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The Muslim Woman & Her Status in the Ummah : By Shaykh Ibn Baaz

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By Shaykh ‘Abdul ‘Azeez Ibn Baaz (d.1420H) (rahimahullaah) [1]

This small article was a response to a particular question concerning the position and status of Muslim women, and has been taken from his Majmoo’ Fataawaa wa Maqaalaat Mutanawwi’ah (3/348-350).

Source: Al-Istiqaamah , Issue No.1 – Dhul-Hijjah 1416H / May 1996

The status of the Muslim woman in Islaam is a very noble and lofty one, and her effect is very great in the life of every Muslim. Indeed, the Muslim woman is the initial teacher in the building of a righteous society, providing she follows the guidance from the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Since adherence to the Qur’aan and the Sunnah distances every Muslim male or female from being misguided in any matter. The misguidance that the various nations suffer from, the path of Allaah the Most Perfect, the Most High, and from what His Prophets and Messengers, may Allaah’s peace and prayers be upon them all, came with. The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “I am leaving behind two matters, you will not go astray as long as you cling to them both, the Book of Allaah and my Sunnah.”

The great importance of the Muslim woman’s role – whether as wife, sister or daughter, and the rights that are due to her and the obligations due from her have been explained in the noble Qur’aan, and further details of this have been explained in the purified Sunnah.

The secret of her importance lies in the tremendous burden and responsibility that is placed upon her, and the difficulties that she has to shoulder. In terms of responsibilities, some of which not even a man can bear. This is why from the most important obligations upon a person is to show gratitude to the mother, and kindness and good companionship with her. And in this matter, she is to be given precedence over and above the father. Allaah the Most High, says:

“And We have enjoined upon man to be dutiful and good to his parents. His mother bore him in weakness upon weakness and hardship upon hardship, and his weaning is in two years. Show gratitude and thanks to Me and to your parents. Unto Me is the final destination.” [Al-Qur’aan 31:14]

Allah the Most High, said: “And We have enjoined upon man to be dutiful and kind to his parents. His mother bears him with hardship, and she brings him forth with hardship. And the bearing and the weaning of him is thirty months.” [Al-Qur’aan 46:15].

A man came to Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: O Messenger of Allaah! Who from amongst mankind warrants the best companionship from me. He replied: “Your mother.” The man asked: Then who? So he replied: “Your mother.” The man asked: Then who? So the Prophet replied again: “Your mother.” The man then asked: Then who? So he replied: “Then your father.” So this necessitates that the mother is given three times the likes of kindness and good treatment than the father.

As regards the wife, then her effect in making the soul tranquil and serene, has been clearly shown in the noble aayah (verse), in His – the Most High’s – saying:

“And from amongst His Signs is this: That He created for you wives from amongst yourselves, so that you may find serenity and tranquility in them, And He has put between you love and compassion. Indeed, in this are signs for those who reflect.” [Al-Qur’aan 30:21]

Al-Haafidh Ibn Katheer (d.774H) – rahimahullaah – said, whilst explaining the terms mawaddah and rahmah which occur in the above verse. “Al-mawaddah means love and affection, and ar-rahmah means compassion and pity, since a man takes the hand of a woman either due to his love for her, or because of compassion and pity for her; by giving to her a child from himself…”

And the unique stance that the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam’s wife Khadeejah – radiallaahu ‘anhaa – took, had a huge effect in calming and reassuring Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, when the angel Jibreel – ‘alayhis-salaam – first came to him in the cave of Hiraa. The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayi wa sallam returned to Khadeejah with the first Revelation and with his heart trembling and beating severely, saying to her, “Cover me! Cover me!” So she covered him until his fear was over, after which he told Khadeejah – radiallaahu ‘anhaa – everything that had happened, and said: “I fear that something may happen to me.” She said to him: “Never! By Allaah! Allaah will never  disgrace you. You keep good ties with relations, you help the poor and  the destitute, you serve your guests generouly and assist those who have been affected with calamities.“

And do not forget about ‘Aaishah – radiallaahu ‘anhaa – and her immense contribution. Even the eminent Sahaabah (Companions) used to take knowledge of Hadeeth from her, and many of the Sahaabiyaat (female Companions) learnt the various rulings pertaining to women’s issues from her.

And I have no doubt that my mother (may Allaah shower His mercy upon her) had a tremendous effect upon me, and has a great excellence over me, in encouraging me to study, and she assisted me in it. May Allaah greatly increase her reward and reward her with the best of rewards for what she did for me. And there is no doubt also, that the house in which there is kindness, gentleness, love and care, with the correct Islaamic tarbiyah (education and cultivation) will greatly affect the man. So he will become, if Allaah wills, successful in his affairs and in any matter whether it be seeking knowledge, trading, earning a living, etc. So it is Allaah alone that I ask to grant us all success and to guide us all to that which He loves and is pleased with. And may the prayers and peace of Allaah be upon our Prophet Muhammad, and upon his Family, his Companions and his followers.

1. He is the exemplary Scholar: Abu ‘Abdullaah, ‘Abdul-‘Azeez bin ‘Abdullaah bin Baaz. He was born in the city of Riyaadh (Sa’udi Arabiah) on the 12th Dhul-Hijjah in the year 1330H. He began seeking knowledge by first memorising the Qur’aan before reaching the age of maturity. He then went on to study the various Islaamic sciences, such as ‘Aqeedah (Beliefs), Fiqh (Jurisprudence), Usoolul-Fiqh (Fundamentals of Jurisprudence), Hadeeth (Prophetic Narrations), Faraa’id (Laws of Inheritance), Nahw (Grammar) and Sarf (Morphology) – even though the Shaykh became permanently blind at the age of seventeen. He studied these sciences under some of the most prominent Scholars of Riyaadh and Makkah of his time, including Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Abdul-Lateef ibn Abdur-Rahmaan ibn Hasan and also the former grand-muftee and noble scholar, Shaykh Muhammad ibn Ibraaheem – whom he studied under for ten years. He is eighty-six years old, mild, generous and forbearing in nature, whilst firm, yet wise, when speaking the truth. He is a zaahid (one who abstains) with respect to this world and is one of the foremost Scholars of Ahlul-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’at in this present age. The noble Shaykh has – by Allaah’s grace – devoted his whole life to the cause of Islaam and its people, authoring many books and booklets, teaching and serving the masses, along with being very active in the field of da’wah. May Allaah protect our noble father and Shaykh, and may He continue to benefit the Ummah with him.
This small article was a response to a particular question concerning the position and status of Muslim women, and has been taken from his Majmoo’ Fataawaa wa Maqaalaat Mutanawwi’ah (3/348-350).
2. Hasan: Related by Maalik in al-Muwatta (2/899) and al-Haakim (1/93), from Ibn ‘Abbaas radiallaahu ‘anhu. It was authenticated by al-Albaanee in as-Saheehah (no.1871).
3. Related by al-Bukhaaree (no. 5971) and Muslim (7/2), from Abu Hurayrah radiallaahu ‘anhu.
4. Tafseer Qur’aanul-‘Adheem (3/439) of Ibn Katheer.
5. Related by al-Bukhaaree (1/22) and Muslim (1/139), from the lengthy narration of ‘Aa’eshah radiallaahu ‘anhaa.

Marriage, Casts and Compatibility : Ibn Baaz

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By Shaykh ’Abdul-’Azeez Ibn ’Abdullaah Ibn Baaz
[al-Istiqaamah] [1]

COMPATIBILITY IS ONLY BASED UPON RELIGION AND PIETY:

From the evil and reprehensible matters is that some who claim to be from the tribe of Haashim (i.e. claim to be a Sayyid; someone related to the Prophet’s (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) family) say that there is no kafaa‘ah (marriage compatibility) between them and someone from outside of their own clan. So they do not get married outside of their clan, nor allow anyone from outside of their clan to marry them. This is a great error, a monstrous ignorance, oppression against the woman, and it is a legislation which neither Allaah nor His Messenger (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) legislated or prescribed. Rather, Allaah – the Most High – said:

“O mankind! We have created you from a male and female, and have made you into nations and tribes; that you may know one another, Indeed the most noblest of you with Allaah is the one who has the most taqwaa (piety, fear, and obedience of Allaah).” [Sooratul-Hujuraat 49:13]

“Indeed the Believers are but brothers.” [Sooratul-Hujuraat 49:10]

“The Believers – men and women – are allies and protectors, one to another.” [Sooratut-Tawbah 9:71]

“So their Lord accepted from them their supplication, and responded: Never will I allow to be lost the actions of any of you, be they male or female. You are one to another.” [Soorah Aali-’Imraan 3:195]

Allaah’s Messenger (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: “Indeed there is no excellence for an arab over a non-arab, nor for a non-arab over on arab, nor for a white person over a black one, nor for a black person over a white one, except through taqwaa (piety and obedience to Allaah). The people are from Aadam, and Aadam was from earth.” [2]

The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) also said: “Indeed my awliyaa‘ (friends and allies) are not the tribe of so and so. Rather my friends and allies are the muttaqoon (those who possess taqwaa) – wherever they may be.” [3]

The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: “If there comes to you a person whose Religion and character are pleasing to you, then marry him (i.e. give the girl in marriage to him). If you do not do this, there will be fitnah (trial and discord) and great fasaad (corruption) upon the earth.” This was related by at-Tirmidhee and others, with a hasan isnaad (good chain of narration). [4]

The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) married Zaynab bint Jahsh of the Quraysh (i.e. the Prophet’s clan) to Zayd Ibn Haarithah, his freed slave. He married Faatimah bint Qays from the Quraysh clan, to Usaamah, the son of Zayd. Bilaal ibn Rabaah, the Ethiopian married the sister of ’Abdur-Rahmaan Ibn ’Awf of the Quraysh. So the purpose here is to explain the falsehood of those who claim that it is forbidden, or detested, for someone from the Prophet’s (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) clan to marry outside of that clan or tribe. Rather, what it is obligatory in this matter is to consider only Religion as the compatibility factor. So the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) distanced Aboo Taalib and Aboo Lahab (his uncles) – because they were not Muslims and drew near Salmaan the Persian, Suhayb the Roman, and Bilaal the Ethiopian. This is because they possessed eemaan (faith) and piety, and they followed the Prescribed Laws and traversed the Straight Path. Thus, whosoever adopts this false and ignorant practice of barring Haashimee women from marrying from outside of their clan or tribe, will only achieve blameworthy results; such as corruption of the people, or adversely affecting the birth-rates, even though Allaah – the Most High – said:

“And marry those amongst you who are single, and the righteous from your slaves. If they be poor, Allaah will enrich them out of His Bounty. And Allaah is all-Sufficient for His creation, the all-Knowing about their state.” [Sooratun-Noor 24:32]

So He commanded to marry those that are single, and to marry all other categories of Muslims – irrespective of whether they be rich or poor. Thus, since the Islaamic Sharee’ah urges and encourages the institution of marriage. So the Muslims should hasten to fulfill this command of Allaah and of His Messenger (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) when he said: “O youths! Whosoever amongst you has the ability to marry, then let him do so; for it lowers the gaze and restrains the private parts. But whosoever does not have the ability then let him take to fasting; for indeed it is a shield for him.” Its authenticity has been agreed upon. [5] Thus, it is incumbent upon the guardians to fear Allaah concerning their guardianship, since it is an amaanah (trust and responsibility) around their necks, and Allaah will question them concerning this trust. So it is upon them to hasten in getting their daughters, sons, and sisters married, to the extent that this task has taken full effect in life, and the corruption and harms of not doing so have been minimized. And it is known that when women are prevented from getting married, or if their marriage is delayed and deferred, then this is a cause for calamities to occur, a cause for shameful moral crimes to take place, and a cause for a decline in standards of behaviour. So – O worshippers of Allaah – it is upon you to fear Allaah regarding your own selves, and with regards to the daughters, sisters, and other women whom Allaah has been placed under your charge and authority, and that the Muslims should come in order to realise the good and the happiness for the society, and to follow the path that will increase the good and lessen the crimes. And you should know that you will all be questioned and held to account about your actions, as Allaah – the Most High – said:

“By your Lord! We shall call them all to account for all that they used to do.” [Sooratul-Hijr 15:92]

And Allaah – the Mighty and Majestic – said:

“And to Allaah belongs all that is in the heavens and the earth, that He may punish those who do evil with that which they have done; and reward those who do good with Paradise which is best. ” [Sooratun-Najm 53:31]

So hasten in getting your sons and daughters married, following in the footsteps of your Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), and the footsteps of the noble Sahaabah (Companions) (radiyallaahu ’anhum), and all those who follow their path and guidance. I also advise you all not to seek excessive sums for the mahr (dowry), but rather be moderate in this, and that you strive to select pious and righteous people for marriage.

We ask Allaah to grant us the understanding of the Religion; grant us firmness upon it; and that He protects us and all the Muslims from the evil promptings of our own souls, and our evil resultant actions; and that He keeps away from us the deviating trials and discords, whether open or hidden. And we ask Allaah also to correct all those who have a position of authority over the affairs of the Muslims, and that He rectifies them. Indeed he is the One having the power to do so. And may Allaah extol and send blessings of peace upon Muhammad, and upon his Family, Companions and all those who follow them.

Footnotes:

[1] Majmoo’ul-Fataawaa wa Maqaalaat Mutanawwi‘ah (3/100- 103)

[2] Saheeh: Related by Ahmad (5/411). It was authenticated by Ibn Taymiyyah in Kitaabul-Iqtidaa‘ (p. 69)

[3] Related by al-Bukhaaree (10/351) and Muslim (no.215), from ’Amr Ibnul-’Aas (radiyallaahu ’anhu)

[4] Hasan: Related by at-Tirmidhee (no. 1085), from Aboo Haatim al-Muzanee and Aboo Hurayrah

(radiyallaahu ’anhumaa). It was authenticated by al-Albaanee in Irwaa‘ul-Ghaleel (no. 1868).

[5] Related by al-Bukhaaree (4/106) and Muslim (no. 1400), from Ibn Mas‘ood (radiyallaahu ’anhu)

Ramadan A Reminder of Unity : Shaykh al-Albanee

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By Imam Muhammad Naasir-ud-Deen Al-Albaanee
Source: Silsilatul-Ahaadeeth As-Saheehah (1/442-445)
Translated by Al-Istiqaamah Newsletter [1]
al-manhaj.com

Abu Hurayrah (radhi Allaahu anhu) related that the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam said:

“Fast when they fast, end the fast when they end theirs, and sacrifice the day that they sacrifice.” [2]

Al-Bayhaqee relates by way of Abu Haneefah, who said: ‘Alee ibn al-Aqmar related to me, from Masrooq, who said: I entered upon ‘Aaishah on the day of ‘Arafah, so she said: “Serve Masrooq with some gruel, and make it more sweet.” Masrooq said: Nothing prevented me from fasting this day except that I feared that it may be the day of Sacrifice. So ‘Aa’ishah said to me: “The day of Sacrifice is when the people sacrifice, and the day of ending the fast is when the people end their fast.” This chain of narration is jayyid (good) due to what has preceded.

Understanding This Hadeeth:

Imaam at-Tirmidhee says after quoting the hadeeth: “One of the people of knowledge has explained this hadeeth by saying: Its meaning is to fast and end the fast along with the Jamaa’ah and the majority of people.”

As-San’aanee said in Sublus-Salaam (2/72): “In this (hadeeth) is a proof that being in agreement with the people is accepted in establishing ‘Eed, and that the individual person who believes that it is the day of ‘Eed – because of the sighting of the moon – then it is obligatory upon him to be in agreement with the people, and that the ruling of the people – concerning the Prayer, breaking the fast, and sacrificing – is binding upon the individual.”

Ibn al-Qayyim (rahimahullaah) mentioned this meaning in Tahdheebus-Sunan (3/214), and said: “It is said: In it a refutation of those who say that whosoever knows the positions of the moon due to astronomical calculations, then it is permissible for him to fast and end the fast, even if others do not know. It is also said: That the individual witness who sees the moon, but the qaadee (judge) has not accepted his testimony, then there is no fasting for him, just as there is no fasting for the people.”

Abul-Hasan as-Sindee said in Haashiyah ‘alaa Ibn Maajah, after mentioning the hadeeth of Abu Hurayrah which was related by at-Tirmidhee: “And its apparent meaning is: That there is no room for individual (opinions) to enter into these affairs, nor to act individually in this. Rather, this affair goes back to the Imaam (the Leader of the Muslims) and the Jamaa’ah (united body of Muslims under the Imaam). It is obligatory upon the individuals to follow the Imaam and the Jamaa’ah. From this is that is an individual sights the moon, but the qaadee rejects his witness, then the individual has no right in these matters, but rather he must follow the Jamaa’ah in this.”

And this is the meaning which is evident from the hadeeth, and which is emphasized by the fact that ‘Aa’ishah (radhi Allahu anha) used it with Masrooq when he prevented himself from fasting on the day of ‘Arafah, fearing that it could be the day of Sacrifice. So she explained to him that there is no weight given to his individual opinion in this, and that he should follow the Jamaa’ah. So she said to him: “The day of Sacrifice is when the people sacrifice, and the day of ending the fast is when the people end their fast.”

