Islamic Knowledge – Islam, Sunnah, Salafiyyah
Etiquettes In Seeking Knowledge – part 01
Etiquettes In Seeking Knowledge – part 02
Etiquettes In Seeking Knowledge – part 03
Etiquettes with Allaah – part 01
Etiquettes with Allaah – part 02
Points of Benefit :Regarding Seeking Knowledge and Impediments
Suggested Study Program for the Seeker of Knowledge
01 Fiqh Summarized – Purification and Water
[audio https://salafiaudio.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/fiqh-summarized-purification-and-water-saleh-as-saleh.mp3]
02 Fiqh Summarized – Utensils and Kafir Clothes
[audio https://salafiaudio.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/fiqh-summarized-utensils-and-kafir-clothes-saleh-as-saleh.mp3]
The Heart and Its Diseases – Based upon the work of Ibn Taymiyyah and Ibnul Qayyim rahimahumullaah
01- The Heart – Ibn Taymiyah and Ibnul Qayyim – 5:04
02- The Heart – Its Three Types – 19:31
03- The Heart – Its Diseases – 67:40
04- The Heart – Benefit In Seeking Guidance (audio corrupted..)
Man always looks for what benefits him and what protects him from harm. However, to accomplish this, man must be able to realize what is harmful. He must then know whom he should need, trust, and love so that he can attain what is beneficial as well as to feel good about his choice. He also must know the proper and good approach that would make him achieve this goal. This latter condition requires that man:
1.Know about harm
2.What ways can be used to drive harm away
Certainly, man can have no better guidance than that which comes from the One Who had perfected everything, and the One who Has no deficiency in Himself and in His Attributes. The One Who is Ever-Living and Who does not die. There can be no One better than the One Who Has no need for anything; the One Who is rich; the Giver; the One who, after all, controls man’s soul. Man is so poor to Him. He is Allaah, the True and only God. Man can bring harm to himself if he seeks other than Allaah for help. Allaah is the One Who can help man drive away any harm for it cannot occur without His Will and His Power.
Allaah (Subhanahu wa ta’aala) sent down His Books and chose His Messengers to guide man to:
1.Know His Lord as He (Subhanahu wa ta’aala) had explained about Himself, and
2.Seek Him Alone while living in accordance with His plan
Knowing Allaah’s Names and Attributes liberates man from worshiping any form of creation because creation is weak and is in need of The Creator, Allaah. The knowledge about Allaah leads man to know that he is created to live according to Allaah’s way as revealed to the last Messenger Muhammad . This Revelation contains a complete code of life. Everything that is beneficial or harmful is established so that man can center his life around this Revelation. If man commits wrong and knows that Allaah is Oft-Forgiving he would turn to Him and to Him alone seeking His forgiveness:
“Know, therefore, that there is no God Who deserves to be worshiped except Allaah; and ask forgiveness for your sins.” (Qur’an, 47:19)
It is wrong to think or believe that Allaah created other ‘gods’ besides Him so that man turns to them for help; loves them or fear them, etc. He is the same God of all nations. He does not order that people should make of stars, sun, fire, Jesus, Moses, etc. gods besides Him. He (Most Exalted) cannot be ‘contradictory’. He has one way (religion) that calls man to surrender his will only to Him. He warned that if man (even Muhammad would take partners with Him, then his work will fail and will be among losers:
“And verily, it had been revealed to you (O Muhammad ) as has been revealed to those before you. If you join others in worship with Allaah (then) surely (all) your deeds will be in vain and you will certainly be among the losers. Nay! But worship Allaah and be among grateful.”(Qur’an, 39:65-66)
Let us know what Muhammad , the man-Prophet, who knew Allaah best, used to say:
“O Allaah, I seek refuge in You for Your Pleasure and against Your Wrath,and in Your Forgiveness and against Your Punishment and in You from You, I cannot Praise You as You can Praise Yourself.” (Muslim, Abu Dawoud, at-Tirmidhi, ibn Majah)
“I have surrendered myself to You, I have directed my face to You, I have entrusted my affairs to You, I have compelled my back to refuge in You, in want and in fright of You, there is no resort nor survival from You except (in turning) to You. I have faith in Your book (i.e. the Qur’an) which You brought down and in the Prophet (Muhammad ) you have sent.” (Al-Bukhari, Muslim)
When we read in the Qur’an that:
“Whatever of Mercy (i.e. of good), Allaah may grant to mankind, none can withhold it, and whatever He may withhold, none can grant it thereafter. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.” (Qur’an, 35:2)
And when we read that:
“If Allaah touches you with hurt, there is none can remove it but He; and if He intends any good for you, there is none who can repel His favor which He causes it to reach homsoever of His slaves He will, and He is the Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Qur’an, 10:117)
We should be motivated to return to Him Alone at times of ease and at times of hardship.
And when we read that:
“If Allaah helps you none can overcome you, and if He forsakes you, who is there, after Him, that can help you. And in Allaah (alone) let believers put their trust.” (Qur’an, 3:160)
The Qur’an, therefore, leads man to a true liberation from any false attachment. It brings peace to the heart. It helps the believer against hypocrisy and all forms of dishonesty. Imagine, for example, a believer facing a problem at work. He sees wrong and faces unlawful practices. He does not fear rejecting what is wrong. He knows that the job is only a means to gain his sustenance. While he may be unable to correct what is wrong, he knows well that Allaah is the One Who provides. If he leaves his job for the sake of Allaah, Allaah will give him a better one. Allaah (Subhanahu wa ta’aala) said:
“And whosoever fears Allaah and keeps his duty to Him. He will make a way for him to get out (from) every (difficulty), and He will provide him from (sources) he could never imagine.”(Qur’an, 65:2-3)
The above texts, necessitates that man must depend upon Allaah (Subhanahu wa ta’aala) asking Him Alone for assistance. It also requires that man must love Allaah and worship Him Alone to gain His pleasure and His help. Is it not true that the people who consider this life as the “Final Goal” end up worshiping many things in it? You see them so careful about “having it all”. They torture themselves: pain, difficulty, constant worry, keeping their hands in the banks for loan after loan to keep up with the “demands of development”. They are under the constant threat of fore-closure. They constantly see poverty in front of their eyes. The Prophet said:
“Allaah says: ‘Son of Adam: Fill your time with My worship and I will fill your heart with richness, and end off your poverty. But if you donot, I would make your hands fully busy (i.e. in worldly affairs) and I would not end off your poverty.'” (At-Tirmidhi said that it is a good hadeeth)
Our purpose of existence on earth is more meaningful than being slaves to worldly gains. There can be no meaningful life better than that prescribed by our Creator Allaah. Every act done according to Allaah’s way is an act of worship. Man is the beneficiary and Allaah is in no need:
“O mankind! It is you who stand in need of Allaah, but Allaah is Rich (Free of all wants and needs), Worthy of All Praise.” (Qur’an, 35:15)
Source: http://understand-islam.net/site/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=175
01- Goodness and Necessity of Islaam – part 1 – 49:04
02- Goodness and Necessity of Islaam – part 2 – 42:46
03- Goodness and Necessity of Islaam – part 3 – 38:10
04- Goodness and Necessity of Islaam – part 4 – 34:34
01- How to Understand Islam – Awareness of the Need To Understand the Deen 24:52
[audio https://salafiaudio.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/how-to-understand-islam-01-awareness-of-the-need-to-understand-the-deen-saleh-as-saleh.mp3]
02- How To Understand Islam – Allaah Shows Us the Path To Understand the Deen – 40:20
[audio https://salafiaudio.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/how-to-understand-islam-02-allaah-shows-us-the-path-to-understand-the-deen-saleh-as-saleh.mp3]
03- How To Understand Islam – The Saved Group Follows the Way of the Companions – 32:12
[audio https://salafiaudio.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/how-to-understand-islam-03-the-saved-group-follows-the-way-of-the-companions-saleh-as-saleh.mp3]
04- How To Understand Islam – The Preservation of the Quraan – 14:41
[audio https://salafiaudio.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/how-to-understand-islam-04-the-preservation-of-the-quran-saleh-as-saleh.mp3]
01- Fiqh ul Ibaadah – Understanding Worship – 44:25
02- Creation of You and Me 43:45
03- The Belief in Allaah – Evidences of His Existence 36:54
04- Creation and Evolution – Man and Nature – Darwin 64:14
05- Transcendence of Allaah – Refuting Doubts About Uluw 87:31
06- Purpose of Creation – Return to the Creator 58:54
07- Allaah Is the True God 28:22
08- Wisdoms of Man’s Existence on Earth – part 1 46:09
09- Wisdoms of Man’s Existence on Earth – part 2 44:35
The submission and obedience of man to His Creator is the essence of Islam. The Name “Islam” is chosen by God (Allaah) and not by man. It is the same message revealed to all the prophets and Messengers by Allaah and which they spread amongst their respective nations. In its final and universal form it was revealed to Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم: may Allaah exalt his mention and save him and his message from all kinds of evil).
Allaah is the identifying name or title of the Majestic, sole and True God. This noun which is the name of Allaah applies to none other than Him. He, Most Majestic and Most High, has other names all of which follow on from His name Allaah. The meaning of the name Allaah is the ma’looh (that which is worshipped out of love, magnification, deification, and longing). He is the Creator: to Him belongs the Commandment. No worship is worthy of being given to a stone, statue, a cross, a triangle, Khomeini, Farakhan, Elijas, Malcom’s X or Y, Ghandi, Krishna, Gurus, Buddha, Mahatma, Emperor, Joseph Smith, Sun, Moon (not to that from Korea too), Diana, light fire, rivers, cows, Rama, Temples, Prophets, Messengers (Yes! Muslims do not worship Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم), Saints, Priests, Monks, Haile Selassie, Movie Stars, Sheiks, etc.!! All are created beings or things.
The name Allaah is not chosen by man and it is not named after a prophet, saint or any famous man. The name “Allaah” was referred to by all prophets including Adam, Jesus, Moses, and by the last and final Prophet, Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم), as the One true God who deserves to be worshipped alone.
