykh al-Albaanee said it was saheeh, authentic, in his checking of Ibn Hibbaan.

[04] This is reported by al-Haakim in al-Mustadrak `alas-Saheehayn and by al-Bayhaqee in as-Sunan al-Kubraa and by al-Aajurree in his book ash-Sharee`ah from a hadeeth of `Abdullaah ibn `Abbaas radiyAllaahu `anhumaa. Translator’s side point: The chain of narration of al-Haakim was hasan, sound, and Shaykh al-Albaanee mentioned that in his checking of al-Mishkaat.

[05] Reported by al-Bukhaaree in his Saheeh (no. 67) and Muslim (no. 1671) as a hadeeth of Aboo Bakrah radiyAllaahu `anhu.

[06] Reported by al-Bukhaaree (no. 3450) and in Muslim (no. 2535), as a hadeeth of `Imraan ibnul-Husayn radiyAllaahu `anhu .

[07] This is reported from him by a number of people such ash-Shaatibee in al-I`tisaam and Ibn `Abdil-Haadee in Tanqeehit-Tahqeeq. And perhaps Imaam Maalik took this point of benefit from his teacher Wahb ibn Kaysaan, for indeed Ibn `Abdil Barr reports in at-Tamheed from Imaam Maalik that he (himself) said, “Wahb ibn Kaysaan used to sit for us, and he would never get up until he had said to us, “Know that nothing will rectify the latter part of this nation, except what rectified its first part.”

[08] Aboo Nu`aym said in Hilyatul-Awliyaa· that a man asked Imaam Ishaaq ibn Raahawayh “Who is the Main Body (as-Sawaadul-A`zam)?” So he said, “Muhammad ibn Aslam (that is at-Toosee) and his Companions and whoever follows him.” Then he said, “A man asked Ibnul-Mubaarak, ‘O Aboo Abdir-Rahmaan! Who is the Main Body (as-Sawaadul-A`zam)?’ So he said, ‘Aboo Hamza as-Sukkaree.’” Then Ishaaq said, “Meaning at that time it was Aboo Hamza, and in our time it is Muhammad ibn Aslam, and whoever follows him.” Then Ishaaq said, “And if you were to ask the ignorant people, ‘Who are the Main Body?’ they would say, ‘(It means) the majority of the people.’ And they do not know that the Jamaa`ah is a scholar/Person of Knowledge, adhering to the narrations of Prophet sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam and his way. So whoever is with him and follows him, then he is the Jamaa`ah, and whoever opposes him in that regard, he has left the Jamaa`ah.” Then Ishaaq said, “And I have not heard a scholar for fifty years who is more knowledgeable than Muhammad ibn Aslam.”

[09] Translator’s side point: Shaykh Ahmad an-Najmee rahimahullaah said, “The like of this phrase occurs a number of times in the speech of the author rahimahullaah, and it is to be taken to have one of three meanings:

1. Either it is to be taken to mean, that he (the author) intends a person who denies something that is a fundamental point of the creed and belief of the Religion and he denies it. Then he has disbelieved,

2. Or he intended that his deeds may lead him into disbelief.

3. Or that he intended disbelief which is lesser than major disbelief, meaning rejecting (Allaah’s) favour. And it is not the case that everyone who goes against something which the Companions of the Messenger sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam were upon departs altogether from the Religion, for this is not from the `aqeedah of the AhlusSunnah wal-Jamaa’ah. For indeed Anas ibn Maalik said when he came to Madeenah at the end of his life, ‘I do not recognize anything from that which I reached except for the Prayer and you are spoiling that as well.’ (This narration was brought by Imaam al-Bukhaaree) and in one narration, ‘and have you not spoiled what you have spoiled from it?’ Meaning: you pray them out of their due times; however he did not declare them to be disbelievers. And no one takes this saying of his from the people of the Sunnah to mean that the people who were in his time had become disbelievers.

So therefore his saying, ‘Whoever contradicts the Companions of Allaah’s Messenger sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam in anything from the affairs of the Religion has committed kufr,’ it is to be taken to have one of the meanings that we have already mentioned because the `aqeedah of the Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah is that they do not declare disbelievers any one from the Muslims based upon a sin, unless it is major shirk that he has committed, or that he has denied a ruling which is agreed upon, or that he has mocked the Religion or its people or the like of that, those things which are mentioned amongst those things that break a person’s Islaam. And they do not declare anyone to be a disbeliever based just upon a sin, even if it is a major sin, even if he persists upon it and dies upon it, because the texts of the Book and the Sunnah indicate this creed and belief. (Irshaadus-Saaree fee Sharhis-Sunnati lil- Barbahaaree)

Transcribed by Umm `Abbaas Zaynab `Abdullah. Download PDF of Lesson 07

Ithaaful-Qaaree bit-Ta`leeqaat `alaa Sharhis-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 Sharhu Sunnah
Sharh-us-Sunnah – Shaykh Saalih Fawzaan – Dawood Burbank [Audio|En]

Visit : Book Study of Sharhu Sunnah – Imam Barbaharee

The Religion is only what came from Allaah and it was not left to the intellects of men and to their opinions – Dawud Burbank [Audio|En]

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Sharhu Sunnah : Lesson 06 : Point 04A
Shaykh Fawzan | Dawud Burbank [Audio|English]

The author Imam Barbahaaree rahimahullaah said,

“And know, may Allaah have mercy upon you, that the Religion is only what came from Allaah, the Exalted and Most High. It was not left to the intellects of men and to their opinions; and knowledge of it is what comes from Allaah and from His Messenger.

So do not follow anything based upon your desires and therefore depart from the Religion and leave Islaam. There will be no excuse for you, since the Messenger sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam explained the Sunnah to his nation, and he made it clear to his Companions and they are the Jamaa`ah, and they are the Main Body. And the Main Body is the Truth and its people. So whoever contradicts the Companions of Allaah’s Messenger sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam in anything of the affairs of the Religion he has disbelieved.”

[ Note: In this audio, explanation of the only first paragraph from the above is covered]

[Souncloud Audio Link] 

The Explanation (Transcription of above Audio):

The Religion came only from Allaah, so He is the One who legislated the Religion, He the Perfect. It is not for anyone to legislate religion, which Allaah has not permitted. He the Most High said:

Do they have partners who legislate for them religion, not ordained by Allaah. (Sooratush-Shooraa (42), aayah 21)

This is a rebuke and a warning. So the Religion is that which Allaah has legislated, and which His Messenger sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam conveyed. This is the Religion about which Allaah the Majestic and Most High said:

He (Allaah) legislated for you the Religion with which He enjoined Nooh, and which He revealed to you, and which He enjoined upon Ibraaheem, and Moosaa and `Eesaa; that you should establish the Religion, and not separate within it. (Sooratush-Shooraa (42), aayah13)

This is the revealed way of the Prophets, specifically those five Prophets, who are those firmest in resolve. This is their Religion. So whoever deviates away from it or differs with it, then he is destroyed and he is astray. And it is built upon the tawheed of Allaah the Mighty and Majestic (singling out Allaah the Mighty and Majestic with all worship) and abandonment of the worship of everything besides Him, and restricting oneself to that which Allaah the Mighty and Majestic legislated, and keeping away from whatever Allaah has forbidden – this is the Religion.

