Islamic Knowledge – Islam, Sunnah, Salafiyyah
The saying of Abu Dardaa (radhi Allaahu anhu):
“What is the matter that I see your scholars are departing and your ignorant ones aren’t learning?Learn! For indeed the scholar and the learner are sharers in reward”
Q 2: Does the following Hadith bear evidence on the dominance of Jinn (creatures created from fire) over Humans? Abu Al-Sa’ib narrated:
“We visited Abu Sa`id Al-Khudry in his house and while we were waiting for him (to finish his Prayer) we heard something under his bed. We looked towards the sound and found a snake. I jumped up to kill it, but he (Abu Sa`id Al-Khudry) gestured that I should sit down. I sat down and when he finished (the Prayer) he pointed to a room in the house and said: Do you see this room? I said: Yes. He said: There was a young man amongst us who was newly wed. We went with Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) to take part in the Battle of the Trench, this young man used to ask for Allah’s Messenger’s (peace be upon him) permission to return to his family everyday at midday. One day, he sought permission from him and Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) (after granting him the permission) said to him: Carry your weapons with you for I fear the tribe of Qurayzhah (may harm you). The man took his weapons and came back to find his wife standing between the two doors. He was hit by jealousy and made a dash towards her with a spear in order to stab her. She said: Keep your spear away and enter the house until you see that which has made me come out. He entered and found a big snake coiled on the bed. He darted with the spear and pierced it and then went out, but the snake quivered and attacked him and no one knew which of them died first, the snake or the young man . . . “
(Related by Muslim in his Sahih (authentic) Book of Hadith ‘Refer to Mishkah Al-Masabih,chapter on [The lawful and the prohibited to eat]’)
A: Firstly: The Hadith is Sahih (a Hadith that has been transmitted by people known for their uprightness and exactitude; free from eccentricity and blemish) in terms of its Sanad (chain of narrators) and Matn (text).
Secondly: Adam was created from clay in human form, then his offspring propagated. Jinn were created from fire then became living beings and were divided into males and females. The Prophet (peace be upon him) was sent to both humans and Jinn, some of them believed and some disbelieved. Humans can harm Jinn with or without knowledge and Jinn can harm humans, knock them down, or kill them just as a human may harm another human. A Jinny (a creature created from fire) may harm another Jinny. Indeed, whoever denies the power of Jinn while unaware of their condition follows that of which they have no knowledge and contradicts the guidance of the Qur’an concerning their power.
Allah (Exalted be He) says: 
He created man (Adam) from sounding clay like the clay of pottery.
And the jinn: He created from a smokeless flame of fire. He also says: And indeed We created man (Adam) out of an extract of clay (water and earth). Allah addresses them in the same manner He addresses humans in His saying: Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinn and men) deny? And His saying: O assembly of jinn and men! If you have power to pass beyond the zones of the heavens and the earth, then pass beyond (them)! But you will never be able to pass them, except with authority (from Allâh)! Allah subjugated Jinn with their different forms to His ProphetSulayman (Solomon, peace be upon him). Allah (Exalted be He) says: So, We subjected to him the wind; it blew gently by his order whithersoever he willed, And also the Shayâtîn (devils) from the jinn (including) every kind of builder and diver, And also others bound in fetters. , He (Exalted be He) says: …and there were jinn that worked in front of him, by the Leave of his Lord. And whosoever of them turned aside from Our Command, We shall cause him to taste of the torment of the blazing Fire. He also says: And of the Shayâtîn (devils from the jinn) were some who dived for him, and did other work besides that Allah (Exalted be He) says: And (remember) when We sent towards you (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) a group (three to ten persons) of the jinn, (quietly) listening to the Qur’ân. When they stood in the presence thereof, they said: “Listen in silence!” And when it was finished, they returned to their people, as warners. They said: “O our people! Verily, we have heard a Book (this Qur’ân) sent down after Mûsâ (Moses), confirming what came before it: it guides to the truth and to the Straight Path (i.e. Islâm). O our people! Respond (with obedience) to Allâh’s Caller (i.e. Allâh’s Messenger Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم), and believe in him (i.e. believe in that which Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم has brought from Allâh and follow him). He (Allâh) will forgive you of your sins, and will save you from a painful torment (i.e. Hell-fire) And whosoever does not respond to Allâh’s Caller, he cannot escape on earth, and there will be no Auliyâ’ (lords, helpers, supporters, protectors) for him besides Allâh (from Allâh’s punishment). Those are in manifest error. He also says: And on the Day when He will gather them (all) together (and say): “O you assembly of jinn! Many did you mislead of men,” and their Auliyâ’ (friends and helpers) amongst men will say: “Our Lord! We benefited one from the other, but now we have reached our appointed term which You did appoint for us.” He will say: “The Fire be your dwelling-place, you will dwell therein forever, except as Allâh may will. Certainly your Lord is All-Wise, All-Knowing.” And thus We do make the Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong-doers) Auliyâ’ (supporters and helpers) of one another (in committing crimes), because of that which they used to earn. Read also the Ayahs (Qur’anic verses) of Surah Al-Jinn for it tells you all about their form, actions, and the recompense of those who believed and those who disbelieved.
There is nothing strange about a Jinny hurting a human or inflicting harm on them just as a human may hurt a Jinny and inflict harm if the Jinny takes the form of an animal such as the one mentioned in the question and the Hadith related by Al-Bukharion the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 
A strong demon of Jinn came to me yesterday suddenly, so as to spoil my Salah (Prayer), but Allah enabled me to overpower him, and so I caught him and intended to tie him to one of the pillars of the Masjid (mosque) so that all of you might see him, but I remembered the invocation of my brother Solomon: My Lord! Forgive me, and bestow upon me a kingdom such as shall not belong to any other after me so I let him go cursed. Generally, Jinn and humans are either Mu’mins (believers) or Kafirs (disbelievers), good or bad, beneficent or harmful but it is all by Allah’s Will as mentioned above.
Finally: The Jinn world and forms are screened from humans. It is an area where we know nothing except what is mentioned in the Qur’an or Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet). We should believe in the truth conveyed in the Qur’an and Sunnah with no doubt or denial. Similarly, we should refrain from interfering with what is unknown to us, for affirming or denying things that are unwarranted in the Qur’an or Sunnah is an act of ignorance which Allah (Exalted be He) forbids: And follow not (O man i.e., say not, or do not or witness not) that of which you have no knowledge. Verily! The hearing, and the sight, and the heart, of each of those one will be questioned (by Allâh).
May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.
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The Dream of the Prophet Sallalahu Alaihi wa Sallam
Sahih Bukhari Volume 9, Book 87, Number 171: [Interpretation of Dreams ] : Narrated Samura bin Jundub:
Allah’s Apostle very often used to ask his companions, “Did anyone of you see a dream?” So dreams would be narrated to him by those whom Allah wished to tell.
One morning the Prophet said,
“Last night two persons came to me (in a dream) and woke me up and said to me, ‘Proceed!’
I set out with them and we came across a man Lying down, and behold, another man was standing over his head, holding a big rock. Behold, he was throwing the rock at the man’s head, injuring it. The rock rolled away and the thrower followed it and took it back. By the time he reached the man, his head returned to the normal state. The thrower then did the same as he had done before. I said to my two companions, ‘Subhan Allah! Who are these two persons?’ They said, ‘Proceed!’
So we proceeded and came to a man Lying flat on his back and another man standing over his head with an iron hook, and behold, he would put the hook in one side of the man’s mouth and tear off that side of his face to the back (of the neck) and similarly tear his nose from front to back and his eye from front to back. Then he turned to the other side of the man’s face and did just as he had done with the other side. He hardly completed this side when the other side returned to its normal state. Then he returned to it to repeat what he had done before. I said to my two companions, ‘Subhan Allah! Who are these two persons?’ They said to me, ‘Proceed!’
So we proceeded and came across something like a Tannur (a kind of baking oven, a pit usually clay-lined for baking bread).” I think the Prophet said, “In that oven there was much noise and voices.” The Prophet added, “We looked into it and found naked men and women, and behold, a flame of fire was reaching to them from underneath, and when it reached them, they cried loudly. I asked them, ‘Who are these?’ They said to me, ‘Proceed!’
And so we proceeded and came across a river.” I think he said, “…. red like blood.” The Prophet added, “And behold, in the river there was a man swimming, and on the bank there was a man who had collected many stones. Behold. while the other man was swimming, he went near him. The former opened his mouth and the latter (on the bank) threw a stone into his mouth whereupon he went swimming again. He returned and every time the performance was repeated, I asked my two companions, ‘Who are these (two) persons?’ They replied, ‘Proceed! Proceed!’
And we proceeded till we came to a man with a repulsive appearance, the most repulsive appearance, you ever saw a man having! Beside him there was a fire and he was kindling it and running around it. I asked my companions, ‘Who is this (man)?’ They said to me, ‘Proceed! Proceed!’
So we proceeded till we reached a garden of deep green dense vegetation, having all sorts of spring colors. In the midst of the garden there was a very tall man and I could hardly see his head because of his great height, and around him there were children in such a large number as I have never seen. I said to my companions, ‘Who is this?’ They replied, ‘Proceed! Proceed!’
So we proceeded till we came to a majestic huge garden, greater and better than I have ever seen! My two companions said to me, ‘Go up and I went up’ The Prophet added, “So we ascended till we reached a city built of gold and silver bricks and we went to its gate and asked (the gatekeeper) to open the gate, and it was opened and we entered the city and found in it, men with one side of their bodies as handsome as the handsomest person you have ever seen, and the other side as ugly as the ugliest person you have ever seen. My two companions ordered those men to throw themselves into the river. Behold, there was a river flowing across (the city), and its water was like milk in whiteness. Those men went and threw themselves in it and then returned to us after the ugliness (of their bodies) had disappeared and they became in the best shape.” The Prophet further added, “My two companions (angels) said to me, ‘This place is the Eden Paradise, and that is your place.’ I raised up my sight, and behold, there I saw a palace like a white cloud! My two companions said to me, ‘That (palace) is your place.’ I said to them, ‘May Allah bless you both! Let me enter it.’ They replied, ‘As for now, you will not enter it, but you shall enter it (one day)
I said to them, ‘I have seen many wonders tonight. What does all that mean which I have seen?’
They replied, ‘We will inform you:
As for the first man you came upon whose head was being injured with the rock, he is the symbol of the one who studies the Quran and then neither recites it nor acts on its orders, and sleeps, neglecting the enjoined prayers.
As for the man you came upon whose sides of mouth, nostrils and eyes were torn off from front to back, he is the symbol of the man who goes out of his house in the morning and tells so many lies that it spreads all over the world. And
those naked men and women whom you saw in a construction resembling an oven, they are the adulterers and the adulteresses;,
and the man whom you saw swimming in the river and given a stone to swallow, is the eater of usury (Riba) and
the bad looking man whom you saw near the fire kindling it and going round it, is Malik, the gatekeeper of Hell and
the tall man whom you saw in the garden, is Abraham and the children around him are those children who die with Al-Fitra (the Islamic Faith).”
The narrator added: Some Muslims asked the Prophet, “O Allah’s Apostle! What about the children of pagans?” The Prophet replied, “And also the children of pagans.”
The Prophet added, “My two companions added,
‘The men you saw half handsome and half ugly were those persons who had mixed an act that was good with another that was bad, but Allah forgave them.’”
Source:Sahih Bukhari Volume 9, Book 87, Number 171: [Interpretation of Dreams ]
The Messenger of Allah (salallahu alaihe wa-sallam) said: “My entire nation is safe, except al-Mujahirin (those who boast of their sins). Among the Mujaharah is that a man commits an (evil) act, and wakes up in the morning while Allah has kept his (sin) a secret, he says: “O Fulan! Last night I did this and that.” He goes to sleep while Allah has kept his (sin) a secret but he wakes up in the morning and uncovers what Allah has kept a secret!” [Saheeh al-Bukharee]
Abdullah Ibn Masoud (radiyallahu anhu) related, ‘A man came to the Prophet and said: ‘O Messenger of Allah! I have mingled with a woman in the far side of al-Medina, and I fulfilled my desire short of actually having sexual intercourse with her. So, here am I, judge me according to what you decide.’ Umar Ibn al-Khattab (radiyallahu anhu) then said: ‘Allah had kept your secret, why did not you keep your secret?’ [Sharh Muslim]
Allah’s Messenger (salallahu alaihe wa-sallam) said: “He, who relieves a hardship of this Dunya (word) for a believer, Allah will relieve (from him) a hardship of the Day of Resurrection; he who makes easy an indebted person, Allah will make it easy for him in the Dunya and the Hereafter; he who covers a Muslim (meaning his mistakes and shortcomings), Allah will cover him in the Dunya and the Hereafter…”[Muslim]
Abdullah Ibn Umar (radiyallahu anhu) related, “The Messenger of Allah (salallahu alaihe wa-sallam) once rose above the podium and then said with a loud voice,“O those who have embraced Islam only with their tongue, while Eemaan has not yet entered their hears, neither harm Muslims, nor mock them, nor try to expose their mistakes, for he who follows(searches for) the errors of his brother, Allah will follow his errors, and he whom Allah follows his errors, He will expose him even if he was in the middle of his home.” [Saheeh al-Jamee]
By Shaykh ‘Abdullaah ‘Ateeq al-Harbee
Shaykh ‘Abdullaah ‘Ateeq al-Harbee is one of the professors in the University of al-Madeenah, he is a student of Shaykh Rabee’ Ibn Haadee al-Madkhalee
The Shaykh began by giving his salutation after sending peace and blessings upon the Messenger (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) and after praising Allaah subhanahu wa ta’ala.
He says: O Muslims indeed Allah subhana wa ta’ala has created us and He has not left us to our own desires. Indeed He has prohibited us and He has given us command and He has made it clear to us the path of khair and the path of good and He has encouraged us to follow that. And He has made clear to us the path of evil and has prohibited us from following that. And indeed Allaah subhanahu wa ta’ala is more knowledgeable concerning that which is good and that which has the best for His servant in this life and the Hereafter. And He is the Most Knowledgeable concerning that which will give them bliss and that which will give them good fortune in this life and in the Hereafter.
And indeed from the things that Allaah subhanahu wa ta’ala has made it important and placed importance upon
protecting it and upon making sure that the Muslims are mindful with regards to it and that He has prohibited us and made us something that we should be distant from corrupting and that is the honour of the Muslim and that is going to be the title of the talk. And indeed it has been established in a hadith in Saheeh al-Bukhari that the Messenger (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) said : ‘indeed your blood, and your wealth and your honour, is haraam upon you (it is prohibited upon you) just as this day is haram or considered sacrilegious and just as this month is considered sacrilegious.
And indeed the honour is something that should be protected by the Muslims in two ways :
Allaah tabarak wa ta’ala has said : ‘O you who believe, indeed Allaah subhanahu wa ta’ala has sent down upon you a garment that will cover your modesty and He has given you a leash which is something other than from the standard covering. And indeed from the greatest of things that will make the honour of the Muslim corrupt whether they are male or whether they are female and indeed it is that which is referred to or known as ‘zina.’
And indeed Allaah tabarak wa ta’ala has said, ‘.. and do not come close to zina. Indeed it is something that is lewd and it is an evil way.’
And indeed in this ayah Allaah tabarak wa ta’ala has made Haraam anything that leads to zina and that is never mind the actual committing of the act. Allaah tabarak wa ta’ala has said, ‘ and do not come close to fawahish, do not come close to lewdness, that which is apparent from it and that which is hidden.
And indeed the issue of fornication (may Allaah protect us all from it). Indeed along with it being prohibited it is something that likewise corrupts the society, corrupts the community. And indeed it is from the reasons for the spreading of corruption in and amongst the community.’ Insha-Allaah I am going to mentions some of the reasons and some of the things that corrupts the society.
And from the first of the evils that come from zina is that it is one of the causes for the spread of many evils and many diseases connected to fornication, just like the sickness of AIDS and other in that from the sicknesses that destroy the lands and destroy the servants.
And likewise it is from the reasons that causes commotion in and amongst the family — as far as it relates to the husband or as far as it relates to the wife and to the children and if the family indeed is split, that will lead to the splitting of the community and indeed they will fall into that which are of the lowly actions and will fall into corruptions.
And likewise from the evil effects of zina is that it is from the reason for talaaq (or divorce) being plentiful in the societies. Because you find after the marriage, after a small space of time you will find the people divorcing each other and sometimes this happens after a space of few hours.
And likewise, from the evil effects of zina and fornication is that it lowers the marriage rates in the society. So as for the person who commits fornication and is constant and regular in doing that, then he does not look to marriage except as another way of having a sexual relationship. Not that it is a beautiful way of uniting two bodies, neither it is a life that is built of love and emotions and raising a family and having children and indeed from bringing and having children, it is by way of those children our that lives become happy lives. And likewise it makes life easy with the presence of the children.