Unity is One of the Goals of the Sharee’ah

And this is what is befitting for the easy-natured and tolerant Sharee’ah (Prescribed Islaamic Law), one of the goals of which is uniting the people together, unifying their ranks and keeping away from them all that would split their comprehensive unity – from the individual opinions. So the Sharee’ah does not give any weight to the individual opinion in matters concerning ‘ibaadah jamaa’iyyah (collective acts of worship), such as Fasting, ‘Eed and Prayer in congregation – even if the opinion is correct, from one angle. Do you not see that the Sahaabah (the Companions) – radiallaahu ‘anhum – used to pray behind each other. So from them were those who held the view that touching a woman, or the flowing of blood from the body invalidates the wudhoo’ (ablution), along with those who did not hold this view. From them were those who would complete the Prayer whilst traveling, whilst others shortened. Yet these, and other such differences, did not prevent them from collectively praying behind a single Imaam and deeming it to be acceptable. And this is because they knew that tafarruq (splitting-up) in the Religion is more evil than having ikhtilaaf (differences) in some opinions. Indeed, the matter with one of them reached the extent that he would not even deem acceptable any opinion which differed with the great Imaam in the major gatherings; such as the gathering at Minaa (during Hajj), to the extent that he would totally abandon acting upon his opinion in that gathering – fleeing from that which could result from this evil, because of acting according to his own opinion.

Thus, Abu Daawood relates (1/307) that ‘Uthmaan (raa) prayed four rak’ahs at Minaa, so ‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’ood criticized him saying: “I prayed two rak’ahs with the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) and two rak’ahs with Abu Bakr, and two rak’ahs with ‘Umar, and two rak’ahs with ‘Uthmaan in the beginning of his rule, then he completed it (i.e. by praying four rak’ahs). After that the ways became divided with you all. So I hope from these four rak’ahs, that two of them would be accepted.” Then Ibn Mas’ood prayed four rak’ahs. So it was said to him: You criticized ‘Uthmaan, yet you prayed four? So he said: “Differing is evil.”

Its chain of narration is Saheeh (authentic), and something similar to this is related in the Musnad (5/155) of Imaam Ahmad, from Abu Dharr (radhi Allaahu anhu).

So those who continue splitting-up with regards to the Prayer, and who refuse to follow the local Imaams in some mosques – especially in the witr Prayer during Ramadaan – using as proof that this is against their madhhab (school of thought), then they should reflect upon the above mentioned hadeeth and athar (narration). Likewise, those who claim knowledge of astronomy and who, due to their opinion, fast and end their fast alone – preceding or lagging behind the majority of Muslims, not seeing any problem in doing so – should also reflect upon the previously quoted proofs. So all of them should consider, and reflect upon the knowledge that has been mentioned. Perhaps they will find for themselves a cure for their ignorance and self-delusion, so that they may then become a unified rank along with their Muslim brothers – for indeed the Hand of Allaah Subhanahu wa Taa’ala is over the Jamaa’ah.

Footnotes:

[1] Silsilatul-Ahaadeethus-Saheehah (1/442-445), the hadeeth authentications have been abridged and edited.

[2] Saheeh: Related by at-Tirmidhee (2/37). Shaykh al-Albaanee authenticated it in As-Saheehah (no.224)

 

Questions Concerning Ramadhan

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Al-Istiqaamah Issue No.5 – Ramadân 1417H / January 1997

DETERMINING THE BEGINNING OF RAMADHAN

[Q]: Is it permissible to rely upon astronomical calculations in determining the start of Ramadhan?

[A]: “The Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam ordered the Muslims saying: “Do not fast until you see the new moon, and do not stop fasting until you see it, and if it is concealed by clouds then count out (the thirty days of Sha’ban) for it.”1 And he ‘alayhis-salatu was-salam said: “We are an illiterate nation that neither writes nor calculates (i.e. using astronomical calculations). The month is either like this, or this (Meaning: Sometimes it is of twenty-nine days, and sometimes it is of thirty.) “2

And it is established in the Sahih (no.1903) of al-Bukhari from Abu Hurayrah radiallahu ‘anhu that the Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Fast when it (the moon) is seen, and cease fasting when it is seen, so if it is concealed by clouds then complete thirty days of Sha’ban.” And he sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam also said: “Do not fast until you have seen the moon, and if it is concealed by clouds then complete thirty days.”3 There are plenty of ahadith in this connection, and all of them point towards the obligation of actually sighting the moon, or if unable, then to complete the number of days in the absence of observing it. These narrations also point towards the impermissibility of using astronomical calculations in this regard. And Shaykhul-Islam Ibn TaymiWah has actually stated an ijma’ (consensus) from the People of Knowledge about the impermissibility of relying upon astronomical calculations in this regard – and this is the truth about which there is no doubt.” And with Allah alone is the ability.”5

BRUSHING ONE’S TEETH WHILST FASTING

[Q]: Is it permissible to use a miswak to brush one’s teeth, whilst fasting. And it it permissible to use toothpaste as well? What if some blood appear whilst I brush my teeth, doe this invalidate my fast?

[A]: “There is no problem in cleaning one’s teeth either using water, miswak or toothbrush, whilst fasting. Some have held it to be makruh (detested) to use a miswak whilst fasting, since it changes the smell of a person’s breath. However, what is correct is that it is recommended to use a miswak in the beginning and the end of the day, since doing so does not change the odour, rather it just cleanses the mouth from impurities and small pieces of food that become lodged in one’s teeth. As regards to the use of toothpaste, then it is makruh (detested), since it contains a distinctive taste and flavour which may then get mixed with one’s saliva and then be swallowed. Thus, whosoever needs to use it should do so after suhur (the pre-dawn meal), before the time of Fajr and fasting begins. However, if one can safeguard allowing the toothpaste and salvia to be mixed then swallowed, then there is no harm in using such toothpaste. If – whilst cleaning’s one teeth with water, miswak or a toothbrush – a small amount of blood flows out, then this does not break the fast, and Allah knows best.”6

CONCERNING THE TARAWIH PRAYER

[Q]: Some people insist that there is an ijma’ (consensus) from the four well known Imams – Abu Hanifah, Malik, ash-Shafi’i and Ahmad ibn Hanbal, rahimahumallah – on praying only twenty rak’ahs for tarawih. Is this correct?

[A]: “This is an erroneous claim. This is what has been stated in the Hanafi books of fiqh (jurisprudence), for we do not find any book that can be authentically ascribed to Abu Hanifah (d.150H) rahimahullah. Rather, what is apparent from looking into al-Muwatta of Imam Muhammad (one of the main students of Abu Hanifah) is that Abu Hanifah’s madhhab (school of thought) was to pray eleven rak’ahs.

Imam Muhammad includes a chapter in al-Muwatta (p.110), stating: “Chapter: Establishing the Night Prayer in the month of Ramadhan, and the virtues contained in it.” Under this chapter he relates four ahadith. The first, third and fourth narrations do not make mention of any specified number of rak’ahs for the tarawih prayer, rather they just mention the excellence of establishing Prayer in congregation and the excellence of the night prayer in Ramadhan. However, in the second narration eleven rak’ahs is mentioned. Then Imam Muhammad said (p.111): “And we take all of this.” … Thus, he has shown that his madhhab is eleven rak’ahs, and this can only be the madhhab of Imam Abu Hanifah – rahmatullah ‘alayhi – as well.

Ash-Shafi’i (d.204H) – rahimahullah – said: “There is no limit to its maximum, since it is an optional prayer. Thus, if the standing is lengthened, whilst the number of prostrations is shortened (i.e. the number of rak’ahs is fewer), then that is good and that is what is most beloved to me. However, if the number of prostrations and bowings are increased (i.e. the number of rak’ahs are increased), then this is also good.”7 So it is affirmed that Imam ash-Shafi’i – rahimahullah – does not advocate restricting the number of rak’ahs to twenty. Rather, he gives preference for there to be fewer rak’ahs and an increase in the length of standing.

Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (d.241H) has approved of eleven rak’ahs as well as twenty – as Shaykhul-Islam ibn Taymiyyah says in al-Ikhtiyaratul-‘Ilmiyyah (p.38) and Shah Waliullah says in al-Misriyyah (1/174) and al-Musaffa (1/177).

Imam Malik (d.179H) – rahimahullah – also supports eleven rak’ahs, as Shaykhul-Islam ibn Taymiyyah mentioned in al-Ikhtiyarat (p.38) and as Jalalud-Din as-Suyuti mentions in al-Hawi lil-Fatawa (p.350), where he said: al-Juri, one of our companions said, from Malik who said: “That which ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab gathered the people upon is more beloved to us. and that was eleven rak’ahs, and that was the prayer of Allah’s Messenger sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.” It was said to him: Eleven rak’ahs with the Witr? So he said: Yes, and thirteen is close.” Then he said: “I do not know from where they have introduced these numerous ruku’s (bowings).”8

Praying eleven rak’ahs is based upon a number of authentic narrations, from them:-

[1] What al-Bukhari relates in his Sahih (no.2013) from Abu Salamah ibn ‘Abdur-Rahman who relates that he asked ‘aishah radiallahu ‘anha: How was the Prayer of the Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam in Ramadhan? So she said: “Allah’s Messenger, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam did not used to pray more than eleven rak’ahs during Ramadhan or in other than Ramadhan. He would pray four rak’ahs, and do not ask about their beauty and length. Then he would pray another four, and do not ask about their beauty and length. Then he would pray three (witr).”

[2] Jabir radiallahu ‘anhu said: ”Allah’s Messenger sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam led us in the month of Ramadhan with eight rak’ahs and witr. Then on the following night we gathered in the mosque and hoped that he would come out, and we continued in that state until morning. Then we entered our houses, so we said: O Messenger of Allah we gathered in the mosque last night hoping that you would pray with us. So he said: “I feared that it would become prescribed (i.e. obligatory) for you.”9

[3] Imam Malik relates in his al-Muwatta (no.248): From Muhammad ibn Yusuf, from as-Sa’ib ibn Yazid who said: “‘Umar ibn al-Khattab ordered ‘Ubayy ibn Ka’b and Tamim ud-Dari to lead the people in Prayer with eleven rak’ahs. And the reciter would recite some hundreds of Verses until one of us would lean upon a stick because of the length of standing, and we had not used to finish until the appearance of Fajr.”10

[4] ‘Ubayy ibn Ka’b came to Allah’s Messenger sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and said: O Messenger of Allah, something happened with me last night – meaning in Ramadhan. So he said: “And what was that ‘Ubayy?” He said: Some women in my house said, we do not recite the Qur’an, so can you lead us in Prayer? So I lead them in eight rak’ahs and prayed the witr. And this was a Sunnah of his approval, since he remained quiet and he did not say anything.11

So all this goes to show that insisting that there is a consensus on praying only twenty rak’ahs for tarawih – claiming this to be the only view of all the four well-known Imams – is not only incorrect, but is against the established evidence. As regards a detailed discussion regarding the whole issue, then this is not possible here, nor is it the place to discuss the correctness, or merits, of praying twenty rak’ahs over eight, or vice-versa. Rather, one can find such discussions in the relevant chapters in the books of fiqh, whilst remembering that: “Difference in opinion must not be a source of obstinacy nor anger.”12

WHAT SHOULD I DO IN RAMADHAN?

[Q]: What should a fasting person do, and what is obligatory upon him?

[A]: “The fasting person must increase in obedience to Allah and to keep away from all the prohibited meters. It is obligatory upon the fasting person to safeguard the obligatory duties and to distance himself from all the prohibitions. So he should pray the five daily Prayers in their correct times and in congregation, and abandon lying, backbiting, cheating, dealing in usury, and all other prohibited matters. The Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Whosoever does not abandon falsehood in speech and action, then Allah the Mighty and Majestic has no need that he should leave his food and drink.”13″14

EYE DROPS AND VOMITING

[Q] Is it permissible to use eye or ear-drops whilst fasting, or does it invalidate the fast? And does vomiting also break the fast?

[A]: “Whosoever uses eye or ear drops for medicinal purposes, then this does not invalidate their fast, and this is the correct opinion. This is because such drops are not termed as being food or drink – neither are they called so by convention, nor by Islamic terminology – and this is because such drops are administered through those places which food and drink are not administered.

However, if taking such drops could be delayed until the night, then this would avoid entering into any difference of opinion.

Similarly, whosoever vomits whilst fasting, then this does not invalidate their fast. This is because Allah does not burden a soul with more than it can bear, and also that the Shari’ah (Divinely Prescribed Islamic Law) is built upon facilitating ease and removing hardships, as Allah – the Most High – said: “And We have not made for you any hardships in the Religion.” [Surah al-Baqarah 2:222].

Also, the Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Whosoever has an attack of vomiting, then no atonement is required of him, but whoever intentionally vomits, then let him atone for it.”15″16

1. Related by al-Bukhari (1906) and Muslim (no.1080), from Ibn ‘Umar radiallahu ‘anhu.
2. Related by al-Bukhari (no.1913), from Ibn ‘Umar radiallahu ‘anhu.
3. Related by al-Bukhari (no.19O7), from Ibn ‘Umar.
4. Refer to Fathul-Bari (4/159) of al-Hafidh Ibn Hajr.
5. Answered by Shaykh ‘Abdul-‘Aziz bin Baz in Fatawas-Siyam (p.13).
6. Answered by Shaykh Ibn Jibrin in Fatawa-Siyam (p.40).
7. Quoted by Ibn Nasr al-Marwazi in Qiyamul-Layl (p.92).
8. Tanqid Sadid bi Risaliti Ijtihad wa Taqlid (pp.266-268) of Shaykh Badi’ ud-Din as-Sindi.
9· Related by Ibn Nasr (p.90) and others. Al-Hafidh Ibn Hajr indicated in Fathul-Bari (3/10) that the narration is strong.
10. Shaykh al-Albani says in Salatut-Tarawih (p.45): “And its chain of narration is Sahih Jiddan (extremely authentic)”
11. Hasan: Related by Ibn Nasr al-Marwazi (p.90). It was authenticated by Shaykh al-Albani in Salatul-Tarawih (p.68).
12. From adabul-Khilaf (p.7) of Shaykh Salih al-Humaid.
13 Related by al-Bukhari (4/99), from Abu Hurayrah radiallahu ‘anhu.
14. Answered by Ibn al-‘Uthaymin in Fatawas-Siyam (pp.24-25).
15. Sahih: Related by Abu Dawud (2/310). It was authenticated by Ibn Taymiyyah in Haqiqatus-Siyam (p.14).
16. Answered by the Committee of Major Scholars in Fatawas-Siyam (p.44).

Rights of the Relatives : Shaykh Muhammad Salih al-Uthaymin

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Source: Huqooq Da’at Ilayhal-Fitrah wa Qarrarthash-Sharee’ah (pp.11-13)

Al-Istiqaamah Magazine, Issue No.6 – Dhul-Qa’dah 1417H / March 1997

Relatives are those who are related to you through blood and close ties; such as the brother, the uncle, the aunty, or their children. Everyone who has a tie of relation with you has certain rights upon you in accordance with how closely they are related to you. About this, Allaah – the Most High – said: “And give to the relative his right.” [Soorah al-lsraa 17:26]. Allaah – the Most High – also said: “And worship Allaah alone, and do not set-up any partner to Him in worship, and be kind and good to the parents, and to the relatives.” [Soorah an-Nisaa 4:36].

So it is obligatory upon everyone to treat their relatives in the best possible manner, and to support them in accordance with their needs, and what they seek of help and support. And this is what is necessitated by the Sharee’ah (Prescribed Islaamic Law), the ‘aql (sound reasoning) and the fitrah (natural state).

And there are many textual evidences encouraging and urging silatur-rahm (joining the ties of relations); such as what Abu Hurayrah radiallaahu ‘anhu relates from the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, that he said: “Indeed Allaah created the creation, until when He finished doing so, the Rahm (womb/ties of relation) stood-up and said: Is this the place of one who seeks refuge in You from those who severe and cut ties with me. So Allaah said: Yes, Indeed. Would it please you that I keep ties with those who keep ties with You, and cut-off ties with those who cut-off ties with you? So the Rahm said: Yes, indeed! So Allaah said: Then this is for you.” Then Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Recite if you wish: ‘Would you then, if you were given the authority, cause corruption in the land, and cut-off ties of relations. They are those upon whom is the curse of Allaah, so that He makes them deaf and blinds them.” [Soorah Muhammad 47:22-23].”2 The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam also said: “Whosoever believes in Allaah and the Last Day let him keep the ties of relations.”3

Unfortunately, many people do not fulfill this haqq (right) and transgress the bounds concerning this. Some of them do not seek to join ties with relatives or show kindness to them; neither through wealth, nor through good behaviour, nor through the giving of occasional gifts and presents nor through rendering help to them in their rimes of need. indeed, many days or months may pass without even seeing or visiting them. And sometimes, rather than seeking to join ties of relations, some people even intend to severe such ties, by seeking to harm their relatives – either through words, or action, or both. Such people may even keep close ties with those who are not relation, yet cut-off ties with relatives!

Some people only keep ties of relations with those who maintain ties with them, but cut-off from those who cut-off from them. So such people are not truly the waasils (those who keeps ties of relations), but rather they are those who do so based upon tit for rat. So they will only keep ties with those who keep ties with them whether relatives, or other than them. However, the true waasil (one who keeps ties of relations) is the one who keeps ties of relation for the sake of Allaah – regardless of whether his relations keep ties with him or not. ‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Amr radiallaahu ‘anhu relates that the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “The waasil (one who keeps the ties of relations) is not the one who merely does so out of reciprocation. Rather, the waasil is the one who even when the relatives cut-off from him, yet he still maintains ties with them.” So a man asked: O Messenger of Allaah. I have relatives with whom I maintain ties of relations, yet they cut-off from me. I treat them kindly, yet they treat me in an evil manner. And I am forbearing and patient with them, yet they behave rudely and ignorantly towards me. The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “If the situation is as you say, then it is as if you are filling their mouths with sand. And Allaah will continue to aid and support you as long as you continue doing what you are doing.”4

If there were no other rewards for keeping ties of relations, except that Allaah keeps ties with the waasil in this world and the Hereafter, and that He extends His Mercy due to it, and makes affairs easier through it, and removes distress and anxieties by it, then that would be more than sufficient. However, along with this, silatur-rahim (joining the ties of relations) brings with it closeness to one’s family and relatives, as well as love and compassion developing between one another, and their being mutual help, in times of ease and hardship. between one another, and other such joys and delights – as is experienced and well-known. And when ties of relations are not maintained, then each one of the aforementioned benefits turn to their opposites, and great harm comes to the society.

