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Expiating Oneself and Repenting from Backbiting – Imam Nawawi

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Know that it is required upon everyone that commits a sin to rush towards repenting from it.

Repentance with regard to the rights of Allaah must meet three conditions:

1. One must stop committing that sin immediately,
2. He must feel remorse and sorrow for having done it, and
3. He must resolve to not return to committing that sin again.

Repentance with regard to the rights of humans must meet these same three conditions (listed above), as well as a fourth one, which is:

4. Taking back any oppression that was inflicted on someone or asking for his forgiveness or absolvment from that.

So it is obligatory on a person who has committed backbiting to seek repentance according to these four conditions, because backbiting involves the rights of people, so he must seek the forgiveness of the person he has backbitten.

Is it sufficient for one to just say: “I have backbit you, so please absolve me from (this) sin” or must he inform him also of what he said about him?

There are two views on this according to the Shaafi’ee scholars:

The First: His clarifying what he said (when backbiting) is a condition. So if he is absolved without informing him of what he said, the pardon is not valid, just as if he were to absolve him from (stealing) unidentifiable money.

The Second: His informing him (of what he said) is not a condition, because this is something that one will not be able to tolerate and thus forgive. So his knowing (exactly what was said) is not a condition, contrary to the example of the (stolen) money.

The first opinion is the strongest, since people have the ability to grant forgiveness for certain types of backbiting but not other types.

And if the one who has been backbitten is either dead or absent, then one is excused from seeking to be absolved from it. However, the scholars say: He should supplicate much for that person and ask forgiveness for him, as well as do many good deeds.

Know that it is preferable for the one who has been backbitten to absolve the backbiter from his sin, but it is not an obligation on him to do so. This is because it is giving away and forfeiting one’s right, so the choice is his. However, it is strongly recommended (muta’akkidah) for him to absolve him so that his Muslim brother can be free from the harm of this sin and so that he can be successful in receiving Allaah’s great reward of Forgiveness and Love. Allaah, the Most High, says:

“Those who repress their anger and pardon people. Verily, Allaah loves the good doers.” [Surah Aali ‘Imraan: 134]

The proper way he should take in making himself allow the pardoning is by reminding himself that: “This matter has already happened and there is no way to remove it now. So it is not right for me to make him miss his chance of getting reward and absolving my Muslim brother.”

Allaah says:

“And verily, whosoever shows patience and forgives (others), that is truly from the things recommended by Allaah.” [Surah Ash-Shooraa: 43]

And He says:

“Show forgiveness!” [Surah Al-A’raaf: 199]

The ayaat similar to what we mentioned above are many. And in the authentic hadeeth, the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه و سلم said:

“And Allaah remains in the assistance of (His) servant so long as the servant remains in the assistance of his (fellow) brother.” [Saheeh – Reported by Muslim (2699)]

Ash-Shaafi’ee (rahimahullaah) said: “Whosoever is sought to be pleased, yet is not pleased is a devil.”

The people of the past would recite:

“It was said to me: Such and such person has spoken badly of you And when a youth sets out to humiliate, it is a shame So I said: He has come to us and issued an excuse The blood-money (i.e. recompense) for a sin – to us – is the apology.”

So what we have mentioned here concerning the encouragement for one to absolve and forgive a person from backbiting is what is correct. As for what has been reported on Sa’eed bin Al-Musayyib that he said: “I will not forgive the one who has oppressed me” and on Ibn Sireen that he said: “I will not forbid it on him and then make it allowable for him, because Allaah has made backbiting forbidden on him and I will never make permissible what Allaah has made forbidden” then it is either unauthentic or erroneous.

This is since a person that pardons someone is not making something forbidden permissible. Rather, he is only forfeiting a right that is established for him. The texts of the Qur’aan and the Sunnah indicate clearly that it is recommended to forgive and forfeit one’s rights, which are specific to this case. Or perhaps Ibn Sireen’s words can be taken to mean: “I will never permit myself to be backbitten.” This would be correct, for indeed if a person says: “I seek my honor back from the one who backbitten me”, he is not allowing for it to be done. Rather, he is forbidding everyone from backbiting him, just as he forbids others from being backbitten.

As for the hadeeth: “Are you not able to be like Abu Damdam – when he would go out from his home, he would say: ‘I am giving my honor away in charity for the people.’” Meaning: I will not seek justice from those who oppress me whether in this world or the Hereafter. This is useful in removing a transgression that existed before the absolvement, but as for what occurs after it, there must be a new absolvement made after that. And with Allaah lies the success.

Posted from al-ibaanah e-Book: Guarding the Tongue : Imaam an-Nawawee

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Faith In Everything That The Messenger Informed Of – Imaam Ibn Qudaamah Al-Maqdisee

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We are obligated to have Faith in everything that the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) informed us about and in what has been authentically attributed to him through reports, whether we witnessed it or it was hidden from us. We know that it is a reality and the truth. This is the same with regard to whether we comprehend it or we do not comprehend it.

We do not go beyond the outer actuality (i.e. literalness) of its meaning, such as the hadeeth concerning the Israa and the Mi’raaj.[20] It occurred while the Prophet was awake and not in a dream, for indeed the Quraish denied it and considered it something incredible. And they did not used to deny dreams.

Another example of that, is when the angel of death approached Moosaa in order to take his soul. He (Moosaa) struck him and gouged his eye, so he returned to his Lord who gave him his eye back.

Another example of that: are the signs of the Hour, such as the emergence of the Dajjaal, the descent of ‘Eesaa bin Maryam, who will then kill him, the coming out of Ya’jooj and Ma’jooj, the emergence of the Beast, the rising of the sun from the west, and all that is related to this from what has been authentically reported. [21]

The punishment and pleasure of the grave are true. The Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would seek refuge from it (the punishment) and he commanded that it be done in every prayer.

The trial of the grave is true. The questioning of Munkar and Nakeer is true. The resurrection after death is true, and that will occur when Israafeel blows on the trumpet.

“And behold from the graves they will come out quickly to their Lord.” [Surah YaaSeen (36): 51]

Mankind will be gathered on the Day of Judgement, barefoot, naked, uncircumcised, and having nothing with them (i.e. possessions). They will stop at the final place of standing, until our Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) intercedes for them and

Allaah, Blessed and Exalted, reckons with them (i.e. judges them). The Balances will be set up, the records will be distributed and the pages containing the deeds of each individual will be dispersed into the right hands and the left hands.

“Then as for him who will be given his record in his right hand, he surely, will receive an easy reckoning. And will return back to his family in joy! But whoever is given his record behind his back (or in his left hand), he will invoke (for his) destruction. And he shall enter a blazing Fire and made to taste it’s burning flames.” [Surah Al-Inshiqaaq (84): 7-12]

The Balance (Al-Meezaan) has two scales and a tongue, with which it will weigh the deeds.

“Then those whose Balances (of good deeds) are heavy, they are the successful. And those whose Balances (of good deeds) are light, they are those who lose their own selves, in Hell will they abide.” [Surah Al-Mu’minoon (23): 102103]

Our Prophet Muhammad (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) will have the Fountain (AlHawd) on the Day of Judgement. Its water is whiter than milk and sweeter than honey. Its drinking vessels are as numerous as the stars in the sky. Whosoever drinks a serving from it, will never thirst again after that.

The Bridge is true. The righteous ones will cross it and the evil ones will fall from it.

Our Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) will intercede for the members of his ummah who have entered the Hellfire due to their major sins. Thus they will be extracted from it due to his (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) interceding (for them), but only after having been set ablaze and burned to ashes and charcoal. Then they will enter Paradise due to his intercession.

There will also be interceding done by the rest of the prophets, believers and angels. Allaah says:

“And they cannot intercede except for him with whom He is pleased. And they stand in awe for fear of Him.” [Surah Al-Anbiyaa (21): 28]

The intercession of the interceders will be of no avail to the disbelievers. Paradise and the Hellfire are two creations that will not cease to exist. Paradise is the abode of the close friends of Allaah, while the Hellfire is the place of punishment for His enemies. The inhabitants of Paradise will abide therein (i.e. Paradise) forever.

“Verily, the sinful evildoers will be in the torment of Hell to abide therein forever. (Their torment) will not be lightened for them, and they will be plunged into destruction with deep regrets and sorrows.” [Surah Az-Zukhruf (43): 74-75]

Death will be brought in the form of a sturdy ram and slaughtered between Paradise and Hellfire. Then it will be said: “O inhabitants of Paradise! Eternity for you and no (more) death! And O inhabitants of Hellfire! Eternity for you and no (more) death!” [22]

Footnotes :

[22] Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree: Book of Commentary of Surah Maryam (no. 4730)
[20] See the hadeeth of Al-Bukhaaree (no. 3207) and Muslim (no. 164) from the report of Anas bin Maalik on the authority of Maalik bin Sa’sah.
[21] Refer to An-Nihaayah of Ibn Katheer (rahimahullaah) and Al-Idhaa’ah of Sideeq Hasan Khaan (rahimahullaah) for this.

Posted from : Sufficiency in Creed (Lum’at-ul-‘Itiqaad) –  Imaam Ibn Qudaamah Al-Maqdisee
http://salaf-us-saalih.com//2014/10/01/sufficiency-in-creed-lumat-ul-itiqaad-imaam-ibn-qudaamah/

Book Study : http://salaf-us-saalih.com/category/book-study/lumatul-ittiqaad/

The Sin of Listening to the Backbiting and not Prohibiting it – Imam Nawawi

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Know that in the same way that backbiting is forbidden for the one who speaks it, it is likewise forbidden for the one who listens to it and approves of it.

Thus, it is obligatory on the one who hears an individual embarking on committing the prohibited form of backbiting, to forbid him from doing it as long as he does not fear any open harm resulting from that. But if he does fear (harm) from that, then he is obligated to reject the backbiting with his heart and to detach himself from that gathering if he is able to do so. If he has the ability to reject it with his tongue or to cut the backbiting off by changing the topic, then that becomes required of him. And if he does not do that, then he has committed an act of disobedience (i.e. sinned).