The innate nature in man (fitrah) recognizes what is good and bad, what is true and false. It recognizes that the Attributes of Allaah must be True, Unique, and All-Perfect. It does not feel comfortable towards any kind of degradation of His Attributes nor does it relax towards associating human qualities to the Creator. Many who became “discontent with God” did so because of the practices of the Church in medieval Europe and because of the claims of “god dwelling in a son”, and that “everyone is born with an original sin”. They “escaped” into worshipping a new theory called “mother nature” as well as the “material world”. With the advancement of materialistic technology others from different religions adopted the concept of “forgetting about God” and “let us live this life and enjoy it!” not realizing that they have chosen the worship of the “origin god” of Rome: The god of desire!
Today we can see that all of this materialistic progress produced a spiritual vacuum that led to complex social, economical, political, and psychological problems. Many of those who “fled” their “religions” are in search again. Some try to “escape” the complexity of their daily lives via various means. Those who had the chance to examine the Qur’an and Islam, proceed with a complete code for life which requires man to fulfill the purpose for his presence on earth. Allaah does not want for man to be enslaved to any false deity: nature, drugs, lust, money, other men, desire, or sex. He provides the proofs that he is the One who can deliver man from the slavery to any form of creation and to turn to his Creator alone.
The Creator has Perfect Attributes. He is the First, nothing is before Him. He is the Last, everything ends except Him; the Most High, nothing is above Him; the Most Near, nothing is beyond His reach and his compassing, and He is the Most High in His nearness. He is the Ever-Living, to Him we shall all return, where everyone will be dealt with in the Most Perfect and Just way. He does not beget nor is He begotten. Those who attribute Divinity to Jesus forget or ignore the fact that Jesus was in a mother’s womb. He needed nutrition; he was born and grew up to be a man. He was trusted with the Gospel (Injeel) as a message to the Children of Israel. A man-messenger calling his nation not to worship him. A man who needs to eat, walk, sleep, rest, etc. cannot have Divine Attributes because he is in need, but Allaah, the God of Jesus, is far above any imperfection.
With respect to Buddhism, Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, Rastafarianism, etc., all are forms of worship to created beings/things in one form or another. Jews had attributed a nationalistic belonging to Allaah: “The Tribal God” of Israel. Men and women following these religions were born with the natural inclination of worshipping their Creator, Allaah. It is their parents who had driven them into their respective traditions. Once they are exposed to the Signs of Allaah around them, or in the Qur’an, or to someone who triggers their Fitrah (natural inclination to worship Allaah alone), the reverting process begins, and that is why we see a universal spreading of Islam.
There are many distortions of Islam in the media, worldwide. However, Despite the wrong practices of some Muslims (rulers and ruled) in some countries, those who seek the truth are judging Islam according to its doctrines. That is why we continue to witness a global growth in the number of people accepting this true religion of Allaah. The opposition to Islam will intensify with the spread of this truth in the world. This is not a conflict of “civilizations”, but rather the real struggle between the truths presented in the creed and principles of Islam and false doctrines and ways of worship. This is a real challenge for those who seek the Truth. Man is created for a purpose: to live a life in accordance with Allaah’s way. Why Not? Do we posses the air we breathe? Did we create ourselves or others? Or were we ourselves the Creators? So is it our right to ignore our Creator when we are all need of Him? Allaah is All-Just and All-Wise. He does not intend confusion for His Creation. The religion accepted to Him is the one chosen by Him. Its essence must be One, because He is One and only one True God. It is the religion of submission to the Will and Commandment of the One Who brought us to life, the Ever Living who will never die. It is the complete way of life for all mankind. All these qualities are chosen by Allaah in His only religion: Islam.
I hope that you will come with an open heart to read the Noble Qur’aan, because none can expose the truth better than the Word of Allaah. The Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم) in Arabic and it is not authored by him for he was unlettered. The translations of its meanings into many languages are available in bookstores or in an Islamic Center close to you.
You may want to know how does one become a Muslim. In order to become a Muslim one must openly recite ash-shahaadah (the profession of faith): La ilaaha illallaah, Muhammad Rasoolullaah which means that there is no true god except Allaah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah. This means that there is no god worthy of being worshipped but Allaah, and that He must be worshipped only according to the teaching of His Messenger Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم). Those teachings are best understood by the Prophet’s companions, and those who rightfully follow their path until the Day of Resurrection. They are called as-salaf as-saalih (the Righteous Predecessors). May Allaah, the Most High, guide us all to this path.
By: Dr. Saleh As-Saleh rahimahullaah
[Download the formatted PDF Here]
Posted from : http://understand-islam.net/site/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=91
Listen / Download Mp3 Du’a Here
[audio https://salafiaudio.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/hisn-al-muslim-ablutions1.mp3]
Click the below link to read or download PDF article
Essence of Tawhid and Shirk – Shaykh Ibn Baaz [PDF]
Listen to the audio Lecture of this Here
Allaahu Akbar
Allaah is Greater
Allaah – the Most High – says:
“That He will call you to account for what your hearts have earned.” [Soorah al-Baqarah 2:225].
“The day when neither wealth nor children will be of any avail, except he who comes to Allaah with a dean and pure heart.” [Soorah ash-Shu’araa 79:88-89].
The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said:
“Indeed, there is a piece of flesh in the body; if it is sound then all the body is sound. However, if it is diseased, then all the body is diseased Truly that is the heart.” [1]
Al-Haafidh Ibn Rajab (d.795H) – rahimahullaah -said:
“So know that the world – and whatever is above it and below it in the water- will not be corrected except when the actions of its people are all for Allaah. The actions of the body follow on from the actions and intentions of the heart. So when the actions and intentions of the heart are purely for Allaah alone, then it is corrected, and likewise the actions of the body will also be correct. However, if the actions and intentions of the heart are for other than Allaah, then it is corrupted, and likewise the actions of the body will be corrupted in proportion to how much the heart is corrupted.” [2]
And he said: “Hearts will not be corrected until the ma’rifah (knowledge and realisation) of Allaah – being in awe of His greatness, loving Him, fearing Him, hoping in Him, relying and trusting in Him – is not firmly implanted in them. This is the reality of Tawheed and the meaning of the saying: Laa ilaaha illallaah (that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah). Thus, hearts will not be corrected until Allaah is made the ilaah (deity) to be known, to be loved, feared and hoped in, and that He – along with this – becomes the only ilaah (deity) worthy of this, without associating any partner to Him in this.” [3]
Indeed, we may begin to appreciate the greatness of Allaah – the Most High’s – and being in awe of Him, by considering some narrations regarding what He – the Most High – has created.
The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said:
“Indeed I see what you do not see and hear what you do not hear. Heaven has groaned, and it has a right to do so. By Him in Whose Hand is my soul! There is not in the heaven a space equivalent to four fingers, except than an angel has prostrated his forehead to Allaah in it. By Allaah! If you knew what I know, you would laugh little and weep a lot, and you would not take delight in women in their beds, but rather would go to the wilderness and implore Allaah for help.” [4]
He sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said:
“The seven Heavens compared to the Kursee (the Chair) is like a ring which is thrown into a desert. And such is the magnitude of the ‘Arsh (the Throne of Allaah) compared with the Kursee.” [5]
He sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam also said:
“I have been given permission to relate to you about the Angels of Allaah – the Most High – that carry the ‘Arsh (Throne). Between one of the Angel’s ear and shoulder is a distance of seven hundred year journey.” [6]
And he sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam also said:
“Al-Baytul-Mamoor is in the seventh heaven [directly above the Ka ‘bah]. Each day seventy thousand angels enter it, and they will not return until the Day of Resurrection.” [7]
So: “the need of the servants for this (type of) knowledge is greater then every other need; end it is the most necessary of all things for them, since there is no life for the hearts, nor any delight, nor any tranquility, except through knowing their Lord, the only One Who deserves to be worshipped, their Creator – with His Names, His Attributes and His Actions, and that He – along with all that – is more beloved to the person than anything else. So man’s striving is with regards to everything that will draw him nearer to Allaah, to the exclusion of the creation … So the people who know Allaah the best, are the ones who best follow the way to Him; and know best whet lies at the end of the way.” [8]
1.Related by al-Bukhaaree (1/126) and Muslim (no.1599) from an-Nu’maan ibn Basheer radiallaahu ‘anhumaa.
2. Jaami’ al-‘Uloom wal-Hikam (p120).
3. Jaami’ al-‘Uloom wal-Hikam (p.120).
4. Hasan: Related by Ibn Maajah (no.4190) and at-Tirmidhee (2/51),who authenticated it, from Abu Dharr radiallaahu ‘anhu.
5. Saheeh: Related by Ibn Abee Shaybah in Kitaabul-‘Arsh (1/114) and al-Bayhaqee in as-Asmaa was-Sifaat (p 290), from Abu Dharr radiallaahu ‘anhu. The hadeeth is authentic due to its various routes of transmission – as Shaykh al-Albaanee has explained in as-Saheehah (no.109).
6. Saheeh: Related by Abu Daawood (no.4727) and al-Bayhaqee in as-Asmaa was-Sifaat, (no.398), from Jaabir radiallaahu ‘anhu. It was authenticated by Imaam adh-Dhahobee in al-‘Uluww (p.58).
7. Saheeh: Related by Ahmad (3/153), from Anas radiallaahu ‘anhu. And the addition is related by Ibn Jareer at-Tabaree in his Tafseer (11/27). The hadeeth was authenticated by al-Albaanee in as-Saheehah (no.477).
8. Sharhul-‘Aqeedatit-Taahawiyyah (p.27) of Imaam Ibn Abil-‘lzz.
This right is the greatest right of any of the creation. None of the creation have a right greater than the rights of Allah’s Messenger sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Allah – the Most High – said:
“Indeed We have sent you as a witness rind a bringer of good-tidings and a warner, in order that mankind may believe in Allah and His Messenger, and that you may assist and honour the Messenger.” [Al-Qur’an 48:89]
And from the rights that are due to the Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam are: that he should be honoured, loved and respected – but without any ghulu (exaggeration) or any falling short in the matter. Honouring the Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallamduring his lifetime implied honouring his Sunnah (guidance and example) and his noble character and conduct. As for honouring him after his death, then this implies honouring his Sunnah and the Shari’ah (the Prescribed Laws) that he was sent with. Whosoever reflects upon the lives of the Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet) will come to know how these great and virtuous people established the obligation of honouring the Messenger sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.