1. Huqooq Da’at Ilayhal-Fitrah wa Qarrarthash-Sharee’ah (pp.11-13)
2. Related by al-Bukhaaree (no.1987) and Muslim (no.3456)
3. Related by al-Bukhaaree (no.6138), from Abu Hurayrah radiallaahu ‘anhu.
4. Related by al-Bukhaaree (no.5911).

Increasing Eemaan (Faith) : Shaykh Ibn Baz

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Shaykh `Abdul `Aziz ibn Baz
Fataawaa Lajnatud-Daa’imah lil-Buhoothul `Ilmiyyah wal-Iftaa, 3/185-187
Al-Istiqaamah Newsletter, Issue No. 2, Safar 1417

Question:

I begin my question by seeking your advice that I may benefit from you with regards to how I may increase my eemaan (faith?)…

Answer:

We advise you to recite the Qur’aan frequently and that you increase in your hearing of it and in your recitation of it. Reflect and consider its meaning to the best of your ability and what you do not understand of it, then ask the people of knowledge of your country about it, or write to those outside of your country from the Scholars of Sunnah (Prophetic guidance).

We also advise you to increase in the dhikr (remembrance) of Allaah with such remembrances and supplications that are authentically related, such as saying laa ilaaha illallaah (that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah), or saying subhaanallaah wal-hamdulillaah wa laa ilaha illallaahu wallaahu akbar (declaring Allaah free from all imperfections, praising Him and declaring that none has the right to be worshipped except Him and that He is greater), and their like.

For this purpose, we urge you to refer to books such as al-Kalimut-Tayyib of Ibn Taymiyyah, al-Waabilus-Sayyib of Ibn al-Qayyim, Riyaadhus-Saaliheen and al-Adhkaar both by Imaam an-Nawawee, and their like.

This is because the remembrance of Allaah increases eemaan (faith) and causes hearts to attain tranquility, as Allaah – the Most High – said:

“Indeed in the remembrance of Allaah do hearts find tranquility.”
[Soorah ar-Ra`d 13:28].

Also preserve your five daily Prayers, your Fasting and the rest of your obligations – along with hoping in Allaah’s mercy and forgiveness and relying upon Him in all your affairs. Allaah – the Most High – said:

“The Believers are only those who, when Allaah is mentioned, feel a fear in the hearts, and when His Verses are recited to them, it increases their eemaan (faith), and they put their trust and rely upon Allaah alone. They are those who perform the Prayer and spend out of that which We have given them, they are Believers in truth. For them are grades of dignity and nobility with their Lord, and also forgiveness and generous provisions.” [Soorah al-Anfaal 8:2-4]

Related Link: 

The Month of Dhul-Hijjah

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Source: Al-Istiqaamah Magazine, Issue No.6 – Dhul-Qa’dah 1417H / March 1997

By the Grace of Allaah we have started the month of Dhul-Hijjah (the month of Hajj or Pilgrimage), in which Allaah has marked out, for both the pilgrims and the non-pilgrims, some very blessed days. So we shall mention here some of the virtues and rewardful acts that are connected to these blessed days.

DOING GOOD DEEDS IN GENERAL:

The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are the best and most virtuous days of the year. They are the days in which Allaah the Mighty and Majestic – most loves the doing of good deeds. About this the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The best days in the world are the ten days.” [1]

Imaam Ibnul-Qayyim (d.751H) – rahimahullaah – said, “Indeed, its days are the most excellent of all the days with Allaah. And it has been confirmed in Saheehul-Bukhaaree (2/382), from Ibn ’Abbaas (radiyallaahu ’anhumaa) who said, that Allaah’s Messenger (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “There ore no days during which good deeds are more beloved to Allaah than these (ten) days.” He was then asked, ‘Not even jihaad in the path of Allaah?’ So he replied, “Not even jihaad in the path of Allaah, except for a person who goes out with his self and his wealth, and comes back with nothing.” And it is these ten days that Allaah has taken an oath by in His Book, by His saying,

“By the Dawn and by the Ten Nights.” [Sooratul-Fajr 89:1-2]

This is why it is recommended to increase in making takbeer (saying Allaahu akbar), tahleel (saying Laa ilaaha illallaah) and tamheed (saying Alhamdulillaah) during these days …”[2]

The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “There are no days that are greater with Allaah, and in which good deeds are more beloved to Him, than these ten days. So increase in making tasbeeh (saying Subhaanallaah), tahmeed, tahleel and takbeer, during them.”[3]

FASTING THE DAY OF ’ARAFAH:

The ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah is the day of ’Arafah, since it is on this day that the pilgrims gather at the mountain plain of ’Arafah, praying and supplicating to their Lord. It is mustahabb (highly recommended) for those who are not pilgrims to fast on this day, since the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) was asked about fasting on the day of ’Arafah, so he said, “It expiates the sins of the past year and the coming year.” [4] Likewise, the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, ‘There is no day on which Allaah frees people from the Fire more so than on the day of ’Arafah. He comes close to those (people standing on ’Arafah), and then He revels before His Angels saying, ‘What are these people seeking.” [5]

Imaam at-Tirmidhee (d.275H) – rahimahullaah – said, “The People of Knowledge consider it recommended to fast on the day of ’Arafah, except for those at ’Arafah.” [6]

SLAUGHTERING ON THE DAY OF AN-NAHR AND ’EEDUL-ADHAA OR THE FOLLOWING THREE DAYS:

The tenth day of Dhul-Hiijah is known as the day of an-Nahr (slaughtering), since it marks the ending of the major rites of Hajj (Pilgrimage), and commemorates the bounty and mercy of Allaah – the Most High – in that He gave His beloved Prophet Ibraaheem – ’alayhis-salaam – a ram to sacrifice in place of his firstborn son Ismaa’eel – ’alayhis-salaam. And out of the ten best days of the year, it is the day of an-Nahr which is the most excellent day of the year with Allaah.

Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (d.728H) – rahimahullaah – said, “The most excellent day of the week is the day of Friday, by the agreement of the Scholars. And the most excellent day of the year is the day of an-Nahr. And some of them said that it is the day of ’Arafah. However, the first opinion is the correct one, since it is related in the Sunan collections that the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The most excellent days with Allaah is the day of an-Nahr, then the day of al-Qarr (the day that the Muslims reside in Minaa).” [7]” [8]

The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said,

“The greatest day of the Hajj (Pilgrimage) is the Day of an-Nahr (Slaughtering).” [9]

The day of an-Nahr is also known as ’Eedul-Adhaa (the Festivity of Sacrifice) and is one of the two major festivals that Allaah has granted to this Ummah. Anas (radiyallaahu ’anhu) said, ‘The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) came to al-Madeenah and the people of al-Madeenah had – since the times of jaahiliyyah (Pre-lslaamic Ignorance) – two days which they marked out for play and amusement. So the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, ‘I came to you, and you had two days of play and amusement in the times of jaahiliyyah. But Allaah has replaced them with something better for you: The day of al-Adhaa (sacrificing) and the day of al-Fitr (ending the Fast).” [10]

The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) also said, “The day of al-Fitr, and the day of an-Nahr, and the days of at-Tashreeq (the three days after an-Nahr) are our days of ’Eed (festivity); and they are days of eating and drinking.” [11]

’Eedul-Adhaa, is a day in which the Muslims slaughter a camel, cow, sheep or goat, in commemoration of the sacrifice of Ibraaheem – ’alayis-salaam. And this sacrifice is an obligation upon all those who have the means to do so – according to the most correct opinion of the Scholars. [12] The basis of this is the Prophet’s (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “One who has the ability to sacrifice, but chooses not to do so, should not approach our place of (’Eed) Prayer.” [13] And his (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “Whosoever sacrificed before the Prayer, then let him do so again. But whosoever has not sacrificed, then let him sacrifice.” [14] So this order refers to those who have the ability to do so – and Allaah knows best.

As regards those who intends to sacrifice – normally the head of the household – then they are prohibited from cutting their hair or nails, starting from the first day of Dhul-Hijjah up until after the sacrifice. Allaah’s Messenger (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When the ten days start, and one of you intends to sacrifice, then let him not cut his hair or his nails.” [15]

GLORIFYING ALLAAH WITH THE TAKBEER:

From the day of ’Arafah (the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah), up until the ’Asr Prayer on the thirteen day, are days in which the takbeeraat (saying Allaahu Akbar) should be said. Imaam al-Khattaabee (d.456H) – rahimahullaah – said, “The wisdom behind saying the takbeeraat in these days is that in the times of jaahiliyyah (pre-lslaamic ignorance), they used to slaughter for their tawaagheet (false objects of worship). So the takbeeraat were prescribed in order to indicate that the act of slaughtering is directed to Allaah alone, and by mentioning only His – the Mighty and Majestic – Name.” [16]

Shaykhul-lslaam Ibn Taymiyyah – rahimahullaah – said, “All praise be to Allaah. The most correct saying concerning the takbeer – that which the majority of the Salaf (Pious Predecessors), and the Scholars from the Companions and Imaams were upon – is to begin making the takbeer from Fajr (dawn) on the day of ’Arafah, up until the last day of at-Tashreeq (the thirteenth of Dhul-Hijjah), after every Prayer.” [17]

Ibn Abee Shaybah relates, “That ’Alee (radiyallaahu ’anhu) used to make the takbeer beginning after the Fajr Prayer on the day of ’Arafah, up until after the ’Asr Prayer on the last day of at-Tashreeq.” [18]

As regards the actual wording of the takbeeraat, then nothing authentic has been related from the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam). However, certain wordings have been authentically related from a group of Companions. From them:

Ibn Mas’ood (radiyallaahu ’anhu) would say, “Allaah is great, Allaah is great. None has the right to be worshipped except Him. And Allaah is great, Allaah is great. And to Him belongs all praise. [Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, Laa ilaahaa illallaah, wallaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar wa lillaahil-hamd.]” [19]

Ibn ’Abbaas (radiyallaahu ’anhu) said, “Allaah is great, Allaah is great, Allaah is great, and to Allaah belongs all praise. Allaah is greater and Sublime. Allaah is greater to what He has guided us to. [Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, wa lillaahil-hamd. Allaahu akbar wa ajalla. Allaahu akbar ’alaa maa hadaanaa.]” [20]

Unfortunately, many Muslims have neglected the takbeer established from our Salaf (Pious Predecessors) and have instead resorted to additions which have no basis at all.

Al-Haafidh Ibn Hajr (d.856H) – rahimahullaah – said, “Indeed, additions have been invented upon this day, which have no basis at all.” [21]

And may Allaah have mercy upon the one who said,

“Every good is in following the Salaf; And every evil is in the innovations of the late-comers.”

And all praise is for Allaah, Lord of the worlds. And may Allaah extol and send the choicest blessings of peace upon our Leader, Muhammad, and upon his Family, his Companions, and all those who follow them.

Footnotes:

[1] Saheeh: Related by al-Bazzaar (1/234). It was authenticated by Shaykh al-Albaanee in Saheehul-Jaami’ (no. 1133).

[2] Refer to Zaadul-Ma’aad (1/56).

[3] Saheeh: Related by at-Tabaraanee in al-Kabeer (3/110/1) It was authenticated by al-Mundharee in at-Targheeb wat-Tarheeb (2/24).

[4] Related by Muslim (no. 1162), from Aboo Qataadah (radiyallaahu ’anhu).

[5] Related by Muslim (no. 1348), from ’Aa‘ishah (radiyallaahu ’anhaa).

[6] Refer to Jaami’ut-Tirmidhee (3/377).

[7] Saheeh: Related by Aboo Daawood (no. 1765), from ’Abdullaah Ibn Qart (radiyallaahu ’anhu). It was authenticated by al-Albaanee in Irwaa‘ul-Ghaleel (no. 2018).

[8] Refer to Majmoo’ul-Fataawaa (25/288).

[9] Saheeh: Related by Aboo Daawood (no. 1945), from Ibn ’Umar (radiyallaahu ’anhu). It was authenticated by al-Albaanee in al-lrwaa‘ (no. 1101).

[10] Saheeh: Related by Ahmad (3/103).it was authenticated by al-Haafidh Ibn Hajr in Bulooghul-Maraam (no. 398).

[11] Saheeh: Related by Ahmad (no. 1945), from ’Uqbah Ibn ’Aamir (radiyallaahu ’anhu). It was authenticated by al-Albaanee in Saheehul-Jaami’ (no. 8192).

[12] As explained by Ibn Taymiyyah in Majmoo’ul-Fataawaa (23/162-164).

[13] Hasan: Related by Ibn Maajah (no. 3123), from Aboo Hurayrah (radiyallaahu ’anhu). It was authenticated by Shaykh al-Albaanee in Takhreej Mushkilatul-Fiqr (no. 398).

[14] Related by al-Bukhaaree (no. 5562) and Muslim (no. 1960), from Jundub Ibn ’Abdullaah al-Bajalee (radiyallaahu ’anhu).

[15] Related by Muslim (no. 1977), from Umm Salamah (radiyallaahu ’anhaa).

[16] Quoted from Fathul-Baaree (21/586).

[17] Majmoo’ul-Fataawaa (24/220). However, what seems more correct is not to restrict the takbeeraat to being just after every Prayer, as al-Haafidh Ibn Hajr pointed out in Fathul-Baaree (21/587).

[18] Related by Ibn Abee Shaybah in al-Musannaf (2/1/2). It was authenticated by al-Albaanee in al-lrwaa‘ (31/125).

[19] Related by Ibn Abee Shaybah with an authentic chain of narration

[20] Related by al-Bayhaqee (3/315) with an authentic chain of narration.

[21] Fathul-Baaree (2/536).

The Great Enslavement : By Shaykh Sulaymaan as-Sulaymee

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Source: Al-Istiqaamah, Issue No.7

Without doubt, we all hate the slavery and subjugation that we see on the earth today; meaning the subjugation of some men over others, by which some enslave others; humiliating them, and trampling over them. This is indeed hated. However, the enslavement that we wish to talk about is different to this. It is as Rib’ee ibn ‘Aamir radiallaahu ‘anhu said: “Allaah has sent us to deliver whomsoever chooses, from the ‘uboodiyyah (enslavement, worship and servitude) of men to the ‘uboodiyyah of Allaah, And from the narrowness of this world, to the vastness of this world and the Hereafter. And from the tyranny and oppression of (false) religions, to the justice of Islaam.” 2

The ‘uboodiyyah (enslavement, servitude and worship) mentioned here is the ‘uboodiyyah to Allaah, which makes a person the noblest of all creatures upon the earth. One of the Salaf (Pious Predecessors) said in a couplet:

“What has made me noble and precious;
Is that You, O Allaah, have mode me enter into Your submission.
And have made me one of the followers of;
Your Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.”

This ‘uboodiyyah – this submission, worship and enslavement is what Allaah refers to in His Book:

“I have not created Jinn and Mankind, except that they should worship Me.” [Soorah adh-Dhaariyaat 51:56].

In another Verse Allaah – the Most Perfect – says:

“O mankind! Worship your Lord who has created you from a single person.” [Soorah an-Nisaa 4:1].

But how do we define this ‘uboodiyyah? This worship or ‘uboodiyyah is: All that which Allaah loves and is pleased with, whether it is an action of the heart, the tongue or the limbs. We, however, will specifically discuss the ‘uboodiyyah of the heart.

[Enslavement of the Heart]
Allaah – the Most High – has placed in everyone that He has created, a heart which must be filled; either with ‘uboodiyyah (worship, submission and enslavement) to Allaah, or ‘uboodiyyah to other than Allaah. Every single heart has feelings, desires and inclinations. The question is: will those feelings, desires and inclinations be directed to and for Allaah alone, or will they be directed to other than Allaah! Only the former counts as being the true ‘uboodiyyah of the heart to Allaah. The ‘uboodiyyah of the heart to things other than Allaah are many. Sometimes the heart is enslaved by, and worships money, sometimes it is enslaved by, and worships power and position, sometimes it is enslaved by, and worships women; or other similar things that people desire and covet so much. However, whatever they covet can either lessen their ‘uboodiyyah of Allaah, or completely nullify it!

[Being a Slave to Wealth]
Someone may ask: What is the proof that some people become slaves to money, or other similar things, and worship it? The proof is in the saying of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam where he said: “Woe be to the’abd (slave and worshipper) of the dirham, woe be to the ‘abd of the deenaar (dirham ond deenaar: equivilant to the Pound and the pence) …”3 Someone may ask: How does this enslavement to money manifest itself, and what is its nature! It is when the heart becomes so in love with money, that it covers up, or suppresses the love for Allaah, This love can reach such an extent that a person desires to attain this wealth by any means possible – neither caring whether the wealth comes to him through halaal (lawful) means; in obedience to Allaah and His Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, or means that are haraam (unlawful and forbidden) in the Religion.