And likewise we see from the evil effects of zina and fornication is that we find the level of children and the level of having kids fall in that particular society. Because when zina is one of the reasons for the spread of deadly diseases like AIDS and other than AIDS, we find as a result of that many people die in the society. And as a result of that we find people having children as a result of that die. And as a result of that also the strength of the community is lost.
And also from the evil effects of zina, is that it leads to much crime in that society. And from that the crimes that generate and likewise a person will enter into stealing and rape in order to satisfy his sexual desires. And likewise as a result of that we find people even killing each other and killing themselves as a result of this spread of this zina.
And likewise from the evil effects of zina, is that we find that we have many children, many offspring that are the children that have come as a result of that fornication. And this likewise is from the sins meaning these children have come about as a product of fornication. This is also from the sins that increases crimes, and increases evil doings in and among society. Because the child from a young age is in need of receiving the love and attention from both his parents. So when the child loses out on that care and loses out on that attention, and when he loses that love, then what happens is that he has a reactory feeling as he grows that he was not nurtured upon love and upon affection. So that breeds from him and lead him to haste and dislike to society and the surrounding that he lives in. So, when he reaches the age of maturity, we find that these individuals enough of time end up themselves being individuals that commit evil acts and committing different crimes in order to avenge that society.
And brothers and sisters from the things that we can utilize to protect this evil, to protect ourselves from this evil is by following the message, and the measures and the means that al-Islam has laid down for us. The means have been laid down for protecting our ‘ird — lineage.
So from the most important means for protecting the limits is the establishment of the belief of Allaah in the hearts of the servant. So if the slave then knows and believes that Allaah is the Creator of the creation, and He is the One that is worshipped and there is none worthy of worship other than Him, then he would carry out his commands and he would stay away from his prohibitions.
And likewise he will believe in his heart that Allaah subhanahu wa ta’ala knows the hidden things and knows those things which are apparent. And likewise he will know that Allaah subhanahu wa ta’ala sees everything that takes place in this creation. And so this Imaan of his will carry him to be odd and over keeping in mind the presence of Allaah subhanahu wa ta’ala. And it will lead him likewise, to be distant from disobeying Allaah and it will make him to carry out Allah’s commands and the things that please Allaah. So not once will Allaah see him in a place where Allaah subhanahu wa ta’ala dislikes to see him in and likewise he will not be absent from places that Allaah subhanahu wa ta’ala loves for him to be in. And that is a condition with the mu’min and the believer who is sincere with his Imaan, the one who is certain concerning his Lord.
Listen O brother and listen O sister, to the story of that great Sahabah ; that Sahabi who before Islaam used to commit sins as of fornication and he used to visit prostitutes ; look at his condition after his Islaam. Did he continue upon that which he was upon, in his days of Jaahiliyah before Islaam? .. (not clear) …. And likewise he took upon himself chastity and distanced himself form all evil and all lowly acts.
This appears in the Sunnan of Tirmidhi that a person from amongst the Sahaba (radiallahu anhu) who was referred to as al-Martad. He used to carry the prisoners of war from Makkah until he reached Medina and there was a woman from amongst the Mushrikeen who was a prostitute or she was a fornicator and her name was ‘Anaaq and she was his girlfriend before Islaam. And he had promised a man from amongst the prisoners of war from the people of Makkah that he was carrying. He said to them radiallaahu ‘I continued until I came to a wall from the walls of Makkah in the shade of a wall on the full moon night man, so ‘Anaaq (this woman) came to him and she had noticed that this man being detained near the wall. So when she came to me she realized that it was me. So I said, ‘my name is Martad’ and she said, ‘welcome.’ She then said, ‘come and sleep with me tonight.’ So she was calling him to the lewdness. So I said, ‘O Anaaq, indeed Allaah has made zina Haraam. Allaahu Akbar!’. So the Shaykh is saying look then brother Muslim may Allaah guide you and myself to success. Look at the Imaan that Martad had concerning Allaah subhanahu wa ta’ala and how it prevented him from committing zina even though it was easy for him to commit that act. So may Allaah have mercy upon him and be pleased with him. Look how his complete turn around came for him after he was a committer of major sins and major evil deeds prior to his Islaam? Look how Islaam turned the whole direction of his life. And he became the best of the people as regards to him being chaste, as regards to him having adab, and with regards to him having taqwa.
Therefore from the first of the things that we can utilize to protect ourselves from this sick disease, it is to have Imaan in Allaah subhanahu wa ta’ala.
As for the second affair is that we make sincere tawbah to Allaah tabarak wa ta’ala for all of our sins. Allaah subhanahu wa ta’ala has said, ‘and those who when they commit a sin or when they run themselves, they remember Allaah subhanahu wa ta’ala and make isthighfar for their sins. And who will forgive sins other than Allaah as long as they do not persist upon that which they did while they know.’
Likewise from the things that will protect ourselves and from the methods and means that have been laid down in the Shariah is that indeed Islaam is the deen of the fitrah and its way is the just way, balanced way.
And it has affirmed for mankind that which he has established or that which he has within him a way of desire for sexual actions. But Allaah subhanahu wa ta’ala has not made it absolute for him to utilize or enjoy his desire in any way that he pleases. And at the same time He has not prohibited him from enjoying sexual pleasures absolutely but rather it has reigns and orders for him that desire of his. And that sis with the connection of the link of marriage. Because when Allaah tabarak wa ta’ala created mankind, He created for him his wife so that he may receive tranquility from her.
Allaah subhanahu wa ta’ala says, ‘and indeed from His signs is that He has created for you wives so that you may
receive tranquility and reside with them. And He has made between you love and He has made between you Mercy.’
Therefore Allaah has made and prescribed marriage by way or which a person can increase in love and emotional feelings. And a way for him to protect himself from falling into evil deeds and lewd deeds. And for that reason Messenger (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) encouraged that we should marry.
In both Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim it is recorded that Ibn Mas’ud (radiallaahu anhu) that the Messenger (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: ‘O gathering of youth, whosoever from amongst you is able then let him marry. Because it is better for the lowering of the gaze. And it is better as a protection of the private parts. And whosoever is not able to do so then let him fast, because then indeed it is a protection for him.’
And likewise from the things that protect ones private parts (and things connected to that), that the method of protecting — – that men not mix with the women. Ibn Qayyim rahimahullah mentions in his book, ‘and there is no doubt that to let the women mix with the men is the origin of every evil. And it is from the greatest reasons for Allaah subhanahu wa ta’ala revealing or sending upon the people punishments and likewise it is from the reason that the general and the specific affairs become corrupt. And the men mixing with the women is a reason for zina, fawahisha, lewdness and evil act connected to sexual related acts being committed between men and women. And it is from the reasons for diseases and plagues when the prostitutes began to mix with the army of Musa, and evil deeds and lewdness began to spread among them. Indeed Allaah sent upon them at that point plague and diseases and 70,000 people died as a result of that. And we ask Allaah that He protects us.
And likewise from the protective reasons that has been laid down by the Shariah for the male Muslim and the female Muslim, that the women wear the hijaab and screen themselves from strange men. Allaah subhanahu wa ta’ala says, ‘..and stay in your homes and do not display yourselves like the displaying of the days of Jaahiliyah’ and Allaah azzawajal says addressing his message to his Messenger (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) : ‘O Messenger, say to your wives, daughters and to the women from amongst the Muslimeen, that they should throw the jilbaabs over themselves, that is better for them not to be known or not to be recognized and they will not be harmed. And indeed Allaah is al- Ghaffoor ar-Raheem.’
And likewise from the reasons is that a woman stays in her home and that she doesn’t leave her home except for a
pressing need. Allaah says in the previous ayah, ‘.. stay in your homes and do not display yourselves like the displaying of jaahiliyah. And you know O servants of Allaah, (O female slave of Allaah) that the Shaitaan who is the major enemy for us utilizes the issue of the women leaving out of their homes, using her as a means of corrupting the men and utilizing the men for corrupting her. And indeed the Messenger (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) has said, ‘indeed the whole of the woman is an awrah. So if she leaves her home, then indeed the shaitaan beautifies her and makes her fall into some type of fitnah and attempts her to fall into some lowly deeds.
And likewise from that a person distances himself from music as it is established with the people who have intellect that the beautiful voice has a direct effect upon the heart especially the heart of the woman. Music has an effect more on the woman than it has on the men. And if that music is accompanied with singing and with the playing of musical instruments, the effect that it has on the hearts in calling that person to lewdness is indeed greater. And for that reason Fudayl Ibn Iyyad rahimahullah mentioned that music is the ruqya of zina – meaning it is the thing that will lead towards it and will draw towards it.
Indeed Allaah subhanahu wa ta’ala says in the Qur’aan, ‘and indeed from the people of those who buy lahwal hadeed (meaning music here) in order to misguide from the path of Allaah and Ibn Masood radiallaahu anhu swore three times by Allaah regarding the tafseer concerning this ayah and the explanation of the lahwal hadeed that it is ghina, it is music and likewise from the reasons that protect ourselves from this lewdness will be mentioned in a summarized form so that we don’t spend too long here.
The first of them the Shaykh mentions is that a person both men and women lowers their gazes. Because the sight that it takes to look is from the arrows from the arrows of Iblees. And for that reason the Messenger (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) explained, ‘that the first look that you take for a woman is for you i.e it is overlooked and the second one is against you. And that is because the first look that a person took was not intentional i.e he did not intentionally take that look of that woman. So Allaah subhanahu wa ta’ala had mercy upon us and forgave us for that. And as for the second look then the mu’min the male and the female believer are both taken to account for that.
Likewise, the woman should not perfume herself when she leaves from her house. Indeed Messenger (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) prohibited that. And likewise from the reasons that will protect the society from this is that a woman does not show her beautification or that which she wears underneath her jilbaab except to those individuals who are from her mahrim (Mahram) who are lawful from her relatives.Allaah subhanahu wa ta’ala has said that she should not show anything of her beautification except that which is
apparent from her.
And likewise from the reasons that will protect us bi-iznillaah that a woman does not enter in her speech i.e she does not go into too much depth with her speech and that she does not soften her speech to strange men. Whether that is upon the telephone or upon other than the telephone. And this is indeed from the greatest of reasons that leads to that evil. Because indeed if she is soft in her speech, then that one who has something from sickness from his heart , will enter into his heart to have something with her by way of evil actions or by way of adultery or fornication.
And likewise from the reasons that we can protect, is that a person distances himself from intoxicants. Because indeed the khamr and the intoxicant are the mother of all evils. And by way a person would fall into zina and likewise it is a stealing and likewise it is a killing these souls that have been prohibited for us to kill. Rather a person would fall into every type of lowly act.
And likewise from the things that will protect us is that we keep clear from touching in any way a strange woman except in extreme necessity. O Servants of Allaah, indeed when the believer believes in Allaah subhanahu wa ta’ala there is no doubt that he is going to be tested and that he is going to be under trial. And for that reason Allaah subhanahu wa ta’ala when he created the Jannah, He surrounded it with the distasteful things. It was surrounded by things that are distasteful like Jihaad because a person may possibly die and it is something that is difficult for a person.
And likewise he wakes up at night at the time that it is very cold, and that you make wudhu and you pray. As for the tareeq or path to the Hellfire may Allaah protect us and you from it, is something that is easy iyaazu billaah. By doing those things that have connections with our desires like zina and drinking khamr and consuming wealth unlawfully and other than that from the evil act. Allaah subhanahu wa ta’ala has said, ‘Alif Laam Meem, do the people believe that they are going to be left alone saying that we believe and that they will not be put under trial. Indeed we put to trial those who came before them and Allaah subhanahu wa ta’ala will know those who were truthful in their Imaan and Allaah tabarak wa ta’ala will know by way of those that who are liars – the kaazibeen.nd likewise Allaah tabarak wa ta’ala has said, ‘do you believe that you are going to enter Jannah and it did not come to you that which came to those who came before you? They were struck with hardships and calamities and they were shook until the Messenger and those who believe along with him said, ‘when is the aid of Allaah going to come? Indeed the aid of Allaah is near.’
So you O my brother Muslim, and you O my sister Muslimah indeed you have chosen al-Islaam as your religion and this is the way of the anbiya alaihissalaatu wassalam and it is upon you that you remain firm upon the religion of Allaah and that you are not shaken in your Imaan and that you are not deceived by the duny and by its beautification and by Allaah you don’t know when you are going to die. And you don’t know when that thing that thing that stops all of one’s desires and stops all of one’s pain is going to end and going to come, so die while you are upon Islaam and while you are upon Imaan and while being in a state of being distant from the lewd deed and the evil deeds. ‘O Allaah make us to see the Haqq and bless us to follow it. O Allaah make us see the baathil and the falsehood and bless us to stay away from it. And do not make it something that is not clear to us, so that we go astray. O Allaah make the best of our deeds of the dunya the last of our deeds, and the best of our action the last of our actions and the last of our days the day that we meet you.’
—
May Allaah reward the sister who Transcribed from the Audio
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Taken from his book ‘The rulings of al-Khula’ in Islaam’ pg. 36-38. The great scholar and daa’ee, Dr. Muhammad Taqi-ud-Din Al-Hilali[1] said, “….And in the Sunan of Ibn Majah the prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) stated, “From the things that makes a man happy is a righteous wife whom whenever he looks at her she pleases him, whenever he commands her she obeys him, and whenever he is absent she is faithful with herself and his wealth.” Hadeeth hasan (hadeeth no. 1857). So look – may Allaah have mercy on you – at this hadeeth which illustrates therein a very high wisdom from the lips of the one who has been given concise, eloquent speech that contains much profound meaning. For indeed herein he summed up the conditions for a happy martial life: 1. The first one is that the woman is attractive in the eyes of the husband Without these conditions neither of the spouses can ever be happy. And the Europeans have claimed to have attained the pinnacle of marital bliss because they allow the fiancé to interact with his fiancée before the marriage in a manner that is very disturbing. It is quite possible for this relationship to continue like this for years whereby they are ‘still getting to know each other,’ to get to learn the other person’s behavioral traits and personality so that they can be more compatible with each other in order to make the relationship more lasting. They know however that this is a big farce. Because neither of the spouses trust the other – as far as being faithful to each other, or being honest with their money. Because the husband cannot tell his wife to do anything because obedience is not an obligation for them. Hence they are like two business or trade partners. And this illustrates the fallacy of the stipulation which is that they must ‘be in love’ first. As for the argument that supports unrestricted interaction before the marriage contract, (this is also a fallacy) because they do not really get to know the true character of the other companion because each of them ‘puts on an act’ for the other, and feign signs of adulation for fear that the engagement will be called off. And almost none of them reveals his/her true character until they get married. And there are many incidents like this that proves this to be true. For indeed this happened in Germany in the city of Bonn wherein a man who was engaged to his fiancée for 20 years, and they lived together as a man would live with his wife. However when they married the marriage did not last but one year; all of it being disagreements, bickering, and argumentation, eventually ending in divorce.” Taken from his book ‘The rulings of al-Khula’ in Islaam’ pg. 36-38. Foot Notes: [1] He is a descendant of the Prophet’s grandson Husain (radiallaahu anhu). He was born in Morocco in 1311 (1893) and he died 1408 (1997). He is well known for his translation of the meanings of the interpretation of the Noble Qur’an and Sahih Al-Bukhari. Shaykh Hammaad al-Ansaaree said about him, “In reality I have met anyone who has more knowledge in so many various subjects other than Dr. al-Hilali. Forty five years have passed and I have never seen anyone like him. He was fluent in languages such as Hebrew, German, English, Spanish, in addition to being a scholar in Arabic. He is my shaykh for I benefit from him greatly. He was salafi in his aqeedah, and if you read his book about at-Tawheed you would know that no one knows at-Tawheed in the Qur’an like him.” |
Khutbatul Haajah
“Say, O My Servant, those who have been excessive, those who have been extreme o*n their own soul, do not despair of the mercy of Allaah subhana wa ta’ala for surely Allaah forgives all sins. And surely Allaah, He is Al-Ghaffoor and Ar-Raheem. He is the Oft-Forgiving, the Merciful. He is extremely forgiving and extremely merciful.”
In this above Ayah, respected brothers and sisters in Islaam, Allaah among other things explains to us that He forgives our sins. He forgives all sins, whether they are Major or Minor. No matter what colour the sin may be, no matter what size the sin may be, how old or new it is, Allaah subhana is Al-Ghaffoor Ar-Raheem. And if the Muslim, the Abd (the Slave of Allaah subhana wa ta’ala) fulfills the conditions, Allaah will forgive. This type of forgiveness is a unique forgiveness. Allaah subhana wa ta’ala is unique as He says :
“Qul Huw-Allaahu Ahad” —
Say, He Allaah is unique.
For His forgiveness is not like any type of forgiveness and His Mercy is not like any type of Mercy.