His saying, “It was not left up to the intellects of men and their opinions.” – the Religion is not what men deem to be good or what they hold as their opinion, because this is not the Religion of Allaah. This is the Religion of the people, which they have newly invented. As for the Religion of Allaah the Mighty and Majestic, then it is what He legislated. As for that which the men hold as their opinion, based upon their own opinions, this is not the Religion of Allaah the Perfect and Most High. Rather it is just a religion of whoever holds that opinion. So nothing can be ascribed to Allaah from the Religion except that which He legislated upon the tongue of His Messenger sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam. And as for what others besides Him legislated, then it cannot be ascribed to Allaah, rather it can only be ascribed to whoever legislated it, and Allaah is free of it. He the Most High said:

Do they have partners who legislate for them religion which Allaah has not permitted (Sooratush-Shooraa (42), aayah 21)

His saying, “And its knowledge is with Allaah and His Messenger sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam.” – the affairs of the Religion are towqeefiyyah (depend upon text); there must be proofs from Allaah and His Messenger with regard to the affairs of the Religion. The matter is restricted to what occurs in the Book and the Sunnah from the affairs of the Religion. And newly introduced matters and innovations are abandoned, that which Allaah has not sent down any proof for – even if their people hold them to be religion, and they draw closer to Allaah through them, then we turn no attention to these things and we do not believe in them, because the Religion of Allaah is what He legislated and His Messenger.

Because the Religion is based upon knowledge which came from Allaah and His Messenger. And do not follow the desires of the people and the opinions of the people and what they declare to be good and what they follow each other upon, and it has no basis in the Book of Allaah or the Sunnah of His Messenger sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam.

Just as he `alayhis-salaatu was-salaam said:

“Whoever introduces into this affair of ours that which is not from it, it is rejected.”

And in one narration:

“Whoever does an action which our affair is not in accordance with, it is rejected” [4]

So the person who wishes that his action be righteous and be beneficial, then he should adhere to two matters:

The first matter: is that he makes his Religion pure for Allaah and free from shirk.

And the second matter: ittibaa`, following the Sunnah of Allaah’s Messenger sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam, free of innovations and newly introduced affairs.

A person will indeed find many things which contradict what is correct in the `aqeedah, matters which contradict what is correct in matters of worship, many of them; (because) the people have desires, and have their own aspirations, and they have their own opinions and they have their own ways (which they follow). So we do not follow the people, rather we present whatever the people are upon to the Book and the Sunnah. So whatever conforms with the Book and the Sunnah then it is the Truth, and whatever contradicts these two then it is false and futile.

Footnotes :

[04] The checking of this has preceded on page 66.
Translator’s side point: Hadeeth of Aa`ishah radiyAllaahu`anhaa reported by Muslim and in the Saheeh of al-Bukhaaree.

Transcribed by Umm `Abbaas Zaynab `Abdullah. Download PDF of Lesson 06

Ithaaful-Qaaree bit-Ta`leeqaat `alaa Sharhis-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 Sharhu Sunnah
Sharh-us-Sunnah – Shaykh Saalih Fawzaan – Dawood Burbank [Audio|En]

Visit : Book Study of Sharhu Sunnah – Imam Barbaharee

We say: ‘Allaah knows best’ regarding whatever is unclear to us -Shaykh Fawzan | Dawud Burbank [Audio|En]

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Aqeedah Tahaawiyyah: Lesson 43 : Point [165]
Dawud Burbank [Audio|English]

165. And we say: ‘Allaah knows best’ regarding whatever is unclear to us.

[Souncloud Audio Link]

Quote from Shaykh Fawzan:

A man came to Imam Malik rahimahullaah, “Imaam Dar al-Hijrah”, and asked him about forty issues. He answered four of them and said in respect to the rest: “I do not know.” So, the man said: “I have come to you from such and such place on my camel, and you say, ‘I do not know’?” Imam Malik told him: ‘Ride your camel, and go back to the land you came from and say, ‘I asked Malik and he said, I do not know’!

At-Ta`leeqaat Al-Mukhtasarah `alaa Matn Al-`Aqeedah At–Tahaawiyyah. By Shaykh Saalih ibn Fawzaan al-Fawzaan hafizahullaah. Translated by Aboo Talhah Daawood Burbank, rahimahullaah, in 1426AH

Posted with kind permission from Dawud Burbank rahimahullaah

Listen to the Full Audio Series of Aqeedah Tahaawiyyah:
Explanation of Aqeedah at-Tahaawiyyah – Dawud Burbank [Audio|En]

Book Study Resource : Aqeedah at-Tahaawiyyah – Imam at-Tahaawi

He should not look down upon a point of benefit that comes to him by way of someone that is young in age or old in age – Shaykh Saalih Abdil-‘Azeez Aali Shaikh

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When Imaam Ahmad was suffering from his final sickness, at times, he would feel pain and groan out loud. So when one of his students came and heard him, he narrated to him with a chain of narration from Muhammad bin Sireen that Anas bin Maalik (radyAllaahu ‘anhu) used to consider it detested (makrooh) to groan. After that, he did not hear Ahmad groan again until he passed away.

This mentality on the part of the student and the teacher is that which will enable the student of knowledge, through the Grace of Allaah, to become a scholar in the future, if Allaah wills. And this is the mentality which will enable him to benefit and cause him to always be preoccupied with knowledge – day and night, he is learning. He should not look down upon a point of benefit that comes to him by way of someone that is young in age or old in age. Some people receive points of benefit from individuals that are younger than them (in age and knowledge), and so they feel arrogant towards him or they don’t give that point their full attention. The reason for this is because they have elevated themselves over the knowledge. And when one elevates himself over knowledge, he will not be from those who are able to acquire it.

Rather, a younger or smaller person may have some knowledge that an older or bigger person doesn’t. And likewise one who is younger or smaller may understand some aspects of knowledge whereas one who is older and bigger may not. But if he explains it to him, he should benefit from it. The scholars have mentioned a clear example for this, which is the story of prophet Sulaymaan and the hoopoe bird. Even though the hoopoe bird was lowly in terms of stature and composure and Sulaymaan was elevated in terms of stature, composure and position in the sight of Allaah and before all of creation, the hoopoe bird said to him: “I have grasped knowledge of something that you have not grasped. And I have come to you from Saba’ (Sheba) with certain news.” [Surah An-Naml: 22]

So the hoopoe bird knew something that Sulayman was unaware of. The people of knowledge have derived from this story that you should not be arrogant with someone that brings you a point of benefit (from knowledge), regardless if he is young and lowly or old and prominent.

Source:  Three Required Characteristics for Seeking Knowledge -Shaikh Saalih bin ‘Abdil-‘Azeez Aali Shaikh. al-ibaanah.com translation.

What is ijmaa? (Consensus or Unanimous Agreement of the Scholars) – Dr. Saleh As Saleh [Audio|En]

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Posted from: Sources of Knowledge In Islam – Dr. Saleh As Saleh

Knowledge means: The statements of Allaah & His Messenger & the statements of the Sahaabah, along with ijmaa and Qiyaas – Shaikh Muhammad Bazmool

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THE FOURTH FOUNDATION:

Knowledge means: The statements of Allaah and His Messenger and the statements of the Sahaabah (Companions), along with the unanimous agreement of the scholars (ijmaa’) and correct logical conclusion (qiyaas).

Therefore, the Qur’aan and Sunnah must be understood in light of the understanding of the Companions and those who followed them in goodness. This is the Way of the Believers, as Allaah says:

وَمَن يُشَاقِقِ الرَّسُولَ مِن بَعْدِ مَا تَبَيَّنَ لَهُ الْهُدَى وَيَتَّبِعْ غَيْرَ
سَبِيلِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ نُوَلِّهِ مَا تَوَلَّى وَنُصْلِهِ جَهَنَّمَ وَسَاءتْ مَصِيرًا

“And whoever opposes the Messenger after the guidance has been made clear to him, and follows a way other than the Way of the Believers, We will turn him to what He has chosen and land him in Hell – what an evil destination.” [Surah An-Nisaa: 115]

How excellent is the statement of the one who said:

“Knowledge is: (what) Allaah said, (what) His Messenger said, (and what) the Companions said, there being no variance in this. Knowledge is not that you present a difference imprudently between the Messenger and the view of a fool. Nay, nor is it the presenting of a difference ignorantly Between the texts and the view of a Faqeeh (Scholar) Nay, nor is it the rejection of texts intentionally out of fear of falling into tajseem [14] and tashbeeh.” [15]

Al-Awzaa’ee, may Allaah have mercy on him, said:

“Knowledge is what the Companions of Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم have reported. Anything beyond this is not knowledge.” [16]

Az-Zuhree, may Allaah have mercy on him, would write down the statements of the Taabi’een, and Saalih bin Kaysaan would oppose him in this. Later, he felt remorse for having abandoned that. [17]

This is also the path that Abu Haneefah An-Nu’maan followed, may Allaah have mercy on him and be pleased with him.