‘Urwah ibn Mas’ud said to the Quraysh: “O my people! I have seen kings. I have seen Caeser, Chouoes and Negus. But by Allah! I have never seen a king whose companions respect and honor him in the way that the Companions of Muhammad honour Muhammad sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. By Allah! When he spits, the spittle would fall into the hands of one of them, who would then rub his face and skin with it; when he orders them with something, they promptly fulfill it; when he performs wudhu’(ablution), they vie with each other for the remains of the water; and when they speak in his presence, they lower their voices and do not look directly at his face, due to their respect and honour for him.” [2]
So this is how the Companions radhiallahu ‘anhum loved and honoured him, for Allah had endowed and blessed the Prophetsallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam with a generous and noble character and a mild and easy-going nature. Had he been harsh and hard-hearted, people would not have been able to gather around him and be with him as they did.
Also from the rights that are due to the Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam is to believe in all that he informed as of with regards to the accounts of previous people and nations, to do that which he has commanded and leave that which he has prohibited, and to have ‘iman (faith) that his guidance and example is the best and most perfect guidance and example, and that the Shari’ah(Prescribed Laws) that he was sent with is perfect and complete – no human laws nor systems are to be given precedence or priority over his Shari’ah. Allah – the Most High – said:
“But no by your Lord! They will not truly be Believers, until they make the Prophet a judge in all their disputes, and then find in their souls no resistance against his decision, but rather accept it with the utmost submission.” [Al-Qur’an 4:65]
“Say: If you do love Allah then follow the Prophet. Allah will then love you and forgive you your sins. Indeed Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most-Merciful.” [Al-Qur’an 3:31]
And from the rights of the Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam is to defend his Shari’ah and his guidance with the strength and capacity at one’s disposal, and also in proportion to the attack that it is under. Thus, if the enemies are attacking it with false proofs and doubts, then his guidance and Shari’ah should be defended with sound knowledge which refutes such false arguments and clarifies the doubts. If, however, the attack is made by any other types of weapons, then the defence should be made in a similar manner. It is not possible for any Believer to hear of some attack upon the Prophet’s Shari’ah or his noble personality, and then to keep silent about it – especially when one has the power to counter such on attack.
From Huquq Da’at Ilayh al-Fitrah wa Qarrarath ash-Shari’ah (pp. 6-7).
This translation is from Al-Istiqaamah Magazine, Issue No. 2, Safar 1417H / July 1996.
Al-Istiqaamah Issue Issue No.4 – Jumâdal-Awwal 1417H / November 1996
CONCERNING MEN WEARING GOLD RINGS
[Q]: What is the ruling concerning a man wearing a gold ring, or what is known as a wedding-ring?
[A]: Shaykh Ibn Baaz – hafidhahullaah – answered:
“It is not permissible for a man to wear gold rings. neither before or after marriage. This is due to the fact that Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam prohibited gold, as occurs in the authentic narrations. So once when the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam saw a man wearing a gold ring, he took it from him, threw it down and said: “Does a person pick up a burning piece of coal and hold it in his hand.” This was related by Muslim in his Saheeh (6/149). So in this is a proof that it is absolutely haraam (prohibited) for men to wear gold rings, even if it is a wedding ring.”2
THE RULING CONCERNING WISHING FOR DEATH DUE TO ENCOUNTERING MANY HARDSHIPS
[Q]: I have faced so many hardships in my life that it has made me hate this life. Every time I turned to Allaah and pleaded to Him to take my life at the earliest possible moment. This continues to be my wish up until now, as I do not see any solutions to my problems except death; it is the only thing that can save me from this torment. Is this behaviour haraam (forbidden) for me?
[A]: Shaykh Ibn al-‘Uthaymeen – hafidhahullaah – said:
“When a person wishes for death due to the hardships and afflictions that have befallen him, then he is doing something that Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam prohibited, when he said: “None of you should wish for death due to some harm that has come to him, rather, if he has such a wish then let him say: O Allaah! Give me life if You know that life is better for me. And give me death if You know that death is better for me.”3 Therefore, it is not allowed for anyone to wish for death on account of some harm, hardship or difficulty that has come to him. In fact, he should have sabr (patience) and expect a reward from Allaah – the Most High – due to his being patient, and he should wait for relief to come to him; just as the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “And know that victory comes with patience, relief with distress, and ease with hardship.”4 So the one who is afflicted with any affliction should know that those afflictions are an expiation for some of the sins he has committed. Indeed, no Believer is afflicted with any kind of grief, pain or suffering except that Allaah expiates – due to that – some of his sins; even if it be the harm caused by a mere pricking of a thorn. So when a person has patience and hopes in a reward from Allaah, he reaches the level of being amongst the saabiroon (those who truly have patience), and this is a very lofty level. Allaah – the Most High said about its people: “And give glad tidings to the apatient ones; those who, when afflicted by a calamity, say: Indeed we belong to Allaah, and to Him shall we truly return.” [Soorah al-Baqarah 2:155-156].
The woman in the question feels that there is no solution for her problems except death. I believe that this is a mistaken view.
Death does not solve any problems. In fact, sometimes it only increases the difficulties. How many people die whilst being afflicted with calamities, difficulties and suffering, but they had been wronging themselves by sinning, and did not give up their sins or repent to Allaah. So death, in this case, is just a quicker coming of punishment. Perhaps if such a person had remained alive, then Allaah would have guided him him to the doors of repentance, seeking forgiveness, patience, facing up to the problems and expecting relief. All of this would have been good for him. Therefore, it is upon you – the questioner – to be patient and expect relief from Allaah – the Mighty and Majestic – just as Allaah – the Most High – said in His Book: “So indeed with hardship here is relief. Indeed with hardship there is relief.” [Soorah Inshiraah 94:5-6]. And the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said in the authentic narration: “Victory comes with patience; relief with affliction, and ease with hardship.”5″6
FORCING A YOUNG LADY TO MARRY A MAN THAT SHE DOES NOT WANT TO MARRY
[Q]: Is it allowed for a father to force his daughter to marry a particular man that she does not want to marry?
[A]: Shaykh Ibn Baaz – hafidhahullaah – responded by saying:
“Neither the father, or anyone other than the father, may force a woman who is under his guardianship to marry a man that she does not wish to marry. In fact her permission must be sought first. Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “A previously married women (without a husband) must not be married until she is consulted, and a virgin is not married until her permission is sought.” They said: O Messenger of Allaah, how is her permission sought? So he said: “By her being silent.”7 Another narration states: “Her silence is her permission.”8 Yet a third narration states: “A virgin’s father seeks her permission, and her permission is her remaining silent.”9 So the father must seek her permission if she is nine years of age or above. Likewise, her other guardians may not marry her off except by her permission. This is obligatory upon them all. If a lady is married without her permission, then the marriage will not be correct. This is because one of the conditions of a marriage contract is that both partners accept the marriage freely. So if she is married without her permission, by threat or coercion, then the marriage is null and void… If the (apparent) husband knows that she does not want him, then he should not approach the woman, even if the father approves of it. He must fear Allaah and not approach any wife that does not want him, even if the father claims that he did not coerce her. The man must avoid what Allaah has forbidden him. This is because Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam ordered that her permission be sought.
We also advise the woman to fear Allaah and to accept the man if her father finds that he suitable to marry her, as long as the prospective groom is good in his Religion and in his character. This is also the case if the one who is the guardian is not the girl’s father. We give this advice because there is a lot of good and a lot of benefit in marriage. Likewise, there are a lot of hazards in living as a maiden. So I advise all young ladies to accept those men who come to them for marriage, if they conform to the compatibility factors of marriage (i.e. good in Religion and character), they should not use studying, teaching, or anything else, as an excuse to get married.”10
A RELIGIOUS YOUNG MAN PROPOSED TO ME BUT MY MOTHER REFUSED
[Q]: I am seeking a solution to my problem. I am twenty-four years old. A young man proposed to me. He has finished college and is from a religious family. After my father agreed to him, he asked me to come and see him. I saw him and was pleased with him. [we saw each other] because our pure and noble Religion states that I should see him and that he should see me. However, when my mother came to realise that he was from a Religious family, she became harsh against him and my father. She swore that she would not allow such a marriage to take place. My father desperately tried to persuade her, but to no avail. Do I have the right to seek the [Islaamic] Law to intervene in this matter?
[A]: Shaykh Ibn Baaz – hafidhahullaah – said:
“If the matter is as you have stated in your question, then your mother has no right to object, to this matter Indeed it is actually haraam (forbidden) for her to object in this case. You are not obliged to obey your mother in this particular issue, since the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Indeed obedience is only in ma’roof (when it is good and right).”11 And it is not from ma’roof to reject a suitable marriage proposal. In fact, it has been narrated from the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam that he said: “lf there comes to you a person whose Religion and character are pleasing to you, then marry him (i.e. give the girl in marriage to him). If you do not do this, there will be Fitnah (trial and discord) and great fasad (corruption) upon the earth.”12 If you have need to take your case to an [Islaamic] court of law, then you would not be wrong in doing so.”13
1.Fataawaa al-Mar’ah (pp.13-14).
2. Majmoo’ Fataawaa wa Maqaalaat Mutanawwi’ah (6/397).
3. Related by al-Bukhaaree (10/127) and Muslim (no.2680). from Anas radiallaahu ‘anhu.
4. Saheeh: Related by Ahmad (11308), from Ibn ‘Abbaas radiallaahu ‘anhu. It was authenticated by al-Albaanee in Takhreejus-Sunnah (nos.315-318).
5. Saheeh: Related by ad-Daylamee (4/111-112), from Anas radiallaahu ‘anhu. It war authenticated by al-Albaanee in as-Saheehah (no.2382).
6. Fataawaa al-Mar’ah (pp.10-11).
7. Related by al-Bukhaaree (no.5136), from Abu Hurayrah radiallaahu ‘anhu.
8. Related by al-Bukhaaree (no.5137), from ‘Aaishah radiallaahu ‘anhaa.
9. Related by al-Bukhaaree (51105).
10. Fataawa al-Mar’ah (pp. 169-170).
11. Related by al-Bukhaaree (4/355), from ‘Alee radiallaahu ‘anhu.
12. Hasan: Related by at-Tirmidhee (no. 1085), from Abu Haatim al-Huzanee and Abu Hurayrah radiallaahu ‘anhumaa. It was authenticated by al-Albaanee in Irwaa’ ul-Ghaleel (no. 1868).