So understand by reflection, that every single heart in all created things has feelings, desires and inclinations. It has the desire to love, to gain good and beneficial things for itself, it can feel fear and terror, and it can also surrender and become submissive. Thus, when its feelings, desires and inclinations are all directed to and for Allaah, then it is a heart that truly worships, submits and surrenders to Allaah alone. Therefore, it has khawf (fear) of only Allaah; it has rajaa (hope) in Allaah’s Mercy; it has mahabbah (love) for Allaah and whatever Allaah loves; and it has istislaam (submits and surrenders) to only Allaah. However, when these feelings, desires and inclinations are directed to other than Allaah, then it is a heart that is enslaved and worships that object which has captured and enslaved it.

The forbiddance of the heart submitting to other than Allaah should not be misunderstood to mean that Muslims must forsake the world and dealing with it. Rather, the true position of a Muslim is that which was with the Sahaabah (Companions) radiallaahu ‘anhum. They held the wealth in their hands, yet none of it was in their hearts. [About this, Shaykhul-lslaam Ibn Taymiyyah (d.728H) – rahimahullaah – said: “The position of wealth should be regarded like that of the toilet, in that there is need for it, but it has no place in the heart, and it is resorted to when needed.”4] The point being made is that we are not trying to call the people to the opinion of some of the Soofees, who believe that it is forbidden for a Muslim to possess wealth and take part in worldly transactions. Rather, it is obligatory for the Muslims to be the richest of people so that they may use this wealth as a means to worship Allaah – the One free from all imperfections – and to help people.

Another form of submitting and being enslaved to other than Allaah is when people submit and enslave their hearts to power and leadership. They are prepared for humiliation to take hold of them, and to abandon their scruples, in order to gain votes during elections; or other such similar situations. They are prepared to submit themselves to people – doing whatever is necessary for them to do – in order to win other people’s favour, and thus gain that vote or position. Thus, this is another form of submitting and enslaving one’s heart to other than Allaah.

[The Greatness of Tawheed]
As opposed to all this, the true and pure ‘uboodiyyah to Allaah; the true submission and enslavement of one’s heart to Allaah; is the same as when we say: Tawheed (to sincerely and purely single-out Allaah alone for worship). When the person has this degree of ‘uboodiyyah, he worships Allaah alone; fears Allaah alone; loves Allaah and for Allaah alone; and all his inclinations and desires are directed to Allaah. For this reason Tawheed is the greatest action that a person can perform, and the most beneficial action that a person can possess for himself on the Day of Judgement.

This is why the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Whosoever witnesses that none has the right to be worshiped except Allaah, with ikhlaas (purely and sincerely) from his heart, will enter Paradise.”5 The meaning of this is that the person who actualised Tawheed in his life, and does what this Tawheed requires of him. Likewise, based upon this, we understand that any act of worship, or any good action or nice manner ism – if it is not accompanied by this Tawheed – will not be accepted by Allaah on the Day of judgement, no matter how great and valuable that action apparently seems. And what shows you the greatness of this ‘uboodiyyah (submission and enslavement) and Tawheed (pure worship) of Allaah in the heart, is the following incident:

The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “There was a man who used to greatly sin. So when death approached him, he said to his sons: When I die, burn me and then crush my remains and then scatter the remains into the air. For by Allaah! If Allaah has power over me, then He will punish me in a manner that He has never punished anyone else. So when he died, then sons did what they were asked to do. So Allaah ordered the earth saying. Gather what you have of his remains. So it did. And behold, there he was standing. So Allaah asked him: What made you do what you did? The man said, Due to fear of You, 0 my Lord. So Allaah forgave him because of this.”6

This shows us the greatness of khashyah (fear), since this fear that he had was one of the meanings that are part of, and included in, the meaning of ‘uboodiyyah to Allaah.

This is why all actions – even if they were to fill the heavens and the earth – will not be accepted by Allaah unless these actions have sprouted from a person having pure ‘uboodiyyah (submission, worship and servitude) to Allaah, worshipping Allaah alone, and not associating any partner along with Him in this worship (i.e. not committing Shirk). Allaah – the One free from all imperfections – says:

“Allaah does not forgive that partners should be set-up with Him, but He forgives anything lesser than that to whomsoever He Wills. Whoever set-up partners with Allaah (commits Shirk) has indeed committed the most grievous sin.” [Soorah an-Nisaa 4:48].

“And We came forth to what they brought from their actions and We made it scattered dust.”

That which shows us the greatness of Tawheed also, is this second incident:

There was a jewish boy who used to serve the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and had become ill. So the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam went to visit him and sat by his head and said: “Accept Islaam.” The boy looked at his father who was with him. So his father said to him: Obey Abul-Qaasim (i.e. the Prophet) sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. So he accepted Islaam. As the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was leaving, he said: “All praise is for Allaah who saved this boy from the Fire.”7 Meaning, that although this person had no good deeds, yet because of him saying this statement of Tawheed – purely and sincerely from his heart – it was enough to save him from the Hellfire and cause him to enter Paradise.

[The Fruits of Tawheed]
So as this Tawheed strengthens in the heart, becoming stronger, firmer and more well-rooted, then as a result, one’s deeds will likewise multiply and his worship of Allaah will

become greater and much more firmer. Since, if a person realises with ikhlaas (sincerity) and yaqeen (certainty) in his heart that Allaah – the Most High – is the One who has created him, then he knows that he should only worship Allaah – the One free from all imperfections. Thus, as this realisation becomes firmer in the heart, then good deeds become more apparent and multiply in number.

So reflect upon Allaah’s great Wisdom in that when He created Hellfire, He created it with different levels and degrees. The highest level being the one having the least punishment and torment in it – which is for those people who had Tawheed, yet along with this, had many sins that they did not repent from. Thus, though they will be punished at this level, until they are purified from their sins, but because of this Tawheed and ‘uboodiyyah to Allaah alone in their hearts, they will eventually be saved from the Hellfire and admitted into Paradise. This level of Hellfire will then have no inhabitants left in it. This shows the greatness and virtue of Tawheed and the worship of Allaah alone, due to which they will eventually be rescued from the Hellfire, not being eternally condemned in it.

“Allaah has sent us to deliver whomsoever chooses, from the ‘uboodiyyah (enslavement, worship and servitude) of men to the ‘uboodiyyah of Allaah; from the narrowness of this world, to the vastness of this world and the Hereafter; and from the tyranny and oppression of (false) religions, to the justice of Islaam.”

[Laying the Foundations]
What also shows the importance of Tawheed, is the life and example of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. It can be divided into two stages: The first stage is when he sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was in Makkah. The second stage was in Madeenah. So in Makkaah his message was only to teach one thing; and that was the worship of Allaah alone without any partners; which is the matter of Tawheed or ‘uboodiyyah to Allaah alone. The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam did not call the people to leave any other sin, nor to do any other good deed. During this period he only called them to single out Allaah alone with worship, since this is the foundation upon which all else is built. Thus, we must understand that once a person’s heart is truly filled with the ‘uboodiyyah (love, humility, submission and enslavement) to Allaah alone, he will then begin to fulfill all the obligations which Allaah has placed upon him, to the best of his ability. This is borne out by the following statement:

‘Aaishah radiallaahu ‘anhoo said:
“The first part (of the Qur’aan) to be revealed was a Soorah (chapter) from the mufassal (shorter chapters) in which Paradise and Hell were mentioned. Then, when the people entered into Islaam, came the revelation regarding the halaal (lawful) and haraam (unlawful). Had the first revelation been: Do not drink khamr (wine and other intoxicants). They would have said: We shall never give up drinking khamr. Had the first revelation been: Do not commit zinaa (adultery and fornication), they would have said: We shall never give up committing zinaa.”8

So this is the foundation, about which – if a person agrees he will then desire and agree to abandon all sins and acts of disobedience. Indeed, it was only after Tawheed, the worship of Allaah alone; and the willingness to submit and surrender to Allaah was understood by the Companions – radiallaahu ‘anhum – and it had settled in the depths of their hearts, that Allaah began to order them with the various commands and prohibitions. It was then that the command was revealed to establish Salaah (Prayer); pay the Zakaah; fast in the month of Ramadaan; then afterwards the command to make Hajj (Pilgrimage to Makkah); and so on, until all the commands which Allaah – the Most High – wanted to order and prohibit the people with were given, step by step, one by one …

So this call to the ‘uboodiyyah of Allaah and to single Him out alone for love, obedience and worship, is the common message of all the Prophets and Messengers ‘alayhimus-salaam. Every single Prophet and Messenger came to his people saying:

“O my people, worship Allaah alone, making all your worship purely for Him, since there is none besides Him having the right to be worshiped by you.” [Soorah al-A’raaf 7:56].

This was the message of the Prophet Nooh, Ibraaheem, Moosaa, ‘Eesaa ibn Maryam ‘alayhimus-salaam; and the khaatim (final and last) of the Prophets, Muhammad sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. They all came with this same message.

1. From a talk delivered by the noble Shaykh at the Jamiyyatul-Qur’aan was-Sunnah Conference (1994 /U.S.A.), slightly edited.
2. Al-Bidaayah wan-Nihaayah (7/40) of Ibn Katheer.
3. Related by al-Bukhaaree (no.6435), from Abu Hurayrah radiallaahu ‘anhu.
4. Wasiyyatus-Sughraa (p.55) of Ibn Taymiyyah.
5. Saheeh: Related by Ahmad (5/236) from Mu’aadh radiallaahu ‘anhu. It was authenticated by al-Albaanee in as-Saheehah (no.2355).
6. Related by al-Bukhaaree (no.348 I), from Abu Hurayrah radiallaahu ‘anhu.
7. Related by al-Bukhaaree (no.1356), from Anas radiallaahu ‘anhu.
8. Related by al-Bukhaaree (no.4993), from Yoosuf ibn Maahak.

The Beginnings of Deviation

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Source: Al-Istiqaamah Magazine, Issue No.7

[1]: MAN’S FITRAH (NATURAL DISPOSITION)

What is essential to know is that: “Allaah created the creation in order that they should worship Him. Furthermore, Allaah prepared for them – from His Provision – all that they would require. About this Allaah – the Most High – said:

“I did not create jinn and mankind, except that they should worship Me. I do not seek any provisions from them, nor do I ask that they should feed me. Indeed Allaah is the Provider, the Possessor of Might and Strength.” [Soorah adh-Dhaariyaat 51:56-58].

So the soul – if left to its Fitrah (natural disposition and inclination) – would find itself acknowledging Allaah’s Divinity, loving Him and worshiping Him alone, without worshipping others along with Him. However, this fitrah becomes corrupted and it deviates away from the pure worship of Allaah, due to what the devils – from amongst mankind and jinn – whisper to some people, beautifying to them their whispers of deception. So Tawheed (to worship Allaah alone) is the core and root of man’s fitrah, whereas Shirk (directing any part of worship that belongs only to Allaah, to other than Allaah) is alien to it and is something that deceptively enters into it. Allaah – the Most High – said:

“So set your face to the Haneef Religion (the Religion of pure Tawheed), This is the fitrah of Allaah which He created mankind upon. There is to be no change in the creation (i.e, Religion) of Allaah. That is the straight and upright Religion. But most of mankind do not have knowledge.” [Soorah Room 30:30].”1

The above Aayah (Verse) clearly refutes the false notion of the atheists; who claim that the natural basis of man is Shirk, and that Tawheed evolved in man! Not only does the previous Aayah refutes this falsehood, but so do the following two authentic narrations:

Firstly: Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said, that his Lord said: “I created all My Servants upon the true Religion (upon Tawheed, free from Shirk). Then the devils come to them end led them astray from their true Religion. They made unlawful to people that which I had mode lawful for them, and they commended them to associate in worship with Me, that for which I had sent down no authority.”4

Secondly: Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Every child is born upon the Fitrah (i.e. Islaam), but his parents make him a jew or a christian or a magian. It is like the way on animal gives birth to a natural offspring. Have you noticed any born mutilated, before you mutilate them.” Abu Hurayrah said: Recite if you wish: “Allaah’s fitrah with which He created mankind. There is to be no change to the creation (Religion) of Allaah.” [Soorah Room 30:30].”3

[2]: THE BEGINNING OF IDOL-WORSHIP

Mankind was, in the beginning, a single Ummah (nation) upon Tawheed, the pure worship of Allaah alone. Then Shirk gradually overcame them. The basis for this belief is what Allaah – the Most High – said:

“Mankind was one Ummah (nation), then Allaah sent Prophets bringing good news and warnings.” [Soorah al-Baqarah 2:213].

“Mankind was not except a single Ummah, then they differed.” [Soorah Yoonus 12. 19].

Ibn ‘Abbaas radiallaahu ‘anhu said:
“Between Noah and Aadam there were ten generations, all of them were upon the Sharee’ah (Law) of the truth, then they differed. So Allaah sent Prophets as bringers of good news and as warners.”4

So: “During the time of the Prophet Noah ‘alayhis-salaam, Shirk appeared amongst his people, and they started worshipping idols along with worshipping Allaah. So Allaah said:

“Indeed We sent Noah ‘alayhis-salaam to his people and he said to them: I have come to you as a clear warner; that you should worship only Allaah.” [Soorah Hood 1 1:25-26].”5

After this clear explanation, it is of the utmost importance for the Muslims to know exactly how Shirk spread amongst the Believers, after they were people upon pure Tawheed?

[3]: THE ORIGINS OF SHIRK

Allaah – the Most Perfect – said about the people of Noah:

“And they said: You shall not forsake your deities / gods, nor shall you forsake Wadd, nor Suwaa’, nor Yaghooth, nor Ya’ooq, nor Nasr.” [Soorah Nooh 71:23].

Ibn ‘Abbaas radiallaahu ‘anhu relates:
“These were all idols from Noah’s nation, which eventually ended up amongst the Arabs. Wadd was the idol which was worshipped by the Kalb tribe in the region of Dawmatul-Jandal; Suwaa’ was for the Hudhayl tribe; Yaghooth by the Ghutayf tribe at Jurf near the region of Sabaa; Ya’ooq for the Hamdaan tribe and Nasr was the idol worshipped by the Dhul-Kalaa of the Himayr tribe. Indeed these five idols were the names of righteous men from the nation of Noah. When they died Shaytaan whispered to their people to make statues of them in honour of them, and to place these statues in their places of gathering as a reminder of them, so they did this. However, none from amongst them worshipped these statues, until when that generation passed away and the purpose of the statues was forgotten, the next generation then began worshipping them.“6

Muhammad ibn Qays radiallaahu ‘anhu said:
“Yaghooth, Ya’ooq and Nasr were a group of righteous men, who were taken as examples to be followed by their people. So when they died their companions said: If we were to make pictures of them it would encourage us to do acts of worship and obedience to Allaah (as they did). So they made pictures of them. However, when they died and the next generation came, Shaytaan whispered to them saying: Your fore-fathers used to worship these righteous men, and it was due to them that it rained. So they began to worship them.”7

So the beginnings of Shirk lay in the excessive praise and respect given to certain dead pious Muslims, who – due to peoples’ love for them – became idols that were worshipped and supplicated along with Allaah. So what needs to be understood is why people felt that they had to worship these righteous people along with worshipping Allaah.

[4]: TAKING THE DEAD AS INTERCESSORS

Allaah – the One free from all defects – said:

“Indeed We have sent down to you the Book in truth, so worship Allaah alone by making the Religion purely for Him. Surely the Religion, worship and obedience should be for Allaah alone. But those who take as awliyaa (friends and protectors) others along with Allaah say: We only worship them so that they may bring us closer to Allaah. Indeed Allaah will judge between them concerning that in which they differ. Indeed Allaah does not guide those who are liars and disbelievers.” [Soorah az-Zumar 39:2-3].

“And they worship those besides Allaah that can neither harm nor benefit them, and they say: These are our intercessors with Allaah. Say to them: Do you inform Allaah about that which He does not have knowledge in the heavens and the earth. Glory be to Allaah and how free He is from that which the associate as partners with Him.” [Soorah Yoosuf 10:18].