Ibn Al-Mubaarak, may Allaah have mercy on him, said: “I heard Abu Haneefah say:

‘When something is reported from the Prophet, we take it. And when something is reported from the Companions of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم, we choose from their opinions. And when something is reported from the Taabi’een, we contest with them (with our views as to which is correct).’” [18]

This was the same path taken by Maalik bin Anas Al-Asbahee, the Imaam of Madeenah, may Allaah have mercy on him and be pleased with him.

When his book al-Muwatta’ was mentioned to him, Maalik said:

“It contains the hadeeth of Allaah’s Messenger and the statement(s) and opinion(s) of the Sahaabah and the Taabi’een. I also voiced my opinion based on Ijtihaad (scholarly deduction) and on what I found the people of knowledge upon in our lands, not transgressing that for the views of others.” [19]

This was also the path that Ash-Shaafi’ee adhered to, may Allaah have mercy on him and be pleased with him. [20]

Ash-Shaafi’ee, may Allaah have mercy on him, said:

“Knowledge is of several categories:

First: The Book and the Sunnah, if it is an authentically reported Sunnah;

Second: The unanimous agreement of the scholars in those matters in which proof from the Book and the Sunnah cannot be found;

Third: When some (or one) of the Companions of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said something and we don’t know of any opposition to that from the rest of them;

Fourth: When the Companions of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم differed among themselves, yet he صلى الله عليه وسلم did not object to them.

Fifth: Qiyaas (analytical deduction) of one of these categories.

One should not go to another source apart from the Book and the Sunnah so long as they are both present (i.e. proof is found in them). Knowledge should be taken from the highest source.” [21]

This was also the way of Ahmad bin Muhammad bin Hanbal, may Allaah have mercy on him and be pleased with him.

Ahmad bin Muhammad bin Hanbal said:

“If a hadeeth from the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم exists on an issue, we should not take the opinion of someone else that is in opposition to it – regardless if he is one of the Companions or those that came after them.

And if there exist conflicting views from the Companions of Allaah’s Messenger on a particular issue, we may choose from their opinions. However, we do not transgress from their opinions to the views of someone else.

And if no statement from the Prophet or his Companions exists on an issue, we may choose from the opinions of the Taabi’een…” [22]

Muhammad bin Al-Hasan said:

“Whoever is knowledgeable of the Book and the Sunnah, and of the opinions of the Companions of Allaah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم, and the views favored by the Muslim Fiqh scholars is allowed to exert his opinion by way of (scholarly) Ijtihaad in those matters in which he finds difficulty, thus ruling by it and implementing it in his prayer, fast, Hajj, and all of the other things he was commanded and prohibited to do.

But if he exerts his efforts to come up with an opinion, and investigates and applies analytical deduction, and still doesn’t come up with the correct view, he is permitted to act on his resulting view, even if he did err in attaining the correct view that should be followed.” [23]

Muhammad bin Al-Hasan also said:

“Knowledge is of four types:

1. That which is found in the clear Book of Allaah, and what is analytically deduced from it;

2. That which is found in the reported Sunnah of Allaah’s Messenger, and what is analytically deduced from it;

3. That which the Sahaabah (Companions), may Allaah have mercy on them, unanimously agreed on, and what is analytically deduced from it;

This also includes the issues they differed on, so long as it doesn’t transgress beyond their views. If one of their opinions is chosen, that (view) is considered knowledge that was analytically arrived at.

4. That which the majority of the Muslim Fiqh scholars have favored as well as what is analytically deduced from that and which serves as an equivalent to it.

Knowledge does not exceed the boundaries of these four types.” [24]

* This foundation consists of several matters, amongst which are:

1. A student of knowledge should accustom himself to connect issues with their evidences from the Book and the Sunnah, according to the understanding of the pious predecessors (Salaf as- Saalih). This is where the importance of the books written on the rulings found in ayaat and ahaadeeth and the books on the narrations of the Companions comes in.

2. The Sunnh of the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم is divided into two types:

A. The apparent Sunnah, which is explicitly clear, and

B. The unapparent Sunnah, which is not explicitly clear.

As for the first type of Sunnah, which is the clear and apparent Sunnah, then it refers to what is clearly attributed to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم from statements, actions, tacit approvals, behavioral descriptions and physical attributes. This is considered “the Sunnah” according to the scholars of Hadeeth.

From the categories above, those that are related to religious rulings, and which serve to establish obligations and laws, are: his صلى الله عليه وسلم statements, actions, and tacit approvals. This is why the scholars that formulate principles (Usooliyoon) and those that excel in Jurisprudence (Fuqahaa) have limited the definition of the Sunnah to just these categories, since their main objective was just to clarify the religious laws.

The second type of Sunnah, which is the Sunnah that is not explicitly clear, refers to that which is attributed to one of the Companions for which there is no room for opinions in the matter or that which takes on the ruling of being raised to a saying or action of the Prophet.

This consists of the following scenarios:

A. When a Companion makes a statement on a matter in which there is no room for one’s opinion to enter into it (i.e. so naturally he received knowledge of it from the Prophet);

B. When a Companion issues an opinion and there is no text that contradicts it;

C. When a Companion explains the circumstances under which a verse from the Qur’aan was revealed, in a clear manner;

D. When a Companion explains something that has been reported;

E. What has been reported from the Companions concerning their difference of opinion in the description of acts of worship;

F. What has been reported from the Companions, in that which is known as “Interpretative Recitation”;

G. What has been reported from them as interpretations of the noble Qur’aan from some of the scholars.

It is for this reason that a student of knowledge must strive to find out what has been reported on the Companions with regard to issues of knowledge.

However, there are some shortcomings that occur in this aspect, and that is due to several reasons:

First: There is a general lack of concern for finding out which narrations are authentic from which are weak.

Second: Verifying the opinion of a Companion on an issue.

Third: Discrediting the ascription of an opinion to a Companion before verifying if it was the last of the views he had on the issue or not.

3. In order to fully implement this principle, you must know that it is not permissible for us to introduce an opinion on a particular issue that is outside the realm of their views.

Their statements – may Allaah have mercy on them – show a unanimous agreement on this approach. So whoever transgresses beyond the fold of their views has departed from the path of the believers. We also just recently quoted their statements in this regard.

Abul-Mudhfar As-Sama’aanee, may Allaah have mercy on him, said:

“We were ordered to follow and encouraged to do that. And we were prohibited from innovating as well as warned against it. The trademark of Ahlus-Sunnah is their following of the Salaf whilst abandoning everything that is innovated and newly-introduced.” [25]

Ibn Taimiyyah, may Allaah have mercy on him, said:

“Whoever interprets the Qur’aan or the Hadeeth, explaining them in a way that is different from the well-known interpretations of the Companions and Successors, is fabricating a lie on Allaah, denying Allaah’s verses and distorting words from their proper places. This is opening the door to heresy and atheism. The falsehood of this is known in the religion of Islaam by necessity.” [26]

So it is not for anyone to interpret a verse or a hadeeth in a manner that contradicts the interpretation of the Companions of Allaah’s Messenger, may Allaah be pleased with them.