“Wa laisa kamislihi shaiun wa huwas Sameeul Baseer”
There is nothing like Him and He is As-Sameeh and Al-Baseer , He is the Hearer and He is the Seer.
This Jumma’ah we would like to talk about the methodology or the road that we can use, the way, the method that we can utilize in gaining the atonement and forgiveness of our sins. How we can gain the atonement, the expiation, the effacing, the erasing of our sins. What is the methodology of erasing these sins? What can we do to remove these sins? Because all of us are sinners as Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said in an authentic Hadith :
“All of the children of Aadam are sinners and the best of sinners are those who repent.”
So we need to learn brothers and sisters in Islaam how we can efface, how we can remove, how we can make atonement for az-zunoob; How we can get rid of these sins. When we talk about the erasing and the atonement of sins according to the ahlul Ilm, according to the people of knowledge, there are two types (two ways to remove the sins) :
One as Allaah subhana wa ta’ala mentions :
Follow up a bad deed with a good deed and it will wipe it out. It will erase it. This is the first type of removing (the erasing) of sins.
The second is the exchange of one thing for another. As Allaah subhana wa ta’ala says :
For them, those individuals who do these sins, Allaah will exchange for their bad deeds, good deeds. He will replace their bad deeds with good deeds and Allaah subhana wa ta’ala is Ghaffoorur Raheema. He is the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful.
There are many ways brothers and sisters and we can have many Khutba’as o*n this subject. But we would just like to site just a few of these ways that we can atone for and erase our sins. The first and foremost and Allaah subhana ‘alam, Allaah the Majestic, the Most High above all creation knows best is to accept Islaam. Alhamdulillaah, which we have all done. If a Kaafir from among the Kuffaar (no matter how good they may seem or how righteous they may seem in the eyes of the people), if they want to have their sins erased, (their tawbah is different from our tawbah) their tawbah is to accept Islaam. And there is no tawbah for them except this.
Allaah subhana wa ta’ala says :
Surely the Deen with Allaah is not Christianity, it is not Judaism, it is not Hinduism, it is Islaam.
And again Allaah subhana wa ta’ala says :
Whoever seeks a Deen other than Islaam, it will never ever be accepted from him. And in the Last Day they will be the losers.
So those individuals who are among the Kuffar of this life, in order for their actions to be accepted and in order for them to be forgiven, they have to accept Islaam. And Allaah subhana wa ta’ala says :
Say to the Kuffar if they seize (stop) what they did in the past, they will be forgiven.
What does that mean? It means that if they leave off their kufr, if they stop disbelieving, then Allaah will forgive them.
So, the person who wants to have the forgiveness of Allaah, that is still among the groups of the Ahlul Kitaab and the Mushrikoon, they have to accept Islaam. And Allaah subhana wa ta’ala will remove their sins and He will forgive them.
Those individuals whom Allaah subhana wa ta’ala had raised among the Sahaaba to accept Islaam when the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) was alive, there is a clear, clear record of this.
On the authority of Ibn Shumaasa al Mahri that he said : We went to Amr Ibn Al-Aas (radiallaahu anhu), he was about to die, (he was o*n his death bed). He wept for a long time and turned his face towards the wall. (Not clear) The audience asked Amr : Didn’t the Messenger of Allaah not give you tidings of this?
He turned his face towards the audience and said : The best thing which we can count upon is the testimony that there is nothing worthy of worship except Allaah and Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam)is the Messenger of Allaah. For surely I have passed through three stages and this is what Allaah subhana wa ta’ala says in His Glorious Book :
You shall certainly travel from stage to stage.
Within the first stage in which I found myself averse (disinclined) to none else more than I was averse to the Messenger of Allaah and there was no other desire stronger in my heart than the o*ne that I should over power him and kill him. Had I died in this stage, I would have been definitely been among the people of the Hell-Fire.
Because if a Kaafir dies without having accepted Islaam (this is the forgiveness and atonement of his sins), he will surely go to the Hell-fire as the Prophet’s example when visiting the young Jewish boy (who used to serve him), when he went to his house and invited him to Islaam while he was o*n his death-bed and his father standing at his side, the Prophet incited him to say: “Laa ilaaha illallaah”. And he turned and looked at his father for approval. And his father said : Obey, Abu Qassim. (The Kunya, the nickname of Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wa sallam). So, the boy said : “Ash-hadu an Laailaaha illallaah wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadar Rasoolullaah.” Then he died.
Then the Messenger of Allaah left the house saying : Praise be to Allaah who saved this boy because of me from the Hell-Fire. So this is another proof that those individuals who do not accept Islaam and do not make this statement will be in the Hell-Fire. And those who do, Allaah will forgive them of their sins.
So he said if he had died in that state, he would have been one of the inhabitants of the Hell-Fire. When Allaah instilled the love of Islaam in my heart, I came to the Messenger of Allaah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) and I said : Stretch out your right hand O Messenger of Allaah so that I may make bai’aah (the pledge of allegiance) to you. He stretched out his right hand and I withdrew my hand. And he, the Messenger of Allaah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said : What has happened to you O Amr?
I replied : I intend to lay down some conditions.
The Messenger of Allaah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) asked : What conditions do you intend to put forward?
I said : I should be granted forgiveness.
He the Messenger of Allaah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam)said : “Are you not aware of the fact that Islaam wipes out all previous sins? Verily Hijrah wipes out all previous sins. And truly Hajj wipes out all previous sins.”
And then he (radiallahu anhu) said : “No one was more dear to me than the Messenger of Allaah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) and none was more sublimer in my eyes than him. And I could never get up the courage to catch a full glimpse of his face due to its splendor. So if I am asked to describe the features of the Messenger of Allaah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam), I am not able to do it because I have not looked at him fully. Had I died in this state, I have no reason to hope that I would ever be among the dwellers of the Paradise . I had every reason to hope that I would be among the people of Paradise.”
Then we are responsible for certain things in the light of which I am not able to know what is in store for me. When I die, let not the female mourner nor the fire accompany me. When you bury me, fill my grave well with earth and stand around it for a time in which a camel is slaughtered and the meat is distributed so that I may enjoy your intimacy (those individuals who stand around my grave) and I can ascertain what else I can give to the Angels of Allaah subhana wa ta’ala.
Another example of those things that will efface and atone for sins is following the Messenger of Allaah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam). And we all know brothers and sisters that following the Messenger of Allaah is an incumbent act upon every male and female Muslim. Allaah subhana wa ta’ala says :
And believe in Allaah and His Messenger, the unlettered on, who believes in Allaah and His word and follow him so that perhaps you will gain success.
We also know that upon us it is the duty to obey the Messenger of Allaah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam). And whoever obeys the Messenger has therefore obeyed Allaah. And it is incumbent upon every single Muslim to obey the Messenger of Allaah and obey those who are trusted in authority from the Messenger of Allaah among the Ulema.
“O You who believe obey Allaah and obey His Messenger and those trusted in authority from among you.”
With all of this and other ahyahs and hadiths, we gain the understanding that if we believe in Allaah subhana wa ta’ala and if we follow the Messenger of Allaah, Allaah subhana wa ta’ala will forgive us our sins simply for obeying and following the Prophet.
“Say, if you love Allaah, then follow me.” – Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) is saying this from the Book of Allaah. He is commanding to all of us sitting here and all the Muslims until the Day of Resurrection : “if you really love Allaah, then follow me. And Allaah will love you and forgive you your sins.”
So in following the Prophet (just simply following him) with all the conditions of following him, if they are met, Allaah subhana wa ta’ala will forgive our sins.
At-Taubah is a means of erasing sins, brothers and sisters. When we commit any sin, Allaah subhana wa ta’ala has instructed us in the Qura’an :
“O You who believe return to Allaah with sincere, unadulterated repentance. Perhaps your Lord will atone for you, your evil deeds.”
And the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam)in an authentic narration collected by Imaam Ibn Maajah and others on the authority of Abdullaah Ibn Al-Masood (radiallahu anhu):
“The person who repents from his sins is like the individual who didn’t have any sins at all.”
Also following up those evil things with good things. Allaah subhana wa ta’ala has mentioned in the Qura’an :
“Verily the good deeds remove the evil deeds. This is a reminder for those who remember.”
When we look at the tafseer of this particular ayah brothers and sisters, we find a very beautiful story. That a man came to the Messenger of Allaah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) saying : “O Messenger of Allaah, I kissed a woman.”
(Is there anything wrong in kissing a woman? Of course if she is not your mother, if she is not your sister, if she is not your wife and if she is not your daughter or your maternal or paternal aunt, this this haraam).
And the Messenger of Allaah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) answered him by reciting this verse :
“Truly the good deeds remove the evil deeds and this is a reminder for the mindful.”
Also spreading the salaam, saying : “Assalamu alaykum” is a means of forgiveness for sins. Just simply saying, “Assalamu alaykum” you could be removed of your sins. And good speech is a means of removal of sins. And there is a Hadith that was collected in the Musnaad of Shia’ab that says that the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said :
“Truly some of the causes of forgiveness is the spreading of Salaams and good speech.”
(Not bad speech, but good speech. Just speaking good can remove and atone sins.)
Another means of forgiveness and atonement of sins is simply shaking the hands of your brothers and sisters in Islaam. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said :
“There are no two Muslims that meet each other, then they shake hands except that the both of them are forgiven of their sins before they leave each other.”
Simple !! Just shake your brother’s hand. And hold it and keep holding it so that sins can be removed. And the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) again said :
“Truly the believer when he meets the other believer and then he says, “Assalamu Alaikum” and then he takes his hand and shakes his hand, both of their sins fall off like leaves fall from trees.”
Allaahu Akbar !!!
As for the man who shakes the hand of a woman he should not be shaking, like his boss from a job or a woman that he grew up with or a sister shaking the hand of a man that is not her husband or her father, Ayesha (Radialllaahu anha) said as reported in Sahih Bukhari : That the Messenger of Allaah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) never, ever, ever, touched the hand of a woman that he didn’t possess.” NEVER.
In another narration submitted by at-Tabarani, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said:
“It would be better for a man to be struck in his hand with an iron spike than to touch a woman that is not lawful for him.”
Alhamdulillaahi Rabbil Aalameen !!!
Another means brothers and sisters for the forgiveness of sins is the example that we have in the collection of al-Bukhari, Muslim and Abu-Dawuud i.e to be kind and gentle and generous to animals. Feeding the birds, feeding dogs, giving water to a dog, feeding Harry the cat that is outside. All of these things with good treatment to animals can be a means for the atonement of sins.
The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam)said: “While a man was walking on the road, he was overcome due to the extremity of the heat became extremely thirsty. Then he found a well. So he descended the well and drank from it. And as he was coming out, he saw a dog that was panting from the heat, eating the dirt from the ground because of extreme thirst. Then the man said, “the dog had come and was very thirsty and the thirst had reached a height greater than the thirst I had.” So he went back into the well and he filled his socks and he got hold of the mouth of the dog and he poured the water into the mouth of the dog. The dog’s thirst was quenched and Allaah subhana wa ta’ala after giving thanks to him forgave him of his sins.
Those individuals in this Masjid that are feeding Harry outside, Alhamdulillaah, may Allaah forgive you of your sins.
And as for those things among the taharah of the salaah, we know in conclusion brothers and sisters that al-wudhoo is a means of removal of sins. From Uthman Ibn Affan (Radiallaahu anhu)said that the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said that : “whoever makes wudhoo and makes it well according to the Qura’an and the authenticated Sunnah, paying attention to all the spots on their body that they are supposed to wash, making sure that every spot is touched with water, not using very little and not using too much, (being moderate between the two), remembering Allaah subhana wa ta’ala while he is making the wudhoo, and then leaving that wudhoo, Allaah subhana wa ta’ala will remove his sins from his entire body so much so that the sins will be removed from even beneath your fingernails.”
And again, Abu Huraira (Radiallaahu anhu) said that the Messenger of Allaah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said : “When a slave, a Mu’min or a Muslim washes his face in the course of ablution, every single sin that he contemplated with his eyes will be washed away from his face along with the water or with the last drop of water. When he washes his hands, every single sin that he committed with his hand will be erased from his hand with the water or with the last drop of water. And when he washes his feet, every sin towards with which his feet has walked will be washed away with the water or with the last drop of the water. The result is that he comes out pure, completely pure from every single sin.”
And this once again brothers and sisters in conclusion, is onLY for the person who performs the wudhoo correctly. Not for those individuals who splash water on themselves and who are unmindful of the rudiments or principles of wudhoo.
“Rabbana Aathinaa Fid-Dunya Hasanathan wafil Aakhirathi hasanathan Wakina Azaaban Naar.”
May Allaah reward the sister who Transcribed from the Audio
Shaikh Muhammad ibn Abdul-Wahhab al-Wasabi
Source: Lessons on Tawhid – Approximately 50 Classes – from Dar-ul-Hadith, Dammaj, Yemen
These were lessons conducted on the book ‘al-Qawl-ul- Mufeed Fee Adillatit-Tawhid’ [Beneficial Speech in Establishing the Evidences of Tawhid] written by one of the major scholars of the Sunnah in Yemen, Shaikh Muhammad ibn Abdul-Wahhab al-Wasabi (may Allah preserve him).
They were explained live via a telephone conference calling system by the Imam of the Masjid in Dar-ul-Hadith, Dammaj (Yemen), who is one of the senior scholars of the center of learning in Dammaj, Shaikh Ahmad al-Wasabi (may Allah preserve him). These lessons were conducted every Saturday from the period of April 2005 to June 2006. The .pdf files also contain questions which were asked in relation to the topic of the lesson in question.
Al-Istiqaamah Magazine – Issue No.7
Rabee’ ul-Awwal 1418H / July 1997
By Shaykh Muhammad Ibn Jameel Zaynoo
Understand that judging by what Allaah revealed in His Book is incumbent upon the Muslim, and not doing so results an many calamities befalling the Ummah.
That there would always continue to be a group from this Ummah clinging to the truth and to the pure Tawheed of Allaah until the day of Judgment.
Allaah – the Most High – said:
“Say: Allaah has power to send punishment upon you from above you, or from under your feet; or to cover you in confusion with party strife; and make you taste the inter-fighting and violence of one another. See how We variously explain the Aayaat (proofs and signs), so that they may understand.” [Sooratul-An’aam 6:65]
Allaah’s Messenger (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, when this verse was revealed: “Say: Allaah has power to send punishment upon you from above you.” So he said: “I seek refuge in Your Face.” “Or from under your feet.” He said: “I seek refuge in Your Face.”
“Or to cover you in confusion with party strife, and make you taste the inter-fighting and violence of one another.” So Allaah’s Messenger (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: “This is lighter or easier.” [2]
The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: “Indeed Allaah gathered up the earth for me so that I saw its eastern and western parts, and indeed the dominion of my Ummah will reach what was gathered up for me from it. And I have been granted the two treasures of gold and silver. And indeed I asked my Lord for my Ummah that it should not be totally destroyed by a prevailing famine, nor to allow on enemy to totally conquer it, except from amongst themselves. So my Lord said: O Muhammad! When I decree a matter, then it is not reversed. I grant to you for your Ummah that it would not be totally destroyed by a prevailing famine, nor will it be totally conquered by on external enemy, even if all the notions were to rally against it However, a group from your Ummah will destroy one another and imprison one another.” [3]
The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) also said: “I asked my Lord for three things, I was granted two; but prevented from one: I asked my Lord that He should not destroy my Ummah with drought and famine, so He granted it to me. I asked my Lord that He should not destroy my Ummah with drowning, so he granted it to me. And I asked Him not to cause my Ummah to fight amongst themselves, but he refused that to me.” [4]
And this inter-fighting that has befallen the Muslims has been further emphasized in his (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying: “And when your leaders do not judge by the Book of Allaah, not seeking the good and welfare with Allaah has revealed, then Allaah would cause them to fight one another.” [5]
The Prophet said, in an addition to the second narration: “Indeed, what I fear for my Ummah are misguided leaders, and that when the sword is drown out against them, it will not be lifted from them until the Day of Judgement. And the Hour will not come, until sections of my Ummah will follow the mushrikeen (those who worship others along with Allaah), and until many sections of my Ummah will worship idols. And there will be in my Ummah thirty liars; all of whom will claim that he is a Prophet. But I am the last and the seal of the Prophets; there is no Prophet after me. And there will not cease to be a group from my Ummah being helped upon the truth, not being harmed by those who oppose them; until the commend of Allaah comes.” [6]
SOME BENEFITS FROM THE ABOVE AAYAH AND HADEETH:
[1]: It shows the great power of Allaah – the Most High – in sending punishment to the previous nations, from above them, and from beneath their feet, causing them to be annihilated and destroyed. Due to this, Allaah’s Messenger (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) sought refuge and protection in the Face of his Lord against his Ummah being punished in a similar manner.