If he is forced to stay in that gathering in which backbiting is taking place, and he fears from forbidding it, or he forbids it but it is not accepted from him and he cannot find a way to separate himself from them, then he is prohibited from listening and paying attention to the backbiting. Instead, his way out should be by making remembrance of Allaah (dhikr) with both his tongue and heart or just his heart. Or he should think about something else in order to preoccupy himself from having to listen to it. After having done this, his hearing it without listening or paying attention to it will not harm him, while he is in this mentioned state. If he is able, after this, to withdraw from them and they are still backbiting, then separating oneself is an obligation. Allaah says:

“And when you see those who engage in false conversations about Our verses by mocking at them, then turn away from them until they engage in a different topic of speech. But if the Devil causes you to forget, then after remembering, do not sit in the company of those people who are the wrong-doers.” [Surah AlAn’aam: 68]

It has been reported that Ibraaheem bin Adham was once invited to a waleemah (wedding feast), so he attended it and found people there who were mentioning a man that didn’t come, saying: “He is truly lazy.” So Ibraaheem said: “I brought this upon myself, such that I attended a place in which people are backbiting one another.” So he left from there and did not eat for three days. What has been recited of poetry with regard to this is:

“And restrain your ears from hearing vile speech
Just as you restrain your tongue from speaking it
Because when you listen to this vile speech
You are a partner to the one saying it, so reflect.”

What Should One Do When He Hears His Shaikh, Friend Or Someone Else Being Backbitten?

Know that it is upon the one who hears a Muslim being backbitten to oppose it and prevent the one doing the backbiting. If he is not able to prevent him with his speech, then he should stop him with his hand. If he is neither able to do so with his hand or with his tongue, then he should get up and leave that gathering. And if he hears his teacher (shaikh) being backbitten – or anyone else who has a right over him, or if the person (being backbitten) is from the people of righteousness and nobility, then his concern with what we have mentioned above should be greater.

Posted From the e-Book : Guarding the Tongue – Imaam An-Nawawee

The “Knowledge” that is Mentioned in The Ayaat And The Ahaadeeth is Knowledge of The Religion – Shaykh Muhammad Baazmool

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THE SECOND FOUNDATION:

What is meant by the “knowledge” that is mentioned in the ayaat and the ahaadeeth is knowledge of the Religion. As for the universal, physical and material sciences, then these are all a collective obligation.

These sciences fall under Allaah’s statement:

“And prepare against them all you can of power, including steeds of war…” [Surah Al- Anfaal: 60]

They also fall under the principle: “There is no harming (of oneself) or harming others.” And they fall under the principle: “That which is necessary for the fulfilment of an obligation becomes itself obligatory.”

This principle consists of the following matters:

1. The statement: “This is obligatory for every Muslim or student of knowledge to know” cannot be applied unrestrictedly to any of the types of knowledge except for the Islamic sciences. An example of this is what is known nowadays as “Knowledge of Current Affairs”, which focuses on following reports and information from newspapers and magazines, and which some people say is: “An obligatory form of knowledge that every student of knowledge is required to learn!”

2. The type of knowledge that the Salaf praised and which they intended by their statements is nothing else but knowledge of the Religion. This is the knowledge that was intended in statements such as that of Mu’aadh (radhi Allaahu anhu), when he said:

“Learn knowledge, for indeed learning it for the sake of Allaah is awe (of Him), seeking it is worship, studying it is glorification (of Allaah), researching it is Jihaad, teaching it to those unaware of it is charity, and giving it out to one’s family builds ties. It is a friend in privacy, a companion in solitude, a guide in times of ease, an aide in times of difficulty, a counselor to the friends (of Allaah), a close-relative to the strangers, and a lighthouse for the path to Paradise.

Allaah raises people by way of it, thus making them noble leaders, emulated chiefs in matters of good, and guides to goodness whose footsteps are followed and whose deeds are highly regarded.”

So therefore, from the things that this principle entails is that: The knowledge that Allaah, His Messenger and the predecessors, such as the Sahaabah and the Taabi’een have praised is nothing else but knowledge of the Religion. As for all of the other forms of knowledge, they were not the ones intended in the praise for “knowledge” found in these ayaat, ahaadeeth and statements of the Salaf.

So knowledge of medicine, engineering, chemistry, and physics is not what was intended in the ayaat and ahaadeeth.

Once we come to understand this, we must ask: “What is the ruling on learning these other sciences?”

I say: It falls under the collective obligations, Acquiring knowledge of these sciences falls under (the principle): “That which is necessary for the fulfillment of an obligation becomes itself obligatory.”

Acquiring knowledge of these sciences falls under the statement of Allaah:

“And prepare against them all you can of power, including steeds of war…” [Surah Al- Anfaal: 60]

This is the ruling on these sciences. If some people take on the responsibility of learning them, the obligation becomes removed from everyone else.

What also falls under the requisites of this principle is what I mentioned to you previously – that it cannot be unrestrictedly stated that these sciences or their likes are obligatory for every Muslim to know.

So for all the more reason, it is incorrect to unrestrictedly say that the knowledge of that which is associated with newspapers and magazines is from the “knowledge” that every student is obliged to learn.

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

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What Type Of Backbiting Is Permissible? – Imaam an-Nawawee

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Posted from al-ibaanah e-Book – Guarding the Tongue : Imaam an-Nawawee 
http://salaf-us-saalih.com/2014/01/08/guardingtongueimamnawawi

Know that although backbiting is forbidden, it becomes permissible under certain circumstances when done for a beneficial reason. That which makes it allowable is a valid and legitimate goal, which cannot be achieved except by doing it (i.e. the backbiting). These goals can be broken down into six categories:

1. Oppression – It is permissible for the one who is oppressed to complain about his situation to the ruler or the judge or anyone else who holds authority or has the ability to grant him justice against his oppressor. He should say: “Such and such person wronged me” and “he did such thing to me”, and “he coerced me in this manner” and so on.

2. Seeking assistance in changing an evil and returning a sinner back to what is correct – One should say to the individual whom he expects has the ability to put an end to the evil: “Such and such person did this, so prevent him” or something to that effect. His objective should be to look for a way to ultimately put an end to the evil. If he does not intend this as his goal, then it is forbidden (for him to mention it).

3. Seeking a fatwa (religious ruling) – One should do this by saying to the muftee (scholar capable of issuing a fatwa): “My father” or “my brother” or “such and such person wronged me in this way.” “Does he have the right to do so?” “How shall I go about putting an end to it and obtain my right while repelling oppression from myself?” and so on. Likewise, one may say: “My wife did such and such to me” or “my husband did such and such a thing” and so on. This is permissible due to the necessity for it, however, to be more cautious, it is better for one to say: “What do you say about a man who has done such and such thing?” or “concerning a husband” or “concerning a wife who did such and such” (without saying “my”), etc.

By doing this, the goal is achieved without having to resort to specifying anyone. However, specifying an individual by name is permissible (in this circumstance), based on the hadeeth of Hind (radyAllaahu ‘anhaa), which we shall mention later, by the Will of Allaah, in which she told Allaah’s Messenger: “Indeed, Abu Sufyaan (her husband) is a stingy man.” And the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه و سلم did not forbid her from saying this.

4. Warning and Advising the Muslims against Evil – There are several perspectives to this, of which one is: Declaring someone unreliable in the field of narrating hadeeth and giving testimony. This is permissible to do, according to the Ijmaa’ (consensus of the Muslim scholars). Rather, it becomes obligatory due to the need for it. Another case is when an individual desires to enter into a relationship with another person either through marriage, business, the consignment of property, the consigning of something to him or any other of the daily affairs. It is obligatory on you to mention to that individual what you know about the person he wants to get involved with, with the intention of advising him.

If your objective can be achieved by simply saying: “It is not good for you to engage with him in business transactions” or “in a relationship through marriage” or by saying: “You should not do this” or anything similar to that, then adding more to this, such as by mentioning his bad characteristics is not permissible. And if the objective cannot be reached, except by specifically explaining that person’s condition to him, then you may mention that to him in detail. Another case is when you see someone buying a product from an individual who is known for stealing or fornicating or drinking or other than these. It is then upon you to inform the buyer of this, on the count that he is not knowledgeable of it already. And this case is not specified to this example only. Rather, it also applies to when you have knowledge that the commodity that is being traded is defective. It is then obligatory upon you to clarify this matter to the buyer, if he is not aware of it.

Another case is when you see a student going to an innovator or a deviant, seeking to attain knowledge from him, and you fear that it may affect the student. In that situation, you must advise him about the state of that innovator, on the condition that your intention only be for the sake of advising. And this is something in which regard many people fall into error, for perhaps the person speaking may do this (advising) because he is jealous (of the person he is warning against). Or perhaps the Devil may deceive him about this matter, causing him to believe that what he is doing is advising and showing compassion, so he believes this.

One last case is when a person has some leadership role, which he does not fulfill properly either because he is not fit for it or because he is a sinner or neglectful, etc. So in this case, one must mention this to those who have general leadership over this person, so that he can be removed and someone fit can be put in charge. Or those who have charge over him can know this about him so that they can deal with him accordingly and not be deceived by him, and so that they can make the right efforts to encourage him to be upright or to replace him.

5. When one openly exposes his acts of evil or his innovation – An example of this is when someone has openly exposed his consumption of alcohol, or his illegal confiscation of people’s money and raising of their taxes unjustly and his usurping command wrongfully. It is thus permissible for one to talk about what that individual has made public. But it is forbidden to mention any of his other defects, unless they fall under one of the categories in which we have mentioned that backbiting is permissible.

6. Defining someone – If someone is known to the people by his nickname, such as “the bleary eyed one”, “the one who limps”, “the deaf guy”, “the blind guy”, “crosseyed”, “flat-nosed”, and other than that, then it is permissible to particularize him as such, with the aim of identifying him. However, it is forbidden to apply that to him, when one’s intention is to degrade him. If he can be identified with another (more appropriate) type of name, then that is more preferable. These are the six cases in which the scholars have stated that backbiting is permissible, if it is done in accordance to the guidelines we mentioned above.

The evidences for the permissibility of backbiting can be found in authentic and well-known ahaadeeth. Furthermore, there is an agreement of the scholars concerning the allowance of backbiting in these six cases.