Ibn Rajab, may Allaah have mercy on him, said:

“And in our time – I say: And in our time, this applies even more [27] – the recording of the statements of the exemplary Salaf is restricted to the time of Ash-Shaafi’ee, Ahmad, Ishaaq and Abu ‘Ubayd. So let the individual beware of what was introduced after them, for indeed there were many innovations that were introduced after their time. And there appeared those who ascribed themselves to following the Sunnah and the Hadeeth, such as the Dhaahirees and their likes who are the greatest in opposing it (i.e. the Sunnah) due to their deviation from the Imaams and their isolation from them in coming up with an understanding (of the texts), or their taking a view that the Imaams before them never held.” [28]

I say:
Ahmad bin Hanbal, may Allaah have mercy on him, said:

“Beware of speaking on an issue for which you do not have an Imaam (i.e. scholar who preceded you in it).” [29]

4. It is due to this principle – which is understanding the Glorious Qur’aan and the Prophetic Sunnah in light of the understanding of the Companions, may Allaah be pleased with them – that you will not find Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah, the people of Hadeeth, engaging in the interpretation of the glorious Qur’aan or the explanation of the meanings of the Hadeeth from a linguistic and intellectual standpoint. Rather, you will find them investigating into the narrations, compiling the reports of the Salaf in their books, and basing their understanding and analytical deductions on that, contrary to the people of innovations and desires!!

Ibn Taimiyyah, may Allaah have mercy on him, said:

“The Murji’ah have deviated concerning this foundation (i.e. Eemaan) from what is clearly stated in the Qur’aan, the Sunnah and the statements of the Companions and those who follow them in righteousness. Instead, they have relied on their personal views and on the perverted interpretations they have reached from their understanding of the (Arabic) language. This is the way of the people of innovation. And this is why Imaam Ahmad would say: ‘The majority of the time that people fall into error is due to misinterpretation and incorrect analogy.’

This is why we find the Mu’atazilah, the Murji’ah, the Raafidah and other groups of innovators interpreting the Qur’aan with their own opinions and intellects and what they understand from it linguistically. As a result of this, you will find that they do not rely on the narrations of the Prophet, the Companions, the Successors or the Muslim Imaams. So they neither rely on the Sunnah nor do they rely on the unanimous consensus or reports of the Salaf. Rather, they just rely on the intellect and the language.

We also do not find them relying on the recorded books of Tafseer and Hadeeth and the narrations of the Salaf. Instead, they only rely on the books of literature and rhetoric that their leaders fabricated. This is also the way of the heretics. They only accept what is in the books of philosophy, literature and language. As for the books on Qur’aan, Hadeeth and Narrations, they do not give any importance to them.

These individuals turn away from the texts of the Prophets since according to them, they do not produce any knowledge!

And they are the ones who interpret the Qur’aan according to their own personal views and understanding, without resorting to any of the narrations of the Prophet and his Companions. We already mentioned previously the statements of Imaam Ahmad and others which show the prohibition of this and an indication that this is the way of the people of innovation.” [30]

He also said:

“Innovations only entered into the beliefs of the innovators because of the fact that they turned away from this path and began to base the Religion of Islaam on leads that were not correct, either due to what the verbatim indicated or what was understood from the meanings. They did not reflect on the explanation that came from Allaah and His Messenger. All leads that contradict the explanation of Allaah and His Messenger are considered misguidance.” [31]

Disregarding the ahaadeeth and narrations of the Salaf while relying on just the language and intellect to understand the Qur’aan and Hadeeth is a method that has been embarked upon in recent times by the Orientalists. So when they need to research a narration, they simply quote from the books of Al-Jaahidh or from the book al-Aghaanee or from al-‘Aqd-ul-Fareed. And if quoting becomes hard on them, they just say: “This conforms to the intellect!”

Contrary to this, a Muslim who follows what the Prophet and his Companions were upon confines his comprehension and understanding of the Glorious Qur’aan and Prophetic Sunnah to conform to the understanding of the Companions, may Allaah be pleased with them, and doesn’t leave from their fold.

And if he must resort to Ijtihaad (scholarly deduction) or investigation on an issue, he searches if there is someone before him (Salaf) that held that view so that he may follow him, and if not, he leaves it alone. This is since all good lies in following those who preceded (Salaf), while all evil lies in the innovating of those who came after (Khalaf). So stick to the early generation.

Footnotes:

14 Translator’s Note: The evil act of ascribing anthropomorphic qualities to Allaah such as claiming that He has a physical hand.

15 Translator’s Note: The evil act of comparing and likening Allaah’s attributes to the attributes of a created being, such as by saying Allaah’s hand is like a human’s hand.

16 Transmitted by Ibn ‘Abdil-Barr in Jaami’ Bayaa al-‘Ilmi wa Fadlihi (2/29)

17 Reported by Al-Khateeb Al-Baghdaadee in Taqyeed-ul-‘Ilm (pg. 106-107) and Ibn ‘Abdil-Barr in Jaami’ Bayaan al-‘Ilmi wa Fadlihi (1/76-77) in the footnotes of brother Muhammad Naasir Al-‘Ajamee to Bayaan Fadlu ‘Ilm-is- Salaf (pg. 69)

18 Akhbaar Abee Haneefah of As-Saymaree (pg. 10) on the authority of Abu Yoosuf and Eeqaadh Himam Uleel- Absaar (pg. 70)

19 Tarteeb-ul-Madaarik (1/193)

20 His statement preceded in the first part of this foundation, but this is another one of his statements.

21 Al-Madkhal ilaas-Sunan-il-Kubraa (pg. 110)

22 Al-Musawwadah (pg. 276)

23 Reported by Ibn ‘Abdil-Barr in Jaami’ Bayaan al-‘Ilmi wa Fadlihi (2/61)

24 Reported by Ibn ‘Abdil-Barr in Jaami’ Bayaan al-‘Ilmi wa Fadlihi (2/26)

25 Al-Intisaar Li-Ahlil-Hadeeth of Abul-Mudhfar As-Sama’aanee, which is found in Sawn-ul-Mantiq wal-Kalaam (pg. 158)

26 Majmoo’-ul-Fataawaa (13/243)

27 Translator’s Note: This statement is from the author, Shaikh Muhammad Baazmool.

28 Bayaan Fadlu ‘Ilm-is-Salaf (pg. 69)

29 This was quoted in Majmoo’-ul-Fataawaa (21/291) and Ibn Al-Jawzee mentioned its chain of narration in Manaaqib-ul-Imaam Ahmad bin Hanbal (pg. 178)

30 Al-Eemaan (pg. 114)

31 Majmoo’-ul-Fataawaa (7/288)

Read the full eBook :
Laying the Foundations for Seeking Knowledge : Shaikh Muhammad Baazmool

Three Categories Of The Bearers Of Knowledge – Imam Ibn Rajab

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The Commander of the Believers has divided the carriers of knowledge into three categories:

Category One: The People of Doubts

They consist of the one who has no evidences from the carriers of knowledge. Doubt has pierced his heart when it was first presented to him. He grasped it and thus fell into mass confusion and uncertainty. From that, he came out producing such acts as innovations and misguided affairs.

Category Two: The People of Desires

Their portion is of two types:

The first consists of he who seeks after the worldly life, under the pretense of desiring knowledge. So he makes knowledge a means of attaining worldly goals.

The second portion consists of the one who is overcome with the desire of amassing worldly gains, its riches and its treasures.

None of these types of people are from amongst the shepherds of the Religion. Rather, their similitude is only like that of the cattle.

For this reason, Allaah the Most High has compared those who were entrusted with the Torah and then failed that trust to donkeys carrying books. And He has compared the learner of evil, the one who detaches himself from the verses of Allaah, clinging onto this world and following his lusts, with the likeness of a dog. The donkey and the dog are the lowest forms of animals and the worst types of examples.