“So Allaah – the Most Perfect – informed us in these two Aayaat (Verses) that the mushriks had taken others from the creation as awliyaa along with Allaah. They worshipped them along with Him, by offering du’aa (supplication) to them, and directing to them hope (of attaining safety or of being cured from some illness) and fear, sacrifice, vows, and their like claiming that directing such worship to these awliyaa would bring them closer to Allaah and that these awliyaa would then act as intercessors between them and Allaah. Yet Allaah – the the Most Perfect – rejected such claims and made clear its falseness and labeled those who claimed such a thing as being liars and disbelievers!”8

“Thus it should be clear to all who have intellect, that the cause of disbelief of the earlier kuffaar (disbelievers) was due to them taking the Prophets, awliyaa, trees, stones and other things from the creation, as intercessors between them and Allaah, believing that such intercessors would fulfill for them their needs and aspirations, without any permission from Allaah – the Most Perfect – nor His approval. They considered it to be similar to how ministers and advisors intercede on behalf of the people with the worldly kings. So they made a (false) analogy between Allaah – the Most Majestic – and the worldly kings and leaders, saying: lust as a person who wishes to present his needs to a king has to go through the king’s advisors and ministers, then likewise we draw closer to Allaah by making du’aa (supplication) to the Prophets and the awliyaa; taking them as intercessors between us and Allaah. However, this analogy is the height of futility and falsehood. Since Allaah – the One free from all defects – has none that is comparable to Him, nor can analogies be made between Him and His creation. Indeed no one intercedes for His creation, except with His permission. and none will be granted shafaa’a (intercession), except the people of Tawheed. For Allaah – the Most Perfect – has knowledge and power over all things, and is the Most Merciful of those who show mercy. He does not fear anyone, nor is frightened by anyone, since He – the Most Perfect – has power and dominion over His slaves and disposes of their affairs as He Wills. This is contrary to the earthly kings and leaders, for they do not have power over everything, nor do they have knowledge about everything. This is why they are dependant upon advisers, ministers and armies to assist them in matters which they, by themselves, are unable to do. They are also in need of being informed about those who are in need, which is another reason for their being surrounded by ministers and advisors. But the Lord – the Mighty and Majestic, the One free from all defects and shortcomings – is free from any type of need or assistance from any of His creation. He is more merciful to them that their mothers and He is the Most Just. And according to His Wisdom, Knowledge and Power, He places all things in their proper place. It is therefore not permissible to compare Allaah with His creation in this manner.”9

[5]: DU’AA TO OTHER THAN ALLAAH IS SHIRK

The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said:
“Whosoever dies whilst making du’aa (invocation, supplication) to others besides Allaah, will enter the HellFire.”10

[6]: A PROOF FROM THE COMPANIONS

Anas radiallaahu ‘anhu related:
“In times of drought, ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab radiallaahu ‘anhu used to ask ‘Abbaas ibn ‘Abdul-Muttalib to pray for rain on their behalf. He himself would say: “O Allaah we used to ask Your Prophet to supplicate on our behalf to You, and You would bless us with rain. Now we ask the uncle of our Prophet to supplicate to You on our behalf, so bless us with rain.” Anas said: So they would be blessed with rain.”11

Sulaym ibn ‘Aamir al-Khabaairee relates:
“That the sky withheld all rain, so Mu’aawiyah ibn Abee Sufyaan went out to pray for rain along with the people of Damascus. So when Mu’aawiyah sat upon the pulpit he said: “Where is Yazeed ibn al-Aswad al-Jurashee?” So the people called him and he came stepping between the people. Then Mu’aawiyah commanded him, so he ascended the pulpit and sat at his feet. Then Mu’aawiyah said: “O Allaah! Today we are asking the best and most noblest amongst us to supplicate to You for us. O Allaah, today we put Yazeed ibn al-Aswad al-Jurashee forward to supplicate to You for us. O Yazeed! Raise up your hands to Allaah.” So he raised up his hands and the people raised up their hands. Then rain-clouds, like large shields, came quickly from the west, and the winds blew, and it rained so much that people could hardly reach their houses.”12

So why didn’t ‘Umar radiallaahu ‘anhu and the rest of the Companions who were with him, go to the grave of our beloved Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam; or to the grave of the greatest of the awliyaa Abu Bakr radiallaahu ‘anhu, and make du’aa (supplication) to them for rain? Why? Because they knew that doing so would constitute shirk? Likewise, why didn’t Mu’aawiyah, and those of the righteous people with him, not delegate someone to go to Madeenah – to the grave of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, or any of the Companions buried there – or directly make du’aa to them from Damascus, in their time of distress and great need? Why? Because they knew that doing so would constitute shirk!

[7]: SOME POINTS OF BENEFIT

Firstly: That Shirk began during the time of Noah ‘alayhis-salaam, due to the excessive love and veneration that the people had for certain dead pious Muslim.

Imaam al-Qurtubee (d.654H) – rahimahullaah – said: “The initial images that were made of these righteous men were done in order that the people could be reminded about their righteousness and so strive in being righteous; as they strove. So they worshipped Allaah by the graves of these righteous men. Then a people came after them who forgot the intent of their fore-fathers’ actions. So Shaytaan whispered to them saying: Your fore-fathers used to worship these images and held them in great veneration.”13

Secondly: “That Shaytaan is eager to misguide mankind and to plot against them. He comes from the angle of exploiting man’s emotions, and lures them into doing acts that are (apparently) good. Thus, when Shaytaan saw amongst the people of Noah their great love and esteem for the righteous, he tricked them into going beyond the bounds in their love, and he got them to make and place statues of these dead pious Muslims in their places of gatherings. The objective of this was to make them swerve away from the right path.

Thirdly: That Shaytaan does not only observe the present generation, and seek to deceive only them; but he also wishes to misguide and deceive future generations. Thus, when he could not plunge the present generation, from the people of Noah, into Shirk, he eagerly awaited the next generation’s arrival, in order that he could misguide them.”14

Fourthly: That the worshipping of dead pious Muslims continues to be practiced amongst the Ummah even today. The difference being is that the names have changed. Thus, instead of worshipping Wadd, or Yaghooth, or Ya’ooq; people have instead directed the same practices of Shirk – like supplicating directly to the pious dead, and taking them as intercessors between them and Allaah – to others; such as to Shaykh ‘Abdul-Qaadir al-Jeelaanee in Iraaq, or al-Baydaawee in Eygypt, or Chishtee in India, etc. However, changing the name of a thing, does not change its reality.

1. Kitaabut-Tawheed (p.6) of Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan.
2. Related by Muslim (8/159) and Ahmad (4/162) from ‘lyaadh ibn Himaar al-Mujaashi’ee radiallaahu ‘anhu.
3. Related by al-Bukhaaree (11/418) and Muslim (18/52), from Abu Hurayrah radiallaahu ‘anhu.
4. Related by at-Tabaree in his Tafseer (4/275).
5. Mubaahith (p.21) of Shaykh Naasir al-‘Aql.
6. Related by al-Bukhaaree (no.4920).
7. Related by at-Tabaree in his Tafseer (29/98).
8. Iqaamatul-Baraaheen (p.27) of Shaykh ‘Abdul-‘Azeez bin Baaz.
9. Iqaamatul-Baraaheen (pp.53-55).
10. Related by al-Bukhaaree (no.4297), from Ibn Mas’ood radiallaahu ‘anhu.
11. Related by al-Bukhaaree (no.1010).
12. Related by Ibn ‘Asskir in Tareekh Dimishq (18/151/1).
13. Jaami’ li-Ahkaamil-Qur’aan (13/308).
14. Bayaan Haqeeqatut-Tawheed (pp.8-9) of Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan.

The Yearning of the Pious for Paradise

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Al-Istiqaamah News Letter
Safar 1417H / July 1996 , Issue No.2

Describing Paradise, Allaah – the Most High – said:

“Indeed Allaah will enter those who believe and do righteous and correct actions into Paradise, beneath which rivers flow. Wherein they will be adorned with bracelets of gold and pearls and their garments will be made of silk.” [Soorah al-Hajj 24:23].

“Indeed the pious and obedient ones will be in Paradise, amongst gardens and water-springs. It will be said to them: Enter! In peace and safety. And We shall remove from their hearts any ill-feeling, so they will be like brothers, facing each other on thrones. No sense of hardship shall touch them, and they will be of those who never leave.” [Soorah al-Hijr 15:45-46].

“Paradise, that precious sanctity to which, throughout the ages, the Believers run towards.

Paradise, a burning flame that was in the hearts of our Salafus-Saalih (Pious Predecessors), a flame that spurred them to aim for the highest examples of velour in jihaad and sacrifice.

Paradise, that noble goal which aspiring eyes are fixed towards and which yearning souls long for, in all times and in all places. They find worldly afflictions agreeable to them for the sake of achieving Paradise. Indeed, to enter into it and remain in it is considered the greatest goal for the Believers, and it is a hope which is kept in view throughout life’s journey. How often has Paradise been the incentive and a motivation for goodness and truth, despite the dangers, afflictions and thorns that lie along the path – even if it involves certain death.

This was the case in the days of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, as Anas radiallaahu ‘anhu related: Once Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and his Companions proceeded towards Badr and arrived there before the disbelievers of Makkah. When the disbelievers arrived Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “None of you should proceed ahead of me in anything.” The disbelievers then advanced towards us and Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Rise-up to enter Paradise, whose width is equal to the heavens and the earth.”

Umayr ibn al-Humaam al-Ansaaree radiallaahu ‘anhu said: O Messenger of Allaah ! Is Paradise equal in width to the heavens and the earth? He said: “Yes!” Umayr then exclaimed words of astonishment and excitement, so Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam asked him: “What made you say these words of astonishment and excitement?” He replied: O Messenger of Allaah ! Nothing but the desire to be amongst its inhabitants. Allaah’s Messeneger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam then said, “Indeed, you are surely from amongst its inhabitants.” So ‘Umayr then took some dates from his bag and began to eat them. Then he said: If I were to live until I have eaten all the dates, then indeed this life would be too long. He threw away the remaining dates which were with him and he fought until he was killed. 1

This was also the stance taken in later times:

Abu Moosaa al-Ash’aree radiallaahu ‘anhu, whilst in the presence of his enemy, narrated: Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Indeed, the gates of Paradise are beneath the shade of swords.” A man who was in a shabby condition got up and said: Abu Moosaa! did you hear this from the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam? So he said: Yes! He returned to his friend and said: I bid you salaam (a farewell greeting of peace). Then he broke the sheath of his sword, threw it away, then rushed into the thick of the enemy and fought them until he was slain. 2

Imaam ash-Shaafi’ee (d.204H) – rahimahullaah -said:

“O my soul! It is not, except a few days of patience;
As if the extent were but a few dreams.
O my soul! Pass quickly on through this world;
And leave it, for indeed life lies ahead of it.” 4

1. Related by Muslim (no.1901).
2. Related by Muslim (no.1902) and at-Tirmidhee (no.1659).
4. Related by Ibn Rajab in Fadl ‘Ilmus-Salaf (p.63).

Clarity – Defending the Religion & Uniting the Ranks upon the Truth

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Istiqaamah Magazine , Issue No.2 ,1996

DEFENDING THE RELIGION

Imaam Ahmad bin Hanbal (d.241H)- rahimahullaah – said:

“All praise is for Allaah who, in every age and intervals between the Prophets, raises up a group from the People of Knowledge, who call the misguided to guidance, patiently bearing ill treatment and harm. With the Book of Allaah they give life to the dead, and by Allaah’s Light they give sight to the blind. How many a person killed by Iblees (the Devil) have they revived. How many people astray and wandering have they guided. How beautiful their effect has been upon the people, and how vile people have been towards them. They expel from the Book of Allaah the alterations of those going beyond bounds, the false claims of the liars and the false interpretations of the ignorant ones – those who uphold die banner of innovation and let loose the trials and discords; who differ about the Book, oppose the Book, and agree upon opposing the Book. They speak about Allaah and His Book without knowledge, argue about what is ambiguous in the Book, and deceive the ignorant masses with such ambiguities. We seek refuge in Allaah from the trials of the misguided ones.” 1

Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (d.728H) – rahimahullaah – said:

“When some people asked Imaam Ahmad bin Hanbal that they felt uneasy about criticizing people, he replied: “If I were to remain silent, how would the ignorant masses know the truth from falsehood?” Those who introduce heretical writings which oppose the Qur’aan and the Sunnah and those who innovate in matters of worship, then it is obligatory that they be exposed and that the Muslims be warned against them – by unanimous agreement of the Muslims Scholars. In fact, when Imaam Ahmad bin Hanbal was asked about a person who fasted, preyed and secluded himself in the mosque for worship; if he was dearer to him than a person who spoke out against ahlul-bid’ah (the innovators), he replied: “When he fasts and prays and secludes himself, then he does so for the benefit of his own self. However, when he speaks out against the innovators, he does so for the benefit of the Muslims in general, and this is more virtuous.”

So it is clear that openly opposing the innovators is of general benefit to the Muslims and is considered one of the types of jihaad in the path of Allaah. Since purifying the religion of Allaah and defending it from their attacks is a collective obligation – as is agreed upon by the Scholars. For Allaah did not raise up some people to oppose the innovators, then the religion would suffer harm, corruption and deviation. Indeed, this type of corruption is even greater then the corruption resulting from the disbelievers conquering the Muslims. Since when the disbelievers conquer the Muslims, they do not corrupt their hearts, nor their religion, except after some time. Whereas the innovators corrupt the hearts from the very beginning.” [2]

UNITING THE RANKS UPON THE TRUTH

Shaykh ‘Abdul-‘Azeez bin Baaz – hafidhahullaah – said:

“There is no doubt that it is obligatory upon the Muslims to unify their ranks and to unite their word upon the truth and to co-operate in goodness and piety against the enemies of Islaam – as Allaah, the Most Perfect, ordered them with in His saying: “And hold fast altogether to the rope of Allaah and do not become divided.” [Soorah Aal-‘lmraan 3:102]. And likewise, Allaah has warned the Muslims against splitting up, as occurs in His – the Most Perfect’s – saying: “And do not be like those who differed and split-up after the clear evidences came to them.” [Soorah Aal-‘lmraan 3:105]. However, the order to unify the Muslims and unite their word upon the truth and to hold fast to the rope of Allaah, does not necessitate that they should not censure wrong beliefs and practices – whether from the Soofees or other than them. Rather, what the order to hold fast to the rope of Allaah necessitates is: to order the good, forbid the evil and also to clarify the truth – with the clear Sharee’ah proofs – to whomsoever is misguided or has a mistaken opinion, until they unite upon the truth and turn away from that which opposes it. All of this is included in His – the Most Perfect’s – saying: “And help you one another in righteousness and piety, and do not help one another in sin and transgression.” [Sooratul-Maa’idah 5:2]. And His – the Most Perfect’s – saying: “Let there arise from amongst you a group of people calling to all that is good, enjoining the good and forbidding the evil, they are the ones who shall be successful.” [Soorah Aal’-lmraan 3:110]. And when the people of truth withhold from clarifying the mistakes of those who have erred or are mistaken, then they will not have achieved that which Allaah ordered them with, as regards calling to goodness, ordering the good and forbidding the evil. So the person in error will remain upon his error, and the one acting in opposition to the truth will remain upon his opposition. And this is contrary to what Allaah – the Most Perfect – prescribed, with regards sincere advice, co-operation upon goodness, ordering the good and forbidding the evil – and Allaah alone is the One who grants success.

Shaykh ‘Abdul-‘Azeez bin Baaz was asked about the correctness of the saying: “We should unite upon that which we agree, and excuse each other in that which we disagree.” The Shaykh commented:

“Yes! It is obligatory to co-operate in that which we agree, by aiding the truth, calling to it and warning against that which Allaah and His Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam have prohibited. Its for excusing each other for that in which we differ – then this is not to be taken in an absolute sense, but rather in a general one. Thus, if the difference involves a particular issue of ijtihaad wherein the proofs are deep and detailed – then it is obligatory not to reproach or censure one another. However, if it opposes a clear text of the Book and the Sunnah, then it is obligatory to correct the one who has opposed the clear texts, but with wisdom, beautiful admonition and debating in the best possible manner, acting upon Allaah -the Most High’s – saying: “And help you one another in righteousness and piety, but do not help one another in sin and transgression.” [Soorah al-Maa’idah 5:2] And His – the Most Perfect’s – saying: “The Believers – man and woman – are protectors to each other, they order the good and forbid the evil … “ [Soorah at-Towbah 9:71]. And His – the Mighty and Majestic’s – saying: “Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful admonition, and argue with them in ways that are better.” [Soorah an-Nahl 16:125]. And he sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Whosoever sees an evil, then let him change it with his hand. If he is unable to do this, then with his tongue, and if he is unable to do this, then with his heart. And that is the weakest of eemaan (faith).” And he sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Whosoever directs a person to do good, will have a reward similar to the one who does that good.” 5 And the aayaat (verses) and ahaadeeth with this meaning are plenty.” 6

1. Ar-Radd ‘alal-Jahmiyyah waz-Zanaadiqah (p.2) of Imaam Ahmad ibn Hanbal.
2. Majmoo’ul-Fataawaa (28/231-232).
3. Tanbeehaat fir-Radd ‘alaa man Ta’awwalis-Sifaat (pp.31-32).
4. Related by Muslim (2/21), from Abu Sa’eed al-Khudree radiallaahu ‘anhu.
5. Related by Muslim (13/38), from Abu Mas’ood al-Ansaaree radiallaahu ‘anhu.
6. Tanbeehaat fir-Radd ‘alaa man Ta’awwalis-Sifaat (pp.14-15)

The Advice of ‘Alee (radiallaahu ‘anhu)

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Al-Istiqaamah Magazine, Issue No.6 – Dhul-Qa’dah 1417H / March 1997

Kumail ibn Ziyaad said: ‘Alee ibn Abee Taalib took hold of my hand and took me off towards the desert. When we reached it, he sat down, took a deep breath and then said:

“O Kumail ibn Ziyaad! The hearts are receptacles, so the best of them is the one which preserves the best. So memorise what I say to you.

The people are of three (types): the Scholar who is rabbaanee [1],  the one learning being upon the path of salvation, and the confused rabble who follow everyone who calls out – bending along with every wind – they are not enlightened by the light of knowledge, nor do they lean upon a firm support.

Knowledge is better than wealth. Knowledge is a protection for you, whereas it is you that has to protect wealth. The zakaat of knowledge is action, whereas spending decreases wealth. And love of the Scholar is part of the Religion. Knowledge brings about obedience for the Scholar in his own lifetime and causes him to have good repute after his death, whereas the benefit of wealth ceases when it passes away. The hoarders of wealth have died even though they are still alive, whereas the Scholars remain for as long as time remains – their persons are lost, but their examples remain in the hearts.

Here, indeed here – (and he pointed to his chest) – there is knowledge, if only I could find carriers for it. But instead I have found them quick to comprehend, but not trustworthy. They use what pertains to the Religion for worldly ends. They seek to use Allaah’s proofs against His Book, blindly following the people of truth, but having no insight regarding receiving it.