It is reported in the Saheehs of Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim that ‘Aa’ishah (radyAllaahu ‘anhaa) said: “A man sought permission of the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم to enter (his house), so he said: ‘Permit him to enter, and what an evil brother to (his) relatives he is.'” [26] Al-Bukhaaree uses this hadeeth as evidence for the permissibility of backbiting the people of mischief and doubts.

Ibn Mas’ood (radyAllaahu ‘anhu) narrated: “The Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه و سلم divided a portion (of war booty amongst the people), so a man from the Ansaar said: ‘I swear by Allaah, Muhammad did not intend the face of Allaah by this (i.e. he was not fair).’ So I went to Allaah’s Messenger and informed him of this. His face changed (i.e. he became mad) and said: ‘May Allaah have mercy on Moosaa. He was indeed abused with greater than this, but he was patient.'” [27]

In some of the reports of the hadeeth, Ibn Mas’ood said: “I said: I will not raise another hadeeth to him again, after this.”

Al-Bukhaaree uses this hadeeth as proof that a person is allowed to inform his brother of what is being said about him. ‘Aa’ishah (radyAllaahu ‘anhaa) reported that Allaah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه و سلم once said: “I do not think that this person and that person know anything at all about our Religion.” [28]

Al-Laith bin Sa’ad, one of the narrators of the hadeeth’s chain said: “They were two individuals from among the hypocrites (at his time).”

Zayd bin Arqam (radyAllaahu ‘anhu) reported: “We set out on a journey with the Prophet and the people suffered great difficulty (due to a lack of provisions). So ‘Abdullaah bin Ubay [29] said to his companions: ‘Don’t spend on those who are with Allaah’s Messenger so that they may disperse and go away from him.’ He said: ‘If we return to Madeenah, surely, the more honorable will expel the lowly ones from it. So I went to the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم and informed him of that. He sent for ‘Abdullaah bin Ubay and asked him, but ‘Abdullaah bin Ubay swore that he did not say so. So the people said: ‘Zayd told a lie to Allaah’s Messenger.’ And what they said distressed me very much. Later Allaah revealed the confirmation of my statement in His saying; ‘When the hypocrites come to you…’ [Surah Al-Munafiqeen]” [30]

Also there is the hadeeth of Hind (radyAllaahu ‘anhaa), the wife of Abu Sufyaan, in which she said to the Prophet: “Indeed, Abu Sufyaan is a stingy man.” [31] And also the hadeeth of Faatimah Bint Qays (radyAllaahu ‘anhaa), when the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم said to her (with regard to her accepting marriage proposals from two suitors): “As for Mu’awiyah, then he is utterly poor. And as for Abu Jahm, then he does not cease to remove the stick from his shoulder (i.e. he beats his wives).” [32]

Footnotes :

[26] Saheeh – Reported by Al-Bukhaaree (10/471 of al-Fath) and Muslim (2591)
[27] Saheeh – Reported by Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim and its checking has preceded.
[28] Saheeh – Reported by Al-Bukhaaree (10/485 of al-Fath)
[29] Translator’s Note: He was the leader of the hypocrites in Madeenah. Upon his death, Allaah revealed verses commanding the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم not to pray the funeral prayer over him.
[30] Saheeh – Reported by Al-Bukhaaree (8/664 and 646-648 of al-Fath) and Muslim (2772).
[31] Saheeh – Reported by Al-Bukhaaree (9/504 of al-Fath) and Muslim (1714).
[32] Saheeh – Reported by Muslim (1480)

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The Prophets And Virtuous People Would Ask Allaah To Grant Them Righteous Offspring – Shaykh Muhammad Baazmool

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Allaah, may He be Blessed and Exalted, says:

“This is the time when Zakariya invoked his Lord, saying: ‘O my Lord! Grant me from You, a good offspring. You are indeed the All-Hearer of invocations.‘” [Surah Aali ‘Imraan: 38]

And He says quoting Zakariya:


“And verily, I fear my relatives after me, since my wife is barren. So give me from Yourself a walee (righteous worshipper) who will inherit me and inherit the posterity of Ya’qoob. And make him, my Lord, one with whom You are well-pleased.” [Surah Maryam: 5-6]

Ash-Shanqeetee said in Adwaa-ul-Bayaan:

“Allaah’s statement in this noble verse: ‘So give me from Yourself a walee’ – what is meant by the word walee here is a son specifically and not any other type of walee (righteous person). This is based on proof found in Allaah’s saying while relating the same story: ‘This is the time when Zakariya invoked his Lord, saying: ‘O my Lord! Grant me from You, a good offspring. You are indeed the All-Hearer of invocation.” [Surah Aali ‘Imraan: 38]

Allaah also indicates that what is meant (by the word walee, i.e. righteous person) here is a child by His saying:

“And remember Zakariya when he cried to his Lord: ‘O my Lord, leave me not single! You are the best of the inheritors.”’ [Surah Al-Anbiyaa: 89] ‘Leave me not single’ means: ‘Alone and without a child.’”

[End of Ash-Shanqeetee’s words] [Adwaa-ul-Bayaan (3/365)]

It is for this reason that from amongst the supplications of the believers – “those from whom We shall accept the best of their deeds and overlook their evil deeds, they shall be among the dwellers of Paradise – a promise of truth, which they have been promised” – is that which Allaah has mentioned:

“My Lord! Grant me the power and ability that I may be grateful for Your Favour which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents, and that I may do righteous good deeds, such as please You, and make my offspring good. Truly, I have turned to You in repentance, and truly I am one of the Muslims.” [Surah Al-Ahqaaf: 15]

Source: Al-Ibaanah e-Book : Your Flesh and Blood : The Rights of Children – Shaikh Muhammad Baazmool

This Post URL / Link : http://wp.me/p1VJ3-8SV

Attributes and Characteristics of Khawaarij – Aadil bin ‘Alee Al-Furaydaan

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Posted from the al-ibaanah e-Book : Selected Examples from the Characteristics of the Extremist Khawaarij – Aadil bin ‘Alee Al-Furaydaan [This book reviewed and examined by Shaikh Saalih bin Fawzaan Al-Fawzaan and Shaikh Muhammad bin ‘Abdir-Rahmaan Al-Khumayyis]

Their Attributes and Characteristics

The First Characteristic: They are young in age. [Al-Bukhaaree (no. 5057) from the hadeeth of ‘Alee bin Abee Taalib (radhi Allaahu anhu)]

The Second Characteristic: They have foolish minds – i.e. intellects. [Al-Bukhaaree (no. 5057) from the hadeeth of ‘Alee bin Abee Taalib (radhi Allaahu anhu)]

The Third Characteristic: They speak with the best speech amongst creation. [Al- Bukhaaree (no. 5057) from the hadeeth of ‘Alee bin Abee Taalib (radhi Allaahu anhu)]

The Fourth Characteristic: Their Eemaan does not go past their throats. [Al- Bukhaaree (no. 5057) from the hadeeth of ‘Alee bin Abee Taalib (radhi Allaahu anhu)]

The Fifth Characteristic: They come out from the Religion just as an arrow comes out from the hunted game. Then they do not return back to it. [Muslim (no. 2496) from the hadeeth of Abu Dharr (radhi Allaahu anhu)]

And in one narration: “They shoot out from the Religion just as an arrow shoots out from the hunted game.” [Al-Bukhaaree (no. 5058) from the hadeeth of Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudree (radhi Allaahu anhu)]

In another report it states: “They shoot out from Islaam…” [Al-Bukhaaree (no. 5057) from the hadeeth of ‘Alee bin Abee Taalib (radhi Allaahu anhu)]

The Sixth Characteristic: They have a weakness when it comes to understanding the Religion of Allaah. This is why it has been reported that “They recite the Qur’aan but it does not surpass…” [Muslim (no. 2456)] “…or go past their throats.” [Al- Bukhaaree (no. 5058) from the hadeeth of Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudree (radhi Allaahu anhu)]

In one narration, it states: “…their pharynxes (hulooq).” [Muslim (no. 2455) from the hadeeth of Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudree (radhi Allaahu anhu)]

In another narration, it states: “…their pharynxes {halaaqeehim).” [Muslim (no. 2469) from Abu Dharr (radhi Allaahu anhu)]

In another narration, it states: “…their collar bones (taraaqeehim).” [Al-Bukhaaree (no. 6934) from Sahl bin Haneef (radhi Allaahu anhu)]

In another narration, it states: “They will make their tongues eloquent with the Qur’aan.” [As-Sunnah of Ibn Abee ‘Aasim (no. 937) from Abu Bakrah (radhi Allaahu anhu)]

In another narration, it states: “They will recite the Qur’aan with their tongues but it will not go past their collar bones.” [Muslim (no. 2470) from Sahl bin Haneef (radhi Allaahu anhu)]

In another narration: “They will hold it (i.e. the recitation) to be for them, when it is against them.” [As-Sunnah of Ibn Abee ‘Aasim (no. 916) from ‘Alee bin Abee Taalib (radhi Allaahu anhu)]

In another narration, it states: “They will think…” instead of “They will hold…” [Muslim (no. 2467) from the hadeeth of ‘Alee bin Abee Taalib (radhi Allaahu anhu)]

In one narration, he صلى الله عليه و سلم said: “They will call to the Book of Allaah, but they will have nothing to do with Allaah.” [As-Sunnah of Ibn Abee ‘Aasim (no. 941) from Abu Zaid Al-Ansaaree (radhi Allaahu anhu)]

In another narration of the hadeeth, the Khawaarij and what they undergo when reciting the Qur’aan was mentioned to Ibn ‘Abbaas (radhi Allaahu anhu), so he said: “They are not as extreme in their striving as the Jews and the Christians were, but yet they went astray.” [Ash- Sharee’ah (pg. 27-28)]

And in another narration, Ibn ‘Abbaas said: “They believe in His clear verses, but go astray concerning His unclear verses 10 – No one knows their hidden meanings except Allaah. And as for those firmly rooted in knowledge, they say: ‘We believe in it.'”