Category Three: The Carriers of Knowledge

They are the possessors of knowledge. They uphold it, protect it and establish it upon the evidences and clear proofs of Allaah.

It already has been stated that they are the fewest of people yet greatest in stature in the sight of Allaah. This is an indication towards their few numbers and towards the strangeness of the carriers of knowledge from this category.

Al-Hasan Al-Basree (rahimahullaah) said:

“The reciters of the Qur’aan are of three types:

Those who take it as a commodity and gain their sustenance from it.

Those who establish its words, yet neglect its commandments (i.e. read it but don’t practice it). Due to (their knowledge of) it, they act arrogantly towards the people of their land and they use it (the Qur’aan) as a support for gaining positions of authority. These types of people from among the bearers of the Qur’aan are many. May Allaah diminish their number!

There is also a type of people that apply the remedy of the Qur’aan and thus place it over the sickness of their hearts. Due to it, their battles come to a standstill and they feel compassionate in their burnooses (long capes worn by the people of old). And they feel a sense of fear (of Allaah) and the worries (of the worldly life) have left them. They are the ones upon whom Allaah sends His rain down and He sends victory through them over the enemies. By Allaah, this type of people from among the carriers of the Qur’aan are more honorable than that of flaming torches in the sight of the rest of the reciters of the Qur’aan.”

Thus, he (rahimahullaah) has informed us that this group – and they are the reciters of the Qur’aan who place it as a cure for their hearts, such that all traces of fear and worry leave them – is more honorable amongst the other reciters than the example of flaming torches.

From the E-Book: Alleviating Grievances in Describing the Condition of the Strangers

Humbling Oneself before Allaah and asking Him to grant Knowledge – Shaykh Abdullah adh-Dhufairee

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Third: Humbling Oneself before Allaah and Asking Him for Success and Prosperity

One should also ask his Lord to increase him in seeking knowledge, since an individual is destitute and in the utmost need of Allaah. This is why Allaah has encouraged His servants to ask of Him and to lower themselves before Him, as He says:

وَقَالَ رَبُّكُمُ ادْعُونِي أَسْتَجِبْ لَكُمْ
“Call unto Me, I will respond to you.” [Surah Ghaafir: 60]

And the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:

“Our Lord descends every night to the lowest level of heaven and says: ‘Who is calling Me that I may respond? Who asks of Me that I may give him? Who seeks My forgiveness that I may forgive him?’”

Allaah commanded His Prophet to ask Him for an increase in knowledge, as He said:

وَقُل رَّبِّ زِدْنِي عِلْمًا
“And say: ‘My Lord! Increase me in knowledge.’” [Surah TaHa: 114]

And Allaah said speaking on behalf of Ibraaheem:

رَبِّ هَبْ لِي حُكْمًا وَأَلْحِقْنِي بِالصَّالِحِينَ
“My Lord! Bestow Hukm (i.e. knowledge) on me, and join me with the righteous.”
[Surah Ash-Shua’raa: 83]

The word Hukm refers to knowledge, as the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “If the Haakim (judge), strives hard performing Ijtihaad…”

The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم supplicated for Abu Hurairah radiya Allaahu ‘anhu to be granted the ability to memorize. He صلى الله عليه وسلم also supplicated for Ibn ‘Abbaas to be granted knowledge, as he said: “O Allaah, give him understanding of the Religion, and teach him the ta’weel (interpretation of the Qur’aan).”

Allaah answered His Prophet’s supplication, such that afterward Abu Hurairah radiya Allaahu ‘anhu didn’t hear anything except that he memorized it and Ibn ‘Abbaas radiya Allaahu ‘anhu came to be the scholar of the ummah and the interpreter of the Qur’aan.

The scholars have continued to carry on this practice, thus lowering themselves before Allaah and asking Him to grant them knowledge. Look at the example of Shaikh-ul- Islaam Ibn Taimiyyah, may Allaah have mercy on him – He would go to the masaajid, prostrate to Allaah and supplicate to Him, saying: “O teacher of Ibraaheem, teach me! O educator of Sulaymaan, grant me understanding!”

And Allaah answered his supplication, such that Ibn Daqeeq-ul-‘Eid said about him: “Allaah gathered the knowledge for him to the point that it was as if it (i.e. the knowledge) was between his eyes and he would take what he wished from it and leave off what he wished from it.”

Posted from : Ten Guidelines for Obtaining Knowledge – Shaykh Abdullaah Adh-Dhufairee. The treatise has been introduced and praised by Shaikh Ahmad An-Najmee, one of the elder scholars in Saudi Arabia, thus indicating its importance and benefit. 

What the Salaf Said Regarding Theological Rhetoric (ilm al Kalaam)

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Text from Usool as Sunnah (Foundations of Sunnah)

19.For indeed, (indulging in) theological rhetoric (kalaam) in [22] the matter of Qadar, the Ru’yah, the Qur’aan and other such issues are among the ways that are detested and which are forbidden.

20. The one Who does so, even if he reaches the truth with his words, is not from Ahlus-Sunnah, until he abandons (using) this mode of argumentation, [and until he] submits and believes in the aathaar (the Prophetic Narrations and those of the Companions [23]

Footnotes:

[22] Imaam ash-Shaafi’ee (d. 204H) said,

“My ruling regarding the people of theological rhetoric is that they should be beaten with palm leaves and shoes and be paraded amongst the kinsfolk and the tribes with it being announced, ‘This is the reward of the one who abandons the Book and the Sunnah and turns to theological rhetoric (kalaam).”

Sharh ‘AqeedatitTahaawiyyah of lbn Abil-’Izz, p. 75.

Ibn ‘Abdul-Barr said,

“The people of Fiqh and Aathaar in all the various towns and cities are agreed unanimously that the Ahlul-Kalaam (People of Theological Rhetoric) are (but) Ahlul-Bida’ waz-Zaigh (the People of Innovations and Deviation). And they are not considered, by all of the above, to be amongst the ranks of the Scholars (in truth).”

Reported by Ibn Qudaamah in his Burhaan fee Bayaanil-Qur’aan.

Imaam ash-Shaafi’ee (d. 204H) said,

“That a person is put to trial with everything that Allaah has forbidden, besides Shirk, is better than that he looks at Kalaam (theological rhetoric).” He also said, “If people knew what (misleading and destructive) desires are contained within theological rhetoric they would certainly flee from it as they would from a lion,”

he also said,

“Whoever showed boldness in approaching theological rhetoric will never prosper.”

Reported by Ibn Qudaamah in his Burhaan fee Bayaanil-Qur’aan.

One of the Scholars of ash-Shaash said:

“Every knowledge save that of the Qur’aan is a pre-occupation
Except for the Hadeeth and Fiqh (understanding) of the Deen
Knowledge is only that about which it is said,
‘Haddathanaa …‘ (So and so narrated to us)
And what is besides that
Are but whisperings of the Shayaateen (devils)”

Aboo Yoosuf, the companion of Aboo Haneefah said,

“Whoever sought knowledge by kalaam (theological rhetoric) will turn a heretical apostate,” and Ahmad ibn Hanbal (d. 241H) said, “The person of theological rhetoric will never prosper. And never do you see anyone looking into theological rhetoric except that in his heart is a desire for creating mischief.”

Both narrations are reported by Ibn Qudaamah in his Burhaan fee Bayaanil-Qur’aan.

[23] Muhammad Ibn Seereen (d. 110H) said,

“They (i.e., the Companions and the Taabi’een) used to consider themselves upon the path (of truth) so long as they held onto the narrations.”

Reported by al-Laalikaa’ee in his Sharh Usolil It’iqaad, no. 110.