[2]: The first hadeeth (narration) affirms that Allaah – the Most High – has a wajh (Face), but in a manner that befits His Greatness and Majesty, there being any tashbeeh (resemblance) between Allaah and between that of His creation; as Allaah said: “There is none like Him; and He is the all-Hearing, the all-Seeing.” [Sooratush-Shooraa 42:11]
[3]: It shows the great power of Allaah – the Most High – in that whenever the Muslims abandon judging by the Sharee’ah (Divinely Prescribed Law) of Allaah; but rather take to manmade laws that oppose the Law of Allaah – which, with deep regret, is happening now – then Allaah causes the Ummah to split-up into sects and parties, and makes them fight one another.
[4]: It Shows the might of Allaah in that He gathered-up the earth for His Messenger (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), so that he saw its eastern and western parts; and that the dominion of his Ummah would extend over all that which was gathered-up for him, from it.
[5]: It shows the mercy of Allaah to the Muslim Ummah, in His not sending against them a punishment that would totally destroy the entire Ummah; but it would only cause destruction to parts of the Ummah.
[6]: An-Nawawee (d.676H) – rahimahullaah – said: “In this hadeeth is a clear and apparent miracle, all of which has come to pass – so all praise be to Allaah.” [7]
[7]: It also shows the mercy of Allaah to the Muslim Ummah in that He has not allowed an external enemy to overpower them, such that they have complete control over them. Rather, Allaah has caused some parts of the Ummah to fight against others; and this is far easier than the former case.
[8]: It Shows the fear that Allaah’s Messenger (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) had for his Ummah with regards to the misguided leaders who would not take hold of the Book and the Sunnah; and how he warned against them.
[9]: That when the sword has been drawn out against this Ummah, then it would not be lifted from it until the Day of Judgement – as is happening at this very time now.
[10]: It proves that shirk would be present in the Ummah. And shirk is: Directing worship, or forms of worship, to other than Allaah, such as making du’aa (supplication) to other that Allaah, or judging by other than what Allaah has legislated and revealed.
[11]: We are informed about the existence of those who would claim that they are Prophets and that they are all liars in this claim; such as Musaylimah al-Kadhdhaab in earlier times, and in more recent times Ghulaam Ahmad Mirza, the Qaadiyaanee (whose followers are called Qaadiyaanees).
[12]: That there would always continue to be a group from this Ummah clinging to the truth and to the pure Tawheed of Allaah until the day of Judgement.
Imaam an-Nawawee – rahimahullaah – said:
“As for this group, then Imaam al-Bukhaaree (d.256H) said: “They are the people of knowledge.” And Imaam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal (d.241H) said: “If they are not Ahlul-Hadeeth (the Scholars of Hadeeth), then I do not know who they can be.” Qaadee ’Iyaad said: “What Imaam Ahmad meant by that was Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah and whosoever holds the ’aqeedah (belief) of Ahlul-Hadeeth.” I say: It is possible that this group could be scattered amongst the various categories of Believers, from them:- the brave warriors, the Scholars of Hadeeth, the zuhhaad (those who abstain from the world in a praiseworthy manner), those that enjoin the good and forbid the evil, and other categories of people who do good.” [8]
Ibnul-Mubaarak (d.181H) – rahimahullaah – said: “In my view they are Ashaabul-Hadeeth (the companions of Hadeeth).” [9]
So the preferred saying is that this Aided and Victorious Group are those that act in accordance with the authentic hadeeth, not giving precedence to the saying of anyone over and above the saying of Allaah and His Messenger (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam).
Footnotes:
[1] Tawjeehul-Muslimeen ilat-Tareeqin-Nasr wat-Tamkeen (p. 49-53)
2] Related by al-Bukhaaree (no. 4628), from Jaabir (radiyallaahu ’anhu)
3] Related by Muslim (no. 2889), from Thawbaan (radiyallaahu ’anhu)
4] Related by Muslim (no. 2216), from Sa’d Ibn Abee Waqqaas (radiyallaahu ’anhu)
5] Hasan: Related by Ibn Majaah (no. 4019), from Ibn ’Umar (radiyallaahu ’anhu) It was authenticated by al-Albaanee in as-Saheehah (no. 106).
6] Saheeh: Related by Aboo Daawood (no. 3952), from Thawbaan (radiyallaahu ’anhu) It was authenticated by al-Haafidh Ibn Hajar in al-Mataalibul-’Aaliyah (4/264).
7] Sharh Saheeh Muslim (1/234)
8] Sharh Saheeh Muslim (13/67)
9] Related by al-Khateeb al-Baghdaadee in Sharaf Ashaabul-Hadeeth (p .26)
Al-Istiqaamah Magazine, Issue No.8 – Shawwal 1418H / February 1998
Allaah – the Most High – said:
“Seek Allaah’s forgiveness for your sins, Indeed Allaah is Most-Forgiving, Most-Merciful.” [Soorah an-Nisaa 4:106].
“Whosoever does an evil action, or oppresses his ownself through sinning, then seeks Allaah’s forgiveness, will indeed find that Allaah is Most Forgiving, Most-Merciful.” [Soorah an-Nisaa 4:110].
Imaam as-Sa’dee (d.1376H)- rahimahullaah – said:
“Whosoever commits an act of disobedience and plunges himself into sin, but then sincerely does istighfaar (seeks Allaah’s forgiveness) for it – which involves:- [i] affirming that it is a sin, [ii] having regret for doing it, [iii] abstaining from it, and [iv] having a firm resolve not to do it again – then such is the person who has the promise of Allaah’s forgiveness and mercy – and indeed Allaah never breaks His Promise. So Allaah will forgive the sinner, purify him of his sin, and accept from him those righteous action that he had previously done [before committing the sin] …And know that [the term] ‘evil actions’ include, in general, all acts of disobedience, whether minor or major. They are called ‘evil actions’ because of the terrible punishments that they necessitate, and because of their evil effects upon the soul. Likewise [the term] ‘oppressing oneself through wrong-doing’ includes the oppression of committing Shirk (directing worship, or any form of worship, to other than Allaah), as well as the [other forms of injustices] which are lesser than it. These two terms have also been explained in a way whereby one is inclusive of the other.
Evil actions have also been explained here to mean evil actions against people with regards to their blood, property or honour. Oppressing oneself through wrong-doing has [also] been explained here to mean those sins and acts of disobedience that a person commits against Allaah. It is called oppressing oneself because the person’s soul or life is not actually his property so that he may do anything that he likes with it. Rather, this life, or soul, belongs to Allaah – the Most High – Who has given it to the person as a trust, and commanded him to be just and to cling to the Straight Path, both in words and deeds, and has taught this soul what has been commanded for it and the actions that it is required to perform. So a person who does not cling to this [Straight] Path is actually oppressing his ownself, acting treacherously, and swerving from the path of justice and fairness; the opposite of which is injustice and oppression.”1
The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said:
“Allaah – the Most High – said: O son of Aadam, so long as you call upon Me and hove hope in Me, I shall forgive you for what you have done, and I shall not mind. O son of Aadam, were your sins to reach the clouds of the sky and were you then to ask forgiveness of Me, I would forgive you. O son of Aadam, were you to come to me with sins nearly as great as the earth and were you then to face Me, ascribing no partner to Me in the worship of Me, I would bring you forgiveness as great as it.”2
Allaah – the Exalted – also said about istighfaar:
“Allaah will not punish them whilst you (the Prophet ‘alayhis-salaam) are amongst them, nor will He punish them whilst they seek Allaah’s forgiveness.” [Soorah al-Anfaal 8:33].
Allaah informs us that there are two factors which are the cause of safety from the terrible punishment of Allaah, and would continue to be so as long as they are present in the Ummah: [i] the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam being amongst them, and [ii] their seeking Allaah’s forgiveness.
Ibn ‘Abbaas radiallaahu ‘anhu said:
“There are two [causes] why the people remained safe, [i] the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam living amongst them, and [ii] their seeking Allaah’s forgiveness. The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam has now departed, so all that remains is seeking Allaah’s forgiveness.”3
Thus, the more negligent we become in seeking Allaah’s forgiveness, the more we open up the doors of Allaah’s punishment; both to ourselves as individuals and to the society as a whole. So – O Muslims – let us be mindful!
1. Tayseerul-Kareemur-Rahmaan (p. 164).
2. Saheeh: Related by at-Tirmidhee (no.3540), from Anas radiallaahu ‘anhu. It was authenticated by Shaykh al-Albaanee in as-Saheehah (nos.127-128).
3. Related by Ibn Katheer in Tafseer Qur’aanul’Adheem, (2/317).
In accordance with the command of Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala) to assist one another in good:
{Help you one another in al-Birr and at-Taqwa (virtue, righteousness and piety); but do not help one another in sin and transgression}, [Soorah al-Maa.idah, Aayah 3]
…and the saying of the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam), as narrated by Anas ibn Maalik:
((None of you will have faith till he wishes for his (Muslim) brother what he likes for himself.)), [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree, Ref.1.12]
…we refer you to the following useful Software links: (all the below are freeware and are virus free) [Infact the following ones I regularly use]
As Salam Alikum Dear Brothers and Sisters!
Brothers and Sisters are informed that the messages posted will be in accordance with Al-Islam as taught by As-Salaf As-Saalih, making efforts to avoid bida (innovations) in the deen. Messages will be in accordance with Al-Islam… NOT Nation, Sufi, Shia, blind adherence to an Imam, or any other deviant sect or group.
The Main purpose behind the creation of this group is:
“If Allah wants to favor someone, He grants him comprehension (understanding) of this religion.” [Sahih Bukhari vol.1 # 71, Tirmidhi and Musnad Ahmad]
“It is only those who have knowledge amongst His slaves that fear Allah.” [Soorah Al-Fatir (35): 28]
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Al-Istiqaamah Issue No.4 – Jumâdal-Awwal 1417H / November 1996
Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan – hafidahullaah – relates:
“Allaah – the Majestic, the Most High – orders us to verify any news that reaches us concerning a group or party from amongst the Muslims, when an evil news reaches us which necessitates fighting or opposing this group. Allaah – the Mighty, the Most High – orders us not be hasty and rush into this affair, until we have verified the matter. Allaah – the Most Perfect – said:
“O you who believe! When a wicked person comes to you with some news, ascertain and verify it, less you harm someone in ignorance and then afterwards regret for what you have done.” [Soorah al-Hujuraat 49:6]
Meaning: If some news reaches you about a group or party from amongst the people, concerning an action that they have done and which deserves to be fought against, then do not be hasty about the matter, nor announce war against them, nor attack them – until you have verified the authenticity of the report.”1
Imaam Muslim relates in his Saheeh (no.5):
Abu Hurayrah radiallaahu ‘anhu relates that the Prophet sallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “It is enough to render a man a liar that he relates everything he hears.”
1. Wujoobut-Tathbbat fil-Akhbaari wa Ihtiraamil-‘Ulemaa (pp.22-23).
Al-Istiqaamah Issue No.2 – Safar 1417H / July 1996
THE MASTER OF SUPPLICATIONS
The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said:
“The master of supplications for seeking Allaah’s forgiveness is when a servant says: O Allaah! You are my Lord and none has the right to be worshipped except You. Indeed You created me and I am Your slave. I abide by my promise and covenant to You as best as I can. I seek refuge in You from the evils that I have done. I acknowledge Your favours upon me and I acknowledge my sin. So forgive me. Indeed none can forgive sin except You. [Allaahumma anta Rabbee, laa ilaaha illaa anta, khalaqtanee, wa anaa ‘abduka, wa anaa ‘alaa abdika wa wa’dika mastata’tu, a’oodhu bika min sharri maa sana’tu, aboo’u laka bi ni’matika ‘alayaa, wa aboo’u bi dhanbee, faghfirlee, fa innahu laa yaghfirudh-dhanooba illaa anta] Whosoever enters upon the evening saying this, then dies that night, would enter Paradise. And whosoever enters upon the morning saying this, then dies that day, will enter Paradise.” [Related by al-Bukhaaree (11/97-98) and Ahmad (5/356), from the narration of Shaddaad ibn Aws and Buraydah ibn al-Haseeb radiallaahu ‘anhumaa.]
A POINT OF BENEFIT
Ibn al-Qayyim (d.751H) – rahimahullaah – said in al-Waabilus-Sayyib (pp.16-17):
“Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (d.728H) said: “Knowing the path to Allaah lies in recognising Allaah’s favours and considering the sins and shortcomings of one’s self.” This is the meaning of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam’s saying – as occurs in the authentic narration from Shaddaad and Buraydah radiallaahu ‘anhumaa – that he said: “The master of supplications in seeking the forgiveness of Allaah is when a savant says: O Allaah! You are my Lord… “ So recognition of Allaah’s favours and consideration of one’s own sins and shortcomings have both been collectively mentioned in the (above) supplication, since he sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “I acknowledge Your favours upon me and I acknowledge my sins.” So recognition of Allaah’s Favours necessitates praising and thanking Him for His favours and bounties, which in turn necessitates love for Him. Whilst consideration of one’s own sins and shortcomings necessitates humility to Allaah and a feeling of lowliness and humbleness to Him. This in turn necessitates repenting to Allaah continuously, and that one considers himself as being poor and in need of Allaah.”
Spreading Mischief Through THE ART OF LYING
Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said:
“Indeed truthfulness leads to piety and obedience and piety and obedience lead to Paradise. And a person continues to be truthful until he is recorded with Allaah as a truthful person. And indeed lying leads to wickedness and wickedness lead to the Fire. And a person continues to lie until he is recorded with Allaah as a liar.” [Related by al-Bukhaaree (3/30) and Muslim (no.2607), from Ibn Mas’ood radiallaabu ‘anhu.]
DESTROYING COMPREHENSIVE BROTHERHOOD
Shaykh al-Albaanee – hafidhahullaah – said in Fiqhul-Waaqi’ (pp.13-14), whilst speaking about certain trials that have afflicted the Muslims, destroying their unity, weakening their resolve and splitting their ranks: “Part of this trial has struck at the root of the hearts of a great number of daa’ees (callers to Islaam) and students of knowledge, so that they have – regretfully – become divided between themselves. Some of them speaking ill of others, and the others criticising the remainder and refuting them. These rebuttals on their own, or these criticisms alone will neither harm the one refuting, nor the one refuted, since – with the people of justice – the truth is recognised by its light and its proofs, which is not the case with the people of blind-sectarianism and deviation. However, what will harm them is speech without knowledge, talking without restraint and speaking falsely about the servants of Allaah!“
Al-Istiqaamah Issue No.3 – Rabî’ul-Awwal 1417H / August 1996
THE YEAR OF HIS NOBLE BIRTH
According to the most correct opinion of the Scholars, the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was born in the city of Makkah in the year of the Elephant (in the year 570 or 571CE), in the month of Rabee’ul-Awwal. [1]
THE DAY OF HIS NOBLE BIRTH
There is an agreement amongst the Scholars that the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was born on a Monday, since he sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was asked about fasting on a Monday, and he said: “On that day I was born and on that day Revelation descended upon me.” [2] However, as regards the exact date of his birth, then the Scholars have differed about this, although the majority of Scholars say that he sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was born on the 12th of Rabee’ul-Awwal.
Imaam an-Nawawee (d.676H) – rahimahullaah– said: “There is on agreement that he was born on Monday in the month of Rabee’ul-Awwal. There is a difference of opinion whether this day was the 2nd, 8th, 10th or 12th day of the month – and these ore the four most well-known opinions concerning this.” [3]
EVENTS AT THE TIME OF HIS BIRTH
Certain miraculous events are reported to have occurred at the time that the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was born. However, most of them are not authentically related, rather they are da’eef (week) or mawdoo’ (fabricated) and therefore cannot be relied upon as decisive proof; such as the narration which relates that some of the galleries of Kisraa’s palace broke-up and collapsed, that the sacred-fire of the Magians died-out and that some of the churches on Lake Saawah collapsed and sank down.[4]
However, it is authentically related that the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayi wa sallam said.
“I am a result of the supplication of my father Ibraaheem and the glad-tidings brought by ‘Eesaa ‘alayhimus salaam. And my mother – when she bore me – saw that a light shone out from her, which lit up the palaces in Syria … ” [5]
CELEBRATING THE DAY OF HIS NOBLE BIRTH
Imaam al-Faakihaanee (d.734H) – rahimahullaah -said: [6]
“Celebrating his birthday has no basis in the Book nor the Sunnah, nor is this action recorded from any one of the Scholars of this Ummah; those who are taken as examples to be followed and who cling to the narrations. Rather it is a bid’ah (innovotion), which was introduced by the (deviated) Battaaloon sect.[7]”
As regards to the origins of this newly-invented celebration, then some of the research Scholars have stated that the first person to innovate this practice was ‘Umar ibn Muhammad al-Mulaa in the city of Mawsil in Iraaq, during the fourth century, as is mentioned by the Imaam Abu Shaamah (d.665H).[8] He was followed in this by the likes of Abul-Khattaab ‘Umar ibn Dihyaa: “who was employed in the west, then traveled to Syria, then he traveled to the city of Irbil in ‘Iraaq, during the fourth century, where he found its king Mudhaffarud-Deen ibn Zaynud-Deen showing a keen interest in the milaad (birthday) of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. So he composed a book for him called at-Tanweer fi Mawlidis-Siraajil-Muneer; so he recited this to the king who then rewarded him with one thousand deenaars.” [9]
Imaam Maalik (d.179H) – rahimahullaah – said:
‘Whosoever introduces into Islaam an innovation, and holds it to be something good, has indeed alleged that Muhammad sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam has betrayed his message. Read the saying of Allaah – the Most Blessed, the Most High:
“This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you and I have chosen for you Islaam as your religion.” [Soorah al-Maa’idah 5:3].