13. Fataawaa al-Mar’ah (pp.170-171).
Al-Istiqaamah Issue No.7 – Rabî’ ul-Awwal 1418H / July 1997
IS CLINGING TO THE RELIGION A CAUSE OF AFFLICTION?
[Q]: There was a person in our city who was very firm in practicing the Religion, and was later afflicted with an illness. Some of the people started saying to him that the cause of him being afflicted with this illness is because of his adhering to the Religion. Being affected with this type of talk, the person then shaved off his beard and he neglected his Prayers. So is it permissible to say that the cause of his affliction was due to him clinging to the commandments of the Religion? And the one who says such a thing, is he considered a kaafir (disbeliever) because of such a saying?
[A]: ”Clinging on to the Religion is not a cause for his illness. Rather, it is a cause for every good, both in this life and in the Hereafter. And it is not permissible for any Muslim, that when some foolish and ignorant people utter words such as this, to give them any weight. Nor is it permissible to shave one’s beard or shorten it, or to neglect guarding the five obligatory Prayers in congregation. Rather, it is obligatory for such a person to remain steadfast upon the truth, and to keep away from all that Allaah has prohibited, and to beware of all that which angers Allaah and incurs His punishment – by obeying Allaah and His Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, Allaah – the One free from all defects said: “Whosoever obeys Allaah and His Messenger will be admitted into Gardens of Paradise, beneath which rivers flow, to dwell therein forever. That will be the greatest achievement. But whosoever disobeys Allaah and His Messenger and oversteps His limits, Allaah will cast him in the Fire, to abide therein; and he shall have a humiliating punishment.” [Soorah an-Nisaa 4:13-14]. And Allaah – the Mighty and Majestic – said: “Whosoever has taqwaa (piety, fear and obedience) of Allaah, He will make a way out for him. And He will provide for him from places he could never imagine.” [Soorah at-Talaaq 65:2-3]. And He – the Most Perfect – said: “Whosoever has taqwaa of Allaah, He will make his affair easy for him,” [Soorah at-Talaaq 65:4]. And the verses with this meaning are plentiful.
As for the person who says that the cause for such affliction is due to being firm and steadfast upon the Religion – then such a person is ignorant. It is obligatory to censure such a person and to know that clinging to the Religion does not bring about anything except good. As for what occurs to a Muslim by way of a calamity that he dislikes, then this is a form of expiating his evil actions and a forgiveness for his sins. As regards to the issue of takfeer (declaring a Muslim to be a kaafir, a disbeliever) upon this person, then this requires detail, and is known from the chapters concerning the judgement upon a murtad (apostate) – which can be found in the books of Islaamic jurisprudence and understanding. And with Allaah is the power and ability.”1
CRYING DUE TO ILLNESS
[Q]: I am ill and I sometimes cry because of what happens to me after my illness. Is this considered an action which opposes Allaah and of not being pleased with what He has decreed? I do not do this action willfully. Likewise, does that ruling also include talking to my relatives about my illness?
[A]: “There is no harm in crying, if it is simply tears coming from the eyes, without wailing. This is based upon the statement of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, when his son Ibraaheem passed away: “The eye sheds tears and the heart grieves, yet we do not say anything except what is pleasing to our Lord. By your death – O Ibraaheem – we are indeed in grief.”2 The ahaadeeth with this meaning are numerous.
There is also no harm in you speaking about your illness to your relatives and friends, providing that you praise and thank Allaah, glorify Him and ask Him for sound health, following the permissible means. We advise you to patiently persevere and to hope in a reward from Allaah. I give you the glad tidings, as Allaah – the Most High – has said: “Only those who are patient shall recieve their reward in full, without reckoning.” [Soorah az-Zumar 39:10]. The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam also said: “A Muslim is not afflicted with fatigue, sorrow, disease or pain – even if it be the pricking of a thorn – except that due to it, Allaah will expiate some of his sins.”3 Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam also said: “Whosoever Allaah intends good for, He afflicts him with some calamity.”4 So we ask Allaah to grant you a cure and sound health, as well as goodness of the heart and actions. Indeed He is the One who hears and the One who responds.”5
SAFEGUARDING THE PRAYERS
[Q]: A leaflet was sent to us and with it was a copy of a page which has been distributed amongst the people, and which included a hadeeth attributed to the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam which said: “Whosoever misses the Prayer due to laziness, then Allaah will punish him with fifteen punishments …” So what is the authenticity of this particular hadeeth?
[A]: “This hadeeth is a lie upon the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and there is no basis at all for it being authentic – as has been explained by al-Haafidh adh-Dhahabee, rahimahullaah, in al-Meezaan and al-Haafidh Ibn Hajr in Lisaanul-Meezaan. So it is a must that whosoever comes across such a leaflet that he burns it and that he admonishes the one who produced it, in order to defend the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and to protect his Sunnah from the lies of the liars.
And what has been Recorded in the great Qur’aan and the authentic Sunnah of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam -with regards to the importance of the Prayer and warning against being lazy in performing it and a threat for whosoever does this – is more than sufficient against the lies of the liars. So Allaah – the Most Perfect – said: “Guard strictly your five daily Prayers and in particular the middle Prayer (i.e. the ‘Asr Prayer), and stand before Allaah with obedience.” [Soorah al-Baqarah 2:238]. And Allaah – the Most Perfect – said: “And then there came after them a people who gave up their Prayer and followed their lusts. So they will be thrown into the Hellfire.” [Soorah Maryam 19:59]. And Allaah – the Most High – said: “So woe be upon those who pray; those who delay their Prayer from the fixed stated times.” [Soorah al-Maa’oon 107:3-4]. And the verses with this meaning are plentiful.
The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “The covenant between us and them is the Salaah (Prayer), so whosoever abandons it has committed an act of disbelief.” Recorded by Imaam Ahmad and the compilers of the four Sunan with a Saheeh (authentic) isnaad (chain of narration).6 And also his sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam’s saying: “Between a person and between al-Kufr (disbelief) and ash-Shirk (associating partners with Allaah in the worship of Allaah) is abandoning the Salaah (Prayer).” Recorded by Muslim in his Saheeh (1/62). Also the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam mentions the Salaah (Prayer) to his Companions one day, saying: “Whosoever safeguards them, then that will be a light, a proof and a means of salvation for him on the Day of Resurrection. But whosoever does not safeguard them, then he has no light, nor proof nor salvation and on the Day of Resurrection he will be gathered along with Fir’awn, Haamaan, Qaaroon and ‘Ubayy ibn Khalf.” Recorded by Imaam Ahmad with a Hasan isnaad.7
Some of the Scholars have said, in explanation to the above hadeeth, that whosoever leaves the Prayer, the he will be raised up, on the Day of Judgement, along with those kaafirs (disbelievers). Thus, if the reason for his leaving the Prayer was due to leadership, then he has resembled Fir’awn in this, and would be raised along with him and sent to the Fire of the Day of Resurrection. If the reason for leaving the Prayer was due to his ministerial post or a similar occupation, then he has resembled Haamaan, the minister to Fir’awn, and he will be raised along with him on the Day of Resurrection and sent to the Fire. If the reason for leaving the Prayer was due to wealth and false desires, then he has resembled Qaaroon – upon whom Allaah bestowed great wealth, yet he became arrogant against the truth and followed his false desires, due to this wealth – and would be raised up along with him on the Day of Resurrection and sent to the Fire. If the reason for leaving the Prayer was business, or other such social transactions and work, then he has resembled ‘Ubayy ibn Khalf, the famous trader from the disbelievers of Makkah – so he will be raised up along with him on the Day of Resurrection and sent to the Fire.
We ask Allaah for forgiveness and protection from their condition and the likes of their condition.”8
PRAYING DURING THE FRIDAY SERMON
[Q]: There was a discussion that took place between some brothers and myself regarding praying two rak’ahs upon entering the mosque and the Imaam is delivering the Friday khutbah (sermon). I ask you – O noble Shaykh – to give us a ruling concerning this. Is it allowed or not? The brothers who generally come and pray in the mosque are upon the madhhab of Imaam Maalik.
[A]: “The Sunnah upon entering the masjid (mosque) is to pray two rak’ahs of tahyatul masjid (a Prayer far greeting the mosque), even if the Imaam is delivering the Friday khutbah, due to the sayings of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam: “When anyone of you enters the masjid, then let him not sit until he prays two rak’ahs.” Recorded by al-Bukhaaree (1/293) and Muslim (2/155). Likewise Muslim relates in his Saheeh (3/1415), from Jaabir radiallaahu ‘anhu, that the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “When any of you comes on the day of Jumu’ah (Friday), and the Imaam is delivering the khutbah, then let him pray two rak’ahs and let him make them short.” So this is a clear and authentic text concerning this issue. It is not permissible for anyone to oppose it. So perhaps this particular narration did not reach Imaam Maalik rahimahullaah, if it is established from him that he prohibited the praying of these two rak’ahs at the time of the khutbah. However, when the authentic Sunnah becomes clear, then it is not permissible to oppose it with the saying of anyone else – whosoever he may be.9 About this Allaah – the Mighty and Majestic – said: “O you who Believe! Obey Allaah and obey the Messenger and those in authority amongst you. And if you differ in anything amongst yourselves then refer it to Allaah and His Messenger if you do believe in Allaah and the Last Day. That is better and most suitable for final determination.” [Soorah an-Nisaa 4:59]. And He – the Most Perfect – said: “And in whatever you differ, then the judgement belongs to Allaah,” [Soorah ash-Shooraa 42:10]. And it is known that the judgement of Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam is from the judgement of Allaah – the Mighty and Majestic – as Allaah said: “Whosoever obeys the Messenger, has indeed obeyed Allaah.” [Soorah an-Nisaa 4:80]. And with Allaah rests the power and ability.”10
BEING TOO SHY TO CENSURE EVIL
[Q]: I am a young woman who hates gheebah (backbiting) and nameemah (tale carrying). Sometimes I am amongst a group of people who speak about others and the begin to backbite and spread tales. In my soul, I hate and despise what they are doing, but I am too shy and therefore do not have the ability to make them stop. Also, I have no other place to go to get away from them. Allaah knows that I wish they would start talking about something else. So am I sinful in sitting with them, and what is the obligation upon me in this case? May Allaah grant you what is best for Islaam and the Muslims.