And he said: “They are in a confused and drunken state. They are neither Jews nor Christians nor Magians, so that they may be excused.” [Ash-Sharee’ah (pg. 28)]

The Seventh Characteristic: They are excessive in performing acts of worship, as occurs in the hadeeth in which the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه و سلم spoke to his Companions about them, saying: “Your prayer is nothing as compared to their prayer. Your fasting is nothing as compared to their fasting. And your reciting the Qur’aan is nothing as compared to their reciting.” [Muslim (no. 2467) from the hadeeth of ‘Alee bin Abee Taalib (radhi Allaahu anhu)]

In one narration of this hadeeth, it states: “You will look down at your prayer as compared to their prayer…” [Muslim (no. 2455) from Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudree (radhi Allaahu anhu)]

And in another narration: “…(and you will look down) at your deeds as compared to their deeds.” [Sharh Usool ‘Itiqaad Ahlis-Sunnah (8/1231)]

The Eighth Characteristic: They are the worst of creation and creatures. [Muslim (no. 2469) from the hadeeth of Abu Dharr (radhi Allaahu anhu)]

Abu ‘Abdillaah Ahmad bin Hanbal (rahimahullaah) said: “The Khawaarij are an evil people. I don’t know of any people on the earth that are worse than them.” [As-Sunnah of Abu Bakr Al-Khallaal (no. 110)]

The Ninth Characteristic: Their distinguishing attribute is that they shave their heads. [Muslim (no. 2457) from the hadeeth of Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudree 4]

In another narration of the hadeeth, it states: “At-Tasbeet.” [Muslim (no. 4765) from Anas bin Maalik radhi Allaahu anhu ]

Tasbeet means: Removing the short hair.

The Tenth Characteristic: They will kill the people of Faith and leave alone the worshippers of idols.

In one narration, it states: “They will kill the people of Islaam…” [Muslim (no. 2451) from the hadeeth of Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudree (radhi Allaahu anhu)]

The Eleventh Characteristic: They will become so deeply absorbed (i.e. ta’ammuq) in the Religion [11] to the point that they will leave from it. [As-Sunnah of Ibn Abee ‘Aasim (no. 930) from ‘Abdullaah bin ‘Amr (radhi Allaahu anhu)]

The Twelfth Characteristic: They disparage their rulers and claim them to be upon misguidance, as ‘Abdullaah bin Dhil-Khuwaisrah did with the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم.

The Thirteenth Characteristic: They call the people to the Book of Allaah but have nothing to do with it. [12] [Abu Dawood (no. 4765) from the hadeeth of Abu Sa’eed Al- Khudree (radhi Allaahu anhu) and Anas bin Maalik (radhi Allaahu anhu)

The Fourteenth Characteristic: They do not believe that the people of knowledge and virtue hold a special position. This was why they perceived that they were more knowledgeable than ‘Alee bin Abee Taalib, Ibn ‘Abbaas and the rest of the Companions, may Allaah be pleased with all of them. [Al-Khawaarij Awwalul-Firaq fee Taareekh-il- Islaam (pg. 38)]

What is meant by ta’ammuq is: Relying and using as proof that which the religious texts do not substantiate.

The Fifteenth Characteristic: They go to extremes in worship. So they perform acts of worship to the extent that those who see them become amazed with them and they become amazed with themselves. 13 [As-Sunnah of Ibn Abee ‘Aasim (no. 945) from the hadeeth of Anas bin Maalik (radhi Allaahu anhu)]

Ibn ‘Abbaas (radhi Allaahu anhu) said: “And I have not seen a people that are stricter in their exertion (of worship) than them. Their hands are like the calluses of camels and their foreheads are marked due to the traces of prostration.” [Majma’-uz-Zawaa’id (6/240)]

Read More “Attributes and Characteristics of Khawaarij – Aadil bin ‘Alee Al-Furaydaan”

Maintaining Pure Hearts And Tongues Towards The Companions Of Allaah’s Messenger (صلى الله عليه و سلم) – Ibn Taymiyyah

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Shaikh-ul-lslaam Ibn Taimiyyah said in his book AI-‘Aqeedat-ul-Waasitiyyah:

“Among the Principles of Ahl-us-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah is maintaining pure hearts and tongues towards the Companions of Allaah’s Messenger (صلى الله عليه و سلم), as Allaah has described them in His saying: ‘And those who come after them say: ‘Our Lord! Forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in Faith. And put not in our hearts any hatred against those who have believed. Our Lord, You are indeed full of kindness, most Merciful.’ [Surah Al-Hashr: 10]

And (from their principles is) obedience to the Prophet with regard to his (صلى الله عليه و سلم) saying: ‘Do not revile my Companions! For by the One whose Hand my soul is in, if one of you were to give away the size of mount Uhud in gold for charity, it would not equal a mudd of one of them nor even half of it.’

They accept what is stated in the Qur’aan, the Sunnah and the Consensus concerning their (the Companion’s) virtues and high status. And they give preference to those who spent their wealth and fought (in the Way of Allaah) before the Victory, which refers to the Treaty of al-Hudaibiyah, over those who gave their wealth and fought after it. They give precedence to the Muhaajireen over the Ansaar. And they believe that Allaah said to the people who fought in (the Battle of) Badr – who numbered over three hundred people: ‘Do whatever you wish, for I have already forgiven you.’

And they believe that no one who pledged their allegiance to the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) under the tree will enter the Hellfire, as the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) informed us. In fact, Allaah was pleased with them and they were pleased with Him. And they were more than one thousand four hundred people.

They designate to Paradise whoever the Messenger of Allaah testified will be in Paradise, such as the Ten (Companions), Thaabit bin Qays bin Shammas and others.

They confirm what has been reported in tawaatur form on the Commander of the Believers, ‘Alee Ibn Abee Taalib and others that: The best of this ummah after its Prophet are Abu Bakr; then ‘Umar. Then they place ‘Uthmaan third and ‘Alee fourth, may Allaah be pleased with all of them. This is as is indicated in the athaar (reports from the Sahaabah) and as was unanimously agreed upon that ‘Uthmaan had precedence (over ‘Alee) for being pledged allegiance to (for the Khilaafah).

In spite of this, after unanimously agreeing to the precedence of Abu Bakr and ‘Umar, some of Ahl-us-Sunnah have disagreed with regard to ‘Uthmaan and ‘Alee as to which of them is better. So a group of them gave precedence to ‘Uthmaan and then remained silent, and placed ‘Alee as the fourth. And another group gave precedence to ‘Alee. And yet another group remained neutral. But the affair of Al-us-Sunnah settled upon giving precedence to ‘Uthmaan and then ‘Alee.

Regardless, this issue of ‘Uthmaan and ‘Alee is not from the principles by which the one who disagrees concerning it becomes misguided (and deviant), according to the majority of the (scholars of) Ahl-us-Sunnah. Rather, the issue in which the one who opposes becomes misguided is the issue of the Khilaafah – and it is that they (must) believe that the Khaleefah after Allaah’s Messenger was Abu Bakr, then ‘Umar, then ‘Uthmaan, then ‘Alee. And whoever attacks the Khilaafah of any one of them, then he is more astray than the donkey of his people.”

Then he mentioned that they have love and affection for the Members of the Household of Allaah’s Messenger and that they preserve the Will (final requests) of Allaah’s Messenger concerning them. And that they have affection for the Wives of Allaah’s Messenger, the Mothers of the Believers and believe that they will be his wives in the Hereafter.

Then he said:

“They absolve themselves from the way of the Rawaafid – those who hate the Companions and revile them – and from the way of the Nawaasib – those who abuse the Members of the (Prophet’s) Household – through speech or action. And they refrain from (delving into) the disputes that occurred between the Companions. And they say: These narrations that have been reported concerning their faults have in them some that are false, some that have had things added to them, some that have had parts omitted from them, and some that have been changed from their original state. As for those narrations that are authentic (concerning their faults), then they (the Companions) are excused (and forgiven) – either they made Ijtihaad and were correct or they made Ijtihaad and were wrong.

Furthermore, they do not believe that each of the Companions is infallible and free from committing major or minor sins. Rather, they are capable of committing sins in general, however, they possess from precedence and virtues that which necessitates that they be forgiven for whatever (sins) they commit – if they did commit any. This is even to the point that they will be forgiven for evil deeds the likes of which those who come after them will not be forgiven for. This is because they possess good deeds that wipe out the evil deeds, the likes of which will not be for those after them.

It is established from the saying of Allaah’s Messenger (صلى الله عليه و سلم) that they are the best of generations and that if one of them were to give a mudd (of gold) in charity it would be better than if someone who came after them were to give the whole of Mount Uhud in gold. And if it was the case that one of them committed a sin, then either he repented from it or he performed some good deed that wiped it out. Or he will be forgiven for it due to the virtue of his precedence or because of the intercession of Muhammad H, of which the Companions have the most right among people of receiving. Or perhaps he was tested by some affliction in this world, by which it was expiated from him. So if this is with respect to the sins that were actualized (by them), then what about the matters in which they did Ijtihaad? If they were correct they will have two rewards and if they were incorrect they will have just one reward and their error will be forgiven.

Furthermore, the amount of (bad) deeds committed by some of them, that is forsaken yet forgiven, is tiny in comparison to their virtues and good qualities, such as their belief in Allaah and His Messenger, their Jihaad for His Cause, their performance of Hijrah, their support (of the Religion), as well as their beneficial knowledge and good deeds. And whoever studies the history of the ‘people’ (i.e. the Sahaabah) with knowledge and insight, and studies the merits that Allaah bestowed unto them, he will come to know with full certainty that they are the best of creation after the prophets. There was not nor will there be anyone like them. They are the safwah (chosen elite) from all the generations of this nation (of Muslims), which is itself the best and most honorable of all nations with Allaah.”