So that which was not part of the religion at that time, cannot be part of the religion today. And the last part of this Ummah cannot be rectified, except by that which rectified its first part.” [10]
Thus, had the practice of celebrating milaadun-Nabee (the birthday of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) been something praiseworthy then: “the Salaf (the Pious Predecessors) – may Allaah be pleased with them all – would have instituted it. For they were the ones having a greater love and honour for Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and a greater zeal for doing good. Indeed, the most perfect expression of love and honour for him is by following him, obeying him, carrying out his commands, upholding and reviving his Sunnah (guidance and example) – both inwardly and outwardly – and in spreading his message and striving in this, with the heart, the hand and the tongue. Such was the path of the Companions and those who followed them in goodness (i.e. beliefs and actions).” [11]
Footnotes:
[1]. Refer to Taareekh (p.53) of Khaleefah ibn Khayaat, as-Seerah (1/167) of Ibn Hishaam and also Tabaqaatul-Kubraa (1/62) of Ibn Sa’d.
[2]. Related by Muslim (2/820) and Ahmad (5/297).
[3]. Tahdheeb Seeratun-Nabawiyyah (p.20) of Imaam an-Nawawee.
[4]. Munkar: Related by Imaam adh-Dhahabee in as-Seeratun-Nabawiyyah (pp. 11-14), who said: “This narration is munkar ghareeb (rejected).”
[5]. Related by al-Haakim in al-Mustadrak (2/600) and Ibn Katheer in al-Bidaayah wan-Nihaayah (1/229) who said: “Its isnaad is good and strong.” Refer to as-Saheehah (no.1545) of Shaykh al-Albaanee for a detailed discussion concerning its authenticity.
[6]. Al-Mawrid fi ‘Amalil-Mawlid (pp.21-22).
[7]. The Battaaloon: they are one of the deviated Baatiniyyah sects from the Faatimids – as al-Maqreezee says in al-Khatat (1/490).
[8]. In al-Baa’ith ‘alaa Inkaaril-Bida’ wal-Hawaadith (pp.23-24). Ibn al-Jawzee stated something similar in Miraatuz-Zamaan (8/310).
[9]. Al-Bidaayah wan-Nihaayah (13/144-145) of al-Haafidh Ibn Katheer.
[10]. Related by al-Qaadee ‘lyaadh in ash-Shifaa fee Huqooqil-Mustafaa (2/676).
[11]. Iqtidaa’us-Siraatul-Mustaqeem (p.295) of Ibn Taymiyyah
Related Links:
By the Shaykh – the noble Scholar – ‘Abdul-Azeez bin Baaz [1]
Al-Istiqaamah Issue No.3 – Rabî’ul-Awwal 1417H / August 1996
All praise is for Allaah and the blessing of Allaah and His peace be upon the Messenger, and upon his Family, his Companions and all those who follow his guidance. After that:
It is not permissible to celebrate Milaadun-Nabee (the birthday of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), nor the birthday of anyone else, since this is from the acts of bid’ah (innovations) that have been newly-invented into the religion. 2 Neither did Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, nor the Rightly-Guided Khaleefahs (Successors), nor the Companions, may Allaah be please with them all, nor any of their followers from the first three excellent generations, celebrate this day – and they were the most knowledgeable of people concerning the Sunnah (the Prophetic guidance), and had the greatest love for Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and were the foremost in following his Sharee’ah (Prescribed Laws).
It has been authentically established from the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam that he said: “Whosoever introduces into this affair of ours, that which is not part of it, will have it rejected.” 3
In another authentic narration, he sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Hold fast to my Sunnah (guidance) and the way of the Rightly-Guided Khaleefahs after me, cling to it tightly. And beware of newly-invented matters, for every newly-invented matter is an innovation, and every innovation is misguidance.” 4
So these two narrations contain a strong warning against innovations in the religion, and acting upon them. This is why Allaah – the One free of all defects – says in His Clear Book:
“And whatever the Messenger gives you, take it. Whatever he forbids you from, then keep away from it.” [Soorah al-Hadeed 59:7].
Allaah – the Mighty and Majestic – said:
“Let those beware who withstand the command of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, unless some trials and afflictions befall them, or unless they are afflicted with a painful punishment.” [Soorah an-Noor 24:63].
Allaah – the Most High – said:
“And the first to embrace Islaam from the Muhaajirs and the Ansaar, and those who followed them in goodness, beliefs and actions. Allaah is well-pleased with them, and they are well-pleased with Him. He has prepared for them Gardens of Paradise, beneath which rivers flow, to live therein forever. That is the supreme achievement.” [Soorah at-Tawbah 9:100].
And Allaah – the Most High – said:
“This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and have chosen Islaam as your way of life.” [Soorah al-Maa’idah 5:3].
The verses with this meaning are plenty. So to accept this celebration, or any other newly-invented act of worship, implies that Allaah – the Most Perfect – did not complete and perfect the religion for this Ummah, and that the Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam did not completely convey to his Ummah what was necessary regarding their duties, until the advent of those who came later and innovated in the religion of Allaah that for which they had no permission, claiming that they would draw closer to Allaah by such innovations. And this – without doubt – is a great danger and amounts to criticising Allaah – the Most Perfect – and His Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. For Allaah – the One free from all defects – has indeed perfected this religion for His servants, and has completed His favour upon them. And the Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam has clearly conveyed the Message, not leaving any way that leads to Paradise, nor any way that distances a person from the Fire, except that he explained it to his Ummah. This has been established in an authentic narration, from ‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Amr radiallaahu ‘anhu, in which Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Allaah did not send any Prophet except that it was his duty to inform his Ummah of the good that he knew, and to warn them about the evils that he knew.” 5
It is known that our Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam is the best of all the Prophets and the last of them and the most perfect of them with regards to conveying the Message and advising the people. So if celebrating his milaad (birthday) was a part of the religion that Allaah – the Most Perfect chose, then the Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam would have most certainly explained it to his Ummah, or he would have celebrated it himself, or his noble Companions radiallaahu ‘anhum would have celebrated it. However, since nothing like this happened, then we know that the celebration of milaad has nothing to do with Islaam whatsoever. Rather, it is from those innovations which the Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam warned his Ummah from, as has been shown in the preceding narrations.
There is another authentic narration similar in meaning to the two preceding ones, and it is his sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam’s saying in his Jumu’ah khutbah (Friday sermon): “Indeed the best speech is the Book of Allaah, and the best guidance and example is that of Muhammad sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. And the worst affairs are the newly-invented ones, and every newly-invented matter is an innovation, and every innovation is misguidance.” 6
Due to this, a group of the Scholars rejected the practice of milaad and warned against it, acting upon the aforementioned proofs, and their like. However, some of the later Scholars differed, in that they have allowed such a practice, providing it does not entail any sinful and evil matters; such as exaggerating in the praise of Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, or free-mixing between men and women, or the playing of musical instruments and singing, and other such matters which are rejected by the pure Sharee’ah (Prescribed Law). They think that such a practice is a bid’ah hasanah (a good innovation in the religion). 7 However, the Sharee’ah principle is: whenever any dispute arises amongst the people, then the issue should be referred back to the Book of Allaah and to the Sunnah of His Messenger, Muhammad sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Allaah – the Mighty and Majestic – said:
“O you who believe! Obey Allaah and obey the Messenger and those in authority amongst you. If you differ in anything amongst yourselves, then refer it back for judgment to Allaah and His Messenger, if you do truly believe in Allaah and the Last Day. That is better and more befitting for final determination.” [Soorah an-Nisaa 4:59].
Allaah – the Most High – said:
“And in whatever you differ, the judgement is with Allaah.” [Soorah ash-Shooraa 42:10].
So if we refer this issue – about the validity of celebrating milaad – back to the Book of Allaah, we find that the Book (i.e. the Qur’aan) commands us to follow the Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam in that which he brought, and it warns us against that which he prohibited. It also informs us that Allaah – the Most Perfect – has perfected the religion of Islaam for this Ummah. Thus, from this angle, there is nothing in what the Messenger came with concerning this celebration, and therefore it cannot be part of the religion which Allaah perfected for us and ordered us to adhere to by following the Messenger.
Then if we turn to the Sunnah of the Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam we do not find in it that he sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam celebrated his own birthday, nor ordered its celebration, nor do we find any of the Companions radiallaahu ‘anhum celebrating it! Therefore, it will be absolutely clear to anyone who has the slightest insight and is desirous of truth and justice, that the practice of celebrating the Milaadun-Nabee (the birthday of the Prophet) is not part of t he religion, rather it is a bid’ah (innovation) which we have been warned against and ordered to abandon.
It is also a form of blind imitation of the Jews and Christians in their festivals. Therefore, the sensible person should not be deceived by the large number of people, from the various lands, who practice this, since the truth is not known by mere numbers, but the truth is known by the Sharee’ah proofs. Allaah – the Most High said concerning the Jews and the Christians:
“And they say: None shall enter Paradise unless he be a Jew or a Christian! These are their own desires. Say to them: Bring your proof if you are indeed truthful.” [Soorah al-Baqarah 2:111].
And Allaah – the Most High – said:
“And if you were to obey most of those on earth, they would mislead you far away from Allaah’s path.” [Soorah al-An’aam 6:116].
Most of these milaad celebrations – as well as being an innovation – involve other types of evils as well; such as the free-mixing between men and women, singing and playing musical instruments, and the drinking and smoking of intoxicants. There are in such celebrations, something which is worse than all this, and it is the greater form of shirk (associating partners in the worship of Allaah), through exaggerating about Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, or the dead awliyaa (pious servants of Allaah), by supplicating to them, seeking their aid and help, or by believing that they have the knowledge of the ghayb (hidden Unseen), and other such matters of kufr (disbelief). Whereas it is authentically related from Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam that he said: “Beware of ghuloo (exaggeration) in the religion. For indeed those who came before you were destroyed due to their exaggerating in the religion.” 8 And he ‘alayhis-salaatu was-salaam also said: “Do not over-elevate me as the Christians over-elevated Jesus, Son of Mary, but rather I am just a slave of Allaah. So call me the slave of Allaah and His Messenger.” 9
One of the strangest matters is that a great number of people who actively participate in this innovated celebration, and who defend it vigorously, do not take care of fulfilling those matters which Allaah has made obligatory upon them, such as praying the five daily Prayers, and this does not even bother many of them at all. Indeed many of them do not even think that they are committing a great sin! There is no doubt that this is due to their weak eemaan (faith) and their short sightedness and the Fact that their hearts are covered with the filth of sins and disobedience. We ask Allaah to protect and forgive us and all of the Muslims.
One of the strangest matters also is that some of them believe that Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam is actually present at their milaad celebrations, so consequently the participants stand to greet and welcome him. However, this is from the greatest of lies and the worst form of ignorance, because the Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam shall neither come out of his grave before the Day of Judgement, nor will he meet anyone, nor attend their gatherings. Rather, he shall remain in his grave until the Day of Judgement, whilst his noble rooh (soul) resides in the highest of places with his Lord in the home of the exalted, as Allaah – the Most High – said:
“Then you shall surely die, then you shall be raised-up again on the Day of Resurrection.” [Soorah al-Mu’minoon 23:15-16].
The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “I will be the leader of the children of Aadam on the Day of Resurrection, and I will be the first for whom the earth will split open, and will be the first to intercede and the first whose intercession will be accepted.” 10
So this noble aayah (verse) and this noble hadeeth – and those verses and ahaadeeth with a similar meaning – prove that the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and others that have also died, will only come out of their graves on the Day of Resurrection. And this is a matter about which there is an agreement amongst the Muslim Scholars, there being no difference between them. So it is a must upon every Muslim, to carefully consider these matters and to beware of those innovations and deviations that have been introduced by the ignorant ones and their like, for which Allaah has not sent down any authority. It is Allaah’s help that is sought, and He alone is relied upon, and there is no might, nor any power, except with Allaah.
As for sending the salaah and the salaam (invoking praises and blessings of peace) upon Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, then this is from one of the best ways of drawing closer to Allaah and from those actions which are righteous. Allaah – the Most High – said:
“Indeed Allaah sends His salaah upon the Prophet (i.e. Allaah praises the Prophet to the angels), as do the angels (by supplicating for forgiveness for him) O you who Believe! Send your salaah upon him and invoke the best salaam (blessings of peace) for him.” [Soorah al-Ahzaab 33:56].
The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Whosoever sends a single blessing upon me, then Allaah will send upon him ten blessings.” 11 So this is prescribed at all times, particularly at the end of every Prayer. Rather, a group from the people of Knowledge actually consider it obligatory in the final sitting of every Prayer, and consider it highly recommended at other times, such as after the adhaan (call to Prayer), and after mentioning the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam’s name, and also on the day of Jumu’ah (Friday), as is proven by the various authentic narrations.
May Allaah help us and all the Muslims to attain a sound understanding of the religion, and that He favours us all by causing us to cling to the Sunnah and causing us to beware of bid’ah (innovations in the religion). Indeed He is the Most Generous, the Most Kind. And may the salaah and salaam (Allaah’s praises and blessings of peace) be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon his Family, his Companions and his followers.
1. At-Tahdheer minal-Bid’ah (pp.3-6) of Shaykh Ibn Baaz.
2. Ash-Shaatibee said in al-‘ltisaam (1/33), about the technical definition of the word bid’ah (innovations): “A newly invented way in the Religion, in imitation of, or corresponding to the Sharee’ah, through which nearness to Allaah is sought. Such action is not supported by any authentic proof – neither the action itself, nor the way in which it is performed.”
3. Related by al-Bukhaaree (2/166) and Muslim (5/133), from ‘Aaishah radiallaahu ‘anhaa.
4. Saheeh: Related by Ahmad (4/126) and Abu Daawood (no.4607), from al-‘lrbaad ibn Saariyah radiallaahu ‘anhu. It was declared authentic by al-Haafidh Ibn Hajr in Takhreej Ahaadeeth Mukhtasar-Ibnul-Haajib (1/137).
5. Related by Muslim in his Saheeh (no. 1844).
6. Related by Muslim (6/153), from Jaabir ibn ‘Abdullaah radiallaahu ‘anhu.
7. Refer to the following article in refutation of this concept.
8. Saheeh: Related by Ahmad (1/215) and Ibn Maajah (no.3064), from Ibn ‘Abbaas radiallaahu ‘anhu. It was authenticated by al-Haafidh Ibn Taymiyyah in Majmoo’ul-Fataawaa (3/383).
9. Related by al-Bukhaaree (no.3445) and Muslim (no.1691), from ‘Umar radiallaahu ‘anhu.
10. Related by Muslim (7/59), from Abu Hurayrah radiallaahu ‘anhu.
11. Related by Muslim (no.408), from Abu Hurayrah radiallaahu ‘anhu.
The Original State
Ibn Battah relates in Ibaanah (no.136), that the noble Scholar and taabi’ee. Abul-‘Aaliyah (d.90H) – rahimahullaah – said:
“Learn Islaam. Then when you have learnt Islaamic do not turn away from it to the right, nor the left. But be upon the Straight Path and upon the Sunnah of your Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and that which his Companions were upon and beware of these innovations because they cause hatred and enmity amongst you. But stick to the original state of affairs which was there before they divided.”
By Shaykh Muhammad ibn Abdil-Lateef (d.1376H) and Shaykh Muhammad ibn Ibraaheem (d.1389H) [1] – Al-Istiqaamah Issue No.4 – Jumâdal-Awwal 1417H / November 1996
Allaah – the Most High – said:
“O you who Believe! Have tawraa (fear and obedience) of Allaah as you should do, and do not die except that you are Muslims. And hold fast all together to the rope of Allaah and do not be divided. And remember the favour of Allaah upon you, for you were once enemies one to another, but He joined your hearts together, so that by His Grace, you became brothers. And you were on the brink of a pit of Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus does Allaah make His Signs clear to you, that you may become guided. Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining all that is good and forbidding all that is evil. They are the ones who are successful. And do not be like those who split up and differed amongst themselves, after the clear proofs had come to them. For them is a tremendous punishment. On the Day of Resurrection, some faces will be white and some faces will be black.” [Soorah Aal-‘Imraan 3:102-105].
