From the Benefits of Winter : Sayings of the Salaf

It is reported from Abû Hurayrah – Allâh be pleased with him – that he said:

Shall I not point you to comfortable proceeds?
People responded, “And what is that o Abû Hurayrah?”
He replied, “Fasting in winter.”

The Arabs used to refer to matters which were relatively easy to gain as being cool. In this narration, the relative ease of fasting in winter and its consequent reward is likened to acquiring war proceeds without the heat of violence.

It is reported from ‘Umar – Allâh be pleased with him – that he said:

Winter is booty for the devout worshippers.

This is further explained in the following narration:

It is reported from ‘Ubayd b. ‘Umayr – Allâh have mercy on him – that he said:

It used to be said when winter came: O people of the Qur`ân, the night has become long so you can pray (more) and the day has become short for you to fast.

Abû Nu’aym, Hilyah Al-Awliyâ`.

As with other experiences in this world, the Salaf used to be reminded of the hereafter when experiencing cold weather:

It is reported from the famous worshipper Râbi’ah – Allâh have mercy on her – that she said:

I have never heard the adhân except that I remember the caller who will announce the Day of Resurrection, and I never see the falling snow except that I imagine the flying pages of the records of peoples deeds (on that day), and I never see swarms of locusts except that I think about the Great Gathering on the Last Day.

Ibn Al-Jawzî, Sifah Al-Safwah Vol. 2 p433.

http://www.sayingsofthesalaf.net/index.php/from-the-benefits-of-winter/

‘Alî, the Armor and the Christian – Ibn Kathîr (Al-Bidâyah wa Al-Nihâyah)

During his Caliphate, ‘Alî b. Abî Tâlib – Allah be pleased with him – saw some armor of his with a Christian. He decided to take the matter up legally, so he took the dispute to Shurayh (the Judge).

‘Alî said, “This is my armor, and I have not sold it nor given it away.”

Shurayh said to the Christian, “What have you to say about what the Amîr of the Believers claims?”

The Christian replied, “It is my armor, although I do not regard the Amîr of the Believers to be a liar.”

Shurayh then turned to ‘Alî, “O Amîr of the Believers, do you have any proof (of ownership)?”

‘Alî laughed and said, “Shurayh is correct, I have no proof.”

So Shurayh judged that the armor was the Christian’s.

The Christian took it and began to walk away but then returned. He proclaimed,

“As for me, I testify that this is the judgment of the Prophets – the Amîr of the Believers himself takes me to his judge and the judge rules against him! I bear witness that there is no deity deserving worship but Allâh and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allâh. By Allâh, the armor is yours o Amîr of the Believers. I followed the army when you were on your way to the Battle of Siffîn and the armor came out of your equipment.”

‘Alî said, “If you have accepted Islâm the armor is yours.” And then he put him on his horse. Al-Sha’bî (the reporter of this incident) said, “I was later informed by those who saw this man that he fought the Khawârij (alongside ‘Alî) at the battle of Nahrawân.”

Ibn Kathîr, Al-Bidâyah wa Al-Nihâyah Vol.8 p5.

Supplicating for an Unbeliever – Shaykh Al-Albani

‘Uqbah b. ‘Âmir Al-Juhanî – Allâh be pleased with him – once passed by a man who looked like a Muslim, so he greeted him with salâm, and he replied, “And upon you [be peace] and the mercy of Allâh and His blessings.” A boy informed him, “He is a Christian!” So ‘Uqbah got up and followed the man, caught up with him and said, “The mercy of Allâh and His blessings are upon the believers; however, may Allâh give you a long life, and make plentiful your wealth and offspring.” [Al-Bukhârî, Al-Adab Al-Mufrad]

Shaykh Al-Albânî grades its chain of narration hasan in Sahîh Al-Adab Al-Mufrad p444, and notes,

“In this narration this illustrious Companion indicates that it is permissible to supplicate for someone to have a long life, even if he is an unbeliever, and so [this can be done for] a Muslim a fortiori…However, the supplicant should make sure that the unbeliever is not an enemy of the Muslims. It is also taken from this [narration] that such an unbeliever can be commiserated with what has been mentioned therein [i.e. the believers are the ones who will receive the mercy of Allâh and His blessings].”

source: http://www.sayingsofthesalaf.net/index.php/supplicating-for-an-unbeliever/

Response to the one who says: ‘l do not need to learn ‘aqeedah.’ – Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan

Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan ibn al-Fawzaan [1]

Source: Al-Istiqaamah Magazine Issue No.8 – Shawwal 1418H / February 1998

[Q]: There are some people here, who keep away from [attending] lessons on ‘aqeedah (creed/beliefs), and they say: ‘We are Muslims, we are not unbelievers or idol-worshippers such that we have to learn ‘aqeedah or attend lectures about it’ So, O noble Shaykh, what is your view regarding this!

[A]: Teaching the Muslims [the correct] ‘aqeedah does not mean that we have judged them to be unbelievers. Rather, we teach the Muslims about ‘aqeedah in order for them to know about it thoroughly, and know what matters nullify it and what matters are contrary to it.

Hudhayfah ibn al-Yamaan, one of the distinguished Companions – radiallaahu ‘anhu – said:“People used to ask the Messenger about the good, but I used to ask him about the evil, for fear of falling into it.”[2]

Likewise ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab radiallaahu ‘anhu said: “Soon the bonds of Islaam will be loosened bit by bit, because people will enter into Islaam but will be unaware of Jaahiliyyah (ignorant practices that Islaam opposes).”[3]

Thus, when we teach ‘aqeedoh, this does not imply that we have judged those whom we are teaching to be non-Muslims. Rather, what it means is that we desire that they should be thoroughly aware of the correct Islaamic ‘aqeedah; so as to cling to it, and to be aware of what opposes it; so as to keep far away from it.