Shaadh ibn Yahyaa said,

“There is no path which is more straight and direct (in leading) to Paradise than the path of the one who travels upon the aathaar (narrations).”

Reported by al-Laalikaa’ee in his Sharh UsoolilIt’qaad no. 112.

‘Abdullah ibn alMubaarak (d. 181H) said,

“I found that the affair was Ittibaa’ (following and imitation, i.e., following and submission to the narrations).”

Reported by al-Laalikaa’ee in his Sharh Usoolil-l’tiqaad, no. 113

Do not indulge in Scholastic Theology (Ilm-ul-Kalam or Theological Rhetoric or Rationalistic Approach) – Dr Saleh As Saleh [Audio|En]

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The following audio Clip Extracted from Part 1 of the Series – Knowledge & Etiquette in Seeking it


—

Related Links:

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

What the Salaf Said Regarding Theological Rhetoric (ilm al Kalaam)

Knowledge is Sought from its Scholars – By Dr. Murtaza bin Bakhsh [Video|Urdu-Eng Subtitles]

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Video Courtesy: Bilal Nahim
Translation Verified By: Abu Bilal Nahim

Dr. Murtaza bIn Bakhsh:

Who is upon the truth and who is upon falsehood? How will we know this and how will we be able to distinguish this? Is it possible without knowledge? Then, when will we seek knowledge? Is it not important that time be allocated? It is important; and knowledge is sought from the scholars. It is notjust sought from books. It is sought from scholars and students of knowledge. Those scholars who teach the Qur’aan and the Sunnah with the understanding of the Salaf of this Ummah – this confinement is obligatory, that there is the Quraan, authentic Hadeeth and they speak, teach the religion and give rulings according to the understanding of the Sahaabah (companions of Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam).

If you find such a scholar or such a student of knowledge somewhere, then do not leave him; and connect with the scholars, the senior scholars all praise be to Allaah – such scholars are present.

Now (seeking) knowledge has become easy, translations have come forth – in English, in Urdu, in every language. Shaykh bin Baaz rahimahullaah, Shaykh ibn Uthaymeen, (the) Muhaddith, Muhammad Naasiruddeen aI-Albaani rahimahullaah, there are (about) 10,000 cassettes of his – now we have CDs, but before the CDs there were (about) 10,000 cassettes. And if you just take out any cassette from the middle, you will notice that they contained the lessons of Tawheed and the Manhaj of the Salaf, in each of his cassettes. Far removed is Allah from all imperfections!

Shaykh Saalih al-Fowzaan is alive [hafidhahullaah], Shaykh Saalih al-Luhaydaan is alive, Shaykh Ubayd al-Jaabiree, Shaykh Rabee’ al-Madkhalee, Shaykh Muhammad bin Haadee aI-Madkhalee – they are those ‘Ulemaa, that if you attach yourself to them, by Allaah, life changes. There is light [of guidance] in their sayings; there is light in their guidance. If (you) want to learn the methodology of the Salaf, then this is the path, this is the methodology. There are other Salafee scholars as well but I remember these names, their names are known and famous. Do not say that I do not have a way to reach them. By Allaah, by sitting at home, nowadays, all praise be to Allaah, there are online duroos happening as well. Aren’t they happening? Use this technology correctly.

People abuse it by listening to songs and what not. You use it correctly and see how you become a part of (seeking) beneficial knowledge and how it benefits you even after your death.

https://urdu-islamic-audio.com/2015/07/02/knowledge-is-sought-from-its-scholars/

Seeking Knowledge is the Foundation for the Correctness of your Repentance – Shaykh Ahmad ash-Shihhee

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The following is posted from : Magnificent Points of Advice for those who have turned to the Way of the Salaf – Abu ‘Abdillaah Ahmad bin Muhammad Ash-Shihhee. This book was read to Allaamaah Rabee’ al-Madkhalee who gave some good instructions regarding it.

AUTHOR: Abu ‘Abdillaah Ahmad bin Muhammad ash-Shihhee
SOURCE: His book “Al-Wasaayah as-Saniyyah Lit-Taa’ibeena ilaas-Salafiyyah” (pg. 34-39)
PRODUCED BY: Al-Ibaanah.com

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The Second Advice: Seeking Knowledge is the Foundation for the Correctness of your Repentance

So knowledge is the foundation for the correctness of your repentance. This is due to two reasons:

First: For the most part, the misconceptions (you had prior to your repentance) will remain attached to your heart and your mind. So if you do not correct it with beneficial knowledge, you will find yourself accompanied by these misconceptions in your statements, actions and circumstances. Rather, you will find them mixed into your Da’wah (calling to the Way of Allaah), as is the condition of many of those who have leaped from (just) making their repentance to (being active in) the field of Da’wah. So they have begun calling to the Salafee Da’wah, however this call is mixed with the Ikhwaanee misconceptions of gathering people together (regardless of Creed) or the Qutubee misconceptions of making takfeer (declaring Muslims disbelievers) or the Surooree misconceptions of partisanship (hizbiyyah)! So the image displayed is Salafiyyah, but the taste and the smell derived from it is something else!

Therefore, their call turns into a Salafiyyah, which consists of particular standards that can have their roots traced back to the misconceptions they had propr to their repentance, which still accompany them and which they have not yet corrected. So you find this person calling to leadership in Da’wah (i.e. that there should be one leader for organizing all the Da’wah in a land).

And that one rejects some of the principles of the Salafee Da’wah, claiming that they cause the hearts to be hardened! Or that they cause the brotherly ties to be broken! And this one agrees with the Qutubee ideologies!

And that one calls to Hizbiyyah (partisanship)!

And this one carries ideas of instigation and provocation (of the masses)!

And that one pitches the tent for gathering the people together (regardless of differences)!

All of this is done using the name of Salafiyyah, so to Allaah we turn for help! Verily to Allaah we belong and to Him we will return.

Second: Or perhaps you are carried away by the strong current of a misconception, such that your path and road towards repenting to Salafiyyah has changed course. So now you have become confused on this road or you begin calling to it, thinking that it is the truth when it is in fact misguidance!

How many games do these individuals who claim to have knowledge and stand for Salafiyyah play with the youth who seek to repent to Allaah?

And this is due to nothing else except for their lack of seeking knowledge and their lack of asking questions from the people of knowledge from Ahlus-Sunnah walJamaa’ah.

So, O repentant brother, may Allaah grant you success, you must seek beneficial knowledge, because it is that which will correct your repentance and set your path straight. With knowledge, you will free yourself from the misconceptions and the dangers, and you will save yourself from the hunting nets and snares, by the Will and Permission of Allaah.

As for the evidences that indicate the virtue of knowledge and those who possess it, then they are many and well known. I will mention from them, for the purpose of reminding:

Allaah’s saying:

“Allaah bears witness that there is none that has the right to be worshipped but He. And so do the angels, and those having knowledge. (He is always) maintaining His creation with Justice. None has the right to be worshipped but He, the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.” [Surah Aali ‘Imraan: 18]

And His saying:

“It is only those who have knowledge amongst His slaves that fear Allaah.” [Surah Faatir: 28]

And His saying:

“Allaah will raise in degree those of you who believe, and those who have been given knowledge.” [Surah Al-Mujaadilah: 11]

And Allaah’s saying, reminding of the blessing He bestowed on His Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) due to what He sent down to him from the Book (Qur’aan) and the Hikmah (Sunnah) and protecting him from people misleading him:

“Had not the Grace of Allaah and His Mercy been upon you (O Muhammad), a party of them would certainly have made a decision to mislead you, but (in fact) they mislead none except their own selves, and no harm can they do to you in the least. Allaah has sent down to you the Book (Qur’aan) and the Hikmah (Sunnah), and taught you that which you knew not. And Ever Great is the Grace of Allaah unto you.” [Surah An-Nisaa: 113]

So, O repentant brother, when you come to know the importance and virtue of knowledge, and the danger of neglecting it, then know that the first thing you should start with from the various branches of knowledge is:

Begin by Learning the Fundamentals of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah

The Station of Taqwa and Ihsaan – Shaykh Rabee bin Haadee

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So this sermon consists of the advice to fear Allaah, which is necessary and it is not exemplified except in the lives of the righteous, truthful scholars as in the saying of Allaah Ta’ala:

<<It is only those who have knowledge among His slaves that fear Allaah. >>[Fatir: 28]

Fear Allaah Azza wa Jal so you can reach this level and learn so that you can reach that status; because the one who knows the correct ‘Aqeedah, Manhaj and rulings, manners and behaviour springing from the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of the Messenger – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam – then he is the one who fears AllaahAzza wa Jal and Taqwa is attained with all of these matters.