[A]: “In this case you are sinful, unless you repel the evil. If they accept that from you, then all praises are due to Allaah. If they do not accept that from you, then you must leave them and not sit with them. This is because Allaah – the Most High – stated: “When you see those engaged in false conversation about Our Verses, by mocking at them, then keep away from them until they turn to another topic.” [Soorah al-An’aam 6:68]. Likewise, the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Whosoever sees an evil then let him change it by his hand. if he is unable to do this, then let him change it with his tongue. If he is unable to do this, then let him change it with his heart – and that is the weakest of eemaan (faith).” This was Recorded by Muslim in his Saheeh (no.49). And the verses and narrations with this meaning are plentiful.”11
RUNNING AWAY FROM THE QUR’AAN
[Q]: What is your advice – O Shaykh – for those who go without reading the Qur’aan for a month, or even many months, and who have no excuse for such behaviors? However, you will find some of them reading those magazines that contain no benefit for them, and following them up closely!
[A]: “It is recommended for every Believing man and woman to recite the Book of Allaah often, with due contemplation and understanding. This may be done by using a copy of the Qur’aan or from one’s memory. Allaah – the Most High – said: “This is a Book which We have sent down to you, full of blessings, that you may ponder over its Verses, and that men of understanding may remember.” [Soorah Saad 38:29].And: “Indeed those who recite the Book of Allaah and offer the Prayer perfectly and spend in charity out of what We have provided for them – secretly and openly – hope for a sure trade-gain that will never perish. That He may pay them their wages in full and give them even more out of His Grace. Indeed, He is Oft-Forgiving, ready to appreciate good deeds.” [Soorah Faatir 35:29-30].
The aforementioned recitation of the Qur’aan includes both reciting and acting upon it. The recitation is to be done with contemplation and understanding of it. Sincerity to Allaah is a means of complying with and acting upon the Qur’aan, and its recitation contains a great reward – as the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Recite the Qur’aan. For on the Day of Resurrection, it shall come as an intercessor for its companion.” This was recorded by Muslim in his Saheeh (no.804). The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam also said: “The best of you is he who learns the Qur’aan and teaches it.” This was Recorded by al-Bukhaaree in his Saheeh (3/66). Another narration states: “Whosoever reads one harf (letter) of the Qur’aan shall receive a good deed and ten good deeds similar to it. I do not say that Alif Laam Meem is a harf but Alif is a harf and Laam is a harf and Meem is a harf.”12 The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said to ‘Abdullaah ibn “Amr ibn al-‘Aas: “Complete the recitation of the Qur’aan once a month.” He said: I am able to do more than that. So he said: “Then complete its recital once in seven days.”13 The Companions used to complete the entire Qur’aan once every seven days.
So I advise all the readers of the Qur’aan to increase in their reading of it, with contemplation and understanding it, along with sincerity to Allaah in this – with the purpose of learning and benefiting from the Qur’aan. They should read the entire Qur’aan once a month. If, however, they are able to do more than this without any difficulty, then they should complete it in less than this time. However, it is best not to complete it in less than three days, since this is the least amount of time that the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam mentioned to ‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Amr ibn al-‘Aas. This is because if it is read in less than three days, the person becomes hasty and lacks thought and concentration …”14
1. Al-Fataawaa (1/32-33).
2. Recorded by al-Bukhaaree (no.1303) and Muslim (no.2315), from Asmaa bint Yazeed radiallaahu ‘anhaa.
3. Recorded by al-Bukhaaree (no.5641) and Muslim (no.2573), from Abu Sa’eed al-Khudree radiallaahu ‘anhu.
4. Recorded by al-Bukhaaree, from Abu Hurayrah radiallaahu ‘anhu.
5. Fataawaa al-Mar’ah (no.13).
6. Saheeh: Recorded by Ahmad (5/346), at-Tirmidhee (no.2756), who authenticated it, from the hadeeth of Buraydah radiallaahu ‘anhu.
7. Recorded by Ahmad (2/169) and ad-Daarimee (2/301), from the hadeeth of ‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Amr. Though some of the prominent Scholars of hadeeth have authenticated this hadeeth, others – such as Shaykh al-Albaanee in at-Targheeb (1/197-198) – have declared it to be weak, since the isnaad contains ‘Eesaa ibn Hilaal as-Sadafee al-Misree. And Allaah knows best.
8. Al-Fataawaa (1/97-98).
9· Imaam an-Nawawee – rahimahullaah – said about the hadeeth in Sharh Saheeh Muslim (6/ 164): “I cannot imagine any Scholar who comes to knows about it and believes in the correctness of it, and would then oppose it.”
10. Al-Fataawaa (1/53).
11. Fataawaa al-Mar’ah (no.298).
12. Saheeh: Recorded by at-Tirmidhee (no.2912), who authenticated it, from the hadeeth of ‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’ood radiallaahu ‘anhu.
13. Recorded by al-Bukhaaree (no.5054).
14. Fataawaa al-Mar’ah (no.294)
[Q]: There are some people here, who keep away from [attending] lessons on ‘aqeedah (creed/beliefs), and they say: ‘We are Muslims, we are not unbelievers or idol-worshippers such that we have to learn ‘aqeedah or attend lectures about it’ So, O noble Shaykh, what is your view regarding this!
[A]: Teaching the Muslims [the correct] ‘aqeedah does not mean that we have judged them to be unbelievers. Rather, we teach the Muslims about ‘aqeedah in order for them to know about it thoroughly, and know what matters nullify it and what matters are contrary to it. Hudhayfah ibn al-Yamaan, one of the distinguished Companions – radiallaahu ‘anhu – said: “People used to ask the Messenger about the good, but I used to ask him about the evil, for fear of falling into it.” [2]
Likewise ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab radiallaahu ‘anhu said: “Soon the bonds of Islaam will be loosened bit by bit, because people will enter into Islaam but will be unaware of Jaahiliyyah (ignorant practices that Islaam opposes).” [3] Thus, when we teach ‘aqeedoh, this does not imply that we have judged those whom we are teaching to be non-Muslims. Rather, what it means is that we desire that they should be thoroughly aware of the correct Islaamic ‘aqeedah; so as to cling to it, and to be aware of what opposes it; so as to keep far away from it. Allaah – the Most High – said, whilst addressing His Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam: “So have knowledge about Laa ilaaha illallaah (i.e, have knowledge that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah), and seek forgiveness for your sins, and for the believing men and women.” [Soorah Muhammad 47:19].
So it is essential that a person learns and that he does not content himself with merely saying: ‘I am a Muslim.’ Yes indeed, you are a Muslim – and ail praise is for Allaah! However, if one of you were asked as to what Islaam means, or you were asked to explain what Islaam is, then many of you would not be able to correctly explain this. If one of you were to be asked to explain what are those factors which nullify Islaam, then many of you would not be able to explain this. Thus, if a person is ignorant [of such fundamentals], it is possible that he may fall into falsehood without realising it. If one of you were asked to explain the pillars of Islaam or eemaan (faith) that the Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam explained and taught, we would find that most people would be unable to do so. So how is it that a person [suffices with] saying: ‘l am a Muslim,’ yet does not know these [basic] matters!
Unfortunately, many of the daa’ees (callers to Islaam) are themselves unaware of [basic matters such as] what are the conditions for Prayer, or unaware of the rules and regulations concerning wudhoo (ablution) and those matters which
invalidate wudhoo. Some of them do not even know what matters form the arkaan (pillars) of the Prayer, or form its waajibaat (obligations), or those matters which invalidate the Prayer. So what Islaam are they calling to! Islaam is not merely a call, rather it is a reality to be learnt and practiced. So it is essential to acquire sound knowledge and understanding of the Religion. This is because a person who does not have sound knowledge, may fall into dangers without even realizing it; just like a person who walks down a path, but is ignorant of the fact that along this path there is a ditch, or a hole, or even an ambush. Yet [due to his ignorance] he ends up falling into the hole, or the ambush, without even realizing it.
Thus it is essential to learn about tawheed, since it is tawheed that is the basic foundation [of both the Religion and the correct Islaamic ‘aqeedah]. Indeed, no one abstains from learning about tawheed [and those matters it necessitates, as well as its limits, conditions, fundamentals, clear proofs, fruits and consequences, and those matters which increase and strengthen it, and those that decrease and weaken it, etc.] except one of two people: [i] an ignorant person – and the ignorant person’s [view] is not to be given any weight; or [ii] a bigoted deviant – one who desires to avert people from the ‘aqeedah of pure tawheed, and who wishes to conceal from the people his own false beliefs, and those other deviant beliefs that are [falsely] ascribed to Islaam. And this is possibly the Ease of many of those who abstain from learning about tawheed.
Allaah – the Most High – said:
“And it is not proper for all the Believers to go out together and fight. From every troop of them only a party of them should go forth, so that those who remain behind may gain understanding of the Religion so that they may [instruct and] warn their people when they return to them, in order that they may beware.” [Soorah at-Tawbaa 9:122].
Also, the Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Whoever Allaah desires to show goodness to, He gives him the understanding of the Religion.” [4]
The meaning of this hadeeth is that whenever Allaah does not want to show goodness to a person, He does not give him the understanding of the Religion. So the one who says: ‘l do not need to learn ‘aqeedah.’ It is as if he is saying: ‘l do not need to gain understanding of the Religion!’ And this is said by either an ignorant person, or one who is misguided!
Al-Muntaqaa min Fataawa (1/303-306).
[2]. Related by al-Bukhaaree (no.3606) and Muslim (no.1847).
[3]. Related by Ibn Taymiyyah in his Majmoo’ Fataawaa (10/301).
[4]. Related by al-Bukhaaree (1/25), from Mu’aawiyah radiallaahu ‘anhu.