One of the Scholars of tafseer (Qur’aanic explanation) said: “The faces of the people of Sunnah and Unity will be white, whereas the faces of the people of Sectarianism and Differing will be black.”
Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (d.728H) – rahimahullaah – said: “So Allaah – the Most High – ordered all of the Believers to cling to the Rope of Allaah collectively, and not to split-up. And clinging to this Rope of Allaah has been explained as meaning: Clinging to the Book of Allaah, to His Religion, to Islaam, to ikhlaas (purity of beliefs and actions to Allaah), to His Commands, to His Covenant, to His obedience and also to the Jamaa’ah. All of these explanations have been related from the Sahaabah (Companions) and also From those who followed them in righteousness – and all of it is correct. For the Qur’aan commands one with the Religion of Islaam; and that is Allaah’s Covenant, and His Command, and obedience to Him. It also entails clinging together collectively as a Jamaa’ah. And the Religion of Islaam – in its reality – is ikhlaas (purity and sincerity in beliefs and action) to and for Allaah alone.
Abu Hurayrah radiallaahu ‘anhu relates:
The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Indeed Allaah is pleased with three things: That you worship Allaah alone without associating a partner along with Him; that you hold fast altogether to the Rope of Allaah and not to become divided; and that you give sincere advice to whomsoever Allaah puts in charge of your affairs.”2
And Allaah – the Most High – has made oppressing the Muslims, both their living and their dead, haraam (forbidden). And he has made sacred their blood, their wealth and their honour. And it is established from the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam that he said during the farewell Hajj (Pilgrimage): “Indeed your blood, your property and your honour is sacred to each other, just like this day of yours, in this month of yours, in this city of yours. Have I not conveyed the message. Those who are present must convey (my words) to those who are absent. Perhaps the one to whom it is conveyed understands it better than the one who directly hears it.”3
Allaah – the Most High – said:
“Those who harm Believing men and women undeservingly, carry upon themselves the crime of slander and clear sin.” [Soorah al-Ahzaab 33:58].
Thus, whosoever harms any Believer, living or dead, not because of any sin sin which necessitates that – then he has entered into this Aayah (verse). And whosoever is a mujtahid (one who is sincerely striving to arrive at the truth), then there is no sin upon him. And if the mujtahid is harmed by someone, then he has harmed him undeservingly. And whosoever is sinful, but has repented from such sin, or he is forgiven due to some other reason; such that there is no punishment left for him – and then someone harms him, then he has harmed him undeservingly.”4
Abu Hurayrah radiallaahu ‘anhu relates:
“Do not envy one another. Do not inflate prices upon one another. Do not hate one another. Do not forsake one another. Do not undercut one another. But be worshippers of Allaah and be brothers. The Muslim is the brother of another Muslim he neither oppresses him, nor humiliates him, nor lies to him, nor holds him in contempt. And piety is right here – and he pointed to his chest three times. It is enough evil for a person to hold his brother Muslim in contempt. The whole of a Muslim for another Muslim is sacred; his blood, his property and his honour”5
Ibn ‘Umar radiallaahu ‘anhumaa relates:
The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “A Muslim is a brother to another Muslim. He neither oppresses him, nor humiliates him, nor forsakes him. Whosoever helps his brother, Allaah will help him. Whosoever removes one of the griefs of this world from a Muslim, then Allaah will remove one of his griefs on the Day of Resurrection. And whosoever hides a fault of any Muslim, then Allaah will hide one of his faults of the Day of Resurrection.”6
Anas radiallaahu ‘anhu relates:
The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “None of you will truly believe until you love for your brother what you loves for yourself.”7
The Prophet sallalaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said:
“The example of the Believers in their mutual love and mercy is like the example of a body, if one part of the body feels pain, then all the body suffers in sleeplessness and fever.”8
And he sallallaahu ‘alavhi wa sallam said:
“The Believer to the Believer is like a solid structure, one part supporting the other.” And he interlaced his fingers to demonstrate this.9
This is what we have mentioned in this small treatise, and what we hold as part of our Religion and belief in front of Allaah. And in it is a sufficiency for whosoever desires right guidance and whosoever intends to seek the truth.
We ask Allaah – both for us and our Muslim brothers and sisters – safety and protection from those things that bring about His wrath and anger and painful punishment. And we seek refuge in Allaah from the passing away of His blessings, and that His grant of the state of safety and well-being is changed into something else. And we seek Allaah’s refuge from His sudden retribution and from all that which angers Him. O Allaah! We seek refuge in You from the severe trials and from the place of lowest misery and despicability, and from the evil that has been decreed, and from the abuse of the enemies. And Allaah is sufficient for us and what an excellent Guardian. And may Allaah send the praises and blessings upon Muhammad and upon his Family, Companions and followers.
1. Naseehatun Muhimmah fee Thalaathi Qadaayaa (pp.57-61).
2. Related by Muslim (3/1340) and Ahmad (2/367).
3. Related by al-Bukhaaree (3/573-574) and Muslim (3/1305-1307), from Abu Bakrah radiallaahu ‘anhu.
4. Minaahjus-Sunnah an-Nabawiyyah (5/134-135).
5. Related by Muslim (no.2564).
6. Related by al-Bukhaaree (5/97) and Muslim (4/1996).
7. Related by al-Bukhaaree (1/57) and Muslim (1/67).
8. Related by al-Bukhaaree (no.6011) and Muslim (no.2586), from an-Nu’maan ibn Basheer radiallaahu ‘anhu.
9· Related by al-Bukhaaree (no.481) and Muslim (no.2585), from Abu Hurayrah radiallaahu ‘anhu
Answered by the Noble Scholar and Muftee
Shaykh ‘Abdul-‘Azeez bin ‘Abdullaah bin Baaz [1]
Al-Istiqaamah Issue Issue No.2 – Safar 1417H / July 1996
INCREASING EEMAAN (FAITH)
[Q]: Firstly: I begin my question by seeking your advice that I may benefit from you with regards to how I may increase my eemaan (faith)?
Secondly: I wish to learn about the religion, however Islaamic books are very rare in my country (Algeria), except some books which are with some brothers – may Allaah reward them with goodness.
Thirdly: I work as a builder and the people that I work with do not really have sound faith and their speech is nothing more than gossip and obscenities.
Fourthly: I keep company with a brother whose beliefs are corrupt and who constantly speaks ill of the righteous and believing brothers and I feel very distraught about this. So I hope that you will direct me to a cure for this disease.
[A]: Firstly: We advise you to recite the Qur’aan frequently and that you increase in your hearing of it and in your recitation of it. Reflect and consider its meaning to the best of your ability and what you do not understand of it, then ask the people of knowledge of your country about it, or write to those outside of your country from the Scholars of Sunnah (Prophetic guidance).
We also advise you to increase in the dhikr (remembrance) of Allaah with such remembrances and supplications that are authentically related, such as saying laa ilahaa ilallaah (that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah), or saying subhaanallaah wal-hamdulillaah wa laa ilaha ilallaahu wallaahu akbar (declaring Allaah free from all imperfections, praising Him and declaring that none has the right to be worshipped except Him and that He is greater), and their like. For this purpose, we urge you to refer to books such as al Kalimut-Tayyib of Ibn Taymiyyah, al Waabilus-Sayyib of Ibn al-Qayyim, Riyaadhus-Saaliheen and al-Adhkaar both by Imaam an-Nawawee, and their like.
This is because the remembrance of Allaah increases eemaan (faith) and causes hearts to attain tranquility, as Allaah – the Most High – said: “Indeed in the remembrance of Allaah do hearts find tranquility.” [Soorah ar-Ra’dd 13:28].
Also preserve your five daily Prayers, your Fasting and the rest of your obligations – along with hoping in Allaah’s mercy and forgiveness and relying upon Him in all your affairs. Allaah – the Most High – said: “The Believers ate only those who, when Allaah is mentioned, feel a fear in the hearts, and when His Verses are recited to them, it increases their eemaan (faith), and they put their trust and rely upon Allaah alone. They are those who perform the Prayer and spend out of that which We have given them, they are Believers in truth. For them ate grades of dignity and nobility with their Lord, and also forgiveness and generous provisions.” [Soorah al-Anfaal 8:2-4].
Secondly: Islaamic books are easily found in every Muslim country, especially in public libraries and bookshops. So the one who seeks after them will find them. We advise you to refer to the people of knowledge of the Sharee’ah (Prescribed Law of Allaah) so that they may direct you to suitable books for you to read, borrow or buy. If there are any problems regarding this, then it is not fitting for us to stop answering your questions from the Pure Revelation – and We ask Allaah that He makes us firm in that, and only His help is sought.
Thirdly, Fourthly: It is upon you to keep good company and to sit in righteous gatherings in order to benefit from them and their manners and their knowledge and that they may assist you in cultivating obedience to Allaah. So be careful and beware of bad companionship, and evil gathering. Beware, so that they may not influence you, adversely affecting your morals and manners, such that you fall into ill-repute, or that they weaken your resolve and determination in fulfilling your religious obligations and the obligations to your family. Indeed, the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam advised the Ummah to sit in good gatherings, and he warned them from the evil and foul gatherings, and he gave a noble example about this, when he said: “The example of a good companion and a bad companion is like that of a seller of musk, and the one who blows the blacksmith’s bellows. As for the seller of musk then either he will grant you some, or you buy some from him, or at the very least you enjoy a pleasant smell from him. As for the one who blows the blacksmith’s bellows, then either he will burn your clothes, or you will get an offensive smell from him.” This was related by al-Bukhaaree (4/323), from Abu Moosaa al-Ash’aree radiallaahu ‘anhu. 1
CONCERNING A WOMAN’S MAHR (DOWRY)
[Q]: I and many others have observed that many people are very excessive when it comes to the matter of the mahr (wedding dowry that is paid to the bride), and that they seek great amounts of mahr when it comes to the marriage of their daughters, and they stipulate as a condition the giving of other gifts to them, along with the mahr. This wealth that people demand in such cases, is it halaal (lawful) or haraam (unlawful)?
[A]: What is prescribed in the Sharee’ah is that the mahr should be a small amount and that people should not compete with each other in this regard, acting in accordance with the many ahaadeeth which are related about this. They should also help facilitate marriages and be keen in preserving the modesty and decency of the young Muslim men and women. And it is not permissible for the awliyaa (guardians of the brides-to-be) to demand and stipulate gifts for themselves, since they have no right at all in this matter. Rather the right belongs to the woman, and in some particular cases to the father. He may stipulate a condition as long as it does not harm the daughter, nor lead to the delaying of the marriage. However, if the father forgoes such a right then this is better and more preferable. Allaah – the One free from all defects – says: “And marry those amongst you who are single and also marry the pious of your male and female slaves. If they be poor, Allaah will enrich them out of His Bounty.” [Soorah an-Noor 24:32].
In the hadeeth of ‘Uqbah ibn ‘Aamir radiallaahu ‘anhu, the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “The best dowry is that which is easy.” This was narrated by Abu Daawood and al-Haakim who authenticated it. And once a woman offered herself to the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam for marriage. However, one of his Companions desired to marry her, so the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said [regarding the mahr]: “Bring something, even if it be an iron ring.” So when he could not find even this, the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam married them for the dowry that the man would teach whatever of the Qur’aan he knew to her. 2
And the dowry of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam’s wives was five-hundred dirhams, which is equivalent to one-hundred and thirty riyaals today. And his daughters were married for the mahr of four-hundred dinaars, which is equivalent to one-hundred riyaals today. Allaah – the Most High – said: “Indeed in the Messenger of Allaah you have a most beautiful example to follow.” [Soorah al-Ahzaab 33:21].
So whenever the difficulties relating to marriage are lightened, then preserving the modesty and decency of young men and women becomes easier, shameful and evil deeds decrease, and the Ummah – as a result – will increase in number. However if this matter is made difficult, and people continue competing with each other with regards to the mahr (dowry), then the number of marriages will decrease, fornication will become more widespread and more young men and women will remain unmarried – except those whom Allaah saves.
So my sincere advice to all the Muslims, wherever they may be, is to facilitate the marriage process and to cooperate in this and make it easy. They should turn away from demanding excessive mahr and avoid unnecessary hardships and difficulties in the waleemah (wedding-feast). Rather, they should content themselves with a waleemah that is according to the Sharee’ah, in which the burdens and difficulties for the husband and wife are minimal. May Allaah improve and rectify all the affairs of the Muslims and may He give them the guidance and ability to cling to the Sunnah (Prophetic guidance) in all matters. 3
IMPURITIES UPON ONE’S CLOTHING WHILST PRAYING
[Q]: If a person finds some impurity upon his clothes after he has finished praying in it, does the Prayer have to be prayed again?
[A]: Whosoever prays, and is unaware that there are impurities upon his body or his clothes during the Prayer, but only realises after he has completed it, then his Prayer will be deemed as correct, according to the most correct position of the Scholars. Similarly, if he was aware of such impurities before the Prayer, but then forgot about this at the time of praying and did not remember except after the Prayer, then his Prayer likewise will be correct. Allaah – the Mighty and Majestic said: “Our Lord! Do not take us to task if we forget or fall into error.” [Soorah al-Baqarah 2:286]. It has been authentically related about Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, that one day he sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam led the people in Prayer, wearing his shoes. Then the angel Jibreel came to him during the Prayer and informed him that there was some dirt on his shoes. So the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam removed them and continued with his Prayer and he did not repeat the Prayer.4 This is part of the ease which Allaah – the One free from all defects – has given to His servants out of His Mercy for them. However, if a person forgets that he had passed wind, then prays in that state, he must – by ijmaa’ (consensus) of the Scholars – repeat his prayer again, when he remembers. This is due to the saying of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam: “The Prayer will not be accepted without purification nor will charity be accepted from wealth that is unlawful.” This has been related by Muslim in his Saheeh (1/140) and the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam’s saying: “The Prayer of any one of you who has released wind will not be accepted, until he makes wudhoo (ablution).” Related by al-Bukhaaree and Muslim. 5
SLAUGHTERING FOR OTHER THAN ALLAAH
[Q]: The slaughtering of sheep and other such animals at the graves of the pious people, for their sake and in order to please and draw closer to them, is a custom amongst my family. I have tried to prevent them from doing so, but it has only made them more resolute in doing so. I have said to them that this is shirk (associating partners in the worship) of Allaah. But they respond by saying: We only worship Allaah the way He deserves to be worshipped. However, we visit the graves of the awliyaa (the pious friends of Allaah) and supplicate to Allaah, through the right of the pious people, so that harm and difficulties may be averted from us. I have said to them that this is not from the religion, but they just tell me to leave them alone upon what they are doing. So what do you suggest should be the cure for such people, and what do you suggest I do to counter act this bid’ah (innovation)?
[A]: It is known from the evidences related in the Qur’aan and the Sunnah that sacrificing for other than Allaah, in order to draw close to other than Allaah – whether sacrificing for the jinns, awliyaa, idols or other than that from the creation – is an act of shirk and is an act of jaahiliyyah (pre-Islaamic ignorance) that was practiced by the mushriks (those who worshipped the pious men, jinns, angels, stones, statues, etc, along with worshipping Allaah). Allaah- the Mighty and Majestic – said: “Say: Indeed my Prayer, my sacrifce, my living and my dying are all for Allaah Lord of the worlds. No partner do I setup with Him in this, and this is what I have been commanded, and I am the first of the Muslims.” [Soorah al-An’aam 6:162]. So Allaah – the Most Perfect – clearly explains in this verse that sacrificing to other than Allaah is like praying to other than Him. And Allaah – the Most High – said: “Indeed We have granted to the Prophet sallallaabu ‘alayhi wa sallam the Kawthar (a river in Paradise whose banks are lined with tents made from hollow pearls). Therefore turn in Prayer to your Lord and sacrifice to Him alone.” [Soorah al-Kawthar 108:1-2]. So Allaah – the One free from all defects – commanded His Prophet in these noble verses that he should pray only to His Lord and that he should sacrifice to only Him, which was opposite of what the mushriks did, in that they used to prostrate to other than Allaah and to sacrifice to other than Him. Allaah – the Most High – said: “And your Lord has commanded that you worship none but Him.” [Soorah al-Israa 17:23]. And He – the Most Perfect – said: “And they have not been commanded except to worship Allaah alone making the religion purely and sincerely for Him.” [Soorah al-Bayyinah 98:5]. And there are many other verses with the same meaning. So, since sacrificing is one of the acts of ‘ibaadah (worship), then it is obligatory to make this action purely and sincerely for Allaah alone, without directing it to other than Him. Also ‘Alee ibn Abee Taalib radiallaahu ‘anhu said that the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “May Allaah curse the one who sacrifices to other than Allaah.” This has been related by Muslim in his Saheeh (no.765).