So when these matters – which we have mentioned – are acknowledged then the slave is driven to the Taqwa of Allaah Azza wa Jal, to having fear of Him and being aware of Him in every time, place and situation.  This is a great station which is the station of al-Ihsaan (perfection of worship).

‘That you worship Allaah as if you see Him and if you cannot see Him then know that He sees you.'[1]

This station of al-Ihsaan (perfection of worship) is that a person has certainty that Allaah sees him and that Allaah hears all he says and hears; the beating of his heart, the feelings of his heart and what he thinks to himself.   AllaahSubhanahu Wa Ta’ala knows it and hears it and He sees his movements and when he is still.

So the true believer regards Allaah with true greatness and he acknowledges that Allaah Subhanah hears everything that he says and knows everything he discusses, or thinks to himself and that Allaah has:

<<Angels Kirâman (honourable) Kâtibîn writing down (your deeds). They know all that you do. >> [al-Infitar: 11-12]

So if these distinguished feelings are found in the soul of a believer then he has acquired the characteristic of Taqwa which causes him to keep away from sinning,Shirk, Bida’ and superstitions and he acquires the station of al-Ihsaan(perfection of worship) since he is aware of Allaah and he feels that Allaah sees him and he cannot hide anything of his affairs from Allaah not a little nor a lot, not even the like of an atom.

This is a noble awareness and distinguished feeling which pushes one -InshAllaah – to the Taqwa of Allaah.  This cannot be reached except for the one who knows the correct ‘Aqeedah, the correct rulings of Halaal and Haraam and knows the commands and prohibitions, the promise and the warnings from the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allaah – alayhis Sallat wa Sallam.  They are the ones who deserve the praise of Allaah – Tabaraka wa Ta’ala – He said; about them:

<< It is only those who have knowledge among His slaves that fear Allaah.>> [Fatir: 28]

And He said:

<< Allaah will exalt in degree those of you who believe and those who have been granted knowledge. >> [al-Mujadilah: 11]

So strive to be from these types of people: i.e. that you combine knowledge and action.  That is the fruit of correct knowledge and having the Taqwa of Allaah – Tabaraka wa Ta’ala – and being aware of Him.

Excerpted from: Encouragement to have Affection and Friendliness and Warning Against Splitting up and Differing – Shaykh Rabee bin Haadee al-Madkhalee, Translated by Abbas Abu Yahya

The Correct Sources of Knowledge – Shaykh Rabee

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And it is upon him to learn from the sources which contain the correct beliefs and correct methodologies, to read the Salafi Tafseer books, which are based upon the Tafseer of the Book of Allaah by the Book of Allaah, by the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allaah and by the Fiqh of the noble Companions those who lived through the descent of the revelation and were present at the time of the Messenger of Allaah – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam – and lived with him.

They knew the aim of the Book and the Sunnah. They are the ones whose Fiqh should be held on to as they preserved the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allaah – alayhis Sallat wa Sallam.  This is why the noble Messenger –alayhis Sallat wa Sallam – when he spoke about splitting up into sects and spoke about the Firqaat-Un Najeeyah said: ‘Those who are upon what I am upon and my Companions.'[2]

So this Fiqh of the true Deen of Allaah which the noble Companions had – which they acquired from the Book of Allaah and from the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allaah – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam, from his sayings, actions, his teachings and his directives – alayhis Sallat wa Sallam – it is obligatory upon us to take it as our reference.  The Companions are the intended believers in the saying of Allaah – Tabaraka wa Ta’ala -:

<< And whoever contradicts and opposes the Messenger after the right path has been shown clearly to him and follows other than the believers’ way. We shall keep him in the path he has chosen, and burn him in Hell – what an evil destination. >> [an-Nisaa: 115]

This is a severe threat to the one who contends with Allaah and His Messenger and follows a path other than that of the believers.

So pay attention to this matter and strive to understand the way of the believers which they derived from the Book of Allaah, the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allaah – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam – and from his purifying and educating them upon the Book and the wisdom -BarakAllaahu Feekum.

This is a great opportunity for you; understand from it the true Deen of Allaah and strive earnestly to make it apparent over all religions with proofs and evidences.

It is upon you to seek knowledge from its original watering sources; from the Salafi books of Tafseer, from the Salafi books of ‘Aqeedah, which gush forth from the Book of Allaah and from the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allaah –alayhis Sallat wa Sallam.  The difference between the way of the truthful believers and the way of the innovating discriminators of the true Manhaj of Allaah will become clear.

They – I swear by Allaah – are the protectors of this Ummah upon the Deen of Allaah Azza wa Jal, they had the correct ‘Aqeedah and Manhaj and they were firmly upon what Muhammad – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam – came with.

From what is understood principally, is that it is obligatory upon us to follow the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam – to hold on firmly to the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allaah – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam – and to bite onto that with our molar teeth, just as the Messenger of Allaah mentioned – when he gave an eloquent sermon whereby tears fell and the hearts trembled  – the Companions requested him to give them some advice they said ; O Messenger of Allaah it is as if this is a farewell sermon, so advise us, he said: ‘I advise you to fear Allaah…….’  pay attention to this advice.

‘….to hear and obey, whoever lives from amongst you will see many differences so it is upon you to hold on to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly guided Khulafah, bite on to it with your molar teeth, beware of newly invented matters, for every newly invented matter is a Bida’ and every Bida’ is misguidance.’[3]

[1] Translator’s note: Due to the saying of the noble Messenger of Allaah–sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam– ‘Whoever does not thank the people does not thank Allaah.’ As narrated by Abee Sa’eed, & authenticated by al-Albaani in as-Saheehah, I say that may Allaah reward with all goodness in this life and in the Hereafter the brother who facilitated us with the booklet and aided us in its translation.  And to our editor, may Allaah enter her into the highest grades of His Paradise among the Prophets, the Companions and the righteous for all her efforts.

The headings were added for further clarity.

[2] Narrated by Tirmidhi (2641) from the hadeeth of Abdullaah bin ‘Amr –radhiAllaahu anhu- & regarded as Hasan by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami’ (5343).

[3] Narrated by Abu Daawood (4607), Tirmidhi (2676) & Ibn Majah (42) from the hadeeth of al-Irbaad bin Saariyah –radhiAllaahu anhu – & it was authenticated by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami’ (2549).

Excerpted from: Encouragement to have Affection and Friendliness and Warning Against Splitting up and Differing – Shaykh Rabee bin Haadee al-Madkhalee, Translated by Abbas Abu Yahya

“O Allaah Bless me in what You have given…” – Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen

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The Explanation of:

وَبَارِكْ لِي فِيمَا أَعْطَيْتَ
“Bless me in what You have given…”

The Arabic word بَرَكَة (barakah) “blessing” literally means an abundance of anything good that is continuous. The scholars even trace this word and its meaning back to the word بِرْكَة (birkah) which means a large amount of water or any wide container or gathering of water that is constantly filled with water. Similarly, the word blessing means a continuously large amount of good. So the meaning of this statement is: Send blessings down upon everything you have given me.