[End of Ibn Taimiyyah’s words]

Posted from : The Creed of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah concerning the Companions – Shaikh ‘Abdul-Muhsin bin Hamad Al-‘Abbaad (al-ibaanah e-Book)

Refraining from (speaking about) the differences that occurred between Companions – Shaikh Abdul-Muhsin Al-Abbaad

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And whatever disputes and differences that occurred between (some of) them, that can be authentically confirmed, we hold that they were Mujtahideen in that regard – either they were correct and will receive one reward for their Ijtihaad and one reward for being correct, or they were wrong and will receive just one reward for their Ijtihaad while their error will be forgiven. They were not infallible since they were human beings. At times they were correct and at times they erred. But how much more were they correct as compared to others being correct, and how fewer were their errors as compared to the errors of others? And on top of this, they will receive Allaah’s forgiveness and contentment.

The books of Ahl-us-Sunnah are filled with a clarification of this pure and radiant Creed concerning these elite people, who were chosen amongst mankind to accompany the best of mankind H. May Allaah be pleased with them all.

An example of this is the statement of At-Tahaawee in his (book on the) Creed of Ahl- us-Sunnah:

“We love the Companions of Allaah’s Messenger. But we do not go to extremes in our love for anyone amongst them, nor do we absolve ourselves from any of them. And we hate anyone that hates them or anyone that talks about them in a bad way. And we do not mention them except with good. Loving them is Deen (Religion), Eemaan (Faith) and Ihsaan (Goodness) and hating them is Kufr (Disbelief), Nifaaq (hypocrisy) and Tughyaan (transgression).”

Ibn Abee Zayd Al-Qayrawaanee said in the introduction to his famous ar-Risaalah, in which he explains the Creed of Ahl-us-Sunnah:

“The best of generations is the one that saw the Messenger of Allaah. And the best of the Companions are the (four) rightly guided Khaleefahs – Abu Bakr, then ‘Umar, then ‘Uthmaan, then ‘Alee, may Allaah be pleased with them all. None of the Companions should be mentioned except in the best of manners. We believe in refraining from (speaking about) the differences that occurred between them. And that they are the most deserving of people of having excuses made for them and (that) they are to be thought of in the best way.”

Imaam Ahmad bin Hanbal said in his book as-Sunnah:

“And from the Sunnah is mentioning the good qualities of the Companions of Allaah’s Messenger – all of them – and to refrain from (speaking about) what disputes occurred between them. So whoever reviles the Companions of Allaah’s Messenger or (just) one of them, then he is an innovator, a Raafidee. Loving them is a Sunnah and making du’aa (supplication) for them is a means of getting close to Allaah (taqarrub). Following them is a means and taking from their example is a virtue…”

And he said:

“It is not permissible for anyone to mention any of their faults. Nor can anyone disparage any of them. So whoever does that, then the authority (sultan) is obligated to reprimand him and punish him. And he is not to pardon him, but rather must punish him and then request him to repent. So if he repents, he should accept it from him. And if he doesn’t repent, he should reinitiate the punishment upon him and lock him in prison for good until he repents and recants (from his false belief).”

Imaam Abu ‘Uthmaan As-Saaboonee said in his book Aqeedat-us-Salaf wa Ashaab-il- Hadeeth:

“And they held it an obligation to refrain from (speaking about) the differences that occurred between the Companions of Allaah’s Messenger and to purify the tongues from mentioning anything that consists of a blemish on them or a degradation of them. And they held it an obligation to ask Allaah to grant mercy to all of them and to show friendship to all of them.”

Posted from : The Creed of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah concerning the Companions – Shaikh ‘Abdul-Muhsin bin Hamad Al-‘Abbaad (al-ibaanah e-Book)

The Backbiting Of The Heart – Imaam An-Nawawee

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Know that having bad thoughts about someone is forbidden just like having bad speech about him. So just as it is forbidden for you to speak to others about the defects of a person, it is likewise forbidden for you to speak to yourself about that and to hold bad thoughts for him.

Allaah says:

“O you who believe, avoid much (types) of suspicion. Verily some (forms) of suspicion is a sin.” [Surah Al-Hujuraat: 12]

And Abu Hurairah (radhi Allaahu anhu) reported that Allaah’s Messenger (sall Allaahu alayhi wa sallam) said:

“Beware of suspicion, for indeed suspicion is the most untruthful form of speech.” [39]

The ahaadeeth with this same understanding I have mentioned here are many. What the backbiting of the heart means, is: When the heart has firm conviction and holds bad thoughts about someone. But as for the notions that occasionally display in one’s mind or when one talks to himself, then as long as these thoughts do not remain established and continuous in him, it is excused according to the consensus of the scholars. This is since he has no choice in the matter as to stop it from occurring nor can he find any way to liberate himself from it when it does occur. This is the understanding of what has been authentically established (in the texts).

The Messenger of Allaah (sall Allaahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “Indeed, Allaah has permitted for my ummah that which their souls whisper to them, so long as they do not speak it out (audibly) or act upon it.” [40]

The scholars say: “This refers to the notions that form in one’s mind, but do not become settled or established there.”

And they said: “This is regardless if the notion consists of backbiting, disbelief or so on (i.e. it is pardoned, so long as it does not settle). So (for example) whoever’s mind becomes flooded with thoughts of disbelief, but they are only thoughts, without him intending to have them carried out, and he then rids himself of these thoughts right after they occur, he is not a disbeliever nor is there any sin on him.

We have already stated previously, in the chapter on the (internal) whisperings, the authentic hadeeth, in which the Companions said: “O Messenger of Allaah! Some of us find things in our thoughts that are too tremendous to speak of.” So he (sall Allaahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “That is the confirmation of Faith.” [41]

And this goes for the other reports we have mentioned in that chapter that bear the same understanding.

The reason for these thoughts being excused is due to what we have stated previously that these thoughts are impossible to prevent. Rather, one is only able to prevent those thoughts from becoming settled and established in one’s mind. This is why the heart’s being resolute and determined on these thoughts is forbidden.

So whenever these thoughts, which consist of backbiting or any other sin, present themselves in your mind, it is an obligation on you to repel them, turn away from them and mention some excuse or explanation that will change what seems apparent.

We stated previously that if someone is presented with a notion of bad thoughts for another person, he should cut off those bad thoughts. But this is unless there is some (religiously) legislated benefit that leads to thinking (about that person) in this manner. So if such a reason exists, holding these thoughts about his deficiencies is permissible, as well as warning against them, as can be seen in the jarh (criticism) of certain witnesses, narrators and others we have mentioned in the Chapter on “What Type of Backbiting is Permissible.”

Footnotes

[39] Saheeh – Reported by Al-Bukhaaree (10/484 of al-Fath) and Muslim (2563)
[40] Saheeh – Reported by Al-Bukhaaree (5/160 of al-Fath) and Muslim (127 and 202)
[41] Saheeh – Reported by Muslim (132); Translator’s Note: This hadeeth shows the Companions’ zeal and enthusiasm in commanding themselves with good and forbidding themselves from evil, such that they would even fight against the evil notions that passed through their minds. But as it is impossible to prevent such thoughts from occurring every now and then, they asked the Prophet (sall Allaahu alayhi wa sallam) about this. His response to them meant that their trying to repel these thoughts showed their strong Eemaan (Faith) and love for good.

Source : Guarding the Tongue – Imaam an-Nawawee (Al-Ibaanah e-Book)

Origins of Khawaarij – Aadil bin ‘Alee Al-Furaydaan

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The Following is posted from the E-Book : “Selected Examples from the Characteristics of the Extremist Khawaarij” – by Aadil bin ‘Alee Al-Furaydaan ,Read and Reviewed by The Noble Scholars Saalih Al-Fawzaan & Muhammad Al-Khumayyis

The Definition of the Khawaarij and a Warning against Them:

The word Khawaarij is the plural of Khaarijee, and that refers to a person that removes himself from the obedience of the true ruler, outwardly proclaims opposition to him and incites the people against him.

The Guideline for Identifying a Khaarijee: [2]

If someone

(1) outwardly proclaims rebellion against the Muslim rulers or

(2) holds Muslims to be disbelievers due to major sins, apart from Shirk, or

(3) justifies the views of the Khawaarij and considers it permissible to shed the blood of Muslims in the name of Jihaad in the Way of Allaah and in the name of changing an evil,

then these are all factors for identifying the Khawaarij.

Their Origin:

After the martyrdom of the Muslim Khaleefah, ‘Umar bin Al-Khattaab رضي الله عنه, the door to fitnah was broken, as is mentioned in the hadeeth. Then with the murder of the third Khaleefah, ‘Uthmaan bin ‘Affaan رضي الله عنه in 35H, due to a conspiracy from Ibn Saba’ and those who were deluded by him, the fitnah (strife) was re-established – and we continue to see its evil effects up to this very day of ours.

Naturally, ‘Alee bin Abee Taalib رضي الله عنه was given the oath of allegiance as the next Khaleefah after him, and so most of the Muslims gave their pledge of allegiance to him. However, Mu’aawiyah رضي الله عنه and those who were with him from the inhabitants of Syria did not give in to that, citing the reason for that as being the obligation of quickly bringing to justice those responsible for the murder of ‘Uthmaan bin ‘Affaan رضي الله عنه. ‘Alee would tell Mu’aawiyah: “Enter into that which the people have entered into (of allegiance). And leave me to judge them. I will judge them with the truth.”

Furthermore, ‘Aa’ishah, Talhah and Az-Zubair رضي الله عنه set out for Basrah upset and seeking justice for the blood of ‘Uthmaan رضي الله عنه.

‘Alee رضي الله عنه tried to convince ‘Aa’ishah, Talhah and Az-Zubair of the pressing importance of first declaring allegiance to the ruler and then to seek retribution for the murder of ‘Uthmaan رضي الله عنه. The matter finally became resolved in their mutual agreement to that. However, on the following day, the callers to mischief mobilized their forces and began skirmishes and clashes on both sides. So the peace-makers from both groups thought that the other group had deceived the other, and fighting broke out. The battle that ensued, which later came to be known as the Battle of the Camel, ended with the death of Talhah, Az-Zubair and ten-thousand members from each group.