Me, Myself and I – Imam Ibn Al Qayyim (rahimahullaah)

Shaykh ul –Islaam Ibn Al Qayyim as-Salafi -Rahimullaah-
From his book ‘Za’ad al-Ma’aad’
Translated by Abbas Abu Yahya

Ibn al-Qayyim said:

‘Every Muslim should be warned of the oppression of:  ‘I – My/Mine – I Possess’

Indeed these three words are what Iblees (Shaytan), Fir’awn and Qaroon were tried with.

  • Iblees said: ‘I am better than him’
  • Fir’awn said: ‘Is not mine the Kingdom of Egypt,’
  • Qaroon said: ‘This has been given to me only because of knowledge I possess.’

So regarding the saying of the Slave of Allaah ‘I’ – then the best that he can be described with is:

  • I am a slave who sins, makes mistakes, seeks forgiveness and recognizes this.

So regarding the saying of ‘My/Mine’ – and those statements similar to that is:

  • My sins, my crimes, my humbleness, my depravation and submissiveness.

So regarding the saying of ‘I Possess’:

  • Forgive me for my mistakes and what I do intentionally, in jest, or in seriousness and I possess all these shortcomings.

[Taken from ‘Za’ad al-Ma’aad’ 2/475 – By Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawzeeyah]

[Inspirational] The Example of a Servants Hope in Allaah’s Mercy – Shaykh Ahmad Fareed

AsSalam Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakaatuhu

The example of a servant’s hope in Allaah’s mercy and forgiveness
By Shaykh Ahmad Fareed
Source: Al-Istiqaamah Magazine, Issue No.3 – Rabî’ul-Awwal 1417H / August 1996

The example of a servants hope in Allaah’s mercy and forgiveness can be likened to the hope of a farmer:

If the farmer searches for fertile soil, then sows it with good and healthy seeds, giving to the seeds what they need at the appropriate time, removing from around them the weeds and anything else that may hinder or ruin their growth, then he sits and waits for the Favour of Allaah – the Most High – with regards to Him keeping away violent storms and other harmful elements, until the seeds have fully ripened and grown – then this type of waiting and expectation can truly be described as hope. However, if the farmer sows the seeds in hard and barren soil, too high up for water to reach it, and he does nothing to care and protect the seed from harm, and then he sits and waits for a good harvest – then this waiting and expectation is not called hope, rather, such waiting is called foolishness and delusion!

So, the term hope only applies to waiting for what is dear or desired, after all the means – that will assist in realising this desire and are within the ability of the person – have been utilised. As for that which is not within the servants ability, then it is left to the favour of Allaah – the Most High – and He is the One who can prevent harmful matters, if He so wishes.

Each Group Claiming to be the Victorious One! – Imam Ibn Baz (rahimahullaah)

Bismillaah

Various groups, each claiming to be the victorious one!
by Ibn Baz (rahimahullaah) in Nur Al-Adab Session.

Q3- There are many religious sects and groups, each claiming that they are the victorious one. This matter is perplexing to many people, so what should we do, especially as there are groups that are related to Islam, such as Al-Soofiyyah (صُوفِيَّة) Al-Salafiyah, and others, and how can we distinguish between them? May Allah bless you.

A: It is confirmed that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:

“The Jews split into seventy-one sects; one will be in Paradise (i.e., those who followed Moses) and seventy will be in the Fire. The Christians split into seventy-two sects; seventy-one will be in the Fire and one will be in Paradise (i.e., those who followed Jesus). And by the One in Whose Hand is the soul of Muhammad, this Ummah (nation) of mine will split into seventy-three sects; one will be in Paradise and seventy-two will be in the Fire.

Comprehensive and beneficial du’aa – for the Best of Both Worlds : Imaam as-Sa’dee

AsSalam Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakaatuhu

Supplication for the Best of Both Worlds

Taken From the articles “Reflections”
Al-Istiqaamah Magazine, Issue No.6 – Dhul-Qa’dah 1417H / March 1997

‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’ood radiallaahu ‘anhu relates that the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam would supplicate:

“O Allaah! I ask You for guidance, piety, safety and well-being, and contentment and sufficiency.”
[Allaahumma innee as’alukal-hudaa wat-tuqaa wal-‘afaafa wal-ghinaa].

Sahih Muslim (no.2721)

Imaam as-Sa’dee (d.1376H) – rahimahullaah – said:

This du’aa (supplication) is from the most comprehensive and beneficial du’aas (supplications), since it includes asking Allaah for well-being with regards to both the Religion and the world. Thus, al-hudaa (the guidance) is beneficial knowledge, and at-tuqaa (i.e. taqwaa or piety) is righteous actions and leaving-off what Allaah and His Messenger have forbidden; and this is (asking) for correctness and well-being of a person’s Religion. For indeed, the Religion comprises of beneficial knowledge and recognising the truth – which is guidance – and standing firm upon obedience to Allaah and His Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam – and this is piety.

And al-‘afaafa (well-being and safety) and al-ghinaa (contentment and sufficiency) comprises of being safe from (the harms of) the creation and that the heart is not attached to them. And it also comprises of being contented with Allaah and what He provides, and seeking whatever will cause the heart to be satisfied with Him. So with this, happiness in this worldly life is completed, and the heart tastes true sweetness and delight – and this is a goodly life. So whosoever is granted the provisions of guidance, Piety. well-being and contentment has indeed achieved true happiness, and has acquired all that could be possibly sought after, as well as being saved from all that is dreadful and frightening.” [Bahjatul-Quloobul-Abraar (p.198)]