Doubt pierces their hearts when anything problematic arises. They are neither this nor that. They do not know where the truth lies, and if they are mistaken then they do not know why. They are ardently in love with something the true state of which they do not know – so they become a trial for others.

And indeed, the utmost good is for the one to whom Allaah grants understanding of the Religion And it is enough ignorance for a person that he does not know about his Religion. Such a person is passionately addicted to pleasures, accustomed to following desires, or is one given to amassing wealth and piling it up. Such people are not from the callers to the Religion rather they are more like the grazing cattle. And thus knowledge passes away with the passing away of those who carry it.

Oh Allaah, yes! The earth will not be without one who stands upright for Allaah, with proof – so that Allaah’s proofs and clear signs are not abolished. They are the ones who are few in number, but having the most value to Allaah. With them, Allaah asserts His proofs amongst their contemporaries and cultivates them in the hearts of those similar to them. With them, knowledge assaults and comes upon the true state of affairs, so that which those accustomed to easy living find difficult therein, they find easy; and they are at home with that which causes consternation to the ignorant ones. They live in this world with their bodies, whereas their souls are attached to higher things. They are Allaah’s ambassadors in His land and the callers to His Religion. Oh how I would like to see them, and I seek Allaah’s forgiveness for myself and for you. If you wish then you may leave.” [2]

Footnotes

  1. Rabbaanee: The Scholar who acts in accordance with his knowledge and has insight into the condition of the people – so that he raises them upon the primary matters of knowledge before the more detailed and difficult matters.
  2. Reported by Abu Nu’aym in Hilyatul-Awliyaa (1/79-80), al-Khateeb al-Baghdaadee in al-Faqeeh wal-Mutafaqqih (1/49-50) and Ibn Katheer in al-Bidaayah wan-Nihaayah (9/47).

Reflections – Al-Istiqaamah Magazine

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Al-Istiqaamah Magazine , Issue No.6 – Dhul-Qa’dah 1417H / March 1997

THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’ood radiallaahu ‘anhu relates that the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam would supplicate: “O Allaah! I ask You for guidance, piety, safety and well-being, and contentment and sufficiency.” [Allaahumma innee as’alukal-hudaa wat-tuqaa wal-‘afaafa wal-ghinaa].1

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

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

And al-‘afaafa (well-being and safety) and al-ghinaa (contentment and sufficiency) comprises of being safe from (the harms of) the creation and that the heart is not attached to them. And it also comprises of being contented with Allaah and what He provides, and seeking whatever will cause the heart to be satisfied with Him. So with this, happiness in this worldly life is completed, and the heart tastes true sweetness and delight – and this is a goodly life. So whosoever is granted the provisions of guidance, Piety. well-being and contentment has indeed achieved true happiness, and has acquired all that could be possibly sought after, as well as being saved from all that is dreadful and frightening.”2

KNOWLEDGE AND HUMILITY

Imaam adh-Dhahabee (d.748H) – rahimahullaah – said:

“Whosoever seeks knowledge for actions, then his knowledge makes him humble and fearful, and causes him to weep at (the deficiencies in) himself. But whosoever seeks knowledge for the sake of merely teaching, giving verdicts, in order to brag, or to show-off; becomes foolish, arrogant and looks down in contempt at the people, and is destroyed by pride, and the people hate him. “Truly he succeeds who purifies his soul, and he fails who corrupts it.” [Soorah ash-Shams 99:4-5]. Meaning that it is corrupted with sin and disobedience.”3

REMEMBERING THE GUIDANCE

Al-Qaadee ‘Iyaadh (d.591H) – rahimahullaah – relates: “Mu’sab ibn ‘Abdullaah said:

When Imaam Maalik (d.179H) would mention the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, his colour would change and he would have to lean down, and those in his gathering would feel disturbed. So one day, on being asked about this, he said: If you had seen what I have seen, you would not have rejected what you had seen. I have seen Muhammad ibn al-Munkadir (d.130H) – and he was the leader of the Reciters – that he would never be asked about a hadeeth (Prophetic narration), except that he would weep, until we had mercy upon him. And I have seen Ja’far ibn Muhammad (d.148H) who used to smile alot. Yet whenever the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was mentioned to him, he would turn pale. I have never seen him narrating the hadeeth of the Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, except in a state of purification. And when times deteriorated, I never saw him except in one of three conditions: Either Praying, observing silence, or reciting the Qur’aan. He never uttered a word having no significance, and he was one of the Scholars and worshippers who had great fear of Allaah. Whenever ‘Abdur-Rahmaan ibn al-Qaasim (d.126H) mentioned the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, he turned pale, as if the blood had been drained from his face, and his tongue dried-up due to reverence for Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. I went to ‘Aamir ibn ‘Abdullaah ibn az-Zubayr (d.123H), and whenever the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was mentioned to him, he would weep so much, until he was unable to weep any longer. I saw az-Zuhree (d.124H) – and he was from the kindest of people, and closest to them – that when the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was mentioned to him, he would not be able to recognise you, nor would you be able to recognise him. I came to Safwaan ibn Sulaym (d.132H) – and he was one of the mujtahid Scholars and worshippers – that whenever he mentioned the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam he would weep, and he would not stop weeping, to the extent that the people would have to get up and leave him.”4

And it is from the likes of such weeping souls that we have inherited the knowledge of our Religion!

1. Related by Muslim (no.2721).
2. Bahjatul-Quloobul-Abraar (p.198).
3. Siyar A’laamun-Nubulaa (18/192).
4. Related by Ibn Taymiyyah in Kitaabul-Waseelah (p.92)

A Concise Legacy : Shaykh ibn Uthaymeen

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Shaykh Muhammad Saalih al-Uthaymeen
Source: Al-Istiqaamah Magazine , Issue No.5 – Ramadân 1417H / January 1997

Indeed all praise is for Allaah. We praise Him, we seek His help and we seek forgiveness from Him. And we seek refuge in Allaah from the evils within our own souls and our evil actions. Whomsoever Allaah guide, then none can misguide him; and whomsoever Allaah leaves to stray, then none can guide him aright. Indeed it is Allaah who sent His Messenger Muhammad sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam with the Guidance and the Religion of Truth, and he conveyed this Message, fulfilled his trust, fought Jihaad as it should be fought, and he did not die except that he left his Ummah (nation) upon a clear path, its night is like its day, and no one deviates from it except that he is destroyed. And may Allaah extol and send blessings of peace upon His Messenger Muhammad, and upon his Family, his Companions, and those who follow them in goodness. Then to proceed:

So on this night, Sunday the 27th of Rabee’ul-Awwal 1417H – which corresponds to the 10th of August 1996CE – I am pleased to have this opportunity to say a few words to you. I hope that Allaah would bless them and that He would also bless our brothers in England; who have traveled from various places in order to here these few words on the telephone, for which they will receive – with the help of Allaah – that promise which has been mentioned by the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam when he said: “Whosoever treads a path to seek knowledge, then Allaah would make easy for him a path to Paradise.”1 So I ask from my brothers to accept these wasaayah (legacies and sincere advices) which I hope would be of benefit to them:-

THE FIRST LEGACY

So I advise you to have the taqwaa of Allaah – the Mighty and Majestic – both in private and public. And taqwaa means that a person should stand firm upon the obedience of Allaah, doing what Allaah ordered him to do, and abandoning what He prohibited him from, starting with establishing the Salaah (Prayer) in their fixed and stated times, and in congregation, for those who are obliged to do so. Along with the five daily Prayers, you should also pray the rawaatib (stressed and recommended Prayers) which are connected to the five daily Prayers – and they are four rak’ahs before the Dhuhr Prayer and two after it. Two rak’ahs after the Maghrib Prayer. Two rak’ahs after the ‘Ishaa Prayer. And two rak’ahs before the Fajr Prayer. The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “There is no Muslim who Prays twelve optional rak’ahs from the non-obligatory Prayer every day, except that Allaah will build for him a house in Paradise.”2 Likewise, you should pay the Zakaah; which is an obligatory amount taken from your wealth and given to the poor and the needy. Allaah – the Most High – said to his Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam:

“Take charity from their wealth in order to purify them and to sanctify them by it.” [Soorah a-Tawbah 9:103].

The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said to Mu’aadh ibn Jabal, when he was sending him to Yemen: “And inform them that Allaah has obligated upon them to give charity from their wealth, to be taken from the rich and given to the poor.”3

Likewise, one should fast in the month of Ramadaan, because Allaah has prescribed it for this Ummah, and one should make the Hajj (Pilgramage) and the ‘Umrah (Lesser Pilgramage) for whosoever has the ability to do so. These are the pillars of Islaam, after the first pillar which is the Shahaadatain (the two testimonies); to testify that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah, and to testify that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah.

THE SECOND LEGACY

I advise my brothers that they should unify their ranks, and that they should be like a single body seeking to establish the Religion of Allaah, as Allaah – the Most High – said:

“Allaah has prescribed for you the same Religion which He prescribed to Noah, and that which We revealed to the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, and that which We prescribed to Ibraaheem, Moses and Jesus ‘alayhimus-salaam, saying: That you should establish the Religion by doing that which you were commanded with, and that you should not make any divisions in it.” [Soorah ash-Shooraa 42:13].

Thus it becomes very clear that what is required from us – as it was required from the Prophets who were foremost in resolve – is to establish the Religion and not to make any divisions therein. So our Lord – the Mighty and Majestic – ordered us to establish the Religion and not to make any divisions in it. O my brothers! Unite your ranks, and do not differ, since Allaah – the Most High – said:

“And do not dispute with each other, unless you loose courage and your power departs, but be patient. For indeed Allaah is with those who are patient.” [Soorah al-Anfaal 8:46].

Do not label each other as being deviant, nor label each other as being sinners. If you see in any of your brothers that which is objectionable, then go to them and debate with them about this, until your word is unified, and thus cause the Ummah to remain united. None of you should try to slander his brother, since this will cause a great deal of enmity and hatred. Likewise, none of you should declare his Muslim brother to be a disbeliever, innovator or a sinner – since this is not from the nature of a Muslim.

THE THIRD LEGACY

I also advise you – O brothers – to do those actions which will be the cause of love and affection to develop between you. Many people do not truly understand the Religion of Islaam. Indeed many people think that the Religion of Islaam includes certain bad traits – even though Islaam in reality objects to them – because some Muslims portray a false image of Islaam. Rather, the Religion of Islaam is a Religion of truthfulness, righteousness and justice. It is a Religion which calls for reconciling people. It is also a Religion which wages war against all bad actions and characteristics; such as lying, cheating, deception and transgressing upon others. Allaah – the Most High – said:

“Indeed Allaah enjoins upon you justice, kindness and the giving of good to relatives and near ones, and He prohibits you from all shameful and evil deeds, oppression and transgression. He admonishes you, in order that you may take heed and be reminded. And fulfil the Covenant of Allaah when you have made it, and do not break your oaths after you have confirmed them, and indeed you have appointed Allaah as your Guarantor. Indeed Allaah knows all what you do.” [Soorah an-Nahl 16:90-91].

O my brothers, da’wah (calling to Islaam) is to be done by your actions, as you are commanded to do it with your speech However, da’wah through actions will be more effective than da’wah which is merely done with speech. So I say again, that those who practice Islaam in a wrong manner, they will create a false understanding of Islaam in people’s view. Allaah – the Most High – has said about those who invite to what is correct, but do not practice themselves:

“O you who believe! Why do you say that which you do not do. It is most hateful to Allaah that you say that which you do not do.” [Soorah as-Saff 61:2-3].

THE FOURTH LEGACY

I advise you all to safeguard your time and to occupy yourselves in that which is beneficial. You should know that time is more precious than wealth, as Allaah – the Most Blessed, the Most High – said:

“Until when death comes to him, he says: O my Lord! Give me respite so that I may then do righteous actions.” [Soorah al-Baqarah 2:333].

Time is such that when it departs it does not return, whereas wealth, when it departs, then it is possible to replace it. So time is of the utmost importance. This is why I advise you to safeguard your time, and to occupy yourselves in that which benefits. Keep away from qeela wa qaal (gossiping) – that so and so said such and such about this and that person – because the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said in an authentic narration: “Indeed Allaah hates qeela wa qaal (gossip mongering), asking too many questions, and wasting one’s wealth.”4 Unfortunately, many of the youths – after returning to the correct path, and uniting their hearts and unifying their word – have become disunited and fragmented into many factions, and this is due to the whisperings of Shaytaan amongst them and the disuniting of their word. So I advise the brothers to utilise your time in beneficial matters, and to keep away from qeela wa qaal. Indeed, time is like a sword; either you strike it, or it will strike you!

THE FIFTH LEGACY

Call to Allaah with mildness, forebearance, and intending to rectify matters – not with harshness, nor intending to cause divisions. This is because Allaah – the Most Perfect – said to His Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam:

“Call mankind to the way prescribed by your Lord, with wisdom, and admonish them with the examples and warnings that Allaah has provided in His Book, and argue with them in a way that is better.” [Soorah an-Nahl 16:125].

“By the mercy of Allaah you behaved with gentleness towards them. Had you been severe or harsh-hearted they would have left you and departed. So pass over their faults, and ask Allaah to forgive them, and consult them in the affairs.” [Soorah Aali-‘Imraan 3:159].

Thus, it is obligatory for the Believer to follow the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam in this, and to be mild and forebearing in calling to Allaah – the Most Blessed, the Most High – since it is authentically established from the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa aalihi wa sallam that he said: “Indeed Allaah is gentle and loves gentleness, and He gives due to gentleness that which He does not give due to harshness.”5

THE SIXTH LEGACY

Striving hard in acquiring knowledge, since that is the reason why you have left your cities and homes, and have left your family and friends. So it is upon you all to strive hard in gaining knowledge, and to study deeply – not merely to take an exam, rather it is for the knowledge itself. So strive hard in seeking knowledge. Finally, I ask Allaah that He enables us to utilise our time in a beneficial way, according to what Allaah – the Most Blessed, the Most High – has made us responsible for.

1. Related by Muslim (no.1888), Abu Hurayrah radiallaahu ‘anhu.
2. Related by Muslim (no.728), from Ummu Habeebah radiallaahu ‘anhaa.
3. Related by al-Bukhaaree (no.7372) and Muslim (no.19).
4. Related by Muslim (no.1715), from Abu Hurayrah radiallaahu ‘anhu.
5. Saheeh: Related by Ibn Maajah (no.3688), from Abu Hurayrah. It was authenticated by al-Albaanee in Saheehul-Jaami’ (no.1771).

 

A Cry for Help : Turn to Repentance : Shaykh bin Baaz

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Al-Istiqaamah Magazine, Issue No.6 – Dhul-Qa’dah 1417H / March 1997

[Q]: I am a young man, nineteen years of age, and have involved myself in a great deal of sin. Even to the extent that I do not pray most of my Prayers in the mosque, and I have never completely fasted the month of Ramadaan in my entire life. Besides these, I have committed other sins as well. I have vowed to repent many times before, however, after doing so I lapse back into these same sins. The youths of my area are just as bad, as are the friends that I associate with. And Allaah knows that I have transgressed against myself and that whenever I repent, I return back to the same sins. I hope that you may direct me to a path that will bring me closer to my Lord and distance me from these evil actions of mine.

[A]: Allaah – the Might and Majestic – says: “Say O My Slaves who have transgressed against their own souls! Do not despair of Allaah’s mercy. Indeed Allaah forgives all sins, Truly He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” [Soorah az-Zumar 39:53]. There is a consensus from the Scholars that this noble aayah (verse) was revealed for the taa’ibeen (those who repent). So whoever sincerely repents from his sins, then Allaah will forgive him all his sins, as occurs in the saving of Allaah – the Most Perfect – : “O you who Believe! Turn to Allaah in sincere repentance. Perhaps your Lord may remove from you your sins and admit you into Paradise beneath which rivers flow.” [Soorah at-Tahreem 66:8]. So in this aayah (verse), Allaah has made the removal of sins and entry into Paradise dependant upon sincere repentance.

And sincere repentance is conditional upon: [i] abandoning the sin and keeping away from it, [ii] having regret and remorse for committing the sin, [iii] truly intending not to commit the sin again, [iv] remembering the greatness of Allaah and hoping for His reward, whilst fearing His punishment. Another condition for sincere repentance is that if due to transgression, the wealth or property of someone has been stolen or usurped, then it must be returned or forgiveness must be sought from the one whose wealth, blood or honour has been taken. However, if the honour of a person has been violated and the situation is such that it is not possible to seek that persons forgiveness, then plenty of du’aa (supplication) should be made for his welfare and he should be spoken good of in those places where he had previously been backbitten, since good deeds wipe away bad ones. Allaah – the Most Perfect – said: “Turn you all in repentance to Allaah, O Believers, in order that you may be successful.” [Soorah an-Noor 24:31]. So in this aayah (verse) Allaah the Mighty and Majestic – linked success with tawbah (repentance) and points to the fact that the repentant person will reach success and happiness, and if such a person were to follow up this repentance with eemaan (faith) and doing righteous actions, then Allaah would efface his evil actions and change them to good actions, as Allaah the Most Perfect – said after mentioning the sins of Shirk (directing worship that is due only for Allaah to other than Allaah), taking a life without just cause and fornication and adultery-: “And whoever does this, will receive the punishment, The punishment will be doubled for him on the Day of Judgement and he will live therein in disgrace. Except for those who repent, have eemaan (faith) and do righteous actions. For them Allaah will change their evil deeds into good ones, and Allaah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” [Soorah al-Furqaan 25:68-70]

And from the causes of tawbah (repentance) are humility and submissiveness to Allaah – the Most Perfect – and asking Allaah for guidance and ability, and that acceptance of one’s repentance is considered as a Favour from Allaah, as Allaah – the Most Perfect – said: ‘‘Call upon Me and I will respond to your supplication.” [Soorah Ghaafir 40:60] And He – the Mighty and Majestic – said: “And when My servant asks you concerning Me, say to them that I am indeed near, And I respond to the supplication of the one who supplicates to Me.” [Soorah al-Baqarah 2:186]. Also, from the causes of tawbah is choosing good companionship and friendship and following them in righteous conduct, whilst staying clear of bad companionship. It is authentically related from Allaah’s Messenger sallaallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam that he said: “A person is upon the way of life of his friend, so let one of you look to whom he keeps as a friend.”2

And the Prophet sallaallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam also said: “The example of a good companion and a bad companion is like that of a seller of musk, and the one who blows the blacksmith’s bellows. As for the seller of musk, then either he will grant you some, or at the very least you enjoy a pleasant smell from him. As for the one who blows the blacksmith’s bellows, then either he will burn your clothes or you will get an offensive smell from him.”3

1. Al-Fataawaa (1/251-253)
2. Hasan: Related by Abu Dawood (no.4812) and others, from Abu Hurayrah radiallaahu ‘anhu. Imaam an-Nawawee authenticated it in Riyaadus-Saaliheen (no.174).
3. Related by al-Bukhaaree (4/323) and Muslim (no.2628), from Abu Moosaa al-Asharee radiallaahu ‘anhu.