As for supplicating to Allaah and asking Him by the right of the awliyaa or by the right of His Messenger, or by the status of His Messenger – then this does not constitute shirk, but rather it is a bid’ah (innovation) which leads to shirk, in the opinion of the majority of Scholars. This is because du’aa (supplication) is an act of worship, and how it is to be done can only be known from the Revelation. And there is nothing authentically established from our Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam to show the permissibility or validity of this type of tawassul (seeking the means of nearness to Allaah by invoking an intermediary) in which Allaah is asked through the right of His Prophet or the right of the awliyaa or any of His creation. So it is not permissible for any Muslim to innovate new forms of tawassul which has not been prescribed by Allaah, as He – the Most High – said: “Or do they have partners with Allaah who prescribe for them a religion which Allaah has not prescribed.” [Soorah ash-Shooraa 42:21]. And the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Whosoever introduces into this affair of ours that which is not from it, will be rejected”, and in another authentic narration: “Whosoever does an action that I have not commanded, it will be rejected.” 7 And the meaning of this is that such innovated actions will be rejected and not accepted from its doer. Thus it is obligatory for the Muslims to restrict themselves to only what Allaah has prescribed and to beware of what people have innovated into the religion. As regards the prescribed forms of tawassul then they are: tawassul (seeking the means of nearness to Allaah) through His Names and His Attributes and by righteous actions, and by one’s eemaan (faith) in Allaah and His Messenger, and other righteous and prescribed actions similar to this. 9
1. Fataawaa Lajnatud-Daa’imah lil-Buhoothul-‘Ilmiyah wal-Iftaa (3/185-187).
2. Related by Abu Daawood in his Sunan.
3. Al-Fataawa (1/168-169).
4. Saheeh: Related by Abu Daawood (no.650) and al-Bayhaqee (2/431), from Abu Sa’eed al-Khudree radiallaahu ‘anhu. It was authenticated by an-Nawawee in al-Majmoo’ (2/189).
5. Fataawaa Muhimmah Tata’allaqu bis-Salaah (no.14).
6. Related by al-Bukhaaree (2/166) and Muslim (5/133), from ‘Aaishah radiallaahu ‘anhaa.
7. Related by Muslim (no.1817), from ‘Aaishah radiallaahu ‘anhaa.
8. Al-Fataawaa (1/17-18).
Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen
Sharh Usoolul-Eemaan (pp.4-7)
Al-Istiqaamah magazine , Issue No.1 – Dhul-Hijjah 1416H / May 1996
The Shaykh said in Sharh Usoolul-Eemaan (pp.4-7):
[1] The deen (religion) of Islaam: It is the way of life that Allaah sent the Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam with. By it, Allaah terminated the validity of all other religions, perfected this religion for His worshippers, completed His favour upon them and has chosen only this religion for them – no other religion will be accepted by Him from anyone. Allaah – the Most High – said:
“Muhammad is not the father of any man amongst you. Rather he is the Messenger of Allaah and the khaatim (last and final) of the Prophets.” [Soorah al-Ahzaab 33:40].
“This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islaam as your religion.” [Soorah al-Maa’idah 5:3].
“Indeed the religion with Allaah is Islaam.” [Soorah Aal-‘Imraan 3:19].
“Whosoever seeks a religion other than Islaam, never will it be accepted from him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers.” [Soorah Aal-‘Imraan 3:85].
And Allaah – the Most High – obligated all of mankind to take Islaam as their religion. So Allaah said, whilst addressing His Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam:
“Say: O Mankind! Indeed I have been sent to you all as the Messenger of Allaah; to Whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. None has the right to be worshipped except Him; it is He who gives life and cause death. So believe in Allaah and His Messenger – the Prophet who can neither read nor write – who believes in Allaah and His Words. So follow the Messenger of Allaah so that you may be rightly-guided.” [Soorah al-A’raaf 7:158].
And in Saheeh Muslim (1/93), from Abu Hurayrah radiallaahu ‘anhu that Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “By Him in whose Hand is the life of Muhammad! There is no one from this nation, be he a Jew or a Christian, who hears of me and dies whilst not having eemaan (faith) in what I have been sent with, except that he will be one of the companions of the Hellfire.”
And eemaan (faith) in the Prophet implies: affirming that which he was sent with, along with acceptance of it and submission to it. Without these two matters, mere affirmation is not sufficient. This is why even though Abu Taalib (the Prophet’s uncle) affirmed what was sent to the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and that Islaam was the best of religions, yet he did not accept his message nor submit to it; and thus he did not have eemaan in the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.
[2] The religion of Islaam contains all that was beneficial from the previous religions. It is suitable for implementation in any age, any where and by any nation. Allaah – the Most High – said, whilst addressing His Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam:
“And We have sent down to you the Book in truth, confirming the Scripture that came before it, testifying to the truth contained therein whilst exposing the falsehood that has been added therein.” [Soorah al-Maa’idah 5:48].
That Islaam is suitable for implementation in any age, any where and by any nation does not mean that it becomes submissive to nations – being altered and changed by them – as some people falsely think. But rather it means that whenever it is truly adhered to then it brings benefit and goodness to that nation, as well as reforming and correcting it – in whatever age or place.
[3] The religion of Islaam is the religion of truth. It is the way of life that Allaah – the Most High – guaranteed His help and victory to those who truly adhere to it, and that He would make it dominant over all other religions. Allaah – the Most High – said:
“It is He who has sent His Messenger with the guidance and the religion of truth, that it may prevail over all other religions, even if the pagans detest it.” [Soorah at-Tawbah 9:33].
And Allaah – the Most High – said:
“Allaah has promised to those amongst you who truly have eemaan (true faith and belief) and act in obedience to Allaah and His Messenger, that He will grant them ruler ship 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.” [Soorah an-Noor 24:55].
[4] The religion of Islaam is a complete religion comprising both ‘aqeedah (beliefs) and sharee’ah (laws).
In short, Islaam orders alls that is good, from manners and morals, and prohibits all that is evil from it. Likewise, it orders all actions which are righteous and good and prohibits all actions that are evil and harmful. Allaah – the Most High – said:
“Indeed Allaah enjoins upon you justice, kindness and the giving of good to relatives and near ones. And He prohibits you from all shameful and evil deeds, oppression and transgression. Thus He admonishes you, that you may take heed and be reminded.” [Soorah an-Nahl 16:90].
The Three Fundamental Principles
Of the Imaam and Mujaddid Muhammad bin ‘Abdil-Wahhaab [Died 1206H]
– may Allaah have mercy on him –
Translated by Abu Maryam Isma’eel AlArcon,
al-Ibaanah e-books
[Read or Download Arabic Matn (Text) Here] [PDF] [27 Pages]
About the Book:
Before you is a complete translation of the great classical treatise “Thalaathat-ul-Usool” [The Three Fundamental Principles] of Imaam Muhammad bin ‘Abdil-Wahhaab. The source used for this translation was a booklet with the title “The Creed of the Saved Sect” printed by Maktab-ul-Islamee in 1993 [5th Edition] with checking by Zuhair Shawaish. This book is not to be confused with “al-Usool-uthThalaatha” which is another work written by Imaam Ibn ‘Abdul-Wahhaab.
This treatise needs no introduction, as it is one of the Islamic works that is most studied and taught throughout the world. In fact, many of the scholars recommend the students of knowledge to begin their path of learning by studying and mastering this booklet. The reason for this is because it was written by the author in a simple manner and comprising of the basic fundamentals of this Religion in brief. The material contained in the treatise was designed to be easily memorized and understood.
It is our intent, by producing this treatise, to provide the English audience with the source of this tremendous work so that they may study it in gatherings and use it as a reference. There are several explanations available for “The Three Fundamental Principles” that were written in recent times, such as that of Imaam Muhammad bin Saalih Al-‘Uthaimeen, Shaikh Zayd Al-Madkhalee and Shaikh Saalih Aali Shaikh.
Read the Text Below :
The Three Fundamental Principles
In the Name of Allaah, the Most Merciful, the Bestower of Mercy.
The proof for this is Allaah’s saying:
“In the Name of Allaah, the Most Merciful, the Bestower of Mercy. By the time! Verily mankind is at loss – except for those who believe and perform righteous deeds, and advise one another towards the truth and advise one another towards patience.” [Surah Al-‘Asr]
Ash-Shaafi’ee, may Allaah have mercy on him, said: “Had Allaah not sent down a proof to His creation other than this surah (chapter), it would have been sufficient for them.”
Al-Bukhaaree, may Allaah have mercy on him, said: “Chapter: Knowledge comes before speech and action.”
The proof for this is Allaah’s saying:
“So know that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allaah, and seek forgiveness for your sins.” [Surah Muhammad: 19]
So He began by mentioning knowledge before speech and action.
First: That Allaah created us, provided sustenance for us, and did not leave us neglected. Rather, He sent a Messenger to us. So whoever obeys him will enter Paradise, whereas whoever disobeys him will enter the Hellfire.
The proof for this is Allaah’s statement:
“Verily, We sent to you a Messenger, to be a witness over you, just as we sent a Messenger to Pharaoh. But Pharaoh disobeyed the Messenger (i.e. Moosaa) so We seized him with a severe punishment” [Surah Al-Muzzammil: 15-16]
Second: Allaah is not pleased with anyone being mixed into worship with Him – neither an angel brought close nor a prophet that was sent.
The proof for this is:
“And verily the masaajid belong to Allaah, so do not call unto anyone along with Allaah.” [Surah Al-Jinn: 18]
Third: Whoever obeys the Messenger (i.e. Muhammad) and singles Allaah out (in worship), it is not permissible for him to take as allies those who oppose Allaah and His Messenger, not even if they are close relatives.
The proof for this is Allaah’s saying:
“You will not find any people who believe in Allaah and the Last Day making friendship with those who oppose Allaah and His Messenger, even if they are their fathers or their sons or their brothers or there kindred. For such He has written Faith in their hearts, and strengthened them with Rooh (light and guidance) from Himself. And He will admit them into Gardens under which rivers flow to dwell therein forever. Allaah is pleased with them and they with Him. They are the party of Allaah. Verily it is the party of Allaah that will be the successful.” [Surah Al-Mujaadilah: 22]
Know, may Allaah grant you the ability to obey Him, that Al-Haneefiyyah, the Religion of Ibraaheem, is that you worship Allaah alone, making the religion sincerely (i.e. solely) for Him. This is what Allaah ordered all of mankind to do, and this is the purpose for which He created them, as Allaah says:
“And I did not create the Jinn and mankind except to worship Me.” [Surah AdhDhaariyaat: 56]
The meaning of “to worship Me” is “to single Me out (in worship).”
The greatest thing that Allaah commanded is Tawheed, which means: Singling Allaah out in worship. And the greatest thing that Allaah warned against is Shirk, which is: Supplicating to others along with Him.
The proof for this is Allaah’s statement:
“And worship Allaah (alone) and do not mix anything (in worship) with Him.” [Surah An-Nisaa: 36]
So if it said to you: What are the three fundamental principles that mankind is obligated to know?
Then say: That the servant knows his Lord, his Religion and his Prophet Muhammad, may the peace and blessings of Allaah be on him.
So if it is said: Who is your Lord?
Then say: My Lord is Allaah, the One who nurtured me and nurtured all of creation through His favors. And He is the One whom I worship, there being to me no (false) deity worshipped that is equal to Him.
The proof for this is Allaah’s statement:
“All praise be to Allaah, Lord of the ‘Alameen (i.e. all of creation).” [Surah AlFaatihah: 1]
The word ‘Aalam refers to everything apart from Allaah, and I am part of that creation. So if it is said to you: How did you come to know of your Lord?
Then say: By way of His signs and His creations. And among His signs are the night and the day, and the sun and the moon. And among His creations are the seven (levels of) heaven and the seven (levels of) earth, as well as whoever [and whatever] lies in them and between them. The proof for this is Allaah’s statement:
“And from among His signs are the night and the day, and the sun and the moon. Do not prostrate yourselves to the sun or to the moon, but rather prostrate yourselves to Allaah who created them, if it is He whom you truly worship.” [Surah Fussilat: 37]
And His statement:
“Verily, your Lord is Allaah, who created the heavens and the earth in six days, and then rose over the Throne. He brings the night as a cover over the day, which it follows rapidly. And He made the sun, the moon and the stars subjected to His Command. Surely, to Him belongs the Creation and the Command. Blessed is Allaah, Lord of the Worlds.” [Surah Al-A’raaf: 54]
The word Rabb (Lord) means One who is worshipped. The proof for this is Allaah’s saying:
“O mankind! Worship your Lord who created you and those before you, so that you may be dutiful to Him. He is the One who made the earth a resting place for you, and the sky as a canopy, and sent down water from the sky and brought forth therewith fruits as a provision for you. So do no set up rivals with Allaah in worship knowingly.” [Surah Al-Baqarah: 21-22]
Ibn Katheer, may Allaah have mercy on him, said: “The creator of these things is the One who truly deserves to be worshipped.”
The types of worship that Allaah commanded, such as Islaam, Eemaan and Ihsaan, which includes: Supplication (Du’aa), Fear (Khawf), Hope (Rajaa), Reliance (Tawakkul), Longing (Raghbah) and Dreading (Rahbah), Submissiveness (Khushoo’), Awe (Khashyah), Repentance (Inaabah), Seeking Assistance (Isti’aanah), Seeking Refuge (Isti’aadhah), Asking for Help (Istighaathah), Offering Sacrifices (Dhabah), Making Oaths (Nadhar) and all of the other types of worship that Allaah commanded – all of these belong to Allaah, alone. The proof for this is Allaah’s saying:
“And the masaajid belong to Allaah, so do not call unto anyone along with Allaah.” [Surah Al-Jinn: 18]
So whoever directs any part of these (acts of worship) to other than Allaah, then he is a polytheist, disbeliever. The proof for this is Allaah’s saying:
“And whoever calls unto another god besides Allaah, of which he has no proof for, his reckoning is only with his Lord. Surely, the disbelievers will not be successful.” [Surah Al-Mu’minoon: 117]
It is stated in a hadeeth: “The supplication is the core of worship.” [1]
The proof for this (i.e. supplication) is Allaah’s saying:
“And your Lord says: ‘Supplicate to Me, I will respond to you. Verily those who are to proud to worship Me will enter the Hellfire in disgrace.’” [Surah Ghaafir: 60]
The proof for Fear (khawf) is Allaah’s saying:
“So do not fear them, but fear Me if you are true believers.” [Surah Aali ‘Imraan:175]
The proof for Hope (Rajaa) is Allaah’s saying:
“So whoever hopes to meet his Lord, then let him perform righteous deeds, and not mix anyone into the worship of his Lord.” [Surah Al-Kahf: 110]
The proof for Reliance (Tawakkul) is Allaah’s saying:
“And upon Allaah (alone) put your reliance if you are truly believers.” [Surah AlMaa’idah: 23]
And His saying:
“And whoever relies upon Allaah, then He is sufficient for Him.” [Surah At-Talaaq:3]
The proof for Longing (Raghbah) and Dreading (Rahbah) and Submissiveness (Khusoo’) is Allaah’s saying:
“Verily, they used to rush to do good deeds, and they would call on Us, longing (His reward) and dreading (His punishment), and they used to humble themselves submissively before Us.” [Surah Al-Anbiyaa: 90]
The proof for Awe (Khashyah) is Allaah’s saying:
“So do not be in awe of them, but have awe of Me.” [Surah Al-Baqarah: 150]
The proof for Repentance (Inaabah) is Allaah’s saying:
“And turn to your Lord in repentance and submit to Him (as Muslims).” [Surah Az-Zumar: 54]
The proof for Seeking Assistance (Isti’aanah) is Allaah’s saying:
“You alone do we worship and in You alone do we seek assistance.” [Surah AlFaatihah: 4]
And in the hadeeth: “When you ask for assistance then seek assistance in Allaah.” [02]
The proof for Seeking Refuge (Isti’aadhah) is Allaah’s saying:
“Say: I seek refuge in the Lord of the Daybreak.” [Surah Al-Falaq: 1] And:
“Say: I seek refuge in the Lord of Mankind.” [Surah An-Naas: 1]
The proof for Asking for Help (Istighaathah) is Allaah’s saying:
“And remember when you sought help from your Lord and He responded to you…” [Surah Al-Anfaal: 9]
The proof for offering sacrifices (Dhabah) is Allaah’s saying:
“Say: Verily my prayer, my sacrificial offerings, my living and my dying are for Allaah, Lord of the Worlds. He has no partner. And of this I have been commanded, and I am the first of the Muslims.” [Surah Al-An’aam: 162-163]
And from the Sunnah is: “May Allaah curse the one who offers a sacrifice to other than Allaah.” [03]
The proof for Making Oaths (Nadhar) is Allaah’s saying:
“They are those who fulfill their vows and fear a Day whose evil will be widespread.” [Surah Al-Insaan: 7]
Knowing the Religion of Islaam, based on evidences. This (i.e. Islaam) means submitting to Allaah by way of Tawheed, surrendering one’s (full) obedience to Him, and absolving oneself from Shirk and its people. This can be divided into three levels:
1. Islaam
2. Eemaan, and
3. Ihsaan
Each one of these levels has its own pillars.