After this, ‘Alee bin Abee Taalib رضي الله عنه set out to fight against Mu’aawiyah رضي الله عنه and the inhabitants of Syria. This is since he had called them to give the allegiance, however, Mu’aawiyah رضي الله عنه refused to give it, claiming that they must first avenge the murder of ‘Uthmaan رضي الله عنه. ‘Alee took this action of Mu’aawiyah as a rebellion against the religious rulership. So there occurred (between the army of the two of them) the battle of Siffeen. When ‘Alee and those with him were close to achieving victory, the army of Mu’aawiyah placed copies of the mus-haf high over the tips of their spears and appealed to the Book of Allaah for judgement…’Alee considered this to be a trick on their part, but he was coerced to accept the decision (for peace between the two fighting parties) on the part of some members of his army, especially the Qur’aanic reciters, out of their concern for the Religion.

On the heels of this legislative decision (between the two factions), there appeared amongst the ranks of ‘Alee’s army some who opposed this decision. This opposition eventually ended up in their disobedience to the ruler and their rebelling against him. Rather, it even led them to declare ‘Alee رضي الله عنه a disbeliever as well as anyone that agreed with his decision. And they raised high their slogan: “There is no rule except for that of Allaah’s.”

‘Alee رضي الله عنه tried to reconcile with them by presenting them with arguments and proofs, and some of them returned back due to Ibn ‘Abbaas رضي الله عنه debating with them. So when the advice was not accepted by the remaining individuals that persisted in their rejection and fanaticism, ‘Alee mobilized against them and fought them. [4] This was known as the battle of Nahrawaan. ‘Alee رضي الله عنه was able to annihilate all of them except for a small portion among them that escaped to other lands.

After ‘Alee was murdered at the hands of some members from the Khawaarij, the danger of the Khawaarij increased. The scattered remnants of their army joined forces and spread their poison to the youth of the ummah to the point that they took on the shape of a force within the Islamic state that threatened its security and the security of the unified body of Muslims.

This group did not cease attacking the Muslims from that time until now, as the Prophet صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم informed us. And they give themselves misleading names, when in reality they are just extensions of the first Khawaarij.

In this current time, there have appeared many groups [5] that have adopted the ways and methods of the Khawaarij, and they have accepted many of their ideas and principles. [6]

Footnotes:

[2] This is one of the beneficial additions from Shaikh Saalih bin Fawzaan Al-Fawzaan.
[4] So ‘Alee رضي الله عنه did not fight them first, rather, it was only until they first shed innocent blood and commenced fighting with him.
[5] Such as the Jamaa’at at-Takfeer wal-Hijrah, the Jamaa’ah Tawaqquf wa Tabayyun and other groups.
[6] Such as deeming it permissible to shed unlawful blood and take unlawful wealth under the pretense of Takfeer. This refers to the rebellious and military groups..

Praise and Thank Allaah for the Blessing of Guiding you to the Methodology of Salaf-us-Saalih – Ahmad ash-Shihhee

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

The First Advice: Praise and Thank Allaah for Granting you this Blessing

This is since it is indeed a tremendous blessing, which Allaah bestows on whom He wills from His servants. So act well in showing thanks for it and in using it. And remember:

How many people are there that are submerged in misconceptions? One misconception drives him to the east while another drives him to the west – he doesn’t know how to free himself from it.

And how many people are there that are immersed in vain desires, being imprisoned by them and not knowing when he will be set free?

So give thanks to Allaah, O repentant one, and know that this blessing comes from Allaah alone. You had no will or might in the matter, except due to Allaah, the Most Kind, the All Aware.

He was the One who was kind to you and guided you and did not cause you to die while you were immersed in misconceptions and vain desires. So to Him belongs the Praise in this world and in the Hereafter.

And He was the One who directed you and facilitated for you the way to those who directed you towards the methodology of the Salaf as-Saalih. So how numerous are the blessings He has bestowed upon you and me. Allaah says:

“And if you were to count the blessings of Allaah, you would never be able to account for all of them.” [Surah Ibraaheem: 34]

So beware, beware, O my brother who has repented, of falling into self-amazement and self-delusion, or of considering yourself above Allaah’s blessing. Allaah says: “You were the same before, until Allaah bestowed His blessing on you.” [Surah An-Nisaa: 94]

And beware, beware of ridiculing or mocking others, such as those who are afflicted with that which Allaah freed you from. Instead, praise Allaah that He saved you and did not test you with what He is testing them. And when you see one of these people who are afflicted (with misconceptions and vain desires) say:

“All praise be to Allaah who saved me from what you are being afflicted by and who blessed me over many of those whom He created.” [4]

Show compassion for them and be merciful to them. And present to them what Allaah has given you from good and guidance.

And know, may Allaah grant you success, that you must follow the means that will ensure the correctness of your repentance with seriousness, eagerness, honesty and sincerity.

[4] Reported by At-Tirmidhee in his Jaami’ from the narration of Abu Hurairah, radyAllaahu ‘anhu. In its chain of narration is found ‘Abdullaah bin ‘Umar al-‘Umaree, who is weak. However, the hadeeth has supporting witnesses (from other narrations), which strengthen it to the grade of “hasan, due to other narrations.

Do not take Knowledge except from one who is known to be upon the Sunnah – Ahmad Ash-Shihhee

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

The Fourth Advice: Do not take Knowledge except from one who is known to be upon the Sunnah

Imaam Muhammad bin Sireen (rahimahullaah) said:

“Verily, this knowledge is Religion. So look into (i.e. investigate) whom you take your Religion from.”

And he said: “They (the Sahaabah) did not used to ask concerning the isnaad (chain of narration), but when the fitnah occurred, they began saying: ‘Name your men for us.’ So the People of the Sunnah would be looked to and so their hadeeth would be accepted. And the People of Innovation would be looked to and so their hadeeth would not be accepted.” [8]

So when one of these repentant individuals neglects these principles and guidelines, he becomes an open target for these misconceptions and he becomes a play object for many of those who (falsely) ascribe themselves to knowledge and Salafiyyah. So all it takes is for a person to claim knowledge or manifest his connection to the scholars from Ahlus-Sunnah, and you will find the repentant youth flocking around him, without thoroughly examining the reality of his condition and without looking into his history (i.e. background). But When he sees that his followers have become many and those who love him have become engrossed with him, he begins to reveal what he was concealing and what (way) he really inclined to. So now you see him calling to (holding) leadership in the field of Da’wah and pitching a tent for gathering everyone (i.e. regardless of beliefs). Or you see him doing other things that are in opposition to the principles of Ahlus-Sunnah wal Jamaa’ah.

This is the point where the repentant individuals begin to become confused and divided into two or even three categories – those who agree, those who are against and those who are neutral. This confusion only comes about due to two things:

First: The repentant individual’s lack of devoting attention to beneficial knowledge, especially knowledge of the Fundamentals of Ahlus-Sunnah wal Jamaa’ah, since Knowledge protects the one who has it from deviations.

Did you not see how knowledge protected Abu Bakrah (rady Alllaahu ‘anhu) in the Campaign of the Camel (Jamal),[9] when the people put the Mother of the Believers, ‘Aa’ishah (rady Allaahu ‘anhaa) forth (for the campaign). So what protected Abu Bakrah (rady Allaahu anhu) was a hadeeth he heard from Allaah’s Messenger, who said when news reached him of the death of Kisraa and the appointment of his daughter (as the leader): “A people that leave their affairs to be governed by a woman will never prosper.”

So When the fitnah occurred, Abu Bakrah remembered this hadeeth and it protected him from that, such that he said: “Allaah protected me with something that I heard from the Messenger of Allaah When Kisraa died. He (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: Who did they put to succeed her?’ They said: ‘Her daughter.’ So he (sall Allaahu alayhi wa sallam) said: ‘A people that leave their affairs to be governed by a woman Will never prosper.’ So when ‘Aa’ishah approached, i.e. Basrah, I remembered the statement of Allaah’s Messenger and so Allaah protected me by it.” [10]

Second: A lack or returning to the People Of Knowledge, Since the most deserving to be asked are the People of Knowledge and their students from Ahlus-Sunnah wal- Jamaa’ah, those who have knowledge of this individual whom the people seek to study under. so this person Should be enquired into:

Is he from the Salafee students of knowledge or not?

And did he undergo valid educational studies, Such that he has the right to be sought knowledge from or no?

SO if the answer is in the negative, then the issue comes to an end, all praise be to Allaah. And if the answer is positive, then he can be Studied under and benefited from, but without going to extremes in that matter. Rather, he should be given his due place and status.

This is an important point, which is: Differentiating between the enlightened Scholars, those Who are referred to in issues related to knowledge and current events, such as the two Imaams, Muhammad Naasir-ud-Deen Al-Albaanee and ‘AbduI-‘Azeez bin ‘Abdillaah bin Baaz (rahimahumaAllaa) and those enlightened scholars Who remained after them, such as the Mashaayikh, Muhammad bin Saalih Al-‘Uthaymeen, Saalih bin Fawzaan Al-Fawzaan, Rabee’ bin Haadee Al-Madkhalee, our Shaikh, Muqbil bin Haadee Al-Waadi’ee and others who are at their level amongst the people Of knowledge and fatwaa from AhlusSunnah waI-Jamaa’ah. So these individuals have their own level and position…

And between the prominent students of knowledge, whose knowIedge is known and whose following of the Sunnah is apparent by way of their books and the commendations of the scholars for them. SO these individuals also have their own level and position…

And between those who are less than them, from the students of knowledge, Whose Salafiyyah is Known and Whose ability to teach is recognized.

Footnotes :

[8] These last two narrations were reported by Imaam Muslim in his Introduction to his Saheeh

[9] Translator’s Note: The Campaign of the Camel occurred after the murder of Uthmaan, radyAlllaahu ‘anhu. when there was much turmoil amongst the Muslims. ‘Alee bin Abee Taalib radullaahu ‘anhu was given the bav’ah (oath of allegiance) as the succeeding Khaleefih and he decided to wait for the turmoil to simmer down before seeking revenge from the assassin of ‘Uthmaan. So the Muslims Were divided into those who were With him on this decision and those Who wanted justice for his murder right away. A group was formed to go and voice their case to ‘Alee and they rallied several of the Sahaabah including ‘Aa‘isha radhi Allaahu ‘anhaa‘ So she participated in the campaign riding on a camel (hence the name Jamal). When the parties at Basrah, a peaceful agreement was decided, yet due to some misunderstanding and confusion battle broke out and many lives were lost. And Allaah knows best.