 

Forgiveness: The Mark of a Muslim : Ibn Taymiyyah

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By: Shaykul Islam Ibn Taymiyyah – Majmoo’ Fataawaa (28/50-57)
Source: Al-Istiqaamah
Issue No.6 – Dhul-Qa’dah 1417H / March 1997

In the Name of Allaah, the Most Merciful, the Bestower of Mercy. Indeed Allaah – to whom belongs all praise – has bestowed upon me immense grace, great favours and generous blessings which necessitates immense gratitude, being firm upon obedience to Him, and becoming accustomed to having beautiful patience in that which He ordered. Indeed, a servant is ordered to have sabr (patience) in times of ease more so than in times of hardship. Allaah – the Most High – said:

“But if we let man taste the good favours after poverty and harm has touched him, he is sure to boastfully say: Harm has departed from me. Indeed he is exultant, boastful and ungrateful to Allaah, Except those who show patience and do deeds of righteousness and obedience to Allaah, for them will be forgiveness and a great reward.” [Soorah Hood 11:10-11].

And you all know that Allaah – the Most Perfect – has blessed this affair 2 with such blessings which contain the means to aid His Religion, raise high His Word, aid His Army, and grant honour to His Awliyaa (pious and righteous servants). It is also the cause for strengthening Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah and causing humiliation to the people of innovations and sectarianism. Likewise, it is also the cause for affirming that which has been affirmed by yourselves from the Sunnah (regarding the truth of this matter), and a cause for increasing this by opening up the avenues of guidance, victory and proofs: such that the truth becomes known to the people, who none but Allaah can enumerate. It is also a cause for the masses to begin to accept the way of the Sunnah and the Jamaa’ah; as well as countless other favours. All of this must therefore be accompanied by immense gratitude to Allaah, as well as having patience – even ii this patience is in times of ease.

And you all know that from the great principles which sum up the Religion is: Uniting the hearts, unifying the word, and reconcilination between each other, as Allaah – the Most High – said:

“So fear and obey Allaah, and reconcile the matters of differences between yourselves.” [Soorah al-Anfaal 8:10].

“And hold fast altogether to the rope of Allaah and do not split-up.” [Soorah Aal-‘lmraan 3:103].

“And do not be like those who split-up and differed after the clear proofs came to them. For those there will be a severe punishment.” [Soorah Aal-‘lmraan 3:105].

And other examples like this from the texts (of Revelation), which order us with the Jamaa’ah (unity upon the way of the Companions) and coming together, and prohibit splitting and differing. And the people who most exemplify this principle are Ahlul-Jamaa’ah (the people of the Jamaa’ah); just as the people who most exemplify leaving it are the people of sectarianism.

And that which sums up the Sunnah is: Obedience to the Messenger. This is why the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Indeed Allaah is pleased with three things: That you worship Allaah alone without associating any partner along with Him; that you holdfast all together to the Rope of Allaah and not to become split-up; and that you give sincere advice to whomsoever Allaah put in charge of your affairs.“3

And in the Sunan collections from the hadeeth of Zayd ibn Thaabit and Ibn Mas’ood – who were both great fuqahaa (Scholars of deep understanding) – who relate that the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “May Allaah enliven whosoever hears my words, memorises them and then conveys them to others. Many a carrier of knowledge does not understand it, and many a carrier of knowledge conveys it to one who has better understanding. There are three things which the heart of a Believer has no malice about: Sincerity for Allaah in one’s action; sincere advice to those in authority and clinging to the Jamaa’ah.”4

And his saying: “has no malice” means not having any contempt for them. So the heart of a Muslim does not hate these characteristics. On the contrary, it loves them and is pleased with them.

So the first thing which I shall begin with regarding this principle is what is connected to myself. So you all know – may Allaah be pleased with you all – that I do not desire any harm at all – inwardly or outwardly – for anyone from the general masses of the Muslims, let alone our colleagues and companions. Nor do I harbour any ill-feeling towards anyone of them, nor do I blame them for anything at all. Rather, to me they are deserving of nobility, love, honour and respect, over and over – each in accordance with their level. And a person cannot be except (one of three types): Someone who sincerely strives to ascertain the truth; and is correct, or one who sincerely strives to ascertain the truth; but errs, or a sinful person. As for the first, then he is rewarded and thanked. The second is rewarded for his ijtihaad (striving to ascertain the truth), and is forgiven and excused for his error. As for the third, then may Allaah forgive us, and him, and all the Believers.

So we should not try to dwell upon the words of those who opposed this fundamental; by saying that so and so is deficient, or so and so did not act, or so and so was the cause of harm to the Shaykh, or was the reason why all this occurred, or so and so used to speak about the plots of so and so; and other such similar statements which contain criticism of some of our colleagues and brothers. For indeed do not allow them to harm the brothers and colleagues in this manner, and there is no might, nor any power except with Allaah.5

Rather, the likes of this criticism actually returns to the one who said it in the first place, unless he has good deeds by which Allaah will forgive him – if He wills – and indeed Allaah does forgive that which has preceded. And you also all know about the harsh treatment that was given to some of the brothers in Damascus, and that which occurs even now in Egypt. This – in reality – is not due to a deficiency or shortcoming in the brothers, nor has it occurred because we have changed our views and hate them. Rather, such people, after receiving such harsh treatment increase in the status, love and respect that we have for them. For indeed the likes of these trials are beneficial to the Believers, because Allaah corrects and improves them due to it. Since the Believer to another Believer is like each of a pair of hands, each washes the other. However, it sometimes happens that dirt cannot be removed except with a certain amount of roughness, but that brings about cleanliness and softness, for which that roughness is praised …

You (also) all know that much of what has occurred in this matter were lies, false accusations, false suspicions, and the following of false desires, the likes of which cannot be described. So all those lies and false accusations that were directed against me, are actually a source of goodness and blessing for me. Allaah – the Most High – said:

“Indeed those who brought forward the lie are a small group amongst you. However, do not think that it is an evil for you. rather, it is good for you. And every person amongst them will be paid the sin of what they earned. And as for the one who took on the leading role in this, his will be a severe punishment.” [Soorah an-Noor 24:11].

So through such trials, Allaah manifests the light of truth and its clear proofs, which repel the falsehood and lies. So I do not desire to take revenge upon any of those who lied against me, or oppressed me, or showed enmity and hatred towards me. For indeed I forgive every Muslim, and I love only the good for them, and I desire for every Muslim the good that I desire for myself As for those who lied and did wrong, then I have excused and forgiven them. However, whatever is connected to violating the Rights of Allaah in this affair, then they should seek tawbah (repentance). So if they turn to Allaah in repentance, then Allaah will turn to them in forgiveness, otherwise the Judgement of Allaah will apply to them. So if a person were to be thanked for his evil actions, then I thank all those who were the cause for this (trial) to happen to me – for it entails all the good of this world and the Hereafter. However, Allaah is thanked for His good blessings and favours by which no affair happens to a Believer, except that there is good for him in it. And the people of good intentions are thanked for their intentions, and the people of good actions are thanked for their actions. And as for those who did evil – then we ask Allaah that He turns to them in forgiveness. And you all know that this is from my nature and character.

Likewise, you all know that Abu Bakr as-Siddeeq radiallaahu ‘anhu, concerning the matter of al-lfq (the Lie against ‘Aaishah, his daughter, and wife of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), about which Allaah revealed some Verses of the Qur’aan, so he swore that he would not give any more charity to Mistaah ibn Athaathah; because Mistaah was one of those who participated in the Lie. So Allaah revealed:

“And let not those amongst you who have been blessed with grace and wealth swear not to give any help or support to their relatives, or to the poor and needy, or to those who migrated in the path of Allaah. Rather, let them pardon and be forgiving. Do you not love that Allaah should forgive you? And Allaah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” [Soorah an-Noor 24:22].

So when this Verse was revealed, Abu Bakr radiallaahu ‘anhu said: “Rather, by Allaah! I love that Allaah should forgive me.” So he continued to give to Mistaah the aid and charity that he used to give before.6 So with forgiveness and kind treatment towards one another, and doing Jihaad (fighting and striving) in Allaah’s Path, then it is a must that:

“Allaah will bring a people whom He will love, and they will love Him; soft, humble and gentle with the Believers, stern towards the unbelievers, fighting in the path of Allaah, and never afraid of the blame of the blamers. That is the Grace of Allaah which He bestows upon whosoever He Wills. And Allaah suffices for the needs of His creation, the All-Knower. Indeed your Walee (protector and guardian) is Allaah, His Messenger, and the Believers; those who offer the Prayer correctly, and give Zakaah, and who bow down in obedience to Allaah. And whosoever takes Allaah, and His Messenger, and the Believers as protectors and guardians, then it is the party of Allaah who will be victorious.” [Soorah al-Maa’idah 5:53-55].

Was-salaamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullaahi wa barakaatuhu.

1. Majmoo’ Fataawaa (28/50-57), slightly abridged.
2. The affair being referred to is the first of Ibn Taymiyyah’s unjust imprisonment – a period of one and a half years, in the year 705H – which occurred due to some lies and false accusations against him.
3. Related by Muslim (3/1340) and Ahmad (2/367).
4. Saheeh: Related by Ahmad (4/80) and Ibn Maajah (no.230). It was authenticated by al-Albaanee in as-Saheehah (no.404).
5. This is in reference to some of their colleagues and brothers in Damascus, who weakened during this ordeal, and did not remain firm upon the correct methodology. So Ibn Taymiyyah is prohibiting any of his students and collegues from harming them in any way, and makes an excuse for them, and explains that he bears no ill-feeling or hatred in his heart towards any of them. Rather, he makes it clear that he has respect for them, and loves them for the sake of Allaah.
6. Related by al-Bukhaaree (no.4757)

 

Fleeing from Fitnah : Shaykh Muhammad al-Hamood

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Taken from Al-Furqaan Magazine (no.61/pp.44-46)

Source: Al-Istiqaamah, Issue No.5

“All praise is for Allaah who, in every age and intervals between the Prophets, raises up a group from the People of Knowledge, who call the misguided to guidance and patiently bearing ill-treatment and harm. With the Book of Allaah they give life to the dead, and by Allaah’s Light they sight to the blind. How many a person killed by Iblees have they revived. How many people astray and wondering have they guided. How beautiful their effect has been upon the people, and how vile people have been towards them. They expel from the Book of Allaah the alterations of those going beyond bounds, the false claims of the liars and the false interpretations of the ignorant-ones – those who uphold the banner of innovation and who unleash fitnah (trial and discord), who differ about the Book oppose the Book and agree to oppose the Book. Those who speak about Allaah and His Book without knowledge, and who argue about what is ambiguous in the Book, and deceive the ignorant with such ambiguities. So we seek refuge in Allaah from the fitnahs (trials and discord) of the misguided-ones.”2 And I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah, alone, having no partner and that Muhammad sallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam is His trustworthy Slave and Messenger. And may Allaah extol and send His blessings of peace upon him, his family and his companions.

To proceed:

FORBIDDANCE OF BEING HASTY AND IMPATIENT

From the very nature of fitnah (trial and discord) is that matters become confused, mistakes increase, and minds and intellects begin to swerve. Protection and safety from this – in such times – lies in the Jamaa’ah; at the head of which are the scholars. So it is obligatory upon the people – those leading and those being led – to take hold of the sayings of the Scholars and to act upon them. Since the general masses being pre-occupied with issues of fitnah, wherein they begin to express their own opinions, only leads to an increase in the fitnah and further splits the Ummah. So the umoorul-‘aammah (affairs pertaining to public benefit and welfare) – from the matters related to peace, security and fear – should be referred back to those who possess sounds knowledge and understanding, as Allaah – the Most High – has said:

“When there comes to them some matter related to public welfare of security or fear, they make it known amongst the people. If they had referred it back to the Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, or to those in authority amongst them, then the proper people would have investigated and evaluated the matter from them. Were it not for the Grace and Mercy of Allaah upon you, you would have indeed followed Shaytaan – except for a few of you.” [Soorah an-Nisaa 4:83].

Imaam as-Sa’dee (d.1376H) – rahimahullaah – said:
“This is the disciplinary admonition from Allaah to His Servants with regards to their unbefitting action. And that it is a must for them, that when there comes to them some news concerning important issues – such as issues connected to public welfare and safety of the Believers, or those that are related to breach of security, or fear of a calamity befalling them – that they should first verify such news and not be hasty in spreading it. Rather, they should refer such issues back to the Messenger sallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, and to the people in authority; those who possess knowledge, understanding, sound advice, intellect, maturity and composure; those who understand the affairs and have knowledge of the associated benefits and harms. If they see that in broadcasting it there is a benefit and a cause of happiness for the Believers, and a means of protection from their enemies, then they should do so. This is why Allaah said: “Then the proper people would have investigated and evaluated the matter from them.” Meaning: That they would evaluate it with their sound understanding and their firm and correct knowledge. So in this is an evidence for an important principle which is: If there arises a need to investigate a particular issue, then it is obligatory that it is left to those who are qualified for it, and no one should precede them in this – and this is close to what is correct, and safer from error. And in this is also a prohibition of being hasty and impatient in spreading the news as soon as they hear it. Likewise there is a command to reflect and consider before speaking, so he looks into it to see if there is a benefit in doing so, if so he embarks upon it, and if not, he abstains from it.”3

THE SCHOLARS AND THE AFFAIRS OF THE UMMAH

In the issues of fitnah and other detailed issues, and issues connected to matters of public welfare of the Ummah – such as affairs related to siyaasatush-shar’iyyah (politics of the Sharee’ah), and the wide-spread evils, and their like – people are in need of having sound knowledge and understanding of the maslahah and mafsadah (related benefits and harms). Since these issues, most of the time, are the cause for fitnahs to occur, and they are not like the issues related to purification, Prayer, Hajj and their like; which it is possible for a young student of knowledge – or in some cases, even the layman – to speak about, and to prefer one saying over another. And this is because: “Understanding the objectives and goals of the Sharee’ah (Islaamic Law) is not possible, except by thoroughly studying the texts and studying the detailed workings of the Sharee’ah. Since fiqhul-maqaasid (the science of understanding the objectives and goals of the Sharee’ah) is indeed a great and mighty science which cannot be gained by just anyone. Rather, it can only be gained by one who has reached a high level of knowledge, has examined the state of affairs and is well acquainted with them, and who has looked into the various possible outcomes that may occur. And weighing between the benefits and harms is dependant upon understanding the Sharee’ah and its objectives, and having understanding of the state of affairs, and the various degrees of benefits and harms. So none of this is possible, except for the Scholars.”4

Imaam an-Nawawee (d.676H) – rahimahullaah – said:

“The one ordering the good or forbidding the evil must be knowledgeable about what is being ordered or prohibited. And the level of knowledge required for this will vary in accordance with what is being ordered or prohibited. This, if it is an issue concerning clear-cut obligations and well known prohibitions – such as Prayer, Fasting, fornication or drinking intoxicants – then every Muslim is a scholar with regards to such issues. However, if the issue involves detailed matters, or matters connected to ijtihaad (the Science of extracting rulings from the Revelation), then the general body of Muslims cannot enter into it, nor is it for them to order or prohibit. Rather, this is only for the Scholars.“5

And the subjects that we have mentioned (i.e. that which is related to affairs of public benefit and interest of the Ummah; such as matters connected to Sharee’ah politics, weighing the affairs, correcting the widespread evil, takfeer (declaring Muslims to be unbelievers) and rebelling against the rulers) are from the most important subjects which have touched the Islaamic awakening in these days, and about which there is plenty of discussion, controversy and argumentation between those Muslim youths who are form in clinging to the Religion and who earnestly desire good. So these subjects are of an extremely important nature, and likewise, deviating from the correct path with regards to them is extremely dangerous!