Source: Al-Istiqaamah Magazine, Issue No.8 – Shawwal 1418H / February 1998
The kalimah (word) La ilahah ilallah (that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah), if it said with truthfulness and sincerity from the heart, and acted upon in that which it necessitates – outwardly and inwardly – then its effect will indeed be praiseworthy upon both the individual and the society.
From the most important of its effects are:
[1] Uniting the word of the Muslims: This will result in strengthening the Muslims and assisting them in defeating their enemies – as long as they continue to follow and practice the same single religion, and as long as they adhere to the same single ‘aqidah(belief). Allah – the Most High – said:
“And hold fast altogether to the rope of Allah and do not be divided.” [Al-Qur’an 3:103]
“It is He Who has strengthened you with His help and with the Believers, and moreover, He has put love and affection between their hearts. If you were to spend all that is in the earth, then never could you have united their hearts, but Allah has united them. Indeed He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.” [Al-Qur’an 8:62-63]
And differing in matters of ‘aqidah (beliefs) is the cause for splitting, disunity and hostility, as Allah – the Most High – said:
“Indeed those who split-up their religion and become sects, you have no part with them in the least.” [Al-Qur’an 6:159]
“But people have cut-off their affair of unity between them and have become sects, each party rejoicing in that which is with itself.” [Al-Qur’an 23:53]
So people cannot truly be united except upon the correct concept of ‘iman (faith) and the correct ‘aqidah of Tawhid, which are both direct implications of La ilahah ilallah. One need only consider the condition of the Arabs before and after Islam.
[2] Prevalence of safety and peace in a unified society, which believes in and abides by La ilahah ilallah. Since the individuals in such a society will take care in doing only that which Allah has made halal (lawful) and abandoning that which Allah has madeharam (unlawful) – acting in accordance with what the ‘aqidah necessitates upon them. So this will prevent people from enmity, oppression and injustice, whilst directing them towards co-operation, love and deep brotherhood for the sake of Allah, acting upon His – the Most High’s – saying:
“Indeed the Believers are but brothers.” [Al-Qur’an 49:10]
This is clearly reflected in the life of the Arabs before and after believing in La ilahah ilallah. Before Islam, they lived in hostility and insecurity, constantly fighting and killing each other. However, when they embraced Islam this all changed, and the same people lived with each other in peace and an atmosphere of love and brotherhood prevailed, as Allah – the Most High – said:
“Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, and those who are with him are strong and mighty against the unbelievers and merciful and kind amongst each other.” [Al-Qur’an 48:29]
“And remember the favour of Allah upon you; for you were enemies and He joined your hearts in love, so that by His grace you became brothers.” [Al-Qur’an 3:103]
[3] Achievement of happiness, attainment of the khilafah (succession of power and authority) in the earth, maintaining purity of the religion and being steadfastness against the onslaught of false beliefs and foreign ideologies. Allah said:
“Allah has promised to those amongst you who truly have ‘iman (true faith and belief) and act in obedience to Allah and His Messenger, that He will grant them rulership upon the earth, just as He granted it to those before them, and that He will establish their Religion for them and grant them the authority to practice their Religion which He chose and ordered them with. And He will certainly change their situation to one of security, after their fear. Providing that they worship and obey Me, not associating anything else in worship with Me. Then, whoever rejects this favour by disobedience to their Lord – then they are the rebellious transgressors.” [Al-Qur’an 24:55]
So Allah – the Most Perfect – has made achievement of these lofty goals conditional upon worshipping and obeying Him and not associating any partners with Him. And this is the true meaning of La ilahah ilallah.
Source; From La ilahah ilallah, Ma’naha, Makanatuha wa Fadluha (pp. 36-39), abridged.
This translation was published in Al-Istiqaamah Magazine, Issue No. 1, Dhul-Hijjah 1416H / May 1996CE.
Source: Lessons of Creed Acquired From The Hajj – By ‘AbdurRazzaq bin ‘Abdul-Muhsin al-Badr, Translated By Abbas Abu Yahya
Chapter 8 : An Explanation of the Obligation to Adhere to the Sunnah and to Take from the Guidance of the Messenger of Allaah
Indeed from the greatest benefits and lessons from Hajj for the pilgrims to the House of Allaah is knowing the importance of the Sunnah and limiting oneself to it in all actions of the Hajj. The importance of knowing the Sunnah becomes apparent from the state of many pilgrims who you see gathering together in circles of knowledge and remembrance. They ask the scholars many questions regarding the description of Hajj: how to perform it, its pillars and obligatory duties and those acts that negate it. These questions are asked with precision and enthusiasm, especially by those who, in their Hajj, are conscious of the saying of the Messenger of Allaah -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam-: ‘Take your Hajj rites from me’ [1]
Therefore Hajj will not be accepted by Allaah unless the Muslim does it in the manner of the Messenger of Allaah, adhering to his guidance in the Hajj and following his Sunnah – without excess or negligence, without going to extremes or being without purpose and without adding to or taking away from it. So if a Muslim adheres to the Sunnah of the Prophet -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- in his Hajj and limits himself to his guidance, he benefits from the knowledge that adhering to the Sunnah and following his -sall’Allaahu alayhi wasallam- guidance is obligatory in all acts of obedience.
Just as it is necessary to take the rites of Hajj from the Messenger, it is also necessary for all Muslims to take the guidance of the Messenger in every act of obedience.
This is why the Messenger of Allaah -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- said with regards to prayer: ‘pray as you have seen me praying.’ [2]
He also said in all matters of general obedience: ‘Whoever does an action which we have not commanded then it is rejected.’[3]
In another narration: ‘Whoever innovates in this matter of ours, that which is not from it, it will be rejected.’[4]
Thus all actions which are not done in accordance to the guidance of the Messenger of Allaah -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- will not be accepted by Allaah, as is shown by his explicit statement -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam: ‘Whoever does an action which we have not commanded then it is rejected.’
Indeed this proves that every innovation (Bida’) introduced into the religion has no foundation in the Book or Sunnah, regardless of whether it is from knowledge-based verbal innovations or practical, worship-based innovations. So whoever informs of other than that which Allaah and His Messenger -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- have informed or worships in a way that Allaah and His Messenger have not permitted then this will be returned to the one who did it and it will not be accepted.
This hadeeth also implies the meaning that anyone who does an action in accordance to what Allaah and His Messenger have commanded i.e. is worshipping Allaah with correct creed and righteous actions from what is obligatory and recommended, then his action will be accepted.
It is narrated by Abu Daawood, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah and others on the authority of al-Irbaad bin Sariyyah –RadhiAllaahu anhu- who said that the Messenger of Allaah -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- led us in prayer that day, then turned and faced us and gave us an admonition which caused hearts to tremble and eyes to shed tears.
So we said: ‘It is as if this is a farewell speech, so advise us O Messenger of Allaah!’
He said: ‘I advise you to hear and obey, even if a slave rules over you. Indeed whosoever from you lives will see many differences, so hold on to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the Rightly Guided Khulafaah after me, bite on to it with your molar teeth. Beware of newly invented matters, since every Bida’ is misguidance.’[5]
As for the Messenger of Allaah -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- saying in the hadeeth ‘All Bida’ is misguidance’ then this is from his comprehensive, eloquent speech. This statement is a great principle from the principles of the Deen and it resembles the saying of the Messenger of Allaah -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam: ‘Whoever innovates anything in this matter of ours that which is not from it, will be rejected.’
Thus anyone who innovates and ascribes something to the Deen which has no foundation to which it can be referred, then it is misguidance which the Deen is free from, the one who innovates has the innovation rejected and it is not accepted from him.
The Deen of Allaah is built upon two great, strong principles and foundations. Firstly; That we do not worship except Allaah Alone who has no partner. Secondly; That we do not worship Him except with what He legislated on the tongue of His Messenger -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam-. We do not worship Allaah according to our desires or Bida’.
And Allaah Ta’ala said :
<< Then We have put you on a plain way of (Our) commandment. So follow that and do not follow the desires of those who do not know. Verily, they can avail you nothing against Allaah >> [Al-Jathiyah : 18-19]
And Allaah Ta’ala said :
<< Or do they have partners with Allaah (false gods), who have instituted for them a religion which Allaah has not allowed. >> [Shura: 21]
It is not allowed for anyone to worship Allaah except with what His Messenger -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- legislated from obligatory and recommended actions. We do not worship Him with newly invented matters which have no foundation in the Deen nor any basis for them in the Sharia’. It is not allowed for anyone to worship anything except Allaah Alone, so no-one is allowed to pray except to Allaah, nor fast except for Allaah, nor perform the Hajj except to His house, nor rely upon anyone except Him, nor can anyone direct any aspect of worship to anyone except Him.[6]
Allaah combined these two great principles in His –
Subhanhu- statement :
<< So whoever hopes for the Meeting with his Lord, let him work righteousness and associate none as a partner in the worship of his Lord.>>[Kahf :110]
A good action is that which is in agreement with the pure Sharia’ and is sincere i.e. that which is not done, except for Allaah’s Face. These are the two pillars for acceptance of actions. So if an action is done sincerely but is not correct then it will not be accepted and if the action is correct but is not done sincerely for Allaah, then it will not be accepted unless the action is sincere and correctwhere sincere means that it is done purely for Allaah and being correct means that it is done according to the Sunnah.
What is obligatory on every Muslim who hopes for success and happiness for himself in this world and the hereafter is that he attaches himself to the guidance of the Messenger -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam-, that his action conforms to his – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- Sunnah and that he is wary of deviating from his guidance, opposing his Sunnah or following other than his path; since he -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- is a guide and example for his nation, as Allaah Ta’ala said regarding him :
<< Indeed in the Messenger of Allaah you have a good example to follow for he who hopes in (the Meeting with) Allaah and the Last Day and remembers Allaah much. >> [Ahzab:21]
And He said :
<<The Prophet is closer to the believers than their ownselves >> [Ahzab: 6]
Which means : ‘He has more right over them in all aspects of the Deen and worldly affairs and he is of greater importance to them than their ownselves or anyone else. It is obligatory upon them to give what he determines from their wealth even if they are in need of it. It is obligatory upon them to have more love for him than for their ownselves, and it is obligatory upon them to put his rulings first, before their own rulings for their ownselves. In brief, if the Prophet -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- calls them to something and they themselves call to something else then it is obligatory for them to give precedence to what he calls them to and to defer what they themselves call to. It is obligatory upon them to have obedience to him which supersedes obedience to their ownselves and that they prefer obedience to him before that which their ownselves incline to and their inner selves desire.’ [7]
There is no doubt that this necessitates that the Muslim strives to know the Sunnah and sacrifices time in the path to knowing the guidance of the Messenger -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- – which is done by questioning the people of knowledge, sitting in the circles of remembrance where the rules of Halaal and Haraam are explained and also by reading beneficial books and useful works which collect these issues. So after that a Muslim can establish a path whereby he can worship correctly on a sound methodology, in agreement with the guidance of the noble Messenger -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam.