[10] Reported by Al-Bukhaaree (7099), An-Nasaa‘ee (5403) and At-Tirmidhee (2365), and the wording mentioned here belongs to him.

Read the full e-Book: Magnificent Points of Advice for those who have turned to the Way of the Salaf – Abu ‘Abdillaah Ahmad bin Muhammad Ash-Shihhee

O you human being, who stands in need and who was created for a tremendous matter ! – Imam Ibn Qudaamah Al-Maqdisee

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So O you human being, who stands in need and who was created for a tremendous matter, you for whom the Hellfire and the Gardens of Bliss were created, if you devote your attention to the musical instruments with your ears; and you look at what Allaah forbade with your eyes; and you eat doubtful matters with your mouth, allowing them to enter your stomach; and you are pleased with yourself dancing and swaying; and you waste all of your precious time engaged in these despicable acts; and you throw away your life, which has no value, in trying to attain these condemnable things; and you busy your body, which was created for worship, with that which Allaah forbade for His servants; and you sit in the gathering of the people of falsehood; and you perform the acts of the sinners and the ignorant.

You will come to know, when the cover has been lifted, and the Command (of Allaah) comes to pass, what will befall you from regret on the Day when you see the positions of those who have preceded (you) and the reward of those who did good deeds. While you will be with those who were left behind, the squanderers, and you will be counted as being in the company of the people of falsehood, the neglectful. You have stopped proceeding, the pains have befallen you, and your regrets have become tremendous. For on that Day, the one who cries will not be shown mercy, nor will the one who complains be listened to. Nor will the one who regrets be comforted. Nor will anyone be saved from the Torment of Allaah except for he who is granted mercy.

May Allaah awaken you and us from the sleep of heedlessness, and may He enable you and us to perform what He created us for (i.e. worship), by His mercy.

Posted from eBook – Condemning the Practices of those who claim Sufism – Imaam Ibn Qudaamah Al-Maqdisee (al-ibaanah publishing)

The Strangeness Of The Sunnah And its Adherents – Imam Ibn Rajab

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Concerning the statement of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم):

“Islaam began as something strange and will return to being strange, as it began“,

Imaam Al-Awzaa’ee (rahimahullaah) said:

“As for this, then it does not mean that Islaam will go away, but rather it means that the Ahl-us-Sunnah [21] will go away, up to the point that there will not remain in a land, any from them except one person.”

Based on this understanding, there can be found in the statements of the Salaf much praise for the Sunnah and their describing it as being strange, and describing its adherents and followers as being few.

Al-Hasan Al-Basree (rahimahullaah) used to say to his companions:

“Oh Ahl-us-Sunnah! Be gentle with one another and may Allaah have mercy on you. For indeed, you are from amongst the fewest of people.” [22]

Yoonus Ibn ‘Ubayd (rahimahullaah) said:

“There is not a thing more stranger than the Sunnah. And what is more stranger than it, is the one who knows it.”

Sufyaan Ath-Thawree (rahimahullaah) said:

“Treat the Ahl-us-Sunnah kindly, for verily, they are strangers.” [23]

The understanding of the term “Sunnah” to these scholars, was the way of the Prophet – that which he and his companions were upon – free from Doubts (Ash-Shubuhaat) and Desires (Ash-Shahawaat).

Due to this, Al-Fudayl Ibn Tyaad (rahimahullaah) used to say:

“Ahl-us-Sunnah is he who knows what is entering his stomach from the halaal”

That is because the consumption of halaal is from the greatest aspects of the Sunnah, which the Prophet and his companions were upon.

Then it remained the custom of the majority of the later scholars, from the scholars of hadeeth and other fields, that the Sunnah consisted of what was free from Doubts in regards to Creed. This was especially the case with issues such as the belief in Allaah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day, and other issues such as Al-Qadar (Divine Pre-Ordainment) and the merits of the Sahaabah. They compiled literary works concerning this knowledge and named them books of “Sunnah”. This knowledge was only labeled with the name “Sunnah”, because its significance was tremendous and all those who opposed it were on the brink of destruction.

And as for the complete Sunnah, then it is the path that is free and safe from Doubts and Desires, as has been stated by Al-Hasan, Yoonus Ibn ‘Ubayd, Sufyaan, Al-Fudayl and others besides them. Due to this, its adherents are described as strange because of their small number and rarity in the Last Days.

This is why it has been mentioned in some of the previously stated reports that they are:

“A righteous people surrounded by people abounding in much evil. Those who disobey them are greater in number than those who obey them.” [24]

In this is an indication of the smallness of their amount in number and in the amount of those who answer and accept their call. We also are made aware of the greatness in number of those who oppose them and disobey them.

That is why it is reported in numerous ahaadeeth, praise for the one who sticks firmly to his Religion during the Last Days. And that he who does so will be like one who holds tightly onto hot pieces of coal. And that the one who acts upon it, will receive fifty times the reward more than those before him. [25] This is because he will not find any supporters in doing good deeds.

These strangers are of two categories:

The first of them are those who rectify themselves when the people have become corrupt.

The second category contains those who rectify what the people have corrupted of the Sunnah. And this (latter one) is the most highest and virtuous of the two categories.

Footnotes

[21] What is meant by the term Ahl-us-Sunnah are all the Muslims who strictly follow the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad. They learn it, act upon it, enforce it and teach it to others. They consist of the scholars, their students and those that follow in their footsteps.

[22] This report was recorded by Al-Laalikaa’ee. Badr Al-Badr indicated its weakness in his notes to Kashf-ul- Kurbah. However, a similar narration to this one has been recorded by Ad-Daarimee (1/72) and its wording is: “For verily, Ahl-us-Sunnah are the least of people in number who have preceded, and they are the least of people in number who remain.” This narration is authentic. See Dr. Nasr Al-‘Aql’s book Maflioom Ahl-is- Sunnati wal-Jamaa’ah (pg. 84)

[23] This narration was recorded by Al-Laalikaa’ee in his Sharh Usool ‘Itiqaad Ahl-is-Sunnah (1/64) and it was mentioned from him by Ibn Al-Jawzee in Talbees Iblees. Dr. Nasr Al-‘Aql mentioned it in his book Mafhoom Ahl-is-Sunnati wal-Jamaa’ah (pg. 85)

[24] Musnad Ahmad (2/177) and its checking has been stated previously.

[25] This saying is based on the following hadeeth of the Prophet: “Verily, after you there will come times requiring patience. (In those days) the one who holds fast to that which you are upon will have the reward of fifty amongst you. He will receive the reward of fifty (i.e. the one holding onto the way of the companions in later times).” Reported by Al-Marwazee in As-Sunnah (no. 35), At-Tabaraanee in Al-Kabeer (17/117), Abu Dawood in his Sunan (no. 3441), At-Tirmidhee (no. 3057), who declared it saheeh, and Ibn Maajah (no. 4014). Imaam Al-Albaanee authenticated it in As-Saheehah (no. 494)

Posted from : Alleviating Grievances in Describing the Condition of the Strangers – Al-Haafidh Ibn Rajab Al-Hanbalee, al-Ibaanah eBook

An Upright Heart : One of the Keys for Obtaining Knowledge – Shaykh Abdullaah Adh-Dhufairee

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Fourth: An Upright Heart

The heart is the container where knowledge is stored. If the container is firm, it will store and protect what is placed in it, and if the container is damaged, it will lose what is placed in it.

The Messenger of Allaah (صلى الله عليه و سلم) made the heart the foundation of everything, as he said:

“Verily, there is a morsel of flesh in the body that if it is correct, the entire body will be correct, and if it is corrupt, the entire body will be corrupt. Indeed, it is the heart.”

An upright heart comes about through awareness of Allaah and knowledge of His Names, Attributes and Actions. It also comes about by way of reflecting on His signs and creations, and by pondering on the Qur’aan. An upright heart also comes about due to one constantly prostrating (in prayer) and frequently observing the night prayer.

One should also avoid the things that corrupt and sicken the heart, since if these things are present in the heart, it will not be able to carry the knowledge. And even if the heart does carry it, it will not be understood, as Allaah says about the hypocrites – those with diseased hearts:

“They have heart with which they do not comprehend.” [Surah Al-Araaf: 179]

The diseases of the heart are of two types: Desires and Doubts

Desires are such as love for this worldly life and its pleasures and being preoccupied with that; love for unlawful images; listening to unlawful things such as musical voices and instruments; and looking at the forbidden.

Doubts are such as corrupt beliefs; innovated actions; and ascribing to innovated ideological movements.

Some other diseases of the heart that also serve as obstacles before knowledge are: jealousy, spite and pride.

Some other things that corrupt the heart are: excessive sleep, excessive speech and excessive eating.

Therefore, one should avoid these diseases and corruptors in order to rectify the heart and make it upright.

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

 

The madh-hab of Ahl-us-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah concerning the Companions is that of moderateness between the two ends of extremism and heedlessness – Shaykh Abdul-Muhsin al-Abbad

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The madh-hab of Ahl-us-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah concerning the Companions is that of moderateness between the two ends of extremism and heedlessnessThe madh-hab of Ahl-us-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah concerning the Companions is that of moderateness between the two ends of extremism and heedlessness. It is moderateness amidst the extremist fanatics who elevate the esteemed ones amongst them to a level that is only befitting for Allaah or for His messengers and moderateness amidst the heedless and harsh ones who belittle and revile them. So they are in the middle between those who are excessive and those who fall short – they love all of them and put each one of them in the due place that they deserve, with fairness and justice. So they do not elevate them to a level they don’t deserve, nor do they belittle them, taking away what they are worthy of. Their tongues are moist with mentioning them only in good, according to what is befitting for them. And their hearts are filled with love for them.

And whatever disputes and differences that occurred between (some of) them, that can be authentically confirmed, we hold that they were Mujtahideen in that regard – either they were correct and will receive one reward for their Ijtihaad and one reward for being correct, or they were wrong and will receive just one reward for their Ijtihaad while their error will be forgiven. They were not infallible since they were human beings. At times they were correct and at times they erred. But how much more were they correct as compared to others being correct, and how fewer were their errors as compared to the errors of others? And on top of this, they will receive Allaah’s forgiveness and contentment.