Due to this, I wanted to gather some of the statements from our noble contemporary scholars on this subject – may Allaah protect them and look after them, and continue making them of benefit to the Ummah for the remainder of their time – those who are the Scholars of the Religion and the inheritors of the Prophets, those who concentrated on understanding the formulating principles regarding the halaal (lawful) and the haraam (prohibited). Shaykh ul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (d.728H) – rahimahullaah – said: “And whosoever from this Ummah, is known for having truthfulness, whereby he has been praised and commended by the majority of the various groups of people from this Ummah, then those are the leaders of guidance and the beacons in the darkness.”6

So they are the Rabbaanee Scholars;7 those who teach the people the Book and the wisdom, and who cultivate the people upon it. And they are the people of deep understanding and wisdom, whom Allaah commanded us to ask, by His saying:

“Ask the People of Knowledge if you do not know.” [Soorah al-Anbiyaa 21:30]

So returning to them, being around them, and asking them, is the way out from the fitnahs – as we have previously explained – especially when there are a great number of differences and a great number of people differing, and many differing paths ahead of the traveller.

CLINGING TO THE JAMAA’AH

The Scholars are the leaders of the Jamaa’ah that we have been commanded to cling to; and which we have been warned against separating from – as occurs in the hadeeth of ‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’ood radiallaahu ‘anhu who related that Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “The blood of a Muslim who testifies that none has the right to be worshipped, except Allaah; and that I am the Messenger of Allaah, is not lawful, except in one of three cases: the one who commits adultery, a life for a life, or the one who abandons his Religion and splits from the Jamaa’ah.”8

‘Umar ibn al-Khattab radiallaahu ‘anhu relates that Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Cling to the Jamaa’ah and beware of splitting! For indeed Shaytaan is with the individual person but is further away from the two people. And whosoever desires the centre of Paradise, then let him cling to the Jamaa’ah. And whosoever is pleased by his good deeds and saddened by his bad deeds, then he is a Believer.”9

Thus, whosoever clings to the Jamaa’ah – not separating from it – will be the successful one. But whosoever splits from the Jamaa’ah and is amazed with his own opinion and knowledge, and the large number who follow him – then he is one who is destroyed.

Imaam Abu Bakr al-Aajurree (d.360H), after recording various Aayat (verses) and ahadeeth that order clinging to the Jamaa’ah, then said: “The sign for whosoever Allaah – the Mighty and Majestic – intends goodness for, is that he traverses this path: Clinging to the Book of Allaah the Mighty and Majestic, to the Sunnah of Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, and to the path of his Companions radiallaahu ‘anhum; and all those who followed them in correctness and goodness, may Allaah have mercy upon them all; and also to what the Scholars of the Muslims were upon in the various lands – such as al-Awzaa’ee (d.157H), Sufyan ath-Thawree (d.164H), Maalik ibn Anas (d.179H), ash-Shafi’ee (d.204H), Ahmad ibn Hanbal (d.241H), al-Qaasim ibn Salaam (d.235H), and all those who were upon a path similar to theirs, avoiding taking any path which those scholars did not take.”10

1. Taken from Al-Furqaan Magazine (no.61/pp.44-46)
2. Ar-Radd ‘alal-Jahmiyyah waz-Zanaadiqah (p.2) of Imaam Ahmad ibn Hanbal
3. Tayseerul-Kareemur-Rahmaan (2/54-55). Refer also to Qawaa’id fee Ta’aamul ma’il-‘Ulemaa (p.121).
4. Qawaa’id fee Ta’aamul ma’il-‘Ulemaa (p.119) of Shaykh ‘Abdur-Rahmaan al-Luwayhiq.
5. Sharh Saheeh Muslim (2/23).
6. Majmoo’ul-Fataawaa (11/43).
7. The Rabaanee Scholar is the one possessing deep knowledge and who acts according to his knowledge and teaches it to others in accordance with their level. Refer to Fathul-Baaree (1/214) of Al-Haafidh Ibn Hajr.
8. Related by al-Bukhaaree (9/6) and Muslim (3/1302).
9. Saheeh: Related by Ahmad (1/18) and at-Tirmidhee (no.2254). It was authenticated by al-Albaanee in Dhilaalul-Jannah (no.87).
10. Ash-Sharee’ah (no.14) of Imaam al-Aajurree.

 

Hoping in Allah’s Mercy – Shaykh Ahmad Farid

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Source: Tazkiyatun-Nufoos (pp.103-107) of Shaykh Ahmad Fareed

RAJAA (HOPE) IN ALLAAH

Hope: it is the peaceful state of the heart which awaits what is dear to it. If the means – by which what the heart hopes for may come – are not present, then stupidity and foolishness would be a more accurate name for such a state. Similarly, if there is no doubt that what is being hoped for will definitely occur, then likewise, this state cannot be referred to as hope. For example, it would not be correct to say: I hope that the sun rises today. However, it would be correct to say: I hope that it rains today.

The Scholars who have studied matters pertaining to the heart have said: that this world is like land that is cultivated for its fruits in the Hereafter; and that the heart is like the earth; and that eemaan(faith) is like the seeds; and that acts of obedience are like ploughing and preparing the soil for planting, and digging channels in order to irrigate and bring water to it.

The heart which is in love with this world is like barren land, from which seeds cannot sprout. The Day of Judgement is like the day of harvest – and each person reaps what he sows. And no seed can sprout, except the seeds of eemaan, and eemaan very seldom benefits if the heart is corrupt and has bad qualities.

BETWEEN HOPE AND DELUSION

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

So, the term hope only applies to waiting for what is dear or desired, after all the means – that will assist in realising this desire and are within the ability of the person – have been utilised. As for that which is not within the servants ability, then it is left to the favour of Allaah – the Most High – and He is the One who can prevent harmful matters, if He so wishes. So if the servant sows the seeds of eemaan, and waters them with acts of obedience to Allaah, and cleanses his heart from harmful qualities and traits, then waits for the favour of Allaah – the Most High – with regards being granted firmness upon this until death and an excellent end leading to His forgiveness – then such a wait can truly be called hope. Allaah – the Most High – said:

“Indeed those who believe and those who migrate and who make jihaad in the path of Allaah, they are the ones who have the hope of Allaah’s mercy. And indeed Allaah is Oft-Forgiving, Most-Merciful.” [Soorah al-Baqarah 2:218].

The meaning of this being that such people are truly worthy of hoping in Allaah’s mercy. And He did not intend only to particularise them with this, since others also can hope in Allaah’s mercy. However, He particularised them as being those who truly deserve to hope. So the one whose hope in Allaah’s mercy guides him to obedience and deters him from disobedience, his hope is true. And the one whose hope invites him to being immersed in sin and disobedience, is in delusion.

It is also necessary to know that truly hoping in something necessitates three things:

Firstly: Yearning for what one hopes.

Secondly: Fearing to miss gaining it.

Thirdly: Striving to achieve it.

If hope is not connected with any one of these matters, then it is mere wishful thinking, since hope is one thing, and wishful thinking something else. And every person who is hopeful, is also fearful, and whosoever traverses a path, makes haste when he fears that he may miss what he hopes for.

Abu Hurayrah radiallaahu ‘anhu relates that Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Whosoever fears being plunderered by the enemy, sets out in the early part of the night, and whosoever sets out early reaches the destination. Indeed the treasures of Allaah are precious. Indeed the treasures of Allaah is Paradise.” 2

Allaah – the One free from all defects, the Most High – said:

“Say: O My servants who have wronged their souls due to sin. Do not despair in Allaah’s mercy, for indeed Allaah forgives all sins. Indeed He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” [Soorah az-Zumar 39:53].

And Allaah – the Mighty and Majestic – said:

“Indeed your Lord is full of forgiveness for mankind, inspite of their wrong-doing.” [Soorah ar-Ra’d 13:6].

‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab radiallaahu ‘anhu relates that some prisoners were brought before Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and amongst them was a woman who was frantically searching for someone in the crowd. When she found a baby amongst the prisoners, she took it in her arms, cradled it next to her chest and suckled it. So Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Do you think that this woman would ever throw her child into the Fire?” We said: By Allaah ! Never! So he said: “Allaah is more merciful to His believing servants than that mother could ever be to her child.”3

Abu Hurayrah radiallaahu ‘anhu relates that Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Indeed before Allaah created the creation, He decreed for Himself ‘Indeed My mercy prevails over My anger.'”4

Anas radiallanhu ‘anhu relates that he heard Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam say: “Allaah – the Most High – said O son of Aadam! As long as you call upon Me and hope in Me, I shall forgive you for what you have done and I shall not mind. O son of Aadam! If your sins were to reach the clouds of the sky and you were then to ask forgiveness of Me, I would forgive you. O son of Aadam! Were you to come to Me with sins nearly as great as the earth, and were you then to meet Me without committing any shirk (i.e. calling upon someone else, or worshipping someone else) along with Me, I would bring you forgiveness as great as it.”5

Yahyaa ibn Mu’aadh said:

“In my view, the worst kind of self-delusion is to greatly sin, yet hope for forgiveness without feeling any regret; and to hope to draw close to Allaah – the Most High – without obedience to Him; and to await the fruits of Paradise, by planting the seeds for Hell-Fire; and to seek the abode of the obedient ones, by doing acts of disobedience; and to expect a reward, without doing any worthy action; and to hope in Allaah – the Mighty and Majestic – after overstepping the bounds.”

“You hope for salvation but do not tread its path.
A ship never sails upon dry land.”6

2. Saheeh: Related by at-Tirmidhee (10/227) and al-Haakim (4/30) who both authenticated it.
3. Related by al-Bukhaaree (10/426) and Muslim (18/80).
4. Related by al-Bukhaaree (13/384) and Muslim (17/68).
5. Saheeh: Related by at-Tirmidhee (no.2805) and Ahmad (5/172). It was authenticated by al-Albaanee in as-Saheehah (no.126).
6. Related by Ibn Hibbaan in Rawdatul-‘Uqalaa (p.284), from the poetry of Abul-‘Atiyyah

Source: al-Istiqaamah magazine – Issue No.3 – Rabi’ul-Awwal 1417H / August 1996

Seeking Istiqaamah (Steadfastness)

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Source: Al-Istiqaamah Magazine, Issue No.2

Allaah – the Most High – said:

“Indeed those who say: Our Lord is Allaah, and then do istiqaamah (be upright and obedient) upon them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. Those will be the companions of Paradise, to dwell therein forever – a reward for what they used to do.” [Soorah Ahqaaf 46:13].

From Abu ‘Umar Sufyan ibn ‘Abdullaah radiallaahu ‘anhu, who said: O Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam! Tell me something about Islaam which I can ask of no one but you? So he said: “Say: My Lord is Allaah and then do istiqaamah (be upright).” Abu ‘Umar then asked him: O Messenger of Allaah! What do you fear that is the most harmful to me? So he took hold of his tongue and said: “Control this.” 1

Abu Bakr as-Siddeeq radiallaahu ‘anhu said, whilst explaining the meaning of the aayah (verse): “thereafter do istiqaamah“ said: “Not associating any partners in the worship of Allaah.” And he said: “Not turning to other than Him.”

Abul-‘Aaliyah (d.90H) – rahimahullaah – said:
“To make the religion and one’s actions pure and sincere for Allaah alone.”

Qataadah (d.104H) – rahimahullaah – said:
“To stand firm upon obedience to Allaah.” 2

Ibn Rajab (d.795H) – rahimahullaah – said: 3
“The foundation of istiqaamah is: firmness of the heart upon tawheed (i.e. firmness in worshipping Allaah alone, not worshipping others along with Him) – as Abu Bakr and others have explained.

Thus when the heart is firm and upright upon the ma’rifah (realisation and knowledge) of Allaah, and upon fear, veneration and awe of Him, and upon love, desire and hope in Him, calling upon Him, and repenting and turning away from everything besides Him – then the limbs will all follow in obedience to Him. This is because the heart is the king of the limbs and they are its army. So if the king is upright, then his army and subjects will be upright.

Then, after the heart, the greatest of the body-parts which takes care of one’s istiqaamah is the tongue – since the tongue is the translator of the heart and is its interpreter (i.e. the tongue is like a ladle which scoops-out what is in the heart). This is why, when the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam ordered Abu ‘Umar with istiqaamah, he then ordered him to safeguard his tongue.

The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam also said:
“The eemaan (faith) of a person will not be upon istiqaamah (firmness and obedience to Allaah), until his heart is upon istiqaamah. And his heart will not be upon istiqaamah, until his tongue is upon istiqaamah.” 4

And he sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said:
“When the son of Aadam wakes up in the morning, then all of the body-parts humble themselves to the tongue, saying: Fear Allaah with regards to us, for we are dependant upon you. If you have istiqaamah, then we have istiqaamah, and if you swerve, then we also swerve.” 5″

1. Related by Muslim (no.31) and at-Tirmidhee (no.2535).
2. Ibn Katheer related these narrations in his Tafseer Qur’aanul-‘Adheem (4/106-107).
3. Jaami’ul-‘Uloom wal-Hikam (pp.312-313), abridged.
4. Related by Ahmad (3/198) with a Hasan isnaad.
5. Hasan: Related by at-Tirmidhee (no.2531), from Abu Sa’eed al-Khudree radiallaahu ‘anhu. It was authenticated by al-Albaanee in Saheehul-Jaami’ (no.351).

Pride : A Barrier to Paradise : Shaykh Abdur-Rahmaan as-Sa’dee

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[Taken from Bahjatul-Quloobul-Abraar (pp. 156-158)]Source: Al Istiqamah Magazine, Issue No.7 – Rabî’ ul-Awwal 1418H / July 1997

From ‘Abdullaah Ibn Mas’ood radi-Allaahu ‘anhu who related that Allaah’s Messenger sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam said:

“Whoever has an atoms worth of kibr (pride) in his heart will not enter Paradise.” So a man said: What about a person who loves (i.e. takes pride in) wearing beautiful clothes and beautiful shoes? So he replied: “Indeed Allaah is beautiful and loves beauty. Kibr (pride) is to reject the truth, and to despise the people.” 1

So Allaah – the Most High – informs us that the Hellfire is the abode of those who have kibr (pride and arrogance). And we learn from the (above) hadeeth that: “Whoever has on atoms worth of kibr (pride) in his heart will not enter Paradise.” So this is a proof that kibr (pride) necessitates entry into the Hellfire and prevents entry into Paradise. And this comprehensive explanation that the Prophet sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam mentioned has clarified the meaning of kibr (pride) in the dearest possible manner. So he divided kibr into two types:-

[1] Pride against the truth: This is to reject the truth and not to accept it. So anyone who reject the truth is proud and arrogant – in accordance with what he reject of the truth. So it is obligatory upon everyone to humble themselves to the truth which Allaah sent His Messenger with, and which He sent down in His Book. As for those whose pride and arrogance prevents them from totally complying with the Messengers (i.e. having eemaan or faith in them and their message) – then they are kuffaar (unbelievers) who will dwell in the Hellfire for eternity. Since when the truth comes to them via the Messengers, who explain to them the signs and clear proofs, they reject it and are prevented from accepting it, due to the kibr that they harbour in their hearts. Allaah the Most High – said:

“Indeed those who argue about the Signs of Allaah without any authority having come to them, there is nothing in their hearts except kibr (pride). They will never accept the Prophet Muhammad sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam as a Prophet.” [Soorah Ghaafir (40):56]

As for those whose arrogance and pride prevent them from complying with parts of the truth – because it opposes their personal opinions or their whims and desires – then such people are not kuffaar (unbelievers), but such an action necessitates them being punished in accordance with what they have of kibr. This is why the Scholars are agreed that whenever the Sunnah (guidance and way) of Allaah’s Messenger sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam has been explained to anyone, then it is not lawful for him to turn away from it to the saying of someone else, whoever and whatever status he may have. So it is obligatory upon the seeker of knowledge to give complete and absolute precedence to the saying of Allaah and the saying of His Messenger sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam over and above the saying of anyone else, and that he should make that the basis to which he returns, and the foundation upon which he builds; following the guidance of the Prophet sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam, striving hard to understand what is intended from it, and following this, both inwardly and outwardly. When a person conforms to this great principle, then he has indeed reached goodness and excellence, and all his errors will be forgiven to him; since his overall objective is to follow that which has been prescribed upon him. So his errors are excused due to his striving his best to recognise and comply with the truth – and this is humbling oneself to the truth.

[2] Pride towards people: This type is to despise the people, and to look down upon them. This attitude arises when a person is amazed with his own self, thinks highly of himself, and thinks he is better than others. So this causes him to have kibr towards the creation, despise them, mock them, and to degrade them through both speech and action. Allaah’s Messenger sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam said:

“It is enough evil for a person to despise his brother Muslim.” 2

This is why the man asked: “What about a person who loves (i.e. takes pride in) wearing beautiful clothes and shoes?” Because he feared that this was the kibr which would be under the threat of punishment. So the Prophet sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam explained to him that this was not from kibr; since this person was one who complied with the truth, and was humble towards people, and that this was from the beauty that Allaah loves, for indeed Allaah – the Most High is beautiful in His Dhaat (Self), Sifaat (Attributes) and Af’aal (Actions), and He loves both outer and inner beauty.

As regards outer beauty, then it includes cleanliness of the body, clothes and place. As regards to inner beauty, then it is beautifying the character. This is why the Prophet sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam used to supplicate:

“O Allaah! Guide me to having beautiful manners and characteristics, no one can guide me to beautifying them except You. And turn away from me all evil actions and characteristics, no one con turn them away from me except You.” 3

And Allaah knows best.

FOOTNOTES

1. Related by Muslim in his Saheeh (1/65).

2. Related by Muslim (no.2564).

3. Related by an-Nasaa’ee (no.861). It was authenticated by al-Albaanee in his Sifatus-Salaah (p.93)

 

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