The pillars of Islaam are five:
The proof for the testimony of Faith is Allaah’s saying:
“Allaah bears witness that there is no deity that has the right to be worshipped except Him, and so do the angels and those who possess knowledge. He is always maintaining His creation with justice. None has the right to be worshipped but Him – the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.” [Surah Aali ‘Imraan: 18]
The meaning of it (i.e. the testimony of Faith) is: There is no one that has the right to be worshipped except Allaah, alone. Laa Ilaaha negates everything that is worshipped besides Allaah, while IllaaAllaah affirms the worship of only Allaah, free from any partner being mixed in with His worship, just as there is no partner mixed in with His Dominion.
An explanation of this, which will clarify it further, is found in Allaah’s saying:
“And remember when Ibraaheem said to his father and to his people: ‘Verily, I am free from all that you worship – except for He who created Me, and verily He will guide me.’ And He made it a statement that will endure among his offspring that they may turn back to.” [Surah Az-Zukhruf: 26-28]
And Allaah’s saying:
“Say: ‘O People of the Scripture (i.e. Jews and Christians)! Come to a word that is just between us and you – that we worship none but Allaah alone and that we associate no partners with Him; and that none of us shall take others as lords besides Allaah.’ Then if they turn away, say: ‘Bear witness that we are Muslims.’” [Surah Aali ‘Imraan: 64]
The proof for testifying that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah is His saying:
“Verily there has come to you a Messenger from amongst yourselves. It grieves him that you should receive any injury or difficulty. He is anxious over you (to be guided) and he is full of kindness and mercy towards the believers.” [Surah AtTawbah: 128]
The meaning of testifying that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah is: Obeying him in what he has commanded, believing him in what he has informed us of, avoiding what he forbade and warned against, and not worshipping Allaah except by what he (صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم) prescribed.
The proof for Prayer and Zakaat and the explanation of Tawheed is found in Allaah’s saying:
“And they were not commanded except that they should worship Allaah, making the religion (i.e. worship) solely for Him alone, and that they should perform the prayer and give the Zakaat. And that is the right Religion.” [Surah Al-Bayyinah: 5]
The proof for Fasting is Allaah’s saying:
“O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you just as it was prescribed for those before you, in order that you may acquire Taqwaa (dutifulness to Allaah).” [Surah Al-Baqarah: 183]
The proof for Hajj is Allaah’s saying:
“And the Hajj (pilgrimage) to the House (Ka’bah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allaah for those who are able to do it. And whoever disbelieves (by denying Hajj), then indeed Allaah is not in need of any of His creation.” [Surah Aali ‘Imraan: 97]
Eemaan consists of more than seventy branches. The highest of them is saying Laa Ilaaha IllaaAllaah and the lowest of them is moving a harmful object from the road. And Hayaa (modesty) is a branch from Eemaan. [04]
Its pillars are six:
The proof for these six pillars is Allaah’s statement:
“Righteousness (birr) is not that you turn your faces towards the east and the west (in prayer), but rather righteousness (birr) is (for) the one who believes in Allaah, the Last Day, the Angels, the Books and the Prophets.” [Surah AlBaqarah: 177]
And the proof for Al-Qadar (Pre-Decree) is Allaah’s saying:
“Verily, We have created all things with Qadar (divine pre-decree ordained for it).” [Surah Al-Qamar: 49]
Ihsaan is one pillar, which means: To worship Allaah as if you see Him, but even if you don’t see Him, He indeed sees you. [05]
The proof for this is Allaah’s saying:
“Verily, Allaah is with those who have Taqwaa (dutifulness to Allaah) and those who have Ihsaan.” [Surah An-Nahl: 128]
And His saying:
“And put your trust in the All-Mighty, the Most Merciful, who sees you when you stand up (for prayer at night), and (who sees) your movements among those who prostrate themselves (to Him). Verily, He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.” [Surah Ash-Shu’araa: 217-220]
And His saying:
“There is no deed that you (O Muhammad) do, nor any portion of the Qur’aan that you recite, nor any deed that you (humans) do, except that We are witnesses to it, whilst you are doing it.” [Surah Yoonus: 61]
The proof from the Sunnah is the famous hadeeth of Jibreel, which is reported from ‘Umar bin Al-Khattaab (رضي الله عنه) who said: “One day we were sitting with the Prophet (صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم) when there appeared to us a man with extremely white garments and extremely black hair. No trace of journeying could be seen on him nor did any amongst us recognize him. Then he sat in front of the Prophet, lining up his knees with his (صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم) knees and placing his palms upon his (صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم) thighs, and said: ‘O Muhammad, inform me about Islaam.’ So he (صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم) said: ‘It is that you testify that there is no deity that has the right to be worshipped except Allaah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah. And that you establish the prayer, give the Zakaat, fast during Ramadaan and perform the Hajj (pilgrimage) to (Allaah’s) House, if you are able to do it.’ He said: ‘You have spoken truthfully.’ So we were amazed that he had asked him and then told him that he was truthful.
Then he said: ‘Now inform me about Eemaan.’ So he (صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم) said: ‘It is that you believe in Allaah, His angels, His (revealed) books, His messengers, the Last Day, and that you believe in Al-Qadar, the good of it and the bad of it.’ He said: ‘You have spoken truthfully. Now inform me about Ihsaan.
He (صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم) said: ‘It is that you worship Allaah as if you see Him, but even though you don’t see Him, He indeed sees you.’
He then said: ‘Now inform me about the (Final) Hour.’ He (صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم) said: ‘The one who is being asked does not have any more knowledge of it than the one who is asking.’ He said: ‘So then inform me about its signs.’ He (صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم) said: ‘It will be when the mother gives birth to her (female) master, when the barefooted, barren and lowly shepherds will compete with one another in constructing tall buildings.’
Then he left and we remained (seated) there for a while. Then he (صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم) said: ‘O ‘Umar, do you know who the questioner was?’ I said: ‘Allaah and His Messenger know best.’ He (صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم) said: ‘That was Jibreel who came to you to teach you your Religion.’”
Knowledge of your Prophet, Muhammad: He is Muhammad, the son of ‘Abdullaah, the son of ‘Abdul-Mutallib bin Haashim. Haashim was from the (the tribe of) Quraysh and Quraysh was from the Arabs. And the Arabs are from the offspring of (Prophet) Isma’eel, son of (Prophet) Ibraaheem. May Allaah send the best of His peace and blessings on him and on our Prophet (Muhammad) (صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم).
He lived for sixty-three years, forty of which was prior to his prophethood and twentythree of which he spent as a prophet, messenger. He became a prophet due to (Allaah’s saying): ْ“ اقْرَأ Read” [Surah ‘Alaq: 1] and a messenger due to: ُيَا أَيُّهَا الْمُدَّثِّر “O you wrapped in garments.” [Surah Al-Muddathir: 1]
His homeland was Makkah, and he (later) migrated to Madeenah. Allaah sent him to warn against Shirk (polytheism) and to call to Tawheed (pure monotheism). The proof for this is Allaah’s saying:
“O you wrapped in garments. Rise and warn! And magnify your Lord (Allaah). And purify your garments. And abandon ar-rujz (idols). And do not give away something in order to have more. And be patient for the sake of your Lord.” [Surah Al-Muddathir: 1-7]
The meaning of: “Rise and warn” is warn against Shirk and call to Tawheed. “And magnify your Lord” means glorify Him by way of Tawheed. “And purify your garments” means cleanse your actions from Shirk. “And abandon ar-rujz.” “Rujz” means statues, and “Abandon” means leave them and free yourself from them and those who worship them. He remained doing this for ten years, calling the people to Tawheed. And after ten years, he was ascended up to the heaven, where the five daily prayers were made obligatory on him. So he prayed in Makkah for three years and thereafter, he was ordered to make the Hijrah (migration) to Madeenah.
Hijrah means Moving from a land of Shirk to a land of Islaam. It is obligatory upon this ummah to migrate from a land of Shirk to a land of Islaam, and this is everlasting until the (Final) Hour is established. The proof for this is Allaah’s saying:
“Verily, as for those whom the angels take (in death) while they are wronging themselves (by not performing Hijrah), they (angels) will say (to them): ‘In what (condition) were you?’ They will reply: ‘We were weak and oppressed in the earth.’ They (angels) will say: ‘Was not the earth of Allaah spacious enough for you to migrate therein?’ Such men will find their abode in Hell – what an evil destination! Except the weak ones among men, and women and children – who cannot devise a plan, nor are they able to direct their way. These are the ones whom Allaah is (most) likely to forgive, and Allaah is Ever Oft-Pardoning, Most Forgiving.” [Surah An-Nisaa: 97-99]
And Allaah’s saying:
“O My servants who believe (in Me)! Verily, My earth is spacious so to Me alone, perform your worship.” [Surah Al-‘Ankaboot: 56]
Al-Baghawee, may Allaah have mercy on him, said: “The reason for the revelation of this ayah was due to some Muslims who had resided in Makkah and did not migrate (to Madeenah). Allaah called out to them using the title of Eemaan (for them).”
The proof for Hijrah from the Sunnah is his (صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم) saying: “Hijrah will not cease until repentance ceases. And repentance will not cease (to be accepted) until the sun rises from where it sets (i.e. the west).” [07]
So when he settled in Madeenah, he (صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم) commanded all of the remaining Laws of Islaam, such as Zakaat, Fasting, Hajj, Adhaan, Jihaad, commanding good and forbidding evil, as well as the other laws of Islaam. He remained doing this for ten years, and then passed away, peace and blessings of Allaah be on him, while his Religion remained.
This was his Religion – there was no good except that he directed his ummah towards it, and there was no evil except that he warned them against it. The good that he directed his ummah to was: Tawheed and everything that Allaah loves and is pleased with. The evil that he warned his ummah about was: Shirk and everything that Allaah hates and rejects.
Allaah sent him to all of mankind, and He made it an obligation upon everyone from the two species of Jinn and mankind to obey him. The proof for this is Allaah’s saying:
“Say: ‘O people! Verily, I am the Messenger of Allaah sent to all of you.’” [Surah Al-A’raaf: 158]
Allaah perfected and completed his Religion through him (صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم). The proof for this is Allaah’s saying:
“This day [08] I have completed your Religion for you, and perfected my Favor upon you. And I am pleased with Islaam as a Religion for you.” [Surah Al-Maa’idah: 3]
The proof that he (صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم) died is Allaah’s saying:
“You will surely die and they too will surely die. Then on the Day of Recompense, you will be disputing before your Lord.” [Surah Az-Zumar: 30-31]
When people die they will be resurrected. The proof for this is Allaah’s saying:
“From it (the earth) We created you, and to it We shall return you, and from it We shall bring you out once again.” [Surah TaHa: 55]
And Allaah’s saying:
“Allaah has brought you forth from the earth. Afterwards, He will return you into it and (then) bring you forth (once again, i.e. resurrection).” [Surah Nooh: 17-18]
After being resurrected, they will be judged and recompensed for their actions. The proof for this is Allaah’s saying:
“And to Allaah belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth, that He may recompense those who do evil with that which they have done (i.e. Hellfire), and reward those who do good with what is best (i.e. Paradise).” [Surah An-Najm: 31]
Whoever rejects the resurrection, disbelieves. The proof for this is Allaah’s saying:
“The disbelievers claim they will never be resurrected. Say (O Muhammad): ‘Yes, by my Lord! You will certainly be resurrected then you will be informed of what deeds you did.’ And that is easy for Allaah.” [Surah At-Taghaabun: 7]
Allaah sent all of the messengers, giving good tidings and warning. The proof for this is Allaah’s saying:
“Messengers bearing good news and warning – in order that mankind could have no plea against Allaah after (the coming of) the Messengers.” [Surah AnNisaa: 165]
The first of them was Nooh and the last of them was Muhammad, who was the Seal of
the Prophets.
The proof that Nooh was the first of them is Allaah’s saying:
“Verily, We sent the revelation to you (O Muhammad), just as We sent the revelation to Nooh and the prophets after him.” [Surah An-Nisaa: 163]
Every nation that Allaah sent a messenger to, from Nooh up to Muhammad, he (i.e. the messenger) would command them to worship Allaah alone and forbid them from worshipping the Taaghoot. The proof for this is Allaah’s saying:
“And We have indeed sent a messenger to every nation (saying): ‘Worship Allaah (alone) and avoid the false deities (Taaghoot).” [Surah An-Nahl: 36]
Allaah obligated all of His servants to disbelieve in the Taaghoot and believe in Allaah. Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allaah have mercy on him, said: “The meaning of Taaghoot is someone or thing for whose sake a worshipper transgresses limits, such as those who are worshipped, followed or obeyed.”
The Tawaagheet (pl. of Taaghoot) are many, but their heads are five:
(1) Iblees (the Devil), may Allaah curse him;
(2) whoever is worshipped while being pleased with that;
(3) whoever calls the people to worship himself;
(4) whoever claims to have knowledge of the Unseen, and
(5) whoever rules by other than what Allaah has revealed.
The proof for this is Allaah’s saying:
“There is no compulsion in the Religion. Verily, the right path has become distinct from the wrong path. So whoever disbelieves in the Taaghoot and believes in Allaah, then he has taken hold of the firmest handhold that will never break. And Allaah is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.” [Surah Al-Baqarah: 256]
This is what is meant by the statement Laa Ilaaha IllaaAllaah.
And in the hadeeth: “The head of the matter is Islaam and its main pillar is the Prayer. And its highest part is Jihaad in the Cause of Allaah.” [09]
And Allaah knows best. May Allaah send His peace and blessings on Muhammad, his family and his Companions.
[End of the Treatise]
Footnotes:
[01]Reported by At-Tirmidhee with a weak chain of narration. However it is authentically reported from An-Nu’maan bin Basheer with the wording: “The supplication is worship.” This was reported by Ahmad (18351), At-Tirmidhee and others with an authentic chain of narration. Refer to Saheeh alJaami’-us-Sagheer (3407) as well as Da’eef al-Jaami’-us-Sagheer (3003), both from Imaam AlAlbaanee, rahimahullaah.
[02] An authentic hadeeth based on its several paths of narration, reported by Ahmad and At-Tirmidhee.
The first part of it is: “O young lad. I will teach you some words: Safeguard Allaah and you will find Him before you; If you ask (for something), then ask (it from) Allaah; and when you ask for assistance, then seek assistance in Allaah.”
The remainder of the hadeeth as occurs in al-Mishkaat (5302) is: “And know that if the ummah were to gather together to benefit you with something, they would not be able to benefit you except with something that Allaah has already written for you. And if they were to gather together to harm you with something, they would not be able to harm you except with something that Allaah has already written against you. The pens have been lifted and the pages have dried.” Refer to Saheeh al-Jaami’-us-Sagheer (7957) and Saheeh Sunan AtTirmidhee (2043) of Imaam Al-Albaanee, rahimahullaah.
[03] This is a portion of a hadeeth found in Saheeh Muslim on the authority of ‘Alee (رضي الله عنه). The complete hadeeth reads: “May Allaah curse the one who curses his father. And may Allaah curse the one who offers a sacrifice to other than Allaah. And may Allaah curse the one who accommodates an innovator.” This hadeeth is found in the Musnad of Imaam Ahmad (no. 953 and 1305). Also refer to Saheeh Sunan An-Nasaa’ee (4119)
[04] This is based on an agreed upon hadeeth; i.e. reported by Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim.
[05] Part of a hadeeth reported by Muslim on the authority of ‘Umar (رضي الله عنه) and by Al-Bukhaaree from Abu Hurairah (رضي الله عنه).
[06] An authentic hadeeth reported by Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim
[07]Reported by Ahmad (16882) and Abu Dawood (See Saheeh Sunan Abee Dawood: 2166). The second part of it is found in Saheeh Muslim from the narration of Abu Hurairah (رضي الله عنه).
[08]Translator’s Note: What is meant by “This Day” is the day of Jumu’ah (Friday), which occurred on the Day of ‘Arafah after ‘Asr during the Prophet’s farewell pilgrimage. This is what has been related in the Saheeh of Imaam Al-Bukhaaree from ‘Umar bin Al-Khattaab (رضي الله عنه).
[09] Reported by At-Tabaraanee from Mu’aadh with the wording: “The head of this matter is Islaam. And whoever submits to Islaam is saved. Its main pillar is the Prayer. And its highest part is Jihaad. No one will attain it except for the best amongst them.” This is a weak hadeeth. Refer to Da’eef al-Jaami’-us-Sagheer (3077).
Related Link:
Book Study Resources for “Three Fundamental Principles”
https://abdurrahman.org/islamic-book-study/thalaathat-ul-usool-the-three-fundamental-principles/
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