[1] Saheeh Muslim
[2] Saheeh al-Bukharee
[3] Saheeh Muslim
[4] Saheeh al-Bukharee and Saheeh Muslim
[5] Sunan Abee Dawood, Sunan at-Tirmidhee & Sunan Ibn majah
[6] Majmoo’Al-Fatawa by Ibn Taymeeyah
[7] Fath al-Qadeer
Posted from the below PDF:
Lessons Of Creed Acquired From The Hajj – Chapter 08 – Abbas Abu Yahya
Source: Lessons of Creed Acquired From The Hajj – By ‘AbdurRazzaq bin ‘Abdul-Muhsin al-Badr, Translated By Abbas Abu Yahya
Chapter Nine : On the Day of ‘Arafah
There is no doubt that the day of ‘Arafah is a great day from the blessed days of Allaah and is a large gathering from the gatherings of goodness, Eemaan and Taqwaa. It is a season which is welcomed with great importance. A season from the seasons of obedience and worship, a day where the shedding of tears increases, where there are continuous supplications, where mercy descends and shortcomings are rectified, a day where mistakes are forgiven, a day of hope and humility, submissiveness and humbleness.
Indeed it is a noble blessed day. The sun never rose on a day better than the day of ‘Arafah. Indeed it has been specified with noble merits, great privileges and important characteristics. It is no easy task to encompass all its characteristics, nor is it possible to fully investigate them all.
Indeed it is the day on which Allaah completed this Deen for the Ummah and completed His favour for them, as on that day the saying of Allaah Ta’ala was revealed:
<<This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you and have chosen for you Islaam as your religion.>> [al-Maida:3]
Nothing about the Halaal or Haraam was revealed after that day.
It is narrated by Bukhari and Muslim on the authority of Tariq bin Shihaab who said:
‘A man from the Jews came to Umar bin al-Khattab – radiAllaahu anhu – and said: ‘O Ameer ul-Mumineen, indeed you read an Ayaah in your Book and had this Ayaah been revealed to us, the Jewish nation, we would have taken that day as a festival.’
So Umar -radiAllaahu anhu- said: ‘And which Ayaah is that?’
So he replied: the saying of Allaah
<<This day have I perfected your religion for you completed My favour upon you>>[al-Maida:3]
Then Umar said: I swear by Allaah, indeed I know on what day it was revealed to the Messenger of Allaah -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- and the hour in which it was revealed to the Messenger of Allaah -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam. It was revealed in the evening of ‘Arafah on a Friday.’[1]
On this noble blessed day, there are many of Allaah’s slaves who are saved from Hellfire. Allaah is generous to His believing slaves and He boasts about them in front of the Angels that are near Him. It has been narrated by Muslim in his authentic book of hadeeth on the authority of ‘Aeysha – radiAllaahu anha – that the Prophet -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- said:
‘There is no day on which Allaah frees as many slaves from the Hell-Fire as the day of ‘Arafah. Indeed He comes close to them, boasts about them to the Angels and then says: ‘What do they want?’[2]
Ibn Abdul Barr -Rahimullaah- said: ‘This indicates that they have been forgiven; because Allaah does not boast about the people who have mistakes and sins except after they have sought repentance and forgiveness.’[3]
It has been narrated by Imaam Ahmad in his Musnad on the authority of Abdullaah bin ‘Amr – radi Allaahu anhu – on the authority of the Prophet -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- who said:
‘ Indeed Allaah Ta’ala boasts to His Angels with the people of ‘Arafah on the evening of ‘Arafah and says: Look at My slaves. They come to Me with dishevelled hair and covered in dust.’ [4]
Imam Ibn al-Qayyim -Rahimullaah- said in his famous poetry:
For Allaah is that great standing * Like the standing of the Day of Judgement, rather that is greater
And He The Jabbar –the Glorified- comes closer that Day * He boasts about them to what He possesses, but He is more generous
He says: My slaves have come to Me with love * and I am to them more Generous and more Merciful
So I testify that I have indeed forgiven their sins * and I have given them what they had hoped for and bestowed blessings
So be it glad tidings O people of that great place * by it Allaah forgives the sins and gives mercy
Al-Fudayl bin ‘Ayaad -Rahimullaah- stood in ‘Arafah and saw the sobbing and crying of the people during the evening of ‘Arafah, then said: ‘Do you not see if all these people came to a man and asked him for a small coin, would he refuse them?
They said, ‘No,’ so he replied: I swear by Allaah, that Allaah forgiving them is easier than this man trying to fulfil their request of a small coin.’ 5(1)
So this is why it is necessary for the Muslim who desires profit and gain on this blessed day to be humble to his Lord -Subhanahu- to humble himself for Him, lower himself in honour of Allaah, feel powerless in front of Him, hope for His mercy and forgiveness, fear His punishment and that which He hates, repent to Him from every sin that one’s hands have earned and from every mistake one’s feet walked towards.
The Muslim does not waste his time at this great place by going here and there or by chatting with this person and that person, rather he turns to his Lord and Protector, making much Dhikr (remembrance) and Dua’ (supplication), seeking forgiveness and begging from Him.
What is established in the hadeeth of the Prophet -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- is that he said:
‘The best supplication is the supplication of the day of ‘Arafat and the best thing which I and the Prophets before me have said is:
‘There is none worthy of worship in truth except Allaah Alone, He has no partner and to Him belongs the Dominion. To Him belongs the praise and He is capable/has power over all things.’[6]
La ilaha ‘illa Allaahu wahdahu la shareeka lahu, lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu wa huwa ala kulli shayin qadeer
So the Day of ‘Arafah is a day of supplication and the best Dhikr (remembrance) is saying ‘There is none worthy of worship in truth except Allaah.’ The Prophet -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- used to say the best Dhikr (remembrance) abundantly on the best of the days, since the best of days is the day of ‘Arafah and the best of Adhkaar (plural of Dhikr) is saying ‘There is none worthy of worship except Allaah.’ So saying the best of Adhkaar plentifully on the best of days is the most appropriate aim and match.
Indeed the statement: ‘There is none worthy of worship in truth except Allaah,’ which the Messenger of Allaah -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- used to say a great deal on the day of ‘Arafah, is the best of words, the most magnificent of all statements, the firmest handhold and it is a statement of Taqwaa and the key to the land of eternal happiness. It is the principle of the Deen and its foundation, and the head of its matter. Due to ‘La ilaha ‘illa Allaah’ (There is none worthy of worship in truth except Allaah) the heavens and the earth were established, the creation was created, the Messengers were sent and the Divine Books were revealed.
The excellence of these words and their status in the Deen are indescribable and greater than the claims of those who say they know its virtues. On the contrary, it has virtues and distinctions which could not ever enter one’s mind or one’s imagination. However, it is obligatory for the Muslim to know that ‘La ilaha ‘illa Allaah’ (There is none worthy of worship in truth except Allaah) is not accepted from the one who merely pays lip service to it, without establishing its rights and obligations or fulfilling its principles and conditions.
So, ‘La ilaha ‘illa Allaah’ (There is none worthy of worship in truth except Allaah), is not a statement with no meaning or reality, nor are they words without any content. Rather these great words indeed have a meaning which it is necessary to understand, which have to be comprehended and an aim which it is necessary to adopt. There is agreement amongst the people of knowledge that this statement is not beneficial if it is, either, merely pronounced without understanding its meaning, or if what it necessitates is not acted upon as Allaah Ta’ala said:
<< And those whom they invoke instead of Him have no power of intercession; except those who bear witness to the truth, and they know (the facts about the Oneness of Allaah)>> [az-Zuhkruf : 86]
which means: except those who testify ‘There is none worthy of worship in truth except Allaah’ and their hearts know the meaning of what their tongues declare. There is no doubt that this matter is of utmost importance and that it is fitting that every Muslim should concern himself with it fully and pay complete attention to it. Indeed ‘La ilaha ‘illa Allaah’ (There is none worthy of worship in truth except Allaah) does not benefit except the one who knows its meaning, both the negation and affirmation, and believes in and acts by it. As for the one who says it and acts upon it outwardly without believing in it then he is a hypocrite. As regards the one who says it and acts contrary to it with Shirk then he is a disbeliever. Also the one who says it and then apostatises from Islaam by rejecting something of what it necessitates from its rights, then it does not benefit him even if he says it a thousand times.
As for the one who says it and then directs any aspect of worship to other than Allaah, such that he supplicates to or seeks aid from other than Him or seeks 4help, assistance or victory from other than Allaah in those things where only Allaah has the capability, or other such similar acts of worship, then whoever directs away from Allaah that which is only befitting Him is a Mushrik, even if he says ‘There is none worthy of worship in truth except Allaah’. This is because this great statement entails making all worship purely for Allaah’s sake and not associating partners with Him, turning to Allaah Alone, without any partner, with humbleness and submissiveness, with striving and strong desire and turning repentantly with trust and reliance in supplication and request.
The companion of ‘There is none worthy of worship in truth except Allaah’ does not ask except from Allaah nor does he seek deliverance and rescue except from Allaah. He does not trust in or rely except upon Allaah nor does he have hope or longing for other than Allaah. He does not sacrifice except for Allaah nor does he avert any of the acts of worship to other than Allaah. He disbelieves in everything that is worshipped besides Allaah and he clears them away from
Allaah.[7]
[1] Saheeh al-Bukharee and Saheeh Muslim
[2] Saheeh Muslim
[3] Al-Tamheed
[4] Al-Musnad
[5] Majliss fee Fadl yawm Arafat by Ibn Nasr ad-Deen ad-Damishqi
[6] Narrated by tirmidhee in Sunan from the hadeeth of Abdullah bin Amr. It was graded hasan by the ‘Allama al-Albani in silsilah as-Saheehah nad he said: ‘the hadeeth is Thabit due to the collection of supporting evidences.’