The books of Ahl-us-Sunnah are filled with a clarification of this pure and radiant Creed concerning these elite people, who were chosen amongst mankind to accompany the best of mankind (صلى الله عليه و سلم). May Allaah be pleased with them all.

An example of this is the statement of At-Tahaawee in his (book on the) Creed of Ahl- us-Sunnah:

“We love the Companions of Allaah’s Messenger. But we do not go to extremes in our love for anyone amongst them, nor do we absolve ourselves from any of them. And we hate anyone that hates them or anyone that talks about them in a bad way. And we do not mention them except with good. Loving them is Deen (Religion), Eemaan (Faith) and Ihsaan (Goodness) and hating them is Kufr (Disbelief), Nifaaq (hypocrisy) and Tughyaan (transgression).”

Imaam Ahmad bin Hanbal said in his book as-Sunnah:

“And from the Sunnah is mentioning the good qualities of the Companions of Allaah’s Messenger – all of them – and to refrain from (speaking about) what disputes occurred between them. So whoever reviles the Companions of Allaah’s Messenger or (just) one of them, then he is an innovator, a Raafidee.

Loving them is a Sunnah and making du’aa (supplication) for them is a means of getting close to Allaah (taqarrub). Following them is a means and taking from their example is a virtue…“

Posted from : The Creed of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah concerning the Companions – Shaikh ‘Abdul-Muhsin bin Hamad Al-‘Abbaad, al-ibaanah eBook

Benefit : All of the Companions (Sahabah) of Allaah’s Messenger are Trustworthy – Shaikh Abdul-Muhsin al-Abbad

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All of the Companions of Allaah’s Messenger are trustworthy based on Allaah’s testifying that for them and because of His praise for them and the praise of His Messenger (صلى الله عليه و سلم) for them.

An-Nawawee said in at-Taqreeb, which As-Suyootee explained in his Tadreeb-ur-Raawee:

“All of the Companions are trustworthy – those who were involved in the afflictions (fitan) and other than them – according to the consensus of the scholars.”

Al-Haafidh Ibn Hajr said in al-lsaabah:

“Ahl-us-Sunnah have unanimously agreed that all of them (the Sahaabah) are trustworthy and no one opposed this except some deviants amongst the innovators.”

This is why there is no harm in not knowing a Companion in a chain of narration. So if a Taabi’ee says: “On the authority of a man who accompanied the Prophet…” this does not affect the report. This is because not knowing the Companions (in the chain) causes no harm since they are all trustworthy.

Al-Khateeb Al-Baghdaadee said in his book al-Kifaayah:

“Every hadeeth that has a chain of narration that is connected between the one who reported it and the Prophet is not to be acted upon until first having affirmed the trustworthiness and reliability of all the narrators (in the chain). It is an obligation to investigate all of their conditions, except for the Sahaabee (Companion) who raises it (or attributes the hadeeth) to the Prophet. This is because the trustworthiness of the Companions is established and well known based on Allaah’s affirming that for them, His informing us of their pure state and His preference of them in the texts of the Qur’aan…”

Then he (rahimahullaah) went on to list some ayaat and ahaadeeth concerning their virtues and said:

“And even if Allaah or His Messenger had not mentioned anything about them from what we just stated now (of their virtues), the condition they were upon of having made Hijrah, fought in Jihaad, of having offered their support, sacrificed their lives and wealth, experienced the killings of their parents and children, of mutually advising for the Religion and having strong Faith and unshakeable certainty, (all of this) would be enough to prove their trustworthiness and enough for one to have firm faith in their honesty and integrity. And it would necessitate the understanding that they are the best from those who receive testimony and approval as to their trustworthiness and reliability from all of the people that will come after them forever and ever.”

Posted from : The Creed of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah concerning the Companions – Shaikh ‘Abdul-Muhsin bin Hamad Al-‘Abbaad, al-ibaanah eBook

Reciting the Qur’aan (from Memory or from the Mus-haf) whilst not having wudoo – Shaykh Fawzaan

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[8] Question: Noble Shaikh, what is the ruling on one who recites the Qur’aan whilst not having wudoo, regardless of whether he recites from memory or from the mus-haf?

[8] Answer: It is permissible for a person to recite the Qur’aan without having wudoo if he recites from his memory. This is since nothing prevented the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) from reciting the Qur’aan except for Janaabah (sexual impurity). He (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would recite the Qur’aan whilst in a state of wudoo and without it.

As for the mus-haf, it is not permissible for someone who has broken his wudoo to touch it, regardless of whether it is the minor form of impurity or the major form. Allaah says: “No one touches it except for the pure.” [Surah Al-Waaqi’ah: 79] This means: “Those who are pure and free from impurities, uncleanness and Shirk.” Also in the hadeeth, the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) wrote a letter to his vice-regent ‘Amr bin Hazm in which he instructed him: “No one should touch the mus-haf except for the purified.” 

This is also the view that has been unanimously agreed upon by the four Imaams – that it is not permissible for one in the state of impurity – whether major or minor state – to touch the mus-haf except from behind a covering, such as when the mus-haf is in a box or a bag or if one touches it using one’s garment or sleeve as a barrier.

Source: Questions & Answers on the Qur’aan – Shaykh Saalih Al-Fawzaan, al-ibaanah.com

Do not let your Commerce divert you from the Remembrance of Allaah – Shaykh Saalih Fawzan

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The Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) has forbidden us from certain types of business transactions due to what they contain from sinful means of earning and what is found in them from dangers to mankind and the taking of wealth unjustly. From these types of prohibited transactions are:

When the buying and selling keeps one preoccupied from performing worship , i.e. they take away from the time of the worship, such as when a person is busy buying and selling and holds back from praying in congregation in the masjid, to the point that he misses it or misses part of it. This is forbidden. Allaah says:

“O you who believe, when the prayer is called for on the Day of Jumu’ah, then rush to the Remembrance of Allaah and leave off the trading (commerce). That is better for you if you did but know. So when the prayer is finished then spread throughout the land and seek from Allaah’s Bounty and remember Allaah much in order that you may be successful.” [Surah Al-Jumu’ah: 9-10]

And Allaah says in another ayah:

“O you who believe! Do not let you wealth or your children divert you from the Remembrance of Allaah. And whoever does that, then such are the losers.” [Surah Al-Munaafiqoon: 9]

Take note of Allaah’s saying: “…then such are the losers.” He rules upon them that they are losers even though they may be wealthy, having amassed hoards of money even if they may have many children.This is because their wealth and their children cannot replace what they missed out on from the Remembrance of Allaah. So even if they gain a profit or earn income in this world, they will still be losers in every sense of the word. They can only be profiting in reality if they combine between these two good things. If they were to combine between the seeking of sustenance and the worship of Allaah, by buying and selling when it is time for buying and selling and attending the prayer when it is time for prayer, then they would have combined between the good of this life and the good of the Hereafter. And they would have acted on Allaah’s saying:

 “So seek your provision from Allaah and worship Him (alone)”

and His saying:

 “So when the prayer is finished then spread throughout the land and seek from Allaah’s Bounty.”

Therefore, commerce is of two types – the commerce of the worldly life and the commerce of the next life (Hereafter). The commerce of this life is with wealth and with earnings while the commerce of the next life is with righteous actions. Allaah says:

“O you who believe, shall I not direct you to a trade (i.e. commerce) that will save you from a painful punishment? Believe in Allaah and His Messenger and strive hard and fight in the Cause of Allaah with your wealth and your lives. That will be better for you, if you but knew! (If you do so), He will forgive you your sins and admit you into Gardens under which rivers flow and pleasant dwellings in the gardens of ‘Adan (i.e. Paradise). That is indeed the great success. And He will also give you another (blessing), which you will love – help from Allaah and a near victory. So give glad tidings to the believers.” [Surah As-Saff: 10-13]

This is the immense commerce, which is profitable. So if the permissible commerce of this worldly life is attached to it, it becomes good upon good. But if a person limits his commerce to solely that of this worldly life while abandoning the commerce of the Hereafter, he becomes a loser, as Allaah says: “…then such are the losers.”[Surah Al-Munaafiqoon: 9]

Therefore, if a person were to turn his attention to performing worship and establishing the prayer, and if were to remember Allaah much, by doing what Allaah commanded him to do, Allaah would surely open the doors of sustenance for him. As a matter of fact, the prayer is a means for attaining sustenance (rizq), as Allaah says:

“And command your family with prayer and be patient in offering them. We are not asking you to provide Us with sustenance (rizq). (Rather), We will provide for you and the good end is for those who have Taqwaa.” [Surah TaHa: 132]

So the prayer, which some people claim takes time away from them seeking after the rizq (sustenance) and from buying and selling, is in fact the opposite of what they claim. It opens for them the door of provision, comfort and blessing. This is because the sustenance (rizq) is in the Hand of Allaah. So if you were to turn your attention towards remembering Him and worshipping Him, He would facilitate and open the door of sustenance for you. “And Allaah is the best of Providers.” [Surah Al-Jumu’ah: 11]

Allaah says, describing the worship of the believers:

“In houses (masaajid), which Allaah has ordered to be raised, and in which His name is mentioned. He is glorified therein during the mornings and the evenings. (They are) Men whom neither business nor commerce diverts them away from the Remembrance of Allaah, nor from performing the Prayer or giving the Zakaat. They fear a day when the hearts and the eyes will be overturned out of fear (of the horrors of the Day of Judgement).” [Surah An-Noor: 36-37]

In explanation of this ayah, some of the Salaf said: “They (the Sahaabah) would buy and sell, but when one of them heard the mua’dhin calling to prayer, and the scale was still in his hand, he would drop the scale and head out for the prayer.” So as stated before, the point is that if the buying and selling preoccupies you from performing your prayer, then this commerce is forbidden and futile. And the money earned from it is Haraam (unlawful) and filthy.

Source : From the al-ibaanah eBook – Forbidden Business Transactions : Shaikh Saalih Al-Fawzaan hafidhahullaah

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