The wording, “…in what you have given…” is comprehensive including anything Allah has given us of wealth, children, knowledge, and anything else Allah ( سبحانه وتعالى ) has bestowed upon us. So you ask Allah to put blessings in all of that. If Allah does not put blessings in what he has given you, you would surely be prevented from a great amount of good.

How many people have a wealth in abundance, yet it is as if they live in poverty? This is because they gain no real benefit from their wealth; they simply collect it and never benefit from it. This is the result of the blessings being removed from it. Likewise, many people have lots of children and grandchildren, yet their children do not benefit their parents in anything due to their disobedience and ungratefulness. Such people have not been blessed in their children.

You also find some people to whom Allah has given a great amount of knowledge, yet it is as if he is illiterate. You see no traces of knowledge upon him in his worship, in his character, in his manners, nor in the way he treats others. Rather, his knowledge may even increase him in arrogance and considering himself to be above the rest of Allah’s worshippers, belittling and humiliating them. Such a person does not realize the one who bestowed this knowledge upon him is none other than Allah. You see that he never benefits people with his knowledge, neither with lessons, nor advice, nor with writings. On the contrary, he is exclusively centered only upon himself. This is without doubt a great loss, even though religious knowledge is one of the most blessed things Allah gives to a servant. One reason for this is that when you teach others and spread this knowledge among people, you are rewarded from several different perspectives:

1. When you spread this religious knowledge, you are spreading the religion of Allah ( عزّ وجلّ ). So you work for the sake of Allah, opening people’s hearts with knowledge.

2. From the blessings of spreading knowledge and teaching it is that by doing so, there is the preservation and protection of Allah’s legislation (religious laws). If it weren’t for the passing on of knowledge, the legislation would not have been preserved.

3. Also from the blessings of spreading knowledge is that when you teach others, you do them a great deal of good. You give them insight into the religion of Allah. And when that person then worships Allah with knowledge and insight, you are rewarded with similar rewards he is given because it was you who directed him towards a particular good deed, and the one who directs another to do something good is just like the one who actually does it. [15]

Also, by spreading and teaching religious knowledge, one’s own knowledge increases. It is known that anyone who teaches a particular knowledge to people, his knowledge in that subject will increase. This is because in teaching, one is recalling what he previously learned and memorized as well as learning new things that he must prepare. To this meaning, there is a famous (Arabic) proverb regarding wealth, “It increases by spending it often, and it decreases if held in a tight fist.” Similarly, if knowledge is withheld and not taught, it will eventually decrease.

Footnotes :

[15] A proof of this is the ḥadīth recorded by Muslim (no. 1893), al-Tirmidhī (no. 2671), Abū Dāwūd (no. 5129), and by Aḥmad in which the prophet ( صلّى الله عليه وسلّم ) said:

مَنْ دَلَّ عَلَى خَيْرٍ فَلَهُ مِثْلُ أَجْرِ فَاعِلِهِ
Whoever directs someone to do something good, he will have a reward like the one who actually did it.

Posted from : Explaining the Du’a of Qunut in the Witr Prayer – Shaykh ibn Uthaymeen, Translated by Abu az-Zubayr Harrison

Learn the below important supplication:

O Allah, increase my wealth and offspring, and bless me in what You have given me

The Explanation of: “Oh Allah, guide me with those You have guided.”.. – Shaykh ibn Uthaymeen

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The Explanation of: اللَّهُمَّ اهْدِنِي فِيمَنْ هَدَيْتَ
“Oh Allah, guide me with those You have guided.”

Meaning: Guide me to the truth and assist me in acting in accordance with it. Complete, beneficial guidance is that in which Allah combines for a servant both knowledge and action. Guidance without action is of no real benefit. Rather it is even harmful because if a person does not act in accordance with what he already knows, his knowledge becomes evidence against him.

An example of guidance in the form of knowledge but with no action is the verse of Allah:

As for Thamūd, we guided them but they preferred blindness over guidance. [5]

Meaning: We clarified the path to them and we conveyed the knowledge to them. However, they preferred blindness over guidance, and from this we seek refuge with Allah.

Also from this type of guidance – simply giving the knowledge and clarifying the truth – is the statement of Allah (سبحانه و تعالى)to the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) :

And certainly, you guide to the straight path.[6]

Meaning: You direct the people to the straight path and teach them about it. As for the other type of guidance which is the granting of success, an example of this type is the verse:

Indeed, you can’t guide whoever you like.[7]

This type is the guidance of granting one success in their deeds. In this case, the messenger ( صلى الله عليه و سلم ) is never able to grant someone the success of their good actions as this type of guidance is specific to Allah alone. If the prophet ( صلى الله عليه و سلم ) were capable of that type of guidance, he would have guided his uncle, Abū Ṭālib. He did try to guide his uncle and even when he was about to die, the Prophet ( صلى الله عليه و سلم ) said to him:

Oh uncle, say, “There is nothing worthy of worship except Allah,” – a statement by which I will testify on your behalf before Allah.

But the decree of Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) had already passed that the prophet’s uncle would be from the inhabitants of the Fire, and from this we seek refuge with Allah. So Abū Ṭālib neither said nor believed that nothing has the right to be worshipped except Allah. The last thing he said before dying was that he would remain upon the religion of ‘AbdulMuṭṭalib.8 Despite this, Allah allowed his messenger ( صلى الله عليه و سلم ) to intercede for Abū Ṭālib, not just because he was the prophet’s uncle, but because he used to continually defend the prophet ( صلى الله عليه و سلم ) and Islam (even though he did not personally accept Islam). So the Prophet ( صلى الله عليه و سلم ) interceded for Abū Ṭālib and as a result of this intercession, he ( صلى الله عليه و سلم ) said about his uncle:

He is in the lowest part of the fire, and if it were not for me, he would have been in the lowest, deepest part of the fire.[9]

And the Prophet ( صلى الله عليه و سلم ) also said :

Perhaps my intercession will benefit him on the Day of Resurrection so that he will be put into the lowest part of the fire, it reaching only to his ankles, yet from which his brain will boil. [10]

So when we say in the Du’ā of Qunūt, “Guide us with those you have guided,” we are asking Allah for both types of guidance: the guidance of knowledge and the guidance of being successful in our actions. As an example, the following verse also includes both of these types of guidance:

Guide us to the straight path. [11]

So when anyone says this du’ā he should sincerely call to mind that he is asking for both types of guidance: the guidance of the correct knowledge and the guidance of acting in accordance with it.

As for the wording, “…with those you have guided,” this is a way of seeking nearness to Allah by mentioning his favors on others in that he guided them. So we also ask him to bestow the same favor upon us and guide us. In other words, we ask you (Allah) for guidance, and receiving it is only by virtue of your mercy, your wisdom, and your past favors as you have guided others

Footnotes:

[5] The Quran, Sūrah Fuṣṣilat, 41:17
[6] The Quran, Sūrah al-Shūrá, 42:52.
[7] The Quran, Sūrah al-Qaṣaṣ, 28:56.
[8] The ḥadīth is recorded by al-Bukhārī (no. 1360, 3884, and 4675) Muslim (no. 24), al-Nasāī (no. 2035), and by Aḥmad.
[9]The ḥadīth is recorded by al-Bukhārī (no. 3883, 6208) and Muslim (no. 209) as well as by Imām Aḥmad.
[10] The ḥadīth is recorded by al-Bukhārī (no. 3885, 6564) and Muslim (no. 210) and also by Aḥmad.
[11] The Quran, Sūrah al-Fātiḥah, 1:5

Posted from : Explaining the Du’a of Qunut in the Witr Prayer – Shaykh ibn Uthaymeen, Translated by Abu az-Zubayr Harrison

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