[7] Tayseer Azeez ul-Hameed
Posted from the below PDF:
Lessons Of Creed Acquired From The Hajj – Chapter 09 – Abbas Abu Yahya
Lessons of Creed Acquired From The Hajj – By ‘AbdurRazzaq bin ‘Abdul-Muhsin al-Badr, Translated By Abbas Abu Yahya
Chapter 12
Having Sincerity for Allaah During Supplication
Indeed from the great acts of worship the Muslims increase upon and show great concern for during the Hajj is Dua’, which is the most important form and best type of worship. The Prophet -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- described in the authentic hadeeth that Dua’ in itself is worship due to its great status and lofty nature. This is why there are many texts from the Qur’aan and Sunnah showing the great importance and high status of Dua’.
The texts comprise praise for making Dua’, encouragement to make Dua’ and inspire different ways to make Dua’, sometimes with a command to make Dua’, sometimes explaining its position and status, sometimes praising the people who make Dua’ and sometimes mentioning the great and different types of reward for those who make Dua’ and warning against those who neglect to make Dua’ or refuse to do so out of haughtiness or arrogance.
Allaah Ta’ala says:
<< Invoke your Lord with humility and in secret. He likes not the aggressors. And do not do mischief on the earth, after it has been set in order and invoke Him with fear and hope; Surely, Allaah’s Mercy is (ever) near unto the good doers. >> [Araaf: 55-56]
And He says:
<< He is The Ever Living, Lâ ilâha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), so invoke Him making your worship pure for Him Alone (by worshipping Him Alone, and none else, and by doing righteous deeds sincerely for Allaah’s sake only, and not to show off, and not to set up rivals with Him in worship). All the praises and thanks be to Allaah, The Lord of the all that exists >> [Ghafir: 65]
And He says:
<< And when My slaves ask you concerning Me, then (answer them), I am indeed near (to them by My Knowledge). I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on Me (without any mediator or intercessor). So let them obey Me and believe in Me, so that they may be led aright. >> [al-Baqarah: 186]
And He says:
<< And your Lord said: ‘Invoke Me, (and ask Me for anything) I will respond to your (invocation). Verily! Those who scorn My worship [i.e. do not invoke Me and do not believe in My Oneness,] they will surely enter Hell in humiliation!’ >> [Ghafir:60]
There are many Ayaat with this meaning.
What increases the pilgrims in their concern for Dua’ and strengthens them in it during the Hajj is that they have combined the virtue and honour of the place they are in with the virtue and honour of the time period they are in, along with what descends upon their hearts of gentleness, humility and turning towards Allaah, especially on the Day of ‘Arafat which is the greatest and most noble of days.
Shaykh al-Islaam Ibn Taymeeyah -Rahimullaah- said:
‘Indeed it is known that on the evening of ‘Arafat Eemaan, mercy, light and blessings which cannot be expressed descend upon the hearts of the pilgrims.’[1]
It is established on the authority of the Prophet -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- regarding the great matter of Dua’ on the Day of ‘Arafat and in explanation of its excellence, that he said:
‘The best of Dua’ is the Dua’ of the Day of ‘Arafat.’[2]
Ibn Abdul Barr -Rahimullaah- said:
‘… and from the Fiqh of the previous hadeeth is that the Dua’ of the Day of ‘Arafat is better than all other Dua’. Also, in this hadeeth, is evidence that the Dua’s on the Day of ‘Arafat are all, generally, answered.’[3]
During Hajj there are specific places at which it is necessary for the Muslim to stop. It is appropriate to make Dua’ at these places emulating the Prophet – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam-, as it is established that the Prophet -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- would stop there, face the Qiblah and supplicate to Allaah Azza wa Jal.
There are six places in particular:
(1) In ‘Arafat – as previously mentioned.
(2) In the places of al-Haraam where the Hajj rites take place, as Allaah Ta’ala said:
<<Then when you leave ‘Arafat, remember Allaah at Mash’ar-il-Haram>> [al-Baqarah:198]
(3,4) On as-Safa and al-Marwa as is established in Saheeh Muslim from the hadeeth of Jaabir -RadhiAllaahu anhu- that when the Prophet -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- used to stand on as-Safa he would say Allaahu Akbar three times and would say:
‘There is none worthy of worship in truth except Allaah Alone, He has no partners, to Him belongs the Dominion and for Him is all praise, and He is capable of all things.’ [4]
He would do that three times and make Dua’ and would do likewise on al-Marwa.’[5]
(5,6) After the stoning the two Jamaraat (the small one and medium one) as it is established in Saheeh Bukhari:
Abdullaah bin Umar –Radhi Allaahu anhu- used to stone the small Jamaarah with seven small pebbles and used to recite Takbeer on throwing each stone. He then, would proceed further until he reached level ground, where he would stay for a long time, facing the Qibla to supplicate to Allaah whilst raising his hands. Then he would stone the medium Jamaarah similarly and would go to the left towards the level ground, where he would stand for a long time facing the Qibla to supplicate to Allaah whilst raising his hands. Then he would stone the big Jamaarah from the middle of the valley but he would not stay by it. Ibn Umar used to say: ‘This is what I saw the Messenger of Allaah doing.’[6]
So these are the six places where it is established that the Prophet -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam-stood, made Dua’ and raised his hands. Dua’ is a great matter and has a high status in Hajj. Generally, Dua’ has an innate nature in all aspects of worship, it is the spirit and essence of worship and it is established from the Prophet -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- that he said: ‘Dua’ is worship.’[7]
If making Dua’ has distinguished status and a high rank then it is obligatory upon the Muslim to have a great concern for the significance of Dua’. He should understand that he is bound by its conditions and should be refined by its manners. He should be on-guard to avoid any actions that would prevent a Dua’ from being answered and he should be aware of the times when Dua’ is most likely to be answered.
The most important matter in this great act that is necessary for the Muslim to check, is that his Dua’ is solely and sincerely for Allaah – Azza wa Jal. So he does not make Dua’ except to Allaah, he does not seek aid except from Allaah, nor does he request assistance, support and help or cure except from Allaah. This is because Dua’, as previously mentioned, is worship and directing any act of worship to other than Allaah is Major Shirk which takes a person outside of Islaam. We seek refuge in Allaah.
Allaah Ta’ala said:
<< And invoke not besides Allaah any that will neither profit you, nor hurt you, but if (in case) you did so, you shall certainly be one of the Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong-doers).
And if Allaah touches you with hurt, there is none who can remove it but He; and if He intends any good for you, there is none who can repel His Favour which He causes to reach whomsoever of His slaves He will. And He is The Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful >> [Yunus : 106-107]
<< And whoever invokes (or worships), besides Allaah, any other ilâh (god), for whom he has no proof, then his reckoning is only with his Lord. Surely! the disbelievers will not be successful >> [al-Muminoon:117]
<< He is The Ever Living, Lâ ilâha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), so invoke Him making your worship pure for Him Alone (by worshipping Him Alone, and none else, and by doing righteous deeds sincerely for Allaah’s sake only, and not to show off, and not to set up rivals with Him in worship). All the praises and thanks be to Allaah, The Lord of the all that exists >> [Ghafir: 65]
<< And the mosques are for Allaah (Alone), so invoke not anyone along with Allaah >>[Jinn : 18]
Again, there are many Ayaat with this meaning.
From the manners of making Dua’ is what Allaah Ta’ala mentioned in His saying:
<< Invoke your Lord with humility and in secret. He likes not the aggressors. And do not do mischief on the earth, after it has been set in order and invoke Him with fear and hope; Surely, Allaah’s Mercy is (ever) near unto the good – doers >>[al-‘Aaraaf: 55-56]
In his Dua’, the Muslim combines bringing presence of the heart and the feeling of dire need of what is sought with the Dua’. He does this causing it to coincide with the best times for Dua’ along with Khushoo’ (humility) in the heart, subservience to his Lord, submission to Him, imploring Him, having graciousness, having faced the Qibla in a state of purification, raising his hands to Allaah, beginning with praise and exaltation of Allaah and joining this with prayer upon Muhammad -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- who is His slave and Messenger. After this, he puts forward, to Allaah, his requests of repentance and forgiveness, then beseeches Allaah, earnestly asking of Him with total subservience to Him, supplicating to Him with fervent desire and dread and seeking closeness to Him with His Names, Attributes and Tawheed. He makes this Dua’ with sincerity and so this Dua’ is not about to ever be rejected. This is especially so if all of this coincides with supplications the Prophet -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- taught as well as the best times and places for the answering of supplications along with the greatest Name of Allaah, whereby if He is asked He bestows and if He is called with it, He answers the supplication.
From the supplications established in the books of Sunnah is: that the Prophet -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- heard a man saying: ‘O Allaah. I ask of You, whereby I testify that You are Allaah, there is no god except You, The One, The SelfSufficient, Who is not begotten nor does He beget and there is none that resembles Him.’ So the Prophet -sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam- said: ‘Indeed you have asked Allaah with His greatest name which if He is asked by, He bestows, and if He is supplicated to with it, He answers.’[8]
[1] Majmoo’al-Fatwa (5/374)
[2] Narrated by tirmidhee in Sunan from the hadeeth of Abdullah bin Amr. It was graded hasan by the ‘Allama al-Albani in silsilah as-Saheehah nad he said: ‘the hadeeth is Thabit due to the collection of supporting evidences.’
[3] Tamheed (6/41)
[4] La ilaha ‘illa Allaahu wahdahu la shareeka lahu, lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu wa huwa ala kulli shayin qadeer
[5] Saheeh Muslim
[6] Saheeh al-Bukharee
[7] Narrated by Ahmad and Tirmidhi
[8] Narrated by Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi, Nisa’ee in Sunan al-Kubra, Ibn Majah & Ibn Hibban.
Posted from below PDF :
Lessons Of Creed Acquired From The Hajj – Chapter 12 – Abbas Abu Yahya
AbdurRahman.Org 
You must be logged in to